South Africa: Over 200 000 COVID-19 jabs administered in 24 hours

South Africa has administered over 200 000 new COVID-19 vaccines on Wednesday, pushing the total to 18 510 943 doses that have been given since the start of the countrys inoculation programme.

This comes after the Department of Health distributed 212 790 vaccines in the past 24 hours, compared with the previous days total of 197 698.

There are 153 864 adults who were fully vaccinated since the last reporting cycle.

According to the department, this means there are now 9 526 247 eligible citizens who have received Johnson & Johnsons single-dose shot or the two-dose Pfizer vaccine.

Meanwhile, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reported 1 149 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number of laboratory-confirmed cases to 2 908 768.

The majority of new infections were logged in the Western Cape after 258 people were confirmed to have contracted the virus.

The province is followed by 208 cases in KwaZulu-Natal, 156 in Gauteng, 133 in Free State and 132 in the Eastern Cape.

This increase represents a 3.2% positivity rate, the institute said, adding that the seven-day moving average daily number of cases has decreased.

In addition, the country registered a further 59 COVID-19 related fatalities, bringing the death toll to 87 981 to date.

The dashboard also shows there were 103 new hospital admissions in the past day, which means 5 874 patients are currently receiving treatment for COVID-19 in both public and private health institutions across the country.

Globally, as of 6 October 2021, there have been 235 673 032 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 4 814 651 deaths, reported to the World Health Organisation.

In addition, as of 3 October 2021, countries have managed to administer 6 188 903 420 vaccine doses.  SAnews.gov.za

This story has been published on: 2021-10-07. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article.
South Africa: Return to Play campaign heads to KZN

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Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, has named South Africas first green technology science centre after struggle icon Mama Albertina Sisulu. The science centre, which is located at the Cofimvaba village in the Eastern Cape, was unveiled to the local community on Wednesday and is billed as South Afri... See more
Hong Kong: Susanna Cheung to head Treasury

Deputy Director of Accounting Services Susanna Cheung will succeed Charlix Wong, who will start his pre-retirement leave, as Director on October 14.

Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip said he is confident that Ms Cheung will be able to lead the Treasury to meet the challenges ahead.

Ms Cheung has proven management and leadership skills, as well as rich professional knowledge and extensive operational experience.

Mr Nip also praised Mr Wong on his commitment.

Mr Wong has served with professionalism and commitment in the civil service for 34 years and has made sustained efforts in enhancing the efficiency and service quality of the Treasury.

I wish him a fulfilling and happy retirement.

Click here for their biographies.

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South Africa: SA, Palestine to strengthen relations

International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Dr Naledi Pandor, will hold talks with Palestine Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr Riad Malki, during an official visit to South Africa.

According to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), the visit will take place from today to Saturday, 9 October 2021.

South Africa attaches great importance to its relationship with Palestine, which is underpinned by historic bonds of solidarity, friendship and cooperation. South Africas support for the Palestinian cause conforms to the basic tenets of its foreign policy, said the department.

The visit, according to Dirco, aims at further strengthening the relationship between South Africa and Palestine to provide political support, enhance coordination and cooperation and maintain high-level exchanges, and advance bilateral cooperation in the identified areas.

The department said the visit takes place as the Palestinian people continue to be subjected to countless injustices and an ongoing cycle of destruction, displacement, and dispossession, as well as the progressive fragmentation of its territory.

The international community has an obligation to find a comprehensive and just resolution to the Palestinian issue.

South Africa has since called for international support and increased efforts for the just cause of the Palestinians to address their legitimate demand for an independent State alongside a peaceful Israel.

South Africa stands ready to work more closely with Palestine and the meeting will endorse the strong solidarity of both countries and their belief in multilateralism and the centrality of the United Nations, including the Security Council, as essential in promoting effective and inclusive international cooperation in resolving a variety of current global challenges, including the peaceful settlement of conflicts.

On Friday, 8 October 2021, the two Ministers will hold bilateral talks at the departments offices.  SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: Green energy key to infrastructure development, says President

President Cyril Ramaphosa says one of the key drivers of infrastructure development is green energy, which has the potential not only to drive industrialisation but to establish a whole new industrial reality.

The President was delivering the keynote address on the second day of the Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) hosted by the Presidency on Thursday.

President Ramaphosa said the Green Hydrogen Export special economic zone to be developed at Boegoebaai in the Northern Cape, with Sasol as an anchor investor, is a major step towards realising South Africas potential to be a global leader in green hydrogen.

It points to a future where tens of gigawatts of renewable energy feed electrolysers at massive scale, producing the hydrogen power fuels of the future.

We stand ready to be a major exporter in this market - to use hydrogen to rapidly decarbonise our existing industries, and attract industrial investment from across the globe seeking to meet new standards of green power in the production process, President Ramaphosa said.

The statesman told the guests that the Boegoebaai SEZ will host mass-scale production, but will also source green hydrogen volumes from emerging players such as Mahlako, which is setting up the Prieska Power Reserve, and projects like it across the Northern Cape solar belt.

This complements the Hydrogen Valley project being spearheaded by Anglo Platinum and Sasols partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Government to create decarbonised industrial power grids and supply lines for hydrogen-based green aviation fuel, he said.

SAs water infrastructure

Government has established a National Water Programme Management Office, jointly owned by the Departments of Water and Sanitation and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

The President said that the development and management of the countrys water infrastructure remains a critical area.

We are strengthening the preparation and planning of municipal water infrastructure so it can access blended finance solutions positioned under the Infrastructure Fund.

We are fast tracking the establishment of the National Water Resource Infrastructure Agency and the review of the Raw Water Pricing Strategy to ensure effective pricing and cost reflective tariffs, President Ramaphosa said.

He reiterated that water is a valuable natural resource and it is necessary to sustain life, to grow food, to maintain human health, and to enable the growth of the economy.

Bridging urban-rural divide through infrastructure

The President emphasised that every South African must experience the benefits of infrastructure investment and improved gross fixed capital formation.

He acknowledged that in the past, government tended to focus largely on urban areas, however, in order to ensure that no one is left behind the focus will now be turned to rural areas.

Another key thematic focus area of SIDSSA 2021 is to bridge the urban-rural divide through infrastructure.

With a rural population of around 18 million, it is vital that we increase fixed capital investment in rural areas. Through this, we aim to improve rural accessibility and establish linkages to formal economic opportunities in urbanised areas, he said.

The President said the National Development Plan says that the ratio of gross fixed capital formation to GDP should be at least 30 percent. Following the recent recalculation of the GDP, this ratio is currently just below 14 percent which is not desirable for our economy, he said.

Underspending on public infrastructure budgets compounds this problem hence Infrastructure South Africa has drafted a National Infrastructure Plan 2050 that sets the vision for what needs to be achieved in public infrastructure and the policy stances required to get there.

The focus is on capital investment in the large network sectors of energy, water, transport and digital. At least a third of the capital required for this infrastructure should come from the private sector.

We recognise that the current policy and legal framework for public infrastructure is fragmented, with many overlapping institutional roles and poor accountability, he said.

Infrastructure Development Act

President Ramaphosa announced that in the coming year, Infrastructure SA will be proposing amendments to the Infrastructure Development Act, including new regulations, and amendments to other legislation, including the existing public-private partnership regulations.

The regulatory framework intends to clarify roles and responsibilities among all relevant organs of state in the preparation, approval, procurement and delivery of large infrastructure projects and programmes, whether they are designed as public-private partnerships or for direct fiscal expenditure, he said.

The Infrastructure Fund became operational over a year ago and is already engaged with a project pipeline in areas such as student housing, water and sanitation, social housing and digital projects.

We are also making progress with the establishment of the Social Infrastructure Fund, which will initially prioritise education infrastructure. We are blending the skills and experience of seasoned and retired professionals with Infrastructure South Africa staff to develop the next generation of capable public servants tasked with delivering the ambitious Infrastructure Investment Plan, he said.

This year, SIDSSA 21 is themed: Implementing quality infrastructure for development, recovery and inclusive growth.

The President said these three focus areas were chosen because they capture the governments approach to infrastructure.

"We are implementing quality infrastructure for development, because it needs to contribute to the development of our society and make a sustainable difference in peoples lives. We are implementing quality infrastructure for recovery because a massive infrastructure programme is vital to the recovery of our economy in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are implementing quality infrastructure for inclusive growth so that we redress the economic imbalances between urban and rural areas, we develop townships into viable economic centres, and we reduce the cost of living of the poor, the President said. SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: Taxi industry commended for role in vaccination campaign

Deputy Minister in the Presidency, Pinky Kekana, has commended the role played by the taxi industry in encouraging commuters and the general public to vaccinate.

We are happy with the role the taxi industry is playing in encouraging the public to vaccinate, Kekana said.

She was speaking during a visit at the SA Taxi warehouse in Midrand on Thursday.

Upon her arrival, Kekana was welcomed by SA Taxi officials, who took her on a walkabout at the facility.

Kekana said taxi operators and commuters must comply with the health protocols to save lives.

Government alone cannot reach out to the masses. We need partnerships, including churches, to reach out to the masses, Kekana said.

As part of their contribution in ensuring that the taxi industry plays its part in encouraging the public to vaccinate, SA Taxi has established a vaccination site on their premises, which is open to both staff members and the general public.

Members of the public, whether registered or not, are allowed to walk in and get vaccinated.

According to SA Taxi officials, since the vaccination site was established, more than 12 000 people have been vaccinated so far.

As government, we are encouraged by the partnership that we are seeing here to save lives, Kekana said.

Recently, President Cyril Ramaphosa recently launched the Vooma Vaccination Weekend campaign in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni.

The Vooma is campaign aimed at helping South Africa ensure that 70% of the population is vaccinated by the end of December.

The public and private health sectors, organised labour and business, community- and faith-based formations and traditional leaders have joined forces to mobilise communities to take up these additional opportunities.

Since the visit is held during the Transport Month, Kekana met with officials from two taxi associations, including the Tembisa Taxi Association, and presented them with patrol vehicles.

With these cars, we want to see you patrolling the roads, ensuring the safety of passengers, she said.

During Transport Month, government mobilises public and private sector participation in transport projects aimed at developing the countrys economy and ensuring sustainable job creation.

SA Taxi Group Communication Executive, Maroba Maduma, said as the taxi industry, they are playing their part in ensuring that people get vaccinated.

We want to ensure that every member of the taxi industry plays his or her part in ensuring that the general public gets vaccinated, Maduma said.

Maduma also encouraged women to get involved in the male dominated industry.

The minibus taxi industry is a critical pillar of the public transport sector servicing the majority of South Africas working population.  SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: Mchunu intervenes in Tshwane water challenges

Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu has called on stakeholders to work together to address water challenges in Tshwane.

Mchunu made the call during a meeting with the Executive Mayors of the Gauteng Province, held at Gallagher Convention Centre on Wednesday.

Mchunu was supported by Deputy Ministers David Mahlobo and Dikeledi Magadzi, embarked on a three-day visit to Gauteng that got underway on Tuesday. The Minister visited water treatment plants and interacted with the provincial Water and Sanitation management on challenges related to water and sanitation delivery in the province.

Wednesdays meeting was attended by City of Tshwane Executive Mayor Randall Williams, Member of the Mayoral Committee Phillip Nel, and the executive members of the Rand Water Board.

In its presentation, the City of Tshwane stated that it was responsible for its own wastewater treatment, and admitted that most of the wastewater treatment plants have been malfunctioning since 2010.

Speaking after the meeting, Mchunu sad that the meeting agreed that the City of Tshwane would attend to the finalisation of a dedicated pipeline for Laudium to resolve the intermittent water supply challenges.

The meeting agreed that the upgrading of Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant be accelerated, and that all of the metros would work together to address the current water supply challenges in the province, Mchunu said.

It was also agreed that the City of Tshwane would work together with Rand Water, to ensure the continued supply of water to Tshwane residents.

On Thursday, the Minister visited the Vaal Project Pump station in Sebokeng.  SAnews.gov.za

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South Africa: Two driving licence centres opened in Gauteng

In an effort to alleviate the publics frustration with the renewal of driving licences, Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula has officially opened two driving licence centres in Gauteng.

The operationalisation of these centres has added 35 380 renewal slots per month and increased Gauteng capacity for renewal slots by 48%, thus putting Gauteng in pole position to clear its backlog by the end of March next year, the Minister said on Thursday.

The two centres, which are located at the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) premises at Eco Park, Centurion, and Waterfall Office Park in Midrand, will allow the public to renew driving licences and professional driving permits as well as the conversion of foreign driving licences.

The centres will set a new benchmark in professionalism, efficiency and service delivery while helping us reduce the backlog of expired driving licences. These centres will operate from 7am until 9pm, from Monday to Sunday.

Unlike in other licensing centres and registering authorities, services in these new centres have been configured in such a way that the public will not experience long queues. Runners or middlemen who peddle corrupt practices and solicit bribes from motorists will not be allowed anywhere near these premises, the Minister said.

He said the opening of these centres is a prelude to more services that will be introduced to streamline service delivery and improve efficiency.

In the coming months, the electronic payment gateway on the online application platform will be operational. First National Bank has been appointed as our preferred banking partner for this purpose and work towards rolling out the service is at an advanced stage, the Minister said.

In addition, government will be expanding the online services to include online registration of vehicles and notice of change of ownership, online vehicle licence renewals and payment for online crash reports.

The Minister expressed his concern at the low number of motorists who are taking advantage of the extension of the validity period.

Since the extension of the validity period, only 38 619 motorists have renewed their licences. This leaves us with a backlog of 633 800 expired driving licences that are yet to be renewed.

We have reason to believe that a number of motorists are labouring under a misconception that there will be another extension. It is simply not possible to keep extending the validity period, without putting the fiscus under tremendous pressure, Mbalula said.

He warned road users who have failed to come forward during this period that they will face the full might of the law when the extension period expires.

We do not preclude a possibility of additional penalties that may be imposed on those who fail to renew their driving licences by 31 March 2022, the Minister said.

The RTMC has fitted two buses with state-of-the-art equipment to serve as mobile centres to assist with licence renewals.

The process of finalising the RTMC registration as Driving Licence Testing Centre (DLTC) for the operation of these buses remains a work in progress. These buses will be deployed in Diepsloot and Alexandra.

In addition, two self-service kiosks are ready for deployment to assist those who do not have immediate access to a DLTC, the Minister said.

The RTMC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) which will pave the way for motorists to make use of private optometrists who will have authority to upload eye test results directly to the Electronic National Administration Traffic Information System (eNatis).

With the signature of this MOU, we are now moving to the implementation stage of this new innovation, the Minister said.  SAnews.gov.za

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Student loan forgiveness Program

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Hong Kong Auction House pulls suspected fake Vietnamese painting from sale

Sotheby's Hong Kong auction house has announced it will withdraw a lacquered wooden screen which is suspected of being a copy of an artwork by Vietnamese painter, Nguyen Van Ty (1917-1992), from the upcoming sale on Sunday over concerns of its authenticity.













The 'L'image traditionnelle d'une maison de paysan' lacquer on Sotheby's Hong Kong website. Photo courtesy of the auction house

In an announcement sent to Ace Le, a Vietnamese independent curator and art researcher in Singapore, the Hong Kong auction house writes: Sothebys has become aware of concerns over the authenticity of Nguyen Van Tys L'image traditionnelle d'une maison de paysan (Lot 778, Modern Art Day Sale, 10 October, 2021). Sothebys takes issues of authenticity seriously, and will withdraw this work from auction and conduct further investigations.



Sothebys has taken the measure after many Vietnamese art researchers and even the family of the late painter raised concerns, affirming that the artwork is not authentic.



Earlier, the lacquered wooden screen titled L'image traditionnelle d'une maison de paysan was posted on Sothebys website for an expected price of HKD700,000-1,000,000 (US$89,000-128,500), prior to the upcoming Modern Art Day Sale on Sunday.



The introduction about the artwork reads: This work is comparable to L'image traditionnelle d'une maison de paysan (1958) by Nguyen Van Ty at the Musee des Beaux-Arts in Hanoi.



As soon as the item was introduced on Sotheby's website, it raised concerns among the Vietnamese art community about its authenticity. In particular, painter Nguyen Binh Minh, Ty's daughter and former deputy director of Vietnam Fine Arts Museum, confirmed the work being auctioned by Sotheby's is not original.



According to the artist, her father only created the jackfruit tree lacquer painting measuring 67x105 centimetres, titled Nha Tranh Goc Mit (Cottage By Jackfruit Tree) that was displayed at the National Fine Arts Exhibition in 1958. The artwork was moved to the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum in 1960 and was preserved and displayed there until now. Painter Ty was posthumously awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize for literature and art in 2000 for this painting.



In fine art, there is no artwork comparable to another, said art researcher Ngo Kim Khoi.



I reckon that this term has been deliberately studied with the aim of creating an ambiguous meaning to deceive those with little experience in collecting antique paintings.



Sothebys did have a major oversight when listing a consigned work without having consulted the artists surviving family first. And his daughter, Nguyen Binh Minh, isnt just anyone  she is the former deputy director of the Vietnam Fine Art Museum, and an artist herself, Vietnamese art curator Ace Le wrote to Viet Nam News.



However, according to him, the auction houses decision to withdraw the lot is indeed a constructive and welcoming move.



It shows that they have been listening to the Vietnamese art community, and are willing to fix their wrongs. We need to encourage such diligence, he added.



Speaking with Tuoi tre newspaper about Sotheby's decision to pull the work from its upcoming auction, Minh said that she highly appreciates the auction house's receptive and demanding attitude.



However, she also hoped that the research of paintings, especially those by late artists, should be implemented more carefully and thoroughly to avoid similar cases that might seriously affect the artists reputation and cause damage to the art market.



Nguyen Van Ty (1917 - 1992) graduated from the Indochina College of Fine Arts and was part of the generation of Viet Nam's great lacquer artists. He was the first General Secretary of Vietnam Fine Arts Association.



Critical issue



Many fake paintings of Vietnamese artists, particularly of those who graduated from the Indochina School of Fine Arts at the beginning of the 20th century have been publicly traded by many international auction houses worldwide.



The problem, according to the art researcher Khoi, is a dilemma for the budding painting market of Vietnamese fine arts", as the state law lacks transparency in protecting the copyright of art.



Earlier, Sotheby's Hong Kong also withdrew two artworks, La Thu (The Letter) by To Ngoc Van and Hai Co Gai (Resting Ladies) that were believed to be fake.



In mid-July 2020, French-based auction house, Tajan, removed five out six paintings associated with famous names of Vietnamese art such as Nguyen Gia Tri, Duong Bich Lien and Bui Xuan Phai from their July 21 sale after concerns over their authenticity.



Other masterpieces of Vietnamese art, To Ngoc Vans Thuyen Tren Song Huong (Boat On The Perfume River) and Lady of Hue by Le Van e were auctioned for $57,000 and $89,000 respectively by Christie's. However, two identical works are being displayed at Hanoi Fine Arts Museum.



Works from Indochine days have gone through a test of time, and exude a special appeal to a majority of Vietnamese collectors, who still yearn for modern art that follows classical aesthetics conventions, said art researcher Ace Le.



As they keep breaking record prices, speculators have been joining the fray, actively scouting for investment opportunities. Lately, I have seen many of such, and they are based anywhere  Viet Nam, Southeast Asia, China or Europe. The problem is, they only care about whether the work could be flipped onto the next buyer, at what profit, without actual care for authentication."



Both art researchers said it is of utmost importance to firstly build a strong foundation of copyright and art laws.



The art community  associations, museums, practitioners, collectors, dealers, researchers, etc.  with the help from the media, must band together to share information and boycott false works and false sales.



Lastly, in the longer run, there is a need to build not one, but a number of independent authentication agencies, who have enough domain expertise and technical equipment to provide the much-needed services to the market, said Ace Le.
Passenger train resumption plan derailed

Vietnam Railway Authoritys plan to reopen commercial passenger train services has not been able to proceed as the authority has not yet received feedback from most localities, including major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.



The Vietnam Railway Authority earlier sent a proposal to 22 cities and provinces nationwide to seek their opinions on resuming the operations of commercial passenger train routes from October 7.









A train of the Vietnam Railway Corporation







According to the Vietnam Railway Corporations (VNR), localities needed to respond to the proposal before 5 pm on October 5. However, to date, only Quang Tri and Phu Yen provinces have expressed their agreement to the proposal.
Erdogan's purge picks up pace as allies warn him not to go too far

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's retribution against this weekends coup-plotters picked up pace Monday as his EU allies warned him not to go too far, matching talk of reintroducing the death penalty with threats to suspend the path to EU membership.

GALLERY

A handout picture provided by Prime Minister Press Office shows Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim speaks after ministerial cabinet meeting in Ankara, Turkey, 18 July 2016.

Istanbul (dpa) - Less than two days after the attempted coup was shut down, government officials reported thousands of arrests and detentions, essentially hollowing out parts of the armed forces and the civil service.Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Monday that the most recent tally of coup-related arrests was 7,543 arrests, including 6,038 soldiers, 100 police officers, 755 judges and prosecutors and 650 civilians.In all, more than 13,000 government workers - excluding the armed forces - have been suspended, according to Yildirim. There appeared to be some overlap between non-military suspensions and the arrests of civil servants.All civil servants in the country - more than 3 million people - were ordered to return to their duties as soon as possible and all annual leave for employees was cancelled until further notice, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported.The question in Turkey now turned to how to punish all the alleged coup plotters, who stand accused of leading an uprising that started late Friday before being crushed by loyalists. Yildirim said Monday the death toll among loyalist forces was 60 police officers and three soldiers, on top of 145 civilians killed.Among putsch backers, Yildirim reported 24 dead and 50 injured. That contradicted earlier Foreign Ministry figures stating more than 100 had died. Nearly 1,491 people - loyalists and civilians- were reported injured.Erdogan said he and legislators will discuss reviving the death penalty, which has not been used in Turkey since 1984 and was abolished in 2004."It will take a parliamentary decision for that to take action in the form of a constitutional measure. So the leaders will have to come together, discuss it. If they accept to discuss it then as the president I will approve any decision to come out of the parliament," Erdogan told CNN from Istanbul.In his first interview since the failed putsch, Erdogan denounced the "clear crime of treason."Reinstituting capital punishment would be diplomatically troubling to many of Turkeys Western allies. The EU - which Turkey has sought to join since 1999 - has no member that allows the death penalty.Germany said that restoring the death penalty would lead to a suspension of EU membership talks.Nonetheless Erdogan has pledged the "cleansing" of state institutions will continue, saying a cancer had spread like a "virus" and needed to be eradicated.Turkish authorities, including prosecutors, on Monday began a search at Incirlik airbase in the south of the country, Hurriyet newspaper reported.General Bekir Ercan Van, commander of Incirlik airbase, was arrested with 10 of his soldiers for alleged complicity on Sunday.The joint US-Turkish base, which is also host to soldiers from several countries, including Germany, was reportedly used during the failed coup attempt, which saw mutineers hijack fighter jets. The base is used by the US for its air campaign against Islamic State.The alleged ringleader of the coup, former air force head Akin Ozturk, has denied involvement. Ozturks testimony to prosecutors was leaked to private media outlets, who posted it online, showing he categorically denied being part of the coup plot at any level.Ozturk has been shown on state media in custody, badly battered and bloody, his ear bandaged. Many of those in custody - including some of the more than 100 generals and admirals detained - have been shown with severe bruise marks, some stripped to their underwear.The diplomatic fight was also touching the United States, where alleged coup organizer Fethullah Gulen, once a close Erdogan ally, resides. Turkey has demanded Gulen be extradited, despite Gulens insistence he had nothing to do with the coup.The United States has said it would look at any extradition requests, but US Secretary of State John Kerry also made clear Monday that Turkey should respect the rule of law. Erdogan said a request would be made soon.The US embassy in Ankara also reacted to news reports and comments from public figures that Washington "in some way supported the coup attempt.""This is categorically untrue, and such speculation is harmful to the decades-long friendship between two great nations," a statement from the embassy said.Meanwhile, the US has lifted a ban on flights to and from Turkey that was put in place following the coup attempt.
Rio de Janeiro (dpa) - Israels International Olympic Committee (IOC) member Alex Gilady on Wednesday praised the inauguration of a place of mourning in the athletes village for the Rio Games, which he said eases the suffering of the families of the Munich massacre victims.



Relatives of the victims of the Palestinian attack on Israels team at the Munich 1972 Games had fought for decades for a memorial site or event, most recently for a minute of silence at the opening ceremony of the London 2012 Games.



The IOC last year decided to introduce a mourning place in athletes villages to "allow athletes and all those in the village to mourn those who have passed away." IOC president Thomas Bach said they could include the 11 Munich victims, but also Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili, who died in a Vancouver 2010 training crash.



The Rio place of mourning was inaugurated Wednesday in the presence of the IOC executive board and two widows of the Munich victims, Gilady said.



"For many years there was a cloud every time we got close to opening ceremonies, among the families of those who lost their lives in Munich 72 and of others who lost their lives during Games," he said at the IOC Session.



"Now in the most vivid, lively and ambitious place in the world, in the Olympic village, there was a stone from Olympia beautifully placed for those who find it the right place and time to mourn," he added.



"It was so emotional and right that in one step you have managed to bring peace and conciliation to what was a stone in many hearts," he told the German IOC boss Bach.




Chinese new-energy vehicles gain more footing overseas with green, smart technology

Xinhua) 16:36, October 06, 2021

OSLO, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese new-energy vehicles are gaining more footing in overseas markets, including Europe, where the demand for green transportation has been rapidly growing.

The popularity of Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) in other markets, which have fitted into the drive to reduce emissions, is an epitome of their competitiveness arising from efforts to develop green and smart technology.

NIO, a Chinese EV designer and manufacturer, opened a showroom in Oslo, Norway, the first of its kind in Europe, last week.

Green technology from China helps further develop the green way forward in Norway, according to Marius Hayler, CEO of NIO Norway.

NIO is among a long list of Chinese brands marketing EVs in Europe, which also includes rising start-up XPeng, iconic sedan brand Hongqi, and Build Your Dreams (BYD), a popular Chinese automaker famous for its electronic bus fleet in European countries.

In the first half of 2021, sales of new-energy vehicles of MG and Maxus, two brands of Shanghai-headquartered SAIC Motor, a major Chinese auto manufacturer, exceeded 12,000 in European countries, including Britain, Norway, the Netherlands, and Denmark.

"From the very beginning, the overseas business has been included in our development plan," said Lan Qingsong, vice president of SAIC Motor. "After 10 years of operation, our products and services have entered more than 50 countries and regions."

According to data from the Ministry of Commerce of China, new-energy vehicles have driven the growth of China's auto exports, which increased by 102.5 percent year-on-year from January to July.

"Only when Chinese auto companies enter the markets of developed countries can they truly participate in international competition," said Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association.

The explosive rise of China's auto exports in 2021, according to Cui, reflects the significant increase in the global competitiveness of China's auto industry, while there is still huge room for export growth.

Chinese EV manufacturers are darting into the global auto market with both latest products and new technology, including battery swapping.

With just one tap on the center display, NIO cars can be automatically parked into a battery-swap station and it takes only three minutes to swap a fully charged battery.

NIO said it aims to install 20 battery-swap stations in Norway's five largest cities and on some of the country's major roads.

Zhang Hui, vice president of NIO Europe, said that the company contributes to sustainable development in China and Europe through a unique technological base, adding that smart and digital experience advantages and cloud-based upgraded hardware features are NIO's technical advantages.

A number of Chinese technology giants have recently jumped into the EV market, bringing more competition and innovation to the auto industry.

Xiaomi, a Chinese electronics manufacturer, unveiled in September an EV subsidiary, with a starting capital of 10 billion yuan (about 1.5 billion U.S. dollars). The Guangzhou-based GAC Group announced earlier this year a joint project with Chinese tech giant Huawei to develop a "smart SUV."

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a major feature of many Chinese EVs. With tech companies entering the track, competition surrounding AI is expected to be more intense.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Bianji)
Shanghai sees rise in soybean imports from U.S.

Xinhua) 16:39, October 06, 2021

SHANGHAI, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai saw its soybean imports from the United States soar to 2.53 million tonnes in the first eight months of the year, up 91 percent year on year, accounting for 31.1 percent of its total imported soybeans from January to August, customs authorities said Wednesday.

The city imported a total of about 8.15 million tonnes of soybeans in the first eight months, an increase of 7.4 percent from the same period last year.

The megacity imported about 5.62 million tonnes of soybeans from Brazil, down 7.8 percent year on year, accounting for 68.9 percent of its total imported soybeans during the same period.

The total value of soybean imports in Shanghai from January to August reached 26.46 billion yuan (about 4.1 billion U.S. dollars), up 27.9 percent year on year, showed data from Shanghai Customs.

(Web editor: Zhong Wenxing, Bianji)
Sudan receives 1st batch of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines

Xinhua) 09:34, October 07, 2021

Sudan's Health Ministry on Wednesday received the first batch of some 499,000 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine via the COVAX facility.

The batch of vaccines was donated by the U.S. government.

Sudan's Health Ministry Under-Secretary Yosra Mohamed Osman said in a statement, "So far, we have vaccinated more than 1.7 million citizens."

Sudan is expected to receive a total of 1,274,130 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine following the successful installation of five cold chain units at the central vaccines store.

(Web editor: Liu Ning, Bianji)
"Red tours" stand out during National Day holiday

Xinhua) 09:38, October 07, 2021

Tourists take photos at the memorial of the first National Congress of the Communist Party of China in east China's Shanghai, Oct. 3, 2021. (Xinhua/Wang Xiang)

Red tourism, which refers to visiting historical sites with revolutionary legacies, has gained popularity during the National Day holiday.

Visitors to revolutionary sites in east China's Ruijin in Jiangxi Province line up in front of the "red well," which was excavated by the Red Army nearly 90 years ago, to get a taste of the water.

Pan Jianguo and his family, who are from Guangdong, were among the visitors. "We visited the place to learn about how the Communist Party of China (CPC) had established great achievements in such an arduous environment," said Pan.

Local statistics showed that Ruijin, a city of significance in CPC history, received nearly 370,000 visitors in the first three days of the week-long holiday, up 114.5 percent year on year.

In 2021, red tourism has become even more popular as the CPC centenary comes. According to figures from China's online travel agency Ctrip, in the first half of this year, the booking volume of red tourist attractions increased more than twice year on year.

During the holiday, people have been queuing up to visit the CPC History Museum in Beijing, even in rain.

"My wife and I will take our granddaughter to this museum in the next visit to show her the course of the Party's struggle," said Hong Junling, a retiree, who is convinced that the exhibition on CPC history will motivate children to cherish the present happy days and inspire their confidence in development in the future.

The memorial of the First National Congress of the CPC, which opened in Shanghai, has also been a popular destination for visitors. "I am applying for Party membership, and I want to learn more about the great founding spirit of the CPC in the memorial," said Liu Yiwen, a university student.

Shanghai has released a guideline to boost the development of local red tourism, which proposes that the municipality should be the red tourism "highland" in China and one of the most attractive red tourism destinations by 2025.

The application of modern acoustic and optic technologies brings an immersive experience to visitors of revolutionary sites, enabling them to have a deeper resonance with history.

In an immersive drama reenacting the founding of the CPC-led armed forces staged in Nanchang August 1st Memorial Hall, some of the audience put on military uniforms and performed roles in the play.

The audience, as part of the performance, can have a more vivid experience of history, said Wang Xiaoling, head of the Memorial Hall.

Revolutionary sites and memorials should be increasingly open and convenient to visitors in the future, said Dai Bin, director of the China Tourism Academy, calling for more interactions with visitors to show them the change of the times and ignite patriotism.

(Web editor: Liu Ning, Bianji)
BEIJING, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend a commemorative meeting on Saturday to mark the 110th anniversary of the Revolution of 1911.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will deliver an important speech at the event, which is scheduled to be held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing at 10 a.m.

The event will be broadcast live by China Media Group and xinhuanet.com. It will also be rebroadcast simultaneously on major news websites including people.com.cn, cctv.com and china.com.cn, as well as on news apps run by the People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency and China Central Television.
Soju, the traditional Korean distilled liquor, has become a bona fide entry in Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, along with some 100 new words that have become part of everyday American vocabulary, AP reported Monday. The dictionary defines soju as "a Korean vodka distilled from rice."

According to AP, many of the new terms refer to current affairs, like dirty bomb and Norovirus. A dirty bomb is "a bomb that releases radioactive material," and the Norovirus refers to "small round single-stranded RNA viruses" that cause gastroenteritis.

Webinar, a combination of web and seminar meaning "online meeting," and netroots, "the grassroots political activists who communicate online, especially by blogs," are some of the new entries influenced by the spread of the Internet.
Jean-Marc Sauve, the president of the commission, said the scale of the abuse was overwhelming. "Above all, there was a series of neglects, failures, silence, an institutional cover-up, which were systemic in nature," he said at a press conference Monday.

The independent commission was set up by French bishops in 2018. Investigators went through court, police and Church records and interviewed thousands of victims and witnesses. The findings, which were published Monday, revealed that at least 216,000 children, mostly boys, were abused by up to 3,200 priests and other clerics since 1950. When lay members of the Church are included, the number of victims is estimated at 330,000.

"I would like to express to the victims my sadness, my sorrow for the trauma that they have suffered. And also my shame. Our shame, my shame, for the Church's too-long inability to put them at the center of its concerns. I assure them of my prayers, and we pray together, all to you, Lord, the glory, and to us the shame," Pope Francis told an audience Tuesday at the Vatican.

Pope Francis has expressed sorrow and shame after an inquiry into sexual abuse within the Catholic Church in France revealed that some 330,000 children had been abused since 1950.

Under French law, many of the offenses are too old to prosecute. The commission called for the Church to increase financial compensation to the victims, which is scheduled to begin next year. Some victims say the Catholic Church itself must undergo historic reform.

"This involves a process of profound change in the practices, relationships and governance of the Church," said Eric Boone, now 49 years old, who said he was abused by a member of the Catholic clergy when he was a teenager.

Boone said the commission had been a cathartic process. "This is really the most beautiful moment in this shameful story; it is the moment that helped me the most. I arrived trembling and I came out of it deeply appeased, because I had the feeling that I was really being listened to, over a long period of time, with people who knew how to listen to what I was saying, who rephrased it, who tried to understand without any judgment."

Earlier this year, Pope Francis changed Catholic laws to explicitly criminalize sexual abuse. Amicie Pelisse de Raussas, president of the group "Catholic Voices" in France, told VOA that progress had been made.

"I think this report is the first step of this rebuilding of trust. Because it's a report that was commissioned by the bishops and it shows that the Church, the institution, is really trying to dig out the truth and not hide, to be done with the sort of culture of cover-up that has been systemic until today.

"I think as long as you have one case left, one predator, one victim left, you need to do more," she added. "But Pope Francis, be that as it may, I think has really begun a culture of change."

The French commission follows similar investigations in other countries, including the United States and Australia. Pope Francis has described sexual abuse within the Catholic Church as a "worldwide catastrophe."
The Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center has recorded 4,383 COVID-19 infections in New Zealand and 27 deaths early Monday. There have been 235 million global COVID-19 cases and nearly 5 million deaths, the center reported Monday.

The majority of New Zealand's COVID-19 cases were in Auckland which has endured a 50-day lockdown. "It's clear that a long period of heavy restrictions has not got us to zero cases. But it's okay... elimination was important because we didn't have vaccinations," Ardern said during a news conference. "Now we do. So, we can begin to change the way we do things."

The arrival of the highly contagious delta variant made it difficult for the country to repeat its accomplishment last year of reducing the number of COVID-19 cases to zero. Authorities reported 29 new cases Monday.

New Zealand is abandoning its COVID-19 elimination strategy. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Monday, "This is a change in approach we were always going to make over time. Our delta outbreak has accelerated this transition. Vaccines will support it."

The New York City Department of Education mandate that everyone who works in the city's schools must be vaccinated against COVID-19 goes into effect Monday. School officials are bracing to see how many substitute teachers and other staff members may need to be hired to replace employees who have not complied. School staff who cannot show proof of vaccination Monday will be placed on unpaid leave.

"I would urge every mayor in America: Do it now, get those vaccine mandates in place ahead of the cold weather, when things are going to get tougher," Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a television interview. The New York City school district is the largest in the U.S.

Israel said Sunday that only people who have received two COVID-19 vaccinations and a booster shot or who have recently recovered from COVID-19 will be considered fully vaccinated on their digital vaccine passports. Officials hope the new measure will prompt Israelis to get their booster shots. Without a third dose recorded on their vaccine passport, people will not be allowed into indoor venues.

Russia reported its highest one-day coronavirus death toll since the pandemic began: 890 deaths on Sunday, its national coronavirus task force said. It was the fifth day in a row that it reported a new daily record for coronavirus deaths. The task force also said the number of new coronavirus infections reported Sunday was the second highest of the year: nearly 25,800.

Since the pandemic began, Russia has reported nearly 205,000 deaths from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, the most in Europe, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center. The country has a population of about 146 million and has recorded nearly 7.5 million coronavirus infections, according to Johns Hopkins. The United Kingdom, with a population of about 67 million, leads Europe with 7.9 million cases since the pandemic began.


The United States is taking new steps to make sure the country's air and surface transportation sectors will not be crippled by ransomware or cyberattacks.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced the measures Tuesday at a virtual cybersecurity conference, warning that recent incidents such as the SolarWinds hack and the Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack showed that "what is at stake is not simply the way we communicate or the way we work, but the way we live."

The new security directives target what the Department of Homeland Security and the Transportation Security Administration describe as "higher risk" rail companies, "critical" airport operators, and air passenger and air cargo companies.

 Cybersecurity Coordinators

Mayorkas said that going forward, the rail companies will have to name a cybersecurity coordinator who will report any incidents and create contingency plans in the case of a cyberattack.

The aviation companies will also be required to appoint a cybersecurity coordinator and report incidents to the DHS's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Officials justified the Kidman exemption on the grounds that she was in Hong Kong "for the purpose of performing designated professional work, taking into account that it is conducive to maintaining the necessary operation and development of Hong Kong's economy."

Michael Tien, a pro-establishment member of the Legislative Council, Hong Kong's legislature, questioned the treatment of Kidman who was exempted from strictly enforced rules requiring visitors to quarantine in an approved hotel for 21 days. "Even our Olympians from Tokyo Olympics have to quarantine for seven days," he said in a Legislative Council meeting. "Now that you have created a precedent, does that mean that all foreign movie stars will be exempted when they fly to Hong Kong to film movies?" he asked.

In June, Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam offered quarantine exemptions to fully vaccinated senior financial executives in a bid to "revive Hong Kong's economy." Bloomberg reported that the city paused the plan within a few weeks of the announcement, and the government later confirmed that only two out of more than 150 applications were approved.

But the anger had been brewing since the beginning of the pandemic early last year, when many Westerners appeared less willing than their Asian counterparts to don face masks and practice social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19. Policies enacted by the Beijing-backed local government have contributed to the sense that the rich and powerful -- many of whom are white -- are being granted special treatment.

The resentment peaked in August amid an outraged reaction after Australian actress Nicole Kidman was permitted to avoid stringent quarantine measures when she arrived in a private jet for the shooting of an Amazon TV show called "Expats."

The coronavirus pandemic has cast a spotlight on longstanding privileges enjoyed by mostly white and Western expatriates in the former British colony, breeding resentment among many of the territory's mainly Chinese majority.

But the explanation did little to ease the anger of Veta Chan, a 27-year-old Hong Kong resident who shared her frustrations with VOA. "She came to film a series for Amazon, not for local TV operations. How can they justify that?" she asked. She added that the Kidman episode merely heightened a resentment toward Westerners that had begun months earlier. "Hong Kong people have had bad impressions of expats since the initial stage of the pandemic because they believed expats' refusal to wear face masks voluntarily at the time contributed to the clusters," she said.

In Asia, wearing face masks to prevent the spread of diseases has become a regular part of life since the SARS outbreak started in China in 2003 spread to Singapore, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. In addition, police have treated locals and expats differently during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a white European expat teacher who refused to provide his name out of fear of tainting his international school's reputation.

"White expats could afford to be rude and aggressive, and still get away with it, and local cops don't seem to enforce [COVID-19] rules on them," the 35-year-old said. "Nicole Kidman shouldn't be exempted just because she's famous. The same rule should apply [to her]. The fact that she can get away [with this] is unfair. It is insensitive to local people, and so they can be fairly upset," he said.

The teacher also contrasted the treatment of Westerners with the territory's large contingent of low-paid domestic workers, most of whom come from the Philippines or Indonesia. "Compared to Filipinos, I seem to be allowed more rights and get a ridiculous salary... Our school ended up hiring a British white guy to fill a teacher's post even when he doesn't have a teaching qualification, while we have local teachers with qualifications. It's just due to his passport," the teacher said.

The school did not respond to VOA's request for comment and verification. An expat worker with five to 10 years of relevant experience earns an average of $88,126 a year, the South China Morning Post reported last year, citing figures from consulting firm ECA International. The average yearly salary of a local manager with similar experience is about $64,740.

Among the foreign workers in Hong Kong, one-third are Filipinos, one-fourth are Indonesians, while one-tenth are white, government data showed. Almost half of all expats are domestic workers whose average annual salary is only $7,728, according to a survey from HelperChoice, a Hong Kong recruitment agency.

"I don't think it's fair," the expat teacher said, referring to the gap between the salary package of largely white expat workers and their local counterparts and Southeast Asian domestic workers.

The wealth gap is prevalent in Asia, attracting more white people to come to Asian countries for more privileges, according to Tong Yuying, professor of sociology at the Chinese University of Hong Kong specializing in social demography and migration.

"White people have more opportunities here [in Asia], so if they can take advantage of this trend, why not? European and American cultures are prevailing because they are from developed countries," Tong said. "White people have cultural superiority, and Asian countries buy that. Asian countries don't need them to learn the local language, because companies want to attract 'international' workers, who are usually white."

Tong pointed to class and the former colonial rule in Hong Kong as contributing to the inequality. "Hong Kong's racism is related to class. Privileged nationals come from developed nations, while domestic helpers come from developing nations and so people tend to think they are less powerful, lower-educated and lower-skilled. Workers from China and Southeast Asia are prone to being discriminated against."

"This started in the colonial era. People whose performance was average in their own countries were appointed more senior positions in Asia, and were able to amass wealth and gain more privilege. Now it's not the colonial era anymore, but the situation is still similar."

The silver lining lies in the fact that white people and privileged expats in Hong Kong have started reflecting on their own privilege. "They started thinking about how to treat minorities and how they can better interact with other nationalities, but this will be a long process," Tong said.
H.R. McMaster, who shaped the U.S.' North Korea policy in the first year of the Trump administration, said Monday that "maximum pressure" is the best strategy in dealing with the renegade country.

The remarks came after President Moon Jae-in last month called for declaring a formal end to the Korean War at the UN General Assembly.

McMaster, a retired general, was then-President Donald Trump's national security adviser from February 2017 to April 2018. When he resigned he moved to the Hudson Institute to serve as Japan chair, and it was there that he met with a small group of reporters to answer questions about current issues on the Korean Peninsula.

When asked about Moon's calls to give incentives to entice North Korea to return to the dialogue table, McMaster said, "Well, gosh," and referred his questioners to his book "Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World," published in September last year, in which one of the chapters deals with the "insanity" of making concessions to the North.

"I use the apocryphal quotation attributed to Einstein. It is insanity that if someone is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result," he said. "I think the definition of insanity on North Korea is to make concessions to the North Koreans, just for the privilege of entering into talks."

"What that has resulted in the past has been long frustrating talks with North Korea that just really don't have many prospects for success," he added. "And then finally, out of frustration, out of exhaustion, we make concession after concession to North Koreans that results in a very weak agreement that locks in the status quo as the new normal."

"And then what North Korea does is it takes that payoff, and then immediately break the agreement to start the cycle again -- provocation, concession, and then violation," McMaster said. "So I think the best chance is the maximum pressure."


New Braunfels, TX (78130)

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An American flag waves in the wind as flags decorate the Main Plaza in honor of Flag Day on Monday, June 14, 2021. MIKALA COMPTON | Herald-Zeitung
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The AFL-CIO has teamed up with Indiana University in support of the schools online Labor Studies program.

Students in the program can earn an Associate of Science or a Bachelor of Science in Labor Studies. They may also choose to work towards a minor or a certificate in Labor Studies.

Our goal is educate workers about labor history, the labor movement and state, federal and local laws that apply to them in the workplace, said Professor Marquita Walker, interim chair and associate professor of labor studies in the IU School of Social Work at IUPUI.

More than 100 students are currently working towards the bachelor degree across the state of Indiana. Walker said program alumni often go into law and become attorneys in the field of labor or go into human resources, become directors of non-profits or advocacy programs and some even go into politics.

The average hourly wage for a graduate of the program with a bachelors degree is $21 an hour, Walker said.

Were most interested in educating individuals about the power of the collective, and we are interested in raising the living standards of vulnerable populations, she said. That might be a minority population, women or some group that is compared to the standard of white males and how we can economically, politically, socially and culturally elevate them to a higher level of living.

Labor studies grew out of the labor and worker education movement, which began a century ago. Worker education programs were designed to help workers understand how they could vote for policies or individuals who would better their interests.

The 1934 National Labor Act made things more balanced between labor and management, but it also became more important for workers in a union to understand how contracts work. Labor education was primarily a field to teach members about the ins and outs of contracts.

As union numbers declined in the 1960s and 70s, interest in labor education programs diminished. The study of labor rebooted itself as labor studies.

Walker said labor studies offers professional development courses such as contract bargaining, but it also morphed into more of a liberal arts emphasis with a broader area of study to better educate workers on how to better their living conditions through not only a collective but legislation.

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Worker protections on state and federal levels are important, Walker said. Workers need to know how to vote for issues that will help them and not vote for their own exploitation, which often happens if they dont understand the history of workers, labor laws and information they need to make informed decisions.

We are thrilled to be partnering with the IU Department of Labor Studies, said Indiana State AFL-CIO President Brett Voorhies. We hope this partnership will inspire a new generation of students to create a more just and equitable world for working people. And the coursework offered by the department will be invaluable to labor leaders and members across the state who want to strengthen their skills and tackle new challenges.

There are around 40 labor studies programs around the nation, and the IU program is a rare instance when it isnt housed in the political science department. IUs labor studies program resides in the IU School of Social Work at IUPUI. But anyone can work towards the degree, thanks to its friendly online nature.

Walker said students can take classes that range in length anywhere from a regular 16-week semester course to a short three-week class.

IU is also big on experiential learning, which means students have lots of opportunities to put their classroom skills to use in a real work environment. Thanks to the relationship with the AFL-CIO, there are many internship opportunities with labor unions or community agencies. Theres no need to commute from Kokomo to Indianapolis to reap those benefits, as remote online internships are also an option.

We match up students skills with what the local union needs, Walker said. So if a student is interested in a virtual internship with an organization, that is available to them.

All students are required to take a gateway course on labor and society as an introduction to the area of study. The course examines how workers are treated and how they can move forward. Beyond that class, there are courses such as White Privilege in the Work Place, which examines unconscious biases and Work like A Girl: Womens Evolving Work Place Role, which looks at womens evolution in the workplace and how economic powers limit their advancement.

All of our faculty have had years and years of experience in a union before they came to academia, Walker said. We bring a very aggressive group of faculty to the table. And because they have such practical experience  theyve been in the trenches, theyve been on strike -- they know what thats like and now they have a theoretical perspective to share.

For more information about IUs labor studies program, visit.labor.iu.edu.
Having just completed a successful transformation campaign, Ivy Tech Kokomo is joining forces with its sister campuses across the state for the Invest IN Ivy Tech campaign, the first statewide human capital campaign the college has ever embarked on.

The campaigns goal is to raise $285 million to continue Ivy Techs commitment to preparing Indianas next generation of workers.

As part of the campaign, Ivy Tech Kokomo will work to raise $7.8 million around the campuss service area that includes Cass, Fulton, Howard, Miami, Tipton and Pulaski counties.

Government and foundation grants will help the school complete its goal alongside traditional local donations.

Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore and Howard County Commissioner Jack Dodd announced $1.2 million in donations from the city and Howard County to begin the campaign. Those funds will support the Industry 4.0 initiative, which will include the purchase of equipment for Ivy Tech Kokomos new Smart Manufacturing and Digital Integration program that will equip students with the interdisciplinary skills required in advanced manufacturing.

Industry 4.0 represents the fourth stage of the Industrial Revolution, a stage where factories become more automated using smart technologies but also includes areas like augmented reality and cyber security.

This is the future of manufacturing, said Ivy Tech Kokomo Chancellor Dean McCurdy. The future is coming to Kokomo.

The chancellor said the $7.8 million goal was developed to fund five major areas of need. These include:

 $2.2 million to fund the Industry 4.0 initiative aimed at training the highly skilled employees needed by local manufacturers.

 $1.5 million to fund additional scholarships.

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 $1.2 million to increase K-14 dual enrollment and college connection programs.

 $2.1 million designated for barrier busting resources to help students overcome a variety of challenges and reach their educational goals.

 $800,000 for areas of greatest need, contingency funds to cover unanticipated needs.

Kokomo has long been known as The City of Firsts, an incubator of innovation, said Mayor Moore. We already have production facilities in our community that are building components for electric vehicles and transmissions for hybrid vehicles. The new Stellantis plant under construction will be one of these smart factories from its beginning.

Manufacturing will continue to be the backbone of our economy, but only if we have a workforce ready to succeed at Industry 4.0, he continued. The City of Kokomo understands the significance of this project to our future and is proud to be able to make this investment in Ivy Tech.

Commissioner Dodd said he was proud Howard County could invest in Ivy Tech and help prepare the region for the future.

Over the next few years we are going to have thousands of people  baby boomersretiring, said the commissioner. With that jobs are going to be changing. So we have to prepare for that. We have to prepare for a new workforce. We have to prepare for new technology coming in.

New jobs are coming, he said. If we are ready or not they are coming.

Labor market analytics firm Emsi recently studied the economic impact of Ivy Tech Kokomo on its service area and its return investment on stakeholders  students, taxpayers and the communities. The survey found the benefit to area counties was equal to $102.5 million and 1,796 jobs. The report estimated 1 of every 54 jobs in the Ivy Tech Kokomo service area is supported by the college, its students and alumni.

For more information on the Invest IN Ivy Tech campaign, contact Kelly Karickhoff, executive director of resource development for Ivy Tech Kokomo, at kkarickhoff@ivytech.edu or 765-252-5501.
Daniel Craig has been honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The 'James Bond' actor became the 2,704th celebrity to have his name placed on 7007 Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles, ahead of the US release of his final film as the legendary spy  'No Time To Die', which hits cinemas in the States on Friday (08.10.21).

Daniel's star was unveiled in a rare evening ceremony on Wednesday (06.10.21) and he was introduced by Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, as well as his 'No Time To Die' co-star Rami Malek.

Craig's star is located just yards away from the late Sir Roger Moore, who played 007 in seven movies between 1973 and 1985.

Daniel  who first played Bond in the 2006 film 'Casino Royale'  said it was an "absolute honour to be walked all over in Hollywood".

The 53-year-old star added: "To Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, I thank you from the depth of my heart, without you I would not be here today, thank you for those lovely words. Thank you Rami for those beautiful, beautiful words.

"I never thought I would hear myself say this, but it's an absolute honour to be walked all over in Hollywood."

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Daniel added that he was a "very happy man" to have his star among Hollywood icons on the Walk of Fame.

He said: "If happiness was measured by the company we keep then me being on this pavement surrounded by all of these legends makes me a very, very, very happy man. So thank you very much."

Rami, who plays villain Safin in the latest Bond film, praised Daniel for his ability as an actor and a colleague.

The 40-year-old star said: "We all know he's a superb actor, he's dedicated, he can handle all his own stunts with one hand tied behind his back and the other holding a Negroni.

"But he's as fastidious about his craft as he is about empathy for everyone around him.

"He has the ability to hold these two potentially opposing things at the same time  an incredible amount of talent and responsibility and an incredible warmth and acute awareness of what those around him need."
The quality of American public schools can vary widely between states, cities, and even districts. Not all schools are able to provide students with the same level of education, access to extracurriculars, counseling, or college preparation. While each public school faces its own unique challenges, each state has one public school that stands out as the very best.

The best public high schools tend to be in relatively affluent areas, where incomes are well above the U.S. median household income of $62,843. A wealthier tax base for a school district means that schools have more funding to hire teachers and other faculty and provide more extracurriculars.

In many of the best public high schools in a given state, the vast majority of students graduate and perform well in educational assessments. Nationwide, only 24% of students are proficient in math and 37% are proficient in reading, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Students at top high schools also tend to perform well in college entrance exams like the SAT and ACT, with reported scores well above the 1058 out of 1600 nationwide average for the SAT and the 20.6 out of 36 average for the ACT.

Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities in Muncie ranks as the top public high school in the state. The school earned an A+ overall grade from school data platform Niche as well as top marks for its academics, teachers, and college prep.

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The school has a student-to-teacher ratio of 7:1, well below the 17:1 nationwide rate. This low ratio allows students to get more individualized attention and feedback from educators, while teachers can manage the classroom better.

To determine the best public high schools in every state, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 2022 K-12 School & District Rankings from Niche, a platform for education data. The Niche ranking is based on academic and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education as well as student reviews submitted to Niche. Data on student count and student-teacher ratio came from Niche.
Press Release

October 7, 2021 De Lima's lawyers seek reconsideration of the dismissal of complaint vs Capones Opposition Senator Leila M. de Lima's legal counsels filed on Oct. 5 a motion for reconsideration asking the Office of the City Prosecutor (OCP) of Muntinlupa City to set aside its decision dismissing criminal complaints they filed against prosecution witness and convicted murderer Joel Capones and his gangmates. In their Motion for Reconsideration, De Lima's legal counsels said the Honorable Prosecutor committed "grave yet reversible error" in deciding that a judicial confession made by Capones is not a sufficient ground for conviction, unless corroborated by evidence of corpus delicti. As a witness for the DOJ Panel of Prosecutors in one of De Lima's trumped-up drug cases, Capones confessed to packing and selling shabu with his mayores. Capones waived his right against self-incrimination before making the confession in open court. "Right from the very start, since what they filed against Senator De Lima are supposed to be drug cases, we have constantly asked the question: 'where is the corpus delicti?' and despite its absence, they went on to file charges against the good Senator who is detained for almost 5 years now," said Atty. Dino de Leon, one of De Lima's legal counsels and spokesperson, in a separate statement. "Now, in the complaint against Capones charging him with the exact same offense and based on the exact same alleged incidents used in the case against the Senator, the Department of Justice refuses to do its sworn mandate to prosecute criminals who have committed atrocious acts against the people even after he confessed in open court to have committed drug trading. You can see a clear double standard in how the Executive is handling justice in the last 5 years: they vigorously prosecute an innocent Senator to ensure that she will continue to be detained even in the absence of the corpus delicti and based purely on fabrications, but in the case of a self-confessed drug lord, the Executive refuses to lift a finger. War on drugs ba ito, or war against political enemies to gag them into submission?" "Yung self-confessed drug lord untouchable kasi walang corpus delicti, pero ang inosenteng Senador na kinaladkad lang sa imbentong paratang ay nakakulong. Kapag kay Senator Leila, laway lang ang puhunan, sapat nang kasuhan at ikulong, pero kapag sa iba, ibabasura at ipagkikibit-balikat nila. Malinaw sa records ng mga kaso ang asta ng Department of Justice: hindi ito patas at batay sa tunay na hustisya," he added. De Leon further stressed: "Aside from the fact na obvious ang double-standard, ang tanong dyan ay bakit hindi man lang mag-subpoena ang DOJ? Kaya nga tinawag na preliminary investigation. Ayaw mag imbestiga man lang kasi nga, ang involved ay ginamit nilang witness kay Senator Leila De Lima. Ano, ayaw nila imbestigahan kasi maaring bumaliktad at magsabi ng katotohanan?" Last July 9, De Lima and her lawyers filed separate criminal complaints against Capones and his 13 mayores for trading and selling illegal drugs inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP). They lamented that, despite the confession, Capones has not been charged with any crime in relation to the crime he confessed to in open court. In their motion, De Lima's lawyers said the Honorable Prosecutor failed to properly consider the judicial confession Capones as sufficient evidence to establish probable cause. "The Honorable Prosecutor acknowledged that the evidence of absolute certainty of guilt is not required in the determination of probable cause but he bookended his findings with the reiteration that the overarching finding of probable cause is based on opinion and reasonable belief. He further proceeds to mention that even with the extrajudicial confession, such is not a sufficient ground for conviction," they said. "The rationale provided by the Honorable Prosecutor goes against the qualification of the determination of probable cause as a preliminary stage that does not require an inquiry into whether there is sufficient evidence to procure a conviction," they added. The lawyers said that the Honorable Prosecutor should not turn a blind eye to the confession of Respondent Capones and neglect his duty to uncover the truth. "For what else would convince an average reasonable person that a crime was actually committed? An average reasonable person would definitely strongly consider a free and voluntary confession to a crime, that was made before a judge and hold it to be sufficient evidence to indict a person," they said. Citing statement from the Supreme Court, De Lima's lawyers said that a confession is evidence of a high order that is "supported by the strong presumption that no sane person or one of normal mind will deliberately and knowingly confess himself to be the perpetrator of a crime, unless prompted by truth and conscience." By turning a blind eye to statements made under oath and in open court, the lawyers said the Honorable Prosecutor would be establishing a dangerous precedent where a prosecutor utterly disregards judicial confessions of a crime and treats it as a useless evidence that can be brushed aside in the determination of probable cause. "Further confirming that a person, regardless if they are appearing before the Courts, may admit to a crime and still get away scot-free. There can be no accountability, much less justice, if the Honorable Prosecutor fails to prosecute a person who deliberately and knowingly confesses to a crime before a Court of law," they added. In a separate statement, they added, "To be clear, we are not questioning the legal principle that a mere confession, and indeed the mere testimony of an alleged co-conspirator, which is not corroborated by the corpus delicti, is insufficient to put a person on trial, much less for conviction. That has been our unwavering position since 2016. But this complaint against Capones is at the preliminary investigation stage, and yet the DOJ cannot even be moved to lift a finger and issue a subpoena to get him to answer for his own self-confessed crimes? By the same token, the cases against the Senator should never have progressed beyond the DOJ preliminary investigation back in November 2016. Instead, they did their best to waste five years of a human being's life, and an elected Senator's mandate out of fear of the truth she speaks."
Black Propaganda Bid vs Lacson Exposed by Veteran Journalist

More at: https://pinglacson.net/article/black-propaganda-bid-vs-lacson-exposed-by-veteran-journalist

A black propaganda campaign is targeting Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson, with its proponents approaching a journalist for the job.

Columnist and TV talk show host Cito Beltran bared this to Lacson Thursday morning, during an interview on Beltran's talk show "Agenda."

"Nilapitan ako ng isang PR para gibain ka (I was approached by a PR operator to conduct black propaganda against you)," Beltran told Lacson.

But Beltran said he refused the offer and demanded to see the evidence first.

"Thank you for confirming it," replied Lacson, who has been at the receiving end of black propaganda since his first term as senator in 2001.

Earlier, Partido Reporma spokesperson Ashley Acedillo bared dirty tricks against Lacson's 2022 presidential bid, including fake news circulating on social media that he had withdrawn or is withdrawing from the race; and a rigged mobile presidentiable 'text' survey that excluded Lacson's name from the list of choices.

Lacson recalled that since 2001, he had been at the receiving end of black propaganda from the Arroyo administration. He said he was forced to file libel charges against the parties involved to protect his dignity.

In 2017, former Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines head Victor Corpus apologized to Lacson for linking him to illegal activities. The Philippine Daily Inquirer also issued an apology for publishing opinion items containing the fake news in 2019. On the other hand, the Supreme Court had also junked with finality the cases against Lacson.

However, Lacson said it is now time to decriminalize libel since information technology has become borderless.

"Ako supportive to decriminalize libel. Borderless na ang ating information technology (I am supportive of moves to decriminalize libel, as our information technology has become borderless)," he said.
Google announced Wednesday a five-year, $1 billion investment plan for the African continent, promising faster and more affordable Internet access and financial support for local startups in this market with a young population.

Less than a third of Africas 1.3 billion people are currently connected to broadband Internet, according to the World Bank. But the continent, where nearly half the population is under 18, is a promising market.

Pointing to tremendous progress over the past decade in connectivity, the U.S. tech giants CEO Sundar Pichai said in a statement that there is still work to be done to make the internet accessible, affordable and useful for every African.

I am delighted to reaffirm our commitment to the continent by investing $1 billion over five years to support Africas digital transformation, he continued. The investment will include the installation of the Equiano submarine cable, which will carry high-speed internet across South Africa, Namibia, Nigeria, St. Helena and connect the continent to Europe.

The program will also provide low-interest loans to small local businesses, as well as equity investments in African startups. Saying he was inspired by the innovative scene of African technology startups, Googles general manager in Africa, Nitin Gajria, said he was firmly convinced that no one is better placed to solve Africas biggest problems than young developers and startup creators.

Since 2017, Google recalls having trained six million young Africans in digital skills and having enabled 100 million Africans to access the internet for the first time thanks to its Android system.
The UAE and Iraq signed on Wednesday a contract to build five electric power plants using solar energy, Arab News reports citing state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA).

The Iraqi Ministry of Electricity and the National Investment Authority signed the deal with Masdar, also known as the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company.

Per the deal, first phase will include the production and generation of 1,000 MW out of a total capacity of 2,000 MW.

The value of the deal has not been revealed but Iraqi Oil Minister Ihsan Abdul-Jabbar earlier said it was expecting to sign contracts with Masdar until 2025, targeting the production of 10 to 12 gigawatts (GW), representing about 25 percent of Iraqs electricity needs that exceed 40 GW.

The plants as part of the first stage taken by the Iraqi government to rely on alternative, clean, and renewable energies in the production of electrical energy, and to meet the countrys energy needs, reports say. Founded in 2006, Masdar is the regional and a major international player in renewable energy and sustainable urban development.
King Mohammed VI has approved at a ceremony held at the Royal palace in Fez this Thursday a new government of 24 jobs, formed following the general elections of last September 8.

The cabinet was formed by Aziz Akhannounch, head of the liberal National rally of Independents, who has been appointed head of the Government in the morrow of the general elections.

During the ceremony held at the Royal Palace in Fez, the Sovereign was flanked by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and Prince Moulay Rachid.

The new cabinet, formed by the three winners in the parliamentary election, namely the RNI (102 seats), the PAM (87 seats), and the Istiqlal Party (81 seats), is made up of 24 highly qualified ministers, including seven women.

Some ministers with no party affiliation retained key portfolios as in the outgoing cabinet, such as Abdelouafi Laftit in the Ministry of the Interior; Nasser Bourita in the Foreign Ministry, Ahmed Taoufiq in the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs; Mohamed hajoui as Secretary General of the Government; and Abdellatif Loudiy as Junior Minister in charge of the Administration of National defense.

As an evidence of the importance granted to women and the trust they enjoy when it comes to the management of public affairs, the new cabinet features seven women, four from the RNI, two from the PI, and one from the PAM. These are Nadia Fettah Alaoui (RNI) is in charge of the Ministry of Economy & Finance, a major department that will be headed by a woman for the first time in Morocco; Fatima Zahra Ammor (RNI) who heads the Ministry of Tourism, Handicraft, and social and solidarity economy, Awatif Khyar (PI) who is Minister of Woman, family and Social integration; Fatima ezzahra El Mansouri (PAM), who becomes Minister of housing and city policy; Nabila Rmili (RNI) who will be in charge of the Ministry of Health and Social Protection; Leila Benali (RNI) who will be in charge of the ministerial department of energy transition and sustainable development; and Ghita Mezzour (PI) picked as Junior Minister in charge of digital transition and administration reform.

In the new cabinet, the RNI holds eight portfolios, the PAM, which participates in the government for the first time since its creation, heads six ministerial departments, including the Justice Ministry entrusted to its leader Abdellatif Ouahbi, while the PI holds 4 portfolios, including that of equipment and water entrusted the the partys secretary General Nizar Baraka.

Secretaries of State in some ministerial departments will be appointed later.

The newly appointed members of the government were sworn in before the King.

The new government coalition, which gives Akhannouch a comfortable majority of 270 seats in the 395-seat parliament, is based on common points in the platforms of the three parties and is expected to work to achieve social and economic development goals in line with the new development model, spurred by King Mohammed VI, and which aims notably at bolstering growth, reducing poverty and disparities, and promoting social justice and the efficiency of the civil service.

The opposition is left to socialist USFP, conservative popular Movement, liberal Constitutional Union, and other small parties that now include the Party for Justice and development (PJD) which hardly gleaned 13 seats in parliament compared to 125 in the 2015 elections.
According to information published by Portsmouth News on October 5, 2021, the Royal Navy warship, River-class offshore patrol vessel HMS Trent, is bound for the West African coast on a security mission to crack down on pirates and smugglers.

Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

River-class offshore patrol vessel HMS Trent (Picture source: Twitter account of Dakaractu)

The HMS Trent is a Batch 2 River-class offshore patrol vessel built by BAE Systems for the Royal British Navy. She made her first entry into Portsmouth Harbour on 19 December 2019 and was commissioned on 3 August 2020.

The River class is a class of offshore patrol vessels built primarily for the Royal British Navy. A total of nine were built for the British navy, four Batch 1 and five of the significantly different Batch 2. One Batch 1 (HMS Clyde), which was the Falklands guard-ship, has been decommissioned and sold to the Royal Bahrain Naval Force.

The Batch 2 ships are fundamentally different in appearance and capabilities from the preceding Batch 1. Notable differences include the 90.5 meters (296 ft 11 in) long hull, a top speed of 24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph), Merlin-capable flight deck, a displacement of around 2,000 tonnes[ and greatly expanded capacity for accommodating troops. The Batch 2 ships also have a different (full width) superstructure, and a fundamentally different above-water hull form shape (greater bow flare, different & less-pronounced forward knuckle line compared to the Batch 1 ships, lack of the distinctive fwd & aft bulwarks of the Batch 1 vessels).

The HMS Trent is armed with one 30 mm DS30B gun, a ship-protection system made by MSI-Defence Systems consisting of a 30mm Mark 44 Bushmaster II cannon on an automated mount, two General purpose 7.62mm machine guns, and two Miniguns.
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Detention of alleged Kazan school shooter extended until 2022

 The United press service of Tatarstan courts

16:16 07/10/2021

MOSCOW, October 7 (RAPSI)  Moscows Basmanny District Court on Thursday prolonged detention of Ilnaz Galyaviyev, who stands charged with a deadly shooting attack on a school in Kazan, the capital of Russias Republic of Tatarstan, in May, until January 11, the courts press service told RAPSI.

According to investigators, on May 11, Ilnaz Galyaviyev, 19, broke into an education institution and started shooting. He shot dead 7 minors and 2 teachers. Over 20 persons were injured as a result of the assault. The attacker, who was arrested on the scene and identified, acted alone. Several years ago he graduated from this school.

On May 12, he was placed in detention. In July, a psychiatric examination found Galyaviyev insane.
Russian officials breaching anti-corruption procedures to be given corrective instructions

 RAPSI, Vladimir Burnov

13:30 07/10/2021

MOSCOW, October 7 (RAPSI)  The Government Commission on Legislative Activities has discussed an initiative seeking that officials are to take part in awareness-rising conversations, not punished, if they commit minor violations of anti-corruption procedures.

Such a measure may be applied, for example, if an official forgets to indicate in the declaration an old car that has not been running for a long time, Chairman of the Board of the Association of Lawyers of Russia Vladimir Gruzdev informs RAPSI.

The prepared draft law details the criteria by which any minor violations associated with non-compliance with anti-corruption rules by officials will be defined. It should be emphasized that this is not about corruption as such, but about non-compliance with formal procedures. For example, it should be in cases where an official, for some objective reason, was unable to submit a declaration of income and expenses on time, Gruzdev stressed.

He explained that in each state body there are commissions supervising compliance with the requirements for official behavior of state or municipal employees and the settlement of conflicts of interest.

Such commissions, among other things, discuss controversial issues related to the observance of anti-corruption standards. Every year, commissions register about 10,000 applications from officials stating that because of objective reasons it was impossible for them to provide information on their incomes and expenses, Gruzdev said, pointing out that all statements are critically assessed by the commissions.

Among commission members are independent experts, and meetings without their participation have no legal force. Representatives of scientific organizations and educational institutions of secondary, higher and additional professional education, whose activities are related to public service, also participate in the work of commissions.

Commission may also include representatives of public monitoring committees, of public veteran associations established at state bodies, of trade union organizations, which act under the established procedures within state bodies.

However, strictly according to the law, persons who have not submitted their declarations on time must be disciplined, up to and including dismissal. Therefore, a bill was introduced to the State Duma that would soften some procedures. This initiative, already adopted in the first reading, does not exempt officials from filing declarations. Nevertheless, it stipulates that in the event of force majeure, the deadlines for submitting the necessary documents may be postponed, Gruzdev said.

Thus, officials will not be able to use this rule as a loophole so as not to disclose property, the legal status of which they cannot confirm: they will still have to report their incomes and expenses.

Moreover, each time it will be thoroughly checked whether the person had objective and valid reasons for the delay in filing the declaration, the ALR Chair stressed.

Nevertheless, there is a need to prescribe in more detail which violations of anti-corruption procedures can be considered insignificant.

The initiative, among other things, defines mitigating and aggravating circumstances for violations of anti-corruption rules. If the violation is insignificant, the punishment can be replaced by a preventive awareness-rising conversation with an official, Gruzdev summed up.
by Alexander, C., Sato, M., Hosen, N., and McLaren, J. (with Ali, M. and Mahmodi, M.)

As of 2020, blasphemy was formally criminalised in some 84 countries. As many as 21 countries criminalised apostasy as of 2019. The legal penalties for such offences range from fines to imprisonment to corporal punishmentand in at least 12 countries, the death penalty. This report examines the extent to which States commit, or are complicit in, killings that violate religious freedom. Focussing on the 12 States in which offences against religion are lawfully punishable by death, we examine four different types of State-sanctioned killings on the basis of religious offence (apostasy, blasphemy, or alike) or affiliation (most commonly, membership of a religious minority): judicial executions, extrajudicial killings, killings by civilians, and killings by extremist groups.

SCOPE OF THE REPORT

This report documents and critically examines State-sanctioned killings on the basis of religious offending and religious identity in the 12 countries that retain the death penalty for offences against religion.

STATE-SANCTIONED KILLINGS IN 12 COUNTRIES

In this report, the terms offences against religion and religious offences are used interchangeably to refer to any acts deemed to insult or offend religious morals. This umbrella category includes, but is not limited to, apostasy (renouncing religion), blasphemy (broadly defined as speaking ill of religion), propagating (disseminating ones religion), and proselytising (encouraging others to convert from one religion to another). The 12 countries under examination are those identified as retaining the death penalty as a lawful possibility for offences against religion: Afghanistan, Brunei, Iran, Maldives, Mauritania, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen
Toxic "forever chemicals" are turning up in more and more places as the federal government joins a growing number of states, including Pennsylvania in the Bay watershed, in moving to regulate at least some of them.PFAS, or per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been detected in more than 75% of community water systems tested so far in Maryland and in nearly 40% of drinking water samples analyzed in Pennsylvania, according to data from both states.The surveys found two water systems in each of those states with PFAS levels higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's health advisory threshold.PFAS are a group of more than 9,000 highly persistent chemicals, many of them toxic, which have been in wide use since the 1940s. They are found in everyday consumer products such as nonstick cookware, pizza boxes and stain repellants. Their use in fire-fighting foams, though, has resulted in widespread PFAS groundwater contamination around airports and military bases nationwide.The Maryland Department of the Environment has tested 129 water treatment plants statewide since 2019 . Those plants, chosen because of their proximity to potential PFAS sources, furnish drinking water to 4.3 million residents, or 70% of Maryland's population.The MDE said levels above the EPA threshold were detected in treatment plants furnishing drinking water to 18,600 residents of the city of Westminster and 6,300 residents of the town of Hampstead, both in Carroll County.After confirming the initial results, state officials ordered the wells with high PFAS levels supplying water to those systems be taken offline. Investigators have yet to pin down the contamination sources, but Denise Keehner, an assistant MDE secretary, noted that there is a fire training facility near the Hampstead well.In Pennsylvania, the Department of Environmental Protection sampled 372 large and small water systems , including some serving private businesses, that were near sources of contamination. Another 40 baseline samples were taken from systems not close to known or suspected PFAS sources.One site with results higher than the EPA's guideline was a municipal water system serving about 1,500 residents of Saegertown, north of Pittsburgh. In Saegertown, system operators identified and curtailed use of a well with high PFAS levels, said Lisa Daniels, drinking water bureau director for the DEP.The other came from a well furnishing drinking water to State of the Art, Inc., an electronic components manufacturer in State College with more than 100 employees, according to the company website.State officials have yet to identify the sources of PFAS in either case, but the State College factory is located near the municipal airport, which has used PFAS-laden firefighting foam.Prodded by its legislature, Virginia's Department of Health has been tasked with sampling drinking water from up to 50 water supplies and waterworks for six PFAS compounds . The department is required to report the results by Dec. 1.Certain PFAS can accumulate and stay in the human body for long periods of time. Studies using lab animals have linked exposure to high levels of PFAS with a variety of health problems, including liver and immune system damage, birth defects and increased risk of cancer.Even so, there are no enforceable federal standards limiting how much is safe to consume in drinking water. In 2016, the EPA set an advisory level of 70 parts per trillion for either or both of just two of the more thoroughly studied compounds, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).States usually rely on federal agencies to regulate exposure to harmful chemicals, often because they lack the technical expertise, laboratory capacity and other resources to make such determinations.But with the EPA taking years to act on PFAS, at least 22 states have taken steps to limit several of the compounds in their drinking water, according to the Environmental Council of the States. Seven states, including New York, have set or proposed their own enforceable maximum contaminant levels, while 10 others have advisory guidelines.In Pennsylvania, which has been grappling with multiple cases of PFAS contamination in community water systems, the Wolf administration had vowed two years ago to begin the process of setting its own health-based limits on PFAS in drinking water. In June, the state Environmental Quality Board approved the DEP's recommendation to proceed with setting a maximum contaminant level for PFOA. The department plans to propose that level later this year, according to DEP spokesman Jamar Thrasher.Maryland officials say they intend to keep looking for sources of PFAS contamination in the state, sampling another 62 water systems, and focus on reducing exposures while leaving the standard setting to the federal government. The MDE's Keehner said the EPA appears to be "moving pretty quickly" to assemble the latest scientific data to provide a legally defensible basis for limiting PFAS in drinking water.Earlier this year, the EPA declared its intent to regulate levels of PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, but it will take a year or more to actually set maximum safe levels. The agency also has announced plans to regulate PFAS in wastewater discharges from certain industriesa potential source of drinking water contamination.Congress could require even more aggressive steps. In July, the House passed the PFAS Action Act , which would require the EPA to regulate PFOA and PFOS in drinking water and set deadlines for determining whether to treat those and many of the other compounds as "hazardous substances" subject to mandatory cleanup under the federal Superfund law.The measure faces an uncertain future, though, in the closely divided Senate.
WASHINGTON

(October 06, 2021)The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced the following contract awards that pertain to local Navy activities., is awarded amodification (P00008) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N0001917C0080). This modification exercises an option to provide organizational and intermediate depot maintenance, logistics and supply support for three KC-130J aircraft for the government of Kuwait. Additionally, this modification provides limited repair of common support equipment. Work will be performed in Abdullah Al-Mubarak Air Base, Kuwait, and is expected to be completed in August 2022. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $9,918,884 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity.No applicable data., is awarded acost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-reimbursable, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides predictive decision analysis, technical analysis, simulation and consulting services. Additionally, this contract provides operational sustainment of existing fielded models in support of Naval Air Systems Command and Naval Aviation Enterprise. Work will be performed in Addison, Texas, and is expected to be completed in September 2026. No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The, is the contracting activity (N0042121D0037)., is awarded afirm-fixed price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for engineering, technical, administrative and programmatic management support for total life cycle management of the various aircrew escape systems managed under the Joint Program Office for Cartridge Actuated Device/Propellant Actuated Device (CAD/PAD) Tri-Service Charter. Work will be performed in Chatsworth, California, and is expected to be completed by September 2025. Fiscal 2021 Navy working capital funding of $500 dollars will be obligated on the first task order at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured and in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1) -- only limited number of responsible sources will satisfy agency requirements. The, is the contracting activity (N00174-21-D-0006)., is awarded afirm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract procures 25 F900 production 3D printer systems and initial support and sustainment to include technical support, installation, support equipment and ancillary equipment problem resolution, technical publication logistic support, original equipment manufacturer reach-back capability for software and hardware components, engineering investigations and corrective actions for system anomalies, and development of initial training for the supplied systems. Work will be performed in Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey (6%); Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii (4%); Yuma, Arizona (4%); Cherry Point, North Carolina (4%); Miramar, California (4%); New River, North Carolina (4%); Beaufort, South Carolina (4%); Camp Pendleton, California (4%); Fort Worth, Texas (4%); Newburgh, New York (4%); Lemoore, California (4%); Whidbey Island, Washington (4%); Oceana, Virginia (4%); North Island, California (4%); Norfolk, Virginia (4%); Jacksonville, Florida (4%); Mayport, Florida (4%); Point Mugu, California (4%); Fallon, California (4%); Camp Springs, Maryland (4%); New Orleans, Louisiana (4%); Patuxent River, Maryland (4%); China Lake, California (4%); Iwakuni, Japan (3%); and Okinawa, Japan (3%), and is expected to be completed in August 2026. No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). The, is the contracting activity (N6852021D0006).No applicable data.No applicable data.No applicable data.No applicable data., is awarded ancost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00201) to a previously awarded contract (N0001914C0067). This modification provides for non-recurring engineering in support of upgrades for Software Development Lab 6 and the data-at-rest encryption solution for P-8A Lot 11 aircraft for Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will be performed in Seattle, Washington (92.1%); and St. Louis, Missouri (7.9%), and is expected to be completed in December 2023. FMS funds in the amount of $11,593,358 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is awarded afirm-fixed-price order (N0001921F0709) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001919G0029). This order procures eight spare part and management and delivery of parts in support of the CH-53K low rate initial production configuration aircraft. Work will be performed in Stratford, Connecticut (64.24%); Waltham, Massachusetts (6.92%); Redmond, Washington (6.58%); Farnborough, United Kingdom (5.39%); Stamford, Connecticut (3.59%); Cromwell, Connecticut (1.72%); Stratford, Ontario, Canada (1.65%); Paramount, California (1.46%); Cary, North Carolina (1.33%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (7.12%), and is expected to be completed in December 2026. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $48,064,287 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., are awarded a combinedfirm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for design, technical documentation, fabrication, system integration, test and evaluation, and rapid prototyping support. These contracts do not include options, and have a maximum cumulative value of $30,300,000. This contract was competitively awarded with full and open competition. All items will be procured and evaluated at the delivery order level. Types of equipment may include radar, voice and data communications, cryptographic equipment, electronic countermeasures and navigation aids as they pertain to electronic warfare and radio frequency systems. Work will be performed in Manassas, Virginia (50%); and Lorton, Virginia (50%), and is expected to be completed by September 2026. Fiscal 2021 Navy working capital funds in the amount of $1,000 ($500 minimum contract guarantee per awardee) will be obligated at the time of award and will expire at the end of fiscal 2023. All other funding will be made available at the delivery order level as contracting actions occur. This contract was competitively procured via the beta System for Award Management website, with three offers received. The, is the contracting activity.
ANNAPOLIS (Oct. 07, 2021)Maryland counties' population grew unevenly over the past 10 years, leaving the state's two redistricting groups to draw new maps and create districts with equal, or close to equal, population.



Central areas of the state saw the most growth, while some counties in the West and on the Eastern Shore lost population.



Maryland's two redistricting commissions are tasked with creating new congressional and state legislative maps.



Congressional districts should be as close to zero variance of population as possible, according to Karl Aro, who chairs the Legislative Redistricting Advisory Commission.



But at the state level, "equal" doesn't have to be as exact.



"Legislative districts, the definition of 'substantially equal population' allows for greater leeway in terms of meeting that one person one vote standard," Aro said at a commission meeting last week.



That leeway from the ideal population, Aro says, is generally allowed to be as much as plus or minus 5%.



The ideal population for a Senate district in the new legislative maps will be a little over 131,000 people.



Some counties, including Montgomery and Prince George's, have enough people to support several Senate districts.



Some counties, particularly in the West and on the Eastern Shore, will need to be combined with other counties to reach the necessary population for a Senate district.



Sen. Bryan Simonaire, R-Anne Arundel, is a member of the legislative commission.



He told Capital News Service that with today's technology, there's not a need for such a wide variance in population among Senate districts.



He said in the last redistricting process, the legislative map made Democratic districts underpopulated and packed Republican voters into overpopulated jurisdictions.



For instance, in a 2012 legislative map proposed by then-governor Martin O'Malley, Districts 24, 25, and 26 in reliably Democratic Prince George's County each had populations under 118,000 people.



Districts 36 and 37, on the traditionally Republican Eastern Shore, have populations closer to 128,000 apiece.



The difference in population was "clearly done from a political standpoint," Simonaire said. "Not from the benefit of the people in the last go around."



A 2015 report from the Maryland Redistricting Reform Commission recommended that Maryland move to limit population variance in legislative districts to plus or minus 1%.



The report cited "extensive testimony" that the 5% rule was "used for political purposes unrelated to sound redistricting goals."



Simonaire thinks a better map is possible this year, as long as those drawing the maps keep communities of interest as the first priority.



"If they work on avoiding the political motivation behind itfocus on distance, keep communities together, that will benefit primarily the people," Simonaire said.



As an example, Simonaire pointed to Western Maryland, where Allegany and Garrett counties lost population.



Simonaire suggests that based on the geography and population of the area, a new map could allow for an underpopulated district there.



Sen. George Edwards, R-Allegany, Garrett and parts of Washington, expressed his support for the idea in testimony at a commission meeting last week.



"I also would suggest that you look at the minus 5% for District 1. I think that's fair," Edwards said.



Gov. Larry Hogan, R, assembled the Maryland Citizens Redistricting Commission, which includes representation for Democrats, Republicans and unaffiliated voters, earlier this year.



The executive order creating the commission includes direction for the commission to create legislative districts, "as nearly equal in population as is feasible given due regard for natural boundaries and the boundaries of political subdivisions."



Democratic leaders in the General Assembly later announced their own Legislative Redistricting Advisory Commission, where Democrats have a larger share of seats than their Republican counterparts.



The legislative commission has not released draft maps, but announced Wednesday that they plan to do so by Nov. 15.



The Maryland Citizens Redistricting Commission plans to hold a virtual meeting Wednesday at 6 p.m.



The Legislative Redistricting Advisory Commission is scheduled to meet Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Earl G. Graves School of Business Management in Baltimore.
WASHINGTON

(Oct. 07, 2021)The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced the following contract awards that pertain to local Navy activities.No applicable dataNo applicable data, is awarded amodification (P00002) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N0001920D0013). This modification increases the ceiling to procure propulsion system spare parts, modules, support equipment/packaging handling shipping and transportation material, and depot lay-in material in support of the F-135 propulsion system requirements of the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, and non-Department of Defense participants. Work will be performed in East Hartford, Connecticut (56%); North Berwick, Maine (13%); Indianapolis, Indiana (10%); Jupiter, Florida (7%); Windsor Locks, Connecticut (5%); Bristol, United Kingdom (4%); Rockford, Illinois (2%); Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico (2%); and Phoenix, Arizona (1%), and is expected to be completed in December 2024. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The, is the contracting activity., is awarded a not-to-exceedundefinitized, firm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00029) to a previously awarded contract (N0001919C0013). This modification adds scope to provide non-recurring engineering for Phase II design and development of unique hardware and software for the government of India in support of the MH-60R development program. Work will be performed in Owego, New York (81%); and Stratford, Connecticut (19%), and is expected to be completed in September 2027. Foreign Military Sales customer funds in the amount of $47,100,000 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is awarded afirm-fixed price, cost-plus-fixed-fee order (N0001921F0042) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001919G0029). This order provides non-recurring engineering for the development, integration, testing, and deployment of the MH-60 Product Line System Configuration 24 fleet release for all MH-60 air platform variants, to include baseline management integrated management planning, integrated development environment support, support equipment baseline management, software architect, core lab support, problem trouble report legacy support, engineering tools support, and development aircraft support for the Navy and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will be performed in Owego, New York (98%); Nowra, Australia (1%); and Karup, Denmark (1%), and is expected to be completed in August 2024. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $3,500,000; and FMS funds in the amount of $6,497,044 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity.l is awarded an $8,118,017 modification; and PAE National Security Solutions Inc., is awarded a $7,644,365 modification. This requirement will provide support services to the Demonstration and Assessment Team for coordination of operation forces to include warfighter workshops and other engagement activities; preparation and facilitation of technology demonstration and assessment planning and readiness meetings; and analysis and reporting of warfighting/warfighter inputs and concepts. Each task order will be competitively procured. The location of the work to be performed will be determined by individual task orders and is expected to be completed by September 2022. No funding is obligated at the time of award. The, is the contracting activity., is awarded anfixed-price (incentive-firm-target modification (P00048) to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N0001918C1048). This modification is adding scope to procure material lay in for the integrated core processor in support of full performance of maintenance on line replaceable components for military service depots in support of sustainment of F-35 aircraft for the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, non-U.S. Department of Defense participants and Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in September 2023. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $5,260,058; fiscal 2019 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $2,563,782; non-U.S. Department of Defense participant funds in the amount of $2,075,007; and FMS funds in the amount of $1,175,509 will be obligated at time of award, $2,563,782 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is awarded ancost-plus-fixed-fee order (N0001921F0512) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001921G0006). This order procures 757 Avionic Flow Valve Servo Air Supply Line kits, to include 683 kits for the Navy, 36 kits for the government of Australia, 28 kits for the government of Kuwait, and 10 validation/verification kits. Additionally, this order provides associated non-recurring engineering, logistics support, technical manuals, technical directives and deliverables in support of F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G upgrades. Work will be performed in El Segundo, California (80%); and St. Louis, Missouri (20%), and is expected to be completed in August 2024. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $8,158,536; and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $511,007 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is awarded anmodification (P00007) to a cost-plus-fixed-fee order (N0001919F2972) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001919G0029). This modification provides non-recurring engineering to include investigations, systems engineering support, risk analysis and integration development in support of the CH-53K Data Transfer Unit and Defensive Electronic Countermeasure System Replacement Phase III, to replace existing subsystems within the CH-53K production aircraft. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland (54.5%); Stratford, Connecticut (28.5%); Cedar Rapids, Iowa (11.5%); Fort Worth, Texas (4.5%); and Vergennes, Vermont (1.0%), and is expected to be completed in June 2024. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $10,079,034 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity.No applicable data, is awarded acost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. This contract provides program and project management, administrative, analytical, and corporate operations support services for the Naval Air Systems Command, Command Property Office in support of audit related activities. Work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland (50%); and Arlington, Virginia (50%), and is expected to be completed in September 2026. No funds will be obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 19.8. The, is the contracting activity (N6852021D0004)., is awarded afixed-price-incentive-firm-target modification (P00030) to a previously awarded contract (N0001918C1021). This modification provides increment (2) funding for one Short Take-Off/Vertical Landing (STOVL) and one Conventional Take-Off and Landing Block 4 developmental engines, and procures one STOVL nozzle module, one STOVL three-bearing swivel module, two STOVL initial spare engines, and one initial spare power module in support of the F-35 Lightning II aircraft program for the Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in East Hartford, Connecticut (56%); North Berwick, Maine (13%); Indianapolis, Indiana (10%); Jupiter, Florida (7%); Windsor Locks, Connecticut (5%); Bristol, United Kingdom (4%); Rockford, Illinois (2%); Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico (2%); and Phoenix, Arizona (1%), and is expected to be completed in December 2022. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $52,067,173, fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $5,906,118, fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Air Force) funds in the amount of $5,906,118, and non-U.S. DOD participant funds in the amount of $2,601,962 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is awarded ancost-plus-fixed-fee modification (P00018) to a previously issued order (N0001920F0571) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001919G0008). This modification adds scope and exercises options to procure material kits and special test/tooling equipment and provide non-recurring engineering in support of engineering change proposal development to support F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft retrofit and modification efforts for the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) participants and the governments of Israel, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2030. Fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $3,417,745; fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $1,276,182; fiscal 2019 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $220,104; non-U.S. DOD participants funds in the amount of $814,956; and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $6,182,916 will be obligated on this award, of which $220,104 will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is awarded acost-plus-fixed-fee, cost-plus-incentive-fee, fixed-price-incentive-fee contract definitization. This contract provides logistics support, to include ground maintenance activities, action request resolution, depot activities, automatic logistics information system operations and maintenance, reliability and maintainability, supply chain management, pilot training, maintainer training, and training system sustainment in support of delivered F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter air systems for the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Foreign Military Sales (FMS) customers and non-U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (57%); Orlando, Florida (26%); Greeneville, South Carolina (11%); Samlesbury, United Kingdom (4%); and El Segundo, California (2%), and is expected to be completed in December 2021. Fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Air Force) funds in the amount of $822,014,213; fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Marine Corps) funds in the amount of $382,221,083; fiscal 2021 operation and maintenance (Navy) funds in the amount of $176,725,435; fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Air Force) funds in the amount of $2,292,773; fiscal 2021 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $1,210,802; FMS funds in the amount of $217,257,071; and non-U.S. DOD participant funds in the amount of $412,352,906 will be obligated at time of award, $1,380,960,731 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1. The, is the contracting activity (N0001921C0020)., is awarded a not-to-exceedfirm-fixed-price, cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity undefinitized contract. This contract procures initial spares to include global spares packages, base spares packages, deployment spares packages, and afloat spares packages in support of F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter air vehicle delivery schedules for the Navy Marine Corps, Air Force, non-U.S. Department of Defense participants, and Foreign Military Sales customers. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in September 2026. No funds will be obligated at the time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). The, is the contracting activity (N0001921D0001)., is awarded afirm-fixed-price contract. This contract procures low rate initial production Lot One of the AGM-88G Advanced Anti-Radiation Guided MissileExtended Range (AARGM-ER). This contract provides for the production and delivery of 16 AGM-88G AARGM-ER All Up Rounds, six AGM-88G AARGM-ER Captive Air Training Missiles, four Common Munitions BIT Reprogramming Equipment Plus interface devices, initial spares, and required supplies and support. Work will be performed in Northridge, California (61%); Rocket Center, West Virginia (21%); China Lake, California (11%); and Ridgecrest, California (7%), and is expected to be completed in March 2024. Fiscal 2021 weapons procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $41,231,833 will be obligated at time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was not competitively procured pursuant to 10 U.S. Code 2304(c)(1). The, is the contracting activity (N0001921C0044)., is awarded afirm-fixed-price modification (P00007) to a previously awarded contract (N0001920C0007). This modification provides for the retrofit of Airborne Electronic Attack Weapons Replacement Assembly with 100 production kits required for the modification of ALQ-218 avionics in support of EA-18G upgrades, to include 64 kits for the Navy, and 36 kits for the government of Australia. Work will be performed in East Hartford, Connecticut (92%); and Bethpage, New York (8%), and is expected to be completed in November 2023. Fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $8,161,881; and Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $4,688,119 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The, is the contracting activity., is awarded amodification (P00020) to a previously awarded, firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N0042118D0004). This modification exercises an option for the procurement of 8,085 AN/ARC-210(v) radios for installation in over 400 strategic and tactical airborne, seaborne and land based (mobile and fixed) platforms for the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Coast Guard, other government agencies, and Foreign Military Sales customers. Work will be performed in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and is expected to be completed in September 2024. No funds are being obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual delivery orders as they are issued. The, is the contracting activity., is awarded afirm-fixed-price modification (P00012) to a previously awarded indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract (N0001919D0015). This modification increases the contract ceiling and adds scope to procure ancillary mission equipment in support of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Lot 15 production aircraft for the Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Foreign Military Sales customers, and non-U.S. Department of Defense participants. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas, and is expected to be completed in December 2023. No funds are being obligated at time of award; funds will be obligated on individual orders as they are issued. The, is the contracting activity.
Expedition 65 Commander Akihiko Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency will hand over command of the International Space Station today to ESA (European Space Agency) Flight Engineer Thomas Pesquet.

Pesquet will command the station until he departs with Hoshide and NASA astronauts Megan McArthur and Shane Kimbrough in mid-to-late November.

The four crewmates have been living on the orbital lab since April when they arrived aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour. The quartet will return to Earth next month inside Endeavour and parachute to a splashdown off the coast of Florida completing a six-month stay in space.

About 12 hours after Pesquet takes command of the orbiting lab, three Russian crewmates will launch toward the space station from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Soyuz Commander Anton Shkaplerov will ride inside the Soyuz MS-19 crew ship in between spaceflight participants Klim Shipenko and Yulia Peresild.

The trio will lift off inside the Soyuz MS-19 crew ship at 4:55 a.m. EDT on Tuesday and orbit the Earth twice before docking to the Rassvet module less than three-and-a-half hours later. Shkaplerov will stay in space until April while Shipenko and Yulia Peresild will return to Earth about 12 days later. The two spaceflight participants will ride back to Earth and parachute to a landing in Kazakhstan inside the Soyuz MS-18 crew ship with Roscosmos Flight Engineer Oleg Novitskiy.

NASA TV starts its live coverage of the change of command ceremony today at 3:20 p.m. EDT on the NASA app and the agency's website. NASA TV will be back on the air on Tuesday at 4:15 a.m. broadcasting the launch, docking and crew greeting at the space station of the new Russian trio.

The seven residents aboard the station today started the work week servicing a variety of research hardware. Kimbrough cleaned the Life Science Glovebox today following two weeks of rodent research activities. NASA Flight Engineer Mark Vande Hei swapped fuel bottles inside the Combustion Integrated Rack and also helped McArthur organize food to open up more space on the station.

Hoshide installed the Tele-Luminescence Analysis System that observes tissues and genes in small animals in the Kibo laboratory module. Pesquet set up the Fluidics experiment for a couple of runs today to better understand how fuels behave in spacecraft fuel tanks.

On-Orbit Status Report

Payloads:

Cool Flames Investigation with Gases: A crewmember replaced the bottle in CIR Manifold #4 with 100 percent C4H10 (Butane). Cool diffusion flames were discovered during droplet combustion experiments aboard the ISS in 2012, and this initiated a rapidly growing field of combustion research. A cool flame is one that burns at about 600 degrees Celsius. A typical candle is about two times hotter, burning at around 1,400 degrees Celsius. Most internal combustion engines are designed using computer models that neglect cool flame chemistry, but ignition and flame propagation in engines depend on cool flame chemistry. Cool flame chemistry also has a significant impact on fuel octane and cetane numbers, whose understanding has large economic consequences.

FLUIDICS: A crewmember installed the Fluidics Payload in the Columbus module and performed Science Run #1. The measurement of liquid displacement within a sphere in microgravity relates to a given kinematic representation of a spacecraft's fuel tank. The FLUIDICS investigation evaluates the Center of Mass (CoM) position regarding a temperature gradient on a representation of a fuel tank. The observation of capillary wave turbulence on the surface of a fluid layer in a low-gravity environment can provide insights into measuring the existing volume in a sphere.

Rodent Research-Demonstration 1 (RR-D1): A crewmember performed cleanup procedures for the Life Science Glovebox that was used for Rodent Research operations. Rodent Research-Demonstration 1 (RR-D1) validates equipment and procedures for surgical techniques related to the wound healing process. Normal skin function and wound healing are important for maintaining good health, but spaceflight may impair healing of wounds in astronauts. Results from this investigation are intended to support design of a subsequent study on the effects of spaceflight on wound healing.

TELe-Luminescence Analysis System (TELLAS): A crewmember installed hardware equipment in preparation of TELLA operations. TELLA is an experimental facility that uses luminescence and an imager to make observations of tissues/genes in small living animals. Such in-vivo observations facilitate the study of mechanisms related to aging in the microgravity environment. Installed in the Kibo module, the TELLAS facility can provide information that contributes to aging research and improves the health and longevity of people on Earth.

Systems:

EVA Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Maintenance: Today, the crew swapped the EMUs that are installed in the equipment lock in preparation for next week's loop scrub. The crew also performed a Water Line Vent Tube Assembly (WLVTA) R&R on EMU 3004.

Photo/TV SAW Mast Starboard Survey: The crew completed a photo survey of the starboard solar array masts by capturing a series of images from the MRM2 starboard window of all four starboard mast structures and blankets. These images will provide the ground with an opportunity to review new and old damage to the mast structures. The ground is working on a plan to quantify and mitigate the risk of solar array mast structural failure due to Micro Meteoroid Orbital Debris (MMOD).

LAB1D2 JSL Router Deploy: The crew installed the Joint Station LAN (JSL) Router and associated hardware into the Avionics #3 (AV-3) rack in the US Lab. The procedure included installation of the router and mounting hardware as well as a new interface panel and rack closeout panel. The crew connected the minimum amount of cabling needed to power the router and provide Ethernet connection for the purpose of performing a router checkout.

Completed Task List Activities:

ESA-PAO FRANCE24 E5

Today's Ground Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

DDCU S02B 50Hz Data Dump

Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) Robotics Micro Conical Tool (RMCT) Stow

Node 1 fan speed test day 1

Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Maneuver

RELL Stow into RiTS

Look Ahead Plan

Tuesday, October 5 (GMT 278)

Payloads:

FLUIDICS RUN 2&3 (ESA)

FSL Connector tightening (ESA)

ISS HAM Pass (NASA)

JAXA PCG-18-Crystal Start (JAXA)

Lumina Data Transfer (ESA)

TELLAS (Tele-Luminescence) closeout (JAXA)

Systems:

Cargo Operations

65S Docking

ISS Safety Briefing

PAO Events

CMS T2 Rack Centering

Wednesday, October 6 (GMT 279)

Payloads:

Express Rack bulb changes (NASA)

Food Acceptability (NASA)

J-SSOD-19 Deploy (JAXA)

Immersive Exercise PILOT VR charging (ESA)

Probiotics Saliva ops and questionnaire (JAXA)

Systems:

Lab Ethernet Cable Configuration

PAO Education Filming

Cargo Operations

Respiratory Support Pack Checkout

EVA Glove Photos

EVA Wanted Poster

Thursday, October 7 (GMT 280)

Payloads:

Astrobee prep (NASA)

AWP setup for download (NASA)

CBEF Board R&R (JAXA) - do not post in daily

DECLIC Harddrive and Alice Install (ESA)

ESA-EPO TOUCHS (ESA)

Immersive Exercise Session (ESA)

Technology Box T/S (ESA)

Systems:

Emergency Roles and Responsibilities Review

Portable PFS T/S

Cargo Operations

HMS Operations

PAO Events

Today's Planned Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

Countermeasures System (CMS) Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Cylinder Flywheel Evacuation

Environmental Health System (EHS) Personal CO2 Monitor Charging

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Periodic Health Status (PHS) Evaluation Setup

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Periodic Health Status (PHS) Evaluation - Subject

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Periodic Health Status (PHS) Evaluation - Crew Medical Officer (CMO)

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Periodic Health Status (PHS) Stow Hardware

Photo/TV SAW MAST Setup

ESA Monthly Management Conference

TELE-LUMINESCENCE ANALYSIS SYSTEM (TELLAS) Item Gathering

TELE-LUMINESCENCE ANALYSIS SYSTEM (TELLAS) Equipment Setup

Fluidics hardware installation

Transfer Cygnus Cargo Operations

HMS Vision Test Setup

Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Water Recovery System (WRS) Sample Analysis

IPU2 Installation to WS Rack Part2

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Spaceflight Cognitive Assessment Tool for Windows (WinSCAT) Test

Fluidics Run 1 execution

Photo/TV SAW Mast Starboard Survey

Internal Audio Subsystem (IAS) Crew Quarter (CQ) Audio Cable Configuration

Public Affairs Office (PAO) Social Media Event

Stowage CTB Consolidate

Fluidics Power OFF

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Vision Test

HMS Vision Test Stow

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Vision Questionnaire

Combustion Integrated Rack Bottle Gather

Combustion Integrated Rack Upper Rack Doors Open

Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Water Line Vent Tube Assembly (WLVTA) Remove and Replace

Combustion Integrated Rack Manifold #4 Bottle Replacement

Combustion Integrated Rack Upper Rack Doors Close

LAB1D2 JSL Router Installation.

Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Sample Data Record

LSG Work Volume Deploy

Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Manual Fill Initiation

Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Water Line Vent Tube Assembly (WLVTA) Inspection

Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Swap

Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Manual Fill Termination

Countermeasures System (CMS) Treadmill 2 System (T2) Rack Centering

Stowage CTB Relocate

Portable CO2 Monitor Power On and Deploy

Treadmill 2 Centering Check

Crew takes photos of T2 Top Arm Attachment Fasteners

Public Affairs Office (PAO) High Definition (HD) Config JEM Setup

Photo/TV SAW and Mast photography equipment teardown

Change of Command

LSG Work Volume Stow



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Ten people are living and working aboard the International Space Station today following the arrival of three Russian crewmates on Tuesday morning.

The five astronauts, three cosmonauts, and two spaceflight participants will work together on science, maintenance, and filmmaking activities until the departure of the Soyuz MS-18 crew ship on Oct. 16.

NASA Flight Engineer Mark Vande Hei joined new Expedition 65 Commander Thomas Pesquet of ESA (European Space Agency) and spent the first half of the day on communications work. The duo connected cables and configured components on a newly-installed router in the U.S. Destiny laboratory module. The pair split up in the afternoon as Vande Hei worked on Cygnus space freighter cargo transfers and Pesquet inspected U.S. spacesuit gloves.

The other two NASA Flight Engineers, Megan McArthur and Shane Kimbrough, assisted Vande Hei with cargo work inside Cygnus which has been attached to the Harmony module since August. McArthur also serviced a variety of hardware throughout the day including a cordless vacuum cleaner, science rack light bulbs and a carbon dioxide monitor. Kimbrough worked on, then activated and checked out the Tranquility module's treadmill.

Flight Engineer Akihiko Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency was in the cupola during the morning photographing tiny satellites deployed outside the Kibo laboratory module. The Japanese astronaut, who swapped station command with Pesquet on Monday, also assisted McArthur with the vacuum work then moved on to ventilation work inside Tranquility.

Four-time station visitor Anton Shkaplerov of Roscosmos got right to work Wednesday following his three-and-half ride to the orbiting lab on Tuesday. He unpacked cargo delivered aboard the new Soyuz MS-19 crew ship and worked on video gear and a Russian science experiment with fellow cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy. Novitskiy then began collecting station hardware for return to Earth inside the Soyuz MS-18 spacecraft.

Roscosmos Flight Engineer Pyotr Dubrov worked on water transfers from the docked ISS Progress 78 resupply ship then moved on to hardware checks inside the Rassvet module. Dubrov also helped the new spaceflight participants, Yulia Peresild and Klim Shipenko, adapt to life on the station as the pair begin several days of movie filming work.

On-Orbit Status Report

Payloads:

Immersive Exercise: A crewmember charged the Wireless VR Headset with the Pilote Headset Cable on the USB multiport in preparation for Immersive Exercise operations. The Immersive Exercise project focuses on the development of a virtual reality (VR) environment for biking sessions aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The VR equipment is interfaced with the current bicycle exerciser aboard the ISS, Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation and Stabilization (CEVIS), located in the United States "Destiny" Laboratory Module.

JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer-19 (J-SSOD-19): A crewmember took photos of the deployed satellite from JEM Launcher 1. The JEM Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (J-SSOD) provides a novel, safe, and small satellite launching capability to the ISS. The J-SSOD is a unique satellite launcher, handled by the Japanese Experiment Module Remote Manipulator System (JEMRMS), which provides containment and deployment mechanisms for several individual small satellites.

Systems:

LAB1D2 Joint Station Lan (JSL) Router Cable Connections: Today, the crew performed the JSL cable connections for the newly installed router in LAB1D2. The crew ran into some trouble while performing the cable connections but were able to work through the issues and complete the activity. The newly installed router and cable connections are part of the JSL 14.0 software transition. The transition to JSL 14.0 will provide updates to several systems as well as increase the capacity and speed of the JSL network.

T2 Rack Center and Crewed ACO: After discovering that three of the T2 Snubbers were out of alignment yesterday, today the crew centered the rack and reperformed the crewed ACO. Both activities went nominally, and the crew took pictures and video for ground teams to review. Due to the JSL outage associated with the JSL Ethernet Connections, the crew cannot downlink the pictures or video until after the activity is completed. The crew used one of the camcorders onboard to give ground teams a preliminary look at the T2 Snubbers. Based on this preliminary look, ground teams have declared T2 GO for use, contingent on their review of the actual video and pictures once they are downlinked.

Node 3 Fwd 3 IMV Screen R&R: After the crew inspected the Node 3 Fwd 3 IMV screen, ground teams decided to schedule an R&R. The crew replaced the IMV screen with a new 3D printed screen that will allow for better airflow and easier cleaning.

Completed Task List Activities:

None

Today's Ground Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

Japanese Experiment Module Remote Manipulator System (JEMRMS) Ground Control CubeSat Deployment

Transition KCU 1 and KCU 2 to JSL 14.0 config

C2V2 Ethernet Device Configuration

Japanese Experiment Module Remote Manipulator System (JEMRMS) Pre-motion Survey

JEMRMS Ground Control Main Arm Maneuver to Stowed Position

JEM Airlock Slide Table Extension to JEF side

JEM Airlock Capture Mechanism Capturing

JEM Airlock Slide Table Retraction from JEF side

Look Ahead Plan

Thursday, October 7 (GMT 280)

Payloads:

Astrobee prep (NASA)

AWP setup for download (NASA)

DECLIC Hard drive and Alice Install (ESA)

ESA-EPO TOUCHS (ESA)

Immersive Exercise Session (ESA)

Technology Box T/S (ESA)

Systems:

Emergency Roles and Responsibilities Review

Portable PFS T/S

Cargo Operations

HMS Operations

PAO Events

Friday, October 8 (GMT 281)

Payloads:

Astrobee Perching Arm Install, stowage clear and crew conf and Astrobatics session (NASA)

BioLab Laptop checkout (ESA)

Food Acceptability (NASA)

Food Physiology Brief (NASA)

HRF1 Supply Inventory (NASA)

JAXA Water Recovery Pump3 Exchange (JAXA) -

Technology Box Data transfer (ESA)

TELLAS (Tele-Luminescence) ops (JAXA)

Systems:

N1 20-Port JSL Switch Deploy

CASA Outfit

N3 Endcone Cleanout

PAO Events

NRAL Stowage Cleanout

Photo/TV N2 HD Encoder Ethernet Cable Swap

EVA Mag Gather

Saturday, October 9 (GMT 282)

Payloads:

Off-duty

Systems:

Off-duty

Today's Planned Activities:

All activities are complete unless otherwise noted.

*Due to live network upgrade operations, the status of tasks completed today may be inaccurate*

Brine Filter CTB Replenish

Countermeasures System (CMS) Treadmill 2 (T2) Manned Activation and Checkout (ACO)

T2 Photo Survey

Countermeasures System (CMS) Treadmill 2 System (T2) Rack Centering

Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Usage Big Picture Words

CUP IMV Flow Measurement

EDV Build

Environmental Health System (EHS) Personal CO2 Monitor Data Transfer and Stow

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Glove Photos

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Wanted Poster

EXPRESS FAILED LIGHT BULB REPLACEMENT

Health Maintenance System (HMS) Respiratory Support Pack (RSP) - Checkout

Initial Cordless Vacuum Cleaner and Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Batteries Setup

Wireless VR Headset charging for Immersive Exercise

JEMRMS Small Satellite Deployment Observation

LAB1D2 JSL Router Cable Installations

Power ON SSC and Payload NAS post JSLv14 Cable reconfig [Planned for tonight]

Node 3 Fwd 3 IMV Screen Remove and Replace

Photo/TV Treadmill 2 (T2) Activation and Checkout (ACO) Video Setup

Photo/TV Treadmill 2 (T2) Activation and Checkout (ACO) Video Teardown

Public Affairs Office (PAO) Downlink Message

Public Affairs Office (PAO) High Definition (HD) Config JEM Setup

Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event in Standard Definition

Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event in Standard Definition (SD) Setup

Public Affairs Office (PAO) Social Media Event

Probiotics Capsule Preparation

Probiotics Question

Probiotics Saliva Sample MELFI Insertion

Probiotics Saliva Operations

Space Acceleration Measurement System Control Unit Activation [Deferred]

Transfer Cygnus Cargo Operations

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Ontario-sired Fout topped Thursdays third session of the 2021 Lexington Yearling Sale thanks to his price tag of $250,000.

Hip 460 Fout, a son of Bettors Delight , was purchased by Wallacestandardbreds Inc of Puslinch, Ont. Bred and consigned by Winbak Farm, the bay colt is the third foal out of Weeper (1:49 - $569,511).

Hip 516 Shes A Lady was a $210,000 purchase by Douglas Overhiser of Shorewood, Illinois. The Captaintreacherous filly is a full sister to Lady Midnight (1:51.4 - $71,395). The fillys dam, My Lady Love, is a sister to speedballs American Jewel (1:48.2 - $1,840,565) and Luck Be Withyou (1:47.4 - $1,454,166). She bred and consigned by Brittany Farms.

Hip 421 Blue Lou was a $160,000 purchase by Nancy Takter of Allentown, New Jersey. The son of Sweet Lou, who was bred by Walco Farms and consigned by Kentuckiana Farms, is the first foal out of Dance Blue (1:50.2 - $313,450). The fillys dam is a half-sister to American Mercury (1:49.3 - $839,475).

Hip 364 Morning Edition fetched a final bid of $145,000 from Douglas Overhiser of Shorewood, Illinois. The Walner colt, bred and consigned by Brittany Farms, is the third foal out of Morning Glow  a sister to Starita (1:53.3 - $307,696).

Hip 372 Snowpiercer went to John Bax of Campbellville, Ont. for $130,000. The son of Muscle Mass, bred and consigned by Hunterton Farm, is the sixth foal out of Wheely Quick  a three-quarter sister to Wheeling N Dealin (1:54 - $$913,975). The colt is a full brother to White Cheetah (1:55.1 - $139,655) and a half brother to Killer Instinct (1:55.3 - $95,894).

Total sales for the third session reached $10,169,000, and that translated into an average price of $45,806  the highest average for a third session since the 2017 sale averaged $47,594.

The Thursday totals pushed the sale to a record for highest-ever gross with two sessions still to go. In 2021, 550 yearlings have sold for $46.6 million. The final sale total in 2019 was $46.4 million for all 762 horses.

The five-day selected sale runs through Saturday, Oct. 9 at the Fasig-Tipton Newtown Paddocks. The fourth session is slated for Friday (Oct. 8) at 7 p.m.

Complete information can be found in the sale catalogue, available at lexingtonselected.com and on the Equineline sales catalogue app.

IMPORTANT LINKS

 Sortable Sale Roster

 Yearling Sale Catalogue (PDF)

 Outs List

 Sale Results

 Online Bidding (via Proxibid)

 Sale Streaming Video
Opening week at The Raceway at Western Fair District will include the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Societys (OSAS) 25th Anniversary Trot on Friday night (Oct. 8) in the seventh race, a $10,000 Preferred 3 contest.

The richest performer in the race with more than $400,000 banked to date in his career is the eight-year-old gelding Willyorwonthe. He will leave from post four with regular pilot Colin Kelly in the bike. Kyle Bossence trains the son of Angus Hall for owner Phil Maguire of Arthur, Ont.

Willyorwonthe was bred by veteran horseman Bill Megens, who was in the headlines last month for becoming the oldest driver in the history of Flamboro Downs to win a race. At age 87, Megens drove Opas Faith to victory. It was his first win since driving Willyorwonthe to a victory two years prior at Georgian Downs. Willyorwonthe is the final foal from Megens good trotter Mikestory, who won close to a quarter-million in her career. She is the grand dam of Opas Faith.

Willyorwonthe is the 5-2 second choice on the morning line with Sicario selected as the 2-1 favourite from the inside post for driver Brett MacDonald and trainer Richard Moreau.

Post time at Western Fair is 4:50 p.m., with the OSAS race scheduled to go to post at approximately 7:08 p.m.

Friday's card also features a $10,000 Fillies & Mares Preferred 3 Pace in Race 3 with Mywishlistforyou as the 7-5 morning line favourite and another $10,000 Preferred 3 Trot in Race 10 headlined by 6-5 choice Veyron.

Programs are available on the Western Fair District website.

To view Friday's harness racing entries, click on the following link: Friday Entries - Western Fair Raceway.

(With files from OSAS)
Abortionist Offers to Pay Catholics to Stop Praying in National Movement to End Abortion

American Life League's Marian Blue Wave Celebrates Second Anniversary



NEWS PROVIDED BY

American Life League

Oct. 7, 2021



FREDERICKSBURG, Va., Oct. 7, 2021 /Standard Newswire/ -- As faithful Catholics prayed the Rosary outside of a late-term abortion facility in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, the door opened and suddenly the abortionist was standing there. He asked the group of Marian Blue Wave participants, "Who is paying you to be here?" When they replied that they were there voluntarily and not being paid, the man announced, "Well, I will pay you $100 not to come back!"



"This story out of New Jersey confirms that our Marian Blue Wave is making an impact," declared Katie Brown, Director of the American Life League's growing Catholic movement to eliminate abortion. Headquartered in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the organization has been on the front lines of the nationwide pro-life effort for over 40 years.



Under Brown's direction, over its two-year existence, the Marian Blue Wave has gathered nearly five thousand participants in all 50 states and 31 different countries and is growing daily.



The Marian Blue Wave is a call to Catholics throughout America to pray a weekly Rosary with the specific intentions of ending all types of abortions and shutting down every Planned Parenthood facility. The American Life League celebrates the second anniversary of its Marian Blue Wave on October 7, 2021, and invites Catholics across the nation to join the initiative.



Brown explained that in addition to the overarching aim of ending abortion throughout the nation, the specific goals of the Marian Blue Wave are to:

Shut down every Planned Parenthood facility in the United States (Planned Parenthood is the largest provider of abortions in America).



Shut down all other abortion facilities in the United States.



Change the hearts of Catholics who advocate for or promote abortion in any way.

"With the grace of God and the intercession of His blessed mother, we pray the Rosary for an end to all types of abortion, for the closure of all Planned Parenthood and abortion facilities, and for the protection of our Lord in the Eucharist," stated Brown. "We need this because we have been fighting abortion politically for over 40 years, and nothing has changed. The Marian Blue Wave focuses on the true evil behind abortion, and rallies people together to fight that evil with our most powerful weapon: the Rosary."



Brown believes that dedicated prayer will "refocus the fight against abortion from politics, to putting our faith back in God to end the deep-rooted evil of abortion."



The Marian Blue Wave has its roots in an invitation by Bishop Joseph Strickland of Tyler, Texas, for all Catholics to "refocus on the beautiful gift of the Rosary, and the call to prayer that the Blessed Virgin Mary has given us so many times."



"With this Marian Blue Wave, we certainly pray for the sanctity of life, from conception to natural death," added Strickland. "And we pray for healing in the world and the Church at this time."



Learn more about the Marian Blue Wave, join the movement, and find resources for participation at marianbluewave.com.



About American Life League

The American Life League has been part of the pro-life abortion debate from its inception. Since 1979, the American Life League has committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to death with a pro-life integrity that stands up for every innocent human being whose life is threatened by a "culture of death." For more information visit all.org.



SOURCE American Life League



CONTACT: Tom Ciesielka, 312-422-1333, tc@tcpr.net


Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading global financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, has entered into a strategic partnership with Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) for the first edition of Fintech Surge. It is a new exhibition, conference and meeting point for the Fintech and Financial Services communities, co-located with Gitex Global 2021.

Fintech Surge will be launched as part of Gitex Global from October 17 to 20 at DWTC, uniting global Fintech leaders, startups and financial centres, and is set to be one of the Middle East and North Africas most impactful events for the regional Fintech ecosystem.

From digital banking to PayTech, InsurTech, Wealth and Asset Management and RegTech, Fintech Surge will spark dialogue that will shape the regional Fintech space in the coming years.

Fintech Surge comes at an opportune time in the regional industrys development; the number of FinTech and innovation companies operating out of DIFC reached more than 450, with over 140 new start-ups and FinTechs joining our DIFC Innovation Hub during the first half of 2021.

As well as being one of the worlds most advanced financial centres and the leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, DIFC offers one of the regions most comprehensive Fintech and venture capital environments, including innovative accelerator programmes such as FinTech Hive, the first and largest financial technology accelerator in the MEASA region.

The DIFC Innovation Hub, meanwhile, is home to the largest innovation ecosystem in the region and paves the way for early-stage startups, growth-stage startups, and larger tech firms to accelerate their growth. The Hub is now home to over 60% of FinTech companies based in the GCC and integral to the Dubai Future District of which DIFC and DWTC are the main partners.

Raja Al Mazrouei, Executive Vice President of DIFC FinTech Hive said: We are delighted to partner with DWTC for the first edition of Fintech Surge. This event comes at a time when the world is witnessing a revolution in the financial services sector and will provide a platform for FinTech companies to explore significant opportunities for growth. DIFC will remain at the forefront of FinTech in the region and continue to lead the future of finance, providing all the necessary tools to develop the sector, supporting both start-ups and more established tech companies.

DIFC will deliver the welcome address for the Fintech Surge Digital Banking Summit on October 19, as well as hosting four mentorship clinics during Fintech Surge. The clinics will give budding FinTech entrepreneurs essential insight that can drive their early-stage growth. DIFC will also be exhibiting during the event to showcase what DIFC can do for FinTech companies seeking to start or scale up in the MEASA region from Dubai.

Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President, Events Management, Dubai World Trade Centre, said: We are pleased to welcome DIFC as strategic partner for the inaugural edition of Fintech Surge. As the worlds of finance and technology combine to create innovative, disruptive solutions that redefine the status quo, Fintech Surge will drive meaningful thought leadership that can define the regional ecosystem for years to come. We look forward to working with DIFC to create a lasting impact in the FinTech space. -- TradeArabia News Service
Metso Outotec, a leading Finnish mining engineering company with a major presence in the Middle East, has secured a engineering and technology contract for the delivery of a raw water treatment unit for a gold plant project in the region.

The raw water treatment plant, which represents one of Metso Outotecs many Planet Positive technologies, will help ensure the gold plants process performance and efficiency.

Cleaned municipal waste water is used as the raw water source for the new raw water treatment plant, said the company in a statement.

The order value exceeds 10 million ($11.7 million) and it has been booked in minerals Q3/2021 orders received, it added.

A frontrunner in sustainable technologies, end-to-end solutions and services for the aggregates, minerals processing and metals refining industries globally, Metso Outotec pointed out that it had delivered over 30 water treatment plants for the minerals processing industry across the globe.

Headquartered in Helsinki, Metso Outotec employs over 15,000 people in more than 50 countries and its sales for 2020 were about 3.9 billion ($4.6 billion).-TradeArabia News Service
Top consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton has identified the key trends that have emerged and can be leveraged by the UAEs real estate industry to thrive beyond Expo 2020 event. These include:

*Shift in the UAEs demand base boosting alternative segments: From being a stopover destination, it is evolving into a country of choice for long-term stays where families and individuals lay down roots, study, and retire. Aided by expatriate-friendly visa and investor programs, a steady demographic shift is already occurring with old and young dependency ratios at a decade high.

Developers and investors should explore resulting alternative pockets of demand, such as larger and affordable family housing, student housing, or assisted living facilities for affluent retirees. Other pandemic-driven segments gaining momentum include healthcare and well-being, logistics, digital infrastructure, and biotech, stated the expert.

*Asset management to the fore: As in all real estate cycles with subdued development growth, the focus shifts to extracting maximum value from standing assets through rigorous and active asset management.

As the UAEs largest asset owners consolidate and rationalize portfolios like with Dubai Holdings take-over of Meraas in 2020, the pressing priority is the in-depth management of operating assets and more synergetic re-thinking of uses, especially amidst Covids new realities.

This includes the rejuvenation of mall offerings to a rapidly changing, more local demand, rethinking lifestyle destinations and their digital integration, repurposing under-used offices into alternate uses, and reimagining the hotel experience beyond the room.

*Double-down on third-party services: As demand slowly recovers, top real estate players have been redirecting their best-in-class capabilities into safe businesses that generate sustainable recurring income, such as fee-based development and operations. One of the regional pioneers in the space, Aldar went all in on such services and reaped immediate rewards from its investor base.

*Time for urban regeneration: As the urban sprawl of UAE cities expands, older communities could largely benefit from a push for strategic regeneration, coupled with stronger integration and connectivity initiatives.

The recently unveiled Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, for instance, seeks to increase population densities around mass transit stations, while boosting green spaces and improving quality of life. Developers can benefit from a shift in focus from increasingly remote greenfield opportunities to selective regeneration projects in the historical cores of Sharjah, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi.

*Technology, sustainability and innovation at the center of communities: With technologies reaching efficient scales, the pandemic boosting the need for connectivity and digital solutions, and the rise of ESG financing, community developers and operators should increasingly build their products and services around winning technologies.

With Dubai house prices increasing for the first time since 2015, the fundamental question is whether the Expo 2020 will have a transitory or long-lasting impact on the UAE real estate market.

Bruno Wehbe, VP at Booz Allen Hamilton, said: "While Expo 2020 will trigger a turnaround of the UAEs real estate sector, and the case for optimism is real, long-term priorities for real estate players need to evolve from the last few decades."

"By tapping new alternative products and segments, doubling down on asset management and fee-based services, and embracing technology, UAE developers can set themselves up for another decade of phenomenal growth," he stated.

Some of the most common technologies Booz Allen is seeing in the market include EV charging stations, digital CRM lifecycle services, proptech and smart home solutions, sustainable power generation and integrated utility control services.

"Despite the setbacks of the pandemic, opportunities are emerging for savvy developers who pay attention to timing and demand," stated its VP Joseph Mazloum. These players will lead the resurgence into profitability and sustainable yields, he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Against the backdrop of Expo 2020 Dubai, ABB, one of the worlds leading technology companies, looks back at 45 years of success in the country and commits to advancing the UAEs transformative projects.

Over 45 years in the UAE, ABB has deployed advanced solutions through electrification, robotics, automation and motion technology across landmark projects with Dubai International Airport, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Metro and Burj Khalifa and more.

At the Expo ABBs Futuristic vision of sustainability is on showcase, underpinned by electrification and automation solutions.

As a company with Swedish heritage, ABB will commemorate its success and present its future outlook as an official partner of the Sweden Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, showcasing its industry-leading technology essential to building a smart society.

ABB is set to highlight innovations under the pavilions theme of Co-creation for Innovation, including a specially adapted robot that helps turn plastic waste into furniture.

On December 13, the company will celebrate ABB Day with its key stakeholders, including its partners, customers, and employees. ABB will also join in the festivities to celebrate Sweden Day at Expo 2020 Dubai on 15th December. During the six-month run of Expo 2020 Dubai, passengers traveling via Dubai International Airport and Dubai Metro will discover how ABB delivers on its Lets write the future. Together. brand promise.

Bjorn Rosengren, Chief Executive Officer at ABB, said: We congratulate the UAEs visionary leadership on the successful opening of Expo 2020 Dubai. At ABB, we are dedicated to aligning with the future aspirations of the countries in which we operate, and we look forward to further growing our relationship with public and private entities in the UAE.

As a true partner of progress with the UAE for more than four decades, we recognise the need for constant innovation, leveraging the best of electrification and automation to help the nation maintain its leading position on the world stage. We look forward to meeting decision-makers at Expo 2020 Dubai, working together to solve challenges and forge a smarter future, Rosengren added.

PROMINENT MILESTONES

ABBs first significant cooperation in the UAE focused on enabling the efficient supply of desalinated water. As the UAE increased investments in large-scale projects, ABB later supported the automation of Dubai International Airport and began powering Dubais Palm Jumeirah.

Owing to its expertise in powering metro stations globally, including the Delhi Metro and Guangzhou and Shenzhen Metro lines, ABB was chosen to power the Dubai Metro  the first automated metro system in the Middle East. The partnership with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) witnessed ABB design and install Substation Control and Monitoring Systems (SCMS) for Dubai Metros gas-insulated switchgear substations.

ABB also installed the electrical power systems to keep the worlds tallest building running 24/7. The Burj Khalifa features the worlds highest substation, enabling the buildings facility management team to monitor the power supply of 400 electrical loads at the site, including 57 elevators and a 24 megawatt (MW) air conditioning system.-- TradeArabia News Service
Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) and DP World Jeddah have jointly started work on the expansion and revamp of the South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port.

On completion, the revamped terminal will double the ports container handling capacity from 2.4 million to 4 million TEUs by 2024 and solidify Jeddahs standing as a major trade and logistics center on the Red Sea coast.

The revamp of the facility comes in line with Saudi Arabias strategy to develop ports infrastructure to unlock the Kingdoms maritime logistics and transportation potential, said senior officials at the foundation stone laying ceremony for the expansion and modernization of the South Container Terminal.

The ceremony to mark the start of the first phase of construction at the South Container Terminal was attended by Omar Hariri, President of Mawani, a delegation of senior Saudi government officials, and representatives from DP World Jeddahs management.

The development of the South Container Terminal is part of the new concession agreement Mawani had signed with DP World Jeddah in April 2020 to continue operating and managing the facility for the next 30 years.

The company has committed to a total investment of $800 million to modernise the terminal.

The new overhaul project, which will take place over four phases and is set to be completed by 2024, will see infrastructural upgrades, including the broadening of draft depth and quay, and the installation of advanced equipment and technologies.

"The continuing development of our national ports through public-private partnerships is a priority for us at Mawani as part of our long-term strategy to drive growth in Saudi Arabias ports sector and bolster the kingdoms pre-eminent position as a global logistics hub connecting three continents as envisaged in Vision 2030," remarked Hariri.

"With its strong track record in successfully delivering on concession contracts and operating ports facilities, DP World Jeddah is a strategic partner for us in our efforts to further develop Jeddah Islamic Port. We are confident that the new expansion project will have a significant impact not only on the port but also the Kingdoms economy and society," he added.

DP World Jeddah and Country Head Saudi Arabia Mohammad Alshaikh said: "We are working closely with Jeddahs Islamic Port Authority and Mawani to continue strengthening the ports position as a strategic trade hub, connecting Eastern and Western trade routes."

"Our strategy as a smart trade enabler is to modernize the facility, expand its capacity and diversify the range of smart logistics services on offer at the South Container Terminal. This will help in improving the quality of the service for our current customers and assist our efforts towards attracting new business to the port," he stated.

The development plans include extending the length of the quay from 1500m to 2150m and deepening the draft to 18m, which will enable the terminal to service five vessels simultaneously and handle the largest container vessels in operation today and in the future, carrying up to 26,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit).

The modernsation of the terminal yard surface, enhancements to the lighting and a complete upgrade to the utilities are also planned, noted Alshaikh.

DP World said 15 new ship to shore (STS) gantry cranes featuring the latest technology and 60 new electrically powered Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTGs) cranes will be added to the container yard in batches starting in 2022.

This will enable DP World Jeddah to increase its annual container handling capacity from 2.4 million TEUs to 4 million by 2024. The RTG cranes will be controlled from a state-of-the-art remote-control room by Saudi operators, as part of DP World Jeddahs focus on developing local talent.
RewirEd Summit, the Expo Flagship event from December 12 to 14, will reveal entirely new approaches to rewire education globally and create a sustainable, inclusive future for all.

To be held as part as part of the Knowledge and Learning Week at Expo 2020 Dubai, RewirED Summit has announced the emerging agenda and a stellar speaker line-up.

RewirEd Summit, the most important in-person global education gathering since the Covid-19 pandemic, is set to bring together Heads of States, Ministers, high profile speakers and panelists from UN agencies, international NGOs, academia, youth as well as representatives from the public and private sectors from around the world to forge new connections and collaborations for a new way forward in the education sector.

Key international organisations have joined forces with the RewirEd Summit to make the event a success. These include Unicef, Unesco, UNHCR, the World Economic Forum (WEF), the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), Education Cannot Wait (ECW), the World Food Programme (WFP), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the World Bank and the Office of the UN Special Envoy for Global Education.

Dr Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman at Dubai Cares, said: The RewirEd Summit in Dubai represents a unique opportunity for the global education community to come together to jump-start and scale the positive and bold change we want to see in education.

The education community is realising that now, more than ever, especially because of the large-scale disruption to education globally due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there is an urgent need for a seismic shift in education globally. We at Dubai Cares are proud to be spearheading this movement towards a global change.

We are delighted to bring together, for the first time in one place, some of the most prolific minds in the education sector to deliver a programme that will be both thought-provoking and challenging to the way we think about education. Over the course of the three-day flagship event, we will tackle some of the most pressing issues when it comes to forging a new path forward for education, so that it puts forward a new framework for creating an innovative, prosperous, sustainable and inclusive future for all.

Omar Shehadeh, Chief International Participants Officer at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: The world is witnessing an unprecedented disruption of educational systems. Creative thinking, innovative solutions and technology must be deployed to ensure quality education for all. The RewirEd Summit, which is the flagship event during Expo2020 Dubais Knowledge and Learning Week, provides a platform to spark conversation among different people in efforts to generate new ideas on how to tackle the future of education.

Speakers include Jakaya Kikwete, Former President of Tanzania; Rt Hon Gordon Brown, the UNs Special Envoy for Global Education and former UK Prime Minister; Shamma Al Mazrui, UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs, and Bob Moritz, Global Chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers.

The summit will focus on three key pillars: Youth, Skills and the Future of Work; Innovation in Education; and Education Financing. Cutting across the three pillars, there will also be a focus on where the need is greatest  namely countries affected by crisis.

DAY ONE - YOUTH, SKILLS AND THE FUTURE OF WORK

Day One will see high-level panels on the Future of Jobs & Skills and the Future of Tertiary Education, amongst others, as well as key technical sessions on issues such as Developing entrepreneurial mindsets amongst youth in schools and Green Skills for Green Jobs.

High level speakers include Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation of the UAE and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, Hon David Sengeh, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education and Chief Innovation Officer of Sierra Leone, Alan Jope, CEO Unilever and Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum (WEF).

The global education gathering will also deliver on its promise to push boundaries and disrupt systems by unveiling emerging experiments under the RewirEd Provocations, a series of co-designed ideas to help move current thinking from the usual to the unusual and address systemic, complex, and structural challenges impacting the education system.

DAY TWO  INNOVATION IN EDUCATION

Day Two will delve into how the world can develop innovative and scalable solutions, to ensure that children and youth anywhere and everywhere can build strong foundations for lifelong learning and wellbeing.

Several thought-provoking sessions will discuss practical steps on transformative change, including two masterclass sessions on Youth Digital Champions for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy; and Diversity of Diversity: The Power of Childrens Storybooks in Fostering Inclusive Communities. In addition, the African Union is hosting their Innovation in Education Africa Pitch where five of Africas most promising Education Innovations will be pitched to a highly experienced panel of judges.

DAY THREE  EDUCATION FINANCING

Day Three focuses on highlighting the criticality of centering education at the heart of human development and investment, especially in light of the detrimental impact on education budgets as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Setting the agenda will be Brown, delivering a high-level speech on Education - An Investment for a Sustainable and Prosperous Future for All. The day will also focus on high-level thematic panels, such as Innovative Financing Mechanisms for Education, Financing of Meaningful Connectivity for Learning, and Financing of Early Childhood Development featuring Sherrie Westin, the President of Sesame Workshop, the independent nonprofit organisation that helps kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder through their Muppets.

There will also be technical sessions ranging from Unblocking Impact through Islamic Philanthropy to Delivering Results for Skills through Outcome-based funding.

Dr Al Gurg will speak about Financing for Education in Emergencies, a session also featuring the Director of Education Cannot Wait, Yasmine Sherif, and refugee youth voices.

In addition, the RewirEd Summit will launch The RewirEd Declaration on Connectivity for Education which aims to build consensus and commitment through collective collaboration between key stakeholders, address key barriers to connectivity and highlight the need for an ecosystem for meaningful connectivity that ensures affordability, usability and reliability for learners and communities.

-- TradeArabia News Service
Story Hospitality, an integrated hospitality management platform, is planing to implement a strategy that is built on the protection of the environment.

To augment its sustainability initiatives, Story Hospitality signed a partnership with Green Key which supports all hotels under its portfolio with tools and resources for sustainability certification.

CEO Claudio Capaccioli said: We understand sustainability as meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations. Through our various initiatives, we want to take all necessary steps to reduce any negative impact on the environment.

"We operate a responsible, transparent business model with a strong commitment to environmental protection, social development and economic growth. Our mission is to continually look for ways to preserve and protect natural resources by reducing waste and energy while providing the best of experiences and services to our guests.

All the hotels under Story Hospitality, embraces an eco-project based on five inter-connected pillars - Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle, Protect Wildlife, Reduce Water Consumption, Energy Conservation, and Local Care & Fair Trade. These elements are intertwined to improve the environment and project the practices to the rest of the world.

The hospitality firm is driving environmental and social change across its operations, supply chain and communities through some of the companys green initiatives.

Story Seychelles

The boutique resort has earned awards for the Leading Green Resort Seychelles 2020 for three consecutive years for its initiatives such as dedicated ecological areas, contributing to educational and local projects within and outside the property.

Fishermans Cove, Seychelles

The resort is built upon the principle of protecting the environment and received a certification by the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Label. It has implemented various strategies which include using recycled products, ensuring advancements towards a better and sustainable future.

Story Rabat

As part of Morocco's efforts to promote sustainable tourism, Story Rabat Boutique Hotel & Spa encourages guests to reuse towels during their stay as well as replacing plastic water bottles with glass bottles, installing sensor lights across the hotel alleys to reduce energy consumption.

Cue Podgorica

It is the first Green Key member in Podgorica. The hotel has introduced advanced technology to monitor energy and water consumption. It has also implemented smart ways to keep a check on the daily energy consumption.

H Dubai

It received the Green Key Certification for 2021 by the Emirates Green Building Council. The hotel has implemented the use of green cards and green stickers in the room to conserve energy and water. The property has also introduced Super Green Vouchers through which guests can choose not to have their room cleaned for the day.-TradeArabia News Service
GE Aviation and members of the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) have adopted a long-term climate goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

This confirms the aviation industrys commitment to reduce carbon emissions in support of the Paris Agreement 1.5C goal. This follows an earlier industry goal set in 2009.

Meeting the long-term net-zero goal requires the industry to come together to deploy revolutionary technologies to reduce emissions and to advocate for increased use and availability of alternative fuels, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and hydrogen.

GE Aviation is advancing bold technology solutions including open fan, hybrid electric, and new engine core designs to reduce the environmental impact of flight. By joining forces with the broader aviation industry toward the same 2050 net-zero carbon emissions commitment, we can realise these impacts for the flying public quicker than one company can alone, said John S. Slattery, president and CEO of GE Aviation.

To address this challenge, GE Aviation has embarked on multiple engine technology demonstrators to accelerate emissions-lowering technologies for aircraft propulsion. Two recently announced examples include the CFM RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) Programme in partnership with Safran and the Electric Powertrain Flight Demonstration project with NASA.

Additionally, GE has been actively involved in assessing and qualifying SAF since 2007 and works closely with SAF producers, regulators, and operators to ensure that SAF can be widely adopted for use in aviation.

In the ATAG declaration, the industry says that a mix of new technology  including potentially shifting to electricity and hydrogen for some shorter services, improvements in operations and infrastructure, and a transition to SAF by mid-century would provide a majority of the carbon reductions. Remaining emissions would be captured using carbon removal measures.

Aviation has increased its ambition in line with the need for all sectors of the economy to pursue rigorous climate action. Despite having endured the greatest crisis in aviation history, this new agreement shows that our sector has placed climate action as one of its highest priorities. It will be a significant challenge to meet net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, but the evidence shows that with the right support from governments and efforts across the value chain, especially the energy industry, it is achievable, said Haldane Dodd, acting executive director of ATAG.

GE recently announced its ambition to be a net zero company by 2050, including the Scope 3 emissions from the use of sold products. This followed GEs previous commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030 in its own facilities and operations, including Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.

GE TECHNOLOGY INVESTMENTS

GE Aviation has recently announced a series of technology investments, which will help achieve the companys and the industrys climate goals.

Partnering with the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), GE Aviation announced October 1 it has launched a programme to mature an integrated megawatt class hybrid electric powertrain. This will demonstrate flight readiness of a hybrid electric propulsion system for single-aisle aircraft, with ground and flight tests taking place by the mid-2020s.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also announced in September 2021 that GE Aviation has received its third Continuous Lower Energy, Emissions and Noise (CLEEN) award since 2010. Funding helps support development of GEs open fan, electrification, acoustics and other technologies, as well as ongoing research into alternative jet fuels such as SAF.

In June 2021, GE Aviation and Safran launched the CFM RISE Programme targeting more than 20% lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to todays most efficient engines.

In Europe, GEs Italian entity, Avio Aero, has contributed to the development and testing of open fan engine architectures by supporting Europes Clean Sky research programme.-- TradeArabia News Service
FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp and the worlds largest express transportation company, said it will invest more than SR1.5 billion ($400 million) into the Saudi economy over the next 10 years through talent management and local operations and infrastructure.



The company has planned a transition to a direct-serve presence in Saudi Arabia to meet the countrys growing international shipping demands.



This investment will reaffirm the companys commitment to the countrys non-oil economic growth, in line with Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 goals, and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program which seeks to increase non-oil exports to more than SR1 trillion ($266 billion) .



FedEx Express has been facilitating trade in Saudi Arabia since 1994, offering international solutions and connectivity through local service providers, most recently through SAB Express. Todays announcement and the companys direct presence in the country will further help local businesses trade with ease and expand their reach into the more than 220 countries and territories FedEx serves.



Jack Muhs, regional president of FedEx Express Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa said: Our customers will be able to take advantage of FedEx digital tools and a wider service portfolio. This strategic expansion in the Kingdom will help Saudi-based businesses connect to new markets and customers around the world, supporting Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 goals to diversify the national economy.



In addition to our commitment to the Saudi economy, we see FedEx Express playing an important role in developing the small and medium enterprise environment in Saudi Arabia, which forms the backbone of the economy, and represents 99% of Saudi Arabias private sector, added Muhs.



FedEx Express will continue to work closely with SAB Express to provide pickup, delivery, and customs clearance services across the country.



Sheikh Salah Al Bluewi, chairman of SAB Express said: Were happy to continue supporting FedEx Express in Saudi Arabia with their growth journey, and join them in playing a critical role in developing Saudi Arabias logistics infrastructure, in line with the countrys coordinated efforts and strategy in diversifying the economy. The logistics sector is a key contributor towards employment, investment, and overall economic growth in our nation.



Under Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom is committed to increasing its total air cargo capacity. With nearly 50 years of experience, specialized services, and advanced technology solutions, FedEx will support the trade requirements of the healthcare, e-commerce, technology, energy, aerospace, automotive, and petrochemical sectors.  TradeArabia News Service
stc and Ericsson have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly explore sustainable initiatives to power the stc network infrastructure with intelligent and renewable energy.



The partnership will further explore other Information and Communication Technology (ICT) green-site solutions and sustainability initiatives for the Kingdom.



As part of the partnership, Ericsson will use its expertise to provide the most energy-efficient strategies to the stc network to positively contribute to society.



Under the first phase of the MoU, stc and Ericsson will deploy several sustainable site solutions that will showcase how renewable energy can power networks of the future. Collaborations will include implementing a solar-hybrid site and initiatives to reduce Carbon dioxide emissions, which will help preserve the environment.



Saudi Vision 2030 calls for a mix of renewable and non-renewable energy sources to meet the increasing energy demand driven by the growing networks and technologies. The MoU aims to accelerate the stride towards incorporating green innovation in network operations in light of the expected increase in energy demand.



Abdulla Alkanhl, Chief Corporate Affairs at stc said: stc has had a long tradition of adopting a progressive mindset towards the development and deployment of transformative technologies such as 5G. We continue to do this as part of our commitment to being the digital enabler of Saudi Arabia. With this new MoU, we work yet again with Ericsson to push the ICT industrys boundaries and focus on ensuring a sustainable, environmentally-viable future while providing our customers with unparalleled connectivity in the Kingdom.

Mathias Johansson, Vice President and Head of Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Ericsson Middle East and Africa said: Ericssons broad range of solutions make it easy to meet traffic growth and lower mobile network energy consumption from todays level.



Together with stc, we will be working on diversifying the energy sources, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and exploring initiatives for operating networks with an efficient and intelligent energy perspective. ICT has a unique potential to enable the move towards a low-carbon economy and we are happy to join forces with stc to help them achieve the sustainability ambitions of the Saudi Vision 2030.  TradeArabia News Service
The Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC) Board of Directors has unanimously elected current Board Member Malek Sultan Al Malek as the new chairman of the Board of Directors with immediate effect.

Al Malek replaces Mohamed Bin Hadi Al Hussaini. Abdulla Khalifa Abdulla Humaid Belhoul was also appointed as a new director.

EITC, founded in 2005, is the UAEs second licensed telecommunications operator and operates under two brands: du (launched in 2007) and Virgin Mobile, the regions first digital service (started operations in September 2017).

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all board members, management, and the entire team at EITC for their continuous support throughout my tenure, said Al Hussaini. Last year was a particular testament to the EITCs ability to turn challenges into opportunities and prove itself to be resilient in even the most trying of circumstances. It has been a pleasure and privilege working at EITC and I am proud of it is achievements, and confident that the organisation will continue to be a key contributor to the UAE, its National Agenda, and its people under the stewardship of Malek Sultan Al Malek.

Al Malek is one of the leading business figures in the UAE, and holds key economic and cultural positions in the UAE including as the CEO of Dubai Holding Asset Management. He also holds the position of Director General of the Dubai Development Authority, affiliated to the Government of Dubai, which contributes to enhancing the emirate's competitiveness and consolidating its position as a global hub for talent and business.

Al Malek also serves on the boards of several institutions in the UAE, including the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, the Higher Colleges of Technology, and the Mohammed bin Rashid Library.

"H E Mohamed Bin Hadi Al Hussaini has made important contributions to enhancing the economic competitiveness of the UAE through his oversight of ETICs strategy in vital areas such as developing and enhancing the quality of telecommunications infrastructure and digital transformation, amongst others, said Al Malek. We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to His Excellency for his valuable leadership insights to the company, wishing him success in his national mission as Minister of State for Financial Affairs.

Al Malek added: "The UAE continues to consolidate its position as a global center for business and achieve advanced positions in various economic indicators, including ease of establishing business, quality of life, and others. Over the past years, the telecommunications sector has played a pivotal role in these achievements, and the sector will also have an important role in achieving future economic and development goals. I look forward to working with the members of the board of directors and the management team of the company to continue what His Excellency Al Hussaini has provided to achieve the companys strategic goals, and to consolidate a corporate culture that focuses on innovation and efficiency and enhance the customer experience.  TradeArabia News Service
The Mauritius Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is urging visitors to explore the blend of leisure, investment and business prospects in the African country.

Commissioner General for Mauritius Pavilion and Economic Development Board of Mauritius CEO Ken Poonoosamy welcomed dignitaries and guests to the pavilion during the official ribbon cutting ceremony and shared highlights of the pavilion with the gathering.

Guest of Honour Showkutally Soodhun, the Mauritius Ambassador to the UAE and Deputy Commissioner General for the Mauritius pavilion, thanked the UAE Government and the Prime Minister of Mauritius, Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, for their unflinching support in ensuring a successful participation of Mauritius at Expo 2020, AETOSWire reported.

Poonoosamy said that business events and cultural activities will be held during the six months of the Expo focusing on the countrys vision, sustainable development and its will to embrace innovation.

Through its participation at the event, Mauritius seeks to build stronger bilateral ties with the GCC countries and consolidate its role as a safe travel destination and leading business platform for the region.

The pavilion themed Roots of the Future showcases the cultural heritage and provides an insight into the economic pathway towards the journey ushering Mauritius to a high-income economy.
As a solutions provider to the global energy sector, Ducab, which has unveiled a striking new brand identity and corporate vision, will increase focus on sustainable energy to drive further growth and international expansion.

The UAE-based company will now focus on providing Energy for change underscored by the new brand identity, which was unveiled by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, alongside Ducabs leadership team at Wetex and Dubai Solar Show 2021.

This strategic realignment comes at a time when the renewable energy sector is growing faster than ever, with the entire world focusing on mitigating climate change through decarbonisation  the move from coal, oil, and gas power to renewable sources like wind and solar.

The UAEs Energy Strategy 2050 plans to increase the contribution of clean energy sources within the total capacity mix to 50% by 2050, through projects such as the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, designed to be one of the largest single-site solar parks in the world with a planned capacity of 5,000 MW by 2030.

Ducab has already started to recalibrate many of its own operations around sustainability. This includes a strategy for raw material procurement with a greater emphasis on local and regional sourcing.

This will further reduce the companys environmental footprint and support the UAEs industrial ecosystem.

Ducab recently opened its first in-house solar plant to power its new headquarter building in Jebel Ali and parts of its manufacturing plant, setting new standards for managing industrial emissions and energy consumption.

The launch of the new UAE industrial strategy earlier this year reflects the enormous opportunities ahead. Not only does it aim to raise the contribution to GDP of the industrial sector to AED300 billion ($81.67 billion) by 2031, but it is also aligned with the UAEs international commitments to advancing sustainable economic growth, deploying clean energy solutions, driving industrial innovation, and promoting responsible consumption and production.

The companys strategy is designed to generate positive economic, social, and environmental impact. This renewed purpose will mean providing innovative, and sustainable energy solutions available in the market today - proudly developed in the UAE.

Speaking at Wetex, Eng Jamal Salem Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Ducab, said: Founded over 40 years ago, we grew rapidly with the radical transformation of the UAE and the wider Middle East region. During this time, we never stood still. Our ambition took us to 45 countries around the world, and from under 100 employees to a global workforce of more than 1,400. As we seek to expand our business into new sectors and new geographies, our revitalised corporate vision and values set a clear direction for our next chapter of sustainable growth.

Ducab continues to serve customers worldwide in the fields of construction, transportation, industry, and other verticals. Currently, the brand is also focused on investments in the development, certification, and production of end-to-end energy solutions tailored around customer needs in solar, wind, and nuclear power.

All three business units under Ducab group will be involved: Ducab, the core cable and wires business; DMB, the provider of high-quality industrial metals; and Ducab HV, the provider of specialised high-voltage utility solutions.

We will continue to promote innovation as an organisational value, believing that our choices of materials and technology will help to shape and improve the future of the sectors in which we operate, said Mohammad Abdul Rahman Almutawa, Group CEO of Ducab at the event.

Ducab aims to be an active contributor to programmes within Operation 300bn. This has involved supplying flagship energy projects such as the Royal Navys HMS Queen Elizabeth; HSBC headquarters in Hong Kong; Hornsea One the UKs largest offshore wind farm; and South Koreas Shin Hanul one and two nuclear reactors. Ducab continues to supply leading flagship projects in the UAE, including over 90% of the wire and cable requirements for Expo2020 Dubai.

Ducab does all this while continuing to strengthen the participation of Emirati youth in the industrial sector. Its Emiratisation programme focuses on internships, training, and succession planning, and has led to the successful recruitment and retention of talented UAE nationals at every level across the organisation.

Wetex is taking place at the Dubai Exhibition Centre from October 5 to 7.-- TradeArabia News Service
Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has issued a circular that allows faculty members and other categories of workers in the public and private educational sector to travel directly to the Kingdom from the countries from which flights are suspended.

The circular stipulates the application of institutional quarantine to faculty members and the like in universities, colleges and institutes, male and female teachers in public education, the General Training Authority in the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation, training institutes, and scholarship students, including their companions and families, according to a press release from GACA.

The authority added that anyone who received one dose, or completed both doses of vaccines inside the Kingdom is excluded from the institutional quarantine.
Russias two largest cities is having the opportunity to learn more about the delights of Sharjah at Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority's (SCTDA) roadshow in Moscow and St Petersburg.

Visiting Moscow, the Russia capital on October 5 and St Petersburg, the Cultural Capital on October 7, the SCTDA roadshow is highlighting Sharjahs array of attractions, with the aim of increasing Russian visitors to the UAEs third most populous emirate now that travel restrictions are being progressively relaxed.

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, says that the roadshow aims to reinvigorate Russian tourism interest in Sharjah and the UAE, with the country having been in the top three of Sharjahs leisure holidays and tourism markets for many years, and with numerous Russian repeat visitors.

Russia was one of the first tourism markets the UAE reconnected with as the travel restrictions started to ease, with our emirate remaining a hugely popular destination for Russians. In August, the UAE entered the list of the most popular foreign beach holiday destinations open to Russians, subject to a PCR test or vaccination certificate, he said.

Since autumn 2020, Sharjah has witnessed an upswing in airline passenger traffic, with more than 400 flights between Sharjah Airport and 10 cities in Russia. Carriers making regular weekly trips include Rossiya, Aeroflot, Ural Airlines, Nordwind, Royal flight and Arabia. June, to the end of August this year saw Sharjah Airport receive no less than 70 flights from Russian cities.

Among the benefits and attractions of Sharjah that the SCTDA roadshow is highlighting for the citizens of Moscow and St Petersburg are its blend of sun, sand and sea, which has traditionally been popular with Russian tourists; its stunning natural scenery from desert to mountains to green wadis with springs; its unique cultural and historical sights and its safe and secure environment that makes it an ideal family holiday destination.

The SCTDA roadshow is, moreover, showcasing, among other sights and locations, Al Suhub rest area, Shees Park, the Khorfakkan Beach development, Souq Sharq and the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre.

The emirates status as the Unesco Culture Capital of the Arab World 1998, Islamic Culture Capital 2014, Capital of Arab Tourism 2015 and, most recently, Unesco World Book Capital 2019 will be part of the agenda highlights.

The roadshow is also promoting Sharjahs leading efforts to ensure peace of mind with respect to the coronavirus. Among the initiatives that have helped tourists feel safe are SCTDAs new operating guidelines for hotel establishments and the Sharjah Safe for Tourism stamp.

Launched in collaboration with Sharjah Health Authority, the stamp is a mark of assurance given to establishments in Sharjah which fully adhere to the public health protocols and guidelines aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19.

Acknowledging the emirates efforts to implement safety protocols in line with international standards, Sharjah has received the Safe Travels stamp from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

At the SCDTA we are very excited about the prospect of welcoming even more Russian visitors to Sharjahs extensive range of attractions and highlighting our strenuous and successful efforts towards keeping all our residents and guests safe. We are looking forward to reaching out to more tourists through our forthcoming roadshows in Moscow and St Petersburg and to showcasing the wonders of our emirate to a wider audience, added Al Midfa.

Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Airport Authority, stressed the importance of promotional tours in enhancing the position of the Emirate of Sharjah as an ideal destination for tourism, business, and culture. He highlighted the most prominent services and facilities provided by Sharjah Airport to travellers, as well as the important safety and security standards followed. He also raised the possibility of forming partnerships in an effort to consolidate the airports presence on the global civil aviation map.

He pointed out that the Russian market is one of the main tourist markets for Sharjah and the UAE, and is characterised as an active market throughout the year, adding that Sharjah Airport continues to work on developing its infrastructure and increasing its operational efficiency to raise the airport's capacity and improve customer satisfaction. All of this is, he said, was aimed at attracting more international airlines, including Russian airlines, to operate to and from Sharjah.

Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), said: Our visit to our Russian counterparts, led by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, aims to further strengthen our bilateral relations across economic, social and cultural fronts, by exploring Sharjahs vibrant and highly diversified eco-tourism sector, which continues to contribute to UAEs global tourism significance across various fields.

He continued: The visit is a great opportunity to build and create new partnerships with some of the big Russian businesses and companies operating within the tourism sector, where our tourism destinations and hospitality properties such as Al Qasba, Heart of Sharjah, Al Noor Island, Al Montazah Parks, Al Majaz Waterfront, Khorfakkan Beach, The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, and the four eco-retreats under our Sharjah Collections brand, managed by Mysk by Shaza, which are: Mysk Al Faya Retreat, Mysk Al Badayer Retreat, Mysk Kingfisher Retreat and the upcoming Mysk Moon Retreat; will take center stage in our discussions, in addition to their growing role in attracting new and diversified investments that allow global businesses and SMEs to tap into niche sectors in the region.

Furthermore, the authentic and eco-friendly experiences our destinations and hospitality properties provide to visitors and tourists contribute to Sharjahs world renowned position as one of the most favoured eco-tourism destinations in the world.

Manal Ataya, stressed the importance of Sharjah Museums Authority being part of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authoritys Russia roadshow, which included visits to some of Russias prominent museums, such as the State Hermitage and Experimentanium Science Museum, to present Sharjah as an ideal tourist and cultural destination.

We are delighted to present to tourism industry professionals in Russia insights to the characteristics and unique offerings of Sharjahs rich cultural heritage, including its over 17 museums that cover wide areas including archaeology, art and Islamic heritage and SMAs year-round family programmes and events, she said.

At SMA, we emphasise our commitment not only to welcoming tourists to Sharjah but to also ensuring they receive cultural experiences that will enrich their knowledge of Sharjah and the UAE, added Ataya.

Organisations participating at the SCTDA Roadshow included: Air Arabia, Emirates Airlines, Ural Airlines, Sharjah Airport Authority, Sharjah Museums Authority, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa, Golden Tulip Sharjah, Sharjah Collection, Golden Sands Hotel, Sharjah National Hotels and Centro Sharjah.-- TradeArabia News Service
Help India!



Even after a year has passed in the arrest of journalist Siddique Kappan and three others under the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the families of all four accused are hanging on to shreds of hope of their release from prison.

Nikita D | TwoCircles.net

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Last year on October 5, Siddique Kappan, a journalist working in Delhi, decided to hitch a ride with two student activists, Atikur Rahman and Masood Ahmed, to Hathras in Uttar Pradesh, where the alleged gangrape and forcible cremation of a 19-year-old Dalit woman had created shock-waves across the country. While on their way to meet the family of the victim, the three passengers along with the driver of the vehicle, Aalam, were arrested by the UP Police, and a case under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) was filed on them. Months later, P. Sainath, a leading journalist of the country, said the Siddique Kappan case is one of the most outrageous, shameful and unpardonable abuses and action against a journalist that I have seen in 40 years in the profession.

A few days ago, the contents of the cases charge sheet running into 5,000 pages, filed by the UP Police in April 2020, has sparked a new spate of reactions across media.

In December 2020, the UP Police had told the Supreme Court that Kappan was only posing as a journalist. They further alleged that Kappan was a secret member of the Popular Front of India (PFI), an Islamic organization that the UP government wants to ban. The charge sheet now states that the journalistic work of Kappan is replete with attempts to incite communal violence and instigate the Muslims to take violent actions.

At a press conference held in Press Club of India, New Delhi on October 5, Delhi University Professor Apoorvanand said, Recently in Assam, where protests erupted after the state violence and police killing of Moinul Haque, the authorities said that the Popular Front of India is instigating the Muslims to protest. In the case of Kappan too, false PFI links are made to demonize the person. Keeping political opinions aside, PFI has the right to participate in political activities. Why is being part of a legal organization a crime?

A native of Kerala, Kappan has done extensive reporting for Malayalam media outlets like Tejas, Thalsamayam, and Azhimukham. At the time of his arrest, Kappan was a registered journalist with the Press Club of India and a member of the Kerala Union of Working Journalists (KUWJ). Kappans reportage before his arrest included works on the riots in Northeast Delhi in February 2020, NRC in Assam, anti- CAA protests, a report on the jailed professor G N Saibaba and many more.

The 5000-pages charge sheet whose contents were revealed in the Indian Express report states, In the writing, the Muslims have been portrayed as victims [who] were beaten up by police and were asked to go to Pakistan. It is evident from the writing that it has been done to incite Muslims.

The charge sheet accused Kappan of furthering the agenda of PFI and sympathizing with Communists and Maoists. The question that arises here is that even if these charges are taken to be true, where is the crime in aligning with political ideologies different from that of the state.

Kappan is currently accused of crimes under the Indian Penal Code 1870, Information Technology (IT) Act, 2008, and three sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1367, relating to charges of terrorism, outraging religious feelings, conspiracy, and sedition.

Rajya Sabha member, L Hanumanthaia at the press conference, which was held to mark one year of the unjust incarceration said that UAPA has to be repealed. How can such a law exist in a democratic country? It seems like we are in an undeclared state of emergency.

Meanwhile, Kappans family, wife and three children, living in Poocholamadu, Vengara, north Kerala, are hanging on to shreds of hope. Kappans family and supporters have left no stone unturned in approaching the legal justice system for a fair trial. On October 6, 2020, the Delhi-wing of KUWJ filed a habeas corpus plea in the Supreme Court which was scheduled to be disposed of on March 9, 2020. However, the petition is still pending. Kappans wife Raihanath filed a contempt notice against the UP government for non-disclosure of Kappans medical condition. This was after Kappan was shifted from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi to Mathura jail despite the Supreme Court directives to treat Kappan at AIIMS. No action has been taken against UP Police and the trial for the case has not begun.

Similarly, medical treatment is being denied to Atikur Rahman, a scholar-activist, a former member of Campus Front of India (CFI), and a vocal protestor in the anti-CAA movement. In the event held at Press Club of India on October 5, the Delhi University Professor Nandita Narain spoke about why Rahman and Ahmed were targets of the false accusations.

Student leaders, researchers, and scholars work not just for themselves but because they care for downtrodden, dispossessed, and marginalized people of society. It is no coincidence that they are being attacked, he said.

Rahman has a heart condition called aortic regurgitation for which he has been receiving treatment since the age of 8. Open-heart surgery was scheduled for November last year, but because of his arrest in October, he has been unable to avail medical facilities. Talking to TwoCircles.net, Rahmans spouse Sanjida Rahman said, We had submitted a petition in court to give him treatment at AIIMS Hospital. If he is not given immediate treatment, the repercussions will be very serious.

Rahman has been taken to the jail hospital several times due to frequent illness. The authorities are saying that he will be treated in Mathura. But there is no doctor there to do open-heart surgery. Such facilities are not available in small towns, Sanjida said.

We have been trying for a year but there has been no hearing for our case. I want you all to be my voice in this matter so that he is taken to AIIMS as soon as possible, Sanjida said, hoping to reach more people.

I have 5 children. I am also a heart patient and my mother is diabetic. We need as much support as possible, she said.

The fourth person travelling with Kappan, Rahman, and Ahmed, was the vehicle driver Aalam, who was also arrested by the UP Police. 30-year-old Aalam had no idea about the purpose of the travel. He was simply doing his daily job. His incarceration highlights the plight of the poor in the country, who often become collateral damage in political games.

Aalams spouse spoke to TwoCircles.net, I married Aalam a year and a half back. Last year he spent in jail. He was simply doing his job. He is not linked to any political organization. Why cant the government see that? We are just praying for the UAPA charges to be dropped. The next hearing is on October 27 at Allahabad High Court. We want the matter to be resolved then, she said.

The families of the accused and their supporters have demanded that all four be granted bail, and the UAPA charges are dropped, and that Rahman be given critical medical care immediately.

Nikita D is an intern with TwoCircles.net.
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by Li Qiang

Some Uyghur intellectuals have been arrested on charges of terrorism and separatism, their whereabouts unknown. At present, more than a thousand Uyghur intellectuals are said to be in prison, their fate uncertain. The US reiterates its criticism of human rights violation in China. A virtual summit between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping is set for the end of the year.

Beijing (AsiaNews)  The fate of three Uyghur academics persecuted by Chinese authorities confirm that Xi Jinping's regime is bent on silencing the best minds of Chinas Turkic-speaking Muslim minority, this according to Chinese Human Rights Defenders (CHRD).

The Chinese governments narrative that it is fighting terrorism is an excuse to commit atrocities and suppress Muslims in the Xinjiang Autonomous Region.

According to research by experts, confirmed by the United Nations, China is holding or has held more than a million Uyghurs in concentration camps.

Recent media reports have highlighted the existence of labour camps in the autonomous region, with hundreds of thousands of people allegedly forced to work, especially to pick cotton.

Some researchers also claim that the Chinese government is engaged in forced sterilisation in Xinjiang to limit the growth of the Uyghur population.

For the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and the Netherlands, the Communist Party of China is engaged in genocide against the countrys ethnic Uyghurs, Kazakhs and Kyrgyz.

Chinese authorities have denied the accusations, claiming that the camps in Xinjiang are vocational schools, part of a plan to reduce local poverty, and a tool to fight against terrorism and separatism.

The CHRD report includes details about the disappearance of 63-year-old Gheyratjan Osman, a professor of Uyghur language and literature at Xinjiang University. Arrested in 2018, the scholar was sentenced to 10 years in prison for "separatism".

According to Radio Free Asia, Osman was found guilty of rejecting Chinas national culture", attending a seminar in Turkey in 2008, and "excessively praising Uyghur culture.

The fate for the past three years of Uyghur actor Qeyum Muhammad, an associate professor at the Xinjiang Institute of the Arts, has also been a mystery. His colleagues do not know why he was arrested nor where he is currently being held.

Another missing Uyghur academic is Tursunjan Nurmamat, a medical researcher at Shanghai Tongji University who was arrested last April.

The Uyghur Human Rights Project has documented the detention of 435 Uyghur intellectuals since 2017. The Xinjiang Victims Database has estimated that more than a thousand Uyghur academics and professionals are in prison.

The lack of information about these detainees is a tragedy within a tragedy, but in China's police state it is the norm.

Since the current system was implemented in 2013, China has imprisoned more than 57,000 people in secret locations under "residential surveillance where they are held without legal counsel, access to their family, and tortured, this according to human rights group Safeguard Defenders.

Meanwhile, in a meeting yesterday in Zurich with Yang Jiechi, President Xis chief diplomatic adviser, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan reiterated US criticism of China for its failure to respect human rights in Xinjiang.

The meeting, defined as constructive by the two sides, was aimed at easing tensions between Washington and Beijing.

Sullivan and Yang agreed in principle for a virtual summit between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping by the end of the year. It remains to be seen how much the US president will press his counterpart on his governments anti-Uyghur crackdown.
Buildings have been destroyed within a 15-kilometre radius of the epicentre in Harnai district. The fate of a group of 15 miners trapped underground is a source of concern.

Quetta (AsiaNews)  A strong earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale hit Pakistans Baluchistan province, in the western part of the country.

The epicentre was in Harnai, a district a hundred kilometres from the provincial capital of Quetta.

So far, 20 people have been confirmed dead with 300 injured; however, the toll is expected to rise since the quake triggered landslides making it hard for rescue teams to reach certain mountainous areas.

According to preliminary reports, six children are among the dead, while the local civil protection agency reported a number of collapsed and badly damaged buildings.

There is also concern for a group of 15 miners trapped in a coal mine.

The earthquake was also felt in Quetta and other Baluchi districts.

Pakistani authorities deployed the army and emergency teams in Harnai. The most seriously injured have already been evacuated by helicopters.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed his condolences the victims families and pledged immediate aid.

Baluchistan is a large region that borders Afghanistan and Iran. Together with the north-western regions of Pakistan, it has recently come under pressure from the influx of Afghan refugees who, through the Spin Boldak-Chaman border crossing, are trying to reach Quetta.

Officially the border between the two countries is closed to migrants but according to the UNHCR, at least 9,000 asylum seekers have managed to enter Pakistan.

Before the current crisis, the country hosted more than 1,4 million Afghans, UNHCR data show.

For many today Baluchistan is a transit region to illegally enter Iran and from there try to reach Europe.
The right to worshipp recognised following a complaint filed by Rabbi Aryeh Lippo. Jordan denounces "serious violation" of the status quo. Palestinian minister attacks: "unprecedented" decision that constitutes a "flagrant aggression". Pressure from the Israeli far right for occupation of the site is increasing.

Jerusalem (AsiaNews/Agencies) - With a decision in many respects historic (and controversial), yesterday an Israeli court ruled that the "silent prayer" of Jews in the complex of the al-Aqsa Mosque (which for Jews is the Temple Mount) in East Jerusalem is not "a criminal act". T

Israeli TV Channel 7, close to the Jewish nationalist right, reports that the judge Bilha Yahalom of the prosecutor's office of the holy city has ruled that silent prayer does not constitute a violation of the law and the dictates of the police, so it can not be considered a crime.

The ruling is related to a complaint submitted to the magistrates by Rabbi Aryeh Lippo, who challenged a ban imposed by the police on visits and prayer in the complex disputed by Jews and Muslims, considered the third most important place in Islam. The judge ruled that the rabbi can return to the site and perform his prayers regularly.

Jewish worshippers are allowed to access the al-Aqsa complex, which for them is the Temple Mount, but are not allowed to stop and pray. Jordan, custodian of the site through the Waqf group since 1948, strongly condemned the decision, stressing that only members of the Muslim foundation possess the legal authority to administer and decide disputes related to al-Aqsa.

"The decision is a serious violation of the historical and legal status of al-Aqsa Mosque," Jordan's foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement. Meanwhile, the Palestinian foreign ministry said the "unprecedented decision constitutes a flagrant aggression against the blessed al-Aqsa Mosque".

The number of Jewish worshippers praying quietly in the area has increased in recent years, despite the long-standing agreement between Jordanian authorities (who oversee the compound) and the Israeli government that prohibits the practice. At the same time, pressure is mounting from far-right groups who are intimidating the Israeli government to take full control of al-Aqsa, considering it a holy site for the Jewish world only. They have repeatedly marched provocatively in the area, fueling tension and triggering violent protests by Muslims who are often prevented from entering by Israeli security forces.

During the last Jewish holiday of Passover, the compound experienced a number of incidents and violations of the status quo, including the reading of the Torah aloud on site. Incidents and clashes fueled tensions between the two sides, resulting in last May's bloody 11-day blitzkrieg in Gaza that cost hundreds of lives. In September, thousands of Israelis stormed the compound after the end of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. The activists were joined by prominent members of the Israeli media, government ministers, members of the Knesset (the Israeli parliament) and senior Israeli officials.
The coastal city has received a lot of Chinese investment in recent years. Inside the China Project compound, at least 8,000 people are held prisoner, trained to commit Internet fraud. A Khmer Times investigation found that criminals are moving their activities to other parts of the country.

Phnom Penh (AsiaNews/Agencies)  From the outside they look like a dozen square buildings, residential complexes for Cambodian or foreign workers. In reality, the China Project hosts 8,000 to 10,000 slaves, people recruited by deception, held prisoner and forced to commit Internet fraud.

Every Chinese person who spends more than a couple of months in Sihanoukville knows about it. They call it China City, an anonymous source told the Khmer Times.

A group of entrepreneurs who bought the entire area after Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen banned gambling in 2019 is behind the crime syndicate.

Sihanoukville has changed in recent years. Before Chinese investments poured in, it was a sleepy coastal town in southern Cambodia.

After Chinese President Xi Jinping launched his mega infrastructure project, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Western tourists were thrown out to make room for the Chinese.

Signs in Khmer and English have disappeared, replaced by signs in Mandarin. Hotels, restaurants and casinos now form many small Chinatowns.

The city is BRIs first port of call with the Chinese investing US$ 4.2 billion in local power plants and offshore oil fields.

China also provided US0 million in aid to modernise Cambodias military. Perhaps this is why China Project bosses can act undisturbed.

China City is the worst of the worst, the source told the Khmer Times. They are protected by the police. The only reason the cops will go in there is a strong tip-off about drugs. Its a very clear line in the sand, he added.

According to the Cambodian newspaper, most slaves are Chinese, but many come from Southeast Asia.

Scammed with fake job offers, their passport seized, taught how to create realistic social profiles to trick people into investing in fake cryptocurrencies, they are groomed to engage in criminal behaviour.

Whoever gets to turn social media interactions into WhatsApp or WeChat contacts gets a reward, such as having sex with East European women, who are also held prisoner.

According to some witnesses, one scammer managed to steal up to US$ 400,000 from a single individual.

Some of these modern-day slaves are forced to find new recruits for the China Project through the same fraudulent methods with which they were first tricked.

An anonymous police officer reported that near the China Project, law enforcement officers find bodies every other week, but cannot separate murders and suicides. Sometimes bodies have messages written on their arms indicating that the death was not by suicide.

The husband of a former China Project employee said that his wife had been referred to the company through an agency as a call centre employee.

Everything was okay in the beginning, he explained. Then They said they would train her near the airport. Eventually, the company picked up my wife from my house and took her to the training centre. But when they were on their way, they said that they had to take her to a trainer in Sihanoukville.

The woman quickly realised that it was a scam and that people in Europe were being scammed. She immediately said that she wanted to resign but the people there did not allow her to leave. They wanted to sell her to another company.

Other sources confirm that people are sold and then moved to other buildings. And going to the Cambodian police with such a story will not change things.

I told the story to the police but they didnt take any action, the husband said. I didnt give any money but they wanted ,000 at first. When some news websites talked about what happened, she was released.

Following the Khmer Times investigation, local real estate agents reported receiving many requests for housing from companies in the city.

It appears that the crime bosses are now moving to O'tres, Victory Hill, near the seaport and downtown Sihanoukville. Some are thought to be looking at Battambang province and even the capital Phnom Penh.
by Vladimir Rozanskij

Moscow and Nur-Sultan launch cooperation to save endangered steppe animals. Common front against forest fires. Kremlin: protected areas needed along shared border. Russian president questions existence of "steppe tigers," which Kazakhs say they want to reintroduce into the wild.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - "Among the most urgent issues that we must face together is the survival of endangered animals, and also the fight against fires in the steppes," stated Russian President Vladimir Putin speaking in at the recent International Forum for Cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan.

The symbol animals of this enterprise for the survival of the Asian habitat are the tiger, the saiga (Siberian antelope) and the Caspian Sea seal.

Putin maintains that in the fight against forest fires "it is essential to install artificial protective strips of forest, and regenerative maintenance of the entire forest floor, things possible only under conditions of cooperation and partnership."

Russia is willing to share its experience in these areas with its neighbours, such as in the selection of gases associated with oil.

The Kremlin says there is a need for "a transnational project that would unite the ecosystems of protected areas at the junction of the western part of Kazakhstan and the Volgograd region of Russia," a territory of the magnitude exceeding many nations.

The Russian president recalled that 10 years ago Russia and Kazakhstan had successfully formed a similar, smaller natural complex called the "Altaj", into which the Katon-Karagajsky National Park of eastern Kazakhstan, and the Katun Nature Reserve in Russia, near the central Altaj Mountains, had been included.

In the course of the forum, Putin intervened strongly following the speech of the Kazakh Minister of Ecology, Serikalli Brekesev, who spoke passionately about the creation of an animal species that does not exist in nature: the steppe tiger.

The President of Kazakhstan, Kasym-Zomart Tokaev, also joined the discussion. After more than an hour and a half of video-conferencing, Brekesev noted that the plan to repopulate the saiga "would result in a significant migration of antelopes to Russian territory."

Kazakhstan is thinking, in coordination with the Wildlife Fund of Russia, of reintroducing tigers to Kazakhstan, and an area of 415 thousand hectares in the Almaty region has already been reserved for this project.

The minister enthusiastically addressed President Putin, exclaiming that "relatives come from ancestors, neighbours come from God!" Putin thanked him, then revived the idea that this new common fauna will be able to settle and quench their thirst along the Irtis River, which divides the two countries.

The Kazakhs reacted with some perplexity, not being very willing to share the waters of the Irtis with the Russians, and here Putin asked if steppe tigers had ever existed. Tokaev assured that "Turkic tigers" existed in the past, until the beginning of the last century, then disappeared after the world wars, as if they had remained victims of conflict or some form of extermination.

The Russian president took exception to this (the great patriotic war is a sacred period for Russians), and Tokaev then had to diplomatically deflect the speech, stating that "we will take as a model the tigers of the Russian territory, after all a tiger is always a tiger".

Putin opposed this proposal too, saying that "tigers are not all the same, in Russia there is the biggest one in the world, in the Siberian Far East, the Amur tiger!". The two presidents continued to spar, almost as if they were two tigers themselves, according to participants' accounts. In the end, Putin proposed that the issue be sent back "to the government level, after the work of experts." Eurasian integration, and cooperation in ecological transition, could end up in the clutches of Siberian animals.
Israeli NGO Impact-se reports Saudi authorities are continuing their work of "moderation and openness" in school books. The definitions of "infidels" and "enemies of God" have been removed. The society remains traditional, gender discrimination and the knot of Zionism remain, but the change is "extraordinary".

Riyadh (AsiaNews) - School curricula in Saudi Arabia are evolving towards greater "moderation and openness", confirming a trend that has been underway for some years, although some critical areas remain on the subject of gender, Israel, jihad and Zionism.

This is what emerges from an updated study on first and second grade textbooks used in educational institutions in the Wahhabi kingdom, by the Institute for Monitoring Peace and Cultural Tolerance in School Education (Impact-se). Society, the authors explain, remains "traditional" but there is a "substantial mitigation" of hate speech towards "internal and external actors", i.e. Christians, Jews, the jihad issue (the holy war), Zionism, Israel and Iran, a historical rival in the region.

The results were published a few days ago by Impact-se, an apolitical NGO founded in 1998 by Yohanan Manor and based in Ramat Gan, in the eastern suburbs of Tel Aviv, Israel. The organisation's main aim is to examine the content of textbooks used in the Middle East, to determine whether children are being taught to accept and recognise the rights of 'others' to 'exist', encouraging 'tolerance, pluralism and democracy'. Israel, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Egypt and Iran are among the countries being closely monitored.

An initial report had examined the years 2016-2020, already showing an improvement in textbooks, thanks also to the "Vision 2030" programme imprinted on the country by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (Mbs). A further update, covering the second half of last year and the first half of 2021, confirmed that - in a sort of pendulum effect between improvements and steps backwards - the situation is evolving positively towards increasing "moderation" and "it will be increasingly difficult to turn back".

Activists and human rights movements have highlighted this revision of school textbooks, which has led, among other things, to the banning of disparaging terms such as monkeys and pigs to label believers of other religions. The authors of the report, which has been updated from the first study entitled "The Winding Road to a New Identity", explain that the textbooks have been cleaned of the ultra-religious and ultra-nationalist dictates that characterise some elements, both State and non-State, in the region. The role of the educators who have slowly but surely guided the nation "away from radicalism towards a society that truly embraces international standards of peace and tolerance" is highlighted.

The report gives praise where it is due, but does not spare criticism of problematic factors that, in some cases, border on "hostility" towards non-Muslims. The same applies to the "general attitude" towards women, homosexuals and transsexuals in a society whose mould remains "conservative" and "deeply anti-Semitic", with a marked "emphasis" on jihad and martyrdom. However, even in these areas, there has been 'significant' progress, so much so that between the two reports, at least 22 anti-Christian and anti-Semitic references in textbooks were deleted or changed.

Some texts blaming "Jews" for collective attacks on Muslims or Mohammed were changed, attributing them instead to Arab tribes or deleting the content altogether. Passages branding Christians and Jews as "infidels" [Grade 10-12, level 5 in science and administration texts] , or "enemies of God" were also removed, as well as the epithet "negligent" for the Jewish faith and "excessive" for Christians. From a book dedicated to Islamic studies, the passage stating that Christians and Jews took "rabbits and monkeys as their gods" was removed.

Yet still today, the Impact-se report concludes, there are problematic references, controversial passages and little has been done for true gender equality. There are still "a handful of examples of anti-Semitism" and elements of religious "intolerance", as well as "(at least) dubious historical statements about Israel". Changes to the Saudi curriculum 'will not happen overnight', but the change that has taken place over the past year is 'an extraordinary leap forward'.
by Nirmala Carvalho

The St Catherine of Siena School and Orphanage in Bandra provided smartphones and meals to students from families most in need. Almost a fifth of teaching positions are not filled in India while many teachers are underqualified, says UNESCO report.

Mumbai (AsiaNews)  The COVID-19 pandemic has hit Indian education hard, this according to UNESCOs 2021 State of Education Report for India: No Teachers, No Class, which shows that Indian schools lack more than a million teachers, 19 per cent of the total, 69 per cent in rural areas.

The picture for Indias education system is far from worse when considering government data about learning outcome.

In fact, The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the role played by teachers and quality teaching in ensuring meaningful education and resilient education systems, reads the reports executive summary.

Despite this situation, Brother Joseph, the director of the St. Catherine of Siena School and Orphanage in Bandra, Mumbai (Maharashtra), said that his institution provides good and consistent education to poor children from the slums.

Our school, where children from economically and socially poor families study, has suffered enormously from the pandemic, he told AsiaNews.

Most of the city's schools have had every opportunity to conduct classes online, while our students have struggled a lot to connect. Many of our children cannot afford even the cheapest of phones. Most of the families we work with have only one smartphone for many children.

In a slum family, the ratio is one smartphone for four students. Usually, the eldest child has priority over the others, thus leaving the youngest ones unable to follow lessons online.

The St Catherine of Siena school was founded in 1957 by Fr Anthony Elenjimittam (this year marks the tenth anniversary of his death) in order to provide education to poor children regardless of caste, creed or social origin.

Faithful to this commitment, over the past year, the school purchased 72 new mobile phones with apps to access online education, and delivered them to parents to make it easier to access online learning.

Thanks to this initiative, most of the students can participate in the lessons.

We visited many families in our neighbourhood during the pandemic and we realised that too many parents were struggling to feed their children, Brother Joseph explained.

We understood that, at that moment, the priority was not so much providing mobile phones, but guaranteeing a meal for those children.

The school responded by offering hot meals and breakfasts to the families most in difficulty.

I have to thank our teachers who have gone above and beyond their duty to ensure that the poorest students received their food ration every day.
The World Health Organization's latest report does not specify what kind of supplies will be shipped. The supplies will come from the Chinese port of Dalian. Seoul confirms reopening of sea routes. Still no official case of Covid-19 registered in North Korea.

Seoul (AsiaNews/Agencies) - North Korea will receive anti-Covid medical supplies reports the World Health Organization (WHO), specifying that the material will be delivered through the Chinese port of Dalian.

In July last year, the communist regime had closed the shipping route connecting Dalian to its port of call in Nampo.

The weekly WHO statement issued does not say what kind of medical supplies will be shipped; since the document refers to the period September 20-26, it seems plausible that shipments began as early as the end of last month.

An official at the Ministry of Unification in Seoul declined to comment on the WHO report. He did admit, however, that there have been signs in recent days that shipping routes between Pyongyang and Beijing have opened up: "China's customs data show that maritime shipping routes between North Korea and China appear to be opening."

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, North Korea has claimed to be free of the coronavirus and has refused all supplies of vaccines offered so far by other countries, including China.

According to an earlier WHO report, 40,700 citizens have been tested for Covid-19, but "as of September 23, 2021, no cases have been reported."
One new study published in the medical journal Lancet concluded that the Pfizer vaccines effectiveness at preventing COVID-19 infection dropped to 47% from 88% six months after the second dose. And a top U.S. Food and Drug Administration official said such new data suggested boosters might be needed for everyone 18 and older, though the agency still needs to go through its formal process before making that recommendation.
He was 17 when he enlisted in the Navy in 1942, said his son, Keith A. Roberts, a retired federal agent and Marine Corps veteran who worked for the Department of Homeland Security. He served during World War II, and even though the military was segregated, he did very well and rose to become a petty officer. In those days, it was difficult to get that rank, but he was a pioneer in so many ways.
Barron has selected veteran assistant U.S. Attorney Phil Selden as his first assistant. Selden previously worked in Marylands federal prosecutors office in the fraud and public corruption section until a few years ago when he shifted to the U.S. Attorneys Office in Brooklyn. He previously also worked as a firefighter and EMT in Montgomery County, according to a Q&A with his law school alma mater.
Dozens of shots rang out on a street corner in Broadway East just after sunset, leaving a woman dead and five others injured. By the time the sun rose, two people had been shot inside a home a few blocks away  one of them fatally  and a 16-year-old boy had been shot and killed on the other side of the city.
According to federal prosecutors, McGrath wangled a six-figure severance from one state job before taking another state job, and he did so by saying Hogan approved of the deal. Hogan says he did no such thing, but the people who authorized the severance, the board of Maryland Environmental Services, apparently felt they had to give McGrath the lovely parting gift. (A separate state criminal information, also filed against McGrath Tuesday, accuses him of illegally recording phone conversations with Hogan, among others.)
From a very early age my parents instilled in me humor, he told an audience. Instead of getting angry and frustrated  and we all do, dont we, disabled or not?  my parents taught me how to use humor to get through challenges. And, in turn, I learned how to use humor to make others feel comfortable around me. Because, lets face it, when we meet someone who is different, we get uncomfortable. We dont know what to do, what to say. Is this person mentally capable? I found using humor broke down that barrier right away and let people know, Hey, Im OK with who I am, so please be yourself around me.
Part I (Pages 1 - 60)

 The following version of this book was used to create this lesson plan: Loedel, Daniel. Hades, Argentina. Riverhead Books, New York, 2021.

 This book was written from the first person perspective and in the past tense.

 Part I is titled 1986.

 In Chapter One, it was eight years since Tomas Orilla (Shore) had been officially disappeared in Argentina.

 Tomas had not been back to Argentina since he fled in 1976 for Rome, and then for New York City, where he began a new life under a new last name, Shore.

 One of Tomas's old family friends, named Pichuca, was dying in the hospital and had managed - somehow - to track him down and call him, asking him to come back to see her.

 In Chapter Two, Tomas flew into Buenos Aires, checked into his hotel, and took a cab to Hospital Aleman, where Pichuca, now an...

(read more Chapter Abstracts)
Name: _________________________ Period: ___________________

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the Colonel take particular pleasure in?

2. What kind of cups do Isabel and Tomas drink out of in Chapter Twelve?

3. Why is Tomas's mother increasingly worried about him in Chatper Ten?

4. What is actually in the shots Tomas gives the prisoners?

5. Why does Tomas's mother go home early from her visit to him?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Tomas feel about Gustavo?

2. How does Tomas try to find Elizabeth when he gets to America?

3. What is one major problem Tomas's wife Claire has confronted him about, which he recalls in Chapter 10?

4. What happens when Tomas's mother visits in Chapter 11?

5. What does the Colonel tell Tomas about some of the most terrible torturers at Automotores?

6. What would happen to prisoners who needed a defibrillator if Tomas was on his days off?

7. In Chapter Fifteen, why is Tomas particularly nervous when Anibal calls him into his office?

8. Why does Triste tell Tomas to speak to Gordo in Chapter Twelve?

9. What does Isabel show Tomas in the shed behind her house?

10. Why does Tomas ask Isabel to arrange for the Priests's killing?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How does Loedel describe Tomas's own experience of torture, and how does this description differ from his earlier renderings of the torturing of prisoners? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

Essay Topic 2

What is strange about Tomas's first meeting with Isabel when he returns to Argentina after a decade of living in exile? When and how does Loedel reveal the true nature of Isabel's situation? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

What role does jealousy play in Tomas's actions and attitudes involving Isabel throughout the book? Write an essay explaining your answers, citing specific references to the text to help support your conclusions.

(see the answer keys)
Campus News

UB enrollment again tops 30,000

By JAY REY

Our record enrollment this year translates into historic enrollment for our underrepresented students. 

UB saw another record enrollment this fall, topping 30,000 students for the third straight year.

The number of students on the North, South and Downtown campuses reached 30,523 for the fall semester of the 2021-22 academic year, according to Lee Melvin, vice provost for enrollment management. That includes 20,006 undergraduates and 10,517 graduate students.

Total enrollment at UB is 32,337 when including UB students in Singapore and in the graduate program in India.

Those figures align with the objectives of President Satish K. Tripathi, who set university-wide goals in 2015 to raise the academic profile of incoming students, broaden the diversity among the student body and grow enrollment by 2,000 students.

We set an enrollment goal to enroll 30,000 by 2020. We achieved that goal in 2019 and were sustaining that enrollment, Melvin says.

This fall, UB added a strong, more diverse first-year class of 4,179 students seeking degrees, Melvin says.

Our freshman class of over 4,100 students is highly qualified and academically talented. Our student body is more diverse than previous years with more students of color, women and international students, says Provost A. Scott Weber.

UB also saw a significant increase in graduate students, whose numbers rose by nearly 9% from last fall. A large majority of the graduate academic units experienced an increase in enrollment.

Melvin attributes UBs enrollment increase to several factors, including its recruiting efforts, the depth and breadth of its programs, and the overall reputation of the university to attract students from across the region, New York State and the world.

UB came in as the No. 1 public university in New York, and No. 31 in the United States on the recent Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings. UB also was ranked No. 38 among public universities nationwide this year by U.S News & World Report.

Shaping a freshman class at UB was different this year with the introduction of test-optional admissions policies for SUNY schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Ultimately, more than a third of UB freshmen submitted their scores for an average SAT of 1280. The average grade point average of this years freshman class was 92.

Other characteristics of this years incoming class:

Enrollment is up among historically underrepresented students, who now comprise one-fifth of the first-year class. The number of Black freshman students increased 12% from last year, while the number of Hispanic/Latinx freshman students grew 1%.

Our record enrollment this year translates into historic enrollment for our underrepresented students, Melvin notes.

Enrollment is up 1.5% from last year among first-year female students.

Twenty-nine percent of freshmen are from Western New York, more than 10% are either from out of state or international, and the rest are from across New York.

Overall, UB also saw a sizeable bump among all international students, whose numbers rose by 852 from last fall to a total of 4,463.

A majority of international students could not travel to the U.S. last year and deferred their admission to this year, Melvin explains.
Campus News

Global film series to focus on Chinese-language cinema

The 1939 film "Hua Mu Lan" is suggested viewing for those attending the first lecture in the Global Film Series.

By BRUCE ACKER

My hope is that the possibilities of our new virtual platform will expand the impact of the series even further. 

Chinese-language cinema will be the focus of an upcoming series of virtual lectures and films co-sponsored by the Center for Global Film in the Department of English and the Confucius Institute.

The series will kick off at 4 p.m. Oct. 21 with a Zoom lecture by Christopher Rea, professor of modern Chinese literature at the University of British Columbia, on the topic What Disney (and the Rest of Us) Can Learn from the Earliest Surviving Mulan Film. Prior to the talk, participants are encouraged to view the film Hua Mu Lan (1939), directed by Richard Poh (Bu Wancang), and Disneys version of Mulan (2020), directed by Niki Caro.

Rea has recently translated Hua Mu Lan into English. He also maintains a website on early Chinese films that makes them more accessible to the public, an initiative closely connected to his newly published book, Chinese Film Classics, 1922-1949 (Columbia University Press, 2021).

The series is organized and curated by Tanya Shilina-Conte, assistant professor of global film studies in the Department of English. The online series will build on the success of the annual riverrun Global Film Series, which was held at the Burchfield Penney Art Center from 2017-19 and featured films and filmmakers from Iran, Cuba and Mexico.

Chinese-language cinema is known for its reflexivity amidst political and sociocultural shifts, producing a range of films from melodramas to documentaries to collaborative co-productions. These genres typically grapple with cross-cultural themes that make them a strong fit for the global film series concern for better understanding of our increasingly transnational world.

The selected talks and films chart the chronological development of Chinese-language cinema, beginning in the late 1930s and ending with contemporary films from the 2000s, Shilina-Conte says. In addition to mainland China, the series focuses on Taiwan and Hong Kong, features films by women and queer directors, broaches the topic of film censorship as social practice, and revisits one of the earlier films in the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic.

The series will continue its annual tradition of including at least one film restored by The Film Foundations World Cinema project, established by Martin Scorsese, she says. To recognize the efforts of the foundation in preserving the gems of world cinema, we will focus on Xiao Wu (Pickpocket, 1997) by Jia Zhangke, a key figure of the Sixth Generation movement in Chinese cinema. My hope is that the possibilities of our new virtual platform will expand the impact of the series even further.

William Solomon, professor and interim chair of the English department, notes the Film Studies program plays a prominent role in our curriculum, and the diverse film courses and public events we offer (such as the Buffalo Film Seminars and the Global Film Series) remain very appealing to students across the university.

While introducing UB students and faculty to international cinema, our annual Global Film Series continues to be one of the most vital ways the English department reaches out to the Western New York community, Solomon says.

Zhiqiang Liu, UB Confucius Institute director and professor of economics, says the Confucius Institute is excited to collaborate with the Center for Global Film and Shilina-Conte on the series of lectures by six prominent scholars of Chinese film at North American universities. Their knowledge and insights will be very valuable for all faculty, students and community members who are interested in Chinese culture and global cinema, Liu says.

The series, which is are free and open to the public, continues from 4-5:30 p.m. each Thursday through Dec. 2. Following the Oct. 21 lecture on Mulan, subsequent lectures include:

Oct. 28: Madame Mao and Cinema: Actress, Critic, Censor, and Producer, by Jie Li, John L. Loeb associate professor of the humanities, Harvard University. Recommended films: Xie Jins The Red Detachment of Women (1961) or Pan Wenzhan and Fu Jies The Red Detachment of Women (1971); and Jiang Wens In the Heat of the Sun (1994).

Nov. 4: Socialist New Wave: Zhang Nuanxin and 1980s Chinese Womens Cinema, by Lingzhen Wang, professor of East Asian studies, Brown University. Recommended film: Zhang Nuanxins Sacrificed Youth (1985).

Nov. 11: Jia Zhangkes Xiao Wu: Chinese Cinema in Transition, by Michael Berry, professor of modern Chinese literature and film, University of California-Los Angeles. Recommended film: Jia Zhangkes Xiao Wu (Pickpocket, 1997).

Nov. 18: Pandemic Premonitions: Revisiting Tsai Ming-liangs The Hole, by Jean Ma, associate professor of film and media studies, Stanford University. Recommended film: Tsai Ming-liangs The Hole (1998).

Dec. 2: We Are Alive: Minor Transnationalism and Yau Chings Experimental Filmmaking, by Zhen Zhang, associate professor of cinema studies, New York University. Recommended film: Yau Chings We Are Alive (2010).

Links to the lectures and recommended films will be sent to registered participants prior to each online event. The UB Libraries Multimedia Collections has added some films to the universitys Kanopy streaming service and purchased DVDs where possible. Some recommended films are also available through familiar streaming services, as well as on YouTube with English subtitles.

To register for the series, email the UB Confucius Institute.

For more information, visit the Global Film Series website.
Today

A mix of clouds and sun. High 47F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low near 35F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 53F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Duluth, MN (55816)

Today

Cloudy with snow showers mainly during the morning. High 32F. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 90%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low near 20F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
This recently opened restaurant in Harbor East is the latest place to see and be seen in Baltimore, with name-drop guests including Lamar Jackson and Marilyn Mosby. The decor is glam and gothic and the music gets loud. Youll want to dress up, and keep in mind the attire policy. Ready to order? I recommend the completely addictive, high-end take on the chicken box with well-seasoned French fries. Or try the crispy flash-fried lobster dish served over caramel popcorn. For the main event, comforting entrees like gulf shrimp and lump crab hit the spot. Guests who want to social distance should be advised, theres no outdoor seating available and the restaurant may feel crowded for some.
But the Gallerys problems predate the public health crisis. The adjacent Harborplace marketplace, constructed in the 1980s to be downtowns focal point, has declined in the decades since. Harborplace has been in court-appointed receivership since 2019, when its New York owned defaulted on the loan for the property.
Sgt. Valentine Nagovich did not turn over to the States Attorneys Office discovery that he should have turned over, and he admitted that, Bledsoe said. We are taking corrective measures with BPD to make sure that doesnt happen again, and BPD has been supportive.
The Downtown Sykesville Connection is hosting its first Bubbles and Tulle Festival this Saturday, where they are inviting guests to show up in wedding, bridesmaid and prom dresses to enjoy unlimited sampling of wines from all over the world. (Brian Rayford)
Patty Myers also objected to a farm brewery at Wilsons Farm Market  the site of AleCrafts proposed expansion  for many of the same reasons as Phillips. She said that Route 1 is heavily traveled, and the streets residents often have to wait to turn out onto it from Waverly Drive. Traffic from a brewery would only further gum up the road, she said. Others with farm breweries in their neighborhoods have complained, she said, and she could see their same issues cropping up on Waverly Drive.
I was devastated last year without the show and it was hard for our company and employees but we pulled through, Jones said. It is important we are having the show this year. A lot of revenue was lost last year. The boat show is my life, I missed it so much. I didnt know what to do in October and it is what we work for all year.
Annapolis police and Anne Arundel County police are working together on the incident and ask parents to urge their children to be cautious and aware of their surroundings, and to report any suspicious activity to an adult immediately.
The governor said he also would like to spend some of the money on targeted relief for Marylanders who are struggling to make ends meet. Hogan offered few specifics of that proposal Thursday but described the idea as building off the bipartisan state RELIEF Act package of pandemic aid passed into law in February, which supplemented existing tax credits for the states lowest earners, made direct cash payments to the unemployed and temporarily eliminated state taxes on unemployment benefits.
Noting the threat posed by increasing Chinese incursion into Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ), US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Wednesday said that there is always the possibility of miscalculation, miscommunication, and that's dangerous.

"Actions we've seen by China are provocative and potentially destabilizing. So what I hope is that these actions will cease because there is always the possibility of miscalculation, of miscommunication, and that's a - that's dangerous," in an interview with Francine Lacqua of Bloomberg, as quoted by the State Department.

Blinken, who is in Paris to attend Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), said that no one should take any unilateral actions that change the status quo by force.

"Provocative actions go in exactly the wrong direction. And it's very important that no one take any unilateral actions that change the status quo by force, and so we really need to see China cease some of the actions that it's taken because they are potentially a source of instability, not stability," he said.

This statement comes China flew a record fighter aircraft towards Taiwan, in the past week, in continuation of sustained aggressive military posturing against the self-ruled island.

The United States has termed China's recent military activity near Taiwan "provocative" and "strongly urged" Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure and coercion against the island.

"We remain concerned by the People's Republic of China's provocative military activity near Taiwan, which is destabilizing, risk miscalculations and undermines regional peace and stability," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Tuesday during a presser.

Taiwan has recorded more than 600 Chinese sorties into its ADIZ this year. Chinese military aircraft started flying into Taiwan's ADIZ in March 2019. There were 380 incursions in the southwest corner of Taiwan's ADIZ, Taiwan News reported.

Since mid-September of last year, Beijing has stepped up its grey-zone tactics by regularly sending planes into Taiwan's ADIZ, with most instances occurring in the southwest corner of the zone and usually consisting of one to three slow-flying turboprop planes.

Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan despite the island's self-governance for more than seven decades.

Taipei has countered the Chinese aggression by increasing strategic ties with democracies including the US, which has been repeatedly opposed by Beijing. China continues to threaten with war.

(ANI)

Also Read: Afghanistan: UN humanitarian agencies call for greater support as winter approaches
Goldbugs, silver bulls and concerned investors rushed back to the futures markets all week as the U.S. Labor Department announced a 6.2 % rise in the widely followed Consumer Price Index. Supply chain problems were identified as a partial explanation of the rise in everything from autos, ga
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Amazons smaller delivery station will be the final stop before packages are delivered to customers and will be used by independent contractors doing deliveries, the Seattle-based company said. That station will be built near the Elkhart Municipal Airport, said Chris Stager, president of the Economic Development Corporation of Elkhart County.
What were seeing is what weve seen in the prior three surges, said Dr. Marybeth Sexton, an infectious-disease specialist at Emory University School of Medicine. What we need to remember is when we see these numbers go down, its not a signal to let up. Its a signal to push harder.
But ATC's relationship with the Broadway producers known as the Araca Group brought to Chicago the 2012 world premiere of Ayad Akhtar's "Disgraced," one of the most successful and widely produced plays of the last decade. Paparelli's long, close relationship with the playwright Stephen Karam brought ATC the world premiere in 2014 of "The Humans," which had a successful Broadway run two seasons ago and now is on a national tour. Demonstrably, the future commercial success of those works did not provide sufficient sustenance for the theater that gave them birth.
While the broad outlines of what took place after the Nov. 3 election have long been known, the Senate investigation based on a review of documents and interviews with former officials lays bare the extent of Trumps all-out campaign to remain in the White House. It shows how Trump benefited from the support of a little-known Justice Department lawyer who championed the then-presidents efforts to challenge the vote but how, in the end, other senior officials stood together to face down Trump. The outcome suggests how reliant the fragile U.S. election system is on the integrity of government officials.
While we want to emphasize that calling 911 is still the fastest, most reliable way to contact us, we know that offering texting as an option is critical in so many scenarios, Emergency Communications Manager Jillianne Chuffo said in a news release. Were thankful to be able to offer texting as an option for citizens who have an emergency but arent able to speak  either because its not safe or because of a disability.
A woman who police said is between 21 and 22 years old was a passenger in the vehicle that flipped over. She was taken to Stroger Hospital with multiple injuries to her body, leaving her in critical condition.
Nina: Yes. She let herself be saddened, or almost mourning. In the first half of the book, particularly in the first 10 pages, shes so, so angry. And by the end of the book, you feel she can allow herself to be sad and to mourn what she didnt have and even go a step further and start to mourn what her mother didnt have. She comes to this realization that her mother and all of their sisters  because they didnt have the power of choice in their husbands, and when they had kids  they could not have a loving relationship. In some sense a loving relationship was reserved only for the wealthy and the privileged. There was a great quote in there, about her mom saying, love goes out the window when youre poor.
A 16-year-old boy who was killed in what police believe may have been an exchange of gunfire between two vehicles as they drove through several North Side neighborhoods late Monday has been identified.
When asked whether the county should have notified the public sooner about an officer reportedly discharging his weapon, Preckwinkle responded: Well, first of all, let me point out that this is an ongoing investigation, and a police report was filed. That was sufficient. Im just grateful that he wasnt hurt. Given the circumstances, it could have had a quite different outcome.
Tim has been working for all of us for his whole life, fighting the good fight to create a better world. Let us join together and show how much we care. Please give generously, she wrote. We dont know how much time Tim has with us, but we want him to be as comfortable and with as much dignity as possible. We owe him that.
He cant kill himself. Andy cant kill himself. But they both want to. So what can they do for each other? They can help each other out, they can take care of each other, Assistant States Attorney Craig Engebretson said.  Maybe (Lathem) could kill somebody else and maybe it would be enjoyable to do that, before he dies, to somebody else.
The circumstances surrounding Lurrys death prompted ODekirk and some members of the City Council in June of 2020 to send a letter to the Illinois attorney generals office requesting an investigation. Last month, Attorney General Kwame Raoul pointed to that letter in his announcement of a formal investigation into policing practices in Joliet. Raoul, however, also noted he would not open a criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding Lurrys death but was taking a look at broader questions regarding civil rights violations and policing practices.
The $8.04 billion spending recommendation  over $1 billion more than Preckwinkles final budget for 2021  would not include any new taxes, fines, fees or layoffs, she said in a Thursday speech. In fact, the countys workforce would grow 7% from 2020 levels to just over 23,000 positions  a level not seen since the earlier years of Preckwinkles time as county board president.
The St. Louis-based development executive also served as a bundler for Bidens campaign, securing at least $100,000 in contributions from donors. Clark was among the most loyal donors to Rahm Emanuel, gifting travel to the former mayor several years in a row and contributing more than $120,000 to his campaign. Emanuels administration approved developments built by Clayco in the city, and the mayor appeared at an event with Clark when the executive announced his firm would relocate its headquarters to Chicago.
Even though the nurses criminal conduct did not cause the patients death, her actions violated the sacred trust that all of us place in our health care providers: to, first, do no harm. Ms. Wright appears to have inserted her own agenda into the solemn end-of-life decision-making process that confronts so many families, Lake County States Attorney Eric Rinehart said in the release.
On October 6, Ambassador Qin Gang virtually attended the Opening Session of the Forum on Tourism, Hospitality and Cultural Exchange co-hosted by the US-Asia Institute and Las Vegas Sands Corp., and delivered a keynote speech.

Ambassador Qin shared with the audience seven buzzwords in China and used a host of pictures to vividly and humorously describe Chinas latest development and Chinese peoples attitudes towards life. The two buzzwords, People First, Life First [] andHeroes in Harms Way [], highlight Chinas spirit of combating COVID-19, which features putting peoples lives first, nationwide solidarity, sacrifice, respecting science, and a sense of mission for humanity. The three buzzwords, Lie Flat [], Versailles [], and Celebrity Fan Clubs [], summarize the lifestyle and life philosophy of some Chinese youths, as well as a trendy social media culture and commercialized idol-chasing. The pair of buzzwords, Involution [] and Double Reduction[]reflect by way of contrast the pressure and impact brought by intense competition and commercialization in todays society, and how Chinese government and society deal with them.

Ambassador Qin pointed out that these buzzwords reflect the changing and unchanging elements in Chinese peoples values when China experiences rapid economic growth and becomes more open and inclusive. Socialism with Chinese characteristics requires both material progress and cultural-ethical advancement. We need to keep fine traditional values, uphold fairness and justice, and not get lost in a market economy. In addition to rule of law, China also practices rule of virtue. Rooted in traditional Chinese values is a concern for the common good of humanity, as shown in a Chinese poetic line, how wonderful it would be if there could be tens of thousands of houses to shelter those in need, together in joy! It is unacceptable if capital is allowed to seek profit and monopoly at the expense of public interests.

Ambassador Qin also took the audience on a virtual tour in China, in which he shared several friendly reminders. The tour showcased a fascinating and colorful China and the progress of Chinese society, as well as Chinese peoples enthusiasm towards cultural and people-to-people exchange with the US.

Ambassador Qin emphasized that tourism and cultural exchange between China and the US are the foundation for mutual understanding and correct perception of the two peoples. He hoped that the pandemic would be over soon, so that American friends could go to China for study, work and fun to get a true, multi-dimensional and panoramic view of China.

Chinese Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism Zhang Xu delivered video remarks at the Opening Session. About 500 participants, including Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, Members of Congress, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, as well as representatives from US-China Educational Trust, US Travel, University of Nevada and other organizations, joined the two-day Forum in person or via video link. The host also played video clips featuring Chinas landscape and culture as well as Beijing Winter Olympics between sessions.

The American attendees spoke highly of the significance of tourism and cultural exchange in advancing US-China relations, and the huge opportunities brought by Chinas reform and opening-up and rapid development to international investors. They said, the US and China, as two major countries, shoulder common responsibilities of promoting world peace, stability and prosperity, and have extensive common interests in areas such as climate change, public health, anti-terrorism and non-proliferation. The two countries should properly handle differences, strengthen dialogue, enhance cooperation and jointly promote the healthy and stable development of US-China relations, to the benefit of the people of both countries and the world at large.
 Flash

Moscow and Tehran have agreed that negotiations on the Iran nuclear deal in the Vienna format should resume as soon as possible, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday.

Russia opposes attempts of some countries to link the preservation of the Iran nuclear deal with Tehran's concessions on other issues, Lavrov said during a joint press conference with visiting Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian following their talks in Moscow.

Lavrov said that the international community is still waiting for the United States to return to the nuclear deal and lift "illegal restrictions" on Iran and its economic partners.

Amir Abdollahian said that he had received signals from the U.S. administration that the White House intends to return to the nuclear deal and take into account the rights and interests of the Iranian people.

While discussing Afghanistan, both officials called on the new authorities to fight terrorism and illegal arms and drug trafficking so that the country would stop being a source of regional and global instability.

Lavrov and Amir Abdollahian agreed to arrange a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in the foreseeable future.

They also agreed to launch the production of Russia's Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine in Iran as soon as possible.




remaining of

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Our History and the Christian Connection

Mary MacKillop

1842 - 1909

The tiny face of the boy in the rowing boat was screwed up in timidity and fear.

Every time Mary Mackillop went to the orphanage at Kincumber, three boys were sent to Woy Woy to bring her the five kilometres across Brisbane Waters. Two were assigned to row the boat and one to bail furiously. On this occasion, one of the boys had a beaten, hang-dog look. Please, Mother, he confessed, Sister sent me to tell you I stole a loaf of bread.

A hundred years previously the boy would have been dragged before a magistrate. Like as not, his punishment would have been a sentence of transportation and seven years as a convict on the other side of the world. Children only came to be protected by law about the time Mary MacKillop died in 1909. So, the boy had cause for concern.

But Mary MacKillopor Mary of the Crossknew justice needed to be tempered with mercy. She could see this orphan not a criminal but a victim of a society unable to look after its most vulnerable people: orphaned children.

Her understanding of human nature endeared her to many people. A novice nun was sent to her for discipline after losing several heavy bags of soup bones on her way back from town. She was left off after explaining, so many dogs were following me that I felt sure that you would rather the dogs would eat the bones than they would eat me!

Marys early childhood was not easy. Her parents were Scottish immigrants who settled in Melbourne and Mary was born there on 15 January 1842. Money worries were part of Marys life and the boom and bust gold days saw the MacKillops suffer continual financial instability.

From her teens to mid-twenties Mary supported the family, working in a stationery business and then as a school- teacher and governess, before taking the first of many courageous steps in her life at the age of 24.

The poor

Mary wanted to serve the poor, particularly educating the children who lived in the bush. She opened a school in a stable on 19 March 1866, wearing a simple black dress as a sign of a radical life change. The first school set the pattern for many to come  it was for the children of the working class, providing a basic but thorough education, aiming to make children independent, employable and well-grounded.

Other young women joined Mary MacKillop and worked to establish places of refuge and rehabilitation for people in need, as well as the schools. Mary developed a Rule for the Sisters of St Joseph, as they became known, dedicated to meeting the material and spiritual needs of struggling people.

In a stiff, strict world where no excuses were tolerated, Mary MacKillops kindness and understanding were remarkable. After her death, one sister saw a picture of her in a shop and asked to buy it. The storekeeper refused to sell it. That kind lady, and holy nun that she was, saved my wife and me from starvation. Although he was not a Catholic, he thereafter always helped the orphanages she founded.

Mary of the Cross was canonised by the Catholic Church in 2010. She was, however, honoured and well regarded by many Australians for well over a century. Her fame emanates from her founding role in the Sisters of Saint Joseph: A Catholic order of women who devote themselves wholly to the service of God by serving the poor of the world. They operate in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Peru, East Timor, Scotland and Brazil.

Many people start organisations that continue to exist beyond their own lifetime. Some climb to the top through clever and ruthless tactics, stepping on others to propel themselves forward in wealth and fame. While others attract helpers and volunteers because of their selflessness and godliness.

Motivation

The most notorious episode of her life was her excommunication from the Church during late 1871 and early 1872. This action was quickly understood as unfair, being essentially motivated by a powerplay within Adelaide Catholicism. Most people would become embittered by such an unjust experience and seek to retaliate. Mary refused to lower herself to such standards. Avoiding all temptation to badmouth her accusers, she came through the whole experience displaying nothing but love and compassion to all: a Christlike quality that characterised her life.

Mary MacKillops attitude was always of forgiveness and respect. Her many letters are evidence of her vision, courage and leadership.

The Scripture in James 1:22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says could be words that would describe this wonderful womans contribution to our society.

Mary was not naive, nor did she shy back from a challenge. She simply understood who her Lord was and lived her life by His example. Her life was one of service, love and humility. She was a strong character who always put her Lord and others first.

Written by Annie Hamilton for the DIDUNO Network
Carpinteria, CA (93013)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 59F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Mainly cloudy. Low 52F. Winds light and variable.
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The global telepsychiatry market size is expected to reach USD 39.90 billion by 2028 according to a new study by Polaris Market Research. The report Telepsychiatry Market Share, Size, Trends, Industry Analysis Report, By Product (In-home solutions, Forensic solutions, Routine solutions, Crisis solutions, Others); By Age Group (Adult, Pediatric & Adolescent, Geriatric); By End-Use; By Regions; Segment Forecast, 2021  2028 gives a detailed insight into current market dynamics and provides analysis on future market growth.

The current ongoing pandemic of COVID-19 has impacted several market sectors, including healthcare apps. Governments all across the globe have responded to this with all essential initiatives such as lockdowns, large-scale quarantine, and social distancing, to contain the infection. This has resulted in employee layoffs, which impacted the mental health of people driving the market for telepsychiatry.

Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/telepsychiatry-market/request-for-sample

As per the KFF poll, more than 47 percent of U.S. citizens have reported mental health issues and it is being reported that around 21 percent was due to job loss. Moreover, according to the statistics published by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, around 43.3 percent of the U.S. population had received treatment for mental disorders, in 2018.

Market participants such as InSight Telepsychiatry, MDLIVE Inc., e-Psychiatry, SOC Telemed, Advanced Telemed Services, Telemynd, American Tele-psychiatrists, Iris Telehealth, innovaTel Telepsychiatry, and Encounter Telehealth, LLC. are some of the key players operating in the market for telepsychiatry. The companies in the market are introducing innovative apps and services to perform well in the crowded market.

For instance, in December 2020, the U.S.-based telehealth company, MeMD introduced telepsychiatry services to manage employees mental health issues amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It includes the Healthy minds first program providing employers and their employees to assess critical mental health behaviors. The launch is on the backdrop of the report published by the Center for Prevention and Health Services, which states that mental problems and drug abuse cost employers between USD 79 to 105 each year, collectively in the form of productivity, employee absence, and disability.

Previously, in October 2020, Teladoc Health introduced its new service Mental Health Care, enabling its employees to access the best lot of sleep therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists through their phones, via mobile app. This new service will expand the companys telehealth services, particularly into niche offerings, such as telepsychiatry.

Complete Summary with TOC Available @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/telepsychiatry-market/toc

Polaris Market research has segmented the telepsychiatry market report on the basis of product, age group, end-use, and region:

Telepsychiatry, Product Outlook (Revenue  USD Million, 2016  2028)

In-home solutions

Forensic solutions

Routine solutions

Crisis solutions

Others

Telepsychiatry, Age Group Outlook (Revenue  USD Million, 2016  2028)

Adult

Pediatric and Adolescent

Geriatric

Telepsychiatry, End Use Outlook (Revenue  USD Million, 2016  2028)

Community Mental Health Centers

Specialty Care Settings

Skilled Nursing Facilities

Homecare

Others

Telepsychiatry, Regional Outlook (Revenue  USD Million, 2016  2028)

North America U.S. Canada

Europe France Germany UK Italy Spain Netherlands Austria

Asia Pacific China India Japan Malaysia South Korea Indonesia

Central & South America Mexico Brazil Argentina

Middle East & Africa UAE Saudi Arabia Israel South Africa



Avail discount on this report @ https://www.polarismarketresearch.com/industry-analysis/telepsychiatry-market/request-for-discount-pricing

About Polaris Market Research

Polaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. We provide unmatched quality of offerings to our clients present globally. The company specializes in providing exceptional market intelligence and in-depth business research services for our clientele spread across different enterprises. We at Polaris are obliged to serve our diverse customer base present across the industries of healthcare, technology, semi-conductors and chemicals among various other industries present around the world.

Contact us-

Polaris Market Research

Phone: 1-646-568-9980

Email: sales@polarismarketresearch.com

Web: www.polarismarketresearch.com
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San Francisco, 7 Oct 2021: The Report Hysteroscopy Procedures Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By End Use (Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Hospitals, Clinics), By Region (Asia Pacific, Europe, North America), And Segment Forecasts, 2021 - 2028

The global hysteroscopy procedures market size is expected to reach USD 6.34 billion by 2028, registering a CAGR of 6.7% over the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Surge in prevalence of gynecological disorders, technological advancements, increasing adoption of minimally invasive surgeries, and favorable reimbursement policies are the key driving factors for the market. In addition, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been significant on the market.

The pandemic has affected companies ability to develop and commercialize new & advanced products. Almost all companies are affected by reduced procedure volumes due to the pandemic, as all hospital resources are being diverted to fight the disease. Furthermore, the restrictions and functioning of a limited number of government offices are expected to delay clinical trials of products, which is expected to result in delayed product launches by companies.

The increasing prevalence of uterine fibroids is a key factor driving the market. For instance, as per the research article published in Dove Press Ltd., the prevalence of uterine fibroid disease ranges from 5.4% to 23.6%, depending upon the age group. Moreover, uterine fibroids can cause serious problems in 25% of women. Hysteroscopy is used to diagnose abnormalities, such as excessive bleeding, severe stomach cramps, recurrent miscarriages, or difficulties in conceiving. Thus, the presence of such a large patient pool leads to increased demand for hysteroscopy procedures.

Access Research Report of Hysteroscopy Procedures Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/hysteroscopy-procedures-market-report

Hysteroscopy Procedures Market Report Highlights

The hospitals end-use segment held the largest revenue share in 2020. The segment growth is credited to the high number of cases of gynecological disorders

Asia Pacific is expected to witness the fastest CAGR over the forecast period due to the presence of a large patient pool coupled with the rising aging population in the APAC region

Integrating hysteroscopy into office practice will provide a lucrative opportunity for key market players. Several players have launched office hysteroscopy and associated devices

For instance, Aveta System (office hysteroscopy), recently launched by Meditrina Inc. in March 2020, is an all-in-one tissue removal solution for intrauterine pathology, which offers wide-angle HD hysteroscopy

Furthermore, in-office hysteroscopy is beneficial over traditional hysteroscopy procedures as it is efficient & clinically beneficial and offers a patient-centric approach

It is also a simple and quick tool for retrieving intrauterine devices. Thus, physicians will consider investing in equipment and adopting an in-office approach for hysteroscopy

List of Key Players of Hysteroscopy Procedures Market

Medtronic

Stryker Corp.

Hologic, Inc.

KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG

Medical Devices Business Services, Inc. (Ethicon, Inc.)

Olympus Corp.

Delmont Imaging

Braun Melsungen AG

Richard Wolf GmbH

CooperCompanies

Maxer Endoscopy GmbH

Boston Scientific Corp.

MedGyn Products, Inc.

Lina Medical APS

Luminelle

Meditrina, Inc. (Aveta)

Access Press Release of Hysteroscopy Procedures Market @ https://www.grandviewresearch.com/press-release/global-hysteroscopy-procedures-market
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Join Edith Salas of Salas Properties & host Jenn Barlow as they visit the Coronado Shores community. The towers have amazing views including the world famous Hotel del Coronado, downtown San Diego, San Diego Bay, the City of Coronado, Point Loma, and the Pacific Ocean.
I am outraged by these despicable and cowardly acts of hate, and I am deeply saddened that the crew working on the site, members of our police department, and others within our community who have responded to these incidents had to see such vile messages, Yale President Peter Salovey said in a message to the university community Tuesday.
Over the last couple of years weve seen a rise in incidents where people will go into garages or houses to find a key. You want to make sure you dont have a garage opener accessible in a car in the driveway, and you dont want to leave a key in the car even if its in your garage, he said.
The rates are down, hospitalizations are down, which is encouraging, said Dr. David Banach, an epidemiologist at UConn Health. Things at the moment are at least plateauing or going in a good direction, but well still have to be attentive to everything going on.
Given the fact that our resources are strained, we need to make sure that we get the flu vaccine, said Dr. Indu Warrier, chief medical officer at the health insurance company ConnectiCare. In case you get COVID, having the flu on top of that, you dont want to have a complicated viral infectious process. And secondly, we need to make sure that we conserve health-care resources to make sure that we have enough for anybody who has a serious illness to be taken care for.
Can we somehow direct EMS systems to go to a triage center so that the children can be evaluated to make sure, what is the best place for them to be sent to? Is it a hospital? Is it an outpatient clinic? Those assessments are being done in the emergency room, and if they could be done ahead of time, it might reduce the volume in our ED, he said.
The type of crack seen in the Coast Guard video is big enough to allow some oil to escape to potentially trigger the low pressure alarm, Kuprewicz said. But because the pipeline was operating under relatively low pressure, the control room operator may have simply dismissed the alarm because the pressure was not very high to begin, he said.
Plasma donors are compensated. Fees vary by location, according to the company, but donors can be paid more than $1,000 in their first month. Eligible donors include people in good health, age 18 to 65, who weigh at least 110 pounds, have no tattoos or piercings within the last 4 months and have valid identification and a permanent address, according to CSL.
I dont think so,' Lamont said. I think people knew just because we had to have backup. Just in case if the bus drivers werent there to take kids to school, we had to have a backup. Just in case we had to make sure that we had logistics people and maintenance people if people didnt show.'
Today

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. High 54F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.

Tonight

A clear sky. Low around 30F. Winds light and variable.

Tomorrow

Sunny. High around 55F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.
Some former employees said that they found her endearingly scatterbrained, and that they tried to create automated systems to keep track of royalties and to try make sure authors were paid on time. Former employees said that they had asked Wills to create an escrow account for author earnings to protect them until royalties were paid, but she declined. An informal policy was to make sure the bestselling authors, and the ones who frequently complained  called the yappers by employees  were paid first, while others had to wait, according to former employees.
She meets the much-hated Helen, whose renowned beauty and grace have faded and who is now just a moldy old bone for feral dogs to fight over. Andromache is erased by grief for her dead child and Priams widow, Hecuba, tears herself apart. Only Amina, a headstrong young teenager, refuses to be broken, and puts into action a plan to defy her oppressors. But when she disappears, Briseis goes in search of her, and in doing so discovers just how much freedom and authority she has in this mans world.
Why didnt The Pilot report the language that is in the book The Bluest Eye that discusses in great detail about a father raping and molesting his daughter and getting pleasure from it, she wrote. Is this the type of thing you want your child to read? This is what has been vetted by the district as appropriate curriculum. Is this the Social Emotional Learning they had in mind?
Weve gone from being able to say, this is the first church building to being able to say a little bit about the people themselves, Gary said. Any church will tell you that the church is the people. Its not the physical evidence, its the people and we have both here.
Third-year biochemistry major from Houston Aleeza Mason was awarded the title of Miss Black Texas Tech in April of 2021. She will now represent Black Student Association as their homecoming queen nominee. After a thorough selection process, the 2021 queen will be announced at the homecoming game on Oct. 9 versus Texas Christian University.
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Navarathri celebrations have begun today but the State government has decided to keep the temples closed from Friday to Sunday claiming festivals could become super spreader of the virus. (DC File Photo)

Chennai: Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai on Thursday demanded that the state government lift restrictions on week-end worship at the temples, within 10 days and warned that the DMK dispensation's attempt to impose its ideology will result in a backlash from the people.

Accusing the state government of attempting to impose its ideology on the theists by restricting darshan during weekends, Annamalai insisted that there was "no logic in keeping temples closed from Friday to Sunday citing coronavirus, when it had permitted cinema halls to re-open and is getting ready to restart schools for all classes for children for whom COVID-19 vaccine is yet to be rolled out.

He also charged the state government with using the Centre's advisory on COVID-19 to its advantage.

Navarathri celebrations have begun today but the State government has decided to keep the temples closed from Friday to Sunday claiming festivals could become super spreader of the virus. There is no logic in this argument as the Central government's circular on restrictions is purely advisory, Annamalai said.

The BJP president, who led a massive protest here to force the DMK-led government to permit darshan at temples, told reporters that his party has been constrained to organise the protest in front of 12 ancient temples today.

The DMK government said it would not rigidly follow the Centre's advisory and would take independent decisions. But this decision to keep the temples closed citing Coronavirus has denied the rights of the people to visit temples to worship the gods, he said. Hence, the protest today.

He expressed hope that the government would concede the demand within 10 days. Don't test people's patience, their faith on god.. If the demand is not met, then there will be massive protests by the people, the BJP senior warned.

We are giving 10 days for the government to change its mind, or else we don't have an option other than to hit the streets in a massive way. Using the boggy of Coronavirus to push their false ideology will be opposed by the BJP tooth and nail," he said.

When TASMAC outlets, theatres and other commercial centres are open, why this approach to temples? is this their way of bringing their no god ideology' into our personal space? Annamalai asked.

Despite an element of risk involved in it, his party had supported the government in its decision to re-open the schools, as the children have been confined to their homes for nearly one-and-a-half years and that they need to go back to the school for their education.

The DMK government's attempt to impose its ideology on the people was evident when it banned the Vinayaka Chaturthi celebrations. Not only Hindus, even the Muslims and Christians who have participated in this protest want all the religious places of worship to be re-opened, he said.

A large number of women members of the BJP held 'thee chetti' (fire pots) with neem leaves strung around them, asking the government to allow darshan in temples this Navarathri.
Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on Thursday slammed the Centre, accusing it of curtailing the powers of elected governments in the states.

Terming the BJP and the Congress as two sides of the same coin, the chief minister said that the Central governments headed by the Congress earlier and the BJP now have snatched away several subjects from the 'state list' of the Constitution and transferred them to either the 'Union list' or the 'concurrent list'. Agriculture was one such subject.

Replying to a short discussion on Palle Pragathi-Pattana Pragathi in the Assembly on Thursday, Rao said if the Centre makes any law on any subject mentioned in the concurrent list, that will automatically prevail and the states' law on the same subject will become null and void.

Rao informed the House that Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin recently wrote a letter to him on the issue of Centre curtailing the powers of states and sought his support to fight against such trends.

"I am ready to fight with the Centre to safeguard the powers and rights of states. As a leader of a regional party, I strongly oppose the Centre snatching away the powers of elected governments in states," the CM said.

Stalin had written to the CMs of 12 states including TS, requesting them to collectively raise the voice to reclaim states rights over education as was guaranteed in the constitution and oppose NEET.

Rao also attacked the BJP-led government at the Centre for imposing a 25 per cent cut in funds to RLBs (rural local bodies) in Telangana. He said that the 15th Finance Commission has recommended the Centre to give Rs 1,847 crore as grant to RLBs but the Centre gave just Rs 1,367 crore.

The CM also came down heavily on the Centre's abrupt decision not to procure boiled rice from Telangana for PDS (public distribution system).

"Recently I was in Delhi and extended my visit by a few more days to take up the paddy procurement issue with the Centre. I met Union PDS minister twice and pleaded against changing the procurement policies all of a sudden. I urged the Centre to announce a yearly procurement target for every state in advance and not alter it in the middle of the year so that state governments can take a decision on what crops to cultivate over what extent," Rao said.

Stating that he was waiting for the Centre's response on his demands, Rao said, "We will release our agriculture plan for upcoming rabi season in the first week of November and alert farmers in advance what crops they should opt for. The Centre is refusing to procure boiled rice from Telangana in rabi season. This way, we can save our farmers from suffering losses due to non-procurement."
Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao has ordered a CID inquiry into the alleged encroachment of Wakf lands and properties across the state. The CM made a statement to this effect in the Assembly on Thursday in response to the persistent demand from AIMIM in the House.

AIMIM floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi has been raising this issue in the House during every Assembly session and strongly urging the state government to order either a judicial inquiry by a retired high court judge or a CBI inquiry or at least a CID inquiry.

Owaisi raised this issue again on Monday and expressed his anguish over the state government adopting a negligent attitude towards the issue of encroachment of valuable Wakf lands. He said out of total 77,538 acres of Wakf land in the state, about 57,000 acres  amounting to 74 per cent  has been grabbed by land sharks but the government is turning a blind eye on their demand to order an inquiry into the issue.

Owaisi and AIMIM MLAs again raised this issue in the House on Thursday. The CM finally agreed to their demand and ordered a probe by CID with immediate effect.

"The government has uploaded on Dharani portal the details of all land parcels owned by Wakf and endowments department. Those lands were kept under the prohibited list on Dharani portal. No one can buy or sell those properties. No transaction can happen on those lands.

The government has seized all the Wakf records in 2017. But since there is a strong demand for a CID inquiry into Wakf lands, I am ordering so," the CM said.

Owaisi said that in a survey done on properties being held by 33,929 Waqf institutions, about 82 per cent of the lands in Hyderabad were grabbed by encroachers.
This is the moment of reckoning for a nation scarred. An unspeakable tragedy in Lakhimpur Kheri has wounded the nations sensibility to its very core. The 30-second video showing the graphic and gruesome murder of innocent citizens by a bunch of anti-socials sheltered by netas drunk on power has once again exposed the faultlines of our politics and a constitutional democracy in decline. The absolute imperative of resisting the perversion of democracy and prostitution of power must begin with an unreserved acceptance of the truth that we are a faltering democracy, for more reasons than one.

For instance, a troubling scenario of debilitated institutions of democracy, absence of empathetic pluralism, rise of muscular nationalism, the questionable ideological integrity of political parties, assault on the first principles of the Republic and accentuation of social and economic inequities, et al., all point to a dwindling democracy and conditions of a flailing State. And, a dysfunctional Parliament in which laws are passed without debate and the unconscionable rigour of anti-defection law that fetters the freedom of elected representatives to articulate the voice of their conscience as also the views of their electors question the Parliaments legitimacy as the highest forum of Indian democracy. But this is only the tip of the proverbial iceberg threatening the behemoth of our democracy.

Despite its inspiring jurisprudence on human rights, the role of the higher judiciary as custodian of the constitutional principle is suspect. Failure of superior courts in noticing a blurring distinction between lawful prosecution and malicious persecution, particularly in cases involving political leaders, questions the resilience of our judicial system and its willingness to lean in defence of our liberties, reputation, and dignity.

The Supreme Courts response in cases relating to custodial torture, the Rohingyas, Bhima Koregaon activists, Shaheen Bagh, Stan Swamy, JNU protests, misuse of the sedition law, and violation of the federal principle, etc., has been disappointing and has diminished its pre-eminent role as the designated arbiter of constitutional rights. Recent observations of the court questioning the famers right to protest against farm laws while the matter is sub-judice, is seen as a negation of their fundamental right to peaceful protest.

Meanwhile, repeated and unchecked media trials have simultaneously distorted the course of justice, thereby undermining the rule of law. Corporatisation of media houses, dominance of social media and the impact of fake news which sells gossip as gospel have contributed to the intellectual impoverishment of the democratic dialogue resulting in uninformed choices critical for our future. The triumphant march of media as the keeper of public morality continues despite the spin, the invented injuries and the imagined scandals emasculating on a daily basis the citizens rights to privacy, reputation and dignity. The weakening of democracy is thus reflected in a continuing erosion of its institutional foundations.

Questions about integrity of the electoral process have not helped either. A prominent view that Indian democracy no longer manifests a contestation of ideas without fear in an atmosphere of freedom and that it has failed to empower a vast majority of the people to become citizens of a constitutional state interrogates our democratic resilience. The abuse of the States executive power in derogation of constitutional constraints mocks our claim as the worlds largest constitutional democracy.

The fraying of Indian democracy is as much a consequence of an embrace of moral relativism when dealing with questions of power as the ascendancy of political culture that locates the nations moral compass in the passing impulses of transient majorities. A coarsened political discourse has stymied the critically important conversation about the accountability of power in the language of constitutional principles.

A relentless and blind pursuit of power by members of the political class, mostly given to the vice of shallowness has denuded our democratic polity of its moral appeal. A fatal cocktail of power run amok and perverted intelligence of the clever is a loud affirmation of democratic recession.

The way forward must begin with a search for ennobling leadership befitting the challenges of our times, standing tall and selfless in furtherance of the values defined and captured in our national charter. We must own up to the aberrations that have dented the quality of our democracy and rededicate ourselves to the task of national renewal. This, we can do by nurturing politics imbued with ethical imperatives of a conscientious society and by unreservedly accepting moral and constitutional constraints in the conduct of politics. This is the lesson of Lakhimpur Kheri.

Also, we are commanded by the Constitution to proclaim aloud that caste and communal cleavages are incompatible with the preambular goals of the Constitution and that the pursuit of power is legitimised only with reference to the ends to which is applied. Only when we realise how far away we have moved from the quest for true democracy, will we find ways to rescue a democracy in retreat.

We must accept that the elevating function of democratic politics can be realised only in terms of the wholesomeness of human condition defined by the ideal of dignity and driven by empathy for fellow citizens. The exertions of selfless leaders alone can ensure a truly vibrant democratic culture. Perhaps, it is time to remind ourselves of the wisdom of Mencius, pupil of Confucius, that the greatest fortune of a people would be to keep ignorant persons from public office, and secure their wisest men to rule them.
The feature needs to be activated from the Google Assistant settings. (AFP Photo)

Washington: Google Assistant will soon be able to respond to certain phrases without requiring that you say the wake phrase "Hey, Google".

As per GSM Arena, 'Quick Phrases' is now rolling out to a Google Pixel 3 XL that was running the Android 12 Beta. It's not known whether Android 12 is a requirement for Quick Phrases. It's worth noting this was also the Google App version 12.39.17.29.

The feature needs to be activated from the Google Assistant settings. Once enabled, Google Assistant will listen for certain phrases depending on the context.

For example, if an alarm is going off, the Assistant will listen for whether the user says "Stop" or "Snooze" without requiring the user to say "Hey Google". An incoming call can be answered by just saying "Answer" or rejected by saying "Decline".

Back in September, 9to5Google published a list of commands believes to be these Quick Phrases.

It included things like "Cancel the alarm", "Send a broadcast", "What's the weather?", "Turn up the volume", and "Pause the music".

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.
Mayors in DeSoto County are in favor of a plan to form a regional compact to help the Mid-South area fund additional transportation improvements that will benefit the entire region.
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Exeter-led team receives national funding to roll-out innovative rehab programme

Healthcare professionals will be trained to deliver an award-winning programme, led by the University of Exeter, which supports people with heart failure to undergo cardiac rehabilitation in their own homes, thanks to funding from NHS England.

Taking up rehabilitation after experiencing heart failure improves quality of life, and can be lifesaving, yet programmes delivered in-person in health centres are often poorly attended. REACH HF is a comprehensive programme giving people with heart failure an alternative to receiving rehabilitation in a hospital clinic. It includes an exercise, psychological support and education programme that can be conducted from the comfort of the individuals home.

Research, originally funded by National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), showed that REACH HF was not only clinically effective in improving health related quality of life but also cost effective. The home-based rehabilitation programme proved particularly valuable at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, where many older and vulnerable people shielding at home were unable to attend hospital. The REACH-HF teams moves to ensure the programme was adapted for delivery during COVID-19 was one of the factors that won them the BMJ Stroke and Cardiovascular team of the year award in in 2020. A recent review published in Nature authored by members of the REACH HF team report that an increasing body of evidence supports home models of rehabilitation as a successful alternative to traditional centre-based programmes.

Following the success of the multicentre trial, the programme is being evaluated as part of routine clinical practice in eight NHS cardiac rehabilitation centres in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. This ongoing evaluation is showing that REACH HF can be effectively delivered across different real world healthcare settings.

Now, NHS England is providing funding to train 60 health care professionals in up to 20 sitesacrossEngland in 2021-22. The two-day training programme (hosted by the Heart Manual Department, NHS Lothian) will take place online, and health trusts are encouraged to apply early, with priority given to areas where the uptake of cardiac rehabilitation is currently the lowest based on the latest data from the National Audit of Cardiac Rehabilitation (NACR).

Associate Professor Hasnain Dalal, of the University of Exeter and the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT), said: Our home-based cardiac rehabilitation programme for people with heart failure and their caregivers is designed to improve take-up of this service that is so important to improving lives, by making it much easier for often elderly, vulnerable people to access  by bringing it into their homes. Over the past few years, weve built up a strong evidence base that it works  Im delighted to see this being rolled out to benefit those who need it, and Id encourage health trusts to come forward and take advantage of this free training.

The REACH-HF programme has benefitted patients and has been well received by health practitioners. One patient told the team: I appreciate that COVID-19 has changed everything, but until I received this pack, I was scared, clueless and frightened. This pack and the support I received on the phone were a life-saver, and I cannot thank them enough. In that moment, everything fell into place and I reclaimed my life.

Another patient said: I still use the heart failure manual as a reference tool several years after I was involved in the trial. It is a mine of information and saves me having to go to my GP or heart failure nurse in the first instance.

Caroline Golder, Lead Nurse at Wirral Community Cardiology Service and Wirral Community Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, said REACH HF has enriched our cardiac rehab service immensely. It has enabled our team to provide cardiac rehab to a group of patients who would not have been able to access our service in the past. It has been an invaluable resource during the pandemic, and we have received nothing but positive feedback from patients who have felt the benefit from the REACH HF programme. It has enabled them to remain active in their homes during a very turbulent time.

The REACH-HF programme was developed by a collaboration involving several clinical and academic partners across the UK including the Universities of Birmingham, Dundee, Exeter, Glasgow, Plymouth and York together with the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, NHS Lothian, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School, Dundee, Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and York Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The REACH-HF collaboration has received research and implementation funding past and present from a number of research funders and charities including: the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), the British Heart Foundation (BHF), Heart Research UK, and the Southwest Academic Health Sciences Network

Professor Nick Linker, NHS national clinical director for heart disease said: The NHS Long Term Plan sets out our ambition to increase the number of patients accessing cardiac rehabilitation by scaling up services and ensuring those who are eligible are aware of the support on offer. This funding is focused on doing just that and will ensure heart failure patients benefit from the additional at home support that they might need.

For more information on the application process and form please contact Jenny Amesbury, REACH HF Project Administrator reach-hf@exeter.ac.uk

Or visit our website to download the application form: http://sites.exeter.ac.uk/reach-hf/
Fort Hood, TX (76544)

Today

Cloudy early with peeks of sunshine expected late. High 62F. Winds NNE at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Clear skies. Scattered frost possible. Low 34F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
Photo by Paige Lampson

Lt. Brian Kalinowski will take the lead as Galt Police Departments permanent police chief on Monday, Oct. 11.
Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, slams Senate Republicans for obstructing Democratic efforts to increase the debt ceiling before the October 18 deadline.

One day after signaling that President Joe Biden would sign Democrats' reconciliation regardless of whether the Hyde amendment is included, Psaki disputed the notion that the president is "backtracking" on his opposition to the amendment.

When asked if he would still sign it if it included the Hyde amendment, a requirement that bans public money from being used to support abortions, Biden said Tuesday he wanted to get the big social spending measure approved and would "sign it either way."

Biden previously mocked McConnell over debt ceiling

The cost of the reconciliation package is still being negotiated between the party's moderate and progressive members, National Review reported. Progressives forced the House to postpone a vote on a separate $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill last week because they refused to support it until Congress acts on the reconciliation bill.

Progressives forced the House to postpone a vote on a separate $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill last week because they refused to support it until Congress acts on the reconciliation bill. President Biden sought to ease intraparty strife with a compromise topline of $1.9 trillion to $2.2 trillion for Democrats' reconciliation plan.

Biden has previously slammed Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and his caucus, calling their actions "hypocritical, dangerous, and disgraceful" for objecting to Democrats' attempts to approve a debt-ceiling deal.

Republicans are attempting to compel Democrats to use reconciliation to raise the debt ceiling, bypassing the Senate filibuster. At the same time, the White House demands that Republicans not filibuster the already-passed House debt ceiling bill.

On Wednesday, the House voted 219-212 to postpone raising the debt ceiling until December 2022, after the midterm elections next year.

Read Also: Donald Trump's Mysterious Hospital Visit in 2019 Was To Get Colonoscopy, New Book Reveals

McConnell thwarted Democratic efforts to raise debt limit

"We must get a bill on the president's desk dealing with the debt limit by the end of the week," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote to colleagues Monday morning, as per Daily Mail.

Last week, McConnell thwarted numerous Democratic attempts to raise the debt ceiling by unanimous consent. Now, Biden is concerned that Republicans would filibuster it, requiring 60 votes to proceed.

Per Fox News, Jen Psaki would not rule out the possibility that President Biden might support Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's plan for a short-term debt limit extension. However, Psaki made it clear that the White House's desire is not a short-term solution.

The remarks follow McConnell's suggestion on Wednesday to temporarily suspend the United States' debt ceiling until a more permanent solution could be achieved.

The interim agreement may relieve pressure on legislators who are now racing against the clock to increase the debt ceiling before the October 18 deadline, when the Treasury Department predicts the United States would likely exhaust its capacity to pay its debts.

Related Article: Joe Biden Tries To Break Deadlock Over Multi-Trillion Economic Agenda; Psaki Admits President Will Not Get Full Spending Proposal

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President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping intend to conduct a virtual summit this year, creating a high-stakes venue for discussion of tariffs, human rights, and Chinese concealment regarding the origins of COVID-19. Biden and the communist "president for life" want to hold the meeting before 2022.

On September 9, Biden and Xi conducted a private 90-minute phone call, but a summit poses a significant risk to Biden. In March, Chinese diplomats won a propaganda win by mocking the United States in front of Secretary of State Antony Blinken at an in-person conference in Alaska.

Biden, Xi Jinping to hold virtual summit

It is unknown how much of the virtual summit will be open to the public, as per NY Post. Many of former President Donald Trump's policies regarding China have been maintained by the Biden administration.

Tariffs on Chinese goods are one example, as are sanctions imposed by the Trump administration on Chinese authorities for removing Hong Kong's autonomy and mistreating the Uyghur Muslim minority. However, Biden has taken a more conciliatory stance toward China.

Amid growing tensions over Taiwan, Joe Biden has dispatched US ambassador Jake Sullivan to meet with China's foreign policy advisor. Since Friday, almost 150 Chinese aircraft have violated Taiwan's airspace, including 56 jets on Monday in a significant escalation of hostility.

Later today, Sullivan will meet with senior Chinese foreign policy advisor Yang Jiechi in Zurich, Switzerland, after the White House's condemnation of Beijing's recent military intimidation of self-governed Taiwan.

The conversations will be a follow-up to Biden's call with President Xi Jinping last month, as the administration continues to seek to appropriately manage the competition between the two nations, according to a statement from the White House.

Sullivan referred to a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping on September 9, and tensions have increased substantially in recent days, Daily Mail reported. He was alluding to Washington's long-standing "one-China policy," in which the country will officially recognize Beijing rather than Taipei, as well as the Taiwan Relations Act.

Read Also: UN Security Council Accepts Haiti's Election Delay; Fired Justice Minister Calls For PM To Resign Over Investigation

US aims to establish diplomatic ties with China

The US move to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing rather than Taiwan is based on the hope that they would resolve Taiwan's future peacefully. The call was the first between the two presidents in seven months, and they addressed the need to prevent rivalry between the world's two greatest economies from devolving into confrontation.

Biden's remarks came after the president returned from a trip to Michigan to promote his $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure plan as well as the bigger budget bill at a union hall. At the same time, the Taiwan-China relationship has been deteriorating, with China warning yesterday that World War III might start "at any time" after sending dozens of airplanes into Taiwan's airspace.

Tensions are growing as a result of China's aggressive posture toward Taiwan, the United States' plan to sell nuclear submarines to Australia, trade issues, and human rights crimes against Uyghurs in Xinjiang.

Per NDTV, as a major trade battle rages on with no resolution in sight, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai announced on Monday that she would soon be speaking with her Chinese counterpart.

Following the Zurich meeting, Sullivan will go to Brussels and Paris, where he will "brief our European allies and partners on his meeting with Director Yang," according to the White House. Biden, who has known Xi for years, has spoken with the Chinese leader twice since taking office. The second, which lasted 90 minutes, was held last month.

Related Article: Xi Jinping Reportedly Denies Joe Biden's Offer To Meet Face-To-Face; White House Claims Discussion Ongoing With China

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Taiwan is on the edge after China said an invasion is imminent after sending dozens of incursions into the island's air defense identification zone (ADIZ). But, these pronouncements by Beijing were set aside after British and American carrier groups with other nations were in the Indo-Pacific for drills.

Beijing taunts Taipei that World War 3 is at their doorstep is taken aback when the HMS Queen Elizabeth, USS Ronald Reagan, and USS Carl Vinson, with their combined forces, make a big statement to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the mainland.

Last Monday, the Global Times ran an editorial saying whether Australia would like to be cannon fodder like Taipei by siding with the US. Joe Biden is fronting his allies to stop China, as Beijing accused the US afraid of losing.

US, UK carrier groups makes a statement in the Indo-Pacific

Chinese media said last Tuesday, the US-Taiwan tandem is audacious that any chance for negotiation is getting too little, and a face-off might be inevitable anytime soon, reported the Daily Mail.

The report said that the People's Republic of China (PRC) would not back off from the threat of war with the US, saying Taipei should be ready.

Since Friday, the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) has entered the ADIZ of Taiwan, will the last incursion of 56 jets last Monday. Increasing fears of an invasion as Xi Jinping promised.

Washington has never officially acknowledged the Republic of China (ROC) or Taiwan, but official deals with China instead. Taiwan is on edge, but the pivot of many forces in the Indo-Pacific due to American influence may backfire. Having British and American carrier groups will make China think twice for now.

Read Also: Taipei Prepares for Possible Invasion by the PLA as Its Fighters Increase Incursions in Taiwan Airspace

Taipei is ready in defense

Last Tuesday, President Tsai-Ing Wen stated her government would do anything to defend the island, saying the allies are vital to protecting from the mainland communists.

Cavalry includes the Royal Navy's HMS Queen Elizabeth in transit in the Philippine Sea, with the Nimitz supercarriers the USS Ronald Reagan, USS Carl Vinson, and Japan's helicopter destroyer JS Ise in the multinational flotilla of warships. The fleet has warships from six nations that engaged in drills during the weekend while China shadowed the large battle group in a tense atmosphere.

Beijing is critical as the armed group affects the power balance in the South China Sea, pushing its weight against the Republic of China, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

According to President Tsai, if the island was to be overrun by the communist, that will result in tragic consequences for peace in Asia and democracy that will have far-reaching effects, noted the Hindu.

Taipei would prefer to have peace with the mainland but will not allow its way of life to be threatened. The communist will pay in spades if they invade, as Tsai called an end to invade the nation's ADIZ. Chinese state media said the incursion is like preparations for the big day when they will retake the island. It will be Beijing's decision that will affect the outcome.

The AUKUS deal has escalated the tension, with the UK and Australia pulled in by the US to fight. Joe Biden said that war is an option to redeem the loss in Kabul, which is why the pivot to Asia. Taiwan is on edge as China chants war, while the British and American carrier groups do drills in the Indo-Pacific.

Related Article: South China Sea Edges To Conflict As the US, UK Carrier Strike Groups Stokes Tension with China

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Republican lawmakers revealed on Wednesday their 10-point plan to address the situation at the southern border of the United States while urging President Joe Biden's administration to take action and reverse policies they claimed were causing the surge of migrants.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, joined by eight other Republican governors, said that Biden was the reason that the humanitarian crisis and chaos started on the border. He argued that all Americans watched the situation in Del Rio, Texas, unfold last month. Abbott claimed that the disaster would continue unless the Democratic president acted appropriately.

Crisis at Southern Border

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts said that Biden had to take action and not ignore the humanitarian and national security crisis at the border. The Democratic president's administration has observed a massive influx of migrants at the southern border this year. Authorities reported more than 200,000 migrants were arriving at the border in July and August.

Biden's administration has continuously argued that poverty, corruption, and violence in Central America were responsible for the surge of migrants. The Democrat also claimed that former President Donald Trump's administration's ending of legal asylum pathways also played a factor in the recent crisis, Fox News reported.

The Republican officials who got together unveiled a 10-point plan to reinstate many of former President Trump's immigration and border strategies. The lawmakers argued the policies would "restore security and end the crisis" at the southern border.

Read Also: Former VP Mike Pence Faces Backlash For Calling Jan. 6 Capitol Riots 'Just One Day In January'

One of the primary demands of the Republican group is for the Biden administration to continue implementing Title 42 expulsion, which allows authorities to force border-crossers to return to Mexico or their country of origin rather than be placed in custody. The Democratic leadership committed to ending the use of the policy as the coronavirus situation in the United States slowly improved.

But the majority of migrant families entering the border are not being expelled despite the policy still in effect. The situation came amid a time when 20% of migrants tested positive for the coronavirus after being released from custody, Yahoo News reported.

Transparency Regarding the Situation

The chaos comes as House and Senate GOP members urge the Biden administration to be transparent regarding the crisis at the southern border. They have called out the Democratic president to take action and address the "out of control" situation of surging migrants due to suspected cartel members allegedly taunting Texas Army National Guard soldiers.

"It is time to admit that there is a crisis at the southern border and that the men and women of the United States Border Patrol are overwhelmed. It is time for your Administration to take appropriate steps to prevent a recurrence of what we witnessed in Del Rio, Texas. We demand transparency from your Administration on behalf of the American people," the letter that Republican lawmakers sent to Biden read, the New York Post reported.

Officials also said that minority Members of the Committee on Homeland Security were willing to work together with the federal government to address the security issues. However, they argued that Biden's administration needed to be more transparent and open about the crisis.

Related Article: Former Trump Aide Dan Scavino Avoids House Select Committees Subpoena in Investigation of Capitol Riot

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Several families around the country, mostly those with low and middle incomes, are being provided a variety of stimulus check payments.

These would provide them with a much-needed cash boost while they deal with the economic disaster caused by the pandemic, which is only worsened by the government protocols linked to them.

The federal stimulus funds have already been distributed at various periods throughout the crisis, and a number of states have also opted to give economic incentives, which should come as a welcome relief to the majority of families across the country.

Some states are now distributing fourth stimulus checks

Per Digital Market News, although the deadline for the distribution of stimulus checks has been set for December 31, several states in the country have already processed their stimulus payments where they are most needed.

Furthermore, new updates are released every month, making it possible to evaluate the issue in a few states. Several Alaska residents may be eligible for additional funds under the Federal-State Extended Benefits program, which would provide people with payments ranging from 13 to 20 weeks.

But keep in mind that cash has been set aside for a very small number of residents, and it also depends on how much money appears to be available at any particular moment. Currently, California is the only state that has opted to fund its own stimulus package with money saved as a budget surplus.

Citizens of the state with yearly earnings between $30,000 and $75,000 would be eligible to a payment of $500 or $600, as well as a sum of $500 for households with dependent children.

Read Also: Worth $1,100 Stimulus Check Coming Tomorrow To Some Americans; Here's What More To Expect

Who could receive $5,000 stimulus checks?

The IRS will send out a new stimulus check next week as part of a six-check series of payments. It's the latest child tax credit payment, and it's being sent to millions of Americans at a time when various states around the country are simultaneously distributing fresh stimulus checks.

For example, in one state, a fourth stimulus check worth up to $5,000 is on its way to a few lucky individuals. New York City has opted to spend its $6 billion in COVID-19 federal grant money to help a range of organizations.

According to the city's emergency expenditure plan, the administration is directing financial assistance to artists, taxi drivers, and the homeless. In addition to increasing funding for ongoing COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

By the end of the initiative in October 2021, 1,800 one-time $5,000 grants will have been distributed to assist artists to continue their profession and engage the public in thousands of cultural activities, BGR via MSN reported.

There's still a chance to get a federal stimulus payment!

The IRS is continuing to roll out different COVID-19 relief measures for people who have been impacted by the pandemic, which will provide much-needed relief to many families.

Fortunately, the unemployment refunds promoted by the US government are scheduled to reach the public in the coming days, and the links below should clarify some of the finer nuances of the IRS Tax Refunds.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and limited resources, the IRS was obliged to delay the filing of 2020 tax returns, particularly those that needed to be reviewed, as per MARCA.

Individual income tax refund delays might be caused by causes such as incorrectly filed papers, insufficient information, or the requirement for additional scrutiny by the appropriate agencies.

Related Article: Will You See Another Stimulus Payment Before The Year Ends? A Fourth Round of Checks Come From States!



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Merck & Co., is selling the US government its experimental COVID-19 pill, which decreases the risk of hospitalizations and deaths by 40 times the production cost.

A five-day course of the pill costs $17.74 to make, according to a paper from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and King's College Hospital in London.

The pharmaceutical firm is billing the Biden administration $712 for the same quantity. The COVID-19 pill, which reduced hospitalization and mortality rates by half when compared to a placebo, was intended to be a game-changer since it is easier to administer than monoclonal antibody therapies, which need an IV.

Is Monulparivir the answer to stop the spread of COVID-19?

The expensive price, on the other hand, may keep the medicine out of reach for the people who need it the most. Molnupiravir is an antiviral medication created by Emory University's drug innovation firm, Drug Innovation Ventures at Emory (DRIVE), in Atlanta, and licensed by Ridgeback Biotherapeutics in 2020.

Ridgeback eventually sold the global rights to Merck & Co for an undisclosed sum. In June, the government and Merck agreed to a $1.2 billion contract for 1.7 million courses of the medication if it is approved for emergency use by the FDA.

That means that each cycle of the medication would cost $1.41. However, it appears that the medication will now cost 600 times as much. The federal government provided $29 million in funding, as per The Intercept.

Emory received $10 million in financing from the Department of Defense while the National Institutes of Health received $19 million in grants, Daily Mail reported. According to Luis Gil Abinader, a senior researcher at Knowledge Ecology International, the US government has a duty to ensure that the drug is cheap because of the money it contributed.

Read Also: New York Man Faces 7 Years of Imprisonment After Submitting Fake COVID-19 Vaccine Card During Employment

Scientists warn broad usage of Merck's COVID-19 pill

The oral antiviral drug integrates into the virus's genetic composition, generating a huge number of mutations that eventually kill the virus. However, certain laboratory experiments revealed that the medication has the potential to create changes in the genetic material of mammalian cells, perhaps leading to cancer or birth abnormalities.

A Merck representative said animal testing shows that molnupiravir is neither mutagenic or genotoxic in vivo mammalian systems: "The totality of the data from these studies indicates that molnupiravir is not mutagenic or genotoxic in vivo mammalian systems," a statement says in part.

Dr. Raymond Schinazi, professor of pediatrics and director of the division of biochemical pharmacology at Emory University School of Medicine, issued a warning about NHC, the compound that molnupiravir transforms into after being consumed.

Because of the possible damage to young individuals of reproductive age or those who are pregnant, he urged caution with widespread use until additional evidence is available. Pregnant women are presently excluded from the Merck research.

According to an interim analysis published last week from the MOVe-OUT global Phase 3 trial, the experimental antiviral medication lowered the risk of hospitalization or mortality by nearly 50% compared to placebo in adult patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19.

By Day 29 of the trial, only 7.3 percent of patients who got the experimental medication were hospitalized or died, compared to 14.1 percent of patients who were assigned to receive a placebo.

Within five days of starting the study, each patient had at least one risk factor for poor outcome and symptoms. The study's objective was to see if oral medicine might minimize hospitalization or mortality, as per Fox News.

Related Article: Russia Presses Bid for WHO's Approval of Sputnik V Vaccine As Country Grapples With 3 Times More COVID-19 Cases During Last Fall





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United States President Joe Biden is facing lagging approval ratings in a recent national survey of how Americans support his administration's actions and efforts in addressing many key issues.

The Democrat's approval rating stood at just 38% and had a disapproval rating of 53% based on a Wednesday survey released by Quinnipiac University. The recent numbers show a drop from the president's previous ratings of 42% approval and 50% disapproval conducted by the same university last month.

Biden's Lagging Approval Ratings

Biden received negative scores in the double digits in all but one key issue that was asked in the recent poll conducted from Oct. 1 to Oct. 4. The majority of the people the survey questioned argued that the Biden administration was not capable of tackling the issues as the country's federal government.

Tim Malloy, a polling analyst at Quinnipiac University said that President Biden was facing several challenges during his presidency. The Democrat is losing the American people's trust, having his leadership doubted, and being challenged on his overall competency. The president's poll ratings continue to drop, a situation that has not been seen since the scrutiny of the Trump administration, Fox News reported.

While the Quinnipiac poll put Biden's approval rating at 38%, FiveThirtyEight analyzed various polls that showed the president's ratings remained at 44%. Biden continues to maintain an impressive rating from Democrats, with an approval rating of 80% but lags when it comes to Republicans and independents, which made up the majority of the Quinnipiac poll.

Only 32% of independents found Biden's actions and decisions as president of the United States appropriate and effective. The numbers are far higher than the Democrat's approval ratings among Republicans, which sits at only 4%.

Read Also: Joe Biden, China's Xi Jinping Agree To Hold Virtual Summit; US Argues Establishing "Guardrails" Amid Growing Contest Between Two Powers

Many of the respondents criticized the U.S. president's decision to withdraw all American troops from Afghanistan where only 28% approved of his course of action. Biden's handling of the military, taxes, foreign policy, immigration, and the Mexican border received negative approval from a number of those surveyed, USA Today reported.

International Issues

The situation comes as Biden struggles to address international issues, most notable is his current stalemate with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The United States and China have been in rising tensions after the American president denounced the Asian country's alleged human rights abuses against minority Uyghurs.

Biden also criticized Beijing for its failure to cooperate with international investigators who are looking into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. The arguments have resulted in lagging progress of trade and climate issues as Biden continues to alienate European allies, including France.

The United States received widespread criticism from French authorities after the American nation made a deal with Australia. The agreement resulted in a loss of a deal between France and Australia.

On the other hand, Chinese authorities hoped that Biden's approach would be similar to what former President Barack Obama took during his presidency. The former leader apologized for the tensions between the two countries and committed to fostering friendly relationships to work on areas of mutual interest and ignore controversial issues, Yahoo News reported.



Related Article: Biden Criticized Over Orders to DOJ To Analyze 'Disturbing Trend' of Harassment, Threats Against School Officials

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Education Secretary Miguel Cardona will propose modifications to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program that will make it simpler to qualify.

Cardona Announces Loan Forgiveness and Cancellation

In a recently published article in US News, on Wednesday, the Biden administration unveiled major changes to the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, a government promise to provide debt relief to teachers, nurses, firefighters, and others who work in public service, but one beset by complicated eligibility rules and servicing errors that have made it nearly impossible to take advantage of.

According to the Department of Education, more than 22,000 debtors will have their debts canceled immediately; and another 27,000 will have their loans forgiven provided they obtain confirmation for prior payments. This implies that over 550,000 debtors will be eligible for loan forgiveness.

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said, "Borrowers who devote a decade of their lives to public service should be able to rely on the promise of Public Service Loan Forgiveness. The system has not delivered on that promise to date, but that is about to change for many borrowers," according to a published article in Newsweek.

Read Also: Department of Education Cancels Student Loans After Biden Comes Into the Office

Temporary Changes in the Student Loan Forgiveness and Cancellation

The program was established by Congress as a way to reward college students who go into public service. The program offered to eliminate the rest of their federal student debts if they made 10 years of payments. Those debtors will now be eligible to have their debts forgiven as a result of the interim adjustments.

However, more than 90 percent of applications were turned down. Many borrowers have discovered after ten years of payments that they had the incorrect kind of federal loan or repayment plan to be eligible for the program. Thousands of people have been left with debt they believed would be forgiven, according to a published article in USA Today.

Borrowers who have worked 10 years in qualified employees will be eligible for debt relief through October 2022, regardless of the kind of federal loan or repayment plan they have. Previously ineligible loan installments will now be counted, bringing some borrowers closer to the finish line.

Borrowers using Federal Family Education Loans, a now-defunct loan program that provided federally guaranteed loans via banks, would benefit the most. Loans from that program, which ended in 2010, were previously ineligible; but under the new regulations, they may now be canceled.

Advocacy Groups Welcome the Temporary Changes

The modifications are intended to be a temporary remedy while the agency examines long-term solutions via the federal rulemaking process. Hearings were held this week by the department as part of a process that may result in significant changes to federal student assistance programs, including the public service benefit.

In a recently published article in Reuters, the interim adjustments were welcomed by advocacy organizations. It's a "big step in the right direction," according to Aaron Ament, head of the legal organization Student Defense, which has defended students in litigation against the program.

The American Federation of Teachers president, Randi Weingarten, said the move is good, and it is a collective sigh of relief as the Kafkaesque system that has crushed far too many aspirations finally begins to crumble.

Related Article: FAFSA Deadline 2022: $30,000 Aid for College Students on the Way, Larger Than Stimulus Checks



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Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced he would move forward in cooperation with his government to fulfill its pledge to end the high number of incoming migrants in the United Kingdom amid the region's devastating food, fuel, and labor shortages.

Johnson spoke at the Conservative Party's annual conference where he described the decision as a radical change for the British economy. The prime minister aimed to turn a new page over a decade of his own party's long-running rule. Johnson argued that the end of the high immigration rates needed to end because it had depressed wages and productivity.

UK's Growing Shortages

During his speech, the prime minister said that the country is now embarking on a renewed path that has been long overdue in the UK economy. He argued that the government would no longer allow the region to go back to the same old "broken model" that resulted in low wages, low growth, low skills, and low productivity. Johnson argued that uncontrolled immigration was the primary reason for the issues.

However, Johnson's announcement received widespread criticism with some traditional Conservative supporters working in business, agriculture, and proponents of free markets. The issue is made worse as the UK is currently experiencing a devastating food, fuel, and labor shortage, Fox Business reported.

The prime minister told delegates during his speech that the government was working to address the "biggest underlying issues of our economy and society." He said that authorities were ready and willing to tackle what no other government in UK history has tackled before.

Read Also: Joe Biden, China's Xi Jinping Agree To Hold Virtual Summit; US Argues Establishing "Guardrails" Amid Growing Contest Between Two Powers

The UK has been suffering from shortages of fuel deliveries in recent weeks, causing residents to panic buy products in long queues outside gas stations. The country has also been experiencing a shortage of food supplies that many warn could be even worse around Christmas.

The primary reason for the shortages is the lack of heavy goods vehicle drivers and overseas workers. Employers are struggling to retain staff amid the coronavirus pandemic and an elderly majority among their workers who are starting to cash in on their retirements, CNBC reported.

How to Solve the Issues

The shortage crisis has emphasized the UK's growing dependence on overseas, seasonal workers to drive its economic supplies. Johnson has received widespread criticism for allegedly not taking the situation seriously in the past.

Johnson and his government previously downplayed the severity of the labor shortage by placing the blame solely on the coronavirus pandemic and is seen in other countries. The UK government also claimed that the shortages could be fixed by things such as short-term visas to truck drivers.

The UK government has resisted many calls to get more immigrant workers and instead urged businesses to invest more into British employees. However, many employers have revealed that they have struggled to attract British workers because they are demanding higher wages and are unwilling to take tougher working conditions.

Johnson's government aims to re-skill British workers with the prime minister saying on Wednesday that authorities would commit to bringing high wages, high skills, high investment, and high growth to the economy, NBC Connecticut reported.



Related Article: Former VP Mike Pence Faces Backlash For Calling Jan. 6 Capitol Riots 'Just One Day In January'

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The World Health Organization is preparing to send COVID-19 medical supplies to North Korea, signaling that the North is loosening one of the world's toughest pandemic border restrictions in order to accept outside assistance.

WHO Started To Send COVID-19 Medical Supplies

In a weekly monitoring report, the WHO claimed it has begun shipping critical COVID-19 medical supplies to North Korea via the Chinese port of Dalian for "strategic storage and future dispatch." Officials from the World Health Organization did not immediately reply to queries for additional information on Thursday, including what those goods were and if they had arrived in North Korea, according to a published article in MSN News.

North Korea has severely limited cross-border travel and commerce over the last two years, despite the burden on its already devastated economy, describing its anti-virus effort as a matter of "national survival." In August, United Nations human rights inspectors demanded clarification from the North's leadership on accusations that it instructed soldiers to kill on sight any trespassers who crossed its borders in defiance of the epidemic closure.

While North Korea has yet to disclose a single case of COVID-19, foreign scientists are skeptical that the country is immune to the disease that has infected virtually every other country in the world, according to a published article in KTAR News.

Read Also: WHO Unaware of North Korea's COVID-19 Crisis

North Korea Tests More Than 40,000 People for COVID-19

The North Korea has informed WHO that it has tested 40,700 individuals for the COVID-19 and that all of the tests have come back negative. According to the WHO study, those tested in the past week comprised 94 individuals with influenza-like illnesses or other symptoms and 573 health care professionals.

After rejecting certain foreign COVID-19 vaccinations provided via a United Nations-backed immunization program, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un instructed authorities to conduct a stronger anti-virus campaign in "their style," according to a report published in US News.

North Korea requested that their allocation of approximately 3 million Sinovac injections be delivered to severely impacted nations instead, according to UNICEF, which procures and distributes vaccines on behalf of the COVAX distribution program. The North Korean health ministry stated it would continue to engage with COVAX about future vaccinations, according to UNICEF.

Some experts believe the North is seeking more effective vaccines in light of concerns about the Sinovac vaccine's efficacy and that the North may also have legal responsibilities and reporting problems with COVAX.

North Korea Continues To Claim Zero Cases of COVID-19

In a published article in The National Interest, throughout the pandemic, North Korea's government has claimed that there have been no instances of COVID-19 in the country. Although few individuals who follow public health or North Korea believe this, the government has said it many times. Despite the fact that North Korea shares a border with China, which has been struck particularly hard by the virus, this is the case.

According to NK News, the North Korean government stated in its most recent submission to the World Health Organization that it tested 1,368 individuals between August 27 and September 9 and found no positive instances.

Related Article: Kim Jong Un Rejects 3 Million COVID-19 Vaccine Offer, Urges North Korea to Redouble Efforts of Combatting the Pandemic in "Our Style"



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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing backlash over his absence at the country's first-ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and expressed his apologies after his announcement of the deadline of the vaccine mandate for workers.

The official's statements mean that air and rail passengers have until the end of October while federal government workers have until Oct. 29 to get vaccinated. The latter includes members of the military and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Trudeau said that his government was able to tackle various issues regarding the coronavirus but noted that the nation's fight against the disease was not yet over. The prime minister added that public servants who have not yet received the coronavirus vaccine shots and have no verified medical exemption be forced into unpaid leave starting on Nov. 15.

The Canadian federal government released an estimate that more than 240,000 staff, which account for about 80% of its population of civilian workers numbered at about 300,450 have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus disease. They also revealed that about 95,000 regular and reserve members of the military have received full vaccinations while the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has successfully fully vaccinated 19,000 personnel, the New York Times reported.

Read Also: Studies Find Waning Immunity From Pfizer Vaccine as More Regulators Show Support For Booster Shots

In tandem with his announcements, Trudeau also apologized for his failure to attend the country's first-ever National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On Wednesday, the prime minister expressed his regrets about going on a family trip on Sept. 30 which caused him to miss the event.

Trudeau said that it was a mistake for him to travel with his family on that specific day because the date marked an important moment for the country and its people. It was meant to allow residents to reflect not just on the past but on the present as well.

"It was a mistake to travel on that day. This is an important moment for Canada and for Canadians to reflect not just on the past but on the present. I was in error to choose to travel on that day, and I apologized directly to Chief (Rosanne) Casimir for not having attended the event that she invited me to," said the prime minister, 660News reported.

Vaccine Mandates

Trudeau's vaccine mandate announcement means that everyone aged 12 years and older will need to provide proof of vaccination starting Oct. 30 to be allowed to travel from Canadian airports, on VIA Rail, and Rocky Mountaineer trains. Marine passengers on non-essential passenger vessels will also be required to have proof that they are fully vaccinated to be allowed to travel.

Authorities noted that there would be a short "transition period" that is set to end on Nov. 30 that gives travelers the opportunity to travel if they provide a valid negative COVID-19 test taken in the last 72 hours if they are in the process of getting vaccinated. But after the deadline, they will no longer be allowed to board trains or planes unless they are able to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against the disease, Yahoo News reported.



Related Article: Merck's COVID-19 Pill Reportedly Reduces Risk of Hospitalizations, Deaths: Is it a Game-Changer or Just Another Tool?

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Donald Trump is accused of making more lies regarding the 2020 elections.

This week, the former POTUS released a statement seemingly justifying the Jan. 6 Capitol riot that injured dozens of police and killed several others.

In his statement, Trump said that the Capitol riot was a legitimate protest against a rigged the election.

"The Unselect Committee of partisan Democrats, and two very weak and pathetic RINOs, should come to the conclusion after spending many millions of dollars, that the real insurrection happened on Nov. 3, the Presidential Election, not on Jan. 6 - which was a day of protesting the Fake Election results," Trump said in a statement via the Huffington Post.

Donald Trump accused of inciting violence at the Capitol

Earlier this year, Trump's supporters flocked to the White House to show their disdain following the result of the 2020 election. At the time, they were convinced that Trump should've won and that the election result was a fraud.

Later, the rally reached the Capitol, where thousands of Trump supporters attacked police officers and ransacked the building. The incident resulted in multiple injuries and some deaths.

Read Also: Stephen Colbert Projects Joe Biden Is Still President After Republican-led Audit In Arizona Showed POTUS Beat Donald Trump

Donald Trump impeachment efforts failed

Following the attack, a bipartisan House voted to have Trump impeached for incitement of insurrection. However, their votes fell two-thirds of the total number that was needed to convict the then-POTUS.

Democrats claimed that it was one of Trump's statements encouraged his supporters to head to the Capitol and launch an attack, according to NPR.

He previously said that Republicans fight like hell, and if they don't, they will no longer have a country.

However, Trump's lawyers claimed that the former president also made a statement to encourage his supporters to launch a peaceful protest.

Trump previously told Republicans that he knows they would march to the Capitol peacefully and patriotically to let their voices be heard.Republicans have also downplayed the Capitol riot by blaming the Democrats for their vulnerability to the attack.

Donald Trump convinced that the 2020 election was rigged

Even though it's almost a year since the election results declared Biden, the winner, Trump continues to say that he was rigged. As such, his critics are accusing him of lying.

In recent weeks, Trump has also been asking different states to recount their votes in hopes that he can prove that there was election fraud.

So far, Melania Trump's husband has not proven anything. A recent Republican-help audit done by the Cyber Ninjas group in Arizona confirmed that Trump lost to Biden by an even bigger margin than was previously reported.

Gregg Abbott launches a four-county audit in Texas

As of press writing, Texas is also auditing the votes from four of the state's biggest counties. According to the Texas Tribune, the Senate advanced legislation this week to increase the criminal penalties for illegal voting. They also advanced a bill that would clear the way for party officials to conduct county-centered audits.

Gov. Gregg Abbott previously said that there's nothing wrong with auditing the votes from the 2020 elections because it is fundamental to the country's democracy.

Related Article: Donald Trump Pressures Texas Gov. Greg Abbott To Allow An Election Review Bill To Be Passed

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New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern recently revealed that the country would soon move away from a zero COVID strategy and transition to a living with the virus approach.

Since last year, New Zealand has only reported over 4,000 COVID-19 cases and around 27 deaths, the lowest number for any country.

For 18 months, New Zealand employed a zero COVID strategy that benefited them and their people. And other countries like China and Taiwan also had a similar approach, which involved strict lockdowns, according to CNBC.

New Zealand PM knows Delta is too strong to beat

But following the rise in new COVID-19 cases in August, PM Ardern has decided to join other countries in living with the virus approach.

In August, the rise in COVID-19 cases hit Auckland hard and resulted in a lengthy lockdown in the city. And despite all the restrictions in place, Auckland still reported 24 new COVID-19 cases earlier this week.

While at a conference on Tuesday, PM Ardern said that it has always been New Zealand's goal to transition to living with the virus after months of employing the zero COVID strategy. However, the transition will be sped up due to the rising COVID-19 cases.

"To date we've managed to largely control the outbreak, but as you can see with this outbreak and with Delta, the return to zero is incredibly difficult," PM Ardern said via CNN.

Read Also: New Zealand's Delta Outbreak Spreads, Raises Concerns Among Residents As Lockdown Is Extended

New Zealand has been on a strict lockdown for months

PM Ardern also said that long and strict lockdowns didn't get New Zealand to zero cases this time around. But she's confident that a zero COVID strategy had to be done months ago when vaccines were not readily available.

PM Ardern is also urging all New Zealanders to get vaccinated. As of press writing, at least 49 percent of the country has already been fully vaccinated. And about 79 percent have received their first dose.

Australians end zero COVID strategy

Vaccination certificates will also be required for those that want to attend festivals and other public events.

Two months ago, Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that New Zealand could start easing restrictions once 80 percent of the country is already vaccinated.

In August, Australia also announced its decision to abandon its zero COVID strategy.

Australia's PM Scott Morrison said that having strict lockdowns is no longer a sustainable way to live.

Just like New Zealand, Australia also used an approach called "covid zero," which aimed to stamp the outbreaks down to the last case.

But despite their efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the country soon learned that they couldn't do much.

Instead, Australia changed its approach and now allows COVID-19 cases to rise for as long as hospitals accommodate new patients.

Australia's goal remains the same, and that is to drop most of their restrictions once 80 percent of residents are already fully vaccinated, according to The Economist.

Sydney will also ease their restrictions once 70 percent of the state's population over the age of 16 are fully vaccinated.

Related Article: New Zealand Extends Lockdown Again as COVID-19 Infections Surge, Passing 300 Cases in Less Than a Month

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The Connecticut State Police announced the arrest of three fugitives engaging in animal cruelty earlier this week.

According to WTNH, seven abused dogs were also seized after being found in cages in the backyard following a search. And there's also a portable dogfighting ring and several items associated with illegal fighting in the area.

In July, police officers raided the property and found all these items. At the time, Attorney General William Tong said that the pit bulls were viciously abused and conditioned to become aggressive and violent fighters.

Illegal dog fighting continues to exist in Connecticut

And just this month, a search warrant was issued following a lengthy investigation into an illegal dogfighting syndicate in Connecticut.

Police officers eventually tracked the three men and detained them without bond. Getulio Vargas Maedo, 46, of Bridgeport, Jose Rivera, 42, of Meriden, and Nelson Rivera, 43, also of Meriden, are considered fugitives from justice.

Following their arrest, police and animal control conducted their search at 968 Grassy Hill Road in Orange, a property where another illegal dog fighting takes place.

Read Also: New York Man Faces 7 Years of Imprisonment After Submitting Fake COVID-19 Vaccine Card During Employment

While there, police and animal control found several items used for illegal fighting at the property. The dogs on the property were also found in unsanitary conditions and were seized by officials.

The dogs are currently in the care of the Department of Agriculture, and they will be housed at the Milford Animal Control later.

In total, 15 dogs have already been seized from two properties in Orange and Meriden.

According to police officers, criminal charges related to animal cruelty are anticipated, via New Haven Register.

What happens to pit bulls after their illegal dog fight?

Two years ago, at least 110 people were arrested for illegal dog fighting in Connecticut.

The cruel and illegal blood sport has been in existence in the state throughout the past 12 years.

Illegal dog fighting involves gambling or betting on the winner. It often starts with two dogs pitted against each other after they are trained to bite and fight.

After several rounds of illegal fighting, the dog becomes injured and weak, usually ending up in shelters. Some dogs are adopted by their new owners, while others are strangled or killed when they can no longer compete with other dogs.

"When they're no longer profitable to dog fighters - or if they don't show enough 'fighting spirit'- they're typically killed in atrocious ways, including by being used as 'bait dogs,' drowned, electrocuted, beaten or hanged. There are no winners in this sickening blood sport, only abject criminals who represent the very worst of human nature," Martin Mersereau, vice president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said via CT Post.

Jessica Rubin, a state animal advocate and University of Connecticut law professor, researched illegal dog fighting in the state between 2008 and 2017.

She said that there had been no reports regarding illegal dogfighting for some years, there are multiple cases.

Rubin also said that her research revealed that illegal dogfighting typically occurs in the state's biggest cities and towns.

Related Article: 4,000 Year-Old Bull Geoglyph in Russia Outdates Other Ancient Monuments by Several Thousand Millennia Causing A Stir Among Scientists

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Link building as it used to be practiced is dead. If you don't update the way you build links, your site runs a risk of getting penalized by Google.

That's why it's essential to know the latest and most innovative ways to make links, as highlighted below.

Ask For Links

If you're just getting started with link building, this is the first thing you have to do. Try to come with relatives, friends, partners, colleagues, and clients who own a site or blog -- and ask people you know for backlinks.

Also, you should ask for in-content links, not in the footer or sidebar. But -- and this is critical -- make sure the backlink is from a site that's related to your subject. If your site focuses on car maintenance and your neighbor's site is all about frogs, the link will not help ... and Google may penalize you.

Nurture Relationships

For the best in link-building success, you need to nurture relationships with other businesses and site owners. There are so many opportunities to grow and develop new contacts!

You can begin with only communities related to your niche, including blogs, social groups, and forums. Take the first step and create relevant and interesting posts and comments in those communities.

Do your best to offer value in every post and discussion. When you participate in these communities and show you have something to offer, you will develop quality backlinks.

Provide Testimonials

Link building with testimonials kills two birds with one stone. Many companies will offer you the opportunity to say a few words about using their product or service.

First, this is an ideal way for them to develop customer trust. Second, it's perfect for you to get a quality backlink and traffic from that website.

Typically, this method has a higher approval rate than a generic backlink email request.

Write A Blog

This is a great idea, but don't write one that consists of a single post with a backlink to your website. If you do that, you're wasting your time, and creating little more than a risky site link.

If writing a blog is what you want to do, it's vital to have it active and alive every week over a period of time. Write blog posts every day or week. Write about your niche and industry, and focus on what your clients want.

As time passes, you'll steadily gain site authority. Make certain all of your content is useful, relevant, and well written.

This is the way to persuade people they want to read your content and link to it. It's the best way to get high-quality backlinks: you work hard and earn them.

Write Quality Guest Posts

Many blogs and websites will gladly publish a post you write for them. Before you compose your post, make sure that blog and post are relevant to your work. Also, the article cannot simply be promotional and talk solely about how excellent your company is.

The focus must be on high-quality, relevant content for that niche or industry. Always keep in mind that circulating poor content can only hurt your company.

List Website In High-Quality Directories

There are plenty of online directories that are all but worthless. That's why Google has excluded them from their results. No one wants their website on those directories.

But not every directory is terrible. Niche directories and ones that are linked to significant websites for the particular industry can be a fine choice. Getting your site listed on those directories will make it much easier to be indexed by Google.

When you follow the simple link-building tips above, you will get a good start for your website or blog. Link building has changed, but it still works if you follow the most recent best practices.

@ 2021 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Recent Developments in the Cyprus Problem

Note: Following are links to articles and web pages which have been published on other WWW sites, not related to HR-Net. Availability of Articles.

Cyprus, Turkey, and the EU expansion (December 9-18, 1997)



Associated Press Turkish Cypriot leader crosses into Greek-controlled south Cyprus for first time in 27 years (12/29/2001 16:01)

ClariNet-AFP Arab warn Israel-Palestinian truce to collapse unless observers deployed (Mon, 18 Jun 2001 12:50:07 PDT)

BBC BBC News | Europe | Hopes for talks over Cyprus (Feb 28)

ClariNet- AFP Turkish troops threaten to shoot Greek reporters in divided Cyprus (Mon, 18 Dec 2000 10:00:22 PST)

ClariNet-AFP Turkish Cypriot parliament backs Denktash's boycott of peace talks (Sat, 16 Dec 2000 16:20:09 PST)

Reuters No talks unless Turkish Cyprus recognised-Denktash (16 Dec 00)

Reuters UPDATE 1-U.S. urges Denktash to attend Cyprus talks (14 Dec 00)

Reuters U.S. urges Denktash to attend Cyprus talks (14 Dec 00)

ClariNet-AFP British and UN troops increase patrols after arrest of Greek Cypriot (Thu, 14 Dec 2000 16:10:14 PST)

Reuters State Department cautions Turkish Cypriot leader (14 Dec 00)

Reuters Ankara promises $300mln in aid to northern Cyprus (14 Dec 00)

Reuters Denktash blasts U.N. renewal of forces on Cyprus (14 Dec 00)

Reuters INTERVIEW-Turkey's EU vow on Cyprus put to the test-Clerides (14 Dec 00)

ClariNet- AFP Denktash threatens new restrictions on UN troops in northern Cyprus (Thu, 14 Dec 2000 9:20:14 PST)

ClariNet-AFP Ankara launches three-year aid plan to strengthen Turkish Cyprus (Thu, 14 Dec 2000 7:30:08 PST)

ClariNet-AFP Denktash threatens new restrictions on UN peacekeepers in northern Cyprus (Thu, 14 Dec 2000 6:40:20 PST)

Reuters UN Council renews Cyprus force amid lingering row (13 Dec 00)

ClariNet-AFP Greek Cypriot arrested in Turkish-occupied north on drug charges (Wed, 13 Dec 2000 10:50:52 PST)

Reuters Greek Cypriot held after dispute over Turk arrest (13 Dec 00)

Reuters UN official still has hope for new Cyprus talks (11 Dec 00)

ClariNet-AFP Cyprus happy with EU summit reference to island (Mon, 11 Dec 2000 10:00:15 PST)

Reuters New uprising erodes settler security, morale-Fatah (09 Dec 00)

Reuters UPDATE 3-EU reform summit opens amid street violence (07 Dec 00)

ClariNet-AFP Turkish radio banned for 180 days for insulting Denktash (Thu, 7 Dec 2000 8:20:18 PST)

ClariNet-AFP Denktash refuses to cooperate with UN force in Cyprus (Wed, 6 Dec 2000 8:30:14 PST)

Reuters UN may call Cypriots in to settle peacekeeping row (06 Dec 00)

Reuters Annan recommends renewal of U.N. force in Cyprus (05 Dec 00)

ClariNet-AFP Annan recommends extension of UN force on Cyprus (Tue, 5 Dec 2000 18:00:17 PST)

ClariNet-AFP Cyprus peace talks still alive despite Turkish Cypriot leader: UN (Tue, 5 Dec 2000 11:40:17 PST)

Reuters UN Cyprus envoy says talks invitation still stands (05 Dec 00)

ClariNet-AFP Greece hails EU-Turkey accord as "step forward" (Tue, 5 Dec 2000 8:50:15 PST)

ClariNet- AFP Turkish Cypriot government orders end of strike in crucial sectors (Tue, 5 Dec 2000 6:20:31 PST)

Reuters Denktash sees end for U.N.-sponsored Cyprus talks (04 Dec 00)

Reuters Greece vows to help rival Turkey join EU (04 Dec 00)

ClariNet- AFP Greek Cypriot government condemns Turkish side rejection of talks (Mon, 4 Dec 2000 14:00:13 PST)

Reuters UPDATE 1-EU ministers reach deal on enlargement, Turkey (04 Dec 00)

ClariNet-AFP Turkish Cypriot leader to shun UN-mediated talks (Mon, 4 Dec 2000 13:20:15 PST)

ClariNet-AP U.S. Picks Its Bosnia Peakeepers (Mon, 4 Dec 2000 10:40:02 PST)

ClariNet-AFP Turkish Cypriot leader to shun UN-mediated talks (Mon, 4 Dec 2000 10:30:18 PST)

ClariNet-AFP Turkish Cypriot leader to shun UN-mediated talks (Mon, 4 Dec 2000 9:50:20 PST)

Reuters EU foreign ministers hold last pre-Nice meeting (04 Dec 00)

ClariNet-AFP Strike paralyses Turkish side of Cyprus (Mon, 4 Dec 2000 6:20:31 PST)

ClariNet-AFP Sixty Lebanese sentenced for "collaboration with Israel" (Sat, 2 Dec 2000 7:30:06 PST)

Reuters U.N. envoy De Soto in Cyprus to promote talks (03 Dec 00)

ClariNet-AFP Hope for new round of Cyprus talks: US ambassador (Sat, 2 Dec 2000 16:10:07 PST)

ClariNet-AFP UN envoy hopeful over jeopardized Cyprus peace talks (Sat, 2 Dec 2000 6:50:04 PST)

ClariNet-AFP UN will not modify Cyprus solution proposals, says envoy (Fri, 1 Dec 2000 6:30:15 PST)

Earlier articles
In a historic development, the World Health Organization announced on Wednesday that it is endorsing the widespread use of the first-ever vaccine against the mosquito-borne disease that kills 400,000 a year: Malaria.

The WHO endorsement comes after the pilot programs the agency deployed in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi since 2019, wherein the vaccine was administered to 800,000 children, CNN reported. The program proved that the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine, known as Mosquirix, is feasible, safe and cost-effective to deploy and reduce severe malaria by 30 percent, the WHO said in a press release.

In Africa, malaria continues to be a main cause of childhood illness and death, with 260,000 African kids under the age of succumbing to the disease annually.

Malaria Vaccine Efficacy Rate

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the WHO recommendation as a "historic moment." He said utilizing the vaccine in addition to present tools to stop malaria "could save tens of thousands of young lives each year."

The release said it is recommending the widespread use of the malaria vaccine among children in sub-Saharan Africa and in other regions with moderate to high P. falciparum malaria transmission.

Read Also: New Malaria Vaccine Yields Longterm Results After It Passes Human Trial

While most vaccines fight viruses and bacteria, this is the first time the WHO endorsed a widespread use of a vaccine against a human parasite, Agence France-Presse stressed in a report on Yahoo! News. The vaccine works against plasmodium falciparum, one of five malaria parasite species and the most fatal.

RTS,S/AS01 offers an efficacy rate of preventing 39 percent of malaria cases and 29 percent of severe cases--which are based on trials among small African children, Engadget posted. While it looks low, the effectiveness can be boosted by combining it with anti-malarial tools such as bed netting and insecticide.

WHO Global Malaria Programme Director Pedro Alonso emphasized that from a "scientific perspective, this is a massive breakthrough."

The WHO noted that in every two minutes, a child dies of malaria. Half of the malaria deaths globally are in six sub-Saharan African countries, with almost a quarter of those in Nigeria alone, agency figures noted.

Symptoms of the disease include fever, headaches, and muscle pain, which precedes chills, fever and sweating.

Malaria Vaccine Safety Profile

Further in its press release, the WHO noted that they have already administered more than 2.3 million doses of Mosquirix. The vaccination was done in three African countries.

Based on the results, the vaccine got a "favorable safety profile."

WHO Malaria Vaccine Recommendation Offers 'Glimmer of Hope' for Africa

The agency's regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti said the endorsement offers a "glimmer of hope" for Africa, a region that he said "shoulders the heaviest burden of the disease."

In a press conference following the WHO announcement, Alonso said the projected cost of fighting malaria in sub-Saharan Africa is more than $12 billion a year.

After the recommendation, the next step in reaching the goal of deploying the vaccine to African children is funding, said Kate O'Brien, Director of the WHO Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals (per Yahoo).

What follows would be the scaling of doses, and decisions on where the vaccine would be most useful and deployed, O'Brien added.

Related Article: Malaria Prevention: Study Proves Anemia Can Protect Children Against Malaria
If you already subscribe to our print edition, sign up for FREE access to our online edition. Thanks for reading the Wharton Journal Spectator.
Rep. Ryu Ho-jeong of the Justice Party questions Trade Minister Moon Sung-wook during a National Assembly audit in Seoul, Tuesday. Joint Press Corps-Yonhap



Trade ministry fails to specify plans for how to block outflow of key tech



By Lee Min-hyung



A lawmaker has urged the government to strengthen its supervision of local private equity firms (PEF) pushing to sell off Korean tech firms to overseas rivals, amid concerns over possible technology outflow.



Rep. Ryu Ho-jeong of the minor social democratic Justice Party took issue with Hahn & Company's move to sell Hanon Systems to overseas PEFs or rival auto part suppliers. Hanon Systems is one of the world's biggest automotive air conditioning system vendors. Hahn & Company holds a 50.5 percent stake in Hanon Systems.



Under the mega deal, a 70 percent stake in Hanon Systems  currently owned by Hahn & Company and Hankook Tire & Technology  is up for sale, with a valuation expected to reach as high as 8 trillion won ($6.72 billion).



A shortlist of interested buyers included global PEFs and overseas auto parts suppliers  such as Carlyle Group, Bain Capital and Valeo.



The lawmaker argued the government should take more proactive measures to block the sale of the Korean tech firm to overseas companies, as this will result in outflow of Korea's state-of-the-art technologies and relevant patents held by Hanon Systems.



"If Hanon Systems is sold to overseas PEFs or competitors in the same industry, the government should take appropriate steps to prevent potential leakage of national wealth or patented technologies," Ryu said Wednesday during the National Assembly's annual audit.



Ryu also called for the government to enhance monitoring of Korean PEFs' involvement in sales of companies in key industries, citing MBK Partners' sales of Doosan Machine Tools to DTR Automotive.



"If a company seeks to excessively recoup investment by selling an acquired firm to others that have little to do with its business, this will only result in the collapse of regional economies and mass layoffs of employees there," the lawmaker said.



As blue-chip companies increasingly become a target of speculation by PEFs, the government needs to come up with specific protection measures, particularly in the areas of materials, components and equipment, according to Ryu.



Trade Minister Moon Sung-wook, however, failed to specify the government's efforts to prevent further such controversial sales.



"As Hanon Systems holds a national core technology related with hydrogen-fueled vehicles, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy will make a detailed assessment on whether to grant approvals for sales of such key technologies," Moon said, declining to specify further on how to prevent outflow of Korean firms' key technologies.



The union of Hanon Systems is particularly raising its voice over concerns of the firm's possible sale to overseas part suppliers or PEFs, claiming that most of its core technologies and patents are at risk of being leaked to foreign firms.



Above all, the government should protect Hanon Systems' technologies for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles under an industry technology protection act, according to the union.



It also argues that sales of such technologies to overseas entities should require government approval.



Despite the repeated pressure from opposition politicians and the union, it remains to be seen whether the government will be able to engage in the deals and help block Korean firms' technology outflow.



The trade minister's silence on a relevant regulation during the Assembly audit also raises questions on whether the government is willing to step in and take timely actions to protect Hanon Systems' technology.



The investment banking industry expects foreign capital to finalize the deal to take over the controlling stake in Hanon Systems. The company is considered a top-tier supplier of automotive thermal systems for use in electric and internal combustion vehicles.



Hanon is partnering with a group of global carmakers, such as Hyundai Motor, Ford and Volkswagen. The Korean firm also has manufacturing facilities all around the world in areas such as the United States, China and Europe.



Final bidding for the deal is expected to take place as early as this month, but there stands an ample chance that the schedule could be delayed further.






South Korea posted a current account surplus for the 16th straight month in August as exports remained robust and revenue from cargo shipping rose amid the global economic recovery, the central bank said Thursday.







The current account surplus reached $7.51 billion in August, down from $8.21 billion the previous month, according to the Bank of Korea (BOK). The current account is the broadest measure of cross-border trade.







The current account has been in the black since May last year. In April 2020, South Korea suffered a deficit of $3.33 billion on faltering exports caused by the pandemic.







The goods balance logged a surplus of $5.64 billion in August, smaller than a surplus of $5.73 billion the previous month.







Exports, which account for half of the South Korean economy, rose 31.2 percent on-year to $52.2 billion, while imports increased 42.4 percent to $46.6 billion.







The service account, which includes outlays by South Koreans on overseas trips, logged a surplus of $1 billion in August, a turnaround from a deficit of $80 million in July. The August reading marked the second largest-ever surplus.







The primary income account, which tracks wages of foreign workers and dividend payments overseas, logged a surplus of $1.11 billion in the month, smaller than a surplus of $2.8 billion in July.







The capital and financial account, which covers cross-border investments, posted a net inflow of $5.8 billion in August, compared with a net inflow of $6.56 billion the previous month. (Yonhap)






By Jun Ji-hye







Grand Josun Busan, located right next to the popular Haeundae Beach, has launched a fall-themed package available until the end of November that offers guests the ultimate autumn experience.







Guests of the "Chu-cance" package will receive limited-quantity travel kits by premium skincare brand Kuoca in addition to Werk Roasters' drip bag coffee.







Kuoca's skincare products are popular for their natural and organic scents, made by Charles Sommeraed, a renowned French perfume creator sometimes referred to as the "Picasso of perfume making." The package's travel kit includes the brand's toner, serum and cream.







Werk Roasters is a Busan-based brand that introduces coffees of various origins. The package includes three kinds of blended drip bag coffee.







Guests staying at the suites will get complimentary Aria buffet breakfast for two, along with a discount coupon worth 50,000 won ($42) for use at hotel restaurants such as the Chinese restaurant Palais de Chine, Lounge & Bar and Josun Deli.







Guests staying at higher than premier rooms can use the hotel's private lounge Gran J on the 15th floor for free. They can enjoy the vast ocean view from the lounge, along with other benefits such as morning tea time, daytime snacks and free wine and cheese.







Package guests can also use the swimming pool, sauna and fitness center free of charge, while enjoying a phenomenal view of Haeundae Beach.







Various fall-themed promotions have been launched throughout the hotel's property as well.







In particular, the "Aria Autumn Culinary Feast" promotion offers a number of savory dishes, such as mackerel sushi, roasted mackerel, pine mushroom porridge, tofu rolls and tandoori king prawn.




This is the last in a two-part Hangeul Day article series revisiting the meaning of the Korean alphabet in the age of artificial intelligence._ ED



Government draws criticism for inaccurate use of pandemic-related terms



By Kwak Yeon-soo



The indiscriminate use of inaccurate words  some of which don't even make sense at all  have drawn focus as a problem lately as the nation is set to celebrate the 575th anniversary of the invention of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, by King Sejong the Great on Oct. 9th.



The government, which is expected to right the wrongs in the misuse of Hangeul, has initiated the wrongful use of Korean, drawing criticism from concerned experts.



The government and public institutions started to move away from using Korean words and rather employing clumsily crafted hybrid terms or "Konglish"  English inspired vocabulary instead.



The pandemic exacerbated the phenomenon. Since the outbreak of coronavirus, terms like "untact" (a combination of the prefix "un" and the word "contact"  essentially "contactless") and "corona blue" (feeling depressed due to pandemic-related causes) have been widely used to describe the rules and realities of life in the time of COVID-19.



Like the term "quarantine" some words, particularly from English, are either improperly borrowed or incorrectly used adding to the linguistic mess.



While advocates assert that changing vocabulary reflects social and cultural shift, others argue it has gone far beyond the acceptable level. According to critics, the language that was created to promote social connections is in fact widening the generational rift.



Experts say that misusing foreign language rather than simply using loanwords correctly may cause serious harm to Koreans' proper use of their own language.



"Hangeul has been part of national pride and language is a tool that distinguishes one culture from another. If people use more English loanwords, they naturally result in the use of less Korean vocabulary. If such a trend continues, it can pose a grave threat to our cultural identity and Korean language may be relegated to an inferior status," said an official at the Korean Language Society, an academic organization that has been at the forefront of preserving, studying and developing Korean language.



Asking for anonymity, the official explained that Korean language has suffered the consequence of Korea's tragic modern history.



Until late Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), hanja (Chinese characters) was widely used by the ruling class as some considered it a superior writing system to Hangeul, mainly due to China's influence in the region. Under Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule, the Japanese language was spoken by the ruling class while Korean was used by the lowest class of people. During and after the 1950-53 Korean War, the presence of U.S. military impacted the rise of English as Koreans' most prevalent second language.



The official pinpointed some construction companies' use of English terms, such as "castle," "palace" and "tower," in their apartments to exude an upscale, high-end image, as an example of foreign language preference.





Surprisingly, however, a recent survey conducted by the Federation of Korean Language & Culture Centers on the public perception of foreign language names for apartments noted that only five percent of 1,000 participants answered they would choose English or other foreign words for their apartment names. By contrast, 49.1 percent of the respondents said they prefer Korean words.



"Many English words such as 'computer' 'radio' and 'television' to describe some of new digital gadgets and gizmo are acceptable because there are no Korean terms to describe them, but we should refrain from using terms that can be expressed in Korean," the official said.



Among others, the Hangul Munwha Yeondae, a cultural association focused on recognition and preservation of the Korean language, said that the indiscriminate use of English terms or other foreign language to describe certain products or phenomenon is a serious problem that needs to be remedied.



Shin Su-ho, an member of the group, said a language divide is one of the problems that exacerbated a general rift between the younger and older generations.



"The younger generation learns fast and adopts and adapts well while the older generation would face obstacles. In the end, it creates the dynamics for inequality," he said.



Shin shared that the digital and social media era has fueled the widespread use of foreign language because more people tend to think they are "catchier" and "cooler."



"It's regrettable that the government is promoting the so-called 'with corona' plans. Why can't they just create a term in Korean? Is the word 'with' really necessary? I don't understand," he said.



Koo Jeong-woo, a professor of Sociology at Sungkyunkwan University, admitted that the use of English loanwords has penetrated deep into Korean society.



"In modern language, it's unavoidable to bring words from foreign languages considering that there are increasing number of foreign residents and it became part of our lifestyle. However, the elderly may feel a sense of incompatibility and digital divide. It's a similar feeling having to use a kiosk and complete a 'self-order,'" he said.



However, he remained positive about the use of slang and Gen Z terms, calling it a natural process.


A notice is posted in Yongsan District, Seoul, to encourage foreigners residing in Korea to take a coronavirus test free of charge, Oct. 6. Yonhap



South Korea's daily new coronavirus cases remained in the 2,000s for a second day in a row Thursday following a long weekend, amid concerns over the spread of the pandemic ahead of another extended weekend.



The country added 2,427 more COVID-19 cases, including 2,400 local infections, raising the total caseload to 325,804, according to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).



Daily infections rebounded to over 2,000 again Wednesday after falling below the 2,000 mark Monday and Tuesday due to fewer tests.



South Korea had reported more than 2,000 cases per day since Sept. 26, a day after daily cases exceeded 3,000 for the first time following the Chuseok holiday, the Korean equivalent of Thanksgiving.



The country added eight more deaths from COVID-19, raising the death toll to 2,544. The fatality rate stood at 0.78 percent.



Health authorities remain on alert over further rises in new cases after another extended weekend ending Oct. 11 due to Hangeul Day, which celebrates the proclamation of the Korean alphabet.






Seen is the written pledge provided to a woman who visited a public health center in Jangan District, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, to register her pregnancy, Wednesday. / Courtesy of Twitter user "mayflyslayer"



By Lee Hae-rin



An online posting has drawn attention with its claim that a public health center here forced pregnant women to vow to breastfeed their babies when they registered their pregnancy to receive welfare benefits.



The person who posted the story on Twitter, Wednesday, said her friend visited the center in Jangan District, Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, recently, and was forced to sign a written pledge to breastfeed her child.



In a photo provided by the Twitter user with the ID of "mayflyslayer" to The Korea Times, the written promise read: "I vow to breastfeed. I vow to know the importance of breastfeeding and raise my child healthily. I vow to continue breastfeeding even after going back to work."



The woman refused to sign the pledge, saying she didn't believe breastfeeding was a must and that it was her choice whether to do it. Following this, staff at the center "treated her like a weird person," according to the uploader.



It was revealed that as a means to promote breastfeeding, a number of public health centers here require the written pledge campaign from pregnant women who visit to register their pregnancy and receive welfare benefits, including free prenatal tests and iron supplement pills.



"The breastfeeding campaign is part of the Korea Health Promotion Institution's health plan guidelines and aims to promote the health benefits of breastfeeding to mothers and their children," an official from a public health center in Dongdaemun District in Seoul told The Korea Times.



However, obstetricians point out that the campaign is discriminatory and lacks understanding of women's health, as many pregnant women cannot breastfeed due to health problems.



"This form of campaign could distress pregnant women who are not in a condition to breastfeed, and infringes on the privacy of those who simply don't want to do so," said Kim Dong-suk, president of the Korean College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.



Womenlink Korea, a women's rights civic group that has been protesting against the breastfeeding vow for years, said, "It is shocking that a public institution carries out a project with such an outdated way of thinking that is insensitive to women's rights and health. Women are not tools for giving birth, and breastfeeding is a personal choice. The public health policy should change with more consideration to the health of both pregnant women and babies."


Ahn Choong-yong, left, co-chair of the Korea-India Strategic Dialogue and distinguished professor at Chung-Ang University, speaks during a forum at The Plaza Seoul, Thursday. The forum was held in a hybrid format, with participants from India attending online. Courtesy of Seoul Forum for International Affairs



By Kang Seung-woo



With preparations for a "post-pandemic" world underway, scholars and experts from Korea and India have suggested that the two countries beef up bilateral cooperation in the areas of vaccine development, digital technology and defense as well as economy and trade.



The 20th Korea-India Strategic Dialogue, co-hosted by the Korea Foundation (KF), Seoul Forum for International Affairs (SFIA) and India's Ananta Aspen Centre (AAC), was held Thursday under the theme, "Exploring New Opportunities for Strategic Partnership post COVID-19." The event was held in a hybrid online-offline format, with the attendance of the Korean and Indian ambassadors to each other's countries.



The strategic dialogue has represented track 1.5 diplomacy involving cooperation between official and unofficial players in Korea and India over the last 20 years, allowing both governments to map out different modes of bilateral cooperation.



"With a looming exit strategy from the pandemic, the two countries now face daunting challenges to respond effectively to newly emerging geopolitical security architecture and trade and investment opportunities in the Asia-Pacific," said Ahn Choong-yong, the forum's co-chair and a distinguished professor at Chung-Ang University, in his opening speech.



Kiran Pasricha, CEO of AAC, said in her opening remarks, "The pandemic isn't yet behind us. So, I'm sorry we are doing this virtually, while I'm still extremely delighted to see such an outstanding delegation from both sides."



Naushad Forbes, the other co-chair of the strategic dialogue, said there were huge opportunities in trade and investments between the two countries.



"We have the best and closest of relations between our two countries, but I think we would all regard trade and investment as being less than what it could be." He added that both countries should think about how to enhance investments and how to enhance trade opportunities between the two sides.



Former Prime Minister Lee Hong-koo commented: "Northeast Asia, China, Japan, and Korea have co-existed as close neighbors over many centuries, However, India was considered a great country in world history situated in a faraway region.



"Our two people are now bound together as prominent citizens of the global village and share many new values and aspiration  in short, partners for a common interest."



Ahn said India and Korea share the common objective of supply chain resilience by reducing their excessive dependence on China.



"To achieve this objective, I would like to suggest India and Korea urgently establish a bilateral Resilient Supply Chain Pact, which is similar to the proposal recently mooted jointly by India, Australia and Japan," he said.



He also said if Korea and India work together utilizing each other's strengths to scale up vaccine production, the two countries can contribute to the global vaccination agenda.



Yoon Young-kwan, a former foreign minister, said the two countries will benefit much from strengthening mutual cooperation amid the rising rivalry between the United States and China.



"Both Korea and India are democracies, adjacent to China, and have deep economic relations with China," Yoon said.



He noted that Korea has experienced China using its economic power as a weapon to pressure Seoul on the issue of security policy, while India is also facing the challenge of Beijing flexing its naval power in the Indian Ocean in addition to border conflicts.



"By strengthening mutual ties, both Korea and India will be able to strengthen their strategic positions in the Indo-Pacific," he said.


This July 9 file photo shows a memorial altar at a military hospital in Seongnam,Gyeonggi Province, for a noncommissioned officer, surnamed Lee, who took her own life after suffering alleged sexual harassment by a colleague. Yonhap



Military prosecutors have indicted a total of 15 people over the death of an Air Force sexual harassment victim following a monthslong investigation into a string of irregularities that led to the noncommissioned officer taking her own life in May, the defense ministry said Thursday.



Including those facing trials, 38 officials will be subject to disciplinary measures, the ministry said, announcing the results of its 120-day investigation into the incident that sparked an intense public outcry over the military's failure to protect the victim.



The master sergeant, surnamed Lee, took her own life in late May, about three months after she was allegedly groped and suffered other abuse by a colleague of the same rank, surnamed Jang.



Jang was arrested in June, only after the case became known to the media, and is currently standing trial.



According to the probe results, Air Force officials allegedly tried to cover up the case without giving proper help to the victim. But the investigation fell short of indicting senior officials who were in charge of supervising the initial probe into the case.



Of 25 booked in relation to the case, 10 avoided indictment.



"Based on testimonies, circumstances at the time of the incident and related precedents, we concluded that there was not enough evidence to acknowledge charges raised against them," the ministry said in a release.





This June 9 file photo shows the entrance to the Gyeryongdae military headquarters, 160 kilometers south of Seoul. Yonhap




Car accidents involving unlicensed teenagers soared by 34 percent between 2018 and 2020, road traffic data showed Thursday.







According to a Korea Road Traffic Authority report submitted to Rep. Kang Deuk-gu of the ruling Democratic Party, teenagers caused 833 accidents last year while driving without a license, a sharp jump from 618 and 689 accidents in 2018 and 2019, respectively.







More than 3,100 people suffered injuries and 63 died in the total of 2,140 accidents involving unlicensed teenagers during the thre-year period, according to the data.







About 27.7 percent of the accidents were caused by 17-year-olds while accidents involving 16-year-olds accounted for 22.5 percent and 18-year-olds at 21.5 percent. The legal driving age is 18 in South Korea.







Kang said the government should come up with measures to prevent dangerous driving by unlicensed teenagers, pointing out that a lot of them rent cars with a fake identity.







"Teenagers must acknowledge that their simple curiosity and desire for driving can become a serious crime that takes away other people's lives," he said, adding that schools should also strengthen traffic and safety education. (Yonhap)


People ride Seoul Metro Line 4 in this Sept. 1, 2020, photo. Korea Times file



By Jung Da-min



An engineer with the city-run subway operator Seoul Metro has been suspended from work after making an in-train announcement about the death of her family member due to dating violence, according to the subway operator, Wednesday.



On Sept. 16, the engineer made the announcement while operating a train on Line 4, saying her family member, also a woman, died after being assaulted by her boyfriend and asking passengers to participate in a petition filed by the victim's mother on the Cheong Wa Dae website seeking stern punishment for the perpetrator.



The announcement became known to the public after one train passenger posted about it on an online community.



In the announcement, the engineer said: "I know that this kind of announcement could cause discomfort to passengers, but there is no other way to let it be known to people, so please understand my situation. My family member died recently from dating violence and we posted a petition on the Cheong Wa Dae website. Please pay attention to it."



The subway operator said it suspended the engineer from work a day after the announcement, saying it was to give her time to relieve her mental stress from the death of her family member.



"The situation (of the family) is really sad and deserves sympathy, but the subway is used by many people. If it sets a precedent and similar situations take place again in which engineers share their personal stories, it would be problematic. In this regard, the company is reviewing related regulations to prevent such cases, and due measures will be taken for this case," an official from Seoul Metro told The Korea Times.



The victim in the dating violence case was Hwang Ye-in, a 25-year-old woman who was violently assaulted at her residence in Seoul, July 25, by her boyfriend. After suffering severe facial swelling, internal bleeding, broken ribs and damage to her lungs, she went into a coma and was hospitalized, dying died three weeks later as a result of her injuries.



The petition garnered over 530,000 signatures from Aug. 25 to Sept. 24. The suspect was arrested on Sept. 15 and was indicted on charges of inflicting injury causing death.


Rep. Hong Joon-pyo, a presidential contender of the conservative main opposition People Power Party, speaks during a campaign event held at the party's regional branch in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, Monday. Yonhap



This article is the fourth in a series on the major presidential contenders' leadership styles, campaign promises, strengths and weaknesses, as well as career histories  ED.



By Jung Da-min



The rise of five-term lawmaker Rep. Hong Joon-pyo of the conservative main opposition People Power Party (PPP) as a strong presidential contender for the next presidential election, slated for next March, is rather unexpected, considering that former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl had long been topping polls of potential presidential candidates and it was once thought Hong's golden opportunity had already passed, political watchers said.



Since early September, Hong has been surpassing Yoon in some popularity polls on potential presidential candidates of the main opposition party.



Both Hong and Yoon are prosecutors-turned-politicians but unlike Yoon, a political rookie who just entered politics in March this year for his presidential bid, Hong is a veteran politician who has served five terms as a lawmaker.



After entering politics by winning a seat in the 15th National Assembly in Seoul's Songpa-A constituency in 1996, Hong became the leader of the then-ruling conservative Grand National Party, a predecessor of the PPP, in 2011. He then became South Gyeongsang Province Governor in 2012 and served two consecutive terms.





Then-prosecutor Hong Joon-pyo is seen at his office at Cheongju District Public Prosecutors' Office in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, in this photo provided by Hong's election camp for the 2017 presidential election. Korea Times file





Hong Joon-pyo, second from right, then-South Gyeongsang Province governor, speaks during his meeting with first-term lawmakers of then-ruling Liberty Korea Party, a predecessor of the now-main opposition People Power Party, at the National Assembly in Seoul, in this March 8, 2017 photo. Korea Times file



In 2017, Hong was the presidential candidate of then-ruling Liberty Korea Party (LKP), a predecessor of the PPP. He ranked second after President Moon Jae-in, which some political watchers described as relatively "good defense," considering the political situation unfavorable to the LKP in the aftermath of the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye, who was from the LKP, over corruption charges. At the time, Hong appealed to voters by saying that a "strongman" with determination was needed in times of uncertainties.



After his defeat in the presidential election and the LKP's crushing defeat in the following local elections in 2018, Hong stepped down from the party leadership position. He continued his political activities as a YouTuber presenting conservative views on social issues but different from those of far-right parties.



Hong left the party after it changed its name to United Future Party (UFP) and took various measures in an effort to refresh its image for the 2020 April general election, as the UFP's nomination committee did not select Hong as a candidate for the election citing the need for reform. Hong won an Assembly seat in the 21st general election in Daegu's Suseong-B constituency as an independent.



Hong was admitted back into the PPP in June, after the election of the party's youngest-ever new leader Lee Jun-seok. Two months later in August, Hong officially announced his second presidential bid, saying he would "correct the nation heading in the wrong direction."





Rep. Hong Joon-pyo, a presidential contender of the main opposition People Power Party, meets people at Chilseong Market in Daegu, Sept. 30. Yonhap



Strong messages, straightforward but rough rhetoric



Hong has criticized the Moon administration, which according to him was too focused on political revenge while missing opportunities to revive the economy. He said the private sector has led the country's economic growth despite the government's incompetence and he will further help harness growth engines by easing regulations.



"Although the Moon Jae-in administration spent five years with the intention of revenge on the previous administration, the private sector has led to the country's economic growth," Hong said in an interview with local newspaper Sedaily late last month, referring to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's recent changing of Korea's status from a developing country to an advanced one.



"The economy of Korea can be managed only when the economic system is changed based on the freedom and creativity of the private sector," Hong said, adding that the country cannot hold onto previous economic growth policies when its economic status has been changed.



Hong said he would introduce a "negative" economic system in which the government intervenes or introduces regulations only in response to problems. "Such an economic policy of lifting regulations would bring enterprises back to the country while vitalizing their re-investments," Hong said. He also said he would initiate labor reforms to prevent "unjust" activities of some powerful unions.



For security, Hong said he would seek to set up a Korean-style "Iron Dome" anti-missile system in regions with nuclear power plants as a preparation for any missile attacks by North Korea. He also called for redeployment of U.S. tactical nuclear weapons here and NATO-style nuclear sharing.



Political watchers said Hong's strong pledges could draw attention, but they could ultimately work to his detriment as the policies will face criticism and opposition due to their problematic nature.





Five-term lawmaker Rep. Hong Joon-pyo, right, and former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl partake in a TV debate along with other presidential contenders of the main opposition People Power Party at a local broadcaster's studio in Seoul's Mapo District, Sept. 28. Joint Press Corps
People Power Party Chairman Lee Jun-seok, right, speaks during a party meeting at the National Assembly, Thursday. The backdrop reads "The one who refuses a special probe is the culprit," referring to a land development scandal in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, which is suspected to involve Democratic Party of Korea presidential contender Lee Jae-myung. Joint Press Corps



By Nam Hyun-woo



The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) is escalating its demands for an independent counsel's investigation into a land development scandal in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, targeting Lee Jae-myung, the leading presidential contender of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK).



Lee was mayor of the city in 2015 when the development project was initiated.



However, the chances of this taking place appear slim, as it requires either an agreement with the DPK, which holds a super-majority in the National Assembly, or with President Moon Jae-in. The DPK is refusing to discuss appointing a special counsel, while Moon is striving to keep a neutral stance in order to avoid making comments that could affect the presidential election next year.



PPP Chairman Lee Jun-seok stressed the need for the independent investigation and urged members of the DPK to join the opposition's demand for it.



"The DPK will face a public uproar if it remains passive in investigating the scandal," he said, urging DPK members with "a conscience" to join his party's demand for the probe.



The PPP has been calling for an investigation into the 2015 land development project in Daejang-dong in Seongnam, which is facing mounting questions and suspicions over how a newly established small asset management firm, Hwacheon Daeyu, raked in massive profits  more than 1,000 times its investment. The suspicions are focused on a dividend structure that was devised after the company was selected by Seongnam Development Corp. to run the project the day after it submitted a bid.



"The public remains suspicious about the relationship between Lee Jae-myung and Hwacheon Daeyu," the PPP head said.



A special counsel is appointed to investigate cases where political neutrality is of the utmost importance.



Since 1999, when Korea first introduced this system, there have been 13 cases investigated by independent counsels. Twelve of the probes were launched after respective special bills on each case were proposed and passed at the National Assembly, while the remaining one was launched into the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster after the Assembly agreed to it without a bill specifically for the case according to the Act on the Appointment of a Special Counsel.



To launch an investigation by an independent counsel into the Seongnam scandal, the PPP and the minor opposition People Party tabled a bill specifically targeting the scandal Sept. 24. But the possibility of this happening is small given that the ruling DPK has 168 seats in the 300-seat Assembly to the PPP's 103.



Without the bill, it is still possible to seek an investigation under the Special Counsel Act. This allows for the appointment of a special counsel without a separate bill on a case if the Assembly approves it in a plenary vote. It is also possible if the justice minister orders an investigation, as the act states they can do so if the case involves "a conflict of interest," meaning a potential situation in which prosecutors would have to investigate prosecutors.





Minister of Justice Park Beom-kye speaks during a National Assembly audit session in Seoul, Tuesday. Joint Press Corps




A major umbrella labor union on Thursday renewed its threat to go on a general strike later this month in an effort to put a spotlight on labor issues ahead of next year's presidential election.







The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions (KCTU), one of the country's two umbrella labor organizations, said it will stage a strike and a massive rally on Oct. 20 as "the first step to break the solid system of exploitation."







The KCTU aims to launch a walkout involving all its 1.1 million members to call for the enhancement of labor rights, such as the abolition of non-regular employment and general revision of labor laws.







The plan, however, has raised concerns the strike could spread COVID-19.







"Workers will fill the streets in compliance with the group's internal antivirus guidelines stricter than those of the government, including vaccination and preemptive polymerase chain reaction tests (of participants)," the KCTU said.







Despite the threat, the possibility is low of all KCTU members joining the walkout.







KCTU-affiliated labor groups that have committed to joining the strike so far include the Korean Government Employees' Union as well as organizations representing metal, construction and non-regular workers. (Yonhap)


By Rushan Ziatdinov





Nobody could predict the impact that COVID-19 would have on our world; it changed so much of our daily routines. The stigma of living in the new normal is haunting. As unhinged, to some extent, as it might seem, and maybe even unrealistic, the world doesn't stop revolving and functioning even as such a detrimental health crisis falls upon its shoulders. A lot of changes have had to take place within the ongoing duration of the COVID-19 virus outbreak.



One of those changes made online learning a must, but it's quite a win-win situation. It's common knowledge that today's generation is greatly knowledgeable when it comes to technology due to living in a highly-digitized world. It's rational to utilize the wonders that technology brings into continuing the practices adopted and implemented by the education sector globally, but now through online learning programs.



Its implementation makes sense and was rightful because of schools physically closing due to health restrictions. The world of academia is not the only one switching its methods in such precarious times, but it is a very major change nonetheless. Online education is primarily centered on internet-powered platforms, and not every teacher and student has equal access to such services.



More so, a bigger concern faced by teachers has to do with teaching methods in the online learning set up. Virtual classes can be intimidating and seem to limit the ways that teachers can impart knowledge to students, forcing them to be creative in the teaching methods they use in order to promote a collaborative and interactive learning environment.



Also, the online education set-up entails a higher average of screen-time which leads to health issues such as poor vision and posture. Similarly, excessive screen-time and long video-conference hours can lead to "Zoom fatigue." In simple terms, Zoom fatigue, or fatigue from any video platform, is the feeling of tiredness that a person encounters after a conference call. Related to this, online teaching can take a toll on the mental health of teachers.



Like students, teachers can also feel burnt-out from the constant exposure and workload that happens through screens and technological systems. Stanford University has published an article identifying four factors that contribute to such fatigue. Namely, those are: 1) The overwhelming amount of screen time, 2) The uncomfortable ability to see one's self during conference calls, 3) Typical motion exaggeratedly decreasing due to video chats, and 4) Video calls increasing the difficulty of cognitive tasks.



The first one, when explained, had to do with the stress and social anxiety that comes with the awareness of people staring at you during video chats. The second reason is likened to being constantly followed in a real-life scenario but, instead of actually being followed, people are constantly interacting with you through a screen for a lengthy period of time.



Thirdly, it's typical that people stay in one place during a video call, and research is continuously coming up with evidence that cognitive performance is better when an individual performs motion. Lastly, in order to get a message clearly delivered during video calls, more effort is exerted because methods of interaction are limited to the screen and technology in use, unlike in face-to-face interactions.



Virtual learning environments (VLE), such as Virbela and vAcademia, allow vast opportunities in educational collaborations through the means of virtual environments. Through such VLEs, we are given the chance to use advanced teaching methods by the means of voice-powered technology, presentation options, 3D recording, and academic environment simulations.



Through the use of VLEs, teachers are able to promote inclusivity and accessibility for their students. VLEs are highly flexible. Also, little by little, the more students engage with them, the more they become attuned to and are at ease with online classes. Another way that educational organizations benefit from VLEs is through providing an environment that fosters students to have a wider view of the world.



VLEs are highly marketable to students across the globe. The San Diego Times released an article in 2020 showing how the 3D technology of Virbela had a new user growth rate of 78 percent, with half of that coming from the international market. It has proven how 3D technology has paved the way for an upgrade of virtual gatherings, meetings, and events.



At the same time, the platform allows a virtual space where students can interactively meet while still being remote; a virtual campus of sorts like that of Stanford University. This virtual campus offers a similar interface to RPGs such as Club Penguin and The Sims, with similar features allowing users to choose outfits, interact, and go to classes.



Through buttons, users are given the options to let their avatar perform simple actions like nodding and waving, all made possible through Virbela. Davenport University also did the same thing, using Virbela to conduct their online classes through a virtual university, as featured in a Detroit Free Press article.



In a 2017 study conducted by Alves et al., it was found that students who have access to virtual learning environments are equipped to achieve a good academic performance, and that the higher the accessibility rate is to virtual learning environments, the better their performance will be.





Rushan Ziatdinov (ziatdinov.rushan@gmail.com) is a professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering at Keimyung University, Daegu.


By Mark Leonard





BERLIN  The geopolitical story of the last few years has featured Western democracies' gradual awakening to the realities of an increasingly ambitious and authoritarian China. European countries have gone from competing with each other to be China's best friend to sharing the view that China represents a profound, multifaceted challenge.



For example, on global issues such as climate change, European governments must now find a way to work effectively with a difficult partner. On economic and technological issues such as artificial intelligence, China has emerged as a fierce competitor. And on human rights, democracy, and the role of the state in the economy, it is now seen as a "systemic rival."



In addition to becoming more realistic about China, Europeans are also becoming more engaged with Asia. France led the pack in 2016 by signing a deal to provide Australia with its diesel-powered Barracuda submarines, and by inspiring the rest of Europe to develop a new strategy for the Indo-Pacific. Its position on China in recent years has been light years away from that of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, French President Jacques Chirac, and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder, who supported ending a European Union embargo on arms sales to China and granting that country "market economy status."



But now France has been shoved aside by AUKUS, a new security and technology alliance between the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom. In Washington and London, this deal to provide Australia with U.S.-made nuclear submarines is being framed as one of the most significant strategic advances in decades, even though it has infuriated France.



For the U.S., AUKUS comes hot on the heels of its chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, and thus is being held up as evidence that the Biden administration is serious, competent and tough on foreign policy. Furnishing Australia with a nuclear-powered submarine fleet will significantly extend America's own ability to project power in the Indo-Pacific  hence China's displeasure at the pact.



AUKUS is also the first and (so far) only expression of "Global Britain," the newly empowered global player that was supposed to arise after Brexit. The deal is being touted as proof that the U.K.'s "special relationship" with the U.S. is robust. Even the French could benefit from the new arrangement. By pointing to yet another example of American flakiness, France can bolster its own case for pursuing European strategic autonomy.



Since news of the deal broke, there have been attempts to lower the temperature between Western powers. U.S. President Joe Biden has called French President Emmanuel Macron, admitted that the "situation would have benefited from open consultations among allies," and promised more U.S. support for France's anti-terrorism campaign in the Sahel.



Now that the French have blown off some steam (by temporarily recalling their ambassadors to the U.S. and Australia), many American foreign-policy observers seem to think there will be a return to business as usual. Yet whatever tactical advances the U.S., the U.K., and Australia may have made, the strategic gains to be had from AUKUS are dubious at best.



Yes, the Indo-Pacific is central to America's competition with China, and a well-equipped Australia can enhance U.S. naval control over that theater. But there are other, more important battlegrounds to consider. As we have seen, the China challenge is also about the regulation of AI, global finance, and green technologies and infrastructure. On these issues, the EU has far more to contribute than Australia or the U.K. does.



It is in America's own long-term interest that the EU become more of a sovereign power capable of participating in the defense of shared Western values and interests. By humiliating France, the one EU member state that has openly embraced deeper engagement in the Indo-Pacific, the Biden administration has made this outcome less likely.



And the U.K. has been no less myopic. Having left the EU, it is struggling to develop relationships with other countries that have less in common with it than its immediate European neighbors do. Even a committed Brexiteer would have trouble arguing that Australia is more important to British military and trade interests than are France or other continental Europeans. It is not Australia that can help the U.K. by providing emergency truck drivers or stemming the flow of migrants across the English Channel.



But the French are not blameless. Most other EU members see France's foreign-policy agenda as ultimately anti-American, so the best way to bring them along would be to convince them otherwise. Reducing Europe's dependence on the U.S. thus should be framed as a pro-American project that will help both Europe and the U.S. confront the challenges of the twenty-first century. By precipitating a major transatlantic spat and confirming EU Atlanticists' suspicion that it harbors anti-American resentment, France has undercut its own goals.



It is not too late to realign the various strategies being pursued by Western powers. France, the U.K., and the U.S. may have generated headlines with moves that feel tactically savvy and emotionally satisfying. But China may turn out to be the strategic winner. Rather than fighting over submarines, Western democracies should be exploring how their Indo-Pacific strategies might complement one another on other critical fronts such as the digital economy, trade, and climate change. Achieving that kind of alignment could provide a foundation for bringing on other major partners such as Japan, South Korea, and India.



China's response to AUKUS implicitly acknowledges this. It has applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, a major deal that was originally promoted by the Obama administration to contain China's economic rise. In the decade since its negotiation, the U.S. has lost its interest in trade deals, and China has been exploiting its retreat from the global stage. China's cynical move to take America's place in the CPTPP shows a ruthless pragmatism that could leave Western approaches  including AUKUS  looking flat-footed.





Mark Leonard is co-founder and director of the European Council on Foreign Relations and the author of "The Age of Unpeace (Bantam Press, 2021)." This article was distributed by Project Syndicate (www.project-syndicate.org).


By John Sheridan





A Swiss couple visiting Seoul regaled me with the building boom they had observed during their whirlwind tour of China, adding that 90 percent of the world's construction cranes are in its cities. Still, I told them that I'd seen it all before, just not on the same scale.



The few tall buildings that dominated central Seoul were landmarks when I arrived here in the summer of 1981. When construction began on a tall building it was an architectural event, with everyone watching it go up. We'd watch the next one and the next one, too.



Soon buildings began to spring up like mushrooms. And you'd notice that hidden behind a new building there was another one under construction and one behind that one, as well. It was the beginnings of a building boom that transformed Seoul, continuing unabated to this day.



Sometimes, a new building seemed to appear out of the blue, as if it were lowered overnight by helicopter. But I stopped observing the building boom because the buildings were without architectural merit and looked the same.



Booming Seoul caught the eye of Newsweek, which put its new glass buildings, in full luminescence at night, on a mid-80s cover, with the cover story having to do with South Korea's rapid economic growth.



Prior to the building boom, a lot of Seoul was still painted austere gray. This is because it was down-at-the-heels and certainly not the affluent, cosmopolitan city that it is today. A Fulbright scholar who was in Seoul in the mid-80s said that walking around the gray city used to depress him when he was a G.I. here in the early 70s.



There are still a few gray buildings left in Seoul. The most prominent one, a narrow six-story building across the street from the Westin Josun Hotel, was demolished a couple of years ago to make way for yet another tall building. It was a derelict haunt of pigeons, a gray eyesore that had dodged the wrecking ball until a real-estate deal was finally brokered.



What I liked about Seoul's cityscape before the building boom was the unobstructed view, from any location, of the small mountains the ancient city are built around. Along with blocking this view, the new buildings also obstructed a clear view of expansive Seoul at night and its many glowing orange crosses that were atop humble Christian churches.



If you were at a high location at night and gazed at the open expanse of Seoul in all directions, the glowing crosses gave the impression of Seoul being a veritable Christian city.



The building boom then spread to Gangnam, south of the Han River, and further afield, replacing vegetable fields and farmland with a glass and concrete sprawl. There was a time when a twin steeple church was a prominent Gangnam landmark; its steeples clearly visible from Namsan across the river. The steeples are now lost in the shadows of the building boom.



Since I was a free-spirted world traveler used to roughing it when I washed up in Seoul in 81, I tried my best to continue living an "authentic" lifestyle while adapting to the booming city's frenetic pace. My escape from it all was a Samcheong-dong hanok that I had moved into. The hanok struck me as authentic; its basic amenities were all that I needed.



When I moved out of the hanok in 83, Samcheong-dong was a quiet place. By the new millennium, however, the neighborhood had become one of Seoul's trendiest, with real estate skyrocketing and boutiques, jewelry shops, art galleries, stylish restaurants and cafes having moved in. And traffic got really bad, driving the residents crazy.



I didn't set foot in Samcheong-dong again until around 2000, following a hike along a newly-opened stretch of Seoul Fortress Trail that took me to Samcheong Park. It was culture shock. I couldn't believe my eyes. I felt like Rip Van Winkle awakening from a 20-year sleep, bewildered by all that had transpired during my absence.



My humble hanok was now a Cordon Bleu restaurant, with the steep, stone steps leading up to it being used for a fashion shoot. Everyone had a camera and was taking pictures of every nook and cranny. And then there was the jewelry shop that had replaced my ol' ping-pong parlor.



Although the destruction of traditional Seoul was already underway by the time I had arrived in 81, all had not been lost. I used to like wandering around a warren of narrow streets and alleyways behind Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. It struck me as authentic and was all that was left of a larger traditional area that had been bulldozed to build the center. Alas, it's all gone now, replaced by more glass and concrete.



Many of Seoul's expat residents often wondered why nothing of archeological value was ever discovered while much of ancient Seoul was being dug up. Nothing at all. We thought it was suspicious, believing that bosses at building sites were ordered to turn a blind eye to anything of archeological value that might be unearthed and, therefore, halt construction.



After all, there's always something Roman being unearthed in London's foundation, but nothing Korean in ancient Seoul's. Suspicious indeed. And not for nothing was former President Lee Myung-bak known as "the bulldozer" when he was the CEO of Hyundai Engineering and Construction.





John Sheridan (sherbo77@yahoo.com) calls himself an "urban flaneur" living in Seoul. The views expressed in the above article are the author's own and do not reflect the editorial direction of The Korea Times.


By Donald Kirk





WASHINGTON  U.S. relations with China seem to be going from bad to worse at a dizzying pace. That's not to say war is about to break out at any of the obvious flashpoints, from the South China Sea to Taiwan to the Korean Peninsula, but the signs of impending conflict are clear.Most dramatically, China has been intimidating Taiwan, and indirectly the U.S., by flying dozens of fighter planes into Taiwan's air defense identification zone. That may not be as frightening as it sounds. These planes are not buzzing the island state, which China has been claiming as its own ever since the Communist victory over the mainland in 1949, and Taiwan isn't rising to the challenge by threatening to shoot any of them down.Still, while two U.S. aircraft carriers and one British carrier plus a Japanese helicopter carrier were churning the waters off nearby Okinawa, Japan's southernmost island prefecture, you have to believe this show of military force on all sides is alarming, to say the least.Add the U.S.-China trade imbroglio to this military confrontation, and you have an admixture that could explode any time someone tosses in a lit match. No, that's not too likely, not right now, but consider some of the remarks of the U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai at the influential Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. In carefully phrased opening verbiage, she accused Beijing of having "doubled down on its state-centered economic system" while failing to engage in "meaningful reforms" that might address U.S. concerns.Tai did not get into nitty-gritty specifics but did cite China's enormous success in taking over much of the global steel industry, and other sectors too, by what she plainly saw as highly unfair practices. Ever diplomatic, she did say she hoped to have "frank conversations" with the Chinese about these tendentious issues, but we all know, when senior U.S. officials talk that way, they're not getting anywhere.Amid all the pointed questions, one topic Tai did not address was the deal in which the Huawei executive, Meng Wanzhou, daughter of the giant company's founder, got off the hook in Vancouver last month when the U.S. agreed to stop calling for her extradition from Canada to face charges in the U.S. of fraud and violation of sanctions against Iran. Meng did admit to wrongdoing, but the U.S. did not want to press what could have spiraled into an even greater U.S.-China shouting match.The really good news about the deal was that two Canadians were freed after nearly three years behind bars in China on trumped-up if not totally false charges of dealing in Chinese state secrets. One of them, Michael Spavor, was well known among journalists for running tours into North Korea from his base in the bustling Chinese city of Dandong, across the Yalu or Amnok River from the North Korean city of Sinuiju. The other, Michael Kovrig, was a former Canadian diplomat to whom Spavor was alleged to have passed on sensitive photos.The many journalists who knew Spavor were delighted and relieved when he and Kovrig, "the two Michaels," were freed, but the case raises troubling questions. In the future, when prosecutors in foreign countries go after officials with Chinese companies or agencies for any of the many offenses of which they are suspected, ranging from economic crimes to espionage, will Chinese authorities then arrest citizens of those countries and hold them as pawns?The Chinese claim there was no connection between the return home of Meng, who'd been free in Vancouver on $8 million bail while having to wear an ankle bracelet and return to her luxury home every night, and the release of Spavor and Kovrig, who suffered far worse in a Chinese prison. They were, of course, pawns in a much larger game.As the economic war between the U.S. and China intensifies, we may well see more such cases in which the Chinese hold hostages. That's not to suggest that U.S. and Canadian authorities should not have negotiated for the exchange, but China's success in springing Meng sets a precedent.Katherine Tai undoubtedly could name other Chinese companies that are just as culpable as Huawei. Now the Chinese are all the more likely to hold innocent people for ransom. Anyone could be seized while the Chinese brandish weapons against Taiwan in a war of nerves in which foreigners in China, doing business with Chinese companies, are at risk.Donald Kirk ( www.donaldkirk.com ) has been covering war and peace in Asia for decades.
Samsung Electronics' foundry business chief Choi Si-young speaks at the Samsung Foundry Forum 2021 held online, Oct. 6. Yonhap



Samsung Electronics on Thursday unveiled its technology road map for the foundry business as the company vowed to improve its capacity and advanced manufacturing solutions in the contract chipmaking sector.



At the Samsung Foundry Forum 2021, which was held online under the theme of "Adding one more dimension," the South Korean chipmaker revealed its plans for future technology nodes, operations and services.



Samsung, the world's No. 2 foundry player behind Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), said it first plans to deploy gate-all-around (GAA) technology on the 3-nanometer (nm) process in the first half of 2022.



GAA refers to a modified transistor structure in which the gate wraps around all four sides of the channel for better control of current flow and further scaling. It enables significant improvement in performance with less operating power.



Samsung said it also targets to use the second-generation 3nm process in 2023 and GAA-based 2nm process in 2025 to mass-produce chips.



The company added its 3nm process node is currently on track for mass-production and it is focused on securing stable yield rates.



The tech giant said the 3nm process applied with its multi bridge channel FET (MBCFET) architecture, Samsung's patent version of GAA technology, will be able to deliver up to a 35 percent reduction in chip area with 50 percent lower power consumption and 30 percent higher performance compared to the 5nm process with the FinFET architecture.



At the forum, Samsung also introduced the upgraded FinFET-based 17nm process with an aim to deliver more cost-efficient, applicable products.



FinFET, or fin field-effect transistor, refers to a transistor with a 3D structure. In FinFETs, three sides of the channel are surrounded by gate electrodes.



Samsung said its latest 17nm process can reduce the chip area by 43 percent, improve energy efficiency by 49 percent, and increase performance by 39 percent compared to the 28nm process.



The company said the upgraded 17nm process can also be applied to products like image sensors and mobile display integrated circuits that mainly use the 28nm process.



Samsung said it also plans to come up with various options to apply its existing 14nm node to microcontrollers.



Regarding its radio frequency technology based on the 8nm process, the company said it targets to secure the leadership in the 5G communications chip market, especially for products supporting sub-6 GHz and mmWave spectrums.



Meanwhile, Samsung, also the world's largest memory chip supplier, said it will hold the Samsung Advanced Foundry Ecosystem (SAFE) forum in November to beef up relations with its partners and clients. (Yonhap)


A computer rendition of Hyundai Mobis's fuel-cell stack plant to be built in the Incheon Free Economic Zone district of Cheongna International City by 2022 / Courtesy of Hyundai Mobis



Plants in Incheon, Ulsan to diversify fuel cell system supply chain nationwide



By Yi Whan-woo



Hyundai Mobis has embarked on a hydrogen fuel cell project, costing 1.3 trillion won ($1.09 billion), to diversify production sites for the next-generation energy source for automotive transport from central Korea to the greater Seoul area and southeastern regions.



The autoparts unit of Hyundai Motor Group held a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday for a fuel-cell stack plant at the multinational corporate district of Cheongna in Incheon.



A fuel-cell stack is an essential component in producing electricity from hydrogen, used to power fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV) that Hyundai Motor Group is developing as it phases out combustion engine cars.



The stacks, produced in Incheon west of Seoul, will be transported for assembly at another new plant to be built in Ulsan, an industrial city about 400 kilometers southeast of the capital.



The Ulsan plant will be responsible for manufacturing a so-called fuel-cell system, the combining of the stack, an air processor, a thermal management system and other parts to be mounted in the FCEV.



The construction of the Incheon and Ulsan plants will be completed by the second half of 2022; and they will undergo test runs, before becoming fully operational from the second half of 2023.



The two factories will be capable of producing 100,000 fuel-cell systems annually, adding to the 23,000 that have been manufactured annually since 2018 at Hyundai Mobis' Chungju plant in central Korea.



The three plants are anticipated to strengthen Hyundai's fuel-cell system supply chain nationwide.



The chain is seen as a plus for Hyundai Mobis to consolidate its status as the world's No. 1 fuel-cell system maker, and also for Hyundai Motor Group that is seeking to take the global initiative in the hydrogen-based automotive business.





President Moon Jae-in salutes to the Korean flag with major conglomerate leaders and other dignitaries during a groundbreaking ceremony of Hyundai Mobis' hydrogen fuel-cell stack plant to be built in Incheon Free Economic Zone district of Cheongna International City, Thursday. The ceremony also marked the government's announcement of its vision toward a hydrogen-based economy. From left in the front row are POSCO Group CEO Choi Jeong-woo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Hong Nam-ki, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, President Moon and Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun. Yonhap
Namyang Diary Product Chairman Hong Wok-sik speaks during a National Assembly audit held in Yeouido, on Oct. 5. Korea Times photo by Oh Dae-keun



By Kim Jae-heun



There seems to be no limit to the greed of Namyang Dairy Products Chairman Hong Won-sik.



In his appearance at a National Assembly audit Tuesday, Hong appeared to misleading lawmakers in stating that he was looking for a new buyer for his company, to sell it for the benefit of his employees.



In reality, there are a few things he seems to have neglected to mention, under which industry insiders predict he will hand over the management rights to Namyang Dairy.



First, the new buyer will have to offer a price that Hong is satisfied with. In a previous acquisition deal, Hong agreed to sell off his and his family's 53.08-percent stake in the company to local private equity (PEF) fund Hahn & Company for 310.7 billion won.



However, after it was reported that Hong would resign from his position and the PEF would become the new owner of Namyang, the dairy firm's stock price more than doubled, surging from the 360,000 won range to around 800,000 won. Hong immediately had a "change of heart," and postponed a shareholders meeting in order to block the sale.



It seems that Hong is finding it hard to give away the company that his father, Hong Doo-young, founded. A number of reports claim that he attempted to add an extra clause in the contract with Hahn & Company to retain executive positions for his two sons, Hong Jin-seok and Hong Bum-seok. This went against his promise made during a public apology May 4, when he said he would not pass Namyang Dairy's management rights on his children.



Hong also reportedly requested Hahn & Company to give his family preferred bidder status if it later decided to resell Namyang Dairy.



The chairman has been making various excuses for not selling his company  he says he only wants his company and interested parties to benefit by selling it at the "right price."



But Namyang Dairy's shareholders and franchises seem to be the biggest victims of Hong's scheme. Namyang Dairy's stock price plunged back to the 360,000-won range after it called off stock purchase agreement with Hahn & Company. A large number of the dairy firm's franchises have been facing difficulties after consumers started a boycott against Namyang products, feeling betrayed by the chairman's constantly changing words.



Hong did not mention compensation for anyone losing out from his shenanigans, such as the franchises or shareholders, during the audit. He only repeated that he was looking for a new buyer to increase corporate value and to revive the company's reputation so that the franchises could recover.



In the end, Hong did not answer lawmakers' questions on why the deal failed  he simply said there was a limit to what he could say due to confidential legal issues.



Hong did not shed actual tears this time and instead seemed to be only acting as though he regretted the cancellation of the deal. A sincere apology would involve not reneging on his promises and actually keeping them. If that does not happen, Namyang Diary may never have the chance to regain the people's trust.


A truck hired by Starbucks Coffee Korea employees stands on a road in southern Seoul, Oct. 7, carrying a sign calling for the improvement of their working conditions. Yonhap



Employees of Starbucks coffee stores staged a demonstration Thursday in protest of excessive workload stemming from the company's marketing events.



Two trucks hired by Starbucks Coffee Korea workers drove around Seoul from 10 a.m. with signs calling for improved work conditions attached on their sides. The event will continue through Friday.



The first-ever protest by the Korean unit of the global coffee chain was triggered by a 50th anniversary event on Sept. 28, which drew huge numbers of customers by offering limited-edition reusable plastic cups.



"Starbucks Korea should resolve manpower shortages by reducing excessive promotional costs and increasing personnel expenditure," read a sign on one of the vehicles.






Starbucks Korea CEO Song Ho-seob receives a commemorative tumbler from the Culture Heritage Administration's former administrator Chung Jae-suk during a heritage reserve sponsor ceremony in Seoul, June 17, 2020. Yonhap



By Kim Jae-heun



Starbucks Korea CEO Song Ho-seob's apology to employees working at the chain's coffee shops was not enough to keep them from taking to the streets to protest.



A number of Starbucks Korea employees drove two trucks around Seoul with signboards displaying messages calling on the company to improve working conditions and salary and to stop treating its employees as expendable.



Starbucks Korea has been introducing special promotions to give customers seasonal gifts in return for collecting a number of stamps when they purchase beverages.










Oceans and Fisheries Minister Moon Seong-hyeok speaks during a government audit held at the National Assembly in Seoul, Thursday. Yonhap




Russia will invite the Taliban to international talks on Afghanistan scheduled for October 20 in Moscow, the Kremlin's envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, said Thursday.







In response to a question from Russian journalists on whether representatives of the hardline group would be invited to negotiations involving China, India, Iran and Pakistan, Kabulov said: "Yes".







The talks will follow a G20 summit on Afghanistan on October 12 that will seek to help the country avoid a humanitarian catastrophe in the wake of the Taliban takeover.







Kabulov was also asked whether Russia would deliver aid to Afghanistan, where the humanitarian crisis is growing worse, a top UN official warned Wednesday.







Russia would do, but the details were still being decided, Kabulov said.







"This is being worked out," he told journalists, saying "cargo" was being collected. (AFP)


In this 2009 October file photo, a mother holds her baby receiving a new malaria vaccine as part of a trial at the Walter Reed Project Research Center in Kombewa in Western Kenya. AP-Yonhap



The World Health Organization on Wednesday endorsed the RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine, the first against the mosquito-borne disease that kills more than 400,000 people a year, mostly African children.



The decision followed a review of a pilot program deployed since 2019 in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi in which more than two million doses were given of the vaccine, first made by the pharmaceutical company GSK in 1987.



After reviewing evidence from those countries, the WHO said it was "recommending the broad use of the world's first malaria vaccine", the agency's director general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.



The WHO said it was recommending children in sub-Saharan Africa and in other regions with moderate to high malaria transmission get four doses up to the age of two.



Every two minutes, a child dies of malaria, the agency said.



More than half of malaria deaths worldwide are in six sub-Saharan African countries and almost a quarter are in Nigeria alone, according to 2019 WHO figures.



Symptoms include fever, headaches and muscle pain, then cycles of chills, fever and sweating.



Findings from the vaccine pilot showed it "significantly reduces severe malaria which is the deadly form by 30 percent," said Kate O'Brien, Director of WHO's Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals.



The vaccine is "feasible to deliver", she added and "it's also reaching the unreached... Two thirds of children who don't sleep under a bed net in those countries are now benefiting from the vaccine."



Many vaccines exist against viruses and bacteria but this was the first time that the WHO recommended for broad use a vaccine against a human parasite.



The vaccine acts against plasmodium falciparum  one of five malaria parasite species and the most deadly.



"From a scientific perspective this is a massive breakthrough," said Pedro Alonso, Director of the WHO Global Malaria Program.





In this 2019 December file photo, residents of the Malawi village of Tomali wait to have their young children become test subjects for the world's first vaccine against malaria in a pilot program. AP-Yonhap
European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson speaks about European solutions to the rise of energy prices for businesses and consumers at the European Parliament, in Strasbourg, France, Oct. 6. Reuters-Yonhap



The European Union said on Wednesday it will examine the way its power market is run and consider proposals to revamp regulations within the bloc, as it seeks to keep plans to tackle climate change on track amid record-high energy costs.



European electricity and gas prices have rocketed this year as tight gas supplies have collided with strong demand in economies recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.



Energy prices topped the EU's political agenda on Wednesday, with environment ministers and the European Parliament each debating the issue after country leaders discussed possible responses on Tuesday.



The crisis has divided member states over whether Brussels should intervene.



"There is no question that we need to take policy measures," EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson told the EU's parliament.



The Commission will next week publish a "toolbox" of options for how governments and the EU could react. It will also launch a study into whether the EU's power market is fit to deliver the bloc's planned transition to green energy, Simson said.



EU countries agreed on Wednesday to wait for the Commission toolbox before considering a joint EU response. Some governments have already rolled out national subsidies and tax breaks to cut consumers' bills.



Spain has led calls for a revamp of EU electricity regulation to decouple the price of power from the cost of gas, and joint gas buying to increase EU countries' bargaining power in global markets.



Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he and other countries had asked Brussels to offer an "audacious" response. "We need extraordinary, innovative measures," he said.



Not all countries agree. EU regulators expect gas market conditions to ease next spring, and some states warned against rushing into action that would have lasting consequences.



"Trying to influence the free market is something we are highly sceptical about," German Environment Minister Svenja Schulze said.



The Netherlands cautioned against interfering in Europe's power and CO2 markets, while Belgium said it was "not convinced" joint gas buying would help fend off soaring prices.



"I don't think that we should arouse false expectations. We can't really do any more than we're already doing," Portuguese Environment Minister Joao Pedro Matos Fernandes said.





Greenpeace activists wearing the uniform of petroleum workers stand beside a smoking 'oil well tower' during an action in front of The Louvre Museum Pyramid in Paris, Oct. 6, as they protest against French energy company Total and continued world fossil fuel production and consumption. AFP-Yonhap
This photo taken and handout on Oct. 6 by The Vatican Media shows Pope Francis, right, gathering, prior to holding his weekly general audience in The Vatican, with four French bishops visiting Rome, for a moment of silent prayer for the victims of abuse committed by members of the clergy, in the aftermath of the publication of the Report of the independent commission on sexual abuse of children by French Catholic clergy (CIASE). AFP-Yonhap



Pope Francis said on Wednesday he was saddened and ashamed by the Catholic Church's inability to deal with sexual abuse of children in France and that the Church must make itself a "safe home for everyone".



"I would like to express to the victims my sadness, sorrow for the trauma they have suffered and also my shame, our shame, for the church's inability, for too long, to put them at the center of its concerns," Francis said at his weekly general audience.



Speaking a day after a major investigation revealed that French clergy had abused more than 200,000 children over 70 years, the pontiff invited Catholics in France to take responsibility for what had happened in order to make the Church a "safe home for everyone".



"This is the moment of shame," he said, calling on bishops to make every efforts to ensure that "similar tragedies do not happen again".



Before the audience began, the pope and several visiting French bishops prayed silently for the victims of abuse, a picture released by the Vatican showed.



French President Emmanuel Macron said lives had "been shaken, sometimes broken" by the abuse and that the truth was necessary.



"A society is judged by its ability to denounce and punish such violence, to try to repair lives, but even more so to prevent it," Macron said after a meeting of European leaders in Slovenia in his first remarks on the investigation's findings.



Jean-Marc Sauve, head of the commission that compiled the report, said the Church had shown indifference towards the abuses for years, preferring to protect itself rather than the victims, many of them aged between 10 and 13.



The height of the abuse was 1950-1970, the commission said in its report, with an apparent resurgence in cases in the early 1990s.



The pontiff added that he was close to French priests dealing with a "hard, yet healthy" challenge.



The Pope had already expressed his gratitude to victims for the courage they had in coming forward and denouncing what they had been through.



Several hours after the pope spoke, a Vatican court cleared two priests charged in connection with alleged sexual abuse in a youth seminary in the Vatican between 2006 and 2012.



The trial is the first in the Vatican concerning sexual abuse that allegedly occurred on Vatican territory. (Reuters)


YCSLA organizers celebrate the end of an afternoon full of speeches from climate justice advocates in City Hall Park.


Description



System ID 733590

Category General Management

Relocation Type No

Employment Status Full-Time

Unit Description

Sodexo is seeking a Manager 2, Regional Operations Support for the Northwest - Porter Health region. The Manager 2, Regional Operations Support (ROSI) has overall responsibility, or a portion of an on-sight operations area (ie Food, ES, Clinical, Culinary, Facilities, CTM) as assigned by the Client executive. In this role, the manager has direct accountability for executing Sodexo systems, programs, resources, tools, and talent management that drives operational excellence and our service commitments that are: Predictable, Reliable, and Repeatable. We are looking for candidates who will: have oversight of day-to-day operations;

deliver high quality food service and ES;

achieve company and client financial targets and goals;

develop and maintain client and customer relationships;

develop strategic plans;

create a positive environment; and

ensure Sodexo Standards are met. The ideal candidate: has a work history demonstrating strong leadership skills, as well as previous supervisory experience and the ability to work collaboratively;

has culinary production experience and a strong background in safety and sanitation compliance;

has the ability to manage multiple priorities, demonstrate professional communication skills, and a passion for a high level of customer service;

can demonstrate the ability to prioritize tasks and exhibit flexibility to take on additional responsibilities as needed; and

can demonstrate working knowledge of Sodexo Food Management Systems (FMS) and The Market Connection (TMC), and is proficient in computer skills and report management experience. Not the job for you? At Sodexo, we offer Food Service Management positions in a variety of business segments, including Corporate, Schools, Universities, Government and Agencies, Healthcare, Senior Living and Sports and Leisure locations across the United States. Continue your search for Food Service Management jobs.

Position Summary

The Manager II, Regional Operations Support (ROSI) has overall responsibility, or a portion of an on-sight operations area (ie Food, ES, Clinical, Culinary, Facilities, CTM) as assigned by the Client executive. In this role, the ROSI has direct accountability for executing Sodexo systems, programs, resources, tools, and talent management that drives operational excellence and our service commitments that are: Predictable, Reliable, and Repeatable Primary Responsibilities: Client / Customer Service - 20% Navigates the client organization through effective communication while influencing and persuading at multiple levels. Seeks to collaborate for win-win outcomes.

Provide effective communication for clients and customers to ensure excellent customer service.

Effectively partners with client and Sodexo employees to drive successful outcomes.

Complies with all client policies and procedures. Operational Excellence - 40% Owns, drives, and measures operational excellence outcomes of Sodexo and client.

Effectively deploys, embeds and ensures Sodexo standardized processes are in place.

Creates a continuous quality improvement culture that drives operational efficiencies.

Drives change and creates a culture where change is embraced and operationalized.

Utilizes all operational processes to drive continuous improvement and celebrate successes. Analysis & Decision Making - 20% Utilizes tools within Sodexo Healthcare to drive and manage middle of the page (Labor Expense, Raw Materials) to deliver positive outcomes.

Accountable for effective utilization of labor resources.

Analyses data to engage in data driven decision making using data, logic, benchmarking, and leading practices in decision making to determine best solutions for the business.

Effective risk management by ensuring consistent regulatory and legal compliance.

Compliance with supply chain management requirements.

Understands and effectively manages unit finances in the Sodexo budgets.

Sets operational goals with key metrics and ensures quick analysis of variances to ensure a prompt resolution and mitigate adverse impact on our clients or our performance.

Delivers predictable top and bottom-line results at the site, relentless focus on driving efficiency, and makes difficult decisions.

Effectively delegates operational responsibilities to appropriate individuals / positions.

Follows best practices in decision making to determine best solutions for the business. Safety - 10% Ensures that individuals performing service-related tasks have the competence to do so without putting the health and safety of themselves or others at risk.

Behaviors include: Working as a team for safety

Communicating Effectively for Safety

Managing Safety Risks

Optimizing Human and Environmental Factors

Recognizing, respond and reporting incidents

Adherence to all operational safety practices and protocols

Drives a safety culture throughout the team Talent - 10% Ability to effectively manage aspects of Human Resources (ie. Leadership, People Management, Employee Relations, etc) to support individual and team development and drive operational outcomes.

Creates a culture of continuous learning and development for self and those within the unit assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

Basic Education Requirement - Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience Basic Management Experience - 3 years Basic Functional Experience - 3 years work experience in facilities (e.g., maintenance, plant operations, engineering services, grounds, custodial/environmental, or transportation) or food (e.g., food services or operations, concessions, retail sales, store operations, or vending) services, CTM, or Clinical Nutrition Sodexo is an EEO/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran employer.



Requirements

See Job Description






Description



System ID 737797

Category General Management

Relocation Type No

Employment Status Full-Time

Unit Description

Sodexo is seeking a Regional Operations Support Manager to support our patient food service operations. Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center-West Campus, a prestigious medical center located in Boston, MA. This Sodexo strategic account is a 2 location, 700 bed acute care facility with At Your Request Room Service. Ability to drive patient satisfaction and impact employee engagement are required. Prior food service experience is required.

This position is full time but temporary and can last for up to or longer than 18 months. Your success will be measured by your ability to: Work with the culinary team and other managers to oversee daily operations to ensure a smooth flow of food services to patients;

Effectively manage a high volume patient tray line operation;

Exceed Sodexo standards for Gold Check and the patient experience;

Evaluate and develop service levels for the overall Patient Services Program;

Ensure company food and physical safety programs and standards are followed

Oversee cash handing processes, and POS programming and maintenance;

Maintain integrity of retail branded concept standards (national and in-house brands);

Manage the opening and closing the operation as well daily retail food service operations;

Ensure all needed signage (including digital) is in place;

Maintain all product merchandising, marketing and ordering standards are in place. Learn more about Sodexo's Benefits Working for Sodexo: How far will your ambition, talent and dedication take you? Sodexo fosters a culture committed to the growth of individuals through continuous learning, mentoring and 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

The Manager II, Regional Operations Support (ROSI) has overall responsibility, or a portion of an on-sight operations area (ie Food, ES, Clinical, Culinary, Facilities, CTM) as assigned by the Client executive. In this role, the ROSI has direct accountability for executing Sodexo systems, programs, resources, tools, and talent management that drives operational excellence and our service commitments that are: Predictable, Reliable, and Repeatable Primary Responsibilities: Client / Customer Service - 20% Navigates the client organization through effective communication while influencing and persuading at multiple levels. Seeks to collaborate for win-win outcomes.

Provide effective communication for clients and customers to ensure excellent customer service.

Effectively partners with client and Sodexo employees to drive successful outcomes.

Complies with all client policies and procedures. Operational Excellence - 40% Owns, drives, and measures operational excellence outcomes of Sodexo and client.

Effectively deploys, embeds and ensures Sodexo standardized processes are in place.

Creates a continuous quality improvement culture that drives operational efficiencies.

Drives change and creates a culture where change is embraced and operationalized.

Utilizes all operational processes to drive continuous improvement and celebrate successes. Analysis & Decision Making - 20% Utilizes tools within Sodexo Healthcare to drive and manage middle of the page (Labor Expense, Raw Materials) to deliver positive outcomes.

Accountable for effective utilization of labor resources.

Analyses data to engage in data driven decision making using data, logic, benchmarking, and leading practices in decision making to determine best solutions for the business.

Effective risk management by ensuring consistent regulatory and legal compliance.

Compliance with supply chain management requirements.

Understands and effectively manages unit finances in the Sodexo budgets.

Sets operational goals with key metrics and ensures quick analysis of variances to ensure a prompt resolution and mitigate adverse impact on our clients or our performance.

Delivers predictable top and bottom-line results at the site, relentless focus on driving efficiency, and makes difficult decisions.

Effectively delegates operational responsibilities to appropriate individuals / positions.

Follows best practices in decision making to determine best solutions for the business. Safety - 10% Ensures that individuals performing service-related tasks have the competence to do so without putting the health and safety of themselves or others at risk.

Behaviors include: Working as a team for safety

Communicating Effectively for Safety

Managing Safety Risks

Optimizing Human and Environmental Factors

Recognizing, respond and reporting incidents

Adherence to all operational safety practices and protocols

Drives a safety culture throughout the team Talent - 10% Ability to effectively manage aspects of Human Resources (ie. Leadership, People Management, Employee Relations, etc) to support individual and team development and drive operational outcomes.

Creates a culture of continuous learning and development for self and those within the unit assigned.

Qualifications & Requirements

Basic Education Requirement - Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience Basic Management Experience - 3 years Basic Functional Experience - 3 years work experience in facilities (e.g., maintenance, plant operations, engineering services, grounds, custodial/environmental, or transportation) or food (e.g., food services or operations, concessions, retail sales, store operations, or vending) services, CTM, or Clinical Nutrition Sodexo is an EEO/AA/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran employer.



Requirements

See Job Description




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A data leak containing millions of documents amounting to 2.94 terabytes of information has partially lifted the curtain on the offshore deals and assets of more than 100 billionaires, world leaders and public officials. This leak has exposed the tremendous parasitism of the ruling class, totalling anywhere from US$5.6 trillion to US$32 trillion in offshore wealth.

Russian oligarchs are especially well represented in the leaks, with no fewer than 52 appearing in the documents, whose concealed wealth amounts to hundreds of billions of dollars. This includes oil tycoon Leonid Lebedev, who fled Russia in 2016 following accusations of embezzlement. Also named is American private equity magnate Robert F. Smith, who last year copped a $139 million settlement regarding a tax probe.

One of the biggest hoards belongs to Jordans King Abdullah II, whose $100m property empire was revealed in the documents. Alongside these tycoons and despots, a number of leading politicians are identified in the leaks. This goes to show that the so-called democratically elected representatives of capitalism eat from the same trough as the rest of the ruling class.

For instance, the Czech Republics prime minister, Andrej Babis, came to power after promising to crack down on tax evasion and economic fraud, supposedly to create a country where entrepreneurs will be happy to pay taxes''. But it seems that Mr Babis must crack down on himself, as this latest leak reveals that he funneled $22 million through shell companies to buy a chateau in the French Riviera.

Meanwhile, Uhuru Kenyatta  President of Kenya, a country with a total poverty rate of 36 percent, and extreme poverty rate of over 25 percent  has been exposed as a beneficiary of a secret foundation in Panama, while his family own five offshore companies with assets worth over $30 million.

The so-called Pandora Papers (named for opening a veritable Pandoras Box of shameless wealth hoarding) reveal what we already know; that those who hold the most wealth and power are also the most corrupt. The lengths they will go to in order to protect their money and privileges have been exposed countless times, most recently in the Panama Papers in 2016, followed by the Paradise Papers in 2017.

This rotten capitalist society certainly does constitute a paradise for the rich, as they hide their wealth and avoid paying tax, using a combination of exclusive bank accounts, trusts and foundations in offshore financial centres. Notably, many of these measures are perfectly legal in the formal sense. The system itself is rigged in favour of the rich, who seek to enrich themselves further still.

In short: these are not isolated examples. The entire upper strata of capitalist society is riddled with obscene wealth and dodgy financial dealings. These revelations come at a time where capitalism has never had anything less to offer with workers and youth being hit with the brunt of the crisis, whilst the rich relax in one of their many multi-million pound homes.

Britain

The UK represents a nexus point in this web of secret wealth accumulation. For instance, the leaks detail the sale of 1,500 British properties through offshore firms. Through this mechanism, super-rich investors have been able to hide their wealth, anonymously speculate on property and build up their real estate portfolios. For the rich, the property market in London represents a haven to stash their spare cash. As the leaks demonstrate, the capital city is a playground for oligarchs, money laundering criminals and corrupt politicians.

These include high-profile figures such as members of the Qatari ruling family, who purchased two of the worlds most expensive homes in London through offshore companies, and, of course, saving millions in tax.

The UK represents a nexus point in this web of secret wealth accumulation / Image: Tristan Surtel, Wikimedia Common

Many of these parasites are the very same people funding the ruling Conservative Party. Take Mohammed Amersi: a prominent Tory donor with a mansion in the Cotswolds and a townhouse in affluent Mayfair, London, both acquired through offshore companies. Similarly, Lubov Chernukhin  ex-banker and wife of the former Russian deputy minister of finance  cosied up to the Tories with over 1.8 million in donations since 2012, whilst owning both a house in London and mansion in the countryside.

These donations are not mere generosity, but a quid pro quo arrangement in which the Tories reward their compatriots with policies that assist them in maintaining their ill-gotten gains, such as favourable tax rates and lax financial oversight. Not to mention the opportunity to score lucrative government contracts for their business interests. The capitalist class and their representatives in government are bound by a thousand threads.

Several leading figures in British business appear in the leaks, whose gross mismanagement of their companies has little bearing on their opulent lifestyles. For instance, the Pandora Papers reveal that retail tycoon Philip Green and his wife splashed out on a luxury property, just as their BHS retail chain went bust under the pressure of huge debts and a massive hole in its pension fund. While they arranged furniture in their swanky new pad, 11,000 BHS employees were pushed into unemployment and precarity.

Of course, they made this purchase anonymously through an offshore fund, which the papers trace back directly to the respectable Lady and Sir Green. A year later, they generously bought their daughter a 10.6 million home around the corner, while the Arcadia group (which owned major retail outlets, including Topshop) was driven into liquidation in November 2020, again due to huge debts and a giant pensions deficit.

The super-rich seem to live in a different universe to the rest of us. Even when their companies collapse  condemning thousands of workers to destitution in the process  these bloated leeches continue to enjoy the lap of luxury.

But it is not only rich Tory donors and decadent business people named in the leaks. Living up to his reputation as a corrupt figurehead of the capitalist class, former Labour Party leader Tony Blair also features in the Pandora Papers.

He and his wife Cherie have stressed they had purchased a multi-million pound property in a normal way, and have never used offshore schemes either to hide transactions or avoid tax. Yet the papers reveal the Blairs made savings of 312,000 by avoiding stamp duty on their lavish townhouse in Marylebone. They did this by acquiring the holding company of the property, rather than the building directly. To any ordinary working-class person, it is plain that there is nothing normal about schemes like this.

The list goes on and on. The scale of this avarice and greed ultimately reflects the deep crisis of capitalism. The bourgeois class are not capable of carrying society forwards. They have become a fetter on human development through their parasitic tendencies: sitting on huge piles of money rather than investing it back into developing production for the betterment of mankind.

Pandoras box

Lawyers, judges and so-called respectable politicians (i.e., those not directly named in these leaks) all play their part in this economic scandal. The state is not a neutral arbiter above society striving for justice and equality, but bound hand and foot to interests of the capitalist class.

They conceal this with faux outrage. US president Joe Biden, for instance, graciously pledged to bring transparency to the global financial system. Unfortunately for him, the US emerged in the Pandora Papers as a leading tax haven, greatly helping the capitalist class by offering them a way to secretly and safely invest their wealth. The state of South Dakota, for instance, allows people to avoid tax by putting their wealth into trust funds, leading to over $367 billion in stashed assets as of the end of 2020.

Former Labour party leader, Tony Blair, and his wife, Cherie, avoided paying 312,000 of stamp duties on their lavish townhouse in Marylebone / Image: Public Domain

The rule of bourgeois law conveniently makes this process easier by offering a multitude of legal loopholes for what, to any reasonable observer, is clearly economic fraud. Baker McKenzie, Americas biggest law firm, is a major player in driving wealth into tax havens, helping the rich dodge taxes and scrutiny, and even defending them if they happen to be challenged by any authorities.

The capitalist state is certainly a pandoras box full of corruption and scandal. This is no accident. It is a very conscious decision on the part of capitalists to use all the tricks at their disposal to maximise their privileges. It is clear that no matter what rules and reforms are put into place against offshore tax havens and the like, the rich will always find a way to escape the net.

The hypocrisy on display here is staggering. The capitalist class and its political representatives will continue to attack the poor and working class through cuts, austerity and privatisations, whilst at the same time bending over backwards to protect their own wealth and privilege.

In the UK for instance, the Tory Party Conference is currently underway, with Prime Minister Boris Johnson announcing a 20-a-week cut to Universal Credit coming, and stating it is only responsible to raise taxes to fund healthcare. No doubt, the Tories will shy away from discussing the list of their biggest donors revealed as tax dodgers in these papers.

The parasitic rich have egg on their face today, but just like in 2016 and 2017, they will wait for the furore to pass and then carry on as before. This cannot be allowed to stand. This mountain of wealth  the product of workers labour, which is drained by the bourgeoisie through exploitation, and accumulated or gambled through speculation  must be expropriated and put to productive use in a society run under workers control.

Only by overthrowing capitalism can we do away with the immense corruption and greed of the tiny minority, which goes on alongside the impoverishment and suffering of the majority of humanity.


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Abidjan hosting the EIBs first banking best-practice engagement in West and Central Africa; Central Bank governors from West and Central Africa to highlight financial challenges; 2021 SME Banking and Microfinance Academy follows EIB training more than 40,000 finance professionals across Africa over past 7 years; Industry experts share experience and solutions to strengthen gender and agriculture finance, digitalisation and understanding of climate risk.

Financial and banking leaders and experts from across West and Central Africa will participate in the European Investment Banks 2021 SME Banking and Microfinance Academy, the first to be held in the region. More than 1000 banking, microfinance and development finance participants from 67 countries will share technical and practical experience of successfully increasing access to finance by smallholders, entrepreneurs and business in the fully bilingual virtual event.

The European Investment Bank recognises the importance of ensuring that private sector financing unlocks sustainable economic and social development. This inaugural EIB West and Central Africa SME Banking and Microfinance Academy brings together partners that share the same goal and long term objective of strengthening resilience and unlocking economic and social opportunities for local communities, small holder farmers and entrepreneurs across Africa. Building on a previous best-practice sharing that strengthened specialist skills for more than 40,000 African financial professionals for the benefit of many more entrepreneurs and smallholder farmers, I am convinced of the success of the Academy. said Ambroise Fayolle, European Investment Bank Vice President.

Opened by Jobst von Kirchmann, European Union Ambassador to Cote dIvoire and hosted by the European Investment Banks Regional Representation for West Africa in Abidjan the Banking and Microfinance Academy will provide an opportunity for African and international financial partners to share experience of supporting economic resilience crucial to address the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerating digitalisation and green finance, and improving access to finance by women, remote communities and vulnerable groups.

Over two days, experts from leading financial institutions, the EIB and partners Making Finance Work for Africa (MFW4A) will share practical insights and technical best-practice that will further strengthen access to finance and facilitate investments in targeted sectors particularly in climate change mitigation and adaptation, social, gender, and the advancement of innovation and digital technology.

Central Bank governors from across West and Central Africa will also participate and discuss current challenges and financial services trends.

Expanding successful exchange of banking best-practice to West and Central Africa

The 2021 SME Banking and Microfinance Academy is the first time that the European Investment Bank has held the event in West and Central Africa. This follows previous banking and microfinance Academies held in East and Southern Africa since 2016.and dedicated best-practice training with more than 40,000 financial services professionals across Africa.

Banking professionals and private sector SME banking and microfinance clients across Africa already benefit from dedicated business management, banking risk management and specialised training provided by the European Investment Bank through technical assistance programmes across Africa.

Over the last decade the EIB has provided dedicated training for financial professionals in 288 banks and microfinance partners and enhanced business skills for entrepreneurs, small holder farmers and refugees across the continent.

Driving transformational change through increased access to finance

The 2021 SME Banking and Microfinance Academy will allow African and international banking and microfinance practitioners from across west and central Africa to share insights into the latest banking best-practices. Experience from previous academies in Nairobi and Pretoria have shown how closer cooperation and knowledge sharing is key to expanding access to finance to targeted market segments, to overcome key challenges and to foster and accelerate high-impact investment.

Participants will exchange experience and expertise on financing climate action, scaling up digitalisation, enabling financing to better reflect the needs of private sector entrepreneurs, smallholders and agriculture, and ensure that female entrepreneurs and women led business can overcome banking barriers.

Speakers will also highlight how to financial institutions are reinforcing digital investment to improve financial services delivery, sustainability reporting as well as to enhance environmental and social ratings.

Building on 58 years of EIB support for private sector growth and transformational investment across Africa

In recent years the European Investment Bank has worked with West and Central African based financial partners including Baobab, ECOBANK, Microcred, Kafo Jiginew, BDEAC, Societe Generale, Commercial Bank of Cameroon and PRO PME to enhance access to specialist and targeted finance.

The EIB promotes the development of the financial sector through technical assistance for both financial intermediaries and private sector final beneficiaries to strengthen managerial and financial skills.

Recent programmes have provided targeted support for African banking institutes. This includes recent partnership between the EIB and International Monetary Fund to support financial sector development across the continent. The joint EIB-IMF online course on financial inclusion and financial development.

By offering specialized technical assistance and fostering closer cooperation with its partners, across the continent the European Investment Bank is contributing to a lasting legacy of building local capacity and even developing stronger technical skills to ensure that increased access to finance overcomes daily challenges faced by small African businesses.

The European Investment Bank is the worlds largest international public bank, owned directly by the 27 European Union member states.

The EIB has operated across Africa since 1965 and last year provided EUR 5 billion for private and public investment across Africa.

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African Energy Week (AEW) 2021 comprises a comprehensive program agenda with numerous presentations, debates, and panel discussions on the future and current state of the African energy sector. The event is Africas premier energy event, and is considered the platform for the establishment of partnerships and the signing of deals that will both impact and influence Africas energy and economic future.

Leading these discussions will be British journalist Ikaba Koyi, who has been confirmed as a moderator at the highly anticipated conference in Cape Town.

Having worked extensively in Europe, Africa and the Gulf with global media house Al Jazeera English, CGTN, CNN and BBC, Koyi is both a top journalist, covering a range of sectors and markets, as well as a robust presenter and moderator. As a journalist, Koyi will offer an objective standpoint in discussions, and will be instrumental in leading discussion at AEW 2021. With a Bachelor of Arts degree in politics with international journalism from the University of Warwick, and a Masters in Broadcast Journalism at City University London, Koyi is a highly experienced moderator and valuable asset for the event.

With delegations from Africas top energy sectors coming to Cape Town on the 9th-12th of November, as well as international organizations, governments, and industry executives, AEW 2021 is proud to host real discussions about Africa and its energy sector. Conversations extend across every facet of the energy sector, among both public and private stakeholders, and at every level of the value chain. The event emphasizes the African narrative, with African voices leading energy dialogue, whether it be oil and gas, the energy transition, or investment. By leading these discussions, Koyi will only reaffirm the events status as a world class energy event, guaranteeing productive and thought-provoking discussions.

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) is proud that Ikaba Koyi has been confirmed as a moderator at AEW 2021 in Cape Town. With discussions among governments, industry leaders, and private sector executives being held at Africas premier energy event, led by Koyi, the future of Africas energy sector will be determined. Koyi will be instrumental in Cape Town, stated NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC.

AEW 2021, in partnership with South Africas Department of Mineral Resources and Energy DMRE, is the AECs annual conference, exhibition and networking event. AEW 2021 unites African energy stakeholders with investors and international partners to drive industry growth and development and promote Africa as the destination for energy investments.

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Commissioners Michael Wolk and Diane Kelly voted against the amendment, noting that Schock could have gone to the townships Zoning Hearing Board to request a variance for one property instead of pursuing a change that affects the entire municipality.
Siegfried, who has worked at Lehigh Valley Hospital-Schuylkill for 19 years, said the staff is short in all departments, but beds in the ICU and emergency room are filled at all times, with patients sometimes waiting days for a room. Siegfried, who works in the recovery room and emergency room, said she became a nurse to help people. But she and her colleagues are overworked and feel as if some patients are not getting the care they deserve.
At its widest on the east and west ends, the street is 58 feet wide, making it difficult for pedestrians to cross. There have been seven cyclist collisions and 17 pedestrian collisions between 2015 and 2019, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, most of which occurred on Broad Streets eastern end.
Callahan said reports that pegged the project at $70 million were inaccurate; he said the actual investment is north of $80 million. He said a rendering previously released for public viewing was merely a placeholder, and was not what the final product would look like.
Burnham is being held without bond in Allegany County, where he is charged with stabbing Rebecca Reynolds, 83, to death inside her Cumberland home on Sept. 29. Police said he took her car and fled to Ellicott City, where a day later he killed Robinette, 58, and his wife Kelly Sue Robinette, 57. He faces first and second-degree murder charges in the couples deaths.
Montana State University is partnering with One Valley Community Foundation to bring you A Seat at the Table, a community-wide event that encourages all to engage in conversations related to housing solutions in the Gallatin Valley.

All are welcome to join this event to participate in a 1-hour conversation between 9am-4pm on Monday, Ocober 18th, 2021 in SUB Ballroom B, and may register here: SATT REGISTRATION

Those who are unavailable during this time may register through One Valley Community Foundation to participate in a public table between October 14th through October 31st at https://www.atthetablegv.org/

From One Valley Community Foundation:

A Seat at the Table brings together people from all walks of life to share their ideas and to explore

solutions based on the experiences of the people affected by housing issues every day. Communities

throughout Gallatin County face challenges that include growing housing costs, a lack of housing

options and an expanding gap between growing housing prices and slower wage growth.



During the A Seat at the Table event, you will get the chance to connect with neighbors, friends or

strangers and to share your story and inspire action, together. After A Seat at the Table conversations

wrap up, we will share what was discussed at your table with city and county leaders to amplify your

voice.



Anyone can host a conversation during A Seat at the Table, and all are invited to participate. While

housing affects each one of us, the solutions are not simple. Diverse views are important to create,

fund, and achieve powerful solutions. To make sure that everyones voice is heard, conversations will

be held all over Gallatin County, either virtually or in person at schools, places of worship, homes,

business settings, and more.

Become Involved as a Host or Participant

To register as a host or participant at MSU with A Seat at the Table 2021, please complete this registration form: SATT REGISTRATION

Learn More

For more information on this event, please visit https://www.atthetablegv.org/2021conversation

To access the Host Toolkit, Host Training Video, Gallatin Valley Regional Housing Study, or invitation template, please visit https://www.atthetablegv.org/resources

For all other questions, please contact Sky Wernik at [email protected]
Dean of the School of Law Paul Kirgis and Associate Dean of Students Sally Weaver resigned from their positions on Oct. 7 following a student-led walkout earlier that week. The announcement came after allegations that Kirgis and Weaver dissuaded students from coming forward with sexual assault claims.
Carroll County Independent Parents speak out in support of masking policy

by Elissa Paquette WOLFEBORO  The September Governor Wentworth Regional School District board meeting was dominated with a challenge to the district's indoor mask mandate policy. A number of people attempted to flout the policy and take seats for the meeting in the Kingswood Arts Center, but were told that they would have to follow the policy in order to remain seated. A separate room was set up with audio visual support for those who refused to wear a mask but wanted to view and participate in the meeting.



The meeting was delayed for 50 minutes as the unmasked attendees decided their courses of action. Five people who insisted on remaining in the auditorium without masks were issued citations in lieu of an arrest for criminal trespassing, obstructing government operations, and disorderly conduct. Arraignments are forthcoming.



In contrast, the Oct. 4 school board meeting opened on time with those who chose to remain unmasked situated in the nearby music room. Two attendees referred to it as "the shower room" when offering public comment, and another attendee from Middleton, which tuitions its middle and high school students to Kingswood, referenced the policy as draconian, and spoke of coercion, lies and a slave society, ending with, "You know what you are doing is wrong."



But several parents spoke in support of the GWRSD. Holly Williams Aucoin, mother of a son with a seizure disorder whose has had seizures triggered by the common cold, said thank you for the mask mandate, which is in place when the Covid-19 transmission rate is in the substantial/high range (the CDC and NH HHS reference those two different words for the same rate).



She went a step further and described a personal experiment. She said she wore an N95 mask and a cloth mask simultaneouslyfor a full day, while monitoring her oxygen levels with an O2 monitor every thirty minutes. Her oxygen level "didn't drop below 98 all day long" even when she, an asthmatic, ran a mile.



"I will no longer allow the voices of the anti-maskers to be the loudest voices in the room," she declared.



Becka Brownell Smith shared her opinion, stating, "It is not unreasonable to require masks. You are doing the right thing, keeping masks on during a substantial/high rate."



"A large part of the community is supporting you," commented Bobbie Boudman, who called on others "to cease and desist on the right to know requests."



Boudman also responded to Rhoni Harding's observation that upon driving by Carpenter School, she saw adults without masks but children wearing masks outside. Harding referred to it as hypocritical, but Boudman, a substitute teacher, noted that children are not bothered by their masks, often forget they have them on and leave them on even when allowed to take them off outside.



Two online petitions with opposing positions are gathering signatures via Change.org. One, titled "Breathe," started by Ruth Clough says, "The undersigned taxpayers and citizens of the Governor Wentworth School Distict demand that the GWRSD superintendent and school board remove the mask mandate immediately for the 2021/2022 school year for all grades inside and outside of the classrooms."



The other, started by Bobbie Boudman, is titled, "Keep GWRSD following the DEHHS Masking Guidelines" It states, "Since many stakeholders cannot attend the GWRSD School Board meetings, here is a way tolet the School Board know that we support their decision that was made at the August meeting to follow DHHS guidelines for masking."



An additional petition has been circulating in person around town advocating for the School Board to call a Special Meeting at which a vote would be taken on the mandates. The opinion of the school's attorney, Barbara Loughman, is that even if a special meeting were held and the voters approved a warrant article rescinding the mask mandate, the vote would be non-binding and advisory only, because



state law vests the authority to adopt the mask requirement in the school board.



Petitioners were reminded that only the signatures of GWRSD residents would be counted.



As the Oct. 4 meeting moved into non-public session and the audience was leaving, a person in the music room stood close to the camera, filling the projected image over the stage in the auditorium with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' Infowars logo. The line between those who believe masks are a tool of disease protection and those who believe a mask mandate is tyrannical is clearly drawn. WOLFEBORO  The September Governor Wentworth Regional School District board meeting was dominated with a challenge to the district's indoor mask mandate policy. A number of people attempted to flout the policy and take seats for the meeting in the Kingswood Arts Center, but were told that they would have to follow the policy in order to remain seated. A separate room was set up with audio visual support for those who refused to wear a mask but wanted to view and participate in the meeting.The meeting was delayed for 50 minutes as the unmasked attendees decided their courses of action. Five people who insisted on remaining in the auditorium without masks were issued citations in lieu of an arrest for criminal trespassing, obstructing government operations, and disorderly conduct. Arraignments are forthcoming.In contrast, the Oct. 4 school board meeting opened on time with those who chose to remain unmasked situated in the nearby music room. Two attendees referred to it as "the shower room" when offering public comment, and another attendee from Middleton, which tuitions its middle and high school students to Kingswood, referenced the policy as draconian, and spoke of coercion, lies and a slave society, ending with, "You know what you are doing is wrong."But several parents spoke in support of the GWRSD. Holly Williams Aucoin, mother of a son with a seizure disorder whose has had seizures triggered by the common cold, said thank you for the mask mandate, which is in place when the Covid-19 transmission rate is in the substantial/high range (the CDC and NH HHS reference those two different words for the same rate).She went a step further and described a personal experiment. She said she wore an N95 mask and a cloth mask simultaneouslyfor a full day, while monitoring her oxygen levels with an O2 monitor every thirty minutes. Her oxygen level "didn't drop below 98 all day long" even when she, an asthmatic, ran a mile."I will no longer allow the voices of the anti-maskers to be the loudest voices in the room," she declared.Becka Brownell Smith shared her opinion, stating, "It is not unreasonable to require masks. You are doing the right thing, keeping masks on during a substantial/high rate.""A large part of the community is supporting you," commented Bobbie Boudman, who called on others "to cease and desist on the right to know requests."Boudman also responded to Rhoni Harding's observation that upon driving by Carpenter School, she saw adults without masks but children wearing masks outside. Harding referred to it as hypocritical, but Boudman, a substitute teacher, noted that children are not bothered by their masks, often forget they have them on and leave them on even when allowed to take them off outside.Two online petitions with opposing positions are gathering signatures via Change.org. One, titled "Breathe," started by Ruth Clough says, "The undersigned taxpayers and citizens of the Governor Wentworth School Distict demand that the GWRSD superintendent and school board remove the mask mandate immediately for the 2021/2022 school year for all grades inside and outside of the classrooms."The other, started by Bobbie Boudman, is titled, "Keep GWRSD following the DEHHS Masking Guidelines" It states, "Since many stakeholders cannot attend the GWRSD School Board meetings, here is a way tolet the School Board know that we support their decision that was made at the August meeting to follow DHHS guidelines for masking."An additional petition has been circulating in person around town advocating for the School Board to call a Special Meeting at which a vote would be taken on the mandates. The opinion of the school's attorney, Barbara Loughman, is that even if a special meeting were held and the voters approved a warrant article rescinding the mask mandate, the vote would be non-binding and advisory only, becausestate law vests the authority to adopt the mask requirement in the school board.Petitioners were reminded that only the signatures of GWRSD residents would be counted.As the Oct. 4 meeting moved into non-public session and the audience was leaving, a person in the music room stood close to the camera, filling the projected image over the stage in the auditorium with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones' Infowars logo. The line between those who believe masks are a tool of disease protection and those who believe a mask mandate is tyrannical is clearly drawn.

Carroll County Independent Bowles named LEC Runner of the Year School Board votes to post Right to Know requests Recent Elissa Paquette School Board votes to post Right to Know requests

2021-Nov-11 Selectmen, Libby close to agreement

2021-Nov-11 Tuftonboro Fire Department receives thanks

2021-Nov-11 Warmth and More Fund in need of donations

2021-Nov-11 Library Director feted upon approaching retirement

2021-Nov-04 Woodland garden art enchants all ages

2021-Oct-29 More... Thanks for visiting SalmonPress.com
Coos County Democrat Redistricting listening session scheduled for Coos County

by Tara Giles

Sports reporter - Coos County Democrat and Berlin Reporter Sports reporter - Coos County Democrat and Berlin Reporter write the author LANCASTER  Every ten years, per the New Hampshire Constitution, the Legislature is required to draw boundaries for electoral and political districts after the release of the census. This will affect how residents are represented in Congress, the New Hampshire House, the New Hampshire Senate and Executive Council.



Listening sessions have begun across the state and will take place in each of the State's Counties, to encourage public input prior to the maps being drawn. One added hiccup this time around, is the late release of the Census due to the pandemic.



For Coos County, the listening session will take place Oct. 7 at the Coos County Superior Court on School Street in Suite 301 at 6 p.m. The session will be live streamed.



While it may seem like a dry, complicated process, leaders across the state say it's vital for the public to get involved and advocate for their communities, and let lawmakers know which districts should stay together, so that every voice is represented equally. The lines drawn impact who gets elected affecting how schools are funded, how roads are maintained and how taxes are formulated



Across the country and in New Hampshire, lawsuits have been filed in cases where the lines were not drawn fairly, hence the call for public input and awareness.



The New Hampshire Constitution requires that each Representative in the New Hampshire House, represents a near equal number of citizens. Right now in New Hampshire, that number is one representative for every 3,444 citizens.



Whitefield resident and recent Dartmouth graduate, Jared Cape recently participated in a Redistricting Panel Series. Cape earned a major in Geography with a minor in Public Policy. His thesis was titled "NH Electoral Geograhies: District Types, Electoral Methods, and Political Representation," with a focus on the NH House of Representatives.



"There has been a large public conversation going on about redistricting in New Hampshire since 2000, largely centered around floterial districts, as we're the only state that uses them," said Cape.



A floterial district is a legislative district that is comprised of several separate districts that independently would not be entitled to additional representation, but whose combined population entitles the area to another seat in the legislative body. Currently, Troy Merner of Lancaster represents a floterial district, Coos District 7.



When asked what is the most important thing the public should know prior to the Oct. 7 listening session, Cape said, "Redistricting is a political process that's more than just doing the math. We choose what we want to be considered in redistricting such as school, fire, police, water, sewer, and sewer districts. This listening session is a chance to share how you think redistricting should be done." LANCASTER  Every ten years, per the New Hampshire Constitution, the Legislature is required to draw boundaries for electoral and political districts after the release of the census. This will affect how residents are represented in Congress, the New Hampshire House, the New Hampshire Senate and Executive Council.Listening sessions have begun across the state and will take place in each of the State's Counties, to encourage public input prior to the maps being drawn. One added hiccup this time around, is the late release of the Census due to the pandemic.For Coos County, the listening session will take place Oct. 7 at the Coos County Superior Court on School Street in Suite 301 at 6 p.m. The session will be live streamed.While it may seem like a dry, complicated process, leaders across the state say it's vital for the public to get involved and advocate for their communities, and let lawmakers know which districts should stay together, so that every voice is represented equally. The lines drawn impact who gets elected affecting how schools are funded, how roads are maintained and how taxes are formulatedAcross the country and in New Hampshire, lawsuits have been filed in cases where the lines were not drawn fairly, hence the call for public input and awareness.The New Hampshire Constitution requires that each Representative in the New Hampshire House, represents a near equal number of citizens. Right now in New Hampshire, that number is one representative for every 3,444 citizens.Whitefield resident and recent Dartmouth graduate, Jared Cape recently participated in a Redistricting Panel Series. Cape earned a major in Geography with a minor in Public Policy. His thesis was titled "NH Electoral Geograhies: District Types, Electoral Methods, and Political Representation," with a focus on the NH House of Representatives."There has been a large public conversation going on about redistricting in New Hampshire since 2000, largely centered around floterial districts, as we're the only state that uses them," said Cape.A floterial district is a legislative district that is comprised of several separate districts that independently would not be entitled to additional representation, but whose combined population entitles the area to another seat in the legislative body. Currently, Troy Merner of Lancaster represents a floterial district, Coos District 7.When asked what is the most important thing the public should know prior to the Oct. 7 listening session, Cape said, "Redistricting is a political process that's more than just doing the math. We choose what we want to be considered in redistricting such as school, fire, police, water, sewer, and sewer districts. This listening session is a chance to share how you think redistricting should be done."


Gilford Steamer "Urinetown" coming to the GHS stage

by Erin Plummer Gilford High School students will bring to the stage some musical numbers, a lot of colorful humor, and plenty of parodies during the coming production of "Urinetown."



GHS students are getting ready to put on the classic play in November. In "Urinetown," a water shortage in a major city brings the government to ban private toilets, requiring people to pay admission to use private toilets managed by one company. This eventually leads to a citizen's revolt.



"Urinetown" last took the GHS stage in 2008, director Matt Demko's third year in the school.



"We're trying to find a show coming out of the pandemic that was a little challenging, but still had some humor in it," Demko said.



He said he thinks the show has something for everyone, from spoofs of classical musicals to some complicated dance numbers. The show also pokes fun at capitalism, the legal system, and so many other targets while also talking about the environment. The theme of the show also brings in some humor that could be described as colorful.



Demko said "Urinetown" has several female and male lead roles that allows students to showcase their talents.



Demko said the auditions had a great turnout and around 26 students will be in the show.



Last year the program lost 16 graduating seniors and Demko said they needed to get more talent to help fill that gap. They got several Gilford freshmen as well as new freshmen from Gilmanton. There were also students who decided to take part in theater for the first time. In total eight of the students have never had any theater experience.



Local dance instructor Heidi Noyes-Bourgeois, who also helped them with "School of Rock," is doing the show's choreography. Student Marina Beale will also be choreographing three numbers and recent graduate Chelsea Sasserson will also join in and help with some songs.



Demko said it's great when the students and recent graduates take part. He said the performances become learning labs where these students and graduates can get direct experience in a live show.



Teacher Denise Sanborn will be directing the show's music and this show will have a live orchestra. Auditorium Director Scott Piddington is hard at work getting everything ready behind the scenes along with members of the tech crew. Kristen Nazer will be working on costumes on the high school show like she has done with several middle school shows.



Last year the shows went on with pandemic-related restrictions. Demko thanked "the powers that be" for allowing the shows to go on.



Last year, there were two high school and middle school shows each. They performed "Junior" versions of shows that were much shorter with much simpler choreography. Other restrictions included all cast members wearing masks, cutting down the length of shows, limited choreographed numbers, and others.



At this point all those restrictions have been lifted, though they are still taking some precautions like extra spacing on the stage. Demko said he has advised the students that things could change depending on the state of the pandemic.



"We're trying to just come in here, smile, have fun dancing and singing, forget about the outside world or a while," Demko said.



The shows will continue to use online ticketing with "On the Stage," which Demko said has worked really well and had been a lot more efficient. Physical tickets will not be sold at the door, but computers will be set up in the lobby so people can buy their tickets right before the show. The show can also put actor pictures and profiles up on the website, giving the show a more professional appearance.



"Urinetown" will take the stage Nov. 12 and 13 and the following weekend, Nov. 19 and 20.



The GHS theater students will have some more fun things going on this school year. GHS will be hosting one of the regional theater festivals. Theater students will also go to Boston to see "Hadestown" at the Boston Opera House. Gilford High School students will bring to the stage some musical numbers, a lot of colorful humor, and plenty of parodies during the coming production of "Urinetown."GHS students are getting ready to put on the classic play in November. In "Urinetown," a water shortage in a major city brings the government to ban private toilets, requiring people to pay admission to use private toilets managed by one company. This eventually leads to a citizen's revolt."Urinetown" last took the GHS stage in 2008, director Matt Demko's third year in the school."We're trying to find a show coming out of the pandemic that was a little challenging, but still had some humor in it," Demko said.He said he thinks the show has something for everyone, from spoofs of classical musicals to some complicated dance numbers. The show also pokes fun at capitalism, the legal system, and so many other targets while also talking about the environment. The theme of the show also brings in some humor that could be described as colorful.Demko said "Urinetown" has several female and male lead roles that allows students to showcase their talents.Demko said the auditions had a great turnout and around 26 students will be in the show.Last year the program lost 16 graduating seniors and Demko said they needed to get more talent to help fill that gap. They got several Gilford freshmen as well as new freshmen from Gilmanton. There were also students who decided to take part in theater for the first time. In total eight of the students have never had any theater experience.Local dance instructor Heidi Noyes-Bourgeois, who also helped them with "School of Rock," is doing the show's choreography. Student Marina Beale will also be choreographing three numbers and recent graduate Chelsea Sasserson will also join in and help with some songs.Demko said it's great when the students and recent graduates take part. He said the performances become learning labs where these students and graduates can get direct experience in a live show.Teacher Denise Sanborn will be directing the show's music and this show will have a live orchestra. Auditorium Director Scott Piddington is hard at work getting everything ready behind the scenes along with members of the tech crew. Kristen Nazer will be working on costumes on the high school show like she has done with several middle school shows.Last year the shows went on with pandemic-related restrictions. Demko thanked "the powers that be" for allowing the shows to go on.Last year, there were two high school and middle school shows each. They performed "Junior" versions of shows that were much shorter with much simpler choreography. Other restrictions included all cast members wearing masks, cutting down the length of shows, limited choreographed numbers, and others.At this point all those restrictions have been lifted, though they are still taking some precautions like extra spacing on the stage. Demko said he has advised the students that things could change depending on the state of the pandemic."We're trying to just come in here, smile, have fun dancing and singing, forget about the outside world or a while," Demko said.The shows will continue to use online ticketing with "On the Stage," which Demko said has worked really well and had been a lot more efficient. Physical tickets will not be sold at the door, but computers will be set up in the lobby so people can buy their tickets right before the show. The show can also put actor pictures and profiles up on the website, giving the show a more professional appearance."Urinetown" will take the stage Nov. 12 and 13 and the following weekend, Nov. 19 and 20.The GHS theater students will have some more fun things going on this school year. GHS will be hosting one of the regional theater festivals. Theater students will also go to Boston to see "Hadestown" at the Boston Opera House.

Gilford Steamer Streetcar presents All Together Now this weekend Town anticipating further action on PFOA levels Thanks for visiting SalmonPress.com
Littleton Courier Haverhill selectmen to consider airport safety solutions

by Angel Larcom HAVERHILL  The Haverhill Select Board rejected three out of five proposed safety improvements to bring the Dean Memorial Airport into compliance with Federal Aviation Administration standards. The remaining two options will be discussed at another public hearing scheduled for 6 p.m. on Oct. 12.



Thus far, town officials have hosted three public hearings, in which planners from Dubois and King, Inc. of Randolph, Vt., reviewed possible solutions. The feasibility study's primary goal was to remove runway obstacles and increase safety for both aircraft pilots and vehicles traversing Airport Road.



Natural and man-made obstructions and the southern intersection of Runway One and Airport Road have adversely affected the airport's utility for years. An airport master plan was completed in 2006, but FAA standards have yet to be met. Haverhill taxpayers approved appropriations for the $241,500 safety study during the 2020 Town Meeting.



The Selectmen rejected proposals to acquire land for future airport expansion. Alternatives Four and Five suggested relocating Airport Road or removing a portion of the road and installing vehicle turnabouts on either side of Runway One.



During the public hearing, the planners recommended against a runway extension but encouraged rectifying existing unsafe conditions. While addressing funding concerns voiced by attendees, the planners also noted that New Hampshire does an exceptional job working with towns to develop five-year capital improvement plans for such work.



According to the Dubois and King representative, the project would be 90 percent funded by the FAA. The New Hampshire Department of Transportation would cover an additional 5 percent of the project costs. However, the project will still require a local match.



"There is no expansion here. We are fixing a public asset, just like a roadway or a bridge," noted the planner.



The town-owned airport is one of more than 3,300 existing and proposed airports included in the national airport system. It is also a member of the NPIAS (National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems), which contains all commercial service and reliever airports eligible for federal funding under the Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP).



As a publicly-owned general aviation airport, the Dean Memorial Airport has already secured $560,000 in ACIP funds for improvements, as well as $20,000 CARES Act operations funding in 2020. This year, the project will receive $9,000 in CRRSAA (Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act) funding and $22,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act. Additional funding from the Invest in American Act has yet to be determined.



According to Haverhill Town Manager Brigitte Codling, new credit card readers would soon be installed at the airport, making aviation fuel readily available, increasing pilot safety and increasing fuel sales revenue. After the Selectmen approve a plan, it will go before the Haverhill voters at the next Town Meeting. HAVERHILL  The Haverhill Select Board rejected three out of five proposed safety improvements to bring the Dean Memorial Airport into compliance with Federal Aviation Administration standards. The remaining two options will be discussed at another public hearing scheduled for 6 p.m. on Oct. 12.Thus far, town officials have hosted three public hearings, in which planners from Dubois and King, Inc. of Randolph, Vt., reviewed possible solutions. The feasibility study's primary goal was to remove runway obstacles and increase safety for both aircraft pilots and vehicles traversing Airport Road.Natural and man-made obstructions and the southern intersection of Runway One and Airport Road have adversely affected the airport's utility for years. An airport master plan was completed in 2006, but FAA standards have yet to be met. Haverhill taxpayers approved appropriations for the $241,500 safety study during the 2020 Town Meeting.The Selectmen rejected proposals to acquire land for future airport expansion. Alternatives Four and Five suggested relocating Airport Road or removing a portion of the road and installing vehicle turnabouts on either side of Runway One.During the public hearing, the planners recommended against a runway extension but encouraged rectifying existing unsafe conditions. While addressing funding concerns voiced by attendees, the planners also noted that New Hampshire does an exceptional job working with towns to develop five-year capital improvement plans for such work.According to the Dubois and King representative, the project would be 90 percent funded by the FAA. The New Hampshire Department of Transportation would cover an additional 5 percent of the project costs. However, the project will still require a local match."There is no expansion here. We are fixing a public asset, just like a roadway or a bridge," noted the planner.The town-owned airport is one of more than 3,300 existing and proposed airports included in the national airport system. It is also a member of the NPIAS (National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems), which contains all commercial service and reliever airports eligible for federal funding under the Airport Capital Improvement Plan (ACIP).As a publicly-owned general aviation airport, the Dean Memorial Airport has already secured $560,000 in ACIP funds for improvements, as well as $20,000 CARES Act operations funding in 2020. This year, the project will receive $9,000 in CRRSAA (Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act) funding and $22,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act. Additional funding from the Invest in American Act has yet to be determined.According to Haverhill Town Manager Brigitte Codling, new credit card readers would soon be installed at the airport, making aviation fuel readily available, increasing pilot safety and increasing fuel sales revenue. After the Selectmen approve a plan, it will go before the Haverhill voters at the next Town Meeting.

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Littleton Courier Gerald Winn ends 56-year run as Town Moderator

by Angel Larcom LITTLETON  After more than a half-century of service, Littleton Town Moderator Gerald Winn has stepped down. He is the longest consecutively running town moderator in New Hampshire.



Littleton Select Board Chair Carrie Gendreau announced her father's resignation during last week's meeting, citing health issues.



"As some of you probably already know, Gerald Winn has got some serious health concerns. He's in his 56th year as moderator here in Littleton, so he's concerned about who's going to replace him. We, as a board, visited as to what, who and how. We approached John Hennessey to see if he would be interested in filling in, at least for now until the March 2022 election, and he has agreed to do it," stated Gendreau.



The motion to nominate Hennessey passed unanimously.



Winn grew up in Piermont, and graduated from Bradford Academy in 1955. He then served in the Air National Guard and became an auto maintenance instructor. With his new wife, Mona, he settled in Littleton in 1959 and opened a gas station called Winn's Flying A on Main Street.



A few years later, Winn changed careers to become a real estate agent. Eventually, his wife joined him at Century 21 Winn Associates. Winn first ran for the town moderator position in 1965 at the age of 28. Gendreau said he was always highly involved in the Littleton community, serving as the Littleton Regional Chamber of Commerce director for a period. In 2011, he was the recipient of the Littleton Leader of the Year award.



In addition to his community service as town moderator, Winn was also a member of the Littleton School Board and maintained the school moderator position for a quarter-century. He also remained active in his church, serving as a Deacon and an Adult Sunday School teacher.



Winn earned a Bachelor's degree in Human Services and a Master's degree in Organizational and Financial Development from Southern New Hampshire University. He became a certified Dale Carnegie Instructor in the late 1960s.



Jack Eames was a Littleton High School senior when Winn began offering free admission to his courses. Eames said Winn was a great leadership instructor and he was thankful for the experience, which proved to be highly valuable.



Eames' father, Jere, said that Winn was a much-appreciated acquaintance for many years. "He has always been a positive and upbeat resident, community leader, and businessman. Gerald's enthusiastic and polite demeanor, his notable presence in so many aspects of community service, and his patience always stood out. Anyone who attended any meeting where Gerald was the moderator would give him an A+++ for patience," noted Eames Sr.



Littleton Selectman and Health Officer Milton Bratz agreed.



He said, "Over the many years I've known Gerald, what I observed in working with him while a school board member and a select board member, was a quite knowledgeable and organized town moderator. A special characteristic that made him valuable to all of us in elected positions was his accessibility, as reflected in his open, friendly manner, sense of humor, patience, and willing cooperation to assist when asked. To me, it's been a real honor to have worked with Gerald on town and school business and numerous election days for almost 30 years. I thank him for his long service to the Littleton community and wish him well in his retirement."



Former Selectman and Littleton Water and Light Commissioner Schuyler Sweet also commended Winn's service to the community, noting his unwavering optimism.



"I remember listening to Gerald's stories of fifty-odd years as town moderator at every election during the four years that I was a Selectman. Those stories were absolutely amazing, and part of it was the way he'd tell them. Of course, there was always a positive spin. But it was his gentle, persuasive manner that made the process work. He's a wonderful human being," said Sweet. LITTLETON  After more than a half-century of service, Littleton Town Moderator Gerald Winn has stepped down. He is the longest consecutively running town moderator in New Hampshire.Littleton Select Board Chair Carrie Gendreau announced her father's resignation during last week's meeting, citing health issues."As some of you probably already know, Gerald Winn has got some serious health concerns. He's in his 56th year as moderator here in Littleton, so he's concerned about who's going to replace him. We, as a board, visited as to what, who and how. We approached John Hennessey to see if he would be interested in filling in, at least for now until the March 2022 election, and he has agreed to do it," stated Gendreau.The motion to nominate Hennessey passed unanimously.Winn grew up in Piermont, and graduated from Bradford Academy in 1955. He then served in the Air National Guard and became an auto maintenance instructor. With his new wife, Mona, he settled in Littleton in 1959 and opened a gas station called Winn's Flying A on Main Street.A few years later, Winn changed careers to become a real estate agent. Eventually, his wife joined him at Century 21 Winn Associates. Winn first ran for the town moderator position in 1965 at the age of 28. Gendreau said he was always highly involved in the Littleton community, serving as the Littleton Regional Chamber of Commerce director for a period. In 2011, he was the recipient of the Littleton Leader of the Year award.In addition to his community service as town moderator, Winn was also a member of the Littleton School Board and maintained the school moderator position for a quarter-century. He also remained active in his church, serving as a Deacon and an Adult Sunday School teacher.Winn earned a Bachelor's degree in Human Services and a Master's degree in Organizational and Financial Development from Southern New Hampshire University. He became a certified Dale Carnegie Instructor in the late 1960s.Jack Eames was a Littleton High School senior when Winn began offering free admission to his courses. Eames said Winn was a great leadership instructor and he was thankful for the experience, which proved to be highly valuable.Eames' father, Jere, said that Winn was a much-appreciated acquaintance for many years. "He has always been a positive and upbeat resident, community leader, and businessman. Gerald's enthusiastic and polite demeanor, his notable presence in so many aspects of community service, and his patience always stood out. Anyone who attended any meeting where Gerald was the moderator would give him an A+++ for patience," noted Eames Sr.Littleton Selectman and Health Officer Milton Bratz agreed.He said, "Over the many years I've known Gerald, what I observed in working with him while a school board member and a select board member, was a quite knowledgeable and organized town moderator. A special characteristic that made him valuable to all of us in elected positions was his accessibility, as reflected in his open, friendly manner, sense of humor, patience, and willing cooperation to assist when asked. To me, it's been a real honor to have worked with Gerald on town and school business and numerous election days for almost 30 years. I thank him for his long service to the Littleton community and wish him well in his retirement."Former Selectman and Littleton Water and Light Commissioner Schuyler Sweet also commended Winn's service to the community, noting his unwavering optimism."I remember listening to Gerald's stories of fifty-odd years as town moderator at every election during the four years that I was a Selectman. Those stories were absolutely amazing, and part of it was the way he'd tell them. Of course, there was always a positive spin. But it was his gentle, persuasive manner that made the process work. He's a wonderful human being," said Sweet.

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Meredith News Special School District meeting will decide on optional mask use

by Erin Plummer MOULTONBOROUGH  The Moultonborough School District will hold a special district meeting on Oct. 13 to decide whether mask use in the schools should be voluntary.



The school district received a petition calling for a special district meeting to decide whether masks should be strictly voluntary in school environments. Currently the district is requiring masks indoors due to significant COVID-19 spread in the area.



The special school district meeting will take place Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Moultonborough Academy Community Auditorium.



The school district received a petition with 77 signatures (64 of which were verified by the supervisor of the checklist, according to the district) calling for a special meeting. The single article will ask the voters to approve making masks optional for students during the 2021-2022 school year and to be based only on parental guidance. This will apply to indoor, outdoor, sports, and co-curricular settings.



The Moultonborough School Board voted unanimously in favor of not recommending the article.



The school board approved the district's reopening plan on Aug. 29 with mitigation efforts based on the CDC's Thresholds for Community Transmission in the local area ranging from Low Transmission to High Transmission. Under the plan, masks would only be required on indoors if transmission was considered Substantial or High. Masks were required on buses no matter what the transmission status was due to federal law regarding public transportation.



On Sept. 6 superintendent Patrick Andrew wrote that masks would be required indoors and on buses due to high transmission rates in the area. Andrew wrote there would be outdoor mask breaks throughout the day and many classes and activities would take place outside.



Only registered Moultonborough voters will be able to vote the meeting, and anyone registering to vote must do so at town hall before the meeting. Anyone who has not registered by the day of the meeting will not be able to vote. MOULTONBOROUGH  The Moultonborough School District will hold a special district meeting on Oct. 13 to decide whether mask use in the schools should be voluntary.The school district received a petition calling for a special district meeting to decide whether masks should be strictly voluntary in school environments. Currently the district is requiring masks indoors due to significant COVID-19 spread in the area.The special school district meeting will take place Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Moultonborough Academy Community Auditorium.The school district received a petition with 77 signatures (64 of which were verified by the supervisor of the checklist, according to the district) calling for a special meeting. The single article will ask the voters to approve making masks optional for students during the 2021-2022 school year and to be based only on parental guidance. This will apply to indoor, outdoor, sports, and co-curricular settings.The Moultonborough School Board voted unanimously in favor of not recommending the article.The school board approved the district's reopening plan on Aug. 29 with mitigation efforts based on the CDC's Thresholds for Community Transmission in the local area ranging from Low Transmission to High Transmission. Under the plan, masks would only be required on indoors if transmission was considered Substantial or High. Masks were required on buses no matter what the transmission status was due to federal law regarding public transportation.On Sept. 6 superintendent Patrick Andrew wrote that masks would be required indoors and on buses due to high transmission rates in the area. Andrew wrote there would be outdoor mask breaks throughout the day and many classes and activities would take place outside.Only registered Moultonborough voters will be able to vote the meeting, and anyone registering to vote must do so at town hall before the meeting. Anyone who has not registered by the day of the meeting will not be able to vote.

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Plymouth Record Enterprise Ashland library celebrates 150th anniversary

by Donna Rhodes

David Ruell, local historian and member of the Ashland Library's Board of Trustees, pointed out the many places the town's library was located since 1871 as they celebrated its 150th anniversary last Saturday. (Photo by Donna Rhodes) (click for larger version) ASHLAND  On Saturday, Oct. 4, the Ashland Library invited the public to join them for the 150th Anniversary of one of northern New Hampshire's longest surviving libraries, now located in the Scribner House at 42 Main St. in downtown Ashland.



While folks enjoyed refreshments on the lawn from Just Like Meme's in Rumney, they were also able to take part in a raffle with prizes from local businesses, tour the library and enjoy the music of Leah Cordero and Matt Smart. A special treat was the table full of free books for children provided by Pond & Peak Reading Council.



The library was not always at that location however, and library trustees were more than happy to share with everyone a bit of its storied history. A display of photos was available on the lawn showing each of the six locations, starting with the Cheney House.



When the town voted in May of 1870 to appropriate $100 to start a library, they chose Col. Thomas Cheney to collect the funds and purchase the books. In 1871 Cheney was able to open the library in his own home on Highland Street with a total of 500 volumes of reading material. His wife Mary was paid $4.50 per month as Ashland's first librarian.



Somewhere around 1871 Rinaldo Rinal Dinal Dearborn was named librarian and the facility was then moved to his print shop, now located at 10 Main St. in Ashland. In February of 1872, Dearborn reported there were then 599 volumes in the library.



In 1874, Ashland selectmen appointed Sarah Jane Brown as the town's librarian, historically making her the first female appointed to an Ashland town office. The library collection was then moved to her home.



According to local historian and library Board of Trustees member David Ruell's compilation, titled "Outline of History of the Ashland Town Library," in or about 1877 or 1888 the library moved once more. This time it was relocated to "the Cheney house on Main Street into what was formerly the local post office," Ruell quoted from the records. (It has since been identified as the building now occupied by Highlites Salon at 23 Main St.).



According to Ruell's research, in 1882 it was back to the Dearborn house for the library collection until 1895 when the town voted to build a "hose house" for the fire department and combine it with a library room. There it stayed until Emma Scribner died on Sept. 11, 1936 and left her home at 41 Main St. to the town.



Still in the Scribner House today, the library now boasts a circulation of 16,000 items ranging from traditional books to Audio and EBooks, movie CDs and magazines. They also have Wi-Fi and computer services and host a number of special programs and events throughout the year. Downstairs in the children's room the latest addition is a number of STEM kits that can be borrowed. Fouts said the kits were acquired through a special grant from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, along with other state programs, and have been extremely popular with the boys and girls.



The newly refurbished second floor now has additional offerings, too. In the New Hampshire Room, patrons and visitors will find shelves filled with old books covering the Civil War, maps of the Town of Ashland in the 1800s and so much more.



"It's a great place to learn about historical events or look into the genealogy of your family," said Assistant Director Terry Fouts.



There is also a room with shelves lined by more historical books and older literature. Included are chronicles from Teddy Roosevelt, old Webster Dictionaries and, for the Baby Boomer crowd, even a collection of childhood favorites such as the Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys series.



Just inside the back entrance, the Ashland Library also has the Little Free Pantry for those in need of food or personal care items.



For more information on their services, programs and hours, please visit them at ASHLAND  On Saturday, Oct. 4, the Ashland Library invited the public to join them for the 150th Anniversary of one of northern New Hampshire's longest surviving libraries, now located in the Scribner House at 42 Main St. in downtown Ashland.While folks enjoyed refreshments on the lawn from Just Like Meme's in Rumney, they were also able to take part in a raffle with prizes from local businesses, tour the library and enjoy the music of Leah Cordero and Matt Smart. A special treat was the table full of free books for children provided by Pond & Peak Reading Council.The library was not always at that location however, and library trustees were more than happy to share with everyone a bit of its storied history. A display of photos was available on the lawn showing each of the six locations, starting with the Cheney House.When the town voted in May of 1870 to appropriate $100 to start a library, they chose Col. Thomas Cheney to collect the funds and purchase the books. In 1871 Cheney was able to open the library in his own home on Highland Street with a total of 500 volumes of reading material. His wife Mary was paid $4.50 per month as Ashland's first librarian.Somewhere around 1871 Rinaldo Rinal Dinal Dearborn was named librarian and the facility was then moved to his print shop, now located at 10 Main St. in Ashland. In February of 1872, Dearborn reported there were then 599 volumes in the library.In 1874, Ashland selectmen appointed Sarah Jane Brown as the town's librarian, historically making her the first female appointed to an Ashland town office. The library collection was then moved to her home.According to local historian and library Board of Trustees member David Ruell's compilation, titled "Outline of History of the Ashland Town Library," in or about 1877 or 1888 the library moved once more. This time it was relocated to "the Cheney house on Main Street into what was formerly the local post office," Ruell quoted from the records. (It has since been identified as the building now occupied by Highlites Salon at 23 Main St.).According to Ruell's research, in 1882 it was back to the Dearborn house for the library collection until 1895 when the town voted to build a "hose house" for the fire department and combine it with a library room. There it stayed until Emma Scribner died on Sept. 11, 1936 and left her home at 41 Main St. to the town.Still in the Scribner House today, the library now boasts a circulation of 16,000 items ranging from traditional books to Audio and EBooks, movie CDs and magazines. They also have Wi-Fi and computer services and host a number of special programs and events throughout the year. Downstairs in the children's room the latest addition is a number of STEM kits that can be borrowed. Fouts said the kits were acquired through a special grant from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, along with other state programs, and have been extremely popular with the boys and girls.The newly refurbished second floor now has additional offerings, too. In the New Hampshire Room, patrons and visitors will find shelves filled with old books covering the Civil War, maps of the Town of Ashland in the 1800s and so much more."It's a great place to learn about historical events or look into the genealogy of your family," said Assistant Director Terry Fouts.There is also a room with shelves lined by more historical books and older literature. Included are chronicles from Teddy Roosevelt, old Webster Dictionaries and, for the Baby Boomer crowd, even a collection of childhood favorites such as the Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys series.Just inside the back entrance, the Ashland Library also has the Little Free Pantry for those in need of food or personal care items.For more information on their services, programs and hours, please visit them at www.ashlandtownlibrary.org or call 968-7928.

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Winnisquam Echo Reinartz steps down after 22 years as Tilton's Town Clerk

by Donna Rhodes

Town Hall employees in Tilton all donned blonde wigs at a retirement party for Town Clerk/Tax Collector Cindy Reinartz last week. Included in the photo are Reinartz (no wig), Town Administrator Jeanie Forrester, Gayle Bestick, Tim Pearson, Johanna Ames, Lee Ann Moynihan, and Janice Della Cruce, along with their four-legged pal Luke. (Photo by Donna Rhodes) (click for larger version) TILTON  After 22 years of serving the Town of Tilton as Town Clerk/Tax Collector, Cindy Reinartz made it known that she didn't want her final day at the Town Hall to be emotional and so her co-workers granted her wish.



Just before noon on Sept. 30 she was summoned to the conference room where the entire staff was wearing blonde wigs to match her hair color. They then sang and danced as the beginning of her lighthearted retirement party got underway to the tunes "Celebration" and a fun rendition of the song "Take This Job and Shove it."



"I was bent over laughing," Reinartz said later. "They were hysterical."



She was declared "Queen for the Day" and given a crown to wear throughout the lunchtime party, which included pizza and other treats as Jimmy Buffet's island music then played in the background.



The cluster of bags piled at her feet from fellow town hall employees were filled with both fun and thoughtful gifts. Since Reinartz and her partner Bill were heading off that weekend for a vacation in Florida, she received a People magazine for the trip that included a headline story titled "Road Trip Horrors," bags of mixed nuts for the plane ride, and other travel "necessities." She even received a Minnie Mouse Watch (her "retirement watch") and more. A card expressing how much she will be missed by each of her coworkers accompanied each gift.



The most touching gift of them all however was a beautiful woven throw blanket. It was a realistic depiction of the Tilton Town Hall with the words, "May you be proud of the work you have done, the person you are, and the difference you have made."



"This is incredible," Reinartz said, fighting back her emotions.



The fun picked back up again though with a game the staff called " Cindy Says..." Sewer Commission Administrator Johanna Ames compiled a list of statements or events in Cindy's life, some true, some false, and everyone was given a "Cindy Mask" to hold up each time they thought it was something that she had actually said or done over the years. There was even a few bonus point for those who remembered her long time motto at town hall- "Everyone leaves with a smile."



Deputy TC/TC Kim Sowles expressed her feelings as she watched her mentor of the past 11 years prepare to retire.



"I'm overwhelmed. I can't imagine her not being here at town hall; she's quite a legend," said Sowles.



Until the next election in March, Sowles will take over the duties of the office with assistance from an interim Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector.



As the lively celebration settled down and employees prepared to end their lunchtime party for Reinartz, she also had a few things to say about her two-plus decades as TC/TC in a town she not only lived and worked in, but volunteered in as well.



"I want the townspeople to know how much I appreciated them and their confidence in me to reelect me each term," said Reinartz. "I really enjoyed working for them. I always tried to treat people the way I would want to be treated, while treating them all the same."



She said the current town hall staff is the best she has ever worked with in her 22 years in Tilton, praising them as professionals who know their jobs well, while adding, "They're a great resource for the residents. They've been more like a family to me and it's going to be weird not coming here every day."



Reinartz also asked that residents stay involved with the local government and events to keep the Town of Tilton a great place to live, recreate and do business.



Once she and Bill return from vacation she said they will make decisions about where to live and what they will do in the future, with an eye on moving a bit south to be closer to Bill's children and grandchildren. A future retirement home in Florida is also be considered.



A big lover of dogs, as all who have registered their dog with her over the years know, she said that love might even lead her to a new job down the road.



"Maybe I'll work part-time as a dog walker. Who knows?" Reinartz said with a wink and a grin. TILTON  After 22 years of serving the Town of Tilton as Town Clerk/Tax Collector, Cindy Reinartz made it known that she didn't want her final day at the Town Hall to be emotional and so her co-workers granted her wish.Just before noon on Sept. 30 she was summoned to the conference room where the entire staff was wearing blonde wigs to match her hair color. They then sang and danced as the beginning of her lighthearted retirement party got underway to the tunes "Celebration" and a fun rendition of the song "Take This Job and Shove it.""I was bent over laughing," Reinartz said later. "They were hysterical."She was declared "Queen for the Day" and given a crown to wear throughout the lunchtime party, which included pizza and other treats as Jimmy Buffet's island music then played in the background.The cluster of bags piled at her feet from fellow town hall employees were filled with both fun and thoughtful gifts. Since Reinartz and her partner Bill were heading off that weekend for a vacation in Florida, she received a People magazine for the trip that included a headline story titled "Road Trip Horrors," bags of mixed nuts for the plane ride, and other travel "necessities." She even received a Minnie Mouse Watch (her "retirement watch") and more. A card expressing how much she will be missed by each of her coworkers accompanied each gift.The most touching gift of them all however was a beautiful woven throw blanket. It was a realistic depiction of the Tilton Town Hall with the words, "May you be proud of the work you have done, the person you are, and the difference you have made.""This is incredible," Reinartz said, fighting back her emotions.The fun picked back up again though with a game the staff called " Cindy Says..." Sewer Commission Administrator Johanna Ames compiled a list of statements or events in Cindy's life, some true, some false, and everyone was given a "Cindy Mask" to hold up each time they thought it was something that she had actually said or done over the years. There was even a few bonus point for those who remembered her long time motto at town hall- "Everyone leaves with a smile."Deputy TC/TC Kim Sowles expressed her feelings as she watched her mentor of the past 11 years prepare to retire."I'm overwhelmed. I can't imagine her not being here at town hall; she's quite a legend," said Sowles.Until the next election in March, Sowles will take over the duties of the office with assistance from an interim Deputy Town Clerk/Tax Collector.As the lively celebration settled down and employees prepared to end their lunchtime party for Reinartz, she also had a few things to say about her two-plus decades as TC/TC in a town she not only lived and worked in, but volunteered in as well."I want the townspeople to know how much I appreciated them and their confidence in me to reelect me each term," said Reinartz. "I really enjoyed working for them. I always tried to treat people the way I would want to be treated, while treating them all the same."She said the current town hall staff is the best she has ever worked with in her 22 years in Tilton, praising them as professionals who know their jobs well, while adding, "They're a great resource for the residents. They've been more like a family to me and it's going to be weird not coming here every day."Reinartz also asked that residents stay involved with the local government and events to keep the Town of Tilton a great place to live, recreate and do business.Once she and Bill return from vacation she said they will make decisions about where to live and what they will do in the future, with an eye on moving a bit south to be closer to Bill's children and grandchildren. A future retirement home in Florida is also be considered.A big lover of dogs, as all who have registered their dog with her over the years know, she said that love might even lead her to a new job down the road."Maybe I'll work part-time as a dog walker. Who knows?" Reinartz said with a wink and a grin.

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Winnisquam Echo Spaulding Academy & Family Services celebrates staff during Appreciation Day

NORTHFIELD  Spaulding Academy & Family Services recently held its annual Employee Appreciation Day to recognize the entire staff's daily contributions to campus life. The day included two separate events spanning several hours and straddling two employee shifts and an overnight shift so that staff members in the Academic, Residential, Community Based, Family Services, Housekeeping, Facilities and Grounds, Support Services and Administrative teams could all conveniently attend.



The event featured lunch from Wrap City, keychains made by Spaulding Academy & Family Services children with appreciation messages, foster care t-shirts, and a variety of chances to win raffled basket prizes. The basket themes included coffee, carwashes, popcorn, sewing kits, and margarita mixes.



Along with festivities planned by the volunteer committee comprised of representatives from across the organization, the Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offered information and its "Diversity Ball" game to help interested participants discuss experiences and thoughts on diversity and inclusion issues.



"Spaulding Academy & Family Services is a special and safe place for our children and families, and this is possible due to each and every staff member in our organization," said Todd Emmons, CEO & President, Spaulding Academy & Family Services. "Celebrating our incredible staff in this way is just one small way of saying 'thank you' for their dedication. I was thrilled to hear many employees express that this was our best appreciation event to date, and we all enjoyed taking a moment to spend quality time together."



As part of the event, Spaulding Academy & Family Services also acknowledged those employees who celebrated milestones over the past year. These 21 employees were specifically recognized for their dedication to serving the children and families of Spaulding Academy & Family Services for the following milestones:



 Five years of service: eight staff members



 10 years of service: six staff members



 15 years of service: five staff members



 20 years of service: two staff members



For more information about Spaulding Academy & Family Services, visit SpauldingServices.org.



About Spaulding Academy & Family Services



Spaulding Academy & Family Services is a leading provider of educational, residential, therapeutic and community-based programs and services for families, and children and youth with neurological, emotional, behavioral, learning or developmental challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorder and those who have experienced significant trauma, abuse or neglect. Established in 1871, Spaulding Academy & Family Services is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit that was formerly known as Spaulding Youth Center since 1958. Our scenic hilltop campus is located on more than 500 acres in Northfield, NH and welcomes boys and girls from ages 4 to 21 from around the state of New Hampshire and beyond. In addition to programs provided on our Northfield campus, Spaulding's community-based programs include foster family licensing, Individual Service Option (ISO) foster care, ISO in-home services, child health support services, and more for children ages 20 and younger and their family. For information about Spaulding Academy & Family Services, visit NORTHFIELD  Spaulding Academy & Family Services recently held its annual Employee Appreciation Day to recognize the entire staff's daily contributions to campus life. The day included two separate events spanning several hours and straddling two employee shifts and an overnight shift so that staff members in the Academic, Residential, Community Based, Family Services, Housekeeping, Facilities and Grounds, Support Services and Administrative teams could all conveniently attend.The event featured lunch from Wrap City, keychains made by Spaulding Academy & Family Services children with appreciation messages, foster care t-shirts, and a variety of chances to win raffled basket prizes. The basket themes included coffee, carwashes, popcorn, sewing kits, and margarita mixes.Along with festivities planned by the volunteer committee comprised of representatives from across the organization, the Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offered information and its "Diversity Ball" game to help interested participants discuss experiences and thoughts on diversity and inclusion issues."Spaulding Academy & Family Services is a special and safe place for our children and families, and this is possible due to each and every staff member in our organization," said Todd Emmons, CEO & President, Spaulding Academy & Family Services. "Celebrating our incredible staff in this way is just one small way of saying 'thank you' for their dedication. I was thrilled to hear many employees express that this was our best appreciation event to date, and we all enjoyed taking a moment to spend quality time together."As part of the event, Spaulding Academy & Family Services also acknowledged those employees who celebrated milestones over the past year. These 21 employees were specifically recognized for their dedication to serving the children and families of Spaulding Academy & Family Services for the following milestones: Five years of service: eight staff members 10 years of service: six staff members 15 years of service: five staff members 20 years of service: two staff membersFor more information about Spaulding Academy & Family Services, visit SpauldingServices.org.About Spaulding Academy & Family ServicesSpaulding Academy & Family Services is a leading provider of educational, residential, therapeutic and community-based programs and services for families, and children and youth with neurological, emotional, behavioral, learning or developmental challenges, including Autism Spectrum Disorder and those who have experienced significant trauma, abuse or neglect. Established in 1871, Spaulding Academy & Family Services is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit that was formerly known as Spaulding Youth Center since 1958. Our scenic hilltop campus is located on more than 500 acres in Northfield, NH and welcomes boys and girls from ages 4 to 21 from around the state of New Hampshire and beyond. In addition to programs provided on our Northfield campus, Spaulding's community-based programs include foster family licensing, Individual Service Option (ISO) foster care, ISO in-home services, child health support services, and more for children ages 20 and younger and their family. For information about Spaulding Academy & Family Services, visit www.SpauldingServices.org

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Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-07 00:08:23|Editor: huaxia

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European Council President Charles Michel (C), European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (R) and Slovenian Prime Minister Janez Jansa attend a press conference after the EU-Western Balkans summit in Kranj, Slovenia, on Oct. 6, 2021. The European Union (EU) is committed to the integration of the Western Balkans, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at the conclusion of the EU-Western Balkans summit here on Wednesday. (Government Communication Office of Slovenia/Handout via Xinhua)

KRANJ, Slovenia, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) is committed to the integration of the Western Balkans, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at the conclusion of the EU-Western Balkans summit here on Wednesday.

"The Commission's message is very clear. First of all, the Western Balkans is part of the same Europe as the European Union. We share the same history; we share the same interests, the same values and I am deeply convinced also the same destiny," Von der Leyen told a press conference after the summit.

"The European Union is not complete without the Western Balkans, so my Commission will continue to do its utmost to advance the enlargement process ... We want the Western Balkans in the EU and there cannot be any doubt that our goal is enlargement," she said.

However, the EU has not set a date for the accession of the six Western Balkan partners.

In a post-summit declaration issued by the leaders of the EU and of the Western Balkan partners, the EU reaffirmed "its commitment to the enlargement process ... based upon credible reforms by partners."

"The Western Balkan partners reiterate their dedication to European values and principles and to carrying out necessary reforms in the interest of their people," the declaration said, naming primacy of democracy, the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organized crime, human rights, gender equality and minority rights as values that need to be supported by reforms.

Von der Leyen announced that the EU will increase its Economic and Investment Plan package to the region to 30 billion euros (34.6 billion U.S. dollars) over the next seven years. Enditem


Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-07 03:14:25|Editor: huaxia

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Migrants wait to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Tripoli, Libya, on Oct. 6, 2021. The anti-illegal immigration department of Libya on Wednesday started vaccination campaign for illegal migrants inside a reception center in Tripoli. (Photo by Hamza Turkia/Xinhua)

TRIPOLI, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- The anti-illegal immigration department of Libya on Wednesday started vaccination campaign for illegal migrants inside a reception center in the capital Tripoli.

"Today, we are carrying a vaccination campaign against the COVID-19 in cooperation with the National Center for Disease Control and the International Organization for Migration, targeting 823 migrants," Husni Abu-Ayana, spokesman of the reception center, told Xinhua.

"First doses will be administered today and tomorrow. There are also police officers targeted for vaccination," he added.

According to the center, the campaign will target a number of reception centers in Tripoli and other nearby cities, and will last for three weeks.

The total number of COVID-19 cases in Libya so far is 343,932, including 266,348 recoveries and 4,720 deaths, the center revealed.

A total of 1,413,069 people in Libya have received one vaccine dose, while 253,017 others have received two, the center said. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-07 05:35:13|Editor: huaxia

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Yang Jiechi (1st R), a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, meets with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan (1st L) in Zurich, Switzerland, on Oct. 6, 2021. (Xinhua/Chen Junxia)

ZURICH, Switzerland, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met here Wednesday with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan.

The two sides, in a candid manner, had a comprehensive and in-depth exchange of views on China-U.S. relations as well as international and regional issues of common concern. The meeting was described as constructive, and conducive to enhancing mutual understanding.

The two sides agreed to take action, following the spirit of the phone call between Chinese and U.S. heads-of-state on Sept. 10, strengthen strategic communication, properly manage differences, avoid confrontation and conflict, seek mutual benefit and win-win results, and work together to bring China-U.S. relations back to the right track of sound and steady development.

Yang said that whether China and the United States can handle their relations well bears on the fundamental interests of the two countries and two peoples, as well as the future of the world.

When China and the United States cooperate, the two countries and the world will benefit; when China and the United States are in confrontation, the two countries and the world will suffer seriously, said Yang, also director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee.

The U.S. side needs to have a deep understanding of the mutually beneficial nature of China-U.S. relations and correctly understand China's domestic and foreign policies and strategic intentions, said Yang, adding that China opposes defining China-U.S. relations as "competitive."

Yang said that China attaches importance to the positive remarks on China-U.S. relations made recently by U.S. President Joe Biden, and China has noticed that the U.S. side said it has no intention to contain China's development, and is not seeking a "new Cold War."

China hopes the U.S. side could adopt a rational and pragmatic China policy, and, together with China, follow a path of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation, with respect for each other's core interests and major concerns.

During the meeting, Yang expounded China's solemn position on issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Tibet and human rights as well as on maritime issues, urging the United States to truly respect China's sovereignty, security and development interests, and stop using the above issues to interfere in China's internal affairs.

The U.S. side expressed its adherence to the one-China policy.

The two sides also exchanged views on climate change and regional issues of common concern.

The two sides agreed to maintain regular dialogue and communication on important issues. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-07 18:49:35|Editor: huaxia

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Poeple play Chinese chess on an electronic device at the Shijiazhuang Library in Shijiazhuang, capital of north China's Hebei Province, Oct. 6, 2021. The library hosted a series of cultural events to better entertain visitors during the week-long National Day holiday starting from Oct. 1. (Xinhua/Luo Xuefeng)
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-07 22:30:32|Editor: huaxia

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Mats Malm, permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy, announces the winner of 2021 Nobel Prize in Literature in Stockholm, Sweden, Oct. 7, 2021. Abdulrazak Gurnah won the 2021 Nobel Prize in Literature, the Swedish Academy announced here on Thursday. The prize has been awarded to novelist Gurnah "for his uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents," the Swedish Academy said. (Photo by Wei Xuechao/Xinhua)

STOCKHOLM, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Abdulrazak Gurnah won the 2021 Nobel Prize in Literature, the Swedish Academy announced here on Thursday.

The prize has been awarded to novelist Gurnah "for his uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents," the Swedish Academy said.

An unending exploration driven by intellectual passion is present in all Gurnah's books, according to the Academy.

Gurnah's novels "recoil from stereotypical descriptions and open our gaze to a culturally diversified East Africa unfamiliar to many in other parts of the world," the Academy added.

Gurnah has published ten novels and a number of short stories. The theme of the refugee's disruption runs throughout his work. He began writing as a 21-year-old in English exile, and although Swahili was his first language, English became his literary tool, the Academy said.

Gurnah was born in 1948 and grew up on the island of Zanzibar but arrived in England as a refugee at the end of the 1960s. Until his recent retirement, he was Professor of English and Postcolonial Literatures at the University of Kent, Canterbury. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-07 22:32:25|Editor: huaxia

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NAIROBI, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Uganda plans to attract more Kenyan investors in order to boost its industrialization agenda, a diplomat said Thursday.

Hassan Wasswa Galiwango, Uganda High Commissioner to Kenya, told journalists in Nairobi that there are numerous opportunities in the agriculture, pharmaceutical, education and vehicle assembly sectors.

"We have a number of incentives that are available for investors with viable projects," Galiwango said during Uganda's independence week exhibition in Kenya.

The Ugandan envoy said that Uganda's agricultural-based economy provides opportunities for value addition for investors.

He said that Uganda's growing population has created enormous opportunities for investors to cater for the increasing demand for education.

The diplomat said that Uganda is already a popular destination for Kenyan students with an estimated 40,000 students undertaking courses in various institutions.

Galiwango said that Uganda is expecting more Kenyan tourists to visit the landlocked nation to enjoy its rich cultural heritage.

The envoy added that Uganda's close proximity provides an ideal location for Kenyan holidaymakers seeking to explore Africa's untapped scenic beauty. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-08 00:10:33|Editor: huaxia

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JUBA, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The central bank of South Sudan on Thursday directed commercial banks to freeze accounts of individuals belonging to a civil society group that has been agitating for popular protests against the transitional unity government.

Moses Makur Deng, Director General for Banking Supervision at the central bank told Xinhua in Juba that banks have been ordered to block bank accounts of Abraham Awolich, Rajab Mohandis, Wani Michael, James David Kolok and Kuel Aguer Kuel seen as the ring leaders of the group.

The People's Coalition for Civil Action (PCCA) in August called on South Sudanese to join street protests against the government, accusing the leadership of failure to fully implement the revitalized peace deal.

It also blamed the government for failing to end the prevailing economic hardship in the nation.

The apex bank also directed commercial banks to block accounts of four organizations linked with PCCA.

The affected organizations include policy think tank Sudd Institute, Organization for Responsive Governance, Okay Africa Foundation and Foundation for Democracy and Accountable Governance.

South Sudan's former warring parties are struggling to implement the 2018 revitalized peace deal to end years of conflict since the outbreak in December 2013.

The parties are yet to conclude the security arrangement that includes the graduation of the 83,000 unified forces to take charge of security during the ongoing transitional period. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-07 18:36:41|Editor: huaxia

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KIEV, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vetoed the law legalizing and regulating cryptocurrency adopted by the Ukrainian parliament, the president's press service said on Wednesday.

Zelensky sent the law "On Virtual Assets" (bill No. 3637) back to the parliament with his additional proposals, said the message published on the president's press service website.

According to the law adopted by parliament members on Sept. 8, cryptocurrency regulation is carried out by different state bodies depending on the type of crypto asset, and calls for the creation of a new central executive body, the press service said.

"The creation of a new body, as stipulated by this law, will require significant state budget spendings. Therefore, Volodymyr Zelensky proposes the National Commission for Securities and Stock Market to regulate the virtual assets," said the press service. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-07 20:27:27|Editor: huaxia

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Ankara, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- A passenger plane of Al Jazeera Airlines on Thursday made an emergency landing in Turkey's Trabzon province airport after a bomb warning, the local governorate said.

The Turkish security officials have evacuated the passenger aircraft, which took off from Kuwait and was bounded to Trabzon on the Black Sea coast of northeastern Turkey, Governor Ismail Ustaoglu told reporters.

A total of 51 passengers and six staff of the Airbus A320 type aircraft, with flight number CZR-314, were evacuated and their pieces of luggage were still under security check, he added.

The bomb alert was made to Kuwait Airlines headquarters, and they have issued a warning for all their planes in the air, including the one traveling to Trabzon, the governor said, emphasizing that the alert did not cover solely the plane that had landed in Turkey. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-08 01:12:04|Editor: huaxia

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VILNIUS, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Lithuanian government has agreed to offer a one-off payment of 100 euros (116 U.S. dollars) to seniors aged 75 years and over who get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec.1 and those who take their booster shots by April 1, 2022.

Over the past 24 hours, Lithuania has registered 2,182 new coronavirus infections and 18 COVID-19-related deaths. Fourteen of the fatalities were either not vaccinated or only partially vaccinated.

Since two-thirds of all COVID-19-related deaths occur among people aged 75 and over, the government's proposal is targeted specifically at this age group to encourage them to get vaccinated.

Lithuania's Health Ministry is also preparing to offer prizes to three municipalities that will have at least 90 percent of their senior residents vaccinated against COVID-19 by Dec. 1.

Municipalities that vaccinate 90 percent of seniors by Dec. 1 will receive financial prizes that would enable them to pay 30 percent bonuses to their workers. Municipalities that vaccinate 98 percent of seniors by Dec. 1 will receive funds to pay 50 percent bonuses to their workers.

The current COVID-19 vaccination rate is only 57.15 percent in Lithuania.

Saulius Ceplinskas, former head of the state Center for Communicable Diseases and AIDS, said that the goal is to have at least 90 percent of the population vaccinated. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-08 01:43:45|Editor: huaxia

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ZAGREB, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Thursday called on the country's police force to carry out a comprehensive investigation into the alleged violent pushbacks of migrants at the country's border with Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Croatia respects international law and does not want to be associated with any wrongdoing, he said.

Plenkovic said he had discussed the matter with Interior Minister Davor Bozinovic and expected a report from all relevant services to see what actually happened.

Plenkovic spoke after Croatia's RTL television on Wednesday aired video footage alleging violence against migrants. The video showed masked men beating migrants with batons and pushing them back from the Croatian border to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Although the masked men wore no police badges, media reports said that their vests and batons resembled those used by the Croatian riot police.

On Thursday, the European Commission also urged an investigation, calling the reports of violence against migrants shocking.

Thousands of refugees, migrants and asylum-seekers reportedly cross the Bosnia-Croatia border trying to reach western Europe. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-07 19:17:39|Editor: huaxia

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LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- A cargo ship which was anchored in the area near a ruptured oil pipeline off the Southern California coast before a massive oil spill is being investigated by U.S. authorities, a U.S. newspaper reported Wednesday.

The U.S. Coast Guard investigated a vessel in the Port of Oakland as part of its probe into whether the ship's anchor damaged the oil pipeline, according to The Los Angeles Times, a major news outlet on the U.S. West Coast.

The Rotterdam Express, a German container ship, was anchored Friday near the area of the oil spill and was in the port on Wednesday, the daily newspaper reported, citing a source familiar with the investigation.

A spokesman for Hapag-Lloyd, the German firm that owns the Rotterdam Express, said the container ship was anchored in the vicinity of the oil spill, yet was "pretty far away from the pipeline," reported The Los Angeles Times.

Investigators are probably looking for data showing the ship's movements and other mechanical information and the examination is just one part of a wider investigation into how the spill occurred last weekend, reported the newspaper.

The inquiry remains in its early stages and a final determination of the spill's cause may take months, it reported.

Officials said the spill, first reported on Saturday morning, could have poured as much as 144,000 gallons (around 545,099 liters) of oil into the ocean.

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Monday night proclaimed a state of emergency in Southern California's Orange County to support the emergency response to the oil spill, one of the largest in recent years in the state.

Officials warned the oil spill could become a potential ecological disaster as dead birds and fish are washed up on nearby beaches. Enditem
ZIMBABWE is experiencing an influx of asylum seekers and separated children of migrants who will be in transit from the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region.

This was said on Tuesday by Home Affairs secretary Aaron Nhepera, who told delegates at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) conference in Victoria Falls that the migrants and asylum seekers coming through Zimbabwe were running away from conflict and instability in their countries, and posing a challenge in the country.

Over the past two decades, however, the country has largely become a source country for both regular and irregular migrants to countries in the region such as South Africa, Botswana and Namibia and to countries further afield such as the United States of America, Australia and New Zealand, he said.

Zimbabwe continues to face increasing challenges of irregular migration flows involving particularly asylum seekers, unaccompanied minors and separated migrant children from the horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region who transit through Zimbabwe, quite often, to South Africa or who seek asylum in Zimbabwe due to conflicts and instability in their home countries.

As a result, the government recognises the importance of a coherent policy response to address the challenges related to these mixed migration flows.

Nhepera said government also recognised the immense opportunities presented by a growing diaspora population in the social and economic development of the country in terms of investment in areas of agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, banking and finance and others.

He said government had developed a National Diaspora Policy and a National Labour Migration Policy to address migration challenges.

This workshop to finalise the development of the National Migration Policy comes at an opportune time when the government is intensifying implementation of migration policies for sustainable development in line with the Global Compact on Safe Orderly and regular migration, Nhepera said.

The attainment of sustainable development goals will go a long way towards improving migration management and attest to the governments commitment towards ensuring respect for migrant rights in Zimbabwe.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa says Zimbabwe will continue with its re-engagement drive and has commended Zimbabweans in the Diaspora for their contribution to the growth of the countrys economy.

Our re-engagement drive as a country continues as we strive to be a friend of all, we continue to seek new opportunities in investment and trade. This is in line with my administrations Economic Diplomacy thrust, he said.

The President was delivering the State of the Nation Address to mark the official opening of the 4th session of the 9th Parliament in Harare today.

Speaking to developmental issues the President attributed the countrys success story to an effective agricultural sector which is inclusive of all.

Let us commit to serve our country wholeheartedly to ensure development which leaves no one behind.The economy is on upward trajectory due to the successes in agriculture.This new crop of young farmers assure us that the land we fought for will remain in good hands, added the President.

He also encouraged Zimbabweans to embrace locally produced products as this is good for the economy which already is o an upward trajectory.

Citizens are encouraged to buy proudly Zimbabwean brands which now dominate shelves.Local industrialists need to broaden their scope and increase locally produced goods paying attention to value addition.It should also be noted that the import substitution strategy and local content policy has benefitting manufacturing sector,he said.

The transport situation was also addressed with the President highlighting that government is in the process of acquiring more buses which will see the smooth running of the transport system especially with the success of the ongoing Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme under National Development Strategy One. ZBC
A 28-year-old truck driver was on Tuesday arrested for setting an empty fuel tanker on fire after selling the precious liquid.

Donald Daniel, who was detained at Southerton Police Station was arrested by detectives following a review on the vehicle tracker.

Daniel stands accused of draining the fuel from the truck in Kuwadzana and drove an empty truck to Chinhoyi where he is alleged to have set it on fire.

CID spokesperson Detective Inspector Portia Chinho could not be reached for comment.

However, H-Metro has seen a letter of remission of duty application for petrol lost in transit addressed to Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) Chirundu Station Manager from Andrasdon Investments where Daniel works.

Andrasdon Investments is applying for remission of duty on petrol that was lost. Our tractor unit and tanker was also destroyed on the 29th of September 2021. The transit load was coming from Beira going to Lusaka.

The driver left Willowvale Truck stop Harare around 6pm on the 28th of September saying he was going to sleep at Banket in Chinhoyi area before curfew.

Upon review of lorry movements based on our vehicle tracker, I have noticed the vehicle was driven to an address near the roundabout of Glen Eagles and Bulawayo Roads.

The driver arrived there around 6:45pm and the lorry was parked in that yard until 11pm.

The driver then proceeded to leave that address just before 11pm and claimed our lorry exploded with fuel in it at the Chinhoyi area.

I suspect it was already empty given the four-hour time he was parked near Glen Eagles Road and Bulawayo Road roundabout. I also suspect the ZIMRA seals were already compromised by the time the lorry was set on fire.

ZIMRA officials have already attended to the scene.

We are appealing to your office for remission of duty as the product was not consumed by us and based on the drivers movements and communication that night I am convinced it was foul play, read the application letter signed by MacDonald Nehanda.

Impeccable sources close to the company told H-Metro that Daniel was aware that the tracker was yet to be paid for and the truck owner rushed to clear the bill following the mishap.

Daniel was taken by detectives to the scene yesterday and is expected to appear in court today. H Metro
GOVERNMENT has threatened to suspend operating licences for business entities manipulating the official foreign currency rate, thus fuelling the high parallel market exchange rate.

In a statement yesterday, Finance minister Mthuli Ncube said government would introduce a raft of measures to intensify its clampdown on money-laundering and other financial crimes by naming and shaming offenders.

He said the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) was conducting impromptu audits of corporates to quantify potential tax liabilities from illegal foreign currency deals.

Government, through various agencies, is presently seized with instituting various measures to curb illegal trade in foreign currency and its associated twin evil, that of parallel market benchmarking or indexation of process of goods and services at parallel market exchange rates, Ncube said.

The recent resurgence of these practices, which have been identified as significant contributors to price instability in the economy and are imposing significant downside risk to macro-economic stability and the erosion of domestic and international competitiveness, is, therefore, a cause for serious concern.

In May this year, government promulgated Statutory Instrument (SI) 127 of 2021, banning computation of prices using parallel market rates, stipulating penalties of up to $50 million against offenders.

The SI also introduced fines for businesses that access foreign currency on the RBZ forex auction flow, and yet dabble in parallel market activities. Banks could be punished for failing to disclose delinquency among their customers.

Last week, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) named and shamed 30 individuals alleged to be abusing mobile phone services and social media to facilitate forex transactions.

Another 47 offenders were added to the list this week.

Several company managers have also appeared in court on allegations of abusing foreign currency.

Ncube said Zimra would probe to see if companies were complying with the location tax introduced during the 2021 fiscal year, while regulatory bodies would work on a framework to impose appropriate financial and professional sanctions on members of the accounting fraternity implicated in illegal dealings.

Yesterday, the central bank reacted to social media claims that Simbisa Brands was manipulating the official foreign currency exchange rate, adding investigations were underway.

The RBZ official exchange rate yesterday stood at US$1:$88,55, but on Monday, there was discontent among the public following revelations that Simbisa Brands was using a US$1:$200 exchange rate.

Another social media leak yesterday revealed police conducted public auctions of their vehicles nationwide using unofficial rates of US$1:$166. Bidders were asked to pay $500 000 or US$3 000 for vehicles sold at JEFFM Auction by the police.

Economist Christopher Mugaga said if the US dollar foreign exchange rate surpassed US$1:$200; it would cause the local currency to be rejected at shops.

Mugaga urged the central bank to put in place favourable policies to contain the situation.

He said investigations on individual companies were ineffective, adding that companies were commodifying the cash they get from the auction rate.

We need an auction floor which respects the market forces and not specified companies. By allocating foreign currency to selected companies, RBZ is specifying demand and supply of goods and services when there are many companies that operate in the same industries, Mugaga said. Newsday
Former Health Minister Obadiah Moyo who was accused of criminal abuse of office has been acquitted by the High Court.

Moyo who appeared before Justice Pisirayi Kwenda had his application for exception upheld.

The former health minister who was represented by advocate Tawanda Zhuwarara is now a free man after it was found out that the charges were not clear.

Zhuwarara had argued in his application for exception in terms of section 179 of the Criminal Procedure and evidence Act saying the framing of the State outline did not disclose an offence.

Zhuwarara further argued that the charges are not clear on how the former minister influenced the awarding of tender to Drax International when the tender procedures was done by the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe.

The State led by Garudzo Ziyadhuma however admitted that the charges were not clear and did not disclose how he influenced a tender procedure.
SUSPECTED serial rapist Sam Muropa, who was on remand at Harare Remand Prison being charged with 19 counts of rape and robbery, reportedly escaped prison last Friday.

Muropa (31) who was last seen wearing a green track bottom and khakhi prison shirt is believed to have left his prison garb on the prison security fence before making his escape.

Further to his escape, Muropa went on to steal a car before going to his girlfriends place where he was later caught.

The Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) lodged Muropas missing person case to the police on Sunday.

Muropa is expected to appear at the Harare magistrates court today for escaping from jail as well as stealing a car.

He was expected to appear in court today for bail application before committing another crime.

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.

Ass Comm Nyathi said investigations by the police revealed that the suspect stole a car at Kuwadzana 2 Shopping Centre.

Investigations by the police revealed that the suspect stole the Toyota Wish vehicle at Kuwadzana 2 shops from Bruce Muponza (47) on the pretext the he wanted to hire the vehicle to Whitehouse and back to Harare, he said.

He said the police will ensure that the law will be applied without fear or favour on suspects who escape from justice.

When Muropa appeared in court before being remanded in custody, the court heard that in one of the counts, Muropa on July 27, and at around 11am the complainant Peniel Havillah boarded an unregistered silver Toyota Wish with three occupants including the driver intending to go to town.

Along the way and upon their arrival at Robert Mugabe and Samora Machel Avenue, one of the trio grabbed Havillah on her neck whilst the other one who seated next to her pointed a pistol at her.

Havillahs handbag containing US$600 was snatched in the process.

They then covered her with a cloth on her face so that she could not see anything before dumping her at a maize field near Chikurubi Prison Farm.

She sought for assistance and got back to town where she reported the matter to the police.

In count two, the State alleges that on July 29, Shelly Ndapasowa boarded the same Toyota Wish with two other passengers including Muropa also intending to go to town.

Along the way, the driver diverted the route stating that he wanted to avoid a police roadblock along Simon Mazorodze road, the vehicle proceeded towards OK Ardbennie.

One of the occupants reportedly took Ndaposwas handbag containing her two mobile phones, a Zimbabwean passport, medical aid cards, and US$20.

After robbing her they pushed her out of the moving motor vehicle along Boshoff road at Mukuvisi bridge.

In the third count, the State alleges that on July 30, another complainant, boarded the same car with three occupants including the Muropa as the driver at a bus stop in Granary Phase 3, Harare intending to go to town.

Along the way towards Whitehouse Shops, the accused produced knives and ordered complainant not to lift up her head.

They assaulted her using clenched fists on the head before parking their motor vehicle at bushy area in Nharira Farm.

One of the suspects took the complainant and ordered her to remove her clothes. He raped her once without using protection.

After raping her he took her IPhone 8 plus cell phone, Samsung 34 Plus cell phone, National identity card and cash amounting to US$13.

Complainant was later dumped by the trio at an unknown place.

In the fourth count, the court heard that on July 30, the complainant boarded a private car with three occupants including the driver intending to go to town.

On the way, towards Whitehouse shopping centre, one the three produced a knife and threatened to kill her if she made any noise.

The complainant was then ordered to put her face in between her legs and not to lift up her head.

The complainant lifted up her head only to discover that they were at an unknown bushy area.

When the trio parked their motor vehicle, they ordered her to lie down.

The accused asked the accused if she was HIV positive and she told them that he was HIV positive.

She was then ordered to open her mouth and Muropa forcibly inserted his erect penis inside her mouth.

When the accused was about to ejaculate he put his penis between complainants thighs and he ejaculated on her thighs.

After raping her, they searched the complainant and stole an Itel P36 cell phone, CICO cell phone with Ecocash amounting to $4900, pair of shoes and $170.

After that they further assaulted the complainant on her head and face.

They later dumped the complainant at Nharira Farm where she was assisted by well-wishers and went to the police where she reported the matter. They stole US$300 and nothing was recovered.

In count eight the court heard that on August 7, complainant, Sukoluhle Antoneittee Ncube and her sister, Happiness Nyoni boarded a silver Toyota Wish with three occupants including the driver at corner Pomona road and First Giraffe intending to go to town.

Along the way when they were at Groombridge shops, one of the accused who was seated at the front passenger seat jumped to the back seat, masked Nyonis eyes and pointed a knife at her threatening to stab her.

The other accused who was seated next to the complainant closed pointed a pistol at her.

The accused took an Iphone 6 plus cellphone, Huawei P9 lite cell phone, wallet containing US$80 and a BancABC bank card from complainant. They also took an itel Pro cell phone, a white Vivo cell phone and a sky blue jacket from complainants sister.

The accused removed complainants clothes and those of her sister leaving them naked while demanding the passwords of their cell phones.

The accused who was seated next to the complainant fondled her breast and privates.

The accused ordered the complainant and her sister to disembark from their motor vehicle and gave them their clothes before driving away.

The two reported the matter to the police. Total value of good and money stolen is US$500.

In count nine it is alleged that on August 7, the complainant, Precious Kampira boarded a silver Toyota Wish with three occupants including the driver intending to go to town and she sat on the back seat.

The accused drove their motor vehicle along Caricrechy Way, Borrowdale, Harare. One of the accused who was seated at the front seat jumped to the back seat where complainant was seated and masked the complainants eyes before driving into Harare Drive where they assaulted the complainant stealing her Samsung A11 cell phone and hair wig.

The accused dropped the complainant and sped off. Complainant reported the matter to the police and she was referred to Parirenyatwa Hospital for treatment.

Muropa was identified by the sisters on camera at Harare Central Police Station after being arrested. H Metro
Severe illness caused by COVID-19 is rare among children, but not impossible. Of about 500 Americans under the age of 18 who have died so far, about 125 were between 5 and 11. Doctors and scientists are still concerned about the long-term effects of non-fatal COVID as well.
Shes still your stereotypical teen movie princess who kind of seems to have it all, who seems to have the perfect life, whos really holding it all together. Shes got the hot boyfriend, shes got the group of popular friends, she has the right makeup, the right clothes. But Addys not doing well underneath it all. Shes trying to be something shes not. Shes trying to upkeep something shes not, she told The News.
Garaufis called for the hearing focusing on the Fire Departments ongoing internal investigation of continuing discrimination within the department, including as it relates to the suspension of nine firefighters as reported by The New York Times.
I now know that he was not at all the man I believed he was. Since 2019, I have been on a path of learning, healing and self-reflection, and I now understand that his behavior towards me was abusive, manipulative, and oppressive, Russell wrote in a letter to the court. He is a monster who destroyed so many lives. Lives that will never be the same.
An autopsy will determine how he died and whether any crime was committed. It was not immediately clear if the Administration for Childrens Services previously had contact with the family.
These indictments are an assurance to the people of the Bronx that we will hold accountable anyone who brings gunfire to our streets. But these indictments are also a tragic chronicle of a lost generation: boys and young men who turned to guns, and two lives were taken and 14 lives have been squandered.
Records show that Johnson was released on parole April 13 after serving three years for drug possession. He previously served three years and four months for another drug possession conviction and was paroled in June 2018.
Redmond ordered detectives to transport mayoral staffers, including those of First Lady Chirlane McCray. At one point, Redmond, an EPU sergeant and a mayoral staffer went to a bar after a city parade, according to the report. Redmond instructed an NYPD detective on the detail to wait outside. After hanging out at the watering hole for three hours, Redmond emerged and ordered the detective to drive the staffer to her Brooklyn apartment.
The teens, 17 and 16, were inside Mamas Fried Chicken on Frederick Douglass Blvd. near W. 116th St. about 8:40 p.m. when the assailant walked by and spotted the pair  then barged into the eatery and fired three shots, hitting the older teen in the head and the younger one in the upper back, police sources said.
Authorities were able to track down the missing woman upon learning Armando was required to wear an ankle monitor due to a 2019 conviction for sexual contact with a minor. The GPS data confirmed that he drove to Gila National Forest on Sept. 26, but showed he never went to his wifes house two days later as he told investigators.
At first it concerned me, Charles Rambo, a former Fulton County deputy, told WXIA, saying that while on its face the video looks shocking, there might have been circumstances not caught on camera that explain the troopers behavior. The trooper acted in good faith and was not malicious in what he was doing, if he legitimately saw a firearm, which they say was recovered, and was potentially stolen.
The checks allegedly deposited into Murdaughs account were written out to Forge, according to the lawsuit, the same thing written on the insurance payouts that were supposed to go to the sons of the Murdaugh housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield, who died after falling at their house in 2018. Instead, those payouts also reportedly went into Murdaughs personal bank account, according to a separate lawsuit.
Why make a provocative decision to fire a flash grenade into a vehicle rather than simply wait? Why was there a forced evacuation of a vehicle? Why was that met with lethal force? It really does appear to be a firing squad, Santa Ana mayor Vicente Sarmiento said at a city council meeting, according to Voice of OC.
The Rotterdam Express, which is nearly 1,000 feet long, was anchored just south of Los Angeles when it appeared to make several unusual movements near the area where the pipeline rupture took place, according to marine navigation data obtained by The Associated Press. Officials believe a ship anchor may have snagged and dragged the offshore pipeline, which was split open and pulled about 100 feet off course around the same time those questionable movements were detected.
In an affidavit filed around the same time, Chauvin said he was forced to spearhead his own appeal because he no longer had an attorney to represent him. The convicted killer explained that he is entirely broke, with only his prison wages to keep him afloat. He said it would be impossible to hire an adequate attorney to represent him with the funds he does have, noting the Minnesota Police and Peace Officers Associations legal defense fund footed the bill for his appearance before Cahill.
The extra help follows reports that police found signs of a recent campsite in the preserve. Brian Laundrie, who is wanted on a charge of bank card fraud, was reported missing on Sept. 17, days after he told his parents he was going to the Carlton Preserve area for a hike, according to his family.
The investigation determined that Thomas Sharkey, her husband, is the only person who had the means, motive and opportunity to have committed the murder, said Houston Police Department Sgt. Michael Burrow at a press conference. He added that just two weeks after police launched a murder investigation, Sharkey moved to Georgia.
You clearly saw areas where the employee violated district policy and did not meet our standards and expectations, Superintendent Jill Baker said during a press conference Wednesday. We believe the decision to terminate this officers employment is warranted, justified and, quite frankly, the right thing to do.
Even after finishing graduate school, the former White House intern said she was unsuccessful in putting her mistake in the past. As time went by and the internet came of age, Lewinsky said she saw other people being targeted for humiliation like she was following the 1998 White House scandal. She said that when someone is humiliated on a grand stage, as she was, your narrative runs away from you  your identity is stolen.
Legend Kell Williamson was killed Sunday at the Texas Junior High Rodeo at the Beauregard Parish Covered Arena, about 118 miles northwest of Lafayette, when the horse he was riding reared up and fell on him, according to Beauregard Parish Sheriffs Office Chief Detective Sylvester Denmond, KPLC reports.
All of the murders believed by authorities to have been committed by the Zodiac Killer occurred between December 1968 and October 1969. The case was inactive for three years before San Francisco cops reopened it in 2007 after advances in DNA testing motivated investigators to try and solve the mystery again.
The Case Breakers, who attempt to unravel famous cases such as the DB Cooper escape and the death of Jimmy Hoffa, focused on the death of Cheri Jo Bates. Bates was an 18-year-old college student found dead in 1966 in Riverside, near Los Angeles. The group called Bates the Zodiacs sixth victim and said they believe DNA evidence would confirm their Zodiac suspect as the killer.
The report said Trump personally tried no fewer than nine times to get the Justice Department to launch bogus probes into supposed fraud, even though former Attorney General Bill Barr already said there was no credible evidence to back up the false claims.
The agreement will allow for raising the debt ceiling by about $480 billion, according to a Senate aide familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss them. That is the level that the Treasury Department has said is needed to get to Dec. 3.
Overall, the job market has been rebounding with surprising strength since the spring of 2020. Forced to shut down or restrict hours as a health precaution, employers slashed more than 22 million jobs in March and April last year. But massive aid from the federal government and the rollout of vaccines has supported an economic recovery, providing consumers with the financial wherewithal to spend and the confidence to return to restaurants, bars and shops.
On Tuesday, the Daejeon District Court ruled that the military unlawfully discriminated against Byun when discharging her. According to the South China Morning Post, the court said that her gender was already legally recognized and that the army should have used standards applied to women to determine whether she was fit to serve.
Quetta is home to a slew of coal mines, leaving Shaheen concerned about the likelihood of an increasing death toll as the quake  which struck about 5.5 miles below the Earths surface  hit when many miners were already at work.
Gurnah was born in 1948 in Zanzibar, an island that has since become part of Tanzania, and moved to the U.K. as a teenage refugee in the late 1960s to escape a brutal government crackdown on his Arab Muslim community. He was only able to return to Zanzibar and see his father again in 1984, shortly before his fathers death, according to the Stockholm-based Nobel Committee.
Because COVID entails profound danger, its better not to look on the bright side in this situation. But in others, its more than okay. This gives strategic optimists a way out: They dont have to give up their preferred strategy altogether. And by making people aware of their coping tendencies, they may become more advantageously flexible in their use of them. Their lower or higher trait anxiety levels wont change, but its the way we play the cards were dealt that matters in the final analysis.
In the show, which has soared to the top of the rankings on the streaming service, the final eight digits of a phone number can be found on an invitation card, inviting potential competitors to play in a series of childlike games that could result in their horrific death if they fail.
Were hoping we can have a face-to-face meeting with Pharrell and go over his concerns and see what we can do to get things back on track, Mayor Bobby Dyer told the Associated Press. By meeting in person and communicating, I am confident we can move in a better direction. That would be best to build those positive bridges.
Police said the man was the aggressor and attempted to grab Harrelson by the neck, the Post reported. He fell short when Harrelson punched him in the face, according to witnesses.
The labor crunch has made affording talent a goal, Lombardo said in a conference call. It might seem as though hotels are packed in some markets. And its hard to find rooms in some markets. But we know of friends in the industry who are closing down entire floors of their hotels because there arent team members to clean the entire hotel, to prepare that hotel for what we hope will be the return of business.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Veterans Advisory Council hosted an official POW-MIA ceremony to honor United States military prisoners of war and those still missing in action as part of national POW-MIA Day. University of Central Florida Air Force ROTC Detachment 159 and color guard lead the symbolic setting of the table, where each item on the table represents the commitment to remember and honor our POW-MIAs from the five military branches: Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Navy.
FILE- In this March 23, 2018, file photo, unionized workers for Walt Disney World and their supporters march and chant in front of Disney hotel property in Orlando, Fla. The proposed contract Walt Disney World's unionized workers will vote on next week would increase the starting minimum wage by at least 46 percent over three years to $15 an hour, while enabling Disney to use more part-time workers and require new workers to stay in their positions longer before transferring, according to new details released Monday, Aug. 27, 2018. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel via AP, File) (Stephen M. Dowell / AP)
Just how much the state has sent in overpayments is still unknown. The agency has not said how many people have been overpaid, by how much, or how much its recouped from Floridians. Earlier this year, state auditors found the departments data was such a mess that they couldnt verify how much the state has paid out in jobless benefits during the pandemic.
Back in June, when they were talking about the recommendation of removing masks in the first place, I said, Children are going to get sick, said Emily Orey, whose 11-year-old son is a Seminole County sixth-grader. But never in my wildest nightmare did I think it was going to be my kid.
We have received these complaints and concerns and intend to respond to them in a more expansive manner in the coming days, Arden Villas said in a statement. Please be aware it is our goal that every resident, guest and staff member feels as safe and secure as possible.
The five districts that filed the legal challenge were among those sanctioned by the state board Thursday. The board also took action against the Brevard, Broward and Palm Beach county school districts. It was to vote against the Hillsborough, Indian River and Sarasota county school districts, too, but they recently dropped their mask mandates, bringing them in line with state rules, Corcoran said.
Zaretsky said Mohammad is one of thousands of Afghans who worked for the U.S. government in Afghanistan and were forced to leave behind close family members to be able to get to safety. Many are still fighting to be reunited with them. The administration has provided no figures for how many special immigrant visa applicants and their family members are still stuck in Afghanistan a month after the U.S. withdrew its troops, and it has yet to take substantial action to protect them, according to the lawsuit.
The bridges were always safe, said Kunkel, named department director in Dec. 2019. How we were overseeing the bridge program did need improvement and that has occurred. ... However, over the course of the audit, the overall safety of Orange County bridges, vehicular and pedestrian, were consistently maintained, and structural issues that were identified were repaired and addressed as needed to keep the bridges safe.
Weve heard from different operators that their hope is to be in operation with passengers sometime in the 2024-2025 time frame, said Jacques Coulon, an Orlando transportation planning projects coordinator. For us, that means theyll want to have a vertiport in place and so well need to have regulations set and full understanding of what those impacts are before then.
Im not opposed to asking the Legislature to put more teeth into legislation that would allow county oversight of the tax collector, Constantine said. But will the Legislature do it? Probably not. [The Florida Tax Collectors Association] is very powerful, and they would fight it. ... They will say that its just Seminole County that had the problem... So lets look at our options, and see what we can and cannot do.
Florida spent years trying to wean homeowners off Citizens and back into the private market. But Citizens now expects to have more than 1 million policyholders next year, maybe as many as 1.3 million. Thats more than double the number of policies it held in June 2020, putting far too much of the property insurance burden on the state.
This is strange, because we know how to get vaccinations up to the levels that we need to exit this pandemic. Weve gotten a county in rural Alabama 94% vaccinated using these methods. Its something you and I can do for the people we care about better than any politician or mandate can. Were not getting out of this pandemic any other way.
As I am currently in the Medicaid gap for coverage, I pay almost 80% of the cost of my medication to treat my diabetes and heart condition, which totals over $500a month. That is an extremely high cost just to stay alive, and it has given me financial difficulties to both afford my medicine and stay on top of my bills.
Florida school districts without mask mandates have been hit with nearly twice as many COVID-19 infections in students as districts that required masks, and the gap increased to nearly 3 times during the peak of the pandemic in August, according to data released Thursday.
The parade, featuring 30 big balloon characters, will take to the streets of Universal Studios nightly during the event. It will again include themed floats and Santa Claus bringing up the rear before he lights up the parks 80-foot Christmas tree.
While the tropics appear to be calming down, Colorado State University scientists are calling for an above-normal level of hurricane activity for the next two weeks. Typically, after Oct. 15, the Atlantic begins to cool down, and the window of opportunity for tropical development comes to a close, according to data by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
New York, US (PANA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday urged authorities in Ethiopia to allow vital humanitarian work there to continue, following the recent decision to declare seven of the Organizations staff persona non grata and expel them from the country
Tunis, Tunisia (PANA) - Due to a difficult financial situation, a number of Tunisair pilots are obliged to leave the country and head for foreign airlines that are much more attractive, lucratively speaking, revealed the president of the Tunisian Federation of Line Pilots (FTPL), Karim Elloumi
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this





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Detention of CEO of hypersonic research institute in treason case extended until winter

 Moscow's Lefortovsky District Court

10:49 07/10/2021

MOSCOW, October 7 (RAPSI)  Moscows Lefortovsky District Court has extended detention of CEO and Chief Structural Engineer of the Scientific Research Institute of Hypersonic Alexander Kuranov, who stands charged with treason, until December 11, the courts press service has told RAPSI.

Kuranov was arrested in August.

The scientist is working at physics and plasma chemistry. He is the author of more than 120 research papers.
Interior Ministry demands detention of vice-president of Russias Sberbank

 AGN Moskva, Sophia Sandurskaya

15:31 07/10/2021

MOSCOW, October 7 (RAPSI)  The Interior Ministry of Russia has filed a motion seeking to place vice-president of Russia's Sberbank Marina Rakova in detention until December 6 as part of a case over large-scale embezzlement, the courts press service has told RAPSI.

Rakova was arrested on October 6. Earlier, the woman was placed on a wanted list as she had escaped.

Also, on October 6, Rakovas partner Artur Stetsenko, the common-law husband of Rakova and CEO of the Federal State Autonomous Institution "The Fund for New Forms of Education Development.

According to investigators, in 2019, Rakova, then Deputy Minister of Education, and Stetsenko were involved in the embezzlement of 50 million rubles ($700,000) from the Fund during the execution of education state contracts.

On September 30, the Tverskoy District Court of Moscow ordered detention of ex-fund employees Eugeny Zak and Maxim Inkin as well as the executive director of the Moscow School of Social and Economic Sciences Christina Kryuchkova, who are also involved in the case, for two months.




AP News, October 3, 2021

By Samya Kullab

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP)  At least five civilians were killed in a bomb blast outside a Kabul mosque Sunday, a Taliban official said. It was the deadliest attack in the Afghan capital since U.S. forces left at the end of August.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but suspicion fell on Islamic State extremists who have stepped up attacks on the Taliban in recent weeks, particularly in an IS stronghold in eastern Afghanistan.

An apparent roadside bomb went off at the gate of the sprawling Eid Gah Mosque in Kabul at a time when a memorial service was being held for the mother of chief Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. Five people were killed, said Qari Saeed Khosti, the spokesman of the Interior Ministry.

The explosion underscored the growing challenges the Taliban face just weeks after they took control of Afghanistan in a blitz campaign, culminating in their takeover of Kabul on Aug. 15.

During their 20-year insurgency, the Taliban themselves had frequently carried out bombing and shooting attacks, but are now faced with trying to contain rival militants using the same methods. The growing security challenges come at a time of an economic meltdown, as the Taliban struggle to run the country without the massive foreign aid given to U.S.-backed government they toppled.

Three suspects were arrested in Sundays explosion in Kabul, said Bilal Karimi, a Taliban spokesman. He said Taliban fighters were not harmed.

Mohammad Israil, a Kabul resident, said he heard a loud sound and saw people running away.

An Italian-funded emergency hospital in Kabul tweeted it had received four people wounded in the blast.

The area around the mosque was cordoned off by the Taliban, who maintained a heavy security presence. Later in the afternoon the site was cleaned. The only signs of the blast was slight damage to the ornamental arch by the entrance gate.

IS militants have stepped up attacks against the Taliban since their mid-August takeover, signaling a widening conflict between them.

IS maintains a strong presence in the eastern province of Nangarhar, where it has claimed responsibility for several killings in the provincial capital of Jalalabad.

In late August, an IS suicide bomber targeted American evacuation efforts at Kabuls international airport. The blast killed 169 Afghans and 13 U.S. service members and was one of the deadliest attacks in the country in years.

Attacks in Kabul have so far been rare, but in recent weeks IS has shown signs it is expanding its footprint beyond the east and closer toward the capital.

On Friday, Taliban fighters raided an IS hideout just north of Kabul in Parwan province. The raid came after an IS roadside bomb wounded four Taliban fighters in the area.
Amnesty International, October 5, 2021

Taliban forces unlawfully killed 13 ethnic Hazaras, including a 17-year-old girl, in Afghanistans Daykundi province after members of the security forces of the former government surrendered, a new investigation by Amnesty International has revealed.

The killings happened in Kahor village of Khidir district on 30 August. Eleven of the victims were former members of the Afghan National Defence Security Forces (ANDSF), and two were civilians.

According to eyewitness testimony gathered by Amnesty International, the Taliban extrajudicially executed nine of the ANDSF members after they had surrendered, killings that appear to be war crimes. Two civilians were killed as they attempted to flee, including a 17-year-old girl shot when the Taliban opened fire on a crowd of people.

Amnesty International verified photographs and video evidence taken in the aftermath of the killings, and identified the location of Kahor village, where they happened.

These cold-blooded executions are further proof that the Taliban are committing the same horrific abuses they were notorious for during their previous rule of Afghanistan, said Agnes Callamard, Amnesty Internationals Secretary General.

They repeatedly violate the rights of those they perceive as their adversaries, even killing those who have already surrendered. The Taliban say they are not targeting former employees of the previous government, but these killings contradict such claims.

The Taliban must immediately cease these cruel acts of revenge, and ensure employees of the former government and their families can live safely in Afghanistan. The new government must make clear that such grave violations will not be tolerated, and that those responsible will be prosecuted.

Verifying human rights abuses committed by the Taliban since they took control of Afghanistan in August 2021 has proven difficult, as the group have cut mobile phone service in many regions. Shortly after the fall of Kabul, Amnesty International documented how Taliban fighters massacred nine ethnic Hazara men after taking control of Ghazni province.

Killings in Kahor village

The Taliban took control of Daykundi province on 14 August. An estimated 34 former ANDSF members initially sought safety in Khidir district, and had government military equipment and weaponry with them. They then agreed to surrender to the Taliban as the group established its authority over vast swathes of the region.

Mohammad Azim Sedaqat, who was leading the surrender, arranged to decommission the groups weapons in the presence of the Taliban. On 29 August, the men negotiated to surrender fully to the Taliban.

On 30 August, an estimated 300 Taliban fighters arrived in convoy close to Dahani Qul village, where the ANDSF members were staying, some with family members. As the ANDSF members attempted to leave the area with their families, one vehicle remained stuck close to Kahor village.

When the Taliban fighters caught up with them, they opened fire on the crowd and killed the 17-year-old girl, called Masuma. One of the ANDSF members then fired back, killing one Taliban fighter and wounding another.

The Taliban continued to shoot as the families fled, killing two ANDSF members caught in crossfire as they were fleeing the scene. After nine more ANDSF members surrendered, the Taliban promptly took them to a nearby river basin and executed them.

Videos and photographs reviewed by Amnesty International show the corpses of 11 men lined up, with many showing bullet wounds to their heads. One video shows a body being carried up an incline, believed to be at the river basin near Kahor. Amnesty International has been unable to independently geolocate this video, but its content is consistent with eyewitness testimony describing the location as close to Kahor.

The names and estimated ages of the 11 ANDSF members are: Musa Amiri, 46; Khudad Jawahiri, 33; Esmatullah Zarigh, 34; Noor Ali Ibrahimi, 34; Habibullah, 33; Amanullah, 32; Reza Karimi, 31: Dawran, 26; Dur Mohammad, 41; Abdul Hamid Fahimi, 28: and Reza Joya, 33.

Aftermath of the killings

On 31 August, the day after the killings, villagers took the bodies to Dahani Qul, where they were then brought to family plots for burial. Amnesty International reviewed and verified information confirming the locations of two of the graves, and the identities of the people buried there.

The Taliban then told remaining family members that anyone who had fled should return, and surrender within three days. Interviewees told Amnesty International that one senior Taliban official warned: I have killed people for the past 20 years. Killing is easy for me. I can kill again.

On 1 September, Sadiqullah Abed, the Taliban-appointed chief of police for Daykundi province, denied any killings had happened and instead only confirmed that a member of the Taliban had been wounded in an attack in Daykundi.

Background

The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan following the collapse of the government in mid-August 2021. Amnesty International has called for the protection of thousands of Afghans at serious risk of Taliban reprisals, from academics and journalists to civil society activists and women human rights defenders.

In a recent briefing, Afghanistans fall into the hands of the Taliban, Amnesty International detailed a litany of human rights abuses committed by the Taliban, including targeted killings of civilians and surrendered soldiers, and the blockading of humanitarian supplies, which constitute crimes under international law.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
Northern New Mexico College students Cheik Maiga (in the background), Lynette Baca (pointing), Abigail Lopez and Daniel Vigil working together on a class assignment. In between Lynette and Abigail is Dr. Ashis Nandy, professor of Fluid Mechanics. Baca and Vigil recently graduated with bachelor's degrees from the Electromechanical Engineering Technology program.
Wilmington, DE -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/07/2021 -- Even though a commercial roofing system is projected to last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, that doesn't mean property owners and managers can sit back and not give a second thought to the roof. In fact, routine inspections can catch small problems early on and prevent severe damage to the roof and building. Lane Roofing & Exteriors explains which issues building owners and managers should be aware of regarding their commercial roof.



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Another problem commercial property owners may have to deal with is ponding water on the roof. These puddles of water form when drains are blocked by leaves, animal nests, or debris. They may also form because of leaking HVAC units on the roof or inadequate pitch. If this standing water is not addressed, it will weaken the roofing system and shorten its lifespan.



In addition to roof leaks and ponding water, property owners and managers need to watch for signs of blow-offs. When the roofing materials have not been appropriately secured or when the membrane begins to shrink, a strong wind blowing across the roof can cause the layers of the roof to peel up and blow off the building entirely. These missing shingles or tiles leave the roof and structural integrity of the building at risk of costly damages.



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Edison, NJ -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/07/2021 -- A new intelligence report released by HTF MI with title "COVID-19 Outbreak-Global Short Term Insurance Market Survey & Outlook" is designed covering micro level of analysis by Insurers and key business segments, offerings and sales channels. The COVID-19 Outbreak-Global Short Term Insurance offers energetic visions to conclude market size, opportunities, growth pattern and competitive surroundings (2021-2026). The research is derived through primary and secondary sourced data and includes both qualitative and quantitative detailing. Some of the key players profiled in the study are CPIC, Cuvva, USAA, Aeon, OUTsurance, The IHC Group, PSG Konsult Ltd, Lidwala Insurance, State Farm, SBI Holdings, Santam, AIG, VIVA VIDA, Aviva, Liberty Mutual, Chubb, UnitedHealthcare, National General & National Health Insurance Company.



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Have Any Query? Ask Our Expert @: https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/2799132-covid-19-outbreak-global-short-term-insurance-industry-market



This study mainly helps understand which market segments or Country; Insurance carriers, Aggregators should focus in years to come to channelize their efforts and investments in COVID-19 Outbreak- Short Term Insurance to maximize growth and profitability. The growth in 2020 is noticeably slower and mature markets in North America and Western Europe requires "heavy lifting" to address such trends due to the dynamic macroeconomic and regulatory environment.



The distribution channels in the insurance industry, is always of great importance, reflecting the "push" nature of COVID-19 Outbreak- Short Term Insurance offering in the industry. The distribution model has continued to evolve as insurers try to better connect with their customers. Over the years, the COVID-19 Outbreak- Short Term Insurance industry has seen a clear dominance of face-to face selling (agents and brokers). However, with the increasing penetration of the Internet and customers preferring convenience, the digital mode of sales is becoming increasingly popular in COVID-19 Outbreak- Short Term Insurance.



Furthermore, the years considered for the study are as follows:

Historical year  2016-2020

Base year  2020

Forecast period  2021 to 2026



Access COVID-19 Outbreak-Global Short Term Insurance Market Report Now; Buy Latest Edition@: https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=2799132



Major Highlights of TOC:



Chapter One: COVID-19 Outbreak-Global Short Term Insurance Market Industry Overview

1.1 COVID-19 Outbreak- Short Term Insurance Industry

1.1.1 Overview

1.1.2 Products of Major Companies

1.2 COVID-19 Outbreak- Short Term Insurance Market Segment

1.2.1 Industry Chain

1.2.2 Consumer Behaviour & Distribution Channels



Chapter Two: COVID-19 Outbreak-Global Short Term Insurance Market Demand

2.1 Segment Overview

1-3Month, 4-6 Months & 6-12 Months



2.2 COVID-19 Outbreak-Global Short Term Insurance Market Size by Application/End USers (2016-2020)

2.3 COVID-19 Outbreak-Global Short Term Insurance Market Forecast by Application/End USers (2021-2026)



Chapter Three: COVID-19 Outbreak-Global Short Term Insurance Market by Type

3.1 By Type

, Property Insurance, Household Insurance, Vehicle Insurance, Personal Liability Insurance, Medical Insurance & Travel and Business insurance

3.2 COVID-19 Outbreak- Short Term Insurance Market Size by Type (2016-2020)

3.3 COVID-19 Outbreak- Short Term Insurance Market Forecast by Type (2021-2026)



Chapter Four: COVID-19 Outbreak- Short Term Insurance Market: by Region/Country

4.1 COVID-19 Outbreak- Short Term Insurance Market by Regions

4.2 COVID-19 Outbreak- Short Term Insurance Market Revenue & share by Region

4.3 North America

4.4 Europe

4.5 Asia Pacific

4.6 South America

4.7 Middle East & Africa



Chapter Five: Player Analysis

5.1 Market Share Analysis by Players (2019-2021E)

5.2 Market Concentration Rate by Regions

5.3 Company Profiles



..........continued



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Philipsburg  The Honorable Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs, on behalf of the Council of Ministers, invites the people of Sint Maarten to take part in the Virtual Commemoration of Constitution Day 2021 under the theme Building the Nation, Investing in our Future, on October 11th 2021 at 10:00 am via SXMGOV Facebook & YouTube pages.

The Department of Culture has been charged with organizing the activities for the celebration of Constitution Day 2021. Initially this celebration was slated to be a live event but plans were amended due to the increased COVID-19 active cases, thus this years ceremony will take place by means of a pre-recorded virtual event.

With focus on Building the Nation, Investing in our Future, emphasis is placed on fostering inclusion and consistency through collaboration with our school going community. The virtual commemoration of Constitution Day 2021 will feature musical performances and educational presentations by a number of primary and secondary schools on St. Maarten. Creating a strong foundation and instilling a long lasting sense of national pride, loyalty, love and reverence for country begins with our youth as the foundation and extends throughout the community.

Integrated within the virtual program will also be National Addresses by his Excellency Governor drs. Eugene Holiday, Honorable President of Parliament Rolando Brison, Honorable Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs and Honorable Minister of Education Culture Youth and Sport drs. Rodolphe Samuel.

October 10th, 2021 marks the 11th Anniversary of St. Maarten becoming a Constituent Country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands (10-10-10) and thereby gaining autonomous status and becoming an equal partner with Aruba, Curacao and the Netherlands including Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba, within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. By law the annual official celebration of 10-10-10 as it is commonly known is the second Monday in the month of October.
In Sri Lanka how we use our resources, food, fuel, water to wood, metals and plastics is different to how the Brits use resources.

by Victor Cherubim

Tourists to our country often look for aspects of our land which stand out among the rest, when they search for a holiday destination. With so much competition among tourist hotspots today, the idea of a home away from home, is never spoken of, but underlie every choice of a holiday destination.

Among sun, sea, sand and the scenery on our beaches, our wildlife, the dwellings we live in are often noticed and are intimately connected with our own sense of self. Our homes dont just contain our life earnings, they stand for what we are. We focus on the process of choosing and then building a home. Our homes matter to us. It also naturally matters to those who choose to visit our country, that they feel safe when they are in our country. This dimension of a safe and secure location is hardly communicated.

But we in Sri Lanka have Bus Conductors on our buses, both in cities and outstations. We may be living in the past, because Brits have done away with the harassment of loose change to pay for bus travel and discriminating, obnoxious Bus Conductors and Ticket Inspectors. In many parts of Britain, the Oyster does not refer to seafood, but the most important mode of transport, saying thank you to Bus Conductors.

What other things do Sri Lankans enjoy, which are forbidden in UK?

In Sri Lanka how we use our resources, food, fuel, water to wood, metals and plastics is different to how the Brits use resources. With everything we do we inevitably create waste. We carry too much plastic with us, we waste too much water, and we throw away too much food as waste. Anaerobic digestion (AD) represents the environmental attention for food waste that cannot be preserved or redistributed which can be used as fertiliser, compost or as soil improvement,

We also waste our lungs protesting in marches and protests and think we are getting far, instead we need to think out of the box to see how to win our demands tactically.

The Brits are drilled by daily announcements and bill boards notices, the need to reduce waste, reuse items, recycle waste, more than we do. We need not be Brits, but we can and must reduce our reliance on single use plastics, maximise the value of the scarce resources, particularly the water we use and minimise the waste we create, or recycle waste.

Talking about the weather in Britain is not only an icebreaker in relationships, it is due in large measure due to its unpredictability. In Sri Lanka, luckily for us we dont normally have to worry about inclement weather, but with climate change it might be necessary for us to plan and prepare for frequent alerts on our mobiles, well in advance of situations.

What values and attitudes are changing in Britain over the years?

When compared to decades ago the proportion of people who expect it is the Governments responsibility to provide a decent standard of living for the unemployed has fallen from 87% in 1985 to 59% now.

Likewise declining party loyalty in politics, both national and local is now prevalent throughout Britain.

UKs population has not only grown but also become more diverse. Simultaneously, UK takes a far more tolerant view of other peoples relationships and lifestyles, but this does not mean that differences of opinion have banished.

The talk of the town in London is no longer about jabs, jabs and booster jabs, but jobs, jobs and more jobs.

As we come out of the pandemic in Sri Lanka, we need to place more attention on six scalable elements of business enterprise:

Market Message Model Map Mind-set Machine

Changing our fortunes is up to us and us alone. We must work smarter, than harder.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

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EQS Group-Ad-hoc: Relief Therapeutics Holding AG / Key word(s): Legal Matter

Relief Therapeutics Announces Filing of Lawsuit Against its U.S. Collaboration Partner, NeuroRx, Inc. and its CEO, Dr. Jonathan Javitt, for RLF-100(TM) (Aviptadil)



07-Oct-2021 / 01:30 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Relief Therapeutics Announces Filing of Lawsuit Against its U.S. Collaboration Partner, NeuroRx, Inc. and its CEO, Dr. Jonathan Javitt, for RLF-100(TM) (Aviptadil)

- Lawsuit alleges multiple breaches of Collaboration Agreement

Geneva, Switzerland, October 7, 2021 - RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA (SIX: RLF, OTCQB: RLFTF) ("Relief"), today announced that it has filed a lawsuit against NeuroRx, Inc. and its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jonathan Javitt, for multiple breaches of the Collaboration Agreement between Relief and NeuroRx relating to the development and commercialization of RLF-100(TM) (aviptadil). The complaint was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York in Manhattan.

The complaint alleges that the defendants are in breach of numerous provisions of the Collaboration Agreement, including without limitation (i) by failing to provide Relief with the full data set from NeuroRx's recently completed phase 2b/3 clinical trial evaluating IV RLF-100(TM) (aviptadil) for the treatment of acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19, which data and information are required to be provided to Relief by NeuroRx under the Collaboration Agreement and which data and information are required for Relief to seek approval to commercialize the product in Europe, (ii) by failing to allow Relief, despite multiple requests, to conduct a forensic audit of NeuroRx's books and records to determine how the funds that Relief provided to NeuroRx were actually used, (iii) by entering into multiple agreements relating to the development of the product subject to the collaboration without Relief's consent, as required under the Collaboration Agreement, (iv) by engaging in commercialization efforts in territories outside the purview of NeuroRx's territory under the Collaboration Agreement, and (v) by developing additional COVID-19 treatments in violation of the exclusivity provisions of the Collaboration Agreement. The suit also alleges, among other matters, breaches of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing and tortious interference with prospective economic advantage. The Complaint, among other remedies, seeks damages, an order compelling defendants to comply with multiple provisions of the Collaboration Agreement, and a declaration directing NeuroRx to deliver the entire data set from the Phase 2b/3 clinical trial of intravenously-administering aviptadil to Relief.

"We are disappointed that NeuroRx has continued to refuse to ameliorate their breaches of the Collaboration Agreement," stated Jack Weinstein, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Relief. "While we continue to hope to settle these matters with NeuroRx, we are compelled to bring this action to preserve our rights under the Collaboration Agreement and to allow us to continue to develop RLF-100(TM) (aviptadil) in a timely manner for the treatment of acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19 in our territories."



ABOUT RELIEF THERAPEUTICS

Relief focuses primarily on clinical-stage programs based on molecules with a history of clinical testing and use in human patients or a strong scientific rationale. Relief's lead drug candidate, RLF-100TM (aviptadil), a synthetic form of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP), is in late-stage clinical testing in the U.S. for the treatment of respiratory deficiency due to COVID-19. As part of its pipeline diversification strategy, in March 2021, Relief entered into a Collaboration and License Agreement with Acer Therapeutics for the worldwide development and commercialization of ACER-001. ACER-001 is a taste-masked and immediate release proprietary powder formulation of sodium phenylbutyrate (NaPB) for the treatment of Urea Cycle Disorders and Maple Syrup Urine Disease. On October 4, 2021, Acer's NDA for ACER-001 was accepted for filing by the FDA and assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of June 5, 2022. In addition, Relief's recently completed acquisitions of APR Applied Pharma Research SA and AdVita Lifescience GmbH bring a diverse pipeline of marketed and development-stage programs.

RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the symbol RLF and quoted in the U.S. on OTCQB under the symbol RLFTF. For more information, visit www.relieftherapeutics.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.

CONTACT:

RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA

Jack Weinstein

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

contact@relieftherapeutics.com FOR MEDIA/INVESTOR INQUIRIES:

Rx Communications Group

Michael Miller

+1-917-633-6086

mmiller@rxir.com
Kronrad recounted other violations in the interview, including an occasion when one of the companys executives, after having one too many drinks, spoke about how proud he was that his father was the last German to surrender on the Eastern front. Regarding Jews, the same executive said we should have finished the job, Kronrad said.
We just feel like its more of a walking area so it stands to reason there are going to be more people passing by, she said. Pride Factory has always been a destination for its customers, meaning they would drive to the store mindful of specific brands and items they would like to buy.
I cook here like I took you to my house. Like you would go into a Puerto Rican house to eat, not a commercial kitchen. No corners cut, said the chef-owner of La Cosinita Latina in West Palm Beach. Lucena deliberately changed the spelling of cocinita (small kitchen), replacing the second c for an s to represent the word sabor or flavor in Spanish.
Over a period of 60 years, the Legion became a global force as it cultivated ties to Vatican officials, very wealthy Catholics and conservative Republican luminaries in the United States. By the late 1990s, its founder Marcial Maciel was exposed for his decades of sexual predation, but wasnt removed from ministry by the Vatican until 2006.
All last nights vote did was allow staff to start vetting the project, to start meeting with consultants, to dig deep, Glassman said. This was just the next step you have to take to allow everyone to start seriously talking to each other. Our staff now has the go-ahead to start those discussions.
It happened about 5:30 a.m. Thursday at 8020 Cleary Blvd., just west of North University Drive, in Plantation when police went to check out a report of a man sleeping in a van.
Keith Oswald, the districts chief of equity and wellness, explained to the board that there are four metrics that must be met in order for masks to be optional on campus: when COVID-19 vaccines are available to children between 5 and 11 years old; when the weekly average number of new COVID-19 cases are below 50 per 100,000 people; when the weekly COVID-19 positivity rate stays below 8%; and when both of those weekly numbers remain at those moderate levels for four weeks.
Sometimes I would just sit in the backyard in a chair and cry, she told CBS12 News. Maldonado said Amore Pools low prices and promises of quick construction convinced her to do business with them. She and her husband ended up paying for 70 percent of the project, about $28,000, only to be left with a hole in their backyard.
Cruz, 23, became visibly upset after a prospective juror cried in the courtroom. One of his attorneys brought him colored pencils and a piece of paper, prompting a clash between the attorneys over whether he should be allowed to draw using the pencils to avoid getting upset.
At Thursdays board meeting, each district superintendent was given five minutes to state their case on why their districts shouldnt be penalized. They said they were following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Delta variant was impacting children, that theres no vaccine for young children, that cases and quarantines were mounting and masks have been effective at reducing spread.
Mayor Rex Hardin of Pompano Beach, who was among the local officials who spoke, decried the way they said local officials are disregarded by DeSantis. Mayor Tamara James of Dania Beach said women need a governor who wont threaten womens rights to make their own decisions, a reference to the threat to abortion rights. I find it very offensive and hurtful to so many women who dont have the ability to choose what is in their bodies or goes in their body, James said.
Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried smiles as she takes off her mask before speaking at a Wednesday news conference announcing the eradication of the giant African land snails in Florida at Douglas Park in Miami. On Thursday, she released information she compiled using publicly available information about masks in schools, data she says that Gov. Ron DeSantis does not share showing that mask mandates in schools work to keep the COVID case count down. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) (Wilfredo Lee/AP)
Arab, AL (35016)

Today

Rain showers this morning with overcast skies during the afternoon hours. Morning high of 63F with temps falling to near 45. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Mostly clear. Low 33F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.
By Ellianna Cierpiot

cierpiot@grinnell.edu

On Thursday October 7, at 11:15 a.m, student mailroom workers organizing with the Union of Grinnell Student Dining Workers (UGSDW) delivered a set of demands to mailroom supervisors Kim Hegg and Payton Ronfeldt. Outside the JRC at 11:15, students associated with UGSDW, mailroom employees and supporters gathered with signs.

Kim Hegg and Payton Ronfeldt have allegedly misgendered transgender workers in the mailroom and called employees by the wrong name, including in official scheduling documents. Other students have alleged prejudice regarding students countries of origin. Employees have also expressed dissatisfaction with the pay disparity between cashiers and package handlers (cashiers are selected by supervisors, and receive 51 cents more per hour than package handlers).

This comes after mailroom employees joined with UGSDW last spring to demand safer working conditions due to alleged violations of COVID-19 protocol. The College agreed to five of the eight demands. Since the spring, mailroom workers allege that Ronfeldt has continued to not wear a mask in spaces with students.

The following are the mailroom workers official demands:

All mailroom workers should be paid $10.00 an hour, with no disparity between cashiers/non-cashiers. The mailroom should implement a point system for students and abandon the current policy of firing workers at will. Mailroom supervisors must cease misgendering students workers. Mailroom student workers should also be referred to by their preferred names. Supervisors should provide all student workers with name tags that include an option for students to express their pronouns. Mailroom supervisors should cease to make comments about Grinnell College students, mailroom student workers, delivery service workers, etc. on the basis of appearance, sexual identity, gender, or anything not pertinent to the functioning of the mailroom. This includes comments based in racism, homophobia, transphobia, xenophobia, ableism, and more. Shift leaders and cashiers are selected based on a vote by mailroom workers and not by the mailroom supervisors who tend to favor particular student workers based on their identity. Workers will have paid sick leave that covers their wages if they get sick and either must stay in isolation, or are unable to attend work. This includes contraction of COVID-19, as well as other illnesses such as strep throat or the common cold. Mailroom workers should have autonomy over when they work during a given week. Shift times should not be chosen by mailroom supervisors. A formal scheduling process should be implemented to allow mailroom student workers to schedule their own shifts without facing pressure or retribution from supervisors. Mailroom supervisors should cease to make comments to student mailroom workers that criticize the work ethic and behavior of other workers. When not in a room behind a closed door, supervisors must be required to wear masks at all time.

This is a developing story. Nina Baker contributed reporting.

Edit 10/07/21: The previous article indicated that the demands were written by UGSDW. This article has been edited to reflect that these demands were written by mailroom employees, not UGDSW.
MBABANE  Eswatini has been removed from the grey list by the European Union (EU).

Eswatini along with Australia and Maldives were listed as being removed from the grey list on Tuesday according to the evolution of the EU list of tax havens. Other countries which were removed from the black list and added to the grey list include Anguilla, Dominica and Seychelles. Added to the grey list were Costa Rica, Hong Kong, Malaysia, North Macedonia, Qatar and Uruguay. This list was adopted by the uropean Union Council on October 5, 2021. However, it was stated that the list becomes official upon publication in the Official Journal.

The European Union tax haven blacklist, officially the EU list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions, is a tool of the EU that lists tax havens. It is used by Member States to tackle external risks of tax abuse and unfair tax competition. It was adopted for the first time in 2017 as a response to tax avoidance in the EU, screening 92 countries.

Contacted

The Minister of Finance, Neal Rijkenburg was contacted to comment on the removal, to which he said; That is correct. We have been working with the EU and The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in ratifying agreements to move off the grey list. It has been previously reported that Eswatini was one of the few countries to appear on the European Unions grey list in terms of tax cooperation. The grey list was said to comprise of countries that have made sufficient commitments to implement tax good governance principles but are not yet fully compliant.

Previously, Botswana, Eswatini and Thailand were in the grey list, while Morocco, Namibia and Saint Lucia have been promoted off all lists, having met their commitments. The grey list, also called the watch list includes countries whose commitments in terms of tax compliance are considered insufficient by the European Union, but their implementation is closely monitored.

*The EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes is a tool to tackle:

*Tax fraud or evasion: illegal non-payment or under payment of tax.

*Tax avoidance: use of legal means to minimise tax liability.

*Money laundering: concealment of origins of illegally obtained money.

Not so long ago, in February; the country was one of the few countries to appear on EUs grey list. At the time, the country was enlisted alongside Botswana and Thailand. First launched in 2017, the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes is part of the EUs external tax strategy and aims to contribute to ongoing efforts to promote good tax governance in the world.

The reason for the listing is because these countries have failed to engage in a constructive dialogue with the EU on tax governance or have not met their commitments to the EU regarding tax transparency, fair taxation, or implementation of international tax standards. To avoid tax blacklisting, countries must also receive a largely compliant rating from the Global Forum concerning the exchange of information on request.
MBABANE- Documentary filmmaking is a braver way of making films because it is real and the production crew is there to witness peoples emotions.

For Comfort Ndzinisa, who is the brains behind one of Eswatinis documentaries that have attracted international media and audience, he shared on his social media pages that this had been the most difficult work he has ever done especially for his emotions. Ndzinisa produced the documentary titled The Unthinkable in collaboration with the ESwatini Solidarity Fund. The documentary shows the different activities that occurred during the political unrest. It was first uploaded on YouTube then played last night on SABCs Cutting Edge.

On YouTube, it has since recorded over thirty one thousand viewers in just two days of uploaded. Some of the scenes had interviews of people sharing their experiences and how they were affected during then unrest where most civilians were shot and injured. They all narrated how they were affected and the challenges they are currently facing because of the injuries they sustained. One of the scenes had an old women who shared her heartfelt grieve and concern as she said her grandson was killed in cold blood.

The 62 minutes documentary has also been aired on one of the biggest investigative programme called Cutting Edge on SABC 1. It was broadcasted on Tuesday at 9:30pm and its second part will be aired next week Tuesday, October 12, 2021. Cutting Edge is the first of its kind South African investigative programme in African languages that airs on SABC 1. The show informs, educates, empower and uplift tomorrows nation. It presents realities of life as they present themselves from corruption, health, education, labour, politics, arts and culture and sports.

Some of the comments shared YouTube could not be repeated however, most thanked the brains behind the documentary. Some were asking how they could assist the alleged victims through the Eswatini Solidarity Fund.
MANZINI  As the overall unemployment rate is at 33.3 per cent, an opportunist took advantage of this by preying on desperate female Facebook users and allegedly raping them.

The suspect is a 27-year-old male of Dlangeni and he was arrested on Tuesday at Ngculwini by police officers from the Mafutseni Police Station. According to impeccable sources, the suspect lured women who had posted on various Facebook groups seeking employment. He is said to have disguised his intentions of sexually violating them under the pretext of having sourced employment for them.

This, it was said, he did by first sourcing his targets contacts from the advertisements they had posted on the social media groups with the hope that prospective employers would use when contacting them. Thereafter, it was gathered that he would contact the females and inform them to come to Ngculwini where he resided. According to sources, it was said *Muzis modus operandi would be to pretend that he was a single parent raising an infant and as such, he urgently needed a domestic assistant.

Desperation

Out of desperation, his targets are said to have fell for his tricks and travelled to Ngculwini where he resided. One of the survivors is said to have travelled to Ngculwini seeking to meet her employer but upon arrival, she noted that the male was younger than what she had been made to believe. It was gathered that she walked with him but along the way, Muzi started saying that there were no prospects of employment instead she should be his girlfriend.

The job seeker was said to have panicked and communicated this with a relative; but while that was happening, Muzi grabed the phone from her. The job seeker was said to have fled from him and sought refuge in a nearby homestead. However, as she fled, the job seeker was said to have dropped her bags, which Muzi took and fled with.

Also, in a different incident, Muzi was said to have posed as a businessman in need of someone to work in his shop. It was gathered that some women fell for his tricks. Some of the women were said to have been informed that Muzi would then relay to them that he was sent by his employer to direct them to the residence where they would meet him before resuming their duties.

Destination

While walking to their unknown destination, it was established that Muzi would then lead them towards a place with dense vegetation. Thereafter, he would instill fear in the women with a variety of stories. Seeing that they were gullible at that instance, he was said to have advised the women to follow his instruction in order for them to be saved from what was about to befall them.

One woman who was said to have also fallen for Muzis trickery was allegedly raped by him in several instances as she had arrived at Ngculwini with no money to return home. It was said the woman had resided with him at his place of abode until he decided to tell her to pack her things and leave. On the day he chucked her out, it was gathered that another woman arrived, who was also under the assumption that she was being employed.

Assistance

According to sources, while residing with some of the women, Muzi was said to have ordered them to request financial assistance from their next of kin, which upon receipt, he would use for his personal gain. According to impeccable sources, police were investigating the matter as there were suspicions that there were more women who had fallen for Muzis trickery; however, for now, it was said only three had reported their ordeal to the police. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Phindile Vilakati confirmed the matter.

She said there were suspicions that there could be more people who were abused by the suspect and pleaded with those who were willing to come forward to contact Thandiwe Dlamini on 7606 8891 or Manzini RCBO Thabo Hlophe on 7605 3042 or Mafutseni Desk Officer Assistant Inspector Akhona Dludlu on 7626 0105.
MBABANE  Social media users reacted with outrage to the much talked about documentary titled Unthinkable that relayed the stories of people who were allegedly shot by security personnel at the height of the political unrest in the country.

The documentary was aired on SABC 1s Cutting Edge on Tuesday night. Facebook users expressed shock on the scenes that were aired. According to some of the users, it will be difficult for them to forget some of the scenes they witnessed. They blamed government for not being truthful about the brutality by law enforcers.

Government claimed that 35 people were killed during the unrest while various individuals and institutions on social media alleged that about 100 were killed.

The Times of Eswatini only managed to trace 39 relatives of people who claimed that they lost their loved ones, allegedly at the hands of the security forces.

Those interviewed in the documentary relived the traumatic experience.

shooting

Some were relatives to those who passed on while others were victims of the shootings. The documentary was launched on Sunday on the Facebook page of Swaziland News by the Producer and Director, Comfort Ndzinisa, in collaboration with the Eswatini Solidarity Fund and it attracted a massive viewership of local and international citizens who took to social media commenting about the scenes of the political unrest that also claimed lives. The complete documentary can also be found on YouTube under the title; The Unthinkable. SABC 1 also announced that part II would be played around the same time next week on Cutting Edge.

Survivors recounted their experiences on how they were allegedly shot by security personnel, while relatives of those who died also expressed their anguish over losing their loved ones under unclear circumstances. They also expressed their disappointment in government for the manner in which the situation was handled.

The documentary was introduced with protest and petition deliveries following the death of law student Thabani Nkomonye under unclear circumstances, resulting in government appointing Senior Magistrate Nonhlanhla Dlamini as Coroner to investigate circumstances leading to Nkomonyes death.

scene

Scenes of shootings, allegedly by the police were shown, while the protestors run in all directions. Another scene follows where protestors burn buildings and loot shops. An interview of Minister of Commence, Industry and Trade, Mancoba Khumalo, which he had with Newzroom Afrika, on whether the military took over the running of the country with an iron fist and (allegedly) killed people was part of the footage. The response the minister gave was that indeed there was nothing to hide as they had to involve the army. Thereafter, an elderly woman identified as Gogo Mavuso was interviewed and she narrates how she lost her grandson.

shocked

She stated that she was shocked when she received a call from her daughter at dawn, informing her that her grandson had passed away. I cried helplessly, the elderly woman said. Mavuso said the child was allegedly shot during the protests while he had been sent to run an errand. She said due to poverty, they struggled to bury the deceased and when they requested assistance from government, they were allegedly ignored.

A survivor whose identity was not revealed claimed that he was on his way to town as he had been sent by his mother to buy some items and along the way hooked up with friends and diverted to unwind at GV Centre. However, he said on their way out from GV, they met a crowd of people who had formed a barricade and were burning tyres. While we were still watching what was happening, police arrived and they started shooting at us. He stated that people ran in all directions, including himself, and in almost 10 seconds he was shot. He said he was latter assisted by a good Samaritan, who took him to hospital.

Another female survivor working in a textile factory claimed she was going to work when the horrific encounter happened. She stated that she came across people who were running and she joined them. We saw police shooting and there was no way I could just stand, which is why I also ran away. She said while running, she heard the sound of a gunshot and did not think it was directed at her. I felt my leg go numb and started bleeding but I continued to run.

sought

The survivor added that as they were running, they sought shelter in another shop where the security let them in. She said she was overwhelmed and did not know what to do and started praying when another young man came along. The man realised that she was bleeding profusely and helped her by covering the wound. As the unexpected scene played out, she said some people were helping themselves in a furniture shop nearby. She stated that police forced them to carry the stolen beds that had been abandoned by the people who had run away when they realised that the police had arrived.

One of the youngest survivor is 10 years old. His guardians said that he was from school when he was shot. While all the survivors told their stories, it was noted that almost all of them did not state that they were part of the protest but were merely passing by. About one or two of the survivors acknowledged being part of the people who were protesting. As some of the people told their stories, an interview with Minister of Information, Communication and Technology Princess Sikhanyiso was replayed in the background.

She was asked about the killings which were making international headlines and she responded that foreign mercenaries had invaded the country. The minister alleged that the mercenaries were hired by those people who were advocating for change.

harm

An interview of Government Spokesperson Sabelo Dlamini was played in which he said; No order was issued to kill or harm citizens. Dlamini said security forces were deployed to bring order, protect lives and critical national infrastructure after criminal elements went on a rampage to loot shops and burn public and private property worth hundreds of millions, including health facilities. He stated that if there were innocent bystanders caught up in the midst of attempts to bring order and save lives, it could have been an operational accident and not intentional. Dlamini added that government respected the right to life as enshrined in the Constitution and did not intentionally kill or harm citizens.
EZULWINI  All grades are expected in school come next week Monday on a full-time basis.

This means an end to the rotational system that was previously put in place by government. This was announced by the Minister of Education and Training, Lady Mabuza, during a press conference held yesterday at the Eswatini Revenue Services (ERS) Headquarters. The minister said government had approved the reopening of schools, for all grades, every day of the week from October 11, 2021. This will assist the ministry in implementing fully the compressed curriculum and finish the syllabus in time for the administration of exams in March 2022, said the minister.

normalcy

She said they would also ensure that the school calendar for 2022 was completed in December and allow government to bring back normalcy for the academic year starting January 2023. I would like to encourage head teachers to ensure that COVID-19 protocols are observed even with the full class complement, said Mabuza. She said the inspectorate would continue to monitor that with the support of the Ministry of Health surveillance teams.

Mabuza also said the ministry would continue to ensure that schools had enough water for handwashing and cleaning purposes. Head teachers are also encouraged to liaise with regional education officers in case they face water shortages. This also goes for the school feeding programme, we expect them to alert their REOs she said. The minister said government would continue disbursing the free primary education (FPE) and orphaned and vulnerable childrens (OVC) funds so that teaching and learning continued smoothly. She said schools that would experience challenges of any nature would be expected to report such to their respective REOs.

As a ministry, we acknowledge the challenges of shortage of staff and we are doing our best to address them, she said. The minister reiterated governments request to all communities to protect their schools. The violent incidents we have been witnessing not only disturb the learning process and the development of children, but it cost government a lot of money to rebuild schools and they also create fear and uncertainty among the staff. All these result in expenses not budgeted for, said Mabuza.

urge

She urged and pleaded with all teachers to bear with the ministry during these difficult times. We are aware that you are at the centre of effective learning in the schools and we bank on your support as a ministry, said Mabuza. The minister advised all learners to focus on their education because they needed it and to also attend classes and cooperate in school as instructed by their teachers. This is the most difficult time for you to acquire education. However, standards are not modified just because you have been learning under difficult circumstances. As such you are still expected to perform to the highest standards like all other students in the world, she said.

Mabuza said to focus meant to desist from abusing drugs and engaging in illicit businesses, avoiding absenting yourselves from school and to cooperate with teachers at all times, especially by adhering to COVID-19 protocols and applying themselves in their schoolwork. She further said the girl-child should not be scared to continue going to school because they had fallen pregnant. The opening of schools is happening amid continuing protests by pupils.

violent

Teachers in two schools in the Lubombo Region yesterday ran for cover after pupils turned violent and pelted them with stones. The teachers are from Mnotfweni Primary School and Siphofaneni High School. Due to the incidents, classes in both schools were suspended indefinitely. Another school, Lomahasha High, also suspended classes after pupils protested and called for the schools administration to visit one of their schoolmates, Machawe Lukhuleni, who was shot during the June/July political unrest. Lukhuleni spent almost six months at the Mbabane Government Hospital. He has since been discharged and is recovering at home.

Sigcaweni High pupils also locked the school gate, while Gamula High and Primary schools pupils also boycotted classes. Kamkhweli Primary and high school pupils also suspended classes after their pupils vandalised classrooms. A KaMkhweli Primary teacher, who requested to comment anonymously, said they were concerned about their safety. We ran in different directions as the stones were flying all over as the pupils shouted that lessons cannot continue without their demands being addressed. We fear for our lives now because the pupils have resorted to violence. We told our head teacher that we wont go back to class until the prevailing atmosphere normalises, said the teacher. Mnotfweni Head teacher, Julianah Lushaba, said the pupils locked the gate and sang political songs, joined by those from Mnotfweni High. Lushaba said she had called a parents meeting next week Monday.

worried

The head teacher said she was worried about the safety of the educators as the pupils had started to be violent. She said the pupils pelted stones at the teachers and vandalised windows of some classrooms and those of the kitchen. I have informed the REO about the matter. We are not safe as teachers. We hope the ministry will address the pupils grievances, she said.

Meanwhile, Lomahasha High Head teacher Muzi Tsabedze said he had to suspend classes after the pupils rioted. I will be meeting the school committee tomorrow (today) to map a way forward, Tsabedze said. Lubombo Regional Education Officer (REO) Richard Dlamini said he would be visiting the affected schools to get the pupils demands so that they could be addressed.
EZULWINI  Members of Parliament (MPs) have been encouraged to call to order members of their constituencies.

This was said by the Prime Minister, Cleopas Dlamini, yesterday during the last day of the retreat held for the legislators at the Eswatini Revenue Services (ERS) Auditorium. In vernacular the PM said, Emalunga nawo vele ayacelwa kutsi akhutsate nawo lekuma constituencies akakhute phela. He said while their constituencies continued to press them on the several demands which they had, the people and MPs must also play their part. He said it would not work that while government had recently, for example, built an inkhundla structure and had not even furnished it with chairs, the structure was burnt.

Construction

He said this would set everyone back. He said the construction of some schools was not even completed as some did not even have science labs, but those had already been set alight. I am, therefore, asking you that you talk against what is happening as no one can expect service delivery with all that is going on, said Dlamini. He said unemployment was reported to be the biggest challenge, but people were burning the very firms which were supposed to employ them. He said if a firm was destroyed yet it was government that was being fought, it made no sense.

The PM said this was a vicious cycle which had to be addressed, adding that it was easy to blame government. He said this would also affect foreign direct investment (FDI) as no one would want to invest in the country. The PM said they were not against protests, but the destruction of property. However, a majority of the MPs took exception to the PMs submission that they should call the people to order (kukhuta). One of them was Dvokodvweni MP, Mduduzi Magagula, who wondered how he could call for calm under his constituency when government had failed to deliver on its promises.

How do you tell people to be silent when government has failed to deliver which is what is causing the unrest, said MP Magagula. In vernacular he said, sikhuta njani. The MP said in the case of Sikhuphe residents, people were in 2014 told to stop farming and construction of any structures as government would be bringing them development. The MP further said government had promised to compensate them for their fields and damaged houses. He said the houses now had cracks and with the ongoing rains, people were expected to be silent yet for six years there had been no compensation or communication from government. He said he did not know how to call the people to order.

Comfortable

Maseyisini MP Mduduzi Small Joe Dlamini said he was also not comfortable with the PMs statement that they should call their constituents to order. Utsi asikhute, but the situation is not very easy out there, we do it, but there is a challenge that the same people gave us petitions which have not been discussed, he stated. He made an example of the Gege-Sicunusa Road which he stated still was not completed. The situation is not normal out there, but we are behaving as if it is, said the MP. Ndzingeni MP Lutfo Dlamini said the PM must go out to the tinkhundla centres and engage the constituents, in particular the youth. You must come and listen to them and give them the microphone so that they can tell you in person what they want, he said.

He said he was volunteering to work with government in order to achieve this. Ludzeludze MP Vusi Swali said what shocked him about the whole unrest was governments silence. He said it was not about the MPs to call people to order. In response, the PM said when he suggested that the MPs call their electorate to order, he did not mean it in a bad way as the MPs had clearly taken it. He said they would coordinate with the office of the speaker to address all the issues.

He said he understood that working in silos was not good for the entire benefit of the country. He said this was indeed an unusual situation and they would do whatever possible to address it.

On another note, the PM said government processes were cumbersome, especially on procurement issues, but they would address some of the bottlenecks. Meanwhile, the Commonwealth expert Dr Roger Koranteng said he wished nothing but peace to prevail in Eswatini. He also called for dialogue to continue.
dnata, a leading provider of ground handling, cargo and catering services at airports, has been named Cold Chain Service Provider of the Year at the 8th Payload Asia Awards.



The award recognises the most outstanding companies in the air cargo supply chain across Asia Pacific to celebrate their certified track record of excellence and industry compliance in the airfreight market. The award was presented at a gala event in Singapore.



Charles Galloway, Regional CEO for Asia Pacific, dnata, said: We are proud to be recognised by the industry as a trusted member of the air cargo ecosystem. We continue to work closely with our partners across the supply chain to consistently provide world-class safety and services to our customers.



dnata has recently invested significantly in infrastructure, equipment and training to ensure that it provides shippers with a transparent and reliable cool chain product. The company has been using the latest technology, best practices and certified warehouses to deliver best-in-class services for customers.



dnata added a total of six high-tech 'cool dollies to its cargo fleets in Australia and Singapore, becoming the first air services provider in both markets to offer a fully integrated, temperature-controlled cool chain for pharma and perishable shipments.



In the Asia-Pacific region, dnata operates cool chain facilities in Singapore, Melbourne and Sydney. Designed and built with flexibility and unique product requirements in mind, the facilities enable dnatas cargo teams to offer an uncompromised temperature-controlled handling and storage solution to airline customers.



dnata consistently improves training and processes to transport temperature-sensitive shipments to the highest international standards. Teams receive specialised training and temperature-sensitive cargo is given priority loading and unloading to ensure that it is moved quickly with minimised temperature fluctuation.



dnata is the only air services provider in Australia that has been awarded the World Health Organizations (WHO) Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certification for the pharmaceutical handling services at its facilities. In achieving the certification, dnata proved its capability of handling pharmaceutical products safely and reliably.



In addition to its CEIV Fresh certification, dnata holds IATAs Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma) accreditation at Singapore Changi Airport. dnata has also earned the ISO 9001:2015 certification for cargo handling services, and been awarded Halal certification by Majlis Ugama Islam Singapura (Muis) for a special storage room in its Coolchain facility.



dnata is a global member of Pharma.Aero, a cross-industry collaboration of pharma shippers, CEIV certified cargo communities, airport operators and other air cargo industry stakeholders.



dnata operates at 15 airports in the Asia Pacific region, delivering reliable and safe ground handling, cargo and catering services to over 80 airlines with a team of highly trained, customer-oriented aviation professionals.  TradeArabia News Service
More than 65 countries will be represented by exhibitors from across the globe next month at WTM London  the leading global event for the travel industry.

Thousands of delegates will converge on ExCeL London from November 1-3 for the physical event, and  with the new hybrid format  there will be a virtual event on November 8-9.

With travel restrictions around the world easing and consumer confidence growing each day, the number of confirmed exhibitors attending the live event continues to grow  reflecting the ambitious plans from trade professionals around the world to reconnect, rebuild and innovate, a statement from the organisers said.

Exhibitors will be representing a wide range of tourism companies and organisations, including tourist boards, hotel chains, cruise lines, and major attractions, and many will host partners on their stands, to support smaller enterprises.

WTM London & Travel Forward Exhibition Director Simon Press said: With less than a month to go until we open our doors, its exciting to see so many exhibitors planning to come to London to connect with buyers, suppliers and media.

The UK government has relaxed many of its travel restrictions and scrapped its traffic light system, making it easier for delegates to come in person  and the easing of curbs around the world means there are strong indicators and high hopes for a robust recovery in 2022.

Our research reveals there is a great deal of pent-up consumer demand for travel, so exhibitors at WTM London will be able to generate valuable business and network face-to-face for the first time in two years.

Destinations can showcase their attractions to tourism companies and media colleagues around the world as the sector comes together to rebuild and innovate."

Europe leads the way, with representatives from almost 30 countries attending as exhibitors, from major destinations such as France, Greece and Spain and smaller ones, such as Sardinia, Armenia and Gibraltar.

Another 38 countries will be represented  from major destinations such as the US and India, and smaller, niche exhibitors representing businesses and tourist organisations from the likes of the Falklands, Galapagos and Iran.

Alongside popular tourism hotspots, the USA Pavilion will welcome 15 partners, including Walt Disney Swan & Dolphin, The Louisiana Office of Tourism, Memphis Tourism and Visit Mississippi. Visit Florida, LAS Vegas and NYC & Company will also be exhibiting as well as Cruise America, one of Canada and Americas most popular recreational vehicle companies.

Every continent is featured, with exhibitors from countries in Central and South America such as Peru and Guatemala; from African nations such as Tanzania and South Africa and North Africa, Egypt, from Asia, such as Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Emerging destinations will be represented at WTM London, such as Japan and its capital, which are keen to capitalise on the legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympic Games.

The Middle East and the Gulf regions are well represented with the UAE  with Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Ajman and Fujairah  plus Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Regions that rely heavily on tourism are well represented, such as the Indian Ocean  with exhibitors from Sri Lanka, Maldives  and the Caribbean.

The Caribbean Tourism Organisations stand will be shared by tourist boards from St Lucia, Cayman Islands, Martinique, as well as suppliers such as the new cruise line Tradewind Voyages and properties such as Sunswept Resort St Lucia and Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort.

Delegates will also meet exhibitors from the tourist boards of the Bahamas, Barbados and Jamaica.

Exhibitors from India include the tourist boards of Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka and tour and hospitality firms.

The Managing Director of Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Sheo Shekhar Shukla, will lead a high-powered delegation showcasing the states eco-tourism, culture and regenerative tourism initiatives.

Meanwhile, Karnataka will highlight its culture, wildlife, beaches, wellness tourism, monuments and temples.-TradeArabia News Service
Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) has announced the launch of a revitalised and strengthened multi-level tourism push to attract residents of the UAE and other Gulf countries to choose Uganda as their preferred destination for luxury adventure and reconnection programmes with nature.

This was unveiled at the Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights during the Uganda Tourism Trade and Investment Forum 2021 on October 5. The announcement was made in conjunction with Ugandas participation at Expo 2020, and the launch of inaugural direct flights by Uganda Airlines to Dubai.

Speaking at the forum and heading a delegation of 15 officials and key professionals from the Ugandan tourism industry, UTB CEO Lilly Ajarova said: We are excited to launch our revitalised international travel programme targeting the UAE and GCC specifically. Our presence this week in Dubai, along with the launch of Expo 2020 and the launch of Uganda Airlines flights to Dubai makes this mission extremely poignant and meaningful.

The African country has direct flights between Uganda and the UAE, with Emirates flying five times a week and flydubai daily flights from Dubai, and Air Arabia operating three flights a week from Sharjah starting October 10. Uganda Airlines touched down in Dubai for the first time on October 4 and has scheduled flights three times a week.

Qatar Airways also operates daily direct flights from Doha to Uganda.

Using the many carriers and flight options available, the UTB will launch a number of "partnerships and marketing initiatives, to ensure quality-focused tourism offerings are made available to the residents of the UAE and other Gulf countries seeking rejuvenation, a reconnection to nature and people and meaningful luxury moments in a covid-safe environment".

The activities kick off with a series of seminars and workshops in Dubai and Abu Dhabi on October 10 and 11, respectively, for the UAEs leading outbound travel professionals, and meetings and incentive planners.

The Ugandan Pavilion at Expo 2020 will also feature opportunities for visitors to learn what the country has to offer as a travel destination, as well as discovery travel packages with value-added offers. A plethora of digital marketing, social media campaigns as well as the hosting of UAE media influencers and key travel agents will also be conducted to spread the word of Uganda as the Pearl of Africa.

Representing the hotel and hospitality industry, UTB Vice Chairperson and Uganda Hotel Owners Association Chairperson Susan Muhwezi said: The Ugandan tourism industry is committed to reaching out to the UAE and surrounding Gulf countries on many levels.

"Through consumer and travel trade marketing, exceptional holiday experiences will be created and communicated to entice visitors. Additionally, we are committed to engage with the UAEs many hotel suppliers, hospitality and tourism training professionals to ensure that our two tourism industries are well connected at different levels.

"In addition to a comprehensive roll out of marketing activities from this month into the New Year, our marketing programmes in the UAE will be enhanced as we will also look to make the UAE and the Middle East region the first international market to launch our new branding campaign that will be launched in early 2022. With our representative office located in Dubai, our commitment to this market is strong and long term," concluded Ajarova.-TradeArabia News Service
Turkmenistan observed a mournful date - Day of Remembrance of victims of the 1948 Ashgabat earthquake and those killed in the wars fought by the Turkmen people. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov took part in the official flower laying ceremony at the People's Memory memorial complex in Ashgabat.

Early in the morning, thousands of Ashgabat residents gathered at the memorial complex in the southwestern part of the Turkmen capital. The head of state paid tribute to the memory of those who died during the 1948 earthquake by laying a wreath of flowers at the majestic Spirituality monument.

Then, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov laid wreaths of flowers at the foot of the Sons and Eternal Glory monuments erected in honor of Turkmen soldiers who died in the battle against fascism and heroes of all wars who perished in the battles for freedom of the Motherland.

The head of state was followed by the leaders of the national parliament, heads of government, military and law enforcement agencies, Ashgabat mayor's office, representatives of political parties and public associations, elders, students and residents of the capital who laid wreaths and bouquets of flowers at the monuments.

 TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2021
Rupee up 3 paise against USD 18 Nov 2021 | 7:02 PM Mumbai, Nov 18 (UNI) The Rupee on Thursday rose nominal three paise at 74.23 against the US Dollar on selling of US Dollar by bankers and importers, a dealer at the Foreign Exchange told UNI. see more..

Sensex down 372 32 pts 18 Nov 2021 | 7:01 PM Mumbai, Nov 18 (UNI) The equity market remained negative for the third straight session on Thursday, as the BSE Sensex dropped 372.32 pts to close at 59,636.91 as selling was seen in Metal, Auto, Capital Goods and Realty stocks amid weak Asian Market. see more..

Pearl Academy holds Convocation ceremonies for the graduating batches of 2020 and 2021 18 Nov 2021 | 6:10 PM NEW DELHI and JAIPUR, India, Nov. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Pearl Academy, India's leading institution in creative education, recently organized convocation ceremony for students across Delhi and Jaipur. Apart from inviting the students' of 2021 batch, the institute went the extra mile and invited students' of 2020 batch, as they could not witness a physical convocation ceremony last year due to the pandemic. see more..

SIDBI joins hands with Google to help MSMEs 18 Nov 2021 | 6:07 PM MUMBAI, India, Nov. 18, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), the principal financial institution engaged in the promotion, financing and development of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has entered into a collaboration with Google for having a social impact lending programme with financial assistance up to Rs.100 lakh at competitive interest rates targeted at micro enterprises. see more..
Indigenous Peoples Day Celebrated at UW Oct. 11

Indigenous Peoples Day Every Day will be celebrated on Simpson Plaza from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11, at the University of Wyoming.

The celebration will feature stories and speakers to honor Indigenous Peoples Day across the U.S. The holiday, an official city and state holiday in various localities, honors the histories, cultures and perspectives of Indigenous peoples and their ancestors who lived on the land now known as North America.

The Laramie City Councils recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day as the second Monday in October will officially be announced during Mondays free public event.

UWs Native American student organization and the UW Native American Education, Research and Cultural Center sponsor the event.
Government Committed to Outcome Based on New Years Eve Agreement

Government has today released a statement noting that the European Council (ECOFIN) has today authorised the opening of negotiations for a treaty between the United Kingdom and the European Union to govern the future relationship between Gibraltar and the EU.

This follows approval by ambassadors of the 27 EU Member States on Friday.

The statement adds, 'Her Majestys Government of Gibraltar remains firmly committed to a final treaty which is based on the political framework provided for in the New Years Eve Agreement and will continue to work constructively towards that objective. In the event that this were not possible, preparations are also, concurrently, in hand to mitigate some of the effects of a no negotiated outcome.'

The formal start of the negotiations means that the Chief Minister, the Deputy Chief Minister and different parts of the Government will now be heavily involved in this process in the coming weeks and months ahead.

'The priority of the Government remains to secure a final agreement which is safe, secure and beneficial for Gibraltar. The intensity of the negotiations, and the preparations for and around them, will mean that it may take more time for any other meeting requests to materialise or any queries responded to, in particular where these involve the responsibilities of the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister. The Government would like to apologise to the public in advance for this. The Leader of the Opposition and the Leader of Together Gibraltar have already been notified that the work on the negotiations will understandably impact on meetings of Parliament and that the Government will endeavour to keep them briefed on how the negotiations are progressing.'

The Chief Minister Fabian Picardo said:

Undoubtedly, the key issue in this negotiation will be the inviolate preservation of our sovereignty, jurisdiction and control in every respect. We will work hand in glove with the United Kingdom on all matters relating to this negotiation and look forward to seeing the huge amount of preparatory work we have done together these past ten months now come to fruition. This was already one of the key issues I discussed with the new Foreign Secretary, Rt Hon Liz Truss, on Sunday and I know that both our teams work brilliantly together in defence of the wishes and interests of British Gibraltar. The Gibraltar Governments core team alongside me will be the Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia, the Attorney General Michael Llamas and the Financial Secretary Albert Mena on economic matters. All members of the Cabinet will be consulted on the areas of their concern and all members of the Cabinet will be kept fully briefed on the whole negotiation throughout, as we did with the negotiation of the Withdrawal Agreement. We will need to draw on the expertise of different Government ministers and departments and the private sector as the negotiations move forward. We will be meeting much more frequently now with interested groups in order to consult on any relevant issues which may arise. We will also consult with Opposition colleagues as we try to ensure that we make this as non-partisan as possible going forward. We must not pretend that this will be an easy negotiation. It will, of course be both hard and tricky. But the Government is nonetheless confident that, with goodwill and cooperation on all sides, a treaty can be concluded to protect the interests of Gibraltar, through our relationship with the European Union, for years and decades to come. I am optimistic and will continue to work to deliver a safe, secure and beneficial treaty for the benefit of Gibraltar, our people and the people of the area around us also.
Inaugural Tour at City Hall for Tourists

His Worship the Mayor, Mr Christian Santos GMD, hosted the inaugural tour of the City Hall for tourists. Visitors from the Windstar Cruise line have been the first to add the tour of City Hall to their offering via local tour operators MH Bland.

Visitors were welcomed at the Mario Finlayson Art Gallery where they could appreciate the works by Gibraltars heritage artists. A tour of the Mayors Parlour followed where they were offered refreshments and a taste of our local cuisine in the form of canapes.

His Worship says he is looking ahead to working with more cruise lines in the future to increase the number of tours offered. He wishes to invite tourists to City Hall so they can appreciate the beautiful historic building, and get a literal taste of Gibraltarian culture.
Advice to Blue Card Holders Entering and Exiting Schengen

The Government has said it has received a number of complaints from the holders of blue civilian registration cards that their passports are being stamped by the Spanish authorities on entry to and exit from the Schengen area.

These blue cards are held by UK nationals and EU citizens who were resident in Gibraltar as on 31 December 2020. The reports reaching the Government indicate that both UK citizens and some EU nationals have been stamped in the past few days.

The position is that once Gibraltar left the European Union, ordinarily ALL third country passports would be liable to be stamped on entry and exit from Schengen. While a new treaty is negotiated, bridging measures unilaterally extended by Spain meant that passports of those holding a red Gibraltar identity card or a blue Gibraltar civilian registration card were not being stamped.

However, on 1 October the United Kingdom introduced new rules under which EU nationals can no longer enter the UK with their identity card alone and required a passport instead. This change was followed by the systematic stamping of blue card holding UK nationals seeking to enter the EU through Gibraltar.

The advice to EU nationals resident in Gibraltar with a blue card is that they should ensure that they simply take their passport when crossing the border. This will avoid all stamping.

The advice to UK nationals resident in Gibraltar with a blue card is that there is a clear change in posture at the border. They should ensure that when stamped on the way in, they should also be stamped on the way back into Gibraltar, as otherwise the days accumulated will count towards their entitlement to 90 days in 180 visa-free. It does unfortunately mean that any entry and exit to Spain will count towards at least one day of those 90.

The Government has raised the matter with UK and Spain and 'understands that different options are being looked at. We will continue to work to provide solutions where possible.'
(The Center Square)  Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said Wednesday afternoon that Republicans will allow Democrats a temporary reprieve by helping push back the debt ceiling deadline until December. This will give Democrats more time to pass a budget measure to avoid the major economic fallout of defaulting on federal debt payments.

To protect the American people from a near-term Democrat-created crisis, we will also allow Democrats to use normal procedures to pass an emergency debt limit extension at a fixed dollar amount to cover current spending levels into December, he said. This will moot Democrats excuses about the time crunch they created and give the unified Democratic government more than enough time to pass standalone debt limit legislation through reconciliation.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., had pledged to vote on the debt ceiling this week, though that was in doubt. He had also lambasted Republicans for refusing to help raise the limit.

If the limit is not raised this month, the federal government would default on its debt payments, which would have major economic consequences. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has said a debt default would lead to a recession.

The U.S. has always paid its bills on time, but the overwhelming consensus among economists and Treasury officials of both parties is that failing to raise the debt limit would produce widespread economic catastrophe, she wrote in an op-ed to the Wall Street Journal warning Congress.

Leading up to this week, McConnell has repeatedly pointed out that Democrats have the votes to pass an increase to the debt ceiling without Republican help.

"Democrats have embarked on a massive and unprecedented deficit spending spree, McConnell said in a letter to President Joe Biden. Without a single Republican vote, they passed a $1.9 trillion Covid relief bill in March. Now they have passed a $3.5 trillion Budget Resolution, again without a single Republican vote."

Biden and other Democrats, though, have criticized Republicans for withholding their votes on the ceiling.

"My Republican friends need to stop playing Russian roulette with the US economy, Biden said. If they don't want to do the job, just get out of the way. We'll take the heat. We'll do it. We will do it. Let us do it. Let the Democrats vote to raise the debt limit without obstruction or any further delays.

In recent years, it has been common for the minority party to refuse to help the majority party increase the national debt, as Biden did when he was a U.S. senator. As Democrats get right up on the deadline, though, McConnell announced he would help them get a temporary extension.

The unified Democratic government had two and a half months to address the debt limit through reconciliation, he said. Instead, they drifted to the doorstep of yet another self-created Democratic crisis.

McConnell went on to say Republicans may be willing to agree to a more substantive increase to the debt ceiling if Democrats drop their planned several trillion dollars in human infrastructure spending.

Alternatively, if Democrats abandon their efforts to ram through another historically reckless taxing and spending spree that will hurt families and help China, a more traditional bipartisan governing conversation could be possible," McConnell said.
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Halls Sophie Garner-MacKinnon has been named the 2020-21 Gatorade Connecticut Softball Player of the Year, according to a release from Gatorade. Garner-MacKinnon is the first Gatorade Connecticut Softball Player of the Year to be chosen from Hall High School.
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-13 15:02:28|Editor: huaxia

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ULAN BATOR, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia's COVID-19 tally rose to 257,770 on Monday, with 2,351 new local infections registered over the past 24 hours, according to the country's health ministry.

Meanwhile, 10 more COVID-19 patients, all over 40, died in the past day, increasing the total death toll to 1,046.

The number of active cases across the country has risen to 63,207, including 286 in very serious conditions, according to the ministry.

The country's current COVID-19 resurgence is due to the Delta wave and mass gatherings, health authorities said, urging the public to avoid mass events and wear facial masks in public places.

The Asian country launched its national vaccination campaign in late February, with the aim of vaccinating at least 60 percent of its population of around 3.4 million.

So far, over 69 percent of the country's population has received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccines, with 65 percent having taken both jabs. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-09-14 23:17:35|Editor: huaxia

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TASHKENT, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Uzbekistan has sent humanitarian aid to neighboring Afghanistan to help the Afghan people overcome the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as prevent a possible humanitarian and food crisis, the Uzbek Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

The aid, including foodstuffs, other essential goods, medicines, clothing and footwear, was handed over in a ceremony held in the Afghan border town of Hairaton, it said.

The official representative of the interim government of Afghanistan announced by the Taliban, Zabihullah Mujahid, "on behalf of the entire Afghan people, expressed deep gratitude to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev for the great attention, support and solidarity shown in these difficult times for the country," said the press service of the Uzbek Foreign Ministry.

Mirziyoyev said earlier this month that his country was ready for a dialogue with the Taliban movement in Afghanistan, and that they have been in daily contact. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-07 14:53:21|Editor: huaxia

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ULAN BATOR, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Mongolia's COVID-19 infections grew by 2,237 to 319,247 in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said Thursday.

The latest confirmed cases were all local infections, and nearly half of them were detected in the capital city of Ulan Bator, the country's hardest-hit area during the pandemic.

Meanwhile, 15 more COVID-19 patients aged over 20 died in the past day, pushing the death toll to 1,318, said the ministry.

In addition, there are a total of 79,174 active COVID-19 cases in the country, and more than 330 of the patients are in serious condition.

Although over 65 percent of the country's population of 3.4 million have received two COVID-19 vaccine doses, the resurgence of the pandemic has continued due to the Delta variant, with more than 2,000 infections and more than 10 deaths reported every day.

Mongolian health authorities have urged the public to receive a booster or a third vaccine dose to boost their immune systems. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-07 17:23:31|Editor: huaxia

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by Peerzada Arshad Hamid

NEW DELHI, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- Local government in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh formed a one-member commission to probe the Lakhimpur Kheri violence in which eight people were killed, officials said Thursday.

A retired Allahabad High Court judge Pradeep Kumar Srivastava will probe the violence that broke out during the farmers' protest and has to submit the report in two months' time.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Commissions of Enquiry Act, 1952 (Act no. 60 of 1952), the Governor is pleased to appoint Justice High Court, Allahabad Pradeep Kumar Srivastava (retired) as a single-member Commission of enquiry with Headquarters at Lakhimpur Kheri," reads the contents of the notification quoted in local media.

"The Commission shall complete the enquiry within a period of two months from the date of the issue of this notification. Any change in its tenure shall be at the behest of the government."

Eight people, including four farmers, two workers of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, a driver and a local journalist, were killed after a car linked to federal junior home minister Ajay Mishra drove into peaceful farmer protesters from behind.

The incident took place on Sunday at Lakhimpur Kheri, about 132 km north of Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.

A video apparently of the incident has shown a car crashing into the protesters.

Protesting farmers alleged the minister's son, Ashish Mishra, was behind the attack. Both the minister and his son have denied even being at the spot.

Reports said the two ruling Bhartiya Janata Party workers and the driver were subsequently beaten to death by a mob of protesters.

Police have registered a case against the minister's son and started an investigation. So far, he has not been arrested.

The local government in the state-imposed restrictions and initially denied permission to the opposition leaders from visiting the district. It even detained the opposition leaders.

However, on Wednesday leaders from the main opposition Congress party - Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi, visited Lakhimpur Kheri and met the families of the deceased farmers and the journalist.

On Wednesday Supreme Court, meanwhile, registered public interest litigation on its own on the violence.

The top court while hearing the case on Thursday said it want to know "how many have been arrested" and asked for a status report by Friday from the local government.

"In the status report also tell us about the eight persons who have been killed. Farmers, journalist, etc. It is an unfortunate incident. Tell us whom you registered the First Information Report against. How many have you arrested," the Supreme Court questioned.

Violence in Lakhimpur Kheri has brought into the spotlight the ongoing farmers' protest that began in November last year demanding the withdrawal of three controversial farm laws.

Though the federal government has been strongly defending the laws, farmers fear the new laws will weaken their position and make them dependent on corporates.

The protesting farmers are camping on the borders of the national capital demanding revocation of the three laws.

The farmers have held 11 rounds of talks with the federal government. However, they remained inconclusive and no breakthrough was achieved. Both the federal government and the protesting farmers are adamant about their respective positions. Enditem
Source: Xinhua| 2021-10-07 21:10:19|Editor: huaxia

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NEW DELHI, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- India will begin granting fresh tourist visas to foreigners coming to India through chartered flights from Oct. 15, the federal home ministry announced Thursday.

"Foreign tourists entering into India by flights other than chartered aircraft would be able to do so only with effect from November 15, 2021 on fresh tourist visas," reads a statement issued by the home ministry.

The ministry said visiting foreign tourists and carriers bringing them, besides other stakeholders, at landing stations have to adhere to all protocols and norms relating to COVID-19 as notified by the federal health ministry from time to time.

All visas granted to foreigners were suspended in India last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision to grant visas to foreign tourists was taken after receiving representations from several state governments as well as various stakeholders in the tourism sector. Enditem
El ministro @RoberthoSanchez se presenta, de manera virtual, en la Sesion extraordinaria de la Comision de Comercio Exterior y Turismo del @congresoperu. pic.twitter.com/n2Nwd0xvlD
" " A group of Emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri) on Snow Hill Island on the Antarctic Peninsula. The mother protects her chick by holding it off the ice on her feet. Raimund Linke/Getty Images

Could penguins be any cuter? I mean, c'mon. Whether the Little Blue penguins of New Zealand  the world's smallest with an average height of 12 inches (33 centimeters)  or the Emperor penguins found marching around Antarctica (average height 44 inches or 112 centimeters), they're universally adored. Decked out in their tuxedo-like feathers, they can't fly but they zip around on their bellies in the snow and swim like Michael Phelps competing for another gold medal. Jenn O'Dell, a curator of mammals and birds at the Georgia Aquarium and part of the team that cares for the aquarium's flock of African penguins, let us in on a few more fun facts about this beloved bird.

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'Genres' and Geography

There are up to 26 different species of penguins. In the wild, they all live in the Southern Hemisphere on four continents  Africa, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Antarctica, typically places where the water is very cold. There is an exception. The endangered Galapagos penguin lives in the Galapagos archipelago, which is right on the equator.

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Feathery Forcefield

African penguins have incredibly small feathers and there are lots of them  about 8,200 feathers per square inch! That number will vary according to penguin species and size.

"Their feathers act like a barrier to the water they're swimming in," says O'Dell. "The feathers are important to their survival because they're swimming in really cold water. If they didn't have that barrier they wouldn't survive."

In addition to the density of the feathers, penguins also use oil from a uropygial gland, sometimes called a preen gland, located at the base of their tail, to preen or waterproof their feathers. "When they're swimming in the ocean, no water ever touches their skin," says O'Dell.

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Monogamous Mates

Most penguins will breed monogamously for life and return to the same breeding place. However, O'Dell says she and other researchers have seen mated pairs split up and form new pairs for no discernable reason. African penguins breed year-round with peak times in November and March. They typically lay two eggs that are incubated for about 40 days. Males and females are both engaged in incubating, tending and feeding the chicks after they hatch.

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Nesting Notes

Most penguins do not balance the eggs on the tops of their feet while incubating their eggs, as seen in the movie "The March of the Penguins." That's something done primarily by Emperor penguins because of the brutal Antarctic cold. Other penguin species may build a burrow or scrape together nesting material  rocks, mud, sticks or grasses  where they lay their eggs.

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The 'Catastrophic Molt'

Imagine having to go through an annual life cycle where you double your weight, lose all the hair on your body and then grow new hair. That's what penguins do every year.

"The catastrophic molt is a two-and-a-half-week process during which they lose all their feathers and grow new ones back," says O'Dell. "It's a natural thing they go through but it is physiologically stressful. In advance of molting, they will come close to doubling their body weight because they won't swim or hunt. That way, during that time when they're losing the feathers and growing them back, they've got enough reserves to get them through."

O'Dell says molting typically happens around the same season each year for African penguins, with some outliers. "You can probably find a molting penguin at any time of the year," she says, "But the majority will molt with the rest of the flock."

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Penguins Are Receptive Learners

Handlers at the Georgia Aquarium occasionally wanted their African penguins to take part in educational or interactive programs but they weren't sure how well they would take to instruction. Turns out penguins are pretty smart cookies. "When we started incorporating a more formalized training program with them, they learned incredibly fast," says O'Dell. "Like most animals they are responsive to operant conditioning and positive reinforcement. The way they respond to people has a lot to do with their history, where they came from, their interaction here and the training process." O'Dell says that like other animals, including many species of birds, penguins can form strong attachments to specific trainers.

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Conservation Status? It's All Over the Map

With so many penguin species, the conservation status runs the gamut from those that are of "least concern" like the Adelie and the "vulnerable" Macaroni which live and breed in Antarctic waters, to "endangered" Northern Rockhopper penguins, found in the more temperate South Atlantic and Indian Oceans, on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.

African penguins are also endangered on the IUCN Red List. "Their numbers have decreased 90 percent over the last 100 years," says O'Dell. "There are only 16,000 breeding pairs left. There's speculation that this species of penguin could be extinct within our lifetime, possibly in the next 15 to 20 years without significant changes."

The problems are mostly man-made. In addition to competing with humans for the same fish, O'Dell says their prey has also moved. "The penguins have to swim farther to get food and by the time they get back to their chicks, they've digested everything," she says. "They don't have anything to feed their young."

"Georgia Aquarium has committed to the species in a lot of different ways. There are people from our team, from vet services, who support the South African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) to help with rescue, rehab and release of African penguins and other seabird species, and fund research projects to get the African penguin population growing in the right direction again."

Now That's Interesting Penguins spend most of their lives in the water because that's where they find their food. The only time they're on land is when they're molting or breeding and raising their young. A group of penguins in the water is called a 'raft,' while a group of penguins on land is called a 'waddle.' Some other collective nouns for penguins include 'rookery,' 'colony' and 'huddle.'
" " The Iberian Lynx is critically endangered (the most threatened wild feline in the planet) and Sierra de Andujar in Andalusia is one of the only two places where Iberian Lynx sightings are still remotely possible. Arturo de Frias photography/Getty Images

It's well known that your typical in-shape house cat can survive a fall from a high-rise, sometimes with minimal injuries. A cat in Boston, for instance, fell 19 stories from her owner's apartment window and walked away with nothing more than a bruised chest. Cats are extraordinary survivors  not just physically agile and resilient, but also mentally tough.

To illustrate, here's a true story: One winter night a woman living in Minneapolis couldn't find her cat, Cuddles. She was distraught. As its name implied, the cat was a ball of affection who usually curled up at the foot of its owner's bed to keep it warm. After a panic-stricken day, the woman got a call from her neighbor who had just driven six hours to Chicago. After parking downtown, he heard a pitiful meowing from under the hood. When he opened it up, there was Cuddles, clinging to the battery. He'd been outside the night before, crawled up inside the car engine and taken a nap, only to wake up inside a deafening machine racing down the highway. There was nothing to do but hold on. When the woman got her cat back, she renamed it Scratch, because Cuddles wasn't cuddly again for a very long time.

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Crazy cat-survival tales  we've all heard them. But our coddled little pets have nothing on the true survivors  the felines that tough it out in the wild. Here are five amazing big cat cousins of your feline friend.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 7, ARMENPRESS. Eugene Chausovsky, Consultant with the Analytical Development department and a Non-Resident Fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Newlines Institute think-tank, says the gradual resumption of the OSCE Minsk Group negotiation process and the resumption of the Armenian-Azerbaijani dialogue over the Karabakh issue within the Minsk Group are a positive signal, however he doesnt expect major changes from the Minsk process.

Mr. Chausovsky told Armenpress that the recent meeting of the Armenian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers in New York under the mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs, which was the first meeting after the 2020 Artsakh War, shows the readiness of the Armenian and Azerbaijani sides to resume the negotiations. However, the American analyst is not sure that the Minsk Group is going to be the primary channel through which actual progress is made in the Karabakh diplomacy.

Its difficult to say to what extent the Minsk Group will be effective, but certainly we have seen some positive signals recently on the diplomatic front. I am not sure that the Minsk Group is going to be the primary channel through which, you know, actual progress is made, he said, however calling the willingness of the sides to resume the negotiations a positive signal. But I think the main constraints to any kind of major diplomatic breakthrough are still there. So I dont expect any major changes, but the fact that they are willing to revise these talks is at least a positive signal.

The expert has also commented on the disagreements between the Minsk Group Co-Chair countries  Russia on the one hand, and the US and France, on the other hand, connected with the comprehensive settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and in particular, the status of Artsakh.

The problem was that after the war, which ended by the statement on the ceasefire signed by the leaders of Russia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, Moscow was putting an emphasis on the implementation of the Russia-Armenia-Azerbaijan trilateral statements signed on 2020 November 9 and 2021 January 11, whereas the western co-chairs, particularly Washington were calling for resuming the substantive negotiations within the Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship format, putting the focus on clarifying the status of Nagorno Karabakh.

However, in early September, Moscow, in the person of the Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, started to change its rhetoric, expressing support to the activation of the work of the Co-Chairs for settling the Karabakh conflict based on the existing mandate. And shortly after this statement, the meeting organized by the Co-Chairs took place in New York.

According to Eugene Chausovsky, Russia, of course, would like to keep the process under its control in line with the Minsk Group, through alternative formats, however, the ceasefire violations in recent months and the instability of the security situation have forced Moscow to seriously think about resuming the Minsk Group Co-Chairmanship process.

Russia doesnt want to leave those discussion channels closed completely especially given the instability in the region. Thats probably one factor why Russia is more willing to hold such kind of negotiations, he said.

Russian political scientist Alexander Skakov also gave a comment to ARMENPRESS on the topic, in particular touching upon the fact that Azerbaijan has eventually made a concession, agreeing to meet with the Armenian side under the auspices of the Minsk Group Co-Chairs.

Azerbaijan shows willingness to negotiate, but this willingness doesnt mean that it will definitely negotiate literally. In other words, Azerbaijan will try to show that it is ready to negotiate, will talk about it at this or that platform, but in fact it wont negotiate around anything. This is Bakus policy in this particular case, Mr. Skakov said.

Interview by Aram Sargsyan

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 7, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian sent a congratulatory letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin on the occasion of birthday, the Armenian Presidents Office said.

Armenia highly values you and your significant contribution to the development of cooperation between our countries and the maintenance of peace and stability in the region.

I am sure that the allied relations, which are based on centuries-old brotherhood and mutual trust between our peoples and are directed for the future, will continue contributing to the promotion of bilateral agenda and the practical exercise of cooperation potential, the Armenian President said in his letter.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 7, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan sent a congratulatory letter to Fumio Kishida on being elected Prime Minister of Japan, Pashinyans Office said.

Your Excellency,

I warmly congratulate you on your election as the Prime Minister of Japan.

I praise the fact that over the past years Armenia and Japan have formed friendly relations based on mutual respect, are expanding the bilateral mutual partnership year by year, covering new areas of economic and cultural life. I am convinced that during your tenure the Armenian-Japanese relations will be supplemented with new programs and initiatives.

Armenia and the Armenian people are grateful to Japan for the constant support, which plays an important role in the development of our country.

By attaching great importance to the further development of close ties with Japan, I am expressing readiness to make efforts to further develop and strengthen the ties between our countries for the benefit of our peoples.

I wish you good health and success, and to the good people of Japan  peace and welfare, reads the PMs letter.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 7, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan held a telephone conversation today with President of Russia Vladimir Putin, the PMs Office said.

Pashinyan congratulated Vladimir Putin on birthday, wishing good health and a lot of energy for implementing all the programs and goals in his responsible position.

Pashinyan stated that Armenia and the Armenian people highly appreciate the Russian Presidents efforts and exclusive role in the maintenance of peace and stability in the region and expressed gratitude for the attention paid to Armenia.

The Russian President thanked the Armenian PM for warm congratulations and wishes and said that Russia attaches great importance to the close cooperation with strategic ally Armenia.

Pashinyan and Putin discussed also issues relating to the agenda of the Armenian-Russian relations. They also touched upon the current situation and developments in the region.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 7, ARMENPRESS. Justice Minister of Armenia Karen Andreasyan met on October 6 with Italian Justice Minister Marta Cartabia in Rome, the Armenian ministry said in a statement.

At the meeting minister Andreasyan thanked his Italian counterpart for the opportunity to meet and stated that the government of Armenia is interested in boosting the relations with Italy.

He emphasized that the justice reforms are one of the key directions of the governments agenda and introduced his Italian counterpart on the actions taken within the past three years, as well as presented Armenias anti-corruption agenda, human rights, police and other reforms.

Karen Andreasyan said that the Armenian government managed to create new and transparent institutions with the support of international, including the European partners. In this respect he thanked Italy for the introduction of a program Strengthening anti-corruption reforms in Armenia, by which the OSCE helps the Armenian government to create an Anti-Corruption Committee. Italy is the main donor country of the program.

The minister invited his Italian counterpart to visit to Armenia.

The meeting was followed by a signing ceremony of a memorandum of cooperation between the Justice Academies of the two countries.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 7, ARMENPRESS. In the sideline sof the official visit of President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Sapienza University of Rome and the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports. The correspondent of ARMENPRESS reports from Rome that the memorandum was signed by the Ambassador of Armenia to Italy Tsovinar Hambardzumyan and Rector of Sapienza University of Rome Antonella Polimeni. The memorandum officially gave start to the reopening of Chair of Armenology in the university.

President Sarkissian and Rector of Sapienza University of Rome Antonella Polimeni discussed issues related to the ensuring of the continuity and expansion of the Chair "Everything that is happening today is a great event. I am proud to say that Armenia is one of the oldest, unique countries in the world, which has accumulated a large amount of knowledge during its existence for thousands of years, and it is our duty to share that knowledge with others, President Sarkissians aid.

Chair of Armenology operated at Sapienza University of Rome during the 2000s, but it stopped during thelast decade due to the lack of funding. Sapienza University is one of the oldest and largest universities of Italy and Europe with a history of 700 years.

Rector of Sapienza University of Rome Antonella Polimeni highlighted the signing of the memorandum. She mentioned that there is a lot to be done in the direction of raising the popularity of the Armenian language in the near future. "Efforts will be made in Italy to increase the interest towards the Armenian language. It is a good opportunity to build bridges of active cooperation between Armenia and Italy in the cultural and educational spheres," Antonella Polimeni told reporters.
Saudi Arabias World Defense Show has revealed its official venue model at DSEI 2021 in London, showcasing a scale model of the purpose-built venue which will host the inaugural event in March 2022.

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At DSEI 2021, World Defense Show organizers have presented a scale model of the future exhibition area under construction in Saudia Arabia. (Picture source: World Defense Show)

With Hall 1 nearing completion and infrastructure being put in place for Hall 2, the unveiling of the scale model and new renders at the Saudi Pavilion  alongside show founder General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) and strategic partner Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) brings the World Defense Showgrounds to life for the first time.

The state-of-the-art venue, on a site spanning 800,000 square metres, will welcome more than 30,000 visitors and 800 exhibitors from 6-9 March next year. A regular program of site visits for local businesses, government officials and industry leaders is underway, with a major interest in on-site progress from across the defense sector.

Features of the venue include the worlds first purpose-built runway dedicated to defense events, dedicated exhibition space across two halls, hard standing for ground equipment and dozens of hospitality suites with views over the static display area and runway.

Located on the outskirts of the Kingdoms capital, Riyadh, the space is custom-built for World Defense Show and outfitted with world-class facilities designed to ensure the ultimate visitor experience. Featuring design elements inspired by traditional Saudi architectural styles, the venue hosts immersive experiences, offering a window into the future of defense.

The centerpiece of the show, which is held under the Patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, is a 2.7km-long and 50m-wide purpose-built runway where live demonstrations of airpower will fly over static aircraft and land equipment displays.

An interactive on-site command and control center, equipped with the latest systems and technologies from the worlds leading defense companies, will showcase integration and interoperability across the various domains.

The World Defense Show site is located adjacent to two major highways, offering convenient access for display products and visitors. Shuttle busses will be available to and from the show site, departing and arriving from select hotels.

Shaun Ormrod, Chief Executive Officer of World Defense Show, commented: We started from a blank slate when designing the venue, so everything is completely purpose-built in line with the requirements of a modern defense event. Dedicated spaces have been specifically created to meet the needs of our exhibitors, including a two-kilometer runway, hard standing for ground equipment and a command and control center which facilitates the show theme of interoperability.
Nato has expelled eight undeclared intelligence officers from the Russian delegation to the military alliance, and halved the total size of Moscows representation, in a move that will further deteriorate relations between western militaries and the Kremlin, the Financial Times reports.

October 7, 2021, 12:14 NATO expels eight Russian diplomats for 'spying'

STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 7, ARTSAKHPRESS: The decision will reduce the maximum size of the Russian delegation to Nato headquarters in Brussels to just 10 diplomats, further eroding a communication channel designed to promote dialogue and confidence-building between Russias armed forces and the western alliance.

We have withdrawn the accreditation of eight members of the Russian mission to Nato, who were undeclared Russian intelligence officers, a Nato official said in a statement. Two other accreditations, currently vacant, will be withdrawn. The decision will come into effect at the end of the month.

We have strengthened our deterrence and defence in response to Russias aggressive actions, while at the same time we remain open for a meaningful dialogue, the official added.

But Russias deputy foreign minister Alexander Grushko said the move implied recent Nato member states comments in favour of de-escalation of tension with Russia and re-establishing a bilateral dialogue were a bluff. If anyone believed those statements were sincere, then today nobody does. Everyone understands their real goal, he told Russian newspaper Kommersant.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin discussed the situation in the region, informs news.am, citing TASS.

October 7, 2021, 15:13 Putin, Aliyev confer on situation in South Caucasus

STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 7, ARTSAKHPRESS: Emphasizing the successful development of Azerbaijani-Russian bilateral friendly relations in various spheres, the heads of state expressed confidence in the further strengthening of cooperation, exchanged views on the prospects of relations. During the telephone conversation, the situation in the region was also discussed," the statement said.
Watch: South Africa among 47 countries removed from travel red list

A total of 47 countries including South Africa Mexico and Thailand will be removed from Englands red list on Monday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has announced.

Travellers arriving from those destinations will no longer need to spend 11 nights in a quarantine hotel at a cost of 2,285 for solo travellers.

Just seven countries will remain on the red list following the changes.

They are Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru and Venezuela.

The devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own travel rules but have recently mirrored announcements made in Westminster.

UPDATE: From Monday (11th Oct)  Ill be cutting 47 destinations from our red list  including South Africa, with just 7 countries and territories remaining  - all others will be included in the rest of world category  [1/3]  Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP (@grantshapps) October 7, 2021

Mr Shapps said: With half-term and winter sun around the corner, were making it easier for families and loved ones to reunite by significantly cutting the number of destinations on the red list, thanks in part to the increased vaccination efforts around the globe.

Restoring peoples confidence in travel is key to rebuilding our economy and levelling up this country. With less restrictions and more people travelling, we can all continue to move safely forward together along our pathway to recovery.

Mr Shapps also announced that the Government would recognise vaccines for arrivals from a further 37 countries and territories including Brazil, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, South Africa and Turkey.

The decision means fully vaccinated people entering England from these locations will be exempt from quarantine, the pre-departure test and the day-eight post-arrival test.

Story continues

Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: Our robust border measures have helped protect the phenomenal progress of our vaccination programme, and it is because of this success both here and around the world that we can safely open up travel further and we can visit friends and family abroad.

It finally feels like we are seeing light at the end of a very long tunnel

Sean Doyle, BA

Were now making it easier and cheaper for people to travel by allowing fully vaccinated travellers from non-red list countries to use lateral flow tests on day two of arrival, as long as they provide proof of use.

No date has been set on when eligible fully-vaccinated arrivals will be able to use a lateral flow test for their day-two test, rather than the more expensive PCR version.

The Government said its ambition is for this to be in place for people returning from half-term breaks by the end of the month.

Travellers will be able to verify they have completed a lateral flow test by sending a photograph.

Welsh health minister Eluned Morgan said her government has urged Mr Shapps to take a more precautionary approach to international travel but will keep her nations restrictions in line with Englands for reasons of practicality.

Watch: Which countries will remain on the red list?

She said: We are concerned about the cumulative impact of the risk being carried in relation to opening up travel particularly from higher risk countries.

This includes the radical reduction in the number of red list countries and the suggestion the UK Government is contemplating considerably relaxing the rules around quarantine from red list countries and introducing the use of lateral flow tests for returning travellers.

All of these measures, when taken together, considerably increase the risk of a new variant being introduced into Wales and the UK.

British Airways announced it will resume services and increase frequencies to a number of winter sun destinations being removed from the red list, such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa; Mexico City and Cancun, Mexico; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The airlines chief executive Sean Doyle said: It finally feels like we are seeing light at the end of a very long tunnel.

Britain will benefit from this significant reduction in red list countries and now its time to turn our attention to eradicating testing for fully-vaccinated travellers to ensure we dont lose our place on the global stage.

Charlie Cornish, boss of Manchester Airports Group  which owns Manchester, Stansted and East Midlands airports  said: Removing so many countries from the red list gives people the most choice they have had since before the pandemic, which will help stimulate the recovery of the UKs prized aviation sector.

Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, said: Its been a long time coming but at last were seeing the layers of complexity peeled away.

Recent analysis by the PA news agency found there have been more than 50 changes to the rules for international travel during the coronavirus pandemic.

Read More

47 countries removed from travel red list in major step forward

What are the simplified travel rules and what do they mean for holidaymakers?

Simplified travel rules to come into force
NATO's decision on halving the Russian mission will take effect at the end of the month (AFP/Tobias SCHWARZ)

NATO said on Wednesday it had stripped eight members of the Russian mission to the Alliance of their accreditation, calling them "undeclared Russian intelligence officers," meaning spies.

A NATO official giving the information said that "we can also confirm that we have reduced the number of positions which the Russian Federation can accredit to NATO to 10", down from 20 previously.

"We can confirm that we have withdrawn the accreditation of 8 members of the Russian Mission to NATO, who were undeclared Russian intelligence officers," the official told AFP, confirming information first reported by Britain's Sky News.

"NATO's policy towards Russia remains consistent. We have strengthened our deterrence and defence in response to Russia's aggressive actions, while at the same time we remain open for a meaningful dialogue," the official, who refused to be named, said.

The decision on halving the Russian mission will take effect at the end of the month and is understood to have been approved by all 30 NATO member countries.

Russia has long had an observer mission to NATO as part of a two-decade-old NATO-Russia Council meant to promote cooperation in common security areas, but it is not a member of the US-led Alliance.

The Russian mission has been downsized once before, when seven of its members were ejected in the wake of the 2018 poisoning by the Novichok nerve agent on a Russian former double agent, Sergei Skripal, and his daughter in Britain. Accreditation applications by another three Russian diplomats were denied.

The NATO-Russia Council has been largely non-functioning against a backdrop of tensions fuelled by Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula, ongoing support of pro-Moscow separatists in Ukraine, and weapons developments including missiles.

US President Joe Biden has taken a much firmer tone against Russian President Vladimir Putin than his predecessor Donald Trump did.

Story continues

Another NATO official told AFP that the NATO-Russia Council "remains an important platform for dialogue" and said a proposal from early last year to hold another meeting of the forum "stands".

"The ball is in Russia's court," the official said.

Sky News reported that NATO's decision came after information was revealed in April about fatal explosions at a Czech ammunition depot in 2014 that Prague says involved two Russian spies -- identified as allegedly implicated in the Skripal poisoning.

That Czech Republic-Russia incident led to the mutual expulsion of dozens of EU and Russian diplomats and other embassy staff.

csg-del/rmb/mbx
The candidates for Cayuga County Surrogate Court judge made their cases to voters in a televised program Thursday.

Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann and Auburn private practice attorney Ben Susman spoke about their qualifications and experience at Cayuga Community College in Auburn. Republican Budelmann and Democrat Susman are running for the seat currently held by Cayuga County Surrogate Judge Mark Fandrich, who announced in January that he would not pursue reelection for another 10-year term.

Each candidate was given up to five minutes of uninterrupted speaking time.

Susman spoke first, saying he represents people in Cayuga County in a variety of areas of law, including criminal court, family court and surrogate court. His wife grew up in Auburn and while living in California they decided to move to her hometown to raise their children.

He said he is running because, "I know that our community deserves a judge that understands the real issues facing our families in our community," adding he is active in the community, representing children and families in court and being a board member for the Play Space ABC Cayuga in Auburn.

"I firmly believe that family is the foundation of our community. Our judicial system was built to uphold values that our community holds dear. Our communities have a wide range of needs and the judicial system provides many services that suit those needs," Susman said. "It's critical that our next judge understands the different ways that our judicial system can improve the safety and prosperity of our community as a whole."

As an attorney, he said he represents children and families every day, saying that family court alone "makes up over 50% of the surrogate court judge position."

He has seen the impact judges' decisions have on people and his clients firsthand, he continued, adding he feels he works tirelessly with families through the judicial process and the judge must make decisions with integrity and honesty in the best interests of children. Susman also mentioned the surrogate judge presides over criminal, civil, family and surrogate court matters.

"I am the only candidate with the experience in all four of these areas of law," he said. "The experience I bring to the bench is critical in upholding each pillar of our justice system."

Budelmann spoke second. He said the judge role requires "sound judgement, the kind that can only be obtained through years of experience." He noted he has 29 years of legal experience handling criminal, civil and family court matters.

He joined the Cayuga County District's Attorney Office in 1995 and was promoted to chief assistant district attorney that same year. Adding he was first elected district attorney in 2007, he thanked voters for choosing him for that same position in the last four elections.

"I have been honored to appear in court every week on behalf of the people of Cayuga County. The district attorney's role, just as a judge's, is to ensure justice. This means consideration of all of the factors in each case. It also requires knowledge of the laws and sentencing options in order to propose an appropriate sentence that avoids unnecessary carceration while protecting our community," Budelmann said. "I work with victims and their families every week to ensure that they get justice while treating everyone in the system fairly."

He said he's resolved thousands of felony cases successfully and prosecuted over felony trials that have ended with guilty verdicts on charges ranging from murder to sexual assault to drug sales.

"The universal truth in the justice system is we will want to live in a safe community. That's true regardless of your party, age, gender or how much money you make. That's why the district attorney's office works so closely with our law enforcement and first responders to protect our community," he said.

Budelmann said Cayuga County is his home and his children were born and raised in the area and he feels his years of experience both in and outside of the courtroom have given him the judgement and legal experience to be surrogate court judge, saying his opponent had moved here from California, where laws are different.

Staff writer Kelly Rocheleau can be reached at (315) 282-2243 or kelly.rocheleau@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @KellyRocheleau.

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Empire State Development's tourism office is posting weekly fall foliage reports. Below is the report posted Oct. 6, 2021:

This is the fifth 2021 I LOVE NY Fall Foliage Report for New York State. Reports are obtained from volunteer field observers and reflect expected color conditions for the coming weekend. Reports are issued every Wednesday afternoon. I LOVE NY urges travelers to follow all COVID-related public health and safety guidelines while enjoying the foliage this season. Visitors should call ahead and check websites and social media to make sure attractions are open and available. More information on New York State travel and COVID-19 is available here.

Vibrant peak and near-peak leaves will continue to arrive in the Adirondacks this weekend, while making their first appearances in the Catskills. Some near-peak foliage is also expected in parts of the Thousand Islands-Seaway region this weekend. That highlights this week's foliage report using the collected observations from the team of volunteer spotters for Empire State Developments I LOVE NY program.

Cayuga County foliage spotters in Auburn predict just 10% color change with a few orange and yellow leaves of average brilliance. Onondaga County reports from Burnet Park in Syracuse expect 10% change with average to bright orange and red leaves. Spotters at Syracuse University also predict 10% leaf change, with a few shades of yellow and some dark reds breaking through the green. In Seneca County, foliage will be 10% changed with some emerging red leaves.

In Central New York, Montgomery County reports from Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site in Fort Hunter predict that foliage will reach midpoint of change over the weekend, with 60% transition and bright shades of red joining the vibrant mix of yellows and oranges. Broome County will be between midpoint and near-peak, according to Binghamton and Whitney Point observers. Look for 45% color change with vibrant red and yellow leaves, bright pops of orange, and slightly more color change in the northern portion of the county. Foliage will be nearing midpoint of change in Chenango County, according to spotters in Norwich, who predict 45% color change with occasional spots of color mixed with mostly muted green and brown leaves. In Herkimer County, spotters in Herkimer predict 40% color change with orange and red leaves of average brilliance.

Oneida County spotters from Utica are predicting 30% foliage change with muted-to-average orange and yellow leaves, and a lot of remaining green with some brown spotting. Madison County spotters near the Oneida Community Mansion House in Oneida expect 25% foliage change, with increasing amounts of orange leaves of average brilliance. In Otsego County, color change is accelerating near Cooperstown with up to 25% transition and average fall shades of yellow, orange, and golden brown. In Schoharie County, Cobleskill spotters are predicting 10-15% color change with orange and yellow leaves of average brilliance.

In the Finger Lakes region, Schuyler County spotters in Watkins Glen predict 45% leaf transition this weekend, with midpoint conditions highlighted by touches of average shades of gold and red. In Steuben County, reports from Corning predict foliage will be near midpoint of change with 40% color transition featuring deep shades of red, along with golds, oranges, and yellows of average brilliance. Monroe County observers in Greece expect more than 35% change and some yellow leaves of average brilliance, along with hints of red and orange. Overall foliage change is still a bit slow in the area, with the colors more visible south and west of the city, away from Lake Ontario.

In Tioga County, observers in Owego expect 25% leaf change and conditions between beginning and midpoint of change, and average touches of red, yellow, and brown amid the mostly green foliage. Yates County spotters predict 25% transition, with muted red and purple, along with many shades of green and brown. Look for about 15% transition with some muted touches of orange and red in Wayne County, according to reports from Lyons. Chemung County should see 20% change with emerging shades of yellow and orange around Elmira. In Ontario County, expect about 15% color change and mostly green leaves, according to spotters in Canandaigua.

In the Adirondacks, Franklin County spotters in Saranac Lake predict peak foliage this weekend, with 95% color change and vibrant shades of red and orange. Reports from Tupper Lake and Mt. Arab also expect peak conditions with 85-90% color change and a good mix of muted canary, goldenrod, mustard, russet, pumpkin, bronze, copper, merlot, scarlet, and burgundy leaves. In the northern portion of the county, spotters in the Malone and Mountain View areas are calling for near-peak foliage featuring a nice mix of bright yellow, red, and green leaves, along with pops of orange.

In Essex County, Lake Placid observers predict peak conditions with bright orange, yellow, and red leaves. Spotters expect 70% color change and peak foliage at Whiteface Mountain Ski area with brilliant red, orange, yellow, and purple leaves, along with some remaining green leaves. Reports from the communities of Wilmington, Jay, and Au Sable Forks predict near-peak to peak foliage this weekend, with a wide range of bright fall colors. In Newcomb, spotters are expecting near-peak leaves, with 75% color change featuring plenty of bright reds, oranges, and yellows. Reports from Ticonderoga are predicting 40% color change and near-midpoint conditions with brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red beginning to overtake the green backdrop. To the east, in the Champlain Valley, spotters in Crown Point predict 25% foliage change, with golds, rusts and an occasional splash of orange or red emerging over the still mostly green landscape.

St. Lawrence County spotters reporting from Wanakena and Cranberry Lake expect 95% color change and brilliant peak reds and oranges. In Hamilton County, foliage will be near-peak in Long Lake, with 90% color change and bright shades of red, purple, and orange. In Lake Pleasant, spotters anticipate near-peak foliage with 80% change and average to bright shades of red, along with some leaf droppage. Bright, near-peak foliage is expected in the Herkimer County community of Old Forge, where leaves will be 80% changed. Brilliant reds are popping along with bright oranges, and vibrant yellows with some burgundy are emerging.

Clinton County spotters in Plattsburgh are expecting 40% transition with yellow and orange leaves of average brilliance. In Warren County, spotters in Queensbury predict 40% color change this weekend, with green, yellow, red, purple, and orange leaves of average brilliance, while Lake George spotters are predicting 25% change with some muted yellow and orange leaves.

The first peak conditions in the Catskills region are expected in Delaware County this weekend, while near-peak foliage is predicted for the upper elevations of Greene County. In Delaware County, Delhi spotters predict near-peak to peak foliage with 80% color change and a good mix of orange, gold, and red shades with occasional brilliant pops of color, and some remaining green leaves. Reports from the upper elevations of Greene County (above 1500 feet) expect foliage will be almost at peak of change with 85% transition and brilliant red, orange, and green leaves. Spotters in Catskill expect about 50% color change and midpoint conditions with bright red, orange, and yellow leaves.

Sullivan County spotters from Forestburgh, about 20 miles from Port Jervis, expect midpoint to near-peak foliage this weekend with 50% change and bright red, orange, gold, peach, and wine leaves, along with some green. Foliage should also be 50% changed in the Swan Lake area, with red, yellow, and orange leaves of average brilliance. In the West Shokan area of Ulster County, reports predict foliage at midpoint of transition with up to 70% color change and bright yellow leaves. Observers at Belleayre Mountain Ski Area in Highmount are expecting more than 30% color change as muted to average shades of yellow, red, and orange continue to emerge.

In the Thousand Islands-Seaway region, Jefferson County reports from Wellesley Island and inland predict up to 80% foliage change and near-peak conditions this weekend. The early yellow leaves are peaking, but the maples are beginning to steal the show with intense shades of red, orange, and burgundy appearing. Less color change is expected in the Watertown area, where spotters anticipate 35% change, with red and green leaves of average brilliance, plus some shades of yellow and purple. Oswego County spotters expect midpoint of change this weekend, with 55% transition. The landscape in the northern portion of the county is showing the most color, with muted shades of orange and yellow, while trees in southern portion continue to produce subdued shades of green and brown. St. Lawrence County spotters in Louisville predict 50% foliage change and midpoint to near-peak conditions featuring yellow and red leaves of average brilliance, along with some purple.

In the Capital-Saratoga region, Fulton County spotters around the Fulton County Visitor Center in Broadalbin expect 60% transition and midpoint conditions this weekend, with bright orange and red leaves. Rensselaer County spotters reporting from Troy are predicting foliage at midpoint of change, with 40% color transition and a variety of bright orange, yellow, orange-red, and red leaves. Albany County observers near Cohoes Falls and along I-787 toward Albany predict 40% foliage change, with plenty of yellow and yellow-green leaves, along with muted shades of red, dark red and burnt orange. Throughout Saratoga County, foliage should be more than 35% changed this weekend, with average shades of green, yellow, amber, red, and orange.

In the Chautauqua-Allegheny region, Cattaraugus County foliage spotters in Little Valley are predicting 55% transition and foliage at midpoint of change this weekend. Look for bright pops of yellows, reds, and oranges. At Allegany State Park in Salamanca, spotters are predicting midpoint to near-peak foliage with 45-50% color change and muted green and yellow leaves, along with some shades of red. Foliage in Chautauqua County should be 35% changed, according to spotters at Chautauqua Institution in Chautauqua, with average to bright green, yellow, red, and orange leaves. There are some areas with particularly brilliant colors, including along Interstate 86 and at Panama Rocks Scenic Park.

In the Greater Niagara region, spotters in Springville, in the southern portion of Erie County, predict 50% color change, with muted orange and yellow leaves. Buffalo foliage reports are predicting up to 25% foliage change over the weekend, with touches of bright red, yellow, and plum slowly emerging. Spotters in East Aurora expect nearly 20% color change with pops of average shades of yellow and red. In Genesee County, reports from Byron expect more than 25% color change and red leaves of average brilliance. Spotters from Niagara Falls in Niagara County are expecting 25% color change, with average shades of orange and yellow, along with touches of red. In Lewiston, reports predict 20% color change with bright red, yellow, and orange leaves. Above the Lewiston Escarpment, most maple and beech trees are reaching full color, while below the escarpment, maples are less changed and oak trees are still mostly green. Orleans County spotters in Albion expect about 10% color change and bursts of red leaves.

In the Hudson Valley, Dutchess County reports from Beacon and Fishkill predict leaves will be 40% changed by the weekend and approaching midpoint conditions, with increasing amounts of yellow and red leaves of average brilliance. Poughkeepsie spotters are predicting 30% transition with bright orange, red, and yellow leaves mixing in with the green. Columbia County observers in Hudson anticipate 25% change with increasing splashes of average to bright yellow, orange, and red leaves. Further south, Ulster County spotters from New Paltz predict 25% color change with muted to average shades of red and yellow appearing.

In Orange County, spotters in Newburgh are predicting up to 25% color change with some orange and red leaves of average brilliance. In Cornwall, reports anticipate a little more than 15% change this weekend. Look for emerging orange, red, and yellow leaves of average brilliance, along with some browning green leaves. Spotters in Goshen predict 10% transition with average touches of red and purple. Rockland County spotters at Bear Mountain State Park in Bear Mountain expect up to 25% foliage change with some red and brown leaves mixed into the green backdrop. New City observers anticipate 25% color change highlighted by bright orange and yellow leaves. In Westchester County, spotters in White Plains expect up to 20% change with muted red and orange hues. Foliage is just beginning to change in Putnam County around Cold Spring, where color change is hovering around 5% with muted seasonal shades.

On Long Island, up to 25% change is predicted at Hempstead Lake State Park in West Hempstead, in Nassau County. Look for green and brown leaves of average brilliance, along with splashes of cranberry, rust, and mustard yellow. East Meadow spotters report patches of treetops on parkways are starting to show color and are predicting 15% transition and some yellow, orange, red, and purple leaves of average brilliance. Spotters in Wantagh and Mill Pond predict 10% color change with slight splashes of yellow and orange along pond edges, while Valley Stream nears 5% change as a few yellow leaves of average brilliance are appearing.

Suffolk County spotters at the Tanger Outlet Center in Riverhead predict that leaves will begin to head toward midpoint of change this weekend, with up to 30% color transition and yellow, orange, and red leaves of average brilliance. Reports from Sunken Meadow State Park and the hamlet of Kings Park, both in Smithtown, predict 15% change with muted yellows and reds starting to appear. Spotters in The Hamptons predict about 5% color change and mostly green leaves.

In New York City, reports from the DUMBO area of Brooklyn predict about 20% color change this weekend with some emerging muted fall colors. Foliage spotters in the communities of Williamsburg and Greenpoint predict 5% change with chartreuse and lemon-yellow leaves beginning to appear. Spotters in the Sunset Park area of south Brooklyn are expecting up to 10% foliage change.

In the Bronx, look for about 15% color change with bursts of yellow and orange, according to spotters in Morris Park. On Manhattans Upper West Side, foliage change will be about 10% foliage change with some yellow just beginning to appear, while spotters from the Upper East Side predict a little less than 10% foliage change with muted brown and yellow leaves.

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" " Could California become home to an American version of Germany's autobahn? Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Germany is known for several awesome things, including beer, brats and of course, the autobahn. Bundesautobahn as it's known in Germany, is really just a federal highway system there, but to visitors, the allure of the autobahn is the speed limit, or lack of one. Cars can top 150 miles per hour (241.4 kilometers per hour), or more on this famed freeway.

And now a California legislator is proposing a bill that could make the state home to what is being called the "American Autobahn." John Moorlach, the Republican state senator from Orange County, introduced bill SB 319 in February 2019, to relieve traffic congestion along Interstate 5 and State Route 99. According to the proposed plan, both roadways would get new lanes, one northbound and one southbound. Drivers in the new lanes would not have to abide by a speed limit, though the existing 65 miles-per-hour (104.6 kilometers-per-hour) limit would remain in effect in the existing lanes.

The idea also could provide an alternative to California's controversial, long-delayed  and possibly canceled  high-speed rail project. This proposal comes on the heels of California Governor Gavin Newsom's announcement that the bullet train, as planned, is too expensive at an estimated cost of $77 billion and would take too long to build.

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Funding the American Autobahn

There are no official cost estimates for SB 319, but in February, Moorlach told the Los Angeles Times it could cost about $3 billion. He also said the money would come from the state's cap-and-trade program, which requires companies to offset pollution by purchasing credits.

If plans move forward, the American Autobahn would be constructed along major freeways, with Lebec (about 80 miles [128.7 kilometers] north of L.A.) at the southern point and Sacramento or Stockton at the northern end. That means (theoretically) vehicles traveling north at 100 mph (160.95 kph) in the unrestricted lane could make the trip to Sacramento from Lebec in about three hours. Currently that drive takes well over four hours.

Aside from improving drivetimes for those along that route, the authors of the bill claim it will also help reduce congestion, which would in turn decrease greenhouse gas emissions from cars stuck idling. For that reason, the bill specifies that funding should come from California's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, which regularly supports transportation and transit projects that reduce pollution.

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What Opponents Think

Critics point out, however, that cars traveling this fast will actually emit higher emissions, so there won't be any net reduction in pollution. In fact, Bill Magavern, a spokesperson for the Coalition for Clean Air, told SFGate that net-reduction-in-emissions theory is "ridiculous." "Emission goes up at high speeds; this would encourage people to drive cars really fast on our highway, and that would increase emissions coming from transportation," he told SFGate.

In addition to the pollution concerns, critics are also worried about the risks to drivers. Maureen Vogel, a spokeswoman for the National Safety Council, told USA Today that numerous studies demonstrate that when states raise speed limits, they can expect an increase in traffic fatalities.

Statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) do actually show that motor vehicle crashes are down by almost 2 percent between 2016 and 2017. However, the NHTSA also points out that in 2017, speeding was the factor in 26 percent of all traffic fatalities  that accounts for nearly 10,000 deaths.

Several states across the U.S. have increased speed limits. For instance, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming allow drivers to travel 80 mph (128.7 kph) on certain highways, and Texas allows 85 mph (136.7 kph) along a specific stretch of State Highway 130. However, the current maximum speed in California is still 70 mph (112.8 kph), with some stretches named in SB 319 at 65 mph (104.6 kph).

Californians shouldn't get too excited, yet. The bill has a long way before ever becoming law, and may never get there. If it passes the vote in the state's House and Senate, it then must approved by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Now That's Interesting Business Insider called Germany's Autobahn one of the best highway systems in the world. The entire Autobahn covers 7,500 miles (12,070 kilometers), though contrary to popular belief, there are some sections with speed limits. New drivers in Germany are actually trained on the Autobahn to learn how to handle the high speeds, and the country's licensing process is a lot more difficult, time-consuming and expensive than it is in the United States.
MONTREALAdult Time banner Pure Taboo expands its libidinal palette with the release of its first-ever bisexual segment, Swapping Sexualities, available today at PureTaboo.com and AdultTime.com.

Penny Barber and Draven Navarro star in the featurette as a Canadian bisexual couple who invites a naive young exchange student (Tony Sting) to move in with them to learn about the local customs  and their special way of interacting with each other as a family unit.

We have been slowly working at making Adult Time a fully-inclusive platform, one that offers anything porn fans would like to watch, regardless of their interests or their sexual preferences, said Frank Stacy, the companys director of marketing. While we did lesbian episodes of Pure Taboo or some featuring trans models, we had never done a bisexual scene; Swapping Sexualities will be the first one.

This content is not meant to replace our straight offerings; we are not swapping (no pun intended) a straight episode for a bisexual one," Stacy explained. "We are offering a bisexual one as a bonus to test the waters. We also have a big project coming up soon that will be our very first fully-inclusive studiostay tuned!

Adult Time members can access Swapping Sexualities along with all of the streaming platforms full librarymore than 57,000 scenes, 300 channels and eight new releases per daywith a single membership.
Oversight of the project will be provided by Terros Health officials and informed by data collected during operations, Deputy City Manager Shannon Anderson said.

The approved service contract runs for three years and gives the city the option to renew the contract for an additional two years. The annual expense each year ranges from about $400,000 to $600,000 and includes personnel and equipment costs.

Support Local Journalism Your membership makes our reporting possible. {{featured_button_text}}

The contract comes as the city continues to seek solutions to rising calls for service related to public intoxication, behavioral crisis and mental health. The mobile response unit projects to reduce overall calls for service handled by fire and police by 5% to 10%.

And the unit will come better equipped to handle those calls, officials with both the fire and police department say.

The van will provide enough space for basic life safety response, as well as comfort items such as water and snacks, emergency clothing, toiletries, blankets and cultural items like abalone shells, sage and cedar, according to city officials.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is known for damming rivers and building levees to keep waterways at bay. But a new initiative seeks natural flood control solutions as climate change brings increasingly frequent and severe weather events that test the limits of concrete and steel.

It only makes sense to use Mother Nature's flood defenses as one of the tools to combat destruction from intense rains in the middle of the country and storms and sea level rise on the coasts, says Todd Bridges, who heads the Corps Engineering with Nature initiative.

Pieces are in place to make the change. In the 2020 Water Resources Development Act, Congress directed the Corps to consider nature-based systems on equal footing with more traditional infrastructure. And the initiative was directly funded for the first time last year with $12.5 million.

But the Corps is often constrained by its own rules and the way costs and benefits of its projects are evaluated.

"The Corps has a lot of people who are used to doing things a certain way," said Jimmy Hague, The Nature Conservancy's senior water policy advisor. "We're tracking some projects right now where nature-based solutions are almost an afterthought."
My patients in Indian Country and in rural Arizona have suffered a lot throughout the course of the pandemic, and we're counting on our leaders in Congress -- namely Senator Mark Kelly and Congressman Tom O'Halleran -- to help us fully recover.

I've served patients on the Navajo Nation and in Arizona for 23 years, and nothing could have prepared us for how truly devastating the early waves of the pandemic hit this part of the country. Not only were we one of the worst COVID hotspots on the planet, we were also one of the most underserved regions in the United States.

At the height of Covid last spring, Tuba City was one of the first IHS hospitals to be overwhelmed with patients. Winslow soon followed. Our operating rooms were closed except for the sickest of patients. Our ICUs were full. Entire wings of our hospitals were turned into Covid wards. Our Emergency Rooms were also divided into Covid and non-Covid rooms. Patients were literally dying within hours of arriving at our hospitals and we did not know why. It was a scary and uncertain time.
As it started, it endedwith a big hoopla, and the story will be shelved soon as though the lives of those involved were neither precious nor at stake. Three human beings, Meng Wanzhou and the two Michaels, as theyve been dubbed in Canada, were held in two different incarceration situations for almost three years. But it was never about them, for they were mere pawns in the ongoing battle between the two superpowers: the US and China.

Meng Wanzhou, the Chinese business executive of Chinas largest private company, Huawei, founded by Mengs father, was arrested in Vancouver, Canada, at the request of the US authorities, on December 1, 2018. Her arrest became a high-profile case and strained relations between the US and China and between Canada and China.

US authorities accused Wanzhou of using a Huawei subsidiary to do business in Iran in violation of US economic sanctions against Iran. According to the terms of an extradition treaty between Canada and the United States, Canada was obliged to arrest Wanzhou and extradite her to the US to face charges.

She spent a week behind bars before being released on a $10 million bail. Tracked by a GPS ankle monitor, Meng Wanzhou remained under house arrest in her home in Vancouver, Canada, as her case was looked into by the Canadian judicial system.

In an apparent retaliatory measure, two Canadians, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovig, were detained on espionage charges in China on December 10, 2018, less than ten days after Meng Wanzhous arrest. They spent almost the same number of days as Wanzhou in prison. All along China insisted that their arrest was on legal grounds, while Western media called it a hostage-taking and hostage diplomacy.

In a sudden flurry of actions and reactions the case against Wanzhou was dismissed, which was followed by the immediate release of the three detainees. The speed by which matters unfolded is proof that, for all intents and purposes, it was all politics with no definitive legality or moral justification to stand on.

Wanzhou reached what is called a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) though she still pleaded not guilty to the many fraud charges. A DPA is an agreement between a prosecutor and a company alleged to have engaged in economic crimes. The DPA suspends the prosecution while requiring the company to commit to certain obligatory undertakings. In Wanzhous case, the obligatory undertakings were not revealed.

Wanzhou was released and immediately flown to China on September 26. The two Michaels were released within hours after her release. Despite China saying that they were released on bail for medical reasons, it was an obvious swap. In fact, the three detainees boarded planes back to their countries almost simultaneously.

So how did all this come about and why now? Thats an easy question. It was a political strategy on the part of both super powers to prove to one another and the world that each is by far more influential and powerful than the other. Besides, the saga had gone on for far too long, and it was high time for all those involved to draw on what they considered winnings.

Though Canada wanted to come across as in compliance with the law, it was caught in the middle unable to appease China by letting Meng Wanzhou off the hook and still remain allegiant to the US. It also fretted about the two Michaels and the Canadian press and public assuming that it wasnt doing enough to bring them back home.

Now that the case has been resolved, it removes a huge impediment from Canadas relations with China, considered Canadas second most important economic partner after the US. Hopefully now stalled business deals will resume and Canadian commodities such as lobster, canola oil, and iron ore will return to the Chinese market.

It goes without saying that Meng Wanzhous case had angered China into the detainment of the two Michaels and the ban of many Canadian imports. Chinese foreign minister spokesperson, Hua Chunying, said, The Meng Wanzhou incident is a political frame-up and persecution against a Chinese citizen, an act designed to hobble Chinese high-tech companies.

Today Wanzhous release can be seen as a big win for China proving that China stood up to the trade war launched by the US, and that its company, Huawei, withstood the US's pressure tactics. The efforts exerted by the US to constrain Chinas advancement left no mark on the giant superpower.

As far as the US is concerned, it followed the rule of law, never gave in to the pressure beheld by China, and had admonished China fair and square. Still, the proof is in the pudding: Wenzhou was released swiftly once the timing was right and the political will was there.

The question remains though: was it necessary to go that route from the start? That remains to be seen. Still, now that the stalemate between China and the US has ended and the dispute rendered over, the world can breathe a sigh of relief as the future may hold friendlier spirits, which will reflect on the dealings across the world.
Update:

"#China is being provocative" per @SenThomTillis "Every step we take back I have no doubt China will take a step forward"  Jeff Seldin (@jseldin) October 7, 2021

"I certainly would move away from strategic ambiguity" on #Taiwan, per @RepBera



Says there need to be "clarity" in the deterrence to #China



re #Taiwan  Jeff Seldin (@jseldin) October 7, 2021



107



(John Supple)



U.S. troops have been in Taiwan for at least a year secretly training its military, officials say, as concern over potential Chinese aggression mounts https://t.co/pNuMXXZMmE  The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) October 7, 2021

Today Vice Adm. Brad Cooper concluded a visit to #Israel, which included a series of meetings with Commander in Chief of the Israeli Navy Vice Adm. David Saar Salama, as well as other senior Israeli officials. pic.twitter.com/op9WqQ9oy5  U.S. 5th Fleet (@US5thFleet) October 7, 2021

The visit demonstrated the @USNavy's commitment to the decades-long strategic relationship. It follows the recent alignment of Israel to the @CENTCOM AOR, which opens new opportunities to deepen naval ties and enhance regional #maritimesecurity and stability.  U.S. 5th Fleet (@US5thFleet) October 7, 2021


Once, a doctor friend wrote me a letter, inviting me to have a dinner. I could recognize part of the words on the letter, but the key time and place were really indistinguishable. I ran to the pharmacy of the nearby hospital, gave the letter to the nurse, and asked her to help me recognize it. She looked at it carefully for a long time, gave me two bottles of medicine, and said, "Take this, twice a day!"

 ,,

a traditional Chinese medical prescription. ''?

pharmacist interpretes with no problem.

English handwriting prescriptions;

it is time to totally ban handwriting prescription.
A local educational opportunity for students returned to Beatrice this year, with the fourth annual Manufacturing Day organized by the NGage economic development group.

Roughly 60 students from Beatrice and Freeman high schools spent their Wednesday touring Rare Earth Salts, Precise Fabrication, Neapco and Landmark Snacks as part of a delayed celebration of National Manufacturing Day, which is held annually on the first Friday of October.

NGage executive director Trevor Lee said the day went great, and that due to an increase in interest, roughly 28 students from Diller-Odell and another school will attend a second session next week. He said the interest could be due in part to opening up the day to underclassmen, and not having the event last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Just looking at the local economy, 23% of our wages paid in Gage County come from manufacturing, Lee said. Thats $18 million. Thats the majority, just barely edging out healthcare. So its a major industry with a ton of career opportunities.

Lee said while Gage County has high workforce participation rates, Nebraska currently has low unemployment rates, which leaves many manufacturers needing workers.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in August, Nebraska has the lowest unemployment rate in the country at 2.2%.

I think the sooner we can get young people into these facilities to see that this is what manufacturing actually looks like in 2021...the more we can expose our young people and their instructors to that, the better off we are, Lee said.

Lee noted that while several of these businesses have participated in Manufacturing Day in the past, they have made significant investments since then. He said Rare Earth Salts was an intentional new addition to the schedule, to show students a different kind of manufacturing.

Its very science, chemistry and engineering-based, as opposed to the production of steel goods, for example, Lee said.

Randy Kinney, the owner of parts manufacturer Precise Fabrication, said the tour gives them the opportunity show students what modern manufacturing looks like.

Manufacturing is probably different than what they have in their mind or have seen in the movies, Kinney said. When you go out into the shop, youre going to see a workplace that is clean, bright, safe, friendly and open. Its not a dungeon thats dark and dirty, and the guys are not out there swinging hammers or doing anything silly all day long. Were using high-tech equipment to make very accurate and precise parts for our customers.

Kinney noted that a majority of Precise Fabrications employees have a two-year college degree or some college experience, instead of a four-year degree. He said the post-high school landscape has changed for students in the last decade, and he thinks theres a lower stigma against not attending a four-year school.

Now, students are being given more options of either going right into the job market so that they dont rack up student debt, or going to a community college or trade school so they can get into the job market much quicker without all the loans or expense of a four-year school, Kinney said.

Kinney said there are things that students can do while in school that will entice manufacturers to hire and train them once they graduate high school.

Were very much an on the job training type of facility...We need people that are willing to show up every day, communicate well, listen and give us ideas when they have them, and be willing to work as part of a team. If folks are willing to do those things, and they can demonstrate that through their high school career, then we can sure bring them on board and help them have a great career with us, Kinney said.

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The former treasurer of the Nebraska Airboaters Association is facing charges after allegedly taking money from the organization.

The organization is based out of Fremont and has about 500 members throughout Nebraska and the United States at large. The nonprofit holds an airboating event annually on the Platte and Loup rivers.

According to court documents, a board member of the nonprofit had contacted the Fremont Police Department in June after an audit showed that then-Treasurer Hollie J. Hittner had embezzled over $47,000 over the last three years. The period of the alleged theft is from about Feb. 1, 2019, to April 29, 2021, according to court documents.

The documents indicate that Hittner had begun returning the money when she was made aware of the discovered unauthorized transactions; at that time, she had repaid almost $46,000.

An affidavit from the Fremont Police Department, filed in Dodge County Court in September, says that Hittner called the transactions mental mistakes on her part and she does not deny that she unintentionally used money from the Airboaters Association account.

Hittner was subsequently charged with theft by unlawful taking or disposition of $5,000 or more, a Class IIA felony. She posted $7,500 bond on Sept. 29, according to court documents.

The association is asking that Hittner pay for the audit and amount needed to correct taxes from 2018 and 2019, a total of $7,898.37, according to court documents.

Accounting for the statute of limitations for felony theft, the aggregated amount of misappropriated funds from February 2019 until May 2021 was $43,985.72, based on the affidavit.

Nebraska Airboaters Association Board of Directors member Randy Fetrow said Hittner resigned in mid-May and letters were mailed to association members to inform them of the situation.

Most of our members are not only shocked that someone would steal from a nonprofit, but to steal from a group of people who are as close as our organization is  like family, really  is hard to understand, Fetrow said.

Hittner will be arraigned at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 12 in Dodge County Court. She is being represented by Linsey M. Bryant of SidnerLaw in Fremont.

Hannah Schrodt is the news editor of The Columbus Telegram. Reach her via email at hannah.schrodt@lee.net.

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A 29-year-old Omaha man faces decades in prison for enticing children, thanks to the quick thinking of his child victims, a childs father and the resourcefulness of a fugitive unit that tracked him down in Central America.

Adam Hawhee, 29, pleaded no contest Tuesday to seven felonies, including child enticement and possession of child pornography. Douglas County District Judge J Russell Derr will sentence Hawhee in December. He faces up to 88 years in prison.

Hawhee also pleaded no contest to failure to appear for a pretrial hearing in March when he fled to Nicaragua. After posting $135,000 bail, Hawhee became the rare Douglas County defendant who not only skips town but flees the country. Police tracked down Hawhee in Nicaragua in April and returned him to Omaha in May.

Prosecutors and Hawhee reached a plea agreement after he was originally charged with two counts of child enticement and 26 counts of possession of child pornography.

In March 2020, Hawhee tried to entice two 7-year-old girls at an Omaha park near 84th Avenue and Decatur streets. He told one girl that he liked her lips and that she was cute and took photos of the girls. Police went to Hawhees home with a search warrant, seized electronic devices and found over 100 images of child pornography, including some involving children as young as toddlers.

Hawhee bonded out. Then in July 2020, Hawhee tried to coax a boy to his vehicle near Cottonwood Elementary School. The boy told police that he ran home after the man exposed his genitals.

The boys father followed the vehicle, and investigators went to Hawhees home and arrested him.

All told, his bail was set at $135,000. He posted it  and then fled to Nicaragua. Upon his return, Derr set what was believed to be the highest bail in Douglas County history: $50 million.

The victims and their parents did a really good job of alerting police, Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine said. We had a very good case. Now, the two 7-year-olds wont have to testify, and we still got a conviction on those charges.

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Gov. Pete Ricketts was among 10 Republican governors who joined Texas Gov. Greg Abbott near the border with Mexico on Wednesday to call upon President Joe Biden to take action to secure the border and end what Ricketts described as "this humanitarian and security crisis."

Mass migration into the United States is spreading "health hazards across our country," the governor said during a news conference in Mission, Texas, raising the possibility that thousands of COVID-positive people have entered the country illegally.

The Biden administration needs to "properly resource the border" with U.S. Border Patrol personnel and National Guard troops, Ricketts said.

The president "thinks he can ignore" this crisis, the governor said.

"We are here to shine a light," he said, and force action to "help us stem this mass migration crisis."

The Nebraska National Guard is scheduled to deploy units from Grand Island and Columbus this month to help provide assistance at the border.

The deployment could last up to a year, Maj. Scott Ingalsbe, spokesperson for the Guard, said previously.

A total of about 150 guardsmen from the 1-376th Aviation Battalion, based in Grand Island, and the 128th Engineer Battalion, based in Columbus, will deploy at the direction of the federal government, according to Ingalsbe. They're replacing units from other states that have been deployed there, he said.

The federal government will pay for the deployment, Ingalsbe said.

The Nebraska State Patrol deployed 25 troopers to the Texas-Mexico border earlier this summer, in response to a joint request from Texas and Arizona. Public records obtained by the Omaha World-Herald revealed the state would be on the hook for the costs of the deployment, which Gov. Pete Ricketts and State Patrol officials estimated at $500,000.

Joining Abbott and Ricketts at the border on Wednesday were Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, Idaho Gov. Brad Little, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem and Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon.

Meanwhile, in Washington, Republican Sen. Deb Fischer joined 37 of her Senate colleagues in sending a letter to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas demanding answers on the agency's response to a surge of Haitian migrants in Del Rio, Texas.

"While we applaud the administration's original stated intent to expel the majority of migrants (or) to expeditiously remove them, we are concerned that DHS did not actually carry out this plan (and) undermined the deterrent effect of any future statements that the Biden administration will enforce our immigration laws at the border," they wrote.

Reach the writer at 402-473-7248 or dwalton@journalstar.com. On Twitter @LJSdon

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The more you look for, the more you see as time goes by, Newton said. Things like subsidence features  holes in the ground  open up that are above mines. So we're constantly dealing with new mining issues.

A decades-old agreement with the Department of the Interior has ensured that half of the revenue collected from Wyoming mines gets returned to the state. It received $35.8 million from the program last year. And in spite of the proposed 20% fee cut, Wyoming would get more reclamation money under the new proposal, Newton said.

But because the AML program takes money from current mining operations and redirects it to historic cleanup sites, amending that structure always gets complicated, said Shannon Anderson, staff attorney for the Powder River Basin Resource Council.

Every time reauthorization comes around, there's quite a bit of dance and negotiation between coal producing states that produce a lot currently, like Wyoming, and states that had produced a lot historically, but don't produce a lot now, like Pennsylvania, Anderson said.

The compromise between Barrasso and Manchin has been well received. As coal demand wanes, producers welcome the tax relief.
I hope that this is just an opportunity to rebuild that relationship with him and rebuild trust  I am hopeful that he will take this opportunity to get to re-know his students and get to re-understand the needs and move forward in the right direction with progress of visibility and transparency at the school, Holland said.

As for the future leader of the law school, Johns would appreciate having a current member of faculty take the reins, he said.

Perhaps someone who has been here and knows the problems at this law school and maybe has some ideas about how to fix them, but hasnt been actually listened to by outgoing leadership, Johns said.

Its a complicated place and there's a lot of drama and things that need to be cleaned up, he continued. Theres a lot of problems.

Holland agreed, noting that there are many professors at the law school who would absolutely be amazing, but shed be open to an external candidate as well.

It would be great to see some diversity, continuance of women and people who are trauma-informed and are willing to do the right thing even when its difficult, Holland said. That would be my main quality.
Drought remained relatively unchanged in North Dakota over the past week despite recent record heat, and some rainy and cooler weather appears to be in store.

Severe drought expanded slightly in the southeastern part of the state, but that was about the only change from the previous week, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor map, released Thursday. Extreme drought continued to plague most of western and northern North Dakota, with a pocket of exceptional drought in Golden Valley County in the southwest. All of the state except the very southeastern tip remained in some form of drought.

"Those areas that have been in long-term drought will continue to see challenges to pasture and rangeland conditions as well as available forage," National Drought Mitigation Center Climatologist Brian Fuchs wrote. "Hay stockpiles continue to decline and will be more expensive on the open market compared to past years."

North Dakota pasture and rangelands were rated 78% poor or very poor, and 85% of stock water supplies were in those categories, according to the weekly crop report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Both percentages were up slightly over the week. Soil moisture continued to be in short supply, with 72% of topsoil and 77% of subsoil being rated as short or very short.

North Dakota Stockmens Association Executive Vice President Julie Ellingson on Wednesday testified before the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Water and Power, describing the impacts of the drought and the difficult decisions ranchers are having to make. They include reducing herd size due to the lack of available hay and forage.

There has been a 24% increase in sales this year at auction markets where the association maintains brand inspection, according to Ellingson. North Dakota ranchers as of July had sold 148,000 cows, when the average for an entire year is 200,000, she said.

The state and federal governments have implemented numerous programs to help drought-stricken farmers and ranchers. Details on available drought resources in North Dakota can be found at https://www.nd.gov/ndda/drought-resources. Producers can access the federal Agriculture Department's Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool or Disaster-at-a-Glance fact sheet at www.farmers.gov.

Wildfire update

The conditions over the summer and early fall have also been hard on firefighters, with about 2,400 wildfires in North Dakota burning about 125,000 acres. The number of fires is more than 2  times the number all of last year, and the scorched acres are more than 10 times what burned in all of 2020.

"Locally and nationally, it has been a long and active fire season," said a statement issued by Beth Hill, acting outreach and education manager for the North Dakota Forest Service, in recognition of Fire Prevention Week.

All western and central North Dakota counties except for Burleigh, Emmons and Kidder continue to have some form of outdoor burning restrictions in place. Those three counties on Thursday were in the moderate fire risk category, according to the state. Most western counties were in the high or very high categories.

Information on current fire danger indexes and county burn bans is available at https://ndresponse.gov/burn-ban-restrictions-fire-danger-maps. Fire restrictions on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands are at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/dpg/alerts-notices.

Hunters cautioned

North Dakota's Department of Environmental Quality is cautioning waterfowl and upland game bird hunters to watch for potentially toxic blue-green algae in wetlands and lakes while in the field.

Hot summer weather contributes to the production of the algae that can produce toxins in the water called cyanotoxins. People and animals who swallow or come into contact with affected water can get sick, and animals and fish can die from it. Theres no known antidote for the toxins.

The algae discolor the water and cause foam, scum or mats to appear on the surface. In severe blooms, the water can have the appearance of spilled green paint or green pea soup. A list of advisories and warnings can be found at www.tinyurl.com/WMP-HABS. There were 12 listed on Thursday, two days before the start of the pheasant hunting season. The waterfowl season got underway in late September.

Hunters who come in contact with affected water should rinse off with fresh water as soon as possible, and rinse off their dogs if necessary.

Blue-green algae blooms can be reported at 701-328-5210 or on the website.

Wet outlook

Two storm systems are expected to move through the central U.S. over the weekend and early next week, according to AccuWeather.

"The first storm is expected to shift from the Northern Rockies into the Northern Plains Saturday and Saturday night, bringing with it cooler air that will really settle in early next week," Senior Meteorologist Courtney Travis wrote. "Temperatures in Fargo and Minneapolis are likely to be slashed by 10-15 degrees in a matter of two days."

Bismarck, which on Tuesday had a record-high temperature for the date of 91 degrees, is forecast to have a high on Saturday that's about 30 degrees cooler. Rain also is likely in the Bismarck-Mandan area on Saturday.

"A low pressure system will traverse the area this weekend, bringing the best chances for widespread precipitation we've seen in a while, along with cooler and more seasonable temperatures," the National Weather Service said on its Bismarck website.

The agency's 6-10-day outlook calls for an above-average chance of precipitation across North Dakota.

"After widespread rain chances this upcoming weekend, we are expecting more precipitation next week, with increasing confidence in a storm system moving through the Dakotas midweek," the weather service said.

Reach Blake Nicholson at 701-250-8266 or blake.nicholson@bismarcktribune.com.

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Hospital capacity has been a concern in North Dakota for weeks due to staffing shortages coupled with the spread of the highly contagious delta variant of the coronavirus, but one Bismarck hospital believes it's seeing the peak of COVID-19 patients.

Sanford Health Bismarck does not expect to reach 50 virus patients, which is the upper limit of the facility's capacity, incoming President and CEO Todd Schaffer said Thursday. The hospital peaked last week with 41 COVID-19 patients, and the number has been hovering mostly in the mid-30s since.

Modeling shows that the hospital's peak will continue for about the next seven to 10 days before slowing down, Schaffer said. But he added that COVID-19 cases make up only about 5-6% of all admissions, and that part of the reason for a lack of available beds is people are still catching up on care from the last year.

State and medical leaders late last week said hospital capacity was reaching "critical" levels in North Dakota, with some facilities on the verge of being overwhelmed due to delta and staffing shortages.

Schaffer on Thursday said, "When you look at hospitals across the state, intensive care units across the state, we see a lot of strain on our health system from our major hospitals to critical access hospitals."

Fewer than 11% of staffed hospital beds statewide were available Thursday, according to the Health Department's coronavirus dashboard. There were 178 virus patients in hospitals on Thursday, up six from Wednesday and up 24 from the start of the week.

The most recent state data showed 191 available staffed inpatient beds and 14 available intensive care unit beds statewide. In Bismarck, Sanford Health had no available inpatient beds and one ICU bed; CHI St. Alexius Health had no available beds listed in either category.

CHI St. Alexius did not immediately respond to a Tribune request for comment on the status of COVID-19 capacity at its hospital.

Pregnant patients

Sanford's labor and delivery unit has seen an increased number of pregnant women being hospitalized for COVID-19 in the past two months, according to OB-GYN Megan Miller-Pankratz.

Those patients often are hospitalized for longer periods of time and take up beds. Pregnant patients can require extra care, for example, because they can't be discharged from the hospital if they are on oxygen like other patients can.

Pregnant women who are hesitant or have questions about the vaccine often say they're worried about future effects it might have on themselves or their babies, according to Miller-Pankratz. The vaccine does not cross the placenta, meaning the baby is not exposed to the vaccine itself, but babies can still be born with antibodies that protect them from COVID-19, she said.

The doctor added that the risk of miscarriage, early birth, stillbirth or other complications with pregnancy is higher in those with the disease than those who have been vaccinated against it. She said some babies have ended up being very sick even though their mothers were starting to recover from COVID-19.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in August urged pregnant women to get the COVID-19 vaccine as an increased number of expectant mothers became seriously ill with the virus.

Both Miller and Schaffer encouraged people with questions about the COVID-19 vaccine to talk with their doctor.

"The message we're really trying to drive is to have a conversation with your primary care provider, your obstetrician," Schaffer said. "If you have concerns, bring those concerns to your provider and have them address that."

Daily data

Active cases of COVID-19 and coronavirus-related deaths rose again in North Dakota on Thursday.

The state dashboard reflected five more deaths and 709 new virus cases. Active cases statewide rose by 111 from the previous day, to 4,490, with more than one-fourth of them in Burleigh and Morton counties. Burleigh once again led the state, with 893 active cases, 16 more than Cass County, home to Fargo.

North Dakota's pandemic death toll rose to 1,634. The state no longer publicly reports the county, sex and age range of newly confirmed deaths, but Burleigh County's total on the dashboard increased by one on Thursday, to 220. Morton County's total remained unchanged, at 104.

The state's 14-day rolling average test positivity rate hit 8%, a level not seen since early last December. That rate has been rising steadily since midsummer and has been above the state target of less than 5% the last month and a half.

Modeling by the CDC indicates that COVID-19 cases and virus-related deaths in North Dakota might begin tailing off later this month.

There have been 136,433 confirmed COVID-19 cases in North Dakota during the pandemic, with 130,309 recoveries and 5,425 hospitalizations.

More information

The state's vaccine dashboard shows 53.8% of eligible North Dakota adults and 31.5% of adolescents in the 12-18 age group are considered fully vaccinated. North Dakota has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the U.S., according to CDC. People can go to https://www.ndvax.org or call 866-207-2880 to see where COVID-19 vaccine is available near them.

The coronavirus transmission risk is considered substantial or high in all 53 North Dakota counties except Burke and Renville, according to the CDC's COVID-19 data tracker website. The CDC recommends people in those risk categories wear masks in public indoor settings.

A list of free COVID-19 testing offered by local public health units is at health.nd.gov/covidtesting. For more detailed information on coronavirus in North Dakota, go to www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus. For more information on coronavirus variants, go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/transmission/variant.html.

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Even the memory of the massacre has become a threat to Hong Kong and Chinese authorities, as they crack down on mass attendance at public vigils. []

The former vice chair of a now-disbanded civil rights group, the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, which also organizes the annual Tiananmen Square vigil, pleaded not guilty to charges of inciting others to take part in this years banned vigil.

Chow Hang-tung, representing herself, appeared in front of Magistrate Amy Chan at West Kowloon Magistrates Court on Oct. 5 to contest the charges.

Convener of the prominent civil rights group in Hong Kong, Chow planned to make arguments on several issues, according to Hong Kong Free Press. Those arguments include whether the governments ban on the vigil was permissible under Hong Kongs Basic Law, the citys version of a constitution.

On the whole, Chow said she would vehemently argue against the reasons behind her arrest and prosecution. Chow cited a Court of Final Appeal case, saying it was not within the courts authority to make decisions on political matters.

The prosecution presented evidence that the Alliance had notified Hong Kong police that it still had plans to hold the annual vigil on June 4, during which they would defy the ban on the public event.

Chow refuted the evidence, saying the notice was not relevant to the case at hand. Further, she disagreed with how the prosecution included the notice as evidence against her in the preliminary admitted facts of the trial.

After two separate breaks in Chows trial, she still could not agree with the list of admitted facts. The prosecution consented to prepare a written statement from a superintendent to validate the list.

The barrister on behalf of Chow, who is currently in Hong Kong custody over a National Security case, said she would need approximately two weeks to prepare for the next session.

The June 4 vigil commemorates the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre, when Chinese troops fired on tens of thousands of pro-democracy student protesters calling for freedom of speech and press, greater democracy, and less censorship. An estimated 10,000 protesters were killed.

The annual vigil, organized by the Alliance, was banned both this year and in 2020, with Hong Kong authorities citing its violation of COVID-19 policy.

Critics believe the ban is a front for Hong Kong authorities attempt to censor any pro-democracy voice in opposition to the government.

During past vigils, thousands of participants would flock to Victoria Park at dusk, each holding a single candle to remember those who were killed while fighting for democracy.

This year, despite the ban, thousands of people participated and more than 20 individuals were arrested for unlawful assembly. In an interview with NPR, Chris Yeung, journalist and commentator in Hong Kong, said this about participation in the vigil: People will be scared, and the government also want[s] to scare people not to do it

At the end of August, government leaders announced their investigation into the Alliance, accusing it of being an agent of foreign forces. Facing a slew of charges under the citys strict National Security Law (NSL), the Alliance was forced to disband on Sept. 25.

Sixteen members, including notable activist Joshua Wong and former Alliance vice chair Albert Ho, have been handed prison sentences after pleading guilty to unlawful assembly and subversion, respectively, for playing a part in the 2019 pro-democracy protests.

After the Alliances chairperson, Lee Cheuk-yan, who also faces NSL charges of illegal assembly, and Ho were jailed, Chow became vice chair of the Alliance, up until its disbandment.

Despite more than 150 arrests under the NSL, another influential pro-democracy advocate will take a stand against the governments flirtation with absolute communism, tyranny, and lack of respect for its citizens and their fundamental rights.

Chows trial is the latest attempt in Hong Kong and mainland China to eradicate human rights. The investigation has proved that now a mere memorial of an event is too dangerous for Hong Kong political leaders to permit, because a memory is powerful. A memory is capable of eliciting emotions that may be acted upon.

As Jeremy Brown, a historian at Simon Fraser University in Canada, remarks: Remembering becomes resistance.

The Hong Kong government proceeds to tighten its control over its citizens. Absolute control, however, will not be attainable until every glimmer of democratic ideals, even the memory of them, is wiped from existence.
Preaching the gospel of evidence, experiment and reason since 2003.
1) specific to save your life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um1vbL0uY8s

2) @1:11:40 - the lighter carried by a smoker to attack gasoline - bomb

3) @0:8:50 Act on a crack of opportunity of survival!

4) I can say one thing about this movie the Germans use the word "petrol" vs.

Americans use "gas" that minor variation is how the Americans knew when there was a German posing as an American Soldier

5 against 4, what are you waiting for? Attack immediately when you have a crack of opportunity. ????
emarks by the President at 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Armistice

10:44 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you so much. (Applause.) Thank you. Please be seated. Good morning. Annyong haseyo.

Secretaries Hagel, Jewell and Shinseki; Admiral Winnefeld; General Jung; all our friends from the Republic of Korea, including the legendary General Paik Sun Yup; distinguished guests; and most of all, veterans of the Korean War and your families. (Applause.) To our veterans -- many in your 80s, a few in your old uniforms -- which still fit -- (laughter) -- let me just say you look outstanding. And I would ask that all United States, Republic of Korea, and other veterans who fought -- I would ask those who can stand to please stand so that we can properly honor you here today. (Applause.)

July 27th, 1953 -- 60 years ago today. In the village of Panmunjom, in a barren room, the generals picked up their pens and signed their names to the agreement spread before them. That night, as the armistice took hold, the guns of war thundered no more. Along the jagged front, men emerged from their muddy trenches. A Marine raised his bugle and played taps. And a soldier spoke for millions when he said, Thank God it is over.

In the days that followed, both sides pulled back, leaving a demilitarized zone between them. Soldiers emptied their sandbags and tore down their bunkers. Our POWs emerged from the camps. Our troops boarded ships and steamed back across the ocean. And describing the moment he passed under the Golden Gate Bridge, one of those soldiers wrote, We suddenly knew we had survived the war, and we were home.

Yet ask these veterans here today and many will tell you, compared to other wars, theirs was a different kind of homecoming. Unlike the Second World War, Korea did not galvanize our country. These veterans did not return to parades. Unlike Vietnam, Korea did not tear at our country. These veterans did not return to protests. Among many Americans, tired of war, there was, it seemed, a desire to forget, to move on. As one of these veterans recalls, We just came home and took off our uniforms and went to work. That was about it.

You, our veterans of Korea, deserved better. And down the decades, our nation has worked to right that wrong, including here, with this eternal memorial, where the measure of your sacrifice is enshrined for all time. Because here in America, no war should ever be forgotten, and no veteran should ever be overlooked. And after the armistice, a reporter wrote, When men talk in some distant time with faint remembrance of the Korean War, the shining deeds will live. The shining deeds will live.

On this 60th anniversary, perhaps the highest tribute we can offer our veterans of Korea is to do what should have been done the day you come home. In our hurried lives, let us pause. Let us listen. Let these veterans carry us back to the days of their youth, and let us be awed by their shining deeds.

Listen closely and hear the story of a generation -- veterans of World War II recalled to duty. Husbands kissing their wives goodbye yet again. Young men -- some just boys, 18, 19, 20 years old -- leaving behind everyone they loved to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met. Lets never forget all the daughters who left home, especially our heroic nurses who saved so many. Our women in Korea also served with honor. They also gave their lives. (Applause.)

Listen, and hear how these Americans faced down their fears and did their duty. Clutching their rifles; hearing the bugles in the distance; knowing that waves of enemy fighters would soon be upon them. In ships offshore, climbing down the ropes into the landing craft, knowing some of them would not leave that beach. On the tarmacs and flight decks, taking off in their Corsairs and Sabres, knowing that they might not return to this earth.

Listen, and hear of their gallantry -- often outnumbered and outgunned -- in some of the most brutal combat in modern history. How they held the line at the Pusan Perimeter. How they landed at Inchon and turned the tide of the war. How, surrounded and freezing, they battled their way out of Chosin Reservoir. And how they fought -- foxhole by foxhole, mountain after mountain, day and night -- at the Punchbowl and Heartbreak Ridge, Old Baldy and Pork Chop Hill.

Listen, and hear how perhaps the only thing worse than the enemy was the weather. The searing heat, the choking dust of summer. The deep snow and bitter cold of winter -- so cold their weapons could jam; so cold their food would turn to ice. And surely no one endured more than our POWs in those hellish camps, where the torment was unimaginable. Our POWs from Korea are some of the strongest men our nation has ever produced, and today we honor them all -- those who never came home and those who are here today. (Applause.)

Listen to these veterans and youll also hear of the resilience of the human spirit. There was compassion -- starving prisoners who shared their food. There was love -- men who charged machine guns, and reached for grenades, so their brothers might live. There was the dark humor of war -- as when someone misunderstood the code name for mortar rounds -- Tootsie Rolls -- and then shipped our troops thousands of Tootsie Rolls -- candies.

And there was hope -- as told in a letter home written by a soldier in the 7th Cavalry. Marching through the snow and ice, something caught his eye -- a young lieutenant up ahead, and from the muzzle of his rifle hung a pair of tiny baby booties, swinging silently in the windlike tiny bells. They were sent by the lieutenants wife, pregnant with their first child, and she promised to send ribbons -- blue if a boy, pink if a girl. But as the war ground on, those soldiers were scattered. Until one day, on a Korean road, he spotted the lieutenant again. Swinging gaily in the first rays of the morning sun, the soldier wrote, were those booties, and fluttering below them was the brightest, bluest piece of ribbon I have ever seen.

Six decades on, these moments may seem like faint remembrances of a distant time. But for you -- our Korea veterans and your families -- I know it must feel sometimes just like just yesterday. And on days such as this, youre back there once more. For Korea was the fire that helped to forge you.

As we listen to the story of your service, I say let us also learn, because your lives hold lessons for us today. Korea taught us the perils when we fail to prepare. After the Second World War, a rapid drawdown left our troops underequipped, so that in the early days of Korea, their rockets literally bounced off enemy tanks. Today, as we end a decade of war and reorient our forces for the future, as we make hard choices at home, our allies and adversaries must know the United States of America will maintain the strongest military the world has ever known, bar none, always. That is what we do. (Applause.)

Korea taught us that, as a people, we are stronger when we stand as one. On President Trumans orders, our troops served together in integrated units. And the heroism of African Americans in Korea -- and Latinos and Asian Americans and Native Americans -- advanced the idea: If these Americans could live and work together over there, surely we could do the same thing here at home. (Applause.)

Change came slowly. And we continue our long journey toward a more perfect union. But for the great strides we have made toward the ideals of equality and opportunity, we must give thanks to our Korean War veterans who helped point the way.

Korea reminds us that when we send our troops into battle, they deserve the support and gratitude of the American people -- especially when they come home. Today, let us remember that -- right now -- our sons and daughters continue to risk their lives, give their lives, in Afghanistan. And as this war ends and we welcome them home, we will make it our mission to give them the respect and the care and the opportunities that they have earned. (Applause.)

And Korea reminds us that our obligations to our fallen and their families endure long after the battle ends. To this day, 7,910 Americans are still missing from the Korean War. And we will not stop working until we give these families a full accounting of their loved ones. (Applause.) Like Sergeant First Class William Robinson -- 26 years old -- missing for 63 years. This week, in Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, the Robinsons will welcome their uncle home and finally lay him to rest -- with full military honors. (Applause.)

Freedom is not free. And in Korea, no one paid a heavier price than those who gave all -- 36,574 American patriots, and, among our allies, more than one million of our South Korean friends -- soldiers and civilians. That July day, when the fighting finally ended, not far from where it began, some suggested this sacrifice had been for naught, and they summed it up with a phrase -- die for a tie.

It took many decades for this memorial to gain its rightful place on this great Mall where we tell our American story. It has, perhaps, taken even longer to see clearly, and understand fully, the true legacy of your service. But here, today, we can say with confidence that war was no tie. Korea was a victory. When 50 million South Koreans live in freedom -- a vibrant democracy, one of the worlds most dynamic economies, in stark contrast to the repression and poverty of the North -- thats a victory; thats your legacy. (Applause.)

When our soldiers stand firm along the DMZ; when our South Korean friends can go about their lives, knowing that the commitment of the United States to the security of the Republic of Korea will never waver -- that is a victory, and that is your legacy.

When our allies across the Asia Pacific know -- as we have proven in Korea for 60 straight years -- that the United States will remain a force for peace and security and prosperity --thats a victory; thats your legacy.

And for generations to come, when history recalls how free nations banded together in a long Cold War, and how we won that war, let it be said that Korea was the first battle -- where freedom held its ground and free peoples refused to yield, that, too, is your victory, your legacy.

Most of all, your legacy burns brightest right here, in a grateful nation that reveres you; in the loving families that cherish you -- like that young soldier with those baby booties swinging from his rifle. Ever since the war, the story of that soldier has been passed among our Korean War vets. Some of you may have heard it before. And many may have wondered what became of that soldier. Today, six decades later, we now know -- because we found him. His was Richard Shank, from St. Louis, Missouri. For his valor in Korea he earned the Silver Star. Yes, Dick survived the war. He returned home. He held his baby boy in his arms. He was able to be a father to his son.

But this story doesnt end there -- because like so many of you, Dick continued to serve in uniform. His son grew into a man, got married, had children of his own. Those children are now adults themselves, scattered across the country. And like so many American families, they still speak with pride of their grandfathers service in Korea.

Today, Dick Shank lives in Gainesville, Florida, and I believe hes watching us this morning. Hes 84 years old, recovering from a recent fall while roller skating. (Laughter.) Life is short, he says, and I just keep on living it. And one of the ways he keeps living it is by meeting up every year with his buddies from Korea, and recalling the time they shared together in that fight which ended 60 years ago today.

Veterans of the Korean War -- in the spring of your youth you learned how short and precious life can be. And because of you, millions of people can keep on living it, in freedom and in peace. Your lives are an inspiration. Your service will never be forgotten. You have the thanks of a grateful nation. And your shining deeds will live -- now and forever.

May God bless those who gave all in Korea. May God bless you and your families. May God bless the alliances that helped secure our prosperity and our security. And may God continue to bless these United States of America. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
State Rep. Ken Weyler (QNH), who spread some of the most outlandish Covid misinformation, resigned from his Chairman position of the State House Budget Committee today. This was after the fully grown politician flooded his colleagues' email boxes with child-like fantastical fears, including a frantic 52-page report about vaccines that contained "octopus-like creatures" and 5G technology meant for mind-control (see video below).

Weyler's email also blasted the Catholic Church, calling the "criminal network" satanists and "Luciferans." And that's not all. According to the Daily Beast, Weyler's report said that vaccinated parents in Mexico were giving birth to "transhuman" babies with "pitch black eyes."

From Daily Beast:

The report additionally made the wild suggestion that the babies of vaccinated parents in Mexico were "transhuman"born with "pitch-black eyes" and undergoing accelerated aging. "It's all one huge puppet theatre, where the majority of the peopleeven most of those who are complicit haven't got the slightest clue what is going on, and how everyone is being played," the report states.

Even Governor Chris Sununu, a Repubican, was taken aback, calling Weyler's claims "dangerous" and a "detachment from reality." But not all republicans were happy to see him step down from his Committee position.

From nhpr:

In a statement, House Speaker Sherman Packard, Republican from Londonderry, said he "reluctantly" accepted Weyler's resignation from his post. Top New Hampshire Democrats and Gov. Chris Sununu had called for him to be stripped of the Finance Committee chairmanship, among the most influential positions in the Legislature. "[Weyler] realizes his error in judgment and recognizes it has compromised his ability to lead the House Finance Committee and Joint Fiscal Committee both now and moving forward," Packard said.

And to think this lunatic is still a member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives.

Here's a video posted on Oct 5, before resigning from his committee:
A recent Slate magazine article posed interesting questions about where stories come from, and to whom or what fiction writers owe inspiration. Slate's Alexis Nowicki spent years obsessing over the possibility that the phenomenal 2017 story Cat Person was literally based on her own life, despite having never met the author. If this seems a little narcissistic, a flattering but unhealthy misunderstanding of how realistic fiction works, it turned out she may have been onto something.

A new article in New York Times Magazine explores a similar story with some wild twists along the way. "Who Is The Bad Art Friend?" tells the tale of an aspiring novelist named Dawn Dorland who decided to donate a kidney to a random stranger. Dorland spent years attending workshops at the GrubStreet writing center in Boston, and believedhopedthat the writing community there would be moved by the selflessness of her live organ donation.

A month later, at the GrubStreet Muse conference in Boston [] barely anyone brought up what Dorland had done, even though everyone must have known she'd done it. "It was a little bit like, if you've been at a funeral and nobody wanted to talk about it  it just was strange to me," she said. "I left that conference with this question: Do writers not care about my kidney donation? Which kind of confused me, because I thought I was in a community of service-oriented people."

Dorland, who is white, later reached out to a successful writer at GrubStreet, a mixed-race Chinese-American woman named Sonya Larson. Dorland would learn that Larson had written a short story titled, "The Kindest," in which a Chinese-American woman gets in a drunk driving accident and receives a kidney donation from an ostensibly selfless live organ donor, a white woman with a compulsive need to be praised and appreciated for her supposedly selfless act.

Dorland felt that Larson had blatantly stolen her personal story for a work of fiction. Larson argued that writers take inspiration from all kinds of places, and that Dorland's story merely served as a jumping off point that sparked an idea that turned into an entirely different story in which the selfless live organ donation was only one minor detail.

"The Kindest" was selected for Boston's "One City, One Story" city-wide reading program, and Dorland sued Larson for copyright infringement. This was perceived by many in their writing community as a racist attacka jealous white woman trying to take credit for the work of a woman of colorand Dorland's obsession quickly grew toxic, her lawsuits growing in scope and cost.

When the lawsuit hit the discovery phase, though, it exposed the GrubStreeters' online chats about Dorlandand it turns out she may have a valid case.

The story gets weird, dark, and complicated. Perhaps most remarkable is the fact that somehow, after 5 years of obsessions and tribulations, Dorland decided to pitch this not-so-flattering story to New York Times Magazine. It's long, but holy shit, it's worth it. (You can also listen on Audm.)

Who is the bad art friend? [Robert Kolker / New York Times Magazine]

Image: Jakirseu / Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA 4.0)
Flash noted the enthusiasm of the students before he arrived in town, getting to know them via Zoom classes and phone conversations. They were immediately in sponge mode, and thats perfect for me, because I want to fill that sponge with knowledge," he said.

If you missed out on this flurry of activity, fear not. This is not considered a one-and-done deal.

I plan to come back to UB every year, Flash said during a phone interview. But I also want to go through all of SUNY, all the schools in the Buffalo area, because I think its of paramount importance that an elder statesman presents this in a digestible fashion for the youth, so that they can carry it forward and then start to tell their own stories with it.

A little joy for all of us

Ive known Flash for a while now, and he really is committed to building something for the long term in Buffalo, said Bronwyn Keenan, director of the UB Arts Collaboratory. Were viewing this as a getting to know you situation for this trip. Some of the events were small, but there was enough of them that we felt we could spread the love around Buffalo so that everybody feels as if theyve participated. This whole thing has been a little badly needed joy for all of us.
Allegations against Kelly were not tied to Sacred Heart Elementary. Kelly was named in two separate CVA suits filed against him in State Supreme Court. One filed in June emanated from when he was pastor at St. Margaret's Catholic Church in North Buffalo in which an unnamed plaintiff accused him of engaging in unpermitted sexual contact with a minor from 2005 to 2007. In the other lawsuit, a plaintiff alleged that Kelly molested him from 1980 to 1982 when the plaintiff was an 8- to 10-year-old student at the Diocesan Educational Center and attended church at St. Nicholas and St. Benedict the Moor. The school and both parishes are now defunct.

Joseph G. Makowski, an attorney for Kelly, spoke to The Buffalo News by phone on behalf of his client Thursday.

"After three months of a thorough investigation by the Independent Review Board, it was determined that the charges against monsignor were unsubstantiated. Monsignor has been a priest for 59 years in the Buffalo Diocese, and he has been a distinguished priest," Makowski said. "On his behalf, he looks forward to returning to the ministry and continuing to perform his duties for the benefit of the Catholic community that he services."
"I'm the mom of Shane Casado," she told a group of reporters and television cameras. "Not guilty. We knew that the whole time."

"I appreciate all the love and support that everybody has given us through this time," she said. "I want to send my condolences to the Wierzbicki family. My heart is with them. But this was not an open-and-shut case."

Before his trial began, Casado rejected an offer from the Erie County District Attorney's Office to plead guilty to first-degree manslaughter. If he had accepted that offer, Casado would have avoided a sentence with a maximum of life in prison, which was possible with a conviction at trial.

Teo Siguenza, who represented Casado, along with James Egan, said he thinks the jury "got it right."

"I think it was clear if you watched the trial that what the government stated happened didn't happen and we're very happy that the jury was able to fairly evaluate the case and come to the right decision," Siguenza said.

"I think that the reality is that Shane never intended for this to happen and the jury saw that he never intended for this to happen," he said.
The last time anyone saw Marquita Mull alive, the 50-year-old Buffalo woman was on Broadway, on her way to picking up her disability check from Community Services, which she did weekly.

That was on June 25.

Three months later, her family learned that the remains of a body found near a trail in rural Chautauqua County nearly 60 miles away was identified as hers.

Mull's family said they don't know how she could have ended up in the Town of Portland, a small rural town in the rolling hills just east of Lake Erie. She suffered from serious mental illness and had physical disabilities after surviving being hit by a car in 2012. She didn't have a car. She didn't even have a cellphone. She didn't know anyone in that area. Her family doesn't know of anyone who would want to do her harm.

"Somebody took my sister and threw my sister away like she was garbage," her younger sister, Wendy Mull said Thursday afternoon, hours after being informed by the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office that her sister's body had been identified.

Putting a name to the body only deepens a mystery unfolding in Chautauqua County.
Kirkland knew that his grandfather could have met the same fate, and he decided Hartfields murder would form the framework for his documentary. Thats when he asked his mother to return to the scene of the crime.

She had not been back to Mississippi since leaving a century earlier. She had always said she would never go back. I dont even want to see it on a map, she would say.

But Kirkland told his mother he was going with her or without her  for the sake of the film, and of history. And at long last she changed her mind. Ever the good mother, she said she simply could not let him go there alone.

They went to Ellisville in 2015. She had left at age 7 and returned at 107. Kirklands cameras captured it all. And the beauty of Mamies story is that she lived through the horrors of her age and somehow transcended them.

A lot of people go through trauma  wars and other catastrophes, Kirkland says. We know a lot about what trauma is now, and we have to treat it. That didnt happen in the Deep South when people were fleeing for their lives. There was no concept then that a person needed to unburden themselves of this experience. They just had to go on with their lives.
India B. Walton, the Democratic nominee for mayor of Buffalo, had her car impounded Thursday for hundreds of dollars in unpaid parking tickets and an expired inspection.

They towed my damn car, Walton wrote on Twitter. Im late on some parking tickets, and my inspection sticker is expired. Those are my bad  I should have handled them on time. Im handling them right now.

Walton's black Subaru was towed from an on-street parking space near her downtown campaign office to the city's impound lot on Dart Street, her campaign manager acknowledged.

Kevin Helfer, the city parking commissioner, said Walton's car was towed because of the expired inspection and for being a "scofflaw." The value of the fines she owed was in excess of $600, he said.

Walton said on Twitter that her status as a low-income single mother enrolled in Medicaid factored into her inability to pay the tickets on time.

People like me dont always have the money to pay tickets, Walton wrote.

Campaign manager Jesse Myerson, responding to questions from The News, said Walton was rushing to the impound lot to try to retrieve her car before the lot closed for the day.
WASHINGTON  The veterans cemetery that opened in Pembroke last year turned out to be a stripped-down version of what was originally planned  but it won't be for long.

That's because the Department of Veterans Affairs recently settled on a contract for the next phase of cemetery development that includes most of the features that had been stripped out for cost reasons in 2019, according to contract documents obtained by The Buffalo News. Instead of including interment space for only 4,000 veterans, the expanded cemetery will have space for 9,042  enough to accommodate a decade of burials.

An above-ground columbarium for the storage of cremated remains will be built after all. So will an ossuary for mixed remains and a memorial wall for local veterans buried elsewhere. A second committal shelter, a loop roadway, and additional fencing and landscaping  all delayed under the VA's plans in 2019  will all be built under the new contract, too.

"We pretty much got everything we wanted," said Patrick W. Welch, a retired Marine and longtime Buffalo-area veterans advocate who has been pushing for the cemetery to be built for years.

Welch attributed the turnaround in planning for the Western New York National Cemetery to two things: an extra $10 million for the project set aside by Congress, as well as Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer's efforts to press the Department of Veterans Affairs to build the complete cemetery that local veterans wanted.

"It's important to continue to give Sen. Schumer the credit for becoming our champion on this because the reality is if he hadn't taken up the cause, we wouldn't have a cemetery," said Welch, who noted that he actually disagrees with Schumer, a New York Democrat, on many other issues.

The new contract is for $24.6 million in cemetery construction work. Global Urban Enterprises, the Monroe County firm that won the contract for the first phase of the cemetery that opened last fall, was awarded the latest contract, as well. The deal calls for the latest round of construction work to be completed in about two years.

The latest contract omits only two parts of the project that were indefinitely delayed due to cost overruns two years ago: a maintenance building and an honor guard facility. Les' A. Melnyk, chief of public affairs and outreach at the VA's National Cemetery Administration, said the agency plans to issue a contract for the construction of those facilities in late 2022.

"It is standard practice for the VA to develop our cemeteries in phases, so as to allow the local veteran community to begin using the cemetery as quickly as possible, so the upgrading of temporary facilities to permanent facilities and the expansion of burial options is not an unusual occurrence," Melnyk said. "Some elements of the cemetery construction such as the columbarium were excluded from phase 1A of the project due to higher bids than VA anticipated receiving. Congress appropriated additional funding which allowed VA to complete those facilities in phase 1B."

At Schumer's request, Congress set aside another $10 million for the cemetery in December 2019. Congress previously allocated $36 million for the project, but a first round of bids for it came in far higher than expected in 2018, the VA split the project into phases. After rebidding the first phase, construction began and the cemetery officially opened last November without many of the amenities that had been originally promised.

Some 645 veterans from the Western New York and the Rochester region have already been interred at the Genesee County national cemetery, Melnyk said.

In addition to pressing for additional funding for the facility, Schumer lobbied Robert Wilkie  VA secretary in the last years of the Trump administration  and current VA Secretary Denis McDonough to get moving on the next phase of cemetery development.

"The 98,000 Western New York veterans and family members were promised a cemetery timely built and to full scope," Schumer said in a March letter to McDonough.

The VA secretary replied in May, saying the agency would settle on a contract for the next phase of cemetery construction in September.

Schumer said he was happy to see the VA moving forward on the project.

Just like our New York veterans that never give up until they complete their mission, I am glad the VA has heeded my call and now taken the necessary steps to ensure the Western New York National Cemetery construction will be completed as theyve long promised," Schumer said. "The funding and VA commitments I was proud to secure will enable thousands more veterans to have a fitting resting place and eternal place of honor right here in the very community they dedicated their lives to defend and serve.

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In 2020, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation reported there 22 hunting accidents involving guns or crossbows, three of which were fatal. Two shooting accidents involved small game hunting by children ages 13 and 11, though the 11-year-old did not have a hunting license.

In his veto letter, Poloncarz referred to hunting accidents in the state and country in the past two years involving children under the age of 13. That included a boy who shot his father in the head and upper body last year. He also referred to local shooting deaths involving children that were not hunting related, pointing out that he reads all county fatality reports involving children.

"Each report is gut wrenching, knowing that a child's life was taken, often in a circumstance that was wholly preventable," he said. "We have it in our power to prevent a local child from becoming a 'statistic' regarding a hunting accident in our county. Neither myself, nor any future county executive, should ever have to read a child fatality report regarding the accidental death of a twelve- or thirteen-year-old child because this law went into effect under my signature."
The Buffalo Bills have made it clear they want to build a new stadium across the street from Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.

But government negotiators are keeping their options open.

A consulting firm hired by the state also studied the cost and practicality of renovating the existing stadium and building a new stadium along South Park Avenue near downtown Buffalo. That's according to stadium consultant contracts released by Empire State Development late Wednesday in response to public records requests by The Buffalo News and other news outlets.

The analysis conducted by AECOM at a cost of more than $150,000 already should be in the hands of state officials, based on a timeline included in the contract that said the firm would complete the initial analysis within 10 weeks. Gov. Kathy Hochul has said her office will release the document to the public as soon as next month.

The AECOM contract offers new details on the scope of the services the consultant provided to top New York officials, who are engaged in negotiations with the Bills over how much public money will go into a new stadium for the team.

Empire State Development also released a copy of the agreement with O'Melveny & Myers, a law firm with extensive experience in stadium negotiations.

One of its partners, Irwin P. Raij, advised the administration of former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo in talks a decade ago about renovations to the Bills' stadium. Raij and other veteran lawyers at the firm will bill the state at a rate of up to $775 per hour for their expertise.

The contract with AECOM is more detailed than the agreement with the law firm about the services each consultant will provide.

AECOM  like O'Melveny & Myers, based in Los Angeles  is a real estate and infrastructure consulting firm retained by state officials in 2014 to assess future prospects for a new Bills stadium.

In that case, AECOM reviewed four potential sites for a new stadium, including one in Orchard Park, and determined the three locations on the fringes of downtown Buffalo were best because of the potential economic spinoff effects offered there.

The earlier study highlighted a site east of First Niagara Center in the Cobblestone District, another at the northeast corner of Exchange Street and Michigan Avenue and a third located southeast of the South Park Avenue-Louisiana Street intersection along the Buffalo River.

The newest study will focus on three options, according to the proposal dated July 27 and written by Tom Scerbo, an AECOM vice president and metro New York executive. They are: building a new stadium in Orchard Park, renovating the existing Highmark Stadium or building a stadium at the "South Park" site. The proposal also leaves open the possibility of reviewing additional, as-yet-unidentified sites.

AECOM will address the feasibility of stadium renovations or construction at the two sites; review the design and anticipated costs of a new stadium; assess the market demand for any development surrounding the stadium sites; analyze the economic and financial impacts of a new stadium; and make recommendations to the state on how best to proceed based on the study results.

Some of AECOM's work will include reviewing the Bills' stadium proposal to the state and studies previously performed on the team's behalf. The Bills have proposed building a $1.4 billion, open-air stadium near Highmark Stadium with seating for about 60,000 to 62,000 fans, with up to 5,000 more on a party deck, and with a significant investment from the state and Erie County to help pay for it.

The state has seen the reports produced for the team but the public has not had access to those documents.

AECOM said it would produce a preliminary analysis by the end of August and outline its findings and recommendations in a series of memos by the end of September. Hochul in late September revealed the state had retained a stadium consultant and that she would make public the study within two months.

The state agreed to pay AECOM about $155,000 for its work, which will continue into 2022. AECOM's proposal was accepted after ESD issued a request for proposals dated June 8.

Raij, who works in Manhattan, was with another firm when he advised the Cuomo administration.

Empire State Development hired Raij and his new firm without putting the legal work up for bid, arguing his previous experience with stadium negotiations and advising New York made the firm uniquely qualified for the contract.

Materials provided to the agency's board of directors last month state the law firm will receive up to $500,000 for legal work over a period of one year, with an option to renew. Lawyers for the firm will bill at a rate between $425 per hour and $775 per hour.

The state signed a "notice to proceed" with Raij's firm in June as it finalized the consulting contract.

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When Byron Brown stated that India Walton favors restorative justice practices, which would mean no jail time for rapists, it upset many rape survivors, myself included. The analysis of 2010-2014 Department of Justice data by the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network showed that only .6% of rapes result in incarceration. Most sexual assault survivors know this already, and dont expect that a police report of a rape will result in jail time for the perpetrator.

Brown has had 15 years to improve the Buffalo Police Departments approach to how rape survivors in Buffalo are treated. He could have taken steps by now to partner a social worker with a police officer to take the survivors statement in a supportive and caring approach. He could have changed the common practice of sending two male police officers to take domestic violence and sexual assault statements from traumatized survivors, often with little empathy. He could have made changes to ensure that everything possible is done to encourage survivors to report sexual assaults, and that those reports result in the perpetrators being brought to justice. He could have ensured that BPD prioritizes DV and rape calls made to 911.
Some 5,000 participants from civil society, arts and culture, entrepreneurs and youth activists are gathering for a one-day summit in the southern French town of Montpellier on Friday to discuss the presence and role of France on the African continent. The summit will be capped off by a round table with the French president, Emmanuel Macron, and representatives from some of the organisations present.

Cameroonian writer and staunch Macron critic Achille Mbembe has agreed to lead the dialogue with the French president, slated for the afternoon session.

Macron asked Mbembe to play a supporting role in redefining the relationship between the African continent and France.

The themes for the conference stem from mini-debates piloted by Mbembe, a total of more than 60 workshops in 12 African countries.

Ultimately governance is popular theme, but other subjects like entrepreneurship or Frances role in the climate change debate acorss the continent are expected to create a lot of discussion.

Sports, particularly BMX, which will be introduced during the 2024 Paris Olympics, will also be one of the topics during the summit.

Francophone Africa

Those invited to the summit include the Francophone African diaspora, which Macron considers an important part of French identity, an aspect that that Mbembe was initially critical of, he tells RFIs Christophe Boisbouvier.

My criticism was designed to make sure that we put this relationship back into play and together to ry and rethink the fundamentals of the relationship-- that's what he says he wants to do, says Mbembe.

Macron is banking on African youth and diaspora participation to create a wider dialogue with France.

In a change from previous summits, there will be no African heads of state.

According to Benoit Verdeaux, former diplomat and currently secretary general of the Montpellier Summit, the difference is that the average age of the participants is between 30 and 35 years-of-age, and not the typical elderly statesmen.

When asked if the various coups d'etat in French-speaking Africa -- including Mali, Chad and Guinea-- could become the focal point of the summit, Verdeaux said he hopes for a lively debate among the young peole who have lived through these recent experiences.

France's role in this is a real subject and there are sometimes serious misunderstandings that must be talked about in order to be able to overcome them, he says.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - Anacortes Mining Corp. (TSXV: XYZ.P) ("Anacortes" or the "Company"), formerly First Light Capital Corp. ("First Light"), and New Oroperu Resources Inc. ("New Oroperu") (TSXV:ORO) are pleased to announce the successful completion of their previously-announced business combination - resulting in the creation of "Anacortes Mining Corp." - a new growth-oriented gold company in the Americas led by a strengthened management team with proven mine building and operating capabilities in Peru and Latin America (the "Transaction"). Anacortes intends to focus on continued exploration and advancement of its 100% owned Tres Cruces project located in Peru, in addition to seeking further growth opportunities in the Americas. Anacortes is well-capitalized following the release of approximately $22 million in gross proceeds from the private placement of subscription receipts (each, a "Subscription Receipt") issued by First Light and one of its former subsidiaries ("FinCo") on July 21, 2021 (the "Private Placement").

In connection with the closing of the Transaction (the "Closing"), Anacortes acquired New Oroperu by way of a statutory plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) pursuant to which, among other things, the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding common shares of New Oroperu in exchange for an aggregate of 20,074,716 common shares of Anacortes (on a post-Consolidation (as defined below) basis) (each, a "Share").

Jim Currie, President and Chief Executive Officer of Anacortes, stated, "With the founding of Anacortes, our team now embarks on a corporate goal of creating a high-growth, Americas-focused gold producer. Our team successfully pursued a foundational asset for Anacortes, a pursuit which will continue as we seek additional assets to compliment Tres Cruces in the creation of a multi-asset gold company. At Tres Cruces, our 100% owned flagship asset, the Anacortes team plans to advance the project through a feasibility study and towards production, building on a heap-leach open pit scenario for the identified leachable oxides and sulphides. Furthermore, the team will continue to drill exploration opportunities to expand the leachable material across the property, in addition to delineating the sulphide gold mineralization that remains open at depth. Through focused efforts on engineering and exploration, and with a strong financial position, we believe that we are well-positioned to generate significant value for all stakeholders of Anacortes."

Story continues

The Company also entered into voluntary escrow agreements with Computershare Investor Services Inc. and certain former shareholders of New Oroperu, pursuant to which an aggregate of 2,039,508 Shares were placed in escrow and are to be released in accordance with the following schedule: 25% on the issuance of the Final Exchange Bulletin in connection with the Closing; 25% on the date that is 6 months following the issuance of the Final Exchange Bulletin; 25% on the date that is 12 months following the issuance of the Final Exchange Bulletin; and the balance on the date that is 18 months following the issuance of the Final Exchange Bulletin.

In addition, the Company issued to three eligible persons, in the aggregate and as partial payment of advisory fees due, 708,333 Shares and 354,166 warrants, each exercisable for one Share for a period of 24 months following the Closing at an exercise price of $3.30 per Share.

Key Highlights on the Launch of Anacortes

Tres Cruces is one of the highest-grade oxide deposits globally and hosts oxide plus sulphide Indicated resources of 2.474 Mozs at 1.65 g/t gold and Inferred resources of 104 kozs at 1.26 g/t gold, inclusive of 630 kozs of high-grade leachable gold at 1.28 g/t gold

Tres Cruces is strategically located in a highly prospective geological belt that hosts significant gold deposits such as Lagunas Norte, which is located within 10 km, Yanacocha and Pierina

Anacortes is led by a new management team and Board of Directors with extensive experience in Latin America and Peru and proven capabilities in all facets of mine development and operations

Anacortes is well-capitalized post-closing of the approximately $22M Private Placement

Underexplored property with oxide and sulphide resource growth potential - Tres Cruces has not been drilled since 2008 when gold prices were approximately US$850/oz, and several of the best drill intercepts from the previous drilling campaign are below and outside of the current pit-constrained mineral resource

Attractive relative valuation on an enterprise value per Indicated resource ounce basis

Consolidation, Name Change and Trading Symbol

Concurrent to the Closing, the Company completed a consolidation of its issued and outstanding Shares on the basis of one (1) post-consolidation Share for each six (6) pre-consolidation Shares (the "Consolidation").

Additionally, the corporate name of "First Light Capital Corp." has been changed to "Anacortes Mining Corp.".

The post-Consolidation Shares of Anacortes are expected to commence trading on the TSX Venture Exchange at the opening of market on October 12, 2021 under the Company's current symbol "XYZ".

Management and Board of Directors of Anacortes

The new leadership team of Anacortes is now comprised of:

Jim Currie (President, Chief Executive Officer and Director) Engineer with over 40 years of senior management, engineering, and operations experience Most recently Chief Operating Officer of Equinox Gold Corp. Previously Chief Operating Officer of Pretium Resources Inc. and New Gold Inc.



Steven Botts (President of Aurifera Tres Cruces S. A., Peru) Over 40 years of experience in mining with a focus on the areas of project development, environmental management, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable development Most recently Vice President and Managing Director of Tahoe Peru, where he managed both the La Arena and Shahuindo gold heap leach operations



Horng Dih Lee (Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary) Previously Chief Financial Officer and Secretary at Eastern Platinum Ltd. and at Esrey Resources Ltd., Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Northern Orion Resources, Inc., and Chief Financial Officer and Vice President at Diamond Fields Resources, Inc.



Marshall Koval (Special Advisor) Mining executive with more than 42 years of corporate management, M&A, finance, mineral exploration, mine development, and operations experience globally Currently serves as President, CEO and Director of Lumina Gold Corp., CEO and Director of Luminex Resources Corp., Director of Equinox Gold Corp., and Director of Miedzi Copper Corp.



The new Anacortes Board of Directors is comprised of Jim Currie, Andrew Carstensen, Barry Hildred, Brian Storseth, and K. Wayne Livingstone.

For additional information regarding the individuals comprising the Board of Directors of Anacortes, please refer to the Company's management information circular dated August 9, 2021, which is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR.

Release of Proceeds of Subscription Receipt Financing

Prior to the Closing, each Subscription Receipt issued in connection with the closing of the Private Placement automatically converted into one unit of First Light or FinCo (each, respectively, a "Unit"), each comprised of one share and one-half warrant, which have subsequently been exchanged for securities of Anacortes, on a post-Consolidation basis, in conjunction with the closing of the Transaction.

Pursuant to the Private Placement, an aggregate of 9,182,704 Shares and 4,591,349 warrants have been issued, on a post-Consolidation basis, with each warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Share for a period of 24 months following the closing of the Private Placement at an exercise price of $3.30 per Share.

The securities of Anacortes issued upon the conversion of the Subscription Receipts issued by First Light will be subject to a statutory hold period in Canada expiring on November 22, 2021. The securities of Anacortes issued upon the conversion of the Subscription Receipts issued by FinCo are not be subject to a statutory hold period in Canada.

In connection with the Closing, and upon the satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions (as defined in the Subscription Receipt Agreements), the Company paid cash commissions of approximately $1,318,610, which amount represents 6% of the gross proceeds of the brokered tranche of the Private Placement and is inclusive of a $35,000 corporate finance fee, plus GST, and issued an aggregate of 550,668 Subscription Receipt compensation options (each, a "SR Compensation Option"), which amount represents 6.0% of the aggregate number of Subscription Receipts sold under the brokered tranche of the Private Placement. Each SR Compensation Option entitles the holder thereof to purchase one Share for a period of 24 months following the closing of the Private Placement at an exercise price of $2.40 per Share.

For more information on the Private Placement and the anticipated use of proceeds therefrom, please see Anacortes' news release dated July 21, 2021 filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR.

About Anacortes

Anacortes is a new growth-oriented gold company in the Americas, which owns a 100% interest in the Tres Cruces gold project located in Peru. Tres Cruces is one of the highest-grade oxide deposits globally and hosts oxide plus sulphide Indicated resources of 2.474 Mozs at 1.65 g/t gold and Inferred resources of 104 kozs at 1.26 g/t gold, inclusive of 630 kozs of high-grade leachable gold at 1.28 g/t gold. Anacortes is well-capitalized and intends to aggressively advance Tres Cruces through feasibility and to production under a heap leach open pit scenario. Additionally, Anacortes will continue to seek further growth opportunities in the Americas, with the goal of creating the next mid-tier multi-asset gold producer.

For further information, please contact Jim Currie, President and Chief Executive Officer of Anacortes, at (604) 764-7108.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation (collectively, the "Forward-looking Statements"). All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are Forward-looking Statements and are subject to a variety of known and unknown risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the Forward-looking Statements.

The Forward-looking Statements in this news release may include, without limitation, statements about the Anacortes' current expectations, estimates and projections for Company following the Closing; the anticipated benefits of the Transaction to shareholders and the combined company, including corporate, operational and other synergies; and the anticipated uses of the net proceeds of the Private Placement. Often, but not always, these Forward-looking Statements can be identified by the use of words such as "anticipated", "estimated", "potential", "open", "future", "assumed", "projected", "used", "detailed", "has been", "gain", "planned", "reflecting", "will", "anticipated", "estimated" "containing", "remaining", "to be", or statements that events, "could" or "should" occur or be achieved and similar expressions, including negative variations.

Forward-looking Statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the ability of Anacortes to control or predict and which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-looking Statements. Such risks, uncertainties and factors include, among others, the ability of the combined company to realize the anticipated benefits of, and synergies and savings from, the Transaction and the timing thereof; changes in general economic conditions and financial markets; political risks; risks relating to the current and potential adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, financial markets and the parties' operations; and risks inherent in mineral exploration. Although Forward-looking Statements contained in this news release are based upon what each of the parties believe are reasonable assumptions at the time they were made, such statements are made as of the date hereof and Anacortes disclaims any obligation to update any Forward-looking Statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise, except as required by law. There can be no assurance that these Forward-looking Statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on Forward-looking Statements.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or solicitation of an offer to buy, nor will there be any sale of any of the securities offered in any jurisdiction where such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including the United States of America. The securities being offered as part of the Private Placement have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and accordingly may not be offered or sold in the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws, or pursuant to available exemptions therefrom.

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.

Not For Dissemination in the United States or For Distribution to U.S. Newswire Services. This Press Release Does Not Constitute an Offer to U.S. Persons.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98871
FILE PHOTO: Vial labelled "Moderna coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine" placed on displayed EU flag is seen in this illustration picture

By Essi Lehto

HELSINKI (Reuters) -Finland on Thursday paused the use of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine for younger males due to reports of a rare cardiovascular side effect, joining Sweden and Denmark in limiting its use.

Mika Salminen, director of the Finnish health institute, said Finland would instead give Pfizer's vaccine to men born in 1991 and later. Finland offers shots to people aged 12 and over.

"A Nordic study involving Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark found that men under the age of 30 who received Moderna Spikevax had a slightly higher risk than others of developing myocarditis," he said.

Swedish and Danish health officials had announced on Wednesday they would pause the use of the Moderna vaccine for all young adults and children, citing the same unpublished study.

Norwegian health officials reiterated on Wednesday that they recommended men under the age of 30 opt for Pfizer's vaccine.

The Finnish institute said the Nordic study would be published within a couple of weeks and preliminary data had been sent to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for further assessment.

The EMA's safety committee concluded in July that such inflammatory heart conditions could occur in very rare cases following vaccination with Spikevax or the Pfizer/BioNTech Comirnaty jab, more often in younger men after the second dose.

Regulators in the United States, EU and the World Health Organization have however stressed that the benefits of shots based on the mRNA technology used by Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech in preventing COVID-19 continue to outweigh the risks.

A Moderna spokesperson said late on Wednesday it was aware of the decisions by the Swedish and Danish regulators.

"These are typically mild cases and individuals tend to recover within a short time following standard treatment and rest. The risk of myocarditis is substantially increased for those who contract COVID-19, and vaccination is the best way to protect against this."

Story continues

Italy's Health Minister Roberto Speranza told reporters Italy was not planning to suspend the Moderna vaccine and said European countries should work together more closely to coordinate better.

"We have to trust international authorities, starting with EMA which is our reference agency and has expressed very clear judgments on the matter," he said.

(Reporting by Essi Lehto in Helsinki and Emilio Parodi in Milan; Editing by Alex Richardson and Alison Williams)
Brian Laundrie as seen on police bodycam footage. The Moab Police Department via AP

Police said no campsite was found in the Carlton Reserve, where police are looking for Laundrie.

A source told CNN a site, apparently recently used, was found as the park was closed for the search.

A police spokesman said CNN's source was "incorrect."

Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Police denied a CNN report that the remnants of a campsite were found in Florida's Carlton Reserve during the search for Brian Laundrie.

CNN had said that a close to Laundrie's family told its anchor Chris Cuomo on Wednesday that authorities found the remnants of a campsite that appeared to have been used recently.

But North Port Police Department spokesman Josh Taylor told Insider that "No campsite has been found."

He said: "Nothing has been found. CNN has basically retracted the info. The source they used was incorrect."

CNN reported the police denial in different article on Friday, writing: "As the search continues for Laundrie in a sprawling Florida nature reserve, Taylor also confirmed investigators did not find a campsite during those efforts."

The network's original story citing the source had not been changed as of Friday afternoon.

CNN said the source insisted on Thursday that the Laundrie family had indeed been told that a campsite was found in the search.

Police closed the reserve and started searching it last month after Laundrie went missing. He was reported missing by his family on September 17, days after his fiancee Gabby Petito was reported missing after he returned from their road trip alone.

Laundrie was named a person of interest in Petito's disappearance, and the police are still trying to find him.

Petito's body was discovered in the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming on September 19. Her death was ruled a homicide.

Editor's note: This post was updated on October 8 to reflect the police statement that a campsite had not been found.

Read the original article on Insider
Speaker / Lectures

SGA Public Forum featuring President Rochon

Come join USI's Student Government Association as we host a Town Hall special event with guest speaker Dr. Rochon, President of the University of Southern Indiana.

We invite the student body to come and hear from Dr. Rochon, President of the University of Southern Indiana, as he speaks at SGA's monthly Town Hall meeting. After speaking, President Rochon will field questions submitted by SGA members on behalf of the student body. Following President Rochon, SGA will open the floor for students to bring forward their concerns and ideas they would like to see Student Government address during the 2021-22 academic year.
Abortions based on fetal attributes such as race, gender or health condition would be banned, and doctors who fail to assist a baby that is born alive after an attempted abortion could face prison time under Republican bills that received a hearing Thursday.

Abortion rights activists said the controversial bills would limit access to abortion and womens health care, while anti-abortion activists said the measures would help preserve life and, in the case of the bill banning abortions based upon fetal attributes, stop what they view as a modern form of eugenics.

Many of the bills in committee Thursday have been revived from the previous legislative session, when they were vetoed by Gov. Tony Evers.

The provisions, supported by GOP lawmakers and some anti-abortion activists, are again expected to be vetoed by the governor, and Republicans dont have enough votes in the Legislature to override a veto.

One of the GOP-authored abortion bills that received a hearing Thursday would require a health care provider who is present in the event a fetus survives an abortion or abortion attempt to exercise the same degree of professional skill, care and diligence to preserve the life and health of the child once born.

The bills Assembly author, Rep. Jim Steineke, R-Kaukauna, said the legislation would ensure that should any baby being delivered in our state survive a botched abortion, that child cannot be gruesomely murdered after its delivery.

Democrats say the bill is unnecessary because cases where a fetus survives an abortion attempt are rare.

Wisconsin already bans abortions after 20 weeks, before the point of fetal viability outside the womb, and federal law provides legal protections to all babies once they are born, including those who survive an abortion attempt.

Bill opponent Kristin Lyerly, a Green Bay doctor who serves as District 6 legislative chair for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said she believes the bill is aimed at cases where doctors induce labor because the mother or fetus has a profoundly serious medical issue.

In such cases where the fetus survives, Lyerly said the legislation would force doctors to intervene with IVs and breathing tubes even in cases where the baby wont live long.

These born alive bills are shameful, Lyerly said. These politicians who write these bills are playing with our heartstrings, making us think that we are just haphazardly performing abortions late in pregnancy. In reality, these babies that are born at this time are typically hospice babies, these are complicated decisions, these are families who are suffering, and this bill hurts them so much more than it could ever possibly help them.

Under the proposed bill, doctors or health care professionals who violate the requirement to exercise professional skill, care and diligence when a baby is born alive in such circumstances would be guilty of a felony punishable by up to six years in prison, extended supervision and a fine up to $10,000. Doctors could face life imprisonment under the bill for intentionally causing the death of any baby born alive after an abortion.

The mother in such a case could not be prosecuted.

Democrats and abortion rights activists called the bills dangerous and extreme. They said the bills would limit access to abortion and womens health care services.

These bills mirror efforts that we have seen in other states, and are part of an ongoing national and local push to chip away at access to abortion and other reproductive health care, said Rep. Lisa Subeck, D-Madison.

Other abortion bills

Another GOP-authored abortion bill would prohibit abortions based on factors such as a fetus sex, race or disability, particularly Down syndrome or other congenital disabilities.

Another would require doctors to inform women planning to have an abortion induced by a drug regimen that the ingestion of the first drug in the regimen may not result in an immediate abortion and that, if the woman changes her mind after ingestion of the first drug, she may be able to continue the pregnancy with immediate medical and pharmaceutical intervention.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists does not support prescribing medication to reverse a medically induced abortion, citing a lack of scientific evidence. According to the group, so-called abortion reversal procedures are unproven and unethical.

This is not evidence-based medicine, Lyerly said. This is quackery.

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, the Assembly author of the bill, described it as one that would empower women with information.

Another bill would require hospitals and clinics to provide the state with more information about the abortions they perform.

Yet another bill lawmakers considered on Thursday would reduce public funding to abortion providers such as Planned Parenthood by stripping away Medicaid funding. It would do so by preventing BadgerCare, the states Medicaid program for low-income people, from being used at such facilities, even for non-abortion related services.

Challenges to Roe

The bills come at a time when abortion rights activists and others are increasingly worried access to abortion could be severely restricted if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns or significantly revises Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 U.S. Supreme Court case that decided states cannot ban abortion before a fetus can survive outside of the womb, generally considered between 24 and 28 weeks.

That precedent could be challenged in an abortion case the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear from Mississippi. Another law in Texas effectively banning abortions in that state  put on hold this week by a federal judge  could also make its way to the high court.

If Roe v. Wade were completely overturned, abortion rights activists fear abortion would be banned in Wisconsin because the state has an existing 1849 abortion ban on the books that is unenforceable due to federal court decisions. The 1849 law criminalizes doctors who perform abortions. Under the law, performing an abortion is a felony punishable by up to six years of combined prison time and extended supervision.

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MILWAUKEE  Milwaukee police said Wednesday they are investigating the death of a 1-year-old boy as a homicide.

Police said they responded last Thursday to a report of child abuse and discovered that the boy was unresponsive. He died from his injuries on Monday.

A 32-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man were arrested in connection with the homicide, WDJT-TV reported. The cause of death has not been released.

Police said criminal charges are likely to be referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office.

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SSM Health no longer plans to end its employed nurse midwife program at St. Marys Hospital or shift to using community midwives, officials said Thursday, nearly a week after saying the program would end Dec. 31 because it is not financially viable.

We will take the feedback our community has provided as an opportunity to strengthen and evolve the program through input and conversation with our team, our patients and the community, SSM Health spokesperson Kim Sveum said Thursday in a statement. We have learned over the past week that we need to learn more.

SSM Health administrators said in an internal email Oct. 1 that the midwife program, which started in 2018, would cease at the end of the year because it was unsustainable. On Monday, a statement said the hospital was looking at ways patients could use community-based midwives instead.

Late Tuesday, another statement said the existing program would continue until a new, sustainable model is in place.

Sveum said Thursday there are no longer plans to end the program at any time or transition to community midwives, who say they mostly oversee deliveries in homes.

We are thrilled that women and birthing people/families in Madison and the surrounding communities will continue to have options and choices for comprehensive womens health care and birth, Jessica Vaughan, one of the four nurse midwives employed at St. Marys, said Thursday in a statement.

This is a day of celebration for all of us who care about the right of pregnant people to partner with the health care practitioner who fits them best, said Ingrid Andersson, a community midwife in Madison.

Since June 2018, certified nurse midwives have overseen about 364 deliveries at St. Marys, including 139 last year, Vaughan said. The hospital has about 2,100 births a year.

Nurse midwives are available at Madisons other birthing hospital, UnityPoint Health-Meriter.

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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines)  SM Supermalls inked a deal with the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to become the first official venue partner of the digital vaccination certificate program, VAXCertPH, during its launch in SM City Clark on October 4.

"The VAXCertPH initiative will be very helpful to our fellow Filipinos, especially the OFWs and international travelers, as this certification can be used when going abroad. We at SM are pleased to be of service in making the vaccine certification records more accessible to Filipinos nationwide," SM Supermalls president Steven Tan said during the launch and signing of the Memorandum of Agreement.

Also present during launch were presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, Health Secretary Francisco Duque, vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr., testing czar Vince Dizon, Interior Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya, Information and Communications Technology Undersecretary Manny Caintic, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Benhur Abalos, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin, Jr., and Mabalacat City Mayor Crisostomo Garbo.

VaxCertPH is an initiative of the DILG and DOH that will provide Filipinos with a digital vaccine certificate verified as authentic by their respective local government units database.

The program was designed to address the lack of uniformity in certificates that indicate a person's vaccination status. The Department of Information and Communications Technology developed the mobile app and portal for the issuance of digital vaccination certificates.

Under the partnership, SM is set to provide an area in its 76 malls nationwide for VAXCertPH booths, which will be manned by LGU representatives. SM will also help government agencies inform the general public of the VAXCertPH initiative through its marketing materials, online announcements, and traditional media.

"We are proud to be the country's single biggest vaccination center, as well as a venue for Comelec registration, a safe place where you can get your National ID, passports, and business permits. We also provide drive-through COVID testing centers in over 10 of our malls across the country. As a good citizen, we are always as our supermarkets say 'Happy to serve'," Tan said.

To date, SM has administered over four million doses of COVID-19 vaccine through its multi-mall vaccination drive. The government has reported that over 21 million persons have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 in the country.

For more information about the VAXCertPH initiative, check out www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6) The country on Wednesday received over one million more doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

The fresh shipment contains a total of 1,015,560 government-procured shots, state media reported.

Of the number, 862,290 doses will be shipped to the Pharmaserv cold storage facility in Marikina City.

Around 76,050 doses were already delivered to Cebu, while 77,220 doses will be sent to Davao on Thursday.

Latest government data show that some 22 million Filipinos are now fully vaccinated, while more than 24 million have received their first vaccine dose.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 7)  With less than two days left to find his running mate, former senator and now presidential aspirant Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is racing against time to finalize talks with allies from the Duterte administration to find someone who could run in tandem with him.

Speaking to CNN Philippines' The Source on Thursday, Marcos reiterated the importance of strengthening alliance with the Duterte administration.

"Kami na lang talaga ang natitira dito sa (We re the only ones left in the) administration side. In fact, I think all presidential candidates now have identified themselves with the opposition," said Marcos.

"We have always considered ourselves, myself, a Duterte supporter. That alliance has been there since the beginning of his administration and even before that," the presidential aspirant said.

He added: "In politics, these alliances are supremely important. The question now is now we have formed those alliances, how to strengthen them and how to use them to the maximum effect during the campaign and subsequently the election."

Marcos, who filed his candidacy on Wednesday, revealed to the media that he wanted to "adopt" Duterte as his running mate because they come from different political parties. However, this didn't push through because the incumbent president surprised the public when he withdrew his plan to run as vice president to retire come 2022.

He said, however, that he was not offended by the President's sudden change of mind.

"They need to do what it is they feel is best for them. I will continue to do what I think is best for me," he said. "We are the two groups left in the administration side. In the end, clearly, we will be coming together and helping each other out."

Marcos said his current options are: to have vice presidential aspirant Sen. Bong Go as his running mate, wait for Duterte to change his mind, or just "continue as we are." His team will also consider other political events that might take place until Nov. 15, especially if Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte changes her mind on seeking reelection.

The filing of candidacy for the 2022 polls will run until Oct. 8 but aspirants seeking to substitute those withdrawing from party tickets can file their COCs until Nov. 15. If the reason is due to death or incapacity, substitution will be allowed until midday of May 9.

Marcos is expected to go head-to-head with other presidential aspirants Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, senators Ping Lacson and Manny Pacquiao, and Vice President Leni Robredo, who will file her candidacy for president later in the day.

Marcos is the son and namesake of ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who ruled the Philippines for 20 years until a a "people power" revolt forced his family to flee to exile in Hawaii, where he died three years later.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 7)  Anakalusugan Party-list Rep. Mike Defensor on Thursday filed his certificate of candidacy for mayor of Quezon City.

A former councilor in the city, he will challenge reelectionist Mayor Joy Belmonte.

Councilor Winnie Castelo also filed his COC as Defensors running mate.

Defensor was one of the 70 lawmakers who voted against the franchise renewal of broadcasting network ABS-CBN, which is located in Quezon City.

He was also under fire for distributing ivermectin to some Quezon City residents early this year, despite the lack of evidence that it can be used as COVID-19 treatment.

Meanwhile, included in the congressional slate of Defensor's group is Rose Lin, a controversial executive from Pharmally Biological, who will run as 5th district representative.

Lin previously attended a Senate investigation to shed light on Pharmally Biological's supposed links to Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. which is criticized for alleged anomalous purchases of face masks, face shields, and personal protective equipment.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 7) -- More than 900,000 additional doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine were added to the countrys supply on Thursday.

A shipment of 797,940 doses arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport a little before 9 p.m., following the separate delivery of 141,570 shots to Cebu at around 6:35 p.m. All were procured by the national government.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. earlier said total deliveries to the country are expected to reach 100 million doses by end-October and could climb to 160 million by year-end.

As of Oct. 6, over 47 million doses have been administered nationwide to 25.3 million Filipinos, with 22.4 million now fully vaccinated.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 8)  Metro Manila mayors are asking the Department of Education to include at least one school per city in the pilot run of in-person classes amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hinihiling nila na kung masasali na ang NCR ay lahat ng mga siyudad sa NCR ay mayroong kahit isang representative school dito sa pilot, Education Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said on Thursday.

[Translation: They are asking us, that if ever the National Capital Region will be included, each city in the NCR should have at least one representative school in the pilot run.]

The implementation of the pilot run of in-person classes would begin on Nov. 15, the DepEd announced on Wednesday.

The pilot testing will involve 59 public schools that passed the Department of Healths assessment to carry out face-to-face classes. Most of these are in Visayas and Mindanao.

Health officials have warned that reopening of schools in urban areas will be trickier as most of them remain at moderate or high risk for COVID-19.

The NCR, the countrys epicenter of COVID-19, remains under Alert Level 4.

As of Oct. 6, the NCR has 821,005 total cases, of which 24,097 are active. Over 100,000 of the total case count are in Quezon City. The cities of Manila, Caloocan, Taguig, and Pasig have also recorded many cases.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said on Thursday that face-to-face classes can only be expanded to the capital region if it eases to Alert Level 2.
(CNN)  Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday announced a nationwide COVID-19 vaccine mandate for rail and air travelers as well as staff.

"Today we are fulfilling two of our main commitments  mandatory vaccination for federal employees and mandatory vaccination for travel," Trudeau said.

Canada will also have a vaccine mandate for federally regulated workers in place by the end of the month, according to Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.

Trudeau said that by the end of October all travelers 12 or older on a plane or train within Canada must be fully vaccinated. Trudeau said there will be a short grace period where unvaccinated travelers or staff "can provide a negative Covid-19 test."

"By the end of November, if you're 12 or older and want to fly or take the train, you'll have to be fully vaccinated," said Trudeau, noting that "testing will no longer be an option before boarding a train or a flight" in Canada.

Trudeau said there will be "extremely narrow exceptions, like a valid medical condition."

"These travel measures, along with mandatory vaccination for federal employees, are some of the strongest in the world," the prime minister said.

"This is about keeping people safe on the job, and in their communities," he added. "Because when it comes to keeping you and your family safe, when it comes to avoiding lockdowns for everyone, this is no time for half measures."

All "federal public servants in the core public administration must be fully vaccinated" by October 29, according to Freeland.

"Members of the public service who are not fully vaccinated, or do not disclose their vaccination status by October 29, will be placed on administrative leave without pay as early as November 15," Freeland said.

The mandate will apply to several government entities, including "Correctional Services of Canada, the Canada Border Services Agency, and many other offices and agencies," according to Freeland.

Separately, Freeland said, defense officials "will issue a directive mandating vaccination for the Canadian Armed Forces, and we are working with employers in federally regulated workplaces."

"We want to ensure that the Government of Canada sets an example, and establishes a vaccination policy that protects everyone's safety," Freeland said.

"We also know that some parts of Canada are today facing a very difficult fourth wave of the virus and there are sectors of the economy that continue to struggle," Freeland said.

Approximately 89% of eligible Canadians have received one Covid-19 vaccine dose and about 82% of eligible Canadians are fully inoculated, according to Freeland.

"The vast majority of Canadians have stepped up and done the right thing," she said.

The government is Canada's largest employer.

"Vaccines are the most effective tool against COVID-19, and countless Canadians -- including many public servants -- have already done their part and gotten their shots," Trudeau said in a statement.

The statement also said a strict vaccine requirement will be put in place for cruise ships before the resumption of the 2022 season.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 7)  If he wins in next year's election, presidential aspirant Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. will continue the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign, with a pre-condition on the entry of probers from the International Criminal Court.

Speaking to CNN Philippines' The Source on Thursday, a day after filing his candidacy, Marcos was asked whether he will continue the current administration's drug war with the same vigor.

"Yes, but perhaps in a different way. We have seen that the drug war has been conducted purely on enforcement side. I think that we should also focus on prevention, and on the educational process where we teach young children that doing drugs is bad," the former senator said.

Marcos also addressed the need to improve and modernize the country's rehabilitation center and to prevent returnees to these treatment facilities.

However, he noted that investigators from the ICC can only come as "tourists," and the Philippine government will behave as a non-signatory to the Rome Statute.

"We are not signatories to the Rome (Statute) agreement anymore. We withdrew," he said. "They can come, they can be tourists, and look at the Philippines but I don't know what they expect that the government will do beyond that."

"Because again, we don't recognize that investigation and we have withdrawn as a signatory. We will behave as a non-signatory," he said. "If they want to come to the country, you know everybody is welcome to the Philippines but as a visitor."

The ICC previously green-lighted the investigation into the bloody drug war from July 1, 2016 to March 16, 2019, as well as in Davao City  by what is known as the Davao Death Squad  between Nov. 1, 2011 to June 30, 2016.

But President Rodrigo Duterte and his allies have repeatedly said that they will not cooperate with the ICC probe.

The tribunal estimated that the number of civilians killed in President Rodrigo Duterte's bloody drug war ranged from 12,000 to 30,000 from 2016 to 2019 alone. Government data only counted some 6,000 dead in the campaign.

The candidacy of Marcos previously garnered a mixed response from Filipinos, with many calling for justice for atrocities under the dictatorship of his late father and namesake Ferdinand Marcos, and for a return of billions of pesos in the Marcoses' ill-gotten wealth.

Under the 20-year Marcos regime, over 11,000 people fell victim to summary execution, torture, and other human rights violations, according to the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act. Rights group Amnesty International estimates some 70,000 were imprisoned and 34,000 were tortured.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 7)  President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday warned senators he will send them to jail if they cite Cabinet members in contempt.

The President made the warning amid the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's hearings on the government's procurement of COVID-19 supplies.

In his second pre-recorded public address this week, Duterte told his Cabinet officials: "Huwag ninyong hayaan na si Gordon o mga senador na magsigaw-sigaw sa inyo. Pareho lang tayo sa gobyeno at 'pag ikaw ay sinigawan o kayo ay pinagi-insulto, stand up."

[Translation: Don't let Gordon or any other senator shout at you. We are the same in the government and if you get berated or insulted, stand up.]

Duterte was referring to Blue Ribbon Committee chairman Richard Gordon, who's leading the inquiry.

"Kung i-cite kayo in contempt, 'pag nalaman ko, ang ikulong ko yung mga senador," the President added.

[Translation: If you are cited in contempt and it reaches me, I will imprison the senators.]

Early this week, Duterte signed a memorandum directing members of the Cabinet to ignore summons of the Blue Ribbon Committee. He said such request from the panel hampers the government's pandemic response since key officials will have to attend the hearings that usually last for a whole day.

Lawyers' group and senators criticized the President's order as unconstitutional.

However, Duterte said he will not withdraw the memo and challenged lawmakers to file a complaint at the Supreme Court.

Roque defends memo

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque also defended Duterte's memo, saying only the Supreme Court can decide if it is unconstitutional.

"Sa ating batas po, lahat po ng ginagawa ng mga iba't ibang sangay ng gobyerno [Under the law, everything that the different branches of the government does] enjoys the presumption of regularity," he added. "It is still presumed, legal, constitutional unless the Supreme Court has declared it be so."

Roque expressed confidence the memo "will pass the test of constitutionality" since its intention is to stop key pandemic response officials from attending the hearings and not the Senate investigation.

He also said the Supreme Court already established that if the investigation is in aid of oversight function, resource persons are not compelled to appear.

"It is only when an investigation is in aid of legislation na ang sabi ng Korte Suprema diyan pwede kayong mag-issue ng subpoenas and summons to compel compulsory attendance," Roque added.

[Translation: The Supreme Court said it is only when an investigation is in aid of legislation that subpoenas and summons can be issued to compel compulsory attendance.]

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra earlier said he is open to a review of the memo, but added that both sides should make adjustments.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 7) - International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Karim Khan, who's leading the probe into the Duterte administration's controversial drug war, vows to work towards a successful investigation, even as the Philippine government maintained its refusal to cooperate.

In a statement on Thursday, Khan said their investigation into the alleged crimes committed in the anti-drug campaign will "seek to uncover the truth" and hold perpetrators accountable.

"We will focus our efforts on ensuring a successful, independent and impartial investigation," he said.

"In doing so, we aim to bring justice to the victims and affected communities, and count on the support and cooperation of States Parties, civil society and other partners," Khan added.

The prosecutor said they remain willing to "constructively engage" with Philippine authorities as they undertake the work.

The Duterte administration has insisted the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines since it withdrew from the Rome Statute - the treaty that established the court - on March 17, 2019. But the ICC said it retains jurisdiction over the alleged crimes committed while the country was still a member.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has said he believes with the absence of cooperation from the government, there likely won't be enough progress to even bring the case to trial.

Roque added that while the Philippines previously consented to being a member of the tribunal, it will only acknowledge the ICC's jurisdiction if the country's justice system is no longer working - something he said isn't the case.

Last month, the ICC's pre-trial chamber found reasonable basis to proceed with the investigation into the killings committed during the drug war from July 1, 2016 to March 16, 2019, as well as in Davao City - by what is known as the Davao Death Squad - between Nov. 1, 2011 to June 30, 2016.

The chamber said it reviewed 204 victims' representations, adding that 94% of the victims were in favor of the probe.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 7)  Vice President Leni Robredo filed her certificate of candidacy for president on Thursday, just hours after she announced her plan to run for the highest post in the land.

The opposition leader is running as an independent candidate, her spokesperson Barry Gutierrez said. She did not name her running mate, but several sources from her camp confirmed it will be Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan.

RELATED: Kiko Pangilinan is Robredos running mate for 2022 polls, sources say

The Vice President did not address the media at Sofitel's Harbor Garden Tent, but she is set to hold a media briefing on Friday.

Robredo said she initially didn't want to run, but realized it's time to change what she described as corrupt, incompetent, and heartless governance with a qualified leader.

"Buong-buo ang loob ko ngayon: Kailangan nating palayain ang sarili mula sa kasalukuyang situwasyon. Lalaban ako; lalaban tayo. Inihahain ko ang aking sarili bilang kandidato sa pagkapangulo sa halalan ng 2022," Robredo said, wearing a blue blouse with a pink ribbon, glaringly void of any color yellow  the color of the Liberal Party.

[Translation: My mind is made up: We need to free ourselves from our current situation. I will fight, we will fight together. I am offering myself as a candidate in the presidential elections in 2022.]

Robredo acknowledged she doesn't have the funds and the well-oiled machinery unlike other powerful candidates. She, however, urged her supporters to amplify their voices since it can help her campaign. She said they can let others know of her office's efforts to help Filipinos, especially during the pandemic, despite their meager budget.

She said change in governance cannot happen without taking a leap of fate, so that's what she is doing  and urged others to do as well.

"Ang kinabukasan, pinipili, pinagsisikapan, ipinaglalaban. Kailangan nating piliing humakbang. Heto ako ngayon, humahakbang. Ipaglalaban ko kayo hanggang dulo. Itataya ko ang lahat; ibubuhos ko ang lahat na kayang ibuhos," she said.

She closed her speech with: "Buong-buo ang tiwala ko: Magtatagumpay tayo."

[Translation: What happens in our future is our choice, we must take that leap and fight for it. I am here taking that leap. I will fight for you until the end and give it my all. I have complete faith that will will emerge victorious.]

Her announcement has been much-awaited by those who want to see her succeed President Rodrigo Duterte and lead the nation in addressing the pandemic.

Presidential race

Robredo will face off against former Senator Bongbong Marcos, son of ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos, in the presidential race. She defeated him in the vice presidential election in 2016 and in the electoral protest filed by Marcos before the Supreme Court. The high court also junked his appeal.

The vice president earlier said she is ready for a head-to-head battle against Marcos.

"Kung one-on-one na Bongbong Marcos, lalaban ako kahit dehado," she said in September.

[Translation: If it's a one-on-one fight with Bongbong Marcos, I will fight even if I'm an underdog.]

Marcos welcomed Robredo's announcement, saying adding another candidate in the mix will provide more options for voters..

"We can give a whole range of choices as to policy, ideology, plans for the future. Mas maganda yung maraming ibat ibang pino-propose para may pagpipilian ang tao. Thats good for a healthy democracy," he said on Thursday.

Others with COCs for president are Manila Mayor Isko Moreno, Senator Manny Pacquiao, and Senator Ping Lacson. The attempt to have a united opposition with these three hopefuls has fallen through despite efforts of the Robredo camp.

Moreno did not issue a comment, while Lacson said he will not talk about his political rivals.

Robredo had been appointed by Duterte to two government agencies, but was removed or forced to cease attending meetings after she spoke out against the administration.

The 56-year-old widow and mother of three served one term as congresswoman representing the 3rd District of Camarines Sur.

She ran in 2013 after the tragic death of her husband, the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, from a plane crash in August 2012.
Schuyler Community Schools is working toward expanding the dual language program at its district office.

SCS Superintendent Dan Hoesing said the district in September submitted its application for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) III funds, with $600,000 of the total $4.3 million in eligible money being earmarked for additional classrooms at the district office. The school district has four years to spend the ESSER funds. According to the Associated Press, Schuyler Community Schools is slated to receive $6,721,093 in total ESSER funds, which is $3,317.42 per student.

In the remodel, six classrooms would be added in two wings of the building for a kindergarten through second grade dual language program. The district office is a former nursing home that SCS purchased about two years ago.

Earlier this year, SCS received public input on what COVID-19 dollars should be used for; near the top of the list was the revamp of English language arts instruction to fully integrate instruction for limited English proficient students, according to publicly available documents on the SCS website.

SCS is a majority minority school district, according to its ESSER III application, with a large population of students that are or were English learners.

The remodeling project is estimated at $900,000, with the remaining $300,000 being funded by additional money the school district received in state aid.

In our state aid this year, we got an additional $488,000 for what they call a new school adjustment, Hoesing told the Schuyler Sun on Monday.  The entire project would be done with either the additional state aid or the ESSER funds.

SCS has been completing the initial steps in the remodeling process.

We just completed the surveying of this property (district office) and so itll be the north drive and the sidewalk that will be repaired or replaced first, Hoesing said. Then well go through the design project with the architects on the six classrooms were looking at putting into the two wings.

Once the remodels design is complete, the SCS Board of Education will seek bids for a contractor and then set timelines of when the work will be finished, he said. The schedule for the remodel will be set once a contractor is approved, he added.

During the Colfax County Board of Commissioners Sept. 28 regular meeting, Hoesing gave a general update to the county board, where he touched on the remodeling project. Hoesing told the commissioners that there is not enough room at Schuyler Elementary School for the dual language program and that the classrooms are being added at the district office so the elementary school isnt crowded.

This will not affect the other two SCS elementary schools  Fishers School near Schuyler and Richland School near Richland. The Richland school already has a kindergarten through third grade dual language program.

We will work on getting those six rooms into that building (the district office) and then the rooms out in Richland, well still have 100 kids out there, Hoesing told the county board, noting that he does not want to see the closing of rural schools.

Im glad to hear that, too, District 2 Commissioner Carl E. Grotelueschen said. Theyre good, solid facilities 

About $2 million to $2.4 million in ESSER III funds will be used for upgrading the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for a portion of Schuyler Central High School and the district office.

We did put in the application for the upgrades to the HVAC systems at the high school 53 addition then theres the north science and math rooms involved in that because they are tied into the old system, Hoesing said on Monday.

In the nursing home in the remodel, part of the remodel for classrooms  when you do a project like this, you update it to the current standards, and so we would use ESSER money to bring those classrooms up to current standards.

Also tentatively included in the school districts plans is spending about $1 million in ESSER III funds for curriculum training, loss of learning and upgrades to technology, security and phone systems, Hoesing added.

Theres about a million over three years or four years out to the curriculum program and training. And probably $800,000 or so into technology upgrades for the district, Hoesing said.

Hannah Schrodt is the news editor of the Schuyler Sun. Reach her via email at hannah.schrodt@lee.net.

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The withdrawal from Afghanistan is the biggest U.S. foreign policy blunder in decades. We left hundreds of American citizens and thousands of our Afghan allies at the mercy of the Taliban, the same group that gave safe haven to al Qaeda as it planned the 9/11 attacks. A suicide bombing at the Kabul airport killed 13 American servicemembers, including a Nebraskan, Marine Corporal Daegan Page, making it the deadliest day in Afghanistan for the United States since 2011.

The American people deserve to know why things went so wrong in Afghanistan. To find answers, the Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing on September 28 with the highest-ranking military leaders who oversaw our withdrawal: Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Mark Milley, and CENTCOM Commander General Kenneth McKenzie.

As a senior member of this committee, I questioned these military leaders about the implementation of the decision to leave Afghanistan and the Biden administrations plans to keep our nation safe from terrorists going forward. Many of their answers directly contradicted what the president has told the American people.

During an interview with ABC News in August, President Biden said that none of his military advisers suggested maintaining a small presence in Afghanistan. But at our Senate hearing, both General Milley and General McKenzie testified that they had advised the president to do exactly that. President Biden either was not truthful during that interview, or he wasnt able to recall the advice of his own generals.

I asked General Milley directly about whether President Biden took his advice into account before going ahead with the withdrawal. He said that the president considered the advice of our military, but chose not to follow it. That is his right, but the events of the last two months have shown that if he had, we may not be in this position.

I also asked the generals about what our withdrawal means for the future of the war on terror. The president has said that having a presence in Afghanistan isnt important for counterterrorism missions because we can rely on over-the-horizon strikes, which allow us to use drones to take out terrorists hundreds or even thousands of miles from where the drones are based.

But unlike other places we conduct over-the-horizon counterterrorism operations, Afghanistan is a landlocked country, which means we will have to use other countries airspace to reach al Qaeda or ISIS-K targets. General McKenzie confirmed to me during the hearing that because we no longer have a military presence in Afghanistan, the U.S. has to rely on Pakistani airspace to conduct these strikes. Pakistan  historically an ally of the Taliban  could stop granting us access at any point.

For over-the-horizon to be successful, the U.S. needs three things: a presence, or ally, in the country; solid intelligence capabilities; and reliable airspace. Our chaotic withdrawal has limited our reliance on these capabilities, and it has inspired al Qaeda and helped their recruitment of new members.

There are other long-term consequences: Many of our NATO allies have told me privately that they are unsure they can trust us to be there for them in the future. I understand their hesitancy. After 9/11, our NATO allies fought by our side for 20 years in Afghanistan. They too lost servicemembers to the Taliban and other terrorist fighters. But President Biden did not consult with them or meaningfully inform them about our withdrawal.

Many questions still need answers, but one thing is clear: The blame for this debacle rests with President Biden. General Milley said during our hearing that presidents are elected to make strategic decisions. He also told us that the Afghanistan withdrawal was a strategic failure.

President Biden needs to be more honest with the American people about what this fiasco means for our nations security. So far, we have heard nothing but excuses. I hope that will change very soon.

Deb Fischer is a U.S. senator for Nebraska.

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The Columbus City Council took a step toward replacing lighting on the 33rd Avenue viaduct during its Monday regular meeting.

The council members approved an agreement with the Union Pacific Railroad Company for $15,000 for a lighting project.

According to a publicly available memo from City Engineer Richard Bogus, Union Pacific is required to review and approve the plans and specifications, as well as examine the projects possible effect on any future UPRR facilities and operations. The viaduct passes over the UPRR tracks.

City officials noted that the current lighting has produced lackluster aesthetics and has sustained damage from road salt, hail and ice. The work will include replacing said damaged parts and providing multi-colored and functional LEDs. The current lighting does not have LEDs.

The undertaking will provide improved aesthetics for drivers and lower operating costs, according to city officials.

Council members initially OKd the project in July for $125,000 in estimated costs, including plans and specifications for the 33rd Avenue viaduct lighting. Responsibility for lighting operation, electrical costs and maintenance falls on the city, per an agreement between the Nebraska Department of Transportation and the city of Columbus.

In other business, the council approved a bid from Bobcat of Norfolk for $58,202.10 to purchase a Bobcat Compact Track Loader.

The new piece of equipment will be used to maintain wet ditches, slopes and grades that crews cant access currently, according to Public Works Director Chuck Sliva. Also, the skid loader will be utilized for downtown snow removal and curb line cleanup.

Using a similar bid process, council members OKd $135,100.60 to purchase a John Deere 4-wheel drive tractor from Platte Valley Equipment LLC in Humphrey.

It will replace an undersized one that is not 4-wheel drive and is susceptible to breakdowns, Sliva said. The old tractor will be offered at a later auction.

Mayor Jim Bulkley said the compact track skid loader and 4-wheel drive tractor are bought through a process with the State of Nebraska.

Its a competitive bid process, Bulkley said.  Its the same way we buy police cars and other equipment.

Meanwhile, the Columbus City Council approved an agreement with HDR Engineering Inc. for the Lost Creek Parkway Trunk Sewer extension for $422,700. The expansion is from west of 10th Avenue to U.S. Highway 81 and on 63rd Avenue south of Lost Creek Parkway.

The project is the next phase of the Lost Creek Parkway Sewer Study by HDR Engineering. The undertaking will provide sanitary sewer service to properties along Lost Creek Parkway and 63rd Avenue.

The project entails around 20,500 lineal feet of gravity sewer, 6,000 lineal feet of force main and two lift stations, according to Bogus. It will be located on the south side of Lost Creek Parkway and the east end of 63rd Avenue in the existing right-of-way, Bogus noted.

Andrew Kiser is a reporter for The Columbus Telegram. Reach him via email at andrew.kiser@lee.net.

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The former treasurer of the Nebraska Airboaters Association is facing charges after allegedly taking money from the organization.

The organization is based out of Fremont and has about 500 members throughout Nebraska, including Platte County, and the United States at large. The nonprofit holds an airboating event annually on the Platte and Loup rivers, bringing visitors to Columbus.

According to publicly available court documents, a board member of the nonprofit had contacted the Fremont Police Department in June after an audit showed that then-Treasurer Hollie J. Hittner had embezzled over $47,000 over the last three years. The period of the alleged theft is from about Feb. 1, 2019, to April 29, 2021, according to court documents.

The documents indicate that Hittner had begun returning the money when she was made aware of the discovered unauthorized transactions; at that time, she had repaid almost $46,000.

An affidavit from the Fremont Police Department, filed in Dodge County Court in September, says that Hittner called the transactions mental mistakes on her part and she does not deny that she unintentionally used money from the Airboaters Association account.

Hittner was subsequently charged with theft by unlawful taking or disposition of $5,000 or more, a Class IIA felony. She posted $7,500 bond on Sept. 29, according to court documents.

The association is asking that Hittner pay for the audit and amount needed to correct taxes from 2018 and 2019, a total of $7,898.37, according to court documents.

Accounting for the statute of limitations for felony theft, the aggregated amount of misappropriated funds from February 2019 until May 2021 was $43,985.72, based on the affidavit.

Nebraska Airboaters Association Board of Directors member Randy Fetrow said Hittner resigned in mid-May and letters were mailed to association members to inform them of the situation.

Most of our members are not only shocked that someone would steal from a nonprofit but to steal from a group of people who are as close as our organization is  like family, really  is hard to understand, Fetrow said.

Hittner will be arraigned at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 12 in Dodge County Court. She is being represented by Linsey M. Bryant of SidnerLaw in Fremont.

Hannah Schrodt is the news editor of The Columbus Telegram. Reach her via email at hannah.schrodt@lee.net.

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No injuries were reported following a Thursday morning semi-train collision in Platte County.

According to a Thursday afternoon press release from the Platte County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded to a semi-train collision at a railway crossing on Highway 91 near the intersection of 280th Avenue -- north of Humphrey -- on Thursday at about 7:45 a.m.

The investigation indicated that a 2015 Freightliner semi, which had been pulling an empty livestock trailer, was traveling westbound on Highway 91 when it collided with a train operated by the Nebraska Central Railroad.

Highway 91 remained close at that location for several hours while the semi was being removed; it had come to a stop against the train. One rail car had been knocked off the rail due to the collision, said the press release, but no cars left the tracks.

Railroad personnel were able to move the train but remained on scene for an extended period of time to evaluate the condition of the tracks. That work caused travel on Highway 91 to be reduced to one lane, according to the press release.

Platte County had been blanketed in heavy fog at the time of the collision, which is believed to have contributed to the accident, the press release said. The heavy fog had also created an additional hazard for first responders and other personnel on scene.

The driver of the semi, Timothy Starman, 34, of Ord, was not injured in the accident. Starman was issued a citation for driving too fast for conditions.

Seatbelts were not in use at the time of the collision. Alcohol was not considered to be a factor.

The Freightliner received extensive damage in the collision; it was a total loss. The livestock trailer was not damaged while damage to the rail car was minimal. Damage also occurred to the rail itself. Estimates were not available as of the Thursday afternoon press release.

Humphrey Fire and Rescue personal responded to the scene, assisted with traffic control and evaluated Starman. The Nebraska Department of Transportation remained on scene, also assisting with traffic control until traffic was able to freely flow through the area.

The accident remains under investigation by the Platte County Sheriffs Office. Anyone with information regarding this accident is asked to contact the Platte County Sheriffs Office at 402-564-3229 or Platte County Area Crime Stoppers at 402-563-4000.

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Source: Adobe/BirgitKorber

A UN report has alleged North Korea is conducting spear-phishing activities on the crypto industry, and is looking to attack crypto users in a range of nations, including across the border in South Korea.

Per Newsis and SBS, the UN says that it has seen evidence that Pyongyang-linked hackers and state-sponsored crypto thieves are primarily using social media platforms to identify targets and attempt initial contact with crypto holders.

Rather than spamming a broad range of targets with generic emails that invariably end up in junk folders, the UN says the North is posing as trusted senders and going after well-researched targets with a clear interest in crypto.

The report also specified that the attackers were using bona fide-looking links to what appeared to be breaking news stories about crypto to divert users onto sites where they attempted to harvest private and sensitive data.

Gina Kim, a Seoul-based IT security expert, told Cryptonews.com that tracing attacks back to Pyongyang was not always easy, but noted that spear- and voice-phishing attacks are undoubtedly on the rise in South Korea, and likely originated abroad in many instances. She explained:

The most common way to target crypto users now appears to be to call or email unsuspecting account holders and claim to be an official from a bank or a crypto exchange.

As there are only three banks and four crypto exchanges in the crypto space, and many users have accounts at multiple exchanges, this approach is quite often successful in finding targets, Kim stated. She said:

Attackers look to panic people by telling them someone has accessed their account and is trying to drain it of funds. In that panicked state, some [South Koreans] have been duped into handing over login details and passwords.

The UN also claimed that the North has been targeting the makers of coronavirus vaccines in a separate spate of attacks.

It added that Pyongyang has maintained its nuclear and missile development program in spite of the pandemic, which many international observers have claimed likely took a devastating toll on the country.

___

Learn more:

- UN: North Korea Turns Talented Children into Cryptocurrency Hackers

- South Korean Politician: North Has Stolen USD 310M in Crypto Since 2019



- North Korean Crypto Hackers Now Target Russian Defense Firms

- North Korean Hackers Target Crypto Exchanges, Spread Viruses in Word Doc
Kevin Hartung, 42, of Mechanicsburg, was charged with theft by unlawful taking, fleeing or attempting to elude an officer, receiving stolen property, recklessly endangering another person and criminal mischief after an incident Oct. 6. Police were called to a business on the Harrisburg Pike regarding a stolen UHaul truck. Carlisle Police found the vehicle and attempted to pull it over, but Hartung refused to stop. He eventually hit a utility pole, jumped out of the truck and ran. He was eventually caught.
Starting this week, the Cumberland Valley School District is temporarily revising some of its COVID-19 mitigation measures in response to a community and school incident rate that continued to rise through the first four weeks of the 2021-22 school year.

At a virtual Cumberland Valley School Board meeting Monday night, Christopher announced that he had sent out an informational letter and video detailing the revisions to district families on Oct. 1.

I think what we have put in place now will reduce our student quarantines. Our student representatives have told us that students are having a very difficult time while in quarantine, Christopher said.

In last weeks video, Christopher said that in the first four weeks of the 2021-22 school year, the district had almost as much cases as we (did) in all 36 weeks of school last year even with universal masking. I dont think anyone could have anticipated this. We certainly did not, he said.

On Wednesday, the district has tallied 141 cases with school exposures since schools reopened Aug. 31, according to its website dashboard. In its weekly update for the fifth week of this school year, the state Department of Health reported 190 more cases among children aged 5-18 in Cumberland County during the week of Sept. 22-28, an increase of 27 from the previous week, bringing the total number of cases in Cumberland County for the school year to 774.

Over several weeks this year, district personnel evaluated areas of school operation where student quarantines were determined as most generated: cafeterias, 40% of elementary quarantines, 20% of secondary; classrooms, 40% of elementary, 60% of secondary; buses, 20% of elementary, 10% secondary, 10% other, such as team groupings.

As a result, the district has initiated revised mitigation measures in an attempt to prevent close contacts in school settings:

Move elementary gym classes back outside and increase cafeteria space in all elementary schools for greater social distancing.

Ensure assigned bus seats are used by all students to curtail wandering during transport.

Remove unnecessary furniture from classrooms to increase distances between desks.

Recommended temporary suspension of close group activities unless considered as fundamental to an academic course, such as science labs.

Move some secondary classes with large numbers of students to larger spaces when available.

Social distancing at 3 feet when universally masked, extending to 6 feet whenever unmasked for cafeteria meals, etc.

The district didnt enact these new protocols at the start of this school year because theyre more restrictive than a full return to normal  but were going to get back to normal soon, I think, with the help of these measures, Christopher said.

Also this week, the district began measures to increase instructional continuation at all grade levels for quarantined students. Our student representatives has told us that students have been having a very difficult time in quarantine, Christopher told the school board.

In public comments via Zoom at Mondays board meeting, parent Marty Pyles, of Silver Spring Township, said his daughter still doesnt feel caught up two weeks after returning to school from weeks of remote quarantine instruction.

At your last (school board) meeting, I told you that my daughter had just got out of quarantine two days ago. Since then, she has failed tests on material that was covered while she was out. Having Schoology (as a remote educational resource) just doesnt work, Pyles said Monday.

New measures now in place for quarantined elementary-level students include:

Zoom classrooms where quarantined elementary students can Zoom with a district elementary-level teacher each day theyre not in school. Teachers will meet with quarantined students on a fixed schedule by grade level, provide activities to complete with each childs classroom teacher, and provide students with feedback.

Providing students who have ELD support or an IEP with additional opportunities to interact with their teachers via Zoom.

Implemented Monday for quarantined secondary-level students:

Provide students in grades 6-12 with specific times that they can request to meet with their teachers via Zoom. Its really up to the students to do this, Christopher said.

Require all secondary-level teachers to create two activities that students can create asynchronously each week.

The goal here is not to replicate school. The goal is to keep that (quarantined) student engaged in learning activities that allow them to re-enter school pretty seamlessly when they come back, Christopher said.

Finally, school board president Brian Rausch announced Monday that the board will continue to meet in its current remote format for the duration of the state mask mandate that went into effect Sept. 7.

The district initiated remote school board meetings last month in response to constituents defying the states mask mandate at recent meetings. The district also said the move was necessary due to violence occurring recently in other areas.
A report released Thursday by the U.S. Senate panel investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol singled out two Midstate Republicans  U.S. Rep Scott Perry and state Sen. Doug Mastriano  as key playmakers in pushing for federal attorneys to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

The report from the Democratic-majority Senate Judiciary Committee, commissioned despite Republican objections, points specifically to Perry and Mastriano as individuals whom President Donald Trump believed could help him invalidate the election, based on unfounded claims of corruption.

Both legislators went directly to U.S. Department of Justice officials with claims that would reinforce Trumps strategy to stay in office, according to testimony and records collected in the report.

These ties warrant further investigation to better place Trumps efforts to enlist DOJ in his efforts to overturn the presidential election in context with the Jan. 6 insurrection, the report recommended.

Much of the narrative around Perry and Mastriano centers on Richard Donoghue, the then-second-in command at the justice department next to acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen.

Earlier this year, Donoghues hand-written notes on a Dec. 27, 2020, call with Trump were released, in which Trump pressured the justice department to intercede in the election.

Donoghue wrote that Trump told him to just say the election was corrupt + leave the rest to me and the R Congressmen, and specifically cited Perry, Mastriano, and Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan, Perrys close ally in the House Freedom Caucus, as being willing to promote the argument, according to Donoghues notes.

The report released Thursday, which cited testimony and communications records from Donoghue, found that Perry and Mastriano both specifically followed up with Donoghue in an attempt to convince the Justice Department to endorse their unfounded voter fraud allegations.

These allegations, according to Donoghues notes, were centered on the claim that Pennsylvanias vote total exceeded the number of voters who voted  a claim started by a group of state legislators based on a download of the incomplete state voter file, and which was debunked by The Sentinel hours after it surfaced.

Emails included in the Senate report show that Perry forwarded those materials from the state legislators to Donoghue. The report also includes Donoghues notes regarding a call with Perry, in which Donoghue wrote that Perry thinks DOJ hasnt done its job on election.

On Dec. 29, 2020, Mastriano also sent a letter to Donoghue, included in the report, arguing that the election results in Pennsylvania cannot be determined due to a long list of what Mastriano alleged were anomalies in the results. Many of those claims had already been adjudicated and found to be lacking by state and federal judges; others appeared to be basic misunderstandings of how elections are conducted.

The letter included most of the same text as a letter sent to members of Congress by Mastriano and signed by roughly two dozen other Pennsylvania legislators, in which they asked for GOP leadership to dispute Pennsylvanias election results.

The new report also confirms a previous report in the New York Times that Trump had sought to replace Rosen with Jeffrey Clark, a justice department attorney who was sympathetic to Trumps efforts, and whom Perry had introduced to Trump. Donoghues notes on his call with Perry also state that Perry likes Jeff Clark a lot.

Clark subsequently proposed a plan whereby the Justice Department would send letters to state legislatures encouraging them to consider appointing new Electoral College delegates because of irregularities in their voting, according to records included in the report. Donoghue and Rosen declined to advance the proposal, with Donoghue writing that it would be utterly without precedent and could have tremendous Constitutional, political, and social ramifications for the country, according to emails included in the report.

The Senate report shows that Perry followed up further with Donoghue about Clark, saying he was the kind of guy who could really get in there and do something about this, referring to the election results.

Senate Republicans put out their own memo on the matter, defending Trump and arguing that his actions had no impact on the Justice Departments election activities, but not addressing Perry or Mastriano. Perry has previously defended his actions following the New York Times report, saying that Trump asked him for an introduction to Clark.

In the early hours of Jan. 7, after rioters had been cleared from the Capitol, Perry led Republicans in formally objecting to Pennsylvanias Electoral College tally.

Mastriano was also at the Capitol during that time, having chartered a bus, according to his campaign finance records, to the pro-Trump protest that eventually devolved into a siege of Congress. Mastriano said he left when things turned violent, although videos uncovered online show him walking across the Capitol lawn after police barriers had already been broken down.

In a statement on Friday, Mastriano decried the findings as hyper partisan, and reiterated that he followed the directions of Capitol Police on Jan. 6.

The repetitive allegations in this report are part of an ongoing, desperate attempt to distract from what progressive policies are doing to our country, Mastriano said.

Perry is also a person of interest in the Jan. 6 inquiry in the House of Representatives, being one of several legislators whose phone records and online activity House investigators asked telecommunications providers to preserve as part of the investigation. Perry and several others subsequently sent letters to those providers objecting to the records request and writing that we will pursue all legal remedies against the telecom companies if they comply with the House inquiry.

As of press time, Perry had not responded to a request for comment on the report.

Perrys 10th Congressional District covers eastern Cumberland County, including Carlisle, as well as northern York County and Dauphin County. Mastrianos state Senate district primarily covers Franklin and Adams counties with a small portion of Cumberland County near Shippensburg.

Thursdays report is an interim document, Senate staff wrote. The committee is waiting on additional records from the Trump White House to be processed by the National Archives and Records Administration.

Email Zack at zhoopes@cumberlink.com.

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The Madison County Fair made a splash this past weekend, in more ways than one. The weather left the grounds a little soggy, but did not dampen the fun. And the DockDogs were a hit, competing rain or shine.

The DockDogs featured high flying action from dogs showing off their skills running down a 40-foot dock and diving into a pool of water after a chew toy. One of the weekend's furry competitors, Instigator, walked away with longest jump in the extreme vertical competition Friday night.

Madison County Fair Association President Lynn Rhodes said things did not go exactly as the association had planned but everyone made the best of the situation.

"The truck and tractor pull are going to be postponed and then the horse show is going to be on Nov. 7, still at the Saddle Club," Rhodes said. "The livestock show went really well. They managed it, and there were some good breaks with the weather, so they were able to get that completed."

Early on Saturday, the founder of the the Madison County Fair and sponsor of the Livestock Pavilion, Mary Settle, was honored with a dedication and sign. Surrounded by her family and friends she was shocked to see the sign above the pavilion.

"Most people know Mary Settle because she has been such an inspiration and help to many of us on our farming journeys," Fredericktown Mayor Kelly Korokis read. "Some may not know, though, that Mary actually helped the entire county by founding our Madison County Fair in 2002. Mary's love for farming and her community was truly the heart and driving force behind it for 15 years until her health forced her to step down."

Korokis said even now Settle continues to sponsor the fair, encourage its members, and help whenever she can.

The Madison County Fair Association asked Settle to share the history of the fair.

"I had always wanted our town to host a fair for the young and old to enjoy," Settle said. "So when my next door neighbor came to me and asked if we could do this, I was thrilled. It takes much work to set up, contact and organize a fair, however, I knew if we could get a few people to give us a helping hand we could swing this."

Settle said she and Carole Magnus worked hard to contact different people, and before they knew it, the day had arrived.

"It was such a thrill to see others enjoying what I loved to do," Settle said. "We had chickens, rabbits, turkeys, guinea pigs, real cows for a milking contest, Ernie Terry's excellent wood carvings, a blacksmith, basket weaver, the 4-H's sheep and more."

Settle said they all worked together, and it paid off.

"We so appreciated each and every one that donated to pay the premiums and the ones that worked," Settle said. "You will never be forgotten. Neither will Steve Sitzes, as he was my right hand for many years."

Settle said each year the fair grew, and it grew so fast they were running out of room for animals which was when she suggested building another pavilion.

"Sadly there just wasn't enough money," Settle said. "So I told them if they could round up enough helpers to build, I would donate the money to build it. The plan was on. The Lord sent workers who worked hard, and before long it was just about finished."

Settle said in the end, the project was short $300, and the Madison County Extension Council came through donating the final amount to finish.

"Due to Lyme's disease, I had to step down from my position of 15 years because I had so much trouble with my balance," Settle said. "It broke my heart, but my heart is still there with each of you.

"I pray others will donate their time to our county fair, step up and help us put together pens, chalk lines, or whatever needs done. God bless each of you and I pray His hand be on you all during this stressful but yet enjoyable time."

The Madison County Fair Association would like to thank Settle for the great legacy she has given the community.

Rhodes said on behalf of the entire board she would like to thank all of the sponsors, volunteers and everyone who came out to participate in the fair. She said the event would not be possible without all the community support.

"We are always looking for ways to improve it, and anyone wanting to help can reach out to any of the board members," Rhodes said.

If you would like to be involved in planning or volunteering for next year's fair, reach out to any members of the fair board. More information can be found at MadisonCountyFairmo.com.

Victoria Kemper is a reporter for the Democrat News. She can be reached at 573-783-3366 or at vkemper@democratnewsonline.com

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LONDON (AP)  The world's first malaria vaccine should be given to children across Africa, the World Health Organization recommended Wednesday, a move that officials hope will spur stalled efforts to curb the spread of the parasitic disease.

WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called it "a historic moment" after a meeting in which two of the U.N. health agency's expert advisory groups endorsed using the vaccine.

"Today's recommendation offers a glimmer of hope for the continent, which shoulders the heaviest burden of the disease. And we expect many more African children to be protected from malaria and grow into healthy adults," said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO's Africa director.

WHO said its decision was based largely on results from ongoing research in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi that tracked more than 800,000 children who have received the vaccine since 2019.

The malaria vaccine known as Mosquirix was developed by GlaxoSmithKline in 1987. While it's the first to be authorized, it does have challenges: the vaccine is only about 30% effective, requires up to four doses and its protection fades after several months.

Still, given the extremely high burden of malaria in Africa  where the majority of the world's more than 200 million cases a year and 400,000 deaths a year occur  scientists say the vaccine could still have a major impact.

"This is a huge step forward," said Julian Rayner, director of the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, who was not part of the WHO decision. "It's an imperfect vaccine, but it will still stop hundreds of thousands of children from dying."

Rayner said the vaccine's impact on the spread of the mosquito-borne disease was still unclear, but pointed to coronavirus vaccines as an encouraging example.

"The last two years have given us a very nuanced understanding of how important vaccines are in saving lives and reducing hospitalizations, even if they don't directly reduce transmission," he said.

Dr. Alejandro Cravioto, chair of the WHO vaccine group that made the recommendation, said designing a shot against malaria was particularly difficult because it is a parasitic disease spread by mosquitoes.

"We're confronted with extraordinarily complex organisms," he said. "We are not yet in reach of a highly efficacious vaccine, but what we have now is a vaccine that can be deployed and that is safe."

WHO said side effects were rare, but sometimes included a fever that could result in temporary convulsions.

Sian Clarke, co-director of the Malaria Centre at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said the vaccine would be a useful addition to other tools against the disease that might have exhausted their utility after decades of use, like bed nets and insecticides.

"In some countries where it gets really hot, children just sleep outside, so they can't be protected by a bed net," Clarke explained. "So obviously if they've been vaccinated, they will still be protected."

Clarke added that in the last few years little significant progress has been made against malaria. "If we're going to decrease the disease burden now, we need something else," she explained.

Azra Ghani, chair of infectious diseases at Imperial College London, said she and colleagues estimate that the introduction of the malaria vaccine in African children might result in a 30% reduction overall: up to 8 million fewer cases and as many as 40,000 fewer deaths per year.

She said the WHO guidance would hopefully be a "first step" to making better malaria vaccines. Ghani said efforts to produce a second-generation malaria vaccine might be given a boost by the messenger RNA technology used to make two of the most successful COVID-19 vaccines, those from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna.

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The Gallery at Studio IX: Asha Art Week: Celebrating the Work & Life of Asha Greer will be on view Saturday through Oct. 14. Students of The Heartwood Tea School will present ceremonial Japanese tea from 3 to 7 p.m. daily. Closing reception is set for 1 to 7 p.m. Oct. 17. The Prolyfyck Exhibition Series continues in October with works by Mike Ryan, which will honor Music Resource Center. studioix.co. Face coverings must be worn when entering the building and at all times in the gallery. (434) 242-0905.

Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection presents The Art in Life: Textile Design webinar at 7 p.m. Thursday with Diane Kappa, Kieren Karritpul and Mili Suleman; register in advance. Kluge-Ruhe has opened the first part of the two-part exhibition Irrititja Kuwarri Tjungu (Past & Present Together): 50 Years of Papunya Tula Artists, tracing the Papunya Tula Artists movement from 1971 through the mid-1990s. It can be seen through Feb. 27, 2022. The second part, celebrating the role of women artists and featuring paintings created during and since the 1990s, will be open from March 17, 2022, to Feb. 26, 2023. Boomalli Prints and Paper: Making Space as an Art Collective can be seen through June 19, 2022. Breathe with Me: A Wandering Sculpture Trail can be seen outdoors through Oct. 17; a closing reception is set for 4 to 6 p.m. Friday. Make reservations to visit. Tours have resumed and will be led for free by volunteer guides at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each day the museum is open. Longer tour experiences for groups will be available for purchase. Masks are required. Make reservations at kluge-ruhe.org. 400 Worrell Drive. (434) 244-0234.
I think if a building is being renovated from an old packing shed to something else where events are going to be hosted, we still need the authority to be able to require something as simple as that electrical inspection, Supervisor Ann H. Mallek said.

Supervisors Donna Price said if someone is going to take a barn and turn it into an event space it needs to meet the same requirements as any other facility.

The last thing we want is to have one of these structures, have a fire and potentially dozens of people die because we did not have adequate safety standards in the bill, she said.

Kamptner said a state study three years ago decided to continue an exemption for farm buildings and structures.

So .. these were the gentle incursions into building safety, he said Theyre the first steps.

Supervisor Liz Palmer said they need to think small to get a foot in the door.

There is a certain amount of strategic positioning here as to what we can get through, she said. Having talked to representatives about this, and I know Anns been involved in this for years, its been rejected outright, even though there is a lot of need for it.
So I think its really both exciting and a little harrowing to have something get a lot more attention than you anticipated, she said in an interview before the books official release.

The collection includes five short stories and the novella, each of which explores burdened inheritances and extraordinary pursuits of belonging, according to the publisher. In My Monticello, a diverse group of Charlottesville neighbors who live on South First Street seek shelter at Monticello after fleeing violent white supremacists who were raiding Black neighborhoods. The storys protagonist is a descendent of Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings as well as a University of Virginia student.

But I really hope that it validates the experience of people who are sometimes ostracized and kind of troubled by some of the extremism and some of the racism that has happened in the present and in the past, she said of the overall collection. But I also hope it is a place of reflection for people for whom, maybe, that hasnt been their experience or their focus toward other people in the community and kind of creates a place where we might reflect.  I think fiction has a way of putting you in the shoes of other people.
Worker misclassification involves falsely identifying workers as independent contractors to avoid paying taxes on the workers and avoid costs of covering employees with workers compensation and unemployment insurance, according to the attorney generals office, and has been consistently shown to drive down the wages of other workers.

The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, covering Virginia, five other states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, has alleged that about 60 workers in drywall and other interior construction in the new General Assembly Building have been misclassified as independent contractors and subject to wage theft by being denied overtime pay.

Members of the carpenters union regularly hold a banner outside the General Assembly Building construction site to draw attention to the problem. Actions could have been taken in the General Assembly to prevent this, Mahoney said.
Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Glenn Youngkin are in a close contest to become the next governor of Virginia, according to a new Emerson College and Nexstar Media poll.

The poll, in line with other recent surveys, shows a tightening race between the major party candidates: McAuliffe received 49% among likely voters to 48% for Youngkin. Just 2% of voters said they were undecided and 1% said they plan to vote for someone else. Princess Blanding also is on the ballot.

The survey, conducted Oct. 1-3, had a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 percentage points.

The poll found McAuliffe is leading in support among female and Black voters, while Youngkin leads among men and white and Hispanic voters. Among suburban voters Youngkin received 49% to 48% for McAuliffe.

Youngkin is vying to become the first Republican elected statewide since 2009. McAuliffe, who served as governor from 2014 to 2018, came into the race with the advantages of an incumbent in name recognition and in the state's trend toward Democrats in recent election cycles.
Cyber

DHS adds cyber requirements for transportation industry

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced on Wednesday that the government will add requirements for cybersecurity information sharing to companies in the transportation sector.

The move comes as DHS is in the midst of a 60-day "sprint" launched in September focusing on transportation industry cybersecurity, Mayorkas said in a speech at the Billington Cybersecurity Summit.

The Coast Guard is expanding its oversight of maritime cybersecurity with the deployment of cybersecurity personnel to U.S. ports to supervise planning, response and recovery. Mayorkas also announced that 2,300 "maritime entities" are charged with sharing cybersecurity plans with the Coast Guard and following up on any weaknesses identified in those plans.

Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration is taking a more high-profile role in managing railroad industry cybersecurity. Under a security directive to be issued later this year, "higher risk" rail freight and rail transit companies will be required to designate a cybersecurity contact for government and to report incidents to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

On the aviation side, TSA is planning new requirements for critical industry players, including airport operators, passenger airlines and cargo aircraft operators, to name a cybersecurity contact and report incidents to CISA.

The move represents the continuing expansion of TSA's formal role as a cybersecurity regulator. In the wake of the Colonial Pipeline hack, TSA issued two sets of rules governing cybersecurity preparedness and reporting in that industry.

"Taken together, these elements -- a dedicated point of contact, cyber incident reporting and contingency planning -- represent the bare minimum of todays cybersecurity best practices," Mayorkas said in his speech.

Cyber bills advance in Senate

The Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee advanced two pieces of cybersecurity legislation on Wednesday.

The Cyber Incident Reporting Act of 2021 sets a 72-hour reporting requirement for breaches and other incidents at covered companies, which include critical infrastructure firms. Additionally, the legislation requires covered companies to report any ransomware payments made to hackers within 24 hours. The bill also sets up a new office at CISA to receive reports from covered companies. That bill did advance, but it drew some opposition from committee Republicans because of the scope of coverage -- currently extending to small businesses with 50 or more employees. The bill was amended to except mandatory disclosures required under the legislation from being included in discovery in litigation initiated over cybersecurity breaches.

Earlier this year a bipartisan group of lawmakers on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence introduced their own bill that sets a 24-hour clock for critical infrastructure operators and federal contractors to report cybersecurity incidents.

The Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2021 requires federal civilian agencies to report breaches to CISA and the Office of Management and Budget, and it includes new authorities that make CISA the lead agency on cybersecurity incidents affecting federal civilian agency networks. That bill was advanced without objection.

Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), the chairman of the committee, announced his intention to add both pieces of legislation to the National Defense Authorization Act, which lawmakers hope to pass before the end of the calendar year.

This article first appeared on FCW, a Defense Systems partner site.
The Lebanon Fire District announced a new permit process for both agricultural and slash burning operations as well as any special burns that might be requested. The permits are free and required by the district to conduct agricultural or slash burns, according to a press release from the district.

Fire Marshal Jason Bolen said the new permit process is a way for the district to know who is burning what, when they plan to burn it, and whether it will be done in a safe area and manner.

The district said permits are rarely denied, adding that the new process will improve communications between itself and those wanting to avoid frequent false fire alarms from burning. Under the new process, firefighters will have access to see which permits are active and where, and also have contact information for permit holders if needed.

We will also notify our dispatch center of the information so that they can ask more detailed questions if they receive a hostile fire phone call from the public, Bolen said. Overall, its an improvement in the services we offer to our citizens.

Open burning permit applications are available on the LFD website and must be submitted at least two business days prior to the desired permit start date. For more information about open burning visit www.lebanonfire.org.

Open burning resumed within the boundaries of the Lebanon Fire District on Tuesday. Residents can call the Linn County Coordinated Burn Message Information Line at 541-451-1904 to obtain burning permission and to hear the allowable burning hours. Burning outside of a permitted day and time may result in a fire district response and your burn pile being extinguished.

Open burning, also known as backyard or barrel burning, is limited to the safe burning of yard debris, including wood, needle or leaf materials from trees, and shrubs or plants from the property immediately surrounding a dwelling.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Albany Democrat-Herald.

The simple rule of thumb is that youre only allowed to burn what grows out of the ground on your own property, Bolen said. Things like garbage, plastics, furniture, lumber, and household items can never be burned due to DEQ regulations.

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality regulates open burning and is the enforcement agency for illegal burns. The DEQ can levy fines and penalties upwards of $10,000 based on the severity of the infraction. Bolen urges Lebanon residents to mind the regulations and follow burn advisories.

A link to the DEQ open burning website can be found on the Lebanon Fire District webpage, https://www.lebanonfire.org/lfd.

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The Global Hemp Innovation Center at Oregon State University received a $10 million grant to research the economic opportunities for hemp in western United States.

The five-year project grant comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and OSU will partner with eight other institutions across the country to address the needs of Native American and other rural farmers in Washington, Oregon, Nevada and California.

Jeffrey Steiner, associate director of the OSU hemp center, said this grant is one of the largest grants for hemp ever received.

We just feel really fortunate to get it, he said. Its a very competitive program and were among the elite institutions to get the money.

The Western United States has diverse, arid environmental conditions, and encompasses large areas of irrigated and non-irrigated production. Native American tribes are present in all four of these states, and some tribal leaders would like for their communitys cultural and economic needs to be a part of this research project.

The Warm Springs Tribe has interest in exploring and expanding our agricultural opportunities in hemp production and this is one avenue to achieve this, said Laurie Danzuka, the cannabis project coordinator for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs in Oregon. This collaboration will allow us to identify potential sustainable uses for hemp, utilize best farming practices and provide learning opportunities to the membership.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Corvallis Gazette-Times.

The popularity of hemp exploded once the crop was decriminalized with the passage of the farm bill in 2018. There is still much to learn about hemp, however, such as where it is best grown, how to incorporate it into existing production systems, where to process the grown materials and what the likely growth markets are to support industry expansion.

Joanna Mann covers education for Mid-Valley Media. She can be contacted at 541-812-6076 or Joanna.Mann@lee.net. Follow her on Twitter via @joanna_mann_.

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The Indian government has confirmed that it will be applying two of the reforms to the telecommunications sector that it announced on 15 September.

In a move likely to ease pressure on the sector, the government has said that 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI) in telecom services in a range of cases will fall under the automatic route of approval. This more than doubles the old rate of 49 percent beyond which investment had first to be cleared by the government.

The government also reduced the level of bank guarantees that needs to be demonstrated during licensing agreements. It is now 20 percent.

The FDI move applies to a category 1 list that the government says includes basic, cellular, united access services, unified license and what it calls such other services as may be permitted by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).

This does not, however, change the provision that requires any foreign direct investment coming into India from a country it shares its land border with to be first approved by the government.

Bank guarantees had been worrying not just telecoms companies but the banks themselves, in the light of the difficult situation faced by companies like Vi/Vodafone Idea.

Other reforms, such as deferring of adjusted gross revenue and spectrum payments, abolition of spectrum usage charges from future spectrum auctions and permitting telecom companies to surrender unused spectrum to the government, will, it is hoped, boost a sector that has been under a great deal of financial pressure in recent years.

These moves will also inevitably be seen as ways to encourage telecoms investment in India at a time when foreign companies may have been questioning the wisdom of getting involved in the market.
Googles CEO Sundar Pichai confirmed that the tech giant will invest $1 billion into Africa across the next five years.

Speaking at the companys first Google for Africa event, Pichai said that the investment would boost connectivity and digital transformation as well as helping smaller businesses. He claimed that since opening its first African office, Google had enabled 100 million Africans to connect to the internet for the first time.

Weve made huge strides together over the past decade  but theres more work to do to make the internet accessible, affordable and useful for every African said Pichai. Google expects a further 300 million new internet users to be connected over the next five years, and is working to help train developers and create products tailored to the Africa market, including Android Go.

Of the $1 billion pledged, $50 million will go towards the newly created Africa Investment Fund, which will help start-up firms by providing easy access to Google employees, networks and technologies. Additionally, Google plans to provide $10 million in low-interest loans to smaller firms in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa.

A large portion of the investment will be spent on a subsea cable connecting Africa to Europe, which will land at Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa and St. Helena. Projects in other countries including Uganda will also receive funding, while non-profit organisations in Africa will receive $40 million.
Egypt Digital Company for Investment (EDCI), the largest shareholder in Egypt Towers for Technology Services Company, has signed an agreement with IHS Towers to obtain a licence from the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) to erect and lease telecom towers.

IHS Towers is one of the largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared telecommunications infrastructure in the world.

IHS Towers will own 80% of IHS Telecom Towers Egypt S.A.E., and Egypt Digital Company for Investment will own the remaining 20%. The new consortium is in the process of becoming licensed by NTRA, the procedures for which are expected to be completed during this week.

The Ministry of Communications said in a statement on Tuesday5/10/2021 that the partnership aims to construct some 6,000 licensed wireless communication towers over the coming three years through IHS Telecom Towers Egypt SAE, which would be established as per this agreement.

The license also provides the possibility of acquiring wireless telecommunications towers owned by third parties to utilise them to provide the services as specified by the license.

Sam Darwish, IHS Towers Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer said "IHS Towers is committed to delivering critical telecommunications infrastructure to the emerging markets, and this partnership is an exciting development as we continue to pursue our strategic growth ambition. With an established presence in five African markets and two decades of experience operating on the continent, I am confident in our ability to support the rapidly developing Egyptian telecommunications market. By partnering with the Egypt Digital Company for Investment, we intend to leverage their extensive market knowledge and capitalize on our own innovative operating capabilities to facilitate a broad range of telecommunication solutions in Egypt."
Vietnams Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has stated that it aims to auction LTE and 5G-ready spectrum this quarter to allow operators to launch 5G services next year.

Local agency Vietnam News Service quoted MIC minister Nguyen Manh Hung as saying that Vietnam was eager keep pace with other markets by launching commercial 5G services. The minister has previously suggested that Vietnams regulator issue spectrum in the 2.6GHz band for this purpose, but has not specified any other bands.

Since 2019, Vietnams biggest operators  Mobifone, Viettel and Vinaphone  have been trialling 5G services in areas of the countrys two largest cities, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Last month, Viettel clocked a transmission speed of 4.7Mb/s using 800MHz of mmWave spectrum, in a trial conducted in partnership with Ericsson and Qualcomm.

In addition to enabling 5G launches, operators will be able to use the additional spectrum to bolster their LTE offerings. The ministry also stated its goal of achieving 100% smartphone penetration by 2023, up from 66% currently. Vietnams advanced device manufacturing capabilities makes this goal achievable, and the governments pushing of 5G technology will likely spur uptake.
STC and Ericsson have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore sustainable initiatives to power the operators network infrastructure with intelligent and renewable energy.

The partnership will further explore other Information and Communication Technology (ICT) green-site solutions and sustainability initiatives for Saudi Arabia. As part of the partnership, Ericsson will use its expertise to provide the most energy-efficient strategies to the STC network to positively contribute to society.

Under the first phase of the MoU, STC and Ericsson will deploy several sustainable site solutions that will showcase how renewable energy can power networks of the future. Collaborations will include implementing a solar-hybrid site and initiatives to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which will help preserve the environment.

Saudi Vision 2030 calls for a mix of renewable and non-renewable energy sources to meet the increasing energy demand driven by the growing networks and technologies. The MoU aims to accelerate the stride towards incorporating green innovation in network operations in light of the expected increase in energy demand.

Mathias Johansson, Vice President and Head of Saudi Arabia and Egypt, Ericsson Middle East and Africa says: Ericssons broad range of solutions make it easy to meet traffic growth and lower mobile network energy consumption from todays level. Together with STC, we will be working on diversifying the energy sources, reducing carbon dioxide emissions, and exploring initiatives for operating networks with an efficient and intelligent energy perspective.
The mobile phone company MTN-Congo has signed a partnership with Flash International to facilitate money transfers between the two countries - Congo-Brazzaville and Congo-Kinshasa.

People will be able to transfer funds from DR Congo via Flash Cash directly to an MTN MoMo account in Congo-Brazzaville at the cost of USD 1, regardless of the transfer value. Flash has a network of over 160 branches and nearly 4000 Flash agents in DR Congo where its Flash Cash service is available.

Local media reports say that access to a traditional bank account remains difficult for a large category of the population in Africa, especially at the sub-regional level. Mobile money is seen as an alternative to bank accounts and an asset to facilitate money transfers in developing countries. The mobile money industry generates huge income and jobs for young people.

Flash has a network of over 160 branches and nearly 4000 Flash agents in DR Congo where its Flash Cash service is available. In addition, its FlashApp mobile application also gives users access to this service directly from their smartphones and will allow them to transfer money from home to an MTN MoMo account without going to a Flash agency.

MTN Congo SA is a subsidiary of the MTN group with its head office in South Africa.

In April 2021, another mobile phone company, Airtel-Congo, signed a partnership with the Groupement interbancaire monetique de d'Afrique centrale, to facilitate the sending and withdrawing of money via Airtel Money, from the Congo to Cameroon, Gabon, Central African Republic, and Equatorial Guinea.
Statement by Ambassador Byrne Nason at the UNSC Briefing on Small Arms and Light Weapons

Statement

Thank you, Mr President,

And I want to start by thanking Kenya for convening todays Very important meeting, which we see as critical to addressing the very real threat posed by the proliferation of small arms and light weapons right across this Councils agenda and beyond. And I want to also congratulate Kenya on the outcome of BMS7 in July.

I also want to thank High Representative Nakamitsu, Lieutenant General Abdelgadir and Mr. Lochhead for their insightful briefings. I want to say that your tireless advocacy and your comprehensive research and are what this Council needs to hear.

Mr. President,

The facts revealed in the Secretary-Generals report are stark:

Small arms and light weapons cause the majority of violent deaths in conflict and non-conflict settings.

They facilitate more human rights abuses than any other weapon.

They perpetuate, enflame and prolong conflict.

Put simply, addressing the threat is vital to the Councils work.

The Secretary-Generals report provides tangible and importantly, actionable, recommendations on how we, individually and collectively, can achieve that.

I want to make four points, Mr President which Ireland believes are crucial to achieving our goal of silencing these guns once and for all.

First, understanding the problem is essential to treating it.

This Council has a responsibility to consistently and systematically scrutinise the impact of illicit small arms and light weapons as a driver of conflict. In doing so, and in preventing these illicit transfers, we can hope to better protect civilians.

UN peace operations, mandated by this Council, have a crucial role to play. However, these mandates require clear objectives and, importantly, specialised resources to implement them. This is particularly relevant in the context of Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration processes.

Effective management, processing and treatment of weapons and ammunition stockpiles is needed. Equally important is the identification and elimination of illicit trafficking routes and points of diversion.

Building the capacity of host States in the both of these areas is our shared responsibility. We in Ireland are playing our part and will continue to offer training and support through our Defence Forces.

Mr. President,

My second point relates to the importance of synergies across the UN system.

From Resolution 2220 and the Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons, to the Arms Trade Treaty, and the SGs Disarmament Agenda - this threat cuts across the spectrum of the UN. So too, must our response.

We have seen direct evidence of the instrumental role that regional organisations and programmes can play in addressing small arms and light weapons. The AUs Silencing the Guns project is an example of strong regional leadership and engagement. Regional roadmaps such as those implemented by ECOWAS, or in the Western Balkans are also making important strides.

We all share a collective responsibility to stem the flow of illicit small arms and light weapons. Enforcing UN arms embargoes is an important aspect of that, as others have said. Further, national reporting, international cooperation and information sharing are also critical, including to ensure effective weapons tracing.

Mr. President, my third point is in relation to gender.

While men and boys account for the vast majority of violent deaths, women often bear the brunt of the socio-economic fall out from small arms and light weapons-driven conflict.

As co-chair of the Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security, we have also heard how the proliferation of these weapons negatively affects the security of women and girls in countries such as Somalia and South Sudan.

As others have noted, such conflict entrenches gender-imbalanced power dynamics and facilitates violence against women and girls, including sexual and gender-based violence and human trafficking.

This is unconscionable. It simply cannot stand.

We know that gender-sensitive responses are sustainable and effective responses. Integrating the Women, Peace and Security Agenda into initiatives and actions to combat small arms and light weapons is therefore key.

Equally, the needs of children must also be taken into account when developing gender-sensitive and age-sensitive programmes.

Mr. President,

Allow me to conclude by highlighting the explicit connection the Secretary-General draws between climate change and its potential effects on peace and security, an area where we believe this Council needs to take specific action. Westrongly support the Secretary Generals recommendation to further examine the specific impact of climate change on the use, effects, and availability of conventional weapons.

Mr. President,

Its crystal clear that small arms and light weapons constitute a threat to international peace and security.

It is our responsibility, around this table, to address that threat.

The Secretary-Generals Agenda for Disarmament provides the framework. His report provides the concrete recommendations.

Now is the time for bold action.

Ireland will continue to champion this issue and to work with all of our partners here at the Council and across the General Assembly to accomplish that.

Thank you.

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After a slow start for both teams, a second-quarter blitz from Lewiston put the Bengals on the path to their first girls basketball win of the season, a 59-31 Inland Empire League decision against Moscow on Wednesday at Bear Den.
The Houston County Commission will consider moving ahead with appraisal, survey, and environmental work for the first leg of a county walking and biking trail when the commission meets next week.

The commission will hold its regular meeting on Tuesday at 10 a.m. Because Monday is a state and federal holiday, county offices will be closed.

Houston County plans to apply for a grant to help cover the cost of developing the trail. But first the commission has to do property appraisals as well as survey and environmental work to determine a final route. Kim Meeker, who retired from Dothan Leisure Services, is working as a consultant with the county on the project.

Plans for the trail will have it connecting to a trail being developed by the City of Dothan down U.S. Highway 84 East to the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine (ACOM). The idea is for this first leg of the countys trail to meet up to the citys trail at ACOM and then extend to Cowarts and eventually Ashford.

The long-term vision is to have a countywide system of trails.

Commissioner Doug Sinquefield, who represents the area where the first leg of the trail will be located, asked for a map of the trails route to eventually be posted on the countys website.
A health worker instructs Covid-19 patients on physicial therapy to restore lung functions in HCMC's District 8, September 21, 2021. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

Vietnam on Thursday recorded 4,147 more local Covid-19 cases, bringing the number of infections in the new wave to 822,239.

The epicenter HCMC recorded 1,730 cases, while its neighbors Binh Duong recorded 840 cases and Dong Nai 589 cases.

125 deaths were added to the national database on Thursday: 92 in Ho Chi Minh City, 19 in Binh Duong, five in Ninh Thuan, three in Dong Nai, two in Can Tho and one each in Ben Tre, Tien Giang, Dak Nong and Long An.

The total number of coronavirus deaths so far is 20,223, taking up around 2.4 percent of all infections.

Also on Thursday, 1,402 Covid-19 patients were announced recovered, bringing the total number of recovered cases to 758,488.

Vietnam has vaccinated over 36.4 million with at least one Covid-19 vaccine shot. Over 12.8 million people have been fully vaccinated.
A foreign couple drink beer on Bui Vien Street in HCMC on December 22, 2019. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

Authorities may reopen select tourist destinations to vaccinated foreign visitors, but the timeline will depend on localities' readiness, including vaccine coverage.

Nguyen Trung Khanh, head of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, said Friday that Vietnam has not finalized on when it can fully welcome foreign tourists back.

"A reopening roadmap has to be carefully planned based on Covid-19 control and the preparedness of localities."

Khanh said plans to receive foreign tourists to Vietnam's largest island Phu Quoc Island in the southern Kien Giang Province in November have been approved by the government, but a specific date has not been determined.

All residents on the island have received one Covid-19 vaccine shot, and the second shots will be administered in November to prepare for the opening, which is expected to be trialed in six months.

The government had earlier approved plans to allow fully immunized tourists from Europe, the U.S., Northeast Asia, Australia, and the Middle East to visit Phu Quoc, stay at sequestered resorts and visit a limited number of tourism spots during the first phase of the reopening.

Initially, the government had planned to welcome back foreign tourists to Phu Quoc Island from this month but low vaccination rates forced the island to push back reopening.

Khanh Hoa Province, home to beach towns Cam Ranh and Nha Trang, is expected to be the next destination in Vietnam to reopen to foreign tourists.

The government closed its doors to foreign tourists and canceled all international flights in March last year as a Covid containment measure. Only Vietnamese repatriates, foreign experts and highly-skilled workers are allowed in with stringent conditions.

Vietnam recorded a 79 percent decline year-on-year in the number of foreign visitors in 2020 due to travel restrictions amid the pandemic.

The nation welcomed just 3.83 million foreign visitors against a record 18 million in 2019, according to official data.
" " A new version of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in black ceramic pays tribute to the heritage of this legendary chronograph. Rolex/Jean-Daniel Meyer

Seen on the wrists of the coolest of the cool  think James Bond, Paul Newman and Mark Wahlberg  a Rolex is as much a symbol of success as it is a timepiece. And these watches are not cheap. At an August 2019 Sotheby's auction of watches, some Rolexes went for as much as $27,500.

That sounds like a lot for a watch  and it is  until you learn that about Paul Newman's famous 1968 Rolex Daytona. In 2017, that one-of-a-kind watch sold for $15.5 million. Although that special watch is literally the only one of its kind (and come on, it was once Paul Newman's), its hammer price was indicative of the confluence of factors that have made Rolex in many ways the reigning leader among exclusive watches.

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A Brief History of Rolex

From its beginning in 1905 as Wilsdorf & Davis, a timepiece distribution company in London, Rolex has evolved into the king of watches, and not just because of its recognizable crown logo. Founded by German watchmaker Hans Wilsdorf, the brand has become synonymous with the idea of success.

In "The Rolex Story," author Franz-Christoph Heel details how in the early 20th century, Wilsdorf wanted to design a wristwatch so accurate that it could successfully compete with pocket watches. At that time, wristwatches were thought to be inferior to pocket watches, in accuracy and their ability to withstand the elements. "Gentlemen were heard to remark that they would sooner wear a skirt as wear a wrist watch [sic]," George Gordon wrote in "Rolex 1905-1989." But Wilsdorf viewed these weaknesses as opportunities.

He developed a line of wristwatches in a variety of styles, and by 1908, had chosen the name Rolex for the brand. In 1910, the Rolex movement  what makes the watch tick  was the first in the world to receive the Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision, granted by the Official Watch Rating Centre in Bienne.

In addition to having a desire for innovation, Wilsdorf was also a gifted salesman and a marketing expert. His concept of using people for testimonials drove early promotion of the brand and is in part responsible for its longevity and current reputation.

"Hans was a marketing genius," says Larry Mendel, senior evaluator and watchmaker with Bob's Watches, a preowned Rolex exchange in Newport Beach, California. "He was literally decades ahead of his time." Wilsdorf promoted Rolex as the best of the best. "He also backed it up. Quality has always been No. 1 for Rolex from the very beginning."

" " Hans Wilsdorf founded Rolex in 1905, when he was just 24 years old and turned it into one of the world's most prestigious timepiece companies. Rolex/HowStuffWorks

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Rolex Innovates With Public Relations

In 1920, Wilsdorf, who by then had relocated to Geneva, Switzerland, separated from Davis and renamed the company Montres Rolex S.A.. He set about to "perfect the wristwatch," according to Heel, including developing one that was waterproof.

In a promotional stunt that would have made the father of public relations Edward Bernays proud, Wilsdorf proved the waterproof nature of the new Rolex Oyster by getting one on the wrist of Mercedes Gleitze for her swim across the English Channel in 1927. After 10 hours in the water, the watch was in "perfect working order."

Wilsdorf followed this coup with a full, front-page advertisement on the Daily Mail. These types of endorsements by athletes and celebrities have served as a strategy for Rolex ever since, contributing to the brand's success.

Rolex has continued to innovate, according to Eric Wind, vintage watch dealer and collector with Wind Vintage in West Palm Beach, Florida. The brand was an early pioneer in the self-winding watch movement, and in the late 1930s, it began offering the iconic Oyster and Jubilee bracelets. Taking the focus off leather and crocodile straps seems a prescient decision considering today's casual fashion.

" " All watches today are water-resistant to some extent, and most modern mechanical watches are self-winding, almost certainly inspired by the 1926 Rolex Oyster Perpetual perfected by Rolex. Rolex/Jean-Daniel Meyer

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The King of Watches

Owning a Rolex watch might be a status symbol, but they are not the most expensive watches by far. At the same August 2019 Sotheby's auction where Rolex offerings topped out at $27,500, a Patek Philippe watch commanded $68,750.

"[Rolex is a] luxury watch for the common man," Mendel says. And yet, Rolex is king. The combination of the marketing, the logo being a crown and the quality creates "a perfect storm to bring everything together to give them that title and keep them there."

Aside from not being priciest, Rolex watches also might not keep the best time (although they are among the best). In fact, a $15 watch from Target will do that just fine, but that isn't a Rolex.

"Does it keep time better? No," says Mendel. "It goes back to the mindset of that luxury owner. Will it last longer? Absolutely."

So yes, other watches might be more expensive, and a quartz watch or a smartphone will offer timekeeping accuracy, but that's not the point. Rolex dominates the market, says Paul Altieri, founder and CEO of Bob's Watches, because the quality is guaranteed.

"They are affordable luxury compared to some other brands," he says. "It's Swiss engineering at its best. They are very well made."

A Rolex watch will also hold its value for decades  not the case for that Target watch or an iPhone  and even offer buyers an investment for their money. While demand for Rolexes has increased, supply remains flat. The company makes fewer than 1 million watches a year globally.

"It puts pressure on prices," Altieri says. Limiting supply also means there is a two- or three-year waiting list for some new releases, or possibly even longer.

" " Actor Paul Newman's Daytona (visible here on Newman's wrist) sold at Phillips auction house in New York in 2017 for $17.8 million. Fotos International/Getty Images

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Some Rolex Greatest Hits

Now back to how Rolex became associated with the coolest of the cool. Author Ian Fleming wore a Rolex Explorer, and his character James Bond favored the brand too. A vintage Rolex Submariner 6538 featured in some of the Sean Connery Bond films sold by Worthy for $60,000 in 2016. However at the August Sotheby's auction, the same watch, valued between $180,000 and $280,000, appears not to have sold.

In cases like these, the cachet of a celeb association ups the cost. And in one famous case, that cachet drove the price tag up to $17.8 million ($15.5 million plus the buyer's premium, a percentage that must be paid by the buyer to the auction house in addition to the seller's commission fee). We're talking about the Paul Newman "Paul Newman Daytona" Rolex we mentioned earlier. When it was purchased at Phillips auction house in New York in 2017, it became the priciest wristwatch ever sold at auction. Dubbed the Paul Newman Daytona because the actor wore it while racing cars, just a few thousand were made. (You can watch the auction bidding here.)

"I think we were all shocked," Altieri says, who was in the audience at the auction. The opening bid was $10 million. "There's only one Paul Newman Paul Newman." The seller, James Cox, received the watch as a gift from Newman and donated a portion of the funds from the sale to the Nell Newman Foundation.

There, of course, have been other watches that have sold for more. In 2014, a Patek Philippe Supercomplication pocket watch went for more than $24 million at a Sotheby's auction in Geneva. The Chopard 201 Carat with 800 diamonds fetched $25 million, and the Graff Diamond Hallucination is priced at $55 million.

But the rugged Rolex is made to be worn, not just admired. "They are very durable," Mendel says. "They are tool watches." Wilsdorf created them for a purpose  diving, racing, traveling and other active endeavors.

Whether selected for a specific use or just for the style, everyone seems to have a favorite, and the brand continuously innovates.

" " Rolex's Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II (dubbed the Batman) has a perpetual, mechanical, self-winding movement, and is waterproof to 330 feet (100 meters). Rolex/Alain Costa

Mendel notes the updated "Batman" GMT, now on a Jubilee Bracelet, calling it "one of the hottest new watches that Rolex has put out in 20 years." But his personal favorite is the Milgauss, which can withstand magnetic fields of up to 1,000 gauss  those are the units that denote the strength of a magnetic field. It was designed for scientists.

For Wind, he says the Rolex of the moment is the "Pepsi" GMT-Master II, which boasts a blue and red 24-hour rotatable bezel. An earlier blue and red version was introduced in the 1950s, but before that, the bezel was always black and red, leading to the nickname "Coke." The new Pepsi retails for $9,200, if you can get one. Because of wait lists and limited supply, some Rolex watches can immediately trade for more than their retail value.

But getting into the Rolex game doesn't have to mean years of waiting and spending many thousands of dollars. Preowned Rolex watches from a reputable dealer that have been thoroughly inspected, restored and polished can be bought for as low as $2,000 to $3,000. You might even find a little lady's cocktail watch for around $1,000.

Plus, in addition to being among the coolest of the cool, you can watch your watch's value increase as time passes.

Now That's Interesting Before his death, Wilsdorf created the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, which owns all Rolex companies and is recognized as a charitable trust in Switzerland. That means Rolex is basically a nonprofit.
Aug. 25

Kimmy Denise Hall pleaded guilty to petit larceny was given a suspended sentence of a $500 fine and was ordered to complete 32 hours of community service in lieu of fees and fines.

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Micheal Ryan Sanes pleaded guilty to failure to wear a safety belt or shoulder harness and was ordered to pay $125 in fees and fines.

Aug. 26Salvador Garcia Espitia pleaded guilty to one count of trespass not amounting to burglary and one count of disturbing the peace was given a suspended sentence of 90 days in jail and was ordered to serve 90 days in jail.

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Clint Williams Blancio pleaded no contest to one count of driving under the influence, one count of reckless driving with disregard of safety of person or property and using or possessing drug paraphernalia was given a suspended sentence of 45 days in jail and was ordered to serve 113 hours in jail and pay $1,270 in fees and fines.

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Mitchell Mandich pleaded guilty to speeding in a rural area and was ordered to pay $110 in fees and fines.

Sept. 1Jesse Antonio Lenoir pleaded no contest to domestic battery, first offense, was given a suspended sentence of 180 days in jail and was ordered to complete 48 hours of community service, surrender, sell or transfer all firearms and pay $795 in fees and fines.

Sept. 7Sergio Emiliano Donato II pleaded guilty to driving without a drivers license and was ordered to serve 20 hours in jail. In a separate matter, he pleaded guilty to animal at large and was ordered to serve 12 hours in jail in lieu of fees and fines.

Sept. 9John George Richards Jr. pleaded guilty to battery, first offense, and was ordered to serve 48 hours and complete 48 hours of community service.

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Palakjot Singh pleaded guilty to speeding in a rural area and was ordered to pay $415 in fees and fines.

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John George Richards Jr. pleaded guilty to domestic battery, first offense, and was ordered to serve 48 hours in jail and complete 48 hours of community service.

Sept 20Christiphor Key pleaded guilty to possessing a drug not to be introduced into interstate commerce and was given a suspended sentence of 180 days in jail.

Sept. 22Peter John Money pleaded guilty to one count of speeding violation 31-40 mph over posted speed limit and one count of possessing one ounce or less of marijuana, first offense, and was ordered to pay $1,125 in fees and fines.

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Stacy Ann Quinonez pleaded guilty to one count of child restraint violation, one count of driving without a valid drivers license and one count of failure to wear safety belt or shoulder harness and was ordered to pay $815 in fees and fines.

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ELKO  A marijuana dispensary has been cleared to open in the Nevada-Idaho border town of Jackpot.

The business could open by Monday, Thrive Cannabis Marketplace representative Dave Brown told Elko County commissioners on Wednesday.

Commissioners unanimously approved a license for the business after Undersheriff Justin Ames reported Thrive had passed background checks.

Ames said the investigation was similar to what would be done for someone applying to enter law enforcement.

We have no issues moving forward with the license, he said.

According to Brown, Thrive interviewed nearly 60 candidates to work in the dispensary, giving preference to Elko and Jackpot residents.

Thirty-five people were hired and were being paid as of Sept. 8. Sixty percent of them are Jackpot residents  including the manager of the facility, Brown said.

The company had been shooting for a mid-September opening of the $1.4 million dispensary. The nearest city is Twin Falls, Idaho, about 45 miles north of the border.

We look forward to being a successful and safe business in Jackpot, Brown told Elko commissioners, thanking them and county staff for working with the company.

Thrive marketing director John Erminio earlier told the Twin Falls Times-News that the store will be open 24/7, 365 days a year. Shoppers will be able to come inside the store or use a drive-through option. A range of products will be available including vapes, concentrate and edibles.

Establishment of marijuana sales in the unincorporated town faced an uphill battle as county commissioners originally opposed Nevadas ballot question legalizing marijuana.

Commissioner Rex Steninger was the first to embrace the idea back in 2016, saying I know people that use marijuana and they are normally functioning members of our society. It is a shame that they need to deal with the black market and risk the wrath of the law.

In 2017, the board voted 3-2 to ban growing, dispensing and producing marijuana, with Commissioner Jon Karr joining Steninger in opposition.

They changed course last year after the coronavirus pandemic left Jackpots casino-tourism economy in tatters. Commission Chairman Demar Dahl was the only opponent at that time.

Opposition to the dispensary continued from the Idaho side of the line, where marijuana is still outlawed.

Twin Falls County commissioners expressed concerns about road safety in the region, particularly on U.S. Highway 93.

Erminio said safety and abiding by laws are important to the company.

We want it to be safe, and obviously using and driving is against the law and something that we are not behind, he said.

Law enforcement agencies expect to increase patrols in the area once the dispensary opens.

Anyone engaging in illegal behavior should be aware they risk attracting attention from law enforcement, Idaho State Police said in a statement.

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ELKO  The Elko Convention and Visitors Authority is seeking applications from nonprofit organizations for consideration as possible charity partners for its annual Festival of Trees.

The application form is available at www.ExploreElko.com and should be submitted no later than 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 21. Charity partners will be selected at the board of directors meeting scheduled for Oct. 26.

Last year our community raised $27,000 to support four organizations working diligently to meet needs which arose out of the pandemic, said ECVA Executive Director Katie Neddenriep.

We hope this years event will be bigger to support even more members of the community. Plans are underway, including use of the online platform introduced last year, as we received overwhelmingly positive feedback on its ease of use. The website will open for the community to register their auction contributions October 27th.

Funds from the 2020 Festival of Trees were distributed evenly among four charity partners selected by the ECVA board. Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Friends in Service Helping (FISH), Great Basin College Child and Family Center and Northeastern Nevada Special Advocates for the Elderly (SAFE) were each awarded $6,750. An equally successful event is anticipated this year.

The online platform, Greater Giving, allows for donors to register their auction contribution at their convenience and everyone to view items and bid without having to physically attend the event, nor be present at the end of the auction to ensure a winning bid.

This year marks the 31st anniversary of this much anticipated community tradition. The theme is My Favorite Things, taken from the show tune of the same name from the musical The Sound of Music, which is often played during the holiday season.

The Elko Convention and Visitors Authority is planning for public viewing of trees and other auction items to take place Dec. 1-4 at the Elko Conference Center. State of Nevada mandates for indoor public events will be followed throughout the event. Information on efforts to ensure the safety and health of personnel and attendees will be communicated online via the ECVA website, Facebook, Instagram, future press releases and the event website starting Oct. 27.

The Festival of Trees has been an annual tradition for decades, bringing the community together to support nonprofit organizations serving the Elko area. Local businesses and citizens donate decorated trees, wreaths and other holiday-themed decor which are then available for purchase through a silent auction.



2019 Festival of Trees:

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BOISE  U.S. officials have approved a long-lasting fire retardant that could significantly aid in fighting increasingly destructive wildfires by stopping them before they ever start.

The U.S. Forest Service approved Perimeter Solutions fire retardant that is intended to be used as a preventative measure and can last for months.

Its similar to the companys red-dyed retardant dropped from aircraft while fighting active wildfires, but its clear and sprayed by ground-based workers and equipment.

The real game-changer here is once you treat it, you can forget it, said Edward Goldberg, chief executive officer of St. Louis, Missouri-based Perimeter Solutions. Its there for the whole year.

The company said its primary use will be by industrial customers such as utility companies and railroads, but it can also be used to protect residential and commercial properties. Its intended to be sprayed on vegetation, not homes themselves, but can be sprayed on such things as wood fences.

The companys existing retardant is also used for that purpose, but can be problematic because its only effective until rain washes it away. Goldberg said the new product will remain effective even after a couple inches of rain, making the one-and-done application less expensive.

Cost, Goldberg said, depends on the topography and ranges from $7,000 to $15,000 per mile covering a 20-foot-wide strip.

Goldberg said the product will likely be most effective in the drier climate of the U.S. West, and could be applied in the spring to offer fire protection throughout the wildfire season. In July, it was applied to the grounds at former President Ronald Reagans coastal mountain ranch in the Santa Ynez mountains in California near Santa Barbara.

The company also said the new fire retardant had been applied at the start of the wildfire season along a fire-prone, 4-mile stretch of Californias Route 118. That resulted in no fires that season, the company said, after the previous fire season saw 37 fires start along the same stretch of road.

Stanton Florea, a spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service based at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, said the agency had no comment about its approval of the Perimeter Solutions fire retardant.

Goldberg said the new retardant has the potential to reduce the overall number of wildfires, freeing up firefighters that have been in short supply in recent years.

The fire center on its website said that so far this year, about 46,500 wildfires have burned 10,000 square miles. Those numbers are at roughly the 10-year average for number of wildfires and area burned.

Currently, there are 52 large wildfires, 18 of them in Idaho, nine in California and nine more in Montana.

The center is currently at National Preparedness Level 3, having dropped down from the maximum level 5 earlier this year when resources for fighting wildfires were hard to come by.

The center said that cooler, more favorable weather will pass through much of the Western U.S. in the next several days, but that drought conditions still leave the region open for continued wildfire potential.

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BOISE  The Idaho governor on Wednesday issued an executive order repealing his political rivals executive order from the previous day involving COVID-19 vaccine passports and mandatory testing.

Republican Gov. Brad Little issued the order while still in Texas, a move that challenges the states longstanding practice of making the lieutenant governor acting governor when the governor is out of state.

Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin, a far-right Republican who is running to take Littles job, issued her order Tuesday and also sought to activate the Idaho National Guard and send soldiers to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Little is in Texas meeting with nine other Republican governors over concerns on how President Joe Biden is handling border issues. In Idaho, the governor and lieutenant governor dont run on the same ticket. Little was expected back late Wednesday.

Littles executive order appears to lay the groundwork for a court challenge to determine who is in charge when governor leaves the state.

Littles order states that he did not authorize McGeachin to act, and it cites Idaho law.

Nor does my temporary presence in Texas on official business impair my ability to represent the people of Idaho thus necessitating action by another executive to ensure the continuity of state government, the executive order states.

The order also notes that Little had previously through an executive order banned state entities from requiring vaccine passports.

Littles order also states that McGeachins order prohibiting COVID-19 testing would harm the states ability to curb the spread of the disease.

Idaho is currently under crisis standards of care because of unvaccinated COVID-19 patients filling hospitals. Nearly 3,000 people have died from the disease in the state.

Littles office declined to comment about his executive order.

McGeachins office didnt return a call from The Associated Press.

The attorney generals office, which would appear to have to defend the states top executive in the dispute, declined to comment.

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The Democrats are in a real mess. Moderates and liberals are sniping at each other with the same animosity they usually aim at Republicans.

A breaking point came after liberals torpedoed a House vote on a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill, vowing to block its passage until Congress approves a much larger $3.5 trillion package of expensive progressive priorities such as free community college and expanded Medicare benefits.

Rep. Stephanie Murphy of Florida, a leading moderate, called it a sad day for our nation. Another centrist, Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey, accused liberals of putting civility and bipartisan governing at risk.

In June, Politico ran a headline that said, The left hates Joe Manchin, the West Virginia Democrat who is holding up that liberal spending package in the Senate. One lefty even called Manchin the new Mitch McConnell, a damning reference to the obdurate Republican leader who has throttled Democratic ambitions for years.

Everybodys frustrated, observed President Biden after a fruitless effort to bring Democrats together. Its a part of being in government, being frustrated.

There are two words, however, that could still propel the Democrats out of their fratricidal stalemate and toward a compromise. The first is minority. The second is Trump.

No matter how much they distrust or dislike each other, every Democrat in Congress has a core common interest: to preserve their narrow majorities in next years elections. The odds are heavily against them; the presidents party almost always loses seats in midterm balloting.

But to have any chance at all, Democrats must unify behind a legislative program that enables them to go to voters next year and say: See, we kept our promises. We justified your confidence.

So the question becomes: What legislative package would best serve the Democrats politically? It has to accomplish two goals that are, to some extent, in tension: deliver real benefits to working families, while not swinging so far left that supporting it endangers Democrats in tightly contested districts.

Liberals have to accept an unpalatable but undeniable truth: Democrats cannot preserve their majorities without moderates like Manchin in the Senate and Murphy and Gottheimer in the House. The road to victory for Democrats does NOT run through Brooklyn and Berkeley. And unless liberals recognize that reality and help protect their more pragmatic colleagues in swing suburban districts, they will doom their chances of maintaining a majority.

Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, another centrist Democrat, told The Washington Post that his progressive colleagues need to understand the only reason they have a majority with which to legislate is because of hard-fought victories moderates have scored in the countrys most competitive congressional districts, and so their concerns should not be dismissed.

I think that progressives dont trust moderates, and I keep telling the progressives, Hey, how do we get to a majority? Cuellar said. Its the moderate swing areas that people like myself have that they need to worry about.

Then there is the Trump factor. Beyond 2022 looms 2024, and the former president is clearly preparing to run again, traveling to campaign-style rallies and raising tons of money from his devoted base. Of course, it could all be a bluff, a ploy to stroke his ego and stuff his bank account. And plenty of Republicans, at least in private, worry that he would lose again. His favorable rating stands at a paltry 42% in the RealClearPolitics average of national polls, with his negatives soaring to 52.3%.

His toxic brand continues to turn off voters in the suburbs, according to strategists in battleground states, the Post reports. Many of the partys top donors have privately told strategists and party leaders they want a nominee other than Trump.

And yet, Trump has been badly underestimated before. And every Democrat shares  or should share  the fear expressed by former Trump press secretary Stephanie Grisham. She said of her old boss on ABC: I am terrified of him running in 2024. I dont think he is fit for the job. I think that he is erratic. I think that he can be delusional. I think that he is a narcissist and cares about himself first and foremost. And I do not want him to be our president again.

If Democrats want to hold the majority in Congress while avoiding the nightmare Grisham describes, they have only one option: Bury their antagonisms and fashion a compromise that their candidates can defend in swing states and districts, both next year and in 2024.

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Who is Abu Zubaydah?

Zubaydah, real name Zayn al-Abidin Muhammad Husayn, was in his 20s when he was captured in Pakistan. He has never been charged with a crime and has been passed around so-called 'CIA black sites' in Poland and the notorious Guantanamo Bay. He has been in the prison for 14 years.

Government documents show he was waterboarded 83 times in a single month, also losing an eye to his captors. His case for release has been pending for 14 years.

Why is the US holding him?

It was previously thought that Zubaydah was a high-ranking member of al-Qaeda. However, a Senate torture report later found that the CIA had "significantly overstated" Zubaydah's role in the organization. The CIA's assumption about Mr Zubaydah's power within al-Qaeda "simply wasn't true" said John Kiriakou, a CIA whistleblower who revealed in 2007 the extent of the crimes being committed by US agents in the name of national security.

The case is expected to last until June of next year before a verdict has been decided. Without an ability to testify against his captors, Zubaydah has little chance of release in the face of huge government pressure.

Kiriakou said that for years the intelligence community "has relied on state secrets to get out of situations they find uncomfortable".

How is the US government trying to defend itself?

The US is denying the accused a chance to testify about his torture at the hands of the CIA. Some of the justices at the center of the case have queried why he is not able to. Justices Stephen Breyer and Sonia Sotomayor are also questioning why Zubaydah remains at Guantanamo.

"I don't understand why he is still there," Breyer said.

"We want a clear answer," Sotomayor added.

The US government has admitted that Zubaydah was held overseas and interrogated using "enhanced interrogation techniques", the government phrase for torture, but has not revealed the locations of where this took place.

The crux of the US government defense is that national security would be at risk if it disclosed the location of Zubaydah's torture. However, it is an open secret that he was held in Poland. The European Court of Human Rights determined that Zubaydah was held there in 2002 and 2003. The argument that he cannot testify because of the threat to national security has been lambasted by legal critics.

The CIA had previously misled the US government by not admitting its horrific treatment of captives post-9/11.
Headlines

- Spanish King Felipe VI holds video call with Pevolca, abandons plans to travel to La Palma

- A 4.3 magnitude earthquake was recorded on Thursday, following 16 earth tremors on Wednesday night

- Researchers announce that the volcanos main cone has collapsed, increasing the lava flow

- Lava now covers over 422 hectares, according to Spain's Dept of National Security (DSN)

- Last week the lava reached the sea, forming huge delta on La Palma coast

- Delta currently almost 38 hectares in size, DSN says

- More than 1,000 buildings affected by the lava flow, with 6,000 people evacuated

Useful information

- Volcanologist speaks to AS about the effects of lava reaching the sea

- An overview of the active volcanoes on the Canary Islands

- When was the last volcanic eruption on the Canary Islands?

Related news articles:
Social Security benefits can be paid in two ways.

The first is through a Direct Express Debit Mastercard, which is refilled each month by the Social Security Administration (SSA). These cards are also used to distribute payments for the Child Tax Credit and other federal benefits.

The second method, which is recommended by the Social Security Administration is direct deposit. For many Social Security beneficiaries, direct deposit is the safest way to receive benefits because there is no risk of a check or debit card getting lost or stolen.

How do I sign up?

There are many ways to sign up for a direct deposit. The SSA has created an online platform called Go Direct that allows one to complete the process online. To sign up one must have the following information on hand:

Social Security number

Information from your most recent federal benefit check or claim number

Financial institution's routing transit number*

Account number* and type (checking or savings).

Most banks in the United States can also members set up direct deposit with the SSA, and the SSA can also provide assistance over the phone at 1-800-333-1795.

How long does it take?

According to Senior Living, an online news outlet, it takes anywhere between thirty and sixty days for the account changes to be made.

Is it possible to set up direct deposit with a foreign bank account?

Many retirees who have worked in the United States end up moving to other countries or repatriating. Direct deposit is an option for them so long as the bank in another country has an international direct deposit agreement.

In most cases, the SSA has no issue paying benefits to those living in, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

However, the list of countries where benefits are made to survivors of a deceased worker varies a bit.

This can save a lot of time and money as those in other countries will not need to exchange dollars for a local currency. However, one should be aware that the exchange rate given by the bank, may not be the best on the market. Weighing the costs and benefits of such a move should be considered before taking the step.

Cuba and North Korea are the only countries where the SSA is not allowed to send benefits through direct deposit. The SSA also states that they often have trouble sending payments to Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, but that they  can make exceptions for certain eligible persons in these countries.
Why and when was it created?

The city was crafted in the US constitution to be the capital of the new United States of America. The first brick was laid on July 16, 1790. The location took time to negotiate, coming 14 years after the end of the war against the British with the southern states wanting a capital closer to their landowning, slave owning territory.

First President George Washington chose the land himself with two nearby states, Maryland and Virginia, ceding land for it to be created. The designer, Pierre Charles L'Enfant, wanted to city to reflect his native Paris, but this was before Paris was planned how it is today, making the cities feel distinct to one another.

What is its history after this?

Disaster struck the new city in the war of 1812, known in England and Europe as the Napoleonic wars, when the encroaching British army burned the fledgling city to the ground. The Capitol, White House and Library of Congress was lost in the destruction. Further problems occurred when the Virginian part of the area was taken back by the state, after townsfolk felt they were being neglected by the district.

But the fortunes of the city would change with the civil war.

Slaves owned in Washington were emancipated on April 16, 1862, nine months before the Emancipation Proclamation, and it therefore became a hub for freed slaves. The war led to a growth in federal power and the reputation, and size, of the city swelled. Growth continued in the 20th century leading to the state of affairs that exist today.

A quirk of the city is that residents lack full self-governance. There is just one delegate in the House of Representatives, who is unable to vote, and a shadow senator. In 1964, Washingtonians were first allowed to vote in Presidential elections.

This is because the city was under the sole jurisdiction of Congress, which terminated voting rights in 1801. Now, the city regularly votes Democrat, due to the long-standing black community dating back to the civil war. They are not allowed to vote for a senator however, and the district is not a legal state, sharing that position with Puerto Rico and various Pacific islands.
AstraZeneca vaccine is given to people in Ho Chi Minh City, June 2021. (Photo: VnExpress)

The AstraZeneca vaccine purchased from the Hungarian Government will be applied according to the form of contractor selection in special cases, specified in Article 26 of the Bidding Law.

In the Resolution, the Government agreed that the amount of vaccines purchased, imported, received, and sponsored in 2021 will exceed those prescribed in its Resolution 21/NQ-CP dated February 26, 2020. The total amount of vaccine doses prescribed in Resolution 21 is around 150 million.

The Government also requested the Ministry of Health speed up effective procurement of the vaccine from Hungary to ensure its quality.

At the end of September, the Government decided to spend more than VND3.231 trillion to buy and receive 20 million doses of Vero Cell vaccine from Sinopharm (China) and over VND742 billion to buy and transport 5 million doses of Cuba's Abdala vaccine. This amount is taken from the Vaccine Fund and VND1.237 billion will be transferred from the remaining health care funding in 2020 of the Ministry of Health.

As of October 6, 52.2 million doses of vaccines of all kinds have been shipped to Vietnam. The total number of people vaccinated is 35.9 million, of which 23.7 million people have one dose, and 12.2 million have two doses.

AstraZeneca is one of 8 COVID-19 vaccines that are urgently licensed by the Ministry of Health to be used in the COVID-19 vaccination and prevention program in Vietnam. Up to now, 26 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine have been imported, accounting for 37.8% of the total vaccine volume received by Vietnam./.
The UN Peace Operations Department Military Advisory Delegation visits and works with Vietnam's Level 2 Field Hospital No. 3, South Sudan. (Photo: CPV)

On October 5, the US-based UN Peace Operations Department military advisory group had a working visit to the Level 2 Field Hospital No. 3 in Bentiu, South Sudan.

At the meeting, the Level 2 Field Hospital No. 3s Professional Deputy Director Tran Dang Khoa gave an introduction to the staffing organization and operation of the hospital, as well as some of the achievements that the hospital has made over the past 6 months, especially the plan to deal with patients infected with COVID-19.

The hospital also introduced to the UN Military Advisory Delegation the Department of Physiotherapy - Acupuncture, one of the bright and different points of the hospital, which has helped successfully treat special diseases such as diseases of bones and joints, spinal degeneration, herniated discs and ligaments.

On behalf of the Advisory Delegation, General Birame Dio highly appreciated the experience of the staff of the Level 2 Field Hospital No. 3 and the hospital's professional contributions to the work of ensuring medical care for UN staff working at the mission.

He and the delegation members expressed surprise at the image of a lotus flower outside the hospital gate; the image of a map of Vietnam made of gravel placed in the middle of the entrance to the hospital and a poster with the image of President Ho Chi Minh. All these creative products are made by the hospital's staff after working hours.

The delegation was also very impressed with the drum performance "Vietnamese spirit" by the hospital. The sound of drums resounding in the land of Bentiu, South Sudan, seems to re-create the history of thousands of years of fighting against foreign invaders of the Vietnamese people. In peacetime, the drum has become a folk art form, imbued with the tradition of heroism and indomitable spirit of the nation.

At the meeting, General Birame Dioptin expressed his confidence in the capacity and further development of Vietnam's Level 2 Field Hospital No. 3 in the future, to be able to contribute to a peaceful life for the land of South Sudan that is still suffering from many difficulties and poverty./.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Ruslan Stefanchuk from the duties of his representative in the Ukrainian parliament.

"To dismiss Stefanchuk Ruslan Oleksiyovych from the duties of the representative of the President of Ukraine in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine," according to the text of presidential decree No. 522/2021 dated October 6, released on the president's website on Thursday morning.

As reported, the Servant of the People parliamentary faction collected 175 signatures for initiating the recall of Dmytro Razumkov from the post of the Verkhovna Rada chairman, with 150 ones required. On October 5, the Verkhovna Rada included in the agenda the issue of recalling Razumkov from his post, and before that suspended him from conducting plenary sessions for two days.

A source from Interfax-Ukraine said the Servant of the People parliamentary faction is considering Stefanchuk as the only candidate for the post of chairman of parliament in the event of Razumkov's resignation from this post, and the post of first deputy chairman, in turn, may now be taken by first deputy head of the Servant of the People faction in the Verkhovna Rada Oleksandr Korniyenko.
Ambassadors of the G7 countries at a meeting with Interior Minister of Ukraine Denys Monastyrsky highlighted the importance of improving legislation and combating smuggling and counterfeiting for Ukraine's investment climate, according to G7 Ambassadors Twitter account.

"Ambassadors concurred that comprehensive judicial reform remains critical to the success of improving law enforcement," the ambassadors said in the statement.

In addition, it was noted that the G7 Ambassadors welcomed [Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Denys] Monastyrsky's focus on transparency, digitalization, and reducing corruption as important ways to improve public trust in law enforcement institutions.
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has dismissed Chairman of the Parliament Dmytro Razumkov.

The relevant decision was supported by 284 MPs at the Thursday plenary session.

From May to November 2019, Razumkov headed the Servant of the People political party, the first number on the list of which was in the early parliamentary elections in 2019. He held the post of the Ukrainian parliament's chairman from August 29, 2019.

As reported, on September 30, head of the Servant of the People faction David Arakhamia sent a letter on behalf of the deputy faction to recall Razumkov from the post of chairman.
Leader of the UDAR party, Mayor of Kyiv Vitali Klitschko called on the State Bureau of Investigations (SBI) to stop discrediting the law enforcement agency through the dissemination of misinformation about the capital's authorities.

According to the website of Kyiv City State Administration on Thursday, he said this at the beginning of Kyiv City Council meeting.

Klitschko considers it unacceptable to publicly disseminate information about Kyiv on the basis of assumptions and "preliminary estimates."

"The last public appearance surprised the SBI. If the SBI is an impartial law enforcement agency, then another attempt to disseminate its assumptions and accusations against Moscow authorities through the press looks strange. What about losses of 10 billion? There should be an evidence base, court verdicts that have entered into legal force. And not assumptions and 'preliminary estimates.' On what basis are they determined?" he said.

"If you have evidence based on the results of investigations, make it public, take cases to court. If not, do not engage in PR and disinformation. Do not discredit the law enforcement agency and do not allow it to be used for political or personal interests," the politician said.

He said the city authorities continue to ensure the city's life, working under pressure and numerous searches.

"We have handed over hundreds of materials on violations that we found during internal audits and inspections. Where are the results of investigations in these cases? How many officials have been brought to justice? The accusations that have been heard recently, and have no evidence in the courts, are nothing more than continued pressure on Moscow authorities, interference in its activities and destruction of its reputation. Law enforcement agencies are obliged to act according to the law and within their powers, and not according to instructions from above and solely for the sake of another media effect," Klitschko said.
MPs Yaroslav Zhelezniak (Holos faction) and Geo Leros (non-factional) withdrew their candidatures for the post of Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada.

As Zhelezniak explained, he did not submit documents, because he does not see the point in his participation in the process of electing the speaker as a candidate. "You can consider my speech as a self-disqualification ... I really think that I will not suit you as the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, because I would have done what the previous head of the Verkhovna Rada did, - I would have observed the rules and so I saw that this is not very appreciated in this hall," he said.

In his turn, Leros also stressed that he sees no point in the upcoming vote, and therefore withdrew his candidacy, since "everything has been decided long ago in the President's Office." At the same time, he is convinced that the chairman of the Verkhovna Rada is "a position of a person who should be equidistant from all political forces and not interested in lobbying the interests of the President's Office."

As reported, on Thursday, after the recall of Dmytro Razumkov from the post of chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, the procedure for electing a new speaker began in parliament.

Factions and deputies have proposed five candidates for the post of speaker of the parliament. The Servant of the People faction delegated to this post incumbent first deputy speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, Holos delegated Zhelezniak, European Solidarity - Yana Zinkevych, as well as a member of the EU faction Oleksiy Honcharenko proposed Leros for this post, and he in his turn put forward the candidacy of Honcharenko.
KYIV. Oct 7 (Interfax-Ukraine) - JSC Ukreximbank did not find any facts of terrorist financing when issuing a loan of $60 million to companies whose beneficiary is a citizen of Ukraine with the status of an internally displaced person, Serhiy Briukhovetsky, acting chairman of the bank's board Serhiy Yermakov said.

"At the time the loan was issued, the borrower, Mr. Briukhovetsky, went through the proper KYC verification procedure, within which the bank did not reveal information that would indicate the existence of criminal cases and proceedings in connection with the fact of holding shares in the company, including registered in uncontrolled territories," he said at a press briefing at the Interfax-Ukraine agency.

For clarification, the bank received the client's consent to disclose information that may constitute banking secrecy, Yermakov added.

According to the bank, as part of the check of the borrower, it was revealed that Briukhovetsky owns the corporate rights of three companies registered in the territory not controlled by Ukraine: Gorspetslift (50%, Horlivka), Dikon LLC (24%, Bakhmut), Spetsremmash LLC (16.6%, Horlivka). He also owned 45% of Eastern Donbas LLC (Horlivka), which ceased operations in 2011.

According to Yermakov, in April 2021 Ukeximbank provided a loan of $60 million to the companies Wholesale Network 2011 LLC and Slavian LLC, the beneficiary of which is Briukhovetsky. The loan was issued for the acquisition of corporate rights and the completion of the transaction for the purchase of the Sky Mall trade center in Kyiv. The total sum of the purchase is $80 million.

Thus, $39 million of the loan was used to refinance the Wholesale Network 2011 loan obligations in two Ukrainian and one European banks. Another $21 million was used to complete the acquisition of Sky Mall. In addition, Briukhovetsky contributed $20 million at the expense of his own funds and the funds of a related company - Sky Finance LLC.

"At the request of the bank, the borrower provided the conclusions of professional lawyers, including the British, registered with the Solicitors Regulation Authority, on the settlement of corporate conflicts and lawsuits ... The availability of an arbitration award in the case of Estonian businessman Teder Hillar did not jeopardize the borrowers' ownership of Sky Mall," Yermakov said.

According to him, the entire complex of structures and the parking space of the Sky Mall shopping center are pledged on the loan. In addition, the bank received a guarantee from Briukhovetsky.
Strike (Photo : Pixabay)

The crew that works diligently behind the scenes in Hollywood has not yet come to a resolution about the industry's major and television production companies regarding overpay and overworking. Still, many workers voiced their concerns that the conditions they are currently facing have gotten much worse with the rise of streaming platforms and the pandemic.



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The NBC News was able to speak with three members of the International Association of Theatrical Stage Employees as to why they're revving for a strike.



Gina Scarnati, a specialty costume manufacturer who worked in the industry for over a decade, has said that by not addressing this now, she won't be able to work in the industry until she's 62. She added that they shouldn't be begging for mere lunch breaks in 2021.



Gina isn't 100 percent ready to go on a strike. Still, for the course to correct itself, it should happen as she's now regretting even being in the industry itself.



Since Monday, out of the 60,000 workers from the union, there are already more than 98 percent who voted to take action and authorize a strike just if agreements won't be met with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, or AMPTP.



The AMPTP represents the production companies within the industry. If the strike pushes through, it will be the first nationwide strike from the union from its 128-years of existence. The union already has overwhelming support from members of Congress, Hollywood actors, directors, and other Hollywood unions.



Among the union members participating in the said strike are sound people, camera operators, makeup artists, and costume makers.



The grievances they voice out are plenty. These include but aren't limited to unlivable wages, severe working hours, pension restrictions, missing meal breaks, lack of downtime between shifts, and more.



The workers are also immediately calling out for the end of labor discounts offered to "new media" productions for so long.



The negotiations between AMPTP and the IATSE have been moving at a snail's pace before the strike has been authorized. Now, however, since all that has happened, talks are now currently underway.



Scarnati worked for franchises such as Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain America, and Hunger Games says that she recently worked for 21 straight days and the shortest of which was a 12-hour long shift. Most of the days were an average of 14 hours and the longest would be 19 hours.



The AMPTP has not commented to any outlet thus far at the time of this writing.


Erika Jayne Cries Hard (Photo : The Hollywood Gossip, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)

Erika Jayne is once again placed in the hot seat in regards to her relationship with Tom Girardi on a preview she shared over at The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' four-part reunion on Wednesday on Instagram.



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Jayne recently filed for divorce from Girardi after 21-long years of marriage last November. A month later, Girardi was forced into a corner to declare involuntary bankruptcy. December of last year, a lawsuit was brought up against the couple from several families who unfortunately lost loved ones in the Lion Air Flight 610 crash.



Girardi allegedly embezzled the settlement money supposedly for the family members of the victims of the crash. Both Jayne and Girardi are now accused of using all the money to finance their lavish lifestyle.



Another allegation surfaced that Girardi also had to pay off the law firm, Girardi Keese, to stay above water.



The three-minute preview for the RHOBH reunion is airing on Wednesday on Bravo. Host Andy Cohen says that he's placing Jayne on a rhetorical skewer and then fire up the barbeque and why, after all this, didn't she leave Girardi earlier.



Cohen grills Jayne as he says that Girardi has multiple affairs but still placed $20 million or more into your own bank account. She, however, immediately denies this.



Cohen proceeded to ask the co-stars of Jayne if there is anyone among them who believes that Jayne had no idea about what Girardi was doing all this time. The women remained silent, and Jayne was in fumes. She demanded that she needed back up from her co-stars against the questions thrown at her.



Cohen then brings up the topic about the air crash victims and that how it feels very off. He asked Jayne point-blank about the allegations, and she could only fight back her tears and get flustered even more.



Garcelle Beauvais was interviewed by ET and said that the filming had an array of emotions all day during the taping.



She was shocked, as well as all the others, and said that it was a very long, long day for all. She also commented that Andy had no reservations as to being "soft" that day. He rather asked the questions that needed to be asked and what everyone else needed to know.



The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season finale comes out on Wednesday at 8 PM EST on Bravo. The first of four episodes of the reunion will air at the same time on October 13.


U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken gives opening remarks as he meets with local labor leaders at the IBEW Local #5 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S (Photo : Rebecca Droke/Pool via REUTERS)

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the U.S. wants China to act "responsibly" when it comes to addressing the potential impacts of China Evergrande Group's financial crisis, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday.



"China has to make sovereign economic decisions for itself, but we also know that what China does economically is going to have profound ramifications, profound effects, on literally the entire world because all of our economies are so intertwined," Blinken said in an interview with Bloomberg.



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"So certainly when it comes to something that could have a major impact on the Chinese economy we look to China to act responsibly and to deal effectively with any challenges," the report quoted Blinken as saying.


Dubai's Sheikh Mohammed ordered phones of ex-wife and lawyers to be hacked, UK court says

Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, the wife of Dubai's Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, arrives at the High Court in London, Britain (Photo : REUTERS/Henry Nicholls)

Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum ordered the phones of his ex-wife and her lawyers to be hacked as part of a "sustained campaign of intimidation and threat" during the custody battle over their children, England's High Court has ruled.



Mohammed used the sophisticated "Pegasus" software, developed by Israeli firm NSO for states to counter national security risks, to hack https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/youve-been-hacked-how-dubai-rulers-eavesdropping-was-uncovered-2021-10-06 the phones of Princess Haya bint al-Hussein, half-sister of Jordan's King Abdullah, and some of those closely connected to her, according to the rulings.



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Those working for him also tried to buy https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/intimidating-dubai-ruler-tried-buy-30-mln-pound-estate-next-ex-wife-2021-10-06 a mansion next door to Haya's estate near the British capital, intimidatory action that the court ruled had left her feeling hunted, unsafe and like she "cannot breathe anymore".



The latest rulings come 19 months after the court concluded that Mohammed had abducted https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-dubai-court-idUSKBN20S23H two of his daughters, mistreated them and held them against their will.



"The findings represent a total abuse of trust, and indeed an abuse of power to a significant extent," Judge Andrew McFarlane, President of the Family Division in England and Wales, said in his ruling.



The sheikh rejected the court's conclusions, saying they were based on an incomplete picture.



"I have always denied the allegations made against me and I continue to do so," he said in a statement.



"In addition, the findings were based on evidence that was not disclosed to me or my advisers. I therefore maintain that they were made in a manner which was unfair."



Mohammed, 72, and Haya, 47, have been involved in a long, bitter and expensive custody battle since she fled to Britain with their two children, Jalila, 13, and Zayed, 9. She said she feared for her safety amid suspicions that she had had an affair with one of her British bodyguards.



Among those targeted by the hacking was Haya's lawyer Fiona Shackleton, a member of Britain's House of Lords who represented British heir-to-the-throne Prince Charles in his divorce from his late first wife Princess Diana.



The activity came to light in August last year after Shackleton was urgently tipped off by Cherie Blair, the wife of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, that she and Haya had been hacked, the court was told.



Blair is also a prominent lawyer who worked as an external adviser for NSO.



At the same time a cyber expert from the University of Toronto's internet watchdog Citizen Lab, which researches digital surveillance, also alerted Haya's lawyers after tracking the hacking, the court heard.



Once the hacking was uncovered, NSO cancelled its contract with the UAE, Haya's lawyers said. The Israeli firm said it could not immediately comment on the case, but said it took action if it received evidence of misuse of Pegasus.



Shackleton and Blair declined to comment.



Mohammed is regarded as the visionary force behind Dubai's ascent into a global commercial hub. He has sought to burnish the Gulf city's reputation on issues such as human rights and equality.



There is no indication that last year's ruling caused any major damage to him personally or to the UAE. Last month Britain and the UAE announced a "new, ambitious Partnership for the Future" involving billions of dollars in trade and investment.



LONG, EXPENSIVE BATTLE



Reporting restrictions on McFarlane's findings after a year of hearings were lifted on Wednesday.



"I do not feel that I can move freely forward as things stand now, while I am and feel hunted all the time, and I am forced to look over my shoulder at every moment of the day," the British-educated princess said in one witness statement.



The legal costs of the case have run into millions of pounds, with the case involving some of Britain's most prominent lawyers. The costs of one appeal alone was cited by the court as costing 2.5 million pounds.



The sheikh, who is vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, initially sought to have the children brought back to Dubai, but has since suffered repeated defeats in the English courts.



In a judgment released on Wednesday, McFarlane ruled that the children should live with their mother.



In a ruling published last March, the judge concluded that Mohammed had subjected Haya to a campaign of intimidation which made her fear for her life.



He concluded the sheikh had arranged for his daughter Shamsa, then aged 18, to be kidnapped in 2000 off the streets of Cambridge in central England and flown back to Dubai.



The judge also found it was proved that Mohammed had arranged for Shamsa's younger sister Latifa to be snatched https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-dubai-court-escape-idUKKBN20S241 from a boat in international waters off India by Indian forces in 2018 and returned to the emirate.



While his findings do not amount to a determination of criminal guilt, they mean McFarlane is satisfied the allegations are proven on the balance of probabilities and that this may impact arrangements for contact with his children in the future.



"As the previous findings of fact establish, the father, who is the head of government of the UAE, is prepared to use the arm of the state to achieve what he regards as right," he said.



"He has harassed and intimidated the mother both before her departure to England and since. He is prepared to countenance those acting on his behalf doing so unlawfully within the UK."



FRIENDS WITH QUEEN



Haya's lawyers told the court that the British Foreign Office had been made aware of the hacking allegations, and police had expressed a desire to interview Haya and her lawyers as victims. Reuters was unable to establish if this took place.



London's police said detectives began a five-month investigation last year after receiving allegations of phone hacking. But in February, the investigation was closed because of a lack of "further investigative opportunities".



There was no immediate comment from the foreign ministry.



It is not the first time the UAE's cyber activities have come under scrutiny. Last month, three former U.S. intelligence operatives, who worked as UAE cyber spies, admitted to violating U.S. hacking laws to spy on human rights activists, journalists and rival governments.



During the London hearings, Mohammed's high powered team of lawyers battled for months to prevent the court from considering the hacking allegations, by saying it did not have the jurisdiction and that he had immunity, and then by trying to persuade the judge that the sheikh was not responsible.



Saudi Arabia and Jordan were amongst a host of other countries that could have been behind it, his legal team said.



McFarlane dismissed those suggestions, saying the idea it could be Jordan was "so insubstantial as to be without consequence" and was critical of how the sheikh had instructed his lawyers to act on his behalf.



In his statement, Mohammed said it was not appropriate for him to appear in court himself and neither the UAE nor the emirate itself were party to the case and so could not participate.



Instead of showing any concern for the safety of the mother of his children, "he has marshalled a formidable forensic team to challenge the findings sought by the mother and to fight the case against her on every point," McFarlane said.



He concluded, and the Court of Appeal agreed, that the sheikh had authorised the hacking of six phones which took place between July and August 2020 when a vulnerability in Apple's iPhone systems was exploited.



Expert cyber analysis revealed that on one occasion 265 megabytes of data were downloaded from Haya's phone, the equivalent of 24 hours of voice recording or 500 photos.



Exactly how much data and what information was taken from her and the other phones has not been determined.



Haya and Mohammed have been fixtures in British high society for decades and both are on friendly terms with members of the British royal family including Queen Elizabeth.



The sheikh, through the Godolphin stable which he founded, is a major player and investor in the British horse racing industry. His horse Adayar won this year's famous Epsom Derby flat race.



McFarlane also extended the provisions of a previous non-molestation order, which banned the sheikh from buying any land or property near her estate in rural Berkshire, west of London, after his agents tried to buy an adjoining 30 million pound mansion which overlooked her home.



"It feels like the walls are closing in on me, that I cannot protect the children and that we are not safe anywhere," Haya told McFarlane in a statement. "I feel like I cannot breathe anymore; it feels like being suffocated."


New Anime 'Komi Cant Communicate' Premieres Today: Know When And Where To Watch

New Anime 'Komi Cant Communicate' Premieres Today, Know When And Where To Watch (Photo : masakiishitani/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

"Komi Can't Communicate" episode 1 titled, 'I Want to Talk.' is premiering in Japan today, ie., October 7. It will be shown at various times on TV Osaka, Aichi, and TV Tokyo. Netflix will release the pilot episode internationally on October 21.



"Komi Can't Communicate" is a shonen manga series created by Tomohito Oda. OLM (formerly Oriental Light and Magic) has developed the anime with Deko Akao handling the scripts and Ayumu Watanabe as the chief director.



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The characters have been designed by Atsuko Nakajima while Kazuki Kawagow and Yukari Hashimoto have served as the series director and music composer respectively. The opening theme track "Cinderella," has been sung by Cider Girl and Kitri has performed the ending theme song "Hikareinochi".



Netflix has licensed "Komi Can't Communicate" for streaming outside Asia. The platform will release the show every week and there will be no means to binge-watch it as is the case with the streaming giant's other content.



Episode 1 of the anime series, which is a coming-of-age story, is expected to focus on the early chapters of the manga series. The starting is expected to introduce the students of the classy Itan Private High School to the viewers. While it may seem to be just another day on the campus, the sudden entry of a new student will make some students get into a gamut of uncontrolled emotions.



The new student, who is the stoic teenager Komi Shouko, will be introduced by the teacher. Komi will stay tight-lipped and go and sit on her assigned seat next to classmate Hitohito Tadano. Soon the word about Komi's refined elegance and breathtaking beauty will spread all over the school, and students will try to attain a glimpse of her stoic and beautiful appearance.



Her popularity will become high among her classmates, but Komi will try privately to deal with the social anxiety that has been a limiting factor for her throughout her life. Whilst her outer appearance gives the wrong impression to people that she is arrogant and proud, the protagonist has wanted to simply make friends and live a normal life.



Komi is in luck because her seatmate Hitohito will ultimately see through the truth of her flawless public persona and understand her inner turmoil, vowing to help Komi deal with her anxiety and have atleast 100 friends.



"Komi Can't Communicate" Episode 1 is slated for release at 12 AM JST, 8 AM PT, 10 AM CT, and 11 AM EST.



Photo: masakiishitani/CC BY-NC-SA 2.0


Chinese and U.S. flags flutter outside the building of an American company in Beijing, China (Photo : REUTERS/Tingshu Wang)

U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan said on Thursday his talks with China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi in Switzerlandon Wednesday avoided the acrimony of a meeting in March and that more were needed to avert conflict between the two countries.



The closed-door meeting at an airport hotel in Zurich, which Sullivan said lasted about six hours, was the first face-to-face meeting with Yang since their exchanges in Alaska, potentially marking a less confrontational phase between the superpowers.



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"The talks were productive in the sense that it was a real opportunity, behind closed doors, to really lay out for one another our different perspectives and intentions," Sullivan, who is President Joe Biden's top security aide, told reporters in Brussels after meetings at NATO and the European Union.



He said the meeting had been a way to "do our best to create a circumstance in which this competition (between the United States and China), which is an intense competition, can be managed responsibly, and does not veer into conflict or confrontation."



Washington says China threatens a global order based on rules. Beijing says the United States is interfering in its affairs.



But the agreement between U.S. prosecutors and Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou, who was taken into custody in Canada in December 2018, allowing her to return to China, may have improved the mood.



Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed in principle for their presidents to hold a virtual meeting before the year's end.



"My basic bottom line on this is that intense competition requires intense diplomacy. So we need more of this, not less of this," Sullivan said.



However, he said there were "tough and direct exchanges" with Yang over the Taiwan Strait, although he did give details.



China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has stepped up military and political pressure to try and force the democratically ruled island to accept Chinese sovereignty.



"We see Taiwan as a vibrant economy, a vibrant democracy ... a place that we are very much focused on having a deep and lasting relationship with across multiple dimensions," he said.


Former U.S. President Donald Trump looks on during his first post-presidency campaign rally in Wellington, Ohio, U.S. (Photo : REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton)

A review by U.S. Senate Democrats of Donald Trump's attempt to use the Justice Department to overturn his 2020 election defeat provided new details on Thursday about an official's bid to push out the acting attorney general to advance Trump's false claims.



The report by Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats details how Jeffrey Bossert Clark, then a senior Justice Department official, met with Trump more than once in late 2020. The then-president was growing angry that acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen would not launch a public investigation into Trump's false claim that his defeat to now-President Joe Biden was the result of widespread fraud.



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Rosen assumed his position in the final weeks of Trump's presidency after William Barr resigned effective Dec. 23, 2020, rather than use the department to pursue Trump's false claims, which were rejected by multiple courts, state election officials and his own administration.



"Today's report shows the American people just how close we came to a constitutional crisis," Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin said in a statement.



Rosen told the committee that Trump opened one meeting with him by saying, "One thing we know is you, Rosen, aren't going to do anything to overturn the election."



Trump also asked Clark if he would be willing to take over as acting attorney general, the report said, adding that Clark relayed this message to Rosen.



"Rosen recalled Clark indicating that he hadn't yet decided whether he would accept Trump's offer, wanted to conduct some 'due diligence' on certain election fraud claims, and might turn down the offer if he determined that Rosen and (Rosen's deputy, Richard Donoghue) were correct that there was no corruption," the report said.



The report also found that Clark sought to attend a meeting with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to ask about a baseless conspiracy theory that a Dominion voting machine "accessed the Internet through a smart thermostat."



Clark pushed for a letter to Georgia, urging a special legislative session to contest the election results, the report said. The request was refused.



Clark's efforts ultimately failed, after all of the department's remaining senior leadership threatened to resign in protest if Clark were installed.



Durbin said the committee has asked Clark to testify.



Thursday's report also contains new details about how former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows tried convince Rosen to launch "at least four categories of false election claims" in places such as Fulton County, Georgia and New Mexico.



Republicans on the committee issued their own report, which drew different conclusions.



"The available evidence shows that President Trump did what we'd expect a president to do on an issue of this importance: He listened to his senior advisers and followed their advice and recommendations," Ranking Member Charles Grassley said.


Egypt and Qatarhave signed agreements to supply fuel and basic construction materials to the Gaza Strip, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said following a ministerial meeting of the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) in Oslo on Wednesday evening.
The move is part of the finance ministrys plan to diversify its base of investors who want to invest in governmental financial securities

Egypt is set to issue its first sovereign sukuk (Islamic bonds), Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait said on Wednesday.

The cabinet approved in its Wednesday meeting the sovereign sukuk draft law, to be submitted to parliament for approval, and then to President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi for ratification, Maait said.

The move will usher Egypt into the Islamic finance world, which recorded a $2.7 trillion in transactions by the end of June, he added.

The sovereign sukuk draft law is part of the finance ministrys plan to diversify its base of investors who want to invest in governmental financial securities, especially that the draft law will be issued in line with the principles of Islamic Sharia.

By issuing this kind of sukuk, Egypt is expected to attract new segments of investors who will pour extra finances and liquidity into Egypts governmental financial market and will contribute to decreasing the cost of the states public budget deficit, according to Maait.

The minister said the sovereign sukuk will allow utilising the state-owned assets according to the beneficial right system through either ownership without usufruct or renting.

He added that the finance ministry drafted the sovereign sukuk bill after consulting with concerned ministries, entities, and Islamic banks that have an experience in this regard to ensure the sukuks comply with Sharia.

According to the Islamic sukuk purchasing rules, the issuer must make a contractual promise to buy back the bond at a future date at par value.

Sukuk is a financial certificate issued in Islamic countries that allows investors to have a share of ownership in a portfolio of existing or eligible assets.

It also provides the investor with a proof of ownership in a specific asset and various financial obligations while conducting trade and other commercial activities.

Despite the COVID-19 crisis that has hit world economies, this year's global sukuk volumes are expected to match last year's, and sukuk supply is expected to increase with the rise in funding needs, according to a report by Fitch Ratings in October.

According to the report, sovereigns are expected to remain the major contributors to overall sukuk volumes as they face widening fiscal deficits and high borrowing needs, caused by the dual shock of the coronavirus-associated economic disruptions and the collapse in global oil prices.

The volume of outstanding Fitch-rated sukuk recorded $116.2 billion by the end of the third quarter of 2020.

The volume of outstanding Fitch-rated Green and Sustainability sukuk reached $7.2 billion by the end of the third quarter of 2020.

Throughout September and October, Egypt issued sovereign governmental green bonds, worth $750 million, domestically and in the London exchange stock market, the first of their kind in the Middle East and North Africa.

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The reconciliation deal signed between GCC countries, Egypt and Qatar is also expected to contribute to higher volumes of investments

Global sukuk supply is expected to accelerate in 2021 following a resilient 2020 as issuers seek to address the elevated debt and to meet large budget needs caused by COVID-19, Fitch Ratings on Tuesday.

The reconciliation deal signed between GCC countries, Egypt and Qatar is also expected to contribute to higher volumes of investments.

In this regard, Fitch expected that Qatari sukuk volumes will gradually increase after the normalisation of relations with its GCC neighbours, and the eventual easing of investment restrictions for Islamic investors based in countries like Saudi Arabia and UAE.

Fitch Ratings also said that green, sustainable, transitional and hybrid sukuk, as innovative investment instruments, are likely to continue attracting wider investor demand appetite.

For Islamic finance, Fitch expected sovereign funds in key Islamic finance countries to remain major contributors to overall sukuk volumes, while issuance from first-time sovereign issuers, financial institutions and corporates are set to increase as they face challenging conditions and take advantage of the current lower cost of funding.

Sukuk issuances with maturities of more than 18 months from the GCC region, Malaysia, Indonesia, Turkey and Pakistan dropped slightly by 1.9 percent (Y-o-Y) to reach $41.3 billion in 2020, while the volume of total outstanding Fitch-rated sukuk reached $118.6 billion, a 12.9 percentage higher (Y-o-Y) over the year.

It added that green and sustainable sukuk supply rose significantly by 96.2 percent (Y-o-Y) to reach $8.4 billion in 2020 as well.

Yet, according to Fitch, the rating outlook for sukuk remains challenged, especially that the proportion of sukuk from issuers with negative outlooks increased sharply to 23.4 percent in 2020, up from the 1.5 percent in 2019.

Fitch attributed it to the COVID-19 pandemic, its related disruption and the low oil prices.

For the sake of diversifying its investment instruments and making benefit of Islamic investments, Egypt announced in November its intention to issue first sovereign sukuk.

The cabinet approved in November the sovereign sukuk draft law, to be submitted to parliament for approval, and then to President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi for ratification.

The action paves the way for Egypt to be a part of the Islamic finance world, which recorded a $2.7 trillion in transactions by the end of June, according to the finance ministry.

Despite the COVID-19 crisis that has hit world economies, this year's global sukuk volumes are expected to match last year's and sukuk supply is expected to increase with the rise in funding needs, according to a report by Fitch Ratings in October.

According to the October report, sovereigns are expected to remain the major contributors to overall sukuk volumes as they face widening fiscal deficits and high borrowing needs, caused by the dual shock of coronavirus-associated economic disruptions and the collapse in global oil prices.

The volume of outstanding Fitch-rated green and sustainability sukuk reached $7.2 billion at the end of the third quarter of 2020.

Throughout September and October, Egypt issued sovereign governmental green bonds, worth $750 million, domestically and in the London exchange stock market, the first of their kind in the Middle East and North Africa.

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The bill paves the way for Egypts government to usher in an Islamic financing system, which recorded $2.7 trillion in transactions globally by the end of June, according to Maait

Egypt is set to offer its first sovereign bonds (sukuk), almost the first of its kind for the country, following parliaments  House of Representatives  approval on the sovereign bonds (sukuk) bill, said Minister of Finance Mohamed Maait on Monday.

The parliament approved on Sunday the new bill, which is waiting on the final vote of a two thirds majority of MPs.

The bill received cabinet approval in November 2020.

The bill paves the way for Egypts government to usher in an Islamic financing system, which recorded $2.7 trillion in transactions globally by the end of June, according to Maait.

Through the bill, if passed, Egypt is expected to attract new segments of investors who will pour extra finances and liquidity into Egypts governmental financial market and will contribute to put the cost of the states public budget deficit on a downturn as well, according to the minister.

Egypts Islamic sukuk are expected to be offered in both local and hard currencies for the sake of providing cash liquidity for the Egyptian economy and decreasing the cost of investments, he added.

Egypt is expected to issue its Islamic sukuk in either a paper or electronic certificate according to the specs the bills bylaws will set, according to Maait.

He added that a state-owned corporation will be established to be an agent for sukuk owners and will manage and execute the sukuk issuance.

He also noted that the time ceiling of right to use the state-owned assets, under sukuk bonds, is set at 30 years with the availability of re-letting these assets.

The bill bans foreclosing on these assets and forbids taking any kind of regulatory procedures on them, according to the minister.

The sovereign sukuk bill is part of the finance ministrys plan to diversify its base of investors who want to invest in governmental financial securities, especially that the new bill will be issued in line with the principles of Islamic Sharia.

It will also allow utilising state-owned assets according to the beneficial right system through ownership without usufruct or renting.

According to Islamic sukuk purchasing rules, the issuer must make a contractual promise to buy back the bond at a future date at par value.

Sukuk is a financial certificate issued in Islamic countries that allows investors to have a share of ownership in a portfolio of existing or eligible assets, providing them with a proof of ownership in a specific asset and various financial obligations while conducting trade and other commercial activities.

In developed Islamic-finance markets, confidence and demand for Islamic products remain the highest, according to a report issued by Fitch Ratings in February.

Islamic banking in such markets has achieved systemic importance and mainstream relevance, according to the report.

At the sovereign level in the top-10 key Islamic-finance jurisdictions, awareness and acceptance are rising, as the share of sukuk and Islamic loans as part of the GCC and Malaysias sovereign total funding mix reached around 17 percent at end of 2020, according to the report.

The report also said that confidence and demand are also high in emerging Islamic-finance markets.

Despite the COVID-19 crisis that has harshly hit world economies, the volume of outstanding Fitch-rated sukuk recorded $116.2 billion by the end of the third quarter of 2020.

Moreover, the volume of outstanding Fitch-rated green and sustainability sukuk reached $7.2 billion by the end of the third quarter of 2020.

Throughout September and October 2020, Egypt issued sovereign governmental green bonds worth $750 million domestically and in the London exchange stock market, the first of their kind in the Middle East and North Africa.

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The foreign ministry added that Egypt backs the kingdom in its efforts to 'face the vicious and cowardly terrorist acts which violate international law and threaten regional peace and security'

Egypt expressed on Monday its strong condemnation of a bomb-laden drone attack by Yemens Houthi rebels that targeted a school in Saudi Arabias Asir province.

In a statement by the foreign ministry, Egypt reiterated its support of Saudi Arabia and its measures to preserve its security and stability.

The ministry added that Egypt backs the kingdom in its efforts to face the vicious and cowardly terrorist acts which violate international law and threaten regional peace and security.

On Sunday, Saudi Arabia said a drone launched by Houthi rebels landed in the premises of a school in Asir region, near the kingdom's southern border.

No injuries were reported in the attack that damaged the rooftop of the school, according to photos published by the state-run SPA agency.

Egypt has repeatedly expressed its full support of the Saudi Arabian-led coalition against Houthi rebels in Yemen, saying the Iran-backed movements practices further inflame the situation in Yemen.

In March, Saudi Arabia launched an initiative meant to hold a ceasefire overseen by the UN across the war-torn country, reopening Sanaa International Airport to a number of direct regional and international destinations, and starting UN-sponsored consultations between Yemeni parties to reach a political solution.

The six-year conflict in Yemen started after the Houthis took over the capital Sanaa in 2014.

A Saudi-led coalition intervened in 2015 to restore the internationally recognised Yemeni government.

The kingdom has since intercepted tens of Houthi drone and missile strikes.

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The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced its support for Saudi measures taken to maintain the kingdoms security, stability, and the safety of its citizens and residents in the face of these 'sinful' attacks

Egypt condemned on Tuesday the latest drone attack carried out by Houthi rebels on Abha International Airport in southwest Saudi Arabia, causing the injury of several Saudis.

The attack on the airport  the second in the same day  left eight people wounded and caused damages to a civilian plane, the Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen announced.

[Egypt] reiterates its firm stance in supporting the sisterly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the face of these continuing acts of terrorism that target civilian areas in the south of the country, a statement by the Egyptian foreign ministry read.

The ministry also voiced its support for Saudi measures taken to maintain the kingdoms security, stability, and the safety of its citizens and residents in the face of these sinful attacks.

It added that such attacks constitute a breach of international law and are a threat to the security and safety of civil aviation, air traffic, and stability in the region.

Earlier on Tuesday, the coalition announced that it intercepted a drone attack on the airport, saying the shrapnel was scattered in the vicinity of the airport but did not cause any injuries or damages.

Saudi Arabia has been intercepting hundreds of drones and missiles launched by the Houthis over the past few years since a Saudi-led coalition intervened militarily in Yemen in 2015 to support the internationally recognised government.

The Iran-backed Houthis have rejected multiple calls for a truce by the United Nations, the United States, and Saudi Arabia this year.

Egypt has repeatedly expressed its full support of the coalition against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, saying the movements practices further inflame the situation in Yemen.

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Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi extended his condolences to his Tunisian counterpart Kais Saied and the Tunisian people in a phone call on Wednesday over the death of three military personnel in a helicopter crash in Gabes.

A military helicopter crashed during a military exercise at night in the southeastern governorate, killing three soldiers, Tunisian state media reported on Tuesday.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said that a military technical team has been assigned to determine the cause of the crash.

During the phone call, El-Sisi reiterated Egypts support for the procedures and efforts made by Saied to achieve stability in Tunisia, a statement by the Egyptian presidency read.

He affirmed Egypts readiness to harness its capabilities to provide the necessary support to the Tunisian side in this regard in light of the distinguished, brotherly relations between the two countries.

Saied voiced Tunisias appreciation for the close relations with Egypt on the official and popular levels and its keenness to exert more effort to push forward bilateral cooperation.

This especially includes enhancing communication between Egypt and Tunisia on the economic level, and maximising trade exchange and investments, Saied said.

The Tunisian president also affirmed his interest to benefit from the Egyptian experience in light of its accomplishments in the security, stability, and development fields in recent years at the domestic level.

In late September, Egypt welcomed Tunisias assignment of Najla Bouden as the prime minister of the country, hailing the step as the countrys movement towards the future under the wise national leadership of Saied.

Bouden is the first to be given the post since Saied sacked the government of Hichem Mechichi and suspended the activities of parliament on 25 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.

El-Sisi and Saied also discussed joint efforts to face the coronavirus pandemic.

Ending the Libyan crisis

During the phone call, the two leaders also agreed on the need to intensify coordination regarding the Libyan crisis.

They confirmed their commitment to end the Libyan crisis in a way that paves the way for the restoration of security, stability, and sovereignty to Libya.

This will only be possible by complying to the roadmap agreed upon by Libyans, which stipulates that the presidential and parliamentary elections should be held  as scheduled  by the end of the year.

They also affirmed the need for the exit of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya in accordance with international resolutions.

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Emirates NBD Capital and First Abu Dhabi Bank were assigned as the international coordinators, basic organisers, and subscription managers.

The financial facilities, the maturity of which extends up to three years, are needed for thepublic treasury and to fund the FY2021/2022 budget deficit, said the ministry.

Egypts House of Representatives gave the go-ahead for sukuk bills in June. The cabinet had approved it in November 2020.

With the June announcement, Egypt ushered in an Islamic financing system, recording $2.7 trillion in transactions globally by the end of June.

Egypts Islamic sukuk are expected to be offered in both local and hard currencies to provide cash liquidity for the Egyptian economy and decrease the cost of investments, Maait added.

The Islamic sukuk issuance is part of the finance ministrys plan to diversify its base of investors who want to invest in governmental financial securities in line with the principles of Islamic Sharia.

It will also allow the utilisation of state-owned assets according to the beneficial right system through ownership without usufruct or renting.

Islamic finance is part of a bigger concept of the Islamic economy, the value of which ranges between $2.5 trillion and $2.7 trillion globally, according to Bashar Al-Natoor, the global head of Islamic finance at Fitch Ratings.



More than 40 countries are adopting Islamic finance, but it is focused significantly in six Gulf countries, Malaysia, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Turkey.



A number of non-Arab countries have also tapped this ground, including the UK  which issued sukuk twice  in addition to Luxemburg, South Africa, and Honk Kong.



In September 2020, Egypt sold $750 million in five-year green bonds, in the first sale of such bonds by a government in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Egypt has adopted a green bond framework for the issuance of sovereign green instruments, signalling its commitment to its environmental and sustainable development objectives.

Egypt is pursuing an ambitious plan to upgrade its infrastructure for greater energy efficiency and resource conservation, said Maait.
Cairo governorate has allowed free entry to all its public parks on Thursday and Friday as part of the nations celebrations of the October War victory anniversary.

Cairo governor Khaled Abdel-Aal issued the decision on Wednesday to mark the 48th anniversary of Egypts victory in the war against Israel in 1973.

The war paved the way for the return of the occupied Sinai Peninsula to Egypt in 1982 and the withdrawal of the last Israeli soldier from South Sinais city of Taba in 1988.

Public and private sector employees have taken Thursday 7 October as a paid holiday.

Days earlier, the government enforced winter working hours concerning commercial venues, coffee shops and restaurants starting 1 October as part of preventive measures to curb the spread of the pandemic.

The winter working hours of commercial shops and shopping malls are set from 7am to 10pm on weekdays and until 11pm during weekends, on Thursdays and Fridays. Coffee shops, restaurants and bazaars can operate from 5am to midnight on weekdays and till 1am during weekends.

Pharmacies, bakeries, supermarkets, and fruit shops are allowed to open around the clock.

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Al-Azhar Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayyeb and Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby called for increased awareness about the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine, expressing their fear of some people's refusal to be vaccinated, according to the Grand Imam's office on Thursday.

In a meeting held at the Vatican on the sideline of the "Faith and Science: Towards COP26" summit, the two religious leaders called for practical solutions to ensure a fair distribution of vaccines, especially for the poorest African countries.

The Grand Imam and Archbishop agreed during their meeting on the necessity of spreading awareness about climate change and the dangers facing planet earth, expressing their concern that speech about the issue has not translated to actual action on the ground.

Al-Tayyeb and Welby also stressed that political conflicts between developed countries have led to the loss of the rights in developing countries as well as the reemergence of ethnic conflicts. They agreed on the necessity of empowering religious leaders to work with world leaders in order to bring peace.

Al-Tayyeb expressed his happiness seeing Welby again, three years after holding "The Youth Peacemakers" program under the auspices of the Al-Azhar and Canterbury Cathedral of Britain in London.

According to the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, this program created a group of youth who are capable of facing challenges.

From his side, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said that he agreed with Sheikh Al-Tayyeb about the necessity of continuing the "Youth Peacemakers" program.

Later on Thursday, Welby arrived in Egypt to inaugurate a new province for the Anglican Church.

Welby will launch the Anglican Churchs 41st Province of Alexandria, named for the citys important position in the ancient Christian world, according to a statement by the Anglican Church.



The inauguration ceremony of the new province will take place at All Saints Cathedral in Zamalek, Cairo on Friday.



The Province of Alexandria includes 10 countries: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Mauritania, Chad, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and Somalia. Egypt currently heads the area.

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Egypt asserted that the growing terrorist threats facing different countries across the globe, especially African ones, require a boost in international coordination to address them, said Mohamed Fouad, director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs International Counter-Terrorism Unit.

This came in Egypts statement during the 19th meeting of the coordinating committee of the Global Counterterrorism Forum (GCTF), which was held virtually on Wednesday in the presence of the GCTFs member states and regional and international organisations concerned with combating terror.

Fouad reviewed the results of the 4th meeting held by the East Africa Region Working Group headed by Egypt and the EU on 13 September, which focused on the link between terror and transnational organised crimes.

He asserted Egypts willingness to continue to implement the plan of the working group for 2021/2022 to support the abilities of African countries in combating terror and extremist thinking.

Fouad referred to the pioneering Egyptian experience in combating terror and extremist thinking, asserting Egypts commitment to boosting cooperation and exchanging expertise in this field with the forums member states, especially African ones.

Over the past seven years, Egypt has been battling terrorism, especially in North Sinai. Terror attacks nationwide have targeted Christian and Muslim worshippers, police and army forces, and civilians.

Officials have frequently affirmed that the challenge of terrorism must be countered through a comprehensive approach that includes security and ideological solutions.

On the international level, a report issued by experts from the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force in June lauded Egypts cooperation with more than 38 countries around the world in the field of combating terrorism and its financing.

The report  which assessed the implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing  said this cooperation resulted in the arrest of several terrorists, the dismantling of terrorist financing networks, informing other countries of foreign terrorist fighters, and the seizure of funds at the borders.

Cooperation also helped the involved countries control many criminal networks; uncover, dismantle, and prosecute terrorist cells; and eliminate terrorist groups in Egypt, according to the report.

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Egypt expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the Houthi militias targeting of Saudi Arabias Abha airport with a booby-trapped drone that resulted in a number of injuries and some material damages, a statement released by the Egyptian foreign ministry said on Thursday.

The Saudi-led coalition fighting the Houthis in Yemen announced on Wednesday that its defences intercepted an explosive-laden drone, adding that it injured four workers at the airport and shattered the glass of some facades.

In its statement, the ministry also reiterated Egypts solidarity with Saudi Arabia in the face of such attacks that target civilians.

The Egyptian government and people affirm their support and solidarity with the sisterly Saudi Arabia to face the continuous cowardly terrorist attacks by Houthi militias, the ministry said in a statement.

It warned that the continuation of such attacks against innocent civilians in the kingdom constitutes a flagrant violation of the rules of international law.

These attacks also threaten the security and safety of civil aviation, air navigation, and stability in the region, according to the ministry.

The ministry affirmed Egypts support for the measures Saudi Arabia takes to protect the security, stability, and safety of its citizens and residents against these ongoing hostilities.

Saudi Arabia has been intercepting hundreds of drones and missiles launched by the Iran-backed Houthis over the past few years since the coalition intervened militarily in Yemen in 2015 to support the internationally recognised government.

Saudi Arabia and Iran started in September the first round of direct talks with the new Iranian government to reduce tensions, especially as their diplomatic ties have been cut since 2016.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan confirmed on Sunday that his government held its first round of direct talks with Irans new government last month, a part of a process that began earlier this year to reduce tensions.

This follows three rounds of direct talks hosted by Iraq in the period before Irans new President Ebrahim Raisi assumed the post last August.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian told a news conference in Beirut on Thursday that talks between the two rivals have gone a good distance, according to Reuters.

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz expressed hope in September that the Saudi Iranian talks will lead to confidence building as he addressed world leaders during the 76th UN General Assembly.

Egypt has repeatedly expressed its full support for the coalition against the Houthi attacks, saying the movements practices further inflame the situation in Yemen.

The Houthis have rejected calls for a truce by the United Nations, the United States, and Saudi Arabia this year.

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Severe flooding since August has affected at least 623,000 people in South Sudan, forcing many to flee their homes with the situation further exacerbated by ongoing violence, the UN's emergency-response agency said Thursday.

Torrential rains have caused rivers to overflow, deluging homes and farms in eight of South Sudan's ten states, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a briefing note.

Emergency workers are using canoes and boats to reach cut-off populations, with over two-thirds of the affected areas now facing the risk of hunger as food prices shoot up, recording a 15-percent jump since August, the agency said.

"Schools, homes, health facilities and water sources were inundated, impacting people's access to basic services."

Some families have been able to flee to the capital Juba, while others have set up makeshift camps along highways, grabbing what few possessions they could from the ruins of their flimsy thatched huts.

In some parts of the country, violence between rival communities has forced tens of thousands of people to leave their homes while also complicating emergency workers' efforts to help flood-battered communities.

UN teams have struggled to get aid to Warrap, a northwestern state plagued by ethnic violence, which is now battling a measles outbreak.

Meanwhile, around 80,000 people have been uprooted from their homes in Western Equatoria state in the country's southwest as a result of the fighting which erupted in June, OCHA said, with some fleeing to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The agency last month warned of limited supplies and a funding shortfall, saying that it had only received 54 percent of the $1.7 billion (1.4 billion euros) required to pay for programmes in the country.

Funding shortages have also forced the UN World Food Programme to suspend food aid to over 100,000 displaced people in South Sudan, the agency said last month, warning of further reductions unless it received more cash.

Four out of five of South Sudan's 11 million people live in "absolute poverty", according to the World Bank in 2018, while more than 60 percent of its population suffers from severe hunger from the combined effects of conflict, drought and floods.

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Rebel-held northwest Syria is facing an unprecedented coronavirus surge and aid agencies are calling on the world to help provide humanitarian and medical aid, increase hospital capacity and ensure people are vaccinated.

Rebel-held northwest Syria is facing an unprecedented coronavirus surge and aid agencies are calling on the world to help provide humanitarian and medical aid, increase hospital capacity and ensure people are vaccinated.

The surge apparently caused by the more contagious delta variant has overwhelmed hospitals with sick patients and is causing shortages of oxygen, according to local officials. The local rebel-run authority imposed a nighttime curfew as of Tuesday while schools and universities were closed and students are getting distant learning.

The region is home to 4 million people, many of them internally displaced people by Syria's 10-year conflict.

Dr. Khaula Sawah, president of The International Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations, or UOSSM, says international aid is urgently needed ``to prevent a humanitarian disaster. Millions of lives are at stake.''

The rate of positive test results _ an indication of the level of virus spread _ is around 55%, according to UOSSM and Christian humanitarian organization, World Vision. Only 1.3% of people are vaccinated, according to World Vision.

Local medical authorities say the number of registered coronavirus cases in the region reached nearly 77,000 while deaths reached 1,357.

``People are dying in Northwest Syria because they cannot access hospitals,'' says Johan Mooij, World Vision Syria Response Director said in a statement released Thursday.

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Iran's state TV reported Thursday that speedboats belonging to the country's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard have intercepted a U.S. vessel in the Persian Gulf. A U.S. Navy spokesman said he was not aware of any such encounter at sea over the past days.

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 have stalled since June, with no date set for their resumption.

Thursday's Iranian report aired footage that the TV said was filmed from one of the Guard speedboats. It shows a vessel with the U.S. flag and several personnel on board as the speedboat appears to be chasing it.

A voice is heard in Farsi, saying: ``Keep chasing them.'' The report did not say when the encounter took place.

Cmdr. Timothy Hawkins, a spokesman for the U.S. Navy's Bahrain-based 5th Fleet, said he wasn't aware of any sort of unsafe interaction with Iran in the last two days.

The report is the first such report in recent months.

In May, the Guard rejected the U.S. Navy's claim that fast-approaching Iranian speedboats in the Strait of Hormuz sparked a tense encounter a day after the U.S. said the Revolutionary Guard sent 13 armed speedboats too close to U.S. Navy vessels in the Strait.

The United States at the time said a Coast Guard cutter fired warning shots when two of the Iranian boats came dangerously close.

The 2015 nuclear deal saw Tehran drastically limit its enrichment of uranium in exchange for the lifting of economic sanctions. In 2018, then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew America from the accord, raising tensions across the wider Middle East and sparking a series of attacks and incidents.

With the talks in Vienna now stalled, Iran has breached limits set by the accord and is enriching small amounts of uranium to its closest-ever levels to weapons-grade purity as its stockpile continues to grow. Iran says its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes.

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A row between Iran and South Korea is intensifying, with Tehran threatening legal action unless Seoul releases more than $7 billion in funds for oil shipments frozen because of US sanctions.

The Islamic republic was South Korea's third-largest Middle Eastern trade partner before the US unilaterally withdrew from a 2015 nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers and reimposed crippling sanctions.

Iran had been a key oil supplier to resource-poor South Korea and in turn imported industrial equipment, household appliances and vehicle spare parts from Seoul.

"We have $7.8 billion of our money blocked in South Korean banks," said Iranian lawmaker Alireza Salimi, who is involved with the case.

South Korea took delivery of the Iranian oil "but did not pay for it", he told AFP.

"It is not a reliable trading partner and it should pay interest on the money it is improperly holding," he charged.

A foreign ministry official in Seoul told AFP that "it is difficult to confirm" the exact amount of money involved.

South Korea stopped purchasing Iranian oil after former US president Donald Trump exited the nuclear deal in 2018, reimposing the harsh sanctions and threatening to punish anyone buying crude from Iran.

That year, Iran-South Korea trade fell by half compared to 2017, when it had stood at $12 billion, according to Iran's embassy in Seoul.

The volume of trade tumbled to just $111 million by mid-July 2020, according to embassy figures.

In January, Iran's Revolutionary Guards seized a South Korean-flagged tanker, the Hankuk Chemi, and held it and its captain for three months, ostensibly over alleged environmental violations.

The seizure was widely seen in South Korea as an attempt to force Seoul's hand over the frozen funds, though Tehran repeatedly denied there was any connection.

'Unacceptable'

Last week, Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian warned that his country would sue South Korea if it continued to refuse to honour its debt.

"US pressure (on Seoul) is a fact but we cannot continue... to turn a blind eye to this question," he said.

If Seoul fails to unblock the funds, the government would allow Iran's central bank to take legal action against two South Korean lenders holding the money, he said.

Amir-Abdollahian said he spoke with his South Korean counterpart Chung Eui-yong about the issue at the end of last month.

"I told him it was unacceptable for our people to wait for three years" for the funds, he said.

Iranian media have quoted the South Korean minister as saying that he would do his best to resolve the problem, but Tehran remains unconvinced.

The foreign ministry official in Seoul rejected the idea of a South Korean "debt", instead describing the amount as a "frozen fund".

The money "cannot be delivered to Iran due to US sanctions, which prevents financial transactions with Tehran", the official told AFP.

"We have been transferring the cost of crude oil imports to a Korean won account under the name of the Iranian central bank. And when a South Korean company exports to Iran, it receives payments from that account in Korean won," the official added.

South Korea also had been "in close consultation with related parties and banks" to pay Iran's arrears of around $16 million to the United Nations, using the frozen fund, the official said, and the remittance process has been completed.

Made in Iran

Lawmaker Salimi said the US had given South Korea approval to supply Iran with merchandise in lieu of returning the funds.

But the South Korean foreign ministry official said that "for now, only humanitarian transactions, such as medicines, are possible with frozen funds".

Late last month, Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi banned the import of household appliances from South Korea, on instruction from supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who said the imports could harm local production.

But South Korean appliances are still in high demand, despite the ban.

The head of Iran's appliances sector union said Iran's home appliance market is worth $6 billion per year, 40 percent of which is contraband goods smuggled in from abroad.

Maryam, a bride-to-be shopping in Tehran's Amin-Hozour street, a hub for household appliances, said she preferred to buy foreign products because "the quality is better and the prices are not so different from what is produced locally".

But Amine Feizi, a machine operator, said he had bought a fridge, a washing machine and a television set, all made in the Islamic republic.

"I prefer products made in Iran because foreign ones are more expensive and because I want to support national production," Feizi said.

"In the years since our country has been under sanctions, the quality of Iranian-made products has improved."

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India will re-open for tourists from October 15 after being closed for more than a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the government said Thursday.

The country famous for the Taj Mahal, desert palaces, tiger reserves, elephants and beaches had barred all foreign tourists in March 2020 in a strict lockdown when the pandemic took off.

But after a horrendous spike in Covid-19 cases earlier this year, the number of cases has since fallen sharply and the government, under pressure from an industry that is an important pillar of the economy, on Thursday announced a loosening.

Tourist visas will be granted for foreigners arriving on charter flights from October 15, and on other flights from November 15, the home ministry said in a statement.

It stressed that all Covid-19 protocols "should be adhered to by the foreign tourists, carriers bringing them into India and all other stakeholders at landing stations".

- Hospitals overwhelmed -

India initially banned all foreigner arrivals. The restrictions were gradually eased for businesspeople, diplomats and others but borders remained shut for holidaymakers.

In April and May this year the country of 1.3 billion people was hit by a severe wave of coronavirus infections with about 400,000 cases and 4,000 deaths every day.

Hospitals were overwhelmed as more than 200,000 people died in a period of around 10 weeks, according to official numbers that are widely seen as an underestimate.

The spike was blamed on new virus variants and the government having lifted restrictions too soon and allowing sporting events and major celebrations for religious festivals to take place.

But cases have since slowed sharply to around 20,000 new daily infections and 200 to 300 deaths in recent weeks.

More than 250 million people have been double-vaccinated, although this equates to only around 20 percent of the population, and experts warn that India could suffer another wave.

- Tourism staggers back -

Tourism is beginning to pick up in Europe and the Americas, with some 54 million tourists crossing international borders in July, the most since April 2020, the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) said on Monday.

That was up 58 percent compared with the level recorded in July 2020, but was still a drop of 67 percent from July 2019. International arrivals were down 80 percent in January-July compared to 2019.

The UN body said it was expecting to see a "rebound" in 2022 although global tourism is not expected to reach pre-pandemic levels until 2023 or 2024.

Elsewhere in Asia, the picture is mixed, with China and Japan still off-limits to foreign tourists.

But Indonesia on Monday announced that the resort island of Bali would open to select international travellers next week, while Thailand on Saturday said that fully vaccinated travellers from any country can now book holidays to tourism haven Phuket.

The Maldives has been open -- with some suspensions -- for tourists since July 2020. Sri Lanka opened to fully vaccinated tourists last month.

- Indian slump -

The Indian economy suffered one of the sharpest slumps among major economies as a result of the pandemic, with output suffering its worst drop since independence, pushing millions back into poverty.

The initial lockdown last March in particular was a catastrophe, leaving tens of millions of workers in the informal economy without work almost overnight.

Tourism is an important sector for Asia's third-largest economy, with the country seeing 10.93 million tourist arrivals in 2019, according to the government.

Before the pandemic, the sector accounted for about 10 percent of the Indian economy.

Rajiv Mehra, president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), welcomed Thursday's announcement.

"This is a very encouraging for the tourism industry and we hope the inbound tourism would start to some extent and will give sigh of relief to the tourism industry stakeholders," Mehra said in a statement.

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The World Bank (WB) has raised its forecasts for Egypts real GDP growth for 2021 to 5.5 percent, up from 4.5 percent predicted in June before hitting 6 percent in 2022.

In its regional economic update report released Thursday, the World Bank expounded that the performance of oil importing countries (OICs) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has been dominated by the recovery of Egypts economy, which accounts for more than half of this groups GDP.

Meanwhile, the report estimated the cumulative cost of the pandemic on the MENA regions GDP in 2021 is expected to be around $200 billion.

These costs are calculated by comparing where the regions GDP would have been if the pandemic had not hit. According to the report, the regions GDP contracted by 3.8 percent in 2020 and is forecast to grow by 2.8 percent in 2021, according to the report.

The report also projected the MENA regions GDP to grow by 4.2 percent in 2022.

The World Bank also predicted that most MENA economies will not reach pre-pandemic levels of GDP per capita, adding that the recovery process will be uneven because the region-wide estimates mask differences across and within countries.

The report pointed out that each economys performance in the region depends heavily on its exposure to commodity-price fluctuations and how well it managed the pandemic.

The pandemics crippling impact on economic activity in the region is a painful reminder that economic development and public health are inextricably linked. It is also a sad reality check that MENAs health systems which were considered relatively developed, cracked at the seams under the crisis, said Ferid Belhaj, WBs vice president for MENA.

Going forward, there must be a stronger focus on building core public health functions and leveraging the power of health data and preventive health systems to accelerate the regions recovery and to prepare for future public health emergencies that may arise due to future pandemics, climate-related disasters and even social conflict, according to Belhaj.

The report projected the region's GDP per capita to grow by only 1.1 percent in 2021 after declining by 5.4 percent in 2020.

By the end of 2021, the regions GDP per capita will still be below the 2019 level by 4.3 percent, according to the report.

As per the report, 13 out of 16 countries in the region will have lower standards of living in 2021 than their pre-COVID levels.

The last two years have shown that pandemic control is essential not only to save lives but also to accelerate economic recovery, which is now tenuous and uneven across MENA. Stressed health systems and lagging vaccinations in many middle-income and low-income countries in the region are harbingers of downside risks. said Roberta Gatti, World Bank chief economist for the Middle East and North Africa region.

On the regions healthcare system, the report showed that that MENAs public health systems were not only ill-prepared to absorb the shock of the pandemic, but that authorities had previously painted an overly optimistic picture in self-assessments of their health systems preparedness; a situation the report attributes to overconfidence.

In this regard, the report urged making improvements in data transparency for public health that can help countries not only address perennial healthcare needs but also prepare for future health emergencies.

The current underinvestment in public health systems thus needs to be urgently addressed by prioritizing investments on core public health functions within public sector budgets, the report concludes, the report said.

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On the occasion of the 51st anniversary of Gamal Abdel Nassers death, I received a letter from Abdel-Fattah Toukan, a classmate of mine from Victoria College and a great admirer of the famous Egyptian leader. Attached you will find a letter to me from Nasser, he wrote, a leader who made a powerful impact on me. It was my great honour to receive it while a student at Victoria College in Egypt. Please publish it in commemoration of his death, so that all will know the greatness of Egypt and its eternal leader who took the trouble to read every letter he received, even if it came from a foreign elementary school student.

The letter itself, bearing the Egyptian presidents official seal, said, I have received your kind letter which brims with patriotism and faith. Nothing is dearer to me than to see such fervent dedication. It gives me strength and encouragement in my work for the sake of the eternal Arab nation. I pray to God to grant us all success in the performance of our duty in our commitment to the advancement of the nation to which we all devote our lives and efforts.

The letter was signed by Nasser and dated 29 October 1963.

Abdel-Fattah Toukan now lives in Toronto, Canada. After graduating from Victoria College he studied engineering at the Alexandria University, earned his MA from the University of Liverpool and obtained his PhD in international law from the University of Alabama. He is chairman of the board of Arab Engineers for Engineering Services, and is currently supervising the construction of a water purification plant in Japan, the largest in the world, promising to deliver 400 million m3 of water a day. He is also overseeing a major engineering project to link Europe and Africa, known as the T Bridge. The T stands for Toukan.

In his letter to Nasser he wrote, I am a son of the Arab nation. My father and mother are Arabs. They believe in Arabism and Islam. They work together to help me understand the facts I do not know about usurped Palestine, how they had to leave it and how it was occupied by British colonial power which handed it to the Jews. When I listen to them, I find it hard to believe. I ask, How can that be? Where is Gamal, the giant rebel who expelled colonialism, nationalised the Suez Canal and built the great dam? They answer, Gamal and his free brothers were with us in the battlefield and felt the reality of the betrayal that occurred in 1948. I say, Why do we begin the sacred march to regain the usurped nation under the leadership of free and faithful Gamal? My father answers, The sacred march will begin soon. What we must do now is prepare for that day. Our duty is to stand as one behind Gamal, the destroyer of colonialism and the inspirer of hopes for Palestine and the return to our homes. By God, we will return. God is great. Long live Gamal.

The letter brought to mind how much Nasser epitomised pan-Arab hope in the heart of all Arab peoples. He inspired in them the sense that he was close to them, that they could speak to him at any time and he would answer. Recall that this was long before the internet, when the world relied on snail mail.

Like Toukan, I too was impressed by how the Egyptian leader, despite all his concerns, would respond to the letters he received, even from a ten year old Arab schoolchild. I was reminded of the story my friend Gaber Asfour once told me about how he wrote to Nasser to complain of being passed up for a university appointment despite his qualifications  only for Nasser to rectify the problem at once. Another example was Kamal Al-Menoufi, who wrote to the president to say that his academic stipend had been cut off despite his good grades. In this case, Nasser had the office of the presidency cover Al-Menoufis fees until his stipend was reinstated, after which Al-Menoufi went on to become dean of the Faculty of Economics and Political Science.

Former minister of State for Presidential Affairs Sami Sharaf once told me that Nasser took an interest in all the letters he received, whether from Egypt or abroad. At one point, they became so numerous that a single office was not enough to handle them. Mahmoud Al-Gayar headed one office, Abdel-Moneim Gibril another.

I had the opportunity to read some of these letters to Nasser which are in the possession of his daughter, Hoda Abdel-Nasser. All contained a special mark indicating that they had been shown to the president and acted on as per his instructions. For example, one letter indicated that someone had visited the letter writers home and found it unpainted and in a miserable condition. Another led to a new law making it possible for a fathers pension to be passed on directly to his children.

This unofficial correspondence between the president and ordinary people is a treasure. They offer a rare glimpse into the human side of the president and also help explain some of the background to his decisions. I hope that the eminent scholar Hoda Abdel-Nasser publishes a book containing these letters, making them available to the general public and providing a detailed record of an interaction between the famous political leader and the Arab people that is a world apart from politics.

*A version of this article appears in print in the 7 October, 2021 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly

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China and the U.S. have finished their latest round of key talks in Zurich, Switzerland on Wednesday.

High-ranking Chinese politician and diplomat Yang Jiechi and American National Security adviser Jake Sullivan covered a raft of priority issues between the two global powers, including the South China Sea and Taiwan.

Talks between Yang Jiechi and Jake Sullivan take place in Zurich, Switzerland on October 6, 2021. [Photo: Xinhua]

A Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement called the meeting a "comprehensive, frank and in-depth exchange of views on China-U.S. relations and international and regional issues of common concern."

It said the meeting was constructive and conducive to enhancing mutual understanding. The two sides agreed to take action to implement the spirit of the September 10 call between the two heads of state, strengthen strategic communication, properly manage differences, avoid conflict and confrontation, seek mutual benefits and win-win, and work together to promote China-U.S. relations back to the right track of healthy and stable development.

Yang Jiechi pointed out that whether China and the United States can handle each other's relations well is a matter of fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples and the future of the world.

When China and the United States cooperate, both countries and the world will benefit. If China and the United States confront each other, both countries and the world will suffer serious damage.

The U.S. side should have a deep understanding of the mutually beneficial nature of the relationship between the two countries and a correct understanding of China's internal and external policies and strategic intentions. China opposes defining the China-U.S. relationship in terms of "competition".

Yang Jiechi said that China attaches importance to President Biden's recent positive statements on China-U.S. relations and notes that the U.S. side has expressed its intention not to curb China's development and not to engage in a "new cold war", and hopes that the U.S. side will adopt a rational and pragmatic policy toward China and join China in respecting each other's core interests and major concerns and follow the path of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation between China and the U.S.

Yang Jiechi elaborated on China's stern position on issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Tibet, the South China Sea and human rights, and requested the U.S. side to effectively respect China's sovereignty, security and development interests and stop using the above issues to interfere in China's internal affairs.

The U.S. side expressed its adherence to the one-China policy, said the MOFA statement. The two sides also exchanged views on climate change and regional issues of common concern and agreed to maintain regular dialogue and communication on important issues.

According to a White House statement released after the meeting, Sullivan made it clear during his talk with Yang that the U.S. will "continue to invest in our national strength and work closely with our allies and partners." The country will also "continue to engage with China at a senior level to ensure responsible competition."

The meeting follows several important discussions between the sides. Here are some key points from previous high-level exchanges:

China-US relations

In their phone conversation on September 10, China's President Xi Jinping pointed out the two countries' relationship has run into serious difficulty due to the U.S. policy on China.

He said Beijing and Washington need to show broad vision and shoulder great responsibilities. The two countries should look ahead and press forward, demonstrate strategic courage and political resolve and bring China-U.S. relations back to the right track of stable development as soon as possible for the good of the people in both countries and around the world.

U.S. President Joe Biden said in the phone call that the two powers have no interest in letting competition veer into conflict and the U.S. is prepared to have more candid exchanges and constructive discussions with China to identify key and priority areas where cooperation is possible, avoid miscommunication, miscalculation and unintended conflict and get U.S.-China relations back on track.

Taiwan

Yang Jiechi said in a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on June 11 that the Taiwan question concerns China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and involves China's core interests. He reiterated that there is only one China in the world and that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China.

Biden noted in his phone conversation with Xi the U.S. side has no intention to try to change the "One China" policy.

Climate change

Xi has also elaborated on China's position on climate change in previous exchanges with the U.S.

He stressed that China continues to prioritize ecological conservation and pursues a green and low-carbon path to development. He said the nation has taken the initiative to actively shoulder international responsibilities befitting China's national conditions.

Biden said the U.S. side looks forward to more discussions and cooperation with China to reach more common positions on climate change and other important issues.
In this aerial image taken with a drone, workers in protective suits clean the contaminated beach after an oil spill in Newport Beach, Calif., on Oct. 6, 2021. [Photo: AP/Ringo H.W. Chiu]

Workers in protective suits clean the contaminated beach after an oil spill, Oct. 6, 2021 in Newport Beach, Calif. [Photo: AP/Ringo H.W. Chiu]

Birds are seen as workers in protective suits clean the contaminated beach after an oil spill in Newport Beach, Calif., on Oct. 6, 2021. [Photo: AP/Ringo H.W. Chiu]

A massive cargo ship made a series of unusual movements while anchored in the closest spot to a Southern California oil pipeline that ruptured and sent crude washing up on beaches, according to data collected by a marine navigation service.

The Coast Guard is investigating whether a ship anchor might have snagged and bent the pipeline owned by Amplify Energy, a Houston-based company that operates three offshore oil platforms south of Los Angeles.

The Associated Press reviewed more than two weeks of data from MarineTraffic, a navigation service that tracks radio signals from transponders that broadcast the locations of ships and large boats every few minutes.

That data shows the Rotterdam Express, a German-flagged ship nearly 1,000 feet (305 meters) long, was assigned to anchorage SF-3, the closest to where the pipeline ruptured off Huntington Beach. The ship made three unusual movements over two days that appear to put it over the pipeline.

In a statement to AP, Hapag-Lloyd, the shipping company that operates the Rotterdam Express, denied any role in the spill.

A U.S. official told the AP on Wednesday that the Rotterdam Express has become a focus of the spill investigation. The official cautioned the ship is only one lead being pursued in the investigation, which is in the early stages.

The investigators are seeking to collect tracking and navigational information from the vessel that could help them identify its exact movements, the official said. They are also seeking preliminary interviews with at least some crew members.

The official could not discuss the investigation publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier, a Coast Guard spokesperson, declined to comment on the Rotterdam Express but said the agency is analyzing electric charting systems from its vessel traffic service to see what ships were anchored or moving over the spill area.

The MarineTraffic data shows the Rotterdam Express arrived outside the Port of Long Beach early on Sept. 22 and dropped anchor about 2,000 feet (610 meters) from the pipeline.

The following day, at about 5 p.m., the data for the ships locator beacon indicated that while anchored it suddenly moved thousands of feet to the southeast, a track that would have taken it over the pipeline lying on the seafloor about 100 feet (30 meters) below. The ship appears to have then engaged its engines to return to its anchorage about 10 minutes later.

The ship then moved again around midnight and a third time shortly before 8 a.m. on Sept. 23, each time moving back to its assigned anchorage, according to its online location data. The Rotterdam Express remained at spot SF-3 until Sunday, when it moved into the port to unload.

The first report of oil in the water near the pipeline were made Friday evening. Amplify said the pipeline was shut down early Saturday morning but has not said how long it believes oil flowed from it.

Amplifys CEO Martyn Willsher said Tuesday divers determined a 4,000-feet (1,219-meter) section of the pipeline was dislodged 105 feet (32 meters), bent back like the string on a bow. Oil escaped through a slender crack.
KYODO NEWS - Oct 7, 2021 - 21:55 | All, Japan

Japan's new Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said he spoke by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday and they agreed to advance negotiations for a postwar peace treaty between their countries.

In pursuit of that goal, Kishida later told reporters Japan will first seek to settle the issue of the status of four islands lying to the northeast of Hokkaido, now controlled by Russia.

During the 25-minute conversation with Putin, Kishida said he expressed his desire to develop Japan-Russia relations in a mutually beneficial manner and the president responded he wants to continue dialogue on a range of bilateral issues.

Japan and Russia have a decades-old territorial dispute concerning the sovereignty of the four islands, which were seized by the Soviet Union following Tokyo's surrender in 1945. The disagreement has prevented them from signing a peace treaty since the end of World War II.

Japan, which calls the islands the Northern Territories, argues the annexation was illegal and is demanding their return, while Russia says it was a legitimate outcome of the war. The islands are known as the Southern Kurils in Russia.

In their first conversation since Kishida took office this week, the leaders agreed to move forward with negotiations based on past agreements including a 1956 joint declaration that states two of the four islands -- Shikotan and the Habomai islet group -- will be handed over to Japan following the conclusion of a peace treaty.

Asked about the key declaration, Kishida told the press Japan's policy remains unchanged that it will "clarify the attribution issue of the four islands and conclude a peace treaty."

Kishida added he congratulated Putin on his birthday, which fell on Thursday.

Putin also expressed his hope to hold talks with Kishida in person as soon as possible, according to the Japanese Foreign Ministry.

Mentioning that Kishida is a former foreign minister, Putin was quoted by a ministry official as saying, "I am looking forward to working with Prime Minister Kishida, who knows bilateral relations well."

The leaders also discussed North Korea's nuclear and missile development programs, and Kishida asked for Russia's help in resolving the issue of the North's abductions of Japanese nationals in the 1970s and 1980s, the ministry said.

The phone call with Putin was Kishida's third with a foreign leader since he took office. On Tuesday, a day after the launch of his Cabinet, the Japanese leader spoke by phone with U.S. President Joe Biden and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison.

Related coverage:

Japan, Australia leaders to work toward free, open Indo-Pacific

Japan PM Kishida gets Biden's "strong" commitment on Senkaku defense

Kishida takes office as Japan PM, calls Oct. 31 general election
KYODO NEWS - Oct 8, 2021 - 03:36 | All, Japan

A Japanese high court ruling that ordered immigration authorities to pay damages to two Sri Lankan men for infringing on their right to undergo a trial for refugee status was finalized Thursday.

Neither the plaintiffs nor the state had appealed the Tokyo High Court ruling in favor of the Sri Lankans. In late September, the court ordered the state to pay 300,000 yen ($2,700) to each of the men, who had sought a total of 10 million yen in damages.

The court had acknowledged the plaintiffs' claim that the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau violated their right to face trial as ensured under the Constitution.

Shoichi Ibusuki, one of the defense lawyers representing the two men, said at a press conference in Tokyo that the Japanese government should "start taking actions immediately to improve the situation and implement relief measures."

A total of 48 people including the two were deported in groups in 2014 and 2016, soon after being informed of the rejection of their appeals, according to the defense team.

One of the plaintiffs, 50, who participated virtually in the press conference from Sri Lanka, said he wanted to go to Japan again and apply for refugee status and that he wanted the authorities to stop illegal deportations.

According to the ruling, the plaintiffs applied for asylum between 2011 and 2012 but were rejected. They appealed the decision.

But they were deported along with other Sri Lankans on a chartered plane on Dec. 18, 2014, a day after the authorities told them their appeal had been rejected.

The high court ruled that the immigration authorities deliberately failed to inform the plaintiffs of the dismissal of their appeal until the last minute in order to ensure the two would be deported with the group on the designated flight.
KYODO NEWS - Oct 8, 2021 - 00:18 | All, Japan

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is set to promise tax incentives to encourage companies to raise wages as part of its campaign for the upcoming general election, part of new Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's push to boost middle-class incomes.

The LDP platform will also include the enactment of legislation on economic security, according to a draft obtained by Kyodo News, an issue Kishida is focusing on amid fierce competition over technology development between the United States and China.

The LDP is expected to approve the campaign promises at its decision-making General Council on Friday, and formally announce the platform early next week.

Kishida, who took office on Monday after being chosen as LDP leader, has said he will dissolve the House of Representatives on Oct. 14 and call a general election on Oct. 31.

The LDP, which is looking to maintain control of the powerful lower house of parliament along with its coalition partner Komeito, will pledge financial aid to people hit hardest by the coronavirus pandemic, including those without regular employment or raising children, according to the draft.

The platform will also include pushing forward debate on making changes to Japan's postwar Constitution, including amending the war-renouncing Article 9 to include a reference to the Self-Defense Forces.

Kishida on Thursday said he will follow through with his pledge to deliver a "large-scale" stimulus package to give the pandemic-hit economy a shot in the arm as campaigning started for two upper house by-elections.

The Oct. 24 by-elections in Shizuoka and Yamaguchi prefectures will allow voters to make their feelings known about the new administration ahead of a general election.

"I strongly feel that I need to carry out a large-scale economic stimulus or a large-scale coronavirus response, and I need people to judge whether to let me do so through elections," Kishida said in a stump speech delivered in the city of Shizuoka for a candidate backed by the LDP.

Kishida has said the stimulus package will be worth tens of trillions of yen and extend support to businesses reeling from the coronavirus pandemic.

Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said in an interview that the government aims to have a supplementary budget passed by the Diet by the end of the year to finance the stimulus measures. He did not specify the size of the planned budget for the current fiscal year ending March 2022.

Kishida will deliver a policy speech in parliament on Friday.

In it, he is expected to say that he will pursue a "new capitalism" that focuses on economic growth and the redistribution of wealth. He is also likely to talk about building a society that can coexist with the coronavirus.

Kishida has already pledged to boost middle-class incomes in a course correction from "Abenomics" pursued by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and carried on by his successor Yoshihide Suga. The policy was credited with helping lift corporate earnings and stock prices but panned for doing little to spark wage growth.

But he has so far failed to elaborate on how he will bring about such changes and what kind of economic package he seeks. Kishida only said Monday he will launch a new council for achieving his vision of a "new capitalism."

In Shizuoka Prefecture, it is a three-way race between Yohei Wakabayashi, 49, a former Gotemba mayor backed by the LDP-led ruling coalition, Shinnosuke Yamazaki, 40, supported by the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, and Chika Suzuki, 50, with the backing of the Japanese Communist Party.

The election in Yamaguchi is a contest between Tsuneo Kitamura, a 66-year-old former trade ministry official backed by the ruling coalition, Kiyo Kawai, 61, of the JCP, and Hezumaryu, 30, a YouTuber backed by a minor opposition party.

The by-elections were called after the LDP's Shigeki Iwai left his House of Councillors seat and ran unsuccessfully in the Shizuoka gubernatorial race in June, while Yoshimasa Hayashi, an LDP lawmaker from Yamaguchi, vacated his upper house seat to run in the upcoming House of Representatives election.

Related coverage:

Kishida Cabinet's approval rate at 55% ahead of general election

Fumio Kishida starts work as Japan's prime minister

Japan opposition bloc determined to scrutinize new Kishida gov't
New Delhi:

The Ethiopian Airlines CEO and Kenya's transport minister said Indians, Canadians, Chinese, Americans and others are among the many nationalities among the victims of Sunday morning's deadly plane crash after takeoff from Addis Ababa. Authorities earlier said 32 Kenyans and nine Ethiopians were killed. Now, they add 18 Canadians; eight each from China, the United States and Italy; seven each from France and Britain; six from Egypt; five from the Netherlands and four each from India and Slovakia.

All 157 people, 149 passengers and eight crew died in the crash. We hereby confirm that our scheduled flight ET 302 from Addis Ababa to Nairobi was involved in accident today," the airline said in a statement.

The airline said "search and rescue operations are in progress and we have no confirmed information about survivors or any possible casualties."

The plane took off at 8:38 am (0638 GMT) from Bole International Airport and "lost contact" six minutes later.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's office tweeted it "would like to express its deepest condolences to the families of those that have lost their loved ones on Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 on regular scheduled flight to Nairobi, Kenya this morning."

The cause of the crash of the new Boeing 737-8 MAX plane is not immediately known.

(With agency inputs)

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Johannesburg:

Describing South Africa as a great friend of India, outgoing Indian High Commissioner Ruchira Kamboj has said its support in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack is indicative of their "special relationship". Kamboj, who has been appointed as Ambassador to Bhutan, said South African Parliament unanimously accepted a motion which not only expressed solidarity with India, but also placed the onus firmly on Pakistan to address the issue of terrorism.

In my interactions with members of the South African government, civil society organisations and people from all walks of life in recent weeks, there's been nothing but robust support for India, Kamboj told PTI in an interview.

Although the Pulwama attack was condemned globally as an act of terrorism, the South African government was one of the few that specifically identified it as originating in Pakistan, calling on the government there to find and take action against the perpetrators of this dastardly attack", she said.

His Majesty King Goodwill Zwelithini wrote directly to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling on him to continue to get rid of such evils in society'," the 1987-batch Indian Foreign Service officer said.

Among others who decried the terror attack was Ela Gandhi, granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi, who runs the Gandhi Settlement in Phoenix.

Even South African media and the public through their candle light vigils across the country sent out a clear message that no country should harbour organisations which promote terrorism. There was also concern expressed in many circles that if this could happen in India today, it could be anywhere else in the world tomorrow, she said.

Kamboj, who has also served in South Africa as Consul General in Cape Town, said: President Cyril Ramaphosa being the chief guest at Republic Day celebrations in January this year and initiatives to grow trade and industry between India and South Africa including the resolution of a long-outstanding impasse with Defence conglomerate Denel was also something very special."

The friendship between India and South Africa has definitely grown greatly in these past two years, and I have no doubt that my successor will continue to build on that, Kamboj said.

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Srinagar:

The NIA has summoned moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and the son of pro-Pakistani separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani for questioning in Delhi in a terror financing case, officials said on Saturday. According to a notice served on them, the Mirwaiz and Naseem Geelani have been asked to appear at the National Investigation Agency (NIA) headquarters in New Delhi on Monday, the agency officials said.

The NIA had on February 26 carried out searches at premises of separatist leaders, including the Mirwaiz, in connection with the case related to financing of terrorist and separatist groups in Jammu and Kashmir.

The NIA team, accompanied by police and CRPF personnel, searched residences of some of the separatist leaders, including the Mirwaiz, Naseem Geelani and Ashraf Sehrai, the chairman of the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat.

The houses of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader Yaseen Malik, Shabir Shah, Zaffar Bhat and Masarat Alam were also raided. Barring the Mirwaiz and Sehrai, all other leaders were jailed for some time.

The NIA had questioned two maternal uncles of the Mirwaiz - Maulvi Manzoor and Maulvi Shafat - and his close aides last year. Both Manzoor and Shafat are retired senior government officers.

The NIA probe seeks to identify the chain of players behind the financing of terrorist activities, pelting of stones on security forces, burning down of schools and damaging of government establishments.

The case names Hafeez Saeed, Pakistan-based chief of Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), the front for banned Lashker-e-Taiba, as an accused, besides organisations such as the Hurriyat Conference factions led by Geelani and the Mirwaiz, Hizbul Mujahideen and Dukhtaran-e-Millat.

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New Delhi:

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj launched a Twitter appeal on Monday in a bid to reach out to the family of Shikha Garg, the Indian killed in Ethiopia Airlines crash. aI am trying to reach the family of Shikha Garg who has unfortunately died in the air crash. I have tried her husband's number many times. Please help me reach her family,a Swaraj said on micro-blogging site. Shikha Garg was a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) consultant attached with the Environment Ministry. She was on her way to attend a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) meeting. aMy condolences to the families of four Indian nationals who have died in an unfortunate crash of Ethiopian Airlines.Sadly,a UNDP consultant attached to my ministry @moefcc Ms Shikha Garg,also died in the crash. My prayers for the departed souls. @IndiaInEthiopia @SushmaSwaraj (sic),a Union Minister Harsh Vardhan said a day earlier on Sunday.

A

I am trying to reach the family of Shikha Garg who has unfortunately died in the air crash. I have tried her husband's number many times. Please help me reach her family. a Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 11, 2019

"I am sorry to know about the unfortunate crash of Ethiopian Airlines plane ET 302. We have lost four Indian nationals in the air crash. I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Ethiopia to provide all help and assistance to the bereaved families," Swaraj had tweeted on Sunday. She said the Indian Embassy in Ethiopia has informed her that the deceased Indian nationals are Vaidya Pannagesh Bhaskar, Vaidya Hansin Annagesh, Nukavarapu Manisha and Shikha Garg.

A Nairobi-bound Ethiopian Airlines Boeing crashed minutes after takeoff from Addis Ababa Sunday, killing all eight crew and 149 passengers on board, including four Indians, tourists, business travellers, and "at least a dozen" UN staff. Ethiopia has declared a national day of mourning for Monday amid a global stream of condolences for loved ones, many of whom gathered in tears at Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA). "The House of People's Representatives have declared March 11, 2019, a national day of mourning for citizens of all countries that have passed in this tragic accident," Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's office said on Twitter.

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New Delhi:

The police on Saturday detained a suspicious man roaming near an Army camp in Rajasthanas Jaisalmer. The man, identified as Kadar Khan, was brought to the police station after he was found roaming near their campus. He has confessed that he had gone to Pakistan in 2018, said KS Dhillon, SHO Ramgarh, adding that the man is being investigated.

Earlier in the day, India shot down another Pakistani drone along the international border (IB) in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar after it violated Indian airspace, accordingA to Army sources. This is the third time Pakistani drone destroyed by India along the IB since February 26 air strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot inside Pakistani territory.

KS Dhillon, SHO Ramgarh on suspicious man caught near Army camp in Jaisalmer: Kadar Khan, was brought to police station after he was found roaming near their campus. He has confessed that he went to Pakistan in 2018. Officials have been informed. He's being questioned. #Rajasthan pic.twitter.com/Mf3okEJcun a ANI (@ANI) March 9, 2019

Earlier, a Pakistani drone was detected by a ground-based radar station in Rajasthan's Bikaner and minutes later one of the Sukhoi-30 jets deployed in the area to keep an eye on Indian air space shot it down. The Pakistani military drone was targeted at around 11:30 am in Bikaner-Nal sector in Rajasthan, the sources said.

It was the second unsuccessful attempt by Pakistan to send a spy drone inside India in the last six days. On February 27, a day after the air strike, a Pakistani drone was shot down by India along the Indo-Pak border in Kutch district of Gujarat. The Indian Air Force has kept all its bases in the Western sector on maximum alert after the Balakot strike.

The Indian Air Force carried out pre-dawn airstrikes on February 26 and destroyed major launch pads of the terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed, which was behind the February 14 Pulwama terror attack.A Several reports claimed that the aSurgical Strike 2.0a decimated Jaish's Alpha 3 Control Rooms located in Balakot, Muzaffarabad and Chakothi in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

More than 10 bombs were dropped by the multi-role fighter jet Mirage 2000 at around 3:30 am on February 26 morning. Understandably, Pakistan has downplayed the airstrike. The aerial attack came a day after Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held a high-level meeting with all three service chiefs.

A

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New Delhi:

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Monday said all parties are in favour of holding simultaneous the Lok Sabha and state assembly polls. "Environment is conducive for Lok Sabha polls but not state polls in Jammu and Kashmir. Local body polls were held peacefully, there are enough forces present, then why can't state elections be held, he said. The Election Commission on Sunday announced that the assembly elections in four states  Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Odisha and Arunachal Pradesh  will be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls. The poll panel further said the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir will not be held along with the general elections. Since the J&K has been dissolved, the EC is bound to hold fresh polls there as well within a six-month period, which will end in May.



Earlier, former chief minister Omar Abdullah said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has "surrendered" before Pakistan, militants and separatists. "In light of the failure to conduct assembly elections on time in J&K I'm retweeting my tweets from a few days ago. PM Modi has surrendered to Pakistan, to the militants & to the hurriyat. Well done Modi Sahib. 56-inch chest failed. #slowclap (sic), Omar, the NC vice-president, wrote on Twitter.



ALSO READ | Lok Sabha polls to be held in seven phases starting from April 11, counting on May 23



Omar said in 2014, J-K had Lok Sabha elections on time and assembly elections on the schedule even after the most devastating floods, but delaying them now "shows how badly the BJP & earlier the BJP-PDP mishandled J&K.



"What happened to (Union Home Minister) @rajnathsingh's assurance to Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha as well as to the all-party meeting recently in Delhi that all forces would be made available for simultaneous polls, he asked in another tweet.

Omar said he never thought Modi would be willing to confess his failure on a global stage by not conducting the assembly polls on time in J-K.

The Centre and the state administration, being managed by the Centre-appointed Governor, are against holding the two elections together.

However, all political parties in the state favoured simultaneous polls during a meeting with the Election Commission earlier this week.

The J-K assembly's six-year term was to end on March 16, 2021, but it got dissolved after a ruling coalition between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fell apart.

Lok Sabha elections will begin on April 11 and polling would be held over seven phases through May 19, followed by counting of all votes on May 23.
Ghaziabad:

In a first-of-its-kind order, a local court in Ghaziabad recalled its arrest warrant on condition that the accused will plant five saplings, IANS quoted an official as saying on Sunday.

The court further ordered submission of an affidavit regarding compliance of its order, said Rajiv Kumar, Additional District Government Counsellor (ADGC), Ghaziabad district.

The court of special judge (fast track) Rakesh Vashishtha had issued a non-bailable warrant against Raju alias Kallu, a resident of Loni, for not attending trial since last six months in a four-year-old case of kidnapping and rape of a minor.

The accused on Thursday submitted an application in the court seeking recall of the warrant after which the court ordered him to plant five saplings and submit an affidavit in the court to ascertain the compliance.

Rape cases recorded an increase of 12.4 per cent from 34,651 cases in the country in 2015 to 38,947 in 2016.

Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh reported the maximum cases of rape at 4,882 (12.5 per cent) and 4,816 (12.4 per cent), followed by Maharashtra 4,189 cases (10.7 per cent) in 2016, according to data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

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Beijing:

Aviation authorities in China, Indonesia and Ethiopia ordered airlines on Monday to ground their Boeing 737 Max 8 planes after one of the aircrafts crashed in Ethiopia, killing all 157 people on board.

The crash of the Ethiopian Airlines jet shortly after it took off from Addis Ababa on Sunday is drawing renewed scrutiny of the plane just four months after a similar crash of the same model of aircraft in Indonesia that killed 189 people.

A spokesman for Ethiopian Airlines, Asrat Begashaw, said the carrier had grounded its remaining four 737 Max 8 planes until further notice as an extra safety precaution.

The airline had been using five new 737 Max 8s and awaiting delivery of 25 more. Asrat said the search for body parts and debris from the crash was continuing.

Chinas Civil Aviation Administration said that it ordered airlines to ground all 737 Max 8 aircraft as of 6 p.m. (1000 GMT) Monday, in line with the principle of zero tolerance for security risks. It said it would issue further notices after consulting with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and Boeing.

China Southern Airlines is one of Boeings biggest customers for the aircraft. Indonesia also grounded 737 Max 8s for inspections. Director General of Air Transportation Polana B. Pramesti said the grounding was taken to ensure flight safety and ensure the planes are airworthy.

There are currently 11 Max 8 planes operated by airlines in Indonesia including 10 by Lion Air and 1 by the national carrier, Garuda. Cayman Airways said it was temporarily grounding the two Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft it operates, as of Monday.

Real time flight radar apps showed dozens of the aircraft still operating around the globe. Chicago-based Boeing said it did not intend to issue any new guidance to its customers.

It plans to send a technical team to the crash site to help Ethiopian and US investigators, however, and issued a statement saying it was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the passengers and crew on the Ethiopian Airlines Max airplane. The 737 is the best-selling airliner in history, and the Max, the newest version of it with more fuel-efficient engines, is a central part of Boeings strategy to compete with European rival Airbus.

Safety is our number one priority and we are taking every measure to fully understand all aspects of this accident, working closely with the investigating team and all regulatory authorities involved, the company said in a statement.

The head of Indonesias national transport safety agency, Soerjanto Thahjono, offered to aid the Ethiopian investigation into Sundays crash. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board likewise said it was sending a team to help Ethiopian authorities. Boeing and the U.S. investigative agency are also involved in the probe into the Lion Air crash in Indonesia in October.

Like the Ethiopian Airlines crash, which happened minutes after the jets takeoff from Addis Ababa, the Lion Air jet that crashed off Indonesia had erratic speed during the few minutes it was in the air. Safety experts cautioned, however, against drawing too many parallels between the two disasters.

I do hope though that people will wait for the first results of the investigation instead of jumping to conclusions based on the very little facts that we know so far, said Harro Ranter, founder of the Aviation Safety Network, which compiles information about accidents worldwide.

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New Delhi:

Amid several opposition parties questioning the Election Commissions decision to hold Lok Sabha polls during Ramzan, the poll panel on Monday clarified that the festival of Eid and Fridays (falling in the holy month) have been excluded from the polling dates.

During Ramadan, polls are conducted as full month cannot be excluded. However, date of main festival and Fridays are avoided for poll days, ANI quoted the Election Commission as saying.

Earlier in the day, the Trinamool Congress alleged that the polling schedule was designed in a way that most of the constituencies go to polls during the Ramadan so that Muslims cannot go out and exercise their franchise. The Ramadan begins on May 5 and will end on June 4.

The Trinamool Congress banks heavily on the Muslim votes and the Mamata Banerjee government has already announced many measures to appease the Muslims.

AAP leader Amanatullah Khan had tweeted Sunday that elections will be held in Delhi on May 12, when Muslims will be observing Ramzan.

"There will be less polling among Muslims, and it will directly benefit the BJP," he had said.

However, critising the political parties questioning the poll panel's schedule, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said that elections during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan would have no impact on the voter turnout.

"When Muslims fast they also go to offices and do their business. There are also labourers, rickshaw drivers and rickshaw pullers who fast. Their normal activity does not get affected," he said.

The BJP also accused the opposition of deliberately triggering a row, saying that it is a "communal" ploy to divide the country ahead of the elections.

BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain pointed out that Navratas, when many Hindus observe fast, will also fall during the elections.

"Muslims do not observe roza by not doing their work. Islam also does not ask us to stop our work for worship. It is not that people who have jobs do not attend them during Ramzan. They keep roza and do their work as well. Creating such a controversy is unfortunate," he said.



Lok Sabha elections will begin on April 11 and continue for over a month till May 19 across seven phases. The counting of votes will be held on May 23, the Election Commission announced Sunday, kick-starting a mega electoral battle.


New Delhi:

CBSE conducted language papers for Class 10 on Saturday, March 09. But the question paper of Kannada failed to satisfy the examinees. According to media reports, many students have taken to social media to protest about the out of syllabus questions being asked in the CBSE 10th Kannada Paper 2019.

The total number of marks attributed to out of the syllabus questions differed from one student to another.

In line with the general trend, students and parents are awaiting an official response from the CBSE on this matter. Students have asked the board to take necessary steps to grant grace marks to the students in lieu of the questions that were asked from outside the syllabus.

Earlier in the week, students from science stream reported that the Physics Subject question paper which was held on March 5, 2019, was very lengthy and tough as compared the previous year trends and even the sample paper released by the Board. Many students had complained that the CBSE Physics paper was too lengthy to be completed within the designated 3-hour duration.

In another similar case, 12th Class students reported a similar problem in the English language paper. While the questions asked in the English language paper were not out of syllabus but the board had failed to provide adequate options for long-answer questions. There are two novels prescribed for class 12 students and students were instructed to prepare anyone. However, in the exam questions were asked from both the texts without the option to choose anyone. This posed a problem for students who had either prepared only one text or were taught only one of the two texts in school.
New Delhi:

In a freak incident in the Inderpuri area of Delhi, a six-year-old boy was killed and a 29-year-old man was injured after gunshots were fired in a gym on Saturday night, police said. According to the news agency PTI, the police received a piece of information around 8:45 pm about gunshots being fired and officers immediately rushed to the spot. Reportedly, the police found a boy named Prince Raj, who was looking through the window of his residence above the gym had died. While another person identified as Mahender, was injured while entering the building, an official told PTI.

The injured were immediately rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, where he was stated to be out of danger. Meanwhile, an initial enquiry revealed that four people of JJ Colony in Inderpuri were involved in the incident. The police told the agency that case has been registered in the matter and a hunt is on to nab the accused.

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New Delhi:

A day after two Pakistani drones were shot down by India in Rajasthans Sri Ganganagar area, sources said two more drones crossed over the Indian territory around 7 pm on Sunday. One unexploded bomb also dropped at a house in village 3 B of Sri Ganganagar area, said sources. However, there has been no official confirmation from the Indian or Pakistan government that it was a bombing attempt.

On Saturday, the Indian Army shot down an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), also known as drone, in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar sector around 7.30 pm. This was the second such incident of the day that took place in Sri Ganganagar. Earlier on Saturday, India shot down a Pakistani drone along the international border (IB) in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar after it violated Indian airspace. This is the fifth time Pakistani drone destroyed by India along the IB since February 26 air strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot inside Pakistani territory.

On Sunday, Pakistan also resorted to heavy firing. Indian forces, however, retaliated to the shelling.

Earlier, a Pakistani drone was detected by a ground-based radar station in Rajasthan's Bikaner and minutes later one of the Sukhoi-30 jets deployed in the area to keep an eye on Indian air space shot it down. The Pakistani military drone was targeted at around 11:30 am in Bikaner-Nal sector in Rajasthan, the sources said.

It was the second unsuccessful attempt by Pakistan to send a spy drone inside India in the last six days. On February 27, a day after the air strike, a Pakistani drone was shot down by India along the Indo-Pak border in Kutch district of Gujarat. The Indian Air Force has kept all its bases in the Western sector on maximum alert after the Balakot strike.

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New Delhi:

Amid the escalating tension between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terror attack and the Balakot airstrike, here is some good news coming in from both sides. A man from Ambala married his Pakistani bride from Sialkot in a Gurdwara in Patiala on Saturday. Kiran Sarjeet Kaur, 27, from a Sialkot village met 33-year-old Parvinder Singh from Ambalas Tepla in 2014, when Kiran came to stay with her relatives at Tepla village along with her family. Interestingly, Kiran had come to India on the Samjhauta Express. The duo bonded instantly and their wedding was arranged by their families in 2016 at her maternal uncles house at Samana in Patiala.

Singh, who works as a telecom contractor, is also a distant relative of Kiran. I first saw her in 2014 when she was visiting India. Two years later, when I expressed interest in her, both she and her family agreed. We got engaged in a simple ceremony. Kiran, who is the eldest of five siblings, has done masters in English and is a teacher there. I hope she will be happy here after marriage, he said as reported by HT.

The wedding preparations were stalled for the past two weeks due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. With the suspension of the Samjhauta Express services and the cancellation of air tickets, the wedding was almost on the verge of getting postponed. However, Kiran and her family boarded the Samjhauta Express on Thursday and reached Delhi from where they went to Patiala and their marriage was solemnised in the gurdwara.

Parvinder says he was twice sponsored by Sarjeets family for the Pakistan visa, but he didnt get one. They have got a visa for 45 days for Patiala and I will try to get it extended it by submitting a request to the authorities after the wedding. I will try to get her visa for Ambala so that she can stay with me or I will have to rent a house in Patiala said since Kiran cannot travel out of Patiala, Parvinder said.

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Ghaziabad:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday issued a stern warning to terrorist forces targeting India, saying the country cannot keep suffering forever. Enough is enough, he said, while referring to the terror attacks in Pulwama and Uri. We cannot keep suffering till eternity. Addressing the 50th raising day of the Central Industrial Security Force as the Chief Guest here, Modi said the role of security forces like the CISF becomes very significant when the nation faces a hostile neighbour and some elements hatching conspiracies within the country get support from across the border.

When the neighbour is very hostile but does not have the capability to fight a war and various conspiracies hatched within the country is getting encouragement from across the border and when the ghastly pictures of terror come to light, under such difficult situations, (ensuring) security of the country and its institutions becomes very challenging, the PM said.

Modi also said VIP culture in the country sometimes creates hurdle in the security systems of the country.

Modi said sometimes the government has to take certain decisions and hence it took some strong steps.

Congratulating the CISF, the Prime Minister also said it is easier to protect an individual but very difficult to protect any institution where there is a daily footfall of 30 lakh.

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New Delhi:

Cash-strapped Jet Airways on Monday said it is not operating any of the five Boeing 737 MAX in its fleet. The statement of the airline, which has grounded a significant number of planes, comes amid aviation regulator DGCA being asked to undertake a safety assessment of 737 MAX aircraft following the crash of such a plane in Ethiopia on Sunday. Jet Airways and SpiceJet are the only two domestic carriers that have 737 MAX planes in their fleet.

In a statement, Jet Airways said it has five Boeing 737 MAX planes in its fleet "but is currently not flying any of these aircraft". "The airline is in contact with the manufacturer and the regulator in context of this development, and remains committed to implementing all directives or advisories that may be published by those authorised," the airline said in the context of the crash in Ethiopia that killed 157 people.

However, the SpiceJet is yet to response to the DGCAs safety instructions for flying Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes.

SpiceJet and Jet Airways have been asked to ensure various requirements are complied with by engineering and maintenance personnel with respect to 737 MAX 8 planes. These include conditions that Minimum Equipment List (MEL) would not be released for operating an aircraft in case dual auto pilot mode and certain other parts are inoperative.

Any error which comes across would have to be rectified before releasing the aircraft for line maintenance as well as ensuring that angle of attack' (AOA) is in null position. Generally, AOA is crucial in determining the angle at which an aircraft flies relative to the direction of air.

"The DGCA will continue to closely monitor the situation and may impose/ take any other operational/ maintenance measures/ restrictions based on the information received from accident investigation agency/ FAA (Federal Aviation Administration/ Boeing," the statement said. The operators have to ensure that no MAX aircraft in their fleet is operated without compliance with DGCA's latest directions with effect from 1200 hours on March 12, it added.

Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu has asked aviation watchdog DGCA to undertake safety assessment of Boeing 737 MAX planes operated by domestic airlines. "Safety of the passengers is our utmost concern. Directed Secretary and DGCA to take appropriate action immediately," Prabhu said in a tweet.

Jet Airways has placed orders for 225 737 MAX planes with Boeing and some have already been delivered. SpiceJet, which has embarked on ambitious expansion plans, has a deal with Boeing for up to 205 aircraft, including at least 155 737 MAX 8 planes. The 737 MAX is the fastest selling airplane in Boeing's history. Currently, SpiceJet has 13 737 MAX 8 planes, as per data available with planespotters.net website.

On Sunday, 157 people, including four Indians, were killed when a Nairobi-bound Ethiopian Airlines' 737 MAX aircraft crashed after taking off from Addis Ababa. This was the second time in less than five months that a Boeing 737 MAX 8 plane crashed. In October 2018, an aircraft operated by Lion Air crashed killing over 180 people in Indonesia.

In the wake of the Ethiopia accident, various jurisdictions and airlines have initiated actions, including grounding of the 737 MAX aircraft. The Civil Aviation Administration of China has asked its local carriers to stop commercial flights with 737 MAX 8 planes and Ethiopian Airlines has grounded its fleet of such aircraft.

After the crash in Ethiopia, Boeing, on Sunday, said it was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the passengers and crew on Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, a 737 MAX 8 airplane. "The 737 MAX is the fastest selling airplane in Boeing history, accumulating nearly 4,700 orders from more than 100 customers, worldwide," according to Boeing website.

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the 50th Raising Day ceremony of Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF)A at Indirapuram in theA Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. He will review the parade of the CISF at the 5th Battalion Camp and present the Police and Fire Service Medals for distinguished and meritorious services. The prime minister will also lay aA wreath at the Martyr's Memorial and later address CISF personnel.

Here are the highlights:

10.58 am: Your achievement is imp because when aA neighbour is hostile, incapable to fight aA war, conspiracies to hit the nation internally find a safe haven there and terrorism shows its face in different forms then protecting the nation becomes challenging, says PM Modi in Ghaziabad.

10.55 am: I congratulate parade commander, authorities and personnel for the grand parade, says PM.

10.52 am: PM Modi addresses the gathering at the event in Indirapuram.

10.45 am: PMA presents the Police and Fire Service Medals for distinguished and meritorious services.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attends the 50th Raising Day of Central Industrial Security Force in Ghaziabad. pic.twitter.com/tpfXYdnBxx a ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2019

10.20 am: PM reviews the parade at theA 5th Battalion Camp.A

10.16 am:A Prime Minister Narendra Modi lays aA wreath at the Martyr's Memorial.A A

10.15 am: PM to address CISF personnel shortly.

9.57 am: PM Modi's chopper lands in Ghaziabad.

9.27 am: He will also pay his respects to CISF personnel.

9.25 am: PM Modi will reach the 5th Battalion Camp shortly. He will first pay tribute at Martyr's Memorial.

9.20 am: Heavy security deployment in the area.A

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New Delhi:

Investigators have recovered one of two black box recorders on the Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 that crashed just outside Addis Ababa Sunday, killing all 149 passengers and eight crew, Ethiopian state media reported.

#BreakingNews: The black box voice recorder from Ethiopian Airlines aircraft which crashed yesterday has been recovered: #Ethiopia, FANA Broadcasting Corporate said on its Twitter page.

The Ethiopian Airlines CEO and Kenya's transport minister said Indians, Canadians, Chinese, Americans and others are among the many nationalities among the victims of Sunday morning's deadly plane crash after takeoff from Addis Ababa.

Authorities earlier said 32 Kenyans and nine Ethiopians were killed. Now, they add 18 Canadians; eight each from China, the United States and Italy; seven each from France and Britain; six from Egypt; five from the Netherlands and four each from India and Slovakia.

All 157 people, 149 passengers and eight crew died in the crash. We hereby confirm that our scheduled flight ET 302 from Addis Ababa to Nairobi was involved in accident today," the airline said in a statement.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's office tweeted it "would like to express its deepest condolences to the families of those that have lost their loved ones on Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 on regular scheduled flight to Nairobi, Kenya this morning''.

(With inputs from PTI)

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Islamabad:

Pakistan has asked the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international terror financing watchdog, to remove India as co-chair of its Asia-Pacific Joint Group, the Finance Ministry said on Saturday. Currently placed on the FATF's 'grey list', Pakistan has been scrambling in recent months to avoid being added to a list of countries deemed non-compliant with anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regulations by the Paris-based FATF, a measure that officials here fear could further hurt its economy.

In a letter addressed to FATF President Marshall Billingslea, Pakistan Finance Minister Asad Umar asked him to appoint any other member country besides India as co-chair of the Asia-Pacific Joint Group "to ensure that (the) FATF review process is fair, unbiased and objective", the finance ministry said in a statement.

The Joint Group is a sub-body of the FATF's International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) of the Asia Pacific Group. Pakistan is a member of the APG and its case is being presented before the FATF by the APG. India's Financial Intelligence Unit's (FIU) director general is the co-chair of the Joint Group.

"India's animosity towards Pakistan was well known and the recent violation of Pakistan's airspace and dropping of bombs inside Pakistani territory was another manifestation of India's hostile attitude," Umar wrote in the letter.

Referring to India's efforts of isolating Pakistan globally and call for the country's blacklisting during the ICRG meeting on February 18, Umar said, "Indian presence among the evaluators and as Co-chair of the Joint Group would undermine the impartiality and spirit of the 'peer review' process."

"We firmly believe that India's involvement in the ICRG process will not be fair towards Pakistan," he wrote.

During the February 18-22 plenary and review meetings, the FATF had noted "limited progress" by Pakistan on targets set for January 2019, and urged the country "to swiftly complete its action plan, particularly those with timelines of May 2019."

It had expressed dissatisfaction over Pakistan's action and said the country did "not demonstrate a proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by Daesh (ISIS), Al Qaeda, Jamaat-ud-Dawa(Jud), Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) Haqqani network (HQN), and persons affiliated with the Taliban".

Assuring the FATF president of implementing the Action Plan, the Pakistani finance minister said, "The ICRG and FATF meetings must not be allowed to be used as a platform by India to make political speeches against Pakistan."

The FATF continuing Pakistan with the 'Gray' listing means downgrading of the country by multilateral lenders like IMF, World Bank, ADB, EU and also a reduction in risk rating by Moody's, S&P and Fitch.

Pakistan was nominated for a detailed review of its "serious deficiencies" in countering terror financing in February 2018. This nomination was supported by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and India.

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Washington:

Russia's arms export to India fell by a whopping 42 per cent between 2014-18 and 2009-2013, according to a new report. As a result, Russia accounted for 58 per cent of total Indian arms imports in 2014-2018, compared with 76 per cent in 2009-2013, according to the report "Trends in International Arms Transfers, 2018" released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). In line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's effort to reduce country's dependence on foreign arms, India's import of arms decreased by 24 per cent between 2009-2013 and 2014-2018, according to the figures released by the report.

This decline in India's import is also partly due to delays in deliveries of arms produced under licence from foreign suppliers, such as combat aircraft ordered from Russia in 2001 and submarines ordered from France in 2008.

Still, India was the world's second largest importer of major arms in 2014-18 and accounted for 9.5 per cent of the global total.

Israel, the USA and France all increased their arms exports to India in 2014-18.

Pakistan's arms imports decreased by 39 per cent between 2009-13 and 2014-18. The US has become increasingly reluctant to provide military aid or sell arms to Pakistan: US arms exports to Pakistan fell by 81 per cent between 2009-13 and 2014-18, it said.

Pakistan has instead turned to other suppliers. For example, in 2018 it ordered 4 frigates and 30 combat helicopters from Turkey, it added.

The decrease in India's arms import is significant given that the volume of international transfers of major arms in 2014-18 was 7.8 per cent higher than in 2009-13 and 23 per cent higher than in 2004-2008.

The five largest exporters in 2014-18 were the United States, Russia, France, Germany and China. The five largest importers were Saudi Arabia, India, Egypt, Australia and Algeria.

The US was the top arms exporter in 2014-18 and 2009-13. Its exports of major arms grew by 29 per cent between the two periods and its share of total global exports rose from 30 per cent to 36 per cent. As a result, the gap between the USA and Russia - the second largest exporter - continued to widen.

In 2009-13, US exports of major arms were 12 per cent higher than those of Russia, whereas in 2014-18 they were 75 per cent higher.

Russian exports of major arms decreased by 17 per cent between the same periods.

The fall was partly due to general reductions in Indian and Venezuelan arms imports - two countries that have been among the main recipients of Russian arms exports in previous years, the SIPRI said.

"Although India remained the chief recipient of Russian arms in 2014-18, Russian arms exports to India fell by 42 per cent between 2014-18 and 2009-13. Arms exports to Venezuela, which was the fifth largest recipient of Russian arms in 2009-13, decreased by 96 per cent between the two periods," it said.

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New Delhi:

At least 18 terrorists, including eight from Pakistan, have been neutralised in the last 21 days  since the terror attack in Pulwama which had claimed the lives of 40 CRPF jawans, the Indian Army said on Monday.

The Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police, addressing a joint press conference, said that Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist Mudasir Ahmed Khan alias 'Mohd Bhai'  the mastermind of the Pulwama attack  was also killed in the encounter in Tral's Pinglish area in Pulwama district.

The presser was addressed by Indian Army Lieutenant General Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon, IG Kashmir S P Pani and IG CRPF Zulfiqar Hussain.

IG Kashmir S P Pani said that the killing of Mudasir has caused a major dent to the Jaish leadership in the Valley. He added that one of the militants killed has been identified as 'Code Khalid', believed to be Pakistani.

Mudasir was among two militants killed in the encounter which lasted past midnight. Khan and an JeM operative, who officials believe is Sajjad Bhat, whose vehicle was used in the Pulwama attack, were killed in the gunfight with security forces.

"In first 70 days of 2019, security forces have been successful in eliminating 44 terrorists, mainly from Jaish-e-Mohammed. Against 1629 ceasefire violations along Line of Control in 2018, this year 478 ceasefire violations have already taken place along LoC," Indian Army sources were quoted by ANI as saying.

Lesser-known JeM terrorist Khan has been identified as the brain behind the audacious terror strike in Pulwama that left 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel dead on February 14, officials said on Sunday.

The CRPF personnel were killed when a JeM terrorist rammed an explosives-laden vehicle -- a Maruti Eeco minivan -- into their bus.The minivan was bought by Bhat just 10 days before the suicide attack.

Suicide attacker Adil Ahmed Dar, who blew the explosive-laden vehicle next to the bus, had been in constant contact with Khan, officials said.

Zulfiqar Hussain, IG CRPF, said that the Tral encounter could not be called an "avenge" of the Pulwama terror attack as the CRPF had lost several men.



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New Delhi:

Most of the leading dailies in Kashmir printed their front pages in blank on Sunday as a mark of protest against the "unexplained denial" of advertisements to two newspapers by the Jammu and Kashmir government. The Kashmir Editors' Guild (KEG) had claimed last month that the state government had stopped giving advertisements to two major local dailies -- Greater Kashmir and Kashmir Reader.

"With utmost regret, Kashmir Editors Guild wishes to inform that the Jammu and Kashmir government has stopped state government advertisements to two major daily newspapers Greater Kashmir and Kashmir Reader," the guild had said in a statement, adding the decision was neither conveyed formally nor was any reason detailed to the respective organizations.



PDP President Mehbooba Mufti while condemning the act said, aGreater KashmirA is one of the most popular local dailies of J&K. The Centreas decision to stop advertisements should be viewed in the context of their attitude towards the press and electronic media in general. Kowtow to their warped agenda and sing praises. Or else suffer.

Greater Kashmir is one of the most popular local dailies of J&K. Centreas decision to stop ads to it should be viewed in context of their attitude towards press & electronic media in general. Kowtow to their warped agenda & sing praises. Or else suffer. pic.twitter.com/6f5SnRWEHm a Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) March 10, 2019

"The government is attempting to choke the media by denying them advertising revenues. I hope the Centre and the State immediately reverse this decision of trying to silence the fourth estate,a NC vice-president Omar Abdullah.

The front pages only carried a message from the KEG saying "in protest against unexplained denial of government advertisements to Greater Kashmir and Kashmir Reader."

A spokesman of the KEG said the guild and the Kashmir Editors Forum had on Saturday decided to print the front pages of the papers as blank against the government's move "to scuttle" the media in Kashmir.

The KEG and the editors forum held a protest at Press Club here on Sunday afternoon against the government decision.

Speaking on the occasion, Bashir Manzar, general secretary KEG and editor of Daily Kashmir Images, said the government decision has the potential of impacting the state and the status of journalism in Kashmir.

"We consider the decision against democracy and in violation of the free media that is guaranteed by the constitution," he said.

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New York:

The US border patrol agents apprehended two Indian citizens who were smuggled into the US, officials said. On Thursday afternoon, US Border Patrol agents assigned to Massena Border Patrol Station observed a suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of a casino in Hogansburg in upstate New York, the US Customs and Border Protection said in a press release.

Border Patrol agents further observed suspicious behavior by the occupants and conducted a vehicle stop. Six Indian citizens, including two who were identified as smuggled aliens, were inside the vehicle, it said.

The vigilance of the Border Patrol agents prevented two illegal aliens from furthering their entry into the United States, Deputy Patrol Agent in-charge Glen Pickering said.

Also Read | Mexico night club attack leaves 15 dead: Prosecutor

The two smuggled Indians were charged with improper entry and an investigation is underway.

The Swanton Sector is responsible for securing the land border between ports of entry in Vermont, New Hampshire and northeastern New York.

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New Delhi:

Clashes broke out between groups of rival demonstrators assembled outside the Indian High Commission inA LondonA on Saturday.A The two groups clashed during a demonstration called to protest against aatrocities on minorities in Indiaa. Scotland Yard said one man was arrested for "breach of peace" during a face-off between UK-based Kashmiri and pro-Khalistan outfits chanting anti-India slogans and counter-protesters chanting pro-Modi slogans.A

#WATCH Pakistanas ISI backed Khalistanis attacked a number of British Indians who were standing outside the Indian High Commission in London on March 9. The men wearing Sikh turbans raised slogans 'Naraa-e-Taqbeer' & 'Allah-u-Akbar' pic.twitter.com/7L5Fume7nv a ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2019

The Metropolitan Police said the man was later "de-arrested, with no further action".A



Members of groups such as the Overseas Pakistanis Welfare Council (OPWC) and Sikhs for Justice clashed with counter-protesters from groups including the Friends ofA India Society, UK, during a demonstration called to protest against "atrocities on ethnic minorities in India".



There were no reports of injuries during the clash, which involved several police officers intervening to control the few dozen protesters.A

No injury during the clash has been reported. Images and videos of the clash have since been posted on social media, with either side blaming the other for turning a peaceful protest violent.A

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New Delhi:

The Election Commission of India (ECI) will hold a press conference at 5 pm on Sunday and is likely to announce the dates of the coming Lok Sabha elections and Assembly elections to four states at the Plenary Hall of the Vigyan Bhawan. Assembly polls will be held in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Odisha simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections. Since the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly has been dissolved, the EC is bound to hold fresh polls there as well within a six-month period, which will end in May.

The term of the present Lok Sabha ends on June 3. As soon as the elections are announced, the model code of conduct will come into force. Among other things, the code bars the government from announcing policy decisions. Notification for the first phase could be issued by the end of March for voting sometime in early April, sources suggested. For the 2014 national elections, the election dates were announced on March 5 and the polls were held in nine phases between April 7 to May 12.

The Election Commission had on Saturday issued an advisory asking political parties to stop the use of photos of security personnel in their campaign material. "The Commission accordingly calls upon all the political parties to advise their candidate/leaders to desist from displaying photographs of defence personnel or photographs of functions involving defence personnel in advertisements or otherwise as part of their election propaganda/campaigning," the poll panel said in the advisory.

Elections for the 545 Lok Sabha seats are due by May. (Representational image)

NEW DELHI:

The dates for national elections and polls in four states will be announced by the Election Commission at 5 pm today, sources said. Assembly polls will be held in Andhra Pradesh, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and Odisha simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections.

Elections for the 545 Lok Sabha seats are due by May. The Election Commission's move comes amid accusations of deliberate delay by the Congress. The party said the commission is giving more time to the government for last-minute announcement of welfare schemes and projects that cannot be done once the model code of conduct kicks in with the announcement of elections. Commission sources have rubbished the claims.

"We don't operate as per PM's schedule, we have our own schedule," a senior official of the Election Commission told NDTV.

For the 2014 national elections, the election dates were announced on March 5.

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New Delhi:

The Indian Army shot down another Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), also known as drone, in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar sector around 7.30 pm on Friday, according to reports. This was the second such incident of the day that took place in Sri Ganganagar. Earlier in the day, India shot down a Pakistani drone along the international border (IB) in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar after it violated Indian airspace. This is the fourth time Pakistani drone destroyed by India along the IB since February 26 air strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot inside Pakistani territory.

Earlier, a Pakistani drone was detected by a ground-based radar station in Rajasthan's Bikaner and minutes later one of the Sukhoi-30 jets deployed in the area to keep an eye on Indian air space shot it down. The Pakistani military drone was targeted at around 11:30 am in Bikaner-Nal sector in Rajasthan, the sources said.

It was the second unsuccessful attempt by Pakistan to send a spy drone inside India in the last six days. On February 27, a day after the air strike, a Pakistani drone was shot down by India along the Indo-Pak border in Kutch district of Gujarat. The Indian Air Force has kept all its bases in the Western sector on maximum alert after the Balakot strike.

The Indian Air Force carried out pre-dawn airstrikes on February 26 and destroyed major launch pads of the terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed, which was behind the February 14 Pulwama terror attack. Several reports claimed that the Surgical Strike 2.0 decimated Jaish's Alpha 3 Control Rooms located in Balakot, Muzaffarabad and Chakothi in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

More than 10 bombs were dropped by the multi-role fighter jet Mirage 2000 at around 3:30 am on February 26 morning. Understandably, Pakistan has downplayed the airstrike. The aerial attack came a day after Union Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held a high-level meeting with all three service chiefs.

Following the strike, the Pakistani Air Force also entered the Indian air space and dropped bombs on military establishment in Kashmir. However, IAF planes scrambled the Pakistani jets and destroyed one of them. In the intense aerial battle, an Indian jet was also downed by Pakistani fighter planes.

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New Delhi:

The Lok Sabha Elections 2019 will be held in seven phases, starting from April 11, while the results of all the phases will be declared on May 23, the Election Commission of India announced on Sunday. The Election Commission on Sunday imposed 'Model Code of Conduct' with immediate effect for the Lok Sabha elections and announced that voter 'verifiable paper audit trail' will be used in all polling stations this time.

Among other things, the model code of conduct bars the government from announcing any policy move that may impact voters' decision. Announcing the seven-phase schedule for 2019 Lok Sabha polls, Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora also said 10 lakh polling stations would be set up this time as against about nine lakhs in 2014.

He said the Model Code of Conduct for polls has come into immediate effect from Sunday and all political advertisements on social media will need pre-certification. The EC said 91 constituencies will go for polls in the first phase on April 11, followed by 97 constituencies in the second phase on April 18. The second phase will be held on April 18, third on April 23 and fourth on April 29, fifth on May 6, sixth on May 12 and seventh phase on May 19. Counting of votes for all seven phases covering 543 Lok Sabha constituencies would take place on May 23, Arora said.

In the first phase, 91 constituencies will go for polls, 97 constituencies in the second phase, 115 constituencies in the third, 71 in the fourth phase, 51 in the fifth phase, 59 in the sixth phase and 59 in the seventh phase. In the first phase, the polling will be held in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Sikkim, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andaman and Nicobar, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep, Delhi, Puducherry, Chandigarh, Uttarakhand.

Assembly polls in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal, Odisha and Sikkim will also be held simultaneously, the Election Commission (EC) said. However, elections for the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, which was dissolved after the ruling coalition between the BJP and the PDP fell apart, will not be held along with the Lok Sabha polls.

The announcement of dates for the elections, in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will make his bid to return to power amid hectic parleys by several political parties to put a united fight against the ruling BJP, would be followed by a meeting of election observers next week for the first and second phase of polling.

The election will pit the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance against several opposition parties, including the Congress, the Left and regional forces who are continuing to work out a grand alliance to minimise a division of votes against Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led ruling combine.

The BJP has succeeded in working out a seat-sharing formula with some new allies and several old partners, by even making concessions to them in states like Bihar. However, opposition parties are yet to arrive at a deal in several states.

While the NDA hopes to make history by coming back to power for a second full term, the Opposition wants to unseat the Modi government by raising questions on its performance on a host of issues, including economic growth, employment, corruption and social harmony.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee had led the NDA to back to back Lok Sabha wins in 1998 and 1999 general elections but he was at the helm of only one full-term government.

With the model code of conduct for elections coming into immediate effect, the government cannot announce any policy move that may impact voters' decision.

Arora said all political advertisements on social media will need pre-certification.

After suffering losses in assembly polls in three states recently, the BJP believes that its Lok Sabha poll campaign is back on track due to a host of decisions, including 10 per cent quota for the general category poor, money transfer to farmers and presentation of a populist budget.

What has injected further confidence into the NDA fold is the fronting of the nationalist plank in the poll campaign after the Pulwama terror attack, which killed 40 CRPF personnel, that was followed by the Indian Air Force' strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan.

The BJP has been citing 2016 surgical strikes on terror launch pads and these air strikes to assert that only a government headed by Modi will be capable of taking on Pakistan over terrorism, as it has sought to corner the Congress on the issue.

Many political pundits feel the prime minister has already launched a full-fledged campaign accusing opposition parties of coming together for the sole purpose of removing him while he is working to "remove poverty, corruption and terrorism".

He had led the NDA to a sweeping victory in 2014 as it won 336 of 543 Lok Sabha seats, reducing the incumbent Congress to its lowest total of 44 seats. The BJP on its own won a majority, a first for the party, by bagging 282 seats.

The Commission has held several review meetings across the country in last few weeks to gear up its machinery. The required electronic voting machines and paper trail machines are in place to be deployed in nearly 10 lakh polling stations across 543 Lok Sabha constituencies.

In 2004, the Commission had announced four-phase Lok Sabha polls on February 29. While the first date of polling was April 20 and the last date was May 10.

In 2009, the EC had announced Lok Sabha poll scheduled on March 2. The five-phase polls began on April 16 and ended on May 13.

In 2014, the EC had announced the election schedule on March 5 and the nine-phase electoral exercise was spread across April and May.

While the first phase polling was on April 7, the last phase was on May 12.
New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Monday held separate telephonic conversations with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, while Saudi Arabia's junior foreign minister called on him -- engagements which came in the backdrop of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. It was not immediately known whether Indo-Pak tensions figured in the Prime Minister's telephonic conversations with the leaders of Turkey and UAE.

Government sources said there was no offer of any mediation by any country to de-escalate tensions between India and Pakistan even though Islamabad was reaching out to several foreign governments for such a role.

The official statement on Modi's conversation with Erdogan said that the Prime Minister stated that terrorism remains one of the gravest threats to global peace and security. He underscored the importance of immediate, demonstrable, and irreversible action against terrorism by all countries concerned, the Ministry of External Affairs statement said, without mentioning Pakistan.

In Modi's telephonic talks with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, who is also the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the two leaders expressed happiness at the growing strength of all-round bilateral cooperation.

They reiterated their commitment to further consolidate the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, the statement said. Saudi State Minister for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed bilateral issues, officials said.

"The Prime Minister thanked the leadership of Saudi Arabia for expressing full solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations," the MEA said. "It was agreed that Saudi Arabia and India should work together for irreversible, verifiable and credible steps against all terrorists without any discrimination," it added.

Jubeir briefed Prime Minister Modi on the follow up of the outcomes of the "historical visit" of the Saudi Crown Prince in February 2019.

The engagements came against the backdrop of global efforts to de-escalate tension between India and Pakistan triggered by the suicide attack by JeM in Pulwama on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed and subsequent aerial strike by India on a training camp of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror outfit in Balakot on February 26. Pakistan retaliated the next day by unsuccessfully attempting to target Indian military installations.

Last week, Jubeir visited Islamabad and met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. During the meeting, he delivered to Khan a "special message" from Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, according to Pakistani media reports. He also held talks with Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Countries like the US, the UK, China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE were involved in easing tensions between India and Pakistan.

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New Delhi:

The strikes carried out by the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Jaish-e-Mohammeds biggest terror camp in Pakistans Balakot has exposed Pakistans nuclear bluff, said Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday.

India fought and won conventional wars against Pakistan in 1965, 1971 and during the Kargil conflict. Since then, Pakistan's army has realised that because of our huge economy and superior military strength, conventional wars cannot be won, IANS quoted Jaitley as saying at India TVs Aap Ki Adalat programme.

Pakistan army then chose two options  one, fighting a proxy war with the help of terrorists, and two, projecting a nuclear bluff, he said.

Since both the countries are armed with nuclear weapons, the nuclear bluff was their second option. But it has been exposed this time, the finance minister said.

The Finance Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken India's policy vis-a-vis Pakistan a bit further.

"Till now, Pakistan's policy was to send terrorists to carry out attacks, while our policy was to be defensive. Modiji has brought a small change in that. While we will continue to defend, we will also attack the main sources of terrorism. The 2016 surgical strike was our first step, and the latest air strikes were the second," he said.

Jaitley also hit out at the opposition for questioning the damage inflicted to Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in IAF strike, saying that details of operations carried out by armed forces are never shared anywhere in the world.

"The army or the air force doesn't share operational details in public anywhere in the world. The US carried out attack in Abbotabad (Pakistan), killed Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, took his body away and threw it into the ocean. No operational details were shared," he said.

Jaitley said it was unfortunate that some opposition leaders were indulging in foolish politics.

"They are unknowingly becoming witnesses for the Pakistan government. I feel people of India will teach them a lesson for raising the TRPs of Pakistani news channels, which are telecasting their statements. These leaders will have to face the wrath of the people in India," Jaitley said.

He also attacked Congress leader Kapil Sibal who had questioned the success of the IAF air strike, saying "it was unfortunate that such leaders are in public life".

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New Delhi:

A major attack has been averted by the Army in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir after a person namely Rajinder Singh was arrested with two grenades. Army has handed him over to the Jammu and Kashmir for further investigation. Today a person who had come to attend recruitment rally in Surankote organised by Territorial Army namely Rajinder Singh Krishan (33), resident of village Dhalyote, Tehsil Kalakot, district Rajouri was apprehended near Army town gate Surankote and during search C- 90 grenade, UBGL grenade and detonators were recovered from his possession, official said.

Balakote in Poonchs Mendhar area has been witness to intense shelling and small arms fire by Pakistani troops on many occasions since last month.



Earlier, Pakistan violated the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Balnoi and Mankote areas of the Poonch sector Jammu Kashmir on Sunday around 4.30 am onwards by resorting to shelling with mortars and firing of small arms. The Indian Army retaliated and firing stopped around 7.30 am. The Indian Army retaliated effectively. On Saturday, Pakistan had violated the ceasefire in the Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district. Pakistani troops had violated ceasefire along the LoC on Saturday by targetting forward post in Keri Battal area of Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has used heavy artillery guns prompting strong and effective retaliation by the Indian Army.



There has been a spurt in ceasefire violations by Pakistan after India's pre-emptive air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammad terror camp in Balakot on February 26 following the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

Four civilians, including three members of a family, were killed and several others injured as Pakistan targeted over 80 villages in over 100 incidents of ceasefire violations along the LoC in the state since then.

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New Delhi:

Pakistan promises to crack down on terrorist groups attacking Indian rule over Kashmir, President Donald Trump's national security adviser John Bolton said on Monday. Bolton tweeted that he had spoken with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and "the FM assured me that Pakistan would deal firmly with all terrorists and will continue steps to deescalate tensions with India." India has long accused Pakistan of covertly backing attacks by guerrillas in Kashmir.

On February 14, at least 42 CRPF personnel were killed in one of the deadliest terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district when a Jaish suicide bomber rammed a vehicle carrying over 30 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.

Bolton said that during his talks with Qureshi he'd set out "to encourage meaningful steps against JeM and other terrorist groups operating from Pakistan."

The latest Pakistani reassurances came as US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met in Washington with the Indian foreign secretary, Vijay Gokhale, and urged Pakistan to take "meaningful action against terrorist groups operating on its soil," Pompeo's spokesman said.

Pompeo's spokesman said that during the secretary of state's talks with Gokhale they "discussed the importance of bringing those responsible for the (February) attack to justice."



Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale began a three-day visit to the US during which he is scheduled to meet senior officials of the Trump administration and exchange views on major foreign policy and security-related developments, officials said. External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said Gokhale is visiting Washington in connection with bilateral foreign office consultation and strategic security dialogue with his American counterparts.

During his visit, Gokhale is also likely to meet with senior leaders in the US administration and US Congress, he said in response to a query on the foreign secretary's visit.

The foreign secretary's visit to the US comes in the backdrop of growing tension between India and Pakistan. "Foreign Secretary is visiting Washington DC on March 11-13 in connection with the bilateral foreign office consultation and strategic security dialogue with his US counterparts, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale and Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Andrea Thompson respectively," Kumar said.

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New Delhi:

With petrol and diesel prices rising as much as Rs 2 a litre in the past one month, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has asked worldas largest oil exporter Saudi Arabia to play an active role in keeping rates at a reasonable level. The trade war between United States and China slowed down the global economic growth.A With elections round the corner, the issue of rising oil prices is quite worrisome for the ruling Narendra Modi government.

Pradhan raised the issue of rising oil prices with the visiting Saudi Oil Minister Khalid Al-Falih late last night and sought a role of the Kingdom in cooling rates, as reported by PTI. aShared my concern on the rising oil prices and sought active role to be played by Saudi Arabia for keeping oil prices at reasonable level,a he tweeted after the meeting.A

aMet HE @Khalid_AlFalih, Ministry Of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, Saudi Arabia and discussedA aboutA further strengthening the strategic partnership that exists between India and Saudi Arabia,a Pradhan tweeted.

Shared my concern on the rising oil prices and sought active role to be played by Saudi Arabia for keeping oil prices at reasonable level. a Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) March 9, 2019

An official statement issued Sunday said: aDuring the meeting, Pradhan referred to Saudi Arabiaas pre-eminent role as a leading producer of crude oil in the world, and in maintaining global oil market balance.a

aHe raised concerns about increasing trend in global crude oil prices. He also pointed to the need for uninterrupted supplies of crude oil and LPG to India in view of the OPEC-plus (decision to) cut (output),a it said.

Both ministers, it said, also discussed about the possible adverse impact of recent geopolitical developments on global oil market. It, however, did not say about the Saudi Oil Ministeras response to Indiaas demand.

Petrol and diesel prices, which are revised daily, have been on the rise for the last one month or so. Petrol price in Delhi has increased by Rs 2.12 a litre to Rs 72.40 on Sunday, while diesel rates have risen by Rs 2.03 to Rs 67.54 per litre.

The statement said the visit of the Saudi Oil Minister was a follow up of first State visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last month.

Saudi Arabia is the second largest supplier of crude and LPG to India. In 2017-18, Indiaas crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia were 36.8 million tonne, accounting for 16.7 per cent of its total imports.

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New Delhi:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the chief guest at the CISF Day Parade at CISF 5th Reserve Battalion in Ghaziabad's Indirapuram. Congress president Rahul Gandhi will hold a rally at the Rangareddy district of Telangana. India will play Australia in the 4th ODI in Mohali. Terrorism isn't an issue for India alone, says Vice President Venkaiah Naidu during an interaction with the Indian Community in Costa Rica. Stay hooked here for all the latest from India and around the world through the day.

14:00 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav to take Metro ride from Munshi Pulia station to Hazratganj station with family today.

12:41 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Punjab: Visuals from outside Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali where India and Australia will play each other in the fourth ODI of the 5-match series. India is currently leading 2-1.



Punjab: Visuals from outside Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali where India and Australia will play each other in the fourth ODI of the 5-match series. India is currently leading 2-1. #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/XzUj9cFORQ

 ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2019



12:27 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik in an election rally in Kendrapara announces 33% quota for women in allocation of Lok Sabha seats for BJD.

09:18 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Madhya Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has approved ordinance to increase reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) from 14 per cent to 27 per cent.

08:47 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Pro-Khalistani people allegedly supported by ISI attacked a number of British Indians who were standing outside the Indian High Commission in London on March 9.



Pro-Khalistani people allegedly supported by ISI attacked a number of British Indians who were standing outside the Indian High Commission in London on March 9. pic.twitter.com/orNSJipObs

 ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2019



08:15 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In At least 80 people injured after a high-speed boat collided with a "marine creature" off the northwest coast of Japan.

07:54 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Venkaiah Naidu: Our neighbor is aiding terrorists, open secret. Recently after Pulwama attack where 40 security personnel lost their lives, 4 of our Indian Air Force aircraft went to Pakistan, targeted that training camp, destroyed it & came back without any problem within 21 min.

07:53 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Vice-President: Terrorism isn't an issue for India alone. It's an international issue. Even America that never used to understand our pain are now understanding. Terrorism is enemy of humanity, terror has no religion. No religion whether Hindu, Muslim, Christian preaches terror.

07:53 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In V Naidu: We're a peace loving country. All time Dick & Harry came & attacked us, ruled us, ruined us, cheated us...But we never attacked anyone because we believe in the philosophy that entire world is one family....But we've a neighbour who is aiding,training, funding terrorists.



V Naidu: We're a peace loving country. All time Dick & Harry came & attacked us, ruled us, ruined us, cheated us...But we never attacked anyone because we believe in the philosophy that entire world is one family....But we've a neighbour who is aiding,training, funding terrorists https://t.co/IcJVABPjRT

 ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2019



07:53 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu in an interaction with Indian Community in Costa Rica: While we are making phenomenal progress on all fronts, there is one festering challenge that continues to detract our attention from development.

07:53 (IST) Facebook Twitter Whats app Linked In Lucknow: 2 Sub-Inspectors Pawan Mishra&Ashish Tiwari suspended by SSP Kalanidhi Naithani after they took Rs 1.58 cr from a coal trader calling it black money. SSP K Naithani says, "they were tipped off by one Madhukar Mishra. A case of loot registered against these three and few other people."

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New Delhi:

US President Donald Trump is ready to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un again for denuclearisation talks, the White House said, underlining that his decision to walk out of the Hanoi summit sent a signal to other countries as well that he is not desperate for a deal unless it is in America's interest. Earlier, Donald Trump had said that he is very, very disappointed with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un if reports that work is underway to rebuild a long-range rocket site are confirmed. Speaking to reporters, Trump said its too early to see if the information about work at the North Korean site is true. Warning hed be disappointed, he added: I dont think I will be, but well see what happens. Trump and Kim met last week in Vietnam to negotiate on getting rid of North Koreas nuclear arsenal, but the summit broke up early with no progress.

US National Security Advisor John Bolton told ABC News that Trump's walk out from his meeting with Kim was "friendly" and it is not a reflection that the talks broke down.

I don't really think it broke down. I think the president did exactly the right thing, he said, referring to the failed summit between the two leaders in Hanoi in Vietnam on February 26 and 27.

Trump and Kim's Vietnam meeting ended abruptly without a deal on North Korean denuclearisation in return for sanctions relief.

On Friday, Trump told reporters his relationship with Kim was a very good one and said he would be surprised in a negative way if he did anything that was not per our understanding.

"Trump and Kim Jong-un had had a number of conversations about what might be done to denuclearise North Korea. Kim offered a partial deal. The president has been very clear that he doesn't want to make the same mistakes as past administrations, Bolton said.

"Trump proposed to Kim what he talked about really going back to Singapore, is what he called the big deal, that North Korea completely denuclearize. And, in exchange for that, there was a very bright economic future for the North Korean people," Bolton said.



At their ground breaking first summit in Singapore last year, Kim and Trump produced a vague statement on the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. There were high expectations for Kim and Trumps second meeting in Hanoi, but no agreement was reached. Despite the stalemate, both sides said they were open to further talks.

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New Delhi:

The Central Bureau of Investigation is in touch with Interpol and UK authorities asking them to act on the red notice against the fugitive diamantaire Nirav Modi. CBI will ask the Interpol UK to make sure he doesnt flee from the UK. Earlier, K Home Secretary Sajid Javid has certified Indias extradition request of Nirav Modi. In what is considered as Indias biggest bank scam Nirav Modi is involved in Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case. Under the India-UK Extradition Treaty arrangements, the paperwork is now with the District Judge at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London to issue an extradition warrant against Modi to be executed by Scotland Yard.



Since his location is known now, the first step should be to arrest him as there is enough evidence of cheating, criminal conspiracy and money laundering against him which has been provided to the UK in the extradition request. His Indian passport has already been revoked which means the UK authorities need to confiscate whatever travel documents he currently uses, Times of India quoted an officer as saying.



Nirav Modi is living openly in a lavish 8-million-pound apartment in London's West End and has started a new diamond business in Soho, according to a report published on a British daily The Telegraph on Saturday. Modi, the 48-year-old diamond tycoon is currently paying around 17,000 pounds a month for a three-bedroom flat occupying half of a floor of the landmark Centre Point tower block near Oxford street, the report added.

Taking to Twitter, the leading daily posted a video and interview with the alleged fugitive in the early hours of Saturday and captioned it as "Exclusive: Telegraph journalists tracked down Nirav Modi, the billionaire diamond tycoon who is a suspect for the biggest banking fraud in India's history".

In the 2 minutes-13-seconds-long video, Modi is fatter than before and can be seen sporting a handlebar moustache and wearing an Ostrich Hide jacket, estimated to cost around 10,000 pounds. However, during his video interview with the UK daily, Modi chose to remain tight-lipped while asked about various issues related to the infamous PNB fraud scam case. He ducked the journalists by saying, "Sorry, no comments".

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New Delhi:

Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq will not be appearing in person before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for questioning over alleged terror funding case. Umar, however, will be submitting a written statement to the NIA in response to the summons. The NIA on Saturday had asked him to report for examination on March 11 at 10.30 am at its New Delhi headquarters. The NIA had on February 26 carried out searches at premises of separatist leaders, including the Mirwaiz, in connection with the case related to the financing of terrorist and separatist groups in Jammu and Kashmir.



The NIA team, accompanied by police and CRPF personnel, searched residences of some of the separatist leaders, including the Mirwaiz, Naseem Geelani and Ashraf Sehrai, the chairman of the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat.

The houses of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) leader Yaseen Malik, Shabir Shah, Zaffar Bhat and Masarat Alam were also raided. Barring the Mirwaiz and Sehrai, all other leaders were jailed for some time.

The NIA had questioned two maternal uncles of the Mirwaiz - Maulvi Manzoor and Maulvi Shafat - and his close aides last year. Both Manzoor and Shafat are retired senior government officers.



The NIA probe seeks to identify the chain of players behind the financing of terrorist activities, pelting of stones on security forces, burning down of schools and damaging of government establishments.

The case names Hafeez Saeed, Pakistan-based chief of Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), the front for banned Lashker-e-Taiba, as an accused, besides organisations such as the Hurriyat Conference factions led by Geelani and the Mirwaiz, Hizbul Mujahideen and Dukhtaran-e-Millat.

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Livestock producers should examine drought assistance programs

Media Contact: Donald Stotts | Agricultural Communications Services | 405-744-4079 | donald.stotts@okstate.edu

Drought conditions have hit some Oklahoma livestock producers hard, but help may be available through U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance programs for operations that depend heavily on forage and grazing.

USDAs Livestock Forage Program is one with which most Oklahoma producers should be familiar, said Amy Hagerman, Oklahoma State University Extension agricultural and food policy specialist. Eligible livestock are grazing animals that get most of their net nutritional energy requirement from grazing of forage grasses or legumes. Drought statistics dictate eligibility requirements and payment levels.

In addition to beef and dairy cattle, LFP eligible species include alpacas, buffalo, bison, beefalo, deer, elk, emus, goats, horses, llamas, reindeer and sheep. Hagerman recently shared additional insights about drought assistance programs on the agricultural television show SUNUP.

As of Oct. 5, Oklahoma counties with warm season pastures that qualify for LFP assistance are: Beaver, Caddo, Canadian, Cimarron, Creek, Grady, Harper, Hughes, Kiowa, Noble, Okfuskee, Okmulgee, Osage, Pawnee, Tulsa, Washita and Woods.

Oklahoma counties with cool season pastures that qualify for LFP assistance are: Beaver, Beckham, Carter, Cimarron, Custer, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Jefferson, Love, Roger Mills, Texas and Washita.

Some counties are only eligible for certain pasture types such as forage sorghum or annual crabgrass.

Producers who feel their specific operations are suffering under qualifying drought conditions are encouraged to contact their local Oklahoma Farm Service Agency office if FSA personnel havent already contacted them, said Rusty Humphrey, Kay County FSA executive director.

For example, Kay County is looking rough but our specific drought conditions havent triggered eligibility yet, and they may not, he said. If a producer has doubts about eligibility, just call.

Drought conditions continue to evolve, so more counties may become eligible.

Most of southeastern and southwestern Oklahoma received abundant rainfall this summer, said Wes Lee, OSU Extension agricultural specialist with the Oklahoma Mesonet. Northwestern and east-central portions of the state received the least amount of rainfall. Hopefully, this fall will bring needed moisture.

Some livestock producers may be able to take advantage of an expansion of the USDA Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program. There is a new feature in which the Agricultural Department will pay transportation costs for getting hay to livestock dependent on grazing, Hagerman said.

Also, there has been some discussion coming out of Washington, D.C., about the Wildfire and Hurricane Indemnity Program Plus or WHIP Plus, as its commonly called, she said. The Plus includes drought provisions.

There was a WHIP expansion in 2019 and 2020 to include drought payments. There is some potential for that to be reauthorized for this years drought conditions, as well as for the effects of the polar vortex that caused extremely cold and harsh weather conditions back in February.

USDA hasnt made any announcements about WHIP Plus as yet, but its something to keep on the radar, Hagerman said.

The USDA provides online resources to help farmers and ranchers stay abreast of its latest agricultural assistance information.
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Justice Neil M. Gorsuch, the 2020-21 Chairman of the Devitt Award, the highest honor that is bestowed upon an Article III federal judge in the country, has announced today that Judge Julia Smith Gibbons of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, is the 39th annual Edward J. Devitt Distinguished Service to Justice Award recipient.

Judge Julia Smith Gibbons of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit

Encouraged by then-Chief Justice Warren Burger, and established nearly four decades ago by Dwight D. Opperman, the distinguished American pioneer in the legal/judicial community, and its greatest philanthropist in his day, Mr. Opperman created the Devitt Award to honor the unsung heroes of the American judiciary. It has risen to become our nation's most esteemed recognition for members on the federal bench.

In selecting Judge Gibbons for this honor, Justice Gorsuch said, "Judge Julia Gibbons is a trailblazer and role model in the legal profession. In her home state of Tennessee, she was the first woman to serve as a state trial judge and, later, the first woman to be appointed a federal judge. In addition to discharging her judicial duties, for nearly 30 years Judge Gibbons has also played a vital role in the governance and administration of the federal judiciary nationwide, chairing in turn both the United States Judicial Conference's Budget Committee and its Judicial Resources Committee."

Justice Gorsuch emphasized that Judge Gibbons' deep commitment to public service and the rule of lawin her home state, on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and on the national stageare inspiring. He added, "With my fellow selection committee members, Judges Thomas Hardiman and Christine Arguello, I am delighted and honored to have this chance to recognize and thank one of our most distinguished judicial colleagues."

Julia Smith Gibbons grew up in the rural Tennessee town of Pulaski. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University in 1972 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law three years later.

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In 1981, the Tennessee governor appointed Judge Gibbons to the Tennessee Circuit Court for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, making her the first female trial judge in the state. At the time of her induction to the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee in 1983, she was, at 32, the youngest U.S. district court judge in the country. There, Judge Gibbons served as chief judge from 1994-2000. Judge Gibbons was nominated by President George W. Bush to a seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in 2001 and received commission in July 2002.

"I am honored to receive the 2021 Devitt Award,'' said Judge Gibbons. "I am humbled that the selection committee and others believed me worthy of this recognition." She continued, "Serving with federal judicial colleagues and staff for the past 38 years, as we have conducted trials, decided cases, and done the work of judiciary governance, has given me great faith in the federal courts as an institution. Given this context, being the representative of the Third Branch to receive the Award this year is deeply meaningful."

Each year, the Devitt Award is held at the Supreme Court of the United States with a ceremony in the Courtroom, followed by a formal dinner in the East and West Conference Rooms. It is opened by Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., and attended by the Justices of the Supreme Court and 100 invited guests.

Regretfully, due to the pandemic, this is the second year the Devitt Award was conducted virtually. Therefore, early next year, a special dinner will be held at the Supreme Court to personally honor Judge Gibbons and the 2020 honoree, Judge Rya W. Zobel.

"Women judges have risen to the top," said Julie Opperman, Chairman of the Dwight D. Opperman Foundation, the on-going sole sponsor of the Award. "I remember asking Dwight more than a decade ago, why only men got the award. He replied that women haven't been on the bench long enough to achieve the lifetime status that is required. Well, I am very pleased to say that the women have earned their stripes and are receiving their long overdue recognition."

Julie Opperman added, "I am most grateful to Chief Justice Roberts for appointing Justice Gorsuch who chaired the 2020-21 selection committees. Justice Gorsuch's enthusiasm and efforts were intense and for that we remain indebted. Prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court, every Justice has served on the Devitt committee since the Award's inception. We are also thankful to his committee members, the Honorable Thomas M. Hardiman, a Circuit Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the Honorable Christine M. Arguello, a District Court Judge on the United States District Court for the District of Colorado."

Cision

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-judiciarys-highest-honor-bestowed-on-judge-julia-smith-gibbons-301394559.html

SOURCE The Dwight D. Opperman Foundation
Assembly's unique offerings allow companies to connect in new and engaging ways while navigating a remote environment. A roster of award-winning chefs and mixologists curate meal and drink kits that ship directly to the home and can be shared virtually with team members near and far.

Five-star Dining From Home

Five-star Dining From Home

Five-star Dining From Home

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Virtual experience and subscription startup Assembly announced it has raised $1.75M in seed funding, co-led by Wilshire Lane Partners and Acrew Capital, with participation from scout Chris Altchek of Lightspeed Venture Partners. Additionally, Adam Demuyakor of Wilshire Lane Partners will be joining Assembly's Board of Directors. "We're excited to lead an investment in Assembly alongside this excellent group," said Demuyakor. He also emphasized that "Assembly is well-positioned for continued explosive growth as many businesses explore new ways to sustain company culture and cohesion in a hybrid-work future." The round solidifies the importance of the company's mission to transform the way teams connect.

Assembly is creating elevated team-building opportunities and at-home amenities for remote teams through virtual dining and drink experiences. The chef and mixologist curated kits allow companies to foster connections over shared meals, regardless of distance. As companies change to fully remote and hybrid workplace models, Assembly encourages a community aspect to reinforce culture, increase employee satisfaction, and maintain team engagement.

With clients ranging from Bumble to Google, Assembly has treated companies all over the country to five-star guided culinary experiences. Co-founders William Ball and Philip Speer own and operate Comedor, Texas Monthly's best new restaurant in the state in 2019, and are well respected in the Austin restaurant world. Assembly was formed in response to Covid and Ball's desire to recreate the restaurant experience at home. It's no surprise that Assembly's curated meals are delicious, but teams love the shared virtual aspect as well. One LinkedIn employee stated, "This is the best team-building event I have been to in five years. Pre-COVID included."

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On his interest in Assembly, Vishal Lugani from Acrew shared, "Food brings people together. This is something employers have known and yet in today's hybrid work environment, it's hard to convene for even a snack with co-workers. Assembly makes it really easy for companies to connect virtually over food and drink and is brought to you by a world-class food and engineering team to make it all work. Employers recognize that Assembly is the work cafeteria of the future and we can't wait to see what else they come up with. This business model just makes sense and no one is doing it better than Assembly."

The seed funding will enable Assembly to expand its logistical capabilities, grow the team, and further enhance the customer experience.

Learn more about Assembly and book an experience today at https://assembly.co/ .

About Assembly : Assembly is a virtual events company revolutionizing how teams stay connected in today's remote and hybrid workplaces. Assembly delivers elevated, tech-enabled culinary experiences that allow a team to be in the same room without being in the same room.

About Wilshire Lane Partners : Wilshire Lane Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in startups sitting at the nexus of real estate and technology.

About Acrew Capital : Founded in 2019, Acrew Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in cybersecurity, software infrastructure, financial technology, the future of work and enterprise software, and community-driven consumer companies.

Nicolle Poche; nicolle@assembly.co







Related Images













Image 1: Five-star Dining From Home





With dishes inspired by downtown Austin restaurant Comedor and beyond, Assembly brings restaurant quality food to the kitchen for you and your team.









This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com.

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Conference Call to Discuss Results Scheduled for November 2nd, 2021

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avis Budget Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: CAR) announced today that it plans to report its third quarter 2021 results after the market close on Monday, November 1st, 2021, and to host a conference call for institutional investors to discuss these results on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time.



Investors may access the call at ir.avisbudgetgroup.com, or by dialing (877)-407-2991. Investors are encouraged to dial in approximately 10 minutes prior to the call. A web replay will be available at ir.avisbudgetgroup.com following the call. A telephone replay will be available from 11:00 a.m. Eastern time on November 2nd, 2021 until 10:00 p.m. on November 16th, 2021 at (877)-660-6853 using conference code 13723926.

About Avis Budget Group

Avis Budget Group, Inc. is a leading global provider of mobility solutions, both through its Avis and Budget brands, which have more than 10,000 rental locations in approximately 180 countries around the world, and through its Zipcar brand, which is the world's leading car sharing network, with more than one million members. Avis Budget Group operates most of its car rental offices in North America, Europe and Australasia directly, and operates primarily through licensees in other parts of the world. Avis Budget Group is headquartered in Parsippany, N.J.

Contact:

David Calabria

IR@avisbudget.com




Three Flower by Edie Parker pre-roll offerings are now exclusively available at Ascend Boston; the product line will expand to Illinois by early November

NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2021 /CNW/ - Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. ("AWH") (CSE: AAWH.U) (OTCQX: AAWH), a multi-state, vertically-integrated cannabis operator, and Edie Parker, a luxury fashion brand known for its vintage-inspired clutches and handbags, today announced the debut of Flower by Edie Parker pre-rolls in Massachusetts. In May, AWH and Edie Parker announced an exclusive wholesale licensing agreement to bring Flower by Edie Parker products to emerging adult-use markets in Massachusetts and Illinois. The coveted West Coast brand first expanded beyond California earlier in March by launching sales in Colorado.

Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc. Logo (CNW Group/Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.)

Flower by Edie Parker is now available at AWH's flagship Boston location at 272 Friend St and became available statewide via AWH's distribution network on October 3rd. By early November, patients and consumers in Illinois will also be able to purchase Flower by Edie Parker pre-rolls at all eight of AWH's retail locations. Elegantly packaged and sold in new 'Best Buds' twin packs of 0.5 gram pre-rolls, customers can choose from three distinct offerings including:

Early Bird, a sativa product featuring a light and creative flavor that pairs well with morning hike or mid-afternoon coffee.

Happiest Hour, a hybrid product that's party perfect, ideal for hanging with friends or a night out dancing.

Nightcap, an indica perfect for evening or any relaxation ritual.

"Edie Parker's brand is known for its elegant aesthetic and devotion to delivering top-notch cannabis products and accessories," said AWH Founder and CEO Abner Kurtin. "We believe Edie Parker will elevate and expand the selection at AWH stores, enticing new customers and delighting returning ones. Bringing this exceptional West Coast brand out East is part of our ongoing strategy of developing deeper relationships with customers in our existing markets, and we are excited to bring Edie Parker's products to this increasingly sophisticated audience."

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In addition to debuting its pre-rolls in Massachusetts and Illinois, Edie Parker will offer a curated assortment of the brand's vibrant and artisanal cannabis accessories wherever their products are sold and plan to launch a number of brand activations at AWH stores over the next month. AWH pop-ups will include Edie Parker's acclaimed branding featuring imagery, banners and whimsical activations similar to the brand's most recent New York Fashion Week event.

"Our brand is all about celebrating cannabis with others, and we are thrilled to share our distinctive line of products with two new communities of consumers," said Brett Heyman, Founder of Flower by Edie Parker. "The idea behind our Best Buds pre-rolls is to share premium cannabis with your best bud. No matter the occasion, our line of products was created to surprise and delight. The AWH team shares our commitment to bringing fun yet polished cannabis experiences to the everyday consumer, and our partnership enables us to show even more consumers how to be loud and proud about their love for the plant."

About AWH

AWH (CSE:AAWH.U / OTCQX:AAWH) is a vertically integrated operator with assets in Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts and New Jersey. AWH owns and operates state-of-the-art cultivation facilities, growing award winning strains and producing a curated selection of products. AWH produces and distributes Ozone branded products. Bettering your life with cannabis. For more information, visit www.awholdings.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes forward-looking information and statements, which may include, but are not limited to, information and statements regarding the plans, intentions, expectations, estimates, and beliefs of the Company. Words such as "expects", "continue", "will", "anticipates" and "intends" or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current projections and expectations about future events and financial trends, and on certain assumptions and analysis made by the Company in light of experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors management believes are appropriate.

Forward-looking information and statements involve and are subject to assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause actual events, results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future events, results, performance, and achievements expressed or implied by forward-looking information and statements herein. Such factors include, among others: the risks and uncertainties identified in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, and in the Company's other reports and filings with the applicable Canadian securities regulators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Although the Company believes that any forward-looking information and statements herein are reasonable, in light of the use of assumptions and the significant risks and uncertainties inherent in such information and statements, there can be no assurance that any such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, and accordingly readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance upon such forward-looking information and statements. Any forward-looking information and statements herein are made as of the date hereof, and except as required by applicable laws, the Company assumes no obligation and disclaims any intention to update or revise any forward-looking information and statements herein or to update the reasons that actual events or results could or do differ from those projected in any forward looking information and statements herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or results, or otherwise, except as required by applicable laws.

The CSE has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the content of this news release.

About Flower by Edie Parker

Dubbed "the Coco Chanel of Luxury Cannabis" by Forbes, Flower by Edie Parker continues to usher in a new generation of cannabis smokers with an irreverent and unapologetically bold collection of design-forward accessories and cannabis accouterments. Colliding the worlds of fashion and cannabis 'for a good time' - Flower by Edie Parker continues to break barriers and de-stigmatize the use of cannabis as a social act.

Priced from $10 to $800, Flower by Edie Parker's collection features gorgeous acrylic, ceramic and hand blown glass accessories including stash jars, lighters, ashtrays, grinders, bongs, blunt tips, pipes, rolling papers, rolling trays, and a distinctly canna-friendly take on their signature acrylic bags. Beyond seasonal collections of modern accessories featuring designer Brett Heyman's tongue-in-cheek motifs and signature style, Flower by Edie Parker also offers a full roster of private label flower strains and CBD-only offerings including pre-rolls, tinctures, and topicals.

Since launching in 2019, Flower by Edie Parker & The Edie Parker Foundation, a 501(c)(3) status organization, aims to bring criminal justice reform and racial equality amongst vulnerable, largely marginalized communities through partnering organizations; Women's Prison Association, The Bail Project, Feeding America, City Meals on Wheels & more. Visit www.EdieParkerFlower.com or @EdieParkerFlower for more information.

Cision

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SOURCE Ascend Wellness Holdings, Inc.

Cision

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STOCKHOLM, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- As exclusive financial advisor to Park Street A/S (the "Company"), Catella has secured strategic non-recourse debt facilities allowing for the refinancing of all of the Company's short-term debt, the development of the Company's second Copenhagen Student/Youth Living property, Pulse N, and enhancement of the Company's general capital position.

"Optimizing capital structure including sustainable debt solutions for owners and investors is becoming increasingly important. With the Park Street transaction, Catella continues to increase its debt advisory activities, providing tailormade capital solutions for our clients", says Jesper Bo Hansen, Head of Catella Corporate Finance A/S.

"Our collaboration with Park Street A/S, as a professional sponsor of operational real estate and developer of hospitality-related platforms like Pulse Living, has created an environment where the international, cross-border capital market can provide real depth and liquidity in a city like Copenhagen. The Park Street transaction is a good example of how we are able to support our clients' corporate and capital strategies, while at the same time accelerate their business plans", says Gustav Bjrn, Director, Catella Corporate Finance A/S.

Catella has a unique access to local and international cross-border debt capital providers including banks, debt funds and other non-bank lending institutions for all types of debt financing of real estate across the property life cycle and capital stack. Catella has a long and proven track record and is ideally positioned to structure, arrange and secure debt solutions for our clients.

For more information, please contact:

Gustav Bjrn

Director

+45 23 62 68 62

gustav.bjoern@catella.dk

Jesper Bo Hansen

Head of Corporate Finance

+45 20 25 23 30

jesper.bo@catella.dk

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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https://news.cision.com/catella---corporate-finance/r/catella-corporate-finance-denmark-secures-619-mdkk-in-long-term-debt-facilities-for-park-street-a-s,c3428784

The following files are available for download:
Key Companies Profiled in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Market: Copper CRM, Inc. (San Francisco, California), Infor, Inc. (New York, United States), Infusion Software, Inc. (Keap) (Arizona, United States), Netsuite Inc. (California, United States), IBM Corporation (New York, United States), Microsoft Corporation (Washington, United States), Oracle Corporation (California, United States), Pipedrive (New York, United States), Salesforce.com, Inc. (California, United States), SAP SE (Walldorf, Germany), Adobe Systems Inc. (California, United States), Zendesk, Inc. (California, United States), SugarCRM (California, United States), Zoho Corporation Pvt. Ltd. (Tamil Nadu, India)

Pune, India, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global customer relationship management (CRM) market size is expected to gain momentum by reaching USD 128.97 billion by 2028 from USD 58.04 billion in 2021, while exhibiting a CAGR of 12.1% between 2021 and 2028. This information is published by Fortune Business Insights in its latest report, titled, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Market, 2021-2028. The report further mentions that the market stood at USD 52.64 billion in 2020. Factors such as increasing focus on digitization are expected to boost the products demand across the globe.

What does the CRM Market Report Include?

The global market for customer relationship management (CRM) report includes a detailed analysis of several factors such as the key drivers and restraints that will impact growth. Additionally, the report provides insights into the regional analysis that covers different regions, which are contributing to the growth of the market. It includes the competitive landscape that involves the leading companies and the adoption of strategies by them to introduce new products, announce partnerships, and collaboration that will further contribute to the market growth between 2021 and 2028. Moreover, the research analyst has adopted several research methodologies such as PESTEL and SWOT analysis to obtain information about the current trends and industry developments that will drive the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Market growth in the forthcoming years.

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Request Sample PDF Brochure: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/customer-relationship-management-crm-market-103418

List of the Companies Profiled in the Global Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Market:

Copper CRM, Inc. (San Francisco, California)

Infor, Inc. (New York, United States)

Infusion Software, Inc. (Keap) (Arizona, United States)

Netsuite Inc. (California, United States)

IBM Corporation (New York, United States)

Microsoft Corporation (Washington, United States)

Oracle Corporation (California, United States)

Pipedrive (New York, United States)

Salesforce.com, Inc. (California, United States)

SAP SE (Walldorf, Germany)

Adobe Systems Inc. (California, United States)

Zendesk, Inc. (California, United States)

SugarCRM (California, United States)

Zoho Corporation Pvt. Ltd. (Tamil Nadu, India)

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Market Report Scope and segmentation:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2021 to 2028 Forecast Period 2021 to 2028 CAGR 12.1% 2028 Value Projection USD 128.97 Billion Base Year 2020 Market Size in 2020 USD 52.64 Billion Historical Data for 2017 to 2019 No. of Pages 150 Segments covered Component, Application Area, Deployment, Enterprise Size, Vertical and Geography Growth Drivers Increasing Focus on Digitization to Aid Growth Rapid Digital Transformation to Drive CRM Market Growth Adoption of CRM Solutions has Risen During the Covid-19 Pandemic



Pitfalls & Challenges Increasing Incidence of Data Frauds and Fewer Availability of Skilled Professionals to Hamper Growth





Speak To Analyst: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/speak-to-analyst/customer-relationship-management-crm-market-103418

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

North America  The region stood at USD 17.33 billion in 2020 and is expected to hold the highest position in the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Market in the forthcoming years. This is attributable to the increasing focus on adoption of advanced technologies to enable real-time prediction and extract customer preferences data in the region. Moreover, the presence of established players such as Infor, Inc., Oracle Corporation, and Microsoft Corporation will bode well for the market growth in the region.

Europe  The region is expected to hold second position in the market in the forthcoming years. This is ascribable to factors such as the increasing number of small and medium enterprises in countries such as Germany, Italy, and France that are adopting advanced customer relationship management solutions in their business processes between 2021 and 2028.

COVID-19 Impact: Market Exhibited 10.1% CAGR in 2020 Backed by Growing Adoption of CRM by SMEs

Although the COVID-19 crisis impacted several walks of life, there were remarkable changes in the way businesses were handled. The initial few months led the organizations reeling under economic pressure and reduced workforce. However, the evolving consumer preference and the growing adoption of remote working culture enabled the organizations to adapt their strategies. This further led the companies to adopt automated and real-time tracking solutions such as CRM to ensure enhanced customer experience and high operational efficiency. The increasing demand for these solutions enabled the market to exhibit a CAGR of 10.1% in 2020 and is projected to showcase exponential growth in the forthcoming years.

Market Segmentation:

Based on the component, the global market for CRM is bifurcated into software and services. On the basis of deployment, the market is divided into on-premises and cloud. Moreover, based on enterprise size, the market is bifurcated into large enterprises and SMEs. Based on application, the market is categorized into marketing and sales automation, customer management, lead generation & customer retention, customer support & contact center, and others.

Based on application, the lead generation & customer retention segment held a global customer relationship management (CRM) market share of about 5% in 2020 and is expected to experience considerable growth during the forecast period. This is attributed to the increasing focus on digitization of business processes to ensure retention of leads by providing an overall optimum customer experience worldwide.

Based on the vertical, the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Market is segregated into BFSI, Manufacturing, IT & Telecommunications, Retail & Consumer Goods, Healthcare, Transportation & Logistics, and Others. Lastly, on the basis of region, the market is segmented into Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

Ask For Customization: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/customization/customer-relationship-management-crm-market-103418

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Focus on Digitization to Aid Growth

According to the business intelligence platform Tofler, the revenue of Google India grew by 35% to over INR 5,594 crore in the fiscal year of 2020, a 24% profit. This is a testimony to the increasing focus on digital transformation by several companies to leverage the opportunities provided by the market. COVID-19 has certainly accelerated the digitization process as several businesses are taking the online medium to reach their customers. In such scenarios, it is very important to have a platform to ensure better customer engagement and management. Therefore, the increasing focus on digitization is expected to contribute to the global customer relationship management (CRM) market share in the forthcoming years.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Eminent Companies to Introduce Advanced CRM Solutions to Consolidate Their Positions

The Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Market is segmented into small, medium, and large companies that are focusing on maintaining a stronghold and gaining a competitive edge over their rivals. They are doing so by introducing new advanced customer relationship management solutions to cater to the growing demand from several industries worldwide. Additionally, other key players are adopting organic and inorganic strategies to maintain their presence in the fiercely competitive global marketplace.

Industry Development:

November 2020  Infusion Software, Inc., a leading CRM provider, introduced a new smart client management software for small enterprises. The software known as Keap efficiently helps small businesses to improve their customer service experience and increase sales revenue.

Quick Buy - Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Market:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/checkout-page/103418

Table Of Content:

Introduction Definition, By Segment Research Methodology/Approach Data Sources

Key Takeaways

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Market Dynamics Macro and Micro Economic Indicators Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities and Trends Impact of COVID-19 Short-term Impact Long-term Impact

Competition Landscape Business Strategies Adopted by Key Players Consolidated SWOT Analysis of Key Players PESTLE Analysis Porters Five Force Analysis

Global Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Key Players Market Share Insights and Analysis, 2020

Key Market Insights and Strategic Recommendations

Primary Interviewees Key Responses

Companies Profiled (Covered for key 10 players only) Overview Key Management Headquarters etc. Offerings/Business Segments Key Details (Key details are subjected to data availability in public domain and/or on paid databases) Employee Size Key Financials Past and Current Revenue Gross Margin Geographical Share Business Segment Share Recent Developments



TOC Continued!

Have a Look at Related Research Insights:

Adaptive Learning Software Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Deployment (On Premise, Cloud), By End User (K-12, Higher Education, Corporate), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027

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About Us:

Fortune Business Insights delivers accurate data and innovative corporate analysis, helping organizations of all sizes make appropriate decisions. We tailor novel solutions for our clients, assisting them to address various challenges distinct to their businesses. Our aim is to empower them with holistic market intelligence, providing a granular overview of the market they are operating in.

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Read Press Release https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/press-release/global-customer-relationship-management-crm-market-10148




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Hello and welcome to Daily Crunch for October 7, 2021! Sure, were excited about software here at TechCrunch, but we also keep at least one eye on the sky at all times. Which is why our upcoming Sessions: Space event is going to be out of this world. Sorry.  Alex

The TechCrunch Top 3

Global startups raise record sums. Again. Another quarter, another set of record funding totals for global startups. New data from CB Insights indicates that upstart companies around the world managed to just beat the records that they set in Q2 of this year. All told, 2021 is going to be a barn-burning year of venture capital investment that we may never beat in our lifetimes.

Microsoft buys OKR software startup Ally: TechCrunch has long tracked the OKR software market as crowded and incredibly busy when it comes to raising capital and posting big ARR growth numbers. Today, Microsoft shook up the startup niche by buying one of its better-funded competitors. Now what?

Developers are building tools to get around the Apple tax: While global regulators figure out what to do with app marketplace payment lock-in, startups are getting to work. Paddle is building what TechCrunch describes as a new in-app purchasing (IAP) system aimed at iOS developers thats designed to be a drop-in replacement for Apples own IAP. Good!

Startups/VC

After a proxy fight victory, its time for Box to make some bold moves

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The last few years included a delayed IPO filing and a proxy battle with a major shareholder, but events are now unfolding nicely for Box co-founder and CEO Aaron Levie.

Enterprise reporter Ron Miller says this is "a pivotal moment for the cloud content management company," so he interviewed Levie to learn more about his plans, particularly in light of the company's recent revenue growth.

For balance, Ron also spoke to Alan Pelz-Sharpe, founder and principal analyst at Deep Analysis.

"The next year is pivotal for Box, he said. It has to prove that it was right to win the proxy fight. To do that, it has to evolve the Box platform and grow steadily but surely and continue to carve out a niche for itself in the market.

(TechCrunch+ is our membership program, which helps founders and startup teams get ahead. You can sign up here.)

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Photograph: Usa Today Uspw/Reuters

About 1,400 Kelloggs workers at four US plants have gone on strike after their current union contracts expired and amid accusations that the cereal giant is offshoring jobs.

The workers, represented by the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM), produce cereals for brands, including Rice Krispies, Fruit Loops, Frosted Flakes and Raisin Bran, at plants in Michigan, Tennessee, Nebraska and Pennsylvania.

Trevor Bidelman, president of BCTGM Local3G and a fourth-generation employee at the Kelloggs plant in Battle Creek, Michigan, explained workers are on strike against a proposed two-tier system for current and new employees proposed by Kelloggs. Bidelman said Kelloggs wants to not offer pensions to new employees, remove cost of living provisions, and make changes in holiday pay and vacations.

Were fighting for our future, said Bidelman. We made it very clear from the onset of negotiations that this was not something well be able to accept.

Shortly before the strike, Kelloggs announced plans to cut 212 jobs at the Battle Creek, Michigan, plant over the next two years, including 174 positions represented by the union. The plant currently employs about 390 workers. Kelloggs cited plans to streamline efforts and relocate cereal production to other facilities in North America as reasons for the job cuts.

This is after just one year ago, we were hailed as heroes, as we worked through the pandemic, seven days a week, 16 hours a day. Now apparently, we are no longer heroes. Very quickly you can go from hero to zero, added Bidelman. We dont have weekends, really. We just work seven days a week, sometimes 100 to 130 days in a row. For 28 days the machines run then rest three days for cleaning. They dont even treat us as well as they do their machinery.

The union took issue with Kelloggs threatening to outsource jobs from the US to Mexico if workers refuse to accept their proposals.

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The company continues to threaten to send additional jobs to Mexico if workers do not accept outrageous proposals that take away protections that workers have had for decades, said the BCTGM president, Anthony Shelton, in a statement announcing the strikes.

In 2018, 187 workers were laid off at the Battle Creek plant, with work being shifted to Canada and other US plants. About two years earlier, over 30 workers were laid off from the plant, with work outsourced to India, according to approved Trade Adjustment Assistance petitions.

Its like a death of 1,000 cuts. Theyre slowly eliminating jobs out of the Lancaster plant, said Kerry Williams, who works in processing maintenance at the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, facility. We had to work through this Covid for the last two years and theyve just shown disrespect for the union name. They even want to remove our union logo from the cardboard cereal box.

From October 2013 to November 2014, Kelloggs locked out about 220 workers from their Memphis, Tennessee, plant while trying to reclassify some workers as casual workers to reduce wages and benefits.

The National Labor Relations Board ultimately ruled the lockout was illegal and ordered the locked-out employees to be reinstated with compensation for the wages and benefits they lost as a result of the lockout, but in 2016 a federal appeals court overturned that ruling.

Food production workers represented by BCTGM also went on strike at Frito Lay and Nabisco earlier this year, winning new union contracts a few weeks after walking off the job.

Kelloggs reported a profit of $1.25bn in 2020. Cereal sales grew more than 8% in 2020 due to increased demand during the pandemic. The company approved a stock buyback program in February 2020 through December 2022 of $1.5bn. The CEO of Kelloggs, Steven Cahillane, received around $11.6m in total compensation in 2020.

Kelloggs has noted contingency plans are in place to bring in replacement workers, internally and through third parties, to avoid production disruptions.

A spokesperson for Kelloggs said in a statement: We are disappointed by the unions decision to strike. Kellogg provides compensation and benefits for our US RTEC employees that are among the industrys best. Our offer includes increases to pay and benefits for our employees, while helping us meet the challenges of the changing cereal business.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 6, 2021) - Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Inc. (TSXV: DWS) ("Diamond" or the "Company"), further to its press releases of August 5, 2021 and September 24, 2021, is pleased to announce the closing of (i) its acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding securities of Equity Wine Group Inc. ("Equity Wine", and such acquisition, the "Equity Wine Acquisition"), (ii) its acquisition of the Shiny Apple craft cider brand (the "Shiny Apple Brand") from Stonechurch Vineyard and Winery Holdings Inc. ("Stonechurch", such acquisition being the "Stonechurch Acquisition", and together with the Equity Wine Acquisition, the ("Acquisitions"), (iii) the issuance of $1,889,162 in equity upon the conversion of currently outstanding convertible debentures and accrued interest, and (iv) the issuance of $6,786,715 in equity through its previously announced private placement (the "Financing").

In connection with closing the Equity Wine Acquisition, the Company paid and issued to the shareholders of Equity Wine: (i) $1.5 million in cash (the "Equity Cash Payment"); (ii) $5.5 million in common shares of Diamond ("Common Shares"), being 30,555,557 Common Shares at a deemed issuance price of $0.18 per share (the "Equity Consideration Shares"); (iii) 22,916,670 common share purchase warrants (the "Equity Consideration Warrants") each entitling the holder to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.22 for a period of 36 months, and (iv) the assumption of the Equity Wine's term and operating debt of approximately $4.1 million with the Bank of Montreal. The Equity Consideration Shares and Equity Consideration Warrants will be subject to certain contractual restrictions on trading for a period of 12 months from the date of issuance with equal portions being released from escrow every quarter.

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In connection with the closing the Stonechurch Acquisition, the Company acquired all of the rights and title to the Shiny Apple Brand from Stonechurch for aggregate consideration of $2.5 million, which was satisfied by a (i) closing cash payment of $1.1 million; (ii) $1.1 million earn-out payment (deposited into escrow by the Company on closing) payable quarterly over the course of 12 months following closing depending on sales targets being met, and (iii) $300,000 inventory holdback. Diamond and Stonechurch also entered into a production and co-packing agreement whereby Stonechurch will continue to produce the Shiny Apple Brand under Diamond's monitoring and oversight for a minimum period of 24 months.

The Financing

The Company closed its previously announced brokered private placement, conducted by Paradigm Capital Inc. (the "Agent"). The Financing consisted of the issuance of 37,703,975 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.18 per Unit for gross proceeds of $6,786,715 with each Unit consisting of one Common Share and three-quarters () of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant is exercisable to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.22 per Common Share for 36 months. The Units were sold to accredited investors in Canada in compliance with applicable securities laws. Pursuant to the terms of an agency agreement entered into between the Agent and the Company, the Agent received a cash fee equal to 6.0% of the aggregate gross proceeds of the Financing (the "Cash Commission"), subject to a reduced fee of 3.0% for Units sold to certain purchasers designated by the Company on a president's list (the "President's List"), and issued to the Agent broker warrants equal to 6.0% of the number of Units issued pursuant to the Financing (the "Broker Warrants"), subject to a reduced number of Broker Warrants equal to 3.0% of the aggregate number of Units sold to purchasers on the President's List. Each Broker Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Unit (each, a "Broker Unit") at $0.18 per Broker Unit for a period for 24 months. Each Broker Unit consists of one Common Share and three-quarters () of one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Broker Unit Warrant"). Each Broker Unit Warrant is exercisable to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.22 per Common Share for 36 months. The Company paid an aggregate of $294,805 in Cash Commission and issued 1,636,807 Broker Units to the Agent.

Holders of the Company's 10% unsecured convertible debentures issued on June 10, 2021 in the aggregate principal amount of $1.83 million (the "Debentures") have each elected to have the Financing constitute an early maturity date pursuant to the terms of the Debentures, which Diamond has elected to satisfy pursuant to a shares for debt transaction. Therefore, the obligations of the Debentures will be extinguished, and Diamond has issued today, in satisfaction of $1,889,162 representing the principal and interest owing under the Debentures, 10,495,342 Units at a price of $0.18 per Unit to the debentureholder (the "Debt Conversion", and together with the Acquisitions and the Financing, the "Transactions".)

Certain directors and other insiders subscribed for a total of 10,953,433 Units for total gross proceeds of $1,971,617.94 under the Financing. Insiders also held all of the debentures which are the subject of the Debt Conversion. Participation by insiders is considered to be a "related party transaction" as defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Financing and the Debt Conversion are exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the securities being issued to insiders, nor the consideration being paid by such insiders, exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report 21 days prior to the closing as the details of the participation of insiders of the Company had not been confirmed at that time.

None of the Units, Common Shares or warrants have been, nor will be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any U.S. state security laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States without registration under the U.S. Securities Act and all applicable state securities laws or compliance with requirements of an applicable exemption therefrom. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

All securities issued in connection with the Financing, the Equity Wine Acquisition, and the Debt Conversion are subject to a four-month hold period from the closing of the Transactions. The Company has used proceeds from the Financing to pay for the Acquisitions, and intends to use the balance of the net proceeds for general working capital purposes.

About Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc.

Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc. is a producer of high-quality wines and a sales agent for over 120 beverage alcohol brands across Canada. The Company operates two wineries, one in Ontario and one in British Columbia, that produce predominantly VQA wines under such well-known brand names as 20 Bees, EastDell, Lakeview Cellars, Dan Aykroyd, Fresh, McMichael Collection, Seasons, Serenity, and Backyard Vineyards. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Trajectory Beverage Partners, the Company is the sales agent for many leading international brands in all regions of the country as well as being a distributor in the western provinces. These recognizable brands include Josh wines from California, Fat Bastard and Andre Lurton wines from France, Kaiken wines from Argentina, Blue Nun wines from Germany, Francois Lurton wines from France and Argentina, Felix Solis wines from Spain, Waterloo Brewing from Ontario, Landshark Lager from the USA, Marston's beers from England, Edinburgh Gin, Tamdhu, Glengoyne and Smokehead single-malt Scotch whiskies from Scotland, Barcelo Rum from the Dominican Republic, Becherovka Liqueur from the Czech Republic, C.K. Mondavi & Family wines (including Charles Krug) from Napa, Bols Vodka from Amsterdam, Koyle Family Wines from Chile, Pearse Lyons whiskies and gins from Ireland, Niagara Craft Distillers' beverages from Ontario, Fontana di Papa wines and Cielo e Terra wines from Italy.

For more information, please contact:

J. Murray Souter, President & CEO

jmurraysouter@diamondwines.com

905.641.1042 Ext 234

Ryan Conte, Chief Financial Officer

rconte@diamondwines.com

Phone: (905) 933-8244

Diamond Estates Wines & Spirits Inc.

1067 Niagara Stone Rd., Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0

Early Warning Disclosure

Lassonde Industries Inc. ("Lassonde") was issued today an aggregate of 14,986,118 Units, having an aggregate value of $2,697,500.94. Of these 14,986,118 Units, 8,333,333 Units were acquired pursuant to the Financing, and 6,652,785 Units were acquired pursuant to the Debt Conversion.

Prior to the Transactions, Lassonde owned 38,478,947 common shares, representing approximately 19.239% of the common shares. Following the Transactions, Lassonde now holds 53,465,065 common shares, representing approximately 19.18% of the issued and outstanding common shares, and 11,239,589 Warrants. If Lassonde was to exercise all of the Warrants it holds, it would own 64,704,654 common shares, representing approximately 22.31% of the issued and outstanding common shares (based on Diamond's then current number of issued and outstanding common shares and assuming that no other outstanding convertible securities convert).

Immediately following the Debt Conversion, Lassonde became a Control Person of Diamond, as such term is defined in Policy 1.1 - Interpretation of the TSX Venture Exchange. On September 28, 2021, in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the disinterested shareholders of Diamond have approved by ordinary resolution that Lassonde becomes a Control Person.

The subscription of Lassonde is being undertaken for investment purposes and it may, from time to time, increase or decrease its beneficial ownership or control depending on market or other conditions. A copy of the Early Warning Report with additional information in respect of the foregoing matters may be found on www.SEDAR.com.

For further information on Lassonde and to obtain a copy of the Early Warning Report, please contact:



Investor contact:

Eric Gemme, Chief Financial Officer

Lassonde Industries Inc.

755 rue Principale, Rougemont, Quebec, J0L 1M0

450-469-4926, ext 10456

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 press release contains forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", 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. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Diamond Estates Wines and Spirits Inc. to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Actual results and developments are likely to differ, and may differ materially, from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Such forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect, including, but not limited to the economy generally; consumer interest in the services and products of the Company; financing; competition; and anticipated and unanticipated costs. While the Company acknowledges that subsequent events and developments may cause its views to change, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the views of the Company as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Not for dissemination in the United States

Not for dissemination in the United States or for distribution to U.S. newswire services. The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the " U.S. Securities 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, a person in the United States or a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act and any applicable state securities laws, or compliance with an exemption therefrom. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Not for dissemination in the United States or for distribution to U.S. newswire services.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98840
Twitter followers had a field day when the 100-year-old school with a Hogwarts feel was listed for sale.

The 1982 Foundation raised $1 million to buy it and turn it into a model for revitalizing small rural towns.

GRANTSVILLE, W.Va., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Followers of the "Best of Zillow" Twitter account went wild when 100-year-old Calhoun High School was listed for sale in Grantsville, West Virginia earlier this year. The abandoned building's Harry Potteresque structure was fodder for Twitter users speculating about potential occupants and uses, human world and otherwise.

100-year-old Calhoun County High School, the subject of a viral thread on the "Best of Zillow" Twitter account, has been purchased by former students who are turning it into a community and learning center with the hope of reviving their small town of Grantsville, West Virginia. The project is expected to be a model for revitalizing other small towns in Appalachia.

It ignited an idea, a very large idea of how we could use the school to revitalize our community

"It caused such a big commotion," explained Crystal Mersh, president of the school's graduating class of 1982, "that it ignited an idea, a very large idea of how we could use the school to revitalize our community and create a model to be followed by other small towns in Appalachia." Mersh, CEO of a global management consulting company, donated $1 million to jumpstart the project.

The 1982 Foundation, led by Mersh, is now the proud owner of the castle-like structure with the storied past and the bright future. The school will be turned into a self-funding, mixed-use community center with classrooms, meeting rooms, AirBnb hotel rooms, office space for lease, a gym, a swimming pool, and a day care. The center will host summer and afterschool programs, such as STEM day camps to foster children's desire to learn and to introduce them to opportunities for their futures. Labor and materials for the project will be locally sourced as much as possible, injecting a much-needed source of work for the local merchants and tradesmen.

"Over the past forty years," noted Mersh, "Calhoun County has fallen on hard times as a result of the lack of good jobs, the opioid epidemic and lack of infrastructure to support growth. We are hopeful this model can be a model for many Appalachia small towns to rally and restore their communities."

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West Virginia's Speaker of the House of Delegates, Roger Hanshaw, and Secretary of Economic Development, Mitch Carmichael, are confirmed to attend the brick-breaking event and the 800-person festival on October 9 in the building's honor. Mersh's grandfather helped lay the original bricks for the building 100 years ago in 1921.

"We have excellent support from the community," said Mersh, "The center is by far the biggest thing to have happened in Calhoun County for a very long time."

Mersh, who went to nearby Fairmont State after graduating, credits "the fine people of this county for instilling values, hope, and dreams that are hard to find. All of us at the 1982 Foundation want that same kind of growing-up experience for the kids of this area for many years to come."

ABOUT: The 1982 Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the goal of revitalizing Calhoun County through the creation of a self-funding mixed-use community center. More details are available on the public Facebook page for The 1982 Foundation "Calhoun County Community Center" ( https://www.facebook.com/groups/872475373372584 ).

Media Contact:

Michelle Fishburne

919-247-0384

mfishburne@qualityexecutivepartners.com

Cision

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SOURCE The 1982 Foundation
'How Do I Love?' is available on all platforms and includes 10 songs written, performed and co-produced by the award-winning musician and actress

Piper Madison - 'How Do I Love?'

Piper Madison - 'How Do I Love?'

Piper Madison - 'How Do I Love?'

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Piper Madison's unique musical style, dubbed as "introspective indie rock with a soulful jazz influence," embodies contemplative and poetic songwriting at its best. She describes her second full-length album as "heartfelt and sincere," revealing that some of the songs are optimistic and positive while others are wistfully thoughtful. From the fun, imaginative soundscape of "Bubble Bath Beach" to the nostalgic lyrics of "Santa Barbara" and the momentous finale in the title track "How Do I Love?", Piper Madison's sophomore album takes listeners on an emotional journey through the facets of the human experience.

"I decided with this album to write from my heart and embrace authenticity over the pursuit of perfection." - Piper Madison



"How Do I Love?" is a reflection of Madison's spirituality and value of mental health in her own life. Written, performed and co-produced by Madison, she began recording her album during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in her home studio. At the time, she was working as an actress and musician and attending college in Los Angeles. When the pandemic caused the shutdown of filming in LA and halted non-essential air travel, she decided to move to Kentucky (her hometown) to be closer to family.

Madison says that for her, living through a pandemic has been eye-opening. "I've learned that happiness is a choice and there is always a way to shift your perspective to look at the bright side. No matter the circumstance, there is always something to be grateful for." She goes on to share, "Songwriting has been very therapeutic, especially during this chaotic time." She explained that songwriting brings her into the here and now, as illustrated in her lead single "Clear Mind Blue Skies," which captures the spiritual tenet of being present.

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While Madison's first album was a self-proclaimed exploration of identity and sense of self, her newest album "How Do I Love?" explores "how identity affects relationships, and how the way we love ourselves impacts the way we love each other." That sentiment is evidenced in her song "Ruth," which unearths the driving force behind comparing ourselves to others.

The essence of the 19-year-old musician's sophomore album is to embrace what it is to be human, taking the good with the bad and all the in-betweens.

How Do I Love?

Clear Mind Blue Skies Pearls Bubble Bath Beach I Found You Return To Sender Ruth Santa Barbara Stardust Vibe With Me How Do I Love?

WEBSITE: pipermadison.com

INSTAGRAM: @pipermadison

MANAGER:

Patrick Lee

manager@pipermadison.com

Phone: (818) 691-6210

PRESS CONTACT:

Debra Locker

debra@debralockergroup.com

Phone: (859) 536-0282

Related Images













Image 1: Piper Madison - 'How Do I Love?'





Piper Madison, releases her sophomore album titled 'How Do I Love?' which includes 10 songs written, performed and co-produced by the award-winning musician and actress.









This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com.

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Passive ETFs track unique Alerian Galaxy Global Indexes that combine exposure to cryptocurrency and blockchain equities with an allocation to an investment vehicle that directly holds digital assets

ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Invesco Ltd. (NYSE: IVZ), a leading global asset management firm, today announced the launch of two passively managed exchange-traded funds (ETFs) focused on digital assets and blockchain. The Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economy ETF (SATO) and the Invesco Alerian Galaxy Blockchain Users and Decentralized Commerce ETF (BLKC) will offer thematic equity exposure to global public companies and select investment vehicles that are actively engaged in the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors.

Beginning today at 9:30am ET the following new ETFs will list on Cboe Global Markets:

Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economy ETF (SATO)

Invesco Alerian Galaxy Blockchain Users and Decentralized Commerce ETF (BLKC)

"Today's launch opens up a new way for investors to access this fast-growing asset class, combining exposure to key companies in the cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem with an allocation to an investment vehicle that directly holds digital assets, all within the ETF wrapper," said John Hoffman, Head of Americas, ETFs & Indexed Strategies at Invesco. "The combined, broad expertise Alerian and Galaxy bring to these Invesco ETFs is a unique advantage and we are excited to align with both firms on a combined long-term vision around the potential digital assets and blockchain can bring to clients' investment outcomes."

The Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economy ETF (SATO) will aim to track the Alerian Galaxy Global Cryptocurrency-Focused Blockchain Equity, Trusts & ETPs Index and provide exposure to companies participating in both the cryptocurrency and blockchain space, including businesses such as cryptocurrency miners, cryptocurrency infrastructure technologies and cryptocurrency buyers. The Invesco Alerian Galaxy Blockchain Users and Decentralized Commerce ETF (BLKC) will aim to track the Alerian Galaxy Global Blockchain Equity, Trusts & ETPs Index and offer access to the same companies as SATO as well as a segment of companies that are engaged in the research and development of blockchain technology not tied to cryptocurrency.

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In addition, both ETFs will maintain an allocation to an investment vehicle that directly holds physical cryptocurrency. This is the largest such dedicated holding currently available in an ETF in the U.S.

The underlying indexes represent a partnership of Alerian S-Network Global Indexes, a pioneering index provider focused on building innovative, index-based investment strategies and Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd. (TSX: GLXY), a leading financial services and investment management innovator in the digital assets, cryptocurrency and blockchain technology sectors.

The indexes combine both firms' expertise to build benchmarks with first-of-a-kind access to the cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystem. Both Alerian Galaxy Indexes are passive, rules-based, transparent, and rebalance monthly.

"Alerian is proud to continue its track record of index innovation and partnering with industry leading firms like Invesco and Galaxy to deliver thoughtfully designed solutions to meet investor demand," said Robert Hughes, Chief Commercial Officer of Alerian S-Network Global Indexes. "Our underlying indexes were thoughtfully constructed through research and comprehensive analysis to provide unique access to the ever-growing blockchain and cryptocurrency universe."

"Today marks an exciting milestone as we unlock another way for retail and institutional investors to get involved in the rapidly evolving and transformative world of digital assets," said Steve Kurz, Partner and Head of Asset Management at Galaxy Digital. "We look forward to our continued partnership with Invesco, a leader in ETFs, and Alerian, a leader in index-based investment strategies, as we continue bridging the gap between traditional and digital finance."

About Invesco Ltd.

Invesco Ltd. is a global independent investment management firm dedicated to delivering an investment experience that helps people get more out of life. Our distinctive investment teams deliver a comprehensive range of active, passive and alternative investment capabilities. With offices in more than 20 countries, Invesco managed $1.5 trillion in assets on behalf of clients worldwide as of June 30, 2021. For more information, visit www.invesco.com.

About Alerian S-Network Global Indexes

Alerian is a leading independent index provider focused on building innovative, index-based investment strategies. Alerian acquired S-Network Global Indexes in 2020, expanding the firm's index offerings and services to partners. Combined, the firm serves the global investment community through indexing, benchmarking, and calculation services. Built on a foundation of data rigor and specialty research, Alerian S-Network Global Indexes offer a comprehensive family of energy, income, and thematic indexes. Today, the firm has over $23 billion in total assets benchmarked to its indexes and over 200 customers worldwide.

About Galaxy Digital

Galaxy Digital is a diversified financial services and investment management company in the digital asset, cryptocurrency, and blockchain technology sectors. Galaxy Digital's team has extensive experience spanning investing, portfolio management, capital markets, venture capital, asset management, and blockchain technology. Galaxy Digital operates in the following businesses: Trading, Asset Management, Principal Investments, Investment Banking, and Mining. Galaxy Digital's CEO and Founder is Mike Novogratz. The Company is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Chicago, San Francisco, London, Amsterdam, Tokyo, Hong Kong, the Cayman Islands (registered office), and New Jersey.

Not a Deposit | Not FDIC Insured | Not Guaranteed by the Bank | May Lose Value | Not Insured by any Federal Government Agency

Important Information

An investment cannot be made directly into an index.

The Alerian Galaxy Global Cryptocurrency-Focused Blockchain Equity, Trusts & ETPs Index is primarily comprised of two different components; (i) stocks of companies that are materially engaged in cryptocurrency mining, cryptocurrency buying, or enabling technologies that facilitate the transfer, custody, and issuance of cryptocurrency (the "Equity Component"); and (ii) ETPs and investment trusts linked to cryptocurrency (the "ETP and Trust Component").

The Alerian Galaxy Global Blockchain Equity, Trusts & ETPs Index is primarily comprised of two different components; (i) stocks of companies that are materially engaged in the development of blockchain technology, cryptocurrency mining, cryptocurrency buying, or enabling technologies that facilitate the transfer, custody, and issuance of cryptocurrency (the "Equity Component"); and (ii) ETPs and investment trusts linked to cryptocurrency (the "ETP and Trust Component").

This does not constitute a recommendation of any investment strategy or product for a particular investor. Investors should consult a financial professional before making any investment decisions.

About Risk

There are risks involved with investing in ETFs, including possible loss of money. Shares are not actively managed and are subject to risks similar to those of stocks, including those regarding short selling and margin maintenance requirements. Ordinary brokerage commissions apply. The Fund's return may not match the return of the Underlying Index. The Fund is subject to certain other risks. Please see the current prospectus for more information regarding the risk associated with an investment in the Fund.

Many significant aspects of the U.S. federal income tax treatment of investments in cryptocurrencies are uncertain and an investment in cryptocurrencies, even indirectly, may produce income that is not treated as qualifying income for purposes of the income test applicable to regulated investment companies, such as the Funds. To the extent a Fund invests in any cryptocurrency-linked assets that generate non-qualifying income, it intends to do so through the Subsidiary.

Companies transacting on the blockchain are required to manage a user's account (or "wallet") which is accessed via cryptographic keys. Mismanagement, theft, or loss of the keys can adversely affect the companies operations on the blockchain.

Certain companies in the Underlying Index may be engaged in other lines of business unrelated to blockchain and cryptocurrency and these lines of business could adversely affect their operating results. Operating results of these companies may fluctuate due these additional risks and events in the other lines of business. Also, a company's ability to engage in new activities may expose it to business risks with which it has less experience than the traditional risks associated with its businesses. Despite a company's possible success in activities linked to its use of blockchain, there can be no assurance that the other lines of business in which these companies are engaged will not have an adverse effect on a company's business or financial condition.

In seeking to track the Underlying Index, the Funds may obtain investment exposure to cryptocurrencies indirectly through private vehicles that are traded over-the-counter market, such as the Grayscale Bitcoin Investment Trust ("GBTC"). An investment in these vehicles exposes the Funds to all risks related to digital currencies and those specific to private vehicles and private funds generally, which may include, but are not limited to, liquidity risk, lack of a secondary market to trade securities, management risk, concentration risk and valuation risk. Private funds are generally not registered under the 1940 Act, the Securities Act of 1933, or any state securities laws, therefore investments in such vehicles will not benefit from the protections and restrictions of such laws. To the extent such vehicles are traded, they may trade at a premium or discount to their net asset values. The Funds will indirectly pay a proportional share of the expenses of the private vehicles in which it invests, in addition to the fees and expenses the Funds already will pay to the Adviser. As a result, shareholders will absorb duplicate levels of fees with respect to the Fund's investments in such vehicles.

Companies engaged in the development, enablement and acquisition of blockchain technologies are subject to a number of risks. Blockchain technology is new and many of its uses may be untested. There is no assurance that widespread adoption will occur. The extent to which companies held by the Fund utilize blockchain technology may vary.

As blockchain technology is new, there is a risk that companies developing applications of this technology may be subject to additional risks including, but not limited to, intellectual property claims and legal action. Furthermore, blockchain technology may be subject to future law and regulation that may adversely impact adoption.

Blockchain technology relies on the internet, the disruption of which may adversely affect companies involved with the technology or even the blockchain itself.

While the Funds will not invest directly in cryptocurrencies, the value of a Fund's investments in cryptocurrency-linked assets (including private trusts and ETPs) is subject to fluctuations in the value of the cryptocurrency, which have been and may in the future be highly volatile. The price of a digital currency could drop precipitously (including to zero) for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, regulatory changes, a crisis of confidence, flaw or operational issue in a digital currency network or a change in user preference to competing cryptocurrencies.

Shares are not individually redeemable and owners of the Shares may acquire those Shares from the Fund and tender those Shares for redemption to the Fund in Creation Unit aggregations only, typically consisting of 50,000 Shares.

Alerian is a trademark of Alerian, Galaxy is a trademark of Galaxy Digital LP ("Galaxy') and both trademarks along with the Alerian Galaxy Global Blockchain Index and the Alerian Galaxy Global Cryptocurrency-Focused Blockchain Index have been licensed for use by Invesco, Ltd. ("Invesco") for use in connection with the Invesco Alerian Galaxy Blockchain Economy ETF and the Invesco Alerian Galaxy Crypto Economy ETF (collectively, the "ETFs"). The ETFs are not issued, sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Alerian, Galaxy or any of their affiliates. Neither Alerian nor Galaxy makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, to the purchasers or owners of the ETFs or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the ETFs particularly or the ability of the Indexes to track general market performance. Alerian and Galaxy's only relationship to the ETFs is the licensing of their trademarks and the Indexes, which are determined, composed and calculated by Alerian without regard to Invesco or the ETFs. Neither Alerian nor Galaxy is responsible for or has participated in the determination of the timing of, prices at, or quantities of the ETFs issued by Invesco, and neither Alerian nor Galaxy has any obligation or liability in connection with the issuance, administration, marketing or trading of the ETFs.

Invesco is not affiliated with Alerian S-Network Global Indexes or Galaxy Digital Holdings Ltd.

Before investing, investors should carefully read the prospectus/summary prospectus and carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. For this and more complete information about the Fund call 800 983 0903 or visit invesco.com for the prospectus/summary prospectus.

Invesco Distributors, Inc. is the US distributor for Invesco's retail products and private placements. It is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Invesco Ltd.

Invesco Media Relations Contact: Stephanie Diiorio, Stephanie.Diiorio@invesco.com, (212) 278-9037

Galaxy Digital Contacts:

Investors Relations Contacts:

Elsa Ballard, elsa.ballard@galaxydigital.io, (212) 390-9216

Steven Wald, steven.wald@galaxydigital.io, (212) 390-9216

Media Relations Contact: Eva Casanova, media@galaxydigital.io, (917) 847-4796

Alerian Media Relations Contact: Kim Greenberg, kim.greenberg@alerian.com, (516) 241-3892

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SOURCE Invesco Ltd.
Joint venture will create a 76-bed hospital in Jefferson County, Arkansas

LOUISVILLE, Ky. & PINE BLUFF, Ark., October 07, 2021--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jefferson Regional and Kindred Healthcare, LLC today announced a joint venture to build and operate a 40-bed freestanding inpatient rehabilitation hospital that will also include an additional 36 behavioral health beds.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005728/en/

The hospital will provide inpatient rehabilitation services for adults who have experienced a loss of function or disability due to stroke, brain injury, spinal code injury, neurological disorders, orthopaedic surgery and other conditions. Featuring all private rooms, the rehabilitation section of the hospital will provide intense, interdisciplinary rehabilitation therapies and medical care to improve patients functional independence and help them return home.

The facilitys distinct behavioral unit will offer a continuum of inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services for adults and seniors, including crisis stabilization for acute mental health and substance use disorders; detoxification from alcohol and drugs; and treatment for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and many other behavioral health illnesses.

The new hospital will replace and increase the number of existing acute rehabilitation and behavioral health beds currently operating at Jefferson Regional. Kindred has managed the hospitals rehab unit for the past 28 years.

According to Brian Thomas, President and Chief Executive Officer at Jefferson Regional, "Jefferson Regional has enjoyed a very successful relationship with Kindred through our rehabilitation program, and we look forward to expanding the care we provide to residents in Southeast Arkansas. The need for rehab services continues to grow, and our most recent Community Needs Assessment indicated that there was a lack of mental and behavioral health resources in Southeast Arkansas. As a result, we are very enthusiastic about the opportunity to reach even more people through this joint venture."

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"We have been privileged to be Jefferson Regionals rehabilitation partner for nearly three decades and are excited to partner with them in this new joint venture," said Jason Zachariah, President and Chief Operating Officer of Kindred Healthcare. "Because of the tremendous work done over the years by the clinical staff of both organizations, we are able to continue to provide even greater access in Southeast Arkansas to much needed rehabilitation and behavioral health services."

Zachariah added, "The combination of services is designed to meet two areas of need in one facility. The innovation and flexibility demonstrated by this project is another example of why hospitals and health systems across the country partner with Kindred to meet their communitys unique healthcare needs."

A specific location for the new hospital has not been announced. The facility is anticipated to open in 2023.

About Jefferson Regional

Jefferson Regional is an acute care hospital in Jefferson County and serves patients from an eleven-county area of Southeast Arkansas. The community owned, not-for-profit facility is licensed for 300 beds, with a medical staff of more than 125 providers. Jefferson Regional is also one of the largest employers in Jefferson County with more than 1,500 employees in the hospital and its associated clinics. The mission of the organization is to improve health through excellence and compassion, with a vision to be the healthcare provider and employer of choice for Southeast Arkansas. For more information, visit www.jrmc.org.

About Kindred Healthcare

Kindred Healthcare, LLC is the nations leading specialty hospital company delivering acute health services in its long-term, acute care hospitals, including rehabilitation hospitals, acute rehabilitation units, and behavioral health line of business, all specializing in treating the most medically complex patients. Based in Louisville, Kentucky, and ranked as one of Fortune magazines Most Admired Healthcare Companies for nine years, Kindreds mission is to help our patients reach their highest potential for health and healing with intensive medical and rehabilitative care through a compassionate patient experience. For more information, go to www.kindredhealthcare.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005728/en/

Contacts

Susan E. Moss

Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications

Kindred Healthcare

502-596-7296

susan.moss@kindred.com

Jamie McCombs

Director of Marketing

Jefferson Regional

870-541-7663

mccombsj@jrmc.org
A Co-Marketing Campaign Designed to Give More Customers a Taste of Luxury Living

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics (LG) is expanding its partnership with Italian premium lifestyle and furniture brand Molteni&C S.P.A to let more consumers experience the premium lifestyle of LG SIGNATURE. Since this 3-year partnership commenced (October 2020), LG SIGNATURE has displayed its luxurious OLED TVs at the renowned Molteni Quality Hub Italy and Molteni&C Flagship Stores across France and North America. This year, this collaboration will operate various marketing strategies to promote premium lifestyles to an even larger audience.

Molteni&C New York Flagship Store_LG SIGNATURE OLED 8K

Molteni&C Paris Flagship Store_LG SIGNATURE OLED 8K

2021 Molteni&C collection catalog _LG OLED TV

Adding to its ongoing projects, LG SIGNATURE OLED TV is to be showcased at the Molteni&C flagship store in Milan, Italy, along with LG's premium OLED TV. Moreover, visitors can purchase LG SIGNATURE(LG) products at the Italian lifestyle brand's flagship stores at their convenience, where they can enjoy the entire experience of buying not just a high-tech appliance, but a piece of art for their home. LG OLED TV is proudly featured in the 2021 Molteni&C collection catalog as well - introduced as one of the components of Molteni&C 505 UP series, a modular storage system created by Italian designer Nicola Gallizia. Its sophisticated, refined design aligns with and completes the sense of unity and craftsmanship that comes with exclusive modular furnishing.

LG SIGNATURE will also join Contract Atelier, a Milan luxury housing renewal project led by Molteni&C, with 8 other globally renowned architecture and home appliance brands. LG SIGNATURE's products will be displayed at a Contract Atelier showroom in Milan to be launched in November, and invites will be sent out for the LG Signature Kitchen Suite (SKS) showroom which will be host to several exciting events.

"Thanks to our strong partnerships with premium global brands such as Molteni&C, we're introducing LG SIGNATURE's exclusive designs and cutting-edge technologies to more consumers across key premium markets," said Lee Jeong-seok, head of LG Electronics' Global Marketing Center. "We will continue to seek out opportunities to showcase our vision for a more luxurious lifestyle by partnering with global brands that share our core philosophy and overriding passion for perfection."

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About LG SIGNATURE

LG SIGNATURE is the first ultra-premium brand across multiple product categories from global innovator LG Electronics. Designed for the most discerning consumers, LG SIGNATURE products deliver a state-of-the-art living experience that feels pure, sophisticated and luxurious. Combining the very best of everything LG has to offer, LG SIGNATURE products are designed with a focus on their "true essence" aligned with the brand's modern, distinctive design. For more information, visit www.LGSIGNATURE.com.

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SOURCE LG SIGNATURE
VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 7, 2021 /CNW/ - MANTARO SILVER CORP. (TSXV: MSLV) (FSE: 9TZ) (OTCQB: MSLVF) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that its common shares will begin trading on the OTCQB Marketplace under the symbol "MSLVF" at open of markets on October 7, 2021.

Mantaro Silver Corp. Logo (CNW Group/Mantaro Silver Corp.)

"We are excited with our listing on the OTCQB. Our belief is an OTCQB listing will provide increased access to US investors and a broader shareholder base. Further, it will allow U.S. based investors the opportunity to further share in the Company's continued growth," said Dr. Christopher Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

The OTCQB offers transparent trading in entrepreneurial and development stage companies that have met a minimum bid price test, are current in their financial reporting and have undergone an annual verification and management certification process. These standards provide a strong baseline of transparency, as well as the technology and regulation to improve the information and trading experience for investors.

Investors in the U.S. can obtain Real-Time quotes and market information for the Company at www.otcmarkets.com as well as access the most current company news and developments. Investors will now have greater access to information via the OTC Disclosure and News Service, and transparent prices through full depth of book with Real Time Level 2 quotes.

About Mantaro Silver Corp.

Mantaro Silver Corp. is a British Columbia company that holds a diversified portfolio of gold and silver focused mineral properties in Bolivia and Peru. The Company's holds an option to acquire up to an 80% interest in the advanced Golden Hill Property ("Golden Hill"), located in the underexplored, orogenic Bolivia Shield, Bolivia.

The Company also has an 100% interest in high-grade Santas Gloria Silver Property as well as a 100% interest in the San Jose, La Purisima, Cerro Luque and Huaranay Properties (the "Silver Properties"). The Silver Properties are all located in Peru.

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Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. 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 Company's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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SOURCE Mantaro Silver Corp.

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Microsoft announced today that it has acquired Ally.io, a software service that helps companies measure their progress against OKRs (objectives and key results), a common way that management measures both individual and company progress. The two firms did not share the purchase price.

Microsoft plans to incorporate Ally into its Viva family of employee experience products. Microsoft says the idea behind Viva and the Ally acquisition is to provide a more transparent way to communicate company goals and objectives to employees.

"Aligning employee work to the companys strategic mission and core priorities is top of mind for every organization. To do this, leaders need to invest in tools that communicate transparency around big company bets and create ways to cascade aspirational goals and report results at all levels of an organization," Kirk Koenigsbauer, chief operating officer & corporate vice president in charge of experiences and devices wrote in a blog post announcing the deal.

As for Ally, CEO and founder Vetri Vellore says that this will enable his company to grow the product much more quickly as part of Microsoft than he could have on his own. "As a part of Microsoft Viva, Ally.io will continue to give leaders, teams and individuals the ability to align and focus everyday work to the companys most important objectives. We will help bring goals and purpose to wherever the team is doing work including Teams, Outlook, Slack and the other systems you use every day," Vellore wrote in a blog post on the Ally website.

Understanding your work objectives and how they fit with the broader company goals has become even more important in an age when many more people are working at home and aren't sitting in face-to-face meetings with management. Having those goals and expectations laid out and incorporated into the work tools people are using as remote employees should help keep everyone on track and pointed in the same direction.

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While Microsoft declined to share the price of the transaction, PitchBook data indicates that Ally last raised capital at a $345 million post-money valuation. That price was set when the company raised $50 million earlier this year for a total of $76 million raised.

The exit of Ally to Microsoft could signal the start of a round of consolidation in the OKR-focused software market. There are many players competing for the lead, including WorkBoard, Koan, Gtmhub, Perdoo and WeekDone.

As a startup cohort, they have done incredibly well in terms of attracting venture capital and growing early-stage revenues. And now with an exit under their belt, the collection of companies will have to choose to keep their venture-funded approach to growth intact or shift to dual-tracking private rounds with possible exits to mega-tech companies.

With Microsoft buying Ally, which is also headquartered in Washington state, it could set the stage for other major platform players to buy and offer similar tooling. Its not impossible to imagine any of the other usual acquisitive suspects -- from Salesforce to ServiceNow to SAP -- considering making a similar move and plucking one of these properties off the market.

For now though, just Ally is off the board, and we will have to watch to see how the rest of the market develops as a result of this move.
ABUJA (Reuters) - The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will launch the eNaira, its digital currency, in a couple of days from now, Governor Godwin Emefiele told a conference on Thursday.

He said this would make Nigeria "one of the first countries in Africa, and indeed the globe, to adopt the digitisation of its national currency".

The CBN had announced plans to launch its own digital currency this year after Nigeria barred banks and financial institutions from dealing in or facilitating transactions in cryptocurrencies in February.

Emefiele had previously said the eNaira would operate as a wallet against which customers could hold existing funds in their bank accounts, and that this would accelerate financial inclusion and enable cheaper and faster remittance inflows.

The CBN had named Barbados-based Bitt Inc as its technical partner in developing the eNaira.

(Reporting by Camillus Eboh; Writing by Estelle Shirbon; Editing by Alex Richardson)
KINGSTON, ON, Oct. 7, 2021 /CNW/ - Novari Health has announced that it has completed another successful implementation of its award-winning ATC surgical waitlist management and e-booking technology. Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa is the latest Canadian hospital to implement Novari's one-of-a-kind cloud based technology.

Novari Health Logo (CNW Group/Novari Health Inc.)

Novari Health Implements Surgical Waitlist Solution - Queensway Carleton Hospital goes live with Novari ATC

The technology is being provided as software as a service (SaaS) to the hospital and all surgical offices. The Novari system has been integrated with Meditech, the hospital's information system, and provides these surgeons and their office staff access to a standardized electronic wait list management system and the ability to electronically coordinate the scheduling of surgeries and procedures with the hospital. The software enhances the ability for collaboration and management of pooled lists of patients waiting for surgery as well as supporting a regional view of the demand for surgical services.

The Ontario Ministry of Health, Ontario Health and hospitals across the province have been working to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients waiting for surgery. Having a modern wait list management system complements these efforts.

Novari Health's innovative and unique access to care technologies are live or being implemented at dozens of hospitals and regional health authorities.

"I want to thank the QCH team that worked so tirelessly to make this happen. As well a special thanks to Southlake Regional for their guidance and support, it was so helpful to have a mentor."

- Tim Pemberton

Vice President, Queensway Carleton Hospital

"I am proud of the professional services implementation team at Novari, who working in close collaboration with the team at Queensway Carleton, completed another successful and on-time implementation of Novari ATC."

- John Sinclair, CPHIMS-CA

President Novari Health

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About Novari Health

Novari Health designs, builds, and implements award-winning enterprise scale SaaS solutions that improve access to care, coordination of care, and the delivery of healthcare services. Based in Kingston Ontario and with offices in Vancouver, Australia, and New Zealand, Novari has become one of the largest Canadian based digital health solution providers. ISO 27001 certified, Novari Health is a Microsoft Gold Partner, with software solutions hosted on Microsoft Azure Canadian and Australian cloud data centres. For more information visit www.novarihealth.com.





Central Intake  Surgical Wait List Management  eReferral

 eVisits / Virtual Care 

Novari, Novari Health, Novari ATC, Novari eVisit, Novari eRequest, Novari Access to Care are all trademarks of Novari Health Incorporated.

Novari Health Head Office

1473 John Counter Blvd, Suite 401

Kingston, ON, K7M 8Z6

Canada

Visit our website for more information on Novari Health.

SOURCE Novari Health Inc.

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Company partners with CoinShares to offer full digital asset journey to its customers

ZURICH, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- One year after its successful launch and rapid growth, FlowBank opens an office in the heart of Zurich's financial district. In addition, FlowBank announces its new strategic shareholder, CoinShares International, a pioneer in digital asset investing listed on the Nasdaq Growth Market in Sweden. This further reinforces FlowBank's commitment to go beyond the frontiers of traditional investment by providing its customers easy-to-use and trusted gateways to decentralised finance.

FlowBank logo

Celebrating its one-year anniversary, FlowBank inaugurates a new office in Zurich. The expansion into the country's main financial hub underlines FlowBank's deeply-rooted commitment to Switzerland.

FlowBank's new office will accommodate both the business development team as well as key functions of the customer support team. Charles Henri Sabet, FlowBank's founder, and CEO noted that "Zurich's well-known Paradeplatz is getting competition. With our new location at Lowenplatz, we will now be able to extend our outreach and better connect with our growing user base across all Swiss cantons."

Beyond traditional investing

FlowBank's mission starts within Switzerland's borders but has international ambitions. FlowBank's association with CoinShares, Europe's largest and longest standing digital asset firm, further solidifies FlowBank's mission to create a seamless and innovative banking and investment journey for its customers whilst keeping the very best of Swiss banking heritage.

Jean-Marie Mognetti, CoinShares Co-Founder and CEO added: "CoinShares' technology stack is the backbone of our success since 2015. To date this infrastructure layer has powered our internal commercial developments. Offering FlowBank our expertise and the capacity to start building on our technology brick is a testimony to our State of the Art infrastructure. FlowBank's and our vision for the banking and investing industries align perfectly and therefore serve as fertile soil for a trusting, enduring partnership. It is our pleasure to become a close partner to Charles Henri Sabet and his team and help them achieve their growth ambitions."

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Continuous enhancement of product offering

Today FlowBank's clients can invest in CoinShares' crypto ETPs. Thanks to CoinShares' technology stack offering, starting from the beginning of next year, customers will be able to directly buy, HODL, sell, share cryptocurrencies as well as other tokenized assets directly from their FlowBank account.

This further expands the wide financial product suite currently available through FlowBank. Today more than 50,000 financial products including stocks, bonds, commodities, ETFs, Forex, CFDs, and more are at the customers' fingertips. And with the launch of MetaTrader 4 (MT4) later this month, clients will be able to further enhance their Forex trading experience.

About FlowBank

FlowBank, an online bank headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, employs around 120 specialists. Founded by Charles Henri Sabet in 2020, FlowBank aspires to make investing accessible to everyone. It does so through intuitively-designed investing platforms, educational trading courses led by seasoned experts, and by offering highly competitive pricing. Both private and institutional clients can invest in a wide range of asset classes on its platforms, FlowBank and FlowBank Pro.

FlowBank SA is licensed by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) and a member of esisuisse. Find out more at www.flowbank.com.

About CoinShares

CoinShares is Europe's largest digital asset investment firm, managing billions of assets on behalf of a global client base. Our mission is to expand access to the digital asset ecosystem by pioneering new financial products and services that provide investors with trust and transparency when accessing this new asset class. CoinShares is publicly listed on the Nasdaq First North Growth Market under ticker CS.

FlowBank SA

Caroline Puder, Head of Marketing & Communications

Esplanade de Pont-Rouge 6

1211 Geneva 26

+41 22 888 60 00

caroline.puder@flowbank.com

CoinShares International Limited

Jay Morakis, Investor Relation

2 Hill Street

JE2 4UA St Helier  Jersey

ir@coinshares.com

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SOURCE FlowBank
NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Juan Monteverde, founder and managing partner at Monteverde & Associates PC, a national securities firm rated Top 50 in the 2018-2020 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report and headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City, is investigating Echo Global Logistics, Inc. (ECHO) relating to its proposed acquisition by The Jordan Company, LP. Under the terms of the agreement, ECHO shareholders are expected to receive $48.25 in cash per share they own.

The investigation focuses on whether Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and its Board of Directors violated securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties to the Company by 1) failing to conduct a fair process, and 2) whether the transaction is properly valued.

Click here for more information: https://www.monteverdelaw.com/case/echo-global-logistics-inc. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

Monteverde & Associates PC Logo

About Monteverde & Associates PC

We are a national class action securities litigation law firm that has recovered millions of dollars and is committed to protecting shareholders from corporate wrongdoing. We were listed in the Top 50 in the 2018-2020 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. Our lawyers have significant experience litigating Mergers & Acquisitions and Securities Class Actions. Mr. Monteverde is recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Securities Litigation in 2013, 2017-2019, an award given to less than 2.5% of attorneys in a particular field. He has also been selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2017-2020 Top Rated Lawyer. Our firm's recent successes include changing the law in a significant victory that lowered the standard of liability under Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act in the Ninth Circuit. Thereafter, our firm successfully preserved this victory by obtaining dismissal of a writ of certiorari as improvidently granted at the United States Supreme Court. Emulex Corp. v. Varjabedian, 139 S. Ct. 1407 (2019). Also, over the years the firm has recovered or secured over a dozen cash common funds for shareholders in mergers & acquisitions class action cases.

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If you owned common stock in the Company and wish to obtain additional information and protect your investments free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan E. Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

Contact:

Juan E. Monteverde, Esq.

MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC

The Empire State Building

350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4405

New York, NY 10118

United States of America

jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com

Tel: (212) 971-1341

Attorney Advertising. (C) 2021 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

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NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 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 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 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

rswilloughby@pomlaw.com

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

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SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
Healthcare Industry Veteran to Spearhead Clinical Guidance for SimpleHealths Network of Doctors

Chief Medical Officer

SimpleHealth Names Lisa Czanko, MD, MPH as Chief Medical Officer

SimpleHealth Names Lisa Czanko, MD, MPH as Chief Medical Officer





NEW YORK, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SimpleHealth , a nationally recognized telehealth provider of reproductive wellness, today announced it has appointed Lisa Czanko, MD, MPH as its Chief Medical Officer. In this new role, Dr. Czanko will oversee the clinical direction of SimpleHealths doctor network and related consultations, and offer expert insight on providing patients with an optimal medical experience. She will report to Carrie SiuButt, CEO, and will serve on the Senior Management Team.

As a board certified internist with extensive experience developing digitally-enabled healthcare solutions, Dr. Czankos addition to the management team at SimpleHealth will provide critical support in advancing our programs,  said Carrie SiuButt. Her vision for guiding our network of doctors, proven leadership in digital health activities, and passion for providing care for the underserved, will strengthen our clinical efforts and support the progress of our product pipeline.

SimpleHealth has a dedicated team of doctors focused on developing innovative solutions to the challenges faced by patients, physicians, and the broader healthcare system, and Im honored to now be a part of it, said Dr. Czanko. Im confident that through the medical expertise of our team, well be able to achieve crucial goals of increasing healthcare access, reducing cost, and improving the quality of care for all, especially within underserved communities.

Dr. Czanko earned her undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Chicago. She then went on to complete her M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons followed by her internal medicine residency at Stanford University Hospital and Clinics. Additionally, she holds a Master of Public Health in Health Management from Harvard University School of Public Health. Dr. Czanko has over a decade of clinical experience in academic medical centers in New York and Boston, most recently at Massachusetts General Hospital where she also served as an instructor at Harvard Medical School.

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About SimpleHealth

Founded in 2018 and based in New York City, SimpleHealth makes reproductive wellness simple! Operating in 32 states and growing, SimpleHealth is a nationally recognized telehealth provider of reproductive wellness, offering birth control, herpes and cold sore treatment, and over-the-counter supplements. Simple Health's mission is to be the #1 reproductive wellness provider, giving access to those who otherwise wouldn't be able to find reproductive care in a convenient and affordable way.

Press Contact:

press@simplehealth.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d9eaf819-5f79-4b5d-b8aa-f06559ff5e2f








The following contains minor spoilers for season two, episode nine of Star Trek: Lower Decks.

Throughout the history of Star Trek, its generally accepted that a member of Starfleet will spend about three years as an ensign, the lowest officer rank in the fleet. Its the position given to new Starfleet Academy graduates, and the status of the four protagonists on Lower Decks. However, as the show wraps up its second season and prepares for a third, it does bring the characters status as lowly ensigns into doubt. This weeks episode touches on, though doesnt solve, the problem by exploring the universal concept of a lower decker.

In wej Duj (the first full Klingon language episode title in the entire franchise), the USS Cerritos is in transit between missions, giving the crew some much-needed downtime. Mariner, Rutherford and Tendi use their day off to spend some personal time with senior officers, which sends the bridge-crew-friendless Boimler into a panic since he notes that this will give them an edge when it comes to getting promoted. He spends most of the episode trying and failing to get buddy-buddy with various officers. If this all feels like C-plot level shenanigans, well, it is. But as a result the show takes its biggest leap yet to fill out its narrative in this episode.

wej Duj is Klingon for three ships, and we get to see the crew of the Klingon vessel CheTa, where a very ambitious Boimler-esque Klingon is trying to get in good with the current captain of his ship. Old school fans will remember that authority on Klingon ships is assigned by force, with an officer assuming command by killing the previous captain. Ma'ah isnt quite that ambitious, but hes perfectly happy to walk the captains pet targ if it helps him become first officer.

The episode also shows us the happenings on a nearby Vulcan craft called ShVhal, where a lower decker named TLyn there has been messing with the sensors and as a result, notices some strange readings in the area that she takes to the captain to investigate. The captain agrees to the search, but he also reprimands her for undertaking such unnecessary adjustments to the ship.

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The entire episode could have been played as a slice of life, with the three plot lines never intersecting and it still would have been a fairly successful installment of the series. This isnt our first look at the internal life of a Klingon ship, but it is our first look at a Vulcan crew, and playing those distinct societies against Starfleet culture is a great bit of world building. Star Trek has never been good about showing life outside Starfleet, only lightly touching on the grander world in more recent shows like Picard and Prodigy. And even those still have tenuous Starfleet connections. Lower Decks has relished showing us the larger universe that the characters exist in, and here we now get that same sense of expansion without the Starfleet worldview intruding.

That doesnt mean the storylines stand apart, far from it. All three ships and their plot lines come together in the end, not only pulling the episode into one cohesive narrative, but also continuing  and starting to resolve  a plot line that has lingered since the end of season one, namely the Pakleds. We finally find out why they suddenly became a huge threat in the Alpha Quadrant, thanks to a series of machinations reminiscent of storylines on The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine. Not everything is revolved by the end, presumably leading into a big finale next week. Its fair to say that seasons one and two basically comprise one full story arc, with season three possibly presenting a fresh slate.

And its just in time, too. Each season has represented a year on the Cerritos. Next season will mark three years on the Cerritos for Boimler, Tendi and Rutherford, placing them in line for a promotion. And unlike Mariners purposeful self-sabotage, her friends have all shown themselves to be competent, trustworthy officers. Theres no reason they shouldnt be promoted  and technically Brad Boimler already was at the end of last season, having only been demoted and sent back to the Cerritos because of a transporter accident on the USS Titan.

While its unlikely (though not impossible) that the characters will get promoted in the season finale, it will have to happen some time next year for the show to maintain its verisimilitude in Star Trek canon. The Cerritos doesnt have the luxury of being trapped in the Delta Quadrant as an excuse to keep its ensign an ensign (poor Harry Kim). But theres hope, given what happens to our Klingon and Vulcan lower deckers by the end of wej Duj. Those outcomes, alongside the episode wrapping on Brad giving sage advice to a young crewman, seem to hint that the show is comfortable with letting our protagonists move on when its time.
EL PASO, Texas, Oct. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Transtelco Holding, Inc. ("Transtelco") announced today the early results of Transtelco's previously announced cash tender offer to purchase any and all of the outstanding 8% Senior Secured Notes due 2024 (the "Notes") of Maxcom Telecomunicaciones, S.A.B de C.V., a sociedad anonima bursatil organized under the laws of the United Mexican States ("Maxcom" or the "Issuer") from holders of the Notes (the "Offer") and solicitation of consents from holders of the Notes (the "Consent Solicitation") to effect certain amendments (the "Proposed Amendments") to the indenture governing the Notes (the "Indenture").

According to information received from D.F. King & Co., Inc., the tender agent and information agent for the Offer, as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on October 6, 2021 (the "Early Tender Date"), an aggregate of $53,404,677 principal amount of the Notes, representing approximately 93.93% of the outstanding Notes, had been validly tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the Offer. Because the principal amount of Notes tendered prior to the Early Tender Date exceeded a majority of the outstanding Notes, the requisite consents necessary to adopt the Proposed Amendments have been obtained, and (assuming such Notes tendered are not subsequently withdrawn) Transtelco intends to cause the Issuer, the guarantors and the trustee to execute a supplement to the indenture governing the Notes to effect the Proposed Amendments on the Settlement Date (defined below), which will become operative upon Transtelco's purchase of the Notes in accordance with the Offer and Consent Solicitation.

It has come to Transtelco's attention that it has taken considerable time for holders and beneficial owners of Notes to receive the Offer and Consent Solicitation materials initially published on September 23, 2021, and some holders and beneficial owners may not have received such materials yet. In order to provide holders and beneficial owners with sufficient time to receive and analyze the materials, and tender their Notes and consents in accordance with the applicable procedures as described by us in the materials, Transtelco has decided to extend the Early Tender Date and provide the early tender premium to any holder that tenders its notes prior to the new Early Tender Date.

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The new Early Tender Date is 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on October 21, 2021, which is also the expiration date of the Offer (the "Expiration Date"). The consideration for each $1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn at or prior to the Early Tender Date, and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Offer, will be $515.00 per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (the "Total Consideration"), which includes an early tender premium of $50.00. No additional consideration is payable for a consent in the Consent Solicitation but the Total Consideration for the Notes also constitutes consideration for the related consent. Other than the Total Consideration, holders of Notes accepted for purchase will not receive any additional payments in respect of accrued and unpaid interest on such Notes or otherwise.

Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions to the Offer set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated September 23, 2021 (the "Offer to Purchase"), Transtelco expects to accept and pay for all Notes tendered at or prior to the Expiration Date on or about October 26, 2021 (the "Settlement Date").

If the Offer or the Consent Solicitation is terminated or withdrawn, the existing Indenture governing the Notes will remain in effect in its present form. However, if the Proposed Amendments become operative, holders who do not tender Notes will be bound by the Proposed Amendments following the Settlement Date, meaning that their Notes will be governed by the Indenture as amended by the Supplemental Indenture.

The purpose of the Offer is to purchase any and all of the Notes in connection with the Acquisition (as defined below), a principal objective of which is to help the Issuer avoid a potential insolvency proceeding (Concurso Mercantil) governed by the Mexican Concursos Law (Ley de Concursos Mercantiles) in Mexico or a potential U.S. bankruptcy proceeding. The Acquisition is subject to the completion of the Offer and Consent Solicitation, among other conditions. Transtelco understands that Maxcom does not have the means to repay the amounts that will become due and payable under the Notes. Transtelco understands that Maxcom is currently not likely to find a material source of financing to fund the interest and principal payments on the Notes, including the interest payment that was due and not paid on April 26, 2021. Transtelco believes that the completion of the Acquisition and the Offer is critical to resolving Maxcom's liquidity crisis and ensuring its continued viability. Transtelco also believes that the Offer would benefit both the holders of the Notes and Maxcom by helping Maxcom to avoid contentious litigation that could cause business disruptions or eliminate the overall value of its business. Additionally, Transtelco has no intention to make any scheduled payments of interest or principal on the Notes not purchased in the Offer.

Notes tendered and consents delivered may be withdrawn or revoked at any time prior to 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on October 21, 2021. Holders of Notes who validly tender their Notes will be deemed to have validly delivered the related consents. Holders of Notes may not tender Notes without delivering the related consents.

The Offer and the Consent Solicitation is being made in connection with, and is expressly conditioned upon the closing of, the acquisition of by Transtelco Acquisitions III, S. de R.L. de C.V., a Mexican limited liability company (Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada de Capital Variable (S. de R.L. de C.V.)), of shares representing no less than 85% of the capital stock of Maxcom pursuant to a public mandatory tender offer (Oferta Publica Forzosa de Adquicision) (the "Equity Tender Offer") made in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Mexican Stock Exchange Act ( Ley del Mercado de Valores ) (such acquisition of the outstanding Maxcom shares through the Equity Tender Offer, the "Acquisition"). The Acquisition is expected to close on or about October 26, 2021, subject to satisfaction of the conditions specified in the Prospectus ( Folleto Informativo ) for the Equity Tender Offer. Following completion of the Acquisition, Maxcom will be an indirect subsidiary of Transtelco. The consummation of the Offer and payment for Notes validly tendered pursuant to the Offer remain subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions as set forth in the Offer to Purchase, including, but not limited to, the satisfaction or waiver of the financing condition described therein.

BCP Securities, LLC has been retained as dealer manager. D.F. King & Co., Inc. has been retained to serve as both the tender agent and the information agent. Persons with questions regarding the Offer and the Consent Solicitation should contact BCP Securities, LLC at (203) 629-2186. Copies of the Offer to Purchase may be obtained by contacting D.F. King & Co., Inc. at (866) 796-7184 (toll-free) for noteholders or (212) 269-5550 for banks and brokers or email: maxcom@dfking.com.

None of Transtelco, the Issuer, the dealer manager, the tender agent and the information agent or the trustee for the Notes makes any recommendation as to whether holders of the Notes should tender or refrain from tendering the Notes.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release includes certain statements concerning expectations for the future that are forward-looking within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including, without limitation, information concerning the Acquisition, the Equity Tender Offer, the terms and timing of the Offer and Consent Solicitation, and the impact of completion of the Offer and Consent Solicitation. Transtelco may modify the terms or timing of the Offer and Consent Solicitation with requisite notice. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may project, indicate or imply future results, events, performance or achievements including statements about the Offer and Consent Solicitation and statements about the Notes that remain outstanding after the Offer, and may contain the words "expect," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "estimate," "believe," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions, or future conditional verbs such as "may," "will," "should," "would," and "could." All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release, including statements regarding the anticipating financing for the Offer, the anticipated Acquisition and the ability to realize anticipated synergies and cost savings, the financial position, business strategy, production and growth and other plans and objectives for our future operations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements also contain known and unknown risks and uncertainties (many of which are difficult to predict and beyond management's control) that may cause Transtelco's and Maxcom's actual results in future periods to differ materially from anticipated or projected results. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and Transtelco undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect new information or events.

No Offer or Solicitation

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes or to buy or sell any other securities, or a solicitation of any vote or approval. The Offer and Consent Solicitation is made only through the Offer to Purchase. The Offer and Consent Solicitation is not being made to holders of Notes in any jurisdiction in which the making or acceptance thereof would not be in compliance with the securities, blue sky and other laws of such jurisdiction. In any jurisdiction in which the Offer and Consent Solicitation is required to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Offer and Consent Solicitation will be deemed to be made on behalf of Transtelco by the dealer manager or one or more registered brokers or dealers that are licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction.

About Transtelco Holding, Inc.

Headquartered in El Paso, Texas, Transtelco is a leading global digital infrastructure solutions provider, which includes a state-of-the-art long-haul and metropolitan fiber network in the Southwestern U.S., Mexico and Latin America. It offers Dedicated Internet Access, Long-Haul & Metro Transport, Colocation and Telephony services to global telecom carriers and blue-chip enterprise customers. Transtelco's differentiated bi-national and bi-cultural approach allows it to consistently deliver superior results to customers and exceed expectations. Transtelco delivers services over its own infrastructure that spans over 15,000 miles from Los Angeles to Dallas and Tijuana to Mexico City through a unique network that provides route diversity, redundancy and protection. For more information, visit transtelco.net.

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SOURCE Transtelco Holding, Inc.
Capitalizing on strong consumer demand, new offering streamlines the flow for wholesaling vehicles

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- vAuto announces a new feature within vAuto Provision. Wholesale Hub is the new way to wholesale inventory from within vAuto Provision, enabling dealers to wholesale more efficiently and profitably. Wholesale Hub synchronizes and streamlines the vAuto Provision wholesale workflow to several Manheim channels including Manheim.com and OVE, Manheim in-lane sales and Manheim Express. The solution will be launching first for vehicles to be sent to the Manheim Express Concierge team, followed by Manheim's other channels later in the year.

Wholesale Hub is the latest enhancement to vAuto Provision - make it easier than ever to find, send and track wholesale inventory.

Capitalizing on the rising interest and profitability of used cars, vAuto offers Wholesale Hub to support dealerships during a predicted unseasonable slowing sales period. Wholesale efficiency is critical as dealers move into Q4 facing continued inventory challenges and sales roadblocks.

"Wholesale Hub creates efficiencies in the wholesale vehicle disposal process," says Derek Hansen, VP of Wholesale Operations, vAuto. "It helps Provision dealers save time, reduce time-to-sell and maximize profits by streamlining processes that find inventory marked for wholesale, send inventory to auction, and track wholesale inventory from within Provision. These gains in efficiency equate to real advantages given current industry challenges."

According to the just released Manheim's Used Vehicle Value Index, wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix-, mileage-, and seasonally adjusted basis) increased 5.3% month- over- month in September. This brought the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index to 204.8, a 27.1% increase from a year ago and a record high. In addition to increased pricing, wholesale used car supply remains below normal.

In addition to low supply and increased pricing for wholesale used vehicles, Cox Automotive's September 2021 Forecast reports new-vehicle inventory levels are more than 50% lower than they were one year ago, when inventory was already below healthy levels, and supply chain issues continue to disrupt production. This pronounced lack of new vehicles is sending more shoppers into the used market, further driving up demand.

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With Wholesale Hub improving their workflow, dealerships can now list cars through Manheim in 'bulk' in the same time that it used to take to process one vehicle. This makes it faster and easier to get their vehicles into the world's largest wholesale marketplacewhether those vehicles will be sold from the dealers' lots or on site at a Manheim location. For vehicles sent to a Manheim location, dealers can move their vehicles effortlessly through every step of the wholesale process with Manheim's connected, intuitive marketplace.

For offsite vehicles, dealers can designate a car as wholesale and choose Manheim Express for their wholesale option. A trained Manheim specialist will then go to the dealer's lot, inspect the vehicle, cover it with an Inspection Guarantee and enable the vehicle to be listed on Manheim Express, Manheim.com and OVE simultaneously. They can then track the vehicle's status in Wholesale Hub. vAuto plans to make Wholesale Hub available to other auction marketplaces later this year.

"The partnership between Cox Automotive brands vAuto and Manheim makes it all a lot easier," said Paul Golias, Corporate Used Vehicle Director, Modern Automotive. "We want to be able to retail everything, but if we can get more in wholesale, and free up those funds, that's all the better."

Cox Automotive-owned vAuto provides innovative technology, tools and business intelligence to thousands of dealerships across the United States and Canada, helping them compete more effectively and increase new/used vehicle sales volumes and profits. Cox Automotive-owned Manheim provides end-to-end wholesale vehicle solutions that help dealer and commercial clients increase profits and efficiencies in their used vehicle operations.

For information on all of Cox Automotive's 2021 new offerings, visit www.coxautoinc.com/experience.

About vAuto

vAuto provides innovative technology, tools and business intelligence to thousands of dealerships across the United States and Canada, helping them compete more effectively and increase new/used vehicle sales volumes and profits. Founded in 2005, vAuto revolutionized dealers' used vehicle operations with the groundbreaking Provision suite of tools. Leveraging The Velocity Method of Management, pioneered by vAuto founder, Dale Pollak, Provision helped dealers adopt a more transparent- and turn-focused approach to used vehicle acquisition, appraising, pricing and merchandising based on real-time, local market supply-and-demand data. vAuto's solutions also include Conquest, a new vehicle inventory management and pricing system, and Stockwave, which enables dealers to efficiently find and purchase vehicles from leading wholesale sources via a single platform. In 2018, vAuto released the Provision ProfitTime metric and methodology to help dealers maximize inventory turn and gross profit based on the investment value or profit potential of each vehicle. In 2020, the company debuted an all new iRecon solution, integrated with Provision, to help dealers recondition vehicles and get them retail ready faster.

Headquartered near Chicago, Illinois, vAuto is a Cox Automotive brand.

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using vehicles easier for everyone. The global company's more than 27,000 team members and family of brands, including Autotrader, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com, Dealertrack, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, NextGear Capital, VinSolutions, vAuto and Xtime, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with annual revenues of nearly $20 billion. www.coxautoinc.com

vAuto Logo (PRNewsFoto/AutoTrader) (PRNewsfoto/AutoTrader)

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In an abundance of cautionand in an effort to avoid any possible lawsuitsthe King George Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing Nov. 23 to gather comments about its plan to move a Confederate memorial from the courthouse lawn to a private cemetery.

The obelisk honors the officers and soldiers of the Confederate Army from King George, who gave their lives for the South, according to its inscription. It was a tribute of gratitude from the Ladies Memorial Association of the county, erected in 1869 and later moved to the courthouse lawn.

When a group of residents asked in June 2020 for the monument to be relocated in the wake of George Floyds death at the hands of a white police officer in Minneapolispart of a nationwide effort to remove Confederate memorialsKing George officials started looking for a clear title of ownership. They never found one, County Attorney Matt Britton told the Board of Supervisors.

The county had assumed ownership to a degree by maintaining the memorial, either that or King George could consider it abandoned property, Britton said. Under either definition, the attorney said the county was within its rights to move the monument to Historyland Memorial Park, a cemetery off U.S. 301 in King George.
So are the people he could help.

Carey can take courses and provide volunteer services, which he has done at juvenile correctional facilities. But no counseling organization can hire him to provide direct care.

Essentially, state regulators not connected to the criminal justice system have tacked on extra penalties for Carey that were not included in any sentence from any judge in any court.

The states permanent punishment is not only wrong, but unconstitutional. Put simply, people have a right to earn an honest living in the occupation of their choice without arbitrary or excessive government interference.

Rather than accept the violation, Carey is fighting back. With representation from our nonprofit law firm, the Institute for Justice, he filed a lawsuit against the state on Sept. 29, 2021.

If regulators want to bar someone from an otherwise lawful career because of the persons history, they should consider each case separately and base denials on individual circumstances.

Among other factors, regulators should consider the relevance of a persons criminal record, their efforts at reform since re-entering society, and ultimately whether employment would jeopardize public safety.
THE unprecedented confluence of the COVID-19 pandemic, heightened attention to police brutality following the murder of George Floyd and an alarming number of school shootings in recent years has created considerable confusion about what roleif anylaw enforcement officers should have in public schools.

Are officers assigned to schools to protect students, teachers and staff or to enforce the law? Does their presence add to, or detract from, the schools educational goals? Does it prevent student violence or perpetuate the school-to-prison pipeline?

After the horrific massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn., in 2012, where 26 people including 20 first graderswere killed, the public clamored for more armed officers to be assigned to schools around the nation and the 2018 shooting that killed 17 people at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High in Parkland, Fla., amplified those concerns. School resource officers were seen as protectors.

But now in Spotsylvania County, the School Board is considering amending the memorandum of understanding it has with the Sheriffs Office to allow deputies assigned to schools as resource officers to assist administrators for specific safety reasons, including policy enforcement that affects safety.
A district court judge brought his concerns regarding the indictment of a former county attorney to the Dodge County Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday.

Sixth Judicial District Court Judge Geoffrey Hall also brought up concerns about Dodge County Jail and other problems he wanted the board to know about, along with compliments regarding two other situations.

Hall stressed the importance of transparency in the indictment of former Dodge County Attorney Oliver Glass.

The indictment includes allegations from the U.S. District Attorneys Office for Nebraska that law enforcement officers from the Fremont Police Department, Dodge County Sheriffs Department and other law enforcement entities were tasked with orders from Glass to surveil, harass and possibly arrest his estranged wife along with her new boyfriend.

Its not appropriate for somebody like me to discuss an open case, Hall said, but this is something so damaging to not only our judicial system but the publics trust, too. We have to talk about this.

Hall asked the board to remain open and transparent about everything he discussed.

It is so hard to get that trust again once you lose it, and this is possibly a big problem. The public deserves to be in the know, Hall said.

Hall told the Tribune that the investigation into Glass had lasted months, and there were signs that not just wrongdoing had happened, but possible illegal activity had taken place.

My point at the board of supervisors meeting was to inform them of the gravity of the situationto let them know that this is a big deal and to make sure not to erode the publics trust, Hall said.

Hall maintains that the situation involving former Dodge County Attorney Glass and possible officers involved is still ongoing, but needs public attention.

We have a duty to inform the public, so they know that we want accountability and transparency, trust in each other is the main factor, Hall said.

Hall also expressed his thoughts to the board about the Saunders County Jail.

I have received several complaints, from different entities about mismanagement happening in our jail. Calls to clients not going through, sometimes there is inability to see a client for whatever reason. Paperwork not being delivered, Hall said. If we cant see them, then how can we defend them effectively? We have to provide these people with a competent defense.

Hall discussed the cost of court-appointed defense attorneys.

They are too expensive, Hall said.

Hall believes the expense not only hurts the judicial system, but the people who need defense attorneys.

Halls list of discussion topics included positive comments.

He praised the board for its support with Drug Court which Hall said has helped stem drug problems in Fremont and Dodge County.

Hall also mentioned a clerk whom he said single handedly collected $30,000 in fees and applauded her above and beyond work.

Halls comments were met with positive feedback from the entire board, whose members expressed appreciation for the judges comments and commitment to these issues.

This story was updated to show that Judge Hall expressed concerns about the Saunders County Jail. It was unclear to which jail he was referring in a previous version of this story.

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DUSHANBE -- On the banks of a mountain river outside Tajikistans capital, in a resort area teeming with hotels and dachas, stands a modern, two-story building flanked by towering trees and lattice fence panels.

The state-owned sanatorium near Dushanbe is usually reserved for high-ranking Tajik officials who flock there on weekends or for short vacations.

But since September 1 the sanatorium has housed scores of Afghan military personnel and their families who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban seized power in August. The group includes U.S.-trained pilots, air-traffic controllers, and engineers.

The 143 Afghans landed at Bokhtar Airport in southern Tajikistan late on August 15, just hours after the collapse of the Western-backed Afghan government and the Talibans capture of the Afghan capital, Kabul.

But two months after they escaped the Taliban takeover, the pilots are in limbo. They hoped the United States would fly them out of Tajikistan. But that has been repeatedly delayed, with Tajik authorities declining to offer any reasons.

The pilots, who spoke to RFE/RL on condition of anonymity, said they flew across Afghanistan's northern border to Tajikistan aboard 17 military aircraft, including 11 Cessna 208 Caravans, three AC-208 Combat Caravans, and three Pilatus PC-12s that belonged to the Afghan Air Force.

Several of the Afghan personnel told RFE/RL that they had virtually no contact with the outside world since they arrived in Tajikistan, including with their family members in Afghanistan. Tajik authorities have confiscated their Afghan identification documents, mobile phones, and private weapons, they said.

The group spent two weeks at a student dormitory in the southern city of Bokhtar, near the border with Afghanistan, before they were transferred to the sanatorium near Dushanbe.

The group, which includes two female military pilots, said they do not want to remain in Tajikistan and hope to resettle in the United States.

The Afghans said no Americans have visited or contacted them since they arrived in Tajikistan.

But a State Department spokesperson told RFE/RL on October 7 that U.S. Embassy staff in Dushanbe have visited the sanatorium where the Afghans reside.

Asked if U.S. officials have discussed the situation of the Afghans with Tajik authorities, the spokesperson said they were in regular communication with the Tajik government and that part of those communications includes coordination in response to Afghan Air Force pilots in Tajikistan.

Crowded Rooms, Bad Food

The group of Afghans complained about living in uncertainty and despair. They said they wanted the whole world to hear of their plight.

The men spoke about what they described as crowded rooms, shortages of shower and washing facilities, and limited access to proper medical care. The food, they said, was mainly limited to squash and cabbage.

The place we are living is not suitable for us, said one of the pilots. The food is bad. Nobody eats it. We make our owns salads instead.

Another pilot said that up to seven people were living in each room at the sanatorium.

The rooms are cold, said the pilot, saying many of them did not have warm clothes.

We had to leave Kabul abruptly, he said, adding that many of them left with only the clothes on their backs.

Tajik authorities have deployed medical personnel to the sanatorium.

But one of the two female pilots -- a 27-year-old who is nine months pregnant -- said there are no female doctors at the sanatorium and the nearest hospital is an hour away.

The woman was taken to a maternity hospital late on October 6. Hospital officials told RFE/RL on October 7 that she has underwent all the necessary medical examinations and is in good condition.

The mother-to-be was expected to stay at the hospital until she gives birth in November, said a high-ranking hospital official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the media.

Tajik officials have defended the conditions at the sanatorium.

We have made available adequate and proper conditions for the pilots in the best place [we have] and we provide them with everything from food to medicines, Nusratullo Mahmudzoda, a spokesman for the Interior Ministry, told RFE/RL on October 7.

Amnesty For All

During the Talibans takeover of Kabul, a separate group of Afghan pilots escaped to Uzbekistan aboard dozens of government military planes. They have since moved to the United Arab Emirates.

The new Taliban-led government has demanded that Tajikistan and Uzbekistan return the pilots and the military aircraft to Afghanistan. It has urged the pilots to return to Afghanistan and serve their homeland.

Zabihullah Mujahid, a Taliban spokesman, said the Afghan pilots in Tajikistan would not face any reprisals if they returned home.

We have given an amnesty for all of those who were against us. Nobody is under any threat [from the Taliban], Mujahid told RFE/RL. I give full reassurance to [the pilots] that we have no problem with them.

But many of the pilots fear they could be killed if they returned to their homeland.

Before it retook power, the Taliban targeted and killed off-duty Afghan pilots, to blunt the Afghan Air Force.

Since regaining power, human rights groups have accused the Taliban of summarily executing, torturing, and imprisoning former members of Afghanistans security forces.
On October 7, 2001, the United States began bombing Taliban-ruled Afghanistan in a retaliatory military campaign against Al-Qaeda for orchestrating the 9/11 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.



Twenty years later and nearly two months after Washington ended its war in Afghanistan, Al-Qaeda is down but not out.



With its Taliban allies firmly back in power, the global terrorist network could swiftly reclaim its sanctuary in Afghanistan. However, Al-Qaeda is thought to be contemplating a new approach to advance its global jihadist goals.



"Al-Qaeda's literature shows that it had planned the 9/11 attacks to drag the U.S. into a long war with the jihadists in Afghanistan so that it can be defeated there," said Abdul Sayed, a researcher following Islamic radical groups in South Asia.



In light of this strategy, he said, it is easy to understand why the Taliban, Al-Qaeda, and other jihadists have declared the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan a victory against the global superpower.



Sayed said Washington was unable to achieve its primary goal despite a drawn-out military campaign that cost trillions of dollars and led to sustained conflict. "The U.S. fought for two decades against Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan, but the group is not eliminated and still enjoys safe havens in the country, he told RFE/RL's Gandhara.



Senior U.S. security officials are now warning that Al-Qaeda is capable of swiftly rebuilding its base in Afghanistan and orchestrating attacks on U.S. soil within the next one to three years.



"We are, of course, concerned that there will be an opportunity for a safe haven to be re-created there, which is something we've seen in the past," FBI Director Christopher Wray told a Congressional panel late last month.



The Taliban, however, has reiterated it will not let Afghanistan become a threat to regional or global security once again. "We are committed to the fact that, from Afghanistan, there will not be any danger to any country," Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid recently said.



But experts remain skeptical about the strength of the Taliban's word. Michael Semple, a former European Union and United Nations adviser in Afghanistan, said that even after pledging to prevent Afghanistan from being used as a base for Al-Qaeda as part of its agreement with the United States signed in Doha in February 2020, the Taliban has only acted to keep its foreign militant allies out of view instead of reining them in.



Semple, who worked in Afghanistan during the Talibans first stint in power in the 1990s, said he is not surprised that the Taliban is acting against what its leaders publicly pledged. Instead of the inclusive and moderate government it had promised, the Taliban formed a government exclusively made up of its senior leaders and has reimposed strict policies from its former hard-line regime. Semple said the Taliban is unlikely to honor its counterterrorism commitments in the Doha agreement, which specifically promised that the Taliban would not allow Al-Qaeda to operate out of Afghanistan.



"The department for selling the Taliban is different from the department for running Afghanistan. They dont pay any attention to each other," Semple told RFE/RL's Gandhara. "One department is doing the pretty picture to go on the box while another department is putting things to go inside the box, and the two departments don't really relate to each other."



Semple, now a professor at Queen's University Belfast, sees the ascendence of the hard-line Haqqani network, a Taliban military wing, within the new government as evidence that Al-Qaeda will have no problem reclaiming its sanctuary in Afghanistan.



"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, alluding to the appointment of Sirajuddin Haqqani, head of the Haqqani network, as the interior minister.



Washington has designated Haqqani a global terrorist, and he still carries a $10 million bounty for information leading to his capture. The Taliban has not issued a photo of him since he assumed office late last month. Multiple sources in Kabul told RFE/RL's Gandhara that he frequently changes location and keeps his movements secret out of fear that Washington will target him through remotely piloted drones.



Semple, however, said that Al-Qaeda is savvy enough to avoid drawing attention to its emerging Afghan base or its Taliban hosts possibly by orchestrating attacks from Afghanistan.

"The alternative model is that they inspire and then advise or help sympathetic Muslim militant organizations who are fighting against Western-leaning governments in other parts of the Muslim world," he noted. "That is not something that will take two years to deliver; it is something that they are already busy doing.

Neighboring Tajikistan, where the government is staunchly opposed to the Taliban takeover, has complained about the Taliban equipping a militant group that includes its dissident citizens. Dushanbe has banned the Jamaat Ansarullah group, which has an avowed goal of overthrowing Tajikistan's secular government.



The emergence of such groups has further eroded confidence in the Taliban's counterterrorism promises. The militants have already opposed the long-haul U.S. drone flights that officials in Washington say are part of their "over the horizon" strategy aimed at keeping terrorist groups in check.



"We don't have an agreement with a neighboring country," General Frank McKenzie, head of U.S. Central Command, recently told lawmakers to explain the challenges of employing aircraft to monitor possible terrorist regroupings in Afghanistan. "We're not based in any neighboring country."



Semple said counterterrorism concerns are central to regional giants Russia's and Chinas dealings with the Taliban. He said both have been quite forward leaning in their engagement with the Taliban-led government, but their calculations might change if the Taliban fails to address their concerns over terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan.



"You could imagine a situation in which Russia and China are onboard with a broader international effort to support a more responsible administration in Afghanistan," he said.
Colorado Politics senior political reporter

Joey Bunch is the senior correspondent and deputy managing editor of Colorado Politics. His 32-year career includes the last 16 in Colorado. He was part of the Denver Post team that won the Pulitzer Prize in 2013 and he is a two-time finalist.
Students in masks line up Aug. 23 at Garden Place Elementary School in north Denver for the first day of in-class learning since the start of the pandemic. All students, visitors and staff are required to wear face coverings in Denver Public Schools regardless of vaccination status.
Coronavirus patients have packed Colorado's intensive care beds at a rate not seen since the pandemic began, state data shows, and Gov. Jared Polis said Wednesday that unvaccinated residents are being hospitalized "for no good reason."

"Some won't even make it, some will die," he told reporters of the 710 unvaccinated Coloradans hospitalized with COVID-19. "Some will make it, but it will be a harrowing few days and weeks. We wish them well in their recovery, but we also wish that their misery helps get the message out on why people should be vaccinated."

Ninety percent of Colorado's ICU beds are in use, according to state data last updated Tuesday.

Of 1,649 intensive care beds in the state, 149 are available, Polis said. On average, 91 percent of intensive care beds were in use over the past week, the highest point in the pandemic by five percentage points.

The current levels top even the last winter's surge, when more residents were hospitalized. There were, however, 200 to 300 more ICU beds available in November 2020, as hospitals triggered plans to open extra beds.

Many ICU patients aren't infected with COVID-19. But officials have long said that the virus exacerbates intensive care units loaded with patients treated for other maladies, rather than overwhelming bed space on its own.

Polis called the ICU capacity figures "startling" and that the state has "very few ICU beds left, relative to the norm."

The number of Colorado residents infected with COVID-19 dipped in recent weeks after a fifth wave that surged in August and early September. But the number of afflicted residents remains high, and more than 6 percent of residents tested for the virus have proven infected, state statistics show.

Two Colorado public health experts told the Gazette this week that the percentage of tests coming up positive was concerning, even as the number of infected residents falls.

Despite the hope brought by the declining infection numbers, hospitalizations have remained high. Polis said there were 922 hospitalized patients being treated for the virus of Wednesday.

Another 101 on people were hospitalized with symptoms of the virus and awaiting test results.

The virus is spreading the fastest among the state's youngest residents, but Polis said those pediatric cases haven't overwhelmed hospitals. In general, older residents suffer the worst symptoms of the virus.

Twenty-six people children were hospitalized in in Colorado because of COVID-19, officials said.

Polis said Wednesday the current crisis is driven and dominated by the unvaccinated.

He said even if residents don't love themselves enough to get immunized, "hopefully" they love the people around them sufficiently to do so.

"But if everybody was vaccinated and for some reason the virus was still spreading the way it is, I've projected the number of hospitalizations we'd have: We'd have about 265 people in the hospital," he said.

Researchers for the Colorado School of Public Health wrote in August that improved vaccination rates could keep hundreds of people out of hospitals

As of Tuesday, 77% of eligible Coloradans had received at least one dose of the vaccine. More than 70% were fully immunized, according to state data.

Elizabeth Carlton of the Colorado School of Public Health said in an email that high hospitalization figures concern her.

"To be clear, the good news is that the rapid growth in hospital demand that characterized most of August/early September has stopped," she wrote. "But we arent seeing a rapid decline in hospital demand that has characterized prior waves. To use a wildfire analogy, the wildfire appears to have stopped growing, but its still a pretty big blaze."

She and Glen Mays, another School of Public Health expert, warned that the coming cold weather, which drives more residents indoors, could lead to another coronavirus surge.
About the series

This ongoing series from The Gazette delves into Colorados broken mental health care system. In this series, a team of Gazette journalists investigate the gaps in care for children, for veterans, and for the community at large. The series also focuses on solutions that might come as state officials and community leaders sharpen their focus on what for many is a vicious cycle of despair and ruin.

More here
A group of climbers found a man who fell and died while climbing in Eldorado Canyon State Park on Wednesday evening, the Boulder County Sheriff's Office said.

Four people climbing near Rincon wall inside the park found a man who was free soloing  climbing without ropes  and fell. He appeared to be unconscious and not breathing, deputies said.

Rocky Mountain Rescue Group and Rocky Mountain Fire responded to the scene and determined the 31-year-old climber from Lakewood was dead.

The rescue group carried out the climber's body during a three-hour operation, deputies said.

Detectives and the Boulder County Coroners Office investigated the incident and determined it was not suspicious.

The Boulder County Coroner's Office will not release the climber's identity until family is notified, deputies said.
The city of Colorado Springs has contracted with Veo and Lime to provide up to 300 scooters each for rent within the city. The scooters could be available in July or August.
Celeste Archer is the executive director of the University of Colorado Denvers National History Day in Colorado program and the Colorado Student Leaders Institute, both of which serve K-12 students.
The state's two senators have already sent the White House a list of names to fill a judicial vacancy that's still another nine months in the future, and the Colorado Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments this week.
Cities tackle food insecurity with tech

In the wake of the pandemic, food banks around the country have seen unprecedented increase in new patrons, forcing local agencies and nonprofit organizations to reassess their approach to food insecurity.

According to the Department of Agricultures Economic Research Service, 13.8 million people were food insecure at some point in 2020, and the nonprofit Feeding America estimates that economic hardships associated with COVID-19 could ratchet the 2021 figures to 42 million Americans.

To counter this troubling projection, cities like Atlanta and Boston are using GIS apps and SMS chatbots that not only tackle the issue of food access, but better deliver information to those who are the most vulnerable: newly food insecure families.

Families who had never navigated this problem before were suddenly facing food insecurity, Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) Marketing Data Analyst Nick DiSebastian said. So we had all sorts of campaigns like billboards, TV and our SMS Find Help map, to first gather information on where people were looking for food.

The Help Map, which can be accessed on the ACFB website or by texting FINDFOOD to a specific number, uses cloud-based Esri software to connect Greater Atlanta residents to three types of food assistance sites. These include over 700 partner agencies with regular schedules, mobile pantries that are open a couple days a month and Georgia Department of Education meal sites, which specifically cater to children under 18.

We used Esris ArcGIS online platform, and specifically their Web AppBuilder, to improve the Help Maps functionality to where you can input your address and set a search-distance radius, DiSebastian said. This offered us the opportunity to provide very updated results during a dynamic time, when hours of operation and locations were constantly changing.

Previously, residents would have to call into the office and have the representative look up the information manually, DiSebastian said. The phone-based method is still available as a backup, but now, the ACFB staff can check the map using the callers address and forward the exported data.

Boston also recently launched its own initiative, an SMS chatbot and food donation platform, to strengthen the citywide food access network. Mayor Kim Janey and the Office of Food Access (OFA) unveiled these tools in September following the success of its initial iteration, an emergency grocery delivery service that operated during the height of the pandemic.

The SMS solution was specifically designed to improve access for those that do not have a stable connection to the internet, OFA Outreach and Communications Director Catalina Prada Valderrama said. While improving the technological capabilities of the application was a consideration, the needs of the community came first.

We are looking into how to integrate more things, but we didnt want to impose technology just for the sake of doing so, Prada Valderrama said. It is still a work in progress.

In Atlanta, improving the ACFB Help Maps functionality is the next step, DiSebastian said. Right now, the data being collected by the platform only reflects usage, or how often the map is being accessed. A new tool that could provide more accurate information about the local food gap is already in the works.

We are in the midst of implementing a custom widget that is going to track where people are searching for help, he said. We saw a huge increase in usage during the pandemic, which was heartbreaking and encouraging at the same time, because it meant more families were food insecure but that they were also using our resources. With the improved data, this new widget can better help us fill the current [food access] gaps in our communities.
County DA pilots race-blind charging algorithm

The Yolo County, Calif., District Attorneys (DA) Office embedded a redaction algorithm into its digital case management system to help it study racial bias in charging decisions.

Announced Sept. 9, the office has been using the algorithm, developed by the Stanford Computational Policy Lab (SCPL), since May as part of its race-blind charging program.

The most important decision ever made in the criminal justice system is that decision on whether to charge somebody with a crime, Yolo County DA Jeff Reisig said. Its the only stage in the entire criminal justice process where a prosecutor can truly make a race-blind decision because once you go to court, you know what the race is. Police officers know the race in the field. Its really the only spot that you can put this kind of protective tool in.

The office was the first in the state to go paperless, and Reisig said he has wanted to build technology to enable race-blind charging since he read about a pilot test SCPL did of its race-blind algorithm in 2019-20 in San Francisco. He reached out to SCPL to see if Yolo would be a good fit.

The lab found the county particularly well set up to adopt the algorithm in their own case management system  which allows them to basically just incorporate our redaction algorithm inside of their software, SCPL Executive Director Alex Chohlas-Wood said. The other thing that was really important was the ability to get digital copies of the [police] narratives, so that we could actually run automated redaction on these narratives. Most other DAs get scanned PDFs or paper documents that wouldnt allow us to do anything automatically.

Narratives are the free-text portion of a police report that describes an incident. The police department provides the digital PDFs, and the system pulls the narratives into a text box to run the automation.

Were basically looking for any kind of written information that might indicate a suspects or a victims race, Chohlas-Wood said. These are things like somebodys name -- whether its a suspects name, a victims name, a witnesss name -- basically any involved individual, he said. We redact their names, we redact any physical description like hair or eye color. We obviously redact skin tone descriptions or explicit mentions of race. Geographic location is often an indicator of race, so thats also redacted when possible.

Rather than replacing the text with a black box, the algorithm inserts a placeholder. For instance, instead of a name, it substitutes Suspect 1.

Yolo County then takes the following steps. First, after reading the redacted report, the deputy DA answers questions from the program, such as whether the redaction quality was good or poor, meaning words that would identify the suspects race were not redacted.

Second, the deputy DA states how likely it is that the case will be charged. Only after that decision does the office review the unredacted report, along with additional information  rap sheets and photographic, video or audio evidence  that had been withheld until this point because its harder to redact.

Lastly, if the deputy DA changes the charging decision after seeing the unredacted information, the program asks for an explanation for the switch. SCPL compiles the data from each case and analyzes it to determine whether bias factored into the charge.

To train the algorithm, SCPL uses historical data from San Francisco and Yolo County police departments, in addition to information from other sources such as the state highway patrol. The lab is offering the code for free.

Although SCPL is not releasing any results on its work with Yolo yet, Reisig said, were not seeing any evidence that people are making a race-blind decision and then revealing the race in the secondary part of the process and changing their mind.

Thats positive, but perhaps even more important is that just by using the algorithm, county residents can see the criminal justice systems commitment to fairness.

Our hope is were doing something to specifically address implicit bias or bias period in the charging process and, two, that were sending a strong message to the community that we take this seriously and theres procedural justice in Yolo County when it comes to these decisions, Reisig said. For more of the prosecutors across America, Im guessing if they implement this kind of technology, what theyre going to see is what Im seeing -- and thats that they havent had a real problem with bias in their charging decisions, he said. But the power of the procedural justice confidence-building is well worth doing it.
Two movies. One night.

Starting at around 6:45 p.m. on Saturday night, North Iowa film fans will be able to take in back-to-back screenings of Steve Spielberg's "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" and the kids adventure cult classic "The Goonies." The event's being held at the Charles City High School parking lot and is free of charge for attendees.

Moviegoers have the option to either listen to the movies through an FM signal to their car radios or through outdoor speakers.

According to a press release from the Charles City Chamber of Commerce, admission is a free-will donation to support the Main Street Charles City program. In addition, the Charles Theatre will have popcorn on site. The high school is providing use of the parking lot and restroom facilities.

For more information, please call (641)-228-2335 or email info@charlescitychamber.com.

Jared McNett covers local government for the Globe Gazette. You can reach him at Jared.McNett@globegazette.com or by phone at 641-421-0527. Follow Jared on Twitter at @TwoHeadedBoy98.

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At least for the time being, trends for positive test rates for COVID-19 over the past week are heading in the right direction for much of the North Iowa area.

Seven counties: Floyd, Hancock, Kossuth, Mitchell, Winnebago, Worth and Wright, saw their numbers drop by anywhere from 1% to 6%. Two other counties, Butler and Cerro Gordo, stayed the same at 7% and 9% respectively, while Franklin County's positive test rate went up by five points and is now at 14% over the past week.

While percentages are down across North Iowa, four counties do still have rates that are at 10% or higher in the most-recent seven day stretch (Franklin, Winnebago, Worth and Wright). Along with Cerro Gordo, Hancock is also just under double digits at 9%.

"The hospital continues to get hit hard. Theyre looking to add more capacity," CG Public Health Director Brian Hanft said on Tuesday morning during a meeting with the county supervisors. As his department continues to deal with responding to positive tests, Hanft said that public health is prepping for how to handle booster shots of the COVID-19 vaccine for older Americans and those with heightened vulnerabilities to the virus.

Last month, the FDA authorized booster shots of Pfizers vaccine. Next week, the FDA is convening its outside panel of advisers to review booster data from both Johnson & Johnson and Moderna (according to the Associated Press). Thursday morning, the Associated Press reported that Pfizer asked the U.S. government to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11.

As positive test rates, overall, dipped in North Iowa over the past week, positive cases in the 0-17 age demographic continue to be an issue. In total, there were more than 111 total positive tests for those in that age group in the North Iowa area. Seven out of the 10 counties in the Globe Gazettes broad coverage area saw their highest numbers among kids.

For Franklin, Kossuth and Wright counties, 33% of the total positive cases were in kids. A quarter of the positive tests in Cerro Gordo County were for people in the 0-17 demographic, which equates to about 31 cases. The other three counties where those between 0 and 17 were the largest drivers of positive COVID-19 cases were Butler, Hancock and Winnebago.

According to data from the Iowa Department of Public Health's Coronavirus.Iowa.Gov website, the statewide seven day average is 9.7% for the week of Oct. 5 when the numbers were last updated.

Through Tuesday, there were 626 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and 141 patients in ICU statewide. The number of admittances over the past 24 hours was at 92 people. The number of ICU beds available was at 201.

51.6% of the state is now fully vaccinated for COVID-19, according to IDPH numbers. Three North Iowa counties, Butler, Cerro Gordo and Wright, have vaccination rates above 50%.

Jared McNett covers local government for the Globe Gazette. You can reach him at Jared.McNett@globegazette.com or by phone at 641-421-0527. Follow Jared on Twitter at @TwoHeadedBoy98.

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A Lake Mills man was injured on Wednesday after his motorcycle collided with a truck and trailer in Joice.

At around 4:05 p.m., Dahle was passing another vehicle on his 2007 Harley Davidson motorcycle while traveling east on County Road A38. Dahle struck the trailer of Joice resident Roland ODonnell, 54, who had turned into a private driveway.

Joel Dahle, 53, of Lake Mills, was thrown off the motorcycle and landed in the center of the road according to a crash report from Iowa State Patrol. Dahle was transported to MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center by Forest City Ambulance.

Assisting on the scene was Joice Fire Department, Worth County Sheriffs Office and Iowa DOT Motor Vehicle Enforcement Agency.

Abby covers education and public safety for the Globe Gazette. Follow her on Twitter at @MkayAbby. Email her at Abby.Koch@GlobeGazette.com

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Robert Moen can't believe it.

More than three years after creating the American Passenger Train Museum in Charles City, a Milwaukee Road depot that's over 100 years old is now making its way to the site.

All day Wednesday, workers from Thein Moving eased the depot from its former spot near the railroad tracks by North Grand Avenue toward 11th Avenue.

"It's hard to realize that this could really happen," Moen said while watching the hydraulic system do its work. By early next week, the depot will make it to the site of the American Passenger Train Museum where it will ultimately serve as: an entrance to the historical site, a trailhead for the Charley Western Bike Trail and a space for meetings.

When 2020 began, organizers behind a "Friends of Save the Depot" campaign had a whole to take care of.

Dennis White, who's put a lot of legwork into the project, said they had to figure out the best place for relocation, what would make sense for future use and how to pay for the whole process. That last item was the biggest ask of the three. At least $250,000 would be required to secure things with Canadian Pacific, which oversaw the property, and pay for the cost of transport.

Near the end of the year: Former Charles City residents Judy Sebern Beachy and David McCartney, second cousins and former classmates of White's, pledged $50,000 and $20,000 respectively as part of a matching campaign calling on residents, city officials and business leaders to get involved.

Following that: Charles City resident James F. Smith, a World War II veteran and former civic leader, offered up to $100,000 in matching dollars for new funds contributed to rescuing and restoring the depot. For Smith, part of the motivation was personal.

"I remember boarding the train at the Milwaukee Road depot in the 1940s on my way to Maryland where the troops were gathered," Smith said in a press release from December 2020.

That was the kind of push that organizers needed. "The community rallied and we've had almost 400 people who donated," Moen said.

Now that the move has happened, Moen said that organizers are entering into phase two of fundraising for the restoration of the building. According to him, that effort will likely last a year or so and could include seeking grants. Despite its age, one thing that Moen said is a major help in all of this is the shape the depot's in.

"We're already starting with a building in good condition."

Jared McNett covers local government for the Globe Gazette. You can reach him at Jared.McNett@globegazette.com or by phone at 641-421-0527. Follow Jared on Twitter at @TwoHeadedBoy98.

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A roundup of legislative and Capitol news items of interest for Thursday:

A DRY YEAR: The 2021 Water Year that runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30 ended without significant improvement in Iowas drought conditions, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

The preliminary precipitation total for the 12-month period was 29.15 inches, or 6.53 inches below normal.

Most rain gauges in the state reported precipitation deficits for the water year, with some stations in north-central Iowa seeing deficits of 12 to 15 inches. Only stations in extreme southeast Iowa recorded surplus precipitation.

Current drought conditions in Iowa still are concerning, with 18 percent of the state rated in severe drought, and a total of 75 percent of the state in some form of dryness or drought.

Average streamflow was below average for much of the last 12 months, with some areas setting above-normal flow for short periods of time throughout the year.

Soil moisture and shallow groundwater levels have been low in some parts of the state for much of the water year, with timely rainfall helping to avoid water shortages during times of concern.

For more, visit https://www.iowadnr.gov/Environmental-Protection/Water-Quality/Water-Summary-Update

DEPLOYMENT QUESTIONED: In response to Gov. Kim Reynolds comment about a possible second deployment of Iowa Department of Public Safety personnel to the southern border to enforce federal immigration law, a Democratic legislator has called for an emergency meeting to consider whether that would be a legitimate use of the states Emergency Management Assistance Compact.

Rep. Chuck Isenhart, D-Dubuque, has asked House Government Oversight Committee Chairwoman Holly Brink, R-Oskaloosa, to hear any evidence that would support such a deployment.

Reynolds was among a group of GOP governors who released a 10-point plan at a news conference in Mission, Texas, this week calling on the Biden administration to act immediately to curb unauthorized immigration, protect America, restore security and put the country on a path to end the humanitarian and security crisis at the southern border.

Reynolds said she wouldnt rule out a second deployment to the border.

Earlier this year, she sent more than two dozen Iowa State Patrol troopers to the border to work with law enforcement there to process immigrants, seize drugs and disrupt human trafficking.

JUDICIAL APPLICANTS SOUGHT: The State Judicial Nominating Commission is accepting applications to fill an Iowa Court of Appeals vacancy that will occur when Judge Michael Mullins retires Jan. 13, 2022.

The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m. Oct. 28. Applications may be submitted to the email address listed on the commissions website at https://www.iowajnc.gov/state-commission. To comment on an applicant, send emails to that address before Nov. 5. Comments will be part of the public record.

Applicants names and resumes will be released on the Judicial Branch website.

The commission plans to interview applicants Nov. 9 and 10 to select three nominees to submit to the governor for appointment. The interviews will be open to the public and streamed live on the Iowa Judicial Branch YouTube channel.

CIO RESIGNS: Annette Dunn, the states chief information officer, has announced her resignation effective Oct. 22. She will pursue an opportunity in the private sector, according to Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Reynolds plans a nationwide search for a replacement.

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Gunn-Nolan described how the vaccine activates an immune response.

Its one job is to enter your body and when that one arm enters it, your body knows, well thats different, thats not something thats usually there, and starts to recruit an army, Gunn-Nolan said.

So, it has the blueprint to make that little COVID arm, your body recruits the army, gets the army ready to fight, she said. Before the army is even ready to fight, that MRNA that started that blueprint is already dead.

She also shot down false claims that the vaccine causes infertility.

No vaccine, ever, has affected fertility, she said. This vaccine is not going to prevent you from having children. It cant do that. This vaccine is not going to mutate your DNA, it cant do that.

There are patients at the hospital under 50  and under 20  who will be on oxygen the rest of their lives if they survive COVID-19, she said.
For example, Sovah Health-Danville has lost 40 nurses since the start of the year, CEO Alan Larson told Danville City Council late last month.

Weve never had patients waiting in the emergency department on a ventilator before, which is currently a regular thing, he said.

Even with a dwindled workforce and influx of patients, the staff finds ways to stretch, Larson said. But officials remain limited on staff who can take care of those needing help.

Sovah Health and other hospitals sometimes have to go on whats called diversion, a procedure where they divert incoming patients to another location, county officials said in a news release. That in turn creates a domino effect of sorts placing more strain other facilities until those also are forced to divert incoming patients.

Volunteer EMS agencies also face an extra burden in this situation. Normally county patients are taken to Danville or the emergency room in Gretna. However, when those facilities are on diversion it means volunteers may need to travel to Roanoke, Lynchburg or Eden, North Carolina.
Theres precious little reason to describe the plot of a Bond film; suffice to say they play all the hits: he dashes from exotic location to exotic location, flirting with dangerous women, looking good in a suit, delivering his signature catchphrases, tangling with M (Ralph Fiennes) and Moneypenny (Naomi Harris), and playing with cool gadgets from Q (Ben Whishaw), all in the name of saving the world from a high-tech weapon.

But the most notable innovation is also the most exciting, in Lashana Lynchs ultra-confident and ultra-cool performance as the newest 007 on the block, Nomi, who is gunning for Bonds neck, before they reluctantly become allies. Lynch is magnetic on screen, and easily makes her case for taking over the whole franchise herself. Ana de Armas also makes a memorable appearance, and her twist on the Bond girl, as a bubbly novice rather than femme fatale, is criminally charming and all-too brief.

On the other hand, Rami Maleks stiff, disfigured villain, who sows revenge from a remote island lair, feels like an unfortunate throwback; he might as well be straight from the Roger Moore years. Billy Magnussens sub-villain, an American intelligence agent, would have been the far more fascinating and contemporary character, but hes jettisoned too soon.
GREENSBORO  City Council members have been granted permission by a judge to view police video of other incidents where officers restrained people in the same manner used on Marcus Smith, a homeless Black man whose controversial death is at the heart of a federal lawsuit against the city.

Those videos are also the subject of a letter that a coalition of civil rights groups wrote last week to the U.S. Department of Justice asking for a federal investigation into Greensboro police practices.

On a downtown street more than three years ago, something called a RIPP Hobble device was used to bind Smiths hands to his feet while police tried to subdue him after an apparent mental health crisis. The method of extreme restraint  commonly known as hogtying  led to his death, a state medical examiner said.

Smiths parents have filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit against the city, Guilford County, eight police officers and two EMS workers who were on the scene that September night.

As part of that lawsuit, lawyers for the family have entered more than 200 videos from 50 other hogtying incidents into evidence to claim that the departments use of the RIPP Hobble device, and the manner in which Smith was subdued, was part of a pattern that led to the tragedy.
GREENSBORO  Guilford County Schools is heaping praise on the unnamed students whose tips led to the confiscation of a gun on Northeast Guilford High Schools campus on Monday.

Mike Richey, the districts new executive director of emergency management and school safety and security, spoke with local media at a news conference on Wednesday. He said its been a tense few weeks for Guilford and other school districts across the nation, especially following the fatal shooting of a student at Mount Tabor High School in Winston-Salem last month.

Also last month, High Point police arrested a Southwest High School student for making threats on social media against five Guilford County high schools.

And just this past Saturday, a juvenile was arrested for posting a threat to High Point Central High School.

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Richey said that during all this, school officials and law enforcement have been dealing with a wave of unfounded rumors related to school violence that spread from person to person and through social media.

Wading through all of that is a challenge, he explained. Authorities have to first discover whats circulating, then try to trace it back to its original source, which becomes increasingly difficult the more people share it.
RALEIGH  A landmark energy measure for North Carolina that aims to dramatically reduce power plant greenhouse gas emissions received final legislative approval Thursday, despite lingering concerns by some that customers arent helped sufficiently with higher electricity bills.

The House voted 90-20 for the consensus legislation, which was largely worked out by state senators and Gov. Roy Cooper. With the Senate already voting overwhelmingly for the measure Wednesday, the bill now heads to Coopers desk for his expected signature.

The strong bipartisan vote for the energy bill is a win for people all across North Carolina who will benefit from clean, renewable and reliable energy that is more accessible for everyone and better for the environment, Cooper, a Democrat, said in a statement after the vote.

The negotiated agreement tells the North Carolina Utilities Commission, with input from utilities including market-dominant Duke Energy, to draw up a plan by the end of next year to meet carbon dioxide reduction goals that Cooper has championed. Coopers previously identified targets would reduce energy producers C02 output 70% by 2030, and achieve zero-net CO2 emissions by 2050.
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Arkansas Times columnist Gene Lyons is a National Magazine Award winner and co-author of "The Hunting of the President" (St. Martin's Press, 2000). You can email Lyons at eugenelyons2@yahoo.com.
After a tour of the southern border Wednesday, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte along with nine other GOP governors released a 10-point plan to "end the crisis."

In a press release after the tour, which included a briefing from law enforcement, Gianforte's office sent a press release that detailed the policies the governors proposed.

The governors called for continuing the use of a public health rule used during the pandemic that allows Border Patrol agents to expel those who come to the southern border without the opportunity to seek asylum. The list also included "finish securing the border," though it did not specify how.

Additionally, the governors called for more law enforcement and National Guard troops. Some states earlier this year sent their National Guard members to the border in response to a request from border states. Montana did not send Guard members, the governor's office said at the time of the request and in the following weeks. Nearly 150 Montana Guard members are currently serving in the state's hospitals because of overwhelming demand spurred by the pandemic.

The governors' full proposal calls for:

Continuing Title 42 public health restrictions.

Fully reinstating the Migrant Protection Protocols.

Finish securing the border.

Ending catch and release.

Clearing the judicial backlog.

Resuming the deportation of all criminals.

Dedicating federal resources to eradicate human trafficking and drug trafficking.

Re-entering all agreements with our Northern Triangle partners and Mexico.

Sending a clear message to potential migrants.

Deploying more federal law enforcement officers and National Guard troops.

Both before the trip and Wednesday, Gianforte placed blame for what he called an "ongoing crisis at the southern border that threatens the safety and well-being of our communities" on the Biden administration.

Gianforte said that meth and fentanyl that reaches Montana, which has struggled to combat addition to those substances, has come from Mexico.

As our families and communities confront the epidemic of drug abuse and illegal drug use, its critical to cut off the supply crossing the southern border and making it into Montana. As a result of President Bidens border crisis, Montana is losing while drug cartels are profiting," Gianforte said.

The press release pointed to drugs seized at the border, including nearly 775 pounds of fentanyl and nearly 17,800 pounds of methamphetamine in the month of July.

The other GOP governors who attended the tour, briefing and press conference include Govs. Doug Ducey of Arizona, Brian Kemp of Georgia, Brad Little of Idaho, Kim Reynolds of Iowa, Pete Ricketts of Nebraska, Mike DeWine of Ohio, Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, Greg Abbott of Texas, and Mark Gordon of Wyoming.

The briefing was delivered by Steve McCraw, director and colonel of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Brandon Judd, president of the National Border Patrol Council, also spoke with the governors.

In advance of a tour and press conference, Gianforte appeared on Fox News, saying the reason for the trip was to draw attention to what he called an "unmitigated disaster."

"It is a humanitarian disaster, it is a national security disaster," Gianforte told host Ainsley Earhardt in the morning broadcast before he and 10 other GOP governors toured the border and held a press conference.

During the TV spot, Gianforte cited the amount of methamphetamine that's been seized at the border, as well as people trying to enter the country.

"We've had over 1.3 million illegals apprehended at the southern border. Those are just the ones that were caught. That's more than the entire population of my state of Montana," Gianforte said.

A group of Republican governors in late September sent the administration a note asking for a meeting about issues along the border; on Wednesday Gianforte's office said the administration has not yet responded.

Flight-tracking data shows Gianforte's private plane left the Bozeman airport Tuesday and landed at McAllen Miller International Airport in McAllen, Texas, later in the day. After taking office, Gianforte said he would use his private plane to travel instead of the state airplane and foot his own travel bills.

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A District Court judge Wednesday denied the state Attorney General's motion to dismiss a lawsuit against a new, multi-functional law, saying the plaintiffs have proven their claims are worth hearing in court.

Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Mike Menahan issued the order in a case challenging Senate Bill 319. The bill, which was signed into law in May, largely has two parts: prohibiting groups from political activities on certain parts of college campuses and requiring a judge to recuse themselves from a case if an attorney on that case has donated $90 or more to that judge's campaign in the last six years.

The plaintiffs, which include the progressive political mobilization group Forward Montana, argue the politicking constraints violate free speech rights. Lewis and Clark County Attorney Leo Gallagher and several Montana attorneys, also listed as plaintiffs, also argue the recusal arrangement would cause serious disruptions in courts across the state.

The state Attorney General's Office, representing the defendant, Gov. Greg Gianforte, filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing political groups could still campaign in other areas of campuses. The motion also contended that because SB 319 is not retroactive, the recusal matter wouldn't upend the cases already underway.

Menahan temporarily blocked the law from going into effect after hearing arguments in June. In his order Wednesday, Menahan said Forward Montana's claims were not too vague but "concrete" for the purposes of his ruling. He also disagreed with state lawyers on the recusal matter, writing the allegations include future cases.

The case now moves ahead, along with a raft of legal challenges to laws passed by the Republican-led Legislature earlier this year. With another lawsuit filed Wednesday against a new ban on vaccine requirements for employers and business owners, the tally of lawsuits seeking to strike down new laws has reached 20.

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This insanity has to stop! We are witnessing an unwarranted assault on our teachers, school board members, health care workers, business employees, and anyone else who is following good common sense and trying to keep everyone healthy and happy during this pandemic.

The insanity comes from those who have taken their orders from the former president and now the current governor of Montana.

They demand "rights" where no rights exist. Their rights end where the rights of others begin. They resemble a wild-eyed and threatening street thug who enters school board meetings for the single purpose of creating havoc!

One short speech from our governor could probably calm the wild beasts, but I'm not holding my breath because we all know we're talking about his voting base.

There has to be an answer to this. Our hospital workers, health officials and school officials are at a breaking point. Why are we allowing this to continue? The right to protest is one thing, but at a time when this nation has lost more than 700,000 citizens, why are we subjected to this also?

Governor, do your job! Call off the hounds!

John Watson

Helena

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It has been nearly a year since the last election. To call for a special panel to investigate the 2020 general election makes no sense, except as a ploy to confuse and undermine faith in our Montana voting system that has been legally and ethically conducted. Other states conducting 2020 election audits found no mistakes that would change or challenge the election results. The Republican party won most of the seats in the Montana Legislature and the governors office in the last election  why would they question it? The Republican-dominated Legislature changed several voting laws this past session  do they think that is not enough? Election audits will cost a lot of money that could be used in better ways to support Montana and its citizens. To me, wasting taxpayer dollars and creating an unstable political climate do not show leadership  they look like insecurity and hunger for power. Perhaps the energy being expended to feed fear could be channeled into something truly needing help: for example, the current increase in COVID infections and deaths, homelessness and food security, and climate care. Please, Senate President Blasdel and House Speaker Galt, do not take this path of distraction.
Avey returns as forest supervisor

Bill Avey has returned as the forest supervisor for the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest after serving as the national fire and aviation director of the USDA Forest Service for the last four months.

I am so grateful for the leadership of Sara Mayben, Jeff Shinn and all of our District Rangers during these past four months, Avey said in news release. Navigating our staff and helping our communities through a summer of large fire activity in the midst of a pandemic is no easy feat and they rose to the occasion.

Avey returned Oct. 2. Mayben will return to serving as the deputy forest supervisor and Shinn will return as the district ranger on the Salmon River Ranger District of the Nez Perce  Clearwater National Forest.

The Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest stretches over 2.8-million acres through central and northcentral Montana. The forest is comprised of mountain ranges bisected by the Continental Divide and Missouri River and includes six ranger districts: Lincoln, Helena, Townsend, Judith - Musselshell, Rocky Mountain, and Belt Creek - White Sulphur Springs and two forest supervisor offices in Helena and Great Falls to oversee forest management across 17 counties.

Visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/hlcnf/ to learn more about the Forest and follow us on Facebook @HLCNF and Twitter @LewisandClarkNF.

Trout Foundation seeks habitat proposals

The Montana Trout Foundation is once again requesting grant proposals from individuals or groups with a deadline for submissions of Dec. 1.

Officials said electronic applications and PDFs are ideal. The foundation works to preserve and enhance Montana's one-of-a-kind trout resources through funding scientific research, fisheries education and trout habitat enhancement.

This year's grant cycle is intended to promote restoration and enhancement of wild trout habitat.

Other funding sources for improving fisheries habitat, such as Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Future Fisheries Improvement Program, are intended for project implementation.

A grant can fund initial project assessment, planning, and design that will qualify a project for more funding through these other sources. Applications will be reviewed later in the fall and winter, and grants funded beginning in the spring.

To apply or for more information about The Montana Trout Foundation, visit the MTF website at www.mttroutfoundation.org.

Caverns blends mystery, S'mores

WHITEHALL  Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park will host an original escape room event Oct. 23, with time slots starting at 5 p.m. and going until 10 p.m., meeting at the main (lower) visitor center.

Heres the mystery: Dr. Townsend, a bat biologist, has gone missing. To avoid the same fate and escape in time, youll have to search his cabin for clues and find his hidden research notes. Participants will have 40 minutes to follow the trail of clues and unlock the door.

Those who successfully find the way out with research in hand can enjoy their newfound freedom and celebrate with a Smore or two. All ingredients and materials will be provided except for chairs, which escapees are encouraged to bring.

Tickets are $5 per person. To book your time slot, email Emily.Dickerson@MT.gov or call the park at 406-287-3541. Each time slot may have up to six participants.

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is about 15 miles southeast of Whitehall, along state Highway 2. For more information about the park, visit fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lewis-and-clark-caverns or call 406-287-3541.

Deadline nears for future fisheries grants

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds landowners, watershed groups and others that this winters deadline to apply for Future Fisheries Improvement Program grants is Nov. 15.

The program is to restore rivers, streams and lakes to improve Montanas wild fish habitat. Entities can receive funding for projects that benefit Montanas wild fish. Each project is assessed by an independent review panel and final funding decisions are made by the Fish and Wildlife Commission.

To learn more about the program, and to download the grant application form, go to the FFIP website at https://fwp.mt.gov/ffip, email FWPFFIP@mt.gov or call the program manager at 406-444-2432.

Applications must be received on or before 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 15 and should be sent electronically to FWPFFIP@mt.gov. Paper applications can be sent to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Fisheries Habitat Bureau, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 596

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NEW YORK  A New York-based charity called the Tunnel to Towers Foundation that helps the families of fallen first responders announced Thursday it had paid off the mortgage for the family of Champaign Police Officer Chris Oberheim.

Oberheim, 44, who is from Decatur and formerly served with the citys police department, was shot to death in the line of duty on May 19 by a suspect in a domestic violence disturbance.

The suspect, Darion Lafayete, 24, was killed in an exchange of gunfire that also wounded Oberheims fellow officer, Jeffrey Creel, who survived and has since recovered. Oberheim is survived by his wife, Amber, and four daughters.

Amber Oberheim said the gift of mortgage repayment was a deep act of generosity. "Our family is extremely grateful and humbled by the generosity of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation," she added.

Amber Oberheim said, like most families, the monthly mortgage payment was the biggest single expense they had. "And you think you have things figured out in a certain way and then something happens like your husband goes to work and doesn't come home," she said. "It's a very sudden situation that yields a lot of uncertainties for a long time. The fact this foundation pays off the mortgages of fallen first responders and military personnel who die in the line of duty is one less burden on us and we're just eternally grateful for that."

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In a statement the charity said the Oberheim mortgage was one of 50 it had recently paid off for the families of fallen first responders and Gold Star families who had lost loved ones during military service.

The charity said the pay-offs were the largest ever made on one day in the history of the foundation. It said it was able to afford to do it thanks to a generous outpouring of public support in the wake of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

The charity takes its name from the heroic actions of New York City firefighter Stephen Siller. Heading home for a day off on the day of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, he rushed back to report for duty. Finding the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel closed for security reasons, he got out of his truck and ran through the tunnel with 60 pounds of gear on his back to get to the Twin Towers.

Where he gave up his life while saving others, the charity says on its website.

Tunnel to Towers CEO and Chairman Frank Siller said Thursday: This year, Americans came together to remember the incredible loss of life that occurred 20 years ago when evil struck at the heart of our great nation.

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation promised to never forget what happened on that day and so many people across the country have joined us on our mission of doing good by giving back to our heroes, both living and fallen. Thanks to the generosity of this great nation, the Oberheim family and 49 additional families will never have to worry about making another mortgage payment, and will always have a place to call home.

Siller said the charity also provides mortgage-free homes to the nations catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. It had pledged in 2021 to deliver 200 homes in honor of the charitys 20th anniversary and reports that, by the end of the year, it is on course to deliver 450 homes across all its programs.

Contact Tony Reid at (217) 421-7977. Follow him on Twitter: @TonyJReid

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The ex-Northwestern professor charged with murder in the 2017 slaying of his boyfriend took the stand again Wednesday for questioning by Cook County prosecutors, who sought to discredit his testimony that the stabbing was committed by someone else during what he thought would be a safe, sexual encounter.

Wyndham Lathem had several opportunities to ask for help or contact authorities afterward, he acknowledged under cross-examination, but instead he took a shower, threw out his phone and went on the run with Andrew Warren, whom he said committed the stabbing. They were on the run for more than a week before they turned themselves in.

You see your boyfriend dead on the ground covered in blood, Assistant States Attorney Craig Engebretson said. Lathem wiped away tears. Knowing that Andrew Warren has killed your boyfriend, you run away from Andrew Warren?

I confront Andrew Warren, Lathem said.

So you dont run away? Engebretson asked.  Your boyfriends butchered on the ground by someone you barely know, nows the time to get brave and confront him?

Lathem said he hid in the bathroom, then looked for his phone so he could call 911. In a state of shock, he said, he stayed in the apartment and showered, then left with Warren.

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You dont need to look for your phone to get help, you need to walk out the front door and get your neighbors help, Engebretson said.  Instead you stayed with Andrew Warren and you start getting rid of evidence.

Warren, Lathems onetime co-defendant, took the stand last week and told jurors that killing 26-year-old Trenton Cornell had been Lathems idea. Lathem paid to fly Warren to Chicago from England as part of a suicidal pact to kill each other, but instead Lathem ended up stabbing Cornell to death with Warrens help, he testified.

Lathem, by contrast, testified this week that he had invited Warren over for a threesome with Cornell and the three of them used crystal meth. Lathem said he showed Warren a jagged drywall knife and said they could use it, intending it to be a part of consensual, safe knife play. Instead, he said, Warren attacked Cornell out of nowhere while the three of them were in bed together and Lathem escaped to hide in the bathroom.

Cornell was stabbed and sliced nearly 80 times, according to testimony last week from the countys chief medical examiner. Jurors have seen gruesome photos and video of Lathems apartment after the killing.

Lathem acknowledged Wednesday that in the days leading up to and after the stabbing, he erased his MacBook, disabled location information on his iPad and reset it, and threw out his cellphone.

By way of explanation, Lathem has testified that he wiped his MacBook because he was supposed to return it to the institution that gave it to him as part of a job offer that had fallen through. And he claimed that he disabled his location so Cornell couldnt see what he was up to with Warren, whom he at one point saw as a romantic prospect. He also testified that he threw out his phone after the stabbing because he feared getting in trouble for having texted about drugs and drug use.

Prosecutors on Wednesday also introduced evidence purportedly showing that Lathem chatted with people online about snuff, which Lathem described on the stand as fantasy in which someone role-plays dying.

Lathem said he did not recall making any of the specific snuff-related posts prosecutors displayed, but acknowledged that he would have those types of conversations online.

The mention is the closest prosecutors have come to telling jurors what was initially portrayed as the motivation for the murder. Four years ago, they said Lathem and Warren had communicated online about a shared sexual fantasy that involved killing other people and each other, and claimed that killing Cornell was part of carrying out that fantasy. But prosecutors at the actual trial have not yet made that specific claim.

Prosecutors on Wednesday also again played portions of a video Lathem sent his parents when he was on the run, in which he says he killed Cornell.

You dont ever say we killed, correct? Engebretson said. (You)  dont ever say Andy killed.

On further questioning from his defense attorneys Wednesday, Lathem said that he had been wracked with guilt and believed he could be legally culpable for Cornells death.

And defense attorneys played a separate video Lathem recorded of himself while on the lam, this one addressing his friends. He speaks about what I made happen, rather than making an outright statement that he killed someone.

I put into motion the series of events that led to Trents death, Lathem explained Wednesday on the stand. (It) started by bringing Andrew Warren over to my apartment, continuing with me giving Andrew Warren crystal meth that night. For introducing knife play without an explanation, (to) someone who didnt understand the concept.

Jurors are expected to hear closing arguments and begin deliberations Thursday.

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SPRINGFIELD  Plaintiffs in two lawsuits challenging the states legislative redistricting plan have filed new complaints in federal court charging that the district maps that lawmakers approved in August dilute Latino voting power and thus violate the U.S. Constitution and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational fund, or MALDEF, and legislative Republican leaders both argue that while the Latino population in Illinois experienced strong growth over the last 10 years, the new maps actually reduce the number of Latino opportunity districts  those in which Latinos make up 50 percent or more of the voting-age population.

The General Assembly did not merely fail to create more Latino opportunity districts, it created fewer of them, MALDEF argued in its latest filing.

Both amended complaints were filed in federal court for the Northern District of Illinois on Friday, Oct. 1, one week after Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the newest maps into law.

Both lawsuits name House Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch, D-Hillside, and Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, as defendants, along with the Illinois State Board of Elections and its individual members, as defendants. Both seek to have the redistricting plan invalidated and new maps drawn.

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The two sets of plaintiffs originally filed lawsuits shortly after lawmakers passed the first redistricting plan for the Illinois House and Senate during the regular spring session. Those maps were based on population estimates because the Census Bureau had not yet released official census data.

But after the official 2020 census numbers were released in mid-August, the House and Senate came back into session to adopt a second set of maps using the official census numbers.

In both cases, plaintiffs are now asking a three-judge federal panel to declare the maps unconstitutional under the one-person-one-vote doctrine as well as illegal under the federal Voting Rights Act, which prohibits states from using any standard, practice or procedure that results in the denial of the right of any citizen to vote on the basis of race or membership in a recognized language minority group.

In their amended complaints, both sets of plaintiffs argue that while Illinois lost population overall between 2010 and 2020, the Latino population grew by more than more than 300,000, to just over 2.3 million, while the Latino voting-age population  people 18 years of age and older  grew to just over 1 million. That meant their overall share of the states population grew to 18.2 percent, up from 15.8 percent, while their share of the voting-age population grew to 11.2 percent, up from 8 percent.

During the spring session, Democratic lawmakers who control the General Assembly moved quickly to adopt new maps, despite not having official census data, in order to meet a June 30 deadline in the Illinois Constitution for the legislature to draw maps. After that, the process is handed to a bipartisan legislative commission where Republicans would have had a 50-50 chance of controlling the process.

In their suit, Republicans argue that because the first set of maps was unconstitutional, Democrats actually failed to meet the June 30 deadline and, therefore, the process should still be handed over to such a commission. But judges on the federal panel have indicated that question will probably have to be decided by the Illinois Supreme Court, not a federal district court.

Under federal court rules, the defendants have 21 days, or until Oct. 21, to respond. Both lawsuits are tentatively slated for trial before the same three-judge panel in late November or early December.

The latest amended complaints comes just as lawmakers are about to start the process of drawing new congressional district maps. Both the House and Senate redistricting committees have scheduled a series of public hearings over the next two weeks leading up to the fall veto session, which begins Oct. 19.

The first House hearing is scheduled for noon Thursday at the Michael A. Bilandic Building in Chicago. The first Senate hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday at Oakton Community College in Des Plaines.

Because Illinois lost population overall in the 2020 census, it will lose one of its 18 congressional districts.

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The Supreme Court with a conservative supermajority began its new term Monday, hearing arguments in person again (sans COVID-positive Brett Kavanaugh) for the first time since the pandemic began, and it will consider cases defining constitutional rights for the 21st century. Well have plenty to say in the coming weeks about gun safety in New York, abortion in Mississippi and more. The topic today is not the courts rulings, but its shape and process.

Back on April 9  under pressure from progressives rightly incensed by Republicans 2016 election-year refusal to give Merrick Garland a hearing, followed four years later by their galling election-year rush to install Amy Coney Barrett  President Joe Biden created a commission to study changes to the court, including adding seats to the bench. The panels report is due back next month.

Though the Constitution is silent on the size of the Supreme Court, which fluctuated in the Republics early years, its been stuck at nine since 1869, notwithstanding Franklin Roosevelts ill-fated attempt to convince Congress to grow the number to 15.

The Biden panel should declare packing a non-starter. As satisfying as it might feel to left-wing partisans in the short term, it would give presidents a free hand to negate a judiciary check on their executive power. Thats bad enough under a president with healthy respect for American norms and downright disastrous under a President Donald Trump (past or future).

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Term limits are a more attractive notion; they would disincentivize the appointment of relatively young jurists and end the ridiculous reality that the accident of when a justice expires can shift the balance for a generation.

While we await these grand debates, theres a far more modest reform the high court should adopt immediately: livestream all arguments going forward. An innovation adopted as the Supreme Court gallery closed to the public during the pandemic has given all Americans a vital and confidence-inspiring window into the workings of the nations highest judiciary panel. Keep it going past a likely expiration in December.

New York Daily News

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The authority subsequently approved drilling between 30 and 40 wells and installing the collection system, which Gibson credits with their success.

We were getting slammed for about a year or so when we were trying to get the approvals to install  especially the gas collection system, Gibson said. That made the biggest impact  that probably was 90% of the improvement. We have a flare system, so we just burn it. Its about 50% methane  which doesnt have an odor  and the rest is sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide  which is where the odor comes from. It does a great job controlling our odors here.

Clarke calls the gas extraction system the real workhorse as the landfill currently generates about 1,000 cubic feet of landfill gas per minute (cfm).

Its a tough problem. Most landfills do have to deal with it [odor complaints]. Either youve dealt with it or youre going to deal with it, Clarke said. The best way to manage it is a really good, modern gas collection system that is working properly.

The key is continuous monitoring to alert operators if there is a problem with the underground piping.
Recent declines are much less sharp than the rate of increase. Between Aug. 4-24, Ballads daily COVID inpatient census shot up from 125 to 283  a 126% increase in less than three weeks. In the first week of September, it then shot up an additional 100 patients, from 311 to 413 on Sept. 8. The average daily census remained slightly under 400 over the following two weeks before declining slowly over the final week of September.

Ballad Health officials said last week they expect to continue treating significant numbers of COVID patients for some time.

Vaccination rates stagnant

While unvaccinated patients continue to comprise the vast majority of patients and deaths due to COVID-19, this regions COVID-19 vaccination rate remains stagnant  currently a combined 42.6% fully vaccinated  which remains far below state and national averages.

Lee County remains the least vaccinated locality in Virginia, according to the state health department  at 34.2% of its residents fully vaccinated against the virus. Four other Southwest counties remain below 40%, with Washington Countys 47.6%, Bristols 45.9% and Smyth Countys 45% the only ones remotely close to 50%.
When Instagram crashed for six hours on Monday, Sarah Chois reaction hopscotched from FREEDOM! to addiction.

The Richmond, Virginia-based marketing consultant noticed her finger opening the Instagram app on her phone out of habit. It felt way more than six hours because I was in a low-signal zone all morning, Choi said Monday night during  of course  our direct message chat on Instagram. She called it sobering how often she opens the app when she doesnt need to. It is an addiction.

We survived the blackout. But can we survive the influence of Facebook, whose products can be so destabilizing on a personal and national level?

In the wake of allegations by a whistleblower who formerly worked at the company, some folks would love to see Facebook  whose media empire includes Instagram and WhatsApp  go offline for good.

Tuesday, Frances Haugen, who shared the companys internal documents with the media and federal law enforcement, testified before Congress that Facebooks products harm children, stoke division and weaken our democracy. The companys leadership knows how to make Facebook and Instagram safer but wont make the necessary changes because they have put their astronomical profits before people.
Even though Dominion Energy earned more than $1.1 billion above its state-guaranteed rate of return over the past four years, its 2.6 million customers in Virginia can expect to see only a fraction of that overcharge in refunds, according to the State Corporation Commission.

Thats because under the Grid Transformation and Security Act, which was passed by a bipartisan majority in the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Ralph Northam in 2018, state-regulated utilities are allowed to use overearnings  also known as excessive profits  to modernize the grid and invest in renewable energy.

The state law basically gives Dominion a huge financial incentive to gouge its customers. And because the company is a state-sanctioned monopoly, customers have nowhere else to go to purchase electricity, one of the basic necessities of life.

But the SCC, which is supposed to be the publics watchdog, claims that state law requires Dominion to refund only $312 million to overcharged Virginians. That means that Dominion will get to keep the remaining $831 million  in addition to the guaranteed 9.2% return on equity the giant utility is allowed under the law. All perfectly legal, thanks to the General Assembly.
STONY POINT  The Stony Point Volunteer Fire Departments ladies auxiliary was recently recognized with a state award to recognize its contributions to the community.

Stony Point Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary was presented the Most Helpful Auxiliary award by the N.C. State Firefighters Association Auxiliary during the South Atlantic Fire Rescue Expo in Raleigh on Aug. 14.

What really was a deciding factor for the judges was the Hiddenite Family Campground flood and how the auxiliary was there for their community, working to help rescue and comfort community members and then later on  staying strong to comfort their firefighters. This group of women truly is a blessing to their fire department family and their community, said Mary C. Weigl, president of the N.C. State Firefighters Association Auxiliary (NCFSAA).

Weigl said the award is our chance to spotlight the one auxiliary who went above and beyond during the year to assist their fire department and community.

The N.C. State Firefighters Association Auxiliary was founded in 1964 and is a group of auxiliaries and individuals from throughout the state who come together to share ideas on fundraising for firefighters, firefighter support, fire wife support, giving back to communities and annual support of the N.C. Jaycee Burn Center.
Cluck Named Recipient Of 2020 National Golden Spur Award

Monte Dean Cluck, the fourth generation in his family to ranch and farm in the Texas Panhandle, has been named recipient of the 2020 National Golden Spur Award recognizing accomplishments by a single individual in the ranching and livestock industries.



The award is the most prestigious honor given to one person by both industries, said Jim Bret Campbell, executive director of the National Ranching Heritage Center at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. It recognizes iconic industry leaders whose devotion to land and livestock has earned them the notable respect and admiration of their peers.



Cluck will be honored during the National Golden Spur Award dinner at 6 p.m. Saturday, October 16 at the Overton Hotel in Lubbock. The annual award was established in 1978 and is jointly sponsored by the American Quarter Horse Association, National Cattlemens Foundation, Ranching Heritage Association, Texas Cattle Feeders Association, Texas Farm Bureau, and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.



Clucks parentsDean and Rita Cluck of Gruver, Texaswere early pioneers of the cattle feeding industry and started their first operation in 1961. Today Monte Cluck is CEO of Dean Cluck Feedyard and general partner of Dean Cluck Cattle Co. With three locations in the Texas Panhandle, the company has a total feeding capacity of 102,000 head.



Although Cluck grew up in Gruver, which is the location of his flagship feedyard, he and his wife Katsy live in Boerne, Texas. They have four childrenKaysha Sparling, Kallie Hauschild, Monte II and the late Colt Cluckand four grandchildren.



Monte holds a heartfelt appreciation and respect for the traditions, wisdom, values and integrity that come from being involved in this industry, said Ross Wilson, President and CEO of the Texas Cattle Feeders Association (TCFA). He takes pride in keeping many time-honored traditions alive while never losing sight of the future and opportunities that innovation provides to improve a mature industry.



Cluck was a member of the TCFA Board of Directors for 11 years, including six years on the executive committee and chairman in 2009. In addition, he served on the TCFA Budget and Audit Committee and was both a trustee and 2010 chairman of BEEF-PAC, the TCFA political action committee. Former Gov. Rick Perry appointed him to the Texas Water Development Board in 2008.



Dean Cluck Feedyard recently acquired Jacoby Cattle Co., an order-buying business in South Texas. This company includes semi-trucks and cattle trailers that transport cattle to feedyards and provide custom hauls for others. Cluck and his partners also created Tadmor Trading, a commodity brokerage company in Dallas.



All the companies combined employ more than 100 people and have annual sales of $160 million. The business is an Employee Stock Ownership Program in which employees, after meeting employment requirements, are owners in the company and share in the profits. Cluck has employed generations of families and employees who have worked an entire lifetime with his operations. He has made scholarship programs available to children of employees for the past 20 years.



In addition to cattle feeding, Cluck began contributing to his familys farming and ranching operations in 1975. From 1980 to 1990, they expanded the ranching operation to include more than 30,000 acres of leased grassland in the Texas Panhandle. The family again expanded in the 1990s when they leased the Turkey Track Ranch in Hutchinson County, Texas. More recently they have acquired a substantial amount of dryland and irrigated farmland that produces corn, wheat and grain sorghum for winter grazing of stocker cattle.



Cluck and his partners have purchased additional properties that will combine with pasture acreage to bring grazing and preconditioning capacity for an inventory of up to 20,000 stocker cattle.




Cade Seaman tried on some of the Personal Protection Equipment used at Valero

Cade Seaman tried on some of the Personal Protection Equipment used at Valero

The HVAC and Electrical Technology classes at Spearman High School recently hosted a guest speaker from Valero McKee Refinery in Dumas, Texas.

Tanner Baird has worked at Valero for two years as a Safety Engineer. He spoke to the students about the National Electric Code (NEC) and how the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is law in his industry. He also brought several types of personal protection equipment (PPE) which the students were able to try out. Another topic of discussion during his visit was the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA).

He showed the students several pieces of electrical equipment used in lockout/tag out (LOTO). He answered questions from the students concerning jobs within the industry, as well.

Tanner is a 2015 graduate of Spearman High School and a 2019 graduate of Oklahoma State University where he graduated with a degree in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering Technology.
" " (From left) Capt. Gary Torgerson of the Colorado State Patrol and James Holahan, manager of the Grand County Office of Emergency Management, examine the fortified bulldozer driven by Marvin Heemeyer where it came to rest at Gambles in Granby, Colorado. Craig F. Walker/The Denver Post via Getty Images

Marvin Heemeyer built a tank. He built a tank, leveled a good portion of a previously quiet small town in the Rocky Mountains with it, then immediately gained a measure of fame because of it, and almost as immediately met an inglorious end.

But here's where the story gets weird (as if it isn't weird already). Somehow during the past 17 years since, Heemeyer has become a legend of sorts. A patriot, even, in some people's eyes. A hero for our troubled times.

Which, for more than one witness to this bizarre chapter in modern American history, is simply wrong. Just flat out wrong.

A man with a grudge built something, instantly christened a "killdozer," to tear up a town: How is he a hero?

"It is the predominant narrative; that Marv was screwed by this small town board that was out to get him, that the local community was out to get him," says Patrick Brower, the author of a book on Heemeyer and his tank. "People get focused on this, that Marv was victimized by the town. But the idea, somehow, that Granby was sophisticated enough to launch this campaign to go get Marv really defies my imagination."

" " Granby is a small town in northern Colorado with about 2,000 residents. Wikimedia/(CC BY-SA 4.0)

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The Start of It All

Heemeyer's story, at least the interesting part, begins in Granby, a town in a high basin of the Rocky Mountains in northern Colorado. Granby, elevation somewhere around 8,000 feet (2,438 meters), is small. Fewer than 2,000 people live there now, and it was no bigger than that in June 2004, when Heemeyer bulldozed his way into history.

Tourism is a draw in the area, though Granby is hardly the center of it. But Rocky Mountain National Park is less than 20 miles (32 kilometers) away. Denver is less than 100 miles (160 kilometers) to the south. If you want to see the grandeur of the Rockies, any time of the year, and want to get away from the crowds, going through Granby would not be out of the question.

"It's not like a boutique tourism town, like an Aspen or a Vail. It's not really like that at all," Brower says. "It's really a mix between that and just a service town," with a couple of banks, a concrete plant, an electrical co-op and many businesses that cater to the tourism industry.

Granby also is like a lot of small towns in America in that it's a place where it's relatively easy to get to know people and for people to know you. Like it or not.

"There's new people coming and going a lot here, but it definitely has its good old boy local element as well," Brower says, "an element that Marv really tried to capitalize on."

" " An officer on Main Street looks over the fortified bulldozer driven by Marvin Heemeyer that wreaked havoc in Granby, Colorado. Hyoung Chang/Denver Post via Getty Images

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Who Was Heemeyer?

Heemeyer had moved to a town outside of Granby in the fall of 1991 and was running a muffler shop he had opened in Granby years earlier. By all accounts, he was a wizard as a welder. He was, by his own account (on recordings that he made in the weeks before he embarked on his tankcapade), a successful business owner. He was happy, snowmobiling with his friends, hot-tubbing at his cabin and working hard at his shop.

But as any small-business owner in any small town anywhere in America will tell you, the red tape can be a bear. And Granby had its share of red tape. Heemeyer found himself at odds with others in the community, both in government and outside of it, after buying some land at auction (to, he says, at least one person's discontent). Then he tried to get an easement for a sewer line. Heemeyer wasn't willing to pay a good deal of money to tie into the existing sewer line, and the problems that caused with the town government bloomed into a multiyear disagreement.

Heemeyer complained to the town council about neighboring businesses, lashed out at other land and business owners, and generally railed at anyone who he felt was trying to take advantage of him. He sued, and sued again. Finally, after more than a decade of bad blood between Heemeyer and the town and some of his fellow business owners, he sold his property (for about 10 times what he bought it for) and did what he felt he had to do.

"Basically, what all this is going to prove when it's all over with  if it's ever all over with, which I doubt  it's going to prove, I hope it's going to prove to people, that meddling in your neighbors' business is destructive for the most part," Heemeyer said on one of his pre-tankcapade recordings. "It's going to come back to haunt you ... And it can come back to haunt you in spades. And the only person you have to blame is yourself."

Marv Heemeyer took all that money he made on the sale of his property and the welding skills he had honed over a lifetime and, surreptitiously over the course of more than a year, built himself a tank on a bulldozer body. A tank, complete with thick steel-plated walls to ward off attackers and a couple of guns to inflict some harm.

And June 4, 2004, Heemeyer took that tank to the streets of Granby to exact his revenge.

" " The Granby City Hall building was damaged during Heemeyer's rampage through the town. Hyoung Chang/Denver Post via Getty Images

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A Smoke-spewing Apocalypse

The whole ugly Friday is recounted in Brower's book, "Killdozer: The True Story of the Colorado Bulldozer Rampage," and it's the subject of a 2020 documentary, now available on Netflix, called "Tread." A ton of videos of that day, too, are available online, many of them containing archival news footage of the rampage.

Heemeyer, behind the controls of his steel-and-concrete reinforced killdozer, began his attack on the town and his enemies at about 3 p.m., bursting through a wall of the secret shop where he constructed his monstrosity.

First, he flattened a couple buildings at a close-by concrete batch plant that he had complained about to the town council. And then, with what seemed to be a clear plan, he got even with others on his list. By the time he was finished, he had demolished 13 buildings, including the town hall and the library within it, the police station, the home of the ex-mayor, a bank, numerous vehicles, the newspaper where Brower worked and the local hardware store.

During the rampage, law enforcement tried to stop Heemeyer and his dozer with volleys of gunfire. Nothing worked. Heemeyer, with powerful rifles mounted inside the tank, shot at police and at least one of his rival business owners. He aimed his guns at propane tanks and fired, apparently trying to set off a major explosion (with what could have been a great loss of life). He plowed down buildings with people still in them. Others gathered in the streets to watch the odd spectacle.

Brower was in the newspaper offices that afternoon when Heemeyer came by, sending the walls tumbling and Brower running into the street.

"Right from the start, the day of the rampage, and I was running for my life from my building that he was destroying ... I knew, right away, I said, 'I'm on the wrong side of this story,'" says Brower, who had been covering Heemeyer's interactions with the town government for years and had met with him to hear out his beef against the paper.

"There was a woman talking on the local radio station as Marv was going through town ... she was sitting there saying, 'Marv is just a gentle giant, he's a teddy bear of a guy, he would only hurt people who hurt him ... ' It's just galling."

The wrecking spree went on for some 90 minutes, but miraculously  despite the machine's meme-made name and Heemeyer's best if ultimately inept efforts  no one was killed. No one, that is, except Heemeyer, who took his own life not long after his not-quite-lethal weapon bogged down in the middle of razing Gambles hardware store. "The idea somehow that Marv didn't want to hurt anybody is absolutely absurd," Brower says. "He just failed."

After hours of trying to get into the stalled-out dozer, police finally cut through a steel door and pulled out Heemeyer's body in the darkened morning hours of June 5. Heemeyer was 52 years old.

"Had they not meddled in my business," Heemeyer pronounced in his pre-rampage manifesto, "this whole thing would have turned out completely different."

" " A destroyed Xcel energy truck is stuck into the Mountain Parks Electric building after Marvin Heemeyer's rampage with an armored bulldozer. Hyoung Chang/Denver Post via Getty Images

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A Martyr Is Born

Granby has been rebuilt, including a new town hall. These days, when the curious roll through the town, they look for wrecked buildings and bulldozer tracks, or some other sign of the tank, but only the stories remain. The killdozer itself was cut into pieces and scrapped.

Meanwhile, Heemeyer has become, to many people who inhabit the fringes of the internet, an example of someone who stood up for his beliefs, who took on a corrupt establishment and, when he couldn't beat it, did his machine-welding best to bring it down.

As often is the case, the true story has little to do with the internet legend.

"I'm happy being the person that kind of wants to dissuade people's perception of it," Brower says now. "But I can tell you that the vast majority of comments that I get, either on my blog or anonymously through email or whatever, are that I'm a SOB, that I'm an a******, all kinds of negative language. That Marv is a hero, that the town tried to screw him, and that I'm a liar.

"It's just disturbing. These people want to embrace this, 'Attacking government ... with firearms in a tank,' and make it sound like a good thing. That he was justified. Without really knowing the truth."

The indisputable truth is that Heemeyer destroyed a lot of public and private property that day  he caused a reported $7 million in damage  and could have killed several people, whether he intended to or not. The truth is his actions, even if blurred into the category of some kind of righteous civil disobedience, were hardly heroic to a lot of people in Granby.

And the truth, too, is that in the minds of many others who know Heemeyer only through his internet legend, the truth just doesn't matter. To them, Marv and his killdozer will continue to live on, triumphantly.

NOW THAT'S INTERESTING According to The Online Tank Museum, Heemeyer's contraption was based on a 49-ton (44.4-metric ton) Komatsu D355A bulldozer that, once he was finished with it, weighed 61 tons (55.3 metric tons). It was equipped with three semi-automatic rifles, and Heemeyer carried two sidearms, including a .357 Magnum that he used to commit suicide. The machine  it was air-conditioned, by the way  also was equipped with several outside cameras so that he could see his surroundings while hunkering down in the cockpit. The cameras were protected by bulletproof Plexiglas.
As the bloodiest war in American history, it tore a nation and even families apart. Although it ended more than a century ago, the scars of the Civil War are still with Americans today. Think you know more than the average Billy Yank or Johnny Reb about the blood spilled and the politics behind the war? Find out by taking our Civil War quiz.

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By 2015 investments had soared, but the legislature extended the tax credit scheme for another year, he wrote.

The Revenue Department spelled out guidelines for investment structures that would qualify for the credits. There was no indication that the department would use provisions of federal law that might disqualify investors from earning credits, according to van der Vaarts decision.

All that changed in 2018 when DOR inexplicably and perhaps whimsically reversed its position for the first time, van der Vaart wrote. Now citing Federal anti-abuse tax provisions, DOR denied [Integon] tax credits obtained for doing precisely what the legislature meant for insurance companies to do  invest in renewable energy. To DOR, at least in 2018, investing in solar power was abusive and should be disallowed.

The judge also noted the Revenue Departments changing stance on Integons legal challenge itself.

Less than three months ago DOR moved for summary judgment against [Integon], but on Sept. 13, 2021, DOR again reversed itself, van der Vaart wrote. The department indicated in its later filing that it did not dispute Integons argument. Revenue determined that the company was entitled to use its tax credits.
Wilkes Community College announced Wednesday that Wes Whitson has been named the festival director for MerleFest.

He will succeed Ted Hagaman, who plans to retire in the fall of 2022 after 15 years as festival director.

Whitson joined Wilkes Community College in 2017 and has been the operations manager for MerleFest the past five years. After graduating from West Charlotte High School in 1995, he earned a bachelor of science degree in parks and recreation management from Western Carolina University. Before joining WCC, Whitson worked in banking and real estate, and most recently in hospitality and resort rental management.

I couldnt be more excited for the opportunity to serve WCC and our community through MerleFest, Whitson said in a news release. Having the opportunity to work with such an amazing organization over the past five years has been inspiring to say the least. Im still taken back each and every day as I discover new ways in which MerleFest and Wilkes Community College make a difference in our region for those who need it the most. Its an honor to contribute to that effort and I look forward to building on the great tradition of giving back that MerleFest has established over the past 33 years.
GUEST OPINION: One of the biggest challenges a business manager faces is to find the right way to keep track of employees progress on work without micromanaging or unnecessarily checking. After all, who can perform efficiently when they are constantly looking over their shoulder? On the other hand, when a business doesnt have solid evidence into how employees spend their time they are more likely to face the consequences of it.

Time tracking software has emerged as a vital tool for many businesses, providing them with reports which businesses can use to keep teams achieve bigger goals and help grow the bottom line. With, a simple time tracking system downloaded to each employee's working device will allow you to see exactly where company time goes. The software keeps a record of huge amounts of data that can help business owners to make better planning based on important information. If you are looking for a solution to improve your project management with time tracking software, start with making a plan on how to use this software to support your teams performance.

If you are implementing time tracking software for the first time in your organization, it is important to explain to your employees the positive sides of it and how this data will be used to improve their performance. After all, time tracking software is mainly used to improve productivity, increase performance, create accountability and get an overall overview of your teams performance  not to snoop employees necks.

How to Select The Right Time Tracking Software

There's a wide range of time tracking software available in the market. Business owners need to consider which solution will cover their needs. Go through your requirements precisely to pick the best time tracking software to fulfil all your needs. There are a variety of uses, including:

Businesses can use time tracking apps to monitor if-office employees, remote employees, non-salary employees, contractors, and freelancers.

Employees can be held accountable for misusing time or taking unnecessary time for any task.

Managers will be able to report accurately to the top management about the productivity level and working hours of their team members.

The reports provided by time tracking can be a real eye-opener for the leaders to help them maximize their ability to observe progress and assign tasks accordingly.

Discover Insights and Make Improvement With Time Tracking

While managing a team, do you know the hours your employees spend attending meetings, answering emails or browsing the web? Having a timer installed in your employee's laptops allows you to easily account for every minute of their working hours. Besides that when employees know that their manager is monitoring them, they are less likely to scroll through social media or do any other personal task. In short, time tracking holds your employees accountable and makes them more productive.

The time tracking tool offers several different visual charts to give you a clear idea about a team's productivity. You can see how long your employees are working and how work is progressing in real-time, and finally produce all this data in a visual graph to let you see at a glance all the work of all employees. This graphical data also makes it easy for you to understand the efficiency and productivity of each employee and so much more. Another great feature of time tracking software is that it doesnt only record productive hours but also idle hours. So when an employee doesnt work for a certain period of time the software records this time as idle time and keeps a record of the total hours that an employee actually spent doing nothing. This way you can precisely know whos working on what, when and how actively they performed their task. With a clear picture of what employees are doing, youll be able to make improvements where it is needed.

While time tracking software captures the work activities of employees in detail, but as a business owner, your focus should not be catching minor issues. You should know that while working employees will take short breaks or get distracted. If you question your employees for all these minor issues it may cause stress and result in burnout. So when you have a lot of data, you should know how to use it so that you can better organize everything.

Setting Clear Policy and Goals

Implementing an employee time tracking app will bring great results for project managers, with valuable insight and data you can run your team more efficiently. While you are managing a team, start with being upfront about how you plan to finish a project or other tasks and take advantage of a time tracker to meet the deadlines. Discussing openly with your team members about the reason for time tracking and monitoring employees goes a long way towards maintaining morale.

There is no doubt that time tracking software plays a powerful part in keeping employees on track but setting specific goals also plays an equal role in motivating employees to work productively. When you set specific goals and stick to them, it becomes easier for the employees to perform and show great results. While setting goals keep in mind that every employee has his own way of approaching their workload and distribute the tasks accordingly to result in more successful and cost-efficient projects.

Tracking time is the first step to bring better results for your team. Along with careful planning, long-term goals and transparent policies, time tracking software supports the entire team's productivity. While there are many options available, CloudDesk employee monitoring software is an all-in-one solution to track employee working hours across projects, track attendance, breaks, idle hours and track project progress. It is the best time tracking software that is integrated into a fully-featured project management and team collaboration solution to help you get the ultimate success in your business. CloudDesk offers a Free Trial Option to help you understand the software better. Try the option to learn more about the many benefits that come with CloudDesk software and find a plan that works for you. The clock is ticking!
Microsoft has released Windows 11, with the company's chief product officer for Windows + Devices, Panos Panay, describing it as the start of a new era for the PC.

"As the day becomes 5 October in each time zone around the world, availability of Windows 11 begins through a free upgrade on eligible Windows 10 PCs and on new PCs pre-installed with Windows 11 that can be purchased beginning today," he said in a blog post.

Panay claimed Windows was a driving force for innovation. "Its an enduring platform for each one of us to create. And its home for over a billion people to do their jobs, live their dreams and connect with the people they love," he said.

"Were pumped to be launching Windows 11; the entire user experience brings you closer to what you love, empowers you to produce and inspires you to create.

"Windows 11 provides a sense of calm and openness. It gives you a place that feels like home. Its secure and everything is designed to be centered around you.

"To fully understand the magic of Windows 11 you must get it in your hands. The gorgeous graphics, sounds and animations of Windows 11 along with the innovative and beautiful hardware from our partners and Surface provides an experience like none other."

A full list of the new features and enhancements is available here while additional requirements for specific use cases are given here.

In order to upgrade, users will have to satisfy the following requirements:

The device must be running Windows 10, version 2004 or later, to upgrade. Free updates are available through Windows Update in Settings > Update and Security.

Hardware must meet the specs below:

Processor 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster with 2 or more cores on a compatible 64-bit processor or System on a Chip (SoC).

RAM 4 gigabyte (GB).

Storage 64 GB or larger storage device

System firmware UEFI, Secure Boot capable.

TPM Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.

Graphics card Compatible with DirectX 12 or later with WDDM 2.0 driver.

Display High definition (720p) display that is greater than 9 diagonally, 8 bits per colour channel.

Internet connection and Microsoft account Windows 11 Home edition requires internet connectivity and a Microsoft account.

Switching a device out of Windows 11 Home in S mode also requires Internet connectivity.

For all Windows 11 editions, Internet access is required to perform updates and to download and take advantage of some features. A Microsoft account is required for some features.

Users can utilise the PC Health Check app to check if current Windows 10 PCs are eligible for the free upgrade.
NILES  A Texas man accused of killing three members of the Niles Police Department in a highway crash last year has pleaded guilty to multiple charges filed in the case.

Ivan Robles-Navejas, 29, entered guilty pleas in a Kerry County, Texas, courtroom on Oct. 5 to four counts of intoxication manslaughter and three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the fatal July 2020 crash, said District Attorney Lucy Wilke.

Robles-Navejas, who is being held in jail, is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 19, Wilke said. His attorney did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

The crash, which occurred on a Texas highway about 65 miles northwest of San Antonio, killed Sgt. Joseph Lazo, 39; retired police officer Joseph Paglia, 52; and community service officer Michael White, 28, all of the Niles Police Department; and a fourth man, Jerry Wayne Harbour of Houston.

The men were riding with the Thin Blue Line Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club in southern Texas when a car driven by Robles-Navejas veered into their lane and hit their motorcycles head-on, authorities said.

Two other motorcycles were also reportedly struck and three people were injured.

Authorities said Robles-Navejas was driving drunk at the time of the crash.

Paglia and White died from their injuries shortly after the crash, while Lazo died in a hospital two weeks later.

The Niles Police Department marked the one-year anniversary of the crash this year with a small memorial service attended by the officers' families and the department's new chaplain, said Deputy Police Chief Nick Zakula. Members of the department also participated in Walk Like MADD, a fundraiser aimed at ending drunk and drugged driving, in honor of the officers, he said.

"We continue to keep the victims and their families in our thoughts and prayers throughout this time," Zakula said in response to the guilty pleas entered in the case.

Lazo, of Morton Grove, joined the Niles Police Department in 2008 and was promoted to sergeant in 2018. White, who served in the U.S. Army, joined Niles Police in 2014 as a community service officer and was working to become a police officer at the time of his death, a representative of the Niles Police Department said.

Paglia, who retired from the force in 2018, was president of the Chicago Chapter of the Thin Blue Line Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club, made up of retired and current police officers who help assist the families of officers injured or killed in the line of duty.

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From the moment Tammy Pierce brought her infant son home, she knew he was going to be something special.

"He was not your normal, typical baby. He was such a good baby. He hardly ever cried. He slept through the night," Tammy Pierce shared about her only son, Brian Pierce Jr., the Brooklyn Police officer who was killed on Aug. 4 on the McKinley Bridge while putting down spike strips to stop a fleeing motorist.

By the time Brian was 3, it was clear to his family he had a love for police cars and fire trucks and there was nothing anybody could do about it.

"All he wanted to do was play with police cars and fire trucks," Pierce said.

Every year at Halloween, young Brian had a consistent go-to when it came time to pick a costume: "You guessed it, a policeman, detective or a fireman," his mother said, laughing out loud.

There was one time Brian was forced, by his mom, to dress as a skull. He did it for a brief moment, but went right back to his favorites. Red and blue were in his human fibers.

"It was his life. It's like what he was born to do," Tammy Pierce said.

She told him often, "I think you bleed blue, sweetheart."

A knock on the door

Pierce 's voice cracked and she sobbed as she remembered the "shining light" she and Brian Pierce Sr. brought into this world and the horrible night that light went dark.

It was Aug. 4 that Tammy Pierce got the knock at the door she always worried about and prayed would never come.

She and her husband were awakened in their Makanda home at 4:30 a.m. and, while startled, they assumed it was probably a neighbor. But it was a Jackson County police officer.

The shrieks from her husband let her know her son was dead. She then heard her husband screaming her name.

"Tammy come here. Tammy come here," she heard him yell.

Hopping out of bed, Tammy ran toward the door where she found her husband on his knees and a Jackson County officer with tears in his eyes.

Without hesitation, Tammy said she blurted out, "Who did it?"

"In my mind, I thought my son had been shot," she said. "I did not know what happened to him, but I could feel it. My daughter knew, too. All we had to do was look in that officer's face."

The officer told Tammy that Brian had been killed. He told her to follow up with the Brooklyn Police Department chief for further details.

"It took us about an hour to make that call," she said.

Pierce said she and several family members drove to the Brooklyn Police Department and were taken to a room where the chief, the mayor and several Brooklyn Police officers were to learn what had happened.

Dreams of serving

While recalling memories of her son's life, Pierce was reminded of a very detailed essay Brian wrote about police cruisers when he was 10.

"It earned him an 'A' because of the incredible detail he provided," Tammy Pierce said.

He wrote about how important it was to have thick carpeting inside the police car so the passengers that were in the back would be warm, she said.

"Sometimes police are so busy that they don't get to put the prisoners in the car right away so it was important to have heated seats and carpet in the cruiser to keep them warm," she said her son wrote.

There are no police officers on either side of the Pierce family so Tammy said, "It was really odd that this was his choice."

She credits a family friend who was a police officer when Pierce was growing up, with taking Brian under his wings and showing him the ins and outs of the job police officers do.

"His name was Rob Wangen. He was a huge influence on our son," she said.

When Brian was 7, Officer Wangen took him him to his father's farm to ride in a police car and on an ATV, Pierce said.

"He was a huge influence on our son. He treated our boy like a little brother," she said.

Brian started volunteering at the Raymond-Harvel Fire Department, in Raymond, Illinois, when he was 12.

As a young teenager, he volunteered with the Elkville Fire Department, where his family had moved, his mother said.

"He got to do all kinds of things. He loved it," she said.

In 2015, when he was 18, Brian became a volunteer firefighter for the Makanda Township Fire Department, not far from Carbondale.

Brian was promoted to lieutenant and became a fire investigator and a trainer, Pierce said.

But that was not enough for Brian, who wanted to fulfill the two passions he had in life.

His family didn't know it, but Brian went on to become a volunteer police officer for the Brooklyn Police Department. It was a 90 minute drive one way to get to Brooklyn.

Fatally struck on McKinley Bridge

Brian had worked in Brooklyn department for six months as a full-time, paid police officer before he was killed on the McKinley Bridge while putting down spike strips to stop a fleeing suspect.

He lost his life when the driver fleeing Brooklyn police failed to stop and slammed into him about 3 a.m. on Aug. 4.

The red Dodge Charger that struck and killed Brian Pierce was abandoned and later found in St. Louis. But, the suspect, a Florissant, Missouri, man, was on the run for 16 days before he was captured. Every second Tammy Pierce waited for news of an arrest was painful, she said.

Caleb Campbell, 22, of Florissant, Missouri was charged with first-degree murder in addition to counts of reckless homicide, aggravated fleeing and attempt to elude a police officer, failure to report an accident involving personal injury or death, and failure to stop after an accident involving a death, according to the Madison County State's Attorney's Office.

Police have not said why the suspect was being pursued by Brooklyn police in the first place. Brooklyn Police Capt. Antonio White would not comment on anything pertaining to the incident because of an ongoing police investigation.

Prosecutors are alleging Campbell was the driver of the Dodge Charger that struck and killed Brian Pierce while he was speeding and fleeing from police.

Campbell is being held in the Madison County Jail with bail set at $2 million.

Fire department tribute

Makanda Fire Chief Jimmy Bilderback and Brian Pierce's co-workers are honoring Brian for being a dedicated worker and for his willingness to help everyone he could.

The Makanda Township Fire Department is naming its training room 517 Missions. Brian's number was 517, Tammy Pierce said.

This honor means a lot to the Pierce family because, they say, Brian worked hard to do the very best he could for anyone who needed his service. To have him honored for something he poured his life into is "something special," Tammy Pierce said.

She said the family did not know Brian was working at the Brooklyn Police Department for four months. He also worked a full-time job as head sergeant of security at Consume Cannabis Co. in Carbondale, she said.

"He was a very busy man," Pierce said.

"He got off from Consume Cannabis around 9 p.m. and then he drove to Brooklyn and got there about 10:30 p.m., and worked until morning," Pierce said.

Afterward, he ran home, showered, slept a few hours and was back at it again.

He worked six days a week because Mondays was fire training night.

"He would never miss a fire training," she said.

Arrest of suspect

Tammy Pierce said she wants justice for her son.

For 16 days, before police arrested him, Campbell was free, while Pierce was planning her son's funeral. For a mother, that's hard to swallow.

"I feel like our son died for no reason," Pierce said. "I have a lot of anger. I am happy he was charged with murder and now indicted. I will never get my son back."

How to help

You can send cards to the Pierce family at P.O. Box 73, Makanda, IL 62958. Also, the family has set up a GoFundMe page called "Remembering Brian Pierce, A Fallen Hero."

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If anyone should have been prepared for this  this surreal, tragic phase of the pandemic and the derangement of our collective response  it might be me. I am both a red-state native and a historian who studies infectious diseases.

In 2017, I wrote that the risk of a big one, a biological event that threatens to break down our public health infrastructure and rattle the foundations of the global order, is out there, lurking. That same year, I started writing a global history of infectious disease from our primate origins down to  SARS-1 and Ebola virus. The early drafts of the book warned that a new pandemic was inevitable in the future, whether tomorrow or in another lifetime.

Then COVID-19 came, and so much of what has unfolded seems eerily familiar to a student of history.

The kung flu smear and the Wuhan blame game? Finding scapegoats for epidemics is as old as time, from the Black Death to the AIDS crisis.

Leaders who brazenly project an alternate reality, at unfathomable cost? Read the gripping story of the delusional reaction to the plague in 1630-31 in Milan, a town with maybe the most advanced public health system in the world at the time, but which ultimately lost over 40% of its population in the outbreak.

Private interests that shamelessly peddle misinformation? The history of British mercantilists lobbying against quarantine sounds perfectly contemporary. Resistance to medical science? Since the introduction of smallpox inoculation and then vaccination, a weird alliance of religious militancy and pseudoscience has worked to stoke fears and doubts about our best tools to protect human health. Livestock dewormer? Just a fresh take on the venerable tradition of quackery. Its hard to be original in the annals of human folly.

Still, complete immersion in the chronicles of past disease did not really prepare me for how bewildering our social response would be. The disorienting experience of living through a pandemic has certainly been made more vivid because I not only live in ruby-red Oklahoma but was born and raised here, and I am a patriotic Okie. I love this place and its people. But I have to admit it has been a struggle to understand this alienating failure of community.

Family and friends, otherwise reasonable people, refuse to make the small sacrifice in the form of masking to keep others safe. We are sending our kids back to school, in a state where the Delta variant is raging and the Legislature has banned mask mandates. At my university, we have to implore students, faculty and staff to wear masks. Vaccinations that should have been our technical salvation have become polarizing  and the strong federal actions to expand vaccination requirements are certain to harden divisions too.

The thing about the really nefarious new diseases throughout history, the big ones, is that they seem to infect everything, to find and expose all of our other social pathologies. The smallpox pandemics that ravaged the Indigenous peoples of the New World werent caused by a Great Germ without context  rather, the brutal dislocation of conquest worked hand in hand with disease to destroy complex American civilizations.

In war-torn 17th Europe, epidemics caused by typhus, the microbe of misery, were the sequel of conflict and chaos. In the 19th century, cholera pandemics fell right along the stress lines that had formed amid the growing inequalities both within and between societies.

And like a radioactive tracer, this COVID pandemic has given us a view into our own faults and failings and the cultural polarization that makes it impossible to achieve societal consensus. It has also weakened our instincts of obligation to one another. We have now learned, the hard way, that a nearly miraculous technical intervention to stop the disease is not enough. It will take both scientific progress and a reckoning in our political life for us to regain control.

Vaccinations never felt like a trade-off between freedom and health  and certainly not like a choice between Republican and Democrat, red state and blue state allegiance. The government approved the shots. The family doctor advised and administered them. With the terrors of polio fresh and visceral, few people asked questions.

It was what you did, as a parent and a citizen. People got vaccinated not because they had fully considered the rational arguments but because it was part of the implicit social contract, quietly rooted in structures of trust and an understanding of what we owe each other.

That bit of fabric has come undone.

Kyle Harper is a professor of classics and letters at the University of Oklahoma.

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I follow the science and trust the experts, but let's be honest: They don't always get it right.

For instance, we recently learned that although public health experts had told us repeatedly that the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines were equally effective, that's not actually true. Half a dozen studies, the New York Times reported, now show that Moderna offers more protection.

A few days ago, irked by the most recent turnaround, I suddenly recalled a book I've had on my shelf for the last 37 years. Titled "The Experts Speak," it is a nearly 400-page doorstopper written in 1984 by Christopher Cerf and Victor Navasky that claims to be the "definitive compendium of authoritative misinformation."

Navasky and Cerf set out to lampoon the world's experts by showing how wrong they've been over the last 2,000 years about everything, including, they noted, facts, theories, dates, geography, predictions about the future, conclusions about the past and, yes, even assertions about the present.

"We are ready to concede that the experts are occasionally right," they wrote. "As a matter of fact, some of our colleagues have argued persuasively that the experts are right as much as half the time."

OK, they were being snarky, but their compendium is no joke. Here are a handful of the thousands of entries:

"Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau," Yale economics professor Irving Fisher said on Oct. 17, 1929, just a week before the market crash that devastated the U.S. economy.

"Roosevelt will be a one-term president," wrote political columnist Mark Sullivan in the New York Herald in 1935. Roosevelt was elected to four terms and died in office in 1945.

"A man-made moon voyage will never occur regardless of all future scientific advances," said Lee DeForest, an American inventor who has often been called the "father of the radio," in 1957.

"For the majority of people, smoking has a beneficial effect," Los Angeles surgeon Ian G. Macdonald told Newsweek in 1963.

I think I needn't go further. Their message is clear. Don't believe everything you hear, even from someone with an advanced degree. Especially when it predicts the future. Furthermore, even when the experts all agree  they might still be wrong.

But having said all that, what's the alternative?

With all due respect to Navasky and Cerf, no number of wrong assertions by a scientist or expert truly undermines the value of study, knowledge, experience, experimentation, data-gathering and the scientific method. (Nor do I think the authors meant to suggest it did.) And just because the experts make mistakes, that doesn't mean that they aren't right vastly more often than they're wrong, or that they don't know a lot more about viruses than you and I do.

What we sometimes forget is that science and expertise don't exist in a world of perfectly discernible truth and objectivity, but in one of uncertainty. Especially when it comes to advising on policy, scientists' conclusions and experts' recommendations are based, as often as not, on estimates and hypotheses, on projections and modeling. It is necessary to weigh evidence, reconcile contradictory findings and make judgments, sometimes with incomplete information.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists and policymakers have obviously been under pressure to move quickly. At the beginning, little was known about the virus, but policy recommendations were urgently necessary. Studies were sped up and assumptions were made, some of which didn't bear out. (There are currently more than 360,000 entries in the World Health Organization's database of global literature on the coronavirus.)

Sure, I now wish I'd gotten the Moderna vaccine rather than the Pfizer, but data evolve (and Pfizer is effective). It's easy to be irked by botched predictions and inaccurate assertions. But to discount rigorous methods, objective standards and open-minded inquiry  to discount science and expertise  is Dark Ages thinking. It's a much bigger mistake than doing a 360 on mask-wearing or which vaccine works best.

Nicholas Goldberg is an associate editor and Op-Ed columnist for the Los Angeles Times.

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Dr. Christopher Ohl discusses COVID-19 update 10-7-21

The variability of the key COVID-19 metrics in North Carolina stood out again Thursday with the state reaching a three-month low in the positive-test rate while also surpassing 17,000 deaths.

The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services reported Forsyth County with an additional COVID-19-related death and 161 new cases.

The county has had 49,851 cases and 526 deaths since the onset of the pandemic.

DHHS lists COVID-19 cases and deaths on the day they are confirmed by medical providers and public health officials, so people may have been infected or may have died days or weeks before their cases were counted.

There have been 13 COVID-19-related deaths confirmed in Forsyth so far in October.

September was the third-deadliest month of the COVID-19 pandemic for Forsyth at 53, trailing just 67 deaths in February and 59 in January.

Public and local hospital healthcare officials say the vast majority of the COVID-19-related deaths in Forsyth, the Triad and Northwest N.C. and the state have been unvaccinated individuals.

The 53 deaths listed for September are the most for any month since vaccines became readily available to the public in mid-April.
Crump said that as he has received more evidence from prosecutors, the case against his client has started to crumble. At first, Winston-Salem police said McDonald was one of the men who broke into the sweepstakes business, but both men seen on security camera were masked. None of the evidence gathered so far proves that McDonald was even there on the morning of Dec. 11, 2017, Crump said.

Police then said McDonald was driving the car, but McConnell said in a statement that he drove the car, Crump said.

But Martin said that McDonald had played games at The Hook before he got banned. He was familiar with how the business operated and the robbery took place after the business had closed, she said.

She said this was one of the more violent robberies she has prosecuted and that Haskins was asleep when the two masked men came in through an unlocked door and shot him. All Haskins was armed with was a BB gun, Martin said.

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Webb was made to walk through the business at gunpoint and after he opened up a cash register, he was shot multiple times, Martin said. Webb survived but has no memory of what happened, she said.

Crump said the only real evidence against McDonald was the fact that he received several phone calls from McConnell.
What a difference a few decades make. I remember receiving letters from my parents as a kid in camp with a 3-cent stamp on them. They were promptly delivered. In the days leading up to Christmas, we received a morning and afternoon delivery. The post office, as it was then known, united the nation and opened the world (some kids had pen pals in other countries) before there were internet and Facebook friends, most of whom we dont know.

Going to the mailbox and seeing what was in it was a daily adventure. You would raise a red flag on the side of the box to let the mailman know you had something to send. If you peered into the mail car on a train, you would see many bags and know they were on the way to their intended destination in a timely fashion.

DeJoy says air carriers have become unreliable in delivering the mail and he wants to rely more on ground services. It worked for the Pony Express!

The Postal Reorganization Act of 1970 states: The Postal Service shall have as its basic function the obligation to provide postal services to bind the Nation together through the personal, educational, literary, and business correspondence of the people. It shall provide prompt, reliable, and efficient services to patrons in all areas and shall render postal services to all communities.
"Teaching is always going to be valuable, and it's always going to be important, but it's even more critical right now," Nichols said.

The advantage of a symposium, compared to career fairs LPS participates in at area colleges, is that it allows prospective candidates who have already been student teaching to make deeper connections, Witt said.

"This is just kind of the icing on the cake where we allow them to know, 'Hey, I want to be part of LPS and how do I make that happen,'" Witt said.

Tongish, who is from Lincoln and is helping teach English Language Learners at McPhee Elementary, has known she wanted to be a teacher since she was little. When she was in high school, she was part of the inaugural class at The Career Academy, a career and technical education school for juniors and seniors at LPS.

"That just affirmed that teaching was what I wanted to do, because my two years I was there, I think I had 90 hours in a classroom before Id even started college where I was getting the opportunity to teach," she said.

Now, Tongish and her roommate Nichols are ready to put their education and experience student teaching into full-time practice.
Patricia Timm of Beatrice, who has represented Southeast Nebraska's District 5 on the state school board of education for more than 17 years, resigned from her post Friday.

The state school board voted to approve Timm's resignation as part of the consent agenda during Friday's meeting in Lincoln.

After thoughtful consideration and discussions with my family I am resigning from my position at the Nebraska Board of Education due to personal health reasons, Timm, 74, said. It has been an honor and great privilege to serve the students, teachers, and communities in District 5 for the past 17 years.

The ball is now in Gov. Pete Ricketts court to appoint Timm's replacement in 45 days. The District 5 seat is up for election in November 2022, in which case any appointed member would have to run to keep the position.

The governor could possibly take applications for the seat, like Gov. Mike Johanns did in 2004 when he appointed Timm, a Republican, to the officially nonpartisan board when Steve Scherr resigned to run for the Legislature.
COLUMBUS -- The former treasurer of the Nebraska Airboaters Association is facing charges after allegedly taking money from the organization.

The organization is based out of Fremont and has about 500 members throughout Nebraska and the United States at large. The nonprofit holds an airboating event annually on the Platte and Loup rivers.

According to court documents, a board member of the nonprofit had contacted the Fremont Police Department in June after an audit showed that then-Treasurer Hollie J. Hittner had embezzled over $47,000 over the last three years. The period of the alleged theft is from about Feb. 1, 2019, to April 29, 2021, according to court documents.

The documents indicate that Hittner had begun returning the money when she was made aware of the discovered unauthorized transactions; at that time, she had repaid almost $46,000.

An affidavit from the Fremont Police Department, filed in Dodge County Court in September, says that Hittner called the transactions mental mistakes on her part and she does not deny that she unintentionally used money from the Airboaters Association account.
Gov. Pete Ricketts was among 10 Republican governors who joined Texas Gov. Greg Abbott near the border with Mexico on Wednesday to call upon President Joe Biden to take action to secure the border and end what Ricketts described as "this humanitarian and security crisis."

Mass migration into the United States is spreading "health hazards across our country," the governor said during a news conference in Mission, Texas, claiming that thousands of COVID-positive people have entered the country illegally.

The Biden administration needs to "properly resource the border" with U.S. Border Patrol personnel and National Guard troops, Ricketts said.

The president "thinks he can ignore" this crisis, the governor said.

"We are here to shine a light," he said, and force action to "help us stem this mass migration crisis."

The Nebraska National Guard is scheduled to deploy units from Grand Island and Columbus this month to help provide assistance at the border.

The deployment could last up to a year, Maj. Scott Ingalsbe, spokesperson for the Guard, said previously.
Jim Greisch, a panelist and executive at RSM US, a company that provides financial services, said Nebraska's current sales-income-property tax system results in "overdependence on income and property taxes."

Looking ahead outside of the tax reform agenda, Speaker of the Legislature Mike Hilgers of Lincoln said "next year is the opportunity to do big, transformative change" in Nebraska as its leaders reach decisions on how to spend more than a billion dollars of federal pandemic recovery funding allocated to the state.

Hilgers is heading the Legislature's so-called STAR WARS study committee that is preparing recommendations for developments along the Platte River, at Lake McConaughy near Ogallala, at Lewis and Clark Lake along the border with South Dakota and at Niobrara State Park in the northeast corner of the state.

Flood control, recreation, tourism and water resource sustainability are on the table.

Pointing to Mahoney State Park between Lincoln and Omaha as "a treasure," Hilgers said state parks enrich the lives of Nebraskans.

Hilgers said he believes the state has "the best set of leaders we've had in 30 years" and that they are positioned with "the opportunity to transform the state."
A teen accused of taking part in vandalism that resulted in $72,635 in damages to a rural Grundy Center, Iowa, cemetery had tombstones at his home, according to court records.

Grundy sheriffs deputies are investigating widespread vandalism discovered in July at the graveyard at Fredsville Evangelical Lutheran Church on 150th Street.

On Monday, authorities announced they had arrested 18-year-old Coletin James Stevenson of Cedar Falls on charges of first-degree criminal mischief.

According to court records, Stevenson had become a suspect in the damage, and investigators found a photo of him in the cemetery. They suspected he had taken grave markers from the graveyard.

On Sept. 1, Sheriff Kirk Dolleslager traveled to Stevensons home on Washington Street in Cedar Falls and talked with a relative there. The relative then went to Coletins room and later returned with the tombstones, records state. Stevenson wasnt home at the time.

On the night of the damage, there was a large underage drinking party in the area, and witnesses told deputies that Stevenson had caused the damage, records state.
The social media giant Facebook donated $250,000 last week to a group building a memorial in Papillion to Nebraskans who served, and died, in the Vietnam War.

A portion of the grant  $100,000  will be used for educational programs tied to the 2-acre memorial, which is slated to open in 2023 on a site adjacent to the SumTur Amphitheater, said George Abbott, secretary-treasurer of the Nebraska Vietnam Veterans Memorial Foundation. The rest will go toward construction of the $5.4 million project.

That was a real blessing for us, Abbott said. We have a hard time getting any money specifically for educational programs.

The memorial is slated to include a restored UH-1 Huey helicopter with a rescue display, 11 obelisks listing historical events from individual years of the Vietnam War, an array of flagpoles, benches and green space.

It will also include a V-shaped wall of black granite listing the names of the 396 Nebraskans killed in the war, funded by a donor who has asked to remain anonymous.

Facebook opened a large data center in Papillion in 2019. Last spring the company announced a $400 million expansion in Springfield that will boost its facilities in Sarpy County to 3.6 million square feet.
Therein lies the challenge.

The growing diversity of Lincoln has given rise to the the need for a more diverse police force, which may require new recruiting techniques. And a wider hiring window may help boost applications.

LPD's attrition rate is about 6% annually -- or about 18 officers. Most simply retire, but others have been lured to Omaha or have left the profession altogether. That means, in order for Lincoln to remain fully staffed at its current rate, it must hiring at least 18 new officers each year.

Building up staffing will take time. The department's current academy class is made up of 19 officers in training, and 17 of them won't patrol Lincoln's streets until next summer. It takes time to go from recruit to working officer.

In fact, if current trends hold, LPD will lose a dozen or more officers by the time the bulk of the academy class emerges in May. That's why it's essential to keep the pipeline filled.

And building a force that mirrors the community takes intentionality and effort, but it's more important than ever.
YORKVILLE  A bar fight that broke out Tuesday night at the Blue Badger Bar led to two men spending the night in jail.

According to the Racine County Sheriffs Office, deputies were dispatched to the bar, located at 717 Sylvania Ave., Yorkville, at about 10:30 p.m. for an active fight. While en route, deputies were informed that one subject may have a gun and the other may have a knife.

When deputies arrived, they ordered the suspects to the ground at gunpoint. The suspects complied. They were later identified as Kristopher Doyle Haynes, a 44-year-old from Bellefontaine, Ohio, and Colten Rupp, a 32-year-old from Waupun.

As a result of the fight, according to the Racine County District Attorneys Office, Rupps sinus cavity was ruptured.

A criminal complaint states that Haynes became upset when another man told him he was acting like a girl.

Witnesses alleged that no weapons were ever displayed, according to the release. A bystander removed a gun from Rupps back during the altercation and placed it behind the bar, witnesses told deputies, according to a report.

Haynes and Rupp were placed under arrest and taken to Racine County Jail. While in custody, Haynes allegedly slammed himself into the door of the squad car, causing $2,500 in damage, and told a deputy he was going to whip his (expletives). Haynes also allegedly spit on a deputy three times.

While reviewing video footage, deputies observed that while Haynes had Rupp in a headlock, Rupp removed a knife from his pocket and flicked it open, the release said. A bystander allegedly took the knife and gun from Rupp and placed them behind the bar.

On Thursday, charges were filed against Haynes, but not Rupp.

Haynes was given a $5,000 cash bond in Racine County Circuit Court on Thursday. A preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 14 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave., online court records show.

He faces three felony counts of throwing/discharging bodily fluids at a public safety worker and a felony count of substantial battery, as well as misdemeanor counts of criminal damage to property, resisting an officer and disorderly conduct.

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A southeastern Wisconsin bank is warning customers about a federal proposal that would require financial institutions to report additional bank activities to the IRS for any account holders with more than $600 in annual transactions.

The proposal would require financial institutions to report to the IRS aggregate inflows and outflows on an annual basis from accounts with more than $600 in annual transactions. There is talk that the threshold could change to $10,000, but that would still affect anyone receiving or spending $10,000 or more in a year using a bank account.

In an email sent to customers on Tuesday, Community State Bank President and CEO Scott Huedepohl said: This indiscriminate, comprehensive bank account reporting to the IRS could soon be enacted in Congress and would create an unacceptable invasion of privacy for our customers, and could harm small businesses.

The email is part of a nationwide effort to fight the federal plan. Its a proposal that U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen defends as a way to catch tax evaders, but that Rep. Bryan Steil, R-Wis., calls an invasion of Americas privacy and also raises very serious cybersecurity questions.

The proposal was included in the $3.5 trillion spending bill that is being debated in Congress. The IRS proposal was removed from the bill amidst criticism, but Yellen is still pushing for it and Republicans, including Steil, are concerned its going to be put back in.

People sneak stuff in until the final hour, Steil said Thursday in a phone interview with the Lake Geneva Regional News. I remain concerned.

Huedepohl said, if the legislation is approved, the federal government would have more information about how people spend their money.

It just doesnt need to be done, and its something Im very adamant about, Huedepohl said when reached by phone. Most community bankers in America are adamant about it also. Your financial business is your own business. Its private, and nobody needs to know about it.

Huedepohl said there are ways the federal government can obtain someones financial information if they need it.

They can always get it if they need to subpoena something if theres a concern of illegal transactions, Huedepohl said. They already have the ability to get that done. We just dont need to turn it over across the board. It just doesnt make sense to me.

As part of the letter to customers, Huedepohl encouraged residents to contact their representatives in Congress to oppose the change.

Community State Bank has its headquarters in Union Grove and has branches throughout Racine, Kenosha and Walworth counties.

In a letter to the House Ways and Means Committee last month advocating for the proposal, Yellen said that compliance rates are under 50 percent for opaque sources of income-resulting in a disproportionate tax burden for complying taxpayers and a shortage of necessary funds for key national priorities.

Existing empirical evidence confirms that the introduction of third-party reporting regimes is highly effective, Yellen said.

Financial institutions already must report interest, dividend and investment income to the IRS.

During a House Financial Services Committee hearing in Washington on Sept. 30, Yellen said this is a simple matter for banks that already file 1099-INT forms, and said, its two additional pieces of information, not transaction level data.

I dont believe its an invasion of privacy, Yellen said.

Steil said he is also concerned about mission creep.

Once the federal government gets to one level they are going to try to go up and snag the next level, Steil said.

The goal of the proposal to find more people cheating on taxes is correct, Steil said. But he said, There are better ways to do that than gross invasions of Americans privacy.

Dennis Hines of the Lake Geneva Regional News contributed to this report.

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The governors of five Great Lakes states have agreed to collaborate on the development and installation of electric vehicle charging infrastructure to help accelerate vehicle electrification across the Midwest as states like Wisconsin fall behind the curve.

A memorandum of understanding signed last week by the leaders of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota pledges a coordinated effort to optimize charging infrastructure, standardize regulatory schemes, and develop a common customer charging experience.

I do believe electric cars are the thing. Its happening, Wisconsin state Rep. Robert Cowles, R-Green Bay, said of one of the major pieces of green economies, i.e., reducing vehicles carbon emissions, during a WisPolitics.com virtual luncheon on Sept. 21. The question is how fast does it happen, and does our state keep up with other states that are moving forward?

He said that 35 states have facilitated charging stations for electric vehicles along their roadways already, but Wisconsin hasnt. We need to keep up. Theres people who want to buy electric cars. Theyre less polluting. It is part of a big, giant equation; attacking climate change along with other things, possibly with help from the federal government.

During that same luncheon, state Rep. Greta Neubauer, D-Racine, added: Our utilities are closing coal plants. Our major car manufacturers are moving toward electric vehicles. We need to recognize that this transition is happening.

The nonbinding agreement also calls for shared efforts to advance clean energy and mobility manufacturing, grow the regions share of electric vehicle production, and train workers for the electric vehicle jobs of today and tomorrow.

An estimated 105,000 new utility sector jobs are expected to be needed to deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure by 2030.

Upon signing the agreement, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers stated: We shouldnt have to choose between building a cleaner, more equitable state and economic development  and thankfully, vehicle electrification is an area where we can do both. This regional partnership will be critical for addressing emissions from the transportation sector, ensuring folks in every community have cleaner air to breathe, and creating jobs to meet our future workforce needs.

On Tuesday, We Energies announced it was joining in on the effort. We Energies on Tuesday, Oct. 5 announced it is joining utility companies across the Midwest to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging options for drivers, WTMJ-TV reported.

As the Crossroads of America, transportation plays a vital role in Indianas economic success and continued growth, said Gov. Eric Holcomb, a Republican. Im proud to partner with our neighboring states to put the Midwest region on the leading edge of providing the charging infrastructure needed to future-proof our transportation network and meet the demand as rapid adoption of electric vehicles continues.

The agreement calls for initially focusing on the installation of publicly accessible charging facilities near interstate and regionally significant commercial corridors to help maintain the Midwests existing role as a shipping and logistics hub.

The governors expect expanded electric vehicle use also will help reduce pollution in communities located along transportation corridors, especially historically disadvantaged groups that have been harmed by vehicle emissions and their negative environmental impacts.

Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act puts us on track to be the best state in the nation to manufacture and drive an electric vehicle  but were just getting started, and the work doesnt stop at our state borders, said Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat. By working together with our Midwestern neighbors, we can accelerate the regions growth in the transportation sector, create jobs across our communities, and prioritize the environment that makes the Great Lakes region so great along the way.

Under the agreement, a task force of senior leaders from each state must regularly meet to identify barriers to vehicle electrification and develop recommendations for overcoming them.

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Construction of a hotel at the former site of Madison Area Technical Colleges Downtown campus could remain halted until 2027 under an amended agreement between the college and the developer.

Missouri-based hotel company Drury Southwest is renting the 211 N. Carroll St. site a block from Capitol Square to redevelop into a roughly 200-room hotel. The initial ground lease called for construction between 2019 and 2022, but the COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench into those plans.

Officials at MATC, also known as Madison College, spent the past year renegotiating the agreement with Drury with no success until both parties went to mediation. The MATC District Board approved the amended terms at a Wednesday meeting.

The terms give Drury more flexibility in moving forward with the project. Drury can find someone else to continue the project, delay construction until no later than July 1, 2027, or pay a $3 million termination fee on that date.

Madison College can also end the agreement if it finds another tenant for the property before July 1, 2027, though MATC chief financial officer Mark Thomas said Drury anticipates building the hotel and is waiting on the right economic conditions to resume work.

A secretary for Herbert Wedemeier, senior vice president and general counsel for Drury, said he was traveling Wednesday and unavailable to comment.

Some other companies have expressed interest in the site, so Thomas said if a better deal came along, MATC would have the option to pursue it though its not something the college is actively seeking at this time.

In the meantime, Drury will pay rent at a reduced rate. The company paid its $700,000 rent payment in 2020 but was delinquent on its 2021 payment due July 1. The revised terms call for Drury to pay $350,000 annually until 2023 when rent increases to $500,000 and gradually increases in the following years until 2031, when Drury would resume its normal payment schedule.

The amended terms provide about $2 million less than MATC would have received in the first 10 years of the initial lease but tack two years on to the 98-year lease to make up the difference.

In total, over time, this keeps the college pretty close to whole, Thomas told board members.

MATC closed its Downtown campus in spring 2019 to make way for its Goodman South campus at South Park Street and Badger Road.

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Copperas Cove, TX (76522)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy this afternoon. High 61F. Winds NNE at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Clear skies. Scattered frost possible. Low 33F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
1. Yes. Council members appear to have taken time to review each section carefully.

2. Yes. The council has set up town halls and a public hearing to inform the residents.

3. No. The council should have set up a charter review committee, including residents.

4. No. Some of the items proposed so far benefit the council more than the community.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say until after the public has had more opportunities to weigh in.

Vote

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A 46-year-old La Crosse man was sentenced to five years in federal prison for dealing crack cocaine.

Aubrey L. Marshall pleaded guilty July 7 to possession of 28 grams or more of crack cocaine with intent to distribute. The sentence handed down by U.S. District Court Judge William M. Conley also includes six years of supervised release.

According to federal prosecutors, police purchased 11.1 grams of crack cocaine from Marshall on Jan. 18 through a confidential informant. A week later, officers purchased 32.9 grams of crack cocaine from Marshall, again through a confidential informant. Later that day, law enforcement officers obtained a search warrant for Marshalls apartment in La Crosse and found 69 grams of crack cocaine, 69 grams of powder cocaine and $5,930 in cash, which included buy money from the drug deal earlier that day.

At sentencing, Conley noted that its Marshalls second federal conviction for cocaine trafficking and that his criminal history includes multiple acts of violence. Marshall has a prior federal felony conviction for distributing cocaine in the western District of Wisconsin in 2005 and was sentenced to 140 months in prison in that case.

The charge against Marshall was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the La Crosse County District Attorneys Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted the case.

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Children of Afghan refugees at Fort McCoy will have new toys to play with thanks to a UW-La Crosse toy drive.

The campus-wide effort over a two-week period involved students, staff, faculty and community members. Around 400 toys were collected, ranging from simple games like Checkers, Jenga and Connect Four to simple puzzles, as well as Play Doh, Kinetic Sand and Cornhole.

Providing our new Afghan neighbors a warm Wisconsin welcome is important as these families begin their lives in a new country, says Lisa Klein, UWL Community Engagement Coordinator. The faculty, staff and students at UWL recognized this and were quick to ask how they could help those who have been displaced from their homes  their country  with little more than the clothes on their backs. This toy drive is just one small way for us to say welcome.

The idea for the toy drive started with UWL Professor of Mathematics and Statistics Susan Kelly. She worked with Klein in the universitys Community Engagement Office to organize the campus-wide event. Volunteers for the drive came from a group of more than 20 faculty and staff who wanted to help once they saw Afghan refugees arriving at Fort McCoy.

All the toys were donated to Catholic Charities of La Crosse, which is accepting all donations for the Afghans who arrived at Fort McCoy as part of Operation Allies Welcome. Many of the items donated were requested as toys of interest by the Fort McCoy Women and Children Center coordinator.

Those still interested in donating toys and other items needed at Fort McCoy may use the Amazon Wishlist at https://a.co/b5Qm7lM. The list is set up by Team Rubicon, a national organization that serves vulnerable populations affected by disaster.

Along with collecting toys, numerous UWL faculty and staff have been working with higher education partners at Viterbo University and Western Technical College to educate the community on the Afghan people. A second education event scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, is titled Getting to know our new Afghan neighbors: A live stream event. The live stream can be found at: www.viterbo.edu/afghansupport.

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Facing lawsuits and defiance from the agency it oversees, Wisconsins Natural Resources policy board is exploring its next move on wolf hunting.

The board announced Thursday it will hold a remote, closed-session meeting Friday morning to confer with legal counsel about two pending court cases seeking to stop the hunt.

According to the meeting notice, matters concerning natural resource issues or the Departments program responsibilities or operations may be added to the agenda up to two hours before the 8 a.m. meeting if board chair Fred Prehn determines that the matter is urgent.

The meeting comes just days after the DNR, in an unprecedented move, announced the quota for the Nov. 6 wolf hunting season would be less than half what the board approved in August.

Six Ojibwe tribes have sued the board in efforts to stop the fall hunt.

They say the boards decision to approve a 300-wolf quota was a deliberate move to nullify the tribes share and accuse the DNR of ignoring sound biological principles and mismanaging natural resources in violation of 1837 and 1842 treaties with the U.S. government.

The DNR announced Monday that it had used its statutory authority to modify that quota to 130  the number wildlife officials originally recommended  based on the most reliable population modeling available and a goal of maintaining a stable wolf population, according to a staff memo.

In accordance with treaty rights, state-licensed hunters will be allowed to kill 74 wolves; 56 will be allocated to the tribes, which have in past years chosen to preserve their share.

That did not mollify the tribes.

The DNR still does not have a sound wolf population estimate, and any consideration of recreational hunting and trapping at this time is premature, said Peter David, spokesperson for the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission. Immediately after wolves were removed from the endangered species list, Wisconsin conducted a brutal hunt in February during the wolves breeding season, and they must be given time to recover from that event.

A coalition of conservation groups has also sued in state court to stop the hunt and void the 2011 law mandating a hunt from November through February whenever wolves are not on the endangered species list.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service removed them in January.

The DNR had been preparing to hold a hunt beginning in November 2021, but a Kansas-based hunter advocacy group sued, and a Jefferson County judge ordered the department to hold a season in the final days of February, later than any previously sanctioned hunt.

Prehn, a Wausau dentist appointed by former Gov. Scott Walker in 2015, is facing his own legal challenges over his refusal to step down after his term expired May 1, denying Gov. Tony Evers appointee Sandra Naas a seat and maintaining a 4-3 majority for Republican appointees.

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul has asked the state Supreme Court to rule on his effort to remove Prehn from the board after a Dane County judge dismissed the case last month.

Kaul argues Prehn is usurping a position of substantial authority and each day that passes inflicts further harm to the public, with the rightful board member currently barred from taking her seat.

Prehn maintains that a 1964 Supreme Court ruling means he does not have to leave until Naas is confirmed by the Senate, but Republicans who control the chamber have made no move to set a hearing or answer questions on their plans to do so.

A DNR spokesperson said relevant DNR legal counsel who are familiar with these cases will be available to answer questions at Fridays meeting.

Prehn canceled the boards September meeting after a top DNR official told him no one from the agency would participate. DNR Deputy Secretary Todd Ambs sent Prehn an email stating there were no items for consideration at the boards Sept. 22 meeting, therefore no one from the department would attend and the meeting should be canceled.

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A temporary COVID-19 booster vaccination clinic will open Tuesday at the Alliant Energy Center, Public Health Madison and Dane County said Thursday.

The clinic at the Arena building at the Alliant Center will offer booster doses for those who are eligible, as well as first and second vaccine doses for anyone 12 and older.

The booster clinic will start with five active vaccination booths capable of accommodating about 220 booster vaccinations per day. Health officials strongly encourage residents to make an appointment, but drop-ins will be accepted.

To make an appointment at the Alliant Center clinic, or one of the other Public Health clinic locations visit publichealthmdc.com/vax. COVID-19 vaccines are also available throughout the county through health care providers and pharmacies.

This clinic will differ from the previous clinic we had set up on the grounds of the Alliant Energy Center for a couple of reasons, Sarah Hughes, COVID-19 vaccine deputy for the city-county health department, said in a statement. First, it is in a different part of the facility and second, people will park and walk-in, as opposed to the previous drive-through approach.

Hughes said the department is ready to expand vaccination capacity as soon as children under 12 are eligible. Pfizer made its formal application for children between the ages of 5 and 11 on Thursday.

Health officials are recommending booster shots of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for people who already got two Pfizer doses if they: are 65 and older; are at least 50 and have underlying conditions such as cancer, diabetes or lung disease; or live in long-term care facilities.

People 18 and older with underlying conditions and those 18 to 64 in higher risk occupations  such as first responders, teachers and grocery store workers  may get boosters, officials said.

Boosters should be given at least six months after the second dose. Boosters are not yet recommended for people whose initial doses were of the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines, but such approval and guidance is expected in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services on Thursday said it was relaunching a Community Testing Support Program to help local health departments and providers offer more COVID-19 testing. The announcement came as the delta variant surge continued in the state even as it has ebbed in some parts of the country, with 2,770 new COVID-19 cases and 17 more deaths reported in Wisconsin.

State Journal reporter David Wahlberg contributed to this report.

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Some see an antiques imperfections as character.

And some get excited when they spot a mint condition find.

Whatever they seek, the pandemic didnt stop the fall Antique Extravaganza from bringing antique hunters to the markets, shops and dealers throughout this northern Lancaster County town.

Lauren Romig has made the trek from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, for more than two decades.

We never know what were going to find, she says.

Her trailer was far from filled on the first day, but she already had a favorite: a small mayonnaise crock.

Its beautiful. Its German, she says. Ive never seen one like that, and weve been working for more than 20 years.

She and a few of the thousands of pickers shared their favorite finds.

Better with time

Alex Poteete, of Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, found this Ansonia clock, made in New York in the late 1800s.

Its one of his favorite brands and this one has an open escape, making it even more special.

Being marble, most of the time they're chipped up, he says. This one was in real good shape.

Poteete comes to Pennsylvania to look for clocks because the antiques are cheaper, compared to Tennessee.

Back home, it will join his collection of about 350 clocks.

Pretty pins

Debbie Poteete, Alexs wife, picked a pair of antique pins in the middle of her search for candlewick glassware.

The glittering rhinestones caught her eye. She bought a pin with peacock green stones and a pink pin.

Ill wear them to church on Sundays, she says. I display them. I have some of the old-time jewelry boxes that have the glass tops. Ill put them in there.

On the hook(s)

Robert Phillips found two hooks: one with a fish and one with a skull.

I put them up in a barn and hang things on them, he says.

It was Phillips wife, Charla, who wanted to return to Adamstown from their home in Flat Rock, Michigan. They came here four years ago in the spring. The fall event may have had fewer vendors, he says, but the weather was perfect.

While Charla looks for glass, Robert has an eye for metal.

I had a welding background so I appreciate metal, he says.

Bridge building

Charlie Watts walked away with a block set from the late 1930s or early 1940s. The set has the clay blocks needed to build a bridge plus the instructions.

To find something in the original box with graphics still intact is almost impossible to find for this age, says Watts, of Elizabeth, North Carolina. Kids play with stuff. They break it up. They lose the blocks. They lose the lid. This is all there.

After a little negotiation, he bought the set. Hes hoping someone will build a bridge once its home.

For the kid within

Dave ORourke grew up playing with military toys.

I like the older stuff, even before I was born, he said.

He spotted some metal tanks and trucks and had to have them. He bought a bag of vehicles.

I dont even know what it is but it looked cool, he says. Im seeking out stuff that I didn't have as a kid.

Now this fleet will live on a shelf in his home in Bellmore, New York.
When: Council meeting, Oct. 5.

What happened: Council recognized Bob Buzzard, supervisor of streets, parks and maintenance with a standing ovation on his retirement effective Nov. 16. Buzzard will have been a borough employee for 43 years and eight months. He began his employment May 26, 1978, serving as supervisor since May 26, 1996. A plaque "in appreciation for faithful and dedicated service" was given to him with a gift certificate.

Quotable: "Bob has been a dedicated, conscientious and hardworking employee for the taxpayers of New Holland," Borough Manager Dick Fulcher said.

Council questioned: In a whistleblower attempt to unveil alleged illicit actions by council, resident Samantha Trego questioned borough operations, especially profits and losses as well as responsibilities of the borough manager. Councilman Todd Burkhart explained extensive audits required by law have consistently and irrevocably found council to be free from fraudulent activity. Trego was asked to put future questions into writing. That way, council would provide facts and figures.

Trick-or-treat: Council approved Friday, Oct. 29, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., as the official night.
THE ISSUE

In August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration amended its emergency use authorizations for the Pfizer and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to permit an additional dose for the roughly 3% of American adults who are immunocompromised, LNP | LancasterOnlines Nicole C. Brambila reported recently. And last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expanded booster eligibility to more Americans, but only for those who received the Pfizer vaccine. Most of those who received either the two-dose Moderna vaccine or the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine will have to wait to get booster shots. The CDC now is also urging Americans to get a flu shot.

State House Speaker Bryan Cutler, a Republican from the southern end of Lancaster County, represents the legislative district with the second-lowest COVID-19 vaccination rate in the state, with only 32.2% of residents fully vaccinated as of Sept. 24, according to data collected by the state Department of Health and reported by LNP | LancasterOnline in late September.

Republican state Rep. Steve Mentzers legislative district has one of the highest vaccination rates: 66.3% of residents in Manheim Township, Lititz and Warwick Township are fully vaccinated.

This tale of two districts is not one that Cutlers spokesman seemed thrilled to discuss. Mike Straub said this particular set of data released by the Department of Health attempts to politicize the vaccine by splitting vaccination data along legislative district lines. (Which is an interesting stance, given that Cutler wants the state to release school district vaccination and infection data. Why would school district data be any less political, given the partisan anger over school COVID-19 mitigation measures?)

We wish Cutler would direct some of his considerable influence and energy toward encouraging the vaccine-hesitant to get inoculated against COVID-19. Vaccination remains the best route out of this pandemic and into a broader economic recovery.

Straub said Cutlers role is to provide information to his constituents on important issues and state services and Cutler has done this by advertising vaccine updates in his weekly email to constituents, on social media and when speaking to constituents.

But, alas, Straub also said this to an LNP | LancasterOnline news journalist in an email: Ultimately, personal healthcare decisions are up to individuals and their families.

Unfortunately, personal decisions about COVID-19 vaccination dont have merely personal ramifications. A student whos infected and still contagious may infect fellow students and classroom teachers. An infected, still contagious employee puts their co-workers at risk. And a person who is hospitalized for COVID-19 further taps the resources of hospitals stretched to their limits over the past 19 months.

Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health reported Wednesday morning that 65 patients with COVID-19 were in Lancaster General Hospital. Of these, 49 were unvaccinated; of the 14 patients in the hospitals intensive care unit, 13 were unvaccinated; and all nine patients on ventilators were unvaccinated.

Being on a ventilator is hard on the body; the process begins when a patient is given anesthesia and is intubated  that is, has a breathing tube threaded down the throat toward the lungs. While on a ventilator, some patients develop delirium, or an acute state of confusion. And when patients become confused, they might try to pull out their endotracheal tube, which connects them to the ventilator, pulmonary critical care physician Lauren Ferrante explained on the Yale Medicine website. Patients with delirium can be lucid one moment and confused the next. Although we try to avoid sedation as much as possible, particularly in delirious patients, we may have to give some sedation to prevent people from causing self-harm, like pulling out the breathing tube. It can take months to recover from being on a ventilator, Ferrante noted.

We dont want anyone to have to go through this process, or more hospital workers to face the aerosol exposure that comes with performing intubations. Which is why we continue to urge the unvaccinated  including those in Cutlers district  to please avail themselves of one of the safe, free and effective COVID-19 vaccines.

This isnt a political issue. But it is a patriotic and community health issue. As Americans, we ought to be doing what we can to put this pandemic behind us, so schools, businesses, hospitals and families can return to some semblance of normalcy and stability.

The efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines may wane over time, particularly for people 65 and older, CDC epidemiologist Ruth Link-Gelles has said. So if you qualify for a booster dose, please get it. And, while youre at it, schedule a flu shot, too.

Here are some of the reasons an annual flu shot is important, according to the website of Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital:

 People with medical conditions, such as kidney disease, diabetes, heart problems and asthma, are more likely to have serious health problems, such as pneumonia, if they get the flu.

 Health experts worry that people who get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time might have a more serious illness.

 If you can avoid the flu and its symptoms, you'll be less likely to need testing (for the flu or coronavirus) or to isolate at home.

 Because of the delta variant of the novel coronavirus, hospitals and other health care providers are busy caring for people with COVID-19. Please try to avoid adding to their workload.

Influenza is a potentially serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death, according to the CDC website, which notes that complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions.

The CDC recommends an annual flu shot for everyone 6 months and older. It urges people to get flu shots by the end of October. And it says that COVID-19 vaccines and flu shots may be given at the same time.

Weve been given a great gift in the COVID-19 vaccines and the flu vaccine, too. People with chronic illnesses would love a vaccine that would decrease the severity of the diseases with which they live. So please get a COVID-19 booster if you qualify. Or get vaccinated if you havent already done so. And get a flu shot. (Also, heres a pro-tip: As many of us learned last winter, wearing face masks helps us to avoid all manner of respiratory illnesses.)

From the beginning of this pandemic, weve been told that were all in this together. It would be great if that finally became true.
The COVID-19 pandemic robbed Lancaster County of many things last year, including a decades-old holiday tradition: the performance of Tchaikovskys The Nutcracker by local ballet students and members of the Donetsk Ballet Company of Ukraine.

But the cherished holiday classic is back this year, with four performances scheduled Dec. 3, 4 and 5 at Lancaster Mennonite High School.

Viktor Yeliohin, director of Viktor Yeliohin International Ballet Academy in Lancaster, has choreographed the childrens roles for nearly three decades and took over sponsorship of the performance in 2013. However, his fondness for The Nutcracker goes back much further.

Yeliohin grew up in the former Soviet Union, where The Nutcracker, like other classical ballets such as Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty, was performed year-round and not connected specifically to the Christmas season.

Its such a beautiful performance by itself, he says, fighting good against evil.

The story of young Clara, who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a battle against a rat king, has captivated U.S. audiences since it was first performed here in 1944. As a member of the prestigious Donetsk Ballet, Yeliohin performed as a soloist in The Nutcracker many times and was with the company when it first started touring in the U.S. in 1989.

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Yeliohin was in Philadelphia and chose to remain in the U.S. He soon was in demand as a ballet teacher and choreographer in Philadelphia, New Jersey and, eventually, Lancaster in 1993. Thats the same year he brought the Donetsk Ballet performance of The Nutcracker to Lancaster County.

Instead of having to go to Philadelphia or different places far away, they can see professional dancers and children from Lancaster County in Lancaster, he says. It was convenient, it was better, it was a beautiful production.

And it was the start of a tradition that is now in its 28th year.

But Yeliohin has brought more than just The Nutcracker to Lancaster. In 2010, he realized his dream of opening his own ballet school when the director of the Lancaster Ballet School moved out of its building at 214 W. Grant St. and the landlord asked Yeliohin if he would like the space.

I was thinking I needed to soon open my school, and I decided I would take it, he says. Now looking back Im glad I did this, and really happy to have my own ballet academy.

The Viktor Yeliohin International Ballet Academy offers a unique and classical experience that includes professional dancers and students in its productions. In addition to Yeliohin, who holds a degree as professor of choreography from the Ukrainian Academy of Dance, the school also has a faculty of dance professionals.

Four of Yeliohins students - Lucy Heitmann, Meighan Dubosq, Kaitlyn Staskel and Alexandra Bube  have been invited to perform next March in Grand Prix Kyiv, an international ballet competition and festival in the Ukraine.

The ballet academy presents a company performance every May to benefit the Releve Non-Profit for Childrens Health, a gala every June and, of course, The Nutcracker. This years performance of The Nutcracker will include professional dancers from Japan, Ukraine and America, along with about 60 students from local ballet schools. Over the years, Yeliohin has expanded the performance with a second act and new childrens roles. This year, he has designed and purchased new costumes for the performance.

I want the children to feel beautiful on stage and comfortable, he says. Im so grateful for all these children and volunteers for helping me continue this Nutcracker performance.

And while Yeliohin and his team of volunteers are giving the young performers all the support they need leading up to the performance, what he wants most of all is for the children to have the excitement of seeing large audiences filling the theater to support them, too.

It will be spectacular, he says.

The Nutcracker will be performed at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, 1 and 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, at Lancaster Mennonite High School. Tickets are $35 for general admission, $30 for senior citizens and students, and $25 for the balcony. To reserve tickets, call 610-914-3663 or email vyibanutcrackertix@gmail.com. For more information about the Nutcracker performance, click here. For more information about the academy, please visit vyballet.com
WATCH: African American Equity in Media

FEATURING:

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 Angel Jennings, Assistant Managing Editor for Culture and Talent, Los Angeles Times (@AngelJennings)

 Brandon Brooks, Managing Editor, The Los Angeles Sentinel (@BrandonIBrooks)

 Beverly White, Reporter, NBC Los Angeles (@BeverlyNBCLA)

Moderated by Executive Director Capri Maddox

About the webinar : This roundtable discussion, hosted by Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department (LA Civil Rights) & Councilmember Mark Ridley Thomas will bring together reporters, editors, and journalists to engage in a meaningful discussion on African American representation in newsrooms and news coverage moderated by LA Civil Rights Executive Director Capri Maddox. This conversation will explore the history and future of diversity in Los Angeles news media as well as the landscape of media industries following a year of racial reckoning, rising threats from white supremacist groups, and the inauguration of a new President and the first Black woman Vice President. The roundtable will identify needed actions to address discrimination through the lens of journalism and media, and be streamed live online at facebook.com/LACivilRights as a part of LA Civil Rights programming for Black History Month.
After 13 Years, Black and Missing Foundation Still Searching for Thousands of Missing People of Color

Natalie and Derrica Wilson/Derrica Wilson (left) founded the Black & Missing Foundation to raise awareness about people of color who have disappeared. / Allison Keyes / WAMUIts been 13 years since Natalie Wilson and her sister-in-law Derrica Wilson founded the Black and Missing Foundation to help bring attention and closure to the ever-growing number of cases in minority communities.

The estimated number of missing persons is simultaneously incomplete and cringeworthy. One count suggests that of the more than 600,000 individuals currently reported missing, more than 200,000 are individuals of color. Still, the Wilsons forge ahead.

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She does so, even 13 years and some success stories later, emotionally.

Weve come a long way, Wilson declared during a recent visit to the new, state-of-the-art National Newspaper Publishers Associations (NNPA) television studios in Washington, D.C.

During a conversation with NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., Wilson punctuated the need for the Black and Missing Foundation with the story of Phoenix Colden, a young African American woman who went in 2011 missing near St. Louis, Missouri.

I called every media outlet, and no one covered that story, Wilson recalled. Finally, an assignment editor got tired of me calling and asked me to send Coldens profile.

In her interview with Dr. Chavis, which will air on PBS-TV and PBS-World as a special on The Chavis Chronicles, Wilson reflected on how the news media and even law enforcement fail to highlight missing people of color  notably missing Black girls.

Im so grateful for the Black Press, Wilson remarked.

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They have used their platform to showcase [these stories]. Media coverage is important. It could speed up the recovery and add pressure on law enforcement to add resources to these cases, and thats vital.

Wilson proclaimed that laws are needed to protect children, particularly victims of sex trafficking. She said she had witnessed young boys and girls arrested after becoming sex trafficking victims.

They need rehabilitation, she exclaimed.

Wilson recalled a case in Virginia of a young Black woman who went missing.

She was too old for an Amber Alert and too young for a Silver Alert, Wilson stated.

Ashanti Billie, 19, was kidnapped while heading to work in 2017. Authorities recovered her body 11 days later in North Carolina.

Because she didnt qualify for either an Amber or Silver alert  which notifies the public about missing children and senior citizens  family and authorities lost precious time.

Virginia has now enacted The Ashanti Alert, which bridges the age gap.

This needs to be on the national level because so many of our missing are slipping under the radar, Wilson stated.

A married mother of four, Wilson said shes paranoid. Not just for her children and grandchildren, but for young ones around the world.

Im very aware. Im hyper-vigilant and paranoid, Wilson noted.

But Im dedicated to making a change, and, as parents, we need to be that nosey parent and look at what our children are doing online.

She pointed out that since the beginning of the pandemic, theres been an uptick in sex trafficking, and children are more exposed to online predators than ever before.

They are tapping into our children, Wilson said.

There was a young lady who went missing. She was a gamer, and she was talking to a man online. So, when she went missing, her family was so surprised that she was talking to someone online.

Wilson continued:

Youve got to be nosey with your children. Have them sit in an open area so you can see whats going on. Create a fictitious account and see if you can befriend your child online and share information to save their lives. Unfortunately, once they go missing, we dont have any intelligence to help save them.

For more information about the Black and Missing Foundation, visit www.bamfi.org.
Black Biz Owners Push for Equal Access to Trillions in Upcoming Fed Spending

Black-owned businesses in California and around the country are closely watching as Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi decides when she has enough support from the congressional Democratic caucus to call a vote on the $1.2 trillion bipartisan federal infrastructure spending bill.

Dubbed the American Jobs Plan by the Biden administration, the spending bill finances construction projects, airports, roads, bridges, education initiatives, and more. As a component of Bidens broader Build Back Better plan, the legislation includes spending to

combat climate change and support expanding the countrys social service and safety net programs for lower income families.

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The infrastructure bill is expected to expand opportunities for small businesses, including minority-owned ones, who procure contracts to implement various parts plan, hopefully accelerating racial equity, minority business owners say.

Some Black business owners are concerned that, as has often been the case with large government spending programs, they will be overlooked.

Here is an opportunity for Black businesses to profit from unprecedented taxpayer spending that will help build all of our communities across America. But we also know, from the past, that inclusion of Black-owned and other minority-owned businesses is not always automatic in situations like this, said Gene Hale, President of the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce.

Even informing us that these opportunities exist  letting us know how we can grow and secure our businesses  is never a priority, added Hale. That has to change.

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-37) said the infrastructure plan reflects the agenda that helped Democrats reclaim the White House.

The needs in our communities, especially for Black and Brown people, are too great to be put on hold, said Lee in a statement issued on Sept. 22. This is an opportunity for Democrats to be unified in our goal of realizing the vision and promise of this nation.

United States Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves said the financial investment by the federal government is historic in nature and should allow California Black businesses to utilize goods and services represented the plans vision.

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Its making sure that Black-owned businesses have the opportunities, that for decades, missed out on, Graves told California Black Media in a one-on-one interview by telephone. Were going to make certain that Black businesses have a seat at the table because the President has required that every agency have a plan for how Black businesses are going to be included in every single investment decision.

The Senate passed the infrastructure bill on Aug. 10 and a budget reconciliation bill that calls for an additional $3.5 trillion more in spending is being debated. Now the House of Representatives has to approve the legislation and forward it to Biden for his signature.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA-12) has yet to set a date for a floor vote on the bill as a battle continues between liberal and moderate Democrats on the packages price tag.

Lets be clear: for months, progressives have been open, honest, and transparent with House leadership and the administration about our focus on passing both bills, Lee stated. We all proudly support the Presidents entire Build Back Better package, which is why, from the inception of these negotiations, my colleagues and I advocated for the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework alongside the reconciliation package.

The Senate infrastructure bill includes an amendment that would allow the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to become a permanent fixture of the federal government.

The amendment will expand the agencys ability to open regional offices and rural business centers. The outreach facilities would be managed through historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions (MSIs), according to the office of Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, who co-sponsored the measure with Republican Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina.

Minority business owners have historically been systematically excluded from securing often lucrative federal contracts for infrastructure work, such as building bridges and highways, Graves said.

According to a 2016 MBDA report, public contracting data indicated that disparities exist in contracting activity between minority and non-minority business enterprises.
Black Educators Take on Hesitancy as Gov. Newsom Issues COVID Vaccination Mandate

As the COVID-19 pandemic lingers on with Black Californians still lagging behind on getting fully vaccinated, leaders in the state, including Gov. Newsom, are taking steps to push more people to get the shot. It is the most effective way, public health experts say, we will end the global public health crisis.

Across Californias 58 counties, about 60% of the states population has been fully vaccinated. Black people account for about 5.8% of Californias population and 4% of those who have been vaccinated.

To help slow the spread of COVID-19, Newsom signed an executive order late last month to extend telehealth services. Then, last week, the governor also made vaccines mandatory for all students at public and private schools.

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Californias school vaccination mandate will take effect for students enrolled in grades 7 through 12 one semester after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves the vaccine for children 12 and older. The mandate will also apply to children under 12 after a vaccine is approved for that age group.

The state already requires that students are vaccinated against viruses that cause measles, mumps, and rubella  theres no reason why we wouldnt do the same for COVID-19. Todays measure, just like our first-in-the-nation school masking and staff vaccination requirements, is about protecting our children and school staff, and keeping them in the classroom, Newsom said. Vaccines work.

Its why California leads the country in preventing school closures and has the lowest case rates. We encourage other states to follow our lead to keep our kids safe and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Last month, Black educators from around the state met at the Reef Restaurant in Long Beach. One of their items on their agenda was getting to the bottom of why some Black Californians remain reluctant to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The event, themed Vaccine Hesitancy: Understanding the Science and Getting people to Trust It,was a presentation held during a meeting co-hosted by the California Association of African American Superintendents and Administrators (CAASA), along with along with the Los Angeles County Alliance of Black School Educators and the National Coalition.

In the process, participants said they wanted to provide some historical context.

Lillie Tyson Head, daughter of a survivor of the United States Public Health Service Syphilis Study in Tuskegee, talked about the far-reaching damage caused by the controversial and unethical research project.

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The men were told that they had bad blood and that they would receive treatment, Head said. They were never told they were in a study and the intent of the study.

She said the federal government study fostered distrust among African Americans of the health care system.

Forty-nine years after the study was exposed and 89 years after the study began, people, particularly in the African American communities, distrust certain medical treatment and medical research. And they are using this study as reasons for hesitating getting vaccinated or refusing to get vaccinated at all, Head said.

Dr. Oliver Brooks, Chief Medical Officer at the Watts Healthcare Center, said there are built-in biases in the medical system that contribute to African American skepticism.

There are studies showing that African Americans are less likely to get cardiac studies and procedures, stents versus just medication. They get less treatment for pain when they come in with sickle cell and other injuries like femur fractures, he said., The mistrust with the medical system is valid. It is a decision based on primarily mistrust of the vaccine and mistrust with the healthcare system.

Head also encouraged people to get vaccinated although she acknowledged that she understood why some Black people remain hesitant.

How fortunate and blessed we are to know about the types of COVID vaccines that are available today, Head said. Why then should we deny ourselves getting vaccinated? We all have the opportunity to be informed, receive advice from professionals we trust and understand how we can protect ourselves by getting vaccinated.

California Black Medias coverage of COVID-19 is supported by the California Health Care Foundation.
BLM Speaks on Resignation of Ed Mullins, President of the New York Police Association

In response to the resignation of Ed Mullins, president of the New York Police association, amidst FBI raids on his home and association office, Black Lives Matter has released the following statement:

The FBI investigation and subsequent resignation of the New York Police Department association president, Ed Mullins, is further proof that it is beyond time for police associations to end. Police associations are not unions. As it is chanted at our weekly #EndPoliceAssociations protest, they are organized crime.

Black Lives Matter stands in solidarity with real unions that represent the interests of working-class people. Police associations do the opposite: they oppose working class people at every turn, break strikes, and bust unions. Police associations bully and bribe public officials, pilfer the public purse by advocating for inordinate shares of public funds for police at the expense of vital public services, and they shield murderous, violent, and corrupt cops from any accountability through measures like Qualified Immunity and attempts to block meaningful police reform. Ed Mullins is not an anomaly. He is the norm. Kimberly Potter, the officer who murdered #DaunteWright in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, just outside of Minneapolis in the midst of the Derek Chauvin trial, was the president of her police association. The LAPD officer who murdered #DanielHernandez, Toni McBride, is the daughter of Los Angeles Police Protective League head, Jamie McBride. Whenever police murder and harm our folks, police associations refuse to protect and serve the people; instead, they close ranks and protect themselves.

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The latest revelation about the New York police association and its president is one of countless examples of criminal behavior by police associations. Black Lives Matter demands that the Biden administration deploy federal investigations into all police associations nationally. We call on the AFL-CIO to expel police associations from their ranks. We implore elected officials and candidates for office to reject all contributions from police associations. We also know that power comes from the people and we invite all of those who seek justice to join the fight by showing up in the streets, advocating online, and doing the work to #EndPoliceAssociations. For more, go to endpoliceassociations.com.
Fate of George Floyd Pardon Request Now with Texas Governor

A Texas agency on Monday approved a request that George Floyd be granted a posthumous pardon for a 2004 drug arrest made by a now-indicted ex-Houston police officer whose case history is under scrutiny following a deadly drug raid.

The unanimous recommendation by the seven member Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles will now be forwarded to Gov. Greg Abbott, who will make the final decision.

It was not clear when Abbott would decide the fate of the request. A spokeswoman for Abbott did not immediately return an email seeking comment.

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Allison Mathis, an attorney with the Harris County Public Defenders Office who submitted the pardon request in April, said she was pleased by the boards decision.

A man was set up by a corrupt police officer intent on securing arrests rather than pursuing justice. No matter what your political affiliation is, no matter who that man was in his life or in his death, that is not something we should stand for in the United States or in Texas, Mathis said.

The boards recommendation was first made public on Monday by a reporter with The Marshall Project.

The May 2020 killing of Floyd, who was Black, by a white Minneapolis police officer prompted worldwide protests against racial injustice. The officer, Derek Chauvin, was sentenced in June to 22 1/2 years in prison for Floyds murder.

Floyd, who grew up in Houston, was arrested in February 2004 by Officer Gerald Goines and accused of selling $10 worth of crack in a police sting. Floyd later pleaded guilty to a drug charge and was sentenced to 10 months in a state jail.

Goines casework has been under scrutiny following a deadly 2019 drug raid he led that resulted in the deaths of Dennis Tuttle, 59, and his wife, Rhogena Nicholas, 58. Goines, who is no longer on the Houston force, is facing two counts of felony murder, as well as other charges in state and federal court over the raid.

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Prosecutors allege Goines, 57, lied to obtain the warrant to search the couples home.

More than 160 drug convictions tied to Goines have since been dismissed by prosecutors, and a dozen current and former officers, including Goines, tied to the narcotics unit that conducted the drug raid have been indicted.

In May, the top leaders in Harris County, where Houston is located, unanimously approved a resolution to support the pardon request for Floyd.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg urged Abbott to grant the posthumous pardon.

We lament the loss of former Houstonian George Floyd and hope that his family finds comfort in Mondays decision by the Texas State Board of Pardons and Paroles to recommend clemency, said Ogg, who submitted a letter to the board supporting the pardon request.

During a public visitation in Houston in June 2020 before Floyds funeral, Abbott expressed a commitment to pursuing policing reforms. But a sweeping reform bill named for Floyd failed to gain traction in the regular Texas legislative session earlier this year.

Since he took office in 2015, Abbott has granted just a handful of pardons each year.

Mathis said she was hopeful Abbott would grant this one.

I also hope that he, and the Texas Legislature, will work more stridently toward reforming the integrity of the racist, classist criminal justice system in Texas, Mathis said.
Florida Star and Georgia Star Publisher Clara McLaughlin Dies

Clara McLaughlin, the famous author, and publisher of The Florida Star and The Georgia Star in Jacksonville, Florida, has died.

McLaughlin had battled cancer and other illnesses for some time, but family and friends said she fiercely fought to the end.

She was a total icon, Arthia Nixon, a publicist, author, and writer for McLaughlins two publications told the Black Press.

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She gave me my first job, and when my daughter was six, she gave her space to write a column.

McLaughlins interest in publishing began in high school, creating the first student newsletter in Gainesville, Florida. Later, she attended the Hampton Institute in Virginia and displayed an interest in music.

She then joined the U.S. Navy and worked as an organist for the Navy Chapel.

Following her military service, McLaughlin attended Howard University, where she served as editor-in-chief of the schools Bison yearbook.

She earned a journalism degree from the historically Black university and later helped found the National Black Communications Society.

After expressing her disdain for how television depicted females of color, McLaughlin purchased KLMG-TV, becoming the first Black woman to own and be the largest shareholder of a network-affiliated station.

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McLaughlin purchased The Florida Star and Georgia Star in 2002 and catapulted those foundational Black newspapers into national must-reads.

Both newspapers are members of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, the trade association representing the Black Press of America.

A Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award recipient, McLaughlin dined with several U.S. Presidents, including George Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.

She also authored the book Black Parents Handbook: A Guide to Healthy Pregnancy, Birth and Child Care.

She was a trailblazer, Nixon stated. She also was like a mom to me in so many ways, and this hits hard. She put up a really good fight.
GLAAACCS Business Evolution Program Takes Businesses to the Next Level

An average of 380 out of every 100,000 Black adults became new entrepreneurs during the 2020 pandemic, up from 240 in each of the prior two years, according to U.S. census data.

2020 was also the first year the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) increased the number of participants in its Business Evolution Program from one to 13 and held classes virtually. At 35, GLAAACCs 2021-22 BEP cohort is almost triple the number of participants from the previous year.

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The newest cohort comes from a variety of industries: film production, trucking, retail, personal care, real estate management, marketing, janitorial, technology, psychology, environmental and construction. Their time in business also varies greatly: from a first year startup to a family-owned operation thats been in business for 71 years.

2020 was a game-changer in many ways, said GLAAACC Chairman Gene Hale, who launched G & C Corporation, a construction equipment leasing business in 1993. Many Black people lost their jobs and decided to go for it and become their own boss. Others decided now is the time to take their business to the next level.

Over the past decade, GLAAACCs BEP has evolved into a renowned boot camp for serious entrepreneurs. Over the course of nine months, business owners attend classes taught by subject matter experts on business assessment, back-office business set-up and management, business certification, access to capital and to other financial products, Branding & digital marketing, contracting with the government and e-marketing & technology.

At the second virtual meeting in September, the BEP cohort heard from speakers about the role of an entrepreneur, the impact businesses can have on the community and the three stages of business the early, growth and mature.

BEP Chairperson and Director for Supply Chain and Diverse Business Enterprises for Southern California Gas Lily Otieno, spoke about planning for future success in the early years of a business. Having a clear vision, developing a five-year roadmap and getting the proper financing is critical for any new business according to Otieno. Next, hiring staff that have diverse and complementary skill sets and building the appropriate company culture is important. Hiring people whose strengths are your weaknesses will give you the best team possible said. Otieno. She also listed process and operations, marketing and sales, networking and having an exit plan as necessary steps to ensure business owners stay on track during the early stages.

Hale recounted a business tip he received from former Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley to get there before the deal is made. Hale said in the competitive world of construction, he lives by that rule. You have to get out there and find the business deals before your competitor finds it.

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Rambo House founder, business consultant, advisor and thought leader Dion Rambo spoke to the cohort about the importance of relationships and networking in the growth phase of a business. During the pandemic, Rambo spotted a niche market and opened a mobile telehealth van service. Putting this timely endeavor into operation enabled him to create a multi-million dollar company in less than a year.

Prior to the pandemic, Rambo organized thirty events per year for city officials through his public relations and marketing firm. He said developing key relationships with local officials is underrated, especially in the Black community. My relationships with public officials is definitely what made my companies grow, said Rambo.

The meetings final speaker was Walter Hill, founder of Icon Blue, a distribution company for branded merchandise and promotional products. Hill recently sold his company and wrote a book for entrepreneurs entitled, Think Red Flags: A Proactive and Profitable Approach for your Small Business. Hill cited the ability to mitigate or avoid business pitfalls as crucial to business success and profitability.

Whatever youre going to do for your community, you have to first develop a business that is profitable. That is the catalyst that allows you to move forward. Hill said. In order to do things for others, we first have to be in position ourselves where we are able to do it.

GLAAACCs Business Evolution Program is made possible by T Mobile, Wells Fargo, Southern California Edison, Union Bank, Chase for Business and Southern California Gas.
Gov. Newsom should sign AB 1460. It is vital to preparing students educationally and socially for the world in which they will live, work and eventually lead.

For decades, Ethnic Studies faculty, students and staff have argued and struggled to have Ethnic Studies as a requirement in the university curriculum as an indispensable contribution to a truly inclusive and quality education. Gov. Newsom should sign AB 1460 when it reaches his desk this week. It is in the best interest of preparing students for the global society in which they will live and work and eventually play important and leading roles. AB 1460, authored by Dr. Shirley Weber (D-79th District), addresses this issue in a clear and meaningful way. Under the law, beginning 2021-2022, in order to graduate, CSU students would be required to take a class in one of the four major ethnic group disciplines: Native American, African American, Latinx American or Asian American. The benefits of this requirement are numerous and include: its enhancing and expanding knowledge of the various peoples and cultures of the state, country and world; sharing and sharpening perspectives; improving interracial and intercultural relations; and helping prepare students for the diverse state, national and global community in which they will contribute and succeed.

The bill has been approved by both the California Assembly and Senate with the support of the Ethnic Legislative Caucuses (Black, Latinx, and Asian Pacific Islander). Moreover, it was requested and supported by the California Faculty Association (CFA) and the CSU Ethnic Studies Council (CSUESC) and recommended by the CSU Task Force on the Advancement of Ethnic Studies commissioned by the CSU Chancellor Timothy White. In addition, the CSU Academic Senate passed a resolution supporting a single Ethnic Studies requirement.

For some unfathomable reason of politics or personal inclination, Chancellor White decided to oppose his Task Force Report recommendations, the Academic Senate Resolution and CSUESC recommendations; and to attempt to dilute and defeat this critical legislation, AB 1460, by convincing the CSU Board of Trustees to pass a policy to preempt it and convince Gov. Newsom that it is no longer necessary. The Board of Trustees has called its counter measure an ethnic studies social justice requirement which, as legislators, students and faculty have argued, is counter to both the letter and spirit of AB 1460. It diverts focus from Ethnic Studies by adding a social justice dimension to its alleged Ethnic Studies requirement, and most notable, it clearly stipulates that students do not need to take an Ethnic Studies course to meet its ethnic studies social justice requirement. Therefore, it has approved an option of Ethnic Studies, not a requirement of Ethnic Studies. And this reveals the deceptive and bad faith character of this action. As a letter to White from 20 legislators who opposed his policy states, it will significantly water down the intent of AB 1460, resulting in duplicating the free-for-all diversity requirement that now exists and reflecting the lack of collaboration with the experts in the discipline, the CSUESC.

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Neither the faculty, students, CFA, CSUESC nor the legislators who support AB 1460 support this bad faith and deceptive policy. And neither should Gov. Newsom when AB 1460 comes to his desk this week after the concurrence in which minor changes are made in the Assembly. He should sign this important historic piece of legislation immediately, which will supersede the Chancellors misleading policy.

The public police killing of George Floyd and the months-long massive protests against police violence and systemic racism clearly demonstrate how deeply embedded racism is in our institutions and society. AB 1460 offers an important way to address these institutional restraints and structural disadvantages to peoples of color. It will contribute critically to opening and expanding minds, building good will and encouraging collaboration. And it will suggest a valuable way toward, not only a multicultural and inclusive quality education, but also a just and good society and better world for us now and future generations. Therefore, Gov. Newsom should embrace it and sign it, especially given the demands and needs of this historic moment.
Helping Women Win: Catching Up With EMILYs List First Black President Laphonza Butler

When she was just 30-years-old, more than 400,0000 members of Californias largest labor union, SEIU Local 2015, elected LaPhonza Butler to be their president. Known for her outspoken, straight-shooting style as she is for her poise and even temper, Butler has a reputation for being a leader capable of building bridges and driving consensus.

As the head of the largest union of health care workers in the country, Butler led the campaign to raise the minimum wage to $15 in California.

A respected and trusted political strategist, prominent women in California politics have relied on her advice and understanding of the political ground game to get them elected. Among them are Vice President Kamala Harris, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell and State Assemblymember Wendy Carillo (D-Boyle Heights).

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Now, at 42, Butler was recently named the president of EMILYs List, a move that will take her from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., to head the organization that bills itself as the countrys largest resource for women in politics.

She is the first African American CEO of the organization that says its mission is to elect democratic pro-choice women to office and to add diversity to our political leadership.

California Black Media spoke with Butler recently about her vision and top priorities for EMILYs List, her thoughts on how to assist Black and other women of color who feel unsupported by their political parties, and more.

CMB: Congrats. How does it feel taking over an organization that has done so much to move the needle for women involved in politics?

LB: Im very excited. I am only the third president of EMILYs List in our organizations 36-year history. It is a real point of pride for sure as well as an incredible responsibility.

When I think about my role at EMILYs List, I think about my 7-year-old daughter and the kind of community she wants to be a part of, and I see this role as an opportunity to make that possible.

CMB: What are some of your short-term goals?

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LB: Its still early. This is just day nine for me but I can tell you conceptually what I want to accomplish.

I want to build power for women voters and women candidates, ensuring that we are first-in-class as it relates to creating an example of an organization with diversity at its center. I want us to win.

Immediately, I am focused on making sure that we are able to win in Virginia in 2021.

We must hold the Democratic majority and grow the number of Democratic pro-choice women that are in the Virginia statehouse. We have fantastic candidate for Lieutenant Governor in Hala Ayala. She will be the first Afro-Latina to hold that office if we are successful.

Also, there is anti-abortion legislation moving forward in states across the country. We are doing the work to engage the electorate at the state and local levels. It is important for us to push back on restrictions on a womans right to make her own health care decisions.

CMB: Whats your longer-term vision?

LB: Building partners. From working with unions in California, I realize the importance of partnerships, of forming coalitions.

When we worked to raise the minimum wage, we included small business partners. We included workers.

What I would like to do with EMILYs List is to make sure that we are throwing the doors open for every woman  no matter what her financial background may be. If she wants to serve, she can find the resources, training and support that she needs at EMILYs List. I want to do that in partnership with organizations like Higher Heights, Emerge, Voto Latino and #VoteProChoice.

CMB: What do you want EMILYs List to represent for women and girls across America?

LB: I want it to mean that every woman can belong anywhere she chooses and at any decision-making table where she wants to be, assured that her voice will be heard.

I also want the organization to be able to communicate clearly that whether you are a woman of color, or from a working-class background, or immigrant woman, your place in electoral politics is normal. Youre not a groundbreaker, not a celling breaker. You belong at those tables.

CMB: Whats your message for men?

LB: I want men to know that they too have a place and a role in ensuring that their wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and aunts are capable of being strong leaders, not just in their families, but in the halls of government.

I want men to know that their resources are welcome in supporting organizations like EMILYs List to help make the dreams their family members dreams come true.

CMB: Black women overwhelmingly vote for Democratic candidates. They are leaders and grassroots organizers, and they are the most loyal voting bloc in the party. Yet, Black women candidates often point out that they are not always supported with the levels of enthusiasm, endorsements or funding they deserve. What are your thoughts about this problem?

LB: They are legitimate concerns for Black women, specifically, and women of color, generally. Their voices are the last heard if heard at all. Their experiences are the least valued if valued at all.

I can surely appreciate and attest to their leadership.

As it relates to EMILYs List, I want to hear those concerns and I want to understand them. I want to continue to support Black woman, women of color and all women.

At the same time, I would invite people to take a look at EMILYs List and the work we have done to support Black women like U.S. Congresswomen Lucy McBath, Lauren Underwood or Jahana Hayes. These Black women, who ran and won in majority White districts  White Republican districts. They all had the support of EMILYs List.

The new mayor of St. Louis, Tishaura Jones, for example, has also benefitted from the work of EMILYs List.

Emilys List has a strong history of being an organization created to diversify women holding elected office. And we can do more to work inside a system that wasnt built for us. A system that we forced our way into and want to continue to be a part of.

CMB: Ive heard you say in other interviews when women win, we all win. What do you mean?

LB: What we know about women is that when they go to the ballot box, they carry their whole families. They carry their children, their husbands, their mothers, their fathers. They do not only carry those persons as individuals; they also carry their concerns. I made that statement and I believe that when women are in elected office, the choices that they make are representative of entire communities. That is the way that we lead our families. That is the way we lead our civic organizations and churches.

CMB: Do you have any advice for women who are interested in running for elected office but dont know how to get started?

LB: I would say reach out to EMILYs List if she is looking for a way to get started. We actually have an online community called Run to Win that is made up of tens of thousands of women who are contemplating this very question. Our staff gives them advice and I think the most powerful part is that they give advice to each other based on real-life experiences.

Even if they have doubts, those women should run anyway. Our Congress and state legislatures are filled with women who didnt win the first time.

CMB: You went to an HBCU, Jackson State University. Does that experience play a role in shaping who you are as an organizer, visionary and person?

LB: I wouldnt be who I am today or where I am today but for my experience at Jackson State. My fellow Tigers and the professors that I had who were SNCC or CORE organizers, who may have spent their young adulthoods going to jail fighting to expand the right to vote. They took those experiences and poured them into us in the classroom. They provided the intellectual rigor of higher education and combined it with the civic responsibility to continue to push for better, to fight when there is struggle and to lead when no one else will stand.

It is more than just an institution of higher learning. It is a space where you really do come into the fullness and beauty of all that it means to be a Black person in this nation.
Local Governments Can Lead in Public Safety Movement

Negotiations on a federal police reform bill have collapsed because Congressional Republicans are willing to stand in the way of lifesaving changes to policing. It is time for state and local governments to take the lead in reimagining public safety. And it is time for all of us to support local leaders who are willing to show leadership and take risks to make it happen.

Change is not going to come from Congress, at least for now. The U.S. House of Representatives passed the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act earlier this year. It would have been a good first step. Like other good legislation, though, the bill was stopped by Republican obstruction in the Senate.

Democratic Sen. Cory Booker has spent months negotiating with Republican Sen. Tim Scott on a reform bill. As recently as August, Scott said they were getting close to an agreement. But talks fell apart in September, and Scott dishonestly blamed Democrats for the failure to reach agreement, accusing them of wanting to defund the police.

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Scotts claim is shameful. New York Magazine recently noted that just last year Scott himself proposed that police departments lose some federal funding if they do not ban deadly practices like choke holds or no-knock warrants. But now he is telling the media that requiring police departments to meet such federal standards in order to receive federal money is the same as defunding the police.

You cant make this stuff up. Well, if youre Sen. Scott, I guess you can. Even two major police groups rejected Scotts claims, saying in a statement that at no point did any legislative draft propose defunding the police.

I dont know what political calculations led to Sen. Scotts change of heart or his dishonest spin. And I dont really care. What I do care about is saving lives by making policing safer and more accountable.

Fortunately, there are local leaders who are willing to think creatively and work collaboratively to reimagine public safety.

In Ithaca, New York, Mayor Svante Myrick worked with Tompkins County Administrator Jason Molino on a plan designed to deliver accountability, transparency, and excellence in public safety. They came up with a plan that would replace the current police department with a new department of public safety.

The new department would be civilian-led, and it would employ both armed officers and unarmed community solution workers trained to respond to situations that do not require an armed response. The proposal won unanimous approval from the Ithaca City Council, which created a task force to develop a plan for implementing it.

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Ithacas plan is meeting resistance from some state Republican leaders. Theyre trying to convince the public that you cant have accountability and safety. Thats a false tradeoff. Making policing more just and accountable will make communities safer for everyone.

I believe there is a critical mass of elected officials who are ready and willing to begin the process of transforming policing in this country from the bottom up. Last year, 100 young progressive candidates ran for office as part of a slate committed to ending police killings of unarmed civilians. There are mayors and city council members around the country looking at Ithacas plan and making their own.

Reimagining public safety has become a movement. Congress cant stop us.

Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way.
Lynn Dymally Elected Chair of National Congress of Black Women

Lynn Dymally is the newly-elected chair of the National Congress of Black Women (NCBW) board of directors. An educator and attorney, she was sworn into office on October 2, by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kelvin D. Filer.

Dymally, the daughter of the late politician Mervyn M. Dymally and actress Amentha V. Dymally, has been associated with NCBW for many years. She co-founded the nonprofit organizations South Bay Chapter and has consistently contributed to NBCWs efforts to train women for leadership and decision-making positions in government, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector.

Recalling her long relationship with NCBW, Dymally said, As a young adult, my father would take me to the National Congress of Black Womens Annual Brunch and Awards Ceremony held during the Congressional Black Caucus weekend.

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I never imagined that I would one day walk in the path of the iconic Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm and Dr. C. Deloris Tucker  the founders of NCBW. I am humbled to be able to continue my fathers legacy of empowering Black women, their families, and their communities, she added.

Dymally has an extensive history of civic and community service. Currently an arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, she previously served board of directors for the Water Replenishment District of Southern California and on the Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees.

In the area of education, Dymally retired from CSU  Long Beach as as an adjunct associate professor after teaching Legal Studies in Business for 15 years. Her reseach in securities regulations appeared in several professional publications. Also, Dymally served as a faculty fellow and Associated Students, Inc. faculty advisor.

Her other volunteer activities include mentoring young people in Compton, participating in the Long Beach Unified School District Superintendents Roundtable, serving on the Los Angeles County Task Force on Teenage Pregnancy and contributing to the Board of Advisors of Whittier Law School.

A native of Los Angeles County, Dymally earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of California at San Diego, a Master of Arts degree in Business Management from the University of Redlands, and a Juris Doctor degree from Whittier College School of Law. While in law school, she was appointed judicial extern for U.S. District Court Judge Terry J. Hatter and assigned as a law clerk for the Los Angeles County Counsel Office.

Looking forward to dedicating her talents to NCBW, Dymally shared, I am thrilled and delighted to have the opportunity to work with Dr. E. Faye Williams, the current president/CEO of NCBW. Dr. Williams has a dynamic background in public service.

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She worked on my fathers staff while he was a member of Congress, so, we have common concerns and solutions for the socio-economic role of Black women not only in America but globally, as well. I am compelled to do my part to improve the quality of life for my Black sisters who tread with me, before me, and behind me.
Melvin Van Peebles  the godfather of modern black cinema left his cinematic immortal mark

Rest In Power: August 21, 1932  September 22, 2021

Melvin Van Peebles, the pioneering African-American filmmaker who is best known for his films Watermelon Man and Sweet Sweetbacks Baadasssss Song, transitioned on September 21, 2021, at his home in Manhattan. He was 89 years old.

The visionary filmmakers son, actor Mario Van Pebbles and The Peebles family announced the news in a joint statement with The Criterion Collection and Janus Films.

We are saddened to announce the passing of a giant of American cinema, Melvin Van Peebles, who died last night, at home with family, at the age of 89. In an unparalleled career, Van Peebles made an indelible mark on the international cultural landscape. He will be deeply missed, the statement read.

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In an unparalleled career distinguished by relentless innovation, boundless curiosity, and spiritual empathy, Melvin Van Peebles made an indelible mark on the international cultural landscape through his films, novels, plays, and music, it added.

89 is a tremendous age and what this cinema pioneer, Melvin Van Peebles accomplished is extraordinary. He was born in 1932, in Chicago, in a period in Americas history when people of color were given very few choices. What I am trying to communicate is that this filmmaker smashed glass ceilings left, right, and center. And in so doing the impossible his name will ring forever cemented in African-American cinema immortality.

Melvin Van Peebles was a revolutionary which makes sense because his heroes were hustlers and revolutionaries and he used his skills as a filmmaker, playwright, painter, and musician to give voice to people who were systematically silenced. In the history books, his work is linked to opening the door, in the 1970s, for Blaxploitation cinema but this godfather of modern black cinema was much more.

He impacted American culture like a sonic boom! His contributions, throwing the light on racial disharmony and African-American rage, historically, will never be overlooked.

Before Van Peebles smashed those closed doors, the African-American experience was presented, mostly, through the white lenses.

If you think that cinema doesnt impact real life, you just have to look at the film Birth of A Nation which romances the unmistaken white supremacist agenda. The film was released in 1915 and its a known fact, that membership to the KKK increased and that this film echoed through the American psyche for several decades. This is the power of film and why Van Peebless prowess was so important.

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Van Peebles walked into Hollywood in 1970, with his debut film Watermelon Man and followed with Sweet Sweetbacks Baadasssss Song in 1971. His film which tells the story of a poor African-American man fleeing from white police authorities was independently funded and shot by Van Peebles before receiving a $50,000 loan from Bill Cosby to complete the project.

The response by African-Americans was strong because (and, rightly so) they were tired of how they were being depicted in the film. I also believe that his can do/will do/will keep doing it attitude sparked something inside our community. To wit, Van Peebles was the star actor of a film that moved a people and was strongly endorsed by Huey P. Newton and the Black Panther Party. Is that not being revolutionary? His refusal to not let racism stop him was a motivator and served as a symbolic marker for filmmakers like Oscar winner Spike Lee and the late John Singleton.

Whats interesting is that Sweet Sweetbacks Baadasssss Song was a financial success despite mixed reviews, and it made Hollywood business people curious. And this film is credited with ushering in a new genre of film.

However, his impact on American cinema and racial culture cannot be overstated.

His son, Mario Van Peebles, brought his fathers legacy home.

Dad knew that Black images matter. If a picture is worth a thousand words, what was a movie worth?

Melvin Van Peebless death came shortly before the 50th anniversary of Sweet Sweetbacks Baadasssss Song and a celebration planned by the New York Film Festival. The Criterion Collection planned a box set to be released next week called Melvin Van Peebles: Essential Films.
Pilgrims Hope to Install Simmons as Pastor

The members of Pilgrims Hope Bible Church have selected the Rev. Dr. C. Lamar Simmons to become the new pastor of their ministry.

The installation service is set for Sunday, October 24, at 6 p.m., at Pilgrims Hope, located at 7016 S. Compton Ave. in Los Angeles. The Rev. Dr. T. Delbert Robinson will be the guest preacher.

We invite the church community to join us as we install our pastor-elect, Dr. Simmons. We rejoice that the Lord has led him to our congregation and we are looking forward to celebrating this occasion as the family of God, said a spokesperson.

Previously, Simmons was the spiritual leader of Greater Mount Olive Baptist Church in Los Angeles. Robinson was the pastor of Pilgrims Hope for many years before accepting the position of senior pastor of Changing a Generation Full Gospel Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.

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To learn more, call the Pilgrims Hope church office at (323) 581-7672.
Racial Inequity committee at heart of NC Sorority Suspension

A national sorority has suspended activities at a North Carolina university after most of its members left the school chapter when it failed to hold discussions on racial inequities following the death of George Floyd.

In August, 25 of the 28 members of the Zeta Tau chapter of Alpha Xi Delta at the University of North Carolina at Asheville dropped their memberships, the Asheville Citizen Times quoted some of the members as saying.

After watching protests unfold in response to Floyds death at the hands of police in Minneapolis last year, several of Alpha Xis members of color sought to begin a diversity, equity and inclusion committee within the sorority. They had also asked the national office to investigate allegations of racism within the organization.

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Former Alpha Xi member Kayla Bledsoe told the newspaper that she left the sorority after complaints of racism were not addressed. She said leaders, including Alpha Xis then-president, were opposed to the committee as soon as the idea was presented. The local organization eventually relented, but what ensued led to a call for an investigation.

During committee workshops, several white sorority members, including the president, showed disinterest and were often seen not paying attention, with their backs to the camera and doing other activities during the virtual meetings, Bledsoe said.

I think it was just white people just not really wanting to talk about (race), Bledsoe said. I think its really uncomfortable when white people personally are being called out, like they get very uncomfortable and shut down.

Alpha Xis former president declined a request from the newspaper for comment.

Alpha Xi Delta takes all allegations of racism and antisemitism seriously, the newspaper quoted Lauren Felts, Alpha Xi Delta spokeswoman, as saying. We do not tolerate racism or antisemitism of any kind, and we condemn all acts of bigotry, violence and hatred.

The sorority didnt specify whether the departures or the failure to form the committee triggered the suspension, and Felts didnt immediately respond to a phone call seeking comment on Tuesday.

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Because of the departures, Alpha Xi is no longer an active sorority on UNCAs campus. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Bill Haggard said in a statement that the university supports the decision to pause the chapter.
STAPLES CENTER & MICROSOFT THEATER OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON COVID-19 PROTOCOLS

STAPLES Center and Microsoft Theater will continue to follow the protocols established by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) which requires guests to show proof of being fully vaccinated or providing proof of a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to event date in addition to wearing approved face coverings when not actively eating or drinking. The Ordinance passed by the City of Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 6 does not apply to STAPLES Center or Microsoft Theater, who are already subject to an existing LACDPH order addressing this subject matter.

Guests are encouraged to visit www.staplescenter.com/safe or www.microsofttheater.com/safe for the most up to date information to best prepare for their visit.

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Still Under the Broken Bridge of Immigration: Resisting With Our Haitian and Other Relatives

No one thinking rationally and rightfully can honestly imagine that removing the Haitian immigrants from under the bridge at the border town of Del Rio, Texas, is actually a solution to the broken bridge politics and practices of American immigration policy. The removal was an improvement of optics for the administration not a long-standing solution to the immigration problems, especially those that relate to Haitians and other Black people, African peoples. Moreover, the removal was certainly one that was compelled by the righteous outrage and resistance of our people and others to the racist and savage treatment of the Haitians at the border clearly documented on the media.

The chasing down and charging with horses and the herding like cattle and whipping Haitian immigrants for simply seeking asylum in the U.S. as a human right and urgent need was cruel, inhumane, viciously savage and unsupportable. It conjured up so many interrelated images of the systemic and pervasive violence of the Holocaust of enslavement; the raw and visceral savagery of segregation and lynching; and the depraved and persistent disregard of Black life, Black people and Black rights demonstrated in the daily practices of American policing.

Regardless of the tendency, immediate urge and the psychological incentives to deny this, it is indeed a brutal reflection of a racist approach to immigration policy in which the dark peoples of the world, especially Black people, are seen as dirty, diseased, dangerous and deficient in human dignity and social worth and therefore, unworthy of acceptance in the U.S. for any reason. What is called for here is the Trumpian Nordics or something caucasionlly similar as a model immigrant. Others with limiting racial classifications can come with small number and useful skills and worshipful amounts of money as compensation for their deficiencies in race. But for Black people, there is also this problematic in the racist mind and especially for Haiti of unforgiveable Blackness.

It is a concept borrowed from W.E.B. DuBois. I introduced it in an earlier article on Haiti in this paper called Haiti and the Heavy Hand of History: Concerning Natural and Unnatural Disasters noting that White Americans and other European peoples approach to Haiti is an attitude and approach of unforgivable Blackness. It stems, of course, from the victorious Haitian Revolution of 1804 and the Haitian peoples decisive defeat of all the European armies that dared to interrupt and reverse their national liberation struggle. It was not simply the defeat of France and the other European powers that joined later to crush the Revolution, it was also the fact that these were enslaved Africans who achieved what no other enslaved people had done, i.e., defeated their enslavers, freed themselves and built a Republic.

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Moreover, they also helped to foster the liberation of the peoples of Latin America contributing sanctuary for its liberation leaders, weaponry, monies, materials, soldiers and supplies. For this historic act of African liberation and its continuing efforts to expand the realm of freedom in the world, there was this sense among the White supremacists of the world that Haiti must be crushed, its victory made a victim of historical amnesia, and its people suffer in various vicious and savage ways. Frances forcing Haiti to pay reparations for defeating it and freeing its people; Americas repeated occupations of Haiti; its current brutal control of Haiti with France, Canada and other members of the Core Group which dominates Haiti; and its current policy at the border are inseparably linked.

It is important, as I noted before, to realize that the concept of unforgiveable Blackness is tied to not only hatred and hostility toward the Black color of Black people, but also toward Blackness as excellence and as a defining feature of what it means to be Black. In the White supremacist mind, Blackness as color becomes a curse, but as excellence becomes a catastrophe that creates cognitive dissonance and increases the already existent hatred and hostility. Haiti represents excellence, not only in its awesome historical achievement of the Revolution, but also in its excellence of human resilience and resourcefulness; its refusal to be defeated and its serving as a model and mirror of the human commitment to freedom and justice in the world; and a commitment fought for not only with weapons of war, but also with bare hands, bold hearts and an indestructible spirit.

Clearly, the savage and abusive treatment of Haitians at the Del Rio border crossing calls for vigorous disciplinary punishments and policy correctives. These policy correctives must not only address this particular form of anti-migrant brutality, but also end similar policies and practices and offer instead an immigration policy that is dignity-affirming, rights-respecting and a firm expression of equity and justice for Haitians, other Black people, and all peoples of the world. And this, of course, means first of all Americas need to face this endemic anti-Black racism, both conscious and unconscious, subtle and savage, public and private. This would help the Biden administration explain to itself why with all its progressive talk and policies pursued in other areas, it would continue to unjustly deport Haitian peoples under the Trumpian Title 42, which is clearly racist in intent and impact, denying Haitians their international and human right to seek asylum.

Second, there must be an immediate halt to these denials of the right to make a claim of asylum and to have it heard and ruled on. Third, it is difficult for progressives to admit, but they must enlarge the arc of their moral concern and political practice in immigration so that it includes Haitians and others in equitable ways rather than simply focus on predominantly or exclusively on Latinas/os. This cannot be a policy of counting and catering to numbers, but respecting each persons and peoples equal human dignity and human right and acting in the just and equitable ways required.

Important also is that the Haitian people regain control of their country and are able to practice self-determination, a fundamental right and responsibility of every person and people in the world. And they cannot do this with the imperialist presence of the U.S. and its Core Group dictating the way the people live their lives, build and develop their country, govern themselves and determine their destiny and daily lives. The U.S. must stop imposing on Haiti its imperialist system of domination, deprivation and degradation using internal collaborators and hirelings and handmaidens in service and submission. With Haiti in control of itself and the people united and rebuilding their country, planning and forging a future in their own image and interest, Haitian immigration would assume a new meaning and level of numbers of those leaving the country.

Finally, the struggle around Haitian and the larger issue of Black immigration, as well as immigration as a whole, is part and parcel of our commitment to pan-Africanist liberation struggle around the world so that African people can be free and constantly rising wherever they are. And it is central to our own struggle here to be ourselves and free ourselves and to continually struggle to expand the realm of human freedom, justice and good in the world. Indeed, it is an ancient African moral imperative that speaks to us and reminds us, we are to bear witness to truth and set the scales of justice in their proper place, especially among those who have no voice, i.e., the vulnerable, the devalued, the disempowered and yet the equally deserving of the shared goods of the world.

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Dr. Maulana Karenga, Professor and Chair of Africana Studies, California State University-Long Beach; Executive Director, African American Cultural Center (Us); Creator of Kwanzaa; and author of Kwanzaa: A Celebration of Family, Community and Culture and Essays on Struggle: Position and Analysis, www.AfricanAmericanCulturalCenter-LA.org; www.OfficialKwanzaaWebsite.org; www.MaulanaKarenga.org.
Study: Racism Plays Role in Premature Birth Among Black Americans

The tipping point for Dr. Paula Braveman came when a longtime patient of hers at a community clinic in San Franciscos Mission District slipped past the front desk and knocked on her office door to say goodbye. He wouldnt be coming to the clinic anymore, he told her, because he could no longer afford it.

It was a decisive moment for Braveman, who decided she wanted not only to heal ailing patients but also to advocate for policies that would help them be healthier when they arrived at her clinic. In the nearly four decades since, Braveman has dedicated herself to studying the social determinants of health  how the spaces where we live, work, play and learn, and the relationships we have in those places, influence how healthy we are.

As director of the Center on Social Disparities in Health at the University of California-San Francisco, Braveman has studied the link between neighborhood wealth and childrens health, and how access to insurance influences prenatal care. A longtime advocate of translating research into policy, she has collaborated on major health initiatives with the health department in San Francisco, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.

Braveman has a particular interest in maternal and infant health. Her latest research reviews whats known about the persistent gap in preterm birth rates between Black and White women in the United States. Black women are about 1.6 times as likely as Whites to give birth more than three weeks before the due date. That statistic bears alarming and costly health consequences, as infants born prematurely are at higher risk for breathing, heart and brain abnormalities, among other complications.

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Braveman co-authored the review with a group of experts convened by the March of Dimes that included geneticists, clinicians, epidemiologists, biomedical experts and neurologists. They examined more than two dozen suspected causes of preterm births  including quality of prenatal care, environmental toxics, chronic stress, poverty and obesity  and determined that racism, directly or indirectly, best explained the racial disparities in preterm birth rates.

(Note: In the review, the authors make extensive use of the terms upstream and downstream to describe what determines peoples health. A downstream risk is the condition or factor most directly responsible for a health outcome, while an upstream factor is what causes or fuels the downstream risk  and often what needs to change to prevent someone from becoming sick. For example, a person living near drinking water polluted with toxic chemicals might get sick from drinking the water. The downstream fix would be telling individuals to use filters. The upstream solution would be to stop the dumping of toxic chemicals.)

KHN spoke with Braveman about the study and its findings. The conversation has been edited for length and style.

Q: You have been studying the issue of preterm birth and racial disparities for so long. Were there any findings from this review that surprised you?

The process of systematically going through all of the risk factors that are written about in the literature and then seeing how the story of racism was an upstream determinant for virtually all of them. That was kind of astounding.

The other thing that was very impressive: When we looked at the idea that genetic factors could be the cause of the Black-White disparity in preterm birth. The genetics experts in the group, and there were three or four of them, concluded from the evidence that genetic factors might influence the disparity in preterm birth, but at most the effect would be very small, very small indeed. This could not account for the greater rate of preterm birth among Black women compared to White women.

Q: You were looking to identify not just what causes preterm birth, but also to explain racial differences in rates of preterm birth. Are there examples of factors that can influence preterm birth that dont explain racial disparities?

It does look like there are genetic components to preterm birth, but they dont explain the Black-White disparity in preterm birth. Another example is having an early elective C-section. Thats one of the problems contributing to avoidable preterm birth, but it doesnt look like thats really contributing to the Black-White disparity in preterm birth.

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Q: You and your colleagues listed exactly one upstream cause of preterm birth: racism. How would you characterize the certainty that racism is a decisive upstream cause of higher rates of preterm birth among Black women?

It makes me think of this saying: A randomized clinical trial wouldnt be necessary to give certainty about the importance of having a parachute on if you jump from a plane. To me, at this point, it is close to that.

Going through that paper  and we worked on that paper over a three- or four-year period, and so there was a lot of time to think about it  I dont see how the evidence that we have could be explained otherwise.

Q: What did you learn about how a mothers broader lifetime experience of racism might affect birth outcomes versus what she experienced within the medical establishment during pregnancy?

There were many ways that experiencing racial discrimination would affect a womans pregnancy, but one major way would be through pathways and biological mechanisms involved in stress, and stress physiology. In neuroscience, whats been clear is that a chronic stressor seems to be more damaging to health than an acute stressor.

So, it doesnt make much sense to be looking only during pregnancy. But thats where most of that research has been done: stress during pregnancy and racial discrimination, and its role in birth outcomes. Very few studies have looked at experiences of racial discrimination across the life course.

My colleagues and I have published a paper where we asked African American women about their experiences of racism, and we didnt even define what we meant. Women did not talk a lot about the experiences of racism during pregnancy from their medical providers; they talked about the lifetime experience, and particularly experiences going back to childhood. And they talked about having to worry, and constant vigilance, so that even if theyre not experiencing an incident, their antennae have to be out to be prepared in case an incident does occur.

Putting all of it together with what we know about stress physiology, I would put my money on the lifetime experiences being so much more important than experiences during pregnancy. There isnt enough known about preterm birth, but from what is known, inflammation is involved, immune dysfunction, and thats what stress leads to. The neuroscientists have shown us that chronic stress produces inflammation and immune system dysfunction.

Q: What policies do you think are most important at this stage for reducing preterm birth for Black women?

I wish I could just say one policy or two policies, but I think it does get back to the need to dismantle racism in our society. In all of its manifestations. Thats unfortunate, not to be able to say, Oh, here, I have this magic bullet. And if you just go with that, that will solve the problem.

If you take the conclusions of this study seriously, you say, well, policies to just go after these downstream factors are not going to work. Its up to the upstream investment in trying to achieve a more equitable and less racist society. Ultimately, I think thats the take-home, and its a tall, tall order.

This article is provided to California Black Media partners by KHN (Kaiser Health News).

KHN is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.
Successful Black American-Owned Business Leaders Unfairly Targeted

There is an old African proverb that captures one of the challenges that too many financially successful Black-owned business leaders face today in America. That proverb is Your earned riches may engender envy and jealous criticism but be not dismayed by the foolishness of the envious.

Across the nation as business owners are attempting to recover from the COVID-19 global pandemic, African America business leaders who are defying the odds with their financial success are often targeted by mainstream media and others who summarily and unfairly castigate Black business leaders economic achievements. Is this syndrome racially-motivated? The simple answer is Yes.

Former Congressman and past leader of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), The Honorable Parren Mitchell (D-MD), 1922-2007, once said in defense of Black business leaders, There is a national systematic campaign to unfairly subjugate and to prevent the financial success of Black American businesses.

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It appears that business leaders from communities of color in the United States are being held to a different standard of business practice, ethics, and regulation. Such is the case, I believe, with respect to Jack Brown III who was recently targeted for business practice criticisms by the New York Times because of what they state are personal financial profits that Mr. Brown has earned as result of his businesses providing shelters to New York Citys homeless.

The Times emphasized, Since 2017, as homeless has risen to record levels, the city has awarded more than $352 million to a nonprofit run by Mr. Brown to operate shelters. The money is meant to help homeless people regain their footing in life, but it has benefited Mr. Brown, too.

Is the Times implying that there is something wrong or unethical for earning a financial profit from ones work and business? Browns CORE Services companies, non-profits and for-profits, have worked effectively in New York for over a decade.

Both nonprofits and for-profits have to be run as successful businesses in order to be sustainable. Jack Brown has been a national leader in multiple Black-owned businesses not only in NYC, but also in other cities he has been effective in providing much need services to the homeless and to people returning back to society after prison incarceration.

Investigative journalism has its rightful and respected space in our democracy. But it should always be balanced and non-racially prejudicial. The Times piece on Jack Brown was full of unsubstantiated innuendo and one-sided reporting.

Those of us in Americas Black press are fully aware to the double standards and the racial stereotyping that cast unfair dispersions on Black entrepreneurs who dare to strive to own legitimate multi-million dollar businesses.

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After the Times feature on Brown was published, Rudy Giuliani who is well known for his unprincipled attacks on African American leaders joined in the chorus against Jack Brown. I conclude with the following tweet that I posted: It is questionable to see Rudy Giuliani and The NY Times aligned. But today the Times published an innuendo-filled story targeting successful Black-owned business leader, Jack Brown, who Rudy Giuliani then calls Brown a poverty pimp.

Sadly, Former President Trump, Giuliani, some in the NY Times, and many others take the position that there are limits and ceilings both politically and economically across the nation that are categorically prescribed by race. We do not agree. We will not submit.

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and can be reached at [email protected]
Vice President Kamala Harris Discusses Voting Rights with Her Collegiate Family, the Divine 9

Madam President Kamala Harris incorporated personal lessons within her build to leadership, which included the strength of sisterhood. As part of the Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. body of sisters, Harris embraced the level of kinship taught within her sorority home; it would later serve as a pillar in leading the country.

In honor of those lessons, the vice president invited the National Pan-Hellenic Council, a central hub of Black sororities and fraternities, to her ceremonial EEOB office on Wednesday, October 6. Part of the moment included the reunion of her collegiate family, the Devine 9.

Welcoming the presence of unity, Harris stated, Well, its my great honor to welcometo officially welcome at my invitation, my Divine 9 family and these great national and international leaders.

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Madam President Harris continued, We have so much to discuss and Im looking forward to that conversation. But this invitation has been made, was made, even before our arrival at the White House, understanding the historic, the current, and the future roles that members of each of these Divine 9 organizations play in every sector of our society, and in every way both historically, currently and in the future.

The lens of loyalty is developed under one congregation, Harris made note of the strength found in numbers seen throughout history, which has been a key force in influencing change.

Those invited to the vice presidents ceremonial office, included Valerie Hollingsworth Baker, International president Zeta Phi Beta, Dr. Glenda Glover, International president, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Rasheeda S. Liberty, vice-chair of Council of Presidents and International Grand Basileus, Sigma Gamma Rho, Dr. Willis Lonzer III, General president, Alpha Phi Alpha, and several other influential leaders in the sorority/fraternity world.

The conversation revealed diverse topics; one subject called for intense focus. The passion surrounding voting rights within the Black community was brought to Vice President Harris attention. In solidarity with the proposed initiative set by U.S. President Joe Biden, Harris reared her answer to reflect the Building Back Better; an operation that is shared between the Head of State, the following administration, and herself.

For the President and for me, it is very important that we collaborate, knowing that we face so many challenges, every country, knowing that we are entering in many ways a new era when those challenges are taking on race, but also in the midst of those challenges we see opportunities 

Harris continued, And so Ive asked these Divine 9 leaders to come in to share with me about the work that we are doing, and the work continues to do, to uplift and to reach out to all the people in our nation to understand and to both engage and to acknowledge and to improve. So, I thank you all, and those who do not know, it is leaders, historically and currently, the Divine 9 who have been national leaders on issues like voting rights.

Vice President Harris reflected on the power of sisterhood, and its influence within capitol hill throughout history. She said, You know Ive been reminded of recently of a photograph in black and white  I believe it was with President Truman  but a group of Black sororities who met in the White House talked about the need to protect voting rights for women of America.

Harris continued, The leaders of the fraternities of the Divine 9 who had a vision for what the Civil Rights movement should be, and then led that movement. I think about the leaders of the industry, the leaders of our sector, the leaders of innovation, and all of them are represented.

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In light of understanding the role fraternities and sororities play in shaping the nations destiny, Harris stated, As we move forward, we are also, as an administration, working to build back better. Weve had some legislation that we are proposing and working on that would invest in a number of sectors of society, that will produce great growth. One of them is our HBCUs.

Vice President Harris addressed the power in the room; she held space for great minds to connect and focus on the concerns of the collective community. Of course, we have great presidents at each of the Divine 9 organizations at our HBCUs, as well as many other academic institutionsand so, were going to talk a bit about that and what we can do to work together to support our agencies, students and graduates. There is a challenge right now in our nation, as we know, from those who would attack voting rights. Harris Said.

As a person who once walked the halls covered in the pride of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Harris shared her experience and lessons she learned as a sorority sister with the nation. The level of camaraderie and shared concern found within Devine molded the Vice President of the United States. Harris honored that well-taught lesson on Wednesday, October 6, and sat with leaders of unity.

Reminding the room that answers to current pressing matters are often seen throughout history, Harris reflected on words from American author, activist, and wife to Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King.

As the great Corretta Scott King reminded us, the fight for civil rights must be fought by each and every generation, Harris continued, It begins with those Divine 9 leaders, who have been the leaders in that fight and that that struggle. We know that will be front and center for us.

Madam President Harris stated, Im looking forward to the conversation that we will have about our continuing role to organize and help folks fight for their Constitutional rights in short, what we can do together is to push for the advancement and passage of the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act.
WATCH: Cory Bookers full speech at the 2020 Democratic National Convention

New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker addressed Democrats on Aug. 20 during the final night of the Democratic National Convention. The coronavirus pandemic upended both parties traditional conventions. Instead of in-person events, the program each night features a number of speakers and musical performances virtually across the country.

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No Such Thing

Did more than 48,000 people die within 14 days of receiving COVID-19 vaccines, according to data revealed in the "Medicare Tracking System"? No, that's not true: There is no evidence that there have been that many deaths caused by COVID vaccines in the U.S. and the vaccines are considered safe and effective. Plus, there is no "Medicare Tracking System," a spokesperson for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) confirmed to Lead Stories.

The claim was in in a video (archived here) posted to Rumble on September 27, 2021, titled "ATTORNEY THOMAS RENZ 'We Got Them. Fact Check This!' ALL NEW WHISTLEBLOWER INFO." The caption read in part:

Thanks to a Whistleblower that came forth to Attorney Thomas Renz, the public is now seeing, for the first time ever, hard data from the largest database available in the U.S. to study the COVID-19 impact including deaths & injuries; The CMS Medicare Tracking System. During an extraordinary speech at Clay Clark's ReAwaken America Tour, Attorney Thomas Renz shocked the crowd of thousands in attendance and millions watching via livestream as he revealed: That data from the Medicare Tracking System reveals that 19,400 people less than 80 years old have died within 14 days of receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine. In addition, 28,065 people have died that are over the age of 80 within 14 days of receiving the Covid-19 vaccine. The Total number of American Citizens that died within 14 days of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine is 48,465 according to hard data revealed in the Medicare Tracking System.

Although Renz makes several other COVID-related vaccine claims, this fact check will only address the claim he made regarding deaths.

Users on social media saw this title, description and thumbnail:

ATTORNEY THOMAS RENZ "We Got Them. Fact Check This!" ALL NEW WHISTLEBLOWER INFO Attorney Thomas Renz Releases Stunning Data from Never Before Seen Vaccine Injury/Death Tracking System Thanks to a Whistleblower that came forth to Attorney Thomas Renz, the public is now seeing, for

According to the CMS Data website, the only CMS data tracked about COVID are COVID nursing home data, Medicare COVID cases and hospitalizations data, and data regarding Medicare-enrolled health facilities that were converted into hospitals during the COVID pandemic. A screenshot of the search results from the CMS Data website regarding "COVID-19" is below:

(Source: CMS Data screenshot taken on Wed Oct 6 19:39:29 2021 UTC)

In an email to Lead Stories on October 6, 2021, a CMS spokesperson said:

This is not an accurate claim. CMS does not have a 'Medicare Tracking System,' and the agency has not conducted an analysis to track beneficiary deaths in relationship to the timing of COVID-19 vaccination.

The spokesperson also clarified the organization's stance on COVID vaccination for older adults:

A new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) shows that COVID-19 vaccinations may have helped prevent hundreds of thousands of new COVID-19 infections and tens of thousands of deaths among seniors. The study, which was conducted by researchers with HHS's Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), found that vaccinations were linked to a reduction of 265,000 COVID-19 infections, 107,000 hospitalizations, and 39,000 deaths among Medicare beneficiaries between January and May 2021. The report further underscores why it's critically important to get all eligible individuals living in the United States vaccinated against COVID-19. The study found that high vaccination rates for all adults were even more protective for Medicare beneficiaries than just a high elderly vaccination rate on its own. The COVID-19 vaccines protect communities by reducing infections, deaths, and hospitalizations.

It is possible that Renz's data claim was inspired by the many debunked claims stemming from the use of the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) during the COVID pandemic. VAERS is a database co-managed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration to track adverse events following vaccinations, including COVID vaccinations. The database is open, meaning that although health professionals and vaccine manufacturers are required to report certain events in the database, any member of the public can add to the database as well. As a result, VAERS data do not prove that any vaccine is the direct cause of an adverse event. As the "Guide to Interpreting VAERS Data" explains:

When evaluating data from VAERS, it is important to note that for any reported event, no cause-and-effect relationship has been established. Reports of all possible associations between vaccines and adverse events (possible side effects) are filed in VAERS. Therefore, VAERS collects data on any adverse event following vaccination, be it coincidental or truly caused by a vaccine. The report of an adverse event to VAERS is not documentation that a vaccine caused the event.

The CDC has stated that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective overall. On a resource page about adverse events after COVID-19 vaccination, the organization said:

Reports of death after COVID-19 vaccination are rare. More than 390 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines were administered in the United States from December 14, 2020, through September 27, 2021. During this time, VAERS received 8,164 reports of death (0.0021%) among people who received a COVID-19 vaccine. FDA requires healthcare providers to report any death after COVID-19 vaccination to VAERS, even if it's unclear whether the vaccine was the cause. Reports of adverse events to VAERS following vaccination, including deaths, do not necessarily mean that a vaccine caused a health problem. A review of available clinical information, including death certificates, autopsy, and medical records, has not established a causal link to COVID-19 vaccines. However, recent reports indicate a plausible causal relationship between the J&J/Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine and TTS, a rare and serious adverse event--blood clots with low platelets--which has caused deaths

Lead Stories reached out to VAERS and the CDC for more information about the 48,000 deaths claim and will update the story with any responses.

Lead Stories also debunked a previous claim from Renz and a supposed "whistleblower" about the number of COVID-19 vaccine deaths here.
American President Joe Biden again asked Congress to lift the United States debt limit after a meeting Wednesday with the nations business leaders.

The White House Council of Economic Advisors warned before the meeting that the United States government will default on its obligations if Congress does not raise the debt limit by October 18.

A default is a failure to meet the legal obligations of a loan.

The council said millions of Americans might not receive their payments from Social Security and government healthcare. A default could also affect national defense and pandemic services.

Since many countries depend on the U.S. monetary policy, it said a default would likely cause credit markets worldwide to freeze up and stock markets to plunge. Employers around the world would likely have to begin laying off workers.

What is the debt limit?

Like some of us, governments sometimes spend more money than they receive from taxes. So, they have to borrow money by issuing bonds, or debts, to be repaid later.

In the U.S., Congress has the power to set a debt limit. It is the maximum amount of debt that the Department of the Treasury can issue to the public or to other federal agencies.

Since 1960, Congress has changed the debt limit 78 times under both Republican and Democratic administrations to pay for government operations.

Raising the debt limit does not mean that Treasury has more money to spend. It only permits the U.S. government to finance existing legal obligations. When the limit is reached, the Treasury cannot issue more debt or borrow more money.

What is the current situation?

In August 2019, the U.S. Congress passed a budget deal, with support from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers, that raised spending and suspended the debt limit for two years.

Under the agreement, the money borrowed during the suspension of the debt limit will be added to the previous limit of $22 trillion. An additional $6.5 trillion had been borrowed since the 2019 tax cuts and pandemic spending, raising the nations debt limit to $28.5 trillion.

The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the federal government has a deficit of $2.7 trillion for the budget year ending in September 2021. The government also ran up deficits each year from 2016 to 2020.

Technically, the U.S. has already reached its debt limit at the end of July as agreed to in the 2019 budget deal. Once the debt limit is reached, the U.S. cannot borrow more money to pay its bills. But Treasury could and has used extraordinary measures like delaying some payments to employees retirement funds to avoid a default.

Unless Congress acts to raise the debt limit, the Bipartisan Policy Center projects that the U.S. will most likely reach the limit between October 15 and November 4. The center added that a default would likely raise borrowing costs as investors will demand a higher rate of return on U.S. debts. Even a short-term default, it said, could also threaten the countrys current economic recovery.

Why does the U.S. have a debt limit?

Before World War I, the U.S. Congress permitted borrowing only for special reasons, such as the building of the Panama Canal. In 1917, Congress passed a law that set a debt limit. It gave Treasury some flexibility in dealing with the national debt to pay for the war.

The U.S. is one of few countries around the world with a debt limit. Denmark is often noted as another developed country with a debt limit. But Denmark often sets its borrowing limit so high that a default is not really possible.

For many years in the U.S., raising the debt limit was not an issue. The Republican Party has since only supported increase while it has controlled the White House. It has argued against raising the limit under Democratic administrations.

Earlier this year, Democratic Congressman Bill Foster of Illinois introduced a bill to end the debt limit. The bill, however, is not guaranteed to pass with the currently divided legislature.

Late on Wednesday, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell told Democrats he would permit an emergency debt limit extension into December to avoid a default. If the offer is accepted, the U.S. will have to deal with the debt limit again by the end of the year.

I'm Jill Robbins.

Hai Do wrote this story for VOA Learning English. Susan Shand was the editor.

__________________________________________________

Words in This Story

obligation - n. something that you must do

plunge - v. drop suddenly

maximum - n. the highest number that is permitted

flexibility - n. ability to change things easily
MOSCOW  After a slow start for both teams, a second-quarter blitz from Lewiston put the Bengals on the path to their first girls basketball win of the season, a 59-31 Inland Empire League decision against Moscow on Wednesday at Bear Den.
The transport of 87 giant wind turbine blades from Atascadero to Lompoc is expected to impact local roadways on an intermittent basis for the next three months, according to Caltrans officials.

The heavy blade lifter trucks, which collapse in size upon their return, will be escorted by the California Highway Patrol en route to the 2,970-acre Strauss Energy wind farm project site, located in the hills southwest of Lompoc, a Caltrans spokesman said.

The trucks start their transport at the Port of Stockton, continue on Interstate 5 before arriving in San Luis Obispo County via Highway 46 to Highway 101 in Paso Robles, then travel from highways 101 and 135 to Highway 1 and, eventually, up on San Miguelito Canyon Road in Lompoc.

Traffic delays are expected through December as more than 200 oversized loads make their way through Lompoc, according to reports.

Electronic message boards will be posted along the route to inform travelers about the project managed by Baywa r.e. of Sacramento, under permit from Caltrans.

For traffic updates on Central Coast state highways, contact Caltrans District 5 Public Affairs at 805-549-3318 or visit dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-5.

+4 Lompoc wind energy project kicks off with delivery of first 220-foot turbine blade Lompoc came alive Friday afternoon as members of the community gathered on city streets to catch a view of an unusual procession that featured
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James Bond begins No Time To Die in a familiar situation, driving his Aston Martin in an exotic locale with a beautiful woman by his side. She urges him to drive faster, but he demurs. We have all the time in the world, he responds.

The line will elicit a thrill of recognition from old-school fans of 007, as its the final line of the 1969 Bond film On Her Majestys Secret Service. It also featured Bond with a beautiful woman in a car, but under much less happier circumstances, and its inclusion in No Time To Die portends a bumpy road ahead for Bond.

No Time To Die is Daniel Craigs fifth and final outing as Bond, and the film is full of allusions to the Bond canon. The polka-dot motif of the opening credits sequence resembles that of the credits in the first Bond movie, 1962s Dr. No. The climax of the movie takes place in a location described in one of Ian Flemings original novels, but not used in its film adaptation.
It's not clear to me if it is physically possible to comply with the deadlines that they're asking for, Rhodes-Conway said when asked if she would turn over the documents.

Of particular interest to Gableman, the subpoenas suggest, is how mayors, election clerks and other officials interacted with the Center for Tech and Civic Life  a nonprofit backed by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan  which provided millions in grants to help facilitate elections in the state. The funding was split up among 216 Wisconsin, but the lions share went to the five cities that have received subpoenas  and are also Democratic strongholds in the state.

Rhodes-Conway noted that, pointing out that Brookfield was among the communities to receive funds from CTCL and its election clerk has not been subpoenaed.

Speaking from in front of the Madison Municipal Building, the mayor said she was proud that we secured the resources we needed to pay our poll workers a pandemic bonus and to make sure that our elections are fair, safe and fully functional.

Rhodes-Conway said the funds from CTCL were necessary after the Legislature failed to provide communities needed aid to facilitate elections during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In his 1798 narrative, Venture Smith complains that, at the time of his emancipation, I had already been sold three different times, made considerable money with seemingly nothing to derive it from, been cheated out of a large sum of money, lost much by misfortunes, and paid an enormous sum for my freedom.

George Whites 1810 narrative (published during James Madisons presidency and describing slavery in Virginia, where Madison himself held people captive) describes abject slavery, like that practised by the Virginia planters upon the degraded Africans as a condition in which he and others were deprived by their inhuman masters and overseers, of almost every privilege and enjoyment.

Let us be clear, when we consider whether enslavers were benevolent, whose opinions on the matter are being prioritized and whose are being erased?

I agree with Searles on one point, that Who Jefferson, Madison and Monroe really were should not be ignored in teaching about them. But the idea that these people were benevolent to Black people is a farce. They were enslavers who not only denied the idea that Black people should have the rights of white citizens  they did not even see fit to protect Black people from captivity and forced labor in slavery. Our children deserve better than an apologia for slavery.

If this means ceasing to name an educational institution after a man who would not have supported the basic freedom of many of our students, so be it.
For the first month of the school year, Zorko had been working online from home through Zoom with the help of a retired substitute teacher who facilitated in-person learning with students in the classroom.

While the situation of Ms. Zorko teaching online was not ideal for neither her nor her classes, many students preferred this teaching style to the one imposed after her departure, the student-led petition read. She has gone above and beyond to come up with creative solutions to make teaching virtually work for her students.

Zorko, a teacher for three decades who had been in the Madison School District for 18 years, underwent a double organ transplant due to complications from type 1 diabetes in 2013 and has since been on immunosuppressant medications to keep her body from rejecting the donated organs. Despite being vaccinated and receiving a booster shot, she remains at high risk of death if she were to contract COVID-19.

Up until this year, the district had been accommodating her needs, Packard told the Wisconsin State Journal at the start of the school year. Last spring, when the district pivoted back to in-person learning, Zorko was able to teach her in-class students from home with the help of other West High staff who were present in the classroom, a method Zorko said worked and that she was hoping to continue this year.
Youll have folks who take jobs to make sure they dont get financially punished, but it may not end up being the right fit for anyone, said Shawn Phetteplace, state manager for the Main Street Alliance, which represents small businesses across Wisconsin. We should be improving the (unemployment) system, improving the tech, improving the way that its implemented.

Another provision in the bill would require DWD to immediately promulgate rules requiring claimants to undergo drug testing in order to be eligible for benefits.

We really feel that we need to help people that have substance-abuse challenges and the only way to identify them is through drug testing so that is an important aspect of the bill, Petryk said.

The legislation also would require the governor to provide employers with up to two $1,000 payments for hiring a person who has been unemployed for more than 27 weeks. The payments would be to help cover costs including wages, training and benefits. The bill dictates that those funds would need to come from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

A fiscal estimate for the bill was not available Wednesday, but Petryk said the required use of federal funds would sunset when ARPA dollars are exhausted or expire.

Changes underway
Originally posted on IdahoEdNews.org on October 6, 2021

BOISE  Idahos latest coronavirus outbreak has set another troubling record  this one involving pediatric COVID-19 hospitalizations.

For much of last week, 14 children were hospitalized with confirmed COVID cases.

To be sure, pediatric cases still account for a small fraction of the states spiraling COVID caseload. Last week, overall COVID hospitalizations averaged 759 patients per day, Department of Health and Welfare Director Dave Jeppesen told reporters Tuesday, during the agencys weekly coronavirus briefing.

But the pediatric hospitalizations follow a record surge in cases involving school-aged children. Case numbers dropped slightly last week, but still, more than 1,400 5- to-17-year-olds contracted the virus.

No Idaho child has died of COVID, and health care experts generally believe that children are more likely to recover from the virus. But health officials worry that the COVID surge could force overburdened hospitals to compromise the care they provide to all patients, young and old, whether they are suffering from COVID or not.

Hospitals are now operating under crisis standards of care  an unprecedented state designation that could allow overburdened hospitals to ration care.

Some hospitalization metrics ticked downward last week. The number of COVID patients in ICUs decreased slightly, as did the number of patients on ventilators.

But with COVID deaths reaching record levels in September, and remaining high during the first few days of October, Jeppesen isnt reading too much into the decrease in ICU admissions and patients on ventilators.

I think were way too early to declare weve hit a plateau, Jeppesen said.

Deputy state epidemiologist Kathleen Turner agreed.

Im not ready to say weve hit a plateau or a peak yet either.

But do viruses run in cycles?

While Idaho tracks rising coronavirus case numbers and record COVID-19 deaths, the national picture is considerably more optimistic.

COVID, in retreat, read the headline from Mondays New York Times newsletter. The Times cited a 35% decline in daily cases across the U.S. since Sept. 1, and revisited an unexplained phenomenon that has played out during the pandemic: Waves of the coronavirus tend to crest over a couple of months, and then recede.

The Times takeaway: The delta variant could be the last major wave of the coronavirus. Whatever this autumn brings, the worst of the pandemic is almost certainly behind us, wrote the Times David Leonhardt.

Do state officials see reason for hope, even amidst the current surge?

The 1918 flu pandemic moved in waves, even in the absence of vaccines or treatments, state epidemiologist Christine Hahn said Tuesday. And earlier this year, the delta variant surged and receded in India over the span of months, despite limited vaccine availability.

It just feels like the virus is doing its thing sometimes, she said. It is a force that we do not fully understand, but we do our best.

I am over it, Turner said. I want this to be the last surge we have.

There is some reason for hope. Case numbers began declining in the South two or three weeks before the delta variant drove Idahos current uptick. That timeline could translate into a reduction in Idaho cases within two or three weeks. However, recent modeling suggests Idaho weekly case numbers could essentially double, reaching 21,000 in mid-November.

I am hopeful that were going to look like our southern neighbors, Turner said. But its a hope, its not a prediction.
We serve on the Idaho State Legislatures interim federalism committee, which evaluates and monitors federal law and its impact on our state. In this context, there are many important issues we could work on: improving access to public lands, building better relationships with our federal partners, or ensuring Idahoans full value for their federal tax payments.

That isnt happening.

Instead, we met several times in recent weeks to determine how to circumvent the federal government and its proposed vaccine requirements. Remember: U.S. taxpayers are spending about $3.7B monthly to treat unvaccinated Americans, a number of which are the cause of Idahos current health care crisis.

The committee ultimately decided to recommend a bill forbidding state and local governments from enforcing a federal requirement, penalizing those who do with a personal fine of up to $5,000, six months maximum in jail, or both. We were the only two who opposed it.

The bill might be altered slightly, but it now goes to the full legislature, potentially causing us to reconvene for a special session in the next two weeks for a vote. This only opens the door for even stricter legislation and the continued spread of misinformation, doing nothing to stop Idahoans from needlessly dying each day.

At multiple points in this process, we had to correct false information to ensure the legislative record was accurate. Heres a sampling of the public testimony we heard:

Reported COVID deaths in the United States because of taking the vaccine is 13,751, and this was reported as an underestimate. A careful review of health and autopsy records makes clear no deaths have been linked to any of the vaccines, of which more than 390 million doses have been administered. They are incredibly safe and effective in keeping you out of the hospital.

Dont get the unproven vaccine, you can treat COVID with Ivermectin, hydroxychloroquine, and monoclonal antibodies. This stuff works. A sitting legislator said this. Ivermectin is an antiparasitic. A dewormer! It has dangerous side effects, with no proven effectiveness against COVID-19. Hydroxychloroquine is also dangerous and ineffective. Monoclonal antibodies provide some help in keeping you from being hospitalized, but are more experimental and not FDA approved, like the fully-approved Pfizer vaccine. The vaccines are also less expensive, costing about $20, versus several thousand for monoclonal antibodies. While the government covers most of that, we are worried about the residual cost for taxpayers.

In Idaho, almost every COVID-19 patient hospitalized right now is unvaccinated, and they are 11 times more likely to die from it. Bodily autonomy is a right we can assert, but that right comes with responsibilities. Unless you have a legitimate medical reason, you should get vaccinated. The pandemic persists because many unvaccinated people are ignoring public health guidelines.

Misinformation is to blame for a lot of that  we saw that firsthand during committee meetings. People are dying and suffering because they trusted the word of a Facebook post, a chiropractor, or a far-right politician over an epidemiologist or ER doctor.

We recognize some people are strongly opposed to anything the federal government asks us to do, but continuing down this path isnt how we end the pandemic. We have to make policy decisions based on fact, a careful review of current law, and in Idahoans best interests. What we shouldnt do is give into the fearmongers, who demonize the vaccine and our health care providers, often resorting to threats of violence against those with whom they disagree.

Idahoans need real leadership, not another unproductive special session, unconstitutional bill, or eventual lawsuit costing hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars.

Bio: Sen. David Nelson is serving his second term in the Idaho Senate, representing District 5. Rep. Chris Mathias is serving his first term in the Idaho House of Representatives, representing District 19. Both are members of the interim federalism committee.

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WENDELL  Youth who recently graduated from hunter education classes across the Magic Valley were invited to enjoy a day of pheasant hunting at the Niagara Springs Wildlife Management Area on Saturday.

Each year, youth across the state can hunt pheasants in early October, a few weeks before the regular season opener. In the Magic Valley Region, a youth pheasant hunt is organized by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game to coincide with the youth pheasant season.

Pheasants are stocked throughout the pheasant season at three locations within the Magic Valley Region, including the Niagara Springs Wildlife Management Area south of Wendell where the youth hunt was held.

Prior to the hunt, youth have the opportunity to hone their shooting skills by hands-on practice, shooting clay pigeons under the guidance of certified shooting instructors.

Volunteer mentors are a critical piece of the learning environment when getting young hunters ready to go into the field to pursue upland birds, like ring-necked pheasants.

High Desert Pointing Dog Club was a welcomed partner during the youth pheasant hunt, and their dogs were just as excited to get in a day of hunting.

Even brightly-colored shotguns can be very effective when hunting pheasants.

Pheasant hunting is a great way for families to get outside together and enjoy the opportunity to take home a pheasant for dinner.

This year, Fish and Game was excited to partner with Called Beyond, a local nonprofit that works to provide outdoor experiences to children and their families who are impacted by disability, special needs or various obstacles. These kids smiles were infectious!

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Dillard said that people often come in withdrawn, and within a week they open up.

The center offers many daily activities and games to strengthen their skills so they can have a better quality of life, she said.

They clients and staff dance every morning, with a favorite being the Cupid Shuffle. They play Sit-Down Volleyball with pool noodles to help their hand-eye coordination. To keep up cognitive levels, they play Hangman and The Price is Right and hold mock auctions with pretend money.

The group also have prayer devotions.

We promote friendships, Dillard said. Theres no cliques here. They just kind of all work together.

Recently, the center has begun collecting old cellphones to be sanitized and used to download music from each of the clients early years because music is a way to the soul, Dillard said. She believes it will help them, especially the ones with dementia, because music just changes your whole feeling.

Three nurses on staff perform monthly physicals, administer medications and collaborate with the participants doctors to ensure their good health.
According to authorities, Anderson, who had a history of training and fighting dogs, helped establish the rules for two dog fights that occurred that night in King George. The rules included no open invitations and no walk-ins in order to avoid unknown persons attending the secret event.

Authorities said that four pit bull-type dogs were seized as a result of a June 1, 2016, search at Andersons home. The dogs were housed separately, outdoors in crude wooden/plastic housing, wearing thick collars, and/or tied to heavy chains that limited their access. The dogs all had visible scarring and tears consistent with use in a dog fighting venture, according to the U.S. attorneys office.

In asking Gibney for a stiff sentence, Shennie Patel, a trial attorney with the U.S. Justice Departments Environmental Crimes Section, said, Dog fighting is no joke. ... It is one of the most violent forms of animal abuse out there. The case was also prosecuted by Olivia L. Emerson, an assistant U.S. attorney.

Referencing the young boy at the fight, Patel said, Mr. Anderson was bringing up the next generation ... passing on the torch.
Police believe the teen was manipulating the partially constructed gun when it discharged, striking him in the leg. The gun had a single round in the chamber when it discharged. The gun was not sufficiently complete to hold a magazine with additional rounds.

When we spoke to him briefly, he said he came across the [gun] parts, but he did not give us any more details than that, Casale said. And thats where our investigation is now  where did he obtain these parts and how? They basically appeared to be replacement parts that he had put together for the top half of the gun.

Investigators learned the teen had purchased an AnyCubic 3D printer for $249 and apparently acquired schematic blueprints for a 9 mm semiautomatic pistol that can be downloaded to the printer.

The boys parents told investigators that their son had purchased the printer for the purpose of hobby making, Casale said.

Based on the printed parts that police recovered, it was apparent the teen had been experimenting with the 3D printing process. He printed two pieces that went unused before printing a third that was attached to existing barrel and slide.
Steve Allen Buchanan, 55, of Green Meadow Lane, Marion, pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine. He was given a six- to 17-month suspended sentence. He must serve 24 months supervised probation. He was given credit for two days time served. He must pay court costs.

Drew Ferguson Causby, 32, of Sunny Grove Drive, Marion, pleaded guilty to possession of heroin. He was given a six- to 17-month suspended sentence. He must serve 30 months of supervised probation. He must pay a court-appointed attorney $240. He must pay court costs. He was given credit for nine days time served.

John Edward Conner, 24, of Reel Hollow Road, Marion, pleaded guilty to possession of drug paraphernalia and simple possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance. He was given a 45-day suspended sentence. He must serve 12 months supervised probation. He must pay $180 for a court-appointed attorney. He must pay court costs. He was given credit for two days time served.

Dustin Tyler Crouse, 27, of Oak Circle, Marion, was found guilty of a probation violation out of county. His probation was revoked and his sentence was activated. He must serve four to 14 months in prison.
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Sweden will remove virtually all coronavirus restrictions on September 29 with the pandemic under control and the vaccination rollout well-advanced, the government said Tuesday.

Hygiene rules and social distancing to combat the virus will still be encouraged in public places, according to the authorities.

"Our aim has always been to lift the restrictions as soon as possible," Health Minister Lena Hallengren told a press conference.

Sweden made global headlines for its decision to combat the spread of the virus with mostly non-coercive measures rather than the type of lockdowns seen across Europe.

Those measures began to be eased from May under a five-point plan, with the fourth stage due to be reached at the end of September.

Explore further Denmark to lift all COVID restrictions by Sept 10

 2021 AFP
Spheroids derived from serous ovarian adenocarcinoma serve as convenient surrogates to evaluate patients sensitivity to chemotherapy. (Scale: 50m). Credit: Niigata University

Three-dimensional (3D) culturing approaches help probe cancer stem-like cells (CSCs)-associated traits, chemoresistance, and cellular heterogeneity ex vivo. For instance, the culture of organoid-driven clinical cancer specimens can reiterate the histology and mutation landscape of the corresponding tumors, and the creation of these organoids are suitable surrogates of in vivo tumors. Conspicuously, the chemosensitivity of organoids often reflects the clinical response of patients, and well-known organoid panels are used to systematically examine sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. Hence, understanding the molecular basis of their differential responses to chemotherapeutic agents will likely lead to improved precision in personalized cancer therapy.

Dr. Kaoru Yamawaki, Dr. Takayuki Enomoto and coworkers from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Niigata University Medical School, Niigata, Japan, and Dr. Koji Okamoto and his team at the Division of Cancer Differentiation, National Cancer Center Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan observed that spheroids screening might be suitable for identifying effective therapeutic compounds for treating otherwise treatment-refractory cancers.

Although standard chemotherapy, which combines taxane- and platinum-based compounds, is initially effective for many ovarian cancer patients, most of them eventually develop recurrent cancers. Besides, in advanced cases (stage III or IV), >70% of patients suffer a recurrence within five years under standard therapy. Because platinum sensitivity is a major determinant of prognosis, there is a serious medical need to understand the molecular basis of the platinum chemoresistance of ovarian cancers.

Because the spheroid exhibited distinct intertumoral heterogeneity associated with chemosensitivity to platinum-based compounds, Dr. Yamawaki and his coworkers exploited the established spheroids to compare cisplatin chemosensitivity and gene expression profiles to better understand the molecular basis of such heterogeneity and to systematically cross-examine the sensitivity to therapeutic compounds.

The statistical analyses of cisplatin-resistant spheroids derived from ovarian cancer revealed that chemoresistance was linked to significantly elevated expression of genes associated with activation of glutathione-mediated redox metabolism. Numerous enzymes involved in glutathione-mediated redox systems require NADPH, the production of which is largely attributed to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), a gatekeeper enzyme of the pentose phosphate pathway. NADPH generation by G6PD is critical for redox homeostasis and thus contributes to the adaptation of cancer cells against oxidative stress. In the present study, they found that the chemoresistant spheroids expressed elevated levels of G6PD and the NADPH-dependent redox genes, suggesting that G6PD plays a crucial role in cisplatin resistance by affecting multiple enzymes that regulate the redox system. Moreover, the analyses of clinical specimens showed that G6PD expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis suggesting that the cisplatin resistance of ovarian cancer is linked to the elevated expression of redox proteins.

Overall, the data presented by Dr. Yamawaki and associates underscores the importance of the integrative approach that utilizes patient-derived spheroids in defining the nongenetic basis of cancer chemoresistance. Dr. Yamawaki says, "We have established a panel of spheroids derived from clinical specimens of ovarian cancers and exploited them as a platform to systematically interrogate the chemosensitivity against therapeutic compounds. Because we found that the ovarian spheroids showed diverse heterogeneity in chemoresistance against platinum-based compounds, we looked for molecular profiling associated with cisplatin chemosensitivity to understand molecular basis of the heterogeneity. These integrative studies revealed that the chemoresistance was linked to elevated expression of genes associated with activation of glutathione-mediated redox metabolism, including G6PD, which drives redox metabolism via production of NADPH."

Furthermore, they believe that their findings contribute to conceptual advance by demonstrating the clinical importance of the integrative approach using patient-derived spheroids in understanding chemoresistance of other types of cancer refractory to the primary chemotherapy.

Explore further 'Automated' microscopy identifies predictor of chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer patients

More information: Kaoru Yamawaki et al, Integrative analyses of gene expression and chemosensitivity of patient-derived ovarian cancer spheroids link G6PD-driven redox metabolism to cisplatin chemoresistance, Cancer Letters (2021). Journal information: Cancer Letters Kaoru Yamawaki et al, Integrative analyses of gene expression and chemosensitivity of patient-derived ovarian cancer spheroids link G6PD-driven redox metabolism to cisplatin chemoresistance,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.08.018

Provided by Niigata University
A pair of special headphones plus a free app might help kids with hearing difficulty due to "glue ear," a new, small study suggests.

Glue ear is slang for a condition called otitis media with effusion (OME), where thick fluid builds up in the middle ear. It's very common in young children but strikes older kids as well, and often occurs after a cold or sore throat. Usually, the fluid goes away on its own in four to six weeks.

Sometimes, though, the buildup persists for months and may impair hearingwhich can be a big problem for young children developing their language skills, and for older kids in school.

The standard way to manage those cases is by surgically implanting a tiny tube in the opening of the eardrum to drain the fluid from behind it. It stays in place for six months to a year, when it naturally falls out.

Still, there's a need for alternatives, according to the researchers on the new study.

One reason is because even in persistent cases, the middle-ear fluid usually goes away within 3 to 12 months, said lead researcher Dr. Tamsin Brown, a pediatrician with Cambridgeshire Community Services in Cambridge, England.

Plus, she noted, ear tubes do carry some risks.

"Around 1% of tube operations leave a hole in the eardrum, which may need a further operation to close," Brown said.

Occasionally, she added, the tubes do not fall out when they are supposed to and need to be surgically removed.

And in the United Kingdom, Brown said, there's a waitlist for tube insertion procedures. During that time, kids with hearing difficulty may be falling behind in language development or schoolwork.

"In short, I'm pretty sure we would give a child a pair of glasses if they couldn't see that well for a few months," Brown said.

In the study, Brown and her colleagues recruited 26 children, ages 3 to 11, who had OME that was causing hearing problems. Most were on the waitlist for ear tubes, but at the time of the studythe first wave of the COVID pandemicthose services had ground to a halt.

So Brown's team sent parents a "kit" meant to ease hearing issues in the meantime. It included a headset to be used along with a free app called Hear Glue Ear, which Brown helped create.

The headset consists of a wireless microphone and "bone conduction" headphoneswhich are marketed to cyclists because they direct sounds from cell phones straight to the inner ear's cochlea, without blocking out sound from the environment.

Brown's team found that before receiving the wireless kit, parents of most of the kids23 of the 26said their child "often" or "always" had trouble hearing. Those problems improved greatly, however, once families started using the kit: Parents of 22 children said their child "rarely" or "never" had hearing difficulty when using the headset and app.

Brown said the tactic could help families manage hearing issues "simply and affordably"the headphones cost around 100 pounds, or $136and possibly allow some kids to avoid ear tube surgery.

U.S. experts said they could see the approach being useful in certain instances. But they stressed that parents should always first see their child's doctor about any hearing difficulties.

An advantage of ear tubes is they "solve the problem itself," versus just targeting hearing issues, said Dr. Meredith Lind, an otolaryngologist (ear-nose-throat specialist) at Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

And in the United States, she noted, kids generally do not have a long wait time for ear tube placement.

"But I do think there could be a place for this," Lind said.

As long as kids are under medical care, and having their hearing issues followed, Lind said, the wireless kit tactic might be "reasonable" for some.

Those points were echoed by Dr. Alyssa Hackett, a pediatric otolaryngologist at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai in New York City.

"If you have any concerns about your child's hearing, talk to your child's doctor," she said.

Skipping ear tubes may prolong the presence of fluid in the ear, Hackett noted, but that may be fine for some older kids who are only having hearing difficulty and whose families prefer to avoid tube insertion.

"There's probably no harm in it as long as your child is under medical care," Hackett said.

More information: The findings were published Oct. 4 in the journal BMJ Innovations. The findings were published Oct. 4 in the journal Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has more on otitis media with effusion.

 2021HealthDay. All rights reserved.
(HealthDay)A shift in thinking means it's OK to skip your monthly breast self-exambut don't miss your regular professional checkup and diagnostic imaging, health experts say.

A periodic visual check in a mirror can be helpful, breast health experts from the Cedars-Sinai health system in California suggest.

"Beginning at age 40, women with an average risk for breast cancer should rely on annual mammograms, plus clinical breast exams by a primary health care provider, gynecologist or breast specialist," said Dr. Mary El-Masry, a breast medical oncologist at Cedars-Sinai Tower Hematology Oncology in Beverly Hills, Calif. "Still, it's good for women, beginning at age 18, to become familiar with how their breasts look and get attuned to any changes."

While breast self-exams have become part of a routine women's health regimen, they're not always necessary, according to Cedars-Sinai experts.

Women who are at higher risk should give their breasts a visual check monthly, and have breast imaging once a year starting at age 30 or sometimes younger, said nurse practitioner Sylvia Estrada at the Brandman Breast Center in West Hollywood, Calif.

Estrada said early detection makes breast cancer easier to treat successfully.

"Look in the mirror periodically and recognize what is normal and what is not," she said. "Promptly report changes to your health care provider."

Changes to look for include one breast appearing larger than the other, nipple discharge, a rash, swelling, dimpling or puckering of the skin, or bulging skin.

Women at higher risk of cancer may choose to have clinical breast exams halfway between their yearly mammogram, ultrasound or MRI screenings, El-Masry said.

Factors that put a woman at higher risk include a family history of breast cancer, a previous biopsy with benign results, or genetic mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Other factors that boost breast cancer risk include use of hormone replacement therapy, being overweight or obese, a lack of exercise and having more than one serving of alcohol a day, research shows.

"Be aware of your lifestyle choices, and if they're unhealthy, it's important to be screened for breast cancer at least yearly," Estrada said in a Cedars-Sinai news release.

She suggested that people also could check in with a nutritionist, join exercise classes and consult with a genetic counselor, who can help determine breast cancer risk.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that 281,500 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed this year in the United States. The average woman has a one in eight chance of developing breast cancer during her lifetime.

Traditionally, women have been told to examine their breasts regularly. But in 2009, and again in 2016, the U.S. Preventive Service Task Force said doctors should not be required to teach women how to perform the exams. The ACS reached the same conclusion in 2003 after large studies found no benefits from self-exams as well as the potential for unnecessary biopsies. The ACS also warned that an unremarkable self-exam might lead some women to skip their annual mammogram.

That doesn't mean you can't do a regular self-exam, if it makes you feel more comfortable. Estrada suggests learning the technique from a professional.

"No matter what you choose about self-exams, see your health care provider and get all of your cancer and health screenings around your birthday every year," Estrada said. "It's the best gift you can give yourself."

Explore further Breast density linked to risk for invasive breast cancer in people over 65

More information: American Cancer Society has more on American Cancer Society has more on breast cancer

Copyright  2021 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
A week earlier, 12-year-old Reni in hospital in eastern Indonesia was emaciated, dehydrated, and severely anemic after weeks of suffering a moderately febrile illness that would not let go of her. She had vivax malaria and it was slowly killing her when finally brought to hospital by her parents. She recovers as slowly as the infection sickened her. Credit: Pearl Gan, CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

The malaria parasite Plasmodium vivax (P. vivax) causes frequent, chronic infections that represent a major unrecognized burden on global health, according to a review by Kevin Baird of the Eijkman-Oxford Clinical Research Unit in Indonesia and Katherine Battle of the Institute for Disease Modeling in the United States publishing October 7th in the open access journal PLOS Medicine.

In this review, Baird and Battle summarize evidence indicating that the global burden of malaria estimated from reported cases of acute attacks likely miss the widespread but more subtle harm done by chronic infection of P. vivax. Furthermore, P. vivax often affects impoverished communities where people face multiple health challenges. There are five Plasmodium species that cause malaria, but the vast majority of reported cases are due to Plasmodium falciparum, with about 193.5 million cases annually. P. vivax is the second most common reported cause, with about 14.3 million cases annually. A recent study found that while P. falciparum is more likely to cause death within two weeks of diagnosis, patients with P. vivax were more than twice as likely to die over the long term. Chronic infections in people who are repeatedly exposed to P. vivax cause damage to the kidneys, brain, and circulatory system.

An improved understanding of the biology of P. vivax has recently revealed multiple factors that contribute to its toll on global health. The parasite can exist in the body at low levels that cause no symptoms, making it difficult to diagnose, but can still spread. Sub-Saharan Africa was once thought to be practically immune to P. vivax infection because most of the population lack the Duffy antigen, a molecule on the surface of red blood cells the parasite uses to invade. However, a recent study finds that P. vivax transmission is still widespread in this region. Additionally, there are two common genetic variations carried by part of the population that interfere with successful treatment of P. vivax malaria.

All these factors complicate efforts to estimate the full extent of P. vivax infections and control its spread. Baird and Battle conclude that the traditional approaches developed to combat P. falciparum in Africa are inadequate for P. vivax. Eliminating P. vivax will require different diagnostics, therapies and vector control strategies, and better data that reveal the true scope of the burden.

Baird adds, "Blood smears from patients suffering acute vivax malaria do not suffice to measure global burdens of this infection. The parasite finds refuge in deeper organs where the harm done is more subtle but nonetheless substantial."

Explore further Natural immunity to malaria provides clues to potential therapies

More information: Battle KE, Baird JK (2021) The global burden of Plasmodium vivax malaria is obscure and insidious. PLoS Med 18(10): e1003799. Journal information: PLoS Medicine Battle KE, Baird JK (2021) The global burden of Plasmodium vivax malaria is obscure and insidious.18(10): e1003799. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1003799
Parents accompany their children outside PS 179 elementary school in the Kensington neighborhood in the Brooklyn borough of New York, in this Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, file photo. Pfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11and if regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File

The Food and Drug Administration is considering whether to allow COVID-19 vaccinations in children ages 5 to 11using kid-sized doses.

Until now, only people 12 and older could be vaccinated in the U.S., with shots made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech. That's been a huge frustration for many pediatricians and parents, especially as the extra-contagious delta variant has raged through poorly vaccinated communitiesand the schools in them.

On Thursday, the companies formally applied for emergency use of a lower dose for 5- to 11-year-olds. Here's what to expect:

Q: Why do younger kids need a vaccine?

A: The virus generally causes more serious disease in older adults than in children. But it can sometimes be severe in youngsters, too. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, COVID-19 has killed at least 520 children in the U.S.

The delta variant also caused a jump in child infections, making it more difficult to keep schools fully open and students in class. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey found nearly a quarter of parents with kids in class this fall say they've already had to quarantine a child because of possible virus exposure.

Q: How soon could vaccinations begin for kids under 12?

A: First under consideration are shots for 5- to 11-year-olds. Advisers to the FDA are expected to publicly deliberate Pfizer's evidence on Oct. 26, setting the stage for the agency to declare if the shots are safe and effective for the roughly 28 million youngsters in that age group.

If it does, there's another step: Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will decide whether to recommend kids actually get the vaccinations. The CDC makes the final call.

FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks has said the agency would decide "hopefully within a matter of weeks" after Pfizer submitted its data.

Q: Would younger kids get the same dose as teens and adults?

A: No. Pfizer aims to give 5- to 11-year-olds one-third of the dose that's given to everyone 12 and older.

Q: What's the evidence the kid-sized shots work?

A: Pfizer studied the lower dose in 2,268 volunteers in this age group, giving two-thirds vaccine and the rest dummy shots. The company says vaccinated 5- to 11-year-olds developed coronavirus-fighting antibody levels that were as strong as what teenagers and young adults get after the regular-strength shots.

Q: Was the vaccine safe for youngsters?

A: The young kids experienced similar or fewer temporary side effects such as sore arms and achiness than teens.

One exceedingly rare risk of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines is heart inflammation, usually in young men or boys. The CDC estimates that for every million fully vaccinated 12- to 17-year-old boys, the shots would prevent about 5,700 COVID-19 cases, 71 hospitalizations and two deaths while causing no more than 69 cases of heart inflammation. It's difficult for scientific studies to detect such a rare problem so regulators will have to debate the possibility of that risk with the lower-dose shots for younger kids.

Q: If it's cleared, will the kid-sized vaccine come in special packages?

A: Yes, to avoid any dosing mix-ups Pfizer plans to ship vials specially marked for pediatric use containing the lower dose.

Q: What about vaccinations for kids younger than 5?

A: Stay tuned: Study results are expected later this year.

Explore further Pfizer asks US to allow COVID shots for kids ages 5 to 11

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The COVID-19 pandemic and its solution has only partially displaced other social and political concernsand not persistently, despite the pandemic's high and constant media presence. This is shown by an international team of researchers led by the economist Esther Blanco from the University of Innsbruck. The results were recently published in the journal "Frontiers in Psychology".

Since spring 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has been omnipresent: incidence rates, hospital occupancy rates and, most recently, vaccination rates have pushed other topics out of the spotlight. Researchers from the University of Innsbruck, together with a colleague from the University of Paris-Nanterre, have looked at whether this displacement is also reflected in the willingness to donate to other social and political causes. "At the beginning of the pandemic, there was a lot of uncertainty: we saw unprecedented amounts of money being allocated to COVID-19, and there were serious concerns that this would mean less money internationally and nationally for environmental protection or poverty alleviation measures," says Esther Blanco from the Department of Public Finance at the University of Innsbruck. "Other social problems and concerns, be it inequality, poverty or the climate crisis, did not just disappear in the pandemic, of course, but in the public consciousness these concerns were not as present as the Corona crisis. We wanted to understand to what extent the COVID-19 pandemic replaced other concerns," explains her colleague Natalie Struwe. In a donation experiment with over 1,700 participants funded by the Austrian Science Fund FWF, the researchers were able to show that other social concerns were not completely displacedand that, at least in the sample, there is a correlation between the incidence of COVID and the willingness to donate to social causes over a period of ten months: The higher the incidence, the higher the willingness to donate.

Donation experiment

The participants, students at the University of Innsbruck, received 3 euros in the experiment, which they could donate to various social organizations or NGOs or keep for themselves. "We increased the donations by a quarter of the amount donated, so the participants had an additional incentive to donate," says Felix Holzmeister from the Department of Economics at the University of Innsbruck. A total of 1,762 people took part in the experiment. They were randomly assigned one of three scenarios: they could either donate to eight charitiesthe Red Cross, WWF, Doctors Without Borders, SOS Children's Villages, Amnesty International, "Licht ins Dunkel", Oxfam or Caritas , to these eight and additionally to the WHO's COVID-19 Fund, or only to the WHO's COVID-19 Fund. In addition, the participants answered extensive questionnaires on their general willingness to donate, their attitudes to various social problems and to COVID-19. In the first two months of the experiment, the researchers collected data weekly, then monthly, and the experiment ran from April 2020 to January 2021. The researchers linked the donation data and the questionnaire survey with the COVID-19 incidence data for Tyrol, where most of the participants study and live.

Results

Overall, participants donated an average of 2.50 euros when they had several NGOs to choose fromregardless of whether the COVID-19 Fund was part of the selection or not. At the same time, participants consistently made significant contributions to the COVID-19 Fund, both when it was the only fund available and when it was part of the list of nine organizations. "This shows that donations to other social causes are partially replaced by donations to the COVID-19 Fund when it is on the list of potential recipients; however, it does not completely replace any of the other social causes," says Alexandra Baier of the Department of Public Finance. Moreover, women tended to donate more than men, as did people who are particularly committed to COVID-19 mitigation and poverty alleviation. Those who perceive themselves to be at risk of poverty, on the other hand, donated less, and as the COVID-19 incidence rises, so does the willingness to donateto all causes, not just the COVID-19 Fund. And another result clearly emerges in comparison with the questionnaire data: the trust that the participants place in a charity organization is an important explanatory factor for donations to the respective organization.

So, contrary to fears, social and political concerns such as environmental protection, poverty and inequality have by no means completely disappeared from the public consciousnessthe COVID-19 crisis may have pushed these issues out of the media, but not out of people's minds. "We interpret this, among other things, as society's desire to use COVID-19 recovery funds in a way that supports these other social concerns as well," says Natalie Struwe.

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More information: Esther Blanco et al, Long Term Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Social Concerns, Frontiers in Psychology (2021). Journal information: Frontiers in Psychology Esther Blanco et al, Long Term Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Social Concerns,(2021). DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.743054
With ear sensors, a research team headed by Prof. Dr. Georg Schmidt from TUM's university hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar has continuously monitored the biological values of COVID-19 patients in order to enable convenient home careand rapid transport to the hospital if necessary. Credit: Andreas Heddergott / TUM

Using telemedicine, COVID-19 patients can be cared for safely at homefrom initial home isolation to recovery or, in case problems arise, admission to hospital. A team from the Technical University of Munich (TUM) has now successfully demonstrated this in a study involving 150 patients with risk factors for a severe progression of the disease.

COVID-19 patients are required to go into home isolation. But this can be dangerous for high-risk patients if they develop a severe progression during isolation. In this case, timely admission to the hospital for treatment can be critical for survival.

Unfortunately, many COVID-19 patients do not immediately notice when their condition starts to deteriorate. The alternative of playing safe by admitting all at-risk patients immediately upon diagnosis would overburden the clinics.

Small effortlarge gain in safety

During the recent Corona waves, Georg Schmidt and his team provided telemedical care to more than 150 patients with risk factors for a severe progression of the disease using an ear sensor that is easily worn behind the ear like a hearing aid.

The sensor recorded all important values such as body temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, and oxygen saturation in 15-minute intervals and transmitted the data to the telemedicine center at TUM's university hospital Klinikum rechts der Isar. There, the team continuously monitored all incoming data. In addition, each participant was called at least once a day to inquire about his or her condition.

Whenever the team noticed a deterioration in the readings, they called the patient. A physician then took a decision on whether hospitalization was indicated. With minimal effort, the team achieved a quality of monitoring quite comparable to that at a hospital.

The ear sensor is to be worn behind the ear like a hearing aid. It transmits the most important vital parameters every 15 minutes. If the values worsen, the patient is contacted and, if necessary, admitted to the hospital. Credit: Andreas Heddergott / TUM

Great patient satisfaction

Around one in eight participants had to be admitted during the study. Interestingly, most of these patients later stated that they did not themselves realize the degree of deterioration in their condition.

"To our knowledge, this is the first study worldwide to continuously monitor patients in home isolation remotely and to prompt immediate hospitalization in the event of critical health deterioration," said Prof. Georg Schmidt, head of the Biosignal Processing Group at the Klinikum rechts der Isar.

The study illustrates that COVID-19 risk patients can be monitored effectively using telemedicine, potentially saving valuable resources in future waves of infection. Patients were also very satisfied and felt significantly safer thanks to the continuous monitoring.

The study was published in PLOS ONE.

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More information: David Wurzer et al, Remote monitoring of COVID-19 positive high-risk patients in domestic isolation: A feasibility study, PLOS ONE (2021). Journal information: PLoS ONE David Wurzer et al, Remote monitoring of COVID-19 positive high-risk patients in domestic isolation: A feasibility study,(2021). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257095
Nissl ST Imaging: 1. Top left: Results from running Nissel ST technique on a single slice from a human hemisphere. We can see the nerve fiber orientation map (the orientation is color-coded according to the half-circle on the right). 2. Top right: Enlarged view of the nerve fiber orientation map in the white-matter tract known as the corpus callosum. 3. First row: Nissl-stained images at different locations along the tract. The stained glial rows are oriented differently in each location. 4. Bottom row: It is these orientations that our method picks up to recover the underlying fiber orientation. Credit: Roey Schurr/Hebrew University

The human brain is a constant buzz of activity, with its 86 billion nerve cells (neurons) sending electrical signals from one region of the brain to another. The signals travel along the white matter fibers, a maze of wire-like fibers, ultimately giving rise to all brain functions. Uncovering these wire-like highways between neurons has been a longstanding challenge for neuroscience. Existing methods for mapping this neural circuitry at the cellular level are either limited to animal studies or require highly specialized equipment for data acquisition and processing.

Recently, a novel approach for mapping and visualizing these nerve fibers was developed by Professor Aviv Mezer and Dr. Roey Schurr, neuroscientists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI)'s Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences (ELSC). They utilized a technique that has been around for almost 140 years, but was never used to study the fiber architecture of the brain's white matter. Their findings were published today in the prestigious journal Science.

Neurons themselves have long been studied using the purplish Nissl stain a stain invented by German medical student Franz Nissl in the 1880s. Its use in staining neurons has revolutionized our understanding of the cortexthe outer gray layer of the brain. However, the Hebrew University team are the first to use Nissl stained brain slices to reveal fiber pathways in white matter.

The brain's white matter is mainly made up of nerve fibers and a group of cells known as glia. These glial cells, until very recently, were largely ignored and thought to be rather unimportant space fillers in the brainin fact their name "glia" comes from the ancient Greek, meaning "glue." When Schurr joined Mezer's lab as a doctoral student, he decided to look at some pictures of Nissl stained brain tissue. "It was just curiosity," said Schurr. "Textbooks are full of illustrations, but I wanted to understand what the white matter of the brain actually looked like."

To Schurr's surprise, he noticed that the glial cells formed a pattern of short rows. Moreover, the glial rows seemed to align with the local nerve fibers. "We did a thorough literature review and found a 1992 paper that already described this glial cell organization," said Schurr, "but this finding did not receive the attention it deserved in our field."

Other research took over, but recently Schurr returned to the unusual observation he had made. The researchers realized that by using simple computational tools from the field of image processing, they could capitalize on the patterned cell organization to uncover the white-matter architecture. "I was amazed when we first applied this technique to a Nissl-stained slice of the brain," Prof. Mezer said. "In Nissl-stained images, the white matter has a faint homogeneous appearance. Applying some computational tools suddenly brought out a colorful map depicting the fine architecture of white-matter fibers, which was hidden there all along. We immediately recognized it as an important piece of the puzzle that scientists have been searching for in the study of white matter."

This technique, termed by the Hebrew University researchers as the Nissl-ST ("Nissl-based Structure Tensor"), can be applied to the white matter in any brain slices that have undergone Nissl staining. Since Nissl staining is the most common stain used in brain science, there is much of it to be found all around the world, including digitized datasets and open-source atlases of high-resolution stained brain slices.

"The application of Nissl-ST," Mezer concluded, "has great potential for future studies of white matter in normal brain development, aging and pathological states that affect white matter, such as neurodegeneration and schizophrenia."

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More information: Roey Schurr, The glial framework reveals white-matter fiber architecture in human and primate brains, Science (2021). www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abj7960 Journal information: Science Roey Schurr, The glial framework reveals white-matter fiber architecture in human and primate brains,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/science.abj7960
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Common gut bacteria can fuel the growth of prostate cancers and allow them to evade the effects of treatment, a new study finds.

Scientists revealed how gut bacteria contribute to the progression of advanced prostate cancers and their resistance to hormone therapyby providing an alternative source of growth-promoting androgens, or male hormones.

Hormone therapy is the standard of care for advanced prostate cancer and works by lowering levels of androgens. But researchers found that low androgen levels in patients can drive the expansion of gut bacteria, which can become hormone factories to sustain prostate cancer growth.

Bacterial 'fingerprints' identified by scientists may help pick out patients at high risk of developing resistance to treatment who could benefit from strategies to manipulate their 'microbiome'. For example, men could undergo a faecal transplant or take a yoghurt drink enriched with favourable bacteria.

A team of scientists from The Institute of Cancer Research, London, the Institute of Oncology Research in Bellinzona, Switzerland and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology used mice and patient samples to investigate the role of gut bacteria in prostate cancer growth and progression.

The findings, once further validated in the clinic, could provide new opportunities for the treatment of prostate cancer through manipulation of the microbiome.

The study, published in the journal Science, was funded by the Prostate Cancer Foundation, Movember, Prostate Cancer UK, Cancer Research UK and The John Black Charitable Foundation.

Gut bacteria are part of our microbiome and are usually valuable to humans. However, cancer and other diseases can ruin this mutually beneficial balancefor example by promoting the expansion of gut bacteria and encouraging them to release toxins or other molecules that affect cancer cells.

Given the role these 'gut bugs' can play in cancer, researchers looked at whether the gut bacteria from men with prostate cancer could also alter patients' hormone metabolism, and so affect cancer growth.

Scientists found that getting rid of all gut bacteria in mice with prostate cancer slowed tumour growth and delayed the emergence of hormone resistance.

They also found that transplanting faeces from mice with hormone-resistant prostate cancer into mice with low androgen levels that had not yet developed resistance encouraged tumour growth.

The researchers demonstrated in mice that gut bacteria were able to make androgen hormones from precursor molecules.

To translate the findings into humans, researchers analysed the gut bacteria from patients who were being treated at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. They looked at two different groups of patients19 men whose prostate cancers were still responding to hormone therapy and 55 men with advanced hormone-resistant prostate cancer.

Transplanting stool from prostate cancer patients with hormone-resistant prostate cancer into mice whose cancers were not resistant promoted tumour growth and hormone resistance.

Scientists also analysed microbial genetic material from the stool of men with prostate cancer and identified a specific bacteriumRuminococcus  that may play a major role in the development of resistance. In contrast, the bacterium Prevotella stercorea was associated with favourable clinical outcomes.

Researchers incubated mini-tumours called organoids derived from prostate cancer patients with different gut bacteria and attempted to treat them in the lab. This helped them identify favourable and unfavourable bacterial 'fingerprints' linked to prostate cancer outcome, which could help identify men who could benefit from strategies to manipulate the microbiome.

Study author Professor Johann de Bono, Professor of Experimental Cancer Medicine at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, and Consultant Medical Oncologist at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said:

"Our findings reveal that the initiation of hormone therapy for prostate cancer can trigger 'gut bugs' to start producing androgen hormones. These androgens can then sustain prostate cancer's growth and drive resistance to hormone therapyworsening men's survival outcomes.

"Excitingly, our research has identified particular signatures among gut bacteria which could indicate that some men with prostate cancer who have these gut bugs are more likely to develop resistance to hormone therapy. The next step will be to further explore how we apply these signatures in patients, with the aim of devising tests to pick out men who would benefit from faecal transplants, antibiotic therapy and other strategies to manipulate the microbiome. In the long-term, our aim would be to produce a 'yoghurt' enriched with favourable bacteria to prevent resistance to treatment."

Professor Kristian Helin, Chief Executive of The Institute of Cancer Research, London, said:

"The influence of the gut microbiome on cancer is a fascinating new area of science that we are just beginning to understand. These exciting findings are the first to unveil a mechanism through which the gut microbiome can drive prostate cancer growth and resistance to hormone therapy.

"Understanding how common, 'good' bacteria in the gutwhich play a vital role in keeping us healthycan interfere with hormone metabolism in men with prostate cancer could help us devise new treatment strategies. I look forward to this research moving forward into the clinic and hope that strategies to manipulate the microbiome could make a real difference for patients."

Professor Andrea Alimonti, Head of Molecular Oncology at the Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Professor at Universita della Svizzera italiana (USI), at the University of Padova and at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), said:

"Our discoveries pave the way to adjuvant therapeutic strategies that, through microbiota manipulations, counteract the expansion of androgen-producing bacterial species."

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More information: Nicolo Pernigoni et al, Commensal bacteria promote endocrine-resistance in prostate cancer via androgen biosynthesis, Science (2021). www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abf8403 Journal information: Science Nicolo Pernigoni et al, Commensal bacteria promote endocrine-resistance in prostate cancer via androgen biosynthesis,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/science.abf8403
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A new report, The COVID-19 Pandemic, published today by the Longevity Science Panel (LSP) (with contributions by MICRA's Professor Debbie Price), highlights that life expectancy at birth fell by 1.3 years for men and 0.9 years for women in 2020, linked to the excess mortality caused by the pandemic.

The report is a comprehensive review of COVID-19 effects and responses, intended as a resource for professional users of longevity data including actuaries, risk managers, public health professionals, epidemiologists and researchers.

While COVID-19 as an event has driven headline reductions in longevity, this over-simplifies; the most pronounced effects are in vulnerable groups where inequality has widened, while broader trend changes will depend far more on little-understood factors like variants, Long COVID and socio-economic impacts on longevity.

The pandemic has cost an estimated 155,000 lives in the UK and more than 4.5m lives globally, and while its impact has been profound, the data suggests that approximately 76% of total COVID deaths were in patients in the top 5% for the highest predicted risk. These risk factors are varied, including everything from heart disease to obesity. By far the most substantial of these is age, with the risk of death increasing about 10% for each year of age.

Despite these health-based factors being significant, mortality rates from COVID-19 within the UK tend to be higher in deprived areas and vary by region, with the highest rates observed in the North.

Areas with higher rates of deprivation have generally experienced higher rates of mortality, partly because of overcrowded living conditions and poor-quality housing. This is also due to the fact that workers in lower socioeconomic groups, on lower pay and in more deprived areas, tend to have less control over their working conditions, such as being unable to work remotely. According to the data, the mortality rate for men in professional occupations, for instance, was 12 in every 100,000, whereas those in 'elementary occupations' saw a rate of 40 in every 100,000.

Black and Asian minority groups have had a significantly higher likelihood of death from COVID-19, even taking into account deprivation, health and geography. For example, COVID-19 mortality for people of Black African or Black Caribbean ethnicity in the first half of 2020 was 2 to 2.5 times higher than for people of White ethnicity according to the Office for National Statistics.

The pandemic is far from over with uncertainty going forward, such as the potential emergence of new variants, Long COVID and how backlog in the NHS might affect population longevity.

The Chair of LSP, Dame Karen Dunnell concluded: "The pandemic has had a devastating impact on us. On the other hand, it has unleashed many untapped resources of energy, flexibility, innovation and a "can do" approach to challenges. However, there are still many unknowns, such as the effects of Long COVID or the impact of delayed diagnoses and treatment of non-COVID conditions. There also remains the potential emergence of faster-spreading or more virulent variants; they require our continual surveillance. Success in managing the pandemic, as we move into its endemic stage, will require effective global efforts in immunization, monitoring, healthcare, public behavior and scientific developments."

Professor Debora Price, Professor of Social Gerontology at the University of Manchester said: "The pandemic has plainly exposed the many structural and systemic inequalities in our societies that people live with from day to day and that have become a matter of life and death. Health inequalities have worsened, and for women, the pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities in almost all areas of life, setting the equality agenda back decades. If we are to learn anything from this experience, it must surely be that we critically examine the unequal distribution of power and resources from the local to the global, and work out how to create a more equal society through social investment and social protection."

Explore further Pandemic had greater impact on younger age group mortality in deprived areas
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

A new study from the lab of University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Director Mark Evers, M.D., demonstrates the critical role of the hormone neurotensin in cell proliferation and stem cell function in the small intestine.

Recently published in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the study highlights two different functions of the small peptide hormone neurotensin (NT) in the small intestine, where the function is dependent on the availability of nutrients. The significant findings of this study expand the knowledge of intestinal hormones and how NT has different functions depending on the nutrient availability.

The study aimed to determine a novel role of NT in intestinal stem cells (ISCs). ISCs are responsible for maintaining the cell pool for intestines, making them critical for proper nutrient absorption. A complete turnover for intestinal epithelial cells occurs every four to five days, making regulation of ISCs vital. These cells have the capability to become more specialized cells, contributing to normal functioning in the intestines. The team of researchers demonstrated the critical role of NT in regulating ISC by using a combination of in vivo and in vitro models.

The key findings from the study defines the novel role of NT on intestinal cells defined by two different nutrients states:

During nutrient abundance, NT activates pathways to contribute to cell proliferation.

During nutrient deprivation, the peptide hormone utilizes other pathways to preserve ISC function.

Both of these roles are key to maintain normal physiological function, but also demonstrates the critical importance of regulated NT signaling.

"Our study shows that the function of NT undergoes a switch during fasting," said Stephanie Rock, Ph.D., recent graduate of the Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology doctoral program and lead author on the study. "In the fed state, NT primarily regulates intestinal cell proliferation, but during fasting, we found that NT plays a critical role in maintaining the function of ISCs, which are essential for proper function of the small intestine."

"Our research group reported over 20 years ago that exogenous administration of NT could stimulate the growth of the intestinal mucosa, however, the exact mechanisms were not known," said Evers. "Our current study indicates that NT has an important effect on intestinal stem cells and that this effect is different depending upon nutritional status, which further sheds light on the novel role of NT in energy balance and maintenance of normal intestinal mucosa."

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More information: Stephanie A. Rock et al, Neurotensin regulates proliferation and stem cell function in the small intestine in a nutrient-dependent manner, Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology (2021). Stephanie A. Rock et al, Neurotensin regulates proliferation and stem cell function in the small intestine in a nutrient-dependent manner,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2021.09.006
A healthcare worker holds a vial of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, in this Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, file photo. Pfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11and if regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks. Credit: AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File

Pfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 in what would be a major expansion that could combat an alarming rise in serious infections in youngsters and help schools stay open.

If regulators give the go-ahead, reduced-dose kids' shots could begin within a matter of weeks for the roughly 28 million children in that age group.

Many parents and pediatricians are clamoring for protection for youngsters under 12, the current age cutoff for COVID-19 vaccinations in the U.S.

The Food and Drug Administration will have to decide whether the shots are safe and effective in elementary school-age children. An independent expert panel will publicly debate the evidence on Oct. 26.

Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech said their research shows the younger kids should get one-third of the dose now given to everyone else. After their second dose, the 5- to 11-year-olds developed virus-fighting antibody levels just as strong as those that teens and young adults get from regular-strength shots.

While kids are at lower risk of severe illness or death than older people, COVID-19 does sometimes kill childrenat least 520 so far in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. And cases in youngsters have skyrocketed as the extra-contagious delta variant has swept through the country.

While some mothers and fathers will no doubt take a hard stand against vaccinating their children, many parents of elementary students are eagerly awaiting authorization of the shots after 18 months of remote learning, COVID-19 scares and infections, mask debates and school quarantines.

They are looking forward to regular visits to grandparents again, worry-free playdates, vacations and the peace of mind of dropping children at school without the constant fear they will get sick. Principals are hoping the shots will allow schools to stay open and return to normal.

Parents accompany their children outside PS 179 elementary school in the Kensington neighborhood in the Brooklyn borough of New York, in this Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, file photo. Pfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11and if regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File

Sarah Staffiere of Waterville, Maine, said she can't wait for her children to get vaccinated, especially her 7-year-old, who has a rare immune disease that has forced the family to be extra cautious throughout the pandemic.

"My son asked about playing sports. 'After you're vaccinated.' He asked about seeing his cousins again. 'After you're vaccinated.' A lot of our plans are on hold," said Staffiere, a laboratory instructor at Colby College. "When he's vaccinated, it would give our family our lives back."

Gib Brogan of Wayland, Massachusetts, said he is constantly worried about getting a call from his 10-year-old son's school about virus exposure or infection, and he is hoping his child can be vaccinated in time for the holidays.

"I know our school district has careful protocols and procedures in place," he said, "but every time we send him off to school, I'm thinking, 'Are we going to get a phone call?'"

Pfizer studied the lower dose in 2,268 volunteers ages 5 to 11 and said there were no serious side effects. The study isn't large enough to detect any extremely rare side effects, such as the heart inflammation that sometimes occurs after the second dose of the regular-strength vaccine, mostly in young men.

Cindy Schilling, an elementary school principal in West Virginia, which ranks dead last among the states in the percentage of fully vaccinated residents, said she doesn't think many parents will take their children to get the shot.

She said she often hears them say they are more concerned about the effects of the vaccine than COVID-19, mainly because they haven't seen any young children get dangerously sick.

"Some parents are all for it and getting it for peace of mind," she said, "but the majority of parents I've talked to will not be getting it."

In this Feb. 5, 2021, file photo, the Pfizer logo is displayed at the company's headquarters in New York. Pfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11and if regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks. Credit: AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File

Heather Miller, a mother from Dexter, Maine, said no one in her family of six is rushing to get the vaccine. She said she wants to wait for follow-up studies on the formula.

"I'm not 100% against getting it eventually, but I kind of fall into the 'not right now, wait and see' category," Miller said.

Offering shots to elementary school children would be another big expansion of the U.S vaccination drive at a time when many poor countries are desperately short of vaccine. The U.S. has just begun dispensing booster shots to tens of million of senior citizens and other vulnerable Americans.

If the FDA authorizes emergency use of the kid-size doses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will make a final decision, after hearing from its outside advisers.

To avoid mix-ups, Pfizer is planning to ship the lower-dose vials specially marked for use in children.

Moderna has requested FDA permission to use its vaccine in 12- to 17-year-olds and also is studying its shots in elementary school children. Both Pfizer and Moderna are studying even younger children as well, down to 6-month-olds. Results are expected later in the year.

"It makes me very happy that I am helping other kids get the vaccine," said Sebastian Prybol, 8, of Raleigh, North Carolina. He is enrolled in Pfizer's study at Duke University and doesn't yet know if he received the vaccine or dummy shots.

"We do want to make sure that it is absolutely safe for them," said Sebastian's mother, Britni Prybol. But she said she will be "overjoyed" if the FDA clears the vaccine.

Explore further Pfizer vaccine for kids may not be available until November

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
In this Aug. 20, 2021, file photo, host Jason Pryor, right, checks the vaccination and identification cards of diners as they enter the Waterbar restaurant in San Francisco. Indoor masking requirements in the San Francisco Bay Area will be eased for certain indoor public settings, including offices, gyms, college classrooms and churches, once counties reach low COVID-19 case and hospitalization rates and at least 80% of the total population is fully vaccinated, officials announced Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File

Several San Francisco Bay Area counties will begin loosening mask requirements for certain indoor public settings, including offices, gyms, college classrooms and churches, once they reach low COVID-19 case and hospitalization rates and at least 80% of the total population is fully vaccinated, officials announced Thursday.

The Bay Area, with among the highest vaccination rates and lowest case rates in the nation, has been cautious since the start of the pandemic, when counties regionwide issued the nation's first stay-home order in March 2020.

After lifting some restrictions in the spring, public health officials in San Francisco, Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara and San Mateo reinstated an indoor mask mandate in August as COVID-19 infections surged because of the highly contagious delta variant.

Since then, cases have declined, and officials have now agreed to start lifting mask mandates in some public spaces. The 80% vaccination rate includes the entire population, not just those 12 and older who are currently eligible for the shots.

"Indoor masking has helped to lower case counts, hospitalizations and COVID-19 deaths, so we don't want to remove this important layer of COVID prevention too hastily," Santa Clara Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody said.

Such a change is likely weeks away in most areas, although San Francisco will begin easing the rules next week in a system that is likely to again create a patchwork of regional rules.

Christos Frangoulis, owner of the Park Street Tavern in Alameda, said the new rules don't appear to change anything for him immediately, and he's fine with that.

"I kind of expected we'd be wearing masks until at least the spring, anyway," he said. "I'd much rather have my guests wear masks than have my doors shut again."

In Contra Costa County, where 71% of the entire population is vaccinated, officials said it could be a while before people can actually start taking their masks off, given that vaccines for children ages 5 to 11 have yet to be approved.

"I want to make it very clear, we are not there yet and based on the criteria it will probably take a few more weeks before we can enter a store or restaurant without a mask," Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis said.

In San Francisco, where 75% of the entire population is fully vaccinated, patrons of a wide array of businesses are already required to show proof of full vaccination, including offices, gyms and college classrooms. Mayor London Breed's office said Thursday that mask requirements will be eased Oct. 15 for those and other settings with fewer than 100 people, as long as everyone can prove they are vaccinated, the place is well ventilated and no children under 12 are present.

Patrons at San Francisco bars and restaurants must still wear a mask inside, regardless of vaccination status, unless they are eating or drinking, Breed said. The mayor last month was seen on video mask-less at a nightclub, in violation of the rules, and later told reporters that she didn't think the rules were reasonable.

"Make sure you are vaccinated because of the requirements but don't feel as though you have to be micromanaged about mask wearing. We don't need the fun police to come in and tell us what we should or shouldn't be doing," she later said.

At John's Grill in San Francisco, owner John Konstin was trying to figure out whether the new guidelines meant a change for his restaurant"it sounds like bars and restaurants, we still have to require masks?"

"It's definitely tiring," he said. "But at the end of the day, as long as we're staying safe, and cases are low, and vaccinations are high, it seems like we're doing the right thing here," noting that customers have been overwhelmingly positive about the vaccination requirement.

Indoor masking will also continue to be required at San Francisco retail stores and other shared indoor places such as common areas like elevators, lobbies and restrooms, where people from different workplace settings could interact.

State and federal rules still require masks to be worn on public transportation, in health care facilities, in adult and senior care facilities and at K-12 schools.

In Los Angeles County, the state's most populous, there are no immediate plans to adopt a similar criteria for loosening mask mandates, said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of the county's Department of Public Health. She said Northern California counties have much higher vaccination rates overall and different demographics, though she agreed with the rationale behind the guidelines.

"You know, we're still in the middle of substantial transmission, we have a lot of work to do to get to lower transmission rates, and we need to really concentrate on getting more people vaccinated," she said Thursday.

Steve Pyka, owner of Asta Yoga in San Francisco, said it was about time vaccinated people were allowed to exercise without masks.

Pyka said his students must register online and upload their proof of vaccination, his studio is well ventilated and there is plenty of room for people to keep their distance.

"They're not moving and they're not opening their mouth like in a restaurant or a bar where they could have well over 100 people who do the theater of coming in with their mask on and take it off right away and are talking and sharing drinks and food," he said.

Such strict mandates especially don't make sense with San Francisco's high vaccination rates, he said.

"Instead of enjoying the fact that we live in this place where everybody's kind of doing their part, we're still living with policies that don't seem to match the reality," he said.

Explore further Mask mandate reinstated in San Francisco Bay Area amid surge

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
A delivery of COVID vaccines has arrived in Antarctica to inoculate British researchers stationed in the polar wilderness, the UK foreign ministry said Thursday.

The shipment was delivered to the British Antarctic Survey's Rothera Research Station, making the outpost the furthest destination in the British Overseas Territories to be supplied with jabs.

The AstraZeneca shots were flown from a Royal Air Force base in Britain via Senegal and the Falklands Islands before reaching the 23-member staff at the facility in the British Antarctic Territory.

The 10,000-mile (16,000-kilometre) journey across four continents concluded the UK government's commitment to supply vaccines to all the inhabited UK Overseas Territories and was achieved in partnership with the international development organisation, Crown Agents.

Crown Agents' chief executive Fergus Drake said the organisation had supplied the vaccines to "literally the ends of the earth", including the Pitcairn Islands in the Pacific and Tristan da Cunha in the south Atlantic.

Throughout the journey to the planet's southernmost extremity, vaccines were transported at controlled temperatures to keep the doses at their required two to eight degrees Celsius (35.6 to 46.4 Fahrenheit).

The entire journey had to be carefully planned and executed to ensure the trip was completed in under 92 hours, to avoid spoilage of the vaccines.

Double doses of the vaccines will be available to the 23 members of the "overwintering" team at Rothera, which includes land and marine biologists, meteorologists, engineers, a dive officer, doctor, and chef.

British regulators approved the Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca vaccines in December last year, and the government began rolling out a mass vaccination programme soon afterwards.

Since then, 82.5 percent of people aged 16 and over have received two jabs of a vaccine, according to government data.

Explore further Britain lines up 40 mln more vaccine doses from Valneva

 2021 AFP
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

New research suggests more priority needs to be given to support the health of New Zealanders struggling with mental illness during COVID-19 lockdownswith findings showing many people with mental health histories struggle and are disproportionately affected.

The University of Otago study measured the psychological distress, anxiety, wellbeing and suicidality of around 600 Kiwis who'd been diagnosed with mental illness prior to last year's COVID-19 lockdown, comparing their experiences during lockdown to those with no prior diagnosed mental health illness.

Overall, 32 percent (197) of those pre-diagnosed with a mental disorder reported their mental health had deteriorated noticeably during lockdown, while 50 percent (316) said it had remained stable and 20 percent that it had improved.

Of concern, patients with an existing mental health diagnosis were at around twice the risk of reporting moderate to high psychological distress, anxiety and poor well-being during lockdown compared with those without a mental disorder. They were at three to four times the risk of having experienced suicidal thoughts and plans, respectively.

The group also reported poorer relationships with people and whanau in their 'bubble' and said they were more likely to feel lonely or isolated due to reduced social contacts (41 percent compared to 26 percent). They were also more likely to be concerned about their own health (25 percent compared to 15 percent) and the health of others (40 percent versus 32 percent) and more likely to be worried about their finances (54 percent versus 47 percent).

Lead author Associate Professor Caroline Bell, of the University of Otago Christchurch's Department of Psychological Medicine, says the results clearly show that the health of New Zealanders with mental illness needs to be prioritized further during lockdowns.

"This study is the first we are aware of to examine the psychosocial outcomes of lockdown in New Zealand on those with a previous diagnosis of mental illness. The findings make it clear this more vulnerable group need more specifically-targeted support to address their needs. We now need to establish what further measures are required with the potential of further lockdowns to come, and what enhanced support structures we need to put in place.

Our findings emphasize too the importance of maintaining high levels of not just counseling and clinical support for these patients but social connections as well. Lockdown is a particular challenge for many with mental illness living in the community with the requirement they isolate at home. For many this means cutting off or limiting their social connections at a time when they're sorely needed to maintain their taha hinengaro or mental health and wellbeing."

Co-author, Associate Professor Susanna Every-Palmer from the University of Otago, Wellington, says the findings also highlight the importance of vaccination for this group of New Zealanders.

"People with serious mental illnesses have been found to be twice as likely to need hospitalization if they contract COVID-19 and almost three times as likely to die as a result of infection compared to those with other health conditions. These risks were recognized in the Ministry of Health's vaccination roll-out plan, when people with mental health and substance abuse issues were prioritized in Group 3 for early vaccination.

However, many New Zealanders with experience of mental health and addiction issues did not realize they were in a priority group. Furthermore, a variety of medical and socio-economic factors may have made it harder for them to get vaccinated. Data from early September shows the full vaccination rate for people using specialist mental health and addiction services was only 19 percent, lagging well behind other New Zealanders. It's important that people with mental illness are supported in accessing vaccines and that those providing their care can also ensure they fully understand the benefits and risks of vaccination."

Published in The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, this study is a follow-on from research conducted last year by the University of Otago surveying 2.495 of the general public nationwide during the first lockdown. The focus of this latest study was to dig deeper to examine the effects of lockdown on this sub-set pre-diagnosed with mental illness.

The survey has just been repeated to examine the longer-term impacts of COVID-19 on New Zealanders' mental health.

Explore further Significant psychological toll from COVID-19 lockdown

More information: Caroline Bell et al, Psychological distress, loneliness, alcohol use and suicidality in New Zealanders with mental illness during a strict COVID-19 lockdown, Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry (2021). Caroline Bell et al, Psychological distress, loneliness, alcohol use and suicidality in New Zealanders with mental illness during a strict COVID-19 lockdown,(2021). DOI: 10.1177/00048674211034317
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Stringent lockdown measures imposed in the spring of 2020 led to a dramatic drop in vaccinations among both children and adults, according to a new study led by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The study, which focused on data from Michigan, also found a decrease in sites providing pediatric vaccinations, particularly those dedicated to caring for more vulnerable populations, like Medicaid-insured children. The results, which were published today in the American Journal of Public Health, underscore that there is a cost to COVID-19 beyond the direct effects of the disease, impacting primary care and prevention services.

"As we strive to achieve prepandemic levels of routine vaccines, it is vital to ensure catch-up vaccination of doses missed throughout the pandemic to stem outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles," said first author Angela K. Shen, ScD, MPH, Visiting Research Scientist at the Vaccine Education Center at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "Both adult and pediatric providers must identify which patients need catch-up doses and make sure those individuals get vaccinated, so that we don't see a resurgence of viruses that we have the tools to prevent."

The researchers analyzed data from the Michigan Care Improvement Registry (MCIR), the state's immunization information system (IIS), from 2018 to September 2020. They compared monthly dose administrations from January to September 2020 with an average of the doses administered from January to September in 2018 and 2019 to account for seasonal fluctuations. The research team also compared vaccinations among children aged 19 to 35 months on September 30, 2020 and September 30, 2019, as point estimates.

Overall, the researchers found dramatic decreases in doses administered across the life course and declines in vaccination coverage for the complete doses of the combined 7-vaccine series (which prevents 13 diseases) in children aged 19 to 35 months in 2020 compared with 2019. When looking at where adults receive their shots, the greatest decreases were observed in local health departments with increases reported in OB/GYN provider sites and pharmacies.

In all age groups, the greatest decreases occurred in April 2020. Adolescents saw the greatest drop, with an 85.6% decrease in vaccinations, followed by an 82.7% decrease in children ages 2 through 8. Adults also saw an 82.2% decrease in vaccination that month, while children younger than 2 years of age saw the smallest change, with a 34.9% decrease.

The number of sites reporting vaccinations in children ages 0 to 18 decreased in the early months of the pandemic and remained below 2018 levels by the end of the study period. The number of patients vaccinated through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, a federal safety net that seeks to ensure all children have access to vaccines without financial barriers, also decreased.

The study authors provide several recommendations for getting patients up to date on their vaccinations:

Using statewide vaccination information systems as a supplement to electronic health records to identify those due for vaccination and contact them to schedule appointments;

Expanding clinic hours and appointment times to support vaccination efforts; and

Having providers ask every patient about their immunization status and providing a vaccination or referral for vaccination to those who are due.

"As society shifts to a new normal, recalibrating to a world where SARS-CoV-2 is endemic, COVID-19 vaccines will certainly transition onto the routine immunization schedule in some form," Shen said. "It is critical to ensure the immunization delivery system supports timely, accessible, and reliable access to routinely recommended vaccines across the nation, sustaining historical high coverage in children and strengthening increasing coverage for adolescents and adults."

More information: Shen et al. "Vaccine Coverage Across the Life Course in Michigan During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Michigan, JanuarySeptember 2020," American Journal of Public Health, October 7, 2021, Journal information: American Journal of Public Health Shen et al. "Vaccine Coverage Across the Life Course in Michigan During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Michigan, JanuarySeptember 2020,", October 7, 2021, DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2021.306474
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Phebe Cox grew up in what might seem an unlikely mental health danger zone for a kid: tony Palo Alto, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley. But behind its facade of family success and wealth, she said, is an environment of crushing pressure on students to perform. By 2016, when Cox was in middle school, Palo Alto had a teen suicide rate four times the national average.

Cox's family lived by the railroad tracks where many of the suicides occurred. She got counseling. But that option, she told KHN, is not always easily available to teens in crisisand she and her peers regarded school mental health services as their last choice because of concerns about either confidentiality or anonymity.

A new program, designed largely by the people who use it, provides an alternative. Called Allcove, it offers standalone health and wellness sites to those ages 12 to 25, often on a walk-in basis, at minimal or no cost. Although Allcove is built to support a wide range of physical, emotional and social needs, its overarching goal is to deal with mental health challenges before they develop into deeper problems.

Allcove is yet in its infancy, with two sites just opened in the Bay Area and five more in the pipeline around California. It's modeled on a 15-year-old program in Australia, Headspace, which has 130 such clinics. Headspace has inspired programs in other countries as well, including Jigsaw in Ireland and Foundry in Canada. All of them, including Allcove, also offer online and phone services.

Allcove's core values resonate with Cox, now 19 and a student at Pitzer College in Claremont, California, and one of dozens of young people who have offered advice on the program's structure and services.

"Right away, I knew it was going to be a big thing," Cox said. "I felt pretty helpless as a young teenager, but Allcove is all about the students and the students' needs."

About half of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% before age 25, according to researchers. Yet access to mental health care in the U.S. is lacking. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, some 30 million adults and children with mental health conditions go without treatment, and 129 million people live in areas with shortages of mental health professionals. A 2017 survey found that Californians were five times more likely to go outside their private insurance network for mental health office visits than for medical or surgical needs.

Allcove meets some of that head-on by providing fully staffed safe spaces for teens and young adults to discuss and deal with their health, both mental and physical, along with substance misuse issues and educational support. California law allows those 12 and older to get outpatient mental health or counseling services without a guardian's consent.

Allcove's sites in Palo Alto and San Jose are filled with vibrant colors and plenty of open space, the result of input by a youth advisory group that numbers a dozen or more members and changes out about once a year. Inside Allcove, clients can access group or individual care, ask a doctor about a problem, and even get help preparing for college.

Unlike the Australian program, Allcove has no ongoing funding source yet. Allcove is "a really big lift, and we [at the state level] want to say, 'How can we help you?'" said Toby Ewing, executive director of the California Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, which administers the fund that seeded the first two sites with $15 million.

Funding eventually may come from a combination of state, private and nonprofit sources, as well as Medi-Cal reimbursements, said Dr. Steven Adelsheim, a psychiatrist who directs Stanford University's Center for Youth Mental Health and Wellbeing.

Adelsheim previously spent nearly 30 years in New Mexico, helping that state build a network of school-based health centers. His experience convinced him that many students were likely to avoid mental health services at school. They were reluctant, he said, to discuss such issues with their own counselors, who might be the same people writing the students' letters of recommendation for college and might unwittingly breach privacy.

That realization led Adelsheim in 2014 to get exploratory funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to create Allcove. (KHN, which produces California Healthline, also receives funding support from the foundation.) "There is a crying need in the U.S. to reach kids with early intervention and help," Adelsheim said.

The idea struck a chord with Santa Clara County officials, who'd seen Palo Alto lashed by teen suicide clusters during the 2009-10 and 2014-15 school years. "The saddest part of the story is that a teen didn't reach out earlier, didn't have the opportunity to get help when and where they needed it," County Supervisor Joe Simitian said in announcing Allcove's opening in June. "The appeal of the Allcove model is it's designed to engage young people who are struggling, long before they hit a crisis point."

When Cox moved from middle school to Palo Alto's Henry M. Gunn High School, her therapist told her about Adelsheim's project and suggested Cox apply to be part of Allcove's youth council. One of Cox's contributions was to suggest weekday hours extending at least to 7 p.m., "because young adults are doing things and on the move all day. It's the eveningsand even the weekendswhen we're dealing with things or feeling more helpless. For a lot of my friends, at night is when things can get overwhelming."

Both Foundry, the Canadian program, and Allcove address physical health as well. Steve Mathias, CEO of Foundry, said his program's emphasis is "on health and wellness, not just mental health, which is a part of wellness." Said Adelsheim, "Sometimes a kid may come in with a physical complaint, and only after a few visits is the mental suffering brought out into the open." When that happens, Allcove can make a "warm handoff" to a mental health specialist on-site.

The most significant difference between Headspace and Allcove may be funding. Headspace is part of the Australian government's mental health initiative, and thus budgeted. Allcove is essentially building on the fly, and its long-term ability to grow will depend on money.

California's Proposition 63, written in 2004 by then-Assembly member Darrell Steinberg (now the mayor of Sacramento), levies a 1% tax on personal incomes over $1 million to fund community mental health services. This year, the tax may yield $2.4 billion, Ewing said. Most of that goes to existing programs, but about 5% each yearmore than $100 million in 2021feeds an innovation fund to encourage new approaches to mental health.

Santa Clara County got $15 million from that fund to launch Allcove. The state also has helped fund Allcove sites, in Sacramento, San Mateo and Orange counties, and two in Los Angeles County.

"We've made a $30 million-plus investment in this model," Ewing said. "We are assuming that it's going to be successful."

Success, say Adelsheim and Cox, would mean the establishment of hundreds of Allcove centers up and down the state, readily available to young people. The hope is that, if it catches on, Allcove could become a well-known brand for young Californiansand, eventually, others around the country.

Explore further New guide aims to help young people discuss mental health with their GP

2021 Kaiser Health News.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
COMPANIES NOW have the right not to employ workers who have not been fully vaccinated against Covid-19, the Department of Labor and Employme...
A Montana journeyman recently gifted Missoula College $100,000 to endow a scholarship designed to support the next generation of tradespeople.

The money was donated by Walter T. Irion and his wife Ruby, who live in Great Falls. The Ruby and Walter T. Irion Scholarship will support second-year sustainable construction technology students in the Industrial Technology Department who are also pursuing a construction management certificate.

The trade skills I learned were very important, Irion said. But it was time management and organization that were the most important keys to my business success. Im proud to support the next generation of Montana tradesmen in developing these critical skills.

The Irions hope that the scholarship will provide opportunities for students who might not otherwise have the financial means to pursue their passions as tradespeople.

Irion graduated from Power High School before earning his journeymans certificate from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners in 1950. Hes worked as a general contractor for more than 40 years and has built numerous homes and businesses, including the Sovereign Grace Church and the remodeled West Side Methodist Church in Great Falls.

The Certificate of Applied Sciences and Construction Management degree provides students the opportunity to learn construction skills that will prepare them to be active and competent workers on job sites. Through the program, students learn steps to becoming successful tradespeople, as well as other skills required to manage independent projects.

The most effective way that we can fill Montanas workforce shortage is to invest in successful and proven programs like the sustainable construction program at Missoula College, said John Freer, the program's director and interim chair for the Department of Industrial Technology. Having basic skills to work on the business is just as important as having the hands-on skills to work on the jobsite, and many students are looking forward to learning both.

During the two-year program, students divide their time learning construction management skills in a classroom lecture setting and then apply those lessons on the campus job site where students work together to build a house.

Students Cayce Balk and Austin Franck intend to use the skills from the program to work independently as house flippers and be their own bosses.

Its a basic starting point where if you dont know much about construction, its a pretty helpful class because they start with the very basics, Frank said at the Missoula College West campus on Wednesday.

Regardless of where their future careers take them, they are confident that their experiences at Missoula College will set them up for success.

I feel like employers will be like, Oh you went to college for this? And itll be a lot easier to get hired, Balk said.

Students generally have a wide variety of construction experiences prior to beginning the class  some may have never worked with power tools, while others might have worked on smaller projects.

You have students that come in and theyre already natural leaders or they become that because of their experience, and this program is awesome at giving them a wealth of exposure to different carpentry techniques and applications that they would never get in the industry, said Walt Wilson, a professor who co-teaches the class.

On traditional job sites, entry-level employees generally dont get the most engaging positions and have to prove themselves over the course of years, Wilson said.

So they get to cut and they get to miscut  not too many times  but they definitely do and thats part of the program," Wilson said. "We budget for those mistakes and we budget so that they get those learning experiences here and will come out of here well rounded.

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Paul Kirgis, dean of the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana, has resigned. The school's associate dean, Sally Weaver, is also expected to step down.

Kirgis relinquished his dean responsibilities Wednesday night and he will return to a faculty position at the law school, according to a Thursday statement from UM spokesman Dave Kuntz.

"I have come to the conclusion that the School of Law and its students would be best served by a change in leadership. Consequently, I have decided to step down as dean," Kirgis wrote in his resignation letter to UM's administration.

Acting Provost Reed Humphrey will oversee the transition to new leadership. Kirgis has served as dean of the law school since July 2015.

Humphrey noted in a letter to the campus community that law school enrollment has increased over Kirgis' six years with the program, as have bar passage and placement rates among students.

"He has now decided to hand off the role of dean and I respect that decision," Humphrey wrote in the letter. "As we move forward together, we will focus on empowering inclusive leadership and fulfilling our priority to put student success at the center of all that we do."

Kirgis and Weaver came under fire recently following allegations that students at the school were discouraged from reporting sexual harassment and assault.

In an email provided to the Missoulian from Kirgis to the law school community on Thursday morning, Kirgis said Weaver informed him she intends to step aside from her position.

We will provide further information on that transition in the coming days and weeks, Kirgis said in the email sent to students on Thursday morning.

UM President Seth Bodnar said in a statement that the university respects Kirgis decision and is thankful for his commitment to the success of the law school and institution as a whole.

"The Alexander Blewett III School of Law is home to the leaders who make up Montana's past, present and future legal community," Bodnar wrote. "We are grateful for the impact this community has had and will continue to have on our state."

As dean, Kirgis earned an annual salary of $201,630. His pay as a professor was not immediately available. It hasn't been determined when Kirgis will resume his teaching duties, Kuntz said.

Response from law students

Second-year law student Annie Holland was in class Thursday morning at the law school when she received the email from Kirgis resigning as dean.

Learning of the news in class was incredibly distracting and many students became disengaged with the lecture, she said.

I dont want to keep criticizing (Kirgis and Weaver), it just was a really difficult time to get that news and no one really had any space to process it, Holland said.

I dont want to judge him because I understand that hes going through a lot, but at the same time its like this is one last showing that you dont understand the needs of your students, she continued.

Holland co-organized Tuesdays walkout and protest Tuesday afternoon with fellow student Everett Johns. About 100 students and community members participated to demand change and accountability at the law school. Both Holland and Johns largely called for Kirgis and Weaver to resign in their speeches at the protest.

Johns phone was blowing up on Thursday morning following the news.

I feel like Im taking a moment to celebrate, I feel reinvigorated, I just feel good that the collective will of the law school has empowered students and shown us that we can make things happen and that is a huge win for me absolutely, Johns said Thursday. Not happy that hes still here, but (Kirgis resigning is) a huge win for me.

Holland is optimistic that Kirgis still has the ability to work with students at the law school.

I hope that this is just an opportunity to rebuild that relationship with him and rebuild trust  I am hopeful that he will take this opportunity to get to re-know his students and get to re-understand the needs and move forward in the right direction with progress of visibility and transparency at the school, Holland said.

As for the future leader of the law school, Johns would appreciate having a current member of faculty take the reins, he said.

Perhaps someone who has been here and knows the problems at this law school and maybe has some ideas about how to fix them, but hasnt been actually listened to by outgoing leadership, Johns said.

Its a complicated place and there's a lot of drama and things that need to be cleaned up, he continued. Theres a lot of problems.

Holland agreed, noting that there are many professors at the law school who would absolutely be amazing, but shed be open to an external candidate as well.

It would be great to see some diversity, continuance of women and people who are trauma-informed and are willing to do the right thing even when its difficult, Holland said. That would be my main quality.

Regardless of the next chapter in leadership at the law school, both Holland and Everett are eager to focus on their education.

Im ready to move forward and Im ready to get back on track at this law school and have an environment thats conducive to people learning and succeeding rather than people being confused and stressed constantly, Holland said.

Response from Jacob Elder

Jacob Elder, a Missoula mayoral candidate and student at the Blewett School of Law, has had multiple women accuse him of sexual assault and is at the center of the womens allegations, the Daily Montanan first reported.

Elder responded on Thursday in a statement denouncing the allegations against him.

In what he calls an October Surprise, Elder says hes been portrayed recently as a rapist and serial sexual assaulter.

These allegations are categorically, and without equivocation, false. I deny them absolutely and with no reservation whatsoever, he said, adding he supports women who are sexual violence survivors.

He goes on to say he strongly supports the UM Law School and Kirgis, adding the law school took it seriously when he was accused of assault by a fellow student.

Elder later contacted the Missoulian to retract the part about supporting Kirgis, saying it was included in error.

After I announced my candidacy for mayor, a fellow student leveled false allegations about me to the law school. Even though I denied them, UM Law took the allegations seriously. It hired an outside firm with a national reputation for expertise in sexual assault to study the evidence, he said.

At Tuesdays walkout, speakers did not mention the accusations against Elder.

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Republicans passed voter suppression bills but that wasn't enough? Now they want to waste tax dollars to investigate the complete lack of voter fraud in Montana.

Republicans, come and work with us at the polls. You will realize that we are trained about the requirements we must maintain to guard every vote. We, your neighbors, work the polls holding ourselves to the highest standards! Republicans are doing this because, I suspect, the brain trust of Manzella and Tschida have convinced them about some conspiracy theory, continuing the grift.

Republicans were elected but now they doubt this is true? Voters elected Gianforte, Rosendale and Daines, who continue to embarrass the citizens of this state. Daines lies to veterans while voting against the bills that would benefit them. Rosendale hates people of color. Gianforte cuts breaks to private schools and ignores environmental standards.

I would like to ask every voter in this state to sue these clowns for every dime wasted on this fool's errand. Vote for people with common sense who actually care how you feel and will pass bills that benefit all Montanans. Elect representatives who don't give elk tags to wealthy out-of-staters.

Cheryl Bramsen,

Florence

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A memorandum of understanding has been signed by Montana State Parks and the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe turning over management of Hell Creek State Park on Fort Peck Reservoir.

Hank Worsech, director of the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks, announced the MOU to the Montana State Parks Board at its Thursday meeting. The details of the MOU werent outlined, but Hope Stockwell, Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division administrator for FWP, said she planned to have an agreement in front of the board at its December meeting.

Worsech said he hoped the department could walk away from Hell Creek by the end of next summer. Before that can happen, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers  which oversees the no-cost lease for the property north of Jordan  must approve the Little Shells lease application.

Its moving along at a pretty good pace, Worsech said. Everyone here has done a Herculean effort to get this done.

In the meantime, the department will be pouring gravel at the bottom of the boat ramp to reduce rutting in the lake shore. On the boards agenda, the state also reported spending $60,000 at the park on repairs to staff housing and the comfort station as well as replacing picnic tables.

Stockwell said the tribe is also working with Hell Creek Marina concessionaire Clint Thomas to repair a fuel tank. The marina is operated by the Thomases under a lease agreement with the state that has created tension between the two at times.

Im pleased with the helpful attitude of the department, said board member Mary Moe. I hope we continue to do everything we can to make it a successful transition.

Montana State Parks has taken heat in the past regarding its management of the rural state park and vacillated under different leaders over whether the state would continue managing the park or walk away.

Hell Creek is a popular location for campers from across the state and region, most of which are anglers fishing on Fort Peck Reservoir. The campground offers 71 campsites, a comfort station, potable water, fish cleaning station and RV dump station.

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DUBUQUE  A Dubuque County jury saw two videos Wednesday of Milton Jermaine Cole Serrano Jr., 22, getting into fights, including a few seconds of a fatal clash with Chantz Stevens, a Wilton teenager.

During the opening day of Serrano's first-degree murder trial  moved from Cedar County to Dubuque County on a change of venue  a jury of eight women and six men saw the testimony of Riley Kiel, the man who threw the party where Stevens was killed. It was at his parents' rural farmstead while they were out of town. The nearest town is over five miles away.

During opening arguments, Assistant Cedar County Attorney Adam Blank said Serrano attended the party looking for a fight. He said the state planned to prove Serrano was in two fights that night, the second the fatal encounter with Stevens.

"As we sit here today, the defendant has one more fight on his hands," Blank said. "A fight he picked for himself on July 19, 2020. It is a fight against the facts that you will see and hear and the law you will be instructed on."

Serrano's attorney, Miguel Puentes, admitted Serrano stabbed Stevens but said it was an act of self-defense.
For Muscatine County specifically, the ARES team will use the new Amateur Radio Emergency Disaster Network for the test. The hub for this system is located on the Muscatine Community Colleges tower. Through its hub, it has the capacity to allow for computer networking without an internet connection, allowing users to send video phone and file transfers as well as messages.

Its a secure system, secure enough that we could move hospital records through it. Its basically like our own internet, so even when the internet goes down, we can just hook our computers together over radio, Richardson said.

This will be the first time it will be used for a test such as this. Other members of Muscatine ARES will operate out of the EmComm1 communications trailer or their home stations.

Our cell phones are just so fragile, let alone the internet. But even when those services dont work, amateur radio always works. Amateur radio is a hobby that has a little bit of something for everyone because theres so many different things you can do with it, and in a way, it was the original social network. Its really nice to be able to use it to talk to people all over the world, he said.

The Muscatine ARES team has 33 members, but according to Richardson, the team is always happy to accept more members who are interested in radio or who are trying to get their ARES license. For more information, call Richardson at 563-506-0304 or email EC@MuscatineARES.org, or visit the groups website at https://www.muscatinearc.org/.

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A Maryland man accused of killing his pharmacist brother, his sister-in-law and an 83-year-old woman told his mother he wanted to "confront" his brother over "him administering COVID vaccines," according to charging documents obtained from Howard County District Court.

Jeffrey Allen Burnham, 46, also allegedly told a tipster "that his brother was 'killing people with the COVID shot,'" according to the statement of charges obtained by CNN affiliate WBAL.

Burnham's mother called the Cumberland Police Department over her son's "mental stability" on Sept. 29, according to the charging documents filed in Allegany County obtained by WBAL. That was the same day Cumberland Police found the body of 83-year-old Rebecca Reynolds. They said her car was missing.

On Sept. 30, the Howard County Police Department said they were searching for Burnham in connection with the shooting deaths of his brother, 58-year-old Brian Robinette, and his sister-in-law Kelly Sue Robinette, 57, whose bodies were found that day in their Ellicott City home.
People stand in line or fill out applications at a job fair on April 14 in Tumon, Guam.
At its first-ever Google for Africa event, the search giant claimed that its new Equiano undersea cable would increase Internet speeds in South Africa almost three-fold.

The subsea cable, named Equiano, will run through South Africa, Namibia, Nigeria, and St Helena to connect the continent with Europe.

This will lead to a 21% reduction in Internet prices and increase internet speed in Nigeria and almost triple in South Africa, said Nitin Gajria, Managing Director for Google in Africa.

This is a curious claim from Google, as the Internet speeds experienced by end-users depends on more than the undersea cables connecting us to the rest of the world.

It is especially curious considering the glut of subsea cables that land in South Africa. On the West coast, we have cables such as WACS, SAT3, and SACS. On the East coast, we have SEACOM, EASSy, and SAFE.

None of these cable systems are close to running at their maximum capacity. Equiano is therefore not expected to have much of an effect on Internet speeds in South Africa but could further improve the resiliency of our international connectivity.

In addition to its Equiano undersea cable, Google also announced a plan to invest $1 billion (R15 billion) over five years to support digital transformation in Africa.

Weve made huge strides together over the past decade  but theres more work to do to make the internet accessible, affordable and useful for every African, said Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet.

Today Im excited to reaffirm our commitment to the continent through an investment of $1B over five years to support Africas digital transformation to cover a range of initiatives from improved connectivity to investment in startups.

As the affordability of smartphones also impedes internet access, Android has developed a device locking technology as part of its platform that will enable partners to offer financed devices.

Google has collaborated with Kenyas largest carrier Safaricom to support the launch of the first Device Financing plan in Kenya and will expand the project with partners such as MTN and Vodacom.

The tech company announced the implementation of Plus Codes  a free and open-source addressing system  in Africa.

The government of The Gambia has adopted Google Plus Codes to provide addresses for residents and businesses across the capital Banjul and are expanding to the rest of the country.

Plus codes will expand to South Africa, Kenya and other countries in partnership with governments and non-governmental organisations.

Google also revealed its plans to invest in entrepreneurship and technology through a Black Founders Fund, which will see the company investing in Black-led startups in Africa by providing cash awards and hands-on support.

The company will invest $50M in startups and provide them with access to Googles employees, network, and technologies to help them build products for their communities through its newly launched Africa Investment fund.

The announcement will expand Googles support for Africas digital transformation and entrepreneurship.

I am happy to note that Google has been active in supporting Small to Medium Enterprises, dedicating even more resources to this sector, since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, said Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, South African Minister of Small Business Development.

In the last 12 months, Google has helped close to 500,000 African businesses get online and reach new customers.

Now Read: Google Search goes green
CALISTOGA  The Jean-Charles Boisset Collection has added another historical property to its stable of Napa Valley landmarks.

The sale of the Calistoga Depot was finalized in September, just weeks after JCBs plans to renovate the interior of the property were approved by the city.

It was serendipitous. It was very much meant to be, said Patrick Eagan, JCB vice-president of marketing and communications.

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The purchase comes on the heels of JCBs recent acquisition of the historic Ink House just south of St. Helena, and the signing of a lease for a new tasting room for the Sonoma Buena Vista Winery in the 1929 Gordon Building in downtown Napa. Boisset is also the owner of the Oakville Grocery, the oldest in the state, and JCB has a tasting salon in Yountville.

Its about expanding the JCB brand, Boisset said, and perpetuating the Napa dream.

The idea is for us to have a historical, meaningful presence in every town in Napa Valley. Were being very bullish about it, he said, adding there are also few more acquisitions in the works. There are exciting things coming up. Youll see.

JCB also has a large presence in Sonoma with Buena Vista, the oldest winery in Sonoma.

Certain historical buildings, like the Depot, have a charm and resonance that cant be recreated. More than just creating new buildings, we can add to the legacy of a place by telling historical stories and connecting to the authenticity of the place, Egan said.

Boisset has cultivated the same type of presence and imprint in his native Burgundy, France, where he has properties in each of the regions villages.

France is exciting because you can go and see buildings that are centuries old, like the Palace of Versailles, Boisset said. We are the shareholders of the future generations vision. (The preservation) is important specifically in the U.S., a younger nation, for the younger generations to come.

Boisset and his team have toured the Sharpsteen Museum in Calistoga, buying books on the history of the town and its founder, Sam Brannan, and curating images to recreate the Depot experience. Theyve been extremely supportive and very, very helpful, Egan said.

Renovations

The Calistoga Depot is the second oldest train station in California. The Merchant family, owners of the nearby Indian Springs Resort, purchased the Depot in 2016. Over the years, the building and adjacent train cars have been home to various businesses including the Wine Stop, and Palisades Deli. For the past year or so, however, the property has sat mostly empty. Last year, with plans to turn the Depot into a restaurant, the Merchants arranged to have a historic rail car removed from the interior of the property and brought to be preserved in the train museum in Sacramento.

JCBs renovations call for the front part of the Depot to house a deli, espresso bar, an upscale grocery and retail space. A December opening is planned for those outlets.

The greater interior will be more of a destination, Egan said. With its grand historical ceilings, it will house a multi-faceted spirits and beer tasting salon featuring a glass-encased copper-clad still (the spirits will be distilled elsewhere). There will also be a private tasting room.

The beer, Belgian-styled and West Coast-inspired, will be produced on-site in the rear building that formerly housed Picayune Cellars and was once the office of The Weekly Calistogan.

Despite being known for his wine, Boisset is no stranger to beer. His grandparents grew hops in Burgundy, and he previously brewed a brand of beer here in California called Apollo. JCB also grows hops in Napa Valley, Egan said.

The tasting room/lounge is planned to open next spring.

As for the six rail cars, rumors of a champagne, caviar and oyster bar were not denied. Earth & Sky Chocolates, which currently occupies one of the cars, will be expanded.

Calistoga partnership

JCB paid $4.9 million for the Depot property, which includes the main building, the six adjacent train cars, and the smaller building in the rear. The sale has created a partnership, Egan said, and the Merchants are still very much involved in the new project.

Boisset described the relationship with the Merchants as One family to another. Were going to do a lot of things together, so it made tremendous sense (to purchase the property).

Selling the property will allow the Merchants more time and energy to develop the Veranda Hotel project, going in just next door to the Depot property. The project will be an extension of Indian Springs, and calls for a two-story, 96-room hotel, restaurant and bar.

The Merchants have done a phenomenal job on renovating the Depot. They started the visioning. To activate a historic property requires you to be very active and constantly create the energy around it, and they have a very big project next door, Egan said. Danny (Merchant) has been very instrumental in introducing us to people in town and is very involved in seeing this project successful.

New branding

JCB operates nearly 30 wineries in California, France, and Canada. Along with selling wine, the company also produces a line of products that includes jewelry and promotes a certain affluent lifestyle.

Sam Brannan, Calistogas founder, built the Depot in 1868, hence the name of JCBs new brand of products, Calistoga Depot Provisions 1868. One of the brands new spirits is named Prosperous and Penniless after Sam Brannans journey from prosperity back to being penniless.

We love the flair and style of Calistoga and we're going to try our best to represent it, from Sam Brannan, to the energy we want in the town today, to bring the people we want to attract," Boisset said. "We want to showcase Calistoga and what its all about in Germany, France, Japan, Canada, Africa, were really going to take this brand with our spirits, beer and wine all around the world.

And soon, JCB brand followers can start in San Francisco, in a tasting room at the Ritz Carleton, and work their way up the Valley with the brand.

The same journey that Sam Brannan would have taken, Boisset said.

You can reach Cynthia Sweeney at 942-4035 or csweeney@weeklycalistogan.com.

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On a Tuesday evening in May, third-grade teacher Clara Yanez and second-grade teacher Jackie Gonzalez stood in front of their board of education and asked them to count little plastic farm animals.

While not a typical agenda item at Buttonwillow Union Elementary School, this exercise in counting collections was a way for these teachers to show board members the building blocks of coherence from preschool to third grade. Counting is essential to all years of early math, and this lesson design helps break down barriers that separate the grade levels.

Common classroom practices are an important first step in creating a collaborative environment where teachers and students benefit from consistency between grade levels.

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The biggest challenges in any school district come at transition points  from building to building or grade to grade. Through this exercise, the board experienced one aspect of coherence, which on a larger level involves connecting the dots from the classroom to the principals office to the board room so that all aspects of a district are working together to create the best environment for students.

Today, were facing challenging transition points requiring solid connections. The investment of nearly $3 billion over the next four years is a watershed event in California public education. With the recall election behind us, we can now begin planning knowing the governors education agenda is secure.

Creating a 14th grade in our public schools is a game-changer, especially for students who come from socioeconomically disadvantaged homes and students who are English Learners. But the promise of transitional kindergarten will fall short if it is created as a stand-alone program across Californias 1,000 school districts.

Although high-quality education for 4-year-olds is difficult to access even in the states largest districts located in densely populated urban centers, most of Californias districts are small, less than 2,500 students, and located in rural areas, further compounding the challenge of early education options. Since many of these districts are often the communitys largest employer, the opportunity to provide transitional kindergarten to all 4-year-olds will fill a critical equity gap toward accessing early education across California.

Districts across the state are already working to strengthen connections between grades for all students from preschool to third grade and embracing adjustments to their systems to make this possible.

In Monterey Peninsula Unified, teachers from preschool to third grade along with principals and district administrators engaged in a collaborative book study focused on early math practices. The Sausalito-Marin City Elementary District bridged gaps for students by creating an improvement team connecting teachers, administrators, county office of education staff with two nonprofit early education providers to lead this work.

While individual districts can do this important work for our youngest learners in isolation, we know that educators are stronger together. Since June 2020, through a year of almost entirely distance learning, nine California districts connected collaborated and supported each other toward building an academic and structural bridge between preschool and third grade.

These district teams met virtually to share classroom practices and promising data on successes, challenges and roadblocks. Despite differences in size and geography, these districts shared a dedication to better serve socioeconomically disadvantaged and emerging bilingual students.

Back in Buttonwillow, board members successfully grouped their plastic farm animals into groups of threes and fours to complete the lesson. Although this activity alone wont create coherence, Yanez and Gonzalez both expressed that they were glad the board members had a tangible example of how teachers work together across grade levels.

Even in our small district it is important to give our board members a connection to the student experience, they remarked. Stuart Packard, superintendent at Buttonwillow noted that the board presentation was an opportunity for our teacher-leaders to showcase their quality teamwork over the past year. Their perseverance to continue the focus on coherence even during distance learning was commendable.

Steven Kellner is a former school superintendent who now works for California Education Partners, a nonprofit organization. He wrote this for CalMatters, a public interest journalism venture committed to explaining how Californias Capitol works and why it matters.
In 2002, an eccentric older man known as Joseph Newton Chandler committed suicide in his small apartment in Eastlake, Ohio. When police contacted his sister, she had to explain to them that Chandler died as a boy in Texas, in 1945. The old man had stolen his identity to live under a fake name.

Why? Thats the real mystery.

Genetic genealogy eventually confirmed the mysterious man was actually Robert Ivan Nichols, a WWII vet. He left his family in Louisville, in 1964 and disappeared. But tax records show he was living and working in Napa County under his real name  Robert Ivan Nichols  until 1976.

Very little is known about his time in Napa County but it is likely those who knew him back then are still alive and living in the area.

I am currently researching this case for an upcoming documentary where we are attempting to piece together the missing years of Robert Ivan Nichols and what caused him to flee California and change his name. All we know for sure is he worked as an electrical engineer and had experience driving delivery trucks. He also served in the Navy in World War II and was aboard the U.S.S. Ward when it was bombed by kamikaze pilots.

If this man rings a bell  perhaps you recall your parents inviting him over for dinner one day long ago  please reach out to me, directly at jameswrenner@gmail.com

James Renner

Akron, Ohio
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan turned Israel from ally into adversary, friend to foe, partner on the international stage to convenient whipping boy in order to gain political points domestically and tumultuous applause in the Muslim world, according to The Jerusalem Post comment.

Already in 2009, Israels ambassador at the time, Gabby Levy, was quoted in a Wikileaks cable as saying that Erdogan was a fundamentalist who hates us religiously.

On Monday evening, that same Erdogan called new Israeli President Isaac Herzog with a simple message: Lets start afresh.

Lovely sentiment, though considering Erdogans track record, its rather difficult not to question his sincerity.

In May, following riots on the Temple Mount, the Turkish president had this to say about Israel: Israel, the cruel terrorist state, attacks the Muslims in Jerusalem.

Yet, on Monday, his office put out a statement of his call with Herzog that said the Turkish president underscored that Turkey-Israel relations were of great importance in terms of security and stability in the Middle East, and that there was a great potential for cooperation between the two countries in various areas.

The very next day, however, his office put out another statement, less conciliatory, slamming Israel for house demolitions and saying we condemn Israels unlawful and inhumane practices and hereby reiterate our support for the judicial process to hold Israel accountable for its crimes in the occupied territories.

Israel knows Erdogan well, and what it has come to know after 18 long years is a staunchly anti-Israel Islamist who consistently tries to inflame the Muslim world against the Jewish state, often peddling in antisemitic rhetoric to do so.

He is a leader with neo-Ottoman fantasies.

Israel knows how Erdogans Turkey has hosted an office of Hamas, where attacks against Israelis have been planned. It knows about the money laundering for Hamas coming out of Turkey, as well as the provision of passports for members of the terror organization.

It knows about Turkish efforts to scuttle an Israeli-Cypriot-Greek natural gas pipeline; about the way it constantly tries to undermine Israel in various international forums; and about its occasional support for Iran (when it suits its interests).

And those are just some of the actions Ankara has taken against Israel. There are also the myriad actions it has taken against others in the regionfrom the Kurds to the Egyptians to the Cypriots and Greeksthat Jerusalem finds loathsome.

But when Erdogan calls and whispers sweet nothings, () Israel must harbor no illusions about who it is dealing with, the comment added, in particular.
A New Jersey man who used dating apps to lure and kill three women five years ago was sentenced Wednesday to 160 years in prison after a trial in which it was revealed that friends of one victim did their own detective work on social media to ferret out the suspect, AP reported.

Khalil Wheeler-Weaver, 25, sat motionless as the judge gave the sentence in state court in Newark. The sentencing was preceded by emotional statements by family members of victims Robin West and Sarah Butler.

In a brief statement before they spoke, Wheeler-Weaver denied responsibility, telling Superior Court Judge Mark S. Ali that he was framed.

The sentences covered three murders, one attempted murder and other counts including kidnapping, aggravated arson, and desecration of human remains.

The Essex County prosecutor's office had credited friends of Butler, a college student from Montclair, with using social media to help police find Wheeler-Weaver. They gained access to her social media accounts, set up a fake account, lured Wheeler-Weaver to a meeting in Montclair and notified police, according to prosecutors.

A fourth woman who survived an attack and testified at Wheeler-Weaver's trial also provided crucial information that helped investigators, since the details of her attack were similar to those of the other victims.

Prosecutors presented evidence at trial that Wheeler-Weaver, then 20, used the dating apps to lure the women for sex and then strangled them. Their bodies were found between September and December 2016 in northern New Jersey.
Ex-ruling party official: Incumbent authorities created deliberately organized chaos in Armenia

Armenia Prosecutor General's Office to examine news about 6 Azeri servicemen captured and then secretly returned

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Armenia MOD planning training camps for reservists

Sergey Lavrov, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office to discuss assistance to resolve situation in Karabakh

High-tech industry minister receives Chinese recipient of Armenia State Prize for global contributions to IT sector

Eurasian Intergovernmental Council's narrow-format session kicks off in Yerevan

Pashinyan views Eurasian integration as one of Armenia's priorities

Two Armenian citizens found in Afghanistan

Armenian health ministry gets $ 2.5 million to fight COVID-19

Tata Steel India: Armenias Aronian scored 1 point after three rounds on the second day

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office has telephone conversation with Jeyhun Bayramov

Rust writer thinks Baldwin shot deliberately on set

Deceased Armenian soldier Taron Sahakyan's brother refutes news that he was captured and tortured to death

Armenia seeks to develop cooperation in food safety within EEU

Armenia Ombudsman, UNICEF Representative discuss problems with right of children of borderline villages to education

How risky is taking immunosuppressants for COVID-19?

Armenia allocates AMD 462 mln for 4 subvention programs ahead of local self-government elections

Major incidents not recorded in Armenia's border zones as of 2 p.m., operative situation is under army's control

Armenia parliament approves several legislative amendments

PMs discuss prospects for development of Armenia-Kyrgyzstan collaboration

Turkish Nationalist Movement Party gifts Erdogan a map of Turkic World, with a part of Russia 'seized'

Man, 49, found dead inside truck near Armenia village sand mine

Armenia emergency ministry uses off-road vehicles to provide for needs of Syunik Province border villages, says minister

Britney Spears demands to put her mother in jail

There is investment activeness in Syunik Province, says Armenia economy minister

Russia PM arrives in Yerevan

Minister on Armenia economic growth: We are from optimistic realist to optimist

Armenia President, Singapore deputy PM discuss avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation

Healthcare Policy (Programs) Scientific Research Center to open at Yerevan State Medical University

Milan to sign new deal with Ibrahimovic

Ombudsman: Armenophobia, propaganda of enmity have reached extremist fascism in Azerbaijan (VIDEO)

Philip Margo dies aged 79

Russia peacekeepers carry out round-the-clock monitoring of ceasefire in Karabakh

1 more person dies of coronavirus in Artsakh

Armenia premier: There is no Syunik Province settlement that is under blockade

Office of Armenia commissioner for diaspora, SADA Global Delivery Center sign memorandum of cooperation

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not come to the Queen for Christmas

Armenia government approves 2021-2026 action plan

US develops new vaccine against COVID-19

Armenia PM: Russia MOD made proposals on preparatory phase of border delimitation with Azerbaijan

1,019 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Senator calls for end to US military aid to Azerbaijan

Leonardo DiCaprio, Meryl Streep, Timothee Chalamet and Jennifer Lawrence in the new Don't Look Up trailer

Armenia is elected to UNESCO Executive Board

Whose body is brought from Baku to Yerevan by Russian Southern Military District deputy commander?

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan opened random fire at some directions of Tavush Province late Wednesday evening

World oil prices still dropping

Rapper Young Dolph killed at Memphis bakery shooting

WTA Finals: Garbine Muguruza wins first title

What are health risks of mandarin?

Newspaper: Armenia has set task to change its foreign policy vector, Russia analysts say

Newspaper: Coronavirus death statistics in Armenia are incomplete

Armenian immigrant couple in California sentenced to prison for $20M fraud

Santos: Ronaldo trusts me completely

EEU countries PMs to arrive in Yerevan for intergovernmental council meeting

Brazil president: Holding World Cup every 2 years is good idea

Armenian army commander: Azerbaijan wants corridor, leader of Armenia gave consent to that, but refused later

Armenia FM holds phone conversations with Russian counterpart, Karen Donfried and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office

MTS launches inspection of its 'daughter' operations in Armenia upon request of U.S.

Armenia MOD: Defense minister receives Rustam Muradov, who brought body of deceased Armenian soldier to Yerevan

Taliban call on US Congress to ease sanctions and unfreeze Afghanistan's assets

Armenia PM: The meaning of being captured and the circumstances of captivity need to be investigated

Moscow, Ankara agree to not release details about joint manufacturing of S-400s

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office welcomes ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan after Russian mediation

Armenia Ombudsman discusses Armenian captives' issue with acting Head of ICRC Delegation

Armenia PM refutes possibility of giving order 'to not open fire' when it comes to homeland defense

Armenian PM tries to clarify situation regarding use of names "Eyvazli" and "Chayzami"

IAEA Director General to visit Iran

Armenia PM: Our goal is to sign a peace treaty

Rustam Muradov brings body of one Armenian serviceman

Reuters: UAE's high-ranking delegation to visit Tehran soon

James Langevin: Azerbaijani government again unleashed a volley of unprovoked violence against Armenia

Ambassador to the Holy See: Armenia calls on its international partners to condemn Azerbaijan's actions

Armenia President provides Singapore PM with information about Azerbaijan's aggressive actions

Armenia PM: Trilateral task force's work is not interrupted

Armenia Police's Educational Complex has new head

Jackie Speier: We're witnessing Aliyev's attempted land grab in real time

Mass media: Rustam Muradov bringing bodies of Armenian soldiers to Yerevan

Yerevan to host subsequent session of Eurasian Intergovernmental Council

Lionel Messi named top footballer of the year

Earthquake hits Turkey

Zakharova on possibility of enforcing Armenia-Russia Treaty, says consultations are being held

NEWS.am 17.11.21 digest: Latest on Armenia-Azerbaijan border situation

European People's Party issues statement on recent hostilities on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Opposition 'Armenia' Alliance MP: Resistance movement will help get rid of this catastrophe, namely authorities soon

Armenia PM explains why he appointed new defense minister

Opposition MPs remind Armenia PM about treason, get into dispute with ruling party deputies

Armenian PM: There are territories of Soviet Azerbaijan that are under Armenia's control

Armenia ruling party MP Andranik Kocharyan continues to talk about creation of professional army

Tom Hanks to star in a biopic about Elvis Presley

Armenia and Russia Security Councils' Secretaries discuss regional security issues

Tata Steel India: Levon Aronian scores 3 victories on first day

Armenia Security Council Secretary: Azerbaijan fails to maintain ceasefire and isn't implementing reached agreements

Miramax wants to ban Tarantino from selling parts of the script for Pulp Fiction

Cavusoglu blames Armenia 'for terrorist attack against Azerbaijan'

Opposition 'Armenia' Alliance: Authorities' goal is to stay in power through ongoing concessions

Armenia PM: Our proposals are in effect, including proposal for start of delimitation and demarcation

Resident of Armenia's Shaki village panic when they hear the Azerbaijanis' gunshots

Armenia ruling party MP: Enemy can't achieve any success in Syunik Province
President Joe Bidens popularity among everyday Americans is taking a beating, USA Today reported.

Bidens approval rating has dropped to 38%, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday. Thats down from 42% three weeks ago and from a high of 50% in mid-February.

While the Quinnipiac poll has Biden at an all-time low approval rating, an analysis of various polls by FiveThirtyEight shows it remains at 44%. That is 6 points higher than the Quinnipiac poll.

While Biden maintains wild popularity among Democratsabout 80% approve of the job he is doinghis approval rating among Republicans and independents, who make up the largest portion of the sample, has cratered, according to Quinnipiac.

About 32% of independents approve of Bidens job as president. His approval rating among Republicans is only 4%.

Respondents panned his handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, with only 28% saying the withdrawal was the right move. He had negative approval for his handling of the military, taxes, foreign policy, immigration and the Mexican border, according to the poll.

Biden also hit low points in the latest poll on two key questions: his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy. About half of those polled said they disapprove of the way he has handled the coronavirus, and 55% disapprove of his handling of the economy.

The poll surveyed 1,326 adults between October 1 and 4. Its margin of error was 2.7 percentage points.
Within the framework of his state visit to Italy, Armenian President Armen Sarkissian met with the Mayor of Rome, Virginia Raggi.

President Sarkissian noted that the purpose of his visit to Italy is also to develop relations and cooperation between Yerevan and Rome.

Mayor Raggi, for her part, noted that they will be happy to deepen cooperation and friendship with Yerevan, and said that they are ready to share their track-record with their friends and their knowledge in the preservation of historical heritage.

The meeting highlighted the deepening of cultural ties between the two capitals and the implementation of joint events and programs, and stressed the need to intensify contacts.

The President of Armenia expressed gratitude for the Rome city halls approval of the Armenian sides proposal to install a bust of great Armenian poet Hovhannes Tumanyan at the Sant'Andrea Park in Rome.

Also, President Sarkissian lauded the City Council of Romes unanimous recognitionin 2000of the Armenian Genocide.

At the end of the meeting, President Armen Sarkissian made a note in the Book of Honored Guests of the Rome municipal hall.
Armenias Minister of Justice Karen Andreasyan yesterday met with Minister of Justice of Italy Marta Cartabria in Rome.

As reported the Armenian Ministry of Justice, Minister Andreasyan emphasized that the Government of Armenia is interested in conveying a new stimulus to the Armenia-Italy relations.

Andreasyan told his Italian counterpart about the activities that the government has carried out in the justice sector over the past three years and touched upon Armenias anti-corruption agenda, human rights protection, as well as police reforms and reforms in the penitentiary system.

During the conversation, Andreasyan stressed that the Armenian government has succeeded in creating new and transparent institutions with the support of international, including European partners. In this context, he expressed his gratitude to Italy for introducing the Strengthening Anti-Corruption Reforms in Armenia Program through which the OSCE is helping the Armenian government establish the Anti-Corruption Committee.

The Armenian justice minister also invited Marta Cartabria to visit Armenia.

The meeting was followed by the signing of a memorandum that will contribute to the deepening of cooperation between the Academies of Justices of both countries.
This evening, a dinner was served in honor of President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian, who is on a state visit to Italy, and his wife, Mrs. Nouneh Sarkissian on behalf of President of Italy Sergio Mattarella and his wife Laura Mattarella at Quirinal Palace.

Presidents Armen Sarkissian and Sergio Mattarella made toasts during which they touched upon the centuries-old Armenian-Italian friendship, the strong interstate relations and the prospect for development of those relations.

President Sarkissian particularly said the following: The Armenian-Italian relations are hinged on rich and ancient traditions. Throughout the centuries and history, the Armenian people have faced many trials and tribulations, but have resisted and overcome them with dignity and endurance. Unfortunately, today, we Armenians cant talk about complete and sustainable peace in Armenia and our region. A few days before my visit marked the first year of the 44-day war that Azerbaijan unleashed against Nagorno-Karabakh, and Armenians in Armenia and Artsakh commemorated our young heroes, the soldiers and civilians who fell in the war

According to a common Armenian and Italian saying, one knows real friends during crisis, misery and difficult days. Last year, during the most tragic period due to the pandemic, we Armenians were very sad for the Italian people. In our turn, we were deeply touched by the exceptional support, heartfelt attitude and solidarity of the Italian people during the days of the war. We will never forget it.

Of course, crises and tribulations arent the only things that link the Armenians to Italians. There are traces of the presence of Armenians in Italy in almost the whole territory of the country. Our relations have been deep and comprehensive. Today, our countries have strong interstate relations, with high-level political dialogue, and a brilliant example of this are the cordial ties between the Italian and Armenian presidents.

Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Italy. I am certain that my state visit to Italy, which is future-oriented, will help strengthen the Armenian-Italian friendship and will turn a new page over in our historical ties.

Mr. President, we talk a lot about the similarities between the Armenian and Italian societies and the peoples. We are similar because we are peoples with histories spanning centuries and because we are Christian nations. When I was in Venice for two to three days, in the premises of the Mekhitarist Congregation, I discovered that we are also similar in terms of our attitude towards and love for knowledge and preservation of literature.

Mr. President, when you and Mrs. Mattarella were in Armenia, you visited the Mesrop Mashtots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts (Matenadaran). Most of the books were brought by certain individuals and women who escaped the genocide in the Ottoman Empire. In 300 years, the congregates of the Mekhitarist Congregation compiled a tremendous amount of books that are preserved and protected, and I thought that the future of our two nations will be linked to knowledge and science. In this sense, it is a great pleasure for me to present you with a book that is entitled Rome-Armenia. This is a story of the 2,000-year-old friendship between Armenia and Rome. I hope we are starting the first day of the next 2,000 years today.

I propose to drink to the friendship, welfare and peaceful future of our peoples, the sincere Armenian-Italian friendship and for my dear friend, wise and provident politician, President of Italy Sergio Mattarella and Mrs. Mattarella.
A group of members from the student union of the opposition Armenian Revolutionary Federation-ARF Dashnaktsutyun Party are protesting in front of the main building of the government of Armenia.

One of them statedover the loudspeakerthat their protest was against PM Nikol Pashinyan's statementmade during a meeting with the Armenian community in Lithuaniathat nothing had been built in Shushi, Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) in the last 30 years.

Meanwhile, the police officers approached the young man with the loudspeaker and apprehended him, saying that he was disturbing public order.

Earlier, it had become known that the organizers of this demonstration had been contacted by the police, and told that if loudspeakers were to be used during the protest, its participants would be apprehended.

A picketer told reporters that they had come just to raise their voices, to inform that many buildings had been built in Shushi in the last 30 years, but that the police had apprehended their friend for speaking over a loudspeaker.

It is noteworthy that the Police special forces apprehended this young ARF member at the very moment of giving an interview to reporters, not allowing him to finish his words. But he was not with a loudspeaker at the time.
A new defense agreement between Greece and France will allow them to come to each other's aid in the event of an external threat, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Thursday, amid increased tensions with Turkey, Reuters reports.

The strategic military and defence cooperation pact between the two NATO allies was clinched last month and includes an order for three French frigates worth about 3 billion euros.

Athens had already ordered some 24 Dassault-made Rafale fighter jets this year.

"For the first time it is clearly stipulated that there be military assistance in the event of a third party attacking one of the two states. And we all know who is threatening whom with a casus belli (cause for war) in the Mediterranean," Mitsotakis said, in a clear reference to Turkey.
Turkeys position on supporting the integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine remains unchanged. This is what Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu declared during a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in Lviv, Anadolu reports.

According to Cavusoglu, Turkey and Ukraine are linked by close friendly ties and are in solidarity in regard to many issues. Our relations are growing in different directions, and we are glad. The leaders of both countries have held two meetings since the beginning of this year, the minister informed.

Ankara has supported and will continue to support the promotion of the Crimea platform initiative. Turkey attaches special importance to the rights of the Tatars of Crimea. Construction of houses for the Tatars of Crimea will be launched in Ukraine with the support of Turkey by the end of this yearThe conflict in Donbas must be resolved by taking into consideration Ukraines territorial integrity, Cavusoglu declared.
Ex-ruling party official: Incumbent authorities created deliberately organized chaos in Armenia

Armenia Prosecutor General's Office to examine news about 6 Azeri servicemen captured and then secretly returned

Dollar goes up in Armenia

Armenia MOD planning training camps for reservists

Sergey Lavrov, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office to discuss assistance to resolve situation in Karabakh

High-tech industry minister receives Chinese recipient of Armenia State Prize for global contributions to IT sector

Eurasian Intergovernmental Council's narrow-format session kicks off in Yerevan

Pashinyan views Eurasian integration as one of Armenia's priorities

Two Armenian citizens found in Afghanistan

Armenian health ministry gets $ 2.5 million to fight COVID-19

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office has telephone conversation with Jeyhun Bayramov

Deceased Armenian soldier Taron Sahakyan's brother refutes news that he was captured and tortured to death

Armenia seeks to develop cooperation in food safety within EEU

Armenia Ombudsman, UNICEF Representative discuss problems with right of children of borderline villages to education

Armenia allocates AMD 462 mln for 4 subvention programs ahead of local self-government elections

Major incidents not recorded in Armenia's border zones as of 2 p.m., operative situation is under army's control

Armenia parliament approves several legislative amendments

PMs discuss prospects for development of Armenia-Kyrgyzstan collaboration

Turkish Nationalist Movement Party gifts Erdogan a map of Turkic World, with a part of Russia 'seized'

Man, 49, found dead inside truck near Armenia village sand mine

Armenia emergency ministry uses off-road vehicles to provide for needs of Syunik Province border villages, says minister

There is investment activeness in Syunik Province, says Armenia economy minister

Russia PM arrives in Yerevan

Minister on Armenia economic growth: We are from optimistic realist to optimist

Armenia President, Singapore deputy PM discuss avenues for expanding bilateral cooperation

Ombudsman: Armenophobia, propaganda of enmity have reached extremist fascism in Azerbaijan (VIDEO)

Russia peacekeepers carry out round-the-clock monitoring of ceasefire in Karabakh

1 more person dies of coronavirus in Artsakh

Armenia premier: There is no Syunik Province settlement that is under blockade

Office of Armenia commissioner for diaspora, SADA Global Delivery Center sign memorandum of cooperation

Armenia government approves 2021-2026 action plan

Armenia PM: Russia MOD made proposals on preparatory phase of border delimitation with Azerbaijan

1,019 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia

Senator calls for end to US military aid to Azerbaijan

Armenia is elected to UNESCO Executive Board

Whose body is brought from Baku to Yerevan by Russian Southern Military District deputy commander?

Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan opened random fire at some directions of Tavush Province late Wednesday evening

World oil prices still dropping

Newspaper: Armenia has set task to change its foreign policy vector, Russia analysts say

Newspaper: Coronavirus death statistics in Armenia are incomplete

Armenian immigrant couple in California sentenced to prison for $20M fraud

EEU countries PMs to arrive in Yerevan for intergovernmental council meeting

Armenian army commander: Azerbaijan wants corridor, leader of Armenia gave consent to that, but refused later

Armenia FM holds phone conversations with Russian counterpart, Karen Donfried and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office

MTS launches inspection of its 'daughter' operations in Armenia upon request of U.S.

Armenia MOD: Defense minister receives Rustam Muradov, who brought body of deceased Armenian soldier to Yerevan

Taliban call on US Congress to ease sanctions and unfreeze Afghanistan's assets

Armenia PM: The meaning of being captured and the circumstances of captivity need to be investigated

Moscow, Ankara agree to not release details about joint manufacturing of S-400s

OSCE Chairperson-in-Office welcomes ceasefire between Armenia and Azerbaijan after Russian mediation

Armenia Ombudsman discusses Armenian captives' issue with acting Head of ICRC Delegation

Armenia PM refutes possibility of giving order 'to not open fire' when it comes to homeland defense

Armenian PM tries to clarify situation regarding use of names "Eyvazli" and "Chayzami"

IAEA Director General to visit Iran

Armenia PM: Our goal is to sign a peace treaty

Rustam Muradov brings body of one Armenian serviceman

Reuters: UAE's high-ranking delegation to visit Tehran soon

James Langevin: Azerbaijani government again unleashed a volley of unprovoked violence against Armenia

Ambassador to the Holy See: Armenia calls on its international partners to condemn Azerbaijan's actions

Armenia President provides Singapore PM with information about Azerbaijan's aggressive actions

Armenia PM: Trilateral task force's work is not interrupted

Armenia Police's Educational Complex has new head

Jackie Speier: We're witnessing Aliyev's attempted land grab in real time

Mass media: Rustam Muradov bringing bodies of Armenian soldiers to Yerevan

Yerevan to host subsequent session of Eurasian Intergovernmental Council

Earthquake hits Turkey

Zakharova on possibility of enforcing Armenia-Russia Treaty, says consultations are being held

NEWS.am 17.11.21 digest: Latest on Armenia-Azerbaijan border situation

European People's Party issues statement on recent hostilities on Armenian-Azerbaijani border

Opposition 'Armenia' Alliance MP: Resistance movement will help get rid of this catastrophe, namely authorities soon

Armenia PM explains why he appointed new defense minister

Opposition MPs remind Armenia PM about treason, get into dispute with ruling party deputies

Armenian PM: There are territories of Soviet Azerbaijan that are under Armenia's control

Armenia ruling party MP Andranik Kocharyan continues to talk about creation of professional army

Armenia and Russia Security Councils' Secretaries discuss regional security issues

Armenia Security Council Secretary: Azerbaijan fails to maintain ceasefire and isn't implementing reached agreements

Cavusoglu blames Armenia 'for terrorist attack against Azerbaijan'

Opposition 'Armenia' Alliance: Authorities' goal is to stay in power through ongoing concessions

Armenia PM: Our proposals are in effect, including proposal for start of delimitation and demarcation

Resident of Armenia's Shaki village panic when they hear the Azerbaijanis' gunshots

Armenia ruling party MP: Enemy can't achieve any success in Syunik Province

Armenia PM and ministers answering MPs' questions (LIVE)

Ambassador: Armenia Security Council Secretary will probably have separate meeting with Nikolai Patrushev

Armenia health minister: Kapan and Goris will have additional SUVs for paramedics

Armen Sarkissian presents situation on Armenia's borders at Bloomberg New Economy Forum in Singapore

Armenia FM: International community reaction to Azerbaijans provocative, aggressive actions was not targeted, proper

Armenia Prosecutor General receives Egypt Ambassador

Council of Europe Secretary General concerned about tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Armenian Assembly of America: Russian-brokered ceasefire is not enough

Armenia Security Council secretary: Yerevan expects diplomatic, military assistance from Moscow

Turkey and US hold talks on defense and security issues

Peskov: Moscow calls for restraint to parties to conflict on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

CSTO chief: There is still tension on line of contact between Armenian, Azerbaijani sides

Kremlin: All parties consent is necessary for contact between Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan leaders

Russia deputy FM, EU representative discuss situation on Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Armenia health minister: We are at reduction phase of Covid cases

2 more persons die of coronavirus in Artsakh

Biden bans members of the Nicaraguan government from entering US

168.am: Ex-commander of Russia peacekeepers in Karabakh is urgently sent to Armenia

Ambassador to Russia: Not ruled out that Armenia may apply to CSTO for assistance
President of Armenia Armen Sarkissian, who is on a state visit to Italy, visited Sapienza University of Rome, as reported the Staff of the President of Armenia.

Established 700 years ago, Sapienza University is not only considered one of the top universities in Italy, but is also one of the oldest and largest universities in Europe.

During the Armenian presidents visit, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport and La Sapienza University signed a Memorandum of Understanding and officially announced the launch of the Armenian Studies Program at the University. The document was signed by Armenias Ambassador to Italy Tsovinar Hambardzumyan and Rector of Sapienza University Antonella Polimeni.

All that is happening today is a big event. I am proud to say that Armenia is one of the worlds oldest and unique countries that has accumulated vast knowledge throughout the thousands of years of its existence, and it is the duty of us Armenians to share that knowledge with others. I am happy to be here today not as President, but simply as an Armenian and as a person who attaches importance to knowledge, education and science and the fact that there will be courses on Armenian studies at this university located in the heart of Rome. This will become a major link that will bridge not only Rome and Yerevan, but will also serve as a bridge in history. I hope this small event becomes the start of a major initiative, and I can assure you that I will be one of the people who will fully support it.

President Sarkissian and the Universitys Rector Antonella Polimeni discussed issues related to expansion of the Armenian Studies Program and ensuring of continuity.

The Chair of Armenian Studies has been around at Sapienza University since the 2000s. Armenology is deeply-rooted in Italy since there have been Chairs of Armenian Studies at six universities for years, and there are Chairs of Armenian Studies at certain universities today. The Chair of Armenian Language and Culture at Sapienza University hadnt been active over the past decade due to lack of funding. Over the past year, the Embassy of Armenia in Italy did a great job for reopening of the Chair of Armenian Studies, and thanks to the efforts of the parties, teaching of Armenological subjects will begin at the highly rated Classics and Ancient History Department.
Story Highlights 55% have trust in the judgment of the American people, a new low

44% have confidence in politicians, also historically low

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Americans' lack of confidence in government may be related, in part, to a waning trust in the elected decision-makers who are ultimately responsible for how government functions, along with the voters who put them in office.

Less than half of U.S. adults (44%) say they have a great deal or fair amount of confidence in people who hold or are running for public office, rivaling the record low of 42% from 2016. Meanwhile, a small majority (55%) express a similar level of confidence in the judgments of the American people under the democratic system, the lowest Gallup has measured to date but not meaningfully different from 56% readings in 2016 and 2020.

Line graph. The U.S. public's trust in politicians and the American people. In 2021, 55% of Americans have confidence in the American people to make judgments about issues facing the U.S., while 44% have confidence in those who hold office or are running for office.

These data are from Gallup's annual Governance poll, conducted Sept. 1-17.

Gallup's trends on these measures, dating back to 1972 (for politicians) and 1974 (for the American people), reflect a continuing decline in confidence in politicians and voters over the ensuing decades. Americans have been consistently more likely to express trust in voters than in people who hold or are running for public office, but both trends have generally ebbed in the 2000s and again in the 2010s.

Confidence in politicians is down 24 percentage points from its peak in 1974, while confidence in the judgments of the American people is down 31 points from its peak in 1976. Confidence in the American people had never been below 70% between 1974, the first year Gallup measured it, and 2009. It has not returned to that level since, with all but one reading in the past eight years below 60%.

Trust in Americans' Judgment Down Among All Party Groups

Confidence in the American people to make judgments under the democratic system has declined across all party identification groups over the past two decades.

In most years since 2001, Republicans have expressed a greater degree of trust in American voters when a Republican president occupies the White House, including 2001 through 2008 and 2017 through 2020, and Democrats have expressed more trust in voters when a Democrat is president.

Independents have tended to express slightly less confidence in the American people's judgment than have Democrats and Republicans.

Line graph. The U.S. public's trust in the American people to make judgments about issues facing the country, by political affiliation. In 2021, 59% of Democrats, 55% of Republicans and 51% of independents have confidence in American people to make judgments about issues facing the country.

Confidence in Politicians Varies Widely by Political Party Identification

At the beginning of the millennium, Republicans and Democrats expressed similar levels of trust in people who hold and run for political office. But after Barack Obama's election to the White House in 2008, Republicans' confidence in politicians plummeted and has yet to get back to its former level. Gallup has recorded double-digit gaps between the two parties' levels of confidence in most years since, including a 25-point difference between Democrats (64%) and Republicans (39%) in the latest poll -- one of the largest gaps Gallup has found.

Independents have nearly always been the least likely to express trust in politicians, however -- including 34% this year.

Line graph. The U.S. public's trust in American politicians who hold or are running for office, by political affiliation. In 2021, 64% of Democrats, 39% of Republicans and 34% of independents have confidence in politicians to make judgments about issues facing the country.

Bottom Line

Americans' confidence in institutions, government and its agencies has suffered over the past year, but these ratings are also low from a long-term perspective. These collective findings reflect a larger cynicism toward governmental institutions and the figures who represent and direct them -- as well as the U.S. voters who put them in decision-making roles.

Republicans and independents, in particular, have become even less trusting of politicians over the past 13 years, creating a great deal of distance between them and their Democratic counterparts.

Most U.S. adults remain trusting of the American people's judgments, but this majority has gotten slimmer over time and is on track to dip below the 50% mark later this decade if the trend continues -- possibly creating a crisis for overall confidence in the U.S. democratic system.

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).
The two photographs that Minnesota Atty. Gen. Keith Ellison displayed side-by-side on a screen inside the University of Miamis Shalala Student Center on Wednesday evening were separated by 100 years.

In one, the bodies of two Black circus workers, Elmer Jackson and Isaac McGhie, hang from a streetlight in downtown Duluth, Minnesota, on June 15, 1920. The body of Elias Clayton lay on the ground nearby. A white mob of hundreds, wielding bricks and heavy timbers, had stormed the Duluth jail and lynched the three men after a 19-year-old white woman accused them of raping her.

In the other, Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin is seen pressing his knee into George Floyds neck on May 25, 2020. Floyd, who cried out that he couldnt breathe, died after the encounter.

You might think, Why would Ellison put that image in front of us?  he said to an in-person audience of about 75 people and many more watching online as part of the inaugural lecture in the School of Laws Alan S. Becker and Gary A. Poliakoff Preeminent Leaders in Law Speaker Series.

Ellison, who led the successful prosecution of Chauvin, said he displayed the images because what I want to tell you from an African American historic perspective is theyre the same. Thats a lynching in Duluth, Minnesota, and this is a human being down here, too.

Chauvin wore a badge and was sanctioned by law, Ellison pointed out. In Duluth a hundred years ago, police allowed a mob to pull three Black men from their jail cells and lynch them.

Its important that we have a conversation about a critical issue facing our nation, a critical issue that is historic, a critical issue that is nationwide, a critical issue that has resulted in tremendous social and economic disruption in our society. And that issue is the conflict between police and communities, particularly communities of color, Ellison said.

In his nearly hour-long talk, he addressed everything from the lessons learned during the Chauvin trial to the importance of implementing police reform.

I know that folks want to talk about the Chauvin case, but this situation is so much deeper, so much older, so much more historic than one case, he said. If I were to plunge into that case, I fear that you would say, You guys won. That solved it, right? Absolutely not. All [the Chauvin] case represents is accountability for one person who violated the law. It does not represent justice. The job of justice is our job, which is why I say its a time for action.

He called on law enforcement agencies across the country and federal, state, and municipal governments to have courageous conversations as to how we create liberty and justice for all. And Ellison, who represented Minnesotas 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives for 12 years before giving up that seat to run for attorney general, detailed his own efforts at fostering police reform.

A year before he ever heard the name George Floyd, he and John Harrington, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, conducted a series of public hearings and working groups with law enforcements officers and community activists over a seven-month period to discuss strategies to reduce deadly force encounters between residents and police in his state.

Recommendations included training officers to be aware of current and historical racial trauma in communities, educating officers in mental health crises, and providing mental health and wellness check-ins to all peace officers every three years. They also included engaging with the public to review body-worn camera practices and policies.

In all, the working groups came up with 28 recommendations and 33 action steps.

We did not do this working group in response to a tragedy, Ellison said. We said, Were not waiting around. Lets do it now. Lets talk about it now. We got some folks who spent 30 years in policing together with folks who are dyed-in-the-wool BLM [Black Lives Matter] members, and somehow, they had meaningful conversations. And Im very proud of that. It can happen. Dont think we cant get these folks in the room.

He criticized Congress for failing to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. They have just thrown their hands up and said theyre not going to take action. And thats really sad, Ellison lamented.

Its not acceptable for Congress to say, We tried,  he said. We have to demand that they get back at it, and you dont have to be a Republican or Democrat or a liberal or conservative. You can be both and believe in liberty and justice for all in the rule of law.

Ellison said the cycle of inaction on police reform can be brokenif we actand he praised efforts at the municipal level, noting that departments in Ithaca, New York, and in Camden and Newark, New Jersey, have reimagined their police forces.

In all three of these cities, police are still responding to domestic violence, robbery in progress, and drug sales [calls], all the stuff that they ever do, he said. But they somehow have reduced the level of deadly force encounters with police. And they actually have done pretty well on stopping crime and even turning guns in.

Ellison also commented on the Defund the Police movement, calling it a hashtag slogan that really has no old policy implications at all.

I dont support it. You dont support it, probably. Yet, that moniker was lifted up as the deal. Its not the deal. The Minneapolis Police Department in 2019 had a budget of about $193 million. Now, its about $200 million. So, defund where, what?

He pointed out that there have been some budget changes in that department, with funds being allocated for civilian crime reduction specialists and mental health dual response. We have shifted people. Its not a matter of how many police you have. Its a matter of what are they doing? Ellison said.

He cited the fact that some $3 billion have been spent by cities across the country to settle police misconduct lawsuits during the past 10 yearsmoney, he said, that could have been spent on better causes such as purchasing playground equipment and repairing streets and roads.

Speaking to Miami Law students in the audience, he urged them to help.

A lawyer is either a social engineer or a parasite on society, Ellison said. You are either helping things get better or youre not. Just because youre some lefty public defender doesnt mean that you are in the first category and not the second, if all you do is start shoving the sentencing guidelines in your clients face before you even read the file. Whether you are in private practice or corporate practice, a corporate counsel, public lawyer, public defender, or prosecutor, we all can advance this cause of justice, and we all have a responsibility to do so.

After Ellisons talk, he was interviewed onstage by Gary Rosen, managing shareholder and CEO of Becker & Poliakoff. Rosen asked Ellison if he had a sense of how focused the entire nation and world would be on the Chauvin case and what a powerful force for social change it would be. Once we got that case, we put blinders on and focused. It became somewhat of a shock to see such attention. I did not apprehend or grasp the enormity of that moment, and I still dont think I really do, Ellison admitted.

Earlier in the day, Ellison taught School of Law professor Sergio Camposs Elements class. He used his own successful career in public service to demonstrate the various ways that lawyers can and do improve the lives of many in society. The students learned a great deal, Campos said.

He also met with Miami Law student leaders, including Reunie Faustin, the Caribbean bar chair of the Black Law Students Association. His [Ellisons] views on the power of community and the role communities could play in reforming our policing system echo many who wish to see more cooperation rather than hostility between the two groups, Faustin said.
OSU Economic Stimulus Grant application now open

Media Contact: Mack Burke | Editorial Coordinator | 405-744-5540 | mack.burke_iv@okstate.edu

Oklahoma State University has received funding through the American Rescue Plan (ARP).

With this round of federal funding, OSU is awarding the OSU Economic Stimulus Grant-ARP. This grant is less restrictive than previous stimulus grants and is open to all students currently enrolled at least half-time at the Stillwater and Tulsa campuses. Funding for these awards is limited.

How to apply

Students who would like to be considered for the Fall 2021 OSU Economic Stimulus Grant-ARP should complete the application form under the "Responses Required" section in the "Home" portion of the "Financial Aid" tab in my.okstate.edu. Select aid year 2021-2022 in the upper right hand corner.

For more information about the OSU Economic Stimulus Grant-ARP, please see our COVID-19 FAQ webpage.

If you have any questions about the application, please contact finaid@okstate.edu or 405-744-6604.
Hong Kong records eight more imported Covid cases

Hong Kong has so far confirmed a total of 12,251 coronavirus infections. Image: Shutterstock

Health authorities on Thursday recorded eight new imported Covid cases, involving people who flew in from Pakistan, Nepal and the Philippines.



Officials said Nepal Airlines flights from Kathmandu were temporarily banned from Thursday, after one of its flights brought in three infected passengers on Tuesday.



The ban will remain in force until October 20.



Meanwhile, the government said its outreach vaccination team would administer Sinovac jabs to residents of Kwai Tsing District at Cheung Fat Estate Community Centre, from October 11 to 13.



The government appeals to persons who are not yet vaccinated, in particular the elderly, to seize the opportunity to get vaccinated. This is the best way for people to protect themselves amid the epidemic," said Civil Service Secretary Patrick Nip, who is in charge of the vaccination programme.



Hong Kong has so far confirmed a total of 12,251 coronavirus infections.
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Youve likely received credit card offers in the mail that are no more than standard marketing ploys from credit card companies that send them out by the thousands. Not all credit cards offers are like that though. The most elite credit cards are invitation-only and sent to a chosen few.

Read: The Best Credit Card for Each Type of Spender

Find Out: Lesser-Known Credit Card Perks You Should Be Taking Advantage Of



Elite credit cards are often invitation-only because the issuer is looking to build an advantageous relationship with a high-earning individual with excellent credit, said credit card and financial analyst Chris Motola. By establishing that relationship, the issuer can  they hope  reap some of the profits that come from servicing the wealthy. The wealthy in turn, get a status symbol in the form of a rare card. That means the issuer needs to keep the supply of that card low. Invitation-only credit cards often have enormous annual fees, high credit limits, and perks that can be cashed in for luxury and concierge services.

Here are five invitation-only credit cards and how to get invited  information some consider to be secrets of the rich.

Read: The Top Things To Consider Before Applying for a New Credit Card

How To Get Invited To Apply For an Elite Credit Card

In general, to improve your chances of receiving an invite to apply for an elite credit card, Chris Motola of Merchant Maverick said, Becoming rich is a minimum qualification. Even if youre rich, however, youll still need to land on the issuers radar. While the exact method will vary by issuer, the common theme is that your substantial wealth will need to have touched services offered by the issuer.

John Garner, the CEO and founder of Card Curator, offered this additional insight about what it takes to get invited to apply for an elite credit card, Depending on the company, the requirements may vary; however, it usually includes some combination of average annual credit card spend and liquid assets. In some cases, being famous or being a celebrity can help you get an invitation to these cards.

Story continues

Find Out: 10 Signs That Its Time To Ditch Your Credit Card

5 Invitation-Only Credit Cards and How To Get Them

Credit cards reserved for the ultra-rich have requirements, but what they are exactly is often a mystery. Heres whats known about these five invitation-only cards.

Centurion Card From American Express

The Centurion Card from American Express  aka the Black Card  has a $10,000 initiation fee and a $5,000 annual membership fee. You may request up to two additional Centurion Cards. Each additional card you request also incurs a $5,000 annual membership fee.

To increase your chances of getting an Amex Centurion Card, youd charge hundreds of thousands of dollars on a lower-tier American Express card per year, Motola said.

If youre interested in being considered for an invitation to the Centurion Card from American Express, you can submit your information online.

Check Out: 10 Credit Cards To Consider for Travel Rewards

Citi Chairman American Express Card

The Citi Chairman American Express Card is only available to people who have a significant amount of money invested in a Citigroup brokerage account. Its rumored that the annual fee for this card is quite a bit less than some of the other elite cards at only $500.

Garner said that an invitation for this card requires an estimated $10 million minimum of liquid net worth.

Find Out: Why Its Still Better To Use Your Credit Card Over Your Debit Card

Stratus Rewards Visa

Also known as the distinctive White Card, the requirements to receive an invitation for the Stratus Rewards Visa are largely unknown. However, its rumored that you must be referred by a Stratus Rewards Visa cardmember or one of the Stratus Rewards partner companies. The cards annual fee is $1,500.

J.P. Morgan Reserve Card

The J.P. Morgan Reserve Card is unique in that its made from palladium, a platinum-colored precious metal. Even so, the card has a rather modest annual fee of $595, as compared to other invitation-only credit cards. The card is only available to clients of J.P. Morgan Private Bank who have at least $10 million in assets under management.

Helpful: 13 Credit Cards That Every 30-Something Should Consider

Dubai First Royale Mastercard

For the Dubai First Royale Mastercard  which comes complete with an embedded diamond  youll need to live in the United Arab Emirates, Motola said. However, if youre eligible, its rumored that the skys the limit when it comes to how you want to use the card. It has no credit limit, no restrictions and all charges are guaranteed approval. The initiation fee is reportedly the equivalent of roughly $2,000 USD. But dont count on getting an invitation  even if youre a multimillionaire. Its rumored that only around 200 people worldwide are cardholders.

More From GOBankingRates

Last updated: Oct. 6, 2021

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 5 Invitation-Only Credit Cards  And How To Get Invited
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  When Afghanistan's president was killed in a communist coup in 1978 and the country plunged into violent chaos, Mohammed Omer Rahimy bundled up his familys treasures and fled to Vienna.

More than 40 years later, amid yet another violent upheaval in his home country, Rahimy found himself frantically loading those same artifacts onto a plane in cotton-stuffed boxes  this time to the first world's fair in the Middle East.

For the 62-year-old Rahimy, it was a mad rush to Dubais Expo 2020. He barely slept. But Rahimy was careful. He chose among the finest bronzes, jades, calligraphy and pottery from the vast Afghan antique collection he had amassed in Austria over the decades, which arrived at the fair earlier this week.

It is important for the world to know that even though there is war and we are poor, our history is rich," Rahimy said. "Our culture is rich.

The stakes were high, he felt. The historic fair had opened after a year's delay over the coronavirus pandemic, but Afghanistan was nowhere to be found on the fairgrounds, weeks after the Taliban took over the country with lightning speed.

The image of the shuttered Afghan national pavilion  for days a haphazardly furnished office space  at Dubai's Expo splashed across the internet, a grim reminder of the disarray that has marked the Talibans return to power.

It hurt me so much to see the exhibit closed," said Rahimy. I begged the Expo ... please, let me do something good for my people."

Afghanistan's previous government had organized the exhibit months before Kabul fell and the deposed President Ashraf Ghani fled to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

With flights still largely halted in and out of Afghanistan and the country careening into an economic abyss, Rahimy said the pavilion would have remained hauntingly empty had he not stepped in.

An independent antiques dealer who has helped supply Afghanistan's Expo showcases for years, Rahimy says he paid out of pocket this time to ship his family heirlooms and other artistic artifacts from Vienna to Dubai. The collection includes rusted oil lamps incised with Islamic calligraphy from the 16th century, dazzling lapis lazuli necklaces mined from the country's north and massive hand-woven carpets that he said still carry the scent of his mother.

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People in Afghanistan have no water, they have no bread. Now is the time I felt we really needed this kind of exhibit," Rahimy said, describing the economic crisis that has left ordinary Afghans struggling to survive and threatened to unravel whatever remains of America's nation-building ambitions.

Rahimy can opine for hours on Quranic book stands made from jade and the history of Afghanistan's perfume trade. But he grows quiet when asked about his countless relatives who remain in Kabul under its new Taliban rulers. Only his niece managed to escape, flying to Philadelphia during the final days of the U.S.-led evacuation.

They are like everyone else, he said of relatives who remain in Afghanistan, his voice trailing off.

Rahimy insists the overarching purpose of Afghanistan's pavilion is to put aside the turmoil dogging the country. But like elsewhere at Dubai's Expo, recent politics still manage to pervade it. Pavilion staffers stamp visitors' mock passports with the national emblem of the Afghan government installed after the 2001 U.S.-led invasion, not the Quranic version used by the Taliban during their earlier rule.

The rabab, a traditional Afghan folk instrument, hangs from one wall. Its players, Rahimy said, are too terrified to perform, now confronting an uncertain future amid signs that the Taliban will move to ban nonreligious music.

The wider context also isn't lost on the pavilion's visitors, after scenes of anguish and unrest transfixed much of the world as America's longest war came to a bitter end.

The scenes of people at the airport in Kabul speak louder than anything, said 36-year-old Chamali Smith from St. Helens, United Kingdom. But scanning the shelves stacked with Afghan saffron and stone, she added: They've done remarkably well though here, I'm really happy and proud for them.

Rahimy is just proud to say that Afghanistan is finally open at Expo. He hopes that the temporary six-month exhibit can provide a more lasting picture of what his nation is and has been.

Regimes come and go. People get old and die. But the land stays. The mountains stay, he said. People wear amulets for good luck and they play instruments and they wash their hands in bowls.
During a House hearing Thursday on the recent "audit" of the 2020 election results in Arizona conducted by supporters of former President Donald Trump, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., sparred with Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz., who refused to accept its results showing that Joe Biden won the state.

"Who won the election in Arizona: Donald Trump or Joe Biden?" Raskin asked Biggs at the beginning of the hearing, which was convened by the House Oversight Committee.

"We don't know. There are a lot of issues with this election that took place," Biggs replied. The two-term Republican congressman was reelected last year to represent the state's Fifth District in the same election whose results he has been questioning.

The "audit" of populous Maricopa County was done at the behest of the Arizona state Senate, which is controlled by Republicans, and conducted and funded by pro-Trump organizations. It showed Biden won by 45,469 votes  a wider margin than the official result, which was 45,109.

"There's the problem," Raskin said. "Donald Trump refused to accept the results, and unfortunately we have one of the world's great political parties which has followed him off of the ledge of this electoral lunacy, and it's dangerous for democracy."

Rep. Andy Biggs, R-Ariz. (Bill Clark-Pool/Getty Images)

The CEO of Cyber Ninjas, the company that conducted the partisan audit, declined to appear at the hearing to testify despite being invited. Before Doug Logan and his company were hired in Arizona, he pushed unfounded claims of fraud in the 2020 election and was working with Trumps allies to overturn the election results as early as last November.

At the same hearing, two Maricopa County GOP election officials, who oversaw and accepted the results, testified about the threats they and their families have received from Trump supporters for refusing to say the election was stolen.

Jack Sellers, chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, said he has had police parked in front of his house on many nights because of specific threats against him.

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The board's vice chairman, Bill Gates, said his family has been the target of numerous death threats.

"I have three daughters," Gates said. "We have been subjected to many threats over the past few months. We have been doxxed. ... We've had phone calls into the Board of Supervisors saying people were going to come slaughter us and our families."

Gates later added that he believed that a "lot of the people" who led the audit were not focused on "restoring confidence and instead, I think, it was more on raising doubts, and I think we're seeing that again today, quite frankly."

Contractors working for Cyber Ninjas examine ballots from the 2020 election in Phoenix on May 3. (Courtney Pedroza/Washington Post)

While the Trump campaign was contesting the results, both Sellers and Gates received phone messages on Christmas Eve from Rudy Giuliani, Trump's personal lawyer, who suggested that they help in the effort because they were all Republicans.

"I'd like to see if there's a way that we could resolve this so it comes out well for everyone," Giuliani said in a voicemail to Sellers, which was played at the hearing. "We're all Republicans. I think we all have the same goal."

Republicans on the committee spent much of the hearing speculating that other aspects of the election, including mail ballots to potentially hacked voting machines, called the results into question. They also cited the millions of Americans who mistrust the 2020 election results, fueled by Trump and his allies hammering baseless claims of fraud.

Polls show that most Republicans believe Trump's claims about the 2020 election, despite an absence of evidence. An August Yahoo News/YouGov survey found that 66 percent of Republicans continue to insist that "the election was rigged and stolen from Trump," while just 18 percent believe "Joe Biden won fair and square."

The conspiracy theory about the 2020 election being stolen has had real-world consequences, starting with the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, which resulted in multiple deaths and Trump's impeachment. Republican lawmakers in at least 18 states have passed restrictions since last November that make it more difficult to vote, arguing that such policy changes are necessary to restore faith in elections. A number of Republicans who have stated they believe the election was stolen are now running for the top election offices in their states, raising concern about what could happen if there is another close race in 2024.

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Read more from Yahoo News:
Certification Achieved by Bacardi in Panama, Mexico, Brazil, and Costa Rica

Panama City, Panama --News Direct-- Bacardi Limited

Panama City, Panama, October 07, 2021 /3BL Media/ - Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, is known for its family-oriented culture and encouraging their teams to be fearless and portray a founders mindset in everything they do. This has never been more evident than at Bacardi Latin America and the Caribbean, where the company has been Great Place to Work Certified  in its first year of participation with the global authority on workplace culture.

Great Place to Work certifies companies based on the Trust Index survey that measures employee experience and the workplace culture. Bacardi scored high with an overall Trust Index score of 87%, achieving over 90% in many of the markets surveyed in the Latin America and Caribbean region. Bacardi was lauded by company employees in the areas of credibility, pride, and camaraderie.

Bacardi employees valued that people are treated fairly, and managers provided honest feedback and transparency about the companys current and future vision and strategy. They also cited that they feel close to their teams and enjoy the family atmosphere at Bacardi.

I am so proud of the feedback weve received from our teams. The high engagement scores and positive company sentiment that our people have expressed makes this celebration even sweeter, said Ignacio Del Valle, Regional President of Bacardi in Latin America and Caribbean. I am a firm believer that our people and culture are our strongest foundation toward a successful future, and the Great Place to Work certification is a wonderful indicator that our efforts toward our people are being recognized and valued by our teams.

Here are more stories of Bacardi recognition from around the globe for outstanding workplace culture:

PEOPLE-FIRST APPROACH AT BACARDI U.S.A., INC. LEADS TO GREAT PLACE TO WORK CERTIFICATION FOR THE FOURTH YEAR IN A ROW

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People-First Approach at Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. Leads to Great Place to Work Certification for the Fourth Year in a Row

Bacardi India Recognized as a Diverse and Future-Forward Business for the Third Year in a Row with Great Place to Work Certification

Bacardi in Canada Celebrates Great Place to Work-Certified Achievement

Bacardi South Africa Raises the Bar With Top Employer Certification

Bacardi Named Great Place To Work in the UK

Bacardi UAE Raises the Bar as First Spirits Company in the Middle East to Be Great Place to Work-Certified

Bacardi in Costa Rica Among Top Employers for Young Professionals

About Bacardi Limited:Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, produces and markets internationally recognized spirits and wines. Founded more than 158 years ago, in Santiago de Cuba on February 4, 1862, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs more than 7,000, operates more than 20 production facilities, including bottling, distilling and manufacturing sites in 11 countries, and sells its brands in more than 170 countries. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn @Bacardi or Instagram @BacardiLimited1862.

About Great Place to WorkGreat Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees around the world and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Great Place to Work helps organizations quantify their culture and produce better business results by creating a high-trust work experience for all employees. Emprising, their culture management platform, empowers leaders with the surveys, real-time reporting, and insights they need to make data-driven people decisions. Their unparalleled benchmark data is used to recognize Great Place to Work-Certified companies and the Best Workplaces in the US and more than 60 countries, including the 100 Best Companies to Work For and Worlds Best list published annually in Fortune. Everything they do is driven by the mission to build a better world by helping every organization become a Great Place to Work For All.

To learn more, visit greatplacetowork.com, listen to the podcast Better by Great Place to Work, and read A Great Place to Work for All. Join the community on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

Media inquiries:Susana SalazarDirector of Digital Transformation and Brand Communication LACssalazar@bacardi.com

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Bacardi Limited on 3blmedia.com

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Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, speaking Tuesday in Paris, will be part of a U.S. delegation to Mexico City on Friday. (Ian Langsdon / Pool Photo)

The Biden administration is expected this week to reach a security deal with Mexico that takes aim at the most dangerous drug cartels and migrant smugglers while jettisoning a previous agreement that Mexican officials have criticized for exacerbating violence tied to the narcotics trade.

The deal is slated to be announced on Friday to mark the arrival in Mexico City of a high-level delegation of U.S. officials that will include Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Atty. Gen. Merrick Garland, according to people familiar with the matter.

"In matters of security, there has to be a new chapter," Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard told reporters here on Tuesday.

The leftist government of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has been especially contemptuous of an agreement reached in 2008 between the Obama administration and the government of Mexican President Felipe Calderon, a bitter rival of Lopez Obrador.

The multimillion-dollar initiative became the latticework of a vast U.S.-Mexico joint effort to fight drug trafficking, share military intelligence, revamp Mexico's law enforcement agencies and its judiciary, and seek to improve government accountability. Known as the Merida Initiative, the deal for more than a decade has served as the foundation of U.S. security policy in Mexico.

The deal was heavy on hardware, military action and the so-called kingpin strategy  killing or capturing the leaders of drug cartels hoping that would cause their organizations to fold. It didn't turn out that way  the cartels had deep benches, and new leaders were frequently more violent than their predecessors, Mexican authorities have said.

It is time, Ebrard said, "to leave the Merida Initiative behind." Its premises are foreign to what the current Mexican government is attempting to achieve in public security, he said.

The Biden administration is amenable to making changes.

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"We believe we are due for an updated look at our bilateral security cooperation," State Department spokesman Ned Price said Thursday. He said the Merida plan made gains in terms of the rule of law, human rights and other crime-fighting strategies that should be conserved.

"We want to see to it that those gains are preserved, that that cooperation is deepened and that we have an updated approach that accounts for the threats of today," Price said.

The emerging security strategy has not been detailed, and authorities on both sides of the border face a daunting task: Violence and murder rates across Mexico have soared in recent years, whether related to drug trafficking, human smuggling or street crime.

People familiar with U.S.-Mexico discussions said the new strategy will likely focus more heavily on targeting the cartels' finances and activities in the U.S. Mexico is asking the U.S. to extradite more suspects, the people said, to more assert its sovereignty. So far, most extraditions go north from Mexico to the U.S., not the other way around.

Mexican officials are also sure to press the U.S. to stanch the flow of firearms being smuggled into their country. About 70% of all weapons confiscated in Mexico can be traced to U.S. sources, Mexican officials have said.

The U.S., meanwhile, hopes that Mexico will stiffen resistance to smugglers to reduce the arrivals of illegal immigrants to the U.S. southern border, where the numbers have broken records in recent months.

The Trump and Biden administrations have pressured Mexico to block the flow of people from Central America attempting to reach the U.S. border. Mexico's record on that score has been spotty, and in recent weeks U.S. officials scrambled to handle an influx of Haitian migrants in Del Rio, Texas.

The U.S. officials are also expected to seek Mexico's help in curbing illicit shipments to the U.S. of fentanyl, a powerful and often deadly synthetic opioid.

Outside experts said the new framework is badly needed because U.S. and Mexican officials were deeply unsatisfied with how the Merida initiative was working.

"The U.S. side recognizes that a once-strong cooperation has been in decline," said Andrew Selee, a Mexico expert who is president of the Migration Policy Institute in Washington. "It needs new energy."

Roberta Jacobson, a former U.S. ambassador to Mexico and formerly the top State Department official for Latin America, agrees Merida became outdated but believes it had success until recent changes.

"This cooperation has eroded in recent years, and with it the utility of Merida," she said during an online chat with the InterAmerican Dialogue.

Nevertheless, she said, the agreement created an unprecedented and valuable "culture of cooperation."

"Mexico and the United States must redefine their security priorities for a new binational strategy  one that respects sovereignty and responds to the actual causes of insecurity," she said.

The troubled security partnership hit a low point last year when the U.S. arrested former Mexican Defense Minister Salvador Cienfuegos on drug trafficking charges as he traveled in California. Mexican officials said they were not informed of the arrest, and protested vehemently. Eventually, the U.S. relented and sent him to Mexico, where he was released without charges. Mexico, as a reaction, imposed new restrictions on the ability of foreign agents to operate in Mexico.

Blinken and his colleagues will have to tackle that lingering mistrust, said Andrew Rudman, head of the Mexico Institute at the Wilson Center, a nonpartisan think tank in Washington.

"Confidence and trust have to be restored," he said. "The most important thing is they're talking, restoring a dialogue after so much damage."

Times staff writer Wilkinson reported from Washington and special correspondent Sanchez from Mexico City.





This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Furious business bosses have lined up to accuse Boris Johnson of leading Britain into a cost of living catastrophe without a credible plan to tackle the crises piling up for the economy.

Even former Tory loyalists such as Brexiteer Wetherspoon pubs boss Tim Martin joined the attack saying the Prime Minister headed a Government lurching from one unpredictable initiative to another with the least commercial savvy or guiding philosophy of any administration for 40 years.

The extraordinary row between a Tory leadership and captains of industry, normally seen as natural allies, was first triggered by an article in the Evening Standard on Monday, written by Leave-supporting Next chief executive Lord Wolfson.

The Tory peer called on the Government to allow businesses to hire more foreign workers to ease labour shortages that have led to chaos at filling stations, restaurants having to close and warnings of empty shelves at Christmas. The stand-off worsened yesterday when Mr Johnson dismissed the concerns in his speech to the Tory party conference in Manchester. Instead, he insisted that business could no longer use immigration as an excuse for failure to invest in people, in skills and in the equipment the facilities the machinery they need to do their jobs.

But Paul Drechsler, chairman of business group London First, which represents around 200 of the capitals largest employers, hit back, telling the Standard: This blame game is absolute nonsense from politicians who failed to listen, never had a plan and still dont have a plan. Burying heads in the sand at the scale of dislocation and pain that consumers and small businesses will have to bear as a result, risks turning a crisis into a cost of living catastrophe.

The Government should flex its own points-based immigration system to enable the economy to get the skills it needs so the recovery can continue. In a further sign of the differing views at the top of the Tory party, Andy Street, the Conservative Mayor of the West Midlands and former John Lewis boss, backed Lord Wolfsons call for some short-term flexibility while there is long-term adjustment. I do agree with that, thats common sense, he told ITVs Peston Show.

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The stand-off comes amid Cabinet divisions over the level of immigration that should be allowed to deal with the short-term problems facing Britain. Ardent free marketeers including Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng have been pushing firms to address the crises by recruiting more UK-based workers, a solution that some bosses say will not address the immediate difficulties, partly given difficulties finding new employees for key sectors and the length of time it takes to train them.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak stressed in his speech at the Conservative rally in Manchester that he is a pragmatist and business chiefs will be looking to him to push solutions which tackle the current problems, as well as seeking longer term reform for the economy.

The unprecedented attacks from private sector leaders came on another day of darkening economic storm clouds as winter approaches. Analysts warned that a seven-fold spike in the UKs wholesale gas prices could send household bills soaring by as much as 500 next April when the cap on tariffs is next calculated by regulator Ofgem.

Major industrial users of energy also warned of rising prices or even shortages of essentials ranging from toilet paper to bricks if the Government does not intervene.

Andrew Large, director general of the Confederation of Paper Industries, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that industry needed a temporary winter cost containment measure to try to put a lid on those costs so those very, very important industries for British society are going to be able to continue to operate. The criticism of the Prime Minister  whose speech was described as vacuous and economically illiterate by the free market Adam Smith Institute  came from a wide range of industrial sectors.

The managing director of supermarket Iceland, Richard Walker, said tough rhetoric is just quite simply not helpful to businesses. Asked for his view of the Prime Ministers tone and stance, Mr Walker told the Today programme: I dont think its particularly helpful. I mean business is dealing with so much and so many different crises which has all compounded at once. So, pointing the finger and choosing us as the bogeymen for issues such as HGV driver shortages  which is multifaceted and systemic  is simply not helpful.

Mr Walker said it is inevitable that there will be price rises as businesses face multiple cost pressures.

Restaurateur Sam Harrison, who runs Sams Riverside in Hammersmith, criticised the: Disingenuous optimism of our Prime Minister, who is so far removed from what is happening in the real business world.

Andrew Mawson, managing director of consultancy Advanced Workplace Associates, said: Businesses have spent the last two years adapting to massive changes in the way we work and our relationship with our biggest trading partners, and now are looking for support from the Government, not lecturing about how weve got things wrong. If Boris is going to deliver the high-skills, high-pay economy he proposes, he needs to work with business to deliver it.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi denied that the Tories were blaming businesses. Asked on Sky News whether the Tories were on a warpath with business, he said: Well, I dont agree with you.

A Government spokesperson said: aThe Government is taking action to address businesses aconcerns about the aglobal issues of increasing wholesale gas prices aand challenges with supply chains. Were working with industry to identify and resolve current issues and were monitoring the situation closely so that we can ease any future pinch points.

The UK has the fastest rate of growth in the G7, wages are rising and unemployment is falling. Our plan for growth clearly sets out the opportunities well seize across the UK to drive economic growth, create jobs and support British industry as we level-up and build back better from the pandemic.

Read More

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Boris Johnson: Shortages are the UK waking up post-pandemic

Nexts Lord Wolfson: Firms must be able to hire from overseas
The father of Brian Laundrie joined search teams in Florida's Carlton Reserve to look for his son, the attorney representing Laundrie's family said Thursday. Chris Laundrie pointed out potential trails his son may have used as law enforcement continues the statewide manhunt for Brian, whose fiancee, Gabby Petitio, was found dead last month.

"Although Chris and Roberta Laundrie provided this information verbally three weeks ago it is now thought that on-site assistance may be better," attorney Steven Bertolini told CBS News on Thursday. "The preserve has been closed to the public and the Laundries as well but the parents have been cooperating since the search began."

Brian, 23, has been missing for several weeks. On September 18, Laundrie's parents told authorities they had last seen their son several days prior and had no idea of his whereabouts. He had previously refused to speak with police after returning home from a cross-country trip on September 1 without Petito, his 22-year-old fiancee.

Petito last video chatted with her mother on August 23 or 24 and was last seen on August 27. On September 11, Petito's parents reported her missing, and Laundrie, who had been named a person of interest in the case, refused to speak to police.

Petito's body was discovered in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming on September 19. Two days later, the Teton County Coroner confirmed the body was Petito's and said the apparent cause of death was homicide.

Gabby Petito and Brian Laundrie / Credit: Gabby Petito/Instagram

Now, both state and federal agencies are focusing their search for Laundrie on several wooded areas in the Carlton Reserve. On September 23, the FBI issued an arrest warrant for Laundrie after he "knowingly and with intent to defraud" used a bank card that was later revealed to be Petito's.

A close friend of Petito's told CBS News that Laundrie is an expert in hiking and camping.

"He's good with nature. He can go into nature," Rose Davis said. "So, my first thought was he's  he's in the woods. He's somewhere in the woods."

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Petito's parents have urged Laundrie to turn himself into police, faulting his family for their failure to cooperate earlier in the investigation.

"The Laundries did not help us find Gabby, they're sure as not going to help us find Brian," Petito family attorney Richard Stafford said on September 28. "For Brian, we're asking you to turn yourself in to the FBI or the nearest law enforcement organization."

On Wednesday, Bertolini also confirmed that Laundrie flew home to see his parents on August 17 and returned to Utah on August 23, four days before Petito was last seen. The couple was considering extending their road trip, Bertolini said.

Democrats accept GOP's debt ceiling deal

New report warns foreign hacking group is targeting health care systems and hospitals

Supreme Court hears case involving Guantanamo Bay prisoner who has yet to be charged with a crime
More than 130 business leaders and The Independent have signed a declaration calling for an end to the death penalty. The Business Leaders Against the Death Penalty campaign has been gathering support from global CEOs since it launched in March - and Im not surprised.

Capital punishment embodies many of the things company leaders know they must speak out about: it is racist in its implementation; disproportionately impacts those who are poor and mentally ill; it is frequently used a tool of political oppression and social control; and it is frighteningly expensive for something that doesnt work.

Across the US, elected leaders are recognizing the death penalty does not serve their constituents. Governor Spencer Cox of Utah said he is reevaluating his formerly supportive position on the death penalty; Governor Mike DeWine in Ohio has implemented a de facto moratorium on executions. Business leaders are seeing this too: it doesnt increase the wellbeing of the communities in which they invest and operate, in fact it does the opposite.

The statistics that exemplify the death penaltys glaring flaws bear repeating here. Its racist  you are four times more likely to receive a death sentence if you are Black than if you are white, for an equivalent crime. Its ineffective  states that practice it have higher murder rates. Its incredibly expensive  to execute someone costs $2 million more than a life sentence. Its unacceptably error-prone  for every eight people executed, one innocent person is exonerated.

Its failings are recognized around the world - resulting in pressure from allies and trade partners to discard the practice. On Monday the EU ambassador to the United States, Stavros Lambrinidis, flanked by the Swedish ambassador, Karin Olofsdotter, called for more companies to step forward to support abolition. Membership of the EU is predicated on ending the death penalty, and European countries (as well as nations like Mexico, Canada and Australia) have consistently reiterated its importance - even prioritizing it over trade. In 2018, the UK government issued a report stating that in the case of a conflict between trade negotiations and its human rights priorities - of which the death penalty is one - the latter should prevail. In 2019, the French State Pension Fund blacklisted the US treasuries market on the basis of Americas use of capital punishment. European nations have put their trading and investment power on the table because they believe so strongly in the importance of ending executions.

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Equally, companies and their leaders increasingly recognize their responsibility to be a force for good in society. Six in ten Americans say it is no longer acceptable for companies to be silent on social justice issues, and half assume that companies who remain quiet dont care. At the same time, the past 18 months have shown us that Americas broken justice system is the most pressing social issue facing a generation. The death penalty is the starkest example of discrimination, ineffectiveness and cruelty that define it.

So why are companies wading in now? The answer is simple: they know they can have an impact. Decades of work by campaigners and advocates -- many of whom have lived experience of capital punishment, either because they sat innocent on death row for years or because their loved ones were victims of violent crime - has driven the death penalty to a tipping point. For the first time ever, most Americans prefer alternative punishments for murder. Support for the death penalty continues to decline  and many jurisdictions are poised to do away with it. Earlier this year Virginia became the first Southern state to abolish - the state which has executed more people than any other. Republican-led campaigns are marching forwards in Utah and Ohio. The potential to end the death penalty feels within grasping reach, and companies - and the people that run them - know their unparalleled influence and leverage brings power to the table, at a time when campaigners need them the most.

The systemic shock of Covid-19 combined and the outrage that followed George Floyds murder have been a reckoning for justice systems around the world. People are demanding a fairer and more equal world, and we have an opportunity to rebuild one. As the economic engines of our post-pandemic recovery, and some of the loudest voices in our global society, employers and investors can help realize a better justice system - and theyre doing just that. Lawmakers and decision makers should be paying attention, business leaders are entering into the fray and demanding an end to capital punishment. Theres a new incentive for ending the death penalty: abolition is good for business.

Celia Ouellette is the founder and CEO of the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice which is partnering with The Independent in a campaign against the death penalty

Read More

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Opinion: Liz Truss, your window-dressing measures wont stop violence against women
Northampton, MA --News Direct-- CNH Industrial

Harvested Corn donated to Great Plains Food Bank

For the third consecutive year CNH Industrial employees in Fargo planted a two-acre plot of sweet corn and donated all proceeds from its Corn Picking Fest to the Great Plains Food Bank in North Dakota. Employees collected about 3,486 pounds of corn on the cob which translates to about 3,170 meals which the food bank will provide to North Dakotans in need.

CNH Industrial helps farmers around the world to become more productive and more sustainable. The Fargo facility produces 4WD Tractors for CNH Industrials Case IH and New Holland Agriculture brands, as well as Wheel Loaders for CASE Construction Equipment and New Holland Construction.The Company is very committed to support its local communities through volunteering and giving back with a strong emphasis on food security.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from CNH Industrial on 3blmedia.com

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Perhaps the U.S. Senate should be restructured to eliminate the disproportionate power of less-populous states. (Senate Television)

Recently a White House commission heard testimony on a controversial proposal to strip the U.S. Supreme Court of its power to rule on the constitutionality of American laws. The court has grown too powerful and undemocratic, several witnesses said.

A few weeks later, a legal scholar wrote that it was time to lengthen the ludicrously short two-year terms that members of the House of Representatives serve under the Constitution. Little can get done, he wrote, in an atmosphere of perpetual campaigning.

Around the country, there are conversations underway about how the U.S. Senate could be restructured so that it doesnt allot the same number of senators  two  to a state like Wyoming, which has fewer than 600,000 people, as it does to California, which has nearly 40 million people. The current system leaves millions of Americans grossly underrepresented.

Theres also talk of doing away with the electoral college, of banning corporate money from politics, of breaking up the biggest states (Los Angeles County could become the countrys eighth-largest state!), of depoliticizing redistricting and of allowing noncitizens to vote.

Many of the proposals are old ones, long backed by frustrated academics and head-in-the-clouds idealists, but in my circles at least, I hear a new sense of urgency for radical, structural change in the government.

Is it any surprise?

The country is in the grips of crisis, stuck, incapable of moving forward. Presidents cant fulfill their agendas. Congress cant agree on legislation. The Supreme Court is deeply politicized. Were still reeling from four years under President Trump, who trampled on democracy and its rules. Bipartisanship is passe.

Problems as serious as the climate crisis, economic inequality and racial injustice, and problems as simple and uncontroversial as rebuilding crumbling infrastructure and covering our national debts, seem insuperable in the face of partisanship and enmity.

Its no wonder Americans are eager to reinvent or reinvigorate democracy.

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Id like to tell you that change is coming. Many of the proposals, after all, would improve our lot. The electoral college is an anachronism  of course the presidency should go to the candidate who wins the most votes. The structure of the Senate is a glaring violation of the principle of one-person, one-vote; the result of a deal from 1787 that badly needs reassessment.

But ironically, at a time when people are willing to consider big changes, big changes may be more distant than ever.

Truly substantive reforms  eliminating the electoral college or remaking the Senate, for instance, or undoing the Citizens United decision  would require amending the U.S. Constitution.

Well, great, you might think  thats why we have an amendment process, to keep the 234-year-old Constitution up to date with the modern world. Lets get started.

But dont get overexcited. In the 50 years since 1971, only one constitutional amendment has been approved, a relatively insignificant one about when congressional pay changes can go into effect. The amendment before that  extending the vote to 18-year-olds  could never succeed in todays partisan environment because it would be likely to benefit one party over the other.

More than 11,000 amendments have been proposed since 1789, but only 27 have been enacted.

Why so few? Because theyre extremely hard to pass. Too hard. To succeed, a constitutional amendment is usually proposed by a vote of two-thirds of both houses of Congress. After that it must be ratified by three-quarters of the states (currently, 38 of them). Thats right  a double supermajority.

Good luck with that in this political climate. One critic recently went so far as to question whether the U.S. would ever pass a constitutional amendment again, quoting Aziz Rana, a constitutional law professor at Cornell University, saying: We have an amendment process thats the hardest in the world to enact.

And if you want to change that amendment process? That requires an amendment.

Even legislative change that could be accomplished by Congress alone  for instance, rewriting the Voting Rights Act, which was gutted by the Supreme Court in 2013  is virtually impossible in the polarized mess of present-day Washington.

Thats why so many Democrats are focused on eliminating the filibuster, which makes it impossible to pass most legislation without a 60-vote supermajority in the 100-member Senate. Because the filibuster is a Senate rule, it could be abolished relatively easily through procedural maneuvering.

Theoretically.

But not all Democrats agree on doing away with the filibuster, so even finding a majority to do so could be difficult.

Eliminating the filibuster is the kind of change that seems like a great idea when  as is now the case for Democrats  your party is in power but is not strong enough to surmount the 60-vote threshold. But if you get rid of it, you must be prepared for the consequences when your party loses its majority (which could easily happen to Democrats in the Senate next year). You might come to regret the change.

Many of us were brought up on American exceptionalism and post-World War II braggadocio. It was common to hear the U.S. called the greatest country in the world, and for children to be taught that our Constitution was the most democratic and progressive there was.

That self-image has been badly battered recently.

For a society to remain healthy, responsive to its citizens and truly democratic, it needs to be able to change. And that doesnt happen easily in the United States.

Nevertheless, what choice do we have other than to keep trying, to vote our consciences, to protest peacefully and to speak out in favor of substantive democratic reform?

The alternative is more of the same.

@Nick_Goldberg

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Third-year student Kathy Gomez, right, gets help with class enrollment from L.A. Community College's Vanessa Garcia on Aug. 30. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

In a sign of improving COVID-19 conditions, San Francisco is set to lift mask requirements in indoor gyms and offices next week  but only if everyone inside is vaccinated.

The move would make San Francisco the first slice of the Bay Area to significantly relax the public indoor face covering requirements imposed in midsummer in response to the recent Delta surge. If recent trends continue, it wont be the last.

As long as the numbers of newly confirmed infections and patients being admitted to hospitals remain stable and low, San Francisco will lift indoor masking requirements on Oct. 15, not only in offices and gyms, but also in indoor college classrooms, places of worship, employee commuter vehicles and other gatherings of people who meet regularly but don't exceed 100 people. Everyone inside those places must be vaccinated.

Employers or hosts must ensure that rooms are properly ventilated, children under 12 and guests are not present, and there have been no recent COVID-19 outbreaks.

Berkeley and San Francisco are the only two Bay Area jurisdictions that require customers 12 and older in indoor restaurants, bars and gyms to show proof of a COVID-19 vaccination. Contra Costa County, the Bay Areas third-most populous, has ordered those customers to show either proof of vaccination or a recent negative coronavirus test result.

San Francisco Mayor London Breed  who last month was criticized for shedding her mask at an indoor jazz nightclub, despite the mask order  characterized the move as "an important step forward," especially for the downtown area.

"When I talk to office workers and business leaders, one of the things I continue to hear is that they're anxious to get back to a more normal routine at work where they can interact with their colleagues," she said in a statement. "Our economy is bouncing back, the city feels like it is coming alive again, and this is yet another milestone in our recovery."

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Indoor masking requirements will remain in force in settings that are more widely accessible, including stores, shopping malls and restaurants and bars except when drinking and eating.

San Francisco's announcement comes on the same day most counties in the Bay Area unveiled the criteria that they agree must be met to broadly lift mask requirements in indoor public spaces. But it could be months before counties meet those self-set benchmarks.

These jurisdictions  San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Sonoma counties  say they'll retire the local indoor mask mandate when they achieve all of the following:

They've been in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's "moderate," or yellow, transmission tier for at least three weeks;

The local health officer determines COVID-19 hospitalizations are sufficiently stable and low;

At least 80% of the total population is fully vaccinated, or eight weeks have passed since the shots were authorized for use in children between the ages of 5 and 11.

No county in the Bay Area has achieved all of these thresholds. In fact, as of Thursday, every county reporting data to the CDC in California was in one of the CDC's agency's worst two tiers in rating coronavirus transmission levels: "substantial" or orange, and "high" or red.

A map showing coronavirus transmission levels in all California counties. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

San Francisco estimates that 75% of residents of all ages are fully vaccinated; Santa Clara County, the Bay Area's most populous, reports 72% of all residents are fully vaccinated. In Contra Costa County, 71% of all residents are fully vaccinated.

Hitting all three thresholds to lift the indoor mask mandate may not be reached in Contra Costa County until the end of this year or the start of next year, officials there said in a statement.

Bay Area counties may decide on their own to lift mask mandates at different times, Dr. Sara Cody, the Santa Clara County public health director and health officer, said at a briefing. That might lead to a scenario in which one county might still require masks while its neighbors do not.

"The most important thing is that we have metrics that are relatively simple and that the public can see, and that we can track them together," Cody said.

Health officials have long said curtailing the coronavirus takes a multipronged approach. Actions such as wearing masks in public, observing physical distancing and getting vaccinated can all reduce a person's risk of being infected  but they're more effective when used together.

"Essentially, we want to ensure that we have many layers of prevention. We want to make sure that the vaccination layer is really robust before we peel back the masking layer," Cody said.

Currently, children younger than 12 are not eligible to be inoculated. Pfizer has asked for federal approval to use its COVID-19 immunizations in children ages 5 to 11, but it may take until Thanksgiving before those immunizations are authorized.

Much of the Bay Area has regularly moved in concert throughout the pandemic  adding and lifting restrictions together to present a unified front against the coronavirus.

Masks were no exception. Health officers from most Bay Area counties jointly announced their existing mandates in early August, when the Delta variant was still storming across the region. (Solano County never re-implemented a mask mandate, and a county adjacent to the Bay Area, Santa Cruz, enacted a mask mandate weeks later than the rest of the Bay Area, and lifted its mask order last week.)

While other counties across the state adopted similar rules, California as a whole never reimposed a universal indoor mask mandate during the latest wave. While state health officials require unvaccinated residents to wear masks in indoor public places, they still only recommend vaccinated individuals do likewise.

Bay Area officials said the path unveiled Thursday will provide clarity to the public and allow residents to easily track how close their county or city is to clearing all the hurdles.

"Masks and vaccines together have protected residents of Alameda County and the Bay Area during the summer wave," Dr. Nicholas Moss, the Alameda County health officer, said in a statement. "While we expect COVID-19 and flu to circulate this winter, with more people well-protected from severe illness by vaccination, we will be able to loosen mask requirements safely."

The easing of local indoor mask requirements will not affect mask requirements imposed by the state or federal governments. The state, for instance, has ordered indoor mask use in K-12 school settings, and the federal government has ordered indoor mask use on public transportation, such as airplanes, trains and buses and at airports.

When asked about the Bay Area announcement, Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said, "We're obviously looking at doing something similar."

"I don't know that it will mimic what's happening up in the Bay Area communities. They already have, for example, much higher vaccination rates overall than we do," she told reporters Thursday. "And their community demographics obviously look different."

Ferrer said that 60% of L.A. County residents of all ages are fully vaccinated. According to the CDC, L.A. County has a higher degree of social vulnerability to natural disasters such as pandemics based on a number of factors, including poverty and crowded housing, compared with the Bay Area.

Los Angeles County was the first county in California to reinstitute a mandatory mask mandate in indoor settings. The move, ordered in mid-July, was credited by experts for blunting the effects of the Delta surge.

Ferrer did say that L.A. County's approach in easing the mask requirement would probably "be linked to risk at certain settings. So, as I've said before, if you have a lot of unvaccinated students, like we do at our elementary schools, that masking requirement is really the primary mode of protection. So I don't see that going away in a school setting until we have more people able to be vaccinated."

"We've been very honest from the beginning that one of the driving forces here will be getting back to lower community rates of transmission," Ferrer said.

Other counties in Southern California that issued indoor mask mandates in response to the summer Delta surge include Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Imperial.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Less than a year ago, Trevor Noah dropped $27.5 million on an extravagant Bel Air mansionjust months after selling another nearby Bel Air home to Bird founder Travis VanderZanden for a little over $21 million. Now the South African comedian and Emmy-winning host of The Daily Showwho also owns a $10 million penthouse in the New York City borough of Manhattanhas decided to clean house in California, flipping his recently purchased digs back onto the market.

Views of the outdoor landscape from the interior of the home. - Credit: Redfin

Redfin

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Noah is asking $29.75 million for the modern Bel Air structure, which was designed by architect Mark Rios as a personal residence for himself and his fertility doctor husband Guy Ringler. Composed of three white and windowless cubes out front, the rear of the six-bedroom, 9.5-bath home has floor-to-ceiling walls of glass with ocean and mountain views. Over-the-top amenities run rampanta Japanese-style spa underneath the pool boasts a wooden tub, sauna, and massage and changing rooms, while a wine room has a hidden door that opens to a glass-encased elevator that travels to a gourmet kitchen sporting dark wood cabinetry. Theres also a stylish timber-clad library, plus a gym, club room and rooftop terrace that doubles as a screening room.

One of the propertys six bedrooms. - Credit: Redfin

Redfin

Other highlights of the three-level residence include a living room adorned in wide-plank oak floors from Germany, which opens to an outdoor bar and kitchen topped by a terrace; and a formal dining room abutting a den. A swank master retreat is spotlighted by dual baths and walk-in wardrobes, and four additional ensuite guest bedrooms can be found elsewhere in the house. Then there are the lush manicured grounds, replete with a 15-by-60-foot infinity-edge pool, fireside conversation pit and the aforementioned outdoor kitchen.

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The backyard of the home featuring an infinity-edge pool. - Credit: Redfin

Redfin

Noah, 37, has helmed Comedy Centrals The Daily Show since 2015. In 2017, he inked a contract extension that will keep him in the hosts chair through the end of 2022. He also recently embarked upon a Back to Abnormal world tour and relays on Instagram that he snagged a role in the upcoming The Matrix 4: Resurrections film, slated for release in December; according to the New York Post, Noah has rented another NYC penthouse, this one in Tribecas luxe 70 Vestry building at a rate of $52,000 a month.

Jonah Wilson of Hilton & Hyland holds the listing.

Check out more images of the mansion below.

Trevor Noah Bel Air Mansion

Trevor Noah Bel Air Mansion

Trevor Noah Bel Air Mansion

Trevor Noah Bel Air Mansion

Trevor Noah Bel Air Mansion

Trevor Noah Bel Air Mansion

Trevor Noah Bel Air Mansion

Trevor Noah Bel Air Mansion

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Miami Herald

She waited five years to confront Tom Privett, her former high school teacher, the man who groomed and manipulated her on campus. The man who raped her over and over inside his classroom.
COPENHAGEN (Reuters) -Denmark said on Thursday three Danish women, who were evacuated from Syrian detention camps along with their 14 children, had been charged with aiding terrorist activities and illegally travelling to and residing in conflict zones.

Danish authorities decided in May to evacuate the women, who were being held in northeastern Syria due to their association with Islamic State, following political pressure and the threat of a no-confidence vote from parliament.

The women and children were evacuated from the al-Roj camp on Wednesday with the help of the United States and Germany, with Germany also taking in eight other mothers and 23 children from the camps.

"Upon arrival in Denmark the mothers were arrested and preliminarily charged," presiding police inspector Tenna Wilbert said. "Now an investigation and legal proceedings await."

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, prosecutors must decide whether to confirm formal charges, paving the way to a trial.

The women faced questioning in front of a judge on Thursday, where prosecutors will argue they should be kept in custody.

All three women have Danish citizenship.

Denmark is also offering to evacuate another five children from the camps, but without their mothers, who have been stripped of their Danish citizenship due to suspicion of links with militant groups such as Islamic State. But this would require the mothers' consent, which they have not given so far.

"It might be necessary to evacuate more children from Syria but no more parents," Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told journalists on Thursday.

(Reporting by Nikolaj Skydsgaard and Stine Jacobsen, editing by Mark Heinrich)
Musk said Tesla is still looking to scale up operations in California and Nevada. Britta Pedersen/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Tesla is moving its headquarters from the Bay Area to Austin, Texas.

Elon Musk announced the move during Tesla's annual meeting of shareholders.

Tesla is building a manufacturing plant outside of Austin, and Musk now lives in Texas.

Tesla is moving its headquarters from California's Bay Area to Austin, Texas.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk made the announcement during Tesla's annual shareholder meeting on Thursday. Signs were pointing to an imminent move to the Lone Star State even before the event.

Musk stressed that although Tesla's homebase is moving from Palo Alto to Austin, Tesla isn't leaving California altogether. The company still aims to expand output from its Fremont, California, factory by 50%, he said.

"To be clear though, we will be continuing to expand our activities in California," he said. "So this is not a matter of Tesla leaving California."

Tesla decided to move in part because it's difficult for employees to afford houses in the Bay Area, and that some people need to commute from far away, Musk said.

"There's a limit to how big you can scale in the Bay Area," he said.

Tesla has been working on a manufacturing plant outside of Austin since the summer of 2020. Over the last year, Musk moved both his residence and his charitable foundation to the state. Tesla's latest two press releases in late September and early October came out of Austin, fueling speculation about a move.

In May 2020, after butting heads with local officials over coronavirus restrictions, Musk threatened to move all of Tesla's operations to Texas or Nevada.

In recent years and especially during the pandemic, Austin has attracted droves of tech workers from Silicon Valley and elsewhere. Tesla will join companies including Google, Facebook, and Oracle, which all have offices in the city.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Democrats praised Sen. Bernie Sanders last year as a team player for his efforts to help his former primary rival Joe Biden win the presidency. But in recent days, the Vermont socialist has become increasingly caustic in criticism of his centrist Democratic colleagues in the Senate.

Sanders faced criticism in 2016 for what some Democrats saw as a refusal to concede to Hillary Clinton and dragging out a brutal primary  but he won praise from Democrats for actively supporting Biden in 2020.

BIDEN ALL OVER THE MAP ON ANTI-ABORTION HYDE AMENDMENT

Now Sanders is back on the attack against centrist Democrats Sens. Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Joe Manchin of West Virginia for their opposition to the cost of Bidens proposed $3.5 trillion social spending bill.

In a tweet Thursday, Sanders hit Manchin for his objections to the price tag of the bill. Manchin has said he would not support a bill over $1.5 trillion because he objects to creating an entitlement society.



Sanders blasted Manchin for the comment.

Is protecting working families and cutting childhood poverty an entitlement? Sanders asked.

But Manchin is not the only object of Sanders's ire: Axios reported Wednesday that Sanders withheld his support from a planned joint statement from Democratic leadership condemning protest tactics used against Sinema unless it included criticism of her position on the $3.5 trillion social spending bill.

Activists confronted Sinema, who is also a lecturer at Arizona State University's School of Social Work, over her opposition to the bill and filmed her and her students in a bathroom last weekend.

In emails obtained by Axios, Senate Democratic leadership aides planned to issue a joint statement condemning the ambush, which they called plainly inappropriate and unacceptable."

An aide to Sanders requested an edit to the proposed statement urging Sinema to drop her opposition to the size of the spending bill. That request was rejected by an aide to Sen. Cory Booker, who organized the statement. The Booker aide said the New Jersey Democrat would not accept the edit. Sanders's office then declined to participate.

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Manchin, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sens. Dick Durbin, Mark Warner, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, and Catherine Cortez-Masto joined Booker in approving the statement.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Centrist and progressive Democrats have thus far failed to reach an agreement on the size of the social spending bill, fueling hostility between some members of the party.

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, Bernie Sanders, Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, Kyrsten Sinema, Joe Manchin

Original Author: Kate Scanlon

Original Location: The end of 'team player' Bernie Sanders?
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Theres no question that Ernest Lee Johnson was guilty of murder. He never denied killing three people inside a convenience store with a claw hammer in Columbia, Missouri, in 1994, during a robbery.

But for 27 years, his attorneys as well as anti-death penalty activists, politicians and  recently  Pope Francis have called on the state to consider Johnsons low IQ and the removal of part of his brain to declare him intellectually incompetent and grant him a commutation to life in prison.

Clemency, however, was denied. The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to stay the execution. At 61, Johnson died by lethal injection at 6:11 p.m. Tuesday.

"He silently mouthed words to relatives as the process began," wrote Associated Press reporter Jim Salter, who witnessed the execution. "His breathing became labored, he puffed out his cheeks, then swallowed hard. Within seconds, all movement stopped."

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson and Attorney General Eric Schmitt said that Johnson recollected the crime, planned it and tried to conceal it  all indicators, the state said, that he was competent enough to die.

"Mr. Johnson was tried and convicted for the brutal murder of three innocent victims," according to a statement from Parson's office. "The evidence showed Mr. Johnson went to great lengths to plan and conceal his crime."

More: Missouri executes Ernest Johnson, who killed three Columbia Casey's employees in 1994

Tuesday's U.S. Supreme Court denial of Johnson's last appeal

The statement continued: "Mr. Johnson's claim that he is not competent to be executed has been reviewed and rejected by a jury and the courts six different times, including a unanimous decision by the Missouri Supreme Court. Mr. Johnson has received due process."

A daughter of one of the victims posted on Facebook about the execution, according to a local news station. NBC station KOMU reported that Carley Shaffer wrote: "I wish someone would have warned us that we would be here, 27 years, 7 months, and 22 days later, waiting for justice."

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Jeremy Weiss, a federal public defender and attorney for Johnson, said the case is now over.

"While we disagree with the various orders, they were lawful and there wouldnt be a basis to sue," he told the USA TODAY Network.

The execution shocked many in the anti-death penalty camp.

"What kind of country executes, murders someone who has an intellectual disability, someone who's so vulnerable, regardless of what crime they may have committed?" said Amy Fettig, executive director of The Sentencing Project. "We didn't take care of him enough to prevent that crime. And that's on us."

According to the latest available data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, from 2011-2012, about 32% of prisoners and 40% of jail inmates reported having at least one disability. A March report by the BJS showed that more than 500,000 inmates had a cognitive disability.

Elyse Max, executive director of Missourians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty said "We mourn the loss of the victims lost in 1994,"  Mary Bratcher, 46, Mabel Scruggs, 57, and Fred Jones, 58. All three were store employees at the Caseys General Store in Columbia.

Ernest Lee Johnson

But Max said Johnsons death should be cause for alarm. Johnson was born with fetal-alcohol syndrome and lost 20% of his brain during a 2008 surgery to remove a benign tumor.

"The execution was illegal," Max said.

The U.S. Constitutions Eighth Amendments ban on cruel and unusual punishment forbids executions in such cases, according to a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Atkins v. Virginia. The high court voted 6-3 in that case, saying the Eighth Amendment should be interpreted based on evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society."

Johnson's attorneys said in a filing that multiple tests on Johnson's IQ showed he had a lifetime average score of 67.4  well below the average of 100 and below the U.S. average of 98.

Parson, a Republican, cited rulings by state trial courts, the Missouri Supreme Court, a federal court of appeals and the U.S. Supreme Court.

There were no victim statements before the execution in Bonne Terre, Missouri, about 170 miles from where the murders happened. But family members had previously said they wanted to proceed with the execution. Several victims' family members attended Tuesday evening, as did family and an attorney for Johnson.

Prison officials also said that about 60 protestors were at the courthouse pleading with the state to give Johnson a reprieve. .

More: Anti-death penalty demonstrators in Columbia reflect on execution of Ernest Lee Johnson

State executions have become less common

Johnson's was the first execution in Missouri since 2020. That May, Walter Barton was put to death for a 1991 fatal stabbing of a woman aged 81.

Executions in the U.S. have declined in recent decades to historic lows as more states abolish the sentence, although there have been ups and downs, the center wrote in July. Last year, Colorado, for example, became the 22nd state to abolish the death penalty.

According to Pew Research Center, there were some 2,570 people on death row in the United States in 2019  down nearly 20% from a high of 3,600 in 2000, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

While views differ by race, background and political leanings, the center reported that a majority of Americans still approve of death as morally justified for heinous crimes like murder.

Although use of the death penalty is down, Max said it is a tool of politically motivated people who want to appear tough on crime for the electorate. And she said this execution, despite tests showing his intellect was so weak, was purely political  and that blame falls on Parson and Schmitt, who is running for U.S. Senate.

Schmitt's spokesman, Chris Nuelle, said in an email that the office was not going to respond.

Eric Ferkenhoff is the Midwest criminal justice reporter for USA TODAY Network.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Missouri executes man many claim was mentally incompetent
By Stephanie Nebehay

GENEVA (Reuters) - North Korea's most vulnerable risk starvation after it slipped deeper into isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic and U.N. sanctions imposed for its nuclear and missile programmes should be eased, a U.N. rights investigator said in report seen by Reuters.

The worsening humanitarian situation could turn into a crisis and it is coinciding with a global "creeping apathy" about the plight of North Korea's people, said Tomas Ojea Quintana, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"Sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council should be reviewed and eased when necessary to both facilitate humanitarian and lifesaving assistance and to enable the promotion of the right to an adequate standard of living of ordinary citizens," he said in a final report to the U.N. General Assembly, to be presented on Oct. 22.

North Korea does not recognise Ojea Quintana's mandate or cooperate with him and its mission in Geneva did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The government in Pyongyang does not take questions from foreign media.

Leader Kim Jong Un in June said the food situation was "tense" because of natural disasters last year and acknowledged that citizens had faced sacrifices during the pandemic. In April, North Korean officials called a U.N. report on child malnutrition a "sheer lie".

North Korea has not reported any COVID-19 cases and has imposed strict anti-virus measures, including border closures and domestic travel curbs.

But many North Koreans relying on commercial activities along the border with China have lost their incomes, and that has been compounded by the impact of sanctions, Ojea Quintana said.

"Peoples access to food is a serious concern and the most vulnerable children and elderly are at risk of starvation," he said, adding that North Koreans "should not have to choose between the fear of hunger and the fear of COVID-19".

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"Essential medicines and medical supplies are in short supply and prices have increased several fold as they stopped coming in from China, and humanitarian organisations have been unable to bring in medicines and other supplies."

Most diplomats and aid workers have left North Korea amid strict travel restrictions and a shortage of essential goods and health facilities, Ojea Quintana said.

Progress in vaccination, women and children's health and water and sanitation was eroding, he said.

"The current worsening humanitarian situation could turn into a crisis and must be averted," he said.

'CREEPING APATHY'

He also voiced concern that growing challenges to obtaining information were "leading to a creeping apathy in global attention to the worsening human rights situation there".

Ojea Quintana called for easing military tension on the divided peninsula and urged the United States and South Korea to "send clear signals" to revive diplomacy aimed at securing the North's denuclearisation.

In recent weeks, North Korea carried out a series of weapons tests including ballistic missiles and a cruise missile with potential nuclear capabilities.

Ojea Quintana welcomed a pledge by U.S. President Joe Biden and South Korean President Moon Jae-in last May to work to improve North Korea's rights situation.

"In any possible upcoming peace negotiations, the Republic of Korea and the United States of America should secure commitments with measurable benchmarks ... to a meaningful process of engagement on human rights," he said.

North Koreans are still detained in political prison camps, along with their families, while some have been released from labour training centres due to the unavailability of food and work, he said.The camps, known as kwanliso, the existence of which is denied by the state, can be qualified as constituting crimes against humanity, he said.

(Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; Editing by Robert Birsel)
The FBI says the Zodiac Killer case has yet to be solved, shutting down claims the identity of the killer has been resolved.

A group of around 40 investigators, dubbed The Case Breakers, published a press release claiming they had identified the Zodiac Killer as Gary Francis Poste, a man who died in 2018.

The Zodiac Killer was infamous for sending four cryptograms, two of which were solved, and 18 letters to newspapers during this time period. He terrorized the San Francisco Bay Area during the 1960s and 1970s, killing around 10 people and leaving 37 people victimized, according to the Zodiac Killer website.

ZODIAC KILLER'S NAME TO BE REVEALED

The FBI San Francisco media team confirmed to the Washington Examiner in a statement that The Zodiac Killer case "remains open," as they currently don't have any new information to share with the public.

Poste's identity as the supposed Zodiac Killer was linked on the basis that both men had matching "head scars" and through forensic evidence found at the murder scene of Cheri Jo Bates. Forensic evidence includes a wristwatch left behind that was splattered in paint; brown hairs in Bates's fist, which is the same color as Poste's hair; and a heel print from what is described to be a "military-style boot," allegedly the same style and size Poste had worn, according to the press release.

The FBI says a claim from an independent group of cold case investigators that they identified California's notorious Zodiac Killer is inaccurate. https://t.co/yBUMgY9SsD  NBC News (@NBCNews) October 7, 2021

French engineer Faycal Ziraoui claimed in June he had solved the final two cryptograms that the Zodiac Killer had sent after spending a reported two weeks in January devoted to cracking the ciphers.

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After posting his findings on the internet, his findings were widely discussed and ultimately disregarded.

"Hundreds of proposals for Z13 and Z32 solutions" are already out there, David Oraonchak, the leader of the team who helped decipher cryptogram Z340, said. "It is practically impossible to determine if any of them are correct."

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, posted a meme to Twitter expressing his thankfulness for The Case Breaker's revelation of the Zodiac Killer's identity, as the senator has managed to find himself the brunt of internet memes framing him to be the killer.

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, Mysteries, Crime, murder

Original Author: Elizabeth Faddis

Original Location: FBI shuts down claims Zodiac Killer has been identified
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is advancing a plan to lift a three-decades-old ban on catching and killing goliath groupers in Florida waters.

Driving the news: FWC approved a proposed draft changing the rules yesterday, CBS Miami reports.

Any issues or changes will be addressed at meetings expected to conclude by March 2022.

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Details: The new rules would open a 3-month season and issue 200 one-fish permits via lottery. Only goliaths between 20 and 36 inches could be kept.

Context: The largest grouper in the Atlantic, which mostly lives off reefs in South Florida, can grow to be 8 feet long and weigh 800 pounds  so big they can eat a four-foot shark in one bite.

Why it matters: Goliath grouper were delisted as a "species of special concern" by NOAA in 2006 and the FWC says groupers have continued to increase in abundance since the fishery was closed in 1990.

"For a variety of reasons, some fishermen want harvest to be allowed, including desires for reduced interactions with goliath while fishing, opportunities to harvest a very large fish, and belief that harvest access should not be restricted indefinitely," FWC said in a statement.

Yes, but: While most scientists agree the species is recovering, some say populations are not yet where they should be.

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Oct. 7A Bar Harbor man who waged a failed U.S. Senate bid last year pointed a gun at a former campaign staffer in a dispute over a cryptocurrency investment, court documents allege.

Max Linn denies the allegations made by his former assistant, Matt McDonald, who was involved in his two U.S. Senate campaigns in 2018 and 2020.

It's the latest episode in Linn's strange public life. He was removed from the Republican primary ballot three years ago after nominating petitions featured fraudulent signatures purported to be from Mainers who had died. Then, he got only 1.6 percent of votes in a 2020 race won by Sen. Susan Collins in which he gained attention for debate theatrics.

The relationship between Linn and his former assistant went downhill this year, according to a protection-from-harassment order application filed by McDonald against Linn in a Ellsworth court on Wednesday.

McDonald alleged Linn gave him money in the middle of 2021 to invest in cryptocurrency on his behalf. Linn then went to Indonesia with his wife for a few months. When he returned, Linn wanted to instead use the cryptocurrency to buy drugs from Indonesia that are falsely touted as COVID-19 cures, over McDonald's objections, the document said.

When McDonald met with Linn in Bar Harbor in late summer to resolve the dispute, Linn pointed a handgun in his direction, McDonald said. He told the court he spent the last month or so ensuring his family's safety and sought the order on the advice of police.

"I went to court because I believe my family could be in danger," McDonald told the Bangor Daily News.

Linn's Ellsworth-based attorney, Steve Juskewitch, denied that Linn wanted to buy drugs and that he threatened McDonald with a gun, although he confirmed that Linn gave McDonald $225,000 to invest in cryptocurrency on his behalf.

Juskewitch said he was closing in on a deal with McDonald in recent days to transfer access to McDonald, but he has not agreed to it. The lawyer called McDonald's allegations against Linn "pure fabrication to divert attention from the cryptocurrency dispute."

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Linn is a wealthy retired financial planner who spent the core part of his business career in Florida, where he colorfully ran for several offices including governor as a Reform Party candidate in 2006. During that campaign, he landed a small plane on a public highway in Orlando.

He surfaced in Maine politics in early 2018 as a Republican aping then-President Donald Trump. He got on the ballot two years after that failed run as an independent in the nationally targeted race in which he finished last behind Collins, Democrat Sara Gideon and independent Lisa Savage.

Linn conducted a series of attention-grabbing stunts during the campaign, most notably when he discussed unrelated subjects in response to questions at a debate held by the Bangor Daily News, News Center Maine and the Portland Press Herald, saying "request denied" to a moderator who asked him to stay on topic.

A temporary protection order was granted to McDonald by a judge on Wednesday, directing Linn to not contact or go near his former assistant. A hearing on the order has been scheduled for Nov. 17 in Hancock County District Court in Ellsworth.

BDN writer Lia Russell contributed to this report.
Ernest Johnson became the latest American to be executed on US soil when he was killed on 5 October by lethal injection in a Missouri prison.

The technique  in Johnsons case using pentobarbital  is the most common form of capital punishment in the US, despite medics having repeatedly sounded the alarm over how painful the method of death can be. It came hours after the Pope pleaded for mercy in the case of Johnson who was said to have profound intellectual disabilities and the IQ of a five-year-old.

Autopsy results point to a virtual medical certainty that federal death-row prisoners will experience excruciating pain while they are being put to death by lethal injection with pentobarbital, and certain other drugs in common use for executions.

Dr Gail Norman, a physician and bioethicist, said prisoners would experience a sensation identical to that reported by victims of near drowning or suffocation adding: These are among the most excruciating feelings known to man.

Dr Norman made the comments in 2020, after reviewing the autopsy results of a prisoner, Wesley Purkey, who had been put to death using pentobarbital. She said Purkeys autopsy results were consistent with those of other prisoners executed in the same way.

Lethal injection, while highly controversial, is the most common form of execution in the United States. Unfortunately, the alternatives are hardly more humane.

Electrocution is authorised in eight states. Gas chambers are authorized in seven. Three states  Delaware, New Hampshire, and Washington  still authorize hanging, and four states  Mississippi, Oklahoma, Utah, and South Carolina  authorize firing squads.

This is far from ancient history; some of these methods have been used fairly recently. In Tennessee, Nicholas Sutton was electrocuted in 2020. In Utah, Ronnie Gardner was executed by firing squad in 2010. And in Arizona, Walter LaGrand was put to death in a gas chamber in 1999. It took him 18 minutes to die.

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Ironically, part of the reason such cruel punishments still exist is that many drug companies, horrified by the potential use of their products in executions, have refused to supply the chemicals for lethal injections.

Punitive use of our medications is inconsistent with our values and mission of improving lives, and contrary to the intended labeled use for any of our products, one drug manufacturer, American Regent, said in one 2018 statement.

The Independent and the nonprofit Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ) have launched a joint campaign calling for an end to death penalty in the US. The RBIJ has attracted more than 150 well-known signatories to their Business Leaders Declaration Against the Death Penalty - with The Independent as the latest on the list.

We join high-profile executives like Ariana Huffington, Facebooks Sheryl Sandberg, and Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson as part of this initiative and are making a pledge to highlight the injustices of the death penalty in our coverage.

Writing for The Independent today, lawyer Clive Stafford-Smith reveals what it is like to see one of these executions in person.

I have watched six people die in front of me. Two died in the gas chamber, with Zyklon B, the nasty name given to the cyanide previously used in the Holocaust, he writes.

Two died in the electric chair, with 2,400 volts of electricity running from the skull to the ankle, the most overtly savage way imaginable to kill someone. And two on the lethal injection gurney, a deceptively unpleasant way to die  else why would the second injection be a paralytic agent to prevent the witnesses from watching a man in agony in front of them?

Each time I have watched a human die it has been midnight, in the depths of darkness, as we are fundamentally ashamed of ourselves. Each time, I have come out of that dreadful, terrible chamber and looked up at the stars. I have asked myself: Did that awful event really make the world a better, more civilized place?.

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The chair of Germanys ruling Christian Democrats (CDU) prepared to step aside today as three rival parties began coalition negotiations that will likely end with the CDU out of power for the first time since Angela Merkel was elected in 2005.

The big picture: The Greens and the liberals (FDP)  now kingmakers because either major party would need them to govern  began exploratory talks with the election-winning Social Democrats (SPD) aimed at forming a traffic light coalition," so named because of the parties' colors.

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What they're saying:

Armin Laschet, who led the CDU to a historic defeat, said the party should convene soon to decide on its leadership, signaling he was prepared to resign.

Markus Soder, leader of the CDU's Bavarian sister party and a Laschet rival, said, "The FDP and the Greens have decided to go down the path of the traffic light. They must now follow it consistently."

But Robert Habeck, the Greens' co-leader, said a "Jamaica coalition" (CDU/Greens/FDP) was still possible: The cookie is far from eaten."

His co-leader Annalena Baerbock called for a coalition in which the Greens and FDP will be on eye level with the SPD.

Worth noting: After the last election, FDP leader Christian Lindner let a possible Jamaica coalition burst after weeks of negotiations.

He received applause and criticism for his famous saying: Better not to govern than to govern badly.

What to watch: This will take a while. The SPD says it hopes to have a coalition by December.

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By Philip Pullella

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Thursday the response to climate change would require a radical change in how people live as she met Pope Francis during a farewell visit to the Vatican and Italy.

Francis and other religious leaders made a joint appeal on Monday for next month's U.N. Climate Change Conference COP26 to offer concrete solutions to save the planet from "an unprecedented ecological crisis".

Merkel praised the pope's position.

"Humanity's response to climate change will require a radical change in our way of living," she told reporters after the pair also discussed biodiversity, the future of the European Union, world conflicts and sexual abuse in the Church.

Merkel and Francis, who have met several times before, spoke privately in the papal library of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace for about 45 minutes.

In an interview with a Spanish radio network last month, Francis called Merkel, who has led Germany for 16 years, "one of the world's greatest political figures".

Before seeing the pope, she met German Jesuit Father Hans Zollner and others at the new offices of the Pontifical Gregorian University's programme to prevent sexual abuse.

On Wednesday the pope expressed his shame following a major investigation in France that revealed that French clergy had abused more than 200,000 children over 70 years.

Several investigations in Germany in the past few years have also revealed widespread abuse.

"The truth must come to light," Merkel said after meeting the pope.

The Vatican said in a statement Merkel and the pope also discussed migration and the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the end of the private part of the audience, Francis and Merkel, the daughter of a Lutheran pastor, exchanged gifts.

Francis, 84, gave Merkel copies of some of his writings and a miniature reproduction of one of the bronze doors of St. Peter's Basilica and she gave him a three-volume collection about the gospels and a book on Michelangelo.

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The 67-year-old Merkel, whose conservatives lost in Germany's Sept. 26 election to the centre-left Social Democrats, later met Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, the former head of the European Central Bank, which is based in Germany.

"The Chancellor has been able to lead Germany and the European Union with calm, determination and sincere Europeanism," Draghi said at their meeting at his official residence, Palazzo Chigi, in Rome.

"She transformed Germany's role in Europe. We will miss her," he said.

(Reporting by Philip PullellaEditing by Gareth Jones, Alison Williams and Susan Fenton)
Oct. 7The Honolulu Police Department asked the city administration for help with an internal investigation into allegations that a major harassed and bullied subordinates who did not agree with his management style and decision-making.

Acting Chief Rade Vanic told the Honolulu Police Commission on Wednesday that the department is working with the city Equal Opportunity Office, the Corporation Counsel and the Department of Human Resources to address the accusations made by some officers in a lawsuit and confidential complaints that Maj. Stephen Gerona harassed them and retaliated against them for reporting his behavior.

Vanic did not address specifics of HPD's Professional Standards Office investigation and told commissioners he would be more candid in executive session. HPD leadership is not taking sides, he said, and ongoing litigation and investigations prevent him from saying too much about Gerona's status. Gerona was transferred Sunday from HPD's Criminal Investigation Division to its Legislative Liaison Office.

He reminded commissioners that anyone accused of a crime or violating department policies deserves due process and a thorough investigation before anyone passes judgment.

Vanic did rebut the allegation made by Det. Maile Rego in a lawsuit that Gerona's command of CID prompted a wave of transfers. A review of the eight months of transfer requests received while Gerona oversaw CID showed no particular increase or decrease.

"One side of a story, no matter how compelling, is not the full story, " said Vanic, speaking to commissioners.

Vanic asked DHR to get involved to ensure an independent probe would take place. HPD may have to look to another outside agency for help, Vanic said. Employees who come forward with accusations are being treated fairly and in accordance with department policies, he said.

Officers who spoke to the media about Gerona without getting permission received written warnings that they violated department policies, and if they continue, disciplinary action was possible.

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Vanic dismissed the idea that the warnings were retaliation for speaking to the press about internal HPD matters, telling commissioners that the policy is enforced at all times and is important to protecting complainants, victims and suspects.

"I don't view it as we are trying to retaliate against them, " Vanic said. "We just want to put them on notice that 'you have to follow the rules.'"

The chief's public comments came after commissioners heard testimony from Rego and state Sen. Kurt Fevella, who reiterated their allegations that Gerona was known as a bully and should be placed on leave while being investigated for harassment and intimidation.

"It's us versus them, commanders versus subordinates, " said Rego, who is on leave. "How can HPD ask the community to trust its officers if we don't trust each other ?"

Vanic read from a letter he sent to Fevella and told commissioners an investigation into allegations against an officer may take two to three months or longer.

Colleagues of Gerona, who were not authorized to speak to the Star-Advertiser, say his old-school style adheres to HPD's chain of command and his interactions are primarily with captains. The officers accusing him of wrongdoing are several ranks removed from Gerona and would not normally interact with him. CARES act funding that paid for overtime and COVID-19 enforcement created additional work and forced commanders to make difficult decisions about staffing that subordinate officers did not always agree with, police said.

Some of the complaints against Gerona stemmed from his efforts to ensure that officers did not use overtime funds created by COVID-19 to pad earning formulas with the state Employees' Retirement System.

HPD supervisors are expected to to curtail such activities, known as "spiking." ERS may penalize HPD by forcing it to pay the difference the employee would normally receive until the retiree dies. Some officers did not take to Gerona's management of COVID-19 enforcement practices, police said.
As this years hurricane season approaches its final month, Djinaba Rickson of Terrytown, Louisiana, is still battling to recover $2,000  roughly half her savings  in evacuation expenses from her renters' insurance company.

Rickson, a 48-year-old single mother, packed up her belongings and her two children and fled to Pensacola, Florida, the day before Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana in August. As expenses racked up, Rickson waited for word from State Farm that it would cover the cost of the familys emergency lodging. But because Terrytown was not in one of the areas under mandatory evacuation, State Farm denied her claim, according to documents reviewed by NBC News.

We didnt have power for more than two weeks and we were being told not to return home, said Rickson, who works in the health care sector. But it's that one little clause that no one declared a mandatory evacuation that saves them from having to pay.

Roszell Gadson, a spokesperson for State Farm, told NBC News that the company reviews every claim on its own merits in accordance with the insurance policy.

Our claim handlers, and local State Farm agents, are contacting customers, assessing damage, and issuing payments to customers, she said. Significant additional living expenses have been and will continue to be paid in Louisiana in accordance with the terms of the policy.

Djinaba Rickson, left, is still battling to recover half her savings after evacuating her home in Louisiana with her two children (Asha Brooks, 23, top, and Bryan Rickson, 13) ahead of Hurricane Ida. (Courtesy / Djinaba Rickson)

As extreme weather events become more frequent and destructive, the role of insurance companies in climate-related crises has come into sharp focus. Residents like Rickson, who live in regions with high climate risk, are surprised to find that their insurance policies contain loopholes that leave many customers responsible for the full cost of emergency evacuations.

Some people with policies that dont cover voluntary evacuations end up waiting out storms or wildfires  with deadly consequences, in some instances. If they do decide to evacuate, they face a dilemma: abandon their homes and spend down their savings or take on heavy debt to pay for temporary housing. That has left insurance companies and state regulators grappling over who should shoulder the financial burden when hundreds of thousands of people need to escape a storm.

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Evacuation expenses as part of a hurricane claim are not new, John Spencer Creevy, an attorney in New Orleans with Herman Herman & Katz, LLC, said in an email. But now the nuance is whether an insurer should be obligated to cover such expenses when the insured has not been forced from their home due either to an explicit government evacuation order or substantial damage to the home, but as a reasonable precaution for the health and safety of the homes occupants.

Andy Renard and his wife found themselves along Hurricane Idas path in August. Even though their area of New Orleans was not under mandatory evacuation, they packed up their cars and two dogs and left. The newlyweds used their cash wedding gifts to cover the cost of evacuating before the hurricane hit. The couple, who married in May, said they spent more than $2,600 on food and lodging at a budget hotel in nearby Birmingham, Alabama. But State Farm declined to cover the costs, Renard said.

We just kept joking that our honeymoon was in evacuation, he said. Were thankful we had [our honeymoon fund] because we were able to evacuate, but I was pretty sure we were going to get it back.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance said that by the end of September it had received 662 complaints related to Hurricane Ida. About 35 percent were related to loss of use, the provision in insurance policies that helps holders cover emergency housing and food when they cant return home, said Becky Mowbray, a department spokesperson. The department anticipates 500,000 total claims related to Hurricane Ida, said the states Insurance Department Commissioner James Donelon. This is compared with about 725,000 claims filed in Louisiana related to Hurricane Katrina.

Shortly after Hurricane Ida pummeled the region, President Joe Biden visited Louisiana, saying were hearing reports that some insurance companies may deny coverage for additional living expenses unless the homeowner was under a mandatory evacuation.

He urged insurance companies to do the right thing. People left their homes because they felt it was: flee or risk death, he said in a speech. Theres nothing voluntary about that.

Pay your policyholders what you owe them and cover the cost of temporary housing in the midst of disaster, he added. Help those in need.

Donelon later issued an emergency directive that requires insurance companies to cover expenses incurred by policyholders because they evacuated their homes or couldnt return because of power loss or damage. But while other insurance companies complied, State Farm has refused to cover loss of use claims submitted by policyholders outside of areas under mandatory evacuation, Donelon said. State Farm filed an administrative appeal last week asking for the order to be declared invalid, alleging the commissioner exceeded his legal authority by issuing the directive.

Gadson, the State Farm spokesperson, added that the company believes we should follow the policy language as approved for customers in the state.

If we were to retroactively change what we agreed to do for our customers, it could have a negative long-term impact on insurance prices across the country, he said.

Donelon said the state could file a lawsuit against State Farm if the company does not comply.

It's not too strong a word to say I was shocked, he said. But at all times my responsibility is to protect consumers in this very expensive, very complicated and absolutely essential part of their lives, so that's why I feel so strongly about this issue.

Policy coverage for additional living expenses or loss of use pays for a way of living away from your home when you cant live there because of an unexpected issue such as a burst pipe or a fire from a gas leak, said Mark Friedlander, a spokesperson for the Insurance Information Institute, an industry trade group. But as extreme weather events have increased, it has become an important protection for people who are displaced from their home because of a wildfire, hurricane or tornado.

However, Friedlander said that covering the cost of evacuations is a great example of how the insurance industry acts as a financial first responder in times of crisis.

Insurance companies are meticulous in how they construct policies to ensure that coverage only kicks in in specific circumstances to protect them from abuse by people looking to use a potential storm as an excuse to take an insurance-funded vacation, for example, Creevy said.

But Hurricane Ida reached Category 4 status shortly before landfall, which made it difficult for local authorities to quickly sift through government protocols to issue wider mandatory evacuations  leaving thousands of people in genuine fear for their lives with just hours to find shelter, Creevy said.

At this point, those residents only have the state to help them recover expenses, he said. Normally, most people don't challenge insurance companies interpretation of their policies because the costs that could be recovered aren't high enough to pay an attorney to take it to court, he said.

It was a smart move on the part of the commissioner to lean on insurers and provide a legal path for insureds to find coverage under these policies, he said.

Rickson was able to recover $500 in expenses through the Federal Emergency Management Agency after she was rejected by State Farm. But she said her savings arent completely expendable.

It's just the company as a whole is just trying to keep their money in their pocket, so I don't know how to feel, she said.

Do you want people to risk their lives and stay here and have roofs break in and be swept away in a flood? Do you want them to risk it?
Irans state TV reported Thursday that speedboats belonging to the country's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard have intercepted a U.S. vessel in the Persian Gulf. A U.S. Navy spokesman said he was not aware of any such encounter at sea over the past days.

Video Transcript

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Italian Daily Politics 2019

ROME, ITALY - MAY 13: Domenico 'Mimmo' Lucano, suspended Riace Mayor arrives at Rome's La Sapienza university to deliver his speech for the students of university, on May 13, 2019 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Antonio Masiello/Getty Images) Credit - Getty Images2019 Antonio Masiello

On a warm evening in late September, two former mayors met in a law office in Locri, in Italys Southern region of Calabria. One of them was Domenico Lucano, known as Mimmo, the former mayor of Riace, a small town that has been celebrated worldwide for creating a visionary model for welcoming thousands of refugees. The other was Giuliano Pisapia, mayor of Milan from 2011 to 2016, and now a member of the European Parliament.

Lucano was awaiting a first-degree sentence as part of a trial known as Xenia, from the Greek xenos, or foreigner, in which he was the principal defendant and for which, in 2018, he was arrested, suspended from his position and temporarily barred from Riace. Prosecutors in Locri had charged him with allegedly abetting illegal immigration, with criminal association, fraud and embezzlement. Pisapia, who has been working as a lawyer for more than 40 years, is one of Lucanos two defenders. I asked him to meet to clarify a couple of points before entering the courtroom, says Pisapia, but he ended up talking about his ideals. He is a dreamer.

Lucanos dream was to bring an abandoned place back to life by welcoming migrants  creating a community in Riace where they could live and possibly work while seeking asylum. And for over a decade, his dream became a reality for countless people arriving in Italy in search of a better life.

Yet on Sept. 30, Lucanos life became a living nightmare. Judges sentenced him to 13 years and 2 months in jail, far in excess of anything sought by prosecutors. Under Italian law, the judges reasons will be made known within 90 days of the sentence, but the defense has already expressed its intention to appeal. The sentence will be final only after two successive appeals.

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Its an incredible judgment, Pisapia said. The risk is that it will compromise the credibility of the Italian judiciary, which has already decreased considerably in recent years. Its a danger because trust in justice is one of the pillars of the democratic system.

Outside the courthouse, Lucano, who was expecting to be acquitted, appeared shocked. I dont know if there are sentences like this for mafia crimes he told reporters. In Calabria, a region infested by the ndrangheta, judges have handed down more lenient sentences when faced with cases of murder or mafia-related crimes.

The following morning, speaking to TIME on the phone from Riace, Lucano sounded tired and sad, but still convinced that the decisions he made were necessary and right. I may have gotten an administrative aspect wrong. But they put me in a position to do so, in a time of emergency, with peoples lives at stake. In order to hear me, he had to put the speaker phone on because his cell phone is not working properly. I dont even have the money to buy one that works.

Commenting on his sentence, Lucano highlighted that the people he helped were sent to Riace by the government. They accuse me of criminal association, but then they ought to call out the Minister and the Prefecture. I helped people in need, and this is how the State is paying me back, he said.

Anti-racism demonstrators hold a photo of Mimmo Lucano outside the High Council of the Judiciar as they protest against the condemnation of former Riace Mayor Mimmo Lucano, on Oct. 4, 2021 in Rome, Italy Stefano Montesi Corbis via Getty

The fall of an Outlaw

Lucanos sentence immediately triggered a fierce debate in Italy, reigniting a long-smoldering political clash over immigration policies, and raising concerns about the impartiality of the judiciary. In dozens of cities across Italy, hundreds of people took to the streets to express their dissent, while the leaders of the main political parties took sides immediately, ahead of local elections held on October 3-4.

From the left came mainly words of dismay and indignation for the severity of the sentence, while the right denigrated Lucano. Matteo Salvini, leader of the populist right-wing Lega party and a notorious promoter of anti-immigration laws, called him the champion of the left-wing snobs.

But the Riace experiment does not split political opinions quite so evenly. In fact, politicians across the spectrum have raised concerns about what Lucano did. For one thing, it challenges a system based on public contracts worth millions, with powerful interests attached. For another, it represents the assertion of local power over centralized power, run by a public official who allegedly ignored rules and regulations that he believed went against the principles of solidarity and humanity. While politicians on the right typically see this sentence as an exemplary punishment for a man who considers himself above the law, those on the left are chiefly concerned at the severity of the sentence.

Lucano, for his part, has never denied that he has sometimes put the defense of human rights before respect for the institutions of the state and the law  the title of his 2020 memoir is Il Fuorilegge, or The Outlaw. He has been accused of having organized a marriage of convenience between an Italian citizen and a woman who, unable to obtain documents, had become a victim of sex trafficking, and of issuing IDs to an Eritrean woman and a 4-month-old child whose residency permits had expired, so the infant could get access to health care. But the most serious crimes he is accused of are related to the mismanagement of public funds. Lucano allegedly allocated them in the way he considered most beneficial to the model he had created, and not necessarily with respect to where they might end up. For example, he used government money to renovate some of the empty houses to make them more livable for migrants, yet potentially making private properties more valuable.

His lawyer, Pisapia, says there is a distinction in Italian law between violating administrative rules and committing a crime. According to our criminal code, whoever commits an act to save himself or others from the danger of serious harm does not commit a crime. What upsets Pisapia is that the court did not take into account how little Lucano himself benefited from his actions. Lucano lives in poverty, I have seen it with my own eyes, he says. At the very beginning of the investigation, there were 9 in his bank account and he had no other money. It is absurd not to take that into consideration.

The prosecution also claimed that Lucano acted in order to gain political advantage, to buy votes in the future. Yet once he was removed from the office of mayor in 2018, he declined the invitation to run for both the Italian and the European Parliaments, two seats that would have guaranteed him economic stability.

Pisapia has been Lucanos lawyer only since January 2021, but he already knew Riace and the model under trial. Over the past 15 years, Riace has been the subject of hundreds of articles, books and films, including one by German director Wim Wenders. In 2010, Lucano was named the third best mayor in the world, following those of Mexico City and Oklahoma City. In 2016, Fortune included him among the 50 most influential world leaders.

But Pisapia knew Riace from personal experience as well, having visited the town in 2018 to witness its model at work. As mayor, I experienced firsthand the enormous difficulties of integrating migrants, and thats why I went to Riace. I knew that Lucano had the strength, courage and ability to put into practice principles of solidarity and hospitality in which I have always believed, he said. What seemed like a dream was in fact a reality, with an entire community involved.

A welcoming sign reading "Welcome to the Global Village" is pictured in the small town of Riace, southern Italy, on June 4, 2019 Alberto PizzoliAFP via Getty Images

How Riace reawakened as a home for migrants

Like many other rural villages in southern Italy, Riace has been gradually emptying out since World War II. The villages economy could not compete with the industrialization of northern Italy, nor the enticements beckoning from across the Atlantic. The oldest part of the town that once boasted 2,000 inhabitants fell to about 500 by the late nineties, most of them elderly.

This was a place of departures that turned into a place of arrivals, Lucano likes to say. His experiment began in 1998, when he was a chemistry teacher at a high school in a nearby town. The morning of July 16, while driving to work, he saw a crowd on the beach in front of Riace, and discovered that they were Kurdish refugees who had arrived from Turkey by boat.

Sensitive to their cause, Lucano decided to try to find accommodation for them and hit upon the idea of having them occupy some of the many empty houses in the village. He called a cousin who had left many years before to ask him if a Kurdish family could occupy his abandoned house. The cousin agreed. Lucano made another call, and then another. Phones of former Riace residents rang in northern Italy, in Brooklyn and New Jersey, as far away as Buenos Aires. Within days Lucano was able to give each of the new arrivals a roof over their heads.

The success inspired Lucano to found a nonprofit organization, Citta Futura, which allowed him to borrow money to expand the program. He was elected mayor in 2004 on such a revolutionary platform that he says even his own father didnt vote for him, yet he kept the position for three terms, until his arrest in 2018. As the head of Riaces administration, he could take advantage of government funds provided through a program called SPRAR, later extensively downsized by the right wing politician Salvini.

When I visited Riace in 2016 to learn about its unconventional model, Lucano explained that the village received 35 euros a day in government funding for each refugee. With that money we do everything. He started listing what they managed to do, counting on his fingers, on two hands. With this budget we provide housing, pay the bills, carry out maintenance, offer health care, schooling for the children, help with paperwork. We run workshops where local artisans share their knowledge with apprentice refugees, and both get paid.

Some of the most creative and widely praised ideas Lucano implemented were among the most criticized by the prosecution that accused him of wrongdoing. His administration gave refugees a monthly bonus to buy groceries and other essential goods  letting them choose what they wanted to eat, while also ostensibly helping out the local economy. The bonus was distributed not in cash but in the form of Monopoly-like currency that was valid only in Riace.

The bills were clearly an homage to Lucanos political idols, designed with the portraits of people like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King and Che Guevara. A stamp and a signature on the back proved their authenticity. Local store owners were free to accept them or not, and once a month they could turn them in to the municipal administration to receive their equivalent in euros. Reimbursement usually took several weeks, but given the convenience of attracting new potential customers, no one seemed to mind.

Another controversial component of the Riace model was the picturesque organization of door-to-door recyclable waste collection. It was handled by Daniel Yaboah, who used to go up and down the villages cobblestone alleys with a donkey cart. Everyone in town knew Yaboah. Having arrived from Ghana with his pregnant wife in 2009, his was the name mentioned each time a Riace resident sought an example of an integrated migrant. He goes to church, some said. Not only does he speak very good Italian, he understands the dialect! said others.

Yaboah, who is now 39, still lives in Riace and still works to collect waste, but with small trucks instead of donkeys. Im very sorry for what is happening to Mimmo, he says in a phone interview. He credits Lucano with giving him and his family the chance to build a new life in Riace. He helped me and many others in need, Yaboah says. This is not justice, there must be something else behind this sentence.

Former mayor of Riace Domenico Lucano after being sentenced to 13 years and two months in jail on charges of favoring illegal immigration and criminal conspiracy Valeria FerraroSOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

What we were able to do speaks for itself.

There are not many stories like Yaboahs. The great majority of the refugees and migrants who landed in Riace only stayed for short periods. The job opportunities were very limited and only a few of them were lucky enough to find work. And in many cases, the refugees didnt want to stay there for long: they could not imagine that their dream for a better future would end in a town thats so small that you can easily hear the sounds of goats grazing in the surroundings.

Yet the welcoming atmosphere represented for thousands of migrants a moment of rest and hope after a hellish journey and an indefinite future. It also offered an alternative to the infamous agricultural camps, some of them only a few miles from Riace, where refugees face inhumane living conditions and exploitative labor practices. Moreover, as Lucanos supporters argue, the refugees helped revitalize the fragile local economy and even prevented the local school from being closed.

But the results werent necessarily what the government was looking for as it assessed its funding during the migrant crisis of 2015-2016. Riaces ranking in the system of the SPRAR began to fall and it therefore received less aid. According to Lucano, this was because funds were allocated based on numerical and technical data depending on how the application was filled out. We dont have time to waste with those tricks, he said at the time. What we were able to do speaks for itself.

Whether this dislike of bureaucracy spiralled into abuse of the system became the subject of the legal battle which Lucano is now fighting. Some of his supporters say he was targeted by the anti-migrant far-right, which made him a scapegoat. But its also true that when Lucanos name first appeared in a register of suspects, in 2017, the Minister of the Interior was Marco Minniti of the Democratic Party, who later ordered the suspension of funding for Riace.

Since then, the villages unique model for welcoming migrants has slowly crumbled  and little is left after Lucanos arrest in 2018. In the end, this might be the models most glaring limitation, that it needs someone with the charisma and idealism of Lucano to succeed. He let nothing get in the way of his ideal of humanity  not his own health and wellbeing, nor perhaps even the law.

Even the legal battle did not slow him down. Earlier this year he announced his candidacy for the regional administration, in support of Luigi De Magistris, mayor of Naples who ran for governor of Calabria. He was on the ballot on Oct.3, only days after learning he would be sent to jail potentially until 2034. Lucano did not withdraw from the race, but had he been elected, according to Italian law he would have been immediately suspended from taking office.

His future now rests on a legal appeal, and any thoughts of high office are vanished. Im too emotionally discombobulated to say anything about my intentions in the political field, he says, speaking into his broken phone. At the moment I feel like the goats I grew up with  motionless, doing nothing other than contemplating the landscape in front of them.
A federal judge ruled Wednesday that Prince Andrew can review a settlement agreement issued between Jeffrey Epstein and the woman accusing him of sexual assault.

U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska in New York permitted Prince Andrew's lawyers to view the document, which they believe prohibits Virginia Giuffre, Andrew's accuser, from suing anyone related to Epstein. The deal was signed in 2009.

Giuffre has accused the queen's second son of sexual assault and abuse while she was a minor. No criminal report has been filed, and the prince has denied the allegations.

PRINCE ANDREW SERVED WITH SEXUAL ASSAULT LAWSUIT IN US: REPORT

At the time of the alleged abuse, Guiffre was known as Virginia Roberts. She claims she was sexually assaulted by the prince at Ghislaine Maxwell's London home, a known associate of Epstein's. She also alleges she was assaulted by the prince at Epsteins homes in the Virgin Islands and Manhattan. She alleges she was a sex-trafficking victim of Epstein's for Prince Andrew when she was 17.

Epstein's estate had already agreed to let Prince Andrew see the agreement, but it needed approval by a court. Andrew Brettler, the prince's lawyer, told the court last month he believes the agreement absolves our client from any and all liability." One of the lawyers for Giuffre said the settlement agreement was not relevant to the current case.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Giuffre's team is expected to send the document to the prince's lawyers, and both Giuffre and her lawyers have agreed the defendant can see the document. Prince Andrew has a deadline of Oct. 29 to respond to Giuffre's lawsuit.

Maxwell has pleaded not guilty to grooming and recruiting underage girls for Epstein. She will face trial on Nov. 29 in Manhattan for her role in Epstein's schemes.

Washington Examiner Videos

Tags: News, Ghislaine Maxwell, British royal family, lawsuit, Sexual Abuse Allegations, Sexual Assault, #MeToo

Original Author: Misty Severi

Original Location: Judge allows Prince Andrew to review old settlement case
State officials were questioned Thursday about the mistreatment of youths housed by the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice following a series of stories last month in the Lexington Herald-Leader.

Members of the legislatures Interim Joint Committee on the Judiciary asked about excessive use of force by staff during restraints, back-to-back riots last year at the DJJ facility in Paducah and racial slurs used on a Black teenager at the Lexington facility, among other incidents reported in the stories.

Lawmakers told leaders at the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet they want more transparency about what happens inside the facilities where roughly 235 juveniles are held, either awaiting court proceedings or serving sentences.

There were some really disturbing pieces that we read through stories that came out, things that were going on in our juvenile detention centers, said House Judiciary Chairman C. Ed Massey, R-Hebron.

My concern as chairman, candidly, is that I find out about these things through media attention, not through any reports that I receive internally or from your predecessors, Massey told Justice Secretary Kerry Harvey and Juvenile Justice Commissioner Vicki Reed, both of whom took their jobs this year. Thats very concerning to me.

In response to questions, Reed said she didnt know if DJJ has a policy about informing youths parents or their attorneys after an incident of excessive use of force. The Herald-Leader series quoted a Lexington family that said it was never told about one such incident involving their loved one for which a DJJ employee was suspended.

In their testimony, Harvey and Reed  both of whom declined to be interviewed by the Herald-Leader for its series  said Gov. Andy Beshears administration is dedicated to the safety of youths housed by DJJ and to its nearly 1,000 employees.

Allegations of mistreatment are investigated, and if substantiated, appropriate discipline is handed down, ranging from reprimands and additional training to suspension or firing, they said. Recruiting and retaining enough staff is a constant problem, they added.

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We firmly believe that one case of mistreatment is one too many, Harvey told the committee, and we will hold leadership and staff accountable for providing safe and appropriate care for the kids under DJJ authority.

But the lawmakers followed with questions about specific incidents mentioned in the Herald-Leader stories, including a youth worker who used repeated racial slurs on a Black teenager last year at the Fayette Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Lexington while dropping him to the floor during a restraint.

The youth worker was suspended for 12 days, state records show.

Senate Judiciary Chairman Whitney Westerfield, R-Crofton, asked if there is a written policy against using racial slurs at DJJ.

Absolutely, Reed said. And I will point out that the incident that was in the newspaper  not that it makes it any better  but it was a Black staff who 

Yeah, that does not make it any better, Westerfield said.

No, it does not, I completely agree, Reed said.

The Justice Cabinet officials said DJJ does not automatically fire employees after a single substantiated case of excessive use of force. Details matter, they said.

Instinctively planting your open hand on a youths chest to ward off an attack, which is not an approved Aikido Control Technique, can count as excessive use of force, they said, but its not the same thing as a more violent incident that injures a youth. The cabinet also considers how long an employee has worked for DJJ and if he has previous substantiated incidents on his record.

All substantiated excessive use of force incidents are reported to local law enforcement for further review and possible prosecution, although criminal charges are rare in such cases, they said.

Reed challenged the accuracy of one part of the Herald-Leader series.

The newspaper reported that in two separate incidents earlier this year, male youth workers observed nude girls in the showers despite the girls protests and in violation of policy, according to reports written by the Justice Cabinets Internal Investigations Branch. Same-sex staff are supposed to assist youths with shower time when supervision is necessary.

Investigators substantiated both incidents as does not provide appropriate supervision after reviewing security videos of the incidents and conducting interviews with all involved, according to their reports, which the Herald-Leader obtained through the Open Records Act.

One of the male youth workers was allowed to resign over his incident with prejudice because you knew or should have known that the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, Internal Investigation Branch was conducting an investigation relative to your misconduct, which has been substantiated, DJJ told him in a hand-delivered letter on May 4, according to his personnel file.

The other male youth worker remained on the job as of August, although he received a verbal warning, according to state records.

But Reed told lawmakers Thursday that a review of video from the shower incidents following the Herald-Leader series showed that the male youth workers who were present did not see the girls bodies while they were nude.

At no point in time did the staff see the girls when they were naked. It didnt happen, Reed said.

So many flaws. Broken bones, abuse and isolation inside Kentucky juvenile lockups.
Gov. Gavin Newsom holds up some of the seven bills he signed at Cal State Northridge that are part of a $47.1-billion higher education package. (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

A number of new laws will significantly help community college students transfer into both Cal State and UC campuses, and boost financial aid and housing assistance as part of a $47.1-billion higher education package signed by Gov. Newsom on Wednesday at Cal State Northridge.

Two of the bills were designed to clarify and simplify degree requirements for transfer students. Assembly Bill 928 requires the California State and University of California systems to establish a general education transfer process for lower-division students that identifies and expands the specific required courses students need to gain acceptance.

The second, Assembly Bill 111, requires a common course numbering system across all community colleges  which was opposed by California Community Colleges Academic Senate  to ensure that a student doesnt take excess units to transfer.

Courses that cover similar subject areas are often assigned different course numbers throughout California's community colleges, complicating transfer efforts for students who don't always know if they've fulfilled a four-year college's unit requirement. CCAS opposed the bill, arguing that it was costly and would pose unnecessary difficulty for colleges.

When students discuss their experience with the transfer process, through community college, the four-year university, their message is loud and clear: Transfer is broken. It's too complex, confusing and difficult to navigate. Instead of being a clear path, it's a maze, and it's costing students time and money that they can't afford, said the bills' author, Assemblyman Marc Berman, during a press conference inside the university gym before a cheering crowd of faculty, staff, students and cheerleaders.

Cal State Chancellor Joseph Castro believes the legislation will dramatically increase the number of transfer students into the Cal State system by providing a clearer pathway especially for our underrepresented students."

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Roughly 19% of community college students with the goal to transfer do so within four years, according to a 2020 report from the Public Policy Institute of California.

The legislation comes after community colleges throughout the state and the nation faced a significant drop in enrollment during the pandemic. Newsom believes that the funding will help bring some of those students back into the system through outreach efforts.

Newsom had previously announced a plan to invest $1.9 billion in college savings accounts for 3.7 million low-income students. Those accounts of up to $1,500 would start in first grade.

Other legislation signed by the governor Wednesday backed efforts to make financial aid more accessible.

Senate Bill 330 will allow Los Angeles Community College District to enter into leases for less than fair market value in order to create affordable housing for low-income students and staff, and Assembly Bill 469 will ensure that all high school seniors submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act application.

We're trying to reconcile the fact that we haven't been investing in our system of higher education over the course of the last few decades, Newsom said. There is no equation to address the issue of income and wealth disparity unless we provide opportunities and create pathways to close those gaps.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Photo Illustration by Elizabeth Brockway/The Daily Beast/Getty

Last week, Donald Trump announced the exile of his confidant and former top campaign aide Corey Lewandowski, with advisers banishing him from leading a major pro-Trump super PAC, following sexual misconduct allegations against the loyalist from a big GOP donor.

But Lewandowski, initially, wouldnt go, according to three people with knowledge of the matter.

What followed, the sources described, was what amounted to stages of denial and bargaining before ultimately being abandoned by the world he claimed to dominate.

Lewandowski, at first privately and then publicly through a lawyer, denied the details of the alleged incident. When that didnt work, he resisted leaving. Lewandowski then subsequently settled on pitching Trumpworld a not-so-modest proposal: in exchange for his resignation, the super PAC and the pro-Trump team would pay him a large sum of money to go away. Two of the knowledgeable sources said the former 2016 Trump campaign managers demand was for hundreds of thousands of dollars.

But even though that Lewandowski super PACcalled Make America Great Again Actioncurrently sits on $6.58 million, mostly from Trump megadonors, he didnt have the leverage he seemed to think he had. His fellow Trump lieutenants gave him a hard no.

It doesnt matter if hed asked for five dollars, it wasnt going to happen, one individual familiar with the situation noted bluntly.

One person who was keen on Lewandowski walking away empty-handed was none other than his ex-boss and pal: former President Trump. The twice-impeached ex-president didnt want to see Lewandowski slinking away with any of that moneywhich Trump views as his money, despite the patina of distance that is legally required between candidates and super PACs.

Shortly after Lewandowski made his request, Trump was briefed, according to two of the sources with knowledge of the matter, and scoffed at the idea of paying Lewandowski a large sum of cash to be ousted.

Instead of grappling with the notoriously belligerent operative, however, his MAGA Action colleagues simply abandoned him. Within days of Lewandowskis firing theyd spun up a new super PAC, with a strikingly familiar name: Make America Great Again, Again! A pointed press statement on Monday declared the new group the ONLY Trump-approved super PAC, making no mention of the wayward former leader by name.

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Lewandowski and his attorneys did not respond to requests for comment on this story. Neither did officials at the post-Lewandowski super PAC.

Trumpworld Begged Him to Dump Predator Lewandowskiand He Did

Lewandowskis fall from MAGA grace stems from allegations last week that he had sexually assaulted a major donor to his own super PAC at a charity event. His accuser, Trashelle Odomwho is married to a top Idaho developerclaimed in a statement to Politico that Lewandowski had made a series of unwanted advances over the course of the evening, grabbing her buttocks and one of her legs, boasting about his genitalia, speaking to her lewdly, and flashing his room key. The Odoms reportedly asked the super PAC to refund their $100,000 if the group did not sever its ties with Lewandowski.

While Lewandowskis own demands came up short this go-round, he was acting on precedent. After his ignominious dismissal during Trumps first runalso prompted by accusations of assaulting a womanLewandowski scored a fat $20,000-a-month severance, netting him a total of nearly half a million dollars for his 14 months of service.

If the new super PACs name sounds familiar, it is. A number of Trump-aligned fundraising groups draw from a common argot. In addition to MAGA Action and MAGA Again!, those committees include Trump Make America Great Again, Make America Great Again PAC (his old campaign committee), and America First Action.

That redundancy immediately drew ridicule and raised questions about why the crew needed to create a new super PAC in the first place. But it appears the stakeholders saw little choice.

New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman tweeted on Monday that Lewandowski was one of two board members, and with 50 percent control of the super PAC could not be voted out. This, Haberman noted, is what precipitated the take-my-ball-and-go-home fallback plan.

Because Lewandowskis committee was a super PAC, federal election law prohibits the group from coordinating directly with candidates. And while Trump has not publicly taken responsibility for axing his former top aideand while the group itself appears to have met with difficulty removing himit is generally understood that Trump, the de facto leader of the Republican Party, was the person who ultimately made the call.

Lewandowski had been handpicked by Trump as early as February to helm MAGA Action, which announced its launch in late May. The Daily Beast previously reported that the rehabilitation of Trumps former campaign boss was said to mark yet another nascent schism in Trumps inner circle, with the opportunistic Lewandowskione of the most widely disliked fixtures in Trumpworldfilling a vacuum left by certain aides and other associates who had sought some distance from Trump amid the fallout from the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, which he had championed.

MAGA Again! officially announced Lewandowskis ouster in a press statement on Monday, declaring that the net assets on MAGA Actions $6.58 million balance sheet would be transferred to the new group. But that transfer hasnt been confirmed, and the next round of federal financial disclosures is due in January. MAGA Again! representatives did not reply when asked directly about the transfer.

That process is normally straightforward, according to Dan Weiner, campaign finance law specialist at the Brennan Center for Justice.

Super PACs can accept unlimited donations, and there are very few prohibitions on the source of those funds, Weiner said. Its pretty normal to see super PACs send large amounts of money to other super PACs, so my guess is that theyd just cut a check and be done with it.

But that may not be such a simple task if Lewandowski can still legally exercise control over the group and its spending. And while Trumps spokesperson Taylor Budowich told The New York Times earlier this week that Lewandowski will no longer be associated with Trump World, he may still try to cling to the super PAC, along with its data and its millions in contributions.

Elsewhere in MAGAland, Lewandowskis enemiesof which hes made many in prominent GOP circles over the yearsrejoiced.

I remember the day I was fired from Trumps 2016 campaign, and I got calls from reporters saying theyd just spoken to Corey Lewandowski, Sam Nunberg, a former political adviser to Trump, said on Wednesday. This, even after I was told that my termination was going to be done quietly. This is someone who is a power-hungry, talentless, amoral psychopath who hit the jackpot with Donald J. Trump Hes a piece of trash.

Nunberg added, Let me get this straight: Lewandowski allegedly sexually harasses a donor. The donor and her husband complain. And Corey then refuses to graciously resign and make Donald Trumps life easier? After everything Donald Trump has done for him? Wow, what a classy guy, real class act.

The MAGA Again! press statement made the break appear as clear as possible. The group declared its independence from MAGA Action, laid claim to Trumps personal endorsement, and announced new leadership. Pam Bondi, a longtime Trump ally who currently heads up America First Policy Institutea Trump-adjacent dark money nonprofitwill chair, and Donald Trump Jr.s girlfriend Kimberly Guilfoyle will serve as National Fundraising Chair.

While Bondi and Guilfoyle caught the press, MAGA Again! also features a quieter power. The group also works with veteran Republican fundraiser and strategist Susie Wiles, who brings institutional experience and party prowess to the tablenot typically a strong suit in Trumpland.

One GOP strategist told The Daily Beast that Wiles, who earlier this year was tapped for a number of key roles in the Trump fundraising apparatus, was inserted as a stabilizing force.

Susie is the smartest person in Trumpworld, partly because she keeps a low profile, this strategist remarked, adding that Wiles was brought onboard to streamline and professionalize the process and build it into something thats not just a grift for someone to make money.

Wiles also serves as a bridge between the increasingly insular Trump and the party writ large. As of the end of June, the former president had not given money to any candidate, according to campaign finance records, though his various affiliated committees hold roughly $200 million cash on hand.

Obviously these groups are Trumps, so they will prioritize Trump and his agenda above the party. But as far as his political strength is tied to his ability to work with the party, and help other candidates, shes the right person for that, the strategist said.

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KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia has struck a deal with U.S. drugmaker Merck & Co to buy 150,000 courses of its experimental antiviral pill, the health ministry said on Thursday, joining other Asian countries in a rush to secure supplies.

Molnupiravir, which would be the first oral antiviral medication for COVID-19 if it gets regulatory approval, could halve the chances of dying or being hospitalised for those most at risk of contracting severe COVID-19, clinical data has shown.

The data sparked large demand for the drug in Asia, with South Korea, Singapore and Australia announcing similar deals to buy the Merck pill this week. Taiwan and Thailand are also in talks to buy it.

Malaysia's Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the government signed a letter of undertaking for the purchase on Thursday.

"This decision was made as we prepare to transition into an endemic phase, where we can co-exist with the virus by adding new innovative treatments as 'weapons' to fight COVID-19, apart from vaccinations and other public health measures," Khairy said in a statement.

Malaysia has recorded nearly 2.3 million COVID-19 infections, the third-highest in Southeast Asia, but has gradually lifted movement restrictions in recent weeks as the number of new cases declined amid a ramped-up vaccination programme.

About 64% of Malaysia's 32 million population are now fully vaccinated, including 88% of adults.

(Reporting by Rozanna Latiff; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman)
On his way to meet me for coffee, Chenue Her's dad called him to offer congratulations for his debut as morning anchor on WOI-TV Monday. It was significant for two reasons:

For his St. Paul-based family, there were early fears their Hmong American son wouldn't find a job in TV news.

He proved to them that not only is it possible, but he could someday be the face of a station  even if he has to be the first one to do it.

"For the first time in a long time, my dad said he was proud of me," Her said. "I'm 30, but like, that still means so much to me."

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Why it matters: Faces and names matter.

It mattered during job interviews when stations asked Her if he would change his first name  Chenue  to something else. (He said no. He didn't get those jobs.)

It mattered when he could show his parents Gia Vang, the Twin Cities' first Hmong American anchor, after they questioned if he would find a job in the field.

So, who is he? Her is the son of blue-collar Hmong refugees, and he's always been drawn to stories.

There was no written form of Hmong until the 1950s  meaning his family relied on sharing stories to talk about their lives back in Laos and the Thailand refugee camp.

It's "in my DNA," he said.

Her has had a cross-country reporting career, with his most recent stint in Atlanta at WXIA-TV. He's also covered breaking news in Virginia, and got his first break at KEZI-TV in Eugene, Oregon.

But when the opportunity to move from reporter at WXIA to anchor at WOI was presented, it wasn't something he could pass up, even with a 2am wake-up time.

The team at Channel 5 let him be his "true, authentic" self, without asking for anything else, he said.

And they recognized the significance of his anchor debut  giving him a little surprise on-air.

In 2020, TEGNA, the company who owns WOI-TV, made a commitment to improving racial diversity in the company.

David Loving, president and general manager of WOI-TV, said they had many applicants, but Her had the strongest journalism background and the station wants to represent Iowa's growing immigrant population.

What's next: Her is already making Des Moines his home, visiting local shops and restaurants.

He said he hopes to cover the area's immigrants and refugees and "show they're a fabric of this community and their stories deserve to be told."

As for his family, they're already planning their trip here.

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Photo Illustration by The Daily Beast / Photos Getty

YEKATERINBURGIn Russia, Yevgeny Roizman is something of an endangered species. With popular opposition leaders often forced into exile or locked behind bars, the career politician is one of very few career politicians left on the front lines, willing to fight against the Kremlins all-consuming corruption despite the risks that entails.

Throughout his decades-long career, Roizmanwho has served as a Duma member in Russias parliament and then as mayor of the Ural regions capital city of Yekaterinburghas been regarded as one of those rare Russian politicians who does not take bribes and makes time to listen to the concerns of everyday citizens. Many activists in Russias scattered opposition divisions hope that Roizman will emerge as a unifying opposition candidate against Vladimir Putin in Russias 2024 presidential elections.

While on a walk to his downtown office without bodyguards, Roizman smiled and shook hands with pedestrians who came up to him. He sat down for an interview with The Daily Beast just days after an investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) revealed that Russia is a world leader in tax evasion, with dozens of rich technocrats and Putin-connected oligarchs hiding their money in offshore companies.

Putins New Dirty Trick to Win Elections Has Candidates Battling Their Doppelgangers

Roizman said he felt deeply disgusted, as he was looking through the names listed in the Pandora Papers. Those named include Vladimir Putins long-time friend Sergei Chemizov, Putins close friend Svetlana Krivonogikh, and Channel Ones executive Konstantin Ernst, who also has strong ties to Putin.

You would neither find my name on these lists, nor Aleksei Navalnys, Roizman told The Daily Beast at his office on Tuesday. These crooks are like mice sneaking around, hustling to hide their wealth in some secret holes. Its time they understand there are limits to what they can physically devour in their lifetime.

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There is no Putin portrait on the walls of his office at the Roizman Foundation, which raises millions of dollars for Russians with terminal illnesses all over the country. Instead, his office is decorated with oil paintings by local artists from the Ural region.

Roizman does not hide his anti-Putin views, a dangerous move these days. He openly supports Navalny and accuses the Kremlin of political assassinations. One of Roizmans close friends and political partners, Boris Nemtsov, was assassinated in 2015. The powers that be murdered Nemtsov, a young and strong politician, out of fear, he says.

Roizman participated in street protests against the arrests of opposition activists in Feb. 2014 and in March, he protested against Russian media censorship and the annexation of Crimea. Today, his popularity appears to be skyrocketing.

Not so long before his murder, Nemtsov came to Yekaterinburg to support me, to protest and distribute fliers, Roizman said. That is a debt I owe him.

Many of Russias public supporters of Navalny are attacked, forced out of the country or arrested. Independent media groups and political analysts often land on black lists, with authorities designating them as foreign agents. Will Roizman be the next jailed politician?

Believe me, I am aware of all the risks I am taking but I cannot leave the country, since that would be seen as my fearful escape, he said. I totally understand why Navalny returned to Russia, not many do. He and his wife, Yulia, sat down, looked into each others eyes and made that decision for the sake of the giant number of Navalny supporters.

A well-known Moscow liberal politician and close Navalny ally, Ilya Yashin, believes that Roizman is now the oppositions front man and only hope. But we cannot name him our single candidate [yet]. That would immediately turn him into a target, Yashin told The Daily Beast in a phone interview on Tuesday.

Every week, Roizman receives people from across the Ural region, who complain to him about Russias most acute issues: poverty, drug addiction, the health system, criminal prosecutions and unemployment. The flow of visitors didnt stop on Tuesday. Not only does he see the country, he feels that this country is not helpless, that it can and wants to help itself, novelist Dmitry Bykov, the literary voice of liberal Russians, told The Daily Beast.

Lyubov Sobol, Navalnys No. 2, Defiant After Conviction: I Am Not Afraid of Them

Roizman has a colorful history. He was kicked out of school in grade six and when he was 19 a Soviet court sentenced him for robbery and fraud. After two years in prison, he decided to radically change his life, after which he finished school and graduated from Ural State University. Beyond his political background, he is also an avid art collector, having founded two museums in Yekaterinburg.

Roizmans recipe for Russian authorities is simple: Face the issues, admit the truth, and reform the country. He calls for public officials to meet with ordinary people, listen to their troubles, and address them.

After I set the example in Yekaterinburg, no public official can avoid receiving people, Roizman says. But once you start looking for solutions, you realize you cannot do anything without changing the entire political system. For that we need three things: honest elections, a free media and independent courts.

For now, the prospect of running in Russias next elections makes the ex-mayor shake his head in disbelief. I am 60 years old, he told The Daily Beast. I wish Russias next president would be either a woman or a man younger than 45.

Yekaterinburg ex-mayor Yevgeny Roizman leaves a special detention centre where he has been placed under an administrative arrest after being found guilty of organizing and participating in unauthorized rallies in support of Navalny and ordered to be put under a 9-day custody. Donat Sorokin/Getty

But Roizmans age hasnt stopped his supporters from getting excited about the idea that he could lead Russia into a new direction.

Neither Lech Walesa, nor Vaclav Havel or Svetlana Tikhonovskaya were ready to become politicians, but life made them step forward, said Yashin, referring to some of Europes most famous dissidents turned political leaders. We hope Roizman and more candidates begin to think about the presidential elections now. Otherwise, the opposition is in trouble.

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Studying for a masters in the musical maestros is more than an act of fandom (Getty)

On Wednesday morning, as a new semester begins, students eagerly head into the University of Liverpools lecture theatres to begin courses in archaeology, languages and international relations.

But in lecture room No 5 of the universitys concrete Rendall Building, a less traditional programme is getting underway: a masters degree devoted entirely to The Beatles.

How does one start a Beatles MA? asks Holly Tessler, the American academic who founded the course, looking out at 11 eager students. One wears a Yoko Ono T-shirt; another has a yellow submarine tattooed on his arm.

I thought the only way to do it, really, is with some music, she says.

Tessler then plays the class the music video for Penny Lane, the bands tribute to a real street in Liverpool, just a short drive from the classroom.

The year-long course  The Beatles: Music Industry and Heritage  will focus on shifting perceptions of The Beatles over the past 50 years and on how the bands changing stories affected commercial sectors like the record business and tourism, Tessler says in an interview before class.

For Liverpool, the bands hometown, the association with The Beatles was worth more than 80m a year, according to a 2014 study by Mike Jones, another lecturer on the course. Tourists make pilgrimages to city sites named in the bands songs, visit venues where the group played  like The Cavern Club  and pose for photos with Beatles statues. The bands impact was always economic and social as much as musical, Tessler says

A postgraduate qualification in The Beatles is a rarity, but the band has been studied in other contexts for decades

Throughout the course, students will have to stop being simply Beatles fans and start thinking about the group from new perspectives, she adds. Nobody wants or needs a degree where people are sitting around listening to Rubber Soul, debating lyrics, she says. Thats what you do in the pub.

In Wednesdays lecture, which focuses almost entirely on Penny Lane, Tessler encourages students to think of The Beatles as a cultural brand, using the terms narrative theory and transmediality.

Story continues

Then she applies those ideas to a recent Beatles-related event. Last year, Tessler said, street signs along the real Penny Lane were defaced as Black Lives Matter protests spread across Britain. There was a long-standing belief in Liverpool, she explained, that the street was named after an 18th-century slave trader, James Penny. (The citys International Slavery Museum listed Penny Lane in an interactive display of street names linked to slavery in 2007, but it now says there is no evidence that the road was named after the merchant.)

What would happen if they did change the name to  I dont know  Smith Lane? Tessler asks. That would deprive Liverpool of a key tourist attraction, she says: You cant pose next to a sign that used to be Penny Lane. The furore around the street name showed how stories about The Beatles can intersect with contemporary debates and have an economic impact, she says.

Penny Lane almost lost its name (AFP via Getty)

The courses 11 students  three women and eight men, aged 21 to 67  all say they are long-term Beatles obsessives. (Two named their sons Jude, after one of the bands most famous songs; another has a son called George, after George Harrison.)

Dale Roberts, 31, and Damion Ewing, 51, are both professional tour guides and hope the qualification will help them attract customers. The tour industry in Liverpool is fierce, Roberts says.

Alexandra Mason, 21, says she has recently completed a law degree but decided to change track when she heard about the Beatles course. I never really wanted to be a lawyer, she says. I always wanted to do something more colourful and creative.

She adds, In my mind, Ive gone from the ridiculous to the sublime, but admits that some might think shes done the opposite.

A postgraduate qualification in The Beatles is a rarity, but the band has been studied in other contexts for decades. Stephen Bayley, an architecture critic, who is now an honorary professor at the University of Liverpool, says that when he was a student in the 1960s at Quarry Bank High School in Liverpool  John Lennons alma mater  his English teacher taught Beatles lyrics alongside the poetry of John Keats.

The Beatles performing their last live public concert on 30 January 1969 (Getty)

In 1967, Bayley wrote to Lennon asking for help analysing songs on Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. Bayley said Lennon wrote back basically saying, You cant analyse them.

But these days a growing number of academics are doing just that. Tessler says researchers in several disciplines are writing about The Beatles, many exploring perspectives on the band informed by race or feminism. Next year, she plans to start a journal of Beatles studies, she says.

Some people in Liverpool, however, are not convinced about the bands academic value. In interviews around Penny Lane, two locals say they think the course is an odd idea.

Its got to be the University of Liverpool for an MA in The Fab Four (Getty)

What are you going to do with that? Youre not going to cure cancer, are you? says Adele Allan, owner of the Penny Lane Barber Shop.

Its an entirely silly course, says Chris Anderson, 38, out walking his dog, before adding that he thinks almost all college degrees are entirely silly.

Others are more positive. You can study anything, says Aoife Corry, 19. You dont need to prove yourself by doing some serious subject.

Tessler concludes Wednesdays class by outlining the subjects for the semesters remaining lectures. It is a programme that any Beatles fan would savour, including field trips to St Peters Church, where Lennon and McCartney first met in 1957 in the church hall, and Strawberry Field, the former childrens home the band immortalised in song. Classes will cover key moments in the bands history, including a famous live television appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show and Lennons murder in 1980, Tessler says.

She then gives students a reading list, topped by a textbook called The Beatles in Context. Are there any questions? she asks.

Whats your favourite Beatles album? calls out Dom Abba, 27, the student with the yellow submarine tattoo.

Tessler gamely answers (The American version of Rubber Soul), then clarifies what she means: Does anybody have any questions about the module?

The students clearly still have some way to go before they become Beatles academics as much as fans. But there are still 11 months of lectures left.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.

Read More

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By David Alire Garcia

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico will deny any proposal for private lithium concessions even if Congress rejects a government bill aiming to reserve future extraction of the metal for the state, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said on Thursday.

At his regular morning news conference, Lopez Obrador stressed that Mexico's deposits of the white metal, coveted by battery makers, should be developed exclusively by the government.

The bid to bar private lithium mining is part of a controversial electricity reform bill that seeks to strengthen state-owned power company CFE and prioritize the dispatch of energy from its plants.

Even if the constitutional power and mining reform is not approved by lawmakers, which would require passage by a super-majority in Congress, Lopez Obrador said his government already has the power to reject any would-be private lithium concessions.

"We will deny any request for a concession to exploit lithium and we have the power to do that," said Lopez Obrador. "What we want is that it is established in the constitution that lithium belongs to the state."

While Mexico is believed to have potentially large lithium deposits mostly trapped in hard-to-access clay soils, there is currently no commercial production of the ultra-light metal, key to making rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles.

Lopez Obrador, a leftist resource nationalist, has repeatedly said that his government will not approve any new mining concessions, arguing that past governments authorized too many such deals.

Mexico's top lithium prospector, Bacanora Lithium, holds four concessions in northern Sonora state, and for years has claimed to be closest to launching production, though it has several times pushed back its forecast.

Lopez Obrador said last week that companies with active lithium concessions that can demonstrate successful exploration work will be able to continue with their projects, which presumably would cover Bacanora.

In May, China's Ganfeng Lithium, a major battery maker, said it had agreed to buy the shares of Bacanora it did not already own.

(Reporting by David Alire Garcia; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Steve Orlofsky)
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico sent 129 Haitian migrants by plane to their home country on Wednesday, officials said, after beginning flights to the capital of Port-au-Prince last week amid a jump in Haitian migrants moving to the U.S. border through Mexico.

The United States has cleared thousands of Haitian migrants from a camp at the Mexican border in Del Rio, Texas, in recent days, in part through expulsions to Haiti. Thousands of other migrants turned back to Mexico.

Mexico last week sent https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/mexican-government-sends-70-migrants-back-haiti-by-plane-2021-09-29 what it called a "voluntary return" flight to Haiti with 70 people, including 13 children.

Wednesday's flight departed from the southern city of Tapachula near the border with Guatemala and was part of an agreement between the Mexican and Haitian governments, Mexico's migration institute said in a statement.

The Fray Matias de Cordova human rights group expressed its opposition to the flight, saying in a tweet that deporting people to a country where the government cannot guarantee water, housing, food and safety would put lives at risk.

(Reporting by Diego Ore and Daina Beth Solomon; Editing by Sonya Hepinstall)
NASA hopes a mission that is expected to launch next month will demonstrate a technique that could prevent an asteroid from striking Earth.

The mission, called the Double Asteroid Redirection Test, or DART, is led for NASA by the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.

"DART will be the first demonstration of the kinetic impactor technique to change the motion of an asteroid in space," the space agency said.

DART will hitch a ride aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket to a near-Earth asteroid system called (65803) Didymos.

It comprises a 780-meter-wide body orbited by a 160-meter-wide moonlet, "which is more typical of the size of asteroids that could pose the most likely significant threat to Earth," NASA said.

IMAGE: Radar images of the near-Earth asteroid Didymos and its moonlet from 2003. (NASA)

Aided by cameras and autonomous navigation systems, DART will crash into the moonlet at 6.6 kilometers per second, NASA said.

"The collision will change the speed of the moonlet in its orbit around the main body by a fraction of one percent, but this will change the orbital period of the moonlet by several minutes  enough to be observed and measured using telescopes on Earth," NASA said.

The launch is scheduled for 10:20 p.m. PT Nov. 23 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.

The spacecraft will separate from the rocket and cruise for about a year before it is expected to intercept (65803) Didymos in September 2022.

DART will also use solar panels to charge electric ion thrusters, demonstrating another emerging space propulsion technology, NASA said.

"By utilizing electric propulsion, DART could benefit from significant flexibility to the mission timeline while demonstrating the next generation of ion engine technology, with applications to potential future NASA missions," NASA said.
Norovirus outbreaks have been rising in schools. (Getty)

Cases of norovirus are up by almost 40% in England as hundreds of outbreaks of the winter vomiting virus have spread through schools and care homes in the past month.

Public Health England said on Thursday norovirus cases were 37% higher than normal for this time of year.

Cases dropped to extremely low figures during lockdown but have risen sharply after restrictions came to an end.

A spike in norovirus, particularly among the elderly, could put increased pressure on the NHS amid fears there will already be difficult times ahead as cases of COVID-19 increase.

In July, England's chief medical officer, Professor Chris Whitty, said winter "could be tricky" due to the double whammy of higher numbers of seasonal viruses like norovirus as well as COVID-19.

Read more: Under-18s are facing 'one of their worst periods of pandemic' as hospital admissions rise

Chief Medical Officer for England Chris Whitty has warned the NHS could face a tough winter. (PA)

Senior NHS chiefs have also warned the health service is heading for one of the most difficult winters in its history.

The report covered the period between 30 August and 26 September.

In the previous report covering August, norovirus cases were 55% higher than during a normal year.

The majority of outbreaks in the latest report were from educational settings (61%), particularly nurseries.

The authors said that in the five previous normal seasons (before the pandemic) the most common place for a norovirus outbreak was in a care home.

The report said: "It is possible that further unusual or out of season increases in norovirus activity could be seen in the coming months."

Watch: COVID-19: UK has little 'headroom' for coronavirus cases to surge before NHS 'heavily stressed', professor warns

Read more: Long COVID finally given formal definition by the World Health Organization

Medical experts have warned the UK does not have much "headroom" for rising COVID-19 cases before the NHS comes under intense pressure.

Professor Neil Ferguson, a member of the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), said when discussing comparisons with European countries: We are much closer to the limit of what the NHS can cope with.

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"We will come on to plan B, I think that is what is exercising Whitehall and policymakers, is that limited headroom.

He said there was a high level of unpredictability in the modelling but added: We could see continued flat incidence, even slow decline if we get boosters out quickly.

So its not guaranteed we will see a large winter surge by any means, but we cant afford, at the current time, to have too much of a winter surge before really the NHS is very heavily stressed.

Asked about what other countries were doing, and whether the UK wants to keep case rates down, Prof Ferguson said: The Government clearly has said, its not really science here, its a political judgment, they want to live with Covid.

Their prime criteria for acting is additional pressure on the NHS.

What is norovirus?

Norovirus is highly infectious and causes vomiting and diarrhoea but usually passes in a couple of days.

It is sometimes called the "winter vomiting bug."

How do you catch norovirus?

According to the NHS, you can catch norovirus easily from close contact with an infected person, touching surfaces an infected person has touched or eating food prepared by an infected person.
Oct. 6A North Dakota Supreme Court justice and UND administrator will co-chair the national search for UND's next School of Law dean.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Jon Jensen and Amy Henley, dean of UND's Nistler College of Business & Public Administration, will co-chair the 12-member search committee for the next dean, according to an announcement from Eric Link, UND's provost and vice president for academic affairs. Link said he expects to name the new dean by July 2022.

"I am grateful for the leadership of Chief Justice Jon Jensen and Dean Amy Henley, who will provide invaluable experience and perspectives to this important process," Link said. "It is a strong committee that was compiled with input from UND School of Law faculty, staff and students. The committee charge will help ensure stakeholder groups will have the opportunity to provide feedback, and I look forward to working with everyone involved as we select the next leader of North Dakota's law school."

Michael McGinniss has held the deanship at the School of Law since July 2019. McGinniss announced in May that he intended to return to his role as a full-time faculty member at the law school.

Jensen is a Grand Forks native who was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2017, by Gov. Doug Burgum. He was elected to a full 10-year term in 2020. Jensen holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Minnesota State University-Mankato and a juris doctorate from the UND School of Law. Jensen worked in private practice in Grand Forks from 1991 to 2013, when he was appointed to be district judge for the Northeast Central Judicial District, a position he held until being named to the North Dakota Supreme Court.

Amy Henley joined UND in 2018 as the dean and professor of management at the UND Nistler College of Business & Public Administration. She holds a doctorate in organizational behavior and psychology from the University of Texas in Arlington. She previously served as executive director of MBA programs at Kennesaw State University

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In addition to Jensen and Henley, the members of the search committee are:



Nikola Datzov, assistant professor of law



Ariana Meyers, assistant professor of law



Alexandra Sickler, professor of law



Pam Shea, director of student life, School of Law



Julie Simon, director of finance & administration, School of Law



Judge Johnathan Judd, district judge, 7th Minnesota Judicial District



Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl, District of North Dakota



Lu Jiang, pro bono manager, legal counsel for Youth and Children



Mike Mannausau, vice president of development, UND Alumni Association and Foundation



Zachary Tomczik, student representative, School of Law

UND's School of Law is the only law school in North Dakota. The school has a long tradition of educating many of the state's leaders and justices, including members of the North Dakota Supreme Court. Nearly three-quarters of the attorneys licensed to practice in North Dakota are alumni of the school.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday recommended residents of Benton Harbor rely on bottled water instead of tap water as a precautionary measure while various agencies work to decrease the risk of lead exposure. Activist groups say lead in the city's drinking water has been a "persistent, widespread, and severe public health crisis" for at least the past three years.

"Protecting the health and safety of Benton Harbor residents is a top priority," the state health department director Elizabeth Hertel said in a statement. "We've listened to the community's concerns, we are recommending that residents use bottled water for cooking, drinking and brushing teeth."

Under the advisory, bottled water will be made available at various distribution sites throughout the city. More than 4,500 cases of bottled water have been delivered to Benton Harbor to date, with another 15,500 cases expected to be delivered within coming days, according to the Michigan health department.

Benton Harbor residents can still use unfiltered water for bathing, cleaning, and washing hands, dishes, and clothes, the department said.

Health officials said free bottled water "will be provided as long as needed" while the Environmental Protection Agency conducts a study on filter effectiveness. The EPA did not say when the study is expected to be completed.

"Cooperation, collaboration and coordination are the key ingredients moving forward to replace lead service lines and ensure that every resident is protected as we work to solve the water issues in Benton Harbor," Mayor Marcus Muhammad said.

The initiative comes following pressure from environmental and public advocacy organizations, who say the drinking water in the city presents "an imminent and substantial endangerment to Benton Harbor residents."

On September 9, organizations including the Benton Harbor Community Water Council, Flint Rising and the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition filed a petition to the EPA, demanding "immediate action to address the public health emergency."

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According to the petition, the predominantly Black population in Benton Harbor has dealt with high levels of lead in drinking water since the summer of 2018. The city is the only water system in Michigan to exceed the EPA's lead action level threshold six consecutive times and has not had its lead service lines in the city replaced in years, violating federal and state requirements, the organizations wrote.

"Benton Harbor's residents are not only subjected to a disproportionately high level of lead exposure from a variety of sources beyond their drinking water but also often lack access to high-quality health care and are exposed to a wide array of other threats that can exacerbate the negative health effects associated with lead exposure," the petition reads.

The EPA says there is no known safe level of lead in a child's blood and that the negative health effects of drinking water with a lead presence include behavioral issues, a lower IQ, hyperactivity, slowed growth, anemia, cardiovascular effects, decreased kidney function and reproductive problems.

The groups allege the EPA, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) and other agencies have consistently failed to ensure timely action in responding to the high lead levels.

Following the petition's release, EGLE said on September 30 that it was working to permanently reduce the excessive lead levels in the water by replacing all lead service lines within the city. The agency also said free bottled drinking water would be made available to Benton Harbor residents on that day.

A representative for MDHHS and EGLE told CBS News on Thursday that they "are committed to working with the City of Benton Harbor to reduce lead in their drinking water" and that they "have been working collaboratively with the City of Benton Harbor since 2018 when lead was found in the city's drinking water at levels above state standards."

The EPA told CBS News that certified and properly installed water filters are "very effective in reducing lead concentrations in drinking water" and that filters have been made available and will continue to be made available by the State.

"The agency will continue to be involved to support and monitor the effectiveness of the immediate interventions and development of long-term solutions in Benton Harbor," a representative for the EPA said.

Biden pushes businesses to mandate vaccinations for all employees

Senators reach a short-term deal on the debt ceiling to temporarily avoid a government default

Organization connects Latinos to the outdoors
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Pfizer Inc and BioNTech SE have asked U.S. regulators to authorize emergency use of their COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, a group for whom no shot is currently allowed, Pfizer said on Thursday.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has set a date of Oct. 26 for its panel of outside advisers to meet and discuss the application, making it possible for children in this age group - numbering around 28 million - to begin receiving the two-dose Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine shortly afterward.

"With new cases in children in the U.S. continuing to be at a high level, this submission is an important step in our ongoing effort against #COVID19," Pfizer wrote on Twitter.

The vaccine already has won U.S. emergency use authorization in teens ages 12 to 15 and is fully approved by regulators for people ages 16 and up.

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is one of three in use in the United States, along with the two-dose Moderna vaccine and the single-dose Johnson & Johnson version, neither of which has won full regulatory approval for any age group.

A rapid authorization of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in young kids could help mitigate a potential surge of cases in the coming weeks and months, with schools open nationwide and colder weather driving activities indoors. If given regulatory authorization, the two-dose Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine would become the first COVID-19 shot made available to children 5 to 11 in the United States.

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has been shown to induce a strong immune response in 5 to 11 year olds in a 2,268-participant clinical trial, the companies said on Sept. 20.

The two drugmakers are also testing the vaccine in children ages 2 to 5 years old and children ages 6 months to 2 years, with data expected in the fourth quarter.

The vaccine could be ready for roll out as early as November pending approval from federal regulatory health agencies, White House COVID-19 response coordinator Jeffrey Zients said on CNN.

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Once the authorization is granted, Zients said: "We are ready. We have the supply. We're working with states to set up convenient locations for parents and kids to get vaccinated including pediatricians' offices and community sites."

The United States leads the world in COVID-19 cases and deaths.

Children currently make up about 27% of all U.S. coronavirus cases and an increasing percentage of hospitalizations, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. That reflects the high contagiousness of the coronavirus Delta variant among unvaccinated people.

While children are less susceptible to severe COVID-19, they can spread the virus to others, including vulnerable populations more at risk of severe illness.

A Pfizer spokesperson said the application to the FDA has been completed.

(Reporting by Susan Heavey in Washington and Manas Mishra and Manojna Maddipatla in Bengaluru; Editing by Will Dunham, Timothy Heritage and Saumyadeb Chakrabarty)
Pfizer filed an application with the Food and Drug Administration on Thursday seeking emergency use authorization for its coronavirus vaccine that is approved for distribution among children age 5-11.

The FDA said it would look over the application and decide in a matter of weeks, rather than the months these types of applications normally take.

Pfizer has been conducting studies with one-third of the normal vaccine dose to see how children respond and said it has produced favorable results. However, children do not get COVID-19 as severely or frequently as adults.

JOHNSON & JOHNSON REQUESTS EMERGENCY AUTHORIZATION FOR COVID-19 VACCINE BOOSTER

"We know from our vast experience with other pediatric vaccines that children are not small adults," said acting FDA Commissioner Janet Woodcock. "We will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of clinical trial data submitted in support of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine used in a younger pediatric population, which may need a different dosage or formulation from that used in an older pediatric population or adults.

Parents of children under 12 have been waiting for the vaccine to become available as the children return to in-person learning in masks. Although numbers are lower for children, just under 175,000 new cases among children were found in the week ending Sept. 30, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Over 100 members of Congress signed a letter in August asking the FDA for a timeline on when vaccines would be available for children.

"As transmission rates increase and schools reopen for in-person instruction, parents need to know when their kids will be able to get vaccinated," the letter stated. "We respect the scientific process and the FDAs dedication to safety, and we applaud the swiftness with which the FDA granted an EUA for the COVID-19 vaccines for adults and adolescents. The American people need information about the status of an EUA for a vaccine safe for children, however, and we as lawmakers need to understand the FDAs efforts to protect our youngest Americans."

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CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

An advisory committee meeting in the FDA has been set for Oct. 26, where the application will be discussed.

Pfizer is the first vaccine company to request distribution of its coronavirus vaccine for children 5-11.

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Tags: News, Pfizer, Vaccination, children, Coronavirus

Original Author: Misty Severi

Original Location: Pfizer files for FDA approval on coronavirus vaccine for ages 5-11
MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Philippine vice president and opposition leader Leni Robredo registered her presidential candidacy Thursday for next year's elections in a move that would bring the pro-democracy advocate to a new faceoff with the son of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos who is also seeking the top post.

Robredo joined a growing list of aspirants for the May 9 elections after talks failed for key candidates to unite behind a single contender who would go against whoever President Rodrigo Duterte and his ruling party endorse for the race.

Robredo earlier said she may decide to run if ex-senator Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr., whom she narrowly defeated in the 2016 vice presidential race, sought the presidency. He filed the papers on Wednesday, leading some on social media to depict the new rivalry as a boxing rematch.

Philippine presidents and vice presidents are elected separately, and Robredo and Duterte have had strained ties for years. She has attacked his brutal crackdown on illegal drugs that has left thousands of mostly poor suspects dead, and led to the International Criminal Court opening an investigation.

She has also hit Marcos Jr.s refusal to apologize and express remorse over the thousands of human rights victims under his fathers iron-fist rule from 1972 to 1981.

A lawyer, former legislator and social activist who advocates democracy, human rights and good governance, Robredo backed the 1986 people power protests that culminated in the ouster of Marcos and became a harbinger of change in authoritarian regimes.

We need to liberate ourselves from the current situation. I will fight, we will fight, Robredo told a televised news conference where she announced her candidacy while acknowledging an uphill climb. They have the money, machinery, an entire infrastructure that can spread any story they want to project.

But no amount of noise can ever drown out the truth, she said, as her followers repeatedly chanted her name. We will defeat the old and rotten brand of politics."

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Robredo, 56, is the latest key politician to declare their intention to succeed Duterte, whose six-year term, one of the most tumultuous and controversial in recent Philippine history, ends in June next year. The ailing leader, known for his brash rhetoric and expletive-laden outbursts, initially planned to run for the vice presidency under the PDP-Laban party that he leads but backed out Saturday after his popularity rating dropped and prompted him to announce his retirement from politics.

The candidacy of Marcos Jr. immediately sparked a protest by more than 100 left-wing activists who vowed to campaign against him as they burned effigies of his father and Duterte, an ally of the Marcoses.

Marcos Jr. said Wednesday he was ready to face Robredo and the other contenders.

The elder Marcos died in exile in Hawaii three years after his ouster without admitting any wrongdoing, including accusations that he and his family amassed an estimated $5 billion to $10 billion while he was in power.

A Hawaii court found Marcos liable for human rights violations in 1995 and awarded $2 billion from his estate to compensate more than 9,000 Filipinos who filed a lawsuit against him for torture, incarceration, extrajudicial killings and disappearances.

Imelda Marcos and her children were allowed to return to the Philippines in 1991, and have since made a political comeback, winning seats in Congress and powerful provincial posts and laying the ground for a return to the presidential palace and the top job they felt was stolen from them.
Puerto Rico has declared a state of emergency due to the "critical condition" of its generating power plants.

The governing board of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority voted in favor of the declaration on Friday, Fernando Gil-Ensenat, the board's president, told reporters on Friday.

"Based on this result, I can tell you that this procedure has already been approved," Gil-Ensenat said in Spanish. "Now we're in a state of urgent implementation and we must execute. Energy security is important."

The declaration will help speed up "the acquisition of essential goods and services required to fix our generation units," Josue Colon, director of the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, said in a statement Wednesday evening.

The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority is not the only entity in charge of providing the U.S. territory's power supply. Luma, a private company, has been in charge of the transmission and distribution of electricity on the island since June, while the power authority, a public corporation, continues to be in charge of controlling power generation units.

Since the power grids partial privatization, hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans on the island have been subjected to constant blackouts. They've also experienced longer service restoration times, poor customer service and voltage fluctuations that often damage appliances and other home electronics.

The situation has alarmed members of Congress who are concerned that Puerto Rico's extreme power supply instability may be the prologue to a complete collapse of the grid in the near future.

On Wednesday, the House Natural Resources Committee hosted a congressional oversight hearing to examine the status of Puerto Ricos electric network and its partial privatization.

During the hearing, when lawmakers asked if Puerto Rico's power system is nearing a complete collapse, officials in charge of Luma and the power authority answered with caution, describing the system's condition as "critical."

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"The system was repaired after the hurricane, but not restored," Colon said about how the power authority has struggled with blackouts since Hurricane Maria decimated the islands antiquated electric grid in 2017  triggering the worlds second-longest blackout.

Wayne Stensby, Lumas chief executive officer, said scheduled power supply interruptions and load-shedding to avoid excessive load on power-generating plants have helped avoid a collapse.

Thats why its so critical that we continue on with repairs on generation and repairs and restoration on transmission, Stensby said.

More than $11 billion in federal funds have been approved by Congress to upgrade Puerto Rico's power system, but no money has been disbursed yet pending further approval of specific projects that would help accomplish such goal.

The outages have increasingly outraged Puerto Rican residents fed up with their access to expensive and unreliable electricity. Protests have begun to take place on the island since Puerto Ricans saw a fourth increase in their electric bill this year, even though they already pay twice as much as mainland U.S. power customers.

More protests are scheduled for Friday and Oct. 15, when the coalition Todos Somos Pueblo is planning to block Expreso Las Americas, Puerto Ricos busiest highway.

The congressional oversight hearing also examined the state of Puerto Rico's transition toward renewable energy as required by a local government law stating that the island must get 40 percent of its electricity from renewable resources by 2025 and be fully reliant on renewable energy by 2050.

Less than 3 percent of Puerto Rico's electricity currently comes from renewable energy sources.

Gil-Ensenat said that while they're trying their best to achieve such renewable energy targets, "the grid as it is right now isn't as efficient" because it's "designed to provide energy, not to receive it"  a factor that complicates their ability to integrate renewable energy sources.

Colon added, "Any modernization that can be accomplished to the actual fleet with technology that uses natural gas is going to help the system handle better the introduction of new renewable energy sources."

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SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)  A Spanish-language countdown will be included for the first time in the Dick Clarks New Years Rockin Eve with Ryan Seacrest show this year, the Puerto Rico governor announced Thursday.

The segment will be broadcast from the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, where thousands are expected to gather at the islands main convention center in the capital of San Juan, according to Gov. Pedro Pierluisi.

The countdown will occur an hour ahead of the one in New York because Puerto Rico does not implement daylight saving time.

Officials said the event will cost an estimated $3.6 million and will be paid for with federal funds aimed at offsetting the blow of the pandemic. Pierluisi defended the use of those funds, saying it is an economic development event designed to promote Puerto Rico.

The ABC special is broadcast from Times Square in New York City. It is the shows 50th anniversary.
Sean Rayford

The FBI agent wheezes, sniffles, and coughs. Its so random, you might think as you watch Is This A Room that they belong to Pete Simpson, the actor playing himwhich may also seem gross as Broadway reopens in these pandemic-scarred times, and as hes standing so close to his fellow actors.

The sounds are an added note of jangling discomfort in this play, conceived and directed by Tina Satter, that remains rigorously faithful to the FBI transcript of what happened when two agents came to the home of Reality Winner in 2017 to interrogate the then-25-year-old former Air Force linguist and intelligence contractor about leaking evidence of Russian interference in U.S elections to The Intercept.

The coughs and nasal problems, and various ticks of speech and utterances, are in the transcriptionand they are now in a piece of startlingly excellent theater. (The audio of the interrogation was heard in the documentary, The United States vs. Reality Winner.)

How America Betrayed Reality Winner

We are so in each others business, Emily Davis, who plays Reality, said, laughing.

Yes, this is really a period piece where you could cough freely next to each other, Satter said.

People watching the play will have their discomfort heightened by virtue of the last year and a half, said Davis.

Is Davis worried about catching anything, even with strict protocols being in place? Were basically in each others nostril hairs at this point, the actor laughed. Were being as safe as we can be.

In 2018, Winner was sentenced to five years and three months in federal prison for the crime. This June, Winner was released from jail and is now in home confinement, living with her mother, Billie Winner-Davis, in Kingsville, Texas.

Winner was unavailable for comment, but her mother told The Daily Beast the playfirst performed off-Broadway and then touring prior to its Broadway engagementwas amazing. Emily and the cast have done such a good job. Im so happy for all of them.

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For Billie, its the small details that ring true, like Realitys yellow Converse shoes with Pikachu on them. Its very intense to see a very vulnerable young woman on stage, and know all this happened to Reality. It was difficult for us as her family to watch, but Im so glad they made it to Broadway.

Winner has told her mother how scared she was at that moment. She talks about knowing how she could have made the wrong move, that something could have been terribly wrong, Billie said. What if her dog bit someone? What if her cat had escaped, she had run after it, and been shot? She truly felt a lot of fear about how all that was going to end for her. They didnt secure her weapons until the very end, and let her walk through the bedroom where the weapons were. Over the last four years she has had the opportunity to think about all the little things that happened that day.

Russia Hacking Accused Leaker "Billie Winner-Davis, mother of Reality Winner, carries a sign in support of her daughter outside the Lincoln County Law Enforcement Center in Lincolnton, Ga., Sunday evening June 3, 2018. Winner-Davis and other supporters gathered outside the jail a year after Reality Winner's arrest. Winner worked for the national security contractor Pluribus International at Fort Gordon in Georgia when she was charged last June with mailing a classified U.S. report to an unidentified news organization. (Michael Holahan/The Augusta Chronicle via AP)" Michael Holahan

Winner will be officially released from custody on Nov. 23, her mother said. Its wonderful to have her home, Billie said, but right now she has to wear a heavy ankle monitor, and answer to a halfway house whenever they call her in for drug tests. She is still very confined and restricted.

Billie said her daughter was working on a documentary project, taking college courses, and is writing about her experience of prison life. She is keeping herself extremely busy, trying to find her way, Billie said. Shes figuring out how to emerge and deal with everything she has been through. Reality is very involved with the cast and crew, and met everyone via Zoom before their first rehearsal, her mother said. Now shes part of a new family. She and Emily are almost like sisters, its kind of cute.

Having gotten to know her, Emily Davis says Winner is as fun as fuck, and moments like that animate that part of her. Different aspects of Realitys personality have emerged in their interactions, and she imagines that will continue as their friendship goes on.

What she did was wrong, it contravened the law whatever you show on stage, said Davis. But personally speaking, I dont give up no people or write people off when they make decisions I dont agree with. I have another pen pal in prison. I do not agree with his choices, but I deeply care about our friendship and am excited for him to be discovering things about his life and to be his confidante for that.

Yes, Davis says, she is trying to elicit our sympathy for Reality, but for her the piece is more an experiment of being in rooms in proximity to people in distress. This is a powerful thing. If you can achieve that level of discomfort in theater, it can usually lead to a bigger conversationand I think the play has been effective in that way.

In 2017, when Satter first read the transcript, she immediately felt the incredible energy and characters, as well as it being fully formed as a dramatic piece. However, she and Davis are both very aware its chief protagonist is very much alive, and it likely not being a day anyone in the family wants us to remember, as Satter put it. We knew we couldnt do the production without the agreement of the family, said Davis.

Satter laughed as she recalled getting an email from Billie. I thought she was going to go, No, stop what youre doing, cease and desist, but it was the opposite. She was thrilled, and asked us to videotape it.

Billie later came to see the play performed off-Broadway and again in Michigan. She was very moved, said Emily. Satter says Billie was moved by details such as what Davis wore. Generally, they saw what we were doing as having an integrity. This is what happened that day. We havent added anything, we didnt push the humor, but just leaned into the surreal ridiculousness of what is on the page. We didnt want the family to think we were making a comedy out of this thing.

Davis says there may be a bit of a Texas forever thing there too, as she is from near Dallas, Texas, and her mothers side of the family from Corpus Christi, close to where Reality is from.

For Billie it was instructive for the play to show how the FBI agents try to keep her off-balance, while also seeing how she threw some curveballs herself. It shows me she was scared at that moment and also standing up for herself.

Billie says that while we only see three agents on stage, there were 11 in Realitys home that day (Becca Blackwell plays a composite of all of them). The truth of that day, says Billie, was that Reality was in the small back room of the property, with two large-framed FBI agents, with her back against a corner wall. It was truly terrifying for her, her mother said. She likes the moment of sharp humor Reality displays. Thats my quick-witted daughter, she said.

She also explains why she did what she did. To me, thats the most powerful thing. Reality hasnt been able to speak for the last four years. This piecewith her speaking, and what Emily does so well for hertells us everything we need to know about her motivations. In prison, Reality heard from people who had seen the play, and had been motivated and inspired by it. It helped build awareness and support for her. Now its on Broadway, I hope it continues to grow more awareness and support, and that we can continue to fight for justice, clemency, and a pardon.

However, Billie said, The hope of clemency is slipping away as each day passes. Once she is out of home confinement, 3 years of a supervised release beginsbasically probation. I dont think the president would think was a pressing issue since she will be out from under the prison system. But she would take it. To have do 3 more years of probation is restrictive and taxing. I hope she does get the pardon. I feel she deserves it so much. Its the right thing for this president to do, or a future one.

She did what she did for her country, and Americans. She didnt want the truth hidden from us. She didnt harm national security. She served such a harsh sentence already. 4 years in prison: thats not nothing. She deserves to have her life back, and a pardon would allow her to speak freely about her case.

Billie says her activism around social justice began in college when she studied social work, later becoming a social worker working in child protective services around issues like child neglect and domestic violence. He daughters would come with her to community events like candlelight vigils. They saw the importance of becoming involved, working for social programs and justice.

Satter said the family is a very cool mix of fascinating, smart, down-home Texas, activist minds. Billie was very much like, I want people to know my daughters name, and what is happening in this country. To them, Reality is someone who has served their country, spoken out, and was sent to jail when the really corrupt cronies of the powerful who should be in jail are not in jail.

Billie says Reality may be home, but she is not free. If she doesnt get a pardon, life for her will never be totally free. Shes never said, thank you so much for doing the play for me, but shes been very helpful. Shes recorded a voiceover at the end for us. She wants her story out there. Shes really interested in talking about how prison has been for hernot just as a white woman, but what the punitive system is like, and perhaps writing about that herself.

What does this feel like for Reality? Thats what we returned to again and again

The play is around 70 minutes long, the exact time of the interrogation, and the staging is stark and simple. There is no recreation of Winners Augusta, Georgia, home; just a stage with two slightly raised platforms. Our imaginations do the rest. Her spookily real-looking dog, Mickey, and cat, Mina, are the work of a puppeteer.

If the words are faithful to the encounter, Satter and Davis skillfully imagine the emotional and physical sensations of what unfolded that day. Winner and the two agents are involved in a kind of ballet that is sometimes in fluent formation, and sometimes set up in a far more menacing visual as the men intimidatingly loom over her.

Cast of Is This A Room photographed at Lyceum Theatre in Manhattan. Chad Batka

As the company plays preview performances and resolves technical snafus, before officially opening on Monday, Davis says she hasnt had time to absorb the full experience of being on Broadway, although getting out of the train and walking through Times Square feels very cuckoo. Putting a play on is always hard work, said Satter, but especially hard when it comes to the size and demands of a Broadway show. As she ducks out for a Starbucks coffee every day opposite the theater, she gets a kick out of thinking none of the cars going past her knows that the play inside is hers.

There is usually a moment before we do any show where Tina has a meltdownWhat the fuck are we doing? Why did I think we can do this?but so far we havent had one of those, Davis said. Satter added that the early audiences on Broadway have seemed more open than the downtown ones, laughing at the plays more surreal momentsas the agents talk about the practicalities of pet-care with Winneras if they want the play to work for them.

Its like thinking if you want to kiss a person, they turn out to be a good kisser, Davis said. People are so ready to be in the embrace of live performance, its their eagerness to see something work.

However, Davis has a little orange bird on her shoulder reminding her that even though she is now in a Broadway theater, she should not act too big to match the space. The performance is meant to feel like an intimate conversation, and if it lost that quality it would be a very different showand were fighting to preserve that feeling every single night. I am toeing that line of trying to bodily accept you are in a much bigger space, expand yourself in the smallest way, and not let it interfere with the purposeful decisions youve made so far.

The bare stage and platforms are intended as a crucible; a setting for a forcefield of personalities in choreographed combat. What does this feel like for Reality? Thats what we returned to again and again, said Satter. In this space we know this young womans life is going to be very different in an hour or so.

If the play is intense to watch, for Davis it is a meticulously plotted rollercoaster, where she must navigate Realitys many shades of conversation: what she is accused of, the concern for her pets, worrying that her groceries may have melted, realizing her hands are sweaty, and how short her shorts are. Davis shows her as fearful, funny, witty, smart, scared, and in control. For Satter, it felt like the jig was up when Winner admits her crime before the end of the FBI interview, and so the challenge is to focus on the emotional impact of her realizing that her admission means her life will be forever altered.

When I asked Satter and Davis if they see Reality as a victim, criminal, guilty, innocent, or a justice-minded whistleblower, or if she exists within a Venn diagram of blurred boundaries around all those, Emily Davis said the latter puts it nicely.

The Venn diagram is right, said Satter. Part of me is a weird rule follower. Its complicated. She did break the law. But this is a very America 2017 case, where a former military person who has high-level clearance sees something the government is lying about. Shes 25 years old, very idealistic, but also a soldier. Its an incredible character study, a micro-moment of our country at this time, and also an examination of how information is controlled or not.

It is not a dry presentation. At moments where names are redacted the lights go out, adding to the drama of the situation. There is humor in the interweaving of FBI agents comparing notes on pet-care, and then drilling down on what Winner did or didnt dogame of cat-and-mouse, with added dog. Davis particularly relishes the moment of every performance where Reality takes back some control, and has the agents on the hop. Its an important momenther inner badass comes out, and she tries to throw the agents off, said Davis. I do something slightly different every night.

Audiences ask Davis: Why didnt she get a lawyer? A lot of women have said to her that they felt so uncomfortable as the men surround Reality (as Davis said, a lot of women have had similar experiences of men). Pre-COVID, post-performances, women offered her lots of hugs.

The title, which seems to violate grammar, would make Satter sick had it had a question mark; the a is capitalized, when typically it would not be. Said by an agent in the play as a non-sequitur, it is supposed to induce as much curiosity as the play doesand also reflects how much of the exchange is about the space the three main characters are in: who occupies it, and who has control of it.

The play is important, said Billie, because people often skip over what happened that daythe fact that Reality wasnt read her Miranda rights, and that 11 agents stormed into her home and that she was trapped in the back room of her house where she told them she was not comfortable, and where she was coerced to confess to a crime. After that day she never saw freedom again. (To solve one of the plays mysteries, Billie says that Mina the cat has since been re-homed with Realitys sister, and her dog Mickey was re-homed with a couple in the Augusta area.)

Billie knows the two FBI agents. She saw them at the courtroom a number of times, and listened to their testimonies. They talked to Billie and her husband in the way we see them in Is This A Roomtrying to establish a warm rapport with Reality herself. Billie hopes the agents know about the play, and would go see it. I wish theyd look back and ask: Did they do the right thing? Part of me thinks they have to know it exists, given that Realitys case has made national news and hasnt died out. I wonder if theyre curious, and have the courage, to see how their words and actions are portrayed.

Is Billie proud of her daughter? Absolutely, yes, she responds without a pause.

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A group of GOP governors outlined a ten-point plan to end the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border on Wednesday and called on President Biden to address the ongoing surge of migrants entering the U.S.

Speaking in Mission, Texas, with eight other governors, Texas governor Greg Abbott said the president has caused a humanitarian crisis and chaos on our border, according to Fox News.

All Americans saw what happened in Del Rio, Texas just last month and we know that chaos will be repeated unless and until President Biden takes action, he said.

Nebraska governor Pete Ricketts said Biden must act.

He cannot ignore this humanitarian and national security crisis any more, he said.

While Department of Homeland Security secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has claimed that poverty, high levels of violence and corruption in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries are to blame for an influx of migrants illegally entering the U.S., Republicans have said it is Biden who is at fault for the surge, after he loosened immigration restrictions.

Biden rescinded the Trump-era Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) and reinstated catch and release. Experts say Bidens plan to create a pathway to citizenship for 11 million undocumented immigrants has served as an incentive for migrants to attempt to cross the border.

Its not a secret anymore. They have created this crisis and Americans know it, Arizona governor Doug Ducey said.

The groups plan includes a recommendation that the Biden administration fully restore MPP, as it was recently ordered to do by a federal court. The policy, also known as Remain in Mexico, forces migrants to await their U.S. immigration court dates in Mexico.

The governors also prescribed the end of catch-and-release, more border-wall construction, an expansion of Title 42 expulsions, and the deployment of additional federal law enforcement to the border.

The Biden administration has struggled to get a grip on the devastating situation at the border: Last month, Border Patrol agents were overwhelmed by more than 15,000 migrants who streamed across the border and camped out under the international bridge in Del Rio, Texas.

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Border Patrol agents encountered more than 200,000 migrants at the southern border in both July and August.

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File photo. Visitors view the Chinese military's J-16D electronic warfare airplane, left, and the KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft at right during 13th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition on 29 September in Zhuhai in southern China's Guangdong province (Associated Press)

Chinas military is expanding its airbases near Taiwan by deploying its new fighter jets, which are designed for electronic warfare, according to satellite imagery and a Peoples Liberation Army source.

China has sent a record number of warplanes, 148 in just the past week, to the islands air defence identification zone as part of its strategy to ramp up its military intimidation of the self-ruling democracy and test its air defences.

On Monday, a record 56 Chinese warplanes intruded into Taiwans airspace, prompting Taipeis defence ministry to scramble its air defence system and issue warnings. The show of force marked the fourth straight day of intrusions by aircraft belonging to the Peoples Liberation Army. Taiwan has described these incursions as irresponsible provocative actions, while the US, Japan and Australia urged China to end its military threats.

The satellite image showing Chinas airbases near eastern Taiwan was released by Canada-based Kanwa Defence Review and it shows a J-16D fighter jet being housed at an airbase in Jiangxi province, China.

Andrei Chang, editor-in-chief of the defence magazine, said the satellite imagery showed the J-16D had been deployed to the Xiangtang airbase in Nanchang, Jiangxi, in May. One satellite image showed hangars at the airbase that can accommodate advanced fighter jets like the J-16D.

A separate image from January showed another airbase in Changxing county, Zhejiang province, being expanded with new hangars and other infrastructure being built.

Both airbases are run by the PLAs Eastern Theatre Command, according to South China Morning Post.

All the airbases along the southeast coast are being expanded and upgraded to house more fighter jets as more and more large-scale air incursions are in the pipeline, Mr Chang said. The deployment of 52 aircraft [in the first sortie] on Monday shows the PLAs aviation combat strength. I expect more types of PLA aircraft will be sent in future, with the biggest sorties involving more than 100 [planes].

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A PLA source in Beijing, China, on the condition of anonymity, confirmed to South China Morning Post that the J-16D fighter jet had been deployed to an eastern airbase near Taiwan. He said that the military activity near Taiwan was part of combat-readiness training.

The escalation of air incursions from the PLA means more fighters from Taiwan need to carry out scramble missions, which increases the chance of collision because there arent any rules of engagement, Mr Chang added.

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday said that he had spoken to Chinese President Xi Jinping about Taiwan.

Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-Cheng told the islands parliament that tensions with China were at their worst in 40 years. He also warned that Beijing could have the ability to mount a full-scale invasion of the democratic island by 2025.

Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, has also called Chinas recent actions around Taiwan provocative and warned of the risks of miscalculation.
CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and veteran of South Africa's struggle against white minority rule, turned 90 on Thursday, celebrating his birthday with a low-key church service at Cape Town's St. George's Cathedral.

Tutu, who has struggled with ill health in recent years, is often hailed as South Africa's moral conscience and the great reconciler of a nation divided by decades of racist politics. He attended the service in the place where he served as the country's first Black Anglican archbishop, wearing a dark suit.

In 1984 Tutu won the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent opposition to apartheid. A decade later, he witnessed the ends of that regime and he chaired the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, set up to unearth atrocities committed during those dark days.

"Their plans failed miserably," Tutu's friend Reverend Allan Boesak said, giving a speech at the pulpit. "You told them this government is evil and this government will very soon bite the dust. You did all that, Desmond Tutu."

Tutu led numerous marches and campaigns to end apartheid from St George's front steps, and as a result it became known as the "People's Cathedral" and a powerful symbol of democracy, according to the local government.

Tutu was a long-time friend of Nelson Mandela, and lived for a time on the same street in the South African township of Soweto, Vilakazi Street, the only one in the world to host two Nobel Peace Prize winners.

"His most characteristic quality is his readiness to take unpopular positions without fear," Mandela once said of him. "Such independence of mind is vital to a thriving democracy."

(Reporting by Emma Rumney and Shafiek Tassiem; Editing by Tim Cocks and Susan Fenton)
RBIJ CEO Celia Ouellette and Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson discuss abolishing the death penalty in New York City, on 6 October, 2021. (Nathan Place)

Sir Richard Branson says that no country can call itself civilised as long as it still imposes the death penalty  and that includes the United States.

I think to be a truly civilised country, you must realise that killing people as a way of trying to teach people not to kill people is not the way to do it, Branson told The Independent on a grey afternoon in New York City. Its inhumane, and its wrong.

The British billionaires new mission is a lofty one: to abolish capital punishment worldwide, and more specifically, here in the US. Its a project that is in some ways more ambitious than his recent trip to space, and certainly more complicated to pull off.

To accomplish it, Branson is working with the Responsible Business Initiative for Justice (RBIJ), a nonprofit organisation that is building an army of business leaders to stand together against the death penalty.The Independent has committed to the fight as our latest campaign pledge.

Celia Ouellette, RBIJs chief executive, thinks the moment is right to end the practice once and for all in the US. The countrys rate of executions per year is among the highest in the world, but most states have now abolished or put a moratorium on capital punishment.

When you get to these kinds of tipping points, actually the voices of business leaders have a huge impact, she said.

Together, Branson and the RBIJ have made considerable progress. Today, more than 150 executives will sign the Business Leaders Against the Death Penalty declaration, a campaign that Branson has spearheaded. Those signatories include names as well-known as Sheryl Sandberg, Ariana Huffington, and Branson himself.

I promise you well get another 150, at least, he said bullishly on Wednesday.

But why would Branson, the multi-billionaire founder of Virgin Group, choose to do battle with an ancient, intractable social problem rather than spend more time at his Virgin Islands home or on his fleet of spaceships?

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Because he has the power to do so, he says.

I think if you take the generation before myself, business leaders just thought they were there to make money, Branson said. But we have a voice.

There are many reasons why the entrepreneur despises the death penalty. High on the list is the number of American death row inmates who have turned out to be innocent  some of whom Branson has met personally. One of those people is Anthony Ray Hinton, whom he called the most delightful person you could meet.

Mr Hinton was convicted of murdering two people in 1985. In 2015, he was exonerated by the Supreme Court  after spending 28 years on Alabamas death row.

That was a concocted, racist charge, Branson said.

Anthony Ray Hinton wipes away tears outside the Jefferson County jail upon his release after serving 28 years on death row (EPA)

That racism is another reason for Bransons opposition. Numerous studies have shown that the death penalty in America is disproportionately used on its Black citizens. According to the Death Penalty Information Centre, African Americans make up 41 per cent of the countrys death row inmates  but only 13 per cent of the US population.

Black people are the ones that seem to get set up rather than white people, Branson said. Ive seen so many injustices being done in this system.

And as long as governments have the power to kill, he fears, they will misuse it.

The other danger of allowing capital punishment is that if the government ends up falling into the wrong hands, people could be executed for political reasons as well, he added.

Advocates of the death penalty argue that executions provide a powerful deterrent to murder and other capital crimes. But as Branson pointed out, capital punishment has been banned in almost every nation in Europe, and those countries havent seen spikes in violent crime afterwards.

Sir Richard Branson pictured delivering a message from space aboard SpaceShip Two Unity 22 (EPA)

Meanwhile, the only countries that share Americas commitment to keeping the death penalty are ones with authoritarian regimes.

Youve got North Korea, youve got Iran, youve got Saudi Arabia, Branson said. They arent the best of bedfellows on an issue.

The Virgin Galactic founder makes a compelling case for ending capital punishment. Was it his voyage to space, witnessing the fragile earth below him, that gave him such a profound perspective on the value of human life?

In a broader way, the 71-year-old admits, perhaps it affected his thinking.

Its definitely made me all the more committed to spending the next  if Im lucky  20, 25 years of my life trying to help sort out the myriad of issues that are in this world, said Branson. And the death penalty is one of those very large ones.

Read More

Broken beyond repair: 150 executives including Sheryl Sandberg join The Independent to demand an end to the death penalty

I have watched six people die. Its time for America to end the death penalty
Theres nothing that we cant do, honey, said Brown

Actress and social media personality, Tabitha Brown is officially a New York Times best-selling author.

Browns book, Feeding the Soul (Because Its My Business): Finding Our Way to Joy, Love, and Freedom did not just make the list, but reached No. 1.

In a video shared on Instagram, Brown was overcome with emotion as she made the announcement to her fans and supporters. You know how sometimes you do stuff and you do it with no expectation? And then God just blows your mind! Thats the moment Im in, honey.

Im still kind of in a moment of shock, she said. I dont even know what to say. Thank yall for buying my book, and for supporting me, and for telling people about me. Im so thankful. I cant even believe my life right now, yall. Its just a long time coming.

The vegan guru continued, Im doing a lot of new things I never thought I would do.

The 42-year-old actress and author said, Theres nothing that we cant do, honey. If we just do it and we believe it, and we have faith in it, and God will do the rest. If He put it in our heart and in our mind, we are supposed to do something with it. Whatever your dream is, honey, if you think its too big, dream a little bit bigger because theres more out there waiting for you.

With a smile, she added that she planned to call her father.

Known for her warm Southern spirit, Brown emerged from TikTok, YouTube and Facebook videos about her vegan recipes. Since then, she has written her book, been a guest on the Showtime series, The Chi, and released a best-selling spice blend with McCormick.

Tabitha Brown is pictured in a promotional photo. (Credit: McCormick/Sunshine Sachs)

In July, Brown announced that she was able to retire her husbanda former Los Angeles police officer. After 15 years as a police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department, her husband, Chance Brown, was able to turn in his badge due to the incredible success Brown has enjoyed.

Talk show host, Wendy Williams criticized Browns decision to help her husband financially, comparing Chance Brown to her ex-husband Kevin Hunter. I was married to one of those, I make the money! and so on and so forth. Go live your dreams! Open a business! Go, go, go! See how that turned outI predict that this marriage is going to be on real rocky ground in a moment. Live your dream They may invest in stuff and lose the money.

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 Clip of Tabitha Browns message to #WendyWilliams First of all Wendy Williams, honey, God bless you pic.twitter.com/oaUJUufQwX  The Crowd Updater (@TheCrowdUpdater) July 1, 2021

They invest in something else then the money gets swindled or stolen. Then they invest again and he comes home and throws his bag down. Shes like What? What? And hes like, I cant do this and this is your fault. Youre over here making your money and stuff and had me quit my job. 

In what has been called a masterclass in grace, Tabitha Brown responded to Williams saying, in part, I pray that someone will love you enough to see you when you are not well, to see when you need true support, to see you when you need compassion, to see you when you need kindness.

I pray that somebody loves you enough to sacrifice their life for you. I pray that type of love finds you so that you can understand why I dont want my husband to put his life on the line anymore, wearing a bulletproof vest if he dont have to, and if its not his desire.

theGrios Jared Alexander contributed to this report.

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The post Tabitha Brown overcome with emotion announcing her new book tops NYT best seller list appeared first on TheGrio.
Civilian groups are still evacuating US citizens and visa holders from Afghanistan.

An activist for one such group told Insider they've had no problems negotiating with the Taliban.

She said the Taliban are helping because they "want Americans out."

See more stories on Insider's business page.

An activist helping with the ongoing evacuations of remaining US citizens and visa holders from Kabul, Afghanistan, has said that the Taliban were helping the missions because they "don't want Americans in their country anyway."

Project Dynamo is among a handful of civilian-run organizations that have continued evacuation efforts from Afghanistan after foreign forces fully withdrew from the country on or before August 31.

The team has taken on a "massive undertaking" in recent weeks, sifting through the travel documents of some 30,000 people who have applied for help to leave the country, the Project Dynamo volunteer Jen Wilson told Insider.

After confirming the paperwork for those eligible to enter the US, the group has to communicate with the Taliban to receive clearance, Wilson said.

She said the process has been a lot easier than expected.

"They want Americans out," she said, referring to the Taliban. "So when it comes to us moving Americans out of the country, they're happy to assist. They don't want Americans in their country anyway."

At the peak of evacuations in August, Taliban fighters were seen at various Kabul airport checkpoints beating and threatening people who were trying to leave, including an Afghan UN worker after searching his car and finding his staff identification.

But Wilson said "there have been no problems at all" with Project Dynamo's passengers.

"The Taliban have not been adversarial with us or threatening with us," she said. "There were no problems with hitting and beating, the things that we saw in the early days when the military was still there."

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"The Taliban knew we were coming, they knew it was Americans, and they gave us safe passage."

Last week Project Dynamo successfully evacuated more than 100 US citizens, green-card holders, and special immigrant visa holders from Kabul to Chicago.

But the journey took longer than expected after the Department of Homeland Security initially barred the plane from entering the US, citing a lengthy screening process and a measles outbreak as causes for concern.

The group, which included 59 children, was left stranded at the Abu Dhabi International Airport in the United Arab Emirates for more than 24 hours with little food and having to sleep on floors.

The US has evacuated more than 122,000 people from Afghanistan since August 14, the day before the Taliban seized control of Kabul, according to a Sky News tracker. It is not clear how many have been evacuated since the August 31 military withdrawal deadline.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(In story from Thursday, clarifies in second paragraph that company is Hewlett Packard Enterprise)

By Hyunjoo Jin and Subrat Patnaik

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) -Tesla Inc Chief Executive Elon Musk said on Thursday the electric carmaker plans to move its headquarters from Silicon Valley's Palo Alto, California to Austin, Texas, where it is building a massive car and battery manufacturing complex.

Tesla joins Oracle, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Toyota Motor in moving U.S. headquarters to Texas from California, which has relatively high taxes and living costs. While Silicon Valley also is a hive of development of new ideas and companies, Texas is known for cheaper labor and less stringent regulation.

"I'm excited to announce that we're moving our headquarters to Austin, Texas," Musk told the company's annual meeting, held in the Texas car factory.

"This is not a matter of, sort of, Tesla leaving California," he said, saying it plans to increase output from its main California factory and Nevada factory by 50%.

The Fremont, California factory nonetheless is "jammed" and it is tough for people to afford houses in California, he said.

Billionaire Musk himself moved to the Lone Star State from California in December to focus on the electric-car makers new plant in the state and his SpaceX rocket company, which has a launch site in the southern tip of Texas.

Musk had a rocky relationship at times with California, threatening to move Tesla headquarters and future programs to Texas during a row over the closure of Teslas factory in Fremont, California due to COVID-19, for instance.

At the meeting he showed off a design of what looked like a cowboy-style belt buckle emblazoned with "Don't Mess With T" -- the T in the style of the Tesla logo. The phrase is based on a venerable and popular Texas anti-littering campaign - Don't Mess with Texas.

DIRECTOR TERM CUT

Despite some criticism from activist shareholders and a proxy advisory service, shareholders followed board guidance on several key proposals, including reelection of Kimball Musk, Elon's brother, and James Murdoch as board directors.

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But they voted in favour of a stockholder proposal to reduce director terms from three years to one year and a proposal regarding additional reporting on diversity and inclusion efforts.

"It's unfortunate that the shareholders did not agree to remove Murdoch and Musk's brother. But I think they know the pressure is on them," Stephen Diamond, a professor at Santa Clara University School of Law, said.

"They've got a lot more work to do on governance. Just changing the term is just an artifact of a larger governance issue," William Klepper, a professor at Columbia Business School, said.

Advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) had recommended that Tesla investors not re-elect the two directors because of concerns about excessive compensation packages to non-executive board members.

Shareholders also voted against a stockholder proposal asking for a study into the impact of Tesla's use of arbitration on workplace harassment and discrimination.

The proposal, opposed by the board, was thrown into the spotlight after a Black former contract worker on Monday won a $137 million jury award against Tesla over workplace racism.

(Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin, Subrat Patnaik and Bhanvi Satija; Editing by Peter Henderson and Stephen Coates)
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has moved toward appealing a block on the state's strict abortion law, his office announced Thursday.

Paxton did not say when he would file the expected appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in defense of Senate Bill 8, which restricts abortions after fetal heartbeats are detected, but he said the motion stems from "the sanctity of human life" being a "top priority" of his.

"We disagree with the Court's decision and have already taken steps to immediately appeal it to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals," his office tweeted. "The sanctity of human life is, and will always be, a top priority for me."

FEDERAL JUDGE PUTS TEXAS ABORTION LAW ON HOLD

On Wednesday, Judge Robert Pitman ordered an immediate stop to the abortion ban, saying women were "unlawfully prevented from exercising control over their lives in ways that are protected by the Constitution" under the legislation. In his 113-page ruling, Pitman called the law "unconstitutional."

A person's right under the Constitution to choose to obtain an abortion prior to fetal viability is well established," Pitman wrote. "Fully aware that depriving its citizens of this right by direct state action would be flagrantly unconstitutional, the State contrived an unprecedented and transparent statutory scheme to do just that."

The law in question prohibits abortions after fetal heartbeats are detected, which generally occurs around the six-week mark, before many women know they are pregnant, critics argue. The law also allows private citizens to file lawsuits and earn a judgment of up to $10,000 against anyone who "aids or abets" in getting an abortion after that point, a provision that critics, such as the American Civil Liberties Union, say "actively encourages private individuals to act as bounty hunters by awarding them at least $10,000 if they are successful."

Story continues

Supporters have applauded the law, which took effect last month after the Supreme Court declined to intervene in a 5-4 vote, with Rebecca Parma, the senior legislative associate at the Texas Senate Research Center, saying it is the "strongest Pro-Life bill passed by the Legislature since Roe v. Wade."

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

The issue may eventually return to the Supreme Court because the high court's September ruling allowing the legislation to stand was on procedural grounds rather than a question of the legislation's constitutionality.

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Tags: News, Abortion, Texas, Attorney General, Appeals Courts

Original Author: Misty Severi

Original Location: Texas attorney general moves toward appealing block on abortion law
H-E-B grocery store Joe Raedle/Getty Images

A federal judge in Texas sentenced Christopher Charles Perez to 15 months in prison for posting on Facebook that he had paid someone to spread COVID-19 in a San Antonio H-E-B supermarket, as part of a hoax in the jittery early days of the pandemic.

"My homeboys cousin has covid19 and has licked everything for past 2 days cause we paid him too," Perez wrote on April, 5, 2020, according to court documents. "Big difference is we told him not to be these [expletive] idiots who record and post online ... YOU'VE BEEN WARNED." That post stayed up only 16 minutes, but someone took a screenshot and sent it to a law enforcement network called the Southwest Texas Fusion Center. Perez then posted a link to a news article about a supermarket forced to close due to an infected employee. "Lol, I did try to warn y'all," his post said. "Nogalitos location next."

In June, a federal jury found Perez, 40, guilty of disseminating false information and hoaxes related to biological weapons. The federal judge sentenced him on Monday, and Perez's lawyer, Alfredo Villarreal, filed notice Wednesday that he will appeal the verdict to the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Federal sentencing guidelines had recommended 15 to 21 months in prison based on the offense and Perez's unspecified criminal history, a federal court official told The New York Times.

"Perez's actions were knowingly designed to spread fear and panic and today's sentencing illustrates the seriousness of this crime," FBI special agent Christopher Combs said in a statement. U.S. Attorney Ashely Hoff added that "trying to scare people with the threat of spreading dangerous diseases is no joking matter." Villarreal argued in a court motion in June that Perez "either meant it purely as a joke or, at worst, intended that people take the pandemic more seriously."

"I'm sure the judge was intending to send a message to people who would be involved in like hoaxes, which is important," Nancy Gertner, a Harvard Law School lecturer and former federal judge, told the Times. "The question is whether he needed to impose a sentence of this length to send that message." She said before federal sentencing guidelines were introduced in 1987, crimes like Perez's would likely have earned probation.

Story continues

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(Reuters) -A Texas school district has removed two books by Jerry Craft from its libraries and postponed his virtual appearance before students after parents complained his graphic novels teach critical race theory, possibly in violation of a new state law.

The Katy Independent School District near Houston has stoked the latest controversy over critical race theory, a once-obscure academic concept. White conservatives have rallied to ban it in schools, arguing that it overstates America's racist history.

The theory, which examines how American institutions might be inherently racist, is mostly taught in law school.

Local television station KPRC first reported the ban on the book. Craft on Wednesday said the petition to ban his books also resulted in the postponement his appearance before students.

A Texas law that took effect on Sept. 1 restricts discussions of race and history in schools. Republican Governor Greg Abbott said the law was a "strong move to abolish critical race theory."

Craft's "New Kid" and its sequel "Class Act" tell the stories of minority students who enroll in a predominantly white private school. His work has won the Newbery Medal, the Coretta Scott King Author Award and the Kirkus Prize, according to his website.

The Katy schools, which according to the district website serve almost 89,000 students, "temporarily" removed the books from the libraries, KPRC said, citing a district spokesperson. NBC, citing a district representative, said Craft's appearance set for Monday was postponed.

Reuters could not reach Katy school officials late Wednesday.

Bonnie Anderson, one of the parents who objected to the books, told KPRC, "It is inappropriate instructional material.

"The books don't come out and say, 'We want white children to feel like oppressors,' but that is absolutely what they will do," Anderson said.

Craft, who is African American, said his books were aimed at "showing kids of color as just regular kids."

"I almost never saw kids like me in any of the books assigned to me in school. Books aimed at kids like me seemed to deal only with history or misery," Craft said, adding that he also tries to include messages of "strong values, loving families, very supportive friends, and plenty of humor."

(Reporting by Daniel Trotta; Editing by Leslie Adler)
If you wanted to own a Nintendo Switch, you probably have one by now, unless you were waiting for the long-rumored Pro model. Sadly, the OLED Switch, which we put through its paces here, is not the 4K-upscaling, next-gen Nintendo console we dreamed of.

The Morning After

It does, however, pack a bigger gorgeous OLED screen, better battery life (despite what appears to be the same internal parts) and a slightly more modern design. That means fewer bezels, a kickstand you might actually use and a redesigned dock.

The biggest question is: Who is this for? Both the original Switch and the Lite are cheaper and offer largely the same gaming experience  if you play through a TV, its exactly the same.

For the early adopters  or handheld gamers  the OLED model appears more attractive. A bigger screen and better battery life are both boons for mobile gamers. But is it enough for you to stump up $350, especially when were all waiting for Nintendo to announce a more notable console upgrade. Despite Nintendo's upfront denial, a new console cant be too far away. The question for would-be OLED Switch buyers is: How long till the next Nintendo console arrives? Read Kris Naudus' full review right here.

 Mat Smith

Twitch responds to massive data breach

It says it was due to an error in a Twitch server configuration.

Twitch logo

Twitch has released an update on a massive hack that appears to have exposed source code, streamer payment figures and other information. It said data was exposed to the internet "due to an error in a Twitch server configuration change that was subsequently accessed by a malicious third party." It added its teams are working with "urgency" to investigate the attack. The streaming site believes no login credentials, including passwords, were exposed.

Yesterday, attackers said they stole the "entirety of Twitch.tv," including the site's mobile, desktop and console Twitch clients. It also accessed proprietary SDKs and internal AWS services. All of this could make Twitch vulnerable to future attacks by letting potential hackers probe for weaknesses.

Story continues

Continue reading.

Users in some countries have another way to report issues with apps, too.

Developers who let users create an account in their iOS, iPadOS and macOS apps will have to offer a method of deleting accounts in apps from January 31st. Apple announced this requirement, alongside other App Store guideline changes, at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference back in June as part of a push to give users more control over their data.

Continue reading.

One persons quest for the perfect wireless mouse

Click here.

The Morning After

Mice are not sexy computer peripherals. But for those of us tethered to computer screens, theyre often crucial. James Trew, while negotiating some pretty bad RSI, decided it was time to upgrade his setup and tested out mice from some of the biggest companies, including Microsoft and Logitech. His demands were humble enough: a focus on ergonomics. But which mouse won out?

Continue reading.

It wants to prohibit private facial recognition databases like Clearview AI.

The European Parliament has called on lawmakers in the European Union to ban automated facial recognition in public spaces and to enforce strict safeguards for police use of artificial intelligence.

MEPs (members of European Parliament) said citizens should only be monitored when they're suspected of a crime. They cited concerns over algorithmic bias in AI and argued both human supervision and legal protections are required to avoid discrimination.

The MEPs also called on EU officials to ban private facial recognition databases (some law enforcement agencies in Europe are using Clearview AI's one), as well as "predictive policing based on behavioral data."

Continue reading.

Google Maps adds a dedicated 'lite' navigation mode for cyclists

You won't need to enter the full turn-by-turn interface to use the feature.

Google Maps is adding a dedicated navigation mode for those who like to travel from place to place on two wheels. Taking the turn-by-turn functionality that Maps is known for, the tool allows you to see important details about your current trip without keeping your phones screen turned on. You dont need to enter the full turn-by-turn interface to use the feature. At a glance, youll also see your current ETA.

Continue reading.

The T20 can go nearly 15 hours between charges and offers optional LTE.

Nokia has dabbled in tablets before, like the iPad knockoff N1 , but has only released smartphones since the brand was purchased by HMD Global. Now, HMD/Nokia have launched their first tablet together, the 10.4-inch T20, with the key features being a large battery, cheap price and US availability.

While you dont get bombshell looks for that $250 price tag, the specs, at least, seem respectable for a cheap Android tablet and HMDs track record with Nokia phones has been pretty strong, offering solid smartphones at pretty reasonable prices. The Nokia T20 is available from today.

Continue reading.

That includes highways, city streets and virtually any paved rural road.

Since General Motors introduced its Super Cruise driver-assist system back in 2017, GM and Cadillac drivers have apparently traveled more than 10 million miles with their hands off the wheel.

With its next-generation hands-free system, Ultra Cruise, GM claims will "ultimately enable hands-free driving in 95 percent of all driving scenarios." Ultra is designed to work virtually everywhere in the US and Canada. At launch, the system should work on 2 million miles of North American roads  that includes highways, city and subdivision streets and paved rural roads  and will eventually expand to encompass some 3.4 million miles of asphalt.

Continue reading.

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Three 11-year-old students have been accused of plotting to start a fire to kill the rude people at their Florida school, according to police.

Two girls and a boy were arrested and are facing charges of conspiring to commit a first-degree felony.

On Monday, a Lee County Sheriffs Office deputy was called to Six Mile Charter Academy about a potential threat involving the three 6th graders, reports NBC-2.

The trio were allegedly planning on setting the upstairs female restroom alight during school hours, so that the second floor of the school would burn and rude people would die in the fire, according to the girls written statement. She told deputies that she planned to run downstairs to report the fire after it was lit so that the younger children could be evacuated, according to a police report.

A student sounded the alarm when he said he heard the three talking about their alleged plan and saw the girl take out a grill lighter from her backpack.

He told investigators that he heard her say she was going to pretend to cry while reporting the fire and said he also heard one of the boys saying he was going to get extra paper for fuel.

Another witness said the three children had written 2:30 on the top of their hands, which was the time they allegedly planned to carry out the plan.

Six Mile Charter Academy released a statement saying: Our highest priority is the safety and security of our students and staff. We are grateful to the Lee County Sheriffs Office for their prompt and thorough investigation regarding a plan by three students to cause significant damage to our school. We are very proud of the brave students who advised administration when they found out about the plot and allowed us to immediately address the situation. As a result of students choosing to do the right thing, the rest of our school family can now continue learning as usual.

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The once-released, since-defeated Kraken of election fraud lawsuits could end up costing ex-Trump lawyer Sidney Powell more than she can cover.

Ms Powell said this week shes facing at least $3bn in legal threats from various voting machine companies over her unproven claims the presidential election was rife with fraud.

But theyll need to take a number, Ms Powell said, as she doesnt have the tiniest fraction to cover the damages being sought.

Dominion is suing me personally for $1.3 billion and then Smartmatic is suing me for $2.7 billion, I think, in New York. And then Eric Coomer, who used to work with Dominion, is suing me in Colorado, she said, laughing at the size of the amounts.

I mean, we need a take-a-number system now for people who want to sue Sidney Powell, who doesnt have the tiniest fraction of that amount of assets. We could write that check and watch it bounce to infinity and beyond.

The former Trump lawyer made the comments on Tuesday in an appearance on The Pete Santilli Show, which was shared online by Raw Story journalist David Edwards.

But the once and future Kraken may get cracking yet again, as Ms Powell said shes going to continue litigation.

She has taken on the case of about a half-dozen defendants from the 6 January riot at the US Capitol, and has sued the US Defence Department over its Covid vaccine mandates.

She has also launched a counterclaim against Dominion Voting Systems for $10m in damages alleging the companys abuse of process, which she said included more than 150 cease and desist letters to her contacts.

It was a massive intimidation campaign to stop witnesses from talking and to try to get people to stop saying anything about Dominion at all, never mind its an issue of national and international importance, she said.

She added that the lawsuits were part of a massive smear campaign that begins in the press and ends in the courts.

First they start with the media, and then the lawsuits follow, and it all wraps up into one big mess for a normal citizen, which is what Ive always been, to have to deal with. Its really quite remarkable, I had no idea I was so important, she said.

Story continues

Dominion Voting Systems did not immediately respond to The Independents request for comment by the time of publication.

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States believes an "imminent" return to indirect talks in Vienna over a return to the Iran nuclear deal is necessary because the process cannot go on indefinitely, State Department spokesman Ned Price said on Thursday.

Price said a diplomatic path remained open and noted that Tehran had said it would return to the talks "soon."

"We hope their definition of soon matches our definition of soon," Price said. "We would like negotiations to resume in Vienna as soon as possible."

(Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis, Mohammed Arshad and Simon Lewis; Editing by Chris Reese)
Writers from across the country will gather in Archer City this weekend to pay tribute to Larry McMurtry, the legendary Texas author who died in March.

Organized by George Getschow, who co-founded the University of North Texas' Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference, the convocation will include readings at the Royal Theater by writers influenced by McMurtry and a free public screening of The Last Picture Show on Saturday night.

Why it matters: McMurtry, who grew up in Archer City, is one of the most acclaimed and prolific writers in the state's history.

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McMurtry is known best for novels like "Lonesome Dove", "Terms of Endearment" and the "Thalia" series set in a town based on Archer City. He also wrote several essay collections and won an Oscar for his "Brokeback Mountain" screenplay.

What they're saying: "Larry McMurtry impacted the way we all think about Texas, the way we think about ourselves," Getschow tells Axios. "There was a time when we had a jingoistic attitude about Texas. He made us re-examine the way we think about our customs, our beliefs."

What we're watching: A collection of essays by writers speaking this weekend and others will be published by the University of Texas Press.

Contributing writers include Beverly Lowry, Stephen Graham Jones, Sarah Bird, Skip Hollandsworth, Stephen Harrigan, Geoff Dyer, Alfredo Corchado, McMurtry's occasional-writing partner Diana Ossana, and Axios Dallas own Mike Mooney .

Go deeper: Read Mike's essay about the way the McMurtry's work changed Archer City from the August issue of Texas Highways.

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Theres still many things uncertain, but there are some positives; we do seem to have control of this virus, at least for the vaccinated, he said. As a result, were in the middle of the fastest economic recovery in anyones memory. And in particular, weve seen a revitalization of manufacturing around the country.

He said consumers who retreated from services found themselves with money in their pockets and time on their hands.

And they spend it on their homes, their cars and their recreation at levels that we have never seen, he said. This demand has been incredibly healthy and it looks to remain healthy.

Theres still almost $3 trillion in excess savings to be spent, he said. Inventories are low everywhere and theyre going to need to be restocked.

But the supply situation is just absurdly tight. Manufacturers have been buffeted by input shortages, transportation challenges and tight labor markets. And these pressures seem likely to last for a while, he said.

He said hed hoped to see a significant return to work this fall as unemployment insurance expired, children returned to school and COVID-19 eased.
Police believe the teen was manipulating the partially constructed gun when it discharged, striking him in the leg. The gun had a single round in the chamber when it discharged. The gun was not sufficiently complete to hold a magazine with additional rounds.

When we spoke to him briefly, he said he came across the [gun] parts, but he did not give us any more details than that, Casale said. And thats where our investigation is now  where did he obtain these parts and how? They basically appeared to be replacement parts that he had put together for the top half of the gun.

Investigators learned the teen had purchased an AnyCubic 3D printer for $249 and apparently acquired schematic blueprints for a 9 mm semiautomatic pistol that can be downloaded to the printer.

The boys parents told investigators their son had purchased the printer for the purpose of hobby making, Casale said.

Based on the printed parts police recovered, it was apparent the teen had been experimenting with the 3D printing process. He printed two pieces that went unused before printing a third that was attached to existing barrel and slide.
NHK has learned that in late June a North Korean ship armed with a man-portable surface-to-air missile was sighted in Japanese fishing grounds in the Sea of Japan.

Sources told NHK that the Japan Coast Guard confirmed the presence of the North Korean official ship in the Yamatotai area off Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture.

The sources say the missile was the same type as the SA-16, which was developed by the former Soviet Union. It reportedly has a range of 4.5 kilometers.

They say it was the first time that a North Korean ship armed with a missile has been confirmed in the Yamatotai area.

In 2001, a North Korean spy ship armed with the missile, sank after exchanging gunfire with a Japan Coast Guard patrol ship off Amami-Oshima Island in the East China Sea.

The Yamatotai area is located in Japan's exclusive economic zone and is one of the nation's major fishing grounds.

Japanese fishing boats have long operated in the area, catching squid and other marine products. But illegal fishing by foreign vessels, including some from North Korea and China, has become a problem in recent years.

The Japan Coast Guard has raised its alert level to ensure the safety of Japanese fishing boats operating in the area. It constantly deploys patrol vessels to deal with suspicious ships and analyzes North Korea's latest intentions.
Tomoko Yoshino on Wednesday became the first female chief of Rengo, Japans largest labor organization, after her promotion from vice president was approved at a regular convention.

The 55-year-old Yoshino, from a labor union mainly representing small and medium-sized manufacturers, will serve a two-year term, succeeding Rikio Kozu, who led the body for six years.

The organization, formally known as the Japanese Trade Union Confederation, has around 7 million members.

It is the first time since the establishment of Rengo in 1989 that a woman has taken the helm.

After graduating from high school, Yoshino got a job at sewing machine maker Juki Corp. in 1984. She has served as deputy head of the Japanese Association of Metal, Machinery, and Manufacturing Workers since 2015 and as vice president of Rengo since 2015.

I will proceed with our activities by heeding the voices of our members seriously so we can create an environment in which people can continue work without worrying even amid the spread of the coronavirus, Yoshino said.

Despite calls for increasing the number of women in leadership positions, Japan still has a long way to go. Women have been leaders of labor unions in nations such as the U.S. and the U.K.

The Japan Business Federation, known as Keidanren, has never had a female chief in its history of over seven decades. In June, online service provider DeNA Co. Chairwoman Tomoko Namba became the first female vice chair of the organization, the countrys most powerful business lobby.
A trial has begun in Japan involving a death row inmate who wants to use colored pencils.

Okumoto Akihiro was convicted in 2014 of killing his wife, son and mother-in-law. He says he has been unable to use non-mechanical colored pencils to draw since February due to rule changes by the Justice Ministry. He says the rules infringe on his freedom of expression.

At a court hearing on Thursday, Okumoto's side said that even though he is still allowed to use standard pencils and colored mechanical pencils, he can no longer draw the way he used to.

Japan's government, meanwhile, expressed readiness to oppose his argument.

Okumoto's lawyer said the 33-year-old began drawing with colored pencils after his first conviction.

Supporters sold his drawings in the form of postcards. The proceeds were given to bereaved relatives.

The lawyer quoted Okumoto as saying he wants to keep drawing pictures with colored pencils as an essential part of his atonement.
An impassioned dispute over the access to less than a yens worth of electricity has pitched Carlos Ghosns former defence lawyer into a landmark constitutional clash with Japans justice system.

Takashi Takano said the legal battle symbolised Japans crazy prejudice against defence teams.

The spat began in a Yokohama courtroom in September when the presiding judge in a pre-trial hearing on a drugs smuggling case barred Takano from plugging his laptop into the rooms electricity socket.

The judge said the power belonged to the Japanese state and Takano, in acting for his client, was there in a private capacity. Takano protested, but to no avail, and has appealed to the High Court.

The judges socket prohibition, argued Takano, violated Japans constitutional guarantee of a citizens right to assistance by competent counsel  a clause that closely echoes the language of the Sixth Amendment of the US Constitution.

In the modern world, said Takano, a laptop was an essential part of a defence lawyers equipment and so the right to use it, with a cable if necessary, was protected.

But Takanos argument takes the negative implications of the judges electricity ban even further. Defence lawyers, he said, should not be seen by the courts as acting in a wholly private capacity, but as a necessary part of the entire judicial system.

The fact that the judge made the distinction, he said, revealed a mindset that underpinned significant imbalances in a system weighed against defendants. Prosecutors, for example, are not obliged to share the full body of evidence with the defence.
Another Festival Season with guidelines

New Delhi, Thu, 07 Oct 2021 Supratik Mitra

As the festival commences in India, at the beginning of October, the real question is whether the country will be able to celebrate its much-adored celebrations with all the glam, or will government restrictions be again the norm this year as Covid-19 continues to be a concern.

With the approach to the festival season, the central government has already sent out notifications to various state authorities to adhere to relevant guidelines and continue with the Covid curfews and regulation, throughout the festival season. The centre in its notifications has particularly asked the state governments to ensure no large public gathering in the upcoming festival season.

Many states have also issued their state-specific guidelines to limit the spread in the festival season,

Maharashtra



The Maharashtra Government has issued Navratri 2021 guidelines, which is to be followed in all celebrations within the state. Garba, dandiya, and other cultural programmes that demand mass involvement have been outlawed throughout the Navratri 2021 season, according to state government rules. In addition, the state has said that no more than five persons should be permitted within the pandal at any given time. The guidelines further say that the Durga idol permitted in community festivities must be no more than 4 feet tall, while the idols allowed in family celebrations must be no more than 2 feet tall. In addition, there is a restriction on procession during arrival and immersion of the idol. To avoid congestion inside the pandals, the administration has also advised that community pujas organise for internet darshans. Inside the community pandals, food and beverages are also absolutely banned at this time.

Delhi

The Delhi government has banned the celebration of Chatt puja. However, the state did say that Ramlila and Durga Puja can be celebrated in the district which has a positivity rate of less than 5%, however only with prior permission from the District Magistrate. In addition, for each occasion, such as Ramleela and Durga Puja pandal, the district magistrate and DCP will select a nodal person who would guarantee strict adherence to the government's directives.

In closed spaces, the event can be run with 50 per cent capacity and not more than 200 people are allowed. However, no fairs, food stalls, hammocks, rallies, processions are allowed in the festival season.

Uttar Pradesh

The UP government has also released guidelines for the celebration of Shardiya Navratri, Vijayadashami, Dussehra, and Chehallu, which are widely celebrated across the state during this time. The state government in the guideline has asked people to maintain law and order and communal harmony during the time of the festivals. Additionally, the guidelines also say that the idols should be placed in a traditional but vacant location, their size should be maintained as little as possible, and no more people than the ground's capacity should be present. Lastly, Small cars should be utilised as often as possible for idol immersion, and the programme should involve the smallest possible number of individuals.

Gujarat

Authorities in the state would allow up to 400 individuals to attend Garba celebrations if they are properly vaccinated against the coronavirus. Although hotels and restaurants in the state cannot still function in full capacity, the government has announced relaxations. Hotels and restaurants are now allowed to operate at 75 per cent capacity compared to the limit of 60 per cent. In eight cities across the state, namely Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Junagadh, Jamnagar, Gandhinagar, Surat, and Vadodara, the night curfew has been extended by one hour, from 11 p.m. to midnight.

Kolkata



The West Bengal government has also published guidelines for the popularly celebrated Durga Puja in the state. The guidelines come after the Calcutta High court issued directives to have rules and regulations similar to last year. The court on Friday last week had already announced that Pujo pandals will be treated as containment zones, and visitors will not be allowed in the pandals. In addition to this, the government in its guidelines asked puja committees to have separate entry and exit gates, while floor markings and other signages should be made on entry and exit routes and assembly points to ensure compliance with physical distancing norms. The government declared that cultural events and fairs would not be permitted at Puja locations. The government also asked the committee to have an adequate number of volunteers to make sure the guidelines are being followed. For the immersion of the idols the government has said to strictly follow pre-appointed ghat slots.

While it does take away from the ambience of the festival season around the country, it is important not to forget the pandemic. Wearing face masks and using sanitisers, and following the guidelines might just save us from another dreaded wave. This festival season it might be best to bear the cost of the guidelines for our safety.
SC is not happy with the Govt offering quotes after the limit was breached

New Delhi, Thu, 07 Oct 2021 Supratik Mitra

The Supreme called the governments decision to continue reservation in promotion for people belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/STs) even after their numbers exceeded the upper ceiling of 15% and 7.5% respectively, of positions in some classes of central government jobs, disturbing.

The court said, there should be some justifications to continue with reservation in promotion. The Union government was also chastised by a bench led by Justice L Nageswara Rao for failing to provide data on how it determined inadequacy of representation of SCs and STs, as stipulated in two previous judgments by a Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court, despite which the government continued to promote them based on a 1997 memorandum.

The Union government's attorney general, KK Venugopal, attempted to explain it away by claiming that the over-representation of SCs and STs in Group C and D posts should not concern the Supreme Court, suggesting there are "no takers" for these positions and "general category candidates do not want these jobs."

The bench which also comprised justices Sanjiv Khanna and BR Gavai, was dissatisfied with the argument presented and said, The data given by the attorney general is disturbing. The moment you (government) saw that representation of SCs and STs was beyond 15% and 7.5% respectively, a decision had to be taken that we wont continue with the promotion. But the government did not do anything of that sort. The office memorandum of 1997 continued in a blanket manner.

It also added, The central government should have applied its mind. What is meant by adequacy? It may not mean exact 15% and 7.5% but there has to be some application of mind. Whether you are justified in providing reservation in promotion in such circumstances is the question before us

In the M Nagaraj case, the Supreme Court ruled in 2006 that the state must gather quantifiable evidence demonstrating the insufficiency of representation of a sector of the population in public employment while still preserving overall administrative efficiency. In 2018, another Constitutional court recognised the concept of measurable data. After observing that the Union government had not gathered data on insufficiency of representation of SCs and STs, the Delhi high court in 2017 invalidated the 1997 memorandum, citing the Nagaraj decision.

While hearing a slew of petitions on the matter, the bench on Tuesday demanded to know whether the Union government collected data to determine the adequacy or inadequacy of SCs and STs before promoting them.

Venugopal did show some statistics relating to the Northern Railway, where the data was collected after the Delhi High Court order. However, the court pointing at issues with it said, The data given by you is after 2017. It is clear that this data has been prepared only for the purpose of filing the special leave petition. Nagaraj (judgment) asked you in 2006 for the collection of data on inadequacy but the Union clearly did not do anything for 10 years...You say in group A there are less than 15% and 7.5% while in groups B, C and D, they are more than this. We want to know if you stopped any promotion between 2006 and 2017 where the promotional posts had gone beyond 15% and 7.5%?

In the last hearing on the matter on September 14, the court emphasised that the policies of the Union and state governments on the reservation in promotion for SCs and STs must fulfil all the requirements laid down in two previous Constitution bench judgements in the M Nagaraj and Jarnail Singh cases (2018).

The two rulings require the Centre and state to collect quantifiable data demonstrating the inadequacy of SC/ST representation at various levels of government employment, assess the impact of reservation on overall administrative efficiency, and exclude the "creamy layer" before allowing reservation in promotions.
Today we bring you a special treat: a guest post from our colleague, Igor Krupnik, who is an Anthropologist at the National Museum of Natural History. We hope you enjoy reading about his work with the people of Wales, Alaska, to document the many native Inupiaq words for Sea Ice. Yes, there really are over one-hundred Inuit words for sea ice! - Meghan Mulkerin, Rogers' Archaeology Lab.

Cover Photo of "Kingikmi Sigum Qanuq Ilitaavut  Wales Inupiaq Sea Ice Dictionary"

In October 2012, the Arctic Studies Center (ASC) released its new heritage publication, Kingikmi Sigum Qanuq Ilitaavut  Wales Inupiaq Sea Ice Dictionary, an illustrated bilingual catalog of traditional Inupiat knowledge about sea ice and change in the North Alaska-Bering Strait region. The 112-page dictionary is a product of a four-year partnership of a small team of indigenous Elders, language experts, and scientists, under the leadership of Winton Weyapuk, Jr., a whaling captain from Wales, Alaska, and Smithsonian Anthropologist, Igor Krupnik (see ASC Newsletter 16, 2009). Several other partners, including local Wales Elders Pete Sereadlook and Faye Ongtowasruk, the late Herbert Anungazuk, originally from Wales, were instrumental in the preparation of the Wales Sea Ice dictionary, as were also sea ice scientists Hajo Eicken and Matthew Druckenmiller ofthe University of Alaska Fairbanks, linguist Lawrence Kaplan, also of UAF, anthropologist Carole Zane Jolles, and others.

Wales/Kingigin, Alaska, population 160, is the northwesternmost community in North America, located on the shores of Bering Strait, right across from the northeastern edge of Siberia. One can really view Russia on a clear day from almost any window in Wales, as seen from the photo placed on the dictionarys cover. The idea to collect traditional Inupiaq sea ice terms in the community of Wales was first discussed in 2006, when Igor secured copies of several historical photographs from Wales taken in 1922 by visiting biologist Alfred M. Bailey, a future director of the Denver Natural History Museum (now, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science). When several dozen of Baileys photos were shown to hunters and Elders in Wales, they were amazed by how much the sea ice around their native place had changed due to rapid Arctic warming. Since the Inupiaq language in Wales is now being used by a few senior adults and Elders only, it inspired a cooperative effort in local knowledge and language documentation. It was endorsed by Native Village of Wales and supported via grant from the Shared Beringian Heritage Program of the National Park Service and the matching funds from NMNH and the Arctic Studies Center.



Wales hunters on snow-shoes hunt for ringed seals along the edge of the shore ice in the early spring (May 1922). BA-21-772. From: Kingikmi Sigum Qanuq Ilitaavut-Wales Inupiaq Sea Ice Dictionary, pp. 80.

Since Inupiaq is not spoken actively in Wales hunting crews these days, Weyapuk carefully prepared the list of traditional Kifikmiut sea ice terms from his youth memories and then cross-checked it with the Elders. He also took over 100 color photos of local ice scenes and ice formations from the shore-fast ice, the nearby mountain, and from a hunting boat. Upon Igors suggestion, he inscribed the Native terms for the ice on the photos, so that the readers may view the ice-scape through the eyes of an experienced Inupiat hunter. The Inupiaq-English ice dictionary lists over 100 terms for ice and ice-associated phenomena in the Kifikmiu/Wales dialect, arranged alphabetically and by major groups/types, and with detailed explanations in Inupiaq for major ice terms. Eicken, Druckenmiller, and Anungazuk contributed expanded comments on the ice and ice knowledge in Wales, and Igor added a short story of Alfred Baileys sojourn in Wales in spring 1922, as a preface to two dozen black-and-white historical photos from Baileys collection at the Denver museum.



Wales Sea Ice Dictionary was inaugurated at the recent 18th Inuit Studies Conference (24-28 October, 2012) at the Smithsonian in Washington, DC. Of the thousand book copies printed, four hundred were shipped directly to Wales for local families, school programs, friends and relatives in Alaska and elsewhere. Kingikmi Sigum Qanuq Ilitaavut is another outcome of the SIKU (Sea Ice Knowledge and Use) project that Igordeveloped and implemented during the International Polar Year 20072008, with the support from the National Park Services Shared Beringia Heritage Program and matching funds from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and NMNH (ASC Newsletters 16, 2009; 17, 2010).

Video of Dr. Krupnik talking about the Sea Ice and Knowledge Use project (SIKU). Source: International Polar Year 2007-2008 website.

In December 2012, the Wales Sea Ice Dictionary received an award from the Atmospheric Science Librarians International (ASLI), a professional association of atmospheric science librarians, institutions, and organizations involved in atmospheric research. Each year, ASLI recognizes the best books in all fields of atmospheric sciences out of the pool of several hundred printed annually. The Krupnik-Weyapuk heritage volume was the first ever publication in the social sciences and with a Native Alaskan co-author to be awarded an Honorable Mention, as the 2012 ASLIs Choice in the Reference Category. The award was given at a special ceremony at the 93rd Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) in Austin, TX.

Igor Krupnik recieves Honorable Mention, as the 2012 ASLIs Choice in the Reference Category. at the 93rdAnnual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) in Austin, TX.

The Wales Sea Ice Dictionary was enthusiastically welcomed in Wales when the printed books arrived and were disseminated among local families. Winton Weyapuk reported on the reactions of the people in the Wales community, saying:

People commented that a dictionary such as this was long overdue and that it was very important to document our Inupiaq language for future generations. One old man said that it may help inspire people to speak more Inupiaq, that books like this are needed, and that we need to preserve our language. Like many Elders he is humble and quiet, but what he said touched my heart. Another young man said he would now study the book to learn the Inupiaq words and how to recognize dangerous sea ice conditions and avoid them. Other people commented that other similar dictionaries with Inupiaq words used every day should be produced. Many people said they enjoyed the photographs, both the contemporary and the historical photos taken in the 1920s. Looking at the pictures side-by-side, our people were able to compare sea ice conditions from the 1920s to what they see today. Our community appreciates all the hard work done by everyone and especially the work done by Igor to bring this project to fruition. We are proud of having such a book produced for the village of Wales, for other researchers, scientists, and extended family and friends everywhere.

As Weyapuk stated in his Introduction to the Wales Inupiaq Sea Ice Dictionary:

It is our hope that our Inupiaq words for sea ice and the English translations we collected here can help young hunters supplement what they have learned in English about sea ice in our area and how the changing ice conditions are affected by winds and currents. It is also our hope that they can learn and begin to use some of the Inupiaq words as a way to teach those younger than themselves. Language, any language, is beautiful in its own way. Inupiaq, because of its construction and its concise description of the natural environment is no less beautiful. It is, in its way, a heartfelt tribute to our Elders who taught us so much. Without their dedication and instruction our life would be dramatically different today. This book can also be seen as praise for our youth who continue our way of life and whom we love deeply. Enjoy this book for what it is.

We cannot agree more with his heartfelt words.

By: Igor Krupnik, Anthropologist, National Museum of Natural History.
TS Banking Group has acquired another bank in its ongoing efforts to build its assets and expand its reach.

First National Bank and Trust Co., based in the agricultural area of Clinton, Illinois, acquired State Bank of Arcadia, Wisconsin from B&E Investments and closed on the property on Oct. 1, a press release from TS Bank stated. First National is part of TS Banking Group, a multi-charter bank holding company based in Treynor with locations in Iowa, Illinois, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Colorado and California. The group employs a total of about 230 people.

Since Dec. 31, 2019, TS Banking Group has grown its assets from $900,792,000 to $1,184,234,000. When you add assets under management, the bank holding company has more than $1.5 billion in banking and fiduciary assets.

With banking assets of $210 million, State Bank of Arcadia serves an area in western Wisconsin that has a strong and diverse commercial and ag industry, TS Bank said in the release. As of Oct. 1, the bank officially merged into First National Bank and Trust Co., with the resulting bank having approximately $400 million in total assets across five locations.
The column I wrote a while back entitled Are We Alone In Outer Space? dealt primarily with the contact with, or communications with, an extraterrestrial intelligence.

I remember a book many years ago authored by John McVey which offered information upon which both pessimists and optimists could base their arguments as well as leaving room for the fence sitters to form their own conclusions.

Today, intense efforts to detect incoming signals from an intelligence among the stars is being conducted by the Search For Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) of Mountain Valley, California. At present time, the SETI Institute has more than 100 research scientists investigating the nature of the universe and the prevalence of life beyond Earth.

Using the 140-foot radio telescope located at Green Bank, West Virginia, scientists involved with Project Phoenix have plugged in receiving equipment which can simultaneously monitor 28 million channels.

To date, there have been some intriguing signals received but none which can be definitively identified as being of extraterrestrial origin.
Peterson said he has three plans for Council Bluffs if elected to the City Council  responsible economic development, fiscal responsibility and being an advocate for families in Council Bluffs. Another focus Peterson has is removing barriers for small businesses and creating environments within the city that will attract talent and visitors to the community.

Hunter received 382 votes (18.63%) and said hes excited to get to work and continue the campaign.

Im planning to engage with as many people as I can in the community until the general election, Hunter said. Im hoping to encourage people to come out and vote.

Hunter said he is running for City Council to make sure younger generations have opportunities in the community including being able to find work, own their own homes and live in a city that reflects their values. He wants to focus on how the city will attract businesses and see the opportunities those businesses will provide community members.

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Danielsen received 371 votes (18.09%) and it feels awesome to be one of the final four and that she has some steps in place to continue the campaign until the general election.
A new federally funded program will offer help to households that have fallen behind in their water bills and are facing disconnection of service or have already been disconnected.

Iowa has received more than $10 million in federal aid as part of an ongoing effort to address the financial impact of COVID-19.

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The new federal Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program will provide assistance in the form of benefit payments made directly to water vendors on behalf of households for past-due charges, fees and taxes for drinking and wastewater services, according to a press release from the Iowa Department of Human Rights. The program will be administered by the Iowa Department of Human Rights and locally through Iowas Community Action Agencies that serve all 99 counties.

Iowans may apply through their local Community Action Agency starting Friday, Oct. 8, 2021. For information on how to apply, Pottawattamie County residents should contact West Central Community Action at 712-322-2621 between 8:30 and 11 a.m. or between 1 and 3 p.m. weekdays. Due to COVID-19, applications are not being taken in person.
A 29-year-old Omaha man faces decades in prison for enticing children, thanks to the quick thinking of his child victims, a childs father and the resourcefulness of a fugitive unit that tracked him down in Central America.

Adam Hawhee, 29, pleaded no contest Tuesday to seven felonies, including child enticement and possession of child pornography. Douglas County District Judge J Russell Derr will sentence Hawhee in December. He faces up to 88 years in prison.

Hawhee also pleaded no contest to failure to appear for a pretrial hearing in March when he fled to Nicaragua. After posting $135,000 bail, Hawhee became the rare Douglas County defendant who not only skips town but flees the country. Police tracked down Hawhee in Nicaragua in April and returned him to Omaha in May.

Prosecutors and Hawhee reached a plea agreement after he was originally charged with two counts of child enticement and 26 counts of possession of child pornography.
A roundup of campaign news items of interest for Wednesday, October 6, 2021:

FINKENAUER FUNDRAISING: The campaign for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abby Finkenauer said it raised more than $1 million during the most recent three-month federal reporting period, Finkenauers first of the campaign.

Finkenauer is running for the right to face longtime Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, who first faces a Republican primary. Other Democrats in the race include Dave Muhlbauer and Glenn Hurst.

The Finkenauer campaign said her $1 million-plus haul is the largest non-election year fundraising quarter ever for a candidate challenging Grassley, and that donors ranged from all 99 Iowa counties.

Together, were going to send a message to Washington D.C. and those at the top that Iowa doesnt quit, Finkenauer said in a news release. We are building a campaign that Sen. Grassley has never seen before.  We are not backing down and we will and must win.
REAP MEETINGS: The state Department of Natural Resources says Iowas 18 Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) assemblies will begin in two weeks.

The locally led meetings give all Iowans an opportunity to discuss their visions for Iowas outdoor recreation, soil and water enhancement, historical resources, land management and other topics.

Delegates also may be selected from the local meeting to attend the REAP congress in January at the State Capitol in Des Moines. Each assembly represents a region of counties, and participants are required to attend the region for the county in which they reside.

Each year, REAP provides funding for local projects through a grant process, and each year the requests for city and county grants exceed the amount available by two or three times.

Since the program debuted in 1989, more than $365 million has been awarded to more than 15,500 projects, according to the DNR.

UPCOMING ELECTIONS: Iowans are being encouraged to participate in Nov. 2 city and school board elections in a voter education initiative launched by Secretary of State Paul Pate.
For more information, visit https://www.volunteeriowa.org/summit

REAP MEETINGS

The state Department of Natural Resources says Iowas 18 Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) assemblies will begin in two weeks.

The locally led meetings give all Iowans an opportunity to discuss their visions for Iowas outdoor recreation, soil and water enhancement, historical resources, land management and other topics.

Delegates also may be selected from the local meeting to attend the REAP congress in January at the State Capitol in Des Moines. Each assembly represents a region of counties, and participants are required to attend the region for the county in which they reside.

Each year, REAP provides funding for local projects through a grant process, and each year the requests for city and county grants exceed the amount available by two or three times.

Since the program debuted in 1989, more than $365 million has been awarded to more than 15,500 projects, according to the DNR.

UPCOMING ELECTIONS

Iowans are being encouraged to participate in Nov. 2 city and school board elections in a voter education initiative launched by Secretary of State Paul Pate.
Democratic National Committee spokesperson Adonna Biel said the governors are the same ones who stood idly by as Donald Trump spent four years destroying our immigration system and spreading vile, xenophobic rhetoric and said the event was just to further their own political aspirations.

Reynolds bristled when asked her reaction to her Texas visit being a political stunt, saying those critics are missing the point and not looking at the data.

If you think this is a political stunt, then people better wake up, the Iowa governor told reporters. No, its not a political stunt. This is the real thing. Biden owns this. This is a self-inflicted crisis.

Both Iowa GOP U.S. senators came to Reynolds aid Wednesday, with Joni Ernst calling the dire situation a humanitarian crisis of epic proportion with no sign of improving as U.S. Customs and Border Protection projects over 2.3 million individuals will attempt to enter the country this year.

Folks, these numbers are staggering, the Red Oak Republican told Iowa reporters, noting that border enforcement officers are overwhelmed and the Biden administration is woefully unprepared to handle it.
A hunter who was attacked by a grizzly this weekend west of Cody shot and killed the bear, wildlife officials said. Her two cubs were later euthanized by authorities.

The attack occurred Saturday morning as the man was elk hunting. He and his hunting partner had a sudden encounter with the bears, according to a statement from state and federal wildlife agencies. The female grizzly had not been handled by officials in the past and was unmarked.

Saturdays mauling was the first human injury from a grizzly encounter in Wyoming this year, said Dan Smith, Cody regional wildlife supervisor for Wyoming Game and Fish.

It was an unprovoked attack, Smith said. There was nothing that indicates the hunters had done anything that would provoke an attack.

Grizzly attacks are unusual  Game and Fish has recorded 30 injuries since 2010  but can happen unexpectedly. The hunter may have accidentally startled the bear, come too close to her cubs or approached an important food source, Smith said.

This time of year, bears are very hyperphagic, and they're trying to put on weight before they go in to hibernate in the winter. And so if they have a food source that they're protecting, that could instigate aggressive behavior, he said.
Big bills not fiscally responsible

Imagine if a relative has maxed out their credit cards, was delinquent on bank loans as well as pay day loans, cant pay their mortgage and is facing foreclosure. They figured out if you would loan them $200,000, they could pay their mortgage for three months and have enough to buy a fully loaded Mercedes to drive to work. Would you give them the loan?

The US government is in a similar situation, with the budget through August $2.7 trillion in deficit. Unless the government raises the debt ceiling and borrows more money, the government will have to shut down. That, however, is just the beginning. The reconciliation and infrastructure bills being pushed by the Democrats is an additional $5.5 trillion by their reckoning, over$ 7 trillion by those who actually count all factors.

The bills are spending sprees to fundamentally change America into a socialist country, which we cannot afford, even if everyone wanted it. It is fiscal madness. To date, Congresswoman Cindy Axne has voted with her Democratic party exclusively. Contact her to save our economy.

Beth Trimmell

Council Bluffs

Big Pharmas reign of cost terror
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In an email later in the week, Great Western officials said: It is and has always been Great Western Banks policy to protect the privacy of its customers, their accounts and transactions. It is the Banks policy that only persons authorized by the account holder are able to select who has access to view and transact on its accounts, and such persons are responsible for their own actions to provide such types of access."

The board also reluctantly accepted the resignation of Bill Henry effective Sept. 30.

I feel like a quitter, but I know what Ive got to do, Henry said. I know what I need to do, not what I have to do. I apologize for not finishing it out.

Last week Henry said he decided to resign because of a series of health problems. After much prayer, he said Monday, his decision was reaffirmed and hes ready to move on.

Volkmer said the county has 45 days to appoint a replacement. The decision will fall to County Clerk Becky Rossell, County Attorney Rebecca Harling and new County Treasurer Alex Gurciullo, as specified by state law.
STOCKHOLM (AP)  Three scientists won the Nobel Prize for physics on Tuesday for work that found order in seeming disorder, helping to explain and predict complex forces of nature, including expanding our understanding of climate change.

Syukuro Manabe, originally from Japan, and Klaus Hasselmann of Germany were cited for their work in "the physical modeling of Earth's climate, quantifying variability and reliably predicting global warming."

The second half of the prize was awarded to Giorgio Parisi of Italy for "the discovery of the interplay of disorder and fluctuations in physical systems from atomic to planetary scales."

All three work on what are known as "complex systems," of which climate is just one example.

The prize goes to two distinct types of physics that are opposite in many ways but share the goal of making sense of what seems random and chaotic in such a way that it can be predicted. Parisi's work centers around subatomic particles and is somewhat esoteric and academic, while the work by Manabe and Hasselmann is about large-scale global forces that shape our daily lives.

The judges said Manabe, 90, and Hasselmann, 89, "laid the foundation of our knowledge of the Earth's climate and how human actions influence it.
This article was featured in One Great Story, New Yorks reading recommendation newsletter. Sign up here to get it nightly. Photo-Illustration: Intelligencer; Photo: Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images

Even as he prepares for an all-but-certain victory in the November election for mayor, Eric Adams is facing a problem: His honeymoon is almost over before it has officially even started.

Thanks to the peculiarities of the political calendar, the minute Eric Adams won Democratic primary in June, he became the near-certain favorite to win the race for mayor. Its also the first time in modern history that New York held a mayoral primary so early in the year. (In the past, primaries were held in September.)

In a city where Democrats have an overwhelming registration advantage, Adams is basically a lock. Betting and prediction markets give him a 97 percent chance of winning.

The current mayor, Bill de Blasio, has more or less checked out of the job, casting his eyes outward to a race for governor. That puts even more pressure on Adams to begin assuming responsibility.

But being inevitable has a downside: Adamss nomination started the clock on the months-long honeymoon period during which newly elected mayors of New York normally get a measure of patience and tolerance as they go about staffing and organizing their administration.

By the time he gets sworn in on New Years Day, Adams will have nearly burned through that grace period. Politics, after all, is an impatient, results-based game, and those rules dont change just because the Democratic primary date did. And Adams knows this.

Its important to me to be honest, and to be disciplined enough not to govern in crisis, and to look at laying the foundation of how do we become a better city, he told me this week. Im going to be booed often because of that. Im going to be heckled because of that.

Adams, who spent two decades as a cop, knows he is viewed with suspicion, if not outright hostility, by critics of the NYPD. He frequently reminds them that he actually joined the NYPD in the 1980s at the urging of an activist minister, the Reverend Herbert Daughtry, and went on to publicly and frequently challenge his bosses on policing and alleged discrimination within the department.

I was progressive before the term progressive actually existed. And Im still that same guy, he told me.

More to the point: Adamss formative experience in the NYPD was as an aide to Jack Maple, creator of the Compstat system used to track criminal activity. I was always fascinated with computers, and when I went to school to learn about computers, I wanted to be a computer programmer, became Cisco qualified, Adams told me earlier this year. Its funny how that helped shape of my entire direction, even in law enforcement.

Adams is a systems man. His answer to many of the citys thorniest problems is to set up a tracking system and build policy around the analysis of real-time data. Years ago, when I asked him what was the best way to deal with failing elevators and other problems in public housing, his answer was that of a data geek: They need a Compstat system thats being monitored in real time, he told me. If you dont wrap your head around a clear definition of the problem, youll never get ahead of it.

He has carried that style into the race for mayor, publishing a book of 100 ideas for improving New York, but added an unusual twist: a need for more emotional intelligence in applying data-driven solutions.

You know, what was the difference in this campaign? Everyone wanted to be heard. I wanted to be felt, Adams said this week. I wanted New Yorkers to feel me and say, This guy lived the life that we are living  and hes not a perfect person, but hes a person that loves this city. And thats what people heard.

The imperative to make an emotional connection, he says, will extend to his commissioners.

I dont want people merely thinking outside the box. Darn it, we have to destroy the box, Adams told me. We have the criminal-justice system wrong. Were running cities wrong. Were dysfunctional. Ive said this over and over on the trail  were feeding our crises. And so the person that is going to lead any agency that I am in charge of, theyre going to be emotionally intelligent and realize we have to change how were thinking on governing in this city.

Its a stunning acknowledgment: Adams predicts that, postelection, he will be misunderstood by some groups and heckled or protested by others. But sooner or later, he says, people will respect him, appreciate him  and most of all, feel his good ideas and good intentions as he transforms the running of New York.

Right now, Adams is staying in campaign mode, claiming to work as frenetically in the final weeks as he did during the long, crowded primary.

There is, of course, a system.

I have not stopped moving at the same pace, he told me, humblebragging about a grueling daily routine. Were still doing 13 campaign events a day. Were still waking up at 5 a.m.  meditating, doing my breath work, getting my smoothie, exercising, and hitting the doors canvassinguntil 1 a.m., seven days a week. Im committed to this.

He is scheduled to square off in at least two televised debates against his main opponent, Republican and Independent Party candidate Curtis Sliwa. But for now, Adams  who has raised and spent far more than his opponent  is treating Sliwa as more of an annoyance than a threat.

We are going to have to endure the antics of a person that thinks that this is a circus for the next four weeks, and Im going to tolerate it because thats the process, Adams recently told radio host Brian Lehrer on WNYC. But can we take Curtis Sliwa seriously on anything, based on his history in the city?

The showdown between Sliwa and Adams may turn out to be more fizzle than fight, but longtime political consultant Hank Sheinkopf  himself an ex-cop with a Ph.D. in political science and hundreds of campaigns under his belt  says a transformative mayoralty may be at hand.

He is the Everyman of New York who we always should have had. He happens to be Black, Sheinkopf says of Adams. We really need somebody like this. Who makes the beds in this town? Who cooks the food? Who patrols the streets and drives the buses? Its the Black and brown people, its the immigrants. He is the ultimate expression of what New York is supposed to represent.

The son of a mother who cleaned houses for a living, Adams, of the Bayside High School class of 1978, would be the first mayor in 48 years to have graduated from one of our citys public high schools. (Mayors Ed Koch and David Dinkins grew up in New Jersey, Mike Bloomberg and Bill de Blasio hail from Massachusetts, and Rudy Giuliani graduated from Brooklyns renowned Bishop Loughlin Catholic private academy. Not since Abe Beame, alumnus of the old High School of Commerce, has the public system given us a mayor.)

He represents the best of the city. The people who make it work, and the people who care enough to live here and make it work, says Sheinkopf. If he can figure out how to bridge the different elites of this town, hell be unstoppable.

For now, Adams is enjoying both the final days of his honeymoon and connecting.

The other day, I was driving down Fulton Street, and there it was around 9 p.m., and there was a group of young men in the barbershop, just hanging out. You know how we do in the barbershop in our community, he told me. I just pulled over and went inside the barbershop and sat down and talked to them and said, Whats going on in your lives? How do you feel?


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I am not going to watch tonight (I go to bed earlier than it would end) but will probably watch tomorrow.

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I only have hulu & netflix, no cable. Will it be streaming anywhere?

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I think the CBS shows are on Paramount+, I know the new season of Survivor is.

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The Gil-Sara relationship, reintroduced in the pilot, remains crisp; the actors are pros, and the fundamentals  Gils reflexive trust in science versus Saras more intuitive approach  provide an elegant backstop for the new stars.



I'm sure this will be answered, but didn't Sara and Grissom... get divorced?

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They reconciled and reunited at the end of the original series finale

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Jesus. Why did they bother breaking them up in the first place, then?



I was, for some reason, a huuuuge Grissom/Sara shipper when I was like 19(???). But looking back I feel like that dynamic was super problematic and I have no idea how or why it was appealing to a teenager but there we go.

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lmaooooooo i stopped watching this so long ago i had no idea they ever got together let alone divorced



i liked him better with lady heather from

the brief few eps i saw.

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You aint getting me back *withOUT Nick or Greg.



Edited at 2021-10-07 01:19 am (UTC)

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amen to that

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lol

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Warrick oops 

Sometimes my fingers type letters on their own!

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they are pronounced the same

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Marg Helgenberger was the best part of this show.

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Yeah, I had to be honest with my floppish taste when the show aired & vote for Nick above. But on rewatch Catherine is just so great. I love how she called out Grissom & basically everyone on their BS.



IIRC Helgenberger & Petersen thought their characters had chemistry... I don't know if I would have wanted to see that play out, but they absolutely were great in their scenes together.

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My gay high school self would basically drool over Marg Helgenberger 

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im excited for this, ngl. i used to be obsessed with csi

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grissom and sara were my first ever OTP

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Same

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Same but I rewatched the show last year and he's awful to her from start to finish. Their dynamic was so unhealthy.

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I liked them together as a kid because she was my favorite and I wanted her to have what she wanted, but on rewatch as an adult I want her to want better for herself.

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As much as I loved/love this show, I forever will be upset with how they did the Warrick character. The actor life outside of the show was a mess (at the time) but man Warrick should've had a better ending than that!

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iirc, they didn't want to pay him/contract negotiation broke down and had already decided to write him out before his arrests and shit happened.

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https://web.archive.org/web/20071118160113/http://tv.zap2it.com/tveditorial/tve_main/1,1002,271%7C89520%7C1%7C,00.html But still they could've had a better send off for him. They way he was killed was just horrible and to have it wrapped so quickly just didn't seem right to me. They would never do any of the other characters like that. Also, the producers and CBS (not shocking with them) of that show were kinda of messy. I believe they fired both the actors who played Nick and Sarah early in the series.

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I agree! Warrick was my favourite out of all and they didn't do him justice. But I feel like it could be a lot worse, the aftermath of them solving his case was a bit short but there were a few heartfelt moments.

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I hate Grissom, always have. He was the worst part of the show, so paternalistic and superior. A true Gary Stu, fuck him.

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I never really watched the show but when I saw the trailer I figured Marg Helgenberger would be the biggest draw because she was the only one from the cast I recognized.

I also thought she and Grissom would become a thing because they were age appropriate.

Clearly I'm an idiot

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Can't stand him now but probably my all time favorite episode(s) of a show was the Tarantino's directed "Grave Danger".

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That 2 part ep was (and still is) one of the best on tv. It was gripping.

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Yes, this episode had me on pin and needles. That ant scene is unforgettable, still don't know how he did that scene.

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i remember when it aired! it was a big deal

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literally, best two-parter eps ever

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I didn't even dig Nick like that but you could feel the love all the other characters had for him in that episode, and that made it so intense. George Eads also Brought It.

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this was such a good episode!!

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Yess!! Nick's episodes were always good and better than certain other characters, but this finale took the cake. It was such an intense thing to watch it on tv, not knowing what would happen. And the actors really killed it.

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They showed this at the cinema here. It was amazing

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Fully independent of this coming out, I was thinking about this episode recently. Say what you want about procedurals, how often can you say that you think of an episode YEARS after you last saw it.

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I just rewatched the show recently - for most of the eps I was like half paying attention, half on the internet, but this one grabbed me so fully I was crying even though I'd seen it multiple times before. It's a really fucking great episode(s) of TV.

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from the trailer i feel like i know exactly who that tiny spoiler is referring to and i have to say first of all how dare you 

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Whew, Jim! They did a good job disguising that in the trailer.



When that theme song hit, I remember watching the very first ep back in the day.

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Lmaooooo the melodrama

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i mean can you blame him

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Lmao. Somewhere Mr. Sheffield is having an ice cold martini

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The Mr. Sheffield jokes are truly my favorite part of any ALW post.

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Lmao I immediately thought of how delighted Mr. Sheffield must be when I read this

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I am currently in the middle of a the nanny rewatch and this was my first thought when I read this post! Lol mr sheffield was right to pass on cats

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I am livid over these lies coming out of his mouth.

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I hatewatch this movie far too often.



Has anyone in the UK managed to see his Cinderella yet?

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my friend did! she said Carrie was wonderful as were the step sisters and she really enjoyed the new take on the story she said there are a few suprises in the show but she wont tell me what ccos im hoping to see it soon

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Ooh okay good. Ive been dying to find a bootleg but nothing yet and the kind of shitty West End Live performance got me worried.

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No, I refuse to believe that the man who made Love Never Dies didn't sign off on the finished Cats 2019 product.

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It's such a dumb musical but I also kind of love it? It's just so bad on every level and even more campy and it's just a fun dumpster fire to watch

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Mte lmao, LND is so offensively bad. None of it makes any sense. The music is pretty decent, though.

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News flash: his company most certainly did and prior to the film coming out he was very, very excited and pleased with the project. When it started getting backlash is when he began to dislike it.



Dude is a jackass. Did the same thing for Phantom film. Supported it and when it failed to make a profit discarded it, too.

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LND gave Sierra Boggess a bigger platform at least!

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i thought sunset boulevard even had a director attached? give cruella her oscar already!

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Also, ADOPT, don't shop, motherfucker.



You deserve all the damage for taking two beautiful things like cats and musicals and turning them into the crime against humanity that is Cats, Andrew.Also, ADOPT, don't shop, motherfucker.

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Mte I can't believe people still buy pets in 2021

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not sure in the US, it seem very easy to adopt a dog there, where iam we got rejected twice for dog adoption from 2 different agencies. they didnt like the dog have to be alone 5-6 hrs some day if we have to work in the office, eventho we say we can get a dog walker and they didnt like the fact we never own a dog before  the whole process of adopting is so discouraging, multiple interviews, they even come to inspect our flat, we donated $ and also went to events. we still want to adopt some day, cause we want to take care senior dog but i dont ever want to go through that process again.

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yeah its like this in the uk to adopt any pet too

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There are pet rescue organizations like that in the US, where they have a lot of rules and they check out your house, require a fenced yard, etc. but most regular shelters are cheap and easy to adopt from. I think there are just so many pets that get brought to them they don't have the space to be super strict about who can adopt. When I got my dog from a shelter I don't think there were any empty cages and they would have new dogs added to their website every morning.

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some of those dog rescue people are way too much. it's a lot of martyr complex stuff and they peddle the whole "voice for the voiceless" stuff like pro-lifers do. i try to keep a distance from a lot of white women run dog rescues because they tend to be super problematic.



hopefully someday you're able to adopt either from a different org, shelter, or from someone who's looking to rehome a pet!

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it can be extremely hard in the US as well tbh, i truly think some rescues and shelters gatekeep the fuck out of dog ownership

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anti-cats movie ppl: fully trust



anti-cat ppl: do not trust

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Oh Glenn Close in a remake of Sunset Boulevard could be great.

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I think she was in it on Broadway for a while. shes at least done certain numbers for his variety shows.

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Ok, I cackled a little 

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Same. Especially at the Gerard Butler being a miscast. No fuckin shit, sherlock. The Angel of Music! THEE Angel of Music and you cast fucking Gerard Butler.

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That whole movie is a disaster. The only part I actually enjoyed was Minnie Driver (even though she had a voice over for the singing).



Wrong director, wrong cast (especially the leads...Patrick was okay but just okay... at least he could sing better than the other two).



Emmy deserved better. She was too young and not up for the singing required for that role. She should have been Belle instead of Emma Watson. Gerard shouldn't have been anywhere near that role.



I checked the fuck out after "Think of Me" sounded like a high school recital.

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this is hellish pot v. demonic kettle situation

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Andrew has grown so attached to the dog that he told an airline he needed him on flights for emotional support. When the airline asked if it was really necessary, Andrew responded by telling them to "see what Hollywood did to my musical Cats." The request was approved.



He's so....catty.



I'll see myself out.

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Your avatar is killing me i can't lmao

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Cats was terrible but a lot of good gifs came out of it

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I literally "hee-hee" laughed. 

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of course this bitch wouldnt adopt

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Cashing checks and talking shit, yaaaaas.

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Shes so stunning



When I was watching squid game I knew that I knew her from something, and I realized it was this old vogue video lol (which four years after posting it they added squid games to the title lol)





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It was actually closer to 5 years ago lmao when I initially found this vid I was sooo confused by the date stamp

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Slay! I love the entire outfit and everything! Hype!

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too bad all of LV's looks are absolute heinous trash. I honestly haven't like anything Ghesquiere's done since he left balenciaga (with the exception of the dresses he made for regina king for the 2021 Oscars and Golden Globes, those were stunners).

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She deserves so much better than LV

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That's a cute picture, shame about the depressing colour of the background.

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Stunning!

Its interesting that she got her start on Koreas top model.

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Whaaaat! Thats so cool!

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Omfg thats so cool lol

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korea's next top model had some real model potential I think another contestant became a legit model too.

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I think the winner of the first edition she was a model for quite some time and now she's working as a fashion show director for ESteem, a pretty well known S. Korean fashion agency (she was in the variety show Boss in the mirror where they follow her boss). So yeah, it seems in S. Korea a lot of winners or contestants ended up working in the fashion industry.

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she's so beautiful, I watched this 3 year old video yesterday and it was so cute. reminded me of my first NY christmas.







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Oh my god she is adorable and deserves only good things forever

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obsessed with her face and features

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Get these white people's money, girl! I love this for her.

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This coat!



I didn't finish the show (yet, or ever probably), but i'm glad people are excited about the cast worldwide.

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How many ambassadors do couture brands have? I feel like they are always announcing them.

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It depends on the brand and the lines or collections they have and want to promote.

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brands may have ambassadors for specific countries like Korea, regions like Asia Pacific, or global ambassadors. it depends on the celebrity's level of fame. bigger ambassadors will be invited to bigger events, featured more heavily in ads and promotions, and get more stuff.

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KNTM represent!

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oh noooo not louis vuitton please

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her beauty is UNREAL. my mind can barely comprehend it

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The U.S. Department of Energy is walking back previous comments that it was considering a release of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and a ban on crude oil exports, Bloombergs Javier Blas reported on Twitter.

According to Blas, the DoE isnt considering tapping the SPR at this time.

The news comes shortly after Goldman Sachs estimated that if the DoE released oil from the SPR, it would likely be limited to just 60 million barrelsposing a $3 downside risk to its year-end $90 barrel Brent forecast.

A White House press briefing took a similar no-SPR tone.

The Biden Administration will not make any predictions about releasing the SPR to alleviate high gasoline prices, Press Secretary Jen Psaki said at the daily briefing on Wednesday.

Psaki instead focused on the climate crisis, commenting on the fact that the matter was so urgent that it could not wait any longer.

Im not going to make any prediction of that from here.

The press secretary noted that the Administration took steps in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, including by authorizing exchanges from the SPR with oil and refining firms.

Weve also taken steps into  including engaging with members of OPEC, Psaki said.

But Im not going to make any other predictions at this point in time. Were continuously monitoring. Well look to take additional steps as needed, she added.

Certainly, we all want to keep gasoline prices low, but the threat of the crisis  the climate crisis  certainly cant wait any longer, Psaki said, commenting on whether other governments would get weak-kneed about going green in the face of soaring energy prices, as the world leaders are preparing for the COP26 climate summit in the UK in November.

In recent months, the White House has been in contact with OPEC over the price of oil. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said in early August that the OPEC+ timeline for easing the cuts is simply not enough at a critical moment in the global recovery.

At the end of September, Psaki said I would assure you were not only engaged with OPEC, were looking at every means we have to lower gas prices.

The OPEC+ group hasnt heeded any calls from consuming nations and proceeded earlier this week with its plan to ease the cuts by the minimum 400,000 bpd the market expected.

Meanwhile, the average U.S. gasoline price rose to the highest level since October 2014, on the back of higher crude oil prices and higher demand. As of October 7, the average U.S. gasoline price stood at $3.244 a gallon, as per AAA data.

Crude oil prices fell on Wednesday when Energy Secretary Granholm suggested that the U.S. was considering a release of crude oil from the SPR and a ban on crude exports.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:
The oil kingdom is also focusing on expanding its midstream and downstream oil sectors, helping to reduce its reliance on upstream oil and gas

A major focus for Saudi Arabia going forward is to retain its dominance across Asian oil markets, particularly as the top exporter to China

After a difficult year during Covid, Saudi Arabia and its oil and gas industry are finally rebounding as global oil demand recovers.

Oil revenue in Saudi Arabia is surpassing pre-pandemic levels with oil export revenue achieving its highest levels since 2018 thanks to OPEC+ oil supply cuts sending prices soaring worldwide. With the price of Brent hitting $83.47 a barrel this week, oil producers around the world are celebrating.

Saudi Arabias oil revenue reached $19 billion in July and the government hopes it will help reduce the countrys budget deficit to 1.6 percent of its GDP in 2022. This may be achieved if Saudi Arabias revenue can reach levels 4.5 percent higher than originally projected.

This huge rebound is largely down to the countrys impressive reopening following the Covid pandemic, which continues to hit several countries around the world hard. By opening up production and decreasing Covid restrictions Saudi Arabia has been able to get its oil sector and other industries back on track, as many other states still struggle.

As OPEC+ oil cuts continue to ease into 2022, Saudi Arabia expects to produce an average of 9 million bpd in 2021, 9.7 million bpd in 2022, and over 10 million bpd in 2023, out of a total potential production capacity of 12 million bpd. With oil demand remaining strong, after a year of stagnation, this excess production potential gives it room to manoeuvre depending on global demand.

Saudi Arabia has announced plans to increase its focus on midstream and downstream operations as a means of boosting production while demand remains high, solidifying its stance on the ongoing production and export of oil and gas well into the future.

S&P Global Ratings explain, The authorities will also keep on maintaining efforts to rebalance the hydrocarbon industry away from its reliance on upstream crude production and export, toward natural gas and value-added midstream hydrocarbon activities such as refining, petrochemicals, chemicals, and minerals. Therefore, Several large hydrocarbon projects will continue to ramp up production in 2021-2024.

This shift could see Saudi Arabia surpass its 12 million bpd production potential to hit 13 million bpd by 2027. State-owned oil company Aramco hopes to drive up production through greater investment in the sector so long as demand remains high before an inevitable waning of demand as renewable alternatives become more widely available.

To ensure the countrys position in the international oil market, Saudi Arabia is concentrating on maintaining strong links with China and other several Asian states, with Asia expected to make up 90 percent of all oil demand within the next five years.

At present, Saudi Arabia remains Chinas top oil exporter accounting for 1.96 million bpd in September, a surge of 53 percent from the same time last year. Despite significant cuts in OPEC+ production over the last year, Saudi Arabia remained Chinas top crude exporter in 2020, beating Russia for the title.

To maintain its position within Asia, Saudi Arabia cut prices of all its crude grades to importers across Asia in October compared to September, while leaving export prices to north-western Europe and the U.S. unchanged. Saudi Arabia cut its Arab Light crude prices by $1.30 a barrel, the highest monthly reduction within the last year, shocking a market that expected a lower cut.

Saudi Arabias oil supply to China, India, and other Asian states is not merely a response to current market demand but a long-term plan to sustain its position as the largest oil producer in the world for years to come.

In March, Aramco CEO Amin Nasser told the China Development Forum that Saudi oil would continue to support Chinas energy security for the next 50 years and beyond. While China looks to local producers for part of its crude supply, ensuring it is not putting all its eggs in one basket as well as encouraging more competitive oil prices, Saudi Arabia is not worried about its position in the region.

Nasser stated, Ensuring the continuing security of China's energy needs remains our highest priority  not just for the next five years but for the next 50 and beyond. He backed up his stance on the countrys ongoing fossil fuel production and export by explaining, We appreciate that sustainable energy solutions are crucial to a faster and smoother global energy transition ... But, realistically, this will take some time since there are few alternatives to oil in many areas.

As Saudi Arabias oil and gas market looks as strong as ever, state-owned Aramco is strategizing to ensure it remains this way. By ramping up the countrys production potential at a time when other countries are reducing their oil investments, and solidifying ties with an Asian market that it expects to dominate global oil demand, Saudi Arabia expects to maintain its position for years to come.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

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In order to take back control of an energy transition that has evidently spun out of control, policymakers must manage the decline of the current system as well as the creation of a new one

While the concept of an energy transition has been fully embraced by governments and institutions around the world, it seems the logistics of such a transition has been ignored

There are many hard lessons to be learned from the current energy crisis in Europe, including the importance of both flexibility and backup options for an energy grid

The energy crisis in Europe exposed the complexity of a transition to green energy: it is not happening overnight, and it cannot be done successfully with the old tricks. Energy systems, markets, and grids globally need fundamental changes to legislation, regulation, and oversight in order to accommodate 100-percent zero-emission sources. And even in that case, power systems need flexibility and backups in order to avert similar crises down the road as many parts of the world commit to net-zero emissions by 2050 or 2060.

The current crisis in the UK is a cautionary tale about how not to rush to green energy, Rochelle Toplensky of The Wall Street Journal notes.

Net-zero electricity systems need an entirely new set of rules in all areas of the energy systems and power markets, as well as enough flexibility to offset environmental factors such as low wind speeds, which happened in the UK last month.

The UK has cut its reliance on coal dramatically over the past decade.

But its power systems are not yet as resilient to a major transition to low-carbon energy sources as to prevent concerns about its power supply, the Journals Toplensky argues.

The current energy crisis in the UK, the rest of Europe, and in major energy importers in Asia is a warning to policymakers that the transition cannot be rushed before new rules are set in place and backup battery storage is built en masse to support soaring new solar and wind capacity.

Boosting power grid resilience, building battery storage, and widespread use of the much-touted green hydrogen will require trillions of U.S. dollars of investment, government support, and much greater coordination and cooperation among industry and policymakers at the national and international level.

Everyone knew that the energy transition would not be cheap. The ongoing energy crisis shows that no one can put the cart before the horse in the transition - backups and flexibility are vital for any successful energy system.

UK Power Crisis Shows Challenges To Green Transition

Even the UK, which has pledged to phase out coal-fired power generation by October 2024, had to fire up an old coal plant last month in order to meet its electricity demand.

The country which kick-started the Industrial Revolution with coal saw the share of the fuel drop to a record-low in 2020 - coal generated just 1.8 percent of electricity, down from 28.2 percent in 2010, as per government data. Renewable generation, on the other hand, hit a record 43.1 percent in 2020, outpacing annual fossil fuel generation for the first time.

Related: The Worlds Fastest-Growing Shale Play Keeps On Breaking Records During many days in recent years, wind power generated the largest share of Britains electricity, surpassing natural gas. This is a commendable move toward clean energy but does not change the fact that wind power generation depends onthe speed of the wind. On those unfortunate days when the wind doesnt blow, as it happened on most days in September, natural gas is used more in power generation, driving up gas and power prices and also increasing coal generation because of the sky-high prices of natural gas.

Although households face higher energy bills, they are protected to some extent because of the so-called Energy Price Cap in the UK. But it is this price cap - when power providers are unable to pass the full extent of surging costs onto consumers - that has already led to nine UK providers going out of business. Just last week, three suppliers said they were ceasing trade, and the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets, Ofgem, had to choose new suppliers to take over the failed businesses.

The UK likely needs new regulations on how its domestic power market operates, which should take into account the net-zero commitment and increased green energy share in electricity generation, analysts say.

The European Union is also looking at potential changes to the way wholesale electricity markets operate, European Energy Commissioner, Kadri Simson, said this week.

Demonization Of Fossil Fuels Cuts Backup Options

The two oil price crashes in the past five years, as well as the increasingly louder calls for shunning investment in fossil fuels, have led to chronic underinvestment in new supplies of oil, gas, and coal, especially in developed economies aspiring to reach net-zero by 2050.

These days, however, those developed economies are scrambling for fossil fuel supplies to ensure they will keep the lights on. The surging price of coal and natural gas is leaving many energy-intensive businesses in Europe vulnerable to the price shock because the energy transition hasnt reached the point where anything other than gas can efficiently power fertilizer or steel production. Related: The Electricity Crisis Was Not Caused By A Perfect Storm

However, investment from the fossil fuel industry has declined in recent years. Moreover, Wall Street investors have been shunning traditional energy because of poor returns, Jeff Currie, global head of commodities research at Goldman Sachs, told Bloomberg in an interview earlier this week.

The new economy is over-invested and the old economy is starved, he said. Gas, coal, oil, metals, mining  you pick  the old economy, it is severely underinvested, Currie noted.

Major Challenges Ahead To Avoid A Disorderly Mess

Since the world continues to need a lot of fossil fuels despite the green push, supply shortages and price spikes are in the cards in the future, too.

[I]t is important to recognise that the transition is, as its derivation suggests, a process of moving from one state to another, and if it is to be successful must involve the managed decline of the existing energy system as well as its transformation towards a future state, James Henderson and Anupama Sen of the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (OIES) wrote in a paper last month.

Policymakers have set countries on this essential road, and technology is the key to accelerating the process, but many complex questions remain to be resolved if the world is to avoid the transition becoming a disorderly mess, they say.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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One of the biggest limitations in making oil companies pay for the clean-up is the existence of thousands of orphan wells  abandoned wells with no registered owner.

The U.S. has battled with its abandoned oil well problem for years, with experts suggesting there are anywhere between 2 and 3.2 million abandoned wells across the country.

Who should be responsible for plugging abandoned oil and gas wells, Big Oil, or the government and taxpayers? Thats the question being raised as the U.S. faces an increasing abandoned oil well problem, with millions of unplugged wells across the country.

The U.S. has battled with its abandoned oil well problem for years, with experts suggesting there are anywhere between 2 and 3.2 million abandoned wells across the country, of which there are 57,000 documented orphaned wells. The difficulty in coming to a concrete figure is due to the lack of documentation of wells that were abandoned up to a century ago. So long as these wells go unplugged, they may well be releasing methane into the air and causing further climate damage with no energy gain.

But would new policies mean that the burden to plug these disused wells now falls on the taxpayers instead of the oil companies? A recent policy proposal suggests so. Part of Bidens giant $1 trillion infrastructure bill may include funds for the plugging of wells across the U.S., effectively subsidizing Big Oils operations, on the grounds that it would support the battle against climate change.

One of the biggest limitations in making oil companies pay for the clean-up is the existence of thousands of orphan wells  abandoned wells with no registered owner. And just who is responsible for these if not the federal government?

However, criticism mainly surrounds the $2-million of proposed funding stipulated for the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission (IOGCC), which works closely with the oil and gas industry. This proposed part of the bill would give the IOGCC the power to consult with the government over the distribution of billions of dollars in funding for the plugging, remediation, and restoring of orphan wells, potentially providing its favored oil companies with state funding to plug these wells.

Weve already seen action taken earlier this year to speed up the rate at which abandoned oil and gas wells are plugged, with a U.S. House of Representatives Democrat introducing a bill in April which authorized $8 billion in funding to clean up and plug these wells across the country.

And New Mexico spent millions in 2020 plugging orphaned wells through the Oil Conservation Division (OCD) if the states Energy Department. The reason so many orphaned wells exist across the U.S. is largely because many oil companies have gone bankrupt over decades of drilling, leaving these leaking wells with no one to manage them.

New Mexico reportedly plugged 42 orphaned wells in the fiscal year 2020, at a cost of $1.6 million. But this is merely the tip of the iceberg, with thousands of wells remaining in New Mexico alone, requiring millions in funding to plug them all.

Adrienne Sandoval, Director of OCD, highlighted the importance of plugging old oil and gas wells as quickly as possible as, Theres the potential for gas to escape. Theres the potential for an impact to groundwater. There are multiple different layers and reasons why its important to (plug wells). The environmental and human health impacts are simply too big to overlook.

But should the state and federal governments not only be designating huge funds to clear up Big Oils mess but actually pay oil companies for the luxury of having the situation rectified?

Landowners across the U.S. accuse inadequate regulations for allowing oil companies to avoid plugging their disused wells. And local citizens of areas with large numbers of abandoned wells are concerned that some have gone decades without being plugged, with unknown damage to the local environment.

In Colorado, oil producers are required to pay a $10,000 to $20,000 bond for the plugging of abandoned wells once drilled. However, the estimated cost of plugging these wells is, in reality, nearer $140,000, suggesting that oil companies are managing to avoid the costs of leaving these wells safe for the environment and for the health of the local population once theyre no longer using them.

In Texas, the Railroad Commission is plugging an average of around 1,800 wells every year, with 83 percent of these being plugged by their oil operators. However, the Commission waived fees last year due to the slump in oil prices and increase in bankruptcies across the oil industry.

In addition, oil and gas majors have been accused of selling less productive wells to local oil companies, many of which go bankrupt. This issue increased during the 2020 pandemic when oil prices plummeted, leading many small oil and gas companies across the U.S. to file for bankruptcy, leaving abandoned wells in their wake. Some believe this is simply a way for oil majors to dodge the costs incurred in plugging non-profitable wells.

But recent advances in accountability have been made. Fieldwood Energy, a Houston-based oil and gas company, filed for bankruptcy in August 2020, leaving behind hundreds of aging wells in the Gulf of Mexico. However, a lawsuit meant that $7.2 billion in expenses for plugging the wells fell upon their prior owners, including BP and Shell, in a landmark case.

So, as there seems to be a little option in shifting the responsibility away from the state when it comes to plugging orphaned wells, should the government introduce stricter regulations on oil majors selling less profitable wells to smaller companies by making them liable for the clean-up cost should the new owner go bankrupt, as well as higher bonds for the decommissioning of wells once they are abandoned? With the U.S. going full throttle on its Green New Deal, this seems like an obvious step forward.

By Felicity Bradstock for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads from Oilprice.com:
When gas prices in Europe started rising faster and faster last month as the continent prepared for winter and found out it was not the only one, gas suddenly became important

Gas prices in Europe are breaking record after record. The UK is facing supply shortages reminiscent of the late 1970s winter of discontent. Chinese factories are shutting down because of power shortages, and the outlook is grim. In fact, it may be the first crisis of many.

When gas prices in Europe started rising faster and faster last month as the continent prepared for winter and found out it was not the only one, gas suddenly became important. That's after being excluded from the list of low-carbon energy sources and after the EU's green transition chief Frans Timmermans said gas had no place in the transition. It now appears Timmermans and his fellow Brussels bureaucrats could not have been more wrong.

For years Europe has been retiring coal plants and building solar and wind farms as it strived to become the greenest continent on earth and lead the energy transition on the premise that emissions of carbon dioxide are the planet's single biggest problem because they lead to unfavorable climate changes. This has been coupled with investment declines in oil and gas production, as this only made sense. Now, the EU has got the first bill for its low-carbon feast.

"It could get very ugly unless we act quickly to try to fill every inch of storage," Marco Alvera, chief executive of Italian energy infrastructure company Snam, told Bloomberg last month. "You can survive a week without electricity, but you can't survive without gas."

This last sentence is important. The green transition plans of the EUand all other countries with a green agenda, reallytend to assume that the only way to a cleaner energy future is through total electrification. And they are saying it will be cheap and easy, or, in the now immortalized words of UK's Prime Minister Boris Johnson quoting the opposite of Kermit the Frog, "It is easy to be green." Johnson also said it was possible for the UK to go 100-percent green (plus nuclear) by 2035.

China's ruling elite must have also thought that going green would be easy as they imposed stricter emission rules on industrial producers and utilities. And then had to issue a "Whatever it takes" order to make sure utilities would have enough fossil fuel supplies for the winter to avoid outages. The order, it appears, was too late, and factories are already shutting down as coal supply remains tight and will remain tight for the observable future.

Years of underinvestment as coal turned into humankind's greatest mistake are now bearing fruit, and this fruit is a polluting one. But it was bound to happen. Once you demonize a commodity that has played an essential role in the progress of civilization for more than a century and start pouring billions into ensuring this demonization leads to the demise of that commodity, success is only a matter of time. But in the meantime, it might be a good idea to ensure you have an alternativeand this is the really important partthat can perform on par with the demonized commodity.

The energy crunch has shown in what some would say is an unequivocal way that wind and solar power do not perform on par with coal, oil, or gas. They can't. They depend on the weather. But wind and solar were what the EU, China, and the United States rushed into to replace fossil fuels, and now we are all paying the first installment on that rushed renewables purchase.

"It is a cautionary message about how complex the energy transition is going to be," Daniel Yergin told Bloomberg this week, referring to the energy crunch. Bloomberg, by the way, has been at the forefront of the energy transition coverage, producing a lot of praise for increasingly cheap wind and solar. Apparently, however, they are still not cheap enough or rather, not reliable enough to become cheap enough. But nobody is talking about this.

"It is inaccurate and unfair to explain these high energy prices as a result of clean energy transition policies. This is wrong," said the International Energy Agency's Fatih Birol, echoing a sentiment shared by all green governments. The reason for the sentiment has never been explained, but it might come down to the fact that so much money has been spent on the energy transition already and so much more is slated to be spent, that it would be embarrassing to admit the approach to the transition was sub-optimal.

It is, in fact, entirely accurate and fair to explain the high energy prices as a result of clean energy transition policies. It was these policies that discouraged investment in new oil, gas, and coal production. It was also these policies that led to the shutdowns of coal and nuclear plants that reduced generating capacity that simply cannot be replaced by wind or solar on a MW for MW basis because wind and solar do not generate power continuously. And it is these policies, in Europe, China, North America, and elsewhere that, unless revised to reflect reality a bit better, will condemn billions of people to blackouts, energy shortages, and higher electricity bills.

By Irina Slav For Oilprice.com

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A release of crude oil from the U.S. emergency reserve is one option the Department of Energy is considering in a bid to tame prices at the gas pump. Another is a ban on oil exports, Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said, as quoted by the Financial Times.

Granholm called the emergency reserve release and the export ban tools, saying all tools are on the table as the administration tries to bring gasoline prices under control.

U.S. prices at the pump are at seven-year highs thanks to a strong rebound in demand coinciding with higher international oil prices, according to the AAA, which earlier this month reported that the U.S. average stood at $3.20 per gallon, which was $1.02 more than the average this time last year.

Global economic uncertainty and supply chain concerns caused by the lingering COVID-19 pandemic could be playing a role in keeping crude oil prices elevated, AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross said in a statement earlier this week.

The Biden administration has, since its entry into office, signaled that it would wage war on the U.S. oil and gas industry as it seeks to implement an ambitious energy transition agenda leaning heavily on the electrification of transport. However, this agenda has clashed with the political realities of gas prices and ruling party popularity just a year before midterms.

It was this clash and the eventual prevailing of political realities that had the White House reach out to OPEC and ask it to boost production as a way of taming U.S. retail gasoline prices. OPEC, however, dug its heels in and refused to cooperate, forcing the Biden administration to consider alternative measures.

SPR [releases] came on the table a nanosecond after Jake Sullivan was rebuffed in Riyadh and the administration realized shale producers wouldnt be able to increase production quickly enough, Bob McNally, president of Rapidan Energy Group, told the FT.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The Automotive Monthly Metals Index (MMI) held flat for this months reading, as U.S. auto sales slumped in Q3.

US auto sales slip in Q3

General Motors reported its third-quarter sales fell from 665,192 vehicles in Q3 2020 to 446,997 vehicles in Q3 2021, a 32.8% drop.

The automaker cited semiconductor supply chain disruptions and historically low inventories.

During the quarter, GM provided an update for investors that its wholesale volumes in North America in the second half of 2021 would be down about 200,000 units from the first half, largely because of supply chain disruptions in Malaysia caused by COVID-19, with most of the impact occurring during the third quarter, the automaker said. GMs financial outlook is still expected to be within the calendar year guidance range previously provided as the company continues to develop solutions to mitigate the impacts of the semiconductor shortage and Chevrolet Bolt EV recall.

Meanwhile, Ford reported total sales in the U.S. fell 17.7% in September. Unlike its truck and car segments, Ford SUV sales jumped by 3.4%.

August improvements in production and inventory paid off in September, with Fords retail sales up 34.3 percent over the previous month, boosting Fords retail share for the month to an estimated 12.9 percent  up 3.8 percentage points over August, Ford said.

Fiat Chrysler reported MID=23">sales fell by 19% to 410,917 in Q3 2021.

While the various supply chain issues facing our industry continue to impact available inventory, we know the demand for our vehicles is still there, U.S. Head of Sales Jeff Kommor said. Calendar year-to-date, total sales improved 3% versus this time last year.

In addition, Honda reported its U.S. sales fell by 10.9% to 345,914 vehicles in Q3 2021. Its September sales fell by 24.7% to 95,816 vehicles.

Chinese auto sales decline

Meanwhile, Chinese auto sales fell on a month-over-month basis for the fifth straight month in August, the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers reported last month.

Chinese auto sales totaled 1.80 million vehicles in August, down 3.5% from the previous month. On a year-over-year basis, sales slipped by 17.8%.

Sales from January to August totaled 16.56 million vehicles, or up 13.7% year over year.

GM , GE Renewable Energy sign MoU

As we noted this morning, this week GM announced an agreement with GM Renewable Energy through which the parties will work to develop the supply chain for rare earths and other materials used in electric vehicles and renewable energy.

The parties will evaluate opportunities to improve supplies of heavy and light rare earth materials and magnets, copper and electrical steel used for manufacturing of electric vehicles and renewable energy equipment, GM said.

GM said the companies will initially focus on building a vertically integrated magnet manufacturing supply chain based in Europe and North America. Furthermore, they plan to collaborate on supply chains for other materials, including copper and eSteel.

Ford announces plans for battery manufacturing campus in Kentucky

In other electrification news, Ford announced plans late last month to build a new battery manufacturing campus in Glendale, Kentucky.

The facility will produce batteries for the next generation of electric Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

Ford plans to invest $5.8 billion to build the BlueOvalSK Battery Park. In addition, it plans to add 5,000 jobs.

Actual metals prices and trends

The U.S. hot-dipped galvanized price rose 1.4% month over month to $2,222 per short ton as of Oct. 1. Meanwhile, the U.S. shredded scrap steel price fell 5.1% to $467 per short ton.

The LME three-month copper price fell 3.1% to $9,165 per metric ton.

The Korean 5052 aluminum coil premium over 1050 rose by 4.3% to $4.08 per kilogram

By AG Metal Miner

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Gazprom is on track to have filled Russias underground gas storage by the end of this month, a senior executive said on Thursday, which could potentially mean that the Russian gas giant could send more gas to Europe after that.

The Russian gas monopoly, a major supplier to Europe, has been accused in recent weeks of deliberately withholding additional supply to its customers, thus exacerbating the natural gas crunch and sending prices to record highs.

The European Commission is looking into complaints from some European Union (EU) member states that Russia isnt sending more gas on top of the long-term contracted volumes, European Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson told Reuters on Tuesday.

We are looking into this claim, together with Executive Vice President Vestager, who is responsible for competition rules, because it is of course a very serious matter, Simson said.

However, Our initial assessment suggests that Russia is fulfilling its long-term contracts, the EU Energy Commissioner told Reuters.

After reaching another record high on Wednesday, natural gas prices in Europe and the UK reversed some of the gains later in the day after Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested that Gazprom could send more gas to its European customers.

Putin also took the opportunity to blame the high natural gas prices on Europe. Whats more, Putin blamed Europes energy market crisis on the green transition.

On Thursday, the International Energy Agencys executive director Fatih Birol told the Financial Times that the IEAs assessment points to the fact that Russia could boost its European exports by 15 percent of peak winter supply.

The IEAs head called on Russia to prove it is a reliable supplier, as it has always claimed it is. If Gazprom raises exports, the additional volumes could ease the supply crunch and calm the nervous markets, Birol told FT.

I dont say they will do it but if they wish so, they have the capacity to do it, the IEAs chief told FT, referring to Russia.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Japan is set to fire up its nuclear power plants as it looks to expand its renewable energy offering amid a push to slash its emissions, its new industry minister has said today.

The efforts are a bid to cut 46 per cent of its carbon output from 2013 levels by 2030, while the country has also pledged to be carbon neutral by 2050.

I would like to promote the maximum adoption of renewable energy, thorough energy conservation and the restart of nuclear power plants with the highest priority on safety, newly appointed economy, trade and industry minister, Koichi Hagiuda, told his first news conference.

It comes amid a cabinet shuffle in Japan, as its government makes way for new prime minister Fumio Kishida.

The minister, formerly Japans education secretary, has kept up the Kishida administrations climate promises.

Hagiuda also said his department aims to win cabinet approval of a new energy plan before the end of the month  ahead of the UNs flagship climate conference on November 1.

Though the move to restart its nuclear power industry comes after the countrys decision in April to release more than 1m tonnes of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea.

The decision received widespread criticism, with neighbouring China labelling it extremely irresponsible.

Just last week the UK set out its own plan of action to bring more nuclear fusion power to the country, in a bid to help decarbonise the energy sector.

The UK is looking to muscling in on a leadership position in the development of fusion energy globally, as the power does not have to rely on wind levels to produce vast amounts of energy in a relatively clean way.

Fusion could be the ultimate clean power solution, representing a low carbon, safe, abundant and continuous and effectively unlimited source of energy, the paper, issued by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), said in its report.

By City AM

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As anyone in business knows, you dont get to choose your customers.



So Tajikistan is in a curious position: It is vehemently opposed to the Taliban takeover in neighboring Afghanistan, the biggest importer of its electricity.

Now the Taliban is unable to pay, and Tajikistan must decide if it should keep exporting power to help the movement ward off a humanitarian crisis.

Electricity accounted for almost 65 percent of Tajikistan's exports to Afghanistan last year, or about $45 million. Dushanbe needs the money. The poverty rate has jumped during the pandemic, with 30-40 percent of the population forced to cut back on food intake, according to the United Nations.

Afghanistan imports about half its electricity from its three post-Soviet neighbors to the north. Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are eager to do business and say they have no intention of pulling the plug.

A spokesman for Tajikistans heavily indebted electricity distribution monopoly, Barki Tojik, said the company can afford to be patient, for now.

Nozirjon Yodgori told Eurasianet that since the Taliban took power in mid-August, Tajikistan has not received a dime. But he is optimistic: The contract was signed with the Afghan company Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), which told Barki Tojik in late September that it would pay as soon as Afghan banks can resume international transfers.

We have contracts not with the government, but with a private company. We are constantly in touch, and our partners assure us that the payment for electricity will take place in the near future, Yodgori said.

Related: Who Should Pay To Plug Abandoned Oil Wells?

In any case, Yodgori added, Tajikistan has excess capacity in the warmer months. The country generates most of its electricity with hydropower dams. Because it discharges water for irrigation, it has a surplus of power in the summer. Therefore, Barki Tojik does not see the summer transfers as a loss.

Its calculations will likely change as the weather cools.

Each winter, Tajikistan suffers its own rolling electricity shortages.

According to an October 5 report by private Afghan outlet Tolo News, Afghanistan owes its neighbors $62 million for electricity; it spends $22-25 million per month on imported electricity. The Tajik supply is used mostly in Afghanistans northeast, historically home to a large ethnic Tajik population.

DABS acting chief Safiullah Ahmadzai told Tolo that the company had sent letters to exporting countries asking them not to turn off the electricity and promising to pay the debt.

But because DABS is struggling to collect from consumers, the company hopes the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, UNAMA, will step in to pay, perhaps directly to the exporters.

By Eurasianet.org

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The choices are going to be limited the closer and closer we get to Christmas, said Rob Simon, an associate professor of practice in marketing at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. You may not be able to get your No. 1 item for a family member, but maybe you can get No. 2 or No. 3 or go the gift card route.

Experts also warn of the prospect of emptier shelves as shortages persist and ports around the world remain clogged partly due to a worker shortage. Some large retailers, including Target, have chartered their own container ships in an effort to minimize the possibility of shipping delays.

We hear these stories that there are going to be shortages. But from what I can tell, retailers are working real hard to make sure that doesnt happen. But they can only control so much, said Jennifer Ryan, a department chair and professor of supply chain management and analytics at UNL.

For smaller retailers, the shipping challenges are more acute. Those who rely on overseas shipments for their inventories are facing dramatic increases in costs. According to Bloomberg, the price to ship a 40-foot container from Shanghai to Los Angeles is slightly over $12,000. Two years ago, Simon said, that cost was $2,000.
Today is Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. Let's get caught up.

Here are today's top stories, celebrity birthdays and a look back at this date in history:

TOP STORIES

Texas to appeal after judge blocks abortion law

AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  A federal judge ordered Texas to suspend the most restrictive abortion law in the U.S., calling it an offensive deprivation" of a constitutional right by banning most abortions in the nation's second-most populous state since September.

The order Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman is the first legal blow to the Texas law known as Senate Bill 8, which until now had withstood a wave of early challenges. In the weeks since the restrictions took effect, Texas abortion providers say the impact has been exactly what we feared.

The law, signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in May, prohibits abortions once cardiac activity is detected, which is usually around six weeks, before some women even know they are pregnant.
Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts on Wednesday was one of nine Republican governors to join Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for a tour of the states southern border and a press conference where they decried President Joe Bidens border enforcement policies and proposed their own.

At the press conference in Mission, Texas, speakers framed the issue as a far-reaching federal failure that has forced states to step in to help.

President Biden thinks that he can ignore this humanitarian and security crisis and it will go away, Ricketts said. But we are here today to shine a light on what is going on here at the southern border and how it is impacting all of our states, not just the state of Texas.

Ricketts spokesperson Taylor Gage said the governor was accompanied only by his security detail for the one-day trip. As is customary, Lt. Gov. Mike Foley was in charge of the state in his stead. The only expenses incurred by the state would be travel expenses related to the security detail, Gage wrote via email, and the governor is paying personally for his travel.

Gage did not have an estimated cost for the security detail travel expenses, though he said it would come from the same budget that funds security travel expenses on other trips.
Matt Sexton, the data centers community development manager, said at the time that Facebook had donated $2 million to organizations in Sarpy County.

Facebook is excited that Sarpy County will be home to this important Memorial which will serve as a community connection point and provide valuable learning opportunities, Sexton said in a statement this week.

The social media company has been under fire in recent weeks, accused by a whistleblower of ignoring evidence its platforms cause harm to teen users and promote the spread of political misinformation, hate speech, human trafficking and ethnic violence.

The whistleblower, Frances Haugen, a former Facebook product manager, contributed to an investigative report in the Wall Street Journal, appeared on CBS 60 Minutes and testified this week for a Senate subcommittee.

Abbott said Facebook officials met with Papillion Mayor David Black and other members of the committee backing the veterans memorial to discuss ways the company might contribute.

He also said the price tag for the memorial has jumped from $3.8 million to $5.4 million, in large part because of delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the group has raised $4 million so far, most of it this year.
In most ways, were just like any other Omahans. We love our state and city, which is why weve focused our careers around civic impact. We have two sons. One just went off to college and the other is excelling in high school. Were life-long Omahans, which is why we know chili and cinnamon rolls go together and that Rosenblatt wasnt always a zoo parking lot feature.

In most ways, were like everyone else. Its the differences, though, that have unnecessarily added difficulty to our lives. For years, weve faced discriminatory barriers to being fully legally recognized as our sons parents because we are women.

At this point, it might be helpful to have a little backstory. Each of us gave birth to one of our two beautiful sons with Assisted Reproductive Technology. We started our family at a time when Nebraska still banned same-sex marriage and most state functions refused to accept families like ours. Nebraska only recognized the birth mother as mother to that son, leaving the other parent out. The end result is that each of us lacks a full legal relationship as parent to one of our boys despite the fact weve both been loving and involved moms to both sons since their births, including after our separation.

These rights impact everything from education to travel to how to provide for them in case of emergency.
Denouncing corporations is easy. Using actual policy tools to hold them accountable and check their power is more difficult. Yet this is precisely what the National Farmers Union is pushing the Biden administration to do.

In late September, the NFU began its nationwide Fairness for Farmers campaign, which seeks to pressure the government to enforce antitrust laws and break up agribusiness monopolies.

Some may scoff at the prospect of challenging corporate power. But, in fact, the Biden administration has given some indication that it is willing to do so.

First, there was Bidens executive order from earlier this year that mandated a thorough analysis and overview of supply chains, agriculture included, to determine weaknesses and places for improvement.

Lets remember how the early days of the coronavirus pandemic put a surprisingly fragile food system on display.

Dairy farmers were told to dump milk, and hog producers were urged to euthanize their animals, as consolidated supply chains proved incapable of meeting distribution bottlenecks caused by school, hotel and restaurant closings.

Billions had to be sent to farmers in relief  which, by the end of 2020, amounted to 40% of their income.
"Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, 'Before I formed you in the womb, I knew, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations' " Jer. 1:4-5. What if Jeremiah would have been aborted?

John the Baptist was "filled with the Holy Spirit, while yet in his mothers womb" Luke 1:15.

"For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Thy works, And my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from Thee, When I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth. Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance; And in Thy book they were all written, The days that were ordained for me, When as yet there was not one of them" Psalm 139:13-16.

That is what God has to say about it.

Tim Mastny, Norfolk, Neb.

Civic generosity
Sleuthing in the Digital Age

Unraveling the Mystery of Two 1890s Richmond District Houses

by John Freeman

I always perk up when someone says they have old photos from San Francisco that need location identification. Sometimes Im lucky and know the site; other times there is too little to go on. A grouping of contemporary photos, like in an album, adds more clues to find locations. I recently was presented with a series of photos in two albums that became one of the more challenging and fun projects I have attempted. This is a detective story of sleuthing collaboration, combining old research skills and new digital technology mixed with a good dose of luck.

In late October 2011, Craig Bryan in Northridge, California, contacted the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society by email, hoping to find help figuring out the background and maybe the creator of two albums he found a couple of years ago in a corner of a prop-shop liquidation sale in Los Angeles. The secretary of the Society forwarded the email with its four photos to me to see if I wanted to get involved. The photos showed two identical houses, a street view taken from the porch of one of the houses, a burned-out brick building suggesting the 1906 fire, and a cable car passing along a street. Not much to go on, but I bit and contacted Craig to see what else he had that led him to think the albums originated in San Francisco. Craig sent me four other scans at higher resolution and another variation of the street seen from a front porch. I immediately recognized a beach scene below the ornate 1896 Cliff House and a view that sure looked like a family swimming outing inside Sutro Baths, so there was no doubt that the photos had a San Francisco connection.

One scanned photo in this group really grabbed my attention. It was another street scene, but with a very institutional-looking building on the right.

The building looked as if it might be the original French Hospital. I had a dedication brochure from the hospitals opening in 1895 and it had a photo that matched the album photo! The mystery photographer had taken a picture of the hospital sometime between 1895 and 1906. After the 1906 earthquake, significant structural damage to the brick building had to be repaired, followed by some changes to the facade, including a distinctive mansard roof on the administration building.

I had a location, Sixth Avenue and Point Lobos Avenue (Geary Street was not extended past Presidio Avenue until after 1909), but what was the occasion that caused all those men to congregate around, drawing the attention of the photographer? Closer examination shows an American flag draped over the facade of one of the buildings. Camp Merritt, the main part of the temporary camp for army volunteers awaiting transport to the Philippines in the Spanish-American War, was from First to Fifth Avenues, Point Lobos to Fulton Street. These men in uniform were only in the Richmond District camp from May to August, 1898. The celebration must have been Fourth of July, 1898.

If the photographer was taking a picture of the Independence Day celebration, he might have lived close by. I studied the view of the two houses and the intersection seen from the porch more closely.

The two identical houses had no visible numbers or other clues to location, except that they were on a slight hill. The intersection, however, did yield a few clues. There were two windmills, and behind the trees on the right was a long white building with a Gothic window and a cross on the peak of the roof. There was only one church near Point Lobos Avenue in 1898, the original Star of the Sea, which faced Eighth Avenue (right behind the nave of the current church today).

I had a photo of that church in my files and brought it up. I made another match, and since the cross would have been at the rear of the church, the two identical houses would be on the south side of Point Lobos Avenue. I next turned to the 1899-1900 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map to find a footprint of two identical houses. I compared footprints on the west side of the 400 block of Tenth Avenue, since that was the only street on a grade with the south side of Point Lobos Avenue that could match the view of the south side and back of Star of the Sea Church. I found my match easily at 425 and 427 Tenth Avenue and contacted Craig to share my excitement.

Knowing the address in 1899 was great, so I made a check of the microfilm at the San Francisco Public Library of the 1900 census, by blocks, figuring it would yield the residents name. The only writing in either album gave the names of two children, a girl named Marian, born in 1891, and her brother George born in 1893. By 1900, there would have to be two children, ages seven and nine, to match the family living at either of these addresses. The census match didnt work, because the data at the time of the census showed that each resident had children with different first names and the wrong ages. We were stopped cold. I knew that the reverse-directories in History Center of the San Francisco Public Library didnt start until the mid-1920s, so how could we find out who lived in one of these houses in 1898? I consulted with a researcher friend, and he told me about a website where you can download an entire city directory as a PDF file, then do a digital search by address. The 1898 city directory was nearly 2,000 pages and would take about a half hour to load, but Craig gladly took on the task. A few hours later, he had the name that might match:

"Low George P., propr. and pub.

Journal of Electricity"

A search of an online ancestry program told us George lived at 315 Cherry Street at the time of the 1900 census, and besides his wife, he had two children, ages nine and seven, named Marian and George!

We had found the family in the photographs; now we had to see if the houses were still on Tenth Avenue. The early years of house numbering often used one number per family dwelling, but as the outer neighborhoods expanded in the early twentieth century, the popularity of duplexes and triplexes changed the numbering system. I figured that 425 and 427 might change by the next Sanborn map in 1913, but when I searched near mid-block, I couldnt find the characteristic footprint of the buildings found in the 1899 map. I rejected Craigs suggestion that the 1906 earthquake could have destroyed these two substantial-looking houses, because the serious quake damage in the Richmond District had only been to brick structures or chimneys. Maybe a house fire destroyed the building? I got my next break when a friend sent me a supplementary Sanborn map of the block dated 1905 that showed the original building footprints, but with addresses of 447 and 449. With a hint of the new addresses, I did a contemporary Google street search for these addresses. There were two buildings I had looked at and rejected in my earlier search because they bore no resemblance to the peak-roofed dwellings of the 1898 photo. But with close examination, I saw what I had missed  small architectural trim features that had been retained when the buildings were converted from single-family homes to flats or duplexes nearly a century ago, in the style of the early 1910s. I found building permits showing that 447 had become 447/449 Tenth Avenue when it was remodeled in 1911 and 449 became 451/453 when it was remodeled in 1913. The remodeled building footprints did show up on the 1913 Sanborn map, but were so radically altered, I had missed them.

Craig and I continued pursuing George P. Low, and found that he was a respected electrical engineer who had supervised the electrical system of the Midwinter Fair in Golden Gate Park in 1894, and had signed off on the last phase of the electrical work of the City Hall in 1899. He had written briefly for the Morning Call years earlier, and in 1895 he founded the Journal of Electricity, Power and Gas, listing his office as 427 Tenth Avenue by 1897.

Like so much of this story, a lot of luck went along with skill in uncovering the details. The location of the houses was moderately easy, but finding the name of the man who made the album was a bigger challenge. George Perley Low had only lived on Tenth Avenue for about a year and a half before moving to Cherry Street, then Mill Valley where he died in 1909. But he was a professional person whose career as an electrical engineer was noted in the press when he gave lectures or supervised building projects. The journal he founded and edited has been digitized by the San Francisco Public Library and recently became available online.

The albums were rescued by Craig Bryan just before being tossed in the dumpster. Craig became obsessed with finding out who had photographed and composed these albums, and contacted a local historical society 350 miles away, whose secretary passed the challenge on to me. Most of the albums contained baby pictures, parlor views and family outings. There was no writing except to identify the children when they were infants. Only a few of the photos had distinguishing characteristics that could be used to identify time and place, but the sum of the parts aided the search. Only a few years ago, solving this mystery would have been impossible without at least a family name, but digital technology continues to make more and more archival items not only available, but also accessible by computer without leaving home.

Special thanks to the staff of the San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library for help and suggestions; to researchers Peter Field and Frank Sternad for advice and research solutions; and to Craig Bryan for salvaging important photos of the Richmond District, and for collaboration and tenacity to solve the puzzle of who composed the albums and trace their journey to Los Angeles.

Contribute your own stories about western neighborhoods places!
Streetwise - Water, Water Everywhere

by Frank Dunnigan

October 2015

One of the most obvious symbols of local government in our daily lives is the presence of thousands upon thousands of city-owned/maintained fire hydrants in every single neighborhood of San Francisco.

With a long history of wooden architecture, the city was nearly destroyed by fire on six different occasions between 1849 and 1851. There were also other serious blazes over the years, but the disaster of 1906estimated to stem 20% from the earthquake and 80% from the ensuing fireswas the final straw in the minds of civic leaders. Almost before the ashes cooled, local government embarked on a serious program of fire prevention and control with construction of a new high-pressure water systemthe only one of its kind in the United States.

Based on the 1906 earthquake damage to water lines and the lack of sufficient water and water pressure to fight fires, city engineers determined that there needed to be an Auxiliary Water Supply System (AWSS in Fire Department lingo) that would be installed alongside the original system, supplying water at higher pressure by a system designed with greater resistance to earthquakes. In addition to thicker iron mains, all of the infrastructure (including connections, joints, and mounting of hydrants) were designed with additional reinforcements in order to minimize the risk of breaks or lateral movement (known as telescoping) of underground pipes during earth movements. Also, given the increase in density due to the increasing number of taller buildings, the AWSS was designed with additional water pressure for fighting difficult fires in larger structures.

In 1908, San Franciscans enthusiastically taxed themselves $5,200,000 for a bond issue in order to build the high-pressure auxiliary water supply system. Construction began almost at once, and the system was completed by 1911. After testing, it was turned over to the San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) and has been in service since 1913-14. This system is marked today by nearly 1,900 large hydrants, located in high-density areas throughout the city. These large white hydrants differ from one another, based on color-coded tops:

Large size, white with black topThese hydrants, located at the highest points above 150 feet in elevation, are fed by the dual-tank Twin Peaks reservoir, with a total capacity of 10.5 million gallons, located on Marview Drive, with a base at 760 feet above sea level.

Large size, white with red topThese hydrants, slightly lower in elevation, but still above 150 feet in elevation, are fed by a 500,000 gallon talk in the Ashbury Heights neighborhood, located on Clayton Street, opposite Carmel Street, with a base at 450 feet above sea level.

Large size, white with blue topThese hydrants, at locations below 150 feet in elevation, are fed by a 750,000 gallon tank on the west side of Jones Street, between Sacramento and Clay Streets, near Nob Hill, with a base at 330 feet above sea level.

All these tanks are kept filled to capacity, however, in the horribly unlikely event that either of the smaller tanks were to run dry because of massive need, the 10.5 million gallons of stored water atop Twin Peaks is designed to flow by gravity into both the Ashbury and the Jones tanks, thereby assuring water at all high-pressure system hydrants.

Two emergency pumping stations were built as part of the 1908 bond measure that can supply the high-pressure system with seawater. Both stations are capable of pumping 10,000 gallons per minute, either to the Twin Peaks reservoir, or else through the high-pressure system itself, via a series of on-site generators. Pump Station #1 is located in the basement of SFFD Headquarters at 698 Second Street at Townsend, near AT&T Park. Pump Station #2 is located just inside Fort Mason, with access to the waters of San Francisco Bay, and both locations are staffed by SFFD personnel at all times. More than 35 individual Bay suction connection locations are in place on the north and east sides of the city, and can draw seawater in an emergency. While salt water can be a very effective fire-fighting tool, its corrosive nature can damage metal pipes and fittings, so its use is always a last-resort, such as in the efforts to fight the 1989 Marina fires following the Loma Prieta earthquake.

In addition to the high-pressure system, there are also thousands of standard fire hydrants that dot the streets of San Francisco, and they are fed by gravity from a series of reservoirs and storage tanks in various locations. The four primary terminal reservoirs, all filled by gravity flow and not dependent on electrical pumping, are: Merced Manor (23rd Avenue and Sloat Boulevard) and Sunset (24th Avenue and Quintara Street) serving the western half of the city, and College Hill (Holly Park Circle, off Mission Street in Bernal Heights) and University Mound (near McLaren Park in the Portola) serving the eastern portion of the city. Additional reservoirs include: Sutro (Clarendon Avenue) and Stanford Heights (near Miraloma Park). These reservoirs provide water for domestic needs as well as for standard fire hydrants. Various interconnections allow many of the reservoirs at lower elevations to be refilled by gravity from higher elevation locations in the event of an emergency situation.

Over and above these primary distributing reservoirs, there are also eight additional tanks throughout the city, at elevations ranging from 290 to 900 feet, each holding from 75,000 to 14 million gallons of water. These are intended to serve specific pockets of the city that have exceptionally hilly terrain, such as the Summit reservoir on Palo Alto Avenue at Glenbrook Drive, serving Twin Peaks-area neighborhoods.

There are many subtle differences that distinguish one standard fire hydrant from another:

Standard size, white with flat top: Newer standard model.

Standard size, white with round ball on top: Older standard modelthe metal ball was used to tie up fire-engine horses.

Standard size, white with green top: Green top signifies that a separate underground cistern nearby supplies water by suction.

Standard size, white with light blue top: Blue top signifies that water is from a non-drinking supply source, such as a lake.

Standard white with bright blue dot/water drop on upper side: Originally intended to mark emergency drinking-water hydrants in a 2006 program. These hydrants were connected to the regular drinking water system and intended to provide the public with fresh, pure water after a disaster. In recent years, the city determined that a risk of cross-contamination exists, and has discontinued the program, though some of the marked hydrants remain today.

The printed black numeral on the side of standard hydrants refers to the size (diameter, in inches) of the underground pipe feeding that location.

SF West History Minute on hydrant types.

As a further back-up to any problems that might occur with reservoirs, holding tanks or pumping stations, two fireboats can be used to fight fires by running hoses along city streets, while simultaneously pumping sea water into the hydrant systemthe Phoenix, with a capacity of 9,600 gallons per minute and the Guardian, rated at 24,000 gallons per minutethe largest output of any fireboat, anywhere in the world.

In yet another back-up for any sort of system failure, there are nearly 200 free-standing underground cisterns located throughout the city, with many of the newer ones located in the previously under-served Sunset District, several of them positioned along the length of 37th Avenue, just off Sunset Boulevard, which serves as a natural fire-break on the western side of town. These cisterns range from 75,000 to more than 200,000 gallons, with the water accessible for pumping by fire trucks. The locations are marked with an outline of red brick circles and an access cover with the words SFFD CISTERN. The cisterns remain filled at all times, with a city-wide total of more than 11 million gallons of water in storage below ground for immediate use. (See: this video from the Exploratorium on the cisterns.)

In planning for every conceivable disaster scenario, the San Francisco Fire Department, working in conjunction with the San Francisco Water Department, has also installed a row of 27 standard hydrants along the south side of Fulton Street at the perimeter of Golden Gate Park. Painted green, with light-blue tops, this system is gravity-fed by Stow Lake with a supplemental supply coming from Spreckels Lake.

In addition to these precautions, there are nearly 400 other emergency water storage locations, including every city-owned swimming pool, the Chain of Lakes at the western end of Golden Gate Park, plus storage tanks in commercial buildings and smaller reservoirs, such as the one located at 22nd Street and Wisconsin Avenue on Potrero Hill. Most of these locations have discharge valves at street level that can be accessed by SFFD personnel, who can then utilize the locations stored water supply to fight a fire directly, or else can download such a supply into a tanker engine or into a nearby underground cistern that might have run dry.

Some areas within the City and County of San Francisco have specialized fire-fighting defenses:

Yerba Buena Island, Treasure Island and the Bay Bridge receive water from the University Mound reservoir, via a 10-inch steel pipeline, 10,000 feet in length, supported beneath the upper deck of the Bay Bridge. This pipeline feeds into a 3-million gallon terminal reservoir on Yerba Buena Island that is used for domestic water and fire-fighting purposes.

San Francisco International Airport has multiple storage tanks, holding more than 2.25 million gallons of water, plus ready access to San Francisco Bay as an emergency backup.

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the Presidio derive their primary water supply from Lobos Creek and various nearby wells. A pumping station near Bakers Beach pumps the water to a six-million gallon reservoir near the center of the Presidio and to an additional 100,000+ gallon reservoir at Fort Scott. Auxiliary emergency supply lines to the area are provided by the San Francisco Water Department. The 290 hydrants located throughout the Presidio have unique color codes to indicate the water pressure available at each one.

Fort Mason includes 36 standard fire hydrants, plus six SFFD high-pressure hydrants.

Fort Miley Veterans Administration Hospital at 42nd Avenue and Clement Street has access to a rooftop storage tank of 40,000 gallons, a ground-level reservoir of 417,000 gallons, plus 17 standard hydrants.

Laguna Honda Hospital has two interconnected water storage tanks with a capacity of 275,000 gallons on the hillside property.

University of California Medical Center is served by both standard and high-pressure hydrants, plus two storage tanks of 20,000 gallons each on the property.

Finally, there are also a few unique hydrants within San Francisco:

Gold with round ball top: Located at 20th and Church Streets, it is known as the hydrant that saved the Mission. On April 18, 1906, water mains were damaged by the earthquake, leaving only 42 fire hydrants, out of a total of 4,500 (less than 1%) with a working supply of water. This hydrant has been honored since 1969 with a fresh coat of gold paint every April 18 in commemoration for having stopped the 1906 Fire before it spread deep into the densely populated Mission District.

Silver with round ball top: Further research has also confirmed that two other hydrants, one at Hayes and Buchanan Streets, and the other at Ellis Street and Van Ness Avenue, were also working on April 18, 1906, and managed to stop the so-called Ham and Eggs Fire from spreading into Pacific Heights and the Western Addition. These two hydrants are now honored with a fresh coat of silver paint every year on the anniversary of the 1906 disaster.

It is comforting to know that at any given time, standard tanks and reservoirs in San Francisco have a stored capacity of over 413 million gallons of water, with Laguna Honda and Lake Merced (part of the local drinking water supply chain until 1933) providing an additional emergency capacity of more than 2,500 million (2.5 billion) gallons of water.

Given the average age of the many of these components, SFFD continues to plan system upgrades in order to be prepared for anythingsomething advisable for all of us, as well.

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Ocean Beachs Tornado House

by Woody LaBounty

(Originally published by the Ocean Beach Bulletin, March 22, 2011.)

Were used to earthquakes. The anniversary of San Franciscos great earthquake and fire in 1906 is a yearly reminder to change the batteries in the flashlights and switch out the water in the emergency box. (The San Francisco Department of Emergency Management has a nice checklist of what your preparedness kit should include.) I think were beginning to take the possibility of a tsunami seriously, despite the crowds of yahoos who run to the beach with their cameras when the alarms go off. An increasing multiplicity of emergency scenarios in which to imagine ourselves has arisen: gas explosions, floods, and nuclear meltdowns. Now we can add tornadoes to the list.

On March 18, 2011, the Emergency Alert System warned of possible tornadoes in the Bay Area. One hit in Santa Rosa, ripping a shed to pieces with 100 mph winds. Then a waterspout touched down off Ocean Beach with a menacing, if mesmerizing, dance on the waves.

The Outer Sunset has been hit before. On February 24, 1930, a mighty storm battered the Bay Area. Strong waves and wind swept a deckhand off a tugboat at the Ferry Building; lighting struck Oaklands city hall, starting a fire; snow and hail fell in the Mission District. Then the police received reports of an explosion near the corner of 46th Avenue and Ortega Street.

The mass development of the Sunset District had only just begun, and huge areas were still open dunes. By 1930, only one house had been built on the block between 45th and 46th Avenues, and Noriega and Ortega Streets. Emergency crews arrived to find that house listing at an angle in the dunes, surrounded by broken lumber and debris. Rather than suffering an explosion, the house appeared to have been spun sideways off its foundation and screwed down into the sand. Mrs. James C. Crampton, who lived at 2243 45th Avenue, reported that shed seen an enormous funnel: It seemed as if tons of sand were swirling round and round, and that the column would crush anything it happened to strike.

The owner, John Voltz, had been at work at the time. He wasnt immediately available to comment as emergency crews, reporters and curious neighbors crawled over his property, posing for photos on the steeply raked floors. The only other major damage in the area was the destruction of a garage in the backyard of 1800 48th Avenue.

San Franciscos four daily newspapers gave the tornado light coverage, and didnt exactly know what to call the phenomenon that moved a house. Freak squall, freak storm, a miniature twister were three attempts.

Voltz estimated his losses at $5,000, but he didnt seem to have given up on his Oceanside house completely. Go take a look at the tall house that stands at 1896 46th Avenue today. Compare its angled upper floor to the tornado-stricken structure alee in the dunes. Instead of retreating, Voltz rebuilt with bravado, taking his home even closer to the clouds.

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The Birth of Westwood Park, Part I

by Woody LaBounty



Artistic Surroundings for Moderate Means

In 1911, when the Residential Development Company purchased Adolph Sutro's vast land holdings in San Francisco's West of Twin Peaks area, large "residence parks" were immediately planned around the site of the west portal of the Twin Peaks streetcar tunnel. These master-planned developments featured homes with covenants banning businesses and minority ownership, while defining minimum construction costs, building design, and yard setbacks. St. Francis Wood, Forest Hill, and West Portal Park joined Ingleside Terraces as new restricted communities West of Twin Peaks, and the houses on their winding streets were intended and marketed to the upper classes: doctors, lawyers, capitalists, industrialists, and corporate heads. But as Sutro's forest of pine and eucalyptus was thinned, and anxious developers awaited the completion of the tunnel that would make their investment pay off, one tract of land was set aside for a slightly different vision called Westwood Park.

The man most responsible for the creation of the Residential Development Company, and transforming Sutro's forested hills into toney neighborhoods, was Archibald S. Baldwin. An experienced real estate man and owner with Josiah Howell of the firm of Baldwin & Howell, A.S. Baldwin had surveyed Sutro's properties for his heirs and pulled together the investors to buy and develop the rural and forested land around Mount Davidson. While the Residential Development Company sold off tracts to Mason-McDuffie, Newell-Murdoch, and Fernando Nelson, each to create their own version of the residence park, Baldwin held back ninety-three acres fronting the north side of Ocean Avenue for an experiment.

Baldwin & Howell was not a stranger to selling residence park lots or development. The firm had sold homes in Presidio Terrace in 1905, and had just recently subdivided the Mission Terrace tract to the east. After seeing the slow sales of the properties adjacent to West Portal, however, A.S. Baldwin decided on an alternative strategy. Instead of targeting doctors and lawyers as customers, Baldwin focused on their clerks.

In one of his first public statements about the new neighborhood in August 1916, while work gangs were sawing down trees and pulling up stumps for the future Miramar Avenue, Baldwin made his intent clear:



We propose to put Westwood Park on the market at conservative prices, placing it within the reach of those who desire moderate priced homes in highly artistic surroundings. This will be one of the first subdivisions of this character to be offered in San Francisco. 1

Not that this new neighborhood would be cheap. Baldwin and his fellow investors put $300,000 into development, making clear that Westwood Park would have most of the amenities of the other residence parks: looping, curving streets; wide lots with reserved yard space and front setbacks; buried electric lines; landscaped medians; ornamental concrete lamp posts; and handsome entrance gateways and pillars designed by Louis Christian Mullgardt (well-known for his work at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition and the de Young museum). And while Ingleside Terraces offered Craftsman-style homes and St. Francis Wood took on an Italian Renaissance Revival theme, so Westwood Park would have its own signature style: the bungalow.

Characterized by wide front porches and deep-eaved roofs, the single-story bungalow design had been enthusiastically embraced by the Arts and Crafts movement. They were simple, but attractive, homes with economical floor plans, and usually embellished with rough-hewn elements, natural coloring, and brick or stone foundation facades. Publications described "bungalow cults" and "bungalow fever" in regard to the 1910s popularity of the affordable residences. Baldwin & Howell had built versions of single and one-and-a-half story bungalows in Mission Terrace, and now proposed to build an entire bungalow community with Westwood Park.

Baldwin & Howell formally opened Westwood Park for sale on October 15, 1916, with lots at prices from $1,050 to $1,600. Instead of San Francisco's standard twenty-five-foot-wide lot, Westwood Park street frontages were thirty and forty feet across. Sales agents gave prospective buyers a book with thirty-four bungalow plans to choose from, although, in some cases, owners purchased lots and had houses of their own design erected on them. A bungalow could be bought and built for a down payment of $400 with mortgage payments as low as $35 a month over ten years. So while a property in neighboring St. Francis Wood or Ingleside Terraces might cost $12,000 to $20,000, a pleasant Westwood Park house in almost the same setting went for $4,200. Baldwin & Howell also offered a novel incentive to buyers: a free insurance policy that would pay off the mortgage to the Residential Development Company in case of accident or death. 2

A number of companies were involved in creating Westwood Park. The Residential Development Company owned the land. Baldwin & Howell acted as sales and advertising agents. Construction firms such as Barrett & Hilp and Nelson Brothers purchased lots to build tracts of bungalows. Behind them all, A.S. Baldwin acted as the concertmaster.

Marketing was heavy-handed. Westwood Park was trumpeted as the "tenth wonder of the world," and any possible qualms about buying were countered in one of Baldwin's advertisements or newspaper editorials. Foggy locale? Westwood Park was in "the most sheltered portion of Sutro Forest," and ample sunshine was always mentioned. Too far from work? When the tunnel was finished it would be "22 minutes from Westwood Park to 3rd and Market." An uncertain investment? "Upon completion of the Tunnel we confidently believe that lots in Westwood Park will be selling at from 50 per cent to 100 percent more." 3

The wait for the completion of the tunnel hindered sales for all the West of Twin Peaks properties, and just as it seemed that the long wait was about to end, war in Europe, and possible entry by the United States, further clouded investment. Baldwin referenced the conflict in advertising style, encouraging buyers to "join an army of home seekers" viewing Westwood Park, and quoted the U.S. Vice-President (with photo of him holding a baby) as saying he would be willing to die for his home, but "shall never shoulder a musket in defense of a boarding house." 4

The United States did enter World War I. On October 5, 1918, Baldwin & Howell announced that, in compliance with an edict from the War Industries Board to save materials for the war effort, home building in Westwood Park would be discontinued. A.S. Baldwin would have to wait for the conclusion of the "war to end of all wars" to see if his experiment in bringing the amenities of residence park life to San Francisco's middle class would succeed. 5

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BLOOMINGTON  A Bloomington man pleaded guilty Wednesday to unlawfully possessing an assault rifle last year.

Damoni C. Good, 26, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

He was charged in October 2020 with two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, unlawful possession of 15 to 100 grams of cocaine with the intent to deliver and unlawful possession of 15 to 100 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver.

The drug charges and one other weapon charge were dismissed Wednesday in a plea agreement.

A prosecutor said in a factual basis statement that Good was charged as a result of a Bloomington Police Department vice unit investigation.

A search warrant for his Bloomington home led police to seizing a loaded AK-47, about 31 grams of cocaine, 52 grams of suspected methamphetamine and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Contact Kade Heather at 309-820-3256. Follow him on Twitter: @kadeheather

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BLOOMINGTON  A 22-year-old Bloomington man was sentenced to 21 years in prison Wednesday for a 2019 armed robbery in Bloomington.

Kemondrae L. King was found guilty of two counts of armed robbery and one count of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon.

He was arrested in March 2019 with a 17-year-old boy after they struck a Heyworth woman and attempted to steal her car near the Amanda Brooke Apartments in Normal, police said.

The McLean County States Attorneys Office asked Judge Casey Costigan to impose a 30-year prison sentence.

Kings defense lawyer Michael Doubet asked the judge to issue a 21-year sentence, which was the minimum for King because of a 15-year enhancement.

According to police and statements from the boys trial, the teenager knew the woman and he and King had asked her for a ride.

The three drove more than two hours to the Chicago area where the men got out of the car and returned to ask her for a ride to Peoria, according to the womans testimony. The two offered the woman $15,000 for a ride to Peoria, she said.

Instead, she drove King and the boy back to Normal where she was struck in the head by King and forced out of the car, and the two drove away.

Contact Kade Heather at 309-820-3256. Follow him on Twitter: @kadeheather

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SPRINGFIELD  Illinois Democrats have gotten used to legislative success over the past three years.

The party has used its control of the governors office and its supermajorities in the General Assembly to shepherd through landmark clean energy legislation, marijuana legalization, additional protections for abortion rights, a major capital construction program and sweeping criminal justice reform, among other items.

Lawsuits say new Illinois legislative maps dilute Latino vote Plaintiffs in two lawsuits challenging the states legislative redistricting plan are asking a three-judge federal panel to declare the maps unconstitutional.

But there have been instances where the party has been defeated, such as the failure of the 2020 graduated income tax referendum. Another was the defeat of Illinois Supreme Court Justice Tom Kilbride in his retention election that year.

In both instances, Republican opposition featured a winning message and lots of money to back it up. That money by-and-large came from hedge fund manager Ken Griffin, the states wealthiest man, who alone sank more than $50 million into the successful effort to defeat the fair tax."

Griffin was back in the headlines this week for comments he made at the Economic Club of Chicago about the future of the state and its largest city. Griffin painted a bleak picture, going as far as saying that hes considering moving his companys headquarters from Chicago due to rising crime.

Chicago is like Afghanistan on a good day, Griffin said. And thats a problem.

This is hyperbole, of course. But it echoes what many Republicans  both moderates and conservatives  more or less have been saying for months, interjecting crime with taxes and corruption as the largest issues facing the state.

Don Tracy, the chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, told me earlier this year that the party would run on its core values in 2022, which he described as a strong economy, strong public safety, strong families, strong schools and strong freedoms.

In a sense, everything that is old is new again. Republicans have run campaigns accusing Democrats of being soft on crime for decades. Its part of the playbook.

But, party officials appear to see a legitimate opening on this topic  they have certainly been testing out campaign messaging ahead of next years elections.

Their message is weak, they've turned their back on law enforcement, we have a terrible situation regarding public safety in the state of Illinois and people are going to be educated about that, Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin, speaking of Democrats, told me at Republican Day at the Illinois State Fair in August. I'm gonna spend a lot of time talking to people throughout the state of Illinois of what Democrats have done to public safety and also our law enforcement officers. It's extremely important to people, probably the most important issue in Chicago right now."

There is a sense that Democrats  especially suburban legislators  may be vulnerable to attacks on their records on public safety issues.

In January, most Democratic lawmakers voted for a sweeping criminal justice reform bill, later signed by Gov. JB Pritzker, that phases out cash bail and requires all police to wear body cameras by 2025. Though hailed by some as nation-leading reform, it has been widely criticized by law enforcement groups.

At the same time, Chicago and several downstate cities are experiencing surges in gun violence. Murders and shooting victims in Chicago are up year-over-year from 2020, which was already a record year for violence.

If this keeps up, expect Republicans to keep on the issue.

On Wednesday, Republicans in the Illinois Senate unveiled the Fund the Police Act, which would appropriate $100 million in grant funds that can be accessed by police departments to hire more officers and purchase equipment. It would also stiffen sentencing guidelines for gun crimes and allow counties to opt out of certain provisions of the criminal justice reform law.

Legislative leaders found time to ram through multiple controversial bills this year that do nothing to keep people safe. Meanwhile people are literally dying in the streets, school buses are getting shot at, and families are afraid to go outside, said state Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet. Its well past time for the state to do something. These bills will help our law enforcement community to finally stem the tide of violence that has washed over our state.

Democrats have supermajorities in the General Assembly, meaning the proposal will likely never see a vote or even a hearing. But it serves as a messaging bill that outlines where Republicans stand on this topic.

State Sen. Robert Peters, D-Chicago, chairman of the Senate Black Caucus, said in response to the proposal that it would double down on failed polices of the past.

Make no mistake, we support expanding public safety for all and not just a few because it is our communities, our friends, and our loved ones who are often traumatized, but the answer doesnt just come in the decades long status quo policies of more prison sentences," Peters said. "It comes in community investment and alternatives that for too long have simply not existed.

It remains to be seen if the tough on crime message will resonate with the voters the GOP needs to win back legislative seats in the Chicago suburbs.

But it is noteworthy that all factions of the party and donors like Griffin seem to have the same message on public safety. Whether Griffin opens his checkbook to get that message out might be the next thing to look out for.

Poll shows Bailey with early lead

State Sen. Darren Bailey, R-Xenia, holds the early lead in the GOP primary race for governor, according to a poll conducted last weekend.

The poll, from Chicago-based Ogden & Fry and first reported by Politico, shows Bailey with 33% support among prospective GOP primary voters. Far behind are venture capitalist Jesse Sullivan at 6%, businessman Gary Rabine at 5% and former state Sen. Paul Schmipf, R-Waterloo, at 3%.

Its a positive start for Bailey, who became a folk hero of sorts to conservative voters for challenging Pritzkers COVID-related emergency orders and mask mandates.

But, its still early. And 49% of poll respondents indicated they are still undecided. Plenty of time for opinions to change between now and the June 28 primary.

Sullivan entered the race in August as an unknown, but has nearly $11 million in the bank. This will allow him to introduce himself to voters. Bailey and Rabine have stepped up their fundraising this quarter, but come nowhere close to Sullivan.

And, of course, the field may not even be set yet. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, is considering a run. State Sen. Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, and former state Sen. Kirk Dillard also havent ruled out running.

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THE CHAMBER of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has appealed to Government to review the price build-up of petroleum products so as to ease the impact of the constant hikes on Ghanaians.



It said this has become necessary because fuel prices at the pump could hit GH7 a litre soon especially if the government does not institute measures to control it.



Duncan Amoah, Executive Secretary of COPEC, who spoke to journalists in Accra, indicated that Fuel is now threatening to get to almost GH7 a litre. Currently, some major firms are trading at over GH6.50 and so any other increases that may come in subsequent days or weeks may push the price per litre to GH7. That is woeful.



The government projection for 2021 is $57.8 per barrel for our crude exports. Crude has hit above $80 as we speak. So in the plus and minus game, the government is even making far more than it had projected within its budget.



Yet the taxes that we enforced on the trotro drivers at 46 pesewas when crude was $30, we are still collecting it today when crude has gone up by more than an additional $50. This is bad and the earlier the Finance Minister and authorities decide to sit and look at the tax structure on our fuel prices; the better it will be for all of us.



Currently, oil price on the international market is over $80 dollars a barrel, after starting the year at a little over the $50 mark.



But with the reopening of economies across the world due to the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines, demand for fuel has experienced a sharp climb.



Earlier in the year, the government as part of its revenue mobilisation drive introduced some levies and taxes in the 2021 budget, a move many criticised.



The taxes are the COVID-19 Health Recovery Levy Act, 2021 (Act 1068), Financial Sector Recovery Levy Act, 2021 (Act 1067) and the Energy Sector Levy (Amendment) Act, 2021 (Act 1064).



Such taxes coupled with the constant hike in oil prices on the global market have accounted for the increase in prices at the pumps.



Already, a multinational investment bank and financial services company, Goldman Sachs Group, is projecting global prices may hit $90 a barrel in the near future.

Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
A Private Legal Practitioner who doubles as a Special Aide to former President John Dramani Mahama, Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe is pleading with the government to settle the criminal case between Rev Owusu Bempah and the state out of court.



Rev. Owusu Bempah, the leader and Founder of Glorious Word Power Ministry International has been hit with fresh charges by Circuit Court 1 in Accra together with one Mensah Ofori and Berchie. They pleaded not guilty to four fresh charges to wit Offensive Conduct Conducive to the breach of peace and threat of death.



But reacting to the fresh charges against Rev. Isaac Owusu Bempah on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, lawyer Edudzi Tamakloe pleaded for cool heads to prevail in moving on with the matter.



He noted that in our criminal justice delivery system, out of court settlement is permissible; thus, Rev. Owusu Bempah aside from the fact that he has shown remorse has also been punished enough for spending three days in police custody.



But for me, the long and short of it all is that, as we move on with this matter, cool heads must prevail. Even in our criminal matters, they are allowing out-of-court settlement and so that possibility exists, he pleaded.



As a criminal defence lawyer, Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe insisted on exploring the option of out-of-court settlement among the parties since the essence of criminal prosecution is to ensure that the person who has wronged the public is punished.



He, however, suggested that Rev. Owusu Bempah can go through the various forms of punishments by signing a bond of good behaviour as well as instructing him to stay out of trouble for some months, and failure to comply with it will attract a certain punishment.



Watch video below





Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The United Nations Peace Ambassador and The Country Director Of International Association Of World Peace Advocates Bishop Sam Owusu who is the Founder and Leader Of The Pottersville Church International has paid a working visit to the Volta Regional Police Commander to the enclave to ascertain the security situation in the region.



The visit according to the Amb. Bishop Sam Owusu forms part of the measures to ensure there's Peace in the region and to stop the robbery activities in the area.



He noted that. " There has been a lot of complaints from the youth and the citizens of the area speaking against the robbery activities and crime going on".



Ambassador Dr. Bishop Sam Owusu had a close meeting with the regional police commander Mr. Edward Oduro Kwateng and the Regional PRO Madam Afia Tenge on Wednesday morning. He added that the visit would go a long way to address the security challenges of the area.



The visit is a historical one, we've not had any United Nations Peace Ambassador, and looking at the way he has decided to approach issues, it tells

how he's will work massively to improve Peace and Security in the region.



In conclusion, I will make sure there be another strategic way of ensuring there's Peace in the area.

Source: Peacefmonline.com/ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
The Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC) says they will organize its members to demonstrate if parliament fail to pass the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill.



The Councils General Secretary, Rev. Emmanuel Teimah maintained that, Christianity frowns on this act and Ghana cannot accept the practice gayism.



According to him, failure to pass the bill will force the council to demonstrate.



Those wanting the practice, will they allow their children to have same-sex? We will not support this practice and we are ready to demonstrate, said Rev. Emmanuel Teimah.



The issue of gay rights in Ghana has gotten intense with several people against the movement.



At least eight lawmakers are behind the Bill which would impose 10-year imprisonment on advocates of same-sex and gay rights.





Listen to the interview...







According to the group, the bill  Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill  when passed into law, would erode fundamental human rights, as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, and send Ghana to the dark ages of lawlessness and intolerance.The group, made up of 18 members, has already submitted a 30-page memorandum to Parliament, detailing what it described as the unconstitutionality of the bill.At a press conference in Accra, the group said its advocacy was not about whether lesbianism or gayism was right or wrong but rather it was worried about the blatant violations of human rights, as contained in the bill.The bill violates virtually all the key fundamental freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution, namely, the right to freedom of speech and expression, the right to assemble, freedom of association and the right to organise, the right to freedom from discrimination and the right to human dignity, it said.It has, therefore, called on Parliament to reject the bill, adding that it has no place in our constitutional democratic Republic.The group include lawyer Mr Akoto Ampaw; author, scholar and former Director of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Prof. Emerita Takyiwaa Manuh; a communications and media expert, Prof. Kwame Karikari; the Dean of the University of Ghana (Legon) School of Law, Prof. Raymond Atuguba, and the Dean of the University of Ghana School of Information and Communication Studies, Prof. Audrey Gadzekpo.The Director of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Professor Dzodzi Tsikata; the Executive Director of the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana), Professor H. Kwasi Prempeh, and a former Executive Director of CDD-Ghana, Prof. Kofi Gyimah-Boadi, are also members of the group.Others are Dr Rose Mensah-Kutin, Dr Yao Graham, Mr Kwasi Adu Amankwah, Dr Kojo Asante, Mr Kingsley Ofei-Nkansah, Mr Akunu Dake, Mr Tetteh Hormeku-Ajie, Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby, Dr Joseph Asunka and Nana Ama Agyemang Asante.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com/ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The galvanised crash barriers that were stolen at the newly constructed Pokuase Interchange have been replaced with new ones.

That was after a Daily Graphic reportage on the stolen barriers.



To forestall their being vandalised, the new barriers, covering 40 feet, have been secured with bolts and knots and also welded, thereby making it difficult to remove them.



Secure



The replacement exercise was undertaken by the contractor for the Pokuase Interchange and Local Roads Project, Zhongmei Engineering Group Limited, last Tuesday.



Yesterday, when the Daily Graphic visited the interchange, the barriers had already been fixed and that had attracted attention, as some residents came around to inspect the replaced barriers.



Reportage



The Daily Graphic had, on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, reported that some unscrupulous persons had stolen some of the newly installed galvanised crash barriers mounted at the interchange, thereby posing a threat to road users.



All the stolen barriers, valued at $3,500 and meant to protect vehicles from falling over from a high embarkment onto the main road for vehicles coming from Kwabenya, covered a stretch of 40 metres.



The total number of crash barriers stolen was 10, each measuring four feet.



The barriers were mounted on a high embarkment or cliff to prevent vehicles using a service road from the Victoria College area at Pokuase from falling over from a height of about three metres onto the road from Kwabenya towards the main interchange.



Interchange



The four-tier Pokuase Interchange on the Accra-Nsawam-Kumasi road is the first of its kind in West Africa and was inaugurated by the President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, on July 9, 2021.





The project involved the construction of the 6.5-kilometre Awoshie-Pokuase Road, an interchange at the intersection of the ACP Junction to Awoshie to Nsawam road, two footbridges, the widening of the Nsawam Road by some two kilometres (km), drainage works, the provision of streetlights and the construction of 12km of town roads.



Relief



According to the Resident Engineer of the Pokuase Interchange and Local Roads Project (Associated Consultants Limited), Mr Kwabena Bempong, measures were also being instituted to protect the crash barriers from theft and that welding of the bolts and nuts was one of such measures.



He had given an assurance that the barriers were going to be replaced to ensure the safety of users of the road.



A resident in front of whose house the barriers were stolen, Mr Kwasi Ntow-Frimpong, told the Daily Graphic that the replacement of the items was a laudable one aimed at ensuring road safety in the area.



Meanwhile, it has been established that five men wearing reflectors, with one in a helmet, stole the crash barriers.



Mr Ntow-Frimpong confirmed this to the Daily Graphic yesterday.



One dawn I was on my way home and I saw five men dressed in reflectors removing the barriers. I thought they were repositioning them and so we did not ask them any question.



They came with a KIA truck in which they packed the barriers, he said, adding that the way they dressed, we thought they were part of the workers working on the project and so we did not confront them.



The incident, he said, happened about 5 a.m. on the day the crash barriers were stolen.



Mr Ntow-Frimpong said two days after the thieves had made away with the barriers, he confronted some of the real workers surveying the place on why they had removed the barriers, and it was then that it dawned on him that they (barriers) had, indeed, been stolen.



The incident, he said, had opened his mind to such activities by criminals.



That, he said, was the second time such a thing was happening, and that the first time was when his son told him that he had seen some people removing cables in the area.



I confronted them, and when they saw me removing my phone, they bolted, he said.



Regarding the replacement of the barriers, he said it was good news, since their removal posed a danger to motorists and pedestrians.

Source: Daily Graphic









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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" " President Donald Trump is seen with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (L), and Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO) at a Senate Republican weekly policy luncheon at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Alex Wong/Getty Images

In American politics, the next crisis is never far away. Whether it's a big-headline scandal or a routine backroom arm-twisting, politics practically can't exist without some kind of daily drama. Heck, "The West Wing" and "House of Cards" taught us that.

The most Beltway-shaking of all these crises is the "constitutional crisis," an inexact term that seems to be applied with all the discretion of a pitch for campaign contributions. "There is hardly a disagreement in American law, however slight," law professors Sanford Levinson and Jack Balkin wrote  nearly 10 years ago  in the University of Pennsylvania Law Review, "that someone will not label a 'constitutional crisis.'"

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Checks and Balances

The last time we were talking about a constitutional crisis was when Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) and the House Judiciary Committee decided to hold Attorney General William Barr in contempt of Congress in June 2019, for his failure to produce documents pertaining to special counsel Robert Mueller's nearly two-year investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. President Donald Trump answered by declaring the un-redacted portions of the report off-limits under executive privilege.

Thus, Nadler sounded the alarm. Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) backed him up. "We've talked for a long time about approaching a constitutional crisis. We are now in it," Nadler said on May 8, 2019. "[The executive branch is] uniformly rejecting subpoenas from Congress. This means that they have decided to oppose the role of Congress as a coordinate branch of government representing the American people."

The showdown with Trump revolved around Congress' power of oversight, derived from the "legislative Powers" clause in Article I of the Constitution. From the House website:

Congressional investigations not only help legislators make better policy decisions, but they are central to the system of checks and balances. Investigatory hearings can uncover presidential abuses of power and corruption, such as the Teapot Dome scandal in the 1920s or Watergate in the 1970s.

This time the constitutional crisis also is regarding congressional oversight, but legal scholars are suggesting this instance it could be different. It's also about impeachment. And it revolves around a letter White House Counsel Pat Cipollone sent to congressional Democrats Oct. 8. The letter states the Trump administration won't cooperate in the ongoing impeachment inquiry, and accuses the inquiry of being invalid and unconstitutional.

The letter also states that "President Trump cannot permit his Administration to participate in this partisan inquiry under these circumstances." The letter reads as if Trump's attorney is essentially saying the idea of checks and balances doesn't pertain to his administration. If that's the case, this would technically be a breakdown of the U.S. structure of government as written in the Constitution.

Is that a constitutional crisis?

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What a Constitutional Crisis Looks Like

In their 2009 paper, Levinson and Balkin defined the term like this:

A constitutional crisis ... is a potentially decisive turning point in the direction of the constitutional order, a moment at which the order threatens to break down, just as the body does in a medical crisis.

The authors offer three types of crises:

When leaders claim the right to suspend the Constitution, or parts of it, to preserve social order. When leaders comply with the Constitution, but the political crisis remains or leads to disaster. When leaders disagree over what the Constitution means and who has specific powers.

Two political science professors offer their own definition of a "Constitutional crisis" in a post on the site fivethirtyeight.com. They suggest that crises arise ...

When the Constitution doesn't spell out its intention;

When it does but it's unclear;

When what the Constitution states is not politically feasible;

Or when governmental institutions and how they're set up under the Constitution fail to work together and a power struggle ensues.

The last one might hit closest to the current situation in the United States.

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Is This a Crisis or Just D.C. Drama?

Constitutional crises may seem cheap  the Teapot Dome scandal; Watergate and the impeachment hearings of President Richard Nixon; the disputed 2000 presidential election; the impeachment of President Bill Clinton; congressional blocking of a Supreme Court nominee; even Trump's appropriation of money to build a border wall all have been slapped with the term  but true crises regarding the U.S. Constitution are probably not as common as all that drama may make them seem.

"People generally use the term 'constitutional crisis' to describe periods when institutions of government are clearly in conflict. But the mere existence of conflict, even profound conflict, cannot be the definition of crisis," Levinson and Malik wrote. "Government institutions are always in conflict."

Noah Feldman, a Felix Frankfurter Professor of Law at Harvard Law School, wrote in an op-ed for The New York Times that President Trump's refusal to respond to the House impeachment satisfies the two conditions for a constitutional crisis because the Constitution doesn't spell out how to proceed when "the House tries to exercise its constitutional power of oversight to investigate the president and the president flatly rejects the House's constitutional authority."

Professor Melissa Murray of New York University law school told The Washington Post "If Congress cannot exercise its power of oversight or its power of impeachment, it essentially means the president doesn't have to answer to anyone but the political process, which only comes around every four years. And that essentially makes the president a king."

Whatever it is  whether it's Washington as usual, impeachment, threats of the 25th Amendment, or a disagreement that endangers the very document that upholds our democracy  the drama never ceases. That's American politics.

NOW THAT'S INTERESTING What may be crisis to one may just be an insidious fraying around the edges to others. In a 2017 paper, Yale Law's Balkin defines something he calls "constitutional rot" as "a process of decay in the features of our system of government that maintain it as a healthy democratic republic." Examples (in his words): "When politicians disregard norms of fair political competition, undermine public trust, and repeatedly overreach by using constitutional hardball to rig the system in their favor and keep themselves (or their allies) in power, they cause the system of democratic (and republican) constitutionalism to decay."

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Originally Published: May 9, 2019
" " Two Cherokee Native American dancers pose for pictures along the highway on Oct. 22, 2016, in Cherokee, North Carolina. Located near the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this area is home to the Cherokee Nation. George Rose/Getty Images

In response to mocking accusations from President Donald Trump that she has lied about her Cherokee heritage, Sen. Elizabeth Warren released the results of a DNA test in October 2018, indicating that she indeed had a Native American ancestor six to 10 generations back. In a campaign-style video released with the results (Warren, a Democrat, is running for president in 2020), she clarified that she's not enrolled in a tribe and that "only tribes determine tribal citizenship."

"I understand and respect that distinction," Warren says in the video, "but my family history is my family history."

Warren asserts that she has never claimed Native American status when applying to school or a job, though she had changed her ethnicity from white to Native American during her time teaching at the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Her DNA announcement was met with disappointment and anger by many Native Americans, including Chuck Hoskin Jr., secretary of state of the Cherokee Nation.

"Using a DNA test to lay claim to any connection to the Cherokee Nation or any tribal nation, even vaguely, is inappropriate and wrong," Hoskin wrote in a statement. "Senator Warren is undermining tribal interests with her continued claims of tribal heritage."

Also check out Cultural Appropriation or Appreciation? Sometimes the Line Is Blurry.

Warren is far from alone in claiming a family connection to a Native American tribe. Many Americans proudly pass down oral histories of a great-great-grandma who was one-quarter Cherokee or Chippewa, explaining, as Warren did, the origin of the family's distinctive "high cheekbones." What frustrates Native American tribal members about these vague genealogical claims is that they make it seem like anyone with a neat family story or even a DNA test is automatically part of a tribe.

David Cornsilk is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, the largest of the three federally recognized Cherokee tribes in the United States, as well as a Cherokee historian and genealogist. When presented with a case like Warren's, Cornsilk likes to quote a popular Native American aphorism: "It's not about what you claim, it's about who claims you."

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Becoming Part of the Cherokee Nation

As Warren mentioned in her video, there's a difference between Native American ancestry and tribal citizenship. Anyone can claim Native American ancestry, but only the tribe and its sovereign government can accept an individual as a tribal citizen. The application process is different for each of the 573 federally recognized Native American tribes, but in the Cherokee Nation, tribal membership hinges on two sets of U.S. government documents drawn up more than 100 years ago.

The Dawes Rolls are late 19th-/early 20th-century census lists that include Cherokee tribespeople who were forcibly resettled in Oklahoma after being driven from states like Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee along the infamous Trail of Tears. To apply for citizenship in the Cherokee Nation, you must be able to trace your direct lineage to an individual on the Dawes Rolls. This is done by providing original birth certificates for each link in the family tree.

The Freedmen Rolls are separate lists of names that include the descendants of freed Cherokee slaves (yes, some Cherokee owned slaves). Following the "one drop rule" of Plessy v. Ferguson, a Cherokee with even a single "negro" ancestor was placed on the Freedmen Rolls, even if the rest of their lineage was full-blooded Cherokee. Sadly, descendants of people on the Freedmen Rolls were denied full citizenship in the Cherokee Nation and several other tribes from the 1980s until 2017, when a court ruling restored their rightful claims.

According to the Cherokee Nation, if you can successfully trace and document your lineage back to individuals on either of those rolls, you can apply for citizenship. You can also apply for citizenship if you marry a tribal member. Any other "proof" of belonging  family trees, photographs of relatives in feathered headdresses, DNA tests  simply won't be considered. (Other tribes have their own requirements for membership, but they're usually along similar lines.)

"We expect people to give deference to our institutions in determining who can claim to be a Cherokee," says Cornsilk. "It's not about descent from someone who abandoned the tribe 150 years ago. It's not about DNA tests that might only represent some statistical noise. And it's not about family oral histories, that like a game of telephone are often fraught with changes that make them very unreliable."

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What Citizenship Means

Citizenship in a federally recognized tribe makes you eligible for certain health care and housing programs available through the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs and the tribes themselves. But the Cherokee Nation website makes it clear that tribal members do not receive monthly payments from casino earnings, they still pay U.S. taxes, and tribal citizenship does not mean a free college education.

Warren's DNA test is particularly troubling to Cornsilk for two reasons. First, current DNA testing technology can only confirm that someone in your family was indigenous to either North or South America, not that they were clearly American Indian. Second, DNA tests reinforce the erroneous idea that citizenship in Cherokee Nation has always been based solely on blood lineage.

Cornsilk explains that back in the mid-19th century, the Cherokee Nation had a naturalization process for new citizens that had nothing to do with the applicant's family lineage. Many white people, for example, were welcomed into the tribe.

The issue of blood lineage only arose after Native American tribes surrendered to the U.S. government and were forcibly relocated to places like Oklahoma. As part of these treaties, the federal government promised restitution payments and land allotments to members of each tribe. The question was, who was a true member?

"When the federal government created the dependency which the Cherokee Nation has experienced over the last 100 years, it didn't want to give money to people who had no Indian blood," says Cornsilk.

Over the ensuing century, Native American tribes were given the sovereign authority to draft their own citizenship rules. Tribal members like Cornsilk want to move away from the idea that Cherokee identity is written in blood or DNA. Instead, he promotes the view that Cherokee Nation and other Native American tribes are independent political entities which, like the United States or Canada, can decide who is and is not a citizen regardless of bloodlines or race.

In fact, race is an increasingly problematic issue for Native American tribes. As long as blood lineage is synonymous with tribal identity, it leaves tribes open to lawsuits alleging racial discrimination. Just last month, a federal court in Texas struck down the Indian Child Welfare Act, a 1978 law passed to prevent Native American babies from being adopted away from the tribe and losing their heritage. The judge ruled that the law violates the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment by making adoption decisions based on race.

Now That's Just Wrong Some ethically challenged folks, like the brother-in-law of House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, claim membership in non-recognized Native American tribes to receive no-bid contracts reserved for minority-owned businesses.

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Originally Published: Nov 5, 2018
" " Alameda Health System nurses, doctors and workers hold signs during a protest in front of Highland Hospital on March 26, 2020 in Oakland, California to demand better working conditions and that proper personal protective equipment be provided. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

When President Harry Truman signed the Defense Production Act (DPA) in 1950, the threat was clear. The Korean War was just beginning. And the United States needed to gear up to help the Republic of Korea (we know it now as South Korea) ward off the Soviet-backed North to stop the creep of communism worldwide.

Congress came up with a plan to mobilize the private sector, Truman inked his "Harry S.," and the Defense Production Act became law, awarding sweeping powers to the federal government to compel private industry to produce materials and goods to help in the war. The Act has been authorized and reauthorized, amended and fiddled with, more than 50 times since.

The threat to the United States is clear, today, too, if a little less conventional. The national emergency in the spring of 2020 is the deadly coronavirus. The concern is that the United States won't have enough personal protective equipment (PPE) like face shields, gloves, gowns and masks for health care workers, or ventilators and other medical equipment for those who are sick.

"It absolutely could be an effective tool. I don't think it's necessarily the only tool," says Peter Shulman, a history professor at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. "But it's the law that's on the books. It already exists. The authority already exists to do a good chunk of what we need. That's why it's there."

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How the Defense Production Act Was Born

At the end of World War II, post-1945, the American government went through a massive downsizing. The world was at peace. The Americans won the war. They didn't need this expansive (and expensive) fighting force and the guns, tanks and infrastructure to support it.

"The number of men and women in uniform goes down well over 90 percent. Military spending is cut sharply," says John McGreevy, a history professor at the University of Notre Dame. "And all the industrial controls over production are abandoned."

Years before that, though, before the demobilization, many people throughout government realized the need to have a tool at hand that would allow the country to quickly ready itself in time of national emergency. That time came much more quickly than anyone anticipated.

America became involved in the conflict in Korea in late June 1950, just five years after the end of WWII. But because of the forward thinking by some, the framework for what would become the DPA already was in place. The Act was drawn up, Congress passed it and Truman signed it less than three months later, in early September of '50. The long title:

An Act to establish a system of priorities and allocations for materials and facilities, authorize the requisitioning thereof, provide financial assistance for expansion of productive capacity and supply, provide for price and wage stabilization, provide for the settlement of labor disputes, strengthen controls over credit, and by these measures facilitate the production of goods and services necessary for the national security, and for other purposes.

The original Act  again, it's been tinkered with a lot  granted broad powers to the president. According to the Congressional Research Service, "the DPA allowed the President, among other powers, to demand that manufacturers give priority to defense production, to requisition materials and property, to expand government and private defense production capacity, ration consumer goods, fix wage and price ceilings, force settlement of some labor disputes, control consumer credit and regulate real estate construction credit and loans, provide certain antitrust protections to industry, and establish a voluntary reserve of private sector executives who would be available for emergency federal employment."

" " People line up outside Elmhurst Hospital in Queens to get tested for coronavirus. New York City has about a third of the confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. making it the country's epicenter of the outbreak. Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images

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The DPA Over the Years

The powers granted to the president through the DPA are meant to secure the national defense, aimed especially at the country being ready in times of emergency.

The definition of "national defense" has broadened over the years. It's defined now in the law as this, according to the CRS:

[P]rograms for military and energy production or construction, military or critical infrastructure assistance to any foreign nation, homeland security, stockpiling, space, and any directly related activity. Such term includes emergency preparedness activities conducted pursuant to title VI of The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act [42 U.S.C. 5195 et seq.] and critical infrastructure protection and restoration.

Likewise, the definition of what might threaten the national defense has been fluid and now goes well beyond the scope of war.

Again, from the CRS: "[T]he authorities [of the Act] may also be used to enhance and support domestic preparedness, response, and recovery from hazards, terrorist attacks, and other national emergencies, among other purposes."

The DPA was used to mobilize the country's war machine again for the war in Vietnam, and during the energy crisis of 1973, when president Richard Nixon authorized the Department of Defense to order 22 oil companies to deliver 826 million gallons (3.1 million liters) of fuel to the military. That was the first time the DPA was invoked in a non-war context, according to Shulman.

It was employed again to ensure that California companies received electricity and natural gas during an energy crisis in that state in 2001; it was used to develop new technologies (mainly for military use) for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq; and yet again it was used to aid Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017.

"It was put there 70 years ago for the inevitable crisis," Shulman says. "At the time, it was for military crises, but it's been expanded. FEMA itself, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, was a product of the original version. It gives an administration the power and the flexibility to meet the kind of mobilization needed for a crisis."

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The DPA Today

On March 18, 2020, President Donald Trump signed an executive order invoking the DPA in response to the growing threat of the coronavirus pandemic. But his unwillingness to enact it earlier, and the fact that he balked at actually using any of the Act's provisions to spur on the private sector, were criticized on many fronts.

"The fact that I signed it, it's in effect," Trump said four days later during a news conference. "But, you know, we're a country not based on nationalizing our business. Call a person over in Venezuela; ask them how did nationalization of their businesses work out. Not too well. The concept of nationalizing our business is not a good concept."

Said the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Neil Bradley, in the Wall Street Journal: "The law is no panacea. The Defense Production Act isn't a magic wand to immediately solving medical supply shortages. It can't produce highly specialized manufacturing equipment overnight."

Still, many others are arguing for the DPA, including several lawmakers and a list of national security professionals who signed a statement March 25 urging Trump to utilize the Act to its fullest extent. Just four days before, on March 21, the American Hospital Association, the American Medical Association and the American Nurses Association sent Trump a joint letter urging him to "immediately use the DPA to increase the domestic production of medical supplies and equipment that hospitals, health systems, physicians, nurses and all front line providers so desperately need." It has worked in the past, through wars and other crises. It can help now, they say.

"The real value is allowing the government to become the allocator of supplies. They can say, 'We're going to buy up all the ventilators, we're going to stop having states  as they are right now  competing with each other, and hospitals competing with each other for masks and ventilators and gowns and gloves," Shulman says. "And [they can] say the federal government is going to buy all this. And the federal government will consult with states and hospitals to figure out where the greatest needs lie, and allocate them according to those needs to make sure that supplies in fact are meeting demands. And we can make guarantees to make it financially worthwhile to the companies.

"It's a huge power for the government were they to invoke it to the fullest degree. It's not about nationalization. It's about allocation in an emergency."

Just as this story was going live on March 27, President Trump issued a statement that he signed a presidential memorandum directing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to "use any and all authority available under the Defense Production Act to require General Motors to accept, perform, and prioritize federal contracts for ventilators."

NOW THAT'S INTERESTING Congress regularly reauthorizes the DPA. The last time it did so was in a section of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, which gave the DPA six more years before it expires. It now runs through Sept. 30, 2025.
Credit: Antiquity (2021). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2021.132

New research has confirmed that an obsidian mirror used by John Dee, confidante to Queen Elizabeth I, to contact otherworldly spirits in his occult practices has Aztec origins.

"John Dee is a remarkable historical figure, a Renaissance polymathinterested in astronomy, alchemy, and mathematicsand confidante of Elizabeth I," said Professor Stuart Campbell, from the University of Manchester, "Later, he became involved in divination and the occult, seeking to talk to angels through the use of scryers, who used artifactslike mirrors and crystals."

It had long been suspected that one of John Dee's scryers, an obsidian mirror now in the British Museum, had Aztec origins. However, with no records on how he obtained it, this was impossible to prove.

Now, an international team of scientists, including Professor Stuart Campbell, have solved this mystery with geochemical analysis. Their research, published in the journal Antiquity, confirmed the Aztec origins of John Dee's mirror.

Their analysis involved bombarding the mirrors with X-rays, resulting in the objects also emitting X-rays, which allow scientists to measure the composition of the artifact. These are unique 'fingerprints' that can be compared to obsidian samples to trace the origins of the material. The team studied four objects in the British MuseumJohn Dee's mirror, two other Aztec mirrors, and a polished rectangular obsidian slab.

Credit: Antiquity (2021). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2021.132

This method revealed that all four of the obsidian artifacts studied were made from Mexican obsidian exploited by the Aztecs. John Dee's mirror, along with another with a similar design, originated from near Pachuca. This obsidian source was heavily exploited by the Aztecs.

To the Aztecs, obsidian also had spiritual significance. It could be used as part of medicinal practices, could act as a shield against bad spirits, and capture souls on its reflective surface.

One deity, Tezcatlipoca, is even named "smoking mirror" and often depicted wearing circular obsidian mirrors, as symbols of premonition and power.

Credit: Antiquity (2021). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2021.132

Such symbolic value may have made them appealing items for Europeans to collect and bring home as they conquered the Aztecs. The fact that mirrors were also often viewed as magical artifacts in Europe may have served as additional motivation.

Credit: Antiquity (2021). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2021.132

"The 16th century was a period in which new exotic objects were being brought to Europe from the New World, and opening up exciting new possibilities in the intellectual world of the period," said Professor Campbell.

These Aztec mirrors were novel and exotic items that found a place in many early collections.

Stories about the meaning of the mirrors may have traveled with them, and may have been what motivated John Dee to acquire his mirror when he encountered it in Europe.

Credit: Antiquity (2021). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2021.132

Explore further Team underscores complexity of geopolitics in the age of the Aztec empire

More information: Stuart Campbell et al, The mirror, the magus and more: reflections on John Dee's obsidian mirror, Antiquity (2021). Journal information: Antiquity Stuart Campbell et al, The mirror, the magus and more: reflections on John Dee's obsidian mirror,(2021). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2021.132

Provided by Antiquity Publications
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Black students are often subject to harsher discipline at school than white students, and those punishments can damage students' perceptions of their school and negatively impact their academic success years later, according to research published by the American Psychological Association.

In the study, published in the journal American Psychologist, researchers analyzed three years of school records, including disciplinary data and grade point averages, for 2,381 sixth-, eighth- and tenth-grade students from 12 schools in an urban Mid-Atlantic school district in the United States. Of the students, 818 were Black and 1,563 were white. The researchers also surveyed the students each year about their perceptions of their school's climatesuch as whether they felt they belonged at the school and whether they felt that school rules were consistent and clear.

Overall, the researchers found that 26% of the Black students received at least one suspension for a minor infraction over the course of the three years, compared with just 2% of white students. Minor infractions included things such as dress code violations, inappropriate language or using a cell phone in class.

The researchers also found that among Black students, those who were suspended for a minor infraction during the first year of the study had significantly lower grades both one and two years later than students who weren't suspended. They also found that the relationship between suspensions and grades was mediated by the students' perceptions of their school climatein other words, teens who received minor infraction suspensions were more likely to report an unfavorable school climate one year later, which in turn predicted lower grades one year after that.

"Unfortunately, we were not surprised by the findings, considering what we know about the role of racial bias in painting school adults' views of African American youth as less innocent, older and more aggressive than their white peers. Regardless of the behavior that African American youth engage in, that behavior is viewed by educators as more worthy of harsh school discipline like a suspension," said study co-author Ming-te Wang, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of Pittsburgh.

The researchers also looked at whether students' grades and their perceptions of school climate during the first year of the study predicted whether they would receive any suspensions by year three and found no relationship in that direction. This suggests that it was indeed racial bias, and not any individual traits of the studentsuch as poor self-controlthat led to both increased suspensions and poor grades, according to Wang.

The researchers were not able to similarly explore the link between minor infraction suspensions and grades among white students because too few white students received minor infraction suspensions to run an analysis that would reach statistical significance.

The findings illustrate the pervasive negative effects that racial biases in school discipline may have on black students, according to study co-author Juan Del Toro, Ph.D., a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Pittsburgh. "When students are suspended for a harmless minor infraction, they may understandably begin to view school adults and the rules they enforce as controlling and unfair," he said. "That can damage adolescents' relationships with educators and lower their sense of belonging in school."

The results suggest that schools may need to reconsider policies that allow educators to choose severe punishments such as suspension instead when students commit minor infractions. "Based on our study, it may be important to limit school adults' opportunities for choosing severe discipline options for minor infractions, because of what we know about the role of racial biases in school discipline," Del Toro said.

In future studies, the researchers plan to explore where in the school discipline pipeline these racial biases are most likely to play outfor example, whether teachers make harsher discipline suggestions for Black students, or whether school administrators are likely to mete out harsher-then-suggested punishments for Black students. They are also studying whether teachers and schools that promote culturally responsive education, diversity and cultural competence have less racial disparity in school discipline.

Explore further Black and Native American students disciplined disproportionately, study finds

More information: The Longitudinal Inter-Relations Between School Discipline and Academic Performance: Examining the Role of School Climate, American Psychologist (2021). Journal information: American Psychologist The Longitudinal Inter-Relations Between School Discipline and Academic Performance: Examining the Role of School Climate,(2021).
Change 5 landing site overview. Credit: Chinese National Space Agencys (CNSA) Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center

A lunar probe launched by the Chinese space agency recently brought back the first fresh samples of rock and debris from the moon in more than 40 years. Now an international team of scientistsincluding an expert from Washington University in St. Louishas determined the age of these moon rocks at close to 1.97 billion years old.

"It is the perfect sample to close a 2-billion-year gap," said Brad Jolliff, the Scott Rudolph Professor of Earth and Planetary Sciences in Arts & Sciences and director of the university's McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences. Jolliff is a U.S.-based co-author of an analysis of the new moon rocks led by the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, published Oct. 7 in the journal Science.

The age determination is among the first scientific results reported from the successful Chang'e-5 mission, which was designed to collect and return to Earth rocks from some of the youngest volcanic surfaces on the moon.

"Of course, 'young' is relative," Jolliff said. "All of the volcanic rocks collected by Apollo were older than 3 billion years. And all of the young impact craters whose ages have been determined from the analysis of samples are younger than 1 billion years. So the Chang'e-5 samples fill a critical gap."

The gap that Jolliff references is important not only for studying the moon, but also for studying other rocky planets in the solar system.

Chage 5 mission. Credit: Chinese National Space Agencys (CNSA) Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center

As a planetary body, the moon itself is about 4.5 billion years old, almost as old as the Earth. But unlike the Earth, the moon doesn't have the erosive or mountain-building processes that tend to erase craters over the years. Scientists have taken advantage of the moon's enduring craters to develop methods of estimating the ages of different regions on its surface, based in part on how pocked by craters the area appears to be.

This study shows that the moon rocks returned by Chang'e-5 are only about 2 billion years old. Knowing the age of these rocks with certainty, scientists are now able to more accurately calibrate their important chronology tools, Jolliff said.

"Planetary scientists know that the more craters on a surface, the older it is; the fewer craters, the younger the surface. That's a nice relative determination," Jolliff said. "But to put absolute age dates on that, one has to have samples from those surfaces."

Change 5 sample extraction. Credit: Chinese National Space Agencys (CNSA) Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center

"The Apollo samples gave us a number of surfaces that we were able to date and correlate with crater densities," Jolliff explained. "This cratering chronology has been extended to other planetsfor example, for Mercury and Marsto say that surfaces with a certain density of craters have a certain age."

"In this study, we got a very precise age right around 2 billion years, plus or minus 50 million years," Jolliff said. "It's a phenomenal result. In terms of planetary time, that's a very precise determination. And that's good enough to distinguish between the different formulations of the chronology."

Change 5 sample return capsule. Credit: Chinese National Space Agencys (CNSA) Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center

Other interesting findings from the study relate to the composition of basalts in the returned samples and what that means for the moon's volcanic history, Jolliff noted.

The results presented in the Science paper are just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. Jolliff and colleagues are now sifting through the regolith samples for keys to other significant lunar science issues, such as finding bits and pieces tossed into the Chang'e 5 collection site from distant, young impact craters such as Aristarchus, to possibly determining the ages of these small rocks and the nature of the materials at those other impact sites.

Jolliff has worked with the scientists at the Sensitive High Resolution Ion MicroProbe (SHRIMP) Center in Beijing that led this study, including study co-author Dunyi Liu, for over 15 years. This long-term relationship is possible through a special collaboration agreement that includes Washington University and its Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, and Shandong University in Weihai, China, with support from Washington University's McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences.

Secondary Electron Microscope image of Basaltic fragment B001. Credit: Beijing SHRIMP Center, Institute of Geology, CAGS

"The lab in Beijing where the new analyses were done is among the best in the world, and they did a phenomenal job in characterizing and analyzing the volcanic rock samples," Jolliff said.

"The consortium includes members from China, Australia, the U.S., the U.K. and Sweden," Jolliff continued. "This is science done in the ideal way: an international collaboration, with free sharing of data and knowledgeand all done in the most collegial way possible. This is diplomacy by science."

Change 5 sample capsule. Credit: Chinese National Space Agencys (CNSA) Lunar Exploration and Space Engineering Center

Jolliff is a specialist in mineralogy and provided his expertise for this study of the Chang'e-5 samples. His personal research background is focused on the moon and Mars, the materials that make up their surfaces and what they tell about the planets' history.

Lunar soil sample CE5CO400 allocated to Beijing SHRIMP centre for the study. Credit: Beijing SHRIMP Center, Institute of Geology, CAGS

As a member of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera science team and leader of the Washington University team in support of NASA's Apollo Next Generation Sample Analysis (ANGSA) program, Jolliff investigates the surface of the moon, relating what can be seen from orbit to what is known about the moon through the study of lunar meteorites and Apollo samplesand now, from Chang'e-5 samples.

Explore further Exotic mix in China's delivery of moon rocks

More information: Xiaochao Che et al, Age and composition of young basalts on the Moon, measured from samples returned by Chang'e-5, Science (2021). www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abl7957 Journal information: Science Xiaochao Che et al, Age and composition of young basalts on the Moon, measured from samples returned by Chang'e-5,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/science.abl7957
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

Levels of eco-anxietythe chronic fear of environmental doomare growing, particularly among children and young people, and are likely to be significant and potentially damaging to individuals and society, warn experts in The BMJ today.

Mala Rao and Richard A Powell say neglecting the effects of increasing eco-anxiety "risks exacerbating health and social inequalities between those more or less vulnerable to these psychological impacts," while the socioeconomic effectsas yet hidden and unquantified"will add considerably to the national costs of addressing the climate crisis."

And they call on leaders to "recognize the challenges ahead, the need to act now, and the commitment necessary to create a path to a happier and healthier future, leaving no one behind."

They point to a 2020 survey of child psychiatrists in England showing that more than half (57%) are seeing children and young people distressed about the climate crisis and the state of the environment.

And a recent international survey of climate anxiety in young people aged 16 to 25 showed that the psychological (emotional, cognitive, social, and functional) burdens of climate change are "profoundly affecting huge numbers of these young people around the world."

These findings also offer insights into how young people's emotions are linked with their feelings of betrayal and abandonment by governments and adults, they write. Governments are seen as failing to respond adequately, leaving young people with "no future" and "humanity doomed."

So what is to be done to alleviate the rising levels of climate anxiety, they ask?

"The best chance of increasing optimism and hope in the eco-anxious young and old is to ensure they have access to the best and most reliable information on climate mitigation and adaptation," they explain.

"Especially important is information on how they could connect more strongly with nature, contribute to greener choices at an individual level, and join forces with like-minded communities and groups."

They conclude: "The climate crisis is an existential threat, and fearfulness about the future cannot be fully tackled until a common united global strategy is put in place to address the root cause, global warming, and to give everyoneespecially the young and the most vulnerable communitiesthe hope of a better future."

Explore further Government inaction on climate change linked to psychological distress in young people
Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The U.S. Coast Guard investigated a vessel in Oakland on Wednesday as part of its probe into whether a ship's anchor punctured an oil pipeline off the coast of Orange County and spilled 144,000 gallons of crude.

The container ship was in the area of the pipeline before the spill was discovered, according to a source familiar with the investigation, and later headed north. Investigators are likely looking for data showing the ship's movements and other mechanical information.

The examination is just one part of a wider investigation into how the spill occurred in the waters off Southern California this weekend, sources familiar with the investigation said.

A final determination of the spill's cause may take months, but the Coast Guard is focusing on the possibility that a ship's anchor ruptured the pipeline. Officials emphasized, however, that the probe is in its early stages.

Global positioning data provided to the Los Angeles Times shows that the Rotterdam Express, a German container ship, was anchored Friday near the area of the oil spill and was in Port of Oakland on Wednesday. A spokesman for the Port of Oakland confirmed the ship arrived in port Wednesday.

A spokesman for Hapag-Lloyd, the German firm that owns the Rotterdam Express, said that the container ship was anchored in the vicinity of the oil spill, but was "pretty far away from the pipeline."

"At the moment, we believe we are not connected to the oil spill," spokesman Nils Haupt said by phone. He said the company would fully cooperate with investigators.

John Amos, president of Skytruth, a nonprofit organization that uses satellite technology to track environmental issues, said his firm has been analyzing data of ship movements Friday night in the area of the pipeline, when the spill was first detected. Skytruth examined the location data for the Rotterdam Express over a number of days when it was anchored in the area and found it was the closest ship to the pipeline.

But Skytruth also found that the Rotterdam Express was never closer than 1,500 feet to the line, according to satellite data. Instead, the ship kept to a semicircular pattern that would be expected of an anchored ship moved by wind and current. That distance, said Amos, makes it unlikely that its anchor could be the culprit.

"I don't think there is enough leash basically for a vessel to be anchored and be pushed around 1,500 feet," Amos said. Maybe the Coast Guard's investigation, he said, "will rule them out."

He added that it is possible the actual location of the pipeline differs from what is shown in federal mapping data. Amos said the 40-year-old line could have shifted over time, moved either by natural events or other anchor strikes that didn't cause leaks, and the change in location has not been noted on official sources.

Hapag-Lloyd is aware that some marine traffic information showed that the Rotterdam Express had moved while it was anchored, but that "seems to be wrong," Haupt said. The ship's captain has provided logs, updated hourly, showing the ship did not leave its anchorage place for several days, he said.

The spill, which wasn't reported until Saturday morning, originated from a pipeline running from the Port of Long Beach to an offshore oil platform known as Elly.

Diver reports and footage from remote-controlled submarines showed that a 4,000-foot section of a nearly 18-mile oil pipeline had been displaced approximately 105 feet and had a 13-inch split along its length, according to the joint unified command that is overseeing the investigation.

The displacement, federal sources said, is best explained by a ship's anchor dragging across the ocean floor and hooking the pipeline. There were multiple large cargo vessels in the immediate area of the leak before the oil was spotted.

Martyn Willsher, president and chief executive of the pipeline operator's parent, Amplify Energy Corp., described the force as pulling the pipe in an almost "semicircle." "The pipeline has essentially been pulled like a bowstring," he said.

With the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach at near capacity, container ships and oil tankers have had to drop their massive, 30-ton anchors in designated sites that place them near oil platforms and an undersea infrastructure of oil lines, sewage treatment pipes and communications equipment.

Much like an air traffic control center, the Marine Exchange organizes the movement of vessels in and out of the ports. Their work begins when a ship comes within four days, or 800 miles, of the ports.

At that point, for security purposes, every commercial ship or yacht weighing more than 300 tons must submit to the Coast Guard an advance notice of arrival that reviews the vessel's manifest.

Under normal conditions, ships are assigned an anchorage spot if a berth is not available. But in the last few months, arriving ships within 25 miles of the ports are assigned to a "drift area," either between Catalina Island and the Palos Verdes Peninsula or off Dana Point. They then turn off their engines and drift in the current and wind, with occasional repositioning.

When there is an opening for them in the anchorage area, they proceed to a specific latitude and longitude, where they drop anchor. The Marine Exchange can direct them either to an area close to the Long Beach breakwater or down the coast off Huntington Beach.

Explore further How a coast crowded with ships, port gridlock and an anchor may have caused Orange County oil spill

2021 Los Angeles Times.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A female colony of the coral Plexaura homomalla releases eggs into the water (seen as bright white specks). Male colonies of this species release sperm. In contrast, colonies of the closely related species Plexaura kukenthali release fully formed larvae called planulae, a new study finds. Credit: Mary Alice Coffroth

On a night dive off the coast of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2016, two coral reef researchers saw something unexpected: A coral colony with slender, waving branches was releasing larvae into the water.

While this method of reproduction isn't unusual, the behavior in question was surprising because the coral was one called Plexaura kukenthali.

For decades, scientists had debated whether P. kukenthali was its own species, or the same species as another coral called Plexaura homomalla. Because P. homomalla was known to send sperm and eggs into the waternot fully formed larvaethe 2016 sighting added a new dimension to the conversation.

"While I had always wondered if the two forms were really two species, that was the moment we realized they had to be different," says University at Buffalo professor and coral scientist Howard Lasker, who made the 2016 observation with UB Ph.D. student and coral scientist Angela Martinez Quintana.

A more definitive call, however, would require additional evidence.

So are these corals one species, or two?

It seems like an esoteric question: What, exactly, is a species?

"You'll never get to a great answer, and different people will tell you different things," says Jessie Pelosi, a 2019 UB graduate in environmental geosciences and biological sciences. "With P. kukenthali and P. homomalla, there's been this conflict in terms of are they different species, or are they just one and the same in reality? They were described as separate species, then merged together, and then separated again."

A colony of the coral Plexaura kukenthali in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Credit: Howard Lasker

Pelosi set out to learn more after hearing about this history from Mary Alice Coffroth, another UB professor and coral scientist, and Lasker. Both encouraged Pelosi to explore the topic further through an undergraduate research project at UB, with the goal of assessing, more comprehensively, whether the two corals were indeed two different species, as people were now saying.

With Coffroth and Lasker as advisers, Pelosi assembled an interdisciplinary team from UB, The University of Rhode Island and Auburn University to take an in-depth look at P. kukenthali and P. homomalla.

The result is a new study published on Sept. 20 in the journal Coral Reefs.

Yes, they are two species, scientists say

"I think all the data suggests that they are two separate species," says Pelosi, the first author, who completed the research at UB and is now pursuing a Ph.D. in biology at the University of Florida. "We looked at a bunch of different factors, including morphological, genomic, reproductive and symbiotic differences."

Calcium carbonate structures called clubs and spindles isolated from Plexaura homomalla, as viewed under a microscope. This visual is a composite that combines focus-stacked microscope images of individual sclerites. Areas of light and shadow have been enhanced to better visualize the structures. A new study finds variation in the shape and size of sclerites produced by P. kukenthali and P. homomalla. Credit: Jessie Pelosi, adapted from an image published in Coral Reefs.

A colony of the coral Plexaura homomalla in the Florida Keys. Credit: Mary Alice Coffroth, as published in Coral Reefs.

Morphologically, the team saw variation in the shape and size of calcium carbonate structures called clubs and spindles that each species produces. In addition, the scientists identified "strong genetic differences across the genome between the two species," and observed differences in the timing and method of reproduction, Pelosi says. Finally, he adds, P. kukenthali and P. homomalla tend to host different types of algae as symbionts.

The research builds on a 1998 paper in the journal Avicennia by Pedro Garcia-Parrado and Pedro M. Alcolado, who characterized P. kukenthali and P. homomalla as separate species after examining some aspects of their morphology, and depth preferences.

Pelosi points out that "there are some interesting intricacies happening," with some overlap between the two species' features. For example, some clubs and spindles on P. kukenthali and P. homomalla are very similar, even if overall trends in shape and size point to a difference in morphology. Also, researchers discovered one coral colony that appears to be a hybrid between P. kukenthali and P. homomalla, suggesting that interbreeding between these closely related species still occurs, although the frequency of this phenomenon is unknown.

Still, taken together, the evidence points to P. kukenthali and P. homomalla being distinctive species, Pelosi and Lasker say.

"It's a really nice study because it cuts across so many different modes," says Lasker, Ph.D., a professor of geology and of environment and sustainability in the UB College of Arts and Sciences, and senior author on the new paper. "It just points in some ways to how little we know about these animals." (Yes, corals are animals.)

Pelosi notes that beyond simple curiosity, understanding the biology of soft corals like P. kukenthali and P. homomalla is important for practical reasons: "We're seeing that in some areas, octocorals, or soft corals, seem to be able to better withstand the effects of climate change than stony corals, or hard corals. So, soft corals are really important players in preserving reef biodiversity and providing habitat for reef fishes and small invertebrates such as snails and shrimps."

More information: Jessie A. Pelosi et al, Fine-scale morphological, genomic, reproductive, and symbiont differences delimit the Caribbean octocorals Plexaura homomalla and P. kukenthali, Coral Reefs (2021). Journal information: Coral Reefs Jessie A. Pelosi et al, Fine-scale morphological, genomic, reproductive, and symbiont differences delimit the Caribbean octocorals Plexaura homomalla and P. kukenthali,(2021). DOI: 10.1007/s00338-021-02175-x
Credit: Richard McLellan, Author provided

The sweet, earthy fragrance of sandalwood oil has made it immensely popular in incense sticks, candles and perfumes. But its beautiful scent may also be its downfallAustralian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) is facing extinction in the wild.

Despite this, the iconic outback tree is still being harvested in the wild in Western Australia where it's considered a "forest product," all to satisfy incense-burners and perfumeries.

Our research, published today, reveals the WA government has known for more than a century that sandalwood is over-harvested and is declining in numbers, with no new trees regenerating. We estimate 175 years of commercial harvesting may have decreased the population of wild sandalwood by as much as 90%.

Today, walking into most sandalwood communities is like walking into a palliative care hospice. There are only old folk there, most of them in terminal decline. There are no youngsters and there are certainly no babies.

It's time to list sandalwood as a threatened species nationally, and start harvesting only from plantations to give these wild, centuries-old trees a fighting chance at survival.

The tree behind the fragrance

Australian sandalwood, one of about 15 different species of sandalwood that grows across Oceania, is a highly valued economic resource as one of the main types of sandalwood traded internationally. But it's also immensely important ecologically and culturally.

Sandalwood is an extremely popular incense stick. Credit: Shutterstock

Aboriginal people have revered it for thousands of years, using it, for example, in smoking ceremonies and bush medicine. These uses take only small portions of the tree and do not endanger the plant, compared to commercial harvesting which kills the tree.

Ecologically, it's a keystone resource in the arid outback, often flowering and fruiting when other plants are not. It attaches its roots to host plants such as acacias, enabling it to derive some of its nutrients and water from nearby trees and shrubs.

Sandalwood trees can live an estimated 250300 years, and are capable of withstanding extremely harsh conditions. And yet, the species is extremely fragile in the first few years after germination.

Sandalwood populations have been slowly collapsing for decades from commercial harvesting, land clearing, fire, and grazing (by introduced herbivores such as goats, sheep, cows, rabbits, and camels, and some native species such as kangaroos).

The biggest problems are its lack of regeneration and the rapidly changing climate. Studies suggest there have been virtually no new trees emerging in most sandalwood populations for 60100 years.

There are two main reasons for this. First, sandalwood has lost its seed dispersers, such as burrowing bettongs (small marsupials), which went extinct across most of their range about the same time sandalwood stopped recruiting.

Second, climate change. Sandalwood seeds will only germinate, establish, and survive as seedlings if they get three consecutive good years of rainfall. Under Australia's increasingly variable rainfall conditions, that's rarely happening.

Almost no new trees of sandalwood are growing in the wild. Credit: Richard McLellan, Author provided

Wooden gold

Sandalwood is one of the most expensive timbers traded in Australia, making it "wooden gold" for the WA government's forestry department, the Forest Products Commission.

The oil from this native plant is used in perfumes, soap, and moisturizers, and the heartwood "goes up in smoke" as incense in temples and homes, particularly throughout Asia.

The WA government currently harvests old-growth sandalwood trees almost exclusively from the wild, where the oldest trees have the best oil quality. Plantations do exist, but they are not yet being fully utilized to replace wild-sourced timber.

Our research delved into more than 100 scientific papers, unpublished theses, parliamentary reports and historical documents, and found scientists have repeatedly warned the WA government of the tree's dire situation.

For example, a century ago (in 1921), in a report to the head of the WA Forests Department, Charles Lane-Poole, Forests Department official Geoffrey Drake-Brockman expressed fears sandalwood harvesting was sending the species extinct in the wild. He recommended the industry start harvesting from plantations instead, writing:

"The State Government's profit (from better managed harvesting) would enable the Forests Department to establish large plantations of sandalwood so that when the natural supplies cut out, the plantations would supply the market requirements."

Burrowing bettongs (or boodies and woylies) are important seed dispersers for sandalwood, but their populations have declined dramatically since European settlement. Credit: Michael Hains/iNaturalist, CC BY-NC

Years later, in 1958, another report for the WA Forests Department warned: "The sandalwood tree is approaching extinction. The story of the geographical movement of the (sandalwood) industry across WA is the story of the rise and decline of the industry. All too commonly extinction followed exploitation."

Early in the industry's history, fears were expressed as to the possibility of the future exhaustion of supplies of sandalwood [] Today, the sandalwood tree is approaching extinction [] Little hope of conservation and regeneration remains.

These are just two of scores of examples of warnings documented in our research, all of which have been ignored by successive WA governments. Scientists and others are still putting these same recommendations to the WA government.

It's not too late to save it

Fortunately, sandalwood will not completely disappear as there are thousands of hectares of sandalwood in plantations in WA's agricultural zone. The industry should urgently transition to only harvest from plantations, taking over-harvesting pressure off wild populations.

We urge the WA government to make that transition. The government must list sandalwood as an endangered species now (as it is in South Australia), before it declines to extinction in the wild, and protect and restore surviving populations in innovative programs with Aboriginal rangers and Traditional Owners.

And we urge you, the consumer, to find out more about any sandalwood you purchase.

Plantation-grown products are readily available and just as sweet smelling. Your support will help the industry transition away from wild-harvested plants that need all the help they can get.

Explore further Bettongs bolster sandalwood chances

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Mitochondrial DNA. Credit: en.wikipedia.org

A team led by Professor Dr. Bent Brachvogel, Head of Experimental Neonatology at the Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, has discovered previously unknown regulatory mechanisms of tissue organization. Together with other researchers in Brachvogel's team, first author of the new study and licensed pharmacist Kristina Bubb investigated changes in the so-called extracellular matrix (ECM) and established a connection between the mitochondrial respiratory chain (a series of reactions in cells) and the balance of the ECM. The study "Mitochondrial respiratory chain function promotes extracellular matrix integrity in cartilage" has now appeared in the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

Musculoskeletal diseases are the leading cause of chronic pain and loss of mobility worldwide. Both significantly limit people's quality of life. Often, early childhood disorders or age-related changes in the extracellular matrix lead to long-term chronic diseases and dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system. A change in the ECM can, for example, lead to arthrosis and osteoporosis.

The ECM is the tissue between cells in the so-called intercellular space, mainly in connective tissue. It is produced by the cells, embeds them and forms the stabilizing framework of the tissue. However, since little is known about the connections between disturbances in the ECM and musculoskeletal diseases, specific treatment options are currently not available. The research team discovered that the mitochondrial respiratory chain in cartilage tissue plays a key role in maintaining the balance (homeostasis) of the ECM. The respiratory chain is part of the energy metabolism of cells: a series of biochemical reactions take place in the mitochondria, the "power houses of the cells," which are responsible for energy production in organisms. This can influence the integrity and mechanical stability of the ECM in cartilage, and presumably also in many other tissues.

In a model organism, the researchers demonstrated that dysfunction of the mitochondrial respiratory chain in cartilage is associated with a postnatal delay in skeletal growth. To further investigate the molecular relationships, the scientists used the latest sequencing and measurement techniques: they applied a combined approach of high-resolution scRNA sequencing, mass spectrometry, and electron microscopy to investigate cartilage-specific inactivation of respiratory chain function. They discovered that loss of mitochondrial respiration leads to tissue disorganization and expansion, as well as stiffening of the cartilage matrix. This is caused by impaired metabolic signaling, which secondarily altered the composition and mechanical properties of the cartilage.

According to the researchers, these results are a significant milestone towards a better understanding of musculoskeletal diseases. In the medium and long term, they could advance the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Professor Brachvogel is also spokesperson of the research group FOR2722 "New molecular factors of musculoskeletal extracellular matrix homeostasis" funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). He said, "The energy metabolism of the cell is very important for the production of the extracellular matrix, but the interactions between these components have not been sufficiently understood so far. We have demonstrated for the first time the importance of the mitochondrial respiratory chain as an essential energy supplier for extracellular matrix homeostasis in cartilage."

Kristina Bubb added that their "research has identified the mitochondrial respiratory chain as a new therapeutic target for treating a defective extracellular matrix in degenerative cartilage disease."

Based on these findings, the exact molecular connections between cellular energy metabolism, EZM homeostasis and the development of musculoskeletal diseases will be clarified. In the future, the results will be incorporated into the development of new treatment strategies for degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Explore further Research paves way for new kidney treatment, potential synthetic transplant options

More information: Kristina Bubb et al, Mitochondrial respiratory chain function promotes extracellular matrix integrity in cartilage, Journal of Biological Chemistry (2021). Journal information: Journal of Biological Chemistry Kristina Bubb et al, Mitochondrial respiratory chain function promotes extracellular matrix integrity in cartilage,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101224
Coral reefs, dubbed the "rainforests of the oceans" for their rich biodiversity, are under threat everywhere as rising sea temperatures and acidification cause catastrophic "bleaching" events.

Standing on a boat bobbing gently in the Red Sea, Egyptian diving instructor Mohamed Abdelaziz looks on as tourists snorkel amid the brilliantly coloured corals, a natural wonder now under threat from climate change.

"If they disappear, we'll disappear with them," he says of the vibrant corals on the reef, a species-rich ecosystem just below the turquoise waters that is beloved by diving enthusiasts worldwide.

Coral reefsoften dubbed the "rainforests of the oceans" for their rich biodiversityare under threat everywhere as rising sea temperatures and acidification cause catastrophic "bleaching" events.

Along with pollution and dynamite fishing, global warming wiped out 14 percent of the world's coral reefs between 2009 and 2018, says a new survey by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, the biggest ever carried out.

Some studies have suggested that many species of coral in the Red Seawhich is also bordered by the Saudi peninsula, Sudan and Eritreaare unusually heat-resistant, but local professionals say they have already witnessed the damage.

"We can see the effects of global warming before our eyes," said Islam Mohsen, 37, another local diving instructor at the resort town of Sharm El-Sheikh.

"We can see the coral discolouring and turning white."

Tourists snorkel in the Red Sea above a coral reef near Egypt's Red Sea resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh at the southern tip of the Sinai peninsula.

Biodiversity hotspots

Coral reefs cover only a tiny fraction0.2 percentof the ocean floor, but they are home to at least a quarter of all marine animals and plants.

The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden boast the most biologically diverse coral reef communities outside of Southeast Asia.

The Red Seawith just over five percent of the world's coral reefsis home to 209 types of coral, according to Egypt's environment ministry.

The new global survey said that live hard coral cover in the region fluctuated over recent decades but declined overall, from 36.1 percent in 1997 to 34.3 percent in 2019.

Causes for the degraded reefs varied by location but included tourism activities, coastal development, land runoff and overfishing, the report said.

Steps have been taken in Egypt to protect reefs and marine life that are crucial to the local tourism sector.

In a 2C world, more than 99 percent of all corals would disappear, according to the IPCC.

Egypt's Chamber of Diving and Water Sportswhich oversees 269 diving centres and over 2,900 professional divershas protected fragile areas with buoys to keep boats from mooring.

It has also suspended beginners' diving classes in some areas to allow damaged reefs to recover.

But the largest looming threat, far harder to fix, is global warming.

Marine heatwaves

Oceans absorb more than 90 percent of the excess heat from greenhouse gas emissions, shielding land surfaces but generating huge, long-lasting marine heatwaves.

These are pushing many species of corals past their limits of tolerance.

"When the temperature of the ocean goes up, it absorbs more carbon dioxide, which creates carbonic acid," said Cairo-based climate change consultant Katherine Jones.

"So not only will the temperature increase, but the PH level will change too," affecting all animals with shells, she said. "We will lose a lot of wildlife, and the ecosystem will be changing in a way that affects us as humans in terms of resources.

The Red Sea is home to some 209 different types of coral reefs, according to Egypt's environment ministry.

Sharm El-Sheikh hosted a United Nations agencies conference in 2018 that called for the protection of coral reefs 'before it's too late'

"The coral reefs are nurseries to baby fish and a feeding ground to bigger fish ... it's an essential part of the ecosystem."

Sharm El-Sheikh hosted a United Nations agencies conference in 2018 that called for the protection of coral reefs "before it's too late".

Egypt also plans to host the Climate Conference of the Parties (COP27) in November next year.

A report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned that up to 90 percent of coral reefs "may be gone by mid-century" even if the rise in temperatures stabilises below 1.5 degrees Celsius.

Jones warned that, as things stand now, climate change and its impacts can no longer be reversedonly slowedto prevent the worst consequences.

"Even if humans completely disappear from Earth tomorrow or we stopped producing any kind of emissions," she said, "the temperature will continue to rise by itself."

Explore further Global warming kills 14 percent of world's corals in a decade

 2021 AFP
Emily Van Duyn challenges existing theories of political communication in the new book Democracy Lives in Darkness: How and Why People Keep Their Politics a Secret (Oxford University Press). Van Duyn is a professor of communication at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Credit: L. Brian Stauffer

In a rural community in East Texas, a group of women decided to meet in secret to discuss politics, holding its first clandestine gathering in a secluded barn at the end of a dark road. Thereafter, they rotated meeting locations each month, ensuring that the drapes were tightly closed in members' houses before the meetings began. New members signed nondisclosure agreements, promising not to reveal who was present and the topics discussed.

While it may sound like a scene from the anti-communist Red Scare of the 1950s, the Texas group was founded in November 2016, shortly after Republican Donald Trump won the U.S. presidential election, according to Emily Van Duyn, the author of a new book.

In "Democracy Lives in Darkness: How and Why People Keep Their Politics a Secret" (Oxford University Press), Van Duyn, a professor of communication at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, explored individuals' decisions to selectively reveal their political views.

Centering on the group in Texas and novel survey data on political secrecy, Van Duyn looked at how much people feel they need to hide their views from others in the current bitter, hyperpartisan culture. Van Duyn also examined the consequences of growing polarizationincluding the rising trend among Americans to cluster in communities with neighbors whose views mirror our ownand the broader implications for the state of democracy in the U.S.

Referring to the Texas group pseudonymously as the "Community Women's Group" or the CWG in the book, Van Duyn said the group's very existence raises fundamental questions as to whether "politics in the United States happen in a completely liberal, rather than an illiberal, democracy."

Van Duyn, who describes herself as a "proud native Texan" and conducted the research for her doctoral dissertation at the University of Texas, Austin, was alerted to the CWG's existence by an acquaintance who attended its second meeting. After gaining members' trust, Van Duyn sat in on several of the group's meetings and interviewed and surveyed 22 members.

The author described the CWG as a "strange mix of super-left progressive Democrats and anti-Trump Republicans a little more on the right." Members were not political extremists but grandmothers and average citizens with mainstream beliefs who were deeply concerned about the future of the country under a Trump presidency.

In a county where Trump reaped more than 75% of the votes, CWG members felt so marginalized and fearful of the social, economic and potentially violent repercussions of defying the Republican majority surrounding themincluding spouses, friends, neighbors and clientsthat they only met at night and communicated through a private listserv and Facebook group.

In rural communities like the one in Texas, where residents routinely mix with their neighbors socially and rely on them for their livelihoods, holding nonmajority political opinions can be particularly isolating, stigmatizing and risky. Yet, few studies on political communication have explored the complex dynamics of these communities and the array of risks that people who live there must weigh in deciding whether to defy the partisan majority, Van Duyn said.

"Much more than social ostracism, they were really afraid of economic retribution," Van Duyn said. "Some of the women were business owners and real estate agents who relied on word-of-mouth and community members patronizing their businesses."

Political violence was a tangible threat. One member told Van Duyn that a vehicle ran her off the road because she displayed an Obama sticker on her car, while another woman said her animals had been shot after she wrote letters to the editor of the local newspaper.

"Is it the case that we're really in a liberal democracy if people feel they can't express their beliefs by putting their candidate's sign in their front yard saying who they voted for? Have we kind of stifled that with the levels of polarization we have created?" Van Duyn said.

Popular theories on political communication suggest that for individuals whose beliefs differ from the majority around them expressing their views is a dichotomyeither they speak out or remain silent to avoid potential rejection and isolation. However, Van Duyn said the actuality is more complex. Politically isolated individuals exercise what she called "networked silence"they find back channels of like-minded people for political expression and engagement.

"To say that people are only going to express their beliefs or not isn't complex enough for today's contexts where we have this blend of networked communities," she said. "People don't just live in one spacethey have online communities, friends thousands of miles away, knitting clubs and church groups. Just because they don't express their beliefs in one space doesn't mean they're silent altogether. It just means they may go somewhere else to do it."

Drawing parallels with the LGBT movement, the book examines political organizing in secret and in private, and the incentives for activists to stay in the shadows. Secret groups such as the CWG can serve as incubators, Van Duyn wrote, giving members the courage and validation to openly express their political beliefs with a sense of safety until they feel prepared "come out" and transfer their activism from private to public networks.

With growing rancor both within and between the dominant Democratic and Republican parties, and some constituencies feeling left behind or ideologically alienated from both groups, it's likely that other such secret groups exist and that people who feel politically isolated will increasingly turn to online and offline back channels, she said.

In her survey research, Van Duyn found that 22% of Americans said they sometimes hide their political beliefs from others.

"Certainly, this book has a lot of sad moments and points to the fact that we have all of these anti-democratic things happening in society that make people feel they can't express their beliefs," Van Duyn said. "But there's also this other side of the coin, which is the fact that this group of women still existed.

"They faced all this opposition and were not in a situation where you'd think they would keep fighting this fight, yet they did. There's some optimism in that for me. In contrast to The Washington Post's slogan, 'democracy dies in darkness," this book suggests that democracy exists in darkness, but also, more optimistically, that despite this darkness, it keeps going."
The 1.4-billion-year-old rocks in Labrador, Canada, are some of the most well-studied remnants of Proterozoic mountains. Credit: Christopher Spencer, CC-BY-NC-4.0

Geochemical and geological records provide key insights into Earth's tectonic history, but in the case of mountains during the Proterozoic eon, records conflict with each other: Geochemical evidence says that the crust was thin and hot, which generally indicates that mountains would not have been able to form, but rocks left behind from that time period suggest that mountains were present.

"So how do we reconcile the geological evidence for mountain building with the geochemical evidence for thin crust?" asked Christopher Spencer, a geologist at Queen's University in Ontario, Canada, and lead author of a new study published in Geophysical Research Letters.

Using a global database, Spencer et al. compared the rock record with the geochemical record from 1.8 billion to 850 million years ago, a period that begins about a billion and a half years after the earliest signs of life and ends 150 million years before complex life evolved. The geochemistry of continental rocks from that time suggests that the continental crust was thin (less than 40 kilometers) and hotpoor conditions for forming mountains.

Despite the hot crust, the mineral composition of rocks from around the world at that time suggests that there was significant crustal flow that resulted in lower mountain ranges. The process for building mountains under these unique conditions is something we've never seen on modern Earth or beyond, the authors suggest. "Mountains during the Proterozoic were different from mountains at any other time in Earth's history," Spencer said.

Metamorphic rocks, like this 1.3-billion-year-old sample from Australia, provided Spencer et al. with insights into how ancient mountains formed. Credit: Christopher Spencer, CC-BY-NC-4.0

The authors argue that with thin, hot crust, mountains could still form as relatively weak crust slid past itself in collisions that were more like glancing blows rather than head-on collisions. That behavior would have been thanks in part to the lower part of the hot crust "flowing" like a highly viscous fluid on geologic timescales, even before modern plate tectonics started. This explanation of an extinct style of plate tectonics knits together the geological and geochemical evidence, describing a relatively flat world that persisted for a billion years.

"Continental motion is possible without global plate tectonics," said Taras Gerya, a geophysicist from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich) who was not involved in the study. According to Gerya, the authors "demonstrate that this period of time was indeed characterized by quite a special tectonic style, which is dissimilar to the present. So something really changed when we moved from the Proterozoic to Phanerozoic around 541 million years ago."

Explore further New research uncovers continental crust emerged 500 million years earlier than thought

More information: Christopher J. Spencer et al, Enigmatic MidProterozoic Orogens: Hot, Thin, and Low, Geophysical Research Letters (2021). Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters Christopher J. Spencer et al, Enigmatic MidProterozoic Orogens: Hot, Thin, and Low,(2021). DOI: 10.1029/2021GL093312

This story is republished courtesy of Eos, hosted by the American Geophysical Union. Read the original story here.
Credit: Charles J. Sharp, CC BY-SA 4.0

It's an 8-inch master of disaster: a snail that can eat the stucco off your house and give you meningitis.

But it's been eliminated from Florida. Again.

Officials announced Wednesday that the giant African land snail has been eradicated from Florida for the second time.

"This truly is an exciting day for our state and for our country," Florida Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said.

In Florida, the African land snail existed largely in Miami-Dade County, although hundreds of the pests were found in Broward County, specifically western Davie, in 2014.

The snail is a threat on many levels considering it carries a parasite that can cause meningitis in humans, eats 500 types of plants and eats stucco walls.

"It'll eat your plants, and it'll eat your house," said Trevor Smith, director of the division of plant industry and a Florida State Plant Regulatory official.

The snails could be brought here intentionally or unintentionally, Fried said, and they have major implications when it comes to Florida's trade and exports.

"Our trade partners do not want this pest," Smith said, "so it was absolutely imperative that we come in and eradicate this thing so it didn't impact our international trade."

The first Giant African land snail was found near Douglas Park in Miami, site of Wednesday's announcement. In 1966, a child brought three to South Florida from Hawaii. His grandmother threw them out in the yard, and they reproduced by the thousands but were eradicated by 1975.

Smith said it's unclear how the recent wave of the snails got to Florida in 2011. A colony of the enormous mollusks were discovered in 2014 around a house in western Davie.

The snails come out when it rains, they're most active at night, and they routinely bury themselves 6 to 8 inches in the soil, making them so tough to find Florida had to train two dogs to sniff out the creatures. Since 2011, the state has collected more than 168,000 of the snails.

Smith said to consider a species eradicated or eliminated, it must be three years since the last live one was spotted. The last live giant African land snail was reported in 2017.

"I'm happy to say there's still only one place on earth where the Giant African land snail has been eradicated," Smith said, "and now we've done it twice."

Explore further Land snail shells help to reconstruct quantitative temperature

2021 South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

In the Green Swamp of Polk County, Florida, Paul Sykes heard a sound that raised the hairs on the back of his neck. The sharp honk may have sounded, to a layperson, like a stepped-on squeaky toy. But to Sykes, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologist then based in Delray Beach, it sounded like the recordings he'd heard of the spectral ivory-billed woodpecker.

It was 1967, more than 20 years after the last undisputed sighting of the bird. Sykes climbed out of the Jeep, looked toward the tree the sound had come fromand saw a blue jay. An imitator. Like so many throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Sykes thought he'd found an ivory-bill, only to come away empty-handed.

For the next four decades, Sykes kept looking for the bird, he wrote in a 2016 article published by the U.S. Geological Survey. He never found it.

Last week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officially declared the ivory-billed woodpecker extinct, along with 22 other plant and animal species. The bureaucratic decision dampens hope in finding the bird that once thrived in the bottomlands and long-leaf pines of Florida and sprawling forests throughout the southeast.

For decades, reports had emerged intermittently, rousing intrigue and skepticism in ornithology circles.

In the absence of proof, the bird ceased to be a bird. It was a ghost, a Holy Grail. It stood for obsession and salvation. If it still lived, it meant it had survived the wrath humans inflicted upon its habitat.

"I think it kind of represents a hope that some of what we lost in the 1900s, the passenger pigeons and Carolina parakeets and creatures that have gone extinct, that maybe it isn't quite as bad, maybe there's some hope that some of these things are still around," said Andy Kratter, the ornithology collection manager at the Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville. "Maybe the human species isn't so bad after all."

Somewhere under all that symbolic weight was the thing itself. It stood two feet tall, larger than any other North American woodpecker, but flew in a manner that John J. Audubon called "graceful in the extreme." Its feathers were iridescent black, with broad bands of white on the wings and a white jag racing toward the eye. A flame-red crest lept from the heads of males.

It even had a majestic nickname, derived from the exclamation it was said to evoke in onlookers but also sounding, appropriately, like a prayer to things unseen.

The Lord God Bird.

The remains of seven ivory-billed woodpeckers rest in the natural history museum's collection, kept off display to prevent light damage. Kratter estimates there are fewer than 1,000 other specimens scattered across the globe.

"Of course," he said, "there's not going to be any more, ever."

Ivory-billed woodpeckers once inhabited forests from Florida to North Carolina and southern Illinois, with a subspecies in the mountains of Cuba. But after the Civil War, the booming lumber industry chewed away at the southeast's woodlands and carved a once-sprawling habitat into disconnected tracts.

By the early 20th century, according to the natural history museum, hardly any land left in Florida could sustain the woodpecker. Years went without a sighting; some ornithologists considered it extinct. Then, in 1924, an ornithologist traveling in Florida discovered a nesting pair of birds and, for the first time, photographed them. Soon after, a pair of local taxidermists shot them.

In the 1930s, ornithologists captured film and audio of the woodpecker on an enormous timber tract in northeastern Louisiana. But the forest was destroyed despite efforts to preserve the land. The last universally accepted sighting of the bird was there in 1944.

In the late 1960s, a pair of researchers surveying bald eagles for the Florida Audubon Society reported nearly a dozen sightings of ivory-billed woodpeckers in Hardee and Highlands counties, though the feathers they collected there have never been proven to belong to an ivory-bill.

The Fish and Wildlife Service listed the bird as endangered in 1967. Six years later, the Endangered Species Act passed. The law has helped protect and even restore the numbers of some of Florida's most iconic fauna: the American alligator, the West Indian manatee, the Florida panther.

But by the time it passed, some scientists believe, it was already too late for the ivory-bill.

Geoff Hill thinks they're wrong.

Hill, an ornithologist at Auburn University, speaks of the ivory-billed woodpecker in the present tense. In 2005, he and some of his students kayaked down the Choctawhatchee River in the Florida Panhandle and, he said, "right into the ivory-billed woodpeckers."

Over the next two years, Hill and his team searched the regionfrom the town of Ponce de Leon south to the Gulf of Mexicoand came away with more than a dozen sightings and scores of recordings of what he says are ivory-bills. Hill published a paper in the peer-reviewed journal Avian Conservation and Ecology and wrote a book about the experience. Still, he admitted, he lacked the hard proof that would bring skeptics to his side.

Hill journeyed into the swamps of the Panhandle just weeks after the journal Science in 2005 published a paper by more than a dozen authors, including scientists from Cornell University and The Nature Conservancy, who proclaimed that the ivory-bill had been found in the Big Woods of eastern Arkansas. The report hinged on a low-resolution video purportedly showing an ivory-billed woodpecker in flight.

When Ann Paul, the president of the Tampa Audubon Society, heard the Arkansas news on the radio one morning, she wept in joy at the idea the bird might still exist, she said. But in the years since, as searches stalled out and the Arkansas report came under fire, she said she and many other birders accepted that it was gone. Last week's announcement felt like an ending to the bird's story.

"Until you finally say it's over, you always hope it's not over," said Paul, who's also the president of the Florida Ornithological Society.

Jerome Jackson, a professor emeritus at Florida Gulf Coast University, suggested in a 2006 article that the Arkansas searchers had seen only a pileated woodpecker, a similar-looking but much less rare bird. He admonished the quick acceptance of their sightings as "faith-based ornithology."

"The ivory-bill is likely extinct," Jackson wrote in an email this week, "but a bureaucratic decision to declare it's extinct doesn't prove that it isn't out there  somewhere "

So little old-growth forest is left in the southeast, he said, that it's hard to believe any birds are lefteven a single pair would need about seven square miles of undisturbed forest to survive.

Jackson hopes the declaration of nearly two dozen species as extinct will revitalize efforts to save other species that remain. But he also worries that species moving from endangered to extinct will open the door for their habitats to be degraded even more.

Hill prefers to take the lack of evidence as a sign that the birds have pulled off a trick: After centuries of humans threatening their existence, they've figured out how to avoid people altogether.

"If the bird does existI think it doesand it's eluded all efforts to document it to the point where officials declared it extinct, that's a huge win for the bird," he said. "It's its own animal doing its own thing in total defiance to humans."

Hill believes the ivory-bill could still dwell in those Panhandle swamps, murky and ever-shifting. It's the kind of place someone could search for a long time, where a creature might still hide from sight.

2021 Tampa Bay Times.

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
This Hubble Space Telescope snapshot shows three magnified images of a distant galaxy embedded in a cluster of galaxies. These images are produced by a trick of nature called gravitational lensing. The galaxy cluster's immense gravity magnifies and distorts the light from the distant galaxy behind it, creating the multiple images. The galaxy cluster, catalogued as SDSS J223010.47-081017.8, is 7 billion light-years from Earth. Hubble has observed many gravitationally lensed galaxies. However, the images spotted in this Hubble snapshot are unique. Two of the magnified images, shown in the pull-out at bottom right, are exact copies of each other. The two bright ovals are the cores of the galaxy. This rare phenomenon occurs because the background galaxy straddles a ripple in the fabric of space. This ripple is an area of greatest magnification, caused by the gravity of dense amounts of dark matter, the unseen glue that makes up most of the universe's mass. As light from the faraway galaxy passes through the cluster along this ripple, two mirror images are produced, along with a third image that can be seen off to the side. A close-up of the third image is shown in the pull-out at top right. This image most closely resembles the remote galaxy, which is located more than 11 billion light-years away. Based on a reconstruction of this image, the researchers determined that the distant galaxy appears to an edge-on, barred spiral with ongoing, clumpy star formation. The mirror images are named Hamiltons Object" for the astronomer who discovered them. Credit: LEAD AUTHOR: NASA, ESA, Richard E. Griffiths (UH Hilo), CO-AUTHOR: Jenny Wagner (ZAH), IMAGE PROCESSING: Joseph DePasquale (STScI)

Gazing into the universe is like looking into a funhouse mirror. That's because gravity warps the fabric of space, creating optical illusions.

Many of these optical illusions appear when a distant galaxy's light is magnified, stretched, and brightened as it passes through a massive galaxy or galaxy cluster in front of it. This phenomenon, called gravitational lensing, produces multiple, stretched, and brightened images of the background galaxy.

This phenomenon allows astronomers to study galaxies so distant they cannot be seen other than by the effects of gravitational lensing. The challenge is in trying to reconstruct the distant galaxies from the odd shapes produced by lensing.

But astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope stumbled upon one such odd shape while analyzing quasars, the blazing cores of active galaxies. They spotted two bright, linear objects that appeared to be mirror images of each other. Another oddball object was nearby.

The features so befuddled the astronomers that it took them several years to unravel the mystery. With the help of two gravitational-lensing experts, the researchers determined that the three objects were the distorted images of a faraway, undiscovered galaxy. But the biggest surprise was that the linear objects were exact copies of each other, a rare occurrence caused by the precise alignment of the background galaxy and the foreground lensing cluster.

Astronomers have seen some pretty weird things scattered across our vast universe, from exploding stars to colliding galaxies. So, you'd think that when they see a strange celestial object, they would be able to identify it.

But NASA's Hubble Space Telescope uncovered what appears to be a pair of identical objects that look so weird it took astronomers several years to determine what they are.

"We were really stumped," said astronomer Timothy Hamilton of Shawnee State University in Portsmouth, Ohio.

The oddball objects consist of a pair of galaxy bulges (the central star-filled hub of a galaxy) and at least three nearly parallel split streaks. Hamilton spotted them by accident while using Hubble to survey a collection of quasars, the blazing cores of active galaxies.

After chasing dead-end theories, soliciting help from colleagues, and doing lots of head-scratching, Hamilton and the growing team, led by Richard Griffiths of the University of Hawaii in Hilo, finally put together all of the clues to solve the mystery.

The linear objects were the stretched images of a gravitationally lensed distant galaxy, located more than 11 billion light-years away. And, they appeared to be mirror images of each other.

The team discovered that the immense gravity of an intervening, and uncatalogued, foreground cluster of galaxies was warping space, magnifying, brightening, and stretching the image of a distant galaxy behind it, a phenomenon called gravitational lensing. Though Hubble surveys reveal a lot of these funhouse-mirror distortions caused by gravitational lensing, this object was uniquely perplexing.

In this case, a precise alignment between a background galaxy and a foreground galaxy cluster produces twin magnified copies of the same image of the remote galaxy. This rare phenomenon occurs because the background galaxy straddles a ripple in the fabric of space. This "ripple" is an area of greatest magnification, caused by the gravity of dense amounts of dark matter, the unseen glue that makes up most of the universe's mass. As light from the faraway galaxy passes through the cluster along this ripple, two mirror images are produced, along with a third image that can be seen off to the side.

Griffiths compares this effect to the bright wavy patterns seen on the bottom of a swimming pool. "Think of the rippled surface of a swimming pool on a sunny day, showing patterns of bright light on the bottom of the pool," he explained. "These bright patterns on the bottom are caused by a similar kind of effect as gravitational lensing. The ripples on the surface act as partial lenses and focus sunlight into bright squiggly patterns on the bottom."

In the gravitationally lensed distant galaxy, the ripple is greatly magnifying and distorting the light from the background galaxy that is passing through the cluster. The ripple acts like an imperfect curvy mirror that generates the dual copies.

The Hubble Space Telescope is deployed on April 25, 1990 from the space shuttle Discovery. Avoiding distortions of the atmosphere, Hubble has an unobstructed view peering to planets, stars and galaxies, some more than 13.4 billion light years away. Credit: NASA/Smithsonian Institution/Lockheed Corporation

Solving the mystery

But this rare phenomenon wasn't well-known when Hamilton spotted the strange linear features in 2013.

As he looked through the quasar images, the snapshot of the mirrored images and parallel streaks stood out. Hamilton had never seen anything like it before, and neither had other team members.

"My first thought was that maybe they were interacting galaxies with tidally stretched-out arms," Hamilton said. "It didn't really fit well, but I didn't know what else to think."

So Hamilton and the team began their quest to solve the mystery of these tantalizing straight lines, later dubbed Hamilton's Object for its discoverer. They showed the strange image to colleagues at astronomy conferences, which elicited a variety of responses, from cosmic strings to planetary nebulae.

But then Griffiths, who was not a member of the original team, offered the most plausible explanation when Hamilton showed him the image at a NASA meeting in 2015. It was a magnified and distorted image caused by a lensing phenomenon similar to those seen in Hubble images of other massive galaxy clusters that are amplifying images of very distant galaxies. Griffiths confirmed this idea when he learned of a similar linear object in one of Hubble's deep-cluster surveys.

The researchers, however, still had a problem. They couldn't identify the lensing cluster. Normally, astronomers who study galaxy clusters first see the foreground cluster that's causing the lensing, and then find the magnified images of distant galaxies within the cluster. A search of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey images revealed that a galaxy cluster resided in the same area as the magnified images, but it did not show up in any catalogued survey. Nevertheless, the fact that the strange images were at the center of a cluster made it clear to Griffiths that the cluster was producing the lensed images.

The researchers' next step was in determining whether the three lensed images were at the same distance, and therefore were all the distorted portraits of the same faraway galaxy. Spectroscopic measurements with the Gemini and W. M. Keck observatories in Hawaii helped the researchers make that confirmation, showing that the lensed images were from a galaxy located more than 11 billion light-years away.

The remote galaxy, based on a reconstruction of the third lensed image, appears to be an edge-on, barred spiral with ongoing, clumpy star formation.

Around the same time as the spectroscopic observations by Griffiths and undergraduates in Hilo, a separate group of researchers in Chicago identified the cluster and measured its distance using Sloan data. The cluster resides more than 7 billion light-years away.

But, with very little information about the cluster, Griffiths' team was still struggling with how to interpret these unusual lensing shapes. "This gravitational lens is very different from most of the lenses that were studied before by Hubble, particularly in the Hubble Frontier Fields survey of clusters," Griffiths explained. "You don't have to stare at those clusters for long to find many lenses. In this object, this is the only lens we have. And we didn't even know about the cluster at first."

Mapping the invisible

That's when Griffiths called an expert on gravitational lensing theory, Jenny Wagner of the University of Heidelberg in Germany. Wagner had studied similar objects, and with colleague Nicolas Tessore, now at the University of Manchester in England, developed computer software for interpreting unique lenses like this one. Their software helped the team figure out how all three lensed images came to be. They concluded that the dark matter around the stretched images had to be "smoothly" distributed in space at small scales.

"It's great that we only need two mirror images in order to get the scale of how clumpy or not dark matter can be at these positions," Wagner said. "Here, we don't use any lens models. We just take the observables of the multiple images and the fact they can be transformed into one another. They can be folded into one another by our method. This already gives us an idea of how smooth the dark matter needs to be at these two positions."

This result is important, Griffiths said, because astronomers still don't know what dark matter is, nearly a century after its discovery. "We know it's some form of matter, but we have no idea what the constituent particle is. So we don't know how it behaves at all. We just know that it has mass and is subject to gravity. The significance of the limits of size on the clumping or smoothness is that it gives us some clues as to what the particle might be. The smaller the dark matter clumps, the more massive the particles must be."

Explore further Image: Hubble views a faraway galaxy through a cosmic lens

More information: Richard E Griffiths et al, Hamilton's Object  a clumpy galaxy straddling the gravitational caustic of a galaxy cluster: constraints on dark matter clumping, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (2021). Journal information: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Richard E Griffiths et al, Hamilton's Object  a clumpy galaxy straddling the gravitational caustic of a galaxy cluster: constraints on dark matter clumping,(2021). DOI: 10.1093/mnras/stab1375
Specimen of Iberian wild goat. Credit: Jordi Lopez Olvera

A new study led by a research team from the Center for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG; CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB), with the participation of numerous Spanish scientific institutions, has evaluated the genetic diversity of the Iberian wild goat (Capra pyrenaica), a species with scarce genetic variability and highly differentiated populations. This research, published in the journal Evolutionary Applications, indicates that the degree of admixture among the different Iberian wild goat populations is very low, despite the efforts made over the last 50 years to increase the genetic diversity of this species. The study also demonstrates the existence of individuals resulting from the hybridisation between Iberian wild goats and domestic goats (Capra hircus), a rare phenomenon but one that should be avoided as much as possible to preserve the genetic heritage of this wild ungulate.

The Iberian wild goat is a species native to the Iberian Peninsula that thrives on mid and high-mountain forests, where it feeds on shrubs, bushes and herbaceous plants. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Iberian wild goat populations suffered drastic reductions due to excessive hunting and habitat destruction, coupled with outbreaks of sarcoptic mange and other endemic diseases. The population decline was such that, of the four subspecies of Iberian wild goat described at the beginning of the 20th century, two became extinct.

From the 1980s onwards, the creation of the Spanish network of natural parks and protected areas, together with the absence of predators, reforestation policies and the progressive abandonment of rural activities, contributed to the recovery and expansion of the Iberian wild goat. In order to increase the genetic diversity of this species, individuals were moved between different populations (reinforcements) and also introduced into geographical areas where the species had disappeared (reintroductions), but the impact of these relocations strategies on the genetic diversity of the Iberian wild goat has not been assessed until now.

What was the impact of reintroductions and population reinforcements?

To evaluate the effect of the relocations carried out at the end of the past century, the researchers analyzed the genetic diversity of 118 Iberian wild goats belonging to populations in Tortosa-Beceite (an area located between Catalonia, Aragon and Valencia), Sierra Nevada (Granada), Muela de Cortes (Valencia), Gredos (peninsular center) and Batuecas (Salamanca). Once the genotypes of the animals had been obtained using a DNA chip, a series of genetic-population analyses were carried out to study the genetic composition of these Iberian wild goat populations, as well as the relationships among them.

"We have observed that these five Iberian wild goat populations show very low genetic diversity due to drastic population reductions, and we have confirmed the existence of large genetic differences between populations. Only three individuals showed evidence of being the product of admixture between different populations, so the relocations that were made over the past 50 years to increase the genetic diversity of the Iberian wild goat populations did not leave a strong enough genetic footprint to be detected in current populations. The chronic stress that relocated individuals often experience during the capture process and the competition with local populations make it difficult for them to adapt to their new habitat. In fact, these could have been the main factors limiting the impact of relocations on the genetic diversity of the Iberian wild goat," explains Marcel Amills, leader of the study and researcher at the Department of Animal and Food Science of the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona (UAB) and at CRAG.

Hybrids between Iberian wild goat and domestic goats

Previously published results indicated the possible existence of hybrid individuals between Iberian wild goat and domestic goats, but the frequency of these hybridisations and their possible contribution to the increase of genetic variation in the Iberian wild goat was unknown. Of the 118 Iberian wild goats analyzed in this study, only eight specimens with genetic profiles similar to those of domestic goats were detected, indicating that they were hybrids of domestic and Iberian wild goats.

"Our results point out that hybridisation between domestic and Iberian wild goats can occur in natural populations, although this is likely a rare event given the existence of some degree of reproductive incompatibility among them. In addition, domestic and Iberian wild goat herds do not usually come into direct contact with each other. However, it should be ensured that Iberian wild goat range areas are not occupied by domestic or feral goats, as hybridisation of the two species could generate individuals with low adaptive potential and a dilution of the Iberian wild goat gene pool," says Amills.

Preserving the Iberian wild goat's future

The accelerated rate at which Iberian wild goat populations have been growing since the 1980s leads researchers to consider that their diversity could increase as a consequence of this expansion process, without the need for human intervention. This is particularly true if we take into consideration the low genetic impact of past relocations, as this study has convincingly demonstrated. Further research will be essential to closely monitor the demographic evolution of Iberian wild goats, researchers note.

Moreover, the results obtained in this study indicate that, although unlikely, hybridisation with domestic goats could become a potential threat to the genetic conservation of the Iberian wild goat, not to mention the adverse effects associated with the transmission of infectious diseases. Thus, researchers point out the need to adopt specific measures to limit the presence of domestic or feral goat herds in mountain areas inhabited by this iconic wild ungulate.

Explore further Genetic study suggests domestic goats got pathogen-resistant gene from wild relatives

More information: Taina Figueiredo Cardoso et al, Assessing the levels of intraspecific admixture and interspecific hybridization in Iberian wild goats ( Capra pyrenaica ), Evolutionary Applications (2021). Taina Figueiredo Cardoso et al, Assessing the levels of intraspecific admixture and interspecific hybridization in Iberian wild goats ( Capra pyrenaica ),(2021). DOI: 10.1111/eva.13299
The mussels beards (which cooks remove before preparing them) are made up of byssal threads and are used to help keep the mussels tethered in place. At the end of each thread is a disc-shaped plaque that acts as an underwater glue. The unusual qualities of the glue and the byssal threads have interested people since ancient times, when the threads of certain species were woven into luxurious berets, purses, gloves, and stockings. More recently, scientists have developed underwater adhesives and surgical glues inspired by byssal thread chemistry. The identification of the mechanisms involved in creating the glue should advance work in this field. Credit: Tobias Priemel

Blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) spend their days being buffeted by crashing waves. They manage to stay tethered to the rocks or their fellow mussels thanks to a highly effective underwater glue they produce. Because achieving adhesion in the presence of water is so challenging, scientists who are interested in producing effective adhesives for use in wet environments (e.g., for surgical or dental treatments) have turned to mussels for inspiration. In a paper published today in Science, a McGill led international research team reports that, after a decade of work in the area, it has succeeded in uncovering the cellular mechanisms by which mussels fabricate underwater adhesives.

"The specific mechanism by which mussels produce their adhesive has been shrouded in mystery until now because everything occurs hidden from view inside the mussel foot," says Tobias Priemel, the first author on the paper, a Ph.D. student in the Harrington Lab, who has been working on this research for the past seven years, originally as a MSc student in Germany. "To understand the mechanisms involved we applied advanced spectroscopic and microscopic techniques and developed an experimental approach that combined several advanced and basic methodologies from across biochemistry, chemistry, and materials science."

Mussels make glue in 2-3 minutes

By gathering information at a subcellular level, the researchers discovered that within the mussel foot, there are micron-sized channels (ranging in diameter from 1/10 to the full width of a human hair) which funnel the substances that come together to make the glue. Condensed fluid proteins in tiny sacs (vesicles) are secreted into the channels where they mix with metal ions (iron and vanadium, taken up from seawater). The metal ions, which are also stored in small vesicles, are slowly released in a carefully timed process, eventually curing (or hardening) the fluid protein into a solid glue.

In the first part of the video, you see a marine mussel producing the byssal threads and glue plaques it uses to anchor itself to rocks and other mussels in the intertidal zones where it lives. The second part of the video uses a micro-CT scan (akin to the CT-scans people get at hospitals) to look inside the mussel foot, the specialized organ which produces the glue. In green you can see the region where the proteins for the glue are produced and stored and in blue you can see the channels which transport these proteins to the tip of the mussel foot where they mix with metal ions to form the glue. Credit: Tobias Priemel

The accumulation and use of vanadium is especially interesting, since only a few other organisms are known to hyperaccumulate vanadium. The researchers believe that it plays an important role in hardening the glue and are continuing to work in this area.

"Mussels can make their underwater adhesive within 2-3 minutes by mixing metal ions with the fluid proteins," explains Matthew Harrington, an associate professor in McGill's Chemistry Department and the senior author on the paper. "It's a matter of bringing together the right ingredients, under the right conditions using the right timing. The more we understand about the process, the better engineers will later be able to adapt these concepts for manufacturing bio-inspired materials."

The study "Microfluidic-like fabrication of metal ion-cured bioadhesives by mussels" is published in Science.

Explore further Scientists make powerful underwater glue inspired by barnacles and mussels

More information: Tobias Priemel et al, Microfluidic-like fabrication of metal ion-cured bioadhesives by mussels, Science (2021). www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abi9702 Journal information: Science Tobias Priemel et al, Microfluidic-like fabrication of metal ion-cured bioadhesives by mussels,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/science.abi9702
Credit: NASA

NASA's Lucy spacecraft will launch in October 2021 on a 12-year journey to Jupiter's Trojan asteroids. The Lucy mission will include three Earth gravity assists and visits to eight asteroids.

Called "Trojans" after characters from Greek mythology, most of Lucy's target asteroids are left over from the formation of the solar system. These Trojans circle the sun in two swarms: one that precedes and one that follows Jupiter in its orbit of the sun. Lucy will be the first spacecraft to visit the Trojans, and the first to examine so many independent solar system targets, each in its own orbit of the sun.

Studying Jupiter's Trojan asteroids up close would help scientists hone their theories on how our solar system's planets formed 4.5 billion years ago and why they ended up in their current configuration. "It's almost like we're traveling back in time," said aerospace engineer Jacob Englander, who helped design Lucy's trajectory while working at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

First conceived seven years ago as a mission to two asteroids, Lucy expanded to epic proportions thanks to creative engineering and impeccable timing. Some imagine that karma may have had something to do with it as well: "I often joke that I've spent my career worshipping at the feet of the gods of celestial mechanics," said Lucy principal investigator Harold Levison, an expert in planetary dynamics based out of the Boulder, Colorado, branch of Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), which is headquartered in San Antonio. "Now they're paying us back for that devotion."

The trajectory

According to mission legend, the moment that changed everything was in 2014, a few years before NASA selected Lucy for flight. Longtime mission trajectory designer Brian Sutter from Lockheed Martin Space in Littleton, Colorado, was walking Levison through a computer simulation of Lucy's proposed route through the solar system.

It appeared to Levison that Lucy would be passing Patroclus on its way to its official targets; Patroclus is one of a pair of Trojan asteroids that orbit each other. Unbeknownst to Sutter at the time, Patroclus is a favorite Trojan of Levison's. Locked in a binary orbit with its near-twin partner Menoetius, it is a rare and mysterious breed inside the orbit of Neptune. Most asteroids that settled in the inner solar system should have been torn from their partners during the turbulent planet-formation period that was marked by massive collisions.

How did this pair stay intact? The answer could hold important clues to the timing and execution of planet formation, Levison said. "I don't know why Brian chose to include Patroclus; maybe it was one of the big ones, maybe he liked the name," he said. "But when I saw it, I remember shouting "Wait, wait: Can we go there?'"

Sutter has designed spacecraft trajectories for decades, including ones for NASA's asteroid sample return mission OSIRIS-REx and NASA's Mars Odyssey Orbiter, with spacecraft built by Lockheed Martin. He included Patroclus and Menoetius in Lucy's trajectory simulation simply because they were in the celestial neighborhood; the pair wasn't quite along Lucy's path. But Sutter checked whether the solar system would be aligned in the future such that Lucy's trajectory could bring it close enough to the pair to observe them.

As it happened, Lucy and the Patroclus-Menoetius pair crossed paths in 2033. "It was just luck," Levison said.

This finding inspired Sutter to seek other targets along Lucy's path during the mission timeframe. He fed 750,000 known asteroid orbits into a spreadsheet, plus Lucy's trajectory at the time, and spent months running calculations that found a handful of additional asteroidsones with diverse chemical compositions that were perfect science targets for the mission.

"I kept adding encounters in my simulation until we ran out of fuel on the spacecraft, and that's where we ended Lucy's trajectory," Sutter said. "However, I also knew that there are more targets along the way, and we could get to them if we had a little more fuel."

As he has always done, Sutter used Excel as one of his trajectory toolsa program most people associate with accountingto design Lucy's path through space. "I can do all kinds of magical things in it," Sutter said. It would take Englander, who was working at NASA Goddard, to optimize the trajectory and get the spacecraft to eight targets ranging in diameter from about 2 miles (3 kilometers) to 70 miles (113 kilometers).

Now a mission designer at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, Englander wasn't involved with Lucy at the time that he read about it on a popular news site. He happened to be building a powerful software called Evolutionary Mission Trajectory Generator, or EMTG, now available as open-source software for anyone who wants to use it. EMTG could cycle through millions of trajectory scenarios in hours instead of months. "I had a feeling that it would be beneficial to Brian and the team if I were to give them a version of the trajectory rendered in EMTG, so I reverse engineered the mission based on the article," Englander said.

This top-down, solar system view shows the entire Lucy mission in a Jupiter-rotating reference frame. In this reference frame, Jupiter appears fixed in space. Two large regions of asteroids are depicted along Jupiters orbit (know as the Jupiter Trojan Asteroids). Labels appear as each fly-by occurs. Credit: NASA

The route Englander's software identified reduced fuel use and the size of Lucy's launch vehicle. As a result, it saved the mission money while taking it past more asteroids, securing Englander a position on the team, and setting Lucy up to get selected by NASA in 2017.

Now, Lucy will launch from Earth aboard an Atlas V 401 rocket during a window that opens October 16, 2021. It will first fly by Earth twice to use this planet's gravity to hurl itself toward the Trojans. In 2025, Lucy will fly past Donaldjohanson, which orbits in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter. The team will use this flyby to test the spacecraft's instruments.

By August 2027, Lucy will reach its first swarm of Trojans that precede Jupiter at a gravitationally stable location known as a Lagrange point, specifically known as L4. There, the spacecraft will first intersect with Eurybates (pronounced "yoo-RIB-a-teez" or "you-ri-BAY-teez") and its satellite Queta ("KEH-tah").

By September 2027, Lucy will fly by Polymele ("pah-li-MEH-lee" or "pah-LIM-ah-lee"), and then in April 2028 by Leucus ("LYOO-kus" or "LOO-kus"), and Orus ("O-rus") in November 2028.

Lucy will then swing back past Earth for a third gravity assist, which will catapult it toward the swarm on the other side of Jupiter, located at the L5 Lagrange point, where it will meet up with Patroclus ("pa-TROH-klus") and Menoetius ("meno-EE-shus" or "meh-NEE-shus") in 2033.

The Science

The Trojans are clusters of rock grains and exotic ices that didn't coalesce into planets when the solar system formed. They're among the best-preserved evidence we have left from that period and are thus key to explaining how the solar system came to look the way it does.

"When we look back on the solar system and our place here on Earth, people often ask, "What is our history? How did we get here?'" said Cathy Olkin, Lucy's deputy principal investigator who's based at Southwest Research Institute. "Lucy is going to try to help answer some of these questions."

There are a handful of theories explaining how planets, moons, and other objects formed and ended up in their current locations. Levison, for instance, is a co-author of the Nice model, named after the city in France where it was developed in 2004. This computer simulation of the early solar system suggests that the giant, gaseous planets started out in a packed configuration around the sun. Eventually, gravitational interactions with the disk of small bodies and with each other caused the growing planets to spread apart. Neptune, Uranus, and Saturn spread out farther away from the sun, while Jupiter moved slightly closer in.

"In this theory, this reshuffling caused chaotic disruption," said Olkin, a planetary scientist, "scattering many bodies out of the solar system and drawing some in and trapping them around the Lagrange points. That's one possible explanation for how Jupiter's Trojans came to be."

Comparing the composition of the Jupiter Trojans will help scientists unravel their history. From Earth and space telescopes, Trojans look compositionally different from each other. Is that because each came from a different part of the solar system and was thus made of different stuff? Or are the Trojans made of the same stuff, with differences visible only on their surfaces, which may have been altered by different degrees of heating, radiation, and collisions the asteroids experienced while making their way to their current Lagrange positions.

Scientists will try to answer these and other questions with Lucy by using instruments such as L'Ralph, which is based on a similar one Olkin led on NASA's New Horizons spacecraft. L'Ralph will probe the chemical makeup of the nooks and crannies of asteroid surfaces from about 620 miles, or 1,000 kilometers, away on average. Deep crater beds, or crater walls, may offer access to the interiors of these asteroids, which are made of younger materials (millions of years old vs. billions of years for the oldest exterior surface). Such "fresh" surfaces presumably would not have been exposed to as much radiation and micrometeorite impacts, and thus could preserve some of the asteroid's original composition.

Using Lucy's L'LORRI black-and-white camera scientists will count the number of craters on asteroid surfaces, which will offer clues to the environments that the asteroids were exposed to billions of years ago. Many large craters would indicate that the asteroid formed in the turbulent and warmer region closer to the sun; while fewer craters would imply the Trojan formed in the relatively calm and cold outermost region of the budding solar system. Figuring out where these asteroids formed in the disk of gas and dust that spawned the solar system, plus other forms of evidence, will help scientists test their planetary formation theories.

"That would be the story that I would like to see unfold over the next decade or so," Levison said.

Explore Lucys journey to one main-belt asteroid and seven Jupiter Trojans. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

A Long Mission

Though most NASA missions last several years, engineers build such durable spacecraft and instruments that they can operate well beyond their primary assignments, and, indeed, many do. The New Horizons mission to Pluto, for instance, was designed to last for 10.5 years, including a nine-and-a-half-year commute to the dwarf planet. But the mission was extended, and the spacecraft remains active to this day, 15 years after it launched in 2006.

Lucy's primary mission of 12 years is NASA's longest yet. To sustain such an ambitious pursuit, the team had to plan not only for the longevity of the spacecraftwhich was partly modeled on New Horizonsbut also of its people. From conceiving the mission, to submitting proposals to NASA, to getting selected and building the spacecraft, some team members have already worked on Lucy for more than a decadeand the spacecraft hasn't even launched yet! Some will spend much of their adult lives working on this mission. And if Lucy continues to an extended mission, it could fly for many decades.

"It could well be that by the time Lucy is done, or out of gas, that my son who was just born will be the age that I am now," said Englander, who is 37 years old, "and that is just really cool!"

But people change jobs and retire, so given Lucy's lifetime, the team wanted to avoid major disruptions during these inevitable changes. To do so, the team incorporated a succession plan into Lucy's design: Mission leads who tend to be further along in their careers have younger deputies who can take over if necessary. "We had the eye on the longevity issue from the very beginning," said Levison, who will be 75 by the time the primary mission ends in 2033.

Patroclus and Menoetius, continued....

Located in the swarm of Trojan asteroids that trails Jupiter in its orbit, the binary pair Patroclus and Menoetius, about equal in mass, are spinning around the center of mass between them"like a dumbbell with no bar," Sutter noted. There's good evidence that the first sizable things to form in the solar system were these types of binaries.

Today, most such binaries are confined to the Kuiper Belt, a donut-shaped region of the oldest and least-altered comets and other objects made of ice, rock, and dust. This belt stretches from the orbit of outermost planet Neptune to beyond the orbit of Pluto.

Current evidence indicates that Patroclus and Menoetius likely formed in the outer solar system, in the same place as many of the Kuiper Belt objectsthey hope to learn for certain when Lucy gets close to them in 2033. If so, this Trojan pair might be scientists' best hope of reaching more Kuiper-belt-like objects (New Horizons visited Kuiper belt object Arrokoth in 2019).

Scientists like Levison theorize that when the giant planets started shifting their orbits around 4 to 4.5 billion years ago they scattered everything around them. Patroclus and Menoetius happened to be scattered inward toward Jupiter, while many other objects were caught in the Kuiper Belt, and some were launched out of the solar system. "So, we're looking for clues whether that's correct or not," said Keith Noll, Lucy project scientist who's based at NASA Goddard.

When Lucy reaches the Patroclus pair, scientists will examine their composition and the number of craters on their surfaces. "Will they be smooth or beat up?" said Noll. "And are they beat up a little or a lot?" Finding answers to these questions will give scientists insight into the relative age of the Trojan asteroids and conditions of the early solar system.
WISE multicolor image of the NGC 1605 cluster pair region. Credit: Denilso Camargo, 2021.

By analyzing the data from 2MASS and Gaia-EDR3 surveys, as well as images from NASA's WISE spacecraft, a Brazilian astronomer has inspected a galactic open cluster (OC) known as NGC 1605. The study, presented in a paper published September 29 on arXiv.org, reveals that NGC 1605 is not a single open cluster as was previously thought but a pair of OCs.

Open clusters (OCs), formed from the same giant molecular cloud, are groups of stars loosely gravitationally bound to each other. So far, more than 1,000 of them have been discovered in the Milky Way, and scientists are still looking for more, hoping to find a variety of these stellar groupings. Expanding the list of known galactic open clusters and studying them in detail could be crucial for improving our understanding of the formation and evolution of our galaxy.

NGC 1605 was discovered in 1786 by William Herschel. The cluster is located some 8,300 light years away in the Perseus constellation. Now, a new study conducted by Denilso Camargo of the Military College of Porto Alegre in Brazil, provides evidence that NGC 1605 is composed of two open clusters.

"In the following, it is shown that open cluster NGC 1605 is in fact two merging OCs (hereafter, NGC 1605a and NGC 1605b) with evidence of tidal streams," Camargo wrote in the paper.

The decontaminated color magnitude diagrams (CMDs) of the cluster projected region show two distinct stellar populations suggesting that NGC 1605 is a composite of two clusters. It was noted that the two stellar populations are mixed within a large area around the binary cluster including the central region of each one, which suggests an ongoing merger event.

The astronomer added that the two merging clusters NGC 1605a and NGC 1605b are followed by tidal streams that appear to draw their recent orbital path. These tidal streams appear to be populated by several stellar overdensities.

According to the paper, NGC 1605a and NGC 1605b are 2 billion and 600 million years old, respectively. They are both located at the same distance from the Earth (about 8,300 light years) with a projected separation of only approximately 5.9 light years between their central cores. Camargo explained that these parameters suggest a physical connection and the age difference point to a formation by tidal capture during a close encounter.

In concluding remarks, the author of the research noted that NGC 1605 is the first old binary OC known in the Milky Way galaxy, adding how important this object could be for further studies regarding open cluster pairs.

"The newly found binary cluster may be a key object on the observational validation of theoretical studies on binary cluster pairs formation by tidal capture as well as in the formation of massive clusters by merging, and tidal disruption of stellar systems," Camargo concluded.

Explore further Astronomers inspect open cluster NGC 1348

More information: Denilso Camargo, NGC1605a and b: an old binary open cluster in the Galaxy. arXiv:2109.14664v1 [astro-ph.GA], Denilso Camargo, NGC1605a and b: an old binary open cluster in the Galaxy. arXiv:2109.14664v1 [astro-ph.GA], arxiv.org/abs/2109.14664

 2021 Science X Network
A ruddy duck on Oct. 5 after being cleaned of oil at the Los Angeles Oiled Bird Care and Education Center, part of the Oiled Wildlife Care Network. Credit: OWCN, UC Davis

A thick slick of crude oil leaking from a loaded tanker stretched across the ocean toward Huntington Beach. It blackened miles of popular Orange County beaches, threatening wildlife and wetlands.

That was 1990, when the American Trader oil tanker struck its anchor, releasing more than 400,000 gallons of oil into the Pacific Ocean. It was a disaster. It also inspired the creation of the Oiled Wildlife Care Network, managed by the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

More than 30 years later, the OWCN is coming full circle at Huntington Beach, leading the wildlife rescue and response effort for another major oil spill there. This time, the Orange County spill, which began Oct. 2, has spilled as much as 126,000 gallons of oil, threatening area wildlife.

It's exactly what the Oiled Wildlife Care Network trains for.

Model mobilizers

OWCN is managed by the UC Davis Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center on behalf of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife's Office of Spill Prevention and Response. Founded in 1994, its network of more than 40 partner organizations include nearly 2,000 trained people it can tap to mobilize at a moment's notice whenever an oil spill occurs in California.

OWCN has also served as a model for other wildlife disaster response networks in the state, including the newly formed California Veterinary Emergency Team and Wildlife Disaster Network, both coordinated through UC Davis.

"Our mission is to provide the best achievable capture and care to oil-affected animals," said OWCN Director Mike Ziccardi at a press conference in Huntington Beach on October 4. "Right now, that is allowing our pre-trained staff to get out there and get those animals collected quickly, get them back to our purpose-built facilities, and start to give the rehabilitative care that is necessary to get them back into a clean environment."

An oiled ruddy duck affected by the Orange County oil spill is treated on Oct. 3 by professionals with the Oiled Wildlife Care Network. Credit: OWCN, UC Davis

Cautiously optimistic

OWCN has led more than 75 spills throughout California and cared for more than 10,000 oiled birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians during its history. The team averages a 50-75 percent success rate in recovering oiled animals and returning them back to a clean environment.

The spill in Orange County is large, with oil reported on nearly 16 miles of shoreline. Yet, so far, the team has been surprised to find relatively few oiled animals.

"We are cautiously optimistic that the number of oiled animals requiring care will be low," Ziccardi said.

As of October 6 there have been 15 birds including a brown pelican, ruddy duck, American coots, a sanderling, Western gulls, and several grebesrecovered. The brown pelican had to be humanely euthanized due to a chronic, unrelated injury. OWCN posts animal totals each day on its Pipeline P00547 Incident web page.

A ruddy duck covered in oil is washed at a primary care facility. Credit: OWCN, UC Davis

Search and rescue

Meanwhile, their search continues.

A recovery group is actively searching from north of Bolsa Chica to San Onofre on foot, in trucks, in utility-terrain vehicles and by boat for oiled animals. When birds are found, they transport them to a rehabilitation facility in Huntington Beach, where a field stabilization team provides basic care, such as warmth, nutrition and time to rest. A second facility in Laguna Beach is on stand-by should oiled marine mammals be found.

Then affected birds are moved to OWCN's primary care facility at the Los Angeles Oiled Bird Care and Education Center, home to International Bird Rescue. That's where wildlife veterinarians and vet professionals examine, care for, wash and treat oiled birds. Once completely normal, they can be released to a clean environment in the wild.

Oiled Wildlife Care Network Director Mike Ziccardi examines a bird impacted by oil following the 2015 Refugio spill in Santa Barbara, where more than 142,000 gallons of oil leaked into the ocean. OWCN has led more than 75 spills in California since it was founded in 1994. Credit: Gregory Urquiaga, UC Davis

Hotline to help

OWCN staff are often asked what the public can do to help. A very important way is to not attempt to catch oiled wildlife. It's not safe for the animals or the humans trying to rescue them, as oil is a toxic substance. Instead, the best way to help is to report oiled animals to the OWCN hotline, 1-877-UCD-OWCN (823-6926)

Marine animals evolved to survive fierce storms, strong winds, and ocean swells that would kill most humans. Fossil fuels, however, have introduced islands of plastic, higher temperatures, ocean acidification and gallons of oil to their ocean world.

Duane Tom, field veterinarian with the UC Davis Oiled Wildlife Care Network, treats an oiled sanderling affected by the Orange County oil spill. Credit: OWCN, UC Davis

The veterinarians with OWCN can't save all wildlife from such human-made disasters, but the lifeline they extend is helping thousands of animals have a fighting chance.

Explore further 5 pelicans, 1 sea lion rescued in Santa Barbara oil spill
One of the most popular default colour palettes, rainbow, can actually produce misleading information. Credit: Shutterstock

The choice of color to represent information in scientific images is a fundamental part of communicating findings. However, a number of color palettes that are widely used to display critical scientific results are not only dangerously misleading, but also unreadable to a proportion of the population.

For decades, scientists have been pushing for a lasting change to remove such palettes from public consumption, but the battle over universal accessibility in science communication rages on.

A color map is a palette of multiple different colors that assign values to regions on a plot. An example of a misleading color map is rainbow, which generally starts with blue for low values, then passing through cyan, green, yellow, orange, and finally red for high values. This color combination is neither diverging, which would allow us to visually perceive a central value, nor sequential, which would make organizing values from low to high intuitive.

Color brings life to data

Using color bar graphs can allow scientists to transform their collected data into something meaningful to be shared widely. This could be the first direct impression of a black hole, the mapping of votes cast in political elections, the planning of an expensive rover route on Martian topography, the essential communication of climate change or the critical diagnosis of heart disease.

Despite the clear importance of color, scientists often choose the default palette setting of the visualization software that is being used.

Martian surface topography represented with rainbow colour bar. Credit: NASA

Distorted data

Rainbowor jetcolor palettes are often the default setting on software, but the beautiful sweep of blue to red is misleading when displaying scientific data.

Fundamentally, the change between the colors in the palette is not smooth. For example, the change between blue and green and then between yellow and red occurs over a short distance. Vik and batlow, are examples of even color palettes, where the colors change smoothly across the color bar.

To put this into context, having a palette that changes between colors wildly is like having a position x or y axis with numbers that are not evenly spaced. In jet color maps, this would be the equivalent of having numbers one to four close together and eight to 10 far apart. Such an uneven color gradient means that certain parts of the palette would be naturally highlighted over others, distorting the data. The RGB color space based on which such uneven color gradients are created is mathematically simple, but not in tune with how we perceive colors and see the differences between them.

The impact of an uneven (jet) and an even (batlow) colour scheme on a greyscale image of Earth, Marie Skodowska Curie and an apple. Batlow replicates the image due to its smooth colour gradient, whereas jet distorts the image. Credit: Fabio Crameri, Author provided

Inaccessible science

Another issue with an uneven color palette like rainbow is that data presented using these colors may be unreadable or inaccurate for people with a vision deficiency or color blindness. Color maps that include both red and green colors with similar lightness cannot be read by a large fraction of the population.

The general estimate is that 0.5 percent of women and eight percent of men worldwide are subject to a color-vision deficiency. While these numbers are lower and almost disappear in populations from sub-Saharan Africa, they are likely significantly higher in populations with a larger fraction of white people as, for example, in Scandinavia.

It is needless to state that scientific results should be able to viewed by as many people as possible, and such color-vision deficiencies should be taken into account.

Colour maps as seen with either of the three common forms of human colour-vision deficiency (deuteranopia, protanopia and tritanopia), and for grey-scale (representing total colour-blindness or simple black-and-white prints). Rainbow, the most-widely used colour map, doesnt produce a smooth gradient and is not universally readable. Credit: Fabio Crameri

The winding road to the end of the rainbow

The issues with jet, rainbow and other uneven color palettes have been known for years. Although certain fields of science have made significant changes to best practices on color policy, other areas have stuck with their default settings.

As researchers interested in more effective data communication, we outline approaches that scientists can make to communicate their findings more efficiently: avoid using jet or rainbow default color palettes; if it is necessary to use red and green, make sure they are not the same luminosity for accessibility; and use a palette that changes evenly between the colors.

There is growing recognition of the challenges associated with rainbow palettes. Some academic publicationslike Nature Geosciencehave adopted a more even color palette policy for new submissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has color-blind friendly guidelines for figures.

Software packages such as MATLAB and Python have removed rainbow as their default color palette for data visualization features. However, old habits die hard and vigilance is still requiredit is important to call out poor color choices when noticed (otherwise the trends keep repeating).

Comparison of two maps showing temperature anomalies using jet and vik colour maps  with jet, the data is distorted. Credit: Fabio Crameri

Better science communication, better outcomes

The importance of accurately sharing scientific data in an accessible manner cannot be understated. Uneven color gradients are often chosen to artificially highlight potential danger zones, such as the boundaries of a hurricane track or the current virus spread.

Decisions based on data being unfairly represented could produce, for instance, a Martian rover being sent over terrain that is too steep as the topography was inaccurately visualized, or a medical worker making an inaccurate diagnosis based on uneven color gradients.

Accessible science for all starts with moving away from defaults. This can start with students learning to pick even color gradients for term projects, to international publishers rejecting papers for misleading figures. One day, it may even include the Meteorological Service of Canada moving away from dramatic uneven palettes to highlight weather changes.

Fundamentally, using an inaccurate color map is equivalent to a wilful misleading of the public by distorting data, and this has significant potential consequences.

Explore further Public perception of scientific results distorted by colorful graphics

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The dark blue shading represents a boundary separating two grains; as the boundary moves some elements that belong to grain m become part of grain n. Credit: College of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University

A 70-year-old model used to predict the microstructure of materials doesn't work for today's materials, say Carnegie Mellon University researchers in Science. A microscopy technique developed by Carnegie Mellon and Argonne National Laboratory yields evidence that contradicts the conventional model and points the way towards the use of new types of characterizations to predict propertiesand therefore the safety and long-term durabilityof new materials.

If a metallurgist discovered an alloy that could drastically improve an aircraft's performance, it could take as long as twenty years before a passenger would be able to board a plane made of that alloy. With no way to predict how a material will change when it is subjected to the stressors of processing or everyday use, researchers use trial and error to establish a material's safety and durability. This lengthy process is a significant bottleneck to materials innovation.

Professors Gregory Rohrer and Robert Suter of Carnegie Mellon University's Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Department of Physics have uncovered new information that will help materials scientists to predict how the properties of materials change in response to stressors such as elevated temperatures. Using near-field high energy diffraction microscopy (HEDM), they found that the established model for predicting a material's microstructure and properties does not apply to polycrystalline materials and a new model is needed.

To the eye, most commonly used metals, alloys and ceramics used in industrial and consumer equipment and products appear to be uniformly solid. But at the microscopic level, they are polycrystalline, made up of aggregates of grains that have different size, shapes and crystal orientations. The grains are tied together by a network of grain boundaries that shift when exposed to stressors, changing the material's properties.

When they make a new material, scientists need to control its microstructure, which includes its grain boundaries. Materials scientists manipulate the density of grain boundaries in order to meet different needs. For example, the structure surrounding the passenger cabin in a car is made of an ultrahigh strength steel that contains more grain boundaries than the aesthetic body panels in the car's front-end crumple zone.

For the last 70 years, researchers have predicted materials' behavior using a theory that says that the speed at which grain boundaries move throughout a heated material is correlated to the boundary's shape. Rohrer and Suter have shown that this theory, formulated to describe the most ideal case, does not apply in real polycrystals.

High energy diffraction microscopy images of grain boundary velocities and curvatures and computed mobilities. Velocities do not correlate with the other properties. Credit: College of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University

Polycrystals are more complicated than the ideal cases studied in the past. Rohrer explained, "If one considers a single grain boundary in a crystal, it can move without interruption, like a car driving down an empty roadway. In polycrystals each grain boundary is connected to, on average, ten others, so it's like that car hit trafficit can't move so freely anymore. Therefore, this model no longer holds." On top of that, Rohrer and Suter found that often polycrystal grain boundaries weren't even moving in the direction that the model would have predicted.

HEDM, a technique that was pioneered by Suter and colleagues using the Argonne National Laboratory's Advanced Photon Source (APS), was key to these discoveries. HEDM and its associated techniques allow researchers to non-destructively image thousands of crystals and measure their orientations within opaque metals and ceramics. The technique requires high energy X-rays available only at one of a few synchrotron sources around the world.

"It's like having 3D X-ray vision," said Suter. "Before, you couldn't look at a material's grains without cutting it apart. HEDM allows us to noninvasively view the grain orientations and boundaries as they evolve over time."

The development of HEDM began around 20 years ago and continues to this day. Suter's group worked with scientists at APS to develop procedures for the synchronized collection of thousands of images of X-ray diffraction patterns from a material sample as it undergoes precision rotation in an intense incident beam. High performance computer codes developed by Suter's research group convert the sets of images into three dimensional maps of the crystalline grains that make up the material microstructure.

Ten years ago, Suter's group (including Physics graduate students Chris Hefferan, Shiu-Fai Li, and Jon Lind) repeatedly measured a nickel sample after successive high temperature treatments resulting in the first observations of individual grain boundary motions. These motions failed to show the systematic behavior predicted by the 70-year-old theory. The point of view developed by the Carnegie Mellon researchers in the Science paper correlates grain boundary structure with systematic behaviors observed in the HEDM experimental data.

While the current analysis is based on a single material, nickel, X-ray diffraction microscopy is being used on many materials and Rohrer and Suter believe that many of those materials will demonstrate similar behavior to that seen in nickel. Similar applications to other material processing conditions also are being studied.

This research was funded by the National Science Foundation's Designing Materials to Revolutionize and Engineer the Future program (DRMEF). The team's four-year grant was renewed for $1.8 million dollars effective October 1, 2021. Carnegie Mellon's Kaushik Dayal, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Elizabeth Holm, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and David Kinderlehrer, Department of Mathematical Sciences will also be involved in the next steps of research studying how and why polycrystals behave this way in different materials. Professors Carl Krill (University of Ulm, Germany) and Amanda Krause (University of Florida) are also part of the collaboration.

More information: Aditi Bhattacharya et al, Grain boundary velocity and curvature are not correlated in Ni polycrystals, Science (2021). Journal information: Science Aditi Bhattacharya et al, Grain boundary velocity and curvature are not correlated in Ni polycrystals,(2021). DOI: 10.1126/science.abj3210
Brazilian Amazonia, in the Riozinho da Liberdade Extractive Reserve, in the state of Acre. Credit: Andre Nunes

Consuming sustainably sourced wild meat instead of domesticated livestock reduces greenhouse gas emissions and retains precious tropical forest systems, which in turn mitigates the effects of climate change.

That's according to new research from the University of East Anglia (UEA) and Brazil's Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, published today in the journal Scientific Reports.

The research team also estimated the carbon credit value of emissions from tropical forest communities who consume wild meat instead of domesticated livestock.

Andre Nunes from the Universidade Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul and Carlos Peres, Professor of Conservation Science at UEA, working with Brazilian and Danish colleagues, looked at people living in both Afrotropical and Neotropical countries, including Nigeria, Ghana and Tanzania, Brazil, Peru and Bolivia.

The team estimated potential revenues from the sale of associated carbon credits and how this could generate financial incentives for forest conservation and sustainable wildlife management through PES and REDD+ projects.

Payments for ecosystem services (PES) are a range of schemes through which the beneficiaries, or users, of ecosystem services provide payment to the stewards, or providers, of those services. Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+) is a multilateral carbon credit trading mechanism enabling polluters in usually high-income countries to pay low-income countries for reducing deforestation and forest degradation.

Based on 150,000 residents in the Amazonian and African forests, the researchers found that an annual per capita consumption of 41.7kg of wild meat would spare 71 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2-eq) under a bovine beef substitution scenario, and 3 MtCO2-eq if replaced by poultry.

For these tropical forest dwellers alone, this could generate US $3M or US $185K per year in carbon credit revenues under full compliance with the Paris Agreement. Under a more conservative, lower-carbon price, the wild meat substitution could generate US $1M or US $77K per year in carbon credits.

Brazilian Amazonia, in the Riozinho da Liberdade Extractive Reserve, in the state of Acre. Credit: Andre Nunes

Prof Peres, a co-author in the study, said the calculations "represent considerable incentives for forest wildlife conservation, as well as potential revenues for local communities.

"Our results clearly illustrate the potential value and importance of considering sustainable game hunting within the REDD+ political process at both national and international scales."

Tropical forest populations that harvest wild meat instead of beef, poultry or other domesticated meat generate a much lower carbon footprint because of the emissions associated with livestock production.

Beef production from ruminant livestock involves deforestation, with strikingly detrimental repercussions for both biodiversity conservation and carbon emissions.

Land-use conversion to croplands and cattle pastures are the principal driver of deforestation worldwide. Cattle ranching is, for instance, directly responsible for 71 percent of all Latin American deforestation, and pasture expansion has been the single-largest driver of deforestation across the region since the 1970s.

The livestock sector also disproportionally contributes to the environmental cost of agriculture through high resource misuse, including water, land, and soils.

Intact tropical forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing more carbon from the atmosphere than they release. Tropical forests fulfill an essential service by storing an estimated 460 billion tons of carbon, more than half the total atmospheric content.

Across the vast Amazon basin, for example, intact forest areas are concentrated mainly within indigenous territories and protected areas, which collectively store some 42 gigatonnes of carbon (GtC).

Brazilian Amazonia, in the Riozinho da Liberdade Extractive Reserve, in the state of Acre. Credit: Andre Nunes

Prof Peres said: "Tropical grazeland expansion for ruminant livestock production to feed domestic meat consumption and exports is a double-jeopardy because we both lose the carbon stocks from formerly pristine old-growth forests and woody savannahs and generate a powerful perennial methane pump.

"Subsistence hunting of game animals by local communities, which is pervasive in tropical forests, needs to become a sustainable mechanism of both helping justify and add economic value to otherwise undisturbed forests in terms of low-carbon animal protein production."

Wild meat provides nutritional and symbolic value for communities living in tropical forests. But, the researchers say, traditional hunting must be done sustainably, both to maintain intact forests and support the food chain.

Dr. Nunes, lead author of the study, said: "Securing the sustainable consumption of wild meat for populations that are socially vulnerable is very important, not just in terms of food security and well-being, but also to serve the interests of climate change mitigation efforts in REDD+ accords through avoided greenhouse gas emissions.

"Tropical forest biodiversity conservation, and how forest dwellers use forest resources, need urgent financial investments."Unsustainable hunting can have cascading effects that suppress the long-term carbon storage capacity of natural forests by depleting large-bodied bird and mammal species serving essential ecosystem functions, such as dispersal of large-seeded carbon-dense tree species. Unsustainable hunting, therefore, can lead to shifts in the species composition of tropical tree assemblages that ultimately reduce the forest carbon storage capacity.

On the other hand, hunting can provide a sustainable source of protein and essential micronutrients if appropriately monitored and managed. Forecasts predict widespread protein deficiency in a range of tropical countries, and case studies suggest increased risk of anemia in children if wild meat is insufficient to the point where the prevalence of child growth stunting can be negatively related to game abundance.

Dr. Nunes said: "These challenges should be confronted in collaboration with local communities through community-based wildlife management projects to safeguard relatively intact forests, carbon storage, and long-term hunting yields.

"Enabling resource co-management by marginalized tropical forest communities will require transparency and devolution of tangible benefits from carbon credit revenues."

"Wild meat consumption in tropical forests spares a significant carbon footprint from the livestock production sector" is published in Scientific Reports on October 7, 2021.

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More information: Andre Valle Nunes, Wild meat consumption in tropical forests spares a significant carbon footprint from the livestock production sector, Scientific Reports (2021). www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-98282-4 Journal information: Scientific Reports Andre Valle Nunes, Wild meat consumption in tropical forests spares a significant carbon footprint from the livestock production sector,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98282-4
Smoke rises on the horizon as lava flows from a volcano on the Canary island of La Palma, Spain on Wednesday Oct. 6, 2021. A volcano that has destroyed nearly 1,000 buildings on a Spanish island increased its explosive power, roaring louder and spewing thicker lava flowing out of its main vent. The eruption started on Sept. 19 and has forced the evacuation of over 6,000 residents of the island of La Palma. Credit: AP Photo/Daniel Roca

The airport on the Spanish island of La Palma shut down again Thursday due to ashfall from a volcano that has been erupting for almost three weeks.

Scientists said the course of the eruption was unpredictable. It settled down in recent days, but the volcano in the Canary Islands continues to spew lava, and 16 earthquakes of up to magnitude 3.5 shook the area over the previous 24 hours, the National Geographic Institute said.

The lava has forced the evacuation of more than 6,000 people and destroyed more than 600 houses. The ash cloud temporarily closed La Palma Airport last month.

Officials said the molten rock from the crater is now flowing down a so-called lava tube beneath earlier, hardened lava, straight into the sea. That has eased fears it could spread wider and cause more destruction.

The German Research Center for Geosciences, which sent a team to La Palma, said the lava flow is 6,300 meters (6,900 yards) long, more than 1,000 meters (1,100 yards) wide at its broadest point, and up to 25 meters (82 feet) thick.

The center's volcano researcher, Thomas Walter, said the situation is still tense and unpredictable.

"It is still too early to say...how this eruption will develop," he said in a statement.

Smoke rises on the horizon as lava flows from a volcano on the Canary island of La Palma, Spain on Wednesday Oct. 6, 2021. A volcano that has destroyed nearly 1,000 buildings on a Spanish island increased its explosive power, roaring louder and spewing thicker lava flowing out of its main vent. The eruption started on Sept. 19 and has forced the evacuation of over 6,000 residents of the island of La Palma. Credit: AP Photo/Daniel Roca

People look as smoke rises on the horizon from a volcano on the Canary island of La Palma, Spain on Wednesday Oct. 6, 2021. A volcano that has destroyed nearly 1,000 buildings on a Spanish island increased its explosive power, roaring louder and spewing thicker lava flowing out of its main vent. The eruption started on Sept. 19 and has forced the evacuation of over 6,000 residents of the island of La Palma. Credit: AP Photo/Daniel Roca

Prompt evacuations helped avoid casualties from the eruption, and most of the island of around 85,000 people is unaffected.

The volcanic Canary Islands lie off the northwest coast of Africa.

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
A family is seen inside their house following an earthquake in Harnai, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of Quetta, Pakistan, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. The powerful earthquake collapsed at least one coal mine and dozens of mud houses in southwest Pakistan early Thursday. Credit: AP Photo/Arshad Butt

A powerful earthquake collapsed at least one coal mine and dozens of mud houses in southwest Pakistan early Thursday, killing at least 23 people as the death toll continued to creep higher. At least another 200 people were injured, an official said.

The death tally was expected to rise even further as crews searched in the remote mountainous area, said Suhail Anwar Shaheen, the local deputy commissioner.

At least four people were killed when the coal mine in which they were working collapsed, said Shaheen, citing coal miners in the area. As many as 100 homes also collapsed, burying sleeping residents inside.

In one case, a mother died along with her two young sons when their home collapsed, said Wali Muhammad, a relative. Nearby, the body of an 8-year old girl was found beneath the rubble of her home.

The epicenter of the 5.9 magnitude quake was about 15 kilometers (9 miles) north-northeast of Harnai in Baluchistan province, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The initial measurement of the quake's strength was 5.7 magnitude. It struck about 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) below the Earth's surface; shallower quakes tend to cause more damage.

The area, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Quetta, the provincial capital, is dotted with coal mines, which has Shaheen worried the death toll could rise. It struck in the early morning while scores of miners were already at work, he said.

Members of a family and volunteers take belongings following an earthquake in Harnai, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of Quetta, Pakistan, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. The powerful earthquake collapsed at least one coal mine and dozens of mud houses in southwest Pakistan early Thursday. Credit: AP Photo/Arshad Butt

Pakistan's military was deployed to the earthquake area to airlift dozens of injured from mountain peaks. At least nine critically injured people were taken to the provincial hospital in Quetta. Search and rescue teams have arrived in the mountains, an army statement said.

Concern has grown about scores of coal miners who might be trapped. Homes lay in heaps of mud and straw. Residents of small mountain villages were seen wandering stunned among the rubble.

"Women, children, everyone, was running here and there," said resident Ghulam Khan. "We were scared and we didn't know what to do."

Ambulances soon arrived to transport the injured to the hospital in Harnai.

Doctors treated patients outside the hospital as 4.6 magnitude aftershocks continued into the morning hours. Children with bloodied bandages were in stretchers outside the hospital as ambulances brought more wounded.

A man clears the rubble from a damaged house following an earthquake in Harnai, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of Quetta, Pakistan, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. The powerful earthquake collapsed at least one coal mine and dozens of mud houses in southwest Pakistan early Thursday. Credit: AP Photo/Arshad Butt

A girl looks at a damaged house following an earthquake in Harnai, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of Quetta, Pakistan, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. The powerful earthquake collapsed at least one coal mine and dozens of mud houses in southwest Pakistan early Thursday. Credit: AP Photo/Arshad Butt

Members of a family take belongings following an earthquake in Harnai, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of Quetta, Pakistan, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. The powerful earthquake collapsed at least one coal mine and dozens of mud houses in southwest Pakistan early Thursday. Credit: AP Photo/Arshad Butt

Injured women receive treatment at a local hospital following an earthquake in Harnai, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of Quetta, Pakistan, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. The powerful earthquake collapsed at least one coal mine and dozens of mud houses in southwest Pakistan early Thursday. Credit: AP Photo/Arshad Butt

A woman receives the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine from a health worker at a vaccination center in Islamabad, Pakistan, Monday, Oct. 4, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/Rahmat Gul

A health worker prepares a Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination center in Islamabad, Pakistan, Monday, Oct. 4, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/Rahmat Gul

A local resident looks his damaged house following a severe earthquake hit the area, in Harnai, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Quetta, Pakistan, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. A powerful earthquake collapsed at least one coal mine and dozens of mud houses in southwest Pakistan early Thursday. Credit: AP Photo

An injured men receives treatment in a tent set up at a local hospital following an earthquake in Harnai, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) east of Quetta, Pakistan, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. The powerful earthquake collapsed at least one coal mine and dozens of mud houses in southwest Pakistan early Thursday. Credit: AP Photo/Arshad Butt

A health worker prepares the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination center in Islamabad, Pakistan, Monday, Oct. 4, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/Rahmat Gul

An injured boy receives treatment at a local hospital following a severe earthquake hit the area, in Harnai, about 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Quetta, Pakistan, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. A powerful earthquake collapsed at least one coal mine and dozens of mud houses in southwest Pakistan early Thursday. Credit: AP Photo

A family gather outside their house following a severe earthquake hit the area, in Quetta, Pakistan, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. A powerful earthquake shook parts of southwestern Pakistan early Thursday.Credit: AP Photo/Arshad Butt

Local residents gather outside their houses following a severe earthquake hit the area, in Quetta, Pakistan, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. A powerful earthquake shook parts of southwestern Pakistan early Thursday. Credit: AP Photo/Arshad Butt

Local residents gather outside their houses following a severe earthquake is felt the area, in Quetta, Pakistan, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. A powerful earthquake collapsed at least one coal mine and dozens of mud houses in southwest Pakistan early Thursday. Credit: AP Photo/Arshad Butt

Local residents gather outside their houses following a severe earthquake is felt the area, in Quetta, Pakistan, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. A powerful earthquake collapsed at least one coal mine and dozens of mud houses in southwest Pakistan early Thursday. Credit: AP Photo/Arshad Butt

"So far we have treated more than 200 casualties," said Manzoor Ahmed, medical superintendent of the Harnai district hospital. The small rural facility has been taxed to the limit, he said. As many as 15 bodies were brought there.

By early afternoon Thursday, funerals were being held in small villages dotting the mountainside.

Most of the population in the area live in sunbaked mud houses, many of which collapsed. Rescue efforts were underway, but Shaheen said it would take hours just to reach many of the hardest-hit areas.

Witnesses in the area said residents were wrapped in blankets against the cold, sitting on the side of the road waiting for the aftershocks to subside and for help to arrive.

The area is remote and already the autumn nighttime temperatures are chilly.

Pakistan's southwestern Baluchistan lies on a seismically active region, according to the provincial disaster management authority. The worst earthquake, in 1935, destroyed the provincial capital of Baluchistan and killed more than 35,000 people. Since then, scores of earthquakes have rattled the province, Pakistan's least populated, with just 12 million people.

Pakistan is a nation of 220 million people, 60 percent of whom live in the country's eastern Punjab province.

Explore further Southwest China earthquake collapses homes, kills at least 3

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
The UN's COP15 summit beginning next week aims to tackle the fight against pollution, protecting ecosystems and preventing mass extinction.

Just weeks before the crucial COP26 climate conference, another global UN summitthis one tasked with reversing the destruction of natureofficially kicks off next week in Kunming, China.

Focusing on biodiversity, COP15 is less well known than its sister climate summit but deals with issues that are no less vital to the health of the planet, such as fighting pollution, protecting ecosystems and preventing mass extinction.

The online session beginning on Monday will be followed by a face-to-face gathering in late April, where a final pact for nature will be hammered out.

Who is involved?

Discussions at the COP15 are grounded in the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), a treaty ratified by 195 countries and the European Unionbut not the United States, the world's biggest historical polluter. Parties meet every two years.

The CBD was drafted in 1992 at the Earth Summit in Rio. Its stated goals are to preserve the diversity of species on Earth and set guidelines on how to exploit natural resources sustainably and justly.

This year's gathering, originally set for 2020, was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Why does nature need protection?

Plants and animals are disappearing at an accelerating rate due to human activityhabitat encroachment, over-exploitation, pollution, the spread of invasive species and, more recently, climate change.

"Biodiversity is declining at unprecedented rates," CBD executive secretary Elizabeth Maruma Mrema told AFP in an interview.

"About one million animal and plant species out of 8.1 million are threatened with extinctionmore than ever before in human history."

Humanity's expanding footprint is also undermining the ecosystems that produce the clean air, drinkable water, food, medicine and raw materials we need to survive.

"Our relationship with nature must change," said Maruma Mrema.

The Covid-19 pandemic, thought to have originated from a virus in wild animals, is a "brutal reminder" of the price we can pay for neglecting or abusing nature, she said.

What has the CBD achieved?

At the 2010 biodiversity summit in Aichi, Japan, CBD member states laid out 20 goals to preserve biological diversity and reduce human pressures on the environment, setting a 2020 deadline for achieving them.

None of the objectives was fulfilled by that deadline, andwith a few exceptionsconditions are generally worse today than when the goals were first set.

This year's negotiations will likely see a new set of targets designed to allow our species to "live in harmony with nature", with a 2050 deadline and 2030 checkpoints.

What are this year's goals?

The draft text under negotiation, the Framework Biodiversity Convention, provisionally sets 21 "targets" for 2030.

These include according protected status to 30 percent of lands and oceans, a measure supported by a broad coalition of nations, including France and Costa Rica.

Another goal is to halve the use of fertilisers so that less of the nitrogen-rich substance leaches into fresh and ocean waters.

The draft pact also calls for reducing pesticide use by at least two thirds, and for halting the discharge of plastic waste entirely.

Another measure would see subsidies for environmentally harmful industries reduced by "at least $500 billion per year".

Without money and enforcement, however, these measures risk becoming empty promises, experts warn.

Are COP15 and COP26 linked?

Yes and no. Negotiations under the two conventions unfold on separate tracks and do not intersect. But parties to both treaties are increasingly looking for overlapping solutions.

"We cannot solve climate change without biodiversity and we cannot solve biodiversity loss without climate change," Maruma Mrema said.

"They are two intertwined crises and they need to be addressed together."

Healthy ecosystemsespecially forest and oceansmake better carbon sinks to absorb CO2 pollution.

These in turn are vital to keep global warming down to levels that are survivable for humanity and other species.

What is China's role?

Maruma Mrema says that China's status as host for the negotiations means the world's top carbon polluter and most populous nation will be "taking global leadership on the biodiversity agenda".

A statement known as the Kunming Declaration to be unveiled at the opening next week will set the tone for China's leadership, said Li Shuo, global policy advisor for Greenpeace China.

"Beijing has the task of rescuing a weak environmental convention from the verge of a reputational collapse," he said.

"It carries the mission to boost biodiversity protection to the same rank as climate change, a task that has proven beyond its reach so far."

Explore further Nations seek biodiversity accord to stave off mass extinction

 2021 AFP
New steerable instruments for advanced laparoscopic surgery partly made of stainless steel and blue polypropylene covers being used for the first time in Malta. Credit: Delft University of Technology

In Dutch hospitals, over a million kilos of blue 'wrapping paper' is used each year to keep medical instruments sterile. After they have been used, they create an enormous mountain of waste. TU Delft researchers Tim Horeman and Bart van Straten, in collaboration with the Maasstad Hospital in Rotterdam among others, devised a method to melt down this blue polypropylene wrapping paper and turn it into a new medical device. A growing number of Dutch hospitals are adopting this approach. An article about the method was published in the Journal for Cleaner Production.

Waste leads to new reusable and steerable medical instruments

Horeman and Van Straten worked with waste management company Renewi to collect the blue wrapping paper from operating rooms at several hospitals. They then conducted research into the relationship between the material properties, the effects of heating at various temperatures and the processed waste. This led to the development of what are called instrument openers: tools to keep medical instruments that contain a hinge open during the cleaning process. In addition, the researchers designed handles for a new line of reusable and steerable instruments for advanced keyhole surgery.

Hospital care contributes 7 percent to the total CO 2 emissions in the Netherlands. The rapidly growing mountain of waste produced by hospitals is not only caused by a growing patient population but also by the increased use of disposable products. Melting down medical waste into a new raw material is one of the ways we can tackle the global hospital waste problem.

Credit: Delft University of Technology

Horeman explains that "with this method, our research team has created a circular chain that fully coordinates the technical, medical and logistical processes. This is the only way to process waste into high-quality new medical instruments, for example, without having to use additives. And this is just the beginning as far as we are concerned."

Credit: Delft University of Technology

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More information: B. van Straten et al, Surgical waste reprocessing: Injection molding using recycled blue wrapping paper from the operating room, Journal of Cleaner Production (2021). Journal information: Journal of Cleaner Production B. van Straten et al, Surgical waste reprocessing: Injection molding using recycled blue wrapping paper from the operating room,(2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.129121
Scientists on the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation's Global Reef Expedition survey corals and fish on the outer edge of the Great Barrier Reef. Credit: Jurgen Freund/iLCP

Today, after spending ten years assessing the state of coral reefs around the world, the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation (KSLOF) has released a comprehensive report of its findings from the Global Reef Expedition. The Global Reef Expedition Final Report provides valuable baseline data on the status of the world's reefs at a critical point in time and offers key insights into how to save coral reefs in a rapidly changing world.

Both natural and man-made factors have contributed to a precipitous decline in coral reefs as coastal development, pollution, disease, severe storms, and climate change have all impacted the health of coral reefs. As oceans continue to warm, and massive coral bleaching events occur with increasing frequency and severity, coral reefs are struggling to survive. Scientists estimate that half of the world's coral reefs have been lost in the last 40 years. Coral reefs are clearly in crisis. How do we save the reefs that remain before it is too late?

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation embarked on the Global Reef Expedition to address this coral reef crisis. This research mission brought together hundreds of scientists from around the world to conduct tens of thousands of standardized scientific surveys at over 1,000 reefs in 16 countries. The Expedition traveled around the globe surveying and mapping coral reefs, from the Red Sea through the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Scientists on the research mission worked closely with local experts, managers, educators, and government officials to help the Foundation collect the data needed to develop science-based solutions to conservation.

The Global Reef Expedition surveyed and mapped over 1,000 reefs in 16 countries across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans as well as the Red Sea. Credit: Keith A. Ellenbogen/iLCP

"The Global Reef Expedition was a monumental achievement. It owes its success to nimble planning and a common vision shared by a broad group of forward-thinking scientists, managers, and educators," said Sam Purkis, KSLOF's Chief Scientist as well as Professor and Chair of the Department of Marine Geosciences at the University of Miami's Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science. "I have no doubt that the baseline determined by the Global Reef Expedition for the world's reefs will remain a reference for centuries to come."

The Global Reef Expedition set out to understand the health of the world's reefs by surveying and mapping coral reefs, identifying their current status and major threats, and examining factors that enhance their ability to surviveand recover frommajor disturbance events such as coral bleaching. In addition to the scientific efforts, the Global Reef Expedition also engaged in education and outreach programs designed to improve ocean literacy, educate students and community leaders about coral reefs, and inspire conservation action.

What they found clearly illustrates the global nature of the coral reef crisis.

Using a three-pronged approach of science, education, and outreach, the Global Reef Expedition circumnavigated the globe, surveying and mapping coral reefs in an effort to address the coral reef crisis. Credit: Jurgen Freund/iLCP

"One of our most significant findings from the Global Reef Expedition was that nearly every country we studied showed signs of overfishing. Even on some of the most remote and well-protected reefs," said Renee Carlton, a Marine Ecologist at KSLOF and the lead author of the report. She noted that finding fewer and smaller fish on the reef poses problems for the health of the reef itself as well as the people who depend upon them for protein and income. She hasn't lost hope though, as the best reefs tended to be the ones that were remote and well-managed, but not exclusively so. "We know marine protected areas work, in most instances these reefs had some of the best coral cover and reef fish communities, but climate change, storms, and outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish can still have deadly consequences to a reef, no matter how remote or well-protected it is."

The report notes that swift action is needed to address climate change and overfishing in order to combat the coral reef crisis. However, it also identified management efforts, such as reducing pollution and establishing marine protected areas, that can be taken to spare local reefs from the worst impacts of these global problems. These conservation efforts may be able to help save the reefs that remain.

The Foundation had its greatest success in coral reef conservation by engaging local communities directly in conservation. By involving local experts and government officials in data collection, combining the scientific findings with outreach and education efforts, and addressing disparities in ocean literacy, the Foundation was able to provide countries with the information they needed to manage their marine resources effectively.

Research divers investigating a healthy reef system in French Polynesia. Scientists on the Global Reef Expedition worked closely with local experts, managers, educators, and government officials to help the Foundation collect the data needed to develop science-based solutions to conservation. Credit: Michele Westmorland/iLCP

The Global Reef Expedition circumnavigated the globe over the course of ten years on the M/Y Golden Shadow to address the coral reef crisis. Credit: Michele Westmorland /iLCP

"Findings from the Global Reef Expedition are already helping countries protect and preserve their reefs and coastal marine resources," said Alexandra Dempsey, the Director of Science Management at the Foundation. "Marine protected areas, fisheries closures, and traditionally managed areas have been established in The Bahamas, Jamaica, Fiji, and the Cook Islands, using information collected on the Expedition."

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation freely shared its research findings with government officials, marine managers, and other conservation organizations so that the maps and data from the Global Reef Expedition could be used for marine conservation.

Now that the Global Reef Expedition is complete, Prince Khaled bin Sultan, who funded and spearheaded this research mission, says he hopes the findings will help to "leave a legacy of ocean conservation, so our children, and our children's children, can also experience the beauty and wonder of a coral reef."

Provided by Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation
An optical imaging system (modeled as a thin lens) is used to discriminate between two hypotheses. Hypothesis H0: only the star is present. Hypothesis H1: there is a star-planet system present, where the planet has much weaker intensity compared to the star. Credit: Huang & Lupo.

Countless astrophysicists and astronomers are actively searching for unobserved celestial bodies in the universe, as detecting these bodies could improve our understanding of space and help to address unanswered astrophysical questions. Among these elusive objects are exoplanets, planets that orbit a star other than the sun, thus outside of the solar system.

One crucial challenge impeding the detection of exoplanets is that with existing methods, it is hard to see a faint emissions of a secondary source that is in the proximity of a much brighter source. This significantly limits the use of direct imaging techniques in exoplanet searches.

Researchers at University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom and Macquarie University in Australia have recently showed that it might be possible to reduce errors in detecting the presence of a weak secondary source during exoplanet searches, particularly in instances where two sources have small angular separations. Their paper, published in Physical Review Letters, specifically suggests that these errors could be reduced using quantum state discrimination and quantum imaging methods.

"Our work was inspired by recent papers on super-resolution quantum imaging, which was first rigorously quantified by Mankei Tsang and his colleagues at National University of Singapore," Zixin Huang, one of the researchers who carried out the study, told Phys.org. "These papers showed that the angular separation of two incoherent sources can be much better resolved by using quantum techniques (this is an estimation task, where the parameter we want to measure is the angular separation)."

The general idea behind the study conducted by Huang and her colleague Cosmo Lupo is that quantum techniques use the phase information that is contained in the optical signal. As this information is not properly exploited by direct imaging methods, quantum techniques could prove to be more effective.

While the researchers at University of Sheffield were first considering this idea, Huang watched a speculative documentary on Netflix called "Alien Worlds." The film speculates on possible life forms that could exist on other planets and explores what they may look like.

The optimal measurement that achieves the optimal error probabilities, in the limit that the two sources are very close together. It is a multimode waveguide that can be used as a spatial-mode sorter. Photon counting is performed at the output. Credit: Huang & Lupo.

"While watching "Alien Worlds," it came to me to that quantum techniques could be used for a quantum discrimination task, as ultimately, the detection of exoplanets boils down to whether we tell the difference between one spot and two spots in the sky," Huang explained. "Bearing this in mind, we thought to study whether a quantum advantage can be obtained for a discrimination task. It turns out it can!"

Huang and Lupo applied an existing result in quantum information theory to bound the probability of a false negative (i.e., when an existing planet is missed by researchers). Such probability of error is expressed by a function called the relative entropy, which is either classical or quantum. Huang and Lupo showed that the quantum relative entropy is much larger than the classical one.

"In other words, the information is already there in the light; we simply calculated the ultimate quantum limit as to how well you can do with this task," Huang said. "We wanted to minimize false negatives, because planets are rare, and we would much rather make a mistake in finding something rather than missing it. With some luck, we also found the matching measurement that could achieve these error probabilities."

In the future, the method introduced by Huang and Lupo could serve as a benchmark for experimenters looking to assess the effectiveness of existing techniques for exoplanet detection. In addition, it could inspire the development of alternative optical imaging tools, both for astronomy and microscopy studies.

"Our method applies to a broad range of wavelengths, which means that the potential applications also include fluorescence microscopy, LIDAR detection, and other imaging techniques," Huang added. "We are now collaborating with Heriot-Watt University to perform a proof-of-principle experimental demonstration of the advantage discovered in the paper. We will also continue to investigate to what capacity quantum can help in imaging certain astronomical objects."

As part of their future work, Huang and Lupo also plan to design large baseline, entanglement-enabled telescope arrays for optical imaging. Most existing coherent telescope arrays are based on microwave technology. However, if the researchers were able to move these in the optical domain, they could potentially boost these technique's resolution by 3 to 5 orders of magnitude.

Explore further The best of both worlds: Combining classical and quantum systems to meet supercomputing demands

 2021 Science X Network
Two-thirds of multidimensionally poor households have no females who have completed primary education. Credit: Shutterstock

One in six of the world's poor (215 million) live in households where no female has completed six years of school, but at least one male has, according to new figures on global poverty released today by the United Nations Development Programme and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative. Adding households where no one is educated brings this number up to 836 million, or two-thirds of poor people.

In addition, the report reveals, disparities in poverty among ethnic groups are consistently high, even exceeding disparities across other group characteristics, such as location.

Today's report analyses multidimensional poverty in developing countries, which takes account of numerous indicators, including schooling, access to utilities and health affects more than 1.3 billion-worldwide.

It finds poverty disparities across ethnic and racial groups are consistently high across many countries. The two poorest ethnic groups in Gambiathe Wollof and the Sarahuleexperience similar levels of povertybut their deprivations differ, suggesting different policy actions are needed to reduce these gaps.

Dr. Sabina Alkire, Director of OPHI, says, "Achieving a future where all people enjoy core capabilities they value and have reason to value requires the global community to fix the structural inequalities that oppress and hinder progress. Disaggregating multidimensional poverty data by ethnicity, race, caste and exploring gendered and intrahousehold patterns unmasks disparities and forms a vital guide to policymakers to leave no one behind in the last decade for action."

According to the report, Arab states have the highest percentage (more than 70 percent) of poor people in households in which no girl or woman is educated. The numbers are also high for South Asia (65.9 percent) and Sub-Saharan Africa (65.2 percent).

It also finds, women and girls living in such poor households are also at higher risk of violence, as multidimensional poverty is positively correlated with intimate partner violence.

The global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI)produced by the UNDP and OPHImeasures poverty by considering various deprivations experienced by people in their daily lives, including poor health, insufficient education and a low standard of living.

Today's report examines the levels and composition of poverty across 109 countries covering 5.9 billion people and presents an ethnicity/race/caste disaggregation for 41 countries with available information. It also includes an intra-household analysis of multidimensional poverty focused on gender covering all countries.

The report also shows how, within a country, multidimensional poverty among different ethnic groups can vary immensely. For example, the difference in the percentage of people who are poor across ethnic groups is more than 70 percent points in Gabon and Nigeria. In Latin America, indigenous peoples are among the poorest. And, in Bolivia, indigenous communities account for about 44 percent of the population but 75 percent of such poor people. Meanwhile, in India five out of six multidimensionally poor people were from lower tribes or castes.

Worldwide, across 109 countries and 5.9 billion people:

1.3 billion people are multidimensionally poor.

About half (644 million) are children under age 18.

Nearly 85 percent live in Sub-Saharan Africa (556 million) or South Asia (532 million).

More than 67 percent live in middle-income countries, and

One in six (207 million) live in female-headed households.

But what is the day-to-day reality of life for multidimensionally poor people? The data paint a grim picture:

481 million live with an out-of-school child.

568 million lack safe drinking water within a 30-minute roundtrip walk.

788 million live in a household with at least one undernourished person.

Explore further Report reveals challenges of UN's new sustainable development goals
HUDSON FALLS  James Kelly Clark said he believes he would not be able to stay sober without the support provided by the Hope and Healing Recovery Community Center in Hudson Falls.

Without these rooms (at the center), I would have relapsed already, he said.

The recovery center, and other organizations in the region, will benefit from a share of $32 million headed to the Capital Region as part of the settlements of the lawsuit against opioid manufacturers that fueled the addiction crisis.

Washington County will receive $700,000.

New York Attorney General Letitia James visited the center on Wednesday as part of her HealNY Tour to announce the funding.

There is a range of funding. Warren County is set to receive at least $515,000 and as much as $900,000. Saratoga County is set to receive between $1.4 million and $2.466 million.

James said the money would be put to good use.

Were going to turn it around  treatment, prevention, education, outreach, she said.

New York state is set to receive a total of $1.5 billion through settlements with drug companies including Endo, Purdue Pharma, Johnson & Johnson, McKesson, Cardinal Health and AmeriscourceBergen, according to a news release.

James said Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday that she was moving forward with setting up an advisory board to disperse the funds and get that process moving.

James also praised the work of Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake, who helped sponsor legislation that ensured that the opioid funds would be put in a lock box and not put into the general fund.

In talking to the volunteers and clients, James was shocked to find out that the Hope and Healing Recovery Community Centers annual budget is only about $30,000.

We can triple that, she said.

Ashley Livingston, a recovery advocate, said Hope and Healing is the only recovery center in Warren and Washington counties.

Those are my people Ill be damned if any of them fall through the cracks, she said.

Livingston said she has had a lot of trouble getting people into detox programs.

She said she had to fight hard to help a person who had relapsed and suffered a stroke.

It shouldnt matter who you know to get treatment. You should just have access to treatment on demand, Livingston added.

Livingston said the pandemic has worsened the addiction problem because people have been socially isolated and relapsed, resulting in overdoses.

I lost five of my friends in a seven-day span, she said.

Glens Falls resident Lorenzo Sampson is recovering from a crack-cocaine addiction. He said he was 15 years sober until the pandemic hit and he lost his support system.

Fred Tietz, who is a recovering alcoholic, said the recovery center helped save his life after three DWIs in 10 years.

He said it is disheartening that it takes people dying for lawmakers to take the problem seriously. Still, he said it seems it goes in one ear and out the other of politicians.

The settlement funds do not include any money from the Purdue settlement because those payments are still being determined.

There are pending cases against Mallinckrodt and Rochester Drug Cooperative, which are moving separately through U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Trials against Teva Pharmaceuticals USA and Allergan Finance are pending.

Michael Goot covers politics, crime and courts, Warren County, education and business. Reach him at 518-742-3320 or mgoot@poststar.com.

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GLENS FALLS  The city is looking into using money from the American Rescue Plan Act to hire a police department social worker, fulfilling one of the primary obligations laid out in its police reform plan adopted earlier this year.

News of the citys planned use of the funds, which is not yet certain, came during a meeting of the police reform committee Wednesday.

An executive order last year from then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo required all municipalities to adopt police reform plans in the wake of the death of George Floyd, who was murdered by police in Minneapolis.

Much of the citys 10-page plan, drafted by around a dozen stakeholders over a five-month period, focuses on increasing transparency within the department, expanding recruitment efforts and tackling mental health issues by, among other things, hiring a social worker who can assist on calls.

I think we are going to try and fund that through the stimulus that we got from COVID, at least  for the first years, just because there is a big emphasis on effects of mental health, said 3rd Ward Councilwoman Diana Palmer.

The American Rescue Plan Act, the $1.9 trillion COVID relief bill approved by Congress earlier this year, set aside millions in funding for local municipalities that can be used to recover lost revenues and pay for infrastructure projects relating to water, sewer and broadband.

Funds can also be used to assist residents and businesses hurt by the pandemic, provide premium pay for essential workers and address a number of other health-related concerns, including those pertaining to mental health.

Glens Falls received more than $12 million under the law, which will be paid out in a pair of equal installments over the next two years. The city has already allocated money to upgrade its drinking water facility and to help Habitat for Humanity restore a number of vacant properties.

Palmer said the number of welfare checks and domestic violence incidents in the city have increased since the pandemic began, issues she said a social worker could help address.

Thats kind of consistent with what we saw across the state and the country, so we were able to make a case to try and fund that program that way, she said. Well have to figure that out in the budget as an ongoing thing, but at least this will get us started.

Police Chief Jarred Smith said he is working with Warren County Civil Service to draft a job description, which will include the salary.

Smith became the citys lead law enforcement officer after former Chief Joseph Boisclairs sudden retirement earlier this year. He said he expects more details will be revealed in the months ahead.

The city has slowly been making progress on its police reform plan, although work remains.

Most of the departments policies can now be reviewed on the police departments website, and a community liaison officer, tasked with expanding the departments outreach, was hired earlier this year.

But plans to add training for officers and adopt a diversion program for low-level offenders have stalled for financial reasons.

Recruitment efforts have also faced obstacles, as the department struggles to find qualified candidates. The reform plan seeks to diversify the citys primarily white police force and recruit individuals who grew up in the community.

Recruitment is difficult right now, Smith said. Were trying to hire people, but not a lot of people are banging on our door right now.

Smith said the department is currently seeking to hire three officers and received 30 qualified candidates through the last civil service exam. Just six followed up and only five met the criteria necessary to move forward in the process.

The candidates must still pass background checks and psychological evaluations.

Candidates seeking law enforcement jobs often apply to openings across the state, which diminishes the pool. The citys fire department has faced a similar issue, Smith said.

I think the recruitment part is something that we need to work on, he said.

The citys police reform committee is expected to meet again in six months.

Chad Arnold is a reporter for The Post-Star covering the city of Glens Falls and the town and village of Lake George and Washington County government. Follow him on Twitter @ChadGArnold.

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National Grid must update its service

Editor:

NASA can communicate its orders for a helicopter to fly on Mars.

A power company can install a 330-mile electrical transmission line, part of it under Lake Champlain, to carry hydroelectric power to New York City.

But British-owned National Grid cant be depended upon to keep the power on in this region as it employs ancient rudimentary methods when it comes to providing reliable service to its customers.

Parts of Moreau were plunged into darkness for at least the second time in three weeks early Sunday evening, Oct. 3. Ill wager local fans of Tom Brady and the New England Patriots (not me) were infuriated when the seven-hour outage hit before kickoff to the reunion grudge game.

Why is it so difficult for NG to bury insulated, encapsulated power lines where logistically and economically feasible to deter some of these avoidable outages?

For example, homes in the existing Spier Pines development and the new subdivisions west of the Northway in Moreau are served by buried power and cable company lines.

But property owners there are at the mercy of adjoining locations that carry overhead lines on utility poles. These same homeowners lost power for nearly three days last winter when overhead lines on Redmond Road collapsed, forcing several residents to vacate their houses.

Its frustrating that National Grid management pays its crews overtime and possibly endangers workers lives to restore the cables. Of course, the company can simply pass along its expenses to customers after their regular visits to the spineless state Public Service Commission to gain more rate hikes.

National Grids whack-a-mole approach to making repairs, replacing deficient equipment and installing new service lines needs modern, common-sense solutions to this ubiquitous problem.

Or maybe its more economic for National Grid to provide every customer with new generators.

Sign me up!

Dominic Tom, Moreau

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CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE  The Cape May County 4-H Youth Development Program will host a 4-H Trunk or Treat Open House on Sunday, Oct. 17 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the 4-H Fairgrounds, 355 Courthouse-South Dennis Road. There will be plenty of yummy treats, fun fall activities and information about the many clubs and activities open to Cape May County youth. All are welcome.

Looking for fun, friendship, and new experiences? New Jersey 4-H members and volunteer leaders are celebrating National 4-H Month in October and they welcome parents and youth in grades K-13 to join 4-H, a youth development program of informal, practical, fun, and learn-by-doing experiences. This years theme is Find Your Spark, focusing on how young people in 4-H explore new ideas, develop interests, practice skills, and make new friends.

4-H stands for Head, Heart, Hands and Health. 4-H Club work is based on the philosophy of helping youth grow through learning practical skills. Service to others, leadership, and forming good habits that develop healthy bodies and minds are some of the goals of 4-H.
Who's that lady with the guitar? Why, it's Jen Stewart ready to share music and songs for kids and their families! Are you ready to sing along with Jen?

Art House Film Thelma

Monday, Oct. 11, 5pm (in person)

Join us for an Art House Film Night to watch Thelma, one of the many free Kanopy movies available with your library card!

Synopsis: A shy young student leaves her small town and religious family to study at a university in Oslo, but once on campus she experiences what appears to be a violent, unexpected seizure. Overwhelmed by the increasing intensity of the mystifying episodes and her powerful feelings for a beautiful classmate, Thelma struggles to control her supernatural abilities. This film is not rated. Note: Titles subject to change based on availability on Kanopy.

Decoding the Mystery of Cats: Why Cats Do What They Do

Saturday, Oct. 16, 3:30pm (virtual)
Middle Township Mayor Tim Donohue said Millers dedication inspired him to nominate her for a Women of Wonder award. He kept the nomination a surprise, and Miller only found out about it after she won.

I have spoken with a number of Senior Center members, and each one of them believes Marilyn is extraordinary, always putting the needs of others first and treating them like family, Donohue said.

But Donohue noted that it was during the pandemic that Miller provided the most vital of services to seniors  staying in touch. In the early days of New Jerseys stay-at-home order, Miller offered regular telephone calls from Senior Center Advisory Board members and volunteers to seniors, ensuring they had access to food and supplies, along with friendly human contact.

This was a godsend during a time of isolation, particularly for seniors who live alone, said Donohue.

Months into the state-mandated closure of the senior center, Miller found a way to safely offer classes in the facilitys parking lot  everything from Zumba and Tai Chi to an outdoor painting class. She also has helped seniors make COVID vaccine appointments.

The township presented Miller with a Middle Matters Award in March 2021 for her extra efforts to support seniors during the pandemic.
Police blotter information is supplied by local police departments and other law enforcement agencies. All people named are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Nash, Gary B. Jr., 30, of Atlantic City, was arrested Sept. 22 and charged with possession of handgun, persons not to have weapons, and crimes related to the sale, purchase or other method of acquisition of handgun ammunition.

Augusto, Morgan R., 35, of Barnegat, was arrested Sept. 22 and charged with arrest for other jurisdiction.

Rojas, Carlos M., 37, of Tuckerton, was arrested Sept. 23 and charged with simple assault.

Isaac, Lasheenia R., 47, of Pleasantville, was arrested Sept. 24 and charged with simple assault, endanger welfare of children.

Mejia-Medina, Israel, 71, of Pleasantville, was arrested Sept. 25 and charged with resisting arrest, resist arrest-flight, obstruction of administration of law.

Colon, Roberto J., 39, of Egg Harbor Township, was arrested Sept. 26 and charged with resisting arrest, resist arrest-flight, obstruction of administration of law.
More charges announced in Fairfield Township house party shooting BRIDGETON  Six additional suspects were arrested on charges ranging from hindering apprehen

Webb-McRae said it was determined the guns found in Darrell Dawkins and McCraes possession were not fired during the shooting.

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Zedekiah Holmes, 21, of Millville, was charged with the murders of Elliott and Hester as well as conspiracy to commit murder, four counts of attempted murder, six counts of possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose and one count of unlawful possession of a handgun.

Five others were indicted on charges of hindering the investigation.

Arthur Armstead, 28, of Millville, was charged in August with hindering apprehension, tampering with evidence, obstruction and conspiracy to commit those offenses.

Webb-McRae said during a media briefing in August that after the shooting, Armstead went to his mothers home in Fairfield, where he was then taken to Wilmington, Delaware, by Aladrienne Milbourne, 31, of Millville.

In Delaware, Armstead took refuge with Tasia Coleman, 27, of Bridgeton, Webb-McRae said.

Surge in gun violence seen in Atlantic City follows state, national trends The recent surge in gun violence that has swept across Atlantic City has residents and leade

While Armstead was hiding in Delaware, his mother, Priscilla Armstead, 46, allegedly arranged for him to travel to Atlantic City.
CRDA advances Atlantic City ShopRite plan ATLANTIC CITY  While local officials heralded the beginning of the end of Atlantic Citys s

If you look at our history, were not an overnight operation. We go into a community and we stay there, McCarthy said. We intend to be part of the Atlantic City family for a very long time.

If the company did pull out of the deal, Doherty said, the CRDA would be able to quickly get another supermarket operator in place. Because the authority will own the property, he said, it would not pay local taxes.

One reason Atlantic City has remained a food desert is that corporations would not make money operating in the town, McCarthy said. He said the company is committing itself economically, including buying inventory and paying employees.

The numbers do not work without some funding from CRDA, he said. He said the store would hire Atlantic City residents, and that some city residents already work at other ShopRite locations. Plans call for 75 to 100 full-time jobs at the store.

Michael Chait, the president of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the plan, stating at the meeting that the project has been in the works for more than a decade. Chait said the CRDA deserves tremendous credit.

We hope that this is going to be a great economic boon to everyone in town, McCarthy said, citing the aphorism that a rising tide lifts all boats.

We hope to create that rising tide, he said.

Contact Bill Barlow: 609-272-7290 bbarlow@pressofac.com Twitter @jerseynews_bill

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Capitol police killing deserved a trial

How can a Capitol Hill police officer, Lt. Michael Leroy Byrd, shoot an unarmed woman, Ashli Babbitt, and get away with it? She was not an immediate threat to anyone and was at a safe distance from Lt. Byrd. Police are only supposed to shoot when their life or someone elses life are in immediate danger.

Does that mean that every police officer who shoots someone should be able use the same reasoning or defense that the Capitol prosecutor used to dismiss the charges against this officer? Something is wrong here.

Robert Carpenter

Egg Harbor City

Speak out against Republican actions

I was only a first grader when U.S. Sen. Joe McCarthy made it his mission to lock up/silence/destroy those who may have thought differently from him about Communism. He believed that their actions were criminal and seditious. He used the power of his office and innocent citizens were ruined simply because of association with others or were reported by their friends or neighbors. This was a most unfortunate time in Americas history as it relates to peoples rights and the search for truth.
 Douglas Michael Speer, of Johnston, Iowa, who was 30 at the time of his arrest, pleaded guilty June 10 to two counts of attempted enticement of a child and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual activity. He is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 20 in U.S. District Court, Rock Island.

 Auston M. McLain, 36, of Davenport is charged with attempted enticement of a minor, travel with the intent to engage in illicit sexual activity and soliciting an obscene visual depiction of a minor. According to court documents, McLain was ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation at the Federal Bureau of Prisons, Metropolitan Detention Center, in Los Angeles. According to court documents, the evaluation should have been completed by Sept. 9, with the final report ready for the court by Sept. 30.

 Damien Pernell Shepherd of Moline, who was 35 at the time of his arrest, is charged with attempted enticement of a minor. His trial had been scheduled for Oct. 4 in U.S. District Court, Rock Island. His attorney, Federal Public Defender Thomas Patton, has filed a motion to suppress the statements that Shepherd made to agents in the case. Patton argues that Shepherd told authorities he wished to invoke his right to remain silent at the time he was arrested. However, authorities kept up a dialogue with Shepherd on other topics. Patton argues that Shepherd is intellectually disabled and was manipulated into using one of the officers phones to call his mother, which the agents allegedly overheard and recorded to obtain evidence. Patton argues that the agents continued dialogue with Shepherd and alleged sardonic remarks about his refusing to speak with agents eventually broke the mans will and he spoke with agents without an attorney present. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Sara Darrow ordered federal prosecutors to respond to Pattons motion by Oct. 25.
Were doing this because thats what the science is telling us to do now, he said.

Among other statistics cited by Arwady and Martinez or referenced on the districts COVID-19 dashboard:

This school year so far, the district has seen 17 clusters, which are defined as two to five potentially linked cases. No school has had more than five linked cases.

Since Aug. 29, 306 adults and 1,167 students have tested positive for coronavirus.

There were 321 adults and 6,644 students in quarantine or isolation on Tuesday.

Well over 80% of staff have submitted proof of vaccination, though the district has had problems with the technology for uploading vaccine cards. CPS expects to grant about 1,000 exemptions to the vaccine requirement for staff.

Martinez said that with more families giving consent for their children to be screened for COVID-19, the district is struggling to find and train enough staff to keep up. The district now has consent to test about 35,000 students. Thats roughly 10% of students, though CPS has yet to release enrollment numbers for the new school year.
"There was no mention of available properties to develop or development agreements," McGuire said. "There was no real effort to keep us here. I know my business isn't huge, but as a resident, I think we should fight for every business. Our taxes keep rising, and I wish there had been a little more of, 'I know just the place for you.'"

McGuire founded his business in 2014 and has since expanded it by selling primarily to other retailers located in all 50 states, Canada and at least seven European countries. A skilled artisan and woodworker, he crafts hand-made spoons, wooden kitchen utensils, pizza paddles, cutting boards, coffee tables, shaving accessories and other specialty items.

He used to have retail space in Rock Island, too, until the pandemic closed businesses.

Miles Brainard, interim community and economic development director, said it was his team's understanding that McGuire was "looking for an existing building and was not interested in a vacant site on which to construct a new building."
SPRINGFIELD  The process of redrawing congressional district maps in Illinois got off to a slow start Thursday when only one person showed up to testify at the first legislative public hearing, which was held in Chicago.

Ryan Tolley, policy director for the advocacy group CHANGE Illinois, urged the House Redistricting Committee to listen to community groups and afford them more opportunity than they had during the legislative redistricting process to review any proposed new maps before they are voted on.

I had trouble finding one group that participated in the legislative remap hearings that publicly endorsed the legislative maps. But there are a lot that rejected those maps, Tolley said. And I just want us to think about how can we have a map that reflects the interest of communities if almost every group that tries to engage with this process says their voices were ignored and their communities were harmed. Their efforts really should not be in vain.

In May, and again in August, lawmakers drew new maps for state legislative districts. Those new maps are now the subject of two federal lawsuits  one by Republican leaders in the General Assembly and one by a Latino advocacy group  who argue, among other things, that the new districts dilute Latino voting power.
ELK GROVE VILLAGE  President Joe Biden on Thursday championed COVID-19 vaccination requirements, determined that the roughly 67 million unvaccinated American adults must get the shot even as he acknowledged that mandates weren't his "first instinct."

Biden had ruled out such requirements before taking office in January, but they now are a tactic he feels forced into using by a stubborn slice of the public that has refused to be inoculated and has jeopardized the lives of others and the nation's economic recovery.

"There is no other way to beat the pandemic than to get the vast majority of the American people vaccinated," Biden said in suburban Chicago at an event promoting the mandates. "While I didn't race to do it right away, that's why I've had to move toward requirements."

In the coming weeks, more than 100 million Americans will be subject to vaccine requirements ordered by Biden. And his administration is encouraging employers to take additional steps voluntarily that would push vaccines on people or subject them to onerous testing requirements.

Forcing people to do something they do not want to do is rarely a winning political strategy. Yet with the majority of the country already vaccinated and with industry on his side, Biden has emerged as an unlikely advocate of browbeating tactics to drive vaccinations.
From the moment Tammy Pierce brought her infant son home, she knew he was going to be something special.

"He was not your normal, typical baby. He was such a good baby. He hardly ever cried. He slept through the night," Tammy Pierce shared about her only son, Brian Pierce Jr., the Brooklyn Police officer who was killed on Aug. 4 on the McKinley Bridge while putting down spike strips to stop a fleeing motorist.

By the time Brian was 3, it was clear to his family he had a love for police cars and fire trucks and there was nothing anybody could do about it.

"All he wanted to do was play with police cars and fire trucks," Pierce said.

Every year at Halloween, young Brian had a consistent go-to when it came time to pick a costume: "You guessed it, a policeman, detective or a fireman," his mother said, laughing out loud.

There was one time Brian was forced, by his mom, to dress as a skull. He did it for a brief moment, but went right back to his favorites. Red and blue were in his human fibers.

"It was his life. It's like what he was born to do," Tammy Pierce said.

She told him often, "I think you bleed blue, sweetheart."

A knock on the door
Just seven days into President Joe Bidens administration, he declared that the United States must meet the moment and raise our climate ambition. He backed that sentiment up with a set of sweeping executive orders directing the government to place the climate crisis at the center of domestic and foreign policy decisions. It was a welcome change from past presidents who have too often waited until the end of their terms to take any bold action to protect the environment.

To many in the conservation movement, Bidens words sent a signal that perhaps the U.S. was finally willing to address the climate crisis with the urgency it demands. However, now eight months later, Bidens climate signal has not only faded  its been replaced by a series of confounding mixed messages.

On Sept. 20, a federal judge in California rebuked the Biden administration in a lawsuit involving the failure to protect the Joshua tree, a species so iconic in the Western landscape that a national park bears its name. WildEarth Guardians brought this suit because the Trump administration refused to list the tree as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act  despite all available scientific evidence indicating that Joshua trees will be in danger of extinction by the end of this century from climate-change-driven habitat loss, wildfire and other stressors.
Eighteen districts may sound like a lot, but in 2011, there were two dozen districts within 100 people of exceeding the 1% mark. But back then worries about population deviation didnt seem to matter. Republicans and Democrats passed the maps easily. No complaints, no admonishments to LSA to give it another try.

Smith also complained Tuesday that one House district was off the ideal population by 0.97%. What he didnt mention was that in 2011, there were three districts that were off by that much or more.

As for the complaint about district shapes, it's not hard to cherry-pick districts and complain about them. Every 10 years, there are oddly shaped districts. It happened in 2011, too. Its unavoidable if you're going to keep population differences down and meet the other demands of the law, like trying not to subdivide cities. This year, the standard measurements for district shapes were on par with what they were in 2011.
A strategic marketing campaign has been encouraging motorcycle enthusiasts to take advantage of eastern Montanas wide-open spaces and welcoming towns by traveling the MonDak Motorcycle Loop, that will also include stops in the Northern Black Hills, western South Dakota and western North Dakota.

The Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation, Visit Southeast Montana Tourism, and Windfall marketing agency teamed up to create the campaign to promote local tourism destinations and encourage visitors to ride part or all of the route and stop in local communities along the way.

The MonDak Motorcycle Loop highlights the free-spirited adventures that await travelers in the eastern part of our state and in our neighbor states, said Beth Epley, executive director of the Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation, located in Baker, Montana. This strategic marketing campaign shows motorcyclists a route to experiencing the unspoiled natural environment of our region, and the charming local destinations and attractions they can find along the way.

The MonDak Motorcycle Loop spans 560 miles and runs from Alzada to Broadus, to Miles City, to Baker in eastern Montana, and into western North Dakota and western South Dakota.

Riders can begin the route at any point and experience a wide variety of landscapes and attractions by stopping in Wibaux, Baker and Miles City in Montana; Deadwood, Spearfish and Buffalo in South Dakota; Bowman and Medora in North Dakota; and more.

The route can be completed in about 9.5 hours and is designed to be a two-day trip.

Funding for the project came from the Montana Office of Tourism and Business Developments Eastern Montana Tourism Partner Initiative, which partners with communities across eastern Montana to strengthen and diversify local and regional economies, in part through tourism destination development.

Learn more about the MonDak Motorcycle Loop at southeastmontana.com/mondak.

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A mechanical failure caused the Auburn Fire, according to state and local officials.

South Dakota Wildland Fire and the Rapid City Fire and Police departments announced in a tweet Wednesday afternoon that the cause was an accident due to a mechanical failure of earth-moving equipment.

"This was not a human-caused fire," the tweet states. "No additional information will be available."

The fire is estimated to be 974 acres. It started Monday afternoon.

A Red Flag Warning was in effect as firefighters continued to battle the Auburn Fire on Wednesday.

Stephani Rust, public information officers with the Great Plains Fire Information Group, said the warning makes it difficult to perform burnout operations.

Those may end up being held until weather conditions permit it, she said.

Rust said firefighters performed burnout operations, which led to the 10-acre increase from Tuesday evening. It is still about 50% contained.

The Red Flag Warning is in effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday for gusty winds and low relative humidity. The winds from the south east are causing flare ups within the fire perimeter and some smoke.

The strategy really will be the same, Rust said. We still have our firefighters on the ground to strengthen the containment line using heavy equipment.

Firefighters are working to extinguish hot spots. Dozer line repair has also begun.

The fire was reported around 1:49 p.m. Monday just four miles north of Rapid City near the Auburn Hills neighborhood. The fire spread from 100 acres to about 300 by 6:15 p.m. with state and federal firefighters taking over. Local firefighters are still assisting.

Two other fires started early Wednesday. The Peterson Fire, which was reported around 12:22 a.m. five miles north of Rapid City in Meade County, was contained and controlled at 3:15 a.m. It grew to 10.6 acres.

The Elk Creek Fire was reported at 12:14 a.m. seven miles east of Piedmont. It grew to 21.05 acres and was controlled around 5:15 a.m.

Resources were able to really provide a quick response on those two, Rust said.

The Red Shirt Fire that is 14 miles east of Hermosa in Oglala Lakota County and began Tuesday afternoon is estimated at 650 acres. Rust said he has not heard any news from the fire line since Tuesday afternoon.

Federal and local resources are responding to the fire. Air support has been released.

 Contact Siandhara Bonnet at siandhara.bonnet@rapidcityjournal.com 

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Giving birth can now be an event that helps others heal. Monument Health and Dakota Lions Sight and Health have introduced a birth tissue donation program at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital.

Dakota Lions Sight and Health is a nonprofit eye and tissue donation organization headquartered in Sioux Falls. Its birth tissue donation program coordinates the donation and collection of birth tissue, which includes amniotic membranes and umbilical cords.

Nicole Whipple of Rapid City was the first woman to participate in the birth tissue donation program when her second child, Rowen, was born on Sept. 16.

Whipples son was born by a scheduled Caesarean section. Before Rowens birth, Whipple said she was approached at a doctors appointment about the birth tissue donation program.

It sounded like something I wanted to participate in. If Im able to help anyone or give anything, I certainly want to do that, Whipple said.

At the hospital before Whipples Caesarean section, staff from Dakota Lions visited Whipple to introduce themselves. After the surgery, the medical team gave Dakota Lions Whipples birth tissue.

I had the C-section and (Dakota Lions) was waiting outside. As soon as the baby was delivered and we knew everything was good, (the medical staff) was able to give them the birth tissue, Whipple said. Overall, it was a great experience and I would recommend that anybody think about it. Its stuff we dont need anymore so if it can help somebody, it might as well.

Birth tissue is gathered after a baby is born through a planned Caesarean section and poses no risk to the mother or baby. Rapid City Hospital performs about 20 planned C-sections a month.

Birth tissue contains cells that stimulate healing. Grafts have been shown to have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties. Additional benefits include quicker recovery, pain suppression and reduction in scar tissue. Birth tissue, including placenta tissue, umbilical cord and amniotic fluid, is used to treat a ailments as diverse as traumatic burns, skin cancer, difficult-to-heal wounds, neurological damage, ulcers, eye injuries, blood disorders and many others.

A single placenta donation can help 20 to 40 people.

We are proud to be part of this initiative, said Tina Dillon, manager of Labor and Delivery at Rapid City Hospital. We can help countless patients recover from serious ailments, without any risk to mother or child. This is another way we can provide a caring experience for patients all over the country.

The Dakota Lions birth tissue donation program was introduced in North Dakota and South Dakota this year. The program launched in Fargo in January and at Avera in Sioux Falls in June.

In conjunction with this new program, Dakota Lions Sight and Health created educational materials that can be shared with expectant mothers to inform and encourage donations. These materials are being made available to health care providers to help educate their patients about the process and benefits of birth tissue donation.

As an organization we have always focused on ensuring health care professionals have dependable access to the safe donated tissue they need to deliver the very best care to their patients. The addition of the birth tissue donation program continues this effort and also supports our mission: To help enable the restoration of the gifts of sight and health, said Marcy Dimond, CEO of Dakota Lions Sight and Health.

Dakota Lions Sight and Health serves South Dakota, North Dakota, northern Nebraska and western Minnesota. For more information, go to dakotasight.org/.

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A Canadian company hoping to open a uranium mine in the southern Black Hills can't restart its South Dakota water permitting process just yet.

The South Dakota Water Management Board unanimously rejected Powertech Inc.'s request Wednesday after opposition from dozens of citizens, intervenors and state officials.

Board members said they don't want to waste more time and money since Powertech is still seeking some federal permits while others are tied up in the courts.

"I just don't think it's appropriate for the State of South Dakota and this board to spend millions of dollars once again on an issue and then have the rug pulled out from under our feet after we've made a decision," said board member Rodney Freeman.

The board already paused its consideration of the Dewey-Burdock Project back in 2013 at the request of Powertech, just a year after the company began the permitting process. Powertech has been pursuing federal permits and licenses since then.

Powertech, a subsidiary of Azarga Uranium, which is based in British Columbia, hopes to locate a uranium mine near Edgemont in Custer and Fall River counties. It plans to use the in situ method, which involves drilling wells to inject a water-based solution underground, dissolve the uranium and draw it to the surface for processing. The company says nuclear energy is environmentally friendly since it's carbon-free.

Uranium was mined in open pits and tunnels in the Edgemont area from the 1950s to the 1970s. That era left unreclaimed mines, buried radioactive waste and health concerns.

Powertech already owns the land and submitted water permits back in 2012. It asked the board to put the project on hold in 2013 before asking to restart the process this May.

Two programs at the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources are opposed to restarting the permit process.

The Water Rights and Surface Water Quality programs are represented by Assistant Attorney General Ann Mines Bailey who, like the board, focused on the pending federal permits.

Bailey said the Nuclear Regulatory Commission granted Powertech a permit back in 2014, but it was appealed and handed back to the NRC for revisions. The NRC granted a new permit which is under a new federal appeal. Powertech also obtained permits from the Environmental Protection Agency, which are being appealed in federal courts or reviewed through the administrative process.

Powertech is still waiting for approval from the Bureau of Land Management, Bailey said.

Matthew Naasz, a Rapid City-based attorney representing Powertech, was the only person who spoke in favor of restarting the permitting process.

"Powertech has rights, too. Powertech has the rights to have its applications heard on the merits," he said. "There's no legal impediment to moving this matter forward, no reason these matters can't go forward in parallel."

Naasz said the water board is setting a new precedent by refusing to hear arguments about state permits while waiting on permits outside of its jurisdiction.

But Bailey said this is an unprecedent case: "The reality is this board doesn't have any other litigation that's been on hold for eight years. I hope we never run into this type of situation again, quite honestly."

Intervenors and people who spoke during public comment focused on the pending federal permits but other concerns as well. The speakers included people who live near the proposed mine, environmental activists, the Oglala Sioux Tribe, and tribal members.

Weve had uranium mining in our county before," said Randy Luallin, of Hot Springs. "It was a boondoggle, the taxpayers ended up cleaning up the mess, and here we are again.

Debra Lackey-Hay, who grew up in Edgemont, said she lived near sulfuric acid, which was used to leach the uranium. She said the acid killed her father, who died of throat cancer.

"I've lived with this issue most of my life," she said.

Other concerns included treaty rights, water pollution and supply, and Powertech's status as a subsidiary of a foreign company.

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After several days of testimony, a jury found 17-year-old Ronald Black Cloud guilty of second-degree murder in the 2018 shooting death of Nathan Graham.

Per state law, homicide is considered second-degree murder if perpetrated by any act imminently dangerous to others and evincing a depraved mind, without regard for human life, although without any premeditated design to effect the death of any particular person, including an unborn child.

During closing statements, Pennington County Deputy State's Attorney Lara Roetzel stressed that Black Cloud acted without regard for human life, noting that he and his friend, Ross Johnson, were trespassing on Graham's property the night of the shooting and were told to leave but didn't.

Roetzel also argued that neither Black Cloud's nor Johnson's safety was being threatened as Graham had been walking away from the two and exclaimed "Don't come back," before being shot by Black Cloud. Forensic evidence showed that Graham had been shot in the back of the head.

Black Cloud was 14 at the time of the Aug. 17, 2018 shooting. His trial started last week. He was found guilty of of shooting Graham, 43, in the head from more than 60 feet away after being told to by Johnson.

Johnson was sentenced to 20 years in prison in June after he pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and being an accessory to the second-degree murder of Graham.

The two had went to Graham's house looking for Graham's stepson, despite Johnson knowing that he was not allowed at the home.

"Leave, just leave," is a statement Roetzel repeated during Wednesday's closing statements, which was what Graham's widow, Shayla Colbert-Graham, said to Johnson and Black Cloud when she answered Johnson's knocks at her door the night of the shooting.

Had they done so, Roetzel argued, nobody in the courtroom would be there for a murder trial and Graham would not have died two days later after being declared brain dead.

Black Cloud's attorney, Joanna Lawler, argued during closing arguments that her client felt he had no choice but to shoot Graham, noting he was afraid that Graham would have been able to catch him and threaten his life.

Lawler cited Black Cloud's testimony from the day before that he had felt as if Johnson's life was in real danger from Graham and he had heard Graham tell his wife to get a gun. She repeated that Black Cloud felt as if he didn't have a choice in the matter.

Lawler also argued that the event altered Black Cloud's life and that he was extremely remorseful for taking Graham's life.

Black Cloud's sentencing will happen at a later date, per his attorney's request.

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Crisis care for youths and transportation are among the community needs that received funding from the first United Way of the Black Hills community impact grants. Programs and services at 17 nonprofit organizations were awarded a total of $240,000 in grant funds this fall.

In 2020, UWBH announced it was transitioning from being solely a funder to becoming a community impact organization. UWBH is addressing Black Hills communities most urgent needs through advocacy efforts and by securing additional money to distribute to organizations. UWBH will continue its annual fundraising campaign, as well.

Jamie Toennies, UWBH executive director, said money raised that exceeded UWBHs 2020 fundraising campaign goal, along with a portion of funds from the 2020 campaign, were used for community impact grants. Agencies that currently receive United Way funding are encouraged to apply for future community impact grants.

WellFully in Rapid City received a $52,150 community impact grant from UWBH on Sept. 24. WellFully is the only organization in western South Dakota that provides in-patient drug rehabilitation and residential behavioral health care for adolescents in crisis. The grant funds will help WellFully to transform a section of its existing facility to provide crisis counseling and care for local youths.

South Dakota has the second-highest level of per capita suicide among youth in the country. Currently, we have only one level of care and support for youth who are considering suicide or who are in crisis, said Burke Eilers, executive director at WellFully.

WellFullys crisis care center will provide services 24 hours a day, seven days a week for youths in middle and high school. The outpatient, voluntary, walk-in center will screen, assess, observe, de-escalate and stabilize youths in crisis in a culturally appropriate way. The center will also be an access point to refer youths to appropriate services and levels of care.

Between January 2016 and August 2018, 2,393 patients younger than 18 were seen at Monument Health Rapid City Hospitals emergency room for a behavioral health issue, but 21% of those youths  more than 500 individuals  were discharged from the emergency room without receiving any services, Eilers said.

Currently, kids in crisis need to go to Monuments emergency room to be evaluated to see if they qualify for (treatment at) the behavioral west unit of the hospital, he said.

Youths that dont meet the requirements for treatment at the hospital still need services, Eilers said, and WellFullys crisis care center hopes to fill that gap in care.

In addition, OneHeart in Rapid City received a $10,000 community impact grant for transportation. OneHeart offers a recovery-oriented environment and transitional housing for people who are referred to the program. Its campus includes a center where human services agencies can provide mental health counseling, life skills, job training, child care and other support services.

OneHeart's transportation program helps clients obtain and maintain employment, get to and from school, and travel to and from off-campus appointments when other transportation options are not reliable or available.

Transportation is one of the biggest barriers keeping individuals from getting the support and services they need," Toennies said. We are pleased to help support OneHearts efforts to minimize this barrier so that their clients can get to the critical programs and services they need to be successful.

In addition to WellFully and OneHeart, the following Black Hills nonprofit organizations received UWBH community impact grants: Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Black Hills; American Red Cross; Working Against Violence, Inc.; Volunteers of America; 2-1-1 Helpline Center; Black Hills Special Services Cooperative; CASA 7th Circuit; Literacy Council of the Black Hills; CASA of the Northern Hills; Victims of Violence intervention program; Americas Kids Belong; Crisis Intervention Shelter Service; Lutheran Social Services of South Dakota; National Alliance on Mental Illness South Dakota; and Fork Real Community Cafe.

Toennies said UWBH launched its new community impact grants to support organizations that focus on priority issues identified in the UWBH 2019 Community Needs Assessment (unitedwayblackhills.org/community-needs-assessment.) In the Black Hills, mental health services, treatment for substance and alcohol abuse, child care, food security, housing, combatting child and domestic abuse and job training are among the priorities that most urgently need more resources and support.

A major part of what we do is investing wisely in these programs and resources, and we cannot make this happen without the generous support of our community and donors. Whether you are only able to give $1 or $100, your gift helps in creating sustainable impact, Toennies said.

To donate to United Way of the Black Hills, go to unitedwayblackhills.org/donate, or call the United Way office at 605-343-5872.

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For the second time in three months, a judge has ruled against the way the Republican-majority Legislature used investigative subpoenas to access judicial records earlier this year.

Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Mike McMahon on Wednesday issued his ruling on a challenge to the Legislature's investigative subpoenas leveled by Montana Supreme Court Justice Jim Rice.

Rice was the only of the seven justices to take his challenge against the subpoenas to court; the other justices have argued the information initially released following the subpoenas is confidential by law.

"The court provided a skillful and extensive review of all issues in the proceeding, which is indicative of the exemplary work done by judges every day in service to Montanans," Rice said in a statement sent to the Montana State News Bureau through his attorney. "While none of my emails or communications were improper or inappropriate, I challenged the subpoena in court to defend my office from an unlawful attack, to uphold the integrity of our institutions and constitutional system of separation of powers, and to protect the personal communications of judges.

"Today, those principles have been vindicated by the Court, and this decision will provide guidance for proper interactions between the Legislative and Judicial branches in the future."

The order, however, granted Rice one ruling he sought in the case and denied him another.

Wednesday's order stems from when the GOP-led Legislature fired off nine subpoenas for judicial records in April as it ramped up its investigation following the revelation that judges had been polled on pending legislation. The poll was conducted to gather information for a District Court judge who would testify on bills seeking to alter court functions.

Republican lawmakers used to poll to level claims of potential bias regarding legislation that may come before their courts. The legislators alleged misuse of state resources the Montana Supreme Court administrator had deleted the results of one of the polls. The Supreme Court's chief justice has defended the actions.

McMahon's 19-page order Wednesday found, as the Montana Supreme Court did in July, that the Legislature had no authority to attempt to pry judicial documents from the courts. The high court found the subpoenas invalid because they served no legitimate purpose, while McMahon's reading of state law found no authority for the Legislature to subpoena documents.

"The Legislature's authority remains subject to judicial oversight, particularly when those it 'investigates' are subjected to unlawful document subpoenas," McMahon wrote.

Lawmakers abandoned those subpoenas three weeks before the Supreme Court ruling, although the chair of the legislative probe said he still expected the justices to eventually turn over the documents. Lawmakers, through the Attorney General, argued the judge could not rule on a subpoena that had been withdrawn. In a September brief, the Attorney General's lawyers also surmised it would not have a proper place to appeal McMahon's forthcoming order, because that appeal would go to the Supreme Court where Rice sits, which was the judicial body under investigation in the first place.

McMahon's ruling also denied Rice's request to prohibit lawmakers from issuing any subpoenas in the future in the parameters of how the Legislature has so far described and justified its investigation. McMahon declined to make an advisory ruling on a hypothetical subpoena or its legality.

"This court has no jurisdiction to issue a declaratory ruling based on contingent, hypothetical or abstract future Legislative subpoenas that may never be issued to Justice Rice," Rice wrote.

The Select Committee on Judicial Accountability and Transparency, assembled in the last weeks of the Legislature, has not met or posted an upcoming meeting date since May 5.

"The select committee will absolutely continue seeking additional information from the judicial branch and working to fix ethical problems within the judiciary," Kyle Schmauch, a spokesperson for the Senate GOP, said Thursday.

The first subpoena, issued not for anyone in the judicial branch but the director of the Department of Administration, landed more than 5,000 emails in lawmakers hands in a matter of days. The agency stores state emails.

The Supreme Court blocked that subpoena pending a challenge by the Supreme Court administrator, whose emails were being extracted through the administration department. The Supreme Court, when it ruled in June that the Legislature had no constitutional grounds for subpoenaing the documents, ordered the Legislature to return the emails to the Department of Administration.

Schmauch said Thursday the emails obtained through the Department of Administration remain in the possession of the Legislature's attorneys while they mull a possible appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

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A hunter who was attacked by a grizzly this weekend west of Cody shot and killed the bear, wildlife officials said. Her two cubs were later euthanized by authorities.

The attack occurred Saturday morning as the man was elk hunting. He and his hunting partner had a sudden encounter with the bears, according to a statement from state and federal wildlife agencies. The female grizzly had not been handled by officials in the past and was unmarked.

Saturdays mauling was the first human injury from a grizzly encounter in Wyoming this year, said Dan Smith, Cody regional wildlife supervisor for Wyoming Game and Fish.

It was an unprovoked attack, Smith said. There was nothing that indicates the hunters had done anything that would provoke an attack.

Grizzly attacks are unusual  Game and Fish has recorded 30 injuries since 2010  but can happen unexpectedly. The hunter may have accidentally startled the bear, come too close to her cubs or approached an important food source, Smith said.

This time of year, bears are very hyperphagic, and they're trying to put on weight before they go in to hibernate in the winter. And so if they have a food source that they're protecting, that could instigate aggressive behavior, he said.

The hunters injuries were not life-threatening. He rode five miles out to a trailhead on horseback before being flown by helicopter to a hospital in Billings.

Game and Fish responded to the scene to investigate. That inquiry is ongoing under the direction of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

The agencies jointly decided to euthanize the grizzlys cubs. At less than a year old, they were too small to survive on their own. The young bears became aggressive when officials tried to separate them from their mothers body, Smith said.

Due to the remote location, the condition of the cubs and their aggressiveness, there just wasn't any other alternative. It would be what I would consider inhumane for the bears there to starve to death, he said.

Game and Fish has not provided an update on the hunters condition.

The safety of outdoor recreationists is always at the forefront of our minds, Smith said in a statement Monday. Our thoughts are with the individual who was injured and we wish him a full and speedy recovery.

Grizzlies in Wyoming are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act. Gov. Mark Gordon recently announced that Wyoming will petition the Fish and Wildlife Service to remove the species federal protections.

If grizzlies are removed from the endangered species list, management of the animal will return to the state.

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Winsome Sears, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor, will not say whether she is vaccinated against COVID-19.

Sears, in an interview with CNN, declined to say, prompting criticism from Hala Ayala, the Democratic nominee.

Sears told CNN: My life is very public. Its just the way it is. But I want to hold certain things close.

She and her campaign spokesman, Tucker Davis, did not respond to voicemails and a text message on Thursday.

Ayala, a delegate from Prince William County, said in a statement: Real leadership is about leading by example. Real leadership is not being evasive and hiding from Virginians at a time when they need to hear from you most.

GOP gubernatorial nominee Glenn Youngkin has said he got the vaccine and encouraged others to get one as well.

Sears tweeted that she encourages people to get vaccinated, but no one should have to disclose that, especially not to liberal hack reporters at CNN.
Richmond Registrar Keith Balmer said the city has gotten back about 1,300 mailed absentee ballots so far. Of those, 110 have a problem that needs to be fixed. Almost all of them  102  are missing the witness signature.

If you do not have a witness to sign your envelope, your ballot will be rejected, so we dont want that, Balmer said.

Voters who mailed in ballots without the witness signature have an opportunity to fix the problem.

A law that took effect July 1 sets up a formalized cure process that enables voters to fix procedural errors on absentee ballots. If a general registrar finds that the witness signature is missing, the registrars office will notify the voter within three days.

The voter will have until noon on Nov. 5, the third day after the election, to correct the ballot in order for it to be counted.

This fall, Virginia voters will elect the states governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general and will fill all 100 seats in the House of Delegates. In addition, a number of localities have local contests. In Richmond, voters will determine the fate of a proposed casino.

Tuesday, Oct. 12, is the deadline to register to vote  5 p.m. in person at a registrars office, or 11:59 p.m. online.
Columbus was looking for a trade route to Asia from Europe when his fleet of ships reached the Caribbean. Thinking he had reached the East Indies, he called the natives Indians, but he had landed in the Bahamas and never set foot on what would become the United States.

He didnt discover America, because the land already was inhabited by native peoples with a vibrant culture and history. The Europeans brought disease, genocide, rape, slavery, forced conversion to Catholicism and exploitation to the New World.

Since the 1970s, emotions have run strong on both sides of the Columbus controversy. Critics argue that a holiday honoring Columbus is inappropriate at best, and many localities have abolished Columbus Day or renamed it.

Supporters of Columbus and his holiday argue that the changes denigrate the role of Italian Americans and all immigrants in creating American society.

As Confederate monuments forced us to confront hard truths about historical figures, so too Columbus Day demands we reassess another flawed hero. Statues of Columbus also were toppled in several cities last year.
CHRISTIANSBURG  The Montgomery County School Board is looking at an adjustment to its new policy on the treatment of transgender students, a move that would offer stronger protections for children who have fears about disclosing their status to their parents.

The measure, which the school board could take a vote on in December, involves the addition of a line in the policy that will direct school staff to explain to a student the procedure to be followed once the student discloses their gender identities and begins to issue a request in relation to their status.

Several school board members on Tuesday voiced concerns about a process that calls for the schools to ultimately tell parents about requests such as their children asking to be referred to by the pronouns they identify with. The change would clarify to students that they can hold off on the request if theyre still unsure about whether they want their parents to know.

As soon as theres any inkling that this maybe a conversation related to [being transgender] in any kind of way, that they stop the conversation and help the child understand this is the next step if we have this conversation, school board member Penny Franklin said, summarizing the proposed policy change.
Shelor said the extra certification is a matter of readiness, especially when dealing with people who are suffering from ailing mental health.

Law enforcement handling this stuff needs to be dual certified, Shelor said. If youre not trained to do the task at hand, you need to be better equipped.

Staton said the mental health system, specifically the time required to transport mental health patients, is one of the biggest challenges facing police and sheriffs departments alike. Deputies sometimes drive eight hour round trips to get a patient committed to an available mental health facility elsewhere in Virginia.

Were all struggling with that, and it affects us a great deal. We spend a lot of hours after work, Staton said. That also affects the amount of wear and tear on our vehicles, because we are going all over the place.

Shelor and Goodman agreed on the resource drain of mental health transports.

It doesnt matter whether youre law enforcement certified, Staton said. What I seek to do every day is to grow and develop my people into good humans, to be good people and good servants.

All three candidates said their leadership abilities uniquely qualify them for the role of sheriff.
To me, this is the most important item on our agenda by far, bar none. If you would have told me two years ago that the federal government would direct that we impose a mandate of a medical decision as a condition of employment ... the mandate is not scientifically based, he said.

As far as I know we are the only county in the state that has that white flag with the snake on it over therehas a history of standing up for libertydont tread on me, it is essential that we stand up for our employees.

Underwood proceeded to call his colleagues on the board a bunch of wimps for not supporting him.

The president of the United States said he had run out of patience with us, said get the vaccine. He said if you have more than 100 employees you are going to be fined if you dont mandate it, he said. When you get on an airplane right now they say it is federal law you must wear a maskWe are not acting in hasteThis is exactly when we need to make a stand.
To quash opposition from ordinary citizens and officeholders who are accountable to them, national government union bosses and their state and local lieutenants are already demanding that Richmond politicians rewrite the monopoly-bargaining law they rubber-stamped barely more than a year ago to make the corrosive system they favor mandatory in every public agency in Virginia.

In an Aug. 26 union press release, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees President Lee Saunders didnt mince words: His plan is for every Virginia public-sector worker, including the 125,000 state civil servants who are exempt from the 2020 law, to be subject to union monopoly bargaining.

McAuliffe, who has already raked in $3.4 million in cash alone this year from Big Labor (including $1.3 million from government unions), is vowing to give Saunders et. al. exactly what they want. Interviewed earlier this year, he pledged he would get collective [monopoly] bargaining done as governor. He would also sign a bill repealing Virginias popular Right to Work law banning forced union dues as a job condition if it comes to his desk.

Fortunately, Virginia voters who oppose mandatory monopoly bargaining and compulsory unionism have a choice this fall, since Youngkin has pledged to fight both these schemes if elected. Over the next few weeks, the National Right to Work Committee will be contacting freedom-loving citizens throughout the state to inform them about the choice they face, even as we continue to try to persuade McAuliffe to change course and stop supporting special privileges for union bosses.

Greer is the newsletter editor for the Springfield, Va.-based National Right to Work Committee.
For years, Virginia Republicans and Democrats alike have been positioning the commonwealth as the Energy Capital of the East Coast.

In September 2020, the two-turbine CVOW pilot project was completed, bringing 12 megawatts of clean energy onto the grid and powering 3,000 Virginia homes.

Dominion Energy is now moving forward on the second, commercial phase of the project, which will power 660,000 Virginia homes with clean, affordable and reliable energy when its complete.

According to a study released by the Hampton Roads Alliance and conducted by Magnum Economics, upon completion in 2026, the CVOW project will support more than 1,100 direct and indirect jobs, $82 million in pay and benefits, $210 million in economic output, and $11 million in state and local tax revenue.

These benefits will have ripple effects across the commonwealth, from one corner of the state to another.

The CVOW project is well worth the investment, and the State Corporation Commission has overseen and will continue to oversee Dominion Energy to ensure the project remains in the best interest of ratepayers. It also will help us meet Virginias emission goal, per the Clean Economy Act, of net-zero by 2050.
By Hadas LABRISCH, October 3, 2021, The Jerusalem Post

In 1959, a cartographer named Ilhan Durupinar discovered a boat-shaped footprint on top of a mountain in the Dogubayazit region in Turkey. Now, American researchers and Turkish scientists of Noah's Ark Discovered Project claim that they have proof that the biblical relic lies beneath the surface of Durupinar.

Using 3D scans of GPR and ERT technology, the researchers claim that they uncovered a man-made boat structure beneath the ground, before beginning any excavation. The formation identified in the scans, according to the team, matches the dimensions of the Genesis description of Noahs Ark.

This weeks Torah portion tells the story of Gods instructions to Noah to build an ark and carry with him a male and female of each animal. The text carries specific descriptions regarding the size and structure of the vessel: length 300 cubits, breadth 50 cubits, and height 30 cubits. Cubits, a biblical term called Ama in Hebrew, means forearm, and is estimated to be approximately 18 inches, or about half a meter long.

The Torah further tells us that the Ark landed on the hills of Mt. Ararat, a dormant volcano near the east border of Turkey. The Durupinar site is approximately 30 km south of the mountain.

Researcher Andrew Jones and lead scientist Dr. Fethi Ahmet Yuksel of the Department of Geophysical Engineering, Applied Geophysics Department of Istanbul University believe that the results of the scans indicate a man-made artifact beneath the surface that could well be the Ark, and are eager to continue studying the location.

The new GPR data shows parallel lines and angular structures 8 to 20 feet down, claim the team on their project website. These parallel lines and right angles below the surface are something you would not expect to see in a natural, geologic formation.

Mount Ararat overlooking a field of eroded khachkars (Armenian cross-stones) in Western Armenia [Eastern Turkey] from the book 100 (1915-2015)'. (credit: HRAIR HAWK KHATCHERIAN)

However, the scientific world is not keen to accept their assumption. Since the original discovery by the Turkish captain, the Durupinar site has been repeatedly questioned and refuted as the location of Noahs Ark. In the 1970s through to the 1990s, American researcher Ron Wyatt studied the site and published his discoveries, which geologist Lorence Collins then systematically refuted in 1996 in the Journal of Geosciences Education, dismissing the findings as natural rock formation with an unusual structure.

The spikes and wanes in public and academic interest were enough to lead the Turkish Ministry of Culture to place the site under national protection and label it a national park, but no official excavation projects have been approved. Several independent teams are studying the site simultaneously, both Turkish and foreign.

Even after the original discovery was deemed superficial and a natural phenomenon, some never gave up on the belief that the original Ark lies beneath its surface. Perhaps the findings by Noah's Ark Scans, making use of technology that didn't exist during previous expeditions, could sway the verdict regarding deeper examination of the location that could potentially be hiding one of the most significant relics in history.
" " Petri dishes containing sprouting embryos of an agricultural plant called camelina sativa that have received spliced genetic material via the CRISPR-Cas9 process are displayed at the Leibnitz Institute of Plant Genetics and Crop Plant Research in Gatersleben, Germany. These samples will be used for breeding biodiverse hybrids suited to modeled environmental scenarios of the future. Sean Gallup/Getty Images

Lately, there's been a lot of buzz about mosquitoes; specifically, the genetically engineered variety. This summer, a team of scientists from the University of California, Santa Barbara and the University of Washington pioneered a method for messing with mosquito vision, making it very difficult for them to find human targets.

How did they accomplish such a feat? Using a genetic engineering tool known as CRISPR.

"CRISPR was originally a way that bacteria developed to fight viruses," says Raphael Ferreira, a genomics engineer at Harvard Medical School. Often compared to a pair of "molecular scissors," CRISPR uses specialized proteins called Cas  short for CRISPR-associated enzymes to cut strands of DNA or RNA at a precise, preprogrammed location. Then, the system can insert or remove the desired gene at that site, and viola: gene-edited organism.

CRISPR opens up a world of possibilities, including many  such as blinding mosquitoes  in the realm of human health. But that's not all it's being used for. "We have so many variants of that technology, it has allowed us to do any type of genetic engineering possible," says Ferreira.

Here are some of the wildest ways scientists are applying CRISPR inside (and potentially outside) the lab.

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1. Growing Spicy Tomatoes and Decaf Coffee Beans

Imagine biting into a vine-ripened tomato. What flavors come to mind? Sweet? Acidic, maybe a little savory? How about spicy?

Thanks to an international team of geneticists, that might be the future flavor profile of the humble tomato. Researchers in Brazil and Ireland have proposed CRISPR a means of activating dormant capsaicinoid genes in tomato plants, the same genetic sequence that gives chilis their kick. In addition to creating the perfect bloody Mary, the plants promise an economical alternative to traditional peppers, which are notoriously tricky to grow.

CRISPR can also offer a boost to your daily breakfast routine  or take the boost away. U.K. company Tropic Biosciences is currently developing a coffee bean engineered to grow caffeine-free. That's a big deal, because today's coffee beans have to be chemically decaffeinated, usually by soaking them in ethyl acetate or methylene chloride (also an ingredient in paint remover). This harsh chemical bath strips out both the beans' caffeine and much of their flavor. CRISPR coffee promises a jitter-free cup of Joe, with all the roasty goodness of full-caf.

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2. Making No-Hangover Wine

If you've ever wished you could have a night out on the town without suffering a head-splitting hangover the next morning, you might be in luck. A team of scientists at the University of Illinois have used their genetic scissors to boost the health benefits of a strain of yeast used to ferment wine  and they've snipped out the genes responsible for next-day headaches.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the yeast in question, is a polyploid organism, meaning that it has many copies of each gene (as opposed to the usual two). This feature makes the yeast both highly adaptable and extremely difficult to genetically engineer using older methods, which could only target one copy of a gene at a time.

But CRISPR allows genetic engineers to cut across every single version of a gene in one go. Compared to older technologies, "the complexity of what you can do with CRISPR is way beyond," says Ferreira, "It's all about efficiency."

Using it, the Illinois team was able to boost the amount of heart-healthy resveratrol in their wine, while leaving the hangover on the cutting room floor.

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3. All Bull, No Fight

When it comes to cattle farming, horns are usually a no-go. On a fully-grown bull, they pose danger to the farmer, the other cattle, and occasionally to the animal itself.

Traditionally, farm-raised cattle are dehorned by annihilating the horn-producing cells on the animal's forehead, located on two bony protuberances called horn buds. The buds are destroyed by one of several different painful means: with good old-fashioned knives, or by applying hot irons, electricity, or caustic substances like sodium hydroxide. These practices can sometimes lead to facial disfigurement or eye damage. But CRISPR might just offer a more ethical alternative.

Using CRISPR, scientists have engineered a gene for hornlessness in cattle, effectively eliminating the need for horn-removal procedures in those animals. Even more interestingly, some of these gene-edited bulls have been able to pass the trait on to their offspring  which is crucial for keeping the trait in population circulation. In scientific circles, this has been seen as a potentially huge success story: so much so that geneticist Alison L. Van Eenennaam of the University of California, Davis wrote an essay in Nature about it, calling horn removal "an animal welfare concern of high priority" and advocating for continued research.

Historically, the general public has had less enthusiasm for gene-tweaked crops and livestock, although recent research suggests that those attitudes may be changing. But what if CRISPR were used for something a little less "Charlotte's Web" and a little more "Jurassic Park"?

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4. Resurrecting Lost Species

Perhaps the most far-out use for CRISPR at the moment is its potential to bring entire species back from the dead. And right now, there's serious talk about resurrecting one particular species: the passenger pigeon.

Passenger pigeons used to rove the forests of North America in flocks hundreds of millions strong, darkening the skies and thundering through the understory in what conservationist Aldo Leopold described as "a feathered tempest." However, that started to change in the 18th and 19th centuries, as European colonists radiated across the continent.

In addition to being ubiquitous, passenger pigeons had the unfortunate quality of being delicious. They were hunted en masse by hungry Euro-Americans, both for food and sport. This probably wouldn't have been as devastating to the birds' total population, except that humans simultaneously destroyed much of their nesting grounds. This brutal combination drove the species into steep decline by the early 20th century. The last known passenger pigeon, a bird named Martha, died in captivity in 1914.

Now, scientists are looking to CRISPR as a way to bring these iconic birds back. California-based biotech organization Revive & Restore has a dedicated Passenger Pigeon Project, which aims to reestablish the species by modifying the genome of the closely related band-tailed pigeon. If successful, the group says, they could use this approach to resurrect all kinds of extinct or critically endangered creatures, from the black-footed ferret to the woolly mammoth. Whether or not they should is, of course, still a matter of some debate, but there's no denying that CRISPR has made the stuff of science fiction possible.

Now that's interesting: In 2020, Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna were awarded the Nobel prize in chemistry for pioneering CRISPR technology, making them the sixth and seventh women to ever receive the award.
" " A close-up of Vega, the main star of the Lyra constellation. Christophe Lehenaff/Getty Images

If you've ever been out for a night of stargazing, you've probably noticed: Some stars in the sky are brighter than others. A number of factors play a role in how bright stars appear to us on Earth, and astronomers have studied some of them extensively to understand why they are so luminous. One such star is Vega, a bright main-sequence star in the constellation Lyra.

Vega is easily one of the most visible stars in the night sky, but its importance goes much further. Astronomers have studied Vega for thousands of years and will likely continue to do so thanks to a special role Vega plays in our sky every 25,000 years or so. Here are some eye-opening facts about it.

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1. Vega Is Known for Its Brightness

The star Vega is exceptionally eye-catching  it's the fifth brightest star in the night sky.

Vega is located in the constellation Lyra, which isn't a constellation most people can pick out when looking at the night sky. Nevertheless, it's among the most studied stars in the sky. Vega was the first star after our sun to be photographed and have its light spectrum recorded.

Stars can appear bright for several reasons: Because they are close or because they shine brightly. In the case of Vega, it's both. "Vega is bright because it's big, hot and close to us," explains astronomer Roy Alexander, who is an official International Dark-Sky Association delegate in the U.K.  among many other astronomy projects he's involved with.

Specifically, Vega is relatively close to our sun, at just 25 light-years away. It is also one of the most luminous stars in our galactic neighborhood.

"Vega is a white/blue star spectral type A0 V star, which means it's [got] a lot of blue in its spectrum," says Alexander. "Blue is quite easily visible to humans in the night sky so that probably helps us to see it as a much brighter star too."

Finally, our perspective on Vega helps us see it more brightly: "Vega is much hotter at its poles than its equator," explains Alexander. "We see it as 'pole' wards  that is one of its poles is pointing toward us. That'll add an element to why it's brighter."

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2. It's a Also Big One

Vega is a massive star, about twice as large as our own sun. While size has relatively little impact on how bright stars appear to us due to the massive scale of distances in space, Vega's size, proximity and distance all come together to make it one of the brightest stars we can see.

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3. It's the Once and Future North Pole Star

Vega is also special because it used to be the North Pole star around 12000 B.C.E. and will be again around the year 13727. Astronomers have studied changes in Earth's axial tilt (also called axial precession) to determine that Polaris has not always been the pole star  but Vega was once and will be again.

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4. You've Seen Likely Vega Without Knowing It

Vega is visible to the unaided eye; in fact, you've probably already seen it without realizing it. For most people stargazing in the Northern Hemisphere, Vega is visible all night long and every night of the year. Further south, you might only see Vega in the summer months when it forms the "Summer Triangle" asterism with other bright stars Altair and Deneb.

" " The Summer Triangle stars in the Milky Way through Cygnus, Lyra and Aquila. Alan Dyer/Stocktrek Images/Getty Images

To spot Vega in the night sky, you might not be able to pick out the constellation Lyra that it is part of. Instead, look for the cross formed by stars in the constellation Cygnus, the Swan. Vega is the bright star under one of the swan's "wing." Depending on the time of year and your latitude on Earth, you might see Cygnus directly overhead or in the northern part of the sky.

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5. It Can Seem Dimmer

Vega has not dimmed significantly over the course of our celestial observation of it. "It seems pretty stable as stars go and only slightly variable," Alexander says. "I doubt it's been dimmer except for when it was a proto star about half a billion years ago."

However Vega does dim regularly because it is a variable star. That means its apparent magnitude changes in a predictable way due to the star's rotation. Vega's average magnitude is 0.03, but it ranges from 0.02-0.07; if you're curious why Vega's apparent magnitude is so close to zero, that's because British astronomer Norman Pogson used Vega as the baseline star to develop the magnitude scale for how bright stars appear to us!

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6. It's a Young Star, Compared to Our Sun

Despite its massive size, astronomers calculate that Vega is only about one-tenth the age of our sun and is likely approaching middle age in its stellar life cycle. Given that our sun is roughly 4.5 billion years old, Vega is just 450 million years old and may only live another 450 million years. Our sun will still continue shining another 4 billion years after Vega has dimmed to a white dwarf.

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7. Its Name Has Arabic Roots

Like many stars, Vega gets its name from the Arabic language. After all, many of the original ancient Greek astronomy documents were translated through Arabic to preserve them for modern astronomers.

According to Cyril Glasse in "The New Encyclopedia of Islam," Vega is likely a transliteration of the Arabic word "waqi'", which means "falling" or "landing." It comes from the phrase an-nasr al-waqi' which means "the falling eagle" and was documented in Al Achsasi al Mouakket, a star catalog published by Egyptian astronomer Muhammad al-Akhsasi al-Muwaqqit in the mid-17th century.

While we can't be certain, Vega's "name" was likely part of how Arabic astronomers placed Vega in their own system of constellations, similar to other Arabic star names and terms.

HowStuffWorks earns a small affiliate commission when you purchase through links on our site.

Now That's Interesting Vega was the first star to have a car named after it and has since inspired many more vehicles. In the early 20th century, American aerospace company Lockheed developed the Vega six-seater airplane. On Earth, the French Facel Vega car was the first automobile named after any star in the mid-1950s; Chevrolet released a Vega model car in 1971. The European Space Agency also has a Vega launch system of rockets and boosters used to send satellites to space.

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Originally Published: Oct 23, 2020
FILE PHOTO: Apple logo is seen on the Apple store at The Marche Saint Germain in Paris

By Foo Yun Chee, Toby Sterling and Stephen Nellis

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - The Dutch antitrust authority has found that Apples rules requiring software developers to use its in-app payment system are anti-competitive and ordered it to make changes, four people familiar with the matter said, in the latest regulatory setback for the iPhone maker.

Apple's app-store payment policies, in particular its requirement that app developers exclusively use its payment system where commissions range between 15% and 30%, have long drawn complaints from developers.

The Dutch investigation into whether Apple's practices amounted to an abuse of a dominant market position was launched in 2019 but later reduced in scope to focus primarily on dating market apps.

They included a complaint from Match Group, owner of the popular dating service Tinder, which said Apple's rules were hindering it from direct communications with its customers about payments.

The Netherlands' Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) last month informed the U.S. technology giant of its decision, making it the first antitrust regulator to make a finding the company has abused market power in the app store, though Apple is facing challenges in multiple countries.

ACM has not levied a fine against Apple, but demanded changes to the in-app payment system, the people said. The decision has not been seen by Reuters.

An ACM spokesperson declined to comment, saying that the matter is currently under legal review. The regulator has previously said it expects to publish its decision this year.

Apple was not immediately available to comment. The company argues its app store rules ensure security and privacy for its users.

Match declined to comment. A lawyer representing the company in the Dutch case said he could not comment.

The people said Apple has asked the Rotterdam District Court for an injunction to block publication of the ruling during its appeal.

A court spokesman confirmed the existence of the case to block publication, but could not say when a decision is expected. The proceedings are not open to the press or public.

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The European Commission launched an investigation in 2020 parallel to the Dutch probe, but focused on whether app store rules favour Apple apps when there are competing products, such as Apple Music versus Spotify.

A U.S. judge last month ordered Apple to make it easier for apps to promote alternative payment systems. Plaintiff Epic Games, the maker of "Fortnite", is appealing, saying the decision does not go far enough.

South Korea has enacted a law barring app store operators from forcing developers to use their official payment systems. Apple and Google are due to respond this month on how they will comply.

In Japan, Apple settled an antitrust probe by agreeing to allow some music, video and e-book apps, notably Netflix, to promote purchase options outside their apps.

(Reporting by Yun Chee Foo, Toby Sterling, Stephen Nellis; Additional reporting by Paresh Dave; Editing by Jan Harvey)
A primary school student pulling a school bag arrives at school in Singapore. (PHOTO: Then Chih Wey/Xinhua/xinjiapo via Getty Images)

SINGAPORE  Year-end examinations for Primary 3 and 4 students will be cancelled, as the Ministry of Education (MOE) begins to progressively bring P1 to P6 students back to school for face-to-face lessons from Monday (11 October).

The ministry said in a media release on Thursday that the P3 and P4 exams are cancelled to allow more time for curriculum recovery due to disruptions brought about by COVID-19.

It added that schools will be able to draw a range of assessments conducted throughout the year to report students learning progress and provide feedback, as well as make recommendations on students subject combination where necessary.

Meanwhile, year-end examinations for P5 students will still proceed under strict safe management measures (SMMs). MOE said that this allows students and parents to better understand the students' learning progress prior to taking the Primary School Leaving Examinations (PSLE) next year.

P1 and P2 students do not have year-end examinations.

Return to school after Home-Based Learning

From next week, MOE will begin to phase the return of students in primary schools and Special Education schools from their Home-Based Learning (HBL), which was implemented to reduce the possible disruption to the cohort taking the PSLE:

P3 to P6 students will return from Monday;

P1 and P2 students to continue with HBL on Monday and Tuesday, and return to school for face-to-face lessons only from Wednesday;

Special Education schools will be provided with more details on the phased return of students.

Parents of P1 to P5 students are to do an Antigen Rapid Test (ART) swab on their children at home on either Friday or Saturday, prior to returning to school and report the results via a link that will be sent to them.

Lessons for students aged 12 and below at tuition and enrichment centres may resume face-to-face from Monday, with strict SMMs in place. However, MOE strongly encourages centres to continue conducting these classes online as much as possible.

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Face-to-face classes for students aged 12 and below in private education institutions (PEIs) may also resume from Monday. PEIs with similar student profiles and that conduct similar activities to schools are strongly advised to take reference from measures for schools, and adopt them where possible.

Co-curricular activities and other after-school activities will continue to be suspended for all levels, including secondary schools, junior colleges and Millennia Institute.

School holiday after PSLE marking exercise

The 2021 PSLE marking exercise will be conducted over four days, from 18 to 21 October. Primary school students will not be required to report to school during this period of marking, and there will be no HBL conducted.

The day after the marking exercise, 22 October, will be a school holiday for primary schools. All primary school students will return to school from 25 October (Monday).

Stay in the know on-the-go: Join Yahoo Singapore's Telegram channel at http://t.me/YahooSingapore
FILE PHOTO: A Twitter logo is seen outside the company headquarters in San Francisco

(Reuters) -Twitter Inc said on Wednesday it has agreed to sell mobile ad company MoPub to AppLovin Corp for $1.05 billion in cash, as the microblogging platform looks to focus more on advertisements on its own app and website.

MoPub, which generated about $188 million in annual revenue for Twitter last year, allows companies to keep track of ad inventory in real time, similar to Google's DoubleClick.

"The sale of MoPub positions us to concentrate more of our efforts on the massive potential for ads on our website and in our apps," Twitter Chief Financial Officer Ned Segal said.

Twitter said on Wednesday it will focus on its core business by accelerating development of new products and features to achieve its goal of doubling its revenue in 2023 to $7.5 billion.

The MoPub deal comes months after Apple updated its mobile operating system that powers iPhones and iPads to make it hard for digital advertisers, including social media platforms and mobile game developers, to track users on Apple mobile devices.

The sale will allow Twitter to invest in "the core products that position it for long-term growth," Twitter Chief Executive Officer Jack Dorsey said on Wednesday.

The social media company bought MoPub for nearly $350 million in 2013.

Twitter has made a series of deals for privately held tech firms this year, including podcast app Breaker and email newsletter startup Revue, as it looks to reach its 2023 revenue goal.

The sale to AppLovin was unanimously approved by Twitter's board.

AppLovin, which recently went public in April, is a mobile gaming company with a portfolio that includes more than 200 free-to-play mobile games, such as "Word Connect," "Slap Kings" and "Bingo Story".

The company's shares were up 9% at $84 in extended trading, while Twitter rose 2% to $62.57.

(Reporting by Manas Mishra, Subrat Patnaik and Niket Nishant in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)
House hunting? Look no further!! Located on the westside (close to Lyons park), this house has two bedrooms and one bath. There is also a dormer that could easily be a third bedroom. This property has a large fenced in backyard, off-street parking, and is located on a quiet street. With a little TLC, this house could be made into a home. Property is being sold AS-IS...
Paul Rasch carries the last jugs of Wilsons Orchard & Farm apple cider vinegar off a delivery truck and through the backdoor of a massive, barn wood-clad restaurant.

Iowa Citys Rapid Creek Cidery is just one of several businesses on this property. It perches atop a shallow valley with rows of trees spilling out in all directions.

With a panoramic view of the orchard as a backdrop, Rasch takes a break to sit in the Ciderys dining hall. He shares that his family has been in the apple business for generations. Five, to be exact.

Born into the apple-growing tradition

Back in Michigan, Raschs dad and his four brothers owned apple orchards. With 44 children between them, Rasch and his cousins all picked apples starting at 10 cents an hour, from the age of six to 16 years old. I think we earned a nickel raise each year, he chuckles. But, the day I turned 16, I left.

Rasch rode freight trains and hitchhiked around the country; studied engineering, sustainable farming and political science; and traveled around India and Nepal. It was on a Nepalese farm that he decided to return to his apple-growing roots.

Shortly after, Rasch took a job in 1993 building the first commercial apple juice company in China. He, his wife and children didnt return to the U.S. until 2006, after selling the company to Del Monte Foods.

Home sweet home in the Hawkeye State

Rasch and his family were drawn to Iowa Citys college-town atmosphere and had heard of Wilsons Orchard & Farm, then run by Bob Chug Wilson, a sporting goods businessman with a serious apple-growing hobby. Rasch tried to buy his farm after moving to the town about an hour west of the Illinois border. But the timing wasnt right, and he instead found a nearby farm.

After planting his first trees on that property, Wilsons was back on the market. This time, Rasch purchased the orchard.

With two plots now in his possession, the original farm became the epicenter for cider production, vinegar making, sheep paddocks and a high-density, private orchard. There Rasch also experiments with small-batch cultivars to see how they manage Iowas winters and army of Midwestern pests.

Wilsons became Raschs U-pick farm, with over 120 original apple varieties. When we took over, we had this incredible gene pool, Rasch remembers. But, the trees hadnt been pruned well or protected from deer. Rasch quickly updated the farming and business practices and reduced the trees to a more manageable amount encompassing 80 to 90 varieties.

Today, both orchards are flourishing. Business has expanded, and concerts and family events fill the calendar. These were important business changes for us, Rasch says. When apple sales and picking only happens for roughly 12 weeks out of the year, farmers have to get creative and be smart.

Maintaining sustainability at Wilsons: Its all about balance

As most Midwestern farmers know, finding an eco-friendly solution for pest management can be challenging. When I grew up, every insect was abhorred. No matter what the bug was, we just killed it, Rasch shares. But weve learned over the years that 97% of bugs can be beneficial to our trees, although 3% may be bad, he says.

One of the biggest insect problems for Iowa apple growers is the codling moth, a pest that feeds inside the apple, making it inedible. They're ubiquitous. It seems like anywhere you grow apples, theyre there, laments Rasch.

Pheromone disruptors are a welcome solution: Male moths are attracted to a specific pheromone excreted by females, and flooding an orchard with this pheromone disorients the males, impeding reproduction. Weve been doing this for several years, and its incredibly effective, reports Rasch. It eliminates a disruptive insect and doesnt hurt our pollinators. So, were protecting our bees.

Sustainable soil improvement and management efforts are important to Rasch. The roots and the spaces between them are rich with microorganisms: flora, fauna and fungi, he explains. They bring the vitamins and minerals to the party, and the sugars created from photosynthesis feed the roots which in turn feed the microorganisms.

Family and community, the center of Wilsons business

For orchards with a direct-to-consumer model, business is compressed into three short months. So, what do farmers do for the other nine months?

We ultimately decided a year-round business was the answer, answers Rasch. For his farm, this includes the Farm Market, Bakery, Smokehouse, various Wilsons Orchard & Farm products, including hard and sweet ciders sales and apple cider vinegar, and the stand-alone restaurant and events center.

Today, Rasch partners with his daughter, Katie, owner and manager of Rapid Creek Cidery, as well as the orchards bakery; and his son, Jacob, who heads-up sales and marketing. It is a family affair, says Rasch.

Family, community and sustainability have always been central to Raschs mission. We want to do something more than run a business, says Rasch. We want to grow fruit crops without a lot of pesticides. We want to advocate for sustainable agriculture  and manage a community business that in turn benefits the community.

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Jesus Garcia Topete, 36, faces charges of second-degree sexual abuse, third-degree sexual abuse and lascivious acts with a child. Arrested Friday, Garcia Topete is being held in the Sioux County Jail on a $45,000 bond.

According to complaints filed in Sioux County District Court, Garcia Topete forcibly raped an 11-year-old several times at a Sioux Center home from December 2017 to March 2018. He is charged with raping the victim again in March. On several occasions from December to this March, Garcia Topete forced the victim to touch his genitals, the complaints said.
SIOUX CITY -- A Sioux City man has pleaded not guilty to charges of pistol whipping two people in a Sioux City home and taking cash from one of the victims.

Alexio Cariaga, 21, entered his plea Thursday in Woodbury County District Court to single counts of first-degree robbery, first-degree burglary and two counts each of possession of a firearm by a domestic abuser, domestic abuse assault, felon in possession of a firearm and domestic abuse assault -- third offense.

According to court documents, Cariaga went to his girlfriend's aunt's house on Aug. 17 and demanded she give him money before he put a gun to the back of her head and hit her in the head twice with it. He left after she gave him the money.

On Aug. 19, Cariaga went to a home in the 1600 block of 27th Street to see the woman and kicked in the back door, court documents said. The woman was there with a male friend, and Cariaga pistol whipped them both in the head with a handgun, causing a gash on the woman's head.

When police located Cariaga's car at 29th and Jackson streets, an officer found a handgun on the floor and a fanny pack containing marijuana.

Court records show Cariaga has two previous domestic abuse assault convictions.

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SIOUX CITY -- A teenager charged with a fatal shooting outside a Sioux City bar will be tried for murder as an adult rather than a juvenile, a judge had ruled.

District Judge Jeffrey Poulson denied a defense request to transfer Dwight Evans' case to juvenile court, saying in his ruling that the 17-year-old's numerous previous contacts in juvenile court failed to rehabilitate past delinquent behavior.

"The court further finds that a waiver of the court's jurisdiction over the child may be in the best interest of the child, but not in the best interest of the community," Poulson said in a ruling filed Tuesday in Woodbury County District Court.

Evans has pleaded not guilty of first-degree murder, going armed with intent, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance and failure to affix a drug tax stamp. He's charged with shooting Martez Harrison once in the flank, then standing over him and firing a shot into his chest during a May 1 fight outside Uncle Dave's Bar, 1427 W. Third St.

Poulson called the circumstances of the shooting "brutal," and said he agreed with a state report that said "there are some offenses that, by their very nature, separate adult behavior from that of children."

Evans turned 17 three days before the shooting. Public defender Andrew Munger asked for the transfer because Evans was not yet 18 at the time, and being tried as a juvenile would be in his best interest.

Had his case been transferred, Evans would have been under the juvenile court's jurisdiction for rehabilitation until 18 months after his 18th birthday.

Evans now will face the charges as an adult and, if convicted of first-degree murder, would face a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole. His trial is scheduled for Nov. 2. He remains in custody on a $1 million bond.

Munger on Friday filed notice that Evans would rely on a defense of self-defense and/or defense of others.

According to court documents, Evans and Lawrence Canady were armed and waiting for Harrison after being denied entry at the bar. When Harrison's girlfriend arrived to pick him up outside the bar, Canady punched her in the face. Harrison pulled Canady away from the woman, and the two began fighting in the street, where Harrison eventually fell to the ground. Evans shot Harrison, and Canady continued to punch him in the face and kick him in the head before he and Evans fled, court documents said.

Harrison, 22, of Sioux City, died later at a Sioux City hospital.

Evans was arrested hours after the shooting. Police executing a search warrant at his home seized additional ammunition, marijuana and a scale from his room.

Canady, 21, of Sioux City, also was arrested shortly after the shooting and has pleaded not guilty of first-degree murder, willful injury and serious assault. His trial is scheduled for Dec. 7. He remains jailed on a $1 million bond.

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SIOUX CITY -- The number of new COVID infections in Woodbury County ticked up last week, according to the latest weekly report released by Siouxland District Health.

The county reported 465 new positive cases for the week beginning Oct. 4, up from the revised 444 cases the prior week,

The 14-day positivity rate also increased from 15.7 percent to 16.4 percent.

The number of people in Sioux City's two hospitals with COVID remained about the same, with 40 patients last week, compared to 42 the week of Sept. 27. Last week, the number of patients admitted due to the virus was 27.

Despite last week's increase, new infections in the county remained below the high of 541 reported for the week of Sept. 13.

Siouxland District Health officials had attributed much of the spike in late summer to the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus, which now appears to have waned.

Despite repeated public calls to get shots, more than half of Woodbury County residents remain unvaccinated, according to state figures.

As of the week of Oct. 4, 45.8 percent of county residents had completed the single- or two-dose vaccinations, little changed from the 45.5 percent the previous week.
A teen accused of taking part in vandalism that resulted in $72,635 in damages to a rural Grundy Center, Iowa, cemetery had tombstones at his home, according to court records.

Grundy sheriffs deputies are investigating widespread vandalism discovered in July at the graveyard at Fredsville Evangelical Lutheran Church on 150th Street.

On Monday, authorities announced they had arrested 18-year-old Coletin James Stevenson of Cedar Falls on charges of first-degree criminal mischief.

According to court records, Stevenson had become a suspect in the damage, and investigators found a photo of him in the cemetery. They suspected he had taken grave markers from the graveyard.

On Sept. 1, Sheriff Kirk Dolleslager traveled to Stevensons home on Washington Street in Cedar Falls and talked with a relative there. The relative then went to Coletins room and later returned with the tombstones, records state. Stevenson wasnt home at the time.

On the night of the damage, there was a large underage drinking party in the area, and witnesses told deputies that Stevenson had caused the damage, records state.

Many of the headstones were as old as 150 years, and one of the grave markers was for an infant, according to a post on the churchs Facebook page.

This crime remains under investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the Grundy County Sheriffs Office at (319) 824-6933.

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Two Nebraskans died Wednesday night in a head-on crash on U.S. 275 about two miles east of Wisner.

Lance R. Arthaloney, 56, of Lincoln and Martha Rodriguez, 60, of West Point were pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Cuming County Sheriff's Office. Mario Campos-Villalobos, 51, of West Point was flown by a medical helicopter to a hospital in Sioux City, Iowa, for treatment.

Investigators determined that Arthaloney was driving a 2001 Honda Odyssey minivan when it collided head-on with a 2006 Ford Escape driven by Campos-Villalobos. Rodriguez was a passenger in the Ford.

A spokesman for the Sheriff's Office said it has not been determined which vehicle crossed the center line into oncoming traffic.

Both vehicles caught fire after the collision. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

U.S. 275 was closed between Wisner and Beemer for approximately three hours. The Nebraska State Patrol and Cuming County Emergency Management were among several agencies responding to the scene.

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Agriculture towers as an economic engine in Nebraska, and cattle production accounts for the largest share of the states ag value. Nebraska is home to more than 20,000 breeding and feeding operations, most family-owned. The health of many communities across the state depends in considerable measure on the health of the cattle sector.

Of late, that sector has faced hard times. The share of the retail beef dollar going to producers has shrunk significantly. World-Herald reporting by Henry Cordes and Paul Hammel has been examining the details. In 2014, producers average portion of the retail beef price was a 55% share. Now, that share has fallen to 37%. Meanwhile, the packers share has gone from less than 1% in 2014 to 22% now.

Yes, one of the enduring fundamentals of agriculture is its cyclical nature. Its true, also, that some short-term events have caused major disruptions: a 2019 fire that shut down a major Kansas packing plant; COVID-related shutdowns in 2020; a ransomware attack this year against mega-packer JBS.

But none of that erases the fact that the cattle market isnt operating fairly, and that is the central problem to be addressed. Its in the interest not only of cattle producers but of the general public itself that the market operate fairly, transparently and efficiently. Otherwise the market can be subject to distortion and possible manipulation, harming producers and consumers alike.

That problem is seen already in regard to chicken processing: The Big Four packers have paid hundreds of millions in fines and civil penalties after allegedly conspiring to fix prices in that sector. Such collusive behavior in beef packing hasnt been demonstrated at this point, though the federal Justice Department is investigating as part of broader antitrust action by the Biden administration.

The key concern for cattle producers is a lack of a transparency in pricing: Packers secure the vast majority of their cattle purchases through private agreements by which producers agree to deliver cattle on a certain day at a preset price. Such an arrangement has advantages: Producers have the certainty of a sale at an agreed-upon price, packers are better able to handle the large volume of beef they need, and the system provides a general incentive for a high level of beef quality.

But reliance on the agreements has major downsides. Packers have increased control of the cattle supply. Some large feedlot operators receive preferential treatment. And, above all, the system undermines competitive bidding, so producers are unable to determine what a fair price should be for their cattle. All the while, grocery prices for the American consumer continue to escalate.

In short, these conditions prevent the market from operating properly and deserve corrective action. Midlands lawmakers have constructive proposals in the U.S. Senate seeking to push the market away from this inefficiency and lack of openness.

Legislation by Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, a farmer, would require that a minimum of 50% of a packers weekly volume of cattle be purchased through bidding on the cash market. Sen. Deb Fischer, whose family operates a Sandhills cattle operation, has introduced a proposal that the U.S. Department of Agriculture set transparent bidding thresholds that would vary among regions of the country.

Agriculture has always had its ups and downs, and that surely will remain the case in the future. But the current failures of market operation are needlessly harming Nebraskas cattle sector and deserve far greater attention and action. Fair markets are in the best interest of everyone.

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Pfizer asked the U.S. government to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children 5 to 11. If regulators agree, shots could begin in a matter of weeks.
Lincoln, Nebraska-based trick roper Joan Wells will be demonstrating her skills in "Joan Knows the Ropes," a live program at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Betty Strong Encounter Center, 900 Larsen Park Road.

A cowgirl at an early age, Wells soon became a favorite at local fairs, horse shows and rodeos. Since then, she has appeared in two productions of the "Will Rogers Follies" as well as in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Admission to "Joan Knows the Ropes" is free and a reception will follow. A taped version of Wells' program will be available later in the week at facebook.com/sclandc and siouxcitylcic.com.

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Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is a holiday that celebrates friends and family who have passed away.

A key element of the holiday, which begins on Nov. 1, is the altar, which is created to honor and welcome deceased loved ones.

The Sioux City Public Museum, 607 Fourth St., will host a Kid's Saturday: Discover Day of the Dead" program from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. Activities will include making a craft and participating in a scavenger hunt.

At 2 p.m. Sunday, the Public Museum will be hosting an altar making workshop as well as learning the history behind Day of the Dead.

All of the free Day of the Dead activities will be presented in English and Spanish.

For a complete listing of activities, events and programs, go to siouxcitymuseum.org.

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Skeptical Science New Research for Week #40, 2021

Posted on 7 October 2021 by Doug Bostrom

"Old" research

There's little point in trying to best this excellent article describing the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physics by Ars Technica authors Jennifer Ouelette and John Timmer, each having a gift for concisely on-target, accessible science journalism. Here at New Research we'll punt and quote the The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences press release, then follow up with a sampling of open-access papers authored by the prize recipients. Ouellette and Timmer's article supplies a lot of missing context and is well worth a visit.

The 2021 Nobel Prize in Physics is awarded to Syukuro Manabe, Klaus Hasselmann & Giorgio Parisi. Here's why, according to the Nobel Committee for Physics:

Complex systems are characterised by randomness and disorder and are difficult to understand. This years Prize recognises new methods for describing them and predicting their long-term behaviour. One complex system of vital importance to humankind is Earths climate. Syukuro Manabe demonstrated how increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere lead to increased temperatures at the surface of the Earth. In the 1960s, he led the development of physical models of the Earths climate and was the first person to explore the interaction between radiation balance and the vertical transport of air masses. His work laid the foundation for the development of current climate models. About ten years later, Klaus Hasselmann created a model that links together weather and climate, thus answering the question of why climate models can be reliable despite weather being changeable and chaotic. He also developed methods for identifying specific signals, fingerprints, that both natural phenomena and human activities imprint in the climate. His methods have been used to prove that the increased temperature in the atmosphere is due to human emissions of carbon dioxide. Around 1980, Giorgio Parisi discovered hidden patterns in disordered complex materials. His discoveries are among the most important contributions to the theory of complex systems. They make it possible to understand and describe many different and apparently entirely random materials and phenomena, not only in physics but also in other, very different areas, such as mathematics, biology, neuroscience and machine learning. The discoveries being recognised this year demonstrate that our knowledge about the climate rests on a solid scientific foundation, based on a rigorous analysis of observations. This years Laureates have all contributed to us gaining deeper insight into the properties and evolution of complex physical systems, says Thors Hans Hansson, chair of the Nobel Committee for Physics.

Some papers by the recipients, from the critical periods mentioned by the committee (open access):

Manabe:

Hasselmann:

Parisi:

117 articles by 633 contributing authors

Observations of climate change, effects

Warming Climate Shortens Ice Durations and Alters Freeze and Breakup Patterns in Swedish Water Bodies

Hallerback et al.

Open Access pdf 10.5194/tc-2021-304

Variations in Summer Marine Heatwaves in the South China Sea

Yao & Wang Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans

10.1029/2021jc017792

Phenological trends in the pre- and post-breeding migration of long-distance migratory birds

Lawrence et al. Global Change Biology

10.1111/gcb.15916

Trends of freezing period and its main cause on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau from 1961 to 2018

Zhao et al. Theoretical and Applied Climatology

Open Access 10.1007/s00704-021-03798-4

A Secular Shift of the Madden-Julian Oscillation and Its Relation to Western Pacific Ocean Warming

Huang et al. Geophysical Research Letters

10.1029/2021gl095400

Climate signatures on lake and wetland size distributions in arctic deltas

Vulis et al. Geophysical Research Letters

Open Access 10.1002/essoar.10507143.1

Distinct tropospheric and stratospheric mechanisms linking historical Barents-Kara sea-ice loss and late winter Eurasian temperature variability

Xu et al. Geophysical Research Letters

10.1029/2021gl095262

Climate driven trends in London's urban heat island intensity reconstructed over 70 years using a generalized additive model

Bassett et al. Urban Climate

10.1016/j.uclim.2021.100990

Natural and Anthropogenic Forcing of Multi-decadal to Centennial Scale Variability of Sea Surface Temperature in the South China Sea

Goodkin et al. Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology

10.1029/2021pa004233

Winter daytime warming and shift in summer monsoon increase plant cover and net CO2 uptake in a central Tibetan alpine steppe ecosystem

Nieberding et al. Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences

Open Access 10.1002/essoar.10507017.1

Decreasing subseasonal temperature variability in the northern extratropics attributed to human influence

Blackport et al. Nature Geoscience

10.1038/s41561-021-00826-w

Instrumentation & observational methods of climate change, effects

(provisional link) NORA3: A Nonhydrostatic High-Resolution Hindcast of the North Sea, the Norwegian Sea, and the Barents Sea

10.1175/JAMC-D-21-0029.1

How to determine the statistical significance of trends in seasonal records: application to Antarctic temperatures

Bunde et al. Climate Dynamics

Open Access pdf 10.1007/s00382-021-05974-8

(provisional link) Insights from 20 years of temperature parallel measurements in Mauritius around the turn of the 20th Century



Earth's Albedo 19982017 as Measured From Earthshine

Goode et al. Geophysical Research Letters

Open Access pdf 10.1029/2021gl094888

Modeling, simulation & projection of climate change, effects

Validity of estimating flood and drought characteristics under equilibrium climates from transient simulations

Boulange et al. Environmental Research Letters

Open Access 10.1088/1748-9326/ac27cc

Anthropogenic influence on extreme temperatures in China based on CMIP6 models

Hu & Sun International Journal of Climatology

10.1002/joc.7402

Explaining Globally Inhomogeneous Future Changes in Monsoons Using Simple Moist Energy Diagnostics

Bombardi & Boos Journal of Climate

10.1175/jcli-d-20-1012.1

Evaluating the impact of climate change on extreme temperature and precipitation events over the Kashmir Himalaya

Ahsan et al. Climate Dynamics

Open Access pdf 10.1007/s00382-021-05984-6

(provisional link) Future Changes in 13C of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon in the Ocean

10.1029/2001GB001817

Impact of global warming on meteorological drought: a case study of the Songliao Plain, China

Ari et al. Theoretical and Applied Climatology

10.1007/s00704-021-03775-x

Projected Changes in Precipitation Recycling over the Tibetan Plateau Based on a Global and Regional Climate Model

Zhang & Gao Journal of Hydrometeorology

10.1175/jhm-d-21-0011.1

Advances in climate & climate effects modeling, simulation & projection

(provisional link) Evaluation Framework for Subdaily Rainfall Extremes Simulated by Regional Climate Models

10.1175/JAMC-D-21-0004.1

Probabilistic Evaluation of Drought in CMIP6 Simulations

Papalexiou et al. Earth's Future

Open Access pdf 10.1029/2021ef002150

Evaluation of the performance of the non-hydrostatic RegCM4 (RegCM4-NH) over Southeastern China

Nguyen-Xuan et al. Climate Dynamics

10.1007/s00382-021-05969-5

Robust evaluation of ENSO in climate models: How many ensemble members are needed?

Lee et al. Geophysical Research Letters

Open Access 10.1029/2021gl095041

Evaluation of onset, cessation and seasonal precipitation of the Southeast Asia rainy season in CMIP5 regional climate models and HighResMIP global climate models

Hariadi et al. International Journal of Climatology

10.1002/joc.7404

Quantifying the rarity of extreme multi-decadal trends: how unusual was the late twentieth century trend in the North Atlantic Oscillation?

Eade et al. Climate Dynamics

Open Access pdf 10.1007/s00382-021-05978-4

Biases Beyond the Mean in CMIP6 Extreme Precipitation: A global Investigation

Abdelmoaty et al. Earth's Future

Open Access pdf 10.1029/2021ef002196

Evaluation of CMIP6 HighResMIP models in simulating precipitation over Central Asia

Li et al. Advances in Climate Change Research

Open Access 10.1016/j.accre.2021.09.009

Cryosphere & climate change

Anthropogenic influence on extreme temperatures in China based on CMIP6 models

Hu & Sun International Journal of Climatology

10.1002/joc.7402

Mechanisms of Regional Winter Sea-Ice Variability in a Warming Arctic

Dorr et al. Journal of Climate

10.1175/jcli-d-21-0149.1

Warming Climate Shortens Ice Durations and Alters Freeze and Breakup Patterns in Swedish Water Bodies

Hallerback et al.

Open Access pdf 10.5194/tc-2021-304

Glaciological setting of the Queen Mary and Knox coasts, East Antarctica, over the past 60 years, and implied dynamic stability of the Shackleton system

Thompson et al.

Open Access pdf 10.5194/tc-2021-265

Derivation of bedrock topography measurement requirements for the reduction of uncertainty in ice sheet model projections of Thwaites Glacier

Castleman et al.

Open Access pdf 10.5194/tc-2021-274

Emergent biogeochemical risks from Arctic permafrost degradation

Miner et al. Nature Climate Change

10.1038/s41558-021-01162-y

Ice loss in the Pyrenees

Simpkins Nature Climate Change

10.1038/s41558-021-01179-3

Deriving Antarctic Sea-Ice Thickness from Satellite Altimetry and Estimating Consistency for NASA's ICESat/ICESat-2 Missions

Xu et al. Geophysical Research Letters

10.1029/2021gl093425

Sea level & climate change

Quantifying the potential future contribution to global mean sea level from the FilchnerRonne basin, Antarctica

Hill et al.

Open Access pdf 10.5194/tc-2021-120

Paleoclimate

Mechanisms of the Early 20th Century Warming in the Arctic

Bokuchava & Semenov Earth-Science Reviews

10.1016/j.earscirev.2021.103820

Global wet/dry patterns and mechanisms since the Last Glacial Maximum: a key to future projection

Li et al. Earth's Future

Open Access pdf 10.1029/2020ef001907

An ensemble reconstruction of global monthly sea surface temperature and sea ice concentration 10001849

Samakinwa et al. Scientific Data

Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41597-021-01043-1

Drivers of change of Thwaites Glacier, West Antarctica, between 1995 and 2015

Santos et al. Geophysical Research Letters

10.1029/2021gl093102

Roles of insolation forcing and CO2 forcing on Late Pleistocene seasonal sea surface temperatures

Lee et al. Nature Communications

Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41467-021-26051-y

Biology & climate change

Increasing risk of ecological change to major rivers of the world with global warming

Thompson et al. Earth's Future

Open Access pdf 10.1029/2021ef002048

Decadal dead wood biomass dynamics of coterminous US forests

Woodall et al. Environmental Research Letters

Open Access 10.1088/1748-9326/ac29e8

(provisional link) Trends in climatically-driven extreme growth reductions of Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris in Central Europe



Stark physical and biogeochemical differences and implications for ecosystem stressors in the Northeast Pacific coastal ocean

Dosser et al. Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans

10.1029/2020jc017033

Phenological trends in the pre- and post-breeding migration of long-distance migratory birds

Lawrence et al. Global Change Biology

10.1111/gcb.15916

Mobilization of soil phosphate after eight years of warming is linked to plant phosphorus-acquisition strategies in an alpine meadow on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Zhou et al. Global Change Biology

10.1111/gcb.15914

Will borealization of Arctic tundra herbivore communities be driven by climate warming or vegetation change?

Burrows Processes of Vegetation Change Data analysis in vegetation ecology

Open Access 10.1007/978-94-011-3058-5_13

Skeletal growth response of Porites coral to long-term ocean warming and acidification in the South China Sea

Kang et al. Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences

10.1029/2021jg006423

Impacts of global change on peak vegetation growth and its timing in terrestrial ecosystems of the continental US

Liu et al. Global and Planetary Change

10.1016/j.gloplacha.2021.103657

Elucidating gene expression adaptation of phylogenetically divergent coral holobionts under heat stress

Avila-Magana et al. Nature Communications

Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41467-021-25950-4

Decreased growth of wild soil microbes after fifteen years of transplant-induced warming in a montane meadow

Purcell et al. Global Change Biology

10.1111/gcb.15911

GHG sources & sinks, flux, related geochemistry

European Carbon Uptake has not Benefited from Vegetation Greening

Liu et al. Geophysical Research Letters

10.1029/2021gl094870

On the contribution of global aviation to the CO2 radiative forcing of climat

Boucher et al. Atmospheric Environment

Open Access 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2021.118762

Large tree mortality leads to major aboveground biomass decline in a tropical forest reserve

San-Jose et al. Oecologia

10.1007/s00442-021-05048-w

(provisional link) A replication study on coral 11B and B/Ca and their variation in modern and fossil Porites: implications for coral calcifying fluid chemistry and seawater pH changes over the last millennium

10.1002/25724525.just-accepted

Quantifying CO2 emissions from a thermal power plant based on CO2 column measurements by portable Fourier transform spectrometers

Ohyama et al. Remote Sensing of Environment

10.1016/j.rse.2021.112714

Diverse sediment microbiota shape methane emission temperature sensitivity in Arctic lakes

Emerson et al. Nature Communications

Open Access pdf 10.1101/2020.02.08.934661

Observed Regional Fluxes to Constrain Modeled Estimates of the Ocean Carbon Sink

Fay & McKinley McKinley Geophysical Research Letters

10.1002/essoar.10507690.1

Long-term (64-years) annual burning lessened soil organic carbon and nitrogen content in a humid subtropical grassland

Abdalla et al. Global Change Biology

10.1111/gcb.15918

Gaps in Network Infrastructure limit our understanding of biogenic methane emissions in the United States

Malone et al.

Open Access pdf 10.5194/bg-2021-256

Evaluation of forest carbon uptake in South Korea using the national flux tower network, remote sensing, and data-driven technology

Cho et al. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology

10.1016/j.agrformet.2021.108653

Examining the Role of Environmental Memory in the Predictability of Carbon and Water Fluxes Across Australian Ecosystems

Cranko Page et al.

Open Access pdf 10.5194/bg-2021-254

Methane emissions in Kuwait: Plume Identification, Isotopic Characterisation and Inventory Verification

Al-Shalan et al. Atmospheric Environment

10.1016/j.atmosenv.2021.118763

Temporal trends in methane emissions from a small eutrophic reservoir: the key role of a spring burst

Waldo et al. Biogeosciences

Open Access pdf 10.5194/bg-18-5291-2021

Enhancing research and monitoring of carbon pools and land-to-atmosphere greenhouse gases exchange in developing countries

Kim et al.

Open Access pdf 10.5194/bg-2021-237

CO2 removal & mitigation science & engineering

Lessons captured from 50 years of CCS projects

Loria & Bright The Electricity Journal

10.1016/j.tej.2021.106998

A techno-economic assessment of carbon-sequestration tax incentives in the U.S. power sector

Anderson et al. International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control

Open Access 10.1016/j.ijggc.2021.103450

Seeking natural analogs to fast-forward the assessment of marine CO2 removal

Bach & Boyd Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

10.1073/pnas.2106147118

Biomass Increment and Carbon Sequestration in Hedgerow-grown Trees

Van Den Berge et al. Dendrochronologia

10.1016/j.dendro.2021.125894

The potential for enhancing soil carbon levels through the use of organic soil amendments in Queensland, Australia

Biala et al. Regional Environmental Change

10.1007/s10113-021-01813-y

Decarbonization

Efficient pathways to zero-carbon energy use by water supply utilities: an example from London, UK

Majid et al. Environmental Research Letters

Open Access 10.1088/1748-9326/ac2931

The role of high-socioeconomic-status people in locking in or rapidly reducing energy-driven greenhouse gas emissions

Nielsen et al. Nature Energy

Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41560-021-00900-y

Geoengineering climate Aerosols

Land cover change in low-warming scenarios may enhance the climate role of secondary organic aerosols

Lund et al. Environmental Research Letters

Open Access 10.1088/1748-9326/ac269a

The long-term transport and radiative impacts of the 2017 British Columbia pyrocumulonimbus smoke aerosols in the stratosphere

Das et al. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics

Open Access pdf 10.5194/acp-21-12069-2021

Climate change communications & cognition

Social bots role in climate change discussions on Twitter: Measuring standpoints, topics, and interaction strategies

CHEN et al. Advances in Climate Change Research

Open Access 10.1016/j.accre.2021.09.011

Anxiety, Worry, and Grief in a Time of Environmental and Climate Crisis: A Narrative Review

Ojala et al. Annual Review of Environment and Resources

Open Access 10.1146/annurev-environ-012220-022716

Beliefs and Networks: Mapping the Indian Climate Policy Discourse Surrounding the Paris Climate Change Conference in 2015

Swarnakar et al. Environmental Communication

10.1080/17524032.2021.1973528

I Think, Therefore I Act: The Influence of Critical Reasoning Ability on Trust and Behavior During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Cohen et al. Risk Analysis

Open Access pdf 10.1111/risa.13833

Social Perception of Systemic Risks

Schweizer et al. Risk Analysis

Open Access pdf 10.1111/risa.13831

A matter of time  consideration of future consequences and temporal distance contribute to the ideology gap in climate change scepticism

Ve?kalov et al. Journal of Environmental Psychology

10.1016/j.jenvp.2021.101703

Risk communication nudges and flood insurance demand

Robinson et al. Climate Risk Management

Open Access 10.1016/j.crm.2021.100366

Engaging Transformation: Using Seasonal Rounds to Anticipate Climate Change

Kassam et al. Human Ecology

Open Access pdf 10.1007/s10745-021-00269-2

(provisional link) Do economic conditions affect climate change beliefs and support for climate action? Evidence from the US in the wake of the Great Recession

10.2139/ssrn.3631339

Climate change in rural Pakistan: evidence and experiences from a people-centered perspective

Ajani & van der Geest Sustainability Science

Open Access pdf 10.1007/s11625-021-01036-4

Agronomy, animal husbundry, food production & climate change

(provisional link) Methodology to assess the changing risk of yield failure due to heat and drought stress under climate change



Climate change in Brazil: future scenarios classified by Thornthwaite (1948)

de Lima et al. Theoretical and Applied Climatology

10.1007/s00704-021-03803-w

Changes in the environment from perspectives of small-scale farmers in remote Vietnam

Nguyen-Anh et al. Regional Environmental Change

10.1007/s10113-021-01835-6

Long-term (64-years) annual burning lessened soil organic carbon and nitrogen content in a humid subtropical grassland

Abdalla et al. Global Change Biology

10.1111/gcb.15918

Implications of changing cropping pattern to low water demand plants due to climate change: evidence from Iran

Mikhak et al. Environment, Development and Sustainability

10.1007/s10668-021-01847-6

Adaptation strategies and land productivity of banana farmers under climate change in China

Zhu et al. Climate Risk Management

Open Access 10.1016/j.crm.2021.100368

Leveraging communities network strengths to support climate change adaptation information-sharing: a study with coffee farmers in Risaralda, Colombia

Eise et al. Climatic Change

10.1007/s10584-021-03206-w

Hydrology & climate change

Reducing Climate Change Induced Flood at the Cost of Hydropower in the Lancang-Mekong River Basin

Yun et al. Geophysical Research Letters

10.1029/2021gl094243

Validity of estimating flood and drought characteristics under equilibrium climates from transient simulations

Boulange et al. Environmental Research Letters

Open Access 10.1088/1748-9326/ac27cc

Counterbalancing influences of aerosols and greenhouse gases on atmospheric rivers

Baek & Lora Nature Climate Change

10.1038/s41558-021-01166-8

A parametric multivariate drought index for drought monitoring and assessment under climate change

Xu et al. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology

10.1016/j.agrformet.2021.108657

Climate change may impair electricity generation and economic viability of future Amazon hydropower

Almeida et al. Global Environmental Change

10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2021.102383

Climate change economics

Economic disparity among generations under the Paris Agreement

Yang & Suh Nature Communications

Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41467-021-25520-8

Current and projected regional economic impacts of heatwaves in Europe

Garcia-Leon et al. Nature Communications

Open Access pdf 10.1038/s41467-021-26050-z

Accelerating the speed and scale of climate finance in the post-pandemic context

Hourcade et al. Climate Policy

10.1080/14693062.2021.1977599

The Economic and Climate Value of Flexibility in Green Energy Markets

Abrell et al. Environmental and Resource Economics SSRN Electronic Journal SSRN Electronic Journal

Open Access pdf 10.1007/s10640-021-00605-6

The climate economic effect of technology spillover

Huang & Lv Energy Policy

10.1016/j.enpol.2021.112614

Climate change mitigation public policy research

Beliefs and Networks: Mapping the Indian Climate Policy Discourse Surrounding the Paris Climate Change Conference in 2015

Swarnakar et al. Environmental Communication

10.1080/17524032.2021.1973528

Coal mining and policy responses: are externalities appropriately addressed? A meta-analysis

Silvia et al. Environmental Science & Policy

10.1016/j.envsci.2021.09.013

Production and emissions reduction decisions considering the differentiated carbon tax regulation across new and remanufactured products and consumer preference

Wang & Wang Urban Climate

10.1016/j.uclim.2021.100992

Building institutional capacity for addressing climate and sustainable development goals: achieving energy efficiency in India

Malhotra et al. Climate Policy

10.1080/14693062.2021.1984195

Economic and social effectiveness of carbon pricing schemes to meet Brazilian NDC targets

Wills et al. Climate Policy

10.1080/14693062.2021.1981212

Climate change adaptation & adaptation public policy research

Situating migration as adaptation discourse and appraising its relevance to Senegals development sector

Lietaer & Durand-Delacre Environmental Science & Policy

10.1016/j.envsci.2021.09.008

Risk Amplification and Attenuation as Communication Strategies in Climate Adaptation in Urban Areas

Dow & Tuler Risk Analysis

10.1111/risa.13819

Situated adaptation: Tackling the production of vulnerability through transformative action in Sri Lankas Dry Zone

Quealy & Yates Global Environmental Change

10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2021.102374

Climate change impacts on human health

Assessing current and future heat risk in Dublin city, Ireland

Paranunzio et al. Urban Climate

Open Access 10.1016/j.uclim.2021.100983

Changes in compound hot and dry day and population exposure across China under climate change

Feng et al. International Journal of Climatology

10.1002/joc.7399

Global urban population exposure to extreme heat

Tuholske et al. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Open Access pdf 10.1073/pnas.2024792118

(provisional link) Estimated Mortality and Morbidity Attributable to Smoke Plumes in the United States: Not Just a Western US Problem

10.1029/2021GH000457

Deforestation and climate change are projected to increase heat stress risk in the Brazilian Amazon

Alves de Oliveira et al. Communications Earth & Environment

Open Access pdf 10.1038/s43247-021-00275-8

Climate change impacts on human culture

Climate change may impair electricity generation and economic viability of future Amazon hydropower

Almeida et al. Global Environmental Change

10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2021.102383

Advancing the evidence base of future warming impacts on human mobility in African drylands

Thalheimer et al. Earth's Future

Open Access pdf 10.1029/2020ef001958

Other

Socio-economic and climatic changes lead to contrasting global urban vegetation trends

Zhang et al. Global Environmental Change

Open Access 10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2021.102385

Structuring climate service co-creation using a business model approach

Rubio?Martin et al. Earth's Future

Open Access pdf 10.1029/2021ef002181

Informed opinion, nudges & major initiatives

Protected-area targets could be undermined by climate change-driven shifts in ecoregions and biomes

Dobrowski et al. Communications Earth & Environment

Open Access pdf 10.1038/s43247-021-00270-z

(provisional link) Climate change, natural calamities and the triple burden of disease

10.1038/s41558-021-01164-w

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At this point, its clear that Democrats are not going to pass the $3.5 trillion social spending and climate bill they had once hoped for. Thanks to the objections from a handful of implacable centristsmost importantly, Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinemathe price tag looks like it will ultimately fall somewhere between $1.5 trillion and $2 trillion, forcing the party to downsize its policy ambitions.

But how to shrink the bill? As Politico reports, Democrats seem split on the matter.

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Progressives generally want to preserve as many of the programs as possible within the reconciliation package, even if it means only funding them for a few years, then counting on later congresses to renew them before they sunseta move that would keep the legislations cost down on paper while setting up future showdowns in Washington. Republicans relied on this budget gimmick when they passed their much-maligned tax cut bill under Donald Trump, setting many of the pieces to expire in 2025, and some important voices on the left have suggested Democrats borrow the tactic.

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We have a preference to keep all these major programs in, and perhaps bring down the number of years, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, said Sunday on Meet the Press. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez offered a similar take during an appearance on CBSs Face the Nation. I think that one of the ideas thats out there is fully fund what we can fully fund, but maybe instead of doing it for 10 years, you fully fund it for five years, she said.

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Moderates generally appear to be skeptical of this approach, worrying Republicans would simply allow programs to expire. For President Bidens legacy, its important to make these longer-term investments and not have short-term cliffs, Rep. Suzan DelBene, who leads the centrist New Democrat Coalition, said. We need to make sure people have certainty. Just doing something for a year or two doesnt have the impact, doesnt provide the certainty. Importantly, Axios reports that Manchin is also on board with funding fewer programs for longer.

To some extent, which approach you prefer really boils down to whether youre a political optimist or pessimist, as well as your level of risk aversion. The underlying assumption among progressives seems to be that many of these programs will be so popular that Republicans wont dare let them expire if their party retakes power in Washingtonthat, or Democrats will be able to run and win on renewing them. The moderates generally seem less hopeful, worrying that the GOP will in fact be happy to sit on its hands and let a paid leave or pre-K program vanish. (Manchins view is a little different: Ever the budget hawk, hes suggested that once programs are in place, theyll become ingrained, so Congress should fully finance them from the start.)

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Its not objectively obvious whos right in this fight. Democrats probably shouldnt count on popular policies sweeping them to another congressional majority in a difficult midterm year where theyll be facing freshly gerrymandered maps. At the same time, once new government benefits are in place, it really can be hard to dislodge themsee the GOPs failure to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act after promising to do so for a decade.

On the other hand, think about just how close Republicans seemingly came to repealing Obamacare. And, to borrow a point others have made, think about how much simpler it might have been if all Republicans had to do was sit back and let it disappear. Maybe timing these programs to expire in 2025, right along with the GOPs tax cuts, would give Democrats negotiating leverage. But its also entirely possible that Trumps party will have a trifecta in Washington by then, allowing them to renew their tax cuts while letting Bidens programs fall by the wayside. Or, if Biden is still president, perhaps conservatives would just try and damage him by letting the tax cuts and social spending programs expire together. Who knows. The GOP is full of loons and nihilists these days, and planning a legislative strategy partly around the hope that theyll come to a responsible bargain in a few years time seems a little Pollyannaish.

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In the end, Im guessing Democrats will settle on a combination of these approaches. They may make a paid leave program permanent, but only temporarily extend Bidens child tax credit, as is currently the plan, anyway. But personally, as a somewhat risk-averse human being, my impulse is to do fewer programs and pay for them to be permanent, so Americans can actually begin planning around them with at least a tiny bit of confidence. LBJ didnt set Medicare on an egg timer, after all. Imagine how much frailer our safety net might be if he had.
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 family and I moved across the country in August to New York City. After some frustrations trying to navigate the public school system, we found a private/public preschool that had an open paid spot, and we grabbed it.

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On their website, the school describes their public option as running from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., while their private option runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. I work an early shift and do not need care in the late afternoons, so I expected to pick my son up at 2:30 p.m. His teachers have discouraged me from doing so, saying that their full curriculum runs until 5:15 p.m., and that its disruptive for me to pick him up earlier. The students have three hours of curriculum and play, followed by lunch and a nap, then three more hours of curriculum and play. When I pushed back, the teachers reluctantly agreed that I could pick him up at 4:15 p.m. some days if I let them know ahead of time that Ill be doing itbut they prefer he stays until 5:15 p.m. My spouse feels that we should do as the teachers ask and not pick him up until 5:15 p.m. I feel this is an awfully long school day for a four-year old and that it is just as important for him to have time at home with his parents!

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What should we do?

The Day is LONG

Dear Day is Long,

I cant imagine a reason why a child needs to stay at school from 8:30 to 5:30thats a full 9 hours of school. Thats too long, and theres no reason why you should have to pay for 3 extra hours of child care that you do not want. I know its competitive to find schools in New York, but this gives me a bad feeling. I would stick with your initial instinct that 2:30 is a reasonable end time, and if the teachers are shaming you for taking your young child out of school after 8 full hours, I would start to look for a different school.

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In the meantime, I would ask for a schedule or information about the curriculum they are using. That hopefully can help inform you about when to pick him up. If, for example, the end of the day is quiet time, then its possible that the longer day is just a part of managing childcare needs in a city where many adults work long, unreasonable hours. Or, if there is free play, maybe that feels more like an extended playdate after school and thats not a terrible reason to let him stay late.

Ultimately, I dont love their response to your needs and I cant imagine why a day that long is necessary, but there may be a way for you and your spouse to determine the best course of action for supporting your sons needs, regardless of what the school says.

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Ms. Sarnell (early elementary special education teacher, New York)

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I am a high school science teacher at a private school. I enjoy teaching, and I value the bonds developed with my students. At our school, we respect a students choice about pronouns and chosen names. I also feel honored when they disclose sensitive information to me because it informs me that they have trusted adults in their lives. Our school also has counselors who do a great job looking out for our community. It makes me sad that sometimes kids cannot talk to their parents because not all parents accept who their children are. Of course, sometimes its simply an issue of high schoolers trying to navigate their lives, and their parents are accepting but just havent learned the truth yet.

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My trouble comes when I sometimes interact with parents during a conference or at a game cheering on some of our students. I naturally call the students by their chosen pronouns or names during a parent/teacher conference or when I am on the sidelines cheering, and I realized once that I outed someone unintentionally, and I felt awful about it. I am fully aware how important it is to acknowledge kids identities, but I am also afraid of something happening to kids at home when their parents either dont accept them. Sometimes the parents didnt yet know and are then disappointed in themselves that their kids didnt feel safe coming out to them when they could have done so with full love. I want to address this with our counselors, but I first want to hear from you so I can be as discreet as possible. Do you have any recommendations?

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Dont Want to Out Others

Dear Dont Want to Out Others,

I understand your dilemma as I have been there myself. Thank you for honoring your trans students names and pronouns! I also agree that its best to let trans students come out to their parents in their own way, in their own time. We dont always know if its even safe for students to come out at home, but its wonderful when we can provide a safe space at school.

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In the past, I have had students ask me to use one name and set of pronouns in class but not to do so when speaking to their parents. I tell the student that I will do my utmost to honor that request, and I make a note of it on my roster to help me remember. If youre expecting a parent conference, sending an email home, or planning to attend a school event, check with the student beforehand so you dont accidentally out them. That said, you cant anticipate every social situation; just try your best. There are usually ways to support a student from a distance Go 14! [jersey number] or Go Huskies! or Great job!without using a childs name, if you dont have clarity on what to call them in public.

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Finally, Id like to leave you with a very helpful article about supporting nonbinary youth in school from one of my favorite educational resources, Learning for Justice.

Ms. Holbrook (high school teacher, Texas)

My second grader attends our neighborhood school in a district that is mostly Title I. Our school was remote last year, and since my son has ADHD, I homeschooled him because I knew online school would be difficult for him.

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Hes back in in-person school now, and Im troubled by how much the school is continuing to lean on the Chromebooks the district purchased during the pandemic. Every student has one, and the district seems to be on a mission to get their moneys worth out of the investment they made last year, relying on educational software for reading, spelling and math way more than I would like.

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It sounds like there isnt enough actual teaching happening. I have found that my sons attention wanes much faster while engaging in learning on the computer. Often he presses random keys rather than tries to answer correctly.

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I wouldnt mind as much if he was older and using his device in school for research, but it feels like teaching second graders shouldnt involve this much reliance on educational software. We live in a state that requires teachers to have a masters degree and is highly regarded for its schools, so I kind of expect the professionals to be doing the teaching, not the device. Am I wrong? Should I be less concerned? Can I ask that they limit screen time in his IEP? How do I reverse this trend?

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Worried in MA

Dear Worried in MA,

I would contact the teacher directly with your concerns and ask about the philosophy behind their decision to lean into technology. While its possible that teachers are making this decision, its more likely to be a decision coming from somewhere higher up on the food chain.

I know that school administrators are still very concerned about the possibility of classes, whole schools, or whole school districts being sent into remote learning this year depending upon the nature of the pandemic. In my sons school, for example, entire grade levels have already been quarantined due to exposure. Its possible that your sons school district is continuing to make use of technology with the thought being that if children are quarantined for weeks at a time, they will still be a position to continue learning at home.

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If this is a trend that your district is adopting simply because they think its best for children, this will be a tougher battle to fight, but I would make your concerns known to teachers, administrators, and the Board of Education. You might also try to find other parents who feel similarly. There is strength in numbers.

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In terms of your sons IEP, it might be possible to limit his screen time in school, but I would also be wary about placing your son in a position where his classmates are using computers for an assignment while he is working with a paper and pencil. If your son is being pulled from the classroom for individual instruction, perhaps that might be a time when screen time could be limited.

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Mr. Dicks (fifth grade teacher, Connecticut)

Word has gotten to me that my sons kindergarten teacher has been yelling at the class. This really upsets me, as well it should if its true. Ive already emailed a few parents in his class to see if theyve heard anything, as well as his special ed case manager to see if shes observed anything. How else can I handle this without turning it into a witch hunt? I just want to get to the bottom of it.

Its Loud in Here

Dear Its Loud,

I would contact the teacher directly and let them know what your son has reported, absent any initial judgment.

I suggest something like:

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Dear Ms. Smith,

My son has told me that youre yelling at the class. I know that a kindergarteners perception of the world is often skewed and sometimes way off (insert amusing anecdote about the time your son thought a cow and a horse were the same animal), but even if youre not raising your voice, he thinks youre yelling at the class, and its turning him off from school. Is there something you and I can do to fix this?

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Its certainly possible that the teacher has yelled at the class, and if so, your phone call or email may serve as a much needed wake-up call for this teacher. Its also possible that the teacher has raised their voice over the din of a pack of unruly children in order to get their attention. I also know that students will often say that a teacher yelled at them, when in truth, the teacher spoke to the students in a stern and serious way. Because of the fraught nature of the encounter, it is often perceived by some students as yelling.

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In fact, Ive had fifth graders tell me that Ive yelled at them for not completing their homework, even though the conversation took place at my desk in a room full of students and paraprofessionals, yet no one else in the room heard a single word that I was saying. But I get it. A teacher is speaking to a student using a disciplinary tone that makes them nervous, so it is sometimes construed as yelling, especially if the student doesnt get in trouble very often.

My suggestion is almost always to go directly to the teacher with an open-mind and a collaborative spirit. Sometimes its true: The teacher is wrong. This has happened to me plenty of times in my career. But often, a students view of reality and reality itself are more complex than what the student is capable of seeing. In these instances, its still critical for me as a teacher to know how the student is feeling. Even if their perception is wrong, their feelings are very real, so something still needs to be done.

Hopefully that is the case with your son.

Mr. Dicks (fifth grade teacher, Connecticut)

More Advice From Slate

My fourth grade daughter just received her class assignment for the year, and for the second year in a row is alone in one class while the other three girls in her squad have the same teacher. My daughter is heartbroken. Is there anything I can do?
Is it any surprise that two of the main authors of the partisan election review in Arizona didnt even show up to Thursdays hearing by the House Oversight Committee to investigate their report? The so-called audit in Maricopa County found no evidence of election irregularities and even turned up more votes for President Joe Biden. But that hasnt stopped the reviews leaders from suggesting Trump won in Arizona. Yet on Thursday, two leaders of the Cyber Ninjas investigation thought it better to stay home than to testify under oath that their review signaled a win for the former president.

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Their absence, however, made way for a refreshing moment of truth when the Senate liaison to the partisan review testified, rejecting the claims that Trump won the state. Still, Republicans on the committee attempted to paint the audit as necessary for exploring election irregularities that were never quite specified and have never been proven.

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Despite a brief moment of clarity, the hearing once again showed that there is literally nothing that can convince Trumps backers in Congress and around the country that he lost the election. But convincing people of the facts is not the point. These sorts of hyperpartisan so-called audits are proliferating around the country. And Thursdays no-shows further confirm that Cyber Ninjas partisan review of the 2020 election is actually an attempt to cast doubt on our election integrity, paving the way for future interference.

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First, its worth noting who didnt cooperate with the hearing. Doug Logan, the Cyber Ninjas CEO in charge of the audit who has touted conspiracy theories that a dead Venezuelan dictator somehow helped Democrats cheat in the election, declined to even attend or turn over any documents related to his partisan inquiry. Instead, at the time of the hearing, Logan was being interviewed by a fellow conspiracy theorist who is facing a lawsuit for allegedly defaming a Dominion Voting Systems employee.

Second, Shiva Ayyadurai, the former Republican electoral candidate who made multiple false claims as part of his analysis of signatures on Maricopa County ballot envelopes, did not show up as originally scheduled. Ayyadurai, who has spread conspiracy theories about the COVID-19 vaccine and made false claims that 1 million ballots were destroyed in his own failed primary bid in Massachusetts, was replaced as a Republican witness at the last minute by Senate liaison to the partisan review Ken Bennett.

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How did Bennetts testimony go for the GOP? Bennett actually contradicted Republican committee members who suggested the partisan reviews principal finding was possible fraud. In fact, the GOPs own witnessthe Republican official most directly responsible for the auditrejected Trumps false claims that the audit proved that he had won in Arizona. The hearing started with a heated back-and-forth between Democratic Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin and Republican Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs over the reviews main findings, with Biggs parroting Trumps line that it raised questions about the result. Heres how that exchange went:

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Raskin: Do you accept this audit that showed that Joe Biden won and indeed by more votes than [the initial count]? Biggs: That is not what the audit concluded, Mr. Raskin, you know better than that. Have you read the whole audit [report], or have you cherry-picked the line which talks about the recount versus the tabulation machine? That we would have expected to be very similar, and it was  Raskin: Who won the election in Arizona? Biggs: We dont know because as the audit demonstrates very clearly, Mr. Raskin, there are a lot of issues with this election that took place.

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Heres video of part of that exchange:

Clip of that, btw:



Rep. Raskin: "Who won the election in Arizona?"

Rep Biggs: "We dont know!" (we do, fyi ) pic.twitter.com/3R8yBB9ydm  AZ Right Wing Watch (@az_rww) October 7, 2021

The problem for Biggs, though, is that his sides own witness contradicted his interpretation and affirmed Raskins. As part of his opening testimony, Bennett said this:

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Despite months of warnings from the county, or secretary of state, election experts, and most of the media that the auditors procedures were imprecise and unreliable, the most significant finding of the audit is that the hand count of the physical ballots very closely matches the countys official results in the president and U.S. Senate races. Now that finding is frustrating to many who expected the audit to prove a different election result.

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I attended the partisan review and warned that Cyber Ninjas flawed recount procedures might result in a different outcome than the countys actual canvass. I also warned that, either way, the final report of the partisan review would likely use innuendo about unexplainable anomalies to cast doubt on the findings. Its notable, though, that Bennett refused to repeat the suggestion of the auditors who didnt show up to testify under oath that Trump, and not Biden, had won in Arizona.

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Rep. Ro Khanna used his time to note the significance of Bennetts testimony. Once again, Bennett acknowledged that the partisan review affirmed the final outcome in Maricopa County, contrary to Donald Trumps claims:

Khanna: Mr. Bennett, given your statement, did Cyber Ninjas hand count show that Joe Biden won more votes than Donald Trump in Maricopa County? Bennett: Yes.  Khanna: Do you think Joe Biden is the legitimately elected president? Bennett: Yes. Khanna: So, when President Trump says, We won the Arizona forensic audit yesterday at a level that you wouldnt believe, and said of President Biden, He didnt win Arizona, he lost in Arizona based on the forensic audit, that is false, correct?  That is not a true statement, correct? Bennett: I would not characterize it that way. I was asked by the Senate to be the liaison to the Maricopa audit. The Maricopa audit found that the results were very similar to what Maricopa County canvassed in the official results. Khanna: Anyone, including the former president, who is saying that the audit somehow suggests that Donald Trump won the Arizona election, that would be a wrong and false interpretation of the audit, correct? Bennett: I would say that hes probably making that statement based on his opinions of other things in the audit. I cant begin to  Khanna: But its not your characterization of the audit? Bennett: Correct.

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For good measure, Khanna followed up to confirm that Bennett and the auditors hadnt found anything in their paper analysis of the ballots that would have materially changed the outcome of the election in Arizona.

Khanna: There was no evidence that the paper ballots had been tampered with, correct? Bennett: I did witness on the floor of the audit that there were some paper ballots that were of concern as to whether they were authentic, so to say that none, I think would be incorrect. Khanna: But none that would materially affect your judgment [in] your earlier testimony that you thought President Biden legitimately got more votes than President Trump, correct? Bennett: It would not change that outcome, correct.

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Finally, Bennett acknowledged that Cyber Ninjas ought to abide by court orders and congressional requests to turn over documents and appear for questioning. Logan, the Cyber Ninjas CEO, has so far refused.

Khanna: So far Cyber Ninjas has refused to provide any meaningful documents to this committee and it turned over just four documents [as part of] a [separate] court order. You seem like someone who believes in the rule of law. Do you believe that Cyber Ninjas should obey court orders and requests from Congress? Bennett: Yes.

I have been incredibly skeptical of Bennetts past statements about the partisan review, which I thought were misleading and mischaracterized. Bennett often refused to acknowledge the actual work that Cyber Ninjas was doing to undermine the election. But its notable that when Bennett was called before Congress and sworn under oath to testify, he told the actual truth: Joe Biden won the election in Arizona, and a monthslong, multimillion-dollar effort paid for and conducted by Trump allies could find no evidence to the contrary.
Everyone in Congress, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, agrees the debt ceiling needs to be lifted. But that hasnt stopped McConnell and Republicans from playing a dangerous game of chicken with it. They had Democrats backed into a corner up until midday Wednesday, when McConnell offered a short-term suspension of the debt limit pending a more permanent solution in December. The proposal would avert a financial crisis that Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen predicted could strike by Oct. 18, but it doesnt address the fundamental lunacy of the debt ceiling, which has been causing these do-or-die standoffs since 2011. On Thursdays episode of What Next, I talked to Slate senior editor Jordan Weissmann about congressional Democrats optionsand why minting a trillion-dollar coin isnt one of them. Our conversation was recorded Wednesday morning, before McConnells offer was on the table, and is condensed and edited below for clarity.

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Mary Harris: Lets talk about how we got into the mess were currently in. The latest increase on the debt ceiling was back in August 2019. It was suspended until July 2021. Thats passed. But the Treasurys been doing what it calls extraordinary measures to prevent a defaultcut a little bit here, cut a little bit there, delaying payments to federal employees retirement accounts. This is already happening.

Jordan Weissmann: Yeah, extraordinary measures arent that extraordinary anymore. And this actually speaks to how ridiculous the debt ceiling isthe first time they started using extraordinary measures was like the 1980s. Theyre actually sort of a regular part of the process now.

Last week, Janet Yellen testified before Congress. She gave a deadline of Oct. 18 for raising or suspending the debt limit.

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Oct. 18 is the drop-dead date, according to the Treasury. We dont know that for certain. Theres a little bit of fuzziness there. It actually might be a little bit before, it might be a little bit after. We dont know for certain when the cash totally runs out or when we wont have enough cash to meet all of our obligations. And thats part of the reason why doing all this at the last second and pushing this confrontation to the brink is a really bad idea.

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Maybe its more like Oct. 17 or 16.

Yeah, maybe something goes wrong. Its possible. Thats part of the reason I think Chuck Schumer is saying we need a bill by the end of this week or we need to at least start moving in that direction. And so its really not a good idea to be working on this assignment the night before. Lets put it that way.

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It seemed to me that as soon as Janet Yellen spoke, there was immediate energy behind, OK, lets get on it, lets fix it, we have this spending bill already moving through the House because we were going to have a government shutdown. But last week we did pass this spending bill, agreeing to keep the government open until December. Why would the Republicans agree to that, but not raising the debt limit?

Because they want to make raising the debt limit painful. Its mostly about campaign ads. Its also about wasting floor time in the Senate so that Democrats cant pursue other aspects of their agenda.

But Democrats could avert a fiscal crisis all on their own. One option is a procedural tweak: If you create a filibuster loophole, you can raise the debt limit with a straight-up party-line vote. The question with this fix, though, is whether all Democrats can get behind it.

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The main reason that Joe Manchin, senator from West Virginia, and Kyrsten Sinema, the senator from Arizona, the two rulers of the Senate, have said they support the filibuster is because it supposedly encourages bipartisan cooperation.

That is not whats happening right now.

Thats not whats happening right now. Mitch McConnell has in fact announced a new ruleas he tends towhere he says as a matter of principle that if one party controls all of Congress and the presidency, it should be on them to raise the debt ceiling on their own. So Mitch McConnell has said this, from here on out, should be a partisan exercise whenever possible. So that really kills the rationale for having a filibuster. If theres no possibility of bipartisan agreement, you might as well just carve out an exception saying we can suspend the debt ceiling with just a pure, bare majority vote in the Senate.

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But to change this rule, dont you need a majority vote? So youd need Manchin and Sinema to agree to get rid of this rule in order to get them to raise the debt ceiling?

Right. And thats the question about this approach. Will Manchin and Sinema give any ground on the filibuster? Manchin at one point was talking to reporters and said this has nothing to do with the filibuster.  He suggested he would rather do it through budget reconciliation, which is what Mitch McConnell wants. But lately, hes been a little bit more quiet about it. So it seems like its at least up for discussion, but I wouldnt bet a lot of money on it happening that way.

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Another possible solution is the idea of raising the debt limit through reconciliation, and this is Mitch McConnells preferred plan. I often dont agree with Mitch McConnell, but I have to say that using budget reconciliation to fix the budget kind of makes sense to me. So why is this a bad idea?

Its not a bad idea. Its just unappealing if youre a Democrat. Its distasteful. Its unpleasant. Its icky. There are a lot of hoops you have to jump through to do reconciliation. You have to pass a budget resolution and then you need to have two vote-a-ramas where the other party can just throw up amendment after amendment after amendment and make you vote on them, and usually its stuff thats kind of designed to embarrass the other party. Theres also committee time you have to devote to it. And that has been the excuse that Democrats have made, that this would take too much time, it would be drawn-out, there are all sorts of questions procedurally about whether we could do it. 

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The main concern among Democrats is that if you do it through reconciliation, the conventional wisdom is that you have to actually say how much you want to raise the debt limit by. You have to put a number on it. The way Congress has been dealing with the debt limit recently is theyve just been suspending it ever since essentially 2013. Basically theyre saying, Until the 10th of whenever, the debt limit is suspended. They give a date. They dont give a number. And the problem with giving a number is that someone can then put a number in a campaign ad against you.

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My personal feeling on this is that Democrats should be much less concerned about whether someone runs a campaign ad about whether they raise the debt ceiling. I dont think many voters would fundamentally care, but there are enough moderate Democrats in difficult districts who think that their voters care about debt and deficits that they are a little freaked out by that, and so they really, really dont want to. Plus, theres the sense of just being kind of aggrieved that Republicans are making them do this dance all over again. Theyre really just resentful. They still remember 2011 and are mad about it.  But unfortunately, this is where we are, and frankly, it is in their power to do it through budget reconciliation. And one of the upsides is that if they were to go that route, they could raise it high enough that you would essentially eliminate the debt limit.

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What kind of numbers are we talking about here?

I mean, just however high you want it, people pick their favorite.

One zillion dollars.

One quadrillion numbers. One favorite on Twitter is $69 sextillion. There are all sorts of options. The question is, if Democrats actually did just bite the bullet and do it through reconciliation, would Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema agree to effectively eliminate the debt limit for good? Would they go the 69 sextillion route, or would they just want to raise it enough to get us through December 2022? And my guess, because were on the worst of all possible timelines, is that they would want the more modest hike that just puts off our next conflict over this issue until a year or two from now.

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Youve laid out a couple of quote-unquote solutions that feel at best uncomfortable and at worst impossible. And thats how we get to these crazy ideas, like mint a trillion-dollar coin. How does that help?

So heres the story of the trillion-dollar coin. Years ago, a commenter on a blog noted that there was this obscure federal law that allowed the Treasury to mint platinum coins in essentially whatever denomination they wanted. So in 2011, when we had the first debt ceiling crisis, people had this idea: If we hit the debt ceiling, we should take advantage of the loophole in this platinum coin law and just mint one or two trillion-dollar coins. And then what would essentially happen is that the Treasury Department would take those over to the Fed and deposit them in their account at the Fed, and that would allow us to pay our bills. This came up in 2011. Some people got really into the idea. And then it really caught fire in the 2013 standoff, where #MintTheCoin became this hashtag on Twitter. People were talking about it.

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It sounds like something you talk about in your dorm room when youre really high.

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Yeah, but serious peoplePaul Krugman got behind this. A lot of people. It became a real media thing, and the Obama administration eventually had to come out and say, We dont think this is legal and the Federal Reserve wouldnt go along with it anyway. It would not accept the damn coin. This is not happening. Were not doing this clown shit. Like, Were going to come up with an adult solution. And what a lot of people say is like, the coin sounds stupid, but so is the debt ceiling. And this is a way to short-circuit the debt ceiling and get around it.

Another option that people have talked about is just invoking the 14th Amendment, for Joe Biden to say that the debt ceiling is unconstitutional because the 14th Amendment says very specifically the debts of the United States shall not be questioned. The issue here is that he doesnt have to do any of this stuff. Democrats could just raise the debt ceiling. Its in their power to do it.

So, take the sane option.

Yeah. I think part of the issue with minting the coin, too, is it doesnt really solve the problem the Democrats are looking at right now. The thing that Democrats are worried about is that theyre going to take political heat for raising the debt ceiling. If the Biden administration literally resorted to minting money to deal with the situation, there would be attack ads over that instead. You would see hysterics about, oh, God, were Zimbabwe now. People dont like the idea of just running printing presses. So it doesnt actually resolve the political problem that we are currently facing. If youre worried about taking political heat, if thats why youre not doing this by a reconciliation, well, the truly extraordinary, goofy, cartoonish measures that still might legally pass muster arent actually going to solve the political issue.

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On Wednesday night, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman blocked S.B. 8, Texas six-week abortion ban, which sought to evade judicial review by empowering bounty hunters to sue abortion providers and anyone who abets them. Pitmans 113-page opinion is a rebuke to the Supreme Courts one-paragraph, back-of-the envelope order refusing to halt the law on Sept. 1, after it had already gone into effect. Pitman, who heard lengthy oral arguments in this case last Friday, painstakingly explains why federal courts must prohibit the Texas judiciary from entertaining suits by anti-abortion vigilantes. In so doing, he answers the many complex and novel questions that SCOTUS found too befuddling to address last month when it declined to enjoin the law. Pitman also illuminates the rolling crisis for Texans who remain in dire need of abortion care, depicting the harrowing consequences of the ban over the last five weeks. Higher courts may well reverse Pitmans decision, but they will have a difficult time pointing to a flaw in his meticulous and fact-based opinion.

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The Texas law is an explicit attempt to get around Roe v. Wade. The act prohibits doctors from terminating a pregnancy after six weeks, when about 85 percent of abortions take place, with no exception for rape and incest. Notably, it does not allow state officials to enforce this regulation. Instead, S.B. 8 allows random people to file a $10,000 lawsuit in Texas state court against those who perform an abortion or aid or abet one. Abortion providers thus sued the state judges and court clerks who would docket, hear, and decide these suits. Pitman was poised to assess S.B. 8 before it took effect on Sept. 1 when the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals abruptly stopped him from holding a hearing, then refused to freeze the law. Near midnight the same day, the Supreme Court declined to halt S.B. 8 by a 54 vote, citing complex and novel antecedent procedural questions.

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The result was immediate and profound in clinics around the state. Many Texas clinics simply stopped providing abortion services for fear of violating the law. Accounts of pregnant Texans begging for services and clinic employees facing harassment followed.

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On Sept. 9, the U.S. Department of Justice got involved, filing a separate lawsuit to take down S.B. 8 on federal grounds. The DOJ came in with a major advantage: Because it represents the United States, it can file a suit directly against a state, something individual private plaintiffs cannot do. By suing Texas itself, the Justice Department leapt over the procedural question that had tripped up the previous plaintiffs. At arguments last week, the state of Texas attempted to argue that S.B. 8 had been deliberately crafted to comply with the constitutional rules set forth in Roe and Planned Parenthood v. Casey and that, to its knowledge, no woman had been precluded from having an abortion in the weeks since S.B. 8 had gone into effect. The states argument was a tour de force of gaslighting that flew in the face of every fact reported over the past several weeks.

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The DOJs bet that agents of the state could be subject to suit paid off, particularly in the face of mounting evidence that pregnant Texans had been materially harmed as a result of the law. Pitmans decision has moments of powerful rhetoric, but it is largely devoted to the complex and novel threshold issues the majority of the Supreme Court was too exhausted to probe when they allowed the law to stand. There can be no doubt that S.B. 8 was a deliberate attempt by lawmakers, he wrote, to preclude review by federal courts that have the obligation to safeguard the very rights the statute likely violates. This effort failed, he noted, because the United States has standing to represent its citizens in their effort to vindicate federal rights. On behalf of these citizens, it also has authority to enforce the 14th Amendment against a state attempting to supersede it. As Pitman put it, when the machinations of the state effectively cut off private access to the federal courts, the scheme warrants equitable action by the United States.

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Because the DOJ clears these hurdles, Pitman wrote, it had properly challenged S.B. 8. And on the merits, there is no question as to foundational facts: Texas law plainly violates Roe because it outlaws abortions well before fetal viability. In order to block the law, Pitman crafted an injunction to halt existing S.B. lawsuits and prevent new suits from being maintained by the state judiciary. He forbade state judges and clerks from accepting or docketing these cases and, for good measure, barred private individuals who act on behalf of the state from filing them. Finally, he ordered Texas to publish this preliminary injunction on all of its public-facing court websites with a visible, easy-to-understand instruction to the public that S.B. 8 lawsuits will not be accepted by Texas courts.

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Notably, Pitman denied Texas request for an immediate stay of his decision. The State has forfeited the right to any such accommodation by pursuing an unprecedented and aggressive scheme to deprive its citizens of a significant and well-established constitutional right, he explained. To be clear, this hardly means Texas clinics will begin providing constitutionally protected abortions services tomorrow. If Pitmans decision is eventually overturned, doctors who perform abortions in the interim can still be sued. But at least for now, the playing field tilts against the states too-clever-by-half effort to harm women while skirting judicial review.

Perhaps most importantly, Pitman chose not to center the sufferings of the Supreme Court justices who feel beleaguered by the demands of the shadow docket, or of Texas, which seeks to overturn Roe v. Wade without being hassled by precedent or legal arguments. Instead, in footnote after footnote, Pitman centered the pregnant people who have relied on the courts to vindicate their rights and excoriates the state for hurting them, for lying about it, and for its cynical attempts to circumvent the rule of law. From the moment S.B. 8 went into effect, women have been unlawfully prevented from exercising control over their lives in ways that are protected by the Constitution, he wrote. That other courts may find a way to avoid this conclusion is theirs to decide; this Court will not sanction one more day of this offensive deprivation of such an important right.

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One can only guess what will happen to Pitmans order at the 5th Circuitwhich could quickly halt his injunction. It is even less clear what could happen at the Supreme Court, where five ultra-conservative justices seem to think S.B. 8s devious design lets them off the hook. But for the first time in over a month, Texas women were visible, and their needs were urgent to a federal court. And while that may not suffice to reinstitute the right to choose, it is the first glimpse of justice since the twisted Texas law took effect.
If someone built a tool that made Facebook less addictivea tool that allowed users to benefit from Facebooks positive features while limiting their exposure to its negative oneshow would Facebook respond?

I know the answer, because I built the tool, and Facebook squashed it. This summer, Facebook sent me a cease-and-desist letter threatening legal action. It permanently disabled my Facebook and Instagram accounts. And it demanded that I agree to never again create tools that interact with Facebook or its other services.

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The tool I created, a browser extension called Unfollow Everything, allowed users to delete their News Feed by unfollowing their friends, groups, and pages. The News Feed, as users of Facebook know, is that never-ending page that greets you when you log in. Its the central hub of Facebook. Its also a major source of revenue. As a Facebook whistleblower observed on 60 Minutes on Sunday, time spent on the platform translates to ads viewed and clicked on, which in turn translates to billions of dollars for Facebook. The News Feed is the thing that keeps people glued to the platform for hours on end, often on a daily basis; without it, time spent on the network would drop considerably.

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I had the idea for Unfollow Everything a few years ago, when I realized you dont actually need to have a News Feed. If you unfollow everythingall of your friends, groups, and pagesyour News Feed ends up empty.

This isnt the same as unfriending. If you unfollow your friends and groups, youre still connected to them, and you can look up their profiles if you want. But by unfollowing everything, you eliminate your News Feed. This leaves you free to use Facebook without the feed, or to more actively curate it by refollowing only those friends and groups whose posts you really want to see.

I still remember the feeling of unfollowing everything for the first time. It was near-miraculous. I had lost nothing, since I could still see my favorite friends and groups by going to them directly. But I had gained a staggering amount of control. I was no longer tempted to scroll down an infinite feed of content. The time I spent on Facebook decreased dramatically. Overnight, my Facebook addiction became manageable.

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When I unfollowed everything for the first time, I did it manually. I spent hours using a Facebook-provided feature to click unfollow on each of my friends, groups, and pages. I quickly realized that very few people would go to the same trouble, so I coded a simple tool that would automate the process. In July 2020, I published it to the Chrome Store, where people could download it for free.

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Unfollow Everything started taking off. People loved it. Thousands of people got rid of their News Feed using it. Reviews included comments like I am officially not addicted to Facebook thanks to you! I received emails from people telling me that using the tool had changed their lives.

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A few months after I published Unfollow Everything, academics at the University of Neuchatel, in Switzerland, expressed interest in using it to study the News Feeds impact on the amount of time spent on Facebook and the happiness of the platforms users. We began working together. The university recruited people to join two study groups: one where participants deleted their News Feeds using Unfollow Everything and a control group where participants left their feeds intact. Participants agreed to share limited and anonymous informationspecifically, the amount of time they spent on Facebook, the number of times they visited the site, and the number of friends, groups, and pages they were following and not following, both in total and broken down by category. (For regular Unfollow Everything users, the only Facebook-related data shared was the ratio of followed profiles to total profiles, a metric that helped me ensure the tool was working.)

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Then, a few months ago, Facebook sent me a cease-and-desist letter. The company demanded that I take down the tool. It also told me that it had permanently disabled my Facebook accountan account that Id had for more than 15 years, and that was my primary way of staying in touch with family and friends around the world. Pointing to a provision in its terms of service that purports to bind even former users of Facebook, Facebook also demanded that I never again create a tool that interacts with Facebook or its many other services in any way.

These demands seemed outrageous to me. They also seemed outrageous to lawyers I consulted from the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, and in the U.K. But my options were limited. Im a U.K. resident, so a lawsuit against Facebook would probably have played out in a U.K. court, where I would have been personally on the hook for Facebooks litigation costs if I lost. Facebook is a trillion-dollar company. I couldnt afford that risk, so Unfollow Everything no longer exists. This is bad for its users, and also for the University of Neuchatel, which will no longer be able to use it to study the News Feed.

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I am far from the only one to face this kind of scenario. Facebook is increasingly using its terms of service to crush not only research, but also tools that give users more control over their data and platform experience. Just last summer, Facebook went after Friendly, a web browser that allows users to switch between their social media accounts, more easily download or repost photos and videos, and filter their feeds by keyword.

Facebooks behavior isnt just anti-competitive; its anti-consumer. We are being locked into platforms by virtue of their undeniable usefulness, and then prevented from making legitimate choices over how we use themnot just through the squashing of tools like Unfollow Everything, but through the highly manipulative designs and features platforms adopt in the first place. The loser here is the user, and the cost is counted in billions of wasted hours spent on Facebook.

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If lawmakers and regulators are serious about empowering users to stand up to big tech, they need to address the ways in which platforms stymie user choice, including through terms of service. Platforms shouldnt be able to wield the threat of lawsuits and account suspensions against researchers and developers who create tools that merely empower usersbut as my experience shows, they can and do. How many people will be put off making tools that serve the public as a result?

Im still searching for other ways to help people use Facebook less. But in the meantime, at least I can thank it for something: My own Facebook addiction is now definitively under control.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
Thanks to a whistleblower who has shared tens of thousands of embarrassing internal documents with the press and government, Facebook has spent the last few weeks squirming. But one of the companys loudest groups of detractorsright-wingers who criticize Big Tech as being censorious toward conservativesdoesnt seem especially pleased.

According to politicians on Capitol Hill, including those on the right, former Facebook product manager Frances Haugen is a brave crusader exposing the harms and excesses of the worlds most powerful social network. But venture outside the hearing room and pundits in right-wing media are on a very different page, one where Haugen is a corrupt leftist whom Democrats and the mainstream press are cynically propping up to control social media for their own purposes. After Haugen appeared before the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection to much bipartisan praise, conservative outlets began disparaging her personally and framing the affair as a made-up scandal. The reasons why these personalities have split with politicians on the issue are numerous, and they contain one interesting wrinkle: They illustrate just how reliant the right has been on Facebooks dominance this whole time.

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The background: Last month, the Wall Street Journal published a shocking series of articles based on documents that Haugen gathered in her last month at Facebook. The revelation thats gotten the most publicity is that Facebook conducted internal research showing that its Instagram subsidiary exacerbates mental-health and body-image problems in young users, especially teenage girls. The documents also show that Facebook has repeatedly declined to change the algorithms that it knows are promoting divisive content (and in one instance when it did, that content thrived all the more dramatically). Content that elicits extreme reactions tends to receive more user engagement, which Facebook relies on to sell ads. Haugens central thesis is that Facebook consistently puts profits before the wellbeing of its users.

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Enter the pro-Trump chattering class: Dan Bongino, on his Fox Nation show, claimed that Haugen is part of a left-wing opclearly, the evidence is everywhereto get conservatives booted off Facebook. He went on to implore conservatives not to work with her. Steven Crowder, of the YouTube show Louder With Crowder, and his co-hosts in a recent episode made a series of sexual and derogatory jokes about Haugens appearance before going on to connect her to Facebooks moderation of the Hunter Biden laptop affair. (Social media companies depressed that storys spread, citing policies about the dissemination of hacked materials.) Crowder also accused Haugen of trying to pull on your heartstrings by bringing up research about how some teen girls say Instagram makes their thoughts of suicide worse, and labeled her as part of the predator feminist agenda. Jesse Watters, on the Fox News show The Five, said it was ludicrous to blame Facebook for conflict and polarization in a monologue that was so resolute that his co-host Greg Gutfeld called it a pretty impressive defense of Facebook and joked that Watters was on the companys board. (The other co-hosts were, admittedly, a bit more skeptical of Facebook.)

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Lets just be clear about this: The new Democrat-media complex attack on Facebook is completely manufactured, the Daily Wires Ben Shapiro said on his show Wednesday, going on to accuse Democrats of orchestrating a power grab to control social media. He suggested that government regulation of news-feed algorithms would essentially amount to Democrats nudging people toward their own narratives. She literally is revealing no new information that people did not know, Shapiro said later of the internal Facebook research Haugen leaked on Instagrams harmful effects on teens. Anytime teenage girls are comparing themselves to some sort of ideal, this is not good for mental health. (In fact, the revelation was not that Instagram is harmful to many teen girls, but that Facebook knew the extent of the problem through its own research and wasnt forthcoming when Congress previously asked about it.) The Daily Wire has also run articles branding Haugen as a leftist activist.

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While many Republicans in Congress have in the past echoed pundits complaints about social-medias purported anti-conservative bias, during this episode theyve split. During Tuesdays hearing, there were no accusations that she was a puppet of the left. Indeed, even partisans didnt seem to think this was a partisan issue. Instead, Republicans were vociferously appreciative of Haugen for coming forward. Their questioning evinced a real concern about the mental health impacts of Instagram on young users, and an interest in examining Facebooks algorithms to address the harms they might be causing. The ranking member of the subcommittee, Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, thanked Haugen for sharing her message with the American people. Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, ranking member of the Commerce Committee at large, stressed that there was a lot of bipartisan concern. While conservative media have warned that regulating a private company like Facebook would amount to government overreach, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota suggested that Congress should intervene to address engagement-based algorithms that promote divisive content. He also promoted legislation that would update Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which hes co-sponsoring with Democratic Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii.

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Even Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Utah Sen. Mike Leenot exactly moderate Republicansshowed support for Haugen. Cruz, who usually hijacks tech hearings to complain about anti-conservative bias, indicated that what Haugen had uncovered was horrifying and deeply disturbing, and spent most of his time trying to get a better understanding of the documents shed leaked. Lee cited research from watchdog groups that supplemented Haugens claims. Facebook isnt being truthful, and also Facebook isnt being adequately vigilant about protecting children from patently harmful content, he said in a later interview on Fox News about the hearing. I think there are a number of fixes we ought to adopt that would be helpful here. If the Democrats and the media are conspiring to control Facebook, Republican lawmakers would seem to be accomplices.

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Why the difference? Once explanation might be that right-wing media dominates on Facebook and arguably has the most to lose from, say, a government-forced algorithm change, particularly one that de-emphasizes content that elicits extreme emotions. Content from Shapiro, Bongino, and their ilk consistently appears in rankings for the best performing posts on any given day. Indeed, while Facebook is one of their favorite punching bags in their protests about political bias, its also a huge driver of traffic for them. A Facebook executive told Politico in 2020 that conservatives do so well on the platform because their content speaks to an incredibly strong, primitive emotion, which is exactly the sort of thing the news-feed algorithm rewards. No wonder these personalities have finally come out swinging for Facebook. The cliche about politics and strange bedfellows is there for a reason.
A few months ago, a colleague told me that shed given birth to her first child at a hospital in the midst of a ransomware attack. This is the kind of thing that happens when you work on cybersecurity, people confide in you about their terrible passwords, or how much they hate two-factor authentication, or that time they went into labor in a hospital with no working computers. I said something along the lines of Im so sorry, that must have been so hard, and she said, Oh, it was fine, people just kept coming into the room and asking me whether anyone had already examined me. It didnt bother her, she saidshe just felt sorry for all the people working at the hospital who were trying to do their jobs without any idea what was going on with all their patients.

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Ive been thinking about that story a lot this week, after reading the Wall Street Journals account of the case of Teiranni Kidd. Kidd is suing the Springhill Medical Center in Alabama, where she gave birth to her daughter in July 2019 while the hospitals internal computer network was down due to a ransomware attack. Her daughter Nicko Silar was born with her umbilical cord wrapped around her neck, a condition that caused severe brain damage; she died nine months later. According to the Journal, the heart rate monitor in the room registered signs of the fetuss distress, but since the hospital computer network was down, the hospital staff was unable to monitor those signs from the monitor at the nurses station. After the delivery, the attending obstetrician obtained the readout from the patients room and texted the nurse manager to say she would have performed a Caesarean section on Kidd if she had seen it sooner.

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So its not hard to understand why Kidd alleges in her lawsuit against the hospital and attending obstetrician that the ransomware attack led to her daughters death. But even if the ransomware is ultimately to blame for what happened, its still far from straightforward to sort out whether that means the hospital and its staff were at fault because of how they responded to the attack.

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The crux of Kidds suit seems to be that she was not informed of the ransomware attack by anyone at the hospital and, more importantly, that the staff missed the warning signs on the heart rate monitor in her room. The first of these complaints seems reasonable, if a little strange. Reasonable to expect that a hospital would inform its patients when dealing with a major cyberattack but also a little surprising that patients would need to be formally notified unless a hospital was going out of its way to hide what was going on from patients. The colleague who told me about her experience giving birth during a ransomware attack heard about it from nearly everyone who entered her hospital room. And even though Springhill didnt immediately publicly acknowledge the attack, the day Kidd was admitted to the hospital, it issued a press statement saying it had suffered a security incident, though it didnt specify that the incident was a ransomware attack. So by the time Kidd entered the hospital, the ransomware attackalready more than a week oldcertainly wasnt a secret, but neither had the hospital been entirely transparent about what was going on. And I think, overall, Kidd is probably right to expect hospitals to notify patients when their computer networks are down.

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Im less convinced that its reasonable to expect those hospitals to be able to monitor all of their patients as continuously as they would when their computers are up and running normally, though. Springhill was doing the best it could with the resources available to it. Perhaps the patient care was not as good as it was prior to the attack, but what would the alternative have beento turn patients away and send them to other hospitals? Thats what a hospital in Dusseldorf did last year when it was hit by ransomware. One of the patients who was forced to go instead to a hospital 20 miles away died from treatment delays.

There were very few good options for Springhill once its network was compromised. It could have paid the ransomwhich it chose not to dobut that would have been no guarantee the criminals would have restored its systems. Even if paying up had gotten the hospitals computers back up and running sooner, it would have helped fuel more ransomware attacks by funding the criminal enterprises that perpetrate them. It could have shut down the hospital or stopped admitting new patients, but those decisions might also have exacted a toll on patient care. Or staff could do their best with the resources they had available to them, which is what they did. And even though that choice ultimately had a tragic outcome, it would be a mistake to conclude that it was the wrong choice.

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If Springhill should be held accountable for anything it was allowing its systems to get compromised in the first place and not having a robust restoration plan in place to get its network back online faster (it took three weeks for the hospital to restore its computer systems). But the complaint barely mentions these issues. It alleges that Springhill withheld information about its lack of adequate preparation and training for a cyberattack and that the hospital wantonly fail[ed] to have adequate rules, policies, procedures, and/or standards related to cyberattacks, but it never actually describes in any detail the ways that the hospital had failed to adequately prepare and defend against ransomware. Without knowing more details about how the ransomware infected the hospital and what technical remediation steps the hospital management took in the aftermath of the attack, though, its difficult to know exactly how at fault it was.

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Springhill shouldnt be blamed for continuing to treat patients or even for not being able to monitor all of their patients as continuously as they would have had their computer systems not been down. If the hospital deliberately withheld information about the attack from patients, then they should be blamed for that, but that transparency issue still doesnt get at the larger problem of protecting hospitals from ransomware, rather than just informing people when theyre attacked. Indeed, many patients in Kidds situation probably wouldnt know what to do with that information or how to decide whether they needed to leave and go to a different hospital without the medical staff advising them. If Kidds case is successful, I fear the takeaway for other health care providers will be that they should not continue admitting patients during cyberattacks, or that they should pay ransoms to try to resolve these attacks faster, and those would be exactly the wrong lessons to learn from this incident.

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The moral of Kidds story is that we need to do a much, much better job of helping health care organizations (and other institutions) defend themselves against ransomware and put in place incident response plans that enable them to restore their systems in a matter of hours, not days. It can sometimes be productive to use lawsuits to hold companies accountable for failing to protect themselves and their clients against cyberattacks, but only if those lawsuits actually focus on the right thingsthe things that could actually have prevented the attacks or minimized their impacts. Most lawsuits brought against organizations that fall victim to serious data breaches or cyberattacks, like Equifax or T-Mobile, focus on all the ways that the breached organizations failed to implement established security best practicesthings like encryption or multifactor authentication or installing software updates. Those suits are not always successful, but they at least target the security failings of the organizations in question, thereby applying pressure to those (and other) companies to do a better job of implementing preventive and mitigation measures for future cybersecurity incidents.

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But Kidds suit focuses on all the ways that the hospital was unable to monitor its patients as effectively during the cyberattack because its networks were down, rather than on the things the hospital could have done to prevent the attack or get its networks back up and running sooner. Im not sure what hospitals are supposed to take away from Kidds complaint other than that if they cant provide the same quality of care to patients during a cyberattack (and they almost certainly cant) then they shouldnt be treating patients at all when dealing with cybersecurity breaches. In that regard, it may prove counterproductive to the larger goal of actually incentivizing hospitals to do a better job defending against ransomware and preventing future tragedies.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
This article is part of the Free Speech Project, a collaboration between Future Tense and the Tech, Law, & Security Program at American University Washington College of Law that examines the ways technology is influencing how we think about speech.

At a hearing last week, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, posed the question to Antigone Davis, the head of global safety for Facebook, Instagrams parent company.

Davis paused. Senator, again, let me explain. We dont actuallywe dont actually do finsta. What finsta refers to is young people setting up accounts where they may want to have more privacy.

The brief clip went viral, as some commentators cited it as an example of legislators inability to understand the technology theyre attempting to regulate. Others pointed to earlier portions of the hearing, in which Blumenthal described finstas as fake Instagram accounts and kids secret second accounts as evidence that he knew what the term meant. Still, the exchange earned Blumenthal a cameo on John Olivers Last Week Tonight.

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The jokes about whether Blumenthal understands finsta distract from a far more important issue: A member of Congress asked a large social media platform to prevent at least some users from communicating pseudonymously. Such discussions must account for the vital role that anonymity and pseudonymity have played in the American conception of free speech and privacy since our nations founding.

A member of Congress asked a large social media platform to prevent at least some users from communicating pseudonymously.

Davis alluded to these values in her response to Blumenthal. You refer to it as privacy from their parents, Davis said. In my interaction with teens, what I found is they sometimes like to have an account where they can interact just with a smaller group of friends.

Currently, Instagram does not expect users to operate under their real names. Instead, it tells users: You dont have to disclose your identity on Instagram, and its terms of use prohibit impersonating others and submitting inaccurate information. Blumenthal did not explicitly propose that Instagram ban pseudonymity. But it is difficult to conceive of an effective way to end finsta without imposing and stringently enforcing a rule that all usersadults and minorsdisclose their identities. Preventing fake Instagram requires people to prove what is real Instagram.

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Instagram could choose to require real names, as the Facebook platform has long mandated. Facebook is a community where everyone uses the name they go by in everyday life, Facebook tells users. This makes it so that you always know who youre connecting with. Mark Zuckerberg said in a 2010 interview that having two identities for yourself is an example of a lack of integrity. But a real-name policy carries substantial costs for many, particularly those who lack the luxury of being able to freely express themselves under their real names. For instance, in 2014, the Electronic Frontier Foundation documented the harms of Facebooks real-name policy for the LGBTQ community. Being able to connect a legal name with an online LGBTQ identity makes it much easier for not just stalkers and harassers, but dangerous abusers, to find people offline, EFF wrote. And the loss of ability to identify using ones chosen identity makes it more likely that an individual will simply leave social media, thereby losing an essential source of community and information. In 2015, Facebook responded to some of this criticism by changing some of its enforcement procedures, requiring people to provide context when they flag allegedly fake names and allowing those with flagged accounts to provide justifications.

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Free speech expert Jillian York has aptly labeled real name proposals the White Mans Gambit. I spent the past three years writing a forthcoming book about the longstanding U.S. tradition of anonymous and pseudonymous speech, from Common Sense and the Federalist Papers to websites such as Glassdoor where employees can candidly expose their employers shortcomings. Ive reviewed the arguments for and against anonymity in many different contexts. Much of the pushback to anonymity comes from a few misunderstandings.

First, anonymity and pseudonymity are too often conflated with deception. To be sure, some people do attempt to impersonate others online. But impersonation is not the same as allowing people to separate their identities from their words. Platforms like Twitter and Reddit correctly prohibit impersonation while still allowing users to operate under pseudonyms.

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Second, even platforms with real-name policies are susceptible to abuse. For instance, Facebook reported that during the 2016 presidential election season, Russian propaganda reached up to 126 million Americans. Tightening identification policies might reduce some malicious acts, but in my research Ive found that the particularly dedicated bad actors are more likely to figure out how to circumvent real-name rules. Or they simply assume the risk of operating under their real names while causing as much harm as possible.

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Third, real-name policies do not magically result in civil discourse. For instance, a 2016 study that reviewed hundreds of thousands of comments on a German online petition site concluded that more online aggression is obtained by non-anonymous commenters, and not by anonymous commenters. Just check out any random Facebook group to witness people engaging uncivilly under their real names.

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Of course, Instagram is a private platform that is free to enforce a strict real-name policy. The most concerning aspect of Blumenthals question was that it came from a lawmaker. Every so often, commentators and politicians float the idea of requiring social media sites to adopt and enforce real-name requirements.

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Some countries, such as China, impose real-name requirements, but U.S. courts would almost certainly strike down such laws. The Supreme Court first recognized that the First Amendment protects anonymity in 1958, when it blocked segregationist Alabama state officials attempts to force the NAACP to disclose its membership lists. Two years later, the court struck down a Los Angeles ordinance that required handbills to include their authors names. Anonymous pamphlets, leaflets, brochures and even books have played an important role in the progress of mankind, the court wrote. Persecuted groups and sects from time to time throughout history have been able to criticize oppressive practices and laws either anonymously or not at all.

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Courts have recognized a strongbut not absoluteFirst Amendment right to online anonymity. The issue has arisen most frequently when civil litigants have sued anonymous posters and issued subpoenas for websites and service providers to disclose identifying information. Generally, courts will take a very close look at the justifications for the unmasking. Anonymous internet speech in blogs or chat rooms in some instances can become the modern equivalent of political pamphleteering, the Delaware Supreme Court wrote in 2005 when it blocked the attempts of a town councilmember to unmask online critics through a defamation lawsuit.

For similar reasons, courts have long pushed back against real-name requirements. In 1998, a federal judge invalidated a New Mexico age verification law because it prevents people from communicating and accessing information anonymously. In 2014, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit struck down a law that required registered sex offenders to provide law enforcement with a list of their internet identifiers.

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One might ask whether a real-name requirement would matter on Instagram, where users often post photos that reveal their faces. As I describe in my book, the First Amendment has created a culture of anonymity empowerment that allows individuals to decide how much identifying information to disclose. Anonymity is not binary; people could reveal some identifying details but not others. Or they could choose to disclose their identities to some people while remaining anonymous to most. Even the authors of the Federalist PapersAlexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jayunmasked themselves as the men behind Publius to a select handful of associates.

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The Supreme Court has recognized the nonbinary nature of anonymity. For instance, in 2002, it struck down an ordinance in the small village of Stratton, Ohio, that required canvassers to first register with the mayors office. In the Village, strangers to the resident certainly maintain their anonymity, and the ordinance may preclude such persons from canvassing for unpopular causes, the court wrote.

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I agree that we must do more to protect teenagersand adultsfrom online harms. But I question whether a real-name requirement, even if it could apply only to teens, would be an effective solution. I think of Microsoft researcher danah boyds years of foundational studies of teens use of social media. She found that many teenagers, including a disproportionately high number of teenagers of color, relied on pseudonyms. The people who most heavily rely on pseudonyms in online spaces are those who are most marginalized by systems of power, she wrote in 2011.  Real names policies arent empowering; theyre an authoritarian assertion of power over vulnerable people.

Congress canand shouldcontinue the debate about the harms that minors experience on social media. Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen has exposed vital information, particularly about the mental health harms to teenagers associated with Instagram use. I hope Haugens revelations start a serious discussion about many long-neglected issues, including the lack of a strong U.S. privacy law. But ending finsta is not the solution.

The views expressed in this piece are only the authors and do not represent the Naval Academy, Department of the Navy, or Department of Defense.

Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University that examines emerging technologies, public policy, and society.
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Vaccination with the third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine should start next week, said paediatrician Elena Prokopova. However, she did not specify on which day.

Our paywall policy: The Slovak Spectator has decided to make all the articles on the special measures, statistics and basic information about the coronavirus available to everyone. If you appreciate our work and would like to support good journalism, please buy our subscription. We believe this is an issue where accurate and fact-based information is important for people to cope.

Preference will be given to at-risk groups and people who have a higher risk of getting infected, including medical workers, nursing home employees, people with immunity problems and those vaccinated more than six months ago.

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The booster shot should be administered to people with immunity problems first. This group includes people who have received organ transplants, cancer patients and people taking medication to improve their immunity. The booster can be administered four weeks after the individual received the second vaccine dose. The above-mentioned group will receive an mRNA vaccine, i.e. the vaccine by Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna, said Alena Koscalova, a member of the group of experts that advises the Health Ministry.

Another prioritised group will be at-risk groups and people who have a higher risk of getting infected, such as medical workers, the clients and employees of nursing homes, and in-field workers. Nursing home clients and employees can register for the booster shot via vakcinacia@employment.gov.sk, said Labour Minister Milan Krajniak (Sme Rodina). If at least five people register, a mobile vaccination team will be sent to the facility, he added, as reported by SITA.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women face obstacles in obtaining Covid vaccine Read more

The booster shot will also be offered to people who were vaccinated more than six months ago, regardless of the vaccine they received. They will receive the mRNA vaccine. In the first round, people over the age of 55 years and people over the age of 18 who suffer from diseases that could make the course of Covid more severe will be prioritised.

For now, the vaccine will not be administered to people who have received both vaccine shots and have recovered from Covid.

Read more about the vaccination against Covid in Slovakia:
https://sputniknews.com/20211006/poland-requests-european-commission-investigate-possible-gas-price-manipulation-1089723189.html

Poland Requests European Commission Investigate Possible Gas Price Manipulation

Poland Requests European Commission Investigate Possible Gas Price Manipulation

BRUSSELS (Sputnik) - Polish Deputy Climate and Environment Minister, Adam Guibourge-Czetwertynski, addressed the European Commission on Wednesday with a... 06.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-06T22:25+0000

2021-10-06T22:25+0000

2021-10-06T22:25+0000

gas prices

investigation

russia

poland

nord stream 2

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Natural gas prices have skyrocketed over the past few months, and many factors are responsible. One of them is market manipulation by a dominant gas supplier, Guibourge-Czetwertynski said at the Environment Council meeting, alluding to the Russian company Gazprom.The EU authorities in charge of reviewing the Nord Stream 2 project must conduct a thorough investigation of whether it complies with the bloc's legislation, and what its potential impact on Europe's energy security is, Guibourge-Czetwertynski added.In response, Russian Ambassador to Poland Sergey Andreev said it is clear who will be blamed for the European gas crisis even before the investigation starts.Earlier on Wednesday, European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson said that Moscow has been complying with all of its long-term commitments, but extra capacities were not booked despite growing prices. German Chancellor Angela Merkel also pointed out that it was not Gazprom, but Europe that did not secure more supplies.In September, forty members of the European Parliament urged the European Commission to investigate Gazprom's actions. The energy giant was accused of manipulating the market in a bid to pressure the EU authorities to authorize Nord Stream 2.

TruePatriot ROFLMAO - oh yes indeedy you clowns. Just look to your master in the West and there you will find the manipulator. Grow up and get a clue. 3

niz Poland is simply wrong. Their prejudices cloud their ability to reason. You cannot take what they say seriously. 2

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gas prices, investigation, russia, poland, nord stream 2
https://sputniknews.com/20211006/us-arrests-alaska-man-for-death-arson-threats-against-unnamed-senator--justice-dept-1089723565.html

US Arrests Alaska Man For Death, Arson Threats Against Unnamed Senator  Justice Dept.

US Arrests Alaska Man For Death, Arson Threats Against Unnamed Senator  Justice Dept.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik)  An Alaska man faces up to 10 years in prison for threatening to burn properties of a US Senator or to hire an assassin to kill the... 06.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-06T22:45+0000

2021-10-06T22:45+0000

2021-10-06T22:45+0000

alaska

us

threats

justice department

us senator

arrest

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Jay Allen Johnson, 65, left a voicemail message on September 2, 2021, at the Washington D.C. office of a US Senator containing several threats, including a threat to 'burn' the Senators properties, the department said in a press release. Johnson left another voicemail threatening to hire an assassin to kill the U.S. Senator.Johnson also left threatening voicemail messages for a second US senator between April 2021 and September 2021, the release said.Investigators were able to trace at least one call to a cellphone in Delta Junction, Alaska with a number linked to Johnson, the release added.Johnson faces charges of threatening US officials with intent to intimidate the officials while engaged in the performance of official duties; making interstate threats; and interstate threats to damage property by means of fire or an explosive, according to the release.If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for the most serious charges, the department said.

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https://sputniknews.com/20211007/123-arrested-as-climate-activists-block-central-bridge-in-finnish-capital-1089729917.html

123 Arrested as Climate Activists Block Central Bridge in Finnish Capital

123 Arrested as Climate Activists Block Central Bridge in Finnish Capital

The demonstrators urge the Finnish government declare a climate emergency and act more forcefully on the climate change, including binding legislation in order... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T05:56+0000

2021-10-07T05:56+0000

2021-10-07T05:56+0000

news

europe

environment

finland

scandinavia

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Climate activists from Elokapina, Finland's arm of the international movement Extincion Rebellion, shut down Pitkasilta, or the Long Bridge, in central Helsinki to traffic on Wednesday evening, causing delay and disruption, national broadcaster Yle reported.Activists announced the demonstration five minutes in advance via Twitter; the message ended with We are very sorry about the disturbance. Ultimately, about two hundred protesters gathered, sitting on the driveway at each side of the bridge and effectively shutting off all traffic. Rescue vehicles, however, were still allowed to pass.The police had not been notified in advance. However, two hours into the demonstration, the police intervened and started to arrest the demonstrators, as previous calls to end the disruption had failed. All in all, 123 activists were apprehended and issued fines for disobeying the police.The climate activists from Elokapina have now been demonstrating in Helsinki for a week. So far, their biggest feat was to stop traffic on Mannerheim Street, Helsinki's main thoroughfare. The activists notoriously declined the police's request to hold the demonstration elsewhere to avoid disturbance by stressing that their goal was specifically to create disruption.The purpose of Elokapina's demonstrations is to persuade the government to declare a climate emergency and act more forcefully on the climate change. Among others, the demonstrators urge the Finnish government to create binding legislation that will achieve carbon neutrality by 2025, a decade ahead of the government's current goal of 2035.However, the protests were condemned by politicians ranging from the party of power to the opposition. Among others, Antti Lindtman, the chair of the ruling Social Democrats' parliamentary group, disapproved of Elokapina's riotous ways, stressing that there are other ways to express opinions in Finland than blocking traffic on the main street.Starting from mid-September, motorists the UK also saw a series of roadblocks by an environmental group called Insulate Britain, which is also affiliated with Extinction Rebellion and demands efforts to improve home insulation in order to reduce energy consumption in the country. However, their protests were condemned by many politicians as well, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who branded them irresponsible crusties.

https://sputniknews.com/20210930/finnish-arm-of-extinction-rebellion-begins-10-day-protest-by-blocking-helsinkis-main-artery-1089538001.html

Phoebe Barton Im making over $7k a month working part time. I kept hearing other people tell me how much money they can make online so I decided to look into it. Well, it was all true and has totally changed my life. This is where i started............. Www.Nowjob1.Com 0

grace morgan I never thought I will ever be cure from my Herpes again, I have been having herpes since last year July , Until one day I go on a research on the Internet where I saw someone given testimony on how Dr Momoh help him cure his herpes with his natural herbal medicine, i was so surprised when i saw the testimony, I have to also contact the herbal doctor Dr Momoh on his email which the lady recommended to anyone who might also need help. Wholeheartedly I am so grateful to this man as he has restored my health and made me a happy man again. Anyone out there who might be facing the same problem should kindly contact Dr Momoh as he knows, you may need his email address on how to treat. Email him at dr.momoh9@gmail.com. You can also call or write to him on WhatsApp +2347083724098 0

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https://sputniknews.com/20211007/arizona-senator-petitions-50-state-audit-decertification-of-inaccurate-2020-election-results-1089743258.html

Arizona Senator Petitions 50-State Audit,' Decertification of Inaccurate 2020 Election Results

Arizona Senator Petitions 50-State Audit,' Decertification of Inaccurate 2020 Election Results

Sen. Wendy Rogers posted a letter on social media ostensibly from the American people" on 22 September, calling on the Arizona Senate to address the... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T15:32+0000

2021-10-07T15:32+0000

2021-10-07T15:32+0000

arizona

joe biden

donald trump

us

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Dozens of lawmakers from multiple states, including three Republicans from Michigan, appear to have joined Arizona state Sen. Wendy Rogers in signing a letter from the American people calling for a 50-state audit of the November 2020 general election.Rogers released the letter in a social media post earlier in the week.Michigan House Reps. Steve Carra, R-Three Rivers, Daire Rendon  R-Lake City, and Matt Maddock  R-Milford are listed on the letter that calls for states to decertify electors where elections were certified inaccurately.It also suggests the US House of Representatives convene and vote per the US Constitution by means of one vote per state to decide the rightful winner of the election.Previously, weighing in on the upcoming review of Arizonas election audit, Rogers posted a cryptic letter on social media ostensibly from the American people on 22 September, calling on the Arizona senate to probe the shortcomings of the 2020 presidential election. Wendy Rogers also ramped up her call to decertify Arizonas election, stressing that the fate of the United States and the Republic for which it stands along with freedom and justice for all is on trial before the world.This comes as a congressional committee examines Arizonas election audit this Thursday. The House Oversight and Reform Committee were scheduled to hear from the chairman of the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors, among others. Company CEO Cyber Ninjas, who led the audit effort, declined to testify, according to US media reports.The Texas Secretary of States Office ordered a full forensic audit of the 2020 election not long after a call for such was voiced by former President Donald Trump. According to him, Texans had "big questions" about the election results.An extensive GOP-led hand recount of votes in Arizona's Maricopa County appeared to show that Biden won the state in the 2020 presidential race.Republican Gov. Doug Ducey went on Twitter on 25 September to say that the results stand: the election is over.While confirming Biden's victory, the draft September report nevertheless outlined several voter irregularities, such as missing ballots, votes from people who "had moved prior to the election," logs "intentionally rolled over," and other things.Despite months of insistence from Trump and his allies that the 2020 presidential elections were riddled with fraud, no factual evidence has been presented to date to back the claims.

grace morgan I never thought I will ever be cure from my Herpes again, I have been having herpes since last year July , Until one day I go on a research on the Internet where I saw someone given testimony on how Dr Momoh help him cure his herpes with his natural herbal medicine, i was so surprised when i saw the testimony, I have to also contact the herbal doctor Dr Momoh on his email which the lady recommended to anyone who might also need help. Wholeheartedly I am so grateful to this man as he has restored my health and made me a happy man again. Anyone out there who might be facing the same problem should kindly contact Dr Momoh as he knows, you may need his email address on how to treat. Email him at dr.momoh9@gmail.com. You can also call or write to him on WhatsApp +2347083724098 0

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https://sputniknews.com/20211007/biden-administration-fight-to-not-disclose-details-of-cia-torture-of-detainee-1089750911.html

Biden Administration Fight to Not Disclose Details of CIA Torture of Detainee

Biden Administration Fight to Not Disclose Details of CIA Torture of Detainee

The US Supreme Court is set to hear case of Abu Zubaydah, a Palestinian man held at Guantanamo Bay who endured brutal torture by the CIA at a black site in... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T20:42+0000

2021-10-07T20:42+0000

2021-10-08T00:08+0000

joe biden

us

guantanamo

torture

enhanced interrogation techniques

detainee

cia

al-qaeda

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Arguments about the governments ability to assert what is known as the state-secret privilege are reportedly being questioned.The central issue of the case concerns whether Zubaydah, 50, who was captured in Pakistan in 2002, will be able to obtain information related to his detention.Zubaydah and his lawyer are requesting a subpoena testimony from two former CIA contractors who supervised his torture while detained at the black site CIA facility in Poland.A federal appeals court allegedly sided with Zubaydah and claimed that a judge has the power to determine whether any information he is seeking can be disclosed, regardless of the governments oath to keep the information a secret.Zubaydah, the first person held by the CIA, spent four years at CIA black sites where he underwent extensive torture, before being transferred to Guantanamo Bay in 2006. He was described as an al-Qaeda* leader and long-time associate of Osama bin Laden before the Senate torture report later found that the CIA had "significantly overstated" Zubayah's role in the organization.The CIA black site in Poland has never been publicly acknowledged by the US government, though its existence has been widely reported in the media.The Biden administration insists that information  that includes the locations of former CIA detention facilities  cannot be disclosed to prevent it from jeopardizing national security.After a federal court initially ruled that Mitchell and Jessen should not be required to testify, an appeals court ruled 2-1 that the lower court made a mistake in ruling out questioning entirely before attempting to differentiate what can and cannot be disclosed.Zubaydahs lawyers say the CIA was mistaken in believing he was a high-ranking member of al-Qaeda.The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments next month in another case involving questions about the state secrets privilege. That case, FBI v. Fazaga, arose out of the use of an FBI informant to secretly infiltrate Muslim communities in southern California more than a decade ago. Oral arguments will take place on November 8.*A terrorist organization banned in Russia and many other states

https://sputniknews.com/20210929/biden-should-appoint-envoy-for-closing-guantanamo-ex-muslim-chaplain-at-gitmo-says-1089532944.html

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https://sputniknews.com/20211007/biden-to-decide-on-sanctions-against-india-for-purchasing-dangerous-s-400-says-us-top-diplomat-1089717822.html

Biden to Decide on Sanctions Against India for Purchasing 'Dangerous' S-400, Says US Top Diplomat

Biden to Decide on Sanctions Against India for Purchasing 'Dangerous' S-400, Says US Top Diplomat

Indian Air Force (IAF) chief V. R. Chaudhari said on Tuesday that the Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile defence system would be inducted "within this... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T10:28+0000

2021-10-07T10:28+0000

2021-10-07T10:28+0000

recep tayyip erdogan

wendy sherman

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joe biden

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turkey

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Describing the S-400 air missile defence system as 'dangerous' for use, US deputy secretary of state Wendy Sherman said on Wednesday that President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken will decide on possible sanctions against India over the S-400 deal with Russia.Sherman, who is on a three-day visit to India, has discussed the issues related to the Russian air missile and defence system with India's foreign secretary and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval."That said, we have a strong partnership with India. We want to be very thoughtful about the ways ahead, and discussions between our countries try to solve problems, and I hope we will be able to in this instance as well," Sherman added.Indian government sources told Sputnik that discussions on the S-400 deal are evolving and are ongoing. India's Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be going to the US soon to discuss the S-400 and the CAATSA threat.Indian Air Force Chief Air Marshal V.R. Chaudhari said on Tuesday that the first regiment of the S-400 will be inducted by December this year. Four other regiments of the Russian system will be delivered by 2023.Earlier, a spar over S-400 occurred between the US and Turkey, when Ankara, while planning on buying the Russian missile system, was set to obtain American F-35 fighter jets.Turkey received the first deliveries of the S-400 in July 2019, triggering Washington to impose sanctions undher the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) and expelled the NATO-ally from the F-35 stealth fighter programme over security concerns. Nevertheless, last month, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan reiterated further cooperation with Russia on defence industry projects, including fighter jets and submarines.On 28 September, US Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Menendez said that sanctions are mandated for any entity that does significant business with the Russian military or intelligence sectors. CAATSA's stated purpose was to provide "congressional review and to counter aggression by the Governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes." India signed a $5.43 billion deal with Russia in 2018 to receive five regiments of air missile defence systems by 2023.

https://sputniknews.com/20210930/erdogan-reveals-why-turkey-bought-russias-s-400-missile-systems-instead-of-american-patriots-1089547474.html

asavetmd The S-400 is dangerous alright, dangerous for American F-35s, F-15s,16s, 18s and 22s. Wendy Sherman is a Social Worker, not a Diplomat nor an Air defense expert. 2

FeEisi The US can't dictate what India can and can't buy. India must explore ways to make the US pay if it insist to threaten and sanction. India can reconsider buying US military equipment since the US can weaponize "spare parts" needed for maintenance. 1

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russia

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recep tayyip erdogan, wendy sherman, s-400, joe biden, narendra modi, us, russia, turkey, india, s-400, us sanctions, caatsa, india, biden administration
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/chinese-journo-denounces-us-invaders-amid-news-of-secret-special-forces-training-on-taiwan-1089749963.html

Chinese Journo Denounces US Invaders Amid News of Secret Special Forces Training on Taiwan

Chinese Journo Denounces US Invaders Amid News of Secret Special Forces Training on Taiwan

After reports appeared in US media on Thursday that a small number of US troops had secretly been deployed to Taiwan for more than a year, a leading Chinese... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T19:57+0000

2021-10-07T19:57+0000

2021-10-07T19:58+0000

china

special forces

asia-pacific

us marines

taiwan

training

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The Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing anonymous US officials, that two dozen US Special Operations forces and US Marines had been in Taiwan for more than a year, where they have been training Taiwanese forces amid heightened tensions with China.In response to the story, the Chinese Foreign Ministry told the WSJ that China will take all necessary steps to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity and that it expects the US to adhere to its prior agreements about the status of Taiwan. When it established relations with the Peoples Republic of China in 1979, the US agreed to end its political and military support for the government in Taiwan, which Beijing regards as a rebellious province of China.In response to an inquiry by the WSJ on Thursday, Pentagon spokesperson John Supple said the 1979 Taiwan Relations Act, passed by Congress to outline its future informal relations with Taiwan, provides for assessments of Taiwans defense needs and the threat posed by the Peoples Republic of China, as the paper put it.However, Hu Xijin, editor-in-chief of the Global Times, an outlet owned by the Communist Party paper Peoples Daily, had some sharper words for Washington.The Pentagon and Taiwanese governments had no comment about the Journals story. However, in a separate comment on Thursday, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that the US commitment to Taiwan is rock solid and that the US will continue to deepen our ties with Taiwan.The revelation also vindicates reports in Taiwanese media in November of 2020 that US Marines were operating on the island. As Sputnik reported at the time, the report originated with Taiwanese Naval Command, which said that special Marine Raiders would be there for four weeks for routine Taiwan-US military exchange and cooperation training.Supple told US military publication Stars and Stripes at the time that the reports were inaccurate. However, Taiwan News responded by pulling the veil back even further.Ironically, at his confirmation hearing in May, US Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict Christopher Maier told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the US should be training Taiwanese forces in guerrilla tactics to resist a theoretical Chinese invasion.In response to a question by US Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) about US Special Forces training their Taiwanese counterparts along the lines of how they trained US allies in the Baltic States, Maier said it was a key contributor and something the US should be considering strongly.Sputnik has also reported on mysterious flights to and from the island, including by cargo aircraft operated by companies with known links to the US Central Intelligence Agency. Their movements have also been documented by online flight tracking services.Standing Shoulder to ShoulderAlso on Thursday, former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott made a high-profile visit to Taipei, where he expressed hope Canberras support for Taiwan would increase. Like the US, Australia recognizes the Chinese government as the single government of all of China, and maintains only informal relations with the Taiwanese government via a liaison office.It is in large measure to try to help to end this isolation from which Taiwan has been suffering for so many decades that I am here in this country and I do hope that this will be the first of many visits, Abbott told Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, seeming to describe Taiwan as a separate country.Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, no friend of Chinas, told reporters on Thursday that Abbott was a private citizen visiting Taiwan in his own capacity.Last month, Australia, the US, and the United Kingdom came together to sign a new military cooperation agreement they termed AUKUS. While billed as a simple defense agreement that will provide, among other things, a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, the deal is widely seen as aimed at China. Another regional bloc, the Quad group, also includes Japan and India in addition to Australia and the US, who have described it as complementary to AUKUS.Beijing has described the new defense agreements as pseudo-multilateralism and said they provoke discord among nations of the region.

4Justice Puerto Rico has been considering becoming independent of the US for several decades. China should open a base there and arm/train those Puerto Ricans how to fight the US. 13

4Justice So, you probably don't like those little Chinese diks and want something bigger? 9

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china, special forces, asia-pacific, us marines, taiwan, training
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/cia-reportedly-airlifted-commandos-suspected-of-execution-style-killings-of-civilians-out-of-kabul-1089738036.html

CIA Reportedly Airlifted Commandos Suspected of Execution-style Killings of Civilians Out of Kabul

CIA Reportedly Airlifted Commandos Suspected of Execution-style Killings of Civilians Out of Kabul

More than 122,000 people, including tens of thousands of Afghan nationals who collaborated with US and NATO forces during the 19+ year war and occupation of... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T10:53+0000

2021-10-07T10:53+0000

2021-10-07T11:07+0000

afghanistan

afghanistan

war crime

evacuation

cia

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Members of the so-called Zero units, a shadowy Afghan paramilitary force sponsored and controlled by the US Central Intelligence Agency, enjoyed priority status for evacuation to safety to the United States, former senior US and Afghani intelligence officials and a former Afghan commando with direct knowledge of the situation have told The Intercept.Collectively known as National Strike Units, Zero unit commandos assisted US forces in guarding Hamid Karzai International Airport in the final two weeks of evacuation operations from Kabul, where they reportedly engaged in shaking down Afghans who had assisted US and NATO forces during the 19+ year war by demanding money to get through the airport gates. Al Jazeera reported on one such incident, in which an interpreter was beaten by commandos, and told that she, her husband and their three children would not be allowed through the gates unless she paid them $5,000 for herself and each member of her family. The woman was turned away, unable to afford the bribe.The CIA is thought to have had significant influence in the evacuation of Kabul, with a report in the Washington Post last week estimating that up to 20,000 Afghans who collaborated with the agency and members of the family made it aboard evacuation flights  constituting nearly one third of the 60,000 or so Afghans that the United States took in overall.Trail of Bloodshed and TerrorCreated as a guerrilla paramilitary-style force, Zero units were originally envisioned by the CIA partly as a means to fight Taliban fighters travelling back and forth between the porous Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The forces allowed the US to send units on cross-border raids  something US personnel couldnt risk due to Washingtons formally cordial relations with Islamabad. The commandos were also used to carry out missions which might tarnish the USs reputation, with use of Zero unit fighters said to allow for plausible deniability by Washington in the event that fighters engaged in illegal activity or war crimes. The forces were amalgamated into a joint program between the CIA and Afghanistans National Directorate of Security intelligence service in 2010, with the US funding the units operations.In 2019, former Afghan National Security Advisor Hamdullah Mohib confirmed that the force was controlled by the CIA, and said that he was not fully aware how they operate. In January 2021, the Biden administration reportedly indicated that they would pull the plug on funding for and cooperation with Zero unit forces in one years time.In a 2019 report, civil society activists and other sources told Human Rights Watch about systemic human rights violations involving CIA-backed paramilitaries, police and other security forces including torture, disappearances and extrajudicial killings.Thursday marks the 20th anniversary of the start of the 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan. Begun in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks in New York and Washington, DC on the pretext of the need to eliminate suspected terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden, the war in Afghanistan soon became a nation-building mission. Brown Universitys Costs of War project estimates that the war cost US taxpayers over $2.2 trillion (or about $300 million per day for nearly 20 years). Up to 100,000 Afghan civilians, 70,500+ Afghan security forces personnel, tens of thousands of Taliban fighters, over 3,500 US and coalition troops, and 4,000+ western mercenaries were killed in the conflict.Bin Laden was reportedly killed in Pakistan in May 2011 in a Navy SEAL team raid and dumped into the sea, but the US-led war in Afghanistan continued for over ten more years after that.* Deemed a terrorist group in Russia.

https://sputniknews.com/20201230/biden--cia-death-squads-1081612473.html

https://sputniknews.com/20210930/pakistani-eyewitnesses-say-operation-to-take-out-bin-laden-in-2011-staged-1089538309.html

Wayne Gabler Looks like my previous post lost the beginning about 'SAVVAK' in Iran and the 'School of the Americas' in Central America. The same 'band of cutthroats' would be the ones that were causing the terrorist attacks in Afghanistan during Operation:Cyclone. 3

LINDADREW WHY DONT RUSSIA BAN CIA IN RUSSIA BECAUSE TERRORIST ORGANISATION 2

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afghanistan, war crime, evacuation, cia
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/despite-terrorist-leaders-death-south-africa-extends-deployment-to-northern-mozambique-1089726101.html

Despite Terrorist Leaders Death, South Africa Extends Deployment to Northern Mozambique

Despite Terrorist Leaders Death, South Africa Extends Deployment to Northern Mozambique

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) decided at a Tuesday summit in Pretoria that its standby force would remain deployed in Mozambique beyond the... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T00:43+0000

2021-10-07T00:43+0000

2021-10-07T00:42+0000

mozambique

africa

daesh

southern african development community (sadc)

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"Summit approved the extension of the SAMIM (SADC Mission in Mozambique) to continue with offensive operations against terrorists and violent extremists," read a laconic communique viewed by Reuters on Tuesday. The SADC mission was due to end on October 15; the communique did not spell out a time duration for the extension.The soldiers have been deployed to Mozambiques northernmost Cabo Delgado Province following appeals for aid by Maputo. There, Muslim rebel groups, which have declared themselves aligned with Daesh* and captured several area towns, including a daring raid of the port of Palma in April. The four-year conflict has sent more than 700,000 people fleeing to safety and more than 3,000 people killed, while major international gas projects nearby were put on permanent pause. The region is also home to mines that produce 40% of the worlds rubies, and both extraction operations are credited by experts with fueling local anger and desperation that underpins the rebellion.On Sunday, Mozambican President Filipe Nyusi called on the rebels to surrender after the death of Awadhi Ndanjile, a senior leader in the lead rebel group Ansar as-Sunnah, known locally as al-Shabab (The Youth) but having no connection to the Somali group of the same name."We want our compatriots on our side, not the other side," he added.In mid-August, Rwandan and SADC troops helped their Mozambican allies recapture the key port city of Mocimboa da Praia, al-Shababs chief stronghold, and the group has been in retreat ever since.According to the Tuesday communique, three soldiers from the SADC mission had been killed, hailing from Botswana and Tanzania.According to a report by France 24, Rwandan soldiers are also helping to protect the Afungi Liquefied Natural Gas Plant, a massive $20 billion project by French gas giant Total that is among the largest in Africa. Following al-Shababs attack on Palma, Total declared force majeure on Afungi, absolving them of potential liability costs associated with the conflict.Nyusi, of the FRELIMO liberation group that led the countrys fight for independence and then triumphed in a civil war against rebels backed by Apartheid-era South Africa and Rhodesia, was long reluctant to allow foreign troops on Mozambican soil, but relented after the Palma attack. He has insisted that all troops deployed to help them fight al-Shabab operate with their permission and under their command.*Daesh (also known as Islamic State/ISIS/IS) is a terror group, banned in Russia

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mozambique, africa, daesh, southern african development community (sadc)
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/emmanuel-macron-accused-of-swiping-covid-19-jab-batch-from-uk-in-manner-akin-to-act-of-war-1089739538.html

Emmanuel Macron Accused of Swiping COVID-19 Jab Batch From UK in Manner Akin to Act of War

Emmanuel Macron Accused of Swiping COVID-19 Jab Batch From UK in Manner Akin to Act of War

As Britain touted its successful coronavirus vaccine rollout in spring as compared to the EU's sluggish delivery of jabs, Londons relations with Paris and... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T12:23+0000

2021-10-07T12:23+0000

2021-10-07T12:23+0000

france

boris johnson

emmanuel macron

news

ursula von der leyen

astrazeneca

vaccines

pfizer

covid-19

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French President Emmanuel Macron has been accused by Tory ministers of acting like a mini Napoleon and collaborating with European Union (EU) heads of state to divert a large batch of coronavirus vaccines originally destined for Britain, reported The Sun. A batch of Oxford/AstraZeneca jabs, expected to arrive in Britain on 22 March this year from the Halix site in Holland, was reportedly diverted by France, in an action that MPs claim could have cost UK lives, said the outlet. The move, they emphasised, had come in seeming contradiction to statements by France and other EU countries questioning the Oxford/AstraZeneca jabs effectiveness and safety. Earlier this year, some nations temporarily suspended the use of the vaccine amid concerns over the side effects of the AstraZeneca jab due to very rare cases of blood-clotting. Subsequently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said it considers the benefits of the drug to outweigh its risks.Furthermore, French President Macron had previously claimed the AstraZeneca vaccine did not work in over-65s, branding it quasi-effective.Ministers were also cited as comparing the EUs spring threat to block supplies of Pfizer/BioNTech jabs to the UK, being produced in German manufacturing sites and the drugmaker's manufacturing site in Belgium, as behaviour of a hostile state rather than a close ally. The UK Conservative Party MPs are described as having applauded moves by Prime Minister Boris Johnson to successfully keep the Pfizer vaccine flowing and thus maintaining rollout success. Vaccine Row The reported incident had come as the sluggish EU vaccine rollout compared unfavourably with the successful jab administering campaign across the UK. The EU had decided not to approve vaccines on an emergency basis, unlike Britain. Furthermore, some European countries had halted rollouts of the AstraZeneca jab due to concerns it can result in side-effects such as blood clots. At the time, fending off growing criticism over the bloc's troubled inoculation programme, Brussels had become embroiled in a "vaccine war with the UK" over exports of the Oxford-AstraZeneca jab. The EU chief Ursula von der Leyen had accused AstraZeneca, which helped develop the Oxford University vaccine, of having "underproduced and underdelivered" to the bloc. She warned she was "ready to use whatever tool we need" to ensure "Europe gets its fair share", saying that Brussels could trigger article 122 of the EU treaty, which would allow the bloc to take exceptional measures such as seizing production of vaccines and suspending intellectual property rights if severe difficulties arise in the supply of certain products to member states. The UK slammed the EU threat to block vaccine exports to the UK and other countries with higher vaccine rollouts as "brinkmanship" at the time.

armor A Good news message : many here wish Pres. Putin a Happy Birthday today the 7th October. Putin , the long-distance runner, the man that many, many in the the world admire and love. Many envy Russia to have such a leader. May God Almighty keep him safe. 5

anne00marie Didn't Maccron come out of the Klaus Schwab Young Global Leader Group? Now who else is part of the party and what do they all have in common? 4

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https://sputniknews.com/20211007/european-union-gas-prices-explode-1089725458.html

European Union Gas Prices Explode

European Union Gas Prices Explode

Gas prices in Europe have skyrocketed to the highest numbers in a decade, as political wrangling over the Nord Stream 2 pipeline dampens hope for immediate... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T10:20+0000

2021-10-07T10:20+0000

2021-10-07T10:20+0000

shanghai cooperation organization

gas prices

africom

eu

russiagate

the critical hour

john durham

filibuster

radio

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EUROPEAN UNION GAS PRICES EXPLODE Gas prices in Europe have skyrocketed to the highest numbers in a decade, as political wrangling over the Nord Stream 2 pipeline dampens hope for immediate relief.

K. J. Noh, peace activist, writer, and teacher, joins us to discuss China. President Joe Biden has reportedly advised the Japanese Prime Minister that the US is willing to go to war with China over the Senkakus Islands. Also, Taiwan's leader has been arguing that her nation is at the forefront of democracy worldwide and must therefore be protected from China.RT European correspondent Peter Oliver joins us to discuss gas prices in Europe. Gas prices in Europe have skyrocketed to the highest numbers in a decade, as political wrangling over the Nord Stream 2 pipeline dampens hope for immediate relief. The pipeline project is complete and the system is ready to transport badly needed fuel to European households.Dr. Jack Rasmus, professor in economics and politics at St. Mary's College in California, joins us to discuss the economy. Democrats are working on the major spending bills, as indications from Capitol Hill spell major concessions from the left flank of the party. Also, President Biden is discussing the filibuster, and the discussion of minting a trillion-dollar coin has gained enough credibility for a mainstream discussion.Oscar Chacon, co-founder and executive director of Alianza Americas, joins us to discuss immigration. Immigrants and like-minded activists are gathering outside of the Brooklyn home of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to pressure him for action on a comprehensive immigration reform bill. In the absence of comprehensive legislation, activists want a path to citizenship added to the current spending bill.Ajamu Baraka, 2016 US vice-presidential candidate for the Green Party, joins us to discuss Africom. The Black Alliance for Peace (BAP) has begun an "International Month of Action Against Africom." In their press release, the BAP explains that "The Black Alliance for Peaces International Month of Action Against AFRICOM aims to raise the publics awareness about the U.S. militarys existence in Africa, and how the presence of U.S. forces exacerbates violence and instability throughout the continent."Jim Kavanagh, writer at thepolemicist.net & CounterPunch and the author of "Danger to Society: Against Vaccine Passports," joins us to discuss the John Durham investigation. The probe into the origins of the Russia-gate operation has revealed a tangled web of lies directly implicating the 2016 Clinton campaign. Is this investigation an honest inquiry or further insider dealings to cover the FBI's complicity in the project?Ted Rall, political cartoonist and syndicated columnist, joins us to discuss press freedom. Patrick Lawrence has a new article in consortiumnews.com in which he argues "in the failed corporate coverage of Steven Donziger and Julian Assange there is an imposition of darkness, ignorance inflicted on Americans with intent." Lawrence describes the way the news and information are controlled and corrupted in the US empire.Laith Marouf, broadcaster and journalist based in Beirut, joins us to discuss Iran. The US State Department has spoken with China in an attempt to reduce their purchases of oil from Iran. US attempts at crushing the Iranian economy have been thwarted consistently by Russia and China. The acceptance of the Islamic Republic into the Shanghai Cooperation Organization appears to signal little or no future cooperation with US sanctions.We'd love to get your feedback at radio@sputniknews.com

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shanghai cooperation organization, gas prices, africom, eu, russiagate, the critical hour, john durham , filibuster, , radio
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/ex-daesh-bride-urges-uk-authorities-to-open-their-minds-and-allow-her-to-return-from-syria-1089749922.html

Ex-Daesh Bride Urges UK Authorities to 'Open Their Minds' and Allow Her to Return From Syria

Ex-Daesh Bride Urges UK Authorities to 'Open Their Minds' and Allow Her to Return From Syria

Young women have been recruited from all over the world by Daesh*. These jihadi brides are often lured in by the group on empty promises, only to wash up as... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T22:33+0000

2021-10-07T22:33+0000

2021-10-07T22:33+0000

isis

syria

daesh

isis brides

uk

terrorists

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A British woman who fled her home in the UK with her husband to join Daesh in Iraq has begged the UK government not to sweep her "under the carpet" and to "open their minds" to allow her and her three daughters to return from Syria, the BBC reported on Thursday.Nicole Jack of Shepherd's Bush, West London and her young children are being held in Camp Roj, a detention centre for relatives of Daesh terrorists. The 34-year-old reportedly said she and her kids are "out of sight, out of mind" for the UK government.Jack claims that despite living under Daesh rule for three years, she's not a security threat to the UK.The widow to two militants added that she thinks the British government should "at least try to understand" why she left the country for Daesh, without "having just a closed mind, like stay out there and rot."According to the report, in October 2015, Jack left London with her husband, Hussein Ali, and four children to join the terrorist movement in Iraq, after informing her family that she was moving to Somalia to start a new life. She claimed that her husband threatened to break up the family if she refused to accompany him on his trip, but he was killed while fighting for the terrorists the following year.Jack then married another fighter who was Trinidadian like her  he was called Adil de Montrichard, also known as Adil Roberts. The couple travelled to Syria in 2017. Later, De Montrichard and Jack's ten-year-old son Isaaq were reportedly killed in a coalition attack.Despite living with Daesh militants, the woman says she never saw any heinous acts. Jack said in an interview with the BBC that she doesn't understand people who oppose the return of Daesh brides to their home countries because she argues she poses no danger at all. Jack is imprisoned in the same camp as the infamous Daesh bride Shamima Begum, a fellow Londoner whose UK passport was revoked on security grounds in 2019. Begum also insists she's not a security threat to the UK. Jack reportedly said she doesn't know if she still has her UK citizenship.However, she claims that she will not allow her children to return to the United Kingdom without her.The children's grandmother, hospital nurse Charleen Jack Henry, says the kids should be allowed to return. Henry added that their mother should also be allowed to return to the UK to "face the consequences."At least 16 British mothers and between 35 and 60 British children are reportedly incarcerated in Syrian camps. Kurdish officials in charge of jails and camps in northern Syria have pleaded with Western countries for assistance in dealing with foreign Daesh members, as well as their spouses and children. They have repeatedly urged countries to return their nationals to their homelands. Sweden, Finland, Belgium, and Germany, among others, have reportedly returned children and their mothers.*Daesh (also ISIS, IS) is a terrorist organisation banned in Russia and many other countries.

https://sputniknews.com/20210915/i-thought-i-was-doing-right-thing-as-muslim-ex-daesh-bride-begum-issues-yet-another-apology-1089092531.html

Proof Reader Critic  F*CK OFF 0

Gone it's funny how Brits are one of the main instigators and parties of the invasion of Syria and ALL they seem to be able to do about "facing consequrnces" about it is torture a single, confused person (who was a child of 15 and who was never a warrior to begin with). Pay the fucking reparations to Syria, you British monsters! Thast's what the defeated side is supposed to do after a war. Sleazebags. 0

4

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Kirill Kurevlev

isis, syria, daesh, isis brides, uk, terrorists
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/eyeing-oman-israels-foreign-ministry-hopes-for-more-normalization-deals-in-coming-year-1089754283.html

Eyeing Oman, Israels Foreign Ministry Hopes for More Normalization Deals in Coming Year

Eyeing Oman, Israels Foreign Ministry Hopes for More Normalization Deals in Coming Year

Israels Foreign Ministry is looking far and wide for more Muslim nations willing to develop ties in the wake of 2020s Abraham Accords, a senior ministry... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T22:52+0000

2021-10-07T22:52+0000

2021-10-07T22:53+0000

middle east

oman

israel

peace deal

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Were speaking basically to all countries in the region, in the Middle East and North Africa, Eliav Benjamin, who heads the Middle East and Peace Process Division at the Israeli Foreign Ministry, told reporters on Wednesday.Between September and December of last year, Israel established diplomatic relations with four new Arab states - Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Sudan and Morocco - thanks to a US-led negotiation process. Hailed as the Abraham Accords, the deal temporarily halted a planned annexation of large parts of the West Banks Jordan River valley by Israel.Oman, a former British client state, has long sought to be a neutral mediator in a region divided by many different loyalties. Up until his death in January 2020, the late Sultan Qaboos sought to bring Houthi and Saudi diplomats together for peace talks.More recently, the sultanate, now led by Qaboos cousin, Haitham bin Tariq, hailed the Abraham Accords peace deals, saying he hoped it would be a practical tributary toward achieving peace based on ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands and establishing an independent Palestine with its capital in East Jerusalem.Informal talks between Israel and Oman arent unheard of, either. Three Israeli prime ministers have secretly visited Oman - Yitzhak Rabin in 1994, Shimon Peres in 1996 and Benjamin Netanyahu in 2018 - with the 1996 visit even leading to the opening of trade offices in both nations. However, those relations were quickly severed in 2000 after the Second Intifada broke out. Still, according to the Times of Israel, the government of Oman quietly encouraged Israeli diplomats to stick around, as long as the ongoing engagement between the two countries stayed secret.A few days later, al-Busaidi told Ash-Sharq al-Awsat that we will not be the third Gulf state to normalise, as I mentioned, but we support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and we respect the sovereign decisions of states, just as we expect others to respect our sovereign decisions.While that might seem to close the book on the subject, its important to note that Morocco made similar declarations several months before suddenly agreeing to a peace deal. As Sputnik has reported, the catalyst was American recognition of Moroccos claim to rule Western Sahara, a non-self-governing territory to its south that the United Nations has pledged to hold an independence referendum in and which the native Saharawi people call a Moroccan colony.For the UAE and Bahrain, it seems that what greased the wheels was the promise of new US weapons sales, including the lucrative F-35 stealth fighter; in Sudan, the new civilian government was rewarded for its deal by being removed from the US State Departments list of state sponsors of terrorism.Several other countries are also options for Israel to establish or restore relations. For example, Muslim states across the Sahel region, including Chad and Mauritania, have established and then broken relations with Israel; while NDjamena re-established relations in 2019, Nouakchott so far has not. Saudi Arabia, a close US ally that has long had underground connections to Jerusalem, has also reportedly considered abandoning its position on a Palestinian state and making a deal with Israel.Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth also reported in December 2020, in the wake of Moroccos about-face, that Jerusalem was also talking to Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Maldives. However, it also claimed that Oman would be next, citing sources in Jerusalem.However, for now the administration of Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, a strong proponent of annexing the Palestinian-majority West Bank, is unwilling to consider such a cost.There is a consensus among the parties not to get involved in the issue, which could cause an internal rift, she said. Israels shaky coalition government includes parties from across the political spectrum, including the first-ever Arab party in an Israeli government.We believe in economic peace as a means of improving Palestinians lives and to create cooperative industrial zones. But not a state with an army, absolutely not, she said, referring to the infrastructure projects proposed by the Trump administration in the so-called Deal of the Century that preceded the Abraham Accords, was widely panned in the Arab World and wholeheartedly rejected by the Palestinians.

Hess Shameful on these Arab stooges who betrayed the Arabs cause to service Zionism 3

vot tak The bum sexer alliance may even be stronget than that of greedy scum looking for a few extra shekels. Oops, did I write shekels instead of dollars? 0

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middle east, oman, israel, peace deal
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/former-speaker-of-congress-mirtha-vasquez-takes-oath-as-new-peruvian-prime-minister-1089728713.html

Former Speaker of Congress Mirtha Vasquez Takes Oath as New Peruvian Prime Minister

Former Speaker of Congress Mirtha Vasquez Takes Oath as New Peruvian Prime Minister

MEXICO CITY (Sputnik)  Former President of Peruvian Congress Mirtha Vasquez has taken oath as the new prime minister of the country. 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T03:37+0000

2021-10-07T03:37+0000

2021-10-07T03:35+0000

peru

latin america

prime minister

cabinet

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The swear-in ceremony was received by Peruvian President Pedro Castillo on late Wednesday.Oscar Maurtua and Walter Ayala have been re-appointed as the foreign minister and the defense minister respectively.On Wednesday, Castillo addressed the nation to announce the resignation of Prime Minister Guido Bellido and the swear-in of the new cabinet.The president explained the reshuffle with the need to preserve the balance of power and controllability.In the letter of resignation, Bellido said that he left the office at the request of President Castillo. The resigned prime minister headed the cabinet for two months and was criticized for low competencies and close ties with influential politician Vladimir Cerron.

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peru, latin america, prime minister, cabinet
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/greenpeace-uk-loses-legal-bid-to-revoke-permit-for-oil-drilling-off-scotland-1089745758.html

Greenpeace UK Loses Legal Bid to Revoke Permit for Oil Drilling Off Scotland

Greenpeace UK Loses Legal Bid to Revoke Permit for Oil Drilling Off Scotland

LONDON (Sputnik)  The environmental campaign group Greenpeace UK on Thursday lost its legal challenge to have the UK government's decision to allow British... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T15:20+0000

2021-10-07T15:20+0000

2021-10-07T15:20+0000

scotland

news

oil drilling

greenpeace

uk

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In a written statement issued by Scotland's Court of Session following a two-day hearing last month, judge Colin MacLean (Lord Carloway) rejected the claims against the exploitation of the Vorlich field off Scotland, arguing that they were "overwhelmingly technical and unconvincing."Lord Carloway also argued that although Greenpeace UKs aspiration is for the oil extraction to cease, "it did not appear to be contended that the UK economy is not still reliant in a number of different ways on the consumption of oil and gas."Greenpeace UK, which said it will appeal to the Scottish Supreme Court, had brought the government to trial claiming that it had failed in its legal duty to check what impact the drilling would have on climate change.The Vorlich oil field, whose production has been estimated at 30 million barrels, is located 241 kilometers (150 miles) east off the city of Aberdeen.

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scotland, news, oil drilling, greenpeace, uk
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/hackers-behind-solarwinds-tried-to-breach-us-european-government-networks---reports-1089727492.html

Hackers Behind SolarWinds Tried to Breach US, European Government Networks - Reports

Hackers Behind SolarWinds Tried to Breach US, European Government Networks - Reports

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The hackers behind the SolarWinds infiltration attempted to again breach US government networks including European government networks... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T02:30+0000

2021-10-07T02:30+0000

2021-10-07T02:30+0000

us

europe

mandiant

hackers

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US intelligence agencies said in early January that Russia was likely behind a mass cyberattack on US tech companies and government agencies in December 2020. The attackers used IT management software SolarWinds to gain access.Russia has repeatedly denied any involvement in the cyberattacks.The report said on Wednesday, citing a senior official at the cybersecurity firm Mandiant, that the hackers breached several technology firms that provide direct or indirect access to targeted organizations in the United States and Europe.A US official familiar with the matter told the outlet that the issue has come up in recent National Security Council meetings and federal agencies are monitoring the activity.Mandiant Senior Vice President Charles Carmakal declined to name the technology providers that were breached, the report said.The hackers also breached multiple government entities and organizations that work on political and foreign policy matters, the report said. The group is said to have also used new tools and techniques to breach some of their targets this year.The report said the National Security Agency, FBI, CISA, and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment on the matter.

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us, europe, mandiant, hackers
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/india-opens-for-tourists-on-15-october-home-affairs-ministry-says-1089742832.html

India Opens for Tourists on 15 October, Home Affairs Ministry Says

India Opens for Tourists on 15 October, Home Affairs Ministry Says

NEW DELHI (Sputnik) - India will open for tourists on 15 October, the ministry of home affairs (MHA) announced. 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T13:41+0000

2021-10-07T13:41+0000

2021-10-07T13:41+0000

asia & pacific

tourists

india

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"After considering various inputs, the MHA has decided to begin granting of fresh Tourist Visas for foreigners coming to India through chartered flights with effect from 15 October 2021. Foreign tourists entering into India by flights other than chartered aircraft would be able to do so only with effect from 15 November 2021 on fresh Tourist Visas. All due protocols and norms relating to COVID-19 as notified by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare from time to time, shall be adhered to by the foreign tourists, carriers bringing them into India and all other stakeholders at landing stations," the ministry said in a statement.Earlier, the Indian government decided to issue the first 500,000 tourist visas for foreigners free of charge, which will be issued after the country opens for international flights.

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asia & pacific, tourists, india
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/indian-home-minister-holds-emergency-meeting-after-two-teachers-killed-in-kashmir--1089734320.html

Indian Home Minister Holds Emergency Meeting After Two Teachers Killed in Kashmir

Indian Home Minister Holds Emergency Meeting After Two Teachers Killed in Kashmir

The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in India has witnessed ongoing separatist violence, with civilians being targeted by terror groups. On Wednesday an... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T12:26+0000

2021-10-07T12:26+0000

2021-10-07T12:26+0000

india

jammu

jammu and kashmir

india

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https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/07/1089740131_0:0:3063:1723_1920x0_80_0_0_c02cf1e10f34c5fccd1fb9b06a5d32e9.jpg

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah summoned an emergency meeting of the security agencies to take stock of the situation in Kashmir on Thursday, hours after two teachers were shot dead by terrorists in the morning. The security review comes in the wake of a spree of civilian killings, seven in the past 10 days. The killings have come at a time when around 70 federal ministers are on a nine-week outreach programme in Jammu and Kashmir.The federal government's security review meeting was chaired by Home Minister Shah and attended by national security advisor Ajit Doval.Director General of the Border Security Force Pankaj Kumar, Intelligence Bureau Chief Arvind Kumar, as well as Research and Analysis Wing head Samant Kumar Goel also participated in the meeting that focused on countering increasing terror attacks.On Thursday, police officials said that unknown gunmen had barged into a state government-run school in the Iddgah Sangam area, in the old city, and fired from a point blank range at two teachers. Both died on the spot. The victims, both of whom belonged to minority communities, were identified as Satinder Kaur, principal of the school and Deepak Chand, a local resident. Chand, a Kashmiri Pandit had reportedly recently shifted back to Kashmir from Jammu where his family had migrated in the 1990s when militancy broke out. Chand is the second Kashmiri Pandit to have been killed in two days by terrorists in Kashmir. On Wednesday, M.L. Bindroo, a well-known chemist, whose family was among the few Kashmiri Pandits who refused to leave Kashmir despite a looming threat over the past four decades, was gunned down, at point blank range, at his clinic on Srinagar street. Mehbooba Mufti, the former chief of the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir, and the head of Peoples Democratic Party, expressed concern over the worsening situation in Kashmir.What has become a matter of concern is that the radical Islamists are once again systematically targeting minority communities, said Director General of Police Dilbag Singh after visiting the terror attack site. "This is an attempt to defame local Muslims of Kashmir. Killing innocent civilians, including teachers, is a move to attack and damage the age-old tradition of communal harmony and brotherhood in Kashmir,"he added.The Resistance Front, a militant organisation floated after the federal government ended Jammu and Kashmir's special status, had claimed responsibility for the attacks against civilians earlier this week. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has condemned the killing of the two teachers, saying that "a befitting reply will be given" to those responsible for the "heinous terror attacks on innocent people".

https://sputniknews.com/20211006/im-speechless-congress-parliamentarian-on-killings-by-radical-islamists-in-kashmir--1089698609.html

https://sputniknews.com/20210921/india-cuts-off-communications-internet-in-kashmir-due-to-terrorists-reports-say-1089256434.html

india

jammu

jammu and kashmir

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india, jammu, jammu and kashmir, india
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/indias-ruling-bjp-shuffles-national-executive-ahead-of-polls-drops-senior-figures-for-new-blood-1089738571.html

India's Ruling BJP Shuffles National Executive Ahead of Polls, Drops Senior Figures for New Blood

India's Ruling BJP Shuffles National Executive Ahead of Polls, Drops Senior Figures for New Blood

Several states in India are headed for legislative assembly elections including Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Manipur, and Goa. The... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T15:33+0000

2021-10-07T15:33+0000

2021-10-07T15:33+0000

narendra modi

bharatiya janata party (bjp)

india

india

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In a critical organisational reshuffle, India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday reconstituted its 80-member National Executive, dropping several senior politicians to pave the way for new faces in the party.As the apex decision-making authority, the National Executive formulates the agenda of the party.Senior leaders like Parliamentarian Subramanian Swamy, former Federal Minister Maneka Gandhi, and her parliamentarian son Varun Gandhi have been dropped along with former federal Minister Suresh Prabhu. While Swamy has been a vocal critic of the BJP government's policies on various issues, Varun Gandhi recently caused a stir by publicly demanding justice for the farmers who died in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri District. Violence in Lakhimpur Kheri left as many as eight people dead on 3 October, including four farmers, when two SUVs belonging to a federal minister allegedly mowed down farmers blocking the road as part of a peaceful protest. The names of the party's top brass are on the list including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and veterans like L.K.Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi.Meanwhile, there's a string of prominent new inductees on the list of the party's National Executive, which sets the overall strategic direction of the party and policy development. This includes Jyotiraditya Scindia, a former confidante of key Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who recently joined the BJP. He has also been awarded a berth on the federal Cabinet. A new face in the party, Ashwini Vaishnaw, who is federal minister for railways, communications, electronics, and information technology has also been included in the party's National Executive.

https://sputniknews.com/20211006/bjp-is-systematically-attacking-farmers-rights-congress-leader-rahul-gandhi-on-lakhimpur-protest-1089699775.html

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narendra modi, bharatiya janata party (bjp), india, india
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/iran-names-two-countries-preventing-dream-of-nuclear-weapons-free-middle-east-from-being-realized-1089748413.html

Iran Names Two Countries Preventing Dream of Nuclear Weapons-Free Middle East From Being Realised

Iran Names Two Countries Preventing Dream of Nuclear Weapons-Free Middle East From Being Realised

The Islamic Republic has long maintained that it has no intention to pursue nuclear weapons  or weapons of mass destruction of any sort  with its leaders... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T18:04+0000

2021-10-07T18:04+0000

2021-10-07T18:55+0000

middle east

united states

israel

iran

nuclear

nuclear weapons

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Iran has accused Israel and the United States of preventing the realisation of an old Iranian proposal made nearly 50 years ago to create a nuclear weapons-free Middle East.Accusing Tel Aviv of possessing all types of weapons of mass destruction and of threatening their use against other countries in the region, Ravanchi urged the international community to force Israel to join all related instruments, including the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, without any preconditions while accepting the comprehensive safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency.Israel neither denies nor confirms possessing nuclear weapons in a policy known as "nuclear ambiguity." Estimates on the suspected size of the countrys arsenal range from 80 to 400 warheads, and Tel Aviv is suspected of possessing the missile technology to use these weapons almost anywhere in the world.Ravanchis comments marked a throwback to the an idea first proposed Shah regime, with the concept of a nuclear-free zone in the Middle East tabled by Iran in a resolution put forth before the United Nations General Assembly in late 1974. The resolution, penned amid growing regional concerns about Israels nuclear ambitions, was put forth again by President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in 2006, and by former Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif in 2015.Nuclear DealCommenting on the fate of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal  the landmark international agreement which committed Tehran to reduce the scale and scope of its uranium enrichment and stockpiling activities in exchange for relief from crushing sanctions  Ravanchi recalled that it was Washington and its allies, not the Islamic Republic, which have broken their commitments to the treaty.Ravanchi dismissed recent US efforts in negotiations in Vienna to tie Irans conventional missile programme to the nuclear deal, emphasising that Tehrans defensive missile capability was being pursued in line with our inherent rights and international commitments.His remarks come in the wake of comments by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday warning that a US return to the Iran nuclear deal could soon become pointless, givens Tehrans increasingly sophisticated enrichment activities.Earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian told reporters that Tehran was preparing for a seventh round of talks with the US and the remaining JCPOA members in Vienna about restoring the agreement as soon as early November.The Vienna talks were initiated at the initiative of the Biden administration in the spring as the president sought to make good on a campaign promise to return the US to the nuclear deal. However, the negotiations have been deadlocked since the summer, as neither Tehran nor Washington proved willing to be the first to make concessions  Iran by reducing its nuclear activities, the US by scrapping its sanctions.Iran began to gradually withdraw from its commitments under the JCPOA on uranium enrichment and stockpiling in May 2019, exactly one year after the Trump administration unilaterally scrapped the nuclear agreement amid heavy lobbying from Israel. Tehran had given the agreements three Western European signatories a one year window to come up with tools to take the sting out of US banking and energy sanctions, and when they failed to do so, began ramping up enrichment, all the while maintaining that its activities remain strictly peaceful in nature.

https://sputniknews.com/20210929/iran-calls-on-nuclear-powers-to-scrap-their-arsenals-says-disarmament-a-moral-responsibility-1089514483.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211006/blinken-told-lavrov-return-to-jcpoa-deal-with-iran-to-become-pointless-soon-1089719396.html

https://sputniknews.com/20211003/exclusive-tehran-to-boost-uranium-enrichment-head-of-irans-atomic-energy-organisation-says-1089603710.html

BUY HUAWEI it is stupid for Iran not to get nuke, Iran must have nuke otherwise the West will terrorize them forever 11

Ladyshadow No surprise the US and Israel will stop at nothing to dictate to Iran and the rest of the world. 10

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Ilya Tsukanov

middle east, united states, israel, iran, nuclear, nuclear weapons
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/key-witness-for-prosecution-in-case-against-assange-arrested-in-iceland---reports-1089745364.html

Key Witness for Prosecution in Case Against Assange Arrested in Iceland - Reports

Key Witness for Prosecution in Case Against Assange Arrested in Iceland - Reports

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - One of the key witnesses for the prosecution in the case against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, Icelandic national Sigurdur Thordarson... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T15:18+0000

2021-10-07T15:18+0000

2021-10-07T15:18+0000

julian assange

iceland

whistleblower

europe

sexual misconduct

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On September 24, Thordarson, who has been charged with sex crimes against minors, was sent to Litla Hraun, the most secure prison in Iceland, the media said. Thordarson's lawyer, Hunbogi Andersen, confirmed the arrest.Thordarson was taken into custody right after he came back from a trip to Spain, the news said. The decision was made based on a rarely applied law, which allows immediate arrest of a criminal if there is clear evidence that he presents danger to the public.The arrest could have been prompted by Thordarson's recent interview to Stundin, the newspaper said.In June, Thordarson, an alleged hacker, confessed that he had fabricated major accusations against Assange, which were then used by the FBI to prosecute the WikiLeaks founder. Thordarson also said that Assange had not asked him to hack phones belonging to politicians, but now he claims that he did receive some recordings from an unknown source, who then offered to send the audios to Assange. Thordarson reportedly did not listen to the recordings himself.In 2019, the US Justice Department announced new accusations against Assange, and a former FBI informer, Thordarson, was presented as the main witness.The WikiLeaks founder is currently held in high-security Belmarsh prison in London awaiting hearing on his extradition to the United States. If Assange is extradited to the US, he will face up to 175 years in prison.

mandrake About time the westminster sodomites get their heads screwed on right and end this 3

mandrake Pitiful charade at the moronistans directions - not likely to happen but the brits are and have been on their knees administering bj to the morons for quite a long time! 2

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julian assange, iceland, whistleblower, europe, sexual misconduct
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/la-palma-airport-closes-over-volcanic-ash-cloud-1089732685.html

La Palma Airport Closes Over Volcanic Ash Cloud

La Palma Airport Closes Over Volcanic Ash Cloud

The La Palma volcano began erupting on 19 September, demolishing around 880 buildings and leading to the evacuation of some 6,000 locals. 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T07:51+0000

2021-10-07T07:51+0000

2021-10-07T08:10+0000

world

volcano

spain

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The airport on the Spanish island of La Palma was closed again on Thursday morning due to the ash cloud caused by the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja volcano, which has lasted two and a half weeks, the manager of Spanish airports said, as cited by AFP. This closure has been the second since the volcano erupted on 19 September.The volcanic eruption on the Spanish island of La Palma began on 19 September. On the night of 29 September, lava reached the ocean and began to form a ledge. To date, lava from the volcano has affected more than a thousand buildings on the island, of which 880 have been completely destroyed, the rest partially. More than 28 kilometres of roads were damaged. In total, about 6 thousand people were forced to leave the zone, which is located directly next to the volcano and lava.

spain

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Maxim Minaev

world, volcano, spain
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/leader-of-major-iraqi-party-fears-uae-may-rig-elections-to-spark-normalization-of-ties-with-tel-1089749170.html

Leader of Major Iraqi Party Fears UAE May Rig Elections to Spark Normalization of Ties With Tel Aviv

Leader of Major Iraqi Party Fears UAE May Rig Elections to Spark Normalization of Ties With Tel Aviv

Iraqis will go to the polls on Sunday to elect all 329 members of the council of representatives. The parliament will in turn elect the countrys president... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T18:56+0000

2021-10-07T18:56+0000

2021-10-07T19:04+0000

united arab emirates

united states

israel

iraq

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/103667/71/1036677149_0:263:5043:3100_1920x0_80_0_0_fa8f990ef0a55d46e9d26939bfb89243.jpg

Qais Khazali, leader of Iraqi Shia political party and militant group Asaib Ahl al-Haq, also known as the Khazali Network, has alleged that the United Arab Emirates may try to rig Iraqs upcoming parliamentary elections in order to bring reformist politicians to power who will work to normalize relations with Israel.They can manipulate the results with ease, and it is in the UAEs interest that individuals supporting normalization win. Therefore, we will disregard the electronic results if they do not match the [paper] results, the politician warned.The politicians comments come in the wake of assurances by Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi on Tuesday that intensive security measures have been taken to prevent any interference in the countrys electoral process.US Troops Days in Iraq NumberedIn his interview with al-Mayadeen, Al-Khazali said he believes that the complete withdrawal of US troops from Iraq is just a matter of time, but emphasized that the pullout wont be accompanied by the type of chaos recently witnessed in Afghanistan, and that the Iraqi government will not fall as a result of the withdrawal. He warned that the countrys resistance forces are prepared to force US forces out of Iraq if necessary.The PMF was created in 2014 to battle Daesh (ISIS)* after wide swathes of western and northern Iraq fell to the terrorists. These forces fought alongside the Iraqi army and the US-led coalition, but simultaneously expressed hostility to the continued presence of American forces in the country, particularly after Daesh was defeated in 2017, and even more so after the unprovoked drone strike assassination of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani alongside a senior PMF leader in Baghdad in January of 2020.The Khazali Network has been classified as a terrorist group by the US State Department, notwithstanding its role in the fight against Daesh, and the presence of 15 of the partys lawmakers in the current parliament. In addition to its political activities, the group is estimated to have about 10,000 militiamen under its wing, making it one of the PMFs strongest factions.Iraqis will go to the polls on Sunday for national elections. Despite calls for active participation by al-Khazali, Prime Minister al-Kadhimi and others, some of the countrys other powerful political forces, including Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadrs Sadrist Movement and Iraqs Communist Party, have announced a boycott, citing corruption and the potential for voter fraud. Louis Raphael I Sako, patriarch of Iraqs Chaldean Catholic Church, has called on Iraqi Christians to boycott the vote, saying he did not expect them to be transparent and fair.* A terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries.

https://sputniknews.com/20210926/iraq-arrests-activists-ministry-employee-for-calls-to-normalise-ties-with-israel-1089422139.html

TruePatriot Surprising for him to allude to electronic voting. Perhaps that was supplied by Dominion Voting Systems via the UAE??? 2

1

united arab emirates

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united arab emirates, united states, israel, iraq
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/manager-of-fund-owning-israeli-pegasus-spyware-firm-reportedly-awaiting-sensitive-info-clearance-1089733594.html

Manager of Fund Owning Israeli 'Pegasus' Spyware Firm Reportedly Awaiting Sensitive Info Clearance

Manager of Fund Owning Israeli 'Pegasus' Spyware Firm Reportedly Awaiting Sensitive Info Clearance

Following a long-running dispute between the founding partners of Novalpina Capital, whose fund took over Israeli spyware company NSO Group in 2019, in the... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T09:00+0000

2021-10-07T09:00+0000

2021-10-07T09:00+0000

united arab emirates

news

world

israel

spyware

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Berkeley Research Group (BRG), a US consulting firm that took over management of the fund owning a majority stake in Israeli spyware maker, NSO Group, in late July, is still awaiting clearance from the Israeli government to receive any sensitive information, reported The Guardian. NSO Group Technologies (NSO standing for Niv, Shalev and Omri, the names of the company's founders), an Israeli technology firm known for its proprietary spyware Pegasus, is regulated by the Israeli Defence Ministry, with details about the companys government clients and internal investigations classified. The American consulting firm has reportedly not yet been to Israel to visit NSOs headquarters. BRG, a global consulting firm that helps organisations manage disputes and investigations, was picked by a group of public investors to take over management of the fund from Novalpina Capital in July. The London-based private equity company previously managed the fund and controlled NSOs board after it led the acquisition of NSO Group in 2019. BRG is believed to have recently met with managers of other portfolio companies owned by the fund that was previously controlled by Novalpina. The group also purportedly met with Omri Lavie, an NSO co-founder who is based in the US. Meanwhile, Gunter Schmid, a senior adviser to Novalpina who was serving as chair of NSOs governance, risk and compliance committee (GRCC), recently submitted his resignation, writes the outlet. The GRCC oversees NSOs adherence to human rights policies and probes complaints of abuse. Pegasus Project The decision to transfer management of the fund to BRG had come in the wake of a reported boardroom rift between three financiers - co-founders of the Novalpina Capital private equity fund, who upon acquiring NSO Group in 2019 had vowed to do whatever is necessary to ensure the would establish a new model for public transparency, described as wholly without precedent within the cybersecurity industry. Reports of internal strife at Novalpina came in the wake of publication of the Pegasus project, an investigation into NSO by a consortium of 17 news outlets that included the Guardian. While the Israeli technology firm NSO Group claims that its product is used by governments worldwide solely to conduct legitimate investigations into terrorism and crime, the investigation claimed that Pegasus software was used by countries to spy on each other as well as their own citizens. Pegasus software, once installed on a phone, is able to harvest information and extract files from SMS messages, emails, as well as call and internet browsing histories. It can also transform a mobile phone into a remote listening device. Traces of Pegasus snooping software have recently been discovered on the mobile phones of five incumbent French cabinet members, according to a report by the investigative website Mediapart. The French outlet reported that the phone of at least one member of President Emmanuel Macron's diplomatic team also contained traces of Pegagus. The investigative journal did not reveal which country spied on the officials, but previously French newspaper Le Monde wrote that Moroccan intelligence used the software to spy on President Macron and his cabinet. Rabat has categorically denied the report.Denying all allegations, NSO says it conducts thorough investigations of allegations of misuse when it receives credible information. The decision to transfer management of the fund that owns NSO from Novalpina to BRG was reportedly influenced by Tobias Read, the treasurer of the state of Oregon, according to sources cited by the outlet. One of the largest investors in Novalpina Capital, the Oregon state employee pension fund had committed an estimated $233m to the private equity firm in 2017. Rachel Wray, the Oregon treasury spokesperson, was cited by AP as saying in August that Tobias Read was concerned about reporting around NSO and had been involved in discussions around the pension funds investment. Weighing in on the report that BRG not yet received clearance by Israel to access sensitive information pertaining to NSO, Wray was cited by The Guiardian as saying: There has not yet been any official statement on the report from BRG.

vot tak No doubt brg is an israeli asset. The israelis keep their espionage sector "in the family". The zionist/nazi control over the capitalist west is what allows them to do whatever they want and get away with it. 0

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https://sputniknews.com/20211007/memorial-services-in-uk-honour-457-killed-in-afghanistan-on-20th-anniversary-of-military-operation-1089736438.html

Memorial Services in UK Honour 457 Killed in Afghanistan on 20th Anniversary of Military Operation

Memorial Services in UK Honour 457 Killed in Afghanistan on 20th Anniversary of Military Operation

On 7 October 2001, the UK joined the American-led coalitions military intervention in Afghanistan in response to the 11 September terror attacks in the US... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T10:41+0000

2021-10-07T10:41+0000

2021-10-07T10:41+0000

afghanistan

uk

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https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/0a/07/1089737570_0:206:3067:1931_1920x0_80_0_0_57565ce3d57d4a3b6daeac928e265991.jpg

Memorial services have been held in the UK to mark the 20th anniversary since the start of the countrys military operations in Afghanistan. Wreaths were laid in memory of the 457 service personnel who died in the conflict. A service was held at 7.30 a.m. at the Camp Bastion Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, to honour "the courage and commitment of its people" during the two decades of conflict. The memorial design echoes that of the former Bastion Memorial Wall in Camp Bastion, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Another service was held at the Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial in central London, near the Ministry of Defence, honouring the UK troops and civilians who served in the Gulf region, Iraq and Afghanistan.The United States-led military offensive 'Operation Enduring Freedom', was launched by former US president George W. Bush in pursuit of terrorists from al-Qaeda* - including leader Osama Bin Laden - for masterminding the 11 September 2001 attacks in the US. While failing to capture Bin Laden, who was reportedly killed in a US special forces raid in Pakistan nearly a decade later, American-led forces overthrew the Kabul-based Taliban government, which had been in control of large parts of the country since 1996. In April 2021, US President Joe Biden ordered the full withdrawal of US troops from the country, in line with an earlier agreement struck between his predecessor, Donald Trump and the Taliban. The hasty pullout resulted in the Taliban* Islamist group swiftly seizing the Afghan capital of Kabul in mid-August. The end of the Western military presence also concluded a massive airborne evacuation effort from Kabul, as vulnerable Afghans sought to escape the Taliban, fearing retribution for having worked for or served with the foreign forces. Since mid-August, the UK said it had evacuated over 15,000 people, including British nationals, Afghan interpreters, and other vulnerable people from Afghanistan. The UK pulled out its remaining troops and diplomatic personnel from Afghanistan on 28 August, and US forces finally withdrew three days later, a day ahead of the 31 August deadline set by Biden. Meanwhile, with the last remaining stronghold of resistance to Taliban in Panjshir falling in early September, the movement declared an interim government, headed by Mohammad Hasan Akhund, who had served as the Afghan foreign minister during the previous Taliban rule. Mission Unlike Anything Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who together with then- Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab faced a barrage of criticism over the UK's response to the Taliban takeover, extolled the UK's departure as "the culmination of a mission unlike anything we've seen in our lifetimes". A government spokesman was cited as saying that despite the success of that operation exceeding assumptions, many had been left in difficult circumstances. The British government's "utmost priority is to continue to work with allies and partners in the region to ensure safe passage for those who want to leave Afghanistan," said the spokesperson. Lord Dannatt, who was head of armed forces between 2006 and 2009, said on BBC Breakfast that the withdrawal had marked the end of a military chapter that ended not in the way we would have wished". He said there should be an inquiry into the UK's 20-year engagement in Afghanistan to probe the "string of strategic errors", including the manner of the evacuation.*A terrorist group outlawed in Russia and many other countries.

WhatTheFishIsThis Ohh .. Boohoohoo. They were easily persuaded by the US to join them in the killing fields of Afghanistan where the MICs can test their military toys on live targets, and where deranged troops can manifest their animal urges. After 20 years at this and being shamefully kicked out, HISTORY says "Shame on you, and you deserved your fate". Please recognize the Truth, you Cretins. 1

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https://sputniknews.com/20211007/nato-secretary-general-we-dont-regard-china-as-an-adversary-or-an-enemy--1089750463.html

NATO Secretary-General We Don't Regard China as an Adversary or an Enemy

NATO Secretary-General We Don't Regard China as an Adversary or an Enemy

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg discussed China, climate change, the European Union, international arms agreements, and Frances row with the United... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T20:22+0000

2021-10-07T20:22+0000

2021-10-07T20:22+0000

us

climate change

china

jens stoltenberg

european union (eu)

nato

uk

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Stoltenberg made clear that NATO does not view China as an enemy. In fact, he believes that to solve some of the worlds most pressing issues, more cooperation between NATO nations and China is necessary.However, Stoltenbergs diplomatic stance towards China also acknowledges their fast-rising military, massive economy, and assertiveness as posing potential security risks for NATO. The two stances, of needing to engage with China as a superpower, and needing to combat China as a superpower, appear as an attempt to appease the different factions that make up NATO.The United States has pushed more competitive and combative rhetoric against China, while European countries have been more willing to engage with China, especially on an economic level. Stoltenberg said that NATO needs to work more closely with Asia-Pacific allies, such as Japan and Australia, to help curb Chinas growing economic and military influence in the region.Outside of NATOs relationship with China, Stoltenberg talked about how NATOs role in arms control and tackling climate change will be of critical importance. He touted how arms agreements during the Cold War were successful in reducing the US and USSRs nuclear arsenals. He highlighted the US and Russias START agreement, which limits long range nuclear warheads, as a good starting point for future arms control agreements.Stoltenberg also made clear that NATO, a military alliance, needs to take on climate change to maintain security in its member nations. He put it bluntly: climate change is a crisis multiplier.He acknowledged the need for countries to reach zero carbon emissions and that NATO members were looking at ways to reduce the carbon footprint of their military activities without sacrificing the strength and capabilities of their armed forces.When asked about Frances row with the US, UK, and Australia over their AUKUS submarine deal, he definitively sided with the three English-speaking nations.France is a member nation of NATO and had a deal with Australia to build diesel-powered submarines for the Australian Navy. The new agreement that Australia signed with the US and the UK will deliver nuclear-powered submarines in an effort to expand their Navys reach in the Indo-Pacific region.In the final part of the interview, the NATO head talked about the European Union potentially creating its own coordinated armed forces. Stoltenberg was skeptical of the logic and put it simply, the EU cannot replace NATO. His reasoning was that more than 90% of the people living in the European Union, they live in a NATO country. So by strengthening NATO, we are actually strengthening the defense of Europe.Stoltenberg, the former Norwegian Prime Minister, has been the Secretary-General of NATO since 2014. The next election to head NATO will be held in 2022 in Madrid.

4Justice Somewhere in Hell there's a comedy club for arseholes like this. This arrogant, self-righteous pr ick is a joke every time he opens his mouth and only dumb fools would believe anything he says. 8

alvaro.marfan With time, Jens is going increasingly bonkers! 6

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us, climate change, china, jens stoltenberg, european union (eu), nato, uk
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/over-20-exporters-to-meet-partners-at-recs-business-mission-for-agribusiness-companies-in-eu-1089742323.html

Over 20 Exporters to Meet Partners at REC's Business Mission for Agribusiness Companies in EU

Over 20 Exporters to Meet Partners at REC's Business Mission for Agribusiness Companies in EU

Moscow (Sputnik)  The Russian Export Centre will offer 21 Russian participants the opportunity to meet potential EU partners in an online format during an... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T13:33+0000

2021-10-07T13:33+0000

2021-10-07T13:33+0000

world

europe

russia

market

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At the opening ceremony of the international business mission on 4 October 2021, participants discussed financial instruments to support agribusiness manufacturers, as well as existing export opportunities within the EU market. Industry leaders participating in the business mission presented their best cases and successful export practices.Furthermore, he spoke about the non-financial support measures provided by the REC, namely the comprehensive promotion of exporters in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation and the partnership network.Denis Kazannikov, Project Manager for Export Support of Agroindustrial Complex of the Russian Export Centre JSC, stressed the priority of increasing exports of agribusiness products to the EU.Andrey Sobolev, Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in the Federal Republic of Germany, also emphasised the increase of 2.6% in Germany's agribusiness imports in 2020, amounting to 84 billion euros, despite the pandemic-related restrictions. At the same time, Russia supplied more than 386 million euros in this category of goods. Nevertheless, despite the positive trends, the German market is characterised by a high level of competition and conservatism. According to him, the most important criterion for food suppliers and retail chains is the quality-price ratio of the foreign producer. The process of securing a sustainable position in the market takes at least 4-5 years, he said.Dmitry Bulatov, President of the National Union of Food Exporters (Russia), discussed the possibilities of the exporters' association. The event was also addressed by Alexander Smirnov, Brand Manager for Spirits of Dovgan GmbH (Germany); Ekaterina Surushkina, General Manager, Tosno Mixed Feed Factory; Nikita Ivantsov, Head of Export to Europe, America and MENA at Makfa JSC; Pavel Semernya, Foreign Trade Manager at the European branch of Belyov Confectionery Company LLC.***Russian Export Centre (REC, part of VEB.RF) JSC is a state export support institution that consolidates a group of companies providing Russian exporters with a wide range of financial and non-financial support measures. The Russian Agency for Export Credit and Investment Insurance (EXIAR JSC), Roseximbank JSC and REC Export School are integrated into the REC Group, thus ensuring that the product package meets the needs of exporters of various profiles at all stages of the export cycle  starting from the idea to securing payment for exported goods and services.

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world, europe, russia, market
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/pandora-leak-will-aid-czech-pirates-says-dutch-ally-as-he-calls-for-pan-eu-voting-system-1089740330.html

Pandora Leak Will Aid Czech 'Pirates', Says Dutch Ally as he Calls for Pan-EU Voting System

Pandora Leak Will Aid Czech 'Pirates', Says Dutch Ally as he Calls for Pan-EU Voting System

The leader of the Dutch Pirates, Matthijs Pontier, has applauded the electoral success of their Czech affiliates who won 99 seats in regional councils in... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T14:51+0000

2021-10-07T14:51+0000

2021-10-07T14:51+0000

netherlands

pirate party

europe

european union (eu)

interviews

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Sputnik: First of all, lets talk about domestic issues in the Netherlands. In a recent tweet you mentioned the situation with US investment house Blackstone, which bought almost 800 million euros of property in your country, but doesnt pay tax in the Netherlands. What do you think about that and is prime minister Mark Rutte's cabinet to blame in any degree?Matthijs Pontier: I think the situation is very bad. There's a dire need for affordable housing yet the result of this scenario is a lack of affordable housing with foreign investors profiting from it. And I think the Rutte cabinet is responsible for this. Under his cabinet, they have failed to stop tax evasion so that corporations don't pay a fair amount. On the contrary, they lowered tax for big companies. They also encouraged foreign investors to buy up Dutch property, a policy that drove the prices up.So they have actively made housing more expensive, although there was already a need for affordable housing. Moreover, they also introduced a tax for corporations that offer affordable housing. So this is a special tax that only has to be paid for those who offer affordable housing. A lot of affordable houses had to be sold by the corporations. They also created extra tax cuts for homeowners. And these are some unfair tax incentives that created a bigger difference between homeowners and people who have to rent because they cannot afford to buy. And as a result, the amount of homeless people has more than doubled in the Netherlands over the past 10 years, and the wait for affordable housing is now up to 17 years. So under the present Rutte cabinet and his previous cabinets, this situation has worsened, and this, of course, is his fault.Sputnik: Your party has been active in promoting the need for affordable housing, but also the ideas of fair trade, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and technological advancements for at least a decade. In 2021 we saw a new party appear  the Belang van Nederland, or the Interest of the Netherlands, which proclaims many of the same goals, especially when it comes to entrepreneurship. But unlike you, these people are under a right-wing flag - they broke away from Thierry Baudets right-wing Forum for Democracy (FvD). Your party, by contrast, had lost a lot of votes in this country by 2021. Does it seem that Dutch voters are turning more towards the right, or are there other factors at play?Matthijs Pontier: Well, Belang van Nederland broke away from Forum for Democracy after the election. Nobody has ever voted for this party, so it's hard to say whether voters have turned to them. Also, Forum for Democracy was very popular two years ago, but now it has lost most of its support. In the 2019 elections it was a lot more popular. So I wouldn't necessarily say that this is the case. Also, Forum for Democracy's campaign was mainly about being against coronavirus restrictions and denying the science around coronavirus, whereas although we have always been critical about how coronavirus restrictions have limited our freedoms, we have never denied the science around it. And part of the reason is also that you get more media attention if you are provocative, and if you're actually providing good solutions - and we are proud of trying to deliver good solutions. We will always focus on that, no matter whether that gives us more media attention or no.Sputnik: When it comes to the European political landscape, your party has participated in two EU elections  in 2014 and 2019 - and it seems that despite calling for a transparent and democratic Europe, the voters interest in the Dutch Pirate Party seems to have faded significantly. In your opinion, what are the reasons for that, and what are you planning to do to win voters trust both throughout the EU and at home?Matthijs Pontier: Well, the Pirate Party is an international movement, and actually, if you look at the European elections, in 2014, we had one seat and in 2019 we had four seats - partly because of the success in the Czech Republic. And there are also national elections coming up in the Czech Republic, and especially since the Pandora Papers exposed the corruption of Prime Minister Andrej Babis, the Pirates have a good chance of getting a good result again and becoming one of the biggest parties again in the elections. So we're actually very hopeful for the future for the European Pirate Party.We would like to have a system with pan-European parties, because actually, if you look at the vote for the Pirate Party around Europe in a lot of countries, they do not get a seat because you need a lot of votes to get a seat. And we're still a relatively small party compared with the traditional, really big parties. But if the seats in the European Parliament reflected the collective seats in various countries, then we would get more seats than we have now. And in the Netherlands for the European elections, some people voted for other parties because they are afraid we might not get a seat. They actually agreed with us, but then they voted for another party because then they are sure that their votes will count - that's how they look at it. I think it's not very democratic to vote strategically, but still, if there were pan-European parties and every vote counted Europe-wide, then we would definitely get seats and then a lot more people would vote for the Pirate Party.

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netherlands, pirate party, europe, european union (eu), interviews
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/pentagon-says-no-recent-unsafe-interactions-between-us-iranian-vessels-in-persian-gulf-1089747327.html

Pentagon Says No Recent Unsafe Interactions Between US, Iranian Vessels in Persian Gulf

Pentagon Says No Recent Unsafe Interactions Between US, Iranian Vessels in Persian Gulf

The statement delivered by US Navy Central Command Public Affairs Officer Tim Hawkins contradicts recent Iranian media reports regarding Iranian vessels... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T16:36+0000

2021-10-07T16:36+0000

2021-10-07T16:40+0000

persian gulf

us

iran

navy

interactions

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WASHINGTON, October 7 (Sputnik) - There have been no unsafe interactions recently between US and Iranian vessels in the Persian Gulf, US Navy Central Command Public Affairs Officer Tim Hawkins said on Thursday.The statement contradicts most recent Iranian media reports that Iranian vessels pursued US speedboats in the Persian Gulf. The reports contain footage that purportedly shows Iranian vessels chasing boats flying US flags.A return to the Iran nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), remains a central issue in the US-Iran relationship. However, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday that there is little time remaining to negotiate a return given Irans progress in its nuclear program.

https://sputniknews.com/20210927/us-navy-says-bahrain-has-agreed-to-join-its-new-drone-and-ai-powered-persian-gulf-task-force-1089444657.html

TruePatriot It's a positive statement, however, considering the source, one I have difficulty believing. 1

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persian gulf, us, iran, navy, interactions
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/prince-andrews-lawyer-granted-access-to-accusers-epstein-deal-that-might-nullify-sex-abuse-lawsuit-1089731625.html

Prince Andrew's Lawyer Granted Access to Accuser's Epstein Deal That Might Nullify Sex Abuse Lawsuit

Prince Andrew's Lawyer Granted Access to Accuser's Epstein Deal That Might Nullify Sex Abuse Lawsuit

Virginia Giuffre, who claims she was a victim of Jeffrey Epstein, filed a civil lawsuit claiming Prince Andrew raped and committed sexual assault and battery... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T07:09+0000

2021-10-07T07:09+0000

2021-10-07T07:12+0000

news

world

society

us

prince andrew

jeffrey epstein

virginia roberts giuffre

uk

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Prince Andrews legal team have been granted access to a copy of the 2009 sealed settlement agreement his accuser, Virginia Giuffre (nee Roberts) previously signed with the late Jeffrey Epstein, reported Sky News. US District Judge Loretta Preska in Manhattan granted permission for the royals lawyers to receive a copy of the confidential agreement between the convicted sex felon and Giuffre pertaining to a Florida state case to which the royal was not a party. According to Andrew Brettler, the Duke of York's lawyer, he expects to shortly receive the agreement that might nullify the current sexual assault lawsuit filed against the Queens son. The royals attorney had argued at the first pre-trial hearing of the case in September that Giuffre had agreed in 2009 not to sue anyone else connected to Epstein when she settled her damages claim against the tycoon, who died in prison in 2019.The precise wording of the deal has remained confidential until now. Earlier, in a letter to the court, Giuffres lawyer, David Boies, said he had requested and received permission from the Epstein estate to share the documents with the prince, and asked the court to approve it. Boies added the document, in his opinion, would be irrelevant to the case against Prince Andrew but that his lawyers had the right to review the release and make whatever arguments they believe appropriate based on it. Prince Andrews defence had earlier accepted the legal papers from the lawsuit after a legal wrangle over whether the royal had been properly served with documents in the case. The next pre-trial hearing set for 3 November. Virginia Giuffre sued Prince Andrew in federal court in Manhattan in August, accusing him of sexually assaulting her when she was 17, and a minor by US law. The woman, now 38, claims the royal, who was a friend of the billionaire Epstein, sexually abused her on three occasions: in the financiers New York home, on his private island in the US Virgin Islands and in the London home of Ghislaine Maxwell. The British socialite, a former lover and purportedly pimp of the deceased convicted pedophile, is currently in jail awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. She has pleaded not guilty to helping recruit and groom underage girls for Epstein. Her trial in Manhattan is scheduled for 29 November. Prince Andrew has denied all the allegations. During his interview with BBC Newsnight in 2019, he said: "I have no recollection of ever meeting this lady, none whatsoever."Prince Andrews apparent lack of remorse or consorting with convicted sex offender Epstein in what was dubbed a car crash interview generated strong backlash, prompting the Queens son to shortly permanently resign from all his public roles. Jeffrey Epstein died in a New York jail cell in 2019 after being charged with multiple child sex offences. His death was officially ruled a suicide.

Hess Don't expect the dirty and wealthy Queen's son to be judged by law. These people are above the law, no matter what crimes they have committed. 3

Hess You are such a fucking C**T. All you need is a BBC. 2

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news, world, society, us, prince andrew, jeffrey epstein, virginia roberts giuffre, uk
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/royal-swedish-academy-of-sciences-announces-2021-nobel-literature-prize-laureate-1089730034.html

Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences Announces 2021 Nobel Literature Prize Laureate

Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences Announces 2021 Nobel Literature Prize Laureate

In 2021, 329 entities including both individuals and organisations have been announced as candidates for various prize categories. 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T10:59+0000

2021-10-07T10:59+0000

2021-10-07T11:30+0000

world

literature

nobel prize

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The Swedish Academy is set to announce the name of the 2021 Nobel Prize Laureate in Literature.According to the will of Alfred Nobel (1833-1896), the prize in this area should be awarded to the author of "the best literary work of an idealistic orientation". What was really meant by "idealistic work" is still a matter of controversy.The 2020 prize was awarded to American poet Louise Gluck. The award was presented for "her unmistakably poetic voice, which, with its harsh beauty, turns individual being into universal".Follow Sputnik's Live Feed to Find Out More!

grace morgan I never thought I will ever be cure from my Herpes again, I have been having herpes since last year July , Until one day I go on a research on the Internet where I saw someone given testimony on how Dr Momoh help him cure his herpes with his natural herbal medicine, i was so surprised when i saw the testimony, I have to also contact the herbal doctor Dr Momoh on his email which the lady recommended to anyone who might also need help. Wholeheartedly I am so grateful to this man as he has restored my health and made me a happy man again. Anyone out there who might be facing the same problem should kindly contact Dr Momoh as he knows, you may need his email address on how to treat. Email him at dr.momoh9@gmail.com. You can also call or write to him on WhatsApp +2347083724098 0

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world, literature, nobel prize
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/sending-vaccines-to-africa-gives-better-protection-than-third-dose-norwegian-immunologist-says-1089730470.html

Sending Vaccines to Africa Gives Better Protection Than Third Dose, Norwegian Immunologist Says

Sending Vaccines to Africa Gives Better Protection Than Third Dose, Norwegian Immunologist Says

According to Gunnveig Grdeland of the University of Oslo, two doses grant patients a good and lasting immunological memory response that provides protection... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T06:06+0000

2021-10-07T06:06+0000

2021-10-07T06:06+0000

news

europe

africa

norway

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covid-19

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As Norwegian authorities have recommended administering everyone over the age of 65 a third dose of the COVID vaccine, referred to as refresher, Immunologist Gunnveig Grdeland of the University of Oslo countered that healthy Norwegians don't need a third dose. Instead, she argued, it would be more preventive against serious illness to send the spare vaccine doses to Africa.According to the researcher, raising the vaccine's availability worldwide is more beneficial than giving booster shots to the local population. Grdeland emphasised that while the most vulnerable and the risk groups including the very oldest will benefit from a third dose, for the rest of society it is bad news.According to her, the purpose of the vaccine is to generate immunological memory based on antibodies and T-cells. After two doses, patients get a good and lasting memory response that protects them despite the fact that the antibody levels go down, she suggested.The Norwegian Institute of Public Health vaccine manager Geir Bukholm admitted that it is difficult to identify who needs a booster dose and who doesn't. According to him, age is not necessarily the most accurate yardstick.We know that there are very many healthy over-65-year-olds who may not have this acute need for a booster dose, but it is difficult to identify them, Bukholm told NRK.The international organisation Doctors Without Borders (MSF) emphasised the urgency of giving the entire world's population the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines.I believe this is about global solidarity, and that we all use the same vaccine pot. The WHO has been clear that rich countries should wait with booster doses until the end of the year, and it is important to listen to them, doctor Elin Hoffmann Dahl of Doctors Without Borders said.Norway has committed to redistributing 5 million doses worldwide by the end of 2021, and the organisation believes it is a paradox that Oslo has recommended domestic booster shots ahead of fulfilling this promise.So far, Norway has administered two shots to 68.1 percent of its 5.3-million-strong population. By contrast, Chad and Benin have a vaccination rate of 0.2 percent.

https://sputniknews.com/20210927/norways-post-covid-19-re-opening-turns-life-threatening-amid-drunken-street-fights-1089434871.html

Phoebe Barton Im making over $7k a month working part time. I kept hearing other people tell me how much money they can make online so I decided to look into it. Well, it was all true and has totally changed my life. This is where i started............. Www.Nowjob1.Com 0

grace morgan I never thought I will ever be cure from my Herpes again, I have been having herpes since last year July , Until one day I go on a research on the Internet where I saw someone given testimony on how Dr Momoh help him cure his herpes with his natural herbal medicine, i was so surprised when i saw the testimony, I have to also contact the herbal doctor Dr Momoh on his email which the lady recommended to anyone who might also need help. Wholeheartedly I am so grateful to this man as he has restored my health and made me a happy man again. Anyone out there who might be facing the same problem should kindly contact Dr Momoh as he knows, you may need his email address on how to treat. Email him at dr.momoh9@gmail.com. You can also call or write to him on WhatsApp +2347083724098 0

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https://sputniknews.com/20211007/taliban-say-met-with-officials-from-eu-canada-uk-us-in-doha-1089752558.html

Taliban Say Met With Officials From EU, Canada, UK, US in Doha

Taliban Say Met With Officials From EU, Canada, UK, US in Doha

KABUL (Sputnik) - Taliban* spokesman Suhail Shaheen said on Thursday that he had a meeting with ambassadors and officials from the European Union, Canada, the... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T21:36+0000

2021-10-07T21:36+0000

2021-10-07T21:36+0000

afghanistan

humanitarian aid

ambassadors

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"Today I had meeting with ambassadors and representatives of various countries including EU, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Canada, UK and USA here in Doha," Shaheen tweeted.The Taliban official added that the participants expressed their readiness to continue to extend humanitarian aid to Afghanistan.The spokesman mentioned that global isolation that Afghanistan experienced in the past turned out to be a failure. Shaheen also noted that his country urgently needs humanitarian aid before winter.In mid-August the Taliban entered Kabul, and announced the next day that the war was over. The last province to resist the group, Panjshir, surrendered on September 6. As international troops withdrew from the country and foreign evacuations came to a close, the Taliban announced the composition of their interim cabinet, headed by Mohammad Hasan Akhund, a former foreign minister during the previous Taliban rule, who has been under UN sanctions since 2001.*A terrorist organization banned in Russia

FeEisi Russia and the Taliban can reach an agreement to help fight ISIS. Russia can open a drone base in Afghanistan and help the Taliban hunt ISIS. This can be done to stop ISIS from spreading into Tajikistan and elsewhere. 3

grace morgan I never thought I will ever be cure from my Herpes again, I have been having herpes since last year July , Until one day I go on a research on the Internet where I saw someone given testimony on how Dr Momoh help him cure his herpes with his natural herbal medicine, i was so surprised when i saw the testimony, I have to also contact the herbal doctor Dr Momoh on his email which the lady recommended to anyone who might also need help. Wholeheartedly I am so grateful to this man as he has restored my health and made me a happy man again. Anyone out there who might be facing the same problem should kindly contact Dr Momoh as he knows, you may need his email address on how to treat. Email him at dr.momoh9@gmail.com. You can also call or write to him on WhatsApp +2347083724098 . 1

3

afghanistan

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afghanistan, humanitarian aid, ambassadors
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/taliban-urge-intl-community-not-to-use-aid-to-afghanistan-to-exert-pressure-1089747082.html

Taliban Urge Int'l Community Not to Use Aid to Afghanistan to Exert Pressure

Taliban Urge Int'l Community Not to Use Aid to Afghanistan to Exert Pressure

KABUL (Sputnik) - The Taliban have called on developed countries, the United Nations and other international organizations not to turn their assistance to... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T16:23+0000

2021-10-07T16:23+0000

2021-10-07T16:23+0000

afghanistan

afghanistan

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"We hope that the UN, the richest countries in the world and many other organizations will lend a helping hand to the Afghan people, and not turn their assistance and support into an instrument of political pressure, and will also sincerely cooperate in overcoming existing issues," Zabihullah Mujahid, the movement's spokesman, tweeted.The spokesman noted that what he called the US "invasion" of Afghanistan had resulted in nothing but casualties and financial loss. The Taliban believe that it is now up to the Afghans to decide the future of the country, he added.In mid-August the Taliban entered Kabul, and the last province to resist the group, Panjshir, surrendered on September 6. As international troops withdrew from the country and foreign evacuations came to a close, the Taliban announced the composition of the all-male interim cabinet, headed by Mohammad Hasan Akhund, a former foreign minister during the previous Taliban rule, who has been under UN sanctions since 2001.*The Taliban is a terrorist group outlawed in many countries, including Russia

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afghanistan
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/trump-continues-to-deny-2020-election-results-says-real-insurrection-occurred-on-nov-3-1089728859.html

Trump Continues to Deny 2020 Election Results, Says 'Real Insurrection' Occurred on Nov 3

Trump Continues to Deny 2020 Election Results, Says 'Real Insurrection' Occurred on Nov 3

Former US President Donald Trump has continued to contest the results of the 2020 presidential election, and in recent months has proclaimed that he "never... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T04:13+0000

2021-10-07T04:13+0000

2021-10-07T04:11+0000

joe biden

donald trump

us election 2020

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Former US President Donald Trump once again took time to protest what he described to be "Fake Election" results when he proclaimed that the "real insurrection" occurred on November 3, not January 6. Trump was impeached over his actions associated with the January 6 riot, which was led by his supporters and immediately triggered five deaths. The 45th president of the US has also extended well wishes to those being "persecuted" for their actions on that day. Despite himself being a target of violence that occurred on January 6, former US Vice President Mike Pence also downplayed the seriousness of the event during his recent interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity."I know the media wants to distract from the Biden administration's failed agenda by focusing on one day in January," Pence said during a Monday broadcast. "They want to use that one day to try and demean the character and intentions of 74 million Americans who believed we could be strong again and prosperous again and supported our administration in 2016 and 2020." Pence's remarks have since prompted a massive raising of eyebrows as video footage of the storming of the Capitol captured multiple rioters chanting "hang Mike Pence."

mandrake Gag the idiot and lock him away for the rest of his miserable life! 5

netman Delusional Donald is self destroying himself with his nonsense election rigging! His followers would refuse to vote on this basis for the next election and he will lose again! 4

5

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Evan Craighead

Evan Craighead

News

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Evan Craighead

joe biden, donald trump, us election 2020
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/us-supreme-court-pushes-government-to-allow-guantanamo-detainee-to-testify---report-1089722984.html

US Supreme Court Pushes Government to Allow Guantanamo Detainee to Testify - Report

US Supreme Court Pushes Government to Allow Guantanamo Detainee to Testify - Report

According to a report, US Supreme Court justices on Wednesday questioned the US governments decision in not allowing a suspected high-ranking al-Qaeda* figure... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T00:33+0000

2021-10-07T00:33+0000

2021-10-07T00:38+0000

abu zubaydah

us

guantanamo bay detention center

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Both liberal and conservative Supreme Court justices pressed US Solicitor General Brian Fletcher on the subject, as the court faced turmoil in the governments decision to prevent two previous CIA contractors from being questioned in a criminal investigation in Polands "black site" examining the treatment of detainee Abu Zubaydah.Supreme Court Justice Neil M. Gorsuch was amongst the few justices that appeared to see the option of Zubaydah testifying himself as an alternative after being skeptical that Zubaydahs lawyers could overcome the governments national security arguments.Gorsuch was joined by liberal Justice Stephen Breyer, who asked why Zubaydah was still in Guantanamo Bay after 15 years, especially after having never been charged with a crime. "I don't understand why he is still there," Breyer said.Justice Sonia Sotomayor pushed Fletcher to provide a "clear answer  without invoking state secret or other privilege."Fletchers response was that the request had to be taken back to the Defense Department, which is holding the detainee. According to Zubaydahs lawyer, David Klein, he is allegedly not permitted to testify under the conditions of his Guantanamo confinement.The central issue of the case concerns Zubaydah, 50, who spent 15 years at Guantanamo after allegedly being an associate and longtime terrorist ally of Osama bin Laden, a Justice Department filing read.Zubaydah was the first prisoner held by the CIA to undergo extensive torture. Aside from being blind, he is said to have endured waterboarding - a harsh interrogation technique that causes one to experience the sensation of drowning - as much as 83 times in just a single month, according to US government documents.The detainee is requesting a subpoena testimony from the CIA contractors who supervised his torture, as the government appeals a lower court ruling that contractors James Elmer Mitchell and John Bruce Jessen could be subpoenaed under a US law that lets federal courts enforce a request for testimony or other evidence for a foreign legal proceeding.Zubaydahs lawyers have pushed Mitchell and Jessen to testify and provide documents in the criminal investigation in Poland  a location that is believed to be a CIA black site where harsh interrogation techniques were used.To prevent them from being questioned and allegedly jeopardizing national security, the US government has asserted what is known as the "state-secrets privilege.Two psychologists who supervised Zubaydah's torture took over when the FBI failed to come up with the information that the CIA thought Zubaydah had.In 2010, Zubaydahs attorneys filed a criminal complaint in Poland to hold Polish officials accountable for their complicity in his "unlawful detention and torture." However, the US government refused to provide the information on grounds of national security. The move subsequently resulted in Zubaydah's lawyer filing an appeal to the European Court on Human Rights, prompting a reopening of the Polish investigation.A testimony from the two psychologists that had supervised Zubaydahs questioning was sought in the US shortly after.A Supreme Court ruling is due by the end of June.*Al-Qaeda is a terrorist organization banned in Russia and many other countries.

https://sputniknews.com/20210427/us-supreme-court-to-hear-gitmo-prisoners-zubaydah-interrogation-torture-case-1082735482.html

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Adriana Montes https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/09/10/1089141767_0:89:1270:1359_100x100_80_0_0_83cb4d432e11a31f4608d8cb59ecf006.jpg

Adriana Montes https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/09/10/1089141767_0:89:1270:1359_100x100_80_0_0_83cb4d432e11a31f4608d8cb59ecf006.jpg

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abu zubaydah, us, guantanamo bay detention center
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/us-to-continue-deepening-ties-with-taiwan-state-dept-says-1089751734.html

US to Continue Deepening Ties With Taiwan, State Dept. Says

US to Continue Deepening Ties With Taiwan, State Dept. Says

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States will continue to strengthen its relations with Taiwan amid rising tensions between Taipei and Beijing, US State... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T21:07+0000

2021-10-07T21:07+0000

2021-10-07T21:24+0000

us

china

tensions

military buildup

taiwan

us state department

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https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/03/05/1082259438_0:0:3073:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_d9dffc8167e75768c52c311af409ab89.jpg

"Our commitment to Taiwan is rock solid and it contributes, we believe, to the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and within the broader region as well," Price said. "Well continue to stand with our friends and allies to advance our shared prosperity, security and values, and we will continue to deepen our ties with a democratic Taiwan."Price went on to say that the United States strongly urges China to cease its military, diplomatic and economic "pressure" and "coercion" against Taiwan.On Wednesday, Taiwanese Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said China might mount a full-scale invasion of the island nation by 2025. China has sent in recent days almost 150 military aircraft close to Taiwan while US and other allied forces conducted drills in the South China Sea.US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to abide by the Taiwan agreement, which ensures a peacefully-determined future for Taiwan in exchange for US recognition of Beijing as the official Chinese government.

https://sputniknews.com/20211007/chinese-journo-denounces-us-invaders-amid-news-of-secret-special-forces-training-on-taiwan-1089749963.html

TruePatriot Absolutely outrageous. How would the US government feel if China brought some of their troops to say Oregon and started training resistance fighters there. This is nothing but complete and unacceptable provocation by the West. The West also needs to understand they helped the genie called China out of the bottle and now there is not putting it back. 4

Tolerance The meeting in Zurich did not go in accordance with the wishes of the gang of thieves and murderers (AKA the USA). So, the dog continues to bark. 2

2

us

china

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us, china, tensions, military buildup, taiwan, us state department
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/whistleblower-to-face-select-committee-seeking-internal-info-on-facebooks-role-in-capitol-riot-1089741773.html

Whistleblower to Face Select Committee Seeking 'Internal Info' on Facebook's 'Role' in Capitol Riot

Whistleblower to Face Select Committee Seeking 'Internal Info' on Facebook's 'Role' in Capitol Riot

Ex-Facebook product manager and whistleblower Frances Haugen told a congressional testimony on Tuesday that Facebook ignores mental health research in favour... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T14:22+0000

2021-10-07T14:22+0000

2021-10-07T14:22+0000

whistleblower

facebook

adam schiff

news

us

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/08/14/1083666051_0:317:3076:2047_1920x0_80_0_0_e39b8c48595631b972c0779bd767358f.jpg

Frances Haugen, a former Facebook product manager turned whistleblower, is to meet with the House Select Committee investigating the 6 January riot at the US Capitol as early as Thursday, according to sources cited by CNN. It's believed that Haugen will hand over information detailing how Facebook was used to facilitate the deadly riot that occurred as lawmakers were certifying the 2020 presidential election results.House Intelligence Chairman Adam Schiff, serving on the select panel, tweeted on Monday that the Select Committee was hoping to get internal info from Facebook to flesh out their role." The California Democrat added that according to the whistleblower, shutting down the civic integrity team and turning off election misinformation tools contributed to the 6 January insurrection." In August, the Select Committee sent letters to 15 social media companies, including Facebook, seeking information on how domestic violent extremists affiliated with efforts to overturn the 2020 election, specifically, the Capitol riot of 6 January, used their platforms. 'Prioritising Growth Over Safety'The identity of Haugen  who leaked tens of thousands of pages of internal Facebook documents that she says prove the company is aware its platforms are used to spread hate, violence, and misinformation  was revealed on "60 Minutes" on Sunday night. Haugen, who joined Facebook in 2019 as product manager on its Civic Integrity team  tasked with fighting misinformation during and after the 2020 presidential election  said that after the election had been declared in November last year, Facebooks decision to shut down the Civic Integrity team was a major turning point ahead of 6 January.According to Haugen, the root of the current problems can be traced back to 2018, after Facebook changed their algorithm to determine what pops up on users' feeds. Haugen slammed Facebook for "prioritising growth over safety." The whistleblower also testified before a US Senate subcommittee on Tuesday, urging the creation of a new regulatory framework demanding increased transparency. About a month ago, Haugen filed at least eight complaints with the Securities and Exchange Commission alleging that Facebook was concealing research about its shortcomings from investors and the public. She also shared information with The Wall Street Journal, which subsequently published an investigation to assert that Facebook was aware of problems with its apps, including the harm misinformation posted on Instagram caused, especially to young girls. Facebook's Vice President of Global Affairs Nick Clegg went on Sundays Reliable Sources broadcast to push back against the damning accusations saying:On 6 January protesters breached the US Capitol building and disrupted a joint session of Congress that was counting electoral votes to formalise Democrat Joe Bidens victory. Five people, including a Capitol police officer, died as a result. Donald Trump, who had repeatedly claimed the 2020 presidential election had been stolen from him and was rigged, was accused of inciting an insurrection."The ex-POTUS vehemently rejected the accusations, spearheaded by the Democrats, that he had "instigated" the riots. Trump was impeached by the US House of Representatives but was subsequently acquitted by the US Senate.

Albannach001 Just pull the plug on, Facetube, Instacrap and all the other's, yeah, some million plus stupid little teenagers will commit suicide, but no loss there,, 0

koursk koursk for a cynical network, join the facebook bazaar belonging to one of the crooked billionaires who control the nato zone *** for a real social network of general interest, that only the state (and not the private) can guarantee, let's choose vkontakte ** * with strong parties like united russia and the communist party, the power of the russian state, of the russian federation, is renforced, with its public services and companies that the billionaires mobsters who control the nato and euro zones will never be able to destabilize 0

2

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2021

Svetlana Ekimenko

Svetlana Ekimenko

News

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Svetlana Ekimenko

whistleblower, facebook, adam schiff, news, us
https://sputniknews.com/20211007/who-says-process-of-sputnik-vs-approval-about-to-be-sorted-out-1089743816.html

WHO Says Process of Sputnik V's Approval About to Be Sorted Out

WHO Says Process of Sputnik V's Approval About to Be Sorted Out

MOSCOW (Sputnik) -The process of approval of Russias COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V at the World Health Organization (WHO) is about to be sorted out after... 07.10.2021, Sputnik International

2021-10-07T14:35+0000

2021-10-07T14:35+0000

2021-10-07T15:02+0000

world health organization (who)

world

covid-19

sputnik v

/html/head/meta[@name='og:title']/@content /html/head/meta[@name='og:description']/@content

https://cdnn1.img.sputniknews.com/img/07e5/07/01/1083279782_0:161:3066:1886_1920x0_80_0_0_7f3e8dda41a3ac817f8cbe554ca60e5e.jpg

"The Sputnik V vaccine started the process earlier this year but the process was put on hold because of the lack of some legal procedures and I am happy to say that in negotiations with the Russian Government this problem is about to be sorted - as soon as the legal procedures are finished we will be able to restart the process," Simao told a virtual press conference.Last week, Russian Health Minister Mikhail Murashko said that the Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19 was well on its way to receive approval from the World Health Organization."All barriers have been lifted as of today. We do not see any obstacles to continuing our work. This was confirmed by the WHO director-general," Murashko told reporters in Geneva.Meanwhile, the company which developed the Russian Sputnik V vaccine against coronavirus, the Gamaleya Research Institute, hopes that the drug will receive necessary approval from the World Health Organization (WHO) by the end of the year."I believe it will happen in the coming months - October or November. I think we will end this year with the vaccine finally being recognised by the WHO," Vladimir Gushchin, a senior researcher at the institute, said at the OPENBIO biotechnology forum earlier this week.He noted that WHO approval is the priority of the institute and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), which has been heavily involved in the production, clinical research, and registration of Sputnik V with the relevant authorities.Gushchin added that he had expected the vaccine to gain approval in September, as the WHO earlier announced, but that did not happen.Sputnik V is currently authorised for use in 70 countries representing a total population of four billion people, or 50 percent of the world's population.

Ladyshadow How long did it take to come up with legal issues to delay the approval? 2

1

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world health organization (who), world, covid-19, sputnik v
For the second time this season, the management of Batavia Downs along with the Western New York Harness Horsemens Association has announced that starting Wednesday, Oct. 13 purses for all races held at the track will be increased by 10 per cent.

As was the case earlier this year, the increase is due to the continued success in business the VLTs have seen on the gaming floor and the brisk action at the windows for the horses as per-race betting is up 18 per cent.

This is the kind of news we like to announce," said Todd Haight, General Manager/Director of Live Racing at Batavia Downs. "Because of our loyal customer base at the track and the unbelievable support our gaming floor gets from all our guests, we are able to raise our purses again so our horsemen can continue to race for some of the best money available in the upstate region all year.

With the new increased structure in place, the bottom purse at the Downs will be raised from $4,200 to $4,600, a $10,000 claimer will go for $9,800 and the top purse will jump from $12,300 to $13,500.

(Batavia Downs)
Freehold Raceway will host a unique event on Saturday, Oct. 9, as eight Italian drivers will square off in the Italian Heritage race, sponsored by Peter and Mary Grandich.

The Italian Heritage race is scheduled as the sixth race on the card, with a post time of 2:10 p.m. Three regular Freehold drivers will contest the race. Vinny Ginsburg has the drive on Frankie Boy from post position three for trainer Brandon Mongiello. Eric Abbatiello is on morning line favourite Doctor Butch, trained by Mike Annunziata and leaving from post position six. Jim Marohn Jr. will drive Steady Pulse from post position seven for trainer Nicole DiCostanzo.

The rest of the field, from the inside out, is: Bolder, with driver Joe Faraldo for trainer Frank Kero; Rufo, driven by Joe Martin for trainer Julius Czermann; Stakeout, with driver Tony Verruso for trainer Phil Jasper; Walleywalleyinfree, driven by John Calabrese for trainer Dennis Watson; and Papaimento, driven by Paul Fusco and trained by Ken Tisa.

The Saturday program also features the second leg of the New Jersey Sire Stakes- Standardbred Development Fund for two-year-old colt and gelding pacers. JMs Finaltreasure, winner of the Renaissance Pace two weeks ago on this track, is the overwhelming 2-5 morning line favourite from post position five for trainer Ron Burke and driver Austin Siegelman. Last week, he won a division of the Bluegrass Stakes at the Red Mile in 1:50.4. That race is scheduled as the third on the card, with a listed post time of 1:10 p.m.

Post time for the first of 13 races on the Saturday card at Freehold is scheduled for 12:30 p.m.

(Freehold Raceway)
The Grand Circuit's weekly overview highlights the upcoming races at The Red Mile.

This Week: Red Mile Grand Circuit, The Red Mile, Lexington, Kentucky.

Schedule Of Events: The second week of Grand Circuit action at The Red Mile kicks off on Friday, Oct. 8 with four divisions in the $302,000 International Stallion Stake for two-year-old colt trotters and two divisions in the $254,000 International Stallion Stake for two-year-old filly pacers.

On Saturday, Oct. 9, The Red Mile will host four divisions in the $314,000 International Stallion Stake for two-year-old filly trotters and three divisions in the $278,900 International Stallion Stake for two-year-old colt pacers.

On Sunday, Oct. 10, The Red Mile will offer the $475,000 (est.) Kentucky Futurity for three-year-old trotters, the companion $275,000 (est.) Kentucky Filly Futurity for three-year-old filly trotters, the $400,000 (est.) Tattersalls Pace for three-year-old colt pacers, the $250,000 (est.) Glen Garnsey Memorial for three-year-old filly pacers, a pair of $150,000 (est.) Allerage races for open pacers and open trotters and two $70,000 (est.) Allerage races for older pacing mares and older trotting mares.

Complete entries for the races are available on the USTA website here.

Last Time: To virtually no ones surprise, Lyons Sentinel dominated her foes in the Dayton Distaff Derby on Saturday, Oct. 2, lowering the track record for mares to 1:48.2.

Driver Tim Tetrick got the winner away fourth but rushed her to the lead just past the quarter-mile mark. Rocknificent (Scott Zeron) had left alertly in the early going but yielded to Lyons Sentinel to secure a pocket ride behind the current No. 1 ranked horse in the Hambletonian Society/Breeders Crown poll. The result, however, was the same as Rocknificent finished second for the sixth time in her last seven starts  five of those runner-up finishes to Lyons Sentinel. Miss You N (Dexter Dunn) raced creditably to finish third.

Threelyonsracing owns the winning four-year-old daughter of Captaintreacherous. She is trained by Jim King Jr., who also conditioned the last dominant distaff pacer in the sport  Shartin N.

For the first time in its eight-year history, the Dayton Pacing Derby produced a local winner. Driver Dan Noble and Ocean Rock crushed a full field of North Americas best pacers in 1:48, over three lengths better than Nicholas Beach (Joe Bongiorno) and This Is The Plan (Yannick Gingras). The four-year-old son of Rockin Amadeus, who now owns an impressive four-race win streak, has banked $381,885 this season and $901,622 lifetime for owner Sandra Burnett.

Noble was content to get away third in the early going but confidently rushed Ocean Rock to the front as the field flashed by the stands the first time on the five-eighths-mile oval. Despite the noteworthy credentials of the field, Ocean Rock never experienced an anxious moment and cruised under the wire to the delight of an enthusiastic local crowd.

Back Of The Neck (Ake Svanstedt) pulled a mild upset and broke the local track record for four-year-old male trotters. Nailing runner-up When Dovescry (David Miller) in the final stride of the 1:51.4 mile, the lightly raced son of Ready Cash triumphed for the second straight week after winning a top conditioned trot at The Meadowlands last week.

The win was the 11th lifetime for Back Of The Neck from just 28 lifetime starts. He is owned by Howard Taylor, Order By Stable, Judith Taylor and Svanstedt.

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 October 2, 2021):

Drivers: 1. Dexter Dunn  880; 2. Yannick Gingras  777; 3. Tim Tetrick  732; 4. David Miller  679; 5. Andrew McCarthy  607.5.

Trainers: 1. Ron Burke  912; 2. Tony Alagna  529.5; 3. Nancy Takter  470; 4. Nifty Norman  455; 5. Marcus Melander  430.

Owners: 1. Burke Racing Stable  189.7; 2. Threelyonsracing  180; 3. Weaver Bruscemi  168.5; 4. Crawford Farms Racing  162.5; 5. Brad Grant  159.9.

Looking ahead: Grand Circuit action will take place next week at MGM Northfield Park as the half-mile oval will host the Courageous Lady for 3-year-old filly pacers.

(Grand Circuit)
Smith said his plan would be for the historical center to occupy the second floor of the building, with the library occupying the first floor. Additional parking space could be used to host traveling museum events.

Smith said both the library foundation and board of trustees had already given their approval for the plan to move forward, though members of neither board have been before the Gering City Council with such a proposal or results of feasibility studies presented publicly. The next step is to have them approach the City of Gering, Smith said, who would then pose the plan to the county.

Smith said he would be interested in the entire property, and would look for additional first floor tenants if the library deal does not pan out. He said his plans are just that for now, with no formal proposals as of yet.

In another matter of something not yet being formally presented, the commissioners also discussed a missing budget from the village of Melbeta. County clerk Kelly Sides said she had reached out to the villages clerk and accountant, but still has yet to receive any budget. The county has until Oct. 15 to correct anything, but right now, has the village at a $0 tax asking.
I asked General Milley directly about whether President Biden took his advice into account before going ahead with the withdrawal. He said that the president considered the advice of our military, but chose not to follow it. That is his right, but the events of the last two months have shown that if he had, we may not be in this position.

I also asked the generals about what our withdrawal means for the future of the war on terror. The president has said that having a presence in Afghanistan isnt important for counterterrorism missions because we can rely on over-the-horizon strikes, which allow us to use drones to take out terrorists hundreds or even thousands of miles from where the drones are based.

But unlike other places we conduct over-the-horizon counterterrorism operations, Afghanistan is a landlocked country, which means we will have to use other countries airspace to reach al Qaeda or ISIS-K targets. General McKenzie confirmed to me during the hearing that because we no longer have a military presence in Afghanistan, the U.S. has to rely on Pakistani airspace to conduct these strikes. Pakistan  historically an ally of the Taliban  could stop granting us access at any point.
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The town of Flower Mound announced Wednesday that it has named Paul Henley its new fire chief.
Southport, NC (28461)

Today

Mainly cloudy. A few peeks of sunshine possible. Slight chance of a rain shower. High near 75F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening. A few showers developing late. Low near 50F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%.
A column of purple-clad participants made its way through downtown for the Domestic Violence Awareness Month event Tuesday.

The goal of those marching at the Domestic Violence Task Force of Iredell-led walk was to not just bring awareness to the issue itself, but to the resources available to those who find themselves in need when it happens.

With it be DV Awareness Month, we wanted to make resources available, Pam Navey, a community resource coordinator for the Statesville Police Department, said. Awareness and knowledge is key to the victims to know the community is there to support them.

She said with a task force, with more than 60 agencies countywide that play different roles in dealing with the different facets of domestic violence, the goal is to reduce the prevalence of it overall and to reduce the number of children exposed to it.
(This is a copy of last night's DecisionPoint Diamonds Report. I promised in today's Chartwise Women show that I would give some examples of how I set stops.)

One of the charts that I review every market day in the DP Alert is the Gold Miners ETF (GDX). DecisionPoint.com has unique "under the hood" indicators that reveal participation in detail. Using %Stocks > 20/50/200-EMAs combined with our powerful Golden Cross/Silver Cross Indexes we are usually on top of when to consider entry and exit from this particular industry group. I wish we had this chart for more of the industry groups. For now we have it for all of the SPDR sectors and Gold Miners.

Below is the Gold Miners (GDX) chart. Yesterday I was cautiously bullish on Gold Miners as we had a bounce off the bottom of a bullish falling wedge. I was cautious because price had yet to break out and participation, while improving, was still somewhat weak. Well, I think we are finally looking at a good bottom here.

There is a strong bullish bias in the short term given the %Stocks > 20-EMA is above the SCI reading. We also see slight improvement in the intermediate term given %Stocks > 50-EMA is also above the SCI reading. We are now seeing a pulse. Other positive indications are the nearing PMO crossover BUY signal and the rising RSI that has nearly hit positive territory. Another very positive indicator is Stochastics. We see a nice thrust upward out of oversold territory.

Given the new found momentum on GDX, I thought it was time to present a few of the Gold Miners that popped up in my scan results. The charts are very bullish.

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Today's "Diamonds in the Rough": EGO, GFI and SSRM.





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Welcome to DecisionPoint Daily Diamonds, wherein I highlight five "Diamonds in the Rough." These are selected from the results of my DecisionPoint scans, which search for stocks that could benefit from the trend and condition of the market. Remember, these are not recommendations to buy or sell, but are the most interesting of the stocks that surfaced in my scans. My objective is to save you the work of the initial, tedious culling process, but you need to apply your own analysis to see if these stocks pique your interest as well. There are no guaranteed winners here!





Eldorado Gold Corp. (EGO)





EARNINGS: 10/28/2021 (AMC)

Eldorado Gold Corp. engages in the mining, development and exploration of gold. It has mining operations, ongoing development projects and exploration in Turkey, Canada, Greece, Brazil, Romania and Serbia. The company was founded by Richard J. Barclay, Marco Antonio Romero, and Gary D. Nordin on April 2, 1992 and is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

Predefined Scans Triggered : P&F Descending Triple Bottom Breakdown, Three White Soldiers, Parabolic SAR Buy Signals, P&F Double Bottom Breakout and P&F Bearish Catapult.

EGO is unchanged in after hours trading. You'll note that all three of these charts are very similar to GDX, which of course makes sense. EGO has a bullish falling wedge. Price is testing the top of it. Most important, price closed well above the 20-EMA. The RSI moved into positive territory. The PMO triggered a crossover BUY signal. There is a positive divergence with the OBV. Stochastics are exactly what we want to see. Strong upthrust with a reading above net neutral (50). While the group may not be showing much in the way of relative strength, EGO outperforms both the group and the SPY. The stop level is pretty deep at -9.6%, but it needs to be below that support level.

The weekly chart looks a bit sketchy given the large rounded top formation. But we can see rising bottoms on the RSI as it travel higher. The PMO does appear to be decelerating in oversold territory. Price is bouncing off a strong support level.





Gold Fields Ltd. (GFI)





EARNINGS: 2/16/2022 (BMO)





Gold Fields Ltd. is a gold mining company, which engages in the production of gold and operation of mines. Its operating mines are located in Australia, Ghana, Peru, and South Africa. The company was founded on May 03, 1968 and is headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Predefined Scans Triggered : Elder Bar Turned Green, P&F High Pole and Rising Three Methods.

GFI is up +0.60% in after hours trading. Here we have another falling wedge. Price closed above the 20-EMA and is ready to break from the bullish wedge. The RSI just moved into positive territory and the PMO had a crossover BUY signal today. Those of you who watch the trading rooms, you know that this is a buy point on the 5-minute candlestick chart (PMO crossover and positive RSI). I like the set up. Stochastics just moved above net neutral. This is a strong performer within the Gold Mining industry group and it is already performing better than the SPY. The stop is less deep on this one at 8% which makes it slightly more attractive than EGO.

We don't have a large rounded top on the GFI weekly chart. We have a rising RSI. The PMO is still declining and just went below the zero line which isn't great. However, we are sitting at a very important support level. This looks like an excellent pivot point. Upside potential is very good at over 47%.





SSR Mining Inc. (SSRM)





EARNINGS: 11/11/2021 (BMO)





SSR Mining, Inc. is a gold company. It engages in the operation, development, exploration, and acquisition of metal resource properties located in Turkey and the Americas. The firm focuses on the Copler Gold Mine, Puna, Marigold Mines, and Seabee Gold Operations. The company was founded on December 11, 1946 is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

Predefined Scans Triggered : Elder Bar Turned Green, Bullish MACD Crossovers, P&F Triple Bottom Breakdown and P&F Double Bottom Breakout.

SSRM is down -0.79% in after hours trading. I think we could probably draw a falling wedge, but what is dominate about the price chart is the prior trading range. Price is now testing the bottom of that range. A breakout would be excellent. Price already broke above the 20-EMA today. The RSI is rising, but not quite positive yet. The PMO is arching up toward a crossover BUY signal. Stochastics are quite favorable. Relative strength shows us that this is generally an outperformer within the industry group. It's also beginning to outperform the SPY. I like this one as it has an even tighter stop level than the previous two at 6.6%.

Price hasn't quite tested support at the 2021 low. If it can sustain a rally and breakout here, that would be especially bullish because it didn't need to test that support level before bouncing. There is a positive divergence with the weekly OBV. Conservatively we are looking at a possible 24%+ gain.

Don't forget, on Thursdays I look at reader-requested symbols, so shoot me an email at erin@decisionpoint.com. I read every email I receive and try to answer them all!

Current Market Outlook:

Market Environment: It is important to consider the odds for success by assessing the market tides. The following chart uses different methodologies for objectively showing the depth and trend of participation for intermediate- and long-term time frames.

The Silver Cross Index (SCI) shows the percentage of SPX stocks on IT Trend Model BUY signals (20-EMA > 50-EMA)

The Golden Cross Index (GCI) shows the percentage of SPX stocks on LT Trend Model BUY signals (50-EMA > 200-EMA)

The Bullish Percent Index (BPI) shows the percentage of SPX stocks on Point & Figure BUY signals.

Don't forget that as a "Diamonds" member, you have access to our GCI/SCI curated ChartList on DecisionPoint.com. You'll find it under "Members Only" links on the left side on the Blogs and Links Page.

Here is the current chart:





Full Disclosure: I'm about 70% invested and 30% is in 'cash', meaning in money markets and readily available to trade with. I will likely purchase one of these Gold Miners in the next day or two.

I'm required to disclose if I currently own a stock and if I may buy it within the next 72 hours.

Technical Analysis is a windsock, not a crystal ball.

Happy Charting!

- Erin

erin@decisionpoint.com





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NOTE: The stocks reported herein are from mechanical trading model scans that are based upon moving average relationships, momentum and volume. DecisionPoint analysis is then applied to get five selections from the scans. The selections given should prompt readers to do a chart review using their own analysis process. This letter is not a call for a specific action to buy, sell or short any of the stocks provided. There are NO sure things or guaranteed returns on the daily selection of "Diamonds in the Rough."

Helpful DecisionPoint Links:

Erin's PMO Scan

DecisionPoint Shared ChartList and DecisionPoint Chart Gallery

Trend Models

Price Momentum Oscillator (PMO)

On Balance Volume

Swenlin Trading Oscillators (STO-B and STO-V)

ITBM and ITVM

SCTR Ranking

Relative Strength Index (RSI)

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DAMASCUS, Va.  A quaint, boutique short-stay lodge in the heart of downtown Damascus has opened for business, expecting to woo more travelers to the trail town.

After a yearlong restoration to an existing building, Brinkwaters Hotel held an open house last week to spotlight the business that will rely heavily on the towns tourism population.

I think Damascus is on the verge of a small-town renaissance  bringing economic vitality back to the rural town, said Trey Waters, who, along with business partners Eric and Emily Brinker of Blowing Rock, North Carolina, has refashioned a former business site into a 13-room lodging facility. The new business will cater to outdoor enthusiasts who are attracted to what the Damascus area has to offer.

Waters believes Damascus is a prime location for their new business venture because of its proximity to the Virginia Creeper and Appalachian trails.

People come to Damascus and stay one night. They ride the Creeper Trail and go home. Were trying to create the opportunity for two- or three-day stays.

Ive often heard that people come and enjoy Damascus and then go stay in Abingdon because were at capacity in town. Our business was an attractive opportunity to turn space into a nightly rental program, said Waters.
Karnofski, who also opposed the resolution that offered moral support to residents going against vaccine mandates, said it is a waste of time and money to consider measures that do not change anything within the city.

Wasting time is subjective, city councilmember Richard McCaine said in response. If I were to only focus on things that I knew could enact real change, there is not much I would be doing.

The majority of public comments made at the meeting supported the proclamation or pushed for more dramatic actions. Opponents of the mask mandate cited sections of the Washington State Constitution, the book of Proverbs and conspiracy theories about the United Nations.

The proclamation enacted Tuesday does not address the mask requirement at City Hall, the issue which originally drove the Kelso City Council to begin holding outdoor meetings last month. Mayor Nancy Malone indicated the next council meeting likely still will be held in the park.

Hamilton told the council the city is working to establish a hybrid option for future meetings. The format would be similar to the Longview City Councils approach, where people who cannot attend in person or refuse to wear masks can make public comments through Zoom.

In other business Tuesday night, the City Council voted to approve the distribution of $196,000 of lodging tax funds and directed councilmembers and staff to research the potential of creating a Creative Arts District in Kelso.

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Many of the specific planks of Weans campaign center around Commerce Avenue. Wean said she wants to see downtown Longview bring in so many visitors that it causes parking problems.

While some of that growth will come from working with the current businesses, Wean wants to see the area grow more vertically as well. She is a big supporter of mixed-use developments expanding above current businesses or parking lots. She argues that kind of development, with businesses on the ground floor and multiple stories of residences above, allow the city to grow without sprawling away from its original footprint.

You can have smokestacks and pretty flowers, and we have to have both in order to attract employers and get people to stay, Wean said.

Organization also is part of her approach to homelessness. Wean wants to centralize the resources available to residents, whether that comes through the proposed hosted encampment or local nonprofits. When she worked for a nonprofit in Fort Collins, Colorado, she appreciated the city had an easily available map and rundown of public services for the homeless.

Wean is endorsed by Rooted to Win, a program launched by the Washington State Democrats this year to support local election candidates.
Windows 11 arrived a day ahead of schedule on October 4, and users have been busy updating their systems to the latest version over the past couple of days. The new Windows 11 update comes with many changes to the operating system, some of them visible to users while more performance and security improvements are under the hood. Along with redesigned Windows 11 system themes, Microsoft also gave several system apps a fresh coat of paint, along with a new redesigned right-click context menu.

The new redesigned right-click menu, or context menu, is a stripped-down version of the Windows 10 menu that is much more simplified. That means that users who are running Windows 11 for the first time (or have switched from a Mac) might not have an issue, but long time Windows users will miss the context menu from Windows 11s predecessor. If you prefer the older context menu, heres how you can enable it again on Windows 11.

Also read: Looking for a smartphone? Check Mobile Finder here.

How to enable the old context menu on Windows 11

In order to bring back the old context menu un Windows 11, users will have to make a change to the system registry, which will instruct Windows to use the old context menu, with access to more options. Here are the steps to turn on the old menu on Windows 11:

Step 1) Click on the Start button and type regedit and press Enter.

Step 2) Use the navigation bar on the left side to visit Computer > HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Classes > CLSID.

Step 3) After clicking on CLSID, right-click on the white area on the right side and select New > Key. Copy and paste {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2} as the name (including the brackets) and press Enter.

Step 4) Click on the key you just created (on the left navigation) and right-click on the white area on the right side and choose New > Key. Copy and paste InprocServer32 as the name.

Step 5) You should now see a key called (Default) under the InprocServer32 entry. Double click it to open, then click OK to close. Do not make any changes before clicking OK.

Step 6) Restart your computer to see the new Windows 10 context menu options on Windows 11.
The fear of an asteroid wiping us out for good haunts but NASA has been working on a project to save us, just like Superman. While it is not possible to destroy or vaporize an asteroid with X-Rays or anything else, NASA figured out a clever way to nudge an asteroid in other direction. The DART project will do that and the spacecraft is now ready, heading for the launchpad.

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) tweeted out earlier stating that the DART spacecraft has left its building and is heading on the back of a semi-truck to the launchpad at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The DART spacecraft is also carrying the CubeSat component, which will deploy 10 days before the impact with the asteroid.

NASA DART mission now heading for launchpad

The mission objective of DART, which was designed, built and is managed by APL, is to determine whether flying a spacecraft into a small solar system body at speeds of about 15,000 miles per hour could be a reliable technique to deflect an asteroid if such a hazard were ever discovered to be on a collision course with Earth, describes NASA.

DART will head for the asteroid belt where it will conduct its impactful rendezvous on Didymos and its small moonlet asteroid, Dimorphos. CubeSat will detach itself 10 days ahead of the impact, travelling at 2.5 miles per hour and will photograph the impact.

Neither Didymos nor Dimorphos are of threat to Earth as far as the near future is concerned. However, being in close proximity to the Earth will allow scientists to observe the moment from ground based telescopes.

LICIACube [has] the opportunity to capture images of the impacts effects, including the resultant plume of ejecta and possibly the newly-formed impact crater, as well as the backside hemispheres of both Didymos and Dimorphos that DART will not see, says NASA.

The DART mission will launch in late November onboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and is expected to reach its target a year later in the fall of 2022. The impact is expected to add several minutes to the moonlets 12-hour orbit around the Didymos.
Update: Sony Malaysia has confirmed that the price for the SRS-NS7 is RM1249. Also, the wireless transmitter is available separately for RM269.

Looking for a surround sound experience? For more personal use, a headphone is what you'd pick. If it's a living room, you'll usually get at least a soundbar or Hi-Fi set. But what if you can get a speaker that stays on you? Say hi to the Sony SRS-NS7.

Sony unveiled the SRS-NS7 yesterday for those who want to enjoy an immersive personal cinema sound experience. This wireless neckband speaker features an X-Balanced speaker unit, which consists of up-firing speakers and passive radiators. They combine to deliver rich audio with clear bass, all on a flexible neckband that's comfortable and can easily stay on.

In terms of features, the Sony SRS-NS7 has 360 Spatial Sound and Dolby Atmos support for a personalised surround sound experience. It also comes with a wireless transmitter that can be connected to a TV, allowing you to enjoy movies and games at night without disturbing anyone. It even has IPX4 water resistance, supports mobile devices, hands-free calling, and more.

The SRS-NS7 is expected to retail for around USD 299.99 (RM1255). It was spotted on Sony Malaysia too, so we know that it'll launch here eventually. But would you be interested in getting one? Let us know in the comments, and stay tuned to TechNave for more updates about this.
Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks during a press conference in Canberra, Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. Morrison has described social media as a "coward's palace" and warned digital platforms such as Facebook could be held liable for defamatory comments posted anonymously. Credit: Lukas Coch/AAP Image via AP

Australia's prime minister on Thursday described social media as a "coward's palace" and warned that digital platforms including Facebook should be held liable for defamatory comments posted anonymously.

Anonymous commentators who use social media to vilify and bully have become the latest battleground between Prime Minister Scott Morrison's government and U.S. tech giants. The government wants social media users to be required to identify themselves.

Australia passed laws this year that oblige Google and Facebook to pay for journalism. Australia also defied the tech companies by creating a law that could imprison social media executives if their platforms stream violent images.

Morrison said platforms that do not reveal the identities of people who post defamatory comments should be held liable for those comments.

"Cowards who go anonymously on to social media and vilify people, and harass them, and bully them, and engage in defamatory statements, they need to be responsible for what they're saying," Morrison said.

"Social media has become a coward's palace where people can just go on there, not say who they are, destroy people's lives and say the most foul and offensive things to people, and do so with impunity," he added.

His comments come as Australian state and territory governments are rushing to rewrite their defamation laws after the High Court last month set a precedent for the internet age, ruling that media outlets can be held liable for defamatory comments posted by third parties on their Facebook pages.

The court didn't rule on whether Facebook was also liable because the platform wasn't being sued.

The precedent applies to the administrators of all Facebook pages, including governments. The Tasmania state government has blocked comments from its social media sites, and the U.S. news organization CNN has excluded Australians from its Facebook page.

Communications Minister Paul Fletcher said on Wednesday the national review of defamation laws will likely examine whether Facebook should be liable for users' posts.

Facebook said in a statement it supported "modernization of Australia's uniform defamation laws and hopes for greater clarity and certainty in this area."

Morrison said the need for platforms to identify commentators was an objective that his government would be "leaning even further into."

Explore further Australian defamation review to examine Facebook liability

 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
One of the findings of the experimental fire tests: If an e-vehicle burns in the tunnel, it becomes hotter, but not fundamentally more dangerous in the tunnel. Credit: Lunghammer - TU Graz

The actual potential danger in the event of an accident with an e-car is still relatively unknown, but unsettling images of e-vehicles on fire are already widespread. We know that the energy storage systems of e-vehicles based on lithium-ion technology behave differently than conventional car engines in the event of a fire. But what exactly happens when e-vehicles catch fire in a tunnel? How hot does it get and what gasses are produced? What dangers are there for people who are in the tunnel at the time of the accident? What risks are emergency personnel exposed to? What damage is there to the tunnel infrastructure? And what is the most efficient way for fire services to extinguish a burning e-vehicle in a tunnel?

In the FFG-funded project "BRAFAFire Effects of Vehicles with Alternative Drive Systems", Graz University of Technology (TU Graz), the University of Leoben, the Austrian Fire Brigade Association and the consulting firm ILF Consulting Engineers Austria, supported by ASFINAG and the Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology, investigated the safety-relevant effects of fires involving battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in road tunnels and evaluated methods for fighting fires. The results of the comprehensive experimental and numerical investigations provide valuable insights, but above all one thing: reassurance. On the basis of these investigations, the potential risks are not to be assessed as significantly more critical than in the case of fires in passenger cars with conventional combustion engines. "Austrian tunnel systems are fit enough for the challenges posed by burning e-vehicles," concludes Peter Sturm, professor at the Institute of Internal Combustion Engines and Thermodynamics at TU Graz.

"However, our results indicate a significantly increased potential risk of e-vehicle fires in multistorey car parks (essentially indoor stacked car parks). And there is also an urgent need for more funding for further investigations into tunnel fires involving battery-electric commercial vehicles, i.e. e-busses and e-trucks."

Burning new cars in "Zentrum am Berg"

While the previous state of knowledge was based on tunnel fire tests with individual battery cells and small battery packs, and the potential risk of entire burning cars was derived from this, the project team gained new knowledge from large-scale real fire tests for the first time.In the new tunnel research centre "Zentrum am Berg" of the University of Leoben (director: Robert Galler, Professor of Subsurface Engineering), battery modules as well as three electrically powered and two diesel-powered vehicles were deliberately set on fire. The vehiclescompact cars, SUVs and vanswere partly new cars built in 2020 and equipped with the latest lithium-ion battery technology available on the market.

Researchers and the fire brigade initially found themselves in a conflict of interests during the project's fire tests. The fire brigade wanted to extinguish the deliberately caused fires as quickly as possible, whereas the researchers were concerned with collecting data during the fire. As a compromise solution, extinguishing attempts were only started after an unhindered fire time of ten minutes. "That is also roughly the escape time and the time until the emergency services arrive. We were able to gain valuable data in those first ten minutes, after that it was the fire brigade's turn," says Peter Sturm.

In the course of the project, the fire brigade was able to test different extinguishing methods for burning e-vehicles in tunnels. Credit: Lunghammer - TU Graz

Heat release and fire gas emissions

More than 30 temperature sensors were used to measure the heat release rate, i.e. the fire load of a vehicle. The fire load of a conventional car is around 5 megawatts (MW), or roughly equivalent to a burning stack of 25 wooden pallets. The heat release rate of the burning e-vehicles in the tunnel, at 6 to 7 MW, was somewhat higher than that of the diesel-powered comparison vehicles, but this does not entail any new risks or dangers. In comparison, the fire load of a conventional truck is around 30 MWand tunnel systems are also designed for this. "It does get a little bit warmer when e-vehicles burn, but it doesn't make it fundamentally more dangerous in the tunnel. The measured temperatures in the escape area are below the 60 degree Celsius limit for all fire tests. It's not a pleasant temperature, but escaping and firefighting are still possible," sums up Peter Sturm.

The only exception is if there is a spontaneous reaction in which the entire battery is fully on fire at once, a noticeably higher heat release of up to 10 MW can be expected over a few minutes. "However, we deliberately induced this spontaneous reaction in order to be able to investigate this worst case scenario. In the real case, a so-called thermal runaway occurs in the battery, in which the overheating and the fire spread from one cell to the next like a chain reaction. That's why such battery fires also last a long time," reports Peter Sturm.

Emitted gasses and heavy metals were also the focus of the project and were collected and measured using targeted air extraction and suspended fleece blankets. Additionally, higher amounts of hydrogen fluoride and carbon monoxide were detected in the fires of the e-vehicles. "However, the thermally induced smoke stratification in the tunnel causes these highly concentrated fire gasses to collect predominantly in upper areas of the tunnel and thus outside the area relevant to humans. This means that the escape routes are not affected," explains Peter Sturm. But as an afterthought: "A large part of the comparatively low risk in road tunnels is due to the ventilation systems. These do not exist in multistorey car parks, for example, or at least not to a comparable extent. This means that fires involving e-vehicles in garages are a different matter in terms of danger and urgently need to be investigated more closely. In any case, our measurement results indicate a serious hazard."

Risk assessment and tunnel infrastructure

Since the "Turismo" risk model currently used in Austria, like models in other countries, completely excludes the fire of battery-electric vehicles, the safety risk for people in the tunnel was also calculated as part of the project. Bernhard Kohl from the project partner responsible for risk analyses determined that in the extreme casei.e. when there are only electric vehicles in the tunnelthe overall risk increases by about 4 per cent, and the fire risk by about 12 per cent compared to 100 per cent combustion engines. However, it must be taken into account here that it is difficult to derive general conclusions on the basis of these few fire tests. For the structure and materials of the tunnel structure, the drive type of the burning vehicle makes no relevant difference. Concrete damage due to spalling is to be expected in fires of commercial vehicles in both vehicle categories; the damage pattern is roughly the same.

Project manager Peter Sturm is responsible for the area of Transport and Environment at the Institute of Internal Combustion Engines and Thermodynamics at TU Graz. Credit: Lunghammer - TU Graz

Fire fighting and contaminated extinguishing water

As part of the fire experiments, the Austrian Fire Brigade Association tested various extinguishing methods. Conventional firefighting with water worked best. "Water is the extinguishing agent of choice because of its very good cooling effect. However, experience shows that with lithium-ion batteries, fire extinguishing only becomes successful when the water can reach the inside of the battery. External cooling of an only marginally damaged battery is hardly effective. Previous operations have shown that the extinguishing time and the extinguishing agent requirement increase and several 1000 liters of extinguishing water may be required. If necessary, the emergency services have to use the extinguishing water available in the tunnels," says Stefan Krausbar of the Austrian Fire Brigade Association.

Flame-smothering extinguishing blankets do not add any value from the moment the fire spreads to the battery. The reason for this is the strong flames near the ground, which make it extremely difficult to cover the entire vehicle tightly with the fire blanket and the oxygen self-sufficiency of the battery. The use of extinguishing lances that inject water directly into the battery housing, on the other hand, has proven to be very effective. However, handling the lances is complicated and not without danger, so this method requires special training for the emergency services.

The extinguishing water used to fight the fire showed increased heavy metal contamination, especially with nickel. "It therefore goes without saying that the contaminated extinguishing water collected in the retention basin is more expensive to dispose of," says Gunter Rattei from ASFINAG.

Further fire tests with commercial vehicles urgently needed

Despite the many lessons learned, project leader Peter Sturm emphasizes that further research is more than desirable. "The project budget of 250,000 euros left us very little room for manoeuver." The fire effects of battery-electric commercial vehiclesbusses and truckscould thus only be scaled up by means of numerical simulations based on assumptions about fire development, fire duration and pollutant release. There is currently no robust metrological verification for these assumptions. Comprehensive fire experiments in large-scale tests would therefore significantly improve the quality of the information. The same applies to the concrete danger of electric vehicle fires in multistorey car parks. "Despite all the joy about the advance of alternative drive systems, such safety-relevant 'homework' must not be neglected," says Peter Sturm, appealing to legislation and research funding.

Explore further How dangerous are burning electric cars?
Using forecasted energy consumption for the next 30 years, UBCO researcher Dr. Mohammad Al Hashmi is looking at environmentally friendly ways to cool homes. Credit: UBC Okanagan

The summer of 2021 in Western Canada was one of the hottest on record. In BC alone, 59 weather stations registered their hottest temperatures ever on June 27.

For those lucky enough to have air conditioners, keeping their homes cool during the heat dome was relatively easy. However, the comfort lasted only until the utility bills arrived. As a result of heatwaves around the world, global electricity demand increased by five percent so far in 2021 and it is expected to continue to increase annually, says UBCO researcher Dr. Mohammad Al Hashmi.

"Rapid population growth has led to significant demand for residential buildings around the world. At the same time, there is a growing energy demand associated with increased greenhouse gas emissions," he says. "Buildings in hot and arid climatic conditions demand high energy for creating habitable indoor environments. Enormous amounts of energy are required to maintain a cool temperature in hot regions."

Using data from Saudi Arabia, Dr. Al Hashmi developed a framework for reducing energy consumption related to residential buildings. The operational framework looks at methods to keep homes cool with minimum adverse environmental impacts.

He used Saudi Arabia as a basis of this research, since residential building energy demand attributes for 52 percent of the entire country's electricity consumption.

Dr. Al Hashmi and his colleagues at UBC Okanagan's Lifecycle Management Lab analyzed forecasted energy consumption for the next 30 years and examined potential energy interventions. They selected six different renewable power generation systemsincluding solar, wind and photovoltaic array panelsand some hybrid combinations. The researchers also examined energy storage systems such as a battery bank, fuel cells and hydrogen tank storage. All together they conducted more than 180 simulations, enabling a full scenario analysis to calculate the savings based on each system.

The residential building energy demand in arid countries such as Saudi Arabia is supplied with fossil fuel. Dr. Al Hashmi says the existing consumption pattern of fossil fuels in Saudi Arabia is not sustainable due to the depletion of these resources. This has far-reaching environmental impacts.

"Our research focused on Saudi Arabia, but the findings can easily be applied to other countries and geographical areas such as the Okanagan," says Dr. Al Hashmi, who graduated with his Ph.D. this spring.

According to Dr. Al Hashmi, embracing renewable energy could have a substantial impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions related to cooling residential buildings. His research shows the need for a community-government partnership framework that would combine building interventions and clean energy approaches.

"It will take a holistic approach to reduce energy consumption for homes, including building retrofits, renewable energy solutions and government sustainability policies," he says. "This framework enables us to reach greater efficiency for these multi-unit residential buildings while downsizing residential energy demands."

In the Canadian context, Dr. Al Hashmi acknowledges that the challenge is two-fold with buildings requiring retrofits that address extremes of both hot and cold.

"A certain level of co-operation is required between the community and the government in terms of financial investments and the best combinations of retrofits and clean energy measures, but our analysis indicates that reducing carbon emissions is reachable."

The research was recently published in the journal Energies.

Explore further Pioneering framework could reduce energy demand in buildings

More information: Mohammad Al Hashmi et al, Framework for Developing a Low-Carbon Energy Demand in Residential Buildings Using Community-Government Partnership: An Application in Saudi Arabia, Energies (2021). Mohammad Al Hashmi et al, Framework for Developing a Low-Carbon Energy Demand in Residential Buildings Using Community-Government Partnership: An Application in Saudi Arabia,(2021). DOI: 10.3390/en14164954
Three quarters of energy use comes from road transport and 24% from air transport. CREDS recommends that roads repurposed for shared and active mobility and investment should be doubled in public transport, with increased cycle networks in all urban areas. Credit: Shutterstock

Demand for energy in the UK must be significantly reduced if net zero targets are to be met, emissions reductions will not be enough, according to a report today from CREDS, the government-funded Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions, led by Professor Nick Eyre, Oxford Professor of Energy and Climate Policy.

CREDS Director, Professor Eyre says, "This report adds to the evidence base being assembled by the Oxford-led CREDS research team on the importance of energy use in achieving net zero. We have already shown that improvements in energy efficiency have delivered more carbon emissions reduction than anything else, and that further massive efficiency improvements are possible globally. With this report we set out a detailed analysis of how the UK can halve its energy use by 2050."

According to the report, "Without energy demand reduction we will not achieve the UK's emissions reduction target of 78% below 1990 levels, or our 2050 net-zero target."

But it goes on to set out how it would be possible for the UK to halve energy demand - with measures aimed at cutting usage across areas including transport, food and home heating.

The CREDS' team includes 140 people from 24 universities, including nine Oxford researchers. In addition to Professor Eyre, Professor Tim Schwanen and Dr Christian Brand, from the Transport Studies Unit, are advising on transport and mobility, while Dr Tina Fawcett, from the university's Environmental Change Institute, heads the policy and governance team (see full list below).

CREDS has modeled four possible scenarios for energy:

Ignore  maintain existing energy demand,

Steer  maintain existing demand, but aim to reduce emissions to net zero,

Shift  follow an ambitious program of interventions with existing technology.

Transform  use transformative technologies and change lifestyle and practices.

Under scenarios three and four, there would be a radical shake-up to daily life, although the report says, "None of our Low Energy Demand (LED) scenarios compromise our quality of life."

Mobility: The report points out three quarters of energy use comes from road transport and 24% from air transport. Its LED recommendations include:

No road or airport expansion. No greenfield development. Roads to be repurposed for shared and active mobility.

Investment should be doubled in public transport and cycle networks increased in all urban area.

Single occupancy car use should become unacceptable. High taxation on more than one car per household.

The national car fleet should be reduced and transition to 'car usership."

Lower demand for aviation  because of increased public awareness.

Nutrition: 11% of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions are attributable to agriculture and land use. CREDS recommends:

Under scenario three, daily adult calorific intake should be reduced by 15% to 2,686. Under scenario four, this should be reduced 27% to the recommended level of 2,500.

Under both scenarios, the number of 'omnivores' must be reduced dramatically, from some two thirds of the population to less than 20%. Meanwhile, the number of vegetarians should multiply several fold.

Heat in domestic buildings: This accounts for 15.2% of total national greenhouse gas emissions in 2020, a share which has been increasing steadily since the 1990s. Under CREDS' two active scenarios, the report envisages a range of moves, including:

Gas boilers being phased out. Heat pumps phased in.

A four day week being considered and more working from home.

Gas hobs and ovens phased out by 2035

According to the report, by adopting the most radical measures, the UK could halve energy demand and by following scenario three, this could be reduced by 40%.

But, it says, "Energy efficiency improvements from heat pumps, electric vehicles and home retrofit, for example, are not the only options to reduce energy demand. In fact, our scenario analysis shows that by implementing energy efficiency alone without considering broader shifts in consumption patterns and reduction in energy service demands, net-zero is very difficult to achieve."

CREDS's report concludes, "Without energy demand reduction we will not achieve the UK's emissions reduction target of 78% below 1990 levels, or our 2050 net-zero target. The UK Government has yet to define how energy demand will contribute to achieving our climate ambitions. Given the evidence presented in this report, it is imperative that the UK Government outline a detailed strategy and supporting policies to enable energy demand reduction to fulfill its necessary role in achieving rapid emissions reductions in the UK.

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"These results are very timely in the context of the global climate change conference in the UK next month" - Professor Brian O Gallachoir. Credit: Pixabay

The first detailed global assessment of the electricity generation potential of rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) technology has been conducted by researchers at MaREI, the SFI Research Centre for Energy, Climate and Marine in University College Cork (UCC), in collaboration with international research partners. The findings are published in Nature Communications.

Owing to improved deployment capability and reduced costs, rooftop solar Photovoltaics (PV) technology, such as roof mounted solar panels used in home, commercial and industrial buildings, is currently the fastest deployable electricty generation technology and is projected to supply 2549% of global electricity needs by 2050. Despite these predictions, a global assessment of the technology's electricity generation potential and the associated costs remains a challenge.

The research team including lead author Siddharth Joshi, together with UCC colleagues Professor Brian O Gallachoir, Dr. Paul Holloway and colleagues at Imperial College London, Columbia University, and Ahmedabad University, assessed the electricity generation potential of rooftop solar PV globally and the associated costs. The authors mapped 130 million km2 of global land surface area to identify 0.2 million km2 of rooftop area using a novel Machine Learning algorithm. This rooftop area was then analyzed to quantify the global electricity generation potential of rooftop solar PV.

The authors found that a global potential of 27 petawatt-hour per year can be attained at a cost of between US$ 40280 per megawatt-hour with the greatest electricity generation potential in Asia, North America and Europe. They indicate that the lowest cost for attaining the potential energy is in India (US$66 per megawatt-hour) and China (US$68 per megawatt-hour), while the UK and U.S. are among the most costly countries. The authors suggest that the electricity generation potential of rooftop solar panels exceeded the global yearly aggregated energy consumption in 2018. However, its future potential will depend on the development and cost of storage solutions for the generated energy.

"For the first time, we can analyze the spatial and temporal characteristics of global rooftop photovoltaics with improved accuracy using a combination of big data, machine learning and GIS. This study can aid in improved representation of rooftop solar photovoltaics in global energy systems," stated UCC researcher Siddharth Joshi.

The authors conclude that their findings will have important implications for sustainable development and climate change mitigations efforts. Globally, nearly 800 million people were without electricity in 2018, the majority of who are living in rural areas.

Co-author Prof. Brian O Gallachoir commented "this potential of 27 PWh per annum from rooftop solar is very significant. For comparison, our total electricity use in all homes around the world was 6 PWh in 2019. These results are very timely in the context of the global climate change conference in the UK next month. Rooftop solar PV not only helps to reduce emissions but also to involve homeowners directly in the energy transition."

Senior author Dr. James Glynn commented, "the open data generated in this research helps to quantify, locate and prioritize investment in zero-carbon electricity systems. By mapping the solar PV rooftop potential in high resolution globally, development banks and energy agencies in developing countries are better informed as to the technology's role in enabling sustainable development towards climate action and affordable and clean energy."

Dr. Shivika Mittal, Research Associate in Energy and Integrated Assessment Model at the Grantham Institute at Imperial College London, said: "The cost of generating electricity from solar rooftop panels has declined significantly in the last decade. Our new data set will help governments or organizations, business owners to identify solar power 'hot-spots' where they can mobilize new investment, and this would help in accelerating the adoption of solar power."

Explore further Airports could generate enough solar energy to power a city: Study

More information: Siddharth Joshi et al, High resolution global spatiotemporal assessment of rooftop solar photovoltaics potential for renewable electricity generation, Nature Communications (2021). Journal information: Nature Communications Siddharth Joshi et al, High resolution global spatiotemporal assessment of rooftop solar photovoltaics potential for renewable electricity generation,(2021). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25720-2
Equipping computer models with covert cognizance could protect electric grids, manufacturing facilities and nuclear power plants from hackers, says Hany Abdel-Khalik, a Purdue associate professor of nuclear engineering. Credit: Purdue University / Vincent Walter

It sounds like a scene from a spy thriller. An attacker gets through the IT defenses of a nuclear power plant and feeds it fake, realistic data, tricking its computer systems and personnel into thinking operations are normal. The attacker then disrupts the function of key plant machinery, causing it to misperform or break down. By the time system operators realize they've been duped, it's too late, with catastrophic results.

The scenario isn't fictional; it happened in 2010, when the Stuxnet virus was used to damage nuclear centrifuges in Iran. And as ransomware and other cyberattacks around the world increase, system operators worry more about these sophisticated "false data injection" strikes. In the wrong hands, the computer models and data analyticsbased on artificial intelligencethat ensure smooth operation of today's electric grids, manufacturing facilities, and power plants could be turned against themselves.

Purdue University's Hany Abdel-Khalik has come up with a powerful response: To make the computer models that run these cyberphysical systems both self-aware and self-healing. Using the background noise within these systems' data streams, Abdel-Khalik and his students embed invisible, ever-changing, one-time-use signals that turn passive components into active watchers. Even if an attacker is armed with a perfect duplicate of a system's model, any attempt to introduce falsified data will be immediately detected and rejected by the system itself, requiring no human response.

"We call it covert cognizance," said Abdel-Khalik, an associate professor of nuclear engineering and researcher with Purdue's Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security (CERIAS). "Imagine having a bunch of bees hovering around you. Once you move a little bit, the whole network of bees responds, so it has that butterfly effect. Here, if someone sticks their finger in the data, the whole system will know that there was an intrusion, and it will be able to correct the modified data."

Trust through self-awareness

Abdel-Khalik will be the first to say that he is a nuclear engineer, not a computer scientist. But today, critical infrastructure systems in energy, water, and manufacturing all use advanced computational techniques, including machine learning, predictive analytics, and artificial intelligence. Employees use these models to monitor readings from their machinery and verify that they are within normal ranges. From studying the efficiency of reactor systems and how they respond to equipment failures and other disruptions, Abdel-Khalik grew familiar with the "digital twins" employed by these facilities: Duplicate simulations of data-monitoring models that help system operators determine when true errors arise.

But gradually he became interested in intentional rather than accidental failures, particularly what could happen when a malicious attacker has a digital twin of their own to work with. It's not a far-fetched situation, as the simulators used to control nuclear reactors and other critical infrastructure can be easily acquired. There's also the perennial risk that someone inside a system, with access to the control model and its digital twin, could attempt a sneak attack.

"Traditionally, your defense is as good as your knowledge of the model. If they know your model pretty well, then your defense can be breached," said Yeni Li, a recent graduate from the group, whose Ph.D. research focused on the detection of such attacks using model-based methods.

Abdel-Khalik said, "Any type of system right now that is based on the control looking at information and making a decision is vulnerable to these types of attacks. If you have access to the data, and then you change the information, then whoever's making the decision is going to be basing their decision on fake data."

To thwart this strategy, Abdel-Khalik and Arvind Sundaram, a third-year graduate student in nuclear engineering, found a way to hide signals in the unobservable "noise space" of the system. Control models juggle thousands of different data variables, but only a fraction of them are actually used in the core calculations that affect the model's outputs and predictions. By slightly altering these nonessential variables, their algorithm produces a signal so that individual components of a system can verify the authenticity of the data coming in and react accordingly.

"When you have components that are loosely coupled with each other, the system really isn't aware of the other components or even of itself," Sundaram said. "It just responds to its inputs. When you're making it self-aware, you build an anomaly detection model within itself. If something is wrong, it needs to not just detect that, but also operate in a way that doesn't respect the malicious input that's come in."

For added security, these signals are generated by the random noise of the system hardware, for example, fluctuations in temperature or power consumption. An attacker holding a digital twin of a facility's model could not anticipate or re-create these perpetually shifting data signatures, and even someone with internal access would not be able to crack the code.

"Anytime you develop a security solution, you can trust it, but you still have to give somebody the keys," Abdel-Khalik said. "If that person turns on you, then all bets are off. Here, we're saying that the added perturbations are based on the noise of the system itself. So there's no way I would know what the noise of the system is, even as an insider. It's being recorded automatically and added to the signal."

Though the papers published by the team members so far have focused on using their paradigm in nuclear reactors, the researchers see potential for applications across industriesany system that uses a control loop and sensors, Sundaram said. The same methods could be used also for objectives beyond cybersecurity, such as self-healing anomaly detection that could prevent costly shutdowns, and a new form of cryptography that would enable the secure sharing of data from critical systems with outside researchers.

Cyber gets physical

As nuclear engineers, Abdel-Khalik and Sundaram benefit from the expertise and resources of CERIAS to find entry points into the worlds of cybersecurity and computer science. Abdel-Khalik credits Elisa Bertino, the Samuel D. Conte Professor of Computer Science and CERIAS research director, with the original spark that led to creating the covert cognizance algorithm, and thanks the center for exposing him to new partnerships and opportunities.

Founded in 1998, CERIAS is one of the oldest and largest research centers in the world concentrating on cybersecurity. Its mission, says managing director Joel Rasmus, has always been interdisciplinary, and today the center works with researchers from 18 departments and eight colleges at Purdue. Abdel-Khalik's research is a perfect example of this diverse network.

"When most people think about cybersecurity, they only think about computer science," Rasmus said. "Here's a nuclear engineering faculty member who's doing unbelievably great cyber and cyberphysical security work. We've been able to link him with computer scientists at Purdue who understand this problem, but yet don't understand anything about nuclear engineering or the power grid, so they're able to collaborate with him."

Abdel-Khalik and Sundaram have begun to explore the commercial possibilities of covert cognizance through a startup company. That startup, Covert Defenses LLC, has recently engaged with Entanglement Inc., an early-stage deep tech company, to develop a go-to-market strategy.

In parallel, the team will be working to develop a software toolkit that can be integrated with the cyberphysical test beds at CERIAS and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, where sensors and actuators coupled to software provide a simulation of large-scale industrial systems.

"We can provide additional applications for the technologies that he's developing, since this is an idea that can help nearly every cyberphysical domain, such as advanced manufacturing or transportation," Rasmus said. "We want to make sure that the research that we're doing actually helps move the world forward, that it helps solve actual real-world problems."

Explore further New technology advances protection of critical systems from insider-assisted attacks

More information: Arvind Sundaram et al, Covert Cognizance: A Novel Predictive Modeling Paradigm, Nuclear Technology (2021). Arvind Sundaram et al, Covert Cognizance: A Novel Predictive Modeling Paradigm,(2021). DOI: 10.1080/00295450.2020.1812349 Matthias Eckhart et al, Digital Twins for Cyber-Physical Systems Security: State of the Art and Outlook, Security and Quality in Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering (2019). DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-25312-7_14 Yeni Li et al, Data trustworthiness signatures for nuclear reactor dynamics simulation, Progress in Nuclear Energy (2021). DOI: 10.1016/j.pnucene.2020.103612 Arvind Sundaram et al, Validation of Covert Cognizance Active Defenses, Nuclear Science and Engineering (2021). DOI: 10.1080/00295639.2021.1897731
Dozens of local clergy stood in solidarity and prayer at the Glynn County Courthouse Tuesday morning to rebuke defense lawyer Kevin Gough and to say his statements in court about Black ministers attending the Ahmaud Arbery trial do not represent the community.
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A NEW FIRE TO PUT OUT: The Fire Department earlier this year suspended nine Firefighters who shared racist memes mocking George Floyd's murder by a white Police Officer in Minneapolis, with one of them agreeing to resign when his six-month suspension ends rather than face firing. It was the latest racial conflagration for the FDNY, and followed a situation last year when black firefighters reached out to Eric Adams to intervene with top department officials after three Lieutenants advocated using fire hoses on black protesters, a tactic made infamous by racist white officials in the Deep South during the Civil Rights Movement.
Brazos County health officials reported 37 new cases of COVID-19 among county residents on Thursday as active cases of the virus continued to decline. It was the lowest number of new cases reported in a single day since July 29.

The number of active cases in the county fell to 2,398 on Thursday after hitting an all-time high of 2,966 on Sept. 30. Health officials said 1,387 cases of the virus reported by health care systems and testing centers were awaiting confirmation Thursday.

Brazos County officials have confirmed 32,495 cases of COVID-19 in the county since the pandemic began more than a year ago.

A Texas A&M University website said the number of active, self-reported cases of the virus among students, faculty members and staff had fallen to 109 as of Monday, the last date for which figures were posted. The latest figures were down from a high of 1,635 cases reported on campus Sept. 10.

Officials with the Brazos County Health District said 29,763 cases were considered recovered as of Thursday; health officials classify all cases older than two weeks as recovered.

Thirty Brazos County residents were hospitalized Thursday for treatment of symptoms related to the virus, officials said.
Basically, the money has always been in Omaha and Lincoln, she said. They told us if we can get grants written out in this area, they could get more funding for us. They wanted somebody in this area.

The Nebraska Crimes Commission, which oversees the office, is looking to Hall County to come up with strategies out here to fund programs to stop the violent crimes, Bredthauer said.

This is primarily gun and gang violence, she added.

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Capt. Jim Duering told The Independent prevention of violent crime is always a concern for the Grand Island Police Department.

The Grand Island Police Department recognizes we have violent crime issues, and has ongoing goals to reduce this activity, Duering said. With that said, classifying a city as having a high crime rate is subjective in my opinion.

Duering provided data via the Nebraska Crime Commission, using classifications for crimes provided by the FBI Uniform Crime Report, per the National Incident-Based Reporting System, on state crimes rates.

For 2019 and 2020, Grand Island had the third highest number of total crimes (property and violent), at 1,578 and 1,483 reported crimes, after Omaha (at 20,027 and 18,279) and Lincoln (at 9,166 and 6,098).
YORK  U.S. Congressman Adrian Smith (who represents Nebraskas Third District) and Consul of Mexico Guadalupe Sanchez went on an agricultural tour this week, as an opportunity for Congressman Smith to demonstrate the value of the ongoing trade relationship between the United States and Mexico.

While they toured a number of sites, news outlets were given media availability during Smiths and Sanchezs stop/tour of McLean Beefs new locker facility on South Lincoln Avenue in York.

They toured the facility as McLean Beef General Manager Brian Kurth explained the processes and answered their questions.

Regarding the beef industry in general, Smith said, Lets be clear here, consumers are in charge.

He added that he enjoyed his tour at McLeans and it is great to see a local producer, a cow/calf operation primarily, be able to sell direct to the consumer.

Smith also said in a statement to the members of the press who were in attendance, as a country and as a state, we produce more than we consume, thus trade is imperative.
SIOUX CITY -- A Sioux City man was sentenced Wednesday to 20 years in prison for shooting arrows at police during a standoff.

Mitchell Smith, 47, pleaded guilty Sept. 3 in Woodbury County District Court to intimidation with a dangerous weapon and two counts of assault on a peace officer. As part of a plea agreement, a charge of attempted murder was dismissed.

District Judge Jeffrey Neary ordered the sentences for each count to run consecutively, or one after another, for the 20-year term.

Officers were called to a home in the 1800 block of Rustin Street on Dec. 1 for a disturbance in which Smith reportedly had threatened a neighbor's wife.

After a brief encounter with Smith, two officers were in the street preparing to leave when Smith walked around his house with a bow and arrow and fired an arrow over the head of one of the officers. The two drove about a block away and pulled over when Smith fired a second arrow, which hit the roof of a house near them.

Other officers were dispatched to the scene and attempted to make contact with Smith, who fired a third arrow that struck the roof of a house. An hour later, he shot a fourth arrow, which fell in the street.
McKays criminal history shows he was sent to prison for the 1982 rape in California, for eight years. And he was sent to prison for 3-5 years, in York County, in 2001, for possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.

During this weeks York County District Court proceedings, McKays attorney, York County Public Defender David Michel said his client should receive probation. Certainly, it is of great interest of the community that we know where our registrable sex offenders live and work, the cars they drive, etc. This original offense goes back some 40 years and since then he has had very limited criminal issues. Hes been employed here in York and his boss put up his bond because he thinks so highly of him. In the early 1990s, he was in a serious car accident and suffered a head injury. He has been disabled since with memory issues. His responsibility to register regularly is not diminished but he has a need for reminders in his daily life. Ive reinforced with him that he must register as required.
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Theres been increasing confusing over the legality of delta-8, a cannabis derivative that can be found in vape cartridges, tinctures and candy at smoke shops and CBD stores in Texas. While the Texas health department maintains that delta-8 is a controlled substance and is on the states list of unlawful drugs, the 2018 federal Farm Bill legalized the production of hemp, which naturally contains delta-8 and has less than 0.3% THC. In 2019, Texas also legalized hemp growing. Delta-8 retailers believed the substance was as legal to sell as hemp. Delta-8 is legal in Texas for now after a Travis County judge blocked the state from criminalizing it. Should delta-8 continue to be legal in Texas?

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John A. Logan College hired seven new faculty members who began their teaching roles at the college for the fall semester.

Our new faculty bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the College, said Assistant Provost for Academic Affairs Stephanie Hartford. They are all student-centered and strive to help each other be successful.

Wade Dover joined the Applied Technologies Department as a construction management instructor. A 1999 graduate of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, he previously taught in Massac County. In addition to teaching, he has an extensive background as a private contractor.

I am excited about this opportunity where I get to combine my two passions of construction and teaching in the Applied Technologies Department at JALC, said Dover.

Hanna Henson grew up in Marion and has returned to the region after studying and working in Tennessee and Kentucky. She has studied at Tennessee Health Science Center and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, focusing on cancer and developmental biology. After graduate school, she worked in the research lab at the University of Kentucky. During that time, she was also an adjunct professor at a small college.

The experience as an adjunct faculty member confirmed my desire to pursue a career in higher education, Henson said. I found just how much I enjoy helping students discover their gifts and talents.

Prior to joining the faculty at JALC, Henson spent five years at her alma mater, Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, where she taught biology.

I am thoroughly enjoying my first semester at JALC. I am thankful to have a position that allows me to focus on teaching and interacting with students from the same region where I was born and raised.

Torrey Holland joins Henson in the Life and Physical Science Department as an instructor of physics. Holland graduated from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a bachelor's degree in physics and two master's degrees in physics and teaching. He is currently completing additional graduate studies at SIU, including research in applied spectroscopy.

I like seeing the light go on when someone realizes something about the world around them for the first time, he said. I am enjoying getting to know the students and watching them as they discover new things about their environment.

Kara Starkweather also has joined the Physical and Life Science Department. She previously taught anatomy and physiology at JALC as an adjunct instructor and physiology and cadaver labs at SIU. After earning a bachelor's degree in physiology with minors in chemistry and psychology from SIU, she continued her graduate studies at SIU with a master's degree in molecular, cellular and systemic physiology with a certificate in anatomy.

Starkweather said JALC is the perfect place to both teach and learn.

From the moment I walked on campus, I immediately felt welcome and at home. The faculty and staff were so welcoming, supportive and open to new ideas, Starkweather said. The diversity of backgrounds of each student has challenged me as a teacher and has allowed me to learn and be creative in my teaching methods.

While not a new face to JALC, Connie Robinson now is the colleges cosmetology coordinator after ten years as an adjunct instructor and two years as a full-time instructor in the program.

Robinson has loved teaching at JALC and is eager for the challenges of her new position.

I love teaching at JALC; it can be challenging at times, but that makes me stronger and more eager to succeed, said Robinson. I also love working with all of our students from various backgrounds so that everyone who participates with us feels welcome, comfortable and accepted.

Nursing instructor Sumar Kane completed a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from SIU, intending to pursue a career in forensic science. While completing her degree, she began to become more interested in medicine. She decided to pursue a career in nursing instead and enrolled in the licensed practical nurse program at JALC, graduating with her associate degree in nursing in 2013.

After graduation, she worked at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. During her time at the hospital, she discovered how much she enjoyed working as a preceptor with new nurses. She enjoyed training other nurses so much that she continued to work as a full-time registered nurse while completing her Bachelor of Science in nursing and Master of Science in nursing degrees with the goal of teaching.

I knew early on in my career that I had a desire to teach, said Kane. I am thankful for the opportunity to join the outstanding nursing faculty at JALC to help train the next generation of nurses.

Pat Idzik is a Chicago native that has been teaching communications since 2017. A graduate of Michigan State University, Idzik hopes to bring energy and a penchant for some difficult conversations to the classroom. Idzik enjoys working on articles and research that focuses on fear appeal use in communication, gender roles and the effects of the media.

I have always been curious about things like groupthink, persuasion, deception, and other societal components that we enact as a culture but sometimes don't reflect on, said Idzik. My experiences inspired these interests in grad school, and I hope that I can inspire others to reconsider societal norms, or at least have them ask more questions.

With the fall semester in full swing at John A. Logan College, registration for the second half block schedule classes begins on Nov. 1. Register or learn more at www.jalc.edu.

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Not only are cases of COVID-19 decreasing among Southern Illinois adults, but instances of the virus among school-aged children also is dropping.

We have seen some really good signs with the number of COVID infections among school-age children across the area, explained Nathan Ryder, community outreach coordinator for the Southern Seven Health Department COVID-19 team. Thats a good sign and tells us that the procedures that are in place in the schools to mitigate the exposure to COVID-19 are working and so we are seeing less peer-to-peer transmissions in school students.

Statewide, the Illinois Department of Public Health reported 4,291 reported cases of COVID-19 among ages 5-17 for the week ending Sept. 25. Thats down 30 percent from two weeks prior when more than 6,100 cases were reported.

Additionally, the IDPH website shows no significant school outbreaks of COVID-19 in the region with the exception of Okawville Grade School, where more than 16 cases were reported in September.

Schools are doing very well working with the health departments, monitoring students and staff and monitoring possible potential cases, said Cheryl Graff, regional superintendent for the Regional Office of Education #30, which includes Alexander, Jackson, Perry, Pulaski and Union Counties.

Graff said she is hearing very few reports of COVID cases in schools. In fact, she said she recently talked with a district superintendent eager to report that his elementary had no students in quarantine and zero cases of students with infections.

He was really excited by that, she said.

Ryder said that efforts including mask wearing, social distancing and increased testing options are having a positive impact. He added that schools with students who do test positive for COVID-19 have several options.

Instead of quarantining students at home, there is the stay-to-test option where students take a simple COVID test every couple of days at their school and as long as theyre negative they get to stay in school, he said.

Schools with cases either among faculty or students also can move to an adaptive pause model, a temporary move to remote learning permitted by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Unity Point School in Carbondale currently is using an adaptive pause because six fifth and six graders have tested positive.

Whenever a certain number of students test positive, the health department recommends an adaptive pause as an opportunity for everyone to stop, get tested and then continue in-person learning, explained Mary Beth Goff, dean of students for Unity Point Consolidated School District 140.

She said that the adaptive pause allows for instruction to move to a remote model temporarily. She added that in-person classes are expected to resume Tuesday.

This is an opportunity for everyone to quarantine safely. Our main focus is the safety of our students, she said.

Ryder said adaptive pauses  temporarily shifts to remote learning for one or more classes  gives school administrators a valuable tool in combating COVID.

It just gives the school and opportunity to go in, do some extra deep cleaning and sanitation and give everybody some time to go home and be spaced out so they can continue to learn while hopefully not spreading any type of virus or infection, he said.

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South Carolina State University is continuing to investigate the cause of an outage in its electronic communications network, which has been restored, President Alex Conyers said Wednesday.

I do want to thank everyone for their patience during the past 11 days that we've been without many of our services. We're continuing to investigate that with all the appropriate authorities. I want to thank my IT team for immediately deploying, Conyers told trustees during a board meeting.

S.C. State recently discovered a security incident that impacted the availability of certain systems within its computer network.

University officials secured digital assets within the computer network and commenced an investigation.

Luckily for us, we found out almost immediately that a breach had occurred because, although it was on a Sunday, our finance team was in working and found it. The entire department team immediately  shut everything down to prevent any further disclosure Conyers said.

We're certainly tracking all of the state laws, the federal laws, but we need to do better than that. I'm just up on email myself a couple of days ago. So I will get a letter out to faculty, staff and students outlining exactly where we are, he said.

Conyers said the university is working to determine if anyones personal information was compromised.

Every state has different laws. South Carolina is one of those states that doesn't give us a definitive time on when we must notify clients if we found that PII, personal identification information, was disclosed, he said.

Now there's a federal law that talks about HIPAA. If medical records are exposed, then we have 60 days by federal law to notify our customers. With the Social Security numbers, things like that, I know our faculty, our staff and our students are very concerned about that. Hopefully, we will have this investigation completed this week so we will know what we need to do, the president continued.

"Most state's laws state 45 to 60 days after the breach that you must notify clients if it was possible that the information was breached.  I know that most states its 45 days, but we want to do and we will do better than that just as soon as we find that information. Certainly its of grave concern to all of us. So just thank you for your patience, he said.

During the meeting, S.C. State Faculty Senate President Dr. David Staten asked, Given that were still having some trouble with our technology and internal systems, is there any chance of any of that impacting the next payroll thats coming up in about seven or eight days or so?

University Controller Brenda Walker said, It has impacted payroll, I will say that. But I will say were already making contingency plans.

We will produce a payroll, were just going to have to do it a little bit differently than what weve been used to doing, but were already in talks with IT, HR, of course the payroll office about how it is were going to get that next payroll produced to make sure that it gets paid timely.

The university has reported that anyone with problems or additional technical needs should email helpme@scsu.edu.

Contact the writer: dgleaton@timesanddemocrat.com or 803-533-5534. Follow "Good News with Gleaton" on Twitter at @DionneTandD.

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We began our COVID nightmare back in March 2020 with politicians and experts telling us we needed to lock down the economy for three weeks to flatten the curve. Weeks turned into months as the goal post moved from flattening the curve to no new cases.

Then, a couple of months turned into half a year as the goal post moved again from no new cases to once we have a vaccine. Now, six months has become more than a year as the goal post has moved once more to vaccinate everyone.

Although 10 million people remain unemployed, small business owners have taken the brunt of this nightmare. Lockdown policies were so bad for them that its hard to believe they werent specifically targeted. States made all manner of exceptions for essential businesses, but the lions share of the non-essential businesses were small businesses.

As a result, nationwide, more than one-quarter of them have closed permanently. This is no small matter as, collectively, small businesses employ roughly half of all American workers.

And for those small businesses that have actually managed to stay afloat, they might soon have to deal with the IRS. In a display of remarkable tone-deafness, the IRS announced in November that it intended to increase small business audits by 50% next year. Let that sink in for a moment: In a year in which 25% of small businesses have gone bankrupt, the IRS has determined it needs to make a greater effort to ensure that small businesses are paying enough taxes. Regardless of whether its warranted, this comes off as more bullying in a year full of bullying.

Not to be left out, President Joe Biden announced he intended to push for an increase in the federal minimum wage to $15 an hour. While Biden claims that will raise 1.3 million workers out of poverty, the Congressional Budget Office estimated it will actually destroy 1.3 million jobs. Given that small businesses have far fewer resources than large corporations, and that large corporations are more likely to be paying workers more anyway, the lions share of those 1.3 million jobs are likely to come from  you guessed it  small businesses scaling back or closing.

And what of the small business owners who manage to survive the lockdown, the IRS audits, and the minimum wage hike? Biden will see to it that their children think twice about becoming small business owners themselves when he takes one last pound of flesh through a ramped-up estate tax. Politicians trot out the estate tax every time they want people to think they are taxing the rich.

The truth, though, is the estate tax is particularly hard on family businesses. The idle rich can afford legions of lawyers and accounts to find legal ways around the estate tax. Many family businesses avoid the estate tax by deliberately not growing large enough to trigger it. And those that do typically have buildings, equipment and machinery that are, on paper, worth enough to trigger the tax but dont have much cash.

When children inherit those businesses, the IRS requires them to come up with the cash to pay the tax. That means selling off the business, in whole or in part, to raise the money. And so the estate tax has the effect of whittling away the number of family businesses, year after year. The big winner? Large corporations that pick up the pieces left behind.

None of this is deliberate, but thats cold comfort to the people who have to pay the price of a perfect storm of bad luck and misguided policies. In times of crisis, people assume the government is working to alleviate peoples suffering. But from the perspective of small businesses, it looks more like the governments goal in 2020 was to shoot the country in its collective metaphorical foot. So far, it looks like its plan for 2021 is to shoot the other one.

Antony Davies is associate professor of economics at Duquesne University. James R. Harrigan is managing director of the Center for the Philosophy of Freedom at the University of Arizona. They host the weekly podcast Words & Numbers. They wrote this for InsideSources.com.

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In the four months since TerraPower and Rocky Mountain Power announced plans to build an advanced nuclear facility at a retiring Wyoming coal plant, the state has emerged as an early industry leader.

The proposed modular reactor features prominently in a report published Thursday by the Nuclear Innovation Alliance, an advanced nuclear advocacy group. Intended as an introduction and guide to next-generation nuclear for state policymakers, the report outlines the technologys economic and environmental potential and summarizes four case studies.

It contrasts Wyomings plans with a proposal for four 80-megawatt modular reactors in Washington state; growing momentum for advanced nuclear development in import-reliant Puerto Rico; and a coordinated effort by the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS), a group of small Western utilities, to build six 77-megawatt modular reactors at the Idaho National Laboratory by 2030.

While Wyomings is the only single reactor, its modular design means new capacity can be added on in the future.

Each project meets a distinct community need, said Judi Greenwald, executive director of the Nuclear Innovation Alliance.

Id say in Wyoming, its more of an economic development theme, Greenwald said. You might say, in Washington state, its more of a climate theme. In Puerto Rico, its more of a resilience theme  theyve really been suffering from hurricanes and other natural disasters. And then I think in UAMPS, its a little bit of everything.

Another theme, this one shared by all four states, is the desire to be first. Early adopters of successful technologies are often rewarded with business advantages, local supply chain development and job growth, Greenwald said.

If the three existing proposals are completed on time, rapid commercial expansion could come as soon as the late 2020s or early 2030s, with the fastest-moving states and utilities reaping the most significant benefits, the report found.

Advanced nuclear is one of a handful of power sources with bipartisan appeal. The fledgling technology promises electricity thats reliable, carbon-free and able to supplement the variability of wind and solar  so long as it can overcome supply-chain barriers like high construction costs and a lack of domestic fuel sources.

This is one of the few ways that our political system seems to be able to come to an agreement, Greenwald said. We dont agree on why were doing something, but we agree on the thing. So this might be one of those examples where, for different reasons, people come around to the same solution.

Unlike conventional nuclear plants, which nearly always operate at full capacity, the three proposed projects are intended to be more flexible. Each one does it differently.

Wyomings reactor would store excess energy using molten salt, enabling it to ramp up from 345 to 500 megawatts for 5.5 hours. Idahos multiple units would allow operators to adjust production to meet changing demand. Washingtons plant is designed to reroute surplus electricity toward alternative uses, such as hydrogen production.

But theres another reason why the Wyoming project stands out, said Victor Ibarra, Jr., an analyst for the Nuclear Innovation Alliance and a co-author of the report. If the developers can successfully build an advanced nuclear reactor on the site of a retiring coal facility, their approach will likely serve as a model for other states.

Its really exciting to see what will be a former coal plant be repurposed to an advanced nuclear energy facility, Ibarra said. If that can be done well, with all the forecasted coal retirements in the future, that would signal a very interesting opportunity for the advanced reactor community to potentially fill that gap from energy thats being lost, and also providing a lot of economic opportunities to local communities.

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A woman who was charged by a grizzly bear while taking photos in Yellowstone National Park was ordered to serve four days in federal custody and pay fines, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

Samantha Dehring, 25, of Carol Stream, Illinois, pleaded guilty Wednesday to willfully remaining, approaching and photographing wildlife within 100 yards. A second charge of frightening or intentionally disturbing wildlife was dropped.

Magistrate Judge Mark Carman sentenced Dehring at a hearing in Mammoth Hot Springs. In addition to receiving four days in federal custody, she was ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and a $1,000 community service payment. Carman also banned her from Yellowstone for one year.

Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are, indeed, wild. The park is not a zoo where animals can be viewed within the safety of a fenced enclosure. They roam freely in their natural habitat and when threatened will react accordingly, Acting U.S. Attorney Bob Murray said in a statement. Approaching a sow grizzly with cubs is absolutely foolish. Here, pure luck is why Dehring is a criminal defendant and not a mauled tourist.

Dehring visited the parks Roaring Mountain area on May 10 when visitors noticed a sow grizzly and three cubs. Other visitors backed away and got into their vehicles, but Dehring remained and continued to take photos, according to authorities and video of the incident.

She continued to take photos even as the sow bluff charged her, authorities say.

The incident was captured on video and went viral on social media.

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DOUGLAS  State lawmakers tasked with overseeing the once-in-a-decade redistricting process developed a schedule Wednesday for the remainder of their work.

The Joint Committee on Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions agreed to meet in mid-November and then again in December, likely in Cheyenne. The committee is aiming to have a bill with the final redistricted map by January.

A lot needs to happen before then.

The public has until the first couple days of November to submit their own maps through an online portal hosted by the state, whether theyre drawing out specific regions or the state as a whole. However, Committee Co-Chair Sen. Ogden Driskill, R-Devils Tower, said hed look at map submissions well into November. Driskills enthusiasm for using public entries has been evident throughout the summer meetings and into the fall.

At a previous meeting, the committee agreed to set up an online portal  at a cost of roughly $40,000  for Wyomingites to submit their own maps. Committee members will consider those submissions while drawing the map that they bring to the full Legislature during the legislative budget session that starts Feb. 14.

In the committees August meeting, its members voted to address the process of redistricting on a regional level and appointed regional representatives to communicate with the Legislature about redistricting.

The regional representatives, who were appointed specifically for redistricting, have until the December meeting to come up with a map for their area.

To create these smaller scale maps, lawmakers and county officials have been meeting to receive public input to address the more local interests from communities around the state. Regional representatives will still continue to hold the public meetings, the dates of which can be found on the Wyoming Legislatures website.

Representatives for all 10 of the redistricting regions testified before the committee Wednesday in Douglas. They spoke about what they had gathered so far from their public meetings.

The committee heard a couple key points from the regional testimony. The Bighorn Basin, which shrunk by roughly one representative, is still causing the most difficulties in redistricting. The other interesting information came out of region seven, which committee member Sen. Brian Boner, R-Douglas, represents in the redistricting process.

During the last redistricting in 2011, some lawmakers were accused of drawing suspect lines in their own districts to help bolster their election chances, including the border-jumping line to include a prison in Senate District 6.

The aftershocks of those allegedly politically motivated lines are still being felt.

People at the recent meetings expressed legitimate trust issues about the demarcations, Boner said. The bitter taste is still left in peoples mouths, he added.

That said, he felt there was substantial support for the map he drew up for the region.

After hearing from representatives for the regions, Committee Co-Chair Rep. Dan Zwonitzer, R-Cheyenne, proposed his own preliminary map that would decrease the number of Senators in the Legislature. But Sen. Charlie Scott, R-Casper, pointed out that such an approach would likely not pass the Senate because of the cut to his colleagues seats.

Since the last census, Wyoming grew by just over 13,000 people or roughly 2.3%, which was the slowest in the West. Nine counties increased population, while 14 counties declined. Natrona County increased by 4,505 people or 6%.

Laramie County, home to Cheyenne, Wyomings capital and largest city, saw a huge rise in population compared to the rest of the state. Star Valley in Lincoln County experienced significant growth, while the nearby Sublette County lost the largest proportion of its population. Those changes may shift the number of lawmakers for those areas.

With that in mind, the Wyoming Constitution requires that the House must have at least twice the number of members as the Senate.

The state lost residents in its rural areas, which makes redistricting difficult because those are huge swaths of land with few people in them. That landscape forces lawmakers to represent people in sections of multiple counties with starkly different interests, several committee members said at a previous meeting.

Former Corporations committee member Rep. Hans Hunt, who resigned his House seat last week to join Sen. Cynthia Lummis staff in D.C., is an example of one of these lawmakers.

Hunt represented parts of Weston, Goshen and Niobrara counties in House District 2. He will be replaced on the corporations committee by a sitting lawmaker  likely a senior representative from a region thats underrepresented on the committee, Zwonitzer told the Star-Tribune. Hunts replacement should be announced within the next couple weeks.

Follow state politics reporter Victoria Eavis on Twitter @Victoria_Eavis

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More children were hospitalized with COVID-19 in September than in any month since the pandemic arrived in Wyoming, according to state data.

At the same time, some Wyoming hospitals have reportedly contacted the state health department for guidance on how to respond if they need to begin rationing care, health officer Dr. Alexia Harrist told the Star-Tribune.

While the growth in active and new cases statewide has begun to slow, Harrist said conditions statewide are still at a dangerous level.

At least 12 Wyomingites under 18 years old were hospitalized for COVID-19 in September  twice the number recorded in August.

At the height of the surge last November, just four children were reportedly hospitalized with the virus, according to data provided by the Wyoming Department of Health.

The trend mirrors national statistics. More people under 18 years old were hospitalized nationally with the virus in September than at any time prior, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Epidemiologists attribute the increase to the more infectious and likely more aggressive delta variant.

Harrist said the data is likely an underestimate. The figures are based on if a person was hospitalized when the health department interviewed them after a positive test. If a child was hospitalized after that interview, the data would not reflect that.

Hospitalizations overall have hovered around 200 statewide for the past month. For reference, the states two largest hospitals have just over 200 beds each. All hospital officials agree it is almost unheard of to have such a large proportion of beds occupied for the same illness.

One of our goals has always been ensuring that anyone who needs hospital care, whether its from COVID or from a heart attack or from a car accident, has access to that care, Harrist said. Were very concerned about that in our hospitals even now.

Ten Wyoming facilities reported a critical staffing shortage Thursday. Eleven reported anticipating such a shortage within the week.

The state national guard has again been tapped to assist with those staffing problems, and the Wyoming Hospital Association received money from the state to pay for travelling nurses and physicians.

When every other place in the country is also looking for additional staff it becomes really hard to find, and expensive to find, Harrist said. Some facilities are worried about having to ration care.

Weve seen that some places have been close, that they are concerned about needing to make those kinds of decisions, she said.

Surrounding states have already begun making those decisions. In mid September, all Idaho hospitals began rationing care, using something called crisis standards of care, which helps physicians decide which patients need scarce resources the most.

Harrist said Wyomings health department is developing those standards as well, though no hospital as of yet has needed to take such drastic measures.

Follow health and education reporter Morgan Hughes on Twitter @m0rgan_hughes

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In a recent ABC Good Morning America interview with co-anchor Robin Roberts, former President Barack Obama sent a clear, but somewhat couched, warning signal to President Joe Biden.

Obama told Roberts that open borders are unsustainable, an observation that ABC subsequently edited out of the televised portion of the interview. Although Obama didnt specifically mention that by ignoring open borders, Biden was risking the 2022 House and Senate races (and a filibuster-proof Democratic majority), that was his sub rosa message.

During his eight years in the White House, Obama learned much about Americans immigration opinions. In 2013, the Democratic-controlled Senate overwhelmingly passed an unpopular immigration bill commonly referred to as the Gang of Eight bill (the eight being the four Republicans and four Democrats who wrote the first draft).

By having an equal number of Republicans and Democrats as cosponsors, the Senate could promote the legislation as bipartisan. In fact, the onboard Gang of Eight Republicans had career-long pro-immigration voting records.

Looked at closely, the bill offered many benefits for the 11 million-plus illegal immigrants  immediate amnesty for the unlawfully present aliens, lifetime valid work permits, Social Security, health care and other affirmative benefits.

The Congressional Budget Office predicted that, if it became law, the bill would create a net population growth of 10.4 million within a decade. The projected net population growth would also mean an increase of about 1.6 million temporary workers and their dependents. For citizens, however, the bill vaguely promised more border enforcement at some point down the road. The bottom line on the bill: amnesty right now; enforcement, maybe later.

Although Obama used his bully pulpit, and the media hailed the legislation, the majority of U.S. Representatives knew how unpopular the immigration bill was among their constituents, and also were aware that their re-election bid was not far away.

Tellingly, from the Gang of Eight, only South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsay Graham faced voters in the then-upcoming November 2014 election. But his state was a Republican stronghold that hadnt elected a Senate Democrat since 1954, when Strom Thurman  before he switched parties  won as a write-in candidate.

Analysts concluded that the senators knew that immigration bill was unpopular, but hoped that by the time their turn at the polling place arrived, voters would forget. In the end, then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid never forwarded the bill to the House for consideration, and it therefore never became law.

The Gang of Eight bill led to a 2014 disaster at the polls for Democrats. Republicans won nine Democratic-controlled seats, held the 15 seats they were defending, and regained Senate control for the first time since 2007.

If pending immigration legislation angered voters in 2014, imagine what their sentiments will be in November 2022 after more than 2 million illegal immigrants, including thousands of Haitians, will have crossed into U.S. territory.

Bidens Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Majorkas further rolled out the red carpet for illegal immigrants, and added to voters ire when he said that illegal presence is no longer sufficient cause for deportation. Mayorkas statement represents a blatant immigration law violation, which requires the attorney general to remove aliens.

Citizens who must fund illegal immigration may be growing weary. In 2017, U.S. taxpayers doled out approximately $116 billion at the federal, state and local levels to provide for services to illegal aliens, according to a study by the Federation for American Immigration Reform.

Bidens gamble is that a year from now, the images of destitute Haitians gathered under the Del Rio bridge, and the unchecked Northern Triangle caravans entering the U.S. will be ancient history. But the current immigration crisis is more severe than the 2013 amnesty threat, and voters may be unwilling to forget how effortlessly Biden forfeited American sovereignty.

Joe Guzzardi is a Progressives for Immigration Reform analyst who has written about immigration for more than 30 years. Contact him at jguzzardi @pfirdc.org.

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ASSET by asset, the liquidators of the CL Financial group are selling off the company that it took Cyril Duprey and his nephew, Lawrence, 73 years to build up.

The liquidators are plodding through the sale of thousands of acres of land, millions of dollars worth of shares in a local conglomerate, a major local insurance firm, a manufacturer of resins and a security company.
The celebration of Kartik Snaan (Sacred Bath) in Trinidad has for decades been an auspicious
Sponsored: Ministry of Planning

In previous articles weve covered a few of the most significant issues facing the environment today and how our Government is addressing these. A large part of our, and indeed many other countries, strategy to do this involves being part of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) and a crucial factor for the successful implementation of MEAs is our youth.

More here
He said ensuring the births of more people with disabilities also will ensure that the existing disability community does not become starved of resources for research and care for individuals with disabilities.

The attorney general also said Rayes must consider the irreparable harm of preventing the state from enforcing the law while Brnovich asks the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn his ruling.

While the law is enjoined, doctors can continue performing abortions knowing that the abortion is sought solely because of a genetic abnormality, he said. This certainly constitutes irreparable harm.

He said Rayes should allow the state to halt these abortions and prosecute doctors who perform them while he appeals.

But getting Rayes to give the go-ahead to enforce a new law he blocked just last month could prove difficult.

The judge specifically ruled that the statute, approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature, places an undue burden on women. That outweighs any interest the state claims to have in promoting life or prohibiting discrimination, Rayes said.
Perhaps the most appealing part of the program for many current and prospective students is affordability.

It costs under $10,000 a year, which isnt much more than the maximum of $6,495 per year eligible low-income students can receive through the federal Pell Grant this year. However, students are not required to be Pell-eligible, or meet any type of household income threshold to enroll in the program. In comparison, the sticker price for in-state tuition at the University of Arizona is $12,384 and $11,338 at Arizona State University.

And for the time being, the largesse of Tucson-area businessmen Jim Click Jr., Ross McCallister and Humberto S. Lopez  the trio raised a total of $402,000  has provided additional $3,000 scholarships for students now enrolled in the program.

When I first heard about it, I thought it was kind of too good to be true, said Layla Rodriguez, a second-year student in the program who aspires to work in the music industry. But then she started talking to the programs advisors and they assured her that this is a real opportunity to get hands-on management experience without accruing massive debt. I realized I could get this really prestigious degree for only a fraction of what I would pay at the UA.
Photo editor

Rick Wiley is the photo editor of the Arizona Daily Star in Tucson. From 1995-2004, he was director of photography at the East Valley Tribune in Mesa. From 1988-94 he was a photographer at the Tucson Citizen. He is a graduate of ASU (yes, that ASU).
OPINION: Some are loving Sinema and others want to vote her out. This and so much more in letters. Join the discussion by submitting a letter at tucson.com/opinions.
OKMULGEE  As World War II was coming to a close, Oklahoma was faced with an emerging need to help returning soldiers develop necessary skills to successfully re-enter the civilian workforce.

Oklahoma State University purchased the former Glennan Army Hospital in Okmulgee for $1 and transformed the campus into a trade school to provide veterans with vocational-technical training under the G.I. Bill.

The Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with a curriculum that has adapted to the countrys infrastructure and economy to provide a highly-educated and highly-skilled workforce.

Our economy depends on OSUIT graduates for the skills they bring to the job, and we are proud to be the premier institution that produces them, Bill Path, president of OSUIT, said in a statement. That is the essence of our legacy since 1946, and well continue to be true to our mission for the next 75 years.

OSUIT favors a lab over lectures, outcomes-focused learning approach and extensive private sector sponsorship. It only hires industry professionals to teach.
Hop the Griffin, a new brewpub, opened this week in the old French Hen restaurant, 7143 S. Yale Ave., in the Lighthouse Shopping Center.

This place has more than just its own beer. They also have a full bar and a variety of international and U.S. wines and pub food.

Steve Griffin started brewing with his dad in his garage about five years ago. He had worked 70-80 hours a week in the restaurant industry and landed a 40-hours-a-week job at The Brook Restaurant and Bar on Brookside.

I wasnt used to having (free time), and so we got into brewing, and I realized I really like experimenting with hops and doing different things. I just started experimenting. I just fell in love with brewing immediately. And then my favorite part was seeing friends enjoy it, although it would disappear very fast. And then it just kind of went from there. Wed have reps come out to The Brook and bring beers from Kansas and Texas and different breweries. My boss would say your beer is as good or stacks up and beats some of them. And he started pushing me into that. Just try to, you know, take a chance, said Griffin, general manager and brewmaster at Hop the Griffin.

After speaking with his dad, he decided to open his own place.

The taproom is different from others in Tulsa. Changing a restaurant to a brewpub was probably easier than turning an old warehouse into one, like some others have done, but it still took hard work, including new paint and flooring. The taproom has darts, a pool table and outside seating. The location had been empty for almost a year after the French Hen moved downtown.

Hop the Griffin has become a family affair. Steves brother Nick and his parents, Suzy and Mike, have pitched in to get the brewpub going.

Steve Griffin prefers IPAs and offers a variety. Their IPAs on tap now are Summer Winds, Mana Tree, Pacific Typhoon, a double IPA or DIPA. They also have an Irish Red Ale, Golden Talon, their Belgian strong ale and a Triple Honey Ale.

He has a new two-barrel system that will allow him to change up his selection of beers quickly. He plans on making some stouts and other varieties.

The location is near a few neighborhoods and it feels like a place you could hang out and watch some ball games on TV with friends.

We have 40 wines and fresh beers made all the time. I will have a full menu once I can find cooks that come to work. I managed a lot of Mexican restaurants before The Brook. I made white queso from scratch, a lot of salsas, guac. So well have nachos. We will have some good old food like bratwurst and hot dogs, chili dogs. We make the chili from scratch in the winter. Ill probably make some different soups and things like that, so just real basic. I will have pizzas as well, Griffin said.

Hours are 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-midnight; and closed on Tuesdays.

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The two square off in song (naturally), but the song  like most of them  is so forgettable you wonder if everything might have worked out had Camilla dated the stable boy.

Tony winner Judy Kaye gets the best moments but thats probably because she plays two roles  Queen Elizabeth and Cartland. The former tries to broker peace and underscore duty; the latter romps like Dame Edna in a one-woman show.

Davie has the shows best voice and, to be honest, Gareth Keegan (as Hewitt) gets the most fun.

Director Christopher Ashley plays much of this out on a bare stage where spartan set pieces try to create a more regal setting. Chorus members turn up as everything from paparazzi to servants and do so with the same kind of stomp choreographer Kelly Devine introduced in Come From Away. Comparisons arent kind.

Luckily, William Ivey Long has created costumes that bring back memories better than any of the Joe DiPietro/David Bryan songs. They telegraph, immediately, what was going on if you had been around during the Charles/Diana years. While the two songwriters were able to do much more with Memphis, they didnt give Diana the same kind of care and feeding. Songs like Snap, Click (which addresses the paparazzi problem) merely serve as placeholders for something better.
Hoover Elementary School third-grader Ayerin Cocart needed a little extra push to get out of bed Wednesday morning.

My mom told me that if I wanted to walk to school with my friends, Id better get up, he said.

The push paid off, as Ayerin and fellow third-grade student Luke Cutshaw got to carry a Hoover Huskies banner down the sidewalks of Darlington Avenue as part of National Walk to School Day.

Nationwide, the event is coordinated annually by the National Center for Safe Routes to School as part of its efforts to encourage children to walk or ride their bicycles to school.

Since the initial observation in 1997, the event has grown to include schools across all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

More than 100 students across Tulsa Public Schools participated in the event, including groups at Council Oak, Disney and Robertson elementary schools, as well as Ayerin, Luke and a gaggle of other Hoover students, teachers and parents who met at the nearby Agape Fellowship Church before dawn to walk to school as a group.

Among the Hoover teachers joining in on the walk was Susan Rott, the schools gym teacher.
Tulsa was founded by Muscogee Nation citizens who were driven out of their homeland, and ever since that time Tulsa has been a city that welcomes refugees from around the world  and our city is a better place for it, Bynum said.

I want to welcome all Afghan refugees who will be making Tulsa home in the days and weeks ahead. My hope is that they find our community prepared to support them and show them the generous spirit America has been known for in our best moments.

Debbie Crowley, director of marketing and public relations for Catholic Charities of Eastern Oklahoma, said approximately 25 Afghan refugees have arrived in Tulsa since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

They are starting to come pretty much at least one case per day, and a case could be anywhere from one person (to) we had a family of nine, Crowley said.

A shortage of housing continues to be the main challenge facing Catholic Charities as it works to resettle the Afghan refugees.

They go to a hotel directly from the airport, and so the sooner we can find housing for them the better, Crowley said. It is a tight market.
Gov. Kevin Stitt and eight other Republican governors received a briefing from Texas officials Wednesday about how the border crisis has impacted the use, trafficking and distribution of illicit drugs in Oklahoma, according to a news release from Stitts office.

The briefing, led by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw and National Border Patrol Council President Brandon Judd, was a reaction to President Joe Bidens lack of response to a Sept. 20 letter Stitt and 25 other Republican governors sent to Biden requesting a meeting within 15 days to discuss the situation at the border.

Following the briefing, Stitt toured part of the U.S.-Mexico border by boat on the Rio Grande.

The crisis that President Biden created at our southern border is unbelievable, Stitt said. In Oklahoma, we have seen an increase in the trafficking of illicit drugs, namely methamphetamine and fentanyl, which are being smuggled across our southern border from Mexico. Most methamphetamine available in our state is produced in Mexico and fentanyl-related deaths are up over 150% over the last year.
But he escalated it significantly after Election Day and particularly after the December resignation of Attorney General William Barr, who weeks before he left the Justice Department told The Associated Press that the department had not found fraud that could affect the outcome of the election.

In one White House meeting recounted for Senate investigators, Jeffrey Rosen, who served as Barr's deputy and briefly led the department after Barr left, described how Trump, in an effort to initiate a department inquiry, showed videos of "somebody delivering a suitcase of ballots."

Rosen said he recalled saying to Trump, "I really want to suggest to you, sir, respectfully, that it would be a better thing for everyone to use this last month to focus on some of the things that had been accomplished in the last four years, a  tax reform and the vaccine, Operation Warp Speed, and not go into this 'the election was corrupt.'"

The pressure campaign by Trump and his allies included a draft brief the White House wanted the Justice Department to file with the Supreme Court to overturn the election results. The department refused to file the document, which the Senate report describes as raising a "litany of false and debunked claims."
About a third of inpatients are in intensive care.

You can see that weve definitely come down, which is  thank God for that, Dr. Jennifer Clark said Wednesday during her regular COVID presentation for Oklahoma State Universitys Project ECHO series. I will reiterate: My colleagues in the hospital are still experiencing significant difficulty because  this data is not reflective of the prolonged length of stay related to younger people being infected.

Theres anecdotal reports of this  more people staying for a longer period of time. This is only reflective of those people that are in that 14-day infectious window. Were missing a whole host of people that are hospitalized due to COVID but that are no longer infectious.

While new cases have trended downward for about a month, relatively speaking they remain quite elevated.

All but two counties in Oklahoma remain in the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions red zone for high levels of viral transmission.

Were still high, high, high, Clark said.

The state ranks 25th for new cases per capita the past seven days.
Update (Friday): The family of Lauria Bible opened the new day of searching with a prayer.

"Hopefully we find the girls today," Lorene Bible said of her daughter and Lauria's best friend Ashley Freeman. "If not, we can mark this place off the list."

The search began before 10 a.m. with the Quapaw K9 search team out with three dogs, in addition to earth-moving equipment.

At first, the Dutch shepherd, British Labrador and Malinois shepherd were being run across dig sites from previous search efforts.

The Bible family for the past three weeks had been out to the search site to clear the property with yard equipment and chainsaws.

"We think there are wells either on the property or right behind," Bible said Friday, looking down an alleyway at the search site.

The story below published Friday in the Tulsa World:

PICHER  A search team is returning to a familiar site on Friday to look again for the remains of Lauria Bible and Ashley Freeman, two Craig County teens who have been missing for two decades.
The energy transition is happening. But how it proceeds, at what speed and with what guardrails remain to be seen. The importance of managing this transition carefully and responsibly and not sacrificing the reliability and affordability of our power supply cant be overstated.

Unfortunately, included in the House Reconciliation bill now working its way through Congress is a $150 billion proposal that could turn already emerging reliability and affordability concerns into a full-blown crisis.

This proposal is an incentive program on steroids that aims to reshape the nations electricity mix in just nine short years. Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia, likely the key vote on whether the plan, as proposed, becomes law, has already expressed deep reservations.

At a recent Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which regulates the nations electricity markets, Manchins concerns were hardly put to rest. Two commissioners warned that the proposed path forward would make energy cost increases and reliability issues inevitable.

Commissioner James Danly went so far as to say the proposal drops an H-bomb into the middle of electricity markets, later adding, consequences will be profound, disruptive and incalculable.
QUETTA, Pakistan -- At least 20 people were killed and more than 200 injured when an earthquake struck southern Pakistan, Disaster Management Authority Director General Naseer Nasir said on Thursday.

The earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 struck in the early hours of Thursday while people were sleeping. Rescue workers said the dead were mostly women and children.

The quake was relatively shallow at 20 kms (12 miles) with an epicentre 102 km (62 miles) east of Quetta, said the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

More than 100 mud houses collapsed and a large number were damaged, including government buildings. Hundreds of people were rendered homeless, Sohail Anwar, deputy commissioner in the city of Harnai, told Reuters.

People gather outside a hospital following an earthquake in Harnai, Balochistan, Pakistan, October 7, 2021, in this still image obtained from video. Courtesy of QuettaVoice.com / Social Media via Reuters

Social media showed houses shaking and light fittings swaying as the quake struck, and later stunned residents gathering in the street in the dark.

The injured were rushed to hospital, while some were treated on stretchers in the street under phone torch light.

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Quetta in 1935, killing between 30,000 and 60,000 people, making it one of the deadliest quakes to hit South Asia in recorded history.

People gather outside a hospital following an earthquake in Harnai, Balochistan, Pakistan, October 7, 2021, in this still image obtained from video. Courtesy of QuettaVoice.com / Social Media via Reuters
German Benjamin List and Scottish-born David MacMillan won the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry on Wednesday for developing new tools for building molecules that have helped make new drugs and are more environmentally friendly.

Their work on asymmetric organocatalysis, which the award-giving body described as "a new and ingenious tool for molecule building", has also helped in the development of plastics, perfumes and flavours.

"Organic catalysts can be used to drive multitudes of chemical reactions," the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said. "Using these reactions, researchers can now more efficiently construct anything from new pharmaceuticals to molecules that can capture light in solar cells."

Catalysts are molecules that remain stable while enabling or speeding up chemical reactions performed in labs or large industrial reactors. Before the laureates' breakthrough findings at the turn of the millennium, only certain metals and complex enzymes were known to do the trick.

The academy said the new generation of small-molecule catalysts were more friendly for the environment and cheaper to produce, and praised the precision of the new tools.

Member of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry Peter Somfai, speaks during the announcement of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry winners Benjamin List and David MacMillan at the Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm, Sweden October 6, 2021. Photo: Claudio Bresciani/TT News Agency/via Reuters

Before asymmetric catalysis, man-made catalysed substances would often contain not only the desired molecule but also its unwanted mirror image. The sedative thalidomide, which caused deformities in human embryos around six decades ago, was a catastrophic example, it said.

"The fact is, it is estimated that 35 per cent of the worlds total GDP in some way involves chemical catalysis," it added.

List, 53, said the academy caught up with him while on vacation in Amsterdam with his wife, who in the past had liked to joke that somebody might be calling him from Sweden.

"But today we didnt even make the joke and certainly didnt anticipate this - and then Sweden appears on my phone... it was a very special moment that I will never forget," he said, dialling into the media briefing announcing the winners.

List, 53, is director of the Max-Planck-Institut fuer Kohlenforschung, Muelheim an der Ruhr, Germany.

He said he did not initially know that MacMillan was working on the same subject and figured his hunch might just be a "stupid idea" until it worked.

He and MacMillan share the prestigious 10-million Swedish crown ($1.14-million) prize in equal parts for breakthroughs achieved independently of one another.

Secretary General of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences Goran K. Hansson, Member of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry Pernilla Wittung-Stafhede and Member of the Nobel Committee for Chemistry Peter Somfai, attend the announcement of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry winners Benjamin List and David MacMillan at the Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm, Sweden October 6, 2021. Photo: Claudio Bresciani/TT News Agency/via Reuters

Chemistry 'impacts everything'

MacMillan, 53, who said he was only the second person in his western Scotland working class family to go to college, noted that it was often challenging for chemists to explain the significance of their work to the outside world.

"But the one thing I will say is that everything we do, or what a chemist does, impacts everything that's around us all the time," he told a briefing at Princeton University, where he is a professor.

The impact of his students' work can be almost immediate, said MacMillan, who has dual U.S. and UK citizenship.

"They are literally doing experiments on a Tuesday, they discover something -- we have discussions with major pharmaceutical companies all the time and they learn about what we are doing -- and they literally employ it on a Friday," he said.

Reflecting on the Nobel Prize, he said: "It's one of those weird moments in life when you have to sit about and think about all the people who got you here, and (it) makes you very sentimental."

Some scientists had suggested the rapid development of mRNA (Messenger ribonucleic acid) COVID-19 vaccines would be recognised this year, also possibly in the medicine category, which was awarded for discoveries on the sense of touch. read more

"This is an extremely important topic were thinking about, but there will be more years, more Nobel prizes," said Pernilla Wittung Stafshede of the Swedish Academy of Sciences.

The prizes, for achievements in science, literature and peace, were created and funded in the will of Swedish dynamite inventor and businessman Alfred Nobel. They have been awarded since 1901, with the economics prize first handed out in 1969.

($1 = 8.8020 Swedish crowns)
Vietnams Ministry of Health recorded 4,150 additional COVID-19 cases on Thursday, alongside 1,402 recoveries and 120 fatalities.

The latest cases, including 4,147 local and three imported infections, were reported in 43 provinces and cities, the health ministry said, elaborating 1,986 patients were detected in the community.

Ho Chi Minh City documented 1,730 of the new cases, Binh Duong Province 840, Dong Nai Province 589, An Giang Province 186, Tay Ninh Province 84, Long An Province 84, Khanh Hoa Province 51, Can Tho City 30, Hanoi three, and Da Nang one.

Vietnam had confirmed 4,356 locally-infected patients on Wednesday.

The country has found 822,238 community transmissions in 62 out of its 63 provinces and cities since the fourth  and worst  virus wave emerged on April 27.

Ho Chi Minh City is severely impacted with 405,184 patients, followed by Binh Duong Province with 219,652, Dong Nai Province with 53,140, Long An Province with 33,099, Tien Giang Province with 14,359, Dong Thap Province with 8,488, Khanh Hoa Province with 8,097, Da Nang with 4,925, Hanoi with 4,262, and Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province with 4,273.

Vietnam logged merely 1,570 locally-transmitted infections in total in the previous three waves.

The health ministry confirmed 1,402 recoveries on Thursday, bringing the total to 758,488.

The toll has mounted to 20,223 deaths after the ministry recorded 120 fatalities on the same day, including 92 in Ho Chi Minh City and 19 in Binh Duong Province.

Vietnam has registered 826,837 patients since the COVID-19 pandemic first struck it early last year.

Health workers have administered over 49 million vaccine doses, including 1,086,638 shots on Wednesday, since inoculation was rolled out on March 8.

Above 12.8 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 batch of 300,000 AstraZeneca vaccine jabs and other medical items donated by Australia were handed over to a Vietnamese agency in Hanoi on Wednesday, as part of the donors commitments to help the Southeast Asian country in its COVID-19 fight.

Robyn Mudie, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, and Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Health Truong Quoc Cuong attended the handover ceremony at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, the Australian Embassy said on its verified Facebook page.

Ambassador Mudie formally gave the vaccine batch, which arrived in Hanoi last week, to the institute.

She also handed over 614,400 N95 respirators and surgical masks together with 40,800 isolation gowns, which Australia recently delivered to Vietnam, to the agency.

With this vaccine donation being the second so far, Vietnam has received from Australia over 700,000 AstraZeneca doses, part of the 1.5 million shots Australia had previously pledged to provide Vietnam in 2021.

Australia will assist Vietnam in purchasing approximately 3.7 million COVID-19 vaccine doses through an agreement with UNICEF, Ambassador Mudie said at the ceremony.

This means Vietnam will secure a total of 5.2 million vaccine shots while Australias total contribution to vaccine access in the Southeast Asian country will reach AU$60 million (US$43.7 million).

Mudie added that she was very happy to see more vaccine doses delivered to Hanoi.

Australia is working in partnership with UNICEF to support cold chain upgrades, training for healthcare workers, communications, and planning and implementation of the vaccine rollout in remote provinces in Vietnam, the diplomat stated.

Australia stands together with Vietnam in its efforts to contain the pandemic and chart a course toward economic recovery, the Australian Embassy said.

Deputy Minister Cuong thanked the Australian government and people for sharing vaccines and supporting Vietnam in the fight against COVID-19.

This valuable support, which symbolizes the 48-year diplomatic relationship between the two countries, helps Vietnam access more vaccine sources to curb the coronavirus spread, Cuong said.

Besides Australia, Vietnam has received COVID-19 vaccines donated by many other countries, including the U.S. with over 7.5 million doses and Japan with more than 3.5 million jabs.

The Vietnamese health ministry has approved eight vaccines for emergency use in the country, including the UKs AstraZeneca, Chinas Sinopharm, Russias Sputnik V, the UAEs Hayat-Vax, Cubas Abdala, and three U.S. products including Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson.

Vietnams Nano Covax vaccine candidate, after some successful trials, is undergoing further steps to be ratified for emergency use.

The nation has targeted to secure 150 million of COVID-19 vaccine doses to immunize two-thirds of it 98-million population and it has so far got over 60 million doses from different sources, including COVAX Facility, contractual purchases, and donations.

By Wednesday evening, the country had administered over 35.93 million first shots and some 12.22 million second doses to people nationwide, the health ministry reported.

Since the pandemic erupted in Vietnam in early 2020, the Southeast Asian nation has documented 822,687 COVID-19 cases, including 757,086 recoveries and 20,098 deaths.

Except Cao Bang, the coronavirus has spread to 62 out of Vietnams 63 cities and provinces, Ho Chi Minh City suffering the most with 400,557 infections including 15,433 fatalities.

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Check out the news you should not miss today:

Society

 Fully vaccinated people or those recovering from COVID-19 within six months from Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, and Long An will not be sent to concentrated quarantine facilities when arriving in the southern province of Binh Phuoc, the provincial Peoples Committee said in an urgent dispatch on Wednesday night.

 More than 91 percent of COVID-19 patients in Vietnam had been treated and recovered as of Tuesday, the Vietnam News Agency reported on Wednesday.

 The north-central province of Quang Binh will organize four train trips on Friday and Saturday to bring home around 2,800 residents who are living in the southern region amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Australias Ambassador to Vietnam Robyn Mudie on Wednesday joined Vietnam's Deputy Minister of Health Truong Quoc Cuong at a ceremony at the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology to formally hand over 300,000 AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine doses, which arrived in Hanoi last week, the Australian Embassy said in a press release the same day.

Business

 The southern province of Binh Duong earned over US$24.5 billion from exports in the first nine months of 2021, up 26.7 percent year on year and meeting 79.8 percent of this years target, the Vietnam News Agency reported on Wednesday.

 The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam on Wednesday proposed the Ministry of Transport reopen routes connecting nine provinces and cities whose airport operators accept regular domestic passenger flights without requiring centralized quarantine from October 10.

Lifestyle

 UK-based photographer Walter Monticelli has recently become a runner-up in the National Geographic Traveller Photography Competition 2021s People category with his photo capturing a Vietnamese woman wearing a traditional costume in the Imperial City of Hue.

Education

 Around 20 French higher education institutions will introduce themselves and answer questions from Vietnamese who are planning to study in France at a series of online education exhibitions from October 9 to November 20.

 The Australian Center for International Agriculture Research has announced 19 Vietnamese agricultural scientists, researchers, and managers joining its John Dillon Fellowship 2021, which presents the largest and most diverse selection of Vietnamese fellows compared to all previous years, the Australian Embassy said in a press release early this week.

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A South Korean man has been indicted for fraud and appropriation of VND76 billion (US$3.3 million) from over 150 victims in Vietnam.

The Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Procuracy on Wednesday issued the indictment against Kim Bum Jae and seven other suspects for fraud and property appropriation.

Kim, a 53-year-old South Korean national, is the director of Raon Vietnam Company and Khanh Asset Company.

The indictment showed that Kim met another South Korean man, who introduced himself as the director of IDS Holdings Company, in early 2015.

The man suggested that Kim become a representative of his companys branches in Vietnam to seek investors and mobilize capital.

He stated that Kim would receive commissions worth four percent of the total amount raised, while the rest would be transferred back to the parent company in South Korea for forex trading.

From April 2015 to October 2018, Kim established 10 companies in Vietnam, of which four were used for illegal capital mobilization.

In order to gain trust from investors, Kim and his accessories claimed that their companies were subsidiaries of multinational corporations in South Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

After getting the investment, Kim did not transfer investors money to the parent company, but instead spent it on personal purposes.

He also ran a Ponzi scheme, in which he used the money of old investors to pay interest to new ones.

Police in Ho Chi Minh received multiple reports from victims between early 2019 and mid-2020.

Kim was arrested in August 2020.

Investigation revealed that the South Korean man and his accessories had appropriated VND76 billion from 156 people.

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Vietnam has recorded over 50,000 cases of dengue fever and 18 resulant fatalities this year, according to the Ministry of Health.

A total of 50,473 dengue patients have been documented in nine provinces and cities across the country since the beginning of 2021, the health ministry reported on Wednesday.

Eighteen people died of the disease during this period.

Binh Phuoc Province recorded the highest number of deaths with six cases, while the other fatalities were logged in Ho Chi Minh City (2), Dong Nai (2), Binh Duong (2), Ba Ria - Vung Tau (1), Phu Yen (2), Soc Trang (1), Tay Ninh (1), and Binh Thuan (1).

Compared to the same period in 2020, the number of patients decreased while the death toll rose by five.

The health ministry warned that the weekly count has been increasing, especially in Hanoi and several southern localities.

In order to prevent large outbreaks and minimize mortality rates, the General Department of Preventive Medicine has requested local authorities to focus on taking several measures.

Chemical control must be carried out in at-risk areas and places where cases are recorded.

Local authorities should help residents raise awareness of the disease by providing the correct information.

Healthcare facilities must exert efforts to provide examination and treatment for dengue fever patients, as well as to lower the number of deaths.

Dengue fever is an infectious disease that is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito infected with a dengue virus, according to the World Health Organization.

Symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, and a characteristic skin rash that is similar to measles.

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The Vietnamese government has agreed to purchase more than 400,000 doses of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine from the Hungarian government, according to a recent resolution.

The resolution allows the Ministry of Health to select a bidder to execute the contract in accordance with Vietnams bidding laws.

The 400,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses slated for purchase have an expiry date of October 31, 2021 and the price is non-negotiable as per Hungarian government regulations.

Other special terms in the contract include a disclaimer for claims arising from the use of the doses, a commitment to complying with the European Unions relevant terms and conditions of purchase agreements, and the exclusion of a suspension clause and performance bond.

The Ministry of Health was asked to quickly carry out the purchase of the vaccines in order to ensure quality and effectiveness, as well as to continue the countrys COVID-19 prevention and control efforts.

The new resolution also says the number of vaccines Vietnam has planned to purchase, import, and receive from donations in 2021 may exceed the 150 million-dose target as stated in the previous government resolution.

AstraZeneca is one of eight COVID-19 vaccines approved for emergency use in Vietnam.

Approximately 26 million doses of the vaccine have been delivered to Vietnam, according to news site VnExpress.

About 48.1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered so far, with more than 12.2 million people having received their second dose, according to the Ministry of Health.

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Auction house Sothebys pulled a painting described as 'comparable to' works of famed Vietnamese artist Nguyen Van Ty following allegations from experts and the artist's family that the piece is a forgery.

On Tuesday, an announcement on the official website of Sothebys for its upcoming Modern Art Sale Day on October 10 still included general information on 'L'image traditionnelle d'une maison de paysan' by Ty.

The website did remove details regarding the pieces expected auction price of HKD700,000-1,000,000 (US$89,000-128,500) and noted that the lot has been withdrawn from the upcoming auction.

"This work is comparable to 'L'image traditionnelle d'une maison de paysan' ('Nha Tranh Goc Mit' or rough translation, 'Cottage By Jackfruit Tree') (1958) by Nguyen Van Ty at the Musee des Beaux-Arts (Vietnam Fine Arts Museum) in Hanoi, the site wrote.

Vietnamese art curator Ace Le had pointed out Sothebys strange use of the phrase comparable to in its description of Limage traditionnelle dune maison de paysan.

He has also said that "nine out of ten veteran artists claim the brushwork on the [real piece and the alleged forgery] is totally different."

On Tuesday, he announced that an associate of Sotheby's addressed his concerns over the authenticity of the piece.

Sothebys takes issues of authenticity seriously, and will withdraw this work from auction and conduct further investigations, Sothebys stated in their announcement regarding the issue.

The removal of Limage traditionnelle dune maison de paysan' from the auction was seen as a major victory for Tys daughter Nguyen Binh Minh, Ace Le, and a cohort of Vietnamese art lovers who raised concerns over the authenticity of the Sothebys lot.

Minh, who is also the former deputy director of the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum (VNFAM), told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that his father made just one copy of 'L'image traditionnelle d'une maison de paysan.'

That copy was displayed at Vietnams National Fine Arts Exhibition in 1958 and has been held in VNFAMs collection since 1960.

In 2000, the piece won Ty a posthumous Ho Chi Minh Award for Literature and the Arts, a prestigious accolade presented by the Vietnamese government.

According to Minh, the alleged forgery fails to showcase her fathers flair and looks like the work of an artistically uneducated person.

She also said this is not the first time she has identified a forgery of her late fathers work.

Speaking with Tuoi Tre on Tuesday, Minh commended Sothebys willingness to take action.

She also expressed her hope that appraisal processes, specifically for works of late artists, are carried out diligently in order to avoid mistakes.

'Nha Tranh Goc Mit' by Nguyen Van Ty, as seen at the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi. Photo courtesy of the museum

Epidemic of fakes

Reports of Sothebys including forgeries in its auction line-up were of no surprise to the Vietnamese art community, with many experts claiming the international market for Vietnamese paintings has been rife with fraud.

Though Indochine arts, or artworks from the iconic graduates of the erstwhile Fine Arts College of Indochina, including To Ngoc Van, Mai Trung Thu, Nguyen Van Ty, and Nguyen Gia Tri, are crossing over the million-dollar mark on international auction floors, their reputation is being tarnished by the emergence of replicas that lead to widespread doubt across the market.

In late September, supporters of a countermovement against forged Vietnamese arts identified several imitations of famous works, including replicas of paintings by Bui Xuan Phai, Le Pho, and Mai Trung Thu slated for auction in France in October.

Art critic and researcher Nguyen Quan referred to these incidents as the cliched everyday talks of auctioneers due to their prevalence.

Meanwhile, artist Le Kinh Tai expressed his opinion on the issue through a satire piece entitled Bia tap chi Tranh Dong Duong pha-ke (Fake Indochinese Art magazine cover), which depicts a caricature of a woman in ao dai  a theme frequently used by famous painters from the Fine Arts College of Indochina  as the cover girl of a Fake Indochinese Painting magazine.

The painting was born out of necessity, as fake Indochinese painting is too widespread, Tai explained.

Bia tap chi Tranh Dong Duong pha-ke (Fake Indochinese Art magazine cover), a satire artwork by Le Kinh Tai

Speaking on the upswing of fake Indochinese art, Ace Le pointed out that the phenomenon can be traced back to the late 1990s, when the genre first began gaining exposure at international auction houses.

However, the issue was only brought to local medias attention recently.

According to Ace, it is time for Vietnam to mobilize public pressure, media coverage, and legal action to eradicate the prevalence of fake Indochinese paintings.

Since Vietnam only loosely regulates art sales, most auctions of Vietnamese art are subject to the laws of local governments, making it difficult for art collectors to file complaints regarding fraud.

As Ace sees it, the most effective way to clear fakes from the market is to protest and boycott forgeries.

Voices of opposition like Aces have made headway against the onslaught of counterfeits, as made evident by the removal of forged Indochinese paintings by Nguyen Gia Tri, Duong Bich Lien, and Bui Xuan Phai from an auction at French-based institute Tajan in July and the takedown of two other Indochinese works from Sothebys bidding list in September.

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The Federal Government is currently seeking feedback on reform proposals for captioning on Subscription Television (which includes Foxtel and Fetch, not Streaming) for hearing-impaired Australians.

Minister for Communications Paul Fletcher said, This reform is vital, especially for the estimated one in six Australians who experience some level of hearing loss and require captioning.

Feedback on the proposed captioning scheme for subscription television is encouraged from all interested parties, including the community, to help inform the best design for the service.

Our focus is on providing clear and consistent rules, while also addressing the pressures being experienced by the STV industry, and this draft captioning scheme is the first step in achieving this.

If captioning on STV impacts you or your business, then I encourage you to make a submission.

Submissions should be provided by email to [email protected] by 11.45pm Monday 1 November, 2021.

For more information please visit: infrastructure.gov.au/stv-captioning
Foxtel will review content from American Christian TV channel Daystar after complaints were received about broadcasting COVID-19 disinformation.

ABC reports the channel owned by televangelists Marcus and Joni Lamb features guests who have promoted vaccine conspiracy theories and unproven treatments for COVID-19 that have been widely debunked by accredited experts, health professionals and governments around the world.

Susan  who has asked that her name be withheld  told The Drum her mother became so concerned about the potential side-effects of the COVID-19 jab that shes now refused to be vaccinated.

They repeat the programs and its not just one program on this channel, its multiple, which is revealing these kinds of views, she said.

Foxtel said it supported pro-vaccination messaging, and provided free advertising to charities and community groups through its Community Service Announcement program.

Upon becoming aware of these complaints, we contacted Daystar for comment and launched a review of the issues raised in relation to Daystar programming, a spokesperson said.

We will be responding to each of these customers shortly.

ACMA is yet to formally receive any complaints.
OzTAM has appointed Mark Buckman as independent chairman, as Richard Herring steps down after 4 years in the role.

With more than 30 years experience his executive, advisory and board roles includes Accenture Interactive, Foxtel, Telstra and a range of not-for-profit organisations. He holds an MBA from Macquarie Graduate School of Management and Northwestern University Kellogg School of Managements Digital Marketing Strategy program, and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

OzTAM CEO Doug Peiffer welcomed said, Mark is an experienced executive who understands both the client side of our business and the media and advertising industrys complex dynamic.

He offers fresh insight and a wealth of board advisory and directorship expertise as OzTAM progressively evolves its all-screen, cross-platform measurement and reporting service, and will support our mission to provide independent, robust, transparent and credible data that reflects actual Australian viewing behaviour and meets client needs.

Mark Buckman said: OzTAM is internationally recognised for its world-leading audience measurement capabilities, delivering a complex, highly technical service deserving of industry currency status.

Im looking forward to working with OzTAMs leadership team and my board colleagues as OzTAM navigates a period of dynamic industry change.

Shareholders Seven, Nine and 10 networks thanked outgoing Chairman Richard Herring.

We appreciate Richards counsel during an intense period that saw the number of OzTAM panel homes increase by 50 per cent; the introduction of live, demographic and co-viewing data to OzTAMs daily Video Player Reporting service; streaming TV meters installed in 2,500+ OzTAM panel homes; and the launch of Virtual Australia (VOZ), the foundation of Australias new Total TV reporting standard. We thank Richard for his guidance and wish him continued future success, they said in a joint statement.

Mark Buckman begins on November 1st.
This Sunday on ABC, Restoration Australias Anthony Burke visits Airlie House, overlooking the town of Milton, New South Wales.

But its seen better days.

Built in the mid 1800s by famous Scottish pioneer, David Warden, its hundred and fifty-year-old regal, yet rickety and run-down demeanour caught the attention of Scott and Kate Lucas and they bought if for just over a million dollars in 2013.

But this house is going to be much more than just a home. After complete strangers saved their daughters life when she was involved in a near-fatal car accident they pledged to share Airlie House with the local community and let them use it as a venue for fundraising, weddings and open days.

But make no mistake, while Scott and Kate adore the period features and historic significance this property has to offer, they fully intend to modernise Airlie House. However, strict heritage may dictate what they can and cannot do. Theyll need to carefully navigate their way around these limitations. It will require some creative thinking on their part, so they dont lose what makes Airlie House so unique.



Restoration Australia presenter, Anthony Burke, joins Scott and Kate Lucas on their journey as they attempt to restore the propertys regal beauty, win the hearts and minds of the community and bring this house into 21st century living.

Production credits: A Fremantle Production for the ABC.

7:40pm Sunday on ABC.
Speakers for the Series Mania Melbourne Industry Day have now been confirmed.

The four-day television event held by Film Victoria and ACMI takes place online next week and is free* for all participants.

Speaking at the Screen Industry Day on October 14 are local & international screen industry practitioners including Tony Ayres (Clickbait, Fires), Craig Mazin (Chernobyl), Sierra Teller Ornelas (Rutherford Falls), Prentice Penny (Insecure), Lucy Prebble (Succession), and Joanna Werner (The Newsreader).

Other names to feature are Debbie Lee, Sally Riley, Belinda Chayko, Miranda Tapsell, Benjamin Law, Josh Maplestone, Ben Chessel and Series Mania Creative Director Francois-Pier Pelinard Lambert.

Prolific showrunner, executive producer and director  Prentice Penny (Insecure, Brooklyn NineNine, Scrubs), kicks off the festival in conversation with award-winning actor Miranda Tapsell. Penny will join the audience from the edit suite of HBOs hit award-winning comedy Insecure, just weeks before the highly anticipated fifth and final season drops on Binge.

Tapsell will also be joined by Navajo and American showrunner Sierra Teller Ornelas  best known for her work on Rutherford Falls, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Splitting Up Together and Superstore. Ornelas is one of only two First Nations showrunners in the United States and a graduate of the Walt Disney Television Writing Program.

Craig Mazin, creator of the award-winning miniseries Chernobyl and host of the indispensable Scriptnotes podcast will dive into what it takes to make television based on true events, and Series Manias Creative Director Francois-Pier Pelinard Lambert will deliver his much-anticipated snapshot of fiction trends and formats.

International guests also include popular playwright and screenwriter Lucy Prebble known for her work on Succession, I Hate Suzie and Secret Diary of a Call Girl in conversation with Benjamin Law. Festival attendees will hear from the local creators behind the suite of successful Victorian-made television series that have recently hit our screens including Clickbait, The Newsreader and Fires.

Tony Ayres, Debbie Lee, Sally Riley and Belinda Chayko will tackle the one of the most pressing question facing Australias television industry  is our development process good enough? Or, do we need to do things differently to be competitive in the globalised commissioning environment.

Exclusively for Series Mania Melbournes Screen Industry Day, Werner Film Productions will share a first look at their teen surfing drama Surviving Summer which has been commission by Netflix. Series Creators Joanna Werner and Josh Maplestone with Director Ben Chessel will share a work-in-progress of the young adult drama that shot under COVID-Safety protocols across Victorias Great Ocean Road earlier this year.

Public Screenings:

The free screenings program runs from 14  17 October, kicking off with the first two episodes of the highly anticipated second season of political drama Total Control, starring the multi award-winning Deborah Mailman and Rachel Griffiths. Other highlights from the public screenings program including Hellbound (South Korea), LOpera (France) and Nakkiah Lui and Gabriel Dowricks brand-new comedy series Preppers.

Tickets to all events, including the 2021 Screen Industry Day and public screenings are free and available now.

* Streaming numbers for the public screenings program are limited, and bookings are essential.

Bookings: acmi.net.au
Tyler, TX (75702)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 62F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Clear skies. Scattered frost possible. Low 34F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
William George Davis stands Sept. 28 during opening day of his capital murder trial. The former nurses charges are connected to the deaths of four patients at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital in Tyler (Michael Cavazos/News-Journal Photo)
Communications between Azerbaijan and Armenia on the permission of the Azerbaijan civil aviation flights were partially unblocked yesterday. But it turned out that not all the people are pleased with such a shy step towards peace. Head of the Persian Language and Literature Department Vardan Voskanyan, lobbyist of the most radical side of the Iranian political establishment, wrote on his Facebook page: Giving access to Armenian airspace for an enemys aircraft was the worst signal which could be sent to Iran.

Let us remind you that Iran had closed its airspace for Azerbaijani military transport aviation the day before Armenia opened its air corridor for Azerbaijan. Later, Azerbaijan and Armenian social networks were full of messages about Iranian airspace being closed for civil flights too. This message was neither confirmed nor denied in Baku or Teheran.

If the information about the Iranian skys short-term closure for Azerbaijan civil aircrafts was true or was a way to use a similar scenario, Yerevans decision to open the sky for Azerbaijans aircrafts was an unpleasant signal for Iran. Anyway, Teheran turned out to be more catholic than the Pope in its dispute with Baku and its worry because of Armenian territorial integrity.

The irony of the situation is  in the times when the Iranians block Nakhchivan trying to put pressure on Baku, the Armenians deblock it.

Vardan Voskanyans statement and alarmist publications in the Iranian mass media about Iranian troops entering Syunik if Armenian army leave* this region (*lets call it: place it under administration of the third party) should be considered in the context of Teherans discontent in Armenia.


Azerbaijan is considering buying Israels Arrow-3 missile defense system amid tensions with Iran, according to Israel Hayom newspaper. The move would be a major step in typically quiet Israel-Azerbaijan defense ties. Al-Monitor reports that the Arrow-3 is one of three flagship interceptor missiles jointly produced by Israeli and US firms with government support. The joint projects have accelerated in recent years as Iran has advanced its drone, cruise and ballistic missile capabilities.

Iran has been accused of firing those weapons into regional countries Saudi Arabia and Iraq, and Iran has repeatedly accused Azerbaijan of cooperating with Israeli military planners on a potential Israeli attack on Iran.

Azerbaijans ties with Iran soured in 2012 after authorities arrested three men allegedly planning to harm Israeli citizens in Baku in apparent retaliation for Israel's assassination of Iranian nuclear scientists. Tensions cooled in subsequent years but have occasionally been rekindled.

Azerbaijan has had close diplomatic, economic and defense industry ties with Israel since relations began in 1992.

During Azerbaijans war with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh region last year, Baku  backed militarily by Turkey  deployed Israel-made drones on the battlefield.

Azerbaijan recently conducted a naval exercise with Turkey in the Caspian Sea, triggering condemnation from Irans Foreign Ministry, which said the exercise violated norms barring non-bordering countries from deploying forces to the inland sea.
Susa. The town has religious, cultural and strategic importance to Azerbaijan. Shusha is often considered the cradle of Azerbaijans music and poetry, and one of the leading centres of the Azerbaijani culture. It was founded by Azerbaijani Khan Panah Ali in 1752. Many famous Azerbaijanis personalities are natives of Shusha  Khurshudbanu Natavan, Gasim bey Zakir, Abdurahim Bey Hagverdiyev, Bulbul, Yusif Vezir Chemenzeminli, Uzeyir Hadjibeyov and many other, Cawa Media reports.

There were factories in Shusha of Eastern musical instruments, baking factory (what is back again, we tried the very tasty fresh bread). Factory, weaving fabric of Karabakh silk combinat, network of electricity, basis of logistics, repair and reconstruction office, restoration office of monuments and many others. Shusha was a city of monuments which had 300 historical monuments, 550 ancient residential buildings, 870 meters long restored castle walls in 350 hectares land. 23 of monuments that belong to the republic  wide and world-wide famous monuments. Richness of national monuments. Shusha as a richest land of city culture, most of these monuments were built in 18  19 centuries. Each house, street, great castle walls, mosques, magnificent minarets, remnants of grand castles are the signs of past. On the 8th of November 2020  The city of Shusha was liberated from Armenian occupation. Karabakh is Azerbaijan, and needs to be rebuilt again by the homecoming population, ore foreign investors.

Cawa Media visited the city of Shusha. We visited parts of the city, and the place where Azerbaijan troops recaptured the city. Most of the beautiful city of Shusha are still in ruins, but slowly some parts is being rebuilt again. Life is slowly returning to Shusha. After the second Karabakh war, the supply of electricity and water resumed in the city, two grocery stores and a bakery were opened what we both visited. The main thing is that residents who have not been here for several decades now reached and returned into the city.

Restorations are in progress, and the reopening of Karabakh Hotel after restauration is also in progress (reopened in September 2021). The International Press stayed in Khari bulbul hotel restorated in May 2021. The hotel was very nice, modern and had a wonderful restaurant. We saw some progress, and that people want to rebuild and restore if it is possible.

On 17 October 2020, the city of Fuzuli was liberated by Azerbaijan after 28 years of occupation by the armed forces of the Republic of Armenia.

Fuzuli International Airport  On 26 November 2020, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies reported that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) had accepted the appeal of the State Civil Aviation Administration to include six new airports, including the airfield in Fuzuli and Zangilan, plus Lachin, in its catalog of international airport codes In January 2021, President Ilham Aliyev issued a decree on the construction of an international airport in Fuzuli. On 14 January, the groundbreaking ceremony for the future airport took place. The runway is completed and was used for the first time on 5 September 2021, when passenger aircraft Airbus A340-500 of Azerbaijan Airlines and cargo aircraft Boeing 747-400 owned by Silk Way Airlines made successful test flights, landing at the airport.

Very hard feeling walk between ruins, find rests of people belongings that left in a hurry. We found one oil painting what was done by an unknown local artist, or student that we took back as a reminder of what war can do to civilian people. Our sincere wish is that the city of Shusha, and the surrounding region will be rebuilt with new Smart Villages in the Agali village of Zangilan early 2022, and that people will move back to their homeland.

Cawa Media pictures from September 2021 of Shusha and surroundings will be exhibited at the European Parliament in Brussels.
As Turkey's efforts to ensure border security against irregular migration and smuggling activities continue, the 20-kilometer (12-mile) section of the security wall in the Caldran district of the eastern province of Van, on the Iranian border, has been completed, Daily Sabah reports.

In Van, which has the longest border with Iran, the security forces are taking every precaution possible to prevent illegal crossings, smuggling activities and the infiltration of terrorists by constantly monitoring and patrolling the border with armored vehicles.

Irregular migrants who want to cross into Turkey through the border, which is kept under constant surveillance with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and optical towers, are apprehended and handed over to the Provincial Immigration Administration Removal Center.

The construction of the wall, which was initiated to prevent illegal crossings on the route extending from the Caldran border to the eastern Agr Dogubayazt and southeastern Hakkari Yuksekova line, continues.

Van Governor Mehmet Emin Bilmez told Anadolu Agency (AA) that the construction of the border wall, digging trenches, razor wire drawing, and the new optical tower and the outpost continue without interruption.

Noting that the production of the stone blocks used in the wall has been completed, Bilmez said: "Since last year, 104 lego and mono-block towers have been built. The construction of two outposts is continuing. 175 kilometers of trenches have been dug. A 64-kilometer wall is being built in three stages. The installation of the 20-kilometer wall has now been completed. The stone used in the 34-kilometer wall has been produced. From now on, the assembly will continue at a faster pace."

Stating that the demining works have been also completed in parts where it was deemed necessary for safety, Bilmez said that the tender works for the remaining 230-kilometer border line are continuing.

Emphasizing that there are serious security measures at the border, Bilmez said: "The 6th Border Brigade operates at the border on a 24/7 basis. Some 750 Special Operations police were sent to them as reinforcements. These police officers support the border unit with 35 teams of 50 vehicles. Three reinforced, one normal commando squadron from the gendarmerie were also deployed to the region. At the same time, UAVs and drones have also been sent there along with thermal cameras. Some of the 58 surveillance and 104 optical towers built in the region have been commissioned. The thermal system of these towers is also being utilized."

Bilmez noted that with the measures taken at the border, the number of irregular immigrants entering the country decreased significantly and many organizers were caught.
Exactly a year ago, on September 27, 2020, Azerbaijan's Patriotic War began. On that day, Armenia's occupying forces subjected the positions of the armed forces of Azerbaijan along the front line and the adjacent populated areas in Azerbaijan to intensive fire with the use of large-calibre weapons, artillery and mortars. Baku decided to launch a counter-offensive operation to ensure the safety of the civilian population. Vestnik Kavkaza offers its readers to follow the events of the 44 days of Azerbaijan's Patriotic War as they were covered a year ago.

On the night of the war's eleventh day, October 7, video footage of the destruction in Terter due to daily shelling by the occupying forces of the Armenian Armed Forces was published. At the same time, evidence of the use of prohibited cluster bombs against peaceful villages in the Goranboy region of Azerbaijan was demonstrated, later the details of this war crime were announced by ANAMA. The mayor of the Armenian city of Meghri, located on the border with Iran, was wounded at the front.

In the early morning, the liberation army of Azerbaijan continued an active counteroffensive in the south, liberating the territories of the Jebrail region and preparing for the liberation of Fizuli. There was video footage of the liberated village of Shukurbeyli. Speaking to the BBC, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated that occupied Karabakh is "Armenia, the land of Armenians."

After 10:00, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev called Russian President Vladimir Putin to congratulate him on his birthday and discuss the situation at the front. During the conversation, Vladimir Putin drew attention to the fact that the battles are not being fought on the territory of Armenia. Two hours later, the Kremlin emphasized that the hostilities were within the borders of Azerbaijans territory.

Shortly before 12:00 it became known that Armenian artillery was firing at its own tank columns. Soon after noon, the village of Sheybei in the Jebrail region of Azerbaijan was liberated. Afghan diplomacy once again demanded the withdrawal of the occupation troops from the Azerbaijani territories.

In the afternoon, Ilham Aliyev's interview to Channel One was published. The NSS of Armenia urged the invaders not to talk on the phone in the combat zone. At about 18:00, Pashinyan called Putin again. It became known that a number of countries have introduced an arms embargo against Azerbaijan.

By the war's eleventh day, the occupying troops of Armenia began to abandon military equipment more often when retreating. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry announced a meeting of the minister with the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs in Geneva and condemned Yerevan's attempts to set foreign journalists under fire. A meeting of the foreign ministers of Russia and Armenia in Moscow was also announced.



By the evening, the number of liquidated tanks of the occupation forces of Armenia reached 250 units, destroyed artillery installations - 270 units. Ilham Aliyev stressed that the ceasefire must be bilateral. An unmanned aerial vehicle of the Armenian Armed Forces flew into the Aghstafa region of Azerbaijan and was shot down. The Armenian Defense Ministry started talking about the justification of the retreat in the occupation zone.

Late in the evening, the Russian Defense Minister held talks with his Azerbaijani and Armenian counterparts. The Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan assured that Yerevan's attempts to damage the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline are doomed to failure.

Thus, on the eleventh day of the war, liberation operations continued in the south of the occupation zone: the invaders were dislodging from their combat positions in the Jebrail region, preparations were underway for the liberation of Fizuli. The number of diplomatic contacts between warring parties and foreign intermediaries has increased. That was the first quarter of Azerbaijan's Patriotic War.
130-160 thousand doses of the USs Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be delivered to Almaty city from October 20, Head of Almaty citys Health Office Nariman Tandynbayev said, Kazinform reports.

According to Tabynbayev, the vaccine will be given primarily to children, health workers, older people living in closed facilities. As Almaty citys Chief Medical Officer Zhandarbek Bekshin said, the citys vaccination rate will rise once the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines are delivered. The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine delivery will enable to vaccinate 306 thousand more people. It will increase the COVID-19 vaccination rate, leading to decrease in new cases, he said.

Deputy Mayor of Almaty city Yerzhan Babakumarov added that the vaccination of children with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine will be on a voluntary basis.
Azerbaijan returned to Armenia the serviceman Artur Davidyan who went missing on August 22, 2021, on the border of the two countries, Coordinator of the Information Center for Azerbaijani Captives and Hostages Ahmad Shahidov told Trend on Oct.6.

Earlier, the Armenian Defense Ministry said that on August 22 at about 21:00 (GMT+4) Senior Lieutenant Artur Davidyan left the place of permanent deployment without the permission of the higher command. After a while, contact with him was lost.
The European Peoples Party (EPP), which is the largest group in the European Parliament, calls on the Georgian government to improve the political environment as well as to guarantee free and fair elections in the second round of the municipal elections.

"Recent elections in Georgia have raised our concerns over the state of democracy and freedom in the country. The reports of international observers underlined reduced democratic standards, a lack of free and fair election environment, an uneven playing field, misuse of administrative resources, violations and hate speech", the EPP said.

Saying that the Georgian people deserve a better future, with the end of political confrontation and the return to a constructive agenda, which would speed up the countrys reform process', the group plans to closely monitor the second round, where the fate of the big cities will be decided.
Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi can visit Iran at any time to discuss technical issues, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian told a news conference after talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday, TASS reports.

"Iran will be ready to receive Mr. Grossi at any time to discuss technical issues and will welcome the respective decision of the IAEA chief to make such a visit," he stressed.

The Iranian foreign minister condemned the absence of due reaction from the IAEA to a number of subversive actions at the Natanz nuclear site, as well as attempts from IAEA leadership to meddle in issues of political nature. "We are discontent with this," he stated. "But if Mr. Grossi intends to limit himself to the discussion of only technical issues, we are ready to organize this visit and ensure the IAEA chiefs meetings with the appropriate persons," the foreign minister stressed.
Azerbaijani gas flows via the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) are expected to ramp up to the full capacity of 10 billion cubic meters per year in 2022, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

TAP has to date transported 5 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe.

TAP's total capacity is 10 billion cubic meters with possibility of expansion to 20 billion cubic meters per year. TAP is designed to supply 8 billion cubic meters of gas to Italy and 1 billion cubic meters to Greece and Bulgaria each.

Yesterday, natural gas prices in Europe skyrocketed to record-high $1,900 per 1,000 cubic meters. According to EU climate chief Frans Timmermans, the demand from the EU coming out of the COVID crisis is higher than in the last 25 years, which caused the energy crisis.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev made a phone call to President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin on October 7 to congratulated the Russian leader on his birthday.

The Azerbaijani president wished Putin the best of health and new successes in his state activities for the development and prosperity of the country.

Vladimir Putin thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the attention and congratulations.

Hailing the successful development of Azerbaijan-Russia bilateral friendly relations in various fields, the heads of state expressed their confidence that the cooperation between the two countries would continue to strengthen. They exchanged views on the issues relating to prospects for bilateral ties between the two countries.

During the phone conversation, the sides discussed the situation in the region.
Iran and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) have begun to negotiate a permanent agreement on a free trade zone, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told a news conference following talks with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian on Wednesday.

"Iran has been a party to an interim agreement on the liberalization of mutual trade for a long time, and now we have begun to negotiate on a full-fledged permanent agreement on a free trade zone between Iran and the EAEU. The benefits of this process are obvious for all its participants," the Foreign Minister said.

Lavrov recalled that Moscow positively assesses Iran's interaction with the countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the EAEU.

In particular, Russia welcomed the decision of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO, whose meeting was held on September 16-17 in Dushanbe, to begin the procedures for Iran's entry into the organization as its full-fledged member.

The minister noted that Iran can already take part in the activities of the SCO, including in the format of a contact group on Afghanistan.

"The importance of this format is growing, and we are interested in using it effectively. Well, all other areas of the SCO's work - security, the war on terror, extremism, separatism, ensuring economic connectivity, transport connectivity - all of this fully meets the interests both the Russian Federation and Iran," Lavrov concluded.

An interim agreement on a free trade zone between the EAEU and Iran was signed on May 17, 2018 and entered into force on October 27, 2019. In 2020, trade between the EAEU countries and Iran grew by 18.5% compared to 2019, reaching $2.9 billion. Russia accounts for the largest share of the EAEU trade with Iran (78.6%). The share of Kazakhstan is 11.2%, the shares of Belarus, Armenia and Kazakhstan are 0.7%, 8.9% and 0.7% respectively.
Montenegrin President Milo Djukanovic is paying an official visit to Georgia for the first time in the history of diplomatic relations between Georgia and Montenegro.

President Djukanovic will be welcomed by Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili at the Orbeliani Presidential Palace where an official welcoming ceremony will take place, after which the two presidents will have a face-to-face meeting and a joint briefing.

The president of Montenegro during his visit will lay a wreath at the memorial to the heroes who died in the fight for Georgias territorial integrity and sovereignty.

He will also hold a meeting with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, Agenda.ge reported.

Milo Djukanovic was prime minister of the country twice since 2008 after Montenegro declared its independence in 2006. He became a president of the country in May 2018.

Montenegro became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) back in 2017 and is preparing now to become a member of the European Union (EU).
A group of Turkish defense contractors is testing a kamikaze unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that will be used to counter and neutralize other drone-borne threats.

The UAV is part of a wide range of drone detection and destruction systems developed by Havelsan and Transvaro, exhibited at the 3rd Military Radar and Border Security Summit, organized by the Independent Industrialists and Businesspersons Association (MUSIAD) in Ankara.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency at the summit, Havelsan Command Control Defense Technologies Business Development Manager Nezih Sisman said the threat posed by low-cost drones or UAVs is increasing by the day.

He noted that there are other stand-alone solutions, produced by different companies that can detect, diagnose and prevent threats using complex algorithms.

Sisman said they are looking to develop a system that can protect large campuses, critical facilities or infrastructures, organizations with scattered forces, like the gendarmerie, as well as critical locations like Ankara that is home to many important institutions.

He added that they took the vast STAR Refinery complex in western Izmir's Aliaga as a prototype and started integration studies with its stakeholders for some defense plans.

The Havelsan official said they are creating an entire system by adding different algorithms to the Havelsan systems and integrating different components like radar, electro-optical suites, mixing devices and RF (Radio Frequency) detectors.

We offer an artificial intelligence (AI) supported system that will utilize algorithms to detect, diagnose, analyze and eliminate a threat using the appropriate weapon. It will be able to do so thanks to software with a network-supported command and control system at its center, as well as software that can integrate different systems, weapons and sensors, provided that it is independent of the manufacturer, he explained.

The kamikaze drone, Sisman added, uses a certain target and identification information. It flies for a while and begins by visually scanning its target. As soon as it captures its target from a certain distance, which is 40 meters at the moment, it can destroy a single UAV or a swarm of UAVs at its location by detonating the warhead.

He noted that in the next one or two months, the company will demonstrate the capabilities of the entire system, from detection to destruction within a scenario, including destroying a UAV in the air by launching Fedai.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Wednesday that certification of the Nord Stream 2 undersea gas pipeline, which expects clearance from a Germanys regulator, could cool soaring European gas prices.

I think there are two factors, which could somewhat cool off the current situation. First of all, of course, this is, definitely, completion of certification and the fastest clearance for gas supplies via the completed Nord Stream 2, Novak told a meeting of government officials and heads of energy companies.

Novak said an increase in gas sales on Gazproms Electronic Sales Platform could also calm prices. Gazprom set up the ESP in 2018 for gas sales to Europe to supplement the existing long and mid-term contracts. It has suspended gas sales for delivery in 2022 since late August.

President Vladimir Putin, who chaired the meeting, has agreed with the proposed increase, adding that Russia should meet its domestic gas needs first.

Novak said some speculative trade could also be behind the soaring gas prices, which he said did not reflect the fundamentals of supply and demand, Reuters reported.
Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that Gazprom must continue to fulfill its contractual obligations to supply gas through Ukraine to the EU.

"It is necessary to fully comply with the contractual obligations for the transit, delivering our gas through the territory of Ukraine, through the gas transportation system of Ukraine," the head of state said at a meeting on the development of the energy sector on Wednesday.

"Firstly, we should not put anyone in a difficult position, including Ukraine, despite all the aspects related to the Russian-Ukrainian relations today, and secondly, we should not undermine the credibility of Gazprom as a reliable, absolutely reliable partner in every way," Putin explained.

"I am asking you, as the Energy Minister, to take these issues under your personal control and ensure that Gazprom fulfills all its contractual obligations for the transit of Russian gas through Ukraine to Europe," the President told Energy Minister Nikolai Shulginov.

The Russian President also noted that Gazprom should not increase gas supplies through new pipelines bypassing Ukraine, although this is beneficial.

"Gazprom believes that it is economically more viable, it would even be more profitable to pay a fine to Ukraine, but to increase the volume of pumping through new systems precisely because of the circumstances that I mentioned - there is more pressure in the pipe, less CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Everything is cheaper, around 3 billion a year. But I ask you not to do this," the President said.
The meeting of the MPs of the Azerbaijani and Armenian political parties was held in Vienna, head of the Azerbaijani community of Azerbaijans Nagorno-Karabakh region Tural Ganjaliyev said.

According to him, the meeting was organized by representatives of Austrian government agencies and think tanks.

"We met the representatives of political parties from Armenia organized by Austrian think tank and government agencies. At the meeting, I underlined the importance of post-conflict reconciliation and peace-building," he wrote on Twitter.
Moscow sees the fundamental determination of parties to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action for the Iranian nuclear program to devise the means to breathe new life into this agreement, and hopes another round of Vienna talks on restoring the deal will begin in the near future, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday, TASS reports.

"We have taken note of the fact that all parties concerned are focused on faster coordination of a procedure for breathing a new life into the JCPOA. We hope that another round may take place in the near future," she said.

Zakharova believes that all previous achievements will serve "as a point of departure and a reliable basis for coming close to agreements", which Moscow hopes "will materialize in the foreseeable future."

"We presume that the shortest way to relaunching the JCPOA to full capacity - and we hope that it will happen this way - lies through strict compliance with its provisions by all sides based on the originally verified balance of interests without any exemptions or additions," Zakharova stated.

She refrained from speculating as to how long and frequent the future rounds of negotiations might be.

"Making such forecasts is not a very rewarding task. There is a great amount of work to be handled. It must be focused on bringing approaches closer," Zakharova added.
An 18-year-old student opened fire during a fight at his Dallas-area high school on Wednesday, injuring four people and then fleeing before being taken into custody hours later, authorities said.

Timothy George Simpkins was taken into custody without incident, the Arlington Police Department tweeted. He was booked in the Arlington jail on three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and was being held on $75,000 bail.

One person was in critical condition, another was in good condition and a third person was treated for minor abrasions and was scheduled to be released from the hospital later Wednesday, police said. A fourth person was hurt but did not require treatment at a hospital. Police said earlier that three of the four injured were students, The AP reported.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating how the suspect got a gun. Local police from other nearby jurisdictions, including the cities of Mansfield and Grand Prairie, assisted Wednesday.

The shooting Wednesday happened just days after a shooting at a Houston charter school that injured an administrator. Texas deadliest school shooting occurred in May 2018 when a 17-year-old armed with a shotgun and a pistol opened fire at Santa Fe High School near Houston, killing 10 people, most of whom were students.
The acting Foreign Minister of Taliban Amir Khan Muttaqi on Thursday met Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov to discuss issues associated with transit, energy and trade.

The meeting took place in Afghanistan's capital Kabul, ANI News reported citing Tolo News.

"Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met with Uzbekistan Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov on Thursday in Kabul, foreign ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said, adding that they discussed transit, energy and trade," Tolo News reported in a tweet.

The meeting took place after Afghanistan's electricity body has planned to sell the estates of its debtors in a bid to pay nearly USD 62 million worth of power bills to the central Asian countries.
Tehran hopes that a meeting between the Russian and Iranian presidents can be held in the near future in any of two capitals in order to confirm the privileged bilateral relations of strategic cooperation, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian reported on Wednesday.

"We hope that in the near future our presidents can hold a meeting in one of our capitals," he noted. Mutual agreement on this demonstrates that our relations are of strategic and privileged nature. In our foreign policy, Moscow is a priority, and we consider Russia as our strategic partner."

The head of the Iranian Foreign Ministry reported that the sides agreed to start discussing the strategic partnership document in the near future and Tehran is ready to provide its suggestions in writing. "It will be a new roadmap of our long-term bilateral cooperation," he said.

"It is necessary to identify and eliminate all hurdles to ensure a qualitative breakthrough in our relations, particularly in the commercial-economic sphere. Over 70% of our citizens have already been vaccinated, since we do not see any obstacles for our entrepreneurs arrival in Russia to promote mutual contacts and increase further economic activity".

According to him, Iran considers it a priority to expand and deepen its commercial-economic relations with Russia. "Both sides possess significant economic potential, on the basis of which it is possible to achieve a breakthrough growth in turnover in the bilateral trade for the benefit of our people," he concluded.
Turkey's parliament ratified the Paris climate agreement on Wednesday, making it the last G20 country to do so, after holding off for years due to what it saw as injustices in its responsibilities as part of the agreement.

Turkey has been a signatory to the Paris agreement since April 2016. But Ankara had not ratified the deal, arguing that it should not be considered a developed country as part of the agreement, which gives it more responsibility, as Turkey is historically responsible for a very small share of carbon emissions.

Announcing that Turkey would ratify the deal at the United Nations General Assembly last month, President Tayyip Erdogan said countries that have a "historical responsibility" for climate change should make the most effort.

"Whoever made the most damage to nature, our air, our water, our soil, the earth; whoever savagely exploited natural resources needs to make the largest contribution to the fight against climate change," he said.

On Wednesday, 353 members of Turkey's parliament ratified the agreement unanimously, Reuters reported.

A statement approved by parliament said Turkey was ratifying the deal as a developing country and would implement it as long as it did not "harm its right to economic and social development."

The Paris agreement aims to limit the global average temperature rise to "well below" 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and "make efforts" to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Turkish police have detained a wanted terrorist of the ISIS terror group (banned in Russia) in an operation in the capital Ankara, according to a security source on Thursday.

After receiving information that the Russian national entered Turkey illegally from Syria, anti-terror police conducted an operation to capture the terrorist.

The security forces in Ankara raided the terrorist's address, who was also sought by Interpol on a red notice, on Thursday morning.

Digital materials, $4,800, 8,000 Russian rubles ($111), and 16,800 Turkish liras ($1,894) were seized during the raid.

Sources also said the Daesh terrorist was found to possess a fake Syrian ID, Anadolu Agency reported.
As some provinces have gained initial achievements in controlling Covid-19, they now are allowing people with negative rapid testing results to enter the provinces.

Meanwhile, others still require PCR testing results.

On September 30, the Thai Nguyen Peoples Committee released an express dispatch on adjusting and supplementing the measures to fight the pandemic, which says people from green zones can enter Thai Nguyen province if showing rapid testing results instead of PCR testing.

If they dont have negative rapid testing certificates, they will have to be tested at the checkpoints and pay for the service.

For those from green zones who go on business, rapid testing results will be accepted. Those from yellow, orange and red zones must show documents by the agencies who send them to do business.

If they have had two vaccination shots, they must show negative testing (PCR or rapid testing) results valid within 72 hours.

Thai Nguyen residents who go to other provinces must show negative testing results (PCR or rapid testing) when returning, and they need to be fully vaccinated. If they have not had enough shots, they must monitor their health conditions at home for three days.

As for other cases (the people from yellow, orange and red zones and the localities where pandemic still exists), they will have to follow instructions in Document 4616 dated September 26.

The document says that people from the zones must be fully vaccinated, show PCR testing results and quarantine at home or in concentrated quarantine zones for 3-7 days.

Hoa Binh province on October 4 adjusted Document 199, easing the requirements on people from neighboring localities to enter the province to study and work.

No test is needed for people who have been fully vaccinated (the second shot was given at least 14 days ago and not longer than 12 months), or they are Covid-19 patients who have completely recovered within six months.

The teachers, students and workers who live in neighboring localities and enter HoaBinh every day to work and study at schools wont have to show testing results to go through checkpoints, except in Lac Thuy district.

The schools, agencies and enterprises which have students, employees and workers belonging to these cases have to issue cards with personal information and provide lists to checkpoints.

However, Hoa Binh asks these people to restrict movement out of their areas. If they need to, they have to report about their trips to leaders.

Parents have been asked to commit to not letting their children leave their residences if its not necessary and report to schools if they leave.

The cases related to pandemic-hit areas or positive Covid-19 cases will have to observe general regulations on pandemic prevention and control set by the province and Ministry of Health

Accidental testing will be organized weekly for 5-10 percent of these cases (either with rapid testing, or pooling RT-PCR testing).

The remaining cases will continue observing the old regulations stipulated in Document 191 which took effect on noon September 23, when entering/exiting the province.

PCR test results required in other localities

Deputy Chair of Bac Giang Mai Son said the requirements on migrants remain unchanged.

The province is applying anti-pandemic measures in accordance with the provincial Directive 11 dated July 28.

On September 14, the province released another document stipulating measures to be applied to people entering Bac Giang from other provinces.

Bac Giang asked people from pandemic-hit areas to make health declarations on the website of the provincial healthcare department.

People from red zones must spend 14 days in concentrated quarantine, have samples taken three times for testing, and people from yellow zones 14 days on home quarantine and test three times. People from green zones are required to make health declarations and monitor health conditions at home for seven days.

People from red and yellow zones, when entering Bac Giang, will have to pay for concentrated quarantine and testing.

People from green zones must show negative testing results (PCR or rapid testing) within 72 hours when entering Bac Ninh.

People from red zones wont be allowed to enter the province if they dont get the permission of the departure provinces authorities and the acceptance of the destination provinces authorities.

On September 28, Bac Ninh removed a checkpoint at Yen Dung Bridge.

The Document 4253 dated September 21 of the Phu Tho provincial authorities says people have to be fully vaccinated and have a negative test to SARS-CoV-2 (rapid testing or PCR).

Those who have not been fully vaccinated must show PCR testing results within the past 72 hours.

Those who return from provinces with hotbeds or localities applying Directive 16 must be put under concentrated quarantine.

Those who return from the province applying Directive 15 or 19 have to be fully vaccinated or completely recovered.

They have to monitor health conditions at home for seven days, follow 5K ((in Vietnamese: Khau trang  facemask, Khu khuan  disinfection, Khoang cach  distance, Khong tu tap - no gathering, Khai bao y te - health declaration) principle) principle, and test twice.

The people who don't have two shots must quarantine at home for 14 days, and test three times.

If people are from localities in the new normal, they have to make health declarations and monitor their health conditions for 14 days.

Kien Trung - Nhi Tien

Health Ministry asked to quickly issue self-testing guidelines for firms PM Pham Minh Chinh has directed the Health Ministry to urgently issue COVID-19 self-testing guidelines for enterprises, thus creating favourable conditions for them to stay proactive in their business activities.
When Baylor theater professor Lisa Denman attended a performance of Chelsea Marcantel's "Airness" at the Humana Festival of New American Plays four years ago, she wasn't convinced she'd relate to its subject: playing air guitar, where people mimic playing a rock guitar.

A play about air guitar? Really?

"It turns out it was exactly my kind of play," she recalled. "It was about finding people you love and finding a thing you can be passionate about."

Flash forward a few years when members of the Baylor University theater faculty were putting together a season in light of COVID-19 and the little play about finding community seemed to fit the times.

Plus, it's air guitar  uncomplicated fun almost by definition.

Marcantel's play, whose Baylor Theatre run opens Wednesday night, follows twentysomething Nina (Miquela Lopez), who decides to enter an air guitar competition for the fun of it. What could be hard about pretending to play an imaginary electric guitar to a 60-second track?

Plenty, she discovers. A group of serious air guitarists, ones who regularly appear on an air guitar competition circuit, offer afterwards to show her the finer points of shredding, flailing and wailing.
Rivadeneira took the Humane Society position around the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in spring 2020, moving her family and her private rescue, Old Souls Animal Rescue and Retirement Home, from Arizona to Waco.

She said that during her time with the society there was never any indication she was not fulfilling her duties as the board had expected, and that despite asking for performance reviews from board members and initiating communication on the subject, she was never given performance feedback.

I had no goals or expectations given to me, no performance reviews, Rivadeneira said. Over the summer, I met with almost every single board member and went to lunch with them asking for feedback and no one gave me anything negative.

On Aug. 3, Rivadeneira said she was called in to meet with Stem and with board member Christie Acosta, who is also assistant director of information technology for the city of Waco. She said she was told she was being put on leave pending an investigation but was not told what the investigation involved.

They told me I wasnt allowed to speak to anyone, Rivadeneira said. They said you are not allowed to speak to your staff or anybody who has anything to do with the Humane Society, especially the media.
One such woman was Ashleigh Banfield, whom Couric writes was the next big thing. Id heard her father was telling anyone whod listen that she was going to replace me. In that environment, mentorship felt like self-sabotage. She writes of insidious things like turf protection  cutting women down because, she says, someone younger and cuter was always around the corner.

This all feels so unnecessary. The stories arent even all that interesting, just needlessly cruel and oddly dispassionate.

Not surprisingly, some who know her have come out to paint a clearer picture of Courics behavior at work.

One anonymous source says, [Couric] definitely contributed to the toxicity [at NBC]. Katie was part of a culture that wasnt supportive of women, and she contributed to it.

Another said, of an incident at the 2000 Sydney Olympics where she reportedly humiliated Banfield, Here was Americas so-called sweetheart, showing she was no supporter of her colleague or another woman and she openly took joy in the fact that shed at first blocked Ashleigh from being on set.

Any woman whos worked a day in television will tell you Courics stories are hardly unique.
STOCKHOLM (AP)  Tanzanian writer Abdulrazak Gurnah was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature on Thursday for works that explore the legacies of imperialism on uprooted individuals.

The Swedish Academy said the award was in recognition of his "uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents"

Born in Zanzibar in 1948 and based in England, Gurnah is a professor at the University of Kent. He is the author of 10 novels, including "Paradise," which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 1994.

Anders Olsson, chairman of the Nobel Committee for literature, called him "one of the world's most prominent post-colonial writers."

The prestigious award comes with a gold medal and 10 million Swedish kronor (over $1.14 million). The prize money comes from a bequest left by the prize's creator, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, who died in 1895.

Last year's prize went to American poet Louise Gluck for what the judges described as her "unmistakable poetic voice that with austere beauty makes individual existence universal."
CONTRACT AWARD

Amentum books $1.3B CBP aircraft maintenance contract

After multiple awards and rounds of protests, Amentum can now tout itself as the winner of and start to work on a nearly $1.3 billion aircraft maintenance contract with the Customs and Border Protection agency.

Work started on Oct. 1 and will take place over one initial base year and up to nine individual option years, Amentum said Thursday. CBP could also extend the contract for another three months after the final option year.

CBP selected a proposal by the former DynCorp International, which Amentum completed the acquisition of in late 2020. All bids for the National Aviation Maintenance and Logistics Services contract were due in August 2018.

The agencys most recent attempt at an award of the contract took place in January of this year and the DynCorp bid won out in that evaluation.

Incumbent PAE then filed a protest that the Government Accountability Office denied in June, shortly after which the company took its argument to the Court of Federal Claims. The judge overseeing the case denied PAEs protest in August, which then cleared the way for Amentum to start the work.

All told: CBP made three attempts at an award of the contract including the most recent one that were subsequently protested. The first two awards were pulled back each time so CBP could re-evaluate and get revised proposals from the bidders.

CBPs fleet comprises of 211 aircraft throughout the Western hemisphere that include military and non-military, fixed- and rotary-wing, single- and multi-engine platforms.

Some of the homeland security missions being supported include investigations, intelligence gathering, border security, humanitarian and disaster responses.
CYBER

DHS adds cyber disclosure requirements for transportation industry

NOTE: This article first appeared on FCW.com.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced on Wednesday that the government will add requirements for cybersecurity information sharing to companies in the transportation sector.

The move comes as DHS is in the midst of a 60-day "sprint" launched in September focusing on transportation industry cybersecurity, Mayorkas said in a speech at the Billington Cybersecurity Summit.

The Coast Guard is expanding its oversight of maritime cybersecurity with the deployment of cybersecurity personnel to U.S. ports to supervise planning, response and recovery. Mayorkas also announced that 2,300 "maritime entities" are charged with sharing cybersecurity plans with the Coast Guard and following up on any weaknesses identified in those plans.

Additionally, the Transportation Security Administration is taking a more high-profile role in managing railroad industry cybersecurity. Under a security directive to be issued later this year, "higher risk" rail freight and rail transit companies will be required to designate a cybersecurity contact for government and to report incidents to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

On the aviation side, TSA is planning new requirements for critical industry players, including airport operators, passenger airlines and cargo aircraft operators, to name a cybersecurity contact and report incidents to CISA.

The move represents the continuing expansion of TSA's formal role as a cybersecurity regulator. In the wake of the Colonial Pipeline hack, TSA issued two sets of rules governing cybersecurity preparedness and reporting in that industry.

"Taken together, these elements -- a dedicated point of contact, cyber incident reporting and contingency planning -- represent the bare minimum of todays cybersecurity best practices," Mayorkas said in his speech.

Cyber bills advance in Senate

The Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee advanced two pieces of cybersecurity legislation on Wednesday.

The Cyber Incident Reporting Act of 2021 sets a 72-hour reporting requirement for breaches and other incidents at covered companies, which include critical infrastructure firms. Additionally, the legislation requires covered companies to report any ransomware payments made to hackers within 24 hours. The bill also sets up a new office at CISA to receive reports from covered companies. That bill did advance, but it drew some opposition from committee Republicans because of the scope of coverage -- currently extending to small businesses with 50 or more employees. The bill was amended to except mandatory disclosures required under the legislation from being included in discovery in litigation initiated over cybersecurity breaches.

Earlier this year a bipartisan group of lawmakers on the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence introduced their own bill that sets a 24-hour clock for critical infrastructure operators and federal contractors to report cybersecurity incidents.

The Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2021 requires federal civilian agencies to report breaches to CISA and the Office of Management and Budget, and it includes new authorities that make CISA the lead agency on cybersecurity incidents affecting federal civilian agency networks. That bill was advanced without objection.

Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), the chairman of the committee, announced his intention to add both pieces of legislation to the National Defense Authorization Act, which lawmakers hope to pass before the end of the calendar year.
Pragmatics continues support for legal battle with Iran

Pragmatics has won a $24.7 million contract to continue providing litigation support to the Navy and the State Department as the U.S. government's multiple-decade legal battle with Iran grinds on.

The Iran-U.S. Claims Tribunal at The Hague in the Netherlands is overseeing certain legal disputes between the U.S. and Iranian governments that date back to before 1981 when Iran had contracts to buy military equipment from the United States.

For example, one claim from Iran seeks $10.5 billion for wrongful charges by the U.S. under the Foreign Military Sales program. The U.S. also has a counterclaim against Iran for $520 million.

Hearings have been held and the court has been in deliberations for two years, but no timeline has been set for a decision.

Under this contract, Pragmatics is supporting the Navys Office of the General Counsel and State Department. Services include document management, database management, case management, and research.

Pragmatics first won the contract in 2014.
Now 51 years old, Perpecto Rico Perez sits in the Linn County Jail in Cedar Rapids awaiting sentencing for a two-decade-old offense. A hearing is scheduled for December, and he faces up to 10 years in prison and will likely be sentenced to three years with removal from the country.
WATERLOO  A Waterloo man who had been accused of shooting a man in 2013 has pleaded to a lesser charge.

In the plea, Willie Douglas Guyton Jr., 51, pleaded to throwing a punch instead of firing lead.

I admit on or about June 23, 2013, in Black Hawk County, Iowa, I threw a punch at Carlos Calhoun while at the Knights of Pythias with the intent to cause him a serious injury, Guyton wrote in a plea filed earlier this year.

On Sept. 14, he was sentenced 100 days in jail with credit for time served.

Calhoun had been injured in the wrist, head and shoulder by bullet fragments when someone opened fire on a friends home at 426 Ricker St. in June 2013.

Officials said the punching happened during an earlier incident that led up to the shooting.

Guyton remained at large until February 2019 when a police officer stopped him at a convenience store. He was initially arrested for intimidation with a weapon, willful injury and other felony charges, but by 2021 prosecutors werent able to located Calhoun to testify at trial, according to court records.

As part of an agreement with prosecutors, Guyton entered a written plea to a reduced charge of assault with intent to commit serious injury, an aggravated misdemeanor.

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CEDAR FALLS  A University of Northern Iowa biology professor removed from a class due to his mask requirement will return to teaching those students  from a distance.

Professor Steve OKane Jr. said he worked with his department chairperson and dean to return to the plant systematics classroom virtually. He is getting help from a colleague for the in-person aspects of the lab-heavy course.

Basically, what I plan to do is to meet over Zoom for an extended period on Tuesdays, he said in an interview, for the lecture portion of the class. Students will then gather for a shortened lab period on Thursdays where the colleague, with expertise in plant anatomy and diversity, will guide them through the materials that Ive left out.

A UNI spokesman released a statement announcing the change.

After listening to the concerns and working closely with all parties involved, the University of Northern Iowa has reached an agreement with a faculty member to continue teaching his course, the statement said.

Board (of Regents) and university policy has not changed and masks will not be mandated in the class. Biology Professor Steve OKane will instead teach his Plant Systematics course and lab online. Another high-qualified professor will handle other classroom duties.

The Board of Regents in May lifted indoor mask requirements on campuses of Iowas public universities.

UNI continues to support the rights of all our faculty, staff and students and is pleased to have reached a resolution that protects all of those involved, the statement said.

OKane was removed from the in-person class last week for imposing a mask mandate and threatening to lower grades for violators to mitigate the potential for exposure to COVID-19. He had also introduced a resolution to the UNI Faculty Senate which would have endorsed actions of individual professors to protect the health of those in their classrooms, like requiring masks, even if not allowed by state law or regents guidance. It was not approved.

The people that this impacts the strongest are my students, OKane said, explaining why he was willing to teach under the new arrangement. Theyre the ones that arent getting what they signed up for. It just isnt fair.

Still, he said, I think the proper word here is its acceptable, when it comes to the hybrid approach of continuing the class. Thats not me. Im the kind of guy, Im going to give these students the very best that Im capable of.

Since being removed from the class, OKane said he has received support from many UNI colleagues and hundreds of faculty from across the nation. This situation is striking a nerve throughout the country, he said.

Without requiring masks for indoor settings, he emphasized that UNI is falling short of safeguarding the health and safety of everybody at the university. They are doing everything they can while still obeying the policy put forth by the Board of Regents, he said.

OKane believes the regents are not allowing mask requirements to mollify Gov. Kim Reynolds and Republicans who hold majorities in both chambers of the Legislature since theres no state law forbidding mandates at the universities. The Board of Regents should not be playing with peoples lives.

Josh Lehman, senior communications director for the regents, said in a statement that the boards guiding principle this fall has been to give students a return to as much of a traditional educational experience and student life activities as possible.

He added, The Board and our public universities have been very clear that we support the COVID-19 vaccines and will continue to strongly encourage all our faculty, staff and students to receive it. They are widely available, including on our campuses, and we will continue to stress the importance of being fully vaccinated. We want as many people to get vaccinated as soon as possible, as vaccines are by far the best protection against COVID.

Lehman noted that the regents strongly encourage people to wear a mask or other face covering while on campus.

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If the Facebook policies and practices described by Iowa City native Frances Haugen are true, the social media companys actions are immoral and unethical, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said Wednesday.

Its pretty discouraging to see that people would take action for profit that harms young people and teenagers, the Iowa Republican said during a call with Iowa news reporters.

Grassley is not a member of the Senate Commerce Committee panel that heard from Haugen, a former Facebook program manager, who, in media accounts and in her testimony Tuesday, accused the company of knowingly pushing products that harm children and young adults in pursuit of profits.

Haugen, an Iowa City West High School graduate who worked as a data scientist at Facebook, also told senators Facebook spreads misinformation, but refuses to make changes that would harm profits.

Based on the snippets hes heard from media reports, Grassley said, Haugens testimony gives credibility to his statements in recent years that Facebook and other so-called Big Tech companies are monopolies.

They are  well, in this case, Facebook, but I use a sweeping statement to cover a lot of platforms  monopolies, he said. Theyre protected from lawsuits, so they figure they got a license to do anything they want to.

The protections Congress has provided tech companies, including Section 230, which some members want to reform or rescind, were given when all these platforms were just young, budding businesses and Google and Facebook and Twitter, Instagram, those werent even in our vocabulary, Grassley said.

Weve got to take another look at that section of it, but this is just simply immoral and unethical that they will set up an environment that hurts kids, he added.

Previous efforts to pass new regulations on social media have failed. However, senators indicated the new revelations about Facebook show its time to take action.

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DES MOINES  Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said Wednesday she came away with a new insight into troubling immigration issues after touring the Texas-Mexico border, and she wishes President Joe Biden would do the same.

It gave me a better understanding of what theyre dealing with and why it really is important that, if this president doesnt act, then were all going to have to step up and do something about it, Reynolds told Iowa reporters in a teleconference from McAllen, Texas.

Reynolds joined nine other Republican governors at the border to criticize Democratic President Joe Bidens handling of immigration issues.

The governors called on Biden to take a number of actions, including building a border wall supported by former Republican President Donald Trump, requiring those seeking asylum to remain in Mexico instead of being allowed into the United States and prohibiting the entry of anyone who potentially poses a health risk.

They were joined in their criticism of the Biden administration by 10 Republican U.S. senators  including Iowas Chuck Grassley and Joni Ernst  who held a Capitol Hill press conference in Washington, D.C., to speak about immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border.

The coordinated push to highlight what Republicans call a crisis at the border wasnt lost on Democrats.

Lets call Gov. Reynolds trip to the border what it is: nothing more than a political stunt and a distraction from her failed leadership, said Iowa Democratic Party Chair Ross Wilburn, a state representative from Ames.

Democratic National Committee spokesperson Adonna Biel said the governors are the same ones who stood idly by as Donald Trump spent four years destroying our immigration system and spreading vile, xenophobic rhetoric and said the event was just to further their own political aspirations.

Both Iowa GOP U.S. senators came to Reynolds aid Wednesday.

Ernst called the dire border situation a humanitarian crisis of epic proportion with no sign of improving as U.S. Customs and Border Protection projects over 2.3 million individuals will attempt to enter the country this year.

Folks, these numbers are staggering, the Red Oak Republican told Iowa reporters, noting that border enforcement officers are overwhelmed and the Biden administration is woefully unprepared to handle it.

Grassley defended Reynolds Texas trip, telling reporters because the federal governments not doing its job, there is cost to all 50 states. Theres no way I could quantify it, but also when theyre having 60% of their workforce, in a sense babysitting or maybe not just with babies but with adults and everything, then they dont have enough to stop drugs from coming into the country. And you know, the problems we have with drugs in Iowa and the other 49 states.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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WATERLOO  Put on a few pounds during the last year and a half? Youre not alone. So did Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, he confessed to a few hundred people gathered in downtown Waterloo on Wednesday.

And if those pounds put you into the obese category, like 36.5% of Iowans were in 2020, youre also at higher risk of serious illness or death from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Gregg noted.

But you can take control of that, he told the crowd at the RiverLoop Expo Plaza. You can eat more fruits and vegetables. You can be more active. You can get a little less screen time. All of those things are things that are within your control, and todays an opportunity to highlight that and its an opportunity to take those first steps  quite literally  as we walk through this community.

Gregg was on hand to walk with Waterloo Mayor Quentin Hart for the 11th annual Walk Waterloo, which this year merged with the nonpartisan Iowa Healthiest State Initiative to encourage outdoor walking.

Waterloo was named one of three 2021 Healthy Hometowns by the state initiative; Waverly was another.

Walking is the easiest, most affordable and accessible form of physical activity for most Iowans, and it has many physical and mental health benefits, Hart said.

Hundreds of Irving Elementary School students  twice named a Healthiest State School award winner  as well as dozens of residents tagged along with Gregg and Hart for a walking tour of downtown.

Over the past 18 months, I think weve all realized just how important social connections are, Hart said, noting walking helps strengthen those bonds. The more we walk, the more we know about where we live and the people we meet and share our neighborhood with, and that is why walking communities are vibrant communities.

Jeff Russell, Healthiest State Initiative board president and Delta Dental Iowa president and CEO, said walks were taking place Wednesday in each of Iowas 99 counties. More than 300,000 Iowans were expected to take part.

After today, make sure to keep it up. Grab a buddy, grab a neighbor, grab a coworker. Make sure you take a walk, Russell said.

Three walks, each about a mile and a half, were advertised for participants, who had the option of walking Wednesday or anytime through the month of October, designated by the governor as Healthiest State Month since 2018. The Healthiest State Initiative was founded in 2011.

In 2011, the goal was set to make Iowa the healthiest state in the nation, and we havent achieved that goal quite yet, but were working on it, Gregg said. Today is as good a day as any to start that process.

Hart took Gregg and dozens of others through a Veterans Way walking tour of downtown Waterloo, discussing projects along the Cedar River and progress renovating the citys downtown.

Hart was installed on the Healthiest State Initiatives board of directors in September.

Were all caught up every day in the hustle and bustle of work and going here and there, but walking gives you an opportunity to center yourself and to think and to learn about your community, Hart said.

Walk Waterloo was sponsored by Waterloo Leisure Services, Healthy H2Loo, Main Street Waterloo, the Waterloo Center for the Arts, the Waterloo Public Library, INRCOG and Irving Elementary School.

This story was updated Oct. 7 to correct that the governor has only proclaimed October as Healthiest State Month since 2018, not 2011. The Healthiest State Initiative was founded in 2011.

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FINKENAUER FUNDRAISING: The campaign for Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Abby Finkenauer said it raised more than $1 million during the most recent three-month federal reporting period, Finkenauers first of the campaign.

Finkenauer is running for the right to face longtime Republican incumbent U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, who first faces a Republican primary. Other Democrats in the race include Dave Muhlbauer and Glenn Hurst.

The Finkenauer campaign said her $1 million-plus haul is the largest non-election year fundraising quarter ever for a candidate challenging Grassley, and that donors ranged from all 99 Iowa counties.

Together, were going to send a message to Washington, D.C., and those at the top that Iowa doesnt quit, Finkenauer said in a news release. We are building a campaign that Sen. Grassley has never seen before.  We are not backing down and we will and must win.

HINSON FUNDRAISER: The campaign for U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, the first-term Republican in eastern Iowas 1st Congressional District, said it raised more than $1 million during the most recent three-month federal reporting period.

Hinson has announced her bid for re-election next year.

Im overwhelmed and incredibly grateful for the continued support for our campaign, Hinson said through a campaign spokesperson. Our efforts are powered by Iowans who value freedom and opportunity, and it is abundantly clear that Iowans are sick of higher taxes, more government, and out-of-touch, socialist policies under Speaker Pelosi and the Biden Administration.

FEENSTRA FUNDRAISING: The campaign for U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, the Republican who represents western Iowas 4th Congressional District, said it raised more than $320,000 during the most recent three-month federal reporting period.

Feenstras campaign said it ends the period with more than $630,000 in its account.

I promised to deliver conservative results in Congress and thats exactly what Im doing, Feenstra said in a campaign news release. The outpouring of support we continue to receive proves that Iowans want a proven conservative leader that delivers for our families, farmers and main streets.

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DES MOINES  Sen. Joni Ernst has proposed federal legislation calling for the deportation of individuals seeking to enter the United States who have been convicted of violent sexual crimes.

Under federal immigration law, anyone seeking entry into the U.S. already may be barred or deported if they have been convicted of an aggravated felony in another country. Ernst says federal law should be more specific.

Speaking to Iowa reporters Wednesday, the Red Oak Republican said the U.S. immigration system is strained to its limits, which has made it difficult to properly vet people entering the country.

While Democrats and Republicans disagree over many policy areas, she hoped consensus could be developed to make sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence a disqualifying act for entry.

Ernst said her proposal gives law enforcement the ability to deport those who have been convicted of sexual violent crimes or sexual assault and who are trying to immigrate.

Its not in law right now, she said during a teleconference. Right now, the current laws on the books dont effectively target those who have been convicted of sexual assault and sexual violence. We desperately need to update these laws to make sure we block sexual predators from immigrating to the U.S.

Specifically, she said, it would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 to include sexual assault and other forms of aggravated sexual violence as a disqualifying crime for foreign applicants for residence in the United States, and deportable for noncitizen resident immigrants.

Currently, Ernst has 11 Republican co-sponsors for the bill and is hoping to attract bipartisan support.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, one of the co-sponsors, said the act would explicitly add sexual assault and aggravated sexual violence to the definition of aggravated felony in the Immigration and Nationality Act. Under the act, individuals who commit aggravated felonies are deportable from the U.S. and subject to expedited removal.

We should not allow sexual predators into our country. Plain and simple. This common-sense legislation will provide additional federal protections to help keep predators off our streets.

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Andrew Lloyd Webber hated the 'Cats' film so much - he had to buy a therapy dog to get over it.

The 73-year-old theatre mogul, who penned the original 1981 musical, has been vocal about his distaste for the widely-derided 2019 movie.

And he's now branded the flick - which starred the likes of James Corden, Taylor Swift, Idris Elba, Jason Derulo, and Dame Judi Dench - "off-the-scale all wrong" and revealed he went out and bought a Havanese puppy to help him deal with the shocking movie adaptation of his beloved Tony Award-winning stage show.

In an interview with Variety, he said: "'Cats' was off-the-scale all wrong.

"There wasn't really any understanding of why the music ticked at all. I saw it and I just thought, 'Oh, God, no.' It was the first time in my 70-odd years on this planet that I went out and bought a dog. So the one good thing to come out of it is my little Havanese puppy."

Webber quipped that he requested to have the pooch with him at work because he was so "emotionally damaged" after seeing the motion picture.

He said: "I wrote off and said I needed him with me at all times because I'm emotionally damaged and I must have this therapy dog.

"The airline wrote back and said, 'Can you prove that you really need him?' And I said 'Yes, just see what Hollywood did to my musical 'Cats'. Then the approval came back with a note saying, 'No doctor's report required.'"

Webber previously hit out at the director for not consulting anyone who was "involved" with the stage show when creating the silver screen adaptation.

He fumed: "The problem with the film was that Tom Hooper decided, as he had with 'Les Mis', that he didn't want anybody involved in it who was involved in the original show ... The whole thing was ridiculous."

And it wasn't the first time Andrew had levelled criticism towards the movie as he previously took a swipe at Corden's "unfunny" depiction of Bustopher Jones in the film.

During a YouTube live commentary of a 1998 film version of the stage show, Andrew said: "Bustopher without interruption, as I wrote it. Do not be beguiled by other versions.

"Other versions with unfunny interpolations which I begged to be cut out. I did manage to get the worst of them removed. I cannot tell you how absolutely un-Eliot it all was in this song... He certainly didn't hang around on a seesaw."

He did not mention Corden by name but hinted that he was referring to the 'Gavin and Stacey' star.

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AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

En espanol

The U.S. Senate passed a short-term bill late on Oct. 7 to keep the government from defaulting on its debt, which would put Social Security and Medicare benefits at risk for millions of older Americans. The House of Representatives is expected to pass a similar measure to raise the debt ceiling until early December.

The day before the Senate acted, AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins sent a letter to legislative leaders urging them to resolve the debt ceiling issue.

"Millions of older Americans rely every day on their Social Security and Medicare benefits and deserve reassurance that the benefits they have worked over a lifetime to earn are secure," Jenkins says in the letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. "AARP urges you to reach a quick resolution to the debt ceiling issue without putting at risk the Social Security and Medicare benefits that older Americans have earned and need."



Jenkins was among a group of business and institution leaders who met virtually or in person Oct. 6 with President Joe Biden and administration officials to shine a spotlight on the urgency of raising the debt ceiling.
It is a matter of life and death on the streets of Americas cities, says Phil Keisling, a former Oregon secretary of state who has studied voter turnout in local elections and advocates for greater ballot access. Your child who is a minority may get pulled over for driving with an expired license and may well end up dead because of policies of the mayor and police force. Your chance to own a home may never be above zero percent because of certain policies in your city.

Up close and personal

In Burnsville, Minnesota, a city of about 62,000 people, Mayor Elizabeth Kautz, 74, sees her job as being available to constituents even when she is supposedly on her own time.

When you go to the grocery store, stand in line at the coffee shop or eat at a restaurant, people say, Mayor, Ive got this pothole on my street. What are you going to do about it?  Kautz says. In the early days of her mayorship, my husband and sons would say, Were taking two cars to church, so that I could stay and talk to everybody and answer their questions.

Sometimes being mayor is as much about letting people know what youre not responsible for as what you are. People feel like they can ask their mayors for anything, says Tom Cochran, CEO and executive director of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. If their Social Security check isnt coming, that has nothing to do with a mayor. They still say, Mister mayor, can you help me with this? 

It is not unusual for Albany, New York, Mayor Kathy Sheehan to get complaints about school taxes even though, like most mayors, she doesnt have control over the local school system. Most cities in the United States have separately elected school boards. It is frustrating. We have a school system that really struggles, she says. Our high school graduation rate is, to me, just indefensibly low. So when it comes to the school system or other programs, like social services or Medicaid, that the county, state or federal governments control, Sheehan turns into an advocate for her citys residents.

Dismal election turnouts

Despite their importance, turnout for mayoral elections held in off-off years like 2021 is a small fraction of the ballots cast in midterm and presidential elections. Keisling and his team at Portland State University found that between 2011 and 2015, the turnout of eligible voters for elections in 10 of Americas 30 largest cities was less than 15 percent. His project also found that, as in presidential elections, more older voters go to the polls. His data showed that city residents age 65-plus were 15 times more likely to cast a ballot than those between 18 and 34.

The day after New York Citys mayoral primary, Eric Adams, who is expected to go on to win the general election in November, said: Social media does not pick a candidate. People on Social Security pick a candidate.

Local elections are where the rubber really hits the road, says Nancy LeaMond, AARP executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer. Thats why its important for older Americans to participate in local elections  and why so many of them do.

Sheehan believes turnout goes up when people are angry about how they are being governed. If people are really unhappy and trying to get you out of office, they come out, she says. They also turn out, she adds, to support someone they strongly believe in. But she agrees that turnout is usually too low.

Keisling says that making it easier to vote  especially automatically sending ballots to homes  is one way to increase turnout. So is enlisting help from faithful voters. Theres a moral obligation for us to make it clear why it matters so much, Keisling says. Thats true, he notes, even if we dont agree on the issues.

Dena Bunis covers Medicare, health care, health policy and Congress. She also writes the Medicare Made Easy column for the AARP Bulletin. An award-winning journalist, Bunis spent decades working for metropolitan daily newspapers, including as Washington bureau chief for the Orange County Register and as a health policy and workplace writer for Newsday.
Just a few months ago, the possibility of a summer tourism revival for Italy appeared remote. COVID-19 hit here particularly hard, beginning in March 2020, when the country went into a national lockdown. From a tourism perspective, that meant that for more than a year, the great cities of Rome, Florence and Venice  along with the rest of this beautiful country  remained essentially off-limits to most Americans (whove faced their own trials with COVID-19, of course).

Nearly 88 percent fewer Americans visited Italy in 2020 than in 2019, when the country received 5.6 million arrivals from the U.S., according to the Italian government.

But now, as the number of Italian COVID-19 cases has fallen dramatically, Italy has emerged from its most recent lockdown and is welcoming U.S. leisure travelers for the first time since the pandemic began. As of June 21, Americans are allowed to visit without a 10-day quarantine, provided they can show that they are fully vaccinated, recently tested negative for COVID-19, or recently recovered from COVID-19 (see details below).

Thats a big change: Before June 21, travelers from the U.S. needed to show that their visits were essential, book special quarantine-free flights requiring a few rounds of COVID-19 testing, or leap complicated bureaucratic hurdles to enter the country.

What its like to visit now

Italian life is gradually returning to normal, as restaurants are again permitted to serve meals inside and out, cafes can offer up cappuccinos at inside counters, curfews are dropped, and almost everything else is open again. Boutiques and outdoor markets are back in business, and Italians are already escaping to the countrys many beaches to beat the heat. Since June 28, the Italian government has placed all of the countrys 20 regions in the white zone, or low-risk, category  which means they have recorded fewer than 50 COVID-19 cases per 100,000 inhabitants for three consecutive weeks.

But with the restrictions lifted so recently, there are still far fewer tourists than youd see in a normal summer season.

In early June, I visited Rome from my home in Venice, and found the city much quieter than usual. At the typically buzzing Piazza Navona, the historic public square built on the site of an ancient Roman amphitheater, only a handful of people were milling about. (They wore masks, as was the rule a few weeks ago, but face coverings are no longer required outdoors unless social distancing isnt possible.)


High-grade Extensions at Gorno

Perth, Oct 7, 2021 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Alta Zinc Limited ( ASX:AZI ) ( FRA:8EE ) is pleased to announce high-grade drill intercepts and channel samples from a newly identified target area located 320m north of the high-grade Pian Bracca corridor, also high-grade drill intersections from the Ponente area. All results are from areas inside the Company's Exploration Target area(s), but significantly outside of the recently announced Mineral Resource estimate.The drilling, 320m to the north of the Pian Bracca corridor, targeted an area identified by its similar structural geology and is adjacent to a geophysical anomaly outlined by an earlier surface Induced Polarisation (IP) program. Multiple intervals of the distinctive and high-grade Pian Bracca style mineralisation were intersected confirming that this style of mineralisation is far more widespread than previously seen. The results serve to endorse Alta's systematic exploration process which is now delivering new zones of mineralisation within the highly-prospective Gorno Project area.At Ponente, drilling intersected mineralisation both 100m east and west of the Mineral Resource estimate, and confirmed up to 5m of increased thickness of zinc sulphide mineralisation in the centre of the zone.Geraint Harris, MD of Alta Zinc commented:"We are very pleased that our recent drilling is already delivering results that support our Exploration Target assessment and we are expanding the known mineralisation outside of our JORC Mineral Resource area. We believe in this way Gorno will grow to be recognised as a Tier 1 base-metals asset".Pian Bracca Style MineralisationThe high-grade mineralisation intersected in drill hole POD45 is associated with low angle thrust faults and is identical in style to that typically seen in the high-grade Pian Bracca corridor which lies 320m to the south.This is the first time that drilling has intersected Pian Bracca style mineralisation outside of that well-defined corridor and presents the opportunity to find this 'high-grade' mineralisation style in other areas or the Gorno Project.The mineralisation is visible in both the sidewall of a previously unmapped development heading and in POD45 which was drilled alongside, indicating a combined total thickness of 4.7m (Figure 1). POD45 is located west of the IP geophysical anomaly (Figure 2*), and the area can be drilled from underground once access is established to the Malanotte area via a pre-existing portal from surface.Ponente AreaDrilling at Ponente intersected mineralisation outside of the Mineral Resource estimate area. Holes POD32, 34 and 41 extend the mineralisation 100m both to the east and west and POD44 intersected 4.9m at 8.6% Zn+Pb increasing the thickness of the known mineralisation.Drill hole POD39 extends the mineralisation south into an area where historical drilling returned a number of intersections of high-grade mineralisation. The potential extension of this mineralisation down-dip towards the Zorzone area can be drill tested from existing development.All new drilling and channel sampling tested areas outside of the current Mineral Resource estimate and has intersected mineralisation which adds support for the Exploration Target Areas 10 and 11. (Figure 4*).The Company will now pause drilling to undertake a full reconnaissance in preparation to step-out the exploration campaign into the vicinity of accessible historical development. This involves laser survey and geological mapping to further refine the structural understanding of the area and channel sampling of any new mineralisation discovered. This low-cost exploration methodology has been used as a pre-cursor to both the Pian Bracca and Ponente drill campaigns with great success. The work is also intended to provide JORC compliant channel samples for future Mineral Resource assessment and assay data generated will be announced as it becomes available.Highlighted mineral intervals, aggregated mineral widths, drill locations and drill results are listed in Tables 1 to 3. The selection criterion for Table 1* is where grade is greater than 0.5% Zn and the interval contains a maximum of two consecutive samples with grades less than or equal to 0.5% Zn. In Ponente and Pian Bracca South the orientation of the mineralisation is thought to be generally dipping to the south-east at approximately 5-10 degrees, with slight undulation caused by mineralised structures. Some intersections may be biased and true width for these intersections will be confirmed once collar surveys, hole deviation surveys and geological modelling is finalised. Sections provided in the text show reasonably accurate depictions of the attitude of the mineralised horizons, and the angles of drill hole intercepts.*To view tables and figures, please visit:About Alta Zinc Limited

Alta Zinc Limited (ASX:AZI) (FRA:8EE) is an emerging ASX-listed exploration and development company focused on unlocking dormant value at the Gorno Project. Gorno is an historic high-grade zinc mine in industrialised Northern Italy, proximal to smelters and key infrastructure and with a track record of producing high quality clean concentrates to European Smelters.

Drilling of known brownfields high-grade targets is underway and aims to strengthen the current Resource inventory. Subsequent project development will leverage off the existing underground infrastructure, simple metallurgy and advanced technical studies to de-risk a future feasibility study. The Company also has a portfolio of other mineral exploration projects in northern Italy and Australia.
Eugenio Derbez knew he had to be the one to make a change in what was being put out on TV.

Growing up with shows like Gilligans Island, The Love Boat and The Beverly Hillbillies, the Mexican actor wanted to bring part of his life to the TV screen.

Enter Acapulco.

The Apple TV+ series premieres Friday, Oct. 8.

The comedy series follows 20-something Maximo Gallardo, played by Enrique Arrizon, whose dream comes true when he gets the job of a lifetime as a cabana boy at Las Colinas, the hottest resort in Acapulco. However, he soon realizes that the position is far more complicated than he ever imagined and that to succeed, he must learn to navigate a demanding clientele, a mercurial mentor and a complicated home life, all while avoiding shortcuts and temptations.

Derbez says the authentically Mexican, feel-good story, which is told in both Spanish and English, takes place in Acapulco during its heyday, in 1984. Derbez narrates and plays the present-day version of the main character, Gallardo, who is now a billionaire living in Malibu, California.

As the older Gallardo unfurls the story of his youth to his nephew, Hugo, played by Raphael Alejandro, it serves as a cautionary tale for the young boy as he learns of the difficult choices and decisions Gallardo made, many of which still haunt him today, despite all of his outward signs of success.

Fueling Gallardos ambition to succeed is his pure-hearted determination to carve out a better life for himself and his family. With his father having passed away, he is protective of his sister, Sara, played by Regina Reynoso, and his hardworking mother, Nora, played by Vanessa Bauche.

Noras eyesight is starting to fail, and Gallardo wants to ensure they can afford the medical care she desperately needs.

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Working alongside Maximo at Las Colinas are his best friend, Memo, played by Fernando Carsa, relegated to working in the laundry room alongside housekeeper Lupe, played by Regina Orozco; Gallardos crush, Julia, is played by Camila Perez, an aspiring fashion designer employed on the front desk who is dating the hotels general manager, Chad, played by Chord Overstreet; the hotels CEO and owner, and Chads mother, Diane, played by Jessica Collins; Las Colinas long-serving head of operations and Gallardos mentor, Don Pablo, played by Damian Alcazar; and lead cabana boy Hector, played by Rafael Cebrian.

Arrizon was excited to be able to play the younger Gallardo.

It was a great opportunity to be chosen by (Eugenio), and its a dream come true, Arrizon says. It was hard for me to adjust, but that was the character for me. I went to Puerto Vallarta not knowing that this was going to be a really huge production. When I got there, the atmosphere was amazing. Did you know that they changed the color of the entire hotel, just to make it more 1980s? They really paid attention to the details.

Arrizon also got a chance to travel to the 1980s while on set.

I wasnt born until a decade later, he says with a laugh. I had long chats with my mother, father and grandparents about how Acapulco was in those days.

Derbez says he wants the audience to have fun with the show.

It was important for him to show the other side of Mexico, his home country.

In the 80s, Acapulco was famous for being the hottest spot for the entire world, Derbez says. People from all over the world went there  royalty, politicians, Hollywood stars. It was the place to be in the 80s. There were many stories of the wild parties that were there. I wanted the series to be fun but also have some heart. Its a series that reunites all the family, and they can watch it together. Its a story full of values of love, friendship, romance and self-reflection. People are going to like it.

Now streaming

The bilingual comedy Acapulco is streaming on Apple TV+ beginning Friday, Oct. 8.
Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

SANTA FE  Hospitals in New Mexico remain under about as much stress as ever, health officials said Wednesday, as the late-summer COVID-19 surge fails to recede.

And acting Health Secretary David Scrase warned that steps to fight the virus  such as booster vaccines and indoor mask mandates  may be necessary for years.

The trouble is the virus is fighting us. It mutates. It evades treatments or vaccines over time, he said. We have to keep up the fight.

In a public briefing, Scrase said the state is now weighing whether to invoke crisis standards of care and allow hospitals to ration care. Officials are also evaluating potential changes to the public health order set to expire Oct. 15, or whether to simply extend the requirements now in place

Our hospital personnel are incredibly exhausted, discouraged and frustrated frankly that theyre now managing a pandemic, working extra shifts and endangering their own health for what has become a preventable illness, said Scrase, a physician who also leads Human Services Department.

To help fight new infections, New Mexico is opening up Pfizer booster doses earlier than expected to a broader pool of people  adults who work in high-risk settings or have underlying health risks. The initial booster priorities were adults 65 and over, residents of nursing homes and people 50 and older with certain medical conditions.

Only people who received Pfizer shots at least six months ago are eligible.

The public health order set to expire next week imposes an indoor mask mandate for public spaces. But Scrase gave no indication the mandate will be lifted in a revised order.

In fact, he said, the most effective way to fight the pandemic remains to encourage New Mexicans to get vaccinated and wear masks indoors. It isnt clear, he said, how effective additional mandates would be.

The number of new COVID-19 infections  fueled by the highly contagious delta variant  has remained flat, Scrase said, not fading as hoped.

The unrelenting plateau, he said, has left hospitals caring for patients in hallways and taking other steps to manage the high case load.

Even though infections are much lower now than at the peak last winter, hospitals are under roughly as much stress as ever, Scrase said, because of a shortage of health care providers and an increase in the number of patients seeking care for other conditions, often after complications caused by delaying health care earlier in the pandemic.

This is really a serious problem  a serious crisis, he said.

As for the long-term outlook, Scrase said the nation and world will have to determine what pandemic measures  vaccine and mask mandates, among them  theyre willing to live with for years and which arent sustainable.

Deputy Health Secretary Laura Parajon said the state continues to fight the spread with its expansion of vaccines.

It has opened up a new vaccine site for people without homes.

And it is now offering the Pfizer booster doses to people 18 and older with underlying conditions or who work in high-risk settings, such as health care, education and law enforcement.

Visit vaccineNM.org to learn more and check eligibility.

Parajon, a physician, said federal regulators are set to meet in about a week as part of longer process to evaluate whether to authorize boosters for people who got Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

Children age 5 to 11, meanwhile, should be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine for the first time by late this month or early November, she said, and the state will encourage parents to vaccinate their kids.

Its understandable for parents when theres a new vaccine to be hesitant, Parajon said, but what weve seen is that its very effective.

New Mexico on Wednesday reported 838 new coronavirus cases, 10 more COVID-19 deaths and 336 patients hospitalized with the disease.

The death toll stands at 4,840 residents.

The share of adults in New Mexico who are fully vaccinated inched up to 71.1%.

Scrase said the plateau in new infections  despite the high vaccination rate  may be due to the effectiveness of vaccines starting to wane for people who got the shot six to 11 months ago.

The more contagious nature of the delta variant, he said, is also a factor.

The stress of the pandemic lasting so long, Scrase said, is prompting some doctors and other providers to leave the profession or retire, adding to the pressure on hospitals.
Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

Voters in Southeast Albuquerque next month will pick a fresh-faced political newcomer to represent them on the

City Council.

Don Harris, a four-term Republican who has represented the district since 2005, isnt seeking reelection in District 9. Two registered Democrats and a Republican  none of whom have ever held public office  have emerged as contenders for the seat, which represents east Albuquerque from Menaul and Eubank, south to Kirtland Air Force base, and east of Tramway.

Though city races are nonpartisan, Harris is one of three Republicans on the nine-seat panel.

The election is Nov. 2. If neither candidate earns more than 50% of the vote, then the top two vote getters will face each other in a runoff.

Rob Grilley Jr.

Grilley, 37, said a drive down Route 66 in the district displays why hes running.

That stretch of Central could be a gem that welcomes travelers to the city, he said. Instead, many of the businesses in the shopping centers along the iconic street are vacant.

District 9 is where Route 66 comes into Albuquerque  and what are the first things that you see? A motel with cops parked in the front of it and a park that isnt being taken care of, he said. Im not saying we need a giant Las Vegas-style neon sign or something like that, but I want to try and restore some pride in our community.

A native of Connecticut, Grilley has lived in Albuquerque for about 10 years.

I had a lot of good volunteers that were helping me out. But I think I, myself, knocked on over 1,200 doors, said Grilley, who has experience working on campaigns for City Councilor Pat Davis and current Interior Secretary Deb Haaland.

Grilley is the board president for Common Bond New Mexico, which advocates for LGBTQ youth, and he worked as an aide during the most-recent legislative session. His husband is a scientist at Sandia National Laboratories and they live in the Juan Tabo Hills neighborhood.

A registered Democrat, Grilley said he wants to increase funding for Albuquerque police and boost officer pay. He said he doesnt agree with calls to defund police.

But Grilley said he was also troubled by the Crime Matters More campaign by the Albuquerque Police Officers Association, which Grilley said seemed like a response to the Black Lives Matter movement.

All its done is just stir the pot and make lots more people angry, Grilley said. It makes it harder for me to try to say, I dont want to defund the police. I do want to have accountability in our department, but we need to support our officers.'

Renee Grout

Grout, 60, has lived in the Four Hills neighborhood since she was 16  so shes a 43-year resident of the district.

She said shes running to address two issues  crime and homelessness.

The Republican first-time candidate said she would do so by advocating for strict enforcement of all laws, including arresting homeless people for minor infractions like drug possession, loitering, panhandling and vagrancy.

I love this city, I was born and raised here. Ive raised children here. We have grandchildren here. And I dont like the crime and the homelessness that are plaguing it, she said. If you make the city environment good or ripe for homeless people, they are going to come. Because they are not held accountable. They can live their lifestyle the way they want to because we are allowing that. We need to stop that.

Grout suggested that the city should renegotiate settlements the city has reached with the Department of Justice or as part of a lawsuit over jail conditions, both of which have led to years long reform efforts within Albuquerque police.

Little crimes become big crimes, she said. If Im getting away with shoplifting, Im going to move on to something bigger, period. It needs to be addressed.

Grout and her husband are co-owners of the The Auto Clinic, which they purchased from Grouts parents in 1989. Grout said she and her husband are active in their church, Hope in Christ Church. She is also a member of the National Rifle Association and the Music Guild of New Mexico.

She said she typically supports Republican candidates, including former President Donald Trump.

Ive got lots of friends, and Ive lived in this area forever, she said. We walked and knocked on doors, and we worked hard to earn support.

Byron Powdrell

Powdrell, 54, is making another bid.

After challenging Harris unsuccessfully four years ago, Powdrell is making another attempt to represent the district.

Powdrell, a Democrat, is general manager of a low-power radio station he operates out of his home in the Eastridge neighborhood. He said his uncle worked in the radio business, and since he was a child his dream was to own a station.

Powdrell said he gained experience serving as co-chair of a community policing council for Albuquerque polices Foothills Area Command. Those councils were created as part of a settlement between the city and the DOJ, which aimed to correct patterns of police misconduct, including shootings.

They aim to improve relationships and understanding between police and the public. And Powdrell said he gained insight into the job of a police officer and the challenges they are facing, which will serve him if elected to the city council.

He said as a councilor he would advocate for more investment into Head Start programs because he thinks early childhood education can ultimately reduce crime.

Kids have to have structure by the time theyre 5 years old, he said. When a kid starts playing cops and robbers, hopefully their structures are in place by that time.

Court records show that Powdrell was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence seven times between 1989 and 1994. Powdrell said the charges were the result of a bad relationship he was in at the time.

He and his current girlfriend have been together for nearly 20 years and are raising four children together.

In my earlier life, things were different. And God forgives me for the things that (I) have done. And the court system did what the court system did, he said, pointing out that he was never convicted of a crime in any of the domestic violence cases. What Ive learned has made me a better person.
Eddy Aragon says he has the fresh eyes to fight crime.

The conservative radio host turned mayoral candidate said he hates what he considers dog-and-pony shows on crime-fighting efforts put on by Mayor Tim Kellers administration. Aragon called the promises to lower crime gimmicky.

Its important for us to understand what the real problems are, I dont know that we do  he said. Im the best option because, essentially, Im going to be there to listen  and make quick decisions.

Unlike his opponents, Mayor Keller and Bernalillo County Sheriff Manuel Gonzales, Aragon has never run a city or a sheriffs department.

He said he has, however, kept a pulse of crime in Albuquerque through news articles, officers who confide in him, his listeners and residents  touting the 700 text messages on his phone.

Aragon said he believes the key to solving Albuquerques crime problem involves taking better care of officers, rebuilding specialized units and offering a more hands-on approach with reform efforts. To do so, he said he would enlist a council of people, mostly retired law enforcement, to inform his decisions on police and crime.

I love everything about Albuquerque, I just hate where were at right now. Way too much finger-pointing, not enough  problem-solving, Aragon said. And I think I could do it in a very short time. I dont believe in force. I believe in flow; we need to change the direction were going in.

The televisions in Aragons studio  where he currently resides  are kept on such networks as One America News Network. Conservative pundit Steve Bannon is often on the screen.

Aragon is an outspoken fan of former President Trump and, where crime is concerned, said he admired the way Rudy Giuliani cracked down on crime as mayor of New York.

At times, Aragon also makes unverifiable claims about controversial topics  one being that attempts to take down the Juan de Onate statue were a complete and total setup to steer the masses. That protest, in June 2020, made national headlines after it ended with a man being shot multiple times. He did not respond when asked to elaborate further.

Aragon also asserts that much of the crime in Albuquerque is tied to cartels, a certain faction of the homeless population and corruption. He said that, as mayor, he would expose those in organized crime who work with city government and cartels to control the streets.

I constantly say Ill either be murdered or Ill become mayor, he said at one point.

Asked to identify the people he says are working with city government and the cartels to control the streets, Aragon declines. I want to at least make it to the election, he said.

Ask for forgiveness, not permission

Aragon said 1,500 officers are needed to patrol the streets of Albuquerque. To reach that number, he said, officers need to feel appreciated. APD currently has about 900 officers.

People need to trust police officers again, we need to get back to re-funding the police  build morale, let them know theyre fully supported, Aragon said.

He said he would immediately reallocate $18 million from unscheduled overtime pay to give officers a bonus, up to $18,000 for some, without increasing taxes. When pressed for details, Aragon said he would make the directive, and work with the department and union to figure

out specifics.

He said he would also pass a no settlement policy on lawsuits to support officers and would forensically audit the department top to bottom to get a picture of what theyre doing day to day and better help them.

I dont know if theyre spending five hours filling out paperwork or five hours out on the street. And the fact is that nobody really knows any of these things, he said, adding that his experience working with a Fortune 500 company would help him with organizational structure.

Aragon said he would also get involved in the Department of Justice reform effort by building a better relationship with the independent monitor and being more combative to advocate for the police officers.

This is something that I will have to deal with, and the only way that I can do that is by picking up the phone and saying, this is unreasonable. This is a bit too much,  he said. You want to ask for forgiveness, never for permission. The thing is, weve given them permission to do absolutely everything.

Regarding the police union, Aragon said he would be in constant communication to get the pulse of officers, but establish healthy boundaries so they arent controlling him.

We need to know who our criminals are

Aragon said the only measure of success in fighting crime is lowering every single category. The answer is not to hide behind national trends, he said.

Aragon said he would employ a multi-faceted approach to fighting crime and doesnt believe in ShotSpotter devices or gun buybacks. He said he would focus on violent crime by staffing special units, particularly the gang unit.

Aragon said he would also have officers assigned to specific neighborhoods, not moving from place to place. I grew up in a place where we always knew who our police officers were. They worked there for 10, 15, 20 years, he said.

Aragon said he would make sure police dispatch is better staffed so people are not waiting for help. He said he would have officers arrest people on misdemeanors to keep track of the build-up of crime that happens over time.

Weve got to do a better job of knowing who our criminals are, Aragon said. He claimed a significant portion of crime in Albuquerque is tied to homeless people, but that he is not trying to criminalize the population.

Aragon said many homeless people need help with drug and mental health issues, and that he would offer that. He said he would target those who choose to be homeless, and exploit others through rape and violence.

Aragon said he thinks the public would feel safer if they were better informed about crime.

If our city was more transparent  and if I were your mayor and I were able to convey what really happened there  people would be less afraid and more willing to say OK, now I know whats happening,  Aragon said. We need to understand the paradigms of the crimes that are out there. That can be communicated more effectively by the mayor, instead of hiding and saying, Well, heres what were improving. 
Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

New Mexico has failed to fulfill a promise made to voters who overwhelmingly approved bail reform in 2016, 2nd Judicial District Attorney Raul Torrez told a civic group Wednesday.

Too often, the result is that violent offenders, particularly those who used a firearm, are released from jail while awaiting trial, Torrez told a breakfast meeting of the Economic Forum.

Torrez is seeking support for legislation that would make it easier for judges to hold people awaiting trial for violent crimes such as murder and criminal sexual penetration.

He contends that judges dont give enough weight to crimes involving firearms.

I actually lose more detention cases when theres a firearm involved than when a firearm is not involved, Torrez said. Its one of the more bizarre aspects of the system that weve created.

As evidence, he offered data  from January 2017 through September 2021  that judges were less likely to grant motions for pretrial detention in cases that involve a firearm. In cases of people charged with a violent crime, judges granted 51.7% of detention motions. But in those violent crime cases involving a firearm, judges granted only 49.3% of motions, Torrez said.

If you are in a community that is being rocked by gun violence, you should weight heavily the presence of a firearm in making a detention decision, Torrez said in an interview after the meeting.

Judicial leaders have fired back at critics, citing research showing that only a small minority of defendants commit crimes while free pending trial. An analysis by the University of New Mexico Institute for Social Research found that of more than 10,000 felony cases in Bernalillo County, 95% of defendants were not arrested for a violent crime while on pretrial release.

New Mexico voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2016 that largely did away with money bail bonds. The old system drew fire because it kept nonviolent offenders in jail because they couldnt afford to post bail.

But Torrez said New Mexico has failed to live up to a key intent of the amendment that gave judges authority to hold defendants awaiting trial if they are deemed a risk to public safety.

Torrezs proposed legislation would create a rebuttable presumption against release in first- and second-degree murder cases, voluntary manslaughter, criminal sexual penetration and certain crimes against children.
Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

More than 4,000 copies of the bilingual childrens book, Charles Reads/Carlos Lee, will get into the hands of first graders around the state, thanks to a partnership between New Mexico owner-operators of McDonalds restaurants and the state Public Education Department.

The initiative, now in its second year, was kicked off Wednesday at the McDonalds restaurant at 1523 4th Street SW, with the books author, Cameron Bourg, reading to about 35 youngsters from nearby Dolores Gonzales Elementary School, and conducting a read-along with the students.

Also present was PED Secretary-designate Kurt Steinhaus.

I came today in support of the PEDs Year of Literacy theme, and because it gives me a chance to say thank you to our teachers, Steinhaus said. They are our heroes. They get up every day, put on their masks, and theyre making education happen in our schools today.

An event like the Wednesday book reading and giveaway is a good way to get books into the hands of kids and get them excited about reading, Steinhaus said. The other thing thats good about this is the book is bilingual, and part of the Year of Literacy is letting children learn in their home language. For some of these children, Spanish is their first language, and for some it is English. So we do both.

Bourg, a special education teacher and literacy tutor, has written a number of childrens books, with the intention of allowing kids to discover the joy of reading by giving them subject matter that they find interesting.

His story, Charles Reads, centers on a young boy who loves to play and dress up like a superhero with a cape and gloves and resists all attempts by family members to sit down with a book and read.

That resistance dissolves when he comes across a book about superheroes:

Then, Charles finds he reads with ease of villains falling to their knees. There are heroes drawn on every page of a book for kids just his age! Charles reads for days and days.

At the end of each of his stories, Bourg offers a tip for parents to stimulate their kids interest and enjoyment for reading.

Kenric Garcia, the owner-operator of the McDonalds where the event was held, said the number of books that will be distributed at schools this year is about twice the number that were handed out during the first year of the initiative, during pandemic free lunch programs.

Garcia said that he and the other owner-operators are small business people who live in the community, send our children to local schools and understand the importance of supporting education and literacy.
HOUSTON  A man accused of fatally shooting his estranged ex-girlfriend, her husband and six children, including his own son, at a Houston home will not face the death penalty, authorities said.

David Conley, 54, was charged with capital murder in the deadly rampage at his former girlfriends home in northwest Harris County on Aug. 8, 2015, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Hes set to stand trial this week in the deaths of Valerie Jackson, 40; her husband, Dwayne Jackson, 50; and her children, Nathaniel, 13, Dewayne, 10, Honesty, 11, Caleb, 9, Trinity, 7, and Jonah, 6. Nathaniel was Conleys son from his relationship with Valerie Jackson, while the Jacksons were the parents of the other five children, authorities said. All of the victims were shot in the head.

Authorities said Conley had a violent criminal history with Valerie Jackson and all six children had been temporarily removed by Child Protective Services from the household in 2013 after allegations of domestic violence and a lack of supervision.

Philip Scardino, an attorney for Conley, argued in 2016 that Conley should not face the death penalty because he may be intellectually disabled, the Chronicle reported. Scardino indicated at the time that his client would undergo psychological testing.

Conleys counsel also referenced U.S. Supreme Court rulings that people with intellectual disabilities couldnt be executed. Conley, however, had also previously faked having issues with his mental health, according to the newspaper.

Conleys trial is being held this week at the Harris County Criminal Court. Because prosecutors are not seeking the death penalty, he would face life without parole if hes convicted by the jury.
BEIJING  In a relationship as fraught as Americas and Chinas, just an agreement that talks were productive was a sign of progress.

Nine months into Joe Bidens presidency, the two sides finally appear to be trying to ease tensions that date from the Trump administration  though U.S. complaints about Chinese policies on trade, Taiwan and other issues are little diminished.

A closed-door meeting in Zurich on Wednesday between senior Chinese foreign policy adviser Yang Jiechi and White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan was not accompanied by the public acrimony on display at earlier meetings.

After the six-hour talks, the U.S. disclosed an agreement in principle for a virtual summit between Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping by the end of the year. The two have talked by phone twice since Biden became president in January but not held a formal meeting.

Major differences divide what are by many measures the worlds two most powerful nations as they jostle for what each sees as its rightful place in the world order. Some differences over regional security and trade and technology may be irreconcilable, but successful talks could manage them and prevent any spillover that impedes cooperation in other areas such as climate change.

I dont think this marks the turnaround and somehow well have a golden era, but maybe weve found the floor, or a floor, in which the relationships wont sink any deeper, said Drew Thompson, a former U.S. defense official who managed military-to-military relations with China, Taiwan and Mongolia.

Thompson, a visiting fellow at the National University of Singapore, said the meeting in Zurich went spectacularly well compared with a March meeting in Alaska that Yang and Sullivan attended and other U.S.-China meetings in the last three years.

Zhao Kejin, a professor of international relations at Tsinghua University in Beijing, described the current direction as an attempt to ease tensions and said a Xi-Biden meeting could cap those efforts.

Compared to the tense relations during the Trump administration, the current relationship is moving toward mitigation, he said. As far as how far it will move, we will wait and see.

One thorn in the relationship was removed two weeks ago when U.S. prosecutors reached a deal with a Chinese telecom executive that brought an end to prolonged extradition proceedings in Canada and allowed her to return to China.

Shortly after, two Canadians held by China for more than two years were released, and two Americans who had been blocked from leaving China were allowed to return to the United States.

And earlier this week, Chinese state media highlighted remarks by Bidens top trade official, Katherine Tai, that she plans frank conversations with her Chinese counterparts on resolving a tariff war. The U.S. administration, though, has not said whether it will accede to Chinese demands to roll back the tariffs, which were levied under former President Donald Trump.

There is little sign of any easing up in regional security, where Chinas territorial and strategic ambitions in the western Pacific are running into pushback from the U.S. military and its allies.

China flew a record number of military planes south of Taiwan over a four-day period in the past week, which the U.S. called risky and destabilizing. The flights came as the U.S. and five other countries carried out joint naval maneuvers with three aircraft carriers northeast of Taiwan. China describes such exercises as a provocation.

The U.S. defense relationship with Taiwan is sensitive, and while the U.S. has no military bases on the island, American special operations forces have been training with the Taiwan military for more than a year, including maritime operations with Marine commandos in recent weeks, U.S. officials said Thursday.

The training, which first surfaced publicly last year, hasnt been officially acknowledged by the Defense Department. But in a statement, Pentagon spokesman John Supple said Thursday that U.S. military support for Taiwan is based on an assessment of Taiwans defense needs and the threat posed by China.

U.S. officials said the number of American special operations forces doing the training has fluctuated over time, but has been very small and recently was about two dozen. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive military operations. The issue came to the forefront on Thursday when it was described in a story by The Wall Street Journal.

Supple said China has stepped up efforts to intimidate and pressure Taiwan and other allies and partners, including increasing military activities conducted in the vicinity of Taiwan, East China Sea, and South China Sea which we believe are destabilizing and increase the risk of miscalculation.

Biden is also under pressure from human rights activists and Republicans to maintain a firm line on China even as his administration seeks cooperation on climate change and on getting North Korea to end its nuclear weapons program.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican and frequent critic, tweeted Wednesday that Biden is dangerously delusional if he thinks he can get a climate deal by playing down great-power competition with China.

Beijing residents were cautious about the future of relations, but some said it is better for the two sides to be talking than not. They blamed a hostile U.S. stance for the state of relations, echoing the position of the Chinese government.

I dont have a good impression of the U.S., said He Taiqin. I feel the country is overbearing and aggressive.

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Associated Press video producer Olivia Zhang contributed to this report.
WASHINGTON  Attorneys for a cybersecurity lawyer charged in a special counsels probe into the Trump-Russia investigation asked federal prosecutors Wednesday to provide more information about the indictment, calling the allegations vague, ill-defined and confusing.

The motion by attorneys for Michael Sussmann previews the lines of attack they intend to use in defending him on a charge of making a false statement to the FBI five years ago.

The case was brought last month by John Durham, the prosecutor tasked with examining the U.S. governments investigation into ties between Russia and Donald Trumps 2016 presidential campaign. Sussmann has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers have attacked the case as driven by politics rather than facts.

Sussmann is accused of lying to the FBI during a September 2016 conversation in which he relayed concerns about potentially suspicious cyber contacts between a Trump Organization server and the server of a Russian bank. The indictment alleges Sussmann told the FBIs then-general counsel, James Baker, that he was not bringing the concerns to the FBI on behalf of any particular client when he was actually representing the Hillary Clinton campaign and a technology executive.

In a motion filed Wednesday, Sussmanns lawyers note that the alleged false statement was unrecorded and that there are no contemporaneous notes about it. Baker, the sole witness, has already disclaimed memory of the statement and has testified in ways that support rather than cut against Sussmanns account, according to Sussmanns lawyers.

Sussmann, they say, has consistently maintained  including in testimony to Congress  that he met with the FBI on behalf of a cyber expert client. His lawyers say he met with Baker to advise the FBI about a forthcoming news media report describing potential cyber contacts between the Trump server and the Russian bank. The FBI ultimately examined the matter, but found no evidence of a communications backchannel.

The motion for whats known in the law as a bill of particulars seeks additional information about the allegations, including the precise words of Sussmanns alleged false statement, the context in which it was made, what part of it was false and why it was material.

While the Indictment in this matter is 27 pages long, the majority of the allegations are not relevant to the crime the Special Counsel has chosen to charge, says the motion from Sussmanns lawyers.

And on that charge, a single alleged false statement, the Indictment plainly fails to provide Mr. Sussmann with the detail and clarity that the law requires and that is essential in enabling Mr. Sussmann to prepare his defense, the lawyers added.

A spokesman for the Justice Department declined to comment Wednesday evening.

Durham, a longtime federal prosecutor who served for years as the U.S. attorney in Connecticut, was tapped in 2019 by Attorney General William Barr to examine any potential misconduct in the federal investigation into potential coordination between Russia and the 2016 Trump campaign. An investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller detailed significant contacts between Russians and Trump associates, but did not allege a criminal conspiracy to tip the outcome of the presidential election.

Barr appointed him last year as a special counsel, giving him extra protection intended to ensure that he could complete his work without being fired in a new administration.

The case against Sussmann is only the second criminal prosecution Durham has brought in roughly two and a half years of work. Last year, he secured a guilty plea from a former FBI lawyer, Kevin Clinesmith, on a charge that he altered a government email. Clinesmith was sentenced to probation.

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Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP
UNITED NATIONS  Days after kicking out seven U.N. officials, Ethiopia accused them without providing evidence Wednesday of inflating the magnitude of humanitarian crisis and taking sides in the war in its Tigray region, while U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pressed the countrys ambassador for documentation of the allegations.

The unexpected exchange came at a Security Council meeting called to discuss the officials expulsion amid what the U.N. sees as an escalating humanitarian catastrophe in the Horn of Africa nation. To some council members, the ejection of the officials  most of them with the U.N.s humanitarian agency  will complicate already difficult aid operations.

Ethiopian Ambassador Taye Atske Selassie laid out newly detailed claims about the officials. He alleged they inflated the number of needy people by 1 million, cheered the Tigrayan forces who are fighting the government, invented a dozen deaths in a camp for displaced people, and helped channel Ethiopian migrants from Saudi Arabia to another African nation for training and preparation to fight with the Tigrayans, among other accusations.

Ethiopia deeply resents this experience, the ambassador said, adding that the government had written to the U.N. about staff conduct in July.

A surprised Guterres responded that he had known nothing of these allegations and that he had twice asked Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to send him details on any concerns about the impartiality of U.N. staffers.

Guterres, who maintains Ethiopia had no right under the U.N. charter to expel the officials, took a rare step for a secretary-general by responding directly in the council chamber. He asked the ambassador to provide any written documents that the government may have about any alleged wrongdoing by any of the seven officials.

It is my duty to defend the honor of the United Nations, Guterres told reporters afterward. He said if such documents are provided, the U.N. will investigate why he wasnt alerted about the matter.

Ethiopia announced the expulsions last Thursday, accusing the U.N. officials of meddling in the countrys internal business.

The countrys foreign ministry later added some more specific claims of grave violations, such as violating security agreements, transferring communications equipment to be used by Tigray forces, spreading misinformation and politicization of humanitarian assistance.

But much of what the ambassador said Wednesday had not been raised publicly before.

The expulsions came as the U.N. was increasingly outspoken about what it calls the Ethiopian governments de facto blockade of the Tigray region, where local forces have been fighting government soldiers and allied troops since November.

The conflict began as a political dispute after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sidelined the Tigrayan regional party that had dominated Ethiopias government for decades. The clash spiraled into a war that has killed thousands of people and a hunger crisis that threatens still more.

Up to 7 million people need food and other aid in Tigray and nearby regions where the fighting has spread, and an estimated 400,000 people are living in famine-like conditions, Guterres said.

The people of Ethiopia are suffering. We have no other interest but to help stop that suffering, he said.

U.N. humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths told The Associated Press last week that only 10% of needed humanitarian supplies have been reaching Tigray in recent weeks,

Five of the officials expelled work with the U.N. humanitarian agency, another is with the U.N. human rights office and the seventh is with UNICEF, the U.N. childrens agency.

The council had taken no action after an emergency closed-door discussion Friday, and divisions came into the open at Wednesdays meeting.

Speaking before the Ethiopian ambassador leveled the new allegations, the U.S. and several European members deplored the expulsions.

It cannot be excused, nor ignored, Irish Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason said.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield called the expulsions reckless, unjustified and an affront to the U.N., its member countries and humanitarian principles.

Asked later about the Ethiopian envoys accusations, she said the U.S. wanted to see the allegations and where theyre coming from, but it raises some concerns that they emerged after the officials were kicked out.

Thomas-Greenfield urged the council to consider passing a resolution to help ensure the U.N. can deliver humanitarian aid in Ethiopia.

If these calls for humanitarian access continue to go unheard, then the Security Council must act, she said.

But representatives for China and Tunisia  the latter speaking for the councils three African members plus St. Vincent and the Grenadines  called for quiet diplomacy.

Indian Ambassador T.S. Tirumurti wanted to de-escalate the situation through engagement and dialogue, and Russian deputy Ambassador Anna Evstigneeva said the council shouldnt overdramatize the developments in what her country views as Ethiopias internal affairs.

The Ethiopian ambassador asked the U.N. to send new staffers to replace those forced to leave, and he said his country wanted to work with the international community.

No one should doubt the Ethiopian tradition of hospitality, he said. What we ask is respect, dignity and honesty.
KYIV, Ukraine  The presidents of Ukraine, Israel and Germany on Wednesday inaugurated a memorial center for the victims of the Babi Yar massacre in Ukraine eight decades after one of the most infamous Nazi mass slaughters of the Holocaust.

Nearly 34,000 Jews were killed within 48 hours in Babi Yar, a ravine in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, when the city was under Nazi occupation in 1941. SS troops carried out the massacre with local collaborators.

Babi Yar is the biggest mass grave of the Holocaust  the most quickly filled mass grave, said Natan Sharansky, the chairman of the supervisory board of the Babi Yar Holocaust memorial center.

Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, Isaac Herzog of Israel and Frank-Walter Steinmeier of Germany attended a ceremony in Kyiv on Wednesday to commemorate the victims of the massacre.

Its hard to breathe at this place  thousands of children took their last breath here, Zelenskyy said. Its hard to stand here  thousands of bullets knocked people down here in Babi Yar. The earth was trembling from the convulsions of people who were still alive and trying to get out.

Herzog began his speech with a prayer for the victims, saying that there was nobody to recite the Yizkor prayer for them.

Commemoration and remembrance are vital for the whole of humanity, against evil, cruelty, and apathy, he said.

For us Germans, there can only be one response: never again! Steinmeier said.

Zelenskyy, Herzog and Steinmeier inaugurated a memorial center, still under construction, dedicated to the stories of Eastern European Jews who were killed and buried in mass graves during the Holocaust. Of the 2.5 million Jews in that region, 1.5 million died in Ukraine alone.

On Wednesday, the Babi Yar Holocaust memorial center revealed the initial 159 names of hundreds of Nazi troops who took part in the Babi Yar massacre on Sept. 29-30, 1941, when 33,771 Jews were murdered.

Despite confessions, evidence and testimonies being submitted as late as the 1960s by some of the Nazi soldiers who carried out the murders, only a few of those involved ever faced justice for their heinous crimes, it said.

They were between 20 and 60 years old, the memorial center said. They were educated and uneducated, they included engineers and teachers, drivers and salespeople. Some were married and some were not. The vast majority of them returned to live a normal life after the war. They testified at trial and were found not guilty, except for very few commanders, not the soldiers who carried out the horrific massacre.

Father Patrick Desbois, head of the centers academic council, said some of the 159 Nazi troops named were shooters. Others extracted the Jews from their homes. Others took their belongings and their luggage. Others armed the weapons while others were serving sandwiches, tea and vodkas to the shooters. All of them are guilty.

The three presidents on Wednesday attended the opening of a new memorial  the Crystal Crying Wall created by conceptual artist Marina Abramovic. Within six months, the first museum space will be unveiled.

We are going to give the real faces to the Holocaust, whether its the faces of the victims, of the executors or those who were helping to save Jews, Sharansky told The Associated Press.

He noted that while some Ukrainians collaborated with the Nazi killers, at least 2,600 Ukrainian families were hiding Jews at the risk of their own lives.

So we are going to recover the names of victims, and we are recovering more and more names of victims, the names of those who were saving Jews and the names of collaborators, he said.
WASHINGTON  Donald Trumps extraordinary effort to overturn his 2020 election defeat brought the Justice Department to the brink of chaos, and prompted top officials there and at the White House to threaten to resign, a Senate Judiciary Committee report found.

The report released Thursday by the Democratic-run committee offers new insight into how the Republican incumbent tried to undo the vote and exert his will on the department, asking leaders to declare the election corrupt and disparaging its top official for not doing anything to overturn the results. Trumps actions led to a near-revolt at department headquarters that receded only after senior officials warned of a mass resignation, with one White House lawyer describing efforts to undo the election as a murder-suicide pact.

In attempting to enlist DOJ for personal, political purposes in an effort to maintain his hold on the White House, Trump grossly abused the power of the presidency and arguably violated a federal law that prevents anyone from commanding federal employees to engage in political activity, the report says.

While the broad outlines of what took place after the Nov. 3 election have long been known, the Senate investigation based on a review of documents and interviews with former officials lays bare the extent of Trumps all-out campaign to remain in the White House. It shows how Trump benefited from the support of a little-known Justice Department lawyer who championed the then-presidents efforts to challenge the vote but how, in the end, other senior officials stood together to face down Trump. The outcome suggests how reliant the fragile U.S. election system is on the integrity of government officials.

Trumps effort, now the subject of a Justice Department inspector general investigation, did not succeed and Biden took office on Jan. 20. Even so, the false claims over the election have fractured the nation, with millions of Americans wrongly believing the contest was stolen.

Rage about the election compelled a mass of Trump supporters to violently storm the Capitol on Jan. 6 in an effort to disrupt the congressional certification of Bidens victory. The rioters beat and bloodied an overwhelmed police force, sent lawmakers running for their lives and caused $1 million in damage. More than 630 people have been charged criminally in the riot, the largest prosecution in Justice Department history.

Republicans, who have mostly stayed loyal to Trump since the insurrection, issued their own report that downplays the concerns raised by Democrats and paints Trump as a hero who ignored the suggestions from the lawyer, Jeffrey Clark, and who refused to fire top Justice Department officials.

Their rebuttal makes the astonishing claim that Trump was concerned about the election system writ large and not about himself, even though he was publicly fighting to stay in office and pressured Vice President Mike Pence to help him.

The Democrats report chronicles Trumps relentless prodding of the Justice Department during a turbulent stretch in December and early January to investigate suspected voter fraud and to support his efforts to undo the results. Trump had laid the groundwork for that effort even before the election when he attacked the vote-by-mail process.

But he escalated it significantly after Election Day and particularly after the December resignation of Attorney General William Barr, who weeks before he left the Justice Department told The Associated Press that the department had not found fraud that could affect the outcome of the election.

In one White House meeting recounted for Senate investigators, Jeffrey Rosen, who served as Barrs deputy and briefly led the department after Barr left, described how Trump, in an effort to initiate a department inquiry, showed videos of somebody delivering a suitcase of ballots.

Rosen said he recalled saying to Trump, I really want to suggest to you, sir, respectfully, that it would be a better thing for everyone to use this last month to focus on some of the things that had been accomplished in the last four years, a  tax reform and the vaccine, Operation Warp Speed, and not go into this the election was corrupt.'

The pressure campaign by Trump and his allies included a draft brief the White House wanted the Justice Department to file with the Supreme Court to overturn the election results. The department refused to file the document, which the Senate report describes as raising a litany of false and debunked claims.

The conflict culminated in a contentious, hourslong meeting at the White House on Jan. 3 in which Trump openly considered replacing Rosen as acting attorney general with Clark, an assistant attorney general. The Democrats report says Trump told Rosen: One thing we know is you, Rosen, arent going to do anything to overturn the election.

Clark had positioned himself as more sympathetic to pursuing Trumps fraud claims even though the results were certified by states and Republican election officials. Courts rejected dozens of legal challenges to the election and Barr, Trumps own attorney general, had said Biden won fairly.

Clark declined to be interviewed voluntarily by the committee. His lawyer declined to comment Thursday. The committee said it was submitting a complaint to the District of Columbia Bar to assess whether discipline is warranted.

Several officials in the Jan. 3 meeting told Trump they would resign if he put Clark in charge at the Justice Department. According to witnesses interviewed by the Senate committees majority staff, White House counsel Pat Cipollone referred to a draft letter from Clark pushing Georgia officials to convene a special legislative session on the election results as a murder-suicide pact. Cipollone threatened to quit.

Richard Donoghue, Rosens deputy at the time, told Clark there was no chance he would sign that letter or anything remotely like this. Donoghue told the committee that he told Trump that all the assistant attorneys general, and perhaps U.S. attorneys and other senior department officials, would resign if the president replaced Rosen with Clark.

Georgia emerged as a particular area of focus for Trump, who sought the removal of the top prosecutor in Atlanta, Byung Jin (BJay) Pak, claiming he was a never Trumper, the report said. Pak had originally planned to stay on in the position until Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, but resigned weeks earlier than that because of the pressure from Trump.

Besides Clark, Trump found another ally in Rep. Scott Perry, R-Pa., who has disputed the validity of Bidens victory in Pennsylvania and called Donoghue last December to say the department wasnt doing its job with respect to the elections. Perry encouraged Donoghue to elicit Clarks help because hes the kind of guy who could really get in there and do something about this, the report said.

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Associated Press writers Michael Balsamo and Farnoush Amiri contributed to this report.
LONDON  The British government said Thursday that it is to relax travel rules further next week, a move that will open up many long-distance holiday destinations to travelers for the first time since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic a year and half ago.

As well as dramatically whittling down the number of places from which travelers will be required to quarantine in a hotel, the government said it would recognize the vaccination programs of dozens more countries.

In its most dramatic move, it said it will be lifting the hotel quarantine requirement for arrivals to England from 47 countries, including South Africa, Mexico and Thailand. Though the announcement only relates to England, the other nations of the U.K.  Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland  have generally followed suit.

After the change comes into effect on Monday, there will only be seven countries  Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru and Venezuela  on the so-called red list, which requires all passengers to enter hotel quarantine for 11 nights at a cost of 2,285 pounds ($3,100) for individual travelers.

The changes mean that anyone arriving from the 47 countries removed from the red list will be spared that requirement.

However, they will still need to take a series of coronavirus tests before and after their arrival, and go into self-isolation for ten days unless the British government recognizes a countrys vaccination status certificates and the vaccines used. It recognizes the vaccines of AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, as well as their formulations such as AstraZeneca Covishield.

Another 37 countries and territories will be added to that list from Monday, reducing entry requirements from countries like Brazil, Ghana, India, Pakistan, South Africa, Thailand and Turkey.

The decision means eligible fully vaccinated adults and under 18s entering England from these locations will in effect be treated like fully vaccinated British nationals. They will no longer have to take a pre-departure test, nor a test on the eighth day after arrival and will be spared the period of self-isolation.

With the nights drawing in earlier ahead of the school half-term break later this month, and winter fast-approaching, the changes may well give a boost to the travel industry thats suffered perhaps more than other during the pandemic.

With half-term and winter sun around the corner, were making it easier for families and loved ones to reunite, by significantly cutting the number of destinations on the red list, thanks in part to the increased vaccination efforts around the globe, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said.

The government also restated its ambition to allow eligible fully-vaccinated arrivals to use a lateral flow test, rather than the more expensive gold standard PCR test, by the end of the month. Travelers, it said, will be able to verify they have completed a lateral flow test by sending a photograph.

British Airways announced it will resume services and increase frequencies to a number of winter destinations removed from the red list, such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, Mexico City, Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires.

It finally feels like we are seeing light at the end of a very long tunnel, its chief executive Sean Doyle said. Britain will benefit from this significant reduction in red list countries and now its time to turn our attention to eradicating testing for fully-vaccinated travelers to ensure we dont lose our place on the global stage.

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Follow all of APs pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic.
Copyright  2021 Albuquerque Journal

A settlement reached last month in a federal lawsuit awards a total of $316,673 over 15 years to a New Mexico prison inmate who was severely injured as he tried to intervene in the stabbing death of another inmate.

The settlement stems from an Oct. 29, 2019, attack that resulted in the stabbing death of Michael Maes by another inmate at a state prison facility near Clayton.

During the attack, inmate Dominick Smith forced his way into a cell and attempted to stop it, according to a federal lawsuit. In so doing, Smith sustained stab wounds to his neck and hands.

Despite his effort, Smith was unable to save Maes, who prison officials later found lying on the floor of the cell without a pulse, the suit said.

Smith suffered mental and emotional damages as a result of the attack, the suit alleged.

Smiths attorney, Frances Crockett of Albuquerque, described her client as a stand-up guy who selflessly put himself in harms way in an attempt to save another inmate.

Hes a hero, in fact, said Crockett, who filed the lawsuit on Smiths behalf in U.S. District Court in Albuquerque.

Smith, 39, was found guilty by a 5th Judicial District Court jury in 2007 on two counts of second-degree murder and sentenced to 20 years in prison in connection with the 2006 shooting deaths of Carl Morley and Joshua Hunter, court records show.

The lawsuit was filed in February against the New Mexico Corrections Department and GEO Group Inc., a private prison operator that formerly ran the 180,000-square-foot prison near Clayton where the attacks occurred.

The Sept. 9 settlement agreement calls for the state of New Mexico to pay $175,000, including about $70,000 in legal fees. The remainder is to be paid by the GEO Group Inc., it said.

The money will be paid to an annuity firm that will parcel the funds to Smith in prescribed amounts through 2038.

Smith reached the settlement with the New Mexico Corrections Department, the state of New Mexico and the New Mexico Risk Management Department. The settlement was posted on the states transparency portal at sunshineportalnm.com.

The federal lawsuit identifies the attacker as Orlando Torrez, who was housed in the same pod as Smith.

Torrez had reportedly attacked other inmates and should never have been housed in an insecure unit, the suit said. The lawsuit doesnt explain why Torrez attacked Maes.

Maes, 37 at the time of his death, pleaded guilty in 2014 to abuse of a child resulting in great bodily harm, a first-degree felony, for holding a childs head in scalding water, and was sentenced to 12 years in prison.

Torrez, 35, was found guilty by an 8th Judicial District Court jury in 2010 of first-degree murder and shooting at an occupied dwelling and was sentenced to life in prison.

Torrez was charged in March 2020 with first-degree murder in connection with Maes killing, attempt to commit first-degree murder, and possession of a deadly weapon by a prisoner, identified as a homemade shank, according to a Union County Magistrate Court criminal complaint.

The case was dismissed in November 2020, but the state reserves the right to refile the charges, court records show.

The lawsuit describes the events that led up to the attack:

Security video showed that a group of inmates gathering outside Maes cell shortly before the attack. Torrez entered the cell about 9 p.m. and began attacking Maes.

Alerted to the attack by another inmate, Smith ran up a flight of stairs and forced his way into the cell as other inmates watched and looked out for guards.

Maes was yelling, Hes stabbing me and Im dying. Smith was able to get between the two men when Torrez began stabbing Smith.

Smith ran from the cell and pounded on the door of the pod to get the attention of a corrections officer who eventually opened the door, allowing Smith to exit the pod.

The suit alleged that events leading to the attack were foreseeable and preventable.

The Northeast New Mexico Detention Facility in Clayton had long been plagued by well-publicized staffing shortages.

Chronic understaffing at the prison led Gov. Michelle Lujan Grishams administration to announce plans in 2019 to take over the Clayton prison. The state has since announced plans to take over two other privately run prisons in Santa Rosa and Grants.

Low staffing levels at the medium-security prison in Clayton prompted the state to levy fines on GEO Group.

Smiths lawsuit alleged that at the time of the attack, only 15 people were working in the prison, which housed 500 to 530 inmates.

In June 2019, GEO Group announced that it would not renew its contract with the state to operate the prison, the suit said.

The company cited the difficulty it faced in keeping the (Clayton prison) adequately staffed as its reason not to renew the contract, it said.
There are many variations in birds and even some significant variations within the same species. Males can look much different than females. Immature birds can look different from adults, and some birds can look much different in winter than in summer.

In some species, such as buntings, the male and female look very different. This is called sexual dimorphism. Recent studies have shown that these differences have evolved with migration, in which bird species leave their winter territory and travel varied distances to establish a summer nesting territory. Some bird migrations can be thousands of miles. The majority of migratory bird species have significant coloration differences between males and females, while the majority of nonmigratory birds, or birds that stay together in a small territory year round, do not. Male feather coloration is vital in attracting a mate in many migratory species. Migratory males usually arrive before the females to set up a nesting territory. When the female arrives, she chooses a mate with the brightest plumage. The females drab plumage allows her to spend valuable energy on egg development and raising the young instead of on growing more colorful feathers like her male counterpart.

In most species, males and females are close in size, with the male being a bit larger. Hawks, owls and hummingbirds are the exception, with the female being significantly larger. It is not known why the female is larger in these particular species. One guess is that its because the female does most of the incubating of the eggs and the larger body size helps keep the eggs covered and warm.

The European starlings winter plumage can be quite different from breeding plumage. The adult winter plumage is blackish overall, with small white spots on the body and a dark bill. In spring, the adult breeding plumage changes to a shiny greenish-black appearance overall with a yellow bill.

Some male and female bird species are identical in appearance. In this instance, behaviors may be the best way to distinguish the sexes. The Canada goose male and female look identical, but the slightly larger male tends to stand taller, at the ready to defend the nesting territory and young. Behavior also helps to identify young birds. Young birds often reach adult size a few weeks after hatching. Their slightly uncoordinated behaviors and disheveled appearance more give them away.

Now is the time in New Mexico to watch for fall migrants moving through your backyard.

Mary Schmauss is the owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Albuquerque. A lifelong birder and author of For the Birds: A Month-by-Month Guide to Attracting Birds to our Backyard.
Harper's Bazaar U.K. Magazine/Josh Shinner TV

The Duchess of Hastings depicter talks about her 'fear of failure' as she is plagued with anxiety following the huge success of her Netflix period series.

Oct 7, 2021

AceShowbiz - Phoebe Dynevor is "full of anxiety" after rising to fame in "Bridgerton".

The actress - who already had a taste of fame thanks to her "Coronation Street" actress mother Sally Dynevor - was launched into superstardom by the hugely popular Netflix period drama.

Speaking to Harper's Bazaar magazine, the star admitted she has a "fear of failure."

"I don't think anyone knows how to handle that. I worry about everything," she revealed. "I'm full of anxiety. I have a fear of failure, letting someone down, contradicting myself. You see what it is for your mental health to be in the public eye."

"I meditate, I have a therapist, I walk every day. There are things I do to ground myself, because it's quite hectic at the moment."

Phoebe explained that, while the "highs can be really high" and the "lows can be really low," she focuses on finding a "middle ground."

"It's finding that middle ground and centring oneself," she added. "It's really important for me and my sanity to work on projects that I love and develop characters that I think are really interesting - that's the excitement for me."

The star - who appeared in the likes of "Younger", "Waterloo Road", and "Snatch" before landing her breakout role as Daphne Bridgerton - admitted she didn't expect the show to be so successful and, because of the pandemic, she didn't realise the extent of her success until lockdown measures ended.

"We were all in lockdown, stuck at home and nothing changed," she explained. "In the first season, people were saying to me, 'You know, this could be huge,' but you don't ever believe that, and you will never understand what it feels like until it happens to you."

"It's quite out-of-body and weird. It was only when we started being able to leave the house again and there were photographers outside - which was really scary - that I realised if I went out in my pyjamas, there might be someone taking pictures."
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The 'No Time to Die' actress reveals studio boss Kevin Feige wrote a personal email to inform her of the impending demise of her 'Captain Marvel' character.

Oct 7, 2021

AceShowbiz - Lashana Lynch was informed of her Marvel character's impending death in a personal email from studio president Kevin Feige.

The actress starred as Maria Rambeau, Captain Marvel's best friend, in the superhero movie, but in an episode of Marvel spin-off series "WandaVision", Maria's daughter Monica revealed her mum had passed away.

Speaking to ComicBook.com, Lashana opened up about how she was told of her character's demise.

"Kevin Feige, who is the nicest guy, personally emailed me way before, I want to say, over a year, year-and-a-half-plus, before WandaVision aired and explained what was happening, how it was going to happen, when it was going to happen," she said.

According to Lashana, Feige was clear that "he didn't want me to find out through anyone else. So there was a lot of care around that."

And upon discovering Maria's death, Lashana had an emotional reaction to the news.

"It was sad to read, but also, because I think Maria had such a massive impact on Captain Marvel and everyone loved her and really related to her, I felt good with the work that I did there and felt good that they were able to now continue her legacy in her daughter, which is amazing," she added.

"And the introduction to her powers in WandaVision is also amazing, so I feel genuinely proud. I'm just happy I knew beforehand and didn't find out online somewhere."
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The Alabama native, who rose to fame as a young cooking prodigy on the Food Network show, had been battling leukemia on four separate occasions since he was 4 years old.

Oct 7, 2021

AceShowbiz - Former "Top Chef Junior" contestant and "Chopped Junior" champ Fuller Goldsmith has passed away at such a young age. The Alabama native has died of cancer at 17 years old, just days before his 18th birthday.

Confirming the heartbreaking news was Robert C. Holt, whose son Justin Holt owns and operates the Southern Ale House restaurant where the teen worked as an assistant to the chef. He wrote on Facebook on Tuesday, October 5, "Our collective hearts are broken. The SAH family lost our much loved and respected Fuller Goldsmith today."

"Fuller fought the good fight all his life. From age four until the last few days of 17 years, Fuller fought a courageous fight against cancer," he added of the late teen. "Fuller lived to create delicious dishes and became the little brother to big brother Brett Garner our Executive Chef. He spent a lot of time in the SAH kitchen helping prep, serve, and create recipes."

He continued sharing his condolences, "We will miss his presence, his smile, his laugh, his banter back and forth with Brett, and his grit as fought the aches and pains of a terrible disease. He will be missed but forever remembered. His spirit will remain in SAH for the remainder of time. To his family our love and compassion with a huge thank you for sharing Fuller with all of us. He made all of us better people."

Production company Magical Elves also paid tribute to Fuller on Instagram. "We are devastated after hearing about the loss of our Top Chef Junior alum, Fuller Goldsmith," the company said in a statement. "He was an incredible chef and the strongest kid we've ever met. From the minute he was introduced to us, we knew he would make an impact on everyone around him and be a positive force in cooking world. To his family, we give all our love as they mourn the loss of someone truly special."

"Top Chef Junior" host Vanessa Lachey (Vanessa Minnillo) also mourned the loss as she commented on the company's post, "We all Loved Fuller so much! And will never forget his contagious smile, laugh and butter tricks. Sending so much Love to his family. We will never forget you Fuller!"

Fuller rose to fame as a young cooking prodigy after he won an episode of Food Network's "Chopped Junior" at the age of 13. He donated his $10,000 cash prize to the Division of Hematology and Pediatric Oncology at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

Fuller had battled acute lymphoblastic leukemia on four separate occasions since the age of 4. In February this year, he revealed on social media that he was undergoing radiation for the fifth time. "Unfortunately the news regarding the tumor was not what I was hoping," he shared at the time. "The same Leukemia is back. The plan is to start proton radiation at UAB as soon as I can.hopefully within the next two weeks. I will have 12 days of radiation and then more chemo to make sure it's gone once and for all. Round 5- I'm ready to fight."
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Nancy Poznek, who worked for Katie's family from 1991 to 1994, claims in a new interview that her former employer used to skip showers and wear dirty underwear.

Oct 7, 2021

AceShowbiz - Katie Couric's ex-nanny has fired back at the journalist for dissing her in Katie's new memoir, "Going There". Having been accused of "trying to destroy" the former "Today" co-anchor's marriage to her first husband Jay Monahan, Nancy Poznek put her former boss on blast.

Nancy, who worked for Katie's family from 1991 to 1994, shut down the latter's claim when speaking to Daily Mail. "People destroy their own marriage. He just wanted a little attention... I feel sorry for this guy," he said of Jay, who died of colon cancer in 1998. "I was not trying to destroy Katie and Jay's marriage."

"Katie comes and plays this grieving widow thing," Nancy further noted. "The widow card and the reason she does that is because she's guilty, she wasn't around for him all those years."

During the interview, Nancy also dissed Katie's poor hygiene and disorganization. Nancy claimed that the TV host's home was such a mess and she wouldn't shower all weekend due to her exhaustion.

"One time when we were in Key West, Jay said to me, come on you gotta come with me," she recalled. "He took me up to the bedroom, she was in the bathroom and he said look - it was her pillow, she'd picked her nose all night, all the (boogers) were lined up."

"She was like that," the 76-year-old alleged further. "She'll drink out of a milk carton and when her underwear were dirty she'll turn them inside out."

Nancy, who used to have a strong connection with Katie, also recounted one moment when her employer farted inside her car while they were driving to a shopping mall. Nancy explained, " 'I wouldn't inhale if I were you' - because she had farted."

Nancy stated that she believes Katie couldn't function without her. "Katie needed somebody like me," she pointed out. "She was more codependent on me. In fact even in one article she said I couldn't do it without somebody like Nancy just like she was codependent on Jeff Zucker."

Nancy's bombshell revelation came after Katie called the former "delusional" in "Going There". Katie claimed that Nancy posted stickers at payphones in New Jersey's rest stops which read, "Why does Katie Couric care more about her job than her child?"

Another read, "Why is her husband a pedophile?" Both stickers reportedly had Katie's phone number. After someone called her about the stickers, he took them down. Unsurprisingly, Nancy strongly denied the story, saying, "I didn't even have a car. That's not true."
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The 'Luther' star, who has often been linked to the role in recent years, also beats Superman depicter Henry Cavill, 'No Time To Die' actress Lashana Lynch and 'Game of Thrones' star Richard Madden.

Oct 7, 2021

AceShowbiz - Idris Elba has returned to the top of the James Bond poll as U.S. film fans vote him their favorite to replace Daniel Craig as 007.

The "Luther" star, who has often been linked to the role in recent years, has replaced former favorite Tom Hardy in a new Fandango.com poll.

Elba and Hardy have beaten out Superman depicter Henry Cavill and Craig's "No Time To Die" co-star Lashana Lynch - the only woman on the list - while former "Game of Thrones" star Richard Madden rounds out the top five.

Tom Hiddleston, Rege-Jean Page, Henry Golding, David Oyelowo, and Dev Patel complete the top 10 with former bookmakers favorites James Norton, Damian Lewis, and Sam Heughan failing to make a dent.

Bond bosses are expected to make an announcement about Craig's replacement once the actor's final outing as 007 has been released globally.

The blockbuster shattered records in the territories it was released in last weekend and it hits theaters in the U.S. on Thursday night, October 7, where it's already the best-selling Bond film on online ticketing service Fandango.

Producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, in the meantime, have put talks about Craig's replacement on hold. "Oh God no," Broccoli said. "We're not thinking about it at all. We want Daniel to have his time of celebration. Next year we'll start thinking about the future."

"[Craig]'s been such a great Bond. Those are big shoes to fill. I can't even [think if it's possible]," Wilson added. Sharing similar sentiment about Craig, Broccoli pointed out, "We're very, very lucky to get him to play this role."
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Speaking about how she coped after losing her second child, the Hollywood veteran points out in a new interview that at the time, nobody told her what was wrong with her.

Oct 7, 2021

AceShowbiz - "I Dream of Jeannie" star Barbara Eden has opened up about her devastating miscarriage and how she coped following the loss.

The actress lost her child following the end of her hit show in 1970, and admits she struggled to free herself from dark thoughts afterwards.

"I carried my second son for almost eight months before the doctors told me he had died in the womb," she tells People. "It was awful. I became numb."

Now 90, Eden reveals she went right back to work, making three TV movies in 1971, but she couldn't bounce back in her private life.

"I'd come home and look at my little boy, who's adorable, and think, 'I'm so lucky. I have this sweet child. I have a husband who loves me. What's wrong with me?' " she added.

"Nobody told me what was wrong with me. At that time going to a psychiatrist, people didn't do it. You just healed yourself. Now you go get help when you feel that bad. When you can't move or don't want to do anything, go and get help."

And there was more heartbreak to come - the actress' 35-year-old son Matthew died in 2001 following a heroin overdose.

"I have his pictures around [the house]," she explains. "I don't pretend like he never was. Because he was [a] super, super human being."

Elsewhere in the interview, Eden also talked about her iconic character, Jeannie. "She's easy to live with," she claimed. "She really is. I like her a lot. I think what makes me so happy is that so many people around the world like her. Not me."

"They like that character. And they like the show for what it is. It takes people out of themselves and into another world. and I appreciate that. I like it very much."
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The former 'Two and a Half Men' star's publicist also dismisses claim that his ex-wife was not notified about the court hearing as 'complete fabrication.'

Oct 7, 2021

AceShowbiz - Charlie Sheen has responded to reports that Denise Richards is "heartbroken" after a judge ruled that he no longer has to pay her child support. Believing that the decision was "fair," the actor suggested that his ex-wife should complain to the judge.

Met by Page Six on the Malibu, California, Whole Foods parking lot on Wednesday, October 6, the 56-year-old was asked about the claim that the actress was "very saddened by the entire situation." He said that Denise "should go down to the courthouse and complain to the judge."

Charlie doubled down on his statement when responding to Us Weekly's inquiry about the situation. "If [Denise] has a problem, she should go to the courthouse and talk to the judge," he told the site.

Speaking to the news outlet, his publicist Jeff Ballard also denied a source's claim that Denise was not notified about the court hearing regarding their child support. "All parties were served and informed of the court date nearly three months ago," the publicist insisted. "The judge would not have ruled had they not been. To claim otherwise is a complete fabrication."

On Monday, October 4, the judge granted Charlie's request to stop paying Denise child support. During the court hearing, judge Alexander Giza noted that the former reality TV star did not file any opposition paperwork.

"I think what transpired today is extremely fair," the "Anger Management" alum said after the court hearing. He added, "It speaks to not just today, but it speaks historically to that same fairness."

A source told Us at the time that "Denise was never served this court date" and that the actor "did this on purpose [so she wasn't able to be there]." Another source told Page Six, "Charlie filed two years ago and kept pushing the court date, so Denise was very surprised that it happened while she is out of town filming."

A separate source, however, said to PEOPLE that Denise "has known about the court date for six months."

Nevertheless, another source claimed to the site that "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" alum "is heartbroken that Charlie has taken this road. She loves those kids." The source also dished on how Denise's current husband Aaron Phypers reacted in this the situation.

"Aaron's a kind man. He's in a tough role, but he keeps his cool. He's heartbroken because Denise is heartbroken that Charlie is pulling this after all she has done for him," said the source allegedly close to the couple. "He's upset because his wife is upset that Charlie is playing this game with the kids."
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Mechelle McCain claims in a new interview that the 'Next Friday' star was spotted with his now-wife Kyra Robinson before he filed for divorce from her and that he still slept with her after that.

Oct 7, 2021

AceShowbiz - Mike Epps' ex clearly still holds some grudges about how he allegedly treated her during their marriage. Appearing on "Girlfriends and Champagne", Mechelle McCain accused the comedian of cheating on her with his now-new wife when they were still together.

Sitting down for a new episode of the talk show, Mechelle said she initially caught Mike flirting with some women on Twitter. "You're trolling with women on Twitter and all of thatand I made a comment on that," she spoke on the show.

Mechelle claimed that Mike later filed for divorce from her after he was spotted with his now-wife Kyra Robinson. "So, now you're on a blog with your new wife. Y'all walking in New York," she continued sharing.

Even after filing for divorce, Mechelle said Mike still had sex with her as she recounted, "You're still married to meand still having sex with me. Then, all of a sudden nowyou're filing for divorce. You were still having sex with me after that. Okay."

It wasn't long, however, until Mechelle realized how disrespectful he was toward her. "So, now I'm thinking at some point it clicked not too long after the filing I'm like, 'Okay, so this person is in a place they feel like they wanna do what they wanna do. They filed for divorce,' " she recalled. "Why would I fight for something when you're not being right towards me in your actions?"

Mike has not responded to his ex-wife's cheating claims. The exes were married in July 2006 and lived in Beverly Hills, California together until they divorced in September 2017. He then moved on with OWN Network executive and "Iyanla: Fix My Life" producer Kyra, whom he married in Newport Beach, California in June 2019.
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The Major Lazer star breaks his silence on sexual misconduct allegations, describing his accuser as a 'stalker' and 'obsessed fan' who allegedly tried to extort him.

Oct 8, 2021

AceShowbiz - Diplo "will not give in to lies and harassment" while addressing sexual misconduct allegations against him for the first time.

In a lengthy Instagram post, the "Lean On" star, real name Thomas Pentz, told fans that he didn't want to speak about the claims that were allegedly made by his "stalker."

Shelly Auguste filed a lawsuit against Diplo in 2020, claiming that he groomed her for sex when she was a teenager, distributed revenge porn following their split, and intentionally gave her a sexually transmitted disease.

However, as he responded to the claims via his lawyer last year, Diplo revealed he had a restraining order against Auguste, who had been "harassing" him and his family for "more than a year."

And as he opened up on Instagram on Wednesday (06Oct21), the musician explained, "It was my goal to never address a stalker... She was an obsessed fan of mine, and after I relinquished all contact with her, it appears that her only purpose in life has been to disrupt my work, my business, harass me and my close friends and attack me and threaten my family."

Diplo went on to say that he hired a private detective to look into Auguste and learned that a judge in Florida had already issued a "permanent restraining order to protect a family in Florida."

"Specifically, the Florida judge said this, 'I do believe, that at this time, we do have enough in the record, a combination of testimony, physical evidence, regarding providing the elements of stalking in this case. The judge also said this, 'I don't know how else to protect this family because I can't - the court cannot control or predict your future behaviour,' " he continued.

"The judge also said, 'This is more than just immaturity. This is dangerous behaviour where she does not abide by authority, no respect for authority at all and so she has been properly warned.' "

Diplo alleged that Auguste hired famed attorney Lisa Bloom to represent her, but was dropped as a client by the lawyer when he told her he "wouldn't give her a penny." He also shared text messages purportedly from Auguste, in which she contradicted many of the allegations in her lawsuit, such as him giving her chlamydia.

"This is so frustrating and embarrassing," Pentz concluded. "I am not this person and I won't be extorted by anyone no matter how stinging the press can be. Even over the past two years I've never been bothered by these rumours, if anything it has made me stronger and smarter, all of my friends and partners have never questioned me and that was what has been important to me. The people in my life know me for who I really am. I will continue to do everything I can to end this in the most respectful way but I will not give in to lies and harassment."

Diplo's post came just hours after BuzzFeed News reported that the Los Angeles City Attorney's office is considering charges of invasion of privacy and intentionally giving someone a sexually transmitted infection, both misdemeanours in California, against the star. They have yet to make any official charges.
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Kieran Culkin hasn't talked to estranged father Kit Culkin for years as he backs brother Macaulay by admitting Kit is not a good person and not really welcomed in the Culkin house.

Oct 8, 2021

AceShowbiz - Kieran Culkin doesn't think his father is a "good person" and never felt he "belonged" in the family household.

But the "Succession" actor has insisted he didn't share the same "crazy, negative, awful, traumatic experiences as a child actor" around Kit Culkin as his brother, "Home Alone" star Macaulay, who emancipated himself from his parents when he was 15 after accusing his dad of being abusive.

However, Kieran acknowledges that his father was not a welcome presence at the Culkin home.

"He wasn't a good person and, yeah, probably not a good parent," he admits. "He didn't really bathe. He just reeked. I remember thinking, 'I guess all dads smell awful.' "

Kit once went missing for three weeks, with neither Kieran nor his six siblings commenting on his absence at the time, and all the children were relieved when their parents finally split up in 1995.

Kieran tells The Hollywood Reporter, "I never looked at him as dad. He didn't really belong here, and when he was finally gone for good, it made the most sense."

In 2014, Kit travelled from Oregon to see Kieran perform in "This Is Our Youth" on Broadway, and their backstage meeting was the first time the 39-year-old actor had seen his father - whose mobility and speech had been affected by a major stroke - in 17 years.

He recalls, "He carried cards around with him that said, 'I'm not stupid. I understand you. I just had a stroke.' "

"He was telling me that his girlfriend had dementia and it was pretty bad. And so I said, 'So, when you guys go places, she doesn't know where you're going and you can't communicate how you're getting there.' And he goes, 'Yeah - we're quite a pair.' "

They haven't spoken since, with Kieran saying of his dad's visit, "F**k him. I don't care."

Despite his tense relationship with Kit, Kieran gets on better with his stepfather, who his mother Patricia married a decade ago.

"He's nice to me," he confesses. "He gave me a horse."
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2021  The development of the medical use of radioiodine (RAI)  a seminal scientific discovery of the 20th century  is being honored with the American Chemical Societys (ACS) National Historic Chemical Landmark designation. The dedication ceremony for the Landmark will be held on Oct. 8. The event will take place at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, where this lifesaving advance by Saul Hertz, M.D., had its genesis more than 80 years ago and helped lay the foundation for the field of nuclear medicine.

The story begins in the 1930s with Hertz (1905-1950), who was chief of MGHs Thyroid Clinic. At the time, scientists had recently begun producing new radioactive isotopes. In 1936, Hertz realized it might be possible to make iodine radioactive and to use it as a radiopharmaceutical. He surmised that it could be administered to patients as a source of internal radiation to diagnose and treat diseases of the thyroid, which accumulates iodine.

Soon thereafter, Hertz and Arthur Roberts, Ph.D., a physicist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), began preclinical studies with RAI. On March 31, 1941, they administered the first human treatment, using RAI produced at MIT to treat an MGH patient with hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Hertz and others later used RAI to diagnose and treat cancer.

These advances  and discoveries by other researchers  laid the foundation for the modern field of nuclear medicine, says ACS President H. N. Cheng, Ph.D. Radioiodine and other radiopharmaceuticals are now routinely used in diagnostic imaging and treatment of disease, saving and improving the lives of millions of people.

In the decades since this landmark work, the techniques and tools used in RAI therapy have been refined and enhanced, but the foundation of this critical therapy has persevered, restoring health and preserving quality of life for those with thyroid disease, including thyroid cancer, says Gilbert Daniels, M.D., co-director of MGH Thyroid Associates.

Dr. Hertz was a pioneer in the field of therapeutic nuclear medicine and was the first to administer therapeutic doses of radioactive iodine to treat thyroid disease, says Andrew Scholte, Ph.D., who was chair of the Northeastern Section of the ACS when it sponsored the nomination for the Landmark. Today, radioactive iodine remains the preferred diagnostic tool and treatment for hyperthyroidism. This discovery represents an historical moment in the history of medical science, as well as chemistry.

My fathers discovery of the medical uses of RAI leaves a dynamic legacy, says Barbara Hertz, curator of the Dr. Saul Hertz Archives. New therapies and imaging agents continue to build on his seminal work. In addition to diagnosing and treating thyroid tumors, radiopharmaceuticals are now being used to target many other types of cancers, including neuroendocrine tumors, prostate cancer, metastatic bone cancer, neuroblastoma, as well as in the palliative treatment of liver cancer.

This is the second National Historic Chemical Landmark in Massachusetts. The states other Landmark celebrates the development of Polaroid instant photography. In both cases, says ACS Cheng, these noteworthy achievements show that chemistry truly is part of our everyday lives.

ACS established the National Historic Chemical Landmarks program in 1992 to recognize seminal events in the history of chemistry and to increase awareness of the contributions of chemistry to society. Past Landmarks include the discovery and production of penicillin, the invention of synthetic plastics and the works of such notable scientific figures as educator George Washington Carver and environmentalist Rachel Carson. For more information, visit www.acs.org/landmarks.
ORLAND, 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 in the parking lot of the Glenn County Fairgrounds, located at East Yolo St. in Orland. 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. - Shasta Community Center lost 40 of its 500 employees after California's vaccine mandate went into effect.

Although some people have walked off the job at the community center, C.O.O. Brandon Thornock says of the people that left, 83% are fully vaccinated, and 17% either have a medical or religious type of exemption.

Since then, the hospital has seen an increase in people coming in to get tested for COVID-19.

Were still screening and testing about 60 patients per day, and we are still seeing about a 10% positivity rate of those 60 patients we are trying," Thornock said.

Thornock says many appointments at the hospital have been Telephonic or TeleVideo, which is a safety measure that the hospital has been trying to implement to keep staff and patients safe.

Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases among kids from K-12 grade are dropping in Shasta County; between Aug. 31, the number of kids in quarantine went from 3,000 to just over 700. Thats a decrease of 2,300.

RELATED: Tehama County reports 30 deaths in September from COVID-19

Shasta County as a whole isnt in the clear yet. Health officials say Shasta County is in the middle of a surge because of the Delta Variant and low vaccination rates.

Public Health Branch Director Robin Schurig tells Action News Now she thinks Shasta County hit the peak surge in mid-September; even with the slight drop in cases, the county still sees more hospitalizations.

Action News Now spoke to Shasta County Superintendent Judy Flores about the progress.

Its great to see our numbers decline so that more students can be in school and staff on campus to provide whats needed for our schools to be open," Flores said.

Flores says that schools and districts are working to implement a weekly testing plan for all employees, but mandated for those who arent vaccinated, this plan must be in place by Oct. 15.

Schurig tells Action News Now could still take a while before Shasta County is back to the low, moderate transmission.
PLUMAS COUNTY, Calif. - Hundreds of Dixie Fire survivors are joining together to sue Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) for the destruction caused by the Dixie Fire.

Plumas County attorneys filed a lawsuit on Sept. 30 that states the Dixie Fire was an avoidable byproduct of PG&Es disregard of public safety.

Plaintiffs in the case are victims of the Dixie Fire who are seeking damages including injury, loss of property, pain, injury to livestock and pets, loss of income, emotional suffering and other harm caused by the Dixie Fire.

The complaint claims that PG&E knew of a power outage on July 13 but it did not consider the event urgent and failed to address its property. The lawsuit says better vegetation maintenance and quicker response time could have prevented the fire from spreading.

One of the attorneys who signed the lawsuit Brett Parkinson stated, "Unfortunately, this appears to be another example of PG&E starting a massive fire in California that could have been avoided if the company had taken proper preventive measures and acted appropriately. I am honored to represent so many good people of Plumas County. I understand the suffering they are going through and want to get them the compensation they deserve for their devastating losses."

The fire has burned more than 963,000 acres and is 94% contained.

"We really are honored to represent the leaders and most of the community in Greenville." the second attorney that signed the complaint Mark Potter said. "We are working hard to get recoveries for our clients as quickly as possible so there will be the resources to rebuild."
CHICO, CALIF. - Chico Police Department is searching for a gunman who opened fire at downtown City Plaza Thursday morning.

Officers said one person went to the hospital with gunshot wounds.

Police received a report of a shooting at 5:01 a.m. when they said a man in a white truck pulled up and parked the truck. The suspect then got out of the truck and fired multiple rounds before returning to the truck and driving off.

Investigators blocked off 5th St. between Main St. and Broadway to question witnesses and process the scene.

The victim is expected to recover.

Police were not able to provide information about the motive of the shooting.

One other person suffered a minor injury but was not taken to the hospital.

This is a developing story. Action News Now will keep you updated with new information on-air and online.
The ever-changing media ecosystems and the way audience interact with media have led brands to constantly find newer ways to communicate with their audience. While digital media inherently involves a two-way communication process, only few brands leverage the medium to its full capacity and in an interactive form. Intel is a brand that defines what technology means in todays world and understands how digital media can be leveraged to its maximum capacity.

Continuing to redefine boundaries, Intel in association with Carat & StreamO, Indias biggest livestream sponsorship platform powered by inSTREAMLY, decided to go native to strike a close chord with niche and difficult to impress gaming enthusiasts in India for its Gamer Day campaign. The brand understood the gaming audience cohort in detail and delivered a media solution in partnership with Carat, the media agency from dentsu India. The solution defined the limits of what media can do for a brand. It struck a close chord with gamers by appealing to their aspirations and inspiring them at the same time.

Titled, Valorant Invitational, the campaign was a one-of-a-kind tournament, which was created in collaboration with Irony Inc, pioneers of esports movement in India. The campaign leveraged the two key levers of the gaming media ecosystem i.e., the influencers as well as the professional players. For the record, StreamO automates the process of displaying content on hundreds of streaming channels at once. Brands can measure effectiveness via detailed reports and channel traffic through CTAs (Call to Action) and link on chat.

Intel Gamer Day Valorant Streamer and Pro Teams Invitational was a tournament with around 30+ hours of livestream content on YouTube. Valorant being one of the most popular PC games is played by over ten thousand gamers. Therefore, it was critical centerpiece to create a tournament based on it. The tournament involved top Streamer led teams and Professional E-sports led teams. Top famous influencers took part in the tournament that included PSY, Mizo, Meow16k, Sway, Hydraflick, Bloodline, Toaster Roaster and Antidote. The Pro Teams contesting were Team69, True Rippers Esports, FS Esports, F1 LS, TeamXO, Reckoning Esports, Team Valor, Team Cohesion. The tournament was streamed live on Esports XO YouTube (Indias premier Gaming channel) and Intel Gamer Day microsite.

The brands social media was painted blue with the streamer event creating buzz about the event and gamer days. Additionally, top gaming influencers and pro teams promoted the tournament on their social media. There was also a commentary section in the stream where Intels i9 processor was displayed in the studio while the commentators were discussing the tournament to help promote and create buzz. The campaign stood out for mobilising the gaming community and enthusiasts in India. The streams were watched by thousands of gaming enthusiasts across the country. Moreover, it also reached the maximum amount of people by using social media power of gaming influencers as well as e-sports teams.

The campaign has established a touchstone on what brands can do in this thriving media environment. With it, Intel, Carat & StreamO have together set new codes for brands who are working in niche spaces and desire to be a part of the GenZs world.

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Speaking on the campaign, Anita Kotwani, CEO, Carat India said, Our endeavour is to design media solutions for our clients keeping in mind the constantly evolving use of media and how we can help our partner brands stand out in this ever-changing media ecosystem. At Carat, we design solutions for our clients' consumers that are world-class, innovative and out of the box, solutions that are industry first, showcasing first mover advantage on usage of latest trends.

Tushaar Garg, Founder & CEO, StreamO by inSTREAMLY added, ''The partnership between Carat, Intel and StreamO by inSTREAMLY comes at an opportune time as India is taking centre stage in both creation and consumption of game live streaming content. According to YouTube, 6 of the top 11 most viewed live-streamers on YouTube in 2020 came from India. Indians also consume 2X of the global watch time of game content. And brands like Intel understood this new opportunity to effectively reach the notoriously hard to reach Gen Z audience embraced our platform with open mindset and new attitude.
With Dussehra/ Durga Puja festivities beginning, the country is in the throes of festive fervour. After no Dussehra/ Durga Puja celebrations last year due to the pandemic, consumers and brands are looking at a return to markets with a vengeance. With the vaccination drive gathering momentum and most of the COVID-19 restrictions lifted, there is a general air of optimism. Offices, market places, educational institutions, malls and cinema halls  all have now opened, giving people a sense of return to normalcy.

Like the rest of India, the East and North-East markets are in a resurgent mood. Durga Puja is the biggest festival in West Bengal and Tripura and is also celebrated extensively in Assam and other parts of the North-East. Markets are seeing the return of shoppers, and some marketers see a revenge shopping trend gaining precedence. Amid COVID-29 protocols, the shopping frenzy has started and will only increase in the coming days. Experts believe that this is not just revenge shopping, but also a re-assertion and reclaiming of a life that one was living before the pandemic struck.

This festive season, Adgully turns the spotlight on the East and North-East markets and is speaking to a cross-section of brands, marketers and market experts to gauge the mood of the shoppers and brand sentiments.

In conversation with Adgully, Ramesh Kalyanaraman, Executive Director, Kalyan Jewellers, speaks about how the jewellery sector is gearing up to meet festive demand this year, how the company is strengthening its omni-channel strategy and making the phygital model more seamless, and more.

What kind of sentiments do you see in the East market during this festive season? Are these sentiments close to the pre-COVID levels?

The organised segment has been experiencing strong tailwinds over the last 3-4 quarters, driven largely by the changing customer preferences to shop at showrooms that take adequate safety precautions such as social distancing, sanitization, staff vaccinations, etc. As a result, this financial year, the industry is witnessing an unprecedented shift of demand from unorganised to organised jewellery sector and Kalyan Jewellers has been a large beneficiary of this shift.

Gold has always been a preferred saving option among Indians and in the post COVID-19 era, it has also emerged as the safest and most lucrative long-term asset. We are positive and highly optimistic that the festive season sales will also see positive momentum based on these trends. We believe the pace of demand recovery will continue to speed up and expect this to continue throughout the festive and wedding season.

How are you planning your strategy for online and offline sales? What kind of footfalls are you expecting during this festival?

At Kalyan Jewellers, we have been focusing on creating a holistic ecosystem, thereby strengthening our omni-channel strategy and making the phygital model more seamless. For over 5 years, we have been making consistent investments in developing and leveraging technology to offer convenient solutions to customers when it comes to purchasing jewellery or investing in gold, which has emerged as the safest and most lucrative long-term asset.

We have been witnessing a renewed interest among youngsters, who are looking to make systematic investments in the yellow metal. The introduction of our digital gold service in partnership with Augmont aims to provide these consumers with a safe, easy and reliable method to purchase 24-karat pure gold digitally. Another unique initiative launched by the company was the LIVE video shopping facility, which has been consistently receiving a phenomenal response from customers as it allows them to browse through and purchase jewellery at the comfort of their homes.

The 3rd quarter of the financial year is one of the most important phases for the jewellery industry with the arrival of the festive season, followed by peak wedding season. With gold prices dipping, the market response this Diwali is expected to be positive. We are hopeful that Dhanteras and Diwali will be favourable, with customers looking at buying jewellery not just as an investment, but also because it is an annual tradition practiced during this time of the year.

The COVID-19 outbreak resulted in a dynamic market scenario. Until now, the market response has been resilient with millennial consumers opting for small-ticket purchases, while we are witnessing a large number of seasoned shoppers who are going for big ticket purchases to reap benefits of the fall in gold prices. The customer footfalls at showrooms across the country are witnessing a positive upward momentum, which is expected to continue throughout the festive season.

Any specific campaign strategies planned for the festival season? What kind of discounts and offers have you come up with for your customers this year?

With multiple region-specific festivals coming up before the occasion of Diwali, we aim to follow a hyperlocal product and customer outreach strategy this season. As part of this, we plan to widen our product portfolio with multiple region-specific jewellery collections that will cater to the distinct needs of our customers from various communities. Also, we have announced a range of festive cash back offers, enabling customers to maximise the value of their purchases. We have planned a nationwide product launch, which will complement our existing offering as well strengthen the studded-range product portfolio. The new range of jewellery designs will be suitable for the upcoming festive season.

Furthermore, one of the biggest trends that has emerged out of the nationwide lockdown is a huge increase in the screen time spent by Indians across digital platforms. In line with this, brands have begun to align their marketing budgets towards digital, social media & OTT, especially when it comes to placing new content. At Kalyan Jewellers, we have introduced temporary changes to our media mix with a more digital-centric approach, which is going to be a key to making the most during this quarter.
In line with its commitment to normalizing conversations around mental health and creating awareness on mental health issues, Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited is launching yet another disruptive initiative. Ahead of World Mental Health Day, the company will be launching unique designs of facemasks that carry curated messages on spreading awareness and acceptance of mental health issues.

Each mask will carry a message on prevention of mental illness while also encouraging people who suffer from mental illness to speak about their condition. To amplify this message, the company has collaborated with several influencers, who will wear masks with the campaign hashtag #UnmaskYourFeelings to create a buzz on social media. The company also has roped in influencers like Robin Uthappa, Neha Dhupia, Ranvijay Singh, Soha Ali Khan and Ayaz Memon to spread the message.

These face masks will be available on Amazon at a nominal price. The proceeds from the sale of these masks will go to the non-governmental organization, Mental Health Foundation India and will be used to conduct mental health awareness and counselling sessions.

Ruchika Varma, Chief Marketing Officer, Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited, said, Mental health is a silent and widespread issue, and the pandemic has only made it worse. In todays fast paced world, there is increasing evidence to support that mental health issues are proliferating across geographies, age groups and genders. We believe that a good starting point to address these issues is to normalize conversations around mental health and to encourage those who are suffering from such issues to seek help. Considering that the facemask has now become a mainstay, we think that spreading awareness about mental health through messages on these face masks is a unique way to drive the point that mental health is as important as physical health. It is our way to urge Indians to take their mental health seriously, and to speak up and take action if they are suffering. 

World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10, has become significant today as many people are suffering from mental health issues. According to the Indian Psychiatric Society, before the Covid-19 pandemic, the prevalence of the mental health issue was 1:7, but after the pandemic, it has become 1:5. This translates to 270 million Indians. Future Generali India Insurance hopes that its campaign will be a starting point in normalizing mental health conversations in the years to come.
MSL will be taking up the brand and corporate communications duties for the leading building products company Brilloca. Brilloca is a leading player in the sanitaryware and faucets industry with innovative brands in the price spectrum to cater to a wide cross-section of customers. Brilloca also houses TRUFLO by Hindware, the plastic pipes and fittings business, and under the brand NEOM, it has its presence in the premium and super-premium tiles segment in India.

The mandate includes public relations, media, influencer engagement, and more for Brilloca and its portfolio of brands across the segments. 20:20 MSL will handle all external stakeholder communications and act as its strategic communications partner all over India henceforth.
The World Creativity & Innovation Week (April 15-21) and World Creativity & Innovation Day (April 21) (WCIW/D) community is ecstatic to welcome our newest International Creativity Advisor of India, Laeeq Ali. Ali will join our team of 12 International Creativity Board Members on 15 October 2021.

Co-founder of Bloombox Brand Engineers as well as Origami Creative Concepts, Laeeq Ali is a seasoned entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience and many creative ventures under his belt. Ali is also President of The Advertising Club Bangalore and leads the Startup Initiatives at Confederation of Indian Industry, Karnataka.

Ali is joining the ranks of many notable creatives that we are lucky to have as our WCIW/D international advisors and Creativity Ambassador.. Our International Advisors are advocates for creative thinking and innovation within their respective countries. Each of our International Creativity Ambassadors is a creative mastermind in their own right, and they are an integral part of our international community.

With such passion for building business brands with a purpose, we are lucky to be adding Ali to our community of creative leaders, and we are excited to see how Ali furthers his passions within our community said Jim Friedman, Ph.D., Chief Steward of World Creativity & Innovation Week/Day
This festive season, Welspun Flooring Limited, a fully integrated and independent flooring vertical of USD 2.7 billion Welspun Group, is encouraging Indians to revamp their floors as part of their home renovation plans through its Floor Makeover In a Day campaign. The multipronged campaign will see the brand launch a digital ad film featuring Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan and leverage the reach of influencer marketing to highlight its economical and easy-to-install range of flooring products. With an aim to forge a stronger connect with audiences across the country, this campaign will go live in various regions, complemented by the involvement of regional influencers.

Festivals in India are often seen as occasions for new beginnings. This is the spirit that drives people across the country to welcome a sense of newness into their homes, be it by making new investments, buying new clothes and other household items, or renovating the entire house. Building on this tradition, Welspun Flooring is encouraging its customers to make the brand part of their renovation projects by making it easy and affordable for Indians to redo their flooring with their proprietary Click-N-Lock tiles.

Furthermore, Welspun Flooring has upgraded its website with an Augmented Reality (AR)-powered visualization platform Roomvo, an industry-first innovation in Indias flooring space, to streamline and accelerate the process of picking the right flooring option. Through the campaign, the brand will ask influencers on popular social media platforms including Instagram and Facebook to create customized floor designs on the app and encourage their audience to engage with the platform. The influencers will also weigh traditional flooring techniques against Welspun Floorings new, faster and easy-to-install Click-N- Lock technology. Moreover, as part of the influencer marketing strategy, the brand is incentivizing people to submit their flooring designs on the WFL website to avail of a 20% discount on the WFL range of products.

Besides this, the brand is releasing a digital film with Amitabh Bachchan. Dressed in festive attire in a room decorated with warmly lit fairy lights, lamps and diyas, the actor talks about Indians preference for renovating their homes but not their flooring. With Welspun Floorings promise of a fast and hassle-free installation, the Bollywood superstar assures the audience that they too can change their flooring in less than a day.

Speaking on the campaign, Ms. Manjari Upadhye, CEO  Domestic Business, Welspun Flooring commented, Festivals are occasions for Indians to buy new things and redecorate their homes. However, the pre-festive redecor of Indian customers typically do not include new flooring designs mainly on account of the hassle involved. Our latest Flooring Makeover in a Day' campaign is dedicated to challenging this convention by enabling aesthetics-conscious Indian customers to upgrade their flooring along with the rest of their home decor. Using a blend of influencer and celebrity-led marketing, we aim to raise awareness of our Click-N-Lock range of flooring products that, as opposed to conventional flooring options, can be installed in less than a day.

Commenting on the campaign, Mr. Gaurav Sarda, Head of Marketing, Welspun Flooring said, Flooring makeover is usually excluded from the list of home renovation on account of the hassles involved. Welspun Flooring is geared to change this dynamic by allowing Indians to augment their home decor this festive season through our eclectic, easy-to-install range of flooring products. Leveraging a strategic combination of OTT and OOH advertising, our cross-channel campaign aims to raise awareness about the Welspun Floorings Click-N-Lock tiles, helping our customers take new steps forward, literally."
Xaxis, GroupMs Outcome Media Specialist, today announced the elevation of Dimpy Yadav to the role of General Manager, Xaxis India.

In this new role, Yadav will be responsible for leading Xaxis and its clients through Indias rapidly growing digital media landscape, which includes an online retail market that is expected to triple its volume over the next five years.

To accomplish this, she will focus on three main areas of strategic development: Integration, Intelligence, and Innovation. This will include the continued development of advanced, omnichannel digital media solutions optimized with data and artificial intelligence technology to help brands earn valuable business outcomes.

Dimpy Yadav, General Manager, Xaxis India says, Im ecstatic to take over this role of spearheading Xaxis India. In line with global trends, we are dedicated to driving cutting-edge omnichannel solutions powered by seamless integration of data-driven creative solutions that will help brands extract the maximum value from their media investments. Id like to thank Xaxis for having the faith in me and I look forward to helping our clients address the growing complexity of the media landscape and earn real business outcomes.

Atique Kazi, President - Data, Performance and Digital Products, GroupM India said, Dimpy has a first-rate knowledge of data, integration, and new age media. She has been leading client engagement for Xaxis India proficiently and has driven impactful solutions for our clients. She has always stayed ahead of the curve with her expertise and continuous innovation in client solutions. We are confident that she will play a pivotal role as the lead for Xaxis India.

Dimpys journey with Xaxis began in 2017 as an Engagement Manager and evolved through several roles; her most recent position was National Head for Client Engagement. She will be based of Gurugram and will report to Atique Kazi.
Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland

Bern, 07.10.2021 - The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) has for the first time filed an indictment relating to the blasting of an ATM in Switzerland. The charges are against a 30-year-old Romanian national residing in Romania. The suspect is charged with endangering by means of explosives and toxic gases with criminal intent (Art. 224 para. 1 SCC), qualified theft (Art. 139 para. 1 and para. 3 SCC) and qualified criminal damage to property (Art. 144 para. 1 and 3 SCC).

According to the charges, in December 2019 the suspect robbed an ATM in Sevelen in the canton of St. Gallen, by using explosives, and stole cash amounting to CHF 126,600. In addition, the destructive force of the explosives and the tools that were used, caused property damage of around CHF 100,000 to the ATM and to the outer facade of the affected building. According to the indictment, by detonating the explosive on an ATM on the outside facade of a multi-storey residential and commercial building, the suspect at the very least accepted that people could be injured, and other people's property damaged as a result of his conduct, and therefore knowingly and willingly acted with a criminal intent.

As part of the extensive investigations carried out by the OAG with the support of the cantonal police and fedpol, the suspect was identified and, on the basis of an international arrest warrant, arrested in Austria in June 2020 by the local authorities and placed in custody pending extradition. In August 2020, he was extradited to the Swiss law enforcement authorities and arrested by fedpol on behalf of the OAG. The suspect has been placed on accelerated execution of sentence since June 2021, until then he was on remand.

As is customary, the OAG will announce the penalties that it is proposing at the main hearing before the Federal Criminal Court. As the indictment has been filed, the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona is now responsible for providing further information to the media. The presumption of innocence applies until a legally binding judgment has been issued.

Criminal proceedings of the OAG in connection with ATM robberies with explosives in Switzerland



- The OAG is currently conducting criminal proceedings on around 30 cases of ATM robberies with explosives in Switzerland. The perpetrators often act across cantonal and national borders. The conduct of proceedings is thus time and resource consuming. This is also because many of the investigations have to be carried out through international mutual legal assistance.



- In principle, the OAG is always competent in cases of ATM robberies where explosives are used. Prosecution in relation to all other cases  for example the use of gas or tools such as crowbars or circular saws  falls under the cantonal jurisdiction.



- For about two years now, the OAG, based on criminal proceedings, has noticed an increase in cases in which ATMs have been broken into using explosives.

Address for enquiries

Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland, Communications Service, Tel. +41 58 464 32 40, info@ba.admin.ch

Publisher

Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland

http://www.ba.admin.ch/




Armasuisse

Bern, 07.10.2021 - The final of the three-year Subterranean Challenge robotics competition funded by DARPA (the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency of the United States Department of Defense) took place in the USA from 21 to 24 September 2021. An international team with representatives from Switzerland and with participation of armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T) won the fiercely contested competition.

The winning team, called CERBERUS, competed successfully against seven international teams from the robotics elite in the final in the USA. The team consisted of robotics researchers from Switzerland (ETH Zurich, Flyability SA), the USA, UK and Norway.

In order to prepare as well as possible for the DARPA Challenge, the Swiss Drone and Robotics Centre of the DDPS (SDRC DDPS) from armasuisse Science and Technology (S+T) provided above-ground and underground facilities together with the Engineering/Rescue/ABC training unit of the Swiss Armed Forces. CERBERUS were able to test various different robots under realistic conditions in the facilities.

Walking robots from the SDRC DDPS in operation

The robotics competition started in 2019 and reached its climax at the final in September 2021. The task set by the challenge was to explore the surrounding area as fast as possible with any number of robots and precisely locate items such as fire extinguishers, first aid equipment and manikins (to simulate human survivors). Small aircraft and ground vehicles were used to tackle the tasks. In addition to more conventional wheeled and tracked vehicles, four-legged walking robots also played a key role. The winner of the challenge relied heavily on four-legged robots. Four Swiss ANYmal walking robots were deployed in the competition  one of them from the SDRC DDPS.

The research agency DARPA of the US Department of Defense conducted the competition to promote novel approaches to rapid mapping, navigation and search in underground environments. The challenge is one of the most demanding robotics competitions in the world.

Address for enquiries

Kaj-Gunnar Sievert

Head of Communications, armasuisse

+41 58 464 62 47

Publisher

Armasuisse

http://www.ar.admin.ch/



General Secretariat DDPS

https://www.vbs.admin.ch/



Defence

http://www.vtg.admin.ch




While 2021 hasnt been the best year for farmers, there are ways to come back from a fall and be better prepared for the future, according to Betsy Jensen, farm business management instructor at Northland Community and Technical College, in Stephen, Minn.

Jensen spoke with producers about how to adapt when nothing goes as planned at the 2021 September Grain Marketing Seminar sponsored by North Dakota Grain Growers Association, Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers, Northern Crops Institute and AgCountry Farm Credit Services.

Our farm just got our crop insurance for wheat, and any year you collect a crop insurance check is a disappointing year, she said. So it is not about if your farm is going to take a fall; its about when you are going to take a fall and what are you going to do about it? What is going to happen?

Jensen has heard many farmers saying this year that they screwed up.

This is the year I have heard people say that the most often, and I dont know if that is necessarily true, Jensen said. I can just say a few words and you guys will start to cringe. What if I say the words, falling numbers, or protein discount, or test weight?

There are a lot of things that can make our farm plan fall apart and we have to know how to put things back together again, she added.

Jensen pointed out there are 68 farm business management instructors in Minnesota.

North Dakota has about 20 and there is a national organization, as well. What we do is we meet with farmers and go over financials, she said.
IOWA FALLS, Iowa  If someone is sick or unable to help themselves, Ron Hornung is always ready to lend a helping hand.

Whether its a Thanksgiving dinner or making up chicken and noodles for someone who is under the weather, Hornung is always ready to help people out with his cooking. He said its something he learned at a young age from his mother.

She did a lot of volunteering and giving meals to people, Hornung said. I just carried that on.

Hornung said his mother would enter state fair contests when he was a kid, and one year her cinnamon rolls won grand champion. He remembered that Bing Crosbys wife, Kathryn, was a judge.

He makes sure people have something to celebrate during the holidays.

There are a lot of people who are in need of food, especially at the holiday times, he said. I make sure they have something at Christmas or Thanksgiving.

And he said helping people during COVID has been important because many people were closed in their house while quarantining. He and his wife Cate would make meals and ring peoples doorbells so they could come out and pick it up and not risk any exposures.

Hornung spent 41 years working for Alliant Energy, traveling through central Iowa, while Cate worked for 33 years as a kindergarten teacher. Cate grew up on a farm near Independence, Iowa, and the couple has always been around agriculture.

Cate said helping people came naturally to her husband and, when they would have excess from their own meals, it made sense for someone to make use of it.
Important genetic changes occur in the piglet amygdala, a brain structure that plays an important role in learning, social behavior, and stress response, when pigs experience a double hit of stressors early in life.
Jaclyn Wilson Jaclyn Wilson raises Red Angus cattle at Wilson Ranch near Lakeside, Nebraska. Send comments to her at jaclyn@flyingdiamondgenetics.com. Follow Jaclyn Wilson Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

Hows everyone doing? I heard the other day that some of the local guys around here are expecting diesel to reach $5 going into next year. They are contracting right now over $4.

Im getting tired of seeing all the input increases on everything from fertilizer to even Quickbooks. If it doesnt cost you more, then Im sure you cant find it anywhere. Im being told Ill need to wait until at least December on a couple of different items that Ive ordered, and thats being optimistic. Even a new bed mattress is over six weeks out.

I think whats most concerning to me right now is the number of job availabilities. Does no one want to work anymore? There is hardly a business that Ive walked into lately, whether it be a gas station, a restaurant or a retail store of some kind that doesnt have a help wanted sign up. Someone even told me the other day that they cant get kids to work for under $15 per hour.

I think the biggest surprise was when I was in the DFW airport a couple of weeks ago, at one of those combination bookstores and snack shops. There was a Dunkin Donuts on one end where they did have an employee working, but in the store itself there was no one. I thought for sure I was missing something or an employee was hiding behind the counter, but then when I walked up to the island in the middle of the store there was a big self-checkout sign. Yes, the airports are even going with self-checkouts now.

I may get distracted for a minute here. Ive been in a number of airports over the years, and I have some favorites along the way. I love the parking garage in Omaha where it directs you to the empty parking spaces with green and red lights. If you havent been to the DFW airport it does a similar thing with the bathroom stalls. By the restroom entrance is a big screen that will tell you how many stalls are available. When you walk into a stall there is an overhead green/red light that will change colors with the sliding door handle. So theres the rancher, sliding the door handle back and forth multiple times just to see the changing light (once in a while you cant take the boonies out of the girl).
So, what is going on in the Ahwatukee real estate market? Is the bubble going to burst?
Dr. Cyril Kay OC, Ph.D., FRSC, FCAHS, D.SC. (Hon)

"We didnt compete with one another. We worked together toward the common good. We focused on the joy of collaborating to advance our mutual understanding of the building blocks of life. To borrow a term from the John Kennedy era, it was like being in Camelot."

Dr. Cyril Kay is among the top protein chemists in the world. For over 60 years, he has built highly successful, multi-disciplinary research teams dedicated to seeking answers to leading biomedical questions.

Cyril Max Kay was born on October 3, 1931, in Calgary, Alberta. His parents had immigrated 10 years earlier from what is now Belarus. To support the young family in their new country, Cyrils father sold fruit and vegetables at Calgarys old City Hall market. But tragedy struck when Cyril was 12. His father passed away. His mother took over the familys stall, but money was tight, and Cyrils dream of attending university seemed unattainable.

A family friend suggested he apply for McGill Universitys new J. W. McConnell scholarship, which would pay for tuition, room and board for four years. Thanks to his outstanding grades, Cyril received one of only four McConnell scholarships available in 1949.

Cyril wanted to study honours chemistry, but McGill was strapped for space, because many veterans had enrolled after the Second World War. So the first two years of the honours chemistry program were based in St. Johns, Quebec, some 70 km from Montreal. Cyril had not come all the way from Calgary only to study in St. Johns, so he asked if any science programs were based in Montreal. The answer, honours biochemistry, changed the direction of his life. Sign me up, said Cyril and he never looked back. Throughout his studies, he found a superb group of professors who nurtured in him a lifelong love of studying proteins and enzymes, the building blocks of life.

While at home for the summer after his third year at McGill, Cyril began dating Faye Bloomenthal. When Cyril went on to Harvard to work on his Ph.D., Faye joined him, studying liberal arts/education at Boston University. The couple married in 1953. Cyril followed his graduate studies with a postdoctoral period at Cambridge University where he began his lifelong fascination with muscle proteins.

Tenured jobs in those days were rare, yet Cyril landed one of only two biochemistry positions in all of Canada when the University of Alberta recruited him to the Department of Biochemistry in 1958. Cyril and colleague Dr. Larry Smillie knew the synergy of a team collaborating on protein research would be far greater than the sum of individual contributions.

Around the same time, the Canadian government began funding multi-disciplinary research teams  called Medical Research Council Groups  and asked Cyril and Larry to co-lead the first protein group in Canada, called the MRC Group on Protein Structure and Function. So with the blessing of the university, they began personally visiting biochemists across North America whose expertise would be complementary additions to the group. We went shopping for the best of the best and we recruited them, smiles Cyril.

We didnt compete with one another. We worked together toward the common good. We focused on the joy of collaborating to advance our mutual understanding of the building blocks of life. To borrow a term from the John Kennedy era, it was like being in Camelot.

Between 1974 and 1995, the MRC Group developed leading-edge technologies and published over 1,600 original, peer-reviewed, articles  an astonishing accomplishment  and the impact of that research is still being seen today. Their work was diverse, with implications for treating infectious diseases, cardiovascular disease, bacterial infections and much more. Many of the groups 250 students and postdoctoral fellows went on to become academic leaders around the world. Collaborations among group and departmental members also played a major role in the universitys Department of Biochemistry becoming the top biochemistry department in Canada, as well as the standard of research excellence in the Faculty of Medicine.

Cyril found a new challenge when the federal government ended funding for MRC Groups and focused instead on National Centres of Excellence. In 1990, Cyril became a founding member of the Protein Engineering Network of Centres of Excellence (PENCE). With University of Alberta leadership, PENCE became a scientific alliance of some 60 researchers across Canada. Their mission was to interact with industry, government and other academic centres to engineer and study proteins for the economic benefit of Canada. Cyril served as Chair of the PENCE Scientific Advisory Board. During its 15 years, PENCE was seen as the top life sciences network in Canada.

In 1995, an international symposium was hosted by the University of Alberta in honour of Cyrils outstanding leadership, accomplishments and contributions to the university and the scientific community at large. He retired as Professor of Biochemistry after 37 years at the University of Alberta.

Cyrils retirement was short lived. In 1998, the Alberta Science and Research Authority (ASRA) needed him to develop a health research plan for the province. ASRA also asked him to help investigate how to develop Albertas research and development capacity in energy, ICT and life sciences. Once again, he outlined a strategy for institutional collaboration, cooperation and sharing. Cyril subsequently joined the ASRA board.

The Alberta Cancer Board also needed Cyrils leadership to develop a vision for cancer research, so in 1999, he became Vice President of Research. For the next decade, his contribution was enormous, stimulating substantial research growth and fostering an unprecedented level of cooperation among cancer researchers right across the province.

This extensive collaboration underpinned Cyrils vision of a virtual Alberta Cancer Research Institute that would pool resources and expertise to achieve heavyweight status on the international cancer research scene. But his elegant vision and plan ended when the Alberta government terminated the Alberta Cancer Board in 2008.

Cyril retired for a second time. But friends Dianne and Irving Kipnes needed his gift for building multi-disciplinary teams as they set up their foundation dedicated to stimulating lymphedema research. Cyril played an indispensable role guiding the foundation and developing the Alberta Lymphedema Network (ALNET). Despite lymphedema having received little research attention in the past, his stature within the medical community has drawn researchers from many disciplines to participate in ALNET. As a member of the Strategic Advisory Board, Cyril is dedicated to establishing Alberta as a world-class leader in lymphatic research and treatment.

Throughout his career, Cyril has been asked to serve on numerous advisory and editorial boards and grant panels in Canada and around the world. He served for 10 years on the Gairdner Awards selection committee, which selects the top biomedical and medical researchers in the world. His extensive service also includes the MRC Council of Canada, which provided key vision and direction for medical research in Canada, and the Scientific Advisory Board of the Canadian Heart Foundation. He is past president of the Canadian Biochemical Society, past Associate Editor of the Canadian Journal of Biochemistry, and Founding Editor of Paabs Revista, a review journal in biochemistry and molecular biology.

To date, Cyril has published 349 research papers focused mainly on the structure and function relationships of muscle and calcium binding proteins. He has mentored many scientists who have moved on to international positions. And he takes great pride that his son Lewis is an outstanding biophysicist in his own right.

Cyrils recognitions and awards are many. In 1969-1970, he was an MRC Visiting Scientist in the Biophysics Department of the Weizmann Institute. He was elected as a Fellow of the New York Academy of Science in 1970, Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 1978, and Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences in 2010. He received the Distinguished Scientist Award from the University of Albertas Faculty of Medicine in 1988 and an Honorary Doctorate of Science from the university in 2019. He received the ASTech Award for a Lifetime of Outstanding Contributions to the Alberta Science and Technology Community in 2006. In 2003, the Alberta Cancer Board and Foundation endowed the Dr. Cyril M. Kay Graduate Studentship in Cancer Research in perpetuity for his role in promoting cancer research in the province.

Named a Member of the Order of Canada in 1995, Cyril was elevated to Officer of the Order of Canada in 2006. He and Lewis are among very few fathers and sons who have both received the Order. Cyril is a recipient of Queen Elizabeth IIs Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, the Alberta Centennial Medal in 2005, and Queen Elizabeth IIs Diamond Jubilee medal in 2012).

Celebrating his 90th birthday in 2021, Cyril continues to serve local and international scientific communities. For the past 10 years and counting, he has served on the Scientific Advisory Board of Oncopole, a significant international cancer research centre in Toulouse, France.

Cyril and his wife Faye have two children, Lisa and Lewis, and four grandchildren.
Rabbi Lewis Kamrass spoke about the history of the Plum Street Temple before the concert.
Dorian Abbot, an associate professor of geophysics from the University of Chicago, was scheduled deliver the prestigious Carlson Lecture at MIT on climate and the potential for life on other planets

Everything seemed in order until an insane mob began banging at the door.

The mob had discovered a Newsweek piece that Abbot co-wrote back in August where he argued that diversity efforts at universities violated equal treatment. The article proposed that university applicants be treated as individuals and evaluated through a rigorous and unbiased process based on their merit and qualifications alone.

Previously Abbot has also posted videos on YouTube denouncing the rioting in Chicago that erupted following the killing of George Floyd.

Decades ago, condemning riots and asking for merit-based enrolment at educational institutes was so obvious that there was no need to state it in plain words.

But those days are over.

For the anti-riot videos, Abbot was targeted for cancellation by a group of graduate students at his University. However, the President of University of Chicago issued a strong statement in support of faculty free expression which emphatically resolved the matter.

The mob emerged again in another form, upon learning of Abbots scheduled Carlson Lecture at MIT. This MIT Twitter mob, comprising of students, post-doctorates, and alumni, vehemently demanded that Abbot be uninvited because they disagreed with the contents of his Newsweek article.

This time it worked.

MIT cancelled Abbot's Carlson lecture to avoid controversy. This isnt the first time that a prestigious university yielded under pressure and it will not be the last if remedial immediate actions are not taken.

One wonders what could have been accomplished if the innovation and drive that is shown towards cancelling people were to be applied towards something meaningful.

Not so long ago, this may have seemed like stating the obvious, but owing to this climate of insanity it is essential to reiterate basic principles regarding education.

It is an axiomatic fact that to be effective places of education, colleges and universities have no option but to be a forum where absolute freedom of expression is allowed.

This includes the right to opine and criticize without repercussions. It also includes the right to offend, to insult, to satirize, to express hateful and obscene ideas, and to ridicule anything under the sun including the state, religion, public figures, the news media, the Almighty, and above all their teachers.

What is hateful to one may be compelling to another. What is prejudiced to one may be a fresh perspective to another. What is disgusting to one can be riveting to another. What is pornographic to one may be artful to another. What is crass to one may be hilarious to another. What is crude to one may be hard-hitting to another.

A bigot to one may be a maverick to another. A liberal to one can be a fascist to another. A rabid right-winger to one is a voice of reason to another. A left-wing loon to one may be the sole voice of hope to another. We cannot allow personal taste to dictate what is permitted in any forum of ideas.

An educational institute must be A place where students are exposed to a variety of ideas and perspectives. The exposure should result in them being eager to learn about contrarian perspectives. The forum should enable one to vehemently disagree without being disagreeable and engage in healthy debates.

It is this healthy exchange and debates, not echo chambers, that facilitates growth as students learn to understand and even empathize with the opposing point of view. Denying an individual his right to free expression is denying yourself the right to be exposed to it.

Freedom of expression emanates from freedom of thought and it is often these thoughts that have led to great works of art and literature, inventions, and discoveries.

If an individual had not dared to be different and more importantly dared to express this difference of opinion without fear, we would probably be living in the stone age.

Quite often a solitary contrarian voice begins like a flickering flame, but with support, it results in illuminating everybody. If a society sticks to convention it ceases to grow.

The is the only way to train students to think freely and make informed decisions is to expose them to every possible thought. Any decision that is taken with incomplete information is usually the wrong decision. This evolution of the mind upon being exposed to new ideas is the core of education.

In Abbots case, the students could have organized a debate or a discussion forum where they could have engaged and even disagreed with his ideas

But we must not blame the students; they are young, impressionable, and uninformed; they are allowed to be petulant and vacuous. It is the adults in the room who should be taking charge of the situation and standing up for freedom.

But often the adults are either too scared themselves since they want to hold on to their job or they just dont want to be bothered with what they consider as gratuitous disputes.

Hence they bow before the mob, forgetting that every inch of their surrender of freedoms is an inch closer to totalitarianism. Wokeism which cancels individuals for daring to express ideas that do not adhere to the groupthink is merely a euphemism for totalitarianism.

Someday the mob will turn on their appeasers because no individual, irrespective of how cautiously restrained they are, cannot always hold the mob-approved thoughts.

The mob always claims to be standing against fascism; perhaps they fail to see the irony that it was fascists who suppressed opposing views and Nazis that burned books that they considered dissenting.

Quite often the propagandists masquerading as teachers are leaders and organizers of the mob. They pride themselves on their sway over students such that they are able to incite credulous young minds.

This is because the perpetually insecure propagandists live in fear that the contrarian ideas may be persuasive to students and soon their influence will melt into thin air. Hence instead of engaging, they shut down their opponents.

It is not just universities and colleges; the abhorrent wokeism seems to be infiltrating schools. Indoctrination at a very young age is often irreversible, parents have understandably reacted by expressing grave concern and anger.

Recently it was announced that the FBI would investigate a disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff.

Many have seen this as another pretext to shut down critics of the undesirable occurrences within educational institutes. The mob isnt just a group of unruly students and rogue teachers, they are being shielded by the powers that be.

A senior professor at college I once lectured at told me that If you want to destroy a nation, you first destroy its foundation, that is the education system

Silence is no longer an option.

It is time for the responsible adults within and beyond the education system to take charge again to save your education and your nation before it is too late.
The war over education will be a defining issue for the next decade. Unfortunately, defeating Critical Hate Theory isnt going to stop the poison that already infects our educational system. Beneath the veil of diversity, inclusion, and tolerance is the acidic educational philosophy that America is evil, that its values need destroyed, and that Western culture is irredeemable. That is what actually motivates progressive education: hatred of their culture and homeland.

Antonio Gramsci is the prophet of our educational discontent. Imprisoned by Mussolini in the 1920s, Gramsci wrote his famous Prison Notebooks explaining why the communist revolution didnt occur in the very societies where it should have. Breaking with Marxs economic politics, Gramsci articulated a view of cultural politics. The revolution failed, or didnt occur, because the proletariat didnt control any of the institutions of cultural power. This is what is called cultural hegemony.

Disciples of Gramsci emerged in the 1960s in Europe and America. They advocated a long march through the institutions. Their goal: to overthrow the bourgeois and Christian culture that dominated elite and secondary institutions throughout the West. Only in overturning the cultural ideals and values of their opponents could the revolutionaries disseminate their ideals to the next generation, secure cultural power, and use institutions to advance their revolutionary ideals.

Todays proponents of Critical Race Theory, diversity, inclusion, and tolerance, and all the other buzzwords of multiculturalism are the heirs of Gramsci and his disciples. Their goal is nothing less than the overthrow of all the values of the previous generations that had organically flourished and grown to constitute Western civilization and its values of God, liberty, and equality. Of course, God, liberty, and equality as previously understood are masks for oppression, according to progressives.

At the heart of our educational culture war are two visions for culture and education. One believes education is a training in virtue and excellence, an engagement with a living tradition of 3,000 years of wisdom, goodness, and beauty that has the power to enlighten and transform our lives for the better.

The other educational outlook is premised on hatred, division, and destruction. The goal here is not a training in virtue or excellence but an indoctrination into revolutionary ideals that will overthrow the supposedly oppressive and tyrannical present and wipe away all the vestiges of an evil and irredeemable past. The purpose of education is to create storm troopers of cultural vandalism and demolition. To hide this reality the proponents of educational desecration call it all the names we are accustomed to hearing and assert to be against such progressive inclusion is to be inhumane and racist.

Education as a training in virtue and excellence goes back to ancient Athens and Platos Academy. It was transported to Rome and became the basis for what the Roman statesman Cicero called humanism: a humane education in excellence to make humans better themselves. Saint Augustine, in his Confessions, recounts how his heart and intellect was brought to life reading the great poetry of the Latin writers and the philosophers of Greece.

During the Middle Ages, with the birth of the formal universities, Christians enlarged this vision of education to include the study of God and nature. By the Renaissance, the emphasis on languages and recovering the wisdom of the past, coupled with the study of philosophy, theology, and history formed the basis of what we used to call classical, or liberal arts, education. When the Puritans sailed to the New World, they brought the best of this tradition of humanistic learning with them when they established such institutions as Harvard and my alma mater Yale (which still has buildings with the motto For God, For Country, and For Yale inscribed on them).

In the turbulent seas we now find ourselves in, with private schools, even various Christian schools, running headlong into the fire of critical hate education, it is imperative that those schools which have remained true to the spirit of love and excellence that made the West the beacon of educational excellence to stand and defend the last bastions of culture.

By forsaking the possibility of fulfillment in education, the goal of the progressives is to ensure that a restless generation of graduates march into the classroom as teachers, march into the world as activists and revolutionaries, march into the courtroom as lawyers, to destroy the very places they call home. That is the vision outlined by Gramsci that they strictly adhere to. You do not destroy what you love. We must change it all. When they speak of change, they mean destroy.

The Christian vision of education offers the only antidote to the culture war. To love the wisdom and excellence of the past is something fulfilling that also brings a sense of accomplishment with it. It permits us not to destroy, but to build, and in building from what weve inherited we leave our mark upon it for the next generation to build up further.

We can, and should, aspire to be the next Homer, the next Dante, the next C.S. Lewis. We can aspire to build the next Westminster, the next Notre Dame. We can aspire to build the next Yale, the next Harvard, the next Princeton. We can aspire to defend the richness of our culture which has routinely been threatened in times past, is threatened now, and will be threatened in the future.

If the education of love and excellence has a future, it is tied to Christian education. If Christians truly wish to stand out as a light in the dark world of vandalism in which we find ourselves, joining the vandals will be a great betrayal of the call to be the light and salt of the world. The call is not become part of the dark world but to stand apart from it; one mustnt confuse the desecrating vandalism running rampant as the light. When the candle goes out the tyranny of darkness and its destructive impulse is all that is left. Worse, we will no longer be able to see the beauty that the vandals destroy.

Paul Krause is a writer, editor, and teacher. He is the author of The Odyssey of Love: A Christian Guide to the Great Books, The Politics of Plato, and contributed to The College Lecture Today and the forthcoming book Diseases, Disasters, and Political Theory. He is the incoming editor of VoegelinView.

Image: Public Domain Pictures

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I'm going to try to explain what's going on in America right now by drawing a connection between two news stories. On the surface, they don't seem to have much to do with each other, but when you really think about them, it's obvious that there's a common thread.

The first story comes from way back in November of 2018, when President Trump complained about an "Obama judge" on the Ninth Circuit ruling against his asylum policy. Trump's comments angered Chief Justice John Roberts of the Supreme Court, who gave a speech saying:

We do not have Obama judges or Trump judges, Bush judges or Clinton judges. What we have is an extraordinary group of dedicated judges doing their level best to do equal right to those appearing before them. That independent judiciary is something we should all be thankful for.

Trump responded by tweeting: "Sorry Chief Justice John Roberts, but you do indeed have 'Obama judges,' and they have a much different point of view than the people who are charged with the safety of our country...."

For the Deep State and its sympathizers, Roberts's statement was a dignified and erudite defense of the institutions of liberal democracy, while Trump's tweet was a crass attack on said institutions.

Ordinary Americans, who aren't emotionally invested in keeping up the illusion that all is well on the banks of the Potomac, saw something different. They saw John Roberts telling a lie and Donald Trump telling the truth.

Everybody knows that most of what the upper level of the judicial system does is politics by another name. They know that most of the time, Obama judges, Trump judges, Bush judges, and Clinton judges rule differently on politically charged questions. And a large portion of the American people decide whom to vote for in presidential elections based mainly on what kinds of judges they want the next president to appoint.

John Roberts has the audacity to tell these people that none of this is true and that all judges are really just doing their best to enforce the same laws in an impartial way.

And then, right after this creature of the Deep State (not even a Democrat, but a moderate Republican) has told his lie, Donald Trump does what most politicians won't do (including Republicans) and tells the truth.

Over the next few years, when Trump's base continues to believe Trump's statements in preference to those of the media, the regulatory agencies, Anthony Fauci, the "moderates" in Congress, or whomever, the elite classes and the plutocrats and the mainstream press continue to act surprised, as if there were no reason for anybody to take Trump's word over theirs about illegal immigration, or the origin of the coronavirus, or hydroxychloroquine, or election fraud.

Except there was a reason why the Deplorables listened to Trump instead of the mainstream voices. It is that the mainstream voices have been lying to them for a long, long time, without even trying to be subtle. Eventually, the Deplorables noticed, and they decided to trust someone else.

Now for the second, and more recent, news item, in which we see our self-appointed betters growing impatient with plain lying and moving on to censorship, as exemplified by YouTube's decision, about a week ago, to ban all content questioning the efficacy of COVID vaccines.

You know who questions the efficacy of COVID vaccines? Scientists. Anyone who's been following the news for the last year or so knows that while most scientists studying the vaccines believe that their efficacy is well above zero, there have been all sorts of disagreements about how well they actually work. Do they prevent serious symptoms 90% of the time or only 70% of the time? Do they work at all against the delta variant? Do their effects fade with time? Is a third dose necessary? Will people who already have natural antibodies get any benefit from the vaccines?

The scientific community has debated all these questions, and attentive news-watchers know that there isn't a settled consensus. This should surprise nobody, as the vaccines are new and approved for experimental use only. At this point, it's good that scientists aren't all thinking the same thoughts, because that means that at least some of them are doing their jobs.

However, the people who run this country (and let's be honest: at this point, the government agencies and the big corporations are all run by the same left-leaning plutocrat class) have decided that the Deplorables aren't allowed to know any of this.

These people know that the Deplorables don't trust them anymore. So they have to rely on censorship, because they can't just make their case with logic, and say things like We all know that the science isn't fully settled yet, but most of the evidence indicates that the vaccines work most of the time, and your chances of getting harmed by a vaccine are small compared to your chances of getting harmed by the virus, so we're recommending that you get the shot. But if you don't, we won't try to punish you or shame you, because we still believe in liberty.

That's the sort of argument that might have worked fifteen years ago. It doesn't work today, because the Deplorables know that the people saying it have their heads so far up their own rear ends that they either can't see or don't care about the obvious untruth of statements like "we do not have Obama judges or Trump judges."

Instead, they rely on coercion and censorship. Science takes a backseat to politics, just as it did way back in the spring of 2020, when scientists did a bunch of studies on the efficacy of cloth masks, most of which suggested that they don't work, and then dropped the whole topic like a hot rock once it became apparent that most of the people who didn't want to wear masks were those nasty Trump voters.

So upper-class liberals are left banging their heads on the wall and saying: Why do these people keep on trusting Donald Trump, even after the events of January 6, and why won't they believe the FDA when it tells them not to treat COVID with horse-deworming pills, and why are hospitals having to shut down because so many of their employees  medical professionals!  are willing to lose their jobs rather than get the vaccine?

The answer is that all this is happening because people notice when the elites lie. They notice when the elites engage in censorship. And they don't un-notice. Also, once they've stopped trusting you, they won't start again just because you want them to. Instead, they'll trust somebody else, even if, in your (now irrelevant) opinion, that somebody else is the worst person in the world for them to trust.

Twilight Patriot also blogs at www.twilightpatriot.com.

Image: Tom Hilton via Flickr, CC BY 2.0.

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We are living under a regime that's increasingly totalitarian. And it is using an insidious strategy  call it disinformation, propaganda, gaslighting, indoctrination, or outright lying  to achieve the leftists' political and social goal of a "Great Reset" of America. The regime's enforcers, or boosters, are the media, academia, and Big Tech, who together control the narrative with faked statistics, slanted semantics, and endless repetition. They also deploy the psychological tactics of intimidation, shaming, and canceling. At the center sits the government, but the chain of command  who dictates to whom  is often unclear.

"Repeat a lie often enough, and it becomes the truth" is a principle often attributed to Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels. In America today, "woke" social justice warriors are using a continuous barrage of lies to achieve their Machiavellian agenda.

Four recent, egregious lies come to mind. In June 2020, Gordon Klein, a UCLA business school professor who has taught at the institution for forty years, was suspended for refusing a student's request to provide an easier exam for black students. Black students, it was propounded, were emotionally distressed after the death of serial felon George Floyd in Minneapolis. The email exchange between Klein and the student, which went viral, was deemed "hurtful," and the professor was unreasonably branded an "insensitive bigot." Antonio Bernardo, the school's dean, organized a smear campaign against Klein and sought permission to fire him.

Klein stood his ground, saying he was shocked by the student's request, which he found "deeply patronizing and offensive" to black students. He also assessed, rightly, that granting the request would violate the California constitution's prohibition of "race-based preferences in public education." But such has been the effect of woke indoctrination that, incomprehensibly, students called for his removal and gathered 20,000 signatures on a petition demanding that he be relieved of his teaching duties. In its eagerness to be seen as woke in the current racially charged atmosphere, UCLA chose to ignore the abject harassment of its professor, sided with the crybullies, and suspended Klein. Fortunately, an academic senate committee ruled that instructors are entitled to refuse requests to change grading schemes, and Klein was reinstated three weeks later.

But the retaliation against Klein and others continues. The professor, who was denied a merit raise and is suing UCLA, says the controversy devastated his consultancy practice. Apparently, businesses  like large numbers of college students and faculty  value being seen as woke over scholarship, justice, and integrity.

In another case, nodding to the nebulous concept of "cultural relativism," a federal judge in Detroit defended female genital mutilation (FGM), a procedure banned since 1996 in the U.S. The judge, Bernard Friedman, in 2018 declared the ban on FGM unconstitutional, then (on Sep. 28, 2021) threw out the feds' case, accepting that the secretive procedure performed on nine minor girls, aged 7 to 12, was merely a "religious ritual." The lead defendant, Dr. Jumana Nagarwala, denied performing FGM and referred to the procedure as benign "shaving"  whatever that means. Federal prosecutors had acknowledged the existence of a "secret network of physicians" who were performing the ritual as "part of a religious obligation and cultural tradition" of the Dawoodi Bohra community, to which the girls, Dr. Nagarwala, and other accused belong.

Survivors of the procedure have described it as demonic. They say they have physical and mental scars to show that it went beyond just "a nick" or "shaving," and that it amounted to "gender violence." But even though the U.S. Constitution does not provide for absolute freedom of religion and deems certain religious practices crimes, Judge Friedman thought otherwise. His 2018 decision declaring the ban unconstitutional had been appealed by the U.S. House of Representatives, and in 2021, the STOP FMG Act was signed into law, giving federal authorities more power to prosecute those who perform the procedure. But with woke judges like Friedman at the gates, de facto FGM might well become permissible.

The third incident is about the debacle in Afghanistan. The only person under investigation for America's avoidable surrender to the Taliban is Lt. Col. Stuart Scheller, a decorated Marine who's in the brig for telling the truth about the Kabul airport suicide bombing and calling for accountability from military leadership. This while Biden has armed the terrorists with $83 billion in U.S. weapons and stranded thousands of Americans and Afghans who contributed to the U.S. effort in country. The incarceration of Scheller contrasts sharply with the absolving of Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the author of the disastrous withdrawal. This is the same general who bashed Trump and the Republicans, promoted BLM, and called up his Chinese counterpart to say he would warn of any American attack. A patriot has been silenced; a traitor is free to pursue his woke agenda for the military.

Perhaps the most bizarre of logic-defying anomalies that are becoming commonplace is the National School Boards Association (NSBA)'s letter to the Biden administration demanding that anti-terrorist laws such as the PATRIOT Act be used against parents protesting against curriculum content and school mandates. Parents have of late been extremely vocal against the teaching of the Marxist Critical Race Theory (CRT), the use of sexually explicit material in the classroom, the promotion of gender fluidity, and implementation of severe COVID-19 restrictions. The NSBA has asked the FBI, the Secret Services, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to "investigate, intercept, and prevent the current threats and acts of violence" by whatever "extraordinary measures" necessary. Mischaracterizing the First Amendment right to assembly and protest as "hate crimes," it has demanded the removal of protesters from school grounds.

Social justice warriors use such hyper-charged rhetoric about reasonable dissent to indoctrinate students and to marginalize and censor parents who object to their subterfuge. Virginia's Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Terry McAuliffe, even argued that parents have no right to tell schools what to teach. Vetoing legislation that gave parents the right to decide on books used in schools, he said, "I'm not going to let parents come into schools, and actually take books out, and make their own decision." Even when the books contained sexually explicit material. Not unexpectedly, U.S. attorney general Merrick Garland has instructed the FBI to mobilize against dissenting parents.

The examples cited illustrate how the cultural Marxists' agenda has infiltrated our schools, universities, military, courts, and beyond. Together with the government, the woke cabal functions as a quasi-totalitarian regime that advances a deceitful agenda and suppresses  or "cancels"  all contrary views, disguising the truth beyond recognition. The dissonance, and concurrent unease, of the condoning of BLM and Antifa's violence, the exoneration of military incompetence and treason, and the criminalization of legitimate dissent represents a series of "through the looking glass" moments for the average "unwoke" American. As ex-radical and conservative writer and policy advocate David Horowitz declares, "inside every progressive is a totalitarian screaming to get out."

Image: JSMed via Pixabay, Pixabay License.

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One of my favorite political cartoons from the end of America's War for Independence comes not from the colonies, but from a printer in London. Entitled "The General P__s, or Peace," it shows an Englishman, a Dutchman, an American Indian, a Spaniard, and a Frenchman all urinating into a pot with their swords and national flags lying on the ground. In sixteen lines of verse accompanying the drawing, the unhappy engraver bemoans the loss of America and ends with an acerbic final stanza: "Tis vain for to fret or growl at our lot, / You see they're determin'd to fill us a pot, / So now my brave Britons excuse me in this, / That I for a Peace am obliged to write Piss."

That always makes me smile. "How on Earth," I imagine that printer grumbling to himself, "did a ragtag bunch of colonists end up dictating terms of surrender to the world's pre-eminent empire?" Now it also reminds me of a popular internet meme juxtaposing the picture of a woman dancing in warm rain under the caption "People Who Trust the Government," with the picture of her neighbor urinating over their mutual fence and captioned appropriately, "The Government." So it would seem we Americans have come full circle and are now on the receiving end of our government's piddling affections.

Isn't it remarkable how everything the federal government does in the name of "general peace" ends up as a pot of the other stuff that we're expected to drink right up with a smile? For the life of me, I can't think of anything helpful or good that has come from Washington's Leviathan or the D.C. despots that control that ungrateful monster in quite some time. We're thirty trillion dollars in debt, and Congress couldn't care less, as the mental lightweights who compose that less than august body debate not how to pay for any of the extravagant socialist projects they've already foisted upon the American people for years, but rather whether a measly two or five or even ten trillion dollars in extra debt will momentarily satisfy their unquenchable lust to saddle the public with ever more extravagant socialist spending bills for years to come. When it comes to printing money, the Democrats are all about "making it rain," but what's falling on Americans' heads is not at all different from what's drenching that poor dancing woman.

It is an old truism that all fiat money eventually collapses because governments are unable to exhibit the self-control required to abstain from manipulating and devaluing their currencies over time. Usually, this happens when short-term crises arise, and political power is preserved by expediently spending today what should be saved for tomorrow. Technically, right now we are neither at war nor suffering from economic calamity, yet the government keeps spending and inflating the prices of ordinary necessities at a pace that would make one believe that global war had been raging for years. During a time of relative peace, Washington has chosen to destroy what little value remains in its legal tender and then expects to win a future war in the Pacific by being able to continue selling IOUs to the same country it expects to fight. Excuse me, Uncle Sam here, could you spare a dime, so that we might be able to pay for our war against you? No? What do you mean, you'd rather not? These are the strategic thinkers filling our pot of peace today.

When you think of "general peace," wouldn't you expect the normal duty of any functioning government to be the promotion of some modicum of national unity? If so, then it has to come as a surprise to those with even modest expectations for government competency to realize that unity is the farthest thing from the minds of those who insist on ruling us for "our own good." The FBI is on the hunt for "hate crimes" lurking within every happy suburb while arguing that "white supremacy" is America's biggest terrorist threat. Believing in personal liberty or inalienable rights is labeled "racist" by a Democrat party uninterested in either, and objecting to the illicit ways both Congress and the Supreme Court have rewritten the U.S. Constitution to serve the federal government's willy-nilly political impulses at any given moment is condemned as proof that America is secretly run by the Klan. Black Americans are explicitly told that white Americans wish them harm. Women are repeatedly told that a "patriarchy" exists to prevent their success. Anybody who is not Jewish or Christian is reminded with regularity that Jews and Christians have rigged the nation in their favor. And now even the private decision of whether or not to use an experimental "vaccine" is exploited to cleave Americans.

Nobody in Congress  even those perched out on socialism's sprouting branches  could look around at all this manufactured animosity the government and a complicit media are selling daily to the American people and think it healthy for our nation. Yet if there is an elected official concerned with the government's reckless agenda to splinter America into disparate warring groups too busy vying against each other to realize they're being hosed by those who call D.C. home, nobody is standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial calling for heads to roll.

In the United States today, our federal government spends most of its time telling each American why his neighbor is to blame for what may ail him while spreading animus generally under the guise of "social justice." What's that we're forced to smell from coast to coast? Why, that's the stench of "general peace."

It should come as no surprise that Fraud Fauci threatened to cancel Christmas for American commoners if they don't take their required government shots but seemed pretty enthusiastic about letting any of the million or so new illegal aliens celebrate the coming holidays without restrictions because...science! If microscopic disease is your game, then resettling unvetted illegal aliens around the country without knowing whether any might pose a threat to some unsuspecting community in Maine or Tennessee or Ohio might seem like an epidemiological problem worth pursuing. If you're actually invested only in promoting the disease of division, though, "open borders" is the only game in town. And if there is anything the Uniparty in D.C. has made clear for forty years, it is that it will not stop playing with our open borders, no matter how loudly Americans beg. Who cares about uppity Americans' concern for national security or personal welfare when a more compliant population can be imported to do exactly as D.C. demands?

If only that London engraver from two and a half centuries ago could get a good look at America today. I have a feeling he'd say, "See, you get it now, Colonials. Losing America is no easy thing to stomach. 'General peace' isn't quite so appealing when it's your nose that's being shoved in the pot."

Image via Max Pixel.

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Last Sunday, in its banner-head story, 60 Minutes featured a so-called Facebook "whistleblower" who quit her job amid claims that the social media giant didn't censor enough.

Sounding all Walter Cronkite-y and serious, Scott Pelley began the segment with this:

Her name is Francis Haugen, that is a fact that Facebook has been anxious to know since last month when an anonymous former employee filed complaints with federal law enforcement. The complaints say Facebooks own research shows that it amplifies hate, misinformation and political unrest, but the company hides what it knows. One complaint alleges that Facebooks Instagram harms teenage girls. What makes Haugens complaints unprecedented is the trove of private Facebook research she took when she quit in May. The documents appeared first last month in The Wall Street Journal, but tonight Francis Haugen is revealing her identity to explain why she became the Facebook whistleblower.

A day or two afterward, Haugen testified for the Senate:

I used to work at Facebook. I joined Facebook because I think Facebook has the potential to bring out the best in us. But Im here today because I believe Facebooks products, harm children, stoke division, and weaken our democracy. The companys leadership knows how to make Facebook and Instagram safer, but wont make the necessary changes because they have put their astronomical profits before people. Congressional action is needed. They wont solve this crisis without your help.

I had a funny feeling about her so-called whistleblowing credentials, right from the very beginning, given that she was talking about her concern for Burma rather than the censorship going on in the U.S. against mostly conservatives. Nobody cares about Burma over here, not in great numbers, and 60 Minutes is unlikely to do such a report if the only thing going on in this story is Burma ethnic hatred. Here's my immediate response to 60 Minutes:

It was an interesting but incomplete report. She sounded like a frustrated censor, unable to shut down enough conservatives. What did she mean by 'safe'? Is there no reason ever to be angry? Why did you bring up Burma when the burning issue is election fraud and covid fraud?  Monica Showalter (@mmshowalter1) October 4, 2021

I was suspicious of other stuff in that report, too...

This is old news, reported months ago. https://t.co/4meCtQmI4a

 Monica Showalter (@mmshowalter1) October 5, 2021

Others started voicing concerns, such as this MSNBC contributor whom I replied to:

I found the whole thing a little funny, too. She seemed to be upset that Facebook doesn't censor enough. https://t.co/GQvQKYYbtD

 Monica Showalter (@mmshowalter1) October 5, 2021

What she was saying about negativity reinforced at Facebook wasn't even true, making her claims curiouser still:

Here's screenshots of a few of the highest-performing recent posts on both of those pages, where Love is the most dominant reaction after Likes. pic.twitter.com/hWeMCO6Po2  Max Woolf (@minimaxir) October 6, 2021

After that the damn broke through:

From 60 Minutes to first tweet to verified on Twitter to Capitol Hill in 72 hours.



Seems legit https://t.co/8x0mSZfVZt  Cernovich (@Cernovich) October 5, 2021

Trying to remember the last time a whistleblower went public with a PR firm, press email contact, full legal team and Senate appearance. https://t.co/ZMYKpsVFE5

 Drew Holden (@DrewHolden360) October 6, 2021 On '60 Minutes' one day and two days later already testifying in Congress?



I don't really much care for Facebook, but orchestrated much?



Who organized this and what's their agenda? https://t.co/Jo2QMvnWP9  Steve Milloy (@JunkScience) October 5, 2021

'Whistleblower' who works for Facebook previously donated to left-wing extremists, AOChttps://t.co/bSm4jdRCqd  Dinesh D'Souza (@DineshDSouza) October 5, 2021

The Federalist noted that she herself was on the Facebook team that nakedly censored the New York Post scoop about Hunter Biden's seamy emails left on his abandoned laptop computer in order to swing the 2020 election. Facebook admitted that that was a mistake, well after election time, chuckle, chuckle. That unprecedented censorship of America's oldest major newspaper certainly served the Democrats at election time, and surprise, surprise, she's a campaign donor.

What we have is evidence of packaging, the kind an expensive public relations firm does -- and sure enough, Haugen's is Jen Psaki's old firm, fully in bed with Democrats and their agenda. 60 Minutes let its storied name become a bit player in this hidden Leftist Juggernaut of the Democrats by buying into the packaging instead of doing its own reporting.

Had they done so, they could have asked her if she was part of a Democrat machine project, and whether she had a job lined up at some Democrat-linked consultancy, lobbying shop, or white-shoe law firm after she stole Facebook's documents, and who knows how many others this phony whistleblowing caper. Maybe it doesn't matter given that Facebook in fact is a revolving door for Democrats as they move in and out of office. But 60 Minutes didn't ask because they were carrying Democrat water, and not for the first time.

Now that the schtick has been exposed, the end game has been speculated upon by thoughtful minds such as these:

Democrats are explicitly avoiding the question of what sort of regulation would curb the purported harms Haugen jabbers about. They are instead proposing new agencies to sit atop Facebook and dictate terms. That's the entire goal.

 Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) October 6, 2021

The power amassed by Facebook and Google is wildly excessive, illegal under anti-trust laws, and dangerous for democracy.



But that's not the problem Democrats and media have with FB. They have only one goal: to force FB to censor more content that they dislike politically: https://t.co/j9q10NS0fH  Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) October 5, 2021

It's speculation of course, but one thing that isn't speculation is that 60 Minutes carried water for the Democrats, same as they have according to their pattern.

They did gotcha interviews with President Trump as I noted here, and failed miserably to give President Trump credit when serious news reporting would warrant it.

They did gushy softball interviews, some really embarrassing ones, with President Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Vice President Kamala Harris, here, here, and here.

More to the point, they've been involved in phony Democrat 'orchestrations,' all of which were directed by 'strategic communications' firms attempting to influence the public to their gamy point of view, and all of them falling flat when they were found out:

These include:

Nonsense about Russian hackers influencing the U.S. 2016 election with their piddly propaganda operation, a Democrat-invented narrative. The story fell apart.

The Stormy Daniels imbroglio, with gushy coverage of Daniels as an abused but plucky woman victimized by Trump. That narrative also fell apart, particularly when Daniels trashed her own credibility with inconsistencies in her story.

The Epstein suicide story, which was focused almost exclusively on Prince Andrew, an insignificant overseas royal, not Bill Clinton, who was Epstein's close associate. The objective of course, was to lay the groundwork to Get Trump in this, but media and public relations firm interest faded when it turns out nothing was there. Another flop.

A colossal garbage narrative about President Trump's COVID management, blaming him for an absence of PPE during the early part of the COVID crisis last year, when the actual blame went squarely to President Obama for not replenishing supplies, and even moreso to disgraced former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who along with four other fellow Democrat governors, seeded nursing homes with COVID patients, while ignoring the hospital ships President Trump sent to them at record speed to help them protect their vulnerable from contagion. They were in on that, too and their claim fell apart.

There are more incident of carrying water for Democrats, and now we have this instance. They're not a news agency, they're a water carrier for Democrat narrative orchestrations. And all they ever do is get found out. This is embarrassing to be caught this many times in the same seamy game over and over and over. Do they have any pride? They've got egg all over their faces with this Facebook caper, once again.

Image: Screen shot from shareable 60 Minutes video.

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Last week, Chicago had a gang shooting in which one person was killed and two were wounded. I know -- nothing newsworthy there, just a normal day in the Windy City. But this gang shooting is different. The city leadership decided to get, shall we say, creative in how they responded to it.

First some background information. States Attorney Kim Foxx (of Jussie Smollett fame) decided not to charge any of the gang members due to a lack of evidence. Apparently 70 shots fired, caught on camera, and witnessed by the Chicago PD SWAT team, is insufficient for a conviction in Kims city. Maybe if the shooters had been wearing MAGA hats shed be more enthusiastic about enforcing the law.

But then when Foxx defended her decision, things got interesting. She explained that there really wasnt any need to charge the shooters, because the victims were also combatants. I believe thats the citys chief law enforcement officer saying its A-Okay for there to be a little gunplay in her town as long as its only the criminals killing each other.

To be clear, this is not the first time that Ms. Foxx has used the mutual combatant argument to decline charging a killer. She made the same argument about a knife fight that resulted in a death a couple of weeks ago. Since both people involved in the disagreement had knives, Foxx ruled it a no harm, no foul incident. Apparently, this mutual combatant ruling is an official thing in Chicago now.

This whole mutual combatant instrument in the prosecutorial discretion toolbox raises a number of questions. If gangs are now recognized as legitimate combatants, does the Geneva convention apply? I suppose gang colors could be considered uniforms under the rules of the convention.

If the gangs are at war with each other, are the police at war with any of them? In the shooting described above, the SWAT team witnessed the shootout, but theres no report that they engaged in any way. Perhaps the police are now simply neutral observers. I suppose that makes sense. If the cops were to actually engage any of the gangs, they would also be mutual combatants. Theres no word yet from Foxx on whether any resulting police deaths would be written off as mutual combatant casualties.

In this turf war, can the gangs hold prisoners until the cessation of hostilities? Thats just a rhetorical question. These combatants are more likely to use a quick bullet to the head than deal with the logistics of keeping prisoners alive. If that proves to be true, will they be charged for murder or war crimes?

Given that the gangs are now engaged in a legitimate and recognized military action, are their weapons legal now? I mean there were guns in the hands of combatants during that shootout, but nobody was arrested for illegal firearms possession. I guess its okay for them to have guns to facilitate the conduct of hostilities against each other. Apparently in Chicago, only people who do not belong to gangs will be restricted from bearing arms.

Are people caught in the crossfire now just collateral damage? The next time a bullet goes through a window and kills an innocent child, will Foxx chock it up to an unfortunate consequence of war? After all, President Asterisk ordered the murder of 10 innocent people in Afghanistan. A few unintended casualties here and there are to be expected -- right?

States Attorney Foxx is showing us why George Soros funded her campaign. Chicago is getting what it voted for -- good and hard. If you live in Chicago, buckle up. Youre in for a wild ride. Your city leadership has decided that 1980s Beirut is the rockin place they want to be.

John Green is a political refugee from Minnesota, now residing in Idaho. He currently writes at the American Free News Network (afnn.us). He can be followed on Facebook or reached at greenjeg@gmail.com.

Image: Drew Lundquist

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The governors race in Virginia is important on many levels. The coming election test between Republican Glenn Youngkin and Democrat former Gov. Terry McAuliffe is seen as an early harbinger for the very important national mid-term in 2022, and rightfully so.

However, for my fellow Virginians, it might actually come down to a test of the political wisdom of the late Tip ONeill, the former Massachusetts Democrat congressmen and Speaker of the House. Take a look at this Kentucky test question on a standardized exam for the gist.

The phrase, "All politics is local" is a common phrase in U.S. politics. The former U.S. Speaker of the House Tip O'Neill coined this phrase which encapsulates the principle that a politician's success is directly tied to his ability to understand and influence the issues of his constituents. Politicians must appeal to the simple, mundane and everyday concerns of those who elect them into office. Those personal issues, rather than big and intangible ideas, are often what voters care most about, according to this principle.

If Tip was correct, and I believe he was, then the current race for the governor of Virginia between Youngkin and former Governor Terry may be a good example of voters having enough of constant one party rule.

I'm a lifelong Virginian. Having learned to drive while attending high school in Newport News, Virginia, in the early sixties, I immediately realized one of the most powerful organizations in my life was the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles. Over time, with many many engagements with the DMV, I learned the truth of the cliche that people are people.

In other words, some DMV employees are caring can do bureaucrats; personally the rural DMVs appear to have many with this attitude. Others are the famous Big yawn -- is it five oclock yet? -- only have 12 years to go! clock-watching ticket punchers. And finally the worst of the worst are the very officious rookies with power who are petty bureaucrats both lazy and obnoxious. I will leave to my fellow Virginians to their opinions and how they have been treated.

Currently, because of COVID, the DMV changed their rules to computer-driven appointment only. I suspect for many employees that they liked that process not just for health reasons but because it meant more power. After all, they could set their work flow while lording it over those who pay their salaries on 'who is really in charge -- we are' terms.

After Virginia opened up for schools and commerce when the pandemic peaked, it took months for them to get back to normal. Because of political pressure for the Virginia DMV to loosen up their rules, they concocted a weekly hybrid approach; on certain days, DMV offices returned to walk in service and on other days they retained their computer-based scheduling. It has, by several statewide reports, not gone well. If there was ever example of all-politics is local, this maybe is it:

Customers at the Richmond DMV office off of West Broad Street around lunchtime reported waiting between two and four hours for service. Lines built up outside as a way to control crowds indoors. The return of walk in services comes in response to a General Assembly mandate. Some lawmakers were frustrated by long wait-times under the appointment-only system, calling it one of the most common concerns among their constituents.

Virginia voters have been reminded that Terry was our previous governor before the Hollow Men of Governor Ralph Northam and his political team took over. Consequently, it has to be pointed out for many issues the Democrat leadership of Virginia totally owns everything that is happening;

We see the true core beliefs of these people in the wake of Northam's medical school blackface and Ku Klux Klan photo scandal, and his even more scandalous statement defending infanticide. As a proud Virginia High School graduate and current constituent of Virginia's Democratic Governor Ralph Northam, I look on at what this Virginia Military Institute graduate and former doctor has said and done and can only say it's simply stupid and awful. But it seems to go beyond that, representing a historic sea change in the political landscape.

Virginia voters, be they Republicans, Democrats, or independents now have a clear choice between the proven attention to the detail business and management acumen of Glenn Youngkin, who led a $260 billion organization, the Carlyle Group, and Terry who cannot even run a political campaign. In fact, the liberal progressive publication Salon years ago reported on his chaotic leadership and ethics, and by most accounts nothing has changed:

If it wasn't obvious enough already, the news coming out of Old Dominion should make it official: Terry McAuliffe, the Democratic governor of Virginia, is terrible and inept. I could forgive McAuliffe for being a neoliberal bagman who represents what's broken in our politics if he were effective. But to be all those things and incompetent too? That's simply asking too much.

If the Virginia voters think that President Biden and Governor Northam will say, to paraphrase a quote from President Bush, "Brownie, you're doing a heck of a job, " just before Brownie resigned over his stewardship of bring aid to Hurricane Katarina victims TerryYoure doing a heck of a job  then Virginia voters should think of how they have for at least the last eight years been treated by the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.

If all politics is local, than Youngkin as a lifelong Virginian knows exactly how to make state government run effectively with competence, grace and compassion in order to serve the people who pay the salaries of their state workers. Terry is simply a questing former political bagman for Clinton, Inc. greedy for more political power, and if current reporting is accurate about his campaign, there's a Democrat disaster in the making.

Image: Rockclaw, via Wikimedia Commons // CC0 1.0 public domain

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His name is Joe Biden. He is the emperor with no cognitive functioning. His pronouns are Who, me?

He served as Senator from Delaware so long that the state motto is now: Delaware-so close to Washington, D.C. you can smell it.

He is a Cafeteria Catholic -- someone who doesnt subscribe to all of the doctrines of the Catholic Church. Joe seems to have particular trouble with thou shall not kill and thou shall not steal. Hes not too strong on Thou Shalt Not Bear false witness against thy neighbor, either.

He was elected by the biggest racketeering operation ever seen. Boss Tweed was both powerful and corrupt, but Boss Twerp had to leave all the shenanigans to lefties hired by the likes of Mark Zuckerberg, George Soros and Tom Steyer.

Joe couldnt organize a kegger at a Kennedy Family Reunion.

Feeble Joe cant even answer the softball questions served up by the servile media that helped perpetrate his fraudulent Installation.

His Cabinet is scarier than Doctor Caligaris.

Just imagine: Pete Buttigieg stands like a colossus amongst them. They were chosen by color and gender and sexual preference with a few who might be holding information likely to expose Bidens lifetime of graft, plagiarism and child-groping.

He makes Gerald Ford look like Fred Astaire, falling up and down plane ramps even while being led around by the staff that writes his answers out (in crayon?) for him

Usually on his cuff.

Word has it he eats the crayons.

His wife is a Doctor of Education. She makes Lady McBeth and Hillary Clinton look like the Little Sisters of the Poor. Julius Caesar would recognize her as Ambitious -- and Caesar was an Honorable Man.

But Kill-Jill started harpooning Kamala Harris even before the election results were in: with visions of herself as Madame President dancing in her head.

Joes sons are a crackhead and a corpse that Ol Joe drags out every time an American loses a family member, usually the result of some moronic decision made by Blithering Joe.

Maybe someday we can look back and laugh, but its hard to keep your sense of humor when gas prices have doubled in the short 9 months since Joe was installed. Well be lucky if the price of everything else only doubles.

Meanwhile, Joes supporters have been given licenses to shoplift up to $1000 a day and defecate in the streets in the cities giving him the highest vote margins.

Hes filling the red states with unvaccinated Haitians, Latin Americans and terrorists posing as those who helped our armed forces in Afghanistan. Just imagine which radical, diseased population Chucklehead Joe will unleash next upon the American people.

Can the next border crisis featuring fundamentalist lepers with ebola be far behind?

I say its time we jettison Joes Secret Service protection: In its place a phalanx of so-called journalists has devoted themselves to protecting him at all costs. And it just seems cruel to subject even one more Secret Service member to the retina-scarring spectacle of Joe Biden swimming in the nude.

This is satirical, and not all statements are literally true.

Ralph Alter is an art dealer and has been a regular contributor to American Thinker.

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Classical Marxist socialism was based upon a presumed revolt of the working class. Interestingly enough, in the more than 100 years since Marx, there has never been a single revolt of the working class in a capitalist country -- not one. Why? Because in capitalist countries, the working class has it too good. Workers have no reason to revolt. In fact, in capitalist countries, workers aspire to improve their lot until they themselves become members of management or business owners. And such economic advancement is readily available to all who are willing to work hard, devote many hours of time, save and invest money, and accept and mitigate risk. In America, remaining a lifelong employee is a choice. It may be a good and appropriate choice, but its a choice nonetheless.

The failure of capitalist workers to do their part and revolt is perhaps a fundamental reason the Left has abandoned the working middle class and in its place adopted the strategy of creating multiple other oppressed groups and pitting them against imagined oppressors: Females against males, Blacks against Whites, transgender against cisgender, immigrants against citizens, LGBTQ against heterosexuals, the newly woke against those proud to be American, and of course, poor against rich.

But I believe theres another ideology at play here. Despite its name, socialism is merely another form of sovereignty of the state. And when the state is sovereign, it simply must have subjects over which to rule -- otherwise there is nothing or no one over whom to exercise sovereignty. And that reality -- at least in a political system based on the oxymoron of democratic socialism -- requires a dependent class of subjects who perceive that they need the state to rule over them and care for them.

If you listen closely to any leftist political campaign rhetoric, it always consists of some form of, We will provide for you and protect you! against some form of oppressor du jour. Thats all they have to offer.

So this illustrates at least one additional reason the Left has abandoned the working middle class: They now view the middle class as an adversary. Why? Because the middle class is largely self-sufficient. It doesnt need a ruling class to provide for it. It continually puzzles me when I encounter classic Democrats who still view that party as the party of the working man. Are they simply willfully blind? Or do they feel like they need the government to take care of them? If so, theyre intentionally removing themselves from the self-sufficient working middle class and placing themselves in a lower and dependent class.

The Lefts hatred of self-sufficiency also explains its animosity toward strong, capable, and functional nuclear families. Such families are also self-sufficient and have no need for an overweening government to provide for them.

This hatred of self-sufficiency explains the Lefts enmity toward religion -- specifically Christianity. When people of faith encounter adversity, they rely on their faith more than bureaucracy. In addition to spiritual and emotional support, they even tend to rely more upon their fellow believers for material assistance.

The Lefts hatred of self-sufficiency lies behind their endless male bashing indictment of toxic masculinity. Here again, strong and capable men dont need much government.

Bottom line: The Left simply cannot tolerate any degree of self-sufficiency. It undermines the need for a ruling elite. Without the need for a ruling elite to preside over the oppressed, the Left is meaningless.

Image: Smithsonian

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President Joe Biden has diplomats around the world scratching their heads over his newly announced commitment to the Taiwan agreement with China, a previously unknown accommodation.

Biden responded to recent Chinese fighter sorties near Taiwan by calling President Xi Jinping of China and warning him to abide by this imaginary agreement. Thats where we are and we made it clear that I dont think he should be doing anything other than abiding by the agreement, Biden said.

American diplomats hastened to control the damage and contacted the Taiwanese government. They did not explain what agreement Biden was referring to. Instead, they pointed to the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 and President Ronald Reagans Six Assurances of 1982 as the basis of U.S.-Taiwan relations.

This follows John Kerrys revelation on French television that Biden literally had not been aware of what had transpired. Kerry was apparently referring to Frances infuriated reaction to the U.S.-Australia nuclear submarine deal. The creation of the AUKUS alliance between Australia, Britain, and the US was a deft stroke of American diplomacy, but one that seems to have caught Biden by surprise.

Its no longer news that Biden is ignorant and incoherent, although these could be the most dangerous examples yet.

Taiwan is Chinas great grievance, its Alsace-Lorraine, torn away in 1949. Few people in Taiwan, however, see it this way or wish to see their countrys democracy replaced with mainland communism.

Its not that China is eager for war exactly. For all the bombast that pours out of Beijing, the country hasnt gone to war with anyone since it attacked Vietnam in 1979. The communist government pushes against Taiwan almost automatically. With Hunter Biden fully paid off by the Bank of China, its hard to see his father ever pushing back.

Until 2000, the Chinese Nationalist Party, or KMT, which Sun Yat-sen founded, ruled Taiwan. The KMT emphasizes Chinese identity and anticipated a return to the mainland. Traditionally, it was an anti-Communist party. But more recently, it is favored by Beijing.

President Tsai Ing-wens Democratic Progressive Party is a left-of-center party, proudest of bringing same-sex marriage to Taiwan and passing a law to shut all commercial nuclear reactors by 2025. I once went to a DPP rally in Taipei. The signs at the rally said, Taiwan independence and No nukes. Im sorry, Tsai. That just isnt going to work. Youll need nukes if you want independence.

In 1980, Taiwan contracted with South Africa for 4,000 tons of uranium metal for its nuclear weapons program. This program was closed in 1987 under U.S. pressure after Colonel Chang Hsien-yi, its deputy director, defected. At that time, Taiwan was a dictatorship under martial law. The country democratized quickly over the next few years.

Some might wonder, isnt Taiwan independent already? Not really. From 1949 to 1979, Taiwan was Nationalist China while the mainland was Red China. In 1979, U.S. President Jimmy Carter shifted U.S. recognition from Taipei to Beijing. Thus, one of Americas most loyal allies does not have diplomatic recognition or a U.S. embassy, but only an American Institute in Taiwan, aka AIT.

In the Cold War, China was Americas ally against the Soviet Union. So, there was a certain logic to this awkward concession. But Taiwan is no longer a land of refugees. It has the worlds 20th largest economy and it is a major exporter of computer chips. Taiwan Semiconductor, located in Taiwan, manufactures some 92 percent of the most sophisticated category of chips required by cell phones, personal computers, and cars.

With China sending us genetically engineered viruses and threatening to attack Taiwan, perhaps it is time to take down the AIT sign in Taipei and replace it with one that says, Embassy of the United States.

Peter Kauffner lives in Sequim, Washington

Image: Anti-nuclear protest in Taiwan (2013) by Travis Wise. CC BY 2.0.

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More than two weeks ago, on September 22, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas promised the House Homeland Security Committee a swift investigation into the incident in which a Border Patrol officer was photographed using his reins with a Haitian illegal border crosser nearby, creating the impression that a whip was being used.

Mayorkas testifying (YouTube screengrab)

He vowed:

"It will be completed in days  not weeks."

Two days later, President Biden piled on, prejudging the incident:

President Joe Biden said Border Patrol agents who whipped at Haitian migrants with horse reins as they attempted to cross the Rio Grande in Del Rio, Texas this week will face punishment for their "outrageous" actions. "I promise you those people will pay," Biden said of the agents during a White House press conference on Friday morning [September 24]. "There will be consequences ... It's dangerous, it's wrong. It sends the wrong message around the world, it sends the wrong message at home. It's simply not who we are." White House press secretary Jen Psaki has repeatedly called the images and footage "horrific" and "horrible." The Department of Homeland Security announced on Monday that it opened an investigation into the agents' actions. "The footage is extremely troubling, and the facts learned from the full investigation, which will be conducted swiftly, will define the appropriate disciplinary actions to be taken," DHS said in a statement earlier this week.

AT readers will remember the hysteria that swept the corporate media and Democrat politicians, regurgitating memes about Blacks being whipped in the days of slavery, in order to incite hatred against those who try to maintain our border. Several Border Patrol agents were suspended, and the use of horses at the Del Rio border was forbidden.

But people who actually know how to ride horses, unlike nearly all Beltway and Gotham media types, quickly debunked the false impression that a whip was being used.

So, now that more than two weeks have passed since Mayorkass promise of a report, where is it?

We can surmise that the report cleared the agents involved, since what was happening was only the normal use of reins to guide the horse. The photographer who took the picture agreed that the reins were misconstrued as a whip.

Any honest investigation would have to state that the allegation of whipping was false, that there was no misconduct, and that promises to make the agents pay were a rush to judgment.

Because it would embarrass President Biden, who shot off his mouth and promised to punish the innocent, the report apparently has been memory holed.

And the corporate media are happy to forget about the promise of a report from Mayorkas. There has been not a single question to Jen Psaki about it that I have been able to find.

Perhaps Peter Doocy of Fox News, one of very few White House reporters willing to venture beyond the approved narrative of the Democrats and commit actual journalism, will ask Pasaki what happened to the report that is overdue by at least a week.

Hat tip: Michael Nadler

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Pawan Kalyan Has New Plans Against YSRCP:- The people of Andhra Pradesh are unhappy with the governance of the ruling YSRCP government. The state is left in a huge crisis and the major opposition party TDP is quite inactive as the leaders are not ready to fight against the government for the people of the state. Janasena Chief Pawan Kalyan decided to fight against the government. Pawan already conducted a couple of meetings about the spoiled roads in Andhra Pradesh and crowds gathered in massive numbers for the meetings. Pawan Kalyan is keen to spend ample time on AP politics. He will be in the people and will interact with the people across the state.

Janasena leaders are preparing a route map for Pawan Kalyan's tour across Andhra Pradesh. There are also talks that Pawan will head for a Padayatra soon and the details will be announced by Janasena soon. Before this, Pawan Kalyan is keen to present the failure of the YSRCP government in a loud manner. He is planning meetings all over the major towns and cities in the coming days. Pawan Kalyan along with Nadendla Manohar is meeting various leaders across all the constituencies and the meetings are happening in Hyderabad. Pawan Kalyan will continue to tour in AP after Dasara and the meetings are planned and will be finalized very soon. Jansena will make some big announcements soon.
(Image source from: Nationalheraldindia.com)

Lakhimpur Kheri Violence: Two People Held:- The Lakhimpur Kheri Violence case created a sensation across the nation after eight people were killed. The Supreme Court asked the government of Uttar Pradesh to submit the First Information Report (FIR) that was registered along with the arrests made in the case. Seven farmers along with a journalist were killed after they were run over by a four-wheeler. The incident created national outrage and the government of Uttar Pradesh announced an ex gratia of Rs 45 lakhs and imposed 144 section. Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu warned that he would head for a hunger strike starting from tomorrow if Ajay Mishra Teni's son is not arrested in the case. Allahabad High Court Justice (retd) Pradeep Kumar Srivastava is appointed to investigate the matter.

Several Congress leaders tried to reach out the families of the farmers but tight security was imposed and no one was allowed. Soon after the outrage, the politicians were allowed to meet the family members after the cremation formalities are completed. Sharing a picture of Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi with the kin of the deceased, Sidhu called them the guardians of democracy. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav visited the village. Ashish Pandey and Lav Kush who were in the convoy got arrested by the cops and are produced in the court.
Prabhas' 25th Film Is Titled Spirit:- Young Rebelstar Prabhas is busy with a number of pan-Indian films. The actor is rushed with several offers from all the corners of the country and the top actor preferred to work with directors who can direct pan-Indian films. His 25th film is announced today and it will be directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga. He was the one who created a sensation with his debut film Arjun Reddy. He directed the same in Hindi as Kabir Singh and the film ended up as a blockbuster. Sandeep Reddy narrated a script to Prabhas and he liked it immensely.

Prabhas allocated dates for the film next year. UV Creations, T Series and Bhadrakali Films are the producers. The film will be made on a huge budget and it will release in eight languages: Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Chinese, Thai, Japanese. It is clear that the film will head for an international release. Prabhas is shooting for Salaar and Adipurush for now and the shoot completes by the end of this year. He will shoot for Project K next year that will be directed by Nag Ashwin. His next offering Radhe Shyam is announced for January 14th, 2022 release. Sandeep Reddy will direct Ranbir Kapoor's Animal and the shoot starts later this year. The film releases next year.
Andover, MA (01810)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High 67F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 39F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
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(ANSA) - ROME, OCT 7 - A fugitive Calabrian 'Ndrangheta mafia boss was caught in a secret bunker in a flat carved out of a cement factory near Catanzaro on Thursday.

The bunker was built behind a false bedroom wall, police said.

It could only be opened by turning a secret handle in a cupboard, they said.

Damiano Gallace, 60, has been on the run for a year after being sentenced to 14 years in jail for mafia association.

The boss, believed to be the acting head of his Gallace clan, was discovered by police at Isca sullo Ionio.

Police in helicopters helped Carabinieri GIS police from Catanzaro find the hideout.

Also in the lfat at the time of his arrest were his 34-year-old partner and their four-year-old daughter.

'Ndrangheta is Italy's richest and most powerful mafia thanks to its control of the European cocaine trade.

Many 'Ndrangheta bosses hide out for years in secret underground bunkers. (ANSA).


(ANSA) - ROME, OCT 7 - Premier Mario Draghi on Thursday thanked visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel for playing a decisive role in shaping the EU's future.

"I thank the chancellor on behalf of the government and myself personally for the decisive role she has had in designing the future of Europe in these years," he said at a joint press conference after talks at the premier's office in Rome.

Draghi said the German leader, who is leaving the helm of Germany after 16 years in charge and is paying a 'farewell' visit to Rome, had always "supported the independence of the ECB" and said he was "grateful" for the exchanges they had had over the years.

Merkel said "we must also work on the future investments to be made, starting from the COVID crisis and we must go on with EU work.

"We must work together, also on Libya where Italy is very involved.

"This is the time for collaboration".

Merkel said "also when he was at the central bank we collaborated and Draghi was a guarantor for the euro".

She said "my love for Italy will continue, I will make a trip to Rome, I will return to Italy in other guises".

Draghi also told the press conference "we agreed on the fact that Italy and Germany must more greatly coordinate their positions on the management of environmental and energy dossiers, above all as far as the impact of these policies on our businesses is concerned". (ANSA).


(ANSA) - ROME, OCT 7 - Italy is working on humanitarian corridors for Afghan refugees to reach Italy from third countries, Interior Minister Luciana Lamorgese told an EU forum on the protection of Afghan citizens Thursday.

The scheme would cover Afghan refugees in clear need of international protection, taking them from Pakistan and Iran and envisaging the possibility of taking a quota of Afghans in Turkey too, under the aegis of the European resettlement programme for 2022, she said.

Lamorgese said she was working on setting up the corridors and reaffirmed the need for a "strong European line" to stop refugees getting into the hands of human traffickers. (ANSA).


(ANSA) - ROME, OCT 7 - Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio on Thursday stressed that sustainable development was central to Italy's participation at Expo 2020 Dubai.

"The commitment to restarting and re-lauching the economy via innovation and sustainability are central to Italy's participation at Expo Dubai," Di Maio said as he addressed the Festival of Sustainable Development, an event sponsored by ASviS, the Italian Alliance for Sustainable Development.

"We have a highly innovative pavilion both in its architecture and its contents.

"The Italy pavilion is a hub of sustainable innovation, created by public and private Italian companies and SMEs engaged in the great ecological transition that spans all the sectors of production.

"An Italy that creates connections between minds and generations and offers the world a model of cooperation to achieve the Agenda 2030 Sustainable Development Goals is well represented by the Expo Dubai motto, 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future'.

"Expo 2020 Dubai can be an unique stage of visibility for our country, our regions, our territories, in world in which there will be extremely important investment opportunities and the revival of international tourism flows in the coming years".

(ANSA).


ROME - Results from measuring air quality in some Mediterranean ports were illustrated at the central headquarters of Italian national research center (CNR) on Thursday.



The measurements had been done as part of the Life4MedECA project, an initiative linked to the Med Emission Control Area (ECA) talks, underway between 22 governments of Mediterranean countries to assess the effects of more rigid environmental regulations for maritime transport.



Fuels with low sulphur content are supposed to be used within the ECA zone to reduce emissions and fine particle matter.



Promoted in 2019 by Italy as host nation for the COP21 of the Barcelona Convention, the final decision on Med ECA will be made on Dec. 7 during the COP22 in Turkey.



According to a statement, in order to understand the effects on the Mediterranean transportation system and the effects on public health and the environment, the European Commission and the environment ministries from Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and France have given Life4MedECA a series of in-depth studies and measurements of air quality in Mediterranean ports alongside the same from 2015 in northern Europe.



Carried out between October 1 and October 6 in Italy, the measurements will continue October 25 in Malta and be done in non-European countries over the course of 2022.



Northern Europe and North America have been ECAs since 2015.



The impact of the ECA on the Baltic region lowered sulphur emissions by between 50% and 60%, sharply reducing lung diseases and doubling savings.



The Baltic experience was useful but the Mediterranean is a much larger area, with three continents and 22 countries, accounting for 13% of world maritime traffic.



"To be able to treat the patient effectively," said Emilio Campana, director of the DIITET department of CNR, "it is above all necessary to know the current state of health, using the same techniques of inquiry used with those who have been cured." "It is for this reason that Life4MedECA," project coordinator Antonella Querci said, "has been tasked with carrying out the necessary studies to estimate impacts, establish how to help, and who will bear the financial burden of the transition as well as to decide on technologies to invest in to lessen the burden" as much as possible.



Some of the results are already available, beginning with the impact of greater fuel costs on consumers, equal to less than 0.1% of the value of the merchandise, a negligible fraction of the increase due to a recent rise in costs for renting container ships due to the COVID pandemic.



Some are already in line with the recommendations, such as fishermen who use agricultural fuel with a much lower sulphur content than that required by ECAs.
Life4MedECA project for 'low-emissions Mediterranean' Italian national research center measured air quality at ports

(ANSAmed) - ROME, OCT 7 - Results from measuring air quality in some Mediterranean ports were illustrated at the central headquarters of Italian national research center (CNR) on Thursday.



The measurements had been done as part of the Life4MedECA project, an initiative linked to the Med Emission Control Area (ECA) talks, underway between 22 governments of Mediterranean countries to assess the effects of more rigid environmental regulations for maritime transport.



Fuels with low sulphur content are supposed to be used within the ECA zone to reduce emissions and fine particle matter.



Promoted in 2019 by Italy as host nation for the COP21 of the Barcelona Convention, the final decision on Med ECA will be made on Dec. 7 during the COP22 in Turkey.



According to a statement, in order to understand the effects on the Mediterranean transportation system and the effects on public health and the environment, the European Commission and the environment ministries from Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and France have given Life4MedECA a series of in-depth studies and measurements of air quality in Mediterranean ports alongside the same from 2015 in northern Europe.



Carried out between October 1 and October 6 in Italy, the measurements will continue October 25 in Malta and be done in non-European countries over the course of 2022.



Northern Europe and North America have been ECAs since 2015.



The impact of the ECA on the Baltic region lowered sulphur emissions by between 50% and 60%, sharply reducing lung diseases and doubling savings.



The Baltic experience was useful but the Mediterranean is a much larger area, with three continents and 22 countries, accounting for 13% of world maritime traffic.



"To be able to treat the patient effectively," said Emilio Campana, director of the DIITET department of CNR, "it is above all necessary to know the current state of health, using the same techniques of inquiry used with those who have been cured." "It is for this reason that Life4MedECA," project coordinator Antonella Querci said, "has been tasked with carrying out the necessary studies to estimate impacts, establish how to help, and who will bear the financial burden of the transition as well as to decide on technologies to invest in to lessen the burden" as much as possible.



Some of the results are already available, beginning with the impact of greater fuel costs on consumers, equal to less than 0.1% of the value of the merchandise, a negligible fraction of the increase due to a recent rise in costs for renting container ships due to the COVID pandemic.



Some are already in line with the recommendations, such as fishermen who use agricultural fuel with a much lower sulphur content than that required by ECAs.(ANSAmed).




ZAGREB - More evidence of violence and abuse perpetrated by Croatian police and illicit pushbacks towards Bosnia of migrants emerged on Wednesday in footage broadcast by the private Croatian media channel RTL.



In the video, which was shot in June on the border between Bosnia and Croatia, one can see people wearing balaclavas who use violence against four migrants to force them to cross a waterway marking the border between Croatia and Bosnia.



One man is heard yelling "Go to Bosnia!".



The scene was shot in the Korona River area by a group of local and foreign journalists as part of the investigative journalism network Lighthouse Reports.



The journalists said that they had first seen the four migrants, visibly injured, get out of a van. Then the four men were beaten again and forced to enter the river, with the water rising as high as their chests. Those who used violence against them were not wearing uniforms but had equipment with them that is normally used by Croatian special police.



Croatian police have for years been accused by international and national associations for human rights, as well as by the media, of violence, mistreatment, abuse, and the unlawful taking of money, phones, and personal belongings away from migrants and then forcing them to return to Bosnia, to reception centers for those trying to use the Balkan route to get to western Europe.



Croatia's interior ministry has always rejected their accusations and claimed to have conducted numerous investigations into the matter. It once again announced an inquiry would be conducted.



One Croatian policeman told journalists on condition of anonymity that there is no official order but that "it is well known internally, including on the basis of orders from our direct superiors, that migrants detained in Croatian territory must be taken back to Bosnia".

Johansson urges migrant border violence probe, may be orchestrated

BRUSSELS - EU Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said Thursday that reports published in European media on violent pushbacks of migrants at the EU's external borders were "shocking". She added that it was clear that an investigation was needed but also that there seems to be some sort of orchestrated violence at the bloc's external borders and that improper use of EU funds may be involved.

The commissioner noted that she was highly concerned and that she would in the evening be meeting with the Greek migration minister as well as Croatia's interior minister to discuss the matter.
EU calls for inquiry over migrant pushbacks at borders Urges full respect for human rights

(ANSAmed) - BRUSSELS, OCT 7 - Videos and reports of violence against migrants on the EU's external borders in Croatia, Greece, and Romania published by European media outlets are of concern, a spokesperson for the EU said Thursday.



He added that violence and mistreatment of migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees should be investigated, noting that the European Commission considers full respect for human rights "essential".



The spokesperson noted that the European Commission strongly rejects such pushbacks and that national authorities are responsible for investigating such cases and intervening in the case of illegal acts.(ANSAmed). (ANSA).




ROME - Outgoing German Chancellor Angela Merkel got a warm reception from Pope Francis and Premier Mario Draghi on her farewell visit to Rome on Thursday.



Draghi thanked the long-time German leader for playing a decisive role in shaping the EU's future.



"I thank the chancellor on behalf of the government and myself personally for the decisive role she has had in designing the future of Europe in these years," he said at a joint press conference after talks at the premier's office in Rome.



Draghi said the German leader, who is leaving the helm of Germany after 16 years in charge and is paying a 'farewell' visit to Rome, had always "supported the independence of the ECB" and said he was "grateful" for the exchanges they had had over the years.



Merkel said "we must also work on the future investments to be made, starting from the COVID crisis and we must go on with EU work.



"We must work together, also on Libya where Italy is very involved.



"This is the time for collaboration".



Merkel said "also when he was at the central bank we collaborated and Draghi was a guarantor for the euro".



She said "my love for Italy will continue, I will make a trip to Rome, I will return to Italy in other guises".



Draghi also told the press conference "we agreed on the fact that Italy and Germany must more greatly coordinate their positions on the management of environmental and energy dossiers, above all as far as the impact of these policies on our businesses is concerned".



Draghi added that he was sure the National Recovery and Resilience Plan would succeed in stoking robust growth, calling it an "extraordinary chance", and said the NRRP was also an extraordinary opportunity to renew Italy in multiple fields and make up gaps on other countries.



Merkel said she was sure that the 191 billion euros of EU cash would be spent well, calling Draghi's plan "excellent".



She also voiced optimism that German government-formation talks would be quick.



Earlier, after a private audience with Pope Francis, Merkel said that it had been an honour to see him again and they had discussed the political challenges facing the EU, as well as the Catholic Church's welcome contribution to the fight against the climate crisis.



"It was a great honour and a joy to meet Pope Franics in a private audience, whom I will see again this afternoon at Sant-Egidio," she said, referring to the noted Catholic charity and conflict-solving group.



"We spoke about the problems of the Church but also about political challenges, such as those of the European Union, after the pope recently visited eastern Europe".



She said they also discussed the upcoming COP26 climate talks in Glasgow and stressed "the Paris accord has been very important, and it is encouraging that in the Catholic Church, too, there is this theme of the conservation of Creation".



The Holy See said the two leaders had discussed "the multiple ongoing crises with particular reference to the consequences of the health emergency and migrations".


Stormonts leaders have indicated they want to avoid having to introduce mandatory Covid-19 vaccine passports.

First Minister Paul Givan and deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill urged that the public work together to avoid them having to be introduced.

It is understood that officials are continuing to work to create a system if necessary, but that ministers did not agree its introduction when they met on Thursday.

Speaking after the Executive meeting, Ms ONeill stressed: We dont want to go down the mandatory route if we dont have to, and urged safer choices.

Deputy First Minister Michelle ONeill said the Executive would do everything it could to avoid introducing the passports (David Young/PA)

Mr Givan said he feels it is about partnership  in terms of people being responsible and businesses and sectors working with the Stormont Executive.

He said there has been a high level of adherence to the rules in the hospitality sector.

I am hopeful that this voluntary approach will work, he said.

While some relaxations of the coronavirus regulations were agreed, such as the removal of the legal requirement for social distancing in bars and restaurants; face coverings in certain settings, risk assessments and taking peoples details in hospitality will continue throughout the winter period.

The deputy First Minister said it is also important that the Executive can respond if things become more difficult and challenging, particularly in the health service.

There are measures which we dont want to be in a place to introduce but we have to be ready for that, just in case that we get to that point, she added.

Ms ONeill said that would include a vaccine passport and a return of social distancing.

Were going to do everything we can to avoid getting to that point, she added.

Health Minister, Robin Swann, and Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon, have both called for a vaccine passport policy to be agreed.

Last week, Mr Swann warned that a delay by the Executive in agreeing a vaccine passport policy had limited options for easing more restrictions.
Professor Dame Mary Beard has said she is over the moon that a new fully funded classics teaching post has been established at her Cambridge University college, continuing her legacy.

The 66-year-old broadcaster and historian, who is a classics fellow at Newnham College, is to retire at the end of 2022 after almost 40 years of teaching at Cambridge.

The new post, known as the Onassis Classics Fellowship, secures a permanent position for the teaching of classical studies at the 150-year-old womens college.

The post was created following a joint fundraising campaign by the college and Cambridges Faculty of Classics, with donations made by alumni, anonymous donors and a large gift from the Onassis Foundation.

Prof Beard said: I have been privileged and proud to have been associated with classics in Cambridge, and at Newnham in particular, since I came up as an undergraduate in 1973.

Classics is a subject that is as much about the future as it is about the past, and we need it now more than ever.

Newnham has a long tradition of cutting-edge research in classics, combined with a huge impact in public engagement going back to the 19th century, with the classical revolutionary and celebrity Jane Harrison.

I am over the moon that this will be able to continue and thank those who have made it possible from the bottom of my heart.

Professor Robin Osborne, chair of Cambridges Faculty of Classics, said: The legacy of Mary Beard and her illustrious predecessors can now be continued thanks to this wonderful donation.

The new post will increase the number of established university posts in classics for the first time for many years and allow the faculty to extend its coverage of the subject in new and exciting ways.

Not only does the Onassis donation secure the future of the subject in Newnham, but it will also help the faculty to underpin new teaching at masters level.

The number of MPhil students has doubled from around 30 to over 60 in the space of four years, so it could not come at a more welcome time.

Anthony S Papadimitriou, president of the Onassis Foundation, said: We are happy to be supporting the exceptional, internationally acclaimed, and long-standing work being done in classical studies at the University of Cambridge, an institution that has sustained such distinguished professors as Mary Beard and Pat Easterling.

Prof Beard has already given Cambridge University an 80,000 retirement present to pay the 10,000-a-year living costs of two classics undergraduates from minority ethnic groups and low-income homes for the duration of their degrees.
Boris Johnson is treating businesses as the bogeymen and unfairly blaming them for shortages in their industries, a supermarket boss has said.

The Prime Minister has been heavily condemned by business leaders following his speech to the Conservative Party conference on Wednesday over what they claimed was a lack of a coherent economic plan as labour shortages hit supply chains, leading to empty shelves and queues at petrol stations.

Mr Johnson said he was setting out the difficult process of reshaping the British economy and defended his strategy of restricting the supply of cheap foreign labour after Brexit, insisting his new approach would ultimately create a low-tax economy.

But businesses leaders have criticised his approach, with many arguing restricting migration could lead to higher inflation and increased costs for consumers.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said on Thursday that opening up the country to more foreign workers doesnt actually solve the long-term problem.

He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: The way you do that is by upskilling and reskilling and what the Prime Minister said in his speech is skills, skills, skills.

However Richard Walker  managing director of Iceland and a Leave voter  said tough rhetoric is just quite simply not helpful to struggling businesses.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said the Tories want to work with businesses to solve issues (Peter Byrne/PA)

He told Today: I dont think its particularly helpful at the moment. Business is dealing with so much and so many different crises which has all compounded at once.

Pointing the finger and choosing us as the bogeymen for issues such as HGV driver shortages  which is multifaceted and systemic  is simply not helpful.

Mr Zahawi denied the Conservatives  traditionally seen as the party of business  are blaming firms.

Asked on Sky News whether the Tories are on a warpath with business, Mr Zahawi said: I dont agree with you.

What I would say to everybody is lets work together.

We have seen retailers who invested in technology and have done really well. Others like Topshop and Topman didnt make that investment and havent done so well.

"Boris rhetoric was bombastic but vacuous and economically illiterate." Commenting on Boris Johnson's #CPC21 final speech, our Head of Research Matthew Lesh says: pic.twitter.com/CKjGRAa8z6  Adam Smith Institute (@ASI) October 6, 2021

Weve seen SMEs take advantage (of) 100 billion of grants and loans to support SMEs. That is what this Government is doing to help business.

Lets do this together. Lets produce that high-wage, high-skill economy, because it is do-able.

Mr Zahawi told Today that in sectors such as retail and distribution, businesses are moving in a direction that Boris is championing.

Citing a large supplier of fruit and vegetables in his constituency which is doing well, he said: Theyre investing in automation and having obviously also (to) invest in their people, to upskill them, and reskill them to work with the automation that theyre introducing.

The ones that are doing well are investing in their people and in automation.

Iceland managing director Richard Walker said businesses are currently dealing with many different crises at once (Iceland/PA Wire)

The Federation of Small Businesses criticised Mr Johnsons 45-minute conference speech, saying Labour, and not the Conservatives, are the only party with a pro-small business policy.

Free market think tank the Adam Smith Institute described the PMs address as bombastic but vacuous and economically illiterate, while Conservative think tank Bright Blue said there was no inspiring new vision or policy.

Asked who the party of business is, Mr Walker said: I would still very much hope its the Conservatives and of course theyve got the history there, but it is frustrating and I think no-one is taking a step back and looking at the cumulative kind of impacts of all these different issues on business.

Iceland is a relatively big company and we will get through it, but of course its not the case for a lot of smaller businesses, businesses without cash reserves.

And I think, you know, this is a moment where tough rhetoric is just quite simply not helpful.
NatWest bank has admitted failing to comply with anti-money laundering laws over large cash deposits into a sole customers accounts.

The firm pleaded guilty at Westminster Magistrates Court on Thursday to three counts under regulation 45(1) of the Money Laundering Regulations 2007, after failing to monitor the accounts of a UK incorporated customer.

Banking regulator the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), in setting out the charges, previously said that increasingly large cash deposits were made into the customers account.

It marks the first time the FCA has launched a criminal prosecution under the money laundering regulations and the first time the rules have been used to prosecute a bank.

NatWest chief executive Alison Rose said: We deeply regret that NatWest failed to adequately monitor and therefore prevent money laundering by one of our customers between 2012 and 2016.

NatWest has a vital part to play in detecting and preventing financial crime and we take extremely seriously our responsibility to prevent money laundering by third parties.

In the years since this case, we have invested significant resources and continue to enhance our efforts to effectively combat financial crime. We work tirelessly with colleagues, other banks, industry bodies, law enforcement, regulators, and governments to help find collaborative solutions to this shared challenge.

These partnerships are crucial to counter the significant and evolving threat of financial crime to society.
In the choppy swells off the coast of Rhode Island, an attempt at an Earth-saving revolution is staring down one of its biggest tests yet.

Five massive turbines stand to prove what skeptics and oil lobbyists have long tried to dismiss  that America can run on wind.

But like a tiny boat in the ocean, the U.S. is massively outperformed. And like the waves splitting against this hull, the path forward won't be smooth. It could knock the country right off course. One of the biggest being that the technology on display on the island won't be enough to sustain the country.

Block Island Wind Farm is the first offshore wind farm in the U.S and a key stepping stone  toward a clean future.

"If you look at those blades, it's almost alien. It's just something really beautiful about them," says fisherman Steve Miller.

Block island is the first  of what will soon become dozens. The country's offshore wind plans  are huge.

In 2020, a second wind farm came online off Virginia. Some 30 are in the works around the country and the scale of development  is only expected to grow.

Newsy's partners at Climate Central gathered data from Net Zero America, which projected the country's clean energy capacity and its ability to reach net-zero emissions by 2050: The current U.S. goal.

That would require the country's offshore wind generating capacity to climb rapidly in the years to come.

The U.S. currently only has about 40 megawatts of offshore wind generation  about enough to power 21,000 homes. But by 2025  Climate Central and Net Zero America project the U.S. could see an increase to more than 1,400 megawatts  a more than 30-fold increase.

By the time we hit 2050  Net Zero America projects the U.S. could have enough offshore wind capacity to power 102 million U.S. households  by today's energy usage. That's nearly all of America.

But the math won't hold  30 years from now.

"We're going to need more electricity to run our cars," says Dr. Habib Dagher, an expert in wind energy at the University of Maine. "We need more electricity to heat our homes and cool them and so on and so forth."

But Net Zero America's projections are optimistic. They include plans to build wind farms where they currently can't go.

"If you're three nautical miles off the coast of Maine, you're in about 300 feet of water," Dahger says. "So you can't fix the turbine to the seabed because it's way too deep. It's too costly to do that."

The same is true off the coast of California, where the Pentagon recently dropped an objection to offshore development  over concerns about interfering with naval operations. It opens the door for massive offshore development  off the coast of the nation's most populous state.

That is where Habib Dahger is positioned to literally change the global landscape. He patented a technology  that will let massive, energy-generating wind turbines  float in the ocean.

In 2013, he and his team deployed a 1:8 scale model in Penobscot Bay for testing. In intense conditions, it proved its grit  and that was just the model.

Dahger's team is now testing an 11-megawatt version.

With a blade sticking up skyward, the real thing will be taller than the Washington Monument.

"We need facilities to be able to build it at large scale," Dahger says. "Europe has invested heavily in its port facilities and infrastructure in order for it to build its industry. We need to do the same thing."

At a blade testing site in Massachusetts, George Blagdon already sees blades outgrowing U.S. facilities.

"The industry accelerated in terms of blade size a lot quicker than we ever expected 10 years ago," he says. "It's not a bad thing. It's just we need to react."

The U.S. has, so far, been slow to react to offshore wind energy potential. While we have dozens of offshore wind projects on the line or in the works, countries in Europe have thousands. Block Island might know why.

Block Island  the wind farm's namesake - is a New England paradise of winding roads and rolling hills and an escape for tourists from all over the northeast. To see the turbines, it requires a trip to a cliffside beach on the southeast shore. They look small from afar but the island runs on their power.

It's poetic in a way that standing on the gorgeous rocky beach and looking out  you're looking at the thing that could be the solution to save the beach you're standing on. And if it's done right, it could save the rest of the world, too. So why is it so hard to make it happen?

Sven Reesom runs Northlight Yarn on the island. He is the sole exporter here and a manufacturer running completely on wind power.

The island used to run on diesel generators  guzzlers that burned over a million gallons of fuel  every year. But convincing Block Islanders to abandon them wasn't easy.

"If you have a house that looks over the bluffs, you're not used to seeing five big structures out there," Reesom says. "And it was a fascinating discussion. People talked about land value degradation. They talked about declines of use. They talked about the end of the island. The Armageddon was close. And lo and behold  after the turbines have been up now a couple of years  tourism's up. There's been no land value loss. There have been no issues."

It's hard to draw solid conclusions about tourism on Block Island. Data is incomplete, and sometimes unreliable.

The state relies on data from tourism economics. Their reports show a slight drop in visitor spending on the island immediately after the farm went online, before recovering  and climbing slightly - in the last few years. Block Island is proving what researchers hoped: that a community, even one so reliant on its views of the sea, can thrive on wind energy.

But it could be an uphill battle for the rest of the country. The U.S doesn't have the facilities to build and launch the turbines. nor the workers to operate them.

Megan Amsler has thought a lot about that. She works with Massachusetts Maritime Academy, which is the first place in the country where students can get a complete safety training required under the International Standard for Offshore Wind Workers.

"The folks that we have had come through the training so far are primarily the members of the Pile Drivers Union," Amsler says.

Trainees learn from instructors keen on staffing an industry that will soon be hungry for workers.

The data from Climate Central and Net Zero America shows that in just a few years, wind will account for more than 285,000 jobs in the U.S. By 2030  nearly half a million. It grows rapidly before their projection tops out at more than a million in 2050. A massive pool of jobs for workers leaving fossil fuel.

But with close to half-a-million electric cars selling in the U.S. so far this year, battery-powered trains and even electric planes on the horizon  and with Europe far outpacing the U.S.  it's a question of whether the country has what it takes to catch up.

"It's a good question," says Dr. Habib Dagher. "You know, in many ways, the development of offshore wind, if we could offshore in the U.S., has been driven mostly by the states. We have lacked a national plan. It's like an orchestra playing without a conductor."

Even though the orchestra members, their audience and the very concert hall in which they play depends on finding their rhythm. But if these turbines are the starting point, the country already has its metronome. The challenge is getting everyone else to play along.
LONDON (AP)  The World Health Organization on Wednesday endorsed the world's first malaria vaccine and said it should be given to children across Africa in the hope that it will spur stalled efforts to curb the spread of the parasitic disease.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called it a historic moment after a meeting in which two of the U.N. health agencys expert advisory groups recommended the step.

"Todays recommendation offers a glimmer of hope for the continent, which shoulders the heaviest burden of the disease. And we expect many more African children to be protected from malaria and grow into healthy adults, said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO's Africa director.

WHO said its decision was based largely on results from ongoing research in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi that tracked more than 800,000 children who have received the vaccine since 2019.

The vaccine, known as Mosquirix, was developed by GlaxoSmithKline in 1987. While its the first to be authorized, it does face challenges: The vaccine is only about 30% effective, it requires up to four doses, and its protection fades after several months.

Still, scientists say the vaccine could have a major impact against malaria in Africa, home to most of the worlds more than 200 million cases and 400,000 deaths per year.

This is a huge step forward, said Julian Rayner, director of the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, who was not part of the WHO decision. Its an imperfect vaccine, but it will still stop hundreds of thousands of children from dying.

Rayner said the vaccines impact on the spread of the mosquito-borne disease was still unclear, but pointed to those developed for the coronavirus as an encouraging example.

The last two years have given us a very nuanced understanding of how important vaccines are in saving lives and reducing hospitalizations, even if they dont directly reduce transmission, he said.

Dr. Alejandro Cravioto, head of the WHO vaccine group that made the recommendation, said designing a shot against malaria was particularly difficult because it is a parasitic disease spread by mosquitoes.

Were confronted with extraordinarily complex organisms, he said. We are not yet in reach of a highly efficacious vaccine, but what we have now is a vaccine that can be deployed and that is safe.

WHO said side effects were rare, but sometimes included a fever that could result in temporary convulsions.

Sian Clarke, co-director of the Malaria Centre at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said the vaccine would be a useful addition to other tools against the disease that might have exhausted their utility after decades of use, like bed nets and insecticides.

In some countries where it gets really hot, children just sleep outside, so they cant be protected by a bed net, Clarke said. So obviously if theyve been vaccinated, they will still be protected.

In recent years, little significant progress has been made against malaria, Clarke said.

If were going to decrease the disease burden now, we need something else, she explained.

Azra Ghani, chair of infectious diseases at Imperial College London, said she and colleagues estimate that giving the malaria vaccine to children in Africa might result in a 30% reduction overall, with up to 8 million fewer cases and as many as 40,000 fewer deaths per year.

For people not living in malaria countries, a 30% reduction might not sound like much. But for the people living in those areas, malaria is one of their top concerns, Ghani said. A 30% reduction will save a lot of lives and will save mothers (from) bringing in their children to health centers and swamping the health system.

The WHO guidance would hopefully be a first step to making better malaria vaccines, she said. Efforts to produce a second-generation malaria vaccine might be given a boost by the messenger RNA technology used to make two of the most successful COVID-19 vaccines, those from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, she added.

Weve seen much higher antibody levels from the mRNA vaccines, and they can also be adapted very quickly, Ghani said, noting that BioNTech recently said it would begin researching a possible malaria shot. Its impossible to say how that may affect a malaria vaccine, but we definitely need new options to fight it.
Democrats in Congress are arguing among themselves about whether to pass a massive spending bill, or merely a large one. They should listen to voters, who are pointing the way.

A new Morning Consult poll asked voters what they think of the child tax credit Democrats expanded as part of the American Rescue Plan Congress passed in March. That law sharply increased the credit for most families with kids under 18, while also eliminating a work requirement for eligibility. Low-income families that dont pay enough in taxes to qualify for the full amount of the credit now get back the difference as a cash payment. And instead of waiting till the following year to claim the benefit, qualifying families can now get half the credit as a monthly check from the government. The Biden administration says the enhanced entitlement will remit several thousand dollars to the families of 60 million kids.

The extension only lasts through the rest of the year, and Biden and most Democrats in Congress want to keep it in place through 2025. Thats one big element of the $3.5 trillion spending bill Democrats are debating. The idea is once voters get a taste of the benefit, theyll want to keep it in placeand reward their Democratic benefactors at the voting booth in 2022 and 2024.

But its not working out that way. The Morning Consult poll found that only 50% of registered voters approve of the expanded tax credit, while 38% oppose it and 11% dont know. Thats a slim majority in favor, but its also only half of all voters. Seventy-four percent of Democrats support the expanded tax credit, but only 44% of Independents do. That tells you support for a key Democratic initiative is underwater with centrist voters Democrats need to keep control of both houses of Congress in the 2022 midterms.

President Joe Biden walks with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., on Capitol Hill in Washington, Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, after attending a meeting with the House Democratic caucus to try to resolve an impasse around the bipartisan infrastructure bill. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Support is even lower for making the more generous benefit permanent, which just 35% of voters support. Fifty-two percent oppose making it permanent, while 13% say they dont know. Even among Democrats, just 52% think the change should be permanent.

This is a pulsing signpost telling Democrats two things: 1. Move back toward the center, and 2. Make sure voters know you move back to the center.

The child tax credit is a darling of the liberal progressive wing of the Democratic party, and in a way it resembles universal basic incomea fixed amount of government financing for every household, every year. But voters arent ready to enlarge the safety net that far, that fast. Thats why Biden won the presidency in 2020, eclipsing liberal Democrats such as Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren with a vision of pragmatic government staying within certain bounds.

Representative Jimmy Gomez, left, watches as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, talks about the expanded Child Tax Credit at a press conference held at Barrio Action Youth and Family Center on July 15, 2021 in Los Angeles, CA. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Progressives declared victory recently when they blocked the bipartisan infrastructure deal by demanding massive social-welfare spending in exchange for their votes. But blocking the infrastructure deal doesnt mean progressives will get what they want. If anything, it may mean nobody gets what they want, and the whole Democratic package collapses.

Progressives blame a handful of Senate Democrats who wont sign off on $3.5 trillion in new spending over the next decade, as if these centrist holdouts are unreasonable. More like its the other way around. The centrists, including Democratic Senators Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, say they may not approve anything above $2 trillion in new spending. That would be on top of nearly $6 trillion in Covid relief funding during the last 18 months, plus all the regular government spending. Toss in the $1 trillion infrastructure bill and total funding above routine levels would be something like $9 trillion since the start of 2020. Thats unprecedented.

Democrats can scale back their ambitions for a permanent expansion of the child tax credit, making it more of a down payment than a permanent new entitlement. They could lower the income ceiling at which the credit phases out, reduce the amount of the credit itself or put a limit on the number of kids it applies to. They could also shorten the amount of time the expansion is in effect, to get the cost down.

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., speaks at a news conference outside of his office on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Lowering the cost of this benefit is crucial because its one of the most expensive programs on the Democratic wish list. A permanent expansion would cost about $1.1 trillion over a decade, or more than $100 billion per year. Thats nearly one-third of all the new spending progressive Democrats are demanding. Slashing this amount by half, say, would still be a costly new entitlement, though one more in tune with the spending caps Manchin and Sinema are looking for.

Democrats will have to trim many other parts of the Biden plan to get it into the range of a $2 trillion bill that has a chance of passing the Senate, where Democrats need every single vote. Voters may like parts of the Biden plan, but in many ways theyve expressed their preference for incremental change over revolution. Democrats can listen now, or theyll get the message at the polls in 2022.

Rick Newman is the author of four books, including "Rebounders: How Winners Pivot from Setback to Success. Follow him on Twitter: @rickjnewman. You can also send confidential tips, and click here to get Ricks stories by email.

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Participating in Sober October for the first time? Youre not alone.

Do a quick web search for the month-long dry challenge and youll get thousands of results including strategies on staying sober, non-alcoholic drink recipes, and an ever-growing selection of booze-free beers, wines, and spirits.

Its a big change from just a few years ago and it may have something to do with the boozy burnout that came with quarantining during COVID last year and a re-evaluation of many peoples relationships to alcohol. These factors combined to create the perfect opportunity for non-alcoholic drinks to take up a larger piece of the beverage market.

According to data gathered by Tastewise (a food and beverage data analysis group) and shared with Yahoo Finance, web searches for non-alcoholic beverages are up 47% from the same period last year after hitting an all-time low in April 2020. Tastewise also reported that restaurant and bar mentions of non-alcoholic beverages are up 52% from last year.

In May, marketing research company Fior Markets estimated that the global non-alcoholic beverages market is expected to grow from $923 million in 2020 to more than $1.7 trillion by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 8.19%.

Tastewise also found that searches for non-alcoholic wines increased 333% in January 2021 compared to January 2020. In August, Fact.MR published a study that said by 2031 non-alcoholic wines could be a $4.5 billion industry globally.

There are more non-alcoholic drink beverage options than ever before, too. Besides beer and wine, consumers are buying up dry spirits, botanicals, and premixed mocktails.

Orange on Orange, a mocktail drink, in a glass on white seamless shot on June 7th, 2016 in Washington DC. (Photo by Goran Kosanovic for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

This booming market is a far cry from just a few short years ago, one industry expert told Yahoo Finance. Reynald Vito Grattagliano  founder of Arkay non-alcoholic beverages, a line that includes alcohol-free vodka, gin, tequila, and bourbon, and the American Alcohol Free Spirit Association  said the booze-free industry was so small in 2016, there were very few dry options on the market.

At the time there were only two players or competitors: Arkay, which began in 2011 founded by myself, and Seedlip in 2015, funded by Diageo, which is the owner of Johnny Walker, Grattagliano told Yahoo Finance.

He now describes the non-alcoholic market as explosive.

'We saw an opportunity to breathe new life' into booze-free drinks

While non-alcoholic beer has been available for years, some of the industrys biggest players are revamping their approach to the sudsy drinks.

Heineken was ahead of the curve in 2017 when it launched its non-alcoholic beer, 0.0, in Europe. The company reportedly spent 15 years developing the product. The alcohol-free beer finally made its way to the U.S. in 2019.

While non-alcoholic beer has been on the market for decades, we saw an opportunity to breathe new life into the otherwise stagnant category, Borja Manso Salinas, Heineken USAs marketing vice president, told Yahoo Finance. We put our master brewers to work at creating a truly great-tasting, alcohol-free beverage that would be welcome in the same social situations as the rest of our alcoholic portfolio.

Their efforts paid off. Heinekens 0.0 boozeless beer held almost 21% of the market sales for a 16-week period ending on July 31, 2021, Salinas said.

The Virgin Mary bar, the first alcohol-free bar to open in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Niall Carson/PA Images via Getty Images)

'Living without alcohol' amid COVID-19

Its not just a trend for younger generations, though. Just ask Holly Sprague and Megan Barnes Zesati. In January, the two longtime friends created Dry Together, a community specifically for midlife moms looking to get away from the drinking culture created by what Sprague calls zoom quarantini happy hours and being inundated with alcohol-related memes.

We recently realized we were both living alcohol-free in our 40s and, when the mommy needs wine to survive COVID memes proliferated, we were comforted by sharing our experiences of living without alcohol as mothers in midlife during the pandemic, Sprague told Yahoo Finance. The Dry Together community was born out of these conversations.

Sprague said they figured the group would hang around for January and then dissipate as resolutions came to an end. But as the calendar changed over to February, members seemed to hang around.

We assumed that mothers would complete the dry month challenge and then return to their lives, but we were surprised and delighted by how many mothers said they wanted to do another month at the end of January. And then another and then another, Sprague said.

With another January right around the corner, interest continues to grow, Sprague said, and she and Zesati are continuing to change the stigma around sober lifestyles and provide support to moms around the world.

As this months dry challenge kicked off, Sprague said the group had about 30 paid subscription members and around 1200 Instagram followers. Dry Together not only offers Zoom meetups to talk about how to live a dry month (or life), participate in virtual book clubs and pilates classes, and chat with peers in forums.

In addition to alcohol-free spirits and wines, Sprague said Dry Together members enjoy drinks with herbal supplements like adaptogens and nootropics that aid the body in managing stress and improving cognitive function.

Dry Together is working to slowly create a more inclusive world where it is just as normal to not drink as it is to drink, Sprague said. We dont need a doctor to tell us that drinking is bad for us at this age. We need better solutions to the issues that make us want to drink and more support in our choices not to drink.

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Not at all. It just seems like a lot of back-and-forth talk.

Yes. I'm growing very worried over what might happen.

If it keeps up, I might be a little more concerned.

I think there are much larger things to concern us as a country.

It's hard to tell; I can't take the leader of either country seriously.

Vote

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YEREVAN, OCTOBER 7, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan sent a congratulatory letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin on birthday, the PMs Office said today.

Dear Mr. President,

Accept my sincere congratulations on your birthday.

The rich experience of state and political activity aimed at implementing the goals deriving from the interests of development of Russia, as well as your consistent efforts aimed at further strengthening the countrys role in the global field, have ensured worthy respect to you in the homeland and abroad.

Your personal contribution to the strengthening of the allied relations between Russia and Armenia is indisputable. We are grateful for your efforts on establishing lasting and stable peace in South Caucasus.

I sincerely value our mutual understanding and reliable relations.

Dear Mr. President, I wish you good health, happiness and new achievements in your responsible position, reads the PMs letter.

Editing and Translating by Aneta Harutyunyan
Earlier on Wednesday, a Mumbai court sent four more persons to NCB custody till October 14

Mumbai: The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on Wednesday arrested a foreign national from Mumbai's Bandra area in connection with the cruise ship raid case.

According to the NCB, mephedrone (MD) in commercial quantity was recovered from his possession.

"This is the 18th arrest in the cruise ship raid case," the official said.

Earlier on Wednesday, a Mumbai court sent four more persons, who were arrested in connection with a drug seizure on a cruise ship off the Mumbai coast, to NCB custody till October 14.

An NCB team busted an alleged drugs party on the Cordelia Cruise ship which was on its way to Goa at mid-sea on October 2 night.

Eight persons including Aryan Khan, Arbaz Seth Merchant, Munmun Dhamecha, Vikrant Chhoker, Ismeet Singh, Nupur Sarika, Gomit Chopra and Mohak Jaswal were produced before Mumbai's Esplanade Court on Monday which remanded them to NCB custody till October 7. They were arrested on October 3 in connection with the drug seizure on the cruise ship.

As per the NCB, three persons have been booked under Section 8C, 20B, 27 (Punishment for consumption of any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance) and 35 (Presumption of culpable mental state) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act).

8C of NDPS Act refers to prohibition to produce, manufacture, possess, sell, purchase, transport, warehouse, use, consume, import inter-State, export inter-State, import into India, export from India or tranship any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance while Section 20B deals with punishment for producing, manufacturing, possessing, selling, purchasing, transportation, imports inter-State, exports inter-State or use of cannabis.
The incident has triggered a major political storm with opposition parties accusing the BJP government in UP of shielding the culprits

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has taken cognisance of the Lakhimpur Kheri incident in which eight people were killed in violence during a farmers' protest, with a bench headed by Chief Justice of India N V Ramana scheduled to hear the matter on Thursday.

The incident has triggered a major political storm with opposition parties accusing the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh of shielding the culprits.

According to the causelist uploaded on the apex court website, a three-judge bench comprising CJI Ramana and justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli would hear the matter titled In re violence in Lakhimpur Kheri (UP) leading to loss of life' on Thursday.

Four farmers were mowed down by an SUV in Lakhinpur Kheri when a group agitating against the Centre's farm laws was holding a demonstration against the visit of UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on October 3. Two BJP workers and a driver were beaten to death allegedly by the angry protesters, while a local journalist was also killed in the violence.

An FIR under section 302 of IPC (murder) has been registered against the Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra's son Ashish Mishra and others in the incident in Tikonia police station but no arrest has been made so far.

Farmer leaders have claimed that Ashish was in one of the cars that allegedly knocked down the protesters but the minister has denied the allegations.

Additional Director General (Law and Order) of the state Prashant Kumar had announced on Monday that the government will order a probe headed by a retired high court judge and give compensation of Rs 45 lakh each to the families of the dead farmers. Their kin will also get a government job. The injured will get Rs 10 lakh

Two lawyers had on Tuesday written a letter to the CJI seeking a high-level judicial inquiry, involving the CBI, under the supervision of the apex court into the incident.

The letter by the two advocates had urged the CJI to treat it as public interest litigation (PIL) so that guilty could be brought to justice.

It had also sought direction to the Home Ministry and the police to register an FIR in the case and punish those involved in the incident.

The apex court, while hearing a separate plea by a farmers' body protesting against the three new farm laws and seeking directions to authorities to allow it to stage satyagrah' at Jantar Mantar here, had on Monday observed that nobody takes the responsibility when such incidents happen.

The observations by the top court had come when Attorney General K K Venugopal referred to the unfortunate incident at Lakhimpur Kheri.

Several farmer organisations are protesting against the passage of three laws -- The Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020 and Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020 since last November.

The apex court had stayed the implementation of these laws in January.

Initially, the protests started from Punjab in November last year and later spread to Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
The Commission shall complete the enquiry within a period of two months from the date of the issue of this notification

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi leaves from Chaudhary Charan Singh airport in Lucknow, Wednesday, Oct 6, 2021, for Sitapur to meet families of farmers who lost their lives in Lakhimpur Kheri violence. (PTI /Nand Kumar)

Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a one-member Commission to probe the Lakhimpur Kheri incident in which eight people were killed, a senior Home Department official said on Thursday.

"A notification for the constitution of the Commission has been issued. The commission has been given two months time to probe the matter," the official said.

"In exercise of the powers conferred by section 3 of the Commissions of Enquiry Act, 1952 (Act no. 60 of 1952), the Governor is pleased to appoint Justice High Court, Allahabad (retd) Pradeep Kumar Srivastava as a single-member Commission of enquiry with Headquarters at Lakhimpur Kheri," the notification dated October 6 said.

"The Commission shall complete the enquiry within a period of two months from the date of the issue of this notification. Any change in its tenure shall be at the behest of the Government," it added.

Eight people were killed in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence on Sunday. Of the eight killed, four were farmers, who were allegedly knocked down by vehicles driven by BJP workers travelling to welcome Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya to an event in the area.

The other four were two BJP workers, a driver of Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Kumar Mishra and a journalist working for a private television channel.
The company also provided a link to the launch page of Google Pixel 6

The event is scheduled to take place at 10 am PT. (Photo: Twitter/@madebygoogle)

Washington: American tech giant Google recently announced that it will launch its new smartphones Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro on October 19, 2021.

Google revealed the information through its Twitter handle -- Madebygoogle. The company also provided a link to the launch page of Google Pixel 6.

The event is scheduled to take place at 10 am PT. As per Indian Standard Time (IST), it will begin at 10:30 pm on 19 October.

The launch event can be live-streamed on Google's official YouTube channel. It can also be watched live on the social media handles of the tech giant.

It is possible that we will see the official release date for Android 12 for Pixel devices at this event. So far, Google has only released Android 12 as AOSP but only gave "next few weeks" as a time frame for the Android 12 update for Pixel and other OEM devices, reported GSM Arena.

The Pixel 6 phones will be the first to feature Google's in-house Tensor chip along with a modern design and fancy new cameras using Samsung sensors.

These will also be the first phones to launch with Android 12. Pricing and availability to be revealed at the launch event.
Born in 1948, Gurnah has published 10 novels and a number of short stories focusing post-colonialism and the plight of refugees

DAR ES SALAAM: Tanzania's government hailed Zanzibar-born novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah on Thursday for winning the Nobel Literature Prize, calling it a "victory" for the country and the African continent.

Gurnah, who grew up on the island of Zanzibar but arrived in England as a refugee at the end of the 1960s, is the fifth African to win the prize.

"You have certainly done justice to your profession, your victory is for Tanzania and Africa," the government's chief spokesperson said on Twitter.

Born in 1948, Gurnah has published 10 novels and a number of short stories focusing post-colonialism and the plight of refugees.

The Swedish Academy said Gurnah was honoured "for his uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents."

"His novels recoil from stereotypical descriptions and open our gaze to a culturally diversified East Africa unfamiliar to many in other parts of the world," the Nobel Foundation added.

Gurnah told the Nobel Prize website he was stunned to get the call from the Swedish Academy.

"I thought it was a prank," he said. "These things are usually floated for weeks beforehand... so it was not something that was in my mind."
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The upcoming Ford Ranger will reach the market in 2022, and it will be an MY2023 vehicle in the United States of America. As you can see in the teaser video and in the photo gallery, Ford has fitted the Ranger with LED taillights, built-in steps for the rear bumper, and a shark fin antenna.Ford's next-generation Ranger will be built on a platform that is going to be shared with the corresponding Volkswagen Amarok . This is not the first partnership of this kind between Ford and VW, and both companies will benefit from a reduction in development and production costs. Ford has designed and engineered the next-generation Ranger in Australia, and the Blue Oval promises to offer the most capable and most connected Ranger ever.Since the current generation model already features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, the next generation is expected to come with a larger multimedia screen, and possibly a bigger screen in the gauge cluster.Depending on the market it will be sold in, the next-generation Ford Ranger will reportedly get a V6 diesel instead of the inline-five-cylinder unit, which will be dropped from the range. Other powertrain options rumored to be offered with the new Ranger include a plug-in hybrid setup based on a 2.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, along with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel.Australia and Thailand will be among the first markets to get the next-generation Ranger, which is why Ford's Australian branch got to tease the Blue Oval's midsize pickup truck The European market will get the next-gen Ranger sometime in 2022, while the North American continent is expected to get the receive it in late summer.
The Lone Star State aftermarket icon has expressed its gratitude for the world of muscle cars in an amazingly straightforward way. Their sole 30th-anniversary vehicle build is none other than  The Exorcist , their 1,000-horsepower remastered Chevrolet Camaro ZL1But the Blue Oval aficionados shouldnt be upset either, as the latest social media feature from the company revolves around a feisty crimson (with white graphics) Mustang GT. While theres no explicit mention of the HPE800 kit, its pretty obvious this supercharged Ford matches the technical description. After all, Hennessey hints at it from the onset, mentioning in the title it comes with 808 horsepower.Irrespective of the exact build, we tend to agree with the companys description that every 5.0-liter V8-powered Ford Mustang GT deserves a supercharger. And were also glad that Hennessey is ready to make it so, if the ecstatic hooning on their proving grounds is included with the pre-delivery package.For this particular unit (which is scheduled to reach Manderbach Ford, a dealership in Hamburg, Pennsylvania) this is obviously the case. In a noticeably brief video (embedded below), someone from the Hennessey crew nails every point in the supercharged Mustang dream book.So, crank up the sound system to hear the exhaust rumble from the glorious catback stainless steel exhaust system. Then open your eyes as wide as possible to make sure one can take in as much of the CarbonAero carbon fiber pack goodies as humanly feasible.And, in the end, make sure not to drop the jaws at the sound of the supercharger whine, the sight of smoky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup2 rubber, and the level of donut control enabled via the lowered suspension system...
SUV

PHEV

As far as Stellantis is concerned, the parent company wants Alfa Romeo, Lancia and PSAs DS brand to work together in order to strengthen the groups position on the premium market, as reported by Reuters Alfa Romeo will launch a new model every year until 2026, said Imparato during a dealer event, although his comments were later confirmed by a Stellantis spokesman.During that same event, Lancia chief exec Luca Napolitano stated that he had already presented Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares with a 10-year plan for the brand, which is currently only selling one model (the Ypsilon supermini), exclusive to Italy. That plan sees Lancia expand its horizons to other major EU markets such as France, Germany and the Nordic countries, with a focus on large cities.Our target is to bring Lancia [] to those markets where electric cars are sold, as well produce electric cars only from 2026, explained Napolitano, before adding: I want to be in the high end of the market, not abandoning Ypsilon, but pushing Lancia beyond it. He also said that his company will launch three new models by 2028  we assume either fully electric or electrified in some way.Back to the Alfa Romeo Tonale , it was initially supposed to enter production by the end of this year, however, its debut had to be delayed and is now scheduled for March of 2022, with sales in Italy set to begin in June of that same year, said Imparato. It was his decision to push back the unveiling of the Tonale after he became disappointed with the performance of thesdrivetrain.
kW

On October 6th, the Australian Army has released a new video showing off its new stealth reconnaissance e-bikes. The action ocured in Townsville Field Training Area, Queensland, where the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) put several Stealth B-52 e-bikes to the test. During a scouting patrol, the bikes were used together with the Armys Boxer combat vehicles.It helps us achieve a lot with our reconnaissance work, sighting routes for the Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle, including reconnaissance of creek lines so we can determine whether we can get the vehicle through, explains Corporal Thomas Ovey from the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry).Powered by a 6.2hub motor, the B-52 can reach a top speed of 56 mph (90 kph), allowing troops to travel further than they would with traditional motorcycles . The machines also provide an incredible range, being capable of running for up to 100 km (62 miles) on flat terrain.We cover more ground much faster, and it saves time instead of waiting for troops to come to us when theyve found something, adds Corporal Thomas.The e-bikes have improved the regiments capability to scout for information while remaining under the detection threshold, usually deploying as a detachable element of the Boxer combat reconnaissance vehicle. Not only that, but they also allowed soldiers to ride the machines without kicking up much dust that the enemy could see.For now, the Australian Army is testing the full potential of the bikes use in stealthy reconnaissance missions. A trial report on the possible implementation of the B-52s in combat brigades will be presented by the end of the year.
EV

Bay Area officials, whose jurisdiction contains both Oakland and San Fransico, announced on Wednesday that new funding would allow residents to collect up to $9,500 upon trading their petrol-powered car for any new EV The funding is distributed under the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and received as much as $8.3 million in state funding from California governor Gavin Newsome. Under these guidelines, the area is supporting an older vehicle buyback program that will take heavily polluting older cars off the roads for cash payments of up to $1,200.California, along with other prominent US states like New York , have led the national charge to transition to an all-electric vehicle infrastructure before the next decade is out.Following to a large degree the example set by the European Union starting in 2020 to gradually phase out fossil fuels from their roads. Californias been the ancestral home of the American environmental conservation movement since the late 1960s and the days of the hippies.said Cindy Chavez, a Santa Clara County supervisor who also is chair of the air district board.This report quote comes courtesy of the Mercury News . California still routinely manages to outpace other states in totalsales. It looks like the latest state legislation will only see that lead grow wider.
The Ami microcar is eye-catching even without any added visual goodies. The short, boxy proportions make it out to be some bizarre fusion between classic french car designs and early 90s JDM Kei cars. That said, some of the decal options coming soon to the Ami, courtesy of Citroen, are at least very comical. A few of them are downright hilarious.The decal graphics include designs like Jungle to give AMI a wild side, Tutti Frutti for your five-a-day, the ever-so-British Globetrotter, Camo for techno look, Tribe for nature-lovers, and Trendy to keep it chic, according to Citroen's official press release.We must admit, the muscle car flames option is adorable. Its also doubly funny because a big block American V8 engine would likely weigh almost as much as an entire Ami does. With only an eight-horsepower electric motor to propel it down the road, it is safe to assume an engine swap is out of the question.Citroen's French customers have the option to have their own designs imposed into the Amis paint job. One neednt do more than simply throw together a design, submit it to their local Ami dealership and receive an easily applicable sticker in the mail.Pricing information for UK-specific Ami customization options is not available as of yet. Citroen confirmed in this press release that this information would be made available sometime in the near future. Shame they dont sell the Ami in the States. One particular AE writer would already have one in full camo graphics to drive around to the shops and back.
With a focus on comfort and safety, the FCS 7011 has been designed as a cost-effective crew transportation solution and a more convenient option to helicopter transport. It was a lengthy project that took five years for the ship to be completed, from marketing research and design to its engineering and building.It is a 242 ft (74 m) ship capable of transporting up to 122 passengers in a single trip, at a maximum speed of 40 knots. It has a deck area of 376 sq ft (35 sq m) and an aluminum hull construction. The crew change vessel enables safe transfers in conditions with waves that are up to 9.8 ft (3 m) high and journey times of up to 12 hours.As explained by Damen, the design of the FCS 7011 incorporates Damens Sea Axe bow to reduce slamming to a minimum during transit. Also with comfort in mind, the accommodation is located just aft of mid-ships, and there are interceptors fitted within the ships stern. All these contribute to a reduction in pitch and roll motions during sailing.As already mentioned, safety is another priority for Damen with its FCS 7011, which is why the vessel is equipped with an advanced control system. A custom-made gangway from Ampelmann is part of it and it's going to be installed once the ship arrives in the Netherlands.Damen has had a busy year, announcing another big accomplishment just one month ago, when its Antarctic Supply Research Vessel called Nuyina set sail from the Netherlands, embarking on a seven-week voyage to Tasmania. It is the most advanced polar research ship in the world, featuring next-generation equipment and over 5,380 sq ft (500 sq m) of science labs and offices.
More than two decades have passed since Deus Ex Machinas first garage  or shrine, as they like to call it  was established in Sydney, Australia. From the very beginning, Deus made it clear that we werent looking at some run-of-the-mill motorcycle customization enterprise. This brand was more of a culture rather than a mere workshop, and it wasnt long before their two-wheeled masterpieces captured the publics full attention.Over the years, the firm saw a rapid expansion to several locations around the globe, including Japan, South Africa, and a plethora of European nations. The bike were featuring today was conceived by Machinas Indonesian garrison on the Island of the Gods, which is basically just a fancy way of saying Bali. It all started with an invitation to Yamaha s Yard Built contest, where they were to present a reinterpretation of the humble, yet competent XSR155.Sure enough, the ambitious Deus pros didnt think twice about embracing this challenge, and the result of their intense labor certainly speaks for itself! This rugged piece of machinery was nicknamed Aka-Tombo (meaning Red Dragonfly in Japanese) to commemorate the YA-1 , Yamahas very first motorcycle. In keeping with the Yard Built rules, Balis moto shamans were instructed to leave the creatures liquid-cooled 155cc single-cylinder mill and Deltabox framework untouched.Otherwise, the teams creativity was allowed to roam free. Upon arrival at its aftermarket clinic, the donor's original bodywork items were promptly stripped away, along with its standard swingarm. To replace the latter, Machinas experts proceeded to manufacture a bespoke alternative using stainless-steel tubes and Swiss watchmaker-like precision.Next, the XSR 's stock subframe has been amputated to make room for a custom skeleton, flanked by CNC-drilled aluminum side panels and topped with a gorgeous tan leather saddle. Behind the new upholstery, we notice a minute tail section with integrated LEDs, while a handsome fuel tank can be spotted up north.You will also find aluminum fenders, beefy fork guards, and a unique skid plate, all of which were forged by means of traditional metal-shaping techniques. At the front end, Deus went about fitting a tracker-style handlebar clad with Ariete grips and bar-end blinkers, as well as a snazzy fairing that embraces a Daymaker LED lighting module.In terms of footwear, Aka-Tombo features VND billet aluminum wheel hubs, TK Racing spokes, and 18-inch Sprint XD rims, which sport a pair of Scorpion Rally tires from Pirellis catalog. The crew tweaked the XSRs inverted forks to stiffen things up, while the rear monoshock received a higher-spec spring for good measure. Additionally, the bikes engine exhales via bespoke plumbing and a state-of-the-art Shorty muffler developed by SuperTrapp.When these components had been installed, it was time for Machina to paint the canvas. The chosen color scheme blends raw alloy, polished surfaces, and a Rally Red finish from Mitsubishi s palette, accompanied by a tasteful selection of Deus graphics to round it all out. The final touch comes in the form of a removable surfboard rack, which should definitely come in handy when youre living near the sunny coasts of Bali!
VTOL

Christmas is getting close, so why not treat yourself to a revolutionary, luxury? Sure, it will cost you a whopping $6 million, but check out what youll be enjoying for that sum. You'll get an aircraft designed by a veteran team of aerospace executives from world-renowned companies, which is three times faster than a helicopter, boasts unprecedented VTOL safety features, and can take off and land from right outside your home.Were talking about the Reserved Edition Vy 400R, Transcend Airs luxury private VTOL , limited to only 40 aircraft. Fusing the VTOL technology with a patent-pending tilt-wing design, the Vy 400R is designed for performance, with a top speed of 410 mph (660 kph/356 knots) and a 550-mile () range. Equipped with fly-by-wire flight control, advanced avionics, geofencing, and sensors, plus a ballistic, whole-airframe parachute, it provides a level of safety thats unmatched by any current VTOL.Powered by a single 2,500 shaft horsepower GE Aviation CT7-8 turboshaft engine, this versatile aircraft is also built with simplified systems, without cables, hydraulics, or fuel lines, so that its much easier to manage. Not to mention that it doesnt require a runway and that it can easily access locations where fixed-wing aircraft cant reach.Another advantage of the GE CT7-8 engine is that its certified for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). In fact, Transcend has recently joined forces with Prometheus Fuels, which will be providing SAF for the companys Vy ART regional air service and the Vy 400R private VTOL.Last but not least, this luxury VTOL boasts a racing-inspired interior, combining lightweight, modern seating with premium decor. The customizable design and colors add up to a bespoke, final version that will be unlike anything on the market. Versatile, reliable, and sustainable , the Vy 400R looks like the private aircraft of the future.
The American aerospace giant announced yesterday that it successfully tested a new Airborne High Energy Laser (AHEL) in preparation for ground testing and ultimately fitting to one of the U.S. militarys favorite warplanes.It isnt the first time the United States military has pondered the idea of an airborne offensive laser weapon. The last notable attempt came in the form of the Boeing YAL-1 testbed, which was composed of a modified Boeing 747 airliner fitted with a chemical oxygen-iodine laser (COIL). That aircraft was retired in 2014.The highly classified technology has potential for applications outside of long-duration close air support. Lockheed-Martin inked a deal with the U.S. Navys Naval Surface Warfare Center worth $12 million over five years to develop the system for seafaring vessels. The laser has the potential to do anything from ground attack to close air support and even air to air defense against enemy aircraft and missiles.Completion of this milestone is a tremendous accomplishment for our customer, said Rick Cordaro, vice president, Lockheed Martin Advanced Product Solutions. These mission success milestones are a testament of our partnership with the U.S. Air Force in rapidly achieving important advances in laser weapon system development. Our technology is ready for fielding today.The delivery of the new AHEL system comes only two and a half years after Lockheed-Martin was awarded a lucrative contract with the Pentagon to develop next-gen laser technology back in January 2019. The company appears confident that it can have the new system ready on time and on budget.
Then again, electric vehicles are not exactly affordable. In recent years, prices on electric cars have gone down considerably, but theyre still far from affordable to the average Joe and Jane, who make average salaries. An e-bike , in this case, would be the compromise solution, especially on the daily commute and short rides across the city.That e-bike could be the Pave Bike from Pave Motors . Also dubbed Pave 1, its a newcomer to the market  in fact, its so new it isnt even here yet . The pre-order books for the Pave Bike opened last month after the first batch of limited-edition units sold out. Pave Bike boasts of making EVs more accessible by making them more fun and easier to handle in the urban context and offering less hassle in terms of maintenance.Pave Bike also claims to be the worlds first e-bike with blockchain connectivity, which means it will allow you to fully get into the NFT (Non-Fungible Tokens) game if thats your thing right now. The idea of using blockchain technology to unlock and monitor the bike and share it is based on the idea that its a much more convenient alternative to using a key and a display for the same tasks.Each new rider receives an NFT with the bike, a unique piece of digital code that will unlock and lock it, preventing theft. Said NFT can be stored inside the Pave+ app, which means you can access it even without an Internet connection. However, the bike will also be provided with a smartcard for situations where you might lose or misplace your phone.This seems like a whole lot of trouble when there was always the key alternative, but the purpose for it is to offer a theft-proof vehicle. One of the reasons for the slow adoption of e-mopeds in crowded urban areas is the fear of theft, Pave Motors says in a statement.Another upside to using blockchain technology is that it allows you to safely rent your e-bike to other members of the community when youre not using it. You could do it for free, or you could do it in exchange for cryptocurrency, which would then act as a smart contract enforcer.Created by brothers Nicolaus and Casper Nagel, Pave Bike aims to be a more stylish and sleek , but equally powerful alternative to a motorcycle. Its basically powerful like a motorcycle but has the body of an electric bicycle, which allows for easy handling and storage. The battery locks into the frame, so you wont have to carry it with you when you park.The 50.4 V 39 Ah lithium-ion battery can be charged up to 80% in just 90 minutes, and a full charge takes three hours. The BLDC hub motor delivers 2000 W nominal power on the Commuter model and 3000 W on the Freerider, and 100 Nm of torque. Top speed is limited at 30 mph (48.2 kph) for city use, and range is estimated at some 50 miles (80.5 km)  and 65 miles (105 km) in Eco mode. Regenerative braking can add a bit to that.Hydraulic brakes offer stopping power, and you get a suspension fork for comfortable rides, as well as a foldable seat made from the softest foam we could find. Extra foot support is provided for a passenger in the back.With an aluminum frame, Pave Bike weighs 100 pounds (45 kg), to which you add the 22 pounds (10 kg) of the battery. While theres no adjusting the seat or the handlebar, Pave Motors says that the e-bike is comfortable to ride no matter your height. It is also described as the simplest and most intuitive motorbike  perfect for urban riding.Deliveries are limited only to the United States for the time being, but seeing how Pave Motors notes that its classified as an L1e-B vehicle in the EU, requiring an AM or B license, they probably wont be so for long. Pricing starts at $108 a month or $3,900, with deliveries planned for early 2022. At almost $4,000, the Pave Bike is more of a premium product , unless you consider the possibility for monthly payments and take into account the promise that you will be able to monetize ownership of it.
Developed by BAE Systems , the Compass Call is an airborne tactical electronic warfare weapon system that disables enemy command and control communications, radars, and navigation systems.The weapon system assists in the suppression of enemy air defenses by preventing crucial information from being transmitted between enemies, their weapon systems, and control networks. The U.S. Air Forces Compass Call program has been in operation for four decades, ever since it provided attack capability on the EC-130H in 1981.The EC-130H fleet has been the longest continuously deployed Air Force aircraft in the Global War on Terror, serving as an essential electronic warfare platform since 2002.Now, in an effort to modernize its Compass Call fleet, the weapon system is being integrated by defense Contractor L3Harris Technologies onto a modern Gulfstream G550 business jet.The plane, to be named the EC-37B Compass Call, has improved capabilities compared to the aging EC-130H. It features an increased speed, endurance, and extended standoff range, providing significantly more survivability. L3Harris is currently supporting initial modification efforts at the Gulfstream facility where the maiden flight occurred.The Air Forces cross-deck initiative ensures it can continue its critical electronic warfare mission for many years, said Luke Savoie, L3Harris president, in a statement. Our collaboration with teammates BAE and Gulfstream will enable the Air Force to outpace its adversaries and counter emerging technologies.This electronic attack weapon system has a modular open system architecture, which allows for the rapid integration of new technology while also lowering the overall cost of future upgrades. Its size, weight, and power will allow the U.S. Air Force to add additional capabilities to its fleet in order to meet new mission requirements.
Built by Airbus , the second European Service Module (ESM) represents the powerhouse of future missions that will take astronauts back to the Moon. The module is a crucial element for the Orion spacecraft, made out of 20,000 parts and components that include engines, solar panels, fuel tanks, and several miles of cables and tubing.It will provide propulsion and thermal control while docked to the crew module and will supply the astronauts with water and oxygen. The EMS-2s distinctive four-wing solar array will be able to generate enough energy to power two households.In addition to serving as the powerhouse for the Orion spacecraft, the module will also be in charge of orbital maneuvering and position control. Furthermore, the unpressurized service module can be utilized to transport payloads.After going through a thorough validation process, which included testing and the modules main engine, the ESM-2 was ready to finally leave the Airbus site in Germany and cross the ocean.An Antonov cargo aircraft will carry the module to NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where it will be mated with the Orion Crew Module and undergo further extensive testing before integration with the launcher. This whole process is estimated to take around two years. Orion will act as an exploration vehicle that will transport astronauts to space, provide emergency abort capabilities, support the crew during space travel, and allow a safe re-entry from deep space return velocities.The first flight of the spacecraft on NASAs new Space Launch System (NSL) rocket will be uncrewed, and it will see the capsule travel beyond the Moon in order to demonstrate its capabilities. The EMS-2 will power the crewed Orion spacecraft, which will perform a lunar flyby test and return safely to Earth.
SUV

kWh

Thewon three awards in what the automaker describes as the most prestigious competition in South Africa, with the title being announced by the SAGMJ (South African Guild of Mobility Journalists). Peugeot had to fight for the crown with 23 finalists and won two other awards as well, being rewarded in the Compact Family category and winning the Jurors Excellence Award.For the Compact Family award, Peugeot had to face five tough competitors, with the other nominees being Hyundais Creta crossover, the T-Roc from Volkswagen, Toyotas Corolla Sedan, Mazdas CX-30, and the Kia Seltos.According to Leslie Ramsoomar, Managing Director of Stellantis South Africa, these titles represent a well-deserved recognition of the car's presence in South Africa, which is also reflected in the sales figures and the fact that the car makers market share has doubled in the first half of this financial year. Over 15 new Peugeot dealerships have opened in the area in the last 18 months.This jewel in the crown, as the SAGMJ calls it, has a sporty look and delivers both power and efficiency, according to Peugeot. The automaker boasts of the SUVs striking front grille, its raised ground clearance, and its sharp design.But while the Peugeot 2008 does mean business in the small crossover segment, it still doesnt come with an all-wheel drive. The car relies on the Grip Control system instead for off-road capabilities in certain scenarios.Peugeot offers the 2008 SUV in electric , gasoline, or diesel options, with the electric one being powered by a 136 hp motor and packing a 50battery, offering ranges of up to 192 miles (310 km) per charge.
This Spirit-based AMX was one of two limited-edition liftbacks delivered to Bowen-Fischer Motors in Muskegon, Michigan, in 1979. While the black example was eventually purchased, this Wedgewood Blue version wasn't. After a while in the showroom, the AMX was taken off the lot and stashed away. However, the dealership continued using it as a demonstrator, and, from time to time, the owner occasionally drove it into town.When Chrysler bought AMC in 1987, the Spirit AMX was still with Bower-Fischer, but its odometer displayed 30,000 miles (48,280 km). The car was still in excellent shape, though, with only the original battery replaced. The dealership was eventually closed and its Jeep franchise sold to another company, but the owner retained the license to sell new and used cars.But while many of the cars that remained with the company were sold, the AMX continued to sit in storage. All the way until 2021. And according to Greg Fisher, who runs the current company, the car was never titled, making it the only AMC product still on sale on its Manufacturers's Certificate of Origin.But this will change soon, as Greg decided to let the AMX go, which means that he will have to title it.he told Hemmings , adding that heThe untitled 1979 AMX was recently listed for sale through Garage Kept Motors and, as it turns out, it found its first owner.A tribute to the original AMC AMX built from 1968 to 1970, the Spirit-based AMX was offered in 1979 and 1980 only. American Motors delivered only 3,657 units in 1979 and an additional 865 in 1980. Wedgewood Blue was one of only five colors available in 1979, and it's believed to be the rarest.Much like its spiritual predecessor, the 1979 AMX featured flared fenders, eye-catching graphics, and a unique handling package. The car was so nimble that it took a 1-2 class victory at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring in October 1979.However, the road car wasn't exactly fast. Born in the Malaise era, it came with a pair of underpowered (for a performance car) mills. AMC offered a 258-cubic-inch (4.2-liter) inline-six as standard and a 304-cubic-inch (5.0-liter) V8 through the options list. They were rated at 110 and 125 horsepower, respectively. This blue AMX features the inline-six and an automatic transmission.Needless to say, it's an intriguing car with an even more intriguing story. But it's not the only vehicle that has soldiered on for decades without a title. Back in August 2021, a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro came up for sale after spending 52 glorious years untitled , all while boasting an extensive drag racing history. How cool is that?
While the AlphaTauri of Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda will only feature a one-word message (arigato/thank you) on the rear wings, the two Red Bull Racing RB16B cars of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez will look a lot different than usual.The team chose to pay tribute to the Japanese carmaker through a one-off livery inspired by the legendary Honda RA 272 car in which Richie Ginther secured the outfits first ever Formula One win at the 1965 Mexican Grand Prix. To clarify, this livery takes after that 1965 car specifically, having nothing in common with those iconic McLaren cars from the 80s and early 90s, which also featured white liveries with red accents.We had all been looking forward to giving Hondas Japanese fans a chance to celebrate our extremely successful relationship in Formula One, on home soil at Suzuka. With the race falling victim to the pandemic, we just couldnt let the weekend pass without paying tribute to Honda and its amazing home fans by bringing a little bit of its heritage to Istanbul. The livery chosen for our cars pays homage to Hondas remarkable F1 journey and hopefully we can give fans another victory in those legendary colors this weekend, said Red Bull Racing team principal, Christian Horner.Since joining forces with Honda in 2018, Red Bull Racing secured 13 victories to date, with AlphaTauri also taking home the win in Italy last year. Together, Red Bull and Honda have amassed 35 podium finishes and 11 pole positions, with more accolades surely to come in the following months.Right now, Red Bull is second in the 2021 Constructor Standings with 364.5 points, while first-place Mercedes holds 397.5 points.
The 16-ton delivery truck will be displayed in a few days at the Zero Emission: EcoMobiel event, which is going to take place between October 12 and October 14 in Brabanthallen, the third-largest convention center in the Netherlands.Volta Trucks has held demonstrations of its Volta Zero commercial vehicle all over Europe, with the electric truck being presented at various events all over the continent, in the U.K., France, Spain, Italy, and Germany. More than 1,000 customers have had the chance not only to see but also to test Volta Zero, which has led to more than 2,500 pre-orders, totaling a value of almost $700 (600) million.According to Carla Detrieux, Business Development Director of Volta Trucks, the company now has in-market Business Development Managers supporting European customers, helping them understand how the Volta Zero electric truck can decarbonize their fleets. The Swedish automaker hopes its first Zero trucks will begin operation with customers in mid-2022.With a payload of 18,960 lb (8,600 kg), the Volta Zero truck is described by its creator as the worlds first purpose-built, fully-electric 16-ton vehicle. It was designed for inner-city logistics, and the prototype was launched last fall.The Volta Zero truck offers ranges of 90 to 125 miles (150 to 200 km), it has a lower drivers seat compared to conventional trucks and is covered in large glass panels that offer 220-degree visibility, reducing to a minimum all dangerous blind spots. Volta Trucks aims for its Zero truck to have a significant impact on the environment, being able to eliminate around 1.2 million tons of CO2 by the year 2025.The introduction of the fully electric commercial vehicle on the Dutch market coincides with the launch of Volta Trucks website in the Dutch language.
Sporting 11 miles and 12 miles on their odometers, respectively, the anonymous seller out of Albert Kea, Minnesota, clearly made a great effort to keep these future classic V8 muscle trucks as pristine as possible.One of the TRXs is painted in a Bright White color scheme with matching white inserts on the lining of the trucks trims. The other rocks badass flame-red paint job with contrasting black door inserts and black exterior trim pieces. Either configuration takes the vibe of this supercharged HEMI truck in two opposite directions. The only deciding factor between the two is personal preference.In case youre uninitiated, the RAM TRX pickup comes with the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI engine found in the Hellcat series of Mopar cars and trucks. In the TRX, the engine jets 702 horsepower and 650 foot-pounds of torque. The TRX has a reinforced racing tuned frame that increases its prowess as an off-road racer by enduring repeated use in non-pavement conditions.The grand total for both of these beautiful trucks is $88,000 for the flame-red example and $90,000 for the stunning white model. The slight difference in price can be pegged down to a few extra added options on the white car.Goodies like the RX Level 2 Equipment Group, Technology Group, TRX Carbon Fiber Package, TRX red interior accents, a 19-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, and a 12-inch touchscreen. Picking between the two would be a real struggle for any gearhead. Happily, most of us are nowhere near wealthy enough to front that kind of bill anyhow.
If youre not familiar with Skydweller, you should know that this U.S.-Spanish aerospace company is developing a new class of unmanned aircraft, one that combines the features of a solar-powered airplane with the capabilities of a geosynchronous satellite (a satellite with a fixed position and an orbital period that matches the Earth's rotation period). In other words, this zero-emissions, autonomous aircraft will be capable of achieving perpetual flight, while carrying heavy, powerful telecommunication payload.During this recent series of tests conducted in Albacete, Spain, the companys engineers and meteorologists evaluated all the autopilot commands and the aircrafts advanced weather and climate data analysis capabilities. Since its solar-powered , the Skydweller depends on the weather, so the company has also developed advanced weather and climate forecasting models that will be used to establish optimized flight routes.The multi-national startup has ambitious goals  its determined to develop the most sophisticated, commercially viable autonomy for a solar-powered aircraft. Considering that earlier this year, it was awarded a contract by the U.S. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), it looks like its on the right track.Equipped with autonomous control systems and waypoint navigation, the solar-powered aircraft is also capable of carrying a heavy payload of up to 880 lbs (400 kg). Satellite communication, imaging radars, communication relay, and day/night video capabilities are just some of the elements that can be integrated into its flexible payload system.With such impressive telecommunication assets, the Skydweller is meant to support government geospatial, meteorological, and emergency operations. Plus, the final autonomous version will be able to conduct extended operations in challenging areas, without impacting the environment. Skydweller testing will continue over the next months, before the final stage, when this revolutionary aircraft will perform fully autonomous, long-endurance flights.
In new court filings, Californias Department of Fair Employment and Housing has indicated that it plans to officially object to Septembers proposed anti-harassment settlement between Activision Blizzard and the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Why it matters: A scrapped settlement could extend the scrutiny Activision faces from myriad investigations and lawsuits while delaying or nixing a planned $18 million victims fund.

While Activision and the EEOC have presented the settlement as a means for justice for some workers, critics have said it also lets Activision begin to turn the page relatively quickly.

Between the lines: The DFEHs filing focuses on the technicality of when it can object, urging the court to let it do so before the plan causes it irreparable harm.

The DFEHs objections, hinted in these preliminary filings, focus on the EEOC settlements lack of mention of its own suit and potential damages victims could receive.

It also criticizes language in the plan that could lead people who settle under the EEOC agreement to release Activision from any other claims.

Flashback: In February 2020, lawyers for women who had worked at another major California-based game company, Riot, withdrew from a planned $10 million settlement after the DFEH and others objected to the size of that deal.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency due to the oil spill in Orange County, with miles of popular beaches closed for what may be months.

Why it matters: The 127,000-gallon spill from an Amplify Energy pipeline about 5 miles offshore is among the largest spills in recent California history. It's causing oil to wash ashore, coating wildlife.

Where it stands: With an unusually high number of ships sitting offshore, waiting to bring their cargo into the Port of Long Beach, officials investigating the cause of the spill suspect that a ship's anchor may have caused the tear in the pipeline, and they hope to find out more about this possibility.

What we're watching: Federal and state officials opened a criminal investigation into the cause of the spill.

The full toll on wildlife is not yet known, but the region from Laguna Beach north to Huntington Beach is home to seals, whales, dolphins and birds, among other species.

Go deeper: In photos: Oil spill threatens Southern California shores
The McDonald's Happy Meal has become a childhood staple around the world, but few know the marketing idea began in Guatemala as "Ronald's menu."

What happened: Jose Maria Cofino and Yolanda Fernandez de Cofino founded the first McDonald's in Guatemala in 1974. Fernandez de Cofino noticed that children were not able to finish the meals the restaurant offered, so she came up with the idea of offering smaller portions for kids and including a toy to make the meal more fun.

What she's saying: "I noticed how mothers would arrive with their children who did not know what to order, so they'd get a Big Mac but were unable to eat it entirely because the meal was too large" Fernandez de Cofino said in a video.

"I started thinking about what could be done so that people could stop wasting their money in that way. I came up with the idea of creating a children's menu with a smaller burger, smaller fries, a small soda and a small sundae," she added. Fernandez de Cofino named the offering "Ronald's menu," after Ronald McDonald, the company's clown mascot.

de Cofino named the offering "Ronald's menu," after Ronald McDonald, the company's clown mascot. Fernandez de Cofino also included toys in the "Cajita Feliz" that she would buy at a local market.

The intrigue: Cofino did not ask for permission from McDonald's main executives to create the menu, but it drew positive feedback, which motivated her to introduce the menu during the 1977 World Franchisee Convention.

McDonald's corporate officials adopted Cofino's idea and began to implement it worldwide in 1979, calling it the "Happy Meal."

The company awarded Fernandez de Cofino with a "Ronald award" in 1982, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the company.

Don't forget: Fernandez de Cofino passed away in September at the age of 87.

McDonald's released a statement, saying her death was "without a doubt, one of the most difficult and sad moments for the family, the company and its thousands of collaborators in Guatemala ... Her light will live in our hearts forever."

Fernandez de Cofino is also responsible for hosting birthday celebrations in the restaurant: She came up with the idea of having specific party areas to host large groups of children at once, for which she was recognized with a second "Ronald award."

Go deeper for Hispanic Heritage Month:

Cuba's literacy legacy

How a Colombian neurosurgeon saved our brains

Chilean R&D to vanquish viruses

Argentinas hand in crime-fighting

Gracias, Mexico, for color TV

Peru feeds the world

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A shortage of agriculture workers is forcing winemakers in the U.S. and Europe to turn to robots for their autumn grape harvest, reports the Wall Street Journal.

Why it matters: Pandemic-related travel restrictions have cut down on the availability of migrant workers, exacerbating an existing labor shortage in viticulture.

While crops like soybeans and corn are routinely harvested by machine, winemakers have been slower to make the switch for fear of damaging the grapes.

In some wine-making regions of France, like Champagne, there are bans on machine harvesting in favor of traditional handpicking.

Yes, but: New research at UC Davis shows that not only can vineyards safely replace manual laborers by switching to machinery, they can also make better-tasting wine.

The new system entails different trellises so the vine is higher up off the ground, so it has better flavor, it has better color, which winemakers desire, one researcher told CBS Sacramento.

What's happening: French manufacturer Pellenc told the Journal that demand for automated grape harvesters, which had been going up 5% to 10% a year, shot up about 20% this year.

The machines can be expensive  about $100,000 or more  but growers can recoup the cost over several seasons.

The bottom line: Labor shortages everywhere  including vineyards  are pushing producers toward automation.
Our vaccination numbers are bad, very bad, and you must not blame others, he told government officials during a weekly session of his cabinet. This applies to all people sitting in this hall.

The Ministry of Health reported earlier this week that just over 517,000 vaccine shots have been administered in Armenia since the launch of its governments immunization campaign in April. Only about 165,000 people making up less than 6 percent of the countrys population were fully vaccinated as of October 4.

Speaking during the cabinet meeting, Health Minister Anahit Avanesian acknowledged that the vaccination process remains slow despite having accelerated in recent weeks. She blamed that on individuals and groups maliciously spreading false claims about COVID-19 vaccines and their side effects.

Pashinian rejected the explanation. I set a task for you, he said. Dont tell me who is obstructing and who is not. Just go and accomplish it. I mean the Ministry of Health, other state bodies.

The authorities, Pashinian went on, must use their administrative levers to speed up the process. He ordered law-enforcement authorities to crack down on medics who he said issue bogus vaccination certificates to individuals unwilling to get inoculated against COVID-19.

Detain, arrest them, he said. Very strict measures must also be taken against those doctors who exploit the situation to not vaccinate people and to spoil vaccines.

The government has already taken administrative measures in a bid to have many more Armenians get vaccinated. A recent directive signed by Avanesian requires virtually all public and private sector employees refusing vaccination to take coronavirus tests twice a month at their own expense.

The requirement took effect on October 1, prompting protests from some opposition politicians and anti-vaccine campaigners. Critics say, in particular, that many people can hardly afford regular coronavirus tests.

Pashinian dismissed such complaints, saying that they can avoid such expenditures by getting free vaccine shots.
In a Twitter post, Rostam Qassemi predicted a complete change of the transit map of the region.

Qassemis deputy Kheirollah Khademi visited Armenia earlier this week to discuss with Armenian officials the ongoing reconstruction of an alternative road in Armenias Syunik province which will allow Iranian trucks bypass the Azerbaijani roadblock. Khademi said Tehran is ready to help Yerevan refurbish this and other Syunik roads leading to the Iranian border.

Khademi said on his return to Iran that work on the bypass road will be completed soon. Speaking with reporters at the Nurduz crossing on the Iranian-Armenian border, he said Iran and Armenia also reached agreements on extending that road northwards.

Thanks to special instructions issues to the deputy minister, the issue of the road running from Nurduz to Armenia and the Caucasus corridor will be solved, tweeted Qassemi.

Those who caused problems must know that no road can remain closed for us. But burned bridges will not be restored easily, he said in an apparent message to Azerbaijan.

The Armenian government controversially ceded to Azerbaijan a 21-kilometer section of the existing main highway connecting Armenia to Iran shortly after last years war in Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijani police and customs set up the checkpoint there on September 12 to levy hefty fees from Iranian trucks transporting cargo to Iran. Tensions between Tehran and Baku have run high since then.

The Iranian military launched last week large-scale military exercises on the countrys border with Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has criticized the drills. He has also rejected Iranian claims that Baku is harboring Middle Eastern terrorists as well as Israeli security personnel near Irans borders.

A senior Iranian parliamentarian reportedly accused Aliyev on Monday of trying to cut Irans access to Armenia with the help of Turkey and Israel. Visiting Moscow on Wednesday, Irans Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian warned that Tehran will not tolerate any changes in the regions map.
The two-day International Meeting for Peace concluded on Thursday with an ecumenical prayer for peace at Romes Colosseum. Francis, Garegin and representatives of other Christian denominations also observed a minute of silence in memory of the victims of all wars.

Let us unambiguously urge that arms be set aside and military spending reduced, in order to provide for humanitarian needs, and that instruments of death be turned into instruments of life, Francis said in his address at the event reported by the Vatican news service.

Garegin spoke at the conference organized by the St. Egidio Community, a lay Catholic association, earlier on Thursday.

Meeting with Francis on Wednesday, Garegin focused on the aftermath of last years Armenian-Azerbaijani war. A statement by his office said he touched upon current challenges facing Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh and stressed the need for the release of dozens of Armenian soldiers and civilians still held by Azerbaijan.

The Armenian Pontiff also expressed his gratitude to His Holiness Pope Francis for the support to the Armenian people and Armenia during the war, added the statement.

It said Francis greeted after the conversation members of an Armenian delegation accompanying Garegin. They included Arman Tatoyan, Armenias human rights ombudsman.

Tatoyan said afterwards that he handed the pontiff copies of his offices reports on what he called Azerbaijani atrocities committed during and after the six-week war.

The delegation headed also held a separate meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican secretary of state. Garegins office said they discussed issues related to the security of the people of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), the encroachments on the sovereign territories of Armenia as well as the preservation of the Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage in the territories under the control of Azerbaijan.

Francis saluted Armenia for making Christianity an essential part of its identity when he visited the South Caucasus nation in June 2016. He and Garegin held an ecumenical liturgy in Yerevans central square which attracted thousands of people. The two religious leaders praised the growing closeness between their churches in a joint declaration issued at the end of the papal trip.

While in Armenia, Francis also reaffirmed his recognition of the 1915 Armenian genocide in Ottoman Turkey, prompting a strong condemnation from Ankara.
The incident was part of a bigger brawl that broke out when Vahe Hakobian of the opposition Hayastan bloc criticized the Armenian governments five-year policy program during a heated session of the parliament attended by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian.

Hakobian interrupted his speech before being approached by three deputies from Pashinians Civil Contract party and kicked by one of them. He and five other Hayastan deputies, including deputy speaker Ishkhan Saghatelian, were hit by a larger number of Civil Contract lawmakers in an ensuing melee that was not swiftly stopped by scores of security personnel present in the chamber.

The Special Investigative Service (SIS) pledged to look into the ugly scenes filmed by various media outlets. It launched afterwards a formal criminal investigation into the beating of only one Hayastan deputy, Gegham Manukian, prompting allegations of a cover-up from Armenias leading opposition force.

One of the video clips circulated on the Internet shows that Manukian was assaulted by Civil Contracts Hayk Sargsian.

The SIS confirmed on Thursday that it has halted the probe and will not try to indict Sargsian. It claimed to have found no evidence of any criminal offence committed by him.

Manukian accused the law-enforcement agency of covering up the attacks which he said were incited by Pashinian. The SIS is not compatible with Armenias laws and constitution, he told RFE/RLs Armenian Service.

Daniel Ioannisian of the Yerevan-based Union of Informed Citizens also criticized the SISs decision.

Ioannisian said the SIS failed to properly investigate and dispel suspicions that the brawl was pre-planned by the parliaments pro-government majority. He claimed that Pashinian seemed to bless the violent conduct of his loyalists hours before the incident.

In a detailed analysis and a video clip posted on his Facebook page last month, Ioannisian named nine pro-government lawmakers involved in the violence. The civic activist also emphasized the fact that uniformed security officers waited for about a minute before stepping in to stop the violence.

Meanwhile, Sargsian again blamed the opposition. With our actions we showed that we will not tolerate the use of force [in the parliament,] he said.

Sargsian, whose twin brother Nairi is a senior aide to Pashinian, already avoided prosecution this summer for stealing the mobile phone of a journalist trying to interview him. Armenias leading media organizations expressed outrage at the SISs decision not to bring criminal charges against him.

Earlier this year, Sargsian wrested the microphone from another reporter who approached him in the parliament building.

Obstruction of journalistic work is a criminal offense in Armenia.
SCOTTSDALE, AZ (3TV/CBS 5)  Hayley Avino and her husband, Christopher Avino, are both serving their community. Hayley is a nurse practitioner and Christopher is a Scottsdale firefighter. Both were able to get through school with the help of student loans, which they hoped would be forgiven through the federal government's Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, that's supposed to provide debt relief to public servants.

Getting assistance through the program has been extremely challenging. "For some reason for last 18 months, even though they told him it was approved, his forgiveness hasn't been applied," said Hayley. "There were 18 payments that should have been applied and they weren't."

The program, which started in 2007, has had a lot of issues, with thousands of teachers, police officers and health and government workers applying for forgiveness - only to be rejected - for an assortment of reasons. Stringent requirements and a tedious application process are among the problems.

But things may be about to change. The U.S Department of Education just announced a sweeping overhaul of the program that will relax the rules and make it easier for borrowers to receive debt forgiveness. Marisol Garcia with the Arizona Education Association thinks this could be a gamechanger for many teachers living paycheck to paycheck. "This affords them the ability to add to the economy, but it also adds to their ability to make their family a focus and spend more time with family," said Garcia. "This is really a good piece of policy."

US Department of Education overhauls Public Service Loan Forgiveness program Wednesday's announcement also includes a commitment to helping military service members and federal employees access the public service loan program's resources.

One of the most significant new guidelines allows borrowers to use past loan payments to count toward forgiveness. "It would allow us to use that extra money to go to the grocery store or gym membership," said Hayley. "I think it would be extremely beneficial."

Borrowers will still have to show they are working in a public sector job or working full time when they applied for debt relief. Having to make 120 on-time student loan payments is no longer a requirement.

The program is expected to impact between 500,000 and 1.3 million people. For more details, visit the Department of Education's fact sheet website.
Lois Henry is the CEO and editor of SJV Water, a nonprofit, independent online news publication dedicated to covering water issues in the San Joaquin Valley. She can be reached at lois.henry@sjvwater.org. The website is sjvwater.org.
Bakersfield, CA (93308)

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Maryland's Zekiah Swamp draws you in, welcome or not
Bluefield, WV (24701)

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Mostly sunny skies this morning will give way to cloudy skies and rain during the afternoon. High near 65F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

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Partly cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 26F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.
Five South Oregon Coast Landmarks That Make You Think

Published 10/07/21 at 5:16 AM PDT

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff

(Bandon, Oregon)  Scenic splendor is doled out in great abundance on the whole of the Oregon coast, but there is something special and even more curious about the southern half. It's where bizarre landforms reach gigantic proportions, creating new shapes that stretch the imagination, freaky textures that bend the mind and all the while telling tales that are simply astounding. (Photo courtesy Manuela Durson - see Manuela Durson Fine Arts for more)

Behind what you see on this more primitive, untouched half of the state's beaches is really an extraordinary story much of the time.

National Dunes Rec Area, Florence to Coos Bay

It's a hotspot for dune buggying, sandboarding and simply wandering on a near-ocean desert-like stretch, one with remarkable lines and patterns that appear out of nowhere to bring out the best in any would-be photog.

The National Dunes Recreation Area, starting at Florence, is also known for something much stranger and wilder on rare occasion: singing sands. This is when some very exacting conditions have to be met, causing a singing noise or sometimes what can sound like violins. It's rare here, but it's the only known spot on this coastline to actually make this noise.

Yet there's also something sad happening at the National Dunes Recreation Area: it's disappearing. Thousands of feet of dunes have been lost in the last 80 years because of different invasive plants, including Scotch Broom, Gorse and European Beachgrass. They don't allow the dune sands to move freely in the winds, which keeps them from replenishing. So, now you get more watery areas where trees and shrubs grow, nixing sand dunes around them.

There are groups working on this problem, but scientists estimate the dunes could be gone in 50 years. Oregon Coast Dunes National Rec Area in Trouble, Releases Video

Shore Acres near Coos Bay



Photo courtesy Oregon's Adventure Coast

This iconic magnet for manic wave action is a wonderland of geologic fun that simply can't be beat. There's so much going on here it's impossible to cover it in one article, and much of it is out in the open.

Why the waves here go so bonkers has much to do with the tilted angle of the rocks and reef below, which you can plainly see from the large structure directly in front of the cliffs. But there's even more going on than that, which you can see at Why Shore Acres Waves Are So Big: Height Measurement.

The strangely-tilted rock formations here are directly related to the continental shelves that are pushing into each other offshore, echoing the crushing action down below.

Then there are all those myriad of pockmarked holes, weird blobs and other surreal shapes, with each having their own geologic explanation.

Shore Acres is a wild ride, not to mention its nearby curious ghost forest action at Sunset Bay.

Battle Rock, Port Orford

A beautiful and engaging landform to go bouncing around on, this south Oregon coast stalwart tells a rather sad tale with its moniker.

A group of nine men arrived here by steamship in 1851, with guns and cannon in tow to force themselves on the tribal village that sat here. This, of course, did not go over well, and the next few days saw the men (minus their Captain William Tichenor, who snaked off to San Francisco) fighting off an angry mob of locals.

Sadly, they wound up doing all the killing, with the Qua-to-mah sustaining the casualties. The eight invaders managed to slip away in the dead of night. Tichenor returned months later with a whole army and slaughtered most of the tribe.

Face Rock

Bandon's most ancient resident is somewhere beyond 50 million years old, but local tribal tales talk of her being a young Indian princess who strayed too far into the waters with her dog and a group of kittens, with a vengeful being turning them all to stone.

In truth, the rock itself is of a very complex origin  a melange of different rock types that were compressed into this object starting 200 million years and going through to about 50 million years ago. It was likely part of a larger chunk of rock that was then whittled away by time and tide over the millennia. Geologists say it's even possible the 1700 tsunami and quake could've had something to do with carving it out into its current shape. How Bandon's Face Rock Was Created A Wild S. Oregon Coast Geologic Tale

Natural Bridges of Boardman Corridor

Just north of Brookings, one of the most striking and yet fairly cloistered sections of Oregon coast is the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, filled with visual treats such as China Beach, Secret Beach, Arch Rock and the jaw-dropping Natural Bridges. These rocky arches perform a variety of photographic feats for people, creating some of the most iconic imagery online. They even allow you to walk on them at times.

But what are they? There is some geologic explanation of the Natural Bridges on the south Oregon coast.

According to Ernest Lund, a famed geologist from the 60s through the 80s, they were part of a sea cave.

The bowl' behind the natural bridges probably was formed by collapse of roof rock of intersecting sea caves, Lund wrote in the 70s. The bridges are what is left of the roofs of the caves.

So how old are they?



It appears as if they are a part of the Otter Point complex, which has been designated as about 145 to 152 years old  basically what is known as the Tithonian age. However, this analysis based on Oregon Coast Beach Connection research has not yet been verified. It's not yet 100% if they're part of that formation, but is quite likely.

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After months of organizing, an official petition to decertify the local United Steelworkers Union at ExxonMobil Beaumont has been filed with the National Labor Relations Board.

The petition, officially recorded on Tuesday by the federal agency, could trigger a formal vote to end representation by the union if the NLRB finds that the petition has verified signatures from at least 30% of members and non-members represented by the USW local at the complex.

Active efforts to decertify the union have been ongoing since at least the beginning of the year, around the same time that negotiations for a new contract began, but the push to collect signatures doubled down after the lockout of more than 620 workers began in May.

Shortly after the NLRB reported that notices had been received by the union and the company on Wednesday, ExxonMobil released a notice for employees about the certification.

Related: ExxonMobil makes first amended offer since lockout

Representatives for the company wrote that it expected a secret ballot vote to be organized by the agency sometime in the future, and it intended to answer any questions employees might have about the process.

This process presents a significant opportunity for employees to express their right to determine your future, representatives for the company wrote in a statement. We promise to provide accurate information to help you make an informed decision. The Company is committed to answering any questions you have.

The company previously addressed questions about the process in May, a few weeks after the lockout was initiated.

Decertification, and specifically the way conversations about it have played out in the workplace, has been a touchy point for the local union organization and the employees behind the move to decertify.

Official complaints and requests for investigations have increasingly been filed to the NLRB, first from union members and then from USW administration alleging that the company allowed decertification proponents to use company time and resources to run their campaign.

Related: Distance between ExxonMobil, USW proposals breaks meeting streak

Around the end of July, complaints were filed against the USW from at least one ExxonMobil employee alleging union leadership instructed membership to ostracize anyone talking about a petition and tried to get company management to punish campaign organizers.

Before an official vote is called, the NLRB has to verify each signature to make sure the 30% threshold of represented employees is actually met, but there is no guarantee that will be a quick process.

During the contract negotiation at ExxonMobils Baytown facility last year, a similar decertification campaign and vote was triggered, which took almost five months from the time the petition was filed to when the vote was held.

Bryan Gross, a USW District 13 representative, said there is also a chance that some of the signatures might not qualify if some of the signatories have taken salaried positions or otherwise changed their work status since signing.

We have time to challenge the petition on some issues, and our counsel has the right to represent us in a fair process, Gross said.

Related: ExxonMobil employees file complaints against USW

While the decertification campaign has tied the question of a return to work to a vote to eliminate representation, union leadership have said that the majority of union members still havent called for a vote on any of ExxonMobils offers since the beginning of the contract process.

Even after the company gave an amended offer last week, the first since the lockout began, Gross said there hasnt been any moves to vote on it just yet.

A meeting between the company and USW bargaining representatives was canceled earlier in the week after the company asked for a little more time to gather some documentation the union asked for after its last meeting, Gross said.

A meeting may still happen by the end of the week.

jacob.dick@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/jd_journalism
It's no secret Californians are  and have been  moving to Texas.

Last month, the University of Texas at Austin and Stanford University teamed up to release a study breaking down the differences between California and Texas. The two compared the economic policies of the states and how it affects the quality of life.

In short, it's cheaper, which many Texans already knew, but the study focuses on the differences in economic policy, concentrating on taxation, government services, and regulation.

Texas is one of the fastest-growing states in the country. The state gained two congressional seats in the latest census, while California lost one seat for the first time ever.

The study also notes the Lone Star State has lower incomes taxes, but higher property taxes and a lower percentage of insured residents. However, California has much higher income taxes and spends 60 percent more than Texas on a per-resident basis. State and local tax revenue per capita in California were $7,326 per state resident versus $4,709 in Texas, according to the study.

Additionally, Texas has only 7.8 percent of homes that cost more than $500,000. Most homes are under $200,000 in the state. In California, 57.8 percent of houses cost more than $500,000.

Recent research suggests California's tax hikes from nearly a decade ago caused a large number of wealthy residents to leave the state, according to the study. California has the country's highest top marginal individual income tax rate at $2,882, while Texas is one of just eight states with zero individual income tax.

The study also looked at the crime rates in each state, which were relatively similar. The violent crime rate in California was 441.2 per 100,000 residents while it was five percent lower in Texas at 418.9. Despite similar crime rates, Texas has a larger share of its population in either prison or jail. The incarceration rate in California at the end of 2019 was 640 per 100,000 residents versus 990 per 100,000 residents in Texas.

When it comes to education, California spends more per K-12 student, but "student outcomes are if anything better in Texas," the study noted.

In conclusion, the study said both states have much to celebrate but also much to improve upon. Economically, each state has become significantly more powerful. With respect to other measures of well-being, California excels in health outcomes but fares poorly on housing affordability and air quality while Texas is the opposite in all three cases, the study concluded.

While the study doesn't choose a side on which state fairs are better, it's clear from the results people come to Texas because it's less expensive to live here.
Drivers may notice something out of the ordinary when they cruise around Beaumont this month  a pink police vehicle.

For the third year, the Beaumont Police Department has teamed up with the Gift of Life to Drive out Breast Cancer.

The rosy SUV belongs to Ofc. Haley Morrow, who is a public information officer for the police department. She has served at BPD since 2014 and been in community affairs since 2016.

While it is not a patrol car, it is still a police car. It still has lights, and Morrow can still pull people over for traffic violations. But she has no plans to make traffic stops, unless there are extenuating circumstances.

Nobody will be taking a ride in the pink police car to jail, Morrow said with a smile. If I make a traffic stop its a really bad deal, because I dont prefer to do that. I dont typically issue tickets, but I can.

I think that its in some shape or form has affected everyone probably. So, I am grateful to be able to drive it around, Morrow said. Not just because it is pretty and kind of fun for the month of October, but because there is actually a meaning behind it.

The SUV was dropped off in late September at Image 360, which donates the vinyl wrap each year.

Image360 Owner Robert Blackwell, whose wife is a breast cancer survivor, said the wrap would typically costs about $1,200 and takes about a day to complete.

We are excited to help the Beaumont Police Department and the Gift of Life program promote Breast Cancer Awareness month, Blackwell said.  Its important for women in the community, who might not have the resources to get checked often enough, to be able to do so. We are glad to help make that know that that is available.

Morrow said the pink SUV does get a lot of attention for its color alone. It will be available for photos with the public at the police station during business hours and will be parked at various sponsored and major events throughout the month.

We love for people to come by and take pictures, Morrow said. We advise against taking pictures while driving. They can catch it at the police station most of the time Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The SUV mainly will be used as a tool to raise awareness about breast cancer and for the Beaumont-based Gift of Life organization. The Julie Rogers Gift of Life Program started in 1994. It was founded by Regina Rogers to pay tribute to her late mother, Julie Rogers, a breast cancer survivor. It started by providing free mammograms.

To date, Gift of Lifes Executive Director Norma Sampson said the organization has helped diagnose nearly 350 medically underserved Southeast Texas women and men with cancer and navigated them into treatment. The organizations website said its services have multiplied to become one of the largest cancer screening initiatives of its kind in the state of Texas - offering free clinical breast exams, mammograms and diagnostic testing, as needed, for women who lack health insurance or cannot afford their high deductibles. Women diagnosed with breast cancer through these services are navigated through treatment by compassionate caseworkers.

The organization serves seven Southeast Texas counties  Jefferson, Hardin, Orange, Tyler, Jasper, Newton and Chambers. Holli Peterson, with Gift of Life, said anyone who lives in the service area and is medically underserved is eligible receive the organizations services. Gift of Life provides direct care in Beaumont, Port Arthur and Orange, including with breast health screenings in Beaumont at the Dauphin Womens Center, the imaging center at Baptist Hospital in Orange, and Riceland Imaging Center in Port Arthur.

Despite delays by the novel coronavirus pandemic this year, services also are provided to men in Beaumont and Orange. Gift of Life expanded in 2000 with the Mens Health and Prostate Cancer Program. Sampson said it is a challenge for men to get skilled services and technology, but fortunately, she said, the percentages of men diagnosed with breast cancer is low.

In the 18 years she has been with the program, she has only had three calls for men who had breast cancer and were looking for the next level of care. The organization was able to provide gas cards and other types of assistance.

We dont turn a deaf ear and we truly will go around the world the world and back to try to find resources, insulary and supplemental assistance really for anyone  , Sampson said.

Sampson told The Enterprise on Wednesday that Beaumont Police Chief Jimmy Singletary has been highly involved in the program for years.

This decorative wrap on this car has become symbolic  combined with our initiative to spread awareness about the importance of early detection as it relates to Breast Cancer, Sampson said. It has morphed over the last couple of years where we have been very fortunate that those who care about our program and the police department have become pink patrol car sponsors.

With the help of the pink patrol car, Sampson said on Gift of Life is able to raise up to $15,000 each year. But the pandemic has had a significant impact on the organizations ability to raise revenue. Last year, Gift of Life was unable to host two principle fundraisers for its prostate cancer initiative and the womens health program. The organization does not get support from national organizations, which makes local support that much more important.

The people we impact and serve are all our neighbors, friends, and families in southeast Texas, so every dollar stays local, Sampson said.

Sampson said Gift of Life also will host a Spooktacular Monster Dash starting at 9 a.m. Oct. 30 through downtown Beaumont. The ribbon run aims to heighten awareness about Ovarian Cancer and Breast Cancer with the hope of reducing the incidence of cancer.

We are carefully and optimistically going to host the event, but we are certainly sensitive to the uptick of COVID, Sampson said.

Participants are encouraged to wear costumes and take photos. Educational materials will be shared with important cancer information and prevention.

We will be in the Halloween spirit, Sampson said, hoping participants will take the wellness message home to families. We are eagerly and enthusiastically accepting all support the day of the event. It is never too late. As a local nonprofit, we are sustainable by the generosity and the blessings of those who believe in our program. We are a 24/7 kind of little local group, so if anyone wants to help, volunteer, or, sponsor, contribute they have our numbers.

For more information, call the Gift of Lifes main number at 409-833-3663 or visit info@giftoflifebmt.org.

meagan.ellsworth@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/megzmagpie
Jefferson County Democrats are trying to keep the county, which once was a strong Democratic stronghold, from moving further right.

As part of that mission, party members met Tuesday night in Port Arthur to discuss election strategies, upcoming events, new opportunities how to engage with the community.

The meeting began with the distribution of poll worker applications, voter turnout statistics and a call to action for those who are interested in getting involved.

Youll be utilized during election time, County Democratic Party Chair Joseph Trahan assured the audience. Get call lists, walk lists, learn how you can partner with us and get out the vote in what is arguably the largest sleeping giant in Jefferson County  Port Arthur.

Data collected since 2014 shows that during midterm elections, most local Democratic-leaning precincts only see voter turnout of 40% or less. But the local party is trying to change that, and they think Port Arthur is the key.

The city has been in Trahans sights since he ran for the chairmans role.

In a previous interview with The Enterprise, he noted that some of South-Countys leaders were a few of the first he reached out to upon his election to discuss the potential of a satellite party office outside of Beaumont.

He hoped his term would make clear that the entire county is a part of the party, as opposed to just Beaumont.

We have the power to make a change in Port Arthur, said constable Christopher Bates, who was in attendance. If youre just going to sit home and complain, thats not going to do the job. Youre going to have to get out to vote the right people in and vote the wrong people out.

Throughout the meeting, Trahan stressed the importance of individual voters encouraging their friends, family and neighbors to make their opinions known at the ballot box. As the chairperson of the local party, he can only do so much, he said. The real change can happen only if residents engage with others on the issues and encourage voter registration and full civic participation.

But if that doesnt seem like enough involvement, there are other opportunities for more hands-on work.

The county is hiring part-time poll workers for the Nov. 2 election. For $11 or $12 an hour, poll workers maintain election equipment security, qualify voters to cast their ballots, activate electronic ballots, choose the correct ballot for each voter and perform other vital actions.

The county also is looking for individuals to volunteers as poll watchers. These people serve as a lookout to make sure everyone hired by the county is upholding the law, not infringing on anyones right to vote and not intimidating voters.

Having a good balance of Republicans and Democrats working the polls is vital for fair elections, Trahan said, particularly with what he described as Republicans opposition to voters access to the ballot box, which was shown in the recent Legislative Session.

In that vein, the Legislature recently outlawed drive-thru voting and the ability of county clerks to proactively send out mail ballots.

We want to make sure that the people that are serving the early voting ballot boards and the signature verification committee have the passion and wherewithal to stand in support of an individuals constitutional right for their vote to be accepted, Trahan said.

The evening event seemed to work for at least one attendee. Lee Green, a resident of Beaumont who recently moved back from California, is hoping he and his sister can be of assistance. This was his first local party event.

My sister and I want to get more involved, Green said. I want to be a poll watcher.

Firing up people like Green is exactly what Trahan set out to do.

There are always new faces. Thats my goal, he said. The party is only as effective as the people that are putting in the work to get out to vote.

rachel.kersey@beaumontenterprise.com

twitter.com/ontheREKord
Bedford, PA (15522)

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Mostly cloudy this morning with showers developing this afternoon. High 63F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. A shower of rain or wet snow possible. Low around 30F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.
Indonesian soldiers participate in a ceremony in Banda Aceh to mark the nations 76th Independence Day, Aug. 17, 2021.

Indonesian President Joko Jokowi Widodo inducted 3,100 military reservists on Thursday, the first phase in a plan to create a 25,000-member force which, human rights groups fear, could usher in the militarization of civilian life.

During a ceremony in West Java province, the army reserve recruits displayed skills including martial arts, disassembling guns with eyes closed and shooting cannons.

I officially declare that the Reserve Component of 2021 has been established, Jokowi told those gathered in Bandung Barat regency.

The president said the reserve force was needed to deal with potential threats to national sovereignty, territorial integrity and peoples safety. Indonesia, Southeast Asias largest country, has no compulsory military service.

I need to emphasize that the Reserve Component should not be used for anything other than defense purposes, Jokowi said. Every citizen has the right and obligation to participate in efforts to defend the country and national defense efforts.

The militarys three branches  army, navy and air force  have about 400,000 members.

After the passage of a law in 2019 establishing the force of reservists, officials in May began recruiting for the National Reserve Component (Komcad), as the new reservist force is known.

That same month, a coalition of civil-society groups lodged a petition with the Constitutional Court to rule against the reserve component.

The plaintiffs argued that its creation could foment conflicts in society, given the history of violence by government-backed paramilitary groups in Indonesia.

Some of that violence occurred during the anti-communist purge in the 1960s and the political upheaval that followed when President Suharto fell from power in 1998 after 32 years of military-backed rule.

The court has not ruled on the petition.

On Thursday, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto joined Jokowi at the ceremony.

Every citizen has the right and obligation to participate in the defense and security of the state as mandated in the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo said.

The Defense Ministry plans to recruit 25,000 reservists by next year who will train up to 30 days each year and be given a stipend during those days, according to Dahnil Anzar Simanjuntak, a Defense Ministry spokesman.

Maintaining the reserve component is expected to cost 1.37 trillion rupiah (U.S. $96.4 million) annually, or about 1 percent of the defense budget, he said.

Militia concerns

Muhamad Haripin, a security analyst at the National Research and Innovation Agency, said he was concerned the reservists could act as state militias.

Is there a guarantee that it will not be used to expend military control over society? Haripin said. Komcad could be used as a tool of the state in doing dirty work and pitting communities against each other.

Theres been growing militarization of civilian life, with the military being everywhere, and now civilians are being trained to be combatants. We should not revive the culture of violence, he told BenarNews.

Hussein Ahmad, a researcher at the human rights group Imparsial, warned that the reserve force could be used to suppress freedoms under the pretext of dealing with communism, terrorism, and domestic conflicts.

The establishment of the Reserve Component is not urgent, because so far, even without a reserve component, the government is capable of dealing with various threats, Hussein told BenarNews.

Under Jokowi, the government has outlawed the Indonesian branch of an international Islamic movement, Hizb ut Tahrir, and the vigilant group Islamic Defenders Front, while courting a paramilitary wing of Nahdlatul Ulama, the countrys largest Muslim organization.

Earlier this year, national police chief Gen. Listyo Sigit Prabowo said he planned to revive the controversial Independent Community Security Force (known by its Indonesian acronym Pamswakarsa), which was formed in the late 1990s to counter anti-government protests.

Hussein said Indonesia should instead modernize its military and direct its attention to regions where threats exist, including the North Natuna Sea where Chinese ships have been active in Indonesias exclusive economic zone.

The modernization of the defense equipment system can focus on the offshore patrol vessel fleet and all of its weapon systems for the Indonesian Navy, he said.

Instead of recruiting tens of thousands of civilians to become members of the Reserve Component, it is better to aim at increasing the level of welfare for all active soldiers, such as improving remuneration and providing adequate housing, he said.

Susaningtyas Kertopati, a former legislator who served on the defense committee, disagreed, claiming the reserves would complement the military in responding to future challenges.

The Reserve Component will not become a mercenary organization because its fully funded by the state and is bound by law, she told BenarNews. They will be trained to have high discipline and to be able to help all members of society, especially during humanitarian missions.
Aircraft from the United Kingdoms carrier strike group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08), and United States Navy carrier strike groups led by flagships USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) fly in formation during operations in the Philippine Sea, Oct. 3, 2021.

Three aircraft carriers and a dozen other warships from United States-allied nations sailed on the fringes of the South China Sea this week in one of the biggest shows of Western maritime might in the region for years.

These drills in the Philippine Sea will be followed by two weeks of large-scale military exercises in the South China Sea  sending a message to Beijing and asserting the freedom of navigation in an increasingly tense Indo-Pacific.

This is probably the first time since the Taiwan Strait crisis in 1996 that we saw these kind of carrier-based operations, said Richard Bitzinger, senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore.

On Oct. 3, the British Royal Navys flagship aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, together with two U.S. carriers  the USS Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan - joined 14 other naval ships from the U.S., U.K., Japan, Canada, New Zealand and the Netherlands to conduct so-called combined exercises in the Philippine Sea.

Images taken at the scene show the impressive armada sailing in the sun, with an arrow-like formation of fighter jets overhead.

Half a million tons of sea power projection from six nations with an equally impressive air wing, was how it was described by Commodore Steve Moorhouse, commander of the U.K. Carrier Strike Group 21 (CSG21) led by the HMS Queen Elizabeth.

A day later the SCS Probing Initiative, a Chinese research network, alerted that the USS Carl Vinson and HMS Queen Elizabeth had crossed the Bashi Channel into the South China Sea  the second time for both of the aircraft carriers since July.

The Carl Vinson has since left for Japan.

A statement from the U.K. Ministry of Defence on Tuesday said that over the next two weeks the Queen Elizabeth will navigate the South China Sea with ships and aircraft from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States and take part in a large-scale joint maritime exercise.

The RSIS expert Bitzinger was likening the show of force to March 1996, when America deployed two aircraft carriers in response to China testing missiles in seas near Taiwan in the run-up to an election there  sending a warning to the self-governing island not to declare independence.

At the time, observers touted it as the biggest display of military power in Asia since the Vietnam War. The U.S. deployed two carrier groups led by the USS Nimitz and the now-decommissioned USS Independence.

The main purpose of the show of force then, same as now, was to send a message to Beijing  and some see that as provocative.

They are assisting the U.S. in threatening China, said Mark J. Valencia, adjunct senior scholar at Chinas National Institute for South China Sea Studies (NISCSS), reflecting Chinese concerns.

But the exercises take place against a backdrop of escalated military activity by China in the Taiwan Strait.

On the same day the U.S. and U.K. aircraft carriers entered the South China Sea, Beijing sent a record 52 military aircraft into Taiwans air defense identification zone (ADIZ). Over a four-day period beginning last Friday, Taiwan reported that nearly 150 Chinese air force aircraft flew into its ADIZ.

The Taiwanese Defense Minister, Chiu Kuo-cheng, told lawmakers on Wednesday that the cross-strait tension was the most serious in more than 40 years.

The U.S. State Department on Sunday accused the Chinese army of carrying out provocative military activities that undermines regional peace and stability, adding the U.S. commitment to Taiwan is rock solid.

China considers Taiwan a break-away province and vows to unite it with the mainland, by force if necessary. Taiwan, however, regards itself as a sovereign state.

A lot of countries attached around Asia worry about Chinese aggressiveness and this is a way of sending a powerful message [to China] about freedom of navigation and operations, Bitzinger said of the aircraft carrier joint exercises.

It is also to show that the U.S. have allies and friends who participate actively and closely with the U.S.

The U.K.s carrier strike group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth (R 08), and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces led by (JMSDF) Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer JS Ise (DDH 182) joined with U.S. Navy carrier strike groups led by flagships USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) and USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) to conduct multiple carrier strike group operations in the Philippine Sea. [Handout U.S. Navy]

Homegrown aircraft carriers

The presence of aircraft carriers is generally perceived as a potent symbol of freedom of navigation promoted by the U.S. and its allies. It also reveals an interesting trend in the way some countries in the Indo-Pacific develop their maritime defense capabilities with homegrown aircraft carriers.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF or Japanese Navy) announced on Tuesday that they conducted take-offs and landings of the U.S-made F-35B advanced fighter jets to the helicopter destroyer JS Izumo, effectively making it into an aircraft carrier.

The JMSDF continues to steadily carry out the necessary modifications to the Izumo class to acquire the capability to operate the F-35Bs, it said.

The Japanese government in 2018 gave the green light to convert two existing Izumo-class destroyers into light aircraft carriers that can operate F-35B fighters.

This was based on a major policy shift since 2015 when Japan  whose military activity is constrained by its post-World War II pacifist constitution  expanded its commitments to the U.S. security alliance, according to Jeff Kingston, Director of Asian Studies and a professor at Temple University in Tokyo.

Japan has greatly increased its ability to project its maritime power and shrugged off longstanding taboos on security policy in doing so. Geopolitically it is a response to a heightened perception of risk due to Chinas military modernization program and regional hegemonic ambitions, Kingston told BenarNews.

Japan participates in the Quad [grouping between the U.S., India, Japan and Australia] and has been an advocate of a free and open Indo-Pacific, a concept aimed at containing the expansion of Chinas regional influence that involves, among other things, joint naval exercises, explained the professor, adding, Now Japan can include aircraft carriers.

Valencia from the Chinese NISCSS however warned that the making of aircraft carriers and support for the U.S. to constrain China could be a mistake for Japan.

Of course, Japan should have the capability to defend itself but fielding aircraft carriers is another matter entirely, he said.

According to RSISs Bitzinger, Korea and Singapore are both also looking at developing some of their amphibious naval vessels into de-facto aircraft carriers.

Twenty years ago, everybody was negative about them [aircraft carriers], what they called cruise missile magnets because theyre too big. But now everybody is trying to get them.

Its as if theyre trying to counter the fact that Chinas increasingly got carriers. Its sort of saying that were going to match you guys. In fact, we can overmatch you. said Bitzinger.

China, aiming at becoming a maritime superpower, has two aircraft carriers in active service  the Liaoning and Shandong, and is building a third. China already has the largest navy in the world but mainly of smaller classes of ships. Supercarriers would greatly boost its power projection.

The race to develop bigger and better carriers highlights the precarious situation in the South China Sea, which is seen by observers as one of potential conflict zones between superpowers.

It will also force smaller, poorer countries in the region to pick a side, to a large extent, said Bitzinger.

All the smaller ASEAN [Southeast Asian] countries would love for China and the U.S. to get along but thats not going to happen and trying to remain outside of it all becomes harder and harder, he added.
A Thai policeman was in intensive care after unknown persons shot him in the head while police officers searched an apartment complex in Bangkok for people suspected of violent acts during recent pro-democracy protests, officials said Thursday.

The policeman was the second member of the security forces to be seriously injured in separate incidents since September, amid a violent turn in anti-government protests here.

In the latest incident, the policeman was hit by a copper bullet that penetrated his helmet and lodged in his temple during a late-night search on Wednesday at the complex in Din Daeng, a district in the Thai capital, a police spokesman said.

Lance Corporal Detwit Ledtenson was shot in his left temple, the bullet fragments were removed from his head during an operation, said Maj. Gen. Jirasant Kaewsang-ek, spokesman for the Metropolitan Police Bureau.

From the fragments recovered during surgery, police determined that the bullet was a copper-jacketed one, Jirasant said. Forensic experts are now analyzing the fragments to identity the type of gun from which the bullet was fired.

Detwit was part of a posse of security officers looking for allegedly disruptive protesters who had been demonstrating Din Daeng. Since late July, anti-government protests in that neighborhood have become more violent, according to analysts.

The target of the officers search was a housing complex called the Din Daeng Flats, where many protestors were said to run to and hide in to avoid being detained by the police.

A 21-second long video clip, filmed a little before midnight and posted on the Police Thailand News Facebook page, shows a group of well-equipped riot police  which included Detwit, police said  searching the ground floor of one of the buildings.

Suddenly, three loud bangs can be heard, and policemen are seen running towards the sound. The video then shows only a part of a body lying on the floor, which police said was Detwit.

1,161 protesters arrested

Analysts say the reason protests have turned more violent  they had been peaceful since July 2020  is widespread anger at the governments perceived botched handling of the pandemic and its slow vaccine rollout.

In the last few months, activists have added the alleged mismanagement of the pandemic to their raft of grievances. They are still demanding that Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha step down, the constitution be rewritten, and the monarchy to be reformed.

The police are now cracking down harder on protesters alleged arson, the bursting of giant firecrackers, and the firing of slingshots, during their demonstrations.

Both these sides, as well as civilians, have borne the brunt of this escalation of violence.

In mid-August, a 15-year-old boy was shot and injured in the neck and will be paralyzed for life, a protesters group called Thalu Gaz said on its Facebook page. The boy is still in a coma, reports say.

Meanwhile, police said one of their men, 28-year-old Thanawut Jirakachen, was seriously injured when a firecracker thrown by a protester hit his face on Sept. 11. The police say he is now disabled, having suffered bleeding in his brain and a crack on the bone around his eye-socket.

Since the pro-democracy demonstrations began in July 2020 and until September this year, there have been more than 1,900 consecutive protests with 1,161 protesters arrested, Amnesty International said.

Of those arrested, 210 were under 18 years old, the rights group said.

An anti-government protester uses a slingshot during a demonstration in Bangkok, Sept. 27, 2021. [AFP]

Last step before full-fledged violence

According to one protester, the violence may see a further escalation if Prayuth does not resign.

On Wednesday  before the policeman was shot  Thanayuth Na Ayutthaya told a forum at the Foreign Correspondents Club (FCC) of Thailand that activists were resorting to violence because they wanted the attention of a government ignoring their grievances.

We [burn] the governments properties paid out of the [peoples] taxes in order to tell the government we want it listen to our voices, Thanayuth, who is also a member of a rap group Eleven Fingers, told the forum.

This [level of] escalated violence is still peaceful, but it is the last step of peaceful means. This is the last step before full-fledged violence.

A protester from another group, nicknamed To, said police action against them has been disproportionate. He said the police intimidate demonstrators by threatening them with criminal charges and by conducting blanket searches in the Din Daeng area.

With regard to the Din Daeng Flats, the police conducted searches for the kids who were hiding from these actions  why such intimidation? To said at the FCC forum.

Meanwhile, Sombat Boonngamanong, an old school protestor, feared that the increasing violence would undermine the legitimacy of young peoples protests. He named two newer groups, Thalu Gaz and Yaowaroon Thalu Gaz.

I think what the Thalu Gaz groups ignore are public image building and the building of legitimacy, Sombat told the FCC forum.

Such ignorance could lead to them being isolated from public sympathy and then the government will fully crack down on them.
Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will give way to cloudy skies and rain during the afternoon. High 61F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Cloudy with rain ending overnight. Low 33F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
Now, during a period of profound divisiveness and COVID-19 isolation, the timing couldnt be better for a revival of The Chairs, says director James Warwick, whose fitful but determined production opened over the weekend in Shakespeare & Companys Tina Packer Playhouse.
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.
Accused narcotics trafficker Mark J. Jessamy, who authorities say is also tied to an illicit firearm, has asked a Superior Court judge to release him on his own personal recognizance while his case remains pending in the courts.
Last week the City Council signed off on the creation of several important city positions, okaying six figure salaries for the future head of the office of diversity, equity and inclusion and city manager of American Rescue Plan money. This week many of the city councilors will hit the debate stage.
In 2013, then-18-year-old Adam Sperlonga sands a wooden candlestick holder he is making in the carpentry shop, as part of the vocational education program at Taconic High School in Pittsfield.
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.
Employees of the Berkshire Visiting Nurse Association, which is owned by Berkshire Health Systems, hope to unionize their staff. Organizers say they need a union, in part, because management will not listen to their concerns.
Clellie Lynch: It's about that time for a mouse in the house
The struggle to alleviate the funding crisis at some Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) could be more of an uphill battle than expected.

HBCUs were hoping that the Biden administration would deliver $45 billion in financial support, but Democratic infighting could reduce that figure to just $2 billion in Bidens spending plan, the Associated Press reports.

The $35 trillion spending bill included $45 billion for HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions.

However, Democrats disagree about the size of the economic package and where the money should go, according to the AP.

The latest version of the bill allocates $2 billion for educational programs and infrastructure at HBCUs, which could be reduced to competitive grants instead of direct funding.

Roderick L. Smothers, president of Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Ark., a private HBCU, hoped to receive funding from the presidents original package to expand programs for his students. More than 80 percent of them come from low-income families.

He envisioned launching a public health school to train students to help reduce health disparities in the Black community and to help alleviate the states nursing shortage.

Bidens original plan took into account that a legacy of discrimination that placed HBCUs at a competitive disadvantage in securing research funding, The Washington Post has noted.

For decades, the federal government denied funding to HBCUs that it provided to predominantly White schools for infrastructure development and research. State lawmakers followed the same discriminatory pattern over the years.
New York City prosecutors announced charges on Tuesday (Oct. 5) against three Black Texas women, alleging multiple counts of assault and harassment for beating up a restaurant hostess in Manhattan who asked to see proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

The New York Daily News identified the women as Kaeita Nkeenge Rankin, 44, Tyonnie Keshay Rankin, 21, and Sally Rechelle Lewis, 49. They face up to a year in jail for the Sept. 16 assault at Carmines, an Upper West Side restaurant. A Manhattan Criminal Court judge released the women on their own recognizance.

Part of the brawl was captured on cell phone video and circulated on social media.

The women began pummeling the hostess after she complied with New York Citys mandate that restaurant staff ask guests for proof of vaccination to eat their meal inside, the newspaper said, citing statements from the prosecutors. After the altercation, the hostess was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

According to The New York Times, lawyers for both the restaurant and the Houston-area women said the suspects provided proof of vaccination and entered the restaurant. Trouble started after two men who later joined their party couldnt show a vaccination card. The fight began after the three women went back outside to join the men.

Justin Moore, a lawyer who was representing the women, previously said the hostess used a racial slur toward his clients before the fight began, WABC reported.

Moore stated that his clients were prepared to eat somewhere else when one of Carmines staff members urged them to stay, which the hostess didnt like. She suggested that the group had fake vaccination cards and used a racial slur toward them.

The hostess denied Moores allegations.

The accusation stating that I said a racial slur is unbelievable. I am a Korean immigrant, I was born in Seoul, Korea. I have the utmost respect for all BIPOC. I would never call anyone a racial slur. People lying about that is even worse than being physically assaulted, she said in a statement, according to WABC.
ESPN anchor Sage Steele has been trending on social media for comments she made about President Barack Obamas racial identity and calling ESPNs vaccine sick. She has now been pulled off air.

According to Variety, ESPN executives at the Disney companys Bristol, Conn., headquarters released the following statement, At ESPN, we embrace different points of view  dialogue and discussion makes this place great. That said, we expect that those points of view be expressed respectfully, in a manner consistent with our values, and in line with our internal policies. We are having direct conversations with Sage, and those conversations will remain private.

The outlet also reports she has tested positive for COVID.

In case you missed it, while on the podcast Uncut with Jay Cutler, along with complaining about taking the coronavirus vaccine, she commented on Obama and his father, who died nearly four decades ago.

While discussing what box she checks on the Census, Steele brought up President Obamas racial identity. The 48-year-old, who has an African American father and an Irish/Italian mother, identifies as biracial, which is technically not a racial category but a racial descriptor.

If they make you choose a race, what are you gonna put? Well, both, said Steele. Barack Obama chose black and hes biracialcongratulations to the President, thats his thing, I think thats fascinating considering his black dad is nowhere to be found but his white mom and grandma raised him, but okay. You do you. Im gonna do me.

Listen, Im pretty sure my white mom was there when I was born, she continues. And my white family loves me as much as my Black family.

Obama Sr. died in 1982 at 48 years old in an automobile accident when his son was only 21 years old.

Additionally, since 2000, Steele, or anyone else, can check more than one race on the Census.
Spearfish, SD (57783)

Today

Some sun this morning with increasing clouds this afternoon. High 46F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low around 35F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
KAMIAH - With most general white-tailed deer seasons opening this weekend, hunters are reminded that they play a significant role in monitoring for chronic wasting disease (CWD) and more samples are needed! The Idaho Fish and Game is hoping to acquire as many samples as possible to help with monitoring efforts in the Clearwater region.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a slow-moving, fatal neurological disease of deer, elk and moose. Idaho Fish and Game has tested lymph nodes from deer since 1997 looking for CWD. Chronic Wasting Disease has not been detected in Idaho, but it is present in states bordering Idaho. Testing samples from deer is the first line of defense in monitoring Idahos wildlife for CWD and hunters play a vital role in this effort.

Harvested animals can be tested for CWD by collecting the retropharyngeal lymph nodes, which are where much of the infectious protein concentrates in infected animals. Hunters can collect their own samples and either drop samples off at a regional office or mail the sample into the wildlife health lab for testing. Clear sample baggies can be acquired by contacting the regional office.

Wildlife staff is also willing and available to collect samples from deer heads. In the Clearwater region, hunters can drop off their deer heads or lymph node samples at the regional IDFG office, 3316 16th St. in Lewiston for testing anytime during business hours 8:00am-5:00pm, Monday through Friday excluding holidays. Contact the Clearwater regional office for more information at (208) 799-5010.
Looking for something to do? Heres a list of local community and nonprofit events. Please check with your club or organization to be certain of meetings, outings and classes, as they may be canceled due to bad weather or COVID-19. If any listing is inaccurate or to submit an event, contact Julie Norwood at 231-592-8358 or julie.norwood@pioneergroup.com.

 Craft/Vendor Show: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, at Mecosta Township Hall, 19729 11 Mile Road, Big Rapids. Contact: 231-796-8935

 Wheatscouts: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, at the Gladys Wernette Classroom Building, 7251 50th Ave., Remus. Kids and their parents are invited to join Wally and Rachel Ewing for Ole Time arts, crafts and interactive music activities using nature. Bring a sack lunch. Water and snacks will be provided.

 Wheatland Jamboree: 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9, outside of the Cabin at Wheatland Music Festival site, 7251 50th Ave., Remus. Jam with other acoustic musicians at this informal gathering. All levels and abilities are welcome.

 Little Women: 7 p.m. Oct. 8, Oct. 9; and 2 p.m. Oct. 10; at CrossRoads Theatre, 249 W. Upton Ave., Reed City. Tickets are $10 each and can be reserved by calling 231-465-4044.

 Perspectives on How to Heal a Divided Nation: 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, at Artworks, 106 N. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids. Dr. Tracy Busch, a professor of history at Ferris State, offers a historical overview on past periods of political and cultural polarization in the U.S. Event is free, but seating is limited. Face masks required. Contact: Leah Monger at AAUWBIgRapids@gmail.com, 231-287-7022.

 Wine & Canvas: 6-9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 15, at Artworks, 106 N. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids. A unique social painting experience. Bring your own beverage and snack. Cost: $40. Register at www.artworksinbigrapids.org/painting-drawing or by calling 231-796-2420.

 St. Paul WELCA Fall Festival: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 15-16, at St. Paul WELCA, 22275 4 Mile Road, Reed City. Craft, bake, book sale and raffle. Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday ONLY. Raffle drawing at 1 p.m. Saturday. Need not be present to win.

 Basket Weaving: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at Artworks, 106 N. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids. Learn to make a large laundry basket. Cost: $80. Register at www.artworksinbigrapids.org/basket-weaving or by calling 231-796-2420.

 Mimosas, Muffins, Mix & Mingle: 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, at Artworks, 106 N. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids. A fundraisers benefiting Artworks and featuring world renowned guitarist Trevor Gordon Hall. Tickets are $25 each, available at www.artworksinbigrapids.org/tickets.

 Tuba Bach Festival: 4 p.m. Saturdays, Sept. 11-Oct. 17, outside at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 726 Fuller Ave., Big Rapids. A separate concert will be livestreamed online only, as well as on Sunny 97.3 FM at 4 p.m. Sundays. Visit www.tubabach.org. for links.

 Corn Maze/Haunted Maze: Noon to 5:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2-5 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 26-Oct. 31 for Corn Maze; 8-10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 8-30, for Haunted Maze; at Four Green Fields Farm, 15693 Wilson Road, Rodney. Cost: $3 for corn maze, ages 5 and under free; $2 for wagon rides; and $4 for haunted maze.

 Swiss Steak Dinner: 4-6:30 p.m. the last Friday of every month, April-October, at the Barryton Senior Center, 71 Northern Ave., Barryton. Includes dinner and dessert. Everyones welcome.

 Tai Chi: Noon on Wednesdays at Hemlock Park. Improve muscle tone, flexibility, balance and coordination. Newcomers welcome. brpr.org.

 Mecosta Co. Genealogical Society: Open 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every second Saturday, at 424 N. Fourth Ave., Big Rapids, next to Recycle. Thousands of obits and hundreds of books with history and genealogy for the Mecosta Co. area. Stop by or call Maureen Nelson at 231-250-5555 to set up an appointment.

 Mecosta County Sheriff Posse: 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Mecosta County Jail basement training room, 225 S. Stewart Ave., Big Rapids. This volunteer group is always looking for more members. For more info call 231-250-9241

 Lords Table Food Pantry: 3-5 p.m. Wednesdays at Faith Community Church, 610 Green St., Big Rapids. Everyone is welcome.

 Reed City Food Pantry: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning Sept. 7, at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church, 831 S. Chestnut St., Reed City.

 Morley Community Center: The center, at 151 7th St., Morley, hosts weekly pickleball, open gym, indoor garage sales and outdoor market, in addition to monthly ancestry class, craft night and blood drive. For a list of activities, visit morleycenter.org/events or call 231-856-4496.

ARTWORKS ONGOING CLASSES, EXHIBITS

106 N. Michigan Ave. in Big Rapids / 231-796-2420 / artworksinbigrapids.org

 After School Arts: 3:45-5:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 1-29. Drop-ins welcome on a first come, first serve basis, but registration recommended. Register at Artworks gift shop or by calling 231-796-2420 the Monday before each session.

 Open Pottery: 5-8 p.m. Tuesdays. Cost: $10 per session, $60 for an eight-session punch card. (Additional firing fees apply. Clay may be purchased in bulk for $20 per 25 lbs.) Call 231-796-2420 to schedule your session.

 Hand Built Pottery Fall Session: 6-8 p.m. Mondays, Sept. 13, 20, 27, and Oct. 4, 18, 25. Cost: $150. Register by calling 231-796-2420 or online at www.artworksinbigrapids.org/pottery.

 Beginning Wheel Fall Session: 6-8 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 15, 22, 29, and Oct. 5, 12, 26. Cost: $150. Register by calling 231-796-2420 or online at www.artworksinbigrapids.org/pottery.

 Fundamentals of Photography Beginner Course: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 15-Oct. 19. Cost: $75. Register by calling 231-796-2420 or online at www.artworksinbigrapids.org/photography.

 Forged in Fire for Beginners: 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 5-Nov. 9, at The Forge, 5710 18 Mile Road, Barryton. Learn the basics of bladesmithing by doing. Everything will be provided. Closed toe shoes are required. Cost: $150. Register at artworksinbigrapids.org/specialty-workshops.

 Exhibit  Art in the Time of COVID: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Oct. 12-Nov. 14. Featuring creations from Dan Kaminsky, Kym Nicolas and other artists.
The company plans to utilise the funds to improve the employee wellness platform

mHealth  a community-based employee wellness platform powered by artificial intelligence has recently secured an undisclosed amount in the seed funding round led by India Accelerator. The investment round also witnessed participation from HNIs & Industry veterans such as Govind Rao, Vikram Gupta, Alok Mani and others.

Incepted in 2020, the Delhi-based startup helps corporates in personalising their employee wellness programmes on a single platform. mHealth equips corporates to create focussed groups, fitness activities, employee assistance programmes, care programmes and launch challenges and wellness camps on a single platform.
The research will play a crucial role in decreasing the countrys dependence on the import of APIs

India is heavily dependent on importing (~85%) Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), and a significant proportion of those APIs are chiral molecules, which are essential building blocks to produce pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and biologically active compounds.

A research group at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-D) has developed a catalytic technology for the sustainable and economical synthesis of chiral molecules. The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has funded this research work.

The research team has developed a Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) based catalytic technology using inexpensive natural feedstocks and abundant metals for the sustainable and economical synthesis of enantiomerically pure chiral molecules.

The developed catalytic technology may play a crucial role in decreasing the countrys dependence on the import of the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, which also means lowering of the input cost for the industry that would encourage it to pass on the benefit to the society, said Prof. Kuntal Manna, Chemistry Dept., IIT Delhi.
Whole Body Digital Twin is a dynamic digital representation of each persons metabolism

US and Chennai-based Twin Health, makers of the Whole Body Digital Twin precision health technology, has announced Rs 1000 Cr in Series C funding as it scales its presence in India and the US.

The funds will help to scale Whole Body Digital Twin technology to reverse and prevent chronic metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes.

The Whole Body Digital Twin provides guidance to nutrition, sleep, activity and meditative breathing to patients and their doctors to safely reverse and prevent a variety of chronic metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and liver disease.

Prof Shashank Joshi, Chief Scientist at Twin Health, Consultant Endocrinologist Lilavati Hospital Mumbai and President of Indian Academy of Diabetes said, As a scientist, I am impressed by the ongoing RCT results and the cutting edge Whole Body Digital Twin technology. Now, it has been scientifically proven that Type 2 Diabetes can be reversed by healing the root cause of chronic metabolic diseases including type 2 diabetes with highly personalised data-driven recommendations to doctors and patients.
The technical detail:

The Ask Afrika Orange Index has been at the forefront of service benchmarking since 2001 and is the broadest, independent, and most widely referenced service excellence benchmark in South Africa. The benchmark has been tracking customer experience, and the changing trends and expectations since 2001. The 2021 Ask Afrika Orange Index not only celebrates a long history of tracking data but also provides customer experience and service scores across 31 industries and 200 individual brands. A total of 19,986 South Africans were interviewed during May to July 2021 to establish which companies provide the best customer experience in South Africa.In the past five years customer experience service levels continue to decline, as do customer loyalty towards brands. The decline in customer experience is on both the emotional and service-related components of the experience. Customers Emotional Satisfaction decreased by 2 points where the Service Satisfaction decreased by 1 point. Customers are looking for Emotional connections with brands- our results show that Emotional Satisfaction has double the impact on Customer Loyalty that Service Satisfaction has. This is unsurprising since consumers across the globe, including South African citizens, live in a constantly changing society on a macro- and micro-level. Citizens experienced lack of trust, fear of the unknown and loneliness on higher levels during Covid Lockdown.Trust is the top Customer Loyalty driver in South Africa, followed by Reputation and Relationship. On the flipside, the biggest detractors from Customer Loyalty are a lack of Value for money, First Call Resolution (FCR) and high Customer Effort.If the impact of lockdown must be complimented in a way, it gave businesses no choice but to up their game in terms of Digital interaction, Engagement, and Service. The Ask Afrika Orange Index 2021 results showed that the experiences when engaging with Digital Channels (app, website etc.) are better than when customers engaged with Human Interaction channels (call centre, branch / store etc). It is important to note that we see that customers still prefer to engage with a Human Interaction channel when they have a complaint.From an industry perspective the building retail industry surprised everyone with a first time industry win.From a brand perspective the top three places go to:1. Pep2. Woolworths Clothing3. @homeThe Ask Afrika Orange Index 2021 Top10 Overall Winners are-And the Ask Afrika Orange Index 2021 Industry Winners are:There was another Ask Afrika Orange Index record of 12 new industry winners.These are all questions that the Ask Afrika Orange Index can answer. Ask Afrika Orange Index enables a comparative view between and across industries. It is more than just a benchmark but enables investigative diagnostics whereby brands can identify pain points across the value chain that need corrective action. Should you be interested in finding out more about the Ask Afrika Orange Index please contact us.Elzette CorreiaSenior Client Strategist: Ask Afrikaemail: az.oc.akirfaksa@ettezle
Source: OneCart

Massmart will provide primary equity funding to OneCart by means of an unsecured convertible loan, and acquire shares from existing OneCart shareholders, together resulting in Massmart acquiring control of OneCart. The founder of OneCart, Lynton Peters, along with a minority shareholder, will hold the remaining shares.OneCart, launched in 2018, is a fast-moving consumer goods marketplace and logistics platform that partners with leading retailers in South Africa to enable fast and flexible online sales and home delivery to consumers across the country.The platform provides access to products across the dry grocery, frozen and fresh foods, liquor, baby, health and beauty, household and pet supplies categories, all made available to consumers via a single shopping interface.Walmart-owned Massmart says that OneCart represents one of the building blocks of its broader e-commerce strategy, and that the acquisition will allow Massmart to further expand its capabilities in the fast-growing on-demand delivery segment, while continuing to support the independent retailer marketplace model of OneCart.Closure of the deal is subject to finalisation of customary final approvals and suspensive conditions.
The U.S. government is reportedly secretly issuing warrants for Google to provide user data on anyone typing in certain search terms, raising fears that innocent online users could get caught up in serious crime investigations at a greater frequency than previously thought.

In an attempt to track down criminals, federal investigators have started using new "keyword warrants" and used them to ask Google to provide them information on anyone who searched a victim's name or their address during a particular year, an accidentally unsealed court document that Forbes found shows.

Google has to respond to thousands of warrant orders each year, but the keyword warrants are a relatively new strategy used by the government and are controversial.

Trawling through Googles search history database enables police to identify people merely based on what they might have been thinking about, for whatever reason, at some point in the past, Jennifer Granick, surveillance and cybersecurity counsel at the American Civil Liberties Union, told Forbes.

This never-before-possible technique threatens First Amendment interests and will inevitably sweep up innocent people, especially if the keyword terms are not unique and the time frame not precise. To make matters worse, police are currently doing this in secret, which insulates the practice from public debate and regulation, she added.
The War on Terror has a new target: distrustful Americans.

The absurdity of Homeland Security's creation of another 'domestic extremist group' is countered only by the mass media's pandering of anything terror related.

The FBI describes how they allegedly investigate terrorism in America by mentioning domestic extremism 5 times on their website.

"The Bureau works closely with its partners to neutralize terrorist cells and operatives here in the United States, to help dismantle extremist networks worldwide, and to cut off financing and other forms of support provided to foreign terrorist organizations."

The word extremist, according to the Cambridge Dictionary, means "someone who has beliefs that most people think are unreasonable and unacceptable." Merriam Webster defines extremist as a "belief in and support for ideas that are very far from what most people consider correct or reasonable."

This fits in nicely with the FBI's term "Black Identity Extremism" which they used until the BLM protests of 2020, when they were forced to appear to be politically correct and change their terminology.

"In late 2017, the FBI discontinued using the term "Black Identity Extremism." As a result, the FBI's Consolidated Strategy Guide for Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 does not use that term, and the only reference to the term in the FY20 19 Consolidated Strategy Guide is a footnote indicating that the term is no longer utilized by the FBI. As detailed below, the FBI has updated its terminology and currently uses the term "Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremism."

The FBI's letter went on to say that after conducting an annual "iterative process" they felt it best to rename "Black Identity Extremism."

"The FBI continually challenges, reviews, and evaluates intelligence to ensure the appropriate identification and categorization of each threat. This is an iterative process, based on analysis of a threat's impact and mitigation efforts, and is refreshed annually."

The FBI's "iterative process" concerning Black civil rights demonstrations has nothing to do with challenging, reviewing and evaluating domestic terrorism categorizations.

"In consultation with United States Intelligence Community partners and other partners at the National Security Council, the FBI has attempted to effectively integrate all types of racially or ethnically motivated violence into one threat category..."

Worried about offending minorities, the FBI has decided that the best thing to do is to categorize all minority civil rights demonstrations as Racially or Ethnically Motivated Violent Extremism.

Which brings us to Homeland Security's latest categorization: "Militia Violent Extremists."

According to the White House, domestic violent extremist's ideological agendas are derived from anti-government, anti-authority sentiment or perceived government overreach.

Using that definition, it's a wonder that law enforcement has not categorized millions of Americans who took part in the BLM protests as Militia Violent Extremists.

A recent Homeland Security document posted by Property of the People reveals how Militia Violent Extremists try to evade warrantless government surveillance.

"Like many other social media users, some MVEs are transitioning to other social media platforms perceived as either having more permissive terms of service policies or viewed as providing enhanced data privacy, such as MeWe and Parler, according to open source reporting."

"In 2020, MVEs used or expressed interest in using a variety of more secure and often encrypted messaging applicationsincluding Zello, Telegram, Signal, and Threemato discuss operational activity, according to FBI and open source reporting. In May, an identified Maryland-based MVE used Signal and the search engine DuckDuckGo to discuss targeting law enforcement and share bomb making instructions, according to FBI reporting."

According to Homeland Security, people using platforms like MeWe, Parler, Zello, Telegram, Signal, Threema and DuckDuckGo to avoid government surveillance must be monitored because they could be Militia Violent Extremists.

Despite having no credible evidence that citizens trying to evade warrantless government surveillance are extremists, Homeland Security wants to give corporations more powers to monitor them.

"Existing partnerships with international and private sector partners through the GIFCT, Tech Against Terrorisman organization which empowers smaller, emerging social media companies to increase their capacity to enforce their terms of services as they address terrorism, violent extremism, and mobilization to violence on their platformsand a variety of other counter violent extremist messaging working groups."

The picture at the top of this story dated March 2021, lists 7 domestic terrorist/extremist groups, while New Jersey's Homeland Security page lists an incredulous 9 domestic terrorist/extremist groups.

Extremists are listed right alongside international terrorists groups on Homeland Security/law enforcement websites. To keep the failed War on Terror going, Homeland Security has invented Anarchist Extremists, Animal Rights Extremists, Anti-Abortion Extremists, Black Separatist Extremists, Environmental Extremists, Homegrown Violent Extremists, Militia Extremists, Sovereign Citizen Extremists, and White Supremacist Extremists with little to no criticism by a complicit media.

How does a country that professes to be free turn what was once known as Black civil rights activists, animal rights activists and environmental activists into domestic terrorists?

At the behest of the National School Boards Association (NSBA), it appears that the DOJ is considering creating a 10 th domestic extremist group: Homegrown Extremist Parents or perhaps they will call them Anti-School Board Extremists. (Note: These are not their official names.) (Note: These are not their official names.)

"As these acts of malice, violence, and threats against public school officials have increased, the classification of these heinous actions could be the equivalent to a form of domestic terrorism and hate crimes. As such, NSBA requests a joint expedited review by the U.S. Departments of Justice, Education, and Homeland Security, along with the appropriate training, coordination, investigations, and enforcement mechanisms from the FBI..."

th suggests that a 10 th domestic/extremist group is all but a certainty. A recent FBI memorandum dated October 4suggests that a 10domestic/extremist group is all but a certainty.

"In the coming days, the Department will announce a series of measures designed to address the rise in criminal conduct directed toward school personnel. I am directing the FBI, working with each United States Attorney, to convene meetings with federal, state, local, Tribal and territorial leaders in each federal judicial district within 30 days of the issuance of this memorandum."
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HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (AP)  A massive cargo ship made a series of unusual movements while anchored in the closest spot to a Southern California oil pipeline that ruptured and sent crude washing up on beaches, according to data collected by a marine navigation service.

A floating barriers known as booms is set up to try to stop further incursion into the Wetlands Talbert Marsh after an oil spill in Huntington Beach, Calif., on Huntington Beach, Calif., on Monday, Oct. 4, 2021. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (AP)  A massive cargo ship made a series of unusual movements while anchored in the closest spot to a Southern California oil pipeline that ruptured and sent crude washing up on beaches, according to data collected by a marine navigation service.

The Coast Guard is investigating whether a ship anchor might have snagged and bent the pipeline owned by Amplify Energy, a Houston-based company that operates three offshore oil platforms south of Los Angeles.

The Associated Press reviewed more than two weeks of data from MarineTraffic, a navigation service that tracks radio signals from transponders that broadcast the locations of ships and large boats every few minutes.

Workers in protective suits clean the contaminated beach after an oil spill in Huntington Beach, Calif., on Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021. The Coast Guard received the first report of a possible oil spill off the Southern California coast more than 12 hours before a company reported a major leak in its pipeline and a cleanup effort was launched, records show. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)

That data shows the Rotterdam Express, a German-flagged ship nearly 1,000 feet (305 meters) long, was assigned to anchorage SF-3, the closest to where the pipeline ruptured off Huntington Beach. The ship made three unusual movements over two days that appear to put it over the pipeline.

In a statement to AP, Hapag-Lloyd, the shipping company that operates the Rotterdam Express, denied any role in the spill.

A U.S. official told the AP on Wednesday that the Rotterdam Express has become a focus of the spill investigation. The official cautioned the ship is only one lead being pursued in the investigation, which is in the early stages.

The investigators are seeking to collect tracking and navigational information from the vessel that could help them identify its exact movements, the official said. They are also seeking preliminary interviews with at least some crew members.

Workers clean oil from the sand, south of the pier, in Newport Beach, Calif., Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021. A leak in an oil pipeline caused a spill off the coast of Southern California, sending about 126,000 gallons of oil into the ocean, some ending up on beaches in Orange County. (Jeff Gritchen/The Orange County Register via AP)

The official could not discuss the investigation publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier, a Coast Guard spokesperson, declined to comment on the Rotterdam Express but said the agency is analyzing electric charting systems from its vessel traffic service to see what ships were anchored or moving over the spill area.

The MarineTraffic data shows the Rotterdam Express arrived outside the Port of Long Beach early on Sept. 22 and dropped anchor about 2,000 feet (610 meters) from the pipeline.

The following day, at about 5 p.m., the data for the ships locator beacon indicated that while anchored it suddenly moved thousands of feet to the southeast, a track that would have taken it over the pipeline lying on the seafloor about 100 feet (30 meters) below. The ship appears to have then engaged its engines to return to its anchorage about 10 minutes later.

In this aerial image taken with a drone, workers in protective suits clean the contaminated beach after an oil spill in Newport Beach, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021. Some of the crude oil that spilled from a pipeline into the waters off Southern California has been breaking up naturally in ocean currents, a Coast Guard official said Wednesday as authorities sought to determine the scope of the damage. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)

The ship then moved again around midnight and a third time shortly before 8 a.m. on Sept. 23, each time moving back to its assigned anchorage, according to its online location data. The Rotterdam Express remained at spot SF-3 until Sunday, when it moved into the port to unload.

The first report of oil in the water near the pipeline were made Friday evening. Amplify said the pipeline was shut down early Saturday morning but has not said how long it believes oil flowed from it.

Amplifys CEO Martyn Willsher said Tuesday divers determined a 4,000-feet (1,219-meter) section of the pipeline was dislodged 105 feet (32 meters), bent back like the string on a bow. Oil escaped through a slender crack.

The amount is unclear. Amplify has said publicly that no more than 126,000 gallons (476,962 liters) leaked but told federal investigators it may be only 29,400 gallons (111,291 liters).

A seagull rests as workers in protective suits clean the contaminated beach after an oil spill, Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021 in Newport Beach, Calif. A major oil spill off the coast of Southern California fouled popular beaches and killed wildlife while crews scrambled Sunday, to contain the crude before it spread further into protected wetlands. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)

AP first contacted Hapag-Lloyd on Tuesday evening, seeking an explanation for the ships movements on Sept. 22 and 23.

Nils Haupt, a spokesman at its headquarters in Hamburg, Germany, denied in an email Wednesday that the ship ever moved off anchor from spot SF-3 during that period. He said the transponder data displayed by MarineTraffic is erroneous.

We have proof by the logbook, which is updated hourly, that the vessel did not move, Haupt said. MarineTraffic in this case is wrong and the position is indeed incorrect.

Haupt said Hapag-Lloyd would cooperate with any investigation.

A worker looks over the edge of the Rotterdam Express at the Port of Oakland, Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021 in Oakland, Calif. The Rotterdam Express, a massive cargo ship made a series of unusual movements while anchored in the closest spot to a Southern California oil pipeline that ruptured and sent crude washing up on beaches, according to data collected by a marine navigation service. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)

On Wednesday morning, AP sent an email that included a screenshot of the Rotterdam Express movements as indicated on MarineTraffic to the Unified Command Joint Information Center for state and federal agencies responding to the oil spill. Senior Chief Petty Officer Lauren Jorgensen said the command was unable to discuss matters involving an ongoing investigation.

Nikolas Xiros, a professor of marine engineering at the University of New Orleans, said it would be highly unlikely that the transponder data for a ship, which works through a global network called the Automatic Identification System, would be off by several thousand feet.

AIS transporters are very accurate and the whole system is also very accurate, Xiros said after reviewing the location track for Rotterdam Express. I think probably the ship moved, thats what I think. And with the anchor down, which was a big problem.

Xiros, who has spent more than two decades teaching marine navigation and electronics to future ship captains and crew, said the only alternative explanation he could think of was that either someone had hacked the AIS system to make the Rotterdam Express appear to move or that the ships transmitter somehow became unfastened from its mast, fell in the water and drifted away before being retrieved by the crew, only to have it come unfastened two more times.

The Rotterdam Express is seen at the Port of Oakland, Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021 in Oakland, Calif. The Rotterdam Express, a massive cargo ship made a series of unusual movements while anchored in the closest spot to a Southern California oil pipeline that ruptured and sent crude washing up on beaches, according to data collected by a marine navigation service. (AP Photo/Josh Edelson)

Xiros said he could provide no reasonable explanation for why the ship might have moved so far off its assigned station. Records show relatively calm weather and seas during the days in question.

There is a series of peculiar things and all that need to be explained, Xiros said. It may very well be some kind of an accident, but not necessarily a human error. We will have to see. But  I think he most probable explanation is the ship with anchor down moved both back and forth and possibly caused damage to the pipeline.

If a ships anchor were to become entangled with an underwater obstacle such as a communications cable or petroleum pipeline, the operator is required by federal law to notify the Coast Guard. The locations and movements of ships are also regularly monitored by both the AIS system and radar, according to the Coast Guard.

Xiros said if he were investigating the cause of the oil spill, he would seek to review the digital logs for both location and engine operations aboard the Rotterdam Express.

According to MarineTraffic data, the ship left Long Beach on Monday for the Port of Oakland, where it was moored at a dock Wednesday night.

___

Associated Press writer Michael Blood in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

___

Follow AP Investigative Reporter Michael Biesecker at http://twitter.com/mbieseck

___

Contact APs global investigative team at Investigative@ap.org.
After significantly scaling back operations last year due to COVID-19, local organizers behind Fire Prevention Week are offering a completely virtual slate of programming this time around.

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SUBMITTED Local schoolchildren drop by Brandon Fire and Emergency Services headquarters during Fire Prevention Week 2018. While get-togethers like this won't be possible during this year's festivities due to COVID-19, BFES is still providing Fire Prevention Week learning resources and activities through the City of Brandon's official website.

After significantly scaling back operations last year due to COVID-19, local organizers behind Fire Prevention Week are offering a completely virtual slate of programming this time around.

All of the activities and learning resources for this years international campaign, which runs until Saturday, are available through the Citys of Brandons official website, with the hopes of keeping schoolchildren from kindergarten to Grade 8 better informed about fire safety.

Brandon Fire and Emergency Services public educator Heather Penner told the Sun on Monday that Fire Prevention Week 2021 is much more streamlined compared to last year since local officials had to cancel most of their activities in 2020 outright because of the ongoing pandemic.

But after being given a full year to prepare, Penner believes this new format could actually reach a larger number of people and engage with families more directly.

"Whatever the kids learn about fire safety in school, we want them to take that home and tell their parents," she said.

"The goal really is to have every family make a home escape plan, test their fire alarms, make sure that their exits work, all of that."

The theme of Fire Prevention Week 2021 is "Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety." School-age children are encouraged to better familiarize themselves with devices like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.

While the theme doesnt seem particularly topical for the pandemic era, Penner said the National Fire Protection Association actually chose it because of reports they received from educators throughout the last year.

"A lot of public educators for fire departments were doing virtual lessons, so when the kids were actually at home, the teachers were finding that they would hear the smoke alarm in the childs home either going off or chirping when the battery is low," she said.

"So I guess that came up a couple times, and thats why the NFPA went this way."

Of course, Penner admits this years campaign cant provide a virtual equivalent of some of Fire Prevention Weeks more popular in-person events, such as Fire Chief for a Day or the Celebrity Firefighter Olympics, since the fire hall is not open to the public right now.

However, Penner remains hopeful that her duties as a BFES public educator will return to some sense of normalcy by the end of the year, since shes usually tasked with conducting in-person presentations on fire safety in schools between December and May.

"When December comes, depending where we are with COVID, the plan is that I will return to the classroom for that," she said.

"And next year, depending on what it looks like for COVID, we would probably go back to that Fire Chief for a Day [program] and have it in the fire hall."

In the meantime, Penner encourages teachers and parents to take advantage of the digital resources currently at their fingertips, even if they prefer to absorb the material through an in-person format.

"Its not the same as being in the same room with the kids and being able to talk to them face-to-face, but it has worked out," she said. "You have to roll with it and adapt and do what you can."

Any Brandon-area teachers or parents can take part in this years Fire Prevention Week activities by visiting brandon.ca/public-education/fire-prevention-week.

The NFPA has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week since 1922.

Fire Prevention Week originally emerged after the wake of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, when more than 250 people were killed and approximately 17,400 structures were destroyed.

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @KyleDarbyson
Tuesday was busier than normal for the Brandon Police Service, involving multiple thefts and vandalism, according to a daily media report from the service.

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Tuesday was busier than normal for the Brandon Police Service, involving multiple thefts and vandalism, according to a daily media report from the service.

Sometime Monday night or Tuesday morning, suspects broke into a business on the 500 block of Grandview Street by cutting its gate and stole a generator and a collection of tools.

On the 400 block of 10th Street, someone broke into a business through a window and spread paint around the inside of the building. After, they took the paint outside and vandalized a second nearby business.

After receiving a report of a stolen bike on Tuesday, police arranged to meet up with a 38-year-old selling it online and arrested him.

A 34-year-old man was arrested after stealing from a business on the 900 block of 18th Street North after employees recognized him as having been banned from the premises.

BPS public relations officer Sgt. Kirby Sararas said what really helps police solve thefts is when people are able to provide video that can be used to identify suspects. Knowing the serial numbers of tools or bicycles can be a big help when police are trying to verify if something theyve found could be stolen merchandise.

Around 4 p.m. on Tuesday, a 33-year-old arrived at BPS headquarters and proceeded to yell, swear and make rude gestures at employees through the front windows of the building. She was determined to be intoxicated and was lodged until sober.

Around the same time on the 800 block of Rosser Avenue, a 30-year-old woman jumping into traffic was arrested and also lodged until sober.

That evening, around 10:30, police received a report of an impaired driver who a witness said was failing to obey traffic laws as they swerved their vehicle. Police went to the residence where the 42-year-old woman was parked. She proceeded to refuse to provide a breath sample while appearing to be intoxicated and prohibited from driving. Shell be appearing in court on Dec. 30 on charges of driving while prohibited, refusing a breath sample and impaired driving.

At approximately 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday, police received a report of an intoxicated man who was trying to drive his vehicle in a parking lot on the 1200 block of 18th Street. A witness prevented the 33-year-old from leaving, allowing the police to arrest him. He then refused to provide a breath sample. He was scheduled to be released when sober and will appear in court at a later date.

Then around 4 a.m., police responded to a report that a man was causing a disturbance at a business on the 700 block of 10th Street by running in and out while screaming.

When police arrived, the 27-year-old was arrested after he was found trying to hide in the nearby long grass. He was under a court order not to be intoxicated and was due to appear in court on Wednesday to face three charges of failing to comply with an undertaking.

In the final report of the day, police arrested a 48-year-old man and 47-year-old woman during a traffic stop at approximately 4 a.m. on Wednesday. Police discovered they were in possession of 30 grams of meth.

They were due to appear in court on Wednesday to face a charge of possession for the purpose of trafficking.

 cslark@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ColinSlark
While many Westman residents are basking in unusually balmy fall weather, a representative from Environment and Climate Change Canada warns these warm temperatures could result in some serious consequences down the line.

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TIM SMITH/THE BRANDON SUN A cyclist makes his way southbound along Highway 10 towards Clear Lake in the distance on a beautiful fall Wednesday afternoon.

While many Westman residents are basking in unusually balmy fall weather, a representative from Environment and Climate Change Canada warns these warm temperatures could result in some serious consequences down the line.

Warning preparedness meteorologist Natalie Hasell told the Sun on Wednesday that the record-breaking heat for the month of September and October is already resulting in some bad environmental outcomes for the Prairies, like raging forest fires in parts of Saskatchewan.

"Luckily, we dont have too much smoke in Manitoba today, but we have had smoke in Manitoba over the last while as well, so it can get quite complicated," Hasell said over the phone, referencing the special air quality warning that Environment Canada issued for much of western Manitoba over the weekend.

But the meteorologists much bigger concern has to do with the spring and summer of 2022, since the summer and fall months usually replenish the provinces reservoirs and water levels.

And with very little precipitation taking place throughout the last couple months  Brandon only received 0.7 mm of rain between Sept. 23 and Oct. 3  Hasell is worried Manitobans will see a repeat of this past summer, which was plagued by drought and some communities declaring agricultural states of emergency.

Two Borders Reeve Debbie McMechan even told the Sun in mid-July that the municipalitys agricultural prospects were "quite bleak," and that the area hasnt experienced dry conditions like that since the 1980s.

"Those consequences that we saw this summer, I think, are still very top of mind and very concerning still now as these hot and dry conditions continue," Hasell said.

After all, Hasell said that a lot of the atmospheric patterns Westman residents are experiencing right now parallel what the province went through in July and August.

"If we look at the analysis aloft, this is related to an upper ridge, so an area where the air is quite warm and its centred in the [United] States," she said. "We saw that a lot over the summer and now we are in it again, unfortunately."

As a result, Brandon still managed to crack 30 C at the beginning of October, with temperatures hovering around a record-breaking 31.7 C on Tuesday.

But Hasell said the heat wont last forever, with temperatures expected to even out during the Thanksgiving long weekend.

"We have another system coming through early to mid next week, which could bring in slightly cooler temperatures or keep things at near normal," she said. "So we will be out of the very hot temperatures by Friday, or at the latest by the weekend."

This forecast for the long weekend stands in stark contrast to the weather Brandonites experienced during Thanksgiving 2019, when residents got clobbered with around 29 centimetres of snow.

Even though a blizzard isnt expected to hit the Wheat City this upcoming long weekend, Hasell suggests Brandonites should still use this period of relatively warm weather to weatherproof their homes, restock their emergency supplies and prepare for winter more broadly.

"Its coming and there will be very cold days," she said. "So do not take the weather that you are experiencing now as any sign, or anything of significance, with respect to what might come later."

 kdarbyson@brandonsun.com

 Twitter:@KyleDarbyson
MONTREAL - A Quebec man arrested after an Amber Alert that spanned four days is now facing nine additional charges.

A Surete du Quebec police car is seen in Montreal on July 22, 2020. A Quebec man arrested after a four day Amber Alert now faces nine additional charges.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

MONTREAL - A Quebec man arrested after an Amber Alert that spanned four days is now facing nine additional charges.

The 36-year-old man, who was arrested on Sept. 5 in Ste-Paule, Que., roughly 400 kilometres northeast of Quebec City, has now been charged with kidnapping his three-year old son, attempted murder using a prohibited weapon and attempting to murder peace officers using a firearm.

He also faces several other firearms-related charges, including stealing a firearm.

The man, who was the subject of a manhunt that briefly stretched into New Brunswick, was initially charged with discharging a firearm with intent, in an effort to avoid his arrest.

He is scheduled to appear in court today as a bail hearing continues.

The man's three-year-old son was recovered safely by police and returned to his mother.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 7, 2021.



This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship.
MONTREAL - A Quebec-born scientist who has contributed to research that won his collaborator this year's Nobel Prize in Physics says he hopes to inspire Canadians to value science.

Scientist Patrick Charbonneau is shown in this undated handout photo provided by Duke University Communications. The Quebec-born scientist whose research has been linked to this year's Nobel Prize in Physics says he hopes to inspire Canadians to value science. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Duke University Communications* MANDATORY CREDIT*

MONTREAL - A Quebec-born scientist who has contributed to research that won his collaborator this year's Nobel Prize in Physics says he hopes to inspire Canadians to value science.

Patrick Charbonneau has worked closely with Italian physicist Giorgio Parisi, who was a co-winner of this year's prize for his work on complex physical systems. Over the last decade, Charbonneau has worked with Parisi on publishing a number of papers on complex glasses, two of which were cited by the Nobel committee as scientific background.

The Montreal-born Duke University professor said Thursday in an interview from North Carolina that Parisi's prize is the culmination of decades of research.

"We had been hoping for this for many years, but at the same time, we had a hard time believing that it would ever happen because this was not the result of recent advances," he said.

But he said that above all, the Nobel Prize is a collective opportunity to celebrate science, which has become more meaningful than ever in the last year and a half as the world has struggled with the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The communities which believe and which have accepted to get on board are doing better today, from a public health point of view in particular, than those that refuse," Charbonneau said.

"So my message for the people of Quebec is to continue to value, to believe in science, because it's important."

Parisi won the Nobel Prize for his work in explaining disorder in physical systems ranging from atomic to planet-sized.

His discoveries "make it possible to understand and describe many different and apparently entirely random materials and phenomena, not only in physics but also in other, very different areas, such as mathematics, biology, neuroscience and machine learning," the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences said in a news release Tuesday announcing the prize.

Charbonneau's work with Parisi has focused on one kind of disordered material  specifically glasses  which he says are poorly understood despite being used by humans for thousands of years and being found in everything from window panes to cellphones.

"Those materials are really ubiquitous, but we don't have a good understanding as to what makes them solid, what's the microscopic origin of rigidity," he said.

While his work is theoretical and focuses on molecular simulations, he said it could contribute to a better understanding of the commonly used material.

Charbonneau is originally from Montreal, where he grew up in the Ahuntsic district and sang in a well-known choir as a child. He obtained his undergraduate degree at McGill University before moving on to Harvard and eventually making his way to Duke University in 2008, where he is a professor of chemistry and physics.

Melanie Joly, the MP for his home neighbourhood, congratulated Charbonneau on Twitter, saying there's "a little bit of Ahuntsic in the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physics."

"Congratulations dear Patrick, we are extremely proud of you!" she wrote.

Charbonneau said that being cited by the Nobel committee is a big honour, adding that it's one he hopes will bring greater attention to his area of work.

He said he marked the win with a bottle of champagne with his wife, and is looking forward to meeting up for a celebratory dinner with his collaborators from France and Italy when he travels to Europe later this year.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 7, 2021.
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BHP, the nations biggest mining company, will make the COVID-19 vaccine a condition of entry to its Australian workplaces from January.

After a review of its health protocols and the latest scientific evidence, BHP notified staff on Thursday they must be fully vaccinated by no later than January 31 to access all sites and offices.

The worlds biggest mining company has told workers that vaccination will be a condition of entry to all workplaces from January 31. Credit:Trevor Collens

The science is clear that widespread vaccination saves lives, BHPs head of Australian mining Edgar Basto said. In line with government guidance, we recognise the path forward is through widespread vaccination in Australia, and we are looking at a range of practical ways to support that while protecting communities and workforces.

The move comes after the government of Western Australia, home to BHPs flagship iron ore mining business, declared earlier this week that all workers across the natural resources sector including exploration, mining, oil and gas, must have had their first COVID-19 jab by January 1 to help protect vulnerable Indigenous communities.
Mining giant BHP helped lift the local sharemarket to gains of 0.9 per cent on Friday as the bourse shrugged off global economic worries to end the week in the green.

The ASX200 finished Fridays session at 7320.1, pushing it to gains of 1.9 per cent for the week. The looming debt ceiling crisis in the US caused wobbles mid-week, but all was forgotten by Friday after the US senate signed off on a plan to lift the nations borrowing limit enough to prevent it from defaulting on its debts until December.

Mining stocks rallied on Friday. Credit:Krystle Wright

Tech stocks followed their Wall Street peers higher on the news, up 1.3 per cent for Friday and powered by Afterpay, which finished the session up 2 per cent to $122.99.

The mining sector provided the biggest lift to the index, however, with BHP finishing the session up 3 per cent to $37.74. Fortescue also posted gains, up 2.4 per cent to $14.25.

Chief executive of investment research firm Kalkine Kunal Sawhney said the local market was buoyant at the end of the week with COVID-19 restrictions set to loosen further in Sydney from Monday.

With signs of normalcy returning into the market, a rotational trade into cyclical stocks benefitting from the economic revival can be expected in the days ahead, he said.

Miners were unfazed by recent analyst predictions that the iron ore price had further to fall, while surging metallurgical coal prices powered BHP forward.

Macquarie analysts highlighted in a note on Friday that they expect met coal to rise from around 11 per cent of earnings over the past five years to as much as 26 per cent of BHPs earnings by 2023 based on current spot prices.

Energy stocks also finished ahead 1 per cent on Friday, with Morningstar analysts suggesting this sector is the only segment of Australian equities which is currently undervalued.

In company news, Woolworths finished the session 0.6 per cent stronger, with the business confirming it would pay out another $50 million to address historical underpayments. Metcash fell 0.7 per cent to $4.00 after confirming its chief executive Jeff Adams would exit the business next February.

Fintech EML payments plunged 14.6 per cent for the session after revealing on Thursday evening its growth in Ireland could be curbed due to regulatory orders from the Irish central bank.
The nations lucrative coal exports are likely to be cut in half by mid-century if accelerating international climate efforts succeed in holding down global temperature rises to 1.5 degrees.

Ahead of a major climate conference in Glasgow next month, world leaders are pressuring laggard governments to commit to bolder plans aligned with the Paris Agreements aim of capping global warming as close to 1.5 degrees above pre-Industrial Revolution levels as possible.

Shipments of coal, Australias second largest export commodity, are tipped to fall sharply if world governments commit to keeping global warming below the target of 2 degrees. Credit:Nic Walker

The fate of coal, Australias second most valuable export, hangs in the balance. While a post-COVID-19 demand rebound and a supply crunch are pushing coal prices to record highs this year, commodity analysts are warning the fossil fuels long-term future will be decided by how quickly the rest of the world wants to cut its greenhouse gas emissions.

If the average global temperature rises by 2 degrees, the nations coal exports would grow 10 per cent by 2030, according to new research prepared by global resources consultancy Wood Mackenzie, but by 2050 would fall 25 per cent.
Workplace lawyer Michael Tooma, a managing partner at Clyde and Co, said it could be more difficult for those who fall outside prescribed employment such as retail, education and healthcare, to claim compensation for catching the virus at work. But evidence from genomic testing and contact tracing might be used to help non-essential workers prove they contracted COVID-19 at work. Clyde & Co managing partner Michael Tooma. It shouldnt be seen as an impossible hurdle to overcome, he said. There should be an even playing field in relation to all claims, so its not easier or harder for employees to prove their injury occurred during their employment. Mr Tooma did not expect a significant rise in claims for retail and hospitality venues until they opened to unvaccinated people from December.

Businesses who intend to remove restrictions on unvaccinated persons at that point, without additional precautions such as requiring negative rapid antigen tests, risk a rise in workers compensation claims and premiums, he said. They also risk claims by the public including class actions in the event of an outbreak. As workers returned to offices and hospitality venues with reduced restrictions, Mr Tooma said employers and building owners would need to focus on their duty of care under work, health and safety laws. A breach could potentially give rise to being sued for negligence or to prosecution by Safe Work. NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet on Thursday announced parts of the road map for easing COVID-19 restrictions would be fast-tracked, with masks not required in offices from the Monday after the state reaches 80 per cent full vaccination. Mr Tooma said people who own or manage buildings used as a workplace would need to assess the adequacy of their ventilation and airflow to minimise the risk of COVID-19 infection so far as reasonably practicable. Failing to do so could be a breach of duty of care, he said.

Loading Curtin University adjunct professor of workers compensation and workplace law Robert Guthrie, said some businesses may need to continue using masks to maintain safety. If the employer is aware of any potential risk then they have to take action to reduce that risk or prevent it, he said. That might mean wearing masks, social distancing or insisting people are fully vaccinated before they return to work. If you were suing an employer you would have to establish the work caused the COVID and that will always be difficult in some cases because of the fact you have community spread. You would have to have a very clear case of lack of care and causation. A SafeWork NSW spokeswoman said a person conducting a business or other undertaking was required to manage any potential risks of COVID-19 to workers and others in the work environment. Businesses and workers must comply with national and state public health orders. Such requirements may require addressing office layouts, utilisation and ventilation systems, she said. Greens MP David Shoebridge said that as the lockdown lifted and non-front-line workers returned to the workplace, there was likely to be a surge in workers compensation claims.

With that will almost certainly come a large increase in disputes because non-front-line workers will have to prove they caught COVID at work rather than on the train to work, at the supermarket or at home, he said. Labors shadow Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said he was concerned the government would have to pass on the extra costs of workers compensation claims to small and medium businesses. Loading COVID claims on the states workers compensation scheme will almost certainly spike as workplace transmissions take off, he said. Azmeena Hussain from Maurice Blackburn Lawyers said she had seen an increase in workers compensation claims from workers in the health, retail, warehouse, truck driving and maritime industries. I would say most certainly workcover claims are on the rise, she said.
The person who may or may not be fully vaccinated One question causing angst is whether to ask if someone  be it a friend, relative or your dentist  is vaccinated. Short of carrying flashing vaccinated signs above our heads, the only way to find out if someone is double-dosed is through conversation (or, if theyve posted a vaxxie on social media). But do we have the right to ask such a private question? Yes, we do, according to The Ethics Centre executive director Dr Simon Longstaff, particularly if youre expecting to be in close proximity with that person. The notion that you can make an informed decision about who you deal with and under what conditions [seems] uncontroversial, he says. It comes down to asking in a way that isnt offensive or challenging. Dr Longstaff recommends starting by simply volunteering your own status  Just so you know, Ive been vaccinated  because it signals you think its important, creating an expectation of reciprocation.

A friend is likely to disclose, Dr Longstaff says, but a service provider may choose not to, at which point youre entitled to choose not to engage with them if youre worried. Professor Leask says that while we need high vaccination rates, we also need to have healthy social functioning for our overall wellbeing. The difficulty at the moment is many freedoms are being permitted only for fully vaccinated people, so Professor Leask says that in certain circumstances it can be important to ask someone if theyre vaccinated, to keep within the local COVID-19 restrictions. The notion that you can make an informed decision about who you deal with and under what conditions [seems] uncontroversial. Dr Simon Longstaff While she hopes that more people will choose to be upfront about their vaccine status to reassure others, her position on asking someone is that it depends on your level of rapport or the rules about gatherings with others. If its at your discretion, you do need to broach it sensitively with friends and family, Professor Leask says. It might be perfectly fine to ask your mum or sister if shes going to vaccinate, but with the clear intention that youre concerned about her health first.

If someone tells you they arent vaccinated, youre able to tell them you cant picnic with them just yet  after all, you didnt make the rules. When it comes to asking a service provider, Professor Leask says we can let government worry about the regulatory structures that will protect us, with vaccination now required in many industries. And remember, she says, if were fully vaccinated and wearing a mask, and your hairdresser is wearing a mask, the risk of transmission is markedly reduced. The person who just hasnt gotten around to it yet If someone wants to be vaccinated but isnt yet, Professor Leask says that laziness is rarely a reason. Rather, its often because they are isolated and unaware of government advice, or they are struggling to find supply, get an appointment or use the booking system.

If someone tells you they havent been able to get vaccinated yet, her advice is to ask if you can help them book in. Practical knowledge is one of the biggest factors in driving vaccination, Professor Leask says. People are so confused because the recommendations have chopped and changed so much ... Simply helping them figure out what theyre eligible for, where they can get it, when and how, is a great practical thing you can do. Practical knowledge is one of the biggest factors in driving vaccination. Professor Julie Leask Dr Longstaff adds that sometimes when people are under stress, their world view narrows, so they might not see the significance to the wider community of lagging with their vaccine booking. It doesnt mean theyre a bad person, it may mean theyre really struggling to cope, he says.

The key to these conversations is to practise the skill of listening. Credit:iStock The person who is waiting for Pfizer The advice from authorities regarding the AstraZeneca vaccine has been confounding, to say the least, with fluctuating recommendations following fears of a very rare clotting condition, known as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome. This left some people so-called Astra-hesitant and waiting for Pfizer despite the Delta outbreak. When our Pfizer stocks were low, it was crucial to recommend people get their AstraZeneca vaccine, but Professor Leask says this issue is now largely resolved because the country has good supply of Pfizer and all ages are permitted to access to this vaccine. Whats important, now, is encouraging everyone who had one dose of AstraZeneca to still get their second, Professor Leask says. They cannot simply hope to swap to Pfizer, and the risk of clotting is even lower after the second dose, while protection from COVID-19 significantly increases. One dose is OK, two doses make a big difference, she says.

The person who is vaccine hesitant Loading We must first recognise this: not everybody who questions vaccination is a conspiracy theorist or anti-vaxxer. They may have various genuine reasons, including a phobia of needles, a history of anaphylaxis, concerns for their health or a fear of the unknown. Dr Longstaff stresses the importance of taking the views of others entirely seriously. One of the biggest mistakes when encountering someone who has an alternative point of view is to begin by trying to change their mind, he says.

The person then starts to defend their position without ever hearing what you might have to say. This can also solidify their beliefs because theyre reciting their arguments. On the other hand, Dr Longstaff says, sincerely hearing someone out  and letting them know you understand their concerns  will remove their need to defend themselves, and gives you knowledge to unpick under what conditions they would or wouldnt get vaccinated. Professor Leask recommends starting the conversation by listening and asking questions. You might want to ask straight up, Do you think youll get vaccinated? The aim is to figure out what their attitude is, rather than make assumptions. If you jump in with your answers too early, and you havent fully explored all the barriers and issues for someone ... your comments wont match where theyre at, and then the conversation will begin to fail. Helpful phrases when talking to someone who is vaccine hesitant Do you have any plans to vaccinate at the moment?

What are some of your concerns?

I think its reasonable to be looking to get information about [insert concern].

I can see youve done a lot of thinking about this.

Can I tell you about my experience?

I thought a lot about this decision too. Can I tell you why I decided to get the vaccine?

Im not sure about that. Lets look it up together.

I saw a website recently that seemed to answer this really well, can I share the link with you?

Can I show you how to check your eligibility and make a booking, in case you change your mind?

Id really love you to get vaccinated. I want to see you protected against COVID-19 because all of us are going to encounter it in our lives. Its not going away.

Have you thought about what not vaccinating might mean for you and your family?

If youre not planning to vaccinate, how are you going to best protect yourself and others?

Lets leave it for now, but maybe we can talk about it again later?

Its important to validate someones concerns as reasonable and ensure they know youve heard them, Professor Leask says. It can be a harsh environment for the vaccine hesitant, so you need to create a safe space and build rapport. Next, try to gently direct them to quality information that relates to them. Ask: Do you mind if I share what I learnt? Or: Can I help you find the information that might address your concerns? The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance and the Department of Health are great places to look. One of the biggest mistakes when encountering someone who has an alternative point of view is to begin by trying to change their mind. Dr Simon Longstaff Professor Leask also recommends trying to detect what someones motivation might be to vaccinate, then reinforce it. You might need to elicit what it is by asking, What do you think the benefits of vaccination might be? Then, say, I agree, Im concerned about this as well. You can also tell them what youve done, and if youre comfortable, recommend vaccination in a respectful way. Once you have that rapport, the recommendation is more likely to be heard and accepted.
More Victorians who dont own a home will be able to access a state government equity scheme to make it easier for them to get on the property ladder.

The extended shared equity scheme within the Victorian Homebuyer Fund means that eligible participants will only require a 5 per cent deposit, with the state government to provide 25 per cent of the purchase price in exchange for an equivalent share of the property.

Homeowners will be able to buy out the state governments share at market value over time if they choose, with the funds to be reinvested back in the scheme.

The scheme will allow some people to only require a 5 per cent deposit.

Homebuyers cannot access the scheme if they buy a property exceeding $950,000 in metropolitan Melbourne or Geelong, or a property over $600,000 in the rest of regional Victoria.

Treasurer Tim Pallas said purchasing a first home was a source of desperation for some people, but they wanted to help those who otherwise may not be able to get on the property ladder.

This project represents the values of opportunity and a fair go for those Victorians who have felt, to some extent, left behind in terms of the property market, he said.

The state is formed that we have to be an active participant in this process.

This won't be a process where we simply provide equity regardless of capacity, you'll have to demonstrate you can put together a deposit.

We will have financial partners and banks who will be assessing your creditworthiness and your capacity to meet the payments.

Around $500 million has been pledged by the state government for the Victorian Homebuyer Fund, to assist more than 3000 Victorians become homeowners.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander homebuyers can access the scheme with a deposit of 3.5 per cent, with a government contribution of up to 35 per cent.
When Karrina Kemp shared her story about being stranded outside Queensland, she had already spent three weeks in a tent in northern NSW with her three children  and there was no end in sight.

Ms Kemp is now set to go home on Sunday and she and her children have spent the week in far greater comfort, thanks to the kindness of Herald readers and a grant from the NSW government.

Karrina Kemp and her three children spent three weeks living in a tent while waiting to be allowed across the Queensland border. Credit:Elise Derwin

I literally just cried when people were offering help, Ms Kemp said. I had no inkling and wasnt trying to get that at all. We were just wanting to get our story out there and let people know whats happening.

As reported in The Sun-Herald, Ms Kemp and her children were among 11,000 Queenslanders stuck outside the state during the hard border closure to NSW and Victoria because of COVID-19 outbreaks in the southern states. She was one of several people who told this masthead they were sleeping in tents or cars as a result.
After playing the part of a policeman who fought the Taliban in a movie, actor Faridullah Mohibi fled Afghanistan to seek asylum in Australia in fear the Taliban would target him and his family.

Mr Mohibi escaped from the capital Kabul with his wife and five children, aged between three and 12, on September 22 with the help of an Australian he had worked for as a translator in Afghanistan.

Afghan refugee Faridullah Mohibi is in hotel quarantine in Sydney after fleeing from Kabul with his wife and five children.

He and his family arrived in Sydney on October 1 and will be in hotel quarantine until October 15. The family are among the refugees who have found asylum in Australia since the Taliban seized the capital last month.

But now nearly 60 NSW MPs representing the Labor Party, Coalition, Greens, Christian Democratic Party and other crossbenchers have signed a petition urging the federal government to boost its refugee intake from Afghanistan.
A NSW man facing life in prison for his alleged involvement in a plot to import $300 million worth of MDMA from a Netherlands crime gang has been granted bail by a Queensland court.

Tony Spitaleri, 47, was arrested in Sydney on April 28 as part of an Australian Federal Police sting and extradited to Queensland.

Tony Spitaleri, 47, was arrested in Sydney on April 28 and flown up to Brisbane with AFP officers. Credit:Australian Federal Police

Mr Spitaleri and co-accused Anthony Squadrito, 19, were allegedly members of an Australian crime gang who planned to get 150 kilograms of MDMA into Queensland.

They are accused of travelling from Sydney to Queensland in October 2019 to meet with a representative of a Netherlands-based criminal syndicate to acquire the drugs.
Those with mildly severe coronavirus symptoms receive visits from a nurse as well as telephone check-ups and are monitored by a virtual hospital emergency ward. When a persons condition worsens, they are transferred to hospital for more intensive care. But Hume GP John Hodgson, who runs the Coolaroo Clinic in the epicentre of the COVID-19 outbreak in Melbournes northern suburbs, said he was only discovering patients had tested positive to the virus when they called his medical practice days later. We actually have no faith in it, he said.The reason why people fall through the cracks is because theres no properly organised, safe sort of set-up. GP John Hodgson runs a respiratory and vaccine clinic in Coolaroo Credit:Joe Armao

In some cases, the clinic was not alerted about coronavirus patients until a week after they returned a positive result. My concern is that there is a very high risk that there could be patients at home and unwell with the virus, and we just dont know about them yet, he said. Dr Hodgson said pathology labs should send patients positive coronavirus test results directly to their nominated GP in real time. Northern suburbs GP Umber Rind is worried people could deteriorate rapidly before realising how sick they are.

Of the more than 200 coronavirus patients at the New Leaf Medical Clinic, Dr Rind estimates she has only been officially notified about 5 per cent of them. The other 95 per cent were discovered when the patient or a family member called the clinic to say they were infected or if they were deteriorating from the disease at home. If the family didnt call us then we just wouldnt know, she said. This is particularly important when we know a certain vulnerable patient has tested positive, so we can ensure they are getting the care they need. It is very dangerous not to know. Similarly, Newport GP Sana Al-Rubaye said in recent weeks several patients she was unaware had coronavirus, quickly deteriorated at home. Most were non-English speaking or from migrant backgrounds and had called the clinic breathless and distressed, unsure whether to call an ambulance. Some were so sick they were later admitted to hospital.

Dr Al-Rubaye said while she strongly supported a home care program to free up hospital capacity for the sickest, it was an unreliable system because there was no clear communication system set-up between the health department, community health networks and general practitioners to immediately alert GPs when their patients test positive. Loading Clinical and public health lead of the co-health COVID response Dr Nicole Allard said there had been tragic deaths of people with coronavirus across north-west Melbourne, where people had died in their homes, or had presented too late to an emergency department. Dr Allard said about once or twice a day, staff at the assessment centre were calling an ambulance for patients who were being assessed and she was worried people were now waiting too long to be tested for the virus. Co-health provides a key assessment centre that connects thousands of coronavirus patients, largely in the western suburbs, with their GP and helps accessing payments and medication.

Of the 550 GP practices in the west, 467 are signed to the pathways program, and some clinics are currently supporting more than 100 COVID-19 patients. Dr Allard said every person who comes through the pathways program is sent a text on day one telling them: if youre sick ring us, but we also proactively tell them to call their GP. Last Thursday - when case numbers rose from 950 to 1438 - co-health received 500 new referrals, bringing the number of patients in the north-west pathway to around 3500. Asked on Friday if the system was at or beyond capacity, Dr Allard said they were scaling up and trying to minimise the risk to patients by prioritising the most vulnerable, including the elderly and people who are in the period when most people get sick (after five days of symptoms).

Dr Allard said there was a need for a public health awareness campaign, warning Victorians about the dangers of coronavirus and when to seek help - much like the successful thunderstorm asthma campaign. Loading She said the warning signs included extreme lethargy, struggling to do daily tasks, shortness of breath on minimal exertion, dehydration, not being able to eat or drink, coughing up blood and confusion. These are all the red flags, she said. Dr Ines Rio, chair of the North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network, said the home-based program works really well, except its at capacity.

She was also worried about people without a regular doctor and their risk of falling through the cracks. We need a single 1800-number that can be used by GPs, paramedics and emergency departments to assist and triage people, she said. In NSW, at least 29 people have died at home after being infected with coronavirus, of which more than half were not known to health authorities until a post-mortem examination. In September, a Melbourne man aged in his 20s died in his Craigieburn home after contracting the virus. A post-mortem found he had contracted coronavirus, but it is believed the man had other serious health conditions. Police outside a house on Henderson Street Northcote, where a 49-year-old women believed to have died with Covid-19 in August. Credit:Nine
A rapist who attacked two women as they walked through their bayside Melbourne suburb has been jailed for 12 years for crimes a judge described as every womans worst nightmare.

Justin Mathieson followed, grabbed, overpowered and then raped both victims in separate nighttime attacks in Elwood in February and October 2012, as the women were on walking paths.

Justin Mathieson raped two women in Elwood in 2012. Credit:Nine News

The first victim was half a block from her home when she heard footsteps running behind her, before Mathieson pushed her to the ground and assaulted her. He eventually fled when the womans screams alerted passers-by who ran to her aid.

Mathieson grabbed the second woman by the arms and threatened to stab her unless she went into some nearby bushes as he was really horny and just wanted sex, and then chased and caught her again. He raped her three times and, threatened to stab her with a pair of scissors he had in his bag.
CHO says Victoria close to peak as state hits national record for local COVID-19 cases The changes to some mask-wearing rules come after Victoria recorded 1838 local COVID-19 cases and five deaths on Friday - a national record number of local cases recorded in a single day. The five people who died from COVID-19 are a Shepparton woman in her 70s, a Knox woman in her 70s, a Moreland man in his 70s, a Whittlesea woman in her 80s and a Brimbank man in his 80s. There were 36,600 vaccination doses administered on Thursday, and more than 77,500 COVID-19 tests returned.

Professor Sutton said that he didnt think the state had hit a peak number of local cases, however, he said he thought Victoria was close to the peak. The specific numbers for today are always a concern because it reflects ongoing significant transmission and a number of positive cases in the community, he said. The specific numbers for today are always a concern because it reflects ongoing significant transmission and a number of positive cases in the community. Professor Sutton But our numbers in ICU, the numbers of those hospitalised is not rising at the same rate, and thats a very good sign in terms of what vaccines are doing now. More than 35 per cent of Victorias COVID-19 cases announced today were found in Melbournes northern suburbs. About 30 per cent were found in Melbournes western suburbs.

Regional Victoria accounted for 113 new cases on Friday, with 18 found in the city of Geelong. The states border bubble is also set be extended, with the local government areas of Benalla, Greater Bendigo, Buloke, Loddon and Yarriambiack, and some NSW LGAs including Wagga Wagga and Hay to be added back into the scheme from 11.59pm tonight. Review into state emergency call system The figures also come after former Victorian police chief Graham Ashton announced a review into the states emergency call centre operator, which has been keeping triple-zero callers on hold because of the extraordinary level of demand for emergency support. The Emergency Services Telecommunications Authority (ESTA) has been beset with staffing issues and glitches to its operating system since late last year. The problems coincided with an unseen volume of triple-zero callers, driven partly by the amount of Victorians who deferred care during lockdowns, exacerbating their ailments.

Loading Mr Ashton, who left the police force in 2020, will review ESTAs functions and capabilities, and make recommendations to the government by early next year. Ambulance Victoria executive director of clinical operations Mick Stephenson said requests for ambulances had climbed to record levels, with four of the services five busiest days in history recorded in the past fortnight and demand comparable only to the deadly thunderstorm asthma event in 2016. To help cope with the demand, Victorian paramedics will, from next week, enlist drivers from the Australian Defence Force, St John Ambulance Australia, State Emergency Service, or its student paramedic ranks. It will be the first time in Ambulance Victorias history emergency vehicles will be sent out with just one paramedic on board.

ESTAs Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Marty Smyth, confirmed two people in Melbourne had died from cardiac arrest after waiting around five minutes each for their triple zero calls to be answered. A key performance indicator for the service was that 90 per cent of calls were answered in five seconds, but he told 3AW Mornings the measure had dropped to less than 70 per cent of calls being picked up in that timeframe, and even lower on some days. Last year we were looking at probably 2000-2400 calls a day. This year, in the last couple of weeks in particular, were exceeding 3000 calls a day, he said. Exposure site list expands

Two early learning centres, a Geelong arena and a popular coastal bakery were listed as Victorias latest exposure tier-1 sites on Friday morning. Loading Nido Early School in Airport West was visited by a person with COVID-19 on October 4, meaning children, staff and parents are now expected to isolate for 14 days and get tested as soon as possible. Gippslands Drouin Primary Early Learning Centre, 90 kilometres east of Melbourne, was listed as a tier-1 exposure site for October 4. Further regional Victorian exposure sites included the RMIT Hangar at Bendigo Airport on October 4, and Seda College Geelongs multi-use space at the Geelong Arena on October 4.

Rolling Pin Pies & Cakes bakery in Queenscliff on the Bellarine Peninsula was listed as a tier-1 exposure site on October 2. International students to return to Victoria before end of year International students could start returning to Victoria to study before the end of this year in a new plan floated by the state government. Melburnians will be allowed to drink alcohol when they meet for a picnic from this weekend. Credit:Daniel Pockett/Getty Images In the first stage of the plan, about 120 students would return to the state each week. Health and medical degrees and post graduate research would be given priority.

Students entering Victoria as part of the scheme would be in addition to the states existing overseas arrivals cap, meaning they would not take the place of returning citizens. Victorian universities would provide the funding for the extra quarantine spots. About 47,000 students are currently enrolled with Victorian education providers, but remain abroad because Australias borders are closed. Melbourne CBD is pictured this week, deep in its sixth lockdown. Credit:Eddie Jim The Victorian government has submitted the plan to the Commonwealth for approval. With Aisha Dow, Melissa Cunningham
Loading Mr Limbrick said the government was using the mandate to reduce the number of MPs likely to vote against an upcoming emergency powers bill that would give it the legal ability to enforce many public health rules. I think this is one of the most undemocratic things I've ever seen, he said. If the motion passes, which I presume it will, we wont comply with it. We wont be handing over out details  to participate in public life. Basically, what theyre doing is removing opposition to their pandemic legislation.

The motion, to be debated next week, would result in non-compliant MPs having their security access pass revoked. Treasurer Tim Pallas urged the two Liberal Democrats MPs to just shed the ideology momentarily, saying elected officials had a responsibility to set an example to their community. Liberal Party insiders say state MP Neil Angus is resisting the push to get vaccinated against COVID-19. That is an imperative because [not complying] might be an expression of their liberty, but its also an existential threat to those that they interact with if they cannot demonstrate that they are vaccinated, Mr Pallas said. He added that the states constitution prevented MPs from casting votes from outside Parliament.

Loading Those who refused to show their vaccination status would be treated as though they had breached an order of the house, and would have their access to the precinct revoked until the second sitting day of next year. The suspension would be lifted if the MP got their jab. The Premiers office said on Thursday all Labor MPs had received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose, while the Liberal Party said all but one of its MPs was vaccinated. While most MPs have been vaccinated, the mandate is likely to prompt an ethical and legal debate about whether it is reasonable to deny some voters a voice in Parliament because their elected representative doesnt want to be vaccinated, or feels uncomfortable declaring their status. The motion would also block upper house MPs from attending their offices if they were not inoculated.

The mandate for MPs is aligned with government health orders that require authorised workers  which include politicians  to be vaccinated. However, it would go further by making it a rule of the Houses of Parliament that MPs, without a medical exemption, were vaccinated. The motion states Parliament staff must not share MPs vaccine status, and should destroy the information provided by MPs when appropriate to do so. Public health directions that enshrined Victorias mandate in law on Thursday revealed authorised workers who refused to get vaccinated could be fined $21,720, while businesses could be slugged almost $110,000. In addition, any individual caught giving false or misleading information about their vaccination status could be fined almost $10,860 and businesses $54,300. The directions also detailed that judges and magistrates would no longer be forced to get the jab to continue in their job.

Mr Pallas confirmed the state received advice that it could not legally bind people who worked in court proceedings because of a separation of powers issue. However, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Anne Ferguson said the vaccination rate among judicial officers was extremely high anyway. No other parliament in Australia has mandated vaccines, but NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said last month his states speaker was exploring the idea. My personal view is that all MPs should be vaccinated, Mr Hazzard said. One of Australias leading constitutional law scholars, Anne Twomey, said the Houses of Parliament had authority to make rules about the conduct of their business through standing orders under the states constitution, but flagged issues could arise with parts of the proposed vaccination mandate.

Professor Twomey, from the University of Sydney, said the chamber is likely to be entitled to protect the health and safety of its members. Its powers are unlikely to extend outside the chamber and rooms set aside for its members, she said, but added there are other pieces of legislation giving officers of the Parliament the power to stop people accessing the precinct. MPs also have various immunities and privileges that could allow them to access Parliament. That could potentially give rise to a legal controversy, Professor Twomey said. She also cautioned that a standing order of the house was unlikely to extend to imposing restrictions on an MP accessing their electorate office, but noted that the law in this area is intensely complex and such a provision could be supported by other pieces of legislation.

Loading Simon Longstaff, executive director of The Ethics Centre, said the proposal was quite remarkable, but thats not to say its wrong. He said it was up for debate whether an MPs right to attend Parliament was absolute or whether it was conditional. To illustrate the point, Dr Longstaff said it would be reasonable to block MPs from entering Parliament if they were suffering from an infectious disease. However, he said the government would ideally exhaust all reasonable alternatives to make Parliament a safe environment with unvaccinated MPs attending. This could include using rapid tests at entrances or using committee rooms to home unvaccinated MPs.

The federal government has encouraged eligible Australians to get their COVID-19 jab, but has to-date, shied away from broadly mandating vaccines. However, it did back state moves to make vaccines mandatory for aged care workers, based on health advice. Veteran Victorian federal Liberal MP Russell Broadbent announced last week that he would not receive a coronavirus vaccination. Several Liberal Party sources confirmed a motion was put before the Warragul branch of the party questioning how he could remain the federal MP for Monash given his public refusal to vaccinate for COVID-19, but it was voted down. People here are furious, and its a huge concern, one local Liberal source told The Age. He cant go to Canberra, and parliament wont let him.

The Age has spoken to several party officials who confirmed Mr Broadbent would apply for a pair. If approved that would mean the governments margin in the House of Representatives would not be affected. Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and the federal Greens have taken a similar position to the federal government, though former opposition leader Bill Shorten supports mandatory jabs for MPs. Personnel working in Federal Parliament will be offered Pfizer vaccines at a clinic in the building on Monday ahead of a sitting fortnight later this month, but there has been no indication from either ACT authorities or the government that jabs will be a condition of entry. Several federal MPs are not vaccinated, including Mr Broadbent and One Nation leader Pauline Hanson. With Tammy Mills
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has slammed social media giants for providing a cowards palace for anonymous trolls to abuse people online, as he foreshadowed a further crackdown on the tech industry.

Mr Morrison took aim at the lack of accountability by the tech giants in enabling hate speech, saying the government would be leaning further into this issue.

Social media has become a cowards palace, where people can just go on there, not say who they are, destroy peoples lives and say the most foul and offensive things to people, and do so with impunity. Now thats not a free country where that happens, Mr Morrison said on Thursday.

They should have to identify who they are. And, you know, the companies if theyre not going to say who they are, well theyre not a platform anymore, theyre a publisher. Theyre a publisher, and you know what the implications of that means in terms of those issues.

People should be responsible for what they say in a country that believes in free speech. That issue is, and the technology that enables it, and the lack of accountability that sits around it, is just not on. You can expect us to be leaning even further into this.
Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. Normal text size Larger text size Very large text size Chris Minns didnt know it then, but when he and I met for a COVID-safe picnic in his local park last Monday week, he was about to be handed a political gift: an earthquake inside the states governing coalition. Not just the shock departure of the Liberals most significant figure, Gladys Berejiklian, but also that of Nationals leader John Barilaro and Liberal heavyweight Andrew Constance as well. We talk again when the news comes out. Minns is resisting the temptation to dance on anyones political grave. He wishes the former premier luck. It cant have been easy just every single day for the last 15 weeks to front up, take questions and carry the burden of the state. Regardless of my political differences with her, I give her a lot of credit for that. He says he wont change strategy, despite the departure of the woman who presented Labors most formidable obstacle to gaining office: We will stay positive, focus on the future and come up with ideas and not just criticisms. I still think its a big uphill battle for us just because we are coming from so far back. Labors primary vote was most recently sitting at about 30 per cent. When Minns took over the state Labor leadership in early June, Delta was about to lay siege to the harbour city. Ordinarily, an opposition party with a new leader would jump on issues and make outlandish political statements to get headlines, he says. But we made a decision that it was more important that we get through it. We didnt think it was the right thing [then] to be jamming political messages down everybodys throat. Chris Minns was raised a Catholic in Penshurst and is part of a close extended family whose Wednesday dinners changed to online quizzes in lockdown.

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Devastating in impact, particularly in electorates like his which included LGAs of concern, the ensuing lockdown gave him time to get his political playbook in order. Now hes gearing up to get Labor back on the field and will address his first party conference as leader this weekend. Loading We talk over a paper bag lunch under grey spring skies in a deserted park just a few blocks from his home in his electorate of Kogarah (he and wife Anna bought back here mid-year, selling up in nearby Sans Souci). The surrounding streets are a mix of unpretentious free-standing homes and low rise apartments, the kind of territory Minns is staking out as Labor heartland: I think we need to claim what we are about: we are a party of the suburbs now. Minns, 42, is sporting a North Face vest on this cool day, but laughs off any suggestion hes channelling fellow North Face aficionado Daniel Andrews: Hes hardly a fashion icon. Our takeaway sandwiches are from Love of Beans cafe, one of Minns local haunts: corned beef, Maasdam cheese and salad (for him) and falafel and pesto (for me), piled on fresh-baked bread, washed down with coffee, and a side order of orange cake. Even under its new leader Dominic Perrottet, he points out, the coalition government will be 12-years-old by the time of the 2023 state election, when theyll be seeking four years more for a total of 16 in office. That, he says, is akin to claiming hegemony for a political generation.

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Chris Minns chose the corned beef, Maasdam cheese and salad sandwich. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer He says hes determined to regain faith with working families, especially in western Sydney, highlighting the social and economic fault-lines the pandemic helped expose. The two Sydneys approach to COVID management is ingrained in the governments DNA, not just a decision they made in the the pandemic. Chris Minns This has been particularly clear since COVID: there is not an equal distribution of health spending, education spending, infrastructure spending when you take into consideration where the fastest growing suburbs are [west of Parramatta]. Our job will be to convince the public that this is a feature, not a bug. In other words the two Sydneys approach to COVID management is ingrained in the governments DNA, not just a decision they made in the midst of the pandemic. Falafel and pesto sandwich, piled on rich brown bread. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer Minns was raised a Catholic in Penshurst by his school principal father, John, and lawyer mother, Cara, educated by the Marist brothers and grew up with older sister Sarah and younger brother Jimmy. The extended family remain close and, until lockdown, would meet for dinner every Wednesday night at his parents house with everybody, friends, hangers-on, cousins. In-person dinners have since been replaced by a virtual quiz on Wednesday evenings, which he usually joins from his Parliament house office.

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He remains a practising Catholic and he and Anna are raising their three boys, Joe, 13, Nick, 11 and George, 4, in that tradition, believing it offers a framework for living your life not just for yourself. We are a party of the suburbs now. Chris Minns with wife Anna and sons (left to right) Joe, Nick and George. He supported decriminalisation of abortion in NSW in 2019. But hell be voting against the controversial voluntary assisted dying bill when it comes before State Parliament not, he says, because of an edict. Hes concerned vulnerable people coming towards the end of life might feel they were being a burden to loved ones and agree to assisted dying because it was available for them. Hes concerned vulnerable people might feel they were being a burden to loved ones and agree to assisted dying because it was available. Minns and Anna, also 42, appear to operate as a tight team. They met at university, crossing paths while working as volunteers in the campaign office of Labor candidate (later MP) Kevin Greene. A former prosecutor for the DPP, Anna is an active businesswoman, who has set up a series of enterprises centred on sustainable living, and at one point co-ran a venture trading Australian goods into China. (About a quarter of the Kogarah electorate are Australian Chinese). Like many families with two working parents and young children, Minns says its really difficult to balance all of the responsibilities that you have, but I think we can do it and my wife believes in it too. Its a joint endeavour. We actually want the state to change, and think there are millions of others who want it to change too. A tight team: Labor MP Chris Minns with his wife Anna Minns at a press conference in November 2018. Credit:Janie Barrett

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Hell run occasionally to clear my head but for fitness mostly relies on a home gym equipped with medicine balls and kettle bells and things like that. Any spare time he devotes to reading. Minns comes across as one of the more chilled political leaders Ive dealt with over the years, but hes been tenacious in seeking the job. Hed made two earlier attempts, against Michael Daley in 2018, and against Jodi McKay in 2019. His eventual success came amid accusations from some of McKays supporters that hed been a part of backroom manoeuvres to undermine her. This he denies. I certainly wasnt complicit in anything like that, he says. At the time, McKays leadership was hanging by a thread after the partys disastrous performance in the Upper Hunter byelection in May. She was further weakened by union pressure, and the fracas that followed a colleagues staffer circulating a so-called dirt dossier targeted at Minns, which prompted the resignation of Walt Secord from the Labor front bench followed shortly afterward by Minns himself. Within days, McKay had also stepped down. Daley withdrew from a re-match, leaving Minns anointed unopposed. Labor leader Jodi McKay and Chris Minns, then shadow transport minister, in December 2019. Credit:Edwina Pickles Asked how hes healed those wounds, Minns says I have got a good relationship with Jodi now, I think. She asked the caucus to rally around me at her final caucus meeting, which was an act of generosity. To the extent that there was healing that had to take place, I owe Jodi for that. She was brilliant. Minns greatest handicap is that he lacks long parliamentary experience, entering the legislature just over six years ago. Only one of his front bench team Daley  has ever been a minister. But he says this makes the Labor team really hungry and with the most important thing in politics, fresh ideas.

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Bryan, OH (43506)

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Mostly sunny this morning then becoming cloudy during the afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 42F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph..

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Cloudy early with some clearing expected late. Low 29F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
has acquired VFS Global, the worlds largest visa processing service provider, from Swedish private equity (PE) firm EQT Infrastructure in a $1.1-billion deal, pinning hopes on global travel rebound.

will hold a 75 per cent stake in the company; the balance will be held by EQT and Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation.

Founded in Mumbai in 2001, VFS serves over 60 governments through 3,500 visa applications in over 140 countries. In 2020, it posted a revenue of $739 million, with a compound annual growth rate of 14 per cent.

India is among the top three markets for VFS. In 2019, it processed over 6 million visa applications from 51 centres in the country. The companys global support office is also based in Mumbai. The company is headed by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Zubin Karkaria.

Lionel Assant and Amit Dixit, Europe and Asia heads of PE, said, "VFS spearheaded the visa business. It is today a global market leader, playing a crucial role in enabling access to travel for millions around the world in an efficient and secure manner. VFS local market expertise, unmatched global footprint, and technology leadership makes the company a reliable partner to client governments across the world."



VFS was conceptualised by Karkaria, then chief operating officer of Kuoni India in 2001, to address the pain points of Indian globetrotters (Kuoni sold the business to EQT in 2016). Back then, visa applicants had to stand in long queues outside Consulates while visa officers pored over applications. VFS made the job easier for Consulates since they had to only decide on granting or rejecting a visa, while VFS would handle the collection and scrutiny of documents. The first pilot project was with the US Consulate in Mumbai, followed by Pune and Ahmedabad.

Soon more contracts followed. By 2005, Kuoni India was processing visas for 11 countries in India, including the UK, Canada, and Australia. Karkaria also became the CEO of the Indian business that year. The companys global foray began in 2007, when the UK governmentoutsourced visa processing in 33 countries.

Zubins success is in conceptualising, executing, and nurturing the business. He understands the travel and visa segment really well, said a former colleague.

While today VFS is a market leader, with over 50-per cent market share in the visa processing segment, the business idea was initially met with scepticism.

My colleagues thought the Americans would never agree to such an idea, said Karkaria in a media interview in 2015. Theirs was the toughest visa regime, with more processes and documentation than any other country, he added.

VFS' core business operations are process-driven. The company has been successful in replicating them around the world, said a former colleague.

Visa processing is a niche business, driven by trust and relationship with governments. Contracts are awarded by governments at local and global levels and those require the company to maintain high standards of service delivery, while adhering to the data protection laws. VFS' strength has really been its operations team, he added.
Mizoram will get an additional flight service as Alliance Air will start operating on the Kolkata-Guwahati-Aizawl-Shillong sector from October 18, an official of the state claimed on Thursday.

Two other currently operate in the North-eastern state.

Alliance Air would operate an ATR-72 aircraft four days a week from October 18, Mizoram's principal consultant for civil aviation, Wing Commander J Lalhmingliana, told PTI.

The service will be available on the Kolkata-Guwahati-Aizawl-Shillong route on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and booking will be open from October 11, he said.

Lalhmingliana said Air India and IndiGo currently operate in the state.

While Air India operates an Airbus A319 aircraft on the Kolkata-Guwahati-Aizawl-Imphal sector four days a week, IndiGO flies an Airbus A320 on the Delhi-Aizawl and Bangalore-Guwahati-Aizawl sectors six days a week, he said.

The state might also get another air service on the Aizawl-Agartala route from November, 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 on Thursday dismissed the writ petition by promoters against the Reserve Bank of Indias (RBIs) move to supersede the boards of two group The division bench of the HC presided over by Ujjal Bhuyan and Madhav Jamdar said they are not inclined to entertain the matter after hearing arguments from both sides.

The RBI can move the NCLT for initiating insolvency proceedings against the two companies, whose boards it had superseded earlier this week, citing governance issues. The promoters of Srei Group, Adisri Commercial and Hemant Kanoria, moved the HC late on Wednesday night seeking a stay on the insolvency proceedings against the group

Hemant Kanoria, founder Srei Group, in a statement said, The has been making full efforts to repay creditors in a structured manner. It is important to note that the Srei Group had submitted a proposal to pay the full outstanding amount to banks under a scheme filed under Section 230 of the Act 2013 earlier in October 2020. The banks neither accepted it nor proposed a payment schedule acceptable to them. Instead the lenders have been controlling the companys cash flow since November 2020. Almost Rs 3,000 crore has been collected by them, of which they have been disbursing to themselves and there were no defaults.

We were also exploring a fund raise and were in active talks with two strategic investors to infuse a capital of Rs 2,000, crore which would have brought relief. We deny all the allegations of diversion of funds against Srei companies and with RBIs action and now the high courts decision we will explore various other legal options.



The RBI said it had been pointing out governance issues in the Srei Group companies in 2016 and gave the companies enough time to get their house in order. It said inspection reports have thrown up shocking revelations that the group companies were involved in related party transactions, disbursed loans to existing NPA accounts via round-tripping of funds, and also indulged in evergreening of loans, and in dubious lending activities and accounting adjustments.

The RBI said inspection revealed Srei Infrastructure Finance Limited (SIFL) as of March 2020, did not meet the regulatory requirements on capital adequacy and net owned funds. All the parameters were in red and they also reported very high divergence when it comes to reported non-performing assets (NPAs) and their extent.

The RBI counsel said, as of March 2020, gross NPAs were about 35 per cent of the loan book, while they reported gross NPAs of 9.18 per cent.

Also, only 3.3 per cent of their loan book was towards infrastructure financing against the regulatory requirement of 75 per cent of the loan book, the RBI counsel said.

Srei Group promoters said they acted on the red flags pointed out by the regulator and are in talks with two overseas investors  Makara Capital and Arena Investors  who are willing to put in more than Rs 4,000 crore.

Srei promoters counsel asked the court to direct the regulator to give them some time so that they can file the application to them for vetting the investors under the fit-and-proper criteria. In doing so, the companies can be revived without insolvency proceedings being initiated against them. They have also argued that there is huge divergence between the RBIs decision of superseding the board of the two group companies and the communications they were having with the regulator. The promoter is ready to give up control to bring about a resolution of the company, the counsel said. Also, they have reconstituted the credit, audit, and various committees, and the promoters are not part of any of those.

In an interview with Business Standard, Hemant Kanoria, promoter and former chairman of Srei Infrastructure had said from the process side, wherever the RBI suggested changes, they immediately tried to address those. Therefore, they were surprised by the RBIs move.

A UCO-Bank-led consortium of lenders had reached out to the RBI, seeking a DHFL-like resolution for Srei. Apart from UCO, other banks with substantial exposures to Srei are State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Indian Bank, Punjab National Bank, Axis Bank, Canara Bank, and Union Bank of India.

This will be the second instance of insolvency proceedings against a financial services provider post mortgage lender DHFL was taken to NCLT and a resolution was found under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, wherein the Piramal Group took over DHFL.
India has produced more than three unicorns a month, on average, this year with the tally reaching 31 already. At this pace, 2021 could end with around 40 unicorns.

The great unicorn rush, that started with Digit Insurance this year, has covered diverse sectors from fintech to e-shopping and even cloud kitchen. On Thursday, Rebel Foods, which operates a network of cloud kitchen brands such as Fasoos and Behrouz Biryani, became the first to enter the unicorn club from the niche category that found its place during the pandemic.

What triggered the unicorn rush during 2021 really? While work-from-home during Covid pushed the growth of digital businesses in India, the phenomenon also resulted in a long unicorn list. Industry experts and investors said three factors  thriving ecosystem, larger smartphone user base, and digital-first business models  have come together to attract investors.

Anup Jain, managing partner, Orios Venture Partners, which has investments in unicorns such as PharmEasy, said: Tech companies, which have become household brands, are contributing to the unicorn boom in India, as smartphone penetration and digitisation of commerce in every aspect of life has multiplied during the pandemic.



In fact, growth in digital payment is reflected in the sector that has contributed the most to the unicorn list. From 2011, when India reported its first unicornInmobi--till the end of 2020, India had six unicorns from the fintech list. This year has already seen seven fintechs joining the unicorn list. Besides fintech, SaaS (software as a service), e-commerce grocery and marketplace players are contributing the most to the unicorn universe. As for investors, Tiger Global and Sequoia Capital continued to rule the ecosystem.

The country has around 640 million internet users. Of this, 550 million are smartphone users. Additionally, digital payment has seen a growth of 30.19 per cent for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. Also, at the end of September 30, 2021, the UPI (unified payments interface) ecosystem saw 3.5 billion transactions amounting to Rs 6.54 trillion worth of transactions.

Ankur Bansal, co-founder and director, BlackSoil, believes that fintech, SaaS & e-commerce will continue to grab the bulk of investments. He expects many more unicorns in the space.

With the next 500 million internet users coming from the smaller cities, the growth of digital business is just going to grow from here and that is what investors are trying to be a part of, analysts pointed out.

A lot of these deals are being done on the back of not just the fundamental financial performance of the business but also potential market opportunity and ability of these to capture the same in a hyper growth fashion. Global venture growth backed by a huge appetite in capital markets is adding a surge to the number of unicorns out of India. As a result, follow up rounds are happening very quickly across all stages and sectors positively impacted by Covid, said Bansal.

Venture capital investors and experts expect India to have 150 unicorns by 2025. Jain of Orios Venture Partners explained why. We see that the going to compare very favourably on revenue/Ebitda multiples with their global counterparts as well as legacy that are non-tech in the same space."



According to Venture Intelligence data, the has seen a record $4.8 billion across 143 deals from January to September.
India clocked its 31st unicorn on Thursday. Rebel Foods, the worlds largest internet company, said it has raised $175 million in a Series F round led by Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), sovereign wealth fund of the State of Qatar with participation from existing investors Coatue and Evolvence. This round catapults the company to a unicorn status with a valuation of $1.4 billion, up from about $800 million last year.

While we are excited about becoming the next unicorn, our focus continues to remain on improving customer experience the Rebel way, said Piyush Kakkad, chief financial officer, Rebel Foods. This round of will be re-invested in building our technology, increasing our global presence and also acquiring new brands. Rebel Foods is working towards an IPO in the next 18-24 months.

Rebel Foods is the first firm in India which has become a unicorn in the cloud kitchen space. A 'cloud kitchen' is one that does not offer a dine-in facility and accepts food orders only through an online ordering system. Globally, Rebel Foods competes with Taster in France, Keatz in Germany, Uber co-founder Travis Kalanicks start-up City Storage Systems and London-based Karma Kitchen.

Food delivery firms themselves such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, Deliveroo, and Swiggy had also entered the cloud kitchen space. In India, Rebel Foods also competes with Ola Foods, the food business arm of the SoftBank-backed ride-hailing firm Ola, which had expanded its network of technology-enabled kitchens. Ola was expanding its network of cloud kitchens to serve more customers.

Founded in 2011 by INSEAD alumni Jaydeep Barman and Kallol Banerjee, Rebel Foods operates the largest number of internet restaurants worldwide and on this network. The Mumbai-based company, known for brands like Faasos and Behrouz Biryani, has built over 45 brands (own plus partners) across 10 countries - India, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Philippines and Bangladesh. It operates over 4000 internet restaurants.

The company has disrupted a century-old industry of traditional business. It has done this by building a full-stack technology-enabled platform - Rebel Operating System, thereby catering to multiple food missions. With the influx of fresh funding, Rebel Foods will continue to focus on growing their international footprint, technology and brand acquisitions. This latest fundraising will also allow Rebel to deliver on its vision of bringing the highest quality brands across food missions to customers globally.

The food-tech space has evolved towards better personalization, innovation, and complete transparency which Rebel Foods continues to pioneer, said Ravi Golani, chief strategy officer, Rebel Foods. With this round of funding, we will continue to serve newer customer food missions powered by technology and automation.

Rebel Foods operates over 450 kitchens globally across more than 60 cities over 10 countries. The company has successfully built multiple $20 million brands over the past few years with multiple category-leading brands such as Faasos, Behrouz Biryani and Ovenstory Pizza. Rebel Foods is steadily moving towards profitability with Annual Run Rate sales of $150 million, growing 100 per cent year-over-year and is eyeing an IPO in the next 18-24 months. Goldman Sachs acted as the exclusive Financial Advisor and Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas acted as the Legal Advisor to Rebel Foods on this transaction.

Globally, the internet restaurant space was already witnessing momentum even before the pandemic hit, due to the inherent advantages of cost and scalability compared to brick-and-mortar restaurants. The past year has only accelerated the trend, with a greater portion of dine business now transitioning to delivery.

Early this year in an interview, Rebel Foods co-founder Kallol Banerjee revealed the company plans to scale up operations of building and running virtual restaurant brands globally, with rising adoption of its services after the pandemic. The firm had said it is betting big on expansion to global markets such as West Asia (especially Saudi Arabia), Latin America, Russia, and Europe.

Until this fresh round, Rebel Foods had raised a total of $342.3 million from investors, including Goldman Sachs, Sequoia, Coatue Management and Indonesian ride-hailing company Go-Jek.

Rebel Foods is also expanding the scope of its business through franchises. In December 2020, US fast-food chain Wendys Company formed a strategic partnership with Rebel Foods to expand Wendys presence in India over the next decade.

As part of the expansion plans, Rebel Foods will partner with Sierra Nevada Restaurants to develop and operate about 250 Wendys cloud kitchens across India, and Sierra Nevada will develop 150 traditional Wendys restaurants. The firm is also forming similar partnerships with local and national brands such as Natural Ice Cream and Mad Over Donuts.
Emami Agrotech, the and bio-diesel arm of the diversified group, is eyeing a turnover of Rs 25,000 crore by 2025 on higher volumes.

The company is looking to close the current financial year 2021-2022 with a turnover of around Rs 20,000 crore; in FY 2020-2021, it had clocked in a turnover of Rs 12,000 crore.

Much of the increase in turnover would come from higher volumes led by the new plant at Kandla, Gujarat that has started production. The Kandla refinery with a production capacity of 3.200 tonnes per day (TPD), is the fourth production unit of the company in India, after Haldia, Krishnapatnam and Jaipur.

The Rs 600 crore greenfield plant at Kandla will take the total production capacity of to over 12,000 TPD from its earlier capacity of 9,000 TPD. will produce refined palm oil, refined soyabean oil and value added products like vanaspati and bakery fats from the refinery.

The commencement of the Kandla plant is a big step for us as we aim to consolidate ourselves further on a national level, Aditya V Agarwal, director, Emami group, said.

Manish Goenka, director, Emami group, explained that it would help to reach out to a wider consumer base across northern and western regions.

The plant is built on 54 acres. It is the only plant in the entire Kandla region which has a direct pipeline access from the port offering significant logistical and cost benefits, added Goenka. The plant will be generating total employment of almost 2,000 including direct and indirect jobs.

Meanwhile, the company is also looking to grow its non-edible oil business. In 2019, it forayed into the spices segment and in 2021, it launched soya chunks.

Agarwal said that the company wants to be a food company. In the next 3 years, it has lined up an investment of around Rs 1,000-1,500 crore for brand building that may also include newer categories.
Dallas-based Inc (SEI) has signed an agreement with Ventures (RRV) to launch convenience stores in India, days after Future Retail Ltd ended its deal with the US chain.

The first store will open on Saturday in Andheri, Mumbai. RRV said in a statement. It will then roll out more stores in neighbourhoods and commercial areas in the Greater Mumbai.

At Reliance, we pride ourselves in offering the best to our customers and we are proud to bring 7-Eleven, the globally trusted convenience store, to India, said Isha Ambani, director, Ventures Limited.

India is the second largest country in the world and has one of the fastest-growing economies. Its an ideal time for the largest convenience retailer in the world to make our entry into India said SEI President and Chief Executive Officer, Joe DePinto.

Earlier this week, Future Retail said the agreement with Inc, to develop and operate the US firm's round-the-clock convenience stores in India, was terminated mututally as the could not meet targets for opening stores and franchisee-fee payments.

had agreed to sell its retail assets to Reliance, but the deal hit a roadblock after Amazon.com challenged it. Future has said it would bear "unimaginable" damages if the transaction doesn't go through.



(With agencies)
co-founder Rakesh Gangwal has moved to enforce an order of the London Court of International

Sources said the order had mandated relief in terms of the shareholders agreement, which gives greater control to co-promoter Rahul Bhatia and puts restrictions on transferring shares.

Based on the proceedings initiated by Bhatia-owned lnterGlobe Enterprises (IGE), the London Court of International had on September 23 given the final award in the fight between the two promoters.

The proceedings were initiated by InterGlobe Enterprises (IGE) and Bhatia against Gangwal, the Chinkerpoo Family Trust, and Shobha Gangwal (RG Group).

On October 1, 2019, the IGE Group had submitted the request for arbitration to the London Court of International Arbitration.

The prayer is primarily in regard to the shareholders agreement. In order to change that an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) has to be called, a person said.

Last year, the resolution, proposed by Rakesh Gangwal to amend the companys Articles of Association, was defeated by the shareholders.

A spokesperson for and IGE refused to comment on the matter. Bhatia and Rakesh Gangwal didnt respond to queries on the issue.

On September 24, in a regulatory filing, IndiGo said it had received the final arbitral award, dated September 23, issued in the arbitration proceedings, by which the company was named respondent.

The current shareholders agreement gives Bhatias firm IGE operational control of the firm and its management.

Rakesh Gangwal has to comply with the shareholders agreement and the Articles of Association, and its voting during general meetings is to be dictated by IGE.

It also puts a restriction on either of the promoters on diluting their shareholding. A clause in the shareholders agreement says if any member of either the RG Group or the IGE Group proposes to transfer its shares to a third-party purchaser (not being an affiliate) otherwise than on a stock exchange or by way of a pre-negotiated sale on a stock exchange, then the other group will have the right of first refusal and tag along right.

The differences between the promoters became public in July 2019 after Rakesh Gangwal wrote to the Securities and Exchange Board of India, seeking its intervention to address corporate governance issues at the company. Bhatias IGE Group had rejected the allegations.

However, the feud hasnt affected IndiGos operational performance. It has increased its market share after the pandemic, taking advantage of rivals weak conditions.
Indias is in talks with and financial firms to become anchor investors in its upcoming initial public offering, according to people familiar with the matter.



State-backed wealth investors Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Singapores GIC Pte are among those weighing bidding to participate in the IPO, the people said, asking not to be identified as the information is private.

Global financial firms such as BlackRock Inc. and Nomura Holdings Inc. are also in discussions to bid, the people said. One97 Communications Ltd., as is formally known, is considering seeking a valuation of around $20 billion to $22 billion based on initial investor feedback, they said.

There are already more than enough bids to cover the shares allocated for anchor investment in the IPO, the people said.

While the draft preliminary prospectus was filed in July, it is still awaiting approval from the Securities and Exchange Board of India, one of the people said.





ALSO READ: TMS, Ep 15: Business impact of Facebook outage, Subbarao on economy, & IPOs

Negotiations are ongoing and other bidders could emerge for the stakes, the people said. A representative for declined to comment, while ADIA, BlackRock, GIC and Nomura didnt immediately respond to requests for comment.

Indias market for first-time share sales is surging on debuts of tech firms like Zomato Ltd.s $1.3 billion offering. The amount of money raised in IPOs this year has reached $10.8 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. At the current pace, 2021 would exceed the all-time record of $11.8 billion.

Paytm, backed by SoftBank Group Corp., Berkshire Hathaway Inc. and Jack Mas Ant Group Co., plans to raise as much as 166 billion rupees ($2.2 billion) from its share sale, according to its draft prospectus.

Led by founder and Chief Executive Officer Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Paytm has expanded beyond digital payments into banking, credit cards, financial services and wealth management. It also supports Indias financial payments backbone, the Unified Payments Interface or UPI.

In fintech, Paytm has fended off stiff competition from a swath of global players and has the biggest market share of Indias merchant payments, with over 20 million partners in its network. Its users make 1.4 billion monthly transactions, according to numbers in a recent company blog post.

--With assistance from Elffie Chew, Pei Li, Anto Antony and Nicolas Parasie.
A decade after selling its branded formulations business to US-major for $3.72 billion, the Ajay group has announced it would demerge its pharmaceutical and financial services arms into separate listed entities.

With an FY21 turnover of Rs 5,776 crore, will rank among the top 10 in the country by revenue.

Pharma, however, draws around 15 per cent of its revenues from India, and the bulk of its business (48 per cent) comes from North America. The business contributes 45 per cent to the group turnover with the remaining coming from the financial services arm.

According to the plan, PHL Fininvest, the non-banking financial company (NBFC), will be amalgamated with (PEL) to create a large listed NBFC in India.

The merged housing finance company (HFC), after the DHFL acquisition, will remain a wholly-owned wholesale financing subsidiary of PEL.

Shareholders of PEL will get four shares of Piramal Pharma for every one share in PEL. The demerger will create a focused management for both businesses and give liquidity for shareholders (following the listing of the shares of PPL pursuant to the scheme) and will also insulate and de-risk both the businesses.

The demerger will give potential investors the option of being associated with the business of their choice.

In an interview, Ajay Piramal, chairman, Piramal Group, said the new structure would simplify the corporate setup and empower both the independently listed entities to be future-ready and pursue growth strategies with a sharper focus and identity.

We have been working on this for quite some time as there was a lot of demand from investors to have focused businesses. With this, both the financial services business and pharma business will be separated and unlock value for shareholders, Piramal said.

On Thursday, PEL shares closed 1.57 per cent up to Rs 2,886, making its market cap Rs 68,887 crore.





Piramals pharma business comprises a contract development and manufacturing (CDMO) business (among the top three in India); a complex hospitals generics business; India consumer healthcare business; and a joint venture with Allergan in the ophthalmology space.

Of this, the CDMO business contributes 62 per cent of the pharma revenues, while 29 per cent comes from the hospital generics segment, and about 9 per cent comes from India consumer health care.

Last October, when US-based private equity major Carlyle picked up 20 per cent in Piramal Pharma for $490 million, Nandini Piramal, executive director of (who will now also head the pharma division), had said besides paring debt, the fresh equity infusion would be used to create a war-chest for the next phase of growth.

Piramal Pharma has carried out three acquisitions in recent months -- API maker Hemmo Pharma for Rs 775 crore in March; an oral solids dosage facility in Sellersville, Pennsylvania, for about $17.5 million; and the remaining 49 per cent stake in Convergence Chemicals for Rs 65 crore.

Nandini Piramal, however, pointed out the pharma business would continue to grow organically both overseas and in India.

Over the past 10 years, the pharma business has clocked a 14 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in revenues and 28 per cent CAGR in earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation.

Ajay Piramal said the group was not looking at Srei for a takeover. On PELs investments in Shriram group companies, Piramal said his group would exit Shriram even as the valuations were going up.
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Company on Thursday said it has expanded the Jupiter range with the launch of a 125cc version of the scooter, with price starting at Rs 73,400 (ex-showroom Delhi).

The company already sells a 110cc version of the scooter and Jupiter 125 expands the product portfolio.

As per the company, the new model is bigger, more spacious with industry-first features such as the largest under-seat storage, segment-leading longest seat, masculine styling and unrivalled mileage.

"We have always focused on four parameters, namely scooterisation, premiumisation, investing in brands and product innovations. Since its inception in 2013, TVS Jupiter has been one of the most admired scooters in the country with several first-in-segment features.

The scooter customer of today seeks offerings that are aligned to their personal growth. We are confident that TVS Jupiter 125 will be a great fit for such evolving needs," Company Director and CEO KN Radhakrishnan noted.

The scooter embodies the same ethos as its predecessor with added elegance and distinctive features that make it a powerful and stand-out offering that will resonate well with customers, he added.

"With TVS Jupiter 125, we have created a robust offering with many firsts to its credit, ranging from industry-first spacious under-seat storage, which fits two full-face helmets to the largest seat in the segment and superior mileage with ETFi and TVS intelliGO," Company Senior Vice President (Marketing) Commuters, Corporate Brand & Dealer Transformation Aniruddha Haldar said.

The progressive neo masculine styling and features reinforce the premiumisation journey of the scooter customer, he added.

The scooter comes with a 124.8 cc engine, which churns a maximum power of 6 kW. It comes equipped with a semi-digital speedometer with smart alerts, average and real-time mileage indicators. TVS Jupiter 125 also gets body balance technology.

It comes with the largest under-seat storage of 33-litre capacity, the first scooter to fit two full-face helmets, the company stated.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Its headquarters is in Zurich and Dubai, it has 64 governments as clients and its operations spread across 140 countries. But VFS Global, a market leader in the processing business, has an Indian origin and that is in focus as the company is set for a change in ownership.

On Thursday, acquired a majority stake in from Swedish private equity firm EQT, pinning hopes of a rebound in global travel post the pandemic. The deal values at $2 billion as per a media report.

VFS was conceptualised in 2001 by Zubin Karkaria, then a chief operating officer of Kuoni India, to address the pain points of Indian globetrotters. Back then, applicants had to stand in long queues outside consulates while officers pored through their applications. VFS made the job easier for consulates as they had to only decide on granting or rejecting a visa, while VFS would handle the collection and scrutiny of documents. The first pilot project was with the US consulate in Mumbai, followed by Pune and Ahmedabad.

Soon, more contracts followed and by 2005, Kuoni India was processing visas for 11 countries in India, including the UK, Canada and Australia. Karkaria also became the CEO of the Indian business that year.

The companys global foray began in 2007, when the UK government outsourced visa processing in 33 countries.

Today India is among the top three markets for the company and also houses the global support office for the company. It handled six million applications from 51 centres in 2019.

Zubins success is conceptualising, executing and nurturing the business. He understands the travel and visa segment really well, said a former colleague.

While is a market leader today with over 50 per cent market share in the visa processing segment, the business idea initially was met with skepticism.

My colleagues thought the Americans would never agree to such an idea, Karkaria said in a media interview in 2015. Theirs was the toughest visa regime, with more processes and documentation than any other country, he said. Karkaria now serves as CEO of VFS Global.

VFS' core business operations are process-driven and the company has been successful in replicating them around the world, a former colleague said. In this business.

Visa processing is a niche business, driven by trust and relationship with governments. Contracts are awarded by governments at local and global levels and that requires the company to maintain a high standard of service delivery while adhering to data protection laws. VFS strength has really been its operations team, he added.
The (WHO) said that it has begun the shipment of COVID-19 medical supplies to through the Chinese port of Dalian, raising the possibility that the North might be easing its long-enforced tight border controls amid the global pandemic.

has tightened border controls since the outbreak of the in China, which has meant key materials and medical supplies could not be shipped to the North, Yonhap news agency reported.

The North closed off a major shipping route linking Dalian to its western port of Nampo in July, as it heightened its anti-epidemic emergency status to the highest level.

"To support DPR Korea (North Korea) with essential Covid-19 medical supplies, the WHO started the shipment through Dalian," the organization said in its weekly report that provides updates on situations about infections and preventive measures in the world.

Given that the report provided updated situations from September 20-26, the shipment appears to have started late last month. The report did not specify exactly when and what kind of medical materials had been headed to the North.

has claimed to be coronavirus-free and rejected outside help for its anti-epidemic campaign for fear that any shipment could spread the virus to its soil.

The WHO's latest report said that a total of 40,700 North Korean citizens have tested for the but "no case of Covid-19 has been reported as of 23 September 2021."

--IANS

int/shs

(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 announced its 80-member executive on Thursday with the likes of and Birender Singh, who have taken a sympathetic stand with the farmers protesting against three agri laws, and Gandhi's mother being among those replaced with a new crop of leaders.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, many Union ministers, including heavyweights like Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and Nitin Gadkari, and veterans like L K Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi, both of whom being also former party chiefs, are the expected presence in the list released by president J P Nadda.

Union ministers Rao Inderjit Singh and Prahlad Patel, Subramanian Swamy, known for his strong views on a host of issues, Suresh Prabhu, Dushyant Singh, who is the son of former Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje, Vijay Goel, Vinay Katiyar and S S Ahluwalia are among those who have not found a berth in the new list while Union minister V K Singh is no longer a regular member and has been named as a special invitee.

Union ministers Jyotiraditya Scindia, who left the Congress to join the BJP, Ashwini Vaishnaw and Delhi MP Ramesh Vidhuri are the new names on the list where senior leaders like Piyush Goyal, Dharmendra Pradhan and Nirmala Sitharaman have kept their position.





ALSO READ: Minister's son summoned, two held in Lakhimpur Kheri violence case

The decision to drop Varun Gandhi, Rao Inderjit Singh, Swamy and Birender Singh is seen as an indication of the party leadership's unhappiness with them over their views on a number of issues.

While has been vocal in prodding the government to talk with the agitating farmers and has voiced their concerns and sought action in the recent case of violence in Lakhimpur Kheri, Haryana leaders Rao Inderjit Singh and Birender Singh have not been enjoying the best of relations with the establishment in their state.

In a recent rally, Rao Inderjit Singh's remarks were seen as a dig at some of his party colleagues.

Union minister Smriti Irani, who was not in the last executive, has made a comeback while Harsh Vardhan, Ravi Shankar Prasad and Prakash Javadekar, who were recently dropped as Union ministers, have retained their place.

Six leaders from West Bengal, including actor Mithun Chakraborty, Dinesh Trivedi and Swapan Dasgupta, have made it to the key organisational body of the party with as many of them being made special invitees.

Besides 80 regular members, the executive will also have 50 special invitees and 179 permanent invitees, which include chief ministers, former CMs, deputy CMs, former deputy CMs, office-bearers and other key party members from states.

The executive is a key deliberative body of the party which meets to discuss important national issues and shapes the organisation's agenda. The disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has prevented its meeting for a long time.

Every new party president appoints a fresh team of national executive whose members were selected last time in 2015 by Nadda's predecessor Amit Shah. The party's constitution make it mandatory to drop a chunk of existing executive members to make way for new faces.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Senior leader and others were stopped by the district administration at the Uttar Pradesh-Uttarakhand border as they arrived here on their way to Lakhimpur Kheri to meet the families of the victims of violence during a farmers' protest that left eight people dead.

According to Bareilly Superintendent of Police (Rural) Rajkumar Agrawal, Rawat arrived here with a large number of people. The police told him that he can pass through Bareilly with his securitymen to go to Lakhimpur Kheri, but he did not agree to this.

The former Uttarakhand chief minister insisted on going to Lakhimpur Kheri with his convoy and was stopped at the Baheri toll plaza, the border of Bareilly district and Uttarakhand, the SP said.

Rawat, Uttarakhand chief Ganesh Godiyal and others sat on the highway with their supporters and raise slogans, he added.

They made attempts to enter Bareilly but due to the deployment of heavy police force, failed, the officer said, adding that Rawat was requested to proceed only with his securitymen but he did not relent and subsequently, went back to Uttarakhand.

Talking to reporters at the Baheri toll plaza, Rawat said, "Our struggle is dedicated to the deceased farmers. We were going to meet the families of the farmers who lost their lives in this struggle for their democratic rights but were not allowed."



"Today, when the farmer raises his voice, he is crushed to death by a car and when ( leader) Priyanka Gandhi goes to meet the suffering farmers, she is arrested. But those who are accused of killing the farmers are yet to be arrested by the police," he said, adding that democracy is in danger in the country.

Whoever raises his voice for his rights will either be killed or put in jail, the Congress leader said, adding that such atrocities did not take place even during the British era.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India on Thursday said discussions are going on with the US on the S-400 missile defence deal, a day after US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman expressed unease over New Delhi's procurement of the Russian weapons system.

"This has been under discussion between our two countries for some time. It was raised and we have discussed it and explained our perspective. And discussions on this are ongoing," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

He was replying to a question on Sherman's comments on Wednesday on the India- deal.

Sherman, on a three-day visit to India, told journalists that any decision on possible sanctions on the S-400 deal will be made by President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

The issue of India procuring the S-400 missile system from figured in Sherman's wide-ranging talks with Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Wednesday and both sides hoped to find a way out on the issue through dialogue.

"We've been quite public about any country that decides to use the S-400. We think that is dangerous and not in anybody's security interest. That said, we have a strong partnership with India," Sherman said.

"We want to be very thoughtful about the ways ahead, and discussions between our countries try to solve problems and I hope we will be able to in this instance as well," she said.

Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhary on Tuesday said that the first batch of S-400 missile defence system will arrive in India from by this year.

The US has already imposed sanctions on Turkey under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) for the purchase of S-400 missile defences from Russia.

In October 2018, India had signed a USD 5 billion deal with Russia to buy five units of the S-400 air defence missile systems, despite a warning from the Trump administration that going ahead with the contract may invite US sanctions.

India made the first tranche of payment of around USD 800 million to Russia for the missile systems in 2019. The S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system.

Following US sanctions on Turkey, there have been apprehensions that Washington may impose similar punitive measures against India.

Russian ambassador to India Nikolay Kudashev said in April that both Russia and India do not recognise bilateral sanctions as they are "illegal tools" of "unlawful and unfair" competition and pressure.

(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 Thursday asked the government to explain who are the accused against whom FIR has been registered in connection with the October 3 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, in which eight people were killed, and whether they have been arrested.

A bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana told the counsel appearing for to explain this in the status report.

The counsel told the bench, also comprising Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli, that a judicial commission has been constituted to inquire into the incident and the state would file a status report in the matter.

The apex court has posted the matter for hearing on Friday.

Eight people were killed in the violence on October 3 during a farmers' protest at Lakhimpur Kheri.

The incident has triggered a major political storm with opposition parties accusing the BJP government in of shielding the culprits.

Earlier in the day, the top court had said it would like to hear the two lawyers who had written a letter seeking a high-level judicial inquiry, also involving the CBI, into the Lakhimpur Kheri incident in which eight people were killed in violence during a farmers' protest.

The bench said that the letter was to be registered as a PIL and due to some miscommunication it was listed as the suo motu (on its own) case.

Four were mowed down by an SUV in Lakhinpur Kheri when a group agitating against the Centre's three new farm laws was holding a demonstration against the visit of UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on October 3.

Two BJP workers and a driver were beaten to death allegedly by the angry protesters, while a local journalist was also killed in the violence.

An FIR under section 302 of IPC (murder) has been registered against the Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra's son Ashish Mishra and others in the incident in Tikonia police station but no arrest has been made so far.

Farmer leaders have claimed that Ashish was in one of the cars that allegedly knocked down the protesters but the minister has denied the allegations.

Several farmer organisations are protesting against the passage of three laws -- The Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020 and (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020 since last November.

The apex court had stayed the implementation of these laws in January.

Initially, the protests started from Punjab in November last year and later spread to Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

(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.)
Two people are being quizzed in connection with the Lakhimpur Kheri in which eight lives were lost, and Union minister Ajay Mishra's son Ashish Mishra has been summoned for questioning, Inspector General of Police Laxmi Singh said on Thursday.

"If Ashish Mishra does not abide by the summons, legal procedure will be adopted," she told reporters here.

IG Singh, however, said that there was no time limit in the summons sent to Ashish Mishra.

The Union minister's son has been named in an FIR lodged in connection with the October 3 incident under IPC section 302 (murder).

The official refused to give out the names of those being questioned.

Four of the eight people who died in Sunday's in Lakhimpur Kheri were farmers, allegedly knocked down by vehicles driven by BJP workers travelling to welcome Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya to an event in the area.

The four others included two BJP workers, a driver of Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Kumar Mishra, and Raman Kashyap, a journalist working for a private TV channel.

While the first three were allegedly lynched by agitating farmers, the scribe, according to his father, died after being hit by a vehicle when he was covering news of farmers' protest against Maurya's visit to Ajay Mishra's native place.

(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.)
Punjab Congress Chief has demanded the arrest of Union Minister Ajay Kumar Mishra's son in connection with the death of farmers during violence in Uttar Pradesh, saying he would go on if action is not taken against him by Friday.

Union Minister of State for Home Mishra's son has been booked for allegedly mowing down four farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri on Sunday.

However, Mishra has denied allegations about his son's involvement in the case.

Sidhu on Thursday led a protest march from Punjab to Lakhimpur Kheri in protest against the killing of farmers.

A large number of party leaders including ministers, legislators and workers first assembled at Mohali here and then headed towards Lakhimpur Kheri in their vehicles.

Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi also joined Sidhu for a brief period when the march was about to start.

Sidhu had resigned from the post of Punjab Congress chief on September 28 but it wasn't immediately clear if the resignation was withdrawn.

Before the protest march Thursday, Sidhu slammed the BJP-led government in UP over the Lakhimpur Kheri incident.

He said Punjab Congress and party MLAs are standing firmly with the farmers.

He asked why UP authorities hadn't taken action against Mishra's son even after an FIR was lodged in the matter.

Are union minister and his son above the law and constitution? he asked.

This fight is for our farmers, he said, adding: If UP police do not arrest the union minister's son, I will go on It is my 'vachan' (promise)."



Later, he said, If the arrest is not made till tomorrow (Friday), or he does not join investigation, I will go on a "



Sidhu called Congress leaders Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Rahul Gandhi saviours of democracy.

Earlier, Punjab Congress working president Sukhwinder Singh Danny said they would stage a sit-in wherever they were stopped from heading towards Lakhimpur Kheri.

Congress legislator Sunder Sham Arora said they were ready for courting arrest if prevented from going to UP.

Four of the eight people who died in Sunday's violence in Lakhimpur Kheri were farmers, allegedly knocked down by vehicles driven by BJP workers travelling to welcome UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya to an event in the area.

Two BJP workers, Mishra's driver, and Raman Kashyap, a journalist working for a private TV channel, were also killed in the incident.

While the first three were allegedly lynched by agitating farmers, the scribe, according to his father, died after being hit by a vehicle when he was covering farmers' protest against Maurya's visit to Mishra's native place.

No arrests have been made in connection with the case so far.

(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.)
Two people were arrested Thursday and Union minister Ajay Mishra's son asked to appear before police in connection with the Lakhimpur Kheri in which eight people were killed. Ashish Mishra, the minister's son who was booked for murder, has been asked to present himself before police at 10 am on Friday, a notice said.

Police identified the two arrested men as Luvkush of Banbirpur village and Ashish Pandey of Nighasan tehsil. They were earlier being questioned by police.

This development comes on the day the sought a status report by Friday from the Uttar Pradesh government on the accused named by the police in FIR and whether they have been arrested.

The Union minister's son has been named in an FIR lodged in connection with the October 3 incident under IPC section 302 (murder). The official refused to give out the names of those being questioned.

Four of the eight people who died in Sunday's in Lakhimpur Kheri were farmers, allegedly knocked down by vehicles driven by BJP workers travelling to welcome Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya to an event in the area. The four others included two BJP workers, a driver of Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Kumar Mishra, and Raman Kashyap, a journalist working for a private TV channel.

While the first three were allegedly lynched by agitating farmers, the scribe, according to his father, died after being hit by a vehicle when he was covering news of farmers' protest against Maurya's visit to Ajay Mishra's native place.

The apex court termed unfortunate" the killing of eight people and also sought details of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and the judicial enquiry commission, reportedly set up by the state government.

The incident, which triggered a major political storm with the opposition parties accusing the BJP government in UP of shielding the culprits, was heard by a Bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana as a suo motu (on its own) case.





ALSO READ: Congress leader Harish Rawat stopped at Bareilly on way to Lakhimpur Kheri

You yourself have pointed out, it has also been reported and it is in the letter petition, which we have received, that eight persons, some of them are farmers and one is journalist and there are other persons also who have been killed. These all are unfortunate incidents in which different persons have been murdered, the Bench said.

We need to know who are the accused persons against whom you have registered the FIR and whether they have been arrested or not. Please explain this in your status report, it said and fixed the case for hearing on Friday.

The Bench started by saying, Grievance is that you are not looking into it (incident) properly and the FIR is not registered properly. Lawyer Garima Prasad, appearing for the state government, also termed the incident as unfortunate and said an SIT and the judicial commission of inquiry have been set up by the government and she may provide the details in the status report.

I can get details by tomorrow... The judicial commission of inquiry is being led by a former judge of the Allahabad High Court judge, she said and sought a copy of the letter whose cognizance has been taken by the bench.

You also tell us about the status of the PIL before the Allahabad High Court in the case...tomorrow we are listing. Get all the instructions, the bench observed orally.

During the brief hearing, the CJI referred to a message to the court.

We have received one message when the hearing is going on from one Amrti Pal Singh Khalsa that the mother of the deceased Lovepreet Singh is in critical condition due to shock of loss of her son. She needs immediate medical assistance. This says that the court may direct the state of UP to grant medical facilities to her...

You (state lawyer) please, immediately tell your state government so that it can take care of the mother of the deceased...extend all medical facilities. You can get her admitted in a nearest government medical college, the bench observed.

Earlier in the day, the top court said it would like to hear the two lawyers who had written a letter seeking a high-level judicial inquiry, also involving the CBI, into the Lakhimpur Kheri incident in which eight people were killed in during a farmers' protest.

The bench said that the letter was to be registered as a PIL and due to some miscommunication it was listed as the suo motu (on its own) case.

"Does not matter, we will hear it nonetheless, said the bench, also comprising justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli.

The bench asked the court officials to intimate the two lawyers - Shiv Kumar Tripathi and C S Panda  to appear and passed over the case.

This letter is addressed by two lawyers. We directed the Registry to register this as a PIL but due to some miscommunication, it was listed as a suo motu.. . Inform both the lawyers who wrote the letter to be present, the CJI said.

The matter was again taken up and adjourned to tomorrow after the oral directions to the state government.

Four farmers were mowed down by an SUV in Lakhimpur Kheri when a group agitating against the Centre's three new farm laws was holding a demonstration against the visit of UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on October 3.

Two BJP workers and a driver were beaten to death allegedly by the angry protesters, while a local journalist was also killed in the violence.

An FIR under section 302 of IPC (murder) has been registered against the Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra's son Ashish Mishra and others in the incident in Tikonia police station but no arrest has been made so far.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Delhi High Court Thursday said there was no reason to continue the case on monitoring measures to combat the spread of COVID-19 as much care has already been taken by the Centre and state government on that front.

A bench of Chief Justice D N Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh, hearing a public interest litigation by lawyer Triveni Potekar, noted that the government has provided adequate healthcare facilities and is presently providing free vaccines to the public.

Central government counsel Anil Soni said the petition, filed in March 2020, was now infructuous as adequate measures have already been taken by the authorities against the virus.

The bench closed the proceedings on the petition and granted liberty to the petitioner to approach an appropriate forum again in case of any difficulty.

We see no reason to further monitor the case. Liberty is reserved with the petitioner to file proper litigation in case of difficulty, the court said.

On March 11 last year, the court had issued notice to the Centre and on the PIL seeking proper and adequate measures to combat COVID-19.

The petition also sought directions to the Centre and the AAP-led to make available important and relevant information on access to and availability of medical facilities for testing and treatment for the disease.

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The government has deputed Pradeep Kumar Srivastava, a retired judge of the Allahabad High Court, to probe the October 3 Lakhimpur Kheri violence in which nine persons lost their lives.

The judicial commission will have its office in Lakhimpur Kheri and it is required to submit its report within two months.

On October 4, the state government had announced that it would appoint a retired high court judge to ensure an impartial probe into the violence in which Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni's son Ashish is an accused.

--IANS

amita/ksk/

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To further strengthen the economy of India and the United States, commerce and industry minister on Thursday pitched for a stronger trade and economic partnership between the two nations.

Close partnership between both nations is central to a free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region, the minister said. India is a trusted partner and ally of the US. Going forward, it is in the interest of both countries to strengthen strategic partnership into a more comprehensive economic and trade partnership also, Goyal said at the US India Business Councils (USIBCs) 46th annual general meeting and India Ideas summit.

India and the US can collaborate on many areas and strengthen each other's economies. The US has a huge investment surplus that can be used for infrastructure investment in India. We can help bring down the healthcare costs in the US, Goyal said.

Since India is recognised as a major defence partner of the US, Goyal also called for multiple dialogues across areas of energy, health, trade and innovation to improve business-to-business relationships and provide the people of both countries with better services and opportunities.

The ministers statement comes in the backdrop of the US indicating that they are not looking at a new trade agreement with India. In the past, India had extensive discussions with the US on a limited trade deal. However, the deal didn't get through with the change in the US administration in the beginning of the year.

India is also trying to ink trade deals with its key trading partners and like-minded nations such as the UK, Australia, European Union and UAE. As far as the US is concerned, it is Indias second largest trading partner.

The minister further said that India-US relationship had developed to a global strategic partnership, based on the convergence on bilateral, regional and global issues. Besides, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the US President Joe Biden have been proactive in deepening relations between both nations.

India and the US need to leverage our complementary strengths in technology, finance, production and supply and enhance cooperation in electronic manufacturing, Fintech, Ed-tech, pharma and health, biotechnology, etc, he added.
India is trying to include as a key sector of cooperation in free trade agreements (FTA) that the country is negotiating with its trading partners, Commerce and Industry Minister said on Thursday.

India is negotiating trade pacts with the UK, Australia, the UAE, Canada and others.

"In the FTA and Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) talks being negotiated with many countries such as the UK, Australia or Canada, we are trying to include as a key sector of cooperation and incorporate tie-ups among Universities keeping NEP (national policy) as the basis and aiming to reduce fees, he said in a webinar.

In a free trade pact, two or more trading partners eliminate or significantly reduce customs duties on the maximum number of goods traded between them. Besides, they also relax norms to increase trade in services.

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The US has huge investment surpluses that can be used in developing infrastructure in India and make it a manufacturing base to help American economy grow and provide goods and services at affordable and competitive prices, Commerce and Industry Minister said on Thursday.

He also said that going forward, it is in the interest of both countries to strengthen their strategic partnership into a more comprehensive economic and trade partnership also.

India, he said, has several goods and services to offer to the US which are needed by consumers there.

Apart from pharmaceutical products, India can provide trained paramedical staff, IT professionals, textiles, leather, gems and jewellery as these sectors hold tremendous potential in America, Goyal said.

"The US has huge investment surpluses which can be used in India for promoting infrastructure investments (and) also to make India a manufacturing base to help you (USA) grow your economy, to help provide goods and services to you at affordable and competitive prices. For example, India can bring down the US healthcare cost very significantly," he said at USIBC India Ideas Summit.

Goyal added that India is looking at a national infrastructure pipeline, which will provide huge opportunities of over USD 1.4 trillion to boost investments in the for which the government here has provided an enabling environment.

"We have more liberal FDI rules, we have reduced corporate tax, we have a simplified tax regime, a single-window clearance mechanism for all approvals, huge land bank to set up manufacturing bases or industrial clusters, we have removed and sorted out legacy issues of the past like the retrospective income tax law," the minister said.

He added that India has a huge talent pool that the US can leverage.

Goyal said India is recognised as a major defence partner of the US and can also become a big market for American companies in other sectors.

"Multiple dialogues across energy, health and innovation can enable us to have better business-to-business engagement. India and the US are working together to develop resilient supply chains in advanced technology areas and we need to explore several more areas," he said.

Talking about areas for increasing cooperation, the minister said that sectors like electronics, pharma and healthcare, space and biotechnology hold tremendous potential.

"We must leverage our complementary strengths in technology, finance, production, supply and emerging start-up ecosystem with fintech, edtech and health services taking the lead," he added.

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The Plus One 2nd Allotment 2021 results have been declared on the official website at hscap. gov.in. Candidates who registered for Class 11 admissions can check the list using their application number and password. The Kerala Directorate of Higher Secondary (DHSE) had released the first allotment list in September.

The merit list is being prepared on the basis of Kerala SSLC or class 10 marks obtained by the students.

Students who make it to the second list must take their admissions with the time period to be provided by the Higher Secondary Centralised Admission Process (HSCAP).

Kerala Plus One Second Allotment 2021: How to check

1. Visit the official website of HSCAP (hscap.kerala.gov.in)

2. Click on Kerala plus one-second allotment list link on the homepage

3. Log in using your application number, password, and district

4. The merit list will be displayed on the screen. Save the document for further reference.

Kerala Plus One 2nd Allotment 2021: What next

Candidates who have made it to the allotment list will have to get their documents verified and pay a minimum fee to reserve the seats. Any discrepancy while verifying the documents will result in the cancellation of admission.

The government had earlier said that 20 per cent more seats will be added in the northern districts of Kerala colleges such as in Tahsur and 10 per cent seats will be added in Thiruvananthapuram districts from this academic year.
If technology could replace teaching and learning, schools and colleges in various counties would have shut down decades ago, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister said on Thursday.

The minister was addressing the Digital India Conclave, where he discussed the impact of technology on post the COVID-19 outbreak.

"Technology is a tool to improve education, it can add value to education, but technology can never replace teaching-learning experience. If that were the case, schools and colleges in countries leading in technology would have shut down decades ago, and the entire system would have shifted to digital platforms," Sisodia said.

"Before COVID-19, the system was traditionally functioning and was adopting technology slowly. COVID-19, however, forced us to adopt technology in education. The entire education system had to shift to digital platforms. While this was not a good situation, we made better use of technology," he added.

Sisodia, who is also Delhi's education minister, said now that COVID-19 is under control, a big question before the education system is to what extent technology can be integrated in it.

"Today, there is a need to adopt such a blended and hybrid model of education which is neither completely conventional nor completely technology-based because while on one hand, we are teaching our children to learn and take advantage of technology, at the same time, we are also helping them become socially and emotionally healthy individuals and responsible citizens," he said.

Technology acts as a value-addition to education and is not its replacement, Sisodia asserted.

"Even if this is to be done, the whole concept of the school will need to be thought of in a new way because today there are many things like education, peer learning, one-to-one learning, social-emotional learning etc. for which technology is not a solution.

"The Delhi government is going to start virtual schools as an experiment. Their purpose is to know whether a school can be taken out of its physical boundaries through technology," he added.

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At least 20 people were killed and over 300 injured after a powerful 5.9 magnitude jolted a mountainous part of Pakistan's province early on Thursday, collapsing several houses.

Disaster management officials said the death toll may increase, Geo News reported.

The National Seismic Monitoring Centre in Islamabad reported that the epicentre of the was near Harnai at a depth of around 15 kilometres. It further said the "exact damage" has not yet been confirmed.

The quake affected Quetta, Sibi, Harnai, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Chaman, Ziarat and Zhob in

Most of the deaths and injuries were reported from the remote north-eastern district of Harnai.

The US Geological Survey said it was a 5.9 magnitude quake that struck at a shallow depth. Shallow quakes can cause more damage.

The death toll of 20 was confirmed by Deputy Commissioner of Harnai District Sohail Anwar Hashmi.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said many of the dead were women and children.

Images on social media showed people in the city of Quetta out on the streets in the aftermath of the quake, Dawn newspaper reported.

Aftershocks are still being felt in different areas. The earliest tremors were felt at 3:20 am after which panicked citizens rushed out of their houses reciting verses from the holy Quran. Relief and rescue activities are underway, with an emergency declared in all hospitals.

According to Hashmi, several people have been rushed to the hospital in critical condition. He said that several buildings in Harnai have been damaged. Many people were left buried under the rubble.

More than 100 mud houses have also collapsed, leaving hundreds of people homeless.

The power supply to the area has been suspended, he said.

Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani said that assistance and evacuation efforts were underway.

"Blood, ambulances, emergency assistance, [helicopters] and rest all things are placed ... All departments are working on it," he tweeted.

Speaking to Geo News, PDMA Director General Naseer Ahmed Nasir said there had been landslides in mountainous areas.

Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove said five to six districts were affected on a "major scale" and data was still being collected.

straddles between the Indian and the Eurasian tectonic plates and is located on the Indus-Tsangpo Suture Zone, which is roughly 200 km north of the Himalaya Front, which makes this region highly susceptible to earthquakes.

The region has the highest rates of seismicity and largest earthquakes in the Himalayan region, caused mainly by movement on thrust faults. The country has suffered several earthquakes in recent years.

One of the worst earthquakes to hit the country in recent years was on October 8, 2005, which killed over 74,000 people.

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Afghanistans humanitarian situation is spiraling into catastrophe.

Millions of Afghans are now facing severe economic stress and food insecurity in the wake of the Talibans August takeover, set off by widespread lost income, cash shortages, and rising food costs. Officials with the UN and several foreign governments are warning of an economic collapse and risks of worsening acute malnutrition and outright famine.

Surveys by the World Food Program (WFP) reveal over nine in ten Afghan families have insufficient food for daily consumption, half stating they have run out of food at least once in the last two weeks. One in three Afghans is already acutely hungry. Other reports warn that over 1 million more children could face acute malnutrition in the coming year.

One main cause of the crisis is that governments in August stopped payments from the World Bank-administered Reconstruction Trust Fund, previously used to pay salaries to millions of civil servants, doctors, nurses, teachers, and other essential workers. Afghanistans health and education systems, among other sectors, are collapsing. Millions of Afghan families have lost their incomes.





ALSO READ: Afghanistan requests UN to pay its power bills before nation goes dark

At the same time, Afghan banks and global financial institutions, including Western Union, MoneyGram, and the Central Bank of Afghanistan, now lack enough paper currency to cover withdrawals. Account holders receiving foreign transfers or with money in the bank  ordinary Afghans, companies, UN agencies, humanitarian aid organizations  cant access their money.

Donor governments are understandably concerned about actions that would bolster or appear to legitimate authorities who are arbitrarily arresting and attacking activists, journalists, and former government workers and adopting policies and practices that violate the rights of women and girls to education, employment, and freedom of movement. They have already imposed severe restraints on activists, women, and the media and resumed executions.

But Afghanistans underlying economic and humanitarian problems, which disproportionately affect women and girls, cannot simply be ignored because of the Talibans record.

The U.S. Treasury on September 24 did issue new guidance and licenses that authorize electronic transfers with banks and other entities for humanitarian purposes. The problem is that electronic transactions alone cannot address the crisis. The Afghan Central Bank needs to be able to supply physical dollars and afghanis.

But after the takeover, the New York Federal Reserve cut off the Central Banks access to its U.S. dollar assets and capacity to settle U.S. dollar transactions with other banks  and its capacity to purchase paper dollars from the Federal Reserve to ensure liquidity and currency stability. The World Bank also stopped the bank from accessing its assets held by the Monetary Fund.



ALSO READ: Taliban face shift from war to policing Afghanistan streets

U.S. dollar transactions, including paper transactions, are integral to Afghanistans economy. Most of the countrys gross domestic product comes from outside the country in the form of dollars  donor money, remittances, export income. If the Afghan Central Bank isnt provided with a method of settling dollar accounts and obtaining new paper currency in dollars, liquidity problems and cash shortages will only grow worse. Local currency issues also need to be addressed. Companies that print Afghan currency in Europe, concerned about sanctions, still cannot ship new bills to Kabul. authorities have no capacity to print money.

Afghanistans economy has a limited capacity for resilience. The new Taliban authorities, like the previous government, do not possess adequate revenue sources to fund basic government services. This is a country that has relied on outside donors to help with such services for most of its modern existence.

The UN has announced a plan to send $45 million to support the health sector via UN agencies  but this will not solve the paper and liquidity crises. Its not the UNs role to fly millions of physical U.S. dollars into Foreign governments need to figure out how to restore funding to public services, not only health but also education, using the countrys banks and without enriching the Taliban or facilitating their abuses.

In doing so, the U.S. government and other main donors to Afghanistan will need to adjust sanctions policies and reach agreements allowing the Central Bank to process selected transactions and obtain paper currency. Donors and the Taliban will also need to agree on methods for supporting vital services through independent organizations such as the UN or non-governmental organizations.

The Taliban will have to accept that concerns about providing direct budgetary support, and preventing corruption, will require independent financial oversight of transactions  something UN and financial authorities already do. The Taliban will also need to accept that donors will only support assistance and services that are equitably distributed to women and men, girls and boys, and allow systems to monitor and ensure that services benefit all Afghans.

Inaction is untenable. The Talibans cruelties are horrendous, but walking away from past support for vital services, politically and economically isolating the country, and maintaining overbroad, blanket financial restrictions, wont mitigate the abuses, but only hurt the Afghan people more.
DuckDuckGo and three other search engine rivals to on Thursday urged EU lawmakers to take action against the Alphabet unit via new tech rules, saying they have yet to see positive results from an antitrust ruling against

The European Commission in 2018 levied a record 4.24- billion-euro ($5 billion) fine on for unfairly using Android to cement the dominance of its search engine and ordered it to ensure a level playing field for rivals.

Google subsequently made changes and four months ago said it would let rivals compete for free to be the default on Android devices in Europe.

U.S. search engine DuckDuckGo, Germany's Ecosia and French peers Qwant and Lilo said lawmakers should use tech rules drafted by EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager called the Digital Markets Act (DMA) to ensure competition.

"Despite recent changes, we do not believe it will move market share significantly due to its persisting limitations," they said in a joint letter to European Parliament lawmakers.

They said a preference menu that let users choose their search default when setting up an Android device is not available on Chrome desktop or on other operating systems, and that it is only shown once to users.

"The DMA should enshrine in law a requirement for a search engine preference menu that would effectively ban Google from acquiring default search access points of the operating systems and the browsers of gatekeepers," they said.

The DMA may come into force in 2023 once it gets the green light from EU lawmakers and EU countries.

($1 = 0.8654 euros)

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee; editing by Richard Pullin)

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Ltd., an Indian producer of chemicals used in agriculture, will be asked to pay for the establishment of a forum that will keep the public informed about developments relating to a spill of hazardous chemicals in the South African city of Durban.

The so-called multi stakeholder forum will be set up by the countrys environment department and will request that pay for it under the polluter pays principle, the department said in a request for public comment on the forums terms of reference on Tuesday.

has been accused by the department of illegally storing hazardous chemicals that were released into a residential area and a river system after its warehouse in the South African city of Durban was looted and set ablaze in July in a spate of rioting. Beaches were closed, more than 3 tons of dead fish were found and residents reported air pollution.

On Sunday, Barbara Creecy, South Africas environment minister, said the company and the owners of the land where the warehouse is situated, should be criminally investigated. The property was sold by Tongaat-Hulett Ltd. in 2016 and is currently leased to UPL by a company called Fortress, Tongaat said.

UPL has denied wrong doing.

The company said it has spent over 100 million rand ($6.6 million) on cleaning up and containing the spill and has a team of 20 experts reporting on a weekly basis to the department.
Treasury Department officials are debating whether the U.S., the Monetary Funds largest shareholder, should ask Managing Director to resign amid an ethics scandal, people familiar with the situation said.



The Treasurys deliberation continues as the Washington-based fund said its executive board met with Georgieva on Wednesday as part of its ongoing review of an investigation by law firm WilmerHale, commissioned by the World Bank. It alleged that she pressured bank staff to adjust data for a ranking in Chinas favor while working there previously. She took the helm of the IMF in 2019.

The 24-member board remains committed to a thorough, objective, and timely review and expects to meet again soon for further discussion, the IMF said in a statement.

The people who spoke to Bloomberg News about the U.S.s position declined to be identified because the discussions are private. Washingtons stance is key in the matter because it has the biggest share of the funds voting rights at 16.5%.

There is a review currently underway with the IMF board and Treasury has pushed for a thorough and fair accounting of all the facts, Treasury spokeswoman Alexandra LaManna said. Our primary responsibility is to uphold the integrity of financial institutions. She declined to say whether the agencys decision about Georgieva will be released publicly.

The executive boards meeting went on for about five hours, and the body is due to reconvene on Friday, where executive directors may arrive at a common position, another person said.

On Monday, the executive board met with WilmerHale, it said in a statement.

Some staff at the fund, which employs about 2,700 people, have lost confidence in Georgieva, several people familiar with the matter said.

The IMF and World Bank annual meetings, taking place partially in person next week for the first time since the pandemic began, are normally a place to showcase the best research and new initiatives from the Bretton Woods institutions. But this year, employees throughout their ranks find themselves distracted by the scandal related to the World Banks Doing Business report and questions about Georgievas future, according to the people familiar with their internal dynamics.

The IMF didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Amidst a dire humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) is in discussions with India for donating to the war-torn country which is now under the control of the

Representative and Country Director of WFP Mary-Ellen McGroarty, responding to a question during a virtual press conference on whether the UN World Food Programme has approached India for donating more to this year, said: Yeah, I mean as far as I'm aware it's a conversation that's going on with my office locally in India.

This conversation has been going on for a couple of weeks now. So hopefully we can bring that to a good conclusion and hopefully would see another donation coming in because again as I said, there's a deficit of 2.5 million tons this year in So, really we need all the help we can get, she said on Wednesday.

Last year, India had donated 75,000 metric tons of wheat as aid for Afghan citizens. The wheat had come through the Chabahar port.

The Indian Embassy in Kabul had said in November last year that the shipment of wheat was supplied to Afghanistan in 10 installments between April and September 2020, through Chabahar, with the aim of assisting Afghanistan in augmenting its food security during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

This food grains assistance is part of India's humanitarian and economic assistance program. The large-scale deliveries from India to Afghanistan via Chabahar Port also demonstrates the salience and economic viability of the Chabahar Port for Afghanistan' trade and commerce, the Indian mission had said.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in a statement that UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs in Afghanistan are in a race against time to deliver life-saving aid to crisis-affected people and preposition supplies ahead of winter.

Millions of people in Afghanistan have been deeply affected by decades of conflict and displacement, chronic poverty, the COVID-19 pandemic, a severe drought, a failing health system, and an on the brink of collapse. The rights of women and girls, and of minorities in Afghanistan, are seriously under threat, it said.

McGroarty said that Afghanistan is on borrowed time. In my long career with WFP, I've never before seen a crisis unfold at this pace and scale. We are witnessing a new depth of destitution as the drought and the economic crisis drives up food and fuel prices. Getting food to families across Afghanistan before the cold and harsh winter is what we must do now!



In September, over 3.8 million people received food aid, 21,000 children aged 6-59 months and 10,000 women got treatment for acute malnutrition, 32,000 people non-food items including blankets and warm clothes, 10,000 children were reached with community-based education activities, 450,000 people with healthcare, 160,000 farmers and herders were provided with livelihood support, 12,000 people got emergency psycho-social and mental health support, 186,000 drought-affected received water and 150,000 people got hygiene promotion and hygiene kits, the UN agency said.

At the beginning of 2021, the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan was already one of the worst in the world, with nearly half of the population some 18.4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance.

Conflict and insecurity have displaced nearly 700,000 people within the county this year, with more than 3.5 million Afghans uprooted by conflict in total.

Existing needs and vulnerabilities have deepened following recent events, and economic shocks are tipping more people in Afghanistan into crisis.

On September 13 this year, the humanitarian community launched the Afghanistan Flash Appeal, calling for USD 606 million to provide priority life-saving aid to 10.8 million of the most vulnerable people in need by the end of the year.

Despite the outpouring of support and global attention to the dire situation in Afghanistan, the flash appeal remains only 35 per cent funded, the agency said.

Pledges and commitments by donors must urgently be turned into reality to ensure humanitarian organisations can respond before it is too late. UN member states are requested to allow the swift and unfettered movement of humanitarian supplies and personnel into and out of Afghanistan, and to provide humanitarian financial exemptions to allow funds to reach aid organizations in the country, the UN agency added.

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By Ahmad Ghaddar

LONDON (Reuters) - extended losses from the previous session on Thursday, as the said it was considering selling oil from its strategic reserves and as Russia said it was ready to stabilise the natural gas market.

prices were down 16 cents, or 0.2%, at $80.92 a barrel by 1306 GMT, after touching a session low of $79.08. WTI crude futures fell 30 cents, or 0.4%, to $77.13 a barrel, having hit a session low of $74.96.

Both contracts fell about 2% on Wednesday.

"The crude market might be less tight should the tap the strategic crude reserves and if Russia manages to send more natural gas to Europe, this might result in less substitution from natural gas to crude," said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.

U.S. Secretary Jennifer Granholm said on Wednesday that the administration is considering tapping the country's Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to cool a surge in gasoline prices, the Financial Times reported.

Granholm also did not rule out a ban on crude exports, which was lifted in 2015.

Goldman Sachs said a likely SPR release, which could be up to 60 million barrels, only posed a $3 downside risk to its $90/bbl year-end Brent price forecast.

A larger-than-expected fall in U.S. crude inventories last week also weighed on prices.

Stocks rose by 2.3 million barrels, the U.S. Information Administration said, against expectations for a modest dip of 418,000 barrels. [EIA/S]

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia was boosting gas supplies to Europe, including via Ukraine, in response to the crunch and stands ready to stabilise the market amid surging prices.

Such a move could help cool off record high gas prices.

Analysts say as winter approaches those gas prices could have an impact on the already tight crude market as some users switch to oil.

Earlier this week, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) agreed to stick to its plan to raise output by 400,000 bpd in November, sending crude prices to multi-year highs.

OPEC+'s decision was partly driven by concern that demand and prices could weaken, sources close to the group told Reuters.

(Additonal reporting by Naveen Thukral in Singapore; editing by Jason Neely, Kirsten Donovan)

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Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd is quoting at Rs 450.45, up 0.73% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The stock is up 32.47% in last one year as compared to a 50.72% spurt in NIFTY and a 62.02% spurt in the Nifty Energy.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd is up for a fifth straight session in a row. The stock is quoting at Rs 450.45, up 0.73% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The benchmark NIFTY is up around 1.08% on the day, quoting at 17836.65. The Sensex is at 59832.54, up 1.09%. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd has dropped around 7.99% in last one month.

Meanwhile, Nifty Energy index of which Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd is a constituent, has dropped around 14.01% in last one month and is currently quoting at 23898, up 0.2% on the day. The volume in the stock stood at 22.09 lakh shares today, compared to the daily average of 79.75 lakh shares in last one month.

The benchmark October futures contract for the stock is quoting at Rs 452.75, up 1.17% on the day. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd is up 32.47% in last one year as compared to a 50.72% spurt in NIFTY and a 62.02% spurt in the Nifty Energy index.

The PE of the stock is 7.42 based on TTM earnings ending June 21.

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A powerful 5.9-magnitude jolted a mountainous part of Pakistan's province early on Thursday, resulting in collapse of several houses that left at least 22 people dead and over 300 injured, officials said.

Disaster management officials said the death toll may increase, Geo News reported.

The National Seismic Monitoring Centre in Islamabad reported that the epicentre of the was near Harnai at a depth of around 15 kilometres. It further said the exact damage has not yet been confirmed.

The quake affected Quetta, Sibi, Harnai, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Chaman, Ziarat and Zhob in

Most of the deaths and injuries were reported from the remote north-eastern district of Harnai.

The US Geological Survey said it was a 5.9 magnitude quake that struck at a shallow depth. Shallow quakes can cause more damage.

The death toll of 22 was confirmed by Deputy Commissioner of Harnai District Sohail Anwar Hashmi. There were six children among the dead.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said many of the dead were women and children.

Images on social media showed people in the city of Quetta out on the streets in the aftermath of the quake, Dawn newspaper reported.

Aftershocks are still being felt in different areas. The earliest tremors were felt at 3:20 am after which panicked citizens rushed out of their houses reciting verses from the holy Quran. Relief and rescue activities are underway, with an emergency declared in all hospitals.

According to Hashmi, several people have been rushed to the hospital in critical condition. He said that several buildings in Harnai have been damaged. Many people were left buried under the rubble.

More than 100 mud houses have also collapsed, leaving hundreds of people homeless.

The power supply to the area has been suspended, he said.

Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani said that assistance and evacuation efforts were underway.

"Blood, ambulances, emergency assistance, [helicopters] and rest all things are placed ... All departments are working on it," he tweeted.

Army said in a statement that the troops reached earthquake-hit areas of Harnai for rescue and relief efforts.

Necessary food / Shelter items moved for the earthquake-affected population. Army Doctors & paramedics along with necessary medicines are assisting civil administration for necessary medical care, it said.

Speaking to Geo News, PDMA Director General Naseer Ahmed Nasir said there had been landslides in mountainous areas.

Home Minister Mir Ziaullah Langove said five to six districts were affected on a "major scale" and data was still being collected.

straddles between the Indian and the Eurasian tectonic plates and is located on the Indus-Tsangpo Suture Zone, which is roughly 200 km north of the Himalaya Front, which makes this region highly susceptible to earthquakes.

The region has the highest rates of seismicity and largest earthquakes in the Himalayan region, caused mainly by movement on thrust faults. The country has suffered several earthquakes in recent years.

This is not the first time that a major has hit the Balochistan province which is mostly made up of open and mountainous space and land with many people living in far-flung remote areas.

In September 2013 a massive earthquake hit parts of the province but its epicentre was in Awaran district and it killed around 825 people and left thousands injured also flattening thousands of houses in the southwestern province.

One of the worst earthquakes to hit the country in recent years was on October 8, 2005, which killed over 74,000 people.

(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India on Thursday said it was hopeful of finding a solution to the contentious vaccine certification row with the through talks even as it insisted that Britain's travel restrictions on Indian nationals were "clearly discriminatory".

In a retaliatory move, India imposed reciprocal action under which all British nationals arriving in India from the needed to undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine even if they are fully vaccinated.

"Discussions are ongoing and we remain hopeful that some solution may emerge," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said at a media briefing.

At the same time, he said the British travel restrictions on Indians with valid vaccination certificates were "clearly discriminatory".

"There is no second opinion about it. We had taken it up with the authorities so many times at various levels, but without success. That is why we have applied reciprocal measures from October 4 on all UK nationals arriving in India from the UK," he said.

Under the new British rules that came into effect on October 4, fully vaccinated Indians require to undergo 10-day quarantine as the UK have issues with India's COVID-19 vaccine certification.

The UK initially refused to recognise Covishield, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII). However, following India's strong criticism of the decision, the UK on September 22 amended its new guidelines and included the vaccine.

However, the move did not provide any relief from quarantine rules for Indian travellers vaccinated with two doses of Covishield.

Later, British officials said the UK has issues with India's vaccine certification process and not with the Covishield vaccine.

The two sides held series of technical-level talks to resolve the vaccine certification issue, but there was no resolution to the row.

According to the new UK rules, Indian travellers who received both doses of the Covishield vaccine will be considered unvaccinated. The new British rules have triggered massive criticism in India.

In a separate development, the second meeting of the India-UK joint working group on cyber capacity building was held on Thursday virtually.

"The meeting discussed various aspects of cooperation in the area of cyber capacity building and was held under the aegis of the India-UK Framework for Cyber Relationship and in support of the Enhanced Cyber Security partnership agreed in the India-UK 2030 Roadmap," the MEA said in a statement.

"The delegations exchanged views on a wide range of issues to further deepen the existing bilateral cooperation and agreed to work closely with each other in the area of capacity building," it 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.)
Page Industries Ltd

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Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], October 7 (ANI/PNN): Tier II City based Investment Banker Holani Consultants Private Limited successfully lead managed Maiden Right Issue of 3rd Largest Tile manufacturing company in India ASIAN GRANITO INDIA LIMITED.

The Right Issue size was 224.64 Cr and opened for subscription on 23rd September 2021 and closed on 7th October 2021. The issue was oversubscribed by 1.13%, and applications for Rs 255.67 Cr received in the right issue till 4.00 PM on 7th October 2021.

The right issue in terms of the fund raised was 3rd largest Right Issue in the fiscal year 2021 and the first right issue under the Ceramic industry since the fiscal year 2010.

The issue was attractively priced at Rs.100/- against the CMP of Rs.170 per share, which resulted in overwhelms responses from the investors. As of the record date 7th September 2021, Asian Granito India Limited has 62000+ shareholders, and most of the them subscribed to the offer. Also, there was a huge demand for the Rights entitlements of the company, and during the limited period of trading of rights entitlements, around 58 lacs rights entitlements hands were changed at an average price of 38 to 39 per share.

Speaking to the occasion, Ashok Holani, Director of Holani Consultants Private Limited, said that HCPL has entered into the merchant banking business in the year 2018 and since then have successfully fund raised 325 Cr for its clients. He further added that their company is always thriving to bring the best quality companies in the capital market under their investment banking arm. Holani further added that in the current financial year, HCPL is managing three mainboard IPO and 3 SME IPOS and all are scheduled to hit the markets in the current financial year.

This story is provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/PNN)

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New Delhi [India], October 7 (ANI/The PRTree): Topgallant Media organized the Iconic Business / Education / Healthcare Summit & Awards 2021, 29th September 2021 Hotel Shangri-La's - Eros Hotel.

Which was a ceremony to acknowledge and felicitate the leading contributors who have taken the initiative to bring a pleasant and powerful change in the field of Healthcare, Education and Business. The announcements of winners were done on 29th Sep 2021 through a video conferencing Event.

Iconic Business / Education / Healthcare Summit & Awards 2021 brought together who's from Healthcare, Education and Business Sector in one place to Discuss, Network on issues that are so pertinent to this Industry. The discussion highlighted the issue related to securing India's health.

Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste- Union Minister Of State For Steel & Rural Development Govt. India

Shri Chaudhary Udaybhan Singh - Minister Of State For Khadi And Villages Industries, Sericulture Industries, Textile, Micro, Small And Medium Enterprise, Export Promotion Govt. U. P

Ms. Jaya Prada - Legendary Indian Film Actress & Well Known Politician

Shri Adesh Kumar Gupta - President Bjp Delhi

Shri Shyam Jaju - Indian Politician And The Ex-National Vice President Of The Bharatiya Janata Party

Were The Chief Guests & Guests Of Honour For The Ceremony. The Winners Were Felicitated By Them Which Included Individuals/Organizations From All Across India.

Some Of The Awardees And Their Award Titles For The Iconic Business / Education / Healthcare Summit & Awards 2021 Were As Follows:

Navjivan Health Service ,Shri Kailash Kumar Bhatt, Dr. Sandip Gun (Principal) ,Healthkart, Nh Mmi Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, J Joshi Infra Projects Pvt Ltd, Dr. Binoy John,

Sunil Sisodiya Founder & Md Geetanjali Homestate, Dr. Hukum Singh, Ankita Overseas, Dr. (Prof.) Anil Arora, Trinity Corporate Suites,Mits Healthcare Pvt. Ltd, Ashoka Women's Engineering College, Sadhana Infinity International School, Modi Chemical Industries,Trimed Solutions India Pvt. Ltd. Charnock Healthcare Institute, Dr. Gvp Rao Swami Vivekanand Subharti University Mr. Biju Pegu, Yashvi Construction, Ims Ghaziabad, Dr. Lipi Singh,Ogen Infosystem, Omc Premia Wellness And Diagnostics,V K Photocopier, Prem Safety Works, Chandigarh Group Of Colleges Jhanjeri, Sri Venkateswara College Of Engineering And Technology, Eye Q Super Speciality Eye Hospitals,Aum Capital, Be-Ivy Education, Mr. Shubhang Arora,Shdnl Bankasi Ltd., Radico Hair Colour, Logistics Park (I) Pvt.Ltd.Mr. Rohit Arora, Kevakaipo Industries Private Limited, Riya Industries, Lnct Group Of Colleges, Lotus Healthcare Clinic, Queen Global International School, Infinity Infoway Pvt. Ltd, Pandit Krishna Chandra Memorial Neuroscience Center, Dr. Bikas Mandal, Kalra Hospital Srcnc Pvt. Ltd. Md. Afzal Kamal Biophar Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd.Zenacts Pharma Pvt. Ltd.,Dr. K.K. Kapur, Paras Hospital,Dr. Pramod Kumar Hatwal,Noble Eden, Mr. Manpreet Singh, Khandelwal College Of Management Science And Technology, Aerial Telecom Solutions Pvt. Ltd,Healthkind Labs Pvt. Ltd, New Oxford Public School, Baburao Maruti Wakode International School, Mothers Mount Global School,Ashok Industries, Isols Group Private Ltd, T32 Dental, Mare Maritime Trading Pvt Ltd. Amfez.Com Kriday Craft Pvt Ltd, Indian Institute Of Skill Development Training Financial Corridor,Angiolife Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., Jeevan Care Centre, Chennai Deaddiction Centre , Thinknext Technologies Private Limited, V.P.M's Maharshi Parashuram College Of Engineering, Alkhateeb Group Of Educational, Panipat Institute Of Engineering And Technology ,Daffodils Study Abroad Pvt. Ltd., Dalimss Sunbeam School & Hostel,Dr. Vinod Khetarpal , Vspk International School, Sarita Forgings Limited, Aspire World Immigration Consultancy Services, Simran Ent Centre Patiala, Ils Hospitals, Bdp Energy Private Limited, Dr. Sandip Gun, M A M School Of Engineering, Sunrise Hospital, Kanhangad, Bhubaneswar Model Public School, Samyuktha Healthcare & Diagnostics, Dr. Feroz's Skin Care Clinic ,Kalinga Institute Of Medical Science Creative Hut Institute Of Photography, Mr. Nitin Parekh, Mr. L.D.Sharma, Ira Audichya

Karun Singh (CEO) - Topgallant Media said that the winners have exemplified excellence amongst their peers in the Business / Healthcare / Education sector. Almost all the winners scored extremely well in our research study due to their dedication towards excellence, dedication, innovation and best ethical practices. By competing with the very best from their sector, winners know that their work has been evaluated by the sharpest minds in the sector, and that their services and contributions have truly excelled. These awards intend to inspire others towards big achievements.

This story is provided by The PRTree. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/The PRTree)

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 7 (ANI/NewsVoir): Organizations are distributing workloads across multiple clouds while simultaneously extending out to the edge - pushing apps and services closer to where people, data and things connect to the networked digital world.

Today at VMworld 2021, VMware, Inc. (NYSE: VMW) outlined how it is helping customers make sense of a more complex, multi-cloud environment and unveiled its vision for how it will help customers navigate the shift to the edge. It also introduced VMware Edge, a product portfolio that will enable organizations to run, manage, and better secure edge-native apps across multiple clouds, anywhere.

"A new type of workload is emerging - edge-native apps - that must run at the edge to perform as intended. AR/VR, connected vehicles, and immersive gaming are becoming mainstream. 5G has made the use of collaborative robots, drone fleets and digital twins a reality," said Sanjay Uppal, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Service Provider and Edge, VMware. "VMware delivers a trusted foundation - a multi-cloud edge - to help organizations move forward in the new edge reality."

The Edge Defined

VMware defines the edge as distributed digital infrastructure for running workloads across a multitude of locations, placed close to users and devices producing and consuming data. Where a workload is placed at the edge is key to meeting the requirements of edge-native apps.

An edge-native workload placed anywhere between the cloud and the remote customer location and delivered as a service is called the near edge.

An edge-native workload placed at a remote customer location at the closest proximity to the endpoints is called the far edge.

Edge-native apps require a multi-cloud edge. One that stitches together underlay services running on a service provider network (e.g., private connectivity, carrier 5G, network slicing) with overlay services delivered on top (e.g., SASE) and a compute services abstraction for the edge applications. All orchestrated by a management plane that provides consistent observability, installation, configuration, operations and management across all edge locations.

Introducing VMware Edge

VMware Edge brings together products from across VMware that will enable organizations to run, manage and better secure edge-native apps across multiple clouds at both near edge and far edge locations. VMware Edge solutions are purposefully designed for edge-native apps and their unique performance and latency requirements.

VMware Edge solutions include:

VMware Edge Compute Stack, unveiled today at VMworld 2021, is a purpose-built, integrated VM and container-based stack that will enable organizations to modernize and secure edge-native apps at the far edge. VMware Edge Compute Stack will be available in Standard, Advanced, and Enterprise editions. VMware also has plans to develop a lightweight version of VMware Edge Compute Stack to provide an extremely thin edge for lightweight apps.

VMware SASE combines SD-WAN capabilities with cloud-delivered security functions, including cloud web security, Zero Trust network access, and firewalling. These capabilities are delivered as-a-service across both the near and far edge locations from a global network of points of presence (PoPs).

VMware Telco Cloud Platform has been delivering near edge solutions to the largest communication service providers in the world from their 4G/5G core all the way to the radio access network (RAN). By helping service providers modernize their network underlay, VMware enables them to deliver overlay edge services to their consumer and enterprise customers.

"Many transformational technologies - 5G, SASE and open RAN, among others - are converging at the edge. Now is the time for organizations to establish a digital foundation for their edge infrastructure. With its leadership in multi-cloud and modern apps, VMware is uniquely positioned to deliver a comprehensive set of solutions that help its customers drive business continuity, agility and create competitive differentiation at the edge," said Dave McCarthy, IDC Research Vice President, Cloud and Edge Infrastructure Services.

Building a Broad Edge Ecosystem

VMware has key partnerships across the broad edge ecosystem to deliver seamlessly integrated solutions to customers. Its broad partner ecosystem spans public cloud providers, service providers, edge-native app developers, network services providers, system integrators, network equipment providers, near-edge hardware manufacturers, and far edge hardware manufacturers.

For example, VMware Edge Compute Stack is integrated with the ruggedized Dell EMC VxRail D Series that is optimized for edge deployments. As the only HCI system co-engineered with VMware, Dell EMC VxRail provides an efficient and agile IT infrastructure that enables automated operations capable of stretching from data centers to cloud and edge environments.

"The edge is rapidly becoming a more significant part of enterprise IT and is essential to customers' data-driven transformations. The key to edge success is extending trusted and integrated infrastructure to the edge, so operational technologies can be efficiently deployed, managed and supported," said Gil Shneorson, Senior Vice President, Edge Computing, Dell Technologies. "Working with partners like VMware, we help our customers tackle their edge deployments with products and solutions designed to be easily scaled and managed across a hybrid cloud, so customers can derive the most value from their data."

Similarly, VMware Edge Compute Stack will be able to run on top of Lenovo's ThinkSystem SE350 Edge Servers. The integrated solution, (https://news.lenovo.com/pressroom/press-releases/new-innovation-for-resilient-edge-computing) previously announced by Lenovo, is ideal for remote sites that need to be able to process data closer to its creation and closer to users, including retail stores, manufacturing sites, and schools, to name a few.

Charles Ferland, Vice President and General Manager, Edge Computing & Telecom at Lenovo, said, "We are delighted to share a common vision on (https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/data-center/solutions/edge-computing/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">edge computing with VMware, delivering value to customers. The VMware edge cloud platform is perfectly designed to deliver services where users need them, at the edge. Combined with Lenovo's ruggedized and secure (https://lenovopress.com/datasheet/ds0088-thinksystem-se350) ThinkSystem SE350 server, our mutual customers can receive pre-loaded systems directly at their edge sites. The ThinkSystem SE350 also includes a built-in networking switch module and WiFi/4G connectivity, eliminating the need for extra external networking equipment and providing increased network resiliency."

From an operational technology (OT) standpoint, SmartHub.ai is focused on defining a software-defined IoT edge to help enterprises discover, onboard and manage IoT assets - from IoT devices to IoT applications. Its platform also helps integrate all data sources from the edge to enable decisions and actions based on edge-ML/AI models. The platform will integrate with VMware Edge to help provide a consistent and comprehensive view of near and far edge locations.

Niranjan Maka, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of SmartHub.ai, said, "Enterprises are driving many of their innovations to the edge to deliver new business and end-customer experiences. Interactions involve a complex edge ecosystem of IoT devices, applications, and data, closer to customers. In addition, low-latency applications and AI workloads at the edge are solving key challenges that would have not been possible before. Enabling the OT teams to manage edge infrastructure at scale is key to success. There is no other company better poised to seamlessly handle 'edge-to-multi-cloud' workloads than VMware and its partner ecosystem."

How Customers are Thinking about the Edge

In his VMworld 2021 solution keynote, (https://t.co/vu3b1qDRRA?amp=1) The Future of Distributed Enterprise Edge Runs through Service Providers [EDG3058], Sanjay Uppal spoke with several customers about how they are approaching the new edge reality.

Andre Devillars, Head of IT infrastructure Architecture at Michelin, said, "We are in the midst of a digital transformation of our manufacturing sites. As we deploy and manage more AI and machine learning workloads at factories, our network traffic requirements are evolving. VMware SD-WAN has played an important role in helping us stay agile as we maintain performance and latency requirements. We expect to continue to work with VMware to address challenges associated with deploying cloud services out to the edge, including network performance, security and end-to-end management."

Watch the (https://myevents.vmware.com/widget/vmware/vmworld2021/catalog) full solution keynote to hear from additional customers.

VMware Helps Customers Navigate the Multi-Cloud Era

At VMworld 2021, VMware is unveiling its strategy to help customers navigate the multi-cloud era and accelerate innovation with freedom, flexibility and security. For the latest news on how VMware is delivering a smarter path to cloud for digital businesses, visit the (https://news.vmware.com/vmworld-2021-media-kit) VMworld 2021 media kit.

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.

VMware is a leading provider of multi-cloud services for all apps, enabling digital innovation with enterprise control. As a trusted foundation to accelerate innovation, VMware software gives businesses the flexibility and choice they need to build the future. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, VMware is committed to building a better future through the company's 2030 Agenda.

For more information, please visit (https://www.vmware.com/company.html).

This story is provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of this article. (ANI/NewsVoir)

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Jet Aviation has celebrated its 20th anniversary of operation in Hong Kong.

The aircraft management and charter business in Hong Kong was established in late September 2001. In May 2008, the company expanded its operation to include a line maintenance facility.

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Jet Aviation established its regional aircraft management and charter business in Hong Kong with an AOC, a single aircraft and a handful of employees. Today, the companys 40-member strong regional aircraft management and charter team manages a fleet of 35 aircraft, together with nearly 80 flight crews in 10 countries across Asia Pacific (APAC).

Jet Aviation is fully committed to APAC and will continue partnering with OEMs and aviation authorities to best serve the evolving needs of our customers, said Joe Reckling, senior vice president of regional operations APAC. This anniversary is a measure of our commitment to the region, where we look forward to continued growth for the next 20 years and beyond.

The companys senior director of aircraft management for APAC, Carlos Gomez said, We are so proud and grateful to celebrate twenty years of hard work, successful relationship-building and trusted partnership with our dedicated employees and loyal customers in Hong Kong.

In September 2001, against all odds, we applied for and received an AOC to support the needs of a local business jet owner in Hong Kong. Twenty years later, it gives us great pleasure to continue enhancing our service offerings to make aircraft ownership simple for our business jet customers. From technical expertise, regulatory knowledge, and maintenance support, to flight planning and staffing, we offer a comprehensive range of customized programs with safety at the heart of everything we do.

The Hong Kong operation has also expanded its line maintenance capabilities over the years. The facility holds Hong Kong civil aviation department (CAD) approval maintenance repair station approval, an FAA repair station certificate #6JAY388B, and mainland China JMM approval for PRC-registered aircraft, in addition to 12 other country approvals through its sister facility in Singapore.

Jet Aviation is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) with some 4,000 employees and 50 locations worldwide. Jet Aviations offerings include aircraft management, aircraft sales, charter, completions, defense, FBO, maintenance and staffing.
Heavy fog enveloped cities across China Thursday morning, causing low visibility in several regions. The fog started to appear in cities like Wuhan in Central China and Urumqi in Northwest China earlier this week, creating traffic jams. On Thursday, Beijing authorities shut down multiple highways to avoid accidents, while the northeastern city of Shenyang issued the highest-level alert as visibility reduced to less than 20 meters in some areas

Nov 18, 2021 06:18 PM
St. Johnsbury, VT (05819)

Today

Cloudy with rain developing this afternoon. High 57F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Rain ending early. Remaining cloudy. Low 32F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
FILE - In this April 2, 2021, file photo, the U.S. Capitol is seen behind security fencing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Law enforcement concerned by the prospect for violence at a rally in the nations Capitol next week are planning to reinstall protective fencing that surrounded the U.S. Capitol for months after the Jan. 6 insurrection there, according to a person familiar with the discussions. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)
Residents holdings flags and chanting cheer as they wait for the arrival back to China of Meng Wanzhou, an executive of Chinese tech giant Huawei who was held by Canada for more than two years at America's request, at the airport in Shenzhen in southern China's Guangdong Province, on Sept. 25, 2021. Nine months into U.S. President Joe Biden's administration, there are signs of movement in what has been a fraught U.S.-China relationship. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)
The Carteret County Board of Education approved a $15,000 salary increase for Superintendent Dr. Rob Jackson, pictured in this file photo, during its meeting Tuesday in the auditorium of Atlantic Elementary School. (Cheryl Burke photo)
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper speaks to reporters during a COVID-19 news conference at the state Emergency Operations Center in Raleigh. (Julia Wall/The News & Observer via AP, File)
Councilman Quentin Jackson (left) is restrained by a Perquimans County sheriffs deputy during a confrontation between Jackson and a Hertford citizen at a Town Council meeting Monday, July 12. Also reacting are Councilman Frank Norman (back left) and Mayor Earnell Brown (back right). (dailyadvance.com)
Glen, NH (03838)

Today

Windy. A mix of clouds and sun giving way to showers this afternoon. High 59F. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Windy with light rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers overnight. Low 34F. Winds WNW at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Chile arrives at the Guadalajara International Film Festivals 36th edition with three animated short films. Among the selected films are the recently awarded Beast, a winner at Annecy, and The Bones, which was awarded at Venice. The third film is Uninhabited, which will premiere at the festival after four years of work. The event will take place on October 19 in the Mexican city.

Each year around ten animated short films compete for the Rigo Mora Award for best international animated short film. The award has been promoted by director Guillermo del Toro for over a decade and aims to support the production of Mexican animated short films. With time, the section has become known as a window of opportunities for animation filmmakers from around the world. This years edition has fifteen animation films from Mexico, Canada, France, Netherlands, Serbia, Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Australia, Slovenia, Germany, and Chile.

The three Chilean productions are competing for this important award. They display a variety of techniques and subjects that demonstrate the growth of the national animation industry, which each year produces richer and more diverse content.

Says Maria Pilar Gajardo, president of Chiles animation trade body Animachi: Chile will stand out at Guadalajara with an unseen presence, in relation not only to the number of projects and the diversity of their content but also to a great artistic and narrative technique. This has been happening with different industry spaces, where Chile has developed a systematic presence in time that is relevant for the international landscape.

Beast (Bestia) is an animated film inspired by real events. The story centers on the life of Ingrid Olderock, a secret police agent during the Chilean military dictatorship, who used to train dogs to torture political prisoners. Directed by Hugo Covarrubias and produced by Tevo Diaz, the short film won the Festivals Connexion Award at this years Annecy, the largest animation festival. It also won the Latin American animated short film competition at Chilemonos International Animation Festival 2021.

On the other hand, The Bones (Los Huesos), directed by Cristobal Leon and Joaquin Cocina, and produced by Lucas Engel, tells a fictitious story about the first stop-motion movie ever made. In it, a young girl uses human corpses and summons the spirits of two damned ministers in a ritual to free Chile from those two key figures, amid the construction of an authoritarian and feudal country. The film recently received the best short film award in Venice International Film Festivals Horizons section.

Says Cocina: It is great to present your work at places like Venice, San Sebastian, and Annecy, but I believe that at an emotional and political level, it is important for us to show it in Latin America. Adds Leon: Besides, we are very happy to be joined by other Chilean animation short films in this competition. Its a great moment for Chilean animation.

Uninhabited (Deshabitada), directed by Camila Donoso and produced by Amanda Puga, also uses the stop-motion technique. It tells the story of an old lady in her declining years who wakes up one morning and starts going over her past, through images filled with pain and innocence.

We are making good cinema in Chile, working mostly on new audiovisual languages, says Donoso. For instance, among us  Hugo Covarrubias, Cristobal Leon and Joaquin Cocina, and me  there are three very different ideas of a same animation cinema language.

Chiles participation is led by diverse public and private institutions: Ministry of Culture, Arts, and Patrimony (MINCAP), ProChile, sectorial brands CinemaChile and Chiledoc, the Chilean Documentary Corporation, the Chilean Animators Association, and their brand, Chilean Animation.
Photo: Contributed Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola MP Dan Albas

Before I begin this weeks report, I would like to confirm that my long-standing policy of not commenting on the personal decisions of other Members of Parliament remains. Thus, I will not be commenting on Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus vacation trip to Tofino on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation last week.

Instead, I will pass on the prime ministers comments:

Travelling on Sept. 30 was a mistake and I regret it said Trudeau as he apologized for his actions in this matter.

Another announcement from Ottawa this week gave further details and clarification about the federal governments mandatory vaccination plan for domestic air, sea and train travel.

Starting Oct. 30, all travellers will be required to be fully vaccinated before boarding planes, trains or marine vessels that are federally regulated.

At this point in time, I am told this will not apply to BC Ferries.

Also, all members of the federal public service, including organizations such as the RCMP, CBSA, Canada Post and others, will be expected to have similar mandatory vaccination policies in place.

The prime minister has indicated that criteria will be announced regarding exemptions for medical or religious reasons by the end of October.

At the time of me writing this report, both the House of Commons and the Senate will be required to implement their own mandatory vaccination policies, although MPs and Senators will not be exempt from the travel restrictions without a valid exemption.

In the interests of full disclosure, I am fully vaccinated and encourage others to be fully vaccinated if they are not already.



My question this week:

Do you support these mandatory vaccination policies?

I can be reached at [email protected] or call toll free 1-800-665-8711.
Photo: RCMP Mataya Lynn Vyse

A young woman reported missing in Alberta nearly a month ago could be heading to B.C.

Mataya Lynn Vyse, 18, was last seen in Spruce Grove, east of Edmonton on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021.

RCMP say Vyse left her home without telling anyone and has not been heard from since.

Police in B.C. have been alerted, because she may be coming to this province. They are asking the public to help find Vyse for her safety and to confirm her well-being'.

She is five-foot-six with brown hair and has several tattoos, including an eagle head with two feathers on her arm and a rose with the word mom on her neck.

If you have information about Matayas whereabouts, contact your local RCMP detachment or Parkland RCMP at 825-220-2000. You can also call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-tips or submit a tip online at p3tips.com.
Photo: The Canadian Press

An independent group that analyzes the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in British Columbia and Canada has released new modelling containing some good news but also raising concerns, especially about the impact of the virus on children.

The report by 12 epidemiologists, mathematicians and data analysts, from the universities of Victoria and British Columbia, Simon Fraser University and the private sector, covers the period up to Oct. 4.

It shows pressure on B.C.'s intensive care units remains near peak levels but that COVID-19 cases stabilized through September due to masking, vaccination and other public health measures.

However, the report finds cases among B.C. youngsters rose steeply in the Fraser, Interior and Vancouver Island health authorities as children account for nearly 50 per cent of unvaccinated residents in the province.

It says as vaccinations allow for looser restrictions, the COVID-19 infections among those under 12 are higher than at any other time in the pandemic and at least 20 per cent will have had the virus within two years.

The study says children will benefit if a vaccine is approved for those aged five to 11 and that would help prevent the spread to unvaccinated adults.

The B.C. government said Wednesday that nearly 82 per cent of eligible residents have now been fully vaccinated against the virus.

The province reported 752 new cases of COVID-19, raising the number of active infections to 5,945, while the total number of cases since the start of the pandemic has now edged past 191,000.
Photo: The Canadian Press A man sits in a fire truck as the Lytton Creek wildfire burns in the mountains near Lytton, B.C., on Sunday, August 15, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

British Columbia's Opposition Liberals say the lives and livelihoods of communities, citizens and businesses devastated by summer wildfires are being kept needlessly on hold.

Fraser Nicola Liberal Jackie Tegart says Premier John Horgan's pledge to rebuild the community of Lytton following last June's wildfire that destroyed the community has failed to materialize.

Tegart, whose riding includes Lytton, says it has been 99 days since the fire and most people in the village are still living in hotels and have no information about rebuilding or a possible return date.

Horgan told the legislature during question period that efforts are underway to bring together private, municipal, non-government and Indigenous groups to plan Lytton's future.

The Liberals also criticized the government's plans to assist residents in the Monte Lake, Kelowna and Vernon areas who also lost homes in wildfires as well as ranchers who are waiting for the government to replace destroyed cattle fences on Crown land.

Jennifer Rice, the government's parliamentary secretary for emergency preparedness, said last week that B.C. lost 343 homes this summer to wildfires.
Photo: The Canadian Press Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police march during the Calgary Stampede parade in Calgary, Friday, July 6, 2012. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki is encouraging vaccination against COVID-19 a day after the Liberal government announced Mounties must be immunized.

In a tweet today, Lucki urges getting vaccinated without delay, saying it could save lives.

Lucki also thanks Dr. Peter Clifford, the RCMP's chief medical adviser, for his message of encouragement to employees on the force.

In the message, Clifford tells members that getting the COVID-19 vaccine is critical to keeping safe from severe and possibly fatal illness.

He compares the vaccine to a Mountie wearing body armour because it could save their life if they get shot.

The National Police Federation, which represents front-line RCMP officers, says it is reviewing details of the new federal policy and will soon issue a statement to members.
Currently in British Columbia, about half of the unvaccinated population is under 12 years of age.

On Oct. 1, after weeks of pressure from parents and teachers, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced the mask mandate in schools would be extended to include all students, Kindergarten to Grade 12, effective Oct. 4.

This is just the latest example of Henry and Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside being reactive instead of proactive.

Following the press briefing, BCTF President Teri Mooring said she was happy to hear the mask mandate was increased, but had wanted it put in place in September. She said "perhaps some children that ended up getting sick might not have.... Following the data doesn't preclude putting in preventative measures."

During the last week of September, the Vancouver, Surrey and Burnaby school boards voted to pass their own mask mandates to include Kindergarten to Grade 3 students.

Three days earlier, Henry said: "The rates that we're seeing right now, of COVID-19 per 100,000 population, is going up quite dramatically, particularly in those younger school-aged children (between the ages of five and 11) who are not yet eligible for vaccination."

If this isn't a red flag, what is?

Also at the Sept. 28 briefing, when a reporter asked Henry why the government won't put a mask mandate in place for all students, she deflected.

I have tasked, as I said, our school team that works together. They meet two to three times a week to look at every individual situation, and particularly look at those communities where we have higher transmission rates and lower vaccination rates, to see what we need to do in the province to make sure we can make schools continue to operate safely, she said.

If the B.C. government had been proactive, it would have sent out a supply of rapid tests to every school in the province in January 2021, after the federal government shipped nearly 42 million high-quality rapid tests to all provinces and territories. The BCTF has been calling for rapid testing in schools, especially now that children make up more than 30 per cent of new COVID-19 cases per day. The latest statistics show Nova Scotia has used 460 federal rapid tests per 1,000 people. B.C. is last among the provinces, using only 20 federal rapid tests per 1000 people.

If a teacher notices a student has flu-like symptoms, or a student says he or she doesn't feel well, the student should be tested by a staff member who is trained to administer a rapid test, just as every school is required to have staff members with First Aid and CPR training from an organization such as the Red Cross or St. John Ambulance.

Go to the B.C. School COVID Tracker website (run by parents). Type in the name of your community, and click "search". Then compare it with the information on the Interior Health weblink showing COVID-19 school exposures.

Which site has the most up-to-date and detailed information?

Has the government changed the definition of "school exposure"? On Oct. 1 a commenter on Twitter said it was clear from surveying the Island Health web link that they are not listing all exposures. Changing the definition to avoid transparency would be a violation of the commitment the government made to parents and teachers. In 2020, Dr. Henry said a school exposure is when an individual confirmed with COVID-19 attended school during their infectious period.

After pressure from parents, Ontario's chief medical officer of health Dr. Kiernan Moore announced rapid testing at schools in high-risk areas and child-care centres. Parents will be able to choose if their children participate in the screening, offered by their schools or licensed child-care. Surrey's District Parent Advisory Council wants the province to follow Ontario's lead.

Quebec is using rapid tests in elementary schools in parts of the province, and plans to make them available in all regions next week, while in Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, self-testing projects are already being tried or expanded. In New Brunswick, unvaccinated students deemed a contact of a confirmed case of COVID-19 will be provided with up to a 10-day supply of rapid tests. Alberta has also announced it is boosting rapid testing, and will be sending rapid testing kits home in areas where there are school outbreaks. Kits will be offered in schools that have 10 or more cases. Parents will be able to obtain them from their child's school, and administer them at home.

Henry debuted the phrase Be kind, be calm and be safe in March 2020.

Since then she has used the phrase dozens of times in her press briefings. But now that several provinces are ramping up rapid testing for children, perhaps it's time for her to add: "be last".

David Buckna, Kelowna
Photo: The Canadian Press NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh speaks during a news conference after the party's first caucus meeting of the 44th Parliament, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Jagmeet Singh warned Thursday that he is willing to "withhold votes" for Liberal legislation he does not agree with, including the budget.

The NDP leader signalled a tougher stance on co-operation with the Liberals in Parliament, stating that he will "not take pretty or nice words for granted" from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Singh said promises from Trudeau would not be enough to win NDP support in Parliament. The price would be "concrete action" on NDP priorities, such as extending COVID-19 benefits that are set to expire this month.

At a news conference in Ottawa, Singh said he wants to see a "positive signal" from Trudeau that he is willing to work with the NDP.

He revealed that Trudeau had not yet picked up the phone to discuss co-operating in Parliament on policies they agree on, or to negotiate.

"They havent reached out and they havent signalled they want to negotiate or talk so far  thats fine," Singh said. "I am not concerned because they know where we stand."

As in the last Parliament, Trudeau's minority government will rely on votes from other parties to push his legislative program forward.

Singh made clear that Trudeau could not take NDP support for granted.

"We are prepared to withhold our votes and that is why we are calling on the government to show that they are interested in working together," he said.

The concrete action Singh is demanding includes guaranteed paid sick leave for workers and a halt to clawbacks of financial supports for low-income pensioners who collected pandemic benefits. Ensuring Indigenous communities have clean, safe drinking water is another priority.

"I look forward to them signalling their interest (in working together) by doing any of these things we have talked about, he said.

The NDP leader said he is "very skeptical of the words and the promises of Mr. Trudeau and the Liberals. Because they dont follow through.

Promises made by Trudeau in the past, such as on pharmacare, had not materialized into policies, Singh said.

However, the NDP leader added that if he sees evidence from the Liberals that "they are really interested in working for people" they could "count on my support."

"We withheld our votes in the past and we are prepared to do that again," he warned.

On Wednesday, Singh met with the members of the NDP caucus for the first time since the election. The NDP returned 25 MPs to Parliament  only one more than at the last election, despite spending $25 million on their campaign.

Singh said that a review would look at whether the party should have campaigned harder on the ground. It will also look at whether Singh's tour of the country, which saw him visiting more than 50 target ridings, paid off.

Singh said he was "proud" of the overall campaign, but "disappointed" that so many NDP candidates had narrowly missed out on a seat in Ottawa. In around 12 ridings he said the NDP came within one or two per cent of winning.

Melanie Richer, NDP director of communications, confirmed that the review, headed by veteran party strategist Bob Dewar, would also examine why the party had not broken through in key targets in Toronto or Quebec.

The NDP announced Thursday that its caucus had elected MPs to fill key jobs, including Vancouver MP Jenny Kwan who will serve as caucus chair and Blake Desjarlais, a two-spirit Metis leader newly elected in Edmonton, as deputy caucus chair.

Quebec MP Alexandre Boulerice will continue as deputy leader of the NDP, and B.C.s Peter Julian will continue as House leader.

Im very proud of our team and I know that these MPs are going to work hard to ensure people have a voice they can count on Ottawa, said Singh in a written statement.

I will be relying on the MPs in these important leadership roles as New Democrats work to deliver for Canadians in this minority parliament.
A Kentucky archbishop still remembers when a little, 6-year-old girl asked him, "Why was my brother born with autism?"

Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, who leads the archdiocese of Louisville, recently shared his answer with EWTN News In Depth.

"I said, 'Well, you know when you and I get to heaven, and I hope we both do,' I said, 'we have a lot of questions to ask,'" he recalled on Sept. 24.

The archbishop said he asked the girl if she loved her brother; she said yes. That's when he added, "One thing we know we don't have to ask is that you and I will be changed because of the love we have for our brother."

"That's a gift you can already begin to say 'thank you' to God for," he stressed.

The archbishop spoke from personal experience. His older brother, George, lived with Down syndrome. He's also the primary reason why the archbishop serves as episcopal moderator for the National Catholic Partnership on Disability today.

"I can't imagine two brothers that got along better than the two of us did," Archbishop Kurtz said. "One of the things I learned is, as I've said before, is that 'life is not a problem to be solved but a mystery to be lived,'" he added, citing 19th century Danish philosopher Sren Kierkegaard.

The archbishop highlighted that those who spend time with people with disabilities receive more than they give.

"The reality is that when we linger with someone, and especially with someone who labors under a disability, that person has a lot to teach us," he concluded.

The Church herself appreciates the beauty of every human person, he said.

"The foundation of our Church teaching is very simple and that is the great dignity of every person," he began. "We don't measure people by how much money they have or what exactly their job is, and so whether a person is alive with a disability or not, that person is great in God's eyes and so we treat each person as precious."

People with disabilities belong in the Catholic Church just like everyone else. The archbishop pointed to a 1978 Pastoral Statement of U.S. Catholic Bishops on Persons with Disabilities. In 2018, the bishops reaffirmed the statement that calls for the Church to welcome and include persons with disabilities.

The biggest change that came in 2018, he said, is that "we began talking about not the disability as a problem but the person as a gift."

"The fact that the sacraments being received by that person not only is good for that person's spiritual life and well-being and immortal soul, but also it's good for the body of the Church, the body of Christ," he explained.

"And so the emphasis very much in the new document is about belonging  not just including people who are excluded  but actually having every one of us see that we all have a deep desire to belong to Christ and to belong to one another, to a family of faith."

People with disabilities, he added, "have us maybe see that in more bold relief."
Saudi Arabian cement sales decline in September

07 October 2021

The aggregate sales of 17 Saudi cement producers decreased by 11 per cent to 4.1Mt in September, from 4.6Mt in the same month last year, according to recent data issued by Yamama Cement Co.

In terms of local sales, 12 companies witnessed a sales drop, led by Northern Region Cement Co with 45 per cent YoY. There were declines as well for Al-Jouf Cement Co and Umm Al-Qura Cement with -34 and -28 per cent YoY, respectively. Sales of United Cement Co remained unchanged at 141Mt.

However, increased sales were recorded by Riyadh Cement Co and Yamama Cement Co, which rose by 27 and 18 per cent YoY, respectively. Qassim Cement Co took the third place with a rise of five per cent YoY, followed by Arabian Cement Co, up two per cent YoY.

Five companies exported 82,000t of cement in September. Saudi Cement Co led the way with 65,000t of exports.

Clinker production grew by 23 per cent to 4.73Mt in the same month, compared to 3.85Mt a year earlier. Clinker inventories dropped 14 per cent to 34.55Mt by September-end, down from 40.13Mt a year earlier.

Six companies exported clinker in September. Saudi Cement came on top with 183,000t of exports. It was followed by Arabian Cement and Yanbu Cement with 146,000t, and 41,000t, respectively.

Published under
Chiles cement dispatches advance 21% in August

ICR Newsroom By 07 October 2021

Cement dispatches by Chilean cement producers improved 21.1 per cent to 371,947t in August 2021 from 307,117t in August 2020, according to the Chilean construction chamber, CChC.



In the January-August 2021 period, deliveries advanced 24 per cent to 2,879,749t from 2,321,691t in the 8M20.

Published under
Chatham, VA (24531)

Today

Sunny early then increasing clouds with showers this afternoon. High 74F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Showers early, then clearing overnight. Low 34F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
Chattanooga Police Violent Crimes Investigators have arrested two suspects in connection with the Aug. 12 shooting incident that occurred inside Hamilton Place Mall.

Both suspects are 17.

One faces charges of inciting to riot, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, unlawful possession of a weapon and vandalism. The other faces charges of reckless endangerment and unlawful possession of a firearm.





Investigators continue to follow all leads and the case remains active.

Last Saturday at Hamilton Place Mall, police said they spotted three validated gang members - including Marquise Pitmon and two juveniles.

Officers said one of the juveniles had been involved in a prior shooting incident at the mall.

The two juveniles were listed as associates of the Grape Street Crip gang, and Pitmon as a member of the Rollin 60 Crips.

Police said the juvenile who had been involved in the mall shoot-out had recently fled from police after exiting a stolen vehicle at the Elements Apartments.

While detaining the juvenile involved in the prior mall shootout, police said the other two tried to run off but were apprehended after a short foot pursuit.

It was found that the gun had been stolen. The juvenile involved in the prior mall shootout was found with a loaded Glock 23 40-caliber handgun in the waistband of his pants.It was found that the gun had been stolen.

The other juvenile and Pitmon were found to have outstanding warrants for their arrest. Pitmon, who is 20, was found to have approximately two grams of crack cocaine on his person.

One juvenile was in possession of a Honda key fob that was attached to his pants. Police were told the Honda was parked near Dick's Sporting Goods. As officers approached the vehicle, there was a strong smell of marijuana that became stronger the closer they got. It was found that marijuana residue was spread throughout the vehicle.

During the search of the vehicle police located an Anderson Arms AR15 pistol under the front passenger seat. The loaded magazine for the gun was found in a black bag in the back seat. A 45 caliber shell casing was found under the front passenger seat.

Pitmon said he was the driver of the Honda and that the cocaine was his. He said he ran because of the warrants against him.

It was found that the gray Honda CRV was stolen.

All three youths were taken into custody.
Police arrested two men charged with beating up and robbing a man during a drug deal on Signal Mountain.

On Monday night, police responded to a robbery report on Taft highway. Police said the victim told them he came to the area to buy a small amount of marijuana, and then was attacked by four individuals after he gave them money.

The victim said he texted Hayden Party in order to buy marijuana from him, and that the two met at the location. The victim told police that once money changed hands, he was punched in the back of the head, and then kicked by multiple people. He said he saw two white males in a vehicle, and that the attackers got into the car and drove off.



The victim took a picture of the license plate, which came back to a juvenile. Police said the victim had a lump on the back of his head, and scrapes to his arms and back. He was allowed to leave the scene by police.



Police located the vehicle on Edgewood Drive, and then walked up to the property and knocked on the door. Police said a man walked up to the door, but then started walking back into the house. Police said they found Christian Hayden Pickett, 19, on the back porch trying to leave.



Police said Pickett had 62 grams of marijuana in his hand, along with 45 hydrocodone pills. Police said they read Pickett his Miranda rights, and he told them that he, one other person and two juveniles met with the victim. He said they planned to beat the victim up.



Picket said that once the victim handed over $60 for the marijuana, that is when the attack started. He denied hitting the victim himself.

Police said they obtained permission to search the residence. Police said they found five other males and one female, some of those being juveniles, inside.



One of those persons, Evan Stoops, 19, told police he and Pickett had planned the encounter and that he did not know who the victim was. He said he did not take the money from the victim, and did not know what happened to it.

Stoops is facing criminal conspiracy and robbery charges, while Pickett is facing those charges as well as drug-related counts.
Chattanooga-based BlueCross of Tennessee has terminated 19 employees who refused to get vaccinated for COVID-19.

Dalya Qualls, senior vice president and chief communications officer, said, "Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, weve focused on a simple goal: protecting the health of BlueCross employees while continuing to meet the needs of our members.

"We required COVID-19 vaccination for more than 900 employees. That includes job roles involving in-person contact with BlueCross members, business partners and community members, as well as all vice-presidents and above.

"Once the Pfizer vaccine earned full FDA approval, those employees had six weeks to submit proof of full vaccination or request a medical or religious accommodation.

"As of Oct. 5, the vast majority of affected employees were fully vaccinated. Unfortunately, 19 employees chose not to get vaccinated and are no longer with the company. We appreciate their service to our members and communities throughout their time with BlueCross, and we wish them well in the future."

Officials also said, "These 19 former employees would be eligible for rehire at BlueCross, either in a role that did not require vaccination or into any position if they do choose to get vaccinated in the future."
In a previous article we discussed how the small rural communities in Alabama of Waterloo and Riverton were partially submerged under the waters of the Tennessee River when the Tennessee Valley Authority was created in 1933 for the purpose of controlling and regulating the raging 586 miles of its rivers and tributaries.

Although the name Dallas has not disappeared from the list of communities, it is not the original location of Dallas Island which is now submerged under the Tennessee River in Hamilton County.

As far back as the 1700s the property later known as Dallas Island was called Oo-le-quah and established as a village by the Cherokee Indians. The occupying Spaniards led by explorer Hernando DeSoto named the land Coste and found a village in existence there in 1540.

After Rhea County north of Hamilton County had been created, a southern portion of Rhea was ceded to become ultimately a part of Hamilton after a temporary location of government at Poes Tavern on the west side of the river which is now the 1969 created municipality of Soddy Daisy.

When TVA started its revolutionary project of taming the raging river archaeological studies were made of the areas of Chickamauga Island near the site of the proposed dam as well as Dallas Island.

The spillway waters were released on January 15, 1940 and after three months the rising levels covered the land known as Dallas Island. This is not the same island that is today part of Chester Frost Park. The present-day Dallas area was actually the high ground that the lake did not cover. The original Dallas Island was a long, 84-acre island at the mouth of Prairie Creek and Dallas Branch and was just upstream of the initial mouth of Wolftever Creek.

Prior to the area being submerged and lost in the designated goal of mitigating flooding, Dallas Island and the adjacent shore revealed evidence of earlier civilizations.

Three temple mounds that once stood on the island were found along with artifacts of pottery, tapestries, tools and copper.

Prior to motorized land transportation, the primary method of travel was by river and county leaders decided that the county seat should be at a river landing.

On the high ground opposite Dallas Island a permanent courthouse was established, and the community was first called Hamilton County Courthouse but in 1833 was renamed Dallas.

The name was chosen to honor American statesman Alexander James Dallas, who served as Secretary of the Treasury, reporter for the United States Supreme Court and member of the Cabinet of President James Madison (1809-1817).

Numerous communities and six U.S. Coast Guard Cutters have been named Dallas and his son, George Mifflin Dallas, was vice-president under President James K. Polk.

The mammoth city of Dallas, Texas is considered named after him, his father and brother.

In 1833 Dallas was a thriving community with a population of 200 citizens, one lawyer, two doctors, four stores, two taverns, a blacksmith shop and a hotel with a grand ballroom.

According to an 1832 map of Tennessee, Dallas was at that time the only town in the state that was along the Tennessee River and south of Rhea County.

According to historian Dr. James Livingood, Dallas never prospered.

The mail route from Athens passed through Dallas and continued to Chattanooga on the Dallas Road and a ferry connected Dallas to Vannville on the east side of the Tennessee River whose name was eventually changed to Harrison, which also faced a slow death as the county seat.

Eventually two railroads would by-pass Dallas in favor of a route through present day Soddy Daisy and in 1840 Dallas lost in a referendum which moved the county seat to Vannville.

The area remained primarily agricultural due to the rich fertile farmland until TVA made its memorable decision to flood the Tennessee Valley and much of the Dallas hollow would become the Dallas Bay of Chickamauga Lake.

Just like its southern neighbors in Waterloo and Riverton, Ala., the construction of the reservoir required that the families, churches, cemeteries, a public school and public roads be relocated.

However, while the Alabama communities' growth remained fairly stagnant over the years since TVA submerged portions of their land under the waters of Pickwick Landing Dam, the real estate near the underwater property of Dallas Island has become a booming area of population growth.

Soddy Daisy, Harrison and other original lands of the Cherokees continue to grow and develop under the TVA Act of 1933 under the Franklin Delano Roosevelt and subsequent Democrat and Republican Administrations.

As always, progress often brings conflicting results to different individuals and communities.

Credit should also be given to local historian Harmon Jolley for portions of his January 19, 2003 article on Chickamauga and Dallas Islands which I have used in this publication.

* * *

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)
Back in the 1930sand remember this was with the Great Depression and the not so far away rumble of war drums being hearda group of five prominent Chattanooga business leaders and the County Mayor showed up at my grandfathers office door unannounced one day to deliver a terse message. We are fixing to lose Erlanger Hospital. Its a wreck. And we aint leaving this office until you promise youll take a hard look and tell us what needs to happen. We cant lose our public hospital

Not only was the young famer/grocer successful, he became Erlangers Board Chairman for the next 38 years. He immediately saw that soaring medical expenses could very quickly decimate a young family man so he actually took $1,000 of his own money, flew to Havana, Cuba, and brought back the State Charter for a revolutionary health insurance plan. He called it Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Tennessee.

He was its first-ever Board Chairman for BC-BS the next 42 years and did he ever get his seed money back? Well never know.

Need I say he ruled both Erlanger & Blue Cross with an iron fist  in a kind but firm way, mind you  and never took as much as a dime from either one. I dare say I knew Roy McDonald himself better than other man alive. I am his namesake, Roy McDonald Exum, the son of his oldest daughter, Helen, so my first ringside seat was a wheelchair. And, trust me, I knew him.

Yesterday I was slipped a note that said Blue Cross-Blue Shield had just fired 19 employees for refusing the vaccine and I laughed to myself, Its a blessing Mr. Roy is goneit would have been 20 axed because he would have run off the idiot who fired the 19 to somewhere as far away as Macon!

This isnt how you manage any top asset. The pro-versus-con vaccine wars have gotten ridiculously far out of hand and with the political hatred between the right-versus-left now ablaze, the devil in hell is laughing hysterically at all of Gods children. I can assure you Mr. Roy wouldnt have tolerated such foolishness as this. Sacrificing 19 employees for an intrusion on their personal freedom? Pshaw!

For the record I have taken all three vaccine shots. I wear a mask when appropriate and with my own set of infection fears, I wash my hands like an emergency-room clean-up guy. But I would never criticize an anti-vaxxer in a million years nor ridicule anyone for their beliefs. Whats more, if I had a good employee, Id ask him to abide by his best decisions but  heck no!  we dont shoot our own soldiers in this army.

Roy McDonald would never allow an employee of Erlanger Hospital, Blue Cross, or his Chattanooga News-Free Press to be fired or even harassed over a flu shot; he valued the employee above all else and he protected each like his own children. He wouldnt have put up with invading an individuals freedoms regardless who might be the president and his biggest mandate wasplease, never hold up the daily start of his printing press.

What are we doing to ourselves with this needless disdain for one another? Wear the mask if you wish. If your heart differs, follow it but stay in your own lane. Do notno, never foist your ideals on your fellow man. Respect their beliefs as well. So help me, nothing equals respect for others.

Back in the 1980s, we had two of my uncles, executives at our newspaper who became overwhelmed with United Way flu to such an extent it really crippled relationships with some of our employees. So driven were these two Kool-Aid drinkers they came up with the preposterous idea that to get 100% participation, they sold my grandfather on the idea that every employee must sign a card, whether they wished to give to the organization or not.

Now, the United Way is a great organization but at the time they had some ringers on the scorecard, plus they had these levels of greatness to award corporate leaders who would browbeat and harangue their employees to get into what was really The Circle of Madness. If an employee turned in a do not wish to give card, it was destroyed, a $10 bill was stapled to a new pledge ticket as a One-time donation so we could get to the 100% Circle of Idiocy.

It was so phony. And Ive got two uncles strutting like peacocks at the weekly stirring of the United Way cauldron. Please. The ruse finally came to a climax when these two geniuses declared a list of those who have not returned their gift pledge was published and posted on each floor of our building. I went berserk. I ran to our employee relations office, demanded my turned-in card, and tore it to bits. You put my name at the very top of your tardy list!

My grandfather immediately summoned me and I told him that coercion wasnt my game and to fire me if I would ever put a ruse ahead of an employees right. Whew, baby! The United Way ruse was bustedand people were reprimanded including my two uncles (who got their pictures into our newspaper anyway) but you must never threaten your greatest resource with a good cause.

You dadgum right COVID is real, but human beings are a whole lot more real-er.

Blue Cross-Blue Shield may well have just blown 19 employees to the wind on Wednesday but it should have been 20.

A Judas goat is worse than any disease and when all of this is in hand, and common sense is allowed where paranoia and panic reigns instead of common sense, I want the person who just stood for corporate, while serving BC-BS mightily, to sing us Silent Night.

royexum@aol.com
David Carroll, author of Hello Chattanooga! Famous People Who Have Visited the Tennessee Valley will be holding two book signings this weekend in north Georgia. This Saturday he will be at Park Place restaurant, 2891 Lafayette Road in Fort Oglethorpe between 1-2 p.m., and this Sunday he will be at The Dinner Bell restaurant, 3258 Chattanooga Valley Road in Flintstone from 1-2 p.m.



Mr. Carroll also announced that in addition to his website, autographed copies of the book are for sale at the Barn Nursery (I-24 at 4th Avenue exit), Wallys Restaurant (6151 Ringgold Road in East Ridge) and the Refindery (1300 McCallie Avenue).



Hello Chattanooga is a 700-page book featuring some two hundred photos, more than a hundred years of history, and a full index allowing the reader to instantly track down the date that Tammy Wynette played Lake Winnie, President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Chickamauga Dam or Winston Churchill slammed the door of his Read House hotel room in the face of a newspaper reporter.



It started out as a history of Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium, Mr. Carroll said, and then it became much bigger. I realized the Tivoli Theater should also be included. As I told people about the project, they said I should include the Riverbend Festival, and then the UTC Arena and so on. The deeper I got into it, I decided it should be a complete history that includes all of our famous visitors, with some stories and pictures mixed in. So I included all our area stages and venues, indoors and outdoors, plus every notable politician, president, movie star, athlete, author, military figure and evangelist, plus a listing of the movies and music videos that have been filmed here.



The book lists visitors from each category in chronological order, beginning in 1900, continuing to the present day.

Mr. Carroll said, The Chattanooga area has attracted some of the best-known celebrities and entertainers in the world, thanks to our historic venues, beautiful scenery and powerful people. This book will finally give readers the opportunity to settle a few arguments as they learn the dates and places that your favorite star (or president) visited here.



Hello Chattanooga also lists local residents who have achieved national and worldwide fame in all fields, including political figures like Bill Brock and Estes Kefauver, athletes such as Rick Honeycutt and Reggie White and entertainers from Samuel L. Jackson to Usher to Kane Brown.

Amid the show listings and photographs are stories tracking the history of each local venue, especially Memorial Auditorium and the Tivoli, each nearing the 100-year mark. There are also stories detailing famous people who appeared on our local stages before they were famous, from Frank Sinatra, to Billy Graham, to Jimi Hendrix to John Goodman.



The book also points out that many of todays superstars played Chattanooga venues as opening acts, who were hired to fill some time as audiences found their seats while waiting for a headline act to perform. Among them are Celine Dion, Britney Spears, Jeff Foxworthy, Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift.



There are also stories about big names who had a personal connection to the Chattanooga area, either through early jobs (Jim Nabors), a quickly-arranged wedding (Dolly Parton) or even run-ins with the law (Johnny Cash).



Mr. Carroll said, I am honored to share this interesting and valuable information that can now be added to Chattanoogas incredible story.



Hello Chattanooga: Famous People Who Have Visited the Tennessee Valley is available in softcover ($29.95) and hardback ($39.95), with signed copies at ChattanoogaRadioTV.com. It is published by Fresh Ink Group. Mr. Carroll is available for speaking engagements and book signings and can be contacted at RadioTV2020@yahoo.com.
Congrats to the 19 employees that stood their ground and were not dictated to by Blue Cross Blue Shield to take the vaccine. Congrats to the University of Alabama hospital in Birmingham that rescinded vaccine requirements for their staff.

As the years move forward I feel we are going to be divided, not through government generated racism but by government control and dictation as to how we live, eat, breathe, worship, drug mandated / dictated injections, gun control, every segment of our lives, etc.

Hopefully 50 percent of Americans will not be mandated / dictated to take the vaccine. If the government and businesses enforce a must be vaccinated to enter policy, this will be the beginning of the end as we know life in America now.

Imagine if you will, mandated / dictated vaccine cards to enter high school, college and professional sporting arenas and stadiums. If so, you will have entered the twilight zone. One might ask, is this injection the beginning phase of the mark of the beast?

My hats off to all nurses, professionals and blue collar workers that stand their ground against this dictatorship to our way of life. Those of us that don't want to be vaccinated should come together and stand our ground as we have the freedom to choose according to the great constitution.

Michael G. Mansfield






Thursday the Tennessee Primary Care Association honored Cempa Community Care with the Charles E. Darling Organization of Excellence Award. According to the TPCA, Cempa earned the distinction for its innovation and dedication to the delivery of primary care to vulnerable populations.



Our entire team was thrilled to learn that the TPCA recognized Cempa as an Organization of Excellence with this award, said Shannon Stephenson, CEO at Cempa Community Care. Even without this award, I am consistently proud of the work we do on behalf of our areas underserved populations. But it is always a blessing to be publicly recognized for these efforts. This is an honor that belongs to every single Cempa employee. While weve got plenty more work to do, theyve put in long hours to get us to this point. Theyve championed our mission. And theyve helped foster a healthier region. This is their award.



The Tennessee Primary Care Association membership roster comprises nearly 200 non-profit primary care clinics across the state. In 2020, these member institutions provided "high-quality, comprehensive" care to more than 415,000 Tennesseans.

Per TPCA, This award, named in honor of Dr. Charles E. Darling, recognizes outstanding achievement in organizing, delivering and/or financing health services to vulnerable populations. Dr. Darling dedicated his life to serving the prenatal health needs of women in East Tennessee, regardless of their ability to pay.



This is the second statewide award Cempa has garnered this year for the organizations work. For its role in bringing reliable and safe COVID-19 testing to numerous underserved communities across Greater Chattanooga, Cempa was also honored with the Governors Award of Excellence by Governor Bill Lees faith-based and community initiative.
Former 90 Day Fiance star Geoffrey Paschel is having his day in court after he allegedly abused his ex-girlfriend. The reality TV star is facing many charges in this case. Geoffreys court hearing is currently being aired live on CourtTV, beginning October 6, 2021. Heres what we know about the trail so far.

Geoffrey Paschel on 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days | TLC

Geoffreys 90 Day Fiance journey

On 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days Season 4, Geoffrey met his long-distance girlfriend, Varya Malina, on a dating website for Americans to meet Russian women. After months of talking, the Tennesee native packed his bags to meet Varya for the first time. Once in Russia, their relationship took many twists and turns. There were some outbursts on Geoffreys part, and Varya didnt feel ready to accept his marriage proposal.

Varya Malina and Geoffrey Paschel on 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days | TLC

Geoffrey broke up with her after that and headed back to America, leaving Varya heartbroken. After some time, Varya decided to surprise Geoffrey by flying to Tennessee to see him. Unbeknownst to her, Geoffrey had already moved on with another woman, Mary. After some fighting, Geoffrey and Varya managed to get engaged for real this time. However, because of Geoffreys criminal past, TLC refused to show their story on the Tell-All episode, so there was never a conclusion to their love story.

What charges is Geoffrey facing?

According to CourtTV, before he appeared on 90 Day Fiance, Geoffrey was accused of physically assaulting his then-girlfriend on June 9, 2019. According to an affidavit, his ex-girlfriend claims that an intoxicated Geoffrey grabbed her by the neck and slammed her head against a wall several times before throwing her to the ground. The victim fled to the neighbors home and called the police.

Geoffrey Paschel on 90 Day Fiance: Before the 90 Days | TLC

Geoffrey was ultimately charged with kidnapping, domestic assault, interference with an emergency call, and vandalism. While the timing is unclear, Geoffrey mentioned that he was communicating with Varya in July 2019, shortly after the alleged domestic violence incident. Since his arrest, Geoffrey has made several statements and videos claiming that his ex-wives and former girlfriends are conspiring against him.

Watch Geoffreys trial unfolds live on CourtTV

On October 6, CourtTV was live on Geoffreys first day of the trial. So far, there have been three witnesses called to the stand. The victim, the neighbor who made the 911 call, and the officer who responded to the incident. During opening statements, the state prosecutor Heather Good described the brutality of the fight between Geoffrey and the victim. She claimed that Geoffrey had banged his ex-girlfriends head against the stairs and walls. Officers at the scene noted that the victim had a large raised bruise on (her) forehead and abrasions on her elbows and knees. And a paramedic reportedly said she displayed common signs of a concussion.

When Geoffreys ex-girlfriend was on the stand during cross-examination, the defense attorney representing Geoffrey tried to find gaps in the victims timeline. The lawyer tried to find inconsistencies with how much alcohol she consumed that night. Then, the 911 bodycam footage was shown as evidence, showed the victim right after the alleged incident. It showed Geoffrey, shirtless, with visible scratches on his chest, claiming his ex-girlfriend had attacked him.

On October 7, the trail picks back up, live on CourtTV. Its unclear how long the proceeding will take, but CourtTV will be live streaming the entire trial. The former 90 Day Fiance star faces many serious charges, so it may take a while to get a verdict, mainly because he is a former reality TV star.

RELATED: 90 Day: The Single Life Season 2: Meet the 7 Returning Cast Members
Beloved TV characters are back with CSI: Vegas. But it looks like theyre bring targeted. This is how the show kicked off, and it looks like David Hodges (Wallace Langham) is in trouble.

[Spoiler alert: CSI: Vegas Season 1 Episode 1 spoiler ahead.]

Jim Brass is attacked on CSI: Vegas

William Petersen as Dr. Gil Grissom and Jorja Fox as Sara Sidle on the set of CSI: Vegas | Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty Images

CSI: Vegas opens with an older man cooking alone in his home with his parrot behind him. He hears someone and turns around, but we realize its Jim Brass (Paul Guilfoyle). He has mostly lost his eyesight. A man sneaks upon him, and Brass fights off the younger man who has a knife. Brass shoots him and asks, what do you want from me? As the man bleeds out, he answers, He didnt tell me.

Maxine Roby (Paula Newsome) appears at the crime scene as level 2 CSI Allie Rajan (Mandeep Dhillon) gathers evidence. Both of them later question Brass. He realizes this is the work of a kidnapper named Lucky.

Brass talks to Sara Sidle (Jorja Fox). He tells her he has Fuchs Corneal Dystrophy disease and can see shapes. Sara has been six hours away in San Diego. Catherine (Marg Helgenberger) is busy with a grandchild in Dublin. Saras husband, Gil Grissom (William Petersen), is getting jellyfish samples in the Panama Basin and cant fly back. Brass asks her to help with the case.

Maxine and Sara meet. It turns out Maxine has her job because Sara passed on it. Shes open to Sara helping because theyre understaffed. Theyre sent someones head with a note saying, Brass is just the beginning. Allie tells Sara and Maxine that the decapitated body belongs to Kelsey Webb, who was taken by Lucky in 1996. There is something on her cheek.

Sara goes to see Dr. Hugo Ramirez (Mel Rodriguez), a coroner. Hes working on the brain of Brass attacker. It was very unhealthy, so he probably was in a lot of fights. His stomach was also full of pomegranate.

Chris catches Allie up on who Brass and Sara are. She seems shocked that Sara left the job for a man. Later, a police officer is working on a strip. A man comes up behind her and kidnaps her.

Bill Dwyer was the real criminal

Chris and Sara find a place that is selling pomegranates. They then find a deserted building nearby. Chris found brewers yeast that matched what was on Kelsey Webbs cheek.

Allie, Sara, and Dr. Ramirez work on evidence together. From the evidence, Sara doesnt think Lucky did it because he died years ago.

Folsom finds a bill from the casino and brings it back to Maxine. Maxine believes their suspect is a white, blue-eyed male from what she gathered on the bill, and all signs point to Bill Dwyer as the real kidnapper.

Sara later gets out of her car, talking on the phone while on the strip. Bill is there, and he has his hand in his pocket. He tells her that he isnt going to hurt her. But hes going to teach them all a lesson for how they planted evidence and put him away. He walks away down the strip, but Sara follows him.

He escapes in a car, but Sara gets the license plate. ICE later finds Bills car parked in front of a house. Its empty, and CSI takes over the scene. They find a typewriter that was used to send that ominous note. Officers then find Bill under the house with the officer.

Josh Folsom solves a family crime on CSI: Vegas

There is another crime thats solved in this episode. Someone grabs a bag out of a burning building then leaves in a truck at the beginning of the episode. That building then explodes.

Josh Folsom works the crime scene of the building. It used to be a pawn shop, and theres the body of someone who was shot and a bunch of melted guns. Two women walk in, and one of them thinks its a man named Danny Yates. They are his sisters, and hes been missing. Folsom later reveals that he thinks the killer walked up to the counter and shot Danny.

Allie also visits Folson and reveals her boyfriend asked her to move in together. Folsom seems surprised by this. Maybe hes a little jealous? She invites him to go out and celebrate, but hes too busy working.

Folsom goes to Dannys family to ask about their guns to follow up on the melted-down guns that were burned in that building. They think Danny tried to melt the guns to make art. But Folsom notices a picture of Danny in camo holding crossbows with other men.

Chris and Folsom then try to recreate the crime scene. Folsom has a theory that the killer actually used an arrow to kill instead of a gun. Folsom confronts Dannys sister, Becky, and says she shot him after he found out she was selling illegal guns. She immediately broke down, and she was arrested.

Is David Hodges dirty or being set up?

It looks like Bill is leading to a much bigger case. A note was found at Bills home, and the officers took him in for questioning. Maxine is there and wants to find out who put Bill up to attacking Brass. Bill refuses to answer.

The note also talks about a storage facility in Spring Valley, so Maxine and Sara go there. David Hodges rents it, and they find a lot of lab equipment and their case files. Sara believes its a setup on Hodges, but Maxine says its legitimate evidence from their old cases. Sara still thinks this was planted.

People from those cases are starting to sue because of the evidence that is found in the lab. Soon Hodges will be charged unless Sara does something. Brass asks Sara what are they going to do now? Gil is then revealed to be sitting with them. He answers what they always do, follow the evidence.

It looks like there is more to cover with this case. Fans will have to watch CSI: Vegas on CBS to see what happens next.
The 90s were a prime time for Disney classics weve all come to love. One of those films was the comedy George of the Jungle, based on an animated series sharing the same name. The movies release in 1997 was a breakout role for the handsome Brendan Fraser, who portrayed George. His comedic timing and loincloth outfit had viewers swooning over his muscular body and charm. Fans were not the only ones falling for Fraser. Co-star Leslie Mann recently revealed that while she played Georges love interest, Ursula Stanhope, in the movie, she fell in love with Fraser while filming George of the Jungle.

George of the Jungle was a huge success

Leslie Mann | Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Based on the animated series George of the Jungle, the hit 1997 movie told the story of a baby boy raised by apes to become known as the king of the jungle and his first interaction with other humans. The film begins with San Francisco heiress visiting Uganda with a local guide, and her fiance, Lyle Van De Groot, tracks her down and joins her on her jungle tour. Once the guide tells the story of the White Ape, Ursula is intrigued about finding the superhuman primate.

During Ursula and Lyles White Ape search, a lion attacks them, and the King of the Jungle, George, swings by to save Ursula from danger. After taking Ursula to his treehouse and introducing her to his animal friends, its no secret George is smitten by her. As he tries to win Ursula over, she falls for him and ends up taking him back to San Francisco for medical attention after Lyle accidentally shoots George. While in the states, Ursula has second thoughts about her current engagement and realizes her love for George after he leaves in the middle of the night when Tookie, his toucan, comes to share the news of Apes capture by Lyles poacher friends. Ursula heads back to the jungle to find George and confess her love. The two then marry and live in the treehouse, where they later raise their son.

Mixing comedy and love with talented actors make George of the Jungle a worldwide success. Even over two decades later, people still reference the film and cant help but sing along with catchy George, George, George of the jungle.

Mann recently revealed being in love with Fraser while filming

#BusyTonight loves a good surprise especially when it involves a certain member of the. jungle?! pic.twitter.com/ByGn3PQOj2  Busy Tonight (@BusyTonightTV) May 16, 2019

Mann recently appeared on Busy Phillips show Busy Tonight to reveal Fraser was her work crush during her early acting days. She said while she was supposed to fall in love with George in the movie, she just fell in love with him in real life. Only getting married to Judd Apatow a month before the release of George of the Jungle, she reminisced how she told him that she loved her co-star. She even remembers becoming weird around Fraser on set. She revealed to Busy the morning routine of Fraser kissing her and telling her good morning while they were getting ready in the stars trailer until she had just taken a big spoonful of oatmeal right before he kissed her. Afterward, the morning kisses ended for the remaining filming of the movie. While she did not reveal her love at the time, Fraser found out being a surprise guest on Busy Tonight.

Frasers response about filming with Mann

Recently appearing on Busy Tonight, Fraser and Mann reminisced about their time on the George of the Jungle set. He recalled a cut scene where George and Ursula were stranded in quicksand, and the two spent the entire afternoon in a mud-spa bath. During the time, Fraser said he saw someone peeking through the bushes, later realizing it was Judd Apatow. Fraser referenced getting the Im watching you look because Apatow loved Mann that much.

RELATED: The Mummy and 5 More Brendan Fraser Movies Streaming Right Now
Fans love their animated series and comics so much; most are excited when a live-action series is filmed with their favorite characters coming to life. However, not everyone is confident that the ultimate comparison of the anime to the live-action will stand the test of time. John Cho has his concerns that the Cowboy Bebop live-action remake will not withstand the fans criticisms.

Cowboy Bebop is going live

Cowboy Bebop is an animated series set in the future after a hyper drive accident forces most of the population to seek other planets to live on. In the year 2071, the series follows a group of misfits that band together to begin bounty hunting in their spaceship Bebop. Cowboys are the name given to the individuals that take the jobs of hunting down the galaxys criminals and return them alive for justice. As the series progresses the team gains members and difficulties emerge from their pasts.

John Cho plays Spike Spiegel, while his co-stars include Mustafa Shakir as Jet Black, Daniella Pineda as Faye Valentine, Alex Hassell as Vicious, and Elena Satine as Julia. According to Anime News Network, Cho is very concerned with playing a character that is nearly half his age. Chos concerns are more than age-related, they extend into the comparisons between the anime and the live-action remake. Its one of the reasons that he wanted to make sure the live-action wasnt a scene-by-scene remake.

John Chos concerns regarding comparing the anime and the live-action Cowboy Bebop

John Cho | Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Cho was injured while filming an episode in October 2019, tearing an ACL according to Variety. This led to a production stop for seven to nine months. After healing, production continued to be stalled by New Zealands lockdown. Production was allowed to proceed in September 2020 and wrapped in March 2021.

The time of healing led Cho into a long space of time that allowed his concerns to bloom. Before he was injured on set, the series had shot six of the ten episodes. Cho was quoted by Anime News Network regarding his concerns, This interview is all about me freaking out. But the amount of thought and worry and effort and number of days Ive logged thinking about Spike is now equaling the fear I have about the reaction.

Even though Cho states his fear of the reaction to his playing Spike is high, it didnt stop him from accepting the role. After he read the pilot for the series, Cho did his research. Cho watched the anime series and was hooked. However, his first stipulation was that the original anime composer Yoko Kanno was hired for the live-action sounds.

Will the eventual comparisons stunt the shows success?

With all remakes and conversions, there will be some pushback. Chos concerns are founded, however, since they are keeping close to the Cowboy Bebop animes original story, there is room to make the series more realistic without destroying the fantasy that the anime fans love. Plus, there is more to come from the series because of the live-action remakes attention.

One positive is the new comic series based on the anime, Cowboy Bebop: The Comic Series. It will debut in December with multiple variants of covers courtesy of Titan Comics. In May 2022, the comics will be followed by a collected paperback release. Cowboy Bebop will be thriving with new material for old and new fans to soak up. Watch for the release of Cowboy Bebop streaming on Netflix starting November 19th. The books and comics will be released starting in November as well.

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Liane Moriarty is an Australian author who is enjoying increasing popularity. Her books Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers have been adapted into television series for HBO and Hulu. Moriarty is a skilled writer. Still, she admits that she lacks diversity in her books. This becomes even more apparent when the characters are on TV.

Heather (Asher Keddie), Yao (Manny Jacinto), Napoleon (Michael Shannon), Tony (Bobby Cannavale), Masha (Nicole Kidman), and Lars (Luke Evans) in Nine Perfect Strangers | Vince Valitutti/Hulu

The characters in Nine Perfect Strangers are mostly white

Nine Perfect Strangers features a small ensemble cast. Kristin Corry, a writer for Vice, points out that of the twelve main characters, only three are Black. These characters are Ben (Melvin Gregg), Carmel (Regina Hall), and Delilah (Tiffany Boone).

We're sending positive thoughts to Jessica during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/pwCuh7zhje  Nine Perfect Strangers (@9StrangersHulu) October 4, 2021

Corry points out an especially problematic part of Carmels character. Her anger issues perpetuate a certain stereotype. To write a violent Black character who takes her anger out on white women in 2021 is just tired, Corry said. Interestingly, Carmels anger and violence are only in the Hulu series. In the book, Carmel does not have anger issues. She also doesnt shoot Masha.

Liane Moriarty admits her books could use more diversity

Most of Moriartys characters in Nine Perfect Strangers are said to be from different parts of Australia. Masha, who is from Russia, is the exception. Manny Jacintos character Yao is also written as the son of Chinese immigrants. Jacinto himself is of Filipino and Chinese descent. However, race and ethnicity arent mentioned much more than that in the book. Moriarty may have had in mind mostly white characters when writing her novels.

Im sure my books are probably too white  I think thats a natural tendency for any author to write about characters too similar to themselves. And I think thats something everybodys trying to catch themselves out doing, the writer told The Independent.

Its the final nights stay at Tranquillum House. The season finale of #NinePerfectStrangers is here.



Watch @9StrangersHulu on the Apple TV app. https://t.co/pGXZZaI3ZQ pic.twitter.com/yFVPLj1P8l  Apple TV (@AppleTV) September 22, 2021

RELATED: Nine Perfect Strangers: Melvin Gregg Made Changes to Bens Wardrobe to Reflect the Characters New Money Status

We do need more diversity, and, really, in some ways, just automatically giving characters similar sort of Irish Catholic names to myself it really doesnt take all that much to add more diversity to your cast of characters.

Moriartys stories also tend to center around financially well-off characters. However, the TV adaptations of her books may have exaggerated this idea. I think people think that because of the HBO series [Big Little Lies], she told Independent. I made Celeste glamorous and wealthy, but none of the other characters in that book were particularly wealthy.

David Heyman secures the rights to Moriartys Apples Never Fall

Another book by Moriarty is getting a TV adaptation. Moriartys upcoming book Apples Never Fall releases worldwide on Sept. 14. The novel focuses on the Delaneys, a family of six. Joy, the matriarch of the family, mysteriously vanishes.

Deadline reports that David Heyman and NBC Universal International Studios have secured the right to the television adaptation. However, it will likely be some time yet before the series is ready to watch.

RELATED: Nine Perfect Strangers Director Weighs In On Possibility of Season 2
For the first time since the birth of their second child, Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made a few joint public appearances in New York City. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited a school in Harlem, toured the 9/11 Memorial, had a meeting at the United Nations, and spoke during the Global Citizen Live concert. But now a TV broadcaster is slamming the couple over their trip and labeling them insufferable.

Heres more on that, plus who else publicly called out the Sussexes.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle speak onstage during Global Citizen Live | Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Global Citizen

What Meghan and Harry said in their speech at the Global Citizen Live event

Prince Harry and his wife took the stage during Global Citizen Live at the Great Lawn in Central Park and received a warm welcome from the crowd before speaking about vaccine equality.

Every single person on this planet has a fundamental right to get this vaccine, Meghan said (per Harpers Bazaar). Thats the point. But thats not happening. And while in this country and many others you can go almost anywhere and get vaccinated, billions of people around the world cannot.

Harry then referenced the meetings they had with officials to discuss vaccine distribution shared that They said many countries are ready to produce vaccines at home, yet they arent allowed to, because ultra-wealthy pharmaceutical companies are not sharing the recipes to make them. These countries have the means the ability and the workers to start manufacturing. All they are waiting for is the vaccine intellectual property to be waived and for the vaccine technology to be transferred over.

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry standing side-by-side onstage at Global Citizen Live | Gotham/WireImage

Show host calls the duke and duchess insufferable

Following the Sussexes big return to the public eye, Sky News Australia broadcaster Alan Jones took aim at the prince and former Suits star with some harsh words.

[Whenever] Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are due to appear and speak, they should give us a fair warning so that we can throw on the eye mask and put in the earplugs, Jones said during his TV program (per the Daily Star).

He continued: These two are truly insufferable. Their latest  a trip to New York  for a bunch of do-gooder activities. One was to visit the United Nations, they had a meeting with United Nations Deputy Secretary General Honestly on what basis are these two non-working members of the royal family meeting any politician or world leaders? Their next visit was to a primary school so Meghan could read her childrens book to Year 2 students. I bet half of them were wondering what they did wrong to deserve that.

The show host concluded his comments by expressing outrage that Meghan and Harry spoke at the climate change event but continue to fly on private jets saying: Then to preach to us about climate change when only last month Prince Harry was caught taking a private jet home for a polo match.

Screengrab of Australian broadcaster Alan Jones | SKY NEWS/AFP via Getty Images

Another Sussex critic also blasted the pair following their trip

Jones isnt the only person to publicly blast the pair after their return to the limelight. Longtime Sussex critic Piers Morgan also slammed the duke and duchess for flying back to their California mansion on a private jet hours after giving their speech. Morgan mocked the couple calling them the Prince and Princess of Pollution and the worlds most toxic royals.

In a piece for the Daily Mail he wrote: As with everything in Meghan and Harrys ludicrous world, they love to preach one thing and do the exact opposite. Theyve just finished a four-day trip to New York which even by their two-faced standards set a new low bar for hypocrisy.

RELATED: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Prove Theyre A-List Celebrities by Taking Page Out of Taylor Swifts Book
A former host of The View admits they were frightened by Rosie ODonnell. The ex-co-workers sat alongside one another at the shows Hot Topics table for some time, but their relationship didnt get off on the right foot. ODonnell scared the bejesus out of Nicolle Wallace, who only lasted one year before exiting the daytime talk series.

The cast of The View for season 18 included Rosie Perez, Rosie ODonnell, Whoopi Goldberg, and Nicolle Wallace.

Who is Nicolle Wallace?

Nicolle Wallace joined The View for season 18 in 2014 after working on George W. Bushs re-election campaign. After that, she was named White House communications director. She also served as senior adviser to the election campaign for John McCain and Sarah Palin in 2008.

She has been working as a political analyst for MSNBC since 2015. Wallace is currently the host of Deadline: White House on MSNBC, where she has anchored the series since 2017. She also appears on NBC News TODAY and NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt as an analyst.

Variety reported that when ABC hired Wallace, she was told ABC executives wanted an intelligent, measured Republican to debate alongside moderator Whoopi Goldberg, ODonnell, and Rosie Perez. However, Wallaces experience on The View was unlike what she initially anticipated upon taking the job.

Nicolle Wallace admits her real feelings about Rosie ODonnell

Whoopi Goldberg, Nicolle Wallace, Rosie Perez and Rosie ODonnell on the set of The View. | Fred Lee/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

RELATED: The View: Cindy McCain Co-Hosts and Gives Update on Meghan Following Exit

In the latest episode of the Behind The Table podcast, Wallace and Goldberg discussed her time on The View and her feelings regarding former co-host ODonnell.

The panel of Goldberg, Wallace, Perez, and ODonnell lasted for six months. ODonnell left the show in February 2015.

ODonnell famously came under fire on The View for her battles with former President Donald Trump. She also debated Republican panelist Elizabeth Hasselback in a split-screen scene over their conflicting views on the Iraq War, a legendary part of The View lore.

Im not going to sugarcoat this for her. She scared the bejesus out of me, Wallace admitted.

I think there was just some muscle memory to fighting with the Republican. And I just made her mad, she claimed. I never met anybody like that, and I never figured out how to navigate her during our season, she said.

She said that after both left the series, they met on a flight, spoke about their children, and effectively put that hot-button part of their lives to rest.

Nicolle Wallace lasted one season on The View

Nicolle Wallace on the set of The View.

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Wallace was not asked to return for the shows 19th season. She did not engage in heated battles with her co-hosts throughout her tenure on The View. However, Wallace explained her opinions without becoming confrontational.

Variety reported that the show did not explain to Wallace their issues regarding her performance, and she learned of her firing by reading it in the aforementioned publication in 2015.

In a 2015 Variety interview, Wallace said that time seated alongside Rosie was really intense, and that intensity could be really uncomfortable.

What transpired between us transpired on air. We had a combustible debate about torture. She had really combustible conversations about race. And listen, maybe this is where I failed in the eyes of the executives who hired me. Maybe this combustion is what they were seeking, Wallace concluded.

The View airs weekdays at 11 a.m. EST on ABC.
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Spin polarized muon particles (red spheres with arrows) probing a new form of magnetism in the perovskite superconductor Sr2RuO4 due to orbital loop currents generated on the Sr2RuO4 surface. The schematic shows the dipolar lines associated with the magnetic field (white lines) generated only by the orbitals at the surface of Sr2RuO4, and which induce a change in the precession of the spin of the implanted muons.

Since the discovery of superconductivity in Sr 2 RuO 4 in 1994, hundreds of studies have been published on this compound, which have suggested that Sr 2 RuO 4 is a very special system with unique properties. These properties make Sr 2 RuO 4 a material with great potential, for example, for the development of future technologies including superconducting spintronics and quantum electronics by virtue of its ability to carry lossless electrical currents and magnetic information simultaneously. An international research team led by scientists at the University of Konstanz has been now able to answer one of the most interesting open questions on Sr 2 RuO 4 : why does the superconducting state of this material exhibit some features that are typically found in materials known as ferromagnets, which are considered being antagonists to superconductors? The team has found that Sr 2 RuO 4 hosts a new form of magnetism, which can coexist with superconductivity and exists independently of superconductivity as well. The results have been published in the current issue of Nature Communications.

After a research study that lasted several years and involved 26 researchers from nine different universities and research institutions, the missing piece of the puzzle seems to have been found. Alongside the University of Konstanz, the universities of Salerno, Cambridge, Seoul, Kyoto and Bar Ilan as well as the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, the Paul Scherrer Institute and the Centro Nazionale delle Ricerche participated in the study.

So far not the right tool to find evidence

Despite decades of research on Sr 2 RuO 4 , there had been no evidence for the existence of this unusual type of magnetism in this material. A few years ago, however, we wondered if the reconstruction that happens in this material on the surface, where the crystal structure exhibits some small changes at the atomic scale level, could also lead to an electronic ordering with magnetic properties. Following this intuition, we realized that this question had probably not been addressed because nobody had used the right tool to find evidence for this magnetism, which we thought could be extremely weak and only limited to a few atomic layers from the surface of the material states the leader of this international research study, Professor Angelo Di Bernardo from the University of Konstanz, whose research focuses on superconducting spintronic and quantum devices based on innovative materials.

To carry out the experiment, the team used high-quality single crystals of Sr 2 RuO 4 prepared by the group of Dr Antonio Vecchione from the Centro Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Spin in Salerno. Making large crystals of Sr 2 RuO 4 without any impurities was a big challenge albeit crucial for the success of the experiment, since defects would have given a signal similar to the magnetic signal which we were hunting, says Dr Vecchione.

The right tool is a beam of muons

The special tool which the researchers used to unveil the new magnetism is a beam of particles called muons that are produced in a particle accelerator in Switzerland at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI). At PSI we have the only facility in the world to produce muons which can be implanted with a precision of a few nanometers. These particles, which can be used to detect extremely tiny magnetic fields, could be stopped very close to the surface of Sr 2 RuO 4 , which was crucial for the success of the experiment says Dr Zaher Salman who coordinated the experiment at the PSI muon facility.

It was a really nice experience to carry out measurements in an international beamtime facility like PSI and interact with such a large group of inspiring scientists from all over the world, since the very beginning of my doctorate in Konstanz says Roman Hartmann, a doctoral researcher who equally contributed as first author to the study.

The authors also developed a theoretical model suggesting the origin of this hidden surface magnetism. Unlike for conventional magnetic materials whose magnetic properties originate from the quantum mechanical property of an electron known as spin, a cooperative swirling motion of interacting electrons, generating circulating currents at the nanometer scale, underlies the magnetism discovered in Sr 2 RuO 4  states Dr Mario Cuoco from the CNR-spin who developed the theoretical model along with Dr Maria Teresa Mercaldo and other colleagues at the University of Salerno.

New insights for basic and applied research

As pointed out by Professor Jason Robison at the University of Cambridge, the results confirm that physical properties can be dramatically modified at a complex material surface and at interfaces within thin-film heterostructures, and these modifications can be exploited for discovering new science for basic and applied research including the design and development of quantum devices.

The co-authors of the project also include Professor Yoshiteru Maeno at the University of Kyoto, the scientist who first discovered superconductivity in Sr 2 RuO 4 in 1994 and who has contributed to some of the most important studies on this material reported over the last 30 years.

This finding not only resolves a long-standing puzzle and makes the iconic material Sr 2 RuO 4 even more interesting than before, but may also trigger new investigations which eventually help answering other striking open questions in materials science, says Professor Elke Scheer from the University of Konstanz, another of the leaders of the project and head of the Mesoscopic Systems research team.
The Cheshire Board of Education has been no stranger to controversial topics over the last several years, whether they be issues of bullying at local schools or mask mandates instituted by the state.

Now, the Board is considering new policies to address the conduct of those who choose to voice their opinions during meetings.

On Sept. 23, BOE Vice Chair Adam Grippo, during a regular business meeting, explained that the Policy Committee, on which he serves, has had discussions about potentially adopting a civility code regarding discourse at public meetings. This consideration comes in response to the last BOE meeting, where tensions were high regarding the implementation of state-wide mask mandates.

Superintendent of Schools Jeff Solan was asked to walk the Board through what a civility code is and how it would be implemented. While Solan provided few specifics, he did explain what the desired impact would be.

(A civility code) can really be (whatever) we want it to be, he began.  It is a little demoralizing to think that its relevant, but this goes back, actually, a year-plus ago.

Solan explained that the idea was first raised by the former Director of Special Education, Tracey Hussey, as a way to address tense meeting discourse, and that the idea would be for the code to serve as a guidepost for decorum as a school community. However, Solan explained that, however the code were to be worded, it would not be legally binding in any way.

He continued that it would simply be a measure used to help the Board conduct meetings in a much more efficient manner.

Were going to solicit other communities and see if they have anything similar and we would consider it in the Policy (Committee), Solan added.

I believe that we were all curious about enacting something like this, explained Grippo, who led the meeting due to Chair Tony Peruginis absence. Dr. Solan was going to look into this and see what the implied application of such a code would be.  Theres no motion or action on this at this time.

BOE member Tim White commented on the need to even have to consider something such as a civility code.

It saddens me that we as a society, whether its Cheshire, Connecticut, or the U.S.  that were at this point where were even discussing being civil, he said.  There is a relatively small minority of people who are just not civil and its really disappointing.

White went on to state that, if people are unhappy with their elected officials, they can run for office and try to make a difference rather than berating others online.

I appreciate the Superintendent suggesting this, but this issue goes so far beyond, in my mind, this one particular code (of conduct) even suggested, he added.

Member Faith Ham requested that if anything were to be created, the entire Board would have a chance to review it, as she is uncomfortable with the idea of imposing codes upon residents.

Many districts are exploring the idea of imposing codes and it just makes me very uncomfortable, whether its civility or the First Amendment, whatever is being considered right now, she said. These are virtues that really should be taught in the classroom from the get-go, and one would hope that we dont need a code to tell us what not to do.

The Policy Committee will continue researching the issue. No timeline has been provided for the possible presentation of a code for full BOE review.
Considering they are among the most influential words ever written, there are a number of curious things about the Ten Commandments. To start, there are two versions, with subtly different wording (Ex. 20:117; Deut. 5:621). No one knows how they were divided into two tablets. The first statement (I am the Lord your God ) is not really a command.

Most awkwardly, there appear to be more than ten. The phrase you shall appears 12 times, and that does not include commands to remember the Sabbath or honor your father and mother. The Orthodox Church and most Protestants solve this problem by combining all the commands on coveting into one. Roman Catholics address it by grouping the prohibitions on idolatry: Augustine argued that the first commandment (no other gods) includes what many would consider the second (no graven images).

Many would concede that the precise commandment count doesnt really matter, so long as we obey them all. I agree. But another curious feature of the Ten Commandments that does matter, and which frequently goes unnoticed, is the fact that there are ten theological affirmationsten attributes of God, if you likewoven through them. If the text tells us who we should be, it also tells us who God is. Revelation sits alongside regulation.

We have already noted the affirmation. Gods words to Israel begin not with a commandment, but with the name of God: I am the Lord your God  (Ex. 20:2, ESV throughout). In other words, I am Yahweh, the God who made a covenant with Abraham. You know my name because I revealed it to you. This relationship does not begin with your commitment to me (as important ...

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This week, Heather visits with Kevin Spencer Wilson, known online to his throng of followers as Cross Culture Christian. Kevin was born in Sri Lanka and moved to the Sultanate of Oman when he was 12. Over the past 30 years, he has learned to speak three and a half languages and has traveled to 13 countries. He is currently a youth pastor in Oceanside, California, where he says he attempts to help his tribe think meaningfully about their lives so they can live their lives meaningfully.

Heather and Kevin discuss his explosive growth on TikTok (more than 200,000 followers in less than two years). This conversation will help you understand what it means to be a Christian content creator as well as how to bring yourself authentically to your content. Kevin has been exceptionally successful at thinking about what makes you who you are and trying to build bridges through celebrating what brings us together rather than what separates us. Kevin is practicing digital evangelism in a way he never thought possibleby conversationally sharing spiritual concepts with his audience as he makes a cup of chai tea, a symbol of hospitality deeply connected to his life in Sri Lanka. Find Kevin on TikTok @crossculturechristian.

Also, in this weeks #GrowingViral segment, we highlight the Pocket Pulpit podcast. Hosted by Sarah Kinzer and Hector Martinez, Pocket Pulpit explores questions surrounding social media ministry. What is it, and how do you do it effectively? If you love Viral Jesus, you will lovePocket Pulpit, too. Find Sarah and Hector on Twitter @kinzer_sarah and @seatexhex.

Reach out to Heather at heatherthompsonday.com, on Twitter @HeatherTDay, and on Instagram @heatherthompsonday.

Viral Jesus is a production of Christianity Today

Host and creator: Heather Thompson Day

Producer: Loren Joseph

Executive Producer: Ed Gilbreath

Director of CT Podcasts: Mike Cosper
This week, the Christian enclave of Ankawa in Erbil, the capital city of Iraqi Kurdistan, was designated by the autonomous regions prime minister as an official district with administrative autonomy. Starting next week, Christians will directly elect their own mayor and be in charge of security, among other matters.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani called Ankawa a home for religious and social coexistence, and a place for peace.

Archbishop Bashar Warda, the Chaldean Catholic archbishop of Erbil, called it an important and strategic decision.

Our confidence in the future of Kurdistan makes us encourage Christians not only to stay, he told Kurdistan 24, but also to invest in this region.

Ordained a priest in 1993, Warda was consecrated in his current position in 2010. With Iraqs hemorrhaging of Christians since the 2003 US invasion, Wardas bishopric in the autonomous Kurdish region soon became a providential band-aid.

Beginning in 2014, ISIS drove Christians from Mosul and their traditional homeland in the Nineveh Plains, and thousands took refuge in Erbil and other cities in the secure northeast. From 1.5 million Christians in 2003, the Chaldean Catholic church now estimates a population of fewer than 275,000 Christians.

Warda has long been investing to turn the tide.

In 2015, he established the Catholic University of Erbil, and has coordinated relief aid from governments and charities alike. The situation stabilized following ISISs defeat in 2017.

But freedom does not come from politics alone. Two years ago, Christians endorsed widespread popular uprisings against the political class. Violently suppressed, the movements main celebrated achievement was early elections under a new law designed to promote better local and small-party representation.

Polls open on October 10, and a quota gives Christians five of 329 seats in parliament. However, Wardas Baghdad-based patriarch has called for a Christian boycott, fearing fraud.

Warda wants a Christian revival. Buoyed by the March visit of Pope Francis, he believes that ISIS broke the fundamental religious and cultural underpinnings of Islamic superiority. Christians no longer are seen as second-class citizens.

In an interview on the sidelines of the IRF Summit convened in Washington in July, Warda told CT about his welcome of missionaries, the Catholic way of witnessing to Muslims, and whether a revived Christian influence in Iraq will lead to future church growth.

Since the defeat of ISIS in Iraq, what challenge has been hardest for the church?

With all the displaced people, images of scattered tents immediately come to mind. But the hard part is not to provide them with food, sanitation, or medical supplies. This is not easy, but it is obvious.

The hard part is to restore their dignity. They understand that ISIS is a criminal gang. And they can bear the wounds of the innocent, knowing they had nothing to do with this dispute.

But their question is Why? yet also What now?

Men are the providers for the family. Sitting around doing nothing, they tell me, Bishop, we dont want money; we want a job. I want to deserve my food.

Suppose there is aid sufficient to rebuild homes, churches, and schools and even to provide jobs. You have said that this is not enough. It does not establish the basis of citizenship and pluralism.

That is true. But without homes, churches, schools, and jobs, the people will leave the country. And then there are no citizens left.

With a rebuilt community, you can go to the government to speak about the constitution, defending the peoples full rights under the law. There is a link. First have the community; then talk about implementing ideals.

Before ISIS, when the community was stable, were you able to seek your rights?

For 1,400 years there was a sort of social contract: Islam is the religion of the nation, and you are the People of the Book. But know that Islam is the honorable religion of God, which means you are second.

In the Quran it says there is no equality between those who believe in Islam and those who do not. Yes, it says they should consult you. But we are the people who are to be protected. That means we are always under them and have to pay a social and financial price. There is no jizia [a tax paid to be a protected community under Islamic rule] anymore, but the social price remains and makes you a second-class citizen.

What does this mean in the modern era?

In Catholic marriages, sometimes there are problems. Rather than deal with the issues, some spouses take the easy way out, convert to Islam, and get an immediate divorce. They dont believe in Islam, but the constitution gives them the right to take the children.

What about the mother? What if one of the children is not willing? No, no, no, we are told, Islam is the honorable religion.

It also means you cannot evangelize. If there is a Muslim coming to your church, asking about Christ, you must tell him, No, go away; you are a Muslim. Im not allowed.

Now after ISIS, I tell Muslims, No, youve broken the social contract.

For anyone coming to the church asking about Christianity now, we are there. We communicate, provide literature. Of course, I leave the decision to them. But my duty is to inform them and give them a reason for the hope that is in us.

Has the rest of the Christian community in Iraq realized the contract is broken? Can they act accordingly?

It depends on where they are. In Baghdad and Basra, it is a different story. But in the governorates affected by ISIS, we can tell them, We fulfilled our obligations as Christians. What about you?

In your opinion, is the social contract broken in Baghdad and Basra?

No. But their lives and challenges are different. They live amid political disputes between parties. It leads to a certain chaos with security, and some act out against the weaker party. There was some direct violence against churches and priests because they were Christians, but in recent years it is more about criminality.

But the culture of Islamic superiority still exists?

Yes, of course. Everywhere. In the entire Middle East.

Do Muslims in Kurdistan accept that the old social contract is broken?

When I speak with imams, they say that ISIS does not represent Islam. Okay, but you havent written any apology letter to the victims. They say, But we hosted you. We welcomed you. Yes, but write it down: We are sorry for what they did in the name of Allah. This helps history avoid being repeated.

What would happen if they could accept your understanding of this new reality?

They would dig deep in their Islamic history books to discover where it speaks about the dignity of the human being, simply because he is created by God. And then it would change the way they speak. They would use the Quran to demonstrate mutual respect.

It would change religious discourse, but what about ordinary Muslims?

They would know us better.

When I asked authorities for Pope Francis mass to be in an outdoor setting, one reason was to get Muslims to see what Christians do in church. They would then realize [Christians] are not there to dance and drink wine. [Christians] are quiet; they celebrate; they chant beautiful music.

I asked the head of the choir to choose Muslim musicians. There were 10 of them. It is a way of approaching the other to say, This is who I am. Listen to me. Watch me. Then they can see our adoration and hear over and over that we believe in one God.

Did the visit of Pope Francis change their mentality?

Our young people prepared the stadium, working 16 hours a day for three weeks. When the event was over, the media showed pictures of the stadium and that it was clean. This was not part of our responsibility; trash collection belonged to the government. But the message with the picture said, These people deserve our respect.

This meant a lot.

As you try to live out the fact that the social contract is broken and to spread this idea among other Christians, will there be consequences?

We have to have the passion and the patience for dialogue.

I go to meet with extremist Muslims, people who would not expect me at the gates of their homes. I tell them, Here I am. Are you willing to accept me?

They havent had straightforward answers. They reply, Islam is the honorable religion of God. Okay, I respect that, but lets talk about how to work together.

What are you doing to prepare the Christians in your bishopric to live in this new reality?

Our region receives displaced Christians because it is safe. This has helped me practice my faith freely, and Kurdistan is quite supportive. We are working alongside the government for sustainability of the Christian community.

We have four schools, a university, and a hospital. These provide 460 jobs. It is through education and healthcare that we can become influential. And I want to provide the best services in Iraq.

Phase one was to create the structures. Phase two is to work with universities in America to form an alliance. The Franciscan University of Steubenville has responded. So has the University of Dallas. We are also talking with Baylor University.

It is a long journey. But thank God, the response of Christians in America and around the world has been encouraging. They believe in what we are doing.

Do you welcome missionaries to your witness in the region?

Oh yes. As long as they respect that this is not a land of converting Christians to a new church.

Unfortunately, some come and tell us, We will tell you about Christ because you dont know Christ. How can they say this? They should say, We would like to share faith with you.

Yes, [they] are welcome. We have some working as teachers and as professors in the university.

The church here is weak in terms of numbers. We dont want to divide it further. There are nine churches, and over 15 evangelical groups have come to Iraq in the last three decades. It should be about cooperation and collaboration. Let me be enriched by your faith experience, and I by yours. Missionaries should help me maintain my faith, not weaken me.

If any of my people tell me, Bishop, I am alive in this new community, I say, God bless you. But let them say so openly. I am not their judge.

Some Western missionaries work among Muslims. How do you advise them to join you in your witness, to help and not to harm?

They must know that evangelization is not permitted. Im concerned first about their safety. They must have wisdom. It was unfortunate for us to [once] find Bibles in the trash. It is not about distributing the Bible but about whom you offer it to. The Bible is a treasure.

You have said previously that with the social contract broken, Iraqi Christians now have a role of witnessto be missionaries in their society. How can the foreign missionary join with you well?

Come and be with the local church, ready to help.

You will be a teacher in one of our schoolswith Muslims. Your example and dedication will draw them to know more about you and about your faith. When they ask you why you left America, you can tell them, I am a Christian. I believe in Jesus Christ, my Savior. He pushed me to come and help you, even though you are not Christians. These seeds will grow, and they will want to know more and more.

Come gently, as St. Paul did. Be faithful. Whenever there was a chance to speak about Christ, he would do so, with full respect.

What is the church doing now with Muslims who are interested in Christianity?

We have literature about who we are. I give this to them, they read it, and they come back with more questions.

Is it possible for them to join you and become a Christian?

No, we tell them, This would endanger your life. You cant do that. Then they insist. We work with them for six months, maybe a year, and they still insist. Who are we to tell them no? So then, I baptize them.

I tell my priests, If you have these cases, God bless you, go forward.

But I am always clear with inquirers: This is not going to change your religious identity before the law, on your ID card. It may put you in trouble with your family and your tribe. But if you are ready to bear the consequences, God bless you.

Are they able to stay in Iraq?

Some of them stay secretly. Some have decided to leave.

Your colleague Bishop Bawai Soro has researched and found that since Islam came to Iraq, the number of Christians has never increased. Faith is not a competition, but is this something that can change? Might Christians not only recover from ISIS but also grow? Or is it simply your destiny to accept a shrinking community, where all you can do is slow the pace and aim for stability?

I will start with the last one. Stabilize, and lead to a good future. This is not just realistic but practical. I am not a man of wishing but of hope. Hope means that if we work hard together, we can make it. With Gods grace, I think we can preserve a good number of Christians and, among them, influential leaders.

There is hope in these words. But is there also a sense of sadness?

Lets face it: Committed Christians are shrinking around the world.

We are the salt of the earth. Just be a candle. Christians are not destined to be the most powerful community, only the most influential. It is encouraging to live among a Christian majority, of course. But it also comes with challenges.

Lets stay with the easier scenario God has given us here in Iraq.
Afghan ambassador says Biden doesn't care about fate of women under Taliban control

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Afghanistan's ambassador to the United States said she doesn't believe President Joe Biden cared about the "fate" of women as his administration pulled U.S. troops out of the Taliban-controlled country after 20 years.

Ambassador Adela Raz, who became ambassador to the U.S. in July, was interviewed by Axios on HBO regarding the developments in Central Asian country following the U.S. troop withdrawal. A portion of the interview was posted to YouTube by HBO on Monday.

This summer, as the U.S. pulled the last of its armed forces out of Afghanistan, the Taliban quickly took control of the Central Asian country amid the collapse of the U.S.-backed government.

Raz noted that despite the withdrawal of U.S. troops, which was something the Trump administration also planned for, she had wanted there to be "conditions on Taliban that they commit to the achievements that the Afghan society has made."

The Taliban, which refers to itself as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, has a history of unfairly treating women through its interpretation of sharia law when it held control of much of Afghanistan during the late '90s and early 2000s.

When asked if she believed that President Biden was concerned about Afghan women under Taliban rule, Raz replied that she did not think he was.

"I don't think so. He said, 'U.S. cannot be the police of the world, to protect women in any other country,'" responded Raz.

When read a quote from Biden in which he argued that diplomacy, international support and "economic tools" would be used to encourage human rights in Afghanistan, Raz replied, "what type of tools are left right now to pressure Taliban that they respect the human rights?"

Over the past several years, the U.S. has gradually reduced troop numbers in Afghanistan after toppling the Taliban regime in 2001 in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks.

In February 2020, then-President Donald Trump announced at the Conservative Political Action Conference that he had made a deal with Taliban insurgents and the Afghan government to end the war.

"Today, the United States signed a deal with the Taliban so that we can hopefully begin the immediate process of finally bringing our troops back home," Trump said at the time.

"I want to just thank our military because we've been really a police force there for the last long time. We're not supposed to be a police force. We're supposed to be fighting soldiers."

Earlier this year, President Biden announced a plan to withdraw the remaining U.S. forces by the beginning of September, reportedly against the advice of his military advisors.

In August, the Taliban retook large parts of Afghanistan, including the capital of Kabul, with an unexpected speed that spread chaos as thousands of Afghans tried to flee the country.

Western sympathizers, Americans and others desperately tried to flee the country via the airport in Kabul. The Biden administration sent around 6,000 troops to help evacuate U.S. citizens and Afghans who aided the U.S. during its time in the country.

Biden also ordered "our Armed Forces and our Intelligence Community to ensure that we will maintain the capability and the vigilance to address future terrorist threats from Afghanistan."

"America went to Afghanistan 20 years ago to defeat the forces that attacked this country on September 11th. That mission resulted in the death of Osama bin Laden over a decade ago and the degradation of al Qaeda," said Biden in an Aug. 14 statement.

"I was the fourth President to preside over an American troop presence in Afghanistantwo Republicans, two Democrats. I would not, and will not, pass this war onto a fifth."

By September, there were reports of Taliban insurgents stopping Americans and others from leaving the country, as well as an uptick in the persecution of women and religious minorities.

A recent Quinnipiac poll found that only 34% of surveyed Americans approved of Biden's handling of foreign policy, while 28% agreed with removing all U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

Former President George W. Bush, who was in office when U.S. involvement in Afghanistan began, has argued that the withdrawal of U.S. troops would endanger women and minorities.

In September, women took to the streets in Afghanistan to protest the newly formed interim government that includes over a dozen leaders who are designated terrorists. The United Nations condemned the Taliban's "violent response" to the peaceful protests in which militants were said to have used live ammunition, batons and whips to beat women and journalists.
New lawsuit challenges NY vaccine mandate, cites Gov. Hochul's comments at megachurch

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A new federal lawsuit backed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., founder and chairman of anti-vaccine advocacy group Children's Health Defense, is challenging New Yorks COVID-19 vaccination mandate for healthcare workers for not allowing a religious exemption, citing Gov. Kathy Hochuls recent comments at a Brooklyn megachurch.

The lawsuit was filed Friday in Albany federal court on behalf of four anonymous healthcare workers at Lourdes Hospital who are all Catholic, Press Connects reported.

Lawyers representing the workers, which include two doctors, a nurse and a scientist, cited statements Hochul made at the A.R. Bernard-led Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn on Sept. 26 urging members to become her apostles and promote the good news of COVID-19 vaccines.

"I need you to be my apostles. I need you to go out and talk about it and say, we owe this to each other. We love each other. 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, she said.

They contend that other remarks made at the church by Hochul, who is Catholic, indicated that anyone whose religious beliefs conflict with her own on vaccines is "invalid."

We are not through this pandemic. I wished we were, but I prayed a lot to God during this time and you know what, God did answer our prayers. He made the smartest men and women, the scientists, the doctors, the researchers  He made them come up with a vaccine. That is from God to us and we must say, thank you, God. Thank you, Hochul, who noted that Pope Francis didn't have a problem with Catholics taking the vaccine, said at the church.

The workers, however, said they believe their Catholic faith prevents them from "committing a grave sin" by taking COVID-19 vaccines that have used aborted fetal stem cell tissues as part of their research and development.

"The governor has declared open war against those who oppose vaccination on religious grounds because these religious beliefs are in conflict with her own," the complaint says. "Gov. Hochul repeatedly claims that religious beliefs in opposition to vaccination are illegitimate and invalid."

On Sept. 13, 17 Christian healthcare workers, including several doctors, also filed a lawsuit seeking religious exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccine mandate. A day later, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order against New York's health department from rejecting employer-approved religious exemptions to the vaccine mandate. A week later, the order was extended until Oct. 12, when a hearing is scheduled for the case.

Kennedy is listed as a supporting attorney on the most recent lawsuit against the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers in New York.

Last Friday, The Defender, the news outlet of the Childrens Health Defense, cited data from the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System showing 752,803 reports of adverse events from all age groups following COVID-19 vaccines, including 15,937 deaths and 105,758 serious injuries between Dec. 14, 2020, and Sept. 24, 2021.

This data includes case reports from U.S. manufacturers that were reported to their foreign subsidiaries. Under FDA regulations, if a manufacturer is notified of a foreign case report that describes an event that is both serious and unexpected, they are required to submit it to VAERS.

When these reports from foreign subsidiaries are excluded, 581,851 adverse events, including 7,215 deaths and 45,952 serious injuries, were reported in the U.S. between Dec. 14, 2020, and Sept. 24, 2021.

Of the 7,215 U.S. deaths reported as of Sept. 24, the data show that 11% occurred within 24 hours of vaccination, 16% occurred within 48 hours of vaccination and 29% occurred in people who experienced an onset of symptoms within 48 hours of being vaccinated.
Pastor killed by speeding driver while helping friend repair car in New Jersey

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Nearly $20,000 has been raised to support the family of a beloved youth pastor who was struck and killed by a speeding car in New Jersey last Friday while he was helping his friend with car repairs.

The 56-year-old youth pastor of Christ Glory International Ministry in Irvington, Rev. Israel Razak Adebayo of Easton, Pennsylvania, performed automotive repairs underneath his friend's Nissan Altima on Somerset Street in Newark when a driver of a Dodge Charger traveling at high speed rammed into the vehicle.

Following the collision, the driver of the Dodge Charger remained at the scene. Adebayo was pronounced dead at 2:55 p.m., Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Newark Public Safety Director Brian O'Hara told the Mercer Daily Voice.

The church plans to hold a burial service at 1:30 p.m. at the Gethsemane Cemetery in Easton on Friday. A home-going service will follow at Christ Glory International Ministries. The service will be streamed online.

Adebayo is survived by his wife, four daughters and relatives.

"There are no words to express our heartfelt gratitude for the support you have extended towards our family during this difficult time of loss," family members of Adebayo stated on a flyer for the funeral service posted on the Christ Glory International Ministries Facebook page.

A GoFundMe online fundraising campaign was launched to support the family. In four days, the campaign raised over $19,316 as of Thursday afternoon.

Adedamola Adedeji, who created the GoFundMe page, wrote that Adebayo "was a wonderful husband, father, uncle, brother and youth pastor who touched the lives of those around."

"Pastor Israel Adebayo dedicated his life to preaching the gospel and winning souls for Christ," the fundraising page states. "He was instrumental in the upbringing of a lot of young souls and teaching the way of the Lord. We are all devastated by Pastor Adebayo's passing and we want to honor his life and say our last goodbyes."

The Christian Post reached out to Christ Glory International Ministries to learn more about Adebayo's life and ministry. A response was not received by press time.

In a post on Facebook, Christ Glory International Ministries called on believers to continue praying for the fallen pastor and support his family with donations.

Many who knew Adebayo donated and gave words of condolences to the family on the GoFundMe page.

"Pastor Israel, I find it difficult to believe you are no longer here with us. What most people fail to realize is, it is painful and uncomfortable to live a righteous life. It requires sacrifice and a life of servitude. You lived your life righteously," wrote Rev. Deborah Windapo. "I pray for strength and comfort for your wonderful wife, your four marvelous daughters, the entire family, the church of God, and our community as a whole. May you rest peacefully."

Another donor, Elizabeth Sodeke, said that the pastor was a "blessing" in her life.

"He will be greatly missed," Sodeke wrote.

Dr. Simbiat Adighije said he had known Adebayo since he was a teenager at Christ Glory International Ministries.

"He was gentle and extremely kind. Gentle is the only word that comes to my mind when I think of him. May his soul Rest In Peace," he wrote. "Prayers for his wife Aunty Bose and children, the family and the church. God knows why He called him home so soon. It is well. Sleep well Pastor Isreal."
Pennsylvania lawmaker's bill aims to force men to get vasectomy by 40th birthday

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A Pennsylvania lawmaker has introduced a bill that would force men to undergo sterilization in response to the Texas law banning abortions after a fetal heartbeat can be detected.

Democratic state Rep. Chris Rabb announced his intention to introduce legislation designed to enforce reproductive responsibility among men. In a memorandum sent to his colleagues Saturday, Rabb lamented that for far too long, the public debate around abortion, contraception and related reproductive matters has thrust government into the center of restrictions on the bodily autonomy of women and girls.

I will be introducing legislation that will require all inseminators to undergo vasectomies within six weeks from having their third child or 40th birthday, whichever comes first, he wrote. Further, this legislation will allow Pennsylvanians to take civil action for unwanted pregnancies against inseminators who wrongfully conceive a child with them.

If enacted, the proposed law would offer a $10,000 reward to private citizens in Pennsylvania who fail to abide by its requirements. It would also define wrongful conception to include negligence to prevent conception during intercourse.

Rabb suggested that his measure was initiated as a response to pro-life laws passed in other states: As long as state legislatures continue to restrict the reproductive rights of cis women, trans men and nonbinary people, there should be laws that address the responsibility of men who impregnate them.

He concluded the memorandum by encouraging his colleagues to examine this forthcoming bill that seeks to end this egregiously gendered double standard for the benefit of all individuals, our families and our great commonwealth. The bill stands little chance of passing in Pennsylvanias Republican-controlled Legislature.

In a statement released Monday, Rabb referred to his effort as parody legislation while addressing the reaction he's received: I have received the affirmation and support of people in and far beyond my district who hold reproductive rights sacrosanct  not to mention people who see the value in satire to raise awareness around serious issues such as this.

Rabb also directed a message at critics of his legislation: To each person who views this bill Ive introduced as absurd, Id urge you to apply equal scrutiny to laws in places like Texas and right here in Pennsylvania, which enact paternalistic restrictions on the personal liberty of cis women, trans men and nonbinary individuals who have an unwanted pregnancy. Whats good for the goose is good for the gander!

In a series of tweets unveiling his intention to introduce the legislation, Rabb indicated that he was inspired by Illinois state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a Democrat, who introduced The Expanding Abortion Services Act. Cassidys legislation allows private citizens to bring a civil suit against anyone who commits an act of sexual assault or domestic abuse or causes a person to have an unintended pregnancy.

I will be introducing a bill inspired by @RepKellyCassidy that requires all inseminators to undergo #vasectomies within 6 weeks of having their third child or 40th birthday, whichever comes first. /1



Additionally, . . .#ReproJustice#ReproductiveRights#AbortionIsHealthcare  Rep. Chris Rabb (@RepRabb) October 2, 2021

In response to criticism from Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who derided Rabbs bill as more far-left insanity, the Pennsylvania legislator informed him that Your sister-in-law @RepKellyCassidy partly inspired me, Newty! Cassidy is married to Gingrichs half-sister Candace.

While Cassidys bill will require courts to award statutory damages of at least $10,000 for each of sexual assault or domestic abuse or act that causes an unintended pregnancy, it does not require the perpetrators of such actions to undergo a vasectomy.

However, the legislation does require one-half of the damages to go to a special fund in the State treasury, known as the State Abortion Freedom Expansion Fund, to be used by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, to pay the costs of abortions for pregnant persons who travel to Illinois from states that prohibit abortions for the purpose of obtaining access to abortions in Illinois. Unlike Rabbs proposal, Cassidys legislation has a much higher chance of becoming law in heavily Democratic Illinois.

Both pieces of legislation come after the United States Supreme Court allowed Texas Senate Bill 8, which bans abortions after a baby's heartbeat can be detected, to go into effect. In addition to effectively banning abortions after six weeks gestation, the law allows private citizens to sue abortionists or anyone who 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 provisions of the legislation proposed by both Rabb and Cassidy allowing individuals to take civil action against violators of the law closely mimic the language of SB 8. Democrats at the national level are also taking action to counter the Texas law.

Late last month, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve the Womens Health Protection Act, which would codify the 1973 Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade into federal law and prevent states from passing pro-life laws. The bill is unlikely to pass the U.S. Senate, where most legislation requires 60 votes to pass.

The Democrats have a narrow 50-50 majority in the upper chamber, with Vice President Kamala Harris casting the tie-breaking vote for the Democrats. Democrats would need to pick up support from 10 Senate Republicans for the bill to pass. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, one of the few remaining pro-choice Republican lawmakers in Washington, told The Los Angeles Times that she would not support the measure.
5 controversial things Pat Robertson said while hosting The 700 Club

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Notable televangelist and conservative Christian political activist Pat Robertson announced last week that he is stepping down as host of Christian Broadcasting Network's The 700 Club after more than 50 years.

The 91-year-old still plans to make guest appearances and the program will now be hosted by his son, Gordon Robertson, who has co-hosted the show in the past.

During his long tenure as the program's host, Robertson didn't shy away from hot-button issues, including abortion, homosexuality, feminism, 9/11 and Middle East politics.

At times, comments from guests on his program led to public backlashes, such as when the Rev. Jerry Falwell suggested some blame for the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, should be placed on feminists, liberal groups and homosexuals.

Shortly after that broadcast, Robertson released a statement clarifying that he held no one other than the terrorists and the people and nations who have enabled and harbored them responsible for [the] attacks on this nation.

Over the years, Robertson himself received widespread attention and periodic backlash for comments he made while hosting The 700 Club.

The following pages highlight times Robertson garnered controversy while hosting The 700 Club.

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Numbers do matter: 10 signs of a disturbing trend in churches

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One census was ordered by God. The other was instigated by Satan.

God said that numbers do matter. He ordered a counting of all the people of Israel shortly after the people fled Egypt. You can see the specific mandate in Exodus 30:12-14. An entire book of the Bible is devoted to the progress and results of the census. The book is aptly named Numbers.

But another census of the people of Israel was clearly instigated by Satan. The Bible is straightforward on that matter in 1 Chronicles 21:1: Satan rose up against Israel and caused David to take a census of the people of Israel. Apparently, David ordered the count for his own self-aggrandizement.

The point is simple. Numbers and counting are either good or evil according to the motivation of those counting.

We are in a historical cycle in the evangelical world where the mood is to disparage counting, attendance, and other numerical metrics. Consequently, we are in danger of losing accountability that is inherent with following numbers.

How are we able to discern the growing disdain for numbers and counting? Here are ten issues that are indicative of the movement to disparage metrics.

1. An increasing number of comments that the church is the people, not the building. Of course, the church is not a building. Of course, the church is the people of God. But those people are commanded to gather somewhere. That gathering place is usually a building. This issue is often expressed as a reason not to count our worship attendance. Its a poor excuse.

2. An increasing number of comments that the church should focus on sending not attending. This argument is fallacious. It puts missionary sending to the community and beyond in opposition to gathering for worship. Its both/and, not either/or.

3. Numbers for bragging rights. Again, the issue is one of motive. David obviously wanted to brag about the size of his kingdom. The problem was his heart, not counting people.

4. Failure to count group attendance. If you want to gauge the health of your church, a good metric is weekly group attendance. If you are not counting weekly group attendance, you are missing the opportunity to determine the commitment of your core members.

5. The priority of ministry over numbers. Again, this argument is fallacious. It suggests that a church should do ministry instead of counting, for example, worship attendance. This argument was used by a number of mainline churches for around 50 years. They maintained the argument until there were no members left to do ministry.

6. Counting is legalistic. Anything can turn legalistic without the right motive: reading the Bible, sharing your faith, giving, and others. At the risk of redundancy, it is a question of motive and the heart.

7. COVID! While I do not want to minimize the tragedy of COVID, I fear we will begin to use it as an excuse for waning commitment to the church. Those church leaders (and other organizational leaders) who learn to pivot and adjust to a new reality will see the greatest fruit.

8. Its about the core. Those articulating this argument communicate that fewer is better. Those who are committed will attend regularly. We should not worry about the others, the argument goes. But we need the less committed to attend church to become more committed. We need the non-Christians to attend church to hear the Gospel.

9. Waning and unreported conversions. Most North American congregations are seeing fewer conversions. Most of them have no accountability because they fail to report the number of conversions.

10. No published worship and small group attendance. That which is reported gets noticed. That which is noticed gets attention. That which gets attention gets better.

Evangelical churches are repeating the history of mainline churches. They are devising reasons to excuse declining attendance. In doing so, they are implicitly saying the gathered church is not important.

Robert Hudnut, a mainline writer from 1975, argued that it is a good sign that people are leaving churches. In his book, Church Growth Is Not the Point, he said, the loss of growth statistics has meant increase in the growth of the Gospel.

His argument was symptomatic of dying mainline churches 50 years ago. A half-century later, evangelical churches are dying and using the same rationale.

Numbers do matter. Especially when the motive is right, and the heart is pure.

Originally published at Church Answers.
UN, human rights groups condemn Taliban's violent crackdown on women-led protests, journalists

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The United Nations and human rights groups have condemned the Taliban's ban on all demonstrations and the use of violence days after women took to the streets to protest Afghanistan's newly formed interim government that includes more than a dozen leaders who are designated terrorists and ex-Guantanamo detainees.

In a statement released Friday, the U.N. condemned the Taliban for its increasingly violent response to organized peaceful protests in which militants used live ammunition, batons and whips to beat women and journalists.

We call on the Taliban to immediately cease the use of force towards, and the arbitrary detention of, those exercising their right to peaceful assembly and the journalists covering the protests," a spokeswoman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights said in a press statement, adding that the Taliban killed four people during recent demonstrations.

Taliban fighters shot and killed two men and wounded several others during demonstrations in Kabul Tuesday, and beat and detained several women and up to 15 journalists, the spokesman said. During protests in Nangarhar and Kunar provinces last month, the Taliban killed a man and a boy and wounded eight others after firing their weapons into the crowds.

As Afghan women and men take to the streets during this time of great uncertainty in their country to press peacefully for their human rights to be respected  including womens right to work, to freedom of movement, to education and political participation  it is crucial that those in power listen to their voices, the U.N.'s statement continued.

The beating of women and journalists in Kabuls Karte Char neighborhood occurred on the same day the Taliban announced the ban on all slogans, demonstrations and protests that dont have official approval, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Their government doesnt count us as citizens of this country even though we are half of the population, a protesting woman was quoted as saying. We dont care if they beat us or even shoot us, we want to defend our rights. We will continue our protests even if we get killed.

Taliban fighters called the protesting women "agents of America."

Responding to the protests, the new regimes interior ministry, which is headed by Sirajuddin Haqqani, a member of the Haqqani network that has long been designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department, warned that such protests would be treated as illegal and participants would face severe legal consequences unless approved by authorities at least three hours in advance, The Epoch Times reported.

At a large protest by men and women on Tuesday, members of the Taliban fired shots into the air to disperse the demonstration held outside the Pakistan embassy in Kabul and arrested reporters.

Taliban authorities are obligated under international law to respect and uphold everyones right to peaceful protests and to respect the rights of women and girls, Patricia Gossman, associate Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said in a report.

Concerned governments should press the Taliban to protect free expression and peaceful assembly, she said.

The report also said that Taliban security forces on Tuesday detained journalists from Etilaat-e Roz  Taqi Daryabi and Nemat Naqdi  for covering a protest in Kabul. The journalists were taken to a police station in Kabul, placed in separate cells and severely beaten with cables before being released on Wednesday.

Taliban authorities claimed that they would allow the media to function so long as they respected Islamic values, but they are increasingly preventing journalists from reporting on demonstrations, Gossman added.

Nemat Naqdi, a video journalist, and Taqi Daryabi, video editor, from the Etilaatroz newspaper undress to show their wounds after Taliban fighters tortured and beat them in custody after being arrested for reporting on a womens rights protest in Kabul, Afghanistan.



???? @yamphotopic.twitter.com/ipQ658KQMN  L.A. Times Photos (@latimesphotos) September 9, 2021

The Talibans crackdown on protests and journalists is raising concerns among religious minorities, especially Christians, as they fear increased oppression and persecution as the Taliban have promised strict enforcement of Sharia law, the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern said.

Almost all Afghan Christians  estimated to be between 8,000 and 12,000  are converts from Islam and remain largely closeted and hidden from the public eye due to severe persecution.

Their status as converts makes Afghan Christians direct targets for persecution by both extremist groups and society in general, ICC said. In Afghanistan, leaving Islam is considered extremely shameful and converts can face dire consequences if their conversion is discovered.

The fears are not unfounded, given the new leadership.

Prior to the Talibans takeover of the country, Afghanistan was one of the hardest places in the world to be a Christian, ICCs Regional Manager for South Asia, William Stark, said. With the Taliban now in complete control and likely to return the country to the oppression of the 1990s, it will be nearly impossible to be a Christian in Afghanistan.

Five of the newly-appointed leaders were in detention in Guantanamo and later exchanged for Bowe Bergdahl in 2014, according to Long War Journal.

Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada, the current Emir of the Faithful or top leader of the Taliban, issued religious decrees justifying the Talibans operations, including suicide attacks, from 1996 to 2001, the Journal said.

Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, the acting head of state, refused to turn over Osama bin Laden after the al Qaeda terror group bombed the U.S. Embassy in August 1998.

Akhundzada and Akhund are among more than a dozen new leaders who were sanctioned by the U.N. Security Council in early 2001.
Vatican diplomat warns US leaders against exploiting God at Red Mass

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As the U.S. Supreme Court began a new term in which it will be hearing an abortion case that could overrule Roe v. Wade, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, permanent observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, warned U.S. leaders against exploiting God and justice for selfish means like the Pharisees in the Bible.

Caccia made the call in his homily at the 69th Red Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew in Washington D.C. The Red Mass, which is an annual service marking the opening of the Supreme Courts new term, is traditionally held on the Sunday before the first Monday in October to invoke Gods blessings on those responsible for the administration of justice, as well as on all public officials.

While Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. was the only member of the Supreme Court who attended the event, Caccia told the audience that justice has to do with something sacred.

It is a powerful reminder that justice has to do with something sacred and that those who practice its administration are at the service of something larger and greater than themselves, the diplomat said. This is an important perspective because today, like at the time of Jesus, there is a reason to exploit justice instead of deliver it.

He then pointed to an earlier reading from the book of Mark in the Bible highlighting how the Pharisees tried to use the law to trap Jesus.

In the Gospel (Mark 10: 2-16) today, Jesus was approached by the Pharisees with a question: Is it lawful [for a husband to divorce his wife]? Immediately afterward, St. Mark tells us, they were testing Him, Caccia said.

Justice is being used as a pretense to challenge and condemn. Or we could say, to do injustice. Jesus nevertheless enters into discussion with them. They confront Him with another question about the Law of Moses. Jesus, however, tries to lead them on an exodus from what He calls the hardness of their hearts, he added.

Caccia urged officials to take the advice of Jesus and place themselves in the presence of God with an openness to understand what is Gods plan.

If you do not place yourselves before God in this way, there is the risk to use even God for our own ends instead of serving Him. This is the very attitude that distinguishes a truly religious person from an apparently religious man like the Pharisees in the Gospel today, he said.

There are in the end only two kinds of persons  those who try to grasp God and take Him in their hands for their own goals like little children grasping for water only to have it escape through their fingers; and those who ask and welcome God with open cupped hands, allowing them to retain water and imbibe it, he continued. We can ask ourselves. What kind of person am I? Someone who tries to grasp God or someone who asks and receives Him? Those who receive God and draw near to Him, draw near to His justice which is one of His biblical attributes.

This term, the Supreme Court is expected to hear arguments in the case, Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, to determine the legality of Mississippi's 15-week abortion ban. The National Rifle Association, is also challenging a New York law that requires law-abiding citizens who want a permit to carry a concealed firearm outside their home to demonstrate a proper cause.
Fauci says its too soon to say if Americans can gather for Christmas

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Chief White House medical adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci said Sunday that its too soon to tell whether Americans should gather for Christmas this year, as he spoke about the coronavirus pandemic and what to expect in the coming months.

Its just too soon to tell. We have to concentrate on continuing to get those numbers down and not try to jump ahead by weeks or months and say what were going to do at a particular time, Fauci said on CBS Face The Nation, after anchor Margaret Brennan asked if Americans will be able to gather for Christmas.

Lets focus like a laser on continuing to get those cases down. And we can do it by people getting vaccinated. Also, in the situation where boosters are appropriate, to get people boosted, because we know they can help greatly in diminishing infection and diminishing advanced disease.

Fauci received criticism on social media for his comments.

Its bad enough that Fauci says these ridiculous things, but its worse that journos keep framing questions to him as if he has any say over whether we get together for Christmas, Washington Free Beacon reporter Chuck Ross wrote, according to Fox News.

Last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended that Americans avoid traveling for Christmas. The best thing for Americans to do in the upcoming holiday season is to stay at home and not travel, Henry Walke, CDCs COVID-19 incident manager, said at the time, The Hill reported.

In the United States, there have been over 42.9 million reported COVID-19 cases thus far, with 688,099 deaths counted as being from COVID-19 as of Monday, according to WHO, which also says, as of last Thursday, a total of 398,284,216 vaccine doses had been administered.

An investigative report found that states are counting deaths by suicide, murder and auto accidents as deaths from COVID-19, inflating death totals.

Dr. Fauci told CBS that complacency needs to be avoided. We need to continue to get those individuals, now 70 million people who are eligible to be vaccinated, vaccinated.

Fauci supported President Bidens vaccine mandate, which requires federal employees, contractors and private employers with 100 workers or more to mandate vaccinations or weekly testing for the novel coronavirus.

I think what the president said about companies greater than 100 individuals is a good thing, and youre seeing also local groups, universities and businesses are doing that, mandating vaccines in particular, Fauci said.

However, in August, when Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., was asked about requiring members of Congress to be vaccinated, she responded, We cannot require someone to be vaccinated. Its just not what we can do, Forbes noted.

The vaccination status of members of Congress, she added, is a matter of privacy.

Several governors and members of Congress denounced Bidens plans.

I will pursue every legal option available to the state of Georgia to stop this blatantly unlawful overreach by the Biden administration, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp tweeted.

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts also responded, saying: This plan isnt about public health  this is about government control and taking away personal liberties. Americans, not the federal government, are responsible for taking charge of their personal health.
Top Vatican official says Biden shouldn't be denied communion over abortion

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A prominent Vatican official has stated that President Joe Biden should not be denied communion over his pro-choice views and public policy stances in support of legal abortion.

While there's been much debate this year in the Roman Catholic Church over whether politicians who support legal access to abortion should be denied communion, the head of the Vatican's Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development told AXIOS on HBO that Biden's policy stance on abortion shouldn't prevent him from receiving the Eucharist.

"The Eucharist should not in any way become a weapon," Cardinal Peter Turkson said in an interview that aired on Sunday. "If you say somebody cannot receive communion, you are basically doing a judgment that you are in a state of sin."

Turkson was asked directly if a judgment of being in a "state of sin" applied to Biden. He said "no."

Biden is the second Catholic to become president of the United States, drawing ire from some within the church who feel his policies and support for codifying abortion rights into federal contradict the Catholic Church's teaching against abortion.

Turkson, a native of Ghana who has led the dicastery since its creation in 2017 and has been a close aide to Pope Francis, explained that communion should be denied only under "extreme cases." As an example, he said it would be acceptable deny communion to a known murderer.

In October 2019, then-Democratic presidential candidate Biden was denied communion while on the campaign trail in South Carolina by a Catholic priest named Father Robert E. Morey.

"Holy Communion signifies we are one with God, each other and the Church," Morey told S.C. Now.

"Our actions should reflect that. Any public figure who advocates for abortion places himself or herself outside of Church teaching."

Since then, other Catholic Church officials in the U.S. have supported denying the sacrament to Biden and any other pro-choice Catholic politicians.

"This whole matter is not a question of politics  it is a question of the moral law," stated Cardinal Raymond Leo Burke in an interview with The Wanderer in January 2020, calling Morey's actions "right and just."

"If one is ignorant of the truth and promotes abortion legislation, that is one thing. But if one is a professed Roman Catholic who has been admonished that he (or she) cannot support legislation against the natural moral law, he (or she) is bound to be obedient to that law."

Others, including Bishop Robert McElroy of San Diego, have stated that they object to refusing to administer the sacrament to pro-choice Catholic politicians.

"I do not see how depriving the President or other political leaders of Eucharist based on their public policy stance can be interpreted in our society as anything other than the weaponization of Eucharist," stated McElroy in February, as reported by CRUX Now.

Reports earlier this year indicated that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops was considering a draft document during its meeting in June that would have advised Catholic politicians who support abortion not to receive communion.

A week after voting to approve a "Document on the Meaning of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church," the USCCB clarified that the vote would not lead to a blanket ban on pro-choice politicians receiving communion.

In July, however, a Democrat state lawmaker in New Mexico was denied communion for voting in favor of a bill to codify abortion rights into state law.
Abortionist LeRoy Carhart sued for malpractice over injuries sustained during late-term abortion

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Controversial late-term abortion provider Dr. LeRoy Carhart is being sued by a woman over injuries she received during an abortion procedure done at his Maryland clinic.

Ashley P. Norris of Virginia filed a complaint on Sept. 23 in a Maryland federal court against Carhart, Dr. Elizabeth Swallow, and AbortionClinics.org, also known as Clinics for Abortion and Reproductive Excellence.

According to the legal filing, Norris was 25 weeks pregnant when she had an abortion at Carharts Bethesda facility in May 2020.

The abortion took place over two days.

On the first day, Norris received oral medications and a vaginal insertion of a seaweed extract known as laminaria designed to cause cervical dilation. At her second appointment, additional oral medications were given to further dilate the uterus.

The complaint alleges that while the dilation of the plaintiffs uterus had not proceeded as expected, she was placed under anesthesia to undergo an abortion anyway.

However, Norris experienced complications during the procedure, including severe bleeding and a dangerous drop in blood pressure, prompting her to be rushed to a nearby hospital.

Norris accuses Carhart of medical negligence and negligence on informed consent, stating that because of the botched abortion attempt, she has multiple internal injuries, including permanent damage to her bowel and uterus.

The Christian Post reached out to AbortionClinics.org for comment. A representative of the clinic said Monday that the organization could not respond by press time.

Maryland Right to Life Legislative Director Laura Bogley-Knickman told CP that the federal court should carefully consider the merits of this lawsuit and provide [an] appropriate judicial remedy which should include civil liability of the abortionist.

Abortion laws are designed to protect abortionists from the harm they cause to women and children. But in 2012, Maryland adopted regulations to ensure that abortionists and abortion clinics meet the same health and safety standards as other outpatient centers, said Bogley-Knickman.

We respectfully urge the court to properly apply the intent of those safety regulations in the present case and ensure they are given the full force and effect of the law.

Although MDRTL is not involved in the lawsuit, Bogley-Knickman said that they have facilitated cooperation between other parties who are pursuing [an] investigation of the defendant for multiple incidents involving the injury or death of women.

Maryland is one of three states that shields abortionists from liability by waiving annual reporting requirements, she continued.

Clinic regulations currently are report driven only and the Maryland Department of Health Office of Health Care Quality has failed to provide sufficient oversight and regulation of abortion clinics in Maryland as evidenced by the current complaint.

One of the few providers of late-term abortion procedures in the U.S., Carhart operates clinics in Maryland and Nebraska. He has been a controversial public figure because of his pro-choice advocacy and practice.

In 2016, for example, the U.S. House of Representatives Select Panel on Infant Lives subpoenaed Carhart over allegations that he may have profited from the sale of aborted baby body parts and for multiple reports of women who sought abortions from him having to go to the hospital.

Public reports indicate at least five women have been sent to the hospital since December while seeking an abortion in this clinic, said then-Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., in a statement at the time.

In response to the 2016 subpoena, a group of Democrat members of Congress sent a letter to then-House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., arguing that Carhart was the victim of a witch hunt.

Republicans have not shared with Democrats any objective basis for targeting this individual, who has been the subject of anti-abortion violence for decades, including a 1991 fire that destroyed his family farm, killing his dog, cat, and 17 horses in claimed retaliation for the care that he provides for women in this country, read the letter, in part.

Additionally, Carhart sued the state of Nebraska over its ban on partial-birth abortion. The case of Stenberg v. Carhart went to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2000, which ruled 5-4 that the Nebraska law was unconstitutional.

When the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act was passed at the federal level, Carhart again challenged it in court. The case of Gonzales v. Carhart went all the way to the Supreme Court. In 2007, the justices upheld the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act in a 5-4 decision.
Christian teen brothers charged with attempted murder of mother, church praying for all involved

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A 16-year-old homeschooled Christian boy and his 13-year-old brother were arrested in Elverta, California, last Monday for attempting to murder their mother and 10-year-old brother, who have been hospitalized and are in critical condition, police say.

Limited details on the attack, which has left the familys church and neighbors in shock, have been released by police because of the suspects' ages. Deputies received their first call about the attack about 10:45 a.m. on Sept. 27 from one of the brothers.

A recording of the call published by CBS13 revealed shocking details about what happened.

 a male says he 187d somebody and he wants to turn himself in  the dispatcher said.

 then said he hurt his mother and she was losing a lot of blood  the male gave the phone to a female who said her son stabbed her  and beat her in the head and she has to go to the hospital  the dispatcher further noted.

The mother was transported to Mercy San Juan Hospital and the brother to UC Davis Medical Center after the attack, the sheriffs office said.

The mother, who has five children, was at home with three of her sons at the time of the attack. Neighbors told CBS 13 that her oldest child, a son, was away at college and the father was off at work with his daughter.

Its so hard to tell what the triggering episodes are or what the problem is. Its just devastating that this kind of thing happens  that we have kids who are troubled enough to be violent in their homes, neighbor Linda Hargreaves told the news station.

Hargreaves said she saw the father and his young daughter pull up to the crime scene in his semi-truck then quickly left in a car.

He just jumped out, the little girl jumped out the same side, they ran back to a car and got into a car, she said. [Its] devastating that something like this happens anywhere, but also in our quiet neighborhood here.

The 16-year-old son, who was identified by CBS13 as an award-winning pianist, was also active with his family at Grace Valley Christian Center in Davis, as well as a Christian home school speech and debate club.

He reportedly messaged a member of the debate club about the attack on his mother on the morning it happened. The father of the debate club member then called the familys church.

Grace Valley Christian Center did not immediately respond to a request for an interview on Monday, but the Rev. Gregory Broderick, an ordained minister with the church who's also an attorney, told CBS13 that the church is praying for everyone involved.

Like many in the community, we were shocked and heartbroken to learn of this terrible tragedy. We dont yet know what happened, but we are praying for everyone involved, and especially for the full recovery of mother and son, he said in a statement.

Grace Valley Christian Center is described on its website as a church where God is moving in the power of the Holy Spirit and transforming the lives of young and old alike. We proclaim the orthodox faith of the Holy Bible, in the Reformed tradition of the apostle Paul, Augustine, Luther, Calvin, and others.

In the wake of the attempted murder charges against the two brothers, former members of the church told The Davis Vanguard that they believe the church is a cult.

Several hundred people are said to attend the church weekly, and many are connected to an elementary school, a middle school and an online high school operated by the church.

The church was reportedly founded by Indian-born senior minister P. G. Mathew and a group of college students in the 1970s. It was originally part of the Shepherding movement, created in response to concerns that American churches were straying from tradition and lacking discipline.

Unidentified ex-members told the Vanguard that the church has devolved into a movement of abuse.

Former members of GVCC detailed stories of authoritative control, verbal harassment of adults and children, sexual assault, emotional manipulation, and drug abuse. Multiple people referred to it as a cult and one referred to it as a dictatorship with Pastor Mathew at the center of it all, the publication added.

Among the methods of control reportedly employed by the church is a requirement of weekly reports from members on intimate details from their daily life.

They keep a filing system on everybody. One of the moms told me that her daughter was having a horrible period, and she talked about it in a report and the elders spoke about it in a meeting, one unidentified source said.

Every week I was supposed to report on how my week went, what I struggled with that week. They would give me feedback or tell me what to do. If I didnt do it I would get in trouble and they would talk to my parents, another added.

At a recent court hearing, an attorney for the 16 year old called for a December delay to give doctors time to evaluate his fitness to stand trial. Sacramento Juvenile Court Judge Michael Kenny and prosecutors agreed to suspend criminal proceedings against him, but are pushing for his case to be moved into adult criminal court. The 13-year-old brother will face juvenile court hearing on Oct. 29. The brothers remain in the custody of Sacramento County juvenile hall.
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Christian parents have no greater joy than to lead their children to know, trust, love and follow Jesus. After all, our children are the only thing we can take with us to Heaven.

I had the privilege of performing the wedding ceremony for our oldest daughter this past weekend. It was centered around Jesus as we celebrated the difference Christ makes in marriage. The message from Gods Word provided spiritual power and biblical insights, along with, of course, personal anecdotes.

There were elements of fun and laughter in the ceremony, as both the human and divine components were united in one accord. The vows Sarah and Tim shared with one another were heartwarming, and the Spirit-filled ceremony overflowed with authenticity. The atmosphere was relaxed, but at the same time deeply spiritual and inspiring. You know, the kind only God can create.

The ceremony was actually a microcosm of what my wife, Tammy, and I have enjoyed with each of our four children who are now in their 20s. By Gods grace, our two daughters and two sons all rely upon the Lord for everything in life, and especially for their salvation. We have witnessed the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives in so many ways over the years. We have seen firsthand how God works directly through parents to lead children into a strong relationship with Christ.

In a 2017 CP op-ed, I shared the parenting approach that worked well in our home: 5 Tips for Raising Children Who Love Jesus. Here is one of those tips:

Seize teachable moments every day as you bring the love of Jesus into the discussion.

When our children were between the ages of 2 and 5, they often heard about God's love for them. During these formative years, they began to know Jesus as both their friend, as well as their Savior who died on the cross for their sins. In this way, Christianity became the foundation of their entire life, rather than just a set of doctrines to believe, or an activity we do on Sunday because dad is a pastor.

When young children develop a warm and loving friendship with Jesus, it has enormous implications for their entire life. And when a child's trust in Jesus is nurtured for 18 years, it produces much love, wisdom, compassion, commitment, and eternal security that permeates every experience in life.

There is no doubt that Christian parents can lead their young children, as well as their older children and teens, into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Discipling your children begins the day they are born.

It has been a tremendous joy to pray the "Aaronic Blessing" over each one of our children thousands of times from the day they were born. I would lay my hand on the head of Sarah, Aaron, Hannah, or Jonah, and pray: "The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.

And I had the privilege to pray this same prayer over Sarah and Tim at the wedding. They now embark on the journey that Tammy and I began 31 years ago, and that my Christ-centered and faithful parents began 60 years ago.

Christian parents love their children and are able to tell them about Jesus, but only the Holy Spirit can convert children by enabling them to believe the good news of the Gospel (John 3:6; 1 Cor. 12:3). Salvation is a gift that comes by grace through faith in Christ. And it is amazing how willing a young child is to accept the love and message of Jesus.

These famous words from our Redeemer say it best: I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. (Luke 18:17)

There is plenty that parents can do to lead their children to Christ and disciple them in the home. Parents can pray daily for their children. And they can model Christianity in their daily lives through periods of confession and forgiveness. Children develop humility and a desire to behave better when they hear Dad and Mom tell one another, I am sorry. It was wrong for me to do that."

Parents can articulate boundaries, while also giving their children enough room to breathe spiritually. And they can gather with other Christians at least weekly to strengthen the faith of their children.

You can absolutely lead your children to know, trust, love, and follow Jesus. Christian parenting is a full-time job from the day your child is born. Raising children to walk closely with Jesus requires as much love, focus, and dedication as it takes for you to become a committed and faithful follower of Christ.

It is relatively easy to become a Christian. After all, how difficult is it to receive a gift? The challenging part of Christianity is learning to say No to our self-centered impulses. And yet this is the only way to live as a committed follower of Jesus Christ.

And if you find yourself today with a wayward child who is not walking with Christ, just remember: With God nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37). The Lord changed the heart of Saul who was persecuting Christians, (Acts 7:57-8:1), and turned him into the Apostle Paul. The same Lord can save your son or daughter.

On the day of Pentecost, Peter said, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children  (Acts 2:38).

The Lord wants your child to believe the Gospel and receive eternal life in heaven (1 Tim. 2:3,4; 2 Peter 3:9). And so be encouraged, my friend, as you cry out to the Lord in prayer (Psalm 50:15; Psalm 62:8). God is still in the business of redeeming lost people, and especially the children of Christian parents.

There is still time to reach your child for the Lord. The power of the Holy Spirit continues to guide and assist Christian parents in leading their children to Christ.

You see, God wants your child to enter Heaven one day even more than you do.
3 Swiss Guards leave Vatican after refusing to get COVID-19 vaccine

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Three members of the Swiss Guard who are charged with protecting the pope have been ordered to leave the Vatican complex after refusing to get the COVID-19 vaccine following a requirement issued by Catholic Church officials.

Catholic Church officials who oversee the Vatican issued a decree requiring that all employees and visitors to the small independent country either be vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Swiss Guard official Lt. Urs Breitenmoser told The Associated Press in a story published Sunday that the three guardsmen willingly returned home to Switzerland rather than be vaccinated after being asked to get vaccinated to protect their health and that of the others they come into contact with as part of their service.

Three members of the Guard have chosen not to adhere to that request, voluntarily leaving the corps, continued Breitenmoser, adding that three other guardsmen were suspended from duty while they awaited being vaccinated.

Last month, Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, head of the Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City, signed a decree requiring either vaccination against COVID-19 or proof of a negative COVID-19 test.

Beginning on Oct. 1, entry into Vatican City would only be allowed for those with a "Green Pass," which is a certification document attesting that the person has been vaccinated or has recovered from COVID-19.

An exemption was given to people taking part in liturgical celebrations; however, they must still wear masks and practice social distancing before and during liturgies, and they can only be in the Vatican for the celebrations.

There has been some controversy over the development of the COVID-19 vaccines in some religious circles because it involved using cells from an aborted baby in the research and development process.

Last December, the Catholic Churchs Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a statement saying that it was morally acceptable for Catholics to take the COVID-19 vaccine, even if it was developed using cells from an aborted baby.

The CDF stated that the morally licit use of these types of vaccines, in the particular conditions that make it so, does not in itself constitute a legitimation, even indirect, of the practice of abortion, and necessarily assumes the opposition to this practice by those who make use of these vaccines.

In the absence of other means to stop or even prevent the epidemic, the common good may recommend vaccination, especially to protect the weakest and most exposed, noted the CDF.

In January, both Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI received their first doses of the vaccine, with Francis stating in advance of his first shot that he believed it was an ethical action, because you are gambling with your health, you are gambling with your life, but you are also gambling with the lives of others.
Pentecostal pastor, 2 other Christians arrested in India for handing out Bibles

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Police in Indias northern state of Himachal Pradesh arrested a Pentecostal pastor and two other Christians who were handing out evangelistic booklets and Bibles in villages after radical Hindu nationalists accused them of forcibly converting people, according to a report.

The Rev. Charlie John and two other Christians, Vishal and Keval Ram, were arrested last week after they distributed Christian literature and Bibles in Lalas village near Rampur city, Asia News reported.

I only offered the Bible, and I gave it to those who freely accept the Good News, Pastor John was quoted as saying. If anyone refused, I didn't insist. We did not convert anyone; I'm even willing to offer the Bible, which is God's Word, even to the police.

He added, What we do is share the Good News with people, tell them about Jesus, without forcing anyone to convert. The accusations made against me are totally false; I have never offered money for the conversion of people.

Himachal Pradesh is one of the several Indian states that have anti-conversion laws.

While some of these laws have been in place for decades in some states, no Christian has been convicted of forcibly converting anyone to Christianity. These laws, however, allow Hindu nationalist groups to make false charges against Christians and launch attacks on them under the pretext of the alleged forced conversion.

The law, which presumes that Christians force or give financial benefits to Hindus to convert them to Christianity, states that no one is allowed to use the threat of divine displeasure, meaning Christians cannot talk about Heaven or Hell, as that would be seen as forcing someone to convert. And if snacks or meals are served to Hindus after an evangelistic meeting, that could be seen as an inducement.

In 2019, Himachal Pradesh amended its anti-conversion law to make it tougher. Violations are punishable with up to five years in prison.

Christians make up about 2.5% of Indias population, while Hindus comprise 79.5%.

India ranks as the 10th-worst country globally when it comes to Christian persecution, according to Open Doors USA's 2021 World Watch List. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom has urged the U.S. State Department to label India as a country of particular concern for engaging in or tolerating severe religious freedom violations.

Open Doors USA warns that since the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party took power in 2014, persecution against Christians and other religious minorities has increased.

The group reports that Hindu radicals often attack Christians with little to no consequences.
Collecting guide: guitars

One of contemporary musics most important instruments, the guitar is a fascinating collectible, coming in all shapes and sizes  and often with some legendary previous owners

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Look at the maker Key to collecting any musical instrument is the quality of sound that it can produce, says musical instrument specialist Kerry Keane. As wonderful and beautiful as a Stradivarius violin is, if it didnt sound better than all the others, we really wouldnt care. With its roots in 19th-century German marquetry guilds, the most coveted name in acoustic guitar manufacture is C.F. Martin and Company, which was founded in the U.S. by the emigre luthier Christian Frederick Martin in 1833. His revolutionary X bracing system at the instruments top boosted tonal quality and strength  supporting the steel-string sound of American popular music in the decades that followed. In the eclectic guitar market, two names are most highly sought after: Fender and Gibson. The latter is known for its high-quality materials and finishes, and always sought the markets top end, including valuable endorsements as early as the 1930s. Aside from the big two, other notable  and collectable  guitar brands include the Santa Ana-based Rickenbacker, whose models have been endorsed by the likes of John Lennon, George Harrison and Tom Petty, and the New York-founded Gretsch, pioneer of the great Gretsch sound favoured by big names from Chet Atkins to Bono.

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Research models The pre-war, acoustic Martin D-45 and the Gibson Les Paul solid-body electric guitar are, in their two fields, the emperors that share the throne at the top, says Keane. Large-bodied, with pearl inlay and spectacular sound quality, the 1939 Martin D-45 was its manufacturers finest guitar and the most expensive in its day. In 1952, Gibson collaborated with the guitarist, inventor and developer of the solid-body electric guitar, Les Paul, on the famed guitar that bears his name. From an early age, Paul had been experimenting with sound amplification. Eventually, with a piece of a steel train track, elements from a home phone and radio, and a guitar string, he would discover the basis for all his electric guitar developments. The Gibson Les Paul is a legend in the music world with pioneering effects such as reverb. While Fender offers several popular models, the Esquire then Broadcaster later renamed Telecaster, or Tele, was the first mass-produced solid-body electric model  still in production today with few alterations since its launch in 1950. The Stratocaster, or Strat, first manufactured in 1954, is another sought-after model, thanks to its distinctive, contoured design. Fenders are renowned for their versatility and for being affordable for the working musician, says Keane. In the music business, this has meant major names across rock, funk, punk and country, from Jimi Hendrix to Buddy Holly.

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Rarity is a factor The value attributes that are important for many collectibles also apply to guitars, and one of the key things to look out for is a models rarity. In the acoustic field, for example, only 91 of C.F. Martins D-45s were ever made; likewise, the desirability of the Les Paul can be partly attributed to its uniqueness. This is amplified in specially created or customised models; the Les Paul Model Artists Prototype from circa 1952 was Pauls personal Gibson, developed with the company to meet his exacting needs. Keane calls this a time capsule of Les Pauls ideas [and] his theories on electronic tonal sound. He altered it almost by the day. Paul would come to call the instrument his Number One.

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The electric and acoustic markets differ Electric guitars have been a driving force in much of the vintage market, partly for their connection to the prevailing popular culture and the figures who have shaped it. While aesthetics play a role, depending on taste  some may be drawn to the mid-century modern lines of a blonde Les Paul Special from 1960; others to the hard-edged minimalism of a 1980s Steinberger  the passionate acoustic community places more value on material quality and workmanship. C.F. Martin is among the most revered brands in the acoustic category because they never cut corners when it came to production, Keane says. Whereas electric guitar-makers benefited from the post-war boom in mass production, anything other than artisanal craftsmanship is detrimental to quality in acoustic instruments, and so the more exquisite the handicraft, the more prized the piece is.

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Know the provenance Just as in the early 19th century, the names Stradivari and Guarneri became desirable partly because they were used by revered performers, every guitarist is searching for the instrument that their hero played on, says Keane. The opportunity to own a specific instrument that was played by a musical, naturally fuels interest, but there are nuances to the question of provenance. For instance, David Gilmores standard-model black Stratocaster, the Black Strat, appeared on all Pink Floyd albums between 1970 to 1983, and toured extensively. Everyone recognised that guitar, says Keane. It sold as part of the David Gilmour Guitar Collection at Christies in 2019 for nearly $4 million  a world record price at the time for a guitar at auction. Another model in the 2019 sale, a Martin D-35, had been too delicate to take on tour, but was used to compose and record Wish you Were Here, a critical factor that resulted in a world record for a Martin guitar. They never saw Gilmour on stage with it, says Keane, but they knew it was on this guitar that he wrote Pink Floyds anthem. When purchasing a guitar associated with an artist, Keane advises, there cant be any questions  you want an irrefutable line of provenance. Avoid complicated narratives and seek photographs to help identify unique wood grains, finishes, and patterns of wear.

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They are working machines When some of the most coveted guitars have withstood sold-out performances and hours of studio time, what constitutes perfect condition? Instruments that excite buyers might be worn and have multiple modifications alterations made by the artist who used to play them, including tuner adjustments, pickup, knob and scratchplate swaps, and neck alterations. Eric Claptons own black Fender Stratocaster from 1956-57, also known as Blackie, bore scrapes, cuts, and the original stain bleeding through the finish when it sold at Christies for $959,500 in 2004  but it had a lot of mojo, says Keane. Likewise, a semi-hollow-body Gibson ES-355 once owned by B.B. King is an example of an instrument with this particular quality. It bears sweat marks, craquelure on its finish, and wear on the gold plating. It was played hard by The King of the Blues and that adds to its appeal.

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Dont necessarily leave them alone In the same vein, Keane believes that buyers shouldnt feel the need to leave all vintage instruments untouched. I think instruments are most happy when theyre being played, he says. Conservation issues might also be missed if guitars are not examined and used. For a model that has a distinctive history, such as something owned by B.B. King, it is hard not to feel that youve got to go out find a nice, smoky bar on the south side of Chicago and play some kicking blues. This may not apply across the board, however. Keane would draw the line at truly one-of-a kind pieces  he suggests an instrument such as Paul Simonons solid-body electric bass Rickenbacker 4001, with its colourful bands of paint added by the Clash bassist may belong under glass. Youd hate for that finish to get worn off.

8

Consider the guitars history On 10 August 1937, the Electro String Corporation was awarded the first-ever patent for an electric guitar. Known as the Rickenbacker Frying Pan, the guitar was invented by vaudeville performer George Beauchamp alongside his partner Adolph Rickenbacher. Because there was so much confusion at the US Patent Office  they originally didnt know if the patent was for a musical instrument or an electric device  it took over five years to be granted. During that time many more significant strides had been taken in engineering electric guitars, both by Electro String and their competitors. In fact, Electro String, now known as Rickenbacker, made its greatest contribution to electric guitars in 1935 with the Bakelite Model B Spanish guitar. Though not entirely solid, the Model B virtually eliminated the acoustic feedback that had plagued guitar makers  leading the way to the solid-body electric guitar. However, it was not until the 1960s that Rickenbacker began to soar in popularity. Having been taken up by The Beatles, several of the brands models became synonymous with their sound and style. The brand quickly became a fan favorite for members of The Who, Queen, and The Clash amongst many others. The history of several other guitars cling to celebrities as well. The Les Paul, for instance, was first popularised by American blues and jazz musicians, but had fallen out of favour by the early 1960s. Then the Rolling Stones arrived in America. When Keith Richards saw blues players such as Michael Bloomfield using Les Paul guitars, he brought his own back to the UK  to a cadre of British rock n roll guitarists. Plugged into a Marshall amplifier dialled up to 10, the model entered the history books for new reasons.

A composite Fender Stratocaster, known as Blackie, Fender Electric Instrument Company, Fullerton, c.1956-57. Sold for $959,500 on 24 June 2004 at Christies in New York

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Know your time periods The most coveted guitars fall predominantly between two-time bands. For acoustic instruments, those made prior to 1942 fetch the most interest. This was a high point for acoustic music both in repertoire and performance, and, in tandem, guitar-making. Innovations in construction also allowed for larger bodies  and larger sounds. The storyline that threads its way through all musical instruments is the search for more volume, says Keane. Following the Second World War, electric instruments entered their own heyday. The necessary components were no longer experimental, as they had been in the 1930s, and production quality was high. This was over by the 1970s, however, when cost consciousness at the large corporations that took on makers such as Fender and Gibson led to a decline in quality. It was at this point that the vintage electric guitar market took off, as the music community began to buy used instruments that were cheaper  and sounded better  than their newly manufactured counterparts.
Over video calls from her bed in a Texas intensive care unit, Paige Ruiz gazed at the newborn girl who had gone home without her.

Taking in baby Celeste's round cheeks, brown eyes and fine hair, she sometimes became so overcome with longing that she started crying, recalled her mother, Robin Zinsou. Then crying would turn to coughing, and Ruiz would have to hang up.

Those calls, painful as they could be, were "how she got to be a mom to Celeste," Zinsou said. Ruiz, a 32-year-old wife and mother of two, died of coronavirus complications on Aug. 15, within days of giving birth on a ventilator.

She spent some of her final days urging others to get the vaccine she was waiting to receive out of concern for the baby she never got to hold.

Ruiz's death came as the delta variant sent infections soaring in the United States and as hospitals reported a spike in critically ill patients like her: young, pregnant and unvaccinated. In a tragic paradox, those who are pregnant are simultaneously more likely to experience severe illness and death from covid-19 and less likely to get the shot capable of preventing such suffering. At least 171 have died, including 22 in August alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported this week and in an urgent health advisory recommending vaccination.

Just 25 percent of Americans have received at least one dose of the coronavirus vaccine while pregnant, according to CDC data, a figure that places them among the nation's most hesitant populations. The number remains low - 31 percent - even when people who were vaccinated before becoming pregnant are included. Their reluctance appears to be driven partly by months of unclear guidance and a lack of data for the expectant, both of which persisted until this summer - a consequence of their exclusion from early coronavirus vaccine trials.

Into that vacuum of information flowed misinformation about infertility and miscarriage, causing further confusion for those trying to make decisions for themselves and their babies.

"I have to say that I haven't had a single pregnant woman tell me that she didn't get the vaccine because she's opposed to vaccination," said Nida Qadir, associate director of the medical ICU at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. "It was usually more along the lines of, 'Well, I wasn't sure if it was safe for me to take in pregnancy,' 'I thought it might be better to wait until later on,' 'My OB/GYN told me I could take it if I wanted to but it's not clear yet if I should.'"

She added: "I really can't blame these women for being confused and not feeling comfortable taking the vaccine."

The medical establishment has now fully endorsed receiving the coronavirus vaccine during pregnancy. The CDC formally recommended it on Aug. 11, after long-awaited studies showed no increased risk of miscarriage. Leading obstetrics and gynecology organizations unequivocally backed vaccination in late July.

Also adding their voices to the current push: those who have faced devastating consequences as a result of hesitation. In interviews and social media posts, they have shared stories of emergency Caesarean sections, premature deliveries, lost mothers and lost babies, hoping to reach others who are unsure about the shots.

Kayleigh Fox, a 27-year-old nurse in Walkerville, Mich., wiped away tears while describing her ordeal in a commercial for her state's health department. She contracted the virus in late March at 39 weeks pregnant, coming down initially with body aches and cold-like symptoms. After delivering a healthy baby boy, plunging oxygen levels landed her in intensive care. Her condition continued to deteriorate: A blood clot developed her lungs, then sent her into right-sided heart failure. She feared she wouldn't make it.

"I was constantly worrying about my kids, my new baby, my husband," Fox said in an interview. "What would they do without me? Would they be okay?"

The ad, shot in black and white, ends with her bouncing her baby and kissing his cheek. In a voice-over, she says, "Being 27 and a mom and a wife and almost having that all taken away from me - it's scary. And if a vaccine can prevent that from happening, why not?"

Ruiz's loved ones think of encouraging vaccination as honoring one of her last wishes, and they've been heartened to see the stepped-up effort aimed at those who are pregnant. They just wish it came a couple of months earlier. Maybe then, she would still be here.

Within the first few months of the pandemic, research suggested covid-19 could be particularly devastating in pregnancy, leading to higher chances of hospitalization and use of a ventilator. Yet in the race to develop vaccines that could vanquish the virus, pregnancy was a disqualifier for early trials - meaning data on vaccine safety and efficacy in pregnant women and other pregnant individuals could not be fully evaluated until the shots were publicly available.

The exclusion of pregnant participants is common in clinical research, historically intended to protect against potential harm. It stems in part from the tragedy that followed the prescribing of a sedative, thalidomide, to treat morning sickness in pregnant women in countries around the world during the 1950s. Within a few years of the drug hitting the market, severe birth defects had emerged in thousands of children, and it was pulled.

Although it was not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, thalidomide was given to Americans in trials. That led to stricter regulations for testing new pharmaceuticals, including barring those who are pregnant from most clinical trials.

The exclusionary approach has come into question in recent years, however, because it has left pregnant patients in the dark about whether a wide range of vaccines and treatments are safe for them. Almost three-quarters of drugs approved by the FDA since 2000 have no data on their impact on human pregnancy, one study found.

"Our starting point has often been excluding pregnant women and then addressing the pregnancy issue later," said Denise Jamieson, chair of the department of gynecology and obstetrics at the Emory University School of Medicine and a member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology's (ACOG) covid expert group.

More than 20 organizations signed a March 2020 letter urging federal regulators to include pregnant and lactating women in coronavirus vaccine research. Three months later, the FDA encouraged vaccine makers to consider their inclusion in prelicensure trials following animal studies, but they were not included.

Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson now have trials underway examining the effects of their vaccines on pregnancy, but they come months after the shots were authorized for emergency use. Pfizer's vaccine has been fully approved by the FDA.

Pfizer spokeswoman Jerica Pitts said pregnant women were left out initially "to understand the safety and efficacy in healthy volunteers at the forefront before moving into other populations." A Johnson & Johnson spokesperson said it was "important to establish the safety profile of vaccines before being expanded into vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women." Moderna representatives did not respond to a request for comment.

The lack of data specific to pregnancy as the vaccines were made available led to varying - and sometimes conflicting - advice from medical authorities. In the early rollout of the shots, there were scattered reports of pharmacies and clinics turning away pregnant women, even though they have been eligible for vaccination from the start.

CDC director Rochelle Walensky said in April that vaccine surveillance systems showed "no safety concerns" for 35,000 vaccinated pregnant patients or their babies. But until August, the agency's formal guidance stated that those who were expecting "can receive a COVID-19 vaccine," stopping short of endorsing it. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said for months that the shot "should not be withheld." The World Health Organization recommended immunization only in pregnant patients who were at high risk of exposure or had comorbidities. As a result, advice from OB/GYNs varied.

"We know that when providers counsel patients about the importance of vaccination that people are more likely to get vaccinated," said Brenna Hughes, vice chair for obstetrics and quality at Duke University's department of obstetrics and gynecology. "And since providers were unsure of the best approach or how to offer it or how to counsel patients up until this point, it's made it fairly difficult to make those recommendations."

The CDC and ACOG now endorse vaccination for all who are pregnant; the WHO recommends it when the benefits "outweigh the potential risks." Jamieson, of ACOG, said the organization was able to strengthen its stance once data emerged. The WHO did not directly address a question on why its stance differs but noted that the data, while promising, has been limited. The CDC did not return multiple requests for comment.

In the absence of consistent information, many pregnant patients decided to wait. Ruiz, a newly minted school district administrator in the Fort Worth area, came from a family of educators, all of whom got the shot. She believed in the vaccine and planned to get it, too - just as soon as the baby was born.

Two years earlier, Ruiz had endured a difficult delivery with her firstborn, Joanna. She was anxious heading into her second time giving birth and, without more information about the injection's impact on pregnancy, worried about the potential affect on her child.

"My sister did tell me, when I was home in May, that if she got the vaccine and something happened to her unborn baby, she'd never be able to forgive herself," recalled her older brother, Cameron Zinsou.

Katie Pederson, a 33-year-old Los Alamitos, Calif. mother of one pregnant with her second, talked to her doctor about getting vaccinated. But she too worried about the lack of information on the shot's impact during pregnancy. She was mostly staying home, she reasoned, and had an extra layer of protection: The rest of her family had already rolled up their sleeves.

"I was like, 'Okay, I feel comfortable in waiting until the third trimester when the baby is much more cooked. Maybe there will be more studies,'" Pederson recalled. "Unfortunately, I never made it to the third trimester. When I got covid, I was just 25 weeks pregnant."

She checked in to an Orange County emergency room on July 6, struggling to breathe. Even on a ventilator, her oxygen levels remained perilously low and, the Sunday morning after she arrived, a medical team transported her to UCLA Health for a more advanced form of life support, called ECMO, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The therapy performs the job of the heart and lungs, with a machine removing blood from the body, adding oxygen to it and then pumping it back through. It is a last resort for covid-19 patients.

Alone in critical care, Pederson felt terror set in: "I thought I was going to die," she said. "I was, like, actually sure of it." But three and-a-half weeks after she walked into the hospital, she got to go home. Even into September, she still hadn't fully recovered: She was using an oxygen machine at night and attending therapy. She and her husband and son moved into her mother's house for extra support.

And yet, she said, her doctors call her a miracle. She survived - and her baby did, too. Her family is whole again.

"Just being home and reunited with my son, it was everything I thought about when I was in the ICU," said Pederson, who has since received her first vaccine dose. "It was like, this is everything I want to do - just sit on the couch and have a meal with my family."

Others were not as lucky. When vaccines became available, Haley Mulkey Richardson, 32, of Theodore, Ala., had recently learned she was pregnant with a second daughter. It was, said her husband Jordan, "exactly what we wanted: two little girls."

Because of her job as a labor and delivery nurse, Richardson was immediately eligible for the shot. But because of her pregnancy, she held off. Then, in late July, she tested positive for the coronavirus. Her condition worsening, she was admitted to a hospital, where an ultrasound of the baby revealed a heart defect and other problems "that were not there on any previous testing or scans," her husband said. She was seven months along and devastated.

"Here in the dark, in the wee hours of the morning, it is so easy to pretend that all of this was just a nightmare or that I'm just here in this hospital bed due to my own issues with Covid," Richardson wrote on Facebook. "Not for anything being wrong with my sweet baby girl whom I thought I was protecting in my own womb."

The baby, already named Ryleigh Beth, died on Aug. 18. The tragedy compounded two days later, when her mother followed. Richardson's husband, Jordan, suddenly a widower and single father to their 2-year-old, Katie, has been clinging to faith as he tries to navigate the dual losses.

"I believe those two are up there and me and Katie are still here," he said. "And it's - you don't have a choice but to go on."

Christine and Tate Ezzi, of Sherwood, Ark., considered vaccination, but heard a false rumor that the shot could cause miscarriage. She was pregnant with their sixth child and decided to wait. He did, too. Both came down with covid, but it was worse for her, then 23 weeks pregnant. She had "everything, every symptom you can think of," her husband said.

Shortly after midnight on May 15, Christine's 39th birthday, she was put on a ventilator at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences medical center. The baby had to be delivered prematurely via C-section. Tate, who was also hospitalized for respiratory support, struggles with his memories of that day.

"The baby was stillborn. They brought the baby up to me, and I got to hold her for a little while. It was awful, especially knowing my wife was still asleep, that she couldn't . . . that she wasn't going to know what was going on," he recalled.

Christine was on life support for five and-a-half weeks, and regained much of her physical strength quickly, although she still struggles with what may be nerve damage to her fingers. The emotional and mental pain is taking more time.

"She's having a little bit of PTSD, almost, from everything that has happened," Tate said.

How many families are grappling with similar tragedies is unclear. The CDC said only about a third of case report forms include information on pregnancy status, warning that its numbers "must be interpreted with caution." The agency has recorded more than 127,000 cases in the pregnant population over the duration of the pandemic, along with more than 22,000 hospitalizations.

Health-care workers have been reporting alarming details from the front lines in recent weeks. Qadir, the associate ICU director at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, said most of the critically ill female covid patients she's treated have been pregnant, and they make up a large proportion of those on ECMO machines. Pregnant patients used to be rare in the ICU, she added, but "now it feels like kind of a constant."

"These are young, healthy people. You're not supposed to see them in the ICU," Qadir said. "Everybody's life is of course extraordinarily valuable, but the impact of a pregnant woman dying, or even going through this near death experience but surviving and going through a very, very long recovery - it impacts so many people."

In Tennessee, Vanderbilt University Hospital reported a spike in critically ill, unvaccinated pregnant patients over the month of August, with 39 hospitalized and 10 in intensive care. At least three had emergency C-sections due to the severity of their conditions. Todd Rice, a critical care physician and director of the ICU, told a hospital publication that "these patients get very sick very quickly" and "a significant proportion of them end up losing their pregnancies."

But the virus's toll on mothers and babies is perhaps most clear in Mississippi, one of the nation's least-vaccinated states and an epicenter of the delta-driven surge. There, eight unvaccinated pregnant women died from late July to September, State Health Officer Thomas Dobbs said. That's more than half the total the state has reported over the course of the pandemic. Stillbirths have also doubled amid the pandemic, with 72 such cases reported statewide.

During a September news conference, Dobbs pleaded with pregnant Mississippians to get the shot, describing it as "phenomenally safe."

"Please get vaccinated," he said. "I mean, you got to protect yourself, you got to protect your baby, you got to protect your family."

In interviews and public statements, some physicians treating this wave of severely ill pregnant patients expressed frustration at the previous lack of clarity in vaccination advice.

Christina Han, a maternal fetal medicine specialist at UCLA Health, said the professional societies that advise OB/GYNs acted on the right timeline, "because the last thing we wanted was for the organizations to rush into a recommendation and then have to withdraw it based on some subsequent data." Before data became available, she said, she asked patients to get the shot based on decades of research on other vaccines - "to take a leap of faith."

But in Texas, Ruiz wanted more solid evidence that the vaccine was safe.

She had always longed for children, said her mother, noting that "from an early age, she wanted to take care of others." After becoming a mom, she said, "she just lit up every time she thought about Joanna."

Ruiz and her husband, Daniel, who had been college sweethearts at Texas Christian University, were thrilled to find out they were having a second daughter - a little sister for Joanna. Robin Zinsou was thrilled, too. But all through the pregnancy, she worried about covid. After every prenatal appointment, she asked her daughter if she was going to get the vaccine.

"Every time, every time, every time," she said. "I knew what the answer was going to be, but I continued to ask."

The virus struck at the end of July, days before Ruiz's due date. Cameron Zinsou had booked a plane ticket from Greensboro, N.C. to be home that week, expecting he'd meet his new niece and spend time with the growing Ruiz family. Instead, he found himself waving at his sick sister through a window at her house. By Aug. 1, she was in the emergency room.

She delivered Celeste by emergency Caesarean section the next day, nurses whisking the baby away before she awoke. Her husband and family cared for the healthy newborn while awaiting her release from the hospital, where Ruiz implored people to get vaccinated.

"You know anyone who's not vaccinated?" her mom recalled her asking. "Beg them to get vaccinated."

Ruiz was always joking about "breaking out of jail" and getting home, and that's what they all hoped for up until Aug. 15. Robin Zinsou was on baby duty early that morning when she noticed missed calls from the hospital. Ruiz's heart rate was dropping, a nurse said. Her family should come right away.

Weeks after her death and burial, they were still in shock; her husband, who has not spoken publicly about his loss, is trying to adjust to life without the only woman he had ever dated.

"I'm not done with my sister," Cameron Zinsou said. "I still have 50 years of nonsense to get in with her. I have a lifetime of annoyance and big brother things to do with my sister."

They've shared her story with several news outlets, with her mother saying she "didn't want other people to go through this." She was also speaking out for Joanna and Celeste, she said: "These little girls are not going to remember their mommy, but I want their mother's legacy to be a good one, and that she made a difference."

- - -

The Washington Post's Ariana Eunjung Cha contributed to this report.
There should be little doubt that President Joe Biden was not being truthful when, days after the Talibans victory, he told ABC News that his senior military advisers had not urged him to keep some 2,500 troops in Afghanistan. The presidents claim was flatly contradicted last week in sworn testimony from Gen. Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Gen. Kenneth McKenzie Jr., the head of U.S. Central Command.

During the generals testimony, the White House press secretary, Jen Psaki, sought to defend her boss by pointing to a line in Bidens interview in which he appeared to suggest that the militarys advice was split.

Another whopper. What split? As The Times Helene Cooper, Eric Schmitt and David Sanger reported in April, right after Lloyd Austin was sworn in as secretary of defense in January, he and his top generals were in lock step in recommending that about 3,000 to 4,500 troops stay in Afghanistan. Asked whether there were top military advisers who argued otherwise, Psaki evaded the question.

Bidens dissembling, regarding the worst-executed major foreign policy decision in years, would be a scandal in any presidency. Its worse coming from the man who campaigned for office by insisting that he stood for honor and telling the truth.

A week earlier, Politicos Ben Schreckinger published a scrupulously reported book on the Biden family. It makes a compelling case that some of the most explosive emails from Hunter Bidens purported laptop were entirely genuine  a claim that Schreckinger confirmed with multiple sources, including a Swedish government agency, and that was never explicitly denied by Hunter himself.

That includes a 2017 email in which one of Hunters potential business partners proposed a provisional agreement with the now-defunct company CEFC China Energy to share equity percentages in a new venture, with 10 Jim and 10 held by H for the big guy? Jim Biden is the presidents brother. The big guy, according to Tony Bobulinski, a recipient of the email, is Hunters father.

This does not mean the president received, or even expected to receive, money from this supposed venture, or even knew about it.

But it provides good reason to believe that the news media gave far too much credence to his assertion that the leaked emails were a Russian plant, as he put it in his second debate with Donald Trump. It makes it more difficult to ignore Bobulinskis claim that he met with Joe, Jim and Hunter Biden in May 2017 to discuss the overall terms of the deal. And it is worth questioning whether the president may have been willing to make himself useful to his family, even if he didnt profit personally or directly from their deals.

The Bidens pride themselves on integrity, and are fond of pledging my word as a Biden when they really mean something, Schreckinger writes. The evidence marshaled in the closing weeks of the campaign built on a picture in which Joes relatives trade regularly on their connections to him, while the separation between their private dealings and his public duties is not as far and wide as he has claimed.

All this would be bad enough if it were just history. But what are we to make of Hunters recent venture as a visual artist  a field in which he has no formal training and no commercial track record?

In case you missed this: A SoHo gallerist intends to sell 15 of Hunters works at prices of up to $500,000 apiece. To safeguard the propriety of these transactions, the White House has issued ethics guidelines that are supposed to keep things aboveboard by hiding the identity of the buyers from both Hunter and the White House. And it falls to the gallerist  that is, the person who stands to gain from the commissions  to police the guidelines by rejecting suspiciously lucrative offers.

It screams of a scam. The Treasury Department warned last year that the anonymity of high-value art transactions could make the market attractive to those engaging in illegal financial activities or people subject to U.S. sanctions, The Times Zolan Kanno-Youngs reported in July.

In another report of dubious activities, Mattathias Schwartz wrote in Business Insider about emails that indicated that in 2015, while his dad was vice president, Hunter was allegedly exploring a $2 million-plus success fees deal with two Democratic donors to help recover Libyan assets that had been frozen as a result of U.S. sanctions. The effort came to nothing  Hunters reputation for hard living didnt help  but at least one of the donors was attracted to Hunters offer because he is son of #2 who has Libya file.

When it comes to opening doors in Washington, Schwartz notes, the illusion of access can be as valuable as hard currency.

Some readers may be inclined to dismiss this as merely an indictment of a troubled son. They might ask themselves what conclusions they would draw if this were about, say, Eric Trump. Some readers will also think it isnt the presidents job to police his adult son. But it is his job to ensure that Hunter and other relatives dont profit by trading on his position in government.

That would be corruption. The president will have to do better than give us his word as a Biden that hell put an end to it.

Stephens is a columnist for the New York Times.
On Tuesday, October 6, the New York Times featured a piece digging into some of the rapid (and controversial) downtown development taking place in the Alamo City. In the article, California-based developer Jake Harris, who is behind Essex Modern City and other burgeoning projects in San Antonio, calls the 300-year-old city "the best-kept secret in the U.S."

San Antonio is still flying under the radar and, in my opinion, the best-kept secret in the U.S., Harris says, "The growth isnt priced into real estate yet, and you can still get a good deal as institutional capital starts coming in."

It's true that commercial growth is stirring in San Antonio, as is evident in the upcoming $700 million Lone Star District in Southtown as well as in the Essex Modern City, a $150 million multi-use district. Writer Patrick Sisson details these upcoming developments, also including mention of a sky-scraping downtown residential building by Weston Urban, the same local development group that unveiled the glittering, 23-story Frost Bank building in 2019.

Acknowledging that some groups are cautious about the "new wave of activity" in urban areas displacing some of the city's longstanding Mexican-American communities, the Times also highlights these circling developers from the coasts eyeing San Antonio's economic potential.

San Antonio is a minority-majority, culturally rich city. If it was previously a secret to you, it's best to try to evaluate why. Along with being the seventh largest city in the country, it is also home to one of the most rapidly growing regions in the U.S.

In other words, it's "a hidden gem" for some coastal elites looking to cash in on opportune real estate, not for anyone who took a high school history class.

While growth can be good, attracting new job opportunities and amenities, developers who dismiss the city's cultural importance because it's not yet a techtropolis in the way of Austin are wise to learn more about it. The city has been here for three centuries, and comes with its own proud cultural heritage and class-complicated issues. While it certainly can stand to gain some new additions, it's not just a stop on the Monopoly board.

San Antonio is central on the Venn diagram of Mexican, American, Indigenous, and Spanish histories, yet so rarely gets the prestige that comes with being one of America's oldest cities. It's fair to say the city cultivates an underdog complex, but San Antonio is also often overlooked, perhaps due in part to its ethnic breakdown.

Along with being unfounded, calling San Antonio "a hidden gem" is representative of an attitude that quite literally commands ownership of a place through the development of real estate. Maybe that's just business, baby, but it can be a dangerous game.

While the sentiment isn't exactly coming from the writer of the piece, the coastal publication does have a history of "discovering"  and misrepresenting  places in Texas. Earlier this year, the New York Times published a lengthy feature on New Braunfels, referring to it as a "remote" Texas town. Texans were quick to point out that the town nestled directly outside of San Antonio is anything but, and the paper eventually changed the headline.

The next decade or two will be very telling. I don't think most San Antonians want the city to morph into another Austin. They want affordable housing, necessary protections, and cultural respect, and yes, if honoring those things, improved infrastructure.
Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff will not seek another term in office.

Wolff made the announcement during his 2021 State of the County address to the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, October 6. He was appointed to the Bexar County Judge position in 2001 and has successfully won re-election five times, according to bexar.org.

"I am going to serve out my term," Wolff said. "I have one year, three months to go but I will not run for re-election. I want to give time for good candidates to step forward for the primary election."

He is only the second person in more than a century to serve as both Mayor of San Antonio and Bexar County Judge. He served as the Mayor of San Antonio from 1991 to 1995. He has represented Bexar County in various political offices since 1971 when he was elected to the Texas House of Representatives.

Wolff said he will continue to write books and serve the community while also spending more time with family.
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP)  An 18-year-old student opened fire during a fight at his Dallas-area high school on Wednesday, injuring four people and then fleeing before being taken into custody hours later, authorities said.

Timothy George Simpkins was taken into custody without incident, the Arlington Police Department tweeted. He was booked in the Arlington jail on three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and was being held on $75,000 bail.

One person was in critical condition, another was in good condition and a third person was treated for minor abrasions and was scheduled to be released from the hospital later Wednesday, police said. A fourth person was hurt but did not require treatment at a hospital. Police said earlier that three of the four injured were students.

The shooting at Timberview High School, which is in Arlington but belongs to the school district in neighboring Mansfield, stemmed from a fight that broke out in a classroom, Arlington Assistant Police Chief Kevin Kolbye said at news conference before Simpkins' arrest.

This is not a random act of violence, he said. This is not somebody attacking our school.

A spokeswoman for Simpkins family said he had been bullied and robbed twice at school.

The decision he made, taking the gun, were not justifying that, said family spokeswoman Carol Harrison Lafayette, who spoke to reporters outside the Simpkins home while standing with other relatives. That was not right. But he was trying to protect himself.

The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating how the suspect got a gun. Local police from other nearby jurisdictions, including the cities of Mansfield and Grand Prairie, assisted Wednesday.

Student Hanyla Milligan said she first got word of the shooting when she heard a commotion.

Someone outside of my classroom said, 'He just shot him, the 16-year-old Milligan said, and then she heard people running. People were scared. They was crying. They was shaking.

After news of the shooting spread, hundreds of parents gathered at the Mansfield Independent School District Center for the Performing Arts about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the high school to be reunified with their kids, who were bused over. Among them was Justin Rockhold, whose ninth-grade son had texted to let him know he was OK.

Rockhold said he has served in the military and he drew on that experience to instruct his son, telling him to keep his head down and be still to stay safe. When asked whether he had thought a shooting could happen at the school, he said his military training is also a reminder of lifes dangerous realities.

Obviously in America  in the world we live in today  its always something. ... Its in the back of your mind, Rockhold said, adding that he was praying for the injured. Im just blessed today that my kids safe.

Timberview serves about 1,900 students in the ninth through 12th grades. The sprawling complex opened in 2004.

Arlington, with a population of about 400,000, is a major suburb of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The city is home to attractions including the Six Flags Over Texas amusement park and the stadiums where the NFL's Dallas Cowboys and MLB's Texas Rangers play. Authorities closed a section of a tollway in Arlington near Timberview as dozens of school buses picked up students to reunite them with their parents. Some waited for hours to collect their children as traffic in the area crawled.

The shooting Wednesday happened just days after a shooting at a Houston charter school that injured an administrator. Texas deadliest school shooting occurred in May 2018 when a 17-year-old armed with a shotgun and a pistol opened fire at Santa Fe High School near Houston, killing 10 people, most of whom were students.

___

An earlier version of this story was corrected to reflect that the suspect's last name is Simpkins, not Simpkin.

___

Bleed reported from Little Rock, Arkansas. Acacia Coronado in Austin contributed to this report. Coronado 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.
An out-of-state billionaire who has previously bankrolled attempts to defend controversial immigration laws is responsible for nearly all the donations to Gov. Greg Abbotts $54 million border wall fund.

A member of one of Americas richest family dynasties, Timothy Mellon, contributed nearly 98% of the funds total donations when he donated $53.1 million in stock to the state in August, according to public records. Mellon is the 79-year-old Wyoming-based grandson of banking tycoon and former U.S. Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon.

Before Mellons donations, Abbotts private fundraising campaign had stalled at about $1.25 million around mid-August, two months after its launch  a drop in the bucket for a project with a price tag estimated in the billions of dollars. But on Aug. 27, a state website that tracks donations to the crowdfunding effort said the fund had jumped to nearly $19 million. By the end of the month, it had topped $54 million.

The donations have since stalled again.

Mellon did not respond to multiple requests for comment made to his company, New Hampshire-based Pan Am Systems, and a marketing firm that handled publicity for his 2015 autobiography.

Abbott declined to comment.

Mellon does not appear to have close ties to Texas. But he was a top donor to the reelection campaign of former President Donald Trump, who made building a border wall a top priority, and has previously donated money to defend legislation targeting immigrants.

In 2010, he gave an unsolicited $1.5 million to the legal defense of an Arizona law that required police to determine the immigration status of people suspected of being in the country illegally, according to The Washington Post. Critics said the law would lead to racial profiling. The law was challenged all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which struck down parts of it but left intact the section allowing officers to ask about immigration status.

Last year, Mellon gave $20 million to America First Action, the main super PAC supporting Trumps reelection. Since 2018, hes donated $30 million to the Congressional Leadership Fund, the House GOP super PAC, and he gave $30 million to the Senate Leadership Fund, which tries to elect Republicans to the U.S. Senate, in 2020.

Mellon has not donated to Abbott, but he gave $2,500 to Republican gubernatorial challenger Allen West when West ran for Congress in Florida in 2012. Mellon ramped up his political donations in 2018.

While he overwhelmingly supports conservative campaigns and Republicans, Mellon also gave to two Democrats: U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York in 2018 and former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii for her bid for the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination. Ocasio-Cortezs campaign later said it did not solicit the donation and would return it.

Mellon has taken heat for using offensive stereotypes to describe Black Americans in his self-published autobiography.

In the 2015 book, Mellon wrote that after the Great Society programs of the 1960s, which were intended to tackle poverty and racial injustice, Black people became even more belligerent and unwilling to pitch in to improve their own situations, according to The Washington Post.

He also called social safety net programs slavery redux.

Mellon is the chair of Pan Am Systems, a privately held transportation and freight holding company. In the 1980s, he founded a rail company called Guilford Transportation Industries. In the 1990s, he rebranded the company after buying the brand of bankrupt Pan Am Airways.

Forbes estimated Mellon was worth almost $1 billion in 2014, and last year the magazine estimated the Mellon family was worth $11.5 billion.

Abbotts crowdsourced wall

Abbott, a two-term Republican, has made border security his top priority this year as he seeks reelection next year and is fighting off challenges from his right. Abbott has blamed the Biden administration for an increase in migrants at the border.

In March, Abbott deployed state military and police resources to the border to help federal authorities enforce immigration law. In June, he announced a state of disaster in 34 counties that were seeing large increases in migrant crossings and he unveiled his plan to build a state-funded border wall, picking up where Trump left off.

The Texas Legislature has approved nearly $3 billion over the next two-year budget cycle toward border security, with about $1 billion going to the governors office for grants, including $750 million dedicated to construction of a border wall.

Texas is already paying $25 million for a nearly 2-mile concrete barrier along State Loop 480 in Eagle Pass. Portions of the federal border wall started by the Trump administration, and put on hold by the Biden administration, ranged from $6 million per mile to $34 million per mile for construction. Abbotts office said it has identified 733 miles of border that may need some type of barrier.

While the state displays the aggregate of private donations to the border wall on its website, it does not readily provide the names of individual donors, despite a commitment from Abbott early on that the crowdfunding effort would have transparency and accountability.

Outside of Mellon, the fund received more than 12,100 individual donations as of Sept. 14, totaling about $1.3 million. The median donation was $50.

That level of fundraising is more in line with a similar crowdfunding attempt by Arizona lawmakers 10 years ago to raise private money for constructing a fence on the Mexican border. That effort received about $270,000 in three years, according to The Arizona Republic.

During the Trump administration, a nonprofit called We Build The Wall, which included his former political adviser Steve Bannon as a board member, raised $25 million for a border wall. Bannon and Brian Kolfage, the groups leader, were accused by the federal government in August 2020 of looting the charity for personal gain. Bannon was later pardoned by Trump.

Tax benefit

Tax experts say Mellons decision to donate stock instead of cash could yield a tax benefit for the billionaire.

Normally, a person has to pay taxes on profits made on their investments when they are sold. But investors who donate stock to charity avoid paying a tax on the earnings on their investment and get a tax deduction for the full amount of stock.

Its common to give stock thats increased in value because they can get rid of the gains and they can deduct the donations, said Lloyd Mayer, a professor at Notre Dame Law School.

Such donations are usually made to nonprofit organizations. But under the tax code, a charitable contribution to a state would likely be tax-deductible if it is made exclusively for public purposes. Some people, for example, get tax deductions for donating money to cut the federal debt.

The only hurdle is ensuring the money is only used for public purposes.

In the case of [a] border wall, presumably built upon public land, I think itd be hard to argue there are private purposes, said Lisa De Simone, an accounting professor at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin.

But Mayer said such donations raise questions about undue influence by wealthy donors on governmental policymaking.

In June, Tennessee billionaire Willis Johnson offered South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem $1 million to help pay for a state National Guards deployment to the border to aid Texas efforts to catch people crossing illegally. The states soldiers were then sent to the Texas border.

The thing thats controversial about these kinds of donations is whether theyre distorting government priorities. If government collects money in taxes and the government  Legislature and governor  decide how to spend it, theyre setting their priorities based on the political environment, Mayer said. But if you open it up to donations, youre handing what the government should spend their money on to wealthy donors.

Disclosure: University of Texas at Austins McCombs School of Business has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2021/10/06/timothy-mellon-texas-border-wall/.

The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.org.
Florida, FL (34429)

Today

Partly cloudy this morning, then becoming cloudy during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 77F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

A few showers this evening with mostly cloudy conditions overnight. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.
Learn how to check whether your job will count for points in the Express Entry system before you apply.

Is your work experience eligible for Express Entry? Learn how to check whether your job will count for points in the Express Entry system before you apply.

Is your work experience eligible for Express Entry? Learn how to check whether your job will count for points in the Express Entry system before you apply.

Is your work experience eligible for Express Entry? Learn how to check whether your job will count for points in the Express Entry system before you apply. Shelby Thevenot Aa Accessibility Font Style Serif

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Work experience only counts for Express Entry if it is considered skilled according to Canadas occupation classification system.



When Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assesses your work experience, it looks at how much education is required of to do your job. Generally speaking, the more education and experience it takes to work in your position, the higher your occupational skill level will be. Canada currently analyzes a jobs skill level using the 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Get a Free Express Entry Assessment

For economic-class immigration, IRCC generally uses the NOC to evaluate how the work experience of a given immigration candidate will support the mandate of the immigration program they are applying for. Economic-class immigration programs are specifically designed to fill job vacancies with foreign talent to support Canadas labour market, and long-term prosperity.

When it comes to Express Entry, the specific occupation does not matter as much as the skill level. When assessing your application, IRCC will match your job duties with the NOC description to determine your occupation and whether or not it is skilled. There are five NOC skill levels described on the Canadian government website:

Skill Type 0 (zero): management jobs, such as: restaurant managers, mine managers, and shore captains (fishing).

management jobs, such as: restaurant managers, mine managers, and shore captains (fishing). Skill Level A: professional jobs that usually call for a degree from a university, such as: doctors, dentists, and architects.

professional jobs that usually call for a degree from a university, such as: doctors, dentists, and architects. Skill Level B: technical jobs and skilled trades that usually call for a college diploma or training as an apprentice, such as: chefs, plumbers, and electricians.

technical jobs and skilled trades that usually call for a college diploma or training as an apprentice, such as: chefs, plumbers, and electricians. Skill Level C: intermediate jobs that usually call for high school and/or job-specific training, such as: industrial butchers, long-haul truck drivers, food and beverage servers.

intermediate jobs that usually call for high school and/or job-specific training, such as: industrial butchers, long-haul truck drivers, food and beverage servers. Skill Level D: labour jobs that usually give on-the-job training, such as: fruit pickers, cleaning staff, and oil field workers.

For the purposes of Express Entry, only jobs that fall under skill types 0, A, and B are considered skilled. You need skilled work experience to be eligible for one of the three Express Entry-managed immigration programs. How much work experience you need depends on which program you are applying for.

IRCC considers full-time to be equal to 30 hours per week. Over one year, this adds up to be 1,560 hours. You can meet this in a few different ways, by working full-time for a year or part-time. For part-time work, you can work more or less than 15 hours per week as long as it adds up to 1,560 hours. IRCC does not count any hours you worked above 30 hours per week. So, you cannot become eligible faster for working more hours.

Also, all work experience for the purposes of an Express Entry-managed program must be paid. Volunteer work, and unpaid internships do not count.

Work experience requirements for Federal Skilled Worker Program

To meet the basic eligibility criteria for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) you need to meet work experience, language proficiency, and education requirements.

At minimum, you need at least one year of skilled work experience within the past 10 years. The work experience you use to qualify you for the program, your previous work experience has to match your primary occupation in your immigration application.

Once you have met the minimum eligibility requirements, IRCC assesses your application on a points system that is specific to the program. You need to score at least 67 out of 100 in order to pass. At least 15 of these points come from work experience.

To get points for your work experience, you need to have held a full-time job in a skilled occupation for at least one year. Again, it has to add up to 1,560 hours total. Part-time work counts as long as it adds up to the minimum number of hours within the 10 years before you apply.

Your work experience will count if it was in Canada or abroad, completed while you were studying or while being self-employed outside of Canada. Self-employment in Canada does not count.

To get the full 15 points, you need at least six years of eligible work experience. Having only one year of work experience will get you nine points. Two to three years is enough for 11 points, and four to five years equates to 13 points.

Experience Maximum 15 points 1 year 9 2-3 years 11 4-5 years 13 6 or more years 15

You can also get an additional 10 points for adaptability if you have at least one year of full-time, skilled work experience in Canada.

Work experience requirements for Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is for people who have work experience in Canada.

In order to meet the work experience requirement, you need to have worked full time for at least one year in Canada in a skilled occupation. This work experience may have been completed anytime within the three years before you apply for permanent residency through the CEC. Self-employed work and work that you did while studying in Canada does not count.

For the CEC, you also have to demonstrate a minimum language proficiency, among other eligibility criteria.

Work experience for Federal Skilled Trades Program

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is for skilled trades workers.

To fulfill the work experience requirement, you need at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the five years before you apply. The equal amount of part-time work experience is also eligible, as long as it is paid.

You also need to meet the job requirements for the skilled trade on your application as set out in the NOC, except for needing a certificate of qualification. Plus, you need a valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year, or a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.

Beyond the work experience, FSTP candidates also have to meet a minimum language proficiency, among other requirements.

NOC to become TEER next year

About every 10 years Canadas occupation classification system gets an overhaul. The next big change is expected to take effect in late 2022 when the NOC will be replaced by the Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) categories. The Canadian government website offers a list of the new NOC codes coming into effect next year.

In the new system, there will be six skill levels instead of five, and instead of being alphabetical, they will be numerical. So instead of skill levels 0, A, B, C, and D, there will be 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Also, each occupation code will have five digits instead of four, but the majority will only change by name and not description. There will be 516 occupations in the new classification system, up from 500 in the current edition. New occupations were created to reflect emerging fields in data science, cyber security and others.

The NOC is overseen by Employment and Social Development Canada and Statistics Canada. The new system will be the most extensive revision to the NOC since 2011.

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 CIC News All Rights Reserved. Visit CanadaVisa.com to discover your Canadian immigration options.
Workflow management platform vendor ServiceNow is partnering with process mining specialist Celonis to help enterprises prioritize and optimize process automation.

The partnership will make it easier for CIOs to combine the capabilities of both platforms when the joint is available, which is expected for the first half of 2022, according to Celonis representative Faiz Mandviwalla.

ServiceNow introduced tools to help its customers optimize their processes back in March 2021, in the Quebec release of its Now platform. Those enhancements work only with processes built in ServiceNow. The tie-up with Celonis, however, will broaden Nows optimization reach, giving it access to process information across all platforms Celonis can mine.

Charles Betz, principal analyst covering infrastructure and operations at Forrester, speculated that ServiceNow may have added those capabilities to Quebec at least in part to put pressure on Celonis to partner with it.

Celonis has been doing this for a long time, so it wouldnt be simple or cheap for ServiceNow to displace them, he said.

Teaming up in a fractured market

Instead of fighting over the market for process optimization, the companies will co-develop and co-market their services, and use one anothers products internally.

Stephen Elliot, group vice president for infrastructure and operations at IDC, said, This is a complement to what each firm offers. It helps a CIO organize around technology and business workflows, and potential triggers that drive automation within those processes.  They are putting together building blocks for a foundation. No one vendor can do it all.

Once ServiceNow and Celonis have integrated their respective platforms, enterprises will be able to build on that foundation, said Elliot. The ServiceNow AppEngine Studio and AppEngine Templates product can serve as a front end to help IT (and potentially business teams) create applications that have inherent automation (via the templates), with data and process intelligence from Celonis.

ServiceNow and Celonis also plan to invest in one other, although neither will say how much. Could this be the prelude to an acquisition? Its possible, although not likely at this stage, said Forresters Betz.

Celonis raised a $1 billion in new investment in June 2021, valuing the 10-year-old company at $11 billion. ServiceNows market capitalization is about 10 times that.

As long as Celonis remains free to mine processes in any platform, Betz sees only upsides for CIOs in the partnership. Closer communication between the companies could help CIOs deliver the same kind of insight into business processes as they do into industrial processes.

Optimizing knowledge management

It really is bringing ERP-class management to knowledge work. Thats the endgame here, Betz said.

Business leaders have access to powerful analytics tools to tell them where everything is in the supply chain, But when it comes to knowledge work, theyve got no clue because knowledge work has been basically embedded in siloed systems, he said. For a long time its been extremely fragmented.

Now, though, software vendors are approaching these siloed systems from different directions, seeking to tie them to their own platforms.

Youve got the enterprise service management space; youve got some responding plays happening, companies like Salesforce trying to get in on the action. Im still waiting for SAP or Oracle to move in a meaningful way here. I think they will sooner or later, because the time and attention of knowledge workers is the bread and butter for so many companies nowadays, Betz said.

Many businesses will have experienced the paradox that something that requires just three days of effort routinely take six months to complete. Process mining is a promising tool to help organizations overcome those kinds of issues and get better visibility into the problems of knowledge work, Betz said.

One IT leader already keen to learn more is Kulasekhar Subramaniam, IT director for ServiceNow at Medtronic.

Early in 2021, he considered using Celonis to mine Medtronics IT service management (ITSM) processes but was put off by the challenge of having to pump all the ServiceNow data into a data warehouse where Celonis could access it. It seemed like a total replication, he said.

Organizations like Medtronic want to know how they can mine the data produced by their IT operations to identify gaps and bottlenecks and simplify processes.

I think the hookup with Celonis will go a long way in extracting value out of the ITSM process, Subramaniam said. We are now re-looking into Celonis and looking for more information on what these two companies come up with.

An IBM connection

Celonis is forming partnerships left and right, and in April 2021 struck a service deal with IBM. ServiceNow too has a partnership with IBM, and IDC's Elliot said the two companies having this partner in common will bring CIOs the benefit of professional services and implementation expertise.

That's something that will continue even after IBM spins out its managed infrastructure services operation as a new company, Kyndryl, according to a person familiar with the matter. Both IBM and Kyndryl will have separate ongoing partnerships with ServiceNow, Kyndryl for infrastructure services and IBM for consulting services, while IBM will support the Celonis partnership.
Wilkes-Barre, PA (18701)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will give way to cloudy skies and rain during the afternoon. High 64F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Cloudy and damp with rain early...then becoming partly cloudy. Low 34F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
The 2021 Covering Climate Now Journalism Awards special provides a global snapshot of the climate emergency as told through the exemplary work of the worlds best climate journalists. The winning journalists are joined by the founders of Covering Climate Now and members of the distinguished judging jury to illuminate the defining story of our time through the compelling and creative journalism these awards honor.

The awards video special is hosted by Al Roker, NBC News Today show weather and feature anchor and co-host of the 3rd Hour of Today, and Savannah Sellers, correspondent for NBC News and MSNBC, co-anchor of NBC News NOW and co-host of NBC News Stay Tuned program. Special guests Vanessa Nakate, a climate justice activist from Uganda, and Katharine Hayhoe, chief scientist for the Nature Conservancy, underscore the essential role of journalists at this moment that UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has termed a code red for humanity.

Covering Climate Now was co-founded by CJR and The Nation magazine in 2019, forming a consortium that now has over 450 members all working to nurture more and better climate journalism. The award-winning print reporters, photojournalists, digital, television and radio journalists, podcasters and commentators honored at the first annual Covering Climate Now Journalism Awards were selected from a field of nearly 600 entries submitted from every continent except Antarctica. These journalists are leading the way with eye-opening first-hand accounts of a planet in crisis, inspiring stories of survival and resilience, and hard-hitting investigative reports that hold power to account. You can check out the finalists and their work at Covering Climate Now.

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The Editors are the staffers of the Columbia Journalism Review.
Last summer, as the country reeled from the murder of George Floyd and the police killing of Breonna Taylor, American food media went through its own race-related upheaval. Fueled by the broader national reckoning as well as internal controversies, many publications launched conversations about appropriation, white privilege, and the relationships between professional success, cultural heritage, and ethnicity. In June, Adam Rapoport, Bon Appetits editor in chief, resigned after a photo of him in brownface resurfaced online. In subsequent reports, current and former Bon Appetit workers described a systemically racist workplace where, among other things, people of color who contributed to the magazines zeitgeisty YouTube channeland who often knew more than the hostsreportedly werent paid.

Those revelations prompted public contrition and promises to do better. Bon Appetit posted a lengthy apology for the longstanding racism at Conde Nasts brands. The recipes, stories, and people weve highlighted have too often come from a white-centric viewpoint, read the apology, attributed to the publications staff. At times we have treated non-white stories as not newsworthy or trendy. Other times we have appropriated, co-opted, and Columbused them. Vox Medias Eater posted a statement by its editor, who wrote that the publication spent years centering a white upper middle class point of view and tokenized chefs and cuisines, among other practices, and pledged accountability.

For some media outlets, accountability meant a confrontation with their own archives. Following Rapoports resignation, Epicurious, which is also owned by Conde Nast, announced the Archive Repair Project. David Tamarkin, then the sites digital director, said Epicurious would revise select archival recipes in order to provide greater cultural context and eliminate racist language. It had already identified a number of recipes in need of repair, Tamarkin wrote, and started the work.

Over the years, Epicurious has published recipes that have been put through a white American lens, Tamarkin wrote. He continued:

We have published recipes with headnotes that fail to properly credit the inspirations for the dish, or degrade the cuisine the dish belongs to. We have purported to make a recipe better by making it faster, or swapping in ingredients that were assumed to be more familiar to American palates, or easier to find. We have inferred (and in some cases outright labeled) ingredients and techniques to be surprising or weird. And we have published terminology that was widely accepted in food writing at the time, and that we now recognize has always been racist.

Other publications announced similar efforts. Bon Appetits apology included a pledge to audit previously published articles and recipes to ensure proper crediting and contextualization. The New York Times, which estimated that roughly 20 percent of its twenty thousand archival recipes were adapted from another source, retroactively credited thousands of recipe creators who did not receive a byline at the time of publicationan effort staffers connected to new considerations of recipe ownership as well as legacy journalistic practice.

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Critics, meanwhile, seized on the idea of archival repair, suggesting that it threatened the sanctity of the historical record. If a major media company like Conde Nast can choose to erase and rewrite its food archives for the sake of current Woke sensibilities, Bret Stephens, a conservative New York Times columnist, wrote, why stop there?

Such critiques paint the back catalogue of Epicurious, which spans twenty-five years, as an archive in an older, pre-digital sense; its holdings, by definition, should be preserved as published, historical biases and all. But if permanence is the defining characteristic of an archive, then the very nature of the Webexpansive but also impermanent, subject to content drift and link rot and the sudden, widespread deletion of whole online communitiesundercuts it.

It also introduces new wrinkles. Earlier this year, Tom Redman, a Toronto-based software developer, introduced Recipeasly, a project he created with friends to, as he put it, fix online recipes. Recipeasly promised to repackage online recipes without the ads or life stories; a user could enter a link to a published recipe, and the site would strip out its authors personal narrative and any other information one might deem extraneous, reducing it to a list of ingredients and a set of instructions. (Redman took the site down within hours, after critics accused him of wanting to steal food writers ideas, deprive them of their livelihoods, and erase their cultures.)

In recent years, a number of news outlets have introduced processes to retroactively edit digital stories concerning arrests or minor crimes, or to remove them from their online archives. In May, Ben Smith, of the Times, wrote about a decolonization project at Atlas Obscura, a travel-oriented website that keeps a database of more than twenty thousand unique places and foods. Smiths piecewhich ran, in print, under the headline Rewriting Stories of the Pastexplained that an editorial team had updated some archival listings to provide greater historical and cultural context, noting that few in the travel media have taken on re-editing of their product like Atlas Obscura.

Archival repair may be most consequentialand urgentfor food media because of its singular utility. The experience of using a cookbook is far more widespread than that of using any other archive, Kennan Ferguson, a political theorist and author of Cookbook Politics, writes. Their publication, sale, and distribution transform their archival power into mobility and transportability. These archives travel. That seems especially true today: the Web grants easy access to the back catalogues of a range of publications, and a decades-old roast chicken recipe might go viral on social media because the information it carriesabout ingredients, measurements, temperature, timeis still useful.

Food medias present-day utility depends primarily on its past recipes; as Tamarkin wrote in his note to Epicurious readers, Unlike many other editorial sites, the bulk of our traffic goes to our archive. Whether you believe those archives demand repair depends, in part, on what you expect from a recipeand how food media should handle them.

A recipe is, itself, a movable archivea repository of history, culture, and personality.

FOOD IS PERHAPS the most immediate way in which we experience other cultures, whether we purchase a meal from a restaurant orwith the help of a recipeattempt to make it ourselves. Eating food whose cultural origins differ from ones own is a part of modern life; perhaps its unsurprising, then, that food can also be a locus of prejudicea place for the biases of history to manifest themselves.

Food media, by extension, has always been culturally loaded. Outlets such as Epicurious or Bon Appetit serve the interests of a broad audience by drawing on a collection of recipes whose cultural roots are anchored in different identities, places, and timeseven if those roots havent always been made visible.

Historically, thats been a problem, with some Southern cookbooks referring demeaningly to Aunt Judy having made a particular dish popular, says Dr. Rafia Zafar, author of Recipes for Respect: African American Meals and Meaning. Zafarwho writes about food, identity, and authorship and teaches at Washington University in St. Louissays that historical erasures and omissions disrupt the lineage of a dish, while invoking the trope of an aunt or grandma may see a recipe enter a popular archival record, like a magazine, without its creator being named or the origins of its ingredients being explained.

The recipe is the fundamental vessel for cultural exchange. It is, itself, a movable archivea repository of history, culture, and personality. And yet recipes have a sort of ambivalent cultural status because they are also, in part, just dataa collection of ingredients and instructions. The utility of a recipe has always required the latter; it does not necessarily require its reader to consider the former.

But if food, of all things, isnt connected to cultural identity, then perhaps nothing is. A recipes instructions come from its cultural holdings; its how many people relate to cuisine. Many people mistakenly think of food as epiphenomenal to race and cultural identity, says Ferguson, the Cookbook Politics author. I actually think that recipes, cookbookstheyre all constitutive of what it means to be something.

Part of the responsibility of presenting food within a context and history is precisely to hold on to those things rather than abandon them. I think that recipes are like keepers of culture, says Samira Mohyeddin, a restaurateur and journalist who hosts Unforked, a podcast about foods intersections with culture and politics. The people who collect, publish, and maintain those recipes wield a great deal of power.

With her siblings, Mohyeddin runs Banu, a restaurant in the west end of Toronto focused on Iranian food. Her family left Iran after the 1979 Islamic Revolution; they hoped to return, but never did. When you look at communities that have suffered things like genocide, or any type of collective trauma, food can really become a vehicle of preservation of culture, Mohyeddin says. She recently asked her mother to write down her own recipes in order to preserve them: If she goes, I dont know how to cook these things.

The same characteristics that make digital archives susceptible to loss also make them vessels for recovery, restoration, and preservation.

EMILY WEINSTEIN, deputy food editor at the Times, refers to NYT Cooking, the Times portal to thousands of recipes, as a living library. The phrase suggests something less like an archive proper, and closer to a repository of cultural knowledge that changes in response to the times. Some of those changes may reflect political concerns like diversity. (Our archives didnt reflect the diversity of our contributors at all, Weinstein says.) Others reflect changes in the nature of food, agriculture, and techniqueas she puts it, a chicken breast in 1981 isnt the same as a chicken breast in 2021.

The malleability of digital archivesand the possibility that the historical record can morph, or even disappear, without any noticeis troubling for journalists, along with historians and anyone else who is concerned with truth. But even traditional archives arent passive receptacles; they are collections shaped by culture and power. Nor are archivists merely record-keepers; their work also involves uncovering what was hidden, obscured, or suppressed.

Ordinary people often get left out of histories, says Dr. Ian Mosby, a food historian and assistant professor of history at Ryerson University who studies community cookbooks. Mosby has written about the cultural devaluation of cookbooks, including their selective omission from more traditional archives. Community cookbooksbound collections of recipes that circulated among people who shared a placeoften reveal cultural context that has been obscured elsewhere, and that might reshape how we understand a dish and its history.

The same characteristics that make digital archives susceptible to loss also make them vessels for recovery, restoration, and preservation. Whether food media outlets use the flexibility of digital media that wayfor recovery and repair, not extraction or erasuremay tell us something about how they understand their journalistic obligations to accuracy and telling complicated truths.

Food is more responsive to political demands than a lot of other things in our culture, Ferguson says. Its easier to say, Look at this history of a recipelets change it than it is to restructure the whiteness of the business class in America.

Archival repair shows how food media understands its obligation to its audiencea group that includes the chefs, cooks, workers, and cultures it draws its recipes from, as well as anyone else who comes to learn about foodand vice versa. Why read food media, after all, if not to learn about food? Shouldnt that be the point?

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Navneet Alang is a writer and lecturer based in Toronto. His work has appeared in The Atlantic, Eater, BuzzFeed, The New Republic, and more.
Executive Summary

The observations in this report are based on an online survey conducted between Tuesday, August 4, 2020 and Tuesday, September 8, 2020.

We received 324 eligible responses from a mix of editors, reporters, publishers, and other roles at small-scale local newspapers  print publications with a circulation below 50,000  in the United States.

Set against the backdrop of COVID-19, survey respondents shared how the pandemic  as well as wider deep-rooted challenges  were redefining their work. Some of the key issues that emerged include:

The pervasiveness of COVID-19 : 74 percent of respondents reported they had covered coronavirus-related stories. However, under half (44 percent) felt that they  or their colleagues  had access to the equipment and protection they needed. Just over a third (35 percent) took an opposing view, and 41 percent indicated they had not been given adequate training or support for COVID-related reporting.

Satisfaction with COVID coverage: 65 percent of participants were satisfied with how their newspaper has covered the pandemic. In doing this, only a third of respondents (35 percent) told us their paper had introduced COVID-related products, like newsletters or podcasts.

Long hours: Even with COVID-era furloughs, pay cuts, and reduced contracted hours, more than a third of respondents (37 percent) told us they work 50 to 60 hours a week, with half (50 percent) saying they work 40 to 50 hours a week.

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Growing job insecurity: Nearly half of those surveyed (43 percent) said they felt less secure in their jobs than at the start of the COVID crisis. Just under a third (31 percent) indicated no changes in terms of their sense of job security. Interestingly, 11 percent indicated they felt more secure than at the start of the pandemic.

Revenue and business models: Respondents spoke candidly about the challenges of attracting advertisers and subscribers, alongside the impact of ownership models on their work. Participants were often highly critical of hedge-fund ownership and frequently cited nonprofit models as the way forward for the sector.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Conversations being had at a national level have not always permeated down to local newsrooms. Respondents highlighted lack of resources, buy-in from management, demographics (especially in rural America), and gaps in their own skills and knowledge as potential obstacles to addressing these issues. DEI was typically seen through a racial lens, although other considerations were also discussed.

Building on a similar survey conducted in late 2016, this study also gives us an opportunity to see how local journalism is changing. We did this in two ways: by comparing findings across the industry snapshots captured in 2016 and 2020, and by asking respondents to compare their working experiences in 2020 with three years prior (the period just after our last survey). Notable shifts include:

Digital increasingly dominates: More than half (57 percent) of respondents said they spend more time on digital output than three years ago. Print remains important, with 54 percent of respondents working across both print and digital products.

Output levels have increased: Juggling these demands means that almost half (49 percent) of survey participants told us that in the past three years, the number of stories they personally produce in an average week has increased.

Social media is an integral work tool: In 2020, a majority of (62 percent) respondents told us that social media platforms had grown in importance for their paper. This was ahead of increased local coverage (36 percent of respondents) and the range of sources and voices featured (32 percent), in terms of major changes that had been seen over the past few years.

Trade publications remain essential for learning: The majority of respondents (67 percent of our total sample in 2020 vs. 57 percent in 2016) told us they learn about new tools and technology through articles in publications like Nieman Lab, Poynter, and CJR. This is some way ahead of other methods such as attending conferences or more formal training sessions.

Online training has grown considerably since 2016 . However, based on our participants, its still used by under a third of those working in local newspapers.

Despite a challenging financial landscape, coupled with wider issues such as trust in journalism, our 2020 cohort  like their predecessors in 2016  retained a sense of optimism about the future of their industry. In particular, they highlighted the importance of hyperlocal news, embracing digital and filing information gaps by covering stories not offered elsewhere.

In doing this, respondents are alive to the economic challenges their sector faces, as well as the difficulty of attracting younger audiences and issues of retention, especially of midcareer journalists. Many are also conscious of the need to address issues of engagement and diversity more fully, but tell us that they often lack the bandwidth to do so.

Elsewhere, we encountered journalists keen to reinvent the sector and let go of legacy attitudes and behaviors, as well as those who wanted to focus more fully on principles of objectivity and detachment, from which they felt the industry had drifted.

Subsequently, despite seeing potential for the industry, 61 percent of respondents in 2020 hold a slightly negative or very negative opinion about the prospects for the future of small-market newspapers. Four years ago, the situation (to our surprise) was reversed, with 61 percent of 2016s sample being very positive or slightly positive about the future of their industry.

Through these findings, our data further underline the complexity of this sector and its lack of homogeneity. The breadth of the local newspaper landscape, and the range of experiences within it, are both an opportunity  and a challenge  for anyone interested in helping to preserve, strengthen, and enhance local journalism in 2021 and beyond.

Chapter 1: Introduction

What is it like to work at a small-market local newspaper in the United States?

Thats the question at the core of this new research report, which seeks to capture the experiences of local journalists and people working at local newspapers across the country.

According to a previous Tow study, 97 percent of U.S. newspapers (6,851 out of 7,081 daily or weekly news) are small-market  titles with a circulation below 50,000. These experiences dont always capture the headlines, but we still rely on local journalists to do the things they have always done: act as a check on those in power, translate national developments into a local context, create an informed citizenry, and encourage civic engagement.

Despite this important role, its well known that local journalism in the United States has been navigating difficult terrain for some time. Subsequently, its essential that we understand how local journalism  and the experience of those who produce it  is evolving. This evidence base can inform efforts to support the local news industry by policymakers, funders, and researchers, as well as communities themselves. Without it, these efforts may lack direction or simply fall on deaf ears.

In terms of why this support is needed, the statistics speak for themselves:

Over the previous 15 years, more than one-fourth of the countrys newspapers have disappeared, with 300 newspapers closing in the past two years alone.

Around 1,300 to 1,400 communities that had their own newspapers in 2004 now have no news coverage. Close to half of all counties  1,540  only have one newspaper, usually a weekly. Almost 200 counties in the country have no newspaper at all.

As a result of the pandemic, by the end of April 2020, this number had increased: more than 90 local newsrooms in the U.S. had already closed  many for good.

Newsroom employment at U.S. newspapers (including local titles) dropped by nearly half (47 percent) between 2008 and 2018, from about 71,000 workers to 38,000.

More widely, across the news media, around 37,000 workers in the U.S. were laid off, furloughed, or had their pay reduced during the first year of the COVID crisis. These numbers have continued to rise across the country.

Yet at the same time, based on 2019 research of 100 randomly sampled communities across the U.S., local newspapers remain the largest source of original local journalism, stressing the importance of local newsrooms not just to their communities but also to the wider news ecosystem.

Given this, we need to do more as journalists and researchers to highlight the day-to-day reality of the majority of American journalists. If democracy dies in darkness, then its vital that we shine a light on a sector that remains vital at both a local level and to the wider news and information ecosystem.

This report helps to tell that story. Like many studies produced in the COVID era, this research has had a long gestation and has been a labor of love for those involved in birthing it.

In late 2019, we decided to revisit an early Tow study (authored by Damian Radcliffe, Christopher Ali, and Rosalind Donald) that had surveyed 420 people working at local newspapers in the United States. Published in May 2017, its findings described a (surprisingly) optimistic industry that was trying to balance the need to respect print and grow digital.

Respondents showed a strong interest in using digital storytelling tools, but these efforts were tempered by resources challenges and changing workloads. That research also highlighted a disconnect between local newsrooms and the conversations taking place in boardrooms, at journalism conferences, and in the trade press. This led to us calling for a more nuanced conversation when it came to talking about the experience of the newspaper industry, recognizing that it is not an homogenous entity.

Our initial plans to revisit and update this story were stymied by the dramatic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. As newsrooms saw advertising income plummet overnight, and many publications fought for their survival, we postponed our fieldwork and revisited our survey questions to accommodate the impact of the COVID crisis.

Early analysis by Poynter showed that more than 50 newsrooms had closed since the virus hit the United States. That number has subsequently grown to more than 90, as thousands of journalists have been furloughed, had their wages cut, or lost their jobs. At the same time, while battering journalism, the pandemic also underlined the need for reliable local news  access to accurate information tailored and relevant to your community can be crucial during a public health crisis.

Given these dual considerations, its more important than ever to have an up-to-date evidence base that can inform discussions about the future of local news.



Launching several months later than planned, this study captures a local newspaper industry grappling with the implications of COVID-19, as well as wider long-term systemic challenges. The pandemic has accelerated the need to identify new and sustainable business models, as well as the creative and financial opportunities afforded by digital. Alongside this, underlying concerns persist about fake news, mistrust in journalism, and issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As we have noted, this new study builds on the findings of earlier research in 2016 and 2017 while also acknowledging that since then, the local newspaper industry, like the media as a whole, has gone through a period of further change and disruption.

Other notable developments which have affected the news industry in the years since a version of this survey was last conducted include concerns about growing news deserts, the impact of the Trump presidency, widespread adoption of the term fake news and the spread of misinformation, the emergence of the Stories format on social media, a podcasting renaissance, and a move away from the pivot to video, as well as a shift to subscriptions and a focus on reader revenue.

Fundamental to our research is the desire to hear, and amplify, the experiences of those working on the frontline across the country.

We believe that these voices need to be heard, and that these insights can play a key role in helping to inform efforts to invest in  and support  the future of local journalism. As a result, these voices are front and center throughout this report. We hope you enjoy reading it.

Damian Radcliffe and Ryan Wallace

August 2021

Chapter 2: Methodology

This study was initially designed with the intention of revisiting a 2016 study and updating the story of life at small-market newspapers in the US. As with that initial research, we defined small-market as daily and weekly newspapers with circulations under 50,000. These outlets make up the majority of newspapers in the United States.

As we note in our introduction, a lot has happened since 2016, and so we wanted to chart some of the most significant changes by identifying points of comparison and also providing fresh perspectives on the reality of life at local newspapers.

Initially, our survey was intended to go out into the field in late March 2020. This was during the early stages of the pandemic, and following feedback from industry stakeholders we postponed the survey until the summer. During that time, we carefully monitored what other surveys of journalists were being undertaken and we further revised our survey to take greater account of COVID-19 and the impact of the pandemic on local newspapers.

The survey was open from midnight (PST) Tuesday, August 4, 2020, to 11:59 p.m. (PST) on Tuesday, September 8, 2020.

Following this activity, we received a total of 332 responses. Of these, eight were deemed ineligible due to location (participants were not based in the United States), circulation levels, or platform (only outlets with a print product were included). After these responses were removed we were left with a sample of 324 from across the United States. Participants who started the study but did not complete any questions (of which there were more than 100) were also excluded.

This sample works entirely in US local newspapers. They hold a variety of roles, including editors, reporters, and those working on the business side of local newspaper operations.

As in 2016, respondents were guaranteed anonymity so as to protect participants and facilitate the sharing of honest opinions.

Similarly, we also allowed respondents to skip certain questions, or parts of questions, while still enabling them to complete the remainder of the survey. Because of this, completion rates varied by question, and these numbers are clearly identified in each chart used in this report.

As with the previous survey, this decision was made to help ensure the highest possible completion rate, recognizing the time constraints respondents were under (especially during a pandemic); this also meant participants could potentially bypass questions that were not relevant, or possibly unclear, to them.

To help reduce risk of confusion and unclear language, we undertook a small pilot survey with some of Damians former students, all of whom work in local newspapers. We are grateful for their feedback and for testing our survey software.

Because respondents were self-selecting, our findings do not constitute a representative sample of people working in local newspapers. Our conclusions should therefore only be seen as indicative of the state of the wider small-market newspaper industry.

Nonetheless, we made every effort to recruit as widely as possible. We sought to achieve this both in terms of geographic spread  engaging with stakeholders in each state as well as nationally, as well as contacting organizations that advocate for, and represent the interests of, minority journalists.

As demonstrated in our map of survey respondents, participants cover a broad spectrum of geographic locations, as well as daily and weekly newspapers.

The latter, as we noted in 2016, is important, given that weekly newspapers  which comprise the bulk of American newspapers  seldom receive the attention we believe their circulation figures suggest they deserve.

Chapter 3: Profile of Respondents

We asked respondents to provide us with key demographic data including geographic location, age, race, job title, and how long they have worked in local journalism. Given wider concerns about the impact of different ownership models on the industry, we also asked about the proprietorship of their paper.

3.1 Location of Respondents

The 324 respondents, journalists, and other participants working in local newspapers come from outlets in 44 US states.

The greatest number of respondents came from Oregon (10 percent), Kentucky (9 percent), California (8 percent), Virginia (6 percent), and New York (6 percent).

Notable here is the more rural nature of several of these states, ensuring that this perspective is featured extensively throughout our conclusions. Rural news outlets play an important role in meeting the information needs of communities, especially during a public health crisis, and their presence matters for the well-being of the wider local newspapers industry.

Despite our extensive outreach efforts, there were no eligible respondents from six states (Delaware, Hawaii, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming) or Puerto Rico.

3.2 Primary Role

Among the self-reported job titles, reporters and editors (section/managing) accounted for nearly two-thirds (66 percent) of our total respondents.

However, many other categories of job roles were also represented. Positions ranged from digital/social media editors (6 percent) to freelancer (3 percent) and print sales/business development (2 percent). Alongside the six roles we outlined, 15 percent indicated other, a category that included roles such as publisher and owner.

Although we asked respondents to identify their primary role, as several survey participants noted, especially at smaller outlets, this can be hard to differentiate. After all, people wear many  and sometimes all  hats.

Only hat I (almost) never wear is invoicing, one participant told us, while another said, perhaps half-jokingly, Actually, Im publisher, editor, reporter, sales, technology, and [my] mother comes in every other week as janitor.

3.3 Length of Service

The largest number of respondents, nearly four in ten (36 percent), were veterans of the industry, with more than 20 years of experience.

Those in the second-largest group, more than one in five (21 percent), have been working in journalism for 1 to 4 years. We received the fewest number of responses from journalists who had less than a year of experience (4 percent).

3.4 Age

Within this, despite their wide range of experience in local newspapers, our respondents were fairly evenly split in terms of their age profile.

3.5 Race and Ethnicity

Despite efforts to reach a diverse range of respondents, our cohort overwhelmingly identified themselves as white (82 percent). The second-largest group identified as Hispanic/Latino (e.g. Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban) representing only 2 percent of respondents. A further 12 percent (38 respondents) did not respond to this question.

Given the vital importance in representing diverse populations and their perspectives, significant efforts were made to contact professional journalism organizations that work with media employees from different backgrounds  this included race, ethnicity, orientation, gender, and even area of expertise.

While representation in the final sample was predominantly white, and some groups like Native Americans and Pacific Islanders had virtually no representation in this survey, organizations that were contacted to encourage participation in this study included the Asian American Journalists Association, the National Association of Black Journalists, the National Association of Hispanic Journalists, the Native American Journalists Association, and the South Asian Journalists Association, as well many local chapters of these bodies.

Despite these efforts, the lack of diversity in this survey reflects the challenging  and well-known  lack of diversity in local newsrooms (as well as their larger counterparts) across much of the United States.

3.6 Newspaper Ownership

Finally, we asked respondents to tell us who owned their paper.

Among our survey participants, the largest group come from family-owned newspapers (25 percent). This was followed by major chains such as Gannett and Hearst (18 percent).

One in ten respondents (10 percent) indicated locally or community owned for this question, while 8 percent indicated other. Several of these respondents noted that they were the owners, some suggested that as nonprofits there was no real owner, whereas others were affiliated with universities or faith groups.

Chapter 4: Working habits in local newsrooms

Key Findings:

54 percent of respondents told us they work across both print and digital output.

Where respondents work on a single channel, they are more likely to be focused on print (27 percent vs. only 11 percent that are digital-only in their role).

More than half (57 percent) of participants said they spend more time on the digital product than they did three years ago.

Just over a quarter (27 percent) of survey participants dedicate more time to print products than they did three years ago. A third (34 percent) said their time on print had stayed the same.

Over a third of respondents (37 percent) work more than 50 hours a week, with half of our sample (50 percent) telling us they work 40 to 50 hours a week. These hours are taking place despite furloughs, pay cuts, and reduced formal hours being the norm in many newsrooms at the time of our survey.

Nearly half of respondents (49 percent) said that in the past three years, the number of stories they personally produce has increased.

Despite the pandemic, nearly half of respondents (45 percent) said they felt secure in their jobs, although they feel less secure than at the start of the crisis.

In this section we look at the experience of local journalists. These measures dont specifically address questions related to the coronavirus, but many responses are inevitably shaped by them, given that participants took our survey during the late summer and early fall of 2020.

We explore the tightrope many outlets have to navigate between digital and print operations, working conditions, and how some of these elements have changed since Tows first local journalism survey in late 2016.

4.1 Print vs. Digital

Where journalists spend their time

With internet takeup in the USA now at 90 percent, its not surprising that many journalists  even at operations with a print product  spend considerable amounts of time focused on digital output.

More than half (54 percent) of respondents told us they work across digital and print products. This reflected challenges that respondents indicated in fulfilling, for example, a digital-first philosophy and appealing to younger readers [who] prefer digital editions, while also serving existing print audiences.

Getting and keeping the attention of our readers is important, one respondent told us, and we have to do that with our print and digital products. For local newspapers, this juggling act across platforms  especially in an era of diminished personnel  shows no signs of abating.

Interestingly, those who are working on only one of those options tend to be focused on the print side (27 percent) versus 11 percent for digital-only, reflecting the continued importance and priority that local newspapers attach to their physical product.

Our 2017 report noted the tightrope local newspapers need to walk, as they respect print and grow digital. The resource allocation described by our 2020 sample suggests that outlets must continue to navigate this dynamic, not least because of their continued reliance on print advertising.

How focus of efforts has changed

In 2016, our first survey demonstrated how journalists time was increasingly being spent on digital output. This trend  and digital emphasis  was evidenced even more strongly in our 2020 survey.

We asked respondents to reflect on whether the focus of their work had changed in an average week. More than half (57 percent) told us that their focus on digital products and tasks had increased, with a further 17 percent indicating their time commitment to digital had stayed the same.

Interestingly, only one in five (19 percent) said the time they spent on print had decreased. More widely, based on feedback from our respondents, the increased time spent on digital is not offset by spending less time on print.

Around a third (34 percent) indicated that their focus on print has remained relatively stable over the last three years. Interestingly, just over a quarter (27 percent) of survey participants reported they now dedicate more time to print products, reflecting the continued importance of this medium at local newspapers.

4.2 Working hours

A long-hours culture

A long working week is nothing new for Americans, or indeed most journalists.

Respondents told us they worked anywhere between 10 and 80 hours a week. Many journalists may feel that its impossible to do their job, or get the paper out, if they do not. As one respondent told us:

Our publications have decreased in the number of pages, specialty publications and promotions have been cancelled, editorial staff hours reduced, yet they continue to work hard to fill the pages each week. There have been areas within our company where people have lost their jobs  either temporarily or permanently.

The impact of COVID

Due to financial pressures of the pandemic, many journalists have had their paid hours cut.

Nevertheless, although some respondents told us that for the past six months they had been required to furlough one day a week, they work overtime by choice. Others repeated this sentiment that they are often only paid for a reduced work week, but continue to work well beyond their contracted hours.

Collectively, their descriptions paint a picture of newsrooms where management continues to cut the hours of full-time employees without modifying expectations. As a consequence, part of local journalists labor at times may go uncompensated.

Indeed 36 percent of respondents reported that their working hours had increased during the pandemic, with a similar number (35 percent) reporting that working hours had stayed the same. Only 12 percent said their hours had decreased, despite numerous formal labor reductions.

4.3 Workloads

Output levels have increased

Alongside asking respondents to share with us how many hours a week they work, we also asked them about the volume of content they produce.

Perhaps not surprisingly, given the jobs cuts we have seen across the industry, and the fact that our survey took place during the middle of a pandemic, when asked about the number of stories they produce, almost half of respondents (49 percent) indicated that the number of stories they personally produce has increased in the last three years.

Given that working hours appear to be relatively stable, this means journalists are having to work quicker; this may have knock-on effects for the types of stories they cover, the number of sources they interview, and their ability to report in the field rather than from the office.

In addition to this, the breadth of responsibilities has often increased too. As one respondent explained:

Aside from lack of funds and tight time constraints, another challenge were facing at small newspapers is the necessity to wear several hats, while only getting paid for one job.

For example (at least at our publication), an editor also has to be a reporter, photographer, newsletter writer, and social media expert, and a graphic designer also has to be the webmaster, community outreach point-person, and legal notice compiler/writer.

This all contributes to stress and burnout, and the issue ties into the fact that we dont have enough money to hire more people.

Pace of work, coupled with progression opportunities (or lack thereof), was identified by another survey participant as an issue for the industry in terms of retention.

Theres no clear future for journalists these days and few advancement opportunities, so burnout seems to occur much more quickly.

4.4 Job Security

A mixed bag

Beyond concern about burnout and an aging industry, respondents also expressed misgivings around job security. Changing work patterns, long hours, and layoffs all contribute to instability.

Despite this, many respondents (45 percent) indicated that they felt secure in their jobs. Within this, 28 percent said that they felt slightly secure and 17 percent very secure.

This may come as a surprise, given the climate that journalism is operating in. As a majority of our respondents represent veteran (more than 20 years of experience) editors and reporters, we can speculate that these greater than expected levels of job security may potentially be attributable to seniority within newsrooms.

Alongside this, the timing of this survey (August-September 2020) came at a time when many people had already been laid off from newsrooms, meaning that those who remain at a paper may feel more secure about their positions.

At the other end of the spectrum, just under a third (32 percent) of respondents felt slightly insecure (16 percent) or very insecure (16 percent) about the job.

Overwhelmingly, respondents felt secure (45 percent) or insecure (32 percent) in their jobs, demonstrating very little center ground on this topic.

4.5 Conclusion and Commentary

Issues of burnout, long hours, and the tensions between print and digital are nothing new. Based on our survey responses, these issues are as prevalent now as they ever have been. At the same time, our respondents also suggest some additional  recent  dimensions that are adding to these difficulties.

One facet of this can be seen in the impact of attacks on the press. We are seeing burnout of folks working in journalism due to negative comments thrown at journalists (fake news, uncaring, biased), one respondent observed. Others highlighted dealing with online trolls as well as bullying and harassment of staff as challenges that take their toll.

Reduced staff and resources can also limit efforts to do things differently.

Reflecting on addressing issues of equity and inclusion, a topic we explore more in Chapter 6, one participant noted that there is no opportunity for such work  we are woefully underpaid and understaffed, so we pretty much have to use what we have and do what we can with it. This was a sentiment we heard from multiple respondents.

At the same time, some respondents were also critical of newspaper owners. They saddle reporters with all the work as they let vacancies go dark, leaving readers in the dark, too, one participant said. Others noted recruitment challenges, which again has an impact on working hours and habits. So much gloom and doom has circulated about small towns and about newspapers that no one is willing to work for them, one respondent told us.

For some employees, lack of resources means local newspapers are unable to realize their potential.

My experience is that the big guys are missing the boat. Many of the small papers owned by the big boys are squeezed to reduce costs which has put the local papers on a forever downward cycle. Many local editors/publishers want to do a good job but they cannot handle the work load with the resources given.

Others see an inherent tension between the pressures of the print and digital products. Take out the monetary aspect and the amount of time we have to divert from the print publication to keeping up the website and social media, and local newspapers are capable of holding our own, one respondent said.

To remedy this, instead of increasing workloads and story quotas, a few participants argued for more radical solutions.

Im optimistic about the number of print subscribers we would convert to digital if there is no print option, one suggested. How many advertising dollars we would convert is [the] more fraught question. But maybe more than we would think. Revenues will be less in a world without print, but margins will be better, and we once again could be a growth industry.

Chapter 5: Products and Platforms

Key Findings

62 percent of journalists said that social networks had become more important to their work in the past three years. Only 4 percent felt their importance had declined.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents (63 percent) said that they or their newspaper used metrics to measure audience engagement.

Just under two-fifths (39 percent) said that audience metrics influenced how they produced a story.

Paywalls have been introduced in the past three years at newspapers where 15 percent of our sample work. A further one in five respondents (22 percent) indicated that modifications to their paywalls had taken place during this period.

Employees are not just interested in new products, but also fresh approaches to journalism, with strong levels of interest seen across our sample to find out more about engaged journalism and solutions journalism.

The majority of people working in local newsrooms learn about new technology through articles in the trade press and are self-taught in using these tools, mirroring a finding also seen in 2016.

In this part of our report we delve into changing digital habits in local newsrooms. We begin with an examination of established tools and some of the changes weve seen in the past four years, before looking at relationships with social networks and emerging tools and technologies.

5.1 What tech and products do newsrooms use?

Established tools

Respondents indicated usage of a broad range of tools and platforms in their work.

Of the seven categories we asked for input on, the most commonly used were analytics and metric tools (50 percent), newsletters (44 percent), video reporting (39 percent), and live video services like Facebook Live (37 percent).

Alerts and push notifications (36 percent), chat and messaging apps (24 percent) like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, and podcasts (21 percent), are also popular.

We also asked respondents about a range of products and services that are commonly used across the industry, and how their usage has changed since our last survey.

One area that we were particularly interested in was the use of paywalls. Since the start of 2017, paywalls have been introduced at newspapers where 15 percent of our respondents work.

Nearly a third of respondents (32 percent) indicated that they had a paywall and access levels had stayed the same during that time, while around one in ten (13 percent) respondents indicated that they had decreased the number of free stories, with similar numbers (9 percent) increasing the number of pre-paywall stories available.

5.2 Social Media Usage

Friend and Foe

Reflecting the importance of social networks to local newspapers, a majority (62 percent) of respondents indicated that the importance of these platforms had grown in the four years since our last survey. Only 4 percent indicated that this importance of social had declined.

Of six different elements that we explored, social medias importance was determined to have increased the most, ahead of increased local coverage (36 percent of respondents) and the range of sources and voices in the paper (32 percent).

Although social media platforms are integral to the work of journalists, especially for story gathering and distribution, our respondents also commented on how social networks also act as a prime competitor in terms of content and revenue.

The advertising dollars are going away and not coming back, one participant told us. Google and Facebook have just eviscerated the business.

And despite Facebooks 2018 pivot to prioritize local news sources, some respondents were skeptical about whether this had delivered  from the perspective of local newspapers  on its promises. Facebooks algorithm changes over the past few years means people who follow local newspapers may not see that post on their feed.

Alongside this, concerns were also expressed about the freedom of users to say what they want, often unchecked. Facebook comments can be genuinely detrimental to a paper, one respondent wrote, through ways such as troll posts and people copy-pasting paywalled articles in the comments.

5.3 New tools and storytelling techniques

Given the increasing prevalence of digital news consumption, as well as emerging approaches to reporting  such as engagement and solutions journalism  we were keen to understand how local newsrooms are adapting to new tools and techniques in the digital landscape.

How journalists learn new skills

Staff at small-market newspapers often have to be resourceful when learning about industry developments and the opportunities afforded by new digital tools. Our sample suggests that they seldom receive formal training and support for this activity. Only a small minority of respondents (15 percent) told us that they have undertaken training paid for by their employers.

This reflects, perhaps, the pressure many local newsrooms face in terms of both time and budgets, meaning that professional development can feel like something of a luxury.

As a result, this is not a cohort who is able to easily travel to conferences. Instead, the majority of respondents told us that they learn about new tools and technology through articles (67 percent of our total sample in 2020 vs. 57 percent in 2016) from publications like Nieman Lab, Poynter, and CJR.

Alongside this, when it comes to using new technologies, people working at local newspapers also tend to be self-taught (64 percent).

Its notable that in each of these areas  training paid for by employers, the importance of learning through the trade press, and the emphasis on being self-taught  the numbers in both 2016 and 2020 are remarkably similar.

Meanwhile, although (often free) online training courses from organizations like Poynter, Facebook, and Google represent an important resource for these journalists, only a quarter of our full sample of 324 respondents (28 percent) said they are actively using them.

Factors which may influence this include time, awareness, and relevance. Given the commitment of these organizations to supporting local newsrooms, it would be worth exploring more why takeup  based on the findings of our sample  seems low, and how this can be further encouraged.

Interest levels in new technology and platforms

Alongside asking how journalists learned about new digital tools and ways of working, we also wanted to ascertain their interest in specific areas.

In 2016, of the options we provided, journalists were most interested in learning more about video reporting, live video, and podcasting (even though usage of the last of these was low). They were less interested in emerging formats like augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR) and chat apps.

Again, not much has changed in this regard. Intriguingly, while chat applications like WhatsApp are often a focus for journalism and journalists outside of the United States, particularly in Latin America, interest in these technologies was low among respondents in 2016 and continued to decline in 2020.

Reflecting low levels of take-up for the application in the US, half of respondents (50 percent) indicated low levels of interest in learning about chat apps such as WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.

Only a small minority (3.4 percent) are very interested in this technology, which may be surprising given that WhatsApp has two billion users around the world and Facebook Messenger reaches more than 133 million people in the US and 1.3 billion globally.

In terms of tools that we asked about for the first time in this survey, areas with the highest ranking (4-5 Interested and Very interested) by our respondents were emerging philosophies of journalism such as engagement and engaged journalism (53 percent) and solutions journalism (49 percent), as well as the use of newsletters (38 percent).

There were relatively low levels of interest in some areas that may help local newsrooms, given the challenges they face with resourcing and the shift to consumption of news via social media.

More than four in ten respondents (42 percent) indicated a low level of interest (1-2 out of 5) for finding out about tools such as automation; over a third (36 percent) expressed a similar lack of interest in the Stories format on social networks, as did just under a third (30.5 percent) about alerts and push notifications.

Reflecting potential discrepancies between their own social media usage and the tools they use for work, half of respondents (50 percent) expressed low levels of interest in using chat apps for work, with fewer than one in ten (8.6 percent) indicating a high desire to learn about how to tap into these tools. This is despite a sizable number (38.4 percent) indicating that they use these very same products outside of their job.

5.4 Conclusion and Commentary

According to our sample, social media appears to be playing an important role in local newspaper journalism. Nonetheless, this growth can sometimes be challenging, and potentially out of step with behaviors present at larger outlets and across the wider media industry.

Twitter  a popular network among many journalists  was identified as being potentially problematic by respondents, with criticism of the network cited by one respondent as symptomatic of wider trends and issues.

Similar to challenges facing all newspapers, [there are] changes in our society and the decline of institutions like democracy. Young people are less likely to read articles, care about local news. There is a seemingly increasing lack of basic media and government literacy.

Twitter appears to be fueling a culture where younger media consumers expect to be pandered to, and disagreement or shades of gray is dismissed as both sidesism. Cultural polarization is bleeding into peoples attitudes toward news.

Our cohort was also less interested than perhaps might be expected at deploying some functionality, such as the use of the Stories format (27 percent being Not Interested compared to 14 percent being Very Interested). According to Sprout Social, Stories have been one of the biggest social media trends of the past couple of years and 2020 looks to be no different. Thats a trend that looks set to continue in 2021 and beyond as the format is adopted by LinkedIn and other platforms.

Given the wider popularity of the Stories format, this finding may give further credence to the notion that theres a disconnect between how people working in local newsrooms use social media for personal versus professional purposes. Among our sample, we saw this idea manifest itself in a few areas. One example was the disconnect between usage of chat apps outside of the day job, compared to interest in learning about these tools for work. Similarly, just under a quarter of respondents (23 percent) said they used Instagram for work, compared to nearly half (45 percent) who said they used it outside of their job.

Despite this, our sample clearly indicated an interest in doing things differently. This was particularly apparent in terms of fresh approaches to their craft, as reflected in levels of interest in engagement and solutions journalism, and more established products like newsletters and metric tools.

Other seemingly mainstream applications also piqued the interest of many of our sample, most notably podcasting and video reporting, where over a third of respondents were keen to know more.

In terms of how local journalists are learning about these new technologies and techniques, our survey shows that they rely on various resources, although opportunities supported financially by their employers appear to be decreasing.

As a result, the local journalists we surveyed are often dependent on self-teaching and articles from organizations like Nieman Lab, Poynter, and CJR  with more than two-thirds of respondents (67 percent) listing these as resources that they use for learning, and a similar proportion (64 percent) indicating that they are self-taught when it comes to learning about new technology and tools related to the industry.

And despite the rise in online training resources from Google, Facebook, and others, only just over a quarter of respondents (28 percent) indicated that they had used them, suggesting that industry-led approaches to support innovation and skills development in smaller newsrooms may still need further promotion and refinement if local newsrooms are to harness them in greater numbers.

Chapter 6: Challenges

Key Findings:

Not surprisingly, given the financial challenges (even pre-COVID) faced by the sector, issues related to the economics of local newspapers were identified as challenges by many of our respondents.

Survey participants noted dwindling opportunities for local advertising alongside competing with national newspapers if people only want to have one subscription as well as fucking Facebook as among the biggest challenges facing small-market newspapers.

Respondents repeatedly identified issues with the commercial model for local newspapers, particularly ownership by large corporations and hedge funds, which they felt were more interested in profit rather than investment in communities and local journalism.

A near majority of those surveyed felt their paper does a good job with diversity in their news coverage regarding gender (51 percent) and age (48 percent). This sentiment was lower when considering political (36 percent), educational (30 percent), and racial (35 percent) diversity.

In terms of the make-up of newsrooms, respondents felt their organization is doing a good job with diversity of age (50 percent) and gender (47 percent); however, these sentiments dropped to 18 percent when it comes to racial diversity.

Other challenges identified by participants include attracting talent  especially younger reporters  as well as younger audiences.

Toward the end of our survey, we included a number of open questions, enabling respondents to tell us about the biggest opportunities  and challenges  they saw facing their industry. In this section, we explore some of the major problems that respondents told us they faced.

In addition, we also asked newsrooms about engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion  both in terms of their newsroom and their coverage  the findings of which we have determined sit best in this section of the report.

6.1 Business and Revenue Models

Ownership models

One of the more discernible trends of the past four years has been the rise of hedge fund ownership in local news. The impact of this was a recurring theme among our respondents.

The biggest challenge for small newspapers is distant, corporate owners who dont give a crap about journalism and are bleeding their ownings dry before they sell them to the next vulture.

Large corporate ownership is ruining local newspapers, another participant told us. They introduce large fix-it-all solutions that actually make local conditions worse for reporters, editors, and readers. Websites are made to be cookie-cutter and run spam and ads mixed in with our local content that erodes the trust from the public.

Multiple respondents highlighted issues such as lack of investment and Corporate ownership that is not invested in local communities. Or, put another way, Corporate owners who are out to milk every penny they can from small papers.

By way of an example, one survey respondent told us: I write for four papers in my news group, all community newspapers. All have met their budget in recent years, but cuts are still being made and more are expected.

Theres no expectation that this will change. We anticipate that most of our editors will be cut and each paper left with a single reporter, while Copy will be sent to a central hub many states away.



At many local newspapers, these predictions are already the reality.

Revenue structures

Respondents noted both the long-term structural challenges local advertising has been facing as well as the impact of the pandemic on many local businesses. As one participant pithily put it: When businesses were closed they had no need for advertising, which is our biggest source of revenue.

It takes money to pay salaries and keep the lights on, one respondent reminded us. Were hurt by a combination of businesses using the Internet for advertising, and local businesses being hurt by Internet competitors.

When economic times get tough, the first thing that tends to go at local businesses is the advertising budget. Also, our number of local businesses have decreased in the last 20 years, particularly larger businesses that used to spend quite a bit on advertising.

Another of our biggest challenges (again goes back to money) is customers not wanting to pay for content. Everybody thinks everything on the Internet should be free.

This final sentiment was expressed by multiple respondents who identified the detrimental impact of free online news on news literacy and willingness to pay for journalism. People think that they dont need to read a newspaper because they saw some headlines on the internet or they follow the local gossip Facebook page, one participant said.

Others expressed concern about the impact of paywalls. Reporters commented on their work (and page views) being throttled by [a] paywall that isnt getting subscriptions and hasnt saved the newsroom from drastic staffing cuts.

One potential impact of this, a response expressed by multiple participants  although not necessarily through the lens of paywalls  was that with us locking down so much behind the paywall, I worry it creates an information hierarchy where theres a lot of people out there learning half-true things from other social circles where media engagement is at a minimum (i.e. Facebook groups).

Another respondent pointed out that although an increasing number of local newspapers have a paywall, the flip-side is the number of media outlets, particularly television station website[s] that do not. Often running on a smaller staff, they were critical of the fact that these channels accept PR, Twitter, and Facebook as good enough for their audience.

6.2 Diversity

In news coverage

Alongside Hedge funds buying up small newspapers en masse to bleed them dry, one respondent also noted that As a rule, small-market newspapers do not employ staff that reflect the diversity of the population they cover.

We need more Black journalists, more Latinx reporters, they wrote. Our coverage has major blind spots, which deteriorates community trust.

Not every respondent accepted this, and several participants were at pains to point out the ethnic homogeneity of their areas they covered. Im not saying that racism isnt a thing here, one respondent shared with us, but it doesnt make much sense to report on issues of diversity, because there really arent any [in this area], besides small-scale anecdotes.

When asked to evaluate their news coverage and what their news organizations are doing with varying types of diversity, a majority of respondents felt that their newspaper was doing a good job in their coverage with regards to gender (51 percent) and age (48 percent).

However, only around a third of participants agreed with this sentiment when it came to racial (35 percent), political (36 percent), and socioeconomic (35 percent) diversity. These last three categories also had a high percentage of respondents who did not answer this question, or indicated neither agree nor disagree.

In the newsroom

Alongside diversity in news coverage, we also asked about these dynamics in terms of the newsroom.

My paper is owned by Alden Capital, another respondent said. The only diversity it is interested in is mixing up the models of BMWs the executives drive to work on any given day.

Engagement requires investment, which the paper wouldnt do even if it had the resources. It is clearly not interested in advancing journalism, rather maintaining a brutal profit margin (e.g. ~ 20%) while driving readers away with overpriced subscription rates.

Others shared similar perspectives, expressing that in terms of efforts to address issues of engagement and diversity from where I sit, its not even on their radars as a problem.

Of the five diversity indices we asked respondents about, racial diversity was identified as the biggest issue. A near majority of respondents (43 percent) indicated that they disagreed with the statement: My news organization is doing a good job with racial diversity. Only 18 percent agreed with this assertion.

Survey participants expressed more confidence in gender diversity (47 percent) and age (50 percent), although again its worth noting around a third of respondents skipped this topic, or selected neither agree nor disagree for these questions.

6.3 Attraction and Retention

Audiences

Multiple respondents spoke of the challenge of attracting younger audiences, alongside the wider issues of just getting an audience.

Some people dont care, dont feel like they have to subscribe because XYZ issue doesnt affect them.

At the same time, others spoke of dealing with readers who distrust the media and a public that does not care nor understand the importance of knowing what happens where they live.

Changes to the wider media and information ecosystems were branded as key contributors to this situation.

People think that they dont need to read a newspaper because they saw some headlines on the internet or they follow the local gossip Facebook page, one respondent said, expressing a reaction that many others shared.

Similarly, multiple respondents also talked about the need to better communicate what journalism is and the impact it has. That means getting readers to understand the value in local journalism, and to understand the difference between their local news outlet and national cable news.

These dynamics may have a further effect on the type of journalism thats produced. As one respondent explained:

Its been difficult for us to keep our readers interested, especially in our long-form, investigative pieces, which also cost the most money and time. In an age of quick-hit news, promoting those pieces upon which alt-weeklies are built has been a particular challenge, and were having to shift to a more daily-like model for our digital content.

The attention span for long, investigative pieces just isnt there, especially if its bad news, like the kind dealing with systemic racism, environmental injustice, corruption in government.  Its all so important, but its depressing in large quantities. Everyone has information fatigue these days, and we just cant get readers to invest in those important stories.

Talent

Alongside the relationship with audiences, numerous respondents cited the difficulty of making local newspapers appealing workplaces for younger reporters.

It seems like all young journalists want to work in NY or DC. The position I filled was open for 6 months before they hired me, and the salary is well above average for an entry-level journalist.

Participants also pointed to limited opportunities for progression and the reality of burnout in small newsrooms. This affects all reporters, of course, but for younger journalists witnessing this may be a factor in them leaving local newspapers, or the industry altogether.

Theres no clear future for journalists these days and few advancement opportunities, so burnout seems to occur much more quickly.

We have to cover the same amount of events with less people in every area of the newspaper (news, graphics, advertising, you name it) and no pay raises. Retaining people has been harder than ever because its a high-stress, low-pay environment.

It can also affects efforts to diversify coverage and the workforce.

As one respondent told us, their paper had a diversity plan which was synced with the hire of more reporters, but now all new hires are off, so my plan is no longer relevant.

Conclusion and Commentary

The challenges we have identified in this part of our report are not exhaustive. Collectively, our sample identified a broad spectrum of issues facing small-market newspapers, but time and again core problems emerged concerning business models, diversity, and attraction and retention (of both readers and staff).

Theres also a strong interplay between these different elements. One respondent succinctly summarized some of these interconnections and the challenges they represent:

I think the high turnover in local newspapers is a serious challenge to building institutional memory and cultivating the long-term relationships that are necessary for strong news coverage. Because of the low pay reporters frequently leave small papers as soon as they get a better position, which harms the quality of the papers reporting and makes it difficult to build trust with the community.

Similarly, participants also shared how the multifaceted nature of working at many local newspapers can also take its toll.

Aside from lack of funds and tight time constraints, another challenge were facing at small newspapers is the necessity to wear several hats, while only getting paid for one job.

For example (at least at our publication), an editor also has to be a reporter, photographer, newsletter writer and social media expert, and a graphic designer also has to be the webmaster, community outreach point-person, and legal notice compiler/writer.

This all contributes to stress and burnout, and the issue ties into the fact that we dont have enough money to hire more people.

Alongside this, of course, is the fact that significant decreases in staffing have led to less time and resources devoted to each story and decreased the variety of stories we are able to cover. This in turn has contributed to the many hats scenario present in many local newsrooms.

Reduced resources can also be seen as a contributing factor to the challenges of addressing multiple issues of diversity, both in terms of coverage and the make-up of local newsrooms.

Several respondents shared their challenges with recruiting diverse staff. However, many participants also outlined that their efforts went beyond recruitment, to include expanding editorial boards and op-ed contributions, through to diversity audits of stories and a greater push for find[ing] diverse voices, under-reported voices, and stories that reflect experiences outside what may be considered the norm.

At most local newsrooms, as elsewhere, tackling representation, diversity, equity, and inclusion remains very much a work in progress.

Chapter 7: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Small-Market Local Newspapers

Key Findings

74 percent of respondents reported that they had been involved in covering COVID-related stories.

44 percent of journalists said they and their colleagues had received the equipment and protection (e.g. PPE) they needed, although more than a third (35 percent) said they had not.

Under a third (30 percent) said they, or their colleagues, had been given adequate training or support for COVID-related reporting. 41 percent took the opposing view.

43 percent of respondents said they felt less secure in their job compared to the start of the pandemic.

Just over three in five (61 percent) participants told us that their paper had dropped its paywall for COVID coverage at some point. However, nearly one in five (18 percent) said they had not at any point.

Around a third of respondents (35 percent) said their outlets had introduced new COVID products, like newsletters or podcasts. The majority (50 percent) did not.

65 percent of respondents were satisfied with how their paper has covered the pandemic.

7.1 Impact on Journalists

Coronavirus Reporting

Given the all-encompassing nature of COVID-19, it is perhaps no surprise that the vast majority of respondents (74 percent) have been involved in COVID-19 reporting. This is, after all, a story that affects every journalistic beat.

Within that, a majority of our online survey respondents (58 percent) told us that they had not covered health or science issues previously.

This may help to explain why more than four in ten respondents (41 percent) indicated that they did not feel that they, or their colleagues, had been given adequate training or support for COVID-related reporting. In contrast, fewer than one in three (30 percent) felt they had received enough support.

Alongside specialist knowledge, other factors that may contribute to this finding include the challenges of socially distanced reporting, the distributed nature of newsrooms, and the speed of change prompted by the pandemic.

COVID Safety

Beside this, over a third (35 percent) of those taking our survey suggested that journalists in their newsroom had not been provided with the equipment and protection (e.g. PPE) they needed.

Nearly half of respondents (44 percent) indicated that they had received this, with more than one in five (21 percent) declining to answer the question or indicating that they didnt know.

Working hours

Considering the initial hunger for COVID news, the fast-changing nature of the pandemic in its early days, and the reality of job cuts and furloughs in many newsrooms, we were also keen to understand the impact of the coronavirus on wider working habits.

One area of interest, especially given wider concerns about the mental health impact of the crisis on journalists, was working hours. Although not the only source of mental health challenges, longer working days clearly contribute to this situation.

With lines between work and home becoming increasingly blurred, Bloomberg reported as early as April 2020 how workers were suffering from burnout and stress, with the average work day typically three hours longer.

Among our sample, respondents were fairly evenly split on the impact of the crisis on the hours they worked. Although they didnt go into the details, 36 percent indicated that their working hours had increased, while 36 percent also said they stayed the same.

Of those who said their hours had decreased (12 percent), this may be as a result of formally reduced hours  for example, many Gannett staffers were furloughed for five days a month between April and June 2020  and other factors such as increased childcare responsibilities.

Job Security

Nearly half of our respondents (43 percent) said that they felt less secure in their job than at the start of the pandemic.

Interestingly, 11 percent said they felt more secure in their jobs, which may be attributed to the increases in traffic and subscriptions seen at some local outlets. One reason for this may be that people taking our survey had already survived the major cuts seen at publications across the country. As a result, this might give some respondents an element of reassurance about their jobs, based on an assumption that their paper might not introduce further cuts, as many outlets were already pared back to a minimum.

7.2 Changes to working practices and products

From a practical perspective, COVID-19 has affected not only what local journalists are covering, but also where  and how  they are covering it.

Working from home

The reality of distributed newsrooms can be seen at a local level, as well as larger outlets.

One manifestation of this can be seen in the rise of homeworking. Nearly three-quarters (72 percent) of respondents said the newsroom is working from home, where possible.

However, not everyone is able to do this. Among our sample, just under two-thirds (65 percent) of respondents said they were working from home some of the time, with nearly one in five (19 percent) continuing to work from the office.

Similarly, just over six in ten journalists (61 percent) said they were working from home more often than before. Just under a quarter (24 percent) had seen no changes to their working from home habits.

Changing products and coverage

Not surprisingly, given that no one is immune from the impact of the pandemic, 73 percent of respondents told us that their paper had introduced special coverage related to the pandemic. However, 15 percent said their paper had not made any particular changes in coverage.

In many cases (61 percent), paywalls for coronavirus coverage (either now or in the past) had been dropped, to ensure that audiences had access to public health information and other COVID coverage.

This approach was not one that everyone agreed with, and interestingly, around one in five respondents (18 percent) told us they had not dropped their paywalls during the crisis. One in five respondents (21 percent) indicated either they did not know or they skipped this question.

For smaller outlets, reliance on local reader revenue might mean that such moves were not financially viable. Others may have taken the view later adopted by McClatchy and others, who have subsequently reinstated their paywalls as the pandemic continued that they could not (or should not) give away this content for free.

Alongside dropping paywalls for some key COVID-19 content, many larger outlets also rushed to introduce new coronavirus products at the start of the crisis. This practice was less prevalent at the smaller outlets where our respondents are based, possibly due to resourcing challenges.

A majority of respondents (50 percent) indicated that their newsrooms had not introduced new products  such as coronavirus-focused newsletters or podcasts  in response to the pandemic. Meanwhile, only a third (35 percent) of respondents indicated that their paper had introduced new COVID-related products.

7.3 The potential legacy of the pandemic

Alongside widely expressed concerns that the pandemic could be an extinction level event for the news media, the crisis might also help emphasize the value of local journalism.

Local, local, local, one contributor told us in response to a question about the opportunities for local newspapers. Our readership has exploded since COVID, they wrote, and we believe its due to how local our coverage is.

Satisfaction with coverage

We asked our respondents to reflect on coverage of the coronavirus at their paper, as well as the media in general.

Overall, respondents were more satisfied (65 percent vs. 55 percent) with how their paper has covered the pandemic, than with the media in general. Conversely, over a quarter of participants (26 percent) said they were dissatisfied with how the media had covered the outbreak. A slightly smaller number (20 percent) expressed dissatisfaction with coverage at their own paper.

COVID-19 is increasing interest in news and people recognize local papers coverage can be more relevant than national outlets, one participant said.

A new era of working from home

One potential legacy of the pandemic is that it has helped to usher in a new era of homeworking. Newsrooms are not insusceptible to this shift.

We publish a couple of papers and all my workers are remote, one respondent told us. That has almost gone to 100% due to COVID-19 and seems to be working well.

In August 2020, Tribune Publishing Company announced it was closing five newsrooms, including The Morning Call in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and the Carroll County Times in Maryland. McClatchy is also moving to close seven physical offices, as employees continue to work from home.

Our respondents identify with this trend. Four in ten (40 percent) indicated that they felt that their paper will continue to embrace remote and distributed working, although more than a quarter (28 percent) disagree.

Notably, nearly a quarter of respondents (20 percent) declined to say, or responded that they didnt know the answer to this question, with a further 12 percent skipping this question, perhaps reflecting much of the continued uncertainty around the pandemic and some of its long-term effects.

7.4 Conclusion and Commentary

Given the focus of this survey was to better understand changes in local journalism since 2016, COVID-19 is obviously a key point of interest.

The coronavirus crisis has been a catalyst for significant change, not only in what local newsrooms have been covering, but also in the ways in which local journalism is being carried out. From an economic perspective, the pandemic brought to light many changes that were already under way, including the shift to reader revenue, efforts to pivot from a reliance on advertising dollars, and a desire to diversify revenue streams.

More widely, newsrooms have closed or reduced coverage, patterns of coverage have changed, and jobs have been lost. Local journalism has long faced a precarious future  COVID-19 has merely accelerated and accentuated many underlying trends and exacerbated them.

However, paradoxically, the pandemic has at the same time made the importance of local journalism far more relevant. And in many cases, outlets have seen record traffic, even at the same time as their revenues were often plunging. Whatever form local journalism emerges in at the end of the crisis, its unlikely to look the same as it did going in.

COVID-19 is increasing interest in news, one respondent told us, offering a potential insight into the picture painted by our survey participants, and people recognize local papers coverage can be more relevant than national outlets.

Others agreed, arguing that We have to be there for our readers and business owners and provide both with what they need from us, especially during the current pandemic, but also beyond it as they emerge and things eventually get back toward a sense of normal.

Were grateful to have survived the pandemic so far, another respondent said, perhaps reflecting the attitudes of many other participants, but know we all have a long way to go before were on the other side of this horrific crisis.

Chapter 8: Moving forward  the future for local newspapers

Key Findings:

Nearly half (49 percent) of respondents hold a slightly negative or very negative opinion about the prospects for the future of small-market newspapers.

Respondents shared their concerns about the impact of big tech, in terms of the visibility of local news and its role in shaping the willingness of audiences to pay for local news.

The ability to engage with younger audiences, and to make local journalism appealing to younger journalists, were also recurring themes.

Issues of diversity and inclusion are being discussed, and implemented, at local newspapers, but these efforts can be hampered by lack of resources, buy-in, and awareness.

National-level issues  such as trust in journalism, the ability to discern between news and opinion, and getting people to pay for news  have long permeated local news environments.

Respondents may have different approaches on how to best address challenges facing the sector, but the value and importance of local news coverage is something they agree on.

In this final chapter we look to the future. We explore how employees at local newspapers feel about the prospects for their industry, and highlight some of the key issues and approaches they identified as needing to be addressed.

8.1 Sentiments toward the future

A less positive outlook than four years ago

One surprising takeaway from the 2016 study was a cautious optimism found in the local newspaper industry. Despite a decade of consolidation, closures, and lay-offs, when asked How positive do you feel about the future of local newspapers?, the majority of the 2016 sample were more positive than might have been expected.

By 2020, this trend had been inverted. Positivity had tilted toward pessimism, with 49 percent of survey participants subscribing to a negative view of the future for their industry, compared to 25 percent who held a very positive or positive perspective.

Given that this survey was conducted in the middle of a pandemic, these conclusions should not come as a great surprise.

As our survey has demonstrated, nearly half (43 percent) of local journalists indicated that they now feel less secure in their jobs than they did prior to the pandemic, with just under a third (31 percent) being neutral on the issue, saying they felt the same (neither more secure or less secure). This sentiment inevitably shapes wider attitudes toward the future of the industry.

Its not just about COVID

But job security is just one proxy by which we can gauge shifting sentiments about the future of local news. We know from other questions asked in the survey that respondents also highlighted issues of trust, the impact of social media on both revenues and media habits, and the American publics changing relationship with journalism, as areas that have all negatively affected prospects for local newspapers.

From a business perspective, as one respondent starkly stated, The advertising dollars are going away and not coming back. Google and Facebook have just eviscerated the business.

Similarly, although our survey has shown a substantial upswing in terms of the importance of social media for local newspapers, it remains an uneasy relationship.

Respondents noted how Facebooks algorithm changes over the past few years means people who follow local newspapers may not see that post on their feed, despite Facebook announcing these changes as being designed to increase the visibility of local content.

They also cited the tension between being active on social media, without it cannibalizing your business.

Ten years ago I was nervous about newspapers coming to an end soon, one respondent recalled. I was wrong. They added, It may help that I am in an area with a high population of seniors who do not rely on Facebook for their news. The obstacle I face is finding that balance about what to post on social media without giving too much away  and still having a product people want to buy. You really have to be aggressive with keeping your papers name out there and being relevant. Thats why I try to post snippets of news or teasers of what is in the paper as often as possible.

Lastly, there was a sense of both sometimes struggling to get some audiences to engage and a feeling that too often local journalism was at risk of being undervalued.

As Pew showed in 2019, most Americans (71 percent) think their local news media are doing well financially, when the reality is typically quite different. Moreover, few Americans (just 14 percent) had paid for  or financially supported  local news. Yet at the same time, Americans felt that local journalists, in the main, are doing a good job.

Reflecting on this dichotomy, People welcome news coverage of their communities, one participant told us. I think people just take it for granted that a reporter somewhere can be found to write about some injustice or crime or corruption or freak event that happened in their hometown.

There is not only a huge need for local news, there is a huge desire for it, they continued. Professional news coverage is a product in demand  why cant it be monetized?

8.2 The Youth Challenge

Attracting younger audiences

Our respondents identified not one, but two issues related to youth and younger people and their relationship with local newspapers.

The first was a perception that this was an audience that was often apathetic about local news, or disinterested in the current ways in which it was delivered.

As one respondent bluntly put it: Attracting young readers (20- and 30-somethings) is a big challenge aside from attracting advertisers. Through attrition, our circulation continually declines because death rates outpace young, new subscribers.

More widely, multiple respondents indicated that younger audiences tended to be less interested in local news. They do not follow local issues unless it hits home and it is probably too late, one participant told us.

Another correspondent noted the media and shopping habits of younger audiences, a combination that affected both consumption of local news and created a compelling proposition for advertisers: Younger readers prefer digital editions and do not value supporting local businesses. They prefer to buy online for just about everything.

Attracting younger journalists

Alongside this, participants also underlined the challenge that many of them faced with attracting or retaining young journalists.

I worry that journalism will be increasingly unable to recruit smart, talented young people who may rightly see better opportunities in other fields, one respondent wrote, while another specifically identified the challenge of hiring younger journalists.

Much of this goes back to monetary resources being scarce, they said, but Im surprised by the lack of applicants whenever a position perfect for an entry-level reporter was posted. With eight public universities in our state Id be lucky to get one applicant per graduating class.

And for those outlets who do attract younger reporters, it can be hard to keep them. We have lots of young reporters and some older reporters, but have lost that [sic] 30-40-year-old reporters who used to be a keystone of newspapers, one participant said, identifying retaining midcareer staff as a key challenge for their paper.

8.3 Connecting with communities

Mind the Gap

In addition to the challenges of attracting both younger audiences and journalists, respondents also spoke about wider issues of diversity  in terms of both coverage and newsroom demographics.

For some newsrooms, attracting younger journalists is less of an issue than the potential divide between this cohort and their lives  and those of their audience.

The main disconnect between our staff and our readers is not politics, race, gender, or even where we are from (about half our newsroom grew up here). Its age. Our readers are old, older, and oldest, and usually theres a 40- to 50-year age difference between our reporters and our readers. Thats a difference in perspective and outlook thats hard to overcome.

Other journalists spoke of differing approaches to journalism, with some (presumably older) respondents expressing the view that this was detrimental to the profession.

Too many young journalists are bringing their personal politics to work and letting it influence their stories, one respondent told us, following on from their concerns about lack of trust in news because of perceived (and real) liberal, progressive, socialist Democrat leanings and blatant activism journalism.  We need to be neutral, period, they advised.

This youth movement is also destroying newsrooms across the nation, they added, as they do not want to work with people not on their side and engage in libel, defamation, and abuse and harassment of older journalists because we do not pay fealty to their progressive, socialist, un-American causes that fracture our nation.

Others took a different view, suggesting that at some local news outlets there is a feeling that things need to be done differently.

I think theres a culture that needs dismantling too, one participant said. I think the target audience of newspapers has historically been the upper middle class, such as lawyers and lawmakers. But I think if we want to capture a younger audience, we need to write about things they care about too.

Equity and Inclusion

Similar tensions and differences of opinion could also be seen when we asked respondents more widely about issues of diversity and engagement.

We are professionals and we report the news fairly and objectively, one respondent wrote. Thats how we address issues of engagement and diversity.

Another discussed how the paper is trying to introduce unfair affirmative action policies in hiring and story sourcing that are basically discrimination. Affirmative action is wrong and evil, they wrote. It has no role in news nor any other facet of life. Hire the best qualified candidates, period.

Other participants shared the challenge of tackling issues of diversity  typically identified by respondents through a racial lens  given the resource constraints that many local newsrooms have and the demographics of many rural communities.

My county is 90% white, one respondent explained, so racial diversity is difficult. We do tell stories of the POC communities when we can. Another participant told us that as the sole reporter, I try to cover events, local businesses, and the like in an equitable way.

Others spoke of their frustration in trying to address these matters. No matter how often the editorial staff tries to address these issues our publisher is concerned only with profit. Its demoralizing and exhausting, one respondent said.

We havent even addressed it, another participant admitted, and as a reporter, I dont know how to.

Elsewhere respondents outlined efforts to promote diversity hires, broaden editorial boards and opinion sections, sponsoring debates, creating Spanish-language content, speaking to more diverse sources, and a recognition that in the summer [of 2020] Black Lives Matter protests have extended to more rural areas.

People who have long been interested and part of social justice movements are rallying in their small communities, one respondent observed. These stories continue to have weight.

Many of our respondents expressed a desire to tackle these issues, and their survey responses portrayed a cohort doing its best to address issues of equity and inclusion with limited resources.

I have been thinking about ways to possibly do this, one respondent told us, talking about their experience of working with Native communities, but we are such a small staff that its hard to add anything else to our already very full plates. That makes it a difficult challenge.

To be clear, this is basically a one-man operation with some outside assistance as far as news coverage goes, one participant wrote, articulating the reality at many local newspapers. Luckily, I have good contacts in the Black community in my area and work hard to include stories featuring people from a multitude of backgrounds. I dont always succeed, but I do try.

8.4 Conclusion and Commentary

Local newspapers, like the mainstream media writ large, are contending with issues of relevance, reinvention, and reputation.

In terms of reputation, while many respondents noted that local journalism is more widely trusted than mainstream national news media, fostering trust remains one of the biggest challenges facing the industry today.

The deluge of fake news accusations taint peoples view of us, one respondent told us. Even though, when confronted, they backpedal and say, Oh, not you guys. Youre local. Theyre still shouting from the rooftops about how the media cant be trusted.

Countering that will be difficult, they added, because it will mean we as an industry and individual reporters and publications will have to be more transparent  about our methods, motivations, and process. We demand it of others; its time we returned the favor.

Nonetheless, there is an argument that because of their proximity to audiences, and the fact that local journalists may be the only journalists people ever meet, they become  by default  a proxy for attitudes toward the wider industry.

This is especially important given a backdrop in which local journalists felt that trust in journalism was under threat by a government that actively and tirelessly promotes distrust in journalism and a president attempting to make [journalists] the enemy of the people.

A major conundrum for local newspapers is how to effectively tackle this situation when they have limited resources and a longstanding content mix that typically blends original local reporting with material from wire services.

Many readers comment that they enjoy and appreciate our local coverage but cant stand how biased we are against Trump and/or Republican elected officials, one respondent said. Thats a reaction to AP coverage, and among the reasons why we continue to cut back on wire news.

Given cuts in newsrooms, its perhaps surprising that respondents didnt suggest that their paper was increasingly reliant on wire services to fill content gaps.

One reason for this is a recognition that the lifeblood of local newspapers has to be local journalism.

Local papers run too much national and regional news from wire services and other content providers which readers already get from better equipped outlets. National outlets cant provide news on that local area, which local newspapers should cover deeper than anyone else.

Arguably by doubling down on local coverage newspapers can best demonstrate their continued relevance and importance, potentially encouraging audiences to pay for local news in the process.

Of course, this isnt easy at a time of cutbacks, COVID, and declining revenues. Moreover, our survey participants were conflicted on the best ways to move forward.

For some, there was a sense that local journalism (and its wider cousins) had lost its way. Local newspapers should be the last place where there is an attempt at objectivity, one participant told us, while another argued that there is plenty of commentary to go around, even in small towns. But a reported story without a specific political/social bent is rare. They added, The problem is getting the public to care about having that voice.

Others argued that things needed to be done differently. As one participant put it:

Small-market newspapers must hire reporters and tell stories that reflect their community.

Were catering to our imagined audiences: White, old, and conservative. Were not reporting on the issues most affecting young readers, people of color, and marginalized communities. This is an area of opportunity were squandering.

Why would I subscribe to a paper that isnt telling my story?

Theres no silver bullet for the challenges small-market newspapers are facing, but respondents often spoke of the potential audience for local news and the opportunity to provide hyperlocal content not covered elsewhere.

Put another way, this means meeting people where they are at  emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually, politically, structurally.

Small-market newspapers in their coverage and approach should be focusing on building healthy communities, one respondent memorably argued. I dont think you can have a thriving community without local media.

Chapter 9: Final thoughts

This report revisits a study first undertaken in late 2016 to shine a light on a key, yet often overlooked, segment of the newspaper industry: small-market newspapers. Like the earlier iteration, a key driver for this research has been to create a platform for people working at local newspapers across the United States to tell us about their experiences.

This cohort continues to work long hours, contending with job losses and competing with other media for attention and advertising dollars, as well as a rapidly changing work environment.

Even pre-COVID, journalists at local newspapers told us they were producing more stories  for more platforms  than ever before. Theyre doing this while also trying to learn new tools and approaches, as journalism continues to reinvent itself.

Many of the challenges that local newspapers were contending with pre-pandemic have accelerated over the past 18 months, and these issues have been exacerbated by the unique circumstances of the pandemic itself.

Journalists have often been thrown into covering the crisis without necessarily being given adequate training or access to equipment such as PPE. Many are also being asked to cover public health matters, which are outside of their existing skillset and past experience.

Furthermore, they are doing this against a backdrop where the consequences of COVID on local businesses, especially those that are not part of wider chains, have also been substantial. By May 2020, more than more than 100,000 small businesses in the U.S. had already closed.

Long the backbone of advertising in local newspapers, the local business and newspaper landscapes may well look very different on the other side of this crisis, affecting both Main Street and the local media industry.

The long-term consequences of these COVID-era developments will intensify structural challenges that the sector was already facing. Our respondents highlighted many of these issues, including questions relating to audiences, newsroom composition, and continued relevance to readers and the wider community.

Getting younger generations to get their news from papers has and will continue to be a huge uphill battle, one respondent reminded us.

Others highlighted demographic challenges within newsrooms, pointing to turnover and concerns about the ability to adjust course.

Most editors are longtime reporters near the end of their careers not interested in changing how they do their jobs, one participant told us, with this leading to a lack of innovation and growth.

Concerns about burnout and an aging industry also have knock-on effects for creativity, building trust, and engendering community support.

Nonetheless, despite the difficulties faced by the industry, we continued to find local journalists eager to engage with ideas and suggestions about how to galvanize and reinvigorate the local news business.

In some instances, as we have noted, this involves taking new approaches  using new platforms and doubling down on local coverage, while others advocate returning to first principles with an emphasis on reporting, not stenography and holding authority to account.

These are not necessarily mutually exclusive. However, there was a strong appreciation from many of our respondents that  whatever your approach or business model  the key is to be emphatically local.

We have a rare opportunity to be the voices of our communities, and to share our communitys stories with the wider public, one survey respondent told us.

We have a rare opportunity to say we are in this WITH you, not just outside observers, but people who are invested in the health and future of this town. We dont have to weigh both sides equally if they arent equal, but so many news outlets do, and it makes us seem out of touch and OUTSIDE the things were writing about. We should be IN IT. We should be INVESTED. We should call things what they are. THAT is where the value of small-market journalism lies.

Those are sentiments that we strongly agree with.

The rise of news deserts and concerns about misinformation and disinformation, coupled with the value of local journalism during a public health crisis, have all acted as stimulus for welcome discussions about the importance of local journalism and the value that it provides to local communities, as well as the wider news and information ecosystem.

Our hope is that these survey results offer a valuable insight into the challenges  and opportunities  for small-market newspapers, and that in turn, this report will support continued dialogue about how to best support this important industry.

We look forward to contributing to this important, ongoing conversation.

Acknowledgments

This report provides a snapshot of the struggles and opportunities faced by local newspapers in the USA in the second half of 2020. It builds on previous research produced for the Tow Center by Damian Radcliffe and Christopher Ali in 2016 and 2017.

Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and insights to inform this report, including the 324 respondents across the United States who took part, and everyone who shared the survey and encouraged participation in this study.

At Tow, special thanks to Dr. Peter Brown for his support and suggestions, and to Professor Emily Bell for her unwavering enthusiasm for this project and the opportunity to revisit  and update  the story first captured in a survey of local journalists in 2016.

About the Authors

Damian Radcliffe

Damian Radcliffe is the Carolyn S. Chambers Professor in Journalism and a Professor of Practice at the School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC), and an affiliate of the Department for Middle East and North Africa Studies (MENA) at the University of Oregon.

He is also a Fellow of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University; an Honorary Research Fellow at Cardiff Universitys School of Journalism, Media and Culture Studies; and a Life Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA).

His research and journalistic work focuses on local media, technology, social networks, content innovation, and the changing nature of media business models. He continues to be an active journalist, writing monthly columns for ZDNet (Red Ventures) and the Reynolds Journalism Institute, and frequently contributing to other publications such as Whats New in Publishing, journalism.co.uk, and the International Journalists Network (IJNet).

He has worked in editorial, research, teaching, and policy positions for the past two decades in the UK, the Middle East, and the US. He tweets @damianradcliffe.

Ryan Wallace

Ryan Wallace is a researcher and doctoral candidate at the University of Texas School of Journalism. In 2013 he began his research career with a BS in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of California, Irvine. In 2017, he also received an MS in Biotechnology.

His current research centers on mediated science communications with a particular focus on key issues such as the Anthropocene, new media, local newsrooms, and development in Latin America. He analyzes discourse to better understand the polarization of these topics, how various stakeholders are engaging in these complex conversations, and the role that media play in shaping perceptions of scientific discourse. He tweets @utwallace.

Endnotes

[1] Radcliffe, Damian. Lessons Learned: Seven Ways News Outlets Can Rebuild Trust and Sustainability. Poynter, October 22, 2018. https://www.poynter.org/tech-tools/2018/lessons-learned-seven-ways-news-outlets-can-rebuild-trust-and-sustainability/.

Radcliffe, Damian. Lessons Learned: Seven Ways News Outlets Can Rebuild Trust and Sustainability. Poynter, October 22, 2018. https://www.poynter.org/tech-tools/2018/lessons-learned-seven-ways-news-outlets-can-rebuild-trust-and-sustainability/. [2] Radcliffe, Damian, and Jaycie Schenone. Doing More with Less: Seven Practical Tips for Local Newsrooms to Strrrrretch Their Resources. NiemanLab, November 15, 2019. https://www.niemanlab.org/2019/11/doing-more-with-less-seven-practical-tips-for-local-newsrooms-to-strrrrretch-their-resources/.

Radcliffe, Damian, and Jaycie Schenone. Doing More with Less: Seven Practical Tips for Local Newsrooms to Strrrrretch Their Resources. NiemanLab, November 15, 2019. https://www.niemanlab.org/2019/11/doing-more-with-less-seven-practical-tips-for-local-newsrooms-to-strrrrretch-their-resources/. [3] Ali, Christopher, Damian Radcliffe, and Rosalind Donald. Not All Doom and Gloom: The Story of American Small-Market Newspapers. In The Routledge Companion to Local Media and Journalism. Routledge, 2020. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781351239943-33/doom-gloom-christopher-ali-damian-radcliffe-rosalind-donald

Ali, Christopher, Damian Radcliffe, and Rosalind Donald. Not All Doom and Gloom: The Story of American Small-Market Newspapers. In The Routledge Companion to Local Media and Journalism. Routledge, 2020. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781351239943-33/doom-gloom-christopher-ali-damian-radcliffe-rosalind-donald [4] Radcliffe, Damian, and Christopher Ali. Local News in a Digital World: Small-Market Newspapers in the Digital Age. New York: The Tow Center for Digital Journalism, 2017. https://doi.org/10.7916/D8WS95VQ.

Radcliffe, Damian, and Christopher Ali. Local News in a Digital World: Small-Market Newspapers in the Digital Age. New York: The Tow Center for Digital Journalism, 2017. https://doi.org/10.7916/D8WS95VQ. [5] Radcliffe, Damian, and Christopher Ali. Local News in a Digital World: Small-Market Newspapers in the Digital Age. New York: The Tow Center for Digital Journalism, 2017. https://doi.org/10.7916/D8WS95VQ.

Radcliffe, Damian, and Christopher Ali. Local News in a Digital World: Small-Market Newspapers in the Digital Age. New York: The Tow Center for Digital Journalism, 2017. https://doi.org/10.7916/D8WS95VQ. [6] Abernathy, Penelope Muse. News Deserts and Ghost Newspapers: Will Local News Survive? Chapel Hill, NC: The Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Accessed October 4, 2021. https://www.usnewsdeserts.com/reports/news-deserts-and-ghost-newspapers-will-local-news-survive/.

Abernathy, Penelope Muse. News Deserts and Ghost Newspapers: Will Local News Survive? Chapel Hill, NC: The Center for Innovation and Sustainability in Local Media Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Accessed October 4, 2021. https://www.usnewsdeserts.com/reports/news-deserts-and-ghost-newspapers-will-local-news-survive/. [7] Abernathy, Penelope Muse. Vanishing Newspapers. The Expanding News Desert, 2020. https://www.usnewsdeserts.com/reports/news-deserts-and-ghost-newspapers-will-local-news-survive/the-news-landscape-in-2020-transformed-and-diminished/vanishing-newspapers/.

Abernathy, Penelope Muse. Vanishing Newspapers. The Expanding News Desert, 2020. https://www.usnewsdeserts.com/reports/news-deserts-and-ghost-newspapers-will-local-news-survive/the-news-landscape-in-2020-transformed-and-diminished/vanishing-newspapers/. [8] Hare, Kristen. More than 90 Local Newsrooms Closed during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Poynter, August 31, 2021. https://www.poynter.org/locally/2021/the-coronavirus-has-closed-more-than-60-local-newsrooms-across-america-and-counting/.

Hare, Kristen. More than 90 Local Newsrooms Closed during the Coronavirus Pandemic. Poynter, August 31, 2021. https://www.poynter.org/locally/2021/the-coronavirus-has-closed-more-than-60-local-newsrooms-across-america-and-counting/. [9] Grieco, Elizabeth. Fast Facts about the Newspaper Industrys Financial Struggles as McClatchy Files for Bankruptcy. Pew Research Center, February 14, 2020. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/02/14/fast-facts-about-the-newspaper-industrys-financial-struggles/.

Grieco, Elizabeth. Fast Facts about the Newspaper Industrys Financial Struggles as McClatchy Files for Bankruptcy. Pew Research Center, February 14, 2020. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2020/02/14/fast-facts-about-the-newspaper-industrys-financial-struggles/. [10] Walker, Mason. U.S. Newsroom Employment Has Fallen 26% since 2008. Pew Research Center, July 13, 2021. https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/07/13/u-s-newsroom-employment-has-fallen-26-since-2008/.

Walker, Mason. U.S. Newsroom Employment Has Fallen 26% since 2008. Pew Research Center, July 1
BROOKLINE, Mass. (AP)  Residents of Brookline have approved $11 million to end a yearslong legal battle with a firefighter who said he was subjected to racial discrimination while working for the fire department.

The settlement with Gerald Alston, who is Black, was approved 186-28 at a Brookline town meeting Tuesday night after three hours of discussion, The Boston Globe reported.

The settlement between Alstons attorneys and the Brookline Select Board was reached last month, but needed town meeting approval to be finalized.

As Ive noted, this 11-year saga has brought discredit to the town of Brookline, Select Board vice chair Raul Fernandez said. Win or lose, further litigating this matter will reinforce the narrative that Brookline is a racially hostile community.

Some town meeting members proposed a lower amount, but board members said $11 million was the lowest Alstons attorneys were willing to accept, and without the settlement the case would have gone to trial.

The dispute dates to 2010 when Alstons superior mistakenly left a voicemail for Alston in which he referred to a motorist who had cut off his son with a racial epithet.

Alston refused to return to the job and stopped communicating with the department, which he said was due to his fear of working in a racially hostile environment.

Alston, a firefighter since 2002, was placed on leave in 2013 and fired in 2016.

He sued the town in federal court 2015 alleging racial discrimination.

The state Civil Service Commission ordered Alston reinstated with back pay in 2019, and he has technically been on paid leave since.

In April, the highest court in Massachusetts ruled that the town was wrong to terminate Alston.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
SKOPJE, North Macedonia (AP)  A fire in a COVID-19 hospital in North Macedonia that killed 14 people last month was caused by the short-circuit of a cable connected to a defibrillator and spread fast due to the presence of stored oxygen for the patients, authorities said.

The public prosecutors office said in a statement late Tuesday that the short-circuit occurred in a defibrillator used to resuscitate a patient in one of the rooms of the hospital in the northwestern town of Tetovo. The overheating cable set alight a junction box which the defibrillator, a mobile phone charger and another device were plugged into.

The prosecutors office said medical staff attempted to extinguish the initial flames, but the blaze spread quickly to the roof panels of the field hospital and from there to the lower areas of the walls and to hospital equipment.

The temporary facility, which had been built amid a surge in coronavirus cases, was destroyed within minutes. Twelve patients and two visiting relatives died in the Sept. 8 blaze, and another 12 people were injured.

Health Minister Venko Filipce offered his resignation two days after the fire, as did his deputy minister and two senior hospital administrators. But Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said late Tuesday he decided not to accept the resignations.

There is no reason to attribute political or managerial responsibility for Minister Venko Filipce and Deputy Minister Ilir Hasani, who resigned for moral reasons, Zaev said, adding that authorities would deliver their findings on potential mistakes made. He said he has full confidence that both have the capacity to continue running the countrys health system.

Zaev said the field hospitals were built under emergency conditions during the pandemic and were not intended to be equipped with oxygen as they were constructed to treat milder COVID-19 cases.

But a surge in infections led to a shortage of beds in state hospitals, and health authorities decided to allow the installation of oxygen systems vital for the care of seriously ill patients in the field hospitals, he said.

Zaev said he had ordered the health ministry to inspect all field hospitals in the country.

The most important thing now is to strengthen the controls and checks in order to reduce the risk of such accidents, Zaev said.

Nineteen field hospitals, funded by a World Bank loan, were set up across North Macedonia over the past year to tackle surging coronavirus hospitalizations and a shortage of hospital beds. Health authorities say all 19 were constructed according to the specifications and standards laid out by the World Bank as a condition for the loan.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Seven insurers that shared the risk for directors and officers policies sold to Towers Watson may have to pay up to $80 million for settlements with shareholders who cried foul after learning that the brokerages merger with Willis included a $165 million payout to its chief executive.

A federal judge in Alexandria, Va. ruled Tuesday that a so-called bump-up exclusion in the policies does not bar coverage. He ordered partial summary judgment in favor of Towers Watson on that point.

The Cohen Ziffer law firm, which represented Towers Watson, called the decision a major victory for policyholders in a press release but declined further comment.

A bump-up provision, which are routinely included in D&O policies, excludes coverage for any payment that can be characterized as an increase in the purchase price of a company. U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Trenga ruled that the exclusion did not apply to settlement of the shareholder lawsuits because Towers Watson merged with Willis; it did not acquire the company.

Trenga, with the Eastern District of Virginia, noted in his order that Towers Watson cancelled its common stock and issued new shares to Willis when it merged into a Willis subsidiary and disappeared.

Under these circumstances, the merger was hardly comparable to the straightforward takeover of one company by another suggested by the bump-up exclusion and therefore is reasonably viewed as something other than the acquisition referenced in the bump-up exclusion, the order says.

Trenga ordered the parties to advise the court of whatever issues remain in the dispute within 14 days.

Towers Watson filed a D&O claim after two sets of shareholders filed separate lawsuits in Delaware and Virginia claiming that they were shortchanged by the 2015 merger of the company with Willis.

A class of plaintiffs led by regents for the University of California alleged in 2018 lawsuit that the Towers Watson violated Securities and Exchange Commission rules by, among other things, failing to disclose to shareholders or the board of directors that Willis had privately negotiated a compensation package with Towers Watson CEO John Haley that would pay him $165 million over three years.

The complaint says Haley sold 55% of his stockholdings in Towers Watson for about $14 million on March 2, 2015, before announcing the proposed merger. When the deal was announced on June 30, 2015, Towers Watson shares dropped 8.8%.

Following the issuance of the proxy, investor and analyst backlash continued, as the market reiterated the view that Towers shareholders were not getting fair value for their shares, the suit says.

The lawsuit filed in Delaware alleges similar facts and accuses Haley and others involved in the deal of fleecing stockholders.

Attorneys for Towers Watson, which now exists as a subsidiary of Willis, agreed to settle with the Virginia plaintiffs for $75 million and with the Delaware plaintiffs for $15 million. It filed a D&O claim with the primary carrier, National Union Fire Insurance Co., seeking the $80 million coverage limit of its insurance tower.

The insurers argued that the settlement agreement effectively increased the purchase price, so coverage was excluded by the bump-up provision. Judge Trenga disagreed.

The judges order says the merger of the two companies does not meet the dictionary definition of an acquisition. He also found no merit in the defendants argument that the transaction was structured as an acquisition even though the two companies called it a merger.

He said Towers Watson shareholders received shares that equal to 49.9% of the newly constituted Willis. Trenga also pointed out that Delaware law recognizes a merger as a distinct type of business combination.

About the photo: The Lloyds Building and Willis Towers Watson Building in the financial district of London are shown. Photo by Bigstock.
Tesla Inc will likely seek to slash a $137 million jury award for a Black worker who accused the automaker of racial discrimination, but could have difficulty reducing the verdict amid claims that the company tolerated widespread harassment, legal experts said.

A federal jury in San Francisco on Monday ordered Tesla to pay $130 million in punitive damages to Owen Diaz, a contract worker who was employed as an elevator operator at the companys factory in Fremont, California, according to a court filing.

The jury found that Tesla failed to take steps to prevent race-based harassment of factory workers, including the use of racial slurs and racist graffiti in bathrooms. Tesla also was ordered to pay Diaz $6.9 million in compensatory damages.

Punitive damages are designed to punish and to deter future unlawful conduct, while compensatory damages are intended to pay victims for their actual losses.

The U.S. Supreme Court has said https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/538/408 punitive damages should generally not exceed 10 times the amount of compensatory damages, and that even a ratio greater than 4:1 might be excessive. As a result, large awards handed down by impassioned juries are commonly reduced by trial judges or appeals courts at the behest of defendants.

If Tesla challenges Mondays verdict, the company will likely point to the fact that the amount of punitive damages is nearly 19 times the compensatory damages, legal experts not involved in the case said. Tesla could also claim the verdict was not supported by evidence, and attempt to settle with Diaz to stave off further litigation over the size of the jury award, the experts said.

The Supreme Court guidelines can go out the window if misconduct has a widespread impact on workers and is found to be highly offensive or reprehensible, according to Catherine Sharkey, a professor at New York University School of Law.

Since the jury found that Tesla had created a hostile work environment based on race, it follows that allegations that the company tolerated racist speech and graffiti affected other workers and could justify the massive award, she said.

The idea is that making an employer pay for that widespread harm could lead them to put in place measures to avoid future harm, she said.

In a memo to employees on Monday, Tesla Vice President Valerie Workman said the company believed the facts of the case did not warrant the large award, and that Tesla took immediate action each of the three times that Diaz complained about racist conduct.

Tesla did not responded to requests for comment on a potential appeal.

Lawrence Organ, a lawyer for Diaz, said the case was unusual because of evidence of widespread use of the N word at the Fremont plant and Teslas failure to address it.

We would argue that  the jury got it right, particularly in light of Teslas financial condition as one of the wealthiest corporations in the world, Organ said.

Several legal experts said the award for Diaz was among the largest in a U.S. discrimination case involving a single plaintiff.

A federal jury in 2014 awarded $186 million to a former AutoZone Stores Inc manager in a pregnancy bias case, which at the time was widely reported in the media to be the largest verdict of its kind. AutoZone moved for a new trial but settled with the plaintiff on undisclosed terms before the motion was decided.

The nine-figure award for Diaz is pretty unheard of, and sends a message to employers that tolerating discrimination can be costly, said David Lopez, a professor at Rutgers Law School in New Jersey who was general counsel of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission during the Obama administration.

Tesla has been accused of tolerating race-based harassment at the Fremont plant in several lawsuits aside from Diazs, including a pending class action in California state court. The company has denied the claims and says it has adopted policies to better address complaints about racially-charged incidents.

Lopez said the jurors in Teslas case likely took into account the pervasiveness of the conduct alleged by Diaz and the companys value and high profile, which could also come into play if the company seeks to lower the jury award.

Teslas market value has reached https://www.reuters.com/article/tesla-stocks-int/tesla-market-value-crosses-800-billion-for-the-first-time-idUSKBN29D20B nearly $800 billion, making it the worlds most valuable automaker.

The jury was asking itself, what would sting Tesla and make sure they dont treat this as just another cost of doing business?' Lopez said.


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In January 2020, Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP was gearing up to celebrate its 100th anniversary. And then the COVID-19 pandemic hit  foiling plans to host a large, two-day gala later that year for its more than 130 attorneys and 300 employees from six offices in Cleveland and Columbus, Naple
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Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 6)  The government on Wednesday said it targets to begin administering a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to healthcare workers by next month, with only approval from health authorities needed.

Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez, Jr. announced supplies are now ready for the booster shots of over a million medical frontliners inoculated in March and April.

But before the booster rollout can begin, he said this should first be authorized by the Department of Health (DOH) and recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).

"Kailangan talaga magkaroon tayo ng third dose na ginagawa ng ibang bansa ngayon," Galvez said in a briefing. "Pag nagkaroon na ng approval mula WHO at DOH na pwede na bakunahan ng third dose, meron na po tayo nakalaan."

[Translation: We really need to administer the third dose just like what other countries are now doing. We already have supply for when the WHO and the DOH approve this additional shot.]

Once given the green light, Galvez said the rollout may start in November. The latest is January 2022, he added.

At least 15 million more vaccine doses are scheduled to arrive in the country this October. Galvez earlier said total deliveries are expected to hit 100 million doses by the end of the month.

Based on official data as of October 3, over 24 million Filipinos have already been inoculated against COVID-19, including 22 million who are now fully vaccinated.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 7) Presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos on Thursday denied his team had a hand in the emergency mobile alerts that were sent out to the public during the filing of his candidacy, noting it only brings him disadvantage ahead of the 2022 polls.

"Beyond illegality, if you didn't think about it in political terms, this is of no advantage to me. This is a disadvantage to me. Why would I do such a thing?" Marcos told CNN Philippines' The Source.

Marcos' camp already said on Wednesday that the former senator also received a similar notification of what seemed to be a promotion of his presidential bid with the hashtag #BBM2022.

READ: NTC probes emergency text alerts during Marcos COC filing

Marcos said he also ordered his team to ask around whether his supporters were behind the stunt, but he was told they had nothing to do with it.

"Sabi ko, 'bakit ako?' I immediately asked, 'I hope we have nothing to do with this. Tanong mo nga sa mga kasamahan natin. Ginawa ba nila ito? Dahil hindi tama ito.'"

[Translation: I told me team, 'why me?' I immediately asked, 'I hope we had nothing to do with this. Can you ask our supporters? Were they behind this? Because this is not right.]

Marcos said he is also watching and waiting for the results from the ongoing investigation of the National Telecommunications Commission.

NTC Deputy Commissioner Edgardo Cabarios said there's a possibility the text alerts came from "portable cell sites," but noted that the probe might take some time to confirm this.

Under the Free Mobile Disaster Alerts Act, only government agencies such as the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration or PAGASA, and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology or Phivolcs are mandated to send out disaster alerts through mobile phone service providers.

The Commission on Elections previously said that using an alert system "for anything other than emergencies" is "ill-advised." He said appropriate government agencies will determine whether those behind the stunt would be criminally liable.

RELATED: Analyst: Social media, PR efforts boosted Bongbong Marcos ranking in surveys
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 7)  Human Rights lawyer Jose Manuel "Chel" Diokno filed his candidacy Thursday for another Senate bid in 2022.

Diokno first sought a Senate seat in 2019 under Otso Diretso, but all eight opposition candidates failed to win a single slot in the upper chamber and lost to allies of the Duterte administration.

He is now running under a new party, Katipunan ng Nagkaisang Pilipino, after taking his oath as a member on Thursday morning.

Diokno, who was earlier taunted by President Rodrigo Duterte for his overbite, is using it to bring his platform closer to the public. He said the toothless and rotten system must be addressed to fix the healthcare system and livelihood severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. He said the law must be applied, but never abused.

"Para mangyari iyan, dapat may kagat ang hustisya. Dapat may ngipin ang batas," he added.

[Translation: For that to happen, the law must be enforced properly.]

He is the chairman of the Free Legal Helpdesk, which offers free legal assistance to those in need.

He is also the founding dean of the De La Salle College of Law, the first law school in the country that offered free legal help in its curriculum.

Diokno comes from a family of human rights defenders. He is the son of former Senator Jose W. Diokno, one of the leaders of the pro-democracy opposition against the martial law regime of ousted dictator Ferdinand Marcos and the first chairperson of the Presidential Committee on Human Rights (now the independent Commission of Human Rights).

He is also the grandson of Ramon Diokno, a former Supreme Court justice.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 7)  Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Wednesday requested President Rodrigo Duterte to issue an administrative order for the distribution of the meals, accommodation, and transportation allowances of health workers.

Duque explained an administrative order is needed because the allowances were promised under Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, which expired months ago. A copy of the administrative order was given to Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea for the Presidents approval.

Hinihiling namin ang approval ninyo Mr. President upang aming maibigay ang allowance para sa ating mga manggagawang pangkalusugan, Duque said during the Presidents public address.

[Translation: We are asking for your approval Mr. President, so that we can distribute the allowance for our healthcare workers.]

In total, 2.51 billion is needed to fund the allowances of 423,000 health workers for the period of Sept. 15, 2020 to Dec. 19, 2020. Each will receive 2,000 per month.

Duque said the budget may be sourced from the savings of the Department of Health and the contingency fund of the Office of the President.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 7)  Former Vice President Jejomar Binay is returning to politics as he filed his certificate of candidacy for senator on Thursday.

Binay said he would prioritize economic recovery and healthcare system amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

He served as vice president from 2010 to 2016 under the term of the late former President Benigno Aquino III. He attempted to win a congressional seat in Makati City in the 2019 elections, but he lost.

He also faced several investigations into allegedly anomalous contracts he entered into when he was the mayor of Makati City. In 2016, the Ombudsman filed corruption charges against Binay over the alleged overpriced Makati Parking Building. The following year, the Sandiganbayan said it found basis to try Binay over alleged irregularities.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 7)  Presidential aspirant Bongbong Marcos said he was not sorry for the atrocities committed by his father, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, during martial law.

"I can only apologize for myself, and I am willing to do that if I have done something wrong and if that neglect or that wrongdoing has been damaging to somebody," he told CNN Philippines' The Source on Thursday.

During the interview, the younger Marcos was asked whether he will apologize for the crimes committed during martial law from 1972 to 1981, an era fraught with widespread corruption and human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and illegal detention.

Marcos said however that apologies are simply not enough for some groups, and he can only be sorry for "a specific wrongdoing" which he himself did.

"No matter what apologies you give, it won't be enough. It's not been enough because the political forces opposing my father, let us remember, his government fell. They won. That side of the political aisle has been dominant since 1986," he said, referring to the People Power Revolution that ended his father's dictatorship.

Rights group Amnesty International estimates some 70,000 people were imprisoned and 34,000 tortured under the 20-year Marcos regime. Meanwhile, over 11,000 fell victim to summary execution, torture, and other human rights violations, according to the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act.

The law recognizes the heroism and sacrifices of all Filipinos who were victims of summary execution, torture, enforced or involuntary disappearance and other gross human rights violations under the Marcos regime through monetary or non-monetary reparations sourced from the 10 billion in Marcos ill-gotten wealth retrieved by the government.

The Sandiganbayan recently ordered a bank to pay the government around 96 million and $5.43 million, the principal amounts of bank certificates believed to be part of the Marcos ill-gotten wealth.

READ: Sandiganbayan orders return of hundreds of millions in Marcos ill-gotten wealth to govt

Marcos' mother Imelda, meanwhile, enjoys temporary freedom after the anti-graft court allowed her to avail of legal remedies in the wake of her graft conviction for using her government position to maintain Swiss bank accounts during her husband's rule.

The presidential aspirant said his family will "let the court decide" on the matter.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 7) Supporters of Vice President Leni Robredo, including celebrities, donned pink after she declared her 2022 presidential bid.

A number of Robredo's supporters trooped to her office on Thursday wearing a combination of pink and blue to witness her announcement.

Meanwhile, some celebrities welcomed the Vice President's decision to run for president by posting on social media pictures of them wearing pink, or editing their photos with a shade of pink. Among them were Agot Isidro, Angel Locsin, K Brosas, Liza Soberano, Jim Paredes, Jolina Magdangal, and Lara Quigaman.

However, Robredos spokesperson clarified that the color pink was simply for the launch and is not yet the final theme of her campaign.

Pink was adopted from the volunteers, and as a color of protest and change. It is simply the color for the launch. Campaign colors will still be finalized, the Office of the Vice Presidents Barry Gutierrez told CNN Philippines in a message.

Robredo herself wore a blue top and a bright pink pin shaped like a ribbon. Some of her team members also wore pink, including her daughters who were present at the event.

It was the Dapat Si Leni group that spread the word on Twitter to wear the flamboyant hue.

In a tweet, the group explained that it chose pink paired with blue to help subvert expectations of a leader.

VP Leni is both strong and empathic, said the group. We also chose these colors because theyre loud like our calls for change, bright enough to see the foreseeable future, and strong like our drive to bring back our country from the depths.

The color shift is a big change from the bright yellow that Robredo has been associated with since her vice-presidential campaign under the Liberal Party in 2016.

The supporters said the new colors will also help effect a brand recall for Robredo.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 7)  The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued the first emergency use authorization (EUA) to the drug Ronapreve for COVID-19 treatment.

"Its the first one that has been granted an EUA sa atin na for treatment. Others are being used sa compassionate special permit, ang iba old drugs na may certificate of product registration na," FDA chief Eric Domingo told CNN Philippines.

[Translation: It's the first one that has been granted an EUA for treatment. Others are being used under compassionate special permit while some are old drugs with certificates of product registration already.]

Like COVID-19 vaccines with EUA, only the government can buy and distribute Ronapreve, which is recommended for patients aged 12 and above who have mild to moderate coronavirus symptoms.

Early clinical trial results showed Ronapreve, which is a combination of two virus-neutralizing antibodies, could reduce risk of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 by at least 70%, Domingo said.

Ronapreve is being developed by foreign biotechnology firms Regeneron and Roche. It is also currently approved for emergency use in a number of countries, including the United States, India, and Canada.

CNN Philippines Correspondent Carolyn Bonquin contributed to this report
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 7)  Former Senator Antonio "Sonny" Trillanes IV announced on Thursday he is running for senator in the 2022 elections under the slate of presidential aspirant Vice President Leni Robredo.

This came a few hours after Robredo heeded the call of her supporters and declared she was vying for the top post in the upcoming polls. She has yet to publicize her senatorial ticket, but sources from her camp said Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan will be her running mate.

Trillanes said he and the Magdalo Party, which claims membership in the military, the youth and urban poor, will fully support Robredo to ensure her victory, and help the country recover from the supposed damage done during President Rodrigo Dutertes term.

Trillanes previously said he will run for president if Robredo does not file her candidacy.

In 2011, former President Benigno Aquino III granted amnesty to Trillanes and others involved in the so-called Oakwood Hotel mutiny in 2003, and the Manila Peninsula Hotel siege in 2007 in Makati City.

He served two terms as senator, where he authored the revised AFP modernization law, the anti-bullying law, and the expanded anti-trafficking in persons act.

Meanwhile, former Senator Bam Aquino said he had to forego his plans to return to the Senate after his failed bid in 2019 to lead Robredo's presidential campaign.

"Hiniling niya sa akin na maging kaniyang campaign manager sa kinakailangan ngunit napakahirap na laban na ito. Bagkus mayroon nang paghahanda patungo sa ating pagkandidato bilang senador muli, minarapat ko na isantabi ito para sa mas mahalagang laban para sa ating bayan," he said in a statement.

[Translation: She asked me to be her campaign manager during this challenging time. Although I have been preparing to run for senator, I decided to set this aside for a bigger fight for our country.]
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 8)  A magnitude 5.2 earthquake struck Calatagan, Batangas early Friday morning, state seismologists reported.

In an earthquake bulletin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the tremor occurred at 2:14 a.m. at a depth of 131 kilometers. It was tectonic in origin, which means there was a movement in the Earth's crust.

Phivolcs initially reported the earthquake was at magnitude 5.1 and the depth at 124 kilometers.

The Phivolcs noted that this is an aftershock of the magnitude 6.6 quake that occurred in the same area on July 24, 2021.

Intensity II, considered by Phivolcs as slightly felt, was felt in Calatagan, Batangas.

No damage and aftershocks are expected, Phivolcs said.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 8)  United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet is urging Philippine authorities to publish findings of their investigation into the Duterte administrations drug war.

I encourage publication of the panels findings so its work can be evaluated, Bachelet said in her speech during the 48th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

She also urged officials to involve the national human rights commission and other relevant actors including by sharing information on cases under investigation to ensure an effective and victim-centered process.

The national government earlier formed an inter-agency panel led by the Department of Justice to look into anti-illegal drug operations in the country.

On Oct. 5, Justice Undersecretary Adrian Sugay said authorities identified possible criminal liabilities of around 150 police officers involved in over 50 drug-related cases that the panel reviewed.

Findings will be turned over to the National Bureau of Investigation, which will conduct case buildup and file criminal complaints if warranted by evidence.

Bachelet also expressed concern on the continuing and severe human rights violation and abuse across the country and the persistent red-tagging of human rights and environmental defenders, journalists, union activists, church workers, and humanitarian workers.

As the Philippines heads into an election year, I urge all sides to set aside the ugly rhetoric and destructive narratives that label human rights defenders, attack independent media, or condone extrajudicial killings and other violations and abuse, she said.

The government should take action to ensure free civic space and protection for those who engage in peaceful civic action and debate at this particular important time, she added.

Last month, the International Criminal Courts pre-trial chamber found basis to start investigating killings committed under the drug war from July 1, 2016 to March 16, 2019 and similar crimes committed from November 1, 2011 to June 30, 2016 involving the so-called "Davao Death Squad.

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan vows to work towards successful, independent and impartial investigation to bring justice to the victims and affected communities.
The Coastal Point is a local newspaper published each Friday and distributed in the Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Fenwick Island, Ocean View, Millville, Dagsboro, Frankford, Selbyville, Millsboro, Long Neck and Georgetown, Delaware areas.
New Millsboro police officers were introduced at the Monday, April 5, 2021, Millsboro Town Council meeting. They, and their fellow officers, will now be able to have some visible tattoos, after a change in policy for the MPD. Pictured, from left, are Mayor Michelle Truitt, Officer Cole Revel, Officer Bryan Jones, Officer Travis Shockey and Police Chief Bryan Calloway.
Staff Reporter

Mike has bachelors and masters degrees in journalism from Northwestern and is a 25-year member of the National Press Club. He has won four national writing awards for editorial work. He is a native of McLean, Va., and lives in Millville.
rsted will base the maintenance and operations center for the Skipjack 1 windfarm in West Ocean City, Md., the Danish company announced this week. The facility will have space for up to three crew transfer vessels and a warehouse. The landing site for the windfarm's power cable is yet to be determined.
Dr. David A. Tam, MD, MBA, FACHE, assumed the role of Beebe Healthcare President & CEO on March 17, 2020. He has experience as an officer in the U.S. Navy and in large public health systems. He completed his pediatrics residency at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Oakland, Calif., and a pediatric neurology fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia.
Whether you know it, its probably time to investigate off-campus housing options for next year as lease deadlines are creeping up.

Heres a how-to guide for finding housing in State College.

Roommates

The most important part of living anywhere is who youre living with. If you know your roommates wont ruin your life, then thats a major bonus.

Ask around to see if any of your friends need a place to live. If they do, then you can look for an apartment together.

If not, you can look for a roommate on social media  specifically within Penn State Facebook groups. Describe who you are, what youre interested in and what kind of lifestyle you live. Theres bound to be someone out there you can get along with.

However, in my opinion, its important to demand cleanliness from your flat mates, as the British would say. Few things can be more uncomfortable than sharing a dirty, disorganized mess of an apartment.

Price

Who doesnt love to admire all the new high-rises going up downtown? Just know you probably cant afford them. They can cost twice  or sometimes three times as much  than whats reasonable for the average renter.

I advise making friends who live in the high-rises, though. That way you can visit frequently and have all the benefits without any of the costs.

But seriously, create accounts for apps like Zillow or Craigslist and check their listings often. Youll want to consider as many options as possible.

Location

Location, location, location. It means everything because students often like to be as close as they can to their classes, which is why it often goes hand in hand with price. Try to balance these two.

Look for a place somewhat close to campus. If you are relatively close to everything, you will not need to use a car, which can be difficult and expensive to park and will pollute the environment more. And, youll stay fit by walking or biking to campus.

If you do end up a little farther away, look to see if theres a bus stop near your location. Buses are useful for rainy days.

Also, ask around to see what the atmosphere of an apartments neighborhood is like. You dont want to be living close to fraternity row if you cant tolerate party-goers.

Pets

If having a pet is a priority for you, then be sure to find an apartment complex and landlord who will let you keep one in your apartment.

But first, make sure its OK with your roommates, too. The last problem youd want is for one of your roommates to be allergic to your pet.

On-campus housing

If all else fails, resort to on-campus housing.

You wont have to spend time making your own food, theres less of a commute because youre closer to everything, there are fewer parties and resident assistants are there to help you  theres really no reason to ever leave.

But also, choosing an off-campus apartment does bring you one step closer to living in the real world, which youll need to enter eventually. Plus, most students appreciate the greater independence an apartment offers.

MORE NEWS COVERAGE
Penn State's University Park Undergraduate Association passed Bill #07-16 during its Wednesday night meeting, co-funding the upcoming Penn State Student Black Caucus Alumni Brunch.

Black Caucus Rep. Jeanelle Loiseau explained the importance of the event and how it will be an opportunity for current Black Caucus members and Black Caucus alumni to connect.

According to the bill, students in Black Caucus will be able to connect with Penn State and Black Caucus alumni to learn about important resources, engage in shared experiences and better support current students.

UPUA will support and co-fund the Black Caucus Alumni Bunch through food, decorations and miscellaneous logistical costs.

The event is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 24 from noon to 2 p.m. in the HUB-Robeson Center's room 233A.

MORE CAMPUS COVERAGE
This year our dine and drink business locations throughout the Gorge have suffered with closures. You can help support your favorites by purchasing take out and gift cards. Many of these business will offer curb-side delivery and some will deliver to your home. Lets keep the Gorge going strong!
By Rick Palsgrove

Groveport Editor

Paula Kennedy, a long time secretary at Groveport Madison High School, was killed when a suspect driving an allegedly stolen vehicle crashed into her car on Noe-Bixby Road on the morning of Oct. 3, according to the Madison Township Police.

Mrs. Kennedy was a tremendous part of our schools community and she considered our school as part of her family, said Groveport Madison High School Principal Paul Smathers. Its hard to adequately articulate the extent of her impact on our school, because she did so much for so many people, whether they be staff members, students, or parents. She was always ready to help in any way she could. Her loss has been felt by our entire Cruiser family, and we want her family to know how much she is loved and will be missed.

Kennedy had worked at the school since 2004.

According to Maureen Kocot, the communications director for the Franklin County Sheriffs Office, the sheriffs office received the initial report of a stolen vehicle at 8:44 a.m. on Oct. 3 and at 8:47 a.m. a Madison Township police officer spotted the vehicle.

The crash occurred less than one minute later, said Kocot. Following the crash, our sheriffs deputies did respond to assist.

According to the Columbus Police, the suspect driving the allegedly stolen vehicle left his lane and struck Kennedys car head on. The crash occurred on Noe-Bixby Road just south of Laraine Court. The suspect was in critical condition following the accident and Kennedy died of her injuries.

No police cruisers were involved in the crash.

Our officer was briefly involved with this incident, attempting to stop a car that had been reported stolen a few minutes earlier, said Madison Township Police Chief Gary York. Our officer turned on the squad cars lights and siren and then slowed at a traffic signal that had turned red to assure the safety of other vehicles already crossing the intersection, before proceeding. The (allegedly) stolen car went through the red light and continued on, out of sight. Moments later, the crash occurred.

York said a review of the dash cam video available from the Madison Township Police officers car and other information confirms that the incident never evolved into a police pursuit, and were satisfied that the Madison Township Police officer involved followed proper procedures. We understand the two individuals involved in the crash sustained serious injuries and our thoughts are with them and their loved ones.

York said the investigation of the case and the charging of the suspect is being handled between the Columbus Police Department and the Franklin County Sheriffs Office.

The accident occurred on the jurisdiction of the Columbus Division of Police and it was determined that the Columbus Police Accident Investigators would investigate the crash, said Kocot.
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With a Digital Only subscription, you'll receive unlimited access to our website and e-edition. Our digital products are available 24/7 and are accessible anywhere, anytime.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please call our customer service team at 319-352-3334 or email legals@waverlynewspapers.com.
Google Keep lets you create notes and to-do lists that sync across your computer and phone or tablet. It's handy in a variety of ways: You can record voice memos, and Keep will transcribe them as text notes. You can include images in your notes, and if text is shown in an image, the image shows up in search results. You can create time- or location-triggered reminder notifications based on your notes. You can share your notes with other people and collaborate on them.

Keep is free for individual users and included with a subscription to Google Workspace. You use it through a web browser on your computer, and its also available as an app for your Android or iOS device. Youll get the most mileage from Keep if you use both the desktop browser version and the mobile app in your daily workflow, so that you can take notes and access them wherever you are. Your Keep notes will sync to the cloud through Google Drive.

This guide walks you through how to quickly start using Keep. The screenshots and descriptions of the user interface refer specifically to the web version, but the same features are in the Keep mobile app  just laid out differently.

Meet the Keep home page

Start by going to keep.google.com. If youre not already signed in with your Google account (with Gmail or Google Workspace), youll be prompted to do so.
When Google released Chrome 94 for Android (and desktop), it slipped in some naughty capabilities via an API called Idle Detection.

The Idle Detection API notifies developers when a user is idle, indicating such things as lack of interaction with the keyboard, mouse, screen, activation of a screensaver, locking of the screen, or moving to a different screen. A developer-defined threshold triggers the notification, Google said in a blog post. Applications that facilitate collaboration require more global signals about whether the user is idle than are provided by existing mechanisms that only consider a user's interaction with the application's own tab.

What's so bad about that?

An excellent story in FossForce by Christine Hall (always quotable and trustworthy) cites two sources who make an eloquent case for why mobile vendors like Google might not always have users needs in mind.

I consider the Idle Detection API too tempting of an opportunity for surveillance capitalism motivated websites to invade an aspect of the users physical privacy, keep longterm records of physical user behaviors, discerning daily rhythms (e.g. lunchtime), and using that for proactive psychological manipulation (e.g. hunger, emotion, choice)," FossForce reported, quoting Tantek Celik, the web standards lead at Firefox browser developer Mozilla. "In addition, such coarse patterns could be used by websites to surreptitiously max-out local compute resources for proof-of-work computations [i.e. cryptomining, etc], wasting electricity (cost to user, increasing carbon footprint) without the users consent or perhaps even awareness.

Jon von Tetzchner, founder and CEO at privacy-focused Vivaldi, noted that the API is blocked by default in Vivaldis browser. Note: Apple also said its not implementing the API.

This principle of actually monitoring that youre not in front of the computer, we see that as a privacy problem and we see it as a security problem, von Tetzchner said. We do see that there is maybe the potential for someone to recognize, Oh, youre not on your computer, maybe we can do some damage while while youre not there, by mining cryptocurrency or the like.

And therein lies the problem. Google is not being naive as much as focusing only on revenue and its business partners. If an advertiser, an advertising group or even game developers would find some extracurricular data valuable, Google rationalizes, then by all means lets share it all.

Instead, companies like Google (and Apple, for that matter) need to look at mobile platforms and think, What is the worst thing an evil person could do with this information? In other words, they need to think like a security and/or a privacy specialist.

When Googles developers were discussing adding this capability, did Google officials even think to have a cybersecurity executive and maybe someone from their Chief Privacy Officers team in the meeting? Were they ever cced on memos?

I dont know who decided this was a good idea, but Ill bet a week of my Computerworld compensation (a tiny amount, Ill grant you) that they werent involved. That's solely based on what the team rolled out. If it weren't Google, I might assume that the privacy and security folks were in the meetings but their advice was ignored  or, at the very least, overruled. But with Google, I'm betting they were never cced or invited.

For this process to work, privacy and security considerations must be seriously explored with every new feature or product. Truthfully, it really only needs to be explored when there is any possible security/privacy problem.

That is problem two. Googles developer execs typically dont even see the most obvious security/privacy issues because thats not how they look at software. They see code as a pure money-making opportunity along with market domination. (I was about to say world domination, but that's more of an Apple and Facebook thing.)

Security/privacy cant be treated as an afterthought. Well, it actually can be. And the result is something that looks an awful lot like Idle Detection.
China and India  Material power

Indias global concerns

Ever since the coronavirus pandemic started revealing its true scale and scope, Modi has tried to position India carefully as a nation that can speak of global concerns with the widest possible range of stakeholders. And the first platform he used was SAARC, a grouping which he has tried to marginalise over the last six years

This is also an attempt to fill the leadership vacuum in the global order when both China and the US have exposed their vulnerabilities. India has shown that a nation with limited capabilities can also emerge as a leader by outlining the concerns of like-minded countries and working with them to build capacities in smaller states.

Indian diplomacy during the time of Covid-19 pandemic has been proactive and has tried to shape the global discourse. Towards this, existing platforms like NAM and SAARC has been used by Modi in the same way in which he has used newer groupings like the G20. In his address at the NAM summit, Modi showcased Indias efforts towards global cooperation by underlining the supply of critical drugs and medical devices to 123 countries, including 59 members of NAM.

Dr Parama Sinhapalit, adjunct senior fellow at the Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, reiterated the stance discussed in the lecture earlier, and spoke at length about the geopolitical implications of Covid-19, and the reset dynamics for US-China. This years Malabar exercise included Australia, a rhetoric of better ally-ship with the allies of the countries in question.

Malabar is an annual maritime exercise that enhances planning, training, and employment of advanced warfare tactics between the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Indian Navy (IN), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and US Navy which demonstrates the commitment between like-minded nations to upholding a rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific.

Global power shifts Responding, Prof Pant said that the international institutions such as United Nations Security Council, the World Trade Organisation and the International Monetary Fund come under pressure to adapt to new power realities. In the wake of global power shifts both emerging and established powers can change the status quo.The countries are today going for lateral groupings instead of investing in formal institutions which require a certain kind of power structure.

He commented that the past decade has witnessed a geopolitical churning in the Indo-Pacific region with new strategic alignments being created and mini lateral groupings such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (or Quad) have emerged which are a result of changing geopolitical dynamics in the region.

The changing balance of power dynamics both at the regional and global levels impact the effective functioning of the larger multilateral institutions. Perceptions of ineffectiveness of more formal multilateral bodies in dealing with regional challenges has pushed countries to look for alternatives.

The event spanned also on the Russia-India-China trilateral, since all three countries support a just and rational new international order with democratization of international politics and multi polarisation, there are a number of areas possible for their political cooperation in the new century.

Responding to sets of important questions  How ready is India to accommodate this change? Could it affect the future of multilateral institutions like the UN, WTO, WHO to which we, as a nation-state, are so deeply committed? If so, what are the alternatives? India needs to resolve its bilateral issues with China, border disputes, sea lanes in the Indian Ocean, trade, cybersecurity, etc.?  Prof Pant stated that one way in which India tries to differentiate itself is in development aid and financing infrastructures.

India's bottom-up approach Dr Parama Sinhapalit, adjunct senior fellow at the Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, reiterated the stance discussed in the lecture earlier, and spoke at length about the geopolitical implications of Covid-19, and the reset dynamics for US-China. This years Malabar exercise included Australia, a rhetoric of better ally-ship with the allies of the countries in question.Malabar is an annual maritime exercise that enhances planning, training, and employment of advanced warfare tactics between the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Indian Navy (IN), Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and US Navy which demonstrates the commitment between like-minded nations to upholding a rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific.Responding, Prof Pant said that the international institutions such as United Nations Security Council, the World Trade Organisation and the International Monetary Fund come under pressure to adapt to new power realities. In the wake of global power shifts both emerging and established powers can change the status quo.The countries are today going for lateral groupings instead of investing in formal institutions which require a certain kind of power structure.He commented that the past decade has witnessed a geopolitical churning in the Indo-Pacific region with new strategic alignments being created and mini lateral groupings such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (or Quad) have emerged which are a result of changing geopolitical dynamics in the region.The changing balance of power dynamics both at the regional and global levels impact the effective functioning of the larger multilateral institutions. Perceptions of ineffectiveness of more formal multilateral bodies in dealing with regional challenges has pushed countries to look for alternatives.The event spanned also on the Russia-India-China trilateral, since all three countries support a just and rational new international order with democratization of international politics and multi polarisation, there are a number of areas possible for their political cooperation in the new century.Responding to sets of important questions  How ready is India to accommodate this change? Could it affect the future of multilateral institutions like the UN, WTO, WHO to which we, as a nation-state, are so deeply committed? If so, what are the alternatives? India needs to resolve its bilateral issues with China, border disputes, sea lanes in the Indian Ocean, trade, cybersecurity, etc.?  Prof Pant stated that one way in which India tries to differentiate itself is in development aid and financing infrastructures.

Compared to China, Indias model is more bottom up and participatory. The development aid that India gives has risen compared to the past but India struggles when it comes to implementing and delivering projects. Hence a more streamlined and time bound approach to complete projects is a necessity.

India compared to the past is much more active in projecting itself upfront like in the International Solar Alliance. India Today is willing to move forward and create new international frameworks like CDRI (Coalition for Disaster resilient Infrastructures).

Responding to a question of India being a weak link in Quad, Prof Pant stated that everyone in the Quad was a weak link when it started and India is trying to do something new without actually signing a treaty with the US.

Talking about the BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal) Initiative he responded that Bay of Bengal should be the focus and India should have a much better response to the problems.

Talking on Blue Dot Strategy Network, Dr Dossani responded that it seems to have taken a back seat that referred to the United States and other countries to create a standard space framework for infrastructure investment and logically it was always a non-starter and for the US to get involved in this to in effect subsidized China standards.

One of the problems all the countries are facing is a faster scale of change and there is constant responding to real time things which the international institutions are unable to handle leading multiple challenges at varied levels. Ability of states to respond to some of these challenges is a major concern. India is institutionally unprepared and still struggling to craft these institutions. India needs to strengthen and modernize its Institution fabric, said Prof Pant.

---

*CEO, IMPRI

The world is going through a transition phase. We are experiencing the rise of new powers and the decline of old. India has to navigate its path through this changing order keeping its interest in mind. The changes underway offer India an opportunity to participate in the crafting of political and economic institutions that are more pertinent to the emerging geopolitical equations.The Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI) and Centre for International Relations and Strategic Studies (CIRSS) organized a web Policy talk on the topic India and the Evolving Global order with Prof Harsh V Pant, director of Studies and head of the Strategic Studies Programme at Observer Research Foundation, New Delhi, under The State of International Affairs  #DiplomacyDialogue.The discussion started with the observation that the global order is in constant flux and India is an active participant in state of affairs around the world. Participants wondered: Do these changes offer India the scope and prospects to participate in crafting of economic and political institutions?The chair of the session, Dr Rafiq Dossani, in his opening remarks asked: Does India have its strategic autonomy or are its actions largely reactive? In the analogy of stock markets, is India a market maker or a price taker? How important is collaboration with big powers for strategic autonomy? And what does India uniquely bring to the table- economic, diplomatic, social and/or military resources?He elaborated that during the past two decades, we witnessed transformations to a global economic power. Chinas saving rate, at 45%, is over thrice that of the US, while GDP is 66% that of the US. By contrast, Indias saving rate is 28%, which is about twice that of the US, while GDP is 13%. So, Indias investable capital annually is about 25% of US.As the US-China standoff keeps getting murkier, people on both sides are asking tough questions. Can there be a victor? What will be the ramifications of an all-out trade war on the global market? And how will it end?As the country exports more to the US than it imports, China simply does not have much room to counter American tariffs. However, if things get really serious, China and the US are financially intertwined in ways that China could seek to exploit, though not without creating risks for themselves as they currently hold $1.2 trillion in US Treasury bonds.He wondered how ready is India to accommodate changes? Will it affect the future of multilateral institutions like UN, WHO, WTO to which India is deeply committed and if so what are the alternatives? India also needs to resolve several bilateral issues with China  border disputes, sea lanes in the Indian Ocean, trade and cyber security and how will these be affected?Prof Pant began his lecture with the theory of power transition (having forecast the rise of China as early as 1958, this aspect of power transition is now fully integrated into the mainstream thinking of most current observers of world politics). While mentioning how the US performs this role as global economic stabilizer, he made references to the unipolar movement from back in the day.During the 1990s, the unipolar moment brought the rise of the US as the sole superpower of the world after the end of the Cold War. Economic, military superiority as well as political influence throughout the world was coined to be the unipolar moment of the United States in the world system since there was no other challenging superpower. He discussed with the participants the inward orientation we still observe in American foreign policies today, melding America First, American Dream and other euphemisms alike.These paradoxically emerged on the progressive left to put forth how unchecked capitalism and huge increases in private wealth would destroy the American dream of opportunity, because of inequality, but altered after World War 2. The newfound emphasis on individual economic liberty was in tension with the idea of justice for all, and this became more of a problem as economic inequality increased and the spoils of capitalism were restricted to a privileged few later in the century.There have been incessant mentions of Indo-Pacific, as the emergence of new geographies happens to seep into the conversations diplomats and policymakers have to formulate legislations.This is a colloquial name given to the territory stretching from Australia to India in Washington. It is even more relevant after the deluge of news that leaders of four large democracies who make up the Quad have reiterated their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region that is undaunted by coercion.Prof Pant quoted from his piece published in ORF:
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Bad news for Ted Cruz and his one scrap of (cringeworthy) meme-able camaraderie with America's youth: Earlier this week, a group of private investigators called the Case Breakers claimed that after more than 50 years, countless accusations, and one certifiably decent 2007 movie, they've finally managed to do what no detectives have before  uncovering the identity of the Zodiac Killer.

On Wednesday, the group, which is a self-described collective of more than 40 former law enforcement members, prosecutors, intelligence officers, among others, announced that the Zodiac Killer is none other than Gary Francis Poste, who died back in 2018. Citing both scars on his forehead as well images from his former darkroom in claiming Poste  and not our favorite soup-hoarding senator  was behind the 1960's killing spree as well as the murder of Cheri Jo Bates, who was killed in 1966, two years before the Zodiac murders began.

Cold case investigator and ex-Army counterintelligence agent, Jen Bucholtz, seemingly backed up these assertions, claiming that knowing Poste's moniker was integral in allegedly solving some of the cryptic letters associated with the killer.

"So you've got to know Gary's full name in order to decipher these anagrams," Bucholtz told Fox News. "I just don't think there's any other way anybody would have figured it out."
Except that ... we did. This could have been, and really should have been, a mind-blowing surprise -- but it totally wasnt. From the jump, these episodes were structured less like stand-alone episodes in a typical anthology show, and more like mini-Marvel movies, ending on cliffhangers that were clearly designed to tee-up further adventures. The fact that were revisiting these alternate storylines that were billed as one-off diversions, like in the What If comics, is a great twist -- but because of how most of the individual stories wrapped up, its a twist that we were all expecting.

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Even worse was the fact that the genuinely thrilling finale was already spoiled by a car commercial. As we previously speculated, the conceit that these alternate universe characters would unite to battle a common enemy was already the premise of a goddamn Hyundai ad.

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We should have been blown away at the sight of Captain Carter battling Ultron alongside Doctor Strange and TChalla -- but many of us already saw that play out weeks ago. Thankfully in the actual finale, Thor didnt save the day in a spiffy new SUV.

You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter! And check out the podcast Rewatchability.

Top Image: Marvel Studios
Ahh, Squid Game  Netflix's ultra-gory, ultra-popular Korean dystopian thriller that your friends can't seem to shut the hell up about. Yet aside from its status as one of Netflix's most highest-performing original series, it seems the show has also sparked several trend revivals, including red-light green light, candy making, insufferable streaming peer pressure, and most notably, annoying the absolutely hell out of poor, unsuspecting people by blowing up their phone lines with an onslaught of prank calls.

Since the show dropped on September 17, one extremely unlucky unnamed South Korean businesswoman who claims to have the same phone number as the one displayed in the series says she's received thousands of calls and texts from fans  all of whom evidently missed the point of the series -- begging her to partake in the Squid Games. She says she's received so many correspondences, to be exact, that she says it's been hard for me to go on with daily life."

This is a number that I've been using for more than ten years, so I'm quite taken aback, she told Korean publication Money Today, per BBC News. "There are more than 4,000 numbers that I've had to delete from my phone," she continued. "At first I didn't know why, but my friend told me that my number came out in Squid Game and that's when I realised."
President Biden has nominated Cornell Law Professor Saule Omarova to be the next Comptroller of the Currency. While the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is not a well-known government agency outside of bank regulation circles, it is among the most important in financial regulation because it is the prudential regulator of national banksthe largest banks in the United States. The OCC is also the primary consumer protection regulator of all national banks with less than $10 billion in net assets, and the Comptroller is a member of the FDIC board. In short, this is a position with substantial influence over the banking industry.

This week, numerous scholars of financial regulation (including me) sent a letter in support of the nomination to the Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Banking Committee. We believe that Professor Omarova would make an outstanding Comptroller, and we hope that she will receive a fair hearing even from those who might disagree with her on policy questions. Professor Omarova is a lawyer's lawyer with impeccable credentials for the job. After completing a PhD and JD, she worked at the leading banking law firm and then in the GWBush Treasury Special Advisor to then Under Secretary Randal Quarles, now the Fed's Vice-Chair for Supervision. Her scholarship is careful, restrained, and masterful, and her co-authors include the top banking attorney in the US. Not only is Professor Omarova's knowledge of banking regulation unsurpassed within the academy, but she would bring a welcome change to the OCC as the first Comptroller who wasn't a either a banker, bank lawyer, or bank lobbyist when nominated. Her independence is much needed at an agency that has often seen banks as its customers, rather than as its regulatory charges.

Unfortunately, some of the financial services industry opposition to Professor Omarova has veered into xenophobic and McCarthyite dog whistling based on Professor Omarova having grown up in the former Soviet Union. The hypocrisy in this anti-immigrant prejudice is astounding given the way that the same folks who are claiming that Professor Omarova is suspect because of her childhood in the Soviet Union have celebrated another former Soviet bloc immigrant-turned-bank regulator. The dog-whistling has gotten so bad that in a remarkable press release Senate Banking Committee Chair Sherrod Brown (D-Oh) threw down the gauntlet at the "Red Scare" character assassination coming not just from bank lobbyists, but from the Committee's Ranking Member, Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa).

The banking industry's decision to proceed through dog whistling suggests that it is reluctant to have it out over the substantive policy positions supported by Professor Omarova. But if you want to see a more sober and measured take on Professor Omarova from a law firm with numerous financial services industry clients, see Gibson Dunn's take here. What the law firm's take for its clientsrather than for political theatersuggests is that the sky won't fall with Comptroller Omarova, but that she will take a more skeptical view of bank activities outside of traditional core activity areas. In other words, it won't be business as usual. And that's the banking industry's real concern here.
Joyce Carol Brooks, 78, of Crossville, passed away on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, at Cumberland Medical Center. Mrs. Brooks was born on July 12, 1943, in Charleston, WV, daughter of Owen Haynes and Margaret (Withrow) Haynes. She was self-employed in the health and body industry and of the Penteco
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Florida State University CISO Bill Hunkapiller wouldnt let Covid derail his plans to improve the universitys resiliency capabilities.

Hunkapiller started devising Seminole Secure, a four-part program designed to boost FSUs disaster preparedness and response, just before the pandemic hit. He refined his plans through 2020 and then, this year, implemented its wide-reaching recommendations to ensure his institution could handle even better whatever emergency came next.

Not the best time to roll this out, he says. On the other hand, he admits that Covid demonstrated why a robust plan is so critical to have in place. We had always tied disaster recovery to hurricane season, but a pandemic is also one of those risks and threats we need to be ready for.

He adds: The real issue, though, is how well can you respond in a time of disruption?

Seminole Secure, which won a 2021 CSO50 award for outstanding business value and thought leadership, answers that question by delivering a program for managing risk assessment, vulnerability management, continuity of operations and disaster recovery planning on an ongoing basis with an emphasis on continuous improvement.

At a strategic level, Seminole Secure is focused on centrally identifying the major risks to mission-related services that must be managed; developing university policies and a system and structure for maintaining needed plans and capabilities; and building cybersecurity capabilities in FSU units through concerted training activities, Hunkapiller says.

Complexities and challenges

Hunkapiller started developing Seminole Secure in late 2019, after an FSU Office of Inspector General Services audit showed that some of the universitys 307 administrative units did not have effective disaster recovery plans.

The audit was the stick needed to get change, and we used that audit as leverage to get traction for what we needed to do, Hunkapiller says.

Even with high-level support for improvement, revising the system was no small feat.

The university has about 15,000 faculty and staff serving some 45,000 students. Its main campus is in Tallahassee, but it has additional locations in Panama City, Fla., as well as in England, Italy, Panama and Spain. It also supports a medical school and its multiple medical facilities around Florida.

The audit was the stick needed to get change, and we used that audit as leverage to get traction for what we needed to do.

In addition to its far-reaching geographical footprint, FSU has a broad range of operational needs to support the diversity of work typical of a university. It also has distributed IT. All those factors make for additional levels of complexity within disaster recovery and business continuity plans.

Furthermore, at the time of the audit, the university had 307 different units expected to devise their own disaster and recovery plans as well as complete an annual 140-question risk assessment. (Compliance with that requirement had historically been low, with less than 10% of units responding to the assessment in March 2017.)

Hunkapiller sought to overcome those complexities by using a multipronged approach to first tackle the inadequacies in the universitys business continuity, disaster preparedness and response capabilities and then encourage continuous improvement.

The idea was to better identify risks, improve our vulnerability management and resiliency plans, ensure continuity of operations and bring risk down to a level that was tolerable, says Hunkapiller, who worked with FSUs Department of Emergency Management to devise Seminole Secure.

He adds: Its an elegant solution for the problem we had.

The plan consolidated the 307 units (a setup Hunkapiller deemed unmanageable) into 54.

It then divided those 54 units into three groups, with 18 units in each group. The three groups cycle through a three-year rotation of tasks.

In the first year, the first 18 units each conduct a business impact analysis and then develop and document their own individual unit disaster recovery plan followed by a lessons-learned exercise.

The second 18 units would each develop their own unit-level risk assessments.

And then the third group of 18 units takes a break.

Then each group of 18 units moves to the second task and then the third before starting the three-year cycle again in the fourth year.

In addition to the tasks in that three-year rotation, each unit must undergo each year a disaster recovery exercise to identify and fix any areas that need improvement.

Its an elegant solution for the problem we had.

And each unit must perform a monthly vulnerability scan.

Furthermore, each of the 54 units has to identify someone to serve as an information security manager, who is tasked with partnering with Hunkapillers centralized 20-member security team. And each unit must use the security departments templates.

Hunkapillers security team works with the units throughout all the Seminole Secure processes, helping them with risk assessments, guiding them through the work, and training them to use the templates.

To help incentivize participation and robust plans, Hunkapiller devised security score cards to rank each unit.

Its just a way to hold these units accountable, to see if theyre doing what they should be doing. That was the whole idea around this program, he says.

Key innovations

Seminole Secure also delivered several key innovations:

First, it required the central IT organization to develop a custom Continuity of Operations Planning (COOP) application to streamline the continuity planning process and provide a central system of record for continuity and emergency management information, emergency contacts, and response plans.

Seminole Secure also called for the development of a best practice toolkit for completing business impact analyses and disaster recovery plans. The toolkit, based on National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-34, provides scalable and automated business impact analysis workbooks and disaster recovery planning templates, with boilerplate language and step-by-step guidance to assist unit participants.

Additionally, Seminole Secure incorporated tools that helped FSU work through the pandemictools such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom to support collaboration and virtual engagements. And it established partnerships among FSU stakeholders, enabling them to share feedback so Hunkapiller and his team can refine and streamline processes and improve the overall program.

Building resiliency into the future

FSU rolled out Seminole Secure in early 2021.

Hunkapillers team developed a communication strategy and campaign to kick off and workshop program requirements with all participants, leveraging a one-stop-shop website, Microsoft Teams sites, and Zoom to enable communication, collaboration, and support.

Hunkapiller credits his team for the successful rollout of Seminole Secure, noting that he has a high-trust, high-performing team that includes former CISOs and CIOs who are skilled at both listening to their FSU colleagues concerns and conveying the importance of getting the resiliency work done.

It wasnt like we had to build a rocket. We had the rocket. It was an organizational problem.

Hunkapiller further credits his teams skills in keeping the Seminole Secure project on track, despite the demands on FSU when Covid hit. He says that the security department faced pushback on the programs timing, with colleagues insisting that they didnt have the resources to tackle the required tasks; he heard some call it an unfunded mandate. While acknowledging those concerns as valid, he countered them by laying out the consequences of not taking action. Wed go back to the fact that the president wants this done, Hunkapiller adds, stressing the value of having top-level support for the security program.

Another reason for the successful launch of Seminole Secure: attention to the fundamentals, Hunkapiller says.

None of this is cutting-edge technology. Its the basics: Do you have a backup? Where is it? When do you need systems to come back on? It wasnt like we had to build a rocket. We had the rocket. It was an organizational problem. We knew what we had to do, we just had to execute.

But Hunkapiller stresses that Seminole Secures programmatic approach is one of its most valuable elements; its not a project or a one-time initiative but rather an approach designed to continuously improve and mature FSUs resiliency capabilities.

Already weve made the university more resilient, but well always have additional threats, natural and manmade, and there are new vulnerabilities and new risks every day, Hunkapiller says. Now with every year we can get units even more secure and we can get them to respond more quickly and recover even faster.
2021 has been a banner year for cybercriminals, they have taken advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic and the increase in remote work, attacking both technical and social vulnerabilities. This historic increase in cybercrime resulted in everything from financial fraud involving CARES Act stimulus funds and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to a spike in phishing schemes and bot traffic. Piled on top of that is a growing wave of ransomware and software supply chain attacks.

The most vital and current cybersecurity stats below show how threats have grown in scale and complexity over the past year-plus. While most of the research cited here was released within the past year, it does not necessarily reflect todays risk environment. The data collectively suggest trends that are likely to continue into the near future.

Top cybersecurity threats and trends

A total of 5,258 confirmed data breaches occurred in 16 different industries and four world regions, according to the Verizon 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) , which analyzed data from 29,307 incidents. Of those breaches, 86% were financially motivated. Thats a sharp rise from the 3,950 confirmed breaches (out of 32,002 incidents) from the 2020 DBIR.

Nearly half (49%) of IT executives said their top security priority is the protection of sensitive data, according to the 2020 IDG Security Priorities Study, which surveyed 522 IT and security executives.

In 2020, the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) received over 28,500 complaints related to COVID-19, according to the 2020 FBI Internet Crime Report.

IC3 saw a 69% increase in complaints from 2019, receiving 791,790 complaints total, with losses exceeding $4.1 billion. According to IC3, the costliest attacks are business email compromise (BEC) schemes, with 19,369 total complaints and a loss of $1.8 billion.

By September 2020, the average ransom payment peaked at $233,817, according to the 2021 Webroot Brightcloud Threat Report. The report also found that 86% of malware is unique to a single PC, and phishing spiked by 510% from January to February 2020 alone.

Phishing statistics and trends

Phishing and other forms of social engineering, with criminals targeting human rather than technical vulnerabilities, remains a tried-and-true attack method. According to the FBIs IC3, as of 2020 phishing is by far the most common attack performed by cybercriminals. In 2020, the key drivers for phishing and fraud were COVID-19, remote work, and technology, said the 2021 State of Phishing & Online Fraud Report.

In 2020, 6.95 million new phishing and scam pages were created, with the highest number of new phishing and scam sites in one month of 206,310.

Key themes used for scams include COVID, gift cards, and gaming hacks.

The top three industries targeted in phishing attacks were technology, retail and finance.

The top three countries where scams were hosted were US, Russia and British Virgin Isles.

The top email service used for phishing kits was Gmail.

Not surprisingly with the increase in phishing attacks, email security was ranked as the top IT security project of 2021, according to the Greathorn 2021 Email Security Benchmark Report.

Botnet statistics and trends

Cybercriminal groups use botnetsautomated collections of compromised, internet-connected devicesto disrupt targets via distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks or enhance the effectiveness of other activities. That includes sending large volumes of spam, stealing credentials at scale, or spying on people and organizations.

Botnets have been a problem for years and its getting worse. Many internet of things (IoT) devices have few or no security features, and organizations often fail to follow best practices to mitigate the risks of device compromise.

According to the 2021 Imperva Bad Bot Report, bad bot traffic amounted to 25.6% of all website traffic in 2020, up 6.2% from the previous year. Whats worse, advanced persistent bots (APBs) accounted for 57.1% of bad bot traffic in 2020. That indicates cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated in their use of botnets.

How criminals use botnets varies by industry. Below is a breakdown of the most common malicious botnet activity in the top five industries with the most bad-bot traffic:

Telecom and ISPs (45.7%): account takeover, competitive price scraping

Computing and IT (41.1%): account takeover, scraping

Sports (33.7%): data scraping of scores, betting odds

News (33%): custom content scraping, ad fraud, comment spam

Business services (29.7%): attacks on the API layer, data scraping, account takeover

Over 28% of bots are self-reporting as mobile user agents, an increase of 12.9% from the previous year. This coincides with a drop of over 11% (79.4% to 68%) of bots self-reporting as either Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Internet Explorer for the same period.

Cloud security statistics and trends

With so many employees now working remote, either full time or in a hybrid environment, more business is also being done on cloud platforms, increasing the need for security policies and controls around cloud infrastructure.

This is evident in the Unit 42 Cloud Threat Report , which found that in the early days of the pandemic employees working remotely grew from 20% to 71%. After the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic in March 2020, not only did remote work increase but organizations accelerated their cloud migration plans overall. Using data pulled from a global array of sensors, cloud threat researchers found a correlation between the increased cloud spend due to COVID-19 and security incidents. Enterprises quickly scaled their cloud spend in the third quarter of 2020 with an increase of 28% from the same quarter in 2019. In the second quarter of 2020, cloud security incidents:

Increased by 188% overall

Grew by 402% in retail

Grew by 230% in manufacturing

Grew by 205% in government

Open-source and third-party risks

As businesses accelerate their digital transformations, the popularity of code reuse, which includes open-source libraries and frameworks, has expanded with todays typical application containing dozens to hundreds of libraries for core functionality. The efficiencies of using libraries like this have in turn created another potential attack vector for cyber criminals. Today the average Java application has 50 open-source vulnerabilities, said the Contrast Labs Open Source Security Report.

The average application has 118 libraries, but only 38% of those libraries are active .

. The average library uses a version that is 6 years old and has 50 open-course vulnerabilities .

. Java libraries in apps have a 16% chance of having a critical or major vulnerability

in apps have a The odds of an app having a vulnerability in a Java library increase from 7% to 44% when the library ages from one to four years .

. 69% of Java apps have a library with a high-risk license

have a library with a 99% of organizations have at least one high-risk Java license.

Cyber fraud statistics and trends

The huge increase in traffic and volume across digital channels has led to an historic increase in cyber fraud, with criminals often using the volume to hide their activities. Experts estimate more than $1 trillion was lost globally to cybercrime in 2020. According to the Sift Q1 2021 Trust & Safety Index, in 2020 the pandemic increased online giving by 20.7%. This increase in traffic provided cover to fraudsters that hid behind transaction surges:

Ransomware attacks grew by over 40%.

grew by over Email malware attacks were up by 600% compared to 2019.

compared to 2019. Loyalty merchants saw fraud rates jump by 275% compared to 2019.

The top three targets by vertical in 2020 were:

Transportation (8.4% attempted fraud rate)

Crypto exchanges (4.6%)

Gaming/gambling (3.7%)

DDoS attack statistics and trends

DDoS attacks are getting bolder and bigger. Akamai, the content delivery network (CDN) and cloud services company, reported mitigating some of the largest attacks ever seen, according to Akamais 2020 DDoS retrospective. In 2021 it had already seen more attacks over 50 Gbps than in all of 2019. Akamai also reports the number of customers targeted were up 57% year over year, with numbers increasing to record volume and diversity across regions and geographies.

In March 2021, three of the six biggest volumetric DDoS attacks Akamai ever recorded occurred, including the two largest known DDoS extortion attacks to date.

Ransomware statistics and trends

Ransomware is one of the top threats in cybersecurity. With 878 cyberattacks in 2020, 18% of which were ransomware, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. Organizations around the world are being held hostage by ransomware, with many paying up solely to avoid the cost and downtime of not paying the criminals. In short, cybercriminals are making and demanding more money than ever.

The average ransom paid increased 171% from 2019 to 2020 ($115,123 to $312,493), said the 2021 Unit 42 Ransomware Threat Report.

($115,123 to $312,493), said the 2021 Unit 42 Ransomware Threat Report. The highest ransom paid doubled from 2019 to 2020 from $5 million to $10 million.

Defensive preparation and response statistics and trends

The unpredictability of planning for security and budgeting has become even more challenging with the advent of the pandemic. As threat actors have ramped up their efforts in the wake of the pandemic, 31% of respondents believe their risk response efforts are under-funded, According to the 2020 CSO Security Priorities Study.

38% said they will spend more on response planning.

said they will spend 30% will update and modernize business continuity plans.

will 28% were piloting zero-trust.

40% say its on their radar or they are evaluating options.

Cybersecurity hiring/staffing statistics and trends

With the increase in remote working and a reliance on technology tools and infrastructure, COVID-19 has shifted demand for certain roles, with an increased need for developers, as well as help desk and cybersecurity professionals, according to a study by Robert Half Technology. This is critical since according to 74% of workers they want to work remotely more frequently following the pandemic, regardless of their businesss hybrid work plans.

IT managers (44%) said they have shortened the hiring process as a direct result of COVID-19 trying to get in demand skilled tech workers in the door before they get poached by other firms. For companies that cannot bring in qualified people from the outside, 42% of companies plan to launch upskilling initiatives, said a Korn Ferry study.

The top three hiring changes Korn Ferry found US companies making due to COVID-19 were:

Conducted remote interviews and onboarding (54%)

Shortened the hiring process (42%)

Advertised fully remote jobs (42%)

There is considerable debate on the internet about whether cybersecurity truly faces a shortage of qualified workers, or whether corporate hiring practices and preferences are creating that perception. Nevertheless, one widely cited stat is ISC2's finding that more than half (57%) of organizations surveyed face increased risks due to staffing challenges.
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BRIDGEPORT  An individual suffered non-life-threatening injuries in a shooting early Thursday, according to a city official.

Scott Appleby, the citys director of emergency communications and emergency management, said officers responded to the area of Capitol Avenue shortly after midnight for a reported shooting.

A gunshot wound victim was treated at the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries to the legs and buttocks, Appleby said.

He said the victim is not cooperating with police, but that the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call the tips line at 203-576-TIPS.
Tara O'Neill / Hearst Connecticut Media

BRIDGEPORT  A pedestrian was struck by a vehicle in Bridgeport on Wednesday evening, according to the Bridgeport Fire Department.

The fire department said the incident took place around 8:15 p.m. on Boston Avenue.
It is a busy autumn and there are many things happening within our defense credit union communities. DCUC is actively engaged in providing our member credit unions with information, points of contact, and direct assistance so that they can continue to accomplish their missions. Here is a quick update on issues that may affect your credit union in the near term:

No-Cost Land Leases on the Installation  DCUC fights hard to protect and maintain this discretionary waiver. Credit unions fulfill a vital role in the military community which is evident throughout the military lifecycle. Whether it involves opening a checking account, obtaining low-interest credit, or learning how to properly save for retirementdefense credit unions proudly serve their communities while protecting against financial predators outside the gate.

Defense credit unions also provide mission essential cash for deployments and daily federal deposit services. Plus, defense credit unions provide strong community support in the face of morale, recreation, and welfare funding shortfalls. Thus, as the only not-for-profit, member-owned financial institutions on the installation, defense credit unions earn these no-cost land leases.
From Gen Z values to marketing funnels, from Zillow to Red Bull, a wide spectrum of topics and companies were featured in five days of non-stop seminars at this years Brandweek 2021, the premier global conference for all things branding and marketing.

I worked hard to compile common threads, interesting stats, and controversial topics, as they apply to financial services, to share with you today. Its all about the authenticity, the emotional connection, the representation, and answering the why.

Lets dive in.

1. Be Authentic in Your Marketing

No surprises that this takeaway would be first on my list. I was struck by this comment from the seminar Why Influencer Marketing Is Going from $15bn  $85bn, featuring Harriet Seitle, Brad Smallwood, and Steven Wolfe Pereira: The more authentic the content is, the more people pass it along. Ok, makes sense right? But how do organizations actually make authentic content, and how do they know that the content is authentic? Ill get to that soon.

The success of authentic branding and content would explain why TikTok has skyrocketed as a marketing channel. Its the new, unfiltered Instagram  real people doing real things interacting with real products and services. Just look at the outrageous success of the Ocean Spray and the TikTok of the man skateboarding, drinking Ocean Spray straight out of the jug, groovin to Fleetwood Mac.

Its incredible in its simplicity, watchability, and emotional connection. It borders on marketing perfection  and it wasnt even created by the company!

Now, you dont need TikTok to be authentic. Authenticity is a beacon, a mindset, a value. You can infuse authenticity into any marketing effort you partake in. You just have to be:

Honest: Be real about who your company is, who your employees are, what you stand for, and who your customers are. Brave: It takes courage to be authentic  to look at your company and see its quirks and not just filter out all the unsavory aspects. A good listener: Hear what your customers are saying to their network and what they are telling you to your face. Dont filter out what you want to hear. Listen as though you are aptly watching your favorite show. Empathetic: Now, take everything you heard and try to relate, even if your experience is vastly different than your membership. Missed a car payment? Try to understand how that would feel. An immigrant who opened their first account? Try to understand how that would feel. Struggling to put yourself in their shoes? Talk to them, hold workshops, roundtables, interviews, articles, community events, do research. Patient: A new brand strategy and marketing effort takes time. You wont turn the ship overnight.

Youll see these five components pepped throughout this entire article. In truth, they are the foundation for a lot more than authenticity in branding.

Here are a few takeaways from Soyoung Kang, CMO of eos presentation, a hilarious study on authentic branding:

Embrace your customers brand. Who are they? What do they stand for? What are their lives like? Their brand + your brand = success. Authenticity boosts influence. The more authentic you are, the more popular your marketing messages will be, and the more they will be shared among your audience to their own audiences. Be fast, be brave, and if possible, be funny. Think of the most successful, memorable marketing pieces youve seen. Were they funny? Ironic? Bold? Theres a reason funny cat videos have billions of views and the Ice Bucket challenge was embraced by millions  because humor is memorable and contagious.

Unfortunately, I wont be able to share the NSFW example Kang gave of a successful eos marketing campaign which utilized humor (and shaving certain areas) but you are welcome to look it up yourself. Now credit union folks will tell me, How can my marketing team create something funny and outrageous when we are a credit union or a FinTech? And my response to you is, Where theres a will, theres a way. Funny and bold do not equal obscene. Funny and bold do not equal expensive. Start off small and work into it. See what resonates with your customers. Do some A/B testing  one with a funny subject line and one with a standard subject line and see what performs better.

And how do you know you are being authentic?

A/B testing is one of many ways to measure the effectiveness of your authenticity. Is it resonating? Is your audience responding with their own experiences as well as sharing your message? This is a sure sign you are connecting with authenticity.

Angie Klein, President and CEO of Visible says, Consumers can tell when a brand is being inauthentic, and that stuck with me. Her entire seminar on How Visible Built a Reputation as an Impact-Led Brand was tremendous, and well cover more on her later.

2. People want to know Why.

Marvin Chow, VP of Global Marketing at Google blew my mind with his data-based presentation on consumers and their quest for knowledge. So much so that I posted on LinkedIn about how incredible his presentation was, and he RESPONDED to my post (swoon!!) Lets take a look at some of the key takeaways from his presentation.

In 2020, the word why was searched more than ever before. Chow used the BLM movement as an example  people searched why it was happening, not what it was. Chow discussed how why must always be the lens marketers view from. How do we understand the needs of our audience and how do we help fulfill them? Storytelling in your branding is more important than ever. Chow said, The depth of storytelling after COVID is deeper. And it makes sense, right? People want to know why, and stories tell them why. They have a narrative, an arc, a resolution. They paint a more complex picture of what your organization does and quench customers thirst for a deeper understanding of who you are. This leads me to Chows next point. Its not about the technology, but closeness to another person. After the pandemic, consumers yearn for a meaningful, emotional experience from the brands they do business with. And good news  because this aligns so brilliantly with what credit unions and purpose-driven FIs can offer. Lean into your history, values, purpose, community, differences, customers  all those things that make your credit union unique from anyone else. You need to reevaluate what your purpose and values are. Chow said, Who are we? What do we hold dear as a brand? How can we be helpful to people? And doesnt this comment just align even more brilliantly with credit unions values? Their whole reason for being is to help people: People helping people is our mantra. Focus on who youve helped and why. Share it with everyone. Be loud about it. Be proud of it.

3. Its ok to get emotional.

The tremendous presentation given by Aimee Johnson, CMO of Zillow provided insight into the homebuying industry. As you can imagine, the past year and a half has been a rollercoaster for a company like Zillow, with the historic surges in buying, selling, demand, pricing, rates, and so on. She focused on the dual concept of trust & consumer education, especially when it comes to financial needs (like homebuying).

Zillow is much more than a listing site. Did you know they buy and sell homes and provide financing? They write on their website, Zillow and its affiliates offer customers an on-demand experience for selling, buying, renting and financing with transparency and nearly seamless end-to-end service.

The single biggest takeaway I received from her presentation was this statistic: 30% of people cry in the homebuying process. I fall into this group. I bought a home in 2018 in Denver. A fixer upper, cozy, great for first time homebuyers. You know what those terms mean: kind of crappy. I had minimal knowledge of the process and made quite a few mistakes along the way. It was isolating, confusing, and frantic.

Two things happened to me: (1) I got in a big fight with two ladies at the post office who whispered that my generation doesnt care about people, the day before closing and (2) Ugly cried in my car after leaving the closing appointment. It was hot I remember  June. I was crying and sweating at the same time, and then I went and got falafel.

I certainly could have benefitted from additional therapeutic resources and educational content. Johnson spoke on Zillows efforts to ramp up educational content on all channels because they realize what a harrowing experience home buying is. She mentioned a basic, but critical topic: What is a mortgage?

Johnson played Zillows lauded Me Commercial, which incorporates the wide emotional experiences of homebuying.

In summary, financial experiences are deeply emotional for consumers. As I mentioned before, put yourself in their shoes. Dont be afraid to connect with them in emotional ways and share your stories. Dont be afraid that the educational content you produce is too basic. There is no such thing.

4. What do Gen Z and Millennials Want?

Gen Z and Millennials have proven to be an endless marketing conundrum. Brandweek 21 featured a few presentations that provided fascinating, and quite frankly, shocking insight into these two unique generations and what they value from brands. Ill share my takeaways with you below.

Melissa Hobley, CMO of OkCupid, an online dating site, shared these statistics on their Gen Z users.

34% identify as LGBTQ+, as compared to of 14% millennials

10% are more than one race

65% say that the ads they see arent relevant to them: I never see myself represented

These statistics show a real need for representation in branding. As financial institutions, what are you doing to show that you care about these younger generations and are welcoming them into your business? The standard stock photos wont cover it anymore.

I always chuckle at the obligatory mixed race young, spunky model used in hundreds, if not thousands of stock photos. She is the token individual companies use when then want to represent younger generations. Have you seen her? I bet you have. Have you used her in your marketing? I bet you have. I regret to say that even I have used her, many years ago.

In a reverse Google search, the top photo produced over 1,600 results. That means this photo exists on a webpage 1,600 times. Gen Z consumers do not see this type of stock photography as representing them. Why not actually reach out to them and ask for a photo? Why not use one of their Instagram posts?

Angie Klein of Visible provided critical insights into Gen Z and Millennial values as well. Visible positions itself for younger generations, those who are value conscious, philanthropic, and do not benefit from the standard nuclear family pricing for phone service. Did you know that Verizons pricing only makes sense if you have a family plan (and by family, they mean actual spouse and children, not chosen family)? Their pricing is based on a group, not an individual, so you are paying significantly more if you are the latter. Visible certainly got my interest with this stat.

Lets take a look at some figures theyve obtained on Gen Z and Millennials.

3 out of 4 Millennials donated money during the pandemic. 90% of Gen Z believes companies should act to help social and environmental issues. 75% will research to see if a brand is backing up their statements with actions. 83% of Millennials would be more loyal to a company that increased their efforts to support social causes.

Now, Id like to play devils advocate here. Financial institutions lament that they have trouble attracting younger generations  especially credit unions, whose average member age is 47 (source: Trellance.) And yet, a recent survey conducted by Aux overwhelmingly showed that credit unions do not want to take a stand in social causes and issues. They would rather stay neutral as not to offend any of their membership. Do you see the problem here? Youll only attract younger generations if you do, in fact, take a stand and support causes.

Conclusion

Ill end with a wonderful quote from the marketing experts Jason Porter, Kevin Peck, and Kellyn Smith Kenny at AT&Ts first responder service FirstNet: If your audience is truly unique, then treat them as such! Our industry has an incredible opportunity to lean into our unique customer base. Now is the time to shout from the rooftops what we do best, how we help our members, how we make a difference, and WHY we are better. Lets not let it pass us by.

Have a comment, question, rebuttal? Dont be shy! Share or lets connect one on one. Thanks for reading!
Credit unions are dedicated to serving their members and helping them achieve their financial goals. Even credit unions with narrow fields of membership, for example the employees of a specific organization, extend their services to the families of those qualified members. What better way to serve a member than by taking care of the financial needs of their children? And what better way to serve their children than to teach them the fundamentals of financial wellness early in life? I believe credit unions are obligated by their mission to take an active role in teaching financial wellness to young people and the children of their members.

I didnt learn a lot about financial wellness when I was young. Most of what I learned came from observing my parents and my own experiences. I am definitely one of those people who complained that I learned algebra in high school (and never used it since), but never learned how to pay my taxes, how to invest, the implications of debt, and other fundamentals of financial wellness. Many students are not even offered the opportunity to learn about financial wellness during their time in school, and we are feeling the implications of this deficiency in our society today.

Do you think its a coincidence that student loan debt is ballooning? I sincerely believe that not teaching young people how to pay for college and the implications of student loan debt is a significant contributor to the student loan crisis we are dealing with today. Credit unions can play an active role in helping to prevent this situation from occurring by contributing to financial wellness education programs to young people.

Recently, my home state of Florida mandated that financial wellness courses need to be offered as an elective in high schools. If your credit union is in a state where such a requirement exists, then it should offer to collaborate or contribute in the financial wellness education curriculum. Credit unions can help by sending guest speakers to schools, offering special accounts designed for young people, contributing educational materials to classrooms, and so many other ways. If your credit union is not in such a state, then it should advocate to its local leagues and elected officials to change this education policy. Credit unions can seek to collaborate with the local school boards, state boards of education, Parent Teacher Associations, and other education organizations to implement and strengthen financial wellness education.

Outside of the classroom, credit unions can offer seminars and participate in public events where it can specifically invite young people to learn about financial wellness topics. I learned about credit scores when my 360 Federal Credit Union, where I serve on the Board of Directors currently, offered a seminar about the subject at my old office. Credit unions can be proactive in offering young people the opportunity to learn about credit scores, debt, investing, paying for college, budgeting, and other related topics.

How will teaching financial wellness benefit credit unions? First, a credit union has an obligation to serve its members, and that includes their families. Also, a credit union needs to be proactive in searching for the next generation of its membership. This can be in recruiting the children of members, but also others in the community if the field of membership permits, and starting early can help turn these young people into lifelong members. Plus, if these young members are able to make sound financial decisions at a young age, we will feel the benefits throughout our society. The sooner we establish a strong financial wellness education program, the sooner we can serve the next generation of our members. Credit unions, with our community and service focus, are the perfect organization to lead the charge.
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Mrs. Reba Faye Bell, age 63, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at the local hospital. She was born October 6, 1958 in Loudon, Tn a daughter of the late William Bill and Agnes Faye Farner White. She was also preceded in death by her husband, David Bell, brothe
Traders need to learn how to navigate volatile markets by implementing a solid trading plan and adopting sound risk management. This article provides effective tools for traders looking to trade post release.

Other articles in this series:

Post-release trading strategies

1. Trend following strategy

This strategy involves the use of multiple time frames, as well as, well-defined levels of support and resistance that come into play after a news release.

Traders can adopt this strategy when the current market price is approaching a well-defined level of support or resistance but isnt quite there yet. The volatility after the news release has the potential to push the market toward the trendline. If price respects the trendline, traders can look to trade in the direction of the trend and trade the potential bounce.

The following 4 points are of assistance for this type of trade:

Determine trend direction on a daily chart Draw support and resistance lines Select a forex time frame anywhere from 1  4 hours Buy near support in uptrend and sell near resistance in downtrend

Keep in mind that news releases have the potential to break through longstanding levels of support and resistance which underscores the importance of using tight stops when pursuing this strategy.

2. Dual spike breakout strategy

This strategy involves waiting for market volatility to reveal a range before trading a break of that range and makes use of a five-minute chart. For illustrative purposes this section incorporates the US Non-Farm Payroll (NFP) release as this often has the greatest potential to move the market.

After the NFP release, wait 15-minutes for three five-minute candles to close. Take note of the highest price and the lowest price of the three closed candles. Next, place an entry order to go long at the highest price and an entry to go short at the lowest price. Once an order is triggered, targets can be set at twice the distance of the high/low channel while stops can be set above resistance for short trades and below support for long trades.

The disadvantage of this strategy is that volatility can push price above or below the short-term range, triggering an entry order, and then immediately reversing to hit a stop loss.

This strategy can be applied in the following way:

Customize the chart settings to show 5- minute charts Take note of the highs and lows of the first three candles Set entry orders when price breaks above or below the range Set stops and limits Delete the unfilled order

<alt image desc> Dual spike forex news trading strategy

3. News Reversal Strategy

The market can trade in one direction immediately after a major news release only to reverse and trade in the opposite direction.

The news reversal strategy looks to trade the news after the release and focuses on a sudden, sustained reversal in direction after a strong initial move in price.

The reversal could be the result of algorithms or, the market as a whole, feeling that there was an overreaction in price  prompting trades in the opposite direction.

The downside of this strategy is that no reversal takes place and the price continues trading in the direction on the initial spike.

How to implement the news reversal strategy:

Initial spike in price: News with great market moving potential generally lead to a spike in price as the news is released. Look out for a reversal : Traders can wait 10-15 minutes for the reversal to bring price back to where it was before the release. Entry: Enter as price breaks above/below pre-release levels. Set multiple target levels : Traders should consider setting multiple target levels. As one is triggered, traders can take profit on half of the position and adjusting the stop on the remaining position to breakeven.

Trading forex after the release: Conclusion

Trading the news after the release can be a more conservative way to approach news trading. This is due to the emotions from the news release subsiding allowing a trader time to plan a technical set up for their trade. Regardless of your trading approach to news trading, risk management and utilizing small amounts or no leverage is critical to maintaining capital in your account to make the next trade.

Boost your forex trading knowledge

Download our free currency forecasts to stay abreast with the DailyFX expert view on forex market movements.

If youre just starting out on your forex trading journey, download our free New to Forex trading guide to get to grips with the basics.

Trading after the news FAQ section

What type of news is most likely to move the market?

US economic data is so influential within global currency maekets that it is generally seen as the most important news. Additionally, it is important to note that not all news releases lead to increased volatility. Rather, there are a limited number of major news releases that have previously produced the greatest potential to move the market and some of these include:
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Australian Dollar Outlook:

The Worst Over?

Its been a rough few weeks for the Australian Dollar, but the worst may be over. As commodity prices churn higher, the major commodity currencies have enjoyed a tailwind in recent days. And now that risk appetite is broadly improving as evidenced by gains in global equity markets, it may be the case that higher yielding, risk-sensitive currencies begin to benefit as well.

While both AUD/JPY and AUD/USD rates have been consolidating in triangles in recent weeks and months, technical evidence is accumulating that continued bullish trading may be ahead in stark contrast to seasonal tendencies.

AUD/USD RATE TECHNICAL ANALYSIS: DAILY CHART (March 2020 to October 2021) (CHART 1)

In mid-September it was noted that AUD/USD rates may be showing signs of basing after declining on a near-linear path for most of September. The start of October has emboldened this narrative, with more evidence accumulating that the pair is starting to turn higher.

AUD/USD rates are above their daily 5-, 8-, 13-, and 21-EMA envelope, which is now in bullish sequential order. Daily MACD is nearing a turn higher above its signal line, while daily Slow Stochastics are rapidly climbing towards overbought territory. A move above 0.7350 would suggest that the multi-month consolidation has ended in favor of a bullish breakout.

IG Client Sentiment Index: AUD/USD RATE Forecast (October 7, 2021) (Chart 2)

AUD/USD: Retail trader data shows 52.42% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 1.10 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 0.72% lower than yesterday and 10.31% lower from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 8.10% higher than yesterday and 24.42% higher from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-long suggests AUD/USD prices may continue to fall.

Yet traders are less net-long than yesterday and compared with last week. Recent changes in sentiment warn that the current AUD/USD price trend may soon reverse higher despite the fact traders remain net-long.

AUD/JPY RATE TECHNICAL ANALYSIS: DAILY CHART (March 2020 to October 2021) (CHART 3)

There are two different potential triangles in place for AUD/JPY rates, with support coming at August and September swing lows, and resistance measured from either (1) the late-June and September swing highs or (2) the mid-July and September swing highs. No matter how you slice it, though, AUD/JPY rates have broken through triangle resistance today, suggesting that a bullish breakout is getting started.

AUD/JPY rates are above their daily EMA envelope, which is in bullish sequential order. Daily MACD continues to trend higher above its signal line, while daily Slow Stochastics have risen into overbought territory. Bullish targets for triangle breakouts are 82.82 (July 13 high) and 85.05 (June 11 high).

IG Client Sentiment Index: AUD/JPY Rate Forecast (October 7, 2021) (Chart 4)

AUD/JPY: Retail trader data shows 38.26% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders short to long at 1.61 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 7.39% lower than yesterday and 7.91% lower from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 13.36% higher than yesterday and 3.14% higher from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-short suggests AUD/JPY prices may continue to rise.

Traders are further net-short than yesterday and last week, and the combination of current sentiment and recent changes gives us a stronger AUD/JPY-bullish contrarian trading bias.

--- Written by Christopher Vecchio, CFA, Senior Strategist
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Silver Price Outlook:

Silver prices have stabilized after hitting fresh yearly lows last week, but maybe not for long with a strong US jobs report expected tomorrow.

The ongoing rise in Fed rate hike odds and elevated US Treasury yields make for a difficult fundamental environment for silver prices.

Recent changes in sentiment suggest that silver prices have a bearish bias in the near-term.

Winds Still Blowing South

Silver prices recovered after their late-September wash out to fresh yearly lows, returning to their narrow trading range established ahead of the September Fed meeting. In part, silvers safe haven appeal may have been boosted by concern around Chinas Evergrande and the US debt ceiling debate.

But now that both of those fears have receded into the background, silver has lost near-term fundamental bonafides. Coupled with rising US Treasury yields amid expectations for Fed tapering to begin soon, the environment is quickly looking rockier for silver prices.

With the September US NFP report due tomorrow  one which looks like it could beat expectations handily after the September US ADP employment change report and the most recent weekly US jobless claims figures  silver may soon swoon shortly.

Silver Prices and Silver Volatility Relationship Normal Again

Both gold and silver are precious metals that typically enjoy a safe haven appeal during times of uncertainty in financial markets. While other asset classes dont like increased volatility (signaling greater uncertainty around cash flows, dividends, coupon payments, etc.), precious metals tend to benefit from periods of higher volatility as uncertainty increases silvers safe haven appeal. Declining volatility in a period of positive correlations suggests more downside may be ahead for silver prices.

VXSLV (SILVER VOLATILITY) TECHNICAL ANALYSIS: DAILY PRICE CHART (October 2020 to October 2021) (CHART 1)

Silver volatility (as measured by the Cboes gold volatility ETF, VXSLV, which tracks the 1-month implied volatility of silver as derived from the SLV option chain) was trading at 29.96 at the time this report was written. The 5-day correlation between VXSLV and silver prices is +0.55 and the 20-day correlation is +0.83. One week ago, on September 30, the 5-day correlation was +0.69 and the 20-day correlation was +0.86.

SILVER PRICE TECHNICAL ANALYSIS: DAILY CHART (February 2020 to October 2021) (CHART 2)

Momentum has recovered, but without a corresponding rise in prices. Silver prices are above their daily 5-, 8-, and 13-EMAs, but remain below its daily 21-EMA (one-month moving average). Daily MACD has turned higher, but remains below its signal line, even as daily Slow Stochastics have advanced through their median line.

Moreover, silver prices are still holding below the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of the 2020 low/2021 high range at 23.0713, a level that has keep the rally at bay for several weeks. A strong US jobs report could facilitate the next leg lower in silver prices, back towards the yearly low set on September 29 at 21.4238.

SILVER PRICE TECHNICAL ANALYSIS: WEEKLY CHART (November 2010 to October 2021) (CHART 3)

It was noted in September that a failure to return into the ascending triangle this week would increase the likelihood of a deeper setback, potentially as far as the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement of the 2011 high/2020 low range at 20.6500. A loss of the August low at 22.1020 would increase the odds of a return to the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement. Having already breached the August lows, the series of lower highs and lower lows remains, suggesting more downside is still likely.

IG CLIENT SENTIMENT INDEX: SILVER PRICE FORECAST (October 7, 2021) (CHART 4)

Silver: Retail trader data shows 87.77% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 7.18 to 1. The number of traders net-long is 2.34% higher than yesterday and 9.54% lower from last week, while the number of traders net-short is 12.11% lower than yesterday and 10.97% lower from last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-long suggests Silver prices may continue to fall.

Traders are further net-long than yesterday and last week, and the combination of current sentiment and recent changes gives us a stronger Silver-bearish contrarian trading bias.

--- Written by Christopher Vecchio, CFA, Senior Strategist
Shirley Ann Wheeler, 85, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2021 at the Woodlands at Furman Arboretum in Greenville, SC. Ms. Wheeler was the loving wife of 65 years of Harry Marvin Wheeler, also a resident at the Woodlands. Born in Ashland, Kentucky in 1936, Ms. Wheeler was the daughter 
Sunbury, PA (17801)

Today

Areas of dense morning fog. Cloudy with rain developing this afternoon. High 64F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%..

Tonight

Evening clouds will give way to clearing overnight. A shower of rain or wet snow possible. Low 32F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
Now that's what I call a high-wage economy. Farmers are offering to pay people 30 an hour to pick broccoli.

As Yosser Hughes in Alan Bleasdale's Boys From The Blackstuff used to say: I could do that, gissa job!

Thirty quid an hour is more than three times the national minimum wage.

Over a typical 40-hour week, it works out at an annual salary of more than 60,000. Cabbage pickers can expect to earn the same, as agricultural employers attempt to plug staff shortages of up to 75 per cent.

This fabulous 'trebles all round' deal is being dangled in Boston, Lincolnshire, one of the cheapest places to buy a house in Britain.

Maybe it's all part of Boris Johnson's cunning 'Levelling Up' agenda. Soon our green and pleasant country lanes will be jammed with farm labourers tooling round in Teslas and drinking scrumpy from Waterford crystal champagne flutes.

Farmers are offering to pay 30 an hour to pick broccoli. Thirty quid an hour is more than three times the national minimum wage. Pictured: Cabbage pickers at TH Clements and Son

Higher wages for British workers are supposed to be part of the Brexit bonus, as cheap foreign migrants return home.

If Boris had plastered '30 an hour for picking broccoli' on the side of his Vote Leave battle bus, instead of '350 million a week for the NHS', he'd have won by a landslide, never mind 52-48.

Significantly, Boston was the most Brexity town in Britain during the referendum.

More than 75 per cent of the population voted to leave, largely because of uncontrolled Eastern European immigration which had transformed the area into a suburb of Gdansk and forced down pay.

So why shouldn't they reap the benefits? What's not to like?

Well, that all depends on how much consumers are prepared to fork out for their broccoli fix in future.

This week, Tesco was flogging a single loose head of broccoli for a very reasonable 49p. But once farmers are having to pay 30 a hour to people to pull the stuff out of the ground, how many takers will there be as prices rise to reflect the cost of production?

The knock-on effect will be that broccoli  once a fairly cheap source of iron, protein and calcium  becomes a luxury item, right up there with caviar and truffles.

Last year, there were reports that some restaurants were charging at least 25 for a so-called chargrilled cauliflower 'steak'.

How long before broccoli costs as much as one of Salt Bae's 1,450, gold-plated ribeyes, currently attracting the more-money-than-sense crowd to a new eatery in London?

This fabulous 'trebles all round' deal is being dangled in Boston, Lincolnshire, one of the cheapest places to buy a house in Britain. Pictured: TH Clements and Son advert

And when that happens, popular demand will plummet and the vegetable pickers of Lincolnshire will be lucky to get 30 a day, let alone an hour. It's not as if farmers are coining it right now. Jeremy Clarkson made a profit of about 1.40 last year. But thanks to Boris, this time next year, Kaleb, we'll be millionaires.

Or not, as the case may be. Farmers have more chance of becoming millionaires by going on Clarkson's ITV quiz show.

They won't be lining up to place orders for Lamborghini tractors, they'll be lining up outside the JobCentre having flogged their land to Barratt Homes in a fire sale.

The reality is that offering people thirty quid an hour to pick broccoli is a panic measure, a temporary panacea in the teeth of a recruitment crisis. It is unsustainable long term.

Employers say the solution to the shortage of staff, not just in agriculture but in other sectors such as road haulage and hospitality, is to open the immigration floodgates again. That, too, would only be a temporary, retrograde measure.

As the Prime Minister made clear again this week, Britain has no future as a low-pay, low-skills economy dependent on cut-price labour from overseas.

His Government is about levelling up, not resorting to the lowest, defeatist denominator.

Business leaders protest, with some justification, that Boris is ignoring them. Then again, during my decade as an industrial correspondent, the CBI was wrong about virtually everything, including opposing Mrs Thatcher's reform of Britain's sclerotic economic orthodoxy and union-friendly labour laws.

Despite their recent, opportunist embrace of wokery, etc, employers are motivated primarily by self-interest, not the national interest.

I can remember a CBI conference in Glasgow, at which the boss of Dunlop took to the stage wearing a kilt and waving the Union flag in support of an I'm Backing Britain-style campaign. A couple of weeks later he sold off the company to the Japanese.

Boris is right to say that government can't solve all the problems of business. But if he wants firms to pay higher wages, he has to get government off their backs and stop picking their pockets.

Despite Boris's boosterism this week, his Government is pursuing policies which do the opposite. You don't grow the economy by raising taxes and national insurance.

Companies can't pay their staff more money when their bottom line is treated like a milch cow by the Treasury.

Over a typical 40-hour week, it works out at an annual salary of more than 60,000. Cabbage pickers can expect to earn the same, as employers attempt to plug staff shortages of up to 75%

As the Prime Minister (pictured) made clear again this week, Britain has no future as a low-pay, low-skills economy dependent on cut-price labour from overseas

Boris may not be able to solve all business's problems, but he has the power  if not the will  to make a difference closer to his home in Downing Street.

What is genuinely unsustainable is throwing billions at an unreformed NHS. Is he seriously suggesting there are no economies to be had in the top-heavy health service?

He could start by shutting down the wasteful, superfluous quango Public Health England  not replacing it with yet another agency which will prove just as thirsty for public money.

He can order civil servants back to their desks, starting with the DVLA  which is still largely 'working from home' and failing hopelessly to issue tests and HGV licences to lorry drivers.

As an example to other indolent civil 'servants', he should sack that ridiculous woman who boasts about running the Culture department from her Peloton exercise bike. Come to that, he should abolish her department altogether. We don't need it.

Before putting a penny on tax or NI, ministers should have conducted a ruthless audit of costly projects like HS2 and taken a scythe to their own departments.

If that means tens, or even hundreds of thousands of civil servants being put to the sword, so be it. With a few notable exceptions, the civil service has been worse than useless during the pandemic.

See how they like 'WFH' when they're not receiving their taxpayer-funded, index-linked salaries, gold-plated pensions and London weighting allowances.

They can always retrain as lorry drivers  or pick broccoli for 30 an hour...

It is a truth universally acknowledged: old white men should never dance in public, especially when they are going through a mid-life crisis.

No one seems to have told Michael Gove.

Following his extraordinary performance on the dance floor in Aberdeen, he was seen in Manchester jiving the night away with his Tory colleague Tom 'Twinkle Toes' Tugendhat.

Following his performance on the dance floor in Aberdeen, Michael Gove was seen in Manchester jiving the night away with his Tory colleague Tom 'Twinkle Toes' Tugendhat

Perhaps they fancy themselves as the next same-sex couple on Strictly. Who knows?

Loved Boris's 'Jon Bon Govey' jibe, even though it suggests that right now the Govester is livin' on a prayer.

SWAMPY FREED! THAT REALLY STINKS

There's one law for eco-mentalists, another for everyone else. If you cause mayhem on behalf of the polar bears, you can expect to be treated sympathetically by the police and the courts.

Yet if a bunch of Millwall fans glued themselves to the Old Kent Road to protest against illegal immigration, the Old Bill would turn the flame-throwers on them. The courts would have no hesitation in jailing them and throwing away the key.

Time and again, XR protesters receive a slap on the wrist or are let off altogether  Oxford Circus, London's bridges, national newspapers' Hertfordshire printing plant, City Airport, the M25 maniacs, the list goes on.

In the latest affront to justice, that walking health hazard Swampy and his mates, who dug tunnels and built treehouses at Euston Station in an attempt to stop HS2, have been freed by a district judge  despite the fact that they cost developers 3.5 million.

Mind you, it might be that the judge was showing mercy to their potential cellmates.

I may have mentioned the time I followed Swampy into a lift at London Weekend Television, before getting straight out again.

The pong was staggering. It took three days to fumigate the lift.

Perhaps the judge didn't want Swampy stinking out Wormwood Scrubs, too. Or digging another tunnel...
The Berlin Wall may have come down more than three decades ago, but the grim politics of the Cold War are in danger of returning to Europe.

With characteristic ruthlessness, Russian president Vladimir Putin is exploiting the energy crisis to bully his neighbours, strengthen his autocracy and intimidate the West.

His chosen weapon in this renewed campaign of hostility is Russia's control of gas supplies: the vast gasfields and the export pipelines that bring them to market.

This infrastructure, often legacy assets from the Soviet empire, give the Russian president enormous leverage in his quest for ever-greater domination of the region.

Russia's capacity to manipulate the British and European energy markets for geo-political ends has been dramatically illustrated during the turmoil of recent days.

As the price of gas contracts soared on Wednesday by 40 per cent in just 24 hours, Gazprom, Russia's state-backed monopoly exporter of pipeline gas, was accused of flexing its muscles by both restricting supplies to Europe and keeping its European underground storage facilities at deliberately low levels.

With characteristic ruthlessness, Russian president Vladimir Putin is exploiting the energy crisis to bully his neighbours, strengthen his autocracy and intimidate the West

The sense of Russian control was further reinforced when it took just a few words from Putin himself to bring an immediate fall in gas prices.

Revelling in his position as the ultimate wire-puller, he said with a hint of blackmail that supplies could be increased.

'This speculative craze doesn't do us any good,' he said, adding that Europe's leaders should 'settle with Gazprom and talk it over'.

Putin might be behaving like a mafia boss in charge of a protection racket, but British and European governments have for years disastrously played into his hands with misguided, short-term policy decisions.

To be fair, the EU has taken some steps to break the Russian stranglehold, by building new international pipelines, breaking the Kremlin's east-west transit monopoly, and by drastic reforms of the energy market that have unbundled the corrupt, exploitative business model.

Europe has also pioneered the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from destinations such as Qatar.

His chosen weapon in this renewed campaign of hostility is Russia's control of gas supplies: the vast gasfields and the export pipelines that bring them to market. Pictured: Tugboats get into position on the Russian pipe-laying vessel Fortuna in the port of Wismar, Germany

Map showing points of origin and destination of the Nord Stream pipe (solid line) and Nord Stream 2 pipeline (dotted line) between Russia and Germany

Yet Europe has been increasing its reliance on supplies from outside the continent by running down its own domestic energy industries. So far, renewables have not made up the gap, especially in recent months when the wind has not been blowing.

In Britain, the problem is particularly acute because we are one of Europe's largest gas users, while we have massively reduced gas production from the rich fields of the North Sea and Irish Sea over the past 20 years.

Nor have we made use of the vast reserves of shale gas that exist across the country, even though such resources have recently made America 'energy-independent' once more.

Instead, Britain has exacerbated its energy vulnerability by depending on just-in-time imports from pipelines and seaborne cargoes.

In a particular act of folly, the Tory Government in 2017 decided to close the huge storage facility on the Yorkshire coast connected to the Rough gas field, believing both that supplies of LNG would always be plentiful and also because the energy companies believed that limiting storage would boost prices and thereby profits.

Four years later, the step has backfired catastrophically, leaving us at the mercy of Putin.

Indeed, our entire energy strategy has been marked by stinginess, wishful thinking and complacency.

By manipulating energy markets, Putin's immediate objective could not be more clear: he wants to pressurise Europe into approving immediately the operation of Gazprom's controversial 8.1 billion Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

Now completed, this runs into Germany along the seabed of the Baltic Sea and bypasses Ukraine, in whose eastern regions Russia has been fighting a proxy war since 2014.

Critics say Nord Stream 2 will give too much influence to Russia over regional energy supplies and their prices.

But crucially, the project is backed by Germany, which puts cheap reliable supplies of Russian gas ahead of the security interests of its east European neighbours.

US President Joe Biden's administration, desperate to repair the damage done to relations with Europe under Donald Trump, has dropped American objections to the scheme.

Putin's objective could not be more clear: he wants to pressurise Europe into approving the operation of Gazprom's Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Pictured: A specialist works onboard the Allseas' ship Solitaire to prepare a pipe for Nord Stream 2 pipeline in the Baltic Sea

Wholesale gas prices surged to a record 400p yesterday - a 37% increase in 24 hours and 600% up on January - but dropped to around 274p after the Russian President's intervention

Analysis of price rises in the last year shows the cost of a second-hand car has risen more than 1,600, a tank of fuel is up more than 10 and the price of a pint of beer is creeping close to 4

The result is that Russia can now hold Ukraine and other Eastern European states to ransom. The Kremlin could shut down their gas without having to cut off the rest of Europe.

In effect, one group of nations will be played off against the other in a fearful system of divide and rule, with Russia in command.

As Yuriy Vitrenko, the chief executive of Ukrainian energy giant Naftogaz, put it this week: 'Moscow is withholding gas supplies in order to coerce Europe into accepting Nord Stream 2.

'Russia's actions are the epitome of gas weaponisation. Anyone who refuses to acknowledge what Moscow is doing, especially when it does this so blatantly, is sending a dangerous message to the Russians that they can use gas to blackmail Europe and get away with it.'

Given all this, it is almost inevitable that Ukraine will soon be plunged into another security crisis, perhaps even greater than the one that led to the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

The fallout would be disastrous, especially in view of the fragility of Europe's post-Covid economies.

The implications of Russia's energy strength are brutal, leaving us relentlessly on the defensive.

If, for example, Russia invaded Estonia, would Nato respond if Putin threatened to cut off Europe's gas? The only way to break free from the shackles of energy dependency is to develop our own resources and means of storage.

In the 1970s, Western reliance on Middle Eastern oil created an era of regional conflict and economic crisis.

It would be a tragedy if today, the same were to happen because of our reliance on Russian gas.
They are sensitive creatures, the young, and I must tread very carefully to avoid giving offence to our one remaining resident son. So let me say at once that I don't blame him a bit for the fact he still lives with his parents at the ripe old age of 28.

It is possible, I suppose, that on his wages as a teaching assistant he could just about afford to rent a damp cupboard or a dog kennel in one of the least salubrious parts of the capital.

But so astronomical are the rents in London these days (as they are, increasingly, elsewhere in the country) that if he did find a place to call his own, he would have barely enough left over for food, let alone the rest of the bills.

They are sensitive creatures, the young, and I must tread very carefully to avoid giving offence to our one remaining resident son. So let me say at once that I don't blame him a bit for the fact he still lives with his parents at the ripe old age of 28, picture posed by models

It is certainly true that it was very much easier in my youth. Without so much as a penny from the bank of Mum and Dad, I was able to leave the family nest immediately after university, never to return to my parents except for the occasional  all right, the frequent free meal.

In our lad's defence, I must also admit that it's often a pleasure to have him around. True, it never fails to annoy me that he's a veritable genius at Only Connect, the toughest quiz show on TV, working out five or six answers per episode while I struggle to get one right. I'm a competitive brute, you understand.

But he cooks a delicious curry, brews the occasional cup of tea for his ageing parents  and, once in a while, he makes himself useful by taking the dog for a walk. He has even been known to put out the bins on a Wednesday evening.

Oh, and unlike the most Corbynist of his brothers (no names, no pack drill), our youngest rebukes me only rarely for my antediluvian views on such matters as Brexit (I'm all for it), the madness of identity politics and the Government's idiotic plans to drive us all into penury for the sake of appearing green.

All in all, then, he's a fine fellow, and I'm as devoted to him as a father could be (as I am to the other three, I hasten to say  even the Corbynista).

But much as I love the whole lot of them, I have to say that I've relished the precious few times in the past when, for one reason or another, all four of them were off the premises and Mrs U and I had the house to ourselves.

During those brief weeks, or sometimes months, there was no competition for my favourite armchair, no lectures about my politics, no feelings of guilt when I wanted to watch a costume drama while a Fulham or Liverpool match was showing on another channel.

So I took a special interest in this week's news that the prime minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, plans to offer Spaniards aged 18-35 a monthly bonus of 250 euros (about 212) in order to help them leave their family homes.

There can be no doubting the scale of the problem he is trying to address. For if Britain's young have trouble affording homes to call their own, their woes are nothing beside those of their contemporaries in Spain.

There the pandemic has brought tourism to its knees, exacerbating difficulties caused by the single European currency. Youth unemployment is running at a terrifying 33 per cent  almost three times higher than in the UK.

Among those young Spaniards lucky enough to have jobs (most of them temporary), average earnings are just 820 a month. In many big cities, that's less than the monthly rent for even the most modest flat.

No wonder that typical Spaniards don't leave their parents' homes until they are 30  four years older than the European average  while the proportion of those aged 16-29 who have fled the family nest has been dropping steadily, from 26 per cent in 2007 to a mere 16 per cent last year.

But is Senor Sanchez's well-meaning scheme really the answer? All I can say is that I wish I could believe it. But I don't.

Under his proposals, which also include a cap on the rents that can be charged by companies owning more than ten properties in areas of high demand, the bonus would be passed on by Spain's autonomous regional authorities to under-35s who earn less than 23,725 euros (20,130) a year.

If you ask me, this makes not the slightest economic sense. (But then who can expect economic wisdom from a prime minister who leads his country's Socialist Workers' Party?)

I fear that the only realistic solution to Britain's housing crisis lies in increasing the supply of homes available to rent or buy in the areas where they're wanted

For one thing, the inevitable effect of doling out cash for housing  as we've discovered in Britain with the Help to Buy scheme  is simply to push prices even further out of reach of all but the lucky few who have been able to benefit from it (including some who already own at least one home). Meanwhile, Mr Sanchez's proposed rental cap can only reduce the number of homes available for rent, thereby exacerbating the shortage, since it will discourage big companies from entering the market.

Indeed, rent restrictions have proved counter-productive in pretty well every country where they've been tried.

No, I fear that the only realistic solution to Britain's housing crisis lies in increasing the supply of homes available to rent or buy in the areas where they're wanted. This means cutting the red tape that discourages so many would-be landlords from letting out properties that now stand empty.

And yes, though it grieves me to say this, I believe it will also mean braving the wrath of Nimbys who oppose any suggestion of relaxing planning restrictions in some of the country's most sought-after areas.

For though Boris may dream aloud, in his boosterish way, about building countless new homes on brownfield sites  which are often contaminated by chemical waste  the uncomfortable truth remains that it's very much cheaper and easier to build them on virgin land, where the fields are green.

No, as politicians continue to shy away from easing the restraints on building, I fear it will be a long while yet before young(ish) people like my son enjoy anything like the opportunities my own generation had for setting up on our own.

Mind you, I'm not all that sorry for my boy. For eager though he may be to flee the nest, even he must admit there are certain advantages to be had from living with Mum and Dad.

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez has offered adult children aged between 18 and 35 a monthly bonus of 212 if they leave the family home

I fear that he and others like him may be in for quite a shock when they finally do leave home. For they will discover that fridges and the cereal cupboard no longer fill up automatically after they've raided them, sheets don't wash and iron themselves, televisions need licences and gas, electricity, Netflix, Spotify and the rest must all be paid for, on top of the rent.

To be fair, however, I can also envisage a time when I may miss him deeply. For though the young are hardest hit by the housing shortage, my own generation has its own crisis looming.

I'm thinking of the appalling state of Britain's social care system  and this week's warning by the Health Secretary that if we do need support, we should turn to 'family first' before asking the state for help.

As I fast approach my dotage, I can all too easily see a dawn, in the not too distant future, when my wife and I would give almost anything to have an able-bodied family member on the premises, willing to cook up a curry, brew a cuppa and put out the bins.

Knowing my luck, that morning will come on the very day after he's finally waved us goodbye.
The lead prosecutor in the case against Britain's most prolific rapist hopes his horrific crimes will raise awareness of rape against men.

Serial rapist Reynhard Sinaga is believed to have attacked at least 195 men and was convicted of drugging 48 of them before filming himself sexually abusing them while they were unconscious.

Iain Simkin, of Deans Court Chambers in Manchester, appeared in BBC Two documentary, Catching A Predator, which detailed the investigation into Sinaga's crimes.

The Crown Prosecution Service barrister described the rapist as 'savage' and said the videos he shot of himself abusing his victims - one of which took place over the course of 14 hours - were 'worse than a Gothic horror story'.

Serial rapist Reynhard Sinaga is believed to have attacked at least 195 men and was convicted of drugging 48 of them before filming himself sexually abusing them while they were unconscious

Crown Prosecution Service barrister Iain Simkin, of Deans Court Chambers in Manchester, appeared in BBC Two documentary Catching A Predator, which will detail the investigation into Sinaga's crimes

'I hope it's raised awareness that men get raped', he said. 'Men get raped. I've got four sons and when they go to university I now know I will be more worried than I was beforehand.

'My friends who have daughters are always worried that something will happen to your daughters, you don't think about it for your sons. But I do, now.'

Simkin also said he does 'far fewer' rape cases after the Sinaga case - calling them a graphic representation of the worst parts of human nature'.

Sinaga, then 36, was an Indonesian student living in Manchester, who would roam the street late at night and lure men to his apartment - before drugging them so they became unconscious and sexually assaulting them.

The investigation into Sinaga began when one of his victims regained consciousness on the bathroom floor and fought off the rapist before reporting the incident to the police. The rapist is pictured after being battered by one of his victims

The investigation into Sinaga began in 2017 when one of his victims regained consciousness on the bathroom floor and fought off the rapist before reporting the incident to the police.

The six-foot tall, 13-stone teenager told how he woke up with his trousers around his ankles with the attacker molesting him. He battered the rapist, beating him so badly he suffered a bleed on the brain and had to be taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary.

Initially the 18-year-old victim was arrested for assault, but eventually it was discovered that Sinaga had left an iPhone 4 in his flat, which contained sickening videos of him raping drugged men.

Di Matt Gregory was the first detective at the scene, and recalled Sinaga describing himself as a 'terrible person' after being arrested for rape.

Officers searching Sinaga's flat found cameras, memory cards, mobile phones, laptops and hard drives containing a chilling online library of videos.

Later it would be discovered the rapist kept three terabytes of data on his devices, with one terabyte equating to 250,000 photographs and 250 DVDs.

Officers searching Sinaga's flat (pictured) found cameras, memory cards, mobile phones, laptops and hard drives containing a chilling online library of videos

Sinaga, then 36, was an Indonesian student living in Manchester, who would roam the street late at night and lure men to his apartment (pictured) - before drugging them so they became unconscious and sexually assaulting them

They also found Sinaga had looked victims up on Facebook and stored their details and photographs as 'trophies' along with other sick souvenirs such as a phone, watch and driving licence.

DS Natalie McDonald had already seen a video of Sinaga raping one of his victim's before his first police interview, and knew was lying as he denied guilt.

I came out of the interview thinking he wanted people to feel sorry for him', she said.

He was lying and his tears towards the end, I dont think its because of what he saw in front of him. I think it was just another tac tic to try and make out he was the victim that people didn't believe.

'Unless youve met Reynhard Sinaga you wont realise the level of manipulation he has.

DS Natalie McDonald (pictured) had already seen a video of Sinaga raping one of his victim's before his first police interview, and knew was lying as he denied guilt

DS Kimberley Hames-Evans (pictured) was investigating an eight week old investigation into a similar 2017 incident

She said coming out of his first police it was clear the case was 'going to grow' and police quickly linked the crime to an eight week old investigation into a similar incident.

DS Kimberley Hames-Evans explained: 'The lad that had reported it had a really confused account of what he thought had happened.

'He was out with friends in a bar watching a band, he then woke up in a place he was unfamiliar with but couldn't give any detail about how he got from one place to the other and was getting these confused flashbacks of being analy penetrated.

After forensic examination of the victim's clothes, it was confirmed that Sinaga was behind the second rape, and by day four of the investigation there were already 16 confirmed victims.

'The contents of the phone was horrendous, said DS Kimberley. 'There were videos upon videos of young men being sexually abused and raped.

DC Dorothy Orr (pictured) recalled the horrific job of informing men they'd found on Sinaga's devices that they were victims of rape or sexual assault

'Working in the sexual offence unit you get lots of reports of rape but seldom see one in front of your own eyes.

It was discovered that Sinaga even took selfies with his victims - the majority of whom were straight - while they lay unconscious in his bed.

DC Dorothy Orr recalled the horrific job of informing men they'd found on Sinaga's devices that they were victims of rape or sexual assault.

'It was at the point of saying his name they would say "I remember this man who was really nice to me, looked after me, I was drunk he took me in"

'And you sit there, and youre going to tell them what someone has done to them. Someone has raped them. Chances are their life is not going to be the same again, ever, ever, ever.

One of Sinaga's victims, Daniel (pictured), bravely waived his right to anonymity to tale part in the documentary, sharing the harrowing story of being told he was raped by the monster

'You do have think, "Would I want to know, am I better off not knowing?" But you have to know, you have a right to know.

DS Kimberley added: 'They just went very quiet and you see the colour drain from their face. No sort of obvious reaction, a very sort of dour look on their face.

'I knew giving that information, ive just ruined this persons life - and you could see it.

One of Sinaga's victims, Daniel, bravely waived his right to anonymity to tale part in the documentary, sharing the harrowing story of being told he was raped by the monster after going out for his birthday in Manchester.

'When the police turned up I could see the way she looked at me that she recognised me', said Daniel. 'I knew she knew and when I saw her face, I just knew and it all went from there.

'They showed me photographs and they showed me one of my arm, I was laying on my arm and you could see my tattoo. One of the photos I said "I dont think thats me" and then I looked again.

'Its horrible to see yourself that vulnerable on photos that someone else has taken and you can see im comatose, I look dead.

'Theres a bit of relief because you know whats happened finally and you can make sense of it. But not the relief you want. I just so wish it wouldnt have happened.'

Simkin also said he does 'far fewer' rape cases after the Sinaga case - calling them a graphic representation of the worst parts of human nature'

Iain was asked to be lead prosecutor on the trail, recalling the horror of watching 'videos of people being raped for hour after hour.

'What we had was a narrative that had been captured on film, there was the side profile where he would film himself raping the victims, then there was close up shots as well.

'One man who had no memory of it was violently raped, so was held down during the rape, tried to struggle free but was held down by the defendant who was savage though.

'At one point it was pretty clear the defendant had two men at the flat and he would go from raping one to go back to raping the other over hours and hours and hours, it was like a gothic horror story, worse really.

'He had to be convicted for what he had done, I cared about the result, I did care, I knew what I had to prove. And I knew he wouldnt plead guilty, people dont plead guilty, very rarely do they plead guilty.'

He was jailed for 60 years and must serve a minimum of 30 years in custody before he can be considered for parole after being convicted of 159 sexual offences in January 2020.

Catching A Predator is available on BBC iPlayer
Sally Lindsay stars in Channel 5's new show The Madame Blanc Mysteries, which she created, wrote and executively produced.

In the new comedy drama, which starts on Saturday 16 October, Lindsay plays Jean White an antiques dealer from Manchester investigating the death of her husband Rory and other crimes in the village of Sainte Victoire, in Southern France.

An exclusive trailer shared with Femail shows the cut-throat antique business awaiting Jean in Sainte Victoire, with rivals plotting against one-another, whille Jean tries to untangle the truth.

Sally Lindsay's co-writer Sue Vincent takes on the role of Gloria, a local who quickly befriends Jean when she makes it to the French village.

Sally Lindsay stars in the show she's created and has written for Channel 5, The Madame Blanc Mysteries, where she plays antiques dealer from Manchester Jean White who investigates crimes in Southern France. Airing from Saturday 16 October

Upon arriving in the town of Sainte Victoire, Jean is aided in her sleuthing by friendly cab driver Dom, played by Steve Edge, pictured

In the show, when Jean arrives to Sainte Victoire, she makes unsettling discoveries about her late husband's life.

When a series of crimes spark around the village, her knowledge of antiques, which is described as 'almost Sherlockian,' soon begins to assist police with their investigations, including chief of the force Gendarme Caron.

She also befriends Dom, a dashing local taxi driver played by Steve Edge (Starlings, Phoenix Nights), who helps her in her sleuthing, as she meets the local and untangles their stories.

Sue Holderness (Only Fools and Horses) is terrible flirt and local gossip purveyor Judith, and Robin Askwith (Confessions) is Jeremy, Judiths adoring husband. The couple live in the Chateau at the edge of Sainte Victoire and see themselves as the Lord and Lady of the village.

In the show, we meet Jean, who is happily married to her antiques dealer husband Rory. But Rory is sadly killed, and all of Jean's money disappeared

The antiques dealer is welcomed by Judith and Jeremy Lloyd-James, played by Sue Holderness and Robin Askwith who own a castle in the town and don't speak a word of French, pictured

'Jeans not a flamboyant, Sherlock-type character, but shes a down to earth woman who is just as clever! She is exceedingly confident in her knowledge of antiques and she sees things other people dont see,' Sally, who imagined the character on the set of Still Open All Hours, said.

And Lindsay added her character was nothing like her.

'I'm the least observant person alive. I once took a pair of shoes to be reheeled, went to the Timpsons I thought I walked past every day and discovered it had been a Pret for six years,' she said.

The show's filming on the Maltese island of Gozo was delayed by a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Dom, pictured, assist Jean in her investigation, and is in the know when it comes to village gossip

Jean's 'Sherlockian' knowledge of antiques makes her a secret weapon for the French police, who come to her to help their investigations

Sue Vincent, who co-wrote the show with Sally Lindsay, also plays fast friend of Jean Gloria, pictured

Lindsay, who has developed shows' idea throughout her career, including Scott and Bailey, which starred Suranne Jones, was inspired by a Coronation Street storyline she played out early on in her career.

'I did a bigamy storyline on Coronation Street and was fascinated by it, the idea that all of a sudden everything you thought was real just isn't. I've always been fascinated that concept, but had never really explored it since then,' she said.

She also took her cues from beloved British antiques shows like the series Lovejoy.

Sally's co-writer Sue Vincent said working on the show with Sally was a blessing.

'Making this show was like winning a competition, albeit one I've been entering for 22 years! It was the biggest blessing in these extraordinary times, I felt really lucky,' she said.

Alex Gaumond plays gendarme Caron, the chief of police in Sainte Victoire, who comes to Jean for her expertise
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Perched high above a rainforest on the northernmost tip of New South Wales, a one-of-a-kind 'treehouse' creates the illusion of floating amongst clouds as visitors climb their way to its enchanting front door.

Nestled between the trunks of majestic red cedar trees in the Byron Bay hinterland, 'The Den' is one of Australia's most unique getaways, captivating visitors with its breathtaking views and unusual location.

It sounds lavish, but the perfect escape, which includes an outdoor shower, a firepit and a cosy queen-sized bedroom that captures the sunrise, comes at a surprisingly reasonable price, with a nightly rate of just $195 on weekdays and $215 on weekends.

Perched high above a rainforest on the northernmost tip of New South Wales, a one-of-a-kind treehouse (pictured) creates the illusion of floating amongst clouds as visitors climb their way to its enchanting front door

The Den (pictured) comes at a surprisingly reasonable price, with a nightly rate of just $195 on weekdays and $215 on weekends

East-facing windows in the bedroom and dining area can be flung open to frame stunning panoramas of the valley below and 'million dollar' views all the way to the coast.

The house has almost everything you need for a relaxing stay without going completely off-grid, including WiFi, heating, and electricity - but no air conditioning.

Built specially for adventurers and nature lovers, the timber facade blends perfectly with the forest which is home to spectacular sights including a thundering waterfall, natural swimming holes and a series of challenging hiking trails.

East-facing windows in the bedroom (left) and dining area (right) can be flung open to frame stunning panoramas of the valley below and 'million dollar' views all the way to the coast

There's also a rustic but fully functional kitchen (pictured) where you can prepare meals without heading into town

Built specially for adventurers and nature lovers, the timber facade blends perfectly with the surrounding forest

The treehouse is just a 20-minute drive from Byron Bay's main beach and a short trip to many must-see attractions, including the Red Earth Brewery and Fingal Head Lighthouse.

Hosts Robin and Jacqueline said they use income from the treehouse to 'repair and regenerate' the rainforest.

The Den, which can be booked through travel platform Riparide, boasts dozens of five-star reviews and a '100 per cent' recommendation rate online, with guests raving about the views and 'unforgettable' location.

'This place was wonderful, somewhere I will never forget! I will definitely be back,' one woman wrote.

The treehouse is located in a forest that's home to spectacular sights including a thundering waterfall, natural swimming holes (pictured) and a series of challenging hiking trails

A second added: 'Our stay here was truly magical, The Den is a slice of paradise.'

She continued: 'We spent our time exploring the land and followed a map provided by the owner through multiple terrains until we found the beautiful waterfall. Perfect spot to cool down and have a dip.

'This place has amazing ocean views and if you dont mind an early start you will be spoilt with the most incredible sunrise. The Treehouse is ideal getaway, perfect to unwind and disconnect from the world.

A third said the 'peace and serenity' of the area was 'second to none'.
A cocktail bar is set to unveil a nostalgia-inducing menu - complete with Tasty Toobs loaded burgers and 'Toob-Tots'.

The Big Easy, a New Orleans-inspired cocktail bar in Sydney's Darlinghurst, has teamed up with Master of Mixes to create an epic Big Weekend Brunch menu with fancy cocktails to pair.

Diners can treat themselves to a 'Toobs TLC' - a deluxe burger featuring Louisiana fried chicken covered in a Tasty Toobs crumb, topped with maple bacon, double American cheese, aioli, pickles and Tasty Toobs stuffed between a fresh potato bun.

The menu also includes the 'Toob-Tots' - a side dish consisting of fluffy tater tots topped with Tasty Toobs, candied bacon, nacho cheese and dusted with tomato powder for a blast from the past.

Sydney cocktail bar The Big Easy is set to unveil a nostalgia-inducing menu - complete with Tasty Toobs loaded burgers and 'Toob-Tots'

The New Orleans-inspired cocktail bar in Sydney's Darlinghurst has teamed up with Master of Mixes to create an epic Big Weekend Brunch menu with fancy cocktails to pair

Top off the nostalgic experience with an indulgent 'Boozeymisu' cake.

The boozy, tiramisu-inspired dessert is multi-layered with the rich flavours of Master of Mixes' Espresso, vanilla genoise, mascarpone, cream and chocolate.

Diners can kick off the brunch with the 'Spressi Marts Breaking Hearts' - a twist on the classic Espresso Martini stirred with Master of Mixes' Espresso, premium vodka and a touch of zesty lime.

No brunch menu would be complete without a good old Bloody Mary, complete with Toob's Spice Blend, premium vodka, roasted tomato oil, Tasty Toobs and celery salt.

Diners can treat themselves to a 'Toobs TLC' - a deluxe burger featuring Louisiana fried chicken covered in a Tasty Toobs crumb, topped with maple bacon, double American cheese, aioli, pickles and Tasty Toobs stuffed between a fresh potato bun

The menu includes the 'Toob-Tots' - a side dish consisting of fluffy tater tots topped with Tasty Toobs, candied bacon, nacho cheese and dusted with tomato powder for a blast from the past

Those looking for some extra comfort food can get their hands on the brunch menu for two for $75 from Friday, October 15 at The Big Easy.

The brunch menu includes two burgers, one Toob-Tots, two cocktails and one Boozeymisu cake. Customers can get the menu items on its own - including the $18 Toobs TLC Burger, $14 Toob-Tots and $14 Boozeymisu cake.

Customers can enjoy the menu in store or via pick up.
While millions of Australians anxiously wait for international borders to reopen, one lucky pup bagged a business class seat from Melbourne to Italy.

Lewis, a six-year-old greyhound, boarded a Singapore Airlines' flight in September with his owner, Mary Meister, who decided to relocate to Florence after multiple lockdowns and the loss of her hospitality job took a toll on her mental health.

When she adopted Lewis in 2019, the US-born hotel worker had every intention of staying in Australia, but after being treated for anxiety, depression, and panic attacks, she knew she had to make a move - but couldn't leave him behind.

Ms Meister spoke to her doctor and therapist who both agreed it was worth applying to have Lewis fly with her in the cabin, with the alternative being a three-days separation while he travelled as cargo.

While millions of Australians anxiously wait for international borders to reopen, this lucky pup bagged a business class seat from Melbourne to Italy

US-born hospitality worker Mary Meister (right) adopted Lewis (left) in 2019

Flying high: Ms Meister was ecstatic when the airline agreed to allow Lewis to sit at her feet, but since the flight was virtually empty due to travel restrictions, she let him jump up on a free seat

Select carriers including Singapore Airlines allow 'emotional support animals' to travel in the aircraft cabin without extra charge, provided an absorbent material must is placed on the floor beneath them at all times.

Ms Meister was ecstatic when the airline agreed to allow Lewis to sit at her feet, but since the flight was virtually empty due to ongoing travel restrictions, she let him jump up on a free seat.

'He was very well behaved and stayed when asked,' she told Traveller.

'He definitely didn't enjoy take-off or landing, but he slept for 99 per cent of the flight.'

While most can only dream of affording a business class ticket, the lucky pooch was treated to a reclining bed, a giant flat-screen TV and a crew of flight attendants to cater to his every whim.

Although she placed sanitary pads under him for any potential accidents, Ms Meister said Lewis stuck to his training and only relieved himself in outdoor areas of airports in transit

The second leg of the journey fell on Lewis' seventh birthday which saw staff 'spoil him rotten' with a spread of muffins, croissants, and pots of strawberry jam

Although she placed sanitary pads under him for any potential accidents, Ms Meister said Lewis stuck to his training and only relieved himself in outdoor areas of airports in transit.

The second leg of the journey fell on Lewis' seventh birthday which saw staff 'spoil him rotten' with a spread of muffins, croissants, and pots of strawberry jam.

'They all said he was the best behaved dog they'd ever had on a flight and they couldn't believe how quiet he was the whole time,' Ms Meister said.

She said he is loving his new life in Italy, which boasts off-leash dog parks where he has plenty of room to play.
Crown Princess Mary has just wrapped up an extraordinarily busy calendar of royal engagements that has taken her across Europe over the past four months.

But rather than rolling out a new wardrobe like most royals might, Denmark's future queen, 49, recycled some of her favourite looks with typically effortless flair.

The much-loved Princess, born Mary Donaldson in Hobart, Tasmania, proved she's not afraid of outfit repeating by slipping into old dresses from designers including Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, and Cult Gaia.

The mother-of-four, who shares Prince Christian, 15, Princess Isabella, 14, and 10-year-old twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine with her husband, Prince Frederik, 53, also wore a customised H&M skirt for the fourth time in three years.

Mary's penchant for repurposing pieces stands in stark contrast to the likes of Meghan Markle, former Duchess of Sussex, who recently wore a $12,200 ensemble to a Harlem public school where 94 per cent of students reportedly get free meals.

Crown Princess Mary looks radiant in the same $865 Cult Gaia dress in Copenhagen in January 2017 (left) and on an official visit to Lithuania on September 30, 2021 (right)

THE TAILOR-MADE SKIRT

The Princess proved she has no fear of outfit repeating as she stepped out in her favourite green skirt for a glittering engagement in Copenhagen on September 25.

She looked radiant in the $265 H&M Conscious dress she had tailored into a skirt at the Crown Prince Couple's Awards, a collection of cultural prizes she presents each year with husband Prince Frederik, 53.

The awards were established 17 years ago as a wedding gift from the Bikuben Foundation, after the couple married at Copenhagen Cathedral on May 14, 2004.

It is the fourth time in three years that Mary has been spotted in the customised skirt since she first wore it to the launch of Copenhagen Fashion Summit in 2018.

The mother-of-four styled the statement piece with an elegant black top and a pair of $1,225 mesh panelled pumps from one of her favourite footwear designers, Gianvito Rossi.

Crown Princess Mary proved she's not afraid of outfit repeating as she stepped out in her favourite green skirt for the annual Crown Prince Couple's Awards on September 25

Denmark's future queen had this $265 H&M Conscious dress cut into a skirt back in 2018

THE HOMETOWN TRIBUTE

In June, Mary paid tribute to her Australian roots by wearing one of her favourite dresses from a Sydney fashion label to a concert in Odense, 167km south of the capital, Copenhagen.

The Princess last wore the $825 Moss & Spy gown on a three-day tour of Paris in October 2019 when she visited with Prince Frederik,

She wore the same blue silk heels from Gianvito Rossi that she wore in France almost two years ago and carried the same midnight coloured clutch bag.

Princess Mary wore one of her favourite dresses from a Sydney fashion label at the 'Mind of Music' concert in Odense on June 4, 2021

Mary last wore the gown (right) on a three-day tour of Paris in October 2019 (left) when she visited with her husband, Prince Frederik, 53

THE DOLCE & GABBANA DRESSES

The Crown Princess was photographed inspecting the dinner arrangements before an event inside Amalienborg Palace for her namesake organisation, The Mary Foundation, in September, wearing a burgundy lace Dolce & Gabbana dress.

The future queen previously donned the frock in January 2017 for a gala event in honour of the President of Iceland's visit to Denmark.

Weeks later, Mary slipped into a red Dolce & Gabbana dress on an official visit to Lithuania in early October, which she last wore for a family gathering at Amalienborg Palace in April 2018.

The thrifty royal followed the theme by wearing the same $865 cobalt blue number from Cult Gaia during her Lithuania trip that she wore when the President of Iceland visited four years ago.

Mary slipped into a red Dolce & Gabbana dress on an official visit to Lithuania in October 2021

The Princess last wore the dress for a family gathering at Amalienborg Palace in April 2018

THE TRUSTY PINK FROCK

Mary wore one of her favourite Marc Jacobs dresses to the unveiling of her own sustainably-made portrait at Milan Design Week in September.

The Princess attended an exhibition at the Museo Nazionale Scienza e Tecnologia Leonardo Da Vinci, which featured an image of herself made entirely from recycled material.

The artwork depicted the Australian-born Princess in a tiara, a blue sash and an ornate brooch, with her head glancing to the side. Shards of broken glass were used to create a mirrored reflection in the background.

The frock was first seen on Mary during a visit to BLOX in Copenhagen in September 2020.

Mary touched down in Italy for Milan Design Week in September and kicked off the event at an unveiling of her own sustainably-made portrait in one of her favourite Marc Jacobs dresses

Mary first wore the dress at the opening of The BLOX - Build Back Better Summit - in Copenhagen in September 2020

Mary is a royal who practices what she preaches.

A passionate advocate for sustainability, the Princess is known for throwing support behind environmental initiatives including the Global Fashion Agenda and Fair Festival, Denmark's largest digital showcase of sustainable products.

In a speech made at Aarhus City Hall in April 2021, Mary issued a warning about the impact of consumption on planet and the role it has played in accelerating climate change.

'It is easy as individuals to feel powerless in the face of something as large and complex as climate change and its consequences,' she told the crowd.

'But we can - both you and I - help make a difference through our personal choices and actions. We must become wiser, greener, more circular, more innovative and visionary in our thinking, approach and our collaboration and our solutions.'
His sister tied the knot in lavish fashion this summer, now it seems love might be on the cards for Lady Kitty Spencer's younger brother.

Samuel Aitken, 18, son of Kitty's mother Victoria Aitken and her second husband Jonathan Aitken, attended a Cape Town school prom with glamorous date Noa Duckitt.

Noa, a budding performer, looked stunning in a red evening dress, while Samuel dressed up in a navy double breasted suit and open collar shirt.

Proud Samuel shared photos of the event on his public Instagram account, where he boasts more than 7,000 followers, with the caption: 'Unbelievable time with the most incredible date @noaaa.duckitt.'

Samuel Aitken, 18, son of Kitty's mother Victoria Aitken and her second husband Jonathan Aitken, attended a South African school prom with glamorous date Noa Duckitt (left, in red)

Proud Samuel shared photos of the event on his public Instagram account, where he boasts more than 7,000 followers, with the caption: 'Unbelievable time with the most incredible date @noaaa.duckitt.' Pictured, the couple strike a pose at a white party with friends

Excited Kitty, 30, was among those who commented on the snaps, as was Greg Mallett, who is engaged to Kitty and Samuel's sister Lady Amelia, 29

Excited Kitty, 30, was among those who commented on the snaps, saying: 'You guys @samuelaitken_ @noaaa.duckitt most beautiful couple!!'

Greg Mallett, who is engaged to Kitty and Samuel's sister Amelia, added: 'Power duo this. Yowza.'

Kitty is close to her younger brother and grew up with him in Cape Town, where he attended the exclusive Bishops Diocesan College.

The depth of their bond was evident on her wedding day, when she chose Samuel and their brother Louis, Viscount Althorp, to walk her down the aisle, instead of her father.

Noa, pictured in an Instagram snap, also shared photos of her outing with Samuel - much to the delight of friends, who hailed them a 'power couple'

It remains to be seen what Samuel will choose to do next but Tatler has dubbed him one to watch and speculated if he might be snapped up by a modelling agency like his sisters. Pictured, Samuel with a friend ahead of the prom in Cape Town

Samuel, a keen sportsman, looked every inch the young gentleman as he led Noa into the dance. The couple have previously attended a white party together.

The pretty brunette also shared photos from the event with a caption, saying: 'Always an eventful time with @samuelaitken_ #lastbutnotleast.'

The posts were met with excitement from their friends, with one calling them a 'power couple'. Another said: 'You are the dream!'

It has been a busy summer for Samuel, who jetted off to Europe to watch Lady Kitty tie the knot with Michael Lewis, 62, in a weekend-long celebration in Rome.

The depth of Kitty and Samuel's was evident on her wedding day, when she chose him and their brother Louis, Viscount Althorp, to walk her down the aisle, pictured

The teenager took to his Instagram account to share snaps from the wedding, which took place at Villa Aldobrandini in July, including one of him with Pixie Lott and Idris Elba's wife Sabrina Dhowre Elba.

After the wedding, he met up with Kitty in Milan as she enjoyed a month-long honeymoon.

It remains to be seen what Samuel will choose to do next but Tatler has dubbed him one to watch and speculated if he might be snapped up by a modelling agency like his sisters.
Sarah Ferguson has called Princess Beatrice and Eugenie 'phenomenal mothers' as she gushed over her two daughters in a new interview.

Beatrice, 33, welcomed her first daughter Sienna with Italian property developer husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi last month and is stepmother to his son Wolfie, while Eugenie, 31, welcomed son August Philip Hawke Brooksbank with husband Jack Brooksbank in February.

The Duchess of York, 61, fawned over her children while speaking to Hello magazine, revealing: 'My children are phenomenal mothers. They were great children but now they're phenomenal mothers. And now, I have these two exceptional grandchildren all in one year.'

Meanwhile she said her seven-month-old grandson August has started 'smiling at her' and appears to find her 'genuinely funny.'

Sarah Ferguson has called Princess Beatrice and Eugenie 'phenomenal mothers' as she gushed over her two daughters in a new interview

She added: 'It's so funny because when August smiles at me now, because he's seven and a half months, you actually know he genuinely likes you.

'It's not a put-on smile, he genuinely finds me very funny which is quite lucky.'

Beatrice tied the knot with Edo in September 2020 and the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter called Sienna, last month.

The Queen's granddaughter gave birth to a baby girl weighing 6lbs 2oz at 11.42pm on Saturday 18 September at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, in London.

Meanwhile the Duchess of York said her seven-month-old grandson August has started 'smiling at her' and appears to find her 'genuinely funny' (pictured, Eugenie and August)

On Friday, Beatrice and her husband Edo Mapelli Mozzi posted an image of the newborn's footprints while announcing they had decided to call her Sienna Elizabeth, in a touching tribute to the Queen.

But the Italian name Sienna was chosen in honour of Sarah, a family friend told Hello!, explaining that Beatrice wanted to pick a title beginning with S and one which reflected the 'golden rust colour of the Duchess's hair, which the new baby shares'.

The baby girl was born 11th in line to the throne, and although their mother is a princess they will be plain Miss Mozzi - and a half-sibling and will also be a half-sibling to Edo's son, Wolfie.

Sienna is the second grandchild for Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, and will be the Queen's eleventh great-grandchild.

Beatrice gave birth to a baby girl weighing 6lbs 2oz at 11.42pm on Saturday 18 September at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, in London

Beatrice, who is ninth in line to the throne, is the only princess in the British royal family to marry someone with children and take on a stepchild.

Her property tycoon husband shares a young son, two-year-old Christopher 'Wolfie' Woolf, with his glamorous former fiancee of three-and-a-half years, Dara Huang.

The Queen 's granddaughter described her role as a stepmother to Edo's son Wolfie, five, calling him her 'bonus son' during an interview with author Giovanna Fletcher for Hello!'s Back to School digital issue.

In February, Beatrice's sister Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank welcomed baby August.

On Friday, Beatrice and her husband Edo Mapelli Mozzi posted an image of the newborn's footprints (pictured) while announcing they had decided to call her Sienna Elizabeth, in a touching tribute to the Queen

She welcomed her first child, who is 11th in line to the throne, with Jack on February 9 at London's Portland Hospital. The couple were pictured leaving the hospital three days later on February 12.

Last month, the new mother revealed the name and shared her first family picture with her son - the Queen's ninth great grandchild - which is thought to have been taken in the grounds of Frogmore Cottage, where the couple are currently living.

Eugenie went on to reveal the name was a touching tribute to Queen Victoria's Husband Prince Albert, whose birth name was Franz Albert August Karl Emanuel, and Prince Philip, who died at the age of 99 this year.

In February, Beatrice's sister Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank welcomed baby August., pictured L-R with dad Jack. She welcomed her first child, who is 11th in line to the throne, with Jack on February 9 at London's Portland Hospital.

On Mother's Day, Princess Eugenie paid tribute to her mother in a throwback snap where Fergie can be seen holding her as a baby back in 1990.

Alongside the touching tributes, the Queen's granddaughter penned: 'I'm so excited to be August's mum and as you can see I'm enjoying my first Mother's Day.'

'I'm also celebrating my beautiful Mumma with this picture of us from March 1990. You've taught me so much. Happy Mother's Day to all.'
She visited him weekly in Florida and claimed he is a 'noble' and 'generous' man

Revealed he told her to leave him before his trial and when he was convicted

Baroness Barbara Amiel has revealed how her 'noble' husband Conrad Black told her to leave him when he was sent to prison - and insisted he's the most generous and the least intolerant man', despite appearing 'pompous.'

The 80-year-old and the disgraced press mogul, 77 - who was the former owner of the Daily Telegraph - were once the toast of London and New York society, but became social outcasts after Black was jailed by a U.S. court for fraud and obstruction of justice.

Black served more than three years after being convicted of defrauding shareholders in his newspaper company of 3.8million, but despite his prison sentence, Barbara remained loyal and visited him weekly in his Florida prison - even though he urged her to leave him.

Speaking to Tatler, Barbara explained: How could I possibly leave Conrad? Its just unthinkable. He told me to leave; he told me to leave before the trial  not as forcefully as he told me when he was convicted. I didnt understand  I thought he was being noble.

Baroness Barbara Amiely, 80, has revealed how her 'noble' husband Conrad Black told her to leave him when he was sent to prison - and insisted he's the most generous and the least intolerant man', despite appearing 'pompous.' Pictured, attending a party for John Aspinall at the Cafe Royal on 19th June 1996

Pictured, attending Annabel Goldsmith's annual summer party at her home in Richmond on 10 July 2014

She went on to say he 'is noble' - adding that people 'don't know Conrad' and often get the wrong impression of him.

'I know he appears pompous, showing off his erudition, but hes kind and generous and the least intolerant man Ive ever met,' she continued. 'Hes everything to me.'

Barbara went on to say that even if she knew everything that was going to happen with the jail and colossal sums they've lost, she would still 'marry him all over again.'

In previous interview, she has openly told how after their marriage, she struggled to make the transition from jobbing journalist living on ready meals to the socially cut-throat world of billionaires - noting how she often felt 'lost' in her husband's social circle.

Former Hollinger International Chairman Conrad Black arriving with his wife Barbara Amiel (l) at the Dirksen Federal Courthouse for a resentencing hearing in Chicago, Illinois on 24th June 2011

The 80-year-old went on to say how when she was with Conrad, she could 'handle anyone' but added it was a different story when she was separated from him.

Recalling one particular incident with Prince Philip, she noted how sometimes even her husband's presence wasn't enough to prevent those feelings of not fitting in.

HISTORY OF CONRAD BLACK'S INFAMOUS FALL FROM GRACE Conrad Blacks release from the low security Federal Correctional Institution in Miami marks the end of a saga lasting nearly a decade. It started in 2003 when shareholders accused Black of skimming off millions of dollars from his global newspaper empire between 1999 and 2001. He was charged, alongside his associates at Hollinger holding company, and eventually convicted of stealing $6.1 million. They amassed the cash by handing themselves tax-free bonuses, from the selling off of their newspapers, without the consent of the firm's board. Black was sentenced, in 2007, to 78 months in prison. But, after he had served 29 months, the US Supreme Court dissolved the 'honest services' law that had formed the basis of his conviction. He was released in 2010 so that his case could be re-examined, and he succeeded in overturning two of his four initial convictions. It meant that he was responsible for de-frauding significantly less money than for what he was first convicted. The majority of his sentence pertained to an obstruction of justice - where he is said to have removed 13 boxes from his Toronto office while under investigation. In June 2011 he was re-sentenced and was sent back to prison with 13 months left to serve. He was eventually released five months early for good behaviour. Advertisement

When the Duke of Edinburgh came to our house, I hid upstairs and told Conrad to tell him I was out of town,' she said.

She also explained how after their wedding at Kensington and Chelsea Register Office, they went straight to the US ambassadors annual summer lunch at Claridges, where the Queen Mother was guest of honour.

With Conrad sitting next to royalty, she remembers how she found the whole thing 'absolutely ghastly' because she didn't know anyone at the table.

Conrad Black was a former newspaper baron whose media empire once included the Daily and Sunday Telegraph, The Spectator, Chicago Sunday Times, Jerusalem Post, and 500 titles across the U.S. and Canada.

A former member of the British House of Lords, he had been sentenced to more than six years in prison after his 2007 conviction in Chicago, but had then been released on bail two years later to pursue an appeal that was partially successful.

A judge reduced his sentence to three years and he returned in prison in September 2011. With time off for good behaviour, he went on to complete his sentence.

Black's big chance to squash his convictions arose in June 2010, when the U.S. Supreme Court sharply curtailed the disputed 'honest services' laws that underpinned part of his case.

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago tossed out two of Black's fraud convictions in 2011, citing that landmark ruling.

But it said one conviction for fraud and one for obstruction of justice were not affected by the Supreme Court's ruling.

The fraud conviction, the judges concluded, involved Black and others taking 441,141 ($600,000) and had nothing to do with honest services: It was, they asserted, straightforward theft.

Black  who received the title of Lord Black of Crossharbour  was known for a grand lifestyle, including a $62,000 (45,584) birthday party for his wife, a swanky apartment on Park Avenue in New York and a trip to the island of Bora Bora.

Black's three-month trial drew international attention, heightened by his sometimes haughty comments.

When shareholders grumbled about the cost of the Bora Bora trip, he wrote a memo saying: 'I'm not prepared to re-enact the French revolutionary renunciation of the rights of the nobility.'

At the core of the honest services charges against Black was his strategy, starting in 1998, of selling off the bulk of the small community papers, which were published in smaller cities across the United States and Canada.

Black and other Hollinger executives received millions of dollars in payments from the companies that bought the community papers in return for promises that they would not return to compete with the new owners.

Prosecutors said the executives pocketed the money, which they said belonged to shareholders, without telling Hollinger's board of directors.

At his resentencing hearing in 2011, several inmates wrote letters to the judge saying Black had changed their lives through lectures he gave on writing, history, economics and other subjects.

But one prison employee claimed in an affidavit that Black had arranged for inmates  'acting like servants'  to iron his clothes, mop his floor and perform other chores. Another employee told her Black once insisted she address him as 'Lord Black.'
An American businesswoman who hired an 18-year-old Princess Diana as a nanny for her infant son has opened up about her first impressions of the 'shy' and 'very tactile' teenager - who went on to wed Prince Charles in front of millions just months later.

Mary Robertson employed Diana for several months as a 'babysitter' to her infant son Patrick in 1980 - and the position was the final held by the future Princess of Wales before her wedding to Prince Charles in July 1981.

But while Diana was just weeks away from becoming one of the most famous faces in the world when she was hired by the family - who were living in London at the time - behind the scenes, Robertson says the teenager's demeanor couldn't have been further away from that of a global celebrity.

In an exclusive clip from upcoming CNN docuseries Diana, which premieres on Sunday, October 10, Robertson recalls meeting the 'shy' and naive young woman for the first time - while praising her natural ability to care for children.

'When Diana came to me as a shy 18-year-old babysitter, she'd had very little world experience - none at all - and she was just wonderful with Patrick,' Robertson said.

'She sat on the floor with him and she was totally focused on him.'

Looking back: An American businesswoman who employed an 18-year-old Princess Diana as a nanny to her infant son has opened up about her first impressions of the future royal

Insight: Mary Robertson hired Diana to care for her baby son Patrick in 1980 and says that the teenager was very 'shy' but 'wonderful' with her child

Diana worked for the Robertsons for three days a week, earning just $5-an-hour in the role - which she further bolstered by taking up a position as a nursery school teacher on the days when she wasn't caring for Patrick.

Robertson has previously revealed that she had no idea about Diana's aristocratic background when she hired her - nor was she aware that the teenager was actually dating Prince Charles at the time, telling Inside Edition in 2017 that she only learned about the romance when Diana warned her about paparazzi photographers who were camped outside the Robertson home.

'She said, "When you leave for work this morning, there are reporters and photographers at the end of the street,"' Robertson said. 'I asked, "Who are they there for?" She said, "They are there for me."

But even as Diana's personal life became the source of much public speculation and intrigue, Robertson says she remained the same 'trusting' and 'loving' young woman that she had always been - recalling how she won people over with her 'very tactile' characteristic.

'One of her strongest characteristics was she was very tactile, she wanted to hug people, reach out at touch them,' Robertson told CNN.

'That basic warm, trusting, loving, caring personality was always there.'

'Loving': In an exclusive clip from CNN's upcoming docuseries Diana, Robertson recalls the then-teenager as having 'no world experience' when she was hired

Character trait: 'One of her strongest characteristics was she was very tactile, she wanted to hug people, reach out at touch them,' Robertson told CNN

Natural talent: Diana worked for the Robertsons three days a week and on the other two, she took up a position as a nursery school assistant

Robertson only ended up employing Diana for a matter of months, before the teen handed in her notice and moved into Buckingham Palace ahead of her wedding to Prince Charles - however she says that they remained incredibly close over the next 16 years before the Princess passed away in a car crash in Paris in 1997.

'We continued a correspondence for the next 16 years,' she shared with Inside Edition, revealing that Diana sent dozens of letters and cards to her - even asking for the family to come and visit her.

The businesswoman attended Diana's funeral at Westminster Abbey, describing it as the 'saddest, most painful hour' of her life.

Diana's shy demeanor as a teenager is also highlighted in the CNN docuseries by her former ballet teacher, Wendy Mitchell, who taught dance classes at West Heath, the Sussex school that the future royal attended as a teenager.

According to Mitchell, Diana saw her ballet classes as 'somewhere she could really shine' - and a place where she could 'lose herself' in something she had a true passion for.

'Here, in the ballet class was somewhere she could shine,' Mitchell revealed. 'She adored dancing and anyone who has danced, if you do enjoy dancing, you're just lost in yourself.'

Under the radar: Robertson has previously revealed that she had no idea Diana was dating Prince Charles - until the teen warned the businesswoman about paparazzi outside the home

Background: The businesswoman was also unaware of Diana's aristocratic upbringing as Lady Diana Spencer, daughter of Earl Spencer (pictured with his second wife Raine)

CNN's new docuseries about the late Princess of Wales is set to debut on October 10 at 9pm ET, and promises to 're-examine the life of an icon through the lens of modernity' while 'drawing on voices of those close to her' in order to 'discover the real woman behind the People's Princess'.

The series features interviews with a variety of people who knew or worked with Diana - including friends, royal experts, and members of the media who sat down with her over the years.

British TV host Angela Rippon, who interviewed Diana and Charles ahead of their wedding in 1981 also shares her first impressions of the Princess of Wales in the docuseries, revealing how she knew right away that 'there was something more to Diana' during their on-air conversation.

'There was something more to Diana, something that was not the marshmallow or the Play-Doh that was going to be molded into what they [the royals] wanted,' she says in a clip obtained by People.

'Running through all of it was a backbone, a knowledge of her own self.'

The six-part CNN series will begin with an episode about Diana's childhood, examining her parents' divorce and her unhappy relationship with her father's second wife Raine.

Subsequent episodes will investigate her 'rise to global stardom', the impact of her decision to speak out about Charles' affair with his now-wife Camilla Parker-Bowles, and how her 'legacy continues' to this day.
Prince Charles, 72, looked delighted today as he continued his tour of Scotland

Prince Charles looked delighted today as he continued his tour of Scotland.

The Duke of Rothesay, as he's known when he's north of the border, visited his namesake Rothesay Rooms in Ballater, Aberdeenshire.

While there the royal, 72, met with a local Knitwise group where he giggled with the local ladies and enjoyed a cup of tea.

Prince Charles looked delighted today as he continued his tour of Scotland. The Duke of Rothesay, as he's known when he's north of the border, visited his namesake Rothesay Rooms in Ballater, Aberdeenshire. While there the royal, 72, met with a local Knitwise group where he giggled with the local ladies and enjoyed a cup of tea.

He also met with Executive Chef Ross Cochrane and waiting staff at the restaurant.

Donning traditional Scottish dress of a kilt and waist coast, the heir to the throne looked at ease among the ladies.

He also met with Executive Chef Ross Cochrane and waiting staff at the restaurant.

Today the royal was without his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, who he lives with at Clarence House in London.

Charles has been in Scotland for the week as part of a tour of the country, where visited Amity Fish Company Ltd in Peterhead and Glen Garioch in Oldmeldrum, one of the country's oldest distilleries.

Today the royal was without his wife, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall , who he lives with at Clarence House in London. He is pictured in Aberdeenshire

Charles has been in Scotland for the week as part of a tour of the country, where visited Amity Fish Company Ltd in Peterhead and Glen Garioch in Oldmeldrum, one of the country's oldest distilleries.

Clearly a taste for whisky, the future king later yesterday a tot of whisky to his tea on a visit to a kilt shop in Aberdeenshire. Charles was given the cuppa and dram at Gibbs - Gentlemen's Outfitter in Inverurie and decided to mix the two.

The store, which sells designer brands and formal wear for hire, including kilts, hosted the royal visitor as he toured local shops and the town's farmers' market on Tuesday.

Earlier, Charles met one of the stars of the BBC's series Trawlermen during a visit to Amity Fish Company Ltd in Peterhead.

Prince Charles enjoyed a dram of whisky as he sported a kilt during a trip to Aberdeen yesterday

The Prince of Wales, known as the Duke of Rothesay when in Scotland, with volunteer and organiser Ron Reid (right) during a visit to Inverurie Farmers Market and local shops around the town centre in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire

On Tuesday, Charles also visited Rora dairy which produces a range of Scottish yogurts on an organic family-run farm near Peterhead.

The Duke of Rothesay's tour also includes a visit to Inverurie where he will meet with traders at the town's farmers' market and visit the Garioch Heritage Centre, home to collections highlighting the history of the area.

Charles will also meet with the Inverurie Community Allotment and representatives from Grampian Opportunities, an organisation which promotes learning, volunteering and employment opportunities, and offers support for disabled people and people with mental health problems.
Former first lady Laura Bush and her daugher Jenna Bush Hager sat down on the Today show this morning to discuss the newest member of their family, Barbara Bush's first child  who may already be former President George W. Bush's favortite.

Barbara, 39, and her husband Craig Coyne, 40, announced the arrival of daughter Cora Georgia Coyne last week, giving the little girl a middle name inspired by her grandfather and great-grandfather, former President George H. W. Bush.

'It was really great,' Laura, 74, said of her husband's reaction to the name. 'Cora Georgia, she'll have to be his favorite.'

The quip had Jenna replying with a laugh, 'What about my children? Don't tell him that!'

Former first lady Laura Bush discussed the newest member of their family, Barbara Bush's first child Cora Georgia Coyne, on the Today show this morning

She and her daughter Jenna Bush Hager discussed the exciting time on the Today show, with Laura sharing her husband's reaction to the baby's name

'It was really great,' Laura, 74, said of her husband's reaction to the name. 'Cora Georgia, she'll have to be his favorite'

Barbara Bush, sister of @JennaBushHager, recently welcomed her first child into the world. Jenna caught up with her mom, Laura Bush, about the newest addition to the family, Cora Georgia Coyne. pic.twitter.com/zgjQJKDu7U  TODAY (@TODAYshow) October 7, 2021

All jokes of favoritism aside, Laura shared how excited she and her husband were to have a fourth grandchild  and see Barbara become a mom for the first time.

'Were thrilled with that darling little baby, and I know Barbara and Craig are, too,' Laura said.

Barbara had planned to give birth in New York City, but Cora arrived six weeks early while she was at the family compound in Kennebunkport, Maine  so she ended up delivering at Barbara Bush Childrens Hospital in Portland, Maine instead.

'Shes just a little, tiny, premature baby, but shes doing great,' Laura said.

'I went every day to hold the baby in the hospital,' she went on, adding that she read Cora the book 'On the Night You Were Born' by Nancy Tillman.

'She was, of course, very fascinated with it,' Laura said. 'I dont know that she opened her eyes.

'Were thrilled with that darling little baby, and I know Barbara and Craig are, too,' Laura said

New baby: Barbara, 39, and her husband Craig Coyne, 40, announced the arrival of daughter Cora Georgia Coyne last week

'Were looking forward to the baby being able to get out of the intensive care nursery pretty soon, I hope, and get to come home with her mother.'

Jenna also said that her own three children, Mila, Poppy, and Hal, can't wait to meet their cousin.

Jenna shared the first images of Cora on September 28, showing her sister tenderly cradling her daughter in a hospital bed.

Another photo captured Jenna with her arm around her sister and newborn niece in a hospital chair, with two other snaps showing the Today show host herself proudly holding Cora.

'Dearest Cora Georgia,' Jenna 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!

'Were looking forward to the baby being able to get out of the intensive care nursery pretty soon, I hope, and get to come home with her mother,' Laura said this week

Today show host Jenna, who said her three children are 'anxiously waiting' to meet their new cousin, was pictured proudly cradling her niece

'I witnessed in awe as my dearest, toughest @barbara.p.bush became a mama. And today is the day I fell in love!' Jenna wrote

'Some cousins are anxiously waiting to play with you, but not just yet love,' she concluded, sighing it 'Xx auntie j.'

The 43rd president and first lady announced the happy news in a press release issued last week, calling Cora 'healthy and adorable.'

'With full hearts, Laura and I are delighted to announce the birth of our new granddaughter,' Bush wrote in a statement that he and Laura later shared on InNstagram.

'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.'

Unlike Jenna, who regularly documents her family life on social media, Barbara is famously private and keeps her personal life mostly hidden from the spotlight.

She runs a health nonprofit and has taken a keen interest in helping AIDS patients in Africa.

Brood: Cora Georgia is the fourth grandchild of George and his wife Laura, 74, who are also grandparents to the three children of Barbara's twin sister Jenna and her husband Henry

Cousins: Cora is cousin to Jenna's three children Mila, Poppy, and Henry 'Hal'

Siblings: George (pictured with his family at the White House in 2004) once described Barbara as being 'an observer,' explaining that she was always 'more reserved' from a young age

George W. previously opened up about his daughter's discreet personality in a segment for Today, during which he recounted how Barbara and Jenna once joined their grandfather for a political rally in Texas around the age of three. He recalled how the sisters' respective personalities were clearly showing even at such a young age.

'Barbara was an observer, Jenna was a participant. Barbara is more reserved and Jenna is pretty outgoing. It was a reflection of their little personalities,' he said.

The birth of Barbara's daughter comes almost three years to the day after she and Vanderbilt graduate Craig tied the knot in an intimate surprise ceremony in Maine, having been engaged for just five weeks.

Barbara and Craig's wedding was attended by a close circle of friends and family, including George and Laura, Jenna and Henry and their three children, and the bride's grandfather, George H.W. Bush, whose wife Barbara had passed away just six months earlier.

The ceremony was officiated by Barbara's aunt, Dorothy Bush Koch, while her nieces Mila and Poppy served as flower girls for the occasion.

Bush gave birth to Cora Georgia near the family's compound in Kennebunkport, Maine, which is where she and Craig were wed in 2018

Under wraps: Barbara is famously very private and rarely shares information about her private life, however it is known that she and Craig first met on a blind date in November 2017

At the time, it was reported that Barbara and Craig were planning to settle down together in New York City, having spent much of their relationship living on separate coasts, with Barbara residing in the Big Apple and writer Craig remaining in Los Angeles.

Barbara and Craig first began dating in November 2017 after being set up on a blind date by friends, and they made their relationship official on New Year's Eve just a few weeks later.

Craig proposed to Barbara during a family gathering in Maine just five weeks before they tied the knot.

'It's just been a very sweet romance,' Barbara told People at the time. 'And we've been long-distance for most of it  he's been in LA and I've been in New York  but we've gotten to spend a lot of time together.'
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands channeled Frida Kahlo today as she attended the opening of an exhibition dedicated to the Mexican surrealist painter.

The Dutch royal stepped out in a vibrant blue and pink floral headpiece as she attended the Viva la Frida! Life and Art of Frida Kahlo exhibition at the Drents Museum in Assen.

Kahlo was a fashion icon in her own right, often accessorising with ribbons, full skirts, chunky jewellery and loose peasant blouses embroidered with vividly coloured flowers.

Maxima, 50, opted for a fuchsia long-sleeved top paired with a white satin skirt decorated with colourful purple and orange and was seen clutching a bunch of purple flowers at the event.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands channeled Frida Kahlo today as she attended the opening of an exhibition dedicated to the Mexican surrealist painter

The Dutch royal stepped out in a vibrant blue and pink floral headpiece as she attended the 'Viva la Frida! Life and Art of Frida Kahlo' exhibition at the Drents Museum in Assen

Maxima is seen gazing at a picture of the Mexican painter, famed for her colourful but disturbing self-portraits and fashion sense

In true Kahlo style, she teamed her vibrant look with chunky, purple earrings while layering gold and silver bracelets.

Her blonde tresses were slicked back in a sleek low bun and she opted for a touch of bronze and highlight with a dark smokey eye and eyeliner.

Maxima wore a splint on her right hand after a small injury that resulted in her suffering a minor fracture over the summer.

The exhibition will see two major Frida Kahlo museum collections, Museo Dolores Olmedo and Museo Frida Kahlo come together for the first time.

Maxima, 50, opted for a fuchsia long-sleeved top paired with a white satin skirt decorated with colourful purple and orange and was seen clutching a bunch of purple flowers at the event

In true Kahlo style, she teamed her vibrant look with chunky, purple earrings while layering gold and silver bracelets while her blonde tresses were slicked back in a sleek low bun

Her blonde tresses were slicked back in a sleek low bun and opted for a touch of bronze and highlight with a dark smokey eye and eyeliner as she accesorised with Kahlo

The exhibition will see two major Frida Kahlo museum collections, Museo Dolores Olmedo and Museo Frida Kahlo come together for the first time

Maxima posed with a young fan who had dressed up as the famed painter, complete with a floral headdress and bright red lipstick, for the event

Both on loan from Mexico City, Museo Dolores Olmedo has the largest holdings of Kahlo's top paintings and drawings in the world while Museo Frida Kahlo showcases biographical objects.

From autumn this year, the entire museum will be dedicated to Kahlo and the exhibit will include the artist's famous Self-portrait with Monkey, The Broken Column, her clothing, painted corsets and jewellery.

Maxima is a fan of the painter in and in February 2020 attended the world premiere of Frida at Dutch National Opera & Ballet in Amsterdam, which was inspired by the painter's life story.

Maxima styled her vibrant look with a pair of killer bright pink heels and was seen waving to royal fans as she walked through the streets of Assen today

Maxima is seen attending the opening of the exhibition Viva La Frida, showing works of the painter who was famed for her colourful but disturbing self-portraits, her unabashed mono-brow

Maxima was seen signing a program for the Viva La Frida exhibition at the opening this afternoon

Maxima clutched a bouquet of flowers as she waved to royal fans at the opening of the Viva La Frida exhibition today

Maxima, who was seen grinning at royal fans as she made her way to the museum, wore a splint on her right hand after a small injury that resulted in her suffering a minor fracture over the summer

The painter, who died in 1954, was famed for her colourful but disturbing self-portraits, her unabashed mono-brow, and a turbulent marital relationship with fellow artist Diego Rivera.

Her unique style made her a fashion muse and earned her a spot in Vogue magazine in 1937.

The dutch royal appeared in good spirits at the event, and was seen waving to royal fans as she arrived at the museum this afternoon.

She even posed with a young fan who had dressed up as the famed painter, complete with a floral headdress and bright red lipstick, for the event.

From autumn this year, the entire museum will be dedicated to Kahlo. Maxima is seen posing with a program at the opening of the exhibition

Maxima's make-up look was stylish and sophisticated with a touch of bronze and highlight with a dark smokey eye and eyeliner

Maxima was seen exploring the exhibition of works by Mexican surrealist Frida Kahlo in the Drents Museum today

The dutch royal appeared in good spirits at the event, and was seen waving to royal fans as she arrived at the museum this afternoon

Maxima, who is known to love colourful numbers, stepped out last month in an equally as vibrant ensemble to visit the museum of modern art in Amsterdam.

She visited the Stedelijk Musuem, which displays modern and contemporary art, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Fonds Kwadraat, an art foundation which provides funding for art projects around the Netherlands.

The Fonds Kwadraat was created 50 years ago in 1971, and aims to finance art projects by providing interest-free loans to artists.

Since its creation, the independent foundation has financed around 1,800 projects for a total amount of almost 6,500,000 euros.
A woman who exposed the dirty secrets of America's upper-middle classes in a memoir based on her time working as a maid will see them brought to light again in a new Netflix series inspired by her book.

Montana-based Stephanie Land, 43, wrote her memoir Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mothers Will To Survive in 2019. The book quickly became a best-seller and recounted her six years cleaning for wealthy families in Camano Island, Washington State, where most of her clients never bothered to learn her name.

The book has now been turned into a Netflix series starring Margaret Qualley, with her real-life mother, Andie MacDowell, playing her on-screen mother.

Speaking to the Telegraph, Land, who is now a successful married mother-of-three, revealed that she still struggles with the maid-client dynamic as a result of her own experiences in the role - admitting that she has only hired a cleaner herself on one occasion and found it so awkward, she couldn't 'bring [herself]' to do it again.

In spite of exchanging few words - sometimes none - with her clients, she amassed intimate knowledge about their lives - including a seemingly perfect couple who slept in separate bedrooms, where the husband casually left his collection of porn out for her to clean around.

Montana-based Stephanie Land, 43, wrote her memoirs Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mothers Will To Survive in 2019, when it quickly became a best-seller. The book has been turned into the Netflix series Maid, who dropped on the streaming platform earlier this month

In the show, Margaret Qualley plays Alex, a single mother down on her luck who works as a maid to make ends meet while fighting to keep custody of her daughter

In the Netflix show, Land's recollections of her time working as a maid are told through the central character, a single mother named Alex who flees her abusive partner and takes refuge in a women's shelter.

Struggling to make ends meet, Alex takes a job as a maid in order to support herself and her daughter - all while battling her former partner to retain custody of their child.

The experiences very closely echo the events of Land's own life; the author comes from a middle-class Alaskan family, however she found herself homeless in her 20s after falling out with her boyfriend.

She got pregnant unexpectedly and this led to the break down of her relationship when Land's boyfriend tried to intimidate her into getting an abortion, which she refused, before ultimately leaving him and taking their baby with her.

In order to survive, Land took a job as a cleaner for middle class and upper-class families on the wealthy Camano Island, near Seattle, where she was paid $8.55-an-hour.

I learned just how invisible that job is, she said, adding: Its mainly unnoticed.'

Alex has no choice but to work for wealthy families, and learns about their daily lives without even speaking to them

Alex with her daughter. In the book, she recounted the clients she worked for, include those who left their lubricant on display for her to find or the cruel ones who made her life difficult

In order to make the boring and 'lonely' job more interesting, Land began to imagine made-up stories around her clients' lives based on things that she would see while cleaning their homes.

She would give each household a nickname, such as 'Chef's house' or 'Sad House.'

In her memoir, she drew a portrait of one home she called 'Porn House,' where a seemingly happy couple were sleeping in separate beds.

She found lubricant and a pile of Hustlers magazines in the husband's bedroom, and romance novels in the wife's.

'Though Id never fault anyone for looking at porn mags, I would fault them for leaving it out in the open for the cleaning girl to see, Land wrote.

I imagined them sleeping in different rooms each fantasizing about a different partner, and possibly a different life,' she added.

Alex is dedicated to keeping her daughter's custody in the show. I real life, Land's ex-partner didn't want a child and pressured her into getting an abortion - which she refused

She also recounted how she was particularly fascinated by a woman she called 'Cigarette Lady,' who took great pains in hiding her smoking habit so that her home would look perfect.

Land admitted she tried a cashmere sweater that belonged to the woman - whom she doesn't name - and imagined what living in her shoes would be like.

Some of the employers she faced were cruel to her, including one couple who lived on a hill and who barred her from parking on their driveway after her car dripped some oil on their tarmac.

She explained she had to lug her heavy load of cleaning products by her self up the steep driveway after the family made her park far from the house.

She added that other clients didn't trust her around the house and one client left expensive jewelry lying about in her bedroom, which Land took as 'bait.'

Anika Noni Rose plays Regina, one of Alex's clients who is bossy at first, but develops a soft spot for the cleaner

Land, pictured, eventually went on to complete a BA in English literature at the University of Montana thanks to a grant, and published her memoir in 2019

One kind employer name Henry would share some of the fancy food he cooked - like lobster - with her so that she could take it home.

However, Land admitted she looked on her clients' lives with envy and resented the fact they lived such different lives to hers.

For instance, in the memoir, she recounted how she spotted a bottle of champagne near Henry's hot tub, and wanted to experience that herself.

My body ached for just one opportunity to drink Champagne in a hot tub,' she wrote.

She especially struggled with that idea if the clients were young or younger than her.

In parallel to he job as a cleaner, Land didn't give up on her goal of becoming a writer.

The show tells Alex' fierce custody battle with her abusive partner Sean, pictured, played by Nick Robinson

Land admitted she was envious of the lifestyle of the rich clients she worked for as a made. Pictured: Margaret Qualley as Alex in the show

She eventually received a grant to complete a BA in English at the University of Montana, which saw her moving on from cleaning.

Now that she no longer works as a cleaner, she is a fierce spokesperson and she campaigned for people who hire cleaners to still pay them during the 2020 pandemic.

When her book was published, many middle to upper-class people reached out to Land, admitting they were 'unnerved' by home much their cleaners could know about them.

Almost a decade on, Land, who is now married with three children, found herself hiring her own maid when she injured her back and needed help around the home.

She said her voice broke when she told the cleaner she'd need to clean the toilet, and has avoided hiring any more help since that incident.

She said: 'I cant bring myself to do it,' but explained her husband will undergo major surgery soon and that she might need to hire someone again.
Billy Porter has opened up about being beaten by bullies and the years of sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of his stepfather, saying he still grappling with the childhood trauma decades later.

In a new interview with People, the Pose star, 52, recalled how his mother, Cloerinda Ford, 76, remarried when he was seven, saying his stepfather began sexually abusing him one night after they had a 'birds and the bees' conversation.

'As a child, I became a grown man,' he told the magazine. 'In my mind, I lived that experience as if it was an affair. Because it was loving, it was nurturing, it was confusing. 'Cause it was touch. It was what I needed; it was the illusion of care, of a big, strong man caring for me. Still, to this day, I'm not okay.'

Candid: Billy Porter, 52, has opened up about being bullied as a child and sexually abused by his stepfather, saying he is still 'not okay'

Looking back: Porter (pictured as a child) recalled thinking of the abuse as an 'affair' in his mind because it felt 'loving' and 'nurturing,' explaining that 'it was the illusion of care'

Porter said the abuse took place at least twice a week over a five-year period, and that wasn't the only hardship he faced as a child in his conservative Pentecostal community in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where being himself was a constant struggle.

'My black queerness made everyone uncomfortable,' he explained.

Porter, who was the first openly gay black man to win an Emmy for lead actor in a drama, discovered his incredible singing voice in church, but he was told the way he performed was a 'shame before God.'

When he was in the first grade, he was beaten to the point that he woke up in the hospital. He remembered his mother telling him: 'They crucified Jesus, baby. You'll be fine.'

The Grammy and Tony winner said his voice 'has always saved me,' and he credits musical theater with giving him a purpose.

Trauma: The actor's mother, Cloerinda Ford, 76, (pictured) remarried when he was seven, and his stepfather started sexually abusing him one night after a 'birds and the bees' conversation

Purpose: Porter, who was the first openly gay black man to win an Emmy for lead actor in a drama, was beaten to the point he had to be hospitalized when he was in the first grade

'I dont think Id be alive if I hadnt discovered it,' he admitted. 'If I hadnt seen those things, like The Wiz and Dreamgirls, then I never wouldve been able to dream outside of my circumstance.'

Porter wrote about being bullied at school, his stepfather's sexual abuse, and his struggle to be accepted as a queer black man in his new memoir, Unprotected, which comes out on October 19.

The Cinderella star told People that he began therapy at 25 and resumed it during the pandemic as he continues to work on healing his past wounds.

Porter and his husband, Adam Smith, 40, have been married since 2017, and he admitted that his trauma has put a strain on their relationship.

'My sex life in relation to intimacy, it's not  it's not good at all,' he explained.

Honest: Porter wrote about being bullied at school, his stepfather's sexual abuse, and his struggle to be accepted as a queer black man in his new memoir, Unprotected

Growing together: Porter and his husband, Adam Smith, 40, have been married since 2017, and he admitted that past trauma is 'really, really hard in a marriage'

'It's really, really hard in a marriage, you know, when you're trying to figure out how to be intimate with somebody,' he added. 'But we're growing together and healing together. It's a lot of hard work. Let me say, it's worth it.'

Porter, who revealed in May that hes been HIV-positive since 2007, has been candid about his experiences and seems to finally be content.

'At 52 years old, I am getting to the deepest parts of my truth,' he said. 'I'm having a rebirth  on my own terms.'

He also refuses to dim his light for his online trolls after years of hearing his critics tell him that he is 'too much.'

'I am not adjudicating my life on social media, he said. 'Nobody can do what I can do. That is not ego. That is just fact. Yall can say what you want, because youre breathing the fire of hate into an ocean of love.'
Living in a bustling city for just three years may raise your risk of heart failure, a study suggests.

A damning body of evidence on the detriment pollution causes to health has built up over the past decade, with toxic air heavily linked to dementia, obesity, infertility and a host of other medical issues.

Danish researchers have now calculated the risk of heart failure posed by three types of urban pollution after tracking 22,000 women living in both cities and rural settings for almost two decades.

Women exposed to high levels of two of the most common pollutants, as well as loud noises, were 43 per more likely to suffer heart failure. Their risk increased in line with the level of pollution they were exposed to.

Environmental charities called the findings 'disturbing', claiming they offered even more evidence of the 'urgent need' to combat pollution.

Pollution from traffic, both from materials emitted from exhaust pipes and the noise produced by engines was found to increase the risk of heart failure in a study of Danish women by up to 43 per cent

Air pollution increases the risk of several conditions, including heart attack, stroke and diabetes

What is particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide? Particulate matter (PM) is everything in the air that is not a gas. It consists of a huge variety of chemicals and materials, some of which can be toxic. Due to the small size of many of the particles that form PM some of these toxins can enter the bloodstream and be transported around the body, lodging in the heart, brain and other organs. Therefore, exposure to PM can result in serious impacts to health, especially in vulnerable groups of people such as the young, elderly, and those with respiratory problems. Meanwhile, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is a gas mainly produced during the combustion of fossil fuels. Short-term exposure to concentrations of NO2 can cause inflammation of the airways and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections and to allergens. NO2 can exacerbate the symptoms of those already suffering from lung or heart conditions. Source: Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs Advertisement

Heart failure occurs when the vital organ struggles to pump blood throughout the body, causing tiredness, fatigue and breathlessness  making even simple chores difficult.

The condition blights the lives of more than 900,000 Britons, and 28million in the US. It is often caused by high blood pressure and can lead to a heart attack and stroke.

Air pollution can stiffen arteries, which can lead to blood clots  increasing the risk of a host of cardiovascular issues.

Noise pollution can disrupt sleep, and chronic noise has been found to effect heart health and brain function by adding stress to the body.

The latest study, by experts at the University of Copenhagen, was published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

The scientists measured the yearly average of air and noise pollution levels at the women's addresses from when they were recruited in the 90s until the end of 2014.

They then plotted these levels of pollution exposure as a three year average and calculated the subsequent risk of heart failure for the participants.

They found that for every 5.1g/m3 increase in the average fine particulate matter (PM2.5), the women's risk of heart failure increased by 17 per cent.

PM2.5 are tiny particles of pollution and are mainly emitted by burning diesel and petrol.

Another type of traffic pollution, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), was also associated with an increased risk of heart failure.

The scientists found for every 8.6g/m3 increase in average NO2 exposure the risk of heart failure increased by 10 per cent.

It wasn't just air pollution that impacted the women's health, with noise pollution also claiming a toll.

For every 9.3dB increase in traffic noise averaged over 24-hours-a-day, the risk of heart failure increased by 12 per cent.

Dr Youn-Hee Lim and colleagues also discovered the impact of these pollutants was worse when combined.

Women exposed to high levels of all three types of pollution over three years were 43 per cent more likely to develop heart failure.

The effects were also worse for women who were former smokers or who had high blood pressure.

Dr Lim said: 'To minimise the impact of these exposures, broad public tactics such as emissions control measures should be implemented.

'Strategies like smoking cessation and blood pressure control must be encouraged to help reduce individual risk.'

A 2020 report in London he city-wide average for PM2.5 was 11.6g/m3 and for NO2 emissions it was 39g/m3. Levels can fluctuate depending on a host of factors, including traffic levels.

And a 2018 report from London's government found 29 per cent of the city's 885 parks had noise levels from nearby traffic exceeding 55dB.

Researchers noted that there were certain limitations in their work, which recruited women when they at least 44-years-old, between 1993 and 1999.

They said they did not account for indoor pollution, for example from cooking, or whether factors such as having double glazed windows at home could have impacted the ambient noise pollution the women were exposed to.

But considering the well established body of evidence on the negative impacts of pollution on both children and adults there is no reason to suspect their findings would not have implications for other genders and age groups.

Environment campaign group Friends of the Earth argued the findings demonstrated that more should be done to make air cleaner.

'This is yet further disturbing evidence of the urgent need for tougher measures to cut air pollution,' a spokeswoman said.

'Cars need to be cleaner, with bigger incentives to encourage people to leave them at home.'

Ms Bates called on No10 to ensure the UK's new Environment Bill, currently with the House of Lords, includes measures to tackle the problem.
Pfizer Inc and its German partner BioNTech SE have asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expand emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine to include kids between ages five and 11.

When the vaccine was originally authorized for use by the FDA in December 2020, it was only for those aged 16 and older, before being expanded to those aged 12 and older in May.

The FDA is planning to move quickly and has a meeting tentatively scheduled to discuss the matter on October 26.

Officials are expected to make a decision - which would make 28 million kids eligible - between Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Some parents are eagerly awaiting the authorization while others say they do not want to inoculate their children because of their low risk of severe illness, making up less than 0.1 percent of all Covid deaths in the U.S.

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Pfizer-BioNTech asked the FDA to expand emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine to Americans between ages 5 and 11. Pictured: Marisol Gerardo, 9, is held by her mother as she gets the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine during a clinical trial at Duke Health in Durham, North Carolina, April 2021

The FDA is meeting on October 26 to discuss and a decision is expected between Halloween and Thanksgiving. Pictured: A vial of the Pfizer-BioNTech at a pop up vaccine clinic in Los Angeles, August 2021

According to clinicaltrials.gov, Pfizer's study in younger children worked similarly to the way it did in older children and adults.

A total of 4,500 younger kids aged six months and older were enrolled at nearly 100 clinical trial sites in 26 U.S. states, Finland, Poland and Spain.

Of those children, 2,268 were between ages five and 11.

About half of those in the five-to-11 group were given two doses 21 days apart and the other half were given placebo shots.

The team then tested the safety, tolerability and immune response generated by the vaccine by measuring antibody levels in the young subjects.

Pfizer said it had selected lower doses for COVID-19 vaccine trials in children than are given to teenagers and adults.

Those aged 12 and older receive two 30 microgram (g) doses of the vaccine.

However, children between ages five and 11 were given 10 g doses and kids from six months to four years old received three g doses.

Unlike the larger clinical trial conducted in adults, the pediatric trial did not measure efficacy by comparing the number of COVID-19 cases among the vaccine group to the number in the placebo group.

Instead, scientists looked at levels of neutralizing antibodies in young vaccine recipients and compared the levels to those seen in adults.

The companies expect data on how well the vaccine works in children between ages two and five and between six months and two years of age by the end of the year.

Recently, pediatric cases increased from 71,726 per week at the beginning of August to more than 243,000 in September, fueled by the Delta variant.

However, they now appear to be trending downward with 173,469 reported last week, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

There have also been 520 pediatric deaths since the start of the pandemic, indicating children make up less than 0.1 percent of all deaths.

Currently, no evidence suggests the Delta variant is more dangerous in kids than previous strains of the virus.

Because of this low risk of severe illness, polls have shown that many parents are not inclined to vaccinate their children.

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.'

Another poll from Axios/Ipsos in September found that 44 percent of parents of children aged five to 11 said their kids were likely to get a vaccine and 42 percent said it was unlikely their children would be immunized.

A poll from Axios/Ipsos found that 44% percent said their child was likely to get a vaccine and 42% said it was unlikely their kids would be immunized

In fact, many more children die from gun violence, drownings, poisonings and other fatal injuries each year compared to those who have died from COVID-19.

Poisoning accidents kill 730 children every year, with two deaths occurring every day, according to the CDC.

The CDC also finds that 2,756 of Americans aged 19 and under committed suicide in 2019 and 925 died of drowning.

Another 3,302 children died from traffic-related motor vehicle accidents in 2019.

What's more, 3,371 children and teens in the U.S. lost their lives due to to gun violence in 2019, according to The State of America's Children 2021 report.

Only bicycle accidents see fewer deaths with 79 occurring for those under age 20 in 2019, according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health care for millions of Americans, and could have had a particularly devastating impact on people suffering from kidney failure, a new study finds.

Researchers from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, gathered nationwide data on kidney failure treatment, with a specific focus on patients beginning new treatment.

They found the overall initiation of kidney failure treatment declined by 30 percent during the first wave of the pandemic.

Black people and people who live in counties harder struck by Covid accounted for the largest portion of the decline.

Patients who initiated treatment often did so at later points, by which time their kidneys were in worse condition.

The research shows how the pandemic prevented many Americans from seeking care or made them fearful of doing so, with potentially deadly consequences.

Researchers found a sharp, 30%, decline in Americans seeking out treatment for kidney failure early in the pandemic, with a particularly sharp drop in April

Americans waited longer to get transplants or begin dialysis for kidney failure last year, leading to them initiating treatment at points where they were in worse health. Pictured: a dialysis machine, used to treat kidney failure

Researchers gathered data from 2018, 2019 and 2020 for the study, which was published Thursday in JAMA Network Open.

During the first four months of the pandemic, from March 2020 to June 2020, 551 Americans received a preemptive transplant.

In 2018 and 2019, around 900 initiated treatment over that same time span.

This means that the rate of the transplants occurring fell by around 38 percent during the early stages of the pandemic.

The rate of patients initiating dialysis treatment fell by around 25 percent during the early months of the pandemic, from around 1,200 in each of 2018 and 2019 to 914 in 2020.

Researchers found that a majority of the decline occurred in April, weeks after most states issued lockdowns and stay-at-home orders..

Among black Americans, rates of kidney failure reporting fell by more than ten percent during that month, from around 2,800 cases to just under 2,500.

People who live in counties that were in the top 20 percent of Covid deaths per capita had the steepest drop in kidney failure reporting.

Around 4,700 cases were recorded in April 2018 and 2019, before falling nearly 30 percent down to around 3,400 reported cases.

The people who did start treatment were also in worse condition when they attempted to seek out medical care, meaning they were at an increased risk of dying from their ailment.

Black Americans were the race with the sharpest decline in initiation of kidney treatment, with the largest drop taking place in April, where there was a 10% drop. The blue line is representative of 2020, the black is 2018, the gold in 2019

People who lived in areas in the top quintile of Covid deaths per capita were by far the least likely to seek out treatment for kidney disease, especially in April, where the drop was nearly 30%. The blue line is representative of 2020, the black is 2018, the gold in 2019

Researchers believe these declines are not because people had suddenly healthier kidneys, but instead because people chose not to seek out care.

'The significant decline in the number of patients with incident kidney failure in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic...may be due to several factors,' researchers wrote.

'Some patients may have delayed treatment initiation, but others may have died before being able to initiate treatment.'

Previous studies have confirmed the findings of the Brown University researchers, showing a decline in kidney care during the pandemic.

Separate studies that the overall kidney health of people declined as well, with regular treatment being disrupted by the pandemic.

The phenomena is not exclusive to kidney disease patients.

Another recent study from the UK finds that thousands of patients skipped potentially life-saving surgery for cancer during the pandemic, fearing they would contract the virus.

Some experts believe the true death toll of the pandemic in 2020 may be more than double official numbers not just because of undercounting of Covid figures, but also because disruptions of treatment and limited medical resources.
President Joe Biden will soon name a new head of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a crucial role who will oversee the regulation of Covid vaccines and treatments.

The role currently is held by Acting Commissioner Dr Janet Woodcock, who assumed the title in January 2021.

A full-time commissioner must be named soon, because Woodcock cannot hold the title past November, and the administration has narrowed the field down to a few choices, four people familiar with the matter told POLITICO.

While the choice would have to be made soon anyways, the recent resignation of Dr Francis Collins from the National Institutes of Health made the FDA decision a more urgent matter.

'They were ready to go anyway, but Collins' announcement pushed them over the edge. It sounds like it's a consensus, they think it's a pretty uncontroversial choice.' a source told POLITICO.

The shortlist included Woodcock, Dr Laurie Glimcher of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Dr Joshua Sharfstein of Johns Hopkins University and Michelle McMurry-Heath of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization.

Dr Laurie Glimcher (pictured) is among the favorites to be named FDA commissioner by President Joe Biden. She currently serves as president and CEO of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Dr Janet Woodcock (pictured) is the Acting Commissioner of the agency, though her interim tenure is set to end next month. While she is being considered for the permanent role, she faces opposition from some Democrats in the Senate

Woodcock was named acting commissioner upon Biden's inauguration, replacing Dr Stephen Hahn, a Trump appointee who resigned upon the start of a new administration.

She is among those being considered for the role, but a few Senators have vocally opposed her appointment to the role - Senators she would need to confirm her appointment due to the slim margin Democrats currently hold in the Senate.

Sens Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, Ed Markey of Massachusetts and Joe Manchin of West Virginia have all been critics of Woodcock.

Sen Manchin could prove to be a barrier in particular, because he has shown willingness to break from party lines.

The Senators, all from states that have struggled due to America's opioid epidemic, place some of the blame for the problem of the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research which is led by Woodcock.

Dr Glimcher is the president and CEO of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

POLITICO reports her nomination could face a few roadblocks as well because she has industry ties that require her to divest from some of her holdings.

Dr Sharfstein is a former Obama-era FDA official who currently serves as vice dean for public health practice at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland.

He was reportedly a finalist for commissioner of the agency under Obama, when Biden was vice president, but was eventually named Principal Deputy Commissioner of the agency.

His candidacy to become commissioner was fiercely opposed by some, and The Wall Street Journal reported in 2008 that an 'Anyone But Sharfstein' letter had circulated some internal circles pushing against him being tapped for the position.

Dr Joshua Sharfstein (pictured) was considered for the FDA commissioner role under Obama in 2008, though missed out on the role after facing some internal opposition

Dr Michelle McMurry-Heath is another former Obama official being considered for the role. She is currently president and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization

Dr McMurry-Health is also a former Obama-era FDA official, and she is currently the president and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization - an advocacy group that represents over 1,000 biotech firms in more than 30 countries.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Dr Katherine Luzuriaga of the University of Massachusetts, Dr Florence Houn - another former Obama-era official - are both under consideration as well.

Whoever is tapped for the role will play a major role in ending the Covid pandemic and clearing some of the controversies the agency has recently been embroiled in.

Recently, the White House attempted to roll out Covid booster shots to all Americans starting on September 20.

The FDA did not approve the rollout, though, and more than a dozen senior officials even wrote a letter open opposing the move by the White House - a rare move from the agency.

Woodcock also called for an investigation into her own agency over alleged inappropriate communications between her staff and representatives from the biotechnology company Biogen after the controversial approval of the company's Alzheimer's drug, Aduhelm.
As parents and teachers across the U.S. argue over the importance of mask and vaccine mandates (or lack thereof), England has not left the issue up for debate.

In early September, millions of children returned to schools with face coverings not required in classrooms and with vaccines eligible for only those aged 12 and older.

Experts said the plan was a gamble - but it appears to have paid off.

Daily case numbers in Britain are much lower than during the summer wave, suggesting that the high rate of vaccination among adults has prevented schools from causing a surge in infections.

In fact, new cases per day are more than 60 percent lower than what they were projected to be.

What's more, Covid cases may have finally peaked in children with recent figures from the UK Department of Health and Social Care showing the number of kids and teens testing positive has fallen in the past week.

Last month, children headed back to school in the UL with no requirements for masks in classrooms and with most unvaccinated, but this does not appear to have caused a surge in cases. Pictured: Pupils listen during a geography lesson at Whitchurch High School on in Cardiff, Wales, September 14

Public Health England data suggest case rates have finally peaked in children after exploding at the start of the new term from one in 20 testing positive to one in 30

In mid-July, during the peak of the UK's summer surge, England was recording 50,955 daily new cases, according to Public Health England (PHE).

As of Thursday, 33,025 new infections were recorded.

This is 60 percent lower than predictions made by Health Secretary Sajid Javid, who told BBC Radio in July that lifting restrictions would lead to 100,000 cases per day.

Experts say Covid vaccinations are to thank, with percentages very high among the eligible population.

Around 85 percent of those aged 12 and older in England have received at least one dose and 78.1 percent are fully vaccinated, PHE data show.

Covid cases may have finally peaked in English children with one in 30 testing positive, down from one in 20 last week

These are much higher than parentages in the U.S., where 76.2 percent of people aged 12 and older have been given at least one vaccine dose and 65.8 percent have completed their vaccine series.

This means that it appears Britain's successful vaccine rollout has prevented schools from fueling new outbreaks.

COVID-19 deaths have not risen in school-aged children and are lowest in children aged 15 or younger, showing school openings have not caused Coivd deaths to increase

The UK government has insisted that the low number of children who have missed school days show that the plan is working.

Recent data show 90 percent of the more than eight million students in UK state schools are in classrooms.

What's more, of the 10 percent of students who were absent, the majority were for non-Covid reasons.

Parents have applauded the effort and have said the larger danger would have been keeping kids in masks or forcing them into remote learning.

'It's important for kids,' Morgane Kargadouris, whose daughter attends Notting Hill Preparatory School in London, told The New York Times.

'So much of what they learn is through expressions and through contact they have with people.'

And, even though, infections recently exploded among children - with one in 20 students between ages 10 and 19 infected - it appears the surge is tapering off.

Department of Health figures show infections are still highest among 10 to 14-year-olds.

There were 1,540 positive tests per every 100,000 people in that age group during the week ending September 27 after soaring at the start of the new term.

But this has fallen for five days, dropping to just 1,461 per 100,000 in the seven-day spell ending October 2  the most recent day figures are available for.

A similar trend is visible among 15 to 19-year-olds, which saw cases peak in the same seven-day window at 651 per 100,000). It now stands at 635 per 100,000.

And cases among five to nine-year-olds have been falling for nine days in a row after peaking at 569 per 100,000 on September 23. Some 487 per 100,000 in the cohort are now infected.

Overall, the rate of infection has decreased to one in 30 testing positive for Covid.

Experts say the downturn could signal rising immunity from a combination of vaccination and infections among young people.

Professor Sir Terence Stephenson, an expert in child health at the Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, told DailyMail.com cases could be falling because immunity levels are rising among young people and parents due to vaccines and natural infection.

COVID-19 deaths also continue to remain low in children, according to data from the Office of National Statistics.

Virus-related deaths increased in the 25-to-44, 54-to-64 and 75-to-84 age groups, but remained flat or declined in all other age groups.

What's more, the death rate was lowest in children aged 15 or younger, showing that not only have school openings not caused Coivd deaths to rise but also that school-aged children do not have a high risk of death compared to adults.
MEMOIR

TASTE: MY LIFE THROUGH FOOD

by Stanley Tucci (Fig Tree 20, 302 pp)

Interest declared. Though he is better known for The Devil Wears Prada and The Hunger Games, Stanley Tucci played Stanley Kubrick, very well, too, in the classic HBO film The Life And Death Of Peter Sellers, for which I was a consultant and which is based on my biography of Sellers.

Tucci is a dry, spare, compact actor, who keeps himself very still  an American Ian Holm  and as we discover in this superb book, the world nearly lost him.

Now aged 60, Tucci is recovering from a terrifying cancer battle. Four years ago, he began having shooting pains in his jaw, which became unendurable. He went to see a doctor in London, who immediately noticed a huge tumour at the base of the tongue. The treatment plan sounded horrible and ultimately futile  radiotherapy, chemotherapy, extensive surgery.

Stanley Tucci, 60, (pictured) who lives in London, has penned a memoir following his terrifying cancer battle

I would never be able to eat or speak normally again, Tucci concluded. The removal of a large portion of the tongue, along with salivary glands, would mean Tucci was destined to lose his sense of taste and smell. Hed be unable to swallow and would need a feeding tube inserted in the stomach.

The only other option, suggested by oncologists at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, was to avoid surgery altogether, in favour of 35 days of very high-dose targeted radiation, a session five times a week for seven weeks, with Tuccis head and neck claustrophobically immobilised and encased in a webbed mask. I did go through with it because I had to, says Tucci soberly.

Side-effects were predictably unpleasant. Food tasted of old wet cardboard. His mouth erupted in ulcers. Everything smelled repellent  even traces of cooking on other peoples clothes. Tucci required large doses of morphine, resulting in chronic constipation. Even a sip of water burned like battery acid.

Therapy was required to stop the muscles of the tongue atrophying. Tucci had to regain mobility of the jaw  and for a long while he couldnt eat steak, as there was insufficient saliva to aid swallowing.

H is tongue was saved, nevertheless, and he claims he is fully on the mend, helped by daily visits from his friend and fellow actor Colin Firth. Tucci also pays tribute to his wife, literary agent Felicity Blunt, the sister of actress Emily Blunt, whom he married in 2012. She introduced him to plucked pheasant and potatoes roasted in goose fat. Instead of a wedding cake they had a wedding cheese platter.

Though Tucci is a genial and convivial fellow, the theme of Taste, nevertheless, is that of loss. As weve seen, he nearly lost his own eating and drinking faculties permanently  and in 2009 he lost his first wife, Kathryn, to breast cancer. She was 47.

Her death is still incomprehensible to me, he writes, her absence unreal. There were three young children  who were to be traumatised a second time by Tuccis own cancer dramas.

Stanley, who was raised in an Italian enclave 60 miles north of Manhattan, is the child of first-generation immigrants. Pictured: Stanley and Felicity Blunt

There is loss, too, when Tucci talks, fascinatingly, about his years of struggle in New York, trying to find work, before his uniqueness as a character actor was affirmed. He laments the destruction of the citys atmospheric old buildings, the restaurants and theatres, entire neighbourhoods which were replaced by poorly-designed dwellings for the up-and-coming at prices most people cant afford.

Tucci mentions beloved haunts like the Carnegie Deli, Luchows, the Oak Room at the Plaza: The careless expurgation of famous eateries and their classic dishes made from historic recipes that helped shape a city is an enormous loss for any culture no matter how you slice it.

Amen to that.

Tuccis own heritage is Italian, more specifically Calabrian. He writes with zest and colour about his parents meals, their almost obsessive focus on the quality of the ingredients including goats and rabbits and any other animal of reasonable size that was in some way useful or edible.

Tucci, who was raised in an Italian enclave 60 miles north of Manhattan, the child of first-generation immigrants, talks wistfully about the traditions of hunting, skinning and quartering. There is no vegetarian squeamishness here.

The Italian deep love of food is connected, of course, to the warm embrace of family. Tuccis mother gathered the clan  grandparents, great-aunts and uncles, heaps of third cousins  by producing, on what seems like an hourly basis, dishes made with clams, mussels, shrimps, chicken, green and red peppers and pasta with broccoli.

Stanley said he discovered after his illness that food 'basically was my life, not only sustaining him but enriching him. Pictured: Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci

There was lots of garlic, basil leaves and olive oil, mounds of sweet tomatoes and peaches soaked in wine. Tuccis grandfather kept vats of cloudy purple wine in the cellar, the sweetest liquid ever to pass our lips, even if everyone else thought it frightful plonk.

The only thing missing was butter, which is not a southern Italian staple, and is why few people in that region die of heart attacks.

As a concession to living in America, next to a General Electric plant and a nuclear power station pumping toxic effluvium into the river, Tuccis family baked sponge cakes decorated with the Stars and Stripes. In those days, we are told, in the 1960s and 1970s, the flag wasnt brandished as a weapon but was, for the Italian immigrants, a symbol of freedom, acceptance and possibility.

This is an affecting, nostalgic book. While the rest of the family emitted moans of satisfaction over their ethnic dishes, Tucci remembers with amusement his small acts of rebellion  his craving for plastic tubs of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, with white bread and mayonnaise.

TASTE: MY LIFE THROUGH FOOD by Stanley Tucci (Fig Tree 20, 302 pp)

He now lives in London, where jelly is called jam, but he does toast the memory of the flamboyant chef Keith Floyd.

Tucci watched Floyds videos during lockdown, impressed by his encyclopaedic knowledge of food, marvelling at the way he knocked up a fish stew on the deck of a ship in a howling gale, prattling away non-stop to camera, never once spilling his brimming glass.

I hope Tucci, after his convalescence, is again in a position to enjoy a drink, as he loves nothing more each evening than a perfectly chilled cocktail  the gin, vermouth, Campari and orange slice thats a Negroni (The sun is now in your stomach); the legendary and powerful Dry Martini (Become a new person).

Tucci says he has discovered, after his illness, that food wasnt a huge part of his life: It basically was my life, not only sustaining him but enriching him.

Taste enriches the reader and establishes Tucci as one of the wisest and most generous personalities of our time.
The number of private sector businesses in the UK fell by 389,600 in 2020, bringing the total number of British firms at the start of 2021 to its lowest level since 2016.

Figures published today by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy show there were 5.6million private sector businesses at the start of the year, some 6.5 per cent less than the previous year. Total employment within these businesses fell by 13 per cent.

Most sectors saw a decline in the number of businesses in operation, with the broad mining and utilities sector seeing the largest decline of 26 per cent.

The total number of British private sector firms fell to its lowest level since 2016

Construction saw the biggest numerical decline, with 79,000 businesses closing, merging or taken over by another business.

However, real estate added 7,000 new business in 2020, and financial and insurance businesses saw a 7 per cent increase.

The number of businesses declined across all countries and English regions, with Northern Ireland taking the greatest hit of 17 per cent, followed by Scotland, England and Wales with declines of 8 per cent, 6 per cent and less than 1 per cent respectively.

London and the West Midlands were the worse affected regions, with a decline of 8 per cent each, while Yorkshire and the Humber saw the smallest decline of 2 per cent.

However, the decline was largely driven by the disappearance of unregistered businesses, meaning those that are not registered for VAT or PAYE.

Unregistered businesses, which typically do not employee staff, declined by 397,000 - a dip of 11.9 per cent  for the year.

The UK private sector comprises largely of non-employing businesses and small employers, which account for 99.9 per cent of the business population.

In fact, there were 393,000 fewer non-employing businesses but the number of employing businesses rose by 3,000.

Of the 5.6 million UK private sector businesses, 1.4 million of these had employees and 4.2 million had no employees.

Therefore, 75 per cent of businesses did not employ anyone aside from the owner or owners at the start of 2021.

The decline was driven by businesses unregistered for VAT or PAYE

The 7,700 large businesses in the UK make a major contribution to employment and turnover, but SMEs account for three-fifths of the employment and around half of turnover in the UK private sector.

As coronavirus wreaked havoc on the UK economy, smaller businesses saw debts mount

Business conditions have rapidly improved since the end of most Covid-19 restrictions with 90 per cent of firms currently trading as of late September, up from 71 per cent at the start of the year, according to the BEIS.

Of those trading, 27 per cent report a decrease in turnover compared with normal expectations for this time of year, while just 7 per cent reported an increase.

An ONS Business Impacts of Coronavirus Survey at the beginning of 2021 estimated that 15 per cent of UK businesses were at-risk of permanently closing by the start of April.
Yvonne Hooper: 'I feel like I have won the lottery'

A 77-year-old woman who assumed she did not qualify for a state pension says it feels 'like I have won the lottery' after she received a 60,000 backpayment.

London-born Yvonne Hooper was widowed as a young woman and twice divorced by the time she reached pension age in 2004.

The retired shopowner, who remarried 17 years ago and now lives in Spain, says: 'It had never occurred to me that I could get a pension on my ex-husband's contributions and never that it could be so much.

'To all the women out there without a pension make a claim to see if you are owed a pension. I am really grateful to all the people that have helped me achieve this.'

Former Pensions Minister Steve Webb, who intervened in Mrs Hooper's case to get her the lump sum and a full basic state pension of 137.60 per week, also urged divorced women to check their state pension is correct.

Mrs Hooper says she didn't claim her state pension at 60, explaining: 'I was still running my business which was doing well and it wasn't till I was 65 that I first made enquiries and I was told I didn't have enough credits.

'So, as I was still working and OK I didn't bother with it again for several years. Then whenever I did try they gave me the same answer.'

>>>Divorce and the state pension: Scroll down to find out if you are missing out, and what to do

In 2017, Mrs Hooper had a serious car accident, damaging her skull and lower spine, and hasn't been able to work since then.

After Webb and This is Money revealed that some women have been losing out on large sums in state pension for decades, she contacted him for help.

And she says after he raised her case with the DWP, the staff who dealt with her claim 'went the extra mile', as divorce cases can be complex and she lives abroad.

She had to make important choices about how to take her 'deferred' pension, and says staff were patient and helpful to her in getting this sorted.

'After 17 years of no pension, I will now get back pay of over 60,000 and a regular pension going forward,' she says. 'I feel like I have won the lottery.'

Webb, who is now a partner at LCP, says: 'I would urge any woman who was divorced when she reached pension age, or who has divorced since retiring, to make sure she has claimed her pension and notified DWP of her divorce.

Why are some women being underpaid state pension? An estimated 134,000 women have been underpaid state pension in a 1billion scandal uncovered by Webb and This is Money more than a year ago. The huge bill results from a failure to increase some women's payments when their husbands reached state pension age or died, or when they themselves reached the age of 80. We have reported many stories of women receiving payouts of tens of thousands of pounds - and in a couple of cases more than 100,000 - after being deprived of the correct state pension due to DWP errors. Meanwhile, our sister publication Money Mail highlighted last year how older women who got divorced later in life could be missing out on thousands of pounds in state pension. Have you been underpaid? Find out what to do here.

'I'm delighted that Mrs Hooper has received this large windfall, but I have no doubt that there are thousands more divorced women who are not getting what they are due.

'It is vital that they claim a pension if they have not done so and that they notify DWP if they divorce in retirement.'

Webb describes the information currently on the gov.uk website for people who divorce as 'scant, to say the least'.

His firm LCP has created a website where divorced women can find out more details about the rules here.

Why are some divorced women missing out on state pension?

Steve Webb says the issue affects women who come under the 'old' state pension system - before it was revamped from April 2016.

That means those who were born before 6 April 1953.

State pension payments to divorced women do not affect the amounts received by their ex-husbands.

Should a husband have a worse National Insurance record than his ex-wife, he could claim a higher state pension on that basis too.

Webb identifies two groups of divorced women who are most likely be missing out.

1. Women who were divorced at the point of retirement

These women can get a state pension based on the NI contributions of their ex-husband, even if they have a poor record of their own, explains Webb.

'Those who are divorced when they reach pension age can ask DWP to 'substitute' the NI record of their ex-husband up to the date of the divorce.

'Those who divorce later in life are therefore particularly likely to benefit as they can substitute their ex-husband's record for a longer period of time.'

If they put in a claim and tick 'divorced' on the state pension claim form this should in principle happen automatically - but this depends on them making a claim in the first place, says Webb.

'A woman who never claimed at pension age can claim now and have her pension backdated to state pension age.'

2. Women who divorced after retirement but have never notified the DWP

These women can have their basic state pension reassessed using their ex husband's contributions, but they must notify DWP of their 'change of circumstances', says Webb.

'Those who are married when they retire but then divorce post-retirement can also ask to have the NI record of their ex-husband 'substituted' for their own.

'But because DWP is not notified of divorces, any pension increase is not backdated, which means such women should notify DWP as soon as possible.' Find contact details below.

State pension: Divorced women who come under the 'old' state pension system - before it was revamped from April 2016 - could be missing out

Former Pensions Minister Ros Altman says: 'It is really important that women make sure they check what state pensions they are entitled to, especially if their own pension is low, perhaps because they were relying on a husband to provide for them in retirement.

'Whether divorced or widowed, many women are losing out because the rules are so complex and they may not have anyone to help them navigate the system.

'Women's state pensions are significantly lower than men's and the oldest women have been particularly disadvantaged by the state system.

'I would urge all women to ensure they are receiving what they are entitled to as soon as possible. Checking with Citizens Advice, AgeUK or The Pensions Advisory Service may offer them help with understanding the system.'

Steve Webb: 'I have no doubt that there are thousands more divorced women who are not getting what they are due'

What does the DWP say?

'We encourage people to contact us if they get divorced or their civil partnership is dissolved and every year we remind people about doing so alongside the uprating notifications we send out,' says a DWP spokesperson.

'We want everyone to claim the benefits to which they may be entitled and we urge anyone of state pension age  or their family and friends  to check if they are missing out on financial support.'

Those not receiving a state pension at the moment who may be entitled to one have to make a claim, and the DWP's contact information is here.

The free Government-backed service Money Helper has more detail for older people who are divorced or separated here, and the DWP has further information here.

The DWP says many pensioners can boost their income by claiming pension credit, and a calculator to check if you qualify and what you might receive is here. Details of how to claim are here.

If you need help applying for pension credit, you can ring the charity Age UK which has details here.
I have held a sizeable sum in Premium Bonds with National Savings and Investments for the best part of two decades. The returns I've had are modest  the odd tiny prize win here and there.

I was wondering if I should sell my bonds and start again. It feels like newer numbers seem to be luckier.

For example, I noticed in the last draw that the two 1million jackpot winners both had purchased the bonds in 2021. Is there any benefit of cashing out my old bonds to refresh them?

In January 2000, there were 13.5 billion Bonds eligible for the draw; in October 2021, the number of Bonds eligible for the draw was 113 billion, equating to a more than eight fold increase.

Ed Magnus of This is Money replies: With over 22 million people holding Premium Bonds across the country there is bound to be plenty of others pondering this very question.

In this month's Premium Bond draw as you point out, both the 1million prize winning Bond numbers were purchased in January and February of this year - while the draw has been around since 1956.

Looking back over the past year's winners won't ease people's concerns either.

In the past 12 months, nearly half of the 24 1million prizes were won by Bond numbers purchased either in 2020 or 2021.

Drilling further into the statistics, 17 of the 24 Premium Bond millionaires of the past year purchased their winning Bond numbers over the past five years.

Premium Bonds Winners Prize Area Value of bond 1,000,000 Bristol 18,000 1,000,000 Bristol 5,000 100,000 Wales 4,000 100,000 Birmingham 20,000 100,000 Oxfordshire 47,800 100,000 Tyne and Wear 4,000 100,000 Leicestershire 20,000 100,000 Surrey 5,000 More November 2021 winners View list of November 2021 winners

However, the reason it may seem that newer Premium Bonds win more often might just be because there are more of them in the monthly prize draw.

Since October 2016 the number of eligible Premium Bonds has grown from roughly 63billion to 113billion suggesting that although the ultimate prize is stacked slightly in favour of those who have recently purchased, there isn't necessarily any bias towards newer Bond numbers.

Odds of winning at least one prize Prize 1 bond holding 1 million 1 in 56.54 billion 100,000 1 in 22.62 billion 50,000 1 in 9423 million 25,000 1 in 5385 million 10,000 1 in 1037 million

The fact that 42 per cent of the latest 24 Premium Bond millionaires purchased their winning bond in the past two years isn't that extraordinary at all.

According to NS&I's figures, 36.9 per cent of Premium Bonds now available for the draw were purchased since 1 January 2020.

Not only has there been increased interest, but the amount that can be held in them has also risen substantially.

The limit increased from 20,000 to 30,000 in 2003. This then went to 40,000 in 2014, and 50,000 in 2015.

Purchase date of Bonds versus prizes allocated to those Bonds Decade of investment % 1 Bonds in Sep 2021 draw % prizes paid in Sep 2021 draw pre-2000 2.7% 2.7% 2000-2009 12.0% 12.3% 2010-2019 48.5% 50.2% 2020-now 36.9% 34.8%

For someone who has held the same Premium Bonds for the best part of two decades it may seem like your luck is out.

But this may actually be because your chance of winning the ultimate cash prize is decreasing as more Bond numbers are purchased by others.

A staggering 97.3 per cent of available bonds have been purchased since 1 January 2000 and 85.4 per cent of bonds have been purchased since 1 January 2010.

How are the numbers drawn?

The fate of Premium Bond holders' rests on an electronic random number generator known as ERNIE 5.

Unlike previous versions which used thermal noise to produce random numbers, ERNIE 5 is powered by quantum technology which uses light.

The new technology allows ERNIE 5 to generate the lucky numbers for 535 million tax-free prizes worth 22.1billion in all but 12 minutes  42.5 times faster than its thermal predecessor.

NS&I claim every Bond number, whether it has 8, 9, 10 or 11 digits, has a separate and equal chance of winning a prize, no matter on when it was bought.

We spoke to a member of the team at NS&I to see if they could share further light on our reader's question.

Why do the newer Premium Bonds appear to be luckier?

An NS&I spokesperson replies: No matter when it was purchased, each 1 Bond has an equal chance of winning a prize in each monthly Premium Bonds prize draw.

The chance of each 1 Bond winning a prize does not change if customers hold their Bonds for longer, with the odds currently fixed at 34,500 to 1 and the prize fund rate currently at 1 per cent.

Since January 2000 and up to October 2021, there have been 399 Premium Bonds millionaires.

Of these millionaires, 70 people purchased their winning Bond prior to January 2000.

The last time someone won the 1million Premium Bonds jackpot with a Bond purchased prior to January 2000 was October 2019 when a man from Essex won it with a Bond purchased in August 1999 having had 4,000 invested in Premium Bonds.

The longest that someone has ever held a Bond before winning the 1million jackpot is 16,587 days when, in July 2004, a woman from the London Borough of Newham in London won it with a holding worth just 17.

The winning Bond was purchased in February 1959.

The woman's 17 is also the smallest ever holding to scoop the 1million Premium Bonds jackpot.

In January 2000, there were over 13.5billion Bonds eligible for the draw; in October 2021, the number of Bonds eligible for the draw was over 113 billion  this equates to a more than eight-fold increase.
Australians planning an interstate holiday as soon as lockdowns end have been warned about the potential new dangers in booking a tour or accommodation.

New South Wales will loosen most lockdown restrictions as of Monday and Victoria is also pushing ahead with a late-October re-opening despite still high case numbers, prompting many to start planning their long-delayed holidays.

But those booking flights and hotels face potential pitfalls as the continuing risk of sudden border closures could leave them stranded and out of pocket.

Sunseekers heading north for a Queensland getaway are advised to be mindful about booking a hotel or a sightseeing tour as Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk could shut the border with very little notice - leaving potential visitors with no refund.

Travellers hoping to visit New Zealand also face losing money with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern also banning travellers from broadly defined Covid 'hotspots'.

Australians planning an interstate holiday after lockdown need to be very careful about booking a tour or accommodation. Travellers from Sydney or Melbourne have no right to a refund if they had booked accommodation only for Queensland to close its border (pictured is Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast)

Why Covid outbreaks aren't covered The Insurance Council of Australia said travel insurers did not have specific policies for pandemics because it was impossible to price the risk of border closures and travel bans Consumer advocate Adam Glezer said Australian consumer law did not require hotels and tourism operators to provide refunds He advised travellers to ask about refund policies before making a booking and to get them printed out if individual businesses offered such a guarantee Advertisement

Consumer advocate Adam Glezer said travel insurance policies typically did not cover pandemics while Australian consumer law failed to require tourism operators or hotels to provide refunds because of Covid outbreaks.

'Without any level of protection in place outside of the travel companies' terms and conditions, consumers cannot book holidays with confidence,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

'There are a lot of different kinds of businesses that the lack of consumer protection really affects.

'If the trip is cancelled through no fault of the consumer, I do believe there should be a right to a refund because they've paid good money for a trip that they're unable to take because of border closures.'

The Insurance Council of Australia defended travel insurers for not having policies covering the Covid pandemic.

'Most travel insurance policies have exclusions for outbreaks of infectious diseases, pandemics, epidemics and/or known events,' a spokesman told Daily Mail Australia.

'Most travel insurance policies exclude cancellation costs arising from government travel bans, as it is impossible for insurers to price the risk associated with border closures and travel bans.'

The Insurance Council of Australia defended travel insurers for not having policies covering the Covid pandemic, arguing it was impossible to price the risk of border closures and travel bans (pictured is a car being stopped at Coolangatta in the NSW-Queensland border)

Consumer advocate Adam Glezer (pictured with his wife Jaclyn) said travel insurance policies typically didn't cover pandemics while Australian consumer law did not require tourism operators or hotels to provide refunds because of Covid outbreaks

Mr Glezer said holidaymakers needed to ask the airlines, hotels and tour operators they are using about their pandemic refund policies and have printouts, rather than hoping consumer protection laws would apply.

'The number one question I would be asking is if I am unable to come due to a border closure, 'Am I entitled to a refund?',' he said.

'I would be making sure I got that in writing.'

Existing refund policies did not account for states like Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania, along with the Northern Territory, closing their border at very short notice to travellers from NSW and Victoria.

'Some hotels and accommodation venues have a 30-day cancellation policy where you've got to cancel 30 days out otherwise you've effectively done your money,' Mr Glezer said.

'How can you have any kind of time limit in terms when a border closure can happen within hours? It just makes no sense.'

Australian consumer law covers refunds but since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, the federal government has not introduced legislation requiring tourism-related companies to provide customers with their money back because of Covid restrictions.

Qantas, which has 74 per cent of Australia's domestic airline market, contacts travellers offering a refund or a flight credit if a flight is cancelled because of Covid border restrictions.

Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar said the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission was working to ensure travel businesses didn't breach contractual obligations to the customer if a Covid outbreak occurred.

'This includes engaging with businesses to ensure they are not misrepresenting consumers' rights to a refund or other remedy,' he told Daily Mail Australia.

Qantas, which has 74 per cent of Australia's domestic airline market, contacts travellers offering a refund or a flight credit if a flight is cancelled because of Covid border restrictions

Nonetheless, credits and refunds as a result of a travel booking being cancelled because of Covid are covered by a hotel or tourism operator's terms and conditions and not Australian consumer law, which hasn't been updated to cover the pandemic.

The federal government announced a $128million scheme in December 2020 to help travel agents and tour companies pay credits and refunds if Covid restrictions forced cancellations.

In March 2021, another $130million was given to travel agents and tour companies who customers could not travel overseas, with Australians banned from travelling overseas for a holiday since March 2020.

Adam Glezer can be contacted via his Consumer Champion site
Russia has announced plans to set up a new Arctic naval fleet in a major military expansion as President Vladimir Putin today marked his 69th birthday.

The new fleet will help Russia tighten its stranglehold on Europe's gas supplies by securing future energy reserves in the polar region and giving Russia full control of the so-called Northern Sea Route for commercial shipping.

It comes after Putin was accused of deliberately withholding gas supplies and turning energy 'into a weapon' as leverage with the EU.

He wants the bloc to sign off on his new Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, run by state energy company Gazprom, that bypasses Ukraine - and has hinted he will pump more gas into Europe if the EU approves the controversial plan.

The veiled threats have sent gas prices soaring across the continent as the cold winter approaches and added fuel to claims Moscow is deliberately withholding supplies.

Russia has announced plans to set up a new Arctic naval fleet in a major military expansion as President Vladimir Putin today marked his 69th birthday

A new Arctic fleet - the country's fifth - is intended to help Russia secure future gas and other energy supplies in the polar region

Map showing points of origin and destination of the Nord Stream pipe (solid line) and Nord Stream 2 pipeline (dotted line) between Russia and Germany

Details of the new Arctic naval fleet emerged in the early hours of Putin's 69th birthday after a naval source told state news agency TASS the 'new structure' was 'under consideration'.

'It will be a separate formation within the Navy, and its responsibility will be to ensure the safety of the Northern Sea Route and the Arctic coast,' the source said.

Currently this is the responsibility of the Northern and Pacific fleets, but under the blueprint they will be freed for 'combat missions' while specially designed Arctic vessels will patrol the polar region.

The announcement came after Putin made several remarks about energy supplies to Europe, saying shipping greater volumes of gas through Ukraine was 'economically unprofitable for Gazprom - because it is more expensive.'

He also pointed out new pipeline systems 'reduce the amount of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere by 5.6 times' and that European leaders should admit their mistakes in switching to short term gas contracts.

'Today it has become absolutely obvious that this policy is erroneous,' Putin said.

'As a result, now the gas price has broken all historical records and today it's already striving to $2,000 dollars per 1,000 cubic meters.'

The Georgy Pobedonosets is seen off Dudinka on Russia's Arctic coast ahead of a naval exercise in the region

A Russian navy submarine - part of one of four of the country's fleets with the the Northern, Pacific, Baltic, and Black Sea fleets as well as the Caspian flotilla

The price of wholesale gas in the UK surged by 1 a unit to 400p per therm this morning - up 37 per cent in a day and 600 per cent higher than the start of 2021.

But prices reversed course hours later, sending the UK contracts back to 2.87, after Putin sought to stabilise the gas market by saying that state-backed monopoly exporter Gazprom could increase supplies to Europe.

Critics accused the Russian strongman of trying to stave off allegations that Moscow is trying to 'weaponise' gas supplies.

In response Jennifer Granholm, the US secretary of energy, said the US is watching Russia 'carefully', adding: You don't want to see energy made into a weapon'.

Meanwhile the new fleet has been dubbed a 'birthday present' for Putin more than 20 years after he came to the Kremlin presidency at 47.

'The plan is that the infrastructure of the new association will be separate from the Northern and Pacific fleets,' said the source.

'In the future, it will have ships and special equipment suitable for the Arctic.'

Russia currently has four fleets - the Northern, Pacific, Baltic, and Black Sea fleets as well as the Caspian flotilla - but the proposal would see a fifth fleet added to the country's navy.

The Northern Fleet is based in the Russian Arctic with a history dating back to 1833 but has a wider role in - for example - sending nuclear submarines into the Atlantic.

A small Russian anti-submarine ship, project 1124M, pictured during a naval exercise
A California judge said she plans to re-sentence Scott Peterson to life in prison after the state's Supreme Court tossed out his death sentence last year.

Stanislaus County District Attorney Birgit Fladager is now considering whether Peterson should receive a new trial in the 2002 murders of his pregnant wife Laci Peterson and their unborn son, after prosecutors said they won't again seek to have him executed.

'This is no longer a death penalty case,' Fladager reiterated during Wednesday's brief hearing. 'There is no way in the world this is anything other than a life without parole case.'

Peterson was sentenced to death in 2005 and has spent more than 15 years on death row before the California Supreme Court tossed out his sentence last year.

The December 8 re-sentencing hearing is not expected to last longer than two hours, with brief statements from family members of 27-year-old Laci, who was eight months pregnant at the time of her killing.

In this handout image provided by the California Department of Corrections, convicted murderer Scott Peterson poses for a mug shot March 17, 2005 in San Quentin

Scott Peterson, center, with defense attorneys Mark Geragos, left, and Pat Harris listens to judge Alfred A. Delucchi in a Redwood City, California courtroom on Wednesday

Laci Peterson, pictured, was murdered by her husband while she was eight months pregnant

Peterson has been appearing at the hearings through a remote link from San Quentin State Prison, home to California's death row, but will be present in person for his resentencing.

The high court ruled last year that jurors who personally disagreed with the death penalty but were willing to impose it were improperly dismissed.

It separately ordered Superior Court Judge Anne-Christine Massullo to decide if Peterson must receive an entirely new trial because of juror misconduct.

That in turn has complicated who should represent him, and the timing of the retrial decision. Defense attorneys who work for the Habeas Corpus attorneys may no longer be able to represent Peterson because by law they can only be involved in death penalty cases.

One of Peterson's attorneys, Pat Harris, told Massullo that removing those attorneys could mean delaying the retrial decision 'for what could be a substantial amount of time... maybe even a year or more for new counsel to get up to date. That obviously causes us a great deal of concern.'

Scott and Laci Peterson Scott Peterson must be re-sentenced for the murder of his pregnant wife, a judge ruled on Wednesday.Peterson's death sentence was overturned in 2020

Scott and Laci Peterson, pictured, in an undated photo

Peterson, who spent over 15 years on Death Row in the 2002 murders of his pregnant wife and unborn son, will be sentenced to life in prison this fall, a judge said September 22, 2021

Harris instead proposed holding the retrial hearing in mid-November, before Peterson's resentencing date.

Massullo plans to consider the timing and who should represent Peterson during a hearing later this month.

Peterson's lawyers contend the woman known as Juror 7 falsely answered questions during the selection process as she sought to join the jury. She later coauthored a book on the case.

Supreme Court justices said there was considerable circumstantial evidence incriminating Peterson in the first-degree murder of his wife and the second-degree murder of the boy they planned to name Connor.

Accused double murderer Scott Peterson (2nd-L) and lawyer Pat Harris (L) listen to Mark Geragos (R) during defense closing arguments November 2004 in Redwood City, California

Peterson (L) sits in the courtroom with his attorney Pat Harris (R) during defense closing arguments in the penalty phase of his trial December 9, 2004 in Redwood City, California

Convicted murderer Scott Peterson is escorted by two San Mateo County Sheriff deputies as he is walked from the jail to an awaiting van March 17, 2005 in Redwood City, California

Prosecutors said Peterson took his wife's body from their Modesto home on Christmas Eve 2002 and dumped her in San Francisco Bay from his fishing boat. The bodies washed ashore in April 2003.

Defense attorneys say they have new evidence that nearby burglars may have committed the crime, though investigators say they were ruled out as suspects.

To get the chance to prove it, Peterson's attorneys must persuade Massullo that the juror was biased because she had been a crime victim, something she did not disclose during jury selection.

It was later learned that the woman had been beaten by a boyfriend while she was pregnant in 2001. She also didn't reveal that during another pregnancy she had obtained a restraining order against a boyfriend's ex-girlfriend because she was fearful the woman would harm her unborn child.
The former chief of MI6 said Hunter Biden's decision to accept a board post with the Ukrainian energy company Burisma made his father 'potentially vulnerable' in a podcast released Thursday.

Sir Richard Dearlove said they both should have 'run a mile' from the offer of a job at a time when the senior Biden was vice president.

He made his comments during an episode of One Decision, featuring Alexander Vindman, a retired Army colonel who gave evidence against President Trump during his first impeachment.

Vindman described how he reported his concerns that Trump used a call with the Ukrainian president to advance his own political interests.

During a discussion of the interview, Dearlove was asked whether the storm around Trump's engagement with Ukraine had overshadowed the Biden family's Ukraine connections.

'I think, Biden and Biden's son were incredibly unwise. It was, I think, a massive error of judgment, made Biden potentially vulnerable,' he said in the latest installment of One Decision, which he hosts with former CNN journalist Michelle Kosinski

'We don't actually know a lot, but I mean the idea that Ukraine ring up and offer you a job and you know offer you some board position, which Hunter had, I mean God he should have run a mile.

'He shouldn't have been anywhere near it.'

Sir Richard Dearlove, the former chief of Britain's MI6 intelligence agency, said the Bidens made 'a massive error of judgment' in getting involved in a Ukrainian business arrangement

Hunter Biden served on the board of Burisma from 2014 to 2019, triggering allegations that the Biden was cashing in on Joe Biden's role as vice president

Dearlove was the chief of Britain's foreign spy service - popularly known as 'C' - from 1999 to 2004.

His comments will add fuel to Republican concerns that by taking a well-paid role with Burisma, Hunter Biden could have created - at best - a family conflict of interest or - at worst - the potential for a foreign power to exert influence over the then-vice president.

Hunter Biden later said that his name was gold to Burisma

'Right at that time, the Russians had invaded and taken Crimea, and they were after the natural resources and the pipeline,' he told the BBC earlier this year.

And I know that Burisma wanted to do one thing: They wanted to create a bulwark against that Russian aggression, they knew they had to expand internationally and into other sectors to diversify and protect themselves.

The Biden name is synonymous with democracy and transparency, and that's why I said it was gold to them.'

His role triggered a slew of questions about whether the Biden family was cashing in on its name.

The nature of national security and conflicts of interest were the subject of the podcast and interview with Vindman.

He was a director for European Affairs on National Security Council and one of the officials on Trump's infamous call to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in July 2019.

Dearlove said: 'I think, Biden and Biden's son were incredibly unwise,' And he said he had turned down multiple offers for 'ridiculous positions' after leaving his job as 'C'

Lt. Colonel Alexander Vindman, director for European Affairs at the National Security Council, arrives to testify before a House Intelligence Committee hearing as part of the impeachment inquiry into President Trump in November 2019

In the new podcast, Vindman describes how he felt forced to retire from the Army after raising concerns about President Trump's phone call with the president of Ukraine

He reported his concerns about Trump seeking an investigation of Hunter Biden from the Ukrainian president after Zelenskyy asked for U.S. military aid.

That led to him testifying before Congress.

'I understood immediately that this was a threat to our democracy, American democracy in that the President was looking to upend free and fair elections that simple. That was why I responded,' he said in the new interview, adding that the phone call was not the start of his concerns about Trump.

'He had no kind of interest on foreign policy as a whole, national security, except if there was a transactional benefit, potentially.

'Our policy towards Ukraine was not purely oriented on national security. There were other issues in play, and those issues included advancing the president's political goals going into 2020 elections.'

Vindman paid for speaking out.

After Trump was acquitted, Vindman was fired from the National Security Council. A promised promotion evaporated.

'I surveyed senior officers that I had relationships with and, at least on, on one occasion I was told, you basically don't have a career anymore,' he said.

Another told him he would need a 'rehabilitative assignment.'

He also claimed the White House berated Department of Defense officials for even considering his promotion and sent out talking points that were used to attack him.

He said he hoped the military would stand up for him, saying he had earned his White House post on merit and that he had done the right thing in reporting his concerns.

'There was none of that. If anything, you know, people were, doing their best to put distance between themselves and me,' said Vindman, whose book, Here, Right Matters: An American Story, was released last summer.

There was talk of him being transferred to a new Army museum which had not yet even opened.

Instead he resigned, ending his military career in July 2020. He is now pursuing a PhD at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

'We do have a military leadership that tends to select kind of more risk averse leadership that is political ... not in the sense that they have, you know, a party leaning, Republican or Democrat, but seeing the way political winds are blowing and manuvering to benefit in those political winds.'

'Their silence was complicity in retaliation and bullying, I believe that they were protecting their own careers and their own standing, and that indicated a level of weakness for the president to exploit.
As Sydney prepares for Freedom Day on Monday and case numbers continue to increase in locked-down Melbourne, it's worth looking back at the naysayers who told us NSW should follow the Victoria model.

Chief among them are celebrity media power couple Lisa Wilkinson of Channel 10's The Project and her husband Peter FitzSimons of the Sydney Morning Herald, along with Karl Stefanovic and ABC's Fran Kelly.

While Daniel Andrews' Victoria now holds the record of being the most locked-down state in the world due to Covid-19, Gladys Berejiklian's parting gift to NSW as she stepped down from being the premier is a state about to taste freedom.

Lisa Wilkinson (pictured) said then NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian was 'doing nothing' about Covid

Today show host Karl Stefanovic (pictured, right) said Gladys Berejiklian had 'botched' the NSW Covid response

If Ms Berejiklian had listened to some in the media rather than medical advice, Sydney and NSW might be in the same boat as Melbourne and Victoria.

Wilkinson took many jabs at Ms Berejiklian over winter for not cracking down even harder on Sydneysiders.

'Gladys Berejiklian makes no restrictions, she's doing nothing, the soft lockdown continues  She's stuffed this  the lockdown was not hard enough and people wanted a hard lockdown,' she said on The Project.

Presumably the 'people' on whose behalf she spoke were her huge house neighbours on Sydney's leafy lower north shore.

She certainly was not speaking for the tradies and battlers of western Sydney just trying to earn a living without being stigmatised by their post code.

When the state's pubs reopen on Monday they will operate under the four person per sqm rule (pictured, NYE revellers in Sydney last year)

Gladys Berejiklian was slammed by many in the media for her handling of Covid-19 while premier of NSW

Wilkinson continued her rant, having a go at Ms Berejiklian's daily 11am televised media statements.

'I think I speak on behalf of just about everybody that is watching these press conferences  they are almost unwatchable,' she said.

Those daily press conferences had far higher viewership figures than The Project.

'If Gladys Berejiklian isn't up to the job, then she needs to step aside,' Wilkinson said. She eventually got her wish, but it had nothing to do with the former premier's handling of Covid-19.

Wilkinson did find time to praise another premier though - Daniel Andrews.

'Victoria proves every time that the minute you get an outbreak there, you stamp on it, and you get back to normal life again,' she gushed on August 5 as the state went into its sixth lockdown.

NSW recorded 587 new Covid cases on Wednesday, while Victoria recorded 1,638. NSW will celebrate freedom day on Monday while Victoria remains in that sixth lockdown.

It was even worse in Victoria on Tuesday as it recorded 1763 new Covid-19 cases, the highest daily number for any state since the pandemic began.

Wilkinson has not, as yet, called for Mr Andrews' resignation.

Married media commentators Lisa Wilkinson (pictured, left) and Peter FitzSimons (right) both compared blasted the NSW government's response to Covid-19

It seems that great minds think alike in the Wilkinson/FitzSimons household; on July 18 in his column Peter FitzSimons wrote: 'while it is obvious to everyone with an ounce of sense that, as demonstrated by Victoria, lockdowns are effective, the Berejiklian version has been anything but'.

Wilkinson and her husband were far from alone in the rarified air of highly-paid media critics calling for lockdown in NSW to clone the failing Victorian version.

Newly-appointed NSW premier Dominic Perrottet broke the long-awaited news the state had reached its vaccination target on social media

Last month, Karl Stefanovic of Channel Nine's Today program unleashed on Ms Berejiklian and what he called her 'botched' handling of NSW's Covid-19 outbreak.

Speaking to Perth's Mix94.5 radio jocks Pete, Matt and Kymba, Stefanovic didn't hold back with his distaste for the then NSW state premier.

'Our premier has just completely and absolutely botched it,' he said as the radio hosts erupted into laughter.

'Gladys, it's a basket case! You've stuffed it up!'.

Stefanovic then praised Western Australian leader Mark McGowan who has divided opinion with his radical border stance and Covid-zero strategy.

'I think he (Mr McGowan) has done a brilliant job and you guys have a relatively normal life, it says everything.'

The Today host said it was 'very depressing' being stuck in NSW's 'Covid vortex'.

Fran Kelly, who presents a breakfast program on ABC's Radio National, also called for a harder lockdown.

ABC Radio National presenter Fran Kelly (pictured) said most people in Sydney wanted a harder lockdown

Asked by ABC's Insiders host David Speers in July if Sydney should have locked down quicker, Kelly replied 'I think most people in Sydney think it should have'.

'The extent of it, the construction industry, and all the tradies has really shocked people, I think, and added a little element of panic to the initial assessing of this new information.

'People have been really frustrated in Sydney that this lockdown hasn't gone harder earlier.'

Kelly went on to claim a majority of people in Sydney thought the initial moderate restrictions as 'mock down' and 'lockdown lite'.

Visitors to Sydney's iconic Coogee beach exercise during the Covid lockdown. The lockdown is about to ease condiderably

On Monday October 11, NSW will see the reopening of pubs, restaurants, cafes, hairdressers and retail stores.

Double-jabbed Sydneysiders will no longer have to follow the 5km radius rule and will be able to travel outside their local government area as long as they remain within greater Sydney.

With capacity limits in place, the fully vaccinated will be allowed to abandon lockdown restrictions that millions have endured since June 26.

New NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said on Thursday that 'as we hit the key 70 per cent and 80 per cent vaccination targets in coming days, we need to ensure that our focus remains on keeping people safe and continuing to strive for above 90 per cent vaccination rates.

'Alongside this, we must have a sharp focus on how we support businesses and ensure people return to work and give the NSW economy the best chance of bouncing back.

'As we head into December and over the summer period as businesses open... we're going to have a very bright summer.'

Melburnians and other Victorians will be looking on with envy as those to the north-east of them see friends in the flesh for the first time in months and wonder whether to get their hair cut or go to a cafe for their first taste of freedom.
An Alaska man faces federal charges over claims he threatened to hire an assassin to kill US Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski.

Jay Allen Johnson, 65, of Delta Junction, faces charges of threatening to murder a US official after he allegedly left a number of voice messages at the Alaska senator's Washington DC office.

A caller to Murkowski's office on September 29 threatens to hire an assassin and tells her to 'resign or get the f*** gone, or die'.

In a separate threat left in a voice message on September 2, the caller asked if she knew what a .50 caliber shell does to a human head, according to court records unsealed on Wednesday.

Jay Allen Johnson, 65, from Delta Junction, Alaska, faces charges after authorities allege he threatened to hire an assassin to kill US senator Lisa Murkowski (pictured), according to court documents

Johnson was scheduled to make his first appearance in a US District Court in Fairbanks on Wednesday over allegedly making threats against two senators but the hearing was continued until Friday, the US Attorney's Office said.

The two senators were not named by the US Attorney's office or in an affidavit outlining the investigation filed by Matthew Patrick Allen Oudbier, an FBI special agent.

However, Karina Borger, a spokesperson for US Senator Lisa Murkowski, confirmed in an email to The Associated Press that the Alaska Republican was one of the targets and was listed in the affidavit as 'Senator 1.'

'Threats should be taken seriously and our laws should be enforced to ensure accountability,' Borger said in a follow-up email.

'Senator Murkowski is thankful for the hard work of the federal law enforcement and for all they do to keep us safe.'

Alaska's other US senator, Dan Sullivan, was 'Senator 2' in the affidavit, his senior adviser Amanda Coyne said in an email. Sullivan would have no further comment since this is an ongoing investigation, she said.

Johnson was arrested on Monday and was being held at the Fairbanks Correctional Complex. Gary Colbath, a federal public defender, has been assigned the case and didnt immediately return a phone message to the AP seeking comment. Charging documents in the cases were filed October 1 under seal, which was lifted Wednesday.

Johnson faces several charges, including threatening to murder a US official with intent to intimidate or impede that person while conducting their official duties, making interstate threats and threatening to damage property by fire or explosives, according to a criminal complaint filed in federal court. No motives were detailed in the affidavit.

There were a number of threatening voice messages left at the Republican senator's Washington DC office between August and September with one telling her to 'resign or get the f*** gone, or die'

The phone system at the senators' offices captures the caller ID of incoming calls. An investigation into the number led law enforcement to a woman identified only by the initials 'CP' who married Johnson in Texas in 2016, the affidavit said.

Further investigation matched the number to both Johnson and CP, and both to a post office box and a redacted physical address in Delta Junction, the court documents say.

Delta Junction, a community of just under 1,000 residents, is located about 100 miles (161 kilometers) southeast of Fairbanks.

In the affidavit, the last four digits of the telephone number are redacted but the area code and first three digits of the phone number are the same and used in all the calls, the affidavit says.

In the affidavit, the senators are only referred to by the numbers 1 and 2.

It states that on September 29, a voice message left at the office of Senator 1, or Murkowski, was directed to the senator by name and the caller threatens to hire an assassin. The message said, 'resign or get the f*** gone, or die,' according to the affidavit.

In another call on September 2 the caller says he'll use his skills as a veteran to shoot her, saying: '50 caliber shell, you ever see what that does to a f****** human head?''

Another voicemail had been left at Murkowski's office on September 2. The caller said: 'I will find out everything, where youre at. I will find out all of your properties and I will burn everything you hope to have, and I will burn everything you hope to own.'

The caller then says he'll use his skills as a veteran: '50 caliber shell, you ever see what that does to a f****** human head?'

Officials say Murkowskis office also received four other voicemails from the same telephone number between August and September.

The affidavit also says Senator 2 received 13 voice messages between April to September, and in several the caller identified himself as Jay Johnson. In another, the caller gave that name along with an address in Delta Junction, the court documents say. No details of those calls were released.
The father of a woman pushed into an oncoming train in Times Square, confirmed that the attack was entirely random, and said that his daughter may never take the subway again.

Lenny Javier, 42, was on her way to work on Monday morning when she was shoved into the path of the subway train with such force that she lost a shoe.

Javier broke her left arm in three places, smashed her nose and remains in hospital, her father Vidal told Telemundo.

'She is stable with a lot of pain because she has her face covered,' he told the channel.

'Her left arm is fractured in three parts.'

Anthonia Egegbara, 29, of Queens, was charged with attempted murder on Tuesday, after surveillance footage showed her jump up from a bench and shove Javier as the train hurtled into the station. Egegbara has a lengthy history of arrest, including multiple attacks on women on public transport.

Vidal Javier said that the shocking video footage left him feeling 'helplessness, anger.'

Vidal Javier told Telemundo that he felt 'helplessness' when he saw the video of his daughter Lenny, 42 (pictured with her father) being pushed into a subway in Times Square on Monday

Horrifying surveillance video shows the moment when Anthonia Egegbara allegedly pushed a fellow commuter into a train at the Times Square subway station on Monday morning

He added: 'It's something that, in a way, I perhaps did not know how to express because you feel your hands are tied.'

He said that Lenny told him the police took 15 minutes to arrive and arrest her attacker, adding that she is unlikely to ever resume her commute.

'She says that she believes she will not get on a train again because she believes that everyone that is next to her will hurt her,' he said.

'I think it will be very difficult to return even if life continues, but for her, she would have to go to therapy or take therapy.

'It is going to be a system which you regain trust in.'

Video shows Egegbara allegedly sitting on a bench and, as the train comes into view around 8.15 am, she stands up and initiates her push. She then fled the scene

Police arrested 29-year-old Anthonia Egegbara (pictured) and charged her with attempted murder for the incident

Juan Carlos Javier, Lenny's cousin, told DailyMail.com that she was operated on on Wednesday, and that they hoped Egegbara was given a significant prison sentence.

'When something happens to one's family, one worries, and more so with Lenny who is so loved in the family, too,' he said.

He described his cousin, who he said was a teaching assistant, as 'a very dear person.'

Juan Carlos continued: 'Everyone prayed for everything to go well with the operation and thank God at least everything went well. Waiting for the recovery.

'Thank God that it was not worse.'

He said Egegbara needed to be held accountable, and prevented from attacking more people.

'The system is supposed to support the rider,' he said. 'You pay tax in this country.

'I think by law she will get time in jail.

'And I know that her father is going to have a lawyer for that, I know that he will not let this go unsolved. Knowing him, my uncle, that is not going to stay that way. He is going to put a good lawyer to solve it.

'If she's crazy, let her go to a madhouse for so many years, whatever.

'But I do know that we are going to solve it because it cannot go unpunished.

'That girl (Lenny) can't work now. She can't do anything. You don't know if the trauma, those injuries, will remain forever because it the train hit her hard.'

He said he felt the New York transit system was 'very dangerous'.

'All this that is happening today, you can see that this is caused because of people addicted to drugs; the problem with the coronavirus; the confinement.

'This confinement has not left people very well. The crime. The economy. There is no help, people are weird, crazy, I don't know.'

Anthonia Egegbara was arraigned at Manhattan Criminal Court on Wednesday. Egegbara is charged with attempted murder for pushing Lenny Javier into a moving train at the Times Square station on Monday

Police announced they have charged 29-year-old Anthonia Egegbara (pictured) with attempted murder

Police say on Monday, Egegbara (pictured) pushed a 42-year-old woman towards an oncoming train

Egegbara has been arrested at least seven times previously, according to NYPD records, with the three most recent incidents involving her allegedly kicking or biting other women on public transport.

'My face is swollen, I have a broken nose, a fractured chin,' Javier told WCBS-TV shortly before Egegbara was arrested.

'I never thought it would happen to me. Someone needs to take responsibility for this, because it can't be happening.'

Egegbara's mother, Dedria Gregg, told CBS2 that they were devastated by her actions.

'We all cried when we saw that video,' she said. 'The whole family is distressed and upset about this.

'I feel so sorry for the woman that got pushed in the subway. I am so sorry.'

Egegbara's family said she has long suffered from mental illness and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, among other disorders.

They said she was kind and 'sweet' when she took her medication, but as an adult she cannot be compelled to take it, and has been hospitalized more than 50 times since she was a teenager.

'She has been mental for a while, and the whole family has been struggling and fighting to get her help,' Gregg said.

'It's so hard to have someone in your family that suffers from mental illness.

'Everybody's going through it right now. The whole family is distraught.'

Police arrested the 29-year-old after investigators released video of her allegedly shoving a woman into a moving train on Monday

Anthonia Egegbara is walked in Manhattan Central Booking after she was arrested for pushing a stranger into a moving subway car on Monday

Egegbara, whose listed address is a hotel in Far Rockaway used as a female shelter, was charged with attempted murder following unprovoked attack

Nancy Egegbara said that her sister needed psychiatric help.

'My sister has been failed by the system that's supposed to help her,' she told CBS2.

'She really needs an institution, a place that can keep her safe and away from violence or violent behaviors.

'I'm not condoning. What she did was wrong, but what she did stems from her mental illness.'

Egegbara was arrested as a crime wave terrorizes New Yorkers, with transit crimes rising by 121.7 per cent for the week ending September 26, compared to the same period in 2020.

Police have not revealed a motive for Egegbara's attack against an unnamed 42-year-old woman who was taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition after sustaining facial injuries

Felony assault, rape and shootings were all up through October 3 compared to last year

A total of 51 transit crimes were recorded for the period between September 20 and 26, compared to just 23 for the same period last year.

Transit crimes rose 59 percent in the month of September, with 184 recorded so far this year, compared to 116 recorded last year. That's despite weekday subway ridership levels that remain just half of what they were before the pandemic struck.

The statistics are sure to make grim reading for New York City officials, who are pushing for workers to return to the office, and for tourists to return to the Big Apple, in a bid to boost its COVID-ravaged finances.

Egegbara, whose listed address is a hotel in Far Rockaway Queens that is used as a female shelter, appeared for arraignment on Wednesday.

ABC 7 News reported that police might be sending Egegbara to a hospital to be mentally evaluated, with no motive yet given for the seemingly random assault.

Court records show that she has multiple pending cases in the New York court system, including a September 19 arrest for turnstile jumping in the Bronx.

On July 5, she was charged with harassment and assault in Manhattan.

And a case from June 20, 2018 shows charges of disorderly conduct/fighting still pending in Brooklyn.

Egegbara, whose listed address is a hotel in Far Rockaway Queens that is used as a female shelter, appeared in Manhattan criminal court for arraignment on Wednesday

Egegbara has been arrested at least seven times previously, according to NYPD records, with the three most recent incidents involving her allegedly kicking or biting other women on public transport

Anthonia Egegbara, 29, of Queens, was charged with attempted murder Tuesday, after surveillance footage showed her jump up from a bench and shove the female victim as the train hurtled into the station

Egegbara has a lengthy rap sheet including numerous arrests for charges related to crimes on the subway

The subway pushing came just hours before a man shot himself in the leg in the same subway station.

Monday's attack has yet to be included in the latest crime statistics, but the headline-making violence threatens to derail New York City officials' bid to lure workers and tourists back to the COVID-ravaged city.

The incident occurred at the Times Square station, where thousands of tourist commute daily to visit the world-famous commercial intersection in Midtown, Manhattan.

Times Square sees an estimated 50 million visitors annually and about 330,000 people pass through it daily.

'This unprovoked attack was senseless and absurd,' MTA acting Chief Communications Officer Tim Minton said.

'The city needs to provide additional mental health services to assist those who may endanger themselves and others. The NYPD's rapid identification and arrest in this case makes riders safer.'

One subway rider, who witnessed the shoving, said the crime at the station is not surprising.

'This is like what it used to be like in the 80s,' the individual told ABC 7.

'People are wicked to be able to push someone on a moving train, and for what? I don't know, but it's horrible,' another passenger, CJ Stewart told CBS 2.

According to witnesses, Egegbara timed her attack just as a train was approaching the station.

Anthonia Egegbara, 29, is lead away by NYPD, as transit crimes in New York City rose by 121.7 per cent for the week ending September 26, compared to the same period in 2020

Egegbara, 29, hangs her head low as she is escorted by officers to Manhattan Central Booking on Tuesday

ABC 7 News reported that police might be sending Egegbara to a hospital to be mentally evaluated, with no motive yet given for the assault

Anthonia Egegbara is walked in Manhattan Central Booking after she was charged with attempted murder

A handcuffed Anthonia Egegbara makes her way to Manhattan Central Booking following her arrest

NYC'S SUMMER OF VIOLENCE May 6: Gunman shoots three in Times Square, including four-year-old girl Three innocent bystanders, including a four-year-old girl, were hit by stray bullets in Times Square in broad daylight, in a shocking shooting that sent tourists stampeding in panic. NYPD officers responded to the shooting at 4.55pm near the intersection of West 44th Street and Seventh Avenue in Manhattan, in the heart of Times Square. The young girl was struck in the leg, a 24-year-old woman was hit in her thigh and a 44-year-old woman was shot in the foot, police said. All survived. Police officers are seen arriving on the scene in Times Square on May 8, moments after three people were caught in crossfire at around 5pm and shot US Marshals in Starke, Florida, shared this photo of Muhammad after his arrest on May 12 NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said none of the victims were related or known to each other, and that they are believed to be innocent bystanders who were struck by stray bullets after a man got into an argument with someone else and began shooting wildly. The younger adult woman was a tourist visiting from Rhode Island, the older one a New Jersey resident, and the child lives in Brooklyn, and was shopping for toys with her parents, Shea said. The tourist from Rhode Island had traveled to Manhattan visit the Statue of Liberty, but finding the ferry closed decided to visit Times Square instead, Shea said. Farrakhan Muhammad, 31, was arrested charged with attempted murder and multiple counts of assault, reckless endangerment and criminal use of a firearm. He was denied bail, and the next hearing in the case is set for November 15. June 17: Two children escape death in shooting outside Bronx bodega Bronx siblings Christian, five, and Mia, 13, were nearly killed as a gunman fired wildly at an alleged gang rival who tripped over the children as he fled. Miraculously, neither of the kids were struck but they were directly in the line of fire. It was still light out and the parents watched in horror from the window of their first floor apartment, which is 1,000 feet away, as the kids walked down the street hand-in-hand to pick up some bread from the store. The apartment is just feet away from the 170th street subway station and is next to a park. It was a busy Thursday night with local families and residents filling the sidewalk. Mia and her brother were walking home together from a store. Mia tried to protect her brother while also trying to get the pair back on their feet. The callous gunman had no concern for the fact they were caught in the crossfire and kept shooting. He then fled on the back of a moped Michael Lopez is walked out of the 44th Precinct after police charge him with attempted murder in the June 17 sidewalk shooting The parents were watching when the gunman started running towards the kids on Sheridan Avenue, pointing at his target Hassan Wright, who was also behind the children. Hassan started running and tried to escape but instead he barreled into the brother and sister, knocking them to the ground. As the shooter stood over Wright, firing six shots at home, the kids were trapped beneath his feet. In a horrifying disregard for the children's lives, the shooter kept firing, injuring Wright in the legs and back before fleeing. Wright survived and is in the hospital. Michael Lopez, 27, was arrested and charged with attempted murder. He is currently being held without bail on Riker's Island, where he is currently confined in the infirmary unit, records show. July 31: Gunmen injure 10 in wild Queens shooting before fleeing on moped Two men approached a crowd on a Queens street and fired about 40 shots, injuring 10 people before fleeing on mopeds The shooters, who were in the North Corona neighborhood, targeted members of the Trinitarios gang, police said, but they opened fire near pedestrians outside a barbershop and at a birthday party in a restaurant. NYPD released new high-quality photos on Thursday showing two gunmen and their two accomplices on mopeds who are wanted by the police The images show of a pair of gunmen and their two accomplices who helped them escape on mopeds the night of the shooting The victims ranged from ages 19 to 72, including a 72-year-old woman and a 70-year-old man, both of whom were shot in the leg, in addition to seven other men and another woman. All were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. Three of them were the intended targets, police said. The most seriously injured victim suffered a gunshot wound to the stomach, NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig said. 'The two males immediately extended their arms and began firing in the direction of a group in front of the barber shop down the street,' he said. 'This was, as I can most accurately describe it, a brazen, coordinated attack.' The NYPD and Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa are offering a combined $30,000 reward for information leading to arrests. August 14: Hatchet-wielding assassin hacks stranger in Manhattan bank Shocking video captured the moment a hatchet-wielding man brutally attacked a customer at a Manhattan bank The random attack unfolded at a Chase Bank on Broadway in the Financial District just before 5.30pm. Surveillance video obtained by DailyMail.com shows the victim standing at an ATM in the bank vestibule when the assailant walks in behind him. Video captured the shocking moment Queens man Miguel Solorazana, 50, is slashed with a hatchet while using an ATM at a Chase Bank in downtown Manhattan at 5.30pm Sunday. It begins with the attacker walking into the ATM room with the hatchet in hand Eventually, Solorazana, severely bloodied, flees, and his attacker does not follow. Police say they have the suspect in custody pending charges The suspect is seen removing a hatchet from a dark bag and sneaking up behind the victim before slashing him. The terrified and bloodied victim, who was identified as 50-year-old Queens resident Miguel Solorzana by the New York Daily News, attempts to fend off the crazed attacker. Solorzana is seen desperately trying to grab the weapon, as he becomes increasingly bloodied, before falling to the floor several times. Once the assailant is finished attacking Solorzana, he proceeds to smash the ATM screens before walking away, but not before leaving the hatchet behind, police said. Aaron Garcia, 37, of Yonkers, was arrested in the attack and charged with attempted murder and assault. He has pleaded not guilty and is next due in court November 10. September 28: Boy, 16, is fatally shot by his own friend in Brooklyn gunfight Cahlil Pennington was fatally shot in the head as he and two other teens in white hoodies ran down Pitkin Avenue exchanging shots with a pursuing gunman. In surveillance video, one of the teens turns around to shoot at another gunman after being shot in the stomach during a shootout around 1:30 pm, police said. After the teen with the gun turns around and fires a shot behind him, Cahlil is seen dropping to the ground and tripping one his friends In the commotion, the bullet missed its intended target and hit Cahlil in the head at the corner of Pitkin and Miller Avenues, according to police and video footage. Cahlil falls to the ground and trips his friend, seen in a blood-soaked hoodie, who then drags Cahlil's limp body around the corner as another teen in a white hoodie rounds the corner and jumps over the two wounded teens, according to the video. Cahlil, a student at Brooklyn's New Visions AIM Charter High School II, was taken to Brookdale Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said. Several of the teens fled the scene and no arrests have been made. Advertisement

Witnesses said the attack serves as a reminder to be aware of your surroundings.

'Definitely a good reminder to keep your eyes peeled and be on your toes in New York,' West Village resident Tyler Sparling said.

'We're all usually in our phones and stuff, or listening to music. So we're not always 100% aware,' echoed Bryana Yard, of Brooklyn.

Police taped off the portion of the platform where the incident occurred and continuing to search for the suspect.

The busy Times Square station was a hotspot for crime on Monday, just hours later officers were called to the station again for reports of shots fired.

A 39-year-old from Brooklyn was urinating in the corner of West 40th Street and Seventh Avenue, near a McDonald's and sushi restaurant Wasabi, when he was shot in his right leg, according to the New York Post.

He is believed to have accidentally shot himself in the leg.

Eyewitnesses told ABC 7 that the shots went off inside the subway station, with the man seen stumbling up to ground level afterwards, before re-entering the station to ask for help.

The bullet sent him stumbling down into a nearby train station.

A person was shot in Times Square early Monday afternoon - the third instance of gun violence in the busy tourist hub this year, police said

The man's injuries are not fatal and no one has been arrested in the case, police say. His shooting is the third to hit Times Square in 2020

Video from the scene shows officers carrying an injured person into an ambulance as passersby cross the bustling intersection.

Authorities have not named the man, who is likely to face criminal charges as a result. He is reportedly not cooperating with investigators.

Monday's incidents come as overall crime in New York City dropped in August after a summer crime wave that had city officials pointing fingers at each other.

Total crime dropped by one percent in August compared to August 2020, with the biggest drops being in burglary, -24 percent, and shooting incidents, -30.7 percent, according to the latest official monthly figures from the NYPD.

The trend may be reversing, as weekly numbers ending on Sunday show that felony assaults are up by 7 percent, shootings are up by 1.6 percent and rapes are up by 2.2 percent as a whole compared to the same time last year.

Monday's shooting is the third such incident in Times Square this year.

In May, three unrelated bystanders were hit by stray bullets in the busy tourist hub after police say a man started shooting indiscriminately during an argument with someone else.

A four-year-old girl was struck in the leg, a 24-year-old woman was hit in the thigh and a 44-year-old woman was shot in the foot, police said. All were expected to survive.

'This little girl was so strong,' Officer Alyssa Vogel told WNBC. 'She didn't even cry once except when we were putting the tourniquet on. She screamed because it's very painful.'

In July, 16-year-old Avon Darden turned himself in and was charged with attempted murder after shooting US Marine Samuel Poulin, 21, in the back.

Poulin was not seriously injured.

The young soldier had recently graduated from The Citadel military college in South Carolina with a commission in the US Marine Corps.

The New York City Police Department has also reported numerous attacks in subway stations in the last few weeks.

On September 13, a 32-year-old was attacked after she confronted a man for shoving past her on the escalator at the Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center Station.

According to the Daily News, the woman told her attacker to 'say excuse me.'

He responded 'I did' and kicked her in the chest.

The victim fell backwards to the bottom of the escalator as the suspect continued up the escalator and out of the station.

Police say the woman suffered cuts and bruises to her back, arms, legs, right knee and right thigh and trauma to her left ankle.

In July, 16-year-old Avon Darden (left) turned himself in and was charged with attempted murder after shooting US Marine Samuel Poulin, 21, (right) in the back, in Time Square

In August, a similar incident occurred at the Union Square station, where a homeless man was caught striking a victim in the back of the head with a hammer, before leaving him bleeding on the platform after the victim looked at him in the 'wrong way'

Xing Zhou, 59, (left) was on her way to church when Vladimir Pierre, 41, (right) allegedly hit her

Earlier last month, a deaf woman fell onto the subway tracks after she was hit in the head by a homeless man who had been arrested for sucker-punching another victim just four days earlier.

Xing Zhou, 59, was on her way to church on September 5 when a man hit her in the head at Manhattan's Union Square subway station. She lost her balance during the attack and fell onto the tracks.

Two bystanders helped Zhou off the tracks and waited with her until help arrived. She was taken to the hospital and given medication for her pain.

Police later arrested Vladimir Pierre, 41, in connection to the attack.

In August, a similar incident occurred at the Union Square station, where a homeless man was caught striking a victim in the back of the head with a hammer, before leaving him bleeding on the platform after the victim looked at him in the 'wrong way.'

Police arrested 41-year-old Jamar Newton from Brooklyn and charged him with assault, reckless endangerment, criminal possession of a weapon and robbery.

That incident occurred one day after another woman was randomly attacked on a subway platform and beaten with a metal pole while waiting for the G train.
Australia's east coast is set to be battered by downpours and falling temperatures in coming days, making for a wet start to Sydney's long-awaited emergence from months of lockdown.

Huge swathes of eastern states will be hit by rainfall over the weekend as two separate weather systems usher in wet conditions.

Northern NSW and southern parts of Queensland are expected to be lashed with multiple days of rain from Sunday as a tropical cloud band hovers across the region, stretching into the Northern Territory.

Meanwhile, showers and cooler temperatures are in store for southern parts of NSW and Victoria as a cold front sweeps across the nation's southeast.

Large swathes of Australia's east coast will be soaked over the weekend into next week as two weather systems bring rainfall across the NT, QLD, NSW, and VIC. Pictured: A woman battling wet weather in Sydney

The dreary forecast means NSW residents heading out to enjoy eased Covid-19 restriction on October 11 will need umbrellas, with around 60mm of rain expected to drench the Sydney basin in coming days.

Bureau of Meteorology forecaster David Wilke said the cold front will move into NSW from Sunday afternoon, with the majority of the state - bar the far west region - set for a soaking.

'We are going to see a decent amount of rain across most of the eastern half of the state,' Mr Wilke told Daily Mail Australia.

'Rain will start on the Sunday, with the heaviest moving north. For most places it will be just a bit wet, but the heavy rain will most likely be up along the northern end of the NSW.'

The weather system will also see temperatures across the state plummet around 10C after a sunny and hot start to the weekend 'Saturday will be the warmest day for the state, with a lot of places around the high 20Cs or low 30Cs,' Mr Wilke said.

'Most parts of the state will see a 10C drop on the Sunday and Monday, but the southerly change will come through in Sydney around Sunday evening.'

Weather experts say most parts of NSW will witness around a 10C drop in temperatures from Monday as wet weather washes over the state. Pictured: A pedestrian braves the cold temperatures in Sydney

Mr Wilke said weather models earlier this week indicated northern parts of NSW along the Queensland border could be hit by more than 100mm of rain from Sunday.

While the intensity of the front appeared to be easing as of Thursday, it could still ramp up in coming days.

'There is still a chance we could see some heavy falls in some places in the north and close to the Upper Hunter,' he said.

'But it's a developing situation we are keeping an eye on - there is going to be rain, but just how much is still uncertain at this stage.

However, Mr Wilke said lighter rainfall in northern parts of NSW could potentially cause flooding as some catchments are already brimming on the back of a wet September.

Modelling earlier this week shows that parts of northern NSW could be deluged by more than 100mm, with experts monitoring the situation

Although northern NSW will see the heaviest rain from the tropical system, Victoria will bear the brunt of the cold front in the south, with rain forecast for most of the state except its north west region.

Melburnians can expect cloudy conditions on Friday before showers start developing on Saturday, with a warm top of 23C.

Showers will soak the Victorian capital on Sunday as the maximum temperature drops to a chilly 15C, with the cool and wet conditions not easing until Tuesday.

Sydneysiders will enjoy warm and sunny conditions leading into the weekend, and the mercury will then climb to a hot 27C on Saturday and 28C on Sunday.

Rain will develop on Sunday afternoon with the temperature falling to 19C on Monday as showers continue through until the middle of next week.

Brisbane is in for a warm and sunny weekend, with the mercury ranging between 17C to 30C. Showers are expected on Monday and Tuesday, but residents will be spared a dramatic drop in the temperature.

Like NSW, Canberra will see rainfall on Sunday as well as a possible thunderstorm with the top of 22C.

This graphic shows the two weather systems set to bring down pours across the eastern coast in coming days. A cloud band, a tropical system, is stretching across the NT, through Queensland, and into northern NSW. It merges with a cold front sweeping from Tasmania into south-eastern NSW

Next week will be cooler as highs drop to the high teens, with showers easing on Monday before picking back up on Tuesday.

Hobart can also expect to be drenched in coming days as the cold front sweeps over Tasmania, with showers starting from Friday.

Temperatures will bask around the high teens on Friday and Saturday before dropping to a cool low of 4C and top of 14C from the beginning of next week.

Adelaide residents will enjoy a sunny Friday with some scattered showers throughout the weekend. Lows will stay around 10C before dipping to an icy 6C on Monday, while highs will bask around the high teens.

Over west, Perth may see some rain on Friday before clouds disappear to make way for a sunny weekend, with tops in the early 20Cs.

But like most other parts of Australia, the Western Australian capital city can expect some rain from Monday before conditions ease during the middle of the week.

Darwin is set to enjoy a blistering hot weather leading into the weekend with highs of 34C and lows of 26C.

Showers will develop from Sunday evening continuing into next week, offering a reprieve from the scorching temperatures.
International rallies against Australia's lockdowns and hard borders have continued with protesters gathering outside the country's flagship building in the heart of London.

Dozens of people attended Australia House in The Strand in central London at the weekend to demonstrate against the country's ongoing lockdowns, with John Farnham's iconic anthem You're The Voice blasting through speakers.

The rallies come just days before the country's most populated state, NSW, is set to break out of its 100+ day stay-at-home order, with Victoria weeks off hitting their own 70 per cent vaccination milestone.

International rallies against Australia's lockdowns and hard borders have continued with protesters gathering outside the country's flagship building in the heart of London

Dozens of people attended Australia House in The Strand in central London on the weekend to demonstrate against the country's ongoing lockdowns

Londoners were locked down for 201 days throughout the pandemic, the fourth-longest in the world behind Melbourne, Buenos Aires and Dublin.

On Sunday, dozens gathered outside Australia House to continue to push an anti-lockdown agenda, which was followed days later by a similar rally in New York City.

The international movement under the 'Save Australia' mantra has seen protesters flood the streets opposing the country's ongoing restrictions while the rest of the world returns to a sense of normalcy.

Footage from London shows people with British accents arguing with police over human rights.

Several British protesters holding Australian flags attempted to block traffic on the main road in The Strand, while others stuck posters of support on the building.

One sign read 'jail Dan Andrews' referring to Victoria's premier who has overseen the longest lockdown in the world.

One sign read 'jail Dan Andrews' referring to Victoria's premier who has overseen the longest lockdown in the world

Protesters were met by police outside the Australian High Commission building on the weekend, objecting to Australia's lockdown laws

The rallies were accompanied by similar demonstrations in New York, with people marching down its iconic streets with messages of support for locked down Aussies.

'What's going on in Australia is not just going to be Australia. So when it shows up on our doorstep, we're going to punch it in the f**king teeth,' a man with a loudspeaker announced during the New York demonstration.

The timing of the rallies coincides with an accelerated vaccine roll-out across Australia - with more than 90 per cent of adults having received a single dose.

NSW will come out of lockdown on Monday October 11, authorities confirmed.

Victoria, the other locked down Australian state, will hit its 70 per cent threshold in the final week of October, which will see the entire country free from the stay-at-home orders.

International travel is also set to resume in November, with an easing of the hard border and hotel quarantine system.

States are set to open borders to one another after hitting 80 per cent vaccination, with Queensland and Western Australia the only defiant states set to drag their feet over re-joining the rest of the country.
This is the moment a man attempted to leap from the window of a moving New York City transit bus after reportedly missing his stop.

Fellow commuters held the man back by his arms as he tried pushing through a window, demanding to be let go.

'Don't do that,' said one passenger, who clung onto the man's arm to prevent him from escaping.

'Stop the bus,' shouted another rider.

The man was eager to disembark from the bus after missing his stop, said Zeeshan Ali, who posted the video on several social media platforms, including YouTube and Instagram, where it received more than 158,000 views.

Scroll down for video

This is the moment a man attempted to leap from the window of a moving New York City transit bus after reportedly missing his stop

Fellow commuters held the man back by his arms as he tried pushing through a window, demanding to be let go

The video, uploaded Tuesday, documents the chaos that unfolded as fellow passengers restrained the defiant passenger.

'Let me go,' the man trying to escape repeatedly tells those restraining him.

When they release their grips, the unruly rider turns to a man who was trying to help him and appears to spit in his face.

The Good Samaritan manages to shut out the thankless passenger and lock the window, bringing an end to the in-transit saga.

Some social media users sympathized with the passenger who seemed desperate to escape the route.

The video, uploaded Tuesday, documents the chaos that unfolded as fellow passengers restrained the defiant passenger

'Mental health is so important,' said one Instagram commenter. Life is getting so hard for so many including myself. I hope he is ok.'

Added another: 'Pray for the dude. Clearly he's going through hard times.'

Other social media users wondered if other factors were at play.

'Or he might simply be a crackhead,' one person wrote.

Ali, who shot the video, did not respond to a DailyMail.com request for comment.

It's not clear where, or when, the incident occurred.
Hospital superbugs can be destroyed by 'engineered' bacteria created by scientists, research suggests.

Experts used the 'living medicine' to fight antibiotic-resistant superbugs which infect hospital patients through catheters and breathing tubes.

The bacteria destroyed Staphylococcus aureus infections on catheters in mice, but experts plan to start trials in people with lung infections from breathing tubes in 2023.

Hospital superbugs can be destroyed by 'engineered' bacteria created by scientists, research suggests. Pictured: A scientists examines a pair of Petri dishes (stock image)

It is hoped the bacteria may work for other hospital superbugs like MRSA. Scientists say the bugs clump together to form 'biofilms' which cannot be penetrated by antibiotics.

But the engineered bacteria cut through the biofilm and destroy bugs using special enzymes.

The discovery is being hailed as a breakthrough in the battle against the growing problem of antibiotic resistance.

If antibiotics do not work in the future, patients could die from infections following operations such as hip replacements and caesarean sections.

Research leader Professor Luis Serrano, of the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona, said: 'Bacteria are ideal vehicles for 'living medicine' because they can carry any given therapeutic protein to treat the source of a disease.'

Professor Colin Garner, of Antibiotic Research UK, who was not involved in the study, said: 'We need researchers thinking outside of the box like this.

'The results are very promising and welcome as biofilm infections can cause sepsis and death, particularly in intensive care units. However, there is a long and expensive path ahead to see if the method actually works in patients with resistant biofilm infections.'

Research leader Professor Luis Serrano (pictured), of the Centre for Genomic Regulation in Barcelona, said: 'Bacteria are ideal vehicles for 'living medicine' because they can carry any given therapeutic protein to treat the source of a disease.'

The study took bacteria called Mycoplasma pneumoniae, which cause mild pneumonia in people with lowered immune systems, and genetically engineered it to be harmless in people.

Experts then further engineered it to produce two enzymes which kill Staphyloccus aureus. People could take the new treatment as an aerosol spray in the nose or throat.

The researchers, who spent 15 years working on the technology, say that injecting the therapy under the skin of mice removed infections on catheters in 82 per cent of the animals.

The bacteria lasted four to seven days before being cleared by the immune system.
Dominic Perrottet has dismissed criticism for snubbing Kerry Chant from his first Covid press conference since becoming NSW premier.

Dr Chant, the state's chief health officer, was expected to attend the Tuesday briefing to celebrate NSW hitting 70 per cent vaccination.

But she was nowhere to be seen as Mr Perrottet announced major changes to the roadmap out of lockdown she had a big part in making possible.

The new premier was surrounded by several colleagues, including Health Minister Brad Hazzard, and quickly inundated with questions about Dr Chant's absence.

One reporter went as far to describe Dr Chant's omission as 'disrespectful' and others questioned if she even endorsed the accelerated roadmap.

Premier Dominic Perrottet (pictured) has been slammed as 'disrespectful' over his decision not to invite Dr Kerry Chant to his first major Covid press conference

'What does it say about your respect for Dr Kerry Chant when she's lead us through this for the last two years and you wouldn't invite her here today at your first major [press conference],' one reporter asked.

'It is a bit disrespectful isn't it?'

Mr Perrottet replied tersely: 'Dr Chant is one of my favourite constituents in Epping. We have always had a great relationship.'

The reporter said it was reasonable during a health crisis to expect the chief health officer to attend major Covid press conferences.

'Well, it's also an economic crisis as well,' a rattled Mr Perrottet replied. 'As the new premier, we're the elected officials.

'The style might be different and changes will get made, but in my view we had a very constructive discussion last night and as the health minister has said, these changes are supported by the health team.'

Mr Perrottet was quickly inundated with questions regarding the state's Chief Health Officer's (pictured) exclusion from the monumental press conference on Thursday

One attending reporter went as far to describe Dr Chant's (right) omission as 'disrespectful' while others questioned if she had even endorsed the changes to the roadmap

Other reporters seemed unconvinced and asked again if the changes to the roadmap had been approved by Dr Chant and the health team.

'I sat down with the health minister and Dr Chant yesterday,' the premier repeated.

'We went through some of these potential changes. We went through the opportunities to make some sensible amendments, some stable and steady amendments, to the roadmap.'

Mr Perrottet reassured reporters the chief health officer and her team would continue to be members of his rebranded subcommittee in the future.

'I think the health minister has made it very clear the changes today are supported and endorsed by the health team in the entire NSW Government,' he said.

Mr Perrottet (pictured) reassured reporters the chief health officer and her team would continue to be members of his rebranded subcommittee in the future

The revisions will allow Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 12 to return to school on Monday October 18, with all students back in the classroom by October 25.

Limits on household gatherings and weddings and funerals for the fully vaccinated will also be double what was promised by his predecessor Gladys Berejiklian.

Up to 10 residents excluding children will be allowed to gather inside homes across the state, and as many as 100 permitted to attend weddings and funerals.

Indoor swimming pools will also be able to open for swimming lessons, training and rehabilitation activities.

From the 80 per cent vaccination milestone, expected by October 25, restrictions will ease further.

This includes a cap of 3,000 people for controlled and ticketed outdoor events and the reopening of nightclubs.

The new state leader announced an overhaul of NSW's roadmap out of lockdown on Thursday (pictured, bar staff make drinks in Sydney)

Up to 10 residents excluding children will be allowed to gather inside homes across the state, and as many as 100 permitted to attend weddings and funerals (pictured, Opera Bar in Sydney)

Mandatory mask use will also be ditched in office buildings in an attempt to encourage workers back into the Sydney CBD.

These freedoms will only be restored for the fully vaccinated until December 1, when freedoms are restored for the unvaccinated.

'These changes today are measured, sensible, and ensure we open up in a very safe way,' Mr Perrottet said of the changes to the state's roadmap.

'I met yesterday for some time with Dr Chant and with Minister Hazzard. We ran through a whole range of issues.

'It was a long meeting, but one in which I think was constructive, productive and these changes today, I think, will make a real difference.'
A school-wide ban on certain foods, such as peanut butter, could be coming to an end after health experts warned such strict rules do not work.

The National Allergy Strategy guidelines, which were released on Thursday, recommended an 'allergy aware' approach rather than focusing on bans on high risk foods.

'It is NOT recommended that schools ''ban'' food and as such schools should not claim to be free of any allergen e.g. ''nut free'',' the new rules outlined.

The National Allergy Strategy guidelines released on Thursday show blanket bans in schools on foods containing allergens such as peanut butter don't work (pictured, stock image)

Instead risk minimisation strategies are encouraged, like including allergen free zones during cooking classes and informing children on food education.

The new rules come as anaphylaxis caused by food allergies has doubled between 2003 and 2013 despite existing bans on high risk foods in schools.

In the past decade, Australian school-aged children suffering from food allergies has now risen to one in 20.

Dr Preeti Joshi, a paediatric clinical immunology/allergy specialist and co-chair of the National Allergy Strategy said the new guidelines were a more realistic approach.

'Trying to completely ban food allergens in these settings simply does not work and is near impossible to enforce,' she said.

'It is not safe or practical to rely on people to not bring food allergens, of which there are many, into a certain environment. A consistent allergy aware approach with age-appropriate strategies is preferred.'

The new rules come as anaphylaxis caused by food allergies has doubled between 2003 and 2013 despite existing bans on high risk foods in schools

'This includes ensuring staff are adequately trained, especially in the prompt recognition and treatment of an allergic reaction including anaphylaxis,' Dr Joshi added.

Jennifer Ayoub agreed education and guidelines for teachers to manage risk was a better outcome, after her 11-year-old son Oscar suffered an anaphylactic reaction to milk.

'It is not reasonable to expect any school to ban milk,' she told The Mecury.

'We really had to fight to get some basic things in place for Oscar.'

'For example it took me three months to get the school to agree for the teacher to carry his EpiPen when he goes on excursions,' Ms Ayoub said.

Food allergy expert and Member for Higgins, Dr Katie Allen MP, said protecting children with anaphylaxis in Australian schools was a high priority.

'Australia does not take a back seat when it comes to safety from anaphylaxis in schools and children's education and care,' she said.

'These guidelines ensure that best practice is standardised across each state and territory. I welcome the work of the National Allergy Strategy in making these guidelines a reality'
The husband of an Insulate Britain eco-zealot who is now going on hunger strike in prison after she and eight other activists were jailed for their roadblocking demonstrations said today that he was 'terrified' for her as they come to terms with spending Christmas apart. Emma Smart, 44, was handed a four-month sentence alongside Ben Buse, 36, Roman Paluch-Machnik, 28, Oliver Rock, 41, Tim Speers, 36, and James Thomas, 47, for taking part in a protest on the M25 on October 8. Ana Heyatawin, 58, and Louis McKechnie, 20, were sent to prison for three months, while Ben Taylor, 27, was jailed for six months after boasting he would immediately block the roads again if not imprisoned. Smart, a biologist, told the High Court yesterday that the proceedings were 'obscene' and glowered at barristers representing National Highways. However, she has faced allegations of hypocrisy after undertaking a gas-guzzling 81,000-mile drive across the globe with her husband Andy Smith in 2012. Mr Smith, 45, who volunteers as a climate activist full time but has not taken part in any demonstrations with Extinction Rebellion offshoot Insulate Britain, said he is 'terrified' for her as she spends Christmas behind bars. Mr Smith said he was aware that Smart would be going on a hunger strike if she was put behind bars, adding: 'It's something we discuss quite frequently'. He added: 'She is incredibly resolute in her actions. I stand by her in all the decisions she makes. All nine of them in court were pretty resolute that you can sentence them, but this isn't going to resolve the problem and people will still continue to protest. Obviously I'm terrified. It's a horrible thing for her to go through but I stand by her decision to do that.'
A Texas man has been sentenced to prison after he posted false and threatening messages on Facebook about spreading COVID-19.

Christopher Charles Perez, 40, falsely claimed he paid someone infected with COVID to lick items at a H-E-B grocery store in San Antonio in an effort to 'scare people away' from visiting the stores, according to the Department of Justice.

'My homeboys cousin has covid19 and has licked everything for past two days cause we paid him too. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED,' Perez wrote on April 5, 2020.

His post was taken down after 16 minutes, the New York Times reported.

In a second post  which included a link to a news story about a store that closed after an employee tested positive for COVID  Perez wrote: 'Lol, I did try to warn y'all. Nogalitos location next.'

That posted remained on the social media platform for 23 hours.

On Monday, Perez was found guilty of criminal false information and hoaxes related to biological weapons and issued a lengthy sentence that one law expert argued was intended to send a message to others.

Christopher Charles Perez, 40, falsely claimed he paid someone infected with COVID to lick items at a H-E-B grocery store in San Antonio (pictured) in an effort to 'scare people away' from visiting the stores

Perez was sentenced to 15 months in prison, three years of supervised release that requires him to seek mental health treatment and medication, and fined $1,000.

Although investigation and Perez's confession revealed that his licking claims were false, federal officials argued that he needed to answer for his actions.

'Those who would threaten to use COVID-19 as a weapon against others will be held accountable for their actions, even if the threat was a hoax,' FBI San Antonio Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs said in a statement.

'Perez's actions were knowingly designed to spread fear and panic and today's sentencing illustrates the seriousness of this crime. The FBI would like to thank our law enforcement partners for their help in this case.'

'Trying to scare people with the threat of spreading dangerous diseases is no joking matter. This office takes seriously threats to harm the community and will prosecute them to the full extent of the law,' echoed U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff.

However, retired judge and current Harvard Law School lecturer Nancy Gertner suggested that Perez's sentence may be a bit extreme.

'I'm sure the judge was intending to send a message to people who would be involved in like hoaxes, which is important,' she told the newspaper.

'The question is whether he needed to impose a sentence of this length to send that message.'

Perez's lawyer, Alfredo R. Villarreal, filed a notice stating that he would be appealing his conviction.

Perez's conviction comes as former Facebook employee Frances Haugen came before a Senate Commerce panel (pictured) on Tuesday to lay out a far-reaching condemnation of the social network

Villarreal claims that Perez's posts were 'purely as a joke' and that he had, 'at worst, intended that people take the pandemic more seriously at a time when public gathering and mask hesitancy were continuing to frustrate public health officials.'

He also noted that Perez 'broke down several times' during a previous hearing and 'expressed to counsel that he did not understand the proceedings'.

Villarreal also said that Perez repeatedly told the prosecution: 'I am not a terrorist!'

Pandemic hoaxes have run rampant across numerous social media platforms in the past year.

Facebook has deleted more than 20 million fake COVID posts and shut down accounts belonging to 3,000 repeat offenders, according to CBS News.

The company has also reportedly flagged 190 million questionable posts with warnings and promoted factual vaccine information.

Perez's conviction comes as former Facebook employee Frances Haugen came before a Senate Commerce panel on Tuesday to lay out a far-reaching condemnation of the social network.

Frances Haugen (pictured)  who has accused Facebook of spreading misinformation and threatening children's safety, as well as the integrity of democracy  urged Congress to increase regulations on the company

Haugen  who has accused Facebook of spreading misinformation and threatening children's safety, as well as the integrity of democracy  urged Congress to increase regulations on the company.

She pushed for legislative measures that would remove the legal protections of speech posted on social media platforms in cases where dominant content driven by computer algorithms favors massive engagement by users over public safety.

Haugen, whose claims are allegedly supported by the Facebook's own internal research, argued that the company knows that vulnerable people are harmed by its systems and has not made meaningful changes to prevent it.

She claims the 'platform is designed to exploit negative emotions to keep people on the platform'.

Facebook denied the allegations, saying: 'we do not and we have not prioritized engagement over safety'.
All school students in NSW will return to class on October 25 - but teachers will need to be double-jabbed against Covid-19 and wear a face mask in the classroom even after 80 per cent of the state is fully vaccinated against the virus.

New NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet on Thursday announced children in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 12 students would return to school on October 18 - a week sooner than his predecessor Gladys Berejiklian's plan.

All other grades will go back to on-site learning a week later.

NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said there will be no vaccination requirements for children heading back to school, but their teachers will need to have received both jabs.

All school students will return to class in the next two weeks but teachers will need to be fully-vaccinated against Covid-19 and wear a face mask. Pictured is an Australia prep school teacher leading a class during the pandemic

Teachers still waiting for their second dose will be offered priority bookings for a week starting from October 17 to ensure they are immunised in time.

Mr Perrottet said teachers would have to wear masks even when 80 per cent of the population has received both vaccine doses to protect students from the virus.

The move comes despite the new state leader announcing face coverings would no longer be mandatory for fully-vaccinated office workers at that point.

The premier said he was implementing common-sense changes that would speed up life returning to normal.

'That's great for kids,' he said on Thursday.

'It's a major relief for parents and their sanity and I think this is an important decision today and I want to thank all the teachers who are out there getting vaccinated to ensure that we can open our schools as safely as possible.'

Ms Mitchell welcomed the move to get students back to school sooner.

New NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet on Thursday announced children in Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 12 students would return to school on October 18. All other grades will go back to on-site learning by October 25.

'As I have said many times, we know that the best learning environment for our children is in the classroom with their teachers and with their friends,' she said.

'We've got encouraging numbers already of our staff who are vaccinated and those numbers will go up as that data collection continues in the coming day.'

About 45,000 teachers across the state have confirmed they are fully vaccinated, the state's education minister said.

A mother farewells her son at Annandale Public School in Sydney's inner-west. NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said there will be no vaccination requirements for children heading back to school

Last week, unions voiced concerns some schools were not adequately ventilated and lacked air purifiers in necessary circumstances.

But Ms Mitchell said they had a number of Covid-safe measures in place and had completed an audit on 2,200 public schools across the state.

'I appreciate that for some parents they are a little bit nervous and they want to make sure that it's a safe learning environment for their children,' she said.

Greater Sydney will emerge from 15 weeks of lockdown on Monday when gyms, cafes, restaurants, shops, hairdressers and beauticians will reopen and people will be allowed to venture more than five kilometres from home.

Mr Perrottet said he would be calling other premiers on Thursday with Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk a priority.

NSW'S LOCKDOWN ROADMAP: THE CHANGES These apply to people who are fully vaccinated. FROM OCTOBER 11: * Indoor gatherings capped at 10 people (up from five) * Outdoor gatherings capped at 30 people (up from 20) * Weddings and funerals capped at 100 people (up from 50) * Indoor swimming pools to reopen * Workers in regional areas can return to their workplace if they've had one vaccination, but must be fully jabbed by November 1 FROM OCTOBER 25, AFTER NSW HITS 80 PER CENT DOUBLE-DOSE COVERAGE: * Indoor gatherings capped at 20 people * Outdoor gatherings capped at 50 people * Ticketed outdoor events capped at 3000 people * Nightclubs can reopen (no dancing) * Masks no longer have to be worn in office buildings CHANGES TO THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL PLAN: * Kindergarten, Year One and Year 12 return on October 18 * All other years return on October 25 Advertisement

Regional lockdowns will be extended until Monday for a number of areas including Oberon, Snowy Monaro and Menindee and Sunset Strip in the Central Darling Shire.

NSW reached its 70 per cent Covid-19 vaccination target on Wednesday during Mr Perrottet's first full day as premier and after new deputy premier and National Party leader Paul Toole was sworn in.

So from Monday, double-jabbed Sydneysiders will no longer have to follow the 5km radius rule and will be able to travel outside their LGA as long as they remain within greater Sydney.

Travel into regional NSW has been pushed back to when the state hits 80 per cent full vaccination.
A former Northwestern University professor accused of murdering his boyfriend claims he 'hid in the bathroom like a coward' as another man stabbed his lover to death.

Wyndham Lathem, 47, a renowned expert on bubonic plague, is accused of murdering his boyfriend Trenton James Cornell-Duranleau, 26, in a twisted sex game at his Chicago apartment in July 2017.

Lathem is accused of enlisting Andrew Warren, an Oxford University financial officer, to fly from England to Chicago to help him kill hair stylist Cornell-Duranleau as part of a sexual fantasy.

Warren, who has already pleaded guilty to murder, testified that he flew to Chicago to meet Lathem as part of a pact to kill each other, before they agreed to kill Cornell-Duranleau.

Lathem under questioning from the prosecutor acknowledged that not only did he not try to stop Warren from killing his boyfriend, but he took a shower before the two fled together.

He claims he was in shock and believed the authorities would blame him for Cornell-Duranleau's death. But he admitted that he had ample opportunity to tell someone what happened, starting with the doorman at his apartment building.

Wyndham Lathem, 47, a renowned expert on bubonic plague, is accused of murdering his boyfriend Trenton James Cornell-Duranleau, 26, in a twisted sex game at his Chicago apartment in July 2017

Trenton James Cornell-Duranleau, 26, a hair stylist, was stabbed 78 times

'(You) didn't tell the door man (that) this man from England just butchered my boyfriend did you?' Assistant State's Attorney Craig Engebretson asked.

'No,' Lathem said.

Nor, he said, did he tell any of the several people he crossed paths with after he and Warren fled Chicago before the two were were arrested eight days later in Northern California after leading authorities on a national manhunt.

Andrew Warren, an Oxford University financial officer, was said to have flown from England to Chicago to help Lathem kill his boyfriend as part of a sexual fantasy

On Tuesday, Lathem testified that Warren alone stabbed Cornell-Duranleau during what started as a mathemphatime-fueled sexual encounter involving the three men.

'I didn't stop Andrew from hurting him, I didn't,' Lathem testified. 'I hid in the bathroom like a coward.'

That contradicted the testimony earlier in the trial by Warren, who in 2019 pleaded guilty to first-degree murder as part of a plea agreement that called for him to testify against Lathem in exchange for receiving a 45-year prison sentence.

Warren, who was an Oxford University financial officer at the time of the slaying, testified that he flew from England to Chicago to meet Lathem and take part in a pact to kill each other before agreeing to kill the 26-year-old Cornell-Duranleau at Lathem's suggestion.

He testified that he did, in fact, stab Cornell-Duranleau, but only after Lathem had already begun stabbing him.

Lathem's testimony also contradicted what he said on a video that was linked to an email he sent his parents days after the slaying.

'He trusted me completely and felt safe with me, and I betrayed that,' Lathem said on the video that the parents turned over to the U.S. Marshals Service and played for the jury by prosecutors last week and again on Wednesday. 'I took that all away when I killed him.'

A doorman at the Grand Plaza Apartments told the court that on July 27, 2017, a resident reported hearing screams, but a maintenance worker who was sent to look into the disturbance did not hear anything suspicious.

Wyndham Lathem (left), a former Northwestern University microbiology professor, broke down in sobs during his Chicago murder trial Tuesday after being shown video depicting the mutilated body of his boyfriend, Trenton Cornell-Durnaleau, 26 (right)

Later, police were contacted with a request to perform a welfare check after the front desk at the condominium got a call from someone who said that a crime may have been committed inside Lathem's apartment.

Officer Mark Beam, with the Chicago Police Department, found Cornell-Duranleau lying in a pool of blood with stab wounds all over his body.

He said that the copious amount of blood on the floor led him to believe that the victim was already dead.

A search of Lathem's condo yielded a bag of 'crystal-like' substance and suspected drug paraphernalia, along with a drywall knife and two bloody kitchen knives, one of which was broken in half, according to a police evidence technician.

The jury also heard from a front desk clerk at City Suites Hotel in Chicago, where Lathem and Warren booked a room using the Englishman's identification card after Cornell-Duranleau's killing.

Video from the hotel showed Lathem at the front desk and Warren sitting in the lobby, prompting defense attorney Barry Sheppard to suggest that Lathem was doing Warren's bidding.

Lathem and Warren, pictured in this earlier courtroom sketch, were arrested in California after an eight-day manhunt

Lathems defense team have sought to place the blame for the murder on Warren, arguing that the British national killed Cornell-Duranleau out of jealousy after being jilted by the professor.

In 2019, Warren pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 45 years in prison as part of a plea agreement that calls for him to testify against Lathem during his trial.

The prosecution, during opening statements Monday, argued that Lathem took advantage of a 'young man just trying to make his way in Chicago' to fulfill an apparent sexual fantasy.

However, Lathem's attorney painted a different picture, saying that Warren committed a crime against both the defendant and the deceased.

'This was nothing more than a crime of opportunity that had two victims,' defense attorney Kenneth Wine.

'Andrew Warren took the life of Trenton Cornell and ruined the life of Dr. Lathem.'
Chicago mobster Al Capon's most prized possessions are being put up for auction by his granddaughters, but critics have accused them for profiting off 'blood money.'

Items going up for sale include the gangster's favorite gun - a semi-automatic Colt he called 'sweetheart' - as well as photographs, personal letters and diamond jewelry.

Diane Capone, 77, the mobster's second granddaughter, only knew her grandfather after his release from Alcatraz prison in 1939, following a seven-year sentence for tax evasion.

By then, the 40-year-old Capone was already in failing health and suffering from neurological issues caused by late-stage syphilis.

Diane didn't know her grandfather as the mobster boss who is widely believed to be behind the bloody St. Valentine's Day massacre in 1929 that left seven rival gang members dead.

The Capone granddaughters say they want to highlight the grandfather they knew, not the image the world has of him through the auction, which goes live tomorrow.

'When he came back from being in Alcatraz, he had gone through quite a transformation. He lived out the rest of his life trying to make amends, trying to make peace with God and he believed that he was given a second chance,' Diane told CBS News.

The infamous gun, which Capone called 'sweetheart' is also up for grabs, with estimates that it may make $100,000 to $150,000

The silver clip was bejeweled with his first name and houses 21 single-cut diamonds. The item starts at a $1,250 bid

Despite the bling and the allure of a mob boss's most prized possession, some critics are slamming the family for profiting off 'blood money.' With high priced items, such as Capone's platinum Patek Phillippe watch (pictured) are going for more than $12,000

Capone's diamond and platinum match box is among the pieces at the auction. Bidding starts at $1,250

Chicago's most notorious mob boss Al Capone will have his prized possessions auctioned off at Witherell's Auction House in California starting tomorrow. The auction was set up by his four granddaughters

After Capone had returned from his prison sentence at Alcatraz, he was often seen in loungewear at his Miami Beach mansion, according to CBS.

Alongside the nearly 200 items going up for auction, a photo taken on Christmas Day 1946 is among them. The picture shows 'papa,' as he was known to them, relishing his freedom after being released from Alcatraz.

In the picture, Capone is seen with his wife and four granddaughters out for a walk onto the dock of their sprawling mansion on Palm Island, Florida.

That picture is among 174 items belonging to the Capone family that will go up for auction in Sacramento, California, on Friday.

His second granddaughter Diana Capone told CBS News that the auction was show the world the grandfather they knew, not the notorious mob boss suspected of murders and violence

The items range from personal photographs to firearms to pocket watches and jewelry as well as furniture and kitchenware belonging to Capone, as well as his son Sonny and wife Mae.

Al Capone's platinum and diamond Patek Philippe pocket watch is listed for $25,000 to $50,000.

His favorite Colt .45 pistol is estimated to fetch $100,000 to $150,000.

A vintage hand-colored silver print of Al and his son, Sonny Capone, is expected to go for $10,000 to $15,000.

Brian Witherell, consignment director at Witherell's Auction House, said nearly 1,000 bidders have registered for the auction from every US state and 11 countries.

'The items that generate the most interest are the ones that you think of synonymous with a gangster figure like Al Capone, his guns and his fancy flamboyant jewelry,' he said.

Diane Capone said she hopes these items will reveal the human side of her grandfather, instead of the ruthless violence that plagued Chicago in the 1920s for which he has become infamous.

Diane described her grandfather as a family man and hopes the items will reveal a softer side. This is the last photo taken of Al Capone with his wife Mae and grandchildren Diane, Barbara and Ronnie is being sold starting at $1,250

Diane shows CBS's Lee Cowan the tie clip her grandfather wore

A handwritten letter from Capone during his time in Alcatraz - the notorious former prison for the worst criminals - to his son is among the collection of items and Diane said the letter represents the grandfather they knew. The bid starts at $12,500

Furniture and kitchenware are among the items up for bid, with Capone's Dirigold Sweden flatware starting at $500

The item that most exemplifies this, she said, is a personal letter Al Capone wrote to his son, Sonny Capone, from Alcatraz estimated between $25,000 and $50,000.

'It's such a lovely letter, and it is a letter that conveys a side of this man that the vast majority of people have no idea of,' she said. 'These are not the words or the ideas of a man who is a ruthless gangster. These are the words of a loving father.'

The letter, which was written to Diane's father, read, in part: 'To my dear son, well, son of my heart, here is dear father, who loves you. Until next week, give mother a nice big kiss for me and God bless you both. Your dear father, Alphonse Capone.'

Diane told CBS that the letter represented the man her grandmother and Capone's wife always knew him to be.

'She [her grandmother] never gave up hope,' she told CBS.

However, some critics are reprimanding the family for selling the items, claiming it's off 'blood money' and if they wanted to honor their grandfather, they should put it into a museum.

Critics are saying the family should put the items in a museum if they want to honor the family, but Diane claimed the family is selling the items because of their increasing age and the threat of the wildfires to their Northern California homes. His monogram pendent (pictured) starts at $1,250

Diane said the decision to sell the items was based on her and her sisters getting older, as well as the increasing threat of wildfires to their homes in Northern California.

Nine Salarno Besselman, a former California prosecutor who has no connection to Capone, slammed the family for 'profiting' off blood money.

'Let's face it. An auction is for money. If they truly want people to know that he was a loving grandfather, truly want people to know this other side of him, then put it in a museum,' she told CBS. 'We should not profit from what I would call blood money.'

Diane told CBS she understood the opinion but believed everyone 'makes mistakes in life.'

Although she had 'no idea' if her grandfather was capable of murder, but said she would say 'I'm sorry' to anyone who may or may not have been victims of Capone's alleged violence.

Capone spent seven years in Alcatraz for 22 counts of tax evasion and is largely believed to be behind the bloody St. Valentine's Day massacre of 1929, where seven members of a rival gang were executed after Capone's supposed men were dressed as police officers

Al Capone was one of the most feared figures in organized crime during the Prohibition Era, when the sale or production of alcohol was banned in the United States.

Born in 1899 to Italian immigrants, the Brooklyn-born Capone became influenced by a life of crime by friend Johnny Torrio.

He earned the nickname 'Scarface' in 1917 after getting into an altercation with a man at a bar that left three scars on his face.

He married his wife Mae Coughlin in 1918 and his son Sonny was born on December 4 of that year.

Also up for grabs are his son Sonny's guns and knife sets. Sonny's pink snub-nose revolver starts at $100

Sonny's Reproduction Sharp's gun has a decorative handle and bronzy finish. The bid starts at $100

One of Sonny's knife sets includes folded and fixed blades. One blade, labeled 226, has a depiction of a tiger on it, while the other blades in the set are wooden, metal, or colored. This knife set starts at $100

He was the boss of the Chicago Outfit, a 1920s gang that beat out rivals in bootlegging and racketeering with increasingly brutal methods.

These culminated in the 1929 St Valentine's Day Massacre, when seven members of a rival gang were executed, resulting in Capone being dubbed 'Public Enemy Number One'.

He was indicted in 1931 on 22 counts of tax evasion and was sentenced to 11 years in prison.

He ultimately ended up in Alcatraz, a San Francisco island fortress prison in 1934 for seven years.

He died on January 25, 1947, at the age of 48 after developing dementia as a result of a syphilis contraction.
Nicola Sturgeon's plan to hold an independence referendum without consent from Westminster could be 'torpedoed' by a Supreme Court ruling in London yesterday.

Scotland's first minister was dealt the humiliating blow when the United Kingdom's highest court ruled that her government had overstepped its powers.

Experts described the judgment as 'unprecedented', amid a scathing attack by the judges - including the court's Scottish president Lord Reed - on the 'deliberate' attempt to bypass UK Parliamentary sovereignty.

Nicola Sturgeon's (pictured Tuesday) plan to hold an independence referendum without consent from Westminster could be 'torpedoed' by a Supreme Court ruling yesterday

Five senior judges, including Reed, unanimously found that two Bills passed in March by MSPs were incompatible with the 1998 Scotland Act, which is the basis for Scottish devolution.

They identified four sections of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Bill and two sections of the European Charter of Local Self Government Bill which were incompatible with Holyrood's powers.

The two Bills are now expected to return to Holyrood to be changed by MSPs in a 'reconsideration stage' to meet the requirements of the court's judgment.

However, Professor Adam Tomkins of Glasgow University and a former Tory MSP, told The Daily Telegraph that the ruling 'may well prove to torpedo any argument that Holyrood can legislate' for a second referendum without Westminster's consent.

'It is a ruling that harms any Nationalist conceit that there could ever be a path to a lawful independence referendum without Westminster's explicit consent,' he said.

Opponents claimed the 'nationalist games' had backfired and paved the way for another defeat in court if Boris Johnson refuses to agree to a divisive vote.

Experts described the judgment as 'unprecedented', amid a scathing attack by the judges - including the court's Scottish president Lord Reed (pictured) - on the 'deliberate' attempt to bypass UK Parliamentary sovereignty

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said he was 'bitterly disappointed' with the ruling, claiming it showed Scotland was in a 'ludicrous' constitutional position.

UK law officers had referred both Bills to the Supreme Court for a definitive ruling on competence, arguing both Bills 'would bestow upon the Scottish courts extensive powers to interpret and scrutinise primary legislation passed by the sovereign UK Parliament'.

This is because it would modify Section 28(7) of the Scotland Act 1998, which states Holyrood's power to make laws 'does not affect the power of the Parliament of the United Kingdom to make laws for Scotland'.

Lord Reed said that while the Scottish parliament can make laws for Scotland, it 'does not enjoy the sovereignty of the Crown in Parliament'.

He added: 'Parliament also has an unlimited power to make laws for Scotland, a power which the legislation of the Scottish parliament cannot affect.'

Pictured: Pro-independence demonstrators stage a rally in Scottish capital Edinburgh on September 25, 2021 in favor of independence from the UK

Supreme Court rules two Bills are beyond Holyrood's powers: What happens next? Yesterday, the Supreme Court ruled that two Bills brought forward by Nicola Sturgeon's government were beyond Holyrood's powers. The judgment sparked a constitutional row in Scotland. Here, RACHEL WATSON of the Scottish Daily Mail explains what has happened and what it means. What are the Bills and when were they passed? In March, MSPs unanimously voted to pass the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Bill and the European Charter of Local Self Government Bill. The UNCRC Bill would have set a legal requirement for public authorities to comply with international standards. Why did the UK Government challenge this in court? In April, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack wrote to the Scottish Government warning that concerns over competency of the Bills had been raised 'several times at official level'. He also suggested amendments could be made to address this. The changes were not made, so UK law officers sought an opinion from the Supreme Court on whether this would interfere with powers reserved to Westminster. What did the Supreme Court rule? Five judges at the Supreme Court ruled that certain sections of the UNCRC Bill and the European Charter of Local Self Government Bill were outwith Holyrood's competency and were incompatible with the 1998 Scotland Act. This is because they would breach part of the Act, which allows the UK Government to make laws for Scotland. On the UNCRC, it stated that there was an implication that this had been 'drafted in terms which deliberately exceed the legislative competence of the Scottish parliament'. What happens next? The Bills will now return to the Scottish parliament for amendments to be made before they are passed into law officially. Why is there a constitutional row? The judgment has opened a more fundamental argument on devolution and when decisions can be made by the Scottish Government. There are some who see the court battle as a test run should Nicola Sturgeon bring forward a Referendums Bill in Holyrood in an attempt to hold a referendum without Boris Johnson's permission. According to the SNP, the judgment is proof that Scotland does not have the ability to legislate in areas it should. But, on the pro-Union side, there is belief that the ruling may shoot down Miss Sturgeon's bid for a divisive vote. Advertisement

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Bill sought to enshrine the protections on children's rights into Scots law, while a similar piece of legislation - also passed unanimously by MSPs - was brought in to incorporate the European Charter of Local Self-Government.

Supreme Court justices insisted they did not take issue with the Scottish Parliament's decision to incorporate these sets of standards - but that the manner in which the Bills had sought to do this 'breaches the limitations imposed on the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament by the Scotland Act'.

However, Mr Swinney said the unanimous ruling from the Supreme Court made 'crystal clear' that 'the devolution settlement does not give Scotland the powers it needs'.

'While we fully respect the court's judgment, it lays bare the weakness of, and the limits in, the devolution settlement,' he said.

'The ruling means it is outwith the power of the Scottish Parliament to pass legislation it considers necessary to fully ensure the rights of Scotland's children are protected.

'The UNCRC Bill was created to deliver a revolution in children's rights, making sure children and young people are involved in decisions that affect their lives. The Bill was backed unanimously by the Scottish Parliament and celebrated as a landmark by campaigners across the country.'

He added that the European Charter of Local Self-Government Bill - which had been introduced by former Green MSP Andy Wightman - was supported by councils as it 'strengthens local government by incorporating the Charter into Scots law'.

The Deputy First Minister, who will give a statement to Holyrood on the ruling later on Wednesday, said the judgment will 'require careful consideration'.

Taking to Twitter, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the ruling will 'leave us unable to fully protect children's rights, even in devolved areas'.

'If our Parliament was independent, no such restriction would apply.'

But the Scottish Conservatives accused SNP ministers of having 'shamefully used children's rights to play nationalist games'.

Speaking about the legislation on incorporating the UN Convention on Children's Rights, constitution spokesman Donald Cameron said: 'There was never any dispute over the substance of the policy, only the legality of parts of the Bill.

'The Scottish Conservatives supported this legislation from the outset whilst pointing out the legal problems.

'But the SNP sought to politicise it from the very beginning. They cynically engineered and manipulated the timing of the Bill to facilitate a pre-election stunt where they provoked a grievance with the UK Government.'

The Conservative MSP also argued that the 'instant response' of the Deputy First Minister 'was to make it all about nationalism, instead of focusing on children's rights'.

'The SNP's disgraceful approach has delayed a Bill on children's rights that every party in the Scottish Parliament supported,' he said.

'We hope they will now hastily apologise for doing so and make the necessary changes immediately so that this legislation, that all MSPs support, can be passed.'

Deputy First Minister John Swinney makes a statement at the Scottish Parliament, Wednesday, where he said work on a Bill to incorporate a UN treaty on children's rights into Scots law will continue despite the original being sent back to Holyrood by the UK Supreme Court

Scotland's Children and Young People's Commissioner, Bruce Adamson, said the Scottish Government's commitment to protecting children must not be dampened by the ruling.

'The Supreme Court has today clarified the limits of the powers of the Scottish Parliament, but this must not limit the commitment made by the Scottish Government to take a maximalist approach to the incorporation of children's rights as far as devolution allows,' he said.

Alison Evison, president of local authority umbrella body Cosla, said: 'We will now seek to work with the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government to ensure that all the work done around both Bills will not be lost.

'Obviously today's judgment will require scrutiny and full consideration. Local government must have a meaningful role in whatever comes next and as a valued sphere in the governance of Scotland.'

However, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack welcomed the decision, saying it 'provides vital legal clarity on these two Bills'.

'As set out in the Scotland Act 1998, the Scottish Parliament cannot legislate outwith its areas of competence,' he said.

'As we have been clear, our concerns were never to do with the policy of the Bills, but about whether they are within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament.

'We will continue to work collaboratively with the Scottish Government to address any competence concerns with future Scottish Parliament legislation.'
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At least 20 people were killed and dozens injured when an earthquake hit southwestern Pakistan in the early hours of Thursday, with rescuers trying to reach coal miners reportedly trapped underground.

The tremor, measuring magnitude 5.9, struck 60 miles east of the city of Quetta around 3am Thursday with many of the victims crushed to death in their beds when the walls and roofs of their mud-brick homes collapsed.

A woman and six children were among 20 dead, Suhail Anwar Hashmi, the top government official in Harnai district said, putting the number of injured at around 200.

'There are reports that some 15 coal miners are trapped in a mine on the outskirts of the town due to the quake,' he added, saying a rescue team had been dispatched.

It was felt across at least six cities and towns, but the worst-affected area was the remote mountainous district of Harnai, where landslides blocked some roads, hampering rescue efforts.

At least 20 people have been killed and 200 injured after an earthquake struck western Pakistan, near the city of Quetta, around 3am Thursday - causing houses to collapse

A woman and six children have so-far been confirmed among the dead, with many of the victims crushed to death in their beds after the walls of their mud-brick homes collapsed

The worst-affected areas were in remote hillside communities where homes are less-well constructed and where landslides have cut off roads, hampering rescue efforts

The quake, with a magnitude of 5.9, struck to the east of the city of Quetta around 3am. It partially collapsed a mine, with around 15 now thought to be trapped underground

Authorities are also contending with phone and electricity outages after pylons were damaged.

'We are receiving information that 20 people have been killed due to the earthquake,' said Balochistan's home minister Mir Zia ullah Langau, adding that 100 people were injured.

'It is safe to say that hundreds of mud houses were damaged.'

It is common in Pakistan for miners to work at night when temperatures are cooler.

Army helicopters were helping to evacuate the injured from remote areas to Quetta, the nearest major city.

Naseer Nasar, the head of Balochistan's Provincial Disaster Management Authority, warned the death toll could rise.

'Our rescue teams have cleared 50 per cent of the roads leading to the Harnai while remaining roads will be cleared in the next two to three hours,' Balochistan's home minister Langau added, highlighting the strain rescue teams were under.

The quake caused electricity to fail in the area, with health staff working until dawn without lights in the district's poorly equipped government hospital.

Before daybreak, 'we were operating without electricity with the help of torches and mobile flashlights,' Zahoor Tarin, a senior official at Harnai hospital, told AFP.

'Most of the injured came with fractured limbs. Dozens of people were sent back after first aid,' he said.

An injured person arrives at a hospital in Quetta, western Pakistan, after an earthquake struck nearby at around 3am

People injured in the earthquake are brought to hospital in a pickup truck being used as a makeshift ambulance in the Pakistani city of Quetta on Thursday morning

An injured woman is helped on to a stretcher after being hurt in the earthquake which struck Pakistan around 3am Thursday

A resident removes debris of his mud house that collapsed following the earthquake in the remote mountainous district

The most serious cases were being sent by ambulance to Quetta.

The earthquake was felt in towns throughout Balochistan, which borders Afghanistan and Iran, including provincial capital Quetta, around 170 kilometres (105 miles) west of Harnai.

The US Geological Survey later revised upwards the magnitude of the shallow quake to 5.9.

Pakistan straddles the boundary where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, making the country susceptible to earthquakes.

In 2015, a 7.5-magnitude quake in Pakistan and Afghanistan killed almost 400 people across rugged terrain that impeded relief efforts.

The country was also hit by a 7.6-magnitude quake in 2005 that killed more than 73,000 people and left about 3.5 million homeless, mainly in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir.

A 7.6-magnitude quake in 1935 killed around 30,000 people in Quetta, which at the time was part of British-ruled India.
Thousands of Queenslanders may finally be allowed to come home after the state announced it would being a trial of home quarantine.

From next Monday, October 11, a Brisbane-only trial will allow 1,000 people who've applied to come home from interstate hotspots to go into 14 days of home, rather than hotel, quarantine.

Health Minister Yvette D'Ath announced the criteria for those eligible to take part in the trial on Thursday.

'We've already started reaching out to Queenslanders stuck interstate who've already applied to return to Queensland,' she said.

'You must have had at least two weeks pass since your second vaccination so if you're stuck interstate and havent been vaccinated yet, hurry up and get vaccinated if you want to home quarantine going forward,' Ms D'Ath said.

'You also must reside within two hours of Brisbane Airport. If you cant reside alone, then the whole household must quarantine. You'll also be bound by the home quarantine check-in system we have put in place.

Queensland Health Minister Yvette D'Ath announced the criteria for those eligible to take part in the home quarantine trial on Thursday

Residents in the home quarantine trial must live within two hours of Brisbane Airport

Ms D'Ath said otherwise eligible residents must also have a negative Covid test less than 72 hours before they travel.

Penalties would apply for breaches of the quarantine rules, and people may be ordered into hotel quarantine at their own expenses.

The trial would be re-evaluated in two weeks to assess its success, Ms D'Ath said.

Queensland had recorded no new community cases of Covid. Six additional cases were detected, one in hotel quarantine and five on board a commercial bulk carrier off Cape York.

Currently, exemptions for home quarantine are only granted to certain students attending boarding schools in interstate hotspots, disabled people and people recovering from medical procedures.

The trial participants must have a home address in Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Noosa, Ipswich, Logan, Gold Coast and Redland.

'We ask that those Queenslanders taking part in the trial take the requirements of quarantining at home very seriously, to give the trial the best chance of success and possible future expansion,' a Queensland Health spokesperson said.

The home quarantine trial has been welcomed by thousands of Queenslanders stuck interstate and people from other states who are trying to move to Queensland.

Chief health officer Dr Jeannette Young explained the rationale for restricting home quarantine to the Brisbane area.

'The thing Im looking at is not just that the person coming from interstate is vaccinated, but that the community around them is vaccinated  and we know at this point in time we have higher vaccination rates in Brisbane.

'We also have hospitals with more experience of Covid cases in Brisbane, so at the moment we're restricting it to those LGAs in Brisbane.'

Queensland's home quarantine trial would be re-evaluated in two weeks to assess its success, Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said.

Pictured: Brisbane residents line up at a mass vaccination hub at South Bank. Health Minister Yvette D'Ath said whether Queensland borders would re-open once Australia reached the 80 per cent full vaccination target would depend on Queenslanders improving the state's vaccination rate

Ms D'Ath said whether Queensland borders would re-open once Australia reached the 80 per cent full vaccination target would depend on Queenslanders improving the state's vaccination rate.

'Its up to you,' she said. 'You get to decide how quickly we get to those targets.

'The quicker you get vaccinated, the quicker you can get back to enjoying our lifestyle and opening our economy fully up.'

Ms D'Ath repeated the claims by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Dr Young yesterday that the spread of Delta was a matter of time in Queensland.

'Dont wait, this virus will come, it will absolutely come, it will come to Mackay, it will come to Rockhampton, it will come to Airlie Beach and Proserpine and Bowen,' she said.

'It will come to every town and city across Queensland and across Australia. The question is how prepared are you for that, [so we] need to get vaccinated now.'

Ms Palaszczuk snapped at reporters yesterday when asked whether Queensland was still following the national plan to end border controls once the 80 percent target was reached.

'That's not correct, no, don't put words in my mouth. That's not exactly what I was saying, though, I said very clearly, we're in stage A of the national plan. We are following that national plan,' the premier said.

'Part of that national plan is booster shots, so ask the prime minister the plan for the booster shots, because that's in the plan as well.

'So, you know, don't just cherry pick parts of the national plan, when you're not cherry picking other parts of the national plan.'

Queensland's borders are set to stay closed to interstate virus hotspots until 80 per cent of eligible residents are fully vaccinated.

Currently, 68.3 per cent have had one dose of a vaccine and 49.5 per cent are fully vaccinated.

Queensland Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young is considering rolling out COVID-19 vaccines in schools.

'We've definitely been looking at that,' she told ABC radio on Thursday.

'At this stage I want ... them (eligible children) to come forward with their parents and their grandparents, get the whole family out and get everyone vaccinated.

'Then we are going to later on ... look at schools because we have really good vaccine programs in our schools.'

School children are already vaccinated for measles, mumps and rubella.
Paedophile Sidney Cooke, pictured, is making an application to the Parole Board to release him from prison

One of Britain's oldest prisoners is planning a new attempt to get out of jail on parole having been convicted for a catalogue of sex attacks on two young brothers.

Sidney Cooke, 94, who is serving life in prison, was jailed for a minimum of five years in 1999, but has been considered a risk to the public so has not been released.

The Parole Board has so far rejected nine previous release attempts.

According to The Mirror, his legal team will argue that he is no longer a threat to society due to his age and ill health.

The panel's decision will be published later this month.

A source said: 'Just because he is 94, does not mean he is no longer a danger to the public. You can still pose a risk regardless of age.'

Cooke, who was a former fairground worker, was the leader of a gang of paedophiles known as The Dirty Dozen who have been linked to a string of unsolved crimes.

Cooke - known as 'Hissing Sid' - was released from jail in April 1999, after serving nine years for the manslaughter of 14-year-old Jason Swift in 1985.

But after his release he was immediately taken into voluntary custody for his own safety.

But detectives, convinced he was responsible for other similar unsolved crimes, kept his file open.

Within months Cooke was accused of abusing two teenage brothers he befriended while working on fairgrounds more than 30 years ago. He was also accused of the rape of a young woman.

In an unexpected move during his 1999 trial at Manchester Crown Court, Cooke suddenly changed his plea to guilty and admitted ten offences against the youngsters and subsequently received two life sentences.
Three billionaires with stakes in Moderna - co-founders Noubar Afeyan and Robert Langer, and investor Timothy Springer - made it onto Forbes' list of the 400 richest Americans this year after their company put out one of three FDA-approved COVID vaccines.

Each of the men is worth over $3.5billion, and they were added to Forbes' list on Tuesday based on SEC documents, stock prices from September and other financial records.

Since Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, 152 million doses have been administered. The company was the first to test the vaccine on human subjects, further boosting its stock value.

Although the pandemic destroyed hundreds of millions of jobs worldwide, the 400 richest people in the country saw their fortunes grow by a collective 40 percent, according to Forbes.

Moderna cofounders Noubar Afeyan (left) and Robert Langer (left) and investor Timothy Springer (center) - made it onto Forbes' list of the 400 richest Americans this year after their company put out one of three COVID vaccines

The publication's latest list featured the most new names since 2007, most of them in the finance, tech and health care industries.

Moderna, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts has been rebuked for selling early doses of their RNA-based vaccine to the countries that bid the highest and for the extreme wealth that has been generated by its investors.

However, Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel has said he expects vaccines to become available to 'everyone on Earth' next year.

Along with competing vaccine manufacturers Pfizer and their German partner BioNTech, the company raked in billions of dollars in vaccine sales. Johnson & Johnson and Europe's Astrozeneca said they don't intend to profit from their vaccines.

Noubar Afeyan, 59, Moderna's current chairman, ranked 212th with a net worth about $3.7 billion

Timothy Springer invested $5 million in Moderna at its onset, and now owns 3.5 percent of the company's shares. Presently, the Harvard Medical School professor is worth $4.4 billion, and is ranked 176 on the list.

Robert Langer, number 222 on the list, owns 3 percent of Moderna's shares and has never sold one. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor is worth $3.5 billion

Afeyan, 59, Moderna's current chairman, ranked 212th with a net worth about $3.7 billion as of October 6, according to Forbes. The engineer, who was born in Beirut to Armenian parents, moved to Montreal during Lebanon's civil war in 1975.

He has helped start more than 70 life sciences and technology businesses, and owns shares in 12 publicly-traded biotech companies, according to Forbes.

Throughout his career, according to Forbes, Noubar Afeyan has helped start more than 70 life sciences and technology businesses, and owns shares in 12 publicly-traded biotech companies

Springer invested $5million in Moderna at its onset, and now owns 3.5 percent of the company's shares. Presently, the Harvard Medical School professor is worth $4.4 billion, and is ranked 176 on the list. He owns shares in three smaller biotech firms: Selecta Biosciences, Scholar Rock and Morphic Therapeutic.

Langer, number 222 on the list, owns 3 percent of Moderna's shares and has never sold one. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor is worth $3.5 billion. He owns shares in SQZ Biotechnologies, Seer and Sigilon Therapeutics, which were founded by him and post-doctorate students from his lab.

He is thought to be the most cited engineer in history, with more than 350,000 citations. He has published more than 1,500 articles, and holds more than 1,400 patents and patent applications, more than 400 of which have been licensed by pharmacology and biotech companies.
South Australia plans to open up its borders to fully-vaccinated travellers just in time for Christmas.

Premier Steven Marshall said the government was in talks to finalise its Christmas plan, which involved opening to interstate travellers from New South Wales and Victoria.

The plan means travellers who are fully-vaccinated won't have to quarantine once they arrive in the state.

'People can look forward this Christmas to having people coming from interstate to spend time with them,' Mr Marshall said.

SA Premier Steven Marshall (pictured) has promised to open borders to the double-vaccinated by Christmas

'They can look forward to no statewide lockdowns.'

'We know that some people coming back will need to do some quarantine if they are not double-vaccinated.'

Mr Marshall added those who have visited exposure sites or had not been fully vaccinated may still face mandatory quarantine.

'But I'm hopeful that all of those people coming back from interstate who are double-vaccinated and that haven't been to exposure sites will be able to come back and enjoy a relatively normal Christmas in SA,' he said.

Mr Marshall has also ruled out quarantine for double-vaccinated travellers from NSW and Victoria

Visitors would still need to be tested for Covid-19 with restrictions in place including caps on gatherings and density limits.

'We will also be testing, isolating, quarantining people who do come down with the disease,' he said.

South Australia would still require 14-days quarantine despite the federal government's and NSW' plan to impose a seven-day period requirement.

Mr Marshall insisted the state was in a different position to NSW which still has ongoing community transmission.

'The seven days of home quarantine for double-vaxxed people is a NSW proposal; we haven't signed up to that yet,' he said.

'But I don't think we'll stay there (14 days) forever.'

SA Health reported 70.4 per cent of residents aged 16 years and over have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine with 52.4 per cent double jabbed.

The government is just weeks away from finalising its Christmas plan which could see interstate travellers allowed into South Australia

Nationally, first dose vaccination rates have risen to 80.5 per cent with 58.4 per cent of eligible residents fully-vaccinated.

The plan to open state borders to the double jabbed comes as SA recorded no new Covid cases on Thursday with hints restrictions on the south-east could be lifted this week.

A woman from Mount Gambier tested positive for the virus causing nearby areas to be placed under tougher restrictions on Monday.

Contact tracers have been scrambling to piece together her movements to determine if she travelled to Melbourne during her visit.

Several exposure sites linked to positive case have been identified while the SA-Victoria border travel bubble has been shrunk from 70km to a 30km radius.

Authorities still do not know the origin of the infection with Mr Marshall claiming it had been an 'anxious couple of days'.
The battle over Texas's toughest-in-the-nation abortion ban intensified on Wednesday after a federal judge temporarily blocked the state's controversial restrictions and the Lone Star State immediately filed an appeal.

The action by US District Judge Robert Pitman in Austin prevents the state from enforcing the abortion law, which prohibits women from getting the procedure after six weeks of pregnancy - the time a fetal heartbeat is detected but before some women even know they're pregnant.

Pitman did not delay the effective date of his ruling to give Texas time to seek an immediate stay from an appeals court, meaning that state abortion providers now have a short window of time to resume offering abortions to patients.

However, it is still unclear if they will be willing to do so. Even with the law on hold, abortion services in the state may not resume because doctors fear that they could be sued without a more permanent legal decision.

A federal judge temporarily blocked Texas's controversial near-total ban on abortion on Wednesday after the Biden administration challenged the legislation, which prohibits women from getting an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy. Texas Gov Greg Abbott (pictured) signed the measure into law back in May

The news comes after thousands of women took part in a series of 660 marches to protest against Texas's restrictive abortion law on Saturday

Texas officials will likely to seek a swift reversal from the Fifth US Circuit Court of Appeals - one of the most conservative appellate courts in the country - which previously allowed the restrictions to take effect.

'The court will likely put the trial court judgment on hold,' Josh Blackman, a constitutional law professor at South Texas College of Law Houston, told the Texas Tribune. "Clinics that perform abortions now risk facing liability if the Fifth Circuit stays the ruling."

The Biden administration's lawsuit said the restrictions, which went into effect on September 1, were enacted in defiance of the US Constitution and waged an attack on a womans constitutional right to abortion.

To enforce the law, Texas deputized private citizens to file lawsuits against violators, and has entitled them to at least $10,000 in damages if successful.

The action by US District Judge Robert Pitman (pictured) went into effect immediately to give Texas time to seek a stay from an appeals court, meaning that state abortion providers now have a short window of time to resume offering abortions to patients

Pitman, an Obama-era appointee, took the first legal blow to the Texas law known as Senate Bill 8 (SB8), which had withstood a wave of early challenges.

Proceedings over its legality are continuing as the case is part of a fierce legal battle over abortion access across the United States with other states - mostly in the South - pursuing some level of restriction. All of them have been blocked.

In the weeks since the bill took effect, Texas abortion providers say the impact has been 'exactly what we feared'.

Planned Parenthood says the number of patients from Texas at its clinics in the state decreased by nearly 80 percent in the two weeks after the law took effect.

Nancy Northup, president and CEO of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said in a statement on Wednesday: 'For 36 days, patients have been living in a state of panic, not knowing where or when theyd be able to get abortion care. The cruelty of this law is endless.'

Some providers have said that Texas clinics are now in danger of closing while neighboring states struggle to keep up with a surge of patients who must drive hundreds of miles. Other women, they say, are being forced to carry pregnancies to term.

A crowd of more than 1,000 protesters gathered at the state capital in Austin as people chanted 'Abort Abbott' in reference to Texas Gov Greg Abbot

Protestors in Los Angeles marched down the streets in solidarity of the women in Texas on October 2

But Justice Department attorney Brian Netter said in federal court on Friday that 'a state may not ban abortions at six weeks'.

'Texas knew this, but it wanted a six-week ban anyway, so the state resorted to an unprecedented scheme of vigilante justice that was designed to scare abortion providers and others who might help women exercise their constitutional rights,' he added.

Texas abortion law has so far outmaneuvered the courts because it leaves enforcement to private citizens to file suits, not prosecutors, which critics say amounts to a bounty.

Will Thompson, defending the law for the Texas Attorney Generals Office, said: 'This is not some kind of vigilante scheme. This is a scheme that uses the normal, lawful process of justice in Texas.'

The news comes after thousands of women took part in a series of 660 marches to protest against Texas's restrictive abortion law on Saturday.

A crowd of more than 1,000 protesters gathered at the state capital in Austin as people chanted 'Abort Abbott' in reference to Texas Gov Greg Abbot, who signed the measure into law back in May.

Amy Schumer (left) and Jennifer Lawrence (right) attended the Rally for Abortion Justice event in New York City on Saturday

In New York those marching included celebrities. Jennifer Lawrence, who is expecting her first child, posed with her baby bump together with Amy Schumer.

'I dont have a uterus and she is pregnant but we out here @womensmarch @plannedparenthood #rallyforabortionjustice' Schumer captioned a photo on Instagram.

Schumer recently underwent a hysterectomy and appendectomy as a result of endometriosis.

Demonstrations were also held in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Columbus, Houston, Topeka and Washington DC in solidarity of women's reproductive rights.

The demonstrations come days before the start of a new term for the Supreme Court that will decide the future of abortion rights in the United States, after appointments of justices by President Donald Trump strengthened conservative control of the high court.
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Arlington school shooter Timothy Simpkins has been photographed in his $35,000 Dodge Charger with what appears to be a pistol in the side door of the driver's seat and in other social media posts, standing on the car in expensive clothes and sneakers after his family claimed on Wednesday that he snapped because he was tired of being picked on for his nice things and shot up his school.

Simpkins, 18, turned himself in on Wednesday at around 1pm after fleeing Timberview High School in Arlington where he fired a .45 caliber pistol during a brawl with other students that morning.

Four people were injured; English teacher Calvin Pettitt, 25, who was shot in the back and is in the hospital with a collapsed lung, and 15-yerar-old student who is yet to be named who was also shot. Two others were injured but it's unconfirmed if they were shot.

Simpkins has now been moved from the Arlington Police Department cells to Tarrant County Correctional Center.

He was arraigned via video link on Thursday morning where he told the judge he would retain his own attorney.

Police have not confirmed what type of weapon he used or who it was registered to. ATF agents are working to trace it now.

In an arrest affidavit released on Thursday afternoon, police described how he retrieved his black gun from an orange backpack in the classroom minutes after being beaten up in a brawl by another student.

One witness said he shot his attacker 'seven or eight times' before fleeing campus.

A video of the brawl was released on Facebook by Simpkins' cousin on Wednesday in an attempt to prove that he was being bullied.

The footage shows him in a light colored hoodie being repeatedly punched by another teenager as teachers call for help. Police confirmed the video on Wednesday. In the police report, multiple victims tell how the incident unfolded.

The teenager's family will not say where he got the weapon. On Wednesday night, they spoke out on Wednesday night to defend him, claiming he reacted angrily after being picked on for months. They said that while they didn't condone the shooting, they were grateful he did not kill himself.

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Timothy Simpkins, 18, is shown in his Dodge Charger in a recent social media post. In the side of the car, what looks like a gun is visible. The teenager opened fire in school on Wednesday, shooting at least two people. No one died but some are in a critical condition. His family say he was being bullied in school and he lashed out in self-defense. The school is yet to confirm if they received any reports of the bullying

Simpkins is shown in the car and right, with a friend, posing in front of it. His family claimed on Wednesday night that he is 'loveable' and a nice boy who was picked on by bullies because he had nicer things than them. He is shown, right, wearing $160 Nike X Off White sneakers and a Ralph Lauren top

Timothy George Simpkins, 18, has been charged with three counts of aggravated assault for firing a .45 caliber gun during a fistfight at school on Wednesday morning, before fleeing in his Dodge Charger. He is pictured in his booking photo taken on Wednesday (left) and in photos with his car (right)

Cint Wheat, the boy's cousin, shared the video on social media on Wednesday and said it was proof of how he was being bullied

Simpkins' family. He lives with his grandmother Lillie (center) in a $400,000 home. Carol Harrison Lafayette (second from right, speaking) is a relative and family spokesperson. She told reporters outside the family home that Simpkins was being relentlessly bullied and that while they were 'sorry' for the people he hurt, they are grateful he didn't kill himself after being picked on by bullies

A view of the 600 block of Harris Ridge Drive on Wednesday, where Simpkins lived with his grandmother. The family said on Wednesday night that he was targeted by bullies because he had nice clothes and cars

Simpkins was taken into custody on Wednesday afternoon at 1:15pm. His grandmother's house in the Edgefield district, in southeast Arlington, was searched by a SWAT team an hour later

Simpkins lives in a $400,000 home with his grandmother Lillie. He drives a 2018 Silver Dodge Charger, and his family described him as a 'loveable' kid. It's unclear what his parents do for work or how involved they are in his life.

On social media, his cousin Cint Wheat said he was 'no bad kid' and that he'd been picked on. She shared a video that police have confirmed of a fight inside the school, involving Simpkins, not long before the shooting, but it's unconfirmed if the video was taken on Tuesday or Wednesday. It shows one teenage boy beating up another but neither boy's face can be seen in the footage.

Calvin Pettitt, a 25-year-old English teacher at Timberview High School, was shot in the back

They attempted to explain what he did by saying he was 'robbed' repeatedly and picked on, and that while they didn't condone what he did, they were glad he didn't kill himself instead.

'He was robbed. It was recorded. It happened not just once, it happened twice. He was scared, he was afraid.

'It could have been a decision that he could have committed suicide... he was trying to protect himself. They were blessed financially.

'He was able to get things that other teenagers cannot have, because he wore nice clothes, because he drove nice cars, he was like a target,' Carol Harrison Lafayette, another relative, told reporters outside the family's home on Wednesday night.

'There is no justification of anybody  being hurt.

'We have to take a look at the fact that bullying is real. And it takes us all.

'And I do apologize. We ask as a family for forgiveness of any type of hurt.'

A woman who identified herself as his mother told the Dallas Morning News, outside the grandmother's house, that he was bullied, but would not say any more.

She did not give her name.

Cint Wheat, his cousin, wrote in a Facebook post: 'At the end of the day my lil cousin was bullied. 'I don't know to feel about this he not no bad kid.'

She later claimed in the comments section of her post that her aunt went to the school to report the bullying but that nothing was done.

'Right now they about to come up with what shoulda coulda been done when all the signs was ignored and the cries for help,' she said.

Timberview High School did not immediately respond to inquiries on Thursday morning about whether or not the bullying was ever reported.

Many are questioning why the high school had no metal detectors to prevent students from bringing in firearms, but it is not common practice for school districts in the Dallas/Fort Worth area to use metal detectors.

The teenager is shown, left, on his car and right, in a photo released by police on Wednesday after he went on the run. His family have not explained where the 'expensive' things they say he was bullied over came from. It's unclear who bought him his car or if he has a job

Timberview High School in Arlington, Texas (above) was placed on lockdown on Wednesday morning following reports of an active shooter

Local news stations broadcast images filmed by helicopter news teams that show fire trucks in the parking lot where students and faculty staff were gathering

A law enforcement officer walks in the parking lot of Timberview Hight School after a shooting inside the school

Mom I'm scared': Heartbreaking texts terrified student sent to his mom as gunman opened fire at his Texas school Text messages shared by one parent with CBS reporter Jason Allen revealed the terror that students experienced on Monday. The high schooler texted his mother saying: 'Mom I'm scared.' She told her son that she was going to call the police. Advertisement

It comes as police revealed that social media threats directed at various local schools diverted police responding to the shooting at Timberview.

Kevin Kolbye, Arlington assistant police chief, said officers were checking out comments on various platforms which indicated there may have been other threats at nearby schools.

These were flagged just after the first reports of the shooting at Timberview came in, The Dallas Morning News reported.

Kolbye said charges could still be pressed against those making the threats.

'I want the message to be out there that this is not something to continue. We will investigate you,' Kolbye said.

'The federal government partners will also be able to investigate you if you're not living in our city and will bring you to a successful prosecution. '

Grand Prairie police Chief Daniel Scesney said that officers were dispatched to each location, while others were searching for the suspect in the Timberview shooting.

Simpkins was being held at Arlington city jail on Wednesday night, ahead of his transfer to Tarrant County jail. He will appear before a judge after he has been transferred to the county jail.

The principal of Timberview High School in Arlington, Texas, announced there would be no classes on Thursday following the shooting on Wednesday morning.

A large group of people as well as several police officers are seen outside the family reunification center on Wednesday

Social media threats diverted police responding to Arlington school shooting, officers reveal Social media threats directed at various schools diverted police responding to the Arlington school shooting, officers have revealed. Kevin Kolbye, Arlington assistant police chief, said officers were checking out comments on various platforms which indicated there may have been threats at nearby schools. These were flagged just after the first reports of the shooting at Timberview came in, The Dallas Morning News reported. Kolbye said charges could still be pressed against those making the threats. 'I want the message to be out there that this is not something to continue. We will investigate you,' Kolbye said. 'The federal government partners will also be able to investigate you if you're not living in our city and will bring you to a successful prosecution. ' Grand Prairie police Chief Daniel Scesney said that officers were dispatched to each location, while others were searching for the suspect in the Timberview shooting. Advertisement

'It has been a devastating day,' said Derrell Douglas in a letter sent to parents.

'Today's shooting has been traumatic.

'We are so grateful there were no fatalities, and reports indicate that those injured are expected to recover.

'It is so important that the Timberview High School community have time to heal, and so, there will be no school for Timberview High School on Thursday, Oct. 7.'

Douglas said that several counseling centers had been made available to students and staff.

Police were called at 9:15am on Wednesday to reports of a shooting.

Kolbye said that a fight broke out on the second flood of the school, which escalated into one of the students bringing out a gun.

Video circulating on social media showed two students wrestling on the floor, but police said they were unsure on Wednesday night if the clip was from the incident.

English teacher Petitt's sister, Grace Rinearson, said the bullet narrowly missed his aorta and described the shooting as 'one of the scariest mornings of my life.'

She added in a tweet: 'Feeling extremely blessed and thankful. Please hold you loved ones close, this is a crazy world we're living in.'

Another victim, an adult male, is not in surgery but is in a 'good position.'

A third victim, a teenage girl, was expected to be released from the hospital on Wednesday evening.

'So two will remain in the hospital, which continue to make hopefully a speedy recovery,' police said.

A fourth victim suffered minor injuries and was not taken to hospital.

Simpkins fled in a 2018 Silver Dodge Charger. The vehicle was found at an apartment complex in Grand Prairie.

The school was on lockdown until 11am, and all 1,700 students were evacuated and reunited with their families.
Daniel Andrews (pictured) has explained why he is not resigning

Daniel Andrews has explained why he is not resigning after reports he is being investigated by Victoria's anti-corruption watchdog over a deal struck with firefighters two years ago.

The Opposition said Mr Andrews should follow the lead of former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian who stood down last week after it emerged she was being investigated for corruption over her relationship with ex-boyfriend Daryl Maguire.

Ms Berejiklian denied any wrongdoing but said she had no choice but to step down because of her own policy requiring ministers to stand aside if they were being investigated.

Mr Andrews said he would not be resigning because he does not have the same stand-down policy regarding investigations by IBAC, Victoria's Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission.

'Just because you were assisting IBAC or were involved in some way, that that without any question or as a binary thing, you would have to step down, no, I don't believe that's accurate, I don't believe that's fair,' the Victorian Premier said on Thursday.

IBAC has been secretly investigating the United Firefighters Union's role in Victoria's fire services reform since 2019.

But The Age newspaper on Wednesday revealed the watchdog is also examining Mr Andrews and a senior public servant's interactions with the union and has interviewed several former and serving Labor MPs and staffers.

According to the report, IBAC has seized mobile phones, laptops and dozens of USBs in its investigation.

No evidence of corruption has been reported publicly.

Speaking outside parliament on Wednesday and again on Thursday, Mr Andrews repeatedly declined to confirm whether he was being investigated by the watchdog.

After four days of hiding in a CBD hotel after her resignation, Gladys Berejiklian (pictured) turned up at her electorate office in Northbridge on Wednesday morning

Legally he may not be able to as it can be an offence for individuals to confirm that they have been interviewed by IBAC or are subject to an investigation.

'If you want to know what's going on at IBAC, who they're talking to and what they're talking to them about, then you should go and have a chat to IBAC,' he told reporters on Wednesday.

'In everything I do, I behave appropriately. I'm very conscious of the oath that I swore and the duty I have to every single Victorian and to suggest otherwise is completely wrong.'

The commission refused to comment on whether it is investigating Mr Andrews.

'As a matter of practice, IBAC does not comment on whether it has a complaint or investigation before it,' it said in a statement.

Mr Andrews said he had not spoken to UFU secretary Peter Marshall in more than a year and that he was proud of the Government's 2019 reforms to the fire services, which involved merging Metropolitan Fire Brigade members and career Country Fire Authority firefighters into the new Fire Rescue Victoria.

When she arrived home Ms Berejiklian (pictured) picked up a bunch of flowers outside her gate and entered her property

The UFU championed the reforms, while volunteer firefighters and the Victorian opposition said it would hand the union too much power.

The reforms passed parliament with the help of crossbenchers after more than four years of negotiations between the government, the fire services and the union, during which Mr Andrews reportedly intervened.

Emergency services minister Jane Garrett, CFA chief executive Lucinda Nolan and chief fire officer Joe Buffone all quit while the CFA board was sacked by the Government after it opposed the deal.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy and shadow attorney-general Tim Smith have called on the premier to resign if he is being investigated.

'The former premier of NSW resigned because she was under investigation by ICAC. The premier of Victoria is under investigation by our anti-corruption commission, IBAC, why hasn't the premier stood down?' Mr Smith said.

'I'm delighted that IBAC is finally going to look into the very murky, ugly, nasty underbelly of the Labor party, and their insidious relationship with this brutally awful union.'

When asked in Parliament on Wednesday if he would stand down pending the outcome of an IBAC investigation, Mr Andrews replied: 'Absolutely not.'

'I will not be doing anything other than my duty and what I'm sworn to do and that is to work as hard as I can to deliver on my commitments to the community, keep the community safe and make sure that we can deliver our roadmap to opening,' he said.

Mr Andrews also said it was 'not a necessity' for any minister to stand aside if they were being investigated.

There are calls for Mr Andrews to follow Gladys Berejiklian who resigned on Friday (pictured) after it emerged she was being investigated for corruption over two grants handed out in her ex-boyfriend's electorate

'No, not as a matter of necessity, no. Who IBAC investigates and the circumstances in which they investigate them, who participates in inquiries and who assists IBAC with their inquiries is, firstly, a matter for IBAC,' he said.

'Secondly, it may not be a matter that anyone in the government would even know about; and thirdly, it is not a matter that would necessitate them standing aside.'

Mr Andrews blasted Mr Guy, accusing him of 'grinning and smirking' while launching political attacks.

'The Leader of the Opposition can - whatever that's called, that grinning and smirking whatever it is, it's almost woken up.

'So when you have woken up come back to me.'
The family of a man who was stabbed to death while storming an innocent teen's home where his girlfriend was hiding refuse to admit he did anything wrong.

Tom Davy, 27, and Corey Christensen, 37, bled to death in a gutter in the Queensland town of Alva Beach on the night of the 2018 NRL Grand Final.

The two men had just ripped a sliding door of its tracks and come face-to-face with Dean Webber, 19, who struck out with a kitchen knife after the pair threw punches.

Despite this, Mr Davy's grieving family are determined the 27-year-old should be remembered for his 'true character'.

Katie Davy (left) along with her parents Heather and Neil (middle) wants her 'beautiful' brother Tom (right) to be remembered for his 'true character'

Katie Davy claimed her 'beautiful' brother was only trying to enter the home because he thought his girlfriend Candice Locke, was in trouble.

The hysterical and injured then-31-year-old took refuge in Mr Webber's home after she fell from an electric buggy and injured her shoulder.

The Polaris ATV was driven by fellow partygoer Louis Bengoa who became worried he would be arrested for drink-driving causing injury.

The coroner found that in an attempt to avoid getting in trouble with police, Mr Bengoa urged her boyfriend Mr Davy and Mr Christensen to track her down.

The coroner ruled it was likely he told them she was 'in danger' in the teen's house.

Inside the holiday house, Ms Locke told the Mr Webber she had been thrown out of the buggy and was being hunted by two men who were 'psycho'.

A drunken date turned deadly when Candice Locke (pictured) was injured during a beach buggy ride and then hid in a nearby home while waiting for an ambulance

However, Mr Davy's family tells a different story with his sister Katie claiming her bother would only ever do something to help somebody else.

'The only reason for him to have been at that house was to aide Candice,' she told the Townsville Bulletin.

Deputy State Coroner Jane Bentley found the deaths of Mr Davy and Mr Christensen could have been avoided if police responded in a reasonable timeframe.

She slammed the 'unacceptable' 51 minute delay in police arriving at the scene despite three Triple-0 calls from Mr Webber and Ms Locke.

Instead of rushing to the scene, local cops were filling out mundane paperwork with one officer swearing at the pair and calling them liars before hanging up.

Katie said if responding officers deigned to understand the severity of the incident 'none of this would have happened'.

The heartbroken sibling said her family also continued to question why Mr Webber's character was been investigated as thoroughly as that of Mr Bengoa.

Teenager Dean Webber (pictured) was asleep on the couch when he was woken by Ms Locke begging to get in away from the 'crazy' 'psychos' hunting her, the inquest heard

She added Coroner Bentley's finding that the 19-year-old air cadet was in fear of his life when the pair came knocking was hard to believe due to 'inconsistencies' throughout the inquest in October of last year.

'My brother was killed and no one has been held accountable for that,' she said.

Mr Davy's family said they would consider the finding with their lawyers to decide their next move, but vowed the matter was 'definitely not over'.

Among the 55-page findings it was revealed Mr Davy made a frenzied triple zero call at 12.58am, telling operators he was at Alva Beach before collapsing.

'It is likely that, in his last moments, Mr Davy was concerned not only for his own welfare but also that of Mr Christensen and exhausted his last reserves to walk to where he was lying and call an ambulance,' Coroner Bentley said.

Katie said it was this final show of selflessness in staggering to Mr Christensen and trying to save him that she wanted her brother to be remembered for.

Tom Davey (pictured) had earlier been on a date with Ms Locke before they went an NRL Grand Final party and was later persuaded to join the hunt for her

Mr Davy and Mr Christensen, who had blood levels of 0.53 and 0.21, both suffered mortal stab wounds and died outside the home about 1am on October 1.

Mr Webber, weighing just 57kg compared to the 133kg Mr Davy and 83kg Mr Christensen, was never charged with any crime.

Coroner Jane Bentley ruled Mr Webber was genuinely in fear of his life and backing a police decision not to charge the teenager.

'His fear was caused by Ms Locke appearing injured at his house in the middle of the night and telling him males outside his property wanted to get her,' she said.

'His fear was compounded when the three men refused to leave his property and then began trying to get into the house.'

Candice Locke (pictured) repeatedly said she had been pushed out the buggy by Louis Bengoa but later changed her story

Coroner Bentley also said it was likely Mr Bengoa was 'very anxious' that the police not be called after Ms Locke was injured, as he had been driving the buggy.

'It is likely that he was concerned that he would face consequences for driving her in the buggy whilst he was significantly intoxicated and during which she suffered an injury,' she said.

Why the two men stormed into Mr Webber's home to find Ms Locke and viciously attacked the teenager has never been properly explained.

The third man, Mr Bengoa, could have finally answered the crucial question, but Ms Bentley accused him in her findings of telling 'self-serving' lies to the police to cover up his involvement.

The inquest heard Ms Locke had recently moved to the area from Sydney and hooked up with volunteer firefighter Mr Davey on a dating app.

Corey Christensen (pictured) and Mr Davey were stabbed to death by Mr webber after they ripped off his glass sliding door and burst into his home hunting Ms Locke

Louis Bengoa (left) was slammed by the coroner for his 'self-serving version of events that was inconsistent with his later statements.'

They spent the day drinking together at the beach when they met Mr Bengoa and Mr Christensen who invited them to the local NRL Grand Final party.

But during the match, Mr Davey and Ms Locke had a row over her drinking and behaviour and he left the party to sit in his car.

Other partygoers said they saw Mr Bengoa apparently then move in on Ms Locke and the coroner said the pair later left the party to go for a drive in Mr Bengoa's buggy, the inquest heard.

Ms Locke repeatedly told police and medics that Mr Bengoa had pushed her out the vehicle, but later said she simply fell, and blamed being drunk for her first version of events.

Mr Webber called an ambulance for Candice Locke (pictured) at 12.26am but it was 51 minutes later before police or medics arrived at the scene

Mr Bengoa initially denied she had fallen at all, then later backtracked and said she had fallen but insisted she had been 'doing a Titanic' at the back of the buggy and fell off.

But when Ms Locke tried to get Mr Bengoa to get her medical attention, the night escalated out of control.

After he refused, she ran and hid from Mr Bengoa, who then got Mr Christensen to join the hunt, before Ms Locke fled to the first home she could find which was Mr Webber's.

He had earlier returned from his own Grand Final party and had fallen asleep on the couch when Ms Locke battered at his sliding glass door begging to get in.

He immediately tried to tend to her injuries with ice on her shoulder while phoning for an ambulance for her.

Dean Webber (pictured) said he had never been so scared in his life when the three men were trying to get into his home

Dean Webber had earlier returned from his own Grand Final party and had fallen asleep on the couch when Ms Locke battered at his sliding glass door begging to get in. He recreated the incident for police, seen here

Meanwhile Mr Bengoa had found Mr Davey to get him involved, and the coroner believes he lied to Mr Davey to get him to do whatever it took to find Ms Locke.

'It is unknown what Mr Davy was told by Mr Bengoa,' the coroner said.

'It is unlikely that Mr Bengoa told Mr Davy that Ms Locke had hurt her shoulder falling from the buggy he was driving.

'The likelihood is that Mr Bengoa told Mr Davy something that convinced him that Ms Locke was in danger if she stayed in the house with Mr Webber.

'It is probable that, due to what he was told by Mr Bengoa, Mr Davy considered that it was necessary as a matter of urgency to remove Ms Locke from the house.'

Ms Locke and Mr Davey had spent the day drinking together at the beach when they met Mr Bengoa and Mr Christensen who invited them to the local NRL Grand Final party at Alva Beach (pictured)

Corey Christensen (pictured) suffered mortal stab wounds and staggered outside where he collapsed and died, the inquest heard

She added: 'I find that Mr Bengoa had no interest in Ms Locke's welfare or concern for her safety.

'Mr Bengoa had one concern only that night and that was the possibility that he would be in trouble.'

Moments later the three of them were battering at the door, threatening Mr Webber and trying to force their way in.

Mr Webber was on the phone to the ambulance service for more than 12 minutes when the men arrived and could be heard telling them to get off his property.

Ambulance call centre workers escalated the call to police as urgent, but the pleas for assistance were dismissed.

Paramedics sent to the scene waited at a safe distance for police assistance, but police turned up too late.

Dean Webber was found to have been in genuine fear for his life and acting in self defence when he stabbed the two men. He has not been charged over the deaths.

During a second Triple-0 call - 25 minutes after the first call, Mr Weber begged for police help as he said men were trying to get into his home.

But bizarrely the officer taking the call, Senior Constable Luke Weiks inexplicably accused Mr Webber and Ms Locke of lying, telling them: 'You've already spoken so much s*** to me.'

He told them 'bye' and the call ended after 4 minutes 40 seconds with Ms Locke screaming in the background.

At 12.56 - as the Triple-0 call ended - the three men outside pulled the sliding glass door off its rail and burst into the darkened room.

'The three just came in and pummelled me and I've never been so scared in my life,' Mr Webber told police as he sobbed during a recreation of the attack.

The coroner found Mr Christensen and Mr Davy burst in and attacked Mr Webber, punching him in the face and he lashed out at them with the knife he was holding.

He stabbed Mr Christensen twice and Mr Davy several times in the frantic fight in the dark.

The coroner found Mr Christensen and Tom Davy (pictured) burst in and attacked Mr Webber, punching him in the face and he lashed out at them with the knife he was holding.

They both staggered out to the road - with Mr Davy managing to start a call for an ambulance - before both collapsed, dying in pools of blood.

Inside the home, Mr Webber again phoned Triple-0 to say he had just stabbed 'a bloke who broke into my house'

'There's three assailants, big blokes, males' and he thinks he's 'killed him,' he said.

He added: 'I'm scared. The other guy's going to kill me. I don't want to die.'

Police finally took the call seriously, but the two officers available were now at a Justice of the Peace trying to get a bail refusal form signed for a separate matter.

But instead of going straight to the scene, the officers returned to their police station in Ayr first so one could pick up his 'accoutrements' before attending.

Police and medics finally reached the scene at 1:17am - 51 minutes after the first Triple-0 call - to find Mr Davey and Mr Christensen still alive, but close to death.

They both died at the scene. Specialists told the inquest only immediate hospital treatment could have saved them after they were stabbed.

Mr Webber was found to have been in genuine fear for his life and acting in self defence when he stabbed the two men. He has not been charged over the deaths.

Candice Locke (pictured) had recently moved to the area from Sydney and hooked up with volunteer firefighter Tom Davey on a dating app

The coroner found that although the police made the controversial decision just four days after the tragedy, it could have been reconsidered at any time.

'I accept that Detective Sergeant Gavin Neal's initial decision not to charge Mr Webber in the early days of the investigation was based on the evidence available.'

Ms Bentley found the experienced officer had determined there was insufficient evidence to charge Mr Webber.

'I find that he exercised his discretion appropriately,' she said.

But Mr Bengoa has also never been charged over his role in the night's events.

He was slammed by the coroner for his 'self-serving version of events that was inconsistent with his later statements.'.

'Mr Bengoa is the only person who might have been able to give an account of the events that occurred,' she said.

'Unfortunately Mr Bengoa was an unreliable and unhelpful witness.'

She added: 'Throughout the investigation and his evidence at the inquest he minimised his own conduct as much as possible.

Corey Christensen (pictured) was stabbed in the chest and died from blood loss

'Had Mr Bengoa genuinely been concerned for the wellbeing of Ms Locke all he had to do was knock on Mr Webber's door and calmly explain that he was worried about her shoulder injury and wished to ensure she was safe.

'Presumably Mr Webber would have told him that he had called an ambulance and he could have left.'

Ms Bentley was also scathing about the delayed police response.

One officer told the inquest that paramedics would hold off going to a location until they had police 'to hold their hand for most jobs' which the coroner said was untrue.

She said that the decision to get the bail affadavit signed by the JP over responding to the first Triple-O call had cost the lives of Mr Davy and Mr Christensen.

'The QPS response was inadequate as prioritising the objection to bail represented an unacceptable delay,' she said.

'If QPS officers had responded to [the] incident first, it is possible they could have arrived at Alva Beach by 12.55am, prior to the stabbing and it is likely that neither of the deaths would have occurred.

A lawyer representing Mr Christensen's widow Jayne (pictured) asked for time for the family to consider the findings

'The deaths of Mr Christensen and Mr Davy would have been prevented had police officers and/or QAS personnel arrived at the house prior to them entering the house.'

'Had (police) gone to Mr Webber's residence on being advised of the matter it is highly likely that the situation would have been defused immediately and two lives saved.'

Suffering severe post-traumatic stress disorder, Mr Webber was excused from giving testimony during the week-long inquest earlier this year.

A lawyer representing Mr Christensen's widow Jayne asked for time for the family to consider the findings.

'We've just been given the decision which is obviously 55 pages long,' Nick Dore said.

'There's a lot to digest and consider. Jayne just asked on her behalf to thank everyone who's supported her throughout this whole process.'
A little girl has died after she was trapped under a quad bike in a horrific accident at a rural property.

The child - who was believed to be in kindergarten - was killed after the quad bike she was riding on at Maroochy River on the Sunshine Coast crashed into water and flipped over about 3.45pm on September 23.

First responders reportedly performed CPR on the youngster for 30 minutes in a desperate attempt to save her life, The Sunshine Coast Daily reported.

A little girl has died after she was trapped under a quad bike in a horrific accident at a rural property at Maroochy River (pictured) on the Sunshine Coast

The girl was rushed to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a critical condition but died that afternoon, a Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman said.

A Queensland Police spokesman said authorities were treating her death as non-suspicious.

In June, a woman was found crushed to death by her quad bike on a remote property in rural NSW.

A neighbour stumbled upon the grisly scene yesterday afternoon after being asked to look for the 58-year-old when she was late in returning home to farmland in the state's Central West.

Emergency services were called to Gollan, about 60km east of Dubbo, at 4pm on June 8 but paramedics found the victim dead at the scene.

The child was killed after the quad bike she was riding on crashed into water and flipped over about 3.45pm on September 23

There have been six confirmed quad bike fatalities recorded nationally this year as of September 30, according to Safe Work Australia.

Last year, 24 people in Australia died in quad bike accidents, with the ages of victims ranging from just two to 80.

Half of those who died were aged over 60 and seven were female.
Meat prices will skyrocket this year for Australian families leading into Christmas - due to a supply crisis that will have stores struggling to stock their fridges.

A combination of the lingering effects of the severe drought and bushfires with the supply chain issues brought on by Covid lockdowns have all contributed to a meat shortage.

Beef production across the nation is down 18 per cent from 2020, the lowest figure since 1972.

Lamb and mutton supply has also been decimated by the reduction in available grazing land and livestock brought on by the fires, and the reduction in herds through the drought.

Northern NSW based farmer Bianca Tarrant said demand is far exceeding supply, and she had a message for families - order your Christmas meat now.

Northern NSW based farmer Bianca Tarrant (pictured left) has a message for families leading into Christmas - order your meat now

The price of a Christmas ham is set to skyrocket this year for Australian families (stock image)

Ms Tarrant and husband Dave have created a side business selling directly to the public, and said 'we are already taking thousands of (meat) orders in light of people being reunited this December.'

'The price hike can be traced back to the drought and bushfires in 2018 and 2019, it hasn't been an easy time for many farmers,' she told Daily Mail Australia.

'We are (all) trying to keep our livestock in paddocks, but that comes with its challenges.'

When the drought conditions were at their harshest, Ms Tarrant and her husband Dave faced the prospect of losing their farm at Baryulgil, located about three and a half hours inland from tourist mecca Byron Bay.

Their new online business Our Cow sells meat to order directly from Australian farmers.

The business has been swamped with orders for deliveries in recent weeks, with the Casino-based supplier shipping more than 35 tonnes of meat in September alone.

Up to 70 per cent of the produce has been sent to metropolitan Sydney, while sales in Melbourne have tripled.

'We saw a gap in the market and went for it,' Mrs Tarrant said. 'Ultimately we didn't have a choice... in 2019, nearly 70 per cent of our farm was destroyed by the bushfires.

'We lost most of our cattle, then the drought saw it challenging to keep the animals alive that survived earlier.

To save their farm following bushfires and the crippling drought, the Tarrant's established Our Cow, who specialise in meat online, cut to order directly from Australian farmers (pictured)

In 2019, the Tarrant's saw close to 70 per cent of their farm in far northern NSW destroyed due to bushfires (pictured)

The devastating scenes also saw large portions of their cattle perish, as they battled to keep the farm running (pictured)

Farmers are also calling on the Australian government to allow international visitors to quarantine on-farms to address labour shortages which could see millions of dollars worth of produce go to waste this summer (stock image)

'To now work closely with up to 50 farmers (through online sales with Our Cow) is great.'

It is not just meat which could be scarce and expensive this Christmas.

Fruit and vegetable growers have been forced to ditch much of their produce due o the unavailability of seasonal pickers due to border closures through the Covid pandemic.

Popular festive season picks like cherries and blueberries are at risk of rotting in fields across the country as produce pickers - positions typically filled by backpackers and overseas visitors - remain locked out.

The agricultural industry has called on the NSW government to allow seasonal workers to quarantine on farms to help pick harvests before millions of dollars worth produce goes to waste.
A mentally unstable Maryland man shot dead his brother and sister-in-law because he was convinced his sibling - a pharmacist - was 'killing people with the Covid-19 vaccine,' according to court documents revealed Wednesday.

Jeffrey Burnham, 46, of Cumberland, began his murderous spree by first stabbing to death his mother's childhood friend and stealing her car so he could drive to his brother's house, cops said.

[Burnham] stated to Evelyn that he wanted to confront Brian about the government poisoning people with COVID vaccines and that he repeatedly stated, 'Brian knows something,'" read charging documents filed in a Howard County court.

Burnham was arrested on Oct. 1 at The Billy Motel & Bar in Davis, West Virginia, after an 18-hour manhunt that ended when he confessed to a firefighter that he 'had been forced to kill three people,' the Baltimore Sun reported.

Jeffrey Burnham murdered his pharmacist brother and two others because his brother was 'killing people with the Covid-19 vaccine,' court papers state

Two days before, Burnham, who lived with his mother Evelyn and was her caretaker, broke into Rebecca Reynoldss home and stabbed her to death, cops said.

Reynolds, 83, lived across the street and had a Lincoln that Burnham stole and drove to his brother's residence in Ellicott City, police said.

Once there, he broke into his brother Brian Robinettes home and shot to death the 58-year-old pharmacist and his wife, Kelly Sue Robinette, 57, according to police.

Evelyn called Cumberland police twice the week before the killings because she was worried about her sons 'mental stability,' the paper reported.

She told police that Burnham kept claiming that the FBI was after them.

Burnham, of Cumberland, 46, allegedly shot dead his brother and sister-in-law, Brian Robinette (second from right), 58, and his wife Kelly Sue (second from left), 57. The couple is pictured above with their children Jenna (left) and Griffin

Burnham also stabbed to death Rebecca Reynolds (left), 83, so he could steal her car and drive it to his brother's home, police said. She is pictured above with her neighbor Ron Kifer, 69, who found her body in her home after he noticed her car was missing

In one call, she told police that Burnham kept a security system in his bedroom at their home. On her second call, she told police that her son concerned her by talking about Beckys car, referring to Reynolds.

The day Reynolds was killed, Ron Kifer, 69, her neighbor and close friend, told the Baltimore Sun that he saw the gates to her house open and her car missing from the driveway. Her backdoor was unlocked, so he went in to check on her and found her on the couch in a nightgown and covered by a blanket.

Kifer thought she had a heart attack, so he called 911. But when police arrived and took off the blanket, they revealed a deep cut along her neck. Court documents state that there were also signs of a struggle and Reynolds was found beside a broken vase, cordless phone and cane strewn on the floor.

'She didnt deserve this,' Kifer told the Baltimore Sun.

The Robinettes were shot multiple times with a .40-caliber handgun and police found multiple .40-caliber shell casings throughout their home, cops said.

Police also found an empty box for a .40-caliber Smith and Wesson handgun in Burnham's residence, the documents reveal.

Reynolds vehicle was seen parked less than half a mile from the home, while the Robinettes Corvette was missing.

Reynolds, 83, a friend of Evelyns since childhood, lived across the street and had a Lincoln that Burnham stole and drove to Ellicott City overnight.

Once there, he broke into his brother Brian Robinettes home and shot to death the 58-year-old pharmacist and his wife Kelly Sue Robinette, 57

Police found Brian Robinettes cell phone off an exit ramp down the road and an E-ZPass connected to the Corvette revealed that the car entered the toll plaza at the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel at about 8.30am on Sept. 30, the charging documents said.

Later that day, Burnham stopped at an unnamed persons home, where he asked for gas and said 'he would see him on TV, court records show.

After learning of the manhunt for Burnham the tipster called Maryland State Police to tell them that he stopped there and kept talking about his brother giving people the Covid-19 shot, which he said was killing people.

After his arrest in West Virginia, Burnham was extradited back to Maryland and is being held without bail at the Allegany County jail. He faces first- and second-degree murder charges.

His next court date is November 5.

Asked for comment from the Baltimore Sun, Evelyn said through tears, 'I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry. I lost two boys and a friend and a daughter-in-law. I just hope they find out what went wrong in his head.

Burnhams neighbors Gary Mustin, 79, and Vesta DeMoss , 74, told the Baltimore Sun that the community is in shock, but described Burnham as deteriorating from 'one of the nicest kids' to a 'loner' who stopped acknowledging anybody around town.

Shortly before the murders, they recalled seeing him scream and curse at a group of children playing outside his home.

Meanwhile, friends of the Robinettes set up a GoFundMe to help financially assist their two children, Jenna and Griffin.

The page, which has since raised $92,299 of its $100,000 goal, reads, 'Kelly's infectious laugh and Brian's dry sense of humor brightened our lives. They raised two amazing children in Howard county, and left their mark on our schools, teachers, fellow parents and now a new generation of young adults.

Kelly and Brian's friends and family have set up this GoFundMe to give their children the funds and resources they need as they transition into young adulthood. The funds will help them manage costs associated with the unexpected loss of their parents. Please join us in honoring Kelly and Brian's legacy and supporting their family.
Mining giant BHP will refuse to let unvaccinated staff, contractors and visitors enter its Australian work sites from early next year.

The company confirmed its mandatory COVID-19 policy on Thursday, a couple of months after flagging it as a likely response to the pandemic.

The mining union, the CFMEU, has already said it opposes the move and vaccinations should be voluntary.

Mining giant BHP will refuse to let unvaccinated staff, contractors and visitors enter its Australian work sites from early next year (mine in the Pilbara pictured)

In a statement on Thursday, BHP said COVID-19 jabs will be a condition of entry for all its work sites, including mines and office spaces, from no later than January 31 next year.

Some sites will impose the rule earlier than that.

'BHP workplaces in NSW (e.g. Mt Arthur Coal) will introduce this control sooner considering local risk factors,' the company said.

It said BHP would also comply with recently announced public health orders in Western Australia and Victoria relevant to the resources sector, which in some cases exceed what the company is proposing nationally.

'We have undertaken a thorough assessment and believe that this is the right path forward to protect the health of our people, their families and the communities where we operate,' BHP Minerals Australia president Edgar Basto said.

He said that included remote Indigenous communities.

'We know this will raise questions for some, and we will work closely with our workforce as we go through the process of implementing these controls at our workplaces.'

Stephen Smyth is the president of the Mining and Energy division of the CFMEU Queensland and says the union's position has always been that miners should be given a choice.

He said the policy would trigger consultation provisions and risk assessments that apply to any significant changes in the workplace.

'They are required to consult with the employees, and the employee representatives, and that will commence in coming weeks,' Mr Smyth said.

He said the policy would also have major implications for other employers who serve as contractors to BHP.

The effect of the BHP mandate is that contractors it does not directly employ will also have to be vaccinated, or risk being locked out of job sites.

BHP has said exemptions will apply for people who cannot be vaccinated for health reasons.
A 14-year-old girl was allegedly raped, injected with heroin, and tortured with a blowtorch while being held hostage for a month by a woman she only just met.

Elham Naaman, 24, allegedly met the teenage girl from Sydney's west - who cannot be identified - at a party and they added each other on social media.

Police allege Ms Naaman and the young girl spoke about meeting up again at a hotel in Parramatta, in Sydney's west, on the evening of June 5, 2021.

Elham Naaman (pictured), 24, has been arrested and refused bail for her alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a 14-year-old girl

Within moments of getting into a car together, presumably to party together, the girl was allegedly raped by an unknown man who was sitting inside, the Daily Telegraph reported.

The terrifying ordeal allegedly continued at a hotel room they were driven to, a court heard.

It is alleged over the next month until July 6 the 14-year-old was held at the hotel, a Greenacre unit and other locations.

There she was allegedly drugged, sexually and physically assaulted and intimidated.

Court documents claimed the teenager was held against her will and had drugs including ice and GBH forced upon her.

Police also alleged she was injected with heroin.

It is alleged the girl was sexually and physically assaulted, drugged and intimidated during the terrifying ordeal (stock image)

It is alleged the teenager was further sexually assaulted and threatened with a blowtorch at the Greenacre unit.

The blowtorch set the scarf she was wearing on fire, it was alleged.

Ms Naaman was charged with kidnapping in company, supplying a prohibited drug, stealing, intimidation and damaging property by fire with intent to injure after being arrested at Berkshire Park in Sydney's north-west on Sunday morning.

Ms Naaman's solicitor Upol Amin said she would defend the charges.

Elham Naaman, 24, (pictured) is accused of kidnapping a 14-year-old girl and trying to set her hijab on fire in June of this year

Police allege two other women and a man were involved in the kidnapping and they expect to make further arrests.

Ms Naaman is accused of taking the girl to a unit in Greenacre in the city's south-west and plying her with drugs

Ms Naaman was refused bail on Tuesday at Bankstown Local Court after a magistrate heard of her 'violent' criminal history, which included motor vehicle theft, common assault and destroying property.

Ms Naaman was allegedly on parole after serving two years and nine months in prison for robbery when she subjected the 14-year-old to the terrifying ordeal.

She has also been charged over an unrelated incident in which she allegedly set fire to her studio apartment in Newcastle on August 14.

Police allege she deliberately lit the fire in an an attempt to destroy evidence of a stabbing.

Ms Naaman allegedly texted an unknown person after the incident: 'I lit a hotel room on fire to cover your a**e'.

She will next face court over the hotel room fire on October 12.
A relaxed Gladys Berejiklian headed home for her lunch break on Thursday sporting the trademark business attire she made famous during her time as NSW premier.

Ms Berejiklian, 51, arrived at her home in Northbridge on Sydney's lower north shore on Thursday carrying a red Lululemon tote bag.

Wearing a black dress and a smart grey blazer, her fashion sense appeared to have changed little since she gave up the state's top role last week.

She stood down as state leader on Friday amid allegations by the state's corruption watchdog she breached the public's trust during her secret five-year relationship with ex-Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire.

Ms Berejiklian is now only serving her local Willoughby electorate, having declared she will leave state parliament altogether once a by-election for her seat is held.

Her sudden resignation has sparked speculation she could make a run for federal politics once the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption concludes its investigation.

But while her successor Dominic Perrottet updated his profile within hours of securing the state's top job, Ms Berejiklian's account still has not changed.

New start: A relaxed Gladys Berejiklian has headed home for her lunch break on Thursday sporting the trademark business attire she made famous as NSW premier

Premier no more: Wearing a black dress and a smart grey blazer, her fashion sense appeared to have changed little since she gave up the state's top role

Ms Berejiklian enters her property on Sydney's lower north shore. She stood down as state leader on Friday amid a cloud allegations from the state's corruption watchdog

Mr Perrottet, 39, shared a picture of him being sworn in as Premier at Government House on Tuesday afternoon and promptly updated his Instagram bio as: 'Premier of NSW'.

Ms Berejiklian - or those that handle her account - have been a little more reluctant to remove the same line from her bio.

The 51-year-old was a widely popular premier. Her Willoughby office and home were awash in a sea of flowers and supportive signs left by fans over the weekend and a petition to keep her on as premier gained more than 75,000 signatures.

After her resignation Mr Perrottet, from the Liberal Party's conservative faction, then defeated Rob Stokes 39-5 in party room ballot on Tuesday morning to become NSW's youngest premier with Stuart Ayres as his deputy.

Tuesday's vote was not attended by Ms Berejiklian.

Asked whether she may make the switch to federal politics, Prime Minister Scott Morrison told Sunrise on Tuesday she 'has a lot more to contribute, I know that'.

The Willoughby MP is now only serving her local electorate, having declared she will leave state parliament altogether once a by-election for her seat is held

The former premier speaks to the media outside her office in Willoughby on Sydney's lower north shore on Wednesday

As of Thursday, Ms Berejiklian's Instagram bio still reads that she is the 'Premier of NSW'

The prime minister though acknowledged Ms Berejiklian has 'issues' to work through, a reference to the ongoing ICAC investigation.

'I join with the many thousands if not millions of people from New South Wales who are very sad that she has had to step down,' Mr Morrison said.

Mr Morrison made similar remarks on the Kyle and Jackie O show, saying Ms Berejiklian has 'a lot left in her to give'.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison hinted to Sunrise and radio show Kyle and Jackie O that outgoing Ms Berejiklian could make a run for federal parliament

'She is amazing and she has showed so much strength and character to push through all of this, dealing with all those issues while making sure NSW was not only safe but the economy moving forward,' Mr Morrison said.

'But she has got to deal with the issues she currently has and she has got a lot left in her to give, and I know she has enormous capability.

'We would be happy to work with her with her on whatever she would like to do next, whether that is in the parliament or she might like to serve'.

Mr Perrottet (pictured) was sworn in to the NSW Premier role on Tuesday

Mr Perrottet meanwhile said his government will make no major policy or personnel changes as the state emerges from lockdown.

The father of six has vowed to be a 'family premier' and prioritise the plight of working families around NSW.

He also pledged to maintain policy and cabinet continuity after Gladys Berejiklian's resignation, with no cabinet reshuffle in the short term and no major policy changes.

He said he would maintain this position at least until summer.

However, the premier-elect did indicate he was open to getting kids back to school.

At the moment that staggered process isn't scheduled to begin for most students until October 18.

'We are at an important juncture. On Monday, the state opens up and we want to get people back into work, get business open again, and that is the focus of our government,' Mr Perrottet said.

The 80 per cent double-dose milestone is expected later in October and December will usher in a broader easing of restrictions when unvaccinated and vaccinated people will enjoy similar freedoms.

While Mr Perrottet, whose information was updated with his new role, may be the new premier he still has a long way to go to get as many Instagram followers as Ms Berejiklian

Long touted as the premier-in-waiting, Mr Perrottet struck a deal over the weekend with his moderate colleagues to make Mr Ayres deputy.

Mr Ayres' elevation to the position was unanimously supported.

Mr Perrottet acknowledged the ICAC investigation connected to Ms Berejiklian - due to start on October 18 - would prompt public commentary but insisted it would not distract the government.

A post-lockdown economic recovery plan will be announced shortly.

NSW's corruption watchdog is investigating if Ms Berejiklian breached the public's trust during her secret five-year relationship with ex-Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire

'I was able to see first-hand how we could invest money quickly, get people into work and provide housing off the back of it. Where we had success last year, we'll double-down,' the Epping MP said.

He also said he was happy to work with whoever was voted the new Nationals leader on Wednesday following John Barilaro's resignation.

Mr Perrottet said being a father of six was 'demanding', but he felt enriched by his family responsibilities.

Lobby group Business NSW welcomed Mr Perrottet's appointment, saying he would provide a 'steady hand' for the post-lockdown period.
Neighbors of the man wanted for questioning over the murder of Gabby Petito have been reportedly cashing in on the tragedy, charging media companies $3,500 a week to camp in their yards.

CBS News, Fox News and ABC News are among those who have paid the neighbors, TMZ reported.

All remain camped outside the home of the Laundrie family in North Port, Florida, while the search for Brian Laundrie continues.

Media companies are reportedly paying up to $3,500 a week to rent the yards of neighbors of the Laundrie family in Florida, as the hunt for Brian Laundrie enters its third week

Brian Laundrie, 23, is the sole 'person of interest' in the death of his girlfriend Gabby Petito, 22. She was found dead in Wyoming on September 19 during her road trip with Laundrie

The Laundrie family reported Brian missing on September 17. They said he had set off for a hike on September 13, and failed to return.

Laundrie's girlfriend, 22-year-old Petito, was reported missing on September 11 and found dead in Wyoming on September 19. Her death has been reported as a homicide, and Laundrie is the sole 'person of interest' in the case.

A manhunt has been underway for several weeks, and is now led by the FBI. A search of a Florida swamp, the Carlton Reserve, has so far proved fruitless.

Questions continue to be asked about what Christopher and Roberta Laundrie know, and their daughter Cassie, who lives with her husband in Lakewood, said their parents have not spoken to her about the case.

Amid the ongoing media frenzy, the media outlets have remained outside the Laundrie family home.

Enterprising neighbors of the Laundrie family have taken to charging the media companies for using their facilities

Gabby Petito's parents (pictured are her mother Nichole Schmidt and stepfather Jim) appeared on Dr Phil to beg the Laundrie family to tell them what they know

Protesters have taken to staging loud demonstrations outside the Laundrie family home, and scuffles have broken out between fed-up homeowners and those demanding justice for Petito.

Police have attempted to reduce the media presence by closing the street to all except residents.

However, renting a space from the neighbors allows camera crews to circumvent the police restrictions.

Christopher and Roberta Laundrie have been lying low since their son's disappearance, but on Wednesday their lawyer, Steven Bertolino, said he was asked by the FBI to join the search for his son, and agreed.

'Since the preserve has been closed to the public, Chris has not been able to look for Brian in the only place Chris and Roberta believe Brian may be,' Bertolino said in a statement to The New York Post.

Further questions have been raised as to why the Laundries are not begging their son to get in touch, but Bertolino said they did not believe there was any point in issuing a public appeal for him to turn himself in.

'The parents don't believe he is watching the news in any way, shape or form,' Bertolino said.

'They believe he's in the preserve or some other type of wilderness area if he has left the preserve.

'So putting out a public plea and getting scrutiny for that is not necessarily in their best interest.'
New Zealand's strict lockdowns and slow vaccination uptake during the Delta outbreak could see popularity for nation's most loved Prime Minister falter.

Jacinda Ardern's popularity was at a record high in May last year, she was praised for her prompt response to Covid that saw the country's death toll limited to 26.

However, the Labour Party leader's strategy of shutting her country's borders and the nation's glacial vaccine rollout, has put a strain on her once soaring popularity.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern's (pictured) popularity is at risk after ongoing lockdowns and border closures failed to contain the nation's Delta outbreak

Since New Zealand's Delta variant outbreak reached Auckland contact tracers have scrambled to track cases, despite a string of lockdowns to contain the virus.

The nation recorded 29 new community Covid-19 cases on Thursday bringing the total number of active infections to 1,448.

After a series of lockdowns Ms Ardern has decided to scrap the country's elimination strategy in favour of a three-stage road map that takes into account vaccination rates.

The nation recorded 29 new community Covid-19 cases on Thursday bringing the total number of active infections to 1,448

But health experts now fear New Zealand's over reliance on isolation and slow vaccine uptake will result in a death toll reaching the thousands.

'All power to New Zealand for keeping deaths so low,' Professor of health protection at the University of East Anglia, Paul Hunter, told the Australian Financial Review.

'But the issue is that if your policy fails and you haven't got anything else in place, it will be as bad as if you had let it rip right from the start.'

'New Zealand could find all the sacrifices of the past year wasted if they do not get their population immunised quickly enough.'

Ms Ardern's decision to combat outbreaks with lockdown and isolation has even been labelled 'absurd' by Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison who added that no country could 'stay in the cave' forever.

The nation's economy also continues to suffer as the government struggles to come up with a plan to get out of lockdown.

Industries such as hospitality and the tech sector were reportedly the hardest hit with increased labour shortages due to border closures.

Jacinda Ardern 's popularity was at a record high in May last year, she was praised for her prompt response to Covid that saw the country's death toll limited to 26

Ms Ardern (pictured) recently abandoned the nation's covid elimination strategy in favour of a three stage rollout that relies on vaccination uptake

An expert on emerging viruses at the University of Nottingham, Jonathan Ball, told the news outlet New Zealand's only option left for reopening is vaccination.

'Early on in the outbreak, New Zealand was a great example of how you could deal with the virus through lockdowns and social distancing,' he said.

'We have to accept that now we've moved on from that. It's incredibly difficult to secure your borders forever, and the only thing New Zealand is left with is vaccination, otherwise they are pretty much fighting a losing battle because you are always going to have the virus knocking on your door.'

On Thursday, Ms Ardern began her tour around the country in a bid to boost vaccination uptake.

When she stopped by a vaccination centre in Murupara, she was met by frustrated residents holding placards proclaiming 'freedom of choice' and 'informed decision'.

The small group, spotted with children in tow, were heard chanting, 'what do we want, freedom, when do we want it, now', reported Stuff.

They appeared at the drive-by vaccination site after the Prime Minister had spoken with healthcare staff and members of the public.

'Go home and take the jab with you,' one shouted.

'We don't need your demon vaccine' said another.

Despite the noisy interruption Ms Ardern continued her next visit to the Rotorua Central Mall site where staff would be administering over 800 vaccines to locals in the region.
Schoolies is set to be off-limits for thousands of NSW and Victorian graduating students who have endured months of home learning.

The Queensland government gave the green light for festivities this year after they were cancelled in 2020 - but the Sunshine State's border rules remain in place.

Victoria and NSW are designated 'Red Zones' by Queensland requiring 14-days of quarantine upon entering the state - about the same duration as the Gold Coast event lasts.

Students from NSW and Victoria will be unable to attend Schoolies on the Gold Coast this year (pictured: attendees in 2019)

Schoolies.com is offering credit vouchers on deposits that some students paid for their trips

Interstate teens who have already booked trips to Schoolies could lose significant amounts of cash, with hundreds of dollars worth of accommodation and flights up-in-the-air.

Major booking site Schoolies.com is giving credit vouchers instead of refunds for deposits on booked trips that have had to be cancelled because of border closures, reports 9News.

The refunds last for three years though - but there are questions about whether graduating students could get in to events in following years with security hired to keep out non-school leavers.

On top of this, NSW has pushed back the HSC exam period to finish on December 3, which directly overlaps with Schoolies schedule to begin on November 20 and wind up on December 11.

One Sydney Dad, Ian, said his 17-year-old daughter booked a Schoolies trip in March this year - before the delta strain hit Australia's shores.

The teen and her five friends had to cancel the trip last week and have each lost their $150 'non-refundable' deposit despite not having control over border closures.

The company issued a $150 voucher which can be redeemed until 2022 but some students have already begun trying to sell their vouchers online.

'This company is acting unfairly towards young people, it's unconscionable,' Ian said.

'What use is a credit voucher - they aren't going to go to schoolies in 2022 a year after they left school.'

Schoolies.com told 9 News their Covid cancellation terms are clearly viewable and were an improvement on standard terms.

The terms state students in lockdown would receive their money back minus the deposit and those who cancelled before October 2 would also receive a credit voucher for the deposit.

Those from states which aren't locked down will be able to attend the Gold Coast event (pictured: Schoolies attendees in 2019)

On the other side of the country, in closed-off Western Australia, a Schoolies event is expected to go ahead in Dunsborough from November 22 to 26.

However, any student who wishes to attend must have had at least one vaccine dose by November 22, the chief health officer said.

This is despite Pfizer - recommended for this age group - needing at least two weeks to provide protection.

'This is another sensible step to protect our young people at a big event but also the volunteers, workers and local community as well,' Health Minister Roger Cook said.

'There is plenty of time for everyone wishing to attend the event to get vaccinated. Don't wait before it's too late.'
Barnaby Joyce has called for a major crackdown on social media giants after 'completely and utterly fictitious' allegations about his family spread online.

The deputy prime minister slammed posts suggesting former NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro's retirement from politics was because he was in a relationship with one of Mr Joyce's daughters.

'It's total and utter rubbish,' Mr Joyce told ABC radio on Thursday.

Mr Joyce did not specify which of his four daughters was the subject of the false allegation but his eldest daughter Bridgette - who worked for Mr Barilaro as an advisor since earlier this year - has been targeted online.

Barnaby Joyce has slammed 'totally fictitious' allegations that his daughter had an affair with John Barilaro which forced him to resign. Pictured: Bridgette Joyce

He said it was essential more was done to force social media companies like Facebook and Twitter to stop people spreading lies.

'From my own personal experience of recent times, you have got to get to a point where you say enough is enough,' the federal Nationals leader said.

'These platforms just say 'oh well it's too hard to control'.

'It's not too hard for you to collect your billions of dollars from it and apparently it's not too hard for you set up vessels to avoid tax in Australia.'

Mr Joyce said he would speak to US politicians who are conducting a congressional inquiry that unearthed explosive allegations against Facebook.

Frances Haugen - a former Facebook data scientist - told a hearing the company was dishonest about efforts to counter misinformation and knew Instagram could have a toxic effect on young girls.

Mr Joyce said billions of dollars were being spent on mental health which could be seriously damaged through social media.

'One of the greatest mechanisms of the destruction of people's mental health is sitting on the kitchen table or in the corner of the room,' he said.

Bridgette Joyce (second left) is pictured with mother Natalie and her three sisters

Nationals advisor Bridgette (third left) is pictured with her parents and sisters

Mr Barilaro is pictured with his wife Deanna and three children at home in southern NSW

'If you go to any school and talk to any parent, this is one of the greatest fears - the destruction of their children by innuendo, by slurs.'

The deputy prime minister said it wasn't just about his daughter's experience but a broader problem across society.

'The idea that someone can have this sort of pseudonym on Twitter and say the most outrageous things, and we in 2021 just sit back and say 'that's fair enough' - that's got to stop,' Mr Joyce said.

Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg has described Ms Haugen's testimony as false and insists the company cares deeply about safety.

Communications Minister Paul Fletcher on Wednesday said the 'special treatment' online companies had gotten away with was no longer acceptable to the community or government.

Mr Fletcher did not rule out laws to crack down on Facebook or other social media over misinformation.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Barilaro's office for comment.
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A four-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman are among four dead after flash flooding hit Alabama, leaving dozens submerged in their vehicles.

A couple were also found dead inside their car after their vehicle was swept away by the strong currents in Hoover, near Birmingham.

The girl, who has not been named, died by Haynes Road and Hickory Hill Road in Arab and her body was recovered at around 11.50pm on Wednesday night, the Marshall County Coroner said in a statement.

An 18-year-old woman was found dead at 7am on Thursday morning on Friendship Road in the Union Grove area, near Arab.

Meanwhile, two dead bodies, which have not been identified, were found inside a vehicle in Hoover after the car was washed away by the floods.

The vehicle had entered the flooded water near 1100 Riverchase Parkway West and was swept away before briefly landing on a guardrail, trapping the man and woman inside, reports AL.com.

But Hoover firefighters were unable to reach the car due to the 'raging flood waters' and within minutes, the authorities said the rushing waters pushed the vehicle over the guardrail into the creak below.

Hoover police department said additional crews were dispatched to the area to find the couple, but were unable to find them.

The vehicle was found with two dead bodies inside, officials told AL.com. The car was found 300 to 400 feet from where they were washed off the road and the vehicle was submerged in up to 10 feet of water.



It comes after residents of Alabama were told on Wednesday to to stay at home after dire warnings of 'life-threatening floods'.

'MORE heavy rain (round 4 at least at this point) is forming & moving into areas already suffering from significant and life-threatening flooding,' tweeted the National Weather Service (NWS) Birmingham on Wednesday night.

'Scanner traffic indicate numerous water rescues from vehicles and homes & roads submerged.'

The Birmingham metro area - which is home to 1.1 million people - was the epicenter of the floods after six inches of water fell in just one day. Experts warned that flooding was occurring even in areas that did not often see high water levels.

'LIFE-THREATENING FLOODING ONGOING IN JEFFERSON COUNTY AND SHELBY COUNTY,' they tweeted earlier on Wednesday.

Car travel through floodwaters on Montgomery highway on Wednesday in Hoover, Alabama. The state has seen six inches of rain fall in one day

A car that was flooded up to its hood is towed away from near the Riverside Galleria complex on Wednesday evening in the Birmingham metropolitan area

Heavy rain was causing widespread flooding throughout Birmingham metro area - the most densly-populated part of Alabama

A partially-submerged car is seen at the Galleria mall in Hoover, Alabama on Wednesday night. Local authorities were pleasing with people to stay at home

Rescuers were pictured on local television wading through floodwaters in the Birmingham area to rescue trapped people

'Scanners are nonstop with calls for assistance. Please remain at home! Do not enter flood waters if you're already out traveling.'

Police in Pelham, 20 miles south of downtown Birmingham, said that by 11:35pm local time they had received more than 30 calls asking for rescue due to rising flood waters.

As much as six inches of rain fell in Alabama in about a day, unleashing flash floods.

Additional storms brought the threat of twisters to the Southeast.

Heavy rains after nightfall on Wednesday also caused flooding across north Alabama, with cars submerged on roads in metro Birmingham and parts of the Tennessee Valley.

An abandoned car is pictured in the Birmingham metro area on Wednesday night, as flash flooding hit the region

Rescue crews helped motorists escape vehicles, and emergency managers said the combination of low visibility and standing water made travel life-threatening in some areas.

One Twitter user, Hilary Perry, said the flooding around her Hoover home was the worst she had seen in 41 years of living there.

One woman living in the Hoover area posted photos of floodwater approaching her front door, and said it was the worst she had seen in her 41 years of living there

In south Alabama near the Florida line, water covered streets in the flood-prone Escambia County towns of Brewton and East Brewton, inundating businesses in a shopping center with several feet of water.

As much as three feet of water was inside the community's main grocery store, Piggly Wiggly, and two schools had to cancel classes, said Escambia Sheriff Heath Jackson.

'We're hoping that the rain is going to stop so we can get some of this water ... out of here and we can start getting into these businesses that have taken on water to see what we can do to help them,' Jackson told WKRG-TV.

To the south, in Baldwin County, as much as 250,000 gallons of waste water overflowed from sewage systems along Mobile Bay, officials said.

With rainfall totals already ranging from two inches to as much as six inches across the state this week, forecasters said another three inches of rain was possible, with the heaviest rains to the north.

Severe storms and a few isolated tornadoes from a slow-moving low pressure system were a threat, mainly in the afternoon, forecasters said.

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for northeastern Alabama, northwestern Georgia and southern Tennessee.

A flash flood watch covered most of Alabama and north Georgia, and forecasters issued flood warnings near a few rising creeks and rivers.

Rains should end by late Thursday as storms move eastward, forecasters said.
Mr Joyce has slammed false allegations about his daughter Bridgette (pictured)

Scott Morrison has blasted social media as a 'coward's palace' after Barnaby Joyce's daughter was smeared with false claims she had an affair with John Barilaro.

Mr Joyce revealed he's been upset by false allegations on Twitter and Facebook that Mr Barilaro resigned on Sunday because he was in a relationship with 25-year-old Bridgette Joyce who has worked for him since February.

Mr Morrison backed up Mr Joyce and said he would be taking action to stop social media companies allowing defamatory comments by anonymous trolls who can't be held accountable.

'I will pick up and add my voice to Barnaby's,' he said in a press conference on Thursday.

'Cowards who go anonymously on social media and vilify people, and harass them, and bully them, and engage in defamatory statements, they need to be responsible for what they're saying.

'Social media has become a coward's palace where people can go on there, not say who they are, destroy people's lives, and say the most foul and offensive things to people, and do so with impunity.

'Now that's not a free country where that happens. That's not right.'

Mr Morrison threatened to change the law to brand social media companies as publishers which would make them legally responsible for all comments posted by users.

'[Users] should have to identify who they are, and you know, the companies, if they're not going to say who they are, well, they're not a platform any more, they're a publisher. They're a publisher. And you know what the implications of that means in terms of those issues,' he said.

Mr Barilaro is pictured with his wife Deanna and three children at home in southern NSW

Earlier Mr Joyce slammed social media companies for not taking responsibility for false allegations.

'I think that we now have companies that make billions of dollars and people who profess to be multiple billionaires, but they don't own responsibility for what's happening on their platforms,' he told ABC Radio National.

'I think, yes. And from my own personal experience of recent times, you have got to get to a point where you say enough is enough.'

The Deputy Prime Minister said he had been asked to comment on the false allegation his daughter was having an affair by local media after it circulated online.

Mr Joyce did not specify which of his four daughters was the subject of the false allegation but his eldest daughter Bridgette - who worked for Mr Barilaro as an advisor since earlier this year - has been targeted online.

'My daughter is a strong person and she had a completely malicious rumour... basically people saying that she had been in a relationship with John Barilaro and that's why he left,' Mr Joyce told ABC Radio National on Thursday.

'Which is just total and utter rubbish.

'When you have local media outlets actually approaching you for comment on this and you say ''what is your source'' and they say ''Facebook'' or ''the source is Twitter'' and you say ''well it's no good that these platforms just say ''sorry it's too hard to control''.

'Well it's not too hard for you to collect your billions of dollars from it,' Mr Joyce said in a swipe at big tech companies which make money from advertising on their platforms.

'My daughter's got broad shoulders, she knows how to deal with this,' he added.

A source close to Mr Barilaro said the allegation was 'completely wrong, absolutely false and awful for it to be suggested'.

Barnaby Joyce has slammed 'totally fictitious' allegations that his daughter had an affair with John Barilaro which forced him to resign. Pictured: Bridgette Joyce

Mr Barilaro resigned as NSW Nationals leader and Deputy Premier on Sunday, two days after ex-Premier Gladys Berejiklian quit over a corruption investigation, joking that he was having a 'mid-life crisis' and wanted a new career outside of politics.

The married father of three said the reason for his retirement would become clear 'in the weeks ahead and the months ahead'.

Mr Joyce slammed social media companies for allowing the false allegation and other fake news to proliferate.

ABC host Patricia Karvelas said sometimes online gossip turns out to be true, referencing rumours Mr Joyce was having an affair with his staffer Vikki Campion, with whom he now has two sons.

'I'm a public figure and I get what I get, and I cop what I cop,' Mr Joyce said.

'But I've always drawn the line for people who are not public figures and what happens to them.'

'It's not just my daughter. This is an issue if you go to any school and talk to any parent, this is one of their greatest fears, the destruction of their children by innuendo, by slur, on a macro level, and on a micro level,' he said.

Bridgette Joyce (second left) is pictured with mother Natalie and her three sisters

Nationals advisor Bridgette (third left) is pictured with her parents and sisters

After announcing his resignation, Mr Barilaro said NSW would be best served by someone who had the passion and fight to forge on.

'I just don't have the energy anymore,' Mr Barilaro told reporters on Monday.

'I'm looking for a new career. I turn 50 in November, maybe a bit of a midlife crisis, but definitely thinking about what happens next. I will take some time out, but I genuinely won't be running for federal politics,' the Monaro MP said.

In his resignation speech, Mr Barilaro thanked his constituents for their support, describing his role as the leader of the National party as 'the honour and privilege of a lifetime'.

Mr Barilaro said it felt right to step down alongside Ms Berejiklian (pictured together) to give NSW a fresh start, allowing two new leaders to take the reins together as the state finally exits a grueling 15-week Covid lockdown

He said it felt right to leave parliament at the same time as Ms Berejiklian to give NSW a fresh start, allowing two new leaders to take the reins as the state finally exits a gruelling 15-week Covid lockdown.

'I'm going to be a keen watcher of politics, but I will not be a participant. I have no intention of running in federal politics... I'd been thinking about this for a while,' he said early on Monday morning.

Mr Barilaro said defamation proceedings he launched against YouTuber Jordan Shanks - aka FriendlyJordies - and Google played an enormous role in his decision to quit politics.

He accused Shanks of spouting 'vile racism' hidden as journalism, noting the 'disgusting, vile, racist commentary on social media has taken a toll'.

'As a young boy with immigrant parents, I understood what racism was from a young age,' he said during a press conference on Monday.

The father-of-three is proud of his heritage and the sacrifices his parents made for him growing up, citing his late father as his 'biggest inspiration' for getting into politics In one YouTube video, the entertainer referred to Mr Barilaro as a 'big, fat, wog c***', 'greasy Ned Kelly' and 'a conman to the core, powered by spaghetti'. In 2020 Mr Barilaro said he wears the nickname 'Pork Barrel-aro' with a badge of honour. Pork barrelling is the practice of handing out taxpayer money to win votes, usually in government-held seats. The father-of-three said he was proud of his Italian heritage and the sacrifices his parents made for him growing up, citing his late father as his 'biggest inspiration' for getting into politics.

He said Ms Berejiklian's announcement on Friday brought forward his decision to retire.

Mr Barilaro noted the immense sacrifices she gave to her state and wished the outgoing premier well in her post-politics life.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Barilaro's office for comment.
A clueless driver has been caught filming himself breaking the law after he was clocked speeding down a highway.

The young tradie was spotted speeding in a white Toyota Hilux on the M1 Motorway near Berowra in northern Sydney at 5.40pm on Monday.

The 19-year-old P-plater driver was travelling 173km/hr in a 110km/hr zone.

After police informed the driver his license would be immediately suspended he unlocked his phone to call a friend - revealing the incriminating video.

A 19-year-old P-plater (pictured) was clocked doing 173km/hr on the M1 motorway north of Sydney while breaching public health orders

In the footage the young man can be seen filming himself with one-hand while driving at the incredibly high speed.

After already breaking multiple rules, the man from the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA was found to have no reasonable excuse to be away from his home address, breaching public health orders.

The man also did not have any P-plates on the vehicle, adding to his extensive list of fines.

The young tradie was issued $4174 in fines and 13 demerit points, while also breaching NSW's public health orders, leaving the Canterbury-Bankstown LGA without a reasonable excuse

The P-plater was dealt with a mammoth $4174 bill and issued 13 demerit points.

The offences he broke were exceeding the speed limit over 45km/hr, a $2547 fine and six demerit points, not displaying 'P' plates, a $275 fine and 2 demerit points, P2 license holder using a mobile phone while driving, a $352 fine and 5 demerits and breaching public health orders, a fine of $1000.

The driver had his license suspended for six months on the spot and will receive another suspension from the RMS at a later date.
A tweet calling Peter Dutton a 'rape apologist' may have been insulting and extreme, but it was a legitimate expression of an honest opinion, a court has heard.

The defence minister is suing refugee advocate Shane Bazzi over the now-deleted tweet.

Mr Dutton says it was defamatory because it suggested he condones or excuses rape.

Mr Bazzi's lawyer, Richard Potter SC, on Thursday told the Federal Court the tweet was an honestly held opinion that was based on facts.

The defence minister is suing refugee advocate Shane Bazzi over a now-deleted tweet

The tweet linked to a 2019 news article reporting comments by Mr Dutton that some refugee women on Nauru who complained of rape were 'trying it on' in order to come to Australia.

The article referred to a 2016 court ruling that found the Queensland MP in breach of his duty of care to a refugee woman who became pregnant as a result of rape.

Readers of Mr Bazzi's tweet would also have known that earlier that day Mr Dutton gave a press conference about a rape allegation made by former Coalition staffer Brittany Higgins, Mr Potter argued.

At that press conference, Mr Dutton referred to the 'she said, he said' details of Ms Higgins' complaint, a phrase which drew criticism.

Though the tweet may have been insulting and extreme, the opinion was rationally based on those facts, Mr Potter said.

Honest opinion is a defence to a defamation claim, even if the court agrees the tweet was defamatory.

In a tweet issued the next month, Mr Bazzi repeated his claim that Mr Dutton was a 'rape apologist', adding the descriptors 'fascist', 'f***en scumbag' and 'c***'.

Mr Dutton's lawyers say it shows Mr Bazzi didn't really believe the insult he lodged at the minister, and was instead motivated by malice.

Mr Dutton says the tweet was defamatory because it suggested he condones or excuses rape

The MP's barrister, Nick Ferrett QC, questioned why Mr Bazzi didn't appear to give evidence.

He would have asked the refugee advocate to explain why his language shouldn't be interpreted as an attempt to wound Mr Dutton, rather than a discussion of a matter of public importance.

'(Mr Bazzi) hasn't bothered to exercise his right (to freedom of speech) in this trial,' remarked Mr Ferrett.

The sole witness in the two-day case, Mr Dutton told the court on Wednesday he had been 'deeply offended' by Mr Bazzi's tweet because it was the opposite of who he was.

Mr Potter on Thursday said the tweet didn't mean that Mr Dutton condones rape.

Instead, readers would interpret it as saying that Mr Dutton 'lacks sympathy or empathy with those women who allege they've been raped'.

Mr Dutton is seeking aggravated damages if he wins.

Justice Richard White has retired to consider the case.
Barnaby Joyce's glamorous daughter has always been able to hold her own, but her father rushed to her defence this week to shut down rumours she was having an affair with her boss.

Bridgette Joyce, 25, nabbed a coveted job as a senior political advisor to now-former NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro in February this year, just one year out of university.

She had previously worked under Mental Health Minister Bronnie Taylor and exhibited a keen interest in following her father's footsteps in Australian politics.

When she graduated from the Australian National University, she was quick to say 'bye bye to the Canberra bubble', but within 12 months she'd found her way back.

There were initially concerns about how a woman so young managed to land such a top advisory role within the NSW Nationals party.

But she's been primed for a role in politics her whole life, riding the highs and lows of her father's 16-year career which saw him climb to Deputy Prime Minister, fall from the nation's good graces and return to the plum job three years later.

The 25-year-old nabbed a coveted job as a senior political advisor to former Deputy Premier John Barilaro in February this year, her first year out of university

When Mr Joyce left his wife and family for Ms Campion and did a tell-all interview, his eldest daughter refused to tune in. Bridgette posted to Instagram at the time saying she skipped her father's interview in favour of enjoying a glass of wine with friends

When Mr Barilaro announced his sudden resignation on Monday, the young staffer's career threatened to be derailed as malicious trolls spread false rumours on Twitter that the pair were having an affair.

Mr Joyce was quick to shut the horrible allegation down in an interview with ABC Radio National's Patricia Karvelas. But Mr Joyce acknowledged that he was doing it of his own accord and not because Bridgette was shaken by the sudden attention.

'My daughter's got broad shoulders, she knows how to deal with this,' the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Many were quick to rubbish the bizarre allegation - noting Bridgette was particularly hurt by her own father's indiscretions with a staffer 18 years his junior, Vikki Campion.

When Mr Joyce left his wife and family for Ms Campion and did a tell-all interview, his eldest daughter famously refused to tune in.

She's been primed for a role in politics her whole life, riding the highs and lows of her father's 16-year career which saw him climb to Deputy Prime Minister, fall from the nation's good graces and return to the plum job three years later

When Mr Barilaro announced his sudden resignation on Monday, the young staffer's career threatened to be derailed as unfounded rumours surfaced the pair were having an affair

Bridgette posted to Instagram at the time saying she skipped her father's interview in favour of enjoying a glass of wine with friends.

She wished it was a long weekend, she quipped.

Cowards who go anonymously on social media and vilify people, and harass them, and bully them, and engage in defamatory statements, they need to be responsible for what they're saying. Prime Minister Scott Morrison weighing in on the smears

As she partied with friends, Ms Campion apologised to Bridgette, her mother and younger siblings for all the hurt her tryst with Barnaby had caused.

Bridgette's experience dealing with the aftermath of the scandal was just one reason so many people never believed the rumour involving Mr Barilaro held any weight.

The fun-loving 25-year-old regularly shares pictures online with her friends, partying at bars and more recently enjoying picnics in line with Covid health orders.

She never bothered to follow her father on Instagram in the wake of the scandal, though he follows her.

She has maintained a dignified silence since her boss's departure, and does not share details of her professional life online.

As the eldest of four daughters, Bridgette has always led the way for her sisters in handling public scrutiny after her father's affair

Nationals advisor Bridgette (third left) is pictured with her parents and sisters

As the eldest of four daughters, Bridgette has always led the way for her sisters in handling public scrutiny after her father's affair.

She regularly shares family photos and is close to her mother Natalie, sharing a pointed Mother's Day message the year of her father's disastrous tell-all interview which read: 'Happy Mother's Day to this absolute rock star. You're the most resilient, selfless, loving and strongest chick I know. LOVE YOU.'

Mr Joyce was horrified when he learned of the allegations circulating on Facebook and Twitter pertaining to his daughter and Mr Barilaro.

He told ABC Radio National she shouldn't have to deal with such vile rumours.

'[The rumour] is just total and utter rubbish,' he said.

'When you have local media outlets actually approaching you for comment on this and you say ''what is your source'' and they say ''Facebook'' or ''the source is Twitter'' and you say ''well it's no good that these platforms just say ''sorry it's too hard to control''.

A source close to Mr Barilaro told Daily Mail Australia the allegation was 'completely wrong, absolutely false and awful for it to be suggested'.

A source close to Mr Barilaro said the allegation was 'completely wrong, absolutely false and awful for it to be suggested'

Barnaby Joyce has slammed a 'totally fictitious' allegation that his daughter had an affair with John Barilaro which forced him to resign. Pictured: Bridgette Joyce

Mr Barilaro is pictured with his wife Deanna and three children at home in southern NSW

Mr Joyce slammed social media companies for allowing the false allegation and other fake news to proliferate.

ABC host Patricia Karvelas told him sometimes online gossip turns out to be true, referencing rumours Mr Joyce had an affair with his staffer Vikki Campion, with whom he now has two sons.

'I'm a public figure and I get what I get, and I cop what I cop,' Mr Joyce said.

'But I've always drawn the line for people who are not public figures and what happens to them.

'It's not just my daughter.

'This is an issue if you go to any school and talk to any parent, this is one of their greatest fears, the destruction of their children by innuendo, by slur, on a macro level, and on a micro level.'

Prime Minister Scott Morrison even weighed in on the furore later - slamming social media companies on Thursday for being 'cowards' palaces' and hotbeds of smear and defamation.

'I will pick up and add my voice to Barnaby's,' he said in a press conference on Thursday.

'Cowards who go anonymously on social media and vilify people, and harass them, and bully them, and engage in defamatory statements, they need to be responsible for what they're saying.

'Social media has become a coward's palace where people can go on there, not say who they are, destroy people's lives, and say the most foul and offensive things to people, and do so with impunity.

'Now that's not a free country where that happens. That's not right.'

Bridgette Joyce (second left) is pictured with mother Natalie and her three sisters

Mr Barilaro resigned as NSW Nationals leader and Deputy Premier on Monday, three days after ex-Premier Gladys Berejiklian quit over a corruption investigation, joking that he was having a 'mid-life crisis' and wanted a new career outside of politics.

The married father-of-three said the reason for his retirement would become clear 'in the weeks ahead and the months ahead'.

After announcing his resignation, Mr Barilaro said NSW would be best served by someone who had the passion and fight to forge on.

'I just don't have the energy anymore,' Mr Barilaro confessed.

'I'm looking for a new career. I turn 50 in November, maybe a bit of a midlife crisis, but definitely thinking about what happens next.

' I will take some time out, but I genuinely won't be running for federal politics,' the Monaro MP said.

In his resignation speech, Mr Barilaro thanked his constituents for their support, describing his role as the leader of the National party as 'the honour and privilege of a lifetime'.

Mr Barilaro said it felt right to step down alongside Ms Berejiklian (pictured together) to give NSW a fresh start, allowing two new leaders to take the reins together as the state finally exits a grueling 15-week Covid lockdown

Mr Barilaro said it felt right to leave parliament at the same time as Ms Berejiklian to give NSW a fresh start, allowing two new leaders to take the reins as the state finally exits a gruelling 15-week Covid lockdown.

'I'm going to be a keen watcher of politics, but I will not be a participant. I have no intention of running in federal politics... I'd been thinking about this for a while,' he said early on Monday morning.

Mr Barilaro said defamation proceedings he launched against YouTuber Jordan Shanks - aka FriendlyJordies - and Google played an enormous role in his decision to quit politics.

He accused Shanks of spouting 'vile racism' hidden as journalism, noting the 'disgusting, vile, racist commentary on social media has taken a toll'.

'As a young boy with immigrant parents, I understood what racism was from a young age,' he said during a press conference on Monday.

The father-of-three is proud of his heritage and the sacrifices his parents made for him growing up, citing his late father as his 'biggest inspiration' for getting into politics In one YouTube video, the entertainer referred to Mr Barilaro as a 'big, fat, wog c***', 'greasy Ned Kelly' and 'a conman to the core, powered by spaghetti'. In 2020 Mr Barilaro said he wears the nickname 'Pork Barrel-aro' with a badge of honour. Pork barrelling is the practice of handing out taxpayer money to win votes, usually in government-held seats. The father-of-three said he was proud of his Italian heritage and the sacrifices his parents made for him growing up, citing his late father as his 'biggest inspiration' for getting into politics.

He said Ms Berejiklian's announcement on Friday brought forward his decision to retire.

Mr Barilaro noted the immense sacrifices she gave to her state and wished the outgoing premier well in her post-politics life.
US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold a virtual summit before the end of 2021 as tensions rise between China and Taiwan, White House officials said.

The virtual meeting was reportedly only made possible after US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan met with senior Chinese foreign policy advisor Yang Jiechi in Zurich, Switzerland on Wednesday.

'When China and the United States cooperate, the two countries and the world will benefit,' China's Xinhua news agency reported.

US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping (pictured with Biden in 2013) are set to hold a virtual summit before the end of 2021 as tensions rise between China and Taiwan. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki has yet to confirm the details of the meeting but the two presidents are expected to discuss tariffs, human rights and Chinese secrecy about the origin of Covid-19

The digital meeting has reportedly only been made possible after US National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan (left) met with senior Chinese foreign policy advisor Yang Jiechi (right) in Zurich, Switzerland earlier today

The news comes as China continues to threaten Taiwan. On Monday, China warned that World War III could be triggered 'at any time' after it sent dozens of warplanes into Taiwan's airspace.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki has yet to confirm the details of the meeting.

Psaki said at Wednesday's daily press briefing: 'Leader-level engagement is an important part of our effort to responsibly manage the competition with China, especially given the coalescing of power in Chinese leadership.

'Were still working through what that would look like, when and of course the final details.'

It's unclear how much of the virtual summit will be public or who else will attend.

Currently, China claims Taiwan as its own territory but Taiwan says it's an independent country that will defend its freedoms and democracy, blaming China for the tensions.

Xi said Taiwan will be taken by force if necessary. A reported 148 Chinese air force planes were in the southern and southwestern part of Taiwan's air defense zone over a four-day period beginning on Friday - the same day China marked a key patriotic holiday, National Day.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday vowed to 'do whatever it takes' to guard Taiwan against invasion as she indicated that without help from the country's allies 'authoritarianism has the upper hand over democracy'.

'They should remember that if Taiwan were to fall, the consequences would be catastrophic for regional peace and the democratic alliance system.

'It would signal that in today's global contest of values, authoritarianism has the upper hand over democracy,' she added.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (pictured in Beijing on September 30, 2021) claims Taiwan as China's territory but Taiwan says it's an independent country that will defend its freedoms and democracy, blaming China for the tensions

President Tsai Ing-wen (pictured in October 2020 in Taipei) vowed to 'do whatever it takes' to guard Taiwan against invasion as she warned that if the country's allies allowed it to fall 'it would signal that authoritarianism has the upper hand over democracy'

Nearly 150 Chinese warplanes have breached Taiwan's airspace since Friday, including nuclear-capable bombers on Monday in a dramatic increase in aggression

On Sunday, the US urged China to stop its military activities near Taiwan.

State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a statement on Sunday: 'The United States is very concerned by the People's Republic of China's provocative military activity near Taiwan, which is destabilizing, risks miscalculations, and undermines regional peace and stability.'

The talks are to be a follow-up on Biden's call with Xi last month as the administration continues 'to seek to responsibly manage the competition' between the two countries, the White House said in a statement.

Biden on Tuesday sought to reassure Taiwan as he told reporters: 'I've spoken with Xi about Taiwan. We agree ... we'll abide by the Taiwan agreement.'

However, he was referring to the last time he spoke to Xi, which was on a 90-minute call with the Chinese president on September 9. Tensions have risen significantly in recent days.

The agreement he was referring to was Washington's long-standing 'one-China policy' where the country will officially recognize Beijing rather than Taipei, and the Taiwan Relations Act - which makes it clear that the US decision to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing instead of Taiwan depends on the expectation that the future of Taiwan - will be determined by peaceful means.

China warned that World War Three could be triggered 'at any time' on Tuesday after it sent dozens of warplanes into Taiwan's airspace. Recent voyages through the Strait of Taiwan by the British and American navies (pictured) - coupled with the new Aukus defense pact - have infuriated Beijing and sparked more shows of strength in the South China Sea

Pictured: Britain's HMS Queen Elizabeth warship (second right at the head of the armada) took part in joint training with warships from six different countries over the weekend in the Philippine Sea amid rising tensions between China and Taiwan

Meanwhile, Beijing has been infuriated by activity of US and UK navies in the region.

Britain's HMS Queen Elizabeth was spotted sailing in the Philippine Sea in a joint exercise with two US aircraft carriers - the USS Ronald Reagan and USS Carl Vinson - and Japan's helicopter destroyer JS Ise.

The armada, which also includes a number of warships from six different countries in total, trained together over the weekend in the region amid the rising tensions.

The recent voyages through the Strait of Taiwan by the British and American navies - coupled with the new Aukus defense pact - have infuriated Beijing and sparked more shows of strength in the South China Sea.
The restaurant industry is furious they will be restricted to only serving 20 diners at tables when the Sydney lockdowns end on Monday.

With more than 70 per cent of NSW residents aged 16 and over now fully vaccinated, Sydney's four months of economically-crippling restrictions will be eased from October 11.

Residents across the state will be allowed to have 10 visitors to their home, with the cap not including children aged 12 and under.

But hospitality venues including restaurants and pubs will only be allowed to have 20 fully-vaccinated people per booking at their premises if they aren't getting takeaway food, even though they had previously often catered for hundreds of people at a time.

Restaurant & Catering Australia chief executive Wes Lambert said the sector had a mixed reaction to new Premier Dominic Perrottet's announcement about the easing of restrictions.

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The restaurant industry is furious they will be restricted to only serving 20 diners per booking at tables when the Sydney lockdowns end on Monday (pictured is a Sydney bar in February before the lockdowns)

'After intense advocacy on behalf of NSWs hospitality industry, Restaurant & Catering Australia has today welcomed some of the changes announced today by the NSW Government,' he said.

'NSW hospitality industry has mixed reaction to today's reopening announcement.'

Restaurants will still be restricted to 20 diners per booking when 80 per cent of NSW adults and working-age people were vaccinated, with this milestone expected to be reached in late October.

They will be subjected to strict rules even though residents by that time will be allowed to have 20 people in their home as outdoor gatherings of 50 are allowed.

Mr Perrottet had flagged minor changes to the roadmap out of the Covid restrictions and on Thursday, he announced swimming pools would be reopened, in line with gyms and hairdressers.

Restaurants will be required to check the vaccination status of their customers, via a Medicare app, until early December, when 90 per cent of people were expected to be fully vaccinated.

From Monday, they will be allowed to have one customer for every four square metres indoors but outdoors, the rules are a bit more relaxed with one person per two square metres.

Singing among customers will be banned and children under 16 who are not fully vaccinated must be accompanied by a fully-vaccinated adult at all times in a restaurant unless they are collecting takeaway food.

With more than 70 per cent of NSW residents aged 16 and over now fully vaccinated, Sydney's four months of restrictions will be eased from October 11.

Mr Perrottet also announced that from Monday, outdoor gatherings of up to 30 people would be allowed, up from 20, while weddings and funerals would be allowed to host 100 people, up from 50.

When 80 per cent of NSW is fully vaccinated, up to 3,000 people will be allowed to attend controlled and ticketed outdoor events, up from 500.

Nightclubs will be allowed to reopen for seated drinking only with no dancing, and masks will no longer be required in office buildings.

Only fully vaccinated people will be allowed the new freedoms within hospitality venues from Monday.

All Sydney residents from Monday will be only to travel anywhere within Sydney, the Central Coast, the Blue Mountains, Wollongong or Shellharbour but not beyond that to regional areas until 80 per cent of people were fully vaccinated.

Restaurant & Catering Australia chief executive Wes Lambert said the sector had a mixed reaction to new Premier Dominic Perrottet's announcement about the easing of restrictions (pictured are al fresco diners at Newtown in Sydney's inner west)

Since August 16, residents of these broad areas classified as greater Sydney had been restricted to their council zone, or 5km from home if they were in a neighbouring local government area.

This was halved from the 10km rule brought in when the lockdown began on June 26 to tackle the more contagious Delta strain of Covid.

Committee for Sydney chief executive Gabriel Metcalf said a 5km rule should never have been introduced.

'We would have liked to see the 5km radius removed,' he said.

'It has never made sense to keep our community so disconnected, especially given so many are already vaccinated.'

Committee for Sydney chief executive Gabriel Metcalf said a 5km rule should never have been introduced (pictured are people gathering outside in Coogee)

From Monday, all stay-at-home orders will be lifted and the state government won't have stricter rules for designated hotspot councils mainly in Sydney's west and south-west, which had two-hour outdoor exercise limits and required locals to be no more than 5km from home in any direction unless they were an essential worker.

Lockdowns in Sydney and Melbourne during August caused national credit card debt to fall to the lowest level since January 2004, new Reserve Bank of Australia data revealed on Thursday.

RateCity research director Sally Tindall said consumers had cut back on their spending with non-essential retail closed during lockdowns in Australia's biggest cities.

'As tough as they are, lockdowns have been incredibly effective in getting people to focus on their personal finances,' she said.
Shocking surveillance video captured a group of thieves as they crashed their car through the glass doors of an Oklahoma cellphone shop before making off with $15,000 worth of electronics and doing nearly $50,000 worth of damage.

The incident occurred around 5.16 am on Wednesday morning at Twister Wireless near 41st Street and Sheridan Road in Tulsa, according to authorities.

Bobby Patel, the general manager of the store, told Fox 23 that the thieves made off with $15,000 worth of iPhones and other electronics.

Video of the brazen robbery was posted to Twitter by ABC News on Wednesday, showing the suspects driving an older model gold sedan directly into the store's glass doors, before entering the store's checkerboard floor room and ransacking the place.

This is the moment brazen thieves crash stolen car through glass doors of Oklahoma tech store and make off with $15,000 worth of products

Pictured: the driver of the stolen car was the first to begin ransacking the store

The driver of the vehicle appears to have left the car in drive, as it continues to roll towards him while he frantically stuffs electronics into a black bag.

The video then shows three other accomplices follow suit as they steal everything they can get their hands on.

The four suspects can then be seen running from the store, while leaving the car inside for the manager to find the next morning.

Estimated damages to the store are around $50,000, according to Fox 23.

The incident occurred around 5:16 am on Wednesday morning at Twister Wireless near 41st Street and Sheridan Road in Tulsa, according to authorities

Officials say the car which the suspect's used to crash through the store's glass door's was reported stolen

The driver of the vehicle appears to have left the car in drive, as it continues to roll towards him while he frantically stuffs electronics into a black bag

The video then shows three other accomplices follow suit as they steal everything they can get their hands on

Patel added that they group had tried to break into the store earlier that same night, and used the car as a battering ram to enter the premises after they initially couldn't get in.

The general manager said that the damage done to the store will be difficult to recover from, while adding that this is not the first time the shop's been burgled.

'Thats the sad part,' Patel told News on 6.

'It's the second morning Ive had to run to the store at 4 o'clock in the morning. I work hard here. Seven days a week. Open to close. Last few days Im working here from 4 am to 9 pm.'

Surveillance video, pictured above, captured the entire incident. No arrests have been made as of Thursday morning

The four suspects can then be seen running from the store, while leaving the car inside for the manager to find the next morning

The brazen robbery took place at Twister Wireless, pictured, in Tulsa Oklahoma

Officers say the car is reported stolen. The surveillance video footage has been already viewed nearly 16,000 times.

No arrests have been made as of Thursday morning.

Meanwhile, the Tulsa Police Department is asking the public's assistance for any information regarding the brazen burglars.

Anyone with information is urged to call Tulsa Crime Stopper's Online Crime Tip hotline at (918) 596-Cops.
Disturbing images are circulating online that were taken by a man who was said to be laughing while filming a dying kangaroo that had been impaled by a branch.

RSPCA Queensland confirmed that the graphic incident is under investigation after the matter was reported to their team on September 30.

In the video these images are captured from, a man is believed to be heard off-camera saying 'f**k', as he then begins to laugh at the dead kangaroo with a branch through its head writhing on the ground and surrounded by blood.

RSPCA Queensland is investigating a disturbing video that has circulated of a man laughing while filming a dying kangaroo that had been impaled by a branch

According to The Courier Mail, the video was first posted inside a private Queensland shooting Facebook group.

NSW Animal Justice Party MP Mark Pearson released a statement on Tuesday after he was alerted to the graphic video.

'I have been made aware of a video circulating on social media of a catastrophically injured kangaroo, impaled by what appears to be a large branch to the head,' Mr Pearson said.

Mr Pearson said the circumstances surrounding the kangaroo's death were unclear and it was unknown whether the animal received the head injury before, during or after it died.

'By virtue of the fact the person who took the video is laughing, I am concerned this incident was intentional, and therefore an act of cruelty,' Mr Pearson added.

'The injury this kangaroo suffered is a horrifying demonstration of the complete lack of respect and empathy that a small minority of Australians have for our beloved national icon,'

NSW Animal Justice Party MP Mark Pearson said it was unknown the animal received the head injury before, during or after it died

Mr Pearson noted that he believed most of the nation denounces the disturbing animal cruelty and that justice should be received for the kangaroo.

RSPCA Queensland spokesperson Emma Lagoon said in a statement that the animal welfare group shared the same concern as the community over the incident.

'RSPCA Qld shares the community's concern in relation to the distressing content of a kangaroo posted in the past few days.'

Anyone with first-hand information about the distressing incident is urged to contact RSPCA Queensland.
A man found with a pistol hidden below his steering wheel had earlier been convicted of having a loaded pen gun, suggesting a 'degree of stupidity that is difficult to contemplate'.

Ethan Stewart Hopkins had the silver handgun loaded with two 9mm rounds of ammunition concealed underneath a panel when police searched his car.

The officers had spotted Hopkins talking to a motorcyclist at Morayfield, north of Brisbane, on August 30 last year.

They also found more ammunition and two signal jamming devices, with police unable to find out their intended use.

The 30-year-old has a criminal history dating back more than a decade, but had stayed away from courts for a significant time after 2014, prosecutor Edward Coker told a court on Thursday.

A man found with a pistol hidden below his steering wheel had earlier been convicted of having a loaded pen gun, suggesting a 'degree of stupidity that is difficult to contemplate'

One of those convictions was for possessing a pen gun loaded with a 22 calibre bullet.

Barrister Simon Lewis said things seemed to have turned around for Hopkins after his earlier jail time, but a long-term relationship disintegrated and he had a short relationship with a drug user.

Hopkins started carrying a firearm after a drive-by shooting at his house, Mr Lewis told the court.

To come before the Supreme Court twice for firearm offences showed a 'degree of stupidity that is difficult to contemplate', Justice Glenn Martin told Hopkins in handing down his sentence.

But the Caboolture resident had shown his ability to work and save money, and was likely to get a job on release from custody.

'Had you not demonstrated that you can stay out of trouble  I would have imposed a heavier sentence,' Justice Martin said.

'Be in no doubt, Hopkins, if you come back before this court on similar charges, you're going to jail for quite a long time.

'If you come back before me I'll make sure that that occurs unless there is something substantial to be said in your favour.'

Justice Martin sentenced Hopkins to one year behind bars for the gun possession to be served concurrently with two-and-a-half years in jail for possessing 3.4g of pure meth at the time of his arrest.

Hopkins was given a $500 good behaviour bond for possessing of the signal jammers.

Justice Martin ordered Hopkins be released immediately on parole, taking into account he had been in custody since his arrest in August last year.
South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh used fake bank accounts to siphon funds for years from his former firm and its clients, according to a new lawsuit filed against the disgraced and disbarred attorney by his ex-partners.

The firm of Peters, Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth and Detrick alleges in a court filing that Murdaugh 'developed a systematic scheme in which he diverted funds owed to the firm and to clients to a fictitious entity.

The firms suit is the latest in the twisted saga of the once prominent family that involves unsolved murders and mystery deaths, alleged fraud claims, drug addiction and a botched suicide-by-hitman.

It comes a month after Murdaugh resigned at the request of his firm, which his great-grandfather founded in 1910, after millions of dollars were found to have gone missing from its coffers.

Alex Murdaugh faces a lawsuit from his former firm, which is accusing him of stealing money from the company and its clients. He is pictured above at his bond hearing at the Hampton County Jail in September, where he faced charges of insurance fraud and filing a false police report

It comes a month after Murdaugh resigned at the request of his firm after millions of dollars were found to have gone missing from its coffers

NEW: Alex Murdaugh, whose wife and son were murdered in June, is accused of scheming to funnel money from a housekeepers wrongful death lawsuit and allegedly stealing funds from his former law firm. @arobach https://t.co/yCIVExX3bw pic.twitter.com/0HURh31vM7  Good Morning America (@GMA) October 7, 2021

The law firm filed a complaint Wednesday in Colleton County Court in South Carolina, which reads, 'PMPED has determined that Alex Murdaugh was able to covertly steal these funds by disguising disbursements from settlements as payments to an annuity company, trust account or structured settlement for clients or as structured attorney's fees that he had earned when in fact they were deposited into the fictious account at Bank of America.

It continues to say that Murdaugh, 'used firm assets in an unauthorized manner and without the consent or knowledge of his other shareholders to further his scheme to defraud.

The firm's lawsuit is seeking damages 'for the costs of this action' and is calling for Murdaugh to reveal where the stolen money went.

Murdaugh's attorney, Jim Griffin, said in a statement: 'This is a very sad development. Alex holds every member of the Peters, Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth, Detrick law firm in very high esteem. He has pledged his full cooperation to the firm.'

In a statement released on its website last month, PMPED addressed the controversy swirling around Murdaugh and wrote, PMPED is a robust firm with skilled, experienced attorneys who represent our clients with a fierce commitment to obtaining justice. We were shocked and dismayed to learn that Alex violated our principles and code of ethics.

It continues, He lied and he stole from us. No member of PMPED was aware of Alexs scheme. 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.

Within a day of his ousting from the firm, Murdaugh was charged with insurance fraud and filing a false police report, stemming from a bizarre incident in which he claimed to be the victim of a roadside shooting.

Paul and Maggie Murdaugh (together left) were shot dead on June 7. Alex Murdaugh has since been accused of (center) orchestrating a separate shooting to kill himself with the help of a hitman, in a scheme to deliver a $10 million life insurance payout to his other son Buster (right) as the elder Murdaugh faced investigation over misallocated funds

His story quickly fell apart and he admitted that he himself had orchestrated the shooting, calling former client and distant cousin, Curtis 'Eddie' Smith, and asking him to shoot him in the head so that his surviving son, 'Buster,' 25, could claim his $10million life insurance.

Both Smith and Murdaugh have been charged in relation to the incident. Murdaugh's lawyer said he is battling an opioid addiction that has ruined his finances.

Murdaughs currently ensnared in another legal battle over the mysterious death of a housekeeper who died on his property in 2018. Last Friday, the family of a housekeeper killed in a mysterious accident at Alex Murdaugh's home have reached a deal with their original lawyer over a $4.3m settlement.

Gloria Satterfield, the Murdaughs' long-time housekeeper and nanny, died in February 2018, aged 57, after tripping over the family dog at her employers' hunting lodge.

Bland Richter announced that the Satterfields estate agreed to settle with attorney Cory Fleming, his law firm and his malpractice insurance company for an undisclosed sum.

Satterfield's family were instructed by Alex Murdaugh to make a claim after Gloria's death, and Murdaugh recommended Fleming. But he didn't inform them that the lawyer was his former college roommate and son Paul's godfather, it is claimed.

The sons of Gloria Satterfield (left), Alex Murdaugh's (right) housekeeper who died in 2018, have reached a settlement with their original lawyer, who had allegedly failed to turn over a $4.3million life insurance payout to them

Satterfield, 57, died after tripping over the Murdaugh family's dog at the family's hunting lodge (pictured) in South Carolina in February 2018

Despite a $4.3 million settlement being agreed with an insurance company, the Satterfields say they were not made aware of that payout, and never saw a penny of that cash. It is said to have been paid into a business account controlled by Alex Murdaugh.

A separate settlement of $505,000 was agreed privately between Murdaugh and Satterfield's family through Fleming, it is claimed, although the dead woman's family assert that they never received any of that cash either.

Satterfield's two sons alleged in a lawsuit filed last month that Murdaugh had convinced them to use Fleming as their attorney without revealing that he was a longtime friend of his, and then tried to snatch a $4.3million settlement away from them.

The lawsuit, filed on September 15, claimed breach of fiduciary duty and civil conspiracy.

According to a statement from Bland Richter to ABC News 4, Fleming and his firm agreed to pay Satterfield's estate back all legal fees and expenses associated with the settlement that the lawyer had recovered, and which should have been paid to late housekeeper's children but was, in fact, paid into a business account controlled entirely by Murdaugh.

The insurance carrier for Fleming and his law firm also agreed to pay to Satterfield's estate their full policy limits of insurance.

Murdaugh also once tried to convince a friend of his son to use 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. Murdaughs son would eventually be charged.

Paul Murdaugh, 22, was killed along with his mother, Maggie, 52, in an unsolved shooting at the familys home in June. Investigators have released few details about the killings beyond both were shot several times outside their Colleton County home, likely dying about an hour before Alex Murdaugh said he came home and discovered their bodies.
A former St George bank worker has been hit with 112 more fraud charges in relation to a 'sophisticated' crime syndicate she allegedly ran.

Sydney woman Sara Daizli, 29, was arrested and charged with 15 fraud-related offences last December following a seven month investigation by NSW Police's Strike Force Kerribee into alleged fraudulent activity against a financial institution.

Detectives executed five search warrants in early morning raids across Sydney on Thursday morning, including a home in Sutherland in the city's south.

Sporting a grey tracksuit pants, black jumper, beanie and thongs, a handcuffed Daizli was escorted from the home by detectives and loaded into the back of a police van.

Former St George Bank worker Sara Daizli, 29, has been hit with 112 more charges

She was far less dressed up for the occasion than at her original arrest, where she made a fashion statement wearing a tight grey onesie and designer gold slides - before complaining about the state of the police paddy wagon.

Daizli has been charged with a further 112 fraud-related offences, including 72 counts of possession of false document to obtain financial advantage and 26 counts of possession identity info to commit an indictable offence.

Other charges include dealing with identity info to commit, an indictable offence, dishonestly obtain financial advantage by deception, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime intent to conceal and knowingly direct activities of criminal group.

Police will allege in court Daizli used fraudulent documentation to submit false loan applications and launder money to the value of $550,000.

Daizli will spend Thursday night behind bars after she was refused bail to appear in Central Local Court on Friday.

Sara Daizli, 29, was escorted from her Sutherland home by detectives on Thursday morning

Daizli was much more dressed up with the occasion during her original arrest (pictured in the police van last December)

Three men were also arrested during Thursday's raids, where police seized $400,000 cash, documents and electronic items.

A Heckenberg man, 27, was charged with 40 offences while a second man, 37, from nearby Liverpool was hit with 34 offences.

Police will allege both men used their employment as accountants to submit fraudulent tax documents on behalf of the syndicate for a financial gain.

A man, 53, from Kangaroo Point was charged with 33 offences.

Police will allege the former bank manager, facilitated the use of fraudulent documentation submitted by the syndicate to obtain loans.

Sara Daizli, 29, was taken to Kogarah Police Station on Thursday morning, where she was charged with more than 100 offences

Police executed five search warrants across Sydney on Thursday, which led to the arrests of Daizli and three men. Pictured are police at Daizli's home in Sutherland

The three men were bailed to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on November 18.

Another woman previously charged during in the investigation is also currently before the courts.

Financial Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett, said investigations into the alleged syndicate's activities uncovered a raft of fraud offences.

'Forensic analysis of items previously seized by Corporate Corruption Team detectives has led to the identification of further fraud-related offences allegedly committed by members of this syndicate,' Det Supt Howlett said.

Police will allege in court Daizli (pictured during her arrest on Thursday) used fraudulent documentation to submit false loan applications and launder money to the value of $550,000

'Police will allege the majority of these offences were coordinated by the 29-year-old Sutherland woman, and that she was assisted by other members of the syndicate.

'This type of [alleged] fraudulent activity is complex, well planned and salacious; particularly when you consider those allegedly involved in this fraud betrayed the trust of their customers and employers.

'Investigators will now be thoroughly examining the documentation and other items seized today to ensure any further victims or offences are identified.'

Investigation into the alleged syndicate continue as strike force investigators urge anyone with information to come forward and contact police.
Twenty entrances along a huge wall surrounding Bali's famous Kuta Beach will be covered in bricks in bids to stop visitors getting through without passing a Covid checkpoint.

The two-metre high sandstone wall around the beach has 28 entrances but just eight will be kept open as daily beach limits are enforced on locals and tourists.

Those wanting to visit the famous sandy shores of Kuta will need to check in via a QR scanning code at one of the main gates which will also show their vaccination status - with only the jabbed allowed in.

Photos shared by locals and expats show some of the entrances already having been bricked up this week with reports a total of 20 will permanently close.

It's understood a cap of 8,000 visitors will only be allowed on the beach at once with gates to close once the maximum capacity is reached.

Twenty entrances along a huge wall surrounding Bali's famous Kuta Beach will be covered in bricks in bids to stop visitors getting through without passing a Covid-19 checkpoint

Photos shared by locals and expats show some of the entrances already having been bricked up this week with reports a total of 20 will permanently close

The decision to cover up the wall around Kuta has angered many on the Indonesian island including local vendors who made a living off stalls and markets around the 28 entrances.

Many have protested the move prompting Kuta official I Wayan Wasista to defend the Covid checkpoints.

'I've previously explained that this policy wasn't meant to reduce the local vendors' income as the distance between each entrance point is only 100 meters. I also often faced a dilemma of closing the gates or keeping them open,' he said on Monday, the Bali Sun reported.

'We are being monitored by the government, so the only way to keep the tourism activity running is to implement this policy.'

Locals have slammed the idea on community Facebook groups, criticising the government's decision to 'control' residents.

'They totally killed local business selling food, drink or renting surfboards and surf lessons by these closed gates. So 'good' idea !!!' one said.

Visitors to Kuta will need to check in via a QR code which will also show their vaccination status

It's understood a total of 20 gates out of 28 will be closed to ensure visitors are checking in via a Covid checkpoint

'What a joke. All about control,' commented another.

Some said they would now avoid the Kuta beach while one expat has claimed that the app to check-in is only accepting IDs of Indonesian citizens or those with certain visas.

'Many Expats and all arriving tourists will not be able to access the App....therefore they won't be able to access the beach.....or shopping malls.....or supermarkets.....or whatever the next target will be,' the man said.

'So there's probably no point in coming to Bali in the first place!'.

The wall around Kuta was first built in 2011 to stop sand from flying into nearby businesses.

The amount of people in Bali who have received both jabs is now reportedly 80 per cent as Covid-19 cases numbers continue to fall.

Kuta Beach is a famous tourist hot spot in Bali welcoming thousands of visitors a day

The Indonesian island this week revealed it would allow in travellers from some countries from October 14 - but Aussies would have to wait.

China, New Zealand, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates and Japan have all made the list but strict vaccination and quarantine procedures will be set in place.

Tourists entering the country must be fully vaxxed, test negative before arrival and will need to show proof of accomodation for a minimum eight-day stay in a hotel to quarantine.
A British mother and former Pizza Hut worker who left to join Islamic State has urged the UK to let her return from Syria with her daughters aged seven, nine and 12.

Nicole Jack, of Shepherd's Bush, West London, and her children are being detained at Camp Roj where relatives of people suspected of belonging to Isis are held.

Ms Jack, 34, is being held at the same camp as Isis bride Shamima Begum - a fellow Londoner who had her UK citizenship cancelled by Sajid Javid on security grounds in 2019 and will not be allowed back - but insisted she is not a security threat to Britain.

She told BBC News that her family were 'out of sight, out of mind' and must not be swept 'under the carpet' by Britain, adding: 'I haven't seen a beheading in my life.'

However, the Home Office pointed out to MailOnline today that ISIS 'committed atrocious crimes including butchering and beheading innocent civilians'.

The mother left London with her husband and then four children to join Isis in Iraq in October 2015 having told her family she was going to Somalia to begin a new life.

She claimed her husband Hussein Ali threatened to break up the family up if she did not travel with him, but he then died the next year fighting for the militant group.

Ms Jack then married another foreign Isis recruit, Adil de Montrichard from Trinidad and Tobago, also known as Adil Roberts, and they moved to Syria in 2017.

She then became pregnant with triplets but is said to have miscarried the first child, before the second was stillborn and the third lived for only three weeks.

Six weeks later, Mr de Montrichard was in the garden with Ms Jack's ten-year-old son Isaaq when they both died in a suspected coalition airstrike.

Nicole Jack and her three girls are being detained at Camp Roj near Al-Malikiyah in Hasakah

She told BBC News that she knew her son was now 'in a better place', but added: 'Anything else can put us on the verge of a breakdown and this is what I can't risk.'

Ms Jack was brought up a Christian but converted to Islam after meeting Mr Ali while they were both working in a Pizza Hut outlet in Hammersmith, West London.

She does not know if she still has British citizenship but will not let her children to go to the UK without her because they would 'not be in a stable situation'.

In London, the children's grandmother Charleen Jack Henry, a nurse, wants the three girls to return because it is 'not fair' for them to be 'languishing in this place'.

Ms Henry additionally believes that Ms Jack, who also has Trinidadian nationality, should be allowed to return to the UK to 'face the consequences' in Britain.

Ms Jack lived under Isis rule for three years, but insisted she is not a security threat to Britain

The girls go to a makeshift school run by Save the Children, and are among up to 60 British youngsters detained in Syrian camps along with an estimated 16 UK women.

The camp is near Al-Malikiyah in Hasakah province. A Government spokesman told MailOnline today: 'Our priority is to ensure the safety and security of the UK.

'Those who remain in Syria include dangerous individuals who chose to stay to fight or otherwise support a group that committed atrocious crimes including butchering and beheading innocent civilians.

'It is important that we do not make judgments about the national security risk someone poses based on their gender or age.'

It comes one day after Germany repatriated eight women who joined Isis and 23 children from the Roj camp, which is in Kurdish-controlled northeastern Syria.

Camp Roj in Syria, where relatives of people suspected of belonging to Isis are held

Germany said it was the biggest such transfer since 2019, with Foreign Minister Heiko Maas insisting that the children are 'not responsible for their situation'

He added that the returning 'mothers will have to answer for their acts' and 'many of them were held in custody on arrival in Germany'.

Denmark also brought three women and 14 children to its territory as part of the same operation, carried out with US military support.

Foreign ministry and police officials landed in the region on a US military plane, which then brought the group to Kuwait before they boarded a flight to Frankfurt.

European countries have been wrangling over how to treat captives linked to Isis since it fell in March 2019, with most repatriations done on a case-by-case basis.

Ms Jack, 34, is being held at the same camp as Isis bride Shamima Begum (pictured speaking to ITV's Good Morning Britain last month) and lived under Isis rule for three years

Last month former Isis-bride Begum, 22, begged the British public for forgiveness, saying there was 'no evidence' she was a key player in preparing terrorist acts.

Begum, who fled her East London home for Syria as a 15-year-old schoolgirl, said she wanted to come back to the UK and face terror charges to prove her innocence.

She told ITV's Good Morning Britain she would 'rather die than go back to IS' and added: 'The only crime I committed was being dumb enough to join IS.'

The self-proclaimed ISIS 'caliphate' once covered huge parts of Syria and Iraq but lost its last area of territory in March 2019 following a series of defeats.
A 100-year-old concentration camp guard refused to make a statement as he became the oldest man to go on trial for Nazi-era crimes today.

The centenarian, identified only as Josef S, also hid his face from cameras as he appeared in court in Germany charged with complicity in 3,518 murders at the Sachsenhausen death camp between 1942 and 1954.

Charges against Josef, who was an SS paramilitary and a camp watchman, include aiding and abetting the 'execution by firing squad of Soviet prisoners of war in 1942' and the murder of prisoners 'using the poisonous gas Zyklon B'.

Josef's refusal to speak is significant because trials of former guards provide a chance to amass new evidence about what happened at Nazi death camps and enter in into historical record.

Other guards - including 'Bookkeeper of Auschwitz' Oskar Groening - have spoken about their activities at the camps during their trials.

Josef S, 100, is the oldest person ever put on trial for Nazi-era crimes as appears in court charged with complicity in murder at the Sachsenhausen death camp

Josef is charged with complicity in 3,518 murders by aiding and abetting 'executions by firing squad' and the murder of prisoners 'using the poisonous gas Zyklon B'

The bespectacled man answered the judge with a clear voice when asked about his name, age and home address.

A widower since 1986, he was visibly proud when he replied that he will 'celebrate my 101st birthday, on November 16.'

The executive vice president of the Auschwitz Committee expressed disappointment at the lawyer's announcement that the suspect would not comment on the allegations.

'I found him surprisingly robust and present. He would have the strength to make an apology and he would also have the strength to remember,' Christoph Heubner told reporters outside the building.

'Obviously, however, he does not want to muster the strength to remember, and for the survivors of the camps and for the relatives of the murdered who have come here to hear some truth spoken, this means once again a rejection, a disparagement and a confrontation with the continued silence of the SS.'

Opening the case, prosecutor Cyrill Klement told the court: 'The defendant knowingly and willingly aided and abetted this at least by conscientiously performing guard duty, which was seamlessly integrated into the killing system.'

A survivor of Sachsenhausen, 100-year-old Leon Schwarzbaum, attended the trial as a visitor.

'This is the last trial for my friends, acquaintances and my loved ones, who were murdered, in which the last guilty person can still be sentenced - hopefully' Schwarzbaum, who also survived the Auschwitz death camp and Buchenwald concentration camp, told dpa.

Josef's trial is being held by the Neuruppin state court - close to where the camp was located - but has been moved from the courthouse to a converted sports hall in the town of Brandenburg.

Hearings will last just a few hours each day due to Josef's advanced age. The case is expected to continue until January.

He is just the latest elderly member of the Nazi genocide machine to be put on trial for crimes committed during the Second World War.

The case comes a week after a 96-year-old German woman, who was a secretary in a Nazi death camp, dramatically fled before the start of her trial but was caught several hours later.

She too has been charged with complicity in murder. Her trial resumes October 19.

Prosecutors have been going after camp administrative staff in recent years, relying on a 2011 ruling that meant former Nazis can be held responsible for deaths in camps where they worked even if it cannot be proved they personally killed anyone.

Despite his advanced age, a medical assessment in August found that Josef S. was fit to stand trial. The proceedings are expected to last until early January.

'He is not accused of having shot anyone in particular but of having contributed to these acts through his work as a guard and of having been aware such killings were happening at the camp,' a court spokeswoman said.

Leon Schwarzbaum, a Holocaust survivor, holds up a picture of his relatives as he attends the court hearing in the town of Neuruppin, Germany

Josef (left) was found fit to stand trial by a medical examiner last year but the court will only sit for a few hours each day because of his advanced age

Thomas Walther, a lawyer representing several camp survivors and victims' relatives in the case, said that even 76 years after the end of World War II, trials like these were necessary to hold perpetrators to account.

'There's no expiry date on justice,' he told AFP.

One of his clients is Antoine Grumbach, 79, whose father Jean was in the French resistance and was killed in Sachsenhausen in 1944.

He hopes Josef S. will shed light on the methods used to kill people in the camp, but also that the accused 'will say 'I was wrong, I am ashamed'', Grumbach told AFP.

The Nazi SS guard detained more than 200,000 people at the Sachsenhausen camp between 1936 and 1945, including Jews, Roma, regime opponents and gay people.

Tens of thousands of inmates died from forced labour, murder, medical experiments, hunger or disease before the camp was liberated by Soviet troops, according to the Sachsenhausen Memorial and Museum.

Little is known about the accused, beyond the fact that he was released from captivity as a prisoner of war in 1947 and went to work as a locksmith in the Brandenburg region of what was then Communist East Germany, the Bild newspaper reported.

The centenarian's lawyer, Stefan Waterkamp, said his client 'has stayed silent' so far on the charges against him.

If convicted, Josef S. could spend several years in jail but Waterkamp said sentences in cases like these are 'mostly symbolic', given that the accused have reached the end of their lives.

Germany has been hunting down former Nazi staff since the 2011 conviction of former guard John Demjanjuk, on the basis that he served as part of Hitler's killing machine, set a legal precedent.

Since then, courts have handed down several guilty verdicts on those grounds rather than for murders or atrocities directly linked to the individual accused.

Among those brought to late justice were Oskar Groening, an accountant at Auschwitz, and Reinhold Hanning, a former SS guard at Auschwitz.

Both were convicted at the age of 94 of complicity in mass murder but died before they could be imprisoned.

Most recently, former SS guard Bruno Dey was found guilty at the age of 93 last year and was given a two-year suspended sentence.

Prosecutors are investigating eight other cases, according to the Central Office for the Investigation of National Socialist Crimes.

Josef S served at the Sachsenhausen camp (pictured) from 1942 until 1945, and is accused of complicity in 3,518 murders that happened during his time there

Sachsenhausen: Camp where the Nazis 'perfected' mass murder Built in 1936 to house high-ranking political prisoners, Sachsenhausen is the camp where the Nazis perfected killing methods that were scaled up and used to murder millions at larger and more notorious camps such as Auschwitz. Early executions at Sachsenhausen were done by putting prisoners into a room and asking them to stand against a wall to have their height measured, before they were shot in the back of the neck through a hidden hatch. This proved effective but time-consuming, so the Nazis began piling people into a ditch where they were either shot or hanged. While this proved better at killing large numbers of people, it caused prisoners to panic and made the process more difficult. Prisoners arrive at the Sachsenhausen camp It was after these trials that Nazi executioners landed on the idea of using poison gas with some of the earliest experiments carried out at Sachsenhausen using small chambers or vans. Like most other camps, Sachsenhausen was used to house and kill Jews, homosexuals and other 'undesirables' - but it also housed a large number of notable politicians and political figures. Among its inmates were Yakov Dzhugashvili, Joseph Stalin's eldest son, Paul Reynaud, the penultimate Prime Minister of France, Francisco Largo Caballero, Prime Minister of the Second Spanish Republic, and the wife and children of the Crown Prince of Bavaria. It operated as a Nazi camp until 1945 when it was liberated by the Soviets. During that time some 200,000 prisoners were sent there, about half of whom died - in-part due to executions, but also from disease and over-work. After the war the camp continued to function, this time as a Soviet prison, and continued to house political prisoners. Some 60,000 people were locked up there by the Red Army, including formers Nazis, Russian who had collaborated with them, and anti-Communist opponents of Stalin's regime. One of the men running the camp during this time was Roman Rudenko, the Soviet's chief prosecutor during the Nuremburg Trials. It is thought some 12,000 people died in Sachsenhausen under the Soviets before the camp was permanently closed in 1950. After it was closed, excavations were carried out to try and recover the remains of some of those who died there. In total, the bodies of some 12,500 victims were recovered - mostly children, adolescents and elderly people. Advertisement
Western Australia premier Mark McGowan has taken another jab at new NSW leader Dom Perrottet by brandishing a weapon and jokingly challenging him to a fight.

Mr McGowan was holding a spear from a Welcome to Country address at a new mine site in the Pilbara on Thursday, when he suddenly asked: 'Anyone want to take me on?

'Where's Dom Perrottet?'

Mr McGowan on Tuesday took an extraordinary swipe at Mr Perrottet and the entire state of NSW over the newly-installed premier's bid to overhaul the GST system, branding his east coast counterpart a 'whinger'.

Spear-wielding Mark McGowan calls on new NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet "I'm serious...anyone want to take me on? Where's Dom Perrottet?" A spear-wielding WA Premier Mark McGowan appears eager to meet with his east coast counterpart, newly sworn-in NSW Premier Dom Perrottet MP. More Details: https://7news.link/3lilw3R 7NEWS at 6pm #auspol #7NEWS Posted by 7NEWS Sydney on Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Western Australia premier Mark McGowan (pictured) has stepped up his war with new NSW leader Dom Perrottet by brandishing a spear and challenging him to a fight

He added: 'To be frank with you I'm tired of listening to their whinging. They never stop whinging.'

The Western Australian Labor leader blasted Mr Perrottet for his 'appalling' financial management and said if it wasn't for the Golden State, NSW would be broke.

Their bitter war of words comes as tensions flare over the redistribution of GST revenue.

Mr Perrottet is trying to revamp the GST system to give NSW a bigger share of the pot that will inevitably come at WA's expense.

Mark McGowan attacked Dom Perrottet (pictured) over the newly-installed NSW premier's bid to overhaul the GST system, branding his east coast counterpart a 'whinger'

At the moment WA is getting about $2.6billion extra in top up federal support and GST payments this financial year, and eastern states fear that figure could blow out even more in future years under the current deal.

'I'm not going to stand by and have NSW worse off,' vowed Mr Perrottet.

'While there might not be that much public interest in GST reform, it's GST that pays for our schools, our hospitals and nurses and our teachers and our police officers.'

On Thursday though, Prime Minister Scott Morrison dismissed any suggestion of the GST revamp proposed by the new NSW leader and slapped him down.

'The GST is not changing,' said the PM. '[Mr Perrottet] is at liberty to make whatever comments he likes as NSW Premier.

'But the Commonwealth's position is rock solid, very clear. I authored the deal, I inked the deal, I'll keep the deal.'

The PM's intervention comes after Mr McGowan wasted no time attacking his NSW counterpart.

'The NSW government has been very poor financial managers, they now have massive deficits and massive debts, they managed Covid very badly and you can see the consequences,' premier McGowan said.

'So instead of looking in the mirror, they look west to blame us for their situation.

'The reality is that if it wasn't for our efforts to keep Covid out and keep our industries open, the huge bailout with about a billion dollars every week going to NSW would not be possible.

'The reality is we have supported them far more, far more, than they support us.'

NSW's economy has been much harder hit by the pandemic as the closure of international borders cut off the supply of tourists, international students, and business travel.

Western Australia was far less affected as the vast majority of its revenue comes from mining and oil and gas and it receives far fewer tourists.

Mr McGowan accused the 'whinging' Liberal leader of trying to undermine WA's split of the roughly $65billion divvied up between the states and territories every year.

Mark McGowan (pictured right with wife Sarah at the Brownlow Medal) expects a stoush with rival state NSW over GST revenue

The Western Australian Labor leader blasted the former treasurer for his 'appalling' financial management and said if it wasn't for the Golden State, NSW would be broke. Pictured: FMG Solomon mining Hub in the Pilbara

Even though a Commonwealth review of the GST split is not due until the 2025-26 financial year, the state leaders are already feuding over the hugely divisive issue which has long been a sticking point among WA residents.

Mr McGowan said that instead of criticising WA, Mr Perrottet and the rest of the east coast should be grateful.

'Gratitude is in short supply over there, but we will continue to keep our industries open and keep providing huge support to those eastern states and continue to prop up their economies,' he said.

'He's (Mr Perrottet) been the treasurer for however long but NSW financial performance has been appalling.

'We did our budget recently with a $5.8billion surplus, while they've got deficits in the tens of billions of dollars, so clearly we won't cop any stick from them.'

The WA premier neglected to mention that Mr Perrottet delivered multiple budget surpluses before the pandemic wiped out NSW's international revenue sources.

Dominic Perrottet (pictured with wife Helen) described the WA Premier as the ' the Gollum of Australian politics'

NSW economy has been decimated during the Covid lockdown. Pictured: A pedestrian in a protective face mask crosses a quiet street in the city centre during a lockdown on September 28, 2021

When asked if he had congratulated the new NSW premier, he replied: 'I wouldn't know his number.'

'He's a relatively young man so I assume he'll be around in the role - though NSW premiers change pretty quick, so many I can't keep track of them, they're like prime ministers,' he went on.

'So I assume he'll be around for a while and clearly his sights are set on undermining our revenue and GST.'

Mr Perrottet on Friday compared the WA leader to Gollum, referring to the depraved Lord of the Rings' character.

'Mark McGowan is the Gollum of Australian politics,' Mr Perrottet told Sky News.

'You can just picture him over there in his cave with his 'little precious' - the GST.'

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has assured WA will keep its fair share of GST revenue.

'I was the first Prime Minister to ensure that Western Australia got their fair share of GST and stood up to all those who opposed it,' he told The West Australian.

The WA Premier has ignited a war of words with NSW Premier front runner Dominic Perrottet (pictured in Sydney on Monday)

'My government fixed it and my government will protect it. The only person Western Australians need to worry about is Anthony Albanese who in government never acted to fix WA's GST allocation.'

But the state opposition aren't convinced.

'We know Scott Morrison was as thick as thieves with Gladys Berejiklian and he will be the same with Dominic Perrottet,' shadow trade and resources minister Madeleine King said.

'There's every chance he'll entertain and look at winding back WA's fair share of the GST.'

Assistant shadow minister Patrick Gorman fears Mr Perrottet has 'WA's GST squarely in his sights.'
Holidaymakers could be handed an extra 15 bill on top of their travel Covid tests under Government plans to make them do 'day two' swabs on Zoom, it was claimed today.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid is said to back the plans because of concerns that those taking the tests could lie about the results.

But travel industry bosses say the move could cost an extra 15 in staffing costs per test and leave travellers with even more bureaucratic hoops to jump through.

It is not clear whether the extra costs would land on fully-vaccinated consumers who may have to pay up to 25 for a lateral flow test from the end of October under new rules.

The cheaper tests will replace PCR swabs, which have been required on the second day of return to Britain from abroad for all travellers.

Department of Health bosses plan to force holidaymakers to take the tests on video calls with a private health professional or in-person.

But the proposals are causing a cabinet storm. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps is said to be against the plans because of the extra hurdles it will put in front of Britons going abroad.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid is said to back plans to to make holidaymakers do 'day two' swabs on Zoom because concerned that those taking the tests could lie about the results

Traveller already have to pay 25 for a lateral flow test from October 25 if they are double-vaccinated under new rules

Holiday boost as travel rules are relaxed for 32 more countries Ministers last night dropped advice against travel to 32 countries ahead of an update to the 'no-go' red list. The Foreign Office said it was no longer advising against leisure trips to destinations including Fiji, Malaysia and Bangladesh. They were not on the red list  but the move means it will be easier for travellers to get insurance to visit them. More countries are expected to be given the go-ahead for non-essential travel in the coming days. The Government is also expected to significantly slash the number of countries on the red list, opening up quarantine-free travel to dozens of hotspots in a boost for half-term holidays. The traffic light system was scrapped on Monday and replaced with one red list and a safe 'rest of the world' category. Advertisement

A source told the Daily Telegraph: 'The Department for Travel is not happy with the idea of video testing.

'They hope it won't be adopted because it is just another unnecessary hurdle to restoring foreign travel.

'But it will come down to how much support it gets on the day.'

The move to scrap 75 PCR testing on day two was yesterday called into doubt by cabinet sources.

While the Government says it 'aims' to have it in place in time for half-term, Whitehall insiders said ministers had been urged to keep the PCRs due to fears over variants.

The move would be a major blow for millions of holidaymakers and the beleaguered travel industry which would be aiming to recoup pandemic losses during half term.

'Theres a very real chance PCRs will still have to be taken after half-term holidays,' the source told The Sun.

In a dig at Health Secretary Sajid Javid, they added: 'Those who claim to be great unlockers have been captured quickly by the health officials.'

But Department for Transport bosses today told MailOnline categorically it would replace day two PCR tests with lateral flows by the end of October.

On Monday, new rules introduced to make travel to the UK 'easier and cheaper' came into force.

The UK's traffic light system involving green, amber and red lists was scrapped, with locations categorised as either on the red list or not.

It comes amid reports the number of countries on the red list will be slashed to nine from 54 later this week.

Destinations such as Brazil, Mexico and South Africa are expected to be opened up to quarantine-free travel.

Fully vaccinated residents  and unvaccinated under 18s  from more than 50 countries and territories can now enter the UK without needing to complete a pre-departure lateral flow test.

Just a single day-two post-arrival test will now be needed.

Under-11s were already exempt from pre-departure testing.

People arriving from a red tier destination will still be required to spend 11 nights at a quarantine hotel costing 2,285 for solo travellers.

The Foreign Office last night said it was no longer advising against leisure trips to 32 destinations including Fiji, Malaysia and Bangladesh.

They were not on the red list  but the move means it will be easier for travellers to get insurance to visit them.

More countries are expected to be given the go-ahead for non-essential travel in the coming days.

The easing of the quarantine and testing regulations - announced last month - has been welcomed by the travel sector.

Airlines and tour operators have been hit hard during the pandemic, and have accused the Government of being too slow to relax and simplify the rules for international travel.
Dangerous jellyfish with 160ft tentacles that boast a potentially 'fatal sting' have washed up on British beaches.

Nicknamed 'Floating Terror', the Portuguese Man O'War can use its limbs to stretch out to an incredible 160ft, with just a single strike leaving swimmers in 'agony' - even if the creature is long dead.

Despite usually floating on the surface in remote open seas miles away from Britain, the deadly jellyfish have been washing up at tourist hotspots Sennen Beach and Portheras Cove, Cornwall.

Other notable areas where eyewitnesses have reported increased activity include the Isle of Scilly, beaches along the South Coast of England and as far north as Cumbria.

Beachgoers are being warned to avoid any contact with the translucent beasts, which can float in packs of up to 1,000, as Britain's recent stormy weather has driven them from their ocean lairs.

The news is the latest in a significant rise in the number of Man O'Wars spotted in the English Channel in recent years - a far cry from the usual extreme climate waters in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans they normally dwell in.

Nicknamed 'Floating Terror', the Portuguese Man O'War has been pictured washing up across beaches in Cornwall this week

Despite usually floating on the surface in remote open seas miles away from Britain, the deadly jellyfish have been washing up at tourist hotspots Sennen Beach and Portheras Cove, Cornwall

The Portuguese Man O'War can use its limbs to stretch out to an incredible 160ft, with just a single strike leaving swimmers in 'agony' - even if the creature is long dead

Despite usually floating on the surface in remote open seas miles away from Britain, the deadly jellyfish have been washing up at tourist hotspots Sennen Beach and Portheras Cove, Cornwall

Several social media users shared pictures of the rare sea creatures stranded among seaweed on the beach at Portheras Cove in Cornwall, with the Friends of Portheras community group issuing a warning to beachgoers.

They said: 'Portuguese Man O' War. Admire but do not touch and report sightings to the Marine Conservation Society.

Although their purple translucent bodies can grow to just 12-inches long, their ribbon-like, invisible tendrils can grow to more than ten times that length and pack a powerful punch.

With tentacles stretching out more than 160ft, the creatures lurk inches below the surface and just one sting can leave a swimmer in agony and even kill a small child, experts have warned.

Conservationists now fear the 'deadly' jellyfish could wash up further along the South East, stretching as far as Wales.

Like much of the country, Cornwall was hit with heavy and thundery showers over the weekend, with strong eastwards rain battering much of the South West coast.

The most recent smack of jellyfish are understood to have been blown ashore by 70mph gusts blowing from the Atlantic Ocean.

Other reports have suggested the creatures are hungry for plankton in the shallow waters around the British coast.

With tentacles stretching out more than 160ft, the creatures lurk inches below the surface and just one sting can leave a swimmer in agony and even kill a small child, experts have warned

Beachgoers are being warned to avoid any contact with the translucent beasts as Britain's recent stormy weather has driven them from their ocean lairs. [File picture]

The 'deadly' Portugese Man O'War jellyfish Portuguese Man O'War jellyfish usually live in tropical waters, but several hundred sightings in UK waters have been reported in recent years. The translucent creatures usually reside close to the surface in the warm waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. The terrors, with lethal tentacles reaching out an incredible 160ft (49 metres), lurk inches below the surface and just one sting can leave a swimmer in agony and even kill a small child. A Man O'War is not actually a single creature but a siphonophore - colonies of minute organisms that rely upon each other for survival. They normally live at the surface of the open ocean and are held afloat by their gas-filled bladder. Using their venomous tentacles they trap and paralyze their prey, usually feeding upon small marine organisms, such as fish and plankton. Their tentacles can also glow in the dark, a process called bioluminescence, to lure their prey into the stings. Advertisement

Similarly large - but less harmful - species such as barrel jellyfish are also being tempted by the plankton feast.

Jellyfish had been thought to be 'passive drifters', carried about on the ocean currents, but new research has found that they actively swim - meaning they can target the UK if they wish.

When the relatively shallow seas around Britain warm up in summer and early autumn, jellyfish quickly move in.

They gorge on the free food and breed at a phenomenal rate, forming huge swarms, say the Marine Conservation Society.

The society said the rise in the number of jellyfish around the British coast 'can no longer be ignored'.

A Marine Conservation Society. spokesman said: 'Our national survey suggests significant recent rises in the numbers of some jellyfish species in UK seas, most notably the barrel jellyfish.'

Dr Peter Richardson, head of ocean recovery at the Marine Conservation Society, added: 'Portuguese man o' war are ocean-going animals, propelled by the wind on their inflatable sail as they fish the depths with their stinging tentacles.

'It's the tentacle-like polyps that can give an agonising and potentially lethal sting.

'Because a stranded Portuguese man o' war looks a bit like a deflating purple balloon with blue ribbons attached, children will find it fascinating.

'The stings can be unbelievably painful and in rare cases, fatal.'

A spokeswoman for Brixham coastguard in Devon said 'Normally it depends on the age of the person who has been stung whether or not they require medical attention.'

But very young or elderly people are at 'high risk of dying' after being attacked.

Anyone who spots a jellyfish is asked to report it on the MSC's website.
Australia's prime minister on Thursday described social media as a 'coward's palace' and warned that digital platforms including Facebook should be held liable for defamatory comments posted anonymously.

Anonymous commentators who use social media to vilify and bully have become the latest battleground between Prime Minister Scott Morrison's government and US tech giants.

The government wants social media users to be required to identify themselves.

Australia passed laws this year that oblige Google and Facebook to pay for journalism and also defied the tech companies by creating a law that could imprison social media executives if their platforms stream violent images.

Morrison said platforms that do not reveal the identities of people who post defamatory comments should be held liable for those comments.

Australia's Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday described social media as a 'coward's palace' and warned that digital platforms including Facebook should be held liable for defamatory comments posted anonymously

'Cowards who go anonymously on to social media and vilify people, and harass them, and bully them, and engage in defamatory statements, they need to be responsible for what theyre saying,' Morrison said.

'Social media has become a coward's palace where people can just go on there, not say who they are, destroy people's lives and say the most foul and offensive things to people, and do so with impunity,' he added.

His comments come as Australian state and territory governments are rushing to rewrite their defamation laws after the High Court last month set a precedent for the internet age, ruling that media outlets can be held liable for defamatory comments posted by third parties on their Facebook pages.

Morrison said platforms, such as Facebook, that do not reveal the identities of people who post defamatory comments should be held liable for those comments

The court didn't rule on whether Facebook was also liable because the platform was not being sued.

The precedent applies to the administrators of all Facebook pages, including governments.

The Tasmania state government has blocked comments from its social media sites, and the US news organization CNN has excluded Australians from its Facebook page.

Communications Minister Paul Fletcher said on Wednesday the national review of defamation laws will likely examine whether Facebook should be liable for users' posts.

Morrison said the need for platforms to identify commentators was an objective that his government would be 'leaning even further into.'
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Parts of Britain are set to enjoy 70F (21C) highs from today until the end of the weekend in a welcome reprieve from torrential downpours and flash floods that have blighted this week.

Much of England will enjoy brighter skies and warm weather thanks to sub-tropical air being drawn in from the South West - with the above-average temperatures maintained until at least Sunday.

However the picture is not the same across the whole of the UK - with western Scotland under a weather warning for up to 4in (100mm) of rain from today until noon on Saturday, and downpours also expected in Wales.

The highest temperatures of 68F (20C) to 70F (21C) are expected across most of England today, and they are well above the average of 59F (15C) for the time of year  and will beat Rome (66F/19C) and Istanbul (68F/20C).

The UK's hottest October day on record was in 2011 when Gravesend in Kent got to 86F (29.9C) - and while that is unlikely to be beaten this year, it is the first time the mercury has got above 68F (20C) in October since 2019.

Temperatures will fall at the start of next week with highs of only 55F (13C) expected on Tuesday and Wednesday.

A ferry leaves the Port of Dover in Kent at sunrise this morning at the start of what will be a mild day for much of England

Today, early patches of mist will soon lift and clear in the morning, and it will then be overcast with cloudy skies and outbreaks of rain which will be locally heavy and persistent across Northern Ireland and Scotland.

There will be spots of drizzle and light rain for Wales and western England. Outbreaks of rain will continue across Northern Ireland and Scotland during the evening but further south will be dry.

Overnight, England and Wales will be dry with variable amounts of cloud cover  and rain will continue across Scotland and Northern Ireland before spreading into northern England by dawn.

Tomorrow will be mostly cloudy with outbreaks of rain across Scotland and Northern Ireland, while a few brighter spells will develop further south.

Saturday will be another cloudy and wet day across Scotland and Northern Ireland  and cloudy across England and Wales with a few spots of drizzle possible.

Met Office forecaster Aidan McGivern said: 'Generally a cloudy picture on Thursday morning with a lot of low cloud covering hills in the West and some drizzle continuing in parts of Wales and western England.

'More persistent wet weather continuing for western Scotland as well as Northern Ireland. Some outbreaks of moderate rain into other parts of Scotland, perhaps some central parts of England and Wales.

'But generally the wettest conditions for western Scotland. The rain building up - 70mm (3in), perhaps 100mm (4in) over exposed peaks, rain warning in force.

'The skies brightening across the Midlands, central and southern England, East Anglia - and where that happens, because of warmth coming in from the South West, temperatures reach around 20C, 21C in places - so a mild day, if not warm, where we get that sunshine coming through.

A misty start to the day in the Oxfordshire countryside at Dunsden this morning following a mild night

Early patches of mist will soon lift and clear in the morning in places including Dunsden in Oxfordshire, pictured today

'Into the evening and the rain continues for western Scotland. It's going to come and go with heavier bursts over the next few days but certainly a lot of wet weather there for parts of the west Highlands and the Western Isles.

'Some outbreaks as well over northern and western UK. But the further south-east you are, the drier it will be, and another mild night to come on Thursday night heading into Friday.

'Into the weekend the rain in the North West eventually eases away, but it also turns a bit cooler at the same time.'

It comes after half a months rain fell in just a few hours at the start of this week. The bad weather hit London and the South East through the early hours of Tuesday causing flooding, before moving north later in the day.
The Belgian government has agreed to vote on a countrywide introduction of a four-day working week.

The federal government will consider the proposal next week in what is the latest move towards a more flexible working future in Europe.

A recent trial conducted in Iceland earlier this year led to almost nine in ten Icelandic workers renegotiating contracts with permanently shortened hours.

Meanwhile, a number of companies in Spain are currently trialing a four-day week after a small political party's proposal was accepted by the wider government late last year.

But there are concerns over the Belgium government's plans to introduce longer working hours as a trade-off for giving employees the extra day away.

Iceland's four-year experiment with a 'four-day working week' has been dubbed an 'overwhelming success' by researchers who want the model adopted elsewhere (file image)

While all of Belgium's political parties have agreed to discuss the proposal for a four-day week, there is no intention to reduce the overall number of hours worked by employees.

Instead, the Parliament is expected to maintain the 38-40 hours worked by full-time employees, and extend the existing working day to 9.5 hours in exchange for giving employees the extra day off.

This proposal sets Belgium's flexible working concept apart from those of Iceland and Spain, where the extra day off is afforded to employees by simply cutting the number of hours worked in a week.

Meyrem Almaci, leader of Belgium's Green party, has expressed support for the proposal, but warned that the extended working day must be managed.

'In principle, we think [the proposal] is good for employee freedom, but it must of course be up to the employee.

'It's about how he or she organizes his or her life. It has to fit into people's lives,' said Almaci.

However, Belgium's socialist trade union is strongly opposed to the idea according to DeMorgen, and instead believes that full-time employees should simply work fewer hours a week instead of extended the existing working day in exchange for a three-day weekend.

Mas Pais, a small leftwing Spanish party, proposed the concept of four-day work week late last year which has led to a number of companies trialing the approach in Spain (The leader of Mas Pais, Inigo Errejon)

Tymo Westerlinck, an employee at Belgian car rental firm Dockx which has already been trialing a four-day work week with partially extended daily hours, was largely in support of the proposal.

'You can carry out more plans throughout the day. For example, there's no need to rush to get the shopping done, and you can meet up with friends on your day off.'

But Westerlinck was wary of the government's proposal to extend the working day to 9.5 hours and said it could pose problems for families with small children.

'I might not be able to take the kids to school in the morning, or pick them up in the evening,' he told DeMorgen.

With this in mind, the Icelandic approach to the four-day work week is still favoured by many commentators.

The four year study, which ran from 2015-2019, included 2,500 workers across both public and private sectors - or 1 percent of the country's entire workforce, and saw workers reduce their hours from 40 down to 35 per week, spread out across four days or a flexible five.

They largely did this by scrapping unnecessary meetings, shortening coffee breaks, and moving services online which allowed offices to close earlier.

Rajan Bajaj, founder of Indian fintech company Slice, recently announced his employees would enjoy a three-day work week on 80 percent of full time pay

Will Stronge, director of research at British think tank Autonomy, said: 'This study shows that the world's largest ever trial of a shorter working week in the public sector was by all measures an overwhelming success.

'It shows that the public sector is ripe for being a pioneer of shorter working weeks  and lessons can be learned for other governments.'

Meanwhile, a recent study conducted by British accountancy firm Theta Global Advisors of over 2000 people found that more than half (51 percent) reported they had seen their productivity improve thanks to flexible working measures introduced by their employers in the past year due to the pandemic.

Chris Biggs, Partner at Theta Global Advisors, said: Working culture and expectations have changed, and if approached with empathy and flexibility, will result in a far happier, more productive workforce delivering work of a higher standard than before Covid-19.

'Employees have proven they can be effective when given flexible options or working from home, and employers need to respond to this with trust and structured flexibility approaches allowing employees to alter as necessary.'

In some companies though, a four-day week may seem like too much work.

Slice, an Indian fintech company headquartered in Bangalore, recently announced it is offering employees the opportunity to enjoy a three-day work week on 80 percent of full-time pay.

In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Founder of Slice Rajan Bajaj said: 'This is the future of work. People don't want to be tied down to a job.'

'Workers can get salary and full benefits working a three-day week, and spend the rest of their time chasing a startup dream, looking for a co-founder or pursuing a non-work passion.'

Earlier this year, Slice secured $20 million in its latest financing round which has enabled it to grow to a considerable size of 450 employees, and aims to hire 1,000 more in the next three years.
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The father of the fugitive Brian Laundrie, the lead person on interest in the disappearance and death of Gabby Petito, has now joined the search for his son after police found the remnants of a 'fresh campsite' at the Carlton Reserve in Florida.

Christopher Laundrie, 62, was spotted leaving his home for the first time this week and arrived at the reserve on Thursday as he finally joined in the hunt for his missing son, who disappeared on September 14, and is said to be hiding somewhere in the vast 24,565 acre reserve in Venice.

Christopher and his wife, Roberta, 55, have barely left their home since their son vanished.

The Laundrie patriarch was met by officers from the North Port Police Department before hopping on to a UTV to be driven west toward the Reserve which borders the sprawling Myakka River State Park.

Investigators asked Christopher to guide them along the trails Brian was known to have frequent in the area.

A source close to Laundrie's family told CNN's Chris Cuomo that law enforcement said they 'found fresh traces of a campsite' within the T. Mabry Jr. Memorial Reservation within the Carlton Reserve.

Meanwhile, an attorney for the family said that Laundrie's parents believe 'that is exactly where he is located', Cuomo said.

Attorney Steven Bertolino said, 'There were no discoveries [on Thursday] but the effort was helpful to all. It seems the water in the Preserve is receding and certain areas are more accessible to search.

The entire Laundrie family is grateful for the hard work of the dedicated members of law enforcement that have been searching the Preserve for Brian over the last few weeks. Hopefully Brian will be located soon.'

Christopher returned home earlier in the afternoon with dry shoes and clothing, suggesting he remained in a vehicle while guiding officers through the swampy land.

He will continue to cooperate with law enforcement as agents finish investigating the new campsite.

Christopher Laundrie, father of the missing Brian Laundrie, was spotted leaving his house on Thursday for the first time this week amid the hunt for this son

He arrived later in the morning at the Mykkahatchee Creek Environmental Park as he guided law enforcement deeper into the Carlton Reserve where he and police believe his son is located

Officers are combing the swampy area, with Christopher pointing out areas familiar to the Laundrie family

Christopher's move to help law enforcement comes after the Laundries had previously distanced themselves from the search

Christopher has agreed to finally aid in the search for his son after police spotted a fresh campsite in the Carlton Reserves, where Brian is suspected to be hiding at

Officials found a fresh campsite at the T. Marbary Jr. Memorial Reservation. Laundrie's abandoned Ford Mustang was found just at the outskirts of the area last month

He will continue to guide law enforcement through the area as they investigate a newly found campsite in the reserve

Christopher returned home later in the afternoon, about four hours after he joined investigators at the reserve

He returned with dry clothing, suggesting he remained in a vehicle while guiding officers in the swampy land

Christopher was wearing a t-shirt, cargo pants and was clutching a plastic carrier which appeared to contain documents, or perhaps a map, and food.

Chris Laundrie is assisting Law Enforcement today in the search for Brian, the familys lawyer, Bertolino told DailyMail.com.

Chris was asked to point out any favorite trails or spots that Brian may have used in the preserve.

Although Chris and Roberta Laundrie provided this information verbally three weeks ago it is now thought that on-site assistance may be better.

The preserve has been closed to the public and the Laundries as well but the parents have been cooperating since the search began.

The police who are searching for Brian Laundrie have found the remnants of a 'fresh campsite' at the Carlton Reserve in Florida in the latest development of the case

The development comes after Gabby Petito's family have revealed that the 22-year-old's body was found in a fairly isolated area, just 'a five minute walk' from where authorities found her and Brian Laundrie's van

A former FBI agent with more than 25 years in the field also claimed Laundrie is secretly contacting his parents through their family attorney and that he will be found alive - just not soon.

Bertolino told CNN: ''Unfortunately North Port police had to postpone Chris' involvement but Chris and Roberta are hopeful there will be another opportunity to assist.'

But Josh Taylor, chief spokesman of the North Port Police Department which is assisting the FBI in their search, told Fox News that his department did not ask for Chris's involvement - and that police did not 'postpone' it.

'In no world would we be the agency asking the family to help search in an FBI led investigation,' Taylor said, while declining to answer questions about whether North Port police had invited Chris Laundrie to join the search before the FBI took over the case.

North Port police said all questions should be referred to the FBI.

The find comes as Laundrie's father Chris agreed to come out of hiding and help the FBI in their hunt for him

Christopher will lead officials through the trails the family is known to have frequented at the Carlton Reserve

FBI agents and police officers were seen scouring the 24,565 acre Reserve in Venice on Wednesday, which has been the focus of their efforts to find the fugitive fiancee of murdered Gabby Petito

Pat Diaz, a former homicide detective in Miami-Dade who also worked on FBI task forces, said he questioned whether the FBI would bring in a suspect's father to help with their search.

He said: 'They may have found stuff in the reserve for the father to identify. Not a body, but belongings.'

Bertolino later said the request 'perhaps' came from 'a liaison to FBI', while adding: 'My statement is correct.'

Former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer also told News Nation Now journalist Brian Entin in a Twitter live video that she believes Laundrie will be found alive - just not soon.

She also claimed Laundrie could be 'loosely' contacting his parents through their family attorney.

When asked whether she thought Laundrie might still be communicating with his parents, Coffindaffer said: 'Yes, although very loosely through the attorney.' It is not known if Laundrie has spoken to this parents since he was reported missing.

Speaking about why she believes Laundrie will be found alive, Coffindaffer said: 'I believe hes going to be able to hide in his surroundings. I think hes a learned outdoorsman and survivalist and because of that I think he will be able to stay out of law enforcements grasp for a while.'

It was also revealed that Laundrie's abandoned Ford Mustang was found just 16 miles from the Carlton Reserve last month.

A redacted abandoned vehicle report from September 14 reveals that the car was found at 6968 Reisterstown Road, North Port, in the Myakkahatchee Environmental Park in Florida. The park is an entrance to the Carlton Reserve.

An abandoned vehicle notice has been placed on the vehicle on September 14, North Port police said Wednesday.

Laundrie's family had told police on September 17 they had not seen him for days after he told them he was going to the reserve.

Attorney Bertolino told CNN that after speaking to the FBI: 'We now believe the day Brian left to hike in the preserve was Monday September 13.' His parents had originally told police he had left on September 14.

He added: 'The Laundries were basing the date Brian left on their recollection of certain events.

'After consulting with the FBI and confirming the day Brian's Mustang was found and returned to the Laundries' home, we now believe the day Brian left to hike in the preserve was Monday September 13.'

It was also revealed that Laundrie's abandoned Ford Mustang was found just 16 miles from the Carlton Reserve last month

A redacted abandoned vehicle report from September 14 reveals that the car was found at 6968 Reisterstown Road, North Port, in the Myakkahatchee Environmental Park in Florida

The FBI later searched Laundrie's abandoned Ford Mustang before towing it away for a deeper investigation after executing a search warrant on the home of his parents.

The development comes after Gabby Petito's family have revealed that the 22-year-old's body was found in a fairly isolated area, just 'a five minute walk' from where authorities found her and Brian Laundrie's van.

In an emotional interview with Dr Phil, on Wednesday, Petito's stepfather said: 'Her body was found  I guess it would be in front of a tent, if that's what was there  or just in front of the fire ring... there was definitely a fire ring there.'

'It wasn't far from the van. It was a five minute walk,' Petito's mother, Nichole Schmidt echoed.

Jim, who visited the location on the outskirts of Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming where Petito's body was found, painted a vivid picture of the isolated area.

'You would have to want to go out over into that area,' he said.

Jim (left) and Nichole Schmidt (right), appearing on Dr. Phil, revealed that Gabby Petito's remains were found in an area of dispersed campgrounds on the borderline of Bridger-Teton National Forest, about 40 feet away from where Grand Teton National Park begins

Jim left a stone cross and flowers in the exact location where she was found

Petito's mother, Nichole Schmidt shared: 'It wasn't far from the van. It was a five minute walk'

The pair had been traveling on a cross-country trip together since July 2, when they left New York. Petito was reported missing on September 11

Jim said his stepdaughter's remains were found in an area of dispersed campgrounds on the borderline of Bridger-Teton National Forest, about 40 feet away from where Grand Teton National Park begins.

He explained in order to get to that area, campers would have to cross over the creek bed that separated the campgrounds from the area where police found Petito and Laundrie's van.

'So you have to cross over this creek bed, this rock area, and go through these tributaries and once you get on the other side it's just some trees sparsely placed throughout and a lot sage brush, a lot of low brush,' he shared.

'It was in an area where there was a few trees and there was the remnants of a fire ring there...There was a clearing where I would assume - knowing I have a similar tent, where I would place my tent - and that opening would face out overlooking the mountain range.'

Jim left a stone cross and flowers in the exact location where she was found.

Petito (pictured) was reported missing on September 11, ten days after boyfriend Brian Laundrie returned to Florida in their van without Petito and refused to answer her parents about what had happened to her

Petito's family (pictured) has urged fugitive Laundrie to turn himself in

Petito and her fiance, Laundrie, 23, went on a cross-country trip in their van in August, but Petito never returned home.

The pair drew national attention after Petito was reported missing on September 11, ten days after Laundrie returned to Florida in their van without Petito and refused to answer her parents about what had happened to her.

Laundrie's whereabouts are unknown since September 14, when his parents said he left the family home in North Port, Florida. The Laundries said that their son was heading to a nearby nature reserve and only had his backpack.

Investigators have chased down leads in multiple states since Laundrie went to ground three weeks ago but to date there has not been a confirmed sighting of the sole person of interest in 22-year-old Gabby's homicide.

The FBI is currently investigating 11 alleged sightings of Laundrie along the Appalachian Trail close to the North Carolina-Tennessee border, DailyMail.com exclusively revealed Wednesday.

Gabby Petito, right, and Brian Laundrie, were on a cross-country van trip when went missing on Aug. 24. Brian was the key person on interest and went missing himself on September 17

The pair drew national attention after Petito was reported missing on September 11, ten days after Laundrie returned to Florida in their van (pictured) without Petito and refused to answer her parents about what had happened to her

Meanwhile, as the nationwide manhunt for Laundrie remained underway, Petito's parents and step-parents participated in a two-part interview with Dr. Phil.

During the first episode, which aired on Tuesday, the family urged Brian Laundrie, 23, the only person of interest in the murder of their daughter, to turn himself in and bring a close to something that's felt like 'a bad soap opera.'

Petito's father, Joe Petito, also labeled the entire Laundrie family 'cowards'.

Joe launched the scathing attack against the Laundries, saying he believed Brian was still alive because 'he is too cowardly to kill himself'.

Joe then raged against Brian's parents Chris and Roberta who are holed up in their North Port, Florida home as daily protests about what they knew and when continue outside.

'Anyone who lived in that house is a coward, said Petito, justifying that by saying 'they don't know how to stand up for their actions'.

Petito's step-father, Jim added, 'It's almost like living in a soap opera. Like, it's just a bad show. We all want to protect our children, but it's also more important to teach your children right from wrong.'

Joe and Nicole then revealed to Dr. Phil they had tried calling and texting the Laundries multiple times when they failed to hear from their daughter in early September - but they never replied.

'It's infuriating, Nicole said.

Joe added, 'We actually thought that they were both missing at that time.'

In one of the text messages, Joe said 'I'm going to call the police, just letting you know, because we have no idea.'

'A normal parent when you text someone that [you] are going to call the cops because you can't find your child, they would reply. No response. Nothing.'

Gabby Petito's family went on Dr. Phil on Tuesday and called out Brian Laundrie's family. Pictured from L-R: step-mother Tara Petito, father Joe Petito, step-father James Schmidt, mother Nicole Schimdit

Joe Petito called Chirs and Roberta Laundrie, pictured, cowards for avoiding his family

They said Laundrie's parents were completely unresponsive, and Nicole, with tears in her eyes, admitted that she 'felt it in her heart' that her daughter was dead when she learned that Brian arrived at his parents house alone in Gabby's car.

'I didn't want to admit it, but I felt it at the night I found out the van was in Florida, on [September 11]. I felt in my heart that she was gone.'

Joe described the Laundries as pitch 'black,' the opposite of transparent, as they allegedly withheld information while he and his family were desperately trying to find answers about their missing daughter.

'It's just black. There's nothing there. They've got nothing.'

Jim, also revealed that he was the one to identify Gabby's body, which was found in the Grand Teton National Park, in Wyoming, last month.

He said that when the body was found on September 19, police showed him an article of clothing that he matched as one of her favorite sweatshirts from a local New York shop.

'We knew it was hers,' Jim said.

Jim was in Wyoming to help search for his missing step-daughter and set up a memorial for her at the site when it was confirmed that her body was found there.

He said he was crying when he learned of his step-daughter's fate, but he needed to compose himself in order to relay the information to the rest of the family in a conference call with authorities.

'It was the hardest call of my entire life,' Jim said.

'It was the hardest thing I ever had to listen to,' Nicole added.

When Dr. Phil asked if the family had any words for Brian, they all said, 'Turn yourself in.'

'If you truly loved her, you should turn yourself in,' step-mother Tara Petito said.

Brian Laundrie, 23, who was reported missing on September 14, remains a person of interest in the disappearance and death of fiancee Gabby Petito

'You're only making it worse,' Schmidt added. 'For us and for yourself and your family. Let us have some closure. Let us move on and be able to remember Gabby for all the wonderful memories we had with her. Turn yourself in.'

The family's lawyer, Richard Stafford, also urged the Laundries to fully cooperate with law enforcement and share their story, and he pushed for Brian to due the right thing and turn himself in.

'He can't change what he did back in Wyoming, but he can change his actions now.'

The family's interview comes as Brian Laundrie's sister, Cassie, spoke to Good Morning America on Tuesday, urging him to 'come forward' and telling her parents to 'come clean' if they are involved in his disappearance.

She added, 'No I don't know where Brian is. ...I'd turn him in.'

This comes after she was exposed as being caught in a lie last week after first saying she had not spoken to her brother on his return from Utah and then admitting she had gone camping with him before he vanished.

Cassie told ABC's GMA she wished her brother had come to her first when he returned to North Port, Florida, without Petito on September 1.

'I really wish he had come to me first that day with the van because I don't think we'd be here,' she said.

Cassie said she is feeling a mix of emotions as her brother is still on the run after more than two weeks while Petito's death is being investigated as a homicide.

'I worry about him, I hope he's ok and I'm angry I don't know what to think,' she said.

'I would tell my brother to just come forward and get us out of this horrible mess.'

Brian Laundrie's sister Cassie has urged her fugitive brother to 'come forward' and turn himself in, saying she doesn't know 'what to think' happened on his doomed cross-country trip

Cassie told ABC's GMA she doesn't know 'what to think' about what happened on the young couple's doomed cross-country trip. Above, Brian and Petito were in an Instagram photo on their cross-country trip on June 26

Cassie told ABC's GMA she doesn't know 'what to think' about what happened on the young couple's doomed cross-country trip.

While she insisted she had nothing to do with Laundrie's disappearance, she admitted she wasn't so sure about her parents Christopher and Roberta Laundrie who she urged to cooperate with investigators.

'I don't know if my parents are involved,' said Cassie. 'I think if they are, then they should come clean.'

Cassie first broke ranks and spoke out on Monday, saying she 'didn't know' if her fugitive brother had murdered his girlfriend Gabby Petito and claimed that their parents refuse to talk to her.

Chris and Roberta Laundrie had been initially reluctant to cooperate with the investigation regarding missing Petito until Laundrie went missing on September 17.
What are the rules for red list countries? Red-list countries are ones the government says should be avoided 'except in the most extreme of circumstances'. If you have been to one in the last 10 days, you can only enter the UK if you are a UK or Irish national, or UK resident. Regardless of your vaccination status, you must: Take a PCR or antigen test before departure

Complete a passenger locator form

Pay 2,385 (for adults) to self-isolate in a quarantine hotel, paid for in advance. Advertisement

Mexico, South Africa and Brazil could be removed from the Covid red list today - but other popular destinations including Thailand are still in the balance.

There had been hopes ministers could dramatically slash the current total of 54 red list countries to fewer than 10, but a new analysis suggests 18 will remain.

Data expert Tim White predicted Mexico would reopen for quarantine-free travel from tomorrow thanks to a reduction in case numbers compared to last week and an apparent lack of variants.

Despite cases also dipping in Thailand, Mr White expects it will remain red due to the presence of the Beta variant, while he forecast the same for the Philippines because of its lack of genomic sequencing infrastructure.

Mr White also named South Africa as a likely candidate to move off the red list - removing the need for travellers arriving in England to pay 2,385 for hotel quarantine.

The country is currently welcoming visitors who have proof of a negative PCR within 72 hours of departure, while Mexico has no testing or quarantine requirements.

Brazil, meanwhile, requires anyone who has been in the UK within the last 14 days to quarantine for the same period upon arrival. It has suspended direct flights to and from the UK.

A graph showing current case figures for Brazil, Mexico and South Africa

There are currently 54 countries on the red list, such as Mexico, Cuba, all of mainland South America, and southern and eastern Africa. Pictured, passengers queue for the arrival hall at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5

Countries currently on the UK's red list: The UK Government's 'red list' of 54 countries is tipped to be reduced to just nine. These are the countries currently on the red list: Afghanistan Angola Argentina Bolivia Botswana Brazil Burundi Cape Verde Chile Colombia Congo (Democratic Republic) Costa Rica Cuba Dominican Republic Ecuador Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia French Guiana Georgia Guyana Haiti Indonesia Lesotho Malawi Mayotte Mexico Mongolia Montenegro Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nepal Panama Paraguay Peru Philippines Reunion Rwanda Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa Sudan Suriname Tanzania Thailand Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Uganda Uruguay Venezuela Zambia Zimbabwe Advertisement

A decision on which countries to remove from England's red list is expected to be made today following a meeting of Government ministers.

The devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own travel rules but have recently mirrored announcements made in Westminster.

Travellers who are not fully vaccinated must self-isolate at home for 10 days when arriving from a country not on the red list, but those who have been jabbed are exempt under new rules introduced this week.

The removal from the red list of Mexico and South Africa would send 'a confidence boost across the sector and across consumers', according to travel expert, Paul Charles of the PC Agency.

Mr Charles said it is 'very hard to justify' why any countries are on the list 'when there are no new variants of concern there'.

He continued: 'That's why Ireland have removed every country from their red list because they see no threat. So the UK should be following that example.'

The London-based World Travel and Tourism Council, which represents private firms, said the sector's recovery will continue to be 'sluggish' due to policies such as the UK's red list.

The organisation predicted that travel and tourism's contribution to global gross domestic product (GDP) is set to rise by less than a third in 2021.

However, Covid data analyst Tim White described reports that the list could be cut to just nine as 'optimistic'.

Mexico 'looks certain to be removed' but Thailand 'may well stay red', Mr White predicted.

The Government may use the travel update to confirm the date when fully vaccinated people arriving in England will be able to use a cheaper lateral flow test rather than a PCR version for their day-two test.

The Department for Transport said on Monday that this policy will be implemented 'later in October', adding that the Government 'aims to have it in place for when people return from half-term breaks'.

Meanwhile, families may still be forced to spend 75 on PCR tests when returning from holidays this half-term, it was previously claimed.

Anyone arriving in the UK from a location in the red tier must spend 11 nights in a quarantine hotel, which costs 2,285 for solo travellers (file image)

Families returning from October half-term holidays 'could STILL be forced to pay for 75 PCR tests once back in the UK' Families may still be forced to spend 75 on PCR tests when returning from holidays this half-term, it was claimed today. The day two return swabs were supposed to be scrapped at the end of the month in favour of cheaper and quicker lateral flow tests for the fully vaccinated. While the Government says it 'aims' to have it in place in time for half-term, a Cabinet source said ministers had been urged to keep the PCRs due to fears over variants. The move would be a major blow for millions of holidaymakers and the beleaguered travel industry which would be aiming to recoup pandemic losses during half term. 'There's a very real chance PCRs will still have to be taken after half-term holidays,' the source told The Sun. In a dig at Health Secretary Sajid Javid, they added: 'Those who claim to be great unlockers have been captured quickly by the health officials.' Advertisement

The day two return swabs were supposed to be scrapped at the end of the month in favour of cheaper and quicker lateral flow tests for the fully vaccinated.

While the Government says it 'aims' to have it in place in time for half-term, a Cabinet source said ministers had been urged to keep the PCRs due to fears over variants.

The move would be a major blow for millions of holidaymakers and the beleaguered travel industry which would be aiming to recoup pandemic losses during half term.

'There's a very real chance PCRs will still have to be taken after half-term holidays,' the source told The Sun. In a dig at Health Secretary Sajid Javid, they added: 'Those who claim to be great unlockers have been captured quickly by the health officials.'

But Department for Transport bosses told MailOnline categorically it would replace day two PCR tests with lateral flows by the end of October.

Mr Javid had doubled down on his commitment to scrap as many remaining Covid curbs as possible.

On his 100th day in the job, he told the Tory conference in Manchester that his party stood for 'freeing things up' rather than locking them down.

But Mr Javid is said to be concerned that relying on lateral flow tests - which unlike PCR don't need to be verified in a lab - could encourage lying about positive results.

He has floated the idea of people taking their rapid test in a video call while supervised by a health professional, according to reports.
The NYC subway pusher was released without bail in July after allegedly assaulting a woman at the 155th Street station in Harlem, leaving her with a broken nose and missing tooth, it emerged today.

Anthonia Egegbara, 29, of Queens, was charged with attempted murder on Tuesday, over surveillance footage which showed her shoving an innocent woman towards the tracks as a train hurtled into Times Square station.

The unprovoked attack comes just three months after she was released without bail following an alleged assault on July 5 which left a 40-year-old woman suffering a black eye, broken nose and a knocked-out tooth.

It comes amid fury at New York's soaring crime rate, with transit related incidents rising by 59 percent in September, amid claims that the courts have gone soft on criminals.

A state law last year limited the number of crimes for which judges can impose bail, which critics say has led to a sharp increase in transit crimes.

Egegbara, who's been diagnosed with schizophrenia, has a history of assault arrests, including multiple attacks on women on public transport, police say.

Lenny Javier, 42, was on her way to work on Monday morning when Egegbara shoved her into an oncoming train, breaking her arm in three places and smashing her nose.

Footage shows Egegbara pushing Javier so hard that her shoe comes off as the train barrels into the station, but fortunately it had just passed by and the victim struck the side of the carriage rather than falling onto the tracks.

Javier remains in hospital where she is 'stable' but suffering 'with a lot of pain,' according to her father Vidal Javier.

He told Telemundo that 'her left arm is fractured in three parts,' as he described how the attack on his daughter feeling helplessness, anger.'

Vidal Javier told Telemundo that he felt 'helplessness' when he saw the video of his daughter Lenny, 42 (pictured with her father) being pushed into a subway in Times Square on Monday

Horrifying surveillance video shows the moment when Anthonia Egegbara allegedly pushed a fellow commuter into a train at the Times Square subway station on Monday morning

A map showing the New York City boroughs where crime has increased (in red) and decreased (in green) in September 2021 compared to the same month last year

He added: 'It's something that, in a way, I perhaps did not know how to express because you feel your hands are tied.'

He said that Lenny told him the police took 15 minutes to arrive and arrest her attacker, adding that she is unlikely to ever resume her commute.

'She says that she believes she will not get on a train again because she believes that everyone that is next to her will hurt her,' he said.

'I think it will be very difficult to return even if life continues, but for her, she would have to go to therapy or take therapy.

'It is going to be a system which you regain trust in.'

Juan Carlos Javier, Lenny's cousin, told DailyMail.com that she was operated on on Wednesday, and that they hoped Egegbara was given a significant prison sentence.

'When something happens to one's family, one worries, and more so with Lenny who is so loved in the family, too,' he said.

He described his cousin, who he said was a teaching assistant, as 'a very dear person.'

Juan Carlos continued: 'Everyone prayed for everything to go well with the operation and thank God at least everything went well. Waiting for the recovery.

'Thank God that it was not worse.'

He said Egegbara needed to be held accountable, and prevented from attacking more people.

'The system is supposed to support the rider,' he said. 'You pay tax in this country.

'I think by law she will get time in jail.

'And I know that her father is going to have a lawyer for that, I know that he will not let this go unsolved. Knowing him, my uncle, that is not going to stay that way. He is going to put a good lawyer to solve it.

Video shows Egegbara allegedly sitting on a bench and, as the train comes into view around 8.15 am, she stands up and initiates her push. She then fled the scene

Police arrested 29-year-old Anthonia Egegbara (pictured) and charged her with attempted murder for the incident

'If she's crazy, let her go to a madhouse for so many years, whatever.

'But I do know that we are going to solve it because it cannot go unpunished.

'That girl (Lenny) can't work now. She can't do anything. You don't know if the trauma, those injuries, will remain forever because it the train hit her hard.'

He said he felt the New York transit system was 'very dangerous'.

'All this that is happening today, you can see that this is caused because of people addicted to drugs; the problem with the coronavirus; the confinement.

'This confinement has not left people very well. The crime. The economy. There is no help, people are weird, crazy, I don't know.'

Anthonia Egegbara was arraigned at Manhattan Criminal Court on Wednesday. Egegbara is charged with attempted murder for pushing Lenny Javier into a moving train at the Times Square station on Monday

Police announced they have charged 29-year-old Anthonia Egegbara (pictured) with attempted murder

Police say on Monday, Egegbara (pictured) pushed a 42-year-old woman towards an oncoming train

Egegbara has been arrested at least seven times previously, according to NYPD records, with the three most recent incidents involving her allegedly kicking or biting other women on public transport.

'My face is swollen, I have a broken nose, a fractured chin,' Javier told WCBS-TV shortly before Egegbara was arrested.

'I never thought it would happen to me. Someone needs to take responsibility for this, because it can't be happening.'

Egegbara's mother, Dedria Gregg, told CBS2 that they were devastated by her actions.

'We all cried when we saw that video,' she said. 'The whole family is distressed and upset about this.

'I feel so sorry for the woman that got pushed in the subway. I am so sorry.'

Egegbara's family said she has long suffered from mental illness and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, among other disorders.

They said she was kind and 'sweet' when she took her medication, but as an adult she cannot be compelled to take it, and has been hospitalized more than 50 times since she was a teenager.

'She has been mental for a while, and the whole family has been struggling and fighting to get her help,' Gregg said.

'It's so hard to have someone in your family that suffers from mental illness.

'Everybody's going through it right now. The whole family is distraught.'

Police arrested the 29-year-old after investigators released video of her allegedly shoving a woman into a moving train on Monday

Anthonia Egegbara is walked in Manhattan Central Booking after she was arrested for pushing a stranger into a moving subway car on Monday

Egegbara, whose listed address is a hotel in Far Rockaway used as a female shelter, was charged with attempted murder following unprovoked attack

Nancy Egegbara said that her sister needed psychiatric help.

'My sister has been failed by the system that's supposed to help her,' she told CBS2.

'She really needs an institution, a place that can keep her safe and away from violence or violent behaviors.

'I'm not condoning. What she did was wrong, but what she did stems from her mental illness.'

Egegbara was arrested as a crime wave terrorizes New Yorkers, with transit crimes rising by 121.7 per cent for the week ending September 26, compared to the same period in 2020.

Police have not revealed a motive for Egegbara's attack against an unnamed 42-year-old woman who was taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition after sustaining facial injuries

Felony assault, rape and shootings were all up through October 3 compared to last year

A total of 51 transit crimes were recorded for the period between September 20 and 26, compared to just 23 for the same period last year.

Transit crimes rose 59 percent in the month of September, with 184 recorded so far this year, compared to 116 recorded last year. That's despite weekday subway ridership levels that remain just half of what they were before the pandemic struck.

The statistics are sure to make grim reading for New York City officials, who are pushing for workers to return to the office, and for tourists to return to the Big Apple, in a bid to boost its COVID-ravaged finances.

Egegbara, whose listed address is a hotel in Far Rockaway Queens that is used as a female shelter, appeared for arraignment on Wednesday.

ABC 7 News reported that police might be sending Egegbara to a hospital to be mentally evaluated, with no motive yet given for the seemingly random assault.

Court records show that she has multiple pending cases in the New York court system, including a September 19 arrest for turnstile jumping in the Bronx.

On July 5, she was charged with harassment and assault in Manhattan.

And a case from June 20, 2018 shows charges of disorderly conduct/fighting still pending in Brooklyn.

Egegbara, whose listed address is a hotel in Far Rockaway Queens that is used as a female shelter, appeared in Manhattan criminal court for arraignment on Wednesday

Egegbara has been arrested at least seven times previously, according to NYPD records, with the three most recent incidents involving her allegedly kicking or biting other women on public transport

Anthonia Egegbara, 29, of Queens, was charged with attempted murder Tuesday, after surveillance footage showed her jump up from a bench and shove the female victim as the train hurtled into the station

Egegbara has a lengthy rap sheet including numerous arrests for charges related to crimes on the subway

The subway pushing came just hours before a man shot himself in the leg in the same subway station.

Monday's attack has yet to be included in the latest crime statistics, but the headline-making violence threatens to derail New York City officials' bid to lure workers and tourists back to the COVID-ravaged city.

The incident occurred at the Times Square station, where thousands of tourist commute daily to visit the world-famous commercial intersection in Midtown, Manhattan.

Times Square sees an estimated 50 million visitors annually and about 330,000 people pass through it daily.

'This unprovoked attack was senseless and absurd,' MTA acting Chief Communications Officer Tim Minton said.

'The city needs to provide additional mental health services to assist those who may endanger themselves and others. The NYPD's rapid identification and arrest in this case makes riders safer.'

One subway rider, who witnessed the shoving, said the crime at the station is not surprising.

'This is like what it used to be like in the 80s,' the individual told ABC 7.

'People are wicked to be able to push someone on a moving train, and for what? I don't know, but it's horrible,' another passenger, CJ Stewart told CBS 2.

According to witnesses, Egegbara timed her attack just as a train was approaching the station.

Anthonia Egegbara, 29, is lead away by NYPD, as transit crimes in New York City rose by 121.7 per cent for the week ending September 26, compared to the same period in 2020

Egegbara, 29, hangs her head low as she is escorted by officers to Manhattan Central Booking on Tuesday

ABC 7 News reported that police might be sending Egegbara to a hospital to be mentally evaluated, with no motive yet given for the assault

Anthonia Egegbara is walked in Manhattan Central Booking after she was charged with attempted murder

A handcuffed Anthonia Egegbara makes her way to Manhattan Central Booking following her arrest

NYC'S SUMMER OF VIOLENCE May 6: Gunman shoots three in Times Square, including four-year-old girl Three innocent bystanders, including a four-year-old girl, were hit by stray bullets in Times Square in broad daylight, in a shocking shooting that sent tourists stampeding in panic. NYPD officers responded to the shooting at 4.55pm near the intersection of West 44th Street and Seventh Avenue in Manhattan, in the heart of Times Square. The young girl was struck in the leg, a 24-year-old woman was hit in her thigh and a 44-year-old woman was shot in the foot, police said. All survived. Police officers are seen arriving on the scene in Times Square on May 8, moments after three people were caught in crossfire at around 5pm and shot US Marshals in Starke, Florida, shared this photo of Muhammad after his arrest on May 12 NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said none of the victims were related or known to each other, and that they are believed to be innocent bystanders who were struck by stray bullets after a man got into an argument with someone else and began shooting wildly. The younger adult woman was a tourist visiting from Rhode Island, the older one a New Jersey resident, and the child lives in Brooklyn, and was shopping for toys with her parents, Shea said. The tourist from Rhode Island had traveled to Manhattan visit the Statue of Liberty, but finding the ferry closed decided to visit Times Square instead, Shea said. Farrakhan Muhammad, 31, was arrested charged with attempted murder and multiple counts of assault, reckless endangerment and criminal use of a firearm. He was denied bail, and the next hearing in the case is set for November 15. June 17: Two children escape death in shooting outside Bronx bodega Bronx siblings Christian, five, and Mia, 13, were nearly killed as a gunman fired wildly at an alleged gang rival who tripped over the children as he fled. Miraculously, neither of the kids were struck but they were directly in the line of fire. It was still light out and the parents watched in horror from the window of their first floor apartment, which is 1,000 feet away, as the kids walked down the street hand-in-hand to pick up some bread from the store. The apartment is just feet away from the 170th street subway station and is next to a park. It was a busy Thursday night with local families and residents filling the sidewalk. Mia and her brother were walking home together from a store. Mia tried to protect her brother while also trying to get the pair back on their feet. The callous gunman had no concern for the fact they were caught in the crossfire and kept shooting. He then fled on the back of a moped Michael Lopez is walked out of the 44th Precinct after police charge him with attempted murder in the June 17 sidewalk shooting The parents were watching when the gunman started running towards the kids on Sheridan Avenue, pointing at his target Hassan Wright, who was also behind the children. Hassan started running and tried to escape but instead he barreled into the brother and sister, knocking them to the ground. As the shooter stood over Wright, firing six shots at home, the kids were trapped beneath his feet. In a horrifying disregard for the children's lives, the shooter kept firing, injuring Wright in the legs and back before fleeing. Wright survived and is in the hospital. Michael Lopez, 27, was arrested and charged with attempted murder. He is currently being held without bail on Riker's Island, where he is currently confined in the infirmary unit, records show. July 31: Gunmen injure 10 in wild Queens shooting before fleeing on moped Two men approached a crowd on a Queens street and fired about 40 shots, injuring 10 people before fleeing on mopeds The shooters, who were in the North Corona neighborhood, targeted members of the Trinitarios gang, police said, but they opened fire near pedestrians outside a barbershop and at a birthday party in a restaurant. NYPD released new high-quality photos on Thursday showing two gunmen and their two accomplices on mopeds who are wanted by the police The images show of a pair of gunmen and their two accomplices who helped them escape on mopeds the night of the shooting The victims ranged from ages 19 to 72, including a 72-year-old woman and a 70-year-old man, both of whom were shot in the leg, in addition to seven other men and another woman. All were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. Three of them were the intended targets, police said. The most seriously injured victim suffered a gunshot wound to the stomach, NYPD Chief of Detectives James Essig said. 'The two males immediately extended their arms and began firing in the direction of a group in front of the barber shop down the street,' he said. 'This was, as I can most accurately describe it, a brazen, coordinated attack.' The NYPD and Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa are offering a combined $30,000 reward for information leading to arrests. August 14: Hatchet-wielding assassin hacks stranger in Manhattan bank Shocking video captured the moment a hatchet-wielding man brutally attacked a customer at a Manhattan bank The random attack unfolded at a Chase Bank on Broadway in the Financial District just before 5.30pm. Surveillance video obtained by DailyMail.com shows the victim standing at an ATM in the bank vestibule when the assailant walks in behind him. Video captured the shocking moment Queens man Miguel Solorazana, 50, is slashed with a hatchet while using an ATM at a Chase Bank in downtown Manhattan at 5.30pm Sunday. It begins with the attacker walking into the ATM room with the hatchet in hand Eventually, Solorazana, severely bloodied, flees, and his attacker does not follow. Police say they have the suspect in custody pending charges The suspect is seen removing a hatchet from a dark bag and sneaking up behind the victim before slashing him. The terrified and bloodied victim, who was identified as 50-year-old Queens resident Miguel Solorzana by the New York Daily News, attempts to fend off the crazed attacker. Solorzana is seen desperately trying to grab the weapon, as he becomes increasingly bloodied, before falling to the floor several times. Once the assailant is finished attacking Solorzana, he proceeds to smash the ATM screens before walking away, but not before leaving the hatchet behind, police said. Aaron Garcia, 37, of Yonkers, was arrested in the attack and charged with attempted murder and assault. He has pleaded not guilty and is next due in court November 10. September 28: Boy, 16, is fatally shot by his own friend in Brooklyn gunfight Cahlil Pennington was fatally shot in the head as he and two other teens in white hoodies ran down Pitkin Avenue exchanging shots with a pursuing gunman. In surveillance video, one of the teens turns around to shoot at another gunman after being shot in the stomach during a shootout around 1:30 pm, police said. After the teen with the gun turns around and fires a shot behind him, Cahlil is seen dropping to the ground and tripping one his friends In the commotion, the bullet missed its intended target and hit Cahlil in the head at the corner of Pitkin and Miller Avenues, according to police and video footage. Cahlil falls to the ground and trips his friend, seen in a blood-soaked hoodie, who then drags Cahlil's limp body around the corner as another teen in a white hoodie rounds the corner and jumps over the two wounded teens, according to the video. Cahlil, a student at Brooklyn's New Visions AIM Charter High School II, was taken to Brookdale Hospital where he was pronounced dead, police said. Several of the teens fled the scene and no arrests have been made. Advertisement

Witnesses said the attack serves as a reminder to be aware of your surroundings.

'Definitely a good reminder to keep your eyes peeled and be on your toes in New York,' West Village resident Tyler Sparling said.

'We're all usually in our phones and stuff, or listening to music. So we're not always 100% aware,' echoed Bryana Yard, of Brooklyn.

Police taped off the portion of the platform where the incident occurred and continuing to search for the suspect.

The busy Times Square station was a hotspot for crime on Monday, just hours later officers were called to the station again for reports of shots fired.

A 39-year-old from Brooklyn was urinating in the corner of West 40th Street and Seventh Avenue, near a McDonald's and sushi restaurant Wasabi, when he was shot in his right leg, according to the New York Post.

He is believed to have accidentally shot himself in the leg.

Eyewitnesses told ABC 7 that the shots went off inside the subway station, with the man seen stumbling up to ground level afterwards, before re-entering the station to ask for help.

The bullet sent him stumbling down into a nearby train station.

A person was shot in Times Square early Monday afternoon - the third instance of gun violence in the busy tourist hub this year, police said

The man's injuries are not fatal and no one has been arrested in the case, police say. His shooting is the third to hit Times Square in 2020

Video from the scene shows officers carrying an injured person into an ambulance as passersby cross the bustling intersection.

Authorities have not named the man, who is likely to face criminal charges as a result. He is reportedly not cooperating with investigators.

Monday's incidents come as overall crime in New York City dropped in August after a summer crime wave that had city officials pointing fingers at each other.

Total crime dropped by one percent in August compared to August 2020, with the biggest drops being in burglary, -24 percent, and shooting incidents, -30.7 percent, according to the latest official monthly figures from the NYPD.

The trend may be reversing, as weekly numbers ending on Sunday show that felony assaults are up by 7 percent, shootings are up by 1.6 percent and rapes are up by 2.2 percent as a whole compared to the same time last year.

Monday's shooting is the third such incident in Times Square this year.

In May, three unrelated bystanders were hit by stray bullets in the busy tourist hub after police say a man started shooting indiscriminately during an argument with someone else.

A four-year-old girl was struck in the leg, a 24-year-old woman was hit in the thigh and a 44-year-old woman was shot in the foot, police said. All were expected to survive.

'This little girl was so strong,' Officer Alyssa Vogel told WNBC. 'She didn't even cry once except when we were putting the tourniquet on. She screamed because it's very painful.'

In July, 16-year-old Avon Darden turned himself in and was charged with attempted murder after shooting US Marine Samuel Poulin, 21, in the back.

Poulin was not seriously injured.

The young soldier had recently graduated from The Citadel military college in South Carolina with a commission in the US Marine Corps.

The New York City Police Department has also reported numerous attacks in subway stations in the last few weeks.

On September 13, a 32-year-old was attacked after she confronted a man for shoving past her on the escalator at the Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center Station.

According to the Daily News, the woman told her attacker to 'say excuse me.'

He responded 'I did' and kicked her in the chest.

The victim fell backwards to the bottom of the escalator as the suspect continued up the escalator and out of the station.

Police say the woman suffered cuts and bruises to her back, arms, legs, right knee and right thigh and trauma to her left ankle.

In July, 16-year-old Avon Darden (left) turned himself in and was charged with attempted murder after shooting US Marine Samuel Poulin, 21, (right) in the back, in Time Square

In August, a similar incident occurred at the Union Square station, where a homeless man was caught striking a victim in the back of the head with a hammer, before leaving him bleeding on the platform after the victim looked at him in the 'wrong way'

Xing Zhou, 59, (left) was on her way to church when Vladimir Pierre, 41, (right) allegedly hit her

Earlier last month, a deaf woman fell onto the subway tracks after she was hit in the head by a homeless man who had been arrested for sucker-punching another victim just four days earlier.

Xing Zhou, 59, was on her way to church on September 5 when a man hit her in the head at Manhattan's Union Square subway station. She lost her balance during the attack and fell onto the tracks.

Two bystanders helped Zhou off the tracks and waited with her until help arrived. She was taken to the hospital and given medication for her pain.

Police later arrested Vladimir Pierre, 41, in connection to the attack.

In August, a similar incident occurred at the Union Square station, where a homeless man was caught striking a victim in the back of the head with a hammer, before leaving him bleeding on the platform after the victim looked at him in the 'wrong way.'

Police arrested 41-year-old Jamar Newton from Brooklyn and charged him with assault, reckless endangerment, criminal possession of a weapon and robbery.

That incident occurred one day after another woman was randomly attacked on a subway platform and beaten with a metal pole while waiting for the G train.
Newly-sworn in NSW Liberal Premier Dominic Perrottet has a new right-hand man who was once sentenced to nine years in prison for drug trafficking and is married to federal Labor star Tanya Plibersek.

Michael Coutts-Trotter, 56, was announced on Thursday as the new Secretary of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet after Gladys Berejiklian's top pick Jim Betts was unceremoniously passed over for the $644,850-a-year job.

The former Department of Communities and Justice head has made a remarkable turn-around in his life, going from a prison cell to the state's top public servant.

He was thrown in jail in 1984 for conspiracy to import heroin from Thailand after becoming hooked on the drug as a teenager. Mr Coutts-Trotter served three years.

Since that time he's worked his way up the ladder to become one of the country's most respected public service officers, running five agencies and never shying away from his dark past.

He and the former deputy Labor leader now have three children together after marrying in 2000.

Michael Coutts-Trotter, 56 (pictured with former Deputy Leader of the Opposition Tanya Plibersek at the Mid Winter Ball in 2018) was announced on Thursday as the new Secretary of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet (pictured) unceremoniously passed over Gladys Berejiklian's top pick Jim Betts

'I am very pleased Michael has agreed to head the Department of Premier and Cabinet at this critical time, and I am looking forward to working closely with him as we continue to build a better future for NSW,' Mr Perrottet said.

'Michael's dedication to serving the people of NSW is something I have long admired, he will bring tremendous experience, humility and energy to what is a very important and challenging position.'

Under his new role in the state's most prestigious department, he will be tasked with implementing the government's signature policies and providing specialist policy and procedural advice to the premier and his ministers.

Parts of Mr Coutts-Trotter's early life were difficult but his story is ultimately one of redemption and hope.

He was born in the United Kingdom to an Australian mother and English father who had met in the late 1950s. She was a cook and he was a butler.

The family moved to Australia in 1976, but unknown to young Michael his father had cancer and within months of arriving had died.

'I was just really overwhelmed by his death, as was my mum,' he told Daily Mail Australia in April 2019.

Coutts-Trotter's family moved to Australia in 1976, but unknown to young Michael (pictured) his father had cancer and within months of arriving had died

Tanya Plibersek poses alongside her husband Michael Coutts-Trotter and their children at the Sydney premiere of The LEGO Movie at Event Cinemas on March 23, 2014 in Sydney, Australia

Mr Coutts-Trotter was sent to St Ignatius College, Riverview, to be taught by the Jesuits on a scholarship but could not quite fit in with any group.

'There were a few things about my life that made me stand out a bit,' he said. 'I was just a posh-sounding English kid trying to fit in and I didn't.'

All teenagers need some sort of friendship group and he found the wrong one.

'I started to fit in with kids who felt pretty marginalised themselves and those were the kids who were drinking, smoking and stealing things,' he said.

He would binge drink and began smoking marijuana as soon he could. 'In the modern language I self-medicated.'

The self-medicating stopped for a while when he fell in love with competitive rowing but that didn't last either.

'The moment that finished I was really just off the rails again.'

Mr Coutts-Trotter is pictured with his wife Tanya Plibersek and their children Anna and Joe in Peru

Mr Coutts-Trotter sat for his Higher School Certificate exams a week after taking 'a lot of hallucinogens' in what he called 'self-sabotage'.

He finished school at the end of Year 12 aged just 16 years and 9 months, left home not long after and was soon injecting drugs with new friends.

'I don't remember quite when but in inner-city Sydney in the early 1980s heroin was the primary drug of choice and I found it pretty quickly,' Mr Coutts-Trotter said.

'It made me feel complete. You hear that a lot but it just suddenly I felt at ease in my skin and I felt at ease in the world.'

While Mr Coutts-Trotter initially found some comfort in heroin it eventually took over his life. He funded his habit by supplying the drug.

'I was using two-and-a-half, three grams of heroin a day plus a whole lot of other uppers and downers but heroin was my drug of choice,' he said.

Mr Coutts-Trotter decided to move from small time dealer to drug smuggler when he became involved in a scheme to import half a kilogram of heroin from Thailand.

A joint Commonwealth-NSW police task force was aware of his plans and he was followed from Redfern Mail Exchange to a private hotel on Elizabeth Street near Central train station.

Tanya Plibersek and husband Michael Coutts-Trotter arrive for the Mid Winter Ball at Parliament House in Canberra, Wednesday, June 17, 2015

By the time Mr Coutts-Trotter was sentenced aged 21 he was clean of drugs, working for a PR firm and had re-established relationships with his family. (Pictured about 1985 in drug rehab)

A dozen police officers arrested the 19-year-old carrying about 100g of the drug, part of an intended half-kilogram haul.

[One of the policemen peripherally involved in the operation was Clive Small who would go on to lead the team of detectives who arrested backpacker killer Ivan Milat in 1994].

Upon his arrest Mr Coutts-Trotter, who is 193cm tall, weighed just 50kg.

'The drug addiction is an explanation but it's not an excuse,' Mr Coutts-Trotter said. 'There was still a choice - choices - that I made along the way that I could have made differently.

'Quite sincerely, I deserved to go to jail for those choices. I made choices that were not driven solely by my addiction. I could have been a small time supplier rather than seeking to be a larger supplier. That's a choice.'

Mr Coutts-Trotter admitted to conspiring to import a prohibited drug and was remanded to Long Bay.

After four to six weeks he was bailed to the Salvation Army's William Booth facility at Surry Hills then accepted into Miracle Haven rehabilitation centre on the Central Coast.

That place 'was actually well named' and Mr Coutts-Trotter spent more than a year on their drug rehab program.

After running five agencies, Mr Coutts-Trotter has become one of the country's most respected public service officers

After four to six weeks on remand Mr Coutts-Trotter was bailed to the Salvation Army's William Booth facility at Surry Hills then accepted into the Miracle Haven rehab centre (pictured)

'When I say I was lucky, I mean I was really lucky. I was given bail and the police were prepared to extend bail while I was in rehab and making some changes,' he said.

After completing that program, Mr Coutts-Trotter went back to William Booth then found work with a public relations firm.

By the time he was sentenced aged 21 he was clean of drugs, working for the same PR company and had re-established relationships with his family.

He had a group of friends who weren't using drugs and 'the ability to go to jail and get through it.' Early in his sentence he took time to 'learn, look, absorb, watch.'

Nonetheless Mr Coutts-Trotter was locked up for two years and nine months - much of it in maximum security - and never sought protective custody.

'In the culture of the time you were a dog if you went into protection and there was some pride in the fact that you could make a go of it in the main population,' he said.

Mr Coutts-Trotter was surrounded by murderers and rapists in maximum security jails when he was locked up

He recalled a stabbed inmate running across a yard at Bathurst clutching his stomach so his intestines didn't fall out of his body and a kid staggering out of his cell at Parramatta after being gang raped.

Mr Coutts-Trotter, pictured as a 17-year-old in 1982, was injecting two-and-a-half grams of heroin at the height of his drug addiction. He was arrested in 1984 and jailed in 1986

He remembered getting into a scuffle with Michael Murphy, one of the men who raped and murdered nurse Anita Cobby, in an argument over who could use a telephone.

He spoke of how prison could be used to help rehabilitate young men like himself who had made terrible decisions and why there were recidivists so 'irredeemably dangerous' they should never be let out.

'I do think they are legitimate questions and they are obviously particularly legitimate questions if I'm to be the Secretary of Justice,' he said.

'And in some ways it's helpful that people are prepared to ask them because it gives me a chance to account for myself a little bit for the people who work in the system.'

In an email to Justice department staff Mr Coutts-Trotter wrote on his first day on the job: 'Addiction helped to explain my crime, but it didn't excuse it. I deserved to go to prison.'

'And while the police who arrested me wanted me jailed, they only wanted me locked up once, not again and again.'

Mr Coutts-Trotter is replacing Tim Reardon as the state's most powerful bureaucrat as Mr Betts leaves the NSW public service.
Internet trolls are still targeting under-fire ABC News Breakfast host Lisa Millar weeks after she pulled the plug on her social media accounts over the vicious abuse.

Ms Millar quit her 55,000-follower Twitter account at the start of September over a relentless stream of abuse for a perceived pro-Liberal bias when doing interviews.

She initially planned to keep offline for 30 days, but has since vowed to remain unplugged until it is 'safe for women'.

But fellow ABC presenter Dr Julia Baird revealed on Thursday that Ms Millar is still coming under attack despite not even being on the social media platform.

She posted a series of tweets that were made after Ms Millar interviewed new NSW premier Dom Perrottet on Thursday morning.

Internet trolls are still targeting under-fire ABC News Breakfast host Lisa Millar (pictured) weeks after she pulled the plug on her social media accounts over the vicious abuse

Despite challenging Mr Perrottet on his anti-abortion and anti-marriage equality views, Ms Millar again came under fire.

One accused her of giving the new premier a 'metaphorical b***job' while another said they would rather look at 'cat's t***s [and] listen to scratching on chalk board'.

Another said she asked Dorothy Dixer questions after giving him a 'warm welcome' and 'wanting to hug him like an old friend.'

The same person said when Ms Millar interviewed Victorian premier Dan Andrews, however, she 'snarls, face like a pig's a*** expelling droppings.'

Fellow ABC presenter Dr Julia Baird (pictured) revealed on Thursday that Ms Millar is still coming under attack despite not even being on the social media platform any more.

Julia Baird posted a series of tweets that were made after Lisa Millar interviewed new NSW premier Dom Perrottet on Thursday morning (pictured)

Dr Baird - host of afternoon news panel show The Drum - spotlighted the abuse alongside one tweet praising the interview for its tough questions.

'Another day of abuse for Lisa Millar on Twitter. Note the different take from someone actually watching,' tweeted Dr Baird.

Ms Millar's exit from social media was swiftly followed by fellow ABC presenter Patricia Karvelas, who limited her Twitter account two weeks ago.

'I've had open DMs because I like Twitter connectivity but I'm sad to say after the personal threats I have received I must close that now,' she wrote.

The broadcaster called out online bullies just a week after award-winning political reporter Leigh Sales wrote of the 'unhinged' personal attacks she and her colleagues receive on a daily basis.

News presenter Patricia Karvelas has revealed she is turning off direct messages on her Twitter account because of the relentless social media abuse she receives

'I've had open DMs because I like Twitter connectivity but I'm sad to say after the personal threats I have received I must close that now,' she wrote

Karvelas shared a string of abusive messages she had received online as she announced she was deactivating her DMs, which included trolls insulting her children.

'This is just a taste of the vile stuff I've received where they have found me now on Instagram,' she wrote.

'I think its important that people know that female journalists are being targeted in the most aggressive misogynistic ways.

'Throw in homophobia and it really is next level toxic.'

Karvelas shared a string of abusive messages she had received online as she announced she was deactivating her DMs

Her stand against online abuse followed Millar speaking out about the unrelenting attacks she has received on social media.

Ms Millar said critics had become incensed after she was accused of smiling before a segment about former PM John Howard.

'It reached new heights of ridiculousness in the fortnight before I quit, when I came in for criticism for allegedly smiling while introducing a 20-second clip of John Howard speaking about Afghanistan,' she told The Australian's Media Diary.

ABC journalist Leigh Sales has called out the trolls that she and many of her colleagues have been abused by online

'Soon after, I quietly deactivated my account for 30 days. I wasn't making a big deal of this. I wasn't aggro against the trolls.

'I decided to take control of a worsening situation, and minimise my exposure by removing myself from the platform altogether.'

Millar initially planned to take a 30 day break from the site, but has since said she will not return until it is 'safe for women'.

In the wake of Millar's Twitter boycott, Sales called out those who felt the need to repeatedly attack journalists, adding the online bullying is becoming 'increasingly more challenging to bear'.

'It is non-stop, personal, often vile, frequently unhinged and regularly based on fabrications,' the 7.30 host wrote for the ABC.

'It has the effect of an angry phone call from a politician magnified thousands of times over.'

She reported that Insiders host David Speers is also abused both before and after almost every program.

Hamish MacDonald, who used to host Q+A before leaving the ABC, said one of his reasons for changing networks was the amount of abuse he copped online.

The 7.30 host (pictured with Laura Tingle) said female journalists were sent sexual insults while those of colour were racially abused

Sales said women were no stranger to sexual insults in her field and there was a 'corresponding pattern' of racism for reporters of colour.

'Anyone who can stomach wading into mentions of @leighsales will find that virtually hourly, I am abused for doing my job, with a stream of tweets goading me to quit, demanding the ABC sack me, telling me I'm useless, stupid, biased and incompetent,' Sales said.

She said the majority came from left-wing trolls who couldn't handle journalists asking questions of Labor ministers especially Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.

This was 'unusual' for ABC reporters who are usually targeted by even Prime Minister Scott Morrison as having a 'Labor/Green bias', Sales said.

Sales who has won three Walkley Awards and an Order of Australia for services to broadcast journalism said she would not be 'bullied' into reporting on one side of a story

'In the Australian corner of Twitter, the space is dominated by views that are militantly pro-lockdown, pro-Covid zero and pro-Labor premiers, and even the tamest of questions in those directions prompts an onslaught,' she said.

She said while journalists expected their reporting to be discussed and occasionally criticised, the 'Twitterati' wanted to scare them from asking questions about Labor altogether.

Touching on Millar's recent choice to abandon Twitter, Sales said throughout her extensive career she'd been tasking with reporting on violent and tragic events around the globe.

'For her to be so bothered by abuse on Twitter that she has de-activated her account should tell you something about the relentless and disgusting nature of the attacks,' she said.
A woman who was captured on CCTV rear-ending a $400,000 Lamborghini with her Audi - before blaming the luxury car's driver - has hit back in the row as new footage appears to show him sideswiping her first.

Matthew Heller, the driver of the Lamborghini, released a video earlier this month of the woman driver yelling at him for hitting her - along with CCTV footage showing her car rear-ending him in Tampa, Florida.

The clip went viral with more than 38 million views as countless commenters criticized the woman's actions.

However clips uploaded by Tiktok user @maddygilsoul1, show events before the collision, with the supercar overtaking the Audi at a traffic light before driving very close to a cyclist crossing the junction.

Maddy claims on TikTok that Heller 'drove into oncoming traffic at a red light because I didn't turn left on yellow' and 'almost hit a person'. She adds: 'Side swiped me while I was at a red light... guess he didn't want to tell the whole story.'

It comes after Heller's initial video showed Maddy accusing Heller, from Tampa, of damaging her car in the angry outburst at a Mobil gas station in the city.

She shouted: 'You did that to the front of my f***ing car... that's my new f***ing car!'

In that footage the Lamborghini driver chuckled at the woman's claims, telling her: 'When you rear-end somebody... that's not how this works', before informing her that he would be calling the police.

But Maddy insisted: 'You hit me in the front of it, remember? When I was at a red light you went in front of me and hit my car' - which the new videos seem to corroborate.

In a video shared by Matthew Heller on TikTok, 'Maddy' (pictured) can be seen getting out of her damaged black Audi in Tampa, Florida, and marching towards the white supercar before tapping on his window and shouting expletives at him

Despite claiming she was driven into, CCTV footage (pictured) from a gas station shows her car driving straight into the back of the Lamborghini Aventador

A picture shared by Heller shows damage caused by the crash to the rear of the luxury car

In the original video, Heller shrugs off Maddy's claims, saying: 'Okay, cool', before repeating: 'I'm gonna call the cops.'

The video then saw a man holding Maddy back as she launched into a tirade about white privilege.

While waving her arm up and down, she screamed: 'That's why all you white people get all this f***ing privilege, with this nice a** car... B***h, that's my new f***ing car!'

A woman, believed to be a store clerk from the gas station, then showed Heller CCTV footage of the crash.

It showed Maddy's black car clearly driving straight into the back of the stationary Lamborghini Aventador.

But Maddy's new footage sheds more the run-up to the crash. It shows how moments before, her vehicle was waiting at a traffic signal as a cyclist crossed the junction.

In her video, the Lamborghini can then be seen swerving around her vehicle and narrowly avoiding the biker as it drives off to the Mobil petrol station.

That is where Maddy is then seen rear-ending Heller in the original viral clip.

Heller's original video was viewed more than 38 million times on TikTok (Pictured: Heller)

Clips uploaded by Tiktok user @maddygilsoul1, show the supercar overtaking the Audi at a traffic signal before driving very close to a cyclist who was crossing the junction

In the original video, Maddy stuck to her story, saying: 'You hit me in the front of it, remember? When I was at a red light you went in front of me and hit my car' - which her new clips seem to corroborate

Footage shows the black Audi rear-ending the Lamborghini

A picture at the end of Heller's video showed the back bumper of the Lamborghini almost hanging off.

The original video was viewed more than 38 million times on TikTok after being shared on Saturday, October 2 and received more than five million 'likes' and thousands of comments.

The new TikTok video showing the two cars at the traffic lights has been viewed more than 400K times and another clip also shows the supercar with black scratches on its side.

However, Heller told the Mail Online that the scuffs are 'simply some dirt from her tire that rubbed into the matte finish,' acknowledging that the two vehicles must have made contact at the lights.

In a statement on YouTube he admitted honking at the Audi driver at the traffic signals and pulling round it because her car had not moved 'even though the light was green'.

A video shows him overtaking her but the traffic signals are not visible.

He claimed: 'While passing her on the left, she moved forward and turned her vehicle toward mine to keep me from passing her. I thought I got all the way around her and continued making my left turn.

'The next thing that happened was a smack in my rear end.' He denied being close to the cyclist.

The Mail Online has reached out to Maddy for comment.

The incident has divided social media users, with many saying Maddy's new footage does not entirely absolve her of blame, given that she still visibly rear-ended Heller.

Addressing Maddy, one wrote: 'The damage you caused is way more than the damage he caused, you still can't rear end him, that's not how it works.'

Another added: 'Regardless, you don't go and ram the back of him', while another said it was a case of 'two wrongs don't make a right.'

One viewer simply said: 'Both are at fault, he will pay for your car damage and you will have to pay for his.'

Others apologized for 'jumping to conclusions' upon seeing the initial video uploaded by Heller.

One wrote: 'I am so sorry, his video looked so legit I'm so sorry that happened to you.'

Another said: 'I, like 38 million other people, judged too quickly, and I want to publicly apologize.'

With a 6.5-liter engine, a Lamborghini Aventador can be priced anywhere from around $400,000 to more than $550,000 depending on the year.

Mail Online has contacted Tampa Police for comment.
204,000 children (2.5%) were not in class for Covid-related reason last week

But ministers want to avoid bubbles to protect children's mental health, he said

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said contingency plans 'absolutely' includes bribing back face coverings in classrooms

Face masks could be brought back in schools to stem the spread of the coronavirus this winter, the Education Secretary admitted today.

Guidance saying all children should wear coverings in classrooms and corridors was dropped in mid-May as part of No10's drive to learn to live with the virus.

But ministers have made contingency plans in the event of a rapid surge in cases among pupils.

Nadhim Zahawi defended the potential measures, which includes coverings, increased pupil and staff testing and shielding vulnerable pupils.

He insisted his priority was to 'protect education' and keep schools open.

Meanwhile, Mr Zahawi also said he doesn't want to bring back bubbles, which saw entire classes and year groups sent home if one child tested positive.

Original coronavirus-fighting measures deployed in English schools contributed to 1.1million children being stuck at home during the most disruptive days of the Covid pandemic.

Ministers said dropping face masks would improve interactions between teachers and pupils, while ending bubbles would ease disruptions to education.

The mandatory wearing of face coverings in schools and colleges was scrapped in May. Some were concerned that masks interrupted learning, but others warned they were necessary to suppress outbreaks. Pictured: children wearing facemasks at Outwood Academy in Doncaster in Yorkshire in March

Government guidance published in August said some measures could be brought back to manage local outbreaks, respond to variants of concern or prevent the NHS from becoming overwhelmed.

Local health chiefs can implement the measures in the response to outbreaks.

Face masks are already in use at schools in parts of the South West, Cumbria and Northamptonshire.

But current restrictions only require school children to test themselves for the virus twice a week using a lateral flow device.

UK's daily Covid cases RISE for first time in a week: 9% jump sees 39,851 infections Britain's downturn in Covid cases may have come to an end, official figures suggested yesterday as daily infections rose for the first time in a week. Department of Health bosses posted 39,851 new positive tests today, up 8.5 per cent on last Wednesday's count of 36,722. It is the largest daily toll since September 6 (41,192). Hospitalisations also increased 1.1 per cent to 666 on Saturday, the latest date data is available for. It was the first time in 20 days the number of daily admissions had increased week-on-week. But the number of people dying within 28 days of a positive test has continued to fall, with 143 fatalities recorded today. Deaths were down 4.7 per cent on the 150 recorded last Wednesday, marking the twelfth day in a row the number of victims fell week-on-week. It comes after separate official figures today revealed nearly a fifth of people in Blackburn have tested positive for Covid since the pandemic began. The Lancashire authority has been the worst hit area in the UK, recording 12 times more cases per population size than the least affected parts of the UK. Department of Health data shows around 19,000 per 100,000 people in Blackburn have had the virus since March 2020, compared to just 1,500 in the Orkney Islands in Scotland. Advertisement

Cases have exploded to record-highs in children since schools went back, with 1.5 per cent of youngsters aged 10 to 14 testing positive in the week ending October 1.

However, Government data suggests infections have started to fall among children over the most recent four days.

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Zahawi said: 'Thanks to the brilliant teachers and support staff and parents and children  99 per cent of schools are open.

'Attendance has gone up, the last set of figures I looked at was about 90 per cent, which obviously will fluctuate depending on infection rates.

'But my priority is to protect education, keep those schools open.'

But Mr Zahawi revealed he was not looking to return to the bubble system to do so, 'because actually, you saw the fall off in attendance which really does harm mental wellbeing, mental health of children'.

He did not, however, rule out the return of the wearing of masks in the classroom in England.

He said: 'We've got a contingency plan, as you would expect me to do... it contains lots of contingencies, including masks, absolutely.'

Mr Zahawi also confirmed 300,000 carbon dioxide monitors would be in schools by November after supply problems slowed the roll out.

The machines work by identifying how much CO2 is in the air, with higher levels indicating that there is poor ventilation in a space, which could encourage the virus to spread.

School staff can then take action, such as opening doors and windows, to increase ventilation.

Mr Zahawi said: 'They're going out by the end of this month. We will have the real uplift in those numbers into schools, really important.

'We're also looking at ventilation, and how we make sure that schools have access to ventilation.'

As well as the machines, ministers are relying on Covid jabs for 12 to 15-year-olds to quell an expected fourth wave this winter.

Mr Zahawi, previously No10's vaccines minister, told Times Radio: 'I haven't seen the take-up rates and I am due to have a meeting with my old team.

'So I'll have a look at the data but the good news at universities is take-up is touching 90 per cent.'

'There's a lag because obviously you've got to get consent letters out, they've got to come back and then the school, with the school-age immunisation clinicians, decide as to when they've got enough students (and) parents have consented, that they can actually vaccinate.'
The row between the UK and France over post-Brexit fishing rights entered a new phase today as a French MP threatened to tear up a key migration treaty.

Jean-Pierre Pont, MP for the fishing community of Boulogne-sur-Mer, said the French government should consider scrapping the Touquet Treaty which allows the UK to set up border checkpoints on French soil.

Scrapping the deal would mean stowaway migrants would only be stopped once they are already on British soil, where they can claim asylum.

Mr Pont, a minister in Emmanuel Macron's En Marche party, urged ministers to take firm action or risk furious fishermen 'taking the law into their own hands' by blockading British ports.

France should consider tearing up a treaty that allows British border checks to be carried out on French soil, stopping migrant stowaways before they reach the UK (pictured)

Speaking after a virtual summit with French seas minister Annick Giradin and Europe minister Clement Beaune, Mr Pont said: 'As for Le Touquet, I think it could go as far as threatening to revoke it.

'They [fishermen] are all furious and prepared to do everything to get the Brexit accords respected.

'When there are agreements, one must respect them all. We would be happy to continue with Le Touquet as long as the UK respects the Brexit deals and gives what it has promised.'

Under the Brexit deal, French fishermen were told they would still be allowed access to UK waters - with reduced quotas - but would have to provide evidence they have fished there in the past.

Jean-Pierre Pont, a member of Emmanuel Macron's party, made the threat in row over post-Brexit fishing rights

Since then, fishing fleets applying for the licences have seen just a small number granted - sparking a standoff earlier this year in the waters around Jersey.

The latest round of fighting was sparked when just 12 French fishing boats of 47 which applied to fish in an area between six and 12 miles off the UK coast were granted licences to do so.

French officials have accused the UK of violating the terms of the Brexit agreement and want the country hauled before an arbitration to hammer out the issue.

But ministers in London say the boats which have not been granted licences were unable to prove they had historically fished UK waters, which was a condition that was clearly spelled out in the deal.

The issue is particularly important to Emmanuel Macron at the moment because he is heading into an election which he risks losing to challengers from the far-right.

Mr Pont, whose Pas-de-Calais constituency includes the coastal town of Boulogne-sur-Mer where many of the fishermen who were denied licences are from, has threatened the Touquet Treaty in the past.

In December last year, Mr Pont said France should look at tearing up the agreement, also during a row over fishing rights.

The French government has vowed to retaliate at both state and European level, and said a package of measures will be announced in late October.

It is not clear what exactly the package will contain, though officials have said a number of bi-lateral treaties could come under review.

Ms Giradin has previously threatened to cut off power to Jersey and Guernsey, which rely on France for 90 per cent of their electricity, if more licences are not issued.

Just yesterday, the self-governing islands turned down 75 applications for fishing licences which it said did not provide enough evidence of fishing routes.

French fishermen have vowed to block British ports and the Channel Tunnel unless more fishing licences are granted for them to trawl in British waters (pictured, a protest in Jersey earlier this year)

The French accuse Britain of failing to live up to its commitments in the post-Brexit trade deal, while London says fishermen have not provided enough evidence for licences to be granted

Another 31 temporary licences were granted pending more evidence, while 64 full licences were handed out.

Meanwhile fishermen have threatened to take the issue into their own hands by blockading British ports in the run-up to Christmas.

Olivier Lepretre, chief of the powerful northern France fisheries committee, said earlier this week: 'If negotiating fails, we will stop all French and European products reaching the UK, and we will stop all British products reaching Europe.'

'Unless Boris [Johnson] backs down, the Brits will not have so many nice things to eat this Christmas. I hope it doesn't come to that.'

On Thursday, he said that London has just 'two weeks' to take action or else the blockade would begin.

In Brussels, Eurocrats refused to be drawn on whether Britain had failed to live up to the agreement it signed with the EU last year.

But one senior EU diplomat claimed France was 'overplaying' the row ahead of next year's presidential election. The source said: 'It looks good for President Macron right now to be tough on the British.'

A European Commission spokesman said only that it was 'a top priority' for the bloc to achieve 'continuity' for EU skippers.

Just last week, Mr Pont warned that French fishermen could also block the Channel Tunnel - telling Britons to 'be warned'.

'French fishermen of Boulogne-sur-Mer may be obliged, after nine months of useless patience, to envisage ways to retaliate against the UK... by blocking the entry of lorries towards the UK through the tunnel,' he said.

Le Touquet Treaty was first signed in 2003 by Britain and France during a summit in the coastal resort of Le Touquet.

Emmanuel Macron has been accused of exploiting the row for political posturing as he heads into an election he risks losing to challengers from the far-right

It has been amended several times since, but in essence allows France and Britain to set up border control points on each-other's soil.

For Britain, this means that migrant checks on vehicles and trains can be carried out before they reach the UK and claim asylum - meaning they are kept in France.

The infamous Calais 'Jungle' camp, which housed some 10,000 migrants before it was broken up in 2016, is one of of the most-notorious results of the policy.

As part of the deal, Britain pays money to France for housing the migrants and pays for the running of the checkpoints.

But the policy has long been a source of controversy on the French side of the border - with Mr Macron campaigning to renegotiate or scrap it during his successful 2017 presidential bid.

In 2018, he signed a revised version of the deal with then-Prime Minister Theresa May who agreed to pay an extra 44.5million to beef up security and accelerate legitimate asylum claims, such as people reunifying with family already in Britain.

Britain and France have already clashed in recent months over an Australian submarine deal, the EU's bid to block life-saving jabs arriving in the UK, and the Northern Ireland protocol.

Former Cabinet minister Theresa Villiers said: 'This is an unacceptable attempt at bullying. Ministers should stand firm.'

Senior Tory MP David Jones urged Mr Macron to 'dial down the rhetoric' adding: 'Resorting to gangsterism, which is what this effectively is, can never be justified'.

France's foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said differences with Britain were getting bigger and it was up to London to offer ideas to improve relations. 'The ball is in their court,' he added.
Britain's biggest scaredy cat has finally chilled out and is looking for a new owner after RSPCA spent nearly seven months helping the nervous feline calm down.

Sparky, 6, was so nervous when he arrived at the RSPCA's Millbrook Animal Centre in Chobham, Surrey that he would not let staff stroke him.

The feline has spent 200 days being looked after by the charity after being rescued from a multi-cat home.

Sparky, 6, has spent nearly seven months - 200 days- being looked after by the RSPCA at Millbrook Animal Centre, in Chobham, Surrey

When the moggy arrived he would hide all day and would not even eat cat treats handed to him.

But he has now been calmed down and transformed.

The friendly six-year-old is a puss now looking for a family who want him as a pet.

In a sweet video, Sparky purrs happily as he is stroked by a member of staff.

The cat also stretches out his paws while the worker carries on scratching his head.

Claire Jones, cattery supervisor at the charity, said: 'He was so scared when he first arrived with us, it's taken a lot of time and patience to get him where he is now.

'When the staff members first saw a video of Sparky purring whilst getting some fuss, most of them were moved to tears. It's amazing to see his transformation.

'He really enjoys being stroked now, when he is in the mood.

When he arrived at the centre after being rescued from a multi-cat home the feline was so nervous he would not let staff stroke him

'This still has to be on his terms but he is much friendlier now.

'He will take chicken and treats from the staff and sometimes even enjoys being brushed.

'He is looking for a quiet home with no other pets and with really patient people, who will expect him to go back a few steps in terms of being shy but with loads of time and patience we think he'll flourish and become a wonderful pet.'

The six-year-old is now a friendly puss looking for a family who want him as a pet

An RSPCA spokesman said: 'We are hoping to find a home for a nervous cat who has been in the charity's care for nearly seven months.

'The six-year-old black cat came into the care of RSPCA Millbrook Animal Centre in Surrey in March this year after being rescued from a multi-cat home.

'Sadly, poor Sparky was underweight, suffering from fleas and very scared of the staff and his new environment.

'When he first came into the charity's care he was extremely nervous and wouldn't let any of the staff touch him, not even to take a treat.

'He would hide away all day and didn't want any interaction with people.

'However, over time Sparky has really grown in confidence and has learnt to trust the staff at Millbrook even getting used to being stroked.'

For more information on the RSPCA and how to adopt, click here.
Voters preferred Sir Keir Starmer's conference speech to Boris Johnson's, with the Labour leader viewed as more competent than his counterpart, a new poll has found.

An Opinium survey showed 44 per cent of voters believe Mr Johnson came across like he is in touch with people's concerns when he spoke in Manchester at Conservative Party conference yesterday.

But that number was 60 per cent for Sir Keir following his speech in Brighton last week.

Opinium said that 'if it was a horse race we would be calling Keir Starmer's speech in Brighton the winner'.

Voters preferred Sir Keir Starmer's conference speech to Boris Johnson's, with the Labour leader viewed as more competent than his counterpart, a new poll has found

The polling company showed 1,305 people a video of the highlights of Mr Johnson's speech and then asked a series of questions about how he came across.

Some 46 per cent said they believed Mr Johnson seemed like he cares about ordinary people.

But some 68 per cent said that about Sir Keir following his address last Wednesday.

Just over half of the British public - 51 per cent - said they generally agreed with what the PM said. The number for Sir Keir was 63 per cent.

Some 62 per cent of respondents said Sir Keir came across as competent, compared to 49 per cent who felt that way about Mr Johnson.

More than half of respondents said Sir Keir and Mr Johnson came across as strong but the former was slightly ahead, 57 per cent to 53 per cent.

Opinium calculated an overall score out of 10 for each speech and found that Sir Keir's came out on top.

Mr Johnson scored 4.7 out of 10 while the Labour leader scored 5.9 out of 10.

The PM's score is lower than what he recorded following his first Tory conference speech as leader in 2019 when he got 4.4.

Chris Curtis, senior research manager at Opinium said: 'The Prime Minister will come away from Manchester pleased that his speech received positive reviews from voters, but if it was a horse race we would be calling Keir Starmer's speech in Brighton the winner.

'This is partly because Boris Johnson is a much more divisive figure than Keir Starmer, so it is harder for the Prime Minister to win plaudits from outside of the Conservative fold.

'However, with the vast majority of Conservatives approving of his speech, Johnson can rest assured he has pleased his base for another year.'
A Taliban commander has told an Australian news program that 'women should never be politicians' and everything should be like it was '1400 years ago'.

Waheedullah Hashimi told A Current Affair via video link his fundamentalist Islamic group has changed its ways and is not a brutal dictatorship, insisting 'we are forgiving people now, we are hugging people'.

But just moments later the Taliban's positive PR offensive began to crumble when he was questioned about basic women's rights.

'The best place for women is home. They have to remain in the home. We have different jobs - outside jobs and inside jobs,' he told the program.

'Our Sharia Law does not allow women in politics because if we go back 1,400 years, - the time of the prophet - at that time we had no women in politics.'

Veteran TV reporter Dan Nolan responded: 'That was 1,400 years ago, though. A lot has changed since then. Isn't it time for the Taliban to change its views?'

'No,' the Afghan militant responded.

'The religion of Islam will never get changed. What was 1400 years ago will be the same this time too.'

The Taliban have gone on a PR offensive trying to portray themselves as a legitimate government that observes human rights. Pictured: Taliban fighters stand guard near the venue of an open-air rally in a field on the outskirts of Kabul on October 3, 2021

Taliban Commander Waheedullah Hashimi (pictured) said no women should ever be a politician

The Taliban has tried to portray itself as a legitimate government that observes human rights since militants stormed the capital Kabul in August just days after US forces packed up and left after two decades.

But just weeks after they overthrew the democratically-elected leadership, social media videos have emerged of protesters, including women, being whipped and beaten in the streets.

While female students have been allowed to return to university separated from the men, high school girls have been banned from getting an education altogether.

A former Afghan refugee now living in Australia said what's happening in her former home 'perfectly exemplifies the Taliban's way of thinking'.

Dr Homa Forotan fled the oppressive regime when she was just 13 and arrived in Australia on a humanitarian visa.

Afghan refugee Dr Homa Forotan (pictured in Australia) studied medicine Down Under after fleeing the regime when she was 13

Pictured: Members of Taliban forces control people waiting to get visas, at the Iran embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan October 4, 2021

She studied medicine and is now a doctor.

Dr Forotan said the religious zealots use the religion to impose their warped worldview on terrified citizens.

'I think if someone comes in and imposes themselves and says 'look we are doing this for God', it's a very powerful tool to use a religion in that way, that suits your narrative,' Dr Forotan said.

'I think it's the biggest weapon they have.

'They do not really care about anyone else and they're going to run the country on their own rules and not listen to anyone else.'

Pictured: Afghan students listen to women speakers prior to their pro-Taliban rally outside the Shaheed Rabbani Education University in Kabul, Afghanistan, 11 September 2021

Pictured: Afghan women hold banners and placards as they take part in an anti-Pakistan protest in Kabul on September 8, 2021

One of the more concerning aspects of the Taliban's new reign is the re-establishment of the Ministry for Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice.

The agency is akin to a kind of morality police that is authorised to beat women in the streets or worse if they are not wearing a head-to-toe burka or niqab.

'That basically is a very rosy phrase for a group of very violent Taliban on their 4x4 trucks, going from street to street and trying to teach people their version of morality and their version of ethics,' Dr Forotan said.

'There's a lot of proof on the ground that nothing that they have portrayed themselves to be, has actually materialised.

Pictured: Taliban forces stand guard at a roadside Afghan women hold placards during a pro-Taliban rally outside the Shaheed Rabbani Education University in Kabul, Afghanistan, 11 September 2021

Taliban fighters faced female led protests on Wednesday September 8 after they announced an all-male interim government with a no representation for women and ethnic minority groups on Tuesday

'They are the same Taliban that they've been. They have Twitter accounts, they speak better English. They can fool people more easily now.'

With fears growing Afghanistan could become a haven for terror groups to launch attacks on the west, Mr Hashimi warned that if countries like Australia want to stay safe they should help the Taliban rebuild and offer assistance for things like mining.

'If they help us in educating our people, help us in building our own country, help us in extracting minerals from our country, so definitely, no one will join any evil organisation to threaten world security,' Mr Hashimi said.

'If they do not help us in this regard then any problem happens in Afghanistan, will be threat to international security.'
A teenager is in intensive care after catching Covid-19 from an illegal 16th birthday party held during lockdown.

A group of Year 10 students from Melbourne's St Columba's College and peers from two other local high schools caught the virus after attending the birthday bash last week.

One student is now reportedly receiving care in the ICU prompting St Columba's College principal Rita Grima to email parents reminding them of Melbourne's Covid restrictions.

'It has come to my attention that there are a number of student gatherings taking place to celebrate events such as 16th birthdays,' she wrote to parents.

'I have been informed that one such event involved Year 10 students from St Columba's College as well as two other local schools and that a number of young people from that party have now tested positive to Covid-19.

A group of Year 10 students from Melbourne's St Columba's College (pictured) and peers from two other local high schools have caught the virus after attending the birthday bash last week

'I understand the frustrations and disappointments that our young people are facing as milestones come and go marked by a lack of celebration and ceremony.

'It is important that we support appropriate decision-making with our young people, make plans for a time when celebrations can occur safely.'

Ms Grima told the Herald Sun the student who hosted the 16th birthday party did not attend her school but it's unclear which college the teenager in ICU attends.

'There are people who are making decisions that are not following the health advice in general and it's disappointing,' she told the publication.

'I've sent out a notice reminding everyone on the advice of the chief health officer that the best way to protect ourselves and the community is to get vaccinated.'

The scare comes after Victoria recorded 1,638 new coronavirus cases on Thursday - the second-most recorded in a single day in Australia in the whole pandemic.

One student is now reportedly receiving care in the ICU prompting St Columba's College principal Rita Grima to email parents reminding them of Melbourne's Covid restrictions

Infections dipped on Wednesday to 1,420 after a high of 1,763 the day before, but any hopes that marked the start of a decline were quickly extinguished by Thursday's figure.

Two people also died while positive with Covid and that number is expected to get worse, with the number of active cases in the state having doubled in the space of just 12 days, from 7,611 on AFL Grand Final day on September 25 to 15,074 on Thursday.

The new cases were diagnosed from 77,238 tests, representing a positive rate of 2.12 per cent, which is double that of NSW at the height of its outbreak.

Experts last week predicted Victoria's outbreak could peak at up to 3,000 a day in mid-October before it started to fall, as NSW's has for a few weeks.
Britain's most famous pint-sipping pony may no longer be able to call in at his favourite pub after time was called by authorities.

Patrick the miniature Shetland pony became a celebrity at The Drum Inn at picturesque village of Cockington in Torquay, Devon where his favourite tipple is Guinness.

But that could end as Patrick and other horses which pull carriages through the thatched cottages and parkland are being removed following a long-running battle over grazing.

Landlords Torbay Council said they were deeply saddened that despite all of their efforts the horses were being removed.

Patrick (pictured) is known to join his owner Kirk Petrakis on a jaunt to the pub where he drinks Guinness and is fed carrots by the landlord

The local authority said they offered a peppercorn rent and business support and will continue to work to keep the heritage tradition of horse-drawn carriages in Cockington.

Horses have been a feature of Cockington for generations and there has been a huge wave of nostalgia, sadness and anger at the news that Patrick's fellow horses Annie and Cowboy are being moved to private land.

It means the end of the traditional Halloween and Christmas-themed carriage rides.

Patrick and Kirk are regulars at The Drum Inn, Cockington but Patrick is facing eviction from nearby fields after they were deemed unsafe for him to graze on over winter

Many people visit the stables daily to see the big horses and miniature pony Patrick who has become a celebrity with his daily jaunts to the village pub for a Guinness.

Kirk says Patrick enjoys a small amount of Guinness which contains large amounts of iron and is good for his growth and development.

Kirk and Hannah Petrakis, Patrick's owners, have invited the public to come and say goodbye on Sunday afternoon at 2pm.

The couple who have run the horse and carriage business at Cockington for six years said they have been overwhelmed by the public reaction.

Kirk Petrakis (right) has been told the fields nearby The Drum Inn are not safe for Patrick and fellow horses Annie and Cowboy and they must go to private lands

They have been asking the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust for many months for better winter grazing.

Kirk said: 'Sadly the only fields offered to the horses for the winter are under a DEFRA Stewardship scheme which means if they become muddy there are chances of hefty fines.

'An Equine Vet who has done reports for the RSPCA has stated the fields are unsafe and dangerous.

Patrick is facing the prospect of a winter without his favourite beverage as his owners prepare to move him to private lands further away from the pub to graze

'So for the welfare of the horses they are being moved to private land, which is more suitable.

'Sadly this means the community won't be able to see them.'

Patrick has been going to The Drum Inn for his daily walks to get him used to being indoors and meeting people as part of his training as a therapy pony.

The Shetland pony's drinking exploits have made him a celebrity who has helped local people through the pandemic through his therapeutic training

Replying to Kirk's post one holidaymaker said: 'So sad those horses have been a feature of Cockington for years.

'As a tourist I know how much of a feature they are and to the village itself.'

Another asked: 'What's happening? There are tonnes of safe fields at Cockington.

Locals are being urged to come say goodbye to Patrick this Sunday afternoon as he faces being separated from his favourite pub this winter

'Surely the business isn't closing due to land?'

One comment said: 'So sad to hear this news How ridiculous that a solution couldn't be found.

'Horses have been in this valley since forever really.'

A horse lover wanted to know if the horses will be kept together: 'What about Patrick? I do hope he will have safe pasture with Annie and Cowboy.'

Although Annie and Cowboy, the larger horses who pull the carriages are leaving next week and may never return - the future of the business, the stables and miniature pony Patrick are not yet decided.

Kirk said: 'We are not saying it's the end/end yet.

Patrick has become a celebrity as his love of Guinness went viral online during lockdown with many visitors now coming to Cockington to see the Shetland pony in his stables

'But the winter grazing fields are not suitable - we have had a vet's report to confirm that.

'I am very disappointed to say that we have not been offered safe, alternative grazing for the horses.

'We are staying at the stables for now.

'For us the solution would have been that they let the horses graze in Lady Park Field, which is used by cows and sheep.

Patrick gets the bus to the pub to join his family for dinner and even visits the local shops as part of his duties as a therapy animal

'But we have been told we can't have it because it's under DEFRA stewardship.

'To be honest it's never been fully explained to us why cows are allowed in there but two horses aren't.

'It's mind boggling.

'MP Kevin Foster has intervened for us and is asking why the grazing field can't be taken out of stewardship.'

Hannah said that usually at this time of year they are decorating the stables and carriages for Halloween and then Christmas rides around the village.

'Annie and Cowboy are going to private grazing and all the people who like to visit them won't be able to see them.

'We don't know if they will ever be coming back and it's looking likely that Patrick will have to leave too although nothing has been decided.'

Hannah said: 'Normally the yard would be all decorated for Halloween and we would be doing rides.

'But that won't be happening this year.

'We get an awful lot of people who come to see Annie and Cowboy and we wanted them to know that they won't be here.

'People come to see them and to see Patrick.

'Patrick is still going for his walks up to the pub with Kirk, bless him, but we don't know yet when he will be leaving.'

Shetland ponies are native to the islands at the northern-most part of Scotland and require wide fields to graze on during the winter

Torbay Council said in a statement: 'TDA and Torbay Council note the statement from K&H Carriages setting out that their horses will be removed from Cockington Court.

'Torbay Council and TDA recognise the heritage and tradition the horses bring to the site. Since May, we have made sustained efforts working with K&H Carriages and Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust to find a solution in this ongoing dispute over winter grazing.

'TDA commissioned an independent land agent assessment of the grazing which concluded that, whilst not ideal, the current winter grazing fields are workable.

'In addition, TDA has carried out searches for alternative grazing sites both in 2018 and again this year.

'However, a solution has not been found that has been acceptable to the current operators.

'As the Council's appointed operators of Cockington Court, TDA has continually supported K&H Carriages since they based their business at the site.

'In recognition of the heritage benefits that the horses bring to the site, TDA offered a peppercorn rent at the start of the lease, which was offered for an extended period.

'In addition, Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust (TCCT) offered a discounted rent on the winter grazing fields.

'K&H carriages have been offered business support and advice from TDA Business Advisors; the business advice offer was not accepted.

'In further support of the business, TDA also supported K&H Carriages with their request to run their Purple Poppy Appeal from Cockington Court.

'Over recent weeks TDA and Council representatives have met with K&H Carriages with the aim and hope that a solution could be found and have recently proposed a change in the operating requirements to resolve the winter grazing issues.

'While it has not been possible to reach a solution, we are deeply saddened to see K&H Carriages remove their horses and we continue to recognise the heritage and will continue to work to protect this tradition.'
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A couple have started decorating their home in festive lights with 11 weeks still to go until December 25 to raise more money for three charities that helped their grandson recover from epilepsy.

Helen and John Attlesey decorate their house in Soham, Cambridgeshire, every year in aid of charity, but this year there will be no switch-on event due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

The retired couple have been putting on the impressive display since 2012, each time raising money for three causes close to their hearts: East Anglia's Children's Hospices, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Dreamflight.

The three organisations all helped support Helen and John's grandson Jacob when he was diagnosed with a serious form of epilepsy at the age of six.

He was given 12 to 18 months to live but, after undergoing surgery to have a part of his brain removed, his seizures stopped.

John and Helen Attlesey (pictured) started decorating their house in Soham, Cambridgeshire, in 2012, to raise money for three charities that supported their grandson when he was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of six

The couple decorate their home with hundreds of lights, with snowmen, reindeer and an inflatable Santa Claus making up their festive grotto

The display takes weeks to put together and Helen thinks it will probably be the middle of November by the time it is finally all up

Like last year, there will be no switch-on event due to the ongoing pandemic but people will still be able to visit and make donations to the three charities

Helen said the couple started putting up the display in 2012 and have gradually added more and more decorations in the years that followed

Last year, Helen and John decided to switch on their Christmas display early to get their neighbours into the festive spirit following months of misery from the pandemic.

As the pandemic continues, Helen and John have again decided against a switch-on event but progress on the huge display is now underway.

Yesterday they held a trial switch on after making a start on the festive scene.

'Not all of them are up but we've made a start and it's definitely a work in progress,' Helen told the Hunts Post.

'Like last year, when we think we're ready we'll just switch them on - it'll probably be about the middle of November.'

Their 2020 display raised 12,895.57 - more than double the previous year's total. Since 2012, they have raised in excess of 25,000.

The retired couple have been putting on the impressive display since 2012, each time raising money for three charities close to their hearts: East Anglia's Children's Hospices, Great Ormond Street Hospital and Dreamflight

Last year, the couple's annual Christmas display raised more than 12,000 - more than double the total raised in the previous year

Helen said not all the decorations are up yet this year but they have made a start, while she described the display as 'a work in progress'

The charities themselves said they are extremely grateful for the money raised by Helen and John.

Dreamflight, a charity that brings 192 children from across the UK together to board a privately-hired aircraft to Disney World, Orlando, each October, said the Attlesey's are 'fantastic supporters'.

'Each year they take donations for their Christmas lights and we are very grateful for their help,' the charity added.

Helen and John's grandson Jacob was on board Dreamflight in 2013.

Lisa Bishop, the fundraising manger of Dreamflight, told MailOnline: We are hugely grateful for the fantastic support that Mr and Mrs Attlesey give to Dreamflight.

'Using their amazing Christmas lights, they have raised thousands of pounds and, as a small charity with just one office, their help is incredibly important to us.

Dreamflight does not allow parents on the trip but instead a huge volunteer team of doctors, nurses, physiotherapists and other helpers look after the children for ten days.

Volunteers and supporters fundraise for the charity year-round, in order to make the trip happen.

The charity said: 'Dreamflight is not just a holiday; it does something that medicine cant.

'The children get the opportunity to discover independence, confidence, and a whole new outlook on life.

'Often for the first time, they realise that they are not the odd one out.

'They gain perspective and experience things that they never thought possible.'

The annual Christmas display is extremely popular, with many people stopping by to admire the lights and to make donations to the chosen charities

John and Helen held a trial switch on yesterday after the couple started making progress on this year's festive display and the full display may be ready in November

Simon Hempsall, the head of marketing and communications at East Anglia's Children's Hospices added: 'John and Helens stunning display is always a sight to behold.

'Its an incredible gesture and, down the years, theyve raised an extraordinary amount of money for EACH.

'Their long-term support is something were truly grateful for because we rely on voluntary income to continue providing specialist care and support for children with life-threatening conditions, and their families.

'The money they raise will make a real difference, as well as sprinkling festive cheer and putting smiles on the faces of those fortunate enough to enjoy their Christmas lights.'

Laura Savory, deputy director of community fundraising at the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, said: 'Christmas is such a special time of year at the charity, and were delighted to see our supporters getting into the festive spirit so early.

'Were incredibly grateful for Helen and Johns generosity over the years, and their fundraising has made a huge difference to seriously ill children across the UK who are treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

'We know their extraordinary light display will bring lots of Christmas cheer in Soham and beyond.'

Last year, Helen said: 'We started with a few lights nine years ago and every year we've added more and more.

'People come from all over to admire the display, they love it, it makes them happy, it's really become a tradition.

'But it is a shame that this year we had to switch on the lights without a gathering to watch, as we've done in the past, but we just plodded on through to make sure we could bring a smile to some faces.'
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Wreaths were today laid to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the start of the UK's involvement in the Afghanistan war.

Some 457 British personnel killed during the conflict were remembered at two small ceremonies at 7.30am, with wreaths laid at the Bastion Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire and the Iraq and Afghanistan Memorial near the Ministry of Defence in central London.

It comes just months after British troops were withdrawn from Afghanistan and the Taliban regained control of the country.

Claire Hill, whose only child James was killed in 2009, told the BBC 'the hurt never goes away' but she has 'to believe he made a difference'.

On October 7, 2001, American-led coalition airstrikes on airports and terrorist training camps marked the start of the war. It followed the September 11 terror attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon.

Minister of the armed forces James Heappey and Major General Gerald Strickland lay a wreath at the Camp Bastion Memorial, during a service to mark 20 years since the start of UK operations in Afghanistan

A trumpeter plays The Last Post during a wreath laying service at the Camp Bastion Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, near Lichfield, Staffordshire

Wreaths were laid at the Camp Bastion Memorial. Some 457 British personnel killed during the conflict were remembered today on the 20th anniversary of the start of conflict in Afghanistan

The Ministry of Defence organised today's ceremonies to honour 'the courage and commitment of its people' during the war.

Piper Major Colour Sgt Peter Grant led the procession in Staffordshire, and said the service was vital for reflection on the conflict.

Sgt Grant, who was the lone piper at the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral, said it was 'quite emotional' to see the names of the people he served with on the wall of the Bastion memorial.

Some 12 years after James Hill died, his parents said they were proud of his service but cannot cope with the idea his life was wasted.

James was 23 and engaged to be married when he was killed by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan's Helmand province.

Minister of the armed forces James Heappey and Major General Gerald Strickland arrive for the wreath service at the Camp Bastion Memorial

Mr Heappey looks at the names of the servicemen and women who died during the 20-year conflict. The Ministry of Defence organised today's ceremonies to honour 'the courage and commitment of its people' during the war

Mrs Hill said: 'There's an emptiness, there's a hole here that nothing can fill.'

Her husband added: 'Remembrance Day for most people is 11 November, but for the likes of us Remembrance Day is every day.'

Stuart Tootal, a former colonel who commanded the Parachute Regiment and led British troops into Helmand in 2006, witnessed the moment a peace support operation turned into a bloody conflict.

He said the 'concept was flawed' and believes the military was pulled out of the area too quickly. Mr Tootal said there was no victory but although Britain can't be proud of the outcome it can be proud of what soldiers tried to achieve.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: 'Today we remember the sacrifice and courage of the 457 service personnel who lost their lives during the 20 years of UK operations in Afghanistan.

Minister of the armed forces James Heappey and Major General Gerald Strickland lay a wreath each. It comes just months after British troops were withdrawn from Afghanistan and the Taliban regained control of the country

'We remember their bravery in conflict and their dedication to the cause of peace and democracy. Their selfless sacrifice transformed Afghanistan and showed the UK's solemn commitment to standing with our NATO allies.'

Armed forces minister James Heappey, who laid a wreath in Staffordshire, said: 'Having served on two tours of Afghanistan myself, I was proud to lay a wreath at the Bastion Memorial in memory of those who tragically did not return home.

'Our armed forces overcame unimaginable challenges in support of the people of Afghanistan and to defend the UK and its allies. We must continue to honour the legacy of the generations of service personnel who served in Afghanistan.'

The design of the Bastion Memorial is a replica of the former memorial wall in Camp Bastion, the former British Army airbase in the Helmand Province area of Afghanistan.

Material from the original wall is incorporated in the foundations, with the memorial also featuring brass plaques and a cross made of shell casings from the Camp Bastion site.

It comes just days after Boris Johnson's envoy met with the Taliban in Afghanistan as part of an effort to prevent the country from becoming 'an incubator for terrorism'.

Members of the armed forces lay a wreath at the Camp Bastion Memorial. Claire Hill, whose only child James was killed in 2009, told the BBC 'the hurt never goes away' but she has 'to believe he made a difference'

On October 7, 2001, American-led coalition airstrikes on airports and terrorist training camps marked the start of the war. It followed the September 11 terror attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. Pictured, wreaths at the Camp Bastion memorial were laid today

Sir Simon Gass, the Prime Minister's High Representative for Afghan Transition, met with terror chiefs in Kabul - the first summit since British forces evacuated in August.

Mr Johnson has faced down fury from Tory backbenchers over the decision to sit down with the Taliban, who have executed dissidents, tortured prisoners and forced women into hiding since seizing power from the US-backed government.

Sir Simon met with fearsome Islamist tyrants, including the de-facto leader Abdul Ghani Baradar, known as 'Baradar the Butcher', deputy prime minister Abdul-Salam Hanafi and foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

He was joined in Kabul by the Charge d'Affaires of the UK Mission to Afghanistan in Doha Dr Martin Longden.

A Government spokesman said: 'Sir Simon and Dr Longden discussed how the UK could help Afghanistan to address the humanitarian crisis, the importance of preventing the country from becoming an incubator for terrorism, and the need for continued safe passage for those who want to leave the country.

Sir Simon Gass, the Prime Minister's High Representative for Afghan Transition, met with terror chiefs in Kabul - the first summit since British forces evacuated in August. Pictured, with foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi

A Taliban fighter with an AK-47 backed by a comrade in a machine gun-rigged truck stands guard in Kabul on October 3

Taliban fighters armed to the teeth patrol through downtown Kabul as a child sits on a bicycle on Sunday

'They also raised the treatment of minorities and the rights of women and girls.

'The Government continues to do all it can to ensure safe passage for those who wish to leave and is committed to supporting the people of Afghanistan.'

A statement on Twitter which appeared to be from a Taliban foreign affairs spokesman said: 'The meeting focused on detailed discussions about reviving diplomatic relations between both countries, assurance of security by IEA (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan) for all citizens entering legally, and humanitarian assistance by UK for the Afghans.'

Abdul Qahar Balkhi said the UK delegation had said Mr Johnson was 'seeking to build relations with IEA while taking into account prevailing circumstances' while the Afghan side said the UK 'must take positive steps regarding relations and cooperation, and begin a new chapter of constructive relations'.

He said: 'We expect others to also not work towards weakening our government.'
A family are locked in a bitter multimillion pound court battle over a 'dilapidated' petrol station bought by their artist ancestor which is now worth a fortune.

Recruitment boss Tudor Marsden-Huggins is battling his mother Dr Caroleta Marsden-Huggins over ownership of the former filling station in Windsor which has been in their clan since the 1930s, and adjoins the family burial plot.

Over the course of almost a century the site has rocketed in value, with Dr Marsden-Huggins claiming developers have previously offered to buy it for 2m.

Now permission has been granted for a 50-room hotel to be erected there and its value will surge ever higher, she insists.

But her plans to sell off the former filling station to the highest bidder have landed her in a court fight with son Tudor, who is determined to keep the site in the family and display his great-grandfather's artwork there.

Papers filed with London's High Court set out how mother and son are the descendants of Windsor artist Wilfred Huggins, whose son Marsden acquired the filling station site in the 1930s.

Recruitment boss Tudor Marsden-Huggins (left) is battling his mother Dr Caroleta Marsden-Huggins (right) over ownership of the former filling station in Windsor which has been in their family since the 1930s

The 'dilapidated' former filling station in Windsor was bought by Wilfred Huggins in 1930 and has 'skyrocketed' in value above 2million, the family say

Tudor, the decorated artist's great-grandson, says he has spent 430,000 gaining planning permission for a hotel on the site so it can be kept in the family and used to honour his forebear's talents by displaying his work.

He says he spent the money having been assured by his property manager mother that the site - which is in her name- was to be passed to him and his brother.

Now Tudor claims that, following a falling out between him and his brother, Saxon, his family is denying him his rightful claim to half of the property's value.

Mother Dr Caroleta has described herself as the family's 'custodian' of the property, but the family feud has been brewing since at least 1998.

Since 2014, Tudor claims to have invested more than 400,000 in refurbishment and planning permission investments to ensure he would 'inherit the property' and honour his family history.

In court papers, Tudor's lawyers say: 'The property is a former petrol filling station and is in a severely dilapidated state.

'It has been owned by the Marsden-Huggins' family for approximately 100 years. The defendant has been the registered proprietor of the property since around August 2000 when she inherited it from her late husband.

'On occasions too numerous to particularise, since at least 1998 until this dispute developed in about 2020, the defendant has consistently and repeatedly represented to the claimant and Saxon that they would jointly receive the property before or her upon her death.

The mother and son are the descendants of Windsor artist Wilfrid Huggins, whose son Marsden acquired the filling station site in the 1930s. Tudor has committed to restoring his great-grandfather's painting (pictured) to its former glory, and display it in the hotel he wants to build. Tudor says he has spent 430,000 gaining planning permission for a hotel on the petrol station site so it can be kept in the family and used to honour his forebear's talents by displaying his work

'The claimant estimates that he has spent somewhere in the region of 430,000.

'He invested those sums in the expectation that he would inherit the property, together with Saxon.'

Windsor-based artist Wilfrid Huggins (1873-1949) Wilfrid Huggins, born 1873, was an artist of local renown in Windsor. He graduated from London's Royal Academy of Arts. Following the death of his 33-year-old son, Marsden, he donated a painting to the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. The artwork, 'A View of Windsor Castle from Eton Wick', was misplaced and found in the basement of Maidenhead Town Hall after a four year search. His great-grandson, Tudor, has committed to restoring the painting to its former glory. There are plans to display the artwork in the Windsor area for local residents to enjoy. Advertisement

The papers go on to say that the brothers subsequently fell out over business matters down under, where the family are currently based, and that his mother 'appears to be fixed in her intention to sell the property.'

Tudor also argues that his mother, Dr Marsden-Huggins 'recently indicated a willingness to sell the property' to him but 'has continued to deny his beneficial interest in the same' and is demanding full market price, which she puts at over 2m.

Alternative to a half share, Tudor is demanding his mother give him his 430,000 investment back, plus interest.

Dr Marsden-Huggins insists that if her son wants to keep the site within the family, he must pay the same price as any other bidder.

In her defence, barrister Jamal Demachkie argued: 'The defendant admits that she has often discussed her intentions with her sons, but denies...that she has represented that her sons would certainly receive the property before, or upon, her death.'

She has never 'evinced any form of intention to convey to the claimant any interest in the property, let alone a 50% share as he seeks in this claim,' the barrister adds.

'The defendant has never provided any representation or assurance that the property would be inherited by her sons. This may have been the desire of the claimant, but, if so, it was not based on any representation or assurance from the defendant.'

Her lawyer states the family have 'received an offer... to purchase the property for 2 million' from a developer and that, planning permission for the hotel having been granted earlier his year, the site is now worth 'well above this figure.'

'The defendant believes that Tudor's desire to hold on to the property at any cost has been behind his increasing expenditure and his refusal to countenance any sale to a third party, contrary to the wishes of the defendant.

'The current dispute has seemingly been borne out of the defendant's desire to sell the property so as to ensure that in the latter years of her life, she is able to earn an income and not be tied into a development project of uncertain duration, from which she is unlikely to ever see any benefit in her lifetime,' her barrister concludes.

The contents of the court documents have yet to be tested in evidence before a judge.
Justin Trudeau has been mocked online for using the latest sexual identities acronym, which includes a number, nine letters and the plus sign.

The Canadian Prime Minister, 49, tweeted this week in honor of the lives of 'Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people' who have gone missing or been murdered.

But the use of the acronym sparked controversy on Twitter with people joking that it looked like a typo as one wrote: 'Headbutting a keyboard is now a sexuality'.

Justin Trudeau has been mocked online for using the latest sexual identities acronym, 2SLGBTQQIA+, in a tweet which includes the number and letter '2S' meaning 'Two-spirit'

His tweet was in support of the annual Sisters in Spirit vigil, an event held on October 4, dedicated to raise public awareness about missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls in Canada.

Trudeau took to social media, writing: 'People across the country are lighting candles to honour Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people who are missing or have been murdered.

'We must continue to work together, raise awareness, and advocate to end this ongoing national tragedy,' he added along with the hashtag 'Sisters In Spirit.'

His tweet was in support of the Sisters in Spirit vigil, an event held on October 4, dedicated to raise public awareness about missing and murdered Aboriginal women and girls in Canada

What does the acronym 2SLGBTQQIA+ stand for? The latest sexual identities acronym is 2SLGBTQQIA+. It stands for: 'Two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and asexual, and all other sexual orientations and genders'. 'Two-spirit' refers to a person who identifies as having both a masculine and a feminine spirit. It is used by some Indigenous North Americans to describe their sexual, gender and/or spiritual identity. Advertisement

The sexual identities acronym includes the number and letter '2S' which stands for 'Two-spirit'.

It refers to a person who identifies as having both a masculine and a feminine spirit and is used by some Indigenous North Americans to describe their sexual identity.

However, Trudeau's inclusion of the acronym sparked controversy on Twitter with many people mocking the prime minister, joking that it was a typo.

British rapper Nzube Olisaebuka Udezue, known by his stage name ZUBY, wrote: 'Headbutting a keyboard is now a sexuality'.

Other people got in on the joke with conservative commentator Matt Walsh tweeting: 'Is that the actual acronym now or did his cat walk across the keyboard?'

Another woman named Ruth Hutchings wrote: 'Seriously? The LGBTQ moniker changes every week. I have no idea what it stands for anymore.'

One man named Barry wrote: "2SLGBTQQIA+" Which language is this, please, and how does one pronounce it?'

Another Twitter user asked: 'So is this "inclusive" group going to just keep expanding until it covers everybody except for straight white people?'

However, Trudeau's inclusion of the acronym sparked controversy on Twitter with many people mocking the prime minister, joking that it was a typo

Meanwhile, one Twitter user wrote: 'Why not just take away the 2SLGBTQQIA+ prefix and use the widely accepted word 'people' instead?

'That way, every human being's right to dignity is rhetorically safeguarded. Constantly evolving acronyms which include some while others are excluded is per definition discrimination.'

Vigils were held across Canada on Monday to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women, with many people lighting a candle in their window and events including walks and commemoration ceremonie taking place.

In Regina, Saskatchewan, in western Canada, people took part in a Sisters in Spirit walk holding white roses with the names of local Indigenous women and girls who are missing or murdered.

In March 2010, Sisters in Spirit released a report which identified 582 Indigenous women or girls had been missing or murdered in Canada.

Statistics show that in Canada, Aboriginal women between the ages of 25 and 44 are five times more likely than all other women in the same age group to die as a result of violence.
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A victim of Jimmy Savile has revealed how a crew member on the BBC's Top of the Pops told her to 'go away' after she complained she had been groped on camera by the prolific sex offender.

Sylvia Edwards, 63, of Twickenham, South West London, was 18 when she appeared beside Savile on the show in November 1976 and told how the presenter's hand was 'rock solid' and she 'couldn't shift it out the way'.

Disturbing footage shows her desperately trying to get away from the paedophile while screaming and twisting as he grabs her out of view  and Ms Edwards said today how she was 'embarrassed' and his 'hand just kept moving'.

In the clip, Savile, who died in 2011, tells the viewers while staring at the camera as he continues to grope Ms Edwards: 'I tell you something, a fella could get used to this, as it happens, he really could get used to it.'

Mother-of-two Ms Edwards said she went to a 'man with headphones' and asked him: 'He's just put his hand up behind me and I didn't like it.' But she claimed that the man told her: 'Oh go away, that's just Jimmy, go away.'

She spoke to Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard on Good Morning Britain today ahead of a new documentary about Savile's decades-long career of abuse on ITV at 9pm tonight, called 'Savile: Portrait Of A Predator'.

Sylvia Edwards, who appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain, has revealed how a crew member on Top of the Pops told her to 'go away' after she complained she had been groped on camera by Jimmy Savile

Sylvia Edwards was 18 when she appeared beside the presenter on the BBC music show Top of the Pops in November 1976

In a preview clip on GMB today, Ms Edwards said: 'His hand wasn't going away, and I was trying to move it, but I tell you what his hand was rock solid and it would not move, it would not move. And I was getting embarrassed, because I couldn't shift it out the way, and I was getting shifted, you know what I mean, his hand just kept moving.'

Reacting to what she said, presenter Reid told GMB viewers: 'That's disgusting, Sylvia, and I just feel revolted, as anyone would do now  but also by the fact that whenever we were watching that it was all a big joke at the time. Nobody realised, and we should have done, what he was actually doing.'

'He gave himself greater opportunity to offend': What has been said about Jimmy Savile today A range of people have spoken out about Jimmy Savile both on today's Good Morning Britain and for tonight's new ITV documentary. Here is what they said: Sylvia Edwards, Savile's victim 'I went down and this man with headphones, I said to him: 'He's just put his hand up behind me and I didn't like it.' And he said: 'Oh go away, that's just Jimmy, go away.' Told me to go, leave.' Gary Pankhurst, Operation Yewtree detective 'Each decision and change that he made in his career actually gave him greater opportunity to offend against a greater number of individuals and also he increased the amount of protection around him' Kate Lampard, who led NHS investigations into Savile 'There was a sense of shock, really, that sensible people had allowed this to happen over a very, very long period of time. They stopped seeing what was before their eyes.' Ian Hampton, former bass player with The Sparks 'I went to a producer on the night and said to him: 'What's going on with Savile?. And he shrugged me off  'don't be ridiculous'. And that was the response I got from the producer and a couple of other DJs. They shrugged it off as well. Susanna Reid, Good Morning Britain presenter 'I just feel revolted, as anyone would do now  but also by the fact that whenever we were watching that it was all a big joke at the time. Nobody realised, and we should have done, what he was actually doing.' Meirion Jones, journalist 'If you're a friend of the Royal Family, a chief constable is going to think twice about putting a team on an investigation of you.' Advertisement

And Ms Edwards told GMB: 'It's hard sometimes because I knew what was going on and I asked for help on it. When the camera went away from us we could actually get out of where we were because we were surrounded  the camera clogged us in.

'And I went down and this man with headphones, I said to him: 'He's just put his hand up behind me and I didn't like it.' And he said: 'Oh go away, that's just Jimmy, go away.' Told me to go, leave.

'I was only with one girl at the time and we were talking about it on the way back home. But I knew it was wrong, but it was just because I'd been told to get lost, and it was the end of the thing, being ushered out, I just literally went home and told my dad, because there was no one else I can talk to.

'At the time he said he couldn't do anything to Jimmy Saville could he, and I don't suppose they thought about the police then.'

This new documentary for ITV explores how Savile engineered his career and lifestyle to abuse and escape detection, and why the BBC, hospital trusts and the police failed to stop him.

The programme features new testimony from those who were victims and who bore witness to his crimes, including Operation Yewtree detective Gary Pankhurst who followed up hundreds of reports of abuse by Savile.

In his first ever interview, Mr Pankhurst describes Savile as an abuser first who went on to become a celebrity - a high-functioning psychopath who learned from criminals early in his career as a DJ how to control and manipulate those around him.

He said Savile used this approach at the BBC and at the Top of the Pops studio, where underage audience members became his victims.

Speaking on GMB today, Mr Pankhurst said: 'My view on this is that I came to this investigation having spent a long part of my career looking at sex offenders, and the reality is that what I could see with Jimmy Savile, although a lot of his career was in the public domain, and he was viewed as a celebrity, actually you could look throughout his career that he made the same choices as many sexual offenders and predators that operate in the shadows.

'I think that with the distance of time, to look at these things in more detail, immediately in the white heat of the revelations that came out and the inquiries that took place, organisations looked to themselves to strengthen their own processes to try and prevent this kind of thing happening again.

'But if we look at the individual and how they managed to operate, what I was thinking about in terms of him as an offender was how he maximised his opportunities to offend, and as you see his career progressing, each decision and change that he made in his career actually gave him greater opportunity to offend against a greater number of individuals and also he increased the amount of protection around him.'

Ms Edwards spoke on GMB today with Susanna Reid, with the presenter saying she was 'revolted' by what happened

Savile's victim spoke to Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard on Good Morning Britain today ahead of a new documentary

Mr Pankhurst said every move Savile made in his career and lifestyle was calculated to improve his chances of being able to offend and avoid detection.

Yewtree detective says Jimmy Savile was a high-functioning psychopath TOTP presenter Jimmy Savile The new documentary features the first ever interview with Operation Yewtree detective Gary Pankhurst who followed up hundreds of reports of abuse by Savile. Mr Pankhurst describes Savile as a high-functioning psychopath who learned from criminals early in his career as a DJ how to control and manipulate people. He told Good Morning Britain today: 'My view on this is that I came to this investigation having spent a long part of my career looking at sex offenders, and the reality is that what I could see with Jimmy Savile, although a lot of his career was in the public domain, and he was viewed as a celebrity, actually you could look throughout his career that he made the same choices as many sexual offenders and predators that operate in the shadows. 'I think that with the distance of time, to look at these things in more detail, immediately in the white heat of the revelations that came out and the inquiries that took place, organisations looked to themselves to strengthen their own processes to try and prevent this kind of thing happening again. 'But if we look at the individual and how they managed to operate, what I was thinking about in terms of him as an offender was how he maximised his opportunities to offend, and as you see his career progressing, each decision and change that he made in his career actually gave him greater opportunity to offend against a greater number of individuals and also he increased the amount of protection around him.' Mr Pankhurst said every move Savile made in his career and lifestyle was calculated to improve his chances of being able to offend and avoid detection. Advertisement

He added that Savile rarely abused the same person more than once, and spread his offending across Britain where he had several different homes, ensuring no single police force became aware of all of his actions.

He added: 'The concerns are potentially that we could look at Savile and say well this was an aberration that happened in a different time and its relevance to today is less because of all the things that have been put in place to change the structure of organisations, but the reality is that there were plenty of opportunities to find out what Savile was up to during his period of offending.

'But what we all have to take responsibility for as individuals is to not accept and normalise behaviour that is maybe at the time, it may just seem inappropriate.

'As Sylvia describes, she knew it was wrong, he was being handsy, he was doing what he was doing and that was normalised within the environment that he was working with at the time and he was controlling that environment.

'And that's the kind of thing, the message I would like to get across today  is that whatever environment you're in, and whatever position that you hold within that environment, when you see things that you don't feel is right, you don't know what's going on that you're not aware of, and therefore there could be a huge amount out there that isn't being reported that isn't being dealt with because everybody else is thinking the same thing  that somebody else will deal with it.'

Speaking about how Savile had 'compartmentalised' his life, Mr Pankhurst added: 'You start to think, well, why, why was that the case? And, you know, rather like terrorist cells you don't provide all your information to more than one, so you can't overlap. He was just somebody who was very difficult to keep track of.'

Royal insiders are also featured on the programme explaining how Savile courted Establishment figures, particularly Prince Charles, to give him respectability.

Meirion Jones, a journalist who investigated Savile's crimes shortly after his death, said: 'If you're a friend of the Royal Family, a chief constable is going to think twice about putting a team on an investigation of you.'

Prince Charles's office declined to comment for the programme.

Kate Lampard, who led a review of Savile's offending across the NHS, said she could not understand how managers failed to act.

She added: 'There was a sense of shock, really, that sensible people had allowed this to happen over a very, very long period of time. They stopped seeing what was before their eyes.'

Also quoted in the programme is Ian Hampton, a former bass player with The Sparks, who said of Savile: I think he regarded Top of the Pops as a happy hunting ground for young ladies. On one occasion I was on Top of the Pops, Savile disappeared with a young girl to a dressing room.

Operation Yewtree detective Gary Pankhurst, who was also on GMB today, followed up hundreds of reports of abuse by Savile

Royal insiders are also featured on the new programme explaining how Savile courted Establishment figures, particularly Prince Charles (pictured in 2007), to give him respectability. Prince Charles's office declined to comment for the programme

'A few minutes later, she returned looking absolutely shaken. After I saw this I went to a producer on the night and said to him: 'What's going on with Savile?.'

'And he shrugged me off  'don't be ridiculous'. And that was the response I got from the producer and a couple of other DJs. They shrugged it off as well. I think they were in awe of Savile, or in terror. He was a very threatening person.'

In 2016, the Dame Janet Smith Review into sexual abuse at the corporation identified 72 victims of DJ Savile.

It found he sexually assaulted 57 women or girls and 15 boys, with the youngest girl he raped aged 13 and youngest boy aged ten.

The earliest known incident was the rape of a girl aged 13 at Lime Grove studios in 1959 and the last known incident was at the last recording of Top of the Pops in 2006.

Savile: Portrait Of A Predator is on ITV at 9pm tonight
Donald Trump's former trade adviser has called Anthony Fauci 'evil' and claims he urged the president to fire the Covid tsar twice.

Peter Navarro said that Fauci had financed gain of function experiments at the Wuhan lab 'that cost hundreds of thousands of American lives.'

He claims the epidemiologist is guilty of a 'cover up' over the lab where many believe the virus originated through experiments to alter bat coronaviruses.

Fauci and the National Health Institute (NIH) have defended giving $600,000 to the Wuhan lab to study how viruses can transmit from bats to humans, insisting it was not used for gain of function experiments.

Navarro said he got into a 'screaming match' with Fauci within the first three minutes of meeting him because he refused to back a travel ban to stop 20,000 Chinese nationals coming in each day at the height of the pandemic.

Peter Navarro speaks to the media outside the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, Aug. 28, 2020

Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, speaks during a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee hearing at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 20, 2021

He described walking into a meeting and seeing 'this guy sitting across from me, little guy, round glasses, little smirk on his face, and I didn't know who he was, didn't know he walked on water, didn't know his name was Fauci.

'And within three minutes I'm in a screaming match with this son of a gun and he's adamantly opposed to the travel ban. And I go wait a minute, there's 20,000 Chinese nationals coming in every day to this country, many of them infected.

'That was my first showdown with him and I came out of there thinking, "Wow, that guy thinks he's smarter than he is," and two, more importantly, "That guy's going to hurt us and the president,"' Navarro told the Jason Rantz radio show.

He said they would go on to have 'many more showdowns' and how he later discovered Fauci's 'cover up' of the gain of function research in Wuhan.

Navarro said: 'Anthony Fauci knew in January of 2020 when that virus broke that it was likely from the Wuhan lab and, more importantly, it was likely genetically engineered using gain of function experiments that Facui himself, along with [NIH Director Francis] Collins, had financed through the NIH.

'So he's going down. he's going down for that, and his blocking of something that absolutely works.

'We now know that hydroxychloroquine saves lives and he's going down for everything else he did with regards to slowing down the vaccine process for political purposes.'

Early on, Fauci expressed doubts about the immunosuppressive drug hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of COVID-19, putting him at odds with Trump who seized on the treatment as a potential cure.

There have been subsequent studies which have had conflicting conclusions about the efficacy of hydroxychloroquine in treating Covid.

Navarro said: 'I did tell the president on two occasions to fire Anthony Fauci, and I did it early on.'

The Wuhan Institute of Virology has been fingered as the potential source of COVID-19. It received $599,000 in US government money from the EcoHealth Alliance for its study on coronaviruses in bats

He added he did not blame Trump for the mistake, but 'it was a mistake for the Republic because that man is evil,' Navarro added.

'Make no mistake about this. He is evil because he was at the American bureaucracy that used taxpayer dollars' to pursue gain-of-function experiments, Navarro said.

He claims that Fauci through surrogates like Peter Daszak, president of New York-based EcoHealth Alliance, paid for the research in Wuhan.

'These people are dangerous and Communist China should pay for what they did to us,' Navarro said.

'What they did to us, whether the virus might have escaped accidentally, everything after that was intentional by Communist China and they created the virus along with Fauci and they need to be held accountable.'
The ASOS Billionaire will still have to apply for planning permission, although that too is likely to be granted

Included in that plan is restoration of two boathouses, the ruins of which are visible on the banks of Loch Ness

Danish fashion magnate has now had application for listed building consent granted by the Highland Council

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ASOS billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen's initial plans for a floating sauna and changing room on the banks of Loch Ness have been approved by conservation bosses.

The Danish fashion magnate, 48, has snapped up more than 100million of Highlands property since 2006, including historic Aldourie Castle, which is the only habitable castle on the shoreline of the famous Scottish loch.

He reportedly paid 15million for the estate in 2015 and it is being slowly restored.

Mr Povlsen - one of the UK's largest landowners - has now had an application for listed building consent granted by the Highland Council, with stringent conditions.

Included in that plan is the restoration of two boathouses, the ruins of which are visible on the banks of the 37km stretch of water. They are originally thought to have been built in the 19th century when the castle was expanded.

Mr Povlsen became enchanted with Scotland when he went fly fishing in the Scottish Highlands as a young boy in the 1980s with his parents and brother.

With his wife Anne, he has since formed a '200-year vision' for their estates, which involves rewilding the land. Mr Povlsen said he planned to pass the estate along to his four children and that they would continue his work.

But their dream was hit by tragedy when three of their four children were killed in the Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka in 2018. Alfred, five, Alma, 15, and Agnes, 12, all died. Only their youngest daughter, Astrid, then ten, survived the attacks and they had twin girls around a year later in March 2020.

At the time they wrote an open letter to the people of Scotland, thanking them for their 'heartfelt gratitude for the condolences, sympathy and many warming thoughts we have received following the tragic loss of our three beloved and beautiful children.'

Anders Holch Povlsen, 48, pictured with his wife Anne, has had initial plans for a floating sauna and changing room on the banks of Loch Ness approved by conservation bosses. Since 2006, he has snapped up more than 100million of Highlands property, including historic Aldourie Castle

Aldourie Castle is set within 500 acres of prime Scottish real estate and is the only habitable castle on the shoreline of Loch Ness. Mr Povlsen reportedly paid 15million for the estate in 2015 and it is being slowly restored

An illustration showing the proposed elevation for the new boathouse on Loch Ness. Mr Povlsen has had an application for listed building consent granted by the Highland Council, with stringent conditions

The proposed side elevation for one of the new boathouses, submitted by Mr Povlsen as part of restoration plans. They are originally thought to have been built in the 19th century when the castle was expanded

Mr Povlsen has bought 11 Scottish estates and they are said to be worth 120million - more than double what he is believed to have paid for the properties. But he has spent huge sums rewilding land and refurbishing properties

Evidence from the turn of the 20th century shows a heather thatched open timber boathouse protected by a palisaded timber fence.

Wooden stakes that one former boathouse used to float on can still be seen in the water, while the concrete plinth is all that remains of the other.

An application was put in earlier this year by the Aldourie Castle Estate for listed building consent to recreate the two structures, using a timber frame, corrugated iron roof, with one of the floating pontoons including a sauna and changing room.

The other was to include space for, according to plans, what appeared to be a speedboat, with an adjoining toilet, and a tearoom and kitchenette above.

Work is subject to a number of conditions including that all materials should follow approved drawings and any internal or external work should match the original materials and finishes where possible.

Although the first planning hurdle has now been cleared, the billionaire will still have to apply for planning permission, although that too is likely to be granted.

Area planning manager for the council, David Mudie, said when granting the listed building consent: 'All works, materials and finishes shall be as noted on the approved drawings.

'Any internal or external works and finishes, or works for making-good as required, shall be to match original/adjacent materials and finishes.'

Existing site plans for the new boathouse. Evidence from the turn of the 20th century shows a heather thatched open timber boathouse protected by a palisaded timber fence

Proposed site plans for the new boathouse. Work is subject to a number of conditions including that all materials should follow approved drawings and any internal or external work should match the original materials and finishes where possible

Proposed plans for the new boathouse. Wooden stakes that one former boathouse used to float on can still be seen in the water, while the concrete plinth is all that remains of the other

Proposed floor plans for one of the new boathouses. An application was put in earlier this year by the Aldourie Castle Estate for listed building consent to recreate the two structures

Proposed front elevation for one of the new boathouses on Loch Ness. Although the first planning hurdle has now been cleared, the billionaire will still have to apply for planning permission, although that too is likely to be granted

He went on to say that this was 'in order to safeguard the character and qualities of the listed building and designed landscape.'

Historic Environment Scotland did not oppose the consent, adding: 'We have considered the information received and do not have any comments to make on the proposals.

'Our decision not to provide comments should not be taken as our support for the proposals.

'This application should be determined in accordance with national and local policy on listed building consent, together with related policy guidance.'

Mr Povlsen began building this ever-growing property portfolio 14 years ago, in the autumn of 2006, with the 7.9million acquisition of Glenfeshie, a 42,000-acre patch of the Cairngorms National Park.

Two years later, he spent another 15.5million acquiring the 23,000-acre Braeroy estate near Fort William, nearby Tulloch, and Lynaberack in the Cairngorms. Four estates were added between 2011 and 2015, and another three in 2016.

Mr Povlesen's first buy was Glenfeshie, whose 42,000 acres inspired Sir Edwin Landseer's Monarch of the Glen. He bought the estate in 2006, marking the start of his ever-growing property portfolio

Mr Povlsen bought Killie Huntley estate in 2011 and rents out the vast farmhouse to holidaymakers. The Danish billionaire's Scottish landholdings cover an area half the size of Worcestershire

The Kinloch estate, by the Kyle of Sutherland estuary, offers 20,000 of hunting and salmon fishing. Mr Povlsen's life as a Scottish laird is all a long way from the tiny Danish town of Brande, with a population of just 7,000, where Povlsen's father, Troels, opened the family's first clothes store in 1975

The Ben Loyal lodge and estate were snapped up by Mr Povlsen back in 2012. In addition to re-wilding, the billionaire has poured millions of pounds into converting lodges, cottages and farmhouses into upmarket holiday retreats on his estates

His Scottish landholdings cover an area half the size of Worcestershire, and surpassed the mere 217,000 acres owned by the Duke of Buccleuch - Britain's biggest land owner before him.

Partial to a single malt and locally brewed real ale, he is known to visit local pubs in Scotland but rarely says much about himself.

Mr Povlsen's life as a Scottish laird is all a long way from the tiny Danish town of Brande, with a population of just 7,000, where Povlsen's father, Troels, opened the family's first clothes store in 1975.

Other outlets soon followed. And Anders was only 27 when Troels made him the sole owner of Bestseller. By 2007, it was so successful that supermodel Gisele Bundchen was hired to promote it.

Bestseller employs 15,000 people and boasts nearly 6,000 shops. He owns brands such as Jack & Jones and Vero Moda, and 27 per cent of ASOS.com, Britain's biggest internet fashion retailer.

Today it bought Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge and HIIT from the ashes of Sir Philip Green's Arcadia.

In addition to re-wilding, the billionaire has poured millions of pounds into converting lodges, cottages and farmhouses into upmarket holiday retreats on his estates.

Aldourie Castle, built around 1626 as laird's house, is now available to rent for private stays and makes up part of the Povlsen's huge Scottish land bank.
Republican Senator Rand Paul has blasted Attorney General Merrick Garland for his plans for the FBI to crackdown on parents who stand up for woke school boards, warning that Americans should 'be afraid of your government'.

Paul said moms at school boards are now being told 'they are criminals' as he slammed the Justice Department's plans to draft in the FBI to prosecute parents for protesting against the likes of critical race theory (CRT) and transgender ideology being taught to their children in schools across America.

The Kentucky senator told Fox News Primetime: 'Moms at school boards are being told that they're criminals, potential domestic terrorists, for the crime of dissent.

'I think criminalizing dissent is something that we should all be appalled with.'

Fox host Ben Domenech asked Paul what he would tell Americans who are concerned that 'if they go to their local school board and say the wrong thing, that they're going to end up up on some list that Merrick Garland goes after.'

The senator responded: 'I would say be afraid. Be afraid of your government.'

Paul continued: 'That's a sad thing from someone in the government to say, but the thing is, is those lists already exist.

'For example, people in northern Virginia that have gone to [protests], have been then sought out by the school council, by the members of the school board and retaliated [against] in a sort of legalistic way to try to put them on some sort of list and chill their speech by letting them know there'll be a penalty for showing up and protesting.'

On Monday, Garland sent a memo saying the FBI and local law enforcement had been engaged to tackle the 'disturbing trend' of teachers being threatened or harassed.

Republican Senator Rand Paul (pictured) has blasted Attorney General Merrick Garland for his plans for the FBI to crackdown on parents who stand up for woke school boards, warning that Americans should 'be afraid of your government'

On Monday, Garland (pictured) sent a memo saying the FBI and local law enforcement had been engaged to tackle the 'disturbing trend' of teachers being threatened or harassed

The memo said that while 'spirited debate about policy matters is protected under our Constitution, that protection does not extend to threats or violence or efforts to intimate individuals based on their views.'

'In the coming days the department will announce a series of measures designed to address the rise in criminal conduct directed toward school personnel,' it read.

The action is in response to an urgent request last week from the National School Boards Association. The group, which represents school board members around the country, asked President Joe Biden for federal assistance to investigate and stop threats made over policies including mask mandates, likening the vitriol to a form of domestic terrorism.

'I think the problem is, it's become so normalized to use government to search out and seek out your opponents,' said Paul, who referenced the case of Carter Page, the former campaign adviser to Donald Trump.

The FBI obtained a warrant in 2016 to eavesdrop on Page on suspicions he was secretly a Russian agent. The Justice Department renewed the warrant three times , which was issued by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, including during the early months of the Trump administration.

Paul said: 'There are people I know on the left who should have stepped forward and should have said how wrong it is to use this foreign intelligence court  that uses a standard lower than the Constitution  to go after a political campaign.

'Yet, the left  once it became about Trump, their hatred of Trump trumped everything else, and I have a feeling and a fear that the left has become more authoritarian than we can really even imagine.'

Paul said moms at school boards are now being told 'they are criminals'. Pictured: Parents protesting during a meeting of the North Allegheny School District school board regarding the district's mask policy, at at North Allegheny Senior High School in McCandless, Pennsylvania

He added: 'Look, there are all kinds of laws about decorum, and there ought to be. The idiot woman that goes in the bathroom, filming Senator [Kyrsten] Sinema in a bathroom, that is illegal according to every local ordinance and you should punish that person.

'If you go to a school board meeting and you're disruptive and you don't obey the rules of the school board meeting, then there will be local punishment,' he added.

'But that has nothing to do with the federal law, it has nothing to do with the Department of Justice. What Merrick Garland did is, he's attempting to stifle dissent, and he's attempting to say, "Beware or Big Brother's coming after you if you speak out against my policies or against the Biden policies".'

It comes at a time when parents and school boards across the country have gone to war over the last year - predominantly over anti-racist teachings, transgender rights and COVID-19 restrictions.

Republican senator Marco Rubio also called Garland's move 'alarming' and 'hypocritical' while appearing on the same show.

He said: 'It's alarming because [of] this idea that somehow if parents show up at a school board to complain, if somebody there decides, "Well, we don't like his tone of voice, we don't like how loud he's speaking, we don't like how often he shows up," you can be reported.'

Rubio added: 'The Federal Bureau of Investigation, which should be focused on things like organized crime, things like drug traffickers, things like terrorism and others who seek to harm this country, is now going to divert resources to investigate parents because they scream too loudly, or maybe are even rude at a school board hearing?'

Republican senator Marco Rubio (pictured) also called Garland's move 'alarming' and 'hypocritical' while appearing on the same show

The senator also claimed the move was hypocritical because 'there are very few, if any senators  certainly people on the right, members of Congress as well  who have not been harassed in their private life  So they have normalized this behavior when it comes to left-wing protesters, but then when a parent speaks out about a school board, they want to sic the FBI on them. This is crazy.'

The move comes after the National School Boards Association asked for the federal government to investigate cases where threats or violence could be handled as violations of federal laws protecting civil rights. It also asked for the Justice Department, FBI, Homeland Security and Secret Service to help monitor threat levels and assess risks to students, educators, board members and school buildings.

The group's letter documented more than 20 instances of threats, harassment, disruption, and acts of intimidation in California, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, Ohio and other states. It cited the September arrest of an Illinois man for aggravated battery and disorderly conduct for allegedly striking a school official at a meeting. In Michigan, a meeting was disrupted when a man performed a Nazi salute to protest masking.

'We are coming after you,' a letter mailed to an Ohio school board member said, according to the group. 'You are forcing them to wear mask  for no reason in this world other than control. And for that you will pay dearly.' It called the member 'a filthy traitor.'

In making the announcement Garland said the Justice Department would use its authority and resources to discourage the threats and 'prosecute them when appropriate. In the coming days, the Department will announce a series of measures designed to address the rise in criminal conduct directed toward school personnel.'

Parents protesting a mask mandate at a school board meeting in Las Vegas in August. Parents and school boards across the country have gone to war over the last year - predominantly over anti-racist teachings, transgender rights and COVID-19 restrictions

School board members are largely unpaid volunteers, parents and former educators who step forward to shape school policy, choose a superintendent and review the budget, but they have been frightened at how their jobs have suddenly become a culture war battleground. The climate has led a growing number to resign or decide against seeking reelection.

In a statement, Chip Slaven, NSBA interim executive director and CEO, praised the Justice Department's swift action and pointed to the detrimental impact the threats of violence and intimidation have had on the education system.

'Over the last few weeks, school board members and other education leaders have received death threats and have been subjected to threats and harassment, both online and in person,' Slaven said. The department's action 'is a strong message to individuals with violent intent who are focused on causing chaos, disrupting our public schools, and driving wedges between school boards and the parents, students, and communities they serve.'

Nicole Neily, president of Parents Defending Education, an Arlington, Virginia-based group formed in January, took the school board group and the Justice Department to task.

In a statement emailed to The Associated Press she said: 'It is shameful that activists are weaponizing the US Department of Justice against parents. This is a coordinated attempt to intimidate dissenting voices in the debates surrounding America's underperforming K-12 education  and it will not succeed. We will not be silenced.'

The crackdown on 'complaining' parents comes at a time when America is in the grips of a serious crime spike in the wake of Black Lives Matter and defund the police protests, said Carlson - something he said the Biden administration has not issued a crackdown on.

FBI data released at the end of September revealed the number of murders across the US increased by a staggering 29 percent in 2020.

In total, there were around 21,500 murders last year - 5,000 more than in 2019 - with around three-quarters committed by firearms.

This marked the biggest percentage increase since the FBI started collecting data back in 1960 and smashed the previous record uplift of a 12.7 percent increase in 1968.
A vicar admitted to exposing herself to a five-year-old girl, rolling a pen across her private parts as she watched and asking another to press her nipples 'hard' but denied that there was any sexual intent involved, a court heard today.

Reverend Veronica Green, 58, is facing five counts of indecency with a child and one charge of indecent assault relating to alleged historical incidents against two girls who were aged between five and 11 at the time.

They are alleged to have taken place while she was babysitting them while Green was growing up as a teenager in North Staffordshire.

Giving evidence on the third day of her trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court, Green accepted that some incidents had taken place but there was nothing sexual involved and she was not aware at the time they were against the law.

Green, who denies the charges, told the jury: 'I never presumed what had happened was bad until I became an adult. The things that I admitted to were never done with any intention to hurt or harm the girls. They were things that happened very naturally when I look back to the process of my changing.

Veronica Green (pictured), 58, is accused of six offences against two young girls, dating back more than 40 years, when she was a teenager living in North Staffordshire

'Neither of the girls or myself thought much had gone wrong. That's how it felt like to me until my latter years. I never regarded what we did as anything too serious.'

Green, the reverend for Marbury, Tushingham and Whitewell in Cheshire, was suspended by the Diocese of Chester in January 2020 after the allegations were reported to the police.

Green recalled how on one occasion, when she was aged 13 and baby-sitting the five-year old girl, she exposed her breasts and crotch to her after taking a bath.

She added: 'I remember sitting there on the bed, opening my robe in front of her and exposing this part of my body, the front part of my body.'

When asked by Mr Lawrence why she did this, Green replied: 'I don't know why I did what I did. What I did on that evening, I have no explanation for.

'As a 58-year-old woman, I can't get into the head of the 13-year-old girl I was then.'

Green further admitted that after exposing herself, she took a felt tip pen and rolled it across her vagina about three or four times as the five-year old girl stood in front of her.

She revealed: 'My legs were open, and I was rolling it (the pen) across the lower part (of my genitals).'

Mr Lawrence alleged: 'What you were doing was plainly sexual wasn't it?'

Green replied: 'I had an awareness of the sexual reproductive organs, but I don't think at that age and that time I could associate what I was doing with any sexual feeling.'

Green (pictured) further admitted that after exposing herself, she took a felt tip pen and rolled it across her vagina about three or four times as the five-year old girl stood in front of her

When asked if she thought it was sexual now, as an adult, she said: 'No it was not sexual because I was not feeling anything sexual. I literally didn't know what I was doing.'

She admitted in court that she asked one of the girls, who was aged eight at the time, to press her nipples 'as hard as she could' on three separate occasions, which she described as 'experimental' but conceded she 'liked.'

Mr Lawrence claimed that this was done for sexual reasons but Green claimed: 'We did not know that we were doing anything wrong at the time.

'I had no idea what I was doing. It was an act of discovering my body. I knew I was asking her to touch me in a particular place. I wanted her to do that because it was giving me feelings that I now recognise as sexual.

'I can look back now and say it was a sexual experience but not at that age.'

Mr Lawrence told the jury that Green was involved in a number of other incidents with the two girls, particularly the younger one, who was aged five or six at the time.

This included urging her to join her in bed as she was having sex with a boy while babysitting; asking her to perform a sexual act on her and performing sex acts on herself as she watched.

Green fumed in court that the accusations had ruined her life and had been brought as a result of the current culture of 'naming and shaming.'

She said: 'We live in a culture today of name, blame and shame. I think it's swung too heavily towards one side.'

The court heard that Green had spoken to senior members of the diocese, including Archdeacon of Chester Michael Gilbertson after she was quizzed by police.

Mr Lawrence claimed Green had always feared that the 'seriousness' of what she had done would one day catch up with her.

When asked when she realised that this might happen, Green replied: 'Especially during my training as a minister and the safeguarding issues that came up. And the huge swing in our culture about child abuse which we are now continually hearing about.

'All of this made me worried and anxious about a thing I did when I was young.'

While being examined by her barrister, Kate Blackwell, Green denied performing a sex act on the girl. When Ms Blackwell said: 'Did you ask her to touch you in a sexual way?' Green said she did not.

When asked by Ms Blackwell if she had put her breasts into the youngster's mouth, Green said she had not.

Green said: 'I remember when we were sitting on a couch and I asked her to scratch my back. She used to ask me to scratch her back, which I did. I would say 'is it my turn now?''

Ms Blackwell asked if it had gone further than that with the alleged victim, to which Green replied it had not.

Green added: 'The second time I remember asking if she would do my back and she said 'yes, of course'. I lay down by the fire on my tummy. She was either sitting on my bottom or beside me.

'I unhooked my little bra the second time. I asked her to go on the sides of my back.'

Ms Blackwell asked: 'Did she do that?'

Green, who is the reverend for Marbury, Tushingham and Whitewell in Cheshire, said: 'Yes. Her hands went further down. I remember feeling awkward about it. I didn't stop her from doing it.' Pictured, St Michael's Church in Marbury, Cheshire

'Yes,' Green replied.

Ms Blackwell went on to ask: 'Did anything else happen?'

Green, who is the reverend for Marbury, Tushingham and Whitewell in Cheshire, said: 'Yes. Her hands went further down. I remember feeling awkward about it. I didn't stop her from doing it.

'The second time she touched me I began to feel something and I didn't stop her. The third time I was wanting her to touch me but I didn't ask her to touch me.'

Ms Blackwell asked Green: 'Did you say anything about your nipples?'

Green replied: 'Yes.'

'What was said?' asked Ms Blackwell.

Green answered: 'She did my back and started to go down my clothes and cupping my breasts.' Ms Blackwell told her that the girl 'stated that you said can you do it a bit harder?'

Green replied: 'Yes.'

Green, of Marbury, denies the five counts of indecency with a child and one charge of indecent assault.

She was suspended by the Diocese of Chester in January 2020 after the allegations were reported to the police, the jury was told.

The prosecution told the jury that Green had said to one of the girls that she 'had something she needed to teach her'.

Prosecutor Ben Lawrence said Green had told her 'a man would normally teach it to girls, but (the girl's mum) had said she wanted (Green) to teach it'.

The court heard that on another occasion Green had told one of the girls to perform a sex act on her.

One of the victims reported the alleged abuse to police in January 2020.

When police spoke to the second child - now an adult - she alleged she too had been abused by Green, the court heard.

The court heard she had told senior members of the diocese, including Archdeacon of Chester Michael Gilbertson, that something had happened.

Giving evidence on the third day of her trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court (pictured), Green accepted that some incidents had taken place but there was nothing sexual involved and she was not aware at the time they were against the law

Mr Lawrence added: 'The defendant said something had happened when she was a teenager.

'She had not realised the seriousness of what she had done at the time but had always thought it might catch up with her.'

Green was interviewed by police twice and answered 'No comment' to the questions put to her, the court was told.

She was said to have accepted there was one incident during which she was naked and one of the girls was made to feel uncomfortable, and others that had involved the second girl touching her breasts.

The court was told, however, that although Green was said to acknowledge that what she was feeling was sexual, she did not realise that was the case at the time.

Mr Lawrence added: 'The prosecution say the defendant is dishonest about what went on.

'The defendant has gone on to become a very different person. She has gone on to lead a blameless life as an adult. She is of positive good character and has no doubt done good for others.'

He told the jury: 'You are judging the acts of when she was a teenager, and the way she behaved then.'

The trial continues.
A trainee solicitor 'raped' a drunken law student at a house-warming hosted by a new work colleague before molesting another sleeping young woman, a court has heard.

Tom Hagyard, 29, had been working for a commercial law firm in the capital for a few weeks when his new colleagues invited him to a house party in Fulham, west London.

He turned up to the event with a bottle of wine after treating his family to a celebratory three-course meal with his first pay check - telling Isleworth Crown Court he was looking forward to a 'distinguished career' before his arrest.

During the early hours of the morning at the Fulham party, Hagyard was accused of raping one woman and sexually assaulting another who had dozed off on the sofa.

The rape complainant, who was in her 20s, claimed she was 'nine or ten out of ten drunk' when she passed out, and woke to find a stranger raping her.

The second woman was lying on the sofa when Hagyard undid her top and started touching her underneath her bra, the London court was told.

Hagyard denies five counts of rape and sexual assault.

Trainee solicitor Tom Hagyard, 29 was accused of raping a drunk law student and molesting another sleeping woman at a party in Fulham, West London in 2017

Hagyard (pictured in 2016) turned up to the event with a bottle of wine after treating his family to a celebratory three-course meal with his first pay check

However, Hagyard told the trial he had chatted with both complainants that night and told police the first woman was a 'willing and enthusiastic' partner, denying he raped her.

He has pleaded not guilty to one count of raping the law student at the two-bedroom 700,000 Fulham Road address in west London in 2017, plus two counts of assault by penetration.

Hagyard also pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexually assaulting the second young woman, also in her 20s, later that same evening as she slept on the living room sofa.

He was reported to the police, who did not order any DNA testing and was questioned by officers two days later.

Hagyard told the jury the party host invited him to sleep in her bed and lay next to the first complainant.

'She immediately rolled towards me and kissed me. It did surprise me, but I did like her and thought she was attractive.'

Hagyard said consensual sexual activity followed, but did not lead to full sex and he remained fully-clothed throughout, unlike the woman whose jeans he removed

Hagyard said consensual sexual activity followed, but did not lead to full sex and he remained fully-clothed throughout, unlike the woman whose jeans he removed.

'She was almost gasping when I touched a different part, it was all pleasurable noises.'

The woman told the jury via her video-recorded police interview she had wine, Prosecco and vodka that night.

'We got very drunk and I don't remember a lot. I took myself to bed and I woke up and there was a boy sort of on top of me,' she said.

'I was going in and out of consciousness and did not think I could move. I froze a bit, I didn't fight him off or anything.

'I remember trying to push him away. I was staring at the wall for a while.

'I felt very drunk, nine or ten out of ten drunk. I kept my eyes closed for a bit and I remember feeling confused.

'He was on top of me and I was in pain. I felt like I could not move or fight him off and my memory goes in and out, I have flashes.'

Hagyard told Isleworth Crown Court (above) he had chatted with both complainants that night and told police the first woman was a 'willing and enthusiastic' partner, denying he raped her

Prosecutor Richard Job told the jury the trainee solicitor host had invited people from work, plus former school and university colleagues with drinking and dancing continuing into the early hours.

The law student passed out fully-clothed alongside the host in her bed at around 3am.

'The man was on top of her and having sex with her and her underwear had been pulled to one side,' explained the prosecutor.

'She was confused and felt unable to fight the man off her. She was passing in and out of consciousness. She attempted to push him away and then passed out.

'She had never met or spoke to the man before. She did not consent to any sexual contact, she could not have because she was asleep.'

Shortly afterwards Hagyard turned his attention to the second young woman, who was sleeping on the couch, the court heard.

'She had also had a bit to drink and was sleeping in her clothes. She was woken at 5.30am by someone touching her chest.

'The top of her bra had been pulled to one side and a man's hand was on her breast. She felt his mouth next to her ear and the words: 'Shush. It's okay.'

'He was crouched by her and having touched her breast he moved his hand to her belt and began to undo the buckle. She was scared and and she got up and went quickly to the host's bedroom.'

Hagyard told the trial he was invited onto the couch by the woman and massaged her chest, at one point slipping his hand under her top. 'She seemed to be enjoying it and breathing pleasurably.'

The young woman later texted friends that she had been 'sexually assaulted' at the party and messaged the host: 'He was literally sucking on my earlobe.'

When the host confronted Hagyard via text about his behaviour to both woman, he responded: 'It was a drunken, stupid mistake and I can't say sorry enough. I misunderstood what people were thinking.'

Prosecutor Richard Job added: 'He accepted sexual contact with both women, but denied rape.

'Regarding the first complainant he said he thought she wanted sexual contact with him. He stated that she was a willing and enthusiastic partner.'

Afterwards, Hagyard explained he went to the kitchen for a glass of water and tried to wake up the guest sleeping on the couch.

'She appeared less than enthusiastic so he stopped.'

An emotional Hagyard, who has no previous convictions, told the trial he received a text invite to the party while enjoying the celebratory family meal in a nice restaurant.

'They were new friends so I decided to go,' he explained. 'It was quite civilised, not a wild party.'

Hagyard said he had a playful 'mock psychotherapy session' with the second complainant, who hoped to pursue it as a profession.

'She was also trying to get me up to dance with her and we chatted on the couch.'

He was ready to leave when the host invited him to sleep on her bed, where the first complainant was already passed out, the court heard.

'She said it was too late to go home and suggested I share the bed with her,' explained Hagyard. I was a little wary of her because she had a little crush on me and made an advance earlier.'

The trial continues.
A haul of Nazi memorabilia and weapons worth an estimated 2.5million has been found at the home of a suspected paedophile in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The 58-year-old suspect, identified as Aylson Proenca Doyle Linhares, was arrested on Tuesday after parents from his local neighborhood reported him for allegedly abusing their 12-year-old son.

Rio's civil police said they discovered more than 1,000 items at the home of Linhares, including Nazi uniforms, periodicals, paintings, Nazi insignia, images of Adolf Hitler, flags and medals of the Third Reich.

They also found WWII-era found guns and ammunition, along with a mock-up Nazi identification document complete with Linhares' personal details.

Images released by the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police show Nazi uniforms, weapons and documents found at Linares' residence in the Vargem Grande neighbourhood west of the city

Police discovered a Nazi identification document complete with Linhares' personal details

Daggers and nine firearms were also found, including a rifle and a machine gun, as well as a large stash of ammunition

The haul was discovered after police went to the man's home to serve an arrest warrant on suspicions he had raped a minor and abused other children in the Vargem Grande region west of the city.

Linhares was charged with illegal possession of weapons, racial discrimination and paedophilia, after police also found photos of minors at his property according to Luis Armond, the lead detective in charge of the case.

Armond described Linhares as a psychopath, and estimated his staggering collection, which police said contained 'monstrous material', to be worth several millions of euros.

'He is a smart guy and articulate, but he's a Holocaust denier, he's homophobic, he's a pedophile and he says he hunts homosexuals,' Armond told Reuters.

'I'm no doctor, but he seems to me an insane psychopath.'

Linhares reportedly told police his collection was worth between 2.5 million and 3 million euros, and the lead detective on the case said a museum would have to be found to house the memorabilia

His home was packed with Nazi memorabilia including a variety of Nazi uniforms and clothing

Armond said the suspect came from a wealthy family of investors and likely had used his inheritance to build the collection.

Linhares reportedly told police his collection was worth between 2.5 million and 3 million euros, 'although that is unverifiable,' Armond added.

Armond estimated that just one high-ranking Nazi uniform would cost around 250,000 euros.

Rio police are now probing the suspect's connection to Nazi and other far-right groups.

Reuters reported the police they are trying to ascertain whether Linares was still active in the marketplace for Nazi memorabilia.

This could help police track down the brokers and sellers of such material, and could also potentially lead them to other Nazi enthusiasts and criminals.

Armond said a museum would need to be found for the collection.

Among the thousands of Nazi items and memorabilia found by police were several framed photos and busts of Adolf Hitler adorning Linhares' residence.

Daggers and nine firearms were also found, including a rifle and a machine gun, as well as a large stash of ammunition.

In the final months of WWII and in the years following the war, thousands of Nazis are thought to have fled to South America to escape being brought to justice after the collapse of the Third Reich.

In 2012, German prosecutors were granted access to files in Brazil and Chile that purported to show a record of Third Reich sympathizers that had immigrated to the continent from Europe following the war.

According to the documents, an estimated 9,000 war criminals escaped to South America, including Croatians, Ukrainians, Russians and other western Europeans who aided the Nazi murder machine.

Several notorious Nazis such as Adolf Eichmann (left), one of the architects of the Holocaust, also escaped to South America

The infamous doctor Josef Mengele, often referred to as 'the Angel of Death' who carried out genetic research on humans, also lived for some years in South America

As many as 5,000 went to Argentina; between 1,500 and 2,000 are thought to have made it to Brazil; around 500 to 1,000 to Chile; and the rest to Paraguay and Uruguay.

But many people believe the true number of Nazis who escaped to South America is in fact far higher.

Several notorious Nazis such as Adolf Eichmann, one of the architects of the Holocaust, also escaped to South America.

He lived under a pseudonym until he was captured by Israeli intelligence agents in Buenos Aires in 1960. He was later executed.

The infamous doctor Josef Mengele, often referred to as 'the Angel of Death' who carried out genetic research on Jews, also lived for some years in the city, before moving around South America to evade the authorities.

Unlike Eichmann, Mengele managed to elude his captors for 34 years before dying in 1979 after suffering a stroke.

Last year, researchers combing through a Nazi base in Buenos Aires discovered a list of over 12,000 Nazis who had left Europe to live in Argentina during the 1930s, just prior to WWII.

Researchers have discovered a list of 12,000 Nazis who lived in Argentina in the 1930s including many who hid stolen money in Swiss bank accounts

The long-forgotten list was found in a store room at a former Nazi headquarters in Buenos Aires and handed to the Nazi-hunting Simon Wiesenthal Centre

The list of Nazis was drawn up in the 1930s and seized by an anti-Nazi administration which took power in 1938.

Many such records were burned when another pro-Nazi regime took power in 1943.

However, the surviving list was discovered by Argentine investigator Pedro Filipuzzi and handed to directors at the Wiesenthal Centre.

Many of the Nazis on the list held funds that were sent to a bank called Schweizerische Kreditanstalt, now known as Credit Suisse.
The father of an ex-soldier who died after he was Tasered by police rang 999 to say his son had gone 'insane' and should be sectioned but the call was never logged, an inquest into the death today heard.

Platoon Sergeant Spencer Beynon, 43, was hit with up to 50,000 volts after allegedly 'charging' at officers in the street near his home in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire.

Spencer suffered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after tours with the Royal Welsh Regiment in Afghanistan and Iraq, and was medically discharged from the Army.

His father Christopher said a welfare check should have been carried out on Spencer after he phoned Dyfed-Powys Police on the morning of his death saying his son had gone 'absolutely insane'.

Platoon Sergeant Spencer Beynon (pictured), 43, was hit with up to 50,000 volts after allegedly 'charging' at officers in the street near his home in Llanelli, Carmarthenshire

However key information about his mental state including his PTSD diagnosis was not recorded by the call handler, the jury heard on Thursday.

During the call, a transcript of which was read to the jury, Mr Beynon senior described how he had arrived home at around 9.30am to find his son and his girlfriend in the kitchen with his wife.

He said his son was 'shouting at the top of his voice, "I love you, I love you, I'm going to make you proud".'

He also said his son had tried to exorcise the devil from him, claiming to be a Buddhist monk, and that he saw his 'mood change, and a blackness come over him'.

Mr Beynon also told the call handler that his son had 'PTSD compounded by constant use of cannabis' and should be 'sectioned'.

However, the call handler did not record that information on the log that was eventually sent to police officers, and categorised the report as low priority and drugs-related - because Spencer was said to be possession of cannabis.

Based on the information they received in the log, officers at Llanelli Police Station chose to take no further action, the inquest was told.

His father Christopher said Spencer (left), who toured Iraq and Afghanistan while serving his country, would get overcome with 'a blackness' from PTSD

Asked if a different decision should have been taken that day, Police Sergeant Dylan Davies, who was on duty that morning, said: 'No, not based on the intelligence we had.'

But he later admitted that had he been aware of the full story, he would have sent officers to visit Mr Beynon.

The court heard how previous calls made by the family about Spencer's mental health resulted in armed police officers visiting the house. Spencer was then sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

On June 14, 2016, the same day Mr Beynon called the police, the force responded to a report from a neighbour concerned about a man walking down a road barefoot holding a cannabis pipe.

Witnesses at the time claimed they saw Spencer stab his dog and then himself.

Officers found Spencer in Maes y Bwlch, an estate near his home, with a neck wound.

He later collapsed after being hit with a Taser, which officers claimed they deployed after he showed 'aggression' towards them.

Police have previously denied the Taser killed Spencer.

Mr Beynon said police told 'a catalogue of lies' following his son's death and said Spencer had 'suffered a campaign of harassment' from officers ahead of the tragedy.

The father said police repeatedly searched his son's home in the 18 months leading up to his death, causing damage to doors and windows.

Spencer (pictured) returned to Wales from Iraq in December 2007 and took part in a homecoming parade with hundreds of supporters lining the streets

Spencer's girlfriend Victoria Key - who has since died - said in a statement taken at the time that Spencer expressed his love for her shortly before his death on July 14, 2016.

The Iraq and Afghanistan veteran had been suffering from PTSD after returning home - and the inquest heard he suffered from rages and mood swings.

In a statement, Miss Key said: 'Spencer told me how much he loved me and wanted to get married on the beach.'

But she said that after she kissed Spencer: 'He looked at me and his eyes were black for a moment.'

She said Spencer then left the house without any shoes and smashed glass in a door frame on his way out.

Miss Key said Spencer was acting strangely in the days before his death and saw 'the devil' in people and his pet dog.

Spencer returned to Wales from Iraq in December 2007 and took part in a homecoming parade with hundreds of supporters lining the streets.

But the former member of the Royal Welsh Regiment, who lost comrades in a roadside bomb attack in Basra, was left traumatised by his experience.

He later tried to turn his life around by setting up a community group in his home town to protect children in local playgrounds, and became a follower of Buddhism.

A welfare check was not carried out after Mr Beynon's call to police in the morning and acting senior coroner Paul Bennett has asked the jury to decide whether the police response was appropriate. Pictured, Spencer

But his father told an inquest the traumatic experiences of war deeply affected his son's mental health.

Mr Beynon said: 'Anyone who has lived with PTSD knows it's a horror show. It was for him, and for me, his mother and sister.

'He was screaming, crying, punching the walls, and locking himself in his room for days on end. PTSD, it's the worst thing you could see your child go through.'

On Spencer's suicidal thoughts, Mr Beynon said: 'We used to talk. I'm an ex-soldier too. I'd say think about your kids and he'd say you'll look after my kids. I said well, think of your mummy boy. I always pulled him back.'

Mr Beynon said his son's mental health appeared to be improving before his death and he was 'more placid' after becoming interested in Buddhism.

But he said that on the day of his Spencer's death he was behaving 'absolutely nuts'.

Mr Beynon said his son's mental health appeared to be improving before his death and he was 'more placid' after becoming interested in Buddhism. Pictured, Spencer

Mr Beynon told the inquest at Parc y Scarlets rugby union stadium in Llanelli that he dialled 999 after Spencer left the house on July 14, 2016, and asked medics to section him.

But he did not hear of his sons whereabouts until 7.30pm that night when he was told Spencer had died in the street.

At the scene, he said he was told by a police sergeant that his son's body had already been taken by the ambulance, but that he now believes it remained under a sheet in the road.

It was the beginning of what he claims was a 'catalogue of lies' he was told by the police force following his son's death.

A welfare check was not carried out after Mr Beynon's call to police in the morning and acting senior coroner Paul Bennett has asked the jury to decide whether police's response to events that unfolded in Maes y Bwlch, where Mr Beynon eventually died, was reasonable, whether it was reasonable for officers to use a Taser, and whether the Taser contributed to his death. And if the medical assistance given at the scene was appropriate.

The inquest, listed for four weeks, continues.
The Queen will no longer play host to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the Royal Box at Ascot - after a judge ruled he ordered phone hacking of his ex-wife and a Tory peer.

It is understood the 72-year-old Dubai ruler will not be back in the prestigious spot alongside Her Majesty at the races, despite years of previous engagments.

While Buckingham Palace refused to comment to MailOnline, reports have suggested a decision has been made to distance the Royal head from him following the scandal.

It came after a clamour of calls for her to avoid being seen with him in future.

The Queen was seen earlier today for the first time since news broke of the sheikh snooping on the parliamentary emails of Tory peer and former royal lawyer Fiona Shackleton.

The Queen looked unperturbed by the revelations as she left Windsor Castle by car this morning.

She appeared relaxed as she raised her arm slightly, flanked by what was thought to be an aide on the back seat of the motor.

She was heading to Buckingham Palace to launch the Baton Relay for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Yesterday it emerged Sheikh Mohammed also hacked the iPhone of Ms Shackleton's client Princess Haya, his wife who fled to Britain in fear of her life and those of her staff.

The Queen looked calm and unperturbed as she left Windsor Castle by car this morning.

Princess Haya Bint al-Hussein arrives with her lawyer Baroness Fiona Shackleton in 2020

Pictured: The Queen attends an unveiling of a design For the Shiekh Zayed National Museum accompanied By Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum during a state visit to Abu Dhabi

The extraordinary revelations should prove a 'wake-up call', Labour MP Chris Bryant said last night.

He added: 'The Foreign Office needs to do a proper inquiry into our relationship with Dubai and I would have thought the Foreign Secretary will be summoning in the ambassador for a 'meeting without coffee'.'

A senior judge concluded that Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the horse race-loving friend of the Royal Family and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, committed a 'total abuse of trust and indeed an abuse of power'.

He previously orchestrated the armed kidnap of his runaway daughter Princess Shamsa from Cambridgeshire in 2000, persuading Tony Blair's government to hush it up, the High Court heard. He also allegedly abducted her sister Princess Latifa when she too tried to flee Dubai.

Sir Andrew McFarlane's ruling said yesterday: 'It is more probable than not that the surveillance of the six phones ... was carried out by servants or agents of the father ... with [his] express or implied authority.'

The Queen's Baton Relay for Birmingham 2022, the XXII Commonwealth Games was launched

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex attend the Commonwealth Games baton relay launch

Queen Elizabeth II looks at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Baton earlier today

The Queen has been urged to ditch Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum over scandal

The Queen (pictured on Wednesday in Windsor) faces pressure to ditch her friendship with Dubai's ruler after the High Court found he was behind illegal UK phone hacking

It means the sheikh has been found, on the balance of probabilities, to have yet again ridden roughshod over UK laws with his sinister black ops hacking plot in pursuit of his sixth and youngest wife, Princess Haya, 47.

She fled Dubai in 2019 with their two children Princess Jalila, 13, and Prince Zayed, nine, and now lives in an English country mansion in 'justified' terror of him launching a helicopter abduction of them, according to Sir Andrew, who is president of the High Court's family division.

Last night Scotland Yard revealed it had investigated 'multiple allegations of crime' involving six alleged victims.

Sheikh Mohammed, 72, a 'coercive and controlling' husband, potentially committed 'serial breaches of domestic criminal law', the High Court was told.

In a surprising twist, the phone hacking operation, 'more probably than not' personally ordered by the sheikh, was rumbled by Cherie Blair QC through her links to a firm that makes the military-grade Pegasus spyware used by Dubai's intelligence service.

The sheikh has denied any knowledge of the hacking. But not content with the spying operation, his associates even resorted to trying to buy a huge 30million estate next door to Haya's bolthole on the Berkshire-Surrey border to keep even closer tabs on her and their children, the court heard.

The Queen is a longstanding friend of both the sheikh and Haya, the glamorous Oxford-educated daughter of the late King Hussein of Jordan, and she accepted several horses from him even after he was accused in 2019 of kidnapping Shamsa and Latifa.

Joe Little, managing editor of Majesty magazine, said: 'Despite the Queen's well-established equestrian links with the sheikh, in light of these findings it seems likely that she will distance herself from him, at least in public. The Queen has known Princess Haya since she was a child and is fond of her.'

Queen Elizabeth And The Duke Of Edinburgh are shown with Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum during a visit to Dubai

But one royal source added: 'I suspect the Queen's reaction will be determined by how the Government decides to handle this. It's a tricky one, as the UAE are a key ally of the UK.'

Haya's high-profile solicitor Baroness Shackleton, a Tory peer who acted for Prince Charles and Sir Paul McCartney in their divorces, was among those targeted in the astonishing cyber hacking mission.

She reported to Black Rod, the monarch's representative in the House of Lords, that her 'parliamentary email, my own email, my WhatsApp messages, my pictures and my texts are all visible to somebody else'.

Scotland Yard and the National Crime Agency have been informed of the hacking.

The Met said it had received 'multiple allegations of crime including unauthorised access and interception of digital devices and offences contrary to the Computer Misuse Act relating to six complainants'.

Detectives launched an investigation and 'significant inquiries were carried out' for five months  but the inquiry was shut down in February.

Last night the sheikh said: 'I have always denied the allegations made against me and I continue to do so. These matters concern supposed operations of state security.

'As a head of government involved in private family proceedings, it was not appropriate for me to provide evidence on such sensitive matters either personally or via my advisers in a foreign court.

'Neither the Emirate of Dubai nor the UAE are party to these proceedings and they did not participate in the hearing.'

The cyber-hacking mission took place during a critical phase in the sheikh and Haya's custody case at the High Court in the summer of last year. The case continues.
Sadiq Khan today slammed Insulate Britain protesters for blocking key roads as he accused them of 'putting people off' tackling climate change.

The Mayor of London said he 'definitely' supports the issue the group is campaigning on but he does not 'support the way they have been protesting'.

Mr Khan expressed concerns that the protests could actually damage public opinion on the issue as the nation prepares to host the COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow next month.

His intervention comes after Boris Johnson labelled protesters who have blocked major UK roads as 'irresponsible crusties' as the Government unveiled new powers to stop the chaos.

Sadiq Khan today slammed Insulate Britain protesters for blocking key roads as he accused them of 'putting people off' tackling climate change

The Mayor of London said he 'definitely' supports the issue the group is campaigning on but he does not 'support the way they have been protesting'

The Insulate Britain group is campaigning to improve the quality of the nation's homes in order to hit vital climate change targets.

But the group's decision to block roads including the M25 and the M4 has prompted outcry.

Mr Khan was asked during an interview on LBC Radio this morning if he believes the protests are here to stay.

He replied: I hope they will raise the really important issues they are raising in a different way. I dont support the way they have been protesting.

Asked if he supported the tactics at the start, the Labour mayor said: The issue I definitely support. We have to do a better job in insulating our homes because it helps with not just reducing carbon emissions, it reduces peoples bills and it helps create jobs.

He added: I support the right to protest, I think they should be lawful, peaceful and safe.

I dont support the way these protesters are going about their business, not just because of the disruption, not just because of the appointments being delayed and sometimes cancelled, but actually I think it is putting people off what is an important issue in the weeks before COP26.

The Insulate Britain group is campaigning to improve the quality of the nation's homes in order to hit vital climate change targets. But the group's decision to block roads including the M25 and the M4 has prompted outcry

The COP26 summit will see world leaders meet in Scotland to hammer out plans to tackle climate change in what has been billed as a potential crossroads for the future of the planet.

A court injunction was taken out to prevent the blockade of the M25, but demonstrations continued on roads across London at the start of this week.

Home Secretary Priti Patel unveiled plans at Conservative Party conference in Manchester to increase the maximum penalties for disrupting a motorway while also criminalising interference with major roads, railways and the press.
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Taxpayer-backed NatWest is today facing a fine of up to 340million after admitting it failed to spot a Bradford gold dealer with links to businesses run by Petra Ecclestone's ex-husband James Stunt laundered 365million over five years despite the bank itself predicting the bent business' annual revenue would only be 15million.

The 122-year-old jewellery wholesaler Fowler Oldfield deposited up to 1.8million-a-day at the height of the scam as a procession of couriers dropped off bags stuffed with cash at a grubby office on an industrial estate in West Yorkshire.

At the time of the police investigation into Fowler Oldfield, news reports linked the company to businesses run by Petra Ecclestones former husband, James Stunt. Its owner Gregory Frankel, the great-grandson of its founder, was vice-president of Stunt and Co, a gold bullion business where Mr Stunt was chairman.

Police would later raid the premises and smash the network behind the operation later branded money laundering on 'a massive scale' - but Britain's largest business and commercial bank failed to spot it, even when deposits became 'increasingly large'.

Couriers, summoned by text, were paid by the gold and jewel dealer to carry holdalls stuffed with up to 2million of bank notes to its premises on an industrial estate each day. Inside the run-down office the cash would be unpacked and later deposited into Fowler Oldfield's Natwest account.

The high street money lender is 55 percent taxpayer owned after a 45 billion state bailout during the financial crisis. Today NatWest admitted allowing the jeweller to launder 365million, including 264million in cash, in the first criminal prosecution of its kind in the UK.

It could face a potential fine of around 340m under sentencing guidelines, but a judge will set the final level of penalty at Southwark Crown Court on December 8.

The bank today indicated guilty pleas to three offences under the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 of not adequately monitoring customer accounts between 2012 and 2016 at Westminster Magistrates' Court. It is the first criminal prosecution by the Financial Conduct Authority under the 2007 law.

Afterwards NatWest's chief executive Alison Rose spoke of her 'deep regret' over the scandal that has tarnished the bank's reputation and will leave them with a massive fine that will dent their own balance sheet.

Taxpayer-backed NatWest is today facing a fine of up to 340million after admitting it failed to spot a Bradford gold dealer with links to businesses run by Petra Ecclestone's ex-husband James Stunt (pictured together before their divorce)

The owner of Fowler Oldfield, Gregory Frankel, was vice-president of Stunt and Co, a gold bullion business where Mr Stunt (pictured last year) was chairman

Police raid the gold dealer Fowler Oldfield's Bradford premises in September 2016 where couriers would drop off bags stuffed with cash totalling up to 2m a day

Fowler Oldfield was liquidated following a police raid in 2016 and its assets were left in the hands of the police.

Prosecutions have already resulted in several defendants from the Merseyside area being sentenced in the past two years, including men who transported the cash.

Chief executive Alison Rose (pictured) said Natwest 'deeply regrets' its failure to prevent money laundering by one of its customers between 2012 and 2016

Prosecutors said a courier would be summoned by text message and did not know how much was in each bag they dropped off at Fowler Oldfield, according to a local newspaper report.

Today's action against NatWest marks the first time a financial institution has faced criminal prosecution under anti-money laundering laws in the UK.

NatWest now faces a fine of up to 240million.

FCA prosecutor Clare Montgomery QC told Westminster magistrates that when Fowler Oldfield was taken on as a client by NatWest, its predicted turnover was said to be about 15million per annum.

However, it deposited 365million over the space of almost five years, of which 264million was in cash.

Mrs Montgomery said: 'The turnover of Fowler Oldfield was predicted to be 15m per annum.

'It was agreed that the bank would not handle cash deposits.

'However, it deposited 365million, with around 264million in cash.'

She said, at its height, Fowler Oldfield deposited up to 1.8million a day.

Up to 2million in cash was delivered to Fowler Oldfield every day as part of an 'extremely sophisticated' money laundering scheme, a 2019 court case - reported in The Financial Times - revealed.

In the last statement by liquidators for Fowler Oldfield - dated December 2020 and filed at Companies House - they said NatWest was the secured creditor and that the police held the company's seized assets.

Today NatWest chief executive Alison Rose said: 'We deeply regret that NatWest failed to adequately monitor and therefore prevent money laundering by one of our customers between 2012 and 2016.

'NatWest has a vital part to play in detecting and preventing financial crime and we take extremely seriously our responsibility to prevent money laundering by third parties.

'In the years since this case, we have invested significant resources and continue to enhance our efforts to effectively combat financial crime.

'We work tirelessly with colleagues, other banks, industry bodies, law enforcement, regulators and governments to help find collaborative solutions to this shared challenge. These partnerships are crucial to counter the significant and evolving threat of financial crime to society.'

NatWest is facing a fine up to 240million after admitting failures to properly monitor 365million deposited into Fowler Oldfield Limited's account

NatWest admitted three offences under the Money Laundering Regulations 2007. It will be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on or before December 8.

According to laws passed in 2007, financial firms must do everything possible to prevent their services from becoming the tools of criminals.

The case against NatWest is the first criminal prosecution ever undertaken under those 2007 rules.

When handling funds from Fowler Oldfield, the FCA alleged that NatWest failed to properly scrutinise 'increasingly large cash deposits'.

Prosecutors said couriers would hand the cash to Fowler Oldfield's reception and were usually given an envelope containing a token for proof of delivery. The men were paid for transporting the money.

Bags were then unpacked in a counting room behind closed doors at Fowler Oldfield and the amount from each courier recorded in a ledger.

But it was this ledger and CCTV footage that later helped investigators to identify the couriers, after West Yorkshire Police's economic crime unit raided the site in 2016.

Police were supported by the National Crime Agency, often dubbed Britain's answer to the FBI, with 12 people arrested for money laundering offences.

When sentencing four couriers, crown court Judge Colin Burn noted that they had been targeted for recruitment because of their debts, often from gambling. One man feared that if he had not delivered the money there would be consequences for himself and his family.

A source familiar with the probes said a remarkable aspect was the simple methods employed.

'Money laundering these days can be complicated,' the source said, adding that the convicted men were 'doing it the old-fashioned way'.

Natwest previously stated it cooperated with the criminal probe and that it took its anti-money-laundering responsibilities 'extremely seriously'.
A six-year-old girl has died in a tragic accident after she was trapped under a crashed quad bike in a pond in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.

Charlotte Bowden is believed to have crashed the bike into the water on a property in Maroochy River during the school holidays.

Paramedics performed CPR at the scene on the youngster for around 30 minutes as they battled to keep her alive.

She was rushed to Sunshine Coast University Hospital in a critical condition but doctors were unable to save her.

Charlotte Bowden is believed to have crashed the quad bike into the water during the school holidays. (Pictured, a stock image of a quad bike)

On Thursday the prep student's headmistress, Maria Woods, principal of Sunshine Coast Grammar, paid tribute to the schoolgirl.

'We offer our support, prayers and deepest sympathies to a beautiful family grieving the loss of a much-loved daughter, granddaughter, sister, friend, and niece,' she told the Sunshine Coast Daily.

'The school has offered support to the family in a variety of ways and our chapel has been open to parents and students during this difficult time.

The prep student's headmistress, Maria Woods, (pictured) principal of Sunshine Coast Grammar, paid tribute to tragic schoolgirl Charlotte Bowden

'Our school psychologist has also provided some resources to assist parents and carers to engage in conversation with their child.'

The accident happened on the afternoon of September 23 but details only emerged on Thursday.

A local towing company were called in to recover the quad bike from the pond in the wake of the tragedy.

'It's something that you never want to be involved in,' Mike Clayton from Clayton's Towing told the ABC.

'It's just tragic, for the people who get affected, from the family to all the people involved. This is barely 50cc  it's a fairly small quad bike.'

Queensland Police told Daily Mail Australia a report was being prepared for the coroner.

It's believed to be the eighth quad bike fatality in Australia this year.

Charlotte Bowden, 6, died after she was trapped under the quad bike at a rural property on Apps Road at Maroochy River (pictured) on the Sunshine Coast

A 59 year old man was killed on Monday when his quad bike rolled on top of him near Gladstone in Central Queensland.

In June, a woman was found crushed to death by her quad bike on a remote property in rural NSW.

A neighbour stumbled upon the grisly scene yesterday afternoon after being asked to look for the 58-year-old when she was late in returning home to farmland in the state's Central West.

Emergency services were called to Gollan, about 60km east of Dubbo, at 4pm on June 8 but paramedics found the victim dead at the scene.

Five men aged from 14-80 - two from NSW, and one each from Victoria, NSW and Northern Territory - have also died in separate quad bike accidents

Last year, a total of 24 people in Australia died in quad bike accidents, with the ages of victims ranging from just two to 80.

Half of those who died in 2020 were aged over 60 and seven were female.
China poses a 'real and immediate' threat to Taiwan which must work to bolster its defences, America's top diplomat to the island has warned.

James Moriarty, speaking Wednesday night at an event to mark Taiwan's National Day in Washington, said China's recent show-of-strength in the skies near the island are a reminder of the threat it faces.

Moriarty, who heads the American Institute in Taiwan which represents the US on the island, said the incursions underlined the need for the ruling Republic of China to establish 'a powerful intimidating [defence] force as soon as possible.'

James Moriarty, America's top diplomat in Taiwan, has warned that China poses a 'real and immediate threat' to the island

He spoke after 150 Chinese warplanes violated Taiwan's 'air defence zone' at the weekend, including 52 which flew in the single-largest mission to date (pictured)

China flew some 150 aircraft into Taiwan's 'air defence zone' over the weekend in one of the largest displays of force in recent years.

The missions had caused international alarm, Moriarty added, showing that the world is now paying attention to Taiwan and is ready to lend support.

Underlining his point, delegations of Australian and French diplomats visited the island on Thursday - holding high-level meetings with President Tsai Ing-wen.

Alain Richard, head of the French mission and a former defence minister, referred to Taiwan as 'a country' during as he was awarded the Order of Propitious Clouds for helping to establish diplomatic ties.

The remark is sure to infuriate Beijing, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province.

Officially, it is not recognised as a country under international law, though the government considers it to be an independent state.

The Chinese embassy in Paris warned that Richard's visit will damage the interests of China, Chinese-French relations and 'the image of France'.

Meanwhile former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot was also on the island today, also in an effort to improve relations and 'end the isolation from which Taiwan has been suffering for so many decades.'

'Over the past 70 years, Taiwan has transformed from an impoverished dictatorship into a vibrant, dynamic, pluralist democracy,' he said as he arrived.

China's sabre-rattling has not gone unanswered, with British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (front) leading a joint strike group in exercises in the South China Sea

'You have demonstrated to all the countries of this region that it is possible to be rich and free.'

It is not clear if Mr Abbot will meet with the French mission while he is on the island.

Australia's relations with France are currently strained after Canberra ripped up a billion-dollar contract to buy French submarines and signed a new deal with the UK and US to acquire nuclear ones - dubbed AUKUS.

The move infuriated Beijing, which warned it risked stability in the region by upsetting the balance of power.

Western nations have been rushing to reaffirm their support for Taiwan as it faces down threats from an increasingly-assertive China.

Tensions have been building ever since a 2019 speech by President Xi Jinping in which he vowed to 'reunify' Taiwan with mainland China - using force if necessary.

He spoke against the backdrop of a rapid expansion of China's military, including the construction of new bases in the South China Sea - where Taiwan is located and over which Beijing claim supreme authority.

That has prompted the US - a long-standing ally of Taiwan - to forge new alliances in the region to counter-balance the growing threat.

As well as the AUKUS pact, Biden has entered into a strategic partnership known as The Quad with India, Japan and Australia to share intelligence and carry out joint military drills in the region.

China's sorties near Taiwan have included nuclear-capable H-6 bombers (pictured) along with fighters and recon planes

In a huge show of force to Beijing, the US is also participating in huge naval exercises in the region led by Britain's newest aircraft carrier - HMS Queen Elizabeth.

'Big Lizzie', as she is affectionately known, is currently leading drills with a joint carrier strike group that includes the USS Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan, along with ships from New Zealand, the Netherlands, Canada and Japan.

The carriers and their escorts have been carrying out drills in the South China Sea, and are expected to arrive in Singapore shortly.

Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday vowed to 'do whatever it takes' to guard Taiwan against invasion as she indicated that without help from the country's allies 'authoritarianism has the upper hand over democracy.'

Tsai added: '[Democratic nations] should remember that if Taiwan were to fall, the consequences would be catastrophic for regional peace and the democratic system.

'It would signal that in today's global contest of values, authoritarianism has the upper hand over democracy.'

Taiwan hopes for peaceful coexistence with China, she said, but 'if its democracy and way of life are threatened, Taiwan will do whatever it takes to defend itself.'

Tsai's government on Monday urged Beijing to stop 'irresponsible provocative actions' after the warplanes breached Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ).

'Amid almost daily intrusions by the People's Liberation Army, our position on cross-strait relations remains constant: Taiwan will not bend to pressure,' Tsai added.
More than 400,000 Britons have been struggling with long Covid for more than 12 months, official data suggests.

The estimate from the Office for National Statistics equates to 0.63 per cent of the entire UK population, or one in 166 people.

Meanwhile, the statistics body calculated that 1.1million people in the UK (1.7 per cent) in September had long Covid  symptoms that linger a month or more after infection.

Sufferers normally report extreme tiredness, breathing difficulties, a loss of smell and problems concentrating, but the condition can cause an array of symptoms.

The figures are based on a survey of 300,000 people and not everyone who claimed they had long Covid were confirmed to have tested positive for the virus.

Experts today warned the ONS estimates are likely overblown, due to those who link common, unrelated ailments like headaches and tiredness to the condition.

Professor David Livermore, a microbiologist at the University of East Anglia, said he 'really did not believe' the 400,000 figure.

The ONS graph shows the estimated percentage of people currently suffering from long Covid based on their profession in the four weeks up to September 5 (green line) compared to the month leading up to August 1 (blue line). The data shows those working in health and social care were most likely to self-report suffering from the condition, followed by hospitality workers and civil servants

The ONS estimates that 405,000 people across the UK have been suffering from long Covid for more than a year, while

The proportion of people battling symptoms for more than a year  which the ONS estimates is 405,000  varied significantly among different groups.

Women (0.71 per cent), white people (0.64 per cent) and 50 to 69-year-olds (1 per cent) were more likely to report suffering from the condition.

People working in healthcare (1.46 per cent), social care (1.17 per cent), hospitality (0.94 per cent) and the civil service (0.91 per cent) were much more likely to have persistent symptoms.

WHO WAS MOST LIKELY TO HAVE LONG COVID FOR MORE THAN ONE YEAR? The ONS surveyed around 300,000 people across the UK to estimate how many Britons were suffering from long Covid. It estimated that 0.63 per cent of the population had the condition for more than a year, but some groups were more likely to be affected. 50 to 69-year-olds: 1% Women: 0.7% White people: 0.64% People from the North East: 0.9% Those from most deprived areas: 0.7% Healthcare workers: 1.46% Social care workers: 1.17% Civil servants: 0.91% Those with a severe disability: 1.81% Advertisement

And people from the most deprived areas were at higher risk (0.69 per cent), compared to those from the least deprived areas (0.53 per cent).

Meanwhile, people who have a disability that limits their activity a lot (1.81 per cent) had long Covid, compared to those with no health conditions (0.47 per cent).

Overall, 37 per cent of the 1.1million people the ONS estimates have long Covid have been suffering for at least one year.

And more than three-quarters have had the condition for at least three months.

Two-thirds of people say the conditions affects their daily life, while one in five say their day-to-day activities have been limited 'a lot'.

Fatigue is the most commonly reported symptom, with more than half of those with the condition affected by it.

It is followed by shortness of breath (40 per cent), loss of smell (32 per cent), and difficulty concentrating (31 per cent).

Professor Livermore told MailOnline that long Covid sufferers have to be split into three groups.

The first is people who were so ill from the virus that they were admitted to ICU.

'If you've been sick enough to land in ICU you take a long time to recover whether its from Covid or, for example, bacterial pneumonia,' he said.

The second is people who have one or more clear and persistent symptoms, such as a loss of taste, or being unable to walk upstairs without running out of breath, Professor Livermore said.

He said: 'This as a post-viral syndrome and one sees such syndromes following other viral infections too, for example with glandular fever.

'For me, this is true "long Covid". It is clearly concerning, but not hugely common. '

Long Covid rates in the month leading up to September 5 (green bars) were highest among those aged 50 to 69, followed by those aged 35 to 49. But the biggest increase in the prevalence of long Covid was seen among 17 to 24-year-olds, with just 1.2 per cent suffering long lasting symptoms in August, but 1.9 per cent battling the condition by September

Professor Livermore said: 'The third and far the largest and least serious group whom the ONS includes, are folks who have mild and variable self-reported symptoms.

'The problem here is, as the the ONS themselves recently said, is that such symptoms as occasional headaches and fatigue are common anyway, regardless of whether you've had Covid or not.

'So, the fact you're feeling somewhat tired isn't necessarily a result of the Covid infection you had a few weeks ago.

Number of Britons falling ill with Covid every day is now at 'highest level since JANUARY' The number of Britons falling ill with Covid jumped by nearly 14 per cent last week to the highest level since January, according to the UK's largest symptom-tracking study. King's College London scientists estimated 66,033 people were getting infected every day in the week ending October 2, up 13.6 per cent from 58,126 the week before. Cases in children appear to be turning a corner but are still extremely high, with around one in 30 school pupils contracting the virus  nearly three times more than the next highest rate in 35 to 55-year-olds. Professor Tim Spector, the epidemiologist who leads the study, said allowing Covid to 'run rampant' in schools was 'a real gamble'. He said he hoped that 'herd immunity will kick in and cases will drop' in children soon. It came as new Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi admitted that face masks could make a return in schools this winter if cases show no sign of slowing down. The rising figures come despite Government data showing positive tests were still falling last week, with official case numbers only picking up for the first time in six days yesterday. The Government's Covid dashboard showed there were 39,851 new positive tests yesterday, up 8.5 per cent on last Wednesday's count of 36,722. It was the largest daily toll since September 6 (41,192). Advertisement

'I really do not believe that we have 405,000 people with true long Covid  meaning my second group  lasting 12 months.'

He noted that a study from Harvard Medical School last week listed anxiety as a symptom of long Covid in US children.

'That's absurd  anxiety is most likely a result of the stresses of the past year, and of getting what their parent maybe felt was a "dread disease", not of "long Covid"', he added.

Professor Kevin McConway, emeritus professor of applied statistics at The Open University, told MailOnline said 'it's possible' that the figures are over estimated, because they are based on self-reporting.

'Theres not any kind of independent check that people really do have the symptoms they say they have. They arent examined or diagnosed by health professionals,' he said.

But he noted that most of the long Covid symptoms 'are the kind of thing that inevitably has a subjective element anyway, and its never clear exactly what health professionals would add to diagnosis'.

Professor McConway said: 'Also, while its obviously possible that some people report symptoms that they havent really got, it can work the other way too  some people may have symptoms but would rather not disclose them, even in a survey where their results would be kept confidential.'

He added: 'There certainly is a possibility that some of these people have symptoms that were not actually caused by the virus, even though they firmly believe that they were caused by the virus (or, at least, not by anything else they know of).

'But, first, theres no measure of how large an issue that might be  some other studies have found long Covid to be more common than these ONS figures, and some have found it less common.

'Also, if people do have these symptoms, particularly if they are having big effects on their day-to-day activities (as is the case for 90,000 of them), thats an important health problem whether or not the symptoms were definitely caused by the virus.'

Layla Moran, Liberal Democrat MP and chair of the all-party parliamentary group on coronavirus said the rise in long Covid cases should 'give pause' to the Government's 'rush to get people back to the office'.

She said: Its been over a year since we first raised the issue of long Covid with the Government and nine months since we first debated it in Parliament, and yet we have not seen any evidence that the Government is considering long Covid when making serious policy decisions.'

Hundreds of thousands more people now have the long-term condition and ministers 'must take urgent action now to reduce transmission and provide support for those now living with the consequences of their haste to remove even the smallest preventative measures', Ms Moran added.
This is the moment dozens of tents were sent flying into the air after street vendors failed to fasten them with pegs at an event in China.

Footage from October 1 shows up to 50 multicoloured tents soaring like kites as onlookers gaze upwards and point.

The strange sight was captured at the Wugongshan National Geological Park - a tourist hotspot near the city of Pingxiang in the south-eastern province of Jiangxi.

Footage from October 1 shows scores of multi-coloured tents flying like kites as onlookers gaze up at them and point

The moment was captured at the Wugongshan National Geological Park - a tourist hotspot near the city of Pingxiang in the south-eastern province of Jiangxi

Tourists shared footage of the moment on social media with laughing emojis in the captions.

Strong winds can be seen and heard in the clip, as Chinese flags flutter furiously in the blustery conditions.

Tourists shared footage of the moment on social media with laughing emojis in the captions.

The incident occurred at the beginning of National Day, during Golden Week, an annual Chinese holiday that lasts between seven and eight days.

Members of staff at the scenic spot told local media that merchants selling tents had failed to peg them down when setting out their stock and the strong winds had lifted them up into the air.

They said they staff had urged the tent merchants to ensure that their wares were properly secured after a similar incident took on May 1.

The Wugong Mountain range comprises of granite, limestone, and gneiss and has long been a popular tourist attraction.

The tornado damaged 50 homes in Huludao city in China's northeastern province of Liaoning, as well as ripping out trees. One person was taken to hospital for treatment following the storm

The tornado smashed windows and ripped off balconies from this apartment complex

It is not the first time this year that fierce winds in eastern China have hit the headlines.

On August 25, some 50 homes were damaged when a terrifying twister collided with buildings in Huludao city, in China's northeastern province of Liaoning.

Footage filmed by a resident from inside their flat showed the air column rapidly gaining strength as it spiralled closer, sweeping debris up into the air.

The tornado lasted for about a minute but damaged more than 50 houses, uprooted trees, and knocked over street lights.

One person was injured and was sent to the hospital for treatment.
A university philosophy professor is facing a campaign of 'bullying' over her views on trans rights - with students putting up posters and calling for her to be fired.

Kathleen Stock, 48, an expert in gender and sexual orientation who works for the University of Sussex, has been branded a 'transphobe' by some outraged students.

Posters put up in the tunnel from Falmer station to the university's campus said she 'makes trans students unsafe' and 'we're not paying 9,250 a year for transphobia'.

Banners saying 'Stock Out' have been held alongside burning flares and scores of people have been criticising her under the Twitter hashtag #ShameOnSussexUni.

The group leading the protests is an anonymous collective called 'Anti Terf Sussex', which describes itself as an 'unaffiliated network of queer and trans students'.

'Terf' means a 'trans-exclusionary radical feminist'. It is the term that was levelled at JK Rowling over her response to an article about 'people who menstruate'.

The Harry Potter author tweeted at the time, 'Im sure there used to be a word for those people', suggesting that word was 'women' to her 14.5m followers.

But today, Sussex University has stood by Ms Stock, saying it was 'extremely concerned' by the 'harassment' she had suffered and confirmed the posters had been removed.

Kathleen Stock, 48, is a philosophy professor who works for the University of Sussex

Posters have been put up in the tunnel from Falmer station to the university's campus

Banners saying 'Stock Out' have been held alongside burning flares at the university campus

Ms Stock has repeatedly insisted in the past that she is not a transphobe, but attention on her views has intensified since her book Material Girls came out in May.

She has written and spoken extensively about sex and gender identity - arguing that womanhood and manhood reflect biological sex, not gender or gender identity.

In her own words: What does Kathleen Stock believe about gender and trans issues? Kathleen Stock explained her views on trans issues in written evidence to Parliament in November 2020 here: Womanhood and manhood reflect biological sex, not gender or gender identity;

The claim 'transwomen are women' is a fiction, not literally true

Sexual orientation (being gay, being lesbian) is determined by same-sex attraction, not attraction to gender identity

Spaces where women undress and sleep should remain genuinely single-sex, in order to protect them;

Children with gender identity disorders should not be given puberty blockers as minors. Advertisement

Ms Stock also claims trans women are not women; and sexual orientation is determined by same-sex attraction, not attraction to gender identity.

And she wants a ban on transgender women in women's changing rooms, saying in 2018 that 'many trans women are still males with male genitalia'.

But she has been blasted on Twitter as a 'Terf' amid a huge amount of criticism.

Among the tweets against her today was one saying: '#ShameOnSussexUni the fact that this is trending right now is unbelievable and disgusting.

'Transphobia has no place on our campus. F**k Kathleen Stock, you insufferable c**t. Shame on Sussex for continuing to employ her and allowing her to spread hate on campus.'

Another tweeted: '#ShameOnSussexUni for employing bullies and transphobes like Kathleen Stock.'

And a third said: '#ShameOnSussexUni for employing transphobes like Kathleen Stock and shame on anyone who tried to defend this bigotry.

'Either later in your life you will realise you are on the wrong side of history, like so many bigots before you, or you will die alone because everyone will leave.'

But there was also plenty of support for Ms Stock today, with radical feminist Julie Bindel tweeting: 'Do you support what is happening at the moment to Kathleen Stock?

'If you do you're a sadistic bully. Shame on you. Those of you that can speak out, speak out. You've covered your a***s for long enough.'

Jessica Taylor, also a radical feminist author, said: 'I stand with Kathleen Stock. Academic freedom (and safety) to debate, discuss, disagree, and theorise is vital for human and social development.

Attention on her views has intensified since her book Material Girls came out in May

'Harassing, intimidating and bullying women who have a view on a topic is abhorrent and has no place anywhere. Freedom of speech for all.'

And Paul Embery, a trade union activist, added: 'I stand with Professor Kathleen Stock OBE - a respected academic and feminist who is currently the target of a vicious campaign demanding her sacking from @SussexUni for the 'crime' of expressing gender critical views. #Solidarity #StandUpToBullying.'

A University of Sussex spokesman told MailOnline today: 'We were extremely concerned to see the harassment towards our staff member and took immediate action in response to this, which is continuing.

'We are deeply committed to being a safe and inclusive university, which values and advances equality and diversity, seeks to resolve conflicts, advances good relations and upholds lawful free speech.

'As a university community, we must be able to have complex discussions without bullying or harassment. We will always take swift action when this occurs.

'Our role as a university is to facilitate such conversations to advance shared understanding and common agreement. We insist that these are carried out respectfully and are always protective of our staff and students.'

In June 2020, author JK Rowling was accused of being 'transphobic' after insisting only women experience menstruation

The university's vice chancellor Adam Tickell also said: 'We are investigating activity on our campus which appears to have been designed to attack Professor Kathleen Stock for exercising her academic freedoms.

'Disturbingly, this has included pressuring the university to terminate her employment. Everyone at the university has the right to be free from harassment and intimidation.

'We cannot and will not tolerate threats to cherished academic freedoms and will take any action necessary to protect the rights of our community.'

In June 2020, author JK Rowling was accused of being 'transphobic' after insisting only women experience menstruation. She had challenged an article entitled: 'Opinion: Creating a more equal post-COVID-19 world for people who menstruate.'

Taking issue with the phrasing, she copied a link to the article and posted above it on Twitter: 'People who menstruate.' I'm sure there used to be a word for those people. Someone help me out. Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?'

Amid the backlash she later posted: 'I know and love trans people, but erasing the concept of sex removes the ability of many to meaningfully discuss their lives. It isn't hate to speak the truth.'

It also comes after medical journal The Lancet was accused of using the phrase 'bodies with vaginas' in lieu of the word 'female', which later saw editor Richard Horton apologise for conveying the impression that 'we have de-humanised and marginalised women'.

This week, Exeter University's Students' Guild resisted calls for an anti-abortion society to be shut down, supporting its members' rights to 'freedom of speech' and to operate without fear of 'intolerance or discrimination'.

The Christian group, Exeter Students for Life, is run by a male second-year law student named Ali who says he wants to end 'murders happening every day', and describes anyone involved in the process of abortion as a 'sinner'.

On social media, students from around the UK have suggested that the university shouldn't allow the society to operate on campus, but the Exeter University's Students' Guild said in a statement said that it encourages 'freedom of speech'.

Read The Mail On Sunday's review of Material Girls by clicking here
A controversial statue of former president Theodore Roosevelt at the entrance of Manhattan's American Museum of Natural History was vandalized with red paint early on Wednesday.

Building security informed police a few minutes after midnight that two people - a woman and a man - had sprayed the base of the bronze statue with paint before running off southbound on Central Park West.

The NYPD said it was still investigating and that the suspects were unknown as of Thursday morning.

The incident came less than a week before Columbus Day, which has in years past drawn protests to the statue by activists calling for its removal, and more than four months after city officials confirmed it would be relocated.

Vandals defaced the Theodore Roosevelt statue outside Manhattan's American Museum of Natural History Wednesday morning, spraying its base with red paint (pictured)

Police said two people, a man and a woman, had defaced the statue, and that the suspects were currently unknown

Unveiled in 1940, the statue, sculpted by James Earl Fraser was intended to 'celebrate Theodore Roosevelt as a devoted naturalist and author of works on natural history,' the museum says on its website, and notes that Roosevelt's father, Theodore Roosevelt Sr., was one of the museum's founders.

The statue has long been criticized, however, for its depiction of Roosevelt on horseback alongside a black man and Native American, which critics have said signifies a racial hierarchy in which Roosevelt stands higher than the other two.

After years of protests, in June, 2020, amid the demonstrations over the murder of George Floyd, the city vowed to have the statue removed.

The statue has been similarly defaced before. In 2017 it was also vandalized with red paint (pictured) by activists calling for its removal

A year later, on June 21, 2021, the The New York City Public Design Commission voted unanimously to relocate the statue to a yet-to-be-designated cultural institution dedicated to Roosevelt's life and legacy, although when the statue will be moved has not been announced.

The museum on its website says, 'the time line for this work is being finalized, and removal is expected in the coming months.'

Roosevelt's legacy has been cast in a new light in recent years, with his support of eugenics entering the spotlight as anti-racism protests took hold of the country following the killing of George Floyd.

The statue's removal comes as monuments to figures now deemed racist or problematic by activists have been removed from sites across the country.

Bowing to pressure from the protestors on June 21, 2021, the New York City Public Design Commission voted unanimously to relocate the statue

In particular, statues of Confederate figures in the South have been toppled in the wake of the police killing Floyd, which sparked nationwide protests demanding an end to systemic racism.

'Cowboy' president who set up America's first National Park but has been blasted by anti-racism activists for his support of eugenics Theodore Roosevelt at Yellowstone Park. He was the founder of the national parks system Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th president of the United States from 1901 to 1909. The Republican, whose face is depicted on Mount Rushmore alongside George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln, is credited with laying the groundwork for the modern Democratic party. Roosevelt had developed a 'cowboy' image and that of a brave, masculine warrior during his presidency. In more recent years, however, Roosevelt's legacy has been viewed through a more critical lens. Roosevelt during a campaign rally speech in 1900. He served as president from 1901 to 1909 He was a vocal supporter of eugenics, with a belief in white superiority, and that the poor and criminals should be sterilized to prevent procreation. When he famously fought in Cuba as part of the Rough Riders during the Spanish American War of 1898, he would refuse to give credit to the African American soldiers that historians say were crucial to victory after his disastrous decision in battle to charge up San Juan hill. He would write in his memoir that black soldiers could only be effective when led by white officers, according to Smithsonian Magazine. Detractors have also said that Roosevelt's establishment of the national parks system came at the expense of some Native American tribes, who were displaced during many of the parks' founding. Roosevelt with the Rough Riders during the Spanish American War. His detractors said his actions there led to further American interventions in Latin America Other critiques of Roosevelt's legacy involve his imperialist tendencies, and that his involvement in the war would pave the way for further, colonial interventions in the Phillipines, Hawaii, Guam and Puerto Rico, according to the New York Times. His progressive policies, however, leveled the playing field between rich and poor, and this mantle would be carried forward in the modern liberalism of his cousin, Franklin D. Roosevelt's presidency. Advertisement

Statues that paid tribute to the likes of Christopher Columbus, Robert E. Lee and George Washington were among those removed or defaced during anti-racism protests.

While there's no official number of statues taken down over the last year, the Southern Poverty Law Center previously revealed that 168 Confederate symbols were removed in 2020, including 94 monuments.

The Roosevelt statue has been defaced at least twice before, including once in 2017, when it was doused with red liquid representing blood.

In the 1970s, it was also defaced amid protests against Roosevelt's foreign policy that led to interventions in Central America and the Caribbean.

A mayoral commission in 2017 discussed the statue, but failed to decide on removing it from the premises. About half wanted the statue removed, while others proposed to leave it with added context or conduct more research for it.

Nevertheless, the commission wrote, 'Height is power in public art, and Roosevelts stature on his noble steed visibly expresses dominance and superiority over the Native American and African figures.'

In 2019, the museum ran an exhibit about the statue and how it was perceived by the public

The 'Addressing the Statue' exhibition opened up a conversation with museum attendees about the place of the statue in today's world.

Objections to the statue grew more forceful in recent years, especially after the murder of George Floyd that sparked a racial reckoning and a wave of protests across the U.S.

In June 2020, museum officials proposed removing the statue. The museum is on city-owned property and Mayor Bill de Blasio supported removal of the 'problematic statue.'

'The American Museum of Natural History has asked to remove the Theodore Roosevelt statue because it explicitly depicts Black and Indigenous people as subjugated and racially inferior,' de Blasio said at the time.

'The City supports the Museums request. It is the right decision and the right time to remove this problematic statue.'

That decision came around the same time that Americans were reckoning with the existence of other statues around the country.

The museum released a statement at the time, saying, 'Over the last few weeks, our Museum community has been profoundly moved by the ever-widening movement for racial justice that has emerged after the killing of George Floyd.

'We also have watched as the attention of the world and the country has increasingly turned to statues and monuments as powerful and hurtful symbols of systemic racism.

'While the Statue is owned by the City, the Museum recognizes the importance of taking a position at this time. We believe that the Statue should no longer remain and have requested that it be moved.'

Theodore Roosevelt IV, a great-grandson of the former president, released a statement to the New York Times last June as well.

'The world does not need statues, relics of another age, that reflect neither the values of the person they intend to honor nor the values of equality and justice, the museum trustee said.

'The composition of the Equestrian Statue does not reflect Theodore Roosevelts legacy. It is time to move the statue and move forward.'

Governor Andrew Cuomo also backed the decision to remove the statue.

Donald Trump was among those opposed to the removal of the statue at the time, tweeting, 'Ridiculous, dont do it!'

More than 150 protesters gathered outside New York's Museum of Natural History last June in an effort to save a statue of President Theodore Roosevelt from being removed.

During the hour-long demonstration speakers made the case for keeping the bronze effigy of Roosevelt firmly in its place at the Museum's entrance.

A group of counter-protesters arrived soon after, organized by a black Evangelical group from Georgia, to support the removal of the statue which they called 'glorified colonialism.'

Counter protesters carried 'Black Lives Matter' signs and also had speakers make their argument for the removal of the statue.

Museum officials said they were pleased with the commission's vote in a prepared statement emailed Wednesday and thanked the city.

Sam Biederman of the New York City Parks Department said at the meeting Monday that although the statue 'was not erected with malice of intent,' its composition 'supports a thematic framework of colonization and racism.'

Roosevelt, a pioneering conservationist, was a founding member of the institution.

Gothamist previously asked the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace in Manhattan about taking on the statue.

'At this moment, the National Park Service has no comment,' was the given response.

Roosevelt also has a presidential library in North Dakota, which could potentially serve as a new site for the statue.
Three 11-year-old children were arrested for scheming to burn down their Florida middle school so that 'rude people would die in the fire,' one of the pre-teen perpetrators told police.

Investigators say that the kids even decided amongst themselves who would live and who would die during a premeditated plot.

'The plan was for the whole second floor the burn and the rude people would die in the fire,' Omnia Mahgoub, 11, confessed in a written statement Monday.

Mahgoub and her two accomplices, Tristan Carrasquillo, and Isabella Brainard, also 11, were handcuffed and frog-marched out of the Fort Myers school and into police custody after their plot came apart once a group of students snitched on the potential fire-starters after overhearing their plan.

The three have been in police custody for three days.

Omnia Mahgoub, 11, told police Monday 'The plan was for the whole second floor the burn and the rude people would die in the fire'

Tristan Carrasquillo and Isabella Brainard, both aged 11, were taken into police custody Monday, and are both charged with conspiring to commit a first-degree felony

One student told school staffers that he had overheard the three talking about their alleged plan, and saw Mahgoub brandish a grill lighter from her backpack.

The school then called the Lee County Sheriff's Department, who sent a deputy to the scene.

During the subsequent investigation, it was found that the three suspects were allegedly planning on setting a second-floor girls' bathroom ablaze while school was in session.

One witness told investigators that Mahgoub threatened to light her on fire as well, if she told school staff about the scheme.

Another student told investigators that he heard Mahgoub say she was going to run downstairs and pretend to cry while reporting the fire.

The witness also told deputies that he heard Carrasquillo say he was going to find extra paper to help fuel the fire.

Mahgoub allegedly threatened to light another student on fire if she told school staff about the scheme, and is pictured here being escorted into police custody

Carrasquillo, pictured here handcuffed by Lee County police, told his alleged coconspirators that he was going to procure paper to help fuel the fire, another student told investigators

Brainard was also frog-marched into a police vehicle Monday before being brought to a Lee County detention center in Fort Myers, Florida

One student also reported to investigators that she saw that Mahgoub, Brainard and Carrasquillo had all written '2:30' on the top of their hands - the time the students allegedly slated to carry out their scheme.

The grill lighter was reportedly found by police in Mahgoub's backpack.

Mahgoub told lawmen that the plan was for her to run downstairs to report the fire once it was set, so that certain students could be evacuated, deputies noted in a police report.

The suspects, not even teenagers yet, all face charges of conspiring to commit a first-degree felony, and are being treated as juveniles, despite the severity of the charge.

A Lee County Sheriffs Office deputy responded to Six Mile Charter Academy Monday in response to a possible threat involving the three sixth grade students

All three are currently being held at a Lee County detention center.

The school, Six Mile Charter Academy, released a statement in regards to the incident, calling the students that came forward and cooperated with police 'brave.'

'We are very proud of the brave students who advised administration when they found out about the plot and allowed us to immediately address the situation,' the statement continued

'Our highest priority is the safety and security of our students and staff.'

'We are grateful to the Lee County Sheriff's Office for their prompt and thorough investigation regarding a plan by three students to cause significant damage to our school.'

'As a result of students choosing to do the right thing, the rest of our school family can now continue learning as usual.'
Alex Murdaugh set up a fake firm called Forge to syphon off $3.5 million of the $4.3 million settlement money meant for his housekeeper who was mysteriously killed at his home, according to new legal documents.

A motion filed Tuesday by attorneys for Gloria Satterfield's family provides new details of how two large payouts from two separate insurers were allegedly redirected to what was essentially a PO Box in Hampton, South Carolina, instead of making their way to Satterfield's sons Tony Satterfield and Brian Harriott.

Two other defendants have been named in the civil suit - Murdaugh's old college roommate Cory Fleming, who acted as a lawyer on behalf of Satterfield's families.

Also accused is Chad Westendorf, Vice President of Palmetto State Bank. Murdaugh encouraged Satterfield's sons to hire Westendorf to deal with 'business matters' he said would arise.

The new motion, filed Tuesday, is now calling for Murdaugh and his alleged co-conspirators to be held in contempt of court for violating the orders approving the settlement.

Murdaugh, Fleming and Westendorf are accused of negotiating $4.3 million in payouts from Lloyd's Underwriters and Nautilus Insurance Company - two insurance companies with which Murdaugh held policies.

They then allegedly sent more than $3.5 million of the funds to Murdaugh's shell company Forge.

On January 7 2019, Fleming allegedly received a $505,000 check from Lloyd's Underwriters - one of the insurance firms Murdaugh had a policy with. The check is pictured above

That same day, Fleming allegedly wrote a check for $403,500 to Murdaugh's shell account Forge (seen above)

Satterfield's sons were allegedly kept in the dark about both the settlements and court meetings and were not invited to any mediations.

They didn't receive a dime of the settlement, they said.

According to the 69-page motion, Westendorf was appointed as the new personal representative of Satterfield's estate on December 18 2018 - replacing her son Tony.

The very next day, Fleming filed a petition to get court permission to access a partial settlement in the wrongful death suit for $505,000 while reserving the right to pursue 'additional insurance coverage that is applicable to this matter.'

Satterfield's sons believe this settlement was agreed prior to the change in hands between Tony and Westendorf.

A check for this settlement was dated for December 4 2018 - two weeks prior to Westendorf's appointment.

This partial settlement was approved by Judge Carmen Mullen but, the sons claim, they were never told anything about it.

On January 7 2019, Fleming then allegedly received a $505,000 check from Lloyd's Underwriters.

In March 2019, Fleming then secured an additional settlement from Nautilus Insurance Company to the tune of $3.8 million. The check was made payable to Westendorf as the estate representative and Fleming's law firm on April 18 (check seen above)

Minus legal fees and expenses, Satterfield's family were entitled to $2.765 million in a settlement which was approved by Judge Mullen on May 13. The check above reveals Fleming sent a check for $2.96 million to Forge that day

That same day, Fleming allegedly wrote a check for $403,500 to Murdaugh's shell account Forge.

According to the suit, a company in Atlanta, Georgia, shares this name but in fact this check was sent to a PO Box address in Hampton at Murdaugh's request.

In March 2019, Fleming then secured an additional settlement from Nautilus Insurance Company to the tune of $3.8 million - which Satterfield's sons again claim they had no knowledge of.

Westendorf signed a conditional release which stipulated the funds would be paid directly to him in April 2019.

Documents included in the motion reveal the check was made payable to Westendorf as the estate representative and Fleming's law firm on April 18.

In total, the two insurance companies had paid out $4.305 million.

Minus legal fees and expenses, Satterfield's family were entitled to $2.765 million in a settlement which was approved by Judge Mullen on May 13.

On October 5 2020, Fleming and Murdaugh filed for a dismissal of the settlement which Mullen approved - on the basis that an agreement had been reached by all parties. The next day - October 6 - Fleming wrote a check to Forge for $168,000 (above)

A check submitted with the motion reveals Fleming sent a check for $2.96 million to Forge that very same day.

Then, on October 5 2020, Fleming and Murdaugh filed for a dismissal of the settlement which Mullen approved - on the basis that an agreement had been reached by all parties.

The next day - October 6 - Fleming wrote a check to Forge for $168,000.

Fleming also paid himself $666,000 in legal fees.

He was awarded $1.435 million in fees - $168,333 in the Lloyd's payout and $1.27 million in the Nautilus deal - but allegedly paid the remainder to Murdaugh.

Westendorf did not appear to pay himself for his involvement. Rather, he 'allowed all of the settlement proceeds to be misapplied by Fleming and Murdaugh.'

The settlement statement signed by Westendorf also lists prosecution expenses of $105,000 deducted from the $4.3 million total package but it is not clear where this money went.

The motion does not suggest Mullen was involved in the scheme.

The judge took part in two meetings with the alleged fraudsters where she approved the settlements.

The court documents claim Mullen was 'misled' to believe Satterfield's sons were aware of the settlements and that the money would be distributed in accordance with the information presented to her.

She 'had no reason not to trust' Fleming and Murdaugh who she had worked with in the past, while Satterfield told her 'he agreed with the settlement after carefully considering all of the facts of circumstances of the claims', the documents state.

Alex Murdaugh set up a shell company named Forge to syphon off $3.5 million of the $4.3 million settlement money meant for his housekeeper who was mysteriously killed at his home, according to new legal documents. Murdaugh in court last month

Gloria Satterfield, 57, (pictured) had been the Murdaugh housekeeper for around 25 years when she died following a mystery 'trip and fall' inside the Murdaugh family in 2018

Yet, according to the documents, Murdaugh, Fleming and Westendorf 'lied to the court' and the sons were unaware of any settlement being reached.

Further, none of the settlement approvals were properly filed through the Hampton County Clerk of Court, the documents claim.

At the same time, millions of dollars was also allegedly going missing from Murdaugh's law firm Peters, Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth and Detrick (PMPED), according to a separate lawsuit filed against Murdaugh by his ex-partners.

The new motion calls on Murdaugh, Fleming and Westendorf to testify under oath about their handling of the wrongful death settlement.

This week, the Satterfields' attorney Eric Bland requested Mullen give a videortaped deposition over her approval of the $4.3 million settlement payments.

Bland then withdrew the request Wednesay saying it was 'not necessary at this time.'

On Friday, Bland announced that Satterfield's family had agreed to settle with Fleming for an undisclosed sum.

The deal includes all legal fees and expenses associated with the settlement that the lawyer had recovered.

The insurance carrier for Fleming and his law firm also agreed to pay to Satterfield's estate their full policy limits of insurance.

Fleming issued a statement Wednesday claiming he made 'material mistakes' but insisting he was 'misled' by Murdaugh.

'When it came time to disburse the settlement funds, Mr. Fleming trusted his close friend and colleague to deal with him truthfully and honorably, only to be misled and deceived in one of the worst possible ways for a lawyer: Alex Murdaugh lied to Mr. Fleming to steal client funds,' the statement said, per the Island Packet.

He insisted 'he was not a willing participant in Mr. Murdaugh's scheme but was used.'

The new motion is calling on Murdaugh, attorney and Murdaugh's close friend Corey Fleming (right), and banker with Palmetto State Bank Chad Westendorf (left) to testify under oath about their handling of the settlement

Meanwhile, Westendorf returned his Personal Representation fee of $30,000 to the Satterfield estate Tuesday.

The damming accusations - and the checks included in the motion - provide the most detailed account to date of the alleged scheme to defraud the Satterfield family out of the wrongful death suit.

Satterfield, 57, had been the Murdaugh housekeeper and nanny for around 25 years when she died following a mystery 'trip and fall' inside the Murdaugh family home back in February 2018.

The complaint alleges Murdaugh, Fleming and Westendorf then defrauded the family out of a $4.3 million wrongful death settlement - which they said they had not received a dime of.

The settlements were approved in court by Judge Carmen Mullen (above) who the documents also say was 'misled' by the alleged fraudsters

Last month, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) also launched a criminal investigation into Satterfield's mystery death.

The 57-year-old's death was not reported to the coroner at the time and no autopsy was carried out.

The death certificate cites the manner of death as 'natural' - something that is inconsistent with injuries sustained in a trip and fail accident.

This does not match the information documented in the wrongful death suit which said she died as a 'result of injuries sustained in a trip and fall accident, in Hampton County'.

Murdaugh is also accused of using fake bank accounts to siphon funds for years from PMPED and its clients.

A new complaint filed Wednesday by PMPED alleges Murdaugh 'developed a systematic scheme in which he diverted funds owed to the firm and to clients to a fictitious entity.'

Murdaugh resigned last month at the request of the firm, which his great-grandfather founded in 1910, after millions of dollars were found to have gone missing.

At the time, the law firm released a statement saying Murdaugh 'lied and he stole from us'.

His resignation came one day before he was arrested last month after he allegedly faked a drive-by shooting.

Murdaugh was shot in the head along a remote road in Hampton County on September 4 and was airlifted to hospital where he survived after suffering only superficial injuries.

At the time, Murdaugh claimed he had been the victim of a drive-by shooting as he changed a tire by the side of the road.

He checked himself into rehab days later for opioid addiction and resigned from PMPED in shame over allegations of embezzling millions to pay for his addiction.

Murdaugh at his bond hearing in September over his alleged botched fake hitman scheme. He also faces a lawsuit from his former firm PMPED, which is also accusing him of stealing money from the company and its clients

But, his story about the shooting soon fell apart, and police said he confessed to arranging the hit, paying his alleged drug dealer to shoot him in the head so his surviving son Buster would receive a $10 million life insurance payout.

Murdaugh blamed a 20-year opioid addiction which has left him in financial ruin.

Both him and his alleged accomplice Curtis Edward Smith have been charged over the incident.

This marked the latest twist in the the Murdaugh family saga which gained national attention when Murdaugh's wife Maggie and son Paul were shot dead at the family's hunting lodge on June 7.

Now, four months on, their deaths remain a mystery with no arrests made and no suspects or persons of interest named.

Questions have swirled that the motive for the slayings could be tied to one of three mysterious past deaths - including Satterfield - connected to the Murdaugh family.

At the time of his murder, Paul was awaiting trial for the 2019 death of 19-year-old Mallory Beach, who was killed as a passenger in a boat he crashed while allegedly heavily intoxicated.

Police have also investigated the family for possible ties to the 2015 death of gay teen Stephen Smith, which was ruled a hit-and-run, though no suspects have ever been named or charged.

SLED has also reopened the investigation into Smith's death in the wake of Paul and Maggie's murders.

The Murdaugh saga all began back on June 7 when Maggie (second left) and Paul (far left) were found shot dead

The Murdaugh family hunting lodge where the double murders took place. No arrests have been made in the case

Alex Murdaugh's former firm claims disbarred lawyer funneled stolen money from clients and the law office into a fake bank account for YEARS, lawsuit reveals

South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh used fake bank accounts to siphon funds for years from his former firm and its clients, according to a new lawsuit filed against the disgraced and disbarred attorney by his ex-partners.

The firm of Peters, Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth and Detrick alleges in a court filing that Murdaugh 'developed a systematic scheme in which he diverted funds owed to the firm and to clients to a fictitious entity.'

The firm's suit is the latest in the twisted saga of the once prominent family that involves unsolved murders and mystery deaths, alleged fraud claims, drug addiction and a botched suicide-by-hitman.

It comes a month after Murdaugh resigned at the request of his firm, which his great-grandfather founded in 1910, after millions of dollars were found to have gone missing from its coffers.

The law firm filed a complaint Wednesday in Colleton County Court in South Carolina, which reads, 'PMPED has determined that Alex Murdaugh was able to covertly steal these funds by disguising disbursements from settlements as payments to an annuity company, trust account or structured settlement for clients or as structured attorney's fees that he had earned when in fact they were deposited into the fictious account at Bank of America.'

The firm of Peters, Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth and Detrick alleges in a court filing that Murdaugh (above in court last month) 'developed a systematic scheme in which he diverted funds owed to the firm and to clients to a fictitious entity'

It continues to say that Murdaugh, 'used firm assets in an unauthorized manner and without the consent or knowledge of his other shareholders to further his scheme to defraud.'

The firm's lawsuit is seeking damages 'for the costs of this action' and is calling for Murdaugh to reveal where the stolen money went.

Murdaugh's attorney, Jim Griffin, said in a statement: 'This is a very sad development. Alex holds every member of the Peters, Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth, Detrick law firm in very high esteem. He has pledged his full cooperation to the firm.'

In a statement released on its website last month, PMPED addressed the controversy swirling around Murdaugh and wrote, 'PMPED is a robust firm with skilled, experienced attorneys who represent our clients with a fierce commitment to obtaining justice. We were shocked and dismayed to learn that Alex violated our principles and code of ethics.'

It continues, 'He lied and he stole from us. No member of PMPED was aware of Alex's scheme. 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.'

Within a day of his ousting from the firm, Murdaugh was charged with insurance fraud and filing a false police report, stemming from a bizarre incident in which he claimed to be the victim of a roadside shooting.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Thursday announced he and Mitch McConnell reached a deal to extend the nation's debt limit until December, averting a financial crisis that could have global consequences.

'We have reached agreement to extend the debt ceiling through early December, and it's our hope that we can get this done as soon as today,' he said in brief remarks on the Senate floor.

He and McConnell, the Senate Republican leader, held talks through the night on Wednesday as they hammered out the details of an arrangement to increase the nation's borrowing limit ahead of an October 18 deadline.

The deal will keep the United States in business for the next two months. McConnell took credit for it happening.

'The majority didn't have a plan to prevent default. So we stepped forward,' he said in remarks on the Senate floor.

The Senate will hike the debt limit by $480 billion, which is what the Treasury Department says it needs to get the nation to Dec. 3. The current debt limit is $28.4 trillion.

The deal will prevent the government defaulting on its debt, which has never happened in modern American history. If action wasn't taken, America would stop paying its bills on October 18, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned, an action that would ruin the country's credit rating, hit Americans in their pocket books and rattle stock markets around the world.

But the deal also sets up another vote on the debt ceiling at the same time Congress is working to fund the government and avert a shutdown.

The House must also approve the debt ceiling arrangement.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (left) announced he and Mitch McConnell (right) reached a deal to extend the nation's debt limit until December

There is already grumblings among some Republican senators who don't want to let Democrats off easy with a simple 51-vote majority to move forward on the deal.

Democrats could pass the plan on a simple voice vote but any single senator can object, forcing a roll call vote and that could lead to Democrats needing 10 Republicans to join them in advancing the legislation.

An objection would also lengthen the legislative process on the vote, stretching it into the weekend.

Republican Senator John Cornyn said he expected the GOP concerns would be resolved on Thursday.

'We'll have a robust conversation about the wisdom of that but any single senator can force a delay and force us to go through the motions, but it won't change the outcome,' Cornyn said. 'By objecting to an expedited procedure, it does force Republicans to come up with the 10 votes to get to the 60, which strikes me as not a great idea.'

He noted that 'sometimes you have to do things that youre not excited about.'

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham already said he was worried letting Democrats through with a simple majority vote 'would be capitulation.'

'If Democrats want an expedited process to use reconciliation to raise the debt limit they can have it,' he said. 'However, if Republicans intend to give Democrats a pass on using reconciliation to raise the debt limit  now or in the future  that would be capitulation.'

Other Republican senators - such as Rick Scott and Josh Hawley said they wouldn't object an agreement that included a quick vote on the deal but would vote 'no' on the agreement.

Pressure was on for the Senate to act. The House had passed legislation that would suspend the debt ceiling until December 2022, after the midterm election, a proposal that Republicans roundly rejected.

President Joe Biden added his weight to the talks, convining a meeting of his Cabinet officials and top business leaders at the White House on Wednesday to urge action.

Biden warned that default could trigger a national security crisis and held the risk of tanking the stock market and wiping out retirement savings.

'It's about paying for what we owe, and preventing catastrophic events,' Biden said, comparing impact to a 'meteor heading our way.'

He spoke soon after Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin issued his own warning.

'If the United States defaults, it would undermine the economic strength on which our national security rests,' he said.

'It would also seriously harm our service members and their families because, as Secretary, I would have no authority or ability to ensure that our service members, civilians, or contractors would be paid in full or on time.'

Once the vote on the debt ceiling is dispatched, the Senate can pivot to Biden's $3.5 trillion budget package of social programs.

In making the offer on the debt ceiling, McConnell backed down from the Republicans' hardline position and offered a short-term extension of the debt limit through December.

But he made a caveat - Democrats must put a price tag on raising the debt limit and not extend it to a certain date.

And he did not lift the Repubican blockade of a longer-term increase. McConnell repeated his demands that Democrats use the complicated and time-consuming procedure known as reconciliation for a long term extension.

Republicans want Democrats to raise the debt ceiling by a specific number and filibustered a House-passed bill that would suspend the debt limit through December 2022 - after the midterm election.

The GOP, in turn, are then likely to use that number against Democrats in the midterm elections as they try to take control of Congress.

Progressive independent Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont said Democrats accepted the deal because 'Mitch McConnell finally saw the light' in proposing a solution that could pass.

'There would have been a global economic collapse if in fact the wealthiest nation on earth did not pay its debts,' Sanders said. 'We're going to pay our debts. We have two months to figure it out.'

The light in the cupola of the Capitol Dome is illuminated, indicating that work continued in Congress overnight on Wednesday as Schumer and McConnell hammered out a deal

While the deal does buy time, it also gives a December deadline, which would be around the same time Congress is facing a deadline to fund the government and stave off a shutdown.

It also puts a band aid on the debt issue as Democrats try to pass Biden's ambitious social agenda, which Republicans oppose and some moderate Democrats decry as too expensive.

However, Democrats said they will not bend on McConnell's demands that the majority party use reconciliation to extend the borrowing limit by a year or more.

'I think it's great that (McConnell's) folded and we're gonna move our agenda and we're gonna take care of the debt ceiling and then we're going to go on and pass infrastructure,' said Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth of illinis.

'We're not gonna do reconciliation,' she said, which other Democratic senators echoed.

Other Democrats painted McConnell's offer as a win.

'McConnell caved,' said Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren on Wednesday.

Some Democrats didn't like the offer.

'It's bulls***,' Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii told reporters on Capitol Hill on Wednesday afternoon.

President Biden is pushing Republicans to let Democrats raise the debt limit

But with the clock ticking to October 18th - the day the Treasury Department said it will run out of money and have to default - Democrats were running out of options.

They suffered another blow Wednesday when Senator Joe Manchin made it clear he opposes changing the Senate rules to bypass the legislative filibuster in order to raise the debt ceiling.

'I've been very very clear where I stand on the filibuster. Nothing changes,' Manchin told reporters outside of his Senate office.

Some Democratic senators wanted to go 'nuclear' - a legislative move that would allow them to bypass the filibuster, the rule that requires 60 votes to advance legislation in the Senate.

It takes a majority of 51 votes to use the 'nuclear option' and, in the 50-50 Senate Schumer would need every one of his Democrats on board plus Vice President Kamala Harris to break the tie.

Senator Joe Manchin opposes changing the Senate rules to bypass the legislative filibuster in order to raise the debt ceiling

Manchin has been clear he opposes getting rid of the filibuster but, on Wednesday, he clarified he would oppose removing it in the case of a single piece of legislation - in this case the raising of the debt ceiling.

He also implored Schumer and McConnell to come together and find a way out of the legislative mess.

'I implore them to engage, start working, work this out. This should not be a crisis,' he said.
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Officials are probing whether a German-flagged cargo ship was responsible for rupturing a California oil pipeline which has leaked more than 125,000 gallons of crude into the sea.

The 1,000ft Rotterdam Express made a series of unusual movements while anchored in the closest spot to where the break in the pipeline occurred, according to the Associated Press.

The Coast Guard is investigating whether an anchor might have snagged and bent the pipeline owned by Amplify Energy, a Houston-based company that operates three offshore oil platforms south of Los Angeles.

Dead fish and birds have been washing ashore since the leak was reported on Saturday, with the 13-square-mile oil slick stretching more than five miles between Huntington Beach and Newport Beach.

The coast is a renowned habitat for threatened and endangered species including humpback whales and a small wading bird called the snowy plover.

AP reviewed more than two weeks of data from MarineTraffic, a navigation service that tracks radio signals from transponders that broadcast the locations of ships and large boats every few minutes.

That data shows the Rotterdam Express was assigned to anchorage SF-3, the closest to where the pipeline ruptured off Huntington Beach. The ship made three unusual movements over two days that appear to put it over the pipeline.

In a statement to AP on Thursday, Hapag-Lloyd, the shipping company that operates the Rotterdam Express, confirmed that investigators boarded the ship while it was docked at the Port of Oakland on Wednesday. The company has said it played no role in the oil spill.

The Rotterdam Express is seen at the Port of Oakland, Wednesday, October 6. The German-flagged cargo ship made a series of unusual movements while anchored in the closest spot to where the break in the pipeline occurred, according to the Associated Press.

Workers in protective suits cleaning the contaminated Newport Beach on Wednesday after the oil spill. Dead birds and fish have been washing ashore since the leak was reported on Saturday

People play on the sand in the background as workers in protective suits clean the contaminated beach after an oil spill in Newport Beach

Bags of crude oil collected by workers stack on a beach on Wednesday after an oil spill in Newport Beach, California

Investigators have boarded the vessel as they probe what caused the leak which has pumped more than 125,000 gallons of crude into the sea

Drilling platforms Elly (left), Ellen (centre) and Eureka are seen off the southern California coast on Wednesday. The ruptured pipe is connected to the Elly platform

'We are fully cooperating with the authorities at this moment,' said Nils Haupt, a spokesman at Hapag-Lloyd's headquarters in Hamburg, Germany.

A U.S. official told the AP on Wednesday that the Rotterdam Express has become a focus of the spill investigation. The official cautioned the ship is only one lead being pursued in the investigation, which is in the early stages.

The investigators are seeking to collect tracking and navigational information from the vessel that could help them identify its exact movements, the official said. They are also seeking preliminary interviews with at least some crew members.

The official could not discuss the investigation publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier, a Coast Guard spokesperson, declined to comment on the Rotterdam Express Wednesday but said the agency is analyzing electric charting systems from its vessel traffic service to see what ships were anchored or moving over the spill area.

The MarineTraffic data reviewed by AP shows the Rotterdam Express arrived outside the Port of Long Beach early on Sept. 22 and dropped anchor about 2,000 feetfrom the pipeline.

The following day, at about 5 p.m., the data for the ship's locator beacon indicated that while anchored it suddenly moved thousands of feet to the southeast, a track that would have taken it over the pipeline lying on the seafloor about 100 feet below. The ship appears to have then engaged its engines to return to its anchorage about 10 minutes later.

A dead fish washed ashore on Wednesday as contamination from the oil spill plagues marine life

Another dead fish which washed ashore on Wednesday as contamination from the oil spill plagues marine life

Workers in protective suits clean the contaminated beach after an oil spill in Newport Beach

The ship then moved again around midnight and a third time shortly before 8 a.m. on Sept. 23, each time moving back to its assigned anchorage, according to its online location data. The Rotterdam Express remained at spot SF-3 until Sunday, when it moved into the port to unload.

The first report of oil in the water near the pipeline were made Friday evening. Amplify said the pipeline was shut down early Saturday morning but has not said how long it believes oil flowed from it.

Amplify's CEO Martyn Willsher said Tuesday divers determined a 4,000-feet section of the pipeline was dislodged 105 feet, bent back like the string on a bow. Oil escaped through a slender crack.

The amount is unclear. Amplify has said publicly that no more than 126,000 gallons leaked but told federal investigators it may be only 29,400 gallons.

AP first contacted Hapag-Lloyd on Tuesday evening, seeking an explanation for the ship's movements on Sept. 22 and 23.

Crews led by the U.S. Coast Guard recovered 3,150 gallons of oil from the water, of the 126,000 gallons that spilled into the Pacific Ocean

Oil flowing through the Talbert Channel, gathering on an absorption boom that helps stop the flow into the ecologically sensitive Talbert Marsh as a major oil spill washes ashore at Huntington State Beach on Sunday

Heavy machinery builds a sand berm, blocking any more oil coming into the Talbert Channel

Oil washing up at the shore on Sunday

On Wednesday, Nils denied that the ship ever moved off anchor from spot SF-3 during that period. He said the transponder data displayed by MarineTraffic is erroneous.

'We have proof by the logbook, which is updated hourly, that the vessel did not move,' Haupt said. 'MarineTraffic in this case is wrong and the position is indeed incorrect.'

AP sent an email Wednesday morning to the Unified Command Joint Information?Center for state and federal agencies responding to the oil spill, seeking comment about the movements made by the Rotterdam Express prior to the spill. Senior Chief Petty Officer Lauren Jorgensen said the command was unable to discuss matters involving an ongoing investigation.

Nikolas Xiros, a professor of marine engineering at the University of New Orleans, said it would be highly unlikely that the transponder data for a ship, which works through a global network called the Automatic Identification System, would be off by several thousand feet.

'AIS transporters are very accurate and the whole system is also very accurate,' Xiros said after reviewing the location track for Rotterdam Express. 'I think probably the ship moved, that's what I think. And with the anchor down, which was a big problem.'

Oil formed into globules, foam and sheen that flowed in from high tide and was held back by a sand berm and boom in a trapped pool as a major oil spill washes ashore on the border of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach

Oil absorbent booms are being used by workers with Patriot Environmental Services to clean up oil that flowed into the Talbert Marsh in Huntington Beach on Sunday

Xiros, who has spent more than two decades teaching marine navigation and electronics to future ship captains and crew, said the only alternative explanation he could think of was that either someone had hacked the AIS system to make the Rotterdam Express appear to move or that the ship's transmitter somehow became unfastened from its mast, fell in the water and drifted away before being retrieved by the crew, only to have it come unfastened two more times.

Xiros also said he could provide no reasonable explanation for why the ship might have moved so far off its assigned station. Records show relatively calm weather and seas during the days in question.

'There is a series of peculiar things and all that need to be explained,' Xiros said. 'It may very well be some kind of an accident, but not necessarily a human error. We will have to see. But . I think he most probable explanation is the ship with anchor down moved both back and forth and possibly caused damage to the pipeline.'

If a ship's anchor were to become entangled with an underwater obstacle such as a communications cable or petroleum pipeline, the operator is required by federal law to notify the Coast Guard. The locations and movements of ships are also regularly monitored by both the AIS system and radar, according to the Coast Guard.

Xiros said if he were investigating the cause of the oil spill, he would seek to review the digital logs for both location and engine operations aboard the Rotterdam Express.

According to MarineTraffic data, the ship left Long Beach on Monday for the Port of Oakland. It was still moored there Thursday morning, despite being scheduled to depart Wednesday night.
The St. Paul City Council introduced a set of bills poised to enact some of the toughest tobacco restrictions in the nation, all while the Minnesota city grips with rising crime rates.

On Wednesday, the City Council announced it would vote on laws that would set a $10 minimum price on a pack of cigarettes, higher than the average cost in the state of $9.57, and ban coupons and other discounts at retail outlets for tobacco and vaping products.

It would be the first municipality in the US to crack down on the price of vaping products.

Other restrictions include reducing the number of tobacco licenses available in the city, stop liquor stores from selling menthol tobacco products and increase penalties for retailers violating local tobacco laws.

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter said that the bill was sponsored by all seven City Council members and vowed to sign it into law if the measure passes later this month.

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, left, vowed to sign the bill aimed at tobacco and vaping products if it passes through the City Council

The proposed laws aim to reduce the number of tobacco licenses available in the city, stop liquor stores from selling menthol tobacco products and increase penalties for retailers violating local tobacco laws

'Protecting those most vulnerable to the harmful effects of smoking is critical,' Carter said in a statement Wednesday. 'As we continue supporting our community's health and wellness, I look forward to the public conversation on how this proposed amendment can support our ongoing efforts.'

The move comes as the troubled city combats rising crime rates, with the St. Paul Police Department reporting a 15 percent increase in crime from 2019 to 2020, according to the most recent statistics released earlier this year.

Homicides rose by 13.3 percent to 34 in 2020, and aggravated assault jumped by 32.1 per cent from 946 in 2019 to 1,246 in 2020.

Burglaries also saw a spike of about 11.8 percent, from 2,038 in 2019 to 2,279 in 2020.

Rapes were the only crime to see a decrease, falling from 236 in 2019 to 196 in 2020.

Overall, violent crimes in St. Paul increased by 25 percent from 2019 to 2020.

Overall crime in St. Paul has gone up by 15 per cent from 2019 to 2020

The number of murders in Minnesota increased an alarming 58 percent last year

'This was an incredibly hard year for all of us,' said St. Paul Police Chief Todd Axtell.

St. Paul is Minnesota's second-most populous city, with Minneapolis leading in both population and crime.

Minneapolis has reported more than 4,902 violent crimes so far this year, including 74 homicides, according to the Minneapolis Police Department.

The entire state of Minnesota saw murders jump up by 58 per cent last year to 185, an all time record.

The fear is that the restrictions placed against tobacco and vaping products and businesses would only increase crime as smugglers work to bring cheaper products to smokers.

Michael LaFaive, the senior director of fiscal policy for the research and educational institute Mackinac Center for Public Policy, has longed warned that illegal smuggling would go up in any state that increases the price of cigarettes.

In an opinion piece in the Washington Post, LaFaive explained that increasing the cost of cigarettes causes more people to engage in casual smuggling, where they purchase cigarettes in other towns at cheaper prices and resell them.

'But it has other effects, too,' LaFaive warned. 'One effect is brazen lawlessness that has included retailer and wholesaler thefts, hijackings, violence against people, property and police and public corruption.'

The proposed St. Paul bill would raise the minimum price of a pack of cigarettes to $10

The Midwest typically has some of the lowest cigarette prices in the nation, with Missouri sporting the lowest at $5.25 per pack.

Tony Chesak, the executive director of the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association, said the proposed laws in St. Paul would only serve to hurt business, the Star Tribune reports.

Along with the increase price to cigarettes and ban on coupons for vape products, the bill would limit the amount of traditional tobacco licenses from 190 to 150.

It would also cap tobacco product shops that make at least 90 per cent of their revenue from tobacco to 25, from the current 39.

Current license holder can continue to operate, but St. Paul would not issue new licenses until the old ones are relinquished.

The proposed laws would also prevent the city from issuing a tobacco license to a business within a half-mile of another tobacco vendor.

'We feel as though this is an anti-consumer initiative,' Chesak wrote in a letter to the city council.

Associations representing Minnesota service stations, grocers and retailers also wrote a joint letter to the council arguing against the proposed laws.

'A city should not engage in what is essentially price fixing,' the groups' letter read.

Tony Chesak, left, theexecutive director of the Minnesota Licensed Beverage Association stands opposed to Jeanne Weigum president of the Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota regarding the proposed bill to place restrictions on tobacco and vaping products and sellers

Minnesota Retailers Association President Bruce Nustad told Minnesota Public Radio, 'I think there's just a bit of a feeling that there's a little bit of a piling on relative to consumers and retailers in St. Paul right now.'

'The city has asked retailers to make a lot of sacrifices. You look at sick and safe leave, you look at minimum wage. All these things, and they might be the right ideas, but it feels like this isn't the best time for that kind of a far-reaching tobacco ordinance.'

Jeanne Weigum, president of the Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota, stood by the proposed laws and said the banning of vaping products would be a historic first in the US.

'It's landmark,' she told the Star Tribune. 'When we're talking about an addictive product, which people are desperately trying to quit using, the last thing you want is a monetary incentive constantly put out in front of them.'

'We have known for decades that price is the single most effective way of keeping young people from starting to smoke and helping people be motivated to quit,' Weigum added.
The BBC is believed to be about to ditch controversial LGBT charity Stonewall's Diversity Champion's programme within days.

It comes in the wake of Ofcom, the Equality and Human Rights Commission and others quitting the scheme.

Diversity Champions is a programme where companies sign up and pay for advice from Stonewall on how to create an inclusive environment for LGBT workers.

But it has been recently mired in controversy after its Chief executive Nancy Kelley claimed 'gender critical' beliefs  the belief that a person's biological sex cannot be changed  were like anti-Semitism.

And Matthew Parris, the journalist and former MP who co-founded it in 1989, accused it this year of becoming 'tangled up in the trans issue' and 'cornered into an extremist stance'.

A BBC source told VICE News: 'BBC bosses feel that they can't allow the organisation to be connected to Stonewall in any way, because the BBC needs to be 'impartial on LGBT lives'.

BBC refused to confirm but said id did not 'subscribe to Stonewall campaigning'

Stonewall's Nancy Kelley claimed 'gender critical' beliefs  were like anti-Semitism

Stonewall's Diversity Champions is a programme where companies sign up and pay for advice from Stonewall on how to create an inclusive environment for LGBT workers

'So the current plan is to quietly withdraw from the scheme, by just not renewing their membership. I'm super scared about this sliding back on supporting LGBT employees.'

Ofcom is understood to have been concerned that its relationship with Stonewall through the scheme could jeopardise its own reputation.

A source said that Ofcom looked at whether its relationship with Stonewall posed 'a conflict or risk of perceived bias', adding: 'Stepping back from the Diversity Champions programme, in light of this, is the right thing to do.'

The Equality and Human Rights Commission also decided not to renew its membership earlier this year saying it did not constitute best value for money.

BBC's impending departure comes after others, who include Ofcom abandoned programme

People supporting the organization Stonewall during Pride in London back in July 2015

Sources at Ofcom said it had now 'laid the foundations' to help it improve support for LGBT colleagues and was confident it could 'move ahead positively' outside the Stonewall scheme.

But it will remain in the charity's Workplace Equality Index, a benchmark tool for employers.

A BBC spokesperson said: 'The BBC acts independently in all our aspects of our operations, from HR policy to editorial guidelines and content.

'We aim to be industry leading on workforce inclusion and take advice from a range of external organisations, however we make the final decision on any BBC policies or practices ourselves.

'We do not take legal advice from Stonewall and we do not subscribe to Stonewall's campaigning. The charity simply provides advice that we are able to consider.

'As a broadcaster, we have our own values and editorial standards  these are clearly set out and published in our Editorial Guidelines. We are also governed by the Royal Charter and the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.'

Robbie de Santos, director of communications and campaigns at Stonewall,said: 'Our work with the BBC focuses on helping to build an LGBTQ+ inclusive workplace for its employees, and in no way affects their impartiality.

'Supporting LGBTQ+ people in the workplace should not be seen as a political or controversial act.'
Long Beach Unified School District said they were aware of his brief stints in two separate police departments and said they contacted the agencies

Spokesman told LA Times Sierra Madre PD had 'chose to separate from Officer Gonzalez,' but wouldn't comment further

In September 2019 he took another job as a police officer with the city of Sierra Madre in Los Angeles County, which came to an end July 2020

Prior to being hired as a safety officer at the school in January of this year, Gonzalez worked for the Los Alamitos Police Department for only four months

Although no charges have been brought against Gonzalez, a look at his work history raises 'a bunch of red flags,' according to one expert

Following the incident, Long Beach Police announced they were investigating Gonzalez' use of lethal force

Rodriguez, who has a five-month-old son, was shot as she drove away from the scene where she had earlier gotten into a fight with a 15-year-old girl

he Long Beach Board of Education announced that Millikan High School safety officer Eddie F. Gonzalez has been fired after Mona Rodriguez died

A school safety officer who shot and killed an 18 year-old mother as she fled the scene of a fight with a 15 year-old girl has been fired, with concerns since raised over his employment history.

The Long Beach Board of Education announced on Wednesday that they terminated Millikan High School safety officer Eddie F. Gonzalez the same day 18-year-old Mona Rodriguez, who had been on life support for more than a week, died after being shot in the back of the head.

'After our internal review, you clearly saw areas where the employee violated district policy and did not meet our standards and expectations,' Superintendent Jill Baker said in a statement. 'We believe the decision to terminate this officer's employment is warranted, justified, and quite frankly, the right thing to do.'

Gonzalez's conduct is now being probed by the Long Beach Police Department, although no criminal charges have been brought. A use of force expert has said his multiple brief stints in other police departments should have raised red flags about his employability.

Although no charges have been brought against Gonzalez, a look at his work history raises 'a bunch of red flags,' Timothy Williams, a police-use-of-force expert and retired detective supervisor with the LAPD, told Long Beach Post News.

Gonzalez has jumped from police department to police department after only a few short months over the last two years and made the unusual move to become a school safety officer after only a few years in the force.

Eddie Gonzalez, the school safety officer who shot and killed Mona Rodriguez, is pictured being sworn in as a cop at Los Alamitos PD in February 2019 - a position he held for just four months

In September 2019 Gonzalez (pictured right) took another job as a police officer with the city of Sierra Madre in Los Angeles County, which came to an end July 2020. A spokesman for the department said they 'chose to separate' from him, but wouldn't comment further

Prior to being hired as a safety officer at the school on January 10 of this year, Gonzalez worked for the Los Alamitos Police Department for only four months in 2019, Long Beach Post News reported.

The city of Los Alamitos confirmed to the Long Beach Post that Gonzalez worked for the department from January 8, 2019, to April 8, 2019.

Video footage shows Gonzalez being sworn in on February 2019 as a new police officer by Los Alamitos Police Chief Eric Nunez.

In his introduction Nunez says Gonzalez was born in Los Angeles and served as a Marine Corps.

In September 2019 he took another job as a police officer with the city of Sierra Madre in Los Angeles County, which came to an end July 2020.

A spokesman for the department told the LA Times it 'chose to separate' from Gonzalez, but did not comment further about the circumstances of his departure.

Long Beach Unified School District said they were aware of his brief stints as a police officer in two separate police departments, and said that the agencies were contacted during the hiring process.

'Nothing in those checks was disqualifying,' District spokesman Chris Eftychiou told the Long Beach Post.

But Williams says he has 'concerns' about Gonzalez jumping from department to department, saying he's seen that behavior from officers with 'checkered backgrounds.'

Rodriguez, who has a five-month-old son, was shot as she drove away from the scene where she had earlier gotten into a fight with a 15-year-old girl near Millikan High School in Long Beach on September 27.

Mona Rodriguez, a teenage mother, died after being taken off of life support

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

The victim, whose full name was Manuela, 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 at the time were enrolled at Millikan High School.

Harrowing video shows the moment Gonzalez fires two shots at the car, which nearly hits him as it speeds out of the parking lot.

Rodriguez was taken off life support Wednesday after her body was prepared to donate her organs. She donated a heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, which will save the lives of five people, the family released in a statement.

Luis Carrillo, a family attorney, called on prosecutors to bring charges against Gonzalez.

The 18-year-old was left brain dead after being shot in the back of the head by a school safety officer as she tried to flee a fight

Mona passed after doctors took the 18-year-old mother off of life support on Wednesday

Rafeul Chowdhury (left), the father of Rodriguez's child, told reporters that the officer had not warned before firing his weapon. (Pictured with civil rights activist Najee Ali)

'This officer should be in jail right now,' he said at the vigil. 'The mother is suffering, every family member and friend is suffering.'

Carrillo sent a letter to California Attorney General Rob Bonta last week insisting that the office open an investigation into the shooting. Carillo claims that the incident meets the legal standing for murder or manslaughter charges against the officer.

Speaking outside the school last week, Chowdhury told reporters that Gonzalez had threatened Rodriguez 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 [Mona]'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.

'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.'
Former President Donald Trump engaged in a stand-off with top officials in his administration over his controversial pick for attorney general in what his White House lawyer called a 'murder-suicide pact,' a new report from Senate Judiciary Democrats revealed Thursday.

Findings in the report detail a meeting between Trump and top DOJ officials in which he discussed replacing the acting attorney general with a little-known department lawyer because he was prepared to send a letter asking legislators in states where the 2020 election results were contested to wipe their slate of electors and pick a new one.

In response the officials threatened an unprecedented wave of resignations in the DOJ and White House Counsel's office.

Trump reportedly tried to pressure the Justice Department to overturn the election nine times.

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Dick Durbin said the findings led him to believe Trump would have 'shredded the Constitution to stay in power.'

'Todays report shows the American people just how close we came to a constitutional crisis,' Durbin wrote in a statement.

'Donald Trump would have shredded the Constitution to stay in power. We must never allow this unprecedented abuse of power to happen again.'

Senate Republicans also issued a report on Trump's actions after the 2020 election, claiming Democrats' findings are overblown. Their findings indicate that Trump 'listened to his advisors, including high-level DOJ officials and White House Counsel and followed their recommendations.'

Trump spoke with DOJ leadership multiple times from mid-December until early January to pressure officials to open an election fraud investigation (pictured: an Oval Office meeting on December 31)

'The transcripts of this investigation speak for themselves, and they paint a very different picture from the lefts claims that the former president weaponized the Justice Department to alter the election results,' Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley wrote in a statement.

A January 3 Oval Office meeting detailed in Democrats' report reveals the extent to which career DOJ employees and even some Trump appointees had to go to keep the ex-president from actively trying to steal the election.

On one end was Trump and Jeffrey Clark, a loyalist who drafted a letter for Georgia officials in December claiming the DOJ was investigating 'serious irregularities' in the presidential vote count and asked that they convene the legislature to examine 'new evidence' and 'deliberate matter consistent with its duties under the constitution.'

Also present were Acting Attorney General Rosen and two of his top deputies, along with White House Counsel Pat Cipollone and deputy counsel Patrick F. Philbin.

Trump reportedly opened the meeting by saying, 'One thing we know is you, Rosen, arent going to do anything to overturn the election.'

Over the course of three hours Trump and the officials discussed Trump potentially replacing Rosen with Clark and whether Clark was even qualified to do so. Clark allegedly made it apparent that he would send his letter if he took over the DOJ.

But the DOJ officials were prepared with a nuclear option.

'At some point during the meeting, Donoghue and Engel made clear that all of the Assistant Attorneys General would resign if Trump replaced Rosen with Clark,' the report states.

Cipollone and Philbin soon followed, with Cipollone telling Trump that Clark's letter amounted to a 'murder-suicide pact.'

The 394-page report includes damning testimony from former DOJ officials about Trump and people in his orbit trying to push election fraud theories

But despite the threat and 'even though every participant in the meeting except Clark advocated strongly against that course of action,' Trump didn't drop the idea until much later, at the end of the meeting.

The Senate report also discusses the coordination behind officials' threat, including an email in which a top DOJ official told others within the department that Trump gave Rosen 'direct instructions to utilize the Department of Justices law enforcement powers for improper ends.'

After the January 3 meeting the same official emailed DOJ leadership, 'I only have limited visibility into this, but it sounds like Rosen and the cause of justice won.'

Senate Judiciary Democrats reveal that the meeting was arranged because Clark had told Rosen that day that Trump was firing him and appointing Clark to lead the DOJ instead.

Clark reportedly asked Rosen to stay on as his deputy, replacing Donoghue.

'Toward the end of their meeting, Rosen told Clark that he would not accept being fired by his subordinateand would contact the President to discuss the matter directly,' the report states.

Jeffrey Clark was a relatively unknown DOJ lawyer who Trump tried to replace his acting AG with

The report also documents multiple conversations between Trump, Rosen and Donoghue in which the president tried to convince them of possible election fraud, culminating in the January 3 meeting.

Trump met with the two men on December 15 to discuss a report on discredited claims of 'voter fraud' in Michigan. Attorney General Bill Barr, who would be in office for 10 more days before stepping down, was excluded.

Rosen said Trump asked him why the DOJ wasn't 'doing more to look at this' and if the DOJ was 'going to do its job.' Rosen assured Trump the department was doing its job.

The ex-president called Rosen on two occasions the next week, On December 24 and 24.

Trump asked the former Barr deputy if he had looked into election fraud 'people are saying' was taking place and added that Rosen should 'make sure the Department is really looking into these things that you may have missed.'

During the December 24 call Trump also asked Rosen if he knew 'a guy named Jeffrey Clark.'

Clark had been confirmed by the Senate to serve as the Assistant Attorney General for the DOJ's Environment and Natural Resources Division where the report notes he 'developed a reputation for pushing aggressive conservative legal principles.'

He was promoted to Acting Assistant AG for the Civil Division less than two months before the election.

Rosen told the Senate he had asked Clark on December 26 why Trump would have mentioned his name in conversation.

According to the report Clark told a 'flabbergasted' Rosen that he had met with Trump in the Oval Office without his knowledge just days earlier. Rep. Scott Perry (R-PA) had recruited Clark for the meeting and later disclosed it was about election fraud claims.

Most of Trump's late December conversations occurred with then-Acting Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen (left) and his deputy Richard Donoghue (right)

After the alleged meeting Clark sent his letter for Georgia officials to Rosen and his number two, Richard Donoghue. He also suggested the letter be sent to other states where the vote count was being contested.

He also requested that Rosen authorize a classified briefing from Director of National Intelligence John Radcliffe on 'foreign election interference issues.'

Rosen revealed that he authorized the briefing hoping that it would show Clark his theories were baseless.

Clark had assured Rosen he wouldn't speak to Trump again, later revealing that he broke that promise when he discussed the possibility of taking over Rosen's job with Trump.

On December 27 Trump told Donoghue and Clark over the phone that the 'election had been stolen out from under the American people.'

Former White House Counsel Pat Cipollone reportedly joined DOJ officials' threat to resign if Trump replaced Rosen with Clark

He told Donoghue he'd find 'tens of thousands' of illegal votes if he conducted a review of ballots in Fulton County, Georgia.

'You guys arent following the Internet the way I do,' Trump reportedly told Rosen and Donoghue.

During that conversation Trump complained the DOJ wasn't doing enough to stop election fraud the same way he claimed Reps. Jim Jordan (R-OH), Scott Perry (R-PA) and Pennsylvania State Senator Doug Mastriano are.

Rosen and Donoghue said they told Trump the DOJ 'cant and wont just flip a switch and change the election.'

Trump told them the DOJ should 'just say the election was corrupt and leave the rest to me and the [Republican] Congressmen,' Donoghue recalled.

Donoghue said Trump also brought up Clark again, and told the two officials that he'd been hearing 'good things' about Clark and that Trump should 'put him in' DOJ leadership.

The deputy said he was surprised because Clark 'didnt have anything to do with the Departments election responsibilities.'

After the call Trump gave Donoghue's phone number to Perry, who subsequently called him with claims of voter fraud in Pennsylvania. Donoghue turned those claims over to a Pennsylvania district attorney who said they were not well-founded.

A December 31 meeting allegedly featured an 'unhappy' Trump over the DOJ's lack of an election fraud investigation. Chief of Staff Mark Meadows was in attendance as well.

Donoghue described the meeting as 'contentious' and said Trump's 'frustration was increasing.'

Congressmen Scott Perry and Jim Jordan were mentioned by Trump by name according to the report, when he asked Rosen and Donoghue to work with the Republican lawmakers on election fraud claims

Trump also raised the possibility of taking his election fight to the Supreme Court, insisting he was told it would be a 'slam dunk.'

Senate Democrats' report found that Meadows jumped into the pressure campaign against the DOJ himself.

In late December he asked Rosen to investigate alleged voter fraud in Georgia.

Meadows also emailed Rosen a video that detailed a conspiracy theory known as 'Italygate' which claims an Italian aerospace company worked with the CIA to change votes from Trump to Joe Biden using military satellites.

Rosen forwarded the link to Donoghue, who called it 'pure insanity.'

Meadows also allegedly asked Rosen to meet with Rudy Giuliani multiple times, including after the Italygate video, all of which Rosen refused.

Rosen recalled telling Meadows that the contents of the video were 'debunked' but Meadows told him 'there's more to it.'

To date the Justice Department has not found any evidence of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election, though Trump and his supporters continue to insist the race was stolen.
Activist Tesla shareholders are proposing the removal of board members James Murdoch and Kimbal Musk from the board, as well as demanding the company produce a new annual diversity report.

Tesla shareholders will vote on these proposals and others on Thursday at the company's annual meeting, which will be held virtually from the company's Gigafactory in Austin, Texas.

Other proposals on the shareholder ballot, known as a proxy statement, include cutting director terms to two years and eliminating a supermajority vote requirement to approve certain changes

Proxy advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) put forward the recommendation that Murdoch and Kimbal be removed, saying the board approved excessive compensation packages to non-executive board members.

Activist shareholders have a number of proposals up for a vote at Tesla's annual shareholder meeting on Thursday. CEO Elon Musk (above) owns 17.2 percent of the company's stock

Shareholders are proposing the removal of board members James Murdoch (left) and Kimbal Musk (right) from the board, citing excessive pay for non-executive board members

'Votes AGAINST directors James Murdoch and Kimbal Musk are warranted due to concerns regarding excessive compensation to named executive officers and to non-executive directors,' ISS wrote in a report sent to clients last month.

Murdoch was chief executive officer of 21st Century Fox and is the son of media magnate Rupert Murdoch, and Kimbal Musk is a restaurant entrepreneur and brother of Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Both are running for re-election to the board. The board currently has nine members, but will have eight after the annual meeting because director Antonio Gracias is not running again.

ISS said shareholders should reject Murdoch because he serves on the audit and governance committees.

The governance committee failed to react appropriately to last year's majority supported shareholder proposal and the audit committee signed off on pledging a significant amount of company stock to certain directors, raising questions about its risk oversight, ISS wrote.

Kimbal Musk does not serve on any board committees. He has been part of Tesla's board since 2004, while Murdoch has been a member since 2017.

James Murdoch (right) was chief executive officer of 21st Century Fox and is the son of media magnate Rupert Murdoch (center)

Tesla's board has argued that the two directors should remain on the board, saying that both bring valuable experience to the company.

It is unclear how many of Tesla's billion shares ISS holds, but the group does not appear in a list of the firm's top 10 shareholders.

Elon Musk, who owns 17.2 percent of the company's stock, was reelected to the board a year ago with 98.8 percent of the vote.

Meanwhile, the proxy statement also includes votes on five shareholder proposals, all of which the board recommends voting against.

One of the proposals, put forward by Calvert Research and Management, calls on Tesla to annually publish a report fully assessing the company's diversity and inclusion efforts.

'Tesla has not fully released meaningful information allowing investors to determine the effectiveness of its human capital management programs related to workplace diversity,' said Calvert in the proposal.

Calvert owns 87,680 shares of Tesla's common stock, according to the proxy statement, a small fraction of the company's roughly one billion outstanding shares.

In a response to the proposal, Tesla's board wrote that 'this proposal would not serve the best interests of Tesla or our stockholders.'

Tesla must pay nearly $137 million to Owen Diaz, a black former worker who said he suffered racial abuse at the electric carmaker's San Francisco Bay Area factory

A US jury awarded the former Tesla employee $137 million over workplace racism at the electric car maker's Fremont plant (above)

The company argued that it began publishing a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Impact Report last year, and that it will continue to include this information in its annual Impact Report.

Tesla's existing diversity report breaks down its existing workforce, as well as new hires and promotions, by race and gender. The shareholder proposal calls for expanding that reporting to individual job categories.

It follows a California verdict ordering Tesla to pay a black former employee $137 million in damages for turning a blind eye to racism the man encountered at the firm's Silicon Valley auto plant.

Owen Diaz was hired through a staffing agency as an elevator operator at the electric vehicle-maker's Fremont factory between June 2015 and July 2016, where he was subjected to racist abuse and a hostile work environment, according his lawsuit.

In his lawsuit filed in 2017, Diaz said African American employees at the factory, where his son also worked, were regularly subjected to racist epithets and derogatory imagery.
China's state-run media has launched a scathing attack on Australia after former Prime Minister Tony Abbott travelled to Taiwan.

Mr Abbott will on Friday address the Yushan Forum organised by the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation think tank, just days after China flexed its military muscle by flying 150 warplanes into Taiwan's air defence zone last.

The Global Times, the Chinese Communist Party's media mouthpiece, warned Australia is heading toward a showdown with Beijing amid 'further acts of recklessness' from Canberra.

The publication added Australia was becoming a 'chess piece' in the US' 'anti-China strategy'.

Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott (pictured left listening to Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen) arrived in Taiwan this week, which reignited escalating tensions between China and Australia

'Many are worried that Australia might imprudently follow the lead of some European countries to take injudicious actions,' it stated.

'After all, Abbott is not visiting Taipei in an official capacity, but should a member of the Australian parliament or even an incumbent cabinet minister visit Taiwan in an official capacity, or should Canberra allow the change of the name of "Taipei Economic and Cultural Office" into something that violates the one-China principle, the bilateral relations between China and Australia would suffer irreparable damages.'

The article also slammed Mr Abbott for voicing his support for Taiwan to remain a democratically run and accused the Australian government of interfering in China's affairs by slandering its air force activities around the island.

Military confrontations between the waring nations were not ruled out.

The Global Times article ended with a warning that bilateral relations could face cataclysmic upheavals if Australia continued to 'violate' China's national interests.

'China has zero tolerance for any kind of behaviour of any foreign country that crosses the redline to threaten its territorial integrity,' the editorial stated.

'Should Australia be so reckless as to challenge China's sovereignty over Taiwan, there is absolutely no room for maneuverer or diplomatic solution.'

Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott is in Taiwan on an unofficial visit. He's pictured with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen

The Global Times has published countless thinly-veiled swipes at Australia since Prime Minister Scott Morrison called for an independent inquiry into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic.

Taiwan has been keen to bolster its ties with other democracies as China steps up its pressure campaign, trying to force the island to accept Chinese sovereignty.

Australia has raised concerns over China's increased air incursions and urged a peaceful resolution of differences.

Mr Abbott met with President Tsai Ing-wen at her office in Taipei on Thursday and will spend Friday addressing the Yushan Forum.

Cabinet minister Paul Fletcher said the former prime minister had a deep understanding of national security issues from his time as prime minister.

'I certainly consider that if somebody of Tony Abbott's stature is in Taiwan and engaging with the government of Taiwan, I certainly don't see any issue with that,' Mr Fletcher told the National Press Club.

'On the contrary, I see that as a constructive contribution that he is making.'

China's media mouthpiece refused to rule out military confrontations between Australia and China. Pictured: Paramilitary policemen and military officers in Beijing

Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said there was a bipartisan commitment to the One China policy, which means Australia does not officially recognise Taiwan as a country but maintains economic ties.

'Australia should continue to urge for peaceful actions in our region,' he told reporters.

Earlier in the week, Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said relations with Australia were strong.

'We would like to engage in security or intelligence exchanges with other like-minded partners, Australia included, so Taiwan is better prepared to deal with the war situation,' he told the ABC.

Australia has been warned of a potential showdown with China over Taiwan secessionism. Pictured is Chinese President Xi Jinping

Mr Abbott is due to meet with Mr Wu and other government figures during the visit.

He expressed support last week for Taiwan to join a regional trade pact called the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and downplayed fears Australia supporting Taiwan's bid for entry would further anger China.

'Given that China is not a member of the TPP, is unlikely to become a member of the TPP, and is already in a state of high dudgeon against Australia and many other countries, I don't see that China is going to be any more upset than it already is,' he said.
Ed Mullins, the former head of the NYPD's sergeants union, was placed on modified assignment on Wednesday and stripped of his badge and shield by the department after the FBI raided his Long Island home and the headquarters of his union.

The NYPD relegated Mullins, who resigned as president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, hours after FBI agents were seen hauling boxes of evidence out of the union offices in Lower Manhattan.

Federal agents also conducted a sweeping raid of Mullins' home in Port Washington, the seaside town on Long Island's north shore. Mullins is reportedly the subject of a bribery investigation involving 'misuse of union funds.'

Meanwhile, top New York City Democrats who were targets of Mullins' criticisms on social media, including Mayor Bill de Blasio, one of his former senior aides, and a member of Congress, expressed relief that he was quitting as SBA chief.

Former de Blasio Press Secretary Bill Neidhart told the New York Post: 'A horrible person who also has horrible politics. I dont know if hes going to rot in prison, but I do know hes going to rot in hell.'

Ed Mullins, who resigned this week as president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association, the union representing NYPD sergeants, is seen on Wednesday afternoon after his house on Long Island was raided by the FBI

Mayor Bill de Blasio, who is often criticized by union chief Ed Mullins, declined to comment on the raid but accused Mullins of 'divisive' and 'destructive' language on Tuesday

Mayor Bill de Blasio (left) and his former spokesperson, Bill Neidhart (right), expressed relief that Mullins resigned as president of the Sergeants Benevolent Association

'Ed Mullins has spent his career abusing power and trafficking in hate, and his misdeeds have finally sent him into retirement, which is exactly where he belongs,' another Mullins target, US House Rep. Richie Torres (above), said

De Blasio himself said: 'Ed Mullins dishonored his uniform, his city and his union more times than I can count. It was just a matter of time before his endless hatred would catch up with him. That day has come.'

Ed Mullins could claim pension of at least $54,000 a year until he dies, figures show According to a 2018 report by the nonprofit Citizens Budget Commission, NYPD officers typically retire after 22 years of service and receive half their annual pay as pension for the rest of their lives. Last year, Mullins earned a wage of $133,195 from the NYPD on top of his $88,757 salary as head of the SBA. He joined the NYPD in 1982 and was promoted to sergeant in 1993. Were he to retire, he would have served 39 years on the force. According to PayScale, a police sergeant in the NYPD earns an average wage of $108,087. That means Mullins would be entitled to a pension of at least $54,000 a year until the day he dies. But Mullins could see his pension revoked if he is convicted of a felony. In 2011, the Public Integrity Reform Act came into effect in New York State. It states that any public employee who is convicted of a felony could have their benefits revoked or reduced. But the mechanism for doing so is not automatic. If a public employee is convicted, it is up to the local district attorney or the state attorney general to initiate a separate court action seeking the benefit forfeiture. The case would then be sent to trial. NYPD officers' pensions are calculated by factoring in several variables, including their final average salary, a percentage of totaling earnings after their 20th year in service, their contributions to a pension fund, their average earnings over the course of the last five years of service, and other metrics. Retired NYPD officers receive an average annual pension of $74,500 while still young enough to pursue another career, usually in security. Starting annual pay for an NYPD officer is just $42,000, but in less than six years that sum can balloon to $85,000. If one factors in overtime, an NYPD officer's annual income can easily exceed $100,000 per year. By the time officers retire in the early-to-mid 40s, they will have earned roughly $2million in total income. If retired cops live into their 80s, they can make close to the same amount. A police officer who earned a final average wage of $63,288 can decide to retire at age 44 after 23 years of service. After their 20th year of service, the officer will have earned $141,233 in total earnings as well as average earnings of $50,379 over the last five years of their career. That officer would then be entitled to a pension of $29,893. Advertisement

And US Representative Ritchie Torres - who was once branded a 'first class w****' by Mullins, wrote: 'Ed Mullins has spent his career abusing power and trafficking in hate, and his misdeeds have finally sent him into retirement, which is exactly where he belongs.'

During Wednesday's press conference, de Blasio added: 'This is someone who attempted consistently to divide the city, who used language that was disrespectful that often created a divisive atmosphere that did not comport with being a representative of this city

'And now on top of it, obviously, theres something else going on.'

In recent weeks, Mullins has backed away from union duties and traveled back and forth to Florida and the West Coast, though it is unclear if these trips are related to the investigation, according to the New York Daily News.

The nature of Mullins' alleged crimes is unclear. DailyMail.com has reached out to Justice Department officials in the Southern District of New York, which is overseeing the investigation, for comment.

The Daily News is also reporting that the investigation into Mullins is being overseen by the SDNY's public corruption unit. In 2016, SDNY launched a major bribery investigation looking into senior echelons of the NYPD.

Mullins made the decision to resign from the union so that he would then be forced to return to work as a sergeant. This enables him to file his retirement papers from the NYPD and claim his full pension.

A spokesperson for the NYPD's Police Pension Fund declined to comment on Thursday when contacted by DailyMail.com.

According to a 2018 report by the nonprofit Citizens Budget Commission, NYPD officers typically retire after 22 years of service and receive half their annual pay as pension for the rest of their lives.

Last year, Mullins earned a wage of $133,195 from the NYPD on top of his $88,757 salary as head of the SBA. He joined the NYPD in 1982 and was promoted to sergeant in 1993.

Were he to retire, he would have served 39 years on the force.

The Daily News is reporting that Mullins will likely never have to work another day due to accrued vacation time. Initiating the retirement process requires a 30-day notice.

According to PayScale, a police sergeant in the NYPD earns an average wage of $108,087.

That means Mullins would be entitled to a pension of at least $54,000 a year until the day he dies.

But Mullins could see his pension revoked if he is convicted of a felony.

In 2011, the Public Integrity Reform Act came into effect in New York State.

It states that any public employee who is convicted of a felony could have their benefits revoked or reduced.

But the mechanism for doing so is not automatic.

If a public employee is convicted, it is up to the local district attorney or the state attorney general to initiate a separate court action seeking the benefit forfeiture.

The case would then be sent to trial.

The head of the NYPD says the department was involved in the investigation of firebrand police union boss Ed Mullins before Tuesday's raid on his home and office by the FBI.

Mullins - who is still on the NYPD payroll as a sergeant - resigned Tuesday evening after the raids, which may be part of an investigation tied to mismanagement of union funds.

NYPD chief Dermot Shea confirmed his department's Internal Affairs bureau was involved just a day after a dozen federal agents carried out boxes of paperwork from the office of the Sergeant's Benevolent Association union Tuesday.

Mullins was pictured by DailyMail.com arriving back at the home on Wednesday afternoon.

'The NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau and the FBI work jointly on a task force. As a result of that work, you saw some of the investigative powers being exercised yesterday, Shea said Wednesday morning during de Blasio's daily COVID briefing.

Shea stressed that it was up to him to decide whether Mullins, a sergeant, will face discipline for the actions that led to the raid.

Mullins is already facing two departmental trials - one of them for tweeting out the arrest report for de Blasio's daughter.

Cops raided Mullins' Long Island home as part of an investigation that may be tied to mismanagement of union funds

NYPD chief Dermot Shea said the police department was partly responsible for the raid

Mullins had led the SBA since 2002 and was a high profile, controversial figure who often clashed with city leadership and mayor de Blasio.

But he stepped down as the union's president after a dozen FBI agents raided the organization's Manhattan offices and his Port Washington home.

The FBI and the US Attorney's Office did not respond to questions from DailyMail.com about the specific nature of the search. Mullins' attorney Andrew Quinn has also not responded to questions.

The FBI said they were 'carrying out a law enforcement action in connection with an ongoing investigation' and did not provide any further details on the sweeps.

Two sources told the New York Times that the union is being investigated by the FBI and the public corruption unit of the US attorney's office in Manhattan.

A source told NY1 that the raids are connected to mismanagement of union funds.

The SBA Executive Board said in a statement: 'Given the severity of this matter and the uncertainty of its outcome, the SBA Executive board has requested that President Mullins resign.

'The day to day functioning and the important business of the SBA cannot be distracted by the existence of this investigation.'

The union represents about 13,000 active and retired NYPD sergeants and controls a $264 million retirement fund.

Non-supervisory officers are represented by the larger Police Benevolent Association.

Mullins, a police officer since 1982, rose to sergeant, a rank above detective but below captain and lieutenant, in 1993 and was elected president of the sergeants union in 2002.

Though hes a full-time union chief, city law has allowed Mullins to retain his sergeants position and collect salaries from both the union and the police department.

The controversial officer is a known critic of de Blasio, who he called 'an idiot' in an interview with Fox News contributor Sara Carter last year after the mayor criticized a large funeral gathering in the Orthodox Jewish community.

Mullins is in the middle of department disciplinary proceedings for tweeting NYPD paperwork last year regarding the arrest of de Blasios daughter during protests over the Minneapolis police killing of George Floyd.

Mullins department trial began last month but was postponed indefinitely after one of his lawyers suffered a medical emergency.

Mullins lawyer denies he violated department guidelines, arguing arrest papers with Chiara de Blasios personal identifying information, such as her date of birth and address, were already posted online.

During Tuesday's daily COVID briefing, De Blasio told reporters he knew little about the raid, but took the opportunity to criticize Mullins for his rhetoric.

'A lot of what he has done is really, really destructive,' de Blasio said.

'Especially in the middle of a crisis where we're trying to unify, we're trying to get people through together, he's been a divisive voice.'

Mullins is also facing charges of offensive language and abuse of authority by the Civilian Complaint Review Board for calling then-Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot a 'b****' and calling former city councilman Ritchie Torres, who is gay, a 'first-class w****.'

He made the statements on Twitter in 2020.

The tweet about Dr. Barbot came after the commissioner reportedly told NYPD Chief of Department Terence Monahan: 'I don't give two rats' asses about your cops' after she asked for more masks as the city was experiencing its first wave of COVID-19.

His next administrative court hearing is on October 27.

Mullins is facing facing departmental charges of offensive language and abusive of authority for calling a former health commissioner a 'b****' and a city councilman a 'first class w****'

Congressman Ritchie Torres, who is gay, was called a 'first class w****' by Mullins last year

On Friday, the Department of Justice announced charges against two NYPD officers accused of taking thousands of dollars in cash bribes from a tow truck company owned by a former officer in exchange for directing cars involved in accidents to his business.

The licensed tow and repair business is owned by Michael Perri, who retired from the NYPD in June 2020 and was also charged in the matter.

Perri and two other officers, James Davneiro and Giancarlo Osma, were each hit with one count of bribery and one count of conspiracy to violate the Travel Act.

All three worked at the 107th precinct, which serves the Queens neighborhoods of Fresh Meadows, Cunningham Heights and Hilltop Village, at the time of the bribes.

It appears unlikely that Tuesday's raid was connected to Friday's indictments.

On Friday, the DOJ announced charges against Giancarlo Osma, left, for directing cars involved in accidents to a business owned by former NYPD officer Michael Perri, right. A third officer, James Davneiro, was also charged
ABC News boss Gaven Morris has shocked staff by announcing he is quitting the national broadcaster to seek a new challenge - but insiders say there's far more to it.

Mr Morris, 49, took the Director of News post in 2015, five years after the launch of the ABC News channel, but has overseen one of the most turbulent eras in the broadcaster's history.

In an email to staff confirming his exit, he admitted: 'It's without doubt a challenging job, but also fulfilling and worthwhile.

'I've given it my all.'

ABC veterans say Mr Morris' last line hints at a much bigger story, where he has had to balance political pressure from above and below in the face of intense scrutiny.

They suspect he is simply exhausted after enduring a non-stop - and accelerating - series of controversies and crises that have finally taken their toll.

ABC News boss Gaven Morris (pictured) has shocked staff by announcing he's quitting the national broadcaster to seek a new challenge - but insiders say there's far more to it

'I reckon he deserves a medal for lasting six years,' one insider told The Australian. 'It's a nightmare. He's done a good job, considering.

'It's one of the toughest editorial jobs in the world, what with the conflicting agendas of some staff and political stakeholders.'

Another added: 'He's well and truly over it.'

During his six-year reign, he's had the added complexity of editorial staff on social media which has brought a new level of criticism, legal issues and political rows.

At times, parts of the taxpayer-funder broadcaster has appeared at war with the Coalition government, attracting increased political pressure on its content.

Lateline host Emma Alberici (pictured) was forced out of the ABC after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull criticised a 2018 article she wrote on company tax and the economy

Lateline host Emma Alberici was forced out of the ABC after Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull criticised a 2018 article she wrote on company tax and the economy.

It was alleged to be riddled with errors and was at one stage taken down from the ABC website for 'not meeting editorial standards' before later being reinstated.

Ms Alberici became embroiled in a two-year pay off saga with the ABC in the wake of the saga.

In a leaked letter to the ABC managing director, her lawyer alleged Mr Morris told Ms Alberici that 'she was the cause of the Prime Minister ringing him with complaints'.

The day after she finally left the ABC in 2020, Ms Alberici tweeted: 'Despite the enormous toll his actions have taken on my mental health, Gaven Morris wanted to call it a termination payout.

'No doubt so he could tell the world I was fired for incompetence or some such.'

Emma Alberici arrives at the Cure Brain Cancer Foundation in 2014

Four Corners episode 'Inside The Canberra Bubble' which probed the private lives of some Coalition MPs deepened the rift with the government and raised the stakes in terms of scrutiny.

It ultimately led to the legal row with former Attorney General Christian Porter, which cost the ABC $780,000 in legal fees and mediation costs over an article by investigative reporter Louise Milligan.

The result of the settlement also sparked a social media storm over tweets made by executive producer Sally Neighbour which led to an internal investigation.

Ms Milligan was soon embroiled in another legal row over tweets she made about Andrew Laming MP which cost the ABC another $130,000.

The legal row with former Attorney General Christian Porter cost the ABC $780,000 in legal fees and mediation costs over an article by investigative reporter Louise Milligan (pictured)

Meanwhile a key decision by Mr Morris to move flagship political debate show Q+A from its Monday night slot to Thursday has horribly backfired with a massive ratings slump.

The discontent between management and the editorial staff heightened in June when a Four Corners investigation into alleged links between Prime Minister Scott Morrison and a QAnon supporter was delayed.

Mr Morris also signed off on the controversial investigation into the 1979 Luna Park Ghost Train fire tragedy which was widely lauded, until the final episode embroiled former NSW premier Neville Wran into an unlikely conspiracy.

And last month an ABC miniseries into the 1975 disappearance of Sydney heiress Juanita Neilsen was also pulled from air after the first episode following doubts raised about claims made by the program.

In the wake of a damning external review into the Luna Park series, Mr Morris had had enough and just weeks later has announced his exit.

In the email to staff on Thursday, he added: 'I have decided not to pursue a new contract when my current one ends...I am keen to seek my next challenge.'

But he insisted: 'Through the work of all of you, I believe weve made more progress here in the past five years than was made in the 50 years before.'
A father of three who complained about the spiraling price of meat in his local butchers in Brazil was beaten to death by a staff member after he left the store without buying anything.

Street food vendor Wagner de Oliveira Lovato, 40, died from his head injuries on Sunday after he was beaten by two men, including one of the butchers' managers, on the previous day.

The crime took place after Lovato reportedly expressed his frustration with the inflated prices in the Shopping das Carnes butcher's shop in the city of Alvorada in southern Brazil.

CCTV footage shows one of the suspects punching Lovato to the pavement, before the other suspect steps forward to kick him in the head as he lay motionless on the ground.

The store has terminated the employment of the manager involved in the attack, and the suspects remain in custody pending further investigation.

He was knocked to the ground and kicked in the head as he lay unconscious on the pavement by one of the store's managers and a second attacker

Wagner de Oliveira Lovato, 40, was beaten to death by two men after complaining about the price of meat at the Shopping das Carnes butcher's shop in the city of Alvorada in southern Brazilian last week

Lovato, a taxi driver and street food vendor, leaves behind a wife and three children; a 21-year-old girl and two boys aged four years and two months

Wagner de Oliveira Lovato, a father of three including a two-month old son, entered Shopping das Carnes butchers on avenue Presidente Getulio Vargas in Alvorada on the evening of Saturday October 2.

He was a taxi driver and street-food vendor who sold meals made by his wife to scrape together enough cash for the family of five in the Bela Vista neighborhood in Alvorada, a five-minute walk from the store where he sustained the mortal injuries.

His cousin told police he had previously owned farmland, but the effects of the pandemic had forced him to shut down his business and resort to taking on odd-jobs to provide for the family.

Lovato was first confronted by an off-duty store manager, who had taken umbrage with Lovato's criticism of rising prices and his reluctance to buy anything.

Another man, whose presence at the scene was not explained by police, was also involved in the altercation. The two attackers were also reportedly drunk at the time of the incident.

CCTV footage from outside the butchers clearly shows two men step outside of the store to confront Lovato about his complaints, before one of them struck him in the face, appearing to knock him unconscious.

Lovato fell backwards and his head slammed into the concrete pavement, before the second man stepped up to kick the unconscious man in the head.

Lovato was a taxi driver and street-food vendor who sold meals made by his wife to scrape together enough cash for the family of five in the Bela Vista neighborhood in Alvorada, a five-minute walk from the store where he sustained the mortal injuries

Lovato was first confronted by an off-duty store manager, who had taken umbrage with Lovato's criticism of rising prices and his reluctance to buy anything

CCTV footage from outside the butchers clearly shows two men step outside of the store to confront Lovato about his complaints, before one of them struck him in the face, appearing to knock him unconscious

Bystanders quickly flocked to the unconscious Lovato and prevented his attackers from dealing any more blows while the emergency services arrived, but the damage had already been done and the father of three died from his head trauma the next day in Hospital Cristo Redentor, in Porto Alegre close to Alvorada.

Lovato leaves behind a wife and three children; a 21-year-old girl and two boys aged four years and two months, and was buried on Tuesday at Sao Jeronimo Cemetery in his home town of Alvorada.

Taiamanda Lovato, the victim's cousin, told Brazilian newspaper Correio do Povo: 'The family expects justice! [The attackers] should not get away with it and they should stay in jail until the trial.'

One of the attackers' lawyers, Eduardo Andreis, alleged that his client 'tried to help Wagner' and 'stayed to provide his clarifications to the police, without shirking his responsibility.'

Meanwhile, the store released a statement to pay tribute to Lovato and to denounce the actions of its former employee, who has reportedly been axed from his position.

'We from Shopping das Carnes deeply regret the death of Wagner de Oliveira Lovato, confirmed yesterday, October 3,' the statement read.

'We are taking all possible measures to assist the authorities in ascertaining the responsibility for this criminal act outside the establishment in Alvorada.

'The employee involved in this unacceptable episode, who was not working at the time of the crime, has been removed by the company and is in police custody.

'Since the event, we have been seeking contact with the victim's family to provide the necessary support.

'We understand the family's pain and reservations and respect their time. We are available for this dialogue to take place.

'Out of respect for Wagner de Oliveira Lovato and his family, the store will be closed this Monday, 4th October.'

The suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues.
A Las Vegas father accused of shaking his baby son to death allegedly told police that he had suffered a 'parent's hell' for 48 hours after the boy refused to eat and wouldn't stop crying.

Mykeal Rangel, 20, took four-month-old Levi to a fire station in an 'unresponsive condition' on September 10, claiming that he had been struggling to eat.

The baby died in hospital six days later, with a doctor telling police that he was 'shaken and beaten to death' and had injuries similar to those of a major vehicle accident, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Rangel now faces a first-degree murder charge. Both Mykeal and the child's mother, Brooke Lehman, face charges of child abuse with severe bodily harm and allowing child abuse with severe bodily harm.

Prosecutors claim Lehman did not intervene to stop the alleged abuse.

In an interview with police, Rangel said he had suffered ' a parent's hell' for 48 hours because the child refused to eat or sleep, and continuously screamed.

He said the baby 'only wanted to be held', according to police documents obtained by KLAS-TV.

Doctors found Levi had suffered injuries including two brain bleeds, rib fractures, blood in the lungs, a possible lacerated spleen and extensive retinal hemorrhages consistent with being shaken.

The Clark County Coroner's Office found the cause of death was abusive head trauma and ruled it as a homicide.

Rangel allegedly admitted to police that he had tightly squeezed Levi 'until he made [a] strained noise', according to the documents.

The young father also claimed that he suffered from insomnia, bipolar disorder and depression and would 'smoke a dab or hit a punching dummy' to relieve stress from the baby.

In a second interview, he admitted to shaking the baby a month earlier, but insisted he had not done so since, the Review-Journal reports.

Las Vegas father Mykeal Rangel, 20, (above) appeared in court on September 27 as he faced first-degree murder charges

Rangel's girlfriend and Levi's mother Brooke Lehman, 20, (above) also appeared in court and faces charges for child abuse with severe bodily harm and allowing child abuse with severe bodily harm

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department released mugshots of couple Mykeal Rangel and Brooke Lehman who were accused of abusing and neglecting their four-month-old son

'The defendant (Rangel) admitted to squeezing the child. He admitted to becoming severely frustrated with the child. He admitted to shaking the child on multiple occasions, Chief Deputy District Attorney Michelle Jobe said.

'So the proof is evident and the assumption is great that this defendant committed murder.'

Prosecutors also hit out at Levi's mother, and said she had opportunities to intervene and stop the alleged abuse from Rangel.

'She wouldn't help. She wouldn't intervene. She didn't do anything on behalf of this child which is part of the reason why this child is dead,' Jobe said.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Michelle Jobe said that Rangel was most likely responsible for the murder based on the evidence given and Lehman should have intervened and stopped the abuse between her boyfriend and her son

The couple's attorneys said that both of them have lived in Las Vegas their entire lives and the lack of evidence provided does not prove their guilt.

The Clark County Department of Family Services also said they have no prior history with the family.

Rangel is being held without bond, as of Tuesday, at the Clark County Detention Center. Lehman was released on a $25,000 bail.

The couple are due back in court on October 26.
Corey Lewandowski, 48, asked Donald Trump's team to pay him hundreds of thousands of dollars in exchange for his resignation, two sources familiar with the matter said according to a Thursday report.

Initially, Lewandowski wouldn't leave the team and instead denied the sexual misconduct allegations that ultimately led to his ousting.

After those attempts proved futile, the former 2016 Trump campaign manager demanded money from Trump to make him go away, three people with knowledge of the matter told The Daily Beast.

'It doesn't matter if he'd asked for five dollars, it wasn't going to happen,' an individual familiar with the situation added.

Lewandowski didn't appear to have the leverage he thought he did as leader of the super PAC that currently holds $6.58 million from mostly Trump megadonors. MAGA Action colleagues immediately abandoned Lewandowski, giving him a hard no when he demanded a pay out in exchange for his resignation.

Within days of Lewandowski being fired, MAGA Action spun up a new super PAC name  rebranding to Make America Great Again, Again!, which was declared in a Monday statement 'the ONLY Trump-approved super PAC.'

Corey Lewandowski asked for a six-figure payout in exchange for his resignation from the MAGA Action super PAC - but was not granted his request and instead fired

The ousting came after Trashelle Odom, a Trump donor married to construction exec John Odom, alleged Lewandowski touched her butt and 'stalked' her at a charity event in Las Vegas in September

Former President Trump announced last week the exile of Lewandowski from heading his Make America Great Again Action super PAC hours after sexual misconduct allegations came out against him.

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 in September.

The allegations came at the same time rumors emerged that married South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem was having an affair with Lewandowski.

Noem, 49, dismissed them as 'total garbage' and a 'disgusting lie' rooted in sexism. However, she still severed ties with the former Trump aide.

'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.

Trump, according to two sources familiar with the situation, was keen on Lewandowski walking away empty handed, as the former president didn't want the former aide to take any of the money from the super PAC.

The sources claim that Trump sees the super PAC funds as his money.

After the sexual assault allegations from a donor came out last month, the Odoms reportedly asked MAGA Action to refund their $100,000 if they did not cut ties with Lewandowski.

The allegations against Lewandowski came at the same time rumors emerged that married South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem was having an affair with him. Noem dismissed them as 'total garbage' but still severed ties with the former Trump aide

Lewandowski was fired by Trump before from his post as campaign manager in 2016. This ousting also was also prompted by allegations of sexual assault.

In that firing, however, Lewandowski was given a massive $20,000 per month severance, which over a 14-month period netted him nearly $500,000. It appears Lewandowski was trying to again capitalize off of his ousting from Trump world.

After being fired in 2016, Lewandowski rejected a job Trump offered him in the administration in 2017, claiming it was 'beneath him,' according to The Daily Beast. Three years later, in the final weeks of Trump's presidency, he was appointed to a Pentagon advisory board, but the appointment was blocked by President Joe Biden in early February 2021.

Before Odom's allegations became public, sources close to Trump began urging him to ditch the controversial figure.

DailyMail.com learned that Odom told police she feared for her safety when Lewandowski 'told her he stabbed a man in the back of the head and killed him,' at a Las Vegas fundraiser where he 'stalked' and repeatedly touched her.

Odom claimed that on the night of a charity dinner at the Westgate Hotel in Las Vegas on September 26, she was frightened when Lewandowski allegedly told her: 'When I was 10, I stabbed someone over and over again, killing him.

The married Trump donor was personally invited to the dinner with Noem by American socialite Jackie Siegel.

'I initially believed that he was joking and attempted to laugh it off,' Odom noted but the statements came after Lewandowski had already made unwanted sexual advances towards her.

'Lewandowski proceeded to come on to me aggressively by first stating that, he works out twice a day, that he runs 400miles a week, and that's why he can last for eight hours at a time in bed,' Odom claimed Lewandowski said to her, according to the police statement.
The family and friends of murdered Instagram influencer Alexis Sharkey have told of their shock after her husband Thomas shot himself dead as law enforcement closed in on him, ten months after her death.

Alexis' sister Tobi Robinault took to Instagram Wednesday after police revealed that Sharkey had taken his own life in Florida when US Marshals arrived to arrest him for the murder of his wife.

Tom Sharkey was the only person police sought in connection with the strangling death of Alexis, 27, who was found naked by the side of the road in Houston over Thanksgiving in 2020.

Robinault, in an Instagram post, wrote that this was unexpected.

'This isnt how I thought it would end. Miss you, you deserve everything sis. #justiceforalexis,' she wrote.

The sister of murdered Instagram influencer Alexis Sharkey (pictured above) still wants justice for her family member after Alexis' husband Thomas was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound Tuesday

Tobi Robinault took to Instagram Wednesday after police revealed that Sharkey had taken his own life in Florida after being confronted with the news that he was under arrest for the murder of his wife

'This isnt how I thought it would end. Miss you, you deserve everything sis. #justiceforalexis,' she wrote.

Meanwhile, Kendra Martin, a friend of Alexis, elaborated on her feelings about her Thomas' death and the entire case in an Instagram post.

She wrote: 'Im currently flooded with emotions of sadness, anger, and I still find myself asking God why, but if Im being honest with myself, even if I knew why, its likely I wouldnt be satisfied with the answer anyway.

'What I do know is that God doesnt promise our stories will make sense in and of themselves, however he does promise they will find their greater purpose in light of his greater story of redemption,' she continued.

'Even though Alexis is no longer physically here with us anymore her legacy will live on, her story has touched the lives of millions, raising awareness for domestic violence and giving people the courage to get out of harmful relationships.'

Kendra Martin, a friend of Sharkey's who spoke to the media in the wake of her death, elaborated on her feelings about her husband's death and the entire case in an Instagram post

Meanwhile, police revealed that Thomas Sharkey was evasive toward police during their investigation, moving across Texas, Georgia and Florida as officials tried to nail down the killer.

Marshals issued a warrant for his arrest on September 29, and had tracked Thomas down to his daughter's home the day before they went to arrest him.

Officials say Thomas ran up the stairs moments after cops knocked on the door.

His daughter and her boyfriend opened the door and walked out, and when investigators went inside they found their father dead.

US Marshals confirmed Thomas' death to KHOU 11 Wednesday morning. They've yet to confirm it was a suicide, but say no suspects are being sought over the shooting.

Houston police revealed that their investigation determined that Tom was the only person with the 'means, motive and opportunity' to have committed Alexis' murder.

Tom Sharkey, who's influencer wife Alexis Sharkey was found naked and dead late last year in Houston, was himself found dead from a gunshot wound to the head

Friends revealed after her death that she was trying to file for divorce from her husband and that he had allegedly abused her. Her husband has publicly denied those allegations. They are pictured together on Halloween last year

They established a history of domestic violence between the couple. They also said Tom had lied to investigators, and they had developed probable cause and an arrest warrant.

Police described Tom as 'evasive' throughout the investigation, saying he left Texas not long after his wife's death.

Detectives made efforts in late July and early August to meet with him while he was living in Georgia, but he suddenly no-showed and dropped out of contact, coming up with what officials called a 'bizarre' explanation for his disappearance.

The plan was to charge him with murder. A task force determined he was in the Fort Myers, Florida area where he was staying with a relative.

They were able to make contact with him at around 10 p.m. Tuesday night. Sharkey was not aware he was wanted for murder until police showed up at the residence.

Social media influencer Alexis Sharkey's autopsy has revealed she was strangled to death after her naked body was found dumped by the side of the road in Texas over Thanksgiving 2020.

Alexis vanished on November 27 after allegedly having a fight with husband Tom.

They say Sharkey, who had more than 21,000 followers on Instagram and regularly shared updates about her life, had confided in them on a recent trip to Mexico that she feared for her life but it was not clear why

Her husband has publicly denied those allegations, saying that Sharkey was unhappy and stressed at the time

A photo, believed to be the last known image of Alexis, right, shows her smiling with friends

Her naked body was found on a roadside in Houston the following day by a sanitation department worker who spotted her feet in some bushes.

Police said at the time that her body showed no signs of visible wounds, which led to initial speculation she may have overdosed.

Her body was found about three miles from the apartment she shared with her husband.

Alexis had moved to West Texas from Florida, where she met and married Tom, whom she was first photographed with in October of 2018, and became a full-time social media influencer. They were married in December of 2019 and moved to Houston in January of 2020.

Friends revealed after her death that she was trying to file for divorce from her husband and that he had allegedly abused her. Detectives confirmed that while divorce papers had not been filed, there was evidence that it was going to happen soon.

Her friends Lauren Breaux, Ally Cale, and Courtney Ehninger on Wednesday told ABC17 : 'She had no demons. She didn't have demons and I know that is what people are speculating and that's not what it was. 'She was literally one of the people that I think had the most life in her'

They say Alexis, who had more than 21,000 followers on Instagram and regularly shared updates about her life, had confided in them on a recent trip to Mexico that she feared for her life but it was not clear why.

Her husband has publicly denied those allegations, saying that Alexis was unhappy and stressed at the time.

'She wasn't happy. She was stressed. I would cuddle her to try to make her strong. She was an amazing woman,' Tom told KTRK-TV at the time.

'My wife was an amazing woman. She really was. There's always other sides to everything. I was the one holding her, cuddling her, and building her back up.

'I don't need to set the record straight. I'll let it play out the way it is. I know what my life was with my wife.'

Alexis' mother Stacey Robinault had always been convinced that her daughter was murdered.

Sharkey's mother Stacey Robinault (above together), who was convinced that her daughter had been murdered, revealed when her daughter vanished that she 'had an argument' shortly before going missing

Sharkey, 26, was found 'with no visible signs of injury' by city workers in Houston after they spotted feet in bushes, pictured

Alexis, second right, had more than 21,000 followers on Instagram and regularly shared updates about her life, most recently a trip to Mexico. Her friends say it was on this trip that she confided she feared for her life

Robinault told ABC13 at the time that her son-in-law had called to say Alexis was missing a day after he had last seen her.

The mother said that her daughter 'had an argument' with her husband before leaving the house without her car.

Tom denied that he got into a fight with his wife the night she went missing.

He said that just before she disappeared, he urged his wife not to leave their home as she was 'under the influence' but he did not elaborate further.

'We didn't fight when she left,' he said. 'I just told her she couldn't drive under the influence. She left anyhow. This is where we're at.'

Robinault revealed last month that she had to fight her son-in-law to get custody of Alexis' body in order to bury her in her home state of Pennsylvania.

'As her husband, he would have primary custody of what determined what happened with her, and he had said all along that he was willing to let her come home,' Robinault told FOX26.

She said Tom eventually stopped cooperating with the family.

'It just was a very strange - I'd almost call it - fight to get her,' Robinault said.

'I didn't think I was gonna get her, and I had actually given up hope, when all of the sudden the forensics lab called me.'

The medical examiner eventually made Robinault the next of kin after two weeks of inaction from Tom.

The couple had been married about a year and had moved to Houston a year prior to her death.

Alexis' body was found just three miles from friend Tanya Ricardo's home. The last time they spoke was Friday evening; they had plans to watch movies Saturday.

Following news of her death Alexis' husband Tom paid tribute calling her 'the most amazing woman'. Tom shared pictures of his late wife in her wedding dress

Stacey Robinault said she had been discussing Christmas plans with her daughter in the days before she disappeared. Alexis, who had more than 21,000 followers on Instagram, regularly shared updates about her life, most recently a trip to Mexico

Alexis' friends said she 'had no demons' and told friends a month ago that she feared for her life.

A photo, reported by KHOU to be one of the last known images of Alexis before her death shows her smiling with two friends at Thanksgiving.

Tom told KTRK-TV that she was not the outgoing, bubbly person that she appeared to be on social media, calling her 'stressed and unhappy'.

But her friends Lauren Breaux, Ally Cale, and Courtney Ehninger on Wednesday told ABC17: 'She had no demons. She didn't have demons and I know that is what people are speculating and that's not what it was.

'She was literally one of the people that I think had the most life in her.'

Police are now said to be looking into her marriage and her home life in the weeks before her death.

Breaux said: 'We don't know what happened. We obviously have had ideas. We believe she was murdered, absolutely.

'I'm going to be honest, she confided in me about how worried she was for her safety when we went to Marfa, Texas almost a month ago.

'We were sitting down at dinner and she lost it. We walked back to our hotel room and she confided in me that night in things. I looked at her [and thought], 'She's petrified. This girl is scared for her life.''

The friends declined to say who it was that Alexis was scared of in the weeks before her death

One friend, Tanya Ricardo, who had spent Thanksgiving with Alexis, told Khou 'divorce was being filed'.

Tom and Alexis Sharkey were first photographed together on Instagram in late 2018 and had married by December 2019

The pair had moved to West Texas in early 2020

Two other friends also told The Daily Beast that Alexis complained that her husband hit her and was controlling and manipulative.

Alexis friends said that her behavior changed recently as she was posting less on social media. They also said she wanted to be around her friends more often so as to avoid going home.

I know they were going through some things, one of Alexis friends, Kendra Martin, told The Daily Beast.

She had mentioned being separated even though they were still living in the same apartment.

I actually pulled her aside two weeks ago to let her know Im here for her, and that I know something is going on because her demeanor had changed over the last month.
Shark Tank contestant and Utah businessman Nate Holzapfel, 42, has been charged with communications fraud for allegedly swindling his cancer survivor girlfriend out of nearly $200,000

A married Shark Tank contestant from Utah has been charged with defrauding a 'vulnerable' breast cancer survivor he had met on a dating site out of nearly $200,000, leading the woman to lose her home that was designed to accommodate her disabled son.

Nathanael 'Nate' Holzapfel, 42, an entrepreneur and business consultant from Provo, was arrested on Monday on communications fraud charges. Investigators believe there could be additional victims out there, and they are asking them to come forward.

Sgt. Cole Christensen, with the Utah County Attorney's Bureau of Investigations, said his office has been contacted by several women from across the state who may have fallen prey to Holzapfel's alleged scheme.

Holzapfel gained national attention when he appeared in May 2013 on ABC's reality competition Shark Tank and successfully pitched the Mission Belt - an adjustable leather belt with no holes popular among Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints missionaries - to fashion mogul Daymond John.

Christensen alleged that Holzapfel, who is married, would go on dating apps and look for vulnerable women that could be exploited.

Holzapfel appeared on ABC's Shark Tank in May 2013 and successfully pitched the Mission Belt to fashion mogul Daymond John

Holzapfel is seen on the show, seeking $50,000 for a 20 per cent stake in his brother's company that makes adjustable leather belts without holes

'He's looking for a particular type of female,' Christensen said of Holzapfel.

According to court records obtained by Deseret News, in February 2020, Holzapfel began dating a divorced breast cancer survivor, who has been caring for her wheelchair-bound adult son, and who had recently lost her father.

At the start of their relationship, Holzapfel began asking questions about his new girlfriend's financial situation, and learned that she owned a house worth about $200,000.

'[Holzapfel] started telling [the woman] that she needed to do something to protect the equity in her home,' the charging papers state. '[He told her that he] had a company called Save My House, LLC, that could protect the equity in her home and save her from paying high capital gains taxes if she needed to sell the home.'

A month later, Holzapfel allegedly took the woman 'as a surprise' to a title company, and then allegedly pressured her into signing a deed that transferred the ownership of her house to his company.

According to the victim, she initially refused to sign the document but she was confused and ultimately agreed to sign the deed transfer.

A witnesses at the title office would later tell investigators that it was 'obvious' the woman was reluctant to sign but eventually relented.

What Holzapfel's girlfriend did not know, according to the charging documents, is that the 42-year-old entrepreneur was having financial problems stemming from a lawsuit filed against him in 2018 by legendary talk show host Larry King, and that he had a default judgment entered against him for over $250,000.

King, who died earlier this year, sued Holzapfel for misusing footage from a mock interview he had done with the businessman.

After the signing the deed transfer, the woman came to Holzapfel and told him she had changed her mind, but the businessman allegedly began pressuring her to sell her home and invest part of the proceeds from the sale in one of his other ventures.

The victim 'reluctantly' sold the home, which had been specifically constructed for her disabled son.

According to the charging documents, Holzapfel sold the woman's home in August 2020 for nearly $208,000, and pocketed more than $159,000, which he then used to pay for his personal expenses. He allegedly spent a portion of the fund to buy guns.

Holzapfel, who is married, is accused of pressuring a woman he met on a dating app to transfer the deed to her house to one of his companies, then selling it and pocketing most of proceeds

Investigators believe the woman only received about $11,000 from the sale of her home.

Court records also note that over the course of their dating relationship, Holzapfel 'omitted to tell [the woman] that he was still married.'

When the woman threatened to go to the police, Holzapfel stopped communicating with her and disappeared, according to the documents.

Holzapfel was charged with fraud in August and was arrested on a warrant on Monday.

He was released from the Utah County Jail less than two hours later after posting $20,000 bond. He is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on November 3.

Mission Belt, which was co-founded by Holzapfel's brother in 2012, has released a statement, distancing itself from the former pitchman.

'Nate Holzapfel has not been associated with Mission Belt for more than seven years and has no dealings with any of its employees, managers or customers,' the statement read. 'Nate Holzapfel does not represent Mission Belt in any capacity.'
A longtime Mississippi news anchor has been ousted from her job after refusing to get the COVID vaccine.

Last Thursday, Meggan Gray, 40, signed off from Good Morning Mississippi by saying she wanted 'to take a moment and let you know that I honestly do not know what the future holds for me as far as my career here at WLOX.

'And I just felt that I owed it to you... to take a moment while I had an opportunity to say thank you for allowing me into your homes for the past several years,' she said, visibly choking up as she spoke.

'I've had a wonderful 18 year career here, and I'm very grateful for every moment of it. Thank you so much.'

The next day, for the first time in 14 years, she was not featured behind the anchor's desk.

She took to Facebook to explain that she was terminated from her job because she refused to comply with a mandate by WLOX's parent company, Gray Television, that requires all staff members, contractors and visitors be fully vaccinated by October 1.

In her final episode of Good Morning Mississippi last Thursday, Meggan Gray, center, told viewers she 'I honestly do not know what the future holds for me as far as my career here at WLOX' and thanked the viewers for their support over the years

'My father has always taught me: Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching,' she wrote on Friday. 'I've always lived by it, but in this particular instance, there are a lot of people watching.

'That's why I feel compelled to relay the truth and explain why you won't be seeing me anymore on WLOX,' she continued. 'I am not vaccinated and therefore, I am no longer eligible for employment with Gray Television or any of their stations.

'Before I go any further, let me make it clear - I'm not here to spark debate over the vaccine,' Meggan said. 'I respect an individual's decision to get vaccinated.

'I believe one of the greatest things about being an American is enjoying certain rights, including those pertaining to personal health decisions,' she said, adding: 'Before GrayTV mandated this vaccination policy, I made an informed and prayerful decision not to get the vaccine.'

She said she 'already survived a case of COVID-19' and 'there are other, more powerful reasons that led to my personal decision,' though she did not go into detail about those reasons.

'I know there will be people who disagree with me or do not understand my reasons,' she noted. 'That is fully understandable because that is a protected right they enjoy.

'Moreover, it is a personal decision for each American; but in my opinion, a forced decision to decide between a vaccination and the livelihood of an individual is a dangerous precedent.

'Unfortunately, because of my decision about vaccination, I faced termination.

'The decision was difficult because I knew it would impact me and my family,' Meggan wrote. 'My choices were either I follow the mandate, or I lose my career at WLOX.

'Please know, I tried everything possible to keep my job, including offering to be tested on a weekly basis.

'My requests were denied,' she said.

'It hurts saying goodbye; it hurts parting on these terms,' Meggan concluded in the Facebook post on Friday. 'However, I know in my heart it is the right decision for me and my family.

'I may have lost my job, but I preserved my integrity.'

Meggan has worked for WLOX since 2003, starting as a morning tape editor, before becoming a full-time reporter in the fall of 2006 and a co-anchor in January 2007, according to her biography on the WLOX website.

Gray, 40, has worked for WLOX since 2003, starting as a morning tape editor, before becoming a full-time reporter in the fall of 2006 and a co-anchor in January 2007

She said in a Facebook post that she will miss working at the station

She explained that she was terminated from her job due to her decision not to get a COVID vaccine, like the one seen here, despite WLOX's parent company mandating that all employees get the jab

She explained her decision not to get vaccinated in a Facebook post on Friday

Her post on Friday echoed some from other GrayTV staff members across the country. The Atlanta, Georgia-based media company owns nearly 150 network affiliates, and announced on August 16 that it would start mandating its employees, contractors and visitors be fully vaccinated starting on October 1.

In its announcement, company executives said the 'COVID-19 public health crisis is getting worse in too many communities across the country,' and that vaccines 'are extremely effective in preventing serious illness and reducing the spread of the coronavirus,' according to the Washington Post.

It continued to say that managers and executives 'unanimously concluded that the increasingly rapid spread of the coronavirus poses an unfair risk' to employees and their families.

Since then, two other well-known staff members announced that they were terminated.

On September 15, Karl Bohnak, a 33-year meteorologist at Michigan's WLUC announced his termination on Facebook, writing: 'Since I chose not to take one of the shots, I was fired.

'Many of you have taken one of those injections and that is absolutely your right.

'It is also my right to choose the medical options I feel are right for me.

'I have authority over my body,' he said, noting that he thinks the vaccine mandates were causing the country to 'be bludgeoned with fear, I believe, in an effort to control us.

'I just wanted to go about my business "live and let live" and keep my mouth shut,' he wrote. 'But this act by the federal government though corporate America has brought me to a crossroads.

'Our way of life, our freedom, our liberty, is collapsing before our eyes.'

He then thanked the viewers who watched him over the years, and urged other unvaccinated people not to be silent about the mandatory vaccination policies.

'Those who love America and the freedom and liberty it stands for must speak up,' Bohnak said. 'Hopefully, it's not too late.'

Then, also on Friday, Linda Simmons, a 14-year reporter at Missouri's KY3 cited religious reasons for not getting the vaccine, despite GrayTV's mandate.

'I value the freedom we all have to make our own informed decisions,' she wrote on Facebook. 'I've made a big decision and decided not to allow the company that owns KY3, Gray Television to control my personal health choices.

'I did not comply with their vaccine mandate after my exemption request was denied,' she said, noting that she tried to get a religious exemption.

'I will miss you all, and I am sad to be leaving this way, but I have confidence that I am doing Gods will for me. I trust that He has good plans in store.'

In a statement to the Washington Post, Kevin P. Latek, the executive vice president and chief legal officer for Gray Television said the company does not comment on personnel issues, but noted that more than 1,000 employees chose to receive a vaccine after the policy was announced.

Still, the company told the Biloxi Sun Herald, it had to 'terminate the employment of a very small portion of our workforce who declined to get vaccinated and/or who requested an exemption that could not be accommodated without imposing an undue hardship on the business or their coworkers.

'We are grateful for these individuals' contribution to our company and we wish them well,' the statement continued. 'We have also informed them that they are welcome to re-apply for positions with Gray if they do decide in the future to become fully vaccinated against COVID-19.'

Other Gray Television employees at stations throughout the country, like WLUC meteorologist Karl Bohnak, and KY3 reporter Linda Simmons, were also ousted due to their decision not to get vaccinated

As of Wednesday, about 65 percent of all Americans received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control

Gray Television is just one of many companies now requiring that their employees be vaccinated, including Disney, Facebook, Google, United Airlines and Walmart.

Then, in September, President Joe Biden said he would require government workers and businesses with more than 100 employees to institute mandatory vaccinations or coronavirus testing protocols.

As of Wednesday, about 65 percent of all Americans had received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control, and about 56 percent are fully vaccinated.

The CDC maintains that those who are unvaccinated are more than 10 times more likely to be hospitalized with COVID and 11 times more likely to die from it.
Millions of people who are eligible for a Covid booster vaccine have not yet had their third dose, official figures suggest.

Up to 5million people in England currently qualify for a booster jab but only around a third have come forward for one.

It comes after a top Government scientific advisor said he wanted Britain to be 'more aggressive' with the rollout to limit the damage of a winter wave of cases.

A total of 1.7million people in England have received a booster since the programme was signed off last month.

Invites are only being sent out to those who received their second dose at least six months ago because that is the 'sweet spot' for immunity.

For this reason, the rollout was always expected to be slower than the initial jab blitz, which at its peak saw 800,000 people vaccinated per day.

But official figures show 4.9m people finished their two-dose vaccination schedule six months ago, with the majority meeting the criteria making them eligible for a top-up now.

About 400,000 of the people jabbed half a year ago were immunocompromised and are receiving their third dose on a slightly different schedule. And many people who were vaccinated first originally were elderly and may have passed away in the past six months.

But even when these are discounted, it still leaves millions of eligible and vulnerable people with subpar immunity.

Earlier this week, Professor Neil Ferguson, a crucial member of the Government's scientific body SAGE, suggested the booster scheme was going too slowly.

Just a third of people eligible for a Covid booster vaccine in England have had their third dose, official figures suggest. NHS bosses revealed on Thursday that 1.7million people in England have been given a booster since the programme was signed off last month

Government Covid dashboard data shows that by this time six months ago, 4.93m people in England had been double-dosed, which should make them eligible for a booster now

The epidemiologist - dubbed 'Professor Lockdown' after his modelling startled No10 into shutting down last spring - said UK immunity lagged behind other countries.

He told a cross-party group of MPs: 'I'd like to see us be a little bit more aggressive in rolling out booster doses as well, because the sooner we can, the sooner we will reap the benefits.'

Roughly 32m Britons in the top priority groups will be invited for a booster Covid vaccine in the coming months.

Number of Britons falling ill with Covid every day at 'highest level since JANUARY' The number of Britons falling ill with Covid every day has jumped to the highest level since January, according to the UK's largest symptom-tracking study. King's College London scientists estimated 66,033 people were getting infected daily in the week ending October 2, up 13.6 per cent from 58,126 the week before. Cases in children appear to be turning a corner but are still extremely high, with around one in 30 school pupils contracting the virus  nearly three times more than the next highest rate in 35 to 55-year-olds. Professor Tim Spector, the epidemiologist who leads the study, argued allowing Covid to 'run rampant' in schools was 'a real gamble'. He said he hoped that 'herd immunity will kick in and cases will drop' in children soon. It came as new Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi admitted that face masks could make a return in schools this winter if cases show no sign of slowing down. Department of Health data also shows positive tests were still falling last week, with official case numbers only picking up for the first time in six days yesterday. The Government's Covid dashboard showed there were 39,851 new positive tests yesterday, up 8.5 per cent on last Wednesday's count of 36,722. It was the largest daily toll since September 6 (41,192). Advertisement

They include all over-50s, health and care workers and patients with serious underlying health conditions.

The plans were signed off on September 14 after weeks of deliberation and the first booster was administered two days later.

Until yesterday, it was unclear how many third doses had been rolled out because the figures are not routinely published.

The 1.7m figure for England revealed by health officials yesterday means that the NHS is vaccinating roughly 560,000 of the most vulnerable people each week.

For comparison, NHS England was vaccinating that number of people each day in spring when the jabs first became widely available.

It's unclear how many boosters have been rolled out in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Government Covid dashboard data shows that by this time six months ago, 4.93m people in England had been double-dosed.

An NHS spokesperson said: 'Thanks to the hard work of NHS staff, out of the four million people who are currently eligible in England, 1.7 million booster vaccines have already been delivered  and in the space of just three weeks.

'People who are eligible and had their second vaccination six months ago, should come forward for their top up jab for protection ahead of the winter.'

A senior source close to the booster programme plans echoed the comments, encouraging people to be 'very proactive' and book their booster 'the very moment they get a text'.

Around 500,000 immunocompromised people around the UK are being given their third doses on a different schedule from the mass booster programme.

Some 400,000 of them are in England. This means they have not been included in the 1.7m figure.

People with severely weakened immune systems are timing their third dose with their GP to give them the best possible immunity.

This might mean waiting until finishing a course of medicine that prevent the vaccine from stimulating a good response.

Meanwhile, health bosses have pleaded with Britons to come forward for their Covid boosters, which will be administered at the same time as the annual flu shot where there is plenty of supply.

Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid, said: 'This year we are rolling out the largest flu vaccine programme in our history, alongside the new COVID-19 booster vaccine rollout; both are important to provide vital protection not only to yourself, but also your loved ones while also helping to ease pressure on the NHS.

'The COVID-19 vaccine programme is a fantastic example of how successful vaccination programmes can be  with around 130,000 lives saved. It is vital we continue that incredible progress with all those eligible ensuring they get both their flu and COVID-19 booster injections as soon as they are invited.'

Officials have said they do not expect the same rush for booster jabs as they initially saw when the vaccines were first rolled out.

Experts have reiterated that two doses are the most vital for protection. The third boosts and extends the duration of immunity.

Data from Israel suggests a booster shot slashes the risk of infection by 11 times and makes people up to 20 times less likely to need hospital care, compared to someone who had their second dose six months ago.

Doses of the Pfizer jab, or a half dose of Moderna, are being administered as boosters in the UK, even if someone originally had AstraZeneca.

For those who cannot get either of those two mRNA jabs, such as due to an allergy, they will be given a dose of AstraZeneca's vaccine.

A half dose of Moderna has been chosen because it was found to have fewer side effects but similar efficacy.
Maureen Hurst thought that when she left her job, after more than 40 years working in healthcare, it would be to step into retirement.

Instead, last week, the registered nurse of 42 years found herself unceremoniously shoved into the abyss  fired via email after working the last 22 years at the SUNY Research Foundation, Stony Brook, New York.

It was a brief exchange: was she going to comply with the state mandate and get the Covid-19 vaccine? She responded that she was not. She was fired.

Hurst, 59, is one of thousands of Americans prepared to go to the mat rather than comply with the sweeping vaccine mandates announced by the White House last month.

Faced with the prospect of having the shot or losing their livelihood, these so-called 'refuseniks' have opted for the latter, going to bat, and in some cases going to court, in a concerted push-back against a mandate that, they argue, is unlawful, unnecessary and unsafe.

In New York, registered nurse Maureen Hurst (left) was fired last week from the SUNY Research Foundation in Stony Brook, where she worked for 22 years, for failing to comply with the state's vaccine mandate. Arlin Cameron, 41, (right) a microbiologist and safety representative at Houston Methodist Hospital got a religious exemption for the vaccine but decided to quit after her workplace became divided and toxic over the issue

Jennifer Bridges, 39, was fired from Houston United Methodist Baytown Hospital in June for refusing to comply with workplace policy requiring she be vaccinated

On Monday, as Mayor Bill de Blasio's mandate went into effect, dozens of New York City teachers staged a demonstration outside the Department of Education in downtown Brooklyn. They held placards urging, 'Resist medical tyranny!' and stating, 'My Body My Choice.'

Ninety-seven percent of the city's teachers have received at least the first dose of the vaccine but that still leaves close to 4,000 unvaccinated staff who risk losing their jobs.

It is a scenario being played out across the country and in all different sectors.

In Houston, Texas, 153 employees of Houston Methodist Hospital have quit or been fired for refusing vaccination.

In North Carolina the Novant Health Hospital system which has over 35,000 employees across 15 hospitals and over 800 clinics has fired around 175 of its workers.

In Delaware 150 employees left ChristianCare, a major hospital system after they failed to meet their September 21 deadline.

Employees of the Democratic National Committee arrived at work Tuesday to an email telling them to get vaccinated or look for work elsewhere - a warning expected to bite next month when all staff are scheduled to be back in the office.

President Biden announced his mandate against a backdrop of slowing vaccination rates.

Day by day the US rate fell from 3.4million shots a day in April to about 50,000 a day in July. It has since climbed to 85,000 a day.

The president's goal, announced September 9, was to bolster that effort and, 'reduce the number of unvaccinated Americans by using regulatory powers and other actions to substantially increase the number of Americans covered by vaccination requirements.'

Dozens of New York City teachers staged a demonstration outside the Department of Education in downtown Brooklyn on Monday, as Mayor Bill de Blasio's mandate went into effect

Protesters march across the bridge holding placards urging, 'Resist medical tyranny!' and stating, 'My Body My Choice'

According to the White House: 'These requirements will become dominant in the workplace.'

But not, DailyMail.com has found, without significant strife and resistance.

Today Hurst is devastated at the loss of her job, but she stands firm in her decision.

Speaking to DailyMail.com, the married mother and grandmother explained that she is not an anti-vaxxer and, with more than four decades working in the medical profession, the last two of them in clinical research, she is not anti-science.

As far as she is concerned the issue at stake is 'informed consent.' And that's not something she feels able to give.

She said: 'I have been involved in clinical trials and research, I deal with Institutional Review Board reviews, I used to be a compliance auditorI worked on clinical trial management, uploading protocols.

'You don't approve something in 18 months, the average time to get something approved is usually years and years and years. There are four phases of clinical trials.

'[These vaccines] just haven't gone through enough. I don't trust it.'

She added: 'Look, I would never say to anyone, "Don't do it." You have a family to support, a livelihood to protect? I get it.

'I'm just saying, you need to do what's good for you; I need to do what's good for me.'

Deborah Conrad, a United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, opted not to get the vaccine due to the lack of research

Conrad also reasoned that as a health worker who had worked frontline throughout the pandemic, she had a high degree of exposure and may well already have had Covid-19, but said she was faced with

For Arlin Cameron, 41, that meant walking away from a job that she loved. The microbiologist who also has qualifications in environmental protection was a safety representative at Houston Methodist Hospital where she inspected the hospital's research and testing laboratories for the past eight years.

She got a religious exemption but quit five weeks ago because, she said, she could no longer abide how divided and toxic her workplace had become in the wake of the vaccine mandate.

She said: 'I made my decision that I would not take the vaccine based on my own research and my own religious and spiritual beliefs.

'Around November they were saying that they were going to pay $400 or $500 to whoever had the vaccine by March 15 and had worked through the pandemic. They called it a 'Hope Bonus.'

'I worked all through the pandemic. I was an essential worker. So around that same time I put in for my religious exemption and they denied it and wouldn't pay me the Hope Bonus.'

Cameron resubmitted her application and was ultimately granted an exemption but, she said, that did not stop her from experiencing harassment.

She said: 'During the election there was a memo put round that we were not allowed to talk about politics or religion in the workplace. But they never put anything round saying you can't talk about the vaccine mandate. So, you were harassed.

Texas registered nurse Jennifer Bridges, 39, was fired from her job after refusing the Covid-19 vaccine

Patient Care Assistant Unit Admin Assistant at Houston Methodist Hospital, Madeline Dib, who is Catholic, told DailyMail.com she got a religious exemption but is now looking for a back-up plan because the atmosphere in the hospital has changed

'People would make comments at meetings, saying you were crazy or stupid. I know of co-workers who were stopped in hallways by their directors and repeatedly questioned about why they didn't get it.'

Forty-six-year-old physician's assistant Deborah Conrad knows all about harassment.

She turned up to work at United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia, Monday, uncertain whether she would have a job or be met by security after her refusal to get vaccinated saw her on the wrong side of Rochester Regional Health's mandate deadline.

Her reason for not wanting the vaccine was simple, coming from a medical background she said: 'I was nervous about how quickly they came to market because there wasn't really a lot of data and disclosure about side-effects and the sort of studies we normally have before a product is available.'

She also reasoned that as a health worker who had worked frontline throughout the pandemic, she had a high degree of exposure and may well already have had Covid-19.

She said: 'We weren't testing through the pandemic so I can't know for sure. But I made my decision and I also thought, initially, vaccines would be better used on people at higher risk than me.

'I'm relatively young and healthy. I certainly felt I shouldn't be the first in line.'

Conrad held firm despite knowing that a lot of her colleagues 'just couldn't understand why some of us were resisting.'

She said: 'I'm somebody that tends to question things. I'm all about informed consent and making the best choice for myself.'

Even before the mandate was brought in, she said: 'we were constantly pushed to the point where it bordered on harassment.'

Stickers were handed out to those who had received the vaccine, tacitly flagging up those who had not.

HR representatives accosted the unvaccinated staff members asking: 'Are you going to get it today?' and an atmosphere was fostered, she said, where patients were led to believe that 'somehow those of us who chose to wait, or not get vaccinated, were not wanting to keep them safe.'

A lawsuit filed against United airlines - the first major airline to impose a vaccine mandate on employees - argues that it is 'accommodating' exempt employees only by offering 'indefinite periods of unpaid leave,' during which all benefits are surrendered

At the height of her harassment, Conrad said: 'I received death threats. I had people saying, "I hope you get Covid and die." That sort of thing, there was no privacy to your status. It was terrible.'

The atmosphere at the hospital was, she said, 'very, very ugly.'

'We had patients refusing to be cared for by people who weren't vaccinated and doctors refusing to treat people who weren't vaccinated.'

Exasperated she added: 'It just made no sense to me. If you're vaccinated, why are you afraid of the non-vaxxed?'

Again, Conrad is not anti-vaccine  she says she has got her flu shot every year  nor anti-science.

She has observed mask mandates in her place of work and beyond, she takes her temperature every day and is perfectly willing to submit to testing.

She admits, 'It's been awful. There have been tears and anger and stress and fear and all kinds of things.'

But ultimately, she said: 'I fear the vaccine more than I fear Covid.'

Another class action in Colorado has been filed against the Department of Defense, arguing that service members refusing the vaccines are the ones who have science behind them and not those pushing the mandate

When it came to it, Conrad told DailyMail.com, she turned up for work to find that she had been quietly put back on the rota.

She remains uncertain of what lies ahead but will keep returning to work until, or unless, she is told not to.

Patient Care Assistant Unit Admin Assistant at Houston Methodist Hospital, Madeline Dib has not lost her job, but she has lost her sense of vocation in the fall-out of her hospital's vaccine mandate.

The 33-year-old explained: 'I'm Catholic and I got a religious exemption and so I can keep my job but with the stress and anxiety of the process and the atmosphere in the hospital I'm looking for a back-up plan.

'I have to wear a shield at all times even though I'm always masked and get PCR tested every two weeks.

'If anyone sees me without a shield for even an instant it's reported and written up  there's a culture of people sneaking on those who aren't vaccinated.

'It's really toxic. I just do my job and go home but my whole outlook on nursing has completely changed.

'I've been working my way through nursing school for ten years, paying as I go so I won't have any debt, but now, I don't even want to be bedside anymore.'

Should she leave, Dib will be one of the many who, like Cameron, though they haven't been fired, have walked away or opted for retirement as a result of their opposition to the mandate.

Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Hollie Mulvihill has argued that she should not be forced to receive the vaccine because she has had and recovered from the virus

Flight Attendant Genise Kincannon was granted an exemption but was not offered any accommodation beyond indefinite, unpaid, leave

Spokane Fire Department Battalion Chief David Heizer has done just that. The Washington state firefighter of 29 years wrote to Mayor Nadine Woodward and Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer saying that it was not his choice to abandon his post, but theirs.

Heizer's religious exemption has been approved by the city, but no accommodations have been made, a fact that, he wrote, left him with no choice.

He wrote: 'No accommodations is not a choice. Many fire departments have been able to accommodate their members. The decisionshows a lack of concern for the people who have served the community for so long. This is not leadership.'

Heizer will work his last shift October 15 then file for retirement. Forty-eight other Spokane city firefighters are in the same position and so could still lose their jobs.

Captain David Sambrano, who is named in the class action suit, was granted religious exemption on the grounds that he believed the vaccines to be developed using aborted fetal tissue

This is the situation outlined in a federal lawsuit brought by six employees against United Airlines.

The lawsuit obtained by DailyMail.com and filed in the Northern District of Texas argues: 'United's actions have left the Plaintiffs with the impossible choice of either taking the COVID-19 vaccine at the expense of their religious beliefs and their health or losing their livelihoods.'

Central to the suit is the fact that United  the first major airline to impose a vaccine mandate on employees when it did so in August  is 'accommodating' exempt employees only by offering 'indefinite periods of unpaid leave,' during which all benefits are surrendered.

Captain David Sambrano, Stations Operations Representative Kimberly Hamilton, and Flight Attendant Genise Kincannon were all granted religious exemptions on the grounds that they believed the vaccines to be developed using aborted fetal tissue.

Aircraft Technician David Castillo and Customer Service Representative Debra Jennefer Thal Jonas applied for medical exemption on the grounds that they'd already had and recovered from Covid.

And Captain Seth Turnbough was granted a medical exemption on the ground that he has relapsing Multiple Sclerosis and his neurologist recommended against receiving the vaccine as it might trigger a 'cytokine storm'  a condition where an individual's immune system is over-stimulated and begins attacking healthy organs.

But while all these staff members had their exemptions granted none were offered any accommodation beyond indefinite, unpaid, leave.

For Kincannon the loss of health insurance has threatened her husband's cancer treatment.

For Castillo, a diabetic with high blood pressure, the absence of pay means losing his home and car, jeopardizes his medical coverage and puts his health at risk.

Each has a similar tale of woe. Set against such hardships it might be tempting to suggest that the employees would be better served if they just rolled up their sleeves and had the jab.

After all, there is an often-voiced view that those who resist the vaccine are somehow benighted  making their decisions on fear not fact, driven by conspiracy not coherence.

Certainly, theories run wild across many of the Facebook and support groups that have sprung up in opposition to the mandate. But they are not the fulcrum of the decisions of those to whom DailyMail.com spoke, nor the grounds on which lawsuits have been brought.

Stony Brook, New York, Krystel Walk interacts with a large crowd rainsing their voices against a mandate to get vaccinated or lose their jobs at Stony Brook University

In fact, some of the so-called 'refuseniks' argue that they are the ones who have science behind them and not those pushing the mandate.

A class action currently being brought in Colorado against the Department of Defense is a case in point.

Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Hollie Mulvihill and US Army Staff Sergeant Daniel Robert contend that they, and others in their position, should not be forced to receive the vaccine because they have both had and recovered from the virus.

The suit sites a study conducted by the Cleveland Clinic that looked at 2, 579 patients all of whom had previously had Covid across a five-month period. None of the patients, including 1,359 of whom had not been vaccinated, were reinfected.

The study concluded, 'There is no argument/necessity,' to vaccinate Covid survivors.

The suit also quotes Dr. Peter McCullough, a renowned cardiologist, former Vice Chief of Internal Medicine at Baylor University Medical Center, professor at A&M University, Texas and editor-in-chief of Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine and Cardiorenal Medicine

McCullough states, 'Long established precepts of virology demonstrate that the immunity provided by recovery from the actual infection is at least as pronounced and effective, if not many times more so, than any immunity conferred by a vaccine.'

He concluded, 'Following the science validates and reaffirms the wisdom of maintaining [this] long established virology protocol.'

McCullough is not a lone voice in the wilderness. Dr Marty Makary is a professor at John Hopkins University School of Medicine and editor-in-chief of MedPage. He has written extensively on the subject.

According to Makary pushing a blanket vaccine mandate and 'the incorrect hypothesis that natural immunity is unreliable,' has resulted in 'the loss of thousands of American lives, avoidable vaccine complications and damaged the credibility of public health officials.'

Responding to the White House's recent vaccine mandate announcement Makary stated, 'It would be good for our public health leaders to show humility by acknowledging that the hypothesis they repeatedly trumpeted [regarding the superiority of vaccination immunity] was not only wrong but may be harmful.'

Writing in the Washington Post Makary said that 'downplaying the power of natural immunity,' in favor of vaccination, 'has had deadly consequences.'

He said, 'We can encourage all Americans to get vaccinated while still being honestYet when asked the common question, 'I've recovered from covid, is it absolutely essential that I get vaccinated?' many public health officials put aside the data and responded with a synchronized, 'Yes.'

Staff Sergeants Mulvihill and Robert are awaiting a decision on their lawsuit. Meanwhile thousands are navigating their way through job-losses and others, with vaccine exemptions, paint a troubling picture of workplace pressure and harassment.

According to Maureen Hurst, 'I've heard of nurses down on their knees with their heads in their hands, in tears, because they don't want to get the vaccine, but they feel they have no choice because they need their jobs.

'I'm lucky. I have a supportive family. I have that choice and I'm going to stand my ground.'

It is a sentiment echoed by all of those to whom DailyMail.com spoke.

According to Deborah Conrad, 'A lot of people are just going to walk away rather than cave and that's so sad.

'For me it comes down to not feeling confident that the data is there to convince me of the statistical benefit of having the vaccine as opposed to the risk of an adverse reaction.

'Maybe down the line that changes and if that's the case I'll review things and I'll make a decision that is what I feel is best for me then.

'But right now, I have made my choice because your health is more important than a paycheck and if you don't have your health, you don't have anything.'
A mother-of-two emailed assisted dying clinic Dignitas saying 'I want to die' two days before she was found dead, an inquest has heard.

Hannah Jean Elizabeth Martin, 25, died at her home in Bilsborrow, between Preston and Garstang, Lancashire, in January 2019.

During an inquest yesterday at Accrington Town Hall, Ms Martin's family described how she had suffered with mental health issues since the age of 13.

Her mother, Louise Whelan, said she 'lit up the room when she entered it and was the life and soul of the party'.

Ms Whelan continued: 'But she wasn't able to cope with things at certain times and we were used to rallying round her and trying to make things better.'

The inquest heard that on January 19, two days before she was found dead, Ms Martin had sent an email to Switzerland-based Dignitas in which she wrote: 'I want to die. I don't want this life I have been given.'

Hannah Jean Elizabeth Martin (pictured above), 25, was found dead at her home in Bilsborrow, between Preston and Garstang, Lancashire, in January 2019

When Hannah was 15 she was admitted to hospital after taking an overdose and, before her daughter was born in March 2011, she travelled to Germany in a bid to track down her father but found 'no trace of him', Ms Whelan said.

After working in a number of shops, including Littlewoods and Greggs, she got a job as a prison officer at HMP Liverpool in 2018.

'I was so proud of her,' Ms Whelan said.

Ms Martin started seeing a fellow prison officer but the relationship ended in December 2018 because of his 'highly manipulative personality', the inquest heard.

Her friend Rachel described how the two women, who met at school, usually saw each other 'most days' but their level of contact reduced during 2018 because her boyfriend 'had an issue with our friendship'.

Rachel said: 'It was a toxic relationship. When they split up I think that because she worked with him, and had invested so much in the relationship, it wasn't easy for her to shrug it off. She wasn't herself.

'We always used to go out on little trips together, if we were just nipping to Sainsbury's for example, but around that time I remember asking her if she wanted to come with me to pick up a pram and she said "no, I'm in bed, I'm tired."

'We used to go Christmas shopping together but that year (2018) there was nothing.'

On January 14, 2019, eight days before Ms Martin was found dead, her mother accompanied her to an appointment with her GP John Miles.

Ms Martin had taken some notes with her, a copy of which was read out during the inquest, in which she had written details of her mental state and past treatment.

The inquest heard that on January 19, two days before she was found dead, Ms Martin had sent an email to Switzerland-based clinic Dignitas (building pictured above) in which she wrote: 'I want to die. I don't want this life I have been given'

Ms Whelan told the inquest: 'She said she hadn't been honest (with him) before but she was going to be now.

'She wanted to come clean about how she was feeling and get some help.'

Dr Miles was so concerned about what Hannah told him, including that she had considered 'getting a flight' and running away, that he called Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust mental health crisis team during the consultation.

Not long after Hannah left the GP surgery in Garstang she received a call from mental health nurse Cath Lupton who carried out a telephone assessment.

Ms Lupton told the inquest she would have considered Hannah to be 'medium' risk but noted she had protective factors, such as her two children, so opted to book her in for a face-to-face appointment, the earliest of which was available on January 31.

The coroner noted that this 17-day gap was a 'longer than average' waiting time for a non-urgent referral with the service, which is typically 10 days.

Hannah's friend Rachel said she later told her the phone call was 's***'.

During an inquest yesterday at Accrington Town Hall (file photo above), Ms Martin's family described how she had suffered with mental health issues since the age of 13

Rachel said: 'She told me the crisis team didn't care and they could only give her an appointment on January 31 which [Hannah said] wasn't soon enough and she felt like it was ages off.'

Seven days after Hannah had seen her GP, on January 21, Rachel went to collect her own children from school - the same attended by Ms Martin's daughter, who was seen stood with the teacher.

Rachel told the inquest: 'Something didn't sit quite right. I tried ringing her, on her mobile and landline, but there was no answer.'

She went to Hannah's home, where she met Daniel Walton, the father of one of Hannah's children. Mr Walton smashed a window in order to gain entry to the house where they found Hannah dead.

Hannah's brother Ben told the coroner that after his sister's death he looked through her internet search history, emails and diary entries.

In the weeks before she died Hannah had attempted to research suicide methods.

The coroner asked Mr Martin: 'The impression you got was that Hannah was considering taking her own life but she didn't want any pain?'

'Yes,' he replied.

The inquest is expected to conclude on Friday.

For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123, or go to www.samaritans.org
Silhouettes representing 16 women who have been killed by serving or former police officers since 2009 have been placed outside the Metropolitan Police headquarters in London.

The black figures, bearing the pink slogan #EnoughIsEnough, are being displayed outside Scotland Yard by the charity Refuge to launch its campaign of the same name.

Refuge is calling on the Government to put an end to violence against women.

The campaign comes in the wake of the murder of Sarah Everard by serving Metropolitan Police officer Wayne Couzens, which has put issues around womens safety in the spotlight.

'Enough is enough - our own Home Secretary Priti Patel said this and she said shed use everything in her power to stop this epidemic of violence against women and girls', said Ruth Davison, chief executive of Refuge, which provides specialist services to survivors of domestic abuse.

'We need more than just words, we need actual action, action that will make a difference and save womens lives, keep women safer day to day.'

Of the 16 killings since 2009, ten have been murders carried out by police officers, ex-police officers and a former special constable, according to The Femicide Census, which keeps track of women killed by male perpetrators in Britain.

The 16 also included manslaughter cases such as Timothy Brehmer, who was cleared of murder after strangling his long-term lover Claire Parry in May 2020.

The black figures, bearing the pink slogan #EnoughIsEnough, are being displayed outside Scotland Yard by the charity Refuge to launch its campaign of the same name

Comedian and ambassador for Refuge, Jo Brand, backed the campaign and said women often feel they are not being taken seriously by police in reporting domestic violence

Met Police diplomatic protection officer Wayne Couzens, 48, was jailed for life for the killing of Sarah Everard (pictured)

Ms Davison told the PA news agency that the Home Secretary has 'a real opportunity' to help keep women safer in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which returns to the House of Lords on October 20.

The Bill contains a proposed new serious violence prevention duty, which requires police and other public bodies to work together to prevent and tackle serious violence.

But as the Bill currently stands, the definition of serious violence in the prevention duty does not explicitly include domestic abuse, domestic homicide or sexual violence - something Refuge wants to change.

Manslaughter cases included Timothy Brehmer, who was cleared of murder after strangling his long-term lover Claire Parry (right)

Baroness Helena Kennedy QC, a patron of the charity, said she will 'certainly be putting an amendment in in the House of Lords'.

She said domestic violence should be given the same priority as terrorism, and added: 'In this Bill, there is a serious violence duty and what were seeking to do is to have violence against women and girls included in it.

Baroness Kennedy, who has spent much of her career dealing with violence against women, said it should not be left to local areas to decide whether to include domestic abuse, domestic homicide or sexual violence in their new serious violence prevention strategies.

Met Police diplomatic protection officer Wayne Couzens (pictured), 48, is due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey for the killing of Sarah Everard

She added: 'One of the problems that we have around policing is that we have many different regional police forces - over 40.

'And as a result, policing priorities will change and its right that in some areas there will be at a particular time, a set of priorities that will be different from somewhere else.

'But violence against women and girls is universal and it is across the whole of the country and so it should be up there wherever the policing is done.'

Baroness Kennedy also said, in the vast majority of cases where women have been killed by someone they know, they have not received a 'suitable' response from police when they have alerted officers to being stalked or harassed 'because its seen as trivial offending, and yet its often a precursor to more serious crimes', she added.

Jo Brand, a comedian and ambassador for Refuge, echoed that sentiment, saying women often feel they are not being taken seriously by police in reporting domestic violence.

She described recent advice issued by the Metropolitan Police to women in the wake of Couzens' sentencing which suggested running into a house or waving down a bus if they are in fear of a lone male police officer was 'ridiculous'.

Ivan Escak murdered his estranged wife at her hair salon in Ashford, Kent, when he stabbed her 11 times. He was jailed for life in 2013

She added: 'The onus is not on (women) to poke people in the eye with a key if we think theyre a bit dodgy.

'I think its time were a bit more protected.

'To me theres still a hidden epidemic of domestic violence which is not taken seriously, which the police need to take more seriously and where men need to stand up with women and say "were not having this.

The comedian also criticised what she called a culture of 'misogyny and laddism' in the police.
The father who rescued his 20-year-old daughter from a scalding Yellowstone thermal spring after she jumped in to try and rescue her puppy took the wounded pet to the veterinarian before getting treatment for his own injuries.

Laiha Slayton suffered burns to 90 percent of her body when she jumped in to Maiden's Grave Hot Spring in a bid to rescue Shih Tzu puppy Rusty on Tuesday.

But she was likely spared more serious injuries after father Woodrow, 48, pulled her out of the 190F water in just eight seconds, her family have revealed.

Woodrow suffered burns to his foot, but was still able to drive Laiha to West Yellowstone, Montana, to seek help, from where she was flown by helicopter to the burn unit at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls.

But rather than immediately seeking help for his own injuries, Woodrow drove the burnt puppy to the nearest veterinarian in a bid to save its life.

Unfortunately, Rusty later died from his injuries.

Woodrow's other daughter, Kamilla, who goes by Kami, posted a tribute to her father on Instagram, saying he had 'acted on instinct, adrenaline' and saved her sister's life.

'He heard the puppy screaming for its life with every bit of air it had in its lungs then watched his daughter nearly kill herself to save her dog, then injured himself while rescuing her,' the post read.

'He went to the vet before he could go to the hospital, he knows how close Laiha holds those damn dogs to her heart, and he wasnt able to see her because of all the work they were doing to her.'

Kamilla said her father was brokenhearted to learn Rusty's passing, 'knowing that Laiha made this sacrifice.'

Heroic father Woodrow Slayton (pictured with his wife) was suffering from a burnt foot while driving Laiha's puppy to the veterinarian in a bid to save its life

Laiha, 20, suffered burns on about '90 percent of her body' while she was trying to save her Shih Tzu, Rusty, who jumped into a hot spring at Yellowstone National Park

Woodrow (center), 48, saved daughter Laiha (left) from a thermal spring eight seconds after she went into to rescue her puppy on Tuesday. Kamilla is also pictured (right)

Meanwhile, doctors treating Laiha said her burns 'seem to be better then doctors had initially thought,' according to an update posted on Kamilla's Instagram.

She also mentioned things could have been much worse had her father Woodrow, 48, not pulled her out of the scalding 200 degrees-Fahrenheit water so quickly.

Laiha, of Tacoma, Washington, suffered 91 percent burns from the nearly-fatal incident.

The dental assistant and former nursing home aid is currently in a medically-induced coma, her family have said.

But despite fears her injuries would all be third-degree burns - which affect deeper tissues - Kamilla said half of the injuries were second-degree burns, which affect outer layers of skin.

Laiha will need multiple debridement surgeries, which is the removal of damaged tissue or foreign objects from a wound, over the next two weeks.

As for Woodrow, he is no longer in pain after requiring treatment for burning part of his foot while saving Laiha, although blisters sized 1.5inches appear on his foot.

Rusty, the Shih Tzu puppy, was taken to a veterinarian but did not survive from its wounds

Laiha is in a medically-induced coma for the next two weeks as she recovers from her third-degree burns after rescuing her dog from a hot spring in Yellowstone, Wyoming on Tuesday, her family say

The father and daughter had stopped for a visit at Yellowstone National Park on Tuesday and had parked 20-30 yards away from Maidens Grave Spring, next to the Firehole River, according Kamilla.

The family's two Shih Tzus, Rusty and Chevy, were wandering around nearby while Laiha was looking for their leashes in the car.

Rusty suddenly got his foot burned by a small leak from the geyser that flows into the river. The dog then panicked and fell in to the spring while Woodrow was trying to gain control of Chevy.

Laiha jumped in to the thermal spring - which can reach temperatures of 190-degree Fahrenheit - in a bid to rescue her one-year-old puppy, and then had to be rescued herself by her father.

Maiden's Grave Hot Spring flowing into the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park, where Laiha and her dog reportedly fell into and suffered burns

The incident happened at Maiden's Grave Spring, north of the famous Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone Park, Wyoming

Donations have been pouring in to a GoFundMe page organized by the Slaytons to pay for medical bills and cremations services for the puppy.

As of Thursday afternoon, more than $37,000 out of a $45,000 target has been donated to Laiha's cause.

Yellowstone National Park officials have also posted about the incident on their Facebook page, and warned visitors to stay away from the hot springs.

Their post read: 'The ground in hydrothermal areas is fragile and thin, and there is scalding water just below the surface. Everyone must remain on boardwalks and trails and exercise extreme caution around thermal features.

'While in the park, protect your pets by physically controlling them at all times. Pets must be in a car, crate or on a leash no more than six feet long. They are not allowed on boardwalks, hiking trails, in the backcountry, or in thermal areas.'

Laiha (pictured) was taken to hospital in Idaho by helicopter after her father drove her to West Yellowstone, Montana, to seek help

Laiha seen with her two Shih Tzus that were involved in the incident: Chevy and Rusty

Laiha is the second woman who burned herself in a Yellowstone thermal feature in recent weeks.

On September 16, a 19-year-old womana concessions employee at the parkfrom Rhode Island suffered second and third-degree burns to 5 percent of her body after falling into thermal water near the world famous Old Faithful geyser.

Due to medical privacy laws, it is unknown exactly how many visitors have been injured from ignoring the cautionary signs.

In October 2020, a three-year-old suffered second-degree thermal burns to their lower body after running from a designated trail and slipping and falling into a small thermal feature.

In May of the same year, a visitor who entered the park illegally while it was closed due to the Covid pandemic also ended up falling into a thermal feature while backing up to take a photo at Old Faithful.

Since the park's establishment in 1872, there have been around 20 reported deaths due to some sort of interaction with park thermal areas.

Slayton is the second person who has suffered severe burns in a Yellowstone (pictured) thermal feature in recent weeks

Around 20 people have died due to some sort of interaction with park thermal areas since the park's establishment in 1872, according to the USG

That number is significantly higher than the eight deaths over the same period due to encounters with grizzly bears, the United States Geological Survey reports.

The most recent fatality at the park came in August 2000, when one person died and two others suffered severe burns after falling from a hot spring in the Lower Geyser Basin.

Yellowstone has more than 10,000 thermal features, which can be as hot as 280 degrees Fahrenheit (138 Celsius).

The national park was briefly closed in May 2020 due to COVID reasons, but National Park Services reported that it has hosted 483,159 recreation visits in May 2021.

It's an 11 percent increase compared to May 2019 (434,385 recreation visits) and the parks most visited May on record.
A young waitress died in Mexico after she underwent a $194 butt lift and arm liposuction operation at an unlicensed clinic, with the facility's staff now on the run from cops.

Cinthia Lizeth Vega's death was reportedly caused by complications the 22 year-old suffered after she had the body sculpting procedures at Elohim Integral Esthetic Services Services in her home town of Monterrey on Tuesday afternoon.

The Nuevo Leon Health Department revealed on Wednesday that the clinic had a permit to provide general medicine consultation and private specialized medicine consultation, and was not authorized to administer any type of surgical procedures.

'During the tour of the establishment, no document was detected that will certify the academic or professional preparation of the owners,' the Nuevo Leon Health Department said in a statement revealing the facility was not allowed to perform operations.

An official autopsy had yet to be released as of Thursday.

Cinthia Lizeth Vega died after suffering complications following a liposuction procedure she had done at Elohim Integral Esthetic Services Services in Monterrey on Tuesday afternoon. The 22-year-old had paid $194 to have a butt lift and remove fat from her arms and abdomen at the clinic. Her condition worsened after she received an anesthesia, which reportedly caused her blood pressure to spike. She was rushed to Camino Real Clinic where she died

Cinthia Lizeth Vega went forward with the liposuction procedure Tuesday in Monterrey, Mexico after meeting for a meal with her father, who told local television station Info 7 that he had repeatedly urged her no to undergo the operation

Mexican authorities in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, have shut down the building where the offices of Elohim Integral Esthetic Services Services on Wednesday. The surgeon staff have been running from the police after Cinthia Lizeth Vega died Tuesday following her liposuction

But grieving dad Julio Cesar Vega told Info 7 television that his daughter's condition worsened after the surgeon staff applied an anesthesia. The shot caused her blood pressure to spike before doctors rushed her to Camino Real Clinic where she died.

The distraught father said the clinic staff left Cinthia Lizeth Vega alone with her mother and fled. They remained at large as of Wednesday.

Nuevo Leon state health workers shut down the building where the practice is located.

The Nuevo Leon State Investigation Agency obtained a warrant for a search of the clinic, which is reportedly owned by Dr. Nancy Deyanira Mireles Reyna.

New outlets reported that the Nuevo Leon State Attorney General's Office had reportedly received complaints from patients who in the past accused Elohim Integral Esthetic Services Services of malpractice.

Cinthia Lizeth Vega died Tuesday after she reportedly had a liposuction to remove fat from her arms and abdomen as well as a butt lift

Cinthia Lizeth Vega, of Monterrey, Mexico, died Tuesday after she had a liposuction at Elohim Integral Esthetic Services Services

Cinthia Lizeth Vega planned her surgery for weeks in advance despite being told not do so by her father and family

Cinthia Lizeth Vega had planned her water liposuction surgery for a month.

The procedure included the removal excess fat from her arms and abdomen as well as a butt lift.

Julio Cesar Vega said he and the family had urged the waitress not to undergo the risky operation. However, she insisted and visited the clinic last Tuesday to make a full payment on the botched surgery.

Receipt shows Cinthia Lizeth Vega paid 4,000 Mexican pesos, the equivalent of $194, on September 28 for her procedure

Before undergoing surgery Tuesday, Cinthia Lizeth Vega had met with her father for a meal and was told to cancel her scheduled liposuction procedure

He recalled meeting with her for a meal before leaving for the clinic.

'I told her not to go, not to go; and she went. I didn't see her,' Julio Cesar Vega said. 'We all told her don't go. But well she wanted to do it.'

According to the St. Louis Laser Liposuction Center, a water lipo consists of 'jets of water or saline are used to essentially loosen up the fat that is then washed/suctioned away.'

It adds: 'A tube is inserted in the treatment area, and the jets of water/saline are used to break up the fat.'

Under the laser liposuction procedure, 'laser energy is applied to the treatment area to essentially melt and loosen the fat, which is then suctioned away.'

The explanation adds that 'Laser liposuction can be beneficial in cases where there is fibrous fat, as the laser energy makes it easier to loosen this type of fat.'
Brussels has slapped down France in a row over post-Brexit fishing rights - accusing Emmanuel Macron of weaponising the EU for his own interests, sources say.

France had been urging the EU to cut off Britain's access to energy markets and impose trade tariffs as part of 'retaliatory' measures, after dozens of French fishermen were denied permits to trawl UK waters.

But Brussels sources say the EU Commission, which negotiates on behalf of the bloc, has told France to 'cool the waters' and stop making threats so an 'amicable' solution can be found.

Jersey today said that France were unlikely to follow through on the threat to cut off electricity because it would deprive 108,000 islanders of power, as well as Jersey's hospital and schools.

'I do not believe therefore it will happen,' Jersey's Minister for External Relations Ian Gorst said.

Emmanuel Macron has been slapped down by Brussels over French threats to UK amidst post-Brexit row over fishing rights, sources say

France this week reiterated a threat that it could cut off electricity to the Channel Islands, which are close to the French coast and depend on France for their electricity.

The threat was 'disproportionate' and 'unacceptable' and violated Britain's post-Brexit treaty with the European Union, Gorst told told reporters via videolink.

But should France carry out the threat after all, 'we do have contingencies in place', he said.

Paris had been demanding that all licences be restored or else the UK would suffer consequences, with more details to be unveiled later this month.

But the Commission has taken a softer approach and wants to carry out a full investigation into the dispute before deciding whether to react, insiders said.

Diplomats are believed to be negotiating with Britain 'boat by boat' to see which ones should be given access.

Speaking to The Telegraph, one source said: 'Once again France is instrumentalising the EU for national interests.'

France has accused Britain of violating the post-Brexit trade agreement it signed by denying licences to fishermen who have historically fished in UK waters.

But London says licences have only been denied to boats where skippers were unable to provide evidence of their traditional grounds.

France counters by saying such evidence was not mentioned in the agreement, and that smaller fishing vessels are not fitted with the kind of technology that allows them to prove where they have sailed in the past.

The issue was behind a standoff in the waters off Jersey earlier this year, when French seas minister Annick Giradin threatened to cut off electricity to the island.

France has threated to 'retaliate' after its fishing fleets (pictured) were denied licences, and was urging the EU to limit the UK's access to energy and impose trade tariffs

Fighting renewed this week when Britain granted 12 licences to a fleet of 47 boats which had applied to fish an area six to 12 nautical miles off the UK coast.

The issue is particularly important to Emmanuel Macron at the moment because he is heading into an election which he risks losing to challengers from the far-right.

Fishing makes up just a tiny fraction of the economies of both the UK and France, but is seen as a symbolic issue for two nations which once conquered vast parts of the globe thanks to their naval prowess.

France has threatened to push ahead with a package of 'retaliatory' measures to be unveiled later this month if the issue is not resolved.

Little is known about measures under consideration, but Jean-Pierre Pont - an MP for Macron's En Marche party - has suggested it should include a threat to tear up a key migration pact called the Touquet Treaty.

The 2003 deal effectively extended Britain's border to French soil, allowing it to set up checkpoints so migrants can be stopped before reaching the UK, where they can claim asylum.

Tearing up the agreement would mean substantially more migrants ending up on British shores.

Unless firm action is taken, Mr Pont warned, then furious fishermen will take the law into their own hands by blocking UK ports and the Channel Tunnel.

One MP has suggested tearing up a migration treaty with the UK which means asylum seekers can be stopped on French soil (pictured), unless more licences are granted

Olivier Lepretre, chief of the powerful northern France fisheries committee, said earlier this week: 'If negotiating fails, we will stop all French and European products reaching the UK, and we will stop all British products reaching Europe.'

'Unless Boris [Johnson] backs down, the Brits will not have so many nice things to eat this Christmas. I hope it doesn't come to that.'

On Thursday, he said that London has just 'two weeks' to take action or else the blockade would begin.

Britain and France have already clashed in recent months over an Australian submarine deal, the EU's bid to block life-saving jabs arriving in the UK, and the Northern Ireland protocol.

Former Cabinet minister Theresa Villiers said: 'This is an unacceptable attempt at bullying. Ministers should stand firm.'

Senior Tory MP David Jones urged Mr Macron to 'dial down the rhetoric' adding: 'Resorting to gangsterism, which is what this effectively is, can never be justified'.

France's foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said differences with Britain were getting bigger and it was up to London to offer ideas to improve relations. 'The ball is in their court,' he added.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio misused city resources when he took his NYPD security detail with him during his failed presidential run, at a cost of around $320,000, and by letting his adult son use the detail as a free taxi service, investigators concluded in a report on Thursday.

The city's Department of Investigation, an independent agency, also said a police van was improperly used to carry a futon when de Blasio's daughter, Chiara, moved from a Brooklyn apartment back to Gracie Mansion, the mayor's official residence, in August 2018.

The report also accused the head of de Blasio's detail, Inspector Howard Redmond, trying to obstruct the investigation. DOI officials said at a news conference Thursday that they would refer his case to the Manhattan district attorney for possible criminal prosecution.

During his daily press conference, de Blasio pushed back on the report, saying it contained 'many, many, inconsistencies and inaccuracies,' and sought to portray the use of his security detail as necessary amid heightened threats to public officials.

Backing the mayor, NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism John Miller said that he had logged 308 separate threats made against de Blasio, including 33 against his family.

Mayor Bill de Blasio pushed back against findings of a city Department of Investigation report at his daily news conference that he had misused his NYPD security detail, portraying the use of the unit as necessary amid heightened threats to public officials

The report accused de Blasio's son Dante (second from right) of using the mayor's security detail as a free taxi service, and his daughter Chiara (right) of using a police van to carry a futon when she moved into the presidential mansion

'We take the protection of the mayor and the mayor's family seriously,' he said.

The report found that members of the mayor's security team drove his son, Dante, around town and to and from Yale University, in New Haven, Connecticut.

Dante's frequent use of officers from the mayor's security detail for transportation did not arise from any security concern investigators found, 'but was instead driven solely by a combination of Dante's preferences and the availability of personnel who were otherwise assigned to the Mayor.'

Both de Blasio children were entitled to full-time protection but declined it as adults, the report said.

Investigators were particularly critical of NYPD Inspector Howard Redmond (pictured) who heads up the mayor's security detail, and accused him of obstructing the probe

Other findings in the report include instances in which:

'EPU members transported mayoral staffers to various locations, including to their homes, and assisted them in running errands for the Mayor.'

'The security detail was asked to transport guests of the Mayor, at his direction, without him present in the vehicle.'

'The security detail has been conducting frequent security checks at houses owned by the Mayor in Brooklyn, where neither he nor his family members currently reside.'

Investigators were particularly critical of Redmond, saying that he had sought to obstruct the probe by refusing to give investigators his City Hall-issued phone, and had at one point tried to destroy his NYPD-issued phone after he was told to surrender it to authorities.

Redmond was also accused of deleting all messages on both phones before investigators could view them.

The department laid much of the blame for the misuse of the detail on the police department, saying it had no written procedures defining when and how the detail should be used.

Investigators found that de Blasio had cost the city nearly $320,000 when he had the detail travel around the country with him during his failed 2020 presidential bid, and that he had not paid the city back. He is pictured on the campaign trail in Iowa on July 4, 2019

The report found that the mayor's son Dante de Blasio (left) had used the security detail as a free taxi to and from college, as well as to places around the city, and that his daughter Chiara (right) had used a police van to help her move in 2018

NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism John Miller said that the use of de Blasio's security detail was warranted amid a heightened threats to the mayor and his family

'At the root of nearly all of these issues is the complete lack of any written policies or procedures at the NYPD for the operation of the mayoral security detail,' the agency's report said.

'Because it does not exist, neither the NYPD nor, as far as DOI is aware, any other City entity provided the Mayor, his family, or his representatives with any guidance  written or otherwise  concerning the appropriate or inappropriate uses of the security detail.'

The report did not say that de Blasio or his family had broken the law, but noted that its findings included a number of potential state Conflicts of Interest Law violations.

A spokesperson for the mayor, Danielle Filson, said the Department of Investigation report was 'based on illegitimate assumptions and a naive view of the complex security challenges facing elected officials today.'

'Intelligence and security experts should decide how to keep the mayor and his family safe, not civilian investigators,' she said.

The Department of Investigation said that either the mayor or his political campaign should reimburse the New York Police Department for the $319,794 it spent having de Blasio's security detail travel outside of New York City on 2019 presidential campaign trips.

De Blasio's term as mayor ends in December. The Democrat has said he is still interested in public service and is weighing options that could include a run for governor.
A new report by Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats retraces efforts by House 'Freedom Caucus' member Rep. Scott Perry to push election fraud claims to a top Justice Department official  who then passed them on to a US Attorney.

Perry is also credited with introducing former President Donald Trump to DOJ official Jeffrey Clark, who figures into tense standoff amid moves and threats by Trump to install loyalists who would back his election fraud claims.

He is among a group of members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus identified as having an influential role in the final days of the Trump administration  as Trump repeatedly phoned and met with allies to discuss his theories of election fraud, and confronted an internal revolt over his plans to install a loyalist atop the Justice Department.

Perry attended a Dec. 21 meeting along with fellow Freedom Caucus member Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan and others who 'strategized' about their plans for Jan. 6, where a 'Stop the Steal' rally was being planned.

Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania attended a Dec. 21 meeting along with fellow Freedom Caucus members and President Donald Trump where they strategized about the Jan. 6th 'Stop the Steal' rally, according to a new Judiciary Committee Democrats' report

Days later, Perry phoned senior DOJ official Richard Donoghue to pass on election fraud claims in Pennsylvania, where Trump and his allies were claiming fraud, but would suffer a series of legal setbacks.

The phone call came Dec. 27th, the same day Trump got Donoghue's cell phone number during a call that also included phoned acting deputy AG Jeffrey Rosen.

According to the report, which cites Donoghue's notes, Perry told Donoghue, the acting deputy attorney general, that Trump had asked him to call and that DOJ 'hadn't done its job with respect to the elections.'

Perry phoned a top DOJ official after former President Donald Trump asked for his cell phone number

The report tracks meetings involving Freedom Caucus members including Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), who spoke with former President Trump on Jan. 6th

A separate select committee on Jan. 6th has subpoenaed documents from former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, a former House Freedom Caucus chair

Rep. Scott Perry (R. - PA) seen in a 2017 image with then President Donald Trump taken aboard Air Force One

He vouched for Jeff Clark, who Trump would threaten to install atop the agency, saying: 'He's the kind of guy who could really get in there and do something about this.'

Donoghue's notes, obtained by the committee, say he 'likes Jeff Clark a lot' and that 'POTUS asked him [Perry] to call.

He said he had information about 'things going on in Pennsylvania,' including 'the claim that there were 205,000 more votes than voters.'

When Donoghue said he had not seen fraud on the scale he was describing, Perry emailed information containing election fraud claims, including the claim that over 4,000 Pennsylvanians had voted more than once.

In fact, 4,000 residents had received two ballots. But this didn't result in duplicate votes, according to the report, which cites the secretary of state who said 'all the duplicate ballots are coded for the same voter, so if a voter tried to submit more than one, the system would literally prevent the second ballot from being counted.'

The report cites notes by DOJ official Richard Donoghue on a call that included Trump and Rosen. The notes mention Rep. Perry and various Pennsylvania election fraud claims. The notes also call Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) a 'fighter,' presumably quoting Trump

The report includes Donoghue's notes on a Dec. 28th call with Rep. Perry. It says 'POTUS asked him to call.' The notes say he 'likes Jeff Clark a lot' and 'thinks he would do something about this,' and mention various claims of fraud in Pennsylvania

Donoghue forwarded the claims to the US Attorney in the state with a note saying: 'JFYI regarding allegations about PA voting irregularities, for whatever it may be worth.'

Jeff Clark

The US Attorney, Scott Brady, informed Donoghue that the claims 'were not well founded.'

A Perry spokeswoman did not respond to a request for comment.

On December 28th, according to the report timeline, Clark, having been introduced to Trump by Perry, 'approached Rosen and Donoghue with an audacious proposal: DOJ should inform the legislatures of Georgia and several other states that it was investigating voting irregularities, and recommend that each state legislature call a special session to consider appointing an alternate slate of electors.'

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois said the findings led him to believe Trump would have 'shredded the Constitution to stay in power.'

'Todays report shows the American people just how close we came to a constitutional crisis,' Durbin wrote in a statement.
Grant Shapps today announced he is removing 47 countries from the Government's international travel 'red list'.

The Transport Secretary said changes coming into force from 4am on Monday October 11 will mean just seven nations remain on the banned list.

The move will open up travel between the UK and dozens of long-haul destinations including South Africa, Mexico and Thailand.

It means double-vaccinated people will be able to return to the UK from most countries in the world without having to take a pre-departure test or quarantine on arrival but they will have to take a coronavirus test on the second day they are back.

Mr Shapps also said he is easing travel rules to allow more fully-vaccinated tourists from abroad to visit the UK.

He tweeted: 'From Monday (11th Oct) I'll be cutting 47 destinations from our red list  including South Africa, with just 7 countries and territories remaining - all others will be included in the 'rest of world' category.

'I'm also making changes so travellers visiting England have fewer entry requirements, by recognising those with fully-vax status from 37 new countries and territories including India, Turkey and Ghana, treating them the same as UK fully vax passengers.

'The measures announced today mark the next step as we continue to open up travel and provide stability for passengers and industry while remaining on track to keep travel open for good.'

Day two testing requirements are due to be eased later this month, with fully-vaccinated travellers returning from a safe country able to replace their day two PCR test with a cheaper lateral flow test, followed by a free PCR test if positive.

The Government confirmed this afternoon that passengers taking postal tests will be able to send a picture of their lateral flow result to verify it.

Airline bosses welcomed the changes to the 'red list' but said it was 'disappointing' ministers had not set a firm date for the shift to lateral flow tests.

There are currently 54 countries on the 'red list', including Mexico, Cuba, all of mainland South America, and southern and eastern Africa.

The seven destinations that will stay on the 'red list' will be: Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru and Venezuela.

Anyone arriving in the UK from a location in the red tier is legally required to spend 11 nights in a quarantine hotel at a cost of more than 2,200.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps today announced changes to the Government's travel 'red list'

The devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own travel rules but have recently mirrored announcements made in Westminster.

However, the new UK rules don't necessarily mean British won't face restrictions in their holiday destination.

Non-Thai passengers from the UK and Ireland are still required to undergo a 7-10 quarantine at an approved facility in the country after arriving.

The quarantine is seven days if fully vaccinated and 10 days if not.

In Mexico, states are operating under a four-colour traffic light system which dictates activities that are permitted in each.

The UK's new simplified travel system was rolled out on Monday this week as ministers replaced the traffic light rules with a single 'red list' and a 'rest of the world' category.

Fully-vaccinated travellers returning from a 'rest of the world' country do not have to take a pre-departure test and are exempt from quarantine but they do have to take a day two test.

Travellers who are not fully-vaccinated must take a pre-departure test, spend 10 days at home in quarantine when they get back and take tests on day two and day eight.

Mr Shapps said: 'With half-term and winter sun around the corner, we're making it easier for families and loved ones to reunite, by significantly cutting the number of destinations on the red list, thanks in part to the increased vaccination efforts around the globe.

'Restoring people's confidence in travel is key to rebuilding our economy and levelling up this country.

'With less restrictions and more people traveling, we can all continue to move safely forward together along our pathway to recovery.'

Airlines UK, the industry body representing UK-registered carriers, welcomed the 'red list' changes as 'another positive step towards normalising air travel and reopening our sector'.

It said: 'This builds on recent changes that have seen travel to many more countries become easier and cheaper for passengers, progress we hope towards removing all test requirements for the fully vaccinated as soon as possible.

UK visitors can now travel to Mexico, though several Latin American countries remain on the red list. Pictured: San Miguel de Allende, Mexico [Stock image]

South Africa is among the 47 countries to be taken off the red list. Pictured: Cape Town [Stock image]

Non-Thai passengers travelling from the UK and Ireland will still have to quarantine on arrival in Thailand, as per the country's coronavirus rules. Pictured: Wat Arun Temple in Bangkok [Stock image]

'However, it is disappointing for our customers to have no definitive clarity yet on when the lateral flow changes will be introduced.

'With the crucial October half-term just two weeks away we urgently need clarity so that passengers can plan ahead. This is the key booking period between now and Christmas, so time is of the essence.'

Sean Doyle, chairman and chief executive of British Airways, said: 'It finally feels like we are seeing light at the end of a very long tunnel.

'Britain will benefit from this significant reduction in red list countries, and now it's time to turn our attention to eradicating testing for fully vaccinated travellers to ensure we don't lose our place on the global stage.'

A Heathrow spokesman said: 'Now that we've got the protections of the vaccine, ministers need to prioritise the safe return of frictionless travel as soon as possible.

'Further progress has been made today by reducing the red list and extending vaccinated status recognition to more countries. Both moves will restore vital trade routes that will kick start a Global Britain.

'However, the missing piece to this is clarity on when cheaper lateral flow tests will be accepted, which is now critical in order to save the half term getaway for many.'

The changes to the 'red list' came after the Government lifted its advice against non-essential travel to 32 countries and territories.

Bangladesh, Fiji, Gambia, Ghana and Malaysia were among the locations for which travel advice based on the risk of coronavirus has been relaxed, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said.

The UK will stop advising Britons to avoid all but essential travel to non-red list countries on Covid-19 grounds except in 'exceptional circumstances' such as if the local healthcare system is overwhelmed, the FCDO added.

The UK's new simplified travel system came into force on Monday this week as ministers replaced the traffic light rules with a single 'red list'

Non-red list arrivals who are fully vaccinated no longer need to take a pre-departure coronavirus test

This will make it easier for people visiting those locations to obtain travel insurance.

Before yesterday's travel advice changes, the FCDO advised against non-essential travel due to the virus to 117 countries and territories.

The FCDO said the change in policy follows the 'improved public health in many countries' and the 'decreased risk to British nationals' as a result of the vaccine rollout.

The full list of countries for which the FCDO has eased its travel advice was: Algeria; Armenia; Bangladesh; Belarus; Benin; Comoros; Tokelau and Niue; Djibouti; Equatorial Guinea; Fiji; Gambia; Guinea; Kazakhstan; Kiribati; Kosovo; Liberia; Madagascar; Malaysia; Marshall Islands; Micronesia; Nauru; Sao Tome and Principe; Senegal; Solomon Islands; Togo; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu; Congo; America Samoa; French Polynesia; and Ghana.

The FCDO will continue to advise against all but essential travel for all red list countries where the risk to British nationals is deemed to be 'unacceptably high'.
Tanzanian-born novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah on Thursday won the Nobel Literature Prize for his writings on post-colonialism and the trauma of the refugee experience.

Gurnah, who grew up on the island of Zanzibar but arrived in England as a refugee at the end of the 1960s, is the fifth African to win the Nobel Literature Prize. He's the first black writer to win since Toni Morrison in 1993.

The Swedish Academy said Gurnah was honoured 'for his uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents.'

'His novels recoil from stereotypical descriptions and open our gaze to a culturally diversified East Africa unfamiliar to many in other parts of the world,' the Nobel Foundation added.

Abdulrazak Gurnah reads for a Canterbury Cathedral project in Canterbury, England. He went to Britain as a student in the late 1960s to escape persecution of Arab citizens during the Zanzibar Revolution

Copies of 'Afterlives' by Tanzanian-born novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah are displayed at Waterstones bookshop in central London

Gurnah told the Nobel Prize website he was stunned to get the call from the Swedish Academy.

'I thought it was a prank,' he said. 'These things are usually floated for weeks beforehand... so it was not something that was in my mind,' he said.

He has published 10 novels and a number of short stories.

The head of the Academy's Nobel committee, Anders Olsson, said Gurnah's reflections on the plight of refugees were particularly topical.

'His writings are extremely interesting right now for many, many people in Europe and around the world,' Olsson told reporters.

His itinerant characters 'find themselves in a hiatus between cultures and continents, between a life that was and a life emerging; it is an insecure state that can never be resolved,' the Academy said.

The theme of the refugee's disruption runs throughout his work, with a focus on identity and self-image, also apparent in the 1996 novel 'Admiring Silence' and 'By the Sea' from 2001.

After his win, Gurnah urged Europe to see African refugees as assets, saying that 'many of these people who come, come out of need, and also because quite frankly they have something to give.'

'They don't come empty-handed. A lot of talented, energetic people who have something to give,' Gurnah told the Nobel Foundation in an interview.

The announcement also caught Gurnah's Swedish publisher off guard.

'I may have heard someone suggest once that his books were of Nobel calibre. But I never expected him to get it,' Henrik Celander told Swedish news agency TT.

Born in 1948, Gurnah fled Zanzibar in 1968 following the revolution there which led to oppression and the persecution of citizens of Arab origin.

He began writing as a 21-year-old in England. Although Swahili was his first language, English became his literary tool.

Gurnah is best known for his 1994 breakthrough novel 'Paradise', set in colonial East Africa during World War I, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize for Fiction.

The novel has obvious references to English author Joseph Conrad's famed 1902 novel 'Heart of Darkness' in its portrayal of the innocent young hero Yusuf's journey to Central Africa and the Congo Basin.

Gurnah has until his recent retirement been Professor of English and Postcolonial Literatures at the University of Kent in Canterbury, focusing principally on writers such as Wole Soyinka, Ngugi wa Thiong'o and Salman Rushdie.

The Nobel Prize comes with a medal and a prize sum of 10 million Swedish kronor (837,000; $1.1 million).

Mats Malm, Permanent Secretary of the Swedish Academy, announces the 2021 Nobel Prize in Literature winner Tanzania's Abdulrazak Gurnah at the Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm on Thursday

Last year, the award went to US poet Louise Gluck.

Ahead of Thursday's announcement, Nobel watchers had suggested the Swedish Academy could choose to give the nod to a writer from Asia or Africa, following a pledge to make the prize more diverse.

It has crowned mainly Westerners in its 120-year existence.

The Academy has long insisted its laureates were chosen on literary merit alone, and that it did not take nationality into account.

But after a #MeToo scandal that rocked the Academy - prompting it to postpone the 2018 prize for a year - the body said it would adjust its criteria towards more geographic and gender diversity.

'Previously, we had a more Eurocentric perspective of literature, and now we are looking all over the world,' Nobel committee head Olsson said in 2019.

But at the end of the day, 'literary merit' is still 'the absolute and the only criterion' for the Academy, Olsson reiterated in an interview with The New Republic published this week.

The Nobel season continues Friday in Oslo with the Peace Prize, followed Monday by the Economics Prize.
Covid cases may have finally peaked in children, according to a raft of statistics that offer hope that herd immunity is taking effect in youngsters.

Infections exploded among children in England in the wake of classrooms reopening at the start of September  with up to one in 20 secondary school pupils thought to have been carrying the virus last week.

But Department of Health figures now show the number testing positive has fallen in the past week in primary and secondary-aged children.

Experts told MailOnline the downturn could signal rising immunity from a combination of vaccination and infections among young people.

The vaccine rollout only opened to healthy 12 to 15-year-olds last month but older teens have been getting jabbed since August.

Data from the country's biggest symptom-tracking app  which is watched closely by ministers  also suggested today that cases in children have peaked. But infection rates still remain extremely high  with around 1.5 per cent of youngsters aged 10 to 14 testing positive last week alone.

Experts have warned, however, that infections are already starting to spill over into parents, which could eventually kickstart a bigger outbreak this winter.

PHE data suggests case rates have finally peaked in children after exploding at the start of the new term

Department of Health figures show infections are still highest among 10 to 14-year-olds.

There were 1,540 positive tests per every 100,000 people in that age group during the week ending September 27 after soaring at the start of the new term.

But this has fallen consistently since then, dropping to just 1,461 per 100,000 in the seven-day spell ending October 2  the most recent day figures are available for.

A similar trend is visible among 15 to 19-year-olds, which saw cases peak in the same seven-day window (651 per 100,000). It now stands at 635 per 100,000.

And cases among five to nine-year-olds have been falling for nine days in a row after peaking at 569 per 100,000 on September 23. Some 487 per 100,000 in the cohort are now infected.

School children are largely unvaccinated and not required to wear masks, although they are regularly tested for the virus.

UKs daily Covid cases rise to another month-high Daily coronavirus cases have risen in the UK again and the number of patients being admitted to hospital with the virus has started to nudge up once more  but deaths are down. The Department of Health recorded 40,701 infections across the country over the past 24 hours, up nearly 12 per cent on last week. It's the first time in a month that cases have risen above 40,000 in a single day. There were another 122 Covid deaths registered today in an 11 per cent drop on the figure last Thursday. It's the 11th day in a row that fatalities have fallen week-on-week. Latest hospital data also shows there were 681 Covid admissions on October 3, a small 4 per cent rise compared to the number the previous week. Both death and hospital numbers lag a few weeks behind cases due to the time it takes for infection to turn into serious illness. Yesterday saw a week-long spell of falling cases come to an end, with the trajectory of the epidemic becoming increasingly harder to predict. Separate data from the country's largest symptom-tracking study today suggested that the number of Britons falling ill with Covid every day has jumped to the highest level since January. Advertisement

Meanwhile, cases are rising among people in their 50s, with up to 286 per 100,000 infected.

Professor Paul Hunter, an expert in medicine at the University of East Anglia, told MailOnline some of the fall in the 10 to 14-year-old age group could be due to the start of immunisation in the age group.

Children aged 12 to 15 began getting Covid jabs from September 20. But he noted this cannot explain changes among those aged five to nine.

Professor Sir Terence Stephenson, an expert in child health at the Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, told MailOnline cases could be falling because immunity levels are rising among young people and parents due to vaccines and natural infection.

Young people could also be following social distancing and wearing face coverings in and outside of school, he said.

'These data are good news but do not alter my support for the four CMO's [chief medical officers'] recommendation to offer Covid vaccines to teenagers across the UK', Professor Stephenson added.

Dr Stephen Griffin, a viral oncologist at the University of Leeds, told MailOnline he suspects vaccine uptake among 16 to 18-year-olds and children isolating now that schools are back is behind the decline in cases.

He said: 'It is, and always has been, a shameful mistake to allow schools to return without mitigations.

'Everyone wants children in school, it simply needs to be as safe for them as we can possibly make it for them to do so.

'To ignore Covid is a mistake. Current policy continues to ignore those without vaccines, including young children, as well as the clinically vulnerable.

'We need sensible mitigations and a wide ranging vaccination programme as the long term solution to controlling the pandemic.'

It comes after King's College London scientists estimated 66,033 people were getting infected daily in the week ending October 2, up 13.6 per cent from 58,126 the week before.

Cases in children appear to be turning a corner but are still extremely high, with around one in 30 school pupils contracting the virus  nearly three times more than the next highest rate in 35 to 55-year-olds.

Meanwhile, data from the Department of Health today revealed the UK recorded 40,701 infections over the past 24 hours, up nearly 12 per cent on last week.

It's the first time in a month that cases have risen above 40,000 in a single day.

There were another 122 Covid deaths registered today in an 11 per cent drop on the figure last Thursday, marking the 11th day in a row that fatalities have fallen week-on-week.

Latest hospital data also shows there were 681 Covid admissions on October 3, a small 4 per cent rise compared to the number the previous week.

Both death and hospital numbers lag a few weeks behind cases due to the time it takes for infection to turn into serious illness.
The coronavirus pandemic has encouraged Britons to get on with their neighbours again, a study has claimed.

Many believe that modern lifestyles and growing populations have eroded Britain's community spirit.

But University College London researchers say the shared experience of the pandemic has brought the country closer together.

In their survey of 70,000 Britons from across the country, they found feelings of unity and sense of community had risen by up to three times in the last year.

Experts said the return to neighbourly values could be in part be attributed to people spending more time at home during lockdowns.

Some 32 per cent of surveyed Britons they felt an increased sense of 'shared values' with their neighbours - up from nine per cent in July last year.

A quarter said they felt greater 'trust' in the person next door, and felt more united with them, compared to just seven and nine per cent last year.

And some 35 per cent of respondents said they felt greater neighbourhood support, compared to 28 per cent last year.

Covid has encouraged Brits to get to know their neighbours and improved community spirit, a study has claimed. Pictured: Residents of a street in Saltburn, north Yorkshire, clap for carers in January

Some 32 per cent of survey respondents said they felt an increased sense of 'shared values' this September, compared to just nine per cent in July last year

People were restricted from socialising and ordered to stay at home unless necessary during England's three national lockdowns.

But neighbours helped each other with groceries and met on their doorsteps to 'clap for the NHS' in the first lockdown.

UCL's Covid-19 Social Study has surveyed more than 70,000 since the start of the pandemic. The latest results were based on answers in September.

Dr Elise Paul, lead author and epidemiologist at UCL, said: 'Our report shows there have been positive improvements in the way we feel about our neighbours, when compared to before the pandemic.

'Interestingly, the longer the pandemic has gone on appears to have solidified this trend, with more people feeling greater levels of trust, shared values and cohesion with those who live closest to us.

'Perhaps this boost in neighbourly relations is no surprise.

'Many of us have spent significantly more time at home during the pandemic and it is likely we have spent more time with and got to know our neighbours far better than before.'

She continued: 'In addition, there is likely to be an empathy and togetherness borne through the shared experience of the past year and a half.

'That said, some people now experience worsening of neighbourhood relations.

'Much has changed over the last 18 months, with limits to our freedom, how we interact with others and changes to how we shop and travel.

'Perhaps these restrictions have caused some to feel less satisfied with life in their community.'
A Texas boy was crushed by a horse and killed while preparing for the finals at a Louisiana kids' rodeo on Sunday.

Legend Williamson, 10, was in the warm-up pen at the Texas Region Junior High Rodeo in the city of DeRidder when the horse 'reared up' and fell on top of him, according to deputies.

Horses generally rear up, or stand on their hind legs, when they're objecting to being restrained.

A veterinarian determined that the horse, who also died, probably had a heart attack or a brain aneurysm.

Williamson had already won second place and was preparing for the finals when the tragedy happened, his family said. He was rushed to the hospital and died of his injuries.

Williamson, 10, died when a horse fell on top of him at a kids' rodeo in Louisiana on Sunday

The fifth grader, a rodeo aficionado, was preparing for the finals in the warm-up pen

'As I was crying out to God to save my son, and I was begging him not to take my son, I knew Legend was going to lead thousands of people to Christ,' his mother Raegan told KYTX in Texas. 'That was his mission in life.'

Williamson was a rodeo aficionado. A week before his death, he opened his first bank account with the help of his parents to deposit his rodeo winnings.

'He did the goat-tying event, the calf-breakaway event and he was a header in the team roping event,' his father Kelly told the station.

'If he touches more people after death than he did before, then his life was worth it,' he added.

Williamson's family lives in Lufkin, Texas. They had traveled two hours southeast to Sunday's rodeo, which was held at the Beauregard Parish Covered Arena in DeRidder.

'Our rodeo family is hurting big time tonight. Lord hear our prayers.' the Texas Junior High Rodeo Association wrote on its Facebook page Sunday.

Williamson had already won second place at the Texas Region Junior High Rodeo in DeRidder

'If he touches more people after death than he did before, then his life was worth it,' his father Kelly, left, told a TV station. Williamson's brother Maverick and mother Reagan sit beside Kelly

A week before his death, Williamson had opened a bank account to deposit his winnings

'Wrap your arms around the Williamson family and Region 5 families Lord we know you have a plan for our lives and we believe in You.'

Condolences poured in from the rodeo community, with one woman asking people to donate to Williamson's bank account at the Commercial Bank of Texas instead of sending flowers to the family.

'We are heartbroken & paralyzed with unimaginable grief but we find peace knowing Legend is in the arms of Jesus,' wrote Jessica Bridges in a post shared by the rodeo association.

Condolences after Williamson's death poured in from the rodeo community

'In Lieu of flowers & food you can donate to Legends account at CBTX.'

Beauregard Parish Sheriff's Office Detective Sylvester Denmond called the incident a 'freak accident' in an interview with KPLC in Louisiana.

Williamson was in fifth grade at Lufkin LEAD Academy and was a member of Harmony Hill Baptist Church, according to his obituary.

He was survived by his parents and his siblings Maverick Ray and Tatum Liles.

A funeral will be held Friday at 2pm at the United Pentecostal Campground Tabernacle in Lufkin.
The former CEO of Safeway testified in court on Wednesday that repeated delays with Theranos' blood-testing machines raised red flags about his company's multimillion dollar partnership with the health care startup.

'Deadlines were continuing to be missed and we often weren't given an explanation for that,' Steve Burd said at the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of California, CNBC reports.

'I kept asking "Give me some details,"' he recounted. 'So that was the frustrating part.

'We always tried to help them any way we could.'

He said he was initially impressed by the now disgraced Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes and her idea to create cheaper and faster blood-testing technology.

'I was very impressed,' he said. 'There are very few people I had met in the business that I would actually say are charismatic.

'She was charismatic, she was very smart and she was doing one of the hardest things you can do in a business - and that's to create an enterprise from scratch.'

Safeway then spent more than $300 million to build clinics in hundreds of its grocery stores that would feature the blood-testing technology. The idea was that people could get the results of the blood test before they finish shopping.

But Holmes is now facing 12 counts of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud charges, with federal prosecutors claiming she and her top executive, Ramesh 'Sunny' Balwani, engaged in a multimillion dollar scheme over the course of a decade to defraud investors and patients.

If convicted, Holmes could face 20 years in prison.

She and Balwani have both pleaded not guilty, though Balwani will face trial separately in January.

Former Safeway CEO Steve Burd testified in court on Wednesday that there were repeated delays with the rollout of Theranos' miniLab blood testing technology, which raised some concerns about the supermarket chain's $300 million partnership with the health care startup

The miniLab was advertised as a new technology that could provide blood test results in a matter of minutes

In his testimony on Wednesday, Burd, who served as CEO of Safeway for two decades, said that Holmes demonstrated the miniLab device at a board meeting, running a prostate-specific antigen test on a board member.

'Blood was drawn, it went into a machine, and we never got a result.'

He also said Holmes, 37, never revealed she was in a romantic relationship with Balwani, saying: 'It just raises the question of what else is hidden.'

The testimony comes less than one week after a former lab director for Theranos acknowledged he had plenty of opportunities to express his doubts about the technology.

Adam Rosendorff joined Theranos in April 2013 as a lab director thinking it would become the next Apple, and left one year later over qualms about the company's priorities, telling jurors he was 'becoming frustrated by my inability to explain discrepant results.'

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 said he then decided to go to Wall Street Journal reporter John Carreyrou in 2015 to relay his misgivings about the company's blood testing technology.

Rosendorff was the first to blow the whistle regarding the company's troubles to Carreyrou, and Carreryrou's report was the first to show doubts about the accuracy of Theranos' tests when it was published in October 2015.

The report also drew further scrutiny that would lead to the company's eventual 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.

He added that in May 2014, he discussed the wide range of hCG results the miniLabs were producing with Holmes. The hormone is produced during pregnancy.

'She seemed pretty calm about the whole thing,' Rosendorff said of Holmes' response. 'She didn't seem to share my level of alarm.'

He also described how he had felt compelled to speak to Carreyrou because of a 'moral and ethical' obligation 'to alert the public'.

After his testimony Tuesday, Carreyrou took to Twitter to confirm the Rosendorff was his initial source.

'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.

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.

Former Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes, pictured, is now facing trial on charges that she and her business partner defrauded investors and patients

Holmes, seen leaving the federal courthouse in San Jose, California with her mother, can face up to 20 years in prison if convicted

Holmes has pleaded not guilty to the charges. She was sketched in court on September 8 during opening arguments

Meanwhile, a second juror had to be removed from the trial on Wednesday after she said that as a Buddhist she had qualms about any potential punishment.

'It's really hard for me,' Juror No. 4 said. 'I'm thinking what happened if she has to be there for a long, long time.

'It's my fault and I feel guilty for that.'

Judge Edward Davila in response reminded the juror, who was only described as a dark-haired woman in a surgical mask and a green floral blouse, 'Your responsibility as a juror is to only decide the facts of the case, you are not to determine any punishment at all.'

'That's for the court to decide,' the judge continued. 'That's not your decision.'

But despite Davila's reminders, the woman insisted she could only remain on the jury if she did not have to vote on whether Holmes was guilty.

Davila then thanked her for her honesty, and asked whether she thought her feelings would fade.

'Let's say she's guilty and then I think of punishment from the government,' he posited, to which the juror replied that she spent every day thinking about Holmes being sent to prison.

After she was dismissed, Davila said: 'It appears that her deeply held religious convictions are causing her some difficult issues.

'Even though I told her punishment is something she cannot consider ... it did not seem to assuage her from her feelings.'

But the juror they brought in to replace her - Alternate Juror No 2 - also expressed some uneasiness about sitting in the trial.

'She's so young,' the alternate juror said. 'I don't know if I'm 100 percent ready to participate in something like this, being English is not my first language, so I don't know.'

She said she was worried that a language barrier may hinder her decision, but Davila once again reminded the juror she would not be responsible for punishment in the case and a diverse jury is important.

She was then allowed to stay.

The removal of Juror No. 4 marked the second time in the case that a juror had to be excused, after Davila excused a 19-year-old woman in September after she expressed that serving on the trial would result in financial hardships for her and her family.

There are now three alternate jurors remaining.
Woody Harrelson punched a persistent fan during an incident at the infamous Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C., Wednesday, when the man took unsolicited photos of the Cheers star and refused to delete them, eyewitnesses say.

The actor struck the man - who has yet to be identified - while out with his daughter at the hotel's posh rooftop bar, Top of the Gate, at around 11 pm.

Police say charges are pending for the man, after he was questioned in his hotel room that night by investigators after fleeing the scene of the altercation - and he will faces charges.

However, Harrelson was not charged in the incident - as investigators say he acted 'in self-defense.'

Harrelson and his wife of 13 years, Laura Louie, had been spotted just hours before the altercation just over a mile from the Watergate Hotel, where the incident took place, as the pair headed to the National Museum of African American History and Culture on Wednesday

The couple was spotted on a rare outing hours before the actor punched the persistent fan, who will faces charges

Harrelson, pictured outside the Watergate on Tuesday, has been in Washington shooting an HBO series that follows the Nixon administration's notorious Watergate scandal

Harrelson, pictured here filming outside the Watergate earlier this week, punched the man after he lunged at the star while he was out with one of his daughters Wednesday night

According to police, the man - who police say had been drinking and has yet to be identified - lunged at Harrelson after the actor approached him and asked him to delete a slew of photographs he had taken of him and his daughter.

Harrelson 'approached the man and requested him to delete the photos,' Dustin Sternbeck, director of communications at the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia, said in a statement after the incident, which occurred minutes after 11 pm Wednesday night.

Harrelson then 'got into a verbal dispute with' the man, who allegedly 'lunged toward' the actor to try to grab his neck, a public incident report filed after the late-night altercation reads.

Harrelson then preemptively punched the man before he could land his own blow, according to eyewitness accounts and the police report.

The man then fled from the star to his hotel room.

Harrelson, however, was not charged in the incident, as investigators say the star was acting in 'self defense'

The actor pictured filming outside the Watergate Tuesday with co-star Justin Theroux, the day before he was allegedly attacked

Upon police's arrival on the scene shortly thereafter, Harrelson told them that he punched the man in self-defense - and several witnesses reportedly corroborated the star's story, the report reveals.

Harrelson was questioned by police, but was not charged with any crime.

According to the incident report, officers made the determination that the actor was, indeed, engaging in 'self defense.'

The actor has been in Washington shooting an HBO series on the Nixon administration's notorious Watergate scandal, and the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the famed hotel.

Harrelson and his wife of 13 years, Laura Louie, had been spotted just hours before the incident, a little over a mile from where the altercation took place, as the pair headed to the National Museum of African American History and Culture during downtime from filming.

Harrelson, 60, announced in 2017 that he had given up marijuana after decades of 'partying too hard,' and says he only drinks in moderation

Harrelson, 60, is a father of three daughters, aged 28, 25, and 15.

It is not immediately clear which daughter Harrelson was having dinner with when the altercation in question occurred.

Police say charges are pending for the man, who was questioned in his hotel room after the altercation - but, according to the report, investigators believe Harrelson acted 'in self-defense.'

Harrelson, 60, was not charged in the incident - which occurred around 11 pm.

The name of the other man involved in the altercation will be released once he is charged, DC police say.

Harrelson, however, boasts a somewhat checkered history when it comes to run-ins with the law.

The incident between Harrelson and the unidentified man took place at the Top of the Gate rooftop bar at the famed Watergate Hotel

In 2017, he admitted had given up smoking marijuana after decades of what he called 'partying too hard,' but said that he still drinks occasionally, 'in moderation.'

In 2008, TMZ photographer Josh Levine filed a suit against the actor for an alleged attack outside a Hollywood nightclub in 2006, where a video of the incident appeared to show Harrelson grabbing Levine's camera and subsequently scuffling with the photographer.

Los Angeles prosecutors declined to press charges against the star, and the case was dismissed two years later.

In 2002, the star was arrested in London for allegedly causing 'criminal damage to a black taxi in the Waterloo Place area and then fleeing the vehicle,' a Scotland Yard spokesman said.

He was then tracked down by police and arrested, before being bailed out that day.

In 1982, Harrelson was arrested for disorderly conduct and resisting arrest in Columbus, Ohio, after being picked up by police for dancing in traffic, and escaping a police van.

He then got into a physical altercation with the officer who chased him down.

Harrelson paid a $390 fine in regards to the incident - and did no jail time.

Harrelsons father, however, Charles Harrelson, had a much more violent streak - he was a career criminal and hitman-for-hire who was convicted of first-degree murder not once, but twice, for a pair of full-fledged assassinations committed in the span of a little over ten years - and was charged and acquitted of another murder during that stretch as well.

He died in 2007 at age 69, serving two consecutive sentences in a maximum security federal prison in Colorado.

Concerning the Wednesday altercation with Woody, however, it was not immediately clear who called police to the scene - and the Metropolitan Police Department say that an investigation is still ongoing.
Natural gas prices in the US have soared this week as Russian President Vladimir Putin leverages a shortage in Europe to secure approval for his controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

The standoff, which sent US natural gas prices to their highest levels in more than a decade, is spurring fears that energy and heating costs could skyrocket in America as the winter season approaches.

US natural gas prices rocketed to $6.31 per million British thermal units on October 6, with the spike blamed on fears of market volatility due to storage issues in Europe, which may trigger soaring demand for American natural gas.

On Wednesday, Putin hinted that he will pump out more gas if Brussels approves the new pipeline bypassing Ukraine and entering the EU through Germany, leading UK officials to accuse Russia of turning energy 'into a weapon' and 'bullying' Europe.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said existing gas transit routes allow for bolstering supplies before the new Nord Stream 2 pipeline that will carry Russian gas to Germany begins operating.

'There is a potential,' Peskov said during a conference call with reporters. 'It all depends on demand, contractual obligations and commercial agreements.'

On Wednesday, Putin hinted that he will pump out more gas if Brussels approves the new pipeline bypassing Ukraine and entering the EU through Germany

Natural gas (seen in USD/MMBtu) hit a 13-year high this week before easing off Thursday

Map showing points of origin and destination of the Nord Stream pipe (solid line) and Nord Stream 2 pipeline (dotted line) between Russia and Germany. Putin hoped Nord Stream 2 would be finished two years ago, allowing Russia to bypass Ukraine in the south

The Biden administration concluded in May that Nord Stream 2 AG, the company behind the pipeline project, and its chief executive engaged in sanctionable behavior.

But President Joe Biden waived the sanctions to allow time to work out a deal and appease Germany, after relations grew tense during the Trump administration.

Both European and U.S. lawmakers, including both Democrats and Republicans, have opposed the $11 billion pipeline, which could allow Russia to double lucrative gas exports to Germany and other parts of Europe.

But Germany, which carries heavy weight in the EU and would benefit by being the entry point for the new pipeline, has been in favor of the project.

The new route would also bypass and cut off a source of income for Russia's political foe Ukraine, and potentially allow Russia to wield the threat of cutting off gas flow to Eastern Europe without threatening the supply to the EU.

The 27-country European Union imports about 90 percent of its natural gas needs. Prices are typically lower in the United States, which produces its own gas.

Flexing his muscles, Putin sent the price of natural gas tumbling on Wednesday by saying at a press conference: 'Let's think through possibly increasing supply in the market, only we need to do it carefully. Settle with Gazprom and talk it over.'

In May, President Joe Biden waived sanctions against the pipeline to allow time to work out a deal and appease Germany after relations grew tense during the Trump administration

Russia hopes to boost gas exports to western Europe through the Nord Stream 2 pipeline

US Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm responded by telling FT that the US is watching Russia 'carefully', adding: 'You don't want to see energy made into a weapon'.

British MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith told MailOnline Russia is 'bullying' the EU and the UK should be exploiting its domestic shale gas supplies to get 'completely clear of any dependency'.

'Most of our gas is either home produced or from Norway. We are not dependent on Russian gas in the same way as Europe is, especially Germany,' he said.

'It should be a reminder that we are sitting on a huge supply of shale gas. It is an absurdity not to want to tap into that,' he added. 'Either we make ourselves dependent on countries like Russia, or we actually start looking for more gas supplies.'

Speaking during a Wednesday government meeting on energy issues, Putin said that Russia could sell more gas to European spot buyers via his countrys domestic exchange, noting that sharp price fluctuations are bad for Moscow, too.

But he added that Russias state-controlled gas giant Gazprom also needs to fill its own stores to serve domestic needs in anticipation of winter.

Workers pose for a picture after welding the last pipe of the Nord Stream 2 gas subsea pipeline onboard the laybarge Fortuna in German waters in the Baltic Sea, September 6, 2021

Workers are seen at the construction site of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, near the city of Kingisepp, Leningrad region, Russia in 2019

Why is Putin's $11B Nord Stream 2 pipeline so controversial? The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline is set to double Russia's natural gas shipments to Germany, Europe's largest consumer of gas, bypassing Ukraine and depriving the EU member state of essential gas transit fees of $1.5 billion per year. Russia is already the second-largest supplier of gas to the EU behind Norway, and the $11 billion project will increase Europe's energy dependence on Russia and Moscow's geopolitical clout. Donald Trump was opposed to the project and the EU has yet to sign off on it. But over the summer officials in Washington and Berlin reportedly reached an agreement that would allow the Nord Stream 2 pipeline - which was roughly within 62 miles of completion as of June - to finish construction. U.S. officials under Presidents Obama and Trump opposed the pipeline, arguing it would strengthen Moscow's influence across Europe. Nord Stream already includes one pipeline running from Russia to Germany. Both are owned by a company whose majority shareholder is Russian state gas company Gazprom. Advertisement

Putin claimed that rapidly growing demand amid the global economic recovery from the pandemic has driven Europe's rising gas prices. A cold winter and less power generation by alternative sources also were factors, he said.

But the Russian leader also pointed out the European Union's efforts to switch from long-term supply contracts to spot trading in gas played a key role.

'I would like to underline that the situation in the European energy markets is a bright example of the inadmissibility of hasty and politically motivated moves in any sphere, particularly in energy issues that determine stability of industries and welfare and life quality of millions of people,' Putin said.

Russian gas group Gazprom has resisted moving to spot trade in Europe, preferring long-term deals, which sometimes last around 25 years.

Putin, meanwhile, strongly rejected criticism from some European politicians who alleged that Russia's failure to boost supplies was fueling price increases.

'Russia has always been a reliable gas supplier to consumers around the world, in Europe and in Asia, and always has fully met all its obligations. I want to emphasize that,' Putin said.

Putin emphasized that Russian gas supplies to Europe in the first nine months of the year rose 15 percent compared to the same period in 2020, adding that they could set a new record this year.

He said that state-controlled gas giant Gazprom has unfailingly met consumer demands for more gas as envisaged under existing supply contracts.

The Russian leader also rebuffed Ukraines claim that Moscow was trying to cut supplies delivered through Ukrainian territory in anticipation of the Nord Stream 2 coming into service. Russia has pumped 8 percent more gas via Ukraine than envisaged by the existing transit contract, Putin said.

Analysts say Gazprom has delivered all the required gas under long-term agreements but has not sold additional gas on the spot market and instead used it for domestic needs.

That has led to criticism from some analysts and some European politicians, who accused Russia of withholding gas to pressure German and European authorities into speeding final regulatory approval for the recently completed Nord Stream 2.

The pipeline is designed to deliver gas directly to Germany, bypassing Poland and Ukraine.
Attorney General Merrick Garland's daughter Rebecca Garland is married to the co-founder of Panorama Education, a group that allegedly utilizes Critical Race Theory teachings and has contracts with school boards across the country, an alarmed parents' group revealed on Tuesday.

The group, Parents Defending Education (PDE), is now accusing Garland of a conflict of interest after the attorney general directed the FBI to step up enforcement against threats to teachers and other education officials.

Panorama Education told DailyMail.com that it is 'an independent education organization that partners with schools and districts to support student literacy and social-emotional learning.'

'The only relationship between Panorama Education and Attorney General Merrick Garland is that Panorama's co-founder Xan Tanner is AG Garlands son-in-law,' they said.

Panorama's data systems are used to collect information on students in New York City, Detroit, San Francisco, Indianapolis and Dallas, among others, according to the company site.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg is a prominent financial backer of the group.

'US Attorney General Merrick Garlands daughter is MARRIED to the cofounder of Panorama. WATCH. Garland has a serious conflict of interest,' PDE vice president of investigations and strategy Asra Nomani wrote on Twitter.

Attorney General Merrick Garland's daughter Rebecca (far left) is married to the co-founder of Zuckerberg-backed education group Panorama Education

'Merrick Garland has declared a war on parents. His daughter is married to the cofounder of [Panorama Education] which is under fire for its multimillion contracts with school boards.'

Nomani accused Garland of 'trying to silence parents.'

Garland's daughter, Rebecca Garland, married Xan Tanner in 2018 according a New York Times announcement of their wedding. Both had attended Yale University.

The same day Nomani accused Garland of a conflict of interest, another PDE official took to Twitter with screenshots of what she alleged were Panorama Education surveys.

'Parents are concerned over intrusive surveys and "screeners" that ask 12-year-olds if they are pansexual or gender fluid. The surveys are often created/administered by [Panorama Education],' Erika Sanzi of PDE wrote.

Xan Tanner, Garland's son-in-law, has lucrative contracts with multiple school districts through his company

One of the images appears to show a survey asking whether the respondent is 'gay, lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, aromantic, asexual, or questioning.'

A second screenshot is a question simply asking the respondent's gender, then adds the following options: Male, Female, Transgender Male, Transgender Female, Genderqueer or Genderfluid, Questioning, My identity is not listed, Prefer not to answer.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Panorama regarding whether those are legitimate screengrabs from their surveys for students.

A spokesperson for the company said Panorama is 'not affiliated with any particular academic philosophy, including critical race theory.'

'Our technology is used to help schools gather feedback from students, families, and educators. Panorama only uses student data for the purpose of helping schools and districts better serve their students,' they told DailyMail.com.

However, PDF has raised questions over whether their claim is true - citing the company's relationship to Zuckerberg.

PDF's Nomani accused Panorama of being 'a Trojan horse for Big Tech in K-12 schools.'

She referenced Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen's claim that the social media giant is going to controversial lengths to explore new 'growth projects' and uses algorithms to keep users, particularly teens and pre-teens, engaged for long periods of time.

That's where Panorama's data collection comes in, Nomani argues despite the company itself claiming otherwise.

Members of Parents Defending Education were quick to point our Garland's connection to a group they claim promotes Critical Race Theory

Screenshots allegedly show Panorama Education-made survey questions that PDF claims ask 12-year-olds their sexual identity

'Under fire for negatively harming the mental health of children, Zuckerberg and Garlands family are now in the business of data mining childrens most intimate emotions  and supposedly help children deal with the mental health issues Zuckerberg helped manifest,' Nomani claimed.

PDF flagged one Panorama contract with Fairfax County Public Schools that's worth $2.4 million, a figure that the district confirmed with DailyMail.com.

It's part of a broader spending plan on how to spend $188.6 million in emergency relief funds.

Panorama isn't mentioned in the plan, but one section allocates $78.8 million toward ensuring schools are 'welcoming and culturally responsive to all students and families.'

It will be used to support 'equity' development for school teams and 'social-emotional staff' to work with schools.

Fairfax County Public Schools told DailyMail.com it does not teach CRT in its schools.

However, critics say guidelines using 'equity' and 'culture' are typically hallmarks of introducing Critical Race Theory, which teaches that racism is a social construct used to oppress people of color, and that it is present in almost all aspects of everyday life.

CRT has been a hot-button issue and a source of anger for parents who oppose its philosophy being taught in public schools.

PDE claims Garland is trying to silence the opposition and help his son-in-law maintain lucrative contracts promoting the theory.

An escalation in violent protests at school board meetings and outside education officials' homes over CRT and mask-wearing prompted Garland to issue a DOJ order directing the FBI and local law enforcement to tackle the 'disturbing trend' of teachers being threatened or harassed.

'Threats against public servants are not only illegal, they run counter to our nation's core values,' Garland said in the announcement.

'Those who dedicate their time and energy to ensuring that our children receive a proper education in a safe environment deserve to be able to do their work without fear for their safety.'

AG Merrick Garland issued this memo yesterday warning parents that they will face prosecution for protesting against schools and teachers in a way the government deems to be threatening

School board meetings and other normally tame parent-teacher forums have become a hotbed for ideological confrontations over CRT, vaccines and mask mandates.

The National School Board Association (NSBA) compared such activism to 'domestic terrorism.'

Yesterday anti-mask protesters disrupted a school board meeting in Lakewood, Ohio over the board's face covering mandate, video of the incident on YouTube shows.

Garland's announcement was spurred by the NSBA begging the Biden administration to intervene in the 'immediate threat' posed to education officials by anti-CRT and anti-mask protesters.

'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 letter reads.

Nomani lashed out at NSBA's letter.

'This is what a domestic terrorist looks like? You are criminalizing parenting, and you owe the people of America a swift apology,' she said in a video on Twitter.
'If something f***ing happens to me, you know why,' Sims says in video

Three days after Sims' last known sighting, video went up on her YouTube page, in which influencer claimed she was pregnant and accused her dad of assault

Sims' mother said she has been struggling with mental health issues during pandemic

Family said she left her dog and her phone in her apartment, which is something she normally would not do

Fitness trainer Ca'Shawn 'Cookie' Sims, 30, was last seen in Duarte, California, on September 8

Popular Instagram fitness influencer Ca'Shawn 'Cookie' Sims, known as 'The Booty Doctor,' has not been seen or heard from in over a month, after claiming in a rambling YouTube video that she was pregnant and accusing her family members of domestic abuse.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office sent out a press release on Monday asking the public for help in locating Sims.

According to Missing Persons Unit investigators, the 30-year-old Sims was last seen on September 8 in the 2100 block of Broach Avenue in Duarte.

Popular Instagram fitness trainer Ca'Shawn 'Cookie' Sims, 30, was last seen in Duarte, California, on September 8. LA County cops are asking for public's help in finding her

Three days after Sims' last known sighting, this video went up on her YouTube page, in which the influencer claimed she was pregnant and accused her dad of physically assaulting her

Officials said Sims' family are concerned for her well-being.

Sims' mother told KABC her daughter has been grappling with mental health issues during the Covid pandemic.

On September 11 - three days after Sims' last known sighting - a video showed up on her YouTube channel, in which the fitness trainer revealed she was three months pregnant.

In the 20-minute recording, Sims, dressed in a pink fuzzy bathrobe, claimed that her father physically assaulted her while her mother looked on and did nothing to stop it. She also alleged that her family 'purposefully put something in the living room and the AC vents' to trigger an allergic reaction in her.

Toward the end of the video, Sims said she was a survivor of domestic violence and insisted that her life and the life of her unborn baby were at risk.

'If something f***ing happens to me, you know why,' she adds ominously before flashing a smile and the thumbs up sign.

The video had been viewed more than 25,000 times as of Thursday.

In the video, which has been viewed more than 25,000 times, Sims shows that her left cheek is swollen after allegedly been hit by her father

The workout guru's personal Instagram page has more than 216,000 followers

It has not been confirmed whether Sims is, in fact, expecting a child, and her allegations against her father have not been independently verified as of Thursday.

The LA County Sheriff's Office has not replied to requests for comment.

On Tuesday, one of her sisters, Ca'rynn Sims, asked her own Instagram followers to be on the lookout for Ca'Shawn.

'She has abandoned her home, her dog and seemingly her phone which is unlike her,' Ca'rynn wrote.

The sister added: 'I never thought there'd come a day of me posting a missing flyer for my sister. We want her covered in prayers, God's grace and to know that she is whole, well and alive.'

Ca'Shawn's other sister, Christol Sims, vowed in a separate Instagram post to exhaust every option to find her and make sure she was safe.

Sims' mother said her daughter has been grappling with mental health issues during the pandemic.

'Although my sister is a very independent person and enjoys her solitude, family close and distant have not been able to get in touch with her for too long and it is concerning,' she wrote.

The workout guru's personal Instagram page has more than 216,000 followers.

Sims is 5-foot-1, weighing 120lbs, with black, shoulder-length hair and brown eyes. She has a tattoo of 'It's found in the soul' on her left collarbone, 'Earth' on her left forearm, and a tattoo of Spanish writing on her back.

Anyone with information on Sims' whereabouts is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Missing Persons Unit at (323) 890-5500.
This is the moment a homeless man had a witty response to anti-vax protesters in California who were questioning why no homeless people are 'dead in the street with Covid'.

A video shows anti-vaxxers walking down Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles at 11.22am on Saturday carrying placards protesting against the coronavirus vaccine.

During the clip, a woman is heard over a microphone, saying: 'Do you see all of these homeless people around. Are they dead in the street with Covid? Hell no. Why?'

In reply, a homeless man, named Ray, can be heard off-camera shouting back: 'Because I'm vaccinated, you dumb f***.'

The clip was posted on Twitter, where it has since been viewed more than three million times.

A homeless man had a witty response to an anti-vax protest asking why homeless people were not dead with Covid in a viral video filmed on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles on Saturday

Hollywood Blvd, Saturday, 11:22 AM:



ANTI-VAXX PROTESTER: Do you see all of these homeless people around. Are they dead in the street with COVID? Hell no. Why?



HOMELESS PERSON (walking by): Because Im vaccinated you dumb fuck. pic.twitter.com/rPskpOqtKs  Film The Police LA (@FilmThePoliceLA) October 6, 2021

During the clip, a woman is heard over a microphone, saying: 'Do you see all of these homeless people around. Are they dead in the street with Covid? Hell no. Why?' In reply, a homeless man, named Ray, can be heard off-camera shouting back: 'Because I'm vaccinated, you dumb f***'

A Twitter user made an attempt to track Ray down, eventually posting a second clip of himself chatting to Ray.

Ray confirms he is from Denver, Colorado, and has been on the streets for seven years.

The person holding the camera can be heard asking if Ray was the one who spoke back to the anti-vaxxers and he says yes.

A Twitter account tracked down the homeless man, Ray (pictured), who made the comment

'I think it's time we helped Ray out,' the man holding the camera can be heard saying.

'Ray gave the whole country, honestly internationally, people, not just a good laugh but honestly sent a strong message.'

Twitter account FilmThePoliceLa, which posted the interaction, said it had a 'cell phone and ID voucher lined up' and would be setting up a GoFundMe page for Ray.
Police have identified the man who killed a 17-year-old Iowa teenager, 50 years after her body was found on an abandoned junk car in a wooded ravine.

Cedar Rapids Police Department revealed that DNA evidence confirmed George M. Smith was responsible for the 1971 murder of Maureen Brubaker Farley.

The findings confirm the suspicions of Maureen's mother, Mary Brubaker, now 86, who believed Smith was responsible for the killing and wrote to the police six months after her daughter's body was found to say Smith was the killer.

Despite the police questioning Smith at the time, they could find no evidence to charge him - or any other suspect for that matter.

But now, 50 years on, investigators were able to match Smith's DNA to the suspect's profile in the case after tracking down one of relatives this year. Yet Smith will not be charged for the murder because he died in 2013 aged 94.

Maureen's younger sister Lisa Schenzel, who was four at the time of the murder, said after investigator Matt Denlinger told her that the cold case had been solved she 'felt a lot of emotions', including relief and some closure.

Cedar Rapids Police Department revealed that DNA evidence confirmed George M. Smith was responsible for the 1971 murder of Maureen Brubaker Farley (pictured)

The findings confirm the suspicions of Maureen's mother, Mary Brubaker, now 86, who believed Smith was responsible for the killing and wrote to the police six months after her daughter's body was found to say Smith was the killer

Lisa told The Gazette: 'I still get goose bumps right now. It was very emotional. I cried, and then I had to repeat it to my mom, and she cried. Just a flood of emotions.'

She added: 'There was so much collateral damage, heartache, from Maureen's death. Although her life was just one life, it affected so many for so long.'

On September 24, 1971, two teenage boys found Maureen's body lying on the trunk of an abandoned junk car in the wooded ravine in Cedar Rapids, four days after she was reported missing after she failed to show up to work at a local diner.

Exactly 50 years to the day, the police found a DNA match after comparing the DNA of Smith's relative and the DNA profile developed from the crime scene.

An autopsy found that Maureen had been hit in the head, causing a skull fracture that resulted in her death.

Evidence also suggested that she had been sexually assaulted. Maureen had been found partially clothes with no shoes and clean feet, and police now believe her body was moved by Smith, who was 52 at the time, to the wooded ravine.

Smith had been an acquaintance of Maureen's as he frequented the diner where she worked and he worked at a liquor store near her apartment, prompting Mary to suspect he was her daughter's murderer.

In the months after her killing, Smith had gone to the Police Department on more than one occasion, suspiciously inquiring about the progress of the investigation.

He was also known to have a hauling service which he could have used to make trips to the landfill located near where Maureen's body at the time. But police did not have enough evidence to charge him.

On September 24, 1971, two teenage boys found Maureen's body lying on the trunk of an abandoned junk car in the wooded ravine in Cedar Rapids, four days after she was reported missing after she failed to show up to work at a local diner

An autopsy found that Maureen had been hit in the head, causing a skull fracture that resulted in her death

In 2017, cold case detectives started collecting DNA from the potential suspects listed in the case file and eliminated more than 15 of them.

But one suspect who had not been eliminated was Smith, but he had died in 2013 meaning detectives could not collect his DNA.

Detectives tracked down one of Smith's relatives and collected DNA from that person. Once they found it was a match, police notified Maureen's mother that her daughter's killer had been identified.

But Maureen's father David Brubaker never got to find out the identity of his daughter's murderer as he passed away in 2002.

Maureen, who was 17 at the time of her murder, had moved to Cedar Rapids in the summer of 1971 and moved into an apartment while working at the local diner. She was last seen on the morning of September 17, 1971.

After she didn't arrive at work on September 20, her employer called the police and reported her missing.

Maureen's apartment was searched by police who found it relatively undisturbed with her vehicle parked by the building.

It was four days later that her body was found.

Chief of Police Wayne Jerman said: 'No matter how much time has passed, our officers are committed to seeking out justice for all victims of violent crime as well as their families.

'I am extremely proud of the generations of Cedar Rapids Officers that contributed to bringing this once cold case to a resolution. I would also like to specifically recognize the contributions of our current Cedar Rapids Police Departments Cold Case Unit.

'Those individuals are Investigator Matt Denlinger, retired DCI Special Agent JD Smith and retired CRPD Police Lieutenant Ken Washburn.'
Joe Biden was greeted by Lori Lightfoot in Chicago on Thursday where he is going to speak on promoting his new vaccine mandates while lawmakers in D.C. have still yet to reach a deal on the budget or infrastructure packages.

When a reporter yelled a question at President Biden about whether he supported raising the debt ceiling, he smiled before shaking hands with Chicago Mayor Lightfoot.

Before getting into the car when deplaning Air Force One, Biden crossed his fingers toward the cameras in the press corps as Congress works toward a deal on two major funding bills.

Biden will tour and speak at a Clayco construction site in Elk Grove Village, Illinois to promote his new Executive Order mandating all companies with at least 100 employees require their workers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

The trip was delayed last month so he could stay in D.C. to work toward brokering a deal on the budget and infrastructure packages, which are still not passed.

It is still unclear when Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which falls under the Department of Labor and has the authority to issue the workplace vaccine mandate, is going to fully implement Biden's order.

The order, if implemented, will likely impact 100 million working Americans in the midst of a U.S. workers' shortage that has some companies pleading for applicants with incentives and bonuses.

Joe Biden flashed a smile and crossed his fingers toward the press pool on Thursday as he landed in Chicago as Congress still works toward a deal on the budget and infrastructure packages

The president was greeted by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot as he landed in Illinois to promote his new vaccine mandate for companies with 100 or more employees

When a reporter yelled a question at President Biden about whether he supported raising the debt ceiling, he smiled before shaking hands with Chicago Mayor Lightfoot

A Wall Street Journal op-ed earlier this week details that the mandate is essentially 'nonexistent' because it has not actually been implemented but is 'effective at compelling industries and companies into compliance, as it leaves room for any eventual issuance to target noncompliant entities.'

'This implied cudgel is particularly effective on industries and companies that are dependent on federal spending or the goodwill of federal regulators,' the editorial continues. 'The nonexistent mandate also allows so-inclined state and local governments and companies to issue their own mandates, seemingly in lockstep with Washington.'

Some companies have already started requiring employees to provide proof of vaccination or have given timelines for workers to get the jab  or jabs.

President Joe Biden is heading to a suburb of Chicago, Illinois on Thursday to promote his new vaccinate mandate for workers at companies with at least 100 employees

The mandate will likely affect 100 million U.S. workers as the frequency in which Americans were getting the jab plummeted over the summer and remains in that range

The president salutes as he boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Thursday as he departs for Elk Grove Village, Illinois where he will will tour and speak at a Clayco construction site

When issuing the order in early September, Biden wrote: 'The health and safety of the Federal workforce, and the health and safety of members of the public with whom they interact, are foundational to the efficiency of the civil service.'

He planned to go to a Chicago suburb last week to promote the new order, but canceled the trip last minute to remain in Washington, D.C. as congressional Democrats fought over the budget package.

More than 65 per cent of the U.S. population have been vaccinated against COVID-19

Biden met with Democratic Senators Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona last week to attempt to bring their number up to meet the rest of the party.

They were not convinced and the package still remains in limbo.

Biden isn't sticking around this time to try and help through the rift.
The Central Intelligence Agency announced a reorganization on Thursday, putting a greater focus on China as tensions continue to rise between the world's biggest economies.

The CIA's new 'China Mission Center' was unveiled as a report claimed that U.S. special operations forces and Marines had been secretly operating in Taiwan to train military forces there for the past year.

Increasing tensions in the South Sea China have triggered warnings of war after sent air sorties and hostile rhetoric towards the self-governing island.

CIA Director William Burns said the new unit was a result of strategic reviews that concentrated on 'China, technology, people, and partnerships.'

'CMC will further strengthen the agency's work on the most important geopolitical threat we face in the 21st century, an increasingly adversarial Chinese government,' he said.

The reorganization marks an indication of how the Biden administration is reorienting to face the threat from China.

And it comes amid growing concerns in particular about Taiwan and Beijing's threatening moves.

About two dozen members of U.S. special-operations and support troops are training small units of Taiwans ground forces, officials told the Wall Street Journal, while Marine are working with local maritime forces.

CIA Director William Burns said the most important geopolitical threat facing the U.S. was 'an increasingly adversarial Chinese government' as he launched the China Mission Center

Taiwan is only 81 mi off the coast of mainland China at the narrowest point of the Taiwan Strait

They said the forces had been operating there for at least a year.

A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on the report directly.

'I would note, the PRC has stepped up efforts to intimidate and pressure Taiwan and other allies and partners, including increasing military activities conducted in the vicinity of Taiwan, East China Sea, and South China Sea which we believe are destabilizing and increase the risk of miscalculation,' said John Supple.

'I dont have any comments on specific operations, engagements, or training, but I would like to highlight that our support for and defense relationship with Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by the Peoples Republic of China.

'We urge Beijing to honor its commitment to the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait differences, as delineated in the three communiques.'

The U.S. has sold billions of dollars in weapons to Taiwan despite a policy of 'strategic ambiguity' over whether the U.S. would defend the island from a Chinese invasion.

But officials believe Taiwan must do more to counter the growing jeopardy it faces.

On Wednesday, America's top diplomat to the island said China posed a 'real and immediate' danger.

James Moriarty, speaking Wednesday night at an event to mark Taiwan's National Day in Washington, said China's recent show-of-strength in the skies near the island are a reminder of the threat it faces.

Moriarty, who heads the American Institute in Taiwan which represents the US on the island, said the incursions underlined the need for the ruling Republic of China to establish 'a powerful intimidating [defence] force as soon as possible.'

James Moriarty, America's top diplomat in Taiwan, has warned that China poses a 'real and immediate threat' to the island

He spoke after 150 Chinese warplanes violated Taiwan's 'air defence zone' at the weekend, including 52 which flew in the single-largest mission to date (pictured)

China flew some 150 aircraft into Taiwan's 'air defence zone' over the weekend in one of the largest displays of force in recent years.

The missions had caused international alarm, Moriarty added, showing that the world is now paying attention to Taiwan and is ready to lend support.

Underlining his point, delegations of Australian and French diplomats visited the island on Thursday - holding high-level meetings with President Tsai Ing-wen.

Alain Richard, head of the French mission and a former defence minister, referred to Taiwan as 'a country' during as he was awarded the Order of Propitious Clouds for helping to establish diplomatic ties.

The remark is sure to infuriate Beijing, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province.

Officially, it is not recognised as a country under international law, though the government considers it to be an independent state.

The Chinese embassy in Paris warned that Richard's visit will damage the interests of China, Chinese-French relations and 'the image of France'.

Meanwhile former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot was also on the island today, also in an effort to improve relations and 'end the isolation from which Taiwan has been suffering for so many decades.'

'Over the past 70 years, Taiwan has transformed from an impoverished dictatorship into a vibrant, dynamic, pluralist democracy,' he said as he arrived.

China's sabre-rattling has not gone unanswered, with British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (front) leading a joint strike group in exercises in the South China Sea

'You have demonstrated to all the countries of this region that it is possible to be rich and free.'

It is not clear if Mr Abbot will meet with the French mission while he is on the island.

Australia's relations with France are currently strained after Canberra ripped up a billion-dollar contract to buy French submarines and signed a new deal with the UK and US to acquire nuclear ones - dubbed AUKUS.

The move infuriated Beijing, which warned it risked stability in the region by upsetting the balance of power.

Western nations have been rushing to reaffirm their support for Taiwan as it faces down threats from an increasingly-assertive China.

Tensions have been building ever since a 2019 speech by President Xi Jinping in which he vowed to 'reunify' Taiwan with mainland China - using force if necessary.

He spoke against the backdrop of a rapid expansion of China's military, including the construction of new bases in the South China Sea - where Taiwan is located and over which Beijing claim supreme authority.

That has prompted the US - a long-standing ally of Taiwan - to forge new alliances in the region to counter-balance the growing threat.

As well as the AUKUS pact, Biden has entered into a strategic partnership known as The Quad with India, Japan and Australia to share intelligence and carry out joint military drills in the region.

China's sorties near Taiwan have included nuclear-capable H-6 bombers (pictured) along with fighters and recon planes

In a huge show of force to Beijing, the US is also participating in huge naval exercises in the region led by Britain's newest aircraft carrier - HMS Queen Elizabeth.

'Big Lizzie', as she is affectionately known, is currently leading drills with a joint carrier strike group that includes the USS Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan, along with ships from New Zealand, the Netherlands, Canada and Japan.

The carriers and their escorts have been carrying out drills in the South China Sea, and are expected to arrive in Singapore shortly.

Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday vowed to 'do whatever it takes' to guard Taiwan against invasion as she indicated that without help from the country's allies 'authoritarianism has the upper hand over democracy.'

Tsai added: '[Democratic nations] should remember that if Taiwan were to fall, the consequences would be catastrophic for regional peace and the democratic system.

'It would signal that in today's global contest of values, authoritarianism has the upper hand over democracy.'

Taiwan hopes for peaceful coexistence with China, she said, but 'if its democracy and way of life are threatened, Taiwan will do whatever it takes to defend itself.'

Tsai's government on Monday urged Beijing to stop 'irresponsible provocative actions' after the warplanes breached Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ).

'Amid almost daily intrusions by the People's Liberation Army, our position on cross-strait relations remains constant: Taiwan will not bend to pressure,' Tsai added.
A Minneapolis police commander discussed hunting protestors days after the police murder of George Floyd, with one of his colleagues remaking that one group of them seemed mainly white because 'there's not looting and fires.'

Its nice to hear [that] instead of chasing people around you guys are out hunting people now, Commander Bruce Folkens said in bodycam footage released Thursday to DailyMail.com. Nice change of tempo.

He added: F*** these people.

The officer  whose identity was revealed in court documents  was referencing the disdain he felt toward masses of people gathered to protest Floyds brutal May 25, 2020 killing at the hands of Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin.

During another part of the video, a lieutenant can be heard commenting on the mayor's claims that out-of-state white supremacists were rioting and wreaking havoc on the city.

The lieutenant, Johnny Mercil, said the current group of protestors must be 'predominantly white' because 'theres not looting and fires.'

Minneapolis police were captured on bodycam footage discussing 'hunting' protestors

Floyds death at the hands of white Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin last year sparked global protests, with multiple nights of buildings being burned in the Minnesota city, and other areas of the US.

Police can also be heard in the May 30 bodycam footage appearing to discuss grilling protestors who broke curfew with 40mm non-lethal bullets.

Alright, were rolling down Lake Street, an officer said. The first f***ers we see, were just hammering them with 40s.

Yes, sir, added a colleague.

The officers' comments came days after the May 25, 2020, police killing of George Floyd

People all over the world protested Floyd's murder, including in Brooklyn, New York (pictured)

The footage was released by Minneapolis attorney Eric Rice, whose client Jaleel Stallings was acquitted earlier this year of attempted murder charges.

Stallings was arrested May 30, 2020, and charged after firing back at police officers shooting at him with rubber bullets during a Floyd protest.

The US Army veteran argued the shooting was in self-defense. He testified that he fired three shots at an unmarked white van after he was struck in the chest with what turned out to be a nonlethal rubber bullet fired by the MPD, the Associated Press reported.

Jaleel Stallings, 29, was acquitted earlier this year of attempted murder after firing several shots at a Minneapolis police van

Rice told AP that his client thought he was being attacked by civilians and he would potentially bleed out so he fired at the unmarked white Ford Transit van as a warning and took cover.

The van was equipped with flashing lights, but they were turned off at the time.

Its interior was darkened, and it was being followed by a row of police cruisers with their lights flashing, which cops have since claimed was a 'tip of the spear' strategy to try and tackle ongoing riots.

State officers are shown patrolling protests in Minneapolis, Minnesota in this file photo

The latest revelations about police tasked with keeping the protests under control include vitriol toward the press as well.

F*** these media, said one cop.

His colleague agreed, adding: They think they can go anywhere. They think they can do whatever they want.

Police made numerous disparaging remarks against protestors during the video

They also took aim at the media, which was critical of the way police arrested Floyd

George Floyd (pictured) was killed by a Minnesota police officer May 25, 2020

A spokesperson with the Minneapolis Police department declined to comment on the footage.

Due to an ongoing internal investigation, the Minneapolis Police Department is unable to comment on this time, Officer Garrett Parten told DailyMail.com.

He wouldnt say whether the officers could be reprimanded once the investigation concludes.

The answer to that would be a comment, so we are just going to say were not commenting at this time, he said.
A deaf man was doused with boiling water and stabbed in the chest by a woman who appeared to get angry when he couldn't understand her, in the latest example of New York's spiraling violent crime problem.

The NYPD released a photo of the alleged attacker on Thursday - more than a month after the assault, which took place in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on September 2.

The 41-year-old victim - who has not been named by police - was sitting on a bench when he was approached by the woman on Humboldt Street.

The woman said something to him - apparently unaware that he is deaf - and then became angry when he did not respond, according to police.

She then stepped away from the man, but returned moments later with cup of boiling hot water which she threw over his face, according to the New York Daily News.

She then stabbing him in the chest before fleeing the scene, police said.

A 41-year-old woman (pictured) threw a boiling cup of water at man at a deaf man in Williamsburg, Brooklyn after he couldn't understand her, the police report. It is unclear where she got the boiling water from

It is unclear where she got the boiling water.

The victim was transported to Woodhull Hospital to be treated for his injuries. The extent of his injuries are unknown.

DailyMail.com contacted the NYPD but did not hear back before publication.

The attack comes as New York City is experiencing a crime surge in recent months, with assaults climbing 18.5 percent and robberies up 6 percent in September as the NYPD revealed it has made more than 3,400 gun arrests so far this year.

Stark data released by the NYPD Wednesday shows crime rose 2.6 percent overall in September 2021 compared to the same month in 2020, with an extra 243 incidents reported.

It comes as Mayor Bill de Blasio tries to lure tourists and office workers back to the COVID-ravaged Big Apple, with the data likely to deter many over personal safety concerns.

The biggest increase was for felonious assault - or assault with a dangerous weapon - which surged by a shocking 18.5 percent from 1,802 in September 2020 to 2,135 in September 2021, as New Yorkers have been plagued by random attacks in the streets of the city.

The data also reveals a concerning trend in other criminal activity, with robberies up 6 percent, car theft up 4.1 percent and grand larceny up .7 percent within the same timeframe.

Over the last year, New York has been rocked by a wave of violent crime, fueling fears it is returning to the dark days of the '70s and '80s when murders were rife and the Big Apple earned the nickname Fear City.

A map showing the New York City boroughs where crime has increased (in red) and decreased (in green) in September 2021 compared to the same month last year

Violent crime has continued to escalate in New York City, with total crime up 2.6% in September 2021 compared to September 2020

This prompted former state Governor Andrew Cuomo to take the unprecedented step of launching the nation's first ever state of emergency over gun violence back in July.

But now, the situation appears to be getting even worse with a staggering 393 gun arrests made last month alone, bringing the total number of gun arrests to 3,425 between January and the end of September.

This is a dramatic increase of 20.9 percent from the same period in 2020 when 2,832 gun arrests were made.

Last year, the city and the nation was reeling from COVID-19, civil unrest following the murder of George Floyd and political turmoil in the run-up to the presidential election.

Now, COVID-19 restrictions have almost all lifted, the US's borders are poised to reopen to major tourist destinations and Mayor Bill de Blasio is trying to lure back office workers to the city.

Yet, violent and horrific subway attacks and gang-related gun battles are still a common occurrence in the streets of the city.

Some boroughs have been ravaged by the crime wave more than others, with Manhattan South recording the biggest spike in crime (20.1 percent) last month compared to the previous September.

Manhattan North has also seen a rise in crime, up by 3.2 percent in the same timeframe.

Brooklyn South saw crime spike by 5.3 percent, Staten Island by 9 percent and the Bronx - where a terrifying gun fight broke out between gangs last month - by 4.9 percent.

The NYPD released footage this week of a September 16 gun battle between seven alleged gang members, firing at an unidentified target across the street before running off down the street in the Morrisania section of the Bronx.

The NYPD released footage this week of a September 16 gun battle between seven alleged gang members, firing at an unidentified target across the street before running off down the street in the Morrisania section of the Bronx

Crime has, however, fallen in some boroughs of the city, down by 4.2 percent in Brooklyn North, 5.8 percent in Queens North.

In Queens South, crime fell 3.7 percent between the two months - even though there were six murders recorded there last month.

Despite the rise in some violent offenses, NYPD Police Commissioner Dermot Shea hailed the fall in murders and shootings last month.

Murders fell by 22 percent from 59 in September 2020 to 46 last month, while shootings were down 9.3 percent from 150 to 136.

Burglaries also fell by 14.9 percent and rapes by 12.4 percent between the two timeframes.

Shea said in a statement that this is part of a wider fall in some violent crimes from the summer as the city focuses on curtailing gun violence.

'The ongoing, downward trend in violence reflects the hard and often dangerous work of the men and women of the NYPD,' said Shea.

'And while I applaud their courage and tenacity, the police cannot do this alone. Public safety must be a collective mission.

Mayor Bill de Blasio touted the rise in gun arrests as an 'extraordinary success' Wednesday rather than a concerning sign of a rise in firearm use

'It requires intelligence-based policing, but it also requires a fully functioning court system and meaningful consequences that send a clear message to those who would pull a trigger: expect to be caught, and expect to be held accountable.'

De Blasio also gave an optimistic outlook of the new crime figures in his press briefing Wednesday morning.

The mayor touted the rise in gun arrests as an 'extraordinary success' Wednesday rather than a concerning sign of a rise in firearm use.

'It's a typical thing out there for certain folks to doubt New York City, or to doubt our ability to make a comeback, or doubt the NYPD, but the facts speak for themselves,' he said.

'Even in the most extraordinarily difficult circumstances - total disruption of our society because of a global pandemic, unprecedented - the NYPD has fought back, neighborhood folks have fought back, the city has fought back and we're seeing it in so many ways.'

He added: 'We're seeing the city come back to life.'

The mayor said several crimes such as robbery and felony crime are currently at the lowest rate in the last three decades on a year-to-date basis.

And de Blasio said things will improve further as the city continues to come back to life - through a return of tourism and workers returning to their offices.

That is part of his 'safety in numbers' theory, where larger crowds of people gathering are likely to deter opportunistic criminals from carrying out attacks.

Yet, the tourist hotspots have been at the center of some of the violence of late.

Times Square - known for its flashing billboards and bright lights which draw in around 50 million visitors every year - has been the site of three shootings and a horrifying incident where a woman pushed a bystander in front of a subway train.

Shocking surveillance footage taken this Monday shows a woman jump up from a bench and shove the female victim as a train hurtled into the station.

Anthonia Egegbara, 29, of Queens, was charged with attempted murder Tuesday over the incident. The victim Lenny Javier, 42, suffered a broken nose and chin but luckily survived.

Historic crime data shows how crime fell from the 1990s and has inched up in recent years

This came just hours before a man shot himself in the leg in that same subway station.

Back in May, three innocent bystanders, including a four-year-old girl, were also shot by stray bullets in Times Square when a man started shooting indiscriminately in the middle of the day during an argument with someone else.

The young girl was struck in the leg, a 24-year-old woman was hit in her thigh and a 44-year-old woman was shot in the foot.

All survived the shooting, which sent shoppers and tourists fleeing for their lives.

In June, US Marine Samuel Poulin was shot in the back in the tourist hotspot.

He was walking through the area with his family when he was randomly struck by a stray bullet from an altercation involving other people. Poulin was not seriously injured.

The mayoral candidate frontrunner Eric Adams has vowed to tackle the escalating violence when de Blasio leaves office at the end of this term.

On Tuesday, he said his first focus will be to crack down on guns entering the city.

His other plans include the creation of a dedicated plain-clothed anti-gun violence unit in the NYPD.

There have been a number of high-profile attacks caught on camera in recent weeks.

Shocking surveillance footage taken this Monday shows a woman jump up from a bench and shove the female victim as a train hurtled into the station.

Anthonia Egegbara, 29, of Queens, was charged with attempted murder Tuesday over the incident. The victim Lenny Javier, 42, suffered a broken nose and chin but luckily survived.

This came just hours before a man shot himself in the leg in that same subway station.

NYPD officers charged 29-year-old Anthonia Egegbara on Tuesday over surveillance footage said to show her get up from a bench and shove a bystander into the side of a moving 1 train at the Times Square subway station around 8am Monday.

The victim, a 42-year-old woman who has not been identified, was taken to a nearby hospital in stable condition after sustaining facial injuries following what is believed to be an unprovoked attack.

Egegbara was arrested as transit crimes in New York City rose by 121.7 per cent for the week ending September 26, compared to the same period in 2020.
A Manchester Arena bombing victim might have survived if he had been treated at hospital before he went into cardiac arrest at the scene more than an hour after the blast, an inquiry has heard.

Care worker John Atkinson, 28, from Bury, Greater Manchester, was six metres away from bomber Salman Abedi when he detonated the bomb at 10.31pm at the end of an Ariana Grande concert on May 22, 2017.

The Manchester inquiry was told a member of the public, Ronald Blake, used his wife's belt to act as a tourniquet on Mr Atkinson's right leg after the blast in the City Room foyer and did not let go of it for nearly an hour.

Meanwhile, a police officer who asked for assistance in moving Mr Atkinson said he felt 'ignored' by paramedics, and body-camera footage showed the care worker pleading with another officer to help him, saying he did not want to die.

Mr Atkinson lost a significant amount of blood as he laid in agony on the foyer floor for 47 minutes before he was carried downstairs by police on a makeshift stretcher to a casualty clearing area at Victoria station.

As ambulances queued outside, Mr Atkinson went into cardiac arrest at at 11.47pm - one hour and 16 minutes after the blast - and was rushed to Manchester Royal Infirmary at midnight.

A full trauma team of clinicians were waiting on his arrival six minutes later but were unable to save him and Mr Atkinson was pronounced dead at 12.24am on May 23, the public inquiry was told.

Cardiology expert Dr Paul Rees told the inquiry on Thursday that he believed Mr Atkinson might have survived if he had been sent to hospital before he went into cardiac arrest.

John Atkinson (pictured), 28, from Bury, Manchester, was six metres away from Salman Abedi when he detonated the bomb at 10.31pm at an Ariana Grande concert on May 22, 2017

Dr Rees explained: 'If it had been possible to extract him from the scene and deliver him safety to a pre-alerted trauma team with access to extensive blood products before cardiac arrest ensued, then survival might have been possible.'

A panel of blast wave experts also believe Mr Atkinson could have survived with timely medical intervention and the applying of effective tourniquets on both legs.

Only three paramedics from North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) entered the City Room in the venue on the night - two of them just minutes before Mr Atkinson was evacuated.

Mr Atkinson, who attended the concert with his friend Gemma O'Donnell, the sister of his partner Michael, was not triaged, assessed or assisted by NWAS personnel during his time in the foyer.

The panel of experts reported on viewing the available footage that Mr Atkinson's blood loss was visible until 43 minutes after the explosion.

Within military training, the control of haemorrhaging of blood should be achieved as soon as possible in a period known as the 'platinum 10 minutes', they added.

An initial post-mortem examination concluded Mr Atkinson died principally from the effects of blood loss from his leg wounds but also noted he had significant heart disease.

Dr Rees found the ischaemic heart disease did not contribute to the blood loss and the cardiac arrest, and was unlikely to have adversely affected the outcome of his resuscitation.

Mr Atkinson went into cardiac arrest at at 11.47pm - one hour and 16 minutes after the blast - and was rushed to Manchester Royal Infirmary at midnight. Pictured: Bomber Salman Abedi

Meanwhile, a police officer who asked for assistance in moving Mr Atkinson told the inquiry into the atrocity he felt 'ignored' by ambulance staff when he asked for help in moving the care worker.

Greater Manchester Police officer Leon McLaughlin was called to the scene of the blast and asked for help after fellow officers could not get in a lift with Mr Atkinson on a makeshift stretcher to take him to the casualty clearing area.

Footage from Pc McLaughlin's body-worn camera showed him approaching consultant paramedic Dan Smith, the operational commander for North West Ambulance Service.

He asked: 'Excuse me, I know you're busy, we've got someone stuck on the first ground, two fractures to his legs. We just can't move him.'

Part of the conversation was inaudible but Mr Smith is heard to reply: 'Just leave him there for now, blanket him up and leave him there.'

Giving evidence on Thursday, Pc McLaughlin said he asked him where he could find blankets but did not get a response from Mr Smith, who moved on to a conversation with someone else.

Mr Atkinson was eventually carried down the stairs, with the journey alone from the City Room to the casualty clearing station taking almost seven minutes, the inquiry heard.

Sophie Cartwright QC, counsel to the inquiry, asked: 'What were you intending to convey?'

The officer replied: 'That we had someone who was gravely injured and that needed help.'

Miss Cartwright said: 'Did Mr Smith ask you for any more information from you at this time?'

'No,' said the witness.

Miss Cartwright asked: 'Were you surprised by that?'

Pc McLaughlin said: 'Yes. I felt they were the people who were in the best position to help and advise me what to do next.'

He approached another paramedic and was informed there were no blankets available.

Dr Paul Rees said he believed Mr Atkinson might have survived if he had been sent to hospital before going into cardiac arrest. Pictured: Emergency services at Manchester Arena

Miss Cartwright asked: 'How did that make you feel?'

The officer replied: 'Obviously they were busy and they have their procedures ... I felt frustrated, I felt ignored.'

Mr Smith told the inquiry he could not recall any interaction with Pc McLaughlin but explained he was 'comfortable' at the time with the system that had been set up to move patients out of the City Room.

John Cooper QC, representing Mr Atkinson's family, asked Mr Smith: 'How did you know that they weren't people, perhaps just like John Atkinson, lying in the City Room needing urgent attention with tourniquets before they were moved?'

Mr Smith said: 'At no point - and this is not a criticism of the paramedics - was I informed that actually we needed more help.

'I have accepted I could have made a pro-active effort to ask those questions.'

He added it was his view at the time, and remains so, that he felt his hands were tied in sending more paramedics into the City Room because of safety fears.

Just before 11pm, a police body-worn camera also captured Mr Atkinson in conversation with Pc Chelsea Meaney in which he told her: 'I'm gonna die.'

The officer replied: 'You're not. What I need you to do is to keep breathing for me, keep your eyes open and keep talking ... but you need to keep that leg still.

'The ambulances are on their way and they will be coming. They are not that far off and there are plenty of them coming in now.'

Soon after, his friend Gemma O'Donnell, who attended the Ariana Grande concert with him, managed to drag herself to Mr Atkinson and recalled him being 'a bit out of it'.

She could see one of his legs was injured and reassured him, which he acknowledged with a nod, she said.

An injured Ms O'Donnell was then reluctantly evacuated herself from the City Room but thought he was OK as he was moving.

Mr Atkinson later tells arena first aider Marianne Gibson: 'I'm going to die, aren't I?,' to which she replies: 'Not on my watch you're not,' the inquiry heard.

British Transport Police (BTP) constable Jessica Bullough also assisted Mr Atkinson and recalled he was vocal and in pain.

He asked her to help him and said he did not want to die, she said.

Meanwhile, a police officer who asked for assistance in moving Mr Atkinson said he felt 'abandoned' by paramedics. Pictured: Tributes to the 22 victims in St Ann's square in 2017

Inquiry is looking at how and in what circumstances the 22 victims died and investigating if they could have been prevented. Pictured: Tributes in St Ann's Square, Manchester, in 2017

A decision was made to grab a display board to carry Mr Atkinson out of the City Room, the inquiry heard.

Pc Bullough stated: 'We realised that no-one was coming to help us and so it was better to get people downstairs.'

Mr Atkinson gripped on to the side of the board as he was pulled along the floor to the footbridge leading to the stairs to the station.

But a metal barrier then needed to be fetched as the board was too 'flimsy' and would not fit in a nearby lift.

Around this time Mr Atkinson was said by a police officer to be 'falling in and out of consciousness' and 'very pale', with blood pumping out of both of his legs and groin area.

Another officer trying to get Mr Atkinson on the makeshift stretcher asked him where he was injured and Mr Atkinson replied: 'Everywhere.'

Mr Atkinson's family have praised the 'heroic' efforts of member of the public Ronald Blake, who stayed with him for almost an hour as he fought for his life.

Clinicians were unable to save Mr Atkinson's life after he went into cardiac arrest more than an hour after the initial blast, and he was was pronounced dead at 12.24am on May 23, the inquiry heard.

The inquiry is looking at how and in what circumstances each of the 22 victims died and investigating whether any inadequacies in the emergency response contributed to individual deaths or if they could have been prevented.
A mom discovered her young daughter's bloody body outside the front door of their suburban New York City home - with the victim's sister convinced she was murdered.

Alexandria Castano was found dead at her home, a large Mount Vernon house which has been split into apartments, after police received a call alerting them to an unresponsive female at the front vestibule of the home at 165 Summit Avenue.

Alexandria's mother, Lucia, said that she and her daughter were cooking dinner together when Alex abruptly left the house around 8 pm.

Lucia received a text about 30 minutes later saying that Alex was heading home. After that, Alex stopped replying to her mom's calls and text.

'I know my sister would not say "I'm coming home right now" and then just not home without even calling or without even shooting my mom a text,' Alex's sister, Cristina Benitez told News 12.

Alexandria Castano, 24, was found dead inside the front of her home in Mount Vernon on Tuesday morning

Lucia Castano found her daughter's lifeless body at the door of their home in Mount Vernon

She says she last saw her daughter when they were cooking dinner Monday night

Alex abruptly left the house at 8 pm and did not return, according to her mother

Police received a call at 7 am on Tuesday alerting them to an unresponsive female body

Alex's sister, Cristina Benitez, suspects that foul play was involved, 'Somebody did something to her in my heart I know it'

Lucia said that she and her daughter were very close. Alex was studying in become a lawyer

Lucia found her daughter's bloody body the next morning when she was woken up by police at her door.

In tears she told reporters, 'I see from my window the ambulance, police around here.' She explained that she came downstairs to open the door and saw her daughter's lifeless body.

'I hear somebody talking here by the door, and I open it and I see my daughter here,' the distraught mother said.

Benitez flew in from out of state to grieve with her mother. 'She just kept saying, somebody killed my daughter, somebody killed my daughter.'

While police have shared minimal information about the case, including a cause of death, Alex's family is convinced she was murdered.

'Somebody did something to her in my heart I know it. I just want to know what happened to my sister? Who did something to my sister?' Benitez pleaded.

A candlelight vigil was held Tuesday night at the home where the young woman's body was found that morning

Her father Gerardo Castano has not spoken to the media but shared this Facebook post where family and friends have been writing their condolences

Alex's childhood friends Maria Figueredo (left) and Daiana Gutierrez (right) fondly remembered their friend

A candlelight vigil was held Tuesday night as friends and family gathered to honor the young woman.

'Her smile, she just brights up the room, like super positive,' Maria Figueredo said describing her childhood friend.

Another childhood friend Daiana Gutierrez, remembered Alex fondly, 'She is a very good person. She will never harm nobody. She had a very big heart.'

Alex worked in retail and was going to school in hopes to become a lawyer. She was very close with her mother, Lucia explained.

The family says they don't know who called the police at 7 am after discovering the body or who would hurt Alex.

The Westchester County Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Police have yet to share details on possible suspects, and have yet to make any arrests.
Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen, who appeared before Congress this week, could testify before the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol as soon as Thursday to give evidence about the role of the social media giant.

Details emerged as lawmakers on the committee tasked with investigating the events around the violence struggled to track down a key Donald Trump aide before a subpoena deadline expires.

Haugen, a former Facebook product manager, went public with her concerns and testified before a Senate subcommittee on Tuesday.

'Facebook's products harm children, stoke division and weaken our democracy,' she said as she called on Congress to act.

'The company's leadership knows how to make Facebook and Instagram safer but won't make the necessary changes because they have put their astronomical profits before people.'

In a Sunday interview with 60 Minutes she linked the Jan. 6 violence with a decision a month earlier to disband its Civic Integrity team, which had been set up to prevent bad actors manipulating the platform during the election.

'It was the moment where I was like, I dont trust that theyre willing to actually invest what needs to be invested to keep Facebook from being dangerous,' she said.

Former Facebook employee and whistleblower Frances Haugen testified before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Tuesday. Reports suggest she could appear before the January 6 investigation on Thursday

The Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack is tasked with investigating the violence unleashed on the U.S. Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump

Rep. Adam Schiff said Haugen should appear before the Jan. 6 committee

Citing multiple sources, CNN reported that Haugen could appear before the Jan. 6 committee as soon as Thursday.

Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff, who serves on the committee, said she should appear before the Jan. 6 investigation.

'According to this Facebook whistleblower, shutting down the civic integrity team and turning off election misinformation tools contributed to the Jan 6 insurrection,' he said.

'The select committee will need to hear from her, and get internal info from Facebook to flesh out their role.'

The committee is charged with investigating the attack on Congress, when supporters of former President Trump stormed the Capitol and tried to prevent lawmakers certifying Joe Biden's election win.

Facebook said it was unreasonable to accuse it of a role in the violence.

'If the assertion is that January 6th can be explained because of social media, I just think that's ludicrous,' Nick Clegg, the platform's vice president of global affairs, told CNN's Reliable Sources on Sunday.

'The responsibility of the violence on January 6th and the insurrection on that day lies squarely with the people who inflicted the violence and those who encouraged them, including then-President Trump and, candidly, many other people elsewhere in the media who were encouraging the assertion that the election was stolen.'

Meanwhile, the Jan. 6 committee is having problems finding a key Trump aide in order to serve him with subpoenas, according to CNN.

Lawmakers obtained a subpoena ordering Dan Scavino, Trump's former White House deputy chief of staff, to cooperate with their investigation more than a week ago.

In her testimony, Haugen said: 'Facebook's products harm children, stoke division and weaken our democracy.' And she called on Congress to rein in the social media giant

Members of the The Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack have been unable to find Trump ally Dan Scavino in order to serve him with a subpoena, according to a report

But a source familiar with the situation said they had been unable to physically serve it.

The source joked that they should tweet the subpoena as he has been busy trolling the panel on Twitter.

Time is running out as the subpoena demands documents be produced by October 7.

Eric Trump tweeted that Scavino was not difficult to find.

'I love this Democratic narrative that @DanScavino is in "hiding."' he said.

'Ironic given I saw him yesterday at a 1000+ person Law Enforcement funeral for a dear mutual friend in New York. Dan was walking around, shaking hands I dont know how much more public one could be.'

Other Trump allies who have been subpoenaed include former adviser Steve Bannon, former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, and Kash Patel, former chief of staff at the Pentagon.

Trump has ordered the four not to cooperate.

They have been told materials sought by the committee violate executive privilege, according to a letter seen by Politico.

'President Trump is prepared to defend these fundamental privileges in court,' says the letter sent by a Trump lawyer.

A spokesman for the Jan. 6 committee did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A teetotal teaching assistant who was caught drink-driving in her new Mercedes after she was 'pressured' into drinking alcohol has lost her job and her licence.

Ilayda Tomes, 27, of Wilmslow, Cheshire, claimed she had been 'pressured' into downing wine at a restaurant by her friends before she was stopped for drink-driving on August 13.

After leaving the restaurant, the former art historian said she had offered two men a lift home as she was concerned they might follow three women home, the court heard.

But police spotted her two-month-old silver C Class AMG vehicle clipping a kerb whilst being driven at 50mph in a 30mph zone.

Tomes, formerly of Antalya, Turkey, was stopped at the scene near her 800,000 home and found to be almost twice the alcohol limit.

Ilayda Tomes (pictured), 27, of Wilmslow, Cheshire, claimed she had been 'pressured' into downing wine by her friends before she was stopped for drink-driving on August 13

Tomes (pictured) was stopped by police near her 800,000 home after they spotted her clipping a kerb and tests found she was almost twice the alcohol limit

Tests showed Tomes, who does not drink for religious reasons, had 59 micrograms of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath - above the legal limit of 35mg.

Tomes, who helped assist special needs children at a school in Holmes Chapel, wept as she admitted driving with excess alcohol at Stockport Magistrates Court.

She was banned from driving for 16 months and fined 230 with 119 costs.

She was due to start a job as a teaching assistant on September 3 but lost the job after being arrested and is now working as a dental receptionist.

Tomes, who does not normally drink, claimed she was 'pressured' into drinking by her friends and she had two glasses of wine, the court heard.

Her lawyer Stuart Thomson said: 'She did not feel any different and thought she would be okay to drive. She felt no different than what she normally would.

'She went to get into her vehicle when she saw two men and three women arguing physically and verbally.

'She intervened because she is a previous victim of domestic violence and offered to give the males a lift, so they did not follow the three females.

Tomes, who does not normally drink for religious reasons, wept as she admitted driving with excess alcohol at Stockport Magistrates Court

Tomes was banned from driving for 16 months. She was due to start a job as a teaching assistant on but lost the job after being arrested and is now working as a dental receptionist

'That is why she was driving at that speed. She had only driven around 0.4 miles. The only time she has drank previously was at her graduation some years ago. She has not drunk since this incident.'

Mr Thomson said she is remorseful and is 'very unlikely to every drink again', adding that she is of previous good character and had no previous convictions.

He added: 'She is absolutely devastated and upset that she is here today.'

Prosecutor Gareth Hughes said: 'At 3.50am on Aug 13 police were on patrol when they spotted a silver Mercedes. The police were stationary at the time but they saw this defendant turn onto a roundabout before clipping a kerb.

'She was travelling at 50 mph in a 30 mph zone. Police pulled up along side the vehicle at a junction. They have then spoken to the driver and conducted a road side test where she has then given a positive reading.'

Sentencing JP Mayor Shah told Tomes: 'It is your first time in court, do not worry, we are not going to lock you up.'
A former Metropolitan Police Officer has been accused of sexually assaulting two women.

Ex-PC David Henigan of the Road Transport Policing Command faces a misconduct hearing Friday following the claims.

According to the Met, Henigan 'touched two females in a sexual manner whilst at a music venue, and that the touching was not consensual'.

The incident is alleged to have taken place on September 6.

Ex-PC David Henigan of the Road Transport Policing Command faces a misconduct hearing Friday following the claims. Pictured: Campaigners outside Scotland Yard

The hearing will determine if Henigan's alleged behaviour amounts to Discreditable Conduct as per the official Standards of Professional Behaviour.

It comes amid calls for an enquiry into attitudes towards women within the UK police force.

Former Met Officer Wayne Couzens was handed a rare whole life order last week for the rape and murder of Sarah Everard.

Shortly after Couzens' sentencing it was revealed another officer from the same unit, PC David Carrick, had been charged with rape.

And two other Met officers, PC Deniz Jaffer, PC Jamie Lewis, are awaiting trial after it is alleged they took photos of a crime scene after the murder of sisters Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman.
Republican Rep. Jim Jordan sounded off about Democrats who have accuse Trump and his allies of perpetuating the 'Big Lie' of election fraud in an Oversight Committee hearing Thursday.

'How about all the lies the Democrats have told us over the last couple of years?' the Ohio Republican said at the hearing investigating the Arizona election audit.

'Democrats told us the protests in the summer of 2020 were peaceful. Democrats told us the dossier was real. Democrats told us Trump colluded with Russia.'

'Democrats told us COVID didn't start in a Chinese lab,' he continued. 'Nope, didn't start there -- it was a bat to a pangolin, to a hippopotamus, to Joe Rogan and we get bit -- no, no, no, Democrats for four years told us the 2016 election was stolen. They can investigate that for four years, we're not allowed to question some concerns we have about the 2020 election for four minutes, but they can investigate that for four years.'

Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin and Republican Rep. Andy Biggs also got into a heated exchange during the hearing on Thursday, where Raskin accused Biggs of 'lunacy' for not accepting the results of the 2020 election.

'I never really understood members from Arizona challenging the result by which they themselves were elected in the exact same election where they were elected,' Raskin said, taking aim at Biggs, a staunch Trump supporter.

The $6million, Republican-backed review of the 2020 presidential election in Arizona's largest county officially ended last month, finding again that President Biden won the state, this time by a margin 260 votes wider.

'Do you accept this audit that shows Joe Biden won and indeed won by more votes than--' Raskin began to question Biggs.

'That is not what the audit concluded, Mr. Raskin you know better than that,' Biggs replied. 'Have you read the whole audit or you cherry picked the line which talks about the recount versus the tabulation machines?'

Cyber Ninjas, the Senate's lead contractor who compiled the forensic report, said in its 100-plus page report that there were 'no substantial differences' between the group's hand count of ballots and the official count.

The report also made a series of other disputed claims the auditors say should cast doubt on the accuracy and warrant more investigation.

'Who won the election?' Raskin asked.

'We don't know because as the audit, it demonstrates very clearly, Mr. Raskin, there are a lot of issues with this election that took place ... speaking of the Big Lie you can perpetuate it all you want,' Biggs said.

'Donald Trump refused to accept the results & unfortunately we have one of world's great political parties which has followed him off of the ledge of this electoral lunacy and it's dangerous for democracy,' Raskin said.

'How about all the lies the Democrats have told us over the last couple of years?' the Ohio Republican Rep. Jim Jordan

'I never really understood members from Arizona challenging the result by which they themselves were elected in the exact same election where they were elected,' Raskin said, taking aim at Biggs, a staunch Trump supporter

Maricopa County Board Chairman Jack Sellers, a Republican, in late September called the report casting doubt on the accuracy of the election 'irresponsible and dangerous.'

'The Cyber Ninjas' opinions come from a misuse and misunderstanding of the data provided by the county and are twisted to fit the narrative that something went wrong,' Sellers said in a statement.

Biggs later admitted: 'I think there's legitimate concerns, I'm not sure that the audit revealed those. But I can tell you what, both sides are further entrenched today than they were 6 months ago in Arizona.'

Arizona's ballot review began in April over the Republican-led county leadership's objections.

Republican State Senate President Karen Fann led the campaign and publicly stated that the goal was not to revisit Biden's win, but to look for ways to improve the state's election laws.

Lawmakers subpoenaed a copy of Maricopa County's ballots and voting machines, which were handed over to private contractors, according to the Washington Post.

In May, all seven of Maricopa's elected officials, including five Republicans, called the review a 'con' and demanded the Senate end the review.

Maricopa Countys official vote count was conducted in front of bipartisan observers, as were legally required audits meant to ensure voting machines work properly. A partial hand-count spot check found a perfect match.

Two extra post-election reviews by federally certified election experts also found no evidence that voting machines switched votes or were connected to the internet. The county Board of Supervisors commissioned the extraordinary reviews in an effort to prove to Trump backers that there were no problems.
A married City finance executive exposed his 'tight' underwear to a female colleague on a Zoom call - before blaming it on a 'melee' with his pet dog after her was fired.

Philip Taylor allegedly lowered his laptop camera 'deliberately' during a lockdown work video call to reveal his light-coloured pants and the flesh of his thigh and groin to his shocked female co-worker.

The 'distressed' colleague said it was 'in no way an accident' and Taylor, whose wife was in the next room at the time, '100 per cent wanted her to see his underwear', a London Central Employment Tribunal heard.

The 'inappropriate' incident on June 22 last year came after Taylor, who was head of financial planning and analysis at Compagnie Financiere Tradition, sent the worker 'sexualised' messages.

The married father was said to have messaged his colleague, identified only as Employee X, on Instagram saying 'you look like you need sausage', an employment tribunal heard.

When Taylor was called to a disciplinary hearing at the international brokers, he gave an 'implausible' explanation about the Zoom incident.

Philip Taylor allegedly lowered his laptop camera 'deliberately' during a lockdown work video call to reveal his light-coloured pants to his shocked female co-worker (stock image)

Taylor claimed there was a 'melee with his puppy', which caused his watch strap to become caught and 'pull down his laptop screen to an angle which revealed his shorts'.

Bosses at the firm's British subsidiary Tradition Management Services failed to recreate his explanation and sacked him, the tribunal heard.

Finance manager Taylor unsuccessfully sued the multinational brokers for unfair dismissal, but won a claim for wrongful sacking on a technicality.

The tribunal heard Taylor was fired in July last year, while the majority of the nation were working from home due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

On June 22, Taylor called Employee X on Zoom as he 'had a few minutes to spare and saw her online' before moving 'his laptop camera to reveal the lower region of his body while wearing inappropriate clothing' as they hchatted, the tribunal was told.

Employee X said the Zoom call left her in a 'state of shock' and she immediately texted colleague Laura Gosney, who urged her to report it.

Employee X said she had been sent messages on Instagram from Taylor which said 'do you need sausage?' and 'sausage will make you feel better', which made her 'highly uncomfortable'.

When confronted, Taylor told bosses his teething puppy was to blame and claimed he was dressed in shorts as it had been a 'hot day'.

A tribunal report said: 'He stated he was working in his dining room with two entrances - a door adjoining his kitchen, where his daughters are usually completing their schoolwork with the assistance of his wife in close proximity, and a door to the hallway.

'He was dressed in shorts as it had been a hot day and that, during the call of no more than three minutes with Employee X there had been a 'melee' with his puppy, which caused his watch strap to get caught and pull down his laptop screen to an angle which revealed his shorts.

'He also provided a number of photographs, depicting in a pictorial format, the movement of his screen and of his home working computer/desk set up.

'He also provided photographs of what appeared to be scratches on his hand and bite marks to computer cables - all of which he said were caused during this instance of a melee with his puppy.'

Taylor invited bosses to his home to look at his home working set up but employee X was 'unequivocal' that the camera movement was 'in no way an accident' and said it was was done 'entirely deliberately'.

Taylor claimed there was a 'melee with his puppy', which caused his watch strap to become caught and 'pull down his laptop screen to an angle which revealed his shorts' (stock image)

The report said: 'Employee X said their was 'no puppy' or 'chaotic moment'.

'She was adamant that, although it happened quickly, he was definitely wearing light coloured underpants and not shorts and that, as a result, she was able to see the flesh of his thigh and groin.'

Taylor claimed his Instagram messages were part of a 'consensual' exchange.

Ms Gosney, who Employee X messaged after the incident, said Taylor's 'inappropriate behaviour' and sexual innuendos about 'sausages' became more frequent over the past year.

Investigator Tristan de Saint Ouen tried to recreate Taylor's explanation but failed.

'(He) had by this stage, as part of his investigation, tried to replicate the movement described by (Mr Taylor) several times but had been unsuccessful in doing so,' the judgement said.

The panel ruled Taylor was not unfairly dismissed.

Employment Judge Navdeep Deol said: 'The Tribunal's view is that Tradition Management Services acted reasonably in finding that [Taylor] was guilty of misconduct and then treating that misconduct as a sufficient reason for dismissing him summarily,' it said.

The judge added: 'It acted entirely within the range of reasonable responses in concluding that the events of the Zoom call was an escalation of previous inappropriate behaviour as evidenced in communication [on Instagram].'

However, Taylor won a claim of wrongful dismissal on a technicality as Employee X did not give evidence at the tribunal.

Because of this absence of evidence, Judge Deol said the tribunal cannot conclude for sure that Taylor did what was alleged on the Zoom call.

He will be awarded three months pay for his wrongful dismissal claim plus two weeks pay for not being permitted to be accompanied at a disciplinary hearing.

Any additional damages are to be agreed between the two parties, the judge instructed.
A member of a cartel blamed for the 2019 massacre of nine United States-Mexico dual citizens has been arrested.

Uriel '18' Valles Dominguez was apprehended by security forces in the northern Mexican municipality of Chihuahua City on Wednesday, two years after the barbaric incident that left three mothers and six children of a tight knit Mormon community dead.

Officials have yet to say what charges he faces, or his suspected links to the mass-slaughter.

Adrian LeBaron, whose daughter Rhonita Miller and four children were among the victims, went on his Twitter account to share a photo of Valles Dominguez.

'They detained '18,' allegedly involved in the massacre of my daughter, grandchildren and other family members,' LeBaron wrote. 'I demand to be present at his arraignment. I need it!'

Uriel '18' Valles Dominguez was reportedly involved in the November 4, 2019 massacre of nine United States-Mexico dual citizens in Bavispe, Sonora. The victims, members of the Mormon community, were ambushed on a road and shot dead

Pictured: The three mothers and six young children who were savagely murdered by Mexican drug cartel gunmen on November 4, 2019

The Chihuahua State Attorney General's Office said that Valles Dominguez was wanted on an arrest warrant for organized criminal ties.

Embroiled in an all-out war with the Sinaloa Cartel's Los Salazar armed wing, La Linea fighters intercepted three vehicles being driven by the three adult mothers on a remote road in the Sonora town of Bavispe. It has been said that the La Linea henchmen confused their SUVs with those that were part of Los Salazar's fleet.

The attackers killed Christina Marie Langford Johnson after she stepped out of her vehicle to confront the shooters. Her seven-month-old daughter Faith Langford survived.

Dawna Ray Langford was driving her SUV with her nine children and was shot and killed after she was intercepted near Langford Johnson's vehicle.

Langford's two sons, Trevor, 11, and Rogan, 3, were murdered, while the other seven children escaped, including five who were wounded.

Members of the LeBaron family search through the burned car where five of the nine Mormon mothers and children were killed and burned during an ambush launched by members of La Linea cartel in Bavispe, Sonora, on November 4, 2019

Rhonita Miller (back, left) is one of the three mothers and six children who were ambushed and murdered November 4, 2019, in Bavispe, Mexico, by members of La Linea, a cartel that is also an enforcement unit of the Juarez Cartel. Pictured with Miller are eight-month old twins Titus (held by Rhonita) and Tiana Miller (held by her husband Howard); Howard Jr. and Krystal (standing in front of Rhonita), all whom died in the attack. Pictured in the front from left to right are Zack, Amaryllis Miller, and Miller, who were not present the day of the attack

Approximately 10 miles down the road, the suspects launched an attack on Miller's vehicle, killing her and her four children - eight-month-old twins Tiana Miller and Titus Miller, Howard Jr. Miller, 12, and Krystal Miller, 10.

The SUV was then set on fire with the entire family stuck inside.

Valles Dominguez is among more than 20 La Linea members who have been rounded up by security forces since the massacre, which was condemned by former United States President Donald Trump, who suggested military intervention to go after the suspects.

Freddy 'El Totelca' Calles Romero, a member of La Linea cartel, was apprehended June 23 by the military in the Chihuahua town of Moris. Prosecutors allege he is one of the main plotters of the November 4, 2019 massacre that left nine United States-Mexico dual citizens

Freddy 'El Totelca' Calles Romero was apprehended June 23 by the military in the Chihuahua town of Moris.

Calles Romero, who is accused by prosecutors of being one of the attack's main plotters, was arrested on aggravated homicide and organized crime charges.
A former Cambridge Analytica analyst who befriended teenage girls on Instagram and offered them up to 1,000 to perform sexual acts for him was jailed for six years today.

James Fennimore, 42, tried to set up a meeting with a 15-year-old after persuading her to send him images of her touching herself intimately.

The girl later told her family she had been targeted by the pervert and he was arrested.

She told police she felt worthless after she fell into his trap and had tried to take her own life, Isleworth Crown Court heard.

James Fennimore, 42, tried to set up a meeting with a 15-year-old after persuading her to send him images of her touching herself intimately

The former accountant was handed a nine month suspended sentence at Southwark Crown Court in 2008 for downloading pictures of children.

He had logged into internet chat rooms and offered paedophiles new vids of young girls being raped by adults.

Fennimore chatted to internet perverts in the USA, swapping pornographic photographs and films to satisfy his sick addiction.

He also set up private cyber rooms, inviting other paedophiles to view his collection of pornography.

Fennimore was so worried about being caught by his wife he set up sophisticated cleansing software which wiped the pictures off the system as soon as he had viewed them.

But he had been unwittingly in contact with an American police officer who passed his details to the Met Police.

Fennimore was a financial analyst at Cambridge Analytica between 2016 and 2017 before moving on to work at Sky as a data analyst.

Michael Williams, prosecuting, said the paedophile returned to his old ways when he contacted the 15-year-old girl on Instagram in July 2020.

The former accountant was handed a nine month suspended sentence at Southwark Crown Court in 2008 for downloading pictures of children

They exchanged messages and Fennimore started offering the teenager money.

He was offering her 1,000. At first he said he didnt want anything in return, said Mr Williams.

But he started asking her to pose in lingerie and send him the photos back.

Fennimore also asked the girl to send images of her sucking her thumb and rubbing her breasts, the court heard.

He asked her how many boys she had slept with, said Mr Williams.

His requests became more perverted as he offered more money each time but sent nothing to his victim.

The girl later told police she was trying to help her family due to the financial hardship they suffered during the pandemic last year.

Falling into this trap made her feel worthless, said the prosecutor.

She attempted to take her own life.

Following Fennimores arrest last October police interrogated his electronic devices and identified three further teenage victims, who he befriended on Instagram.

He had offered another girl 1,000 after chatting to her and complimenting her on the social networking app.

Fennimore, of White City, west London, soon began asking her to send him photos and clips of her in just her underwear.

He told her to play with herself in bed, said Mr Williams.

She didnt want to do it but felt she had to.

He targeted two other girls in the same way and asked them to send back intimate photos, the court heard.

Ben Rowe, defending, said Fennimore felt isolated during the lockdown last year and fell into a pattern of trying to contact young women.

Judge John Denniss, who retires today, told Fennimore: You should have realised you were convicted in 2008 that that should have been the end of your offending with young girls.

It wasnt and as a result you are now in serious trouble.

He said Fennimore split up with his wife and fell into alcoholism and was drinking a bottle of wine and a bottle of spirits each day.

The judge said his first victim has suffered ongoing trauma, adding: She was suicidal as a result of what you did to her.

Fennimore, who appeared in court via videolink from HMP Wandsworth, sat at a desk and played with a pen as he was jailed for a total of six years.

He earlier admitted inciting a girl aged 13 to 15 to engage in sexual activity and making indecent photographs of children.

He denied two further charges of inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and the prosecution offered no evidence in relation to those offences.
Ozy Media continued its chaotic downward spiral on Thursday after several former employees said the company never saved any jobs and actually slashed salaries despite receiving $5.7 million in COVID relief loans specified for payroll.

Ozy, which is under scrutiny for a pattern of fraud and deceptive business practices, had received $3.75 million in April 2020 and then another $2 million in February as a part of the Small Business Administration's Paycheck Protection Program (SBA's PPP).

Former employees told CNBC that Ozy and co-founders Carlos Watson and Samir Rao always dodged their questions about how the money, which was marked for payroll, was being used and said they still took pay cuts throughout the pandemic.

'I must've followed up with Samir four to six times,' one former employee said regarding reinstating salaries. 'It was disheartening. You work so hard and give your life to this company, to be dismissed and disrespected.'

Another employee speaking on the condition of anonymity told the outlet: 'No one to my knowledge, and I'm talking to at least 10 people. No one had anything returned to them by way of salary post them receiving these PPP loans.'

Ozy Media's descent into chaos continues:

Last Friday, OZY CEO and co-founder Carlos Watson announced that the company was closing down after an eight year run

It came as reports detailed a pattern of smoke-and-mirrors business practice and toxic working conditions at the media company

In a five-minute phone call, Watson fired all remaining employees

But by Monday, Watson said the company was not shutting down and began encouraging his former employees to return

Former employees said 'Carlos has gone completely rouge' and said they have no plans to return to the troubled company

On Tuesday, LifeLine Legacy Holdings filed a fraud lawsuit against the company, saying Watson and his co-founder targeted them for a $2 million investment

Former employees claim Ozy Media co-founders Carlos Watson and Samir Rao did not spend the $5.7 million loan they got to help employees' paychecks for its intended purpose

Ozy received two Small Business Administration loans from Silicon Valley Bank, in California

The media company had laid off around 20 per cent of its staff near the start of the pandemic last year, Axios reported, with employees suffering pay cuts of about 19 per cent, with some seeing cuts as high as 35 per cent.

For the second PPP loan, Ozy claimed that the vast majority of the funds would be used to help retain 143 jobs, according to the February loan document.

The SBA said Ozy's loans, which were distributed by Silicon Valley Bank, are ongoing and have not 'yet been fully repaid or forgiven.'

Ozy Media, which had announced it would close down last week only to backpedal on Monday, did not reply to DailyMail.com's request for response.

Silicon Valley Bank referred all questions about the loans to Ozy.

Staffers who were fired by Watson on the five-minute call last week are also vowing never to go back to the company, despite his promise that it is 'open for business.'

'There does not appear to be a plan. Carlos has gone completely rogue,' one former staffer told The Wrap.

'The entire editorial staff is done with him  who would possibly go back? Who the hell is going to want to go on The Carlos Watson Show now?'

Former employees said they had no plans to return to Ozy or The Carlos Watson Show

Carlos Watson: The former MSNBC star turned entrepreneur who founded Ozy Watson, 52, was born in Miami to a Jamaican father and a mother from Virginia, and went on to graduate from Harvard University and Stanford Law School. A fast-rising star, his early career included stops at Goldman Sachs and McKinsey & Company. His TV career launched in 2002 as a political analyst for Fox News and CourtTV. He was also a CNN commentator for two years. By 2009, Watson had secured an anchor gig with MSNBC, where he co-hosted an afternoon segment with Contessa Brewer. The show was short-lived, and Watson launched Ozy in 2013 with Samir Rao, his fellow Goldman Sachs alumn. Ozy has garnered some $70 million in venture capital backing, but the latest allegations raise questions about the site's business performance. Advertisement

The latest blow to Ozy comes two days after it was sued for fraud by a Beverly Hills fund manager who invested $2 million into the media company earlier this year after being 'targeted' by Rao and Watson.

LifeLine Legacy Holdings filed a fraud lawsuit against the company and Rao on Monday, claiming he knowingly lied to them to secure an investment of $2.2 million earlier this year by claiming Google and Goldman Sachs were also investing in them when they weren't.

The holding company is registered in Delaware but has offices in Beverly Hills. It's unclear how Rao and Watson targeted its bosses, but they are the first investors to sue since Ozy Media's reputation was shattered by a New York Times article last week that detailed how Rao impersonated a YouTube executive on a February 2 conference call in a failed attempt to win investment from Goldman Sachs.

Exactly how many real investors Ozy Media has and who they are remains unclear, but they include Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of the late Apple founder Steve Jobs, venture capitalist Ron Conway and former Google exec David Drummond.

LifeLine claims in its lawsuit that Rao and Watson told them Goldman Sachs was positioned to make a 'substantial investment' in late 2020.

On February 24, 22 days after the ill-fated conference call, LifeLine filed papers with the SEC to invest $2 million in Ozy, unaware of what had happened on the call or the fact that Goldman Sachs retreated from the deal afterward.

The lawsuit claims both Rao and Watson 'personally solicited' LifeLine first for $2 million at the end of 2020.

It chose to invest because they claimed Goldman Sachs was poised to make a 'substantial investment, too', the lawsuit says.

In May, Ozy asked for an additional $250,000 and claimed at the time that Google and/or its parent company Alphabet was about to invest $30 million in them.

LifeLine agreed to invest the additional $250,000 on the basis that Google was investing, according to the lawsuit.

Ozy's fall from grace began on September 26, after The New York Times published an article detailing how Rao had impersonated YouTube executive Alex Piper on February 2 - 22 days before LifeLine invested.

Goldman Sachs believed that Alex Piper, pictured above, was speaking with them about Ozy's success on YouTube

Rao, impersonating Piper, told the potential investors how Ozy Media videos performed well on YouTube, giving them reason to invest, the newspaper reported.

Rao has not been seen or heard from since The Times article was published last week, but a statement from the company's board said he has been asked to take a leave of absence pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

Roa and Watson were also under fire following reports from former employees about systemic abuse they suffered while working at Ozy.

One former employee, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told CNN that the company expected four writers and two editors to produce 40 high-quality magazine articles per week.

Others said they found themselves managing entire departments while in their 20s with little to no experience, they told the outlet.

Whenever employees felt overwhelmed, the former staffers claimed Watson would step in and use his charisma to make sure staffers could not say no.

'Carlos was a bully,' a former staffer said. 'He would do whatever it took to get what he wanted. He did not accept no for an answer.'

The employees added that they often found themselves working on the weekends and having to schedule their lives around Watson.

Eva Rodriguez, left, said Ozy Media co-founder Samir Rao had allegedly acted as the company's Human Resources Director and demanded medical records from her doctor after the employee suffered a panic attack late last year

Rao also allegedly once demanded to see an employee's medical records when she suffered a panic attack and extreme depression after working 18-hour days at the 'abusive' firm.

Eva Rodriguez, 24, a creative director for Ozy since 2017, was rushed to the ER and was later admitted into a six-week outpatient program for 'extremely depressed people' after the panic attack in late 2020.

'I felt so helpless because I desperately needed to sleep and take time off, but Carlos had expressed how critical my role is to the show,' Rodriguez told CNN Business regarding Watson. 'And if I didn't do this, the show cannot go on.'

Soon after, she says she got a call from her doctor's office that a 'pushy' and 'aggressive' man claiming to be Ozy's Human Resources director had been asking to review her medical records. It allegedly turned out to be Rao.

Rodriguez revealed she'd suffered the panic attack - which she at first mistook for a heart attack - two weeks after being pushed into an 18-hour work day role creating branding for The Carlos Watson Show, the talk show hosted by the CEO of Ozy Media.

She said she returned to work after completing her program, but ultimately decided to leave Ozy in February when she contracted COVID-19 and her employers allegedly told her to 'work through it.'

'It's like a cult,' Rodriguez said. 'I really felt like I would be nothing without them because they had given me so many great opportunities and that I would let them down severely if I ever quit.'
Coast Guard investigators boarded the cargo ship Rotterdam Express as they probe what caused the rupture of an offshore oil pipeline that sent 144,000 gallons of crude washing up on Southern California beaches.

The visit to the Hapaq-Lloyd container ship came as investigators try to determine whether an anchor snagged, dragged and bent the pipeline owned by Amplify Energy, a Houston-based company that operates three offshore oil platforms south of Los Angeles.

The Rotterdam Express appeared to make a series of unusual movements while anchored in the closest spot to where the break in the pipeline happened, according to data collected by the marine navigation service MarineTraffic.

The Rotterdam Express is being investigated amid a probe into whether a cargo ship anchor caused California's oil spill. It was assigned to anchorage SF-3, the closest designated parking spot for ships to where the pipeline ruptured off Huntington Beach

GPS data showed unusual movements for the Rotterdam Express (pictured) at the time when the spill is believed to have started, but the its owner, Hapaq-Lloyd said the ship stayed in place while anchored

The German-flagged ship is nearly 1,000 feet long, and was anchored amid 61 cargo ships waiting to enter the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports on Friday

But in an email Thursday, MarineTraffic spokesperson Fotini Tseroni said the movements indicated for the Rotterdam Express apparently were incorrect, and may have resulted from errors involving the ship's GPS system.

The company said it was removing the jumps in position to show the ship stayed within its anchorage.

The Rotterdam Express, a German-flagged ship nearly 1,000 feet long, was assigned to anchorage SF-3, the closest designated parking spot for ships to where the pipeline ruptured off Huntington Beach.

It was anchored amid 61 cargo ships waiting to enter the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports on Friday, when the spill is believed to have started, according to the Marine Exchange of Southern California.

The waters have seen record-breaking number of cargo vessels waiting to enter the ports in recent months as a supply chain crunch snarls maritime traffic.

An aerial photo shot Sunday shows oil begin to pool on the sandy shores of the Santa Ana River, close to Newport Beach in California

Crews work to clean the shores of Los Angeles from an oil spill on Tuesday as container ships sit wait in the background to dock at the city's port.

Hapag-Lloyd, the shipping company that operates the Rotterdam Express, confirmed Thursday that investigators boarded the ship Wednesday while it was docked at the Port of Oakland in San Francisco Bay. The company has said the ship played no role in the oil spill.

'We are fully cooperating with the authorities at this moment,' said Nils Haupt, a spokesman at Hapag-Lloyd's headquarters in Hamburg, Germany. He said the ship remained in place while anchored.

'We have proof by the logbook, which is updated hourly, that the vessel did not move,' Haupt said. 'MarineTraffic in this case is wrong and the position is indeed incorrect.'

A U.S. official told the Associated Press that the Rotterdam Express has become a focus of the spill investigation. The official cautioned that the ship is only one lead being pursued in the investigation, which is in its early stages.

The investigators are seeking to collect tracking and navigational information from the vessel that could help them identify its exact movements, the official said. They are also seeking preliminary interviews with at least some crew members.

Cleanup workers continued to comb the beaches of Orange County Tuesday where an oil spill from a ruptured pipeline has contaminated the area

Officials reported that up to 144,000 gallons of oil had spilled into the ocean after the leak, which is believed to have taken place on Friday

The leak stemmed from a 17.5 mile pipeline spanning from Amplify's Elly oil rig seven miles off the coast of Long Beach, to a pump station operated by Beta Offshore, a Long Beach unit of Houston-based Amplify, and has spread to a slew of beaches and coastal areas across California's Orange County

The official could not discuss the investigation publicly and spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity.

Martyn Willsher, (pictured on Monday) CEO of Amplify Energy the company which maintains the pipeline said that it had 'essentially been pulled like a bow string,' after investigators reported a section of it had move about 150 feet laterally

Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier, a Coast Guard spokesperson, declined to comment on the Rotterdam Express Wednesday but said the agency is analyzing electric charting systems from its vessel traffic service to see what ships were anchored or moving over the spill area.

The MarineTraffic data showed the Rotterdam Express arrived outside the Port of Long Beach early on September 22 and dropped anchor about 2,000 feet from the pipeline. It then showed the ship's position changing dramatically on three occasions in the following days, making it appear the ship had drifted over the pipeline.

The ship's location data, which works through a global network called the Automatic Identification System, is supposed to be accurate and reliable within a few feet, said Nikolas Xiros, a professor of marine engineering at the University of New Orleans. He said it would be very unusual for a vessel's reported position to be off by thousands of feet.

Oil build-up at the barriers put in place by clean-up crews looking to quell the spread of more than 13 square miles of slick off the coast of Southern California

An aerial photo shows floating barriers - known as booms - set up by clean-up crews after the spill to try to stop further incursion into the Wetlands Talbert Marsh on the Orange County coast

'GPS errors, even though they can happen, they scarcely if ever are of such magnitude, even when the carrier is moving,' said Xiros, who noted that the Rotterdam Express was at anchor when the erroneous readings apparently occurred. 'So, even though anything is possible, it is highly unlikely to observe such anomalies repeatedly on a marine navigation GPS receiver when the vessel is anchored close to shore and on a clear day.'

AP sent an email Wednesday to the Unified Command Joint Information Center for state and federal agencies responding to the oil spill, seeking comment about the movements made by the Rotterdam Express prior to the spill.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Lauren Jorgensen said the command was unable to discuss matters involving an ongoing investigation.

The first report of oil in the water near the pipeline were made the evening of Friday, October 1.

The Coast Guard was mobilized over the weekend and struggled to contain the spread of the 13-square-mile oil slick on Sunday

Beaches in Orange County could remain closed for month as a result of the spillage, after the oil spread to areas along the coast

Amplify said the pipeline was shut down early Saturday morning but has not said how long it believes oil flowed from it.

Amplify's CEO Martyn Willsher said on Tuesday divers determined a 4,000-foot section of the pipeline was dislodged 105 feet, bent back like the string on a bow.

Oil escaped through a slender crack.

The many environmental and safety violations of Beta Offshore - the Long Beach-based oil outfit belonging to Amplify Energy -The company that operates the pipeline responsible for one of California's largest oil spills has been cited 72 times for safety and environmental violations that were severe enough that drilling had to be curtailed or stopped to fix the problem, regulatory records show -In all, Beta Operating Co. has been cited 125 times since 1980, according to a database from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, the federal agency that regulates the offshore oil and gas industry -The company was fined a total of $85,000 for three separate incidents -Two were from 2014, when a worker who was not wearing proper protective equipment was shocked with 98,000 volts of electricity, and a separate incident when crude oil was released through a boom where a safety device had been improperly bypassed -Further details of the exact citations were not available on the bureau's website Advertisement

The amount is unclear. Amplify has said publicly that no more than 126,000 gallons leaked but told federal investigators it may be only 29,400 gallons.

On Monday night, state and federal officials updated that figure to 144,000 gallons.

If a ship's anchor were to become entangled with an underwater obstacle such as a communications cable or petroleum pipeline, the operator is required by federal law to notify the Coast Guard.

The locations and movements of ships are also regularly monitored by both the AIS system and radar, according to the Coast Guard. Ships at sea also use AIS to avoid collisions with one another at night or during conditions with low visibility.

According to MarineTraffic data, the Rotterdam Express steamed out of San Francisco Bay on Thursday morning.

According to a ship schedule posted in the Hapag-Lloyd website, it had been set to make port calls later this week in Seattle and Vancouver.

Instead, the ship turned south, bound for Manzanillo, Mexico.

On Tuesday it was revealed that one of Amplify's offshoots, Long Beach-based Beta Offshore, has been cited 72 times for safety and environmental violations since its inception, with the infractions being so severe that drilling operations have had to be ceased in order to address them, regulatory records revealed.

In all, Beta Operating Co. has been cited 125 times since 1980, according to a database from the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement, the federal agency that regulates the offshore oil and gas industry.

However, the online database provides only the total number of violations, not the details for each incident.

Some of those details have emerged in Associated Press reporting.

The company was fined a total of $85,000 for three incidents. Two were from 2014, when a worker who was not wearing proper protective equipment was shocked with 98,000 volts of electricity, and a separate incident when crude oil was released through a boom where a safety device had been improperly bypassed.

Willsher announced Sunday that the leak has since been stopped, but not before his company's share price took a drastic hit.

As of Monday, Amplify shares plummeted by more than 50 per cent, from $5.75 per share to $2.85 a share as stock markets opened, amid fury over the environmental catastrophe.

News of the disaster sent Amplify's stock price plummeting over the past week, and it has yet to recover

The Coast Guard has recovered 3,150 gallons of oil from the water off the Orange County coast, a small dent in the overall amount of the now estimated 144,000 gallons of the contaminant

An estuary in Huntington Beach is pictured caked in oil Monday morning, with a clean-up worker seen reflected in the water

Authorities said the oil came from Platform Elly, pictured here - a pipeline operated by Beta Offshore, a Long Beach unit of Houston's Amplify Energy

Its share price had climbed to $3.09 by midday Wednesday, but that was still down 38.81 percent on Friday's close.

Willsher, who oversees the operations of Houston-based oil company Amplify Energy Corp., said Sunday that his company's underwater pipeline that sprung the leak had been 'suctioned at both ends' sometime over the weekend.

That means no more oil would spill out into the already contaminated Pacific and the shores of a 13 mile stretch of coastline encompassing Huntington Beach as well as Newport Beach.

The oil it did leak - equivalent to 3,000 barrels - represented the entire capacity of the pipeline, which is attached to an oil processing platform called Elly.

Investors are no doubt spooked by the prospect of lawsuits, with Huntington Beach Mayor Kim Carr vowing to hold the oil firm 'accountable.'

The spillage - believed to have begun on Friday - canceled the second day of the popular Pacific Air Show.

It attracted more than one million visitors on Saturday, with local businesses who had prepared for big crowds also likely to make claims for compensation.

The leak - which likely sprung late Friday night - left a slew of beaches in the Orange County area badly contaminated, with locals banned from taking to the waters.
A civil rights complaint was filed against a woman accused of calling a black child the n-word and telling him she'd 'kneel on his neck' for accidentally breaking her son's toy in a playground.

Kristina Graper, 51, of Dover in New Hampshire, threatened the nine year-old boy who was playing in a neighborhood park with her son on May 10, according to the complaint filed in Strafford County Superior Court.

New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella announced the initiation of the civil complaint on Thursday.

Graper's son pushed the boy, and that push resulted in the boy 'breaking a foam missile or foam bullet' that belonged to Graper's son. Her son ran home to tell her what happened.

Graper then went back to the park and found the other child, threatening that she would 'kneel on his neck,' according to the complaint. That is said to have been a clear reference to the murder of George Floyd, who died after Minneapolis cop Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for nine minutes in May 2020.

A witness told Graper that her behavior was unnecessary, and then Graper started yelling at that person. She called the child the n-word before returning home, the complaint said.

Kristin Graper of Dover is accused of threatening a 9-year-old Black boy saying she would 'kneel on his neck' and using the n-word

New Hampshire Attorney General John M. Formella (pictured) announced the initiation of an enforcement action by the Civil Rights Unit on Thursday

Graper's race has not been mentioned, although the civil rights complaint taken against her has seen investigators suggest her behavior was racist.

The scared child arrived at a friend's home shaking, upset and on the verge of tears, the complaint said.

The child's mother later called police. When she met with them on June 1, Graper denied saying she would kneel on the boy's neck, but instead said words to the effect of, 'you wonder why you guys get f**king kneeled on,' according to the complaint.

'She also denied calling (the boy) a n****r but later stated it as because 'they' don't know how to shut their n****r pie holes,'' Graper said according to the complaint.

The complaint said the encounter distressed the child, who understood the comments to be a reference to the murder of George Floyd last year. He began to cry when he heard her words and has been afraid to return to the park, and will only do so 'when other children are there to help keep him safe,' the complaint said.

The Black nine-year-old, understood the comments to be a reference to the murder of George Floyd (pictured) last year. He refuses to return to the park alone

Last year, millions of people watched the footage of Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, pleading for air as a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck until he stopped breathing.

Former Officer Derek Chauvin was convicted in April on charges of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter in Floyds death.

A civil rights violation has a maximum civil penalty of $5,000. The court can decide to enjoin further violations of the Civil Rights Act.

A hearing will be scheduled to allow Graper to plead out and not go to an actual trial.

Dover police told the Union Leader that they forwarded criminal charges to Strafford County Attorney Tom Velardi after investigating the incident. Velardi will review the case and could bring a criminal case against Graper.
An Illinois woman has been jailed for four days after a video showed her approaching within 15 feet away of a grizzly bear and her cubs at Yellowstone National Park as she tried to take a photo.

Samantha Dehring, 25, was jailed for four days and given a year of probation after pleading guilty at U.S. District Court on Thursday to willfully remaining, approaching, and photographing wildlife within 100 yards.

Dehring was caught on cell phone video approaching the bears in the Roaring Mountain area of the park on May 10.

In the video, a mama bear can be seen briefly charging at Dehring, who holds a cellphone in her hands directed at the animals.

The bear then retreats as two of her cubs run to the forest and Dehring walks away while she puts her cellphone inside her pocket.

A person in the background says: 'Oh my god! I got that on video.'

The mama bear briefly charged at Dehring, who walked away, while the cubs ran to the forest

Other visitors tried to warn Dehring not to get too close to the bear, but she didn't listen

When other visitors noticed the animals, they backed off, but Dehring continued to take pictures

Darcie Addington, who recorded the scene from her car window, said that other visitors tried to warn Dehring not to get too close to the bear, but she didn't listen.

'It was terrifying,' Addington told USA Today.

Dehring was also sentenced to one year of unsupervised probation, and told to pay a $1,000 fine, a $1,000 community service payment to Yellowstone Forever Wildlife Protection Fund, a $30 court processing fee and a $10 assessment.

She has also been banned from Yellowstone National Park for a year.

Another count of feeding, touching, teasing, frightening, or intentionally disturbing wildlife was dismissed.

'Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are, indeed, wild. The park is not a zoo where animals can be viewed within the safety of a fenced enclosure. They roam freely in their natural habitat and when threatened will react accordingly,' said Acting United States Attorney Bob Murray.

'Approaching a sow grizzly with cubs is absolutely foolish. Here, pure luck is why Dehring is a criminal defendant and not a mauled tourist.'

Samantha Dehring, 25, faces federal charges after video surfaced of her standing roughly 15 feet away from a grizzly bear and her cubs because she was trying to take a picture of them

Yellowstone National Park regulations state that visitors should keep a minimum 100-yard distance from bears at all times and to never feed or approach a bear to take a photo.

The park has experienced a spike in visitors upon reopening from lockdown. There were 438,000 visitors in May compared with 434,000 in 2019 - an 11 percent jump and the busiest May on record.

In May, a ranger shot at a grizzly bear as it charged toward him and a road filled with cars.

The National Park Service has reported an average of one bear attack per year at Yellowstone. But recently, incidents involving grizzly bears have increased. A man was killed by a bear just outside the park in April. And another 39-year-old man was attacked inside the park in May

The National Park Service has registered an average of one bear attack per year at Yellowstone, with three fatal incidents since 2010. But incidents with bears and visitors have increased this year.

A 39-year-old man was injured at Yellowstone in May when he was hiking alone on a trail near Mammoth Hot Springs. He sustained injuries on his legs but managed to hike back on his own.

A man was fatally attacked by a bear just outside the park in April.

The last fatal incident inside the park happened in 2015, when a day hiker was killed by an adult female grizzly bear with two cubs near the Elephant Back Loop Trail in the Lake Village.
Hunter Biden used his connection to infamous mobster James 'Whitey' Bulger to try to help his uncle get a business license in China, leaked emails revealed on Thursday.

One of the emails also involves a formal State Luncheon that was attended by then-Vice President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi.

Jack Owens, Joe Biden's brother-in-law through his sister, reached out to Hunter on May 9, 2014 telling him a business deal Owens was negotiating in China required them to obtain a 'China Business License.'

He said his companies, MediGuide America and MediGuide Insurance Services International, reached 'a serious stage' of negotiations.

'Time pressures are very tight, plus the fact that we do not yet have one has caused a slight credibility bump in the company's mind,' Owens writes in the email.

Owens complained that the license could take 'an inordinate amount of time' which he said they 'do not have.'

'So I would be most appreciative of any help and direction you might be able to provide to help me accomplish this task timely.'

Hunter forwarded the email to two of his business associates, James Bulger and Michael Lin - but addressed them as 'J & M.'

'J & M, See email below. It's from my Uncle Jack. Is there a way we can help him expedite this? Time is of the essence here,' the president's younger son wrote.

A Biden family photo from 2016 features Jack Owens (circled), Joe Biden's sister's husband

The next email from Owens to Hunter just contains a brief 'Thx.'

Bulger and Lin are the founders of Thornton Group, a Boston-based investment advisory firm.

Bulger is the son of former Massachusetts state Senate President Billy Bulger, who is the younger brother of late mobster James 'Whitey' Bulger. Whitey Bulger was, for a time, the FBI's most wanted fugitive after Osama bin Laden. He was killed in prison by fellow inmates in 2018.

Lin is a Taiwanese-American businessman who has worked with the State Legislative Leaders Foundation (SLLF), a nonprofit organization dedicated toward professional development that connects political leaders nationwide.

Since 2015 the SSL has been partnered with the Chinese Peoples Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, a propaganda group promoting Chinese Communist Party (CCP) messages. The partnership has President Xi Jinping's blessing, SLLF's site boasts.

Lin helped organize Hunter Biden's 2010 trip to China through SLLF.

In a later email from May 13, 2014, Bulger told Hunter that he and Lin spoke with Owens and seem to have come to a 'solution' for his 'China problem.'

Bulger said they'd let Hunter's uncle use their company Thornton's existing business license classification of a 'Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise.'

Jack Owens reached out to his nephew Hunter Biden for help with his negotiations with a Chinese company on May 9, 2014, according to the emails

A later email shows Hunter's business associates, Michael Lin and James Bulger, spoke with his uncle after Hunter asked them for help

Bulger asks for more time to help Owens in another email a week after Owens first asked Hunter for his help

A year later, Owens shows apparently unusual interest in a state function a little over a year after Hunter's associates helped him with the license

Hunter Biden is the youngest and only surviving son of President Joe Biden, and has been embroiled in a number of ethics scandals

'Hunter, Me and Michael had a call with Jack this morning I think we have a solution for hi(sic) China problem. Michael and Ran are researching the [regulations] and laws right now but our Thornton WOFE will likely be ok for Jacks company to use

'Let me know I you have an outline of the KAZ energy deal and want us to flesh it out we have submitted our Alaska energy outline to the team.'

He signed it 'safe travels' followed by his nickname, 'Jimmy.'

The email subject line was 'Uncle Jack.'

Another email from three days later from Bulger to Owens asks him for more time to work on his Chinese Business License.

Hunter was bcc'd on the correspondence.

'Please give us until Monday to review a few more laws and regulations in Beijing

'We want to be sure of our next steps here

'I may have you answer a few question on Monday so we can get specific with the appropriate authority's in China.'

Bulger didn't punctuate the end of any of his sentences and signed off thanking Owens for his patience.

James Bulger (left) corresponded with Jack Owens about how to obtain a business license in China. His late uncle, James 'Whitey' Bulger (right), is a notorious mobster who was on the FBI's Most Wanted list for decades

The emails don't reveal whether Owens' company ever successfully got the license. DailyMail.com has reached out to confirm.

But the MediGuide website does list a MediGuide China in Shanghai as one of its global offices.

A year later, another email from then-Assistant to the Vice President Kathy Chung saw members of the Biden family get an invitation to a September 25 State Department Luncheon in Xi's honor.

'Please find attached an invitation to the State Department Luncheon Honoring Chinese President Xi, hosted by VP Biden, on Friday, September 25. Please let us know if you would like to attend. Thank you,' Chung wrote.

Aside from Owens, Hunter, Kathleen Biden, Ashley Biden and members of Owens' family were invited.

The September 25, 2015 state luncheon that Owens was invited to also featured then-Vice President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping and John Kerry

Owens responds, 'Yes Kathy, I would like to attend this one.'

'I know I have passed up everything else, but this is a bit different. I just rec'd this so I do not know what VBO is going to do. Do you have my info to respond with picture, etc, or do you want me to do that. Thx, Jack.'

It's not clear why the event would be 'different,' but the likely timeline would put Owens near or just past the point he'd receive his license.

Photos from the event showed Joe Biden and John Kerry side-by-side with Xi.

Hunter Biden's ties to China - which also link him back to Lin and Bulger - have been a headache for the current Biden White House.

A company owned by Hunter has a 10 percent stake in Chinese equity firm BHR Equity Investment Fund Management Co. even after the president vowed his family would divest itself from all overseas business dealings.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki declined to say whether he still has the shares on Monday.

The equity firm is partially owned by China's nationally-controlled bank. One of its co-founders was Lin and Bulger's Thornton Group.
Dave Chappelle is getting an online lashing from the LGBTQ community for making transphobic remarks in his latest Netflix special - with some advocacy groups calling on the streaming service to axe his show.

David J. Johns, executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition, asked Netflix to apologize to the transgender community and pull The Closer from its streaming service.

We do not condone violence against any members of our community and our feelings and existence as trans, queer, and non-binary/non-conforming people matter too, Johns said in a statement.

Whats being missed at this moment is the extreme rate at which Black trans women are murdered, annually. All of this to say, we should think and engage more critically so we can all get free.

During his sixth Netflix special, Chappelle said women view transwomen the way black people view white women wearing blackface.

Comedian Dave Chappelle is under fire for making transphobic jokes in his new Netflix special

His transgender jokes angered LGBQT advocates such as GLAAD, which blasted him on Twitter

He said women are entitled to feel anger toward transwomen, since Caitlyn Jenner won Glamour magazine's 2015 Woman of the Year award.

'I'd be mad as sh*t if I was a woman,' Chappelle said.

He also joked about the anatomy of transwomen, joking that they lacked real female reproductive organs and that they did not have blood but 'beet juice.'

National Black Justice Coalition executive director David Johns wants the show cancelled

His jokes also didnt sit well with America's leading LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD, which issued a scathing statement about his standup routine.

Dave Chappelle's brand has become synonymous with ridiculing trans people and other marginalized communities, GLAAD tweeted.

Negative reviews and viewers loudly condemning his latest special is a message to the industry that audiences don't support platforming anti-LGBTQ diatribes.

Dear White People showrunner Jaclyn Moore, who is transgender, said shell boycott Netflix for continuing to put out and profit from blatantly and dangerously transphobic content.

I love so many of the people I've worked with at Netflix, Moore tweeted.

Brilliant people and executives who have been collaborative and fought for important art... But I've been thrown against walls because, I'm not a real woman. I've had beer bottles thrown at me. So, @Netflix, I'm done.

Dear White People showrunner Jaclyn Moore said shell boycott Netflix for airing the special

NPR TV critic Eric Deggan said Chappelle also ventured into antisemitism during his routine by kiddingly pitching a movie called Space Jews, about a diaspora of former Earthlings who return to the planet to take it over.

I don't really care what point he's trying to make, Deggan wrote. A joke that sounds like antisemitism gets a hard pass from me.

But not everyones a critic.

The sisters of Daphne Dorman  a transgender friend of Chappelles who died by suicide in 2019  said they were appalled at suggestions the comedian was transphobic.

The family of transgender woman Daphne Dorman, who died by suicide, defended Chappelle

Dorman (pictured at right with an unknown woman) was a comedian and friend of Chapelle

Daphne was in awe of Daves graciousness, her sister Becky told The Daily Beast. She did not find his jokes rude, crude, off-coloring, off-putting, anything.

Daphne understood humor and comedy  she was not offended. Why would her family be offended?

Her younger sister Brandy told The Daily Beast that Chappelle is an ally to the LGBTQ community.

She said: His entire set was begging to end this very situation. Chappelle's family said she also appreciated that humor was about the ability to offend everyone equally - and to be able to laugh at being mocked.

Chappelle was spotted emerging from Hollywood's Peppermint Club on Wednesday evening in the wake of controversy surrounding the trans community.

The comedian, 48, kept a low-profile as he left the Hollywood club while puffing a cigarette shortly after he enthusiastically backed JK Rowling in her spat with the transgender community, saying he is 'Team TERF'.

TERF stands for Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist. The term is used to apply to cisgender women - women born the sex they continue to identify with - who do not think transgender women should have equal access to female spaces.

Looking solemn, the funnyman was flanked by his aides and maintained a steely expression as the scandal rages on about his latest thoughts.

Heading home: Dave Chappelle was spotted emerging from Hollywood's Peppermint Club on Wednesday evening in the wake of controversy surrounding the trans community

During The Closer, he joked about Rowling's 2019 argument that transgender women were not actually women and were a threat to her identity.

Rowling, 56, received a slew of hate messages and death threats for her comments on sex and gender, with #RIPJKRowling trending on social media last year.

She was labeled a TERF, a trans-exclusionary radical feminist, and Chappelle said he embraced the label: 'I'm Team TERF. I agree. I agree, man. Gender is a fact'.

Support: Dave, left, defended JK Rowling during his latest Netflix special, The Closer, saying that 'Gender is a fact,' in support of Rowling's previous remarks against transwomen

Heading out: Looking solemn, the funnyman was flanked by his aides and maintained a steely expression as the scandal rages on about his latest thoughts

Critics: He riled fans with his comments

Chappelle earlier faced backlash for his jokes, with trans actress Taylor Ashbrook tweeting, 'As a trans woman, I have usually defended Dave Chappelle's specials because I think they're hilarious and his jokes about trans women never felt intentionally malicious.

'The Closer changed my mind on that. That special felt so lazy and disingenuous and I'm really disappointed.'

Unveiled: The Closer premiered on Netflix on October 5, where the comedian returned to the stage and made a slew of controversial jokes

Vulture Writer Kathryn VanArendonk also tweeted, 'I just have to believe by this point that even the most devoted chappelle audience would love to hear material on something other than his obsession with trans bodies.'

Another Twitter user, with the handle Thisguyhere, even accused Chappelle of being Trump-like in the new special.

'Dave chappelle spent more time and jokes on gay and Trans people than he did white people, the supposed people all his jokes are directed at. This dude has reach trump level gaslighting in The Closer.'

Rowling was not the only victim of cancel culture that Chappelle mentioned, as he brought up the case of East Coast rapper DaBaby, Jonathan Lyndale Kirk.

Chappelle criticized the public's push to cancel Kirk after he made transphobic comments at a recent Miami music festival about people with HIV and AIDS, rather than choosing to cancel him for his alleged involvement in a 2018 shooting that left a 19-year-old dead.

'DaBaby shot and killed a [man] in Walmart in North Carolina. Nothing bad happened to his career,' Chappelle said. 'Do you see where I'm going with this? In our country, you can shoot and kill a [man], but you better not hurt a gay person's feelings.'

Charges against Kirk were dropped in 2019 after a key witnessed failed to show up to testify in court, Fox News reported. Kirk claimed he had been defending himself from being robbed by 19-year-old Jaylin Craig.

This is not the first time Chappelle has targeted drama in the trans community during his standup.

In 2019, Chappelle received backlash for the alleged transphobic remarks he made during his Sticks & Stones special.

During the latest standup special, which is set to be his last before he goes on break, Chappelle had said he would not be doing anymore LGBTQ jokes as long as the community stops trying to cancel black men for making derogatory remarks.

'Until we are both sure that we are laughing together. I'm telling you, it's done. I'm done talking about it. All I ask of your community, with all humility: Will you please stop punching down on my people.'

The Closer will be Chappelle's last standup special on Netflix before he goes on break

Chappelle is not the first to defend Rowling, as last year, a collection of over 50 actors, writers, playwrights, journalists joined together to pen a letter in response to 'hate speech' directed against Rowling.

Signatories of the letter include Booker winner Ian McEwan, actor Griff Rhys Jones, actress Frances Barber and playwright Sir Tom Stoppard.

It was was triggered in response to the hashtag #RIPJKRowling trending at number one on Twitter and said Rowling was a victim of 'an insidious, authoritarian and misogynistic trend in social media'.

The letter wrote the hashtag declaring her dead on social media was 'just the latest example of hate speech directed against her'.

Earlier this year, The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland ruled it was 'not fair' for a radio show panelist Matt Cooper, of The Last Word, to brand Rowling a 'transphobic bigot' without evidence.

Complaints were made following the broadcast last year, and Ireland's top broadcast regulator said the remark was 'not fair' as there was no 'evidence' to 'back up' the claim.

The BAI added the host failed to challenge the statement, ruling that the Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs was breached.

It is the first time the BAI has endorsed a complaint in almost three years.
School dinner choices are being slashed and staff advised to stockpile essential food supplies amid fears suppliers will struggle to keep children properly fed this winter.

ISS, one of the UK's largest canteen suppliers, has reportedly told 450 schools it is having issues with 'sourcing, packing and distribution', predicting that the problem will 'get worse' over the winter and will continue until February.

School canteens were advised by ISS in an email to stockpile 'long life, dried, tinned and frozen' products to make sure children can still be fed in a 'worse case scenario' this winter, according to ITV News.

Meanwhile, food wholesaler BidFood has warned that it is experiencing 'significant' supply pressures and struggling to recruit HGV drivers, blaming the issues on the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit.

In Lancashire, thousands of pupils are being offered a reduced menu, The Times reported.

'One school this week has not had a delivery of sandwiches. Another, no soup was sent. One school cook has even reported going out and purchasing additional items out of her own money as she was concerned about the choices on offer,' Samara Barnes, a Labour councillor, told Lancashire Live.

'This is a grave concern, especially given the fact that we know some children rely on their school dinner as their only meal of the day.'

The county council has insisted that 'all pupils will still receive a healthy, nutritious and warm meal,' The Times reported, and that it expected to return to the full menu later this month.

The upheaval comes amid a growing shortage of HGV drivers, a nationwide panic-buying spree at petrol stations and growing fear inside Downing Street that supermarket shelves could remain barren until December 25.

Canteen supplier ISS has reportedly told 450 schools to stockpile 'long life, dried, tinned and frozen' products to make sure children can still be fed this winter (stock image)

Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, has written to Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi calling for him to urgently meet school caterers, school governors and local councillors to discuss the crisis after the party heard of 'stark issues' with food shortages.

But Zahawi told ITV that it was 'news to him' that schools were being asked to stockpile food.

Labour's shadow education secretary Kate Green accused the Government of 'burying their heads in the sand' over supply chain issues which have led to petrol pumps running dry and empty food shelves.

In his letter to Mr Zahawi, Sir Ed said: 'Across the country, I have heard from Liberal Democrat councillors and schools about some stark issues with food disruption in our schools for our children.

'Parents have endured so much and worked so hard during the pandemic but it seems your Government has failed them yet again. The least you can do is ensure a hot meal at their school for their children.

'For months you and your fellow ministers have been warned about the effects the shortage crisis could have on our economy and our everyday lives, now we see this reality coming true. For you to not have this on your radar is both surprising and a shocking abduction of leadership.'

Ms Green has called for a plan to recruit and train more HGV drivers to ease the supply issues, adding: 'No school must be left without the food supplies it needs, and no child left going hungry.'

There are concerns of a 1978-style 'winter of discontent' for the UK, with skyrocketing energy prices, food shortages and fuel rationing.

In the email, which was sent a week ago, ISS reportedly said it is confident that it will be able to provide food across winter, but warned that it may change its menus at short notice as part of contingency plans.

ISS was said to have warned school canteens that it was already suffering from shortages of fish fingers, with the 'fallback' replacement meal being jacket potatoes.

Amid fears of a winter of discontent, ISS reportedly urged schools to place orders a week in advice, remove sandwich options due to bread shortages, remove unnecessary frozen items, such as ice cream, and 'stockpile' essential items.

A spokesperson for ISS told MailOnline: 'Our priority is always the schools, and the children, whose meals we provide.

'We would like to reassure parents and carers that our ability to continue to provide nutritious school meals is not being impacted by the well-publicised shortages of items that the UK is currently experiencing.

'Naturally, we have contingency plans in place to ensure that a good supply of meals remains in place.

'That contingency planning includes regular communication with our stakeholders during these challenging times for many schools across the country.'

Meanwhile, food wholesaler BidFood has warned that it is experiencing 'significant' supply pressures and is struggling to recruit HGV drivers (stock image)

It comes amid a shortage of HGV drivers and panic-buying sprees at petrol stations. Pictured: Customers queuing in cars to access an Asda petrol station in east London on September 25

Meanwhile, BidFood, one of the UK's largest food wholesalers, told the publication that it is struggling with supply 'pressures' and are struggling to recruit HGV drivers.

The company, which delivers to schools, claimed it is 'impacting' its ability to deliver its 'usual levels of service' from some depots, blaming the issues on Brexit and the Covid pandemic.

A BidFood spokesperson told MailOnline: 'As a result of the impacts Brexit and Covid-19 continue to have on the hospitality industry, we're experiencing significant pressures across the supply chain, including shortages from manufacturers and challenges with HGV driver recruitment, which in turn is impacting our ability to deliver our usual levels of service out of a portion of our depots.

'Our team are working proactively with our customers to mitigate these issues, including providing up-to-date information about availability, notifying them of any delays and rearranging deliveries to neighbouring depots with greater capacity, wherever possible.

'We are also continuing to leverage our strong relationships with suppliers to ensure we receive enough stock to be in a position to fulfil our customers' needs.

'The past 18 months have, and continue to be, extremely challenging for the industry and our teams are working around the clock to put in place measures to get deliveries out to customers.'

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi told ITV News that it was 'news to him' that canteen providers had asked schools to stockpile food.

A Government spokesperson said: 'There is no evidence to suggest widespread supply issues. Schools have flexibility under the School Food Standards to substitute food products if particular ingredients or meals are not readily available.

'We routinely consider contingency arrangements and expect schools and catering companies supplying them to do the same.

'In the event of any disruption to supply, we will work with councils and the sector to ensure warm, nutritious meals can continue to be provided.'

The comments come after Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called on HGV bosses to give drivers a pay rise, and prepared to send them one million 'morale-boosting' letters in the run-up to Christmas.

The move comes as drivers are panic buying fuel across the nation amid the driver shortage and growing concern that supermarket shelves could remain barren until December 25.

Ministers are said to be urging up to 40,000 retired hauliers to return to action in a last-gasp bid to save Christmas, as retailers warned the Government it has less than two weeks to prepare for the festive season.

Meanwhile, Johnson is to personally sign off on a million 'morale-boosting' letters urging drivers who turned away from the industry to get back on Britain's roads.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi (pictured) said it was 'news to him' that canteen providers had asked schools to stockpile food amid fears of a 'winter of discontent'

And in a further boost, more than 10,000 temporary foreign visas will be fast-tracked by the Government as ministers rush to solve the supply chain crisis that's threatening Christmas.

The scenes of queues outside petrol stations - which for some will stir up memories of the 1973 Opec Oil Crisis and the 2000 fuel shortage - come amid fears of a 1978-style 'winter of discontent' for the UK.

The shortage of HGV drivers has long threatened to wreak havoc this winter, and it has been exacerbated by a huge backlog in HGV tests due to Covid, as well as foreign drivers returning home amid the pandemic and Brexit.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the changes, with the visas available from next month, would 'ensure preparations remain on track' for the festive season.

He echoed calls for drivers to be fairly compensated and added: 'We are acting now, but the industries must also play their part with working conditions continuing to improve and the deserved salary increases continuing to be maintained in order for companies to retain new drivers.

'I know how important this Christmas is for all of us and that's why we're taking these steps at the earliest opportunity to ensure preparations remain on track.'

Retailers had warned the Government that it had just 10 days to save the festive period from 'significant disruption' due to a shortfall of about 90,000 drivers in the freight sector.

It comes as thousands of desperate drivers ignored Government pleas for calm as they jammed roads - with fears mounting over the impact of lasting fuel shortages on the economy.

The Petrol Retailers Association had told drivers to 'keep a quarter of a tank' of fuel in their vehicles in preparation for potential closures of local petrol stations.

The coronavirus pandemic has exacerbated a global shortage of lorry drivers, although there have been long-term issues in the UK with labour numbers amid an ageing workforce, low wages and poor truck stop conditions.

The DfT said it recognised that importing foreign labour 'will not be the long term solution' to the problem and that it wanted to see investment poured into establishing a robust domestic workforce.

A Shell garage employee holds a sign on the side of the road informing traffic that they do not have unleaded petrol

The scenes of queues outside petrol stations come amid fears of a 1978-style 'winter of discontent' for the UK

Officials said the Government continued to support solving the high vacancy rate through improved testing and hiring, with better pay, working conditions and diversity.

Another long-term measure to turn the situation around will see the Department for Education plough up to 10 million into creating new 'skills bootcamps' to train up to 3,000 more people to become HGV drivers.

The free, intensive courses will train drivers to undertake an entry level HGV licence (Category C) or a more advanced course to operate heavier and longer lorries (Category C&E).

Another 1,000 people are expected to be trained through courses accessed locally and funded by the Government's adult education budget.

Those accessing medical and HGV licences through the adult budget in the 2021/22 academic year will have their qualifications paid for by the state, with the funding backdated to anyone who started one of these qualifications on or after August 1.

More DVSA examiners will also be freed up to conduct lorry driver tests via a law change to allow driving examiners at the three emergency services and the MoD to be able to conduct driving tests for one another.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said: 'HGV drivers keep this country running.

'We are taking action to tackle the shortage of drivers by removing barriers to help more people to launch new well-paid careers in the industry, supporting thousands to get the training they need to be road ready.'

Environment Secretary George Eustice said: 'We have listened to concerns from the sector and we are acting to alleviate what is a very tight labour market.'

The Government said it had already streamlined the process for new HGV drivers while increasing the number of driving tests available to allow for an extra 50,000 tests to take place per year.
Denzel Kasaka, 23, (in mug) was found guilty of second-degree murder Wednesday

A jealous lover has been convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend's new boyfriend after sending her a message on Instagram warning 'it's not gonna end well' before he stalked them in his car and stabbed his victim through the heart.

Denzel Kasaka, 23, was found guilty of second-degree murder Wednesday for the slaying of his love-rival Jose Augusto Ruiz, 20, in Silver Spring, Maryland, in June 2020.

Kasaka stalked his ex Lucya Ramirez and her new boyfriend Ruiz throughout the day on June 14 - first tracking there whereabouts via social media and sending them both 'threatening messages'. He then began following them in his car as they spent the day and night together.

Eventually, Kasaka confronted his ex and her new partner in a parking lot outside Ruiz's home where the two men got into a fist fight, which culminated in Kasaka pulling out a knife and stabbing the 20-year-old to death.

Surveillance footage of the incident captured Kasaka stalking the couple in his car and the fatal incident that followed.

Prosecutors said Ruiz and Ramirez spent the day of the 'love triangle' murder together while Kasaka began stalking the couple through her Instagram, reported the Washington Post.

Kasaka then started sending the pair threatening messages on Instagram around 10am.

Kasaka was 'acting jealous and was clearly upset that the two were spending the day together', the court documents read.

One of the messages to his ex warned: 'On everything it's not gonna end well.'

Later that day, the couple went to Ramirez's home to pick up some clothes so she could spend the night with Ruiz.

Surveillance footage captured Kasaka stalking his ex Lucya Ramirez and her new bofriend love rival Jose Augusto Ruiz, 20, in Silver Spring, Maryland, back in June 2020

The footage shows the two men get into a fist fight outside Ruiz's home. Kasaka then pulled a knife from his car and stabbed Ruiz before driving off

While they were there, Ramirez said she spotted Kasaka's car in the area.

Believing he was looking for her, Ramirez text her ex telling him she was at home, court documents said.

The couple then went to Ruiz's grandmother's home where they continued to receive threatening messages from Kasaka.

Ramirez and Ruiz allegedly got into a 'disagreement' about Kasaka and his harassment of them and they returned together to Ramirez's home at around 10pm.

From there, they decided they would both spend the night at Ruiz's townhouse which was located in the 13700 block of Avonshire Drive, according to the court documents.

The couple pulled up in the car outside his home to find Kasaka had followed them there.

Kasaka had stalked the couple on Instagram throughout the day before following them in his car. Ruiz (pictured) died from multiple stab wounds

The surveillance footage captures what happened next.

Kasaka's vehicle is seen coming to a stop and he exits the car.

Ruiz approaches and the two men become embroiled in a fist fight - while Ramirez appears to be trying to separate them.

The footage shows the brawl continues on and off for a couple of minutes.

During this time, according to the court documents, Ruiz broke the back window of Kasaka's car.

Kasaka is seen getting back in his vehicle and driving it forward a few feet before stopping again.

The killer got out the car and returned to the fight with a knife which he used to stab Ruiz multiple times - twice in the abdomen area and once directly to the heart, the documents state.

Kasaka then got in his car and sped away from the scene.

Kasaka faces up to 40 years in prison and prosecutors are asking for the maximum sentence to be handed down for Ruiz's murder

Ruiz was rushed to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Later that night, Kasaka's car was found along Good Hope Road near his home.

He surrendered to police two days later.

Kasaka was charged with first-degree, pre-mediated murder and second-degree murder.

The jury at Montgomery County Circuit court deliberated for three days before finding him not guilty on the higher charge but guilty on the second.

Ramirez is due to be sentenced on February 18.

He faces up to 40 years in prison and prosecutors are asking for the maximum sentence to be handed down.

Montgomery County State's Attorney John McCarthy described Kasaka as a 'threat to the safety of the community and the state intends to seek the maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.'

Meanwhile, Kasaka's defense, which argued at his trial he was acting in self-defense, have vowed to appeal the conviction.
Dr Kerry Chant did not support the changes made to Freedom Day by Dominic Perrottet before she was 'snubbed' from the premier's first press conference.

The NSW chief health officer was noticeably absent as Mr Perrottet unveiled a raft of changes to the roadmap out of lockdown on Thursday.

Speculation swirled around why Dr Chant was not present with one political reporter claiming she was in disagreement with Mr Perrottet's revisions.

'I have confirmed with multiple sources who are aware of the discussions last night with Dr Chant, that she did not fully endorse this new roadmap,' 9 News political reporter Chris O'Keefe tweeted.

'The Chief Health Officer warned the new premier all of these changes come with risk, but changing a roadmap that was only nine days old was ultimately a matter for the government.'

Dr Kerry Chant did not support the changes made to Freedom Day by Dominic Perrottet before she was 'snubbed' from the premier's first press conference

The NSW chief health officer was noticeably absent as Mr Perrottet unveiled a raft of changes to the roadmap out of lockdown on Thursday

Speculation swirled around why Dr Chant was not present with one political reporter claiming she was in disagreement with Mr Perrottet's revisions

O'Keefe claimed Mr Perrottet was looking for a way to put 'his stamp' on the lockdown exit strategy when he made the changes.

'That is his prerogative, he is elected to make decisions after taking on advice from business, Kerry Chant, and the community,' he said.

O'Keefe was one of several reporters at the press conference who grilled Mr Perrottet over Dr Chant's absence.

'What does it say about your respect for Dr Kerry Chant when she's led us through this for the last two years and you wouldn't invite her here today at your first major [press conference],' O'Keefe asked.

'It is a bit disrespectful isn't it?'

Mr Perrottet replied tersely: 'Dr Chant is one of my favourite constituents in Epping. We have always had a great relationship.'

The reporter said it was reasonable during a health crisis to expect the chief health officer to attend major Covid press conferences.

'Well, it's also an economic crisis as well,' a rattled Mr Perrottet replied. 'As the new premier, we're the elected officials.

'The style might be different and changes will get made, but in my view we had a very constructive discussion last night and as the health minister has said, these changes are supported by the health team.'

One attending reporter went as far to describe Dr Chant's (right) omission as 'disrespectful' while others questioned if she had even endorsed the changes to the roadmap

Other reporters seemed unconvinced and asked again if the changes to the roadmap had been approved by Dr Chant and the health team.

'I sat down with the health minister and Dr Chant yesterday,' the premier repeated.

'We went through some of these potential changes. We went through the opportunities to make some sensible amendments, some stable and steady amendments, to the roadmap.'

Mr Perrottet reassured reporters the chief health officer and her team would continue to be members of his rebranded subcommittee in the future.

'I think the health minister has made it very clear the changes today are supported and endorsed by the health team in the entire NSW Government,' he said.

The revisions will allow Kindergarten, Year 1, Year 2 and Year 12 to return to school on Monday October 18, with all students back in the classroom by October 25.

Limits on household gatherings and weddings and funerals for the fully vaccinated will also be double what was promised by his predecessor Gladys Berejiklian.

Up to 10 residents excluding children will be allowed to gather inside homes across the state, and as many as 100 permitted to attend weddings and funerals.

Indoor swimming pools will also be able to open for swimming lessons, training and rehabilitation activities.

From the 80 per cent vaccination milestone, expected by October 25, restrictions will ease further.

This includes a cap of 3,000 people for controlled and ticketed outdoor events and the reopening of nightclubs.

The new state leader announced an overhaul of NSW's roadmap out of lockdown on Thursday (pictured, bar staff make drinks in Sydney)

Up to 10 residents excluding children will be allowed to gather inside homes across the state, and as many as 100 permitted to attend weddings and funerals (pictured, Opera Bar in Sydney)

Mandatory mask use will also be ditched in office buildings in an attempt to encourage workers back into the Sydney CBD.

These freedoms will only be restored for the fully vaccinated until December 1, when freedoms are restored for the unvaccinated.

'These changes today are measured, sensible, and ensure we open up in a very safe way,' Mr Perrottet said of the changes to the state's roadmap.

'I met yesterday for some time with Dr Chant and with Minister Hazzard. We ran through a whole range of issues.

'It was a long meeting, but one in which I think was constructive, productive and these changes today, I think, will make a real difference.'
IBM announced that all US employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by December 8 or face an unpaid suspension as it becomes the latest US employer to pass sweeping vaccine mandates.

The tech company, which employs more than 100,000 people in the US, told American workers that it must comply with President Joe Biden's vaccine mandate for federal contractors.

'As a federal contractor, it is a business imperative for IBM to comply with this mandate,' the company said in a memo sent to employees this week. 'In light of this requirement, the policies of many of our clients and partners, and the easy access to vaccines around the country, we will now require all IBM U.S. employees to be fully vaccinated by December 8, 2021, in order to work at IBM.'

All US employees, regardless of where they work, must comply with the new mandate or face unpaid suspensions until they complete the vaccination process, CNBC reported.

IBM will require its more than 100,000 US employees to vaccinate against COVID-19 or face unpaid suspensions. Pictured, IBM's headquarters in Armonk, New York

The company will offer limited medical or religious exemptions.

IBM joins the likes of Mercy Health and the state of Connecticut in offering this type of ultimatum to employees.

A spokesperson from IBM said the decision came down to three factors: the government mandate, the continued spread of COVID-19, and the nationwide availability for the vaccines.

'As we've said throughout the pandemic, IBM's health and safety practices are driven by science,' the spokesperson told Bloomberg.

The US only recently been recovering from a spike in COVID-19 cases that began in late August due to the Delta variant, but cases are still high.

A little more than half of all Americans are fully vaccinated against COVID-19

On Wednesday, the nation reported about 111,503 new cases and 2,556 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University.

There were more than 700,000 new cases reported this past week and 12,115 new deaths.

More than 75 per cent of eligible Americans have received at least one jab of the vaccine, with about 56 per cent of the population fully vaccinated against the virus.

IBM's move comes after some of the largest companies in the U.S. - such as Google's parent Alphabet Inc and Facebook - are requiring some or all staff to be vaccinated.

While the tech giants have also pushed for all U.S. employees to be vaccinated, Apple and Amazon have chosen to delay bringing all employees back to the office.

Apple employees were set to return in early September, but CEO Tim Cook pushed the date back to January 2022, a move Amazon mimicked, Forbes reported.

Some companies, such as United Airlines and American Airlines, have even said they would fire unvaccinated employees.

American Airlines CEO Doug Parker, left, and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby have issued vaccine mandates for all their employees, who face termination if they do not comply

United Airlines reported 99 per cent of its staff has been vaccinated against COVID-19 head of its deadline on Oct. 25

Researchers from Willis Towers Watson, a British multinational risk management, insurance brokerage and advisory company, had polled nearly 1,000 companies who employ around 9.7 million people in US, and more than half said they were in favor of vaccine mandates.

Nearly one-third of employers report that they are planning or considering making COVID-19 vaccines a requirement to enter the workplace.

And 21 percent said they either will or are thinking about requiring vaccinations of all new hires.

As for whether or not the companies will keep track of employee's vaccination status - and how they will - answers vary.

Currently, 59 percent of employers said they are tracking workers' vaccination status and 19 percent are planning or considering doing so by the end of 2021.
The CIA operated a secret backdoor gate into Hamid Karzai International Airport that was used to evacuate embassy workers and local intelligence assets, it has been revealed.

That entrance, code-named Glory Gate, led to a gas station on a quiet stretch of road on the north side of the airport, about two miles from the crowded Abbey Gate where a suicide bomber killed 13 US troops, according to the Wall Street Journal.

It was manned by an elite Afghanistan paramilitary unit known as 02, who were trained by the CIA, and evacuated from Kabul on the final flights out of the city.

The gate, so secret that it was unknown to the Taliban, was initially used for priority cases for the CIA and a list of high-importance cases sent from the White House, and it later expanded to help the State Department evacuate Afghans who worked at the US Embassy.

Its existence remained a closely held secret throughout the chaotic evacuation, for fear that it would be overwhelmed by crowds or attacked, like the public gates on the south and west sides of the airport.

The CIA's secret 'Glory Gate' is seen on the map above. The Abbey Gate, about two miles away, was the scene of a suicide attack that killed 13 US troops

Afghan passengers board a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III during the Afghanistan evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul on August 22

Hastily constructed out of barbed wire, Hesco barriers, and blast walls, the Glory Gate was a walled corridor extending from the airport perimeter and ending just across the street from a gas station, where Afghans would gather to wait for the signal to enter.

'The gas station was where our guys would go grab Afghans' for evacuation, a former CIA operative told the Journal.

Evacuees would first be searched behind blast walls, and then driven over a bridge directly into the US military section of the airport, a former base known as Camp Alvarado, for further processing.

Initially used only by the CIA, the gate became more active on August 26, when the State Department reached a deal to use it for Afghan workers at the US embassy, who were having difficulty passing Taliban checkpoints.

Embassy staff and families were told to assemble at secret locations around the city and board buses that would take them to the airport.

An initial test of the plan seemed to work, and State Department workers raced to schedule more buses. Hours later, however, the secret gate was shut down due to intel on a possible attack.

The Glory Gate (far right) is seen on August 23 across the street from a gas station where the CIA would snatch up high-priority evacuees

British and US soldiers are seen at the crowded public gates during the evacuations

That afternoon, an ISIS-K suicide bomber struck the Abbey Gate on the western side of the airport, killing scores of Afghans and 13 Americans.

The attack brought the evacuation to a near standstill, and in the final hours before the 6am deadline on August 28, only the CIA gates remained open for Afghans and their families.

Homeira Qaderi, a female author in Kabul who castigated the Taliban in her book Dancing in the Mosque, and her eight-year-old son were among the final Afghans to reach the airport through the Glory Gate, according to the Journal.

Sam Aronson, a political officer at the State Department, called Qaderi with detailed instructions and met her at the gate, shining a flashlight through a V-shape in his fingers as the signal to sprint across.

Confused Afghan soldiers protecting the CIA at the entrance fired warning shots in the air, but were shouted out to stop and the families were allowed to pass.

U.S. Marines provide assistance during an evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport, in Kabul, Afghanistan, August 20, 2021

The existence of the secret gate was revealed a day after the ISIS-K suicide bomber was identified as one of hundreds of people freed from prison just days earlier by the Taliban.

Two US officials confirmed the bomber's identity as Abdul Rehman Al-Loghri, who was named by ISIS-K when they took credit for the attack.

He was imprisoned at the Parwan prison at Bagram Air Force base 11 days before the devastating attack, House Rep. Kevin Calvert (R-CA) and two other US officials told CNN.

Calvert said he was briefed on the information by national security officials.

Bagram was under US control until early July, when its abandonment spurred widespread criticism.

ISIS-K is an Afghanistan-based affiliate of the Islamic State.

The group is a sworn enemy of the Taliban, and in the airport attack on August 26, the insurgent group condemned the violence and claimed some of its fighters were hurt as well.

The release of thousands of prisoners from facilities in Afghanistan was one of the first of numerous criticisms hurled at President Joe Biden over the crisis.
A Trump-era advisor of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is suing the agency over the Biden administration's 'purge' of industry representatives.

EPA head Michael Regan last spring said that advisors appointed under Trump were overly friendly to business and said he would 'reset' the Science Advisory Board (SAB) and Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee to include more scientific experts.

Regan's overhaul removed 45 members of the two boards, which provide recommendations for air quality standards and other regulations to protect the environment and public health.

Stanley Young, who served on the SAB under Trump, said the advisory boards are now stacked with science advisors who favor President Biden's policies.

'The committees are now unfairly balanced  both in terms of points of view and the functions the committees are required to perform  because they lack a single member affiliated with regulated industries,' the suit, first reported by Fox News, read.

The EPA 'has a problem with dissent,' according to Young, represented by Jones Day law office.

Regan at the time told the Associated Press the reset of the two boards 'are indicative of how serious we are about repairing the scientific integrity at EPA.'

Young contends in the suit that Regan violated the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) by removing all industry-focused officials from the boards.

The 1972 act stipulates that advisory committees be 'objective' and accessible to the public.

According to the suit, FACA is meant to ensure members of the EPA advisory boards are 'fairly balanced' and the advice of committees is not 'inappropriately influenced by the appointing authority.'

EPA head Michael Regan last spring said that advisors appointed under Trump were overly friendly to business and said he would 'reset' the Science Advisory Board (SAB) and Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee to include more scientific experts

The EPA under the Biden administration has shifted to a focus on mitigating the effects of climate change, in May publishing the agency's first climate report since 2016

The suit calls for all committee activity to cease until 'balanced membership and adequate protections against inappropriate influence' can be put in place.

Under the Trump administration, EPA chief Scott Pruitt was subject to his own lawsuits after he stripped six scientists and academics from the committees and barred anyone who receives EPA grant money from serving on panels that counsel the agency on scientific decisions, saying it would represent a conflict of interest.

He replaced the scientists with industry representatives, but did not impose the same restriction to prevent them from providing advice on policies that would affect their businesses.

'In its haste to eliminate all traces of industry from its advisory committees, EPA ran roughshod over FACA and its obligation to engage in reasoned decision-making,' the suit reads.

'Industry representation is essential because industry inputs inform the advice of both the Board and the Committee, and the committees' advice and the resulting EPA actions significantly affect numerous regulated industries,' it continues.

At the time of Regan's so-called 'purge,' GOP Reps. James Comer of Kentucky and Ralph Norman of South Carolina demanded the EPA turn over records related to the decision as they said it 'raises serious concerns about the politicization of the EPA.'

The EPA under the Biden administration has shifted to a focus on mitigating the effects of climate change, in May publishing the agency's first climate report since 2016. The report was the first time the federal government officially laid blame on humans for climate change.

'Greenhouse gases from human activities are the most significant driver of observed climate change since the mid-20th century,' the report reads.
Letitia Wright has allegedly expressed anti-vaccine views on the set of Black Panther 2 star - months after her controversial opinions sparked calls on social media for her to be recast.

Wright, 27, deleted all of her social media accounts in December after outrage over a conspiracy theorist video she posted which asked if the injection will implant 5G antennas inside people or create human animal 'chimeras'.

And the Hollywood Reporter claims that she has continued to express her anti-vax views on the Atlanta set of the upcoming superhero sequel.

Black Panther 2 is currently in production, and is unaffected by Disney's upcoming vaccination mandate which is part of a return-to-work deal with Hollywood's trade unions.

Disney's new rules - expected to come in to force this month - will mean that cast and crew have to display physical proof of COVID-19 vaccination on set via a wristband.

Wright plays Shuri in the films, with the character tipped as a possible successor as Black Panther after the death of star Chadwick Boseman last year.

Wright plays Shuri in 'Black Panther 2' which is currently in production in Atlanta. She is pictured on set with Danai Gurira last month

Black Panther 2 star Letitia Wright has allegedly been continuing to express anti-vaccine views on the set of the film. She is pictured in the original 2018 film

The Hollywood Reporter notes that Wright's views are indicative of a wider Tinseltown divide when it comes to vaccinations.

George Clooney has said that it's 'crazy' that some stars have not had the shot, telling them to 'Grow up. Get something done.'

Oscar winner Sean Penn recently refused to return to the set of his upcoming Starz series Gaslit until the entire cast and crew were vaccinated. He compared being unvaccinated to 'pointing a gun in somebody's face'.

But Black-ish star Anthony Anderson said: 'Im not here to judge anyone on what they should do with their body. I can only govern what Im doing with mine.'

Anderson has said he is vaccinated because he has a preexisting condition as a Type 2 diabetic.

The revelation was part of a Hollywood Reporter story about Tinseltown's divided response to vaccinations

The conspiracy theory clip which Wright shared in December was from On The Table - a YouTube channel presented by Arayomi, a law graduate whose mother is a dentist and father is a doctor.

He says his ministry 'seeks to restore the ability to hear the voice of God to every person on every sphere of influence.'

The description of his YouTube video says: 'Tonight I'm talking about Luciferase, the ingredient allegedly being added to the COVID vaccine to detect those who have not taken it. Luciferase, named by its founder after Lucifer???'

Luciferase is a photoluminescent enzyme that glows when exposed to light of a certain wavelength.

It has been suggested it could be used in vaccines in developing countries to detect who has already been vaccinated. Lucifer is also Greek for light-bringer. Luciferase is not used in vaccines deployed in the US, UK, Europe and countries with developed health care systems.

In the podcast Arayomi says: 'I don't understand vaccines medically, but I've always been a little bit of a skeptic of them.'

A search for Wright's Twitter account in December brought up a blank page and the phrase 'this account doesn't exist' after sharing a video of a vaccine skeptic

Wright's Instagram page, which had 2.1 million followers, was also not available

Wright shared a video from YouTube discussion channel 'On The Table' in which the presenter said 'I don't understand vaccines medically' before rolling into a fact-free monologue full of personal anecdotes and his personal feelings on vaccines in general

He complains about being 'peer-pressured' into being made to have a flu shot as a child.

The Guyanese-British actress who rose from a BAFTA Breakthrough Brit award to global recognition in Black Panther Letitia Wright, 27, was born in Georgetown, Guyana, and lived there until she was seven. Her family moved to London where she lived in Tottenham and attended a state school. Despite global fame through her Hollywood career, she has said: 'I'll always be a north London girl.' The actress was among the 2015 group of BAFTA Breakthrough Brits for her role in the award-winning film Urban Hymn. She later featured in The Commuter and Ready Player One before she gained global recognition with Black Panther. In the 2018 film she played Shuri, which led to spin off roles in The Avengers blockbusters. Wright has also starred on the small screen, with parts in Doctor Who, Holby City and Black Mirror. But life has not always been plain sailing. She opened up abouyt her battle with depression in an interview in 2018. She told Vanity Fair it began when she was 20 and was 'was in the dark going through so many bad things'. She said her Christian faith helped her overcome the struggle. Advertisement

He also asks whether any coronavirus vaccine that contains animal DNA will turn people into human-animal 'chimeras', a 'half-human, a half- animal creature' that he says appears in the Bible.

Some vaccines, including the NHS 6-in-1 vaccine and rotovirus vaccine, are made using organisms derived from animal materials to grow microorganisms, and have been for decades.

Arayomi also questions whether metal contained in the vaccine will create antennas inside the body that pick up 5G signals and says 'this could be true'.

Wright shared the video with the 'praying hands' emoji, but offered no other comment.

Fans immediately accused her of spreading false and potentially dangerous content that could bolster misinformation.

She then went back-and-forth with fans as she attempted to defend herself over the video.

'I think it's valid and fair to simply ask what's in it,' Wright replied to one user who was calling her out on the platform.

'If you dont conform to popular opinions. but ask questions and think for yourselfyou get cancelled.'

She doubled-down on her stance soon after, writing on Friday: 'My intention was not to hurt anyone, my ONLY intention of posting the video was it raised my concerns with what the vaccine contains and what we are putting in our bodies. Nothing else.'

All three tweets were deleted before Wright's social media accounts.

Wright ended up 'parting ways' with her American PR team after the outrage.

She then doubled down, saying she did not mean to offend people but wanted to raise her fears about what goes into vaccines.

She wrote on Twitter: 'My intention was not to hurt anyone, my ONLY intention of posting the video was it raised my concerns with what the vaccine contains and what we are putting in our bodies. Nothing else.'

Wright said it was not her intention to make anyone upset and she was not saying 'don't take' the jab, but added: 'I'm just concerned about what's in it that's all.'

Wright later posted: 'If you don't conform to popular opinions, but ask questions and think for yourself....you get cancelled.'

Wright, who in addition to Black Panther and the Marvel movies has starred in Death on the Nile, Black Mirror and who is currently starring in Steve McQueen's acclaimed Small Axe, faced wide backlash across social media.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk will head the ministerial team overseeing planning for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics following a swearing in ceremony at Government House.

Ms Palaszczuk took to social media to announce herself as the new Minister for the Olympics, to be supported by Deputy Premier Steven Miles as Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics Infrastructure.

Sport and Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe becomes Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement, while Treasurer Cameron Dick takes the trade and investment portfolio.

The premier said these were 'small but necessary next steps' as Queensland counts down to 2032.

Ms Palaszczuk took to social media to announce herself as the new Minister for the Olympics

'Hosting the 2032 Games will generate $8 billion in economic and social benefits, in addition to 91,600 jobs,' Ms Palaszczuk tweeted on Thursday

'Hosting the 2032 Games will generate $8 billion in economic and social benefits, in addition to 91,600 jobs,' Ms Palaszczuk tweeted on Thursday.

'It is the catalyst for the biggest infrastructure program our state has ever seen with all levels of government co-operating to deliver projects on time.'

Legislation to provide for the body responsible for delivering Games projects is expected to come before state parliament this month.

The appointments come as Brisbane prepares to host a welcome home event for Olympic and Paralympic athletes in King George Square on Friday.
A Honduran migrant and her 10 year-old niece died cuddling one another after the van they were in crashed in a fireball while being pursued by Mexican cops who were trying to stop it making it to the US border.

First responders found the burned body of Rosa Florinda Martinez, 35, in the back of the truck with her niece Nelsy Rosibel Martinez, 10, in her arms in Veracruz, Mexico, on Tuesday.

Video footage posted on social media showed the body of a third victim, later identified as 14-year-old Denilson Serrano Cerrato, in flames.

Another 23 people were hurt in the horror smash, but survived.

Rosa Florinda Martinez was one of three Honduran migrants who were burned and found dead after the van they were traveling on crashed and exploded during a police pursuit Tuesday in Veracruz, Mexico. Authorities found the 35-year-old woman clutching her 10-year-old niece Nelsy Rosibel Martinez

Nelsy Rosibel Martinez was among the three Honduran migrants who were killed when the van they were traveling lost a wheel and crashed after its driver, a smuggler, refused to stop for the police Tuesday in Veracruz, Mexico. The 10-year-old was expecting to reunite with her mother in the United States

Authorities stand near a van that crashed on a highway in Veracruz, Mexico. A member of the Coatzacoalcos Civil Defense said the vehicle was overloaded

Among the survivors was Juan Jose Lara, 14, who told Mexican authorities that his cousin Nelsy Rosibel Martinez was going to reunite with her mother in the United States. Rosa Florinda Martinez was the boy's aunt.

The three had left the Honduran department of Colon days earlier.

A member of the Coatzacoalcos Civil Defense told reporters that the migrants were being ferried from Villahermosa, Tabasco to Tijuana, Mexico. Once there they were expected to smuggled into the United States.

Another member with the Coatzacoalcos Civil Defense told AFP that the vehicle was 'overloaded.'

Mexican authorities gathered on Wednesday to inspect a van after it crashed and burned Tuesday night in Veracruz, Mexico, killing three Honduran migrants and injuring 23 people

The smuggler led authorities on a pursuit on the Nuevo Teapa-Cosoleacaque highway and at one point lost control of the truck when one of its tires loosened off, causing the vehicle to overturn.

The truck's fuel tank exploded before the entire vehicle was engulfed in flames.

The tragic accident comes after four Cuban migrants were killed and eight others were injured September 22.

The truck they were traveling on lost a tire and then veered off the La Tinaja-Cosoleacaque highway in Veracruz and tumbled down a cliff.
Police officers, neighbors and even a priest are standing under a tree in Queens urging a man to climb down after his mother called the cops on him yesterday afternoon saying he was 'threatening her.'

The man has been holed up in the tree, located near 145th avenue and 226th street in the Brooksville neighborhood of Queens for more than 24 hours, since Wednesday at 12.45pm.

He was still peeking out from behind the leaves as of 4.50pm Thursday, police told DailyMail.com.

The unidentified man already has a warrant out for his arrest for allegedly punching a 50-year-old woman who was in a car with him on September 30, according to WABC.

He's shouted down that he doesn't want to go back to jail, saying he was abused there.

A man has been avoiding arrest atop a tree in Queens since Wednesday afternoon after his mother called officers saying he had threatened her

The road has been closed off as police, neighbors and even a priest try to talk him down

An NYPD chaplain told a local station that 'this is something that he does all the time'

'Don't tell him he has warrants for his arrest,' neighbor Shannon Warmington told WABC. 'When he thinks he's going to jail, and that's what he thinks now, he's not going down.'

The street has been closed since Wednesday.

Police responded to the home yesterday afternoon after his mother called police saying he was threatening her. When officers arrived, he climbed onto the roof and into the tree.

His brother was among the many bystanders gathered around the tree Thursday afternoon, urging him to come down.

The man already has a warrant out for his arrest for allegedly punching a 50-year-old woman last month. He's shouted down that he doesn't want to go to jail, where he says he was abused

The man's brother is among those who showed up to coax him down from his arboreal abode

'Let some of the friends he plays with coax him down, but they say no, and they are going there and just aggravating him more,' one neighbor said.

One officer says the man has quite the tree-hopping habit.

'This is something that he does all the time,' said NYPD Chaplain Dr. Reba Perry, who is also a neighbor.

The Chaplain's unit 'provides spiritual help and guidance' to officers, according to the department.

'He gets in the tree. It's not unusual for him to be in the tree. He's from Haiti. They climb trees,' Perry added.
A U.S. fast-attack, nuclear-powered submarine struck a mystery object while submerged in international waters in the Indo-Pacific region, the U.S. Pacific Fleet said on Thursday, injuring as many as 11 sailors.

In a brief statement, the Navy said the U.S.S. Connecticut remained in a stable condition and that her nuclear plant was not damaged.

It did not offer a specific location but U.S.N.I. News reported that it happened in the South China Sea.

A defense official told the site that 11 people were injured and the boat was now headed to Guam, where it was expected to arrive on Saturday.

The region has been the scene of intense naval activity in recent years as China flexes its military muscles and the U.S. conducts 'freedom of navigation' missions to limit Beijing's influence.

The accident comes as Washington expresses concern about China's increasingly belligerent stance towards the self-governing island Taiwan.

And on Thursday it emerged that U.S. special forces and Marines have been training troops on the South China Sea island for at least a year.

In a statement, the Pacific Fleet said the Seawolf-class fast-attack submarine USS Connecticut struck an 'unknown object' on Sunday.

'The safety of the crew remains the Navys top priority. There are no life threatening injuries,' it said.

'The submarine remains in a safe and stable condition.

'USS Connecticuts nuclear propulsion plant and spaces were not affected and remain fully operational.

'The extent of damage to the remainder of the submarine is being assessed. The U.S. Navy has not requested assistance. The incident will be investigated.'

The U.S.S. Connecticut, seen here in a file picture, struck an 'unknown object' on Sunday, according to the U.S. Pacific Fleet

In July, U.S.S. Connecticut put in to Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, for a scheduled port visit

The Navy offered no further details or information about the submarine's mission other than to say she was in the Indo-Pacific region. Her crew is seen here in a 2018 control room picture

The accident came amid rising tension in the region. Some 150 Chinese warplanes violated Taiwan's 'air defence zone' at the weekend, including 52 which flew in the single-largest mission to date (pictured) triggering warnings of war

The 353-foot boat was commissioned in 1998 and sails with a crew of 116, including 15 officers.

It can carry 40 torpedoes or missiles.

Officials offered no further details about its activities in the region. But its presence in such a sensitive location will spark speculation about what could have caused the accident.

Earlier the Central Intelligence Agency announced a reorganization on Thursday, putting a greater focus on China as tensions continue to rise between the world's biggest economies.

The CIA's new 'China Mission Center' was unveiled as a report claimed that U.S. special operations forces and Marines had been secretly operating in Taiwan to train military forces there for the past year.

Increasing tensions in the South Sea China have triggered warnings of war after sent air sorties and hostile rhetoric towards the self-governing island.

CIA Director William Burns said the new unit was a result of strategic reviews that concentrated on 'China, technology, people, and partnerships.'

'CMC will further strengthen the agency's work on the most important geopolitical threat we face in the 21st century, an increasingly adversarial Chinese government,' he said.

The reorganization marks an indication of how the Biden administration is reorienting to face the threat from China.

And it comes amid growing concerns in particular about Taiwan and Beijing's threatening moves.

About two dozen members of U.S. special-operations and support troops are training small units of Taiwans ground forces, officials told the Wall Street Journal, while Marine are working with local maritime forces.

CIA Director William Burns said the most important geopolitical threat facing the U.S. was 'an increasingly adversarial Chinese government' as he launched the China Mission Center

Taiwan is only 81 mi off the coast of mainland China at the narrowest point of the Taiwan Strait

They said the forces had been operating there for at least a year.

A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on the report directly.

'I would note, the PRC has stepped up efforts to intimidate and pressure Taiwan and other allies and partners, including increasing military activities conducted in the vicinity of Taiwan, East China Sea, and South China Sea which we believe are destabilizing and increase the risk of miscalculation,' said John Supple.

'I dont have any comments on specific operations, engagements, or training, but I would like to highlight that our support for and defense relationship with Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by the Peoples Republic of China.

'We urge Beijing to honor its commitment to the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait differences, as delineated in the three communiques.'

The U.S. has sold billions of dollars in weapons to Taiwan despite a policy of 'strategic ambiguity' over whether the U.S. would defend the island from a Chinese invasion.

But officials believe Taiwan must do more to counter the growing jeopardy it faces.

On Wednesday, America's top diplomat to the island said China posed a 'real and immediate' danger.

James Moriarty, speaking Wednesday night at an event to mark Taiwan's National Day in Washington, said China's recent show-of-strength in the skies near the island are a reminder of the threat it faces.

Moriarty, who heads the American Institute in Taiwan which represents the US on the island, said the incursions underlined the need for the ruling Republic of China to establish 'a powerful intimidating [defence] force as soon as possible.'

James Moriarty, America's top diplomat in Taiwan, has warned that China poses a 'real and immediate threat' to the island

China flew some 150 aircraft into Taiwan's 'air defence zone' over the weekend in one of the largest displays of force in recent years.

The missions had caused international alarm, Moriarty added, showing that the world is now paying attention to Taiwan and is ready to lend support.

Underlining his point, delegations of Australian and French diplomats visited the island on Thursday - holding high-level meetings with President Tsai Ing-wen.

Alain Richard, head of the French mission and a former defence minister, referred to Taiwan as 'a country' during as he was awarded the Order of Propitious Clouds for helping to establish diplomatic ties.

The remark is sure to infuriate Beijing, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province.

Officially, it is not recognised as a country under international law, though the government considers it to be an independent state.

The Chinese embassy in Paris warned that Richard's visit will damage the interests of China, Chinese-French relations and 'the image of France'.

Meanwhile former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot was also on the island today, also in an effort to improve relations and 'end the isolation from which Taiwan has been suffering for so many decades.'

'Over the past 70 years, Taiwan has transformed from an impoverished dictatorship into a vibrant, dynamic, pluralist democracy,' he said as he arrived.

China's sabre-rattling has not gone unanswered, with British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (front) leading a joint strike group in exercises in the South China Sea

'You have demonstrated to all the countries of this region that it is possible to be rich and free.'

It is not clear if Mr Abbot will meet with the French mission while he is on the island.

Australia's relations with France are currently strained after Canberra ripped up a billion-dollar contract to buy French submarines and signed a new deal with the UK and US to acquire nuclear ones - dubbed AUKUS.

The move infuriated Beijing, which warned it risked stability in the region by upsetting the balance of power.

Western nations have been rushing to reaffirm their support for Taiwan as it faces down threats from an increasingly-assertive China.

Tensions have been building ever since a 2019 speech by President Xi Jinping in which he vowed to 'reunify' Taiwan with mainland China - using force if necessary.

He spoke against the backdrop of a rapid expansion of China's military, including the construction of new bases in the South China Sea - where Taiwan is located and over which Beijing claim supreme authority.

That has prompted the US - a long-standing ally of Taiwan - to forge new alliances in the region to counter-balance the growing threat.

As well as the AUKUS pact, Biden has entered into a strategic partnership known as The Quad with India, Japan and Australia to share intelligence and carry out joint military drills in the region.

China's sorties near Taiwan have included nuclear-capable H-6 bombers (pictured) along with fighters and recon planes

In a huge show of force to Beijing, the US is also participating in huge naval exercises in the region led by Britain's newest aircraft carrier - HMS Queen Elizabeth.

'Big Lizzie', as she is affectionately known, is currently leading drills with a joint carrier strike group that includes the USS Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan, along with ships from New Zealand, the Netherlands, Canada and Japan.

The carriers and their escorts have been carrying out drills in the South China Sea, and are expected to arrive in Singapore shortly.

Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday vowed to 'do whatever it takes' to guard Taiwan against invasion as she indicated that without help from the country's allies 'authoritarianism has the upper hand over democracy.'

Tsai added: '[Democratic nations] should remember that if Taiwan were to fall, the consequences would be catastrophic for regional peace and the democratic system.

'It would signal that in today's global contest of values, authoritarianism has the upper hand over democracy.'

Taiwan hopes for peaceful coexistence with China, she said, but 'if its democracy and way of life are threatened, Taiwan will do whatever it takes to defend itself.'

Tsai's government on Monday urged Beijing to stop 'irresponsible provocative actions' after the warplanes breached Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ).

'Amid almost daily intrusions by the People's Liberation Army, our position on cross-strait relations remains constant: Taiwan will not bend to pressure,' Tsai added.
Cherie Blair says she is a passionate feminist and dedicated human rights lawyer who exploits her connections, skills and status to make the world a better place.

'I want to use my energy and my voice to raise as much awareness and generate as much social change as I can,' she declared in one interview, adding that 'working towards women's economic empowerment' was the single most important battle.

It all sounds laudable. How strange, then, to discover that this self-proclaimed warrior for social justice advises a secretive Israeli firm that sells nefarious hacking software allegedly used by some of the world's most repulsive regimes to spy upon their foes.

Cherie Blair QC, pictured with her husband, former PM Tony Blair, right, received a tip off from a company she represents that a leading divorce lawyer and her client's mobile phones had been hacked by military grade software

This week, a High Court Judge ruled that this sinister spyware has been used by Dubai's potentate Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to hack the phone of his former wife, Princess Haya, who fled to Britain with her two children.It was even used to listen in on and monitor the phones of her lawyers  one of whom, Baroness Shackleton sits in the House of Lords.

The sordid details heard by the High Court also revealed that the horse-loving friend of the Queen orchestrated the armed kidnap of his runaway daughter from Cambridgeshire in 2000. Elsewhere, Tony Blair's government was accused of interfering with a police investigation into the abduction, although the Foreign Office has denied any involvement.

The sheikh allegedly abducted Haya's sister Latifa when she too tried to escape his clutches in Dubai.

To her credit, it was Cherie Blair who apparently blew the whistle, informing Fiona Shackleton of the hack after being instructed to by the Israeli firm NSO, for which she is an 'ethical adviser'. She explained that the firm was very concerned about this suspected 'misuse' of their software, and had quickly taken steps to protect the phones of the princess and her lawyer.

Of course, lawyers are not responsible for the errors of their clients. Nevertheless, many will see it as a scandal that the wife of a former Labour prime minister, an avowed feminist and human rights crusader, has been linked to the reported hacking of a member of British parliament as well as a terrified princess who sought sanctuary in Britain from an abusive feudal ruler. And it is not the first time that the Blairs' choice of clients has caused controversy.

This newspaper exposed how her firm demanded 420,000 for six months' work for Abdulla Yameen, the Maldives president who presided over a kleptocratic government notorious for systematic violations of democracy and human rights

Cherie is, admittedly, no match for her husband who has advised bloodstained monsters such as hideous Rwandan dictator Paul Kagame while hoovering up a fortune as he tours the world pontificating about good governance.

But former judge Mrs Blair, too, has pocketed hefty sums by working with shady regimes around the world. In fact, the legal firm she founded in 2011 was famously reported to have raked in hundreds of thousands advising Kazakhstan, a country with a dire human rights record, in 2014.

This followed her husband's multi-million pound deal in the same country giving its president Nursultan Nazarbayev advice on how to make sure that the shooting dead of protesting workers by the police and military did not soil the nation's image.

Mrs Blair also lobbied her friend Hillary Clinton, who was serving as US Secretary of State under President Barack Obama at the time, on behalf of the Qatari royal family  leaders of a Sharia state where homosexuality is punishable by imprisonment or flogging, migrant workers are routinely abused and women's rights are severely curtailed.

Protesters took to the streets of the Maldive capital Male to demonstrate against her work in the country

This newspaper exposed how her firm demanded 420,000 for six months' work for Abdulla Yameen, the Maldives president who presided over a kleptocratic government notorious for systematic violations of democracy and human rights.

In 2016 Yameen was sentenced to five years in prison for money-laundering two years ago, while last year his vice president was given a 20-year jail sentence after pleading guilty to embezzlement, claiming to be under orders from the former president.

And now, on top of all this comes the distasteful revelation of Mrs Blair's work for a firm whose technology has been used by a terrifyingly repressive regime at the heart of a global spying scandal.

Friends of Mrs Blair frequently explain her focus on money as financial insecurity, the legacy of a challenging Liverpudlian background after her father, the actor Tony Booth, abandoned the family when she was just eight.

Given the family's wealth and extensive property empire, however, this seems now a rather threadbare excuse.

Certainly it has been a bad week for the Blairs after another huge dump of financial data over the weekend disclosed that the couple avoided paying 312,000 in stamp duty by buying a 6.45 million London property through a firm in a Caribbean tax haven.

Certainly it has been a bad week for the Blairs after another huge dump of financial data over the weekend disclosed that the couple avoided paying 312,000 in stamp duty by buying a 6.45 million London property, pictured, through a firm in a Caribbean tax haven

Ironically this four-floor Marylebone building houses Omnia Strategy, Mrs Blair's legal advisory firm that has been working for NSO, which has faced accusations of terrifying technology abuses in addition to those reported this week. Pegasus's alleged victims include presidents, prime ministers, human rights activists, business leaders and journalists in at least 50 countries around the planet.

Perhaps most notable among them is journalist Jamal Khashoggi  who was tortured and brutally murdered on the order of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

The firm, of course, insists it sells its spyware only to 'vetted governments' in order to hunt down gangsters and terrorists.

It told the High Court that its contracts make clear the technology can only be used by government and law enforcement agencies to investigate 'serious crimes and terrorism'.

The firm also confirmed that it had terminated its contract with the UAE, after learning of the suspected misuse.

It says that it hired Mrs Blair's firm to help demonstrate its determination to preserve and protect human rights.

Meanwhile Ms Blair has issued statements saying she was encouraged by NSO's 'progress' on human rights issues.

But many will surely feel that the idea she really does care passionately about freedom, human rights and gender equality is brought into serious question by her links to this firm and its terrifying technology.
Riley Williams, 22, is formally charged for stealing Nancy Pelosi's laptop and several other felony and misdemeanor counts connected to the January 6 Capitol riots

A suspected Capitol rioter has been banned from the internet and ordered to use a flip-phone after she was filmed stealing Nancy Pelosi's laptop and threatened to sell its contents to Russian spies, police say.

Riley Williams, one of the Capitol rioters who is accused of stealing Nancy Pelosi's laptop, has been formally charged in connection to the theft and Capitol riots, and faces up to 20 years in prison.

She has been banned from the internet while awaiting trial, and must use a flip-phone that doesn't have internet access over fears she'd use a smart device to try and destroy evidence.

Williams, 22, was arrested in January in Central Pennsylvania, according to the Justice Department.

She was seen in a video on January 6 guiding some of the rioters to Nancy Pelosi's office, where she allegedly stole the House Speaker's laptop.

Video allegedly recorded by Williams shows the laptop being taken as someone, who prosecutors believe is Williams, says 'Dude, put on gloves,' as the laptop is seen being taken.

She also allegedly bragged about stealing Pelosi's laptop online, according to court documents.

'I STOLE S--- FROM NANCY POLESI (sic),' a user named 'riley' wrote, according to an FBI screenshot from an unidentified source included in court documents. 'I DOMT (sic) CARE I TOOK NANCY POLESIS (sic) HARD DRIVES I DON'T CARE KILL ME.'

Federal prosecutors claimed Williams told her ex-boyfriend she would sell it to someone in Russia, who would then send it to the Foreign Intelligence Service in Russia.

Williams has been out on bail since she was arrested in January shortly after the insurrection and is confined to the first floor of her mom's apartment

Williams, seen leaving the Dauphin County Prison on January 21 with attorney Bryan McQuillan, allegedly wanted to sell Pelosi's laptop to the Russians

Williams is accused of bragging online about stealing Pelosi's laptop in this screenshot

The laptop has not been recovered, but authorities said the Russian sale fell through.

Williams has also been charged with seven other felony and misdemeanor counts for her participation in the Capitol riots, including violent entry and disorderly conduct on Capitol grounds as well aiding/abetting others to 'embezzle, steal, purloin.'

She is also facing a newly added charge for assaulting or resistant police officers.

A federal judge in Pennsylvania ordered Williams to give up her internet access while she remained on house arrest after she was accused of trying to cover her tracks.

The Department of Justice accused Williams of deleting online accounts, changing her internet devices, and encouraging others to delete evidence.

'She has a demonstrated history of deleting her own accounts and instructing other people to delete messages about the events that are under investigation,' a Justice Department prosecutor said in court. 'The instruction to others came to light after her initial appearance.'

Williams was granted bail and instructed to stay on the ground floor of her mother's apartment, outside of work, church, doctor, and court appointments.

She was allowed to use a flip-phone and banned from Washington, D.C., possessing firearms. or consuming excessive amounts of alcohol.

Williams' lawyer has previously said that her ex-boyfriend, Michael Prodanov, was 'vengeful' and insisted the accusations she would sell the laptop to Russia were phony.

She has since obtained a restraining order against Prodanov, which accuses him of sharing nude photos and threatening to rape Williams.

'He has stalked and harassed her and she had to change her phone number at the suggestion of a police officer,' public defender Lori Ulrich said of Prodanov.

In videos from the melee, Williams can be seen wearing a large brown coat over a green t-shirt that features an alt-right message.

She also had a zebra print bag slung over her shoulders as she seemingly directed rioters to Pelosi's office.

The FBI was led to Williams after Prodanov spotted her in a YouTube video from January 6 and identified her to authorities.

Since the investigation into Williams' involvement in the Capitol riots began it was been revealed that she posted neo-Nazi and white nationalist videos and sentiments online. One video sees her wearing a skull mask, which was adopted by the Atomwaffen Nazi terrorist group, and black hat featuring another Atomwaffen symbol, as she pledges her allegiance to Hitler.

The woman in the disturbing video was first identified as Williams by Bellingcat.

Video allegedly recorded by Williams shows people taking a laptop from Pelosi's office

She was seen in video at the Capitol riot allegedly directing people to the office of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi

The laptop was stolen and Williams allegedly planned on getting it to the Russian government

Williams poses with a rifle in a social media photo

Williams could potentially land in jail for more than 30 years with fines of more than $600,000 if she is convicted of the charges stemming from the riot.

The insurrection at the Capitol on January 6 occurred as Congress was working on counting the Electoral College ballots and certifying Joe Biden's presidential victory.

Five people died in connection with the riot, including one Capitol police officer. Four Washington, D.C. police officers have committed suicide since defending the Capitol building.

Nearly 700 people have been charged in the nine months since the insurrection.

The insurrection also resulted in the historic second impeachment of Trump, who is accused of inciting and goading the rioters.
Disgraced startup Ozy Media could now face a securities fraud probe over claims its co-founder Samir Rao duped people into investing in the company by falsely claiming Google had taken a $30million stake.

Ozy's founders could be accused of tricking investors into buying into their website after being lured with false promises of a cash injection from the web search giant.

The latest troubles facing the axed news website came after three insiders told Axios Google Ventures did not reach an agreement with the failed media startup to lead its new funding round.

Rao allegedly told investors in May that Google Ventures - the tech giant's venture capital arm - had vowed to invest.

Disgraced startup Ozy Media could now face a securities fraud probe over claims its founder Samir Rao duped people into investing in the company by falsely claiming Google had taken a $30million stake. Ozy cofounders Carlos Watson (left) and COO Samir Rao (right)

One of the sources said the global tech giant's investment arm and Ozy had been in talks in the past, but that there had been no such discussions in 2021.

It is unclear when the most recent discussions between Ozy and Google were held.

LifeLine Legacy Holdings filed a lawsuit Monday alleging the firm and Rao 'misled' investors into believing '(Google parent company) Alphabet or one of its Google affiliates' had put up $30 million for the Series D funding round, the fourth stage in funding after a startup is created.

LifeLine said these claims of the involvement of the tech giant's investment arm convinced it to also invest $250,000 in the funding round.

This also came on top of a previous investment of $2 million into the media firm in February.

The latest allegations come off the back of several damning reports about Ozy's questionable business practices over the last few weeks, which began when it emerged Rao posed as a YouTube executive to convince Goldman Sachs to invest $40million in the firm.

Three insiders told Axios Google Ventures did not reach an agreement with the failed media startup to lead its new funding round - despite Rao allegedly telling investors it had

Now, claims the company lied about investment from Google suggest the cofounder went to great lengths to dupe investors into believing it had the backing of blue-chip companies.

The suit claims that Rao made these claims of Google's involvement in May.

Then, the following month a syndicate began looking for investors for the funding round.

Angel investors in this round were shown documents claiming Google Ventures had valued Ozy at $450 million as part of material attracting investments with a minimum of $100,000, Axios revealed.

One of the syndicate organizers told the outlet this information had come from Ozy and talks with Rao, and there's no suggestion Google had ever made any such valuation.

By late June, the syndicate had reached its investment goal but Ozy never completed the transaction.

Ozy also failed to submit filings with the SEC or make a public announcement about a funding round.

Following the scandal last month, the syndicate said it was returning the funds to the investors.

LifeLine Legacy Holdings filed a lawsuit Monday alleging the firm and Rao 'misled' investors into believing 'Alphabet or one of its Google affiliates' had put up $30 million for the Series D funding round. Pictured Watson left and Rao right

Carlos Watson, Ozy CEO and Rao's cofounder, doubled down on Google's alleged involvement in the company in an interview on The Breakfast Club Tuesday as he sought to salvage the scandal-ridden company.

Google had given Ozy a written offer to invest $25 million sometime this year, said Watson.

It's unclear if Google ever did invest in the company, or if it was ever planning to.

Google Ventures declined to comment to Axios, citing pending litigation.

Rao allegedly posed as YouTube Alex Piper (above) on a conference call with investors

If the allegations are proven, Ozy and its cofounders are likely to be in more hot water for allegedly lying to investors.

The startup's reputation began unraveling when a damning New York Times expose revealed Rao had impersonated YouTube executive Alex Piper on a conference call on February 2.

On the call, 'Piper' touted the success of Ozy Media videos on YouTube.

Goldman Sach's execs were suspicious, however, and contacted the real Alex Piper to learn he was not on the call.

Watson apologized to Goldman over the incident and claimed Rao had suffered a 'mental health crisis'.

However, Rao continued to work at Ozy securing investments in the media company.

After the bombshell article came out, an internal investigation into Rao's conduct was launched and the board hired New York-based firm law firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton and Garrison to investigate its business practices.

Watson said this week the company was reopening following the scandal and that it was its 'Lazarus moment'

Watson then told staff in an emotional phone call he was shutting the company and they were all out of work.

Then, in a total reversal, Watson announced the company was reopening, describing the news as its 'Lazarus moment.'

Meanwhile, the law firm probe has also been axed after several board members stood down.

Other allegations have also emerged about its treatment of staff with creative director Eva Rodriguez claiming Rao once demanded to see her medical records when she suffered a panic attack and extreme depression after working 18-hour days at the firm.

Creative director Eva Rodriguez (above) also claimed Rao once demanded to see her medical records when she suffered a panic attack after working 18-hour days at the firm

Eva Rodriguez, 24, told CNN Business she was rushed to the ER and was later admitted into a six-week outpatient program for 'extremely depressed people' after the panic attack in late 2020.

Despite being told by doctors she needed time off, Watson allegedly told her 'how critical my role is to the show' and Rao then called her doctor's office posing as Ozy's Human Resources director.

'It's like a cult,' Rodriguez said of the company.

Several employees have now spoken out to say the company did not appear to spend its COVID-19 relief loans on what it was designed for - for payroll and saving jobs.

Ozy received two PPP loans for $3.75 million and $2 million.
BBC broadcaster Chris Packham is calling for the Royal Family to rewild their vast estates.

The Springwatch presenter and a group of leading school strikers will tomorrow deliver a 100,000 signature petition directly to Buckingham Palace.

As the Royals own around 1.4 per cent of the UK, an area twice the size of Greater London, he claims this will make a big impact on allowing nature to recover in the UK.

Part of a campaign by pressure group Wild Card, Packham will urge the Royal Family to 'walk the walk' on climate action in their own backyard before they appear as our ambassadors at the crucial COP26 climate talks in Glasgow in November.

Chris Packham (pictured) and a group of leading school strikers will tomorrow deliver a 100,000 signature petition directly to Buckingham Palace.

The Royals own around 1.4 per cent of the UK, an area twice the size of Greater London, Packham claims this will make a big impact on allowing nature to recover in the UK

Both the Queen and Prince Charles will attend the event.

The petition builds on an open letter sent in June by over 100 leading scientists and celebrities - including Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Kate Humble - telling the Royals that NOW is the time to act.

The Wild Card group said that the Royal estates would naturally feature beavers, wolves, bison, wild boar, pine martens and white storks.

The campaign which is organising the event is calling for 50% of the UK to be fully rewilded. With half of England owned by less than 1 per cent of the population the campaign calls on the UK's biggest landowners to act first.
The newly appointed head of the Armed Forces undermined a Royal Marines general who killed himself at the weekend, according to messages from the officer.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, 55, yesterday became the first naval officer for two decades to land the top job and will lead 159,000 soldiers, sailors and air personnel from next month.

His appointment as Chief of the Defence Staff came days after the death of Major General Matt Holmes, 54. The former Commandant General of the Marines was found dead at his family home in Winchester, Hampshire, on Saturday. There were no suspicious circumstances.

Former First Sea Lord Sir Tony and Major General Holmes were previously close friends, but fell out bitterly over changes to the Marines this year. The dispute led to Major General Holmes leaving his post as Commandant General in April  halfway through a three-year appointment.

Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, 55, (pictured) yesterday became the first naval officer for two decades to land the top job and will lead 159,000 soldiers, sailors and air personnel from next month

Now a Daily Mail investigation has found that he felt deeply let down by the admiral, who was his boss as the Marines are part of the Navy. A directive from Sir Tony's office included a gagging order banning the Marines officer from discussing key issues with colleagues, including the commander of the US Marine Corps (USMC), General David Berger.

Major General Holmes was also warned to 'expect a more limited role' in the Marines. The order and the tone of Sir Tony's remarks left the father-of-two deeply upset. He wrote to a friend: 'I've had a very tough year. I feel beaten down. Not listened to, merely run over by someone with no military judgment: Too much is about appearance.

'I don't trust Radakin. It's been awful. Awful. You should see the tone of some of the emails I've had from Radakin. Basically imposing his authority and keeping me constrained.

'Kept away from ministers. All about his narrative. He doesn't get the corps. But I know Gen Berger recognises my concerns (another one that Radakin ordered me not to engage with regarding my post).

Former First Sea Lord Sir Tony and Major General Holmes (left) were previously close friends, but fell out bitterly over changes to the Marines this year

'Radakin sees himself as owning the USMC relationship. Berger doesn't! At all. He wants to talk to me. How do you think I feel...'

Sir Tony's efforts to bring the Commandant General into line came to a head late last year after a series of heated arguments between the two about the future of Major General Holmes' post.

A document distributed to senior officers read: 'I [Sir Tony] will engage with ministers and our international partners. The debate has to be toned down and ideally stopped. This is about my authority. International engagement by CGRM [Major General Holmes] is to stop. The CGRM focus is to ensure the corps delivers on its tasks, seeking opportunities for increased integration with the Royal Navy and preparing for a more limited role as CGRM from April 2021.'

The pair are also said to have disagreed about closer integration of the Marines within the Navy  a move resisted by Major General Holmes. The complaint in Major General Holmes' text to a friend that 'too much is about appearance' was said to refer to jibes about his height  he was 5ft 2in, according to media reports.

But he was well-liked by Marines and enjoyed their company. He served in all Britain's recent conflicts and won a Distinguished Service Order for commanding troops under fire. Sir Tony will take over as Chief of Defence Staff from Army General Sir Nick Carter on November 30. Boris Johnson was said to have 'gone with his gut' when he appointed the state-school educated officer from Oldham  dubbed the 'Red Wall military chief'.

The admiral was described yesterday as an 'outstanding military leader' and, as head of the Navy, has been credited with deploying more naval personnel on the frontline and more ships at sea.

He is being replaced as First Sea Lord by Vice Admiral Sir Ben Key, who led the UK's airlift of British citizens and Afghans from Kabul after the Taliban takeover.

Last night a Navy spokesman said: 'Our condolences, prayers and deepest sympathy are with Matt's family. Their loss is the greatest and most painful. The entire naval service will be there for them now and always.'

Major General Holmes's family declined to comment.
Double-jabbed holidaymakers returning to Britain will soon be allowed to take a photograph of a lateral flow test to verify they are negative for coronavirus.

The policy change means that pricey PCR tests, which can cost more than 100, will finally be scrapped in time for families returning from half-term holidays.

The PCR tests will be replaced with cheaper rapid lateral flow swabs for travellers 'before October 31', although the free NHS tests will not be acceptable.

Travellers will now have to take a photograph of the negative lateral flow result on a mobile phone and send it to the private provider from whom they bought it.

This will then be verified by the private provider, but it is not yet clear how this will work - and concerns are now being raised about how people could fake a result.

Travellers will have to book the tests through private providers and prove on their passenger locator form, which must be filled out by all travellers before returning, that they have done so. Lateral flow tests typically cost between 20 and 40.

There are also understood to be concerns about whether private providers have enough supply to meet demand, delaying the announcement of a specific date.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps today urged travellers to 'hold off' booking PCR tests, and said he would be relying on 'people's common sense' when asked how authorities could be sure the photographed test belonged to the right person.

A person holds a negative lateral flow Covid-19 test in front of a UK passport (file picture)

Holidaymakers returning from popular destinations such as Cape Verde, Indonesia and Thailand will no longer have to quarantine in hotels for 11 nights at a cost of 2,285

But it means families going on a week-long break at the start of the October half-term holidays should be able to dodge shelling out for a pricey PCR on their return.

Among those raising concerns on social media about the new lateral flow photo policy was Pamela Collumb, who tweeted today: 'Doesn't prove they are Covid negative, anyone could do the test. Complete waste of time and money!'

How will the new lateral flow photos work? Ministers agreed returning vaccinated holidaymakers will not have to film themselves taking Covid tests. Instead, a photograph of the negative result from a lateral flow test taken on a mobile phone and sent to the private provider of the test to verify will be sufficient. Travellers will not be able to use free ones provided by the NHS. They will have to book them through private providers and prove on their passenger locator form, which must be filled out by all travellers before returning, that they have done so. Lateral flow tests typically cost between 20 and 40. Health Secretary Sajid Javid had wanted travellers to be supervised taking the rapid tests. But following a meeting of the 'Covid O' committee of Cabinet ministers yesterday morning, it was agreed that a photo of the result would be enough. Advertisement

And Karen John said: 'What if you can't take it?! Lots of people do not have the phones to take this! Who thinks up these crazy ideas?'

A third Twitter user said: 'How long before an app that mocks up a false photo of your home based Covid-19 lateral flow test appears online?! What a total farce.'

It comes after ministers agreed that returning vaccinated holidaymakers will not have to film themselves taking Covid tests.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid had wanted travellers to be supervised taking the rapid tests.

But following a meeting of the 'Covid O' committee of Cabinet ministers yesterday morning, it was agreed that a photograph of the negative result taken on a mobile phone and sent to the provider to verify will be sufficient.

Also yesterday, the 'no-go' red list was slashed from 54 countries to just seven by ministers.

Forty-seven countries were axed from the red list and moved to the safe 'go' or green list, opening up quarantine-free holidays to these places for the first time in months.

The changes will take effect at 4am on Monday. Holidaymakers returning from popular destinations such as Cape Verde, Indonesia and Thailand will no longer have to quarantine in hotels for 11 nights at a cost of 2,285.

Other destinations moved off red include Cuba, Brazil, Mexico, the Philippines, the Seychelles, Tunisia and South Africa.

Travel chiefs last night hailed the move as 'long overdue' and said it signalled 'light at the end of a very long tunnel' for the beleaguered industry, which has been brought to its knees by the pandemic.

The major re-opening, coupled with the scrapping of PCR tests for the vaccinated, is a huge boost to those looking for a foreign getaway during half-term and beyond.

Destinations moved off red include Cuba, Brazil, Mexico, the Philippines, the Seychelles, Tunisia and South Africa. A beach is pictured above in Cancun

Mr Shapps said: 'With half-term and winter sun around the corner, we're making it easier for families and loved ones to reunite by significantly cutting the number of destinations on the red list, thanks in part to the increased vaccination efforts around the globe.'

When will the US fully reopen to UK visitors? Grant Shapps said today that he does not have a specific date in November yet for the US to fully reopen to visitors from the UK. The Transport Secretary said he had spoken with the US ambassador in recent days. He told Sky News: 'They (the US) are still working through the technicalities of that. They've said November to us and obviously we're working very closely with them because we would like to see that done so families can reunite, businesses can get together and people can go travelling again. 'So we think it's certainly well due. We're allowing Americans here, we're recognising their vaccines.' In another interview today, Mr Shapps also said the US had indicated 'early November' for travel there to reopen fully for people coming from the UK. He said it is a 'practical' issue for the US, rather than a reluctance to reopen to British travellers. He told Times Radio: 'It's not that they don't want to do it. It's actually that in many ways they don't have the kind of level of sophistication in place on international travel that has become normal to us. 'For example, they don't actually have domestically there a Covid certification like the NHS app, it's a piece of paper. So you might say well, why does that matter to Brits going over there? Well again, they just don't have a system set up to read the NHS barcode or to be able to recognise other people's tests. 'So all of that is being worked through. They are still saying, November, they're still saying to me, early November. 'Obviously it's not in our hands to dictate this but I'm very keen for it to be reopened. It's the world's busiest route actually, by the way, the transatlantic route, so it's very important to the airlines, as well as families and friends getting together again.' Advertisement

But ministers faced growing calls to reach a decision on the exact date when rapid swabs will replace PCR tests. A source insisted it will be 'before October 31'.

Mr Shapps told Sky News today: 'We want to get this done for half term for people.'

He added: 'We anticipate having it ready for the half term, and what a difference it will make for people.'

He said the process with lateral flows rather than PCR tests will be 'much much easier, much less expensive as well'.

Asked when an announcement can be expected, he said: 'In the coming days'.

People arriving in the UK who take a lateral flow test to check their Covid status will have to take a photograph of it to prove the result.

Mr Shapps told BBC Breakfast: 'If it's positive, you'll automatically receive a PCR test, you'll be in the NHS system, as with the normal Test and Trace, so you'll get the PCR without having to do anything further, and of course, be asked to isolate.

'If it's negative, that's it, you're free to go, and the good thing is that can either be done, as I say, as soon as coming through the gates, potentially, at some airports where they might offer that, or you may have ordered a test to be at your home.

'You carry out that test, we're going to ask people to take a photograph of it so that it's actually your test. And that's it, the job is done, there's nothing further to do. So it's going to be a much simplified, much cheaper system.'

Asked how authorities could be sure the photographed test belonged to the right person, Mr Shapps said: 'Well, look, you could always say this with any system, the PCR system that's been in place up until now hasn't required any monitoring at all. So you could always make that argument.

'We have throughout this crisis, though, I think relied on people's common sense, I think most people wanted to do the right thing.'

Mr Shapps also said travellers returning to the UK could be 'done and dusted' with organising testing before they even get home, with lateral flows set to be available at airports.

The Transport Secretary said the goal is to have made the switch from PCR testing to quicker and cheaper lateral flows by half-term.

Asked if he was referring to English schools' half-terms around October 22, he told Times Radio: 'Yes, that's right, 22nd of October. That's the goal and, as I say, the testing companies are gearing up to do that.

'I've spoken to the airports including Heathrow and they even have tests available as you walk through the airport so you could be done and dusted before you even get home with these things, which will be a massive improvement to having to send off PCR tests to labs and waiting for the results and all the costs involved.'

Mr Shapps also said lateral flow tests had been 'getting better and better' on their sensitivity.

South Africa, Thailand and Mexico are among 47 countries being cut from the red list A total of 47 countries including South Africa, Mexico and Thailand will be removed from England's red list on Monday, Grant Shapps has announced. Travellers arriving from those destinations will no longer need to spend 11 nights in a quarantine hotel at a cost of 2,285 for solo travellers. Just seven countries will remain on the red list following the changes. They are Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Haiti, Panama, Peru and Venezuela. The devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own travel rules but have recently mirrored announcements made in Westminster. Mr Shapps said: "With half-term and winter sun around the corner, we're making it easier for families and loved ones to reunite by significantly cutting the number of destinations on the red list, thanks in part to the increased vaccination efforts around the globe. "Restoring people's confidence in travel is key to rebuilding our economy and levelling up this country. With less restrictions and more people travelling, we can all continue to move safely forward together along our pathway to recovery." Mr Shapps also announced that the Government would recognise vaccines for arrivals from a further 37 countries and territories including Brazil, Ghana, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, South Africa and Turkey. The decision means fully vaccinated people entering England from these locations will be exempt from quarantine, the pre-departure test and the day-eight post-arrival test. Advertisement

He told BBC Breakfast: 'You're right to say you can't then sequence the genome from a lateral flow test. The advantage here is if you do get a positive lateral flow, you'll automatically be sent the PCR test, and that then can be sequenced.

'The one other advantage of the lateral flow, of course, is the instantaneousness of the result, you have the result within 15 minutes, and that means that we think that there'll be fewer people wandering around unaware that they have something, that they've got the coronavirus, and therefore in one sense, it's a little bit safer, even though you're right to say that the specification is slightly less than a PCR test.'

Asked if he was sure the move to lateral flow tests would not put the public at greater risk, Mr Shapps said: 'Yeah, that's right because of vaccination - and by the way, I should say this all only applies to fully vaccinated folk, here and abroad - and because of vaccination, the risks are massively reduced, because of the quality of the lateral flow test and the speed at which they can be taken, we're comfortable with that and our scientists are comfortable with that, and it's a big step forward.'

Asked if he foresees a 'testless, traffic light-less' summer of travel next year, Mr Shapps said: 'I very much hope so'.

He told Times Radio: 'Having gone through this two years in a row, two summers in a row and, like many other people, experienced the shortcomings of a system that was able to change so quickly, I really do hope that this is the world going back to normal.'

He said the vaccine is 'the answer', adding: 'The vaccine is the thing that's enabled us to make these big changes on international travel as well.'

Mr Shapps also told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the changes to coronavirus testing for travellers would be in place 'hopefully in time for people returning from a half-term holidays potentially, and certainly by the end of October'.

The Department for Transport said it was still ministers' 'ambition to have this in place for people returning from half-term breaks by the end of the month'.

It comes after the traffic light system was scrapped on Monday and replaced with one red list and a safe 'rest of the world' list.

Double-jabbed travellers will now only have to take one test after returning from safe countries by day two.

From later this month, a PCR test  free on the NHS  will only be required if the rapid test is positive. Children are treated as though fully vaccinated, even if they are not, making family holidays possible.

But non-vaccinated people must quarantine at home for ten days, take a pre-return test within 72 hours and two PCR tests on days two and eight after arrival.

The seven countries that remain on the red list are Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Haiti, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic. The red list will continue to be reviewed every three weeks.

The changes only apply to England. It was unclear last night whether the devolved governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will follow suit.

The travel industry hailed the news that 47 countries were being removed from the red list.

British Airways chief Sean Doyle said: 'It finally feels like we are seeing light at the end of a very long tunnel. Britain will benefit from this significant reduction in red list countries.'
The family of slain Florida college student Miya Marcano hit out at the local sheriff's office over its handling of the investigation, claiming that a deputy dismissed the case as not 'high-priority' and ignored evidence that allowed the man suspected of killing her to drive away.

Two days later, Armando Caballero was found dead of an apparent suicide, and Marcano's body, with her arms and legs bound with duct tape, was discovered on Saturday..

Orange County Sheriff John Mina defended his agency's investigation into Marcano's disappearance, but the Marcano family's lawyer released a cellphone video that they say shows a deputy ignoring suspicious statements by Caballero, 27, hours after she vanished.

The video shows Caballero, a maintenance worker at the complex where Marcano lived and worked, speaking to a deputy near Marcano's Arden Villas apartment around 4am on September 25, as her family stands nearby.

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The family of Miya Marcano hit out at the Orange County Sheriff's Office over its handling of the investigation into her disappearance

Attorney Daryl K. Washington questioned why prime suspect Armando Caballero was allowed to drive away after showing up at Marcano's apartment complex on September 25

Orange County Sheriff John Mina defended his deputies, claiming they did not have probable cause to detain Caballero at the time

Marcano's family questioned why Caballero was allowed to drive away. Attorney Daryl K. Washington said they still don't know whether she was still alive at the time.

But the sheriff said deputies didn't have probable cause to detain or arrest Caballero at that time.

He became a prime suspect after security video showed him entering her apartment before she vanished, and he was found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot on September 27 as authorities sought his arrest.

Mina also released a timeline of the investigation, which said Caballero was at the Tymber Skan apartments, where Marcano's body was found, between 8.20pm and 8.40pm on September 24, about an hour before her parents reported they were unable to reach their daughter.

'I understand this family has been through unimaginable pain and loss, and we can't begin to express the sorry that we feel for Miya's family and loved ones,' the sheriff said at a Wednesday news conference.

'Unfortunately, all these things that we're talking about wouldnt have prevented anything. She was already left dead at Tymber Skan apartments before we were ever called.'

Investigators now believe Caballero used a master key and was waiting inside Marcano's apartment on the evening of September 24. Her cause of death hasn't been determined but Mina said there was no indication of sexual assault.

Mina said investigators found her body using Caballero's cell phone data, which put him near the spot for about 20 minutes on September 24, just before Marcano's family became concerned that she had missed a flight home to South Florida.

They reported her missing and drove to Orlando to check on her, arriving around 3am on September 25, their statement said.

Miya Marcano's family has released a video showing a conversation they had with maintenance worker Armando Caballero (left) - who was named a person of interest in Miya's disappearance - in the hours after the 19-year-old went missing

The footage showed Caballero, 27, speaking with an Orange County officer while members of Miya's family asked him questions off camera. 'Don't try to make this like I'm a stalker,' Caballero said when an unidentified woman from Miya's family said that 'there's evidence of obsession'. 'You're fascinated with Miya,' she said off camera, to which Caballero replied: 'It's not only from my side'

A security guard tried to lift fingerprints from Marcano's window while the family searched her apartment, they said, and then tried to give the possible fingerprints to a responding deputy, but the deputy did not take them, saying this 'wasn't a high priority case,' the statement said.

The sheriff said his agency will 'look into every part of this investigation to see and to make sure everything possible was done in our quest to find Miya.'

Marcano was in her second year Valencia College in Orlando, pursuing an arts degree.

In the video released on Wednesday by the Marcano family, they accuse Caballero in front of the deputy of having pursued a relationship with Miya despite her refusals, and they say they have cellphone records to prove it.

'Don't try to make this like I'm a stalker,' Caballero said when an unidentified woman from Miya's family said that 'there's evidence of obsession'.

'You're fascinated with Miya,' she said, to which Caballero replied: 'It's not only from my side.'

Miya's family member said in the clip: 'As of right now you have sent obsessive texts to Miya. We have all seen the texts. You talked about giving her your life savings. You Cash App-ed her money and you claim that you weren't in touch.'

'Who told her I gave her life savings?' a defensive Caballero asked, appearing confused.

'I never said that,' he added as Miya's family member said: 'We're gonna get a police report to pull your phone records if that's the case.'

Caballero shook his head and shrugged his shoulders as he continued to deny that he had anything to do with Miya's disappearance.

Miya's family then explained: 'It takes two but obviously she's missing so we're talking to you.'

'I understand that. I respect that, that's y'all's family,' Caballero said as he put his hands up in the air.

'Until we figure out what is going on, just don't beat me up,' Caballero responds according to a report by WSVN.

'Nobody is beating you up,' family members say.

'If I was guilty, why would I be here?' he replies, although no one was accusing him of anything.

'You put yourself in the middle right here. You brought yourself over here,' another family member replies.

'Cause we're concerned,' Caballero said.

'Why weren't you concerned hours ago?' the man asked, referring to when Miya was first reported missing on September 24.

Miya (pictured) was found dead on Saturday and she was gagged with her hands and feet were bound. Her family reported her missing on September 24 after she didn't show up for a flight

Miya's family still wants answers about the events leading up to her death (her father Marlon Marcano, left, and grandmother, right, pictured while hosting a candlelight vigil at Arden Villas on Friday, October 1, 2021, in Orlando)

Her body was found on October 2 near a former residence of Caballero

Miya's body was found in a wooded area around the Tymber Skan apartment complex in Orland (pictured) where the suspect once lived

Caballero claimed he 'just found out'.

'In the first few hours we didn't think it was serious,' he said.

It was unclear what he meant by 'we' but earlier in the video he talked about a woman named Tati, whom he was on the phone with, but Miya's family said that 'no one knows Tati'.

The woman said: 'You keep mentioning Tati but no one knows Tati. Her roommates don't even know Tati. You keep saying Tati is her friend.'

The male voice heard off camera sounded upset by the fact that Caballero didn't initially think that the news of Miya going missing was serious.

'Oh somebody's missing and you don't think it's serious,' he said sarcastically.

Caballero replied as he motioned towards the Arden Villas apartment complex where he worked and Miya was last seen: 'Maybe they're hanging out. Well, they got this place right here.

'They go downtown. I don't know maybe her phone's off. I don't know where she is.'

The three-minute video was taken by Miya's family members (Miya pictured above with her father) around 3am on September 24 after a deputy searched Miya's room and found her dresser blocking the door from opening and her window obviously tampered with

'She was supposed to show up for a flight and didn't show up,' the off-camera woman said.

Caballero then said something else to the officer as a member of Miya's family asks the officer if she could ask him a question. Just before the video ends Caballero opened his car door to get in and seemingly leave.

According to a statement released through the Marcano family's lawyer, they knew something was wrong with Miya after she missed her flight from Orlando to South Florida on September 24, which prompted them to contact the sheriff's office asking them to check on Miya at her apartment.

Caballero was found dead of an apparent suicide shortly after he was named the lead suspect in Miya's disappearance

When a deputy arrived, he searched Miya's apartment with her roommate and found a dresser blocking her bedroom door, making it difficult to open. They also noticed obvious tampering to the window, according to the statement.

When the officer told Marcano's parents what they found, her parents called on other family members to drive to her Orlando apartment. They arrived around 3am Saturday and were trying to get access to Miya's room when Caballero arrived, according to WTSP.

That was when the three-minute video was taken.

Miya's body was found bound and gagged last Saturday in Florida in a wooded area near the Orlando apartment complex where Caballero once lived.

Attorney Daryl Washington said Marcano, a student at the University of Central Florida, was bound with tape around her feet and wrists and that her mouth was covered.

No other details involving Miya's death were released as the case is still under investigation. The Orange County Sheriff's Office said the Medical Examiner's Office have not yet identified the cause of death in the case.

Miya was last seen after her shift at the Arden Villas apartment complex, where she lived and worked. Caballero also worked at the complex as a maintenance worker, which is how he had a master key that allowed him to enter Miya's room

The news came after a 23-year-old woman claimed Caballero broke her window with a weight after she turned him down for a date and later wrote her a creepy note.

The incident happened at the unnamed woman's apartment complex in Longwood, Florida - the same complex where Caballero was found dead of an apparent suicide shortly after he was named the prime suspect in Miya's disappearance.

Investigators said Caballero had expressed romantic interest in Miya but she had rejected him several times.

'We believe, pretty conclusively, that Armando Caballero is responsible for this crime and there's not any other person or persons that we are looking for in this case,' Orange County Sheriff John Mina said.

Thirty minutes before Miya was last seen after her shift at the Arden Villas apartments finished - where she and Caballero both worked - her room was entered with a master key that Caballero had access to, as he was a maintenance man in the complex.

The next day he was seen in surveillance footage carrying gloves, a backpack and a pink blanket outside the complex.

Washington added during the news conference on Tuesday that Miya's family still wants answers about the events leading up to her death.

'We dont know how she left that apartment complex, we dont know whether if she was dead or alive. But we do know is there were critical hours there were lost,' he said.
Sherry Heffernan, 55, faces two murder counts and two weapons counts for allegedly stabbing to death her father, John Enders, 87, and the man's girlfriend, Francoise Pitoy, 75

The Pennsylvania woman who has been accused of stabbing to death her octogenarian father and his girlfriend had recently been written out of his will and was said to be angry that he had refused to let her sell his $1.9million Jersey Shore home, newly filed court documents alleged.

Sherry Lee Heffernan, 55, was arrested in Landenberg, Pennsylvania, on Monday for the murders of her father John Enders, 87, and Enders' partner Francoise Pitoy, 75.

They were killed at Enders' oceanfront mansion in Surf City, New Jersey, on the morning of September 29, with the couple's bodies discovered late Sunday afternoon after police were called out to perform a welfare check on them.

Court records obtained by NJ.com describe a grisly scene inside the house, with bloodstains in multiple places, as well as bloody footprints and shoe prints, a bloody rubber glove on the staircase, and more blood on a fence post.

Heffernan faces two murder counts and two weapons counts and is being held in Pennsylvania pending extradition to New Jersey.

When police arrived at the residence around 4pm on Sunday, 'it was readily apparent they were deceased,' and had 'multiple obvious stab wounds,' a statement released by police said.

Pitoy (pictured) was stabbed multiple times alongside her boyfriend, Heffernan's father, on the morning of September 29

Enders also was determined to have suffered a severed carotid artery and blunt force trauma.

According to the documents, investigators interviewed a friend of Enders, who told them that the man had recently amended his living will to exclude Heffernan and her sister, from whom he was estranged.

The friend also said that Heffernan, who worked as a real estate agent, wanted to act as a broker on the sale of her father's house, but he would not let her, leaving the woman 'disgruntled.'

Court records alleged that on the morning of September 29, Heffernan got into her Winnebago RV and drove to her father's house.

A neighbor's Ring camera captured the RV near Enders' home and a person walking towards the door before 6am.

Less than an hour later, the camera caught a person wearing oversized clothes jumping a backyard fence.

Enders' friend told police Hefferan had recently been written out of her father's will and was angry because he would not let her act as his broker in the sale of his $1.9million house on the Jersey Shore (pictured)

Heffernan was arrested by the Pennsylvania State Police on October 4 at her home, where police found a white Winnebago RV matching the description of the vehicle spotted near Enders' house.

A search of the RV revealed multiple red spots believed to be dried blood, according to the documents.

A family member of Heffernan was interviewed by the police, saying: 'I cant believe she did this.' The relative allegedly said the 55-year-old woman was the only one who drove the RV in the last two weeks.

The same person reportedly said that both they and Heffernan blamed Pitoy for pressing Enders to sell the house because they believed the 75-year-old woman wanted his money.

Heffernan is being held at Chester County Prison in Pennsylvania until she will be extradited to an Ocean County jail upon her return to New Jersey for her detention hearing.

'The cooperative investigation ultimately determined that Heffernan, Mr. Enders' daughter, was responsible for the deaths of both Mr. Enders and Ms. Pitoy,' Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer stated.

'This truly was a team effort in terms of the depth and comprehensiveness of this investigation,' he said. 'These detectives combed through the evidence to ultimately determine that Heffernan did, in fact, cause the deaths of Mr. Enders and Ms. Pitoy.'

Ocean County Sheriff's Department found the pair with various stab wounds and determined Enders' death to be from 'multiple stab wounds with severance of the right carotid artery and blunt force trauma.' Pitoy's is scheduled for today

After finding the couple in Ender's home (pictured), Heffernan has since been sent to Chester County Prison in Pennsylvania. It is unclear when she will be extradited to New Jersey

Law enforcement did not disclose a motive for the murder

Enders, a construction company boss, owned the home and was in a relationship with Pitoy, who lived in Manchester, according to Surf City police and the Ocean County prosecutors office.

Heffernan has an inactive case for two misdemeanor charges in a Pennsylvania court for retail theft for taking merchandise and receiving stolen property that occurred in October 2019. She has also pleaded guilty for a September 2019 traffic violation.

Law enforcement officials have not disclosed a possible motive behind the grisly double homicide.

Property records obtained by Asbury Park Press indicate that Enders moved ownership of his six-bedroom, four-bath waterfront home from a trust status to his own name in May 2021.

It is unclear what his future plans for the property were.

DailyMail.com attempted to contacted the Pennsylvania State Police but did hear back before publication.
President Biden admitted that he personally called a hospital desk on Wednesday night to see what was going on when a friend's wife could not bee seen at a Pennsylvania hospital overwhelmed with Covid-19 patients.

Biden said his friend's 'significant other' had fallen ill, with difficulty breathing and a high fever. Biden said his friend called him after he'd rushed her to the hospital, where the emergency room told her she couldn't be seen because 'things were so crowded, so backed up.'

'I called the desk, received the nurse and asked what the situation was,' the president said in remarks on coronavirus vaccine requirements.

'I wasn't complaining,' Biden, speaking at a construction site in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, said.

'Doctors and nurses, some of them are just, they're running dry. I really mean it. They're getting the living hell kicked out of themsometimes physically.'

Biden did not reveal whether his call had helped get his friend's significant other to be seen by a doctor, or any other details about the story.

He then got back to touting his vaccine mandates, where all military and government workers are required to get the jab and businesses with over 100 employees must require vaccination or a weekly Covid-19 test.

'I called the desk, received the nurse and asked what the situation was,' the president said in remarks on coronavirus vaccine requirements

Biden said his friend called him after he'd rushed his significant other to the hospital, where the emergency room told her she couldn't be seen because 'things were so crowded, so backed up'

'My message is: Require your employees to get vaccinated,' he said.

Although the order has not been implemented, many companies have already started to comply to get ahead of it and hundreds to thousands of Americans are losing their jobs because they refuse to get vaccinated.

'Today, I'm calling on employers to act,' Biden said.

'I know the vaccination requirements are a tough medicine  unpopular with some, politics for others. But they're lifesaving. They're game saving for our country.'

The new rule, Biden said on Thursday, would 'cover 100 million Americans, about two-thirds of all the people working in America.'

'Let's be clear, when you see headlines and reports of mass firings and hundreds of people losing their jobs, look at the bigger story,' the president added, claiming that the 'bigger story' is that more employees in the workforce are vaccinated.

Biden then made a cheeky remark about Fox News, using his new signature of whispering into the microphone to emphasize his point.

'Even  this I always get a kick out of  Fox News. Fox News requires vaccinations for all employees,' Biden said.

He quipped: 'Give me a break  Fox News.'
A violent killer who stabbed two young backpackers to death five years ago has quietly been deported back to France.

French national Smail Ayad stabbed British backpackers Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21, and Tom Jackson, 30, to death at a hostel at Home Hill, south of Townsville in August, 2016.

All three were in doing farm work in the area while on working holiday visas.

Ayad was removed from Australia in May, The Courier-Mail reported, after a period spent in Brisbane's The Park mental health facility at Wacol.

He never faced trial when it was determined he was of 'unsound mind'. It was found Ayad exhibited symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia a month before the attack.

British backpacker Mia Ayliffe-Chung, 21, was stabbed to death at a hostel at Home Hill, south of Townsville in August, 2016. Fellow backpacker Tom Jackson, 30, died in hospital six days later from wounds received when he came to her aid

Ms Ayliffe-Chung had arrived at the hostel a week earlier as part of a mandatory farm work requirement to extend her working visa in Australia

French national Smail Ayad never stood trial for the stabbing murders of Ms Ayliffe-Chung and Mr Jackson after he was found to be 'of unsound mind'

Queensland coroner Nerida Wilson handed down findings into the deaths in July last year which found the 'shocking and unforeseen deaths occurred at the hands of a psychotic individual under the influence of cannabis'.

The coroner said Ayad 'developed a focus on Mia' when they shared a dormitory at Shelley's Backpackers in the week before the attack.

Other backpackers at the hostel detailed Ayad's sexual interest in Ms Ayliffe-Chung.

One guest recalled the man saying: 'She is in my room, she is my wife, I want to sleep with her'.

Another witness recalled Ms Ayliffe-Chung expressing fears about Ayad's behaviour.

'I remember that Mia told me there was a guy in her room that was getting too close to her, physically by touching her and was verbally harassing her,' the witness said.

About 11pm on the night of the fatal attacks, CCTV captured Ayad dragging Ms Ayliffe-Chung onto a balcony where he slashed her neck before 'launching' on her as she lay on the ground trying to defend herself from his knife.

Ayad then threw himself from the balcony, head first, with his arms extended as if he was attempting to fly, coroner Wilson said.

'The scene at the hostel was one of chaos, confusion and fear,' she said.

Ayad then returned to the hostel where Mr Jackson was attempting to help Ms Ayliffe-Chung, who had hidden in a toilet cubicle.

'What is the matter, calm down. What the f*** are you doing?' Mr Jackson was heard asking before Ayad came at him with the knife.

Ayad, also a backpacker, had apparently warned a fellow French traveller that 'something will happen tonight', adding: 'I feel like everybody wants bad things for me like something will happen to me.'

Mia Ayliffe-Chung pictured with her Australian boyfriend, Jamison Stead

'I remember that Mia told me there was a guy in her room that was getting too close to her, physically by touching her and was verbally harassing her,' one witness recalled

The scene at the hostel in Home Hill, south of Townsville, where Ms Ayliffe-Chung and Mr Jackson lost their lives in August 2016

The coronial findings discovered that Ms Ayliffe-Chung died at the scene from a knife wound to the heart. Mr Jackson died six days later in hospital from a knife wound to the brain after being stabbed in his right eye, head, neck and chest.

Ms Wilson was unable to confirm whether Ms Ayliffe-Chung had earlier asked to be moved from the dormitory but said said it was advisable for women to be placed with other women in hostels.

My Ayliffe-Chung's mother Rose began a campaign and wrote a book after her daughter's death, criticising Australia's policy of mandatory farm work for travellers who wished to extend their working visa.

'The reputational damage to your country caused by this law, I am disgusted you call yourselves the civilised country,' she told Daily Mail Australia earlier this year.

'This became my life because she was my only daughter. She was everything to me, I lost everything.'

Australia introduced the Modern Slavery Act in 2018 aimed at preventing the physical, emotional and sexual abuse of workers including that of backpackers undergoing mandatory visa farm work.
The tragic drowning of nine US service members who died when their amphibious vehicle sank off the coast of California is being blamed on their commanders being 'burnt out' from the pandemic, a new report has revealed.

Eight Marines and one sailor, aged between 18 and 23, died in the accident on July 30, 2020 when their armored ship-to-shore transport craft took on water off the coast of San Clemente Island while returning to the USS Somerset.

Marine Corps investigators found in March that the deaths were 'preventable,' and said that complacency, poor maintenance and inspections, and inadequate training all contributed to the tragedy.

But on Wednesday, the results of two new investigations led by the Marines and the Navy found that the commanders in charge of training were stressed out and struggling to deal with many competing demands put on them because of the pandemic.

Major General Robert Castellvi, who at the time was the commanding general of 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, was fired in June - the highest-ranking officer to face disciplinary action in wake of the disaster.

His firing came after that of Lt. Col. Michael J. Regner, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, in October 2020, and Col. Christopher Bronzi, the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit's commanding officer, who was relieved of his command in March 2021.

In all, 12 Marines have been or will be punished for their roles in the accident, Marine Corps spokesman Capt. Ryan Bruce confirmed to Military.com.

The body of Pfc Bryan J. Baltierra (left), 19, of Corona, California, was flown to Delaware. Found at the scene was Lance Cpl Guillermo S. Perez (right), 20, of New Braunfels Texas. His body was flown to the Dover base on August 5

Other victims include Lance Cpl Marco A. Barranco (left), 21, of Montebello, California, and Pfc Jack Ryan Ostrovsky (right), 21, of Bend, Oregon

An amphibious vehicle like the one pictured sank in July 2020, killing eight Marines and one sailor. There are about 800 AAV's in the Marine inventory that can carry up to 21 people and each weighs 26 tons

The amphibious vehicle was returning to the USS Somerset (pictured) when it sank in July 2020

Lt. Gen. Carl Mundy III, who led the Marines' investigation, said it would be 'a mistake to discount or overlook' the demands on the forces, which he said contributed to the many errors.

Lt. Gen. Carl Mundy III led the investigation for the Marines, and reported that many of the commanders expressed concern at the weighty and competing demands on their time when the tragedy struck

'The claims on their time and attention surfaced in a number of interviews with several senior officers who described the conditions during this period as second only to their experience in combat,' Mundy wrote.

He said that 'associated reverberations' from a coronavirus outbreak aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier had 'compressed and complicated available training opportunities' for the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

The Marines were also tasked with providing security for the USNS Mercy, a hospital ship that was deployed off the California coast to help with COVID-19 patients at the height of the pandemic.

Mundy also noted that the Marines had a number of other 'non-standard' missions at the time, including being sent to the U.S.-Mexico border for Trump's immigration patrols.

Finally, he said they were 'planning for major combat operations due to heightened tensions with Iran in January 2020.'

Pfc Evan A. Bath, 19, of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, was killed during the accident last year

US Navy Hospitalman Christopher Gnem, 22, of Stockton, California, was one of the victims. Gnem was posthumously advanced to the rank of Petty Officer Third Class and awarded his enlisted Fleet Marine Force Warfare Specialist qualification

Other victims include: Lance Cpl Chase D. Sweetwood (center), 19, of Oak Creek, Wisconsin, Cpl Wesley A. Rodd (left), 23, of Harris, Texas, and Cpl Cesar A. Villanueva (right), 21, of Riverside, California

Marine Corps investigators found in March that the deaths were 'preventable,' and said that complacency, poor maintenance and inspections, and inadequate training all contributed to the tragedy.

The victims of the amphibious tank disaster Pfc. Bryan J. Baltierra, 18, of Corona, California

Lance Cpl. Marco A. Barranco, 21, of Montebello, California

Pfc. Evan A. Bath, 19, of Oak Creek, Wisconsin

Navy Hospitalman Christopher Gnem, 22, of Stockton, California

Pfc. Jack Ryan Ostrovsky, 21, of Bend, Oregon

Lance Cpl. Guillermo S. Perez, 20, of New Braunfels, Texas

Cpl. Wesley A. Rodd, 23, of Harris, Texas

Lance Cpl. Chase D. Sweetwood, 18, of Portland, Oregon

Cpl. Cesar A. Villanueva, 21, of Riverside, California Seven marines in the vehicle, including its commander, survived. Advertisement

The rescue effort was chaotic, they found, and the pumps designed to prevent the craft from sinking did not work quickly enough.

They found that no one factor was to blame, but rather a 'sequence of mechanical failures' caused the tragedy.

In May it was announced that Major General Robert Castellvi, who at the time was the commanding general of 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, had been suspended.

A month later he was fired - the highest-ranking officer to face disciplinary action in wake of the disaster.

His firing came after that of Lt. Col. Michael J. Regner, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, in October 2020, and Col. Christopher Bronzi, the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit's commanding officer, who was relieved of his command in March 2021.

In all, 12 Marines have been or will be punished for their roles in the accident, Marine Corps spokesman Capt. Ryan Bruce confirmed to Military.com.

The Navy did not fire any of their commanders, but Vice Admiral Roy Kitchener said that some faced administrative action. He did not say who had been reprimanded, or how.

'This tragedy should never have occurred,' Kitchener said.

'We will not let the lives be lost in vain. We have learned from this, and we will permanently improve the way we plan and execute amphibious operations.'

He said the Navy was 'reworking procedures and doctrine, clarifying aspects of amphibious operations, and instituting new training requirements to prevent future tragedies.'

An aerial view of the coast near San Clemente Island where the incident occurred

Pictured: A map showing the location of San Clemente island, off the coast of San Diego

The Navy's investigation, led by Rear Admiral Christopher Sweeney, found that the USS Somerset's commanding officer at the time, Navy Captain Dave Kurtz, 'did not fully understand communication pathways' between the ship and Marine vehicles involved in the operation.

Rear Admiral Christopher Sweeney, who led the investigation for the Navy, found that there were issued in communication, but that did not cause the accident itself

But Navy officials found that the Somerset - which the amphibious vehicle was heading to when it sank - responded promptly when the situation's severity became clear, and that the communication problems did not cause the disaster.

Both Mundy and Sweeney made a series of recommendations, including that safety boats equipped to deal with boats in distress should be available.

At the time of the accident, the Navy's safety boats were undergoing maintenance and so other armored landing craft were used instead.

One collided with the sinking vehicle while attempting a rescue, prompting it to roll over and sink rapidly.

Christiana Sweetwood, whose son was among the Marines killed, told The Washington Post that she was unimpressed at the explanations given.

'I feel like so much at this point has been thrown at us,' she said.

'It's almost like everyone is pointing fingers at each other.'

She said that she took comfort in the Navy's promise to require safety boats in the future.

'I'm trying to find my blessings wherever they are,' she said.

'Those safety boats, they are fast.'
U.S. forces have been secretly training Taiwan forces for a year, it was revealed on Thursday as tensions continued to mount between China and Washington D.C.

About two dozen members of U.S. special-operations and support troops are training small units of Taiwans ground forces, officials told the Wall Street Journal, while Marines are working with local maritime forces.

The report surfaced as the Biden administration announced they were further upping the ante on Beijing by reorganizing the Central Intelligence Agency to focus on its espionage efforts.

The CIA's new 'China Mission Center' was unveiled as a report claimed that U.S. special operations forces and Marines had been secretly operating in Taiwan to train military forces there for the past year.

Increasing tensions in the South Sea China have triggered warnings of war after sent air sorties and hostile rhetoric towards the self-governing island.

CIA Director William Burns said the new unit was a result of strategic reviews that concentrated on 'China, technology, people, and partnerships.'

'CMC will further strengthen the agency's work on the most important geopolitical threat we face in the 21st century, an increasingly adversarial Chinese government,' he said.

The reorganization marks an indication of how the Biden administration is reorienting to face the threat from China.

And it comes amid growing concerns in particular about Taiwan and Beijing's threatening moves.

CIA Director William Burns said the most important geopolitical threat facing the U.S. was 'an increasingly adversarial Chinese government' as he launched the China Mission Center

He spoke after 150 Chinese warplanes violated Taiwan's 'air defence zone' at the weekend, including 52 which flew in the single-largest mission to date (pictured)

They said the forces had been operating there for at least a year.

A Pentagon spokesperson declined to comment on the report directly.

'I would note, the PRC has stepped up efforts to intimidate and pressure Taiwan and other allies and partners, including increasing military activities conducted in the vicinity of Taiwan, East China Sea, and South China Sea which we believe are destabilizing and increase the risk of miscalculation,' said John Supple.

'I dont have any comments on specific operations, engagements, or training, but I would like to highlight that our support for and defense relationship with Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by the Peoples Republic of China.

'We urge Beijing to honor its commitment to the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait differences, as delineated in the three communiques.'

The U.S. has sold billions of dollars in weapons to Taiwan despite a policy of 'strategic ambiguity' over whether the U.S. would defend the island from a Chinese invasion.

But officials believe Taiwan must do more to counter the growing jeopardy it faces.

On Wednesday, America's top diplomat to the island said China posed a 'real and immediate' danger.

James Moriarty, speaking Wednesday night at an event to mark Taiwan's National Day in Washington, said China's recent show-of-strength in the skies near the island are a reminder of the threat it faces.

Moriarty, who heads the American Institute in Taiwan which represents the US on the island, said the incursions underlined the need for the ruling Republic of China to establish 'a powerful intimidating [defence] force as soon as possible.'

James Moriarty, America's top diplomat in Taiwan, has warned that China poses a 'real and immediate threat' to the island

China flew some 150 aircraft into Taiwan's 'air defence zone' over the weekend in one of the largest displays of force in recent years.

The missions had caused international alarm, Moriarty added, showing that the world is now paying attention to Taiwan and is ready to lend support.

Underlining his point, delegations of Australian and French diplomats visited the island on Thursday - holding high-level meetings with President Tsai Ing-wen.

Alain Richard, head of the French mission and a former defence minister, referred to Taiwan as 'a country' during as he was awarded the Order of Propitious Clouds for helping to establish diplomatic ties.

The remark is sure to infuriate Beijing, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province.

Officially, it is not recognised as a country under international law, though the government considers it to be an independent state.

The Chinese embassy in Paris warned that Richard's visit will damage the interests of China, Chinese-French relations and 'the image of France'.

Meanwhile former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbot was also on the island today, also in an effort to improve relations and 'end the isolation from which Taiwan has been suffering for so many decades.'

'Over the past 70 years, Taiwan has transformed from an impoverished dictatorship into a vibrant, dynamic, pluralist democracy,' he said as he arrived.

China's sabre-rattling has not gone unanswered, with British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (front) leading a joint strike group in exercises in the South China Sea

'You have demonstrated to all the countries of this region that it is possible to be rich and free.'

It is not clear if Mr Abbot will meet with the French mission while he is on the island.

Australia's relations with France are currently strained after Canberra ripped up a billion-dollar contract to buy French submarines and signed a new deal with the UK and US to acquire nuclear ones - dubbed AUKUS.

The move infuriated Beijing, which warned it risked stability in the region by upsetting the balance of power.

Western nations have been rushing to reaffirm their support for Taiwan as it faces down threats from an increasingly-assertive China.

Tensions have been building ever since a 2019 speech by President Xi Jinping in which he vowed to 'reunify' Taiwan with mainland China - using force if necessary.

He spoke against the backdrop of a rapid expansion of China's military, including the construction of new bases in the South China Sea - where Taiwan is located and over which Beijing claim supreme authority.

That has prompted the US - a long-standing ally of Taiwan - to forge new alliances in the region to counter-balance the growing threat.

As well as the AUKUS pact, Biden has entered into a strategic partnership known as The Quad with India, Japan and Australia to share intelligence and carry out joint military drills in the region.

China's sorties near Taiwan have included nuclear-capable H-6 bombers (pictured) along with fighters and recon planes

In a huge show of force to Beijing, the US is also participating in huge naval exercises in the region led by Britain's newest aircraft carrier - HMS Queen Elizabeth.

'Big Lizzie', as she is affectionately known, is currently leading drills with a joint carrier strike group that includes the USS Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan, along with ships from New Zealand, the Netherlands, Canada and Japan.

The carriers and their escorts have been carrying out drills in the South China Sea, and are expected to arrive in Singapore shortly.

Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday vowed to 'do whatever it takes' to guard Taiwan against invasion as she indicated that without help from the country's allies 'authoritarianism has the upper hand over democracy.'

Tsai added: '[Democratic nations] should remember that if Taiwan were to fall, the consequences would be catastrophic for regional peace and the democratic system.

'It would signal that in today's global contest of values, authoritarianism has the upper hand over democracy.'

Taiwan hopes for peaceful coexistence with China, she said, but 'if its democracy and way of life are threatened, Taiwan will do whatever it takes to defend itself.'

Tsai's government on Monday urged Beijing to stop 'irresponsible provocative actions' after the warplanes breached Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ).

'Amid almost daily intrusions by the People's Liberation Army, our position on cross-strait relations remains constant: Taiwan will not bend to pressure,' Tsai added.
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Body camera footage shows the moment a Texas cop rescued three children who got lost in the Sam Houston National Forest for more than 24 hours.

Video shows Montgomery County Sheriff's Deputy Sgt. Jason Smith calling out to the kids - two aged 6 and one 7 -last Friday morning. They were accompanied by a Good Samaritan who had found them in the woods.

'I got 'em, I got 'em. I have the kids,' Sgt. Smith said into his radio after instructing the group to come to him.

'I have all three children.'

The trio had gotten lost in the forest after they veered from the main trail to play in a dry creek. The sheriff's office told KPRC-TV that they were all uninjured.

The children were reported missing just before 8pm near the 20800 block of Julie Lane, in the Flamingo Lake neighborhood of Montgomery County.

They were found by first responders about a mile away from where they accidentally entered the woods, Montgomery County Lt. Scott Spencer said during a press conference last Friday.

They had taken shelter under a fallen tree overnight where they remained until they were rescued.

According to police, the kids left their homes during the day last Thursday to play with each other.

Eventually, when their parents realized the children were not at any of their homes, they called deputies.

The children had apparently gotten lost after taking a commonly used trail that connects their residences.

The trail is often used by neighborhood kids so the kids stay off the main road, Montgomery County Sheriff's deputies say.

In a Friday afternoon press release released by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department, the sheriff' s office explained the children were confirmed to have no injuries.

Body camera footage shows the moment when a Texas cop rescues three children who were lost in the Sam Houston National Forest for over 24 hours

The children were reported missing just before 8pm near the 20800 block of Julie Lane, in the Flamingo Lake neighborhood of Montgomery County. They were found by first responders the next day, about a mile away from where they accidentally entered the woods, Montgomery County Lt. Scott Spencer said during a press conference last Friday

The children were reported missing September 30, prompting a multi-agency search effort. They were found the following morning, after more than 24 hours of being lost in the Sam Houston National Forest

When Sgt. Smith found the kids, he said to them: 'I'm the police. Are y'all ready to get out of the woods?'

The trio had gotten lost in the forest after they veered from the main trail to play in a dry creek

Montgomery County Sheriff's Deputy Sgt. Jason Smith (pictured) rescued the kids Friday morning after they went missing on Thursday

Initially reported missing in the evening hours of September 30, the missing children sparked a multi-agency search effort.

Several law enforcement agencies were mobilized in the ensuing search, with a host of helicopters, drones, tracking dogs, and off-road vehicles deployed to assist in the efforts.

According to Spencer, hundreds of officials were involved in the search.

Police say a local man who was very familiar with the forest went searching for the kids Friday morning after learning they were missing - despite police asking citizens to stay out of the search effort so the areas would not become 'contaminated' as authorities worked to find the children.

The man, who asked to not be identified, found the children around 9.30am about a mile from where officials believe they entered the forest, about 400 yards off a forest road in the area, in a dry creek bed.

The do-gooder then called 911 and alerted authorities that he had found the children.

The man told police that he preferred to remain anonymous as he want any public attention or praise for the good deed.

Neighbors who know the man told officers that 'he's a quiet guy but always helpful.'

After the Good Samaritan called Montgomery deputies, dispatch triangulated his location and directed Sgt. Smith to the group.

Smith, who was a deputy the day earlier but was promoted to Sergeant after venturing into the thicket to retrieve the children, found the four in the woods, with the kids noticeably wet and famished.

Once the children were in Smith's care, the volunteer looked at him and said: 'Ain't Jesus good?'

'He's good,' Sgt. Smith replied, before addressing the kids.

'I'm the police. Are y'all ready to get out of the woods?'

'I'm really hungry right now,' one child replied.

'We're going to get something to eat,' Sgt. Smith told the kids, suggesting the kids would get cheeseburgers.

Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough took to social media last Friday morning to announce that the children were found, and commended police and first-responders for their efforts during the search.

'All three kids have been located safe. EMS has checked them out and they are at home with mom and dad.'

He also thanked Sgt. Smith personally.

'Special thanks to... Deputy Smith who gets promoted today.

He noted that Smith 'went into thicket conditions and help guide the kids to safety.'

Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough took to social media last Friday morning to announce that the children were found, and commended police and first-responders for their efforts during the search

The deputy then used his phone to navigate the group out of the forest.

Video shows the children attempting to walk ahead of him.

'Don't get too far ahead, okay. I don't want to lose y'all again,' he instructs.

After a nearly 20 minute hike, the group emerged from the woods and were met by first responders.

Before the footage cuts off, Sgt. Smith is heard saying: 'Hey, remind them about those cheeseburgers, okay.'

Multiple law enforcement agencies were in the forest searching for the children under the direction of the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department, using off-road vehicles helicopters, drones and tracking dogs to assist in the efforts

The had taken shelter under a fallen tree overnight, where they remained until the rescue

The kids were accompanied by a Good Samaritan who had found them in the woods. He went searching for the kids Friday morning after he learned they were missing

One child replied, 'I'm really hungry right now.' Sgt. Smith said the kids would be taken to get some cheeseburgers

After a 20 minute hike, the group emerged from the woods and were met by first responders
Fifteen months on from one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history, Australian mother Sarah Copland is still fighting for justice and answers.

Ms Copland's son, Isaac Oehlers, was the youngest of at least 218 people killed in the Beirut Port explosion on August 4, 2020. He was two-years-old.

Ten days after the explosion which tore through Lebanon's capital, Ms Copland and her husband Craig Oehlers moved to Melbourne to be close to family.

But life remains tough back in Australia.

Sarah Copland, mother of two-year-old Isaac Oehlers who tragically died in the Beirut explosion is fighting for justice (pictured, Sarah and Isaac)

'My family is obviously devastated at the loss of Isaac but they don't know what it was really like to be there on that day and to live through that explosion. You can't understand unless you lived through it,' she told AAP.

'That's why it's been really crucial for us to connect with other victims' families in Beirut and why I keep in contact with a number of other people there, because they understand.'

The anniversary of the blast was particularly difficult for Ms Copland and her family in Melbourne. In Beirut thousands of people poured onto the streets calling for justice.

Ms Copland has been lobbying the Australian government for support in establishing a UN Human Rights Council fact-finding mission. Australia can make the request, even if it's not a sitting council member.

While the international system of justice is not designed to be a first course of action, Ms Copland and other victims' families believe the ongoing domestic investigation in Beirut has had it's chance.

Isaac was the youngest victim of the August 4, 2020 explosion and Ms Copland is calling for a UN Human Rights Council fact-finding mission (pictured, the Beirut explosion)

'It's clear that the authorities are not going to let it happen,' Ms Copland said.

'They're pulling out every trick to delay, to interfere and prevent the investigation from being completed.'

The first local judge tasked with investigating the port explosion, Fadi Sawan, was dismissed after he called Lebanese politicians - who knew of the storage of 2754 tonnes of potentially dangerous ammonium nitrate in the port - for questioning.

The investigation has again been suspended after the current judge, Tarek Bitar, was notified of a dismissal case against him by Lebanon's former interior minister Nouhad Machnouk who had been summoned for interrogation.

Amnesty International representative Lynn Maalouf released a statement after the suspension labelling it another 'callous disregard' for victims and their families.

'Every stage of this investigation has been hampered by the Lebanese authorities' efforts to shield politicians and officials from scrutiny,' Maalouf's statement read.

The couple (pictured) moved back to Australia to be with family ten days after the explosion that tragically killed their son

Legal Action Worldwide Executive Director, Antonia Mulvey, is working for victims' families to push for an international investigation and says it's time for international law to intervene.

'The purpose of the UNHRC is to look at these contexts where we have these failings and where the violations are so serious such as here, where we're talking about the right to life and the right to remedy,' Ms Mulvey told AAP.

'While you might have individuals (in Lebanon) like Judge Bitar, which you can clearly see is trying his very best with minimal resources around him, it is the system itself which is working against him and will not allow accountability.'

Ms Copland has spoken to a number of Australian politicians and met with officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, and has not received a firm commitment of support for an international investigation led by the UN.

The department has been contacted for comment.

'It is one of many competing issues on the government's agenda, particularly with COVID, just trying to get any airtime for other issues is a challenge at the moment,' Ms Copland said.

Ms Copland has spoken to politicians and met with officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs but is yet to receive support for an international investigation (pictured, the aftermath of the Beirut explosion)

'That's why I keep persisting, talking to people and keep trying to show that this issue is not going away.

'Australia and the broader international community can't let the biggest non-nuclear explosion in history just go by the wayside like it doesn't matter.'

Ms Mulvey, based in Jordan, said that people would listen to Australia if it delivered a resolution at the Human Rights Council, considering an Australian citizen was killed.

'Australia could be very persuasive  we would like to see Australia taking a far stronger role on this,' Ms Mulvey said.

The results of an international investigation led by the UN could support the domestic investigation in Lebanon, and would give less space for any findings to be accused of bias.

The fact-finding mission, which would deploy technical experts and resources not available in Lebanon, can also be used in trials in third-party countries.

Isaac was an Australian and American dual national, meaning cases could be launched in both countries to seek answers about his death (pictured, the couple's second son)

Considering Isaac was an American dual national, it technically means cases could be launched in Australia and America to seek justice for his death.

These lawsuits could lead to international arrest warrants for people found to be complicit in the explosion, as well as individual sanctions on those who are held responsible.

The UNHRC is in session until Friday, meaning Ms Copland and other victim's families will need to wait until March for the matter to be added to the agenda.

'I know that the wheels turn very slowly but being the mother of a victim it is incredibly frustrating and disheartening at times to see that the system is not always designed with the interest of the victims at the core,' Ms Copland said.
A seventh person has been charged as investigations continue into the fatal bashing of a teenage boy in Sydney's west two months ago.

The boy was found with injuries to his head and chest at a home in Doonside on August 4 and later died in hospital.

Four boys - aged 14, 15 and two aged 13 - as well as a 15-year-old girl and 19-year-old woman have since been charged over the murder and remain before the courts.

The sixteen-year-old boy (above) died at Westmead Hospital after he was allegedly brutally bashed at a home in Doonside three days prior

NSW Police on Thursday arrested a 29-year-old man at Werrington and charged him with being an accessory after the fact.

He was refused bail to appear at Blacktown Local Court on Friday.

Police have also released CCTV vision of a man who was in the area at the time the teen was attacked who they want to speak to.

The man is described as being of medium build, with brown shoulder-length hair and was wearing a dark t-shirt, light coloured pants and dark coloured running shoes.
With a highly anticipated lockdown-free summer looming for Australia, BWS is celebrating the feat by giving away 20,000 six packs of beer.

From Friday, October 8, customers can snare a six-pack of XXXX Dry or James Squire Zero on the house across most parts of the nation.

To redeem the drinks, those over the age of 18 need to head to the BWS website or the BWS app and create a user account.

When purchasing two six packs of either product either online or in store, the third will be free of charge.

The retail chain has launched the feel good promotion to celebrate the easing of Covid-19 restrictions for many Australians.

Thirsty drinkers can enjoy free beer thanks to retail chain BWS, who are running a promotion to coincide with lockdown restrictions being lifted for summer (pictured, a six pack of XXXX Dry)

To receive the free beers, those aged 18 and above need to head to the BWS website or the BWS app and create a user account (pictured, a BWS bottle shop in Sydney)

'Lockdowns and restrictions have made us long for those much-needed social interactions,' BWS head of marketing Vanessa Rowed said.

'But there is light at the end of the tunnel, and we are celebrating by encouraging Aussies to get together and share drinks with their mates.'

XXXX Dry has quickly become a national favourite with many Aussie drinkers, after only previously being sold in Queensland and the Northern Territory.

James Squire Zero is also flying off the shelves for drinkers who want to savour a full-flavoured beverage - minus the alcohol.

Ms Rowed said BWS were keen to see people reconnect with family and friends once restrictions are lifted, and that knocking back a few beers together was the best way to do that.

In addition, BWS is also asking shoppers to share on social media who they are looking forward to sharing a drink via the hashtag #cantwaitmate.
Australia's claim it couldn't consult France ahead of time about dumping a $90 billion submarine contract has been labelled 'childish' by the European nation's returning ambassador.

Ambassador Jean-Pierre Thebault is returning to Canberra after being recalled following the shock announcement that infuriated the French.

But he says France doesn't know if it can trust Australia after being lied to, and cast doubt on whether the two governments were still friends.

Australia's claim it couldn't consult France ahead of time about dumping $90b submarine contract was labelled 'childish' by returning ambassador (Royal Australian Navy submarine HMAS Rankin pictured)

'This remains to be seen. That's exactly the reason for which I have been instructed to come back,' Mr Thebault told ABC radio on Friday.

'Confidence is not something you throw away when it's convenient. Trust is something you build, trust is something you create through your own action.'

Australia scrapped its 2016 agreement for 12 conventional vessels from Naval Group in favour of access to technology for nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS pact with the US and UK.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison insists it was impossible to avoid secrecy.

But Mr Thebault pointed to US concessions the deal could have been better handled.

'It's childish to say that it was impossible to consult France,' he said.

He said America had officially stated things should have been done differently including greater consultation.

Mr Thebault will look at the implications for jobs in both Australia and France upon his return to Canberra.

The ambassador stresses serious preparation is needed before Mr Morrison and French president Emmanuel Macron can speak.

'If we see that we can make the necessary progress in order to re-establish trust, to re-establish confidence between our two governments, then we can move forward,' he said.

'Let's not be in a situation where one will say, 'I talked to the other and I pretend I said that' and the other will say 'but I didn't hear that'. No, let's prepare seriously.'

He said the problem was bigger than a submarine contract, amounting to a 'deep crisis' of political and security cooperation.

Malcolm Turnbull, who was prime minister when the French deal was signed, accused his successor of double-crossing the French.

'They will never trust Scott Morrison. We just have to hope that in future they will be able to trust another prime minister,' he said.

'But Morrison has deceived them so blatantly and so shamelessly, they obviously are not going to trust him.

'The best I can say to Macron and to others in France is this: We may have a deceitful prime minister, but believe us, we are not a deceitful nation.'
I am vaccinated. Moderna, double shots. My husband is vaccinated. In fact my entire family is vaccinated.

But I am going to reveal something that will get me thrown out of whatever polite society social circles that still welcome me. I was hesitant before getting Moderna. I am almost thirty seven years old, I got the vaccine while I was still breastfeeding and my husband and I are, God willing, planning on having more children in the near future. And I was worried about potential impacts on fertility. I was worried about being of birthing age, and had the same concerns expressed by millions of women.

Ultimately, I credit Dr. Ashish Jha, the Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, for helping me make my own personal decision about the vaccine. His social media and many interviews are measured, respectful and ultimately considerate of normal anxieties many women of birthing age have. When I had the opportunity to interview him, he didn't treat me like I was an idiot or was wearing a tin-foil hat when I asked questions. For whatever it is worth, I believe there would be a lot less politicization and anxiety if he were in charge of NIH instead of Dr. Fauci, but I digress.

So my husband and I ultimately drove from our home in the DC Beltway to George Mason University after signing up online for a large vaccination event held on campus. I was nervous driving there. Ultimately Ben and I decided that the risk of a new vaccine was lower than the risks of getting COVID-19.

California Governor Gavin Newsom (pictured) said last week that California would require students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 from ages K-12, once it is FDA approved. Presumably, he will want over-fives jabbed as soon as the FDA give the OK. And he won't be the only Blue State governor going down that road

Parents can opt their children out of inoculation based on personal beliefs but Newsom has not defined the criteria for obtaining those exemptions, leaving the task to state public health officials. It's nebulous and confusing at best. Pictured is masked young children at a California elementary school in August

We have a baby, and I can't take the same kinds of risks I once could. I am comfortable with my decision and grateful to re-enter society after what was a very long, lonely and dark year of social distancing and not seeing friends and family (as it was for all of us). And I'm grateful that, to date, there is no scientific data, research or recorded events that in any way make me fear this vaccine will impact my fertility.

I would urge any adult to do the same unless their doctor gives them a good medical reason not to.

I credit Dr. Ashish Jha, (pictured) the Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, for helping me make my own personal decision about the vaccine. His social media and many interviews are measured, respectful and ultimately considerate of normal anxieties many women of birthing age have

All of that being said, the vaccine I took is still experimental, developed in months, not years, and still not FDA approved. While I feel confident in my choice to get vaccinated, only a fool would compare this vaccine to the long-used, tested vaccines recommended for our children.

But as of this moment, Pfizer is asking the F.D.A. to authorize it's COVID-19 vaccine for children ages five to eleven. The agency has promised to move quickly and has a meeting scheduled for the end of the month. California Governor Gavin Newsom said last week that California would require students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 from ages K-12, once it is FDA approved. Presumably, he will want over-fives jabbed as soon as the FDA give the OK.

And he won't be the only Blue State governor going down that road.

For Democrats, vaccines for all, whatever the circumstances, have become an article of faith and ideological purity test all rolled into one.

Parents can opt their children out of inoculation based on personal beliefs but Newsom has not defined the criteria for obtaining those exemptions, leaving the task to state public health officials. It's nebulous and confusing at best.

My daughter Liberty has just turned one, she is vaccinated with all of the normal vaccines children get in the first year of life in the United States of America. I didn't hesitate to vaccinate her because I believe in science, and I really like, trust and respect her pediatrician. I also have heard horror stories from my friends in places like California and Brooklyn where there are outbreaks of things like whooping cough and measles at their children's school. I am a hardcore conservative Republican, not some hippie who believes in junk science on mommy Facebook groups in Malibu.

But if Liberty, were a few years older, I would not be comfortable being forced to give her an experimental vaccine that has not been F.D.A. approved to protect against a virus that, thank God, barely impacts children.

In the UK their vaccine watchdog DECLINED to recommend vaccines for even over-15s because they said the benefits were 'marginal' for the children concerned.

They acknowledged that the only real medical justification for giving children Covid shots is to protect the wider community from the virus. That is, their parents, grandparents and teachers  many of whom, in the last category, don't want to take the vaccine themselves.

Yet we don't make the flu vaccine compulsory for children, despite the fact that it is at least as lethal for kids.

For whatever it is worth, I believe there would be a lot less politicization and anxiety if Dr. Ashish Jha were in charge of NIH instead of Dr. Fauci (pictured) but I digress

In the UK their vaccine watchdog DECLINED to recommend vaccines for even over-15s because they said the benefits were 'marginal' for the children concerned. They acknowledged that the only real medical justification for giving children Covid shots is to protect the wider community from the virus. That is, their parents, grandparents and teachers  many of whom, in the last category, don't want to take the vaccine themselves. A 12-year-old boy receives the Pfizer vaccine in August before the school year started

I can already feel the pitchforks out for me writing this. Under normal circumstances, such as being forced to get vaccines for school at a young age, the vaccines in question have been tested for decades and took time before they became a requirement for school admission.

This vaccine is not the same. On top of everything else, I do not believe it is the government's, or at the very least, the sleaze bucket-du-jour Governor Gavin Newsom's, role to tell me what I should and shouldn't do with my child. He couldn't even follow his own Covid mandates during lockdowns without going to a group dinner at one of the most expensive restaurants in the world so why should I trust him with this?

Conservatives by nature, distrust the government. The entire point of our ideology is to limit the power of government only to what is necessary to maintain our Republic, not to create draconian overlords with the power to rule over every aspect of our lives. If there is anything I have learned over the past two years it is that if you give the government an inch, it will take one hundred miles and more and then never give it back.

Parents, and researchers, need more time. If God forbid there was some side effect that impacted children we are unaware of because this was rushed, the little remaining trust Americans have in our institutions would be lost.

There would be nothing short of bedlam. This is not a virus that is killing or even seriously threatening children, a few vanishingly-rare tragedies apart. And according to a British study in Nature recently, about half of them had serious pre-existing conditions.

So I just don't believe we should be forcing this on families with young children.

For now, I am lucky, my daughter is only one, so maybe we should visit California before the Governor requires her to get vaccinated in order to go to a children's park.
A huge fire at a car workshop has closed the M1 and nearby rail routes, bringing chaos to those getting in and out of north London on Thursday night.

Sixty firefighters were dispatched to West Hendon Broadway, Colindale to fight the flames that ripped through the workshop building.

Officials shut the M1 motorway between junctions 1 and 4, while nearby rail routes both in and out of London were closed as well.

A huge fire at a car workshop (pictured) has closed the M1 and rail routes, bringing parts of north London to a standstill on Thursday night

These included the mainlines north out of London St Pancras towards Luton Airport Parkway, including the Thames Link.

Major congestion was also reported on the A5, which runs near the railway tracks and where the fire broke out.

The London Fire Brigade advised all motorists to avoid the area due to the travel chaos, with no indication of when it would end.

With concerns from the London Fire Brigade about flammable gas cylinders being stored on the premises, eight fire engines were sent to the workshop.

As of 11pm GMT on Thursday night, no casualties had been reported.

'The whole of a car workshop is currently alight in Colindale,' a LFB spokesman said.

'Crews continue to work hard. The M1 motorway has been closed between junctions 1 and 4 and nearby rail routes are also facing disruption. Please avoid the area.'

Network Rail added: 'A fire next to the track is causing disruption to services between London St Pancras and Luton Airport Parkway.

'As a result, all lines are blocked and trains between these stations may be cancelled or delayed.'

Pictured: Fire engines are seen on Thursday night at the scene of a fire in Colindale that has closed the M1 and stopped trains on nearby lines

The London Fire Brigade advised all motorists to avoid the area due to the travel chaos, with no indication of when it would end. Pictured: Police officers stand guard near the workshop

Thameslink rail service tweeted: 'There are believed to be a number of flammable gas cylinders onsite.'

Scotland Yard said: 'Officers are assisting our colleagues from London Fire Brigade at the scene of a fire on West Hendon Broadway.

'Road closures are in place and people are asked to avoid the area.'

London Ambulance Service said: 'We have a crew, incident response officer and units on scene with our emergency services partners at a fire in West Hendon.

'At this time we haven't treated any patients.'

In April 2011, a scrapyard fire in Mill Hill, also north London, closed the same M1 junctions, and also disrupted train services for a number of days.

It was found that fire had been caused deliberately.
The Morrison government says it will be ready to roll out Pfizer jabs to children younger than 12 should Australia's medicines regulator give the green light.

Pfizer has sought emergency approval in the US to administer a lower dose to children aged between 5 and 11 following successful trials.

No children under 12 have died with Covid in Australia, and the virus has killed fewer than 530 aged 5 to 11 in the US - less than 0.1 percent of all Covid deaths.

Pfizer has sought emergency approval in the US to administer a lower dose to children aged between 5 and 11 following successful trials. Pictured: Marisol Gerardo, 9, is held by her mother as she gets the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine during a clinical trial at Duke Health in Durham, North Carolina, April 2021

When asked how soon it could be approved in Australia, Defence Minister Peter Dutton said evidence showed COVID-19 did not affect children in the same was as adults.

'It is not a political decision. We have the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) and all sorts of approval processes,' he told the Nine Network on Friday.

'They don't approve vaccines without the most rigorous testing and we should take heart from that.

'If they approve it, then the government will act on that straightaway but it's a decision for the scientists.'

The government last month invited Pfizer to apply to the TGA for approval to vaccinate children as young as five.

Deputy opposition leader Richard Marles urged the government to get its skates on.

'We do need to be ready for that approval coming onboard around making sure that is an option for parents in this country,' he said.

Meanwhile, Queensland and Western Australia have been urged to boost their vaccination rates.

They on Thursday became the last states to reach 50 per cent vaccination thresholds for over-16s.

Mr Dutton warned relatively COVID-free parts of Australia could not stay that way indefinitely.

'Thinking that you could lock down and pretend like it's not going to come to Queensland or not going to come to Mackay or into Perth or Fremantle is a complete nonsense,' he said.

The Morrison government says it will be ready to roll out Pfizer jabs to children younger than 12 should Australia's medicines regulator give the green light

Nationally, nearly 60 per cent of over-16s are fully vaccinated.

NSW has reached a 70 per cent double-dose rate, after recording 587 new local cases and a further eight deaths on Thursday.

The ACT is hot on the heels of NSW's vaccination rates after reporting 41 new cases.

Fully vaccinated federal politicians will not have to quarantine for two weeks ahead of parliament returning from October 18.

Victoria has vaccinated more than 55 per cent of its over-16s and recorded 1,638 new cases.
Seventeen years ago the UK produced enough gas for all its domestic needs, but we are now reliant on an international market and the whims of President Putin. So what alternatives to imported gas are there that could put the energy market on a sustainable footing?

New North Sea gas

Production in the North Sea has dwindled because older gas fields have become too expensive to run, and new ones have taken a long time to come on stream.

Last year about 48 per cent of UK gas came from the North Sea, down from 100 per cent in 2004, and this is projected to keep falling.

If the Government does not subsidise investment, then by 2025 domestic gas will only meet around one third of UK demand, making the country even more reliant on global markets.

Wayne Bryan, director of European Gas Research at Refinitiv, said: 'There are untapped gas fields in the North Sea, but more investment is needed. There are three or four new gas fields starting early next year, but we've seen falling investment in the last 18 months.'

Production in the North Sea has dwindled because older gas fields have become too expensive to run, and new ones have taken a long time to come on stream

Restart Fracking

The Government halted fracking in England at the end of November 2019 after a series of confrontations between shale gas companies and local communities.

Supporters claim there is enough shale gas in the UK to support the country's needs for decades.

Fracking has boomed in the US, making the country a powerhouse in global oil and gas production and securing its energy security. The technique, also known as hydraulic fracturing, involves pumping water and sand underground at high pressure to fracture the rock and release trapped oil and gas.

An active fracking site near Blackpool caused several earthquakes up to a magnitude of 2.9, which left houses in the local area shaking.

Opponents of fracking also complain that sites require significant infrastructure and sand and water have to be transported to and fro in large trucks leading to traffic, noise and disruption.

The Government took its decision after a scientific study found there would be 'unacceptable' consequences for those living near fracking sites. But it said it could agree to new sites if there was 'compelling new evidence' that fracking was safe.

The Government halted fracking in England at the end of November 2019 after a series of confrontations between shale gas companies and local communities. Supporters claim there is enough shale gas in the UK to support the country's needs for decades

More gas storage

The UK has around 18 times less gas storage than European nations such as Italy, Germany and France, making the country extremely vulnerable to volatile prices.

A focus on renewables and developing better connectivity with neighbours such as Norway, to enable the UK to import gas effectively, meant little new storage has been built.

In fact the Rough storage facility off the Yorkshire coast, which accounted for two-thirds of our gas capacity, was retired in 2017. Experts said politicians believed that there was no need to spend vast sums on new storage plants because prices had been stable between the summer and winter for many years.

The UK has around 18 times less gas storage than European nations such as Italy, Germany and France, making the country extremely vulnerable to volatile prices

Shetland oil Fields

The UK could look to new oil fields  at the risk of being accused of climate hypocrisy.

The area to the west of the Shetland Islands has been named as 'the place to be' by energy experts advising firms on growing Britain's oil output. Siccar Point Energy, backed by Shell, is preparing to start drilling in the Cambo oil field, situated 75 miles to the west of the Shetlands.

It is thought to contain 800 million barrels of oil, which will be released over the next 25 years.

The boss of SPE, Jonathan Roger, said: 'The Cambo development supports the country's energy transition, maintaining secure UK supply.' His words appear prophetic against this week's wild swings in gas prices, but more licences to drill oil will enrage environmental campaigners.

It could also be against the law as the Government has created legislation committing the country to a 78 per cent reduction in carbon emissions by 2035, and a 100 per cent reduction by 2050.

Ministers last month said they were considering a 'change of focus' towards nuclear power to find a more reliable source of green energy than wind and solar. Industry figures have lambasted the Government for failing to replace Britain's ageing reactors sooner, despite repeated warnings

Go Nuclear

Ministers last month said they were considering a 'change of focus' towards nuclear power to find a more reliable source of green energy than wind and solar.

Industry figures have lambasted the Government for failing to replace Britain's ageing reactors sooner, despite repeated warnings.

Next year alone the country will lose more than a fifth of its nuclear power generation when plants in Dungeness, Kent, and Hunterston, in Ayrshire, Scotland, are retired. There is then a procession through the 2020s as plants in Hartlepool, in County Durham, Heysham, in Lancashire, and Torness in East Lothian, Scotland, are retired.

Any investment in nuclear energy today will not provide energy until the 2030s and the UK will need at least two large reactors and ten small plants just to maintain current levels of energy production.

There is some hope. A consortium led by Rolls-Royce, which makes nuclear reactors for submarines, has just secured a 210million investment that will allow it to put its plans for mini-reactors to regulators. It hopes it can build the smaller plants, which will require 2billion investment each, more quickly than traditional reactors, and hopes to build up to 16.
A man has been charged with grooming and sexually abusing an underage girl southwest of Sydney.

NSW Police were told in August a 14-year-old girl had been sexually abused by a man she met online.

A man, 22, was arrested on Thursday in the Macarthur region and officers seized a mobile phone and clothing for examination.

He's facing multiple charges including using a carriage service to groom someone under 16 for sex, two counts of sexual intercourse with a child and using a carriage service to solicit child abuse material.

Police will allege in court the man groomed the girl before meeting her in June and July when he sexually abused her.

The man was refused bail to appear before Picton Local Court on Friday.
The Spanish government is planning to offer citizens who turn 18 next year 400 (340) to spend on cultural activities.

The goal is to help the country's culture sector recover from the pandemic.

Teenagers would be able to spend their 400 on items such as cinema and theatre tickets, books and concerts.

Bullfighting, which has few supporters in the Left-wing coalition government, is excluded.

Bullfighting, which has few supporters in the Left-wing coalition government, is excluded (file photo)

The government (pictured, PM Pedro Sanchez) calculates half a million people will be eligible for the voucher, costing the state around 160million

The government calculates half a million people will be eligible for the voucher, costing the state around 160million.

France and Italy have taken similar steps to support their culture sectors.

The decision was one of the politically controversial measures in Spain's 2022 national budget, which will be voted on next week.

Another was a proposal to give 18 to 34-year-olds earning less than 1,977 (1,578) a month a 250 (212) monthly bonus for rent payments.

The aim is to enable more young people to move out of their parents' homes.
The Draconid Meteor Shower is set to peak on Friday evening, sending up to 10 shooting stars flying through skies over the UK every hour.

The annual display will be most visible in the Northern Hemisphere after nightfall tomorrow (18:56 BST), in clear skies and away from sources of light pollution.

Meteor showers are caused when the Earth travels through a cloud of cometary debris, putting on a light show for viewers on the ground.

The Draconid Meteor Shower comes from the debris of comet 21 P/ Giacobini-Zinner  a small comet with a diameter of 1.24 miles (2 kilometers).

Giacobini-Zinner lays down fresh pieces of debris every 6.6 years as it passes on its orbit through the inner solar system, and the meteors come when Earth passes through this regularly topped up debris field.

However, bad weather threatens to hamper peoples chances of seeing the celestial display, according to the Met Office.

'Viewing conditions of the meteor shower are not optimal over the UK, but there will be limited opportunities with cloud breaks in central and southern England tonight and perhaps greater chances tomorrow,' said Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge.

'Skywatchers in northern and western parts of the UK will be hampered by cloud and rain. Fog may also create local difficulties in other areas.'

Meteor showers are caused when the Earth travels through a cloud of cometary debris. In this case, the Draconid Meteor Shower comes from the debris of comet 21 P/ Giacobini-Zinner. Pictured, the night sky over Russky Island during the Draconids

The Draconid Meteor Shower The Draconid meteors are caused when Earth collides from debris shed by comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner. The comet has a six and a half year long orbit that periodically carries it near Jupiter. The rocks, stones and dust particles, which can be as small as a grain of sand, enter the atmosphere, and friction with air molecules cause them to give off bright light. The best way to see the show is by heading as far away from light pollution as possible. They are best seen in the evening instead of before dawn as this is when the constellation Draco the Dragon - where the meteors appear to come from - is highest in the sky. Advertisement

The shower will take place from October 7 to 11, but is expected to peak on the evening of Friday into Saturday.

To get the best possible view of Friday's peak, find a place with clear skies and far from sources of light pollution like big cities.

There is no advantage to using binoculars or a telescope  observers just need to look up unaided and take in the widest possible view of the sky.

Generally, those in Northern America, Europe and Asia are the best situated to see the Draconids.

The best places in the UK include the renowned stargazing locations, also known as the three 'Dark Sky Reserves  Snowdonia, Brecon Beacons and Exmoor national parks.

'The Dracanoid shower will be visible to anyone with clearer skies,' Annie Shuttleworth at the Met Office told MailOnline.

'Those in southern parts of England and Wales away from any light pollution are most likely to see the shower.'

According to Shuttleworth, it will be be cloudy and wet across Scotland and northern Ireland with mostly cloudy skies across north Wales and northern England, meaning vision may be impaired in these places.

'Anywhere south of a horizontal line through Aberystwyth to Norwich could see an hour or two of clear spells  but many in that area will have mostly cloudy skies,' she said.

The Draconid Meteor Shower takes its name from the constellation of Draco. It is best viewed in the evening just after sunset. The meteors fly in all directions through the sky when they arrive

TIPS TO SEE A METEOR SHOWER Meteor showers are best seen with a good, clear view of the stars on a night with no clouds. Try to find somewhere with dark skies, an unobstructed horizon and very little light pollution Make sure there are no direct sources of light in your eyes, so that you can fully adapt to the local conditions and ensure that fainter meteors become visible. Theres no advantage to using binoculars or a telescope; just look up with your own eyes to take in the widest possible view of the sky. Source: Royal Observatory Greenwich Advertisement

The Draconid Meteor Shower takes its name from the constellation of Draco, which is its radiant point  the point in the sky the meteors appear to come from.

Draco is a long and winding constellation, easily visible to people in the Northern Hemisphere, in the northern sky. It can be found lying above the Big Dipper and Polaris, the North Star.

The Draconids are best seen in the Northern Hemisphere, though it is still possible to see them in the Southern Hemisphere, especially if close to the equator.

That's because the radiant point for the shower almost coincides with the head of the constellation Draco in the northern sky.

The rate of meteors during the Draconid shower's peak depends upon which part of the comet's trail the Earth orbit intersects on any given year, according to Royal Observatory Greenwich.

The observatory describes the Draconids as 'variable', meaning you can never be sure what kind of light display you're going to get.

'In recent years, the Draconids have not produced any particular outbursts in activity,' Royal Observatory Greenwich says on its website.

'However, in 1933 and 1946 the Draconids produced some of the most active displays in the 20th century.'

The Draconid Meteor Shower comes from the debris of comet 21 P/ Giacobini-Zinner - a small comet with a diameter of 1.24 miles (2 kilometers). The comet is pictured here in a shot by the Kitt Peak 0.9-m telescope on October 31, 1998

The shower takes its name from the constellation of Draco, from where in the night sky they seem to originate, which can be spotted lying above the Big Dipper and Polaris, the North Star

REMAINING METEOR SHOWERS IN 2021 Draconids - October 8-9 peak

Orionids - October 21 peak

Taurids - November 12 peak

Leonids - November 17-18 peak

Geminids - December 14 peak

Ursids - December 22-23 peak Advertisement

It's worth noting that 2011 and 2018 saw more Draconid activity than expected, so 2021 could be the year where they put on a spectacular show.

National Space Centre says the Draconids typically produce somewhere between five and 10 meteors an hour, but in past displays there have been thousands per hour.

As the meteors made of ice and dust enter our atmosphere, they begin to burn up  putting on a light show for viewers but meaning that most never reach the ground.

The beautiful streaks seen in the night sky can actually be caused by cosmic particles as small as a grain of sand.

If the particle is larger than a grape, it will produce a fireball and will be accompanied by a persistent afterglow.

Fortunately, there was a new moon on Wednesday, October 6, so the moon's illumination is going to be at only 6 per cent on Friday, meaning moonlight shouldn't dim our view of the Draconids.

'The moon is new on the night of greatest activity, so its light won't interfere with the view,' Dr Robert Massey, deputy executive director at Royal Astronomical Society, told MailOnline.

'As with any meteor shower, it's best to escape the lights of the city and head to a dark site.'

However, Dr Massey also pointed out that the International Meteor Organisation is not flagging Friday's shower, and that it may be 'better for dedicated amateur astronomers than the wider public'.

The Draconid Meteor Shower, sometimes referred to as the Giacobinids, is one of two meteor showers that grace the skies in October every year.

The other is the Orionids, which are set to peak in the sky on the night of October 21, between midnight and dawn.
They are among the rarest of gem diamonds and can fetch hundreds of thousands of pounds.

But now scientists have discovered a new type of colour-changing stone, which is different to the well-known 'chameleon diamond'.

Rather than going from one shade to another if heated or kept in the dark, the so-called 'cryogenic diamond' goes from grey to yellow when made extremely cold.

The discovery was made by Stephanie Persaud at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in Carlsbad, California, who was grading diamonds for clients when she noticed the third kind of colour-changing diamond.

Its value remains unclear, although the experts believe its rarity could make it extremely valuable.

However, even if you could get your hands on the gem, it's not like it would reveal its secret on a cold winter morning.

That's because it only changes colour if chilled to -320F (-196C), the temperature of liquid nitrogen.

Colour-changing: Scientists have discovered a new type of diamonds that goes from grey (left) to yellow (right) when made extremely cold. A 3.8 ct 'cryogenic diamond' is pictured above

What are chameleon diamonds and how much do they cost? The phenomenon of chameleon diamonds was first discovered in 1866, although the reason why they change colour is still a mystery. Some have been found to do so either when heated to around 320F (200C), or if kept in the dark for 24 hours. As well as being a source for diamond collectors, chameleon stones are also a scientific enigma. Because their appearance can be altered when exposed to light, heat and now the cold, experts think there may be more than one mechanism at work to explain what is going on. But as yet, they don't know the real reason. That's partly because they're so rare and therefore it is difficult to get hold of samples to study. The rarity is also what makes them very pricey, often worth hundreds of thousands of pounds. They are generally priced more than most colourless diamonds but are more affordable than costly colour diamonds such as pink and orange Advertisement

Such cooling is fairly routine in labs, and is carried out to make the atoms in a diamond vibrate less, allowing for more accurate measurements to be taken about how the gem absorbs different wavelengths of light.

The chameleon diamond phenomenon was first discovered in 1866 by Georges Halphen, a Paris diamond merchant.

However, the term for such colour-changing stones was not used in the jewellery trade until 1943.

The reason why they change colour is still a mystery, but some have been found to do so either when heated to around 320F (200C), or if kept in the dark for more than 24 hours.

Because their appearance can be altered when exposed to light, heat and now the cold, experts think there may be more than one mechanism at work to explain how the diamonds change colour.

Part of the problem about the lack of knowledge is that chameleon diamonds are so rare, meaning researchers have found it difficult to get hold of samples to study.

For this very reason, the new stone could be extremely valuable, according to Paul Johnson at the GIA.

'Consumers love rarity, that is what brings value to a diamond,' he told the New Scientist, even if the owner of such a stone is unlikely to store it in liquid nitrogen.

Diamonds are made up of carbon atoms arranged in rigid tetrahedrons, or triangular pyramids.

They show colour when there are impurities or structural defects within this chemical composition, and in the case of yellow stones it is because nitrogen is incorporated into their carbon crystal structure.

This modifies the light and absorbs the blue part of the visible spectrum.

Johnson believes that when the new type of colour-changing stone is chilled, the electric charge moves closer or further away from such impurities in the crystal and therefore appears differently when impacted by the light.

His team has so far discovered five examples of the cryogenic diamond, some of which go from grey to yellow and others from grey to blue.

Part of the problem about the lack of knowledge is that chameleon diamonds (pictured) are so rare, meaning researchers have found it difficult to get hold of samples to study

However, he hopes to find more so that he can test whether his theory about how they work is correct.

What's promising is that before this discovery no one had been looking for colour changes in chilled diamonds, so there's a chance more will be found with the help of the GIA's records of previously graded stones.

The new discovery is due to be presented at a meeting of the Geological Society of America in Oregon next Tuesday.

The research comes shortly after an unusual diamond with another diamond trapped inside was discovered in Russia that may be over 800 million years old.

The diamond has the dubbed the Matryoshka diamond, thanks to its resemblance to the traditional Russian Matryoshka dolls - a set of wooden dolls of decreasing size placed one inside another.

Experts are still unclear on how the strange gem formed, but believe this is the first of its kind in the history of global diamond mining.

Oleg Kovalchuk, Deputy Director for innovations at ALROSA's Research and Development Geological Enterprise, said: 'As far as we know, there were no such diamonds in the history of global diamond mining yet.

'This is really a unique creation of nature, especially since nature does not like emptiness. Usually, some minerals are replaced by others without cavity formation.'
It's already well known that animals such as birds learn to avoid eating poisonous insects that could potentially kill them.

Now, researchers at the University of Bristol have found that birds can even learn to avoid the plants that host these toxic insects.

In the wild, the academics exposed several wild bird species to artificial cinnabar caterpillars, which are known for their yellow and black stripes.

They found the birds were less likely to go for the fake caterpillars if they were perched on ragwort  a poisonous plant  than a non-poisonous plant.

Cinnabar larvae feeding on ragwort. The bold yellow and black stripes of the moth species (Tyria jacobaeae) make it easy to identify in the wild

CINNABAR CATEPILLARS AND RAGWORT Cinnabar moth caterpillars can be found in their hundreds munching away on yellow-flowered ragwort. As well as being the cinnabar caterpillars main food plant, ragwort supports more than 40 other insect species and is an important source of nectar. It is also toxic and well known for its potential to poison horses and other livestock if eaten, particularly via contaminated hay. The toxins within the growing plant make it so bitter and unpalatable that it is usually avoided - but the cinnabar caterpillars feast upon ragwort without ill effect. They actually benefit from its toxicity by eating enough of it to become toxic themselves, and their colourful stripes are a warning to predators. Source: Sussex Wildlife Trust Advertisement

Insect species such as caterpillars, ladybirds and moths have conspicuous or colourful markings and bitter-tasting chemical defences to deter predators, including birds.

These predators therefore have to work out whether their potential prey is worth eating or likely to be poisonous, and therefore capable of killing them.

The new study used artificial mock-ups of the cinnabar caterpillar (Tyria jacobaeae), which is striped black and yellow prior to becoming an attractive red-and-black moth.

As a caterpillar, its colourful yellow and black stripes act as something of a warning to predators  'I'm poisonous and taste terrible, so dont try to eat me'.

'Cinnabar caterpillars have this really recognisable, stripey yellow and black appearance,' said the study's lead author Callum McLellan, a graduate student at Bristol's School of Biological Sciences.

'We have shown that birds learn that the ragwort flowers are a cue for danger, so can avoid going anywhere near toxic prey.

'It's more efficient to avoid the whole plant than make decisions about individual caterpillars.'

Cinnabar caterpillars live and feed on ragwort, a weed native to Britain and other parts of Europe that has distinctive yellow flowers.

As well as being the cinnabar caterpillar's main food plant, ragwort supports more than 40 other insect species and is an important source of nectar  but it's poisonous to birds and other animals.

Tyria jacobaeae goes from a yellow and black caterpillar to an attractive red-and-black moth. Pictured, an adult cinnabar moth on a ragwort stem

Eating the toxic ragwort gives cinnabar caterpillars a form of defence, McLellan explains.

'I'm not sure on the mechanism, but through evolution it has gained the ability to harmlessly sequester their host plant's pyrrolizidine alkaloids into their tissues to use as their own defence,' he said.

'This likely comes at some metabolic cost to the caterpillar.'

In high enough quantities, the pyrrolizidine alkaloids in ragwort can be very harmful to birds if ingested.

'But the cinnabar's toxicity doesn't need to be fatal to birds to get them to not eat them; they just need to taste bad enough, or produce ill effects, that birds don't bother eating them again,' McLellan said.

The team's study was conducted in various urban green spaces in and around Bristol.

The scientists designed waterproof paper tubes containing meal worms, to act as a proxy for real caterpillars.

There were two designs 'artificial cinnabar caterpillars' (with a yellow and black striped pattern) and 'non-signalling fake caterpillar targets' (brown).

'Non-signalling refers to their brown colouration, whereas our cinnabar-like targets had a yellow and black stripey warning signal,' said McLellan.

Researchers didn't use real cinnabar caterpillars because they needed the targets to stay in place, and because they needed to change their colour.

Researchers created two designs 'artificial cinnabar caterpillars' (with a yellow and black striped pattern) and ' non-signalling fake caterpillar targets' (brown)

Pictured is ragwort, a plant that's poisonous to birds and other animals. Cinnabar caterpillars feast upon ragwort without ill effect, despite its toxicity

They put the fake caterpillars on ragwort plants, as well as bramble, a non-toxic plant that is not a natural host of the cinnabar.

The study relied on wild, local birds to eat the targets, but the researchers did not identify the specific bird species that did the eating.

'The most likely predators were passerines  likely robins, tits and blackbirds,' McLellan told MailOnline.

The 'caterpillars' survived better on ragwort compared to bramble when experienced predators were abundant  suggesting birds know not to go for the poisonous ragwort.

The most likely predators in the local vicinity were passerines, such as robins, tits and blackbirds (pictured)

The researchers were also interested in whether birds use the bright yellow flowers of ragwort as a cue for avoidance.

They cleverly tested this by removing spikes of the ragwort yellow flowers and pinning them onto the bramble, then recording caterpillar 'survival' on either plant.

'We found our brown targets survived better on ragwort that retained its flowers, compared to those on ragwort that had its flowers removed,' McLellan said.

'Similarly, our brown targets survived better on bramble with added ragwort flowers, compared to those on plain bramble without added flowers.'

This finding suggests that birds are using the appearance of ragwort flowers as a cue to avoid eating prey on these plants, according to McLellan.

However, there was no difference to the survival of the fake yellow and black target, suggesting that a 'prey warning signal is still more important to birds than flower cues', he added.

The study has been published today in Current Biology.
NASA moved two astronauts off a Boeing mission to SpaceX due to the Starliner's slow developmental progress that has delayed the agency's Crew-5 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Astronauts Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada will be the commander and pilot of the Elon Musk-run company's Crew-5 mission in fall 2022  with additional crew members set to be revealed later.

The announcement, made Wednesday, is likely due to Boeing's Starliner 'being riddled with problems' that has forced the company to scrub its first crewed mission in August and cut its first unmanned flight in 2019.

'NASA decided it was important to make these reassignments to allow Boeing time to complete the development of Starliner while continuing plans for astronauts to gain spaceflight experience for the future needs of the agency's missions,' NASA shared in a press release.

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Astronauts Nicole Mann (left) and Josh Cassada (right) will be the commander and pilot of the now Elon Musk-owned company's Crew-5 mission in fall 2022

DailyMail.com has contacted Boeing for comment for this story.

Although Mann and Cassada have been moved, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore, Mike Fincke and Suni Williams are still assigned to a Boeing mission.

Mann and Cassada are both trained to operate Boeing's CST-100 Starliner capsule -Mann was set to pilot the craft during its first crewed mission to the ISS and Cassada was assigned for Starliner's first operational mission.

'It has been the opportunity of a lifetime to train on a brand-new spacecraft, the Boeing Starliner, and it has been fantastic to work with the Boeing team,' Mann said in a statement.

The announcement, made Wednesday, is likely due to Boeing's Starliner 'being riddled with problems' that has forced the company to scrub its first crewed mission in August (pictured) and cut its first unmanned flight in 2019.

NASA moved two astronauts off a Boeing mission to SpaceX due to the Starliner's slow developmental progress that has delayed the agency's Crew-5 mission to the International Space Station. Pictured is SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket toped with the Crew Dragon capsule

'I am thrilled to have the opportunity to train on another new spacecraft  the SpaceX Crew Dragon  and appreciate the teams at NASA who have made that possible. I am ready to fly and serve on the International Space Station.'

NASA says it will make further assignments to Boeing missions 'in the future.'

Kathryn Lueders, associate administrator of the Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, said in a statement: 'Nicole and Josh have done a tremendous job pioneering the training and path forward for astronauts to fly on Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. They have gained experience that they will take forward as they train to fly in SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft and serve aboard the International Space Station.

Boeing was set to launch its Starliner on August 3, but was scrubbed with no reason given.

NASA and Boeing tried again on August 13, but were forced to scrub the mission due to deeper-level troubleshooting of four propulsion system valves that remain closed prior to launch.

During the first uncrewed Starliner test flight in December 2019, the craft experienced a software issue, causing it to fail to dock with the ISS and return to Earth early.

NASA found 80 issues with the Starliner following the mission, which Boeing said it has since corrected.

During the first uncrewed test flight of Starliner in December 2019 (pictured), the craft experienced a software issue, causing it to fail to dock and return to Earth early. NASA found 80 issues with the Starliner following the mission, which Boeing has since been corrected

The agency remains confident that Boeing can resolve issues plaguing the Starliner vehicle and expects the company will be ready for an unmanned test flight in early 2022, Steve Stich, NASA's commercial crew program manager, said during a media briefing Wednesday, according to Bloomberg.

However, Boeing will have to prove its technology before attempting its first crewed mission by successfully completing an unscrewed test flight

Boeing said in a statement that it understands NASA's needs to adjust its crews' flights plans.

'We fully support NASA's decisions and remain committed to putting the safety of the astronauts who will fly on our vehicle first,' the company said.
Florida announced on Wednesday it has eradicated the African giant land snail - an invasive species that can destroy homes and infect people with meningitis - for the second time.

Florida's Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried made the declaration at a news conference at Miami's Douglas Park, where the eight-inch snail was first discovered in 2011.

Since then, the state has collected over 168,000 of the Giant African snails (Lissachatina fulica or GAS), due in part to dogs that are able to sniff them out.

In addition to Miami-Dade County, hundreds of the snails were found in Florida's Broward County, notably western Davie, in 2014, according to the Sun Sentinel.

Florida announced on Wednesday it has eradicated the African giant land snail. Since 2011, the state has collected over 168,000 of the eight-inch long snails

The snails were first spotted in Florida's Miami-Dade County in 2011 and in 2014, hundreds of the snails were found in Broward County, notably western Davie

According to the state's Department of Agriculture, this snail is 'one of the most damaging' in the world, eating at least 500 different types of plants.

They do 'extensive' damage to tropical and subtropical environments, making the snails of grave concern for Florida.

'It'll eat your plants, and it'll eat your house,' Trevor Smith, director of the division of plant industry and a Florida State Plant Regulatory official said at the news conference, according to the Sentinel.

'Our trade partners do not want this pest,' Smith added.

'So it was absolutely imperative that we come in and eradicate this thing so it didn't impact our international trade.'

Not only are the giant land snails considered a threat to the environment, feeding on peanuts, beans and even paint and stucco on houses, they are a dangerous threat to humans, causing meningitis due to the fact they carry a parasitic nematode.

This time around, the snails were discovered in Miami-Dade County in 2011 and then in Broward County in 2014. They were first spotted in southern Florida in the 1960s and it took the state nearly 10 years and $1 million to get rid of them

Parasitic meningitis is less common than viral or bacterial meningitis, but it can impact the brain and nervous systems, resulting in headaches, stiff necks, vomiting and sometimes, death, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, land snails were first spotted in southern Florida in the 1960s and it took nearly 10 years and $1 million to rid the area of them.

These snails reproduce quickly, producing about 1,200 eggs in a year.

'Each snail contains both female and male reproductive organs,' the USDA said.

'After a single mating, each snail can produce 100 to 500 eggs. These snails can reproduce several more times without mating again. They can generate clutches of eggs every 2 to 3 months.'

The snails can reach almost 8 inches in length and 5 inches in diameter. They carry a parasitic nematode that can cause bacterial meningitis in humans

They are hard to eradicate not only because of the high reproduction rate, but they have no natural predators.

Each snail can live up to nine years and grow to be eight inches in length, roughly the size of an adult's hand from tip of the finger to the crease under the palm.

It's unclear how the snails were brought back to Florida in 2011, Smith said at the conference, though a colony was first discovered near a house in western Davie in 2014.

For a species to be eradicated, it has to be at least three years since a live one is found and the last live GAS was reported in 2017.

'I'm happy to say there's still only one place on earth where the Giant African land snail has been eradicated,' Smith said, before adding, 'and now we've done it twice.'

In July, 15 of these giant land snails were captured at Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport after they were seized from the luggage of a Nigerian woman.

In 2013, a woman spotted this type of snail in the backyard of her Houston-area home, according to Click2Houston.

The woman eventually contacted authorities who alerted researchers at Sam Houston State University.
Spending too long staring at a smartphone or computer screen can increase the risk of short-sightedness in children by up to 80 per cent, a new study has warned.

More than 3,000 studies investigating smart device exposure and short-sightedness in children and young adults aged between three months old and 33 years old, were examined by experts from Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge, England.

Researchers found a clear link between time spent looking at a phone or tablet and a greater risk of developing myopia, or short-sightedness in those age groups.

Smartphones alone increase the risk by 30 per cent, but when combined with excessive computer use, the risk increased to 80 per cent over no screen use.

Researchers fear that this could mean that by 2050, half the world may be short-sighted or suffer similar sight-loss problems.

Spending too long staring at a smartphone or computer screen can increase the risk of short-sightedness in children by up to 80 per cent, a new study has warned

KEY FINDINGS: SCREEN TIME INCREASES EYESIGHT FAILURE RISK Through extensive meta-analysis of over 3,000 earlier studies, they explored the link between screen time and risk of short-sightedness. They were able to determine a 30 per cent higher risk of myopia, or short-sightedness, from smartphones. When this is combined with all screen types, the risk increases to 80 per cent in children and young adults. This specifically applies to heavy usage during childhood. Advertisement

In 2019, the World Health Organisation recommended children under two should not have any screen time.

The global health agency also said that children aged two to five should have no more than one hour a day of sedentary screen time.

But in the same year, a CensusWide survey of 2,000 British families found children were spending an average of 23 hours a week staring at screens.

Numerous earlier studies have suggested that number has vastly increased during the Covid-19 pandemic, as people remained home for work and schooling.

Rupert Bourne, Professor of Ophthalmology and study co-author, said short-sightedness is a health concern that is escalating quickly.

'Our study is the most comprehensive yet on this issue and shows a potential link between screen time and myopia in young people,' he said.

'This research comes at a time when our children have been spending more time than ever looking at screens for long periods, due to school closures.

'It is clear that urgent research is needed to further understand how exposure to digital devices can affect our eyes and vision.

'We also know that people underestimate their own screen time, so future studies should use objective measures to capture this information.'

The systematic review of earlier studies found that there was little detail of smartphone and tablets independent of other screen types, such as laptops and TV.

Smartphones alone increase the risk by 30 per cent, but when combined with excessive computer use, the risk increased to 80 per cent over no screen use

The fact that most studies did not categorise smart devices as an independent risk factor is understandable, the authors wrote, as these devices are relatively recent, in terms of the decades of research they reviewed.

However, they said children using smartphones and tablets spend longer using them and hold the screens closer to them than books or other devices.

They recommended that future studies aim to investigate smart devices independently to better understand their effects on ocular health.

The study was published in The Lancet Digital Health.
A new type of building material could greatly reduce emissions released by the construction industry.

Scientists at the University of Tokyo have proposed a new method that combines concrete waste and carbon dioxide to what is called create calcium carbonate concrete.

The innovation was inspired by how some aquatic organisms harden into fossils overtime, which is done through a process that forms hard calcium carbonate deposits from dead organic matter.

Professor Ippei Maruyama, one of the study's authors, said in a statement: 'We combine this with carbon dioxide from industrial exhaust or even from the air. And we do this at much lower temperatures than those used to extract calcium from limestone at present.'

Scientists at the University of Tokyo proposed a new method that combines concrete waste and carbon dioxide to what is called create calcium carbonate concrete (left), right is traditional concrete

According to the researchers, about seven percent of the world's carbon dioxide emissions stem from manufacture and the use of concrete  the main ingredient in cement.

And a huge chunk of the emissions is due to calcium that is made through the burning of limestone.

Calcium is essential for the reaction between cement and water to form concrete, and Maruyama saw this as an opportunity to investigate a less carbon-intensive way of performing the same function.

'Our concept is to acquire calcium from discarded concrete, which is otherwise going to waste,' said Maruyama.

The new material, according to researchers is very stable, but is not yet ready to completely replace traditional concrete. It is not quite as strong as typical concrete, though for some construction projects, such as small houses, this would not be a problem

'We combine this with carbon dioxide from industrial exhaust or even from the air. And we do this at much lower temperatures than those used to extract calcium from limestone at present.'

The new material, according to researchers is very stable, but is not yet ready to completely replace traditional concrete.

It is not quite as strong as typical concrete, though for some construction projects, such as small houses, this would not be a problem, according to the researchers.

And the team has only create small blocks of the material that are just a few centimeters in length have been made.

Professor Takafumi Noguchi, both from the Department of Architecture at the University of Tokyo, said in a statement: 'It is exciting to make progress in this area, but there are still many challenges to overcome.

'As well as increasing the strength and size limits of calcium carbonate concrete, it would be even better if we could further reduce the energy use of the production process.

'However, we hope that in the coming decades, carbon-neutral calcium carbonate concrete will become the mainstream type of concrete and will be one of the solutions to climate change.'
Companies like SpaceX, Amazon, OneWeb and others are launching megaconstellations of satellites into the night sky to provide internet access, but certain indigenous groups believe these initiatives amount to 'astrocolonialism' and are washing away cultural traditions.

The potential light pollution could 'erase' the Milky Way for a lot of people, particularly indigenous cultures, who have longstanding cultural traditions of looking at the stars.

According to a 2020 study, light pollution is seen as a form of 'cultural genocide,' destroying communities ability to see the stars.

'Many Indigenous traditions and knowledge systems around the world are based on the stars, and the peoples' ability to observe and interpret stellar positions and properties is of critical importance for daily life and cultural continuity,' the authors of that study wrote.

'The erasure of the night sky acts to erase Indigenous connection to the stars, acting as a form of ongoing cultural and ecological genocide.'

Certain indigenous groups believe satellite megaconstellations are 'astrocolonialism' and are washing away cultural traditions

As of August, SpaceX had launched more than 1,700 Starlink satellites into space, but the company has far grander plans than its current 90,000 users

In June, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said Starlink could have more than 500,000 users by mid-2022 and the company could invest approximately $30 billion in the project

As of August, SpaceX had launched more than 1,700 Starlink satellites into space, but the company has far grander plans than its current 90,000 users.

In June, CEO Elon Musk said the service could have more than 500,000 users by mid-2022 and the company could invest approximately $30 billion in the project through its lifetime.

According to the Verge, there may be more than 100,000 operational satellites in Earth's orbit by 2030, or 25 times the current amount.

Indigenous cultures and 'ways of knowing' are based upon two connections: the land and sky, Jennifer Howse, a member of the Metis Nation of Alberta Region 3 and an education specialist at the University of Calgary told Vice via email.

'Elders share and teach spiritual and scientific traditional knowledge by using these connections to the natural world,' Howse said.

'Teaching the motion and meaning of stars, planets, and the Moon in the night sky is lost when the younger generation cannot see the stars.

'The glow of artificial light challenges and limits discovery, teaching, and our ability to find ourselves in the universe.'

The impact of these megaconstellations on indigenous people is being felt not just in the U.S., but all over the globe.

'The concern I feel regarding megaconstellations is the same concern I feel when I see my country on fire or hear of my neighbors in the Torres Straits and their struggles with rising sea levels due to climate change,' Karlie Alinta Noon, a Gomeroi woman and astronomy researcher at Australian National University told Vice.

'The injection of thousands of metallic, highly reflective objects into our atmosphere is kindred to environmental degradation because it is changing our sky and we don't yet know if we can reverse it.'

SpaceX's Starklink and other satellite constellations are being used to help close the digital divide and provide internet access to remote areas, including in places where indigenous cultures live.

However, some of them want to build their own internet and keep the sky free of man-made constellations in favor of ones created by the universe, even if they are more well-known by names indigenous people did not give them, including the Pleiade, Orion's belt and the Southern Cross.

North America's Cree and the Inuit and the Tainui Maori of New Zealand all have different names for these constellations, including Pakone-Kisik, Ullaktut and Te Punga, respectively.

'We have official constellations that are quite arbitrary, based on some discussion by essentially a few white guys a century ago, whereas we ignore the constellations of various Indigenous peoples even if we're on those peoples' lands,' Hilding Neilson, a Mi'kmaw person and astronomer at the University of Toronto told the news outlet.

'It's not even marginalization that's an issueit's erasure.'

Indigenous cultures (as well as other entities, including astronomers who have warned a lack of regulation will create a 'Wild West in space') are concerned that the mass deployment of these satellites may have long-lasting issues, both for the planet and space itself.

'We need a mindset shift,' Aparna Venkatesan, a cosmologist at the University of San Francisco, told Vice. 'That might take a generation, but we need to start working away at it, and we need to start where things are now.

'In a legal sense, it would be nice to view space as a shared commons that we are all respectfully dialoguing about, but we're not there.'

As evidence of a 'Wild West' mindset, SpaceX and Amazon have repeatedly sparred over their respective projects, including Musk and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos getting into a public spat in January.

Both sides recently blasted the other for lawsuits related to satellite internet.

SpaceX and satellite communications firm ViaSat have also had a public battle over the Starlink megaconstellation, with ViaSat claiming it poses environmental risks.

SpaceX has been in public spats and lawsuits over its Starlink satellites. This composite image was taken of the dusk sky over a sunflower farm in southern Brazil capturing passing Starlink satellites

In 2020, Venkatesan and a number of colleagues published an article warning of the consequences of these policies, calling for space to be reframed as a global common place that has the the heritage and future of humanity's scientific and cultural practice.'

In addition to SpaceX's 1,700 satellites, OneWeb has launched 322 satellites and will create a constellation of 648.

SpaceX and Amazon have repeatedly sparred over their respective projects, including Musk and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos getting into a public spat in January

Amazon, via Project Kuiper, intends to have more than 3,200 satellites. The constellation would have the ability to serve about 95 percent of the world's population and successfully position Amazon as a global ISP provider

Amazon, via Project Kuiper, intends to have more than 3,200 satellites.

The constellation would have the ability to serve about 95 percent of the world's population and successfully position Amazon as a global ISP provider.

In July, Amazon announced that it had acquired Facebook's internet satellite team to help with the project.

In March, researchers published a study that the increase in artificial satellites in space (along with space debris) are impacting space operations and ground-based astronomy.

These megaconstellations raise 'significant concerns,' including 'increase night brightness' and a new 'skyglow effect,' the authors wrote.

'This is going to erase the Milky Way for a lot of people,' Venkatesan added.

'It's going to make dark sky preserves and parks less relevant; it's going to wash out meteor showers, and unlike streaks [of satellites], we can't correct for it with software,'

OneWeb said it has spoken to indigenous cultures who have concerns about its megaconstellation.

'We've had fruitful discussions with [Alaska Federation of Natives] and many other Alaskan Indigenous groups about how our work could help improve broadband access, leading to stronger public health, safety and economic opportunities in the rural parts of Alaska,' the company told Vice in a statement.

'We share our progress and capabilities often, and we always listen to any concerns that are raised.'

Starlink has helped groups such as the Pikangikum First Nation in Ontario, Canada, or the Hoh Tribe in western Washington state with Starlink.

The Hoh Tribe saw its internet speeds rise to between 45 and 65 megabits per second (Mbps) when they set up Starlink, rising over 100 Mbps in some places, well above the 0.3 and 0.7 they had experienced before, Melvinjohn Ashue, the tribe's economic development director, told Vice.

The companies and those who are advocating for dark skies to remain as is are meeting with one another to come up with strategies at various conferences and workshops, but the potential impact on indigenous cultures still remain.

'There are many issues and problems in the current governmental system,' Eytan Tepper, a research coordinator and lecturer in space governance at Laval University.

'I was trying to find other ways that we can develop space governance because the technology and engineers are not stopping, especially now, with commercial actors taking a leading role,' Tepper added.

'Now there is more interest in how we can take Indigenous perspectives to outer space governance.'

Jeff Doctor, who is part of the Cayuga people from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and works at the Indigenous digital agency Animikii, told Vice it is a balancing act between corporations and the fight between indigenous cultures who wish to preserve their way of life.

'This notion that providing access, and assuming everybody will have access, as good corporate internet citizens also detracts from Indigenous folks' ability to live in their traditional ways: living on the land, not having to depend on the internet, not having to depend on neoliberal economies, and not having to have a job,' he said.

'It raises an interesting conundrum where there's already this baseline assumption that everyone must have a job, be a good corporate citizen, and participate,' Doctor continued. 'If you don't do that, you're now a deviant or an other, which is the classic colonial narrative all the way down to the fur trade.'

Ashue said that Indigenous communities need to be engaged on these issues, asking for a 'meaningful consultation' instead of what has been done in the past, akin to checking off a box.

As the space industry continues to expand, particularly internet services, all of the constituents - corporations, astronomers, indigenous cultures and governments - will need to come to a happy medium that will attempt to put aside centuries of mistrust, particularly for the indigenous cultures.

'It's very nuanced, so I think we need to take it slow,' Venkatesan explained.

'Both astronomers and industry shouldn't co-opt these marginalized perspectives for the bottom line that they want to see happen.'
'A complete lack of Covid-19 measures' at an airport on the paradise archipelago of Zanzibar - now on the Government's 'red list' of Covid countries - has left a hygiene audit team shocked.

Respected UK-based air transport rating agency Skytrax said that Abeid Amani Karume International Airport was 'failing on Covid-19 safety protocols' after it assessed measures and standards at the airport earlier this month. And the team took startling photographs showing crowds of passengers not wearing face masks.

Skytrax said that face mask usage in public areas of the airport was 'disappointing', there was no encouragement of social distancing in seating areas and that terminals' cleanliness was 'unsatisfactory'. A Skytrax source said it was 'the worst to be rated' and given a two-star 'Covid-19 Airport Safety Rating' - the lowest handed out so far.

Skytrax said that Abeid Amani Karume International Airport was 'failing on Covid-19 safety protocols'. In this image taken by its audit team, there isn't a face mask in sight

The airport has been given a two-star 'Covid-19 Airport Safety Rating' - the lowest handed out so far by Skytrax. Pictured is congestion at the queue for immigration

A picture taken by the Skytrax team showing the queue to enter the airport. Skytrax said Abeid Amani Karume International is the worst airport to be rated so far

Zanzibar, pictured, is the No1 place Britons are dreaming of visiting, according to a recent study

The findings are all the more shocking given Zanzibar's status as an exotic holiday-of-a-lifetime destination. Just last week Zanzibar was named as the No1 place that Britons are dreaming of visiting once lockdown ends.

In the Skytrax audit of Abeid Amani Karume International, it 'used procedural efficiency checks, visual observation analysis and cleanliness checks using ATP tests [surface cleanliness analysis]' and said the consistency of standards was a 'key determinant in the final rating'.

The ratings agency claimed that throughout the airport 'there are no information guidelines reflecting Covid-19 safe behaviour such as mask use or hand hygiene reminders'.

It added: 'There are a few legacy physical distancing markers, and those in place are faded and damaged, and there is no encouragement for social distancing in the seating areas. The volume of passengers during the audit inspections meant that distancing is impossible.'

Skytrax did point out that customer temperatures are checked on arrival and said this 'represents the only monitoring and consistently applied policy for Covid-19 at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport'.

When it came to the use of face masks, Skytrax said it is not enforced among passengers and 'while many airport staff wear face masks, the level of compliance is much weaker than one observes in other global regions'.

It also explained: 'If you do not have appropriate PPE with you, there is nowhere to buy such items in the terminal.'

In terms of hand sanitiser provision, Skytrax said there were a few places where it was offered inside the terminal but added that the 'locations, quality and visibility of the product is so much poorer than we would expect to find in a busy international airport during the pandemic'.

Skytrax described the cleanliness of the airport terminal as 'unsatisfactory' and said the overall condition of the terminal was 'very weak'

Skytrax said there were a few places where hand sanitiser was offered inside the terminal but added that the 'locations, quality and visibility of the product is so much poorer than we would expect to find in a busy international airport during the pandemic'

It continued: 'The airport terminal cleanliness is unsatisfactory, and maintenance staff are not seen. Aside from the lack of sanitisation facilities, the overall condition of the terminal is very weak.

'The two-star Covid-19 Airport Safety Rating is the lowest possible classification used and indicates a poor standard of airport cleanliness and/or Covid-19 safety protocols.

'The two-star rating indicates that an airport, cleaning and hygiene protocols are not meeting the required minimum standard of Covid-19 safety. Two-star rated airports might offer fair visual cleanliness and presentation, but the standards of disinfection, hygiene measures and safety protocols are poor.'

In June last year, John Magufuli, the president of Tanzania, where Zanzibar is located, declared the country 'coronavirus-free' although there has been no official data on infections since April 29, 2020.

The data available puts the country's total number of cases at 509 and deaths at 21.

However, travellers from Tanzania have recently tested positive for the South Africa strain.

Edward Plaisted of Skytrax said: 'We are shocked by the poor health and safety standards at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, which appear to reflect Tanzania's denial of Covid-19.

'New cases of the South African virus variant were confirmed in two travellers flying into Denmark on January 19 from Tanzania (Denmark Statens Serum Institut). Skytrax's Covid-19 Safety Audit was carried out three days later, which confirmed a complete lack of Covid-19 measures.

Edward Plaisted of Skytrax said: 'We are shocked by the poor health and safety standards at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport'

'Our audit teams have conducted Covid-19 audits at airports in most parts of the world during the past eight months, and this airport is worse than we could have ever imagined for its complete lack of Covid-19 safety protocols.

'We highlight to any travellers considering to visit Zanzibar that in the current global pandemic this is a potentially dangerous airport to travel through.'

We highlight to any travellers considering to visit Zanzibar that in the current global pandemic this is a potentially dangerous airport to travel through Edward Plaisted, Skytrax

Britons returning from Zanzibar will now have to quarantine in hotels for 10 days at their own expense, as Tanzania, of which the archipelago is a part, is now on the British government's 'red list' of 30 Covid countries.

MailOnline understands that hundreds of arrivals each day are expected to be escorted directly from airports to rooms, where they will have to stay for the duration of their isolation and pay a bill estimated at 1,500 - although ministers hope the numbers will 'fall through the floor' as people avoid coming to the UK.

Assessments by Skytrax of Covid-19 safety measures adopted by airlines and in airports around the globe are ongoing.

So far, it has inspected 48 airports across the world with Rome Fiumicino the first to be awarded the maximum of five stars. Others to be awarded five stars include Istanbul Airport and Bogota El Dorado Airport in Colombia.

It was revealed last week that Edinburgh Airport had become the first in the UK to be awarded a four-star Covid-19 Airport Safety Rating. By comparison, Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester airports all have a three-star rating.

Skytrax has also assessed 20 airlines, with Qatar Airways and Latvian carrier airBaltic receiving a maximum five-star rating. Those that have gained a four-star rating include British Airways, easyJet, Emirates, Lufthansa, Ryanair, KLM and Air France.

MailOnline Travel has asked the Zanzibar Airports Authority for comment.
British actress Katherine Parkinson will star in a raunchy new Australian comedy called Spreadsheet.

The 43-year-old plays Lauren, a newly divorced mother of two who is looking for sex with no strings attached.

In a trailer for the series, she gets help from her best friend Alex, who creates a database of her potential suitors.

Leading lady: British actress Katherine Parkinson stars in raunchy new Australian comedy series Spreadsheet, which is set to stream on Paramount+

Lauren enjoys a rotation of dates and dalliances with hunky men.

She encounters a father from the same school her daughters attend, whom she finds attractive.

'Hot, not needy, and no strings. He ticks all the boxes,' she says as Alex adds him to the list.

Organised: The 43-year-old plays Lauren (left), a newly divorced mother of two who is looking for sex with no strings attached. In a trailer for the series, she gets help from her best friend Alex (right), who creates a database of her potential suitors

Hot date! The single mother enjoys a rotation of dates and dalliances with hunky men

Lauren tries to maintain amicable relations with her ex-husband, played by Kiwi actor Robbie Magasiva, who begins dating a younger woman.

Katherine also stars alongside Stephen Curry, Rowan Witt, Ryan Shelton, Zahra Newman, Katrina Milosevic, Kerry Armstrong, Tina Bursill and Richard Piper.

Katherine said of her character in August: 'She's a woman who's reeling from the break-up of a relationship and she's an ambitious and brilliant solicitor. She's trying her best at motherhood.'

Mr Right? She encounters a father from the same school her daughters attend, whom she finds attractive. 'Hot, not needy, and no strings. He ticks all the boxes,' she says

Relationships: Lauren also tries to maintain amicable relations with her ex-husband, played by Kiwi actor Robbie Magasiva (centre), who begins dating a younger woman

'The spreadsheet is a way of her managing hook-ups,' she added.

Katherine notably starred in British comedy series The IT Crowd and long-running comedy drama Doc Martin.

Spreadsheet will be available to stream on Paramount+ from October 27
Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham looked ready-for-action as they posed alongside one another during the filming of The Expendables 4 on Wednesday.

On-set at an unknown location in England, the Hollywood stars beamed from ear-to-ear for a snap posted to Instagram by the Fast & Furious star, 54, on Tuesday.

Kitted up in the black military ensembles worn by their mercenary characters, they donned onyx berets hat and zip-up tank tops featuring multiple compartments.

Suave: Sylvester Stallone (left) and Jason Statham (right) looked ready-for-action as they posed alongside one another during the filming of The Expendables 4 in a Wednesday Instagram post

Wow! It wasn't long before movie icon Denzel Washington commented, 'Yes,' followed by two fire emojis

The starring pair layered the numbers below matching sweatshirts and loosely-fitted trousers before completing their costumes with charcoal leather boots.

The Rocky actor, 75, who sported a pair of black leather gloves, placed a loving hand on his pal's shoulder as they both leant against a glossy black car.

'Back in business with the main man @officialslystallone #expendables4,' wrote Jason in his caption.

They're back! On-set at an unknown location in England, the Hollywood stars beamed from ear-to-ear for snaps posted to Instagram

Talented: Sly starred in and directed the series' debut instalment in 2010, and went on to reprise his role in two sequels (pictured in 2010, centre, with Jason, left, and Randy Couture, right)

It wasn't long before movie icon Denzel Washington commented, 'Yes,' followed by two fire emojis.

Sylvester recently jetted to the UK in order to work on the upcoming blockbuster, he revealed in a Saturday Instagram post.

'In England to start working all the new expendables that also has the new cast members,' he teased alongside a crisp-looking shot of himself posing within a mirrored tunnel.

Upcoming: 'In England to start working all the new expendables that also has the new cast members,' Sylvester teased alongside a crisp-looking shot of himself posing within a mirrored tunnel

Sly starred in and directed the series' debut instalment in 2010, and went on to reprise his role in two sequels.

The picture attracted the likes of Dolph, Harrison Ford, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Wesley Snipes, Antonio Banderas, Mickey Rourke, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Mel Gibson, and more.

Newcomers to the fourth movie include Megan Fox, Andy Garcia, Tony Jaa, and 50 Cent.

2014's third installment saw the Expendables face a new opponent - their co-founder Stonebanks (Mel Gibson), who was set on finishing the group off.

Next up for the franchise is The Expendabelles, a spin-off that will consist of a primarily female cast.

According to TIME, producer Avi Lerner said of the upcoming film: 'We are writing the final lines of the script [and] weve got lots of ideas about who is going to be in it.'
Jason Momoa reacted to a viral photo he took with Game Of Thrones co-star Emilia Clarke while promoting season two of See with co-star Dave Bautista.

In the photo, Jason wore a captain's hat and white vest as his on-screen wife sat on his lap.

Bautista was discussing how he wanted audiences to see more of Jason's fun side on screen when host Seth Meyers brought up the photo on his show, Late Night with Seth Meyers.

New co-stars and old: Jason Momoa joined his See co-star Dave Bautista on Late Night with Seth Meyers and also talked about his recent Instagram post with Emilia Clarke

'I think this is the side of you that Dave was talking about you. The more fun, lighthearted side that we didn't get to see on Game Of Thrones,' Seth said.

'There he is. My favorite show on earth was Saturday Night Live when I was raised,' Jason said in response to the photo.

The photo was taken at writer David Benioff's birthday party. Though fans have long wanted the two to get together, Momoa is happily married to Denise Huxtable herself, Lisa Bonet.

His Dune co-star, 52, mentioned that he wants the world to see how funny his co-star superhero friend can be.

Laughing it up with an old co-star: Momoa posted this photo several weeks ago of him and his former Game of Thrones co-star Emilia Clarke at David Benioff's birthday party

Many new projects: The pair talked about both their new movie Dune and the second season of See, a show which stars Momoa and which Dave Bautista joined for season 2

A funny guy: Bautista touted his co-star's comedic abilities during the interview

'[Jason] is just such a great dramatic actor, I think that really gets focused on, and they lose sight of how funny he is,' Bautista said.

The pair also talked about their upcoming projects See and Dune, both of which were filmed in intense environments.

The stars said that filming Dune was incredibly hot as it was filmed at several locations in the Middle East and See, which was filmed in Toronto during the winter, was frigid.

Very complimentary: Bautista called Momoa a great dramatic actor and very funny as well

Two extremes: The stars said they filmed Dune in the sweltering heat and See in the freezing cold

Good in the heat: Bautista said he loved the heat but was freezing in the cold and also made a crack about his lack of hair

Momoa said he enjoyed the cold weather up in Canada, but Bautista said he didn't take to it as well as his co-star did.

'I had layers and layers and layers, and I was still freezing,' the Guardians of the Galaxy star said. 'But I don't have a full head of hair to keep me warm either.'

During the interview the pair also revealed that they would probably work together again soon enough.

Bautista tweeted out an idea that gained traction on Twitter about he and his co-star working together on a 'Lethal Weapon style' movie.

'Sometimes I kind of gauge interest on Twitter,' the actor said. 'If you throw something out there, people will automatically respond if they're super hot for it.'

While it's unclear whether such a film will be made, the two stars seem to have a good working relationship, and audiences seem ready to see the pair onscreen together again soon.

Another movie on the horizon? Dave Bautista put out the idea for a potential buddy-cop film on Twitter that instantly got a lot of traction
2GB's Ben Fordham has been crowned the king of breakfast radio for the second time in a row.

Fordham, 44, who dethroned KIIS FM's Kyle And Jackie O in the last survey, has maintained his leading share in Sydney's breakfast market with 18.9 per cent, growing his audience by an impressive 2 points.

Coming in second was outgoing ABC duo Wendy Harmer and Robbie Buck, who grew by 1.8 percent to earn a solid 15.7 per cent share.

Still on top! 2GB's Ben Fordham, 44, (pictured) has continued his winning streak after smashing his KIIS FM rivals Kyle And Jackie O in the breakfast radio ratings survey

Kyle And Jackie O placed third overall with 10.8 per cent after tumbling by 1.3 points.

The result is nothing short of a coup for Fordham, who replaced industry titan Alan Jones as host of 2GB's breakfast show a year ago.

Despite the outcome, The Kyle and Jackie O Show still has plenty to celebrate.

Winner: Fordham, who dethroned KIIS FM's Kyle And Jackie O in the last survey, has maintained his leading share in Sydney's breakfast market with 18.9 per cent, growing his audience by an impressive 2 points

Runner up: Coming in second was outgoing ABC duo Wendy Harmer and Robbie Buck (both pictured) , who grew by 1.8 percent to earn a solid 15.7 per cent share

The program continues to dominate the FM airwaves, earning more listeners than any other FM breakfast show in Australia.

The outcome also marks Kyle and Jackie O's 22nd consecutive No. 1 spot on the FM bandwidth.

Overall, 2GB also dominated Sydney's ratings, with listeners switching to AM during the recent Covid lockdown.

Third: The Kyle And Jackie O Show placed third overall with 10.8 per cent after tumbling by 1.3 points. Pictured: Jackie 'O' Henderson and Kyle Sandilands

The station earned a whopping 16.4 per cent - the station's highest ever outcome - jumping from 1.2 points since the last survey.

Nine Radio's head of content Greg Byrnes has meanwhile referred to 2GB's result as 'extraordinary'.

'It's been a tough few months for Sydney but the audience knows 2GB is the source of trusted news and opinion', he said.

'We're proudly live and local and that's seen a big jump in audience across the network.'
Netflix's Squid Game has taken the world by storm.

And former Bachelor star Laura Byrne binge-watched the South Korean series on Wednesday - only to end up a broken woman afterwards.

The 37-year-old shared a photo to Instagram of herself looking shell-shocked on her sofa, and wrote: 'Watching Squid Game.'

'Will definitely need therapy after this': Former Bachelor star Laura Byrne binge-watched gory Netflix series Squid Game on Wednesday, only to end up a broken woman afterwards

She added: 'Will definitely need therapy after this.'

The ultraviolent set pieces that punctuate the survival drama are likely what caused Laura's stunned reaction.

The Korean thriller centres around a deadly game show in which 456 cash-strapped contestants play six childhood games for their chance to win a $53million prize.

Survival drama: The South Korean thriller centres around a deadly game show in which 456 cash-strapped contestants play six childhood games for their chance to win a $53million prize

The losers are ruthlessly killed by a masked death squad.

The show has become a hit globally, with slasher fans comparing the series to horror classics such as Saw and Battle Royale.

Squid Game has been viewed more than 22.8 billion times, reports NBC News.

Bloody consequences: The losers are ruthlessly killed by a masked death squad (pictured)

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said it has a 'very good chance' of becoming the streaming platform's most popular show yet.

Squid Game has recently been hit with plagiarism claims after fans pointed out the show's similarities to 2014 Japanese film As The Gods Will.

However, creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, 50, was quick to quash any allegations of copying, insisting: 'I did it first'.

'I did it first': It comes after Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk hit back at plagiarism claims after viewers alleged the Netflix hit copied 2014 Japanese film As The Gods Will

In a press conference last month, he said: 'It is true that [the first game is] similar, but after that, there aren't any similarities. I worked on [Squid Game in] 2008 and 2009, and at the time, the first game [had already been] fixed as Red Light Green Light.'

He went on to state that As Gods Will would have been created in the 2010s, meaning the formation of Squid Game was already in place.

'Its not really something that I wanna do, to claim ownership of this story. But if I had to say it, I would say I did it first,' he said.
Iris Law put on an eye-popping display as she attended the Bulgari Serpenti Metamorphosis Party in Milan on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old daughter of Sadie Frost and Jude Law displayed her toned frame in a bondage-inspired cut out gown, with gold claw-shape clasps.

The gown exposed her trim midriff and flowed into a crimped skirt.

Chic: Iris Law put on an eye-popping display as she attended the Bulgari Serpenti Metamorphosis Party in Milan on Wednesday

Iris added sparkle with a glittery chain and sported 60s-inspired feline liner for the evening,

Iris' blonde buzzcut, which she debuted back in July, had an edgy pattern shaved into the side of it.

At the time, the beauty discussed with Vogue how she had shaved her head for her role as Soo Catwoman in the upcoming series, Pistol.

She said: 'I wanted to do something that felt liberating. The day I shaved my head, I changed my life. I've never done anything like that before.

'I looked in the mirror and thought it was going to be emotional but it wasn't. It felt so positive.'

Chic: The 20-year-old daughter of Sadie Frost and Jude Law displayed her toned frame in a bondage-inspired cut out gown, with gold claw-shape clasps

Her first runway appearance was at Paris Fashion Week in 2019 for Miu Miu, part of the fashion house Prada.

Last year, Iris discussed growing up with famous parents and how she is managing with her newly found fame in an interview with ES Magazine.

She said her parents, who divorced following six years of marriage in 2003, had given her normality in her childhood despite their A-list status.

Iris explained: 'My dad was really young. He'd had all his kids [with Frost] by 30. Mum, too. She also had a baby face.

'I can never tell [her age] in pictures, I'll say, "What, you had three kids by that age?" She looks 17.'

Recalling her own memories of that time eating snacks on Primose Hill, she said: 'My parents weren't rock 'n' roll when I was growing up, they were just my parents.

'Everyone's parents were rock 'n' roll when they were young. That's not a crazy thing.'
Halle Berry took to Instagram Tuesday to wish her younger child a happy eighth birthday.

The 55-year-old mother-of-two rarely posts photos of her kids, but this week she felt compelled to share an image of her only son with her 7 million followers.

'This little dude is 8 today! Happy Birthday THUNDER!,' the Catwoman actress wrote, adding a red heart emoji.

Proud mom: Halle Berry took to Instagram Tuesday to wish her younger child a happy eighth birthday.

The photo sees the youngster holding up a gloved peace sign as he poses in camouflage shorts, striped socks, and a brown long-sleeve shirt with fringe at the cuffs.

The movie star's son's eyes are obscured by an olive green hat, exposing the lower half of his face and a brunette crop of hair.

The shot looks like it was snapped in a living room, as couches are seen within the frame, along with a textured white wall in the background.

Birthday boy: The photo sees the youngster holding up a gloved peace sign as he poses in camouflage shorts, striped socks, and a brown long-sleeve shirt with fringe at the cuffs

Halle shares Maceo Robert Martinez with her ex-husband Olivier Martinez, to whom she was married from 2013 to 2016.

The Monster's Ball actress also has a 13-year-old daughter, Nahla Ariela Aubry, with former partner Gabriel Aubry.

The Cleveland, Ohio native is currently dating 51-year-old musician Van Hunt.

New beau: The Cleveland, Ohio native is currently dating 51-year-old musician Van Hunt

Berry will make her directorial debut with Bruised, arriving on Netflix November 24. In the film she plays Jackie Justice, a former MMA fighter who fell from grace.

The Oscar-winner reimagined the script after Blake Lively passed it up.

Following that, Halle can be seen in 2022's Moonfall, slated for a February IMAX debut.
Denise Richards' second husband Aaron Phypers is 'heartbroken' after a judge ruled he ex-husband Charlie Sheen no longer has to pay child support for her two daughters.

Sheen, 56, has been taking care of daughters Sami, 17, and Lola, 16, who he shares with the Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star, but a judge ruled on Monday that he is longer required to pay her alamony.

It's now been claimed that Aaran, who married Denise in 2018, is 'upset' for his wife after their youngest daughter Sami moved into Charlie's house, which has been branded a 'party' due to its lack of structure or discipline.

Supportive spouse: Denise Richards' second husband Aaron Phypers is 'heartbroken' after a judge ruled he ex-husband Charlie Sheen no longer has to pay child support

A source told People on Wednesday: 'Everything is a big party [at Charlie's house]. There's no homework. It's ice cream and movies and staying up late. There isn't the same structure going on over there. It's a lot more fun than staying at home and finishing school and doing normal activities with your friends.'

The four-time Emmy nominee - who seemingly retired from acting in 2017 - and his 50-year-old second wife ended their four-year marriage in 2006.

'Aaron is heartbroken because Denise is heartbroken that Charlie is pulling this after all she has done for him,' a source close to the couple told People.

'He's upset because his wife is upset that Charlie is playing this game with the kids...Aaron is devastated because she is devastated, and Aaron has been incredibly patient with the kids.'

2018 family portrait: Charlie (2-L) has been taking care of their two daughters - Sami (2-R), 17; and Lola (L), 16 - and a judge ruled Monday that he no longer owes child support

A source told People on Wednesday: 'Everything is a big party [at Charlie's house]. There's no homework. It's ice cream and movies and staying up late. There isn't the same structure going on over there. It's a lot more fun' (pictured in 2017

The ruling comes less than a month after Sami claimed in a now-deleted Instagram post where she claimed living with Richards and her husband Aaron Phypers was, 'hell.'

She claimed in the removed Instagram post she was living in an, 'abusive household' adding she was 'insanely depressed' while sharing a photo of herself from a year ago.

Sami also shared a photo of her from present day, stating she moved out of 'hell house' and had a 'spiritual awakening' while confirming she dropped out of high school.

Sheen later confirmed both Sami and Lola had been living with him in a brief statement, which read, 'Sam's amazing. I love her and all my children unconditionally. We're having a ball. GED here we come!'

Used to be 'trapped in an abusive household': The judge's decision came a month after Sami confirmed via TikTok that she 'dropped out of high school' and 'had a spiritual awakening' after moving 'out of that hell house'

Previously amicable exes: The four-time Emmy nominee (pictured in 2017) - who seemingly retired from acting in 2017 - and Denise ended their four-year marriage in 2006

A rep for Richards, who was married to Sheen from 2002 to 2006, said she is 'saddened' by the situation.

'Denise is just like any other divorce parent dealing with a rebellious teenage daughter,' the insider said.

'It's better for Sami if Denise and Charlie were coparenting her during this time. They are not,' the source added.

Another source claimed Richards wants her daughters to have, 'boundaries' which their father doesn't provide, adding Sami went to live with her dad because 'rules and curfew aren't really set in stone.'

A source close to the couple told People: 'Aaron is heartbroken because Denise is heartbroken that Charlie is pulling this after all she has done for him'

2018 wedding: Denise and Aaron - who share 10-year-old daughter Eloise Joni - just celebrated their third wedding anniversary last month

Earlier this week it was reported that Denise had been left 'blindsided and disappointed' by a court ruling that her ex Charlie can stop paying her child support.

Sources close to the star claimed that she was 'blindsided' by the decision, and also accused Charlie - with whom she also shares daughter Lola, 16 - of 'manipulating the situation' while also insisting he still must pay as she lives with Lola.

An insider told People: 'Charlie filed two years ago and kept pushing the court date, so Denise was very surprised that it happened yesterday while she is out of town filming. She was blindsided. Now he's manipulating the situation...

'Lola does not live with Charlie. She lives with both of her parents and stays with Charlie when Denise is out of town. When Denise is back, Lola will be with her.

Despite the sources' claims, Charlie has reportedly had 100% custody of both Lola and Sam since April. Insiders continued: 'This is very disappointing for Denise, but also not surprising. Charlie is pitting the girls against their mother, which is horrible.'

Another source contradicted those claims, however, saying Richards 'has known about the court date for six months.'

After the judge's decision on Monday, Two And A Half Men star Charlie told Us Weekly: 'I think what transpired today is extremely fair. It speaks to not just today, but it speaks historically to that same fairness.'

Sheen originally filed the petition to change the child support arrangement in December 2019, with Richards, 50, not filing any paperwork in opposition.

Richards sources claimed she was purposefully left in the dark about the hearing.

Sheen's attorney Pedrick claims Richards actually owes Sheen money, because he 'overpaid' on his child support for so long, but he is not attempting to recoup those funds.

Denise and Aaron - who share 10-year-old daughter Eloise Joni - just celebrated their third wedding anniversary last month.

On Wednesday, Richards was in Connecticut filming Jacob Cooney's family comedy The Junkyard Dogs alongside her former Starship Troopers love interest Patrick Muldoon.

Phypers serves as CEO of the holistic clinic The Q360 Club claiming to make people and animals 'look younger,' 'heal disease,' and 'repair DNA' with 'light and sound therapy.'
Radio presenter Kyle Sandilands is being sued two years after making offensive comments about the Virgin Mary on his KIIS FM breakfast show.

Sandilands, 50, had joked in 2019 that the Virgin Mary wasn't actually a 'virgin' at all and ridiculed the idea of the Immaculate Conception by describing Jesus Christ's mother as a 'liar' who got 'knocked up behind a camel shed'.

Khalil Farah, a member of the Maronite Catholic Church who lives in Canberra, is seeking damages for religious discrimination.

Court matter: Radio presenter Kyle Sandilands (pictured) is being sued two years after making offensive comments about the Virgin Mary on his KIIS FM breakfast show

Mr Farah alleges Sandilands made a 'number of derogatory, derisive and offensive comments directed at biblical miracles, the fidelity and honesty of the Virgin Mary and the intelligence and gullibility of people of the Christian faith'.

He claims these remarks made him experience stress, tension, crying and humiliation - even though he did not hear the live broadcast and only listened to a recording after someone at his workplace forwarded it to him.

Sandilands tried to have the case dismissed on the basis that the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal has no jurisdiction over his radio show, which is broadcast from Sydney, but failed.

The case will come before the tribunal again at a later date.

Joke: Sandilands, 50, had joked in 2019 that the Virgin Mary wasn't actually a 'virgin' at all and had been 'knocked up behind a camel shed', resulting in the birth of Jesus Christ

On September 18, 2019, Sandilands offended thousands of listeners by saying the Virgin Mary wasn't actually a virgin at all.

'I thought Mary was his [Jesus Christ's] girlfriend but apparently it was the mother,' he said on air.

'And the mother lied obviously and told everyone, "Nah I got pregnant by a magical ghost." Bulls**t.

'Someone chock-a-blocked her behind the camel shed. You might believe everything that's written down 2,000 years ago to be absolutely accurate and good on you, you're dumb. Dumb as dog s**t.'

After his comments went viral on social media, dozens of Christian and Muslim demonstrators gathered at KIIS FM's North Ryde studios to demand an apology for the 'ghastly' joke.

Case: Khalil Farah, a member of the Maronite Catholic Church who lives in Canberra, is seeking damages for religious discrimination

On September 30, Sandilands issued a heartfelt apology for his joke, telling listeners he deeply regretted what he'd said.

'I didn't realise the gravity of it. I upset a lot of people,' he said. 'Even friends of mine were like, "Bro, how could you say something so dumb like that?"'

Sandilands added that he 'only wanted to make people laugh' and emphasised that his joke was 'not planned' in any way.

He confessed that the worst part of the whole experience was that people close to him had received death threats over what he'd said.

But he made it clear to naysayers he wouldn't be quitting his job over it.

'I am going to quit? No. Am I going to get fired? No. Am I sorry? Absolutely I am sorry because, as I've said, I never intended to purposely upset anyone,' he said.

'Obviously I have upset people and I am sorry for it. There is nothing else I can do. We have all made mistakes in our life and this is just one of the many I have made.'

Comments: On September 18, 2019, Sandilands offended thousands of listeners by saying the Virgin Mary wasn't actually a virgin at all. Pictured with his co-host Jackie 'O' Henderson

Last year, the Australian Communications and Media Authority investigated the segment and found The Kyle and Jackie O Show had breached decency standards.

The investigation found the comments made by Sandilands were 'offensive to listeners of faith ,but didn't incite hatred or ridicule'.

ACMA Chair Nerida O'Loughlin said: 'Australians are generally tolerant of irreverent humour and critical discussion about religion.

'But they would not expect a host of a broadcast program to derisively criticise people's intelligence because of their religious beliefs.

'Mr Sandilands overstepped the mark in terms of the generally accepted standards of decency in this case.'
Hosting raucous parties, wearing strange and skimpy outfits and lolling about on yachts with the rich and famous is all part and parcel of life for a society model like Cara Delevingne.

But I can reveal that the Hollywood star has been warned by her money men that the cash could stop rolling in if she damages her reputation.

The warning comes as turnover in the business through which she channels her earnings, Cara & Co, plunged over the last year by almost 6 million.

Newly filed accounts disclose that income fell from 14.74 million to 9 million.

Hosting raucous parties, wearing strange and skimpy outfits and lolling about on yachts with the rich and famous is all part and parcel of life for a society model like Cara Delevingne

Modelling and acting opportunities were put on hold during the pandemic, and the 29-year-old commissioned an audit of her finances.

The auditors warn: 'Principal risks to the business are as follows: Reputation risk. This is the risk of loss of reputation arising from negative publicity that may result in a loss of contracts and a reduction in revenue.'

The bean counters were, perhaps, thinking about Cara's wild  and sometimes rule-bending  lifestyle.

I revealed last year that the property developer's daughter threw a lavish Christmas bash in a Palladian mansion in Oxfordshire for four generations of her family, complete with staff. This was while the country was under strict Covid restrictions.

But I can reveal that the Hollywood star has been warned by her money men that the cash could stop rolling in if she damages her reputation

She was also one of the guests at Rita Ora's notorious 30th birthday bash, which lumped the pop star with a 10,000 fine after she hired a restaurant during lockdown to host her famous friends.

However, Cara's accountants seem optimistic about her business, adding that profits remain strong and the 'company has established a strong brand image and continues to obtain numerous long-term modelling contracts'.

As well as modelling, Cara's also in demand for film work and has starred in a string of movies including Suicide Squad, has written a novel and also released two albums of her music. She and her sisters, Poppy and Chloe, also recently released their own brand of prosecco in New York.

Despite the fall in turnover, Cara still paid herself a dividend of 1 million  a tad down from the 1.3 million she took in the previous 12 months  but more than enough to keep her in iced champagne and bikinis.

The warning comes as turnover in the business through which she channels her earnings, Cara & Co, plunged over the last year by almost 6 million

What was the cause of so much laughter from the table occupied by Harrison Ford, 79, and Charles Dance, 74, at the Chelsea Arts Club when the pair dined there this week? Ford was forced to take a break from filming Indiana Jones 5 as he recovered from a shoulder injury. Observes a nearby guest: 'Every time Harrison rubbed his shoulder, Charles seemed to laugh, which set off Harrison giggling, too. The pair were acting more like teenagers than men of a certain age.'

Who's brave enough to face Lady C's ghost hunt?

Could there be anything more terrifying than an evening in a darkened room with Lady Colin Campbell?

The royal biographer, who was known for her bullying behaviour and caustic put-downs when she competed on I'm A Celebrity, claims there is. And, what's more, she's charging visitors to her stately home, Castle Goring, 52 each for the privilege of finding out what is more scary on a 'ghost hunt'.

Lady Colin promises 'glass divination, table tipping, and a group human pendulum experiment'. The West Sussex castle certainly has a spooky history: built in the 1700s, it was the home of Frankenstein author Mary Shelley. Phantom footsteps and moving furniture have been reported at the apparently haunted home.

Lady Colin enjoys letting strangers enjoy her estate; I recently revealed that she irked neighbours by hosting a rave in the grounds which went on until 2am. She admitted: 'People were taken by surprise because they were not warned.'

It's 'Toff' in the rental market

Here's a real 'first world problem': I'm A Celebrity winner Georgia Toffolo placed an advert offering to pay up to 250,000 a year for a London home to rent  but still can't find anywhere suitable.

'House hunting is going horrific,' the former Made In Chelsea star tells me at the Tory conference in Manchester. 'There's just nothing.

'I'm not that picky. I'm just looking for something that's clean and in a good location, where I can take my dog.'

Adds Georgia, 26: 'All the international people have come back after Covid and they're all fighting for the same places. It's terrible, I feel like I won't find anywhere.'

Here's a real 'first world problem': I'm A Celebrity winner Georgia Toffolo placed an advert offering to pay up to 250,000 a year for a London home to rent  but still can't find anywhere suitable

The Queen is making sure that Prince Philip's loyal retainers still feel part of the family. I hear she sent her late husband's long-serving private secretary, Brigadier Archie Miller-Bakewell, to represent her at a memorial on Tuesday. The service, at St Margaret's Westminster, was for German banker George von Mallinckrodt, a close friend of the royals. A courtier tells me: 'It was a very touching gesture to send Archie.' The brigadier was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order by the Queen on the day that Philip would have turned 100.

Downton meets two Money men ladies in the pink...

It should be a fete worthy of Lady Mary: the stately home where TV's Downton Abbey is filmed is throwing open its doors for its history festival.

This weekend, top producers from the hit period drama will be at Highclere Castle, near the Hampshire-Berkshire border, to give a behind-the-scenes look at the exploits of the fictional aristocratic Crawleys.

The festival pays homage to World War II, with tributes to Winston Churchill as well as vintage helicopters on show.

The Countess of Carnarvon, real-life chatelaine of the castle, tells me there will be some rather unusual guests: 'We have our endangered pigs, Lady Violet and Lady Cora, making an appearance.'

Carey's spag bol drama

How about this for multi-tasking? Hollywood star Carey Mulligan managed to cook a tasty spag bol while performing in the West End.

'If you make a dish on stage, everybody in the audience becomes obsessed with it, and they all follow the making of it,' says celebrated playwright Sir David Hare, who encouraged Carey's efforts while she was starring in his play Skylight.

'Carey Mulligan's spaghetti bolognese is really good. If I was peckish, I'd have a little bit.'

How about this for multi-tasking? Hollywood star Carey Mulligan managed to cook a tasty spag bol while performing in the West End

Stanley goes AWOL on Bojo's big day

Boris Johnson's father, Stanley, didn't hang around in Manchester for his son's keynote speech at the Conservative Party conference.

Reality TV star Stanley was spotted scuttling back to the capital yesterday morning. 'Like women sometimes have a wardrobe malfunction, I had a diary malfunction,' he tells me. 'I had a long-standing engagement in London that I had to attend.'

He adds: 'I was pleased that my daughter, Rachel, was there to usher Carrie to her seat and lead the applause. I managed to watch the speech on television and it was superb.'
Alan Davies has recalled biting a man's ear at his friend's funeral where he said his grief was made worse by being barred from seeing her one last time.

The TV presenter, 55, bit Paul McElfatrick following the funeral of Jonathan Creek producer Verity Lambert who died from cancer in 2007.

Speaking to the Griefcast podcast, Alan acknowledged he was 'terribly upset and drunk' before his encounter with the man at two o'clock in the morning.

Shocking: Alan Davies has recalled biting a man's ear at his friend's funeral where he said his grief was made worse by being barred from seeing her one last time

Alan recalled how he tried to go and visit Verity in hospital but he was told he couldn't see her.

He said: 'Jonathan Renwick, who wrote all of Jonathan Creek, rang me and he said "you're going to have to go now if you want to see her, it's that bad".

'And she was in hospital in London and I went as quickly as I could, and I got there. And her assistant, who looked after all her affairs  she had no family  said "I can't let you in to see her Alan, I can't let you in, it's too terrible."

'So I wrote a note to Verity saying how much I loved her and I am so sorry this was happening.'

Ordeal: The TV presenter, 55, bit Paul McElfatrick (pictured) following the funeral of Jonathan Creek producer Verity Lambert who died from cancer in 2007

Recalling the funeral, he went on: 'I did this eulogy. It was difficult. Then there was a very, very long wake and hardly anything to eat and I got terribly upset and drunk.

'We came out of there at two o'clock in the morning. And then some bloke on the street was abusive to me and I went and bit him on the ear. When I got home I said to Katie: " think I've done something terrible."

'I went over to have a go at him  shout in his ear... the red mist came down.'

At the time, Paul McElfatrick said he called Alan the name of his character Jonathan Creek.

Candid: Alan acknowledged he was 'terribly upset and drunk' before his encounter with the man at two o'clock in the morning

He told a local newspaper: 'I thought he was going to whisper something but his face darkened and he almost spat the words, "My name's Alan. You know my name  Alan. What's my name? It's Alan".

'Then he suddenly went for my left ear. It was incredibly painful.'

However, Mr McElfatrick added that he would rather forgive Alan for the incident than press charges.
She's due to give birth to her first child and as the big day draws near, Ellidy Vlug is getting prepared.

On Wednesday, the pregnant widow of snowboarder Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin was seen visiting a baby store in Queensland.

The 29-year-old dressed for comfort in grey shorts and a black shirt as she watched an expert install a baby seat in her car.

Not long to go! Olympic snowboarder Alex 'Chumpy' Pullin's pregnant widow Ellidy Vlug revealed her growing baby bump as she installed a baby car seat ahead of the birth of her first born on Wednesday

Ellidy teamed her ensemble with a pair of black sandals and tied her long brunette locks back.

At one point, the mother-to-be lifted her shirt to reveal her growing baby bump.

Ellidy's late partner and three-time Olympian Alex Pullin, 32, tragically drowned in a freak diving accident at Palm Beach on the Gold Coast in July last year.

Getting ready: The 29-year-old dressed for comfort in grey shorts and a black shirt as she watched an expert install a baby seat in her car

The snowboarder was spearfishing when he suffered a shallow water blackout and drowned, with his distraught partner arriving on the beach as the tragedy unfolded.

The couple had been trying for a baby before his death, prompting Ms Pullin to seek out IVF treatment after posthumously collecting his sperm in the hope of keeping his memory alive.

Under Queensland legislation, sperm can be removed posthumously when a designated officer declares their belief that the deceased wouldn't object.

Growing bump: At one point, the mother-to-be revealed her growing baby bump as she lifted her shirt

The consent of the immediate family - including Chumpy's parents - is also required before any sperm can be retrieved.

An IVF specialist assists with the retrieval, with a recommended removal timeframe of between 24 and 36 hours after death.

Ellidy previously admitted it was quite an undertaking, with everyone having to sign off on legal documents, while also dealing with coroners, lawyers and doctors.
No Time To Die scored its biggest UK opening weekend for a James Bond film after it grossed an impressive 21million.

Now, two days ahead of its US release, star Daniel Craig looked in fine 007 form when he made his arrival in Hollywood for his guest appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday.

His spot on the late night talk show comes on the same day the British actor was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Cool cat: Daniel Craig, 53, looked James Bond cool in a baby blue suit when he arrived for his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in Hollywood on Wednesday

Craig, 53, arrived at the studio gate in Hollywood already dressed to impress in a baby blue suit that was paired with a white dress shirt and silver tie.

He stepped out in brown ankle boots, stylish sunglasses, and his blonde hair cut his usual short style.

And with COVID-19 still presenting a danger, the actor wore a white protective mask over his mouth and nose.

Once inside the studio gate, the longtime James Bond star offered a wave towards admiring photographers as he began the walk to the entrance door.

Hello: The British actor offered a waves towards admiring photographers once he was inside the gate and made his way to the studio entrance door

Promo mode: Craig has been out en force promoting No Time To Die, his fifth and final film playing the iconic role of 007 James Bond

Craig has been out en force promoting No Time To Die, which is his fifth and final film playing the iconic James Bond character.

He first stepped into his shoes in Casino Royale (2006), and has since also played the role in Quantum Of Solace (2008), Skyfall (2012), Spectre (2015), and now this latest installment, which had been slated to premiere in November 2019.

Due to the coronavirus crisis, No Time To Die was pushed back a number of times, as the studio tried to find a solution to maximize its profits, which included waiting until people could return to movie theaters.

Impressive debut: No Time To Die scored its biggest UK opening weekend for a James Bond film after it grossed an impressive 21million

No Time To Die, which also stars Rami Malek and Lea Seydoux, scored an overseas record amid the pandemic with a 87.7million ($119.1 million) international opening in 54 markets. The debut marks the third-highest Friday gross in October, as well as the third-highest Friday gross in the James Bond franchise.

After his appearance on Kimmel, Craig headed to the ceremony where he received his star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

'I think it will take me 15 years to unpick all of this,' Craig said of the reign as James Bond during his spot of Good Morning America on Tuesday.

'It's so crazy. Getting a star on Hollywood Walk of Fame, that's so surreal to me from where I come from in life. So, yeah I'm kind of just taking it all in.'

Honored: After his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Craig headed to the ceremony where he received his star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame
Dancing with the Stars frontrunner Jojo Siwa showed off her high kick outside the LA rehearsal studio on Wednesday before prepping for the two Disney-themed episodes.

The 18-year-old influencer - who came out as gay in January - was clearly pumped for week four of the ABC dance competition now in its 30th season.

JoJo (born Joelle Joanie) was dressed for action in a Gucci jacket, tiny red shorts, matching high-tops, Grinch socks, and a neon furry backpack.

Flexible: Dancing with the Stars frontrunner JoJo Siwa showed off her high kick outside the LA rehearsal studio on Wednesday before prepping for the two Disney-themed episodes

Siwa let her natural beauty shine through and styled her signature flaxen locks into boxer braids.

The Nebraska-born blonde - who boasts 61.8M social media followers - cryptically teased on Instagram: 'Huge announcement tomorrow. Sooooo excited!'

JoJo rolled up to rehearsal in her epic face-print electric SUV, the Tesla Model X, customized in 2019 by YouTube couple Kyler & Madison Fisher.

Siwa's DWTS rival Amanda Kloots had never seen her car before and Instastoried a video of herself exclaiming: 'What is happening? How do you even get a car like this?'

Weee! The 18-year-old influencer - who came out as gay in January - was clearly pumped for week four of the ABC dance competition now in its 30th season

Masked up! JoJo (born Joelle Joanie) was dressed for action in a Gucci jacket, tiny red shorts, matching high-tops, Grinch socks, and a neon furry backpack

Peace! Siwa let her natural beauty shine through and styled her signature flaxen locks into boxer braids

The Nebraska-born blonde - who boasts 61.8M social media followers - cryptically teased on Instagram: 'Huge announcement tomorrow. Sooooo excited!'

Once inside the studio, the Dance Moms alum's partner Jenna Johnson Instastoried a video of her rocking a cape and silver go-go boots.

JoJo and the 27-year-old pro dancer will perform a Viennese waltz to A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes from Cinderella on Monday's Disney Heroes episode.

Siwa and Johnson will then perform a Paso doble to Ways to Be Wicked from Descendants 2 for Tuesday's Disney Villains episode.

Team J Nation earned 24 out of 40 points last Monday for their Argentine tango to a cover of Britney Spears' 1998 hit ...Baby One More Time.

Epic! JoJo rolled up to rehearsal in her face-print electric SUV, the Tesla Model X, customized in 2019 by YouTube couple Kyler & Madison Fisher

Siwa's DWTS rival Amanda Kloots had never seen her car before and Instastoried a video of herself exclaiming: 'What is happening? How do you even get a car like this?'

'Living her best life!' Once inside the studio, the Dance Moms alum's partner Jenna Johnson Instastoried a video of her rocking a cape and silver go-go boots

Coming soon! JoJo and the 27-year-old pro dancer will perform a Viennese waltz to A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes from Cinderella on Monday's Disney Heroes episode as well as a Paso doble to Ways to Be Wicked from Descendants 2 for Tuesday's Disney Villains episode

America's first-ever same sex DWTS partners have now scored a total 92 points, which ties them with former Broadway dancer Amanda Kloots and her partner Alan Bersten.

'Being at the top, obviously, is great. Everybody wants to be at the top,' JoJo gushed to Access.

'We've been at the top now for three weeks, which is crazy and amazing - and share it with other people, especially Amanda and Alan, who are sweethearts.'

Jenna previously won the Mirrorball Trophy in season 26 in 2005 while partnered with four-time Olympic gold medalist Adam Rippon.

4.8M viewers tuned in! Team J Nation earned 24 out of 40 points last Monday for their Argentine tango to a cover of Britney Spears' 1998 hit ...Baby One More Time

Who will win? America's first-ever same sex DWTS partners have now scored a total 92 points, which ties them with former Broadway dancer Amanda Kloots (2-R) and her partner Alan Bersten (R)

JoJo gushed to Access: 'We've been at the top now for three weeks, which is crazy and amazing - and share it with other people, especially Amanda and Alan, who are sweethearts'

Also spotted Wednesday was 39-year-old Kloots - who capitalized on her husband Nick Cordero's death in 2020 - wearing a brown striped dress and beige booties.

Fans can expect The Talk co-host to don a b&w wig for her Paso doble to Call Me Cruella from Cruella on Tuesday and she'll also perform a Rumba to You'll Be in My Heart from Tarzan on Monday.

Coming in third place was Spice Girl Mel C (born Chisholm), who held a staff on her way out of rehearsals.

The British 47-year-old and her partner Gleb Savchenko will perform a Jazz number to Step in Time from Mary Poppins and a Viennese waltz to Once Upon a Dream from Maleficent.

Busy single mom: Also spotted Wednesday was 39-year-old Kloots - who capitalized on her husband Nick Cordero's death in 2020 - wearing a brown striped dress and beige booties

Disney selections: Fans can expect The Talk co-host to don a b&w wig for her Paso doble to Call Me Cruella from Cruella on Tuesday and she'll also perform a Rumba to You'll Be in My Heart from Tarzan on Monday

Prop from her next dance number? Coming in third place was Spice Girl Mel C (born Chisholm), who held a staff on her way out of rehearsals

Coming soon! The British 47-year-old and her partner Gleb Savchenko will perform a Jazz number to Step in Time from Mary Poppins and a Viennese waltz to Once Upon a Dream from Maleficent

The Bold Type actress Melora Hardin wore a gingham top with pinstripe pants and polk-dot high top sneakers.

The 54-year-old Emmy nominee and her dance partner Artem Chigvintsev are prepping a Quickstep and Jazz number to songs from The Jungle Book and Tangled.

Influencer Olivia Jade Giannulli - whose parents did hard times for the college admission scandal - bared her arms in a sleeveless turtleneck and clutched a Louis Vuitton bag before prepping her Samba and Jazz numbers.

WWE wrestler Mike 'The Miz' Mizanin wore laceless boots and sweats to rehearse his Quickstep and Argentine tango.

Fourth place: The Bold Type actress Melora Hardin wore a gingham top with pinstripe pants and polk-dot high top sneakers to rehearse Quickstep and Jazz numbers

Tied for fourth place: Influencer Olivia Jade Giannulli - whose parents did hard times for the college admission scandal - bared her arms in a sleeveless turtleneck and clutched a Louis Vuitton bag before prepping her Samba and Jazz numbers

Seventh place: WWE wrestler Mike 'The Miz' Mizanin wore laceless boots and sweats to rehearse his Quickstep and Argentine tango

Eighth place: The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kenya Moore wore a coral tank top and black Capri leggings to prep her Contemporary and Viennese waltz dances

The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kenya Moore wore a coral tank top and black Capri leggings to prep her Contemporary and Viennese waltz dances.

BH90210 alum Brian Austin Green - who also competed on The Masked Singer last year - strolled into rehearsal wearing a grey T-shirt and camoflauge joggers.

The 48-year-old father-of-four paired with his real-life girlfriend Sharna Burgess, who's teaching him the Waltz and Paso doble this week.

NBA shooting guard Iman Shumpert rocked gold chains and showed his love for NBA legend Michael Jordan before rehearsing his Foxtrot and Argentine tango.

12th place: BH90210 alum Brian Austin Green - who also competed on The Masked Singer last year - strolled into rehearsal wearing a grey T-shirt and camoflauge joggers

It's all who you know! The 48-year-old father-of-four paired with his real-life girlfriend Sharna Burgess (L), who's teaching him the Waltz and Paso doble this week
Today show host Karl Stefanovic roasted Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg after he confused him with his brother Peter on Thursday.

Mr Frydenberg was discussing government funding for hospitals on Channel Nine's breakfast show when he referred to Karl as Pete.

'We would welcome any further financial support they put to their hospitals but, more importantly than that Pete, we want to see Queensland get more and more people vaccinated,' Mr Frydenberg said.

That's awkward! Today host Karl Stefanovic roasted Treasurer Josh Frydenberg for confusing him with his brother Pete who hosts Sky News' breakfast show on Thursday

Karl's co-host Allison Langdon then interrupted: 'Hey, Josh, I think you keep calling Karl Pete by the way.'

'Who's Pete? Who's Pete?' Karl joked.

Karl then referred to Mr Frydenberg as Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce when he asked him a question.

Gaffe: Mr Frydenberg was discussing government funding for hospitals on Channel Nine's breakfast show when he referred to Karl as Pete

'He's got more hair than me, hasn't he?' Mr Frydenberg joked.

Karl replied: 'He's got a bigger hat, not sure he's got more cattle though.'

Peter and Karl Stefanovic are two of Australia's most famous broadcast journalists.

Joking: Karl then called Mr Frydenberg Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce when he asked him a question

Karl returned to host the Today show last year with Allison Langdon, after his shock axing in 2018.

His sensational dumping came just days after his lavish Mexican wedding to Jasmine Yarbrough.

In 2019, Karl's brother Peter left Channel Nine to co-host Sky News breakfast program First Edition.
Jason Sudeikis is ready for a new milestone as his career continues to reach new heights, in returning to Saturday Night Live, as the host for the first time.

The actor, 46, opens up on Thursday's edition of Ellen about his first time hosting the iconic show amid his scorching success on the Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso.

'I worked there for 10 years, two as a writer eight in the cast, did over 200 shows,' the Emmy-winning actor told Ellen DeGeneres about his experience on the famed variety series. 'Ive gone back to play Joe Biden, Mitt Romney over the past few years.'

The latest: Jason Sudeikis, 46, is ready for a new milestone as his career continues to reach new heights, in returning to Saturday Night Live as the host for the first time. He opens up on Thursday's edition of Ellen about the upcoming stint

Sudeikis was a cast member on the show from 2006 thru 2013, having joined the show in 2003 as a writer.

Sudeikis explained creative procedural details of the show, and how hosting opens up an entirely expanded set of responsibilities.

'We do a read-through on Wednesday and so all the writers, 50 people, the writers and cast' congregate to work on the show, which can pile up to 'five hours of material,' said Sudeikis.

He said he was enthused about 'that little talent show on Wednesday when everyones trying their stuff out and get to talk in a bunch of voices and try stuff theyve never done before.

The Fairfax, Virginia native explained creative procedural details of the show, and how hosting opens up an entirely expanded set of responsibilities.

The A-list actor recalled of his stint on the show, 'I worked there for 10 years, two as a writer eight in the cast, did over 200 shows'

'Even having worked there as much as I have, Ive never had the experience of having every sketch, and as the host you're in 98 percent of it, so thats what Im really really excited to do.'

Sudeikis said he's 'very very excited' to host the show alongside musical guest Brandi Carlisle.

'That woman, she makes it look so easy,' he said of the breakout songstress.

His hosting stint comes after Ted Lasso dominated at last month's Emmys, with seven wins including an Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series award for Sudeikis.

Sudeikis is slated to host SNL October 23.

Experience: The actor has past played now-President Joe Biden on the NBC series
The Hills: New Beginning star Kaitlynn Carter has given birth to her first child.

The reality star, 33, announced the arrival of her 'chunky little guy', a son named Rowan Carter Brock, on Wednesday.

Kaitlyn and her boyfriend Kristopher Brock welcomed Rowan around 3AM on September 30, 2021.

Oh boy! Kaitlynn Carter announced the arrival of her 'chunky little guy', a son named Rowan Carter Brock, on Wednesday

The MTV vet shared the joyous news with a tired yet blissful photo of her appearing to breastfeed the infant.

'our chunky little guy, Rowan Carter Brock, was born 9/30/21 at 2:53am, 8 lbs 4 oz. everyone is happy and healthy and so in love,' Kaitlynn gushed in the caption, along with multiple heart emojis.

Kaitlynn announced her pregnancy back in June with a snap capturing the silhouette of her bump.

The photo showed Kaitlynn and her beau in the midst of their babymoon at the luxurious Cabo San Lucas spot, Esperanza Resort.

Surprise! Carter announced she was expecting her first child with boyfriend Kristopher Brock in June (pictured May 19)

Mom and dad: Kaitlynn showed off her cowboy boots as she posed with her beau in the mirror back in July

Babymoon: The expecting 33-year-old shared a silhouette snap of her substantial baby bump alongside the fashion designer at Cabo San Lucas resort Esperanza Resort

Kristopher - who's only been dating Kaitlynn for 13 months - is already father to six-year-old son Charlie Wright from his marriage to Brock Collection co-founder Laura Vassar, which ended in 2019.

Carter's Instagram post received glowing comments from her Hills castmates Audrina Patridge and Caroline D'Amore as well as the official Hills account.

The University of New Hampshire grad previously concealed her bourgeoning bump in two other snaps taken at the luxury resort in Mexico.

'It's like the most seamless, chill relationship,' Kaitlynn gushed on Scrubbing In With Becca Tilley and Tanya Rad podcast in December.

'I've never had a relationship that was just easy and I don't want to put anybody else down, but I feel like he's the first adult I've ever dated. He's more mature than me by far.'

2017 family portrait: Kristopher - who's only been dating Kaitlynn for 13 months - is already father to six-year-old son Charlie Wright from his marriage to Brock Collection co-founder Laura Vassar (L), which ended in 2019

'Cutest belly!' Carter's Instagram post received glowing comments from her Hills castmates Audrina Patridge and Caroline D'Amore as well as the official Hills account

Best kept secret: The University of New Hampshire grad previously concealed her bourgeoning bump in two other snaps taken at the luxury resort in Mexico

Carter is best known for her highly-publicized, two-month fling with newly-separated pop star Miley Cyrus between August-September 2019.

It was shortly after the blonde beauty had ended her own 14-month 'marriage' to her on/off boyfriend since 2013, Brody Jenner.

The reality stars' 2018 ceremony was officiated by two Sumbanese priests at the Nihi Sumba resort in Indonesia, but it was not legally binding in the States.

Legit or not, Kaitlynn and Brody gladly cashed in on the faux wedding and tagged all of the companies which made their wedding and subsequent honeymoon at Maldives resort Six Senses Laamu possible.

Bisexual: Kaitlynn is best known for her highly-publicized, two-month fling with newly-separated pop star Miley Cyrus between August-September 2019

Confronting the past: It was shortly after Carter had ended her own 14-month 'marriage' to her on/off boyfriend since 2013, Brody Jenner (R)

Fake: The reality stars' 2018 ceremony was officiated by two Sumbanese priests at the Nihi Sumba resort in Indonesia, but it was not legally binding in the States

In fact, Kaitlynn's desire to have children was one of the catalysts for their 'divorce' since it drove Brody to 'drink to excess.'

'The circumstances of what happened after our split catered to that negative s***,' Brody told Kaitlynn during the May 12th season two premiere.

'The whole "lesbian thing" was gnarly, because in our entire relationship you never expressed that you had any interest in females whatsoever.'

Jenner continued: 'It was a shock for me and for a lot of people who saw that; it gave them an easy way out to say, "Oh, she's just in it for the fame, and in it for the money."'

Biological clock: In fact, Kaitlynn's desire to have children was one of the catalysts for their 'divorce' since it drove Brody to 'drink to excess'

Brody told Kaitlynn during the May 12th season two premiere: 'The whole "lesbian thing" was gnarly, because in our entire relationship you never expressed that you had any interest in females whatsoever...It was a shock for me and for a lot of people who saw that; it gave them an easy way out to say, "Oh, she's just in it for the fame, and in it for the money"'

'When [Miley] and I broke up, that was the hardest time of my life': Carter replied that she'd never imagined going from one 'pretty public relationship; into another'

Carter replied that she'd never imagined going from one 'pretty public relationship; into another.'

'When [Miley] and I broke up, that was the hardest time of my life, because I was really on my own and in the center of a lot of attention, and I think being able to rediscover who I am as a person on my own completely just gave me a new outlook on everything,' she explained.

'It was just a cycle of a number of things that weren't aligning. Just seeing the changes you've made, it does make me think: "What if these changes had happened before we broke up?"'
Jasmine Stefanovic (nee Yarbrough) is soaking up the sun in Noosa after returning to her home state of Queensland in August.

The wife of Today host Karl Stefanovic shared a photo to Instagram on Thursday of herself reclining on a sun lounger at a beach house.

The shoe designer, 37, was dressed in a bright patterned shirt with denim mini shorts, which she teamed with a pleated sun hat.

Now that's working from home! Jasmine Stefanovic (nee Yarbrough) is soaking up the sun in Noosa after returning to her home state in August. The wife of Today host Karl Stefanovic shared a photo to Instagram on Thursday of herself reclining on a sun lounger at a beach house

Despite looking relaxed, she appeared to be busy working on her laptop.

'Spring has sprung  #coconutpalm1,' she wrote in the caption, tagging the beach house she was holidaying at.

Karl gushed over his wife in the comments section, posting two leg emojis and '11'.

Praise: Karl gushed over his wife in the comments section, posting two leg emojis and '11'

Fun outings: Jasmine also recently shared a photo of herself and daughter Harper visiting the Sea Life Aquarium and posing in a shark's jaw bone

'Cute looking lampshade,' a fan wrote, while another follower commented: 'Guuuuuurrrllll those legs! You did not just have a baby.'

Jasmine also recently shared a photo of herself and daughter Harper visiting the Sea Life Aquarium and posing in a shark's jaw bone.

She had obtained a special exemption from Queensland Health to travel from Sydney to Brisbane with her daughter in August.

Serious: She had obtained a special exemption from Queensland Health to travel from Sydney to Brisbane with her daughter in August. Karl (left, with Allison Langdon) revealed on the Today show at the time that Jasmine's 96-year-old grandmother was 'really, really, really sick'

Karl revealed on the Today show at the time that Jasmine's 96-year-old grandmother was 'really, really, really sick'.

Jasmine was fortunately able to spend time with her grandmother before she died.

She subsequently attended the funeral with her family in Brisbane.
Just two days before his final James Bond movie No Time To Die hits theaters, star Daniel Craig was honored with his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The 53-year-old actor was presented the honor by his No Time To Die co-star Rami Malek and longtime James Bond franchise producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson.

The rare nighttime Walk of Fame ceremony was streamed live on the Walk of Fame YouTube on Wednesday evening.

Honored: Just two days before his final James Bond movie No Time To Die hits theaters, star Daniel Craig was honored with his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Presented: The 53-year-old actor was presented the honor by his No Time To Die co-star Rami Malek and longtime James Bond franchise producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson

Craig mirrored his suave character James Bond in a stylish light grey suit with a black tie and shiny black dress shoes.

The actor was honored first by Broccoli and Wilson, who cast him as 007 in the 2006 film Casino Royale.

Wilson revealed how charitable Craig is, aside from his obvious on-screen talent, adding he is, 'more than qualified' for this esteemed honor.

Daniel's look: Craig mirrored his suave character James Bond in a stylish light grey suit with a black tie and shiny black dress shoes

'This star on Hollywood Boulevard is a fitting cap to your amazing run as Bond, 'Wilson said.

He also thanked Craig for being a 'wonderful partner and friend' before turning the mic over to Craig's co-star, Rami Malek.

Malek plays the nefarious Lyutsifer Safin in No Time to Die, stating he was, 'so proud to be here celebrating Daniel Craig's star on the Walk of Fame.'

Fitting: 'This star on Hollywood Boulevard is a fitting cap to your amazing run as Bond, 'Wilson said

Rami: Malek plays the nefarious Lyutsifer Safin in No Time to Die, stating he was, 'so proud to be here celebrating Daniel Craig's star on the Walk of Fame'

'It's a privilege to work with him, to watch him, and especially impactful to play opposite his most iconic James Bond in his last venture,' Malek said.

Craig had confirmed long before production began that this film, the 25th in the storied Bond franchise, will be his last, capping a run that includes Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall, Spectre and No Time To Die.

Malek added that while Craig is, 'very generous with his time, he's also a big fan of brevity, so in your honor I promised to make this quick.'

Privelege: 'It's a privilege to work with him, to watch him, and especially impactful to play opposite his most iconic James Bond in his last venture,' Malek said

He went on to tell a story about his first day on the set and he saw him coming but he ducked out of the way because he wanted to meet him in full costume... and he peeked out and saw he was still there.

'No, it was not my coolest moment,' Malek admitted, adding that Craig, 'moves like a cheetah,' and he grabbed him by the shoulders and said, 'It's gonna be OK.'

He joked that he could handle all of his own stunts, 'with one arm tied behind his back and the other holding a Negroni.'

Not cool: 'No, it was not my coolest moment,' Malek admitted, adding that Craig, 'moves like a cheetah,' and he grabbed him by the shoulders and said, 'It's gonna be OK'

Malek added he has 'empathy for everyone around him,' and he can balance his talent and responsibility with 'warmth and awareness for what those around him need,' adding he doesn't need to 'turn one off to do the other.'

He told a story about how they had to go to the soundstage for a scene, and he recalled how 'laser-focused' he was on the script, his eyes just inches from the script.

'The dedication he applied to every scene, every moment of this experience, on screen and off, is something I will never soon forget,' Malek said.

Dedication: 'The dedication he applied to every scene, every moment of this experience, on screen and off, is something I will never soon forget,' Malek said

Craig then took to the stage to thank the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, along with his studio partners and his team.

He then thanked the producers who cast him as James Bond, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, 'from the depths of my heart,' adding, 'without you, I would not be here today.'

'I never thought I'd hear myself say this, but you know, it's an absolute honor to be walked all over in Hollywood.

'If happiness is measured by the company you keep,' then him surrounded by all of these, 'Hollywood legends, makes me a very happy man. Thank you very much,' Craig concluded.

Thanks: Craig then took to the stage to thank the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, along with his studio partners and his team

Thanks: He then thanked the producers who cast him as James Bond, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, 'from the depths of my heart,' adding, 'without you, I would not be here today'

Walked over: 'I never thought I'd hear myself say this, but you know, it's an absolute honor to be walked all over in Hollywood
She may have resigned as NSW premier but Gladys Berejiklian hasn't swapped her power suits for activewear just yet.

The 51-year-old politician was spotted popping out from her electorate office in Northbridge, on Sydney's north shore, six days after announcing her resignation.

With a flick of her bobbed brunette hair, Berejiklian made her way into the building decked out in a designer ensemble.

All dressed up: She may have resigned as NSW premier but Gladys Berejiklian hasn't swapped her power suits for activewear just yet

She was seen toting a $3,000 Louis Vuitton Cluny MM mongram handbag and stepped out in a pair of $860 Ferragamo Mirabel wedge pumps.

Berejiklian also wore a black knee-length shift dress, which she paired with a cropped black, grey and white tartan blazer.

In addition to designer shoes and handbags, Berejiklian also owns a Breitling 1884 watch, valued at $6,390.

Watch this space: In addition to designer shoes and handbags, Berejiklian also owns a Breitling 1884 watch, valued at $6,390

Pricey: She was spotted wearing the high-end brand's Chronomat 32 watch at a press conference in Sydney last month

She was spotted wearing the high-end brand's Chronomat 32 watch at a press conference in Sydney last month.

The ex-premier - who will go down in history as one of the popular to ever grace NSW Parliament - accessorised simply with a pendant necklace and large stud earrings.

Perhaps the only touch of fashion missing was going for a standard disposable blue face mask to meet Covid rules.

Something in the hair: With a flick of her bobbed brunette hair, Berejiklian made her way into the building, stepping out in a designer ensemble

Berejiklian stood down as state leader on Friday amid allegations by the state's corruption watchdog she breached the public's trust during her secret five-year relationship with ex-Wagga Wagga MP Daryl Maguire.

She is now only serving her local Willoughby electorate, having declared she will leave state parliament altogether once a by-election for her seat is held.

Her resignation has also sparked speculation she could make a run for federal politics once the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption concludes its investigation. Many are saying she would make a fantastic prime minister after leading NSW so ably through the Covid pandemic.

Waving goodbye: The 51-year-old politician was spotted visiting her office in Sydney, just six days after announcing her resignation

Asked whether she may make the switch to federal politics, Prime Minister Scott Morrison told Sunrise on Tuesday she 'has a lot more to contribute, I know that'.

The prime minister though acknowledged has 'issues' to work through, a reference to the ongoing ICAC investigation.

'I join with the many thousands if not millions of people from New South Wales who are very sad that she has had to step down,' Morrison said.

Designer duds: She was seen toting a $3,000 Louis Vuitton Cluny MM mongram handbag and stepped out in a pair of $860 Ferragamo Mirabel wedge pumps

While her successor Dominic Perrottet updated his profile within hours of securing the state's top job, Berejiklian's account still has not changed.

Perrottet, 39, shared a picture of him being sworn in as Premier at Government House on Tuesday afternoon and promptly updated his Instagram bio as: 'Premier of NSW'.

Berejiklian - or those that handle her account - have been a little more reluctant to remove the same line from her bio.

Goals: Asked whether she may make the switch to federal politics, Prime Minister Scott Morrison (pictured in Canberra on Thursday) told Sunrise on Tuesday she 'has a lot more to contribute, I know that'

A widely popular premier, her Willoughby office and home were awash in a sea of flowers and supportive signs left by fans over the weekend, and a petition to keep her on as premier gained more than 75,000 signatures.

After her resignation, Perrottet - from the Liberal Party's conservative faction - then defeated Rob Stokes 39-5 in a party room ballot on Tuesday morning to become NSW's youngest premier with Stuart Ayres as his deputy.

The father-of-six has vowed to be a 'family premier' and prioritise the plight of working families around NSW.

Stepping in: While her successor Dominic Perrottet (pictured in Sydney on Wednesday) updated his profile within hours of securing the state's top job, Berejiklian's account still has not changed

He also said his government will make no major policy or personnel changes as the state emerges from lockdown.

Perrottet pledged to maintain policy and cabinet continuity after Berejiklian's resignation, with no cabinet reshuffle in the short term and no major policy changes.

He said he would maintain his position at least until summer.
Hacks stars Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinger decided to rock slightly matching looks as they were honored at the 2021 Women In Film Honors Gala.

The 70-year-old Smart and her 24-year-old co-star were both honored at the ceremony, which celebrates women who are transforming the industry.

Their hit HBO Max series Hacks has already been renewed for a second season, which will likely debut in 2022.

Twinning: Hacks stars Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinger decided to rock slightly matching looks as they were honored at the 2021 Women In Film Honors Gala

Smart hit the red carpet in a black satin suit coat with a white blouse and elegant diamond earrings.

She also rocked wide-legged matching black pants with a shimmering silver clutch during the event, held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.

She completed her look with grey pumps as she navigated the red carpet.

Jean's look: Smart hit the red carpet in a black satin suit coat with a white blouse and elegant diamond earrings

Red carpet ready: She also rocked wide-legged matching black pants with a shimmering silver clutch during the event, held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles

Her co-star Einbinder rocked a similar look with a satin tuxedo coat with a different, buttoned-up white dress shirt.

She also wore wide-legged black satin tuxedo pants with some stunning diamond earrings for the event.

She completed her look with black pumps and a black handbag, as she posed with Smart and others like her co-stars Carl Clemons-Hopkins and Phoebe Mandel.

Hannah's look: Her co-star Einbinder rocked a similar look with a satin tuxedo coat with a different, buttoned-up white dress shirt

Pose: She completed her look with black pumps and a black handbag, as she posed with Smart and others like her co-stars Carl Clemons-Hopkins and Phoebe Mandel

Smart and Einbinder were honored alongside Euphoria star Zendaya and prodcuer Ashley Levinson plus Coda star Marlee Matlin and writer-director Sian Heder.

'We are honoring these pairs of women with the Crystal Award to reflect the collective effort it takes to transform this industry into one that rewards equality and succeeds as it becomes more inclusive,' Kirsten Schaffer, WIF Executive Director, said in a statement.

'Even in the most difficult of times, these women have taken steps forward towards a more ideal future,' Schaffer added.

Honored: Smart and Einbinder were honored alongside Euphoria star Zendaya and prodcuer Ashley Levinson plus Coda star Marlee Matlin and writer-director Sian Heder

Smart and Einbinder's critically-acclaimed show Hacks follows the unusual mentorship that forms between a legendary comedienne (Smart) and a young comic (Einbinder).

The show, created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky, also stars Christopher McDonald, Rose Abdoo and Kaitlin Olson.

Smart is currently filming Damien Chazelle's Babylon alongside Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Olivia Wilde.

Watch Hacks exclusively on Stan in Australia.
Billie Lourd opened up on the parenting lessons she gleaned from her late mother Carrie Fisher, as she raises her one-year-old son Kingston.

The 29-year-old actress, appearing on the New Day podcast on Monday, explained how she grew up alongside the Hollywood legend to host Claire Bidwell Smith.

'My main job when [Fisher] was alive was taking care of her and making sure she was okay,' Lourd said. 'I was her main support, and I was seven, for a lot of the time, and that was really hard and that's why I grew up really fast because I was her best friend. I was her mother, I was her kid, I was her everything.

The latest: Billie Lourd, 29, opened up on the parenting lessons she gleaned from her late mother Carrie Fisher, as she raises her one-year-old son Kingston. She was snapped in LA at the Academy Museum Of Motion Pictures last month

'And that's one of the things I'm learning not to do with my kid.'

She said that she absorbed lessons from both positive and negative aspects of her childhood memories with her late mother.

'There's a lot of things that my mom taught me to do and then there's a lot that is, honestly it might be more valuable, of what not to do,' said the Los Angeles native. 'And that's one of the things that I will not do to my son is put this pressure on him that I had on me.'

Lourd, who's been seen on Scream Queens and American Horror Story, welcomed her first child with fiance Austen Rydell in September of 2020.

Gone but not forgotten: Lourd and her late mother were seen at the LA premiere of Star Wars in 2015

New mom: Lourd welcomed her first child with fiance Austen Rydell in September of 2020

Fisher, who played Princess Leia in the Star Wars anthology, died at 60 on December 27, 2016 at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, four days after she had a heart attack on a flight from London to Los Angeles.

Lourd said on the podcast that her life and career would likely be significantly different had her mom lived, as she spent much time with her.

'I dont know if I would've been able to do some of the work and some of the roles that I have been able to do, because I was also so busy taking care of her, is the truth,' Lourd said.

Hollywood royalty: Lourd posed with her late grandmother and mother, Debbie Reynolds and Fisher, in January of 2015

She continued, 'I wouldn't have had time for those 16-hour days and had time to say yes to things that I wanted to say yes to, because my main job when she was alive was taking care of her and making sure she was OK.'

Fisher's mother and Billie's grandmother, Singin' in the Rain star Debbie Reynolds, died at 84 after a stroke December 28, 2016 as she was planning Fisher's memorial.

Lourd said on the podcast that she misses both dearly, describing Fisher as 'the greatest, funniest person ever' and 'my best f***ing friend ever.

'There's no one who will ever be as funny as her,' she said.
Former Bachelor Matt Agnew took aim at anti-vaxxers on Thursday with a brutal post that denounced their unscientific views.

The 34-year-old shared a news update from the ABC to his Instagram Stories that revealed cancer patients at a children's hospital have been forced into quarantine due to exposure to Covid-19.

'This is why,' the astrophysicist bluntly wrote in the caption. 'Children with cancer.'

Science on his side: Former Bachelor Matt Agnew expertly slammed anti-vaxxers on Thursday

'They can't get the vaccine that you're in the privileged position to receive for free,' he continued before stressing the importance of getting the jab.

'You're not vaccine hesitant. You're not just making up your own mind. You're not listening to both sides. You're not doing your own research.'

Matt then concluded the caption with a simple statement that encourages everyone to get the Covid vaccine.

'Get the shot to protect you and your community': Matt then concluded the caption with a simple statement that encourages everyone to get the Covid vaccine

'Get the shot to protect you and your community,' he wrote.

Agnew has been secretly living in Sydney during the lockdown after he was forced to move out of his two-bedroom 1890s Richmond home back in March last year.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal that the 34-year-old astrophysicist decided to move to the Emerald City in September.

Living arrangements: Agnew has been secretly living in Sydney during the lockdown after he was forced to move out of his two-bedroom 1890s Richmond home back in March last year

Agnew had been renting an inner-city home in West Richmond for $470 per week since December 2017, just two years before he was thrust into the spotlight in 2019.

'After lockdown last year I just wanted a bit of a change of scenery... but it didn't quite go to plan,' he said of his move.

The handsome star quietly unpacked his two-bedroom home into a similar estate in a Sydney inner suburb where he is living with his pet Labrador, Pluto.
WAG Kyly Clarke has defended her use of plastic gloves when cooking in her own kitchen due to her fastidious hygiene standards.

But the 40-year-old was seen with bare hands when she cooked up a tasty chicken drumstick stew on Thursday.

Taking to Instagram, Kyly first showcased her cooking the meal with gloves as she prepared her drumsticks and vegetables.

The gloves are off! Kyly Clarke, 40, (pictured) has gone back to bare hands while cooking chicken drumsticks on Thursday amid ex Michael and Pip Edwards shock reunion

The Bondi A-lister then showed herself gloves-free as she stirred the cooking meat in the crock pot, proving she has lightened up in the kitchen.

Kyly defended her use of gloves in the kitchen on The Morning Show in 2018.

'I find it dirty and grimy to not wear gloves,' she said.

Not so fast! Kyly showed her hand gloved and then ungloved while cooking. The WAG's love of latex glove use in her own kitchen is well documented

'They say there is so much underneath your nails and I don't like overly washing my hands as I wash them a lot when I'm cooking,' she added.

'So If I overly washed them, my hands would be very dry anyway.'

Kyly's return to Instagram comes after the shock reconciliation of her ex-husband Michael Clarke and his on-off girlfriend Pip Edwards.

Sensible: 'They say there is so much underneath your nails and I don't like overly washing my hands as I wash them a lot when I'm cooking,' Kyly added. 'So If I overly washed them, my hands would be very dry anyway'

Reunited! According to a new report, Michael (left) and Pip (right) are officially back together - months after their reported split in February

At the start of September, the pair were pictured buying acai bowls in Bondi Beach with Michael's daughter, Kelsey Lee, five.

They have also been spotted spending time on Michael's boat, yet neither have commented on their apparent rekindled relationship.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Pip and Michael for comment.
Apart from being Bindi Irwin's estranged cousin, she's best known for her steamy Instagram posts.

And Rebecca Lobie was at it again on Thursday, posting plenty of racy images to the social media platform on what she called 'Content Day'.

One of the new photos showed Lobie, 33, flaunting her outrageous bikini body while lying on the beach next to a girlfriend.

Thirst trap: Rebecca Lobie was at it again on Thursday, posting plenty of racy images to the social media platform on what she called 'Content Day'

The blonde bombshell also posted a cleavage-baring video of her scanning the coastline on the gorgeous Spring day.

Rebecca's post comes after she recently called out a vile troll who mocked her derriere horse tattoo in the comments section of her Instagram post.

Sharing a screenshot of the nasty remarks she received from a stranger on her Instagram Stories, Steve Irwin's 'hot niece' detailed the extent of the bullying.

Assets: The blonde bombshell also posted a cleavage-baring video of her scanning the coastline on the gorgeous Spring day

Nothing's going to stop her! Steve Irwin's 'hot niece' recently showed off her derriere in a racy swimsuit for an Instagram post, after a vile troll mocked her horse tattoo

Online: The 33-year-old called out a vile troll who mocked her derriere horse tattoo in the comments section of her Instagram post on Sunday

The mother of two said that while she usually 'stays quiet', sometimes enough is enough.

The nasty comments saw the troll asking whether she got the horse tattoo when she was 'ugly', and suggesting her children must be 'proud' to see their mother posing in revealing ensembles.

Rebecca wrote online: 'Comments like these! Seriously bullying online is out of control.'

The Queensland-based star went on to reveal that the tattoo has 'sentimental meaning' and urged the troll to 'stop commenting on things you have no idea about'.

Awful: The nasty comments saw the troll asking whether she got the horse tattoo when she was 'ugly', and suggesting her children must be 'proud' to see their mother posing in revealing ensembles

After receiving messages of support from fans, the blonde beauty later took to Instagram Stories, thanking them for their 'kind messages'.

'Thank you for the kind messages. I'm okay, I've learnt to have thick skin. I usually stay quiet about it but sometimes it's enough. It's not hard to be kind,' she wrote.

It comes as the busty beauty continues to encourage fans to pay a $7 monthly fee for access to her 'exclusive' content.

Appreciative: After receiving messages of support from fans, the blonde beauty later took to Instagram Stories, thanking them for their 'kind messages'

Grateful: 'Thank you for the kind messages. I'm okay, I've learnt to have thick skin. I usually stay quiet about it but sometimes it's enough. It's not hard to be kind,' she wrote

Rebecca is charging fans US$4.99 (AUD$6.80) for the first month's subscription on beckylobie.com, and US$9.99 (AUD$13.61) thereafter.

For an additional US$55 (AUD$74.92), Rebecca says one video shows her 'fully naked... with just the seat belts covering up my [lemon emoji].

'But don't worry, I made sure to pull back to give you a full view. We are just getting started,' she added.

Tickled pink: The Queensland-based star often displays her ample assets and toned curves in racy Instagram photos

For an extra US$34 (AUD46.31) she promises a 'nip slip' in a three-photo gallery.

Rebecca, who is the daughter of Steve Irwin's sister Joy and her husband Frank Muscillo, resigned from Australia Zoo in December 2015.

She recently discussed her new website in an interview with Daily Mail Australia, explaining that it is similar to subscription site OnlyFans but will use her own branding so she has 'more control'.

New venture: It comes as the busty beauty continues to encourage fans to pay a $7 monthly fee for access to her 'exclusive' content

'Having another platform to be able to share my content is something I have wanted to do for a while now and has always been a big request from people,' she said.

'I love creating content and engaging with my fans and this is another way I can.'

Speaking about her decision to shun OnlyFans, Rebecca added: 'It has the same features if not more. I will be posting exclusive content, chatting with fans and going live.'
Six months after her tragic death, it's been announced that Carla Zampatti will be honoured posthumously.

According to a report by The Daily Telegraph on Thursday, the late fashion designer will have a new award named in her honour at the Australian Fashion Laureate.

The Carla Zampatti Award for Excellence in Leadership will be given to a worthy recipient in November.

Recognition: Six months after her tragic death, it's been announced that Carla Zampatti will be honoured posthumously

The award will be presented by Zampatti's children, daughters Bianca and Allegra Spencer, and son Alex Schuman.

'Mum dedicated her life to the Australian fashion industry, so for her life's work to be honoured in such a way is a true honour for Bianca, Allegra and me,' said Alex.

'We look forward to presenting this award to the winner in November.'

Legacy: According to a report by The Daily Telegraph on Thursday, the late fashion designer (pictured at an event in Sydney in October 2014) will have a new award named in her honour at the Australian Fashion Laureate

Zampatti died on April 3 aged 78, a week after falling down stairs while attending the opening night of the La Traviata opera on Sydney Harbour.

She was knocked unconscious after falling on the bottom steps of a staircase and was then rushed to hospital immediately.

According to a report by The Daily Telegraph at the time, she went into a coma after the fall and never woke up.

Iconic: The Carla Zampatti Award for Excellence in Leadership will be given to a worthy recipient in November. Pictured in her studio in Sydney in June 2009

'Today I lost my mother, my inspiration, my mentor and my friend,' fashion designer Bianca, 43, wrote alongside two family photos on Instagram.

She added: 'I am lost for words and totally heartbroken.'

Zampatti was later farewelled at a state funeral at Sydney's St Mary's Cathedral.
Her Instagram feed is littered with sizzling snaps of her jaw-dropping figure.

And despite always looking incredible in a number of racy lingerie sets, Rhian Sugden recently admitted to falling off the fitness bandwagon in an exclusive interview with MailOnline.

'I think I look fitter than I actually am. I have my mum to thank for good genes I think!' the glamour model, 35, who is an ambassador for lingerie label Honey Birdette, said.

EXCLUSIVE: 'I look fitter than I actually am!' Rhian Sugden, 35, revealed to MailOnline that she's keen to 'tighten up a few squishy bits' after recently falling off the fitness bandwagon

'When I feel good in myself mentally, I feel more confident. When I eat healthy and go to gym classes, I don't seem to have hang ups about how I look,' she explained.

'When I start to eat rubbish and overindulge on chocolate and wine I feel gross. I've fallen off the wagon recently, I need to get myself back into gear and feeling better.'

Rhian revealed she hasn't been 'to the gym for months' and confessed she'd 'probably pass out' should she have to run a mile.

Relatable: 'When I start to eat rubbish and overindulge on chocolate and wine I feel gross. I've fallen off the wagon recently, I need to get myself back into gear and feeling better,' the beauty admitted last month

Good genes: Rhian revealed she hasn't been 'to the gym for months' and confessed she'd 'probably pass out' should she have to run a mile

'I think I look fitter than I actually am. I have my mum to thank for good genes I think!' she said.

'I'm desperate to get into a proper fitness routine just to feel better and tighten up a few squishy bits,' she went on to say.

'My go-to [exercise] is Reformer Pilates. I've started going once a week and I love it! My flexibility is quite good, I just need to up my cardio game.'

Sizzling hot! Despite wowing in her Instagram posts, the glamour model said: 'I'm desperate to get into a proper fitness routine just to feel better and tighten up a few squishy bits'

Exercise secrets: 'My go-to [exercise] is Reformer Pilates. I've started going once a week and I love it! My flexibility is quite good, I just need to up my cardio game,' she said

Elsewhere in the interview, Rhian, who is married to Oliver Mellor, said she's hoping to relax as much as possible at Christmas ahead of her fifth round of IVF treatment.

The couple, who wed in 2018, revealed last year they had endured gruelling IVF for 18 months.

'IVF round 5 will be starting in December too, so hopefully a lot of relaxing to be had this Christmas. Hopefully it'll be our first Christmas in our new home,' Rhian said, referencing her Manchester home that's currently being refurbished.

'I say this with my fingers crossed. It feels so far off being finished though at the moment. I might start fishing around for invites to other people's houses for Christmas dinner just to be on the safe side!'

Loved-up: Elsewhere in the interview, Rhian, who is married to Oliver Mellor (pictured), said she's hoping to relax as much as possible at Christmas ahead of her fifth round of IVF treatment. The couple, who wed in 2018, previously revealed their battle with conceiving

Meanwhile in a series of sizzling Instagram posts on Wednesday while celebrating with pals in Ibiza, Spain, Rhian posed in a plunging silver sequinned jumpsuit that enhanced her cleavage and trim waist.

She teamed the eye-catching number with blue and silver face crystals and styled her blonde locks out and in tousled waves, framing a glamorous makeup palette.

Her striking facial features were enhanced with a beauty look consisting of defined brows, false lashes, a subtle smoky eye and a slick of glossy pink lipstick.

Simply sizzling! Meanwhile on Wednesday, Rhian flaunted her incredible figure in a silver sequinned jumpsuit while celebrating with pals in Ibiza, Spain, in sizzling Instagram snaps

She knows her angles! In one flawless snap, the bombshell captured her best angles with a selfie, pouting for the camera and holding onto a glass of wine

Picture-perfect: 'Everything is better covered in glitter,' Rhian captioned the gorgeous snap

In one flawless snap, the bombshell captured her best angles with a selfie, pouting for the camera and holding onto a glass of wine.

'Everything is better covered in glitter,' she simply captioned the gorgeous shot.

The stunner followed with another post, this time posing with a close pal.

All eyes were on Rhian's incredible figure in the plunging bodysuit which skimmed over her trim curves.

Rhian captioned the snap, 'I love her!' alongside a love heart and cheers emoji.

Gorgeous: The stunner followed with another post, this time posing with a close pal. All eyes were on Rhian's incredible figure in the plunging bodysuit which clung to her trim curves
Janet Roach has shot down suggestions the new Real Housewives of Melbourne cast were surprised by the amount of drama on the show.

The 62-year-old reality TV star told the Herald Sun that Anjali Rao, Simone Elliot, Cherry Dipietrantonio and Kyla Kirkpatrick had watched all four previous seasons of the show and were well aware of what the job entailed.

'Blind Freddy knew what they were coming in for,' said Roach.

Not buying it: Janet Roach (pictured in 2020) has shot down suggestions the new Real Housewives of Melbourne cast were surprised by the amount of drama on the show

The socialite then went a step further, calling their claims 'bulls**t' and asking, 'how could you not know?'

Roach's interview contained just her latest bombshell allegations about the reality TV franchise in which she stars.

Janet recently claimed to New Idea that some of the new cast members are actors.

'Bulls**t!' 'Blind Freddy knew what they were coming in for,' said Roach. Pictured: The cast of RHOM

Bombshell: Janet has claimed some of The Real Housewives of Melbourne's new cast members are actors

'They all had managers or publicists - some were even actors,' she revealed.

'Cherry [Dipietrantonio], she's an actress... Kyla [Kirkpatrick] even thought she could play director along the way and would yell 'cut' during filming - you just don't do that. You just don't do that.'

Cherry and Kyla are two of RHOM's newest Housewives, along with newsreader Anjali Rao and socialite Simone Elliott.

While Janet has previously heaped praise on newbie Simone, she seems to have clashed with both Kyla and Anjali.

'They all had managers or publicists - some were even actors!' New cast members Kyla Kirkpatrick, Anjali Rao and Cherry Dipietrantonio are pictured together

Speaking to New Idea, Janet shared that Kyla, who she has known for 10 years, 'came straight at me from day one'.

She also previously revealed that one of the new Housewives didn't make it all the way through filming and quit before the finale.

Speaking to the Unpopular podcast, Janet said the newbie 'couldn't keep up' with the glitz and glamour of the show.

'She's not a bad girl, but the real truth, let's really get down to it,' she said.

'I think she was who she said she was, but she was never gonna be a Housewife. I'm just being honest.'

'Cherry, she's an actress... Kyla even thought she could play director along the way and would yell 'cut!' during filming - you just don't do that,' Janet said of the newbies

'She couldn't keep up with times, she couldn't keep up with outfits,' Janet added.

'I think she's running around and saying, 'Oh it's fake and it's not for me,' when the fact of the matter is, I worked with her, she couldn't keep up.

'She struggled all the way through.'

Drama! Janet also shared that Kyla, whom she has known for 10 years, 'came straight at me from day one'

Janet also said that another cast member told her the mystery quitter 'was terrified of being exposed' on the show.

'I said, 'Terrified of being exposed for what?' But we never got there... because we never got that far because she decided that she didn't want to do it anymore.'

While Janet didn't identify the quitter by name, she did confirm that they have a television background, leading many fans to believe she was referring to Anjali.

Anjali is best known for working as a television presenter on CNN, Sky News, Studio 10 and Dateline.

The fifth season of The Real Housewives of Melbourne premieres on Foxtel on October 10.
Kaia Gerber gave her father Randy a shock during a Facetime call while in character for American Horror Story.

The actress, 20, is playing Kendall Carr, whose character is impregnated after an alien encounter.

And while on set, earlier this year, she took to Facetime with a fake bump to shock her dad.

Big news! Kaia Gerber gave her father Randy a shock during a Facetime call while in character for American Horror Story

Kaia shared a screengrab from the call on Instagram on Wednesday night, as the latest episode of AHS aired.

'This was fun...' she captioned it, tagging Randy.

She also showed off the bump in a video, turning to the side to show it off.

The episode saw the aftermath of the shock discovery that Kendall and her three friends - including two men - discover they are all expecting babies, after their car is intercepted in the desert by a UFO.

Fake bump: The actress, 20, is playing Kendall Carr, whose character is impregnated after an alien encounter

Crank call: While on set, earlier this year, she took to Facetime with a fake bump to shock her dad

Kaia shared a bikini-clad snap of herself from the set of the show the morning after the premiere episode last week, too.

'Spending the summer doing what I love most with some pretty incredible people!' the 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 shared a bikini-clad snap of herself from the set of the show the morning after the premiere episode last week, too

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.'

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!'
Anna Richardson has confirmed she is pressing ahead with her plans to adopt a child, four months after splitting from long-term partner Sue Perkins, 52.

The Naked Attraction host, 51, spoke to Express about her desire to 'create a family' after it was revealed in July that the couple, who dated for eight years, were on different pages about wanting to start a family leading to their June split.

She said: I'm still pursuing that, I am very much in touch with Adoption UK because I did a podcast for them last year. I'm very keen to press ahead with creating a family.'

Anna spoke to the publication in conjunction with her new project with Purplebricks, which marks the launch of the new 'high-speed TikTok home brochure', which sees homebuyers using the video platform to view houses instead of an in-person view.

Happier times: Anna Richardson has confirmed she is pressing ahead with her plans to adopt a child, four months after splitting from long-term partner Sue Perkins, 52 (Sue and Anna pictured in 2014)

Anna previously shared her hopes to adopt a child in the future - telling the Daily Mail in 2015: 'I think because I'm 45 now I'm thinking long and hard about fostering and adopting. It would be nice to create a little unit.'

Nearest and dearest allege Sue's reluctance to start a family is what ultimately ended their relationship, as the former GBBO star unsure it was the 'right time' for kids.

Anna also discussed moving home following the split, as she said: 'I moved into my own flat recently and had to sort of decorate it as well, yeah it's absolutely chaotic...

'It was a few months ago that I moved out into my own space and I think a lot of people found lockdown very difficult...

Open and honest: The Naked Attraction host, 51, spoke to Express about her desire to 'create a family' after it was revealed in July that the couple, who dated for eight years, were on different pages about wanting to start a family leading to their June split

'I know a lot of couples have, marriages have and a lot of families have, I think I'm just like lots of other people really, that they ultimately just needed their own space.'

Anna has joined forces with Purplebricks, as the company launch the world's first 25-second high-speed home sales brochure on short-form content platform TikTok.

The initiative launched following a red-hot property market that led to rising house prices and properties being sold faster than any other time in the last 10 years.

She said: 'I've recently moved into a new property so I can definitely relate to that gut-feel emotion we all deal with when it comes to making those all-important decisions, however that gut-feel intuition can make the process of selling your home a little harder...

Homebuyer! Anna spoke to the publication in conjunction with her new project with Purplebricks, which marks the launch of the new 'high-speed TikTok home brochure', which sees homebuyers using the video platform to view houses instead of an in-person view

'There are so many things we can do to make our homes more enticing so I've teamed up with Purplebricks on their 'How to Guide for 25 second tours' - a useful guide that highlights how we can use apps like TikTok to get our houses sold'.

In July, it was revealed that Anna and Sue had been living apart since last Autumn and only see each other when exchanging custody of their beloved dog.

MailOnline revealed Anna moved out of their shared 2million North London home to live in Staffordshire to be close to her mum, who is caring for her father who is suffering from dementia.

A friend of the former couple detailed: 'It's really sad they've split, but it's been on the cards for a while. We know Anna was really keen to be a mother, but Sue just didn't feel it was the right time for her.

Woo! Anna has joined forces with Purplebricks, as the company launch the world's first 25-second high-speed home sales brochure on short-form content platform TikTok

'She loves travelling and working on various projects and she appreciates that lifestyle and the responsibility of being a parent doesn't marry well.'

It's also claimed she and Sue struggled to live together during lockdown given they are both 'workaholics' who are used to their independence.

'They haven't spent much together in recent months, they've been living separate lives with Anna staying in Staffordshire and Sue remaining in London. The only time they see each other now is when they hand the dog over to each other.

Anna and Sue adopted former rescue dog Tia in 2017 from Animal Lifeline's Serendipity Kennels near Cellarhead, Staffs, and quickly settled into life at home.

That was then: In July, it was revealed that Anna and Sue had been living apart since last Autumn and only see each other when exchanging custody of their beloved dog (Anna and Sue pictured in 2017)

Anna previously spoke about her relationship with Sue in an interview with Hello!, saying she had thought about adopting a child and said that as she is getting older she also feels that 'time is running out' for her to do so.

Admitting she was only talking about herself, Anna said: 'For some time I've toyed with the idea of fostering or adopting a child. I can only speak for myself, not Sue, but I really want to do the training [to foster] and welcome a child into my life.

'I feel keenly that I'm getting older, that time is running out.'

Speaking to The Telegraph in 2015, Anna explained she had known Sue for years, but it was a meeting her at a party after her separation from her partner of 18 years, Charles, that made her realise she felt something more than just friendship.
Former Miss Universe Jennifer Hawkins is set to welcome her second child with husband Jake Wall later this year.

And the stunning 37-year-old proved she was busy playing mum with daughter Frankie on Thursday.

Taking to Instagram, the former runway star shared a number of adorable photos from her family album.

Mother-daughter time! Jennifer Hawkins, 37, (pictured) shared rarely seen photos of daughter Frankie on Instagram on Thursday, as she prepares to welcome her second child

One of the images showed an adoring Jennifer sitting by a teepee with Frankie.

Frankie stuck close to her mum as the pair sat in the teepee while having respite from the warm sun.

Another showed Frankie in a sunsuit as she enjoyed a dip in an inflatable pool while playing with toys.

Earlier this month, Jen also showed off her blossoming bump as she shared a gallery of new photos to her Instagram page.

Fun in the sun! Frankie played in her sunsuit as she enjoyed a dip in an inflatable pool while playing with water toys

Just the two of us! One of the images showed an adoring Jennifer sitting by a teepee with Frankie, with her bump visible

In the first image, the expectant mother looks radiant as she poses for a mirror selfie while dressed in black activewear and a pink sweater.

A second photo showed Frankie sitting on her lap touching her belly, which was exposed.

'Snaps! Hanging with my little lockdown buddy and bump! So much love for this little sweetheart,' Jen captioned the post.

Jennifer first revealed she and husband Jake Wall were expecting their second child together on Instagram in July.

Bumping along: In August, Jen showed off her blossoming bump as she shared a gallery of new photos to her Instagram page

'Round two!! Jake and I are so happy to share that we are expecting a baby BOY!!! We both feel really blessed and couldn't be happier to grow our little family!' she wrote in the caption at the time.

She added: 'Can't wait to see our Frankie girl as a big sis!!'

Jennifer married property developer Jake in Bali, Indonesia in 2013, after eight years of dating. The couple welcomed daughter Frankie in October 2019.
They tied the knot in Hamburg last year.

And Toni Garrn marked her first wedding anniversary with husband Alex Pettyfer on Wednesday by sharing an intimate photo album on Instagram.

The slew of snaps included a wedding day capture, selfies - and a nude throwback whereby the German model, 29, showcased her then blossoming bump in the shower whilst her handsome husband, 31, took a bath.

Milestone: Toni Garrn marked her first wedding anniversary with husband Alex Pettyfer on Wednesday by sharing an intimate photo album on Instagram

Toni, who rose to prominence after signing an exclusive Calvin Klein contract in 2008, told her followers she wanted to honour their special day as 'it was the beginning to so much happiness.'

In full, the delighted wife penned: ' Happy Anniversary sweetie! I know Im a little late, but working while feeding our HUNGRY mini you is time consuming to say the least.

'BUT I wanted to honor our day as it was the beginning to SO much happiness. Marrying you was the easiest decision I ever had to make. Thank you for making me a mama and seeing you as daddy makes my heart melt, youre the absolute best since day one and most loving papa.

'I love you more than anything baby and cant wait for 99 more anniversaries with you #021020'.

Cheeky: The slew of snaps included a nude throwback whereby the German model, 29, showcased her then blossoming bump in the shower whilst her handsome husband, 31, took a bath

Memories: Toni included a wedding day capture as part of her intimate photo album

One year anniversary: The happy couple tied the knot in Hamburg last year

The pair got engaged on Christmas Eve 2019 after ten months of dating - and wed in the following October.

British actor Alex also celebrated the happy day and dubbed his wife as 'the love of his life.'

'Happy one year anniversary. I wanted to post a picture from our actual day, but seeming as you have a fetish for mustaches, making me look like an 80s Pornstar, I decided to choose this picture that is in my opinion the night that changed my life.

Tribute: British actor Alex also celebrated the happy day and dubbed his wife as 'the love of his life'

'@tonigarrn you are my everything, you inspire me everyday, without you Id be a wondering gypsy! Im so grateful to share this adventure of life together. You are the most incredible mother, the most incredible wife, but more than anything you are the love of my life  #family #happyanniversary.'

Back in July, the new mum announced that her and Alex had welcomed a girl called Luca Malaika.

'The most magical experience of my life brought Luca Malaika into our world last week. She immediately stole our hearts forever,' she told her Instagram followers.
Ashley Roberts nailed casual chic as she donned a khaki coord as she left work at Heart FM in London on Thursday morning.

The Pussycat Dolls star, 40, donned the Serena Bute number which comprised wide leg trousers and boasted an elasticated waist and two green stripes up the side.

She rolled up the sleeves of the shirt, which had a huge collar and was tucked into her bottoms, to help show off her trim frame despite the loose fit.

Looking good! Ashley Roberts nailed casual chic as she donned a khaki coord as she left work at Heart FM in London on Thursday morning

She treated the street like it was her runway as she opted for comfy looking white Gucci trainers - which currently retail at 705.

The bombshell carried her belongings in a white Yves Saint Laurent bag which she swung in her hand to add a designer touch to the look.

Framing her face, she wore huge sepia coloured sunglasses, and accessorised further with small hooped earrings.

Ashley laughed her way to a waiting car, after posting a sassy video on her Instagram story and making sure to tag the British designer.

Casually chic: The Pussycat Dolls star donned the Serena Bute number which consisted of wide leg trousers which boasted an elasticated waist and two green striped up the side

She walked towards the mirror at the office in the short clip, and proceeded to shake her bottom.

The following photo showed Ashley pulling a rocker sign with her fingers and labelled her ensemble: 'Tracksuit of dreams.'

The outing comes after Ashley revealed she and Keith Lemon have signed up to host a new celebrity dance reality show called The Real Dirty Dancing.

Gorgeous: She treated the street like it was her runway as she donned comfy looking white Gucci trainers - which currently retail at 705

Fashion-forward: The bombshell carried her belongings in a white Yves Saint Laurent bag which she swung in her hand

Ashley and Keith, 47, who have appeared together on Celebrity Juice in the past - are excited to front the upcoming E4 show, which will see 10 celebrities tasked with recreating scenes from the beloved 1987 classic film.

Only two of the couples make it to the final where they'll be taught the famous lift.

Keith said: 'Dirty Dancing is such a good film and of course I've been Baby myself! Twice now! Once for Let's Dance for Comic Relief and once when we did it on The Keith & Paddy Picture Show.

Chic: Framing her face, she wore huge sepia coloured sunglasses, and accessorised further with small hooped earrings

Good spirits: Ashley laughed her way to a waiting car, after posting a sassy video on her Instagram story and making sure to tag the British designer

'So yeah I was chuffed to be asked to host this show! And to be hosting with me mate Ashley! It's gonna be so fun! Ya can tell how excited I am, look how many exclamation marks I've used! Can't wait!'

Ashley added: 'I love Dirty Dancing, the film literally had a huge impact on my life, and I couldn't be more excited to be involved in this series.

'I'm going to be on hand to help out the celebs with their Johnny and Baby moves and look forward to being reunited with Keith. Wish me luck! It's going to be a lot of fun.'

The eight-part series - which is inspired by the Australian show of the same name - is set to air in early 2022.
Lorraine Kelly was quick to poke fun at Brooklyn Beckham's toe-curling cooking segment on The Today Show after it was mercilessly mocked by viewers online.

The presenter, 60, joked that the budding chef would be coming onto her show to demonstrate how to concoct 'beans on toast' after he showed viewers how to make an 'English breakfast sandwich' on the US daytime programme.

After the segment aired Stateside, many viewers took to Twitter to brand the demonstration 'embarrassing,' with many questioning how he landed such a segment over some of the nation's most qualified chefs.

Cheeky! Lorraine Kelly was quick to poke fun at Brooklyn Beckham's toe-curling cooking segment on The Today Show after it was mercilessly mocked by viewers online

Speaking to her Hollywood correspondant Ross King, Lorraine joked that the segment was 'absolutely fascinating.'

But rather than blame Brooklyn's culinary skills, the star said that the Today Show hosts Hoda Kotb and Carson Daly's over enthusiastic reaction made the segment even more uncomfortable.

She said: 'I thought at first this was a spoof, but it's not. He looked all embarrassed, the wee soul He's coming in here tomorrow to make beans on toast Bonkers!'

Culinary whizz? The presenter joked that he would be coming on her show to demonstrate 'beans on toast' after he showed viewers how to make an 'English breakfast sandwich'

Amusing: Speaking to her Hollywood correspondant Ross King, Lorraine joked: 'He's coming in here tomorrow to make beans on toast Bonkers!'

Brooklyn's unlikely cooking segment baffled viewers on the Today Show on Wednesday, after he simply 'assembled a sandwich' during the live cooking segment.

The photographer shared his 'recipe' for an English breakfast sandwich, a dish that he 'learned from his great-grandma'.

Explaining that he developed a passion for cooking while in lockdown, during which he began posting videos of himself whipping up different dishes on Instagram, the eldest child of David and Victoria Beckham then ran hosts Hoda Kotb and Carson Daly through his sandwich-making process.

But while the Today hosts were quick to praise his simple creation, viewers were up in arms over the decision to feature such an easy-to-assemble dish, with many branding the clip 'embarrassing' and 'painful'.

English breakfast: Brooklyn's unlikely cooking segment baffled viewers on the Today Show on Wednesday, after he simply 'assembled a sandwich'

Oh dear: Viewers were up in arms over the segment, with many criticising the 22-year-old's cooking skills and his decision to break the eggs yolks, citing his dislike of runny eggs

At the start of the segment, Brooklyn was seen telling viewers about dad David's love of food, before waxing lyrical about his 'favourite' cast-iron skillet, which was already filled with pre-cooked sausages and bacon rashers.

He added that his love of cooking began to flourish during quarantine, when he began posting videos of himself making different dishes on his Instagram account.

'I've always loved food and obviously when quarantine hit I just really started to get into it,' he explained.

'My fiancee (Nicola Peltz) started filming me and I started posting it and it's just something I love doing.'

'Embarrassing': Others suggested that Brooklyn should never have been featured on a cooking segment - particularly when there are so many chefs struggling for work because of COVID

Brooklyn then began preparing the sandwich ingredients - and it was here that viewers' online mockery really took off, with social media users blasting everything from his hatred of 'runny eggs' to the lack of butter on the bread.

'Brooklyn Beckham went on tv to show his culinary skills and cookeda breakfast sandwich! I am done!' one person wrote on Twitter, as another person added: 'Why in the f*** is Brooklyn Beckham on my TV cooking a basic a** breakfast sandwich?????'

The photographer and model shared several 'tips' during the preparation of the sandwich, revealing that he likes to cut his sausages down the middle so he can cook the insides, and explaining that he uses his fingers to poke the egg yolks so that they cook up and don't stay runny.

'Brooklyn I can't believe you never left the egg runny!!! You just ruined a good sandwich,' one person tweeted in response to his egg-cooking technique.

I could talk about this TODAY show segment of Brooklyn Beckham assembling a bacon sausage egg sandwich (on untoasted white bread) for hours pic.twitter.com/UxbrMQVnLq  Daniel (@idkidk) October 6, 2021

Entertained: Viewers were quick to take to Twitter to express their surprise at Brooklyn's menu of a breakfast sandwich with ketchup

Chiming in: MailOnline columnist Dan Wootton described the segment as 'painful' on Twitter

Not a fan! Meanwhile MailOnline's Editor-at-Large Piers Morgan labeled Brooklyn's cooking segment 'pointless'

Despite appearing on the programme to showcase his cooking skills, Brooklyn didn't actually cook any of the meat for the sandwich, instead using pre-prepared bacon and sausages for the filling - although he did fry the eggs live on-air.

The two-and-a-half-minute-long segment concluded with Brooklyn stacking up his pre-prepared meat on a piece of unbuttered, untoasted white bread, before adding the fried eggs, and then completing the dish with a very generous helping of ketchup and a second piece of bread.

Although the celebrity offspring went on to share a second recipe - for steak quesadillas - his breakfast sandwich creation was all that social media users could talk about, with several slamming the Today show for featuring Brooklyn when there are so many 'talented' and 'qualified' chefs struggling for work as a result of the pandemic.

One wrote: 'Of all the qualified but struggling chefs, cooks and restaurants in this country, the @TODAYshow wants to showcase a nobody, Brooklyn Beckham, who can't even put a proper sandwich together. Stop trying to make Beckham happen. He is the equivalent of 'fetch.''

'This can only be topped by 'how I learned to wipe my own backside at 20'...You all optimise embarrassing celeb culture,' another person tweeted in response to the clip.

'Actual chefs: train for years to perfect flavour and skill. Brooklyn: son of famous people who whacks s**t in bread,' one said.

Another then wrote: 'This has got to be a joke. Always wanted to be a chef, you f*****g muppet you can't even cook an egg. My years of experience and world class training would humble the f*** out of you.'

'Brooklyn Beckham (son of David & Victoria) came on Today show to share his (new) passion for cooking,' one commented. 'He made a breakfast sandwich. With a ketchup drizzle.'

Family affair: Meanwhile, Brooklyn gave an insight to life at home with one of the most famous families in the world, saying father David was a better cook than his mother Victoria

Proud: Brooklyn's dad David - who calls his son Buster - was full of praise for his son's Today show appearance, insisting on Instagram that it was 'so good' while gushing over his smile

Another chimed in: 'Watching Brooklyn Beckham cook on the Today Show and it's extremely painful how bad he is at this.'

'Brooklyn Beckham is on the Today show, cooking breakfast. Gee, I wonder how that happened,' wrote another.

One other person wrote: 'I'd be embarrassed if I were @brooklynbeckham. Making a breakfast sandwich with ketchup on the Today Show.'

And someone else tweeted: 'Seriously? Embarrassing for everyone involved. Who paid who to get this aired?'

MailOnline columnist Dan Wootton and Editor-at-Large Piers Morgan also voiced criticism of the segment, with Dan describing Brooklyn's Today appearance as 'painful'.

'Brooklyn Beckham making a bacon sandwich for two and a half painful minutes on the US Today Show is the best thing I've seen today,' Dan tweeted, while Piers wrote: 'Worst, most unutterably pointless segment in morning television history?'

In a post shared on the Today show website, Brooklyn further detailed his very simple process for recreating the English breakfast sandwich, explaining that the dish is incredibly special to him because it was passed down by his great-grandma - although he neglected to mention whether it was his maternal or paternal relative.

'This was a dish I learned from my great-grandma, and I cherish it because it reminds me of my childhood,' he wrote. 'It's a traditional English breakfast sandwich and I love making my American friends try this English staple.'

Think you can cook it like Beckham? Brooklyn reveals the VERY simple 'recipe' for his 'special' English breakfast sandwich Ingredients 1 teaspoon olive oil 4 rashers of English bacon 4 country sausages 2 eggs 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper 4 slices soft white bread Ketchup to serve Preparation 1. Add the olive oil to a cast-iron skillet set over medium heat, place the bacon in the pan and cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until crispy on both sides. Remove bacon and place onto a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease. 2. Then add sausages into the same pan, searing evenly on all sides. After about 2 to 3 minutes, slice them in half while keeping the two sides attached and cook the inside until crispy. Remove from pan and place onto plate with the bacon. 3. Add 2 eggs into the same skillet and season with salt and pepper. These should cook quickly with the existing oil in the pan. 4. Assemble all ingredients on top of the bread to make two sandwiches, drizzle with ketchup, cut in half and serve. Advertisement

Something else: As well as his breakfast sandwich, Brooklyn also shared his recipe for steak quesadillas - although they didn't cause quite such a stir online

Brooklyn then detailed his four-step 'recipe', which begins by adding olive oil to a cast-iron skillet, and finishes with a 'drizzle of ketchup'.

Meanwhile, Brooklyn gave an insight to life at home with one of the most famous families in the world.

The model said his father David Beckham, 46, was a better cook than his mother Victoria, 47, during an appearance on The Today Show on Wednesday.

He said: 'My dad. He likes to cook anything  risotto, pasta, loves steak.'

Interestingly, Victoria sparked her own food-focused controversy last month when she revealed during an interview that her favourite comfort food is a piece of multigrain toast topped with salt.

The former Spice Girl made the confession while appearing on the River Cafe Table 4 podcast, explaining to listeners that she can't get enough of the savory snack, despite confessing that it sounds 'boring'.

'This is where I sound even more boring  in the food department,' she said when asked about her comfort foods of choice. 'OK, what do I like? I like whole-grain toast with salt on it.

'It's that carb-y thing isn't it? It's that carbohydrate that makes you feel comforted, and I love salt. What can I say?'

Just like her son, Victoria prompted much confusion from Twitter users, with one writing: 'That sounds really boring but it's her life.'

Brooklyn took to Instagram during lockdown to share videos of himself cooking after his passion for food developed while at home during the pandemic period.

However, his cooking clips have not been without their fair share of criticism - particularly one in which he filmed himself whipping up a plate of pasta using a jar of pre-made sauce.

He has previously pursued a career in photography and even briefly attended Parsons School of Design in New York City.

Sweet: Brooklyn's fiancee Nicola shared an intimate photo of herself and her beau sleeping in their bed while visiting Paris

French culture: Brooklyn and Nicola jetted off to Paris last week and they didn't hesitate in immersing themselves into the culture

Brooklyn and Nicola, 26, visited Paris last week for Fashion Week and Nicola took to her Instagram page to share an intimate picture of the couple in bed.

Explaining 'my mom took this before she woke us up', Nicola could be seen curled up in her topless beau's arms.

The blonde bombshell then shared two behind-the-scenes photos of herself getting ready for last week's Valentino show in the French capital.

The loved-up couple jetted to Paris during the city's fashion week after receiving coveted invites last month to the New York Met Gala.

After arriving in France on Thursday the young lovebirds flung themselves into the city's culture.

Nicola shared a candid moment of her and Brooklyn outside a Parisian restaurant, Chez l'Ami Louis, via her Instagram.

The eatery has been called 'the world's most famous bistro' and serves meals in a traditional French setting.
Alesha Dixon has revealed that her old record label Telstar went bust in 2004 after signing Victoria Beckham, meaning her former girl group Mis-Teeq's third album was never made.

Speaking to host Dotty on Apple Music 1 as part of Black History Month, Alesha, 43, explained: 'They [Telstar] went bust. A lot of people blamed Victoria Beckham because they were an independent label, they were signing all these acts, they were a tiny label and they'd spent a fortune signing her.'

Telstar's folding meant Mis-Teeq's third album was cancelled, giving Alesha  who was 'unhappy' in the group - an out. The star went on to secure a solo record deal with Polydor, however was dropped in 2006. Reflecting on the 'depression' that followed, Alesha said in hindsight the difficult time was 'the making of her'.

New interview: Alesha Dixon, 43, has revealed her former record label went bust after signing Victoria Beckham, meaning her former girl group Mis-Teeq's third album was never made

Alesha being dropped by Polydor coincided with the breakdown of her year-long marriage to rapper Michael Harvey. Touching upon the subject, the hit-maker said: 'I had to hit rock bottom and that was the growth.'

She went on: 'When I split up with the girls, I also got married that same year, my marriage lasted a year.

'So, I'd split up with the girls, I entered into this marriage, then in October 2006 I had no money, my marriage had ended, I had no record deal. I sat there and I thought, ''All these years, everything that I've worked for. Why have I nearly lost everything? What's happening?''

'I felt like at the time, there was a lot of changes going on and a lot of things shifting and moving, and a lot of clearing out that had to be done in order for me to move on to the next level, next stage of my life.'

Alesha said: 'A lot of people blamed Victoria Beckham [because] they'd [the label] spent a fortune signing her' (Victoria Beckham pictured in 2001)

'An out': Telstar's folding meant Mis-Teeq's third album was cancelled, giving Alesha  who was 'unhappy' in the group - an out (pictured: Mis-Teeq in 2003)

She added: 'That was the making of me. So the things that happened around that time that were toxic and negative, they were the making of me.'

Alesha  who has been happily married to her second husband Azuka Ononye since 2017 and shares two children with the 40-year-old dancer  also spoke candidly about realising it was time to leave Mis-Teeq.

'We started working on a third [Mis-Teeq] album. We were in America [and] our record company in the UK went bust,' she explained.

'That was the point when I decided I wanted to leave the group, so that's why we didn't do a third album.

'I spent several weeks debating it with my close people, it wasn't a decision that I made lightly but we got offered another deal, we got offered a major deal.

Difficult times: Alesha being dropped by Polydor coincided with the breakdown of her year-long marriage to rapper Michael Harvey (pictured together in 2004)

'I knew if I signed that deal, I'd be tied into the group for several more years. I thought, ''Here's a clean out. Here's a way out without me having to fight. I can just walk away''.'

She clarified: 'It wasn't that I wanted to be a solo artist. It wasn't that I was in the group thinking, ''It's my time now''.'

'I genuinely needed time out. It was a really intense eight years of my life, and it changed my life. Had I been happy, because to me well-being is more important, I would have stayed.'

Alesha also admitted that while her relationship with fellow Mis-Teeq members Su-Elise Nash and Sabrina Washington wasn't always smooth sailing, they managed to keep any drama 'private'.

Candid: Alesha also spoke candidly about realising it was time to leave Mis-Teeq (Alesha pictured in 2003)

She explained: 'By the time we got to the end of the group, there were conflicts within the group. We've been on an emotional rollercoaster as a group, it's just an intense relationship.

'We've had moments were we've not connected and we've not go on. We've been very respectful of one another in the sense that after all these years, we've maintained dignity.'

Alesha continued: 'Anything that's ever happened with Mis-Teeq, we've kept it very private and between the three of us. We still communicate to this day. I was actually with Su-Elise only two months ago when I went to Australia, I hang out with her and her baby, and it's all love.

She said: 'I genuinely needed time out. It was a really intense eight years of my life, and it changed my life'

'We've had our issues and towards the end, I wasn't happy. Life is too short. You get one life. Eight years in a group is like being in a group for 20 years. You're with each other every single day. We were young women, we were in our early 20s.

'We're growing, we're learning, we're developing. We all come with our own set of insecurities and issues that we carry, then trying to blend that and keep it together. I think we really did well to keep it together as long as we did in a respectful way.

'All good things come to an end, and that was the time for us to come to an end for sure.'

Alesha also admitted that she felt 'embarrassed' after losing both her solo record deal and her husband in such close proximity.

'I was really embarrassed for many reasons. I sat on the floor for a few days depressed, not eating, crying, the usual,' she said.

'Then you get that little voice in your head that says, ''You're better than this and your life is worth more than this. Get the f*** up off the floor. Fix up and get moving, and keep it moving''.'

The mother-of-two elaborated: 'Obviously, the marriage, the personal life, that's life. It happens to people all the time, but I had to deal with that publicly.

Congratulations! When former Mis-Teeq member Su-Elise Nash announced her pregnancy in January Alesha was quick to send her congratulations

She wrote: 'So happy for you my beautiful Su! Love you.'

'I spent a year and a half making the album, and they never put the album out and they dropped me. All of that happened within the same two weeks.

'That's major. Two major things all happening within two weeks of each other. I think when you've lost everything, there's only one way up.

'You either stay down or you get back up stronger. That was the only option because I knew that these things that were happening to me were things that we're going to pass through me.'

Noting that she's grateful for her past despite the drama, Alesha noted: 'That time in 2006, I'm so thankful for it now.

'At the time, it was the worst thing that could have happened to me. Right now, at this point in my life, it was the best thing that happened to me. I'm thankful for that moment.'

Listen to Alesha's full interview with Dotty on Apple Music 1 as part of Black History Month today from 3pm on The Dotty Show on Apple Music 1.
Shelby Tribble has paid a moving tribute to her grandfather following his death.

The former TOWIE star, 28, penned a heartfelt message on Wednesday alongside an array of memorable moments with her beloved 'Grandy', whose death has left her 'heartbroken'.

She cited a poem in her Instagram caption before detailing how much he meant to her.

Sad: Heartbroken Shelby Tribble paid a moving tribute to her grandfather on Wednesday following his death

The tribute read: 'Its broken our hearts in two But heaven needed an Angel And the one they picked was you.

'I cant even put into words how heartbroken I feel. Our world will never be the same without you in itIll forever feel proud and lucky to call you my grandad and great grandad to our darling Abel.

'You really are one in a million, a true gentleman, your smile was made of sunshine and heart was solid gold. I will cherish your love and memories forever and ever. I love you Grandy Ill always be your bustle .'

Fond memories: The former TOWIE star cited a poem in her Instagram caption before detailing how much he meant to her

Doting: Shelby penned: 'Ill forever feel proud and lucky to call you my grandad and great grandad to our darling Abel'

Sending love: The former Miss Great Britain winner was inundated with support, including from her beau Sam Mucklow, who wrote: 'Such a legend' followed by two hearts

The former Miss Great Britain winner was inundated with support, including from her beau Sam Mucklow, who wrote: 'Such a legend' followed by two hearts.

Shelby joined the TOWIE cast for the 22nd series in 2018.

Back in July, she appeared to have weighed in following the rumoured axe of 10 of her co-stars in a bid to 'freshen up' the reality show.

Reality star: Shelby joined the TOWIE cast for the 22nd series in 2018 [pictured during finale filming that year]

Happy family: Shelby and Sam bowed out of TOWIE in 2019 to take the pressure off their romance, before later welcoming baby, Abel, ten months

At the time, Shelby took to Twittter and wrote: 'Karma really is a wonderful thing', followed by a laughing face emoji, according to the Mirror.

Shelby and Sam bowed out of the show in 2019 to take the pressure off their romance, before later welcoming baby, Abel, ten months.

The mother-of-one has previously been outspoken about the 'fake show', as she claimed she is far happier after walking away from the drama of the ITVBe show.
Dave Chappelle was spotted emerging from Hollywood's Peppermint Club on Wednesday evening in the wake of controversy surrounding the trans community.

The comedian, 48, kept a low-profile as he left the Hollywood club while puffing a cigarette shortly after he enthusiastically backed JK Rowling in her spat with the transgender community, saying he is 'Team TERF'.

TERF stands for 'trans-exclusionary radical feminist', a term given to women who do not believe that trans women should have the same rights and access to female-only spaces as cisgender women.

Looking solemn, the funnyman was flanked by his aides and maintained a steely expression as the scandal rages on about his latest thoughts.

During his sixth Netflix special, The Closer, he joked about Rowling's 2019 argument that transgender women were not actually women and were a threat to her identity.

Heading home: Dave Chappelle was spotted emerging from Hollywood's Peppermint Club on Wednesday evening in the wake of controversy surrounding the trans community

Rowling, 56, received a slew of hate messages and death threats for her comments on sex and gender, with #RIPJKRowling trending on social media last year.

She was labeled a TERF, a trans-exclusionary radical feminist, and Chappelle said he embraced the label: 'I'm Team TERF. I agree. I agree, man. Gender is a fact'.

In his standup routine, Chappelle said women view transwomen the way black people people view white people wearing blackface.

He said that women have a right to be angry at transwomen, citing the fact that Caitlyn Jenner won Glamour magazine's 2015 Woman of the Year award.

Support: Dave, left, defended JK Rowling during his latest Netflix special, The Closer, saying that 'Gender is a fact,' in support of Rowling's previous remarks against transwomen

Heading out: Looking solemn, the funnyman was flanked by his aides and maintained a steely expression as the scandal rages on about his latest thoughts

Critics: He riled fans with his comments

'I'd be mad as sh*t if I was a woman,' Chappelle said.

He also joked about the anatomy of transwomen, joking that they lacked real female reproductive organs and that they did not have blood but 'beet juice.'

Chappelle faced backlash for his jokes, with trans actress Taylor Ashbrook tweeting, 'As a trans woman, I have usually defended Dave Chappelle's specials because I think they're hilarious and his jokes about trans women never felt intentionally malicious.

'The Closer changed my mind on that. That special felt so lazy and disingenuous and I'm really disappointed.'

Unveiled: The Closer premiered on Netflix on October 5, where the comedian returned to the stage and made a slew of controversial jokes

Vulture Writer Kathryn VanArendonk also tweeted, 'I just have to believe by this point that even the most devoted chappelle audience would love to hear material on something other than his obsession with trans bodies.'

Another Twitter user, with the handle Thisguyhere, even accused Chappelle of being Trump-like in the new special.

'Dave chappelle spent more time and jokes on gay and Trans people than he did white people, the supposed people all his jokes are directed at. This dude has reach trump level gaslighting in The Closer.'

Rowling was not the only victim of cancel culture that Chappelle mentioned, as he brought up the case of East Coast rapper DaBaby, Jonathan Lyndale Kirk.

Chappelle criticized the public's push to cancel Kirk after he made transphobic comments at a recent Miami music festival about people with HIV and AIDS, rather than choosing to cancel him for his alleged involvement in a 2018 shooting that left a 19-year-old dead.

During his latest show, the comedian took shots at the trans community, much like he did during his 2019 special Sticks & Stones

Chappelle criticized the publics push to cancel rapper DaBaby, pictured, for his alleged transphobic comments earlier this year but not for his 2018 murder charges

'DaBaby shot and killed a [man] in Walmart in North Carolina. Nothing bad happened to his career,' Chappelle said. 'Do you see where I'm going with this? In our country, you can shoot and kill a [man], but you better not hurt a gay person's feelings.'

Charges against Kirk were dropped in 2019 after a key witnessed failed to show up to testify in court, Fox News reports. Kirk claimed he had been defending himself from being robbed by 19-year-old Jaylin Craig.

This is not the first time Chappelle has targeted drama in the trans community during his standup.

In 2019, Chappelle received backlash for the alleged transphobic remarks he made during his Sticks & Stones special.

During the latest standup special, which is set to be his last before he goes on break, Chappelle had said he would not be doing anymore LGBTQ jokes as long as the community stops trying to cancel black men for making derogatory remarks.

'Until we are both sure that we are laughing together. I'm telling you, it's done. I'm done talking about it. All I ask of your community, with all humility: Will you please stop punching down on my people.'

The Closer will be Chappelle's last standup special on Netflix before he goes on break

Chappelle is not the first to defend Rowling, as last year, a collection of over 50 actors, writers, playwrights, journalists joined together to pen a letter in response to 'hate speech' directed against Rowling.

Signatories of the letter include Booker winner Ian McEwan, actor Griff Rhys Jones, actress Frances Barber and playwright Sir Tom Stoppard.

It was was triggered in response to the hashtag #RIPJKRowling trending at number one on Twitter and said Rowling was a victim of 'an insidious, authoritarian and misogynistic trend in social media'.

The letter wrote the hashtag declaring her dead on social media was 'just the latest example of hate speech directed against her'.

Earlier this year, The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland ruled it was 'not fair' for a radio show panelist Matt Cooper, of The Last Word, to brand Rowling a 'transphobic bigot' without evidence.

Complaints were made following the broadcast last year, and Ireland's top broadcast regulator said the remark was 'not fair' as there was no 'evidence' to 'back up' the claim.

The BAI added the host failed to challenge the statement, ruling that the Code of Fairness, Objectivity and Impartiality in News and Current Affairs was breached.

It is the first time the BAI has endorsed a complaint in almost three years.
She gave birth to her second son back in January.

And Kara Tointon hit the streets of Notting Hill on Thursday to take eight-month-old Helly for a stroll in the sunshine.

The actress, renowned for playing Dawn Swann in EastEnders, looked in high spirits as she layered up with a thick coat, jeans and black boots.

Heading out: Kara Tointon looked in high spirits on Thursday as she took eight-month-old son Helly for a stroll in the sunshine around Notting Hill

Kara shielded her eyes from the October sunshine with dark round shades and beamed a smile as she pushed little Helly's stroller.

The mother-of-two has another son, Frey, who is three next month, and shares both him and Helly with fiance Marius Jensen.

Speaking to Hello! magazine in January, Kara said that her new baby 'is an incredibly cool little man. He is very zen, he has a calming effect.'

Autumn walk: The actress, renowned for playing Dawn Swann in EastEnders, looked in high spirits as she layered up with a thick coat, jeans and black boots

The actress, who had planned to tie the knot with Norwegian Marius last year, added that the tot is 'so chilled and wonderful.'

Meanwhile, Marius, who Kara went public with in 2017, explained that the name Helly is inspired by his native country Norway, adding that his son also has the middle names Juel and Parsell.

Speaking further about the inspiration for the name, he explained: 'The first Helly we found was an old Norwegian sea captain, from a place in Norway called Moss, a tiny little town where my grandmother is from.'

Role: The actress is renowned for playing Dawn Swann in EastEnders

Family: The mother-of-two has another son, Frey, who is three next month, and shares both him and Helly with fiance Marius Jensen

Latest addition: Kara gave birth to Helly via elective Caesarean following a four-day ordeal when welcoming eldest son Frey, which lead to an emergency C-section

He went on to say that after they looked Helly up, they discovered that it was a 'big bearded guy' like himself, adding it was then the name 'fell into place'.

Kara gave birth to Helly via elective Caesarean following a four-day ordeal when welcoming eldest son Frey, which lead to an emergency C-section.

Discussing her experience at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, the Mr. Selfridge star described it as 'strange' as the hospital seemed 'almost deserted.'

She added: 'But we were both so aware that on the other side of the hospital it must have been pandemonium. It is amazing what they are all doing right now.'
Scott Disick is now said to be dipping his toes back into the dating pool after his split with Amelia Hamlin.

The 38-year-old reality TV star began dating the 20-year-old daughter of Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin last autumn but they have called it quits.

Now a People insider has alleged that Scott was dumbfounded by the breakup, but is handling it well and beginning to move on romantically.

Moving forward: Scott Disick is now said to be dipping his toes back into the dating pool amid his split with Amelia Hamlin; seen in 2016

'The split from Amelia was sudden and unexpected. He was pretty shocked about it. He has slowly been dating, but is not serious with anyone,' spilled the source.

'He seems good though. He is around for his kids a lot. He loves spending time with them,' the insider continued.

Scott shares his three children - Mason, 11, Penelope, nine, and Reign, six - with his ex-girlfriend Kourtney Kardashian whom he last split from in 2015.

Kourtney is in a relationship with Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, who is serious enough about her that he got her name tattooed onto his chest.

Over: The 38-year-old reality TV star began dating the 20-year-old daughter of Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin last autumn but they have now called it quits

Nope: Rumors of his split from Amelia began circulating last month and an E! News insider has since dished that he tried unsuccessfully 'a few times' to mend fences

'Scott and Kourtney are doing okay too. He is still not completely over how serious Kourtney is with Travis,' the People source dished.

'He is trying to let it go though. They want to make the upcoming holidays special for the kids so this is the focus,' the insider remarked.

The claims come just days after Scott was spotted indulging in a spot of retail therapy on Rodeo Drive in the company of his faithful female assistant.

Rumors of his split from Amelia began circulating last month and an E! News insider has since dished that he tried unsuccessfully 'a few times' to mend fences.

She is busy with work these days: Hamlin see modeling lace lingerie on Wednesday

'He does miss her a lot and regrets what went down in their final days of the relationship,' said the source who noted: 'Amelia is definitely done with him.'

The breakup came after a social media frenzy involving Scott and the mother of his children - as well as one of Kourtney's other former flames.

Kourtney's own dramatically younger ex Younes Bendjima recently posted screen-grabs of DMs he claimed were from Scott.

History: Previously he had started dating Lionel Richie's daughter Sofia when she was 19; they are pictured together at an event in 2019

Younes has alleged that Scott sent him a picture of Kourtney getting cozy in public with Travis whom she has been dating for months now.

In the screen-grab that Younes posted, the message allegedly from Scott reads: 'Yo is this chick ok!????? Brooo like what is this. In the middle of Italy.'

An Us Weekly source said that although 'Amelia was the one who ended things' with Scott the split 'wasnt related to the messages Scott sent about Kourtney.'

He began dating Amelia when she was 19, prompting her mother to publicly insist that in his late 30s he was 'too old' for her.

The way they were: Scott shares his three children - Mason, 11, Penelope, nine, and Reign, six - with his ex Kourtney Kardashian whom he last split from in 2015

Previously he had started dating Lionel Richie's daughter Sofia when she was 19, and before that he was linked to Bella Thorne when she was 19.

Sofia and Scott were together for more than two years before finally bringing the curtain down on their romance last year.

On the final season of Keeping Up With The Kardashians Scott alleged that his close bond with Kourtney contributed to the tension that led to his split from Sofia.
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Scott Disick's model ex-girlfriend Amelia Hamlin shared an eye-popping post to her 1.1million followers on Instagram on Wednesday.

The 20-year-old daughter of Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna and LA Law actor Harry Hamlin was seen in maroon lace lingerie as she posed for selfies in a tiled bathroom.

The brunette beauty said she was 'jet lagged' after returning from Europe where she made a splash during Fashion Weeks in London and Italy.

Haute stuff in lace: Scott Disick's model ex-girlfriend Amelia Hamlin shared an eye-popping post to her 1.1million followers on Instagram on Wednesday. The brunette beauty said she was 'jet lagged' after returning from making a splash during Fashion Week in London and Italy

The post was an advertisement, she clearly marked. 'Jet lag @bouxavenue #bouxavenue #ad,' it said in her caption. Boux Avenue is a London based lingerie company.

This comes after Disick reportedly wants to smooth things over with Hamlin but the cover model says they are never getting back together.

The 38-year-old Talentless owner has been reaching out to Amelia in the hopes of reconciling, a source told E! News but his attempts have been rebuffed, the outlet reported.

Amelia and Scott were first romantically linked last October, when she was just 19, but called things off recently.

According to an insider, Scott has tried to reconnect with Hamlin 'a few times' since their split earlier this month.

'He does miss her a lot and regrets what went down in their final days of the relationship,' the source told E! News.

Lace is lovely: The post was an advertisement, she clearly marked. 'Jet lag @bouxavenue #bouxavenue #ad,' it said in her caption. Boux Avenue is a London based lingerie company

The one that got away? This comes after Disick reportedly wants to smooth things over with Hamlin but the cover model says they are never getting back together. The 38-year-old Talentless owner has been reaching out to Amelia in the hopes of reconciling, a source told E! News but his attempts have been rebuffed, the outlet reported

Single lady: Amelia and Scott were first romantically linked last October, when she was just 19, but called things off recently. According to an insider, Scott has tried to reconnect with Hamlin 'a few times' since their split earlier this month

The Vogue favorite, however, is having none of it.

'Amelia is definitely done with him,' the source added.

'He does miss her a lot and regrets what went down in their final days of the relationship,' the source told E! News. 'Amelia is definitely done with him,' the source added.

The burgeoning fashion star made a veiled comment on social media about her recent headlines on Thursday, amid walking in runway shows abroad.

The past is Scott: 'He does miss her a lot and regrets what went down in their final days of the relationship,' the source told E!

They looked like the perfect couple: Scott and Amelia with his youngest child with Kourtney Kardashian, Reign

'Imagine giving a f**k about what other people think,' she wrote on her Instagram Story.

Exactly who decided to pull the plug on the relationship changes based on who is asked.

Several sources have reported that Amelia was the one to end things.

However, a source told TMZ that Scott is the one who made the call to split.

The New York native apparently he did not see a long-term future with Amelia as she is 18 years his junior.

And he did not want to keep 'wasting time,' it was alleged.

An insider told E! News that the couple 'needed a break from one another, that was clear.'

It was then shared: 'They are in different places and trying to figure out if it's time to move on and if they are really done.'

Meanwhile on August 30, Scott sent Kourtney Kardashian's ex Younes Benjima a direct message about her PDA-packed behavior with boyfriend Travis Barker.

'Yo is this chick ok!??? Broo like what is this. In the middle of Italy,' the designer wrote as he sent a photo of Kourtney kissing and straddling the Blink-182 drummer on an inflatable boat.'

On fire in black: The looker was seen on the front row of the Roberto Cavalli fashion show during the Milan Fashion Week - Spring / Summer 2021 on September 22, 2021 in Milan, Italy

More good looks: In London in September. Seen left for Dazed, Fashion East and Browns Fashion celebration of 20 years of Fashion East at The Standard London and right for Perfect Magazine and NoMad London Fashion Week party celebrating Perfect Issue

Younes  who dated the POOSH founder from 2016 to 2018  leaked the message on Instagram and had words to say about Scott.

'Keep the same energy you had about me publicly, privately,' the model wrote as he shared a grab of the story, after responding to Scott: 'Doesn't matter to me as long as she's happy PS: I ain't your bro.'

After the message was leaked, a source told ET that Amelia was 'annoyed' by the situation but that they were 'still together'.
The lineup for the new series of Celebrity Ex In The City has been revealed, as fans got their first glimpse at the show's return on Thursday.

Stars including Jack Fincham, Eve Gale and Demi Sims will be confronted by their former flames as they head out on blind dates in the spin-off, after Ex On The Beach became impossible to film during the Covid pandemic.

This year's 16 celebrities will be hoping to find love once again after a string of heartache, and no doubt their journey will packed with drama.

Coming soon: The lineup for the new series of Celebrity Ex In The City has been revealed, with Eve Gale (left) and Jack Fincham among stars set up on blind dates

Since being dumped from the villa after just six days in 2020, Eve has been unlucky in love, and will be hoping to find her dream man by taking part in the show.

Joining her is fellow Love Island star Jack Fincham, who originally thought he'd found The One with Dani Dyer, but the pair split just five months later.

Since then Jack has tried to find love on Celebs Go Dating, to no avail, and has been linked to multiple stars including Laura Anderson and Connie O'Hara.

Glam: The pair will be joined by TOWIE's Demi Sims, who could come face-to-face with her ex Megan Barton Hanson

Gorgeous: Love Island's Leanne Amaning, who previously dated co-star Mike Boateng, will also take part in the show after their romance came to an end

He has also fathered a child, daughter Blossom, with ex Casey Ranger, and it remains to be seen whether he'll find his dream partner with the help of MTV bosses.

Demi Sims was recently linked to Geordie Shore's Bethan Kershaw after they were seen kissing on a night out, and she previously enjoyed a romance with Love Island star Megan Barton Hanson.

It's been heavily rumoured that the pair will come face-to-face on an upcoming episode of TOWIE, so it remains to be seen whether they could be set for another awkward reunion.

Pretty: Joining her will be fellow Love Island beauty Arabella Chi, who boasts a lengthy list of male celebrity suitors

Screen star: Demi's TOWIE co-star Bobby Norris will also be on the lookout for love after quitting the show earlier this year following an explosive row with his ex Harry Derbridge

Big names: Also joining her will be two former stars of reality series The Circle, Manrika Khaira (left) and Freddie Bentley (right)

Love Island's Leanne Amaning, who previously dated co-star Mike Boateng, will also take part in the show.

Joining her will be fellow Love Island beauty Arabella Chi, who first sparked up a romance with Danny Williams before dumping him.

She went onto date for nine months before splitting in April 2020, and was forced to deny rumours that she was in a relationship with DJ Tom Zanetti.

Given her lengthy list of former suitors, it won't be a surprise to see Arabella forced to reunite with one of her famous exes.

Looking for love: Big Brother's Imogen Thomas split from her long-term boyfriend Adam Horsley in 2018 after six years together, and they share two daughters

On the show: Joshua Ritchie, who starred on Love Island in 2015, previously dated Geordie Shore's Charlotte Crosby, and will be looking for love on the show

Also joining her will be two former stars of reality series The Circle, Manrika Khaira and Freddie Bentley, who both shocked viewers with their success in creating a fake identity.

The duo will be on a mission to find love, but this time as themselves without the help of a social media alter-ego.

Joshua Ritchie, who starred on Love Island in 2015, previously dated Geordie Shore's Charlotte Crosby after finishing in third place on the ITVBe show in a friendship pairing with Lauren Richardson.

He went onto star in two series of Ex On The Beach and Celebs Go Dating, but is yet to find his dream girl.

Stars: Ibiza Weekender's Deano Bailey and Callum Izzard, who was previously engaged to Love Island's Georgia Steel are also set to appear on the new series

Glamorous: A Place In The Sun's Danni Menzies will be meeting with a mystery suitor for a blind date in the heart of the capital

Demi's TOWIE co-star Bobby Norris will also be on the lookout for love after quitting the show earlier this year following an explosive row with his ex Harry Derbridge.

Given the dramatic way the pair parted during the show, fans will be hoping to see them address their row on the show.

Ibiza Weekender stars Deano Bailey and Callum Izzard, who was previously engaged to Love Island's Georgia Steel are also set to appear on the new series, alongside Imogen Thomas.

Imogen split from her long-term boyfriend Adam Horsley in 2018 after six years together, and they share two daughters.

On the lookout: Rugby player Levi Davis will star in the new series after failing to find love on Celebs Go Dating

Date ready: Olympic gymnast Lisa Mason will also be hoping to find her dream man

A Place In The Sun's Danni Menzies, rugby player Levi Davis, Olympic gymnast Lisa Mason and RuPaul's Drag Race star Tia Kofi round out the star-studded lineup, who will be hoping to find love on a blind date.

This year's Ex In The City was said to be taking place in Colombia, South America, under the previous title of Ex On The Beach, but the COVID-19 pandemic has put a halt to such plans.

Last year, a version was filmed in London and re-branded Ex In The City, with the likes of Summer Monteys Fullam, Calum Best, Charlie Brake and Megan Barton-Hanson involved.

Ex In The City returns on Wednesday October 20 on MTV.
She keeps an elite circle of close friends and colleagues.

Yolanda Hadid, 57, enjoyed a night out with broadcast journalist Soledad O'Brien, 55, on Wednesday in New York City.

Joined by her boyfriend Joseph Jingoli, 71, the trio were seen enjoying sushi at celeb favorite BondST, located just a stone's throw away from daughter Gigi Hadid's luxury pad.

City slicking: Yolanda Hadid, 57, enjoyed a night out with broadcast journalist Soledad O'Brien, 55, on Wednesday in New York City

For the outing, Yolanda kept it classic in fitted blue skinny jeans and a black blazer over a matching T-shirt.

She opted for a pair of stylish slingback heels and went makeup free with her blonde locks slicked back into a bun.

The former Real Housewife exited the Japanese hot spot holding Jingoli's hand who donned a crisp white button down with dark denim and a grey blazer.

Leaving ahead of them was Soledad, 55, who caught the eye in a striped blue and white dress with Adidas sneakers and a Goyard tote bag.

Though it is unclear how or when the ladies became acquainted they do run in similar circles.

Inner circle: Leaving ahead of them was Soledad (left) who caught the eye in a striped blue and white dress with Adidas sneakers and a Goyard tote bag

Popping by? BondST is only a stone's throw away from daughter Gigi's apartment and it seemed likely she had popped by to see her granddaughter Khai before or after dinner

And as their dinner was a mere steps from Gigi's apartment, it seemed likely that while in the city Yolanda had stopped by to see her granddaughter Khai.

She traded in bustling city life for that of bucolic farm life in Pennsylvania while focusing on her lyme disease recovery, but with the birth of Khai and having all three model kids: Gigi, 26, Bella, 24, and Anwar, 22, based in NYC, Yolanda continues to spend extended time there.

Hadid and Jingoli  the CEO of a construction and development company  first began dating in early 2019, and he resides a mere 10 miles from her farm.

A by chance love story, she detailed on The Daily Dish podcast in 2020: 'I made a love spiral and wrote down exactly everything that was important to me in a man and he magically just rang the doorbell at the farm.'
Sutton Stracke has revealed that she considered getting her attorneys involved when news of Erika Jayne's embezzlement scandal broke - and encouraged her fellow Housewives to do the same.

In a new interview with The Los Angeles Times Sutton explains how she went to the producers of the Bravo show with her concerns and they told her to gather the other reality stars to discuss the controversy between them.

Garcelle Beauvais also admits in the same interview that she became worried the other Housewives 'could be implicated' in Jayne's legal drama, and realized they would have to be careful as to what they said on camera about the situation.

Concerns: Sutton Stracke admits she 'freaked out' and considered legal advice over Erika Jayne embezzlement scandal, in a new interview with The Los Angeles Times

Jayne's estranged husband Tom Girardi has been accused of embezzling millions of dollars meant for plane crash victims, while her lavish spending of some $25million has also been called into question.

After reading the bombshell allegations, Stracke says her 'first call was to production' where she questioned that she may need her attorney 'to guide us through filming.'

According to Stracke, the Bravo production team responded: 'This is such a great question. Why don't you get the girls together?'

Causing a stink: Sutton and Garcelle are talking about the fallout of Erika Jayne's legal troubles and how it affected filming on the show

Worries: Beauvais admitted that after speaking to Stracke, she thought they could all be 'implicated' themselves in Jayne's legal drama, and should be careful what they say

Not my problem: Crystal Kung Minkoff, who was also part of the interview, said she felt oblivious to the serious nature of the drama

Beauvais said she also became concerned and remembered saying to Stracke: 'Oh, my God, I never thought about that. We could be implicated.'

Stracke also revealed about how they learned the importance of using the word 'alleged' while filming - presumably not to let themselves be liable for saying anything about Jayne and Girardi that could end in a lawsuit.

'I am a very private person and I got freaked out,' Stracke admitted.

Claiming innocence: Erika has repeatedly claimed on this season of the hit Bravo show that she was 'kept away from the books' and said that their whole life existed on credit cards

Stracke - who was married to investment banker Christian Stracke from 2000 to 2016, also said in the interview: 'I had a hard time with my ex-husband; coming from a finance place, we're very private. And the banking industry is very private. So this is very, very foreign for me.'

However, Crystal Kung Minkoff, who was also part of the interview, said she felt oblivious to the serious nature of the drama: 'I guess because I had seen other reality shows and there's people who do all these crazy things, I was like: It doesn't affect the other people.'

Stracke has been openly skeptic about Jayne's legal drama on the show, even telling her in one episode: 'I don't trust that one hundred percent of what you've told us is the truth. How can I believe every single thing?'

But Stracke did offer to help Jayne in amid her struggles, and cleared up to the LA Times why she decided to lend her money amid the divorce.

'I can't control what Tom Girardi did': Erika Jayne is GRILLED by Andy Cohen on RHOBH reunion, that she shared herself to Instagram on Wednesday

Sparks flying: It kicks off when Jayne, 51, is heard talking about Girardi, 82, as she appears to say: 'You know what, I can't control what Tom Girardi did'

Round table from hell: Erika makes it clear that she expects her fellow housewives to back her up

'I immediately felt sorry for her. Because divorce is hard and they have been married for so long,' Stracke said.

Ultimately, Stracke said she hopes what is happening to Jayne will be a teachable moment to young women watching the show.

'I hope there' a takeaway, especially for young women, or any woman getting married, [which] is: You really need to know who you're marrying. And you really need to have the veil lifted because you can get into a situation very easily like this.'

Stracke added that she was told by her own attorney when she got a divorce, that she should have a friend who she could rely on for financial handouts, 'because you can get off very easily.'

And another thing: Erika goes to town getting her point across, but gets angry and emotional when she realises not all of the housewives are on her side

'And thats what I offered to Erika. I think anybody going through a divorce needs to have a friend. If its just to get you through a couple of months,' she said.

Beauvais added: 'I think when we get married, although we love and we trust, I think women tend to, if you slide a piece of paper in front of them, we sign, right?'

'So I think what it showed me is that we need to stop, whether its business, whether its a relationship, and really read what you're signing.'

Viewers are hoping to get to some much-needed answers from Jayne on the hotly-anticipated reunion show - which Stracke, Beauvais, and Kung Minkoff all say is filled with drama.

Rude: At one point, Erika unleashes foul-mouthed attack on Sutton Stracke as she tells her, 'You were being a bitchy f*****g c***t."

Taking hits: Garcelle Beauvais is also in the firing line with some of the other housewives, though nothing compared to what Jayne faces from Cohen

'Crystal and I have had back and hip issues afterwards,' Stracke said, while Kung Minkoff added: 'It was a lot. We were very close on a couch.'

Beauvais added: 'We should have been in separate chairs.'

The teaser released yesterday saw Jayne called Stracke a 'c**t' in a fiery attack that left the other housewives gasping in shock.

Beauvais told the LA Times that in retrospect, she did not like the way Stracke was treated this season.

'Oh, I didn't like it at all and thats my one regret, and I said that in the reunion: I wish I had stood up for her at Kathy's dinner because that was completely out of control.'

She added: 'Erika's back was to me so I couldn't see her face, but obviously I could feel her energy and it was enough. It was enough.'

Fans will have to wait until Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 8pm, for the start of this fiery four-part reunion.
She was just cast as iconic comedian Joan Rivers in a biographical series.

And the high-profile jobs just keep rolling in for Kathryn Hahn.

The 48-year-old actress is set to star in a WandaVision spinoff which is currently in development for Disney+ according to Variety on Thursday.

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Big gig: Kathryn Hahn is set to star in a WandaVision spinoff which is currently in development for Disney+ according to Variety on Thursday

She's back! The 48-year-old actress will be reprising her role as Agatha Harkness as sources say the show will be a dark comedy though plot details are currently under wraps

The talented star will be reprising her role as Agatha Harkness as the publication's sources say the show will be a dark comedy though plot details are currently under wraps.

In WandaVision, Hahn started playing the role of Wanda and Vision's nosy neighbor Agnes before being revealed as powerful witch Agatha.

In the finale of the highly-popular series, Wanda trapped Agatha in Westview by using her powers forcing her to revert back to her Agnes persona.

Rising: In WandaVision, Hahn started playing the role of Wanda and Vision's nosy neighbor Agnes before being revealed as powerful witch Agatha

Retro: In the finale of the highly-popular series, Wanda (right) trapped Agatha in Westview by using her powers forcing her to revert back to her Agnes persona

The show's head writer Jac Schaeffer is set to serve as writer and executive producer for the project.

As the 42-year-old filmmaker signed an overall deal with Marvel and 20th Television, if the spinoff moves forward it will be her first project since the deal.

WandaVision is not only a hit with it's audience but was also a critical success as the series took home three Primetime Emmy Awards last month including Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes and Outstanding Original Music And Lyrics for the song Agatha All Along which was used as part of the reveal of Hahn's character.

This comes after actress and comedian Sarah Silverman slammed Hollywood for 'Jewface' casting after Catholic Hahn was cast to play the late Joan Rivers in a biographical series about the proud Jewish actress and stand up.

Talented: WandaVision's head writer Jac Schaeffer (seen at the Emmy Awards last month) is set to serve as writer and executive producer for the project

Silverman, 50, says there is a long running practice of non-Jewish actors and actresses being cast to portray Jewish characters in films and television shows.

'There's this long tradition of non-Jews playing Jews, and not just playing people who happen to be Jewish but people whose Jewishness is their whole being,' she said during Thursday's episode of The Sarah Silverman Podcast.

'One could argue, for instance, that a Gentile [a non-Jew] playing Joan Rivers correctly would be doing what is actually called 'Jewface.''

She continued, arguing that Hahn, 48, portraying Rivers in Showtime's limited series The Comeback Girl, is just the most recent example in a long list of 'Jewface' - a reference to the racist practice of blackface - casting decisions.

This comes after actress and comedian Sarah Silverman is slamming Hollywood over a practice she calls 'Jewface' which she argues is 'defined as when a non-Jew portrays a Jew with the Jewishness front and center, often with makeup or changing of features, big fake nose, all the New York-y or Yiddish-y inflection'

Silverman's comments come in response to Kathryn Hahn (left) being cast to play the late Joan Rivers (right) in Showtime's limited series The Comeback Girl. Hahn grew up Roman Catholic whereas Rivers was Jewish

Silverman argued that 'Jewface' is 'defined as when a non-Jew portrays a Jew with the Jewishness front and center, often with makeup or changing of features, big fake nose, all the New York-y or Yiddish-y inflection.'

She claims the practice is 'f****d up,' especially during a climate where identity politics and 'representation f*****g matters'.

'In a time when the importance of representation is seen as so essential and so front and center, why does ours constantly get breached even today in the thick of it?' she questioned.

She also argued that whenever a film or television plot calls a female Jewish character who is 'courageous or deserves love, she is never played by a Jew.'

Silverman then cited additional examples including: Felicity Jones portraying Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the 2018 film On the Basis of Sex, Hulu casting Margo Martindale as Bella Abzug and Tracey Ullman as Betty Friedan in Mrs. America, and Rachael Brosnahan portraying fictional comedian Miriam Maisel in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
She has established a global career as a renowned supermodel.

And Bella Hadid was stylish even in a casual ensemble when she was spotted enjoying a sunlit stroll in New York on Thursday.

The 24-year-old threw on a long boyfriend fit denim shirt, leaving it open over a Manhattan basic black ensemble.

Legging it: Bella Hadid was stylish even in a casual ensemble when she was spotted enjoying a sunlit stroll in New York on Thursday

Her outfit included a pair of leggings that emphasized her endless pins as she hoofed it down the street on a pair of white shoes.

Sharpening her screen siren features with makeup, the sister of Gigi Hadid swept her luxurious dark hair into a high ponytail.

The daughter of former Real Housewife Of Beverly Hills Yolanda Hadid added a touch of dazzle with a necklace and earrings.

Bella could be seen carrying a canned beverage from Kin Euphorics - a company where she gained partner status this year.

Smile and wave: The 24-year-old threw on a long boyfriend fit denim shirt, leaving it open over a Manhattan basic black ensemble

Kin Euphorics pitches its drinks as being able to elevate the drinker's mood without the use of cannabis or alcohol.

The brand was launched in 2018 by its CEO Jen Batchelor, whose father was a bootlegger in Saudi Arabia, and Bella announced her partnership in it last month.

'We're not at war with alcohol. We're just affording people an option,' said Jen in an interview about the product for INC.

In her personal life Bella is currently involved with an art director called Marc Kalman whom she was seen stepping out with earlier this week.

The look: Her outfit included a pair of leggings that emphasized her endless pins as she hoofed it down the street on a pair of white shoes

She only went public with the romance this July when she posted a picture of her and Marc locking lips at Cannes.

'Time of my life. Healthy, Working and Loved,' captioned Bella whose romantic history includes The Weeknd.

However a Page Six source claimed that the relationship began last July and that the dynamic duo 'hid it well' in the intervening time.

They are said to have carried on the romance in New York amid the coronavirus pandemic while assiduously making sure they never got caught together.

Announcement: She went public with her relationship to art director Marc Kalman when she posted an Instagram snap of them kissing at Cannes

'If they went out, he would come out first, get the car, and then she would get into the car. They would drive to a location, and hed drop her off but not get out and go park the car. They were very diligent about not being seen on a public street at the same time,' the insider dished to Page Six.

A source claimed that when they went out together 'most of the time they were with other people, which of course made it difficult to prove that they were dating.'

To hear this insider tell it Marc's Porsche was parked by Bella's apartment 'overnight multiple times' leading to conjecture about the nature of their relationship.
Emily Ratajkowski shared more photos of her child Sylvester to social media on Thursday.

This time the baby, whose father is movie producer Sebastian Bear-McClard, was dressed in a pink astronaut themed onesie that said Commander and Nasa on front, adding beige Western boots.

Over the photo the bikini model said her little one was a 'space cowboy' as she used the nickname 'Sly.'

The next generation: Emily Ratajkowski shared more photos of her child Sylvester to social media on Thursday

And she was seen laying on the carpet as she flashed her taut tummy just six months after giving birth to her child.

Ratajkowski has said previously that she will allow her baby to choose its own gender rather that raise her offspring as a certain gender. But she has called Sylvester a 'he' and a 'boy.'

Last week the Versace model, 30, debuted her little one's countenance on social media as she called her baby an 'angel.'

The little one had on a sweater that said SLY while joining mom during a lunch date with comedienne Ziwe.

Space cowboy: This time the baby, whose father is movie producer Sebastian Bear-McClard, was dressed in a pink astronaut themed onesie that said Commander and Nasa on front, adding beige cowboy boots

In the image Sylvester had on a SLY sweater, diapers, cap and socks. She wrote over the Instagram Story post, 'You're an angel.'

In the past, Emily has shared several images of the back of the child's head. And she has also posted photos with an emoji over Sylvester's face.

But has never revealed the face before.

She welcomed the child six months ago. In March Emily said, 'Sylvester Apollo Bear has joined us earth side. Sly arrived 3/8/21 on the most surreal, beautiful, and love-filled morning of my life.'

There it is: Last week she finally showed fans what her baby Sylvester looks like. On Friday the Versace model posted photos of her first child on social media

Sweet little one: Here Sylvester had on a pink fluffy cap as a baby bottle and toy were on the table at the outdoor dining area with comedienne Ziew

The Inamorata CEO had previously said she would not be revealing the sex of her baby as she and her producer husband prepare to raise their child in a 'gender-neutral household.'

The influencer penned a candid essay about how she will nurture her child, admitting she does not want to 'force gender stereotypes' on them.

Emily wrote at the time: 'When my husband and I tell friends that Im pregnant, their first question after Congratulations is almost always Do you know what you want?

UCLA graduate Emily and her partner have been married since February 2018 following a whirlwind romance.

The couple exchanged vows in a surprise New York City courthouse wedding with just a few guests.

Emily rose to prominence when she danced topless with Robin Thicke in the Blurred Lines music video in 2013.

She as private: Emily has shared several images of the back of the child's head

A big heart: And she has also posted photos of the baby but has put an emoji over Sylvester's face

The media personality has since starred in major fashion campaigns for brands such as DKNY and Versace, and has even forged a successful acting career.

Her biggest role to date was as Andie Fitzgerald in 2014 psychological thriller Gone Girl, before featuring in films such as Entourage, We Are Your Friends and I Feel Pretty.

The businesswoman founded her beachwear line Inamorata in four years ago, which earned her a position on Forbes' 30 under 30 list for Art & Style in 2017.

The star's career has been thriving this year.

Her man: UCLA graduate Emily and her partner have been married since February 2018 following a whirlwind romance. The couple exchanged vows in a surprise New York City courthouse wedding with just a few guests. Seen in 2020

The brunette bombshell was in Rihanna's Savage x Fenty show which also starred Vanessa Hudgens, Gigi Hadid and Cindy Crawford.

Emily wore a wild purple outfit that consisted of a SF robe with feathered sleeves over a bra and panties. She added leopard print heels.

The Los Angeles fashion show was turned into a mini movie for Amazon Prime.

The past is back: These posts comes amid the firestorm she started last week when the looker claimed Robin Thicke sexually assaulted her on the music video for Blurred Lines. She said he touched her chest as she danced topless

And Ratajkowski walked the runway at the Versace special event during the Milan Fashion Week - Spring / Summer 2022 on September 26, 2021 in Milan, Italy

These posts comes amid the firestorm she started last week when the looker claimed Robin Thicke sexually assaulted her on the music video for Blurred Lines.

She said he touched her chest as she danced topless.

And subsequently, Emily shared that she did not share this information earlier because he could have crushed her fledgling career.
Shark Tank star Barbara Corcoran was slammed by fans online after making a fat joke at the expense of Whoopi Goldberg on The View Thursday morning.

The 72-year-old famed investor sat among the panel to discuss the first black female guest Shark, Emme Gred, of the denim brand Good American joining the show.

When Whoopi, 65, wondered if the jeans would fit her figure, Corcoran took a jab at Goldberg, only for co-host Ana Navarro to have her back.

Yikes: Shark Tank star Barbara Corcoran (right) was slammed by fans online after making a fat joke at the expense of Whoopi Goldberg (left) on The View Thursday morning

'They're great jeans,' the women assured each other while Mark Cuban and Daymond John appeared with Corcoran.

'Will they fit this... COVID,' Whoopi gestured while alluding to her backside. 'Just thought I would ask.'

After everyone agreed that the size-inclusive range of denim was of high quality and promoted healthy body images, Corcoran jumped in.

'And when you get finished with those jeans, and decide you don't like them, give them to me. I'm gonna make two pairs!' Corcoran said.

'Whoopi, let me just tell you something,' Navarro said. 'Both Sara Haines and Jill Biden wore that dress already, on TV'

Talk about it: The 72-year-old famed investor sat among the panel to discuss the first Black female guest Shark, Emme Gred, of the denim brand Good American joining the show

'This was so rude, and I'm glad Whoopi didn't laugh and showed she didn't find that funny,' @africasnas wrote. 'Who even is this lady????'

Goldberg went silent as the crowd booed against the shocking remark, while Navarro was instantly ready to defend her - by offering up her own dig aimed at Corcoran.

'Whoopi, let me just tell you something,' Navarro said, interjecting. 'Both Sara Haines and Jill Biden wore that dress already, on TV.'

Navarro was calling out Corcoran's fashion faux pas in a bid to get even with the Shark - and it worked - as Corcoran looked shocked, put her hands firmly on her hips and snapped: 'That's not true.'

Apology: Barbara later issued an apology to Whoopi and to any fans she might have offended with her off-kilter joke about the star's weight

But then Navarro appeared to double down on the fact that Goldberg had just been fat-shamed by Corcoran, by pointedly adding: 'Donald Trump Jr. tried that on me. It didn't work! No, no no.'

She was referring to the fact that Donald Trump Jr. had tried to fat-shame Navarro last month when she had a false positive test for COVID, and Trump Jr. tweeted that it was time to talk about 'obesity.'

Navarro hit back at Trump Jr. with a stinging tweet, which included: '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.'

No harm: Whoopi was later spotted outside the studio in Manhattan wearing a classic white button down with matching slacks

Best around: She appeared to be in good spirits despite the tense commentary on the morning talk show where she has been at the helm since 2007

Corcoran later tweeted 'Love ya Whoopi' as she filmed an apology video saying: 'I just came back from The View, and saw my old friend Whoopi.'

'As you well know she has a phenomenal sense of humor, and I've known Whoopi for years. I made a joke at Whoopi's expense which I now realize wasn't funny. For anyone I may have offended unintentionally, I just want to say I really am very sorry.'

Meanwhile, fans were shocked by Corcoran's callous comment and took to Twitter to criticize the businesswoman.

'Did I really just see what I saw on @theview?' one user wrote. 'I'm trying to not be about #CancelCulture but @BarbaraCorcoran you pushed it. How unladylike of you to insult @WhoopiGoldberg How undignified!'

'This was so rude, and I'm glad Whoopi didn't laugh and showed she didn't find that funny,' @africasnas wrote. 'Who even is this lady????'

'Did I really just see what I saw on @theview?' one user wrote. 'I'm trying to not be about #CancelCulture but @BarbaraCorcoran you pushed it. How unladylike of you to insult @WhoopiGoldberg How undignified!'

'Cannot believe the fat joke made at @WhoopiGoldberg by Barbara Corcoran on The View today,' Twitter user @ServiceDogAcdmy wrote. 'Such a sad thing that fat shaming is still socially acceptable'

The video shared was a clip posted by Queen of Bravo, who wrote: 'If you come for the Legend Whoopi, Queen Ana is gonna come for YOU!'

'NOT TODAY SATAN!!!,' @RoccoReyna1 wrote. '@ananavarro showed @BarbaraCorcoran not to mess with an EGOT.. the disrespect towards @WhoopiGoldberg was first class TRASH!!!'

Whoopi was later spotted outside the studio in Manhattan wearing a classic white button down with matching slacks as she walked with a cane for mobility assistance due to sciatic issues.

She appeared to be in good spirits despite the tense commentary on the morning talk show where she has been at the helm since 2007.

Whoopi has endured health struggles this year and was forced to take time off from The View in June because of sciatica, which is a painful condition that effects mobility as the nerve runs from your back down each leg.

'Yes, its me, Im back. Im back. I was out because I was dealing with something called sciatica, which is basically a bulging disc in your back and it impacts the sciatic nerve, which sends pain down your leg,' she shared online.

'Its like a bad boyfriend, a bad boyfriend who came back to mess with me. There I was trying to move my leg. Impossible to do. And it was really horrible. Im glad to be here. I had a walker which kind of freaked me out. I didnt know that I needed it. That first step with the walker, this is my new best friend. Im just gliding along. Thats what happened to me.'

Whoopi addressed her own issues with weight earlier this year when she said 'I too am Valerie Bertinelli' after the soap star appeared on the show to talk about her fluctuating figure. 'I have the same issues,' she shared.

Co-host Joy Behar added: 'I did a thing for Jenny Craig years ago, and I lost 30 pounds. I put 15 back over the years so I would like to just say that right up front. I don't think that you have to be going through something to gain weight. Im not going through anything. Im gaining weight.'

Behar went on: 'Stop watching women. Stop watching what women look like, stop it already. I feel for poor Valerie having to endure this in public, its sad.'

In 2014, Whoopi's weight was once again a discussion as she admitted to topping the scale at 217 pounds and needing a change.

She credited former co-host Sherri Shepherd with giving her motivation to lose the weight as she discussed season 18 during an interview for ABC News.

When asked how much weight she had lost, Whoopi said: 'About 35 pounds. I happened to notice that I had begun to look like a linebacker. I happened to look over and there was Sherri, skinny, and I said, "What did you do?" She said, "I've been doing Rocco DiSpirito's one pound a day diet." I said, "Please, I want to do it too."'

Whoopi joked that having a 'month off' from work also helped aid in her transformation at the time.

In 2016, Goldberg joked about the annoying trend of holiday weight gain before panelist Jedidiah Bila noted that big butts were in style.

'My whole lifes been the age of the age of the booty  I had the booty before Kim [Kardashian] had the booty,' Goldberg said. 'But I just decided, this is what it is.'
Gerard Butler and his girlfriend Morgan Brown were spotted taking a stroll through New York City on Wednesday.

The 51-year-old actor and the 50-year-old interior designer/real estate developer were seen with freshly bronzed skin, following a very recent trip to Puerto Rico where Gerard was shooting a movie.

The pair have been linked on an off for seven years and appeared to rekindle their romance this past spring following their last reported split in August 2020.

Can't quit you! Though the pair have been on and off since 2014 they looked thick as thieves as they strolled in NYC on Wednesday, after rekindling their romance this past spring

The Has Fallen franchise lead flexed his youthful style in cargo pants and a grey T-shirt with a black leather jacket.

He looked at ease to have some time off following a recent movie shoot in Puerto Rico, but Brown seemed to come at the tail end of filming so they could make a vacation out of it before jetting to NYC.

The striking brunette showed off her fit physique in a coordinating pair of green cargo pants and a tiny white bralette with a matching knit cardigan.

The duo made their way around the bustling city on foot and appeared to pop into a convenient store to grab a refreshment and some cigarettes.

Stylish pair: The duo made their way around the bustling city on foot and appeared to pop into a convenient store to grab a refreshment and some cigarettes

Walk and talk: Throughout the course of the outing the two appeared to be in deep conversation

The couple were first linked in 2014 and dated on and off for two years before they split in 2016. They seemed to reconnect in 2017 but months later he alluded to being single as he told PEOPLE 'I have no personal life.'

The Scottish actor added that in the future he'd like to be 'more run by [his] personal life than [his] career,' and that he wanted to be in a relationship five years down the line with kids.

In 2018 the pair seemed to give things another go as they were spotted looking at properties together in Manhattan, with reports they were set to move in together.

A source told Page Six at the time: 'Things are looking serious. Gerry sold his $6 million Chelsea loft last year and is looking for a bigger space to share with Morgan.'

In the summer of 2020 it was confirmed that they had split, but they rekindled less than a year later and continue to be thick as thieves.
Succession's Nicholas Braun has never been in a long-term relationship.

The actor, 33, admitted to having commitment issues while opening up for a new interview for the New York Times, telling the magazine that while he wants a deep connection, he thinks he's 'incapable' of getting serious.

'I haven't really been in a long-term relationship, ever,' Braun, who plays the awkward but lovable Cousin Greg on the show, told the Times. 'I do yearn for it and yet I'm incapable of it.'

Flying solo: Succession star Nicholas Braun thinks he's 'incapable' of having a long-term relationship

Braun explained: 'I go toward it and then I hit a wall where I'm like, I can't go farther into this. I've got to exit.'

Still, he said he's 'fascinated by romance and courting another human, an interest he's currently channeling into a 'relationship traumedy.'

And the actor said he trusts the right person will come along eventually.

'I do believe it'll happen at the right time with the right person,' he said. 'Until then, it's fun to meet people and see what works.'

Meanwhile, Braun is focusing on his role on the HBO hit Succession, which earned him an Emmy nomination last year.

Barrier: Braun, who plays the awkward but lovable Cousin Greg on Succession, explained: 'I go toward it and then I hit a wall where I'm like, I can't go farther into this. I've got to exit'

Talking about how the real Nicholas comes out in Cousin Greg, he told the Times: 'I pick a bunch of traits that are me trying too hard or feeling uncomfortable in a room, or wanting to speak up but I don't quite get permission, so it comes out in a weird way.'

'Maybe I'm attracted to roles that feel therapeutic,' he continued. 'I get to look at these parts of myself and ask, Why do I do that? How do I amplify that in a fun way?'

Successions fans got their first glimpse at season three via a juicy new teaser trailer on Tuesday.

In the clip Kendall Roy (Jeremy Strong) is seen leaving the explosive press conference from season two's finale.

'Are you with me?' The Succession season three teaser unveiled aftermath of cliffhanger finale as Kendall Roy prepares for battle against his father

Facing the music: Kendall heads out onto a barrage of reporters at what appears to be the beginning of season three, picking up straight where season two left off

Fresh from betraying his father, ailing media mogul Logan Roy (Brian Cox), Kendall marches out to face the music amid a barrage of reporters.

Providing some comic relief, Cousin Greg (Braun) begins to shout 'no comment!' at the press gang, but he's quickly told to shush by Waystar Royco head of PR Karolina (Dagmara Dominczyk).

The drama begins as Karolina briefs Kendall saying he has opened up the family business to lawsuits and investigations, and questions why they are using a company car to exit the press conference, given he no longer works there.

'Are you with me, yes or no?' he asks Karolina, saying he needs a 'clean jar' given his explosive statement.

No comment: Cousin Greg (Nicholas Braun) is told hold himself back by Waystar Royco head of PR Karolina (Dagmara Dominczyk)

Building his team: Kendall wants to know who is on his side after freshly betraying his father

Righteous vehicle: Karolina questions Kendall's motives, as he persuades her to join his battle against his father

Tense: The trio pick apart what just happened after that shocking finale

'Why did you do it like that Ken?' she asks, before turning to Greg to ask if he was in on it too.

'This is a fork in your life Karolina,' Kendall offers, adding: 'This is your righteous vehicle.'

The previously shared teaser has already shown Logan placed in a perilous position after being ambushed by his rebellious son during the shock live news conference at the end of season two.

'Are you with me, yes or no?' Kendall asks Karolina, saying he needs a 'clean jar' given his explosive statement

The new top dog? Viewers want to know if Kendall's risky power play is going to pay off

World on his shoulders: Kendall has now opened himself up to a huge wave of pressure

Closed door meetings: Karolina is the ever protective head of PR as she drives off with Kendall and Greg

Who can you trust: Karolina seems to be scoping out Cousin Greg in the backseat

In that clip, viewers saw Kendall giving himself a much-needed pep talk in the mirror while as hell broke loose around him, following his tactical move against his father.

Logan then went into a fiery rage as the bitter corporate battle appears to be ready to rage on in season three.

Succession is created by Jesse Armstrong; executive produced by Jesse Armstrong, Adam McKay, Frank Rich, Kevin Messick, Jane Tranter, Mark Mylod, Tony Roche, Scott Ferguson, Jon Brown and Will Ferrell.

Jesse Armstrong serves as showrunner.
She has been busy making her new Hulu series with her family.

But Kourtney Kardashian stole the spotlight as she seemingly continued shooting the new show on Thursday.

The reality star, 42, shared a snap of herself putting on a busty display in a fitted white tank top in a series of Instagram shots captioned 'Day 1 of filming.'

Scene stealer! Kourtney Kardashian stole the spotlight as she seemingly continued filming her new Hulu series on Thursday

The slideshow began with a photo of Kourtney tilting her head as she fluttered her long lashes

The slideshow began with a photo of Kourtney tilting her head while showcasing her envy-inducing lashes fluttering above her brown eyes.

She rocked an array of edgy necklaces, ranging from one of a cross and crossbones to several crosses.

A second photo put Kourtney's fabulous legs on display as the reality star shared a full-length image for fans.

Side eye! The slideshow began with a photo of Kourtney tilting her head while showcasing her envy-inducing lashes fluttering above her brown eyes

The Poosh founder pouted her lips while rocking an edgy pair of shades.

Kourtney appeared to be referring to her new Hulu series in her caption, however she has been seen filming the show with her sisters previously.

It was first reported in December last year that the Kar-Jenner family were joining with Hulu to create 'new global content' under a multi-year deal to stream exclusively with the company. It will be streaming internationally on Star.

Selfie queen: A third image showed Kourtney looking every inch the model as she posed directly for the camera

It was said at the time that the new show - featuring Kris, Kim, Kourtney, Khloe, Kendall and Kylie - would be arriving to the streamer by the end of 2021, and it seems as though filming is already well under way.

There will certainly be lots to discuss on the new show as well, particularly Kim's most recent outfit choices and exactly what is going on between herself and Kanye, amid rumors of a reconciliation.

Yet, viewers maybe more eager to check in on Kourtney, whose whirlwind romance with Blink 182 drummer Barker has caught many headlines.

He makes her heart beat! Kourtney has been dating Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker this past year

Khloe has also had continued drama in her love life, answering back to social media critics who have been asked whether or not she will be getting back with her love cheat ex Tristan Thompson.

And if it seems like that the family haven't really been gone for long - it's because they haven't.

Fans only said goodbye to them on TV in June this year, when after 14 years, 20 seasons, and 268 episodes, the Kardashian-Jenner gang bid a bittersweet farewell to their fans on the E! incarnation of their show.

The episode titled 'The End P.2' showed the famous family taking one last trip for the series to Lake Tahoe, staying at a lush 15-acre estate, costing $6,000 a night, which took place before Christmas last year.

In the final show, Kim confessed that she has turned to a therapist to deal with her martial problems with now-estranged husband Kanye West, while Khloe presided over a future in Boston with on-again boyfriend Tristan Thompson.

Now fans won't have to guess too hard about which topics the three ladies will have discussed on their most recent Malibu excursions.

The Kardashians' Hulu show is expected to debut later this year.
Love Island's Belle Hassan put on a racy display as she attended the Boux Avenue 'Girls Night In' event in London on Thursday.

The reality star, 26, displayed her underboob in a printed halterneck top with a large cut-out across the bust as she posed up a storm.

She paired this with stonewash jeans and red stiletto sandals.

Radiant: Love Island's Belle Hassan put on a racy display as she attended the Boux Avenue 'Girls Night In' event in London on Thursday

Her tresses were styled in soft waves and she sported a rich palette of make-up.

Belle rose to prominence on the 2019 summer series of Love Island, where she struck up a short-lived romance with Anton Danyluk, which ended just five weeks after they left the villa.

Her outing comes after her ex Anton recently hit out at the show that made him famous, saying Love Island 'gives a false sense of the real world'.

The reality star criticised the structure of the show for being 'false', saying the couples can't fall in love before dating for longer, and insists it sets too high a standard for young viewers to aspire to.

Glow: Love Island's Belle Hassan put on a racy display as she attended the Boux Avenue 'Girls Night In' event in London on Thursday

Stunning: She paired this with stonewash jeans and red stiletto sandals

Speaking to hosts Bobby Norris and Stephen Leng on FUBAR Radio's Access All Areas, Anton said: 'What I don't like about Love Island is the way it portrays love.'

He continued: 'These kids again are watching these luxurious dates where you're going on a helicopter, you're landing down, you know, on an island and youre having a little picnic. And they think this is normal life.'

'Then when their boyfriends are taking them to McDonald's drive-through, they wonder why their relationships arent working, because theyre looking up to those guys.'

Picking apart the structure of the show, he added: 'When is it realistic that youre in love with someone before you start dating someone?

'Youre almost doing things in the opposite way. It's almost set up to fail effectively.'
Angie Kent has accused producers on The Bachelorette of 'stitching her up' by casting a poor selection of suitors for her season in 2019.

The bisexual TV star, 31, says she had to choose between two dozen 'deeply average men' and would have preferred some women in the mix.

She told TV Week on Thursday she would have liked the option of male and female contestants but didn't know it was available at the time.

Not impressed: Angie Kent (pictured) has accused producers on The Bachelorette of 'stitching her up' by casting a poor selection of suitors for her season in 2019

This year's season of The Bachelorette will feature men and women vying for the heart of leading lady Brooke Blurton, who is bisexual.

'I can't wait to watch Brooke being our first Indigenous and bisexual Bachelorette,' Angie said.

'I wish I knew [mixed gender contestants] was an option because I'm pansexual,' she added.

Ouch! The bisexual TV star, 31, says she had to choose between two dozen 'deeply average men' and would have preferred some women in the mix. Angie ended up choosing personal trainer and actor Carlin Sterritt as her winning suitor on The Bachelorette two years ago

'I feel like I got stitched up with a bunch of deeply average blokes. Just kidding!'

Angie ended up choosing personal trainer and actor Carlin Sterritt as her winning suitor on The Bachelorette two years ago.

They briefly lived together in Sydney, but split after a couple of months.

Remember this? There were several noteworthy contestants on her season, including exhibitionist Englishman Ciarran Stott who stripped naked for a life-drawing class

Grim: Another of her suitors, Noosa politician Jess Glasgow, was even kicked off the show for making lewd remarks to Angie and female crew members

There were several noteworthy contestants on her season, including exhibitionist Englishman Ciarran Stott who stripped naked for a life-drawing class.

Another of her suitors, Noosa politician Jess Glasgow, was even kicked off the show for making lewd remarks to Angie and female crew members.

The new season of The Bachelorette, starring Brooke Blurton, premieres Wednesday, October 20, at 7:30pm on Channel 10
Hamlet (Young Vic Theatre, London)

Rating:

Verdict: Sassy Dane, sluggish show

What If If Only (Royal Court Theatre, London)

Rating:

Verdict: Sketchy

No one ever needed extra time to ponder whether Hamlet should bump off the uncle who murdered his father and married his mother. It's already built into Shakespeare's drama, with Hamlet's famous 'to be or not to be' procrastination.

But extra time is exactly what we get in the Young Vic's frustratingly ponderous new revival of the play starring Cush Jumbo and Adrian Dunbar.

Cush Jumbo? Yes, it's what's known in the trade as gender-blind casting, with the actress playing our anguished young prince. Jumbo is best known from TV's American legal dramas The Good Wife and The Good Fight, but she's got oodles of experience in Shakespeare, too.

Extra time is exactly what we get in the Young Vic's frustratingly ponderous new revival of the play starring Cush Jumbo and Adrian Dunbar

She has played the wronged Kate in The Taming Of The Shrew, tomboy Rosalind in As You Like It  and Mark Antony in Julius Caesar.

To her credit, Jumbo carries the show and the company for more than three hours, with a performance that's thoughtful, streetwise and fitfully magnetic.

Nor is there any question of turning Hamlet into a princess. She's more like a disaffected teenage boy in loose jeans, leather jacket and shaven head.

There is tenderness, and a sense of guilt at the collateral damage heaped on Ophelia during Hamlet's forever stalling mission to take revenge on his evil uncle (Dunbar).

At times, Jumbo seems hollowed out by the task in hand. At others, she springs startlingly to life.

It's an absorbing display, worthy of livelier acting around her.

There is tenderness, and a sense of guilt at the collateral damage heaped on Ophelia during Hamlet's forever stalling mission to take revenge on his evil uncle (Dunbar)

Unfortunately, Greg Hersov's production leaves chasms between cues. I almost wished Dunbar would whip out his Line Of Duty cap and, channelling Superintendent Ted Hastings, arrest some of these fellas for loitering without intent.

He could start with Tara Fitzgerald, as Hamlet's mother Gertrude, who sometimes seems more interested in her mobile than engaging with others  although when Hamlet pins her down in her bedchamber he secures her undivided attention.

As for Dunbar, as Claudius he is a slow, measured and saturnine killer king  more suit than sinner. There are some sparky moments. Hamlet's faithless friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, as played by Taz Skylar and Joana Borja, are less gormless patsies and more Ibiza party animals. And Norah Lopez Holden's Ophelia combines teenage defiance with the awkwardness of grief to moving effect.

But as her dapper father Polonius, Joseph Marcell really does need to get a move on.

Anna Fleischle's dull, blockish design under a builder's rectangle of an arch does not conjure up much sense of place.

A shot of adrenaline is needed and, although Jumbo doesn't exactly supply that, she does at least lift the whole company with her showbiz stardust.

The production is sold out but readers can judge for themselves when it's streamed live from October 28 to 30 (youngvic.org).

At least we can't accuse Caryl Churchill of detaining us too long with her 17-minute sketch at the Royal Court. It's what you might call a stage poem about a bereaved man (John Heffernan) visited by the ghost of 'a future that hasn't happened'. Played by an older woman (Linda Bassett), the Future brings hope, then despair and finally anxiety.

What If If Only actually makes even less sense than that; though like a lot of poetry, it's curiously touching in ways that aren't easily explained.

My hunch is that it's about the absolute loneliness of grief, its hallucinatory properties and its peculiar comedy of detachment.

It's proving surprisingly popular, given that top tickets are priced like a premium rate phone call  at 50p a minute.

Some may feel, though, that the theatre's resources might have been better put towards a new play by an emerging writer; rather than an amuse-bouche by a grande dame who's been haunting the building for half a century.

A version of the Hamlet review appeared in earlier editions.

Inspiring tale of colonial history

The Long Song (Festival Theatre, Chichester)

Rating:

Verdict: A stirring aria

The Long Song was the novel that followed Andrea Levy's best-known book Small Island. Set on a 19th-century Jamaican sugar estate, it's the story of July, a child taken from her mother to work as a maid in the big house.

Epic (from left): Llewella Gideon, Olivia Poulet and Tara Tijani

She grows up to see the overthrow of slavery and become the mistress of the plantation owner  before being separated from her own child when he is sent to England.

Levy's mission in the book was to assert the dignity of enslaved people but also to reconcile that with their conflicting aspirations, set in part by British colonialists.

As in Small Island, Levy doesn't shirk the difficult questions about the way class, cultural and racial status become entangled.

Most importantly, this is an epic account of a poorly documented period in British colonial history. Llewella Gideon, as old July relating her life story to her returning son, is a cranky and eccentric joy who loves spicy pork and cutting people down to size. Tara Tijani, making her professional debut as young July, is ambitious, shrewd and resilient.

And Suhayla El-Bushra's script distils a strong sense of the enslaved workers' cultural independence (thanks also to period African music from Michael Henry).

Although the white slave owners are a little two-dimensional, Olivia Poulet as the mistress catches the anxiety of the settlers, while Leonard Buckley nails the compromised idealism of her squeamish husband who's on a mission to move from slavery to a wage-based workforce.

Charlotte Gwinner's production, performed in front of a row of sugarcane plants lit with the warm light of the Caribbean  and contrasted by heavy European antique furniture  is lucid and light-footed.

It was also very warmly received by a hugely appreciative Chichester audience.

PM
Jennifer Lawrence concealed her figure when stepping out in New York City on Thursday with a black mask on.

The 31-year-old Red Sparrow actress looked bundled up with an oversized beige blazer and a long top with roomy sweatpants. She added white sneakers for comfort.

The Oscar-winning star is expecting her first child with husband Cooke Maroney.

No glam today! Jennifer Lawrence concealed her figure when stepping out in New York City on Thursday with a black mask on

Her representative confirmed the baby news to PEOPLE magazine in September.

The couple got married in October 2019 in Rhode Island, eight months after they got engaged.

Several of Jennifer's showbiz pals were in attendance on her big day, including Kris Jenner, Adele, and Emma Stone.

While the pair are largely private about their relationship, Jennifer gushed over 37-year-old Cooke just a few months before their marriage.

Speaking in June 2019, she said: 'I definitely wasn't at a place where I was like, 'I'm ready to get married.'

'I just met Cooke and I wanted to marry him. He's my best friend, so I want to legally bind him to me forever. And fortunately, the paperwork exists for such a thing. It's the greatest.

Soon to be a mommy: The 31-year-old Red Sparrow actress looked bundled up with an oversized beige blazer and a long top with roomy sweatpants. She added white sneakers for comfort

'You find your favourite person on the planet and, you're like, 'You can't leave!' So I wanted to take that offer.

'It's just - this is the one, I know that sounds really stupid but he's just, he's ... you know. He's the greatest person I've ever met, so I feel very honoured to become a Maroney.'

In October last year, Jennifer admitted Cooke is happy to sleep in the guest room when she has 'slumber parties' with her friends.

She said: 'My friend came over and it was not planned, but she ended up spending the night and we slept in my bed and my husband slept in our guest.

'He knows the drill.'

Helping out: This sighting comes after Lawrence and her good friend Amy Schumer attended the Women's March in New York on Saturday. The Trainwreck star, 31, took part in the rally for abortion justice outside the US Supreme Court in the Big Apple

The 'Hunger Games' actress - who previously dated actor Nicholas Hoult and director Darren Aronofsky - and Cooke got engaged in February 2019, after less than 12 months of dating.

This sighting comes after Lawrence and her good friend Amy Schumer attended the Women's March in New York on Saturday.

The Trainwreck star, 31, took part in the rally for abortion justice outside the US Supreme Court in the Big Apple.

A redhead for this: Her next film Don't Look Up with Leonardo DiCaprio about two low-level astronomers that must go on a giant media tour to warn mankind of an approaching comet that will destroy Earth will be released on Netflix on December 10, 2021

The former could be seen holding a handwritten sign which read: 'Women can't be free if they don't control their bodies.'

Amy, who recently had her uterus and appendix removed to help treat endometriosis, captioned the picture of the pair protesting: 'I don't have a uterus and she is pregnant but we out here @womensmarch @plannedparenthood #rallyforabortionjustice.'

The 40-year-old comedienne confirmed she was due to attend the rally a day earlier.

The 'I Feel Pretty' star wrote: 'Everyone deserves to have a safe and supported abortion, at any time and for any reason. This Saturday, we are coming together across the country to defend our rights.'

The rally comes after Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a new law that bans nearly all abortions in the state.
Megan Barton Hanson looked incredible as she sizzled in a bikini snap on Thursday.

The star, 26, who recently went under the knife for a corrective breast surgery, exuded confidence in a tiny green bikini, which revealed her gym honed frame.

The garment teased a glimpse of her cleavage while a pair of cut-out bottoms emphasised her legs.

Wow: Megan Barton Hanson looked incredible as she sizzled in a swimsuit snap on Thursday

Her blonde tresses were styled in a chic updo and she sported a radiant palette of make-up.

This comes as Megan revealed she underwent a corrective breast surgery after weight loss left her implants uneven.

The former Love Island star cut a casual figure as she departed The London Clinic private hospital on Sunday following the procedure.

Speaking to MailOnline, Megan said: 'Since losing weight my implants looked uneven not how they did in Love Island and I wanted a correction.

'I want to be honest open and transparent with my followers not set unrealistic expectations.

'There's no shame in surgery if it makes you happy and you've researched a good trusted surgeon and know the risks.'

Megan's surgery was carried out by Dr Paul Harris who she praised as one of the best surgeons in the UK.

She added: 'Hopefully me actually sharing it will make girls feel it's nothing to be embarrassed of.'

Glamorous: This comes as Megan revealed she underwent a corrective breast surgery after weight loss left her implants uneven

Way back when: Megan shot to fame on the 2018 series of Love Island

Megan donned a white T-shirt and a matching pair of tracksuit bottoms as she left the hospital.

The reality star also sported a pair of black slides with white socks while she carried a white hoodie on her arm.

Letting her blonde locks fall loose down her shoulders, Megan also sported a face mask for the day.

Megan has spoken openly about her previous cosmetic procedures which include breast augmentation, a nose job and having her ears pinned back.

The outing comes after Megan packed on the PDA with James Lock as they shared a steamy kiss during a boozy night out on Thursday.

Pictures obtained by The Sun showed Megan and the TOWIE hunk, 34, leaving Amazonico restaurant in London's swanky Mayfair district.

Megan was seen laughing and hugging James on the street after departing from the eatery before the pair engaged in a passionate smooch.

New romance? Megan packed on the PDA with James Lock as they shared a steamy kiss during a boozy night out on Thursday (pictured August)

An onlooker told the publication: 'Megan and James looked inseparable. You couldn't have squeezed a cigarette paper between the two of them.

'They were clearly having a great time and seemed very taken with each other.'

It is understood the pair, who are both single, met while filming Ex on The Beach.

It comes after James enjoyed a brief fling with TOWIE's Chloe Brockett, 20, which has caused quite the stir on the latest series of the drama-filled show.

Chloe recently came face-to-face with James at a swanky bar as she confronted him over rumours of having regrets about a recent hook-up.

It came after the lothario enjoyed a secret fling with the influencer, despite her close friendship with his ex-girlfriend Yazmin, 27, who also made a spectacular surprise return in the episode.

Meanwhile Megan, who is bisexual, has previously dated James's co-star Demi Sims and Chelcee Grimes.

However she revealed in December that she is open to dating men again after swearing off them.
Gordon Ramsay was every inch the family man as he celebrated the opening of his latest restaurant - The River Restaurant - with his wife and daughters on Thursday.

The celebrity chef, 54, planted a sweet kiss on wife Tana, 47, before posing with daughters Holly, 21, and Megan, 23.

Gordon donned his chef's whites for the evening, while Tana looked stunning in a glittering black dress.

The other F word: Gordon Ramsay was every inch the family man as he celebrated the opening of his latest restaurant - The River Restaurant - with his wife Tana and daughters Holly and Megan on Thursday

Holly wowed in a high necked black dress, while Megan matched in a silk shirt dress, ensuring Gordon stood out on the night.

Gordon and Tana are also parents to Strictly star daughter Tilly, 19, and sons Jack, 21, and Oscar, three.

This comes as Gordon's daughter, Strictly Come Dancing's Tilly has insisted she's 'just good friends' with her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin after the pair sparked rumours of an off-screen romance.

The CBBC star, who wowed viewers with her Charleston on Saturday, told Hello! that her relationship with Nikita is strictly platonic as they throw themselves into training for Movie Week.

It comes after rumours swirled that Tilly and Nikita were set to be victims of the show's famous 'curse' after the pro's girlfriend Nicole Wirt penned a crypical message about 'not being supported.'

PDA: The celebrity chef, 54, planted a sweet kiss on wife Tana, 47

Family: Gordon's leading ladies wore black to ensure the chef stood out

Glitz: Tana looked stunning in a glittery black dress as she posed with her husband

Pose: The group were joined by Paul Ainsworth for a quick snap

Look of love: Gordon looked delighted to have his gorgeous wife on his arm

Hitting back: This comes as Gordon's daughter, Strictly Come Dancing 's Tilly Ramsay has insisted she's 'just good friends' with her professional partner Nikita Kuzmin after the pair sparked rumours of an off-screen romance

After Tilly and Nikita were seen heading back to her flat one evening, the daughter of TV chef Gordon Ramsay set the record straight, clarifying: 'No no - we were filming a VT for the show, we really are just good friends and dance partners.'

Nikita added that his family and his girlfriend Nicole have been hugely supportive since he joined the Strictly lineup earlier this year.

He said: 'My family and my girlfriend have been an amazing support since I started Strictly. I try to call them every day to update them on how it's going.

Hard at work: The star, who wowed viewers with her Charleston on Saturday (pictured)her relationship with Nikita is strictly platonic

'We're used to living far away from each other. I lived in Denmark for most of my youth, then I lived in a separate city in Italy to them, then in Germany for the last five years.

'It would be a dream for them to come and watch Strictly live. My mother is a huge Strictly fan  she knows more about the show than I do!'

It comes after Tilly, who is single, insisted that she is on Strictly to focus on the dancing, which she is juggling with her university work.

Speaking to new! magazine, she said: 'Yes, I am single but I'm here to focus on dancing.

'I'd have been crazy to say no to Strictly Come Dancing. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and most importantly I really want to learn to dance.'

Proud: Nikita added that his family and his girlfriend Nicole Wirt (pictured) have been hugely supportive since he joined the Strictly lineup earlier this year

Nikita is in a relationship with girlfriend of five years Nicole who recently liked a post about Tilly's training with Nikita before changing her mind and removing it, according to The Mirror.

Nicole, who is also a dancer and is currently based in Germany, was said to have taken to Instagram and shared a cryptic post of a split screen image with a single person on one side and the caption: 'The Support'.

Alongside this was a photo of a large crowd which she captioned: 'The congratulations'.

Couple: Nicole previously offered her support for girlfriend Nikita did offer her support with this post where she wrote: 'vote for these cuties'

Nicole was then said to have written 'Don't be fooled' over the photos along with an emoji of a person with their finger over their mouth.

She also shared a photo of Tilly and Nikita's waltz from week one and wrote: 'Cheering on my faves' and said their performance was 'mesmerizing'.

It comes after Craig Revel Horwood predicted Tilly might 'fall in love' with Nikita during their time together on the show.

He told The Mirror: 'Nikita is hot, hot, hot. Tilly might fall in love! They look great together.

'I would love to see Gordon Ramsay on here and having his daughter is the best, best thing. She looks keen and I can't wait to see her personality...'

Adorable: Last week, pictures were published of the 19-year-old presenter enjoying a cosy night with Ukrainian dancer Kuzmin

Chef Gordon revealed he gave his youngest daughter one piece of advice when she signed up for the show, notorious for its stars forming romantic relationships.

In an interview with You magazine in The Mail on Sunday, Gordon recalled: 'I said to her, 'Please don't date the effing dancer.' '

Tilly responded equally sharply to her father, saying: 'Excuse me? Dad, I'm effing single, I'll date who I want.'

Last week, pictures were published of the 19-year-old presenter enjoying a cosy night with Ukrainian dancer Kuzmin who is starring in his first series of Strictly.

He was seen dashing into her flat in South-West London after a day training together in a nearby studio.

An onlooker said: 'They looked around for each other, then Tilly linked up with the dancer and they headed inside under cover of darkness.'

Gordon was moved to tears during Saturday night's episode of Strictly as he watched Tilly top the leaderboard alongside Sara Davies.

The notoriously hot-headed star couldn't stop the tears from flowing as he and wife Tana proudly watched their daughter, 19, perform an impressive Charleston in the closing moments of the BBC show, bagging themselves an impressive 34 points out of 40.
She has been turning her Brentwood house into a home for two years.

And Jennifer Garner was spotted inspecting the latest developments to the renovations on Thursday.

It seemed as though everything was rolling smoothly as the actress, 49, was spotted trekking through the construction site with a smile on her face.

House to home! Jennifer Garner was spotted inspecting the latest developments to her under-construction Brentwood home on Thursday

The actress kept it casual yet stylish with an athleisure look which accentuated her body.

The Alias vet showcased her toned physique wearing a pair of black leggings.

She warded off the fall chill with a lightweight grey sweater.

And she trekked through the dirt ground wearing stylish grey sneakers with sky blue laces.

Comfort first: Jennifer put her toned legs on display in a comfortable athleisure look

Jennifer has been making pitstops to the property over the course of more than a year for in-person updates on the status of construction.

According to the New York Post, the 13 Going On 30 actress bought the property in 2019 for nearly $7.9 million and then had the original four-bedroom abode, built back in 1930, torn down in order to build a brand new one from the ground up.

Garner and the kids had previously lived in a whopping 16,000 square foot home that sat on 3.1 acres lot in nearby Pacific Palisades when she was still married to Ben Affleck.

On the go: The actress returned to her car after inspecting the multi-million dollar property

The way they were: Garner and Ben Affleck share daughters Violet, 15, Seraphina, 12, and son Samuel, nine together; pictured 2014

Following their split, which they announced in 2015, they sold the property to Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine and his wife Behati Prinsloo for a reported $32 million.

In comparison, Garner's new house is situated on 1/3 of an acre.

Affleck, 49, purchased a 13,453 square foot mansion on a half acre of land in Pacific Palisades for just under $20 million in April 2018, six months before his divorce to Jennifer was made official.

He share daughters Violet, 15, Seraphina, 12, and son Samuel, nine, with his ex-wife.

Now, the actor has rekindled his romance with his former fiancee Jennifer Lopez. The couple were spotted house hunting earlier this year.
He's set to star in a kooky adaptation of the kid's classic Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile.

But Javier Bardem looked rather serious while on set of the live action movie in New York on Thursday.

The Spanish actor, 52, donned head-to-toe black during a scene using set to look like the New York Zoo.

Cartoonish: Javier Bardem was seen filming the kids movie Lyle Lyle Crocodile in New York on Thursday

Looking a bit retro, he rocked a button up shirt and pair of suspenders.

Javier had his hair in curls and a mustache on his face.

Between takes he chatted with one of the filmmakers and sipped on a coconut water.

Javier signed on to star in the film in July, with Will Speck and Josh Gordon directing the Sony Pictures movie based on the book by Bernard Waber.

Notes: Between takes he chatted with one of the filmmakers and sipped on a coconut water

Dark: The Spanish actor, 52, donned black pants with suspenders and a matching shirt

Storytime: The film is based off of a children's book about a crocodile who lives in a house on East 88th Street in New York

The Oscar-winning team behind the music of La La Land and Dear Evan Hansen, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, will create the soundtrack.

The cast also features Constance Wu, and young actors Winslow Fegley and Lyric Hurd.

'First published in 1965, the venerable childrens tale revolves around the title reptile who lives in a house on East 88th Street in New York City,' Deadline reported.

'Lyle enjoys helping the Primm family with everyday chores, and playing with the neighborhood kids. Hes the happiest crocodile any home ever haduntil one neighbor insists that Lyle belongs in a zoo.

'Mr. Grumps and his cat, Loretta, dont like crocodiles, and everything Lyle does to win them over seems to go wrong. It will take all of Lyles charmand courageto reveal the hero, and friend, behind the big crocodile smile.'

It's not yet been confirmed which role Javier is taking on in the production, but it appears he's either been cast as Hector P. Valenti or Mr. Grumps.

The film is set for a 2022 release.
Her husband Javier Bardem is currently filming in New York City.

And Penelope Cruz was spotted jetting into the Big Apple on Thursday.

The actress, 47, wore a black sweater with silvery sparkles all across the front as she touched down into JFK International Airport.

Reconnecting with her beau: Penelope Cruz flew into NYC to see her husband of 11 years, fellow actor Javier Bardem

The Pirates of the Caribbean actress donned a pair of blue jeans with the hems cut off.

She also wore black platform boots and a black face covering as she traversed through the international travel hub.

Cruz appeared to be on her way to see her husband of 11 years on the set of his upcoming movie Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile.

The film, based on the critically-acclaimed children's movie of the same name, centers around a crocodile that lives in New York City.

Fashionable attire: The actress, 47, wore a black sweater with silvery sparkles all across the front. She also wore jeans and platform boots

NYC shoot: Cruz landed in New York City to see Bardem while he films Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile will also star Constance Wu of Crazy Rich Asians fame and Come Play actor Winslow Fegley.

Though she went to visit her husband, Cruz has been busy on movie sets recently as well.

The Academy Award winner recently completed her part in the upcoming movie The 355 and is in the middle of filming L'immensita, a love story set in Rome during the 1970s.

Staying busy: Cruz, seen here in 2017, has been on her fair share of movie sets recently, including filming for L'immensita, a love story set in Rome during the 1970s

Big winner: Cruz won Best Actress honors at the Venice Film Festival for her work in Parallel Mothers (pictured 2017)

She also been winning awards recently, taking home Best Actress honors at the Venice Film Festival for her work in Parallel Mothers.

She was in Madrid earlier this week for the premiere of that same film. The actress stepped out in a textured blazer and matching skirt for the screening

The Vanilla Sky actress and her husband have also been busy raising their children. They have two kids together, 10-year-old Leo and 8-year-old Luna.

Cruz and her husband married in 2010 after reconnecting on the set of Vicky Cristina Barcelona in 2008. Cruz won an Academy Award for her performance in the role.
He is one of the final five recruits on Channel Seven's SAS Australia.

And on Friday, Sam Burgess revealed his mother Julie wants his fellow recruit Jana Pittman to win the military-style show.

The retired NRL star, 32, told The Daily Telegraph: 'My mum absolutely loves her. She wants her to win the show more than me.'

Supporting the wrong star? SAS Australia's Sam Burgess (pictured) has revealed his mum Julie wants his rival Jana Pittman to win Seven's military-style show

Sam went on to say how he was also impressed by Jana's performance on the show.

'Jana is one of the most amazing women I've met in my life. I don't say that lightly. She's phenomenal,' he said.

'You know her achievements as an athlete and academically, as well as raising her family. And you can see on the show that she's so compassionate. And she's very competitive. I got on extremely well with Jana,' he added.

Since retiring from sport, Jana has become a medical practitioner and is working in the emergency department at Sydney's Blacktown Hospital.

'My mum absolutely loves her. She wants her to win the show more than me,' Sam said. Pictured: Jana Pittman

Jana and Sam are competing on SAS Australia alongside Mark Philippoussis, Dan Ewing and John Steffensen.

During Tuesday's episode, the former Rabbitohs star made a bombshell confession about his tumultuous marriage to ex-wife Phoebe during a discussion with Jana.

Sam admitted they were 'just not meant for each other' and said he 'forced things' because he desperately wanted a family.

The Burgesses were married for four years and welcomed daughter Poppy, four, and son Billy, two, before splitting in 2019.

Shock revelation: During Tuesday's episode Sam made a bombshell confession about his tumultuous marriage to ex-wife Phoebe during a discussion with Olympian Jana

After Jana asked how they met, Sam responded: 'At a concert, and I never go to concerts. We were just not meant for each other.'

Sam said he'd pursued the relationship with Phoebe, 32, despite his concerns because he wanted to live the dream life.

'I was trying to force things - I wanted a family, I wanted kids, I wanted the dream, the house... I got it, had it all,' he said.

'There were a few things I knew weren't quite right, but I thought I could change that and help that, mend that... I couldn't do it.'
The Real Housewives of Melbourne's fifth season premieres on Sunday, and it looks like original cast member Janet Roach will be at the center of all the drama.

Jackie Gillies confirmed that the 62-year-old 'is in the thick of it' this season and will clash with a former friend who joined the cast.

Speaking to The Kyle and Jackie O Show on Thursday, Jackie said: 'Bestie Janet gets in the thick of it because she's known one of the other Housewives of 10 years.

Pot stirrer! Real Housewives of Melbourne's Janet Roach will be bringing the drama this season according to co-star Jackie Gillies

'So when she's come into the group... it kicks off. It kicks off because Janet feels like she's coming in and not being authentic and she goes, "I know you, so act the way that I know you rather than being a certain way."

'So it kind of kicks off straight away,' Jackie added.

Janet's old friend is believed to be 'champagne dame' Kyla Kirkpatrick, although the blonde bombshell is also rumoured to clash with newsreader Anjali Rao.

The former property developer recently shot down suggestions that the new cast members were surprised by the amount of drama on the show.

Frenemies: Janet (right) is believed to clash with old friend Kyla Kirkpatrick (left)

Janet told the Herald Sun that Anjali, Kyla, Simone Elliot, and Cherry Dipietrantonio had watched all four previous seasons of the show and were well aware of what the job entailed.

'Blind Freddy knew what they were coming in for,' she said.

The socialite then went a step further, calling their claims 'bulls**t' and asking, 'how could you not know?'

While Janet has previously heaped praise on newbie Simone, she seems to have clashed with both Kyla and Anjali.

Speaking to New Idea, Janet shared that Kyla, who she has known for 10 years, 'came straight at me from day one'.

Drama: Janet shared that Kyla, who she has known for 10 years, 'came straight at me from day one' in a recent interview

She also previously revealed that one of the new Housewives didn't make it all the way through filming and quit before the finale.

Speaking to the Unpopular podcast, Janet said the newbie 'couldn't keep up' with the glitz and glamour of the show.

'She's not a bad girl, but the real truth, let's really get down to it,' she said.

'I think she was who she said she was, but she was never gonna be a Housewife. I'm just being honest.'
She's largely stayed out of the spotlight despite being the daughter of a popular reality television star.

And Sonja Morgan made sure to celebrate her one-and-only little girl as Quincy turned 21-years-old on Wednesday night in Manhattan.

The 57-year-old Real Housewives of New York star cuddled up to her daughter for a gorgeous photo shoot before dancing the night away at the Sony Hall in New York City.

Mother daughter moment: Sonja Morgan made sure to celebrate her one-and-only little girl as Quincy turned 21-years-old on Wednesday night in Manhattan

Sonja shined in a sparkling gold dress as she wrapped her arms around Quincy for photos by Andrew Werner.

The birthday girl looked gorgeous wearing a bubblegum pink mini dress with matching elbow-length gloves.

'Heres what 21 looks like,' she captured a clip. 'Happy Birthday my dearest, light of my life, center of my universe.'

A throng of former Housewives shared well-wishes for Sonja's little girl, including Tinsley Mortimer, Jill Zarin and Aviva Drescher.

Once pictures were over, it was time to party with hundreds of guests as the ladies celebrated in style.

Just the two of us: The 57-year-old Real Housewives of New York star cuddled up to her daughter for a gorgeous photo shoot before dancing the night away at the Sony Hall in New York City

'Heres what 21 looks like,' she captured a clip. 'Happy Birthday my dearest, light of my life, center of my universe'

Aerial entertainers were strapped in harnesses and performed intricate choreography while dangling from the ceiling.

Quincy is the only child of Sonja and John Adams Morgan, who is the great-grandson to the founders of Morgan Stanley and J.P. Morgan.

Sonja met her ex-husband in 1998 while hostessing at San Pietro, an Italian restaurant in Manhattan.

Her dad, a former Olympic gold medalist in sailing, has an estimated net worth of a whopping $100 million, which was largely inherited.

Make a wish: Once pictures were over, it was time to party with hundreds of guests as the ladies celebrated in style

Lineage: Quincy is the only child of Sonja and John Adams Morgan, who is the great-grandson to the founders of Morgan Stanley and J.P. Morgan

In March, Quincy, who has never appeared on her mom's reality show, made her Instagram public for the first time.

'I never thought I would make my social media public but here I am excited to welcome everyone along for the ride,' she said of her decision on her Instagram Story.

Quincy, whose pals call her 'Q,' is a 'painter and multimedia studio artist who started college' in 2019, according to Page Six.

Her parents divorced after more than eight years of marriage in 2006.

In May, during an episode of RHONY, Sonja became emotional as she discussed the end of their relationship.

'I lost my best friend and a wonderful marriage. Is he dead? No. But for all intents and purposes, for me, he's gone,' she told a healer.

She continued: 'I had to make a choice for my daughter and I feel so bad. Maybe I should have stayed with him and made sure she had everything she needed and got more time with me.'
Seattle, WA (98195)

Today

Cloudy with occasional rain during the afternoon. High 46F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Rain likely. Low 42F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a half an inch.
DARIEN  Eversource is appealing the town tree wardens decision that keeps it from removing dozens of trees in the Little Brook Road area as part of the power companys vegetation management plan.

The proposal to cut the trees has sparked controversy in town with many residents speaking out against the proposal citing environmental, safety and quality of life concerns. Eversource maintains that the clear-cutting is needed to ensure the safety and reliability of the power grid.

Darien Tree Warden Michael Cotta issued a decision on Sept. 22, saying 21 of the tagged trees could come down because they are diseased, defective or dead and provide little or no environmental benefit. The decision came a day after a virtual public hearing drew 100 people, with most of the speakers opposing the proposal.

His decision only concerns the trees in the town right-of-way adjacent to Little Brook Road and Raymond Street. The bulk of Eversources plan  which spans 18 miles along the companys transmission lines, including 3.5 miles in Darien  involves clear-cutting on the state Department of Transportation property along the railroad tracks.

Eversource is appealing Cottas decision on the remaining 71 trees for the area to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and requesting mediation between the company and the town.

We are committed to finding a creative, alternative approach in partnership with the community to address the trees that need to be removed in Darien, said Mitch Gross, an Eversource spokesman. We have requested mediation with the town tree warden and other community leaders in an attempt to work together on this.

If a mediation cant happen, then Eversource is requesting a hearing, according to the filing.

Non-compatible trees have no place in transmission rights of way as they threaten reliability for our customers, Gross said. We look forward to working through the mediation process to find a collaborative solution.

Darien First Selectman Jayme Stevenson the appeal was expected.

Eversource is doing what they feel need to do to facilitate their transmission line vegetation management project, she said.

She said she the appeal triggers the mediation process, but doesnt have information on timing yet.

We will be eager to share our concerns with PURA during the mediation process, Stevenson said.

Eversource plans to remove incompatible trees, which are considered to be trees at least 15 feet tall within 25 feet of the transmission lines. Officials have said theres a greater risk of these trees catching fire if electricity arcs from the lines.

Per Eversources specification and industry best management practices, the incompatible trees were requested for removal based on current and future conditions of the trees, taking into consideration the calculated potential movement of the lines including line sag and wire blowout, tree growth and mature heights, as well as the movement of lines and trees under all weather conditions, Eversource wrote in its appeal.

Residents have challenged the assertion that all of the tagged trees are a risk and argued that if that many had to be removed, there should be more trees in the replanting plan to offset the clear-cut trees. While some residents have said the number of trees the company plans to cut are in the thousands, Eversource hasnt given a total number of trees for removal.

Critics of the clear-cutting have said the trees provide needed shade to keep the neighborhood cool, as a habitat for wildlife and help mitigate the severe flooding the town has experienced recently. Residents also said the current trees shield the train tracks from children who play there and cutting them down will make the area more dangerous, increase noise pollution and hurt property values.

Eversource understands and respects the important aesthetic and other interests that municipalities and the public attribute to trees, the company wrote in the appeal. Eversource also values its longstanding relationships with the towns it serves, including the Town of Darien. On August 4, 2020, however, Tropical Storm Isaias demonstrated that these aesthetic values must be balanced against the necessity of mitigating tree-caused power outages.

According to the appeal, about 93 percent of the 21,669 outage locations on Eversources system during that storm were caused by trees.

The appeal didnt say how many of those outages were in Darien.

Additionally, Eversources proposed tree work will reduce the risk of a service interruption for numerous critical facilities across multiple communities, including hospitals, vaccine distribution sites and police and fire stations, the appeal said. A fault on our transmission system would wreak havoc for our large commercial and industrial customers in the Fairfield County area and interfere with transportation in the region.

Residents have also questioned the truth of the argument, which has come up frequently during the permit process.
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New Delhi: The Supreme Court Thursday asked the Uttar Pradesh government to explain who are the accused against whom FIR has been registered in connection with the October 3 Lakhimpur Kheri violence, in which eight people were killed, and whether they have been arrested.

A bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana told the counsel appearing for Uttar Pradesh to explain this in the status report.

The counsel told the bench, also comprising Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli, that a judicial commission has been constituted to inquire into the incident and the state would file a status report in the matter.

The apex court has posted the matter for hearing on Friday.

Eight people were killed in the violence on October 3 during a farmers' protest at Lakhimpur Kheri.

The incident has triggered a major political storm with opposition parties accusing the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh of shielding the culprits.

Earlier in the day, the top court had said it would like to hear the two lawyers who had written a letter seeking a high-level judicial inquiry, also involving the CBI, into the Lakhimpur Kheri incident in which eight people were killed in violence during a farmers' protest.

The bench said that the letter was to be registered as a PIL and due to some miscommunication it was listed as the suo motu (on its own) case.

Four farmers were mowed down by an SUV in Lakhinpur Kheri when a group agitating against the Centre's three new farm laws was holding a demonstration against the visit of UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on October 3.

Two BJP workers and a driver were beaten to death allegedly by the angry protesters, while a local journalist was also killed in the violence.

An FIR under section 302 of IPC (murder) has been registered against the Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra's son Ashish Mishra and others in the incident in Tikonia police station but no arrest has been made so far.

Farmer leaders have claimed that Ashish was in one of the cars that allegedly knocked down the protesters but the minister has denied the allegations.

Several farmer organisations are protesting against the passage of three laws -- The Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020 and Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020 since last November.

The apex court had stayed the implementation of these laws in January.

Initially, the protests started from Punjab in November last year and later spread to Delhi, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
Yediyurappa confirmed that the raid has taken place on the premises on his aide Umesh. (PTI Photo)

Bengaluru: Premises of former Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa's close aide Umesh were among those raided by Income Tax sleuths in the State on Thursday.

I-T officials have conducted coordinated raids at more than 50 places in Karnataka, sources said.

Yediyurappa confirmed that the raid has taken place on the premises on his aide Umesh.

"A raid has taken place at Umesh's residence. He was not working with Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai but with me. Truth will come out tomorrow morning and then I will react," Yediyurappa told reporters.

He said I-T officials never spare a person who does wrong things. "They never spare anyone. They have taken action as per law," the former CM said.

When asked the reason behind the raid, Yediyurappa said he was not aware of it and knew only what is reported in the media.

According to him, I-T officials have summoned Umesh at 11 am on Friday, after which he will be able to know the reason behind the raids.

To a question on "political reasons" at a time when the bypolls were round the corner, Yediyurappa said, "I don't want to link the raid with politics. I-T raids are different from politics. I-T raids keep happening normally. There is no need to find reasons unnecessarily."

According to sources in the I-T department, contractors in the Irrigation department were the prime target of the coordinated raids. The I-T sleuths also conducted searches at the residences and offices of a few chartered accountants.

The sources said the raids took place in over 50 places across Bengaluru, Bagalkote, Belagavi, Vijayapura and Davangere.
The bypolls to the two segments are scheduled for October 30. (Photo: PTI/Representational Image)

Bengaluru: The Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday announced fielding Shivaraj Sajjanar from Hanagal and Ramesh Bhusanur from Sindagi Assembly constituencies respectively for the by-polls to the two segments on October 30.

The BJP said in a statement that the BJP national general secretary and Karnataka in charge Arun Singh communicated that Sajjanar and Bhusanur will be fielded in the by-polls.

Fielding Sajjanar has come as a surprise as there were strong rumours that the party would give ticket to former Hanagal MLA late C M Udasi's daughter-in-law Revathi Udasi.

It was Udasi's demise in June this year, which had necessitated the bypoll to Hanagal constituency.

Sajjanar is a former BJP MLA from Haveri and a long time close aide of former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, BJP sources said.

On the other hand, Ramesh Bhusanur's candidature was in the offing and it was quite certain that he would get the ticket.
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao announced in the Legislative Assembly that the state government will soon establish Palle Dawakhanas (village hospitals) in all villages on the lines of Basti Dawakhanas in the city.

Rao said that the Palle Dawakhanas would be provided with a doctor, a nurse and an attender and people can avail diagnosis and treatment for minor ailments and essential medicines free of cost.

Replying to a short discussion on Palle Pragathi-Patta Pragathi schemes in the House, he said that both the schemes of the TRS government had transformed villages and towns. A remarkable improvement was being seen in cleanliness, sanitation, greenery and civic infrastructure.

Rao said the state government has been releasing Rs 227 crore to rural local bodies every month under Palle Pragathi and Rs 112 crore every month to urban local bodies under Pattani Pragathi for taking up development programmes.

The Chief Minister stated that the Centre has sanctioned Rs 831 crore under Amrut scheme and Rs 196 crore each to Warangal and Karimnagar under Smart Cities Mission adding that Rs 1,753 crore was spent by the Union and state governments together on these schemes.

He said Telangana topped the country in utilisation of NREGA funds with which the state government constructed a vaikunta dhamam, dumping yard, rythu vedika, rythu kallam (used to dry the harvest), and a nursery in every village as part of palle pragathi due to which all villages have turned clean and green.

MAUD minister K.T. Rama Rao, who also replied to the debate, said that the state government had spent Rs 67,500 crore for the development of Hyderabad till October last year. He said Rs 2,734 crore was spent on Pattana Pragathi so far for the development of all municipalities. He said Rs 858 crore is being spent on a strategic nala development programme in the city and Rs 5,378 crore on urban Mission Bhagiratha.
Chennai: Tamil Nadu BJP national co-in charge Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy on Thursday requested Chief Minister MK Stalin to use Prime Minister Narendra Modi's pictures for central government schemes implemented in the state.

Speaking to ANI during the celebration of two decades of PM Modi in public office, Reddy said, "I appeal to Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin to use the image of PM Modi in central government's schemes to Tamil Nadu and to not politicise it by avoiding the image of PM Modi while using central government's fund."

"PM Modi has given several good schemes to Tamil Nadu and has allotted funds for the uplift of the Tamilians," he added.

As a part of the celebration, the Tamil Nadu BJP cadre indulged in the cleaning of streets at Chennai's Royapuram.

Reddy, along with TN Fisherman wing chief Sathish participated in the cleanliness programme.

They cleaned the streets and sowed bleaching powder here. The cadre also distributed free food to the needy and wrote postcards to PM Modi from Chennai, congratulating his service to the nation.

PM Modi today completes 20 years in public office. With this, he becomes the longest-serving head of an elected government after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
Minister for roads and buildings Vemula Prashanth Reddy, who moved the Bill in the House on behalf of the Chief Minister, said that the amendment was made to include more business transactions in the purview of the Act. (Photo: Facebook)

Hyderabad: More business transactions have been brought under the ambit of stamp duty, while stamp duty charges have also been hiked. The Legislative Assembly passed The Indian Stamp (Telangana Amendment) Bill, 2021 to this effect on Thursday.

Minister for roads and buildings Vemula Prashanth Reddy, who moved the Bill in the House on behalf of the Chief Minister, said that the amendment was made to include more business transactions in the purview of the Act.

He said the minimum price of a revenue stamp was 20 paise at present, which is being affixed on stamp papers of Rs 100 for various business transactions. The minimum price of revenue stamp has now been increased to Rs 1.

A minimum of Rs 2,000 charges or 0.5 per cent of the amount agreed (whichever is less), will be collected on business transactions pertaining to advertisement on mass media, exclusive rights of telecasting, broadcasting or exhibition of an event or film with an intention to make profits or business out it, assignment of copyright under Copyright Act, 1957.

A minimum of Rs 10,000 or 0.2 per cent of the amount agreed (whichever is less) will be collected on BOT projects or Rs 2,000 or 0.2 per cent (whichever is less) on the performance of any art or skill by person or persons.

In respect of amalgamation, merger, demerger of companies, Rs 2 for every Rs 100 of the market value of the immovable property located within the state of the transferer or the company will be collected or the aggregate of the market value of the shares issued or allotted in exchange.

The other new business transactions that were brought under the ambit of stamp duty included instruments of any partnership, surrender of lease, works contract etc.

The minister stated that the new charges will not burden the common people as they relate to business entities.
A six-year-old Indian-origin girl who campaigns to raise awareness of deforestation and climate change issues was on Thursday named a winner of British Prime Minister Boris Johnsons daily Points of Light award.

Aleesha Gadhia is a climate activist and mini ambassador for UK-based non-profit Cool Earth and has raised over GBP 3,000 for the organisation, which works alongside rainforest communities to halt deforestation and lobbies businesses to create more sustainable practices.

She has also set up a climate change club at her school, encouraging others to look after the environment and include activities such as litter picking and planting trees.

I feel really excited and happy to have won the award. I am really grateful and honoured to have Prime Minister Boris Johnson award and write a letter to me. I never thought I would receive such an award, Gadhia said.

Climate change is a really important issue and I hope raising awareness will tackle this problem. Thank you to everyone who has supported me, including my teachers Mrs Heatlie and Mrs Wandand. Thank you also, to Cool Earth for making me their first youth ambassador, she said.

Gadhia was recognised with the honour for also writing hundreds of letters and emails to some of the UKs largest companies and most influential people to encourage them to take climate action.

Im absolutely delighted to hear that Aleesha has been recognised as one of the Prime Ministers Points of Light for all her amazing work to protect rainforests and raise awareness around climate change, said Ruth Edwards, Gadhias local MP for Rushcliffe in Nottingham, central England.

I have had the pleasure of meeting Aleesha, who is currently raising money for Cool Earth, last month and I think she is setting a great example of what we can all do to help our environment. This award is truly well-deserved, and I cant wait to see whats next for Aleesha and her campaign, she said.

Earlier this year, Gadhia set up a Just Giving online fundraiser page and raised GBP 3,400 for Cool Earth with her 80-km scooter challenge, which received the backing of Queen Elizabeth II and environmentalist Sir David Attenborough.

I would like to do my part and try and save the rainforests. All the money raised will go towards making this a greener planet, she said of her fundraising drive.

Gadhias parents, Kiran and Pooja Gadhia added, We are so proud of Aleesha, she has done so much over the past year for someone so young. She has inspired us all and we hope she continues on this amazing journey.

Gadhia becomes the 1,755th person to receive the British Prime Minister's Points of Light award, which was launched in 2014 to recognise people making a difference in their communities.

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By Mary Biekert

Former Pepsi Co Chief Executive Officer Indra Nooyi, one of few women of colour to ever run a large public US company, said shes never asked for a raise and once turned one down during the financial crisis.

Ive never, ever, ever asked for a raise, Nooyi said in an interview with the New York Times Magazine this week. I find it cringeworthy. I cannot imagine working for somebody and saying my pay is not enough.

Also read: Indra Nooyi says she can't stop watching IPL, KBC

Only 31 women run companies in the S&P 500, and that number was even smaller when Nooyi stepped down in 2018. The ones who do tend to make less. In her final year on the job, Nooyi didnt rank close to the top for executive pay at public companies in the US  most women didnt. That year, Oracle Corps Safra Catz was the highest-paid female CEO on Bloombergs ranking of executive compensation, coming in at 33rd on the list.

I never asked my board to give me more money, Nooyi said in the New York Times interview. In fact, one year the board gave me a raise and I said, I dont want it. They said, Why not? It was right after a financial crisis, and I said, I dont want the raise.

In the early aughts, when Nooyi was still at Pepsi, a body of research suggested that women didnt negotiate their salaries as frequently as men, a potential contributor to the gender pay gap.

Sheryl Sandbergs Lean In famously told women to just ask and theyd receive. Since then, research from McKinsey & Co and LeanIn.org found women were engaging in the process just as much as men. But, there was a catch: They were less likely to get them, which might explain their initial reticence.

Nooyi now sits on Amazon.com Incs board and recently published a memoir called My Life in Full. Since her tenure at Pepsi, CEO pay packages have only grown and last year only five of the countrys 100 top-paid executives were women.

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A powerful 5.9-magnitude earthquake jolted a mountainous part of Pakistan's Balochistan province early on Thursday, resulting in the collapse of a coal mine and several mud houses that left at least 22 people dead and over 300 others injured, officials said.

The National Seismic Monitoring Centre in Islamabad said that the epicentre of the earthquake was near Harnai, which has a large number of coal mines, at a depth of around 15 kilometres.

The quake affected Quetta, Sibi, Harnai, Pishin, Qila Saifullah, Chaman, Ziarat and Zhob in Balochistan. Most of the deaths and injuries were reported from the remote north-eastern district of Harnai where at least 13 people have died, according to officials.

At least four people were killed when a coal mine in which they were working collapsed, Suhail Anwar Shaheen, the local deputy commissioner, was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

Disaster management officials said the death toll may increase.

The US Geological Survey said it was a 5.9 magnitude quake that struck at a shallow depth. Shallow quakes can cause more damage.

Balochistan Home Minister Zia Ullah Langau confirmed that the death toll in the earthquake has reached 22.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner of Harnai District Sohail Anwar Hashmi had said that six children were among 22 dead. He said five to six districts were affected on a "major scale" and data was still being collected.

The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) said many of the dead were women and children.

Images on social media showed people in the city of Quetta out on the streets in the aftermath of the quake, Dawn newspaper reported.

Aftershocks are still being felt in different areas. The earliest tremors were felt at 3:20 am after which panicked citizens rushed out of their houses reciting verses from the holy Quran. Relief and rescue activities are underway, with an emergency declared in all hospitals.

According to Hashmi, several people have been rushed to the hospital in critical condition. He said that several buildings in Harnai have been damaged. Many people were left buried under the rubble.

More than 100 mud houses have also collapsed, leaving hundreds of people homeless. The power supply to the area has been suspended, he said.

Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan Alyani said that assistance and evacuation efforts were underway.

"Blood, ambulances, emergency assistance, [helicopters] and rest all things are placed ... All departments are working on it," he tweeted.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed all federal departments to fully assist the provincial government in relief and rescue operations.

In a statement, Khan said the federal government will extend all possible assistance to the Balochistan government in this difficult hour.

He also expressed deep grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives in the earthquake. He directed to provide best medical treatment to those injured.

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad has said the civil armed forces are cooperating with the local administration in extending help to the quake victims of Balochistan.

President Dr Arif Alvi has expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of lives in the earthquake.

The Army said in a statement that the troops reached earthquake-hit areas of Harnai for rescue and relief efforts.

"Necessary food/Shelter items moved for the earthquake-affected population. Army Doctors & paramedics along with necessary medicines are assisting civil administration for necessary medical care, it said.

Speaking to Geo News, PDMA Director General Naseer Ahmed Nasir said there had been landslides in mountainous areas.

Pakistan straddles between the Indian and the Eurasian tectonic plates and is located on the Indus-Tsangpo Suture Zone, which is roughly 200 km north of the Himalaya Front, which makes this region highly susceptible to earthquakes.

The region has the highest rates of seismicity and largest earthquakes in the Himalayan region, caused mainly by movement on thrust faults. The country has suffered several earthquakes in recent years.

This is not the first time that a major earthquake has hit the Balochistan province which is mostly made up of open and mountainous space and land with many people living in far-flung remote areas.

In September 2013 a massive earthquake hit parts of the province but its epicentre was in Awaran district and it killed around 825 people and left thousands injured also flattening thousands of houses in the southwestern province.

One of the worst earthquakes to hit the country in recent years was on October 8, 2005, which killed over 74,000 people.

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With tensions rising between the global powers, President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping are expected to hold a virtual meeting before year's end, a senior Biden administration official said Wednesday.

The agreement in principle for the talks was disclosed after White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan and senior Chinese foreign policy adviser Yang Jiechi met for six hours in Zurich.

The official said the idea for the presidential meeting was proposed after Biden, who spent a substantial amount of time with Xi when the two were vice presidents, mentioned during their call last month that he would like to be able to see Xi again.

Details for their meeting are yet to be worked out, according to the US official, who was not authorised to comment publicly on the talks between Sullivan and Yang and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Also Read | Biden says he and Xi agree to abide by Taiwan agreement

Xi has not left China during the coronavirus pandemic and is not expected to attend in person the upcoming Group of 20 summit in Rome and a UN climate conference in Scotland.

A White House statement on the Swiss meeting said Sullivan stressed to Yang the need to maintain open lines of communication, while raising concerns about China's recent military provocations against Taiwan, human rights abuses against ethnic minorities and Beijing's efforts to squelch pro-democracy advocates in Hong Kong.

Sullivan made clear that while the United States would continue to invest in our own national strength," it sought better engagement at a senior level to ensure responsible competition," the statement said.

US officials have expressed frustration that interactions with high-level Chinese counterparts, including Yang, in the early stages of Biden's presidency have been less than constructive.

But the talks on Wednesday were described as respectful, constructive and perhaps the most in-depth between the sides since Biden took office in January, according to the administration official.

The White House said the meeting was intended to serve as a follow-up to last month's call between Biden and Xi in which Biden stressed the need to set clear parameters in their competition.

Still, the US-China relationship has been under strain, exacerbated recently by the Chinese military's flying dozens of sorties near the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday reiterated concerns that Beijing was undermining regional peace and stability with its provocative action. China sent a record 56 fighter planes toward Taiwan on Monday alone.

We strongly urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic and economic pressure and coercion directed at Taiwan, said Blinken, who was in Paris for talks with French officials.

At the start of Biden's presidency, he pledged to press Beijing on its human rights record. His administration has affirmed the US position, first made late in the Trump administration, that China's repression of Uyghur Muslims and other minorities in its northwest Xinjiang region was genocide.

In March, the United States, in coordination with the European Union, United Kingdom and Canada, imposed sanctions on top communist party officials for their roles in detaining and abusing Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities.

At June's Group of Seven summit in England, Biden successfully pressed fellow leaders to include specific language criticizing China's use of forced labour and other human rights abuses in the leaders' joint statement.

Human rights advocates and Republican lawmakers in the U.S. have raised concerns that the administration might be easing pressure on human rights as it looks for cooperation from Beijing on the global effort on climate change and in thwarting North Korea's nuclear programme.

The White House said last week it did not have a position on the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which was passed by the US Senate in July.

US Sen. Marco Rubio, a Florida Republican and sponsor of the legislation, wrote in the Washington Examiner on Wednesday that the Biden administration is choosing to ignore the Chinese Communist Party's egregious human rights abuses to strike a deal on climate.

The US also signalled this week that for the time being it plans to stick with tariffs levied against China during the Trump administration.

US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, in a speech in Washington this week, said she would begin engaging her Chinese counterparts to discuss Beijing's failure to meet commitments made in the first phase of a US-China trade agreement signed in January 2020.

Biden has criticised Beijing for coercive trade practices, including its use of forced labour, that has led to an unfair playing field.

"We will use the full range of tools we have and develop new tools as needed to defend American economic interests from harmful policies and practices, Tai said.

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This year has been unsettling for Chinese business. The ruling Communist Party has gone after the private sector industry by industry. The stock markets have taken a huge hit. The countrys biggest property developer is on the verge of collapse.

But for some of the biggest names on Wall Street, Chinas economic prospects look rosier than ever.

BlackRock, the worlds biggest asset manager, urged investors to increase their exposure to China by as much as three times.

Is China investable? asked JPMorgan, before answering, We think so. Goldman Sachs says yes, too.

DH Deciphers | Why is the world shocked by the troubles of a Chinese company?

Their bullishness in the face of growing uncertainty has puzzled China experts and drawn criticism from a wide political spectrum, from George Soros, the progressive investor, to congressional Republicans. Soros has called BlackRocks stance a tragic mistake that is likely to lose money for its clients and would damage the national security interests of the US and other democracies.

But Wall Street sees opportunity. Even while Beijing tightens its grip over business and the economy, it is giving global investment firms greater opportunities to serve Chinese companies and investors.

At the height of a market sell-off in late July, the deputy chair of Chinas securities regulator, Fang Xinghai, summoned executives of BlackRock, Goldman Sachs and other firms to a meeting, trying to alleviate investor nervousness over Beijings crackdowns, according to a memo I reviewed.

Some 20 days later, regulators approved BlackRocks application to offer mutual funds in China. Around the same time, a BlackRock executive told The Financial Times that China was underrepresented in global investors portfolios and in global bench marks. The firm recommended that investors boost their allocations by two to three times.

Also Read | For Xi and China Evergrande, a delicate balancing act

BlackRock said in a statement that its global clients can benefit from portfolio diversification that includes more deliberate asset allocation to China, adding that Wall Streets expansion in China is consistent with US government policy goals.

Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan declined to comment.

Wall Street now stands as an increasingly lonely voice arguing for more engagement with China. Both US political parties are calling for a tougher stance. Positions have hardened in other countries, too. The broad business world has become more ambivalent; it still sees China has a huge market, but issues like trade, intellectual property and the governments support of homegrown businesses have complicated their traditional support.

Wall Street might be right to be bullish. China has defied bearish predictions in the past. Despite the partys authoritarian rule in other matters, it has long brought a touch of laissez faire to the economy, helping growth.

But Xi Jinping, Chinas top leader, is ushering the country into a more uncertain era. The partys rule is tighter and more authoritarian than before. It has not abandoned market principles broadly because it needs economic growth to sustain its legitimacy, but it is tinkering with tighter controls. The long-term impact is far from clear.

This summer, Chinas private sector suffered its harshest beating by the Communist Party in decades. With just a few abrupt orders, Beijing kneecapped the internet industry, sharply curtailed after-school tutoring businesses and drove some property developers to the brink of default.

Didi, Chinas dominant ride-hailing company, was a Wall Street darling when it went public in New York in late June, raising more than $4 billion. Its share price has fallen by nearly half after the Chinese government moved to limit its business two days after its listing, leaving many investors  including US funds  in limbo.

I dont think we can use spreadsheet-type thinking to take a view on China in the 2020s and beyond, said George Magnus, a China researcher at Oxford University. The country is going through a sharp leftward lurch in politics, he said, which is creating a deep contradiction between the craving for political control and the desire for good economic and innovation outcomes.

I think the former, Magnus added, is bound to win.

Some of Wall Streets biggest names disagree. Ray Dalio, founder of the hedge fund Bridgewater, wrote in late July that people in the West should not interpret Beijings crackdowns as the Communist Party leaders showing their true anti-capitalist stripes. Instead, he wrote, the party believed those moves were better for the country even if the shareholders dont like it.

The relationship has been good to Bridgewater so far. Dalios firm has raised billions of dollars from Chinese clients such as the China Investment Corp., the sovereign wealth fund, and State Administration of Foreign Exchange, which manages the countrys currency reserves. (Bridgewater declined to comment.)

This is a balance that business has played with China for a long time: Say nice things to Beijing, lobby back home on Chinas behalf, then ask for access to markets and capital.

Goldman Sachs became the first foreign bank to seek full ownership of a securities business in China in December. BlackRock, which describes China as an undiscovered market, hired a former regulator to head its China business. So many global financial firms are expanding in the country that there is a talent war.

The Wall Street firms argue that, despite regulatory risks and slowing growth, China is too big to ignore and that its stocks are too undervalued to pass up.

Many investors have listened. US mutual funds and exchange-traded funds investing primarily in China held $43 billion in net assets at the end of August, up 43per cent, or $13 billion, from a year earlier, according to Morningstar.

A lot of companies and investors have made a lot of money over the years from China. And despite the frosty talk between the two sides, they still share extensive business ties. China makes iPhones and buys iPhones. Same with Chevrolets. Chinas economic growth, while slowing, is still stronger than in most places. That will not change overnight.

But even as Wall Street cheers on China, the balance between engaging with Beijing and confronting Beijing has fallen out of whack. And Americans lawmakers are starting to scrutinize those ties. Elected representatives from both the Democratic and Republican parties have expressed concerns about US funds investing in China. A US government retirement fund halted plans to invest in Chinese stocks last year after growing criticism that the move could work against national security goals.

Matthew Pottinger, a deputy national security adviser under former President Donald Trump, warned recently in Foreign Affairs that these institutions cling to self-destructive habits acquired through decades of engagement, an approach to China that led Washington to prioritize economic cooperation and trade above all else.

Compared with Wall Streets confidence, Chinas business community is jittery about what comes next. The wealthiest people are pledging to spend millions, sometimes billions, of dollars on charities and other projects to stay aligned with Xis goal of common prosperity.

Access to senior Chinese policymakers does not work its magic as much as before, either. Stephen Schwarzman, head of the private equity giant Blackstone, has long cultivated relationships with the Chinese leadership. He is tight with Liu He, the countrys economic czar. Still, his firm was forced to call off a $3 billion deal to buy Soho China, a property developer, in September because they failed to get regulatory approval. Blackstone declined to comment.

The Wall Street firms are apparently betting that Chinas past successes will continue. They have a long track record on their side, but they would do well to remember what they constantly tell their customers: Past performance is not necessarily indicative of future results.

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Andre Bauma met Ndakasi when she was just 2 months old, just after she was holding onto her mothers dead body. A decade later, Ndakasi has died holding onto Bauma. She was 14.

In between those two embraces, Ndakasi, a mountain gorilla in the Democratic Republic of Congo, rocketed to global fame.

In 2019, Ndakasi and another female mountain gorilla, Ndeze, photobombed a selfie taken by a ranger at the Virunga National Park in Congo, where they lived.

When the image was posted on Instagram, it went viral. It shows one park ranger, Mathieu Shamavu, in a T-shirt and posing for a selfie, the two gorillas behind him. One gorilla looks over her left shoulder, chin down, a just-another-day look on her face, peering toward the camera. The other is leaning forward, as if determined to make it into the shot, a hint of a smile at the edge of her mouth. Heyy! Behind them is another ranger, hands behind his back, peering intensely at the scene.

YES, its real! the park wrote in a caption when the image was posted online. The photo delighted the internet and brought another round of attention to Ndakasi, who, by that point, had already lived a notable life.

She was born in 2007 as a member of the Kabirizi group, one of eight gorilla families living in the 3,000-square-mile park, which sits between Uganda and Rwanda. The year she was born, there were just 720 mountain gorillas on the planet, according to the park. Now, that number has grown to above 1,000, according to the World Wildlife Fund.

The mountain gorillas live mainly in forests in national parks in Uganda, Rwanda and Congo. Climate change, traps set to kill other animals, human encroachment and people with guns are among the gorillas biggest challenges to survival.

In April 2007, the Congolese park said its rangers had found Ndakasi clinging to the lifeless body of her mother, gunned down by armed militia hours earlier.

With no relatives of the infant gorilla present, rangers considered it too dangerous to leave her by herself. They took her to a rescue center, where she met Bauma, the park said. All night long, Andre held the baby close to him, the park said.

The killings of other mountain gorillas like Ndasakis family led to extensive security upgrades throughout the park. In 2009, a center focusing on the care of orphaned mountain gorillas was created inside the park. Bauma became its manager.

In 2014, he and the gorillas were featured in a documentary titled Virunga. By that point, Bauma and Ndasaki had grown close.

I played with her, I fed her, the BBC quoted Bauma as saying in 2014. I can say I am her mother.

On Wednesday, the park announced Ndasaki had died on Sep. 26, after a prolonged illness in which her condition rapidly deteriorated.

On Thursday, the park said Bauma was not available for interviews.

But in a public statement, Bauma said that getting to know Ndakasi had helped me to understand the connection between humans and great apes and why we should do everything in our power to protect them.

I loved her like a child, he added, and her cheerful personality brought a smile to my face every time I interacted with her.
The Covid-19 pandemic and economic slowdown have dimmed the lights on West Bengal's biggest festival, Durga Puja, for the second consecutive year as organisers slashed their budgets and scaled down celebrations due to shrunken sponsorship.

Not just small-budget pujas, even big-ticket Durga Puja committees in Kolkata have curtailed their spending by nearly 30-40 per cent, mainly compromising on marquee decoration, organisers said.

Some major Durga Puja organisers, however, felt that although the present situation is far from normal, it is better than last year as many sponsors are willing to spend, albeit lesser than previous years.

Read more: 'We are farmers, not terrorists': Kolkata Durga Puja pandal depicts farmers' protest

College Square Durga Puja Committee spokesperson Bikash Majumder told PTI on Thursday that its budget has been slashed by at least 40 per cent as compared to the 2019 spending of Rs 50 lakh as there are fewer corporate sponsors and also because of a Covid-induced overall downturn in the market.

"The illumination on the water body next to our marquee will have lesser glitz and frills while the pandal will be open on all sides, enabling the revellers to see the idols from a distance," he said, adding that the Durga idol height has been shortened to around 12-14 feet.

"But we can't stop the festivities altogether as the livelihood of many people depends on our puja," he said.

Echoing similar sentiments, a member of Suruchi Sangha, another popular puja that has attracted lakhs of visitors for years, also decided to cut down its budget by around 30-40 per cent.

"We have curtailed our budget by around 30-40 per cent due to lack of sponsors. We have also decided to spend around 50 per cent of the funds collected by our puja committee towards providing financial assistance to around 10,000 children and their families in our area. The remaining amount will be spent on idol and marquee," puja committee spokesperson Swarup Biswas said.

He said the celebrations will be minimalistic due to the paucity of funds.

Medium and big pujas in the state spend between Rs 12 lakh and Rs 30 crore on theme-based marquees packed with safety arrangements and basic necessities.

Read more: Annual Durga puja cancelled; cultural events near pandals not allowed in West Bengal

Mohammad Ali Park Durga Puja committee general secretary Surendra Kumar Sharma said that their budget has been slashed to around Rs 12-13 lakh from Rs 60 lakh in the pre-Covid times.

Organisers have also cut down on promotional activities due to shrunken budgets.

The Calcutta High Court has ordered that all Durga Puja pandals in the state be made no-entry zones for people, like last year, to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Forum for Durgotsab president Kajal Sarkar said that sponsors who have expressed willingness to invest have curtailed the amounts.

"Donations, subscriptions and retail advertisements cover around 30 per cent of the expenses; while the rest is usually taken care of by corporate funding, which was negligible last year. Although the situation has improved this year, the sponsors have cut down the amount," he said.

However, corporate houses said they are excited to participate in Durga Puja this year as the Covid impact has reduced, and it has been long since the firms directly connected with consumers through physical advertising.

"Enquiries were higher this year but advertisers finally did not proceed very aggressively due to the uncertainty over footfall at pandals. The advertising inventory, which comprises physical advertisements and sponsorships to puja committees, of all major firms in pre-Covid times was a total of Rs 200 crore.

"However, this year it has dipped to 50 per cent (Rs 100 crore), and last year, it was 25-30 per cent," Amit Mitra, a senior official of a multinational advertising firm, told PTI.

Emami Agrotech said that overall spending could have been higher if the corporate firms and media planners had clarity over the scale of the celebrations.

"We were apprehensive about the situation, so had to delay our planning. Our spending could have been more if we had clarity on the situation. We are focussing more on digital content, for which we have allocated around 60-70 per cent of our budget," Emami Agrotech president (marketing) Debabsish Bhattacharya said.

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was on Thursday administered the oath as a member of the state assembly by Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar.

Banerjee, who won the Bhabanipur by-poll by a margin of 58,835 votes, a record for the seat, took the oath in Bengali.

She needed to win the election to retain the chief minister's chair after her defeat at the hands of protege-turned-rival BJP's Suvendu Adhikari in the March-April assembly elections.

Two other newly elected TMC legislators Jakir Hossain and Amirul Islam also took oath soon afterwards.

Jakir Hossain was declared victorious by a huge margin of 92,480 votes from Jangipur, Amirul Islam won from Samserganj by 26,379 votes.

Dhankhar had on Tuesday said he will administer the oath to Banerjee and others, in a departure from the practice of the governor authorising the speaker of the assembly to conduct the exercise.

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India on Thursday officially joined the High Ambition Coalition for Nature and People, a group of more than 70 countries encouraging the adoption of the global goal to protect at least 30 per cent of the world's land and ocean by 2030.

India is the first of the BRICS bloc of major emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) to join the HAC, the Union Environment Ministry said in a statement.

India's announcement comes in the lead up to a high-level biodiversity meeting in China from October 11 to 15.

Rameshwar Prasad Gupta, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, handed over the signed HAC agreement to Ambassador of France to India Emmanuel Lenain in a ceremony on Thursday.

Gupta said resource mobilization will always be the cornerstone for implementation of policies and programmes for conserving biodiversity and India would ensure all support in meeting the global biodiversity targets.

Lenain said India joining the High Ambition Coalition is a "real game changer and will boost our multilateral efforts".

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India on Thursday announced re-starting international tourism by offering tourist visas from October 15 for travellers arriving on chartered flights.

The decision came 18 months after it shut doors for foreign tourists due to the Covid-19 outbreak in March last year.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced that tourist visas for those arriving in India by flights other than chartered aircraft would be available from November 15.

After considering various inputs, the MHA has decided to begin granting of fresh Tourist Visas for foreigners coming to India through chartered flights with effect from October 15, 2021, an official statement said.

Read: 'Please watch your Oct, Nov, Dec,' Govt warns people of Covid surge during festival, wedding season

The tourist season begins in India with the onset of winter as travellers land in huge numbers at the sylvan beaches in the country, particularly Goa.

All due protocols and norms relating to Covid-19 as notified by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare from time to time shall be adhered to by the foreign tourists, carriers bringing them into India and all other stakeholders at landing stations, the MHA statement said.

The restrictions placed on visa and international travel since March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic stand further eased given the present overall pandemic situation, it said.

In a bid to boost tourism, the government had already announced to provide five lakh tourist visas free-of-cost to those visiting Indian shores before March 31, 2022.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said the government had given a special thrust on Covid-19 vaccination in tourism-dependent states such as Goa and Uttarakhand with a view to re-start tourist activities.

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to begin granting fresh Tourist Visas to foreigners coming to India through chartered flights with effect from October 15 Press release- https://t.co/0RL3HFIp1D pic.twitter.com/eYfZy55ERI  Spokesperson, Ministry of Home Affairs (@PIBHomeAffairs) October 7, 2021

Tourism destinations such as Lakshadweep, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar and Sikkim have vaccinated 100% of their population with the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine, which could help address the health concerns of tourists.

Travel operators have welcomed the decision to issue tourist visas and have now pinned hope on resumption of normal international air travel, instead of the current air bubble arrangement.

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The Supreme Court has taken a suo motu cognisance of Lakhimpur Kheri violence which claimed lives of eight people, including four farmers on Sunday. A bench of Chief Justice N V Ramana and Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli would take up the matter on Thursday.

According to the Supreme Court website, the case 'In Re Violence in Lakhimpur Kheri (UP) leading to loss of lives' would come up for hearing before the bench led by the Chief Justice of India.

The incident has come under attack from the Opposition leaders as farmers' outfits have claimed that a car ferrying Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra's son Ashish ran over a group of protesters gathered to oppose a programme attended by Uttar Pradesh's deputy Chief Minister. Farmers in Punjab, Haryana and Western UP have been protesting for the last one year demanding repeal of three farm laws.

Also Read | Lakhimpur Kheri killings give new lifeline to Opposition ahead of UP election

Several videos of the Sunday incident had emerged, creating furore across the country.

Reacting to the development, former Union minister and Congress MP Kapil Sibal tweeted, "This is the need of the hour. The courts in India are the temples of justice that can restore the faith of the voiceless who most often feel orphaned."

Earlier, two lawyers had written to the Chief Justice of India for CBI probe into the matter.

The letter, written by advocates Shiv Kumar Tripathi and C S Panda, said: Having regard to the seriousness of the killing of the farmers at District Lakhimpur-Khiri in Uttar Pradesh, it is incumbent upon this court to intervene in the matter.

The lawyers claimed of late, violence has become the political culture in the country. They said there is need to protect the rule of law in the "violence- ravaged" Uttar Pradesh.

The incident called for direction against the state government and the concerned bureaucrats along with the "law-breaking" police machinery under the administrative control of the ministry of home, so that the "cult of violence" comes to a grinding halt, they said.

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Gangsters Tillu Tajpuriya and Naveen Balli have been arrested in connection with the killing of Jitender Gogi in a shootout inside a courtroom in Delhi's Rohini last month, officials said on Thursday.

A few days ago, the Crime Branch had taken jailed gangster Tillu Tajpuriya -- one of the prime conspirators -- in its custody to grill him about Gogi's killing.

Followed by his interrogation, jailed gangster Naveen Balli was also taken into custody on Tuesday for two days in connection with the incident.

Read more: Delhi HC takes suo motu cognizance of Rohini Court shootout

According to police, Balli was involved in the conspiracy to kill Gogi.

It was on his instructions that one of his associates Naveen Hooda had brought a Nepali citizen to Rohini court in a lawyers dress armed with weapons on the day of the incident to join Rahul and Jagga, the other assailants.

Both Tajpuriya and Bali were lodged in jail number 15 of Mandoli prison.

Jailed gangster Sunil Rathee is also suspected to have played a role and is under the scanner.

A preliminary investigation into the case had revealed that the instruction to kill Gogi was given on phone by Tajpuriya.

Tajpuriya was in touch with his associates over VoIP call directing them on how to execute the plan, police had said.

The Special Cell of the Delhi Police had also arrested Umang Yadav and Vinay from a flat in northwest Delhi's Haiderpur area in connection with the shootout and their custody was later handed over to the Crime Branch which is probing the case, police officials had said.

Two assailants shot dead Jitender Gogi inside the Rohini court on September 24. Both then were killed in retaliatory firing by the police.

The Gogi and Tillu gangs are reportedly at war for years and their rivalry has claimed dozens of lives. To attain supremacy, these two gangs have formed alliances with other inter-state gangsters.

Gogi gang has allied with gangster Kala Jathedi, Lawrence Bishnoi, Sampat Nehra, Ashok Pradhan, Hashim Baba while the Tillu gang is being supported by Neeraj Bawana, Sunil Rathee, Naveen Bali, and Nasir, according to the police.

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Union minister Ajay Mishra's son Ashish Mishra alias Monu was sitting in the car that mowed down protesting farmers and he also opened fire at them, according to an FIR lodged by the Uttar Pradesh Police.

According to the first information report (FIR) lodged on a complaint of Jagjit Singh, a native of Bahraich district, the episode was "premeditated" for which the "conspiracy was hatched" by the minister and his son.

It also alleged that "provocative" statements of the Union minister of state for home had led to the farmers' protest here during which violence erupted and claimed the lives of eight people.

Read More
The targeting of members of a minority community in Kashmir by militants has worried families whose kin are studying or working outside the Valley.

The families fear that their kin may be targeted in retaliation by extremist elements in various parts of the country just like after the February 14, 2019 fidayeen (suicide) attack in a CRPF convoy in southern Pulwama district in which 40 paramilitary personnel were killed.

After reports of students and other residents of Kashmir experiencing threats and intimidation in the wake of the Pulwama attack, the Ministry of Home Affairs had issued an advisory to all states to take necessary measures to ensure their safety and security.

Also Read | Unabated civilian killings belie govts normalcy narrative in Kashmir

Mohammad Ishaq, whose son is working in Noida, is anxious -- as are hundreds of parents whose wards are outside -- after the killing of four members of a minority community in less than 48 hours.

I told my son to try to stay indoors as I dont want him to get into unnecessary trouble. In recent years, every time there is some incident in the Valley, Kashmiri students and others living outside have to pay the price, Ishaq told Deccan Herald.

He said Kashmiris often face vicious verbal and physical abuse particularly in mainland India after any incident in the Valley. Many end up returning home more alienated than they were to begin with. This hate and anger is not spontaneous but has been building up for years now, Ishaq said while strongly condemning the killing of members of the minority community in Kashmir.

Jaleel Ahmad from south Kashmirs Anantnag district is worried for his two younger brothers studying in Uttar Pradesh. Most ordinary Indians have not travelled to Kashmir or know much about the problem. Their impression of us is based on media reports, which are adding fire to this hate, he said.

Read | Two teachers shot dead by terrorists in Srinagar

Ahmad said that in recent years the anti-Kashmiri sentiment has amplified and latest killings of members of minority communities will further aggravate their miseries.

Kashmiris in one voice have condemned the brutal killings of minority community members by the militants. However, unfortunately most of the media outlets dont portray this picture of Kashmir and brand everybody living here as a terrorist which is unfortunate, he rued. People driven by hate see no distinction between militants and ordinary Kashmiris. Everyone becomes the target because of their ethnicity.

A netizen, Aamir Ashraf, wrote on his Twitter handle, The effect of this incident (killing of non-Muslims) will affect kashmiri students and residents out of kashmir remember!
Union Minister of State Ajay Mishra's son Ashish, who was accused of running over farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri, was stated to be 'untraceable' on Thursday.

A senior police official said that the cops wanted to quiz Ashish, who was the main accused in the incident and was booked for murder, and were looking for him. "The whereabouts of Ashish Mishra is not known," the official said.

Interestingly, Ashish, who had denied the allegations and claimed that he was not in the vehicle which allegedly ran over protesting farmers, killing eight people, including four farmers and a local scribe in the Tikonia area of the district on Sunday, had been giving interviews to the local media until Tuesday.

Read | Lakhimpur: A threat to both BJP and farmers' leaders

Ashish was not quizzed by the cops even after a case of murder was lodged against him and the emergence of at least two videos showing vehicles speeding through what looked like a crowd of farmers on a dusty village road.

Sources in the government, however, said that Ashish Mishra's arrest was imminent after the Supreme Court took suo motu cognisance of the incident and sought to know about the arrests of the accused persons. Sources quoting the local media in Lakhimpur Kheri also said that Ashish could soon 'surrender'.

Read | UP killings give new lifeline to Oppn ahead of election

The opposition parties slammed the state government for not being able to arrest the main accused in the matter. "The arrogant BJP government has contracted cataract...it cannot see what is very clear.....several videos have surfaced, which show the involvement of the accused but the government is yet to act," Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav said.

Akhilesh, who met the families of some of the victims of the violence in Lakhimpur Kheri on Thursday, demanded sacking of union minister Ajay Mishra.

Meanwhile the Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday set up a one man judicial commission to probe the violence in Lakhimpur Kheri district.

According to the official sources here, the commission, which was headed by retired High Court judge Pradeep Kumar Srivastava, would submit its report within two months. The commission was likely to start its probe in the next few days.

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A bus collided with a sand-laden truck near Baburi village in the district on Thursday, leaving nine people dead and 27 injured, police said.

The bus carrying 70 passengers was going to Bahraich from Delhi when the accident took place, Superintendent of Police, Yamuna Prasad, said, adding the accident took place when the bus driver tried to avoid hitting a stray cow.

The injured have been rushed to a trauma centre in Lucknow.

While condoling the loss of lives in the accident, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each for the family of victims and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Adityanath has asked the local administration to provide best possible medical care to the injured.
Those who perpetrated violence in the Valley in the last few days, and their "sponsors in other countries", will have to pay dearly, BJP national vice-president Baijayant Jay Panda said on Thursday.

He made the comment in response to a question after releasing a report prepared by a think-tank on Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 20 years in public office.

Modi completed 20 years as the head of a government, including over 13 years as Gujarat chief minister, on Thursday.

Also Read | Unabated civilian killings belie govts normalcy narrative in Kashmir

Extolling Modi's career as "transformational", Panda said one of his many achievements was the abrogation of Article 370.

Many had raised concerns over its aftermath, but there has been a "drastic change" and "stone-pelting incidents are now things of the past", the BJP leader said, alleging that these incidents were "orchestrated earlier".

"In the last few days, there have been a few incidents of violence, killing of Kashmiri Pandits and non-Muslim people. Thirty years ago, when there was an ethnic cleansing against the Kashmiri Pandit community, it was downplayed at many places. This time, a daughter of one of the victims has spoken out so powerfully. That is the right spirit," Panda told reporters.

Neither the Kashmiri Pandit community nor others "are cowed down by this. Everybody is clear that this is a different India, this is a New India", he said.

"And, I can assure you that people who have committed this outrageous acts of violence and murders in the last 2-3 days, and their sponsors in other countries, they will pay dearly for it," the senior BJP leader said.

A woman principal and a teacher were shot dead at point blank range inside a government school in the heart of Srinagar on Thursday, taking to seven the number of civilians killed by militants in Kashmir Valley in five days.

Of the seven, four were from minority communities and six of the deaths took place in Srinagar, the main urban centre of the Valley.

Supinder Kaur, the principal of the Government Boys Higher Secondary School in Eidgah in downtown Srinagar, and Deepak Chand, were gunned down around 11.15 am just when the school had settled down to another day of online classes. There were no students in school.

Kaur, a Srinagar-based Sikh, and Chand, a Hindu from Jammu, were killed two days after The Resistance Force, a shadow outfit of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the deaths of three people on Tuesday.

The report Panda released was prepared by Delhi-based think-tank Public Policy Research Centre, and it took about six months to do it, its director Sumeet Bhasin said.

The nearly 90-page report charts the milestones in Modi's career in public office, first as the chief minister of Gujarat and then as the country's prime minister, including his various key policies and the Covid-19 vaccination programme run by India under his leadership.

Narendra Modi had taken oath as Gujarat chief minister on this day in 2001 and relinquished the chair in 2014 after an uninterrupted stay at the helm as he led the BJP to victory in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls and became prime minister.

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Less than 48 hours after three civilians were shot dead in Srinagar and Bandipora, unidentified militants killed two government school teachers, including a female principal, in the old city Safa Kadal area of Srinagar on Thursday.

A police official said unidentified gunmen fired upon the duo at around 11:15 am, leaving them critically injured. They were shifted to super-specialty SKIMS hospital where they were declared dead on arrival.

The deceased were identified as Supinder Kour, a Sikh who worked as the principal of the school where the incident took place, and Deepak Chand, a Kashmiri Pandit who was a teacher there.

A witness said three militants on motorbikes arrived at the school and asked the staff to move inside the principals room. After establishing identities, the Muslim staff was asked to go out of the room. The assailants then got them out of the room and shot them mercilessly, he said on the condition of anonymity.

The Resistance Front (TRF), floated after the Centre ended J&K's special constitutional position, has purportedly claimed responsibility for the attack on the social media platforms. "The Shaheed Gazi Squad carried out the targeted attack on two non-locals who were domicile holders and had harassed the parents of the students to salute the occupier's flag on August 15," a TRF spokesman said.

The Resistance Front is believed to be the frontal organisation of Pakistan-based Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT).

On Tuesday evening, 68-year-old Makhan Lal Bindroo, a prominent businessman and the owner of a pharmacy in Srinagar's Iqbal Park, was shot at from point-blank range. Just an hour later a street vendor from Bihar was shot dead in similar circumstances in Lal Bazar area on the outskirts of Srinagar.

One more civilian was shot dead the same evening by the militants in Hajin area of north Kashmirs Bandipora district.

J&K police chief Dilbagh Singh said that the killing of civilians is a move to damage and attack the age-old traditional communal harmony in Kashmir.

This is an attempt to defame Muslims of Kashmir. Killing innocent civilians including teachers is a move to attack and damage the age-old tradition of communal harmony and brotherhood in Kashmir, he told reporters outside Government Boys Higher Secondary School Sangam, Eidgah.

The police chief said that they had got some clues and leads about the killers in previous cases and that the fresh case will be probed too. The killing of innocent civilians reflects frustration and barbarism, he added.

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Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha condemned the killing of two teachers belonging to minority communities on Thursday, saying a befitting reply will be given to the perpetrators of the terror attack.

He said the terrorists and their patrons will not succeed in disturbing peace in the Union Territory.

"I strongly condemn the barbaric killing of two of our teachers, Supinder Kour and Deepak Chand by terrorists. A befitting reply will be given to the perpetrators of the heinous terror attacks on innocent people," Sinha wrote on Twitter.

"The terrorists & their patrons will not succeed in disturbing peace, progress & prosperity of J&K UT. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family, friends and colleagues," he added.

The two teachers were shot dead by terrorists inside their school at Sangam in the Eidgah area of the city on Thursday.

The killing of the teachers took the number of civilians killed in the last five days in the Kashmir Valley to seven, including four from the minorities.

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While the first phase of the rural local body polls in Tamil Nadu concluded with no untoward incident except for some small skirmishes, the residents of Ammundi panchayath in Vellore district boycotted the elections.

The boycott was because the panchayath president post had been reserved for an SC woman. No person voted in any of the five polling booths set up in the village. The village has 2,045 voters.

The residents of the Village had filed a case in the High Court against the panchayath president post being reserved for Scheduled Caste (Woman).

The villagers were protesting against this since September and had wanted to revert the seat to the general category. The village elders said that they boycotted the polls as of the 2,045 voters in the Ammundi panchayath, 2,042 are under the general category and SC women and male voters numbered only 2 and 1 respectively.

AIADMK Vellore Urban district secretary, SRK Appu who had brought the discrepancy before the district administration told IANS, "The villagers agitated as they want 'justice' and reclassify the village panchayath under the general category. The district administration was not properly responding even after repeated queries and there was no alternative other than boycott the polls."

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The Supreme Court Thursday extended till November 10 the status quo granted on demolition of around 5,000 'jhuggis' in Gujarat for a railway line project, after being informed that deliberations were on regarding whether rehabilitation can be provided or not.

The apex court also said that status quo granted in a separate matter regarding demolition of jhuggis near the railway tracks at Faridabad in Haryana concerning the structures of those, who have approached the court seeking stay of the eviction, would also continue till November 10.

A bench headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar was informed by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) K M Nataraj that in the Gujarat matter, deliberations were going on as to whether rehabilitation can be provided or not.

Kindly grant us some time. We are at the stage of deliberations, he told the bench, also comprising justices Dinesh Maheshwari and C T Ravikumar.

The top court was hearing two separate petitions which have raised certain issues, including that of rehabilitation.

One of the pleas, filed by 18 petitioners including those who are residing in the area in Faridabad, has challenged the September 28 interim order of the Punjab and Haryana High Court which had refused to grant a stay on demolition.

The other plea, filed by Surat-based 'Utran se Besthan Railway Jhopadpatti Vikas Mandal', has said that irreparable injury would be caused to the slum dwellers residing on the Railway land if they are not provided with alternate arrangement and once they would be evicted and made homeless, their condition would become more miserable especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the hearing, the ASG said that in the Faridabad matter, except the structures of those regarding whom the status quo order was passed, rest have already been demolished before the apex court had granted status quo.

The bench asked Nataraj why the rehabilitation issue is not being examined in Faridabad matter when it is being considered in Gujarat.

The ASG said in the Gujarat matter, the local administration is looking into this aspect and they would have consultation with the Railways.

When he said that municipal corporation of Faridabad is the local body in respect of the matter concerning there, the bench said, We will issue notice to the local body.

The top court directed that notice be issued to the municipal corporation of Faridabad.

Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, appearing for the petitioners in both the matters, said that the interim orders of status quo passed earlier by the court should continue.

Whatever interim order is given in item two (Gujarat matter), it will continue. Whatever interim order is there in item 10 (Faridabad matter), it will continue separately, the bench said.

While hearing the Faridabad matter on September 30, the apex court had said that status quo granted on September 29 in respect of unauthorised structures belonging to petitioners before it would continue till today.

The ASG had told then the bench that around 450 structures in the area in Faridabad were already demolished before the order of status quo was passed by the court.

In the plea filed in the apex court, the petitioners have claimed that demolition without providing rehabilitation to over 500 slum dwellers was illegal and violative of Article 21 (protection of life and personal liberty) of the Constitution.

The plea has said the high court has nowhere asked the concerned authorities and the land-owning agency, the Railways, to provide rehabilitation to these slum dwellers before conducting the demolition.

In the Gujarat matter, the petitioners had earlier told the apex court that in compliance with the Gujarat High Court's August 19 order, the authorities were going to start the demolition work.

The petitioners had told that the high court had vacated its July 23, 2014 interim order of status quo and permitted the Western Railways to go ahead with the Surat-Udhna up to Jalgaon third Railway line project.

The petition, filed through advocate Satya Mitra, has sought stay on the demolition of these jhuggis claiming that no breathing time has been given to the slum dwellers and authorities have been forcing them to vacate within 24 hours.

It has also sought direction to the authorities, including the Centre and Gujarat government, to rehabilitate the concerned slum dwellers.

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The British Government has finally relented and agreed to exempt travellers inoculated with two doses of the Covishield Covid-19 vaccine in India from mandatory quarantine on arrival to the United Kingdom.

Almost a week after New Delhi announced retaliatory measures in response to the British Governments new discriminatory travel rules, Prime Minister Boris Johnsons government in London agreed to recognise the vaccination certificate issued to people fully inoculated with Covishield in India. The latest changes in the British Governments travel rules will come into effect from 9:30 am IST on October 11.

No quarantine for Indian travellers to UK fully vaccinated with Covishield or another UK-approved vaccine from 11 October, Alex Ellis, the UKs envoy to India, tweeted after the British Governments Secretary of State Grant Shapps announced the changes in the new travel rules that came into effect last Monday.

No quarantine for Indian  travellers to UK  fully vaccinated with Covishield or another UK-approved vaccine from 11 October. Thanks to Indian government for close cooperation over last month. pic.twitter.com/cbI8Gqp0Qt  Alex Ellis (@AlexWEllis) October 7, 2021

Shapps announced in London that eligible travellers vaccinated in 37 more countries and territories, including India, Brazil, Ghana, Hong Kong, Pakistan, South Africa and Turkey, would also be treated on par with returning fully vaccinated UK residents, if they had not visited a red list country or territory in the 10 days before arrival.

The British Governments new travel rules had initially stipulated that only those people who had been inoculated with the vaccines, such as the double dose ones developed by the AstraZeneca PLC, Pfizer Inc and Moderna Inc or the single-dose one developed by the Johnson and Johnsons would be considered fully vaccinated and hence would be exempted from mandatory quarantine requirement on arrival in the UK.

The Serum Institute of India (SII) is authorised to manufacture AstraZeneca PLCs vaccine in India and markets it as Covishield. But the British Governments new travel rules had initially not included it in the list of the approved vaccines for treating travellers as inoculated and hence entitled for exemption from quarantine requirement upon arrival in the UK.

After New Delhi had warned of reciprocal measures, the British Government had on September 22 revised its travel rules to recognise Covishield as one of the approved Covid-19 vaccines, but still refused to recognise the certificates issued to people who had been inoculated with the jab in India. This meant that people administered with Covishield in India would still have to undergo mandatory quarantine on arrival in the UK from Monday, unlike the ones administered with the same jab or any other approved Covid-19 jab in the US or anywhere in Europe or 17 other countries.

The diplomats and health officials of the two governments have been in touch over the past couple of weeks to address the British Governments concerns over some aspects of the certificates issued through the CoWIN app to people vaccinated with the Covishield Covid-19 vaccines. The Government of India made arrangements for the certificates to show full dates of birth of the vaccinated beneficiaries and thus addressed one of London's concerns.
The Lakhimpur-Kheri incident, in which four protesting farmers were deliberately run over by an SUV, has shaken India to the bone. It is snow-balling into an adverse event for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) governments in Uttar Pradesh and the Centre. Its fallout could also destabilise the current leadership of the farmers' movement.

The BJP leadership is hopeful that the problem will go away by throwing money at the victims. But why has it failed to act against the culprits in what prima facie seems to be cold-blooded murder? Ordinarily, a junior minister like Ajay Misra, father of the alleged accused, would be sacrificed to protect the party's electoral prospects. But Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not yet sacked Misra from his Council of Ministers, nor has the UP police arrested Misra's son.

The main culprit is alleged to be Ashish Misra, son of Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Misra. The minister is himself a one-time history-sheeter known as "Teni Maharaj" in his pocket borough of Lakhimpur-Kheri. He was accused in a murder case but discharged for lack of evidence 15 years ago. He then joined politics, rising from district panchayat to Parliament.

Recently, Ajay Misra flaunted his antecedents in a public speech available on video. He asked the agitating farmers to check out his career before becoming an elected politician and boasted that he could have them evicted "in two minutes". The thuggish bluster does him no credit as the junior home minister in the Modi government, where his primary charge is law and order in the country.

Read | Lakhimpur violence: Supreme Court asks Uttar Pradesh government to file status report by tomorrow

Misra, a Brahmin by caste, is believed to be Prime Minister Modi's man rather than a UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath loyalist. His induction into the Council of Ministers in July was seen as a pre-poll gamble to send a positive signal to the Brahmin voters of UP. This was a counterweight to the general perception among Brahmins of the state that UP CM Adityanath, a Thakur (Rajput), favours his caste. Brahmins are an important ideological and numerical constituency making up 10 to 12 per cent of the state's population and in some constituencies accounting for more than 20 per cent of the vote share.

The perception of the current chief minister being anti-Brahmin has grown stronger following the custodial death of gangster Vikas Dubey (a Brahmin). It is a commentary on the state's politics that UP Brahmins, who once gave the nation inspirational leaders, like Mangal Pandey, Chandra Shekhar Azad, Ram Prasad Bismil, Swami Sahajanand Saraswati, Jawaharlal Nehru, Govind Ballabh Pant, Mahavir Tyagi and Kamalapati Tripathi, among others, today look to toughs and musclemen as their icons.

Consideration of the Brahmin vote might be one reason for the delay in dropping Ajay Misra from the Council of Ministers. Adityanath, too, has his hands tied as action against Misra could be seen as a comment on the prime minister's decision to induct Ajay Misra into his Cabinet. Dismissal would also confirm that the minister was threatening farmers with violence. This is a dangerous acknowledgement that would definitely affect other BJP ruled states like Haryana. The incumbent chief minister in Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar, like Misra, has been publicly coaxing people into violent confrontations with the protesting farmers. It could also have a negative effect on the BJP's electoral prospects in Uttarakhand, adjoining Lakhimpur-Kheri, which is shortly going to the polls.

Perhaps the biggest impact of the Lakhimpur-Kheri incidents will be on the future of Rakesh Tikait, a farmers' leader from Western UP. Once leading from the front against the government, he has morphed into a negotiator on its behalf with the families of the farmers killed. It is unclear whether he had the mandate of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, the collective leadership of the farmers' movement. He may have acted in good faith, but his critics could see it as further evidence of his dubious political loyalties.

Get live updates on UP violence on DH

If the current farmers' leadership is unable to handle the anger simmering among the farmers, especially its youth, it would be difficult to predict the future course of the movement. Unless a new leadership emerges, the situation could become anarchic. If a leadership crisis develops, then the prospect of the confrontation between the government and the farmers being tested in the streets could be real.

As of now, the BJP governments in the states where it faces the farmers' agitation are wary. In Haryana, after a mere warning by the farmers' leaders, the government has rescinded its decision to delay paddy procurement. In UP, the bucketfuls of cash compensation to victims of the Lakhimpur-Kheri incident show a chief minister trying to avoid confrontation.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court (SC) may influence the course of the farmers' agitation. It is hearing a plea on whether the right to protest is a fundamental right based on a petition by a farmers' organisation based in Rajasthan. The court has questioned the farmers' blocking of highways. An adverse order by the SC could put pressure on the ongoing agitation to disband and disperse. It is important to note that so far, the SKM, representing the collective leadership of the farmers' movement, has not gone before the Supreme Court.

In an unprecedented move, the apex court has also taken notice of the Lakhimpur-Kheri incident even before investigations are complete. Even if the SC issues notice to the UP government and asks it tough questions, there is a likelihood that the issue could get diverted into a long-drawn legal process, which may suit the government.

These straws in the wind suggest that a confrontation of the government with the farmers could be triggered either by legal pronouncements or provoked by unpredictable incidents such as the one at Lakhimpur-Kheri.

(The writer is a journalist based in Delhi)
President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated the 400-bed Teaching Hospital of Chamarajanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS), in the presence of Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, in Chamarajanagar on Thursday.

The President, who was on a private visit to B R Hill temple, in Yalandur taluk, travelled to Chamarajanagar via helicopter. He was received by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and other dignitaries at the helipad.

The President drew huge applause when he addressed the gathering in Kannada, saying he is very happy to visit Karnataka and to be with the people here. He said that the event gained importance as it was being inaugurated on the first day of auspicious Navaratri. He also recalled the contributions of Mysuru Kings to the education and welfare of the people and described Jayachamaraja Wadiyar as Monarch-democrat.

The teaching hospital is a perfect example of unity in diversity and represents mini India, as students from Jammu and Kashmir from the North, Assam in North-East and southern states are studying here, he said.

50% women students

The President expressed happiness over 50% of medical students and 60% of nursing students are women. There are 750 medical students and out of the 300 are women. The daughters of India are taking great strides, which reflects progressive India marching ahead in the 21st century, he said.

He also lauded CIMS for ranking third place for the successful implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Arogya Karnataka scheme, in 2021.

Healthcare

Need of the hour is to take health services to the remotest corners of the country, he said. He urged the CIMS to make affordable health available to immediate neighbours. We can build an Atmanirbhar Bharat only when our technology, human resources and access come together, he opined.

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Former chief minister S M Krishna inaugurated the 2021 edition of Mysuru Dasara atop Chamundi Hill on Thursday.

Krishna touched upon all aspects of life and nation, ranging from religion, spirituality, human relations, nostalgia, history, heritage, tourism, evolution, achievements, foreign relations, and related them to Mysuru Dasara in his speech at the inauguration.

He spoke after lighting the lamp before the idol of Sri Chamundeshwari, placed in the silver chariot, and offering floral tributes to the deity. Eighty-nine-year-old Krishna recalled his school and college days in Mysuru although he was a native of Somanahalli in Maddur taluk of Mandya district.

Krishna, along with Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, District in-charge Minister S T Somashekar, offered 'pushparchane' to the idol of Chamundeshwari Devi that is placed in the Silver Chariot after the chief priest of Chamundeshwari Temple N Shashishekara Dixit offered puja.

Mysuru Dasara Exhibition was equally famous like the world famous Dasara itself. We oppose monarchy but we cannot erase the achievements and contributions of great kings of the the Yadu dynasty from the pages of history. Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar pledged the gold jewels of his family members to construct Krishnaraja Sagar Dam, which helped the progress of the farmers of the region, especially Mandya district, he said.

He said the government should plan a Dasara package by next year to cover other significant tourist destinations like Badami and Aihole to attract more visitors and to increase the revenue. Singapore is an example on how a place can progress by proper planning of development and maintaining cleanliness to attract tourists. Mysuru has a similar potential, he said.

A Congressman for nearly five decades, Krishna who joined the BJP a couple of years back, heaped praises on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In my nearly six decades of political awareness, I have not seen a leader with such commitment and dedication towards the progress of India. He has big dreams for the nation and is ably leading by example to take India to new heights. There is a need to give the right direction to the youth of the nation by setting the right kind of ambitions. Hope the Union and the state governments will take steps in this regard, he said.

Krishna recalled how, Mahatma Gandhi was pleased to see the realisation of his ideals at his native place Somanahalli. Gandhi was on his way to Mysuru from Bengaluru, in 1934, when he dropped in the hostel established by my father Mallaiah, a member of the erstwhile Praja Pratinidhi Sabha of Mysuru state at Somanahalli. B Venkatappa, a Congressman, explained to Gandhi that two Harijan boys were staying together with other boys in the hostel, to attend school, he said.

Mayor Sunanda Palanetra and a host of ministers including Dr K Sudhakar, Burari Basavaraj, B C Patil, Shashikala Jolle, MLAs G T Devegowda, L Nagendra, Tanveer Sait, S A Ramadass, B Harshavardhan, K Mahadev and others were present at the event.

As the celebration was a low-key affair this time, only 400 people were allowed to attend the event.

A large number of police were deputed atop the hill to ensure security. A few cutural troupes performed on the occasion.

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Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that he has no full information about the Income Tax (I-T) department raids at more than 30 spots across Bengaluru in the early hours of Thursday.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, the Chief Minister said he has no information about the raids on the houses, including one Umesh, who is said to be a close aide and personal assistant of former chief minister B S Yediyurappa and the houses of businessmen, contractors and chartered accountants in Sahakaranagar, Hegde Nagar, Ramamandir and other places.

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Claiming that the Congress is the target for the JD(S) and not just BJP, Leader of Opposition in Legislative Assembly Siddaramaiah on Thursday charged that the JD(S) fielded minority community candidates in Assembly bye-elections from Hangal and Sindagi constituencies just to help the BJP.

"JD(S) did the same thing in Basavajalyan bypolls and it is not fielding minority community candidates where it should. JD(S) is not fielding minority candidates in Mandya and Hassan. It targets the Congress which is strong in Old Mysuru region, also where the JD(S) has its base," he said.

Clarifying that Congress chief Sonia Gandhi did not invite him for national politics, Siddaramaiah stated that he discussed only state affairs with her.

Attack on RSS

Continuing the attack on RSS, Siddaramaiah said that RSS is a communal organisation which divides the society in the name of Hindutva.

"BJP is the face-mask of the RSS. RSS is on backseat driving and BJP does what the RSS says," he added.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi is responsible for price rise, and BJP governments in states just beat 'tamate' with him. People are fed up with the BJP government, and Congress would win both the seats for which bye-elections are being held," Siddaramaiah said.

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Released: October 7, 2021

The community is invited to participate in Delaware County's Peace, Justice, & Unity March on October 8, hosted by Delaware County Sheriff Jerry Sanders, Media Borough Police Department, and Second Baptist Church.

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 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. (201 W. Front St., Media PA).

Agenda

Speaking at 1pm at 2nd Baptist Church:

Bishop Febus AM Hunter, Law Enforcement Chaplains of Delaware County (opens up the event)

Media Police Chief Marty Wusinich

Rev. Mays from Second Baptist Church (closes the speeches)

The walk begins.

Speaking at 1:15pm/1:30pm after the walk to the Courthouse:

Theresa Agostinelli, Law Enforcement Chaplains of Delaware County

Delaware County Sheriff Jerry Sanders

District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer

Bishop Febus AM Hunter, Law Enforcement Chaplains of Delaware County (closes the ceremony)

Learn more about the National Faith & Blue program here: https://faithandblue.org/
Stetson - Alfred J. Marcotte, Jr., 89, formerly of Derry, NH, died Nov. 8, 2021 in Bangor, ME. He was born March 22, 1932 in Manchester, NH, the son of Alfred J. Marcotte, Sr. and Lila (Bartlett) Marcotte. Alfred lived in Derry until age 55 when he moved to Stetson, ME where he has resided s
Forty years ago this month the first integrated school in Northern Ireland opened in Belfast. It started with 28 pupils in a scout centre.

In this article the Principal of Oakgrove Integrated College, Katrina Crilly, explains why she is so passionate about her school and about its founding principles that, she says, are all about teaching pupils respect for the diversity thats out there...

As many of you probably know, integrated education here has been around for a long time.

This year its celebrating its ruby anniversary - its 40 years since Lagan College was established in Belfast. Last week we celebrated this by inviting the Mayor and MP for Foyle to unveil our banner.

Surprisingly, despite recent media coverage about the founding of Lagan, it would seem that integration is still largely misunderstood.

Here in Northern Ireland/ North of Ireland, its taken to mean a school where Catholic and Protestant children are educated together. Its much, much more than that.

In todays global world, were confronted with a whole host of diversity: different cultures, different religions, different skin colours.

Here at our school, Oakgrove College, we prepare our students to meet and deal with that diversity by providing a learning environment where children and young people from all faiths and none can learn with, about and most importantly from each other.

Acceptance and respect for all are key concepts in everything we do.

Our desire for every child who joins the Oakgrove family is the promotion of equality, and that must include the forging good relations with everyone in the school and their families regardless of their religious, cultural, social or other background.

Integrated education is, at its core, value-driven and child centred. It is delivered through a holistic approach.

Our world, as I have pointed out, is full of diversity; thats the natural law, and so children deserve the opportunity to flourish in that diverse environment both at school and in wider society.

How else are children supposed to learn about other cultures and backgrounds enough that they understand and accept difference as a natural part of life?

We are about preparing children for life and work, providing children with a very real experience of living and working successfully alongside people from different backgrounds and beliefs.

Many believe that all schools are integrated, but what they actually mean is that they are mixed. The two are very different.

Different backgrounds

Many schools accept children from different faiths and backgrounds and, yes, they are educated alongside each other and under one roof.

However, the school does not change its ethos or identity for that child, there is an understanding that the child can attend however the schools religious ethos remains the same and the child fits in.

In some respects, the child sacrifices their identity to attend the school.

In an integrated school, no child has to sacrifice their identity to attend, as all backgrounds and faiths, and all our differences are celebrated and nurtured.

At an integrated school no child has to deny his/her culture, background or religion.

Imagine a place where you can honestly be yourself, where your difference is celebrated as the norm, and where you grow in the knowledge and understanding that we are all equal.

This is on top of achieving high academic outcomes and successful career paths. That place doesnt have to be imagined: it is here  in an integrated school.

It is certainly true that all schools provide the NI curriculum and will provide broadly the same extra-curricular activities, but an integrated school will give this and more.

Only in an integrated school will children see what is familiar from their background but also learn what is unfamiliar to them, but the norm for others in the class.

Its a fact that this is the only place in the world where parents set up their own schools.

They did so because of a passionate belief that, after years of conflict, we could only help to solve the communal divides in this society by bringing people together.

In September, 1981 Lagan College opened its doors. 40 years on can we say we are truly the mixed society they wanted us to be? We have, I would suggest, still some road to travel!

But the journey is worth the effort. And as Principal of Oakgrove Integrated College, I can say we are committed to making our contribution.

Within our school, there is real excitement amongst staff and pupils about learning, and excitement about learning from and with each other.

Integrated education brings people together as children, and keeps people together for life.
Derry's Holy Family primary school is celebrating this week.

The Creggan school is the only school from the city this year to achieve the highly coveted School Of Sanctuary award.

On a visit to the school Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Alderman Graham Warke congratulated Principal Nicola Cullen, her staff and pupils on the magnificent achievement and said he would be delighted to have those involved down to the Mayors Parlour at the Guildhall in the coming weeks to further celebrate the award.

The School of Sanctuary award is aimed at helping schools to develop further the concept that schools are welcoming places for pupils and their families, where every child feels safe and where they are fully accepted.

These schools become beacons in the community as places where cultural diversity is valued and celebrated.

On arrival at the school, the Mayor was presented with a Holy Child Butterfly Journal by P1 pupil Erin, while fellow P1 pupil Lee handed over a portrait of the mayor which the youngster had drawn himself.

Nursery pupil Marcella also presented the Mayor with a painting by Cohen of Autumn leaves. And proudly displaying the School of Sanctuary plaque and award were P7 pupils Daisy and Emily.

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Graham Warke pictured at Holy Child PS congratulating the school on their recent School of Sanctuary award. Included are some of the children who handed over gifts to the Mayor, and Nicola Cullen, Principal, Eugene Dunn, chair, board of governors and Pat Concannon, Vice Principal.

Mayor Warke congratulated the children on the award and told them to keep up the excellent work. He also said he was impressed with the presentations the children made to him and promised they would take pride of place in the parlour at the Guildhall.

Then followed a tour of the school including a visit to the new Butterfly Room, a call-in to some of the classrooms to meet pupils and a tour of the schools new soon-to-be-opened Forest School where the Mayor was led to by a proud 4 years-old Ollie McDermott and his classmates.

Delighted to have the Mayor visit the school and meet the children, Principal Nicola Cullen said: Its an honour to have the Mayor of the city and district attend Holy Child PS today.

He got a warm reception from all the children and we were pleased he acknowledged our award. Achieving the School of Sanctury award is something we are all very proud of here at Holy Child and hope it will lead to even more in the future.'

In thanking the Mayor for taking time out to acknowledge the Creggan schools award and achievements, she concluded: We earnestly hope to get you back for the opening of the new Forest School which was funded by the Big Lotto and would love to visit the Guildhall.
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Sinn Fein Councillor Sandra Duffy has welcomed the approval of the Buncrana Road Greenway project.

The cross-border cycle path and walkway looked to have been halted in its tracks back in June when planning permission for the first phase of the project had been rejected.

The Council's main concerns back then were fears of the potential impact that the greenway could have on future housing development in the Buncrana Road area of Derry.

However, the green light has now received approval and Cllr Duffy expressed her delight at the news.

She said This greenway route is part of the North West Greenway Network Scheme which collectively will deliver 46.5km of shared pedestrian and cycle paths on a cross border basis.

We need to reduce our reliance on petrol and diesel vehicles and for people to be able to make the choice to use more sustainable forms of transport. Infrastructure like this needs to be in place.

This application should be viewed alongside a similar application that is being worked on by Donegal Council that will eventually bring the greenway from St Columb's College right through to Buncrana.
Foyle MP Colum Eastwood has confirmed the SDLP will accept an invitation to a service in Armagh marking 100 hundred years of Ireland being partitioned.

The SDLP leader insisted that Irish nationalists would never persuade other to consider our vision for the future if they were unwilling to hear their experience of our past.

Mr Eastwood's decision is likely to cause controversy amongst a section of the nationalist community given the strength of feeling expressed in support by many of the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins opting out from attending the Armagh service.

The move could put the SDLP in Derry in an awkward position given in October of last year, the party's councillors backed a Sinn Fein motion that was passed in a Derry City & Strabane District Council vote calling the partition of Ireland in 1921 a failure.

They did so again the following month after unionist councillors requested a 'call-in' vote.

Mr Eastwood in explaining his decision said: The partition of Ireland, more than any other event of the last 100 years, has had a profound political, economic and cultural impact on the lives of everyone who shares this island.

I come from a tradition that views it as a traumatic and divisive constitutional event. But I recognise and cherish that we live in a community with diverse and divergent experiences of that moment.

Turning your back on people who come from a different tradition, who have a different experience and a different perspective to offer doesnt change what happened 100 years ago, it only entrenches that division today.

As an Irish nationalist, I will work every day to convince as many people as possible to consider our vision for the future.

But how can we ever hope to do that if we refuse to acknowledge their experience of the past? How can we ever reconcile our divided communities if we refuse to meet people where they are and engage with them on their own terms?

Attending a church service in Armagh, the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland, to mark the centenary of partition does not diminish anyones Irish nationalism.

It will however, I hope, help to break down the barriers of distrust that have endured between our communities.

The decision we have made wasnt motivated by the establishment or the churches. This is about stretching ourselves to heal the wounds of partition.

It is about reaching beyond ourselves and reaching out to people from a different tradition, many of whom are considering a new future for our island for the first time. My job as a leader of nationalism is to speak to them, to hear their concerns and to convince them that change is possible.

I understand that this will be a challenging decision for some, and others have come to a different determination. But it wasnt difficult for me.

Given the choice between remaining in the trenches of the last 100 years or reaching out to build a new future, I know which side I want to be on.

On the decision of President Higgins not to attend the event, Mr Eastwood MP added: Partition and commemoration are deeply political events. I fully understand why it was not possible for President Higgins to attend the event in Armagh.

As President of Ireland he has different considerations to judge. He has also dedicated himself and his presidency to reconciliation and understanding between our communities.
Kangana Ranaut jumps in to comment on Aryan Khan's arrest after Hrithik Roshan's note supporting the star kid

Ahead of Aryan Khans bail hearing in court today, actor Hrithik Roshan penned a note of support for Shah Rukh Khans son who was arrested after the Narcotics Control Bureau raided a cruise party on October 2. Hrithik through his open letter urged Aryan to learn from the experience and said that he could understand what the 23-year-old must be going through.

While many Bollywood celebrities have voiced their support for Shah Rukh Khan and his family in the case so far, Kangana Ranaut has now jumped in on the debate. The actress post and timing make us a bit curious as they seem to be taking a dig at Hrithik Roshan who the actress is embroiled in whole different controversy with.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hrithik Roshan (@hrithikroshan)

After Hrithiks post, Kangana without naming anyone wrote in an Instagram story, "Now all Mafia Pappu coming to Aaryan Khan's defence.... We make mistakes but we mustn't glorify them ... I trust this will give him perspective and also make him realise consequences of his actions.... Hopefully it can evolve him and make him better and bigger. It's good not to gossip about someone when they vulnerable but it's criminal to make them feel that they did no wrong.

Aryan Khans custody with the NCB ends today and his lawyer Satish Manshinde will be making a bail plea in court on his behalf. Some reports have also claimed that the NCB seeks to extend the custody of Aryan and will proceed in court accordingly.
Shahid Kapoor to play a cop chasing drug lords in Ali Abbas Zafar's next, will commence shoot this month?

Shahid Kapoor has been toiling quite hard for the last few years. The Kabir Singh actor prepped hard for Jersey and after finishing it, he shot for his debut web series with Raj and DK. But, there's no break for the actor who would reportedly begin the shoot of yet another upcoming project from later this month! And this one would be directed by Ali Abbas Zafar.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shahid Kapoor (@shahidkapoor)

If a report in Mid Day is to be believed, then the film will be based on the 2011 French film, Nuit Blanche (Sleepless Night). Shahid will don a cop avatar who would be chasing drug lords. In fact, the first sequence itself will be an elaborate action scene. A source quoted by the daily said, Shahid will begin his readings and prep next week before he reports to the set. Meanwhile, Ali is keeping the groundwork ready. The first schedule will be swift, shot across suburban Mumbai, particularly Goregaon. The pre-production work too seems to have been done.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ali Abbas Zafar (@aliabbaszafar)

There has been no official confirmation of the same. This won't be the first time that Nuit Blanche would be adapted in Indian films. Earlier, it was remade in Tamil and Telugu as Thoongaa Vanam and Cheekati Rajyam.
Spirit: Prabhas to collaborate with Arjun Reddy director Sandeep Reddy Vanga for his 25th film, will release in foreign languages too

South star Prabhas will team up with "Kabir Singh" helmer Sandeep Reddy Vanga for his next feature "Spirit", the makers announced on Thursday. The film will be backed by Bhushan Kumar's T-Series and Bhadrakali Pictures. According to the makers, "Spirit" will be released worldwide in multiple regional and international languages including Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Japanese, Mandarin and Korean. Prabhas said "Spirit" marks his 25th movie and will be a "special film" for his fans.

"Working with Bhushan Kumar has always been easy and comforting and he is one of the best producers we have, who I share a great rapport with. Sandeep is a dream director for all and now with 'Spirit', I have got the chance to associate with such a powerhouse of talent. It's an amazing storyline and I can't wait to start working on 'Spirit' as my fans are eagerly waiting to see me in this avatar for a long time," the 41-year-old actor said in a statement.

Praising the "Baahubali" star, Kumar said Prabhas is a great collaborator. The producer has worked with Prabhas on films like "Saaho" and their forthcoming projects include "Radhe Shyam" and "Adipurush". "Spirit" will also be T-Series' third outing with Vanga, after the 2019 blockbuster "Kabir Singh" and the upcoming multi-starrer "Animal", featuring Ranbir Kapoor, Anil Kapoor, and Parineeti Chopra, among others.

"'Spirit' will not only be one of our biggest projects but it will also be a very special one as it's Prabhas' silver jubilee film as well," Kumar added.

Prabhas' other upcoming films are the actioner "Salaar" and filmmaker Nag Ashwin's untitled multilingual sci-fi film featuring megastar Amitabh Bachchan and Deepika Padukone.
Statement by Ambassador Byrne Nason at the UNSC Briefing on Ethiopia

Statement

Thank you very much Mr. President,

And I want to start by thanking Under Secretary-General Di Carlo and, in particular you, High Representative Obasanjo, for your really important briefings. In the context of what we have just heard, and the excellent work that the High Representative is already doing, despite the uncertainties we heard from USG Di Carlo, we want to believe that we may just be starting to see possible pathways emerge for an end to the crisis. We certainly share the view that we dare not miss the window of opportunity for peace.

That is why, when I consider this conflict, my abiding feelings are shame and frustration. Shame because as a council, we around this table have stood by as this crisis has intensified over the past year, causing immeasurable suffering for millions of Ethiopians. Frustration, because the Councils voice matters on this issue, and it has the power to deliver change. We remained silent for too long.

But today, I want to commend our African colleagues, with whom we worked to gain agreement - at last - on a Council Statement last Friday. A Council statement that calls squarely for an immediate ceasefire.

That African leadership in New York is also manifest at African Union headquarters, where we saw the AU PSC meet just today. And importantly also on the ground, where it matters most to the people of Ethiopia.

We depend on Regional leaders, in particular, on you, High Representative Obasanjo. We rely on regional organisations, including IGAD, which have a crucial role to play in engaging with all sides, supporting mediation efforts and ultimately assisting Ethiopia to find a solution to this crisis. We welcome the efforts that are taking place as we speak. We call on everyone in Ethiopia to embrace this opportunity. Time is of the essence. Your people are putting their faith in you. For the good of your country, the fighting needs to stop. The talking needs to start.

We are one year on from the beginning of this crisis. Today, we must ask ourselves if we, as this Council, have done enough to prevent catastrophe. A catastrophe that is causing untold harm to the people of Ethiopia. As each month passes, we have seen the situation deteriorate. For the ordinary people of Ethiopia, their futures are being stripped away.

As we heard last week from the OHCHR and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, there have been shocking human rights abuses committed during this conflict. Women, men and children have been raped in horrific fashion, and let me be clear civilians have borne the brunt of the violence. International humanitarian law and human rights norms have been cast aside. Meanwhile vital lifesaving aid has been blocked from reaching starving and sick people.

In recent days, the situation has become even more grave. Humanitarian operations across northern Ethiopia have effectively ground to a halt. Military operations have escalated. A state of emergency has been declared, suspending the basic rights of Ethiopian citizens. More people have been displaced, lives and livelihoods have been lost. We have also witnessed increasingly shocking incidences of hate speech and dehumanising language that risk inciting the worst type of violence against individuals or groups within Ethiopian society. We simply cannot standby and allow this to continue. Too many lives are at stake. Meanwhile continued military actions and mobilisation now threaten the very stability and territorial integrity, which are vital for Ethiopia and for the region.

Today our messages are to all parties. Today our messages are clear and simple:

First, its paramount that all parties must immediately facilitate the provision of life-saving humanitarian aid to those who desperately need it, in line with International Humanitarian Law;





Second, we need an immediate end to the fighting  civilians must be protected;





Third, we need all parties to the conflict to embrace negotiations towards a lasting political solution;





Fourth, the chilling hate speech, dehumanising language and incitement to violence must end, accountability is imperative.





Fifth, we need an inclusive and Ethiopian-led national dialogue that includes all regions and stakeholders.



We cannot wait any longer to act on these five important steps.

Mr President

Ethiopia has been an inspiring example of peace and stability in Africa. Irelands relationship with Ethiopia is one of our oldest and closest on the African continent. We remain deeply committed to supporting Ethiopia and its people. It is also shocking and tragic that the entire country now risks being over-run by violence and conflict. This unnecessary war must end now. All sides in Ethiopia must turn the tide towards peace and now steer the country back to where the people of Ethiopia deserve to be, on a hopeful pathway to peace.

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Grants totaling more than $550,000 to increase access and enhance health care quality in rural Wisconsin were announced today by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). The grants support education and training to assist rural hospitals and clinics in filling high need, high demand positions.

Access to high quality health care is critical for all Wisconsin residents, and all parts of our state need an adequate supply of well-trained professionals to deliver that care," said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. We are pleased this funding will support the training of health professionals in rural and underserved areas of our state.

The Advanced Practice Clinician (APC) Grants, totaling nearly $250,000, help rural health care providers increase the number of physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses by supporting the development of clinical training sites. Hospitals and clinics receiving APC grants are:

Aspirus  Central Wisconsin

Cumberland Memorial Hospital  Cumberland, Wisconsin

Essentia  Northwest Wisconsin

Marshfield Clinic Health System  Northern, central and western Wisconsin

Prairie Ridge Health  Columbus, Wisconsin

Allied Health Professionals (AHP) Education and Training Grants, totally more than $325,000 over two years, will support education and training opportunities for professionals, including medical assistants, mental health professionals, and nursing assistants. Grants were awarded to:

Gundersen  Friendship & Whitehall, Wisconsin

Marshfield Clinic Health System  Marshfield, Wisconsin

Marshfield Clinic Health System  Northern, central and western Wisconsin

Upland Hills Health  Dodgeville, Wisconsin

Access to quality health care is critical for Wisconsin residents and requires qualified health professionals, said DHS Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. We are pleased this funding will support the training of health professionals in rural and underserved areas of our state.

Both grant programs were first authorized in the 2017-2019 biennial budget through legislation aimed at improving rural health care. Up to $500,000 in new funding is authorized for each program per year. This is the fourth year that both the APC and AHP grants have been awarded.
Google bans 136 apps from the Play Store after researchers at Zimperium zLabs discovered a unique trojan. This trojan is called Grifthorse Android Trojan, which attacks its victim by first hiding behind different applications and spreading throughout the system. Later it manipulates users by inviting them to accept fake prizes and steals money from them without any information.

Security experts at Zimperium zLabs informed Google about this malware and shared a blog post regarding the same. They have mentioned that Grifthorse Android Trojan has stolen money from over 10 Million victims across 70 countries. This malware campaign could have stolen more than hundreds of millions of Euros.

How did the Grifthorse Android Trojan affect over 10 Million users?

The malicious Android application looks harmless in the store, but these apps start charging for their services without users knowledge and consent. The amount is around 36 Euros per month.

When the victim's device is infected, they start getting thousands of alerts and notifications, with a frequency of five alerts per hour. These alerts show that the user has won a prize and asks them to claim it immediately. They won't stop appearing until you accept the reward.

Once you claim it, the malware redirects you to a geo-specific webpage, where they will ask you to submit your phone numbers for verification. Here the users are entering their number to pay for a premium SMS service and not for attestation. Once you are a subscriber to the premium subscription, you will be paying for it without any information.

This campaign has been running since November 2020 and has remained unnoticed until now. The cybercriminals took great care as they attacked different targets in different ways based on geolocation.

Google banned malicious 136 apps, and you should delete them

Google removed 136 apps from Google Play Store after Zimperium reported the Grifthouse Android Trojan. These apps might still be available in third-party stores. If you have downloaded these apps in the past, now it's time to delete them or else you can be a victim of these attacks in the future. These apps include Heart Rate and Meal Tracker, iCare  Find Location and App Name.

Here is the list of all these malicious apps.
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By MATTHEW BROWN

Associated Press

Amplify Energy's emergency response plan for a major oil spill like the one it's now dealing with in coastal Southern California depended heavily on a quick shutdown of the San Pedro Bay Pipeline if its sensors picked up a sudden loss of pressure. That's not what happened, investigators revealed Tuesday.

After an alarm went off in a company control room at 2:30 a.m. Saturday  signaling a rupture that would spill tens of thousands of gallons of crude into the Pacific Ocean  the company waited more than three hours to shut down the pipeline, at 6:01 a.m., according to preliminary findings of an investigation into the spill.





. . .
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EUGENE, Ore. (AP)  A California forest products company has bought Seneca, a Eugene, Oregon-based company that had owned more than 100,000 acres of land in southwestern Oregon.

The News-Review reports Sierra Pacific Industries announced last week it had completed the acquisition. The combination of the two companies means Sierra Pacific Industries will have than 2.3 million acres of timberlands, 18 sawmills and eight renewable biomass energy cogeneration facilities, along with millwork and windows operations.





. . .
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The $7 billion fair was built by legions of low-paid migrant laborers.



By ISABEL DEBRE

Associated Press

AP Photo/Jon Gambrell [enlarge] The Al Wasl Dome and the Water Feature at Expo 2020, which opened Friday in Dubai.





DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  Dubai's Expo 2020 acknowledged for the first time on Sunday that three workers had died from the coronavirus over the course of building the world's fair during the pandemic, as the prestigious event draws scrutiny of labor conditions in the United Arab Emirates.





. . .
Harrisonburg, VA (22801)

Today

Sunny early then increasing clouds with showers this afternoon. High 69F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Rain showers early with clear skies overnight. Low around 30F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 50%.
GUTHRIE [ndash] Darris Dean Flowers passed away on Friday, Oct. 8, 2021. He was born Jan. 26, 1942, to Denman Marion Flowers and Margie Gray Flowers. A Celebration of his life occurred on Oct. 9 with family and friends at his home in Guthrie, OK. Darris was especially proud to donate his bod
A burst in a water main in Finnabair Industrial Estate has lead to wider water outages across Dundalk and surrounding areas.

According to Irish Water, they discovered the burst in the industrial estate and have said that they are working with Louth County Council to restore water to properties in Muirheavnamor, Tom Bellew Avenue, Bay Estate, Coes Road, Seatown, Newry Road and Ballymacscanlon.

Irish Water has said that they have deployed service crews to fix the burst water main, with the group saying they expect repairs to be complete by 6pm today.

Due to the repairs needed, traffic management systems will be put into place and clearly signposted to ensure the safety of both the public and IW crews.

The repairs are being conducted as quickly and efficiently as possible to minimise disruption to the area and restore water for all customers, said Michael Cunniffe.

We understand the inconvenience unplanned outages can have on customers and we appreciate your patience as we work to return the water supply to homes and businesses as quickly as possible.

Update: repairs to burst watermain affecting Finnabair Industrial Estate and surrounding areas will now finish at 6.00 pm today. Please click on link for full details. https://t.co/cXzHLUTXur @LMFMRADIO @DundalkFM @argusnews @DundalkDemocrat https://t.co/MuJrYYa2pt  Louth County Council (@louthcoco) October 7, 2021

Those impacted by the water outage have been told that it may take between two and three hours after repairs are completed before their water is returned to normal supply.
Claremont, NH (03743)

Today

Increasing clouds with showers arriving this afternoon. High around 60F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%..

Tonight

Light rain early. Then remaining cloudy. Low 34F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
For more than 90 years, The Eagle-Tribune Santa Fund has assisted those in need in the Merrimack Valley through generous contributions from businesses, organizations and individuals. This year the need is as great as ever.

Contribute
How the EBRD is fostering green investment

As the COP26 summit approaches, the question on all minds is: what can save the world from climate catastrophe? The widely accepted answer  among the governments, international organisations and multilaterals like the EBRD that are already spending billions on the green transition  is getting the private sector to spend the necessary trillions in green investment.

Of course this has to involve the private sector, says the EBRDs Harry Boyd-Carpenter. You need huge investment. Todays energy mix is round about 80-83 per cent hydrocarbons. By 2050 we have to be at zero per cent. Its an extraordinary rewiring of the economy.

But how? The good news, Boyd-Carpenter says, is that private-sector interest in green investments is growing sharply. There is lots of private money keen to find a green home.

The EBRD view, he adds, is that the trick is really to create the right enabling environment. Thats still missing in a lot of places. (This is why the EBRD, which aims to make a majority of its investments green by 2025 and to align with the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change by 2023, is stepping up green policy engagement across its regions.)

Two things are needed, says Boyd-Carpenter. One is a reliable policy framework in the country where an investment is made for governments to really get on board and say, weve signed up to net zero, or weve produced an ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), and then, What does that mean? Whats the policy we need to change in our steel sector? Whats the signal we need to send investors in transport? And that takes time. Thats an area we are putting a lot of effort into. The second is catalytic finance to de-risk the investment  the kind of finance that the EBRD provides.

The results of combining them can be transformative, as the EBRDs engagement in developing solar power in Egypt show.

A 2012 crisis in the Egyptian energy sector prompted the government to make more use of its abundant solar and wind resources. Egyptian officials initiated a feed-in tariff scheme for solar power and concentrated it all on one very big site in southern Egypt. Then they came to the EBRD for advice on how to make the scheme attractive to private investors.

Two years of work on bankability later, the 37-km2, 1.5 gigawatt (GW) Benban solar park attracted strong investor interest, with 80 private-sector candidates shortlisted and about 20 selected to set up projects. The EBRD was the biggest lender. Benban was completed in 2019.

The message Benban sent to investors was, you can come to this country, you can find the technical expertise you need, you are going to be treated fairly by the government and you have a viable long-term project. That got all these investors in, and gave them confidence, says Boyd-Carpenter.

With an enthusiastic pool of investors now in place, Egypt has moved to a still more market-friendly approach  competitive auctions rather than fixed-rate feed-in tariffs, bringing prices lower still.

When theyve run these competitive processes, theyve been getting fantastic prices  solar under two-and-a-half US cents, wind between three and four US cents per kilowatt hour (kWh), says Boyd-Carpenter. The electricity price at Kom Ombo, the next big solar project financed by the EBRD in Egypt, earlier this year, is less than a third of the price of Benban per megawatt hour, because it was done competitively.

Separately, Egypt has decided not to invest in coal. Adds Boyd-Carpenter: Thats partly a climate decision, but its also partly a pragmatic economic decision. Solar is cheaper. Why would you pay twice the price?

This trajectory is being followed in other economies where the EBRD invests, which are also seeing high-quality international investors appear.

Uzbekistan, perhaps the most stunning transformation in the EBRD regions, has made impressive progress in the turnaround of its power sector, with a focus on green solutions. It was the first EBRD economy that developed (with the Banks help) a low-carbon pathway for the development of the power sector. With current installed power-generation capacity of 14 GW, the country has committed to building 8 GW of new solar and wind power generation by 2030, and is currently considering increasing this target to 12 GW. Since 2019, with the help of international financial institutions, it has designed and launched a number of solar auctions that resulted in record low winning bids. And in September 2021, the first wind auction in the country supported by the Bank was successfully completed with a winning bid of just 2.57 US cents per kWh  among the lowest tariffs seen anywhere in the world.

Kazakhstan  with an extreme climate and an economy traditionally dominated by fossil fuels  is moving away from coal-fired power plants and was the first country in the Central Asian region to turn to private renewables. To date, it has created legislation to which the EBRD contributes (including a long-term cooperation strategy to achieve carbon neutrality in its power sector by 2060), which has encouraged private developers to tender for wind and solar projects.

In September 2020, US$ 42.6 million of EBRD, GCF and CIF finance was committed to the construction of a 76 megawatt peak (MWp) solar plant in the Karaganda region. The Karaganda plant  which will use innovative technology and will be one of the first completed renewables projects under an auction scheme  is being developed by the established German firm Joachim Goldbeck Holding GmbH, which previously developed the 100MWp Saran solar power plant, at that time the largest solar power plant built in Central Asia.

Similar progress is being made in Albania, which is diversifying energy sources to increase climate change resilience, and working with the EBRD on policies to make itself an attractive renewables investment destination. The EBRD has also provided technical assistance and investment.

Private investors have followed and renewables projects are snowballing. In spring 2021, Frances Voltalia won the contract to construct and operate a 100 MW solar plant at Spitalle, after winning an earlier competitive process at Karavasta for a 140 MW solar plant. At Karavasta, the winning bid of 24.89 was less than half the price ceiling of 55  the lowest price in the Western Balkans. The EBRD is also supporting Albania in its first auction for utility-scale onshore wind power plants.

In nearby Serbia, creating an enabling environment for investors quickly resulted in privately financed wind farms being built both at Cibuk  the biggest in the Western Balkans region  and Kovacica, helping Serbia reduce its dependence on ageing coal-fired plants running on polluting lignite.

Likewise, Armenias work on energy policy, part of efforts to reduce its reliance on imported fuels, has borne fruit in the shape of the 2020 launch of the countrys first utility-scale solar power plant at Masrik, developed by Fotowatio Renewable Ventures (FRV), part of Abdul Latif Jameel Energy, a global leader in utility-scale renewable energy projects.

You need the private sector for the money, but also for the human resources, the ingenuity and the innovation, says Boyd-Carpenter. When you have well-structured competition, and all these private sector operators moving in trying to win bids, the price just goes through the floor  theres no central state-owned utility that can match that. Its a really powerful reason why were so keen on the private sector.
The scenes at UCC, where a food bank set up to help struggling students ran out of supplies in under an hour, shines a strong light on the reality of student poverty, a Cork TD has said.

The food bank, set up by the universitys students union (SU) to assist students who cannot afford to feed themselves after they have paid for accommodation and bills, ran out of food in just 50 minutes yesterday evening.

50 minutes in weve run out of food and have had to turn students away. Heartbreaking to not have enough and to see so many students experiencing food insecurity. Is this the @UCC and country we are supposed to be proud of? @SimonHarrisTD https://t.co/dpGdOrZCnm  Asha Woodhouse (@UCCSUPresident) October 6, 2021

Cork North Central TD Mick Barry congratulated the students' union for setting up the food bank, describing it as an act of solidarity not an act of charity.

He said it has shone a strong light on the reality of student poverty, adding:

The people who are looking bad in this light are not the students but the Government Ministers who have failed to act on high rents and high fees.

Raising the issue in the Dail this afternoon, the Solidarity TD told the Tanaiste Leo Varadkar that he and his Cabinet colleagues should be ashamed at the scenes at UCC last night.

Dry toast, dry cereal, a cup of coffee and skip your dinner  under this Government thousands of students are literally surviving on rations.

How could it be otherwise when we have the highest student fees in all of the European Union and we have students forking out 700 and more per month just for a box room?

Scenes at UCC yesterday when 131 students queued at the student union food bank should cause you and your Cabinet colleagues to blush if you had any shame, he said.

Raising the issue in the Dail this afternoon, Mick Barry told the Tanaiste Leo Varadkar that he and his Cabinet colleagues should be ashamed at the scenes at UCC last night. Photo:Gareth Chaney/Collins

Questioning the Tanaiste, Mr Barry asked:

What are you going to do about the crazy rents that are being imposed on students and the crazy fees that are on their backs too?

Mr Varadkar said he wished to acknowledge the fact that many students are struggling financially.

He said the main way the Government assists students is through the student grant system.

Over 75,000 students receiving a grant and of course the grant levels are under review in the context of the Budget for next year but in recognition that some students are facing real hardship and serious hardship, the Minister for Higher Education, Minister Harris, has doubled the Student Assistance Fund to 17.2 million and has allocated today, or at least in the last couple of days, 596,000 of that to UCC to assist them to assist students who are in real financial need, he said.

The UCC SU bank provides non-perishable items including pasta, rice, and sauces to students every Wednesday in UCCs Common Room, between 5pm and 7pm.

UCC Students Union has set up a GoFundMe for those looking to assist them to raise funds to purchase supplies for its food bank.
A hospital has secured a High Court order allowing it to detain, pending further order, a woman patient who recently suffered a large bleed on her brain but has expressed a desire to go home.

The womans treating doctor told High Court President Ms Justice Mary Irvine on Thursday he is hopeful the woman can be discharged in due course with appropriate supports.

Because she is still suffering the effects of the bleed on her brain, including delusional thoughts and disordered thinking, his view was she lacks capacity at this time to make decisions in the best interests of her welfare and the hospital wanted the courts assistance, he said.

He was hopeful the woman, who the court heard is not mobile, will continue to recover but he did not believe discharge at this time was in her best interests.

Covid treatment

Maria Watson BL, for the hospital, said the woman was admitted there early last month with symptomatic Covid-19 and was treated for that. A week after her admission, she suffered a brain haemorrhage which has left her with impaired capacity.

While she was expected to improve, the hospital is concerned she had on occasions expressed a wish to go home and that her family may not recognise the extent of the nursing care she requires while she continues to suffer impairment, counsel outlined.

Ms Justice Irvine said she was satisfied to make the detention order, ex parte meaning one side only represented, under the courts wardship jurisdiction, and returned the matter to later this month.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government and distributed to more than 400 newspapers statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Elkhart, IN (46516)

Today

Cloudy. Gusty winds this morning. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 39F. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low near 30F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.
PHOENIX (AP)  An Arizona man who sported face paint, no shirt and a furry hat with horns when he joined the mob that stormed the U.S. Capitol
Sandra Ellen Dunn Locke of Elkmont, Alabama, passed away at Cape Canaveral Hospital on October 31, 2021. She was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Sandra is survived by her husband, Anthony Locke and their daughter, Ashley Norman; her son, Andrew Tybergh
The 2022 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) wont go forward due to the coronavirus pandemic. Following cancellations in 2020 and 2021, the trade show was supposed to return on February 19th, 2022, but thats no longer happening. Organizers are billing the move not as a cancellation but as a postponement that will see GIMS come back as a more impactful event in 2023.

The decision to cancel GIMS 2022 was made with the best interests of both car manufacturers and automotive fans in mind, said the Committee and Council of the Foundation Salon International de lAutomobile, which is responsible for organizing the auto show. The group blamed the impact COVID-19 has had both on travel and event restrictions and automakers through the global semiconductor supply for the decision.

Weve seen plenty of other auto shows get canceled in 2021, but the way GIMS continues to struggle is not a good sign for the industry. Pre-pandemic, it was one of the largest car shows in the world. It would usually attract more than 600,000 visitors, including some 10,000 journalists, to Swizterland. Beyond its sheer size and scale, the show was particularly known for all the new and wild concepts cars that would debut on its floor.
Motorola is expanding the Moto G lineup with another budget-friendly device. The $160 Moto G Pure runs on the MediaTek Helio G25 octa-core processor, rather than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 460 seen in the slightly more expensive Moto G Play.

The G Pure has 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage (expandable by up to 512GB via microSD). The IPS TFT LCD 6.5-inch screen only has a 720p resolution, which might be helping Motorola keep costs down.

Motorola says you'll get up to two days of use with the 4000mAh battery. It's promising rapid charging through the USB Type-C port. The handset is water repellent, with an IP52 rating, meaning it should be able to withstand spills, splashes and light rain. There are also fingerprint and face unlock sensors, as well as a 3.5mm headphone jack.

The rear camera setup includes a 13MP camera, 2MP depth sensor and LED flash. On the front, there's a 5MP selfie camera. Motorola says you can capture video on both sides in full HD at 30 fps.

There's no NFC or 5G support, unfortunately. Motorola says the device will run on Android 11 out of the box, not Android 12.

Pre-orders for the unlocked Moto G Pure will open on October 14th. On the same date, Verizon (Engadget's former parent company) will offer it at no extra cost to folks who sign up for a new smartphone line. The Moto G Pure will be available through other providers and in Canada in the coming months.
If you wanted to own a Nintendo Switch, you probably have one by now, unless you were waiting for the long-rumored Pro model. Sadly, the OLED Switch, which we put through its paces here, is not the 4K-upscaling, next-gen Nintendo console we dreamed of.

Engadget

It does, however, pack a bigger gorgeous OLED screen, better battery life (despite what appears to be the same internal parts) and a slightly more modern design. That means fewer bezels, a kickstand you might actually use and a redesigned dock.

The biggest question is: Who is this for? Both the original Switch and the Lite are cheaper and offer largely the same gaming experience  if you play through a TV, its exactly the same.

For the early adopters  or handheld gamers  the OLED model appears more attractive. A bigger screen and better battery life are both boons for mobile gamers. But is it enough for you to stump up $350, especially when were all waiting for Nintendo to announce a more notable console upgrade. Despite Nintendo's upfront denial, a new console cant be too far away. The question for would-be OLED Switch buyers is: How long till the next Nintendo console arrives? Read Kris Naudus' full review right here.

 Mat Smith

It says it was due to an error in a Twitch server configuration.

Reuters

Twitch has released an update on a massive hack that appears to have exposed source code, streamer payment figures and other information. It said data was exposed to the internet "due to an error in a Twitch server configuration change that was subsequently accessed by a malicious third party." It added its teams are working with "urgency" to investigate the attack. The streaming site believes no login credentials, including passwords, were exposed.

Yesterday, attackers said they stole the "entirety of Twitch.tv," including the site's mobile, desktop and console Twitch clients. It also accessed proprietary SDKs and internal AWS services. All of this could make Twitch vulnerable to future attacks by letting potential hackers probe for weaknesses.

Continue reading.

Users in some countries have another way to report issues with apps, too.

Developers who let users create an account in their iOS, iPadOS and macOS apps will have to offer a method of deleting accounts in apps from January 31st. Apple announced this requirement, alongside other App Store guideline changes, at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference back in June as part of a push to give users more control over their data.

Continue reading.

Click here.

Engadget

Mice are not sexy computer peripherals. But for those of us tethered to computer screens, theyre often crucial. James Trew, while negotiating some pretty bad RSI, decided it was time to upgrade his setup and tested out mice from some of the biggest companies, including Microsoft and Logitech. His demands were humble enough: a focus on ergonomics. But which mouse won out?

Continue reading.

It wants to prohibit private facial recognition databases like Clearview AI.

The European Parliament has called on lawmakers in the European Union to ban automated facial recognition in public spaces and to enforce strict safeguards for police use of artificial intelligence.

MEPs (members of European Parliament) said citizens should only be monitored when they're suspected of a crime. They cited concerns over algorithmic bias in AI and argued both human supervision and legal protections are required to avoid discrimination.

The MEPs also called on EU officials to ban private facial recognition databases (some law enforcement agencies in Europe are using Clearview AI's one), as well as "predictive policing based on behavioral data."

Continue reading.

You won't need to enter the full turn-by-turn interface to use the feature.

Google Maps is adding a dedicated navigation mode for those who like to travel from place to place on two wheels. Taking the turn-by-turn functionality that Maps is known for, the tool allows you to see important details about your current trip without keeping your phones screen turned on. You dont need to enter the full turn-by-turn interface to use the feature. At a glance, youll also see your current ETA.

Continue reading.

The T20 can go nearly 15 hours between charges and offers optional LTE.

Nokia has dabbled in tablets before, like the iPad knockoff N1 , but has only released smartphones since the brand was purchased by HMD Global. Now, HMD/Nokia have launched their first tablet together, the 10.4-inch T20, with the key features being a large battery, cheap price and US availability.

While you dont get bombshell looks for that $250 price tag, the specs, at least, seem respectable for a cheap Android tablet and HMDs track record with Nokia phones has been pretty strong, offering solid smartphones at pretty reasonable prices. The Nokia T20 is available from today.

Continue reading.

That includes highways, city streets and virtually any paved rural road.

Since General Motors introduced its Super Cruise driver-assist system back in 2017, GM and Cadillac drivers have apparently traveled more than 10 million miles with their hands off the wheel.

With its next-generation hands-free system, Ultra Cruise, GM claims will "ultimately enable hands-free driving in 95 percent of all driving scenarios." Ultra is designed to work virtually everywhere in the US and Canada. At launch, the system should work on 2 million miles of North American roads  that includes highways, city and subdivision streets and paved rural roads  and will eventually expand to encompass some 3.4 million miles of asphalt.

Continue reading.

The biggest news stories you might have missed

Facebook is slowing down product development for 'reputational reviews,' report says

WHO approves the world's first malaria vaccine

T-Mobile wireless home internet service now costs $10 less

Canon created a dual fisheye lens for a new VR video system

Amazon secures giant tax breaks despite record profits and questionable labor practices

JLab's $79 wireless office headset has a removable earcup and a 60-hour battery
U.S. plans to reopen a consulate offering diplomatic services to Palestinians in East Jerusalem have been met with outrage from Israel, and one Israeli lawmaker has proposed a law blocking the move.
A Minnesota restaurant company received bankruptcy court approval Thursday to purchase the assets of a San Antonio-based operator of various now-shuttered buffet chains.

BBQ Holdings Inc. of Minnetonka, Minn., was the winning bidder for substantially all of Fresh Acquisitions assets in a deal valued at about $4.7 million. An auction was held Oct. 1.

The primary assets are five Tahoe Joes Famous Steakhouse restaurants operating in California.

BBQ Holdings also is acquiring the intellectual property of the shuttered buffet chains  which include HomeTown Buffet, Old Country Buffet, Ryans and Furrs Fresh Buffet. BBQ Holdings, however, said in a statement it has no immediate plans to reopen the buffet brands.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio-based buffet restaurant chains cite COVID for closings, bankruptcy filings

BBQ Holdings had six restaurant brands with 299 locations in three countries at the end of August. They include Famous Daves, Granite City Food and Brewery, Village Inn and Bakers Square. Famous Daves has a restaurant at 231 SW Loop 410 in San Antonio.

Publicly traded BBQ Holdings outbid San Franciscos Serene Investment Management, which submitted an initial bid  or stalking-horse bid  of $4.2 million, court documents show.

BBQ Holdings roughly $4.7 million bid is comprised of $4.2 million in cash and the assumption of certain liabilities.

The transaction is expected to close Friday.

Fresh Acquisitions closed many of its restaurants amid the coronavirus pandemic and filed 15 bankruptcy petitions in April in Dallas.

Its businesses couldnt overcome shelter-in-place orders and restrictions that limited restaurant operations to takeout and delivery. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had advised restaurants not to offer self-serve food and drink options, such as buffets.

Prior to the pandemic, the companies operated 90 locations in 27 states. None of the restaurants were in San Antonio, however.

The April bankruptcies marked the fourth trip into bankruptcy since 2008 for some of the companies, with the last filing occurring in 2016 in San Antonio. Before the 2016 bankruptcies, there were more than 300 of the restaurants in 35 states.

On ExpressNews.com: 2015 sale of Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants leads to suit against San Antonio-area partners

Immediately after the latest bankruptcy filings, a lawyer for the bankrupt companies said there was a hope and expectation they would emerge from Chapter 11 with the opportunity to grow the brands back to some degree.

In August, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Stacey Jernigan denied a motion to approve a sale of the assets to San Antonios VitaNova Brands, which had managed the chains and provided back-office services.

VitaNova is managed by Lawrence F. Harris, Allen J. Jones and Jason R. Kemp. They also are governing persons of the bankrupt chains.

The assets purchased by BBQ Holdings exclude bankruptcy estate causes of action against any the debtors officers, managers or directors.

Its been on the auction block a long period of time and I know the company is running out of cash, so there is a need to close (a sale) sooner rather than later, Jernigan said in approving the sale.

pdanner@express-news.net
Opera San Antonios staging of Don Giovanni is going on as scheduled with San Antonio Symphony musicians outside handing out leaflets instead of playing in the pit.

The musicians, who are on strike, plan to pass out information about their labor issues outside the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts before the Thursday and Saturday performances of the opera. Thirty-four of the musicians had been contracted to play for the production, but the strike put a stop to that. Instead, Mozarts score will be played on harpsichord and piano.

We are not picketing the opera because we are not on strike against the opera, said Mary Ellen Goree, chair of the symphony musicians negotiating committee and principal second violin. And people who attend the opera are not crossing a picket line.

The musicians voted to strike one week before they were to begin rehearsals for Don Giovanni.

The timeline sort of became an impossible hurdle for us to be able to overcome, said E. Loren Meeker, general and artistic director of the company. We want to respect all musicians viewpoints and perspectives on whats happening, and so we decided it was in the best interests of the show to move forward with piano and harpsichord. That will allow us as an organization to fulfill our commitment to the artists we have engaged and been in rehearsal with and fulfill our commitment to the community.

Thats really key to us as an organization, making these performances happen.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonio Symphony musicians vote to strike

The opera tried to work out a deal with the symphony musicians to play independently of the orchestra. They negotiated with Local 23, the chapter of the American Federation of Musicians to which the symphony musicians belong. But they could not reach an agreement.

It was a very complicated issue, Goree said. But for us, unless the opera was prepared to pay for the whole orchestra, which they werent, we would be basically, by our actions, expressing acceptance of the very thing we are not accepting.

The strike came during contract renegotiations after the Symphony Society of San Antonio, the nonprofit that manages the orchestra, imposed deep cuts in the size of the orchestra and musicians pay.

When Opera San Antonio could not reach a deal with the union, they weighed other options.

Part of their Plan B was already in place. Conductor Robert Tweten had planned to play harpsichord for the production all along, Meeker said. And the company was able to hire pianist Mario Marra, with whom she and Tweten have worked in the past with Lyric Opera of Chicago.

We know hes quite intimate with the piece, and he also works as a performance pianist and therefore we know that we can bring him to this production and have a full and beautiful range of sound with him and the maestro, Meeker said. It really is showcasing the music in quite a unique way.

Meeker said that the companys final dress rehearsal Tuesday night, for which they played to a crowd of 800 students and veterans, received a positive response.

To hear their excitement, reactions, cheers and applause was thrilling, she said.

Because of the ongoing pandemic, the staging of Don Giovanni is trimmed down, running 90 minutes with no intermission.

On ExpressNews.com: San Antonian Gerald Self crafts harpsichords by hand

Symphony musicians voted to strike after months of negotiations over their contract for the 2021-22 season. The contract, which was part a three-year deal signed in 2019, was reopened last year and again earlier this year because of the pandemic.

On Sept. 15, the musicians unanimously rejected terms the board described as its last, best and final offer, which would cut base pay from $35,774 to $24,000. It also would slash the size of the orchestra by 30 musicians, from 72 to 42, with an additional 26 to be contracted part-time. And it would cut the 2021-22 season from 31 weeks to 24 weeks.

Board members have cited a need to resolve the orchestras recurring financial problems once and for all as the reason for the steep cuts, and they unilaterally imposed the contract.

After that, the musicians voted to go on strike.

To be clear, the strike is based on unfair labor practices, Goree said. Its based on not entering into the negotiations in good faith.

Board members and symphony Executive Director Corey Cowart dispute that, saying they have negotiated in good faith.

The musicians have gotten a lot of support from other union members, Goree said, noting that the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicians issued a call to action seeking donations to help them financially.

If the contract dispute is resolved, the symphony is slated to begin its classical subscription season with performances Oct. 29-30.

dlmartin@express-news.net | Twitter: @DeborahMartinEN
Ken Branca

A 3-year-old girl was hospitalized Thursday morning after a suspected drunken driver crashed his vehicle into the home where she was sleeping, San Antonio police said.

Charles Aron Slaughter, 49, was charged with DWI and failure to stop and render aid in connection with the incident.
San Antonio police arrested a 21-year-old man in connection with a deadly shooting at a Southeast Side apartment complex last month.

Luis Angel Alvarado was charged with murder in the death of 31-year-old Santos Cedillo.

Police say that Alvarado kept pointing a black semi-automatic handgun at Cedillo during an argument between the two in the parking lot of the Granada Apartments on Sept. 20, according to court documents.

On ExpressNews.com: The cost of Hill Country quarries: Dirt, dust, muddy creeks, altered rivers

A nearby witness was recording the interaction on a cell phone. Cedillo's wife could be seen in the video trying to intervene in the fight and calling 911 about Alvarado having the gun.

As the two men threatened to assault each other, Alvarado pointed the gun at Cedillo several times before eventually pulling the trigger and shooting Cedillo multiple times in the torso, the arrest affidavit said.

After the shooting, Alvarado fled from the Somerset Road apartments in a white Lincoln sedan.

Police determined that both men lived in the apartment complex.

On Oct. 5, Alvarado turned himself in at the Bexar County Jail, San Antonio police said. He is being held on a $250,000 bond.

taylor.pettaway@express-news.net
State Rep. Ina Minjarez announced Wednesday she is considering a run for Bexar County Judge, hours after longtime incumbent Nelson Wolff confirmed that he will not seek re-election next year.

Minjarez, a Democrat from San Antonio who has served in the Legislature since 2015, said she would form an exploratory committee and soon begin a series of community conversations across the county as she weighs her decision.

I want to have an open and transparent conversation with our community about what needs to be done at the county level, Minjarez said in a statement. Your input will guide my platform should I choose to run for County Judge.

If elected, Minjarez would be the first Democratic woman to serve as Bexar County judge, the countys top elected official who presides over commissioners court and runs the countys emergency management.

Minjarez serves on the House Appropriations, Redistricting and Urban Affairs Committees, and is vice chair of a select committee tasked with considering how Texas should spend its federal COVID stimulus funds.

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

She was one of more than 50 Democrats to flee the state in July to thwart Republicans priority elections bill, which later passed.

An attorney by trade, Minjarez previously worked as a prosecutor for the Bexar County District Attorneys Office, focusing on domestic violence, child abuse and other felony cases. She joined the state House after winning a special election for the west Bexar County seat held by Jose Menendez, a Democrat who had been elected to the state Senate.

Wolff, a Democrat, was appointed county judge in 2001, succeeding Republican Cyndi Taylor Krier. He was first elected to public office in 1970, winning a state House seat in Bexar County. He went on to serve in the state Senate, on San Antonio City Council and as mayor of the city.

jasper.scherer@chron.com
A San Antonio man accused of murder was about to take the stand in his own defense Wednesday, but abruptly changed his plea after his lawyer unsuccessfully asked the judge to prevent broadcast media from reporting on his testimony for fear of his safety.

The murder trial of John Anthony Scharringhausen, 23, accused of killing Anthony Sanks, 30, began Monday. It ended after a flurry of requests by the defendant, who had implicated two other men in statements to police and was scheduled to tell that story in open court.

Authorities said the shooting of Sanks in the parking lot of a Northwest Side apartment complex on Jan. 7, 2020 was in retaliation for an unsuccessful attempt by both Scharringhausen and Sanks to kill a third man, Andrew Salazar, the previous June.

Salazar joined forces with Scharringhausen to kill Sanks, investigators have said. Another man, Anthony Nash, was indicted last week on a murder charge in Sanks killing.

Days after Sanks was shot, Salazar himself was killed; nobody has been charged in that case.

Testimony this week established that in the days before Sanks was killed, he and Scharringhausen exchanged multiple messages via cellphone and Facebook regarding Salazar.

A jury on Tuesday watched a recording of Scharringhausens interview with San Antonio police Detective Lawrence Saiz following his arrest in February 2020. He denied shooting Sanks and named Salazar, Nash and others as being together in the days leading up to the killing.

He also told Saiz that he allowed someone else to use his cellphone to send text messages to Sanks before his death.

Scharringhausen was expected to implicate others involved in various crimes in testimony set for Wednesday afternoon. But before the trial could resume, he changed his mind.

Express Briefing: Get the morning headlines in your inbox

He intends to identify people in his testimony and is afraid for his family or that someone would retaliate in jail, defense attorney John Young told the court in a motion to prevent news media from recording the proceeding.

State District Judge Velia Meza asked for clarification because Young only mentioned television and radio.

If the Express-News wants to write a story, how is safety not an issue? she asked, adding that she cant intrude on the medias right to report on testimony in open court.

Young reiterated that he was speaking about television and radio, stating, The jail does not get the newspaper.

Meza suggested Scharringhausen be segregated at the jail, and told him to discuss the matter with his attorney.

After Scharringhausen and Young conferred, Young told the court that Scharringhausen would change his plea to guilty.

The judge called a brief recess, and when she came back, Scharringhausen decided again to change his plea, this time to no contest.

Meza set a pre-sentence investigation hearing for Dec. 2 to hear arguments before she ruled on the plea.

Scharringhausen faces up to life in prison if convicted.

ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863
The Fourth Court of Appeals has rejected Texas appeal of last weeks ruling by a judge in Bexar County who refused to stop the coronavirus vaccination mandate for employees of the San Antonio Independent School District.

The decision was issued late Tuesday and the state is expected to appeal it to the Texas Supreme Court.

The deadline for the districts 7,000 employees to be vaccinated is Oct. 15. Fewer than a dozen have refused and about 150 have claimed exemptions, the districts former superintendent has said.

The Texas Attorney Generals Office sued the school district Sept. 9, saying the mandate violated an emergency order by Gov. Greg Abbott. It sought an order that would stop the mandate.

A hearing Friday before state District Judge Mary Lou Alvarez turned into a lengthy argument over Abbotts authority to set local health rules. Attorneys for the state cited Texas laws and court precedents that said the governors authority during disasters is absolute.

On ExpressNews.com: Punches fly in first round of Paxton's lawsuit against San Antonio ISD

Steve Chiscano, one of the attorneys representing the school district, said the governors order was an overreach. To obtain an injunction, the state had to show imminent harm and the likelihood of prevailing at trial, which it had failed to prove, he said.

Alvarez agreed, denying the states request for an injunction and setting a trial date of Jan. 19. She also chided lawyers for both sides for using bullhorn arguments and warned that they would need to show evidence when the suit goes to trial.

The states appeal of Alvarezs decision was rejected in a one-sentence ruling by a three-judge panel of the Fourth Court, including Chief Justice Rebeca C. Martinez and justices Patricia O. Alvarez and Luz Elena D. Chapa.

The state had dropped an earlier suit against SAISD after the school district said it wouldnt enforce the mandate until the Food and Drug Administration granted final approval to COVID-19 vaccines. After the Pfizer vaccine got such approval, Abbott quickly changed his order to prohibit requiring vaccines that had final FDA approval.

ezavala@express-news.net | Twitter: @elizabeth2863
A Roman Catholic school on the West Side went into lockdown after a man threatened to bring a gun inside an adjoining church if he was not allowed inside to pray, San Antonio police said.

The lockdown was lifted at 12:30 p.m. after police determined there was no immediate threat to St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church and its school, which serves kindergarten to eighth grade students.

According to police, a man called the church at around 11:30 a.m. asking if he was allowed to go inside and pray. When a receptionist told him the church was closed, he became belligerent and threatened to show up with a gun, said SAPD spokesman Cory Schuler.

On ExpressNews.com: 3-year-old girl hospitalized after suspected drunken driver crashes into her bedroom

The church notified police and placed the school under lockdown as a precaution.

Police canvased a two-block radius around the Clower Street properties for about an hour to make sure there was no danger to the students, Schuler said.

Officials did not find evidence that the man showed up but did question several people walking around the school. Police do not believe any of them are suspects. Investigators are working with the Southwest Texas Fusion Center in an attempt to trace the call, Schuler said.

On ExpressNews.com: Police say 21-year-old shot and killed his neighbor during argument at Southeast Side apartment

Parents will be able to pick up their students as normal. Anyone with questions is advised to contact school officials.

This is the second school lockdown in San Antonio this week in response to a possible gunman.

On Tuesday, Judson ISD's Metzger Middle School in northeast Bexar County went into an hours-long lockdown after neighbors reported hearing shots fired nearby.

Bexar County Sheriff's deputies searched the area but did not find a gunman.

taylor.pettaway@express-newsc.net
Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists of San Antonio is one of 30 recipients of the Founders First CDC Texas Job Creators Quest Grant.

On Monday morning, in a virtual Zoom call, the national nonprofit announced the disbursement of a $100,000 grant among diverse-led companies located in the North, South and Central Texas regions. Rodney Brisco, owner of Alloy Wheel Repair, was shocked to receive the $1,500 grant.

Im excited that I was one of the semi-finalists and that I received a grant, he said. Im still amazed.

On ExpressNews.com: Leaders of San Antonios biggest employers take aim at racial inequality with new initiative

Brisco, 50, said hes repaired wheels in San Antonio for 20 years. He handles 90 percent of the wheels that come to his shop at 2450 Babcock Road, Suite 168. The small business owner said the grant would help him hire more people to join his seven employees.

In addition to a cash award, the grant includes a full-tuition scholarship to a Founders First growth accelerator program and a membership in the Founders First platform that offers support from diverse partners and entrepreneurs.

The program was founded to help small business owners across Texas create premium wage jobs and retain their workforce during the pandemic. More than 600 Texas businesses, from health care to hospitality, applied for the grant.

The project began in early 2021. More than $220,000 has been awarded to minority business owners in Chicago, Southern California, Philadelphia and New Jersey.

On ExpressNews.com: Garcia: Rep. Castro shocked at how bad S.A. public entities are at diversity contracting

Dignitaries and nonprofit leaders joined the virtual press conference for the announcement.

State Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, a small business owner, said the pandemic amplified the challenges of simply keeping doors open.

Founders First executive director Shaylon Scott said investing in diverse entrepreneurs is an impactful way to drive job and wealth creation in underserved communities. She said theyve observed many founders working more in their business than on their business.

Our priority is to give entrepreneurs resources to grow, she said, while simultaneously becoming premium wage job creators within their community.

vtdavis@express-news.net
SAN ANTONIO  David Colbath had just taken his usual seat in the back of the tiny church in Sutherland Springs when the hail of bullets began.

The shooting started outside.

It sounded like firecrackers to my back right, Colbath testified Thursday in a federal trial in San Antonio over lawsuits filed over the Nov. 5, 2017, mass shooting.

He stood up and tried to get my bearings, he said. As I did that, the firecrackers stopped. In a split second, holes were coming through the walls. I screamed, Get on the floor! Get on the floor!

Colbath, 60, is the latest victim to recount the shooting in the trial. The Air Force failed to report the shooters domestic violence conviction to a national database, which could have prevented him from legally buying the assault-style rifle he used in the massacre. The testimony will inform the decision on how much the federal government should pay victims and their families.

On ExpressNews.com: Survivor of Sutherland Springs church massacre regrets last moments with her mom

Saying he recalled the event but not the timeline, Colbath recalled turning to move when he was hit by a bullet.

If I hadnt turned, it would have got me in the chest, he said. It flung my arm ... and knocked me down..

He crawled on his elbows and knees under a pew.

I was scared as could be, absolutely terrified, Colbath said.

He could see Bryan Holcombe also on the floor, and told him they should get up and run to an exit door.

All he could tell me was, I cant, I cant, Colbath said, adding that he didnt know whether it was because Holcombe had been shot or was frozen by fear.

More shots cracked, and Colbath was hit in the legs. People desperately called 911.

You could just hear the bullets  constant, constant, Colbath said. I think in my memory, I said, Wheres the help? It just kept going and going. Wheres the help?

Colbath said the shooting stopped once or twice.

It was very eerily quiet at time. Unbelievably quiet. To hear people hushing kids, he said, his voice cracking.

At some point, the front doors flung open, and Colbath said the shooter came in. Colbath said he never heard the shooter say anything, though other witnesses later told him he yelled out they would all die.

On ExpressNews.com: Sutherland Springs church massacre survivors testify about the unseen scars at federal trial in San Antonio

Then, Greg Hill, a teen more than 6 feet tall and weighing more than 200 pounds, fell on top of Colbath.

The moment he fell, he was dead, he said. I know thats rough. He was gone. There was no breathing.

Colbath was wedged under the boy and the pew, trapped. It was only later that he learned from another survivor that two other kids, killed by the shooter, fell on top of Hill.

Colbath thought about his son, Morgan, and daughter, Olivia, who were not at the church. He prayed.

I dont know how these words were coming, Colbath said, dabbing his eyes with a tissue. I love you, Jesus. I love you, Morgan. I love you, Olivia. I love you, Jesus. ... I couldnt get those words fast enough out of my head into my mouth.

He saw or heard the gunman put people out, finishing them individually. He thought he was next. The gunman fired one last bullet at his back under his neck.

Then the gunman dropped his rifle, and it got silent again. Moments later, there was yelling outside, shots  though not as loud  and tires screeched. Two locals chased the shooter out of town, where he shot and killed himself.

By the time it all ended, Hill, Holcombe and 24 others in the church had been killed, and more than 20 injured, including Colbath, who was shot eight times and struck by shrapnel. He was even shot in the backside by bullets that had pierced other victims, he said.

Colbath, like previous survivors who testified, spoke of the pain they endured from being shot, of the suffering during the long ambulance rides to regional hospitals, of the anguish from not knowing whether their relatives or friends were OK, of the fear of not seeing loved ones again.

On ExpressNews.com: Witnesses recount Sutherland Springs church mass shooting in trial over damages

He spent three weeks at Brooke Army Medical Center, undergoing several surgeries to remove bullets and shrapnel from throughout his body and to reconstruct his ankle and his forearm. Months of therapy ensued, but he said he still has pain, numbness and other afflictions from nerve damage. Hes undergone weeks of physical therapy and counseling, and his 11-year-old daughter continues in therapy.

At one point, he was told doctors might have to amputate his leg. He still is considering other surgeries, such as for fusing bones in his ankle, so he wont have pain.

Colbath, who ran a fence installation business, also suffered financial losses. He had owned an 84-acre spread in rural Seguin. He had to sell 50 of them after the shooting because of hardships.

I should have lost a leg, but I didnt. I should have lost an arm, but I didnt, he said. I should have died that day, but I didnt.

guillermo.contreras@express-news.net | Twitter: @gmaninfedland
Kin Man Hui /San Antonio Express-News

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has declared Thursday as an ozone action day for the San Antonio area. It will be the second day this week with possibly harmful levels of ozone pollution.

Young children, the elderly and others who have respiratory issues  such as asthma, bronchitis or emphysema  are more vulnerable to ozones effects. People with such conditions are advised to stay indoors or limit outside activity.
Picture your sixth-grade English teacher leading a convoy on a dusty highway outside Kandahar.

Or your high school chemistry instructor flying fighter missions over Syria. The football coach sweating aboard a destroyer underway on the Arabian Sea. Maybe your kindergarten teacher training commandos in the Horn of Africa.

Beyond teachers who are military veterans and those in the Guard or Reserves, it might be hard to imagine.

But COVID-19 has thrown our educators on the front lines of a deadly conflict, and according to the statistics, far more teachers have died from COVID-19 than soldiers deployed to conflict zones.

At least thats been the case since March 2020, when COVID took hold, through Sept. 30. During these 19 months, the Department of Defense reported 35 overseas deaths in conflict zones. Compare that with 1,859 school workers killed by COVID during the same period.

On ExpressNews.com: Lingle: If only Milley's calls to China were fiction

You can cut these numbers a lot of ways  and we cant assume a teacher has acquired COVID at school. But the point is risk; and in the case of teachers, COVID presents a level of risk they did not sign up for.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 3.6 million people work in elementary and secondary schools, colleges, universities, and trade and professional schools, as well as in educational support services. Thats roughly 1 COVID death for every 1,936 school workers.

The DOD has about 1.4 million people. Divide that by 35 overseas deaths since March 2020, and thats 1 per 40,000 DOD employees.

The numbers change as we dig into the data.

Only 170,000 service members are assigned overseas. Even with that lesser figure, its about 1 overseas death per 4,857 DOD employees.

Of course, smaller numbers are in hostile areas, and military members die of everyday causes in noncombat zones. But stick with me.

On ExpressNews.com: Lingle: A dream life ends in COVID-19 nightmare

Those joining the military sign on with the knowledge theyre entering a dangerous business. Teachers, not so much. Despite the risk of school violence and shootings, teachers dont sign the proverbial blank check to their country.

Tuesday marked World Teachers Day, and as blue ribbons celebrated their service and sacrifice, our society hasnt done enough to protect our educators from COVID, a silent, relentless and deadly enemy.

America doesnt tolerate sending our daughters and sons into harms way without the best training and equipment. Nor do we accept high numbers of military casualties.

This isnt the case for school workers across the country, especially in Texas, where Gov. Greg Abbott blocked districts from requiring masks and vaccines. COVID has claimed at least 54 Texas school workers since late July.

Weve seen the angry school board meetings and some teachers protesting vaccines at the same time headlines about teacher deaths have forced some school districts to shut down.

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On Sunday, the Express-News reported that record numbers of teachers have left the profession since the start of the pandemic, and a labor shortage is hurting schools ability to hire and retain staff of all kinds.

Its so bad in Massachusetts that the governor called in the National Guard to drive school buses for districts across the state. Other states are also eyeing the option.

Is it too much a stretch to picture Guard members stepping into the breach to teach? Picture the troops in camouflage teaching the kids.

Hello, class, Im Staff Sgt. Smith. Im a police officer in my day job, an infantryman in the National Guard, and Ill be your substitute history teacher.

Or: Hi, kids, Im Capt Gonzales. Im a dentist in both my day job and the Guard, and Ill be your biology instructor today.

On ExpressNews.com: Lingle: Two Afghans, but only one journey to safety

There are probably some at the Pentagon who would be thrilled with more military people pitching in to help struggling school districts. After all, you cant start recruiting too young.

Ironically, on Sept. 23, the Air Forces recruiting branch, headquartered at Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, declared victory over its annual recruiting goals. According to Maj. Gen. Edward Thomas Jr., commander of the Air Forces Recruiting Service, itll be the first time in five years that the active-duty, Guard and Reserve all met their recruiting goals in a fiscal year.

Maybe school districts should look to the militarys extensive recruiting and marketing arms for hints about talent acquisition and retention. Time for some flashy teacher branding and slogans?

In the meantime, we should thank school workers for their service and help ensure they have the best equipment, training and safety protocols to accomplish their critical mission of teaching our children.

Brandon Lingle is a retired lieutenant colonel who served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force with assignments in Iraq, Afghanistan, Korea and across the U.S. brandon.lingle@express-news.net
The GOP assault on womens rights in Texas has been frustrating and depressing, but the estimated 120,000 diverse, fierce, beautiful women and their allies who marched Saturday in Womens Marches in hundreds of cities across America? They were light and energy in this dark time. Fueled by the Texas fight for abortion justice, their message was bold: Dont mess with Texas womens rights.

I soaked up the marches via social media, the Express-News and a livestream video of the rally from Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., but I wish I would have attended each in person, holding my own sign.

The Washington rally featured Cristela Alonzo, a comedian, actress, writer and producer from Texas.

I love my home state of Texas so much that I am willing to fight for what is best for the people in it, she said.

Rachel OLeary Carmona, executive director of Womens March, who also lives in Texas, was still relishing Saturdays 650 marches across America.

On ExpressNews.com: Editorial: Troubling implications of egregious abortion law

Three days after the Rally for Abortion Justice and it still feels surreal. WE DID THAT. We showed up in all 50 states & fought for our reproductive freedoms, she tweeted Tuesday. But it doesnt end here. We arent playing around with the Supreme Court. Stay tuned for more details.

She posted about Texas, too: We werent playing around in Texas on Saturday. SB8 is unconstitutional and dangerous. Texans took to the street to demonstrate that. The people have spoken. Strike down #SB8.

In her post, OLeary Carmona provided a link to a Texas Tribune article about the Texas womens marches.

Just weeks after SB 8 went into effect, Abbott enacted Senate Bill 4, a law restricting access to abortion medications, narrowing the window physicians are allowed to prescribe abortion-inducing medication to patients from 10 weeks to seven weeks into pregnancy and banning mail-order abortion prescriptions.

A diverse group of activists, the Trust Respect Access Coalition from Texas, who wore white T-shirts with the red words bans off our bodies marched and chanted on stage: The state does not belong in our bodies. Abortion is sacred. My body is my own. Abortion matters for all of us. Its freedom. Its liberation. Its our right. Its freedom. Its liberation. Its our right. Tu lucha es mi lucha. Your fight is my fight. Who wants to ban abortions? The state. The Lege. The judges. The governor. Abortion is health care. Abortion is essential. Bans off our bodies.

Many of the protesters signs were clever and powerful, reflecting the women who designed them:

Dear Texas, Stay out of my vagina!

Texas  where a virus has reproductive rights, and a woman doesnt.

Mind your own uterus.

My favorite sign was held by an elderly woman: I cannot believe I still have to protest this shit.

Other signs were more vulgar but effective.

I wonder what first lady Abigail Adams sign would have said. Her 1776 letter to her husband, Founding Father John Adams, and other members of Congress urges them to remember the ladies. Written nearly 150 years before the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote in 1920, her reminder to remember, all men would be tyrants if they could is a plea still being made today.

Consider that American women are 50 percent more likely to die in childbirth than their mothers were; in Texas, its estimated the vast majority of deaths of new mothers could be prevented. Not all the women who marched have had abortions or will get them, but they are fighting on principle  for all womens rights.

On ExpressNews.com: Garcia: With Texas abortion law, vigilantism becomes public policy

The marches shined a light on womens spirit of defiance and made me think of Beyonces 2011 hit, Run the World (Girls). Who run the world? Beyonce sings. Girls.

I wonder what her sign would say.

Whos really running the world, America? Its the same as always  men. In Texas, its the GOP, a party whose leaders do all they can to protect so-called American, Christian and Texas values over womens rights.

Women are once again saying enough. Policies must be shaped to elevate women  not hold them down  and they could use the help of men. Women wont ever run the world, but they deserve to be seen.

Nancy.Preyor-Johnson@express-news.net
Only a morally depraved human being would taunt the parents of slain children by saying they are lying about those murders.

Meet Alex Jones, who is about to pay a financial price for that depravity  a price, no matter how high, that could never make amends for the harm he has caused.

The worst nightmare for parents happened to 20 sets of them on Dec. 14, 2012. Thats when a gunman entered Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., and murdered their children, all either 6 or 7 years old. Six adults were also slain.

Its not for us or anyone else to suggest what is second, third or fourth worse for families who have suffered such a tragedy.

But among the most hateful and despicable acts a person can inflict on people who have lost so much, so suddenly and so brutally, is to tell the world those crimes didnt happen and their loved ones didnt die.

On ExpressNews.com: Sandy Hook parents of two slain children win defamation case against Alex Jones in Texas

No one has been more responsible for spewing such noxious and hurtful garbage than the odious Jones, a right-wing conspiracy theorist and founder of Infowars, who claimed the Sandy Hook shooting was a government hoax and the relatives were actors. Parents of the murdered children have been stalked and threatened by conspiracy theorists.

Through the years, nine families have sued Jones, who has lost several defamation suits and been ordered to pay tens of thousands of dollars of their legal fees.

Last week, a district judge in Travis County issued default judgments against Jones and Infowars after his refusal to provide court-ordered information relating to two of those lawsuits. A third has since won a defamation suit. The lawsuits will now proceed to trial, with the question being how much Jones will have to pay.

Whatever Jones pays, it wont ease the suffering of families who will always grieve, but it would extract a measure of justice from a man who added to their pain.
Residents will have a direct influence on creating new boundaries for City Council districts as San Antonio prepares to balance population changes over the last decade.

As part of the redistricting process, the council is appointing residents to an advisory committee that would oversee the map reconfiguration  a change from the process 10 years ago, when the elected officials were more involved.

San Antonio kicked off the once-a-decade process Wednesday, using updated population data from the Census Bureau. The new boundaries will be effective for the 2023 City Council elections.

The citys population grew 8.1 percent in the last decade, with most of the growth on the outer edges, Census Bureau data shows. Because some council districts grew much more populous than others, the city needs to redraw its maps to level out the numbers and comply with the federal Voting Rights Act.

That data shows that each of the 10 districts should ideally include around 143,378 residents  up from the planned 132,672 per district in 2010.

District 8 on the Northwest Side is the most populous and is currently more than 18 percent above the size of the ideal district. On the other hand, District 5, on the West Side, is the least populated, about 16.5 percent below the size of an ideal district.

Throughout the redistricting process, the city will work with two outside law firms: Walsh Gallegos Trevino Kyle and Robinson, and Bickerstaff Heath Delgado Acosta.

The city plans to form the advisory committee this month. The City Council could vote on new district boundaries next summer.

New advisory committee

The new advisory committee will consist of 13 members: one person appointed by each council member and three appointed by Mayor Ron Nirenberg. The appointees are meant to represent their districts interests and gather input from the community about new boundaries.

The committee is also intended to help the City Council be more transparent, as officials are tasked with essentially redrawing district boundaries that they are elected within. Participation from residents on the committee will allow some level of distance between council members and the new boundaries, even when the maps come to the council for final approval.

A decade ago, a majority of the work was done by council members themselves, said Iliana Castillo Daily, assistant city attorney.

Some of those past meetings were in executive session, closed off from the public. A committee is one way for the city to improve its transparency in the redistricting process.

Some council members voiced support for adding at least a second appointed resident per district to the advisory committee.

District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez said each edge of his district is distinct from others. The districts have become so populous and their residents diverse enough that it would help to get input from even more constituents, he said.

Maintaining neighborhoods

Across the board, most council members agreed they want to keep neighborhoods intact when redrawing district boundaries.

Under the federal Voting Rights Act, the council also cant draw boundaries that might discriminate on the basis of race or other minority classifications. That includes avoiding packing minority groups into one district or spreading minority voters out among districts in a way that takes away their opportunity to elect someone of their choice.

Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, who represents District 2 on the East Side, said hes heard from constituents that they want to maintain their seat that has been historically held by a Black person on the council.

City Attorney Andrew Segovia said the city would not be compliant with the Voting Rights Act if it grew the boundaries of District 2 in a way that minimized voters ability to elect an African American to that seat.

Melissa Cabello Havrda, who represents District 6 on the West Side, said there are human factors that go into keeping a neighborhood together, aside from maps and ideal population numbers.

Those arent what define communities, she said. Im really talking about the schools, the places we worship, the parks we go to to celebrate our holidays. I want to know those will be preserved.

No extra districts  for now

As San Antonios population has grown, some residents wondered: Should there be more than 10 council districts?

In short, the city cant increase the number of districts right now. Thats because doing so would require an amendment to the citys charter. The city cannot amend its charter more than once every two years, and voters just recently amended it in May to impact new and upcoming bond projects.

For now, the city is bound by its current charter language, which calls for 11 council members  including the mayor  from single-member districts.

The council cant add additional districts until May 2025, and thats if city voters approve a change in 2023.

City staff and council members Wednesday left open the question of whether they will bring that change to voters in the next city election.

Gerrymandering

Mario Bravo  who represents District 1, which includes downtown and the North Side  asked the citys outside attorneys pointed questions about ensuring that districts are compact. He said districts for some state and federal seats are spread out across various communities.

Im glad someone brought up the word gerrymandering, Bravo said in a back-and-forth with an attorney who used the term.

He added that he doesnt believe elected officials should be involved in drawing the boundaries for their own districts.

I believe it presents a conflict of interest, Bravo said. I hope that we can play a limited role in this process. I also believe that redistricting has been very ugly and poorly executed at the state and federal level, and I hope that we can work to execute a redistricting process here that can serve as a model to others of what the gold standard of redistricting could be.

Under the citys charter, the obligation to redraw district boundaries does fall to the council.

Segovia, the city attorney, said he thinks the advisory committee can play a significant role because those members are not elected officials.

The census count

John Courage, who represents District 9 on the North Side, was disappointed that the census count showed San Antonios population at just over 1.4 million. He thought the city would have a greater population.

Did we miss the mark on the census here in the city? Courage asked.

Nirenberg said some communities historically have been hard to count, particularly in major cities, and that will remain under debate.

The Census Bureau does have a limited program for people to complain about an undercount, said Syd Falk, an attorney with the citys outside counsel for redistricting. But even if officials eventually found the need to correct the count, it wouldnt come in time to affect the current redistricting process.

megan.stringer@express-news.net
A group of cold-case investigators say they have identified the Zodiac Killer. And its not U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz.

On Wednesday, Case Breakers, an independent investigative team made up of former police officers, journalists and military intelligence officials, identified the man they believe is connected to at least five known murders in the 1960s in San Francisco.

However, federal and police investigators tasked with solving the 52-year-old Zodiac mystery told the San Francisco Chronicle that the case remains open.

On ExpressNews.com: Elon Musk's San Antonio tunnel idea gains traction; transportation agency seeks proposals

The news of the potential discovery sparked an avalanche of hilarious memes and jokes reviving a years-long internet joke that Cruz was the unidentified serial killer.

Cruz joined the fun on Wednesday by posting a link to a news article with an image of the antagonist Dr. Evil from the Austin Powers movies.

Obviously, the senator from Texas is not the Zodiac Killer. He was still a child during the span of unsolved murders in the Bay Area.

But for years people, including Cruz himself, have joked that he was the infamous murderer.

In 2017, Cruz jokingly referred to himself as the Zodiac Killer after a fellow senator complained on Twitter that Cruz spilled Dr. Pepper on him during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

On Halloween in 2018, Cruz tweeted an image of one of the Zodiac Killer's cryptic letters.

The internet's obsession with labeling Cruz as the Zodiac Killer for no particular reason dates back to around 2013, but it really picked up steam during his 2016 run for president.

The joke became so popular at one point that a poll found about 10 percent of Florida primary voters believed Cruz was the Zodiac Killer and another 28 percent of voters responded that they were "not sure."

Hearst newspapers traditionally have not named Zodiac suspects unless law enforcement investigators confirm they are being actively looked into.

According to the Chronicle, the investigative team uncovered new evidence and photos from the potential suspected killers darkroom  without going into specific detail  and cite scars on his forehead that are nearly identical to those on the police sketch of the Zodiac Killer.

On ExpressNews.com: 'Afraid for his family:' San Antonio man about to testify in his murder trial abruptly changes plea

The Zodiac Killer became one of the most infamous serial killers in America after sending a series of taunting cryptograms to journalists. While countless theories and suspects have been named over the years  ranging from the Manson Family to the Unabomber  the case is still unsolved, according to the Chronicle.

Mark Ruffalo, who starred in the 2007 mystery film Zodiac, also took to Twitter to comment on the investigation.

"I've been down this road before. They made a movie about it," he joked. "Maybe...maybe not. Every few years someone says they figured if out. Let's hope they got the guy. #Zodiac."

timothy.fanning@express-news.net
A federal judge on Wednesday blocked enforcement of Texas' six-week abortion ban, issuing a temporary ruling one month after the law took effect, becoming the strictest abortion ban in the country.

In a 113-page opinion, Judge Robert Pitman barred state judges and court clerks from hearing lawsuits against abortion providers and others who help women obtain the procedure after about six weeks of pregnancy. The law requires private citizens, not state officials, to enforce the new guidelines through litigation in state courts. The decision was quickly appealed by state leaders.

In a seething conclusion, Pitman also denied the states request to delay any injunction until it has a chance to appeal, writing it had forfeited the right by concocting such an obviously unconstitutional law in the first place. Women have had constitutional access to abortion since 1973.

From the moment S.B. 8 went into effect, women have been unlawfully prevented from exercising control over their lives in ways that are protected by the Constitution, Pitman wrote, referring to the law, known as Senate Bill 8. That other courts may find a way to avoid this conclusion is theirs to decide; this court will not sanction one more day of this offensive deprivation of such an important right.

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

The decision is an immediate blow to what has quickly become a model for other Republican-led states seeking to end abortion access after decades of adding restrictions that have led to closures of abortion clinics across much of the South and Midwest, including Texas.

Proponents of the law have been bracing for an injunction, and are eager for the case to move to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Louisiana. That court already stayed proceedings in another case in which a judge had tried to block the law, and is considered among the most conservative courts in the country. Pitman was appointed by Democratic former President Barack Obama.

Its not clear whether the decision will be enough for abortion providers to resume the procedures, at least right away. Under the law, abortions performed while a temporary injunction is in place can be the basis for litigation if the injunction is later blocked or overturned.

Lawyers for abortion providers responded to the ruling with relief, but acknowledged it was just the first step in restoring abortion rights and services in Texas.

The clinics and doctors we represent hope to resume full abortion services as soon as they are able, even though the threat of being sued retroactively will not be completely gone until SB 8 is struck down for good, Nancy Northrup, the head of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said in a statement. The cruelty of this law is endless.

The Texas Attorney Generals office, which defends state litigation, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The case is likely to eventually be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, where a conservative majority of justices is already set to hear a Mississippi case in December that could result in rollbacks to decades of abortion rights protections.

In siding with the Department of Justice, Pitman wrote that it is substantially likely that SB 8 violates the Constitution, including the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees all citizens equal protection of the laws, and places an undue burden on people seeking an abortion.

FLOODED WITH CALLS: Neighboring states see surge in Texans seeking abortions since Sept. 1 ban

A lawyer for the state had accused federal lawyers of exaggerating the harm caused by the law. Pitman disagreed.

Pitman also wasnt buying the states half-hearted argument that the law does not constitute a ban and instead poses mere obstacles to pre-viability abortion access.

With this claim, the state appears to argue that abortion services remain available because providers are willing to act in violation of S.B. 8  in other words, the law is constitutional because people will violate it, he wrote. The absurdity of this reasoning speaks for itself.

The states argument that Texans who wish to receive abortions can visit other states also did not sufficiently solve the constitutionality issue, Pitman wrote, noting the burden the law is placing on prospective abortion patients already.

The state does not exist in a vacuum. Indeed, if Texass neighbors, much less every other state, were to pass laws similar to S.B. 8  which if S.B. 8 is constitutional they are free to do  there would be no other states to which pregnant people could travel to obtain an abortion, he wrote.

This is a developing story; check back for updates.

jeremy.blackman@chron.com
BRACKETVILLE  On the first floor of the Kinney County courthouse, piles of red folders cover the desk of Rick Alvarado, the elected clerk in this sleepy border community.

Alvarado, a Republican, oversaw Subway restaurants in the region until he was elected clerk in 2018 with 725 votes. Hes now at the epicenter of Gov. Greg Abbotts plan to detain and jail on state charges migrants who are suspected of crossing the border illegally.

The deluge of arrests under Abbotts initiative, known as Operation Lone Star, has overwhelmed Kinney Countys minimal court system, which was designed to fit its population of 3,700.

These days, Alvarado spends almost all his work time on hundreds of misdemeanor trespassing cases, uploading information from the red folders on his desk to an online court database.

County Attorney Brent Smith, a Republican who took office in January, said trespassing cases arent complicated.

It's just the volume of them that we're having to deal with, Smith said.

Abbotts plan  a novel approach that dramatically expands the states role in border security, normally the province of the federal government  has been hindered by a series of problems since authorities began making the arrests in late July.

Defense attorneys and advocacy groups accuse state officials of trampling on the constitutional rights of hundreds of migrants, some of whom have sat in jail for weeks without being formally charged or appointed an attorney. And while the state has fashioned a makeshift criminal justice system to help overburdened counties, local officials say Abbott has yet to reimburse them for costs racked up early in the operation, or to deliver the funding they need to handle their increased workload.

This entire operation is rife with constitutional violations, and the state is trying to cover them up or do just enough so that there's not a continued outcry, said Amanda Woog, executive director of the Texas Fair Defense Project.

IN-DEPTH: Judge orders release of 240 migrants jailed under Abbotts border plan

The operation has yet to match Abbotts vision laid out earlier this year, when the governor declared a disaster in 34 border counties, giving him authority to deploy state troopers. At that time, Abbott said migrants would spend six months to a year in jail on state charges, creating an environment where people will choose they dont want to come across the border into the state of Texas anymore.

Trespassing arrests under Operation Lone Star have been almost entirely confined to Kinney and Val Verde counties, after officials in El Paso and all four border counties in the Rio Grande Valley opted not to participate in the initiative, arguing it is unnecessary because the rise in border crossings has not been accompanied by a major spike in crime.

TEXAS TAKE: Get political headlines from across the state sent directly to your inbox

The operation has led to the arrest of 1,285 migrants on trespassing charges, out of more than 6,500 total arrests for smuggling, human trafficking and a handful of other state crimes since March, said Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw.

So far, Abbott has fallen fall short of his goal of jailing migrants for months.

The misdemeanor prosecutor in Val Verde County has already dismissed dozens of cases after deciding there was not probable cause to believe a crime had been committed or that the detained migrants are likely candidates for asylum. In those cases, the migrants are typically returned to the border and handed over to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said Kristin Etter, an attorney with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, which is representing more than 550 migrants.

Others have pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor trespassing charges and, having already served a 15-day sentence, been released into the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The agency has released several migrants represented by Etters organization into the U.S., she said.

In any case, the operation has yet to produce the deterrent effect Abbott intended.

LM Otero, STF / Associated Press

Border security gets $1.8B boost

U.S. Customs and Border Protections tally of migrant encounters statewide and in the Del Rio sector  where Operation Lone Star is centered  remained level from July to August, the first full month of trespassing arrests.

Abbott, who is seeking re-election next year and already facing pressure from primary opponents to adopt a stronger posture on the border, has pinned the ongoing surge in migrant encounters along the Texas-Mexico border almost solely on President Joe Biden.

At a news conference in Mission on Wednesday, Abbott demanded that Biden reverse his decision to cancel some of former president Donald Trumps immigration policies, including construction of a wall along the southern border, which the governor himself is aiming to revive. He broadly defended his border security strategy, noting that he recently signed laws targeting human trafficking and fentanyl manufacturers and distributors, and arguing the trespassing arrests are deterring migrants from crossing into the U.S.

Thats an effective way of sending a message that if you come into the state of Texas illegally, you have a high likelihood of not getting caught and released, but instead arrested and jailed, Abbott said.

Abbott spokeswoman Renae Eze said the operation is being expanded now that state lawmakers recently provided $1.8 billion in extra border security funding to support the initiative, on top of more than $1 billion approved during the spring.

With the help of $3 billion in border security funding, we are adding more DPS troopers, (National) Guard soldiers, and equipment, Eze said in a statement. While the Biden administration refuses to do their job and ignores the pleas of border communities for help, Gov. Abbott continues working with state and local partners to surge critical personnel and resources needed to confront this ongoing crisis and to secure the border and protect Texans.

Jessica Phelps, Staff photographer / San Antonio Express-News

We were basically buried

While Val Verde County officials are onboard with Abbotts border initiative, County Attorney David Martinez said Monday he had rejected or dropped tresspassing charges against 123 of the migrants  over 40 percent of the 290 total arrests in the county. Another 55 pleaded guilty and were released into ICE custody, having already served a 15-day sentence.

In many instances, Martinez said he decided not to go ahead with the case if the migrant appeared to have a credible asylum claim and had not tried to skirt law enforcement. He said his approach is based on testimony from DPS Director Steve McCraw during a committee hearing in August, when McCraw said officers on the border are told to target criminals instead of those seeking asylum.

That left the impression in my mind that if the facts in a case show that I've got somebody from a country that is being oppressed by their government, and that individual happens to walk across private property in search of law enforcement, well, Col. McCraw basically told me, that's not the guy we want, said Martinez, a Democrat.

Martinez has also dismissed a number of cases that he said lacked evidence of probable cause or were otherwise legally dubious. That included his decision Monday to drop trespassing charges against 11 migrants who said they were arrested after being led onto private ranch land by DPS troopers and Border Patrol agents. The agencies denied the allegation.

Etter, the attorney representing the migrants, said they were picked up near a highway, escorted 15 to 20 minutes away from the site, handcuffed and then told to climb over a three-meter fence before being arrested for trespassing.

The episode is one of several allegations of migrants being denied basic rights or arrested under circumstances later called into question by their attorneys. Etter said many of her groups clients were arrested overnight in areas without trespassing signs or other visible signals that they were entering private property. And soon after the trespassing arrests began in July, more than 150 migrants apprehended in Kinney County were jailed for weeks without being assigned attorneys.

The oversight prompted state officials to begin processing migrants arrested in Kinney County at a tent facility near the Val Verde County jail, where retired judges appointed by the Texas Supreme Court set their bail via Zoom hearings.

They basically had to circumvent the judicial system in Kinney County just to meet the burden of giving people attorneys and having them read their rights for magistration, said Woog with the Texas Fair Defense Project.

Last week, a Del Rio judge ordered about 240 migrants to be released on no-cost personal recognizance bonds because they had been jailed for weeks or over a month without any charges, a violation of state law. All were arrested in Kinney and Val Verde counties.

The law requires such releases, or bail reductions, when a local prosecutor fails to bring charges within certain timeframes  15 to 30 days in most trespassing cases. Martinez said he had been unable to file charges sooner against the migrants detained in Val Verde County because state troopers had taken upwards of three weeks to send him the arrest reports.

We didnt even have the opportunity to file within 15 days, because we didnt get the report in a timely fashion, Martinez said. So, I didnt have anything to rebut the defense counsels request for PR bonds. I concurred, basically.

In Kinney County, meanwhile, local officials said they were overwhelmed by a backlog of arrests, leading to the charging delay. Smith, the county attorney, said he has now caught up thanks to the help of the Mason County district attorney. DPS and the Texas State Guard are now helping Kinney County with data entry, according to Abbotts office.

All of those cases were the very, very first ones when we were doing it by hand, Smith said. What would happen is, we'd get 50 different arrests in. We'd work a day and get 10 complaints filed. And then the next day, we'd get another 50, to where we were basically buried. Now we're way ahead of the 30-day mark, so at least our head's above water now.

Still, Smith said he needs additional staff to handle court-related functions, including a docket cordinator and interpreter.

Eze said Kinney County applied for nearly $60,000 from Abbotts office last week to cover those and other operating costs, and could apply for additional funding from a $100 million pool of grant funds for local costs related to the border initiative, part of the $1.8 billion package recently approved by lawmakers. Abbotts office allowed counties to begin applying for the grant funds last month.

She said Kinney County Judge Tully Shahan told Abbotts office recently they were already engaged in hiring the additional staff, knowing that this award is imminent. Shahan declined an interview request.

Etter, the RioGrande Legal Aid attorney, said Monday that none of her more than 350 clients in Kinney County had been assigned a court date, and she had yet to receive any information about their cases from county officials.

Julio Cortez, STF / Associated Press

Counties seek reliable funding

Despite the choppy rollout, local officials in Republican-controlled Kinney County and Democrat-run Val Verde County both say the DPS troopers now flooding the area have helped them deal with a surge in asylum seekers and migrants crossing the border illegally.

Without the governor and the state of Texas doing what they've been doing, we'd have really been in trouble, said Val Verde County Judge Lewis Owens, a Democrat who has been critical of Bidens border policies. We just don't have enough deputies. I don't care how much overtime you pay them. We just did not have enough staff.

Still, Owens said county officials have had to cover a number of expenses for the operation dating back to March, when Abbott launched Operation Lone Star by directing DPS troopers to Val Verde County, largely to target smugglers. Until July, when officials began detaining migrants in a state prison in Frio County, Val Verde County held those arrested under Operation Lone Star in its own jail, Owens said.

The county also appointed defense attorneys and assigned a justice of the peace to hold magistration hearings for migrants arrested at the start of the operation, racking up a total of $340,000 in costs that officials hope will be reimbursed by the state, the judge said. Martinezs office, which typically handles 20 to 40 trespassing cases a year, has also taken on extra costs to handle the spike. Eze said the county is eligible to be reimbursed from the states $100 million local grant program.

We've been promised a lot, Owens said. We've not gotten paid yet.

jasper.scherer@chron.com
A collection of Republican governors, many of whom have been in the doghouse of President Donald Trump or his supporters, made a run for the Texas border Wednesday for a chance to attach themselves to one of the most important issues for GOP primary voters.

Nine governors, including frequent Trump targets Doug Ducey of Arizona and Brian Kemp of Georgia, stood alongside Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday in Hidalgo County to decry President Joe Bidens handling of the border amid a record-breaking surge of migrant crossings that started in March.

President Joe Biden has caused a humanitarian crisis and chaos on our border, Abbott said.

A commonality among many of the governors with Abbott on Wednesday is that almost all are up for re-election next year, and many have been criticized by Trump and his supporters over the 2020 election results or how they have handled COVID-19. Kemp and Ducey are tops on that list after Trump accused both of not doing enough to reverse the November election results in their states to favor him.

LAST WEEK: Judge orders release of 240 migrants jailed under Abbotts plan

Abbott and other GOP governors say Biden has ignored their requests for a meeting about the border. That has them turning to the media to put more public pressure on the Biden administration to re-instate Trump policies like constructing the border wall and re-imposing the remain in Mexico policy that prevented asylum seekers from entering the United States.

Biden has said he inherited a broken immigration from Trump and is working to make it more humane by bolstering the asylum system, among other things.

The surge of migrants on the Texas border has added to Bidens slipping approval ratings in a series of public polls that have come out recently. A Gallup poll showed just 43 percent of people approved of the job Biden is doing  down 16 percentage points from a month earlier.

In a poll of Texans released last month, Quinnipiac University found 71 percent disapproved of Bidens handling of the border. Among just Republican voters that jumps to 95 percent  making it a clear GOP primary issue for the governors.

Even Republicans who couldnt make it to the border Wednesday were piling on.

A race to the mic

Before Abbott and the governors in Mission could get a word out, a group of Republican U.S. senators staged their own news conference in Washington, D.C., making almost the exact same points that Abbott and the governors made minutes later.

Both groups alleged that rising crime rates, drug overdoses and surges in COVID-19 infections have ties back to the border crisis.

They were largely repeating dubious claims that other Republican lawmakers have made.

LATEST POLL: Bidens approval plummets as Texas border woes fuel GOP

Coronavirus hotspots have tended to be either far from the border (Missouri) or on the water (Southeastern Louisiana), researchers told Politifact in August, while border communities such as McAllen have seen a small portion of migrants testing positive for the virus.

An October 2020 working paper based on Texas arrest data from a libertarian think tank, the Cato Institute, found that native-born Americans in Texas have the highest criminal conviction rates of any group, and that crime, at least in the state of Texas, is a domestically produced problem.

Nevertheless, the motivation for all the border talk was spelled out clearly by U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz who was in the Washington, D.C., group.

This is a crisis that on the merits should dominate the news each and every day because it continues to get worse, Cruz said.

Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts similarly said its about putting more public pressure on Biden over an issue his administration continues to struggle with.

We are here today to shine a light on what is going on here on the southern border and how it is impacting all of our states  not just the state of Texas, Ricketts said in Hidalgo County.

Scoring points with Trump?

Abbott himself hasnt necessarily been in the doghouse with Trump, who has endorsed him for re-election. But Trump has been putting pressure on Abbott to push for a full audit of the 2020 elections in Texas, even though Trump won the state.

Trump wants Abbott to make a full audit of the 2020 election a part of the Texas Legislatures ongoing special session.

Abbott has yet to do that, but announced the state would audit four counties, including Harris County, where Trump lost by the worst margin for a Republican since the 1960s.

Of the 10 governors in Mission on Wednesday, seven including Abbott are up for re-election next year. And while most are from safe Republican states, Abbott and several others face primary opponents.

Just last month, Trump emphasized that he is still is not over Kemp allowing the Georgia election results to be certified with Biden as the winner.

This guy is a disaster, Trump said last week at a rally where he drew jeers from the crowd as he suggested Democrat Stacey Abrams would make a better governor.

Ducey of Arizona cannot run for re-election, but Trump in June declared there was no way he would endorse Ducey for any other office, including a potential run for the U.S. Senate. As with Kemp, Trump is convinced Ducey could have prevented Biden from being declared the winner of his state.

Others with Abbott on Wednesday included Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Idaho Gov. Brad Little, both of whom have fought criticism from within the Trump wing of the GOP for their handling of COVID-19. In both cases, theyve been criticized for having stay-at-home orders and other COVID-related protections during the pandemic. Both are up for re-election next year and have serious primary opposition.

Republicans both at the border and in D.C. argued Biden needs to continue constructing the border wall in South Texas  something the White House halted immediately when he took office.

Trump wanted to build 738 miles of barriers, including refurbishing or rebuilding existing walls and fences along the length of the entire 2,000-mile U.S. border with Mexico. Only about 17 miles of new walls or fences were constructed in Texas under Trump. And much of that was done in sections, leaving miles of openings between segments of completed walls in Hidalgo County.

Texas Democrats call it a stunt calculated to draw attention away from Abbotts problems: namely the states response to the February storms and his response to COVID-19, which has killed more than 65,000 Texans.

Gov. Abbotts taxpayer-funded campaign stop at the Texas border today with 10 additional Republican governors, some from as far away as Montana, Wyoming and Georgia, is nothing more than a political stunt and a distraction from his own massive failures, Texas Democratic Party Chairman Gilberto Hinojosa said.

jeremy.wallace@chron.com
Above, 'Tech Executive-1' alludes to leaving his job last month amid John Durham's Russia probe.

By Paul Sperry, RealClearInvestigations

October 7, 2021

Cybersecurity experts who held lucrative Pentagon and homeland security contracts and high-level security clearances are under investigation for potentially abusing their government privileges to aid a 2016 Clinton campaign plot to falsely link Donald Trump to Russia and trigger an FBI investigation of him and his campaign, according to several sources familiar with the work of Special Counsel John Durham.

Durham is investigating whether they were involved in a scheme to misuse sensitive, nonpublic Internet data, which they had access to through their government contracts, to dredge up derogatory information on Trump on behalf of the Clinton campaign in 2016 and again in 2017, sources say  political dirt that sent FBI investigators on a wild goose chase. Prosecutors are also investigating whether some of the data presented to the FBI was faked or forged.

These sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive law enforcement matter, said Durhams investigators have subpoenaed the contractors to turn over documents and testify before a federal grand jury hearing the case. The investigators are exploring potential criminal charges including giving false information to federal agents and defrauding the government, the sources said.

The campaign plot was outlined by Durham last month in a 27-page indictment charging former Clinton campaign lawyer Michael Sussmann with making a false report to the FBI. The document cites eight individuals who allegedly conspired with Sussmann, but does not identify them by name.

The sources familiar with the probe have confirmed that the leader of the team of contractors was Rodney L. Joffe, who has regularly advised the Biden White House on cybersecurity and infrastructure policies. Until last month he was the chief cybersecurity officer at Washington tech contractor Neustar Inc., which federal civil court records show was a longtime client of Sussmann at Perkins Coie, a prominent Democratic law firm recently subpoenaed by Durham. Joffe, 66, has not been charged with a crime.

Neustar has removed Joffes blog posts from its website. He no longer works for us, a spokeswoman said.

A powerful and influential player in the tech world, Joffe tasked a group of computer contractors connected to the Georgia Institute of Technology with finding anything in Internet data that would link Trump to Russia and make Democratic VIPs happy, according to an August 2016 email Joffe sent to the researchers. The next month, the group accused Trump of maintaining secret backchannel communications to the Kremlin through the email servers of Russia-based Alfa Bank. Those accusations were later determined to be false by the FBI, Special Counsel Robert Mueller, the Justice Department inspector general and a Senate intelligence panel.

The Sussmann grand jury indictment states that the federal contractors, who mined private Internet records to help "conduct opposition research" in coordination with the Clinton campaign, were driven not by data but by bias against Trump.

Joffes lawyer has described his client as apolitical. He said Joffe brought Sussmann information about Trump he believed to be true out of concern for the nation.

Steven Tyrrell, a white-collar criminal defense attorney specializing in fraud cases, has confirmed that his client Joffe is the person referred to as Tech Executive-1 throughout the Sussmann indictment. Tech Executive-1 exploited his access to nonpublic data at multiple Internet companies to conduct opposition research concerning Trump, Durhams grand jury stated. "In furtherance of these efforts, [Joffe] had enlisted, and was continuing to enlist, the assistance of researchers at a U.S.-based university [Georgia Tech] who were receiving and analyzing Internet data in connection with a pending federal government cybersecurity research contract.

The indictment also alleges that the computer scientists knew the Internet data they compiled was innocuous but sent it to the FBI anyway, sending agents down a dead end: Sussmann, [Joffe] and [Perkins Coie] had coordinated, and were continuing to coordinate, with representatives and agents of the Clinton campaign with regard to the data and written materials that Sussmann gave to the FBI and the media.

One of the campaign representatives with whom Joffe coordinated was Jake Sullivan, who was acting as Clintons foreign policy adviser, as RealClearInvestigations first reported. Now serving in the White House as President Bidens national security adviser, Sullivan is under scrutiny for statements he made under oath to Congress about his knowledge of the Trump-Alfa research project. In a potential conflict of interest, Attorney General Merrick Garland employed Sullivans wife Maggie as a law clerk when he was a federal judge. Garland controls the purse strings to Durhams investigation and whether his final report will be released to the public.

At the time, Joffe was advising President Obama on security matters and positioning himself for a top cybersecurity post in an anticipated Clinton administration. I was tentatively offered the top [cybersecurity] job by the Democrats when it looked like theyd win, he revealed in a November 2016 email obtained by prosecutors.

Meanwhile, the Georgia Tech researchers were vying for a $17 million Pentagon contract to research cybersecurity, which they landed in November 2016, federal documents show.

Government funding in hand, they continued mining nonpublic data on Trump after he took office in 2017  as Sussmann, Sullivan and other former Clinton campaign officials renewed their effort to connect Trump to Alfa Bank. This time, they enlisted former FBI analyst-turned-Democratic-operative Dan Jones to re-engage the FBI, while Sussmann attempted to get the CIA interested in the Internet data, as RCI first reported. Investigators have also subpoenaed Jones, who did not respond to requests for comment.

South African-born Joffe left his job at Neustar last month, after hiring a top fraud attorney in Washington several months earlier, when Durham first began presenting his case to the grand jury. Tyrrell declined to comment when asked by RCI about his clients cooperation with the federal grand jury hearing Durhams broadening case. Tyrrell also had "no comment when asked whether the Special Counsels Office has notified him that his client is a target of the ongoing investigation. However, Tyrrell defended Joffe in a public statement, asserting that the special counsel and the grand jury presented a misleading picture of his actions in the so-called speaking indictment," which the sources said is a prelude to additional indictments that could culminate in conspiracy charges.

That indictment, which details a conspiracy involving widespread deception, was followed by a flurry of fresh subpoenas aimed at Perkins Coie itself, rocking the Democratic political machine in Washington. Millions of dollars secretly flowed through Perkins to the Clinton campaigns opposition-research projects against Trump, leaving an extensive money trail for Durhams investigators to trace and check for possible Federal Election Commission and other violations, the sources say.

Tyrrell insisted that Joffe had no idea [Sussmanns] firm represented the Clinton campaign, even though he worked closely with Sussmann and another well-known campaign lawyer, Marc Elias  as well as with Glenn Simpson of Fusion GPS, an opposition-research firm hired by the Clinton campaign to dig up dirt on Trump in 2016. He added that his client "felt it was his patriotic duty to share [the report on Trump] with the FBI."

However, Durham's investigation uncovered emails revealing that Joffe knew the narrative they were creating about Trump having a secret hotline to Russian President Vladimir Putin was tenuous at best. In fact, Joffe himself called the data used to back up the narrative a "red herring." In another email, Joffe said he had been promised a high post if Clinton were elected, suggesting he may have had a personal motivation to make a sinister connection between Russia and Trump. He added that he had no interest working for Trump: I definitely would not take the job under Trump.

Joffe was doing what he was doing to get that plum job, former FBI counterintelligence official Mark Wauck said in an interview. And Sussmann was working with Joffe because Joffe was needed for the Clinton campaigns confidential project,  which was the term Sussman used to describe their data research in billing records.

At the time, Joffe was a volunteer cybersecurity adviser to Obama and visited the White House several times during his administration, Secret Service entrance logs show. In 2013, then-FBI Director James Comey gave him an award recognizing his work helping agents investigate a major cybersecurity case.

Joffe is the Max quoted in media articles promoting the secret cyber plot targeting Trump, a code name likely given him by Simpson, who has a son named Max. The stories described Max as a John McCain Republican. In 2017, Joffe, who spent much of his career in the late McCains home state of Arizona before moving to Washington, helped rekindle the Trump-Alfa tale by plumbing more data and helping feed the information to the Senate Armed Services Committee, which McCain chaired.

Joffes boss during the 2016 campaign was then-Neustar President Lisa Hook, a major Democratic Party donor who publicly endorsed Clinton and contributed to her campaigns. Records show her contributions to Democrats, including Joe Biden and Obama, total more than $249,000. In 2011, Obama appointed Hook to his National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee.

Joffe has started a number of small Internet companies. One of them, Packet Forensics, reportedly landed a recent Pentagon contract to manage a large chunk of Internet domains owned by the military. The bid was awarded the day Biden was inaugurated president. His company also sells federal law enforcement wiretapping equipment that allows authorities to spy on private web-browsing through fake Internet security certificates, instead of real ones that websites employ to verify secure connections. Joffe has worked on cybersecurity cases with federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies for 15 years.

Joffe worked closely with another top computer scientist assigned to the Alfa project, who has used the pseudonym Tea Leaves, as well as masculine pronouns, in media stories to disguise her identity. The operative has been identified by her attorney as April D. Lorenzen, who supplied so-called Domain Name System (or DNS) logs from proprietary holdings  the foundation for the whole conspiracy charge  and helped compile them for the spurious report that was fed to the FBI, according to the indictment.

A registered Democrat, Lorenzen was tasked by Joffe with making a Trump connection from the data along with the researchers from Georgia Tech, where she has worked as a guest researcher since 2007.

Identified as "Originator-1" in the Durham indictment, she, like her colleague Joffe, is a key subject of the investigation and faces a host of legal issues, the sources close to the case said. Emails the investigators uncovered reveal that Lorenzen discussed "faking" Internet traffic with the Georgia Tech researchers, although the context of her remarks are unclear.

Prosecutors suggested Lorenzen was trying to create an inference of Trump-Russia communications from DNS data that wasnt there.

The DNS system acts as the phonebook of the Internet, translating domain names for emails and websites into IP (Internet Protocol) addresses in order for Web browsers to easily interact. The traffic leaves a record known as DNS lookups, which is basically the pinging back and forth between computer servers.

Lorenzen has retained white-collar criminal defense lawyer Michael J. Connolly of Boston, who said in a statement that Lorenzen was acting in the interest of national security, not politics, and any suggestion that she engaged in wrongdoing is unequivocally false.

The 59-year-old Lorenzen helped found two tech firms operating out of Rhode Island, where she lives  Dissect Cyber Inc. and Zetalytics LLC. Her companies have contracted with the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys cybersecurity division and other agencies. In that role, she oversees one of the worlds largest and most diverse systems of passive, or stored, DNS records, which can be searched to uncover potential security incidents. The year before the 2016 presidential campaign, she boasted, Massive passive DNS data is what I comb daily, providing the most interesting IPs and domains, real time.

She specializes in identifying spoofed domains used for email phishing scams.

In her bio, Lorenzen also said she currently serves as the principal investigator for a critical infrastructure supply-chain cybersecurity notification research project. She did not provide further details about the project. However, she regularly trains and briefs federal law enforcement agencies about cybersecurity issues.

A colleague of Lorenzen who features prominently in the project to link Trump to the Russian bank, but who is not referenced in the indictment, is L. Jean Camp, an Indiana University computer science professor who posted the dodgy data on her website and helped propagate the conspiracy theory in the media. This person has technical authority and access to data, she said of Tea Leaves, the originator of the data, vouching for her friend Lorenzen while hiding her identity.

Camp is a Democratic activist and major Hillary Clinton booster and donor. Federal campaign records show she contributed at least $5,910 to Clintons 2008 and 2016 campaigns, including thousands of dollars in donations around the time she and the Clinton campaign were peddling the Trump-Alfa conspiracy theory.

Camp called for a full-blown FBI investigation into the data she pushed in the media. When the FBI dropped the case in February 2017, Camp lashed out at the bureau for closing the Trump email probe after reopening the Clinton email case. In a March 2017 tweet, she fumed, Why did FBI kill this story before election to focus on Her Emails?" She also called for people to join the resistance against Trump.

Camp did not return a request for comment.

Another computer scientist tied to the project was Paul Vixie, a colleague of Joffe who, like Joffe, gave $250 in 2000 to Rep. Heather Wilson of New Mexico, who was close to the late Sen. John McCain, who feuded with Trump, federal campaign records show. Vixie, who reviewed the DNS logs and suggested in the media that Trump and Alfa Bank were engaged in a criminal syndicate," supported Clintons run for president and bashed Trump on Twitter.

Hillary presented herself as an experienced politician who is prepared to assume the presidency, he tweeted in 2016. He called Trump a fake Republican who will finish out his life in prison, he asserted in a 2020 tweet.

Faked Evidence?

The sources familiar with the investigation note that Durham is also using the grand jury to probe whether some of the Internet data files the Clinton campaign shopped to the FBI were forged or fabricated to create the appearance of suspicious Internet communications between the Russian bank and Trump.

Providing the FBI false evidence is a crime. Former assistant FBI director Chris Swecker told RCI that statutes enforcing mail and wire fraud may be invoked as part of the "criminal conspiracy case Durham is building.

The materials Sussmann provided bureau headquarters in September 2016, in the heat of the presidential race, included two thumb drives containing DNS logs that Sussmann and Joffe claimed showed patterns of covert email communications between the Trump Organization and Alfa Bank, according to the indictment.

The authenticity of the DNS lookup records Sussmann presented to the FBI in the electronic files, along with three white papers portraying innocuous marketing pinging between Alfa and Trump servers as a nefarious Russian backchannel, has been called into question by several sources.

Alfa Bank, which also operates in the U.S., commissioned two studies that found the DNS data compiled by Joffe and his computer operatives were formatted differently than the bank servers DNS logs, and one study posited that the DNS activity may have been artificially created.

Also, independent cyber forensics experts found that the emails released by researchers bore timestamps that did not match up with actual activity on the servers, suggesting they may have been altered. The Florida-based marketing firm Cendyn, which administered the alleged Trump server (which was owned by a third-party tech firm and housed in Pennsylvania, not New York), reported its device sent its last marketing email in March 2016, but the DNS logs provided by computer researchers claimed to show a May-September window of high-volume traffic.

Experts have also noted that the DNS logs Sussmann and his group presented as evidence to the FBI had been pasted into a text file, where they could have been edited.

In the Sussmann indictment, the grand jury described the DNS logs as appearing to be real, but not necessarily so. For instance, it noted that one of the computer researchers  cited as Tea Leaves, or Lorenzen  had assembled purported DNS data reflecting apparent DNS lookups between [the] Russian bank and [a Trump] email domain. The caveats purported and apparent indicate Durham and his investigators may be skeptical the data are real.

Also, the indictment stated that Joffe shared certain results of these data searches and analysis with Sussmann for the FBI to investigate, suggesting he may have cherry-picked the data to fit a preconceived narrative,  or storyline, as the computer researchers also referred to it in emails obtained by Durham.

Emails the independent prosecutor uncovered reveal that Joffe and the research team he recruited actually discussed faking Internet traffic.

It would be possible to 'fill out a sales form on two websites, faking the other companys email address in each form, and thereby cause them to appear to communicate with each other in DNS,  Lorenzen suggested.

One Georgia Tech researcher warned Joffe in mid-2016, in the middle of their fishing expedition, of the lack of evidence: We cannot technically make any claims that would fly public scrutiny. The only thing that drives us at this point is that we just do not like [Trump].

Tyrrell asserted that his client Joffe stands behind the rigorous research and analysis that was conducted, culminating in the report he felt was his patriotic duty to share with the FBI.

Using nonpublic data from a federal research contract to bait the FBI into investigating Trump could constitute a breach of contract and nondisclosure agreements. Swecker, who has worked with Durham on past white-collar criminal cases, said the special prosecutor may be seeking further indictments on government grant and contract fraud charges.

Washington agencies provide such tech contractors privileged access to massive caches of sensitive, nonpublic information about Internet traffic to help combat cyber-crimes.

On Nov. 17, 2016, the Pentagon awarded Georgia Tech a cybersecurity research contract worth more than $17 million. The project, dubbed Rhamnousia," would allow researchers to sift through existing and new data sets to find bad actors on the Internet. The indictment said the researchers had been provided early access to Internet data in order to establish a proof of concept for work under the contract. Of course, the government did not pay the researchers to look for dirt on Trump in the sensitive DNS databases.

The primary purpose of the contract, the indictment noted, "was for researchers to receive and analyze large quantities of DNS data in order to identify the perpetrators of malicious cyber-attacks and protect U.S. national security.

Instead, the scientists took the political fishing expedition. According to the indictment, Joffe directed Lorenzen and the two university researchers to search broadly through Internet data for any information about Trumps potential ties to Russia.

The Georgia Tech researchers named as investigators on the project included David Dagon and Manos Antonakakis, who the sources confirmed are the two university researchers cited by Durham in his indictment. Antonakakis is the Researcher-1 referenced in the indictment whom the grand jury said remarked in an email that the only thing that drives us is that we just do not like [Trump.].

The original $17 million Rhamnousia contract was approved for five years, federal contracting records show. But the program was recently renewed and has grown into a more than $25 million Defense Department contract -- led by the same Georgia Tech research team.
A man from Co Armagh, Northern Ireland has died in hospital following a farming accident which happened over a week earlier.

Seamus Conroy, a well-known farmer from Keady, died on Wednesday (6 October) following the tragedy, which is understood to have involved mixing slurry.

The incident occurred in the rural Tassagh Road area, just outside the village on 25 September.

A spokesperson for the NI Ambulance Service said: The service received a 999 call at 3.02pm on 25 September following reports of an incident in the Tassagh Road area of Keady.

NIAS despatched one Emergency crew and one HART Officer and one Rapid Response Paramedic to the scene.

"The charity air ambulance with HEMs crew on board was also tasked to the incident," the service added.

"Following assessment and initial treatment, one patient was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) has this week issued farmers in the province some safety guidance when mixing slurry.

Slurry gas is a mixture of gases, including the extremely poisonous gas, hydrogen sulphide," the safety watchdog said.

"Even a low concentration of hydrogen sulphide, can knock out your sense of smell, so you wont even know its there."

It added: At higher concentrations, you will rapidly find it harder to breathe and become confused  and at certain concentrations, just one breath can kill.

Mixing slurry can be a dangerous job as the gas is released very quickly and in large quantities as soon as the mixing starts.

It follows figures which show a total of 41 people in Britain were killed in agriculture during the past year, including two children and seven members of the public.

Almost twice as many people were killed on farms in England, Wales and Scotland compared to the previous year, the HSE said.

The picture is similar in Northern Ireland where farming accounted for 5 of the 13 workplace fatalities in 2020/2021.
Grasslands are one of the best land management options available for mitigating climate change, sheep producers have told policymakers ahead of COP26.

The National Sheep Association (NSA) said that grasslands should be 'properly acknowledged' as effective carbon sinks and for delivering public goods.

Roughly two-thirds of terrestrial carbon in British landscapes is found below ground with most captured in organic matter and plant roots, the body explained.

"With the climate and nature recovery debate raging, it is time policy makers caught up with the evidence," NSA chief executive, Phil Stocker said.

For too long grasslands have been measured solely in terms of agricultural productivity, but now there is no shortage of evidence of their wider public benefit.

"Grasslands are truly multifunctional, supporting food production as well as offering many environmental benefits.

A report by Natural England released earlier this year said that grasslands had a significant role to play in helping the UK achieve its net zero target.

The study looked at how UK landscapes could contribute to carbon management, while also offering landscape diversity and opportunities for nature.

It identified peatlands and native woodlands as habitats with the greatest capacity to store carbon.

But it also recognised that many other habitats, including grasslands, could play a major role towards the UK reaching its net zero target by 2050.

There is also evidence of the nutritional benefits of grass-fed meat and dairy, and in addition extensive grass based farming is accepted as providing natural and welfare friendly conditions for livestock.

On nutrition, grass-fed meat tends to be lower in total fat with higher levels of Omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and Omega 6.

"This with vitamin B12, zinc and iron means the UKs mainly grass based lamb and mutton provides enhanced nutritional benefits for those wise enough to enjoy them regularly," Mr Stocker said.

"Our grass, the most ordinary of plants, delivers an extraordinary food that is not only good for us but is nutritionally fulfilling and tastes great too.

Despite the recent trend of planting trees to help nature and slow climate change, the NSA is emphasising the benefits that grasslands deliver and how the nation has adapted to a green and pleasant land.

Mr Stocker added: Thats not to say we shouldnt plant trees, of course we should, but it has to be in an integrated way with the right tree in the right place and we mustnt lose sight of our pastoral foundation."

He said the growing trend of farms being sold and planted with trees for carbon offsetting was a policy that should be 'stopped immediately'.

We now have plenty of evidence that shows our grasslands are every bit as valuable for carbon, nature, access, health, well-being and aesthetic pleasure as any other form of land use," he said.

"I fully believe Britains grasslands are our most reliable and resilient form of land use."

It comes as an alliance of farming groups will next week showcase and inspire actions to address climate change within the agri-food supply chains.

The Countryside COP programme takes place from 11-15 October, just a few weeks ahead of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.

The Agriculture & Land Use Alliance (ALA), which includes the likes of the NFU, the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) and the AHDB, will host the programme.
Culling has started on a 'handful' of pig farms across the country with fears this could become more widespread unless solutions to the crisis are found.

About 600 pigs have been killed on farms already, according to the National Pig Association (NPA) which fears mass culling could be the 'next stage in the process'.

NPA chief executive Zoe Davies said: "We know of a handful of farmers who have had to cull some pigs - around 600 we are aware of in total.

"As you can imagine this is hugely difficult for the farmers involved and to date none are willing to speak to the press about it."

Some farmers are choosing to use knackermen, the trade body said, as they "just cant bear to do it themselves and don't want ask their staff to do it".

NPA chairman Rob Mutimer added: There are now producers actively euthanising piglets - they have run out of room.

"They are tending to euthanise the younger ones and get the older ones away as they can.

With some farmers getting pigs rolled at a rate of 25-30% per week and contingency plans exhausted, the NPA fears that this pressure will build, requiring a large-scale welfare cull.

Processors have stressed that they are operating at the maximum capacity that staff numbers allow.

In some cases, the NPA said they had taken steps to ease the backlog by putting on extra kills, albeit delivering lower returns to producers in order to keep things moving.

Despite this, Mr Mutimer said the situation was not markedly improving, and was 'much worse' in some supply chains and farms than others.

The NPA chairman stressed that things needed to improve rapidly before the next pinch point.

Pigs are normally being brought forward now ahead of Christmas," he said, "We must see some improvement in all supply chains soon.

"Otherwise, we are going to head into the reduced kill at Christmas and people wont be able to cope as they have already filled their contingency plans."

The NPA continues to seek help from government to help ease the backlog, in particular with the introduction of temporary visas for butchers to increase capacity in pork plants.

It is also calling for retailers to prioritise British pork over imported EU pork amid concerns retailers are turning to cheap pork currently available in large volumes in the EU.
Scottish farmers will soon receive letters allowing appeals on BPS, Greening, Young Farmer or Less Favoured Area Support scheme reductions and exclusions.

Land agency Galbraith reports that the Rural Payments and Inspectorate Division (RPID) will write to farmers next week to allow appeals.

The firm estimates that up to 4,000 farmers have been subject to a deduction or an exclusion to their Single Application Form (SAF) 2015 claims.

Now, following a six year delay, the Scottish government is to allow farmers to appeal for 2015, if they think their payments were incorrect.

Stewart Johnston of Galbraith in Aberdeen said it was 'very good news' for farmers and landowners.

"We have raised the issue in the past and we are aware of many cases where the exclusion seems arbitrary.

"For some farmers the amount deducted runs into five figures," he said.

Galbraith reports that the technicalities which may result in an area of land being excluded from SAF would include ineligible land covers, crops or invalid seasonal let agreements.

However, some deductions were made in error by RPID, the agency explained.

Farmers have 60 days from receipt of the letter to submit an appeal to the rural payments department.

The department should then reply within 60 days, accepting or rejecting the appeal and specifying the grounds.

Mr Johnston added: Some farmers are well aware that the deduction has been applied incorrectly, while others may not be.

"We advise everyone to look out for the letter from RPID and consider whether they should make an appeal.
Farming groups are urging the government to ensure that the UK's mental health services remain high on the agenda ahead of World Mental Health Day.

The 2021 campaign, taking place on Sunday 10 October, is Mental Health in an Unequal World, with a focus mental health inequality locally and globally.

First held in 1992, the World Federation for Mental Health's dedicated day raises awareness of mental health issues, and to fighting the still-associated stigma.

But such issues in the countryside and farming industry can often become unnoticed by health professionals.

The leading cause of death for people aged between 20 and 34 is suicide - and approximately, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), more than one agricultural worker a week in the UK takes their own life.

And this year, farmers and those who work in rural areas may be suffering more than usual due to feelings of isolation and associated issues as a result of the pandemic.

The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) said many people in the industry with a mental illness still do not receive appropriate treatment.

President Glyn Roberts said: I would say we are lucky in Wales and in our rural communities that we have the support of many mental health charities such as the DPJ Foundation, that our farmers and rural communities can call on for help.

"However, many people with a mental illness still do not receive the treatment that they are entitled to and deserve and together with their families and carers continue to experience stigma and discrimination.

The WFMH has highlighted that access to mental health services remains unequal, with between 75% to 95% of people with mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries unable to access mental health services at all, and access in high income countries is not much better.

Sadly, the gap between the haves and the have nots is growing wider and people with mental health problems are not always receiving the care they need, he added.

"Its vital that this doesnt drop off the agenda at government level and I urge UK government to ensure that mental health services are made a priority, so that it doesnt become a postcode lottery on who receives that care and who doesnt."

Organisations that offer help and support include rural-based charities such as the Farming Community Network, the DPJ Foundation and Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I.).
The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike.

We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve.
2020 was a year marked by hardships and challenges, but the Fauquier community has proven resilient. The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you for your continued support, wed like to offer all our subscribers -- new or returning --

4 WEEKS FREE DIGITAL AND PRINT ACCESS.

We understand the importance of working to keep our community strong and connected. As we move forward together into 2021, it will take commitment, communication, creativity, and a strong connection with those who are most affected by the stories we cover.

We are dedicated to providing the reliable, local journalism you have come to expect. We are committed to serving you with renewed energy and growing resources. Let the Fauquier Times be your community companion throughout 2021, and for many years to come.
Taylor Ray Elementary School Principal Ben Perez encourages his faculty and staff to begin bonding with students on the first day of school. Perez was honored in Washington, D.C., this week as a National Distinguished Principal.
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We all know that Priyanka Chopra Jonas loves to work round the clock. But when the actress manages to get a day off from her busy schedule, she makes sure she makes the most of it.





Last evening Priyanka Chopra Jonas dropped some stunning pictures on her Instagram from her day off in Spain. The actress is shooting for her next project Citadel in Spain and decided to let her hair down and have some fun under the sun on her day off. Priyanka opted to spend her free day on a boat, with her mother Madhu Chopra, her friends and colleagues from Citadel. The actress shared a series of pictures where we see her having a blast. Priyanka was wearing a mustard yellow monokini and the pictures set Instagram on fire. In another click shes seen soaking under the sun in a red-hot bikini and boy, netizens went crazy.





Priyanka Chopra Jonas captioned the post saying, A perfect day off #AboutYesterday Nick Jonas soon commented on the post saying  Damn girl and added a fire emoji next to it. We are sure PeeCee had a blast and we are glad that she shared glimpses of it on her social media.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priyanka Chopra Jonas (@priyankachopra)

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priyanka Chopra Jonas (@priyankachopra)

Priyanka Chopra Jonas will be seen in Citadel  a project backed by Russo Brothers. She has also signed her next Hindi film  Jee Le Zara  sharing screen space with Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt.
EQS Group-Ad-hoc: RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding AG / Key word(s): Legal Matter

Relief Therapeutics Announces Filing of Lawsuit Against its U.S. Collaboration Partner, NeuroRx, Inc. and its CEO, Dr. Jonathan Javitt, for RLF-100 (Aviptadil)



07-Oct-2021 / 01:30 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Relief Therapeutics Announces Filing of Lawsuit Against its U.S. Collaboration Partner, NeuroRx, Inc. and its CEO, Dr. Jonathan Javitt, for RLF-100 (Aviptadil) - Lawsuit alleges multiple breaches of Collaboration Agreement Geneva, Switzerland, October 7, 2021 - RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA (SIX: RLF, OTCQB: RLFTF) ("Relief"), today announced that it has filed a lawsuit against NeuroRx, Inc. and its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jonathan Javitt, for multiple breaches of the Collaboration Agreement between Relief and NeuroRx relating to the development and commercialization of RLF-100 (aviptadil). The complaint was filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York in Manhattan. The complaint alleges that the defendants are in breach of numerous provisions of the Collaboration Agreement, including without limitation (i) by failing to provide Relief with the full data set from NeuroRx's recently completed phase 2b/3 clinical trial evaluating IV RLF-100 (aviptadil) for the treatment of acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19, which data and information are required to be provided to Relief by NeuroRx under the Collaboration Agreement and which data and information are required for Relief to seek approval to commercialize the product in Europe, (ii) by failing to allow Relief, despite multiple requests, to conduct a forensic audit of NeuroRx's books and records to determine how the funds that Relief provided to NeuroRx were actually used, (iii) by entering into multiple agreements relating to the development of the product subject to the collaboration without Relief's consent, as required under the Collaboration Agreement, (iv) by engaging in commercialization efforts in territories outside the purview of NeuroRx's territory under the Collaboration Agreement, and (v) by developing additional COVID-19 treatments in violation of the exclusivity provisions of the Collaboration Agreement. The suit also alleges, among other matters, breaches of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing and tortious interference with prospective economic advantage. The Complaint, among other remedies, seeks damages, an order compelling defendants to comply with multiple provisions of the Collaboration Agreement, and a declaration directing NeuroRx to deliver the entire data set from the Phase 2b/3 clinical trial of intravenously-administering aviptadil to Relief. "We are disappointed that NeuroRx has continued to refuse to ameliorate their breaches of the Collaboration Agreement," stated Jack Weinstein, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Relief. "While we continue to hope to settle these matters with NeuroRx, we are compelled to bring this action to preserve our rights under the Collaboration Agreement and to allow us to continue to develop RLF-100 (aviptadil) in a timely manner for the treatment of acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19 in our territories."



ABOUT RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Relief focuses primarily on clinical-stage programs based on molecules with a history of clinical testing and use in human patients or a strong scientific rationale. Relief's lead drug candidate, RLF-100TM (aviptadil), a synthetic form of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP), is in late-stage clinical testing in the U.S. for the treatment of respiratory deficiency due to COVID-19. As part of its pipeline diversification strategy, in March 2021, Relief entered into a Collaboration and License Agreement with Acer Therapeutics for the worldwide development and commercialization of ACER-001. ACER-001 is a taste-masked and immediate release proprietary powder formulation of sodium phenylbutyrate (NaPB) for the treatment of Urea Cycle Disorders and Maple Syrup Urine Disease. On October 4, 2021, Acer's NDA for ACER-001 was accepted for filing by the FDA and assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) target action date of June 5, 2022. In addition, Relief's recently completed acquisitions of APR Applied Pharma Research SA and AdVita Lifescience GmbH bring a diverse pipeline of marketed and development-stage programs. RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the symbol RLF and quoted in the U.S. on OTCQB under the symbol RLFTF. For more information, visit www.relieftherapeutics.com. Follow us on LinkedIn. CONTACT:

RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA

Jack Weinstein

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

contact@relieftherapeutics.com FOR MEDIA/INVESTOR INQUIRIES:

Rx Communications Group

Michael Miller

+1-917-633-6086

mmiller@rxir.com

Disclaimer: This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including: (i) whether Relief's lawsuit will be successful, (ii) whether RLF-100 (aviptadil) will ever be approved for commercialization in the United States or Europe, and (iii) those risks discussed in RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA's filings with the SIX, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. RELIEF THERAPEUTICS Holding SA is providing this communication as of this date and do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

End of ad hoc announcement
FinCanna Capital Amends Terms of Convertible Debentures

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 6, 2021 / FinCanna Capital Corp. ("FinCanna") (CSE:CALI)(OTCQB:FNNZF) an investment company for the U.S. licensed cannabis industry, announces that it has received Debenture Holder approval to amend its outstanding Convertible Debentures to allow, for up to two consecutive quarters, interest payments under the Convertible Debentures to be satisfied with the issuance of common shares of the Company. A third (or more) consecutive quarter of satisfying interest payments with the issuance of common shares of the Company will require further Debenture Holder approval. The aforementioned amendment is still subject to the approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange.

The Company previously issued Convertible Debentures, as amended from time to time, in February 2019 and July 2020. The Convertible Debentures mature on January 10, 2023 and February 8, 2023, respectively, and bear interest at 12% per annum.

Andriyko Herchak, CEO of FinCanna Capital said, "We thank our debenture holders for their continued support by providing us with substantial flexibility in how we deploy our capital to optimize our business to maximize returns for our shareholders. We view their decision as a strong vote of confidence in our business and its future growth."

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.

FinCanna Capital Corp.

Andriyko Herchak, CEO & Director

Investor Relations:

Arlen Hansen

Kin Communications

1-866-684-6730

CALI@kincommunications.com

Forward-Looking Information

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements as defined under applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements about the amendment to the outstanding Convertible Debentures and the approval of the CSE thereon; and the business goals and objectives of FinCanna. 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 CSE may no approve the amendment to the outstanding Convertible Debentures; 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/667131/FinCanna-Capital-Amends-Terms-of-Convertible-Debentures
Campari Group CEO Bob Kunze-Concewitz leads the way for exclusive preview of the coveted release at the Rolls Royce showroom in Mayfair, honouring acclaimed Master Distiller Dennis Malcolm

LONDON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- This evening, The Glen Grant, the award-winning single malt scotch from Speyside, hosted an exclusive event at the new Rolls Royce showroom in Mayfair to celebrate the launch of a refined, limited-edition 60 year-old single malt scotch whisky.

The release is in celebration of and tribute to, the storied, six-decades long career of The Glen Grant's own Dennis Malcolm, known as one of Scotland's longest serving distillers. Attendees such as designer Joshua Kane, Campari CEO Bob Kunze-Concewitz and Editor of NetJets Farhad Heydari, had the chance to enjoy a taste of the rare liquid in a toast led by Master Distiller Malcolm himself, following addresses from Bob Kunze-Concewitz, CEO of Campari Group.

For almost 22,000 days and nights, this carefully distilled amber malt whisky has matured naturally in a hand-selected Oloroso sherry cask, filled on October 24th, 1960 - the oldest, to date, distillery bottling in the brand's 181 year history. An extremely rare and precious liquid, The Dennis Malcolm 60th Anniversary Edition, is a luxurious, aromatic spirit, exuding an elegance that can only be achieved with time and dedication. The result is - quite simply - a sublime masterpiece. With only 360 decanters available, this complex alchemy of spirit and time is a rare specimen and a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Before having the pleasure to sample the rare, refined 60 year old spirit, guests enjoyed The Glen Grant cocktails and noshed on canapes while they sipped drinks neat and on the rocks from the award-winning, world-renowned The Glen Grant core range, including the 15 and 18 Year Old aged spirits.

The first of the decanters (Bottle No. 88) was purchased at auction during a special dinner at the Shanghai St Regis Hotel in China last week. The winning bid came from Ms. Luo Xiaorong, a whisky collector from Chengdu, who bid 380,000 RMB for the bottle, making it the highest-price sale in The Glen Grant's history.

"With the launch of The Glen Grant? Dennis Malcolm 60th Anniversary Edition, we celebrate and pay tribute to the career of a true Scottish gentleman and globally recognized Scotch Whisky craftsman- an unwavering champion for the whisky industry," remarked co-host Bob Kunze-Concewitz, CEO of Campari Group. "With craftsmanship at the heart of The Glen Grant, it was only fitting that we partner with a brand that embodies British quality and luxury, and so we looked to Rolls Royce and its showroom in Mayfair. This is an incredibly exciting time for The Glen Grant as we make our entrance into the luxury market, and we could think of nowhere better to showcase this extremely special expression of our portfolio."

Each marked with a bespoke number, every one of the 360 decanters have been made from hand-blown crystal glass, designed by world renowned Glencairn Studio, and are based on the design of the distillery's unique tall slender pot stills. Nestled in an elegant presentation case crafted from sustainable walnut, the decanter itself requires over 15 hours of expert craftsmanship for each creation, encompassing intricate details which symbolize the unique aromas of The Glen Grant. Each presentation case has the Master Distiller's signature engraved within it and includes a Certificate of Authenticity, signed personally by Dennis Malcolm.

'It's been such a joy to spend my life working in an industry and with a craft that I'm so passionate about. Much like our UK launch partner, Rolls Royce, The Glen Grant has always been about consistent dedication to craftsmanship and quality, and this comes across in the high standard of what we produce. This quality cannot be maintained without the right people, looking after the brand and ensuring that care and attention go into every bottle. This evening was a night to celebrate all of the people who have made The Glen Grant the brand that it is today."

The Glen Grant Dennis Malcolm 60th Anniversary Edition Aged 60 Years is priced at  25,000.00 and will be available in select retailers in global markets beginning in October, 2021. The launch event and release of the new expression marks an exciting new chapter for The Glen Grant, showcasing the incredible six decade career of the Master Distiller on the world's stage

All Images from the event can be accessed HERE.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 6, 2021) - District Metals Corp. (TSXV: DMX) (FRA: DFPP); ("District" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that further to its news release of July 22, 2021 the Company has completed its acquisition of a 100% interest in the polymetallic Svardsjo Property from a wholly-owned subsidiary of EMX Royalty Corp. (TSXV: EMX) ("EMX"). The acquisition of the Svardsjo Property by the Company is hereinafter referred to as the "Transaction".

Garrett Ainsworth, President & CEO of District, commented: "The Svardsjo Property is an excellent bolt on property to our flagship Tomtebo Property located 25 km apart, and also within the prolific Bergslagen Mining District of south central Sweden. The Svardsjo Property is an advanced stage exploration property where historical records show that the Svardsjo Mine produced 1.03 Mt at 112 g/t Ag, 6.0% Zn, 2.7% Pb, 0.6% Cu and 0.4 g/t Au from 1887 to 19891. More recent work by Boliden discovered significant polymetallic mineralization to the southwest of the Svardsjo Mine that remains open2. Compilation of historical exploration data is well underway, and we plan to conduct a detailed heliborne electromagnetic and magnetic (SkyTEM 312HP) survey at Svardsjo before the end of the year."

As consideration for the Transaction, the Company: (a) issued to EMX 1,659,084 common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Closing Shares"); (b) paid to EMX cash consideration of CDN$35,000; (c) granted to EMX a 2.5% net smelter royalty on the Svardsjo Property; (d) will incur CDN$1,000,000 of eligible work expenditures on the Svardsjo Property within five years from closing, (e) make certain milestone payments upon a mineral resource estimate and/or preliminary economic assessment, and (f) reimburse EMX for mineral license fees previously paid by it, all as described further in the Company's news release dated July 22, 2021.

Pursuant to applicable securities laws, the Closing Shares are subject to a four-month hold period from the closing date of the Transaction.

References

1 Sveriges Geologiska Undersokning (SGU) Map Viewer: https://apps.sgu.se/kartvisare/kartvisare-malm-mineral.html

2 A. Fahlvik, 2018: Hydrothermal alteration and lithogeochemical marker units at the Svardsjo Zn-Pb-Cu deposit, Bergslagen, Sweden, and their implication for exploration.

Technical Information

All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared by, or approved by Garrett Ainsworth, PGeo, President and CEO of the Company. Mr. Ainsworth is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Mr. Ainsworth has not verified any of the information regarding any of the properties or projects referred to herein other than the Tomtebo Property. Mineralization on any other properties referred to herein is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Tomtebo Property.

About District Metals Corp.

District Metals Corp. is led by industry professionals with a track record of success in the mining industry. The Company's mandate is to seek out, explore, and develop prospective mineral properties through a disciplined science-based approach to create shareholder value and benefit other stakeholders.

The advanced exploration stage Tomtebo Property, located in the Bergslagen Mining District of south-central Sweden, is the Company's main focus. Tomtebo comprises 5,144 ha and is situated between the historic Falun Mine and Boliden's Garpenberg Mine, located 25 km to the northwest and southeast, respectively. Two historic polymetallic mines and numerous polymetallic showings are located on the Tomtebo Property along an approximate 17 km trend that exhibits similar geology, structure, alteration and VMS/SedEx style mineralization to other significant mines within the district. Mineralization that is open at depth and along strike at the historic mines on the Tomtebo Property has not been followed up on, and modern systematic exploration has never been conducted on the Tomtebo Property.

For further information on the Tomtebo Property, please see the technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Update Technical Report on the Tomtebo Project, Bergslagen Region of Sweden" dated effective October 15, 2020 and amended and restated on February 26, 2021, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

"Garrett Ainsworth"

President and Chief Executive Officer

(604) 288-4430

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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information.

This news release contains certain statements that may be considered "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "targets", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "an opportunity exists", "is positioned", "estimates", "intends", "assumes", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" and any similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, predictions, indications, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events. Forward-looking statements in this news release relating to the Company include, among other things, the Company's plan to conduct a detailed heliborne electromagnetic and magnetic (SkyTEM 312HP) survey at Svardsjo before the end of the year; the Company's expectation that it will meet its obligation to incur CDN$1,000,000 of eligible work expenditures on the Svardsjo Property within five years from closing, milestone payments for a mineral resource estimate and/or preliminary economic assessment, and reimbursement of mineral license fees; and the company's interpretations and expectations about the mineralization of the Tomtebo Mine;

These statements and other forward-looking information are based on opinions, assumptions and estimates made by the Company in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances, as of the date of this news release, including, without limitation, assumptions about the reliability of historical data and the accuracy of publicly reported information regarding past and historic mines in the Bergslagen district; the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to fund planned exploration activities, maintain corporate capacity and satisfy the exploration expenditure requirements required by the definitive purchase agreements between the Company and the vendors of the Company's mineral properties (the "Definitive Purchase Agreements") by the times specified therein; and stability in financial and capital markets.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date such statements are made, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to risks associated with the following: the reliability of historic data regarding the Tomtebo Property; the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to finance planned exploration (including incurring prescribed exploration expenditures required by the Definitive Purchase Agreements, failing which the Tomtebo Property will be forfeited without any repayment of the purchase price); the Company's limited operating history; the Company's negative operating cash flow and dependence on third-party financing; the uncertainty of additional funding; the uncertainties associated with early stage exploration activities including general economic, market and business conditions, the regulatory process, failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals, technical issues, potential delays, unexpected events and management's capacity to execute and implement its future plans; the Company's ability to identify any mineral resources and mineral reserves; the substantial expenditures required to establish mineral reserves through drilling and the estimation of mineral reserves or mineral resources; the Company's dependence on one material project, the Tomtebo Property; the uncertainty of estimates used to calculated mineralization figures; changes in governmental regulations; compliance with applicable laws and regulations; competition for future resource acquisitions and skilled industry personnel; reliance on key personnel; title matters; conflicts of interest; environmental laws and regulations and associated risks, including climate change legislation; land reclamation requirements; changes in government policies; volatility of the Company's share price; the unlikelihood that shareholders will receive dividends from the Company; potential future acquisitions and joint ventures; infrastructure risks; fluctuations in demand for, and prices of gold, silver and copper; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; legal proceedings and the enforceability of judgments; going concern risk; risks related to the Company's information technology systems and cyber-security risks; and risk related to the outbreak of epidemics or pandemics or other health crises, including the recent outbreak of COVID-19. For additional information regarding these risks, please see the Company's Annual Information Form, under the heading "Risk Factors", which is available at www.sedar.com. These factors and assumptions are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors and assumptions that could affect the Company. These factors and assumptions, however, should be considered carefully. Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Also, many of such factors are beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws. All scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been prepared by or reviewed and approved by Garrett Ainsworth, PGeo, President and CEO of the Company. Mr. Ainsworth is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98801
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.
SHERMAN OAKS, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / Petroteq Energy Inc. ("Petroteq" or the "Company") (TSXV:PQE; OTC PINK:PQEFF; FSE:PQCF), an oil company focused on the development and implementation of its proprietary oil-extraction and remediation technologies, provides the following update regarding its application for reinstatement of its common shares (the "Common Shares") on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange").

By way of background, the Ontario Securities Commission (the "OSC") issued a cease trade order (the "CTO") on August 6, 2021, as a result of Company's failure to file its quarterly report on Form 10-Q (and related certifications) for the period ended May 31, 2021 ("2021 Q3 Filings") on or before July 30, 2021, as required under Canadian National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations. As previously disclosed, OSC revoked its cease trade order effective August 24, 2021.

The Company filed the 2021 Q3 Filings on SEDAR and with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on August 19, 2021. In addition, on August 19, 2021, the Company's amended financial statements and management's discussion and analysis for the eight quarters from May 31, 2019 to February 28, 2021 were filed on SEDAR and with the SEC, as contained in the Company's amended annual reports on Form 10-K/A for the financial years ended August 31, 2019 and August 31, 2020, and in the Company's amended quarterly reports on Form 10-Q/A for the periods ended May 31, 2019, November 30, 2019, February 29, 2020, May 31, 2020, November 30, 2020 and February 28, 2021. The Company's amended financial statements and management discussion and analysis for the period ended February 28, 2019, were filed on SEDAR on August 23, 2021, and with the SEC on August 25, 2021, as exhibits to the Company's current report on Form 8-K.

As a result of the issuance of the CTO on August 6, 2021, the Exchange suspended trading of the Company's Common Shares. As part of the Exchange's review of the Company's reinstatement application, the Exchange reviewed the Company's financial statements for the three and nine months ended May 31, 2021, and raised concerns over unapproved filings. As a result of an internal investigation the Company identified transactions reported on SEDAR ("Canada") and EDGAR ("United States") which had not been submitted for approval by Toronto Stock Exchange.

Based on the Company's initial review of the Transactions, it is estimated that a total of 54,370,814 Common Shares were issued as a result of the Transactions. While some of the issued Common Shares, namely, 4,336,972, are estimated to have been issued at prices above what the Exchange would have otherwise approved, 50,033,842 are estimated to have been issued at share prices below what the Exchange generally approves for convertible securities. While the Company is now making the necessary submissions with the Exchange for the Transactions, they may not all be accepted for approval by the Exchange and as a condition of reinstatement to trading on the Exchange the Company may need to take remedial action to bring the Transactions into compliance.

The Transactions, described below, were all disclosed in the Company's financial statements (all dollar amounts are expressed in U.S. currency unless otherwise indicated):

On May 7, 2020, the Company issued to an arm's length lender a $64,300 convertible note (including a 10% original issue discount) for a purchase price of $58,000, bearing interest at 12% per annum, maturing on May 7, 2021, and convertible into Common Shares. The note was ultimately converted on November 12, 2020 ($25,000 at $0.0308 for 811,688 Common Shares), November 13, 2020 ($20,000 at $0.0296 for 675,676 Common Shares) and November 13, 2020 ($22,780, including $3,480 of accrued and unpaid interest, at $0.0296 for 769,595 Common Shares). There is currently no principal or interest remaining on the note.

On June 4, 2020, the Company issued to an arm's length lender a $69,900 convertible note (including a 10% original issue discount) for a purchase price of $63,000, bearing interest at 12% per annum, maturing on June 4, 2021, and convertible into Common Shares. The note was ultimately converted on December 15, 2020 ($18,000 at $0.0282 for 638,298 Common Shares), December 22, 2020 ($18,000 at $0.0338 for 532,544 Common Shares), December 28, 2020 ($20,000 at $0.0338 for 591,716 Common Shares), and January 4, 2021 ($17,680, including $3,780 of accrued and unpaid interest, at $0.0325 for 544,000 Common Shares). There is currently no principal or interest remaining on the note.

On June 19, 2020, the Company issued to an arm's length lender a $82,500 convertible note (including a 10% original issue discount) for a purchase price of $75,000, bearing interest at 12% per annum, maturing on June 19, 2021, and convertible into Common Shares. The note was ultimately converted on January 7, 2021 ($20,000 at $0.0326 for 613,497 common shares), January 11, 2021 ($27,000 at $0.0326 for 828,221 Common Shares), January 13, 2021 ($22,000 at $0.0326 for 674,847 Common Shares) and January 20, 2021 ($18,000, including $4,500 of accrued and unpaid interest, at $0.0326 for 552,147 Common Shares). There is currently no principal or interest remaining on the note.

On July 22, 2020, the Company issued to an arm's length lender a $150,000 convertible note (including a 15% original issue discount) for a purchase price of $135,000, bearing interest at 8% per annum, maturing on April 22, 2021, and convertible into Common Shares based on a discount to the market price of the Common Shares upon conversion. The note was ultimately converted on January 25, 2021 ($21,805 at $0.03115 for 700,000 Common Shares), January 28, 2021 ($46,725 at $0.03115 for 1,500,000 Common Shares), February 5, 2021 ($30,957.50 at $0.0309575 for 1,000,000 Common Shares), February 22, 2021 ($33,381.25 at $0.03338125 for 1,000,000 Common Shares) and March 2, 2021 ($34,011.25 at $0.03401125 for 1,000,000 Common Shares). There is currently $3,120 in principal remaining on the note, and, as of August 31, 2021, interest and penalties of $6,950.72.

On August 26, 2020, a convertible debenture (which was originally approved by the Exchange), bearing interest at 10% per annum owing to an arm's length lender, which had matured on April 29, 2019, was acquired by another an arm's length lender pursuant to a Debt Assignment and Purchase Agreement. On August 26, 2020, pursuant to a Securities Exchange Agreement, the convertible promissory note was exchanged for a convertible redeemable note with an aggregate principal amount of $192,862, bearing interest at 10% per annum, maturing on August 26, 2021, and convertible into Common Shares. On October 1, 2020, the $192,862 convertible redeemable note was converted into 10,285,991 Common Shares at $0.01875 per share. There is currently no principal or interest remaining on the note.

On November 6, 2020, the Company issued to an arm's length lender a $140,800 convertible note (including a 10% original issue discount) for a purchase price of $128,000, bearing interest at 12% per annum, maturing on November 6, 2021, and convertible into Common Shares. The note was ultimately converted on May 10, 2021 ($50,000 at $0.036 for 1,388,889 Common Shares), May 14, 2021 ($50,000 at $0.0326 for 1,533,742 Common Shares), May 19, 2021 ($48,480, including $7,680 of accrued and unpaid interest, at $0.0312 for 1,553,846 Common Shares). There is currently no principal or interest remaining on the note.

Between August 2019 and March 2020, a director of the Company (Robert Dennewald), loaned $125,000 to the Company to assist the Company in meeting its financial obligations. Subsequently, on February 12, 2021, in exchange for the three non-convertible promissory notes issued to Mr. Dennewald, the Company issued a convertible promissory note with an aggregate principal amount of $125,000, bearing interest at 8% per annum, maturing on February 12, 2022, and convertible into Common Shares. On June 10, 2021, pursuant to an Assignment and Purchase of Debt Agreement, the $125,000 convertible promissory note was purchased and assigned by Mr. Dennewald to an arm's length lender. On June 15, 2021, the arm's length lender converted the $125,000 principal amount of the convertible promissory note into 3,048,780 Common Shares at $0.041 per share.

On January 12, 2021, the Company issued an arm's length lender a $86,350 convertible note (including a 10% original issue discount) for a purchase price of $78,500, bearing interest at 12% per annum, maturing on January 12, 2022, and convertible into Common Shares. The note was ultimately converted on July 13, 2021 ($50,000 at $0.0871 for 574,053 Common Shares) and July 14, 2021 ($41,060, including $4,710 of accrued and unpaid interest, at $0.0863 for 475,782 Common Shares. There is currently no principal or interest remaining on the note.

On February 25, 2021, the Company issued an arm's length lender a $86,350 convertible promissory note (including a 10% original issue discount) for a purchase price of $78,500, bearing interest at 12% per annum, maturing on February 24, 2022, and convertible into Common Shares. The Company has since repaid the convertible promissory note in full (including principal and interest) in cash.

On March 22, 2021, the Company and an arm's length lender entered into an amending agreement extending the maturity date of a convertible debenture originally issued on September 17, 2018 from March 31, 2021 to October 31, 2021. The original issuance of the convertible debenture, including a prior amendment to the debenture, was approved by the Exchange. The current unpaid purchase price of the debenture ($2,900,000) is convertible at $0.055 per share.

On April 21, 2021, the Company issued an arm's length lender a $92,125 convertible promissory note (including a 10% original issue discount) for a purchase price of $83,750, bearing interest at 12% per annum, maturing on April 21, 2022, and convertible into Common Shares based on a discount to the market price of the Common Shares upon conversion. No Common Shares have been issued in connection with this convertible promissory note, which remains outstanding.

On May 20, 2021, the Company issued an arm's length lender a $141,625 convertible promissory note (including a 10% original issue discount) for a purchase price of $128,750, bearing interest at 12% per annum, maturing on May 20, 2022, and convertible into Common Shares based on a discount to the market price of the Common Shares upon conversion. No Common Shares have been issued in connection with this convertible promissory note, which remains outstanding.

On October 30, 2018, an arm's length lender loaned $350,000 to the Company. Subsequently, on June 16, 2021, pursuant to an Exchange Agreement, the non-convertible promissory note was exchanged for a convertible redeemable note with an aggregate principal amount of $191,779 bearing interest at 10% per annum, maturing on June 16, 2022, and convertible into Common Shares. On June 16, 2021, pursuant to an Assignment and Purchase of Debt Agreement, the $191,779 convertible redeemable note was purchased and assigned to another arm's length lender and on the same day it was converted into 4,677,532 Common Shares at $0.04100004 per share.

On June 24, 2021, a non-convertible secured debenture, bearing interest at 12% per annum owing to an arm's length lender with an aggregate amount outstanding of CAD$962,085 (including interest and penalty), which had matured, was acquired by another arm's length lender pursuant to an Assignment and Purchase of Corporate Debt Agreement. On June 30, 2021, pursuant to a Securities Exchange Agreement dated June 28, 2021, the debenture was exchanged for a convertible redeemable note with an aggregate principal amount of $771,610, bearing interest at 8% per annum, maturing on June 30, 2022, and convertible into Common Shares at $0.041 per share. On July 1, 2021, the convertible redeemable note was converted into 18,819,756 Common Shares at $0.041 per share.

On June 24, 2021, a non-convertible secured debenture, bearing interest at 12% per annum and owing to an arm's length lender, with an aggregate amount outstanding of CAD$38,217 (including interest and penalty), which had matured, was acquired by another arm's length lender pursuant to an Assignment and Purchase of Corporate Debt Agreement. On June 30, 2021, pursuant to a Securities Exchange Agreement dated June 28, 2021, the debenture was exchanged for a convertible redeemable note with an aggregate principal amount of $30,652, bearing interest at 8% per annum, maturing on June 30, 2022 and convertible into Common Shares at $0.041 per share. On July 1, 2021, the convertible redeemable note was converted into 747,616 Common Shares at $0.041 per share.

On July 2, 2021, the Company issued to an arm's length lender a $114,125 convertible promissory note (including a 10% original issue discount) for a purchase price of $103,750, bearing interest at 12% per annum, maturing on July 2, 2022 and principal and interest convertible into Common Shares based on a discount to the market price of the Common Shares upon conversion. No Common Shares have been issued in connection with this convertible promissory note.

The net proceeds of the Transactions that resulted in new funds to the Company were used for expansion of the Company's extraction plant and working capital.

Disclosure regarding the Transactions has been provided in the following filings:

Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2020, filed on December 15, 2020;

Amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended August 31, 2020, filed on December 28, 2020;

Amended Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended August 31, 2020, filed on August 19, 2021;

Amended Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the three months ended November 30, 2020, filed on August 19, 2021;

Quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the six months ended February 28, 2021, filed on April 20, 2021;

Amended Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q/A for the six months ended February 28, 2021, filed on August 19, 2021; and

Quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the nine months ended May 31, 2021, filed on August 19, 2021.

The Company continues to work with the Exchange on a reinstatement of trading and will update the market as things progress. However, the Exchange has indicated that these matters and their review of the Transactions may take some time to resolve and that a reinstatement to trading is not expected in the near term.

The Company continues to operate normally and is working diligently to answers questions from the Exchange.

About Petroteq Energy Inc.

Petroteq is a clean technology company focused on the development, implementation and licensing of a patented, environmentally safe and sustainable technology for the extraction and reclamation of heavy oil and bitumen from oil sands and mineable oil deposits. The versatile technology can be applied to both water-wet deposits and oil-wet deposits - outputting high-quality oil and clean sand.

Petroteq believes that its technology can produce a relatively sweet heavy crude oil from deposits of oil sands at Asphalt Ridge without requiring the use of water, and therefore without generating wastewater which would otherwise require the use of other treatment or disposal facilities which could be harmful to the environment. Petroteq's process is intended to be a more environmentally friendly extraction technology that leaves clean residual sand that can be sold or returned to the environment, without the use of tailings ponds or further remediation.

For more information, visit www.Petroteq.energy.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. and Canadian securities laws. Words such as "may," "would," "could," "should," "potential," "will," "seek," "intend," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect" and similar expressions as they relate to the Company are intended to identify forward-looking information, including statements with respect to a reinstatement to trading on the Exchange. Readers are cautioned that there is no certainty that it will be commercially viable to produce any portion of the resources. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking information. Such statements reflect the Company's current views and intentions with respect to future events, based on information available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, without limitation, the Exchange concluding its reinstatement review to ensure the Company has satisfactorily complied with Exchange requirements. While forward-looking statements are based on data, assumptions and analyses that the Company believes are reasonable under the circumstances, whether actual results, performance or developments will meet the Company's expectations and predictions depends on a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results, performance and financial condition of the Company to differ materially from its expectations. Certain of the "risk factors" that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's forward-looking statements in this press release include, without limitation: failure by the Exchange to be satisfied with the Company's reinstatement application; uncertainties inherent in the estimation of resources, including whether any reserves will ever be attributed to the Company's properties; since the Company's extraction technology is proprietary, is not widely used in the industry, and has not been used in consistent commercial production, the Company's bitumen resources are classified as a contingent resource because they are not currently considered to be commercially recoverable; full scale commercial production may engender public opposition; the Company cannot be certain that its bitumen resources will be economically producible and thus cannot be classified as proved or probable reserves in accordance with applicable securities laws; changes in laws or regulations; the ability to implement business strategies or to pursue business opportunities, whether for economic or other reasons; status of the world oil markets, oil prices and price volatility; oil pricing; state of capital markets and the ability of the Company to raise capital; litigation; the commercial and economic viability of the Company's oil sands hydrocarbon extraction technology, and other proprietary technologies developed or licensed by the Company or its subsidiaries, which currently are of an experimental nature and have not been used at full capacity for an extended period of time; reliance on suppliers, contractors, consultants and key personnel; the ability of the Company to maintain its mineral lease holdings; potential failure of the Company's business plans or model; the nature of oil and gas production and oil sands mining, extraction and production; uncertainties in exploration and drilling for oil, gas and other hydrocarbon-bearing substances; unanticipated costs and expenses, availability of financing and other capital; potential damage to or destruction of property, loss of life and environmental damage; risks associated with compliance with environmental protection laws and regulations; uninsurable or uninsured risks; potential conflicts of interest of officers and directors; risks related to COVID-19 including various recommendations, orders and measures of governmental authorities to try to limit the pandemic, including travel restrictions, border closures, non-essential business closures, quarantines, self-isolations, shelters-in-place and social distancing, disruptions to markets, economic activity, financing, supply chains and sales channels, and a deterioration of general economic conditions including a possible national or global recession; and other general economic, market and business conditions and factors, including the risk factors discussed or referred to in the Company's disclosure documents, filed with United States Securities and Exchange Commission and available at www.sec.gov (including, without limitation, its most recent annual report on Form 10-K under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended), and with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedar.com.

Should any factor affect the Company in an unexpected manner, or should assumptions underlying the forward- looking information prove incorrect, the actual results or events may differ materially from the results or events predicted. Any such forward-looking information is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Moreover, the Company does not assume responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such forward-looking information. The forward-looking information included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable law.

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.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Petroteq Energy Inc.

R.G. Bailey

Interim Chief Executive Officer

Tel: (800) 979-1897

SOURCE: Petroteq Energy Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667168/CORRECTION-Petroteq-Provides-Update-on-TSXV-Application-for-Reinstatement
STOCKHOLM, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Softwood fiber costs were generally higher worldwide in the 2Q/21 than in the previous quarter despite an increase in the supply of residuals from sawmills in Europe and North America. Practically all regions covered by the WRQ experienced q-o-q prices increases in the range of 1-5%. The major exception was British Columbia, where wood chip prices were up by almost 20% because of tighter fiber supply and higher NBSK pulp prices. Over the past year, softwood fiber costs have gone up worldwide between 5% and 20%, except for in the US and Germany, where wood chip prices have fallen substantially.

The higher softwood fiber prices resulted in a two-year high of over $92/odmt for the Softwood Fiber Price Index (SFPI) in the 2Q/21. However, with only a modest increase of the Hardwood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) by one percent q-o-q to $84.41/odmt, the discrepancy between the two indices rose to the widest margin since 2007.

Hardwood fiber prices in most major pulp-producing countries saw minor price adjustments in the 2Q/21. However, a few regions, such as the US South, Eastern Canada, and Spain, stand out as being places where the costs of hardwood pulplogs have gone up over 5% from the 1Q/21.

Trade of hardwood chips in the Pacific Rim has increased rapidly for four consecutive quarters to reach a record-high of 6.7 million odmt in the 2Q/21. During the same quarter in 2020, shipments were at a six-year low of only 5.0 million odmt. China continues to be the primary destination for exported wood chips, accounting for over 60% of all traded wood chips in the region. Japan's share has fallen to 34%, while the balance is imported by pulpmills in South Korea and Taiwan.

Japan's wood chip import volumes in 2021 have bounced back from their recent lows during the initial period of the COVID epidemic in early 2020. However, the quarterly shipments in 2021 have been more than 10% below their 5-year average before the exceptional decline in 2020.

The overall changes in supply sources in 2021 have been China's diversification and Japan's concentration of imports from fewer countries. For example, China has predominantly relied on Vietnam and Australia in the past but has recently expanded imports from Thailand, South Africa, and Brazil. In contrast, Japan has increasingly purchased wood chips from Vietnam and Australia while reducing importation from Brazil and Chile.

Are you interested in worldwide wood products market information? The Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ) is a 75-page report established in 1988 and has subscribers in over 30 countries. The publication tracks prices for sawlog, pulpwood, lumber & pellets and reports on trade and wood market developments in most key regions worldwide. For more insights on the latest international forest product market trends, please go to www.WoodPrices.com

Contact Information

Wood Resources International LLC

Hakan Ekstrom, Seattle, USA

info@WoodPrices.com

www.woodprices.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/wood-resources-international-llc/r/softwood-pulpwood-saw-higher-price-increases-worldwide-than-hardwood-pulpwood--resulting-in-the-wide,c3428459

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Delivering a Sustainable World Through Seven Key Focus Areas





TOKYO, Oct 7, 2021 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu today unveiled Fujitsu Uvance a new global business brand delivering a transformation portfolio for a sustainable world. Fujitsu Uvance will leverage Fujitsu's technological capabilities and problem-solving expertise across seven key focus areas to offer unprecedented value to customers, while contributing to the achievement of its ultimate purpose -- "to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation."The word "Uvance" embodies a concept of making all (Universal) things move forward (Advance) in a sustainable direction. It demonstrates Fujitsu's determination of "building new possibilities by connecting people, technology and ideas, creating a more sustainable world where anyone can advance their dreams."Fujitsu Uvance will play a central role in driving the growth of Fujitsu's core business, comprising seven key focus areas. Four of these consist of cross industry vertical business areas, which relate to the ideal state of the world and possible social issues confronting us in the present as well as in the future: "Sustainable Manufacturing," "Consumer Experience," "Healthy Living," and "Trusted Society". Supporting these vertical areas, and forming a platform for the collection of data, creating synergies between applications and performing analysis are the three horizontals: "Digital Shifts," "Business Applications," and "Hybrid IT".Fujitsu will offer an exclusive look at how Fujitsu Uvance will drive innovation to deliver on its global vision of a more sustainable future with messages from its leadership, influential guest speakers, and customers at "Fujitsu ActivateNow 2021", its global flagship event debuting online from Tuesday, October 12.Growing Challenges and Changing CourseThe world's population has increased dramatically over the past several decades, presenting both great opportunities as well as a host of increasingly complex challenges, including widening socioeconomic disparities and the growing threat of environmental disasters exacerbated by climate change. At the same time, in the past year the global COVID -19 pandemic has laid bare divisions and inequalities across the world, posing fundamental questions about people's values and lifestyles, as well as previously unforeseen challenges that threaten the future of humanity and earth. Overcoming these calls for leaders to break from the past and chart a bold new course toward a brighter future in which innovation lights the way.Acknowledging the importance of this pivotal moment, Fujitsu established its new purpose in 2020, taking a new path to transform into a business based on the ideal vision of society to realize a more sustainable world. As it envisions the problems that it anticipates will arise in 2030, Fujitsu has identified seven key focus areas to form the basis of Fujitsu Uvance.Please refer to the resources below for additional information on the seven key focus areas comprising Fujitsu Uvance:Fujitsu Uvance Global Website (https://www2.fujitsu.com/global/uvance/)Future PlansTo commemorate this launch, Fujitsu has named its "Fujitsu Kawasaki Tower" in Japan the "Fujitsu Uvance Kawasaki Tower," a living lab that will showcase the real-world potential of technologies like biometrics, image analysis, etc. that will play a future role in the company's seven key focus areas.Fujitsu will also unveil a revamped visual identity to its customers to coincide with the inauguration of Fujitsu Uvance. This includes the expression of continuous transformation, and making the world more sustainable by bringing its Infinity Mark logo to the forefront--with its dynamic, flowing contours, the mark symbolizes Fujitsu's commitment to the renewing force of transformation and the virtuous cycle of sustainability in contributing to customers, society, and the world itself.Fujitsu's Commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United Nations in 2015 represent a set of common goals to be achieved worldwide by 2030. Fujitsu's purpose -- "to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation" -- is a promise to contribute to the vision of a better future empowered by the SDGs.About FujitsuFujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions and services. Approximately 126,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$34 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com.Source: Fujitsu LtdCopyright 2021 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Investing in a second citizenship is the ultimate plan b, a contingency that covers all aspects of one's life and proves as an optimal safeguard against instability. It is something everyone needs, but not everyone knows about.?

East Africa falls into that category, a diverse group of countries located on the Eastern coast of Africa; these nations boast large quantities of High-Net-Worth individuals but also host a plethora of problems that can lead to instability or internal turbulence.

The foundation for East Africans to begin investing in second citizenship is already in place. The region has one of the fastest-growing populations in the world, with three East African countries - Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya - among the seven most populated on the continent.

You Might Also Like: Why Wealthy Nigerians Are Investing In Second Citizenship

But it isn't just about population growth, the collective GDP is an indicator of the direction of the region, as prior to the pandemic, the region saw a steady GDP annual growth rate averaging at 3.5%, and while it dipped due to the impact of COVID, it is expected to steady course and increase 3.4% in 2021.

The disparity of wealth in the region means that there is a large amount of High-Net-Worth individuals (HNWIs), but poverty remains an economic and political concern among its populace.

Knight Frank predicts the number of HNWIs to increase in the upcoming five years, and that forecast does vary from one country to the other. For example, the number of HNWIs in Tanzania is expected to increase 13% in the next half-decade, while the rate in Zambia is a staggering 43%. Both indicators that the nations are hosting increasing numbers of the world's elite.

So it is apparent that the region's elite are present and have the capacity to invest in a second citizenship, but the question remains, do they need it? And in short, yes they do, and here is why.

Global Mobility

The countries in the region have an average visa-free travel ability of 60 global countries among them, a very low score when compared to other nations around the world.

A St. Kitts & Nevis passport, for example, provides visa-free entry to 157 destinations worldwide, including hotspots such as the EU, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and others that most East Africans require visas to travel to.

As African countries boast the highest Schengen Visa rejection rates, and don't do too well when applying for the United Kingdom visas either, global mobility is an actual concern that a second citizenship can address.?

Contingency Planning

Economic and political turbulence is another concern, with countries such as Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Somalia, and others have undergone internal political struggle.?

A second citizenship can mitigate the risk of instability and offer its holders options in the darkest hour. There is no better plan than having an entire new home to flee to if things go awry.

Related Article: Mitigating Risk - How a Second Citizenship Protects Citizens of Unstable Regions

It also helps investors diversify their asset base in order to mitigate the "eggs in one basket" risk of having all their wealth and assets locked up in one nation. This can be extremely frustrating, especially when large economic powers tend to sanction politically turbulent nations to gain influence over them.?

A Better Lifestyle

East Africa faces an abundance of challenges as a region. Healthcare is one of the most challenged sectors in the region, as Malaria, AIDS, Yellow Fever, Dengue, and other diseases rampage the East African shoreline.

Educational institutes, although present, yet lack the finesse and pedigree of their first-world counterparts, fulfilling the future generation's potential more challenging than it needs to be.

Having a second citizenship and passport from another nation opens doors to better healthcare, greater education, and overall a better lifestyle.

The Timing Is Right

Getting a second citizenship through investment has never been easier, and due to the global economic crisis the pandemic created, many countries that offer citizenship by investment options have streamlined their processes to become completely remote and have even instated limited time offers on some investment options, making it more cost effective as well as easy.?

The Need Is There

Like any other human on Earth, East African nationals need a second citizenship to safeguard themselves and their families against risk.

Whether it be their wellbeing, wealth, or just their overall standard of living, a second citizenship is a failsafe to ensure that everything is secure even if the worst happens. It is the ultimate plan b.

However, the awareness and knowledge of citizenship by investment in East Africa is lacking, and that is where we at Savory & Partners come in.

Our team has spent a lot of time in Eastern Africa, travelling through Kenya, Tanzania, and more to spread more information about citizenship by investment and help our East African clients obtain second citizenship.

People Who Read This Article Also Read: Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C; Why Everyone Needs A Second Citizenship

We understand the needs and the challenges HNWIs in the region face, and we have developed the ultimate solutions to help them thrive on a global stage. To know more about this topic and how it can change your life contact us today for a comprehensive and free consultation with one of our citizenship by investment experts.

Savory & Partners is an accredited agent for multiple governments where citizenship by investment is offered. Founded in 1797, the agency has evolved from pharmaceuticals to family assets and legacy protection through second citizenship and residency. The company's professional, multinational staff is made up of expert advisors who have guided thousands of clients, including many North African investors, on their journey to find the most suitable CBI program for them. The Savory & Partners team will be happy to answer your enquiries in English, Arabic and French.

For more information, please send an email to mena@savoryandpartners.com. You can also call +971 04 430 1717 or send a WhatsApp message to +971 54 440 2955.
Award-winning Finnish beverage company of artisan gin is launching a new tonic water that combines flavours from coniferous forests with the world's cleanest water.

Arctic Blue Tonic is made from the cleanest Finnish groundwater by hand in small batches in Lappeenranta, Finland.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211006005748/en/

Award-winning Finnish beverage company of artisan gin is launching a new tonic water. Arctic Blue Tonic combines flavours from coniferous forests with the world's cleanest water. It is made from the cleanest Finnish groundwater by hand in small batches in Lappeenranta, Finland. (Photo: Business Wire)

"The majority of tonics on the market are quite sweet, so we wanted to create a low-sugar and low-calorie yet still tasty tonic that provides a good base for all kinds of drinks. Our starting point was to design the best tonic water in the world to go with the best gin in the world," says Kimmo Wager, Head of Marketing at Arctic Blue Beverages.

Tonic waters usually contain as much sugar as soft drinks, even 7 to 9 grams per 100 millilitres, whereas Arctic Blue Tonic has only four grams of sugar. Arctic Blue Tonic will also be the first non-alcoholic product from Arctic Blue Beverages to be sold in grocery stores. Arctic Blue Tonic will go on sale in Finnish stores this autumn and elsewhere in Europe during 2022.

"We are also considering launching other flavoured tonic waters and different bottle sizes. In addition to our distilled products, next year we will also introduce low-alcohol products based on the best gin in the world," Wager reveals.

Arctic Blue Gin Tonic evokes Finnish coniferous forests

Tonic is a bitter and carbonated soft drink that is used as a mixer in many drinks. It goes especially well with gin-based drinks. Arctic Blue Tonic is designed to be the perfect pair for Arctic Blue Gin, which has been awarded as the world's best gin.

"Arctic Blue Gin Tonic is a unique combination of Finnish distilling expertise and the cleanest water in the world. The drink has fragrances of fresh blueberry forests and conifers. The world of flavours that the drink opens up takes you on a journey through a Finnish coniferous forest," describes Miika Mehtio, Brand Ambassador for Arctic Blue Beverages and World Show Bartending Champion in 2019.

Arctic Blue Gin Tonic:

1 part Arctic Blue Gin

1 part Arctic Blue Tonic

Garnish with shrub blueberries

Billberries the wild Arctic blueberries should be used instead of citrus fruits as a garnish to prevent the sour fruits from obscuring the refined flavours of the Finnish forest.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211006005748/en/

Contacts:

Further information:

Kimmo Wager

Head of Marketing

+358 400 598 545

kimmo.wager@arcticbluebeverages.com



Media contacts and test products:

Anniina Nissinen

PR and Communications Agency Mellakka Helsinki

+358 400 380010

anniina@mellakkahelsinki.fi
Companies with a net-zero goal reduced emissions by 10% on average over the last decade; those without targets saw emissions increase

Corporate commitments to net-zero accelerated over the last two years, with almost one-third (30%) of Europe's largest listed companies now having pledged to reach net-zero by 2050, according to a new study by Accenture (NYSE: ACN).

The Accenture study, "Reaching Net Zero by 2050," analyzed data from more than 1,000 listed companies across Europe's major stock indexes, finding that setting targets helps accelerate the transition to net-zero i.e., where a company reduces its emissions of CO2 and other greenhouse gases (GHG) to zero or offsets the remainder to achieve a balance between the amount of GHG emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. Last decade, the companies with a net-zero goal reduced their emissions by 10% on average, while those without targets saw their emissions increase.

Companies listed in the U.K. were the most likely to have set a net-zero target date, covering scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions*, with 37% having done so, compared with 27% in Germany and 18% in France.

The average net-zero target year for European companies included in the study is 2043. Many companies in carbon-intensive industries such as oil and gas and chemicals have set net-zero target dates of or close to 2050, while many in services sectors aim for around 2035.

"The European business community is more engaged than ever in the race to zero, with the number of companies publicly setting goals having grown over the last two years," said Jean-Marc Ollagnier, CEO of Accenture in Europe. "And as our study shows, the targets work. Net zero should be managed as any strategic business priority: set clear objectives to drive the entire organization to the same direction, and monitor progress to correct the trajectory as appropriate. Making targets public also helps create the required collective momentum, as companies can't solve it alone."

Accelerated action needed as just 5% of companies on track to meet their targets

However, the study found that just one in 20 (5%) of the European companies in the study are on track to achieve their net-zero target dates in their own operations, covering scope 1 and 2 emissions, if they continue the pace of emissions reduction that they achieved between 2010 and 2019, with only 9% on course to meet a 2050 target. Companies that have achieved modest emissions reduction since 2010 i.e., 0-5% reduction per year -can still reach net-zero in their operations before mid-century if they double the pace of emissions reduction by 2030 and triple it by 2040.

"Though the number of newly set targets is reassuring, it is still clear that organizations are not moving fast enough," said Peter Lacy Accenture's chief responsibility officer and Sustainability Services global lead. "With COP26 just a few weeks away, businesses and governments across all parts of the world need to focus their efforts on concrete action that follows robust targets to meet the challenge our world faces to reach net zero by mid-century and hold global warming to 1.5c."

The report suggests specific solutions and stepping-stones to net zero for select industries, including automotive, chemicals, construction, finance, retail and transportation.

It also shows that seven industries mostly in service sectors such as professional services and information and communications will be on track for net-zero in their operations by 2050 if they double the pace of emissions reduction in this decade, and then accelerate another 50% to 70% in the following 10 years. More radical acceleration will be needed for five sectors representing 42% of GHG emitted by all companies in the research sample automotive, construction, manufacturing, oil gas, and transportation storage to reach net-zero by mid-century.

"Net-zero by 2050 let alone sooner will be feasible only with swift, decisive action in this decade. Our findings show that it is possible, but only if European businesses act now," Ollagnier said. "Solutions differ by industry and company, and all have different starting points, opportunities and challenges. In some industries, the required technologies are available and will need to be scaled at speed. In others, they will have to be invented. However, getting there will require all businesses to make reinvention the norm, driven by technological innovation, collaboration, new business models and supportive regulation."

For more information and to view a copy of the report, please visit: Reaching Net Zero by 2050.

Scope 1 emissions are GHG direct emissions from companies' own and controlled resources. Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy - i.e., purchased electricity, steam, heating and cooling consumed by the reporting company. Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions that occur in a company's value chain.

About the Research

The research is based on data collected by Retail Economics about the net-zero targets (covering scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions) of 1,022 of Europe's largest listed companies: 269 on the FTSE, 237 on Euronext Paris, 228 on the Deutsche Borse, and 288 on other Euronext exchanges, including 73 Italian companies and 54 Spanish companies. Researchers analyzed the emissions from 2010 to 2019 of companies in the report sample, focusing on the absolute scope 1 2 emissions (excluding scope 3 to avoid double counting), and the compound annual reduction rate (CARR) of emissions over the 10-year interval was calculated.

Projections of potential emissions reduction pathways for each company in the dataset were built to estimate in which future five-year time interval the company is likely to reach net zero. An "S-curve" shape was chosen for the projections, in line with existing expert scenarios for emissions reduction by industry. Company-level projections to industry and country level were aggregated to assess the time period over which companies in the industry and country are likely to achieve net zero. Finally, the net-zero target years were compared with the time interval resulting from the emissions pathway analysis.

About Accenture

Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries, we offer Strategy and Consulting, Interactive, Technology and Operations services all powered by the world's largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. Our 624,000 people deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity every day, serving clients in more than 120 countries. We embrace the power of change to create value and shared success for our clients, people, shareholders, partners and communities. Visit us at www.accenture.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211006005818/en/

Contacts:

Francois Luu

Accenture

+33 1 53 23 68 55

francois.luu@accenture.com



Andy Rowlands

Accenture

+44 7952 594784

andy.rowlands@accenture.com
Cannabis flowers and extracts to be developed for specific medical conditions

Kanabo to exclusively distribute the co-developed sought after product in UK and Germany

Partnership estimated to generate 9 million in sales over the first three years

Kanabo, one of Europe's fastest-growing medical cannabis R&D companies that focuses on the distribution of cannabis-derived products for medical patients, and non-THC products for CBD consumers, has signed a partnership agreement with the Medocann Pharma Ltd. to develop new products that will target specific medical conditions. The deal gives Kanabo exclusive distribution rights to the co-developed products into the growing German and UK cannabis markets.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211006005920/en/

Kanabo Announces Partnership With Medocann Group to Exclusively Develop and Distribute Unique Cannabis Strains Products for UK and German Markets (Photo: Business Wire)

Medocann is an established medical-grade cannabis producer with an indoor, hydroponic facility located in central Israel and has a library of proprietary cannabis genetics. Medocan's medical cannabis is grown in a fully controlled environment, without the use of pesticides or insecticides. Medocann has GACP IMC GAP certification for commercial propagation and cultivation and is currently selling its ultra-premium products in Israel.

The partnership agreement between Kanabo and Medocann will focus on the co-development of new and novel products as well as on the co-development of new and unique cannabis strains. These new strains and products will be targeted at specific medical indications through the combination of Kanabo's preclinical data on the effect of cannabis on different illnesses and Medocann's genetics bank, strain development expertise and innovative cultivation capabilities.

1,000kg of Medocann's precisely grown cannabis flowers and extracts will be integrated into co-branded products that will be available for sale within the first three years of the agreement, which the board estimates will generate sales of up to 9m in aggregate. The agreement includes the exclusive rights to distribute the co-developed products into both the UK and German cannabis markets.

The deal will take advantage of Kanabo's intended acquisition of Materia, which has a state-of-the-art EU GMP certified facility in Malta. Materia imports cannabis flower from its global supply network, including non-EU GMP certified producers, and then processes it into EU GMP certified medical cannabis products for subsequent export to distributors across Europe.

Asaf Sella, CEO Medocann commented: "The genetics and the technology used to cultivate medical cannabis make a huge difference in the safety, the quality and the consistency of the medicine patients receive. We are delighted to partner with Kanabo, together we will develop new strains to treat specific indications and provide premium medical cannabis products, all originating in Medocann's indoor, hi-tech facility."

Avihu Tamir, CEO Kanabo added: "Medocann's hydroponic, precisely-grown cannabis is considered to be the best in Israel and often sells out within days. It is the only product on the market that is cultivated without the use of pesticides or insecticides. Kanabo aims to bring these unique strains that target specific medical conditions to patients in the UK and Germany through our Materia Malta production facility."

About Kanabo Group Plc

Kanabo Group Plc is an R&D company currently selling a range of THC-Free Retail CBD Products in the Primary Markets and is in the process of developing further Medical Cannabis Products. The company's core strategy is to increase revenues from the sale of its Retail CBD Products in the wellness sector and to grow the Kanabo brand through its marketing initiatives.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211006005920/en/

Contacts:

For further press information, please contact:

Michelle Tamir,

Marketing Manager

press@kanabo.com
New program provides businesses and governments with a network of centers for experiential, lifelong learning with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform to accelerate the digital transformation of industry

Unique virtual/real learning experiences combining the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and state-of-the-art machinery enable students and professionals to thrive in fast-changing jobs

Five centers in France, India, Mexico and the US have already joined the program to strengthen interactions between academia and businesses

Dassault Systemes (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA) today announced the launch of 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Centers of Excellence, a global program to provide students, professionals, learners, businesses and governments with a network of centers dedicated to experiential, lifelong learning with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform that enables the current and future workforce to accelerate the digital transformation of industry.

The program answers a global need to prepare students and professionals with the knowledge and know-how to thrive in emerging and fast-changing jobs in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare and life sciences, and infrastructure and cities, where digital technologies are converging to impact every aspect of industrial business from ideation to manufacturing.

The first centers to join the program CampusFab and the Trades and Qualifications of Excellence Campus South (CMQE-SUD) cluster in France, the K-Tech Center of Excellence in Aerospace Defense in India, the Composites Manufacturing Simulation Center of Purdue University in the U.S., and the Industrial Innovation Center for Aerospace (CIIA) in Mexico operate closely with employers in the aerospace, automotive, energy and electronics industries. Backed by government funding, the centers and their industrial partners collaborate to enable new learning models structured by digital practices that elevate the skills of the local workforce.

Centers that join the 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Centers of Excellence program are equipped with the expertise to offer unique learning opportunities combining virtual worlds on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform with state-of-the-art machinery used in the workplace, as well as courses and curricula designed in collaboration with local employers and taught by platform-certified instructors. Students, operators, technicians, engineers and innovators can boost their employability by developing in-demand skills in virtual twin processes, materials science, data-driven manufacturing and other areas, in the context of existing or future job roles.

"Creating learning facilities that continuously adjust to the rapid transformation of industries can only be achieved by combining efforts from government, local employers, academia and technology providers," said Florence Verzelen, Executive Vice President, Industry, Marketing Sustainability, Dassault Systemes. "The 3DEXPERIENCE Edu Centers of Excellence program leverages our experience in collaborative learning programs and in the continuous reinvention of industry practices with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform at their core. Through this network of centers, we can strengthen these combined efforts and enable the emergence of new models for businesses, work and education."

Social media:

Share this on Twitter: 3DXEdu Centers of Excellence program launched by @Dassault3DS to empower the workforce of the future, with first five centers in France, the U.S., India Mexico

Connect with Dassault Systemes on Twitter Facebook LinkedIn YouTube

For more information:

Dassault Systemes' 3DEXPERIENCE Edu: https://edu.3ds.com/en

Dassault Systemes' 3DEXPERIENCE platform, 3D design software, 3D Digital Mock Up and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions: http://www.3ds.com

About Dassault Systemes

Dassault Systemes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, is a catalyst for human progress. We provide business and people with collaborative 3D virtual environments to imagine sustainable innovations. By creating virtual twin experiences of the real world with our 3DEXPERIENCE platform and applications, our customers push the boundaries of innovation, learning and production. Dassault Systemes brings value to more than 290,000 customers of all sizes, in all industries, in more than 140 countries. For more information, visit www.3ds.com

3DEXPERIENCE, the Compass icon, the 3DS logo, CATIA, BIOVIA, GEOVIA, SOLIDWORKS, 3DVIA, ENOVIA, NETVIBES, MEDIDATA, CENTRIC PLM, 3DEXCITE, SIMULIA, DELMIA, and IFWE are commercial trademarks or registered trademarks of Dassault Systemes, a French "societe europeenne" (Versailles Commercial Register B 322 306 440), or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211006006073/en/

Contacts:

Dassault Systemes Press Contacts

Corporate France

Arnaud MALHERBE

arnaud.malherbe@3ds.com

+33 (0)1 61 62 87 73

North America

Suzanne MORAN

suzanne.moran@3ds.com

+1 (781) 810 3774

EMEAR

Virginie BLINDENBERG

virginie.blindenberg@3ds.com

+33 (0) 1 61 62 84 21

China

Grace MU

grace.mu@3ds.com

+86 10 6536 2288

India

Santanu BHATTACHARYA

santanu.bhattacharya@3ds.com

+91 9717972875

Japan

Yukiko SATO

yukiko.sato@3ds.com

+81 3 4321 3841

Korea

Jeemin JEONG

jeemin.jeong@3ds.com

+82 2 3271 6653

AP South

Pallavi MISRA

pallavi.misra@3ds.com

+65 90221874
Positive preclinical results in a model of uveitis

Development of the first class of biomedicines in ophthalmology with bio-HDL

Regulatory News:

ABIONYX Pharma (Paris:ABNX) (FR0012616852 ABNX PEA PME eligible), a next-generation biotech company dedicated to the discovery and development of innovative therapies, announces today, after having already obtained an Orphan Drug designation for CER-001 in the treatment of LCAT deficiency, positive preclinical results in ophthalmology and the launch of a strategic development of the first class of biomedicines from its bio-HDL for the treatment of ocular pathologies.

Positive preclinical results in a model of uveitis

Following the positive clinical results which included the disappearance of visual blur related to corneal lipid deposits in a patient suffering from LCAT deficiency, treated within the framework of a Temporary Use Authorization, and the clear improvement of the patient's visual functions which was still observed after 1 year of follow-up (initial results published exclusively in the scientific journal "Annals of Internal Medicine; follow-up information on file), ABIONYX Pharma conducted preclinical studies in ophthalmology to determine the ocular tolerance of its bio-HDL and the potential spectrum of efficacy in new indications.

Bio-HDL was found to be completely safe and very well tolerated on the ocular surface and inside the eye, regardless of the route of administration in a preclinical study, either by intravenous injection, by application of drops to the surface of the eye or by injection inside the eye itself (into the vitreous).

In addition, bio-HDL was tested in a proof of concept efficacy study using a recognized and validated preclinical model of uveitis. In this Endotoxin-Induced Uveitis (EIU) model, uveitis was triggered by a dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injected in the vitreous. Subsequent treatment with CER-001 injected into the vitreous showed a statistical reduction in the signs of uveitis, as measured by protein concentration and cellular infiltration in the aqueous humor.

These initial preclinical results indicate the major therapeutic potential of bio-HDL in ophthalmology, and more broadly the role of lipids in ocular pathologies.

Dr. Christophe Baudouin, Professor of Ophthalmology in Paris, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at the Centre Hospitalier National d'Ophtalmologie de l'Hopital des Quinze-Vingts (Paris), Director of the "S12" research team at the Institut de la Vision, and member of the prestigious international societies, American Society of Ophthalmology and Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis, states: "The latest scientific work in the field shows that lipids and their metabolism are involved in many ocular pathologies, for example dysfunction of the meibomian glands and macular degeneration. By testing CER-001, a biomimetic HDL produced in France, in ocular pathology models, we will be able to help choose the best ocular indication for this product, with the aim of providing patients with a new and effective treatment."

Development of the first class of biomedicines in ophthalmology with bio-HDL

Following the granting of Orphan Designation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for its drug candidate CER-001 as a potential treatment for LCAT deficiency, ABIONYX Pharma's bio-HDL is one of the most advanced biomedicines in France that could soon be marketed in ophthalmology.

As a reminder, there are two forms of LCAT deficiency:

familial LCAT deficiency (FLD), which results from a complete deficiency and is clinically characterized by hemolytic anemia, renal failure (frequently leading to renal transplantation), and corneal opacities; and

"Fish Eye Disease" resulting from a partial deficiency and clinically characterized by more severe corneal opacities without renal involvement.

As the orphan drug designation obtained covers both a renal and an ophthalmological indication, the clinical development of bio-HDL in ophthalmology may be very rapid.

Lipids are of major interest for the eye in several respects: its structural role, its functional role, its pathophysiological links and its therapeutic potential.

Dr. Catherine Creuzot-Garcher, Professor of Ophthalmology in Dijon, Head of the Ophthalmology Department at the University Hospital of Dijon, University Professor, co-leader of the Eye, Nutrition and Cellular Signaling team at the Taste and Food Science Center of Dijon, and Dr. Niyazi Acar (PhD), leader of the Eye, Nutrition and Cellular Signaling team at the Taste and Food Science Center of Dijon state: "The study and development of the therapeutic potential of CER-001, a biomimetic HDL, in the treatment of eye diseases will allow us to better understand the role of lipids in the physiology and dysfunctions of the eye, particularly in the retina, and to provide our patients with an innovative solution for the future."

The anti-inflammatory and/or reverse lipid transport enhancing properties of CER-001, which may improve vision in patients with deficient LCAT activity, combined with the new preclinical results in uveitis, pave the way for clinical studies testing bio-HDL in patients developing corneal lipid deposits from other pathologies, and allow ABIONYX Pharma to launch a strategic development of the first class of biomedicines in ophthalmology based on its bio-HDL.

About ABIONYX Pharma

ABIONYX Pharma is a new generation biotech company that aims to contribute to health through innovative therapies in indications where there is no effective or existing treatment, even the rarest ones. Thanks to its partners in research, medicine, biopharmaceuticals and shareholding, the company innovates on a daily basis to propose drugs for the treatment of renal and ophthalmological diseases, or new HDL vectors used for targeted drug delivery.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211006006078/en/

Contacts:

NewCap

Investor relations

Louis-Victor Delouvrier

abionyx@newcap.eu

+33 (0)1 44 71 98 53

NewCap

Media relations

Nicolas Merigeau

abionyx@newcap.eu

+33 (0)1 44 71 94 98
THE HAGUE (dpa-AFX) - Royal Dutch Shell plc (RDS-B, RDSB.L, RDSA.L, RDS-A) said that Hurricane Ida in the US Gulf of Mexico had an impact on its operations and is expected to have an aggregate adverse impact of around $400 million on adjusted earnings and cash flow from operations in the third quarter 2021. In Integrated gas segment, quarterly production is expected to be between 890 and 950 thousand barrels of oil equivalent per day. LNG liquefaction volumes are expected to be between 7.0 and 7.5 million tonnes, reflecting feedgas constraints and additional maintenance. Trading and optimisation results are expected to be higher compared to the second quarter 2021. In Oil Products segment, sales volumes are expected to be between 4,300 and 5,300 thousand barrels per day. Chemical sales volumes for the third-quarter are expected to be between 3,400 and 3,700 thousand tonnes. Corporate segment adjusted earnings are expected to be a net expense of $650 million to $750 million for the third quarter. This excludes the impact of currency exchange rate effects. 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.
BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Germany's industrial production declined more than expected in August, data from Destatis revealed on Thursday. Industrial output fell 4 percent month-on-month in August, reversing a 1.3 percent rise in July. Economists had forecast a monthly fall of 0.4 percent. Compared with February 2020, the month before restrictions were imposed due to the corona pandemic, production was 9.0 percent lower in August. On a yearly basis, industrial production gained 1.7 percent after rising 6 percent a month ago. Excluding energy and construction, industrial production was down 4.7 percent. Producers continue to report about the production being constrained by a shortage of supply of intermediate products. Within industry, the production of capital goods showed a decrease of 7.8 percent. Consumer goods output dropped 2.6 percent and output of intermediate goods fell 2.4 percent. 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.
Airwallex honored for achievements in Payments, Processing Networks Category

CB Insights today named Airwallex to the fourth annual Fintech 250, a prestigious list of emerging private companies working on groundbreaking financial technology. This year's list was unveiled on stage at CB Insights' Future of Fintech conference in New York City.

"This is the fourth class of the Fintech 250, and it's also the most international, representing 26 countries. These 250 fintech startups are attacking an incredibly diverse array of financial services opportunities across 19 sectors, including digital banking, insurance, payroll, retail investing, and more," said CB Insights CEO Anand Sanwal. "After being named to the CB Insights Fintech 250 last year, the 2020 class saw 17 companies go public and 25 get acquired. They also went on to raise over $25B in additional financing and forged more than 380 new partnerships after being recognized. The Fintech 250 has a history of spotlighting the very best fintech companies, and this year is no different. We're excited to see how these fintech startups disrupt and transform financial services in the years ahead."

Lucy Liu, Co-founder and President of Airwallex said, "As a leading global fintech business, we are delighted to have been recognized by CB insights in all four of their Fintech 250 lists, which is a testament to Airwallex's tremendous growth since our inception in 2015. This is just the beginning, and as we continue to expand globally, we remain committed to our mission of empowering businesses of all sizes to grow without borders."

Through an evidence-based approach, the CB Insights Intelligence Unit selected the Fintech 250 from a pool of over 17,000 companies, including applicants and nominees.They were chosen based on several factors, including data submitted by the companies, company business models and momentum in the market, and Mosaic scores, CB Insights' proprietary algorithm that measures the overall health and growth potential of private companies.

Founded in 2015, Airwallex is one of the fastest-growing global fintech platforms today and has seen significant business growth in the last year, recording a year-over-year revenue growth of nearly 150% for the first half of 2021, and processing more than annualised US$20 billion for a global client portfolio that has quadrupled in size, serving innovative global businesses such as GOAT, Papaya Global and Stake. The company has nearly doubled its headcount in 2021 and employs almost 1,000 employees today in over 20 locations globally. In September 2021, the company announced its US$200 million Series E fundraising round, valuing the company at US$4 billion. This year, Airwallex launched a series of new products and reached major milestones with its global expansion plans, opening for business in the U.S. in August, as well as securing an EMI license in the Netherlands and a Money Services Business license in Malaysia.

Fintech 250 2021: Investment Highlights

Unicorns : 118 of the 250 companies (47%) are valued at or above $1B as of their latest funding round

: 118 of the 250 companies (47%) are valued at or above $1B as of their latest funding round Funding trends : In 2021 year-to-date (YTD), these 250 private companies have raised $40.3B in equity funding across 275 deals (as of 9/14/21)

: In 2021 year-to-date (YTD), these 250 private companies have raised $40.3B in equity funding across 275 deals (as of 9/14/21) Mega-rounds : Since 2020, there have been 178 mega-round ($100M+) equity investments to this year's Fintech 250, with 138 of them in 2021 YTD

: Since 2020, there have been 178 mega-round ($100M+) equity investments to this year's Fintech 250, with 138 of them in 2021 YTD Global representation : 36% of the 2021 Fintech 250 are based outside the US. After the US, the UK is home to the most Fintech 250 companies (25), followed by India (12). This year's winners are based in 26 countries, including France, Brazil, Germany, Indonesia, and Nigeria.

: 36% of the 2021 Fintech 250 are based outside the US. After the US, the UK is home to the most Fintech 250 companies (25), followed by India (12). This year's winners are based in 26 countries, including France, Brazil, Germany, Indonesia, and Nigeria. Top VC investor : Ribbit Capital is the most active investor in this year's Fintech 250 companies, having invested in 62 deals since 2016. Since 2019, Ribbit has participated in 41 deals with this cohort of companies, including to Nubank, Uala, Brex, Vouch, Razorpay, and BharatPe. Tiger Global Management and Accel were close behind with 57 and 55 deals, respectively.

About CB Insights

CB Insights builds software that enables the world's best companies to discover, understand, and make technology decisions with confidence. By marrying data, expert insights, and work management tools, clients manage their end-to-end technology decision-making process on CB Insights. To learn more, please visit www.cbinsights.com.

About Airwallex

Airwallex is a global payment platform with a mission to empower businesses of all sizes to grow without borders, and by doing so, contribute to the global economy. With technology at its core, Airwallex has built a financial infrastructure and platform to help businesses manage online payments, treasury and payout globally, without the constraints of the traditional financial system. Airwallex has secured over US$700 million since it was established in 2015, and is backed by world-leading investors. Today, the business operates with a team of almost 1,000 employees across 20 locations globally. For more information, please visit www.airwallex.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005405/en/

Contacts:

CB Insights

press@cbinsights.com

Liz Liang

elizabeth.liang@airwallex.com

Greg Steinsiek

greg.steinsiek@airwallex.com
Delivering multi-level security and brand enhancement features faster and more sustainably

CROWTHER, Great Britain, Oct. 07, 2021, the leading global provider of anti-counterfeiting and brand protection solutions, is pleased to announce OpSec Inspire, the future of fully integrated brand protection and multi-layered security. With this innovation, OpSec extends its leadership position in digital brand protection, providing highly secure full color authentication on-product solutions - delivered with superior personalization, shorter production runs, and added multi-layered security - while supporting OpSec's customers' speed to market and sustainability objectives.



OpSec Inspireenables brand owners to reach more deeply and more broadly across their customer base with highly personalized messaging. Digitally printed, highly secure unique IDs on each label ensures everything required to support the move to everything digital and everything online including:

360 o Brand Protection capabilities including improved consumer engagement capabilities fully integrated between online and on-product solutions to build stronger connections with your brand-loyal customers and enhance their customer experience

Brand Protection capabilities including improved consumer engagement capabilities fully integrated between online and on-product solutions to build stronger connections with your brand-loyal customers and enhance their customer experience Extensive personalization with variable printed elements from multiple brand logos or images for brand enhancement to regional differentiation to effectively combat grey market activity

Sustainable production enabled through environmentally friendly inks and precision output to minimize ink utilization

Multi-layered overt, covert, and forensic security features, from exclusive security inks to serialized latent images to micro text printing capabilities

Superior supply chain visibility, with unique product identifiers to digitally track and trace product through the supply chain on through to the consumer



Dr. Selva Selvaratnam, CEO of OpSec Security, comments: "OpSec Inspire significantly raises the bar for high-performance digital brand protection growing OpSec Security's innovative technology capabilities and our aptitude to guide our customers' brand protection strategies. As we continue to advance our capabilities, OpSec Inspire will offer a significant advantage to our customers' and further enrich their consumers."

"Combining OpSec Inspire with OpSec Insight - our digital customer engagement platform -this ground-breaking technology will make consumer purchasing a more rewarding and compelling experience, which is critical for brands in today's competitive marketplaces," continued Selvaratnam.

The new line is available through OpSec Security and is backed by OpSec's industry leading expertise; helping customers choose the best programs to maximize their results. From manufacturing to intelligent supply chain integration to on-product solutions such as secure hangtags as well as post-sale consumer engagement solutions, OpSec are uniquely positioned to customize their customers' programs across all levels of security and branding requirements. OpSec offers a fully integrated brand protection solution enabling brands to grow with confidence in delivering an authentic brand promise and consumer experience with a partnership approach to solution design, development and deployment.

About OpSec Security

OpSec Security is the global market leader in securing and protecting brands. After decades of leadership in brand protection technology, OpSec grew to become the leading provider of fully integrated brand and document security, providing companies and governments with myriad solutions to help our customers ensure brand quality, reputation, and integrity.

OpSec is a leading innovator in online brand and digital content protection, offering our clients end-to-end safeguards against counterfeiting, piracy, and unauthorized usage. We continue to innovate, finding increasingly advanced ways to meet an ever-growing range of threats. Even as the counterfeiters, pirates, and other bad actors employ more sophisticated ways to damage your brand, we never stop getting better at protecting it.

What is missing from your brand protection program? Find out more at www.opsecsecurity.com

Media Contact

Amanda Hershey

Marketing Communications Manager

Email: media@opsecsecurity.com

Phone: +1

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/49686651-41db-43a7-ace5-3afda14aedd3
Partnership Follows Successful Collaboration on the Industry Immersion Africa Program, Fostering STEM Careers in African Business

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Engageli, a purpose-built virtual learning platform designed to improve student outcomes, today announced a new partnership with ESMT Berlin, a top-ranked, triple-crown accredited international business school. Through this partnership, ESMT will utilize Engageli's platform for its Global Online MBA program.



This announcement follows the completion of a successful collaboration earlier this summer, in which Engageli partnered with ESMT and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) to support the Industry Immersion Africa program. The program's classes foster the employability of STEM graduates in African business through a hands-on curriculum. The program leveraged Engageli's digital learning platform to power a blended-learning approach, successfully graduating 51 STEM graduates with the help of nine instructors and two assistants.

This year's program was taught simultaneously in four locations: AIMS Ghana, AIMS Rwanda, AIMS South Africa, and Strathmore University in Kenya. Instruction on Engageli's platform during the five-week program included a combination of asynchronous learning with live video lectures and class discussion across multiple courses, such as general management, data analytics, and entrepreneurial strategy. Program instructors were based in multiple locations, from Berlin to Canada, working alongside staff at the African university centers.

Following the success of this year's Industry Immersion Africa program, ESMT and Engageli extended their partnership to ESMT's Global Online MBA program. Program instructors will use Engageli to design dynamic, interactive classes, and to provide differentiated instruction and personalized support by leveraging real-time engagement data.



"Engageli's highly interactive and engaging digital learning platform was an incredible asset to our Industry Immersion Africa program, and we're thrilled to extend our partnership to our Global Online MBA," said Nick Barniville, Associate Dean for Degree Programmes and EdTech at ESMT Berlin. "Engageli allows us to seamlessly bring students together, across geographies, to share knowledge and skills. In our globalized world, these capabilities are invaluable in providing students with the skills and experience they need for success in business."

"ESMT Berlin is making an impressive educational impact at a global scale," said Dan Avida, Co-Founder and CEO of Engageli. "This transformative opportunity is possible for thousands of students because of ESMT's dedication to implementing innovative technology across its programs. We're thrilled to partner with ESMT to support collaborative courses and help build connections between students and instructors across borders via our platform."

About ESMT Berlin

ESMT Berlin is the highest-ranked business school in Germany and Top 10 in Europe. Founded by 25 leading global companies, ESMT offers master's, MBA, and PhD programs, as well as executive education on its campus in Berlin, in locations around the world, online, and in an online blended format. Focusing on leadership, innovation, and analytics, its diverse faculty publishes outstanding research in top academic journals. Additionally, the international business school provides an interdisciplinary platform for discourse between politics, business, and academia. ESMT is a non-profit private institution of higher education, accredited by AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS, and FIBAA, and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion across all its activities and communities.

About African Institute for Mathematical Sciences.

About Engageli

Engageli is advancing the higher education industry globally by improving virtual teaching and learning experiences. Its premiere cloud-based, multimodal digital learning technology creates flexible, inclusive, secure environments optimized for student connections and active learning. Founded in 2020 by Daphne Koller, Co-Founder of Coursera, Dan Avida, and Serge Plotkin, Engageli has raised over $47 million in funding. To learn more, please visit www.engageli.com .

Contact:

engageli@launchsquad.com

https://www.engageli.com
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / Falcon Gold Corp. (TSXV:FG)(FSE:3FA:GR)(OTCQB:FGLDF); ("Falcon Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the Company has formed Latamark Resources Corp. a wholly owned subsidiary of Falcon Gold. The Company is currently evaluating a number of assets in Latin America to grow our exposure to opportunities outside of North America. The Company intends to spinout its Argentine gold asset located in the renowned Sierra de Las Minas district of southern La Rioja province in San Juan. The district is reported to host several past-producing gold, silver, and mines.

Karim Rayani, Chief Executive Officer commented, "This is a very exciting time for Falcon, we continue to search out opportunities both domestic and now international. Falcon is perfectly positioned as we continue to advance our Central Canada project, the Company is eagerly awaiting assays from our 2nd phase of exploration at the high-grade Spitfire Sunny Boy combined with announcements coming from our Newfoundland expansion plans. Falcon continues to add value for stakeholders - we look forward to the coming weeks".

The Company is in initial stages of preparing the necessary reporting requirements needed for shareholder approval. Falcon can make no assurances that a spinout will take place as it's subject to several conditions that include board approval, satisfying the TSX Venture requirements, legal and tax ramifications, determining the final details of the transaction, receipt of all regulatory approval, the availability of financing for the new subsidiary, and the over all market conditions. The Company will be providing further details if, and when available.

The Esperanza Gold Copper Silver property comprises seven mineral concessions covering an aggregate area of 11,072 hectares. High-grade gold mineralization was reportedly first discovered within the district around 1865 at the Callanas occurrences followed by limited mining conducted on a gold, silver and copper zones. Other sites of historical small-scale mining within the Esperanza property include the El Espinillo, Callanas east and west, El Abrita, Cerro Alto, Las Lajas and San Isidro gold mineralized zones.

The Japanese Agency ("JICA") completed 900 meters of diamond drilling in the Callanas area during the 1990's. Two of the holes returned encouraging intercepts assaying one meter at 9.11 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, 28.59 g/t silver and 0.42m at 24.3 g/t Au, 61.10 g/t Ag. More recently, Esperanza Resources had reported that the Callanas west zone has been mapped along a northwest-southeast strike for approximately 4,000 meters.

In 2018, the Company completed a limited sampling program as part of its initial due diligence. The Callanas east trenches results included a one-meter sample that returned 5,619 parts per billion (ppb) gold. A 2.5-meter continuous chip sample from the north end of the Callanas west exposure showed 5,905 ppb Au, 20.6 parts per million (ppm) Ag and 0.29% Cu.

Falcon's 2018 due diligence mapping and sampling program as reported previously, was highly successful and covered several gold-bearing zones. The geological team also mapped the trails and back roads that gave access to multiple showings and historical mine sites.

Approximately 4km east of the Callanas area is another very prominent NW-SE lineament containing gold bearing quartz veins, not previously noted in historical reports. This structure parallels the strike of the Callanas zones and may extend to the southeast. A 30cm chip sample assayed 15.63 g/t Gold and a grab sample of a quartz vein float returned 28.43 g/t Gold.

From Callana III vein of 27.03 g/t Au across 50cm; and

From the Callana IV vein across a 50cm width where visible gold was identified, that assayed 45.71 g/t Au with Ag content greater than 100 ppm and Cu analyses of 7,869.60 ppm.

On Jan. 7, 2019, Falcon completed its first exploration work on the Esperanza property and reported on its findings. High-grade gold mineralization is reported to be localized along northwest-southeast striking linear structures. The Callanas area contains several known veins and Falcon's sampling included a 50cm wide chip sample with visible gold that assayed 44.90 grams per tonne ("g/t") Gold; 123.2 g/t Silver; 0.73% Copper and another 50cm chip sample that assayed 26.07 g/t Gold; 424 g/t Silver; 1.23% Copper.

Agreement

On February 9, 2021, the company was able to reinstate the property option for a reduction from the original agreement. The original terms were calling for escalating annual payments over a 6-year term totaling $ 500,000 USD and the issuance of 4 million common shares with property expenditures of 1.74 million USD Falcon was successful in reworking the terms to share payments of 500,000 common shares plus 500,000 warrants to be paid to the vendors and by spending $350,000 USD in exploration expenditures to earn an 80% interest in the project. Upon completion of payments and expenditures, Falcon will hold an 80% interest and the vendors would retain 20% ownership in the property. Following which, for a 30-month period, Falcon reserves the right to purchase the vendors' 20% remaining interest (For Falcon's total ownership of 100% of the property) for a further payment of two million Falcon common shares and a one time $1.5 million USD payment, which includes a 1% Net Smelter Return ("NSR") buy back leaving the vendors with a 1% NSR.

Qualified Person

Dr. Daniel Rubiolo, P. Geo., who is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release.

About Falcon Gold Corp.

Falcon is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on generating, acquiring, and exploring opportunities in the Americas. Falcon's flagship project, the Central Canada Gold Mine, is approximately 20 km southeast of Agnico Eagle's Hammond Reef Gold Deposit which has currently estimated 3.32 million ounces of gold (123.5 million tonnes grading 0.84 g/t gold) mineral reserves, and 2.3 million ounces of measured and indicated mineral resources (133.4 million tonnes grading 0.54 g/t gold). The Hammond Reef gold property lies on the Hammond shear zone, which is a northeast-trending splay off of the Quetico Fault Zone ("QFZ") and may be the control for the gold deposit. The Central Gold property lies on a similar major northeast-trending splay of the QFZ.

The Company holds 7 additional projects. The Springpole West Property in the world-renowned Red Lake mining camp; a 49% interest in the Burton Gold property with Iamgold near Sudbury Ontario; and in B.C., the Spitfire-Sunny Boy, Gaspard Gold claims; and most recently the Great Burnt, Hope Brook, and Baie Verte acquisitions adjacent to First Mining, Sokoman-Benton's JV, and Marvel Discovery in Central Newfoundland.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Falcon Gold Corp.

"Karim Rayani"

Karim Rayani

Chief Executive Officer, Director

Telephone: (604) 716-0551

Email: info@falcongold.ca

Cautionary Language and Forward-Looking Statements

This news release may contain forward looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, etc. Forward looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.

This news release may contain forward looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, etc. Forward looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such 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: Falcon Gold Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667128/Falcon-Forms-Latamark-Resources-Corp-to-Create-Latin-American-Focused-Issuer
BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - The Competition and Markets Authority in the UK has decided to close the investigation into British Airways and Ryanair (RYA.L, RYAAY) for failing to offer refunds for customers who were prevented from flying by Covid travel restrictions. In June 2021, the CMA launched a probe into the airlines over concerns they may have broken the law. The CMA concluded that prolonging the investigation could not be justified given the length of time it would take to reach an outcome in the courts and the uncertain outcome. Consumer protection law does not clearly cover whether people should be refunded when they are legally prohibited from taking the flight, the CMA noted. 'Given the importance of this to many passengers who have unfairly lost out, we hope that the law in this area will be clarified,' said, Andrea Coscelli, Chief Executive of the CMA. For most affected passengers by Covid travel restrictions, British Airways offered credit voucher and fee-free rebooking options, whilst Ryanair offered a fee-free rebooking option. 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.
COLOMBES, France, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- With the inauguration of the two new Training Centers in the UK and Ireland, the Bostik Academy continues the final roll out of an ambitious growth plan, comprising more than 20 local digital platforms and 10+ in-person Training centers located in France, Germany, Greece, Spain, Netherlands, USA, Ireland and the UK.

These state-of-the-art physical training centers, that expect to receive more than 1500 professionals annually per site, provide tailored specialized trainings, best application methods, and key industry recommendations, supported by Bostik's highly skilled Technical Team.

With more than 70 000+ visitors per month who can watch over 400 video tutorials available in various languages, the Bostik Academy continues to grow by sharing in-depth views of product applications, key industry recommendations, an inside resource with answers to FAQs, technical support contacts, detailed product portfolio, video tutorials, and the opportunity to register for our personalized technical seminars. Spain, Brazil, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, New Zealand are the final 2021 rollout of local digital platforms with specific regional content.

According to Pedro Paredes, Global Training and Support Manager within the Construction & Consumer (C&C) Business Unit, "The training centers will allow the professionals in the construction market to access in-person tailored training, as well as to touch, feel and learn more about the best products for their needs. They will have the opportunity to apply, create full system boards, understand our systems step-by-step, and overall get better results through knowledge!"

Hortense BLAZSIN

Email: hortense.blazsin@bostik.com

About Bostik, an Arkema company

Bostik, a subsidiary of the Arkema Group and a global player in specialty adhesives for the construction, consumer and industrial markets, develops innovative and multifunctional sealing and bonding solutions that have been shaping our daily lives for over 130 years. With annual sales of 2 billion euros, a presence in more than 50 countries, and 6,000 employees, the company is committed to meeting the major ecological, energy and technological challenges through its innovations. It is focused on continuous improvement and operational excellence to meet the expectations of its customers and partners.

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IFS to empower Elvia and its subcontractors with open and flexible cloud platform to interconnect people, work processes and assets

LONDON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- IFS, the global cloud enterprise applications company, announces that Elvia, the largest electricity distribution company in Norway, has decided to implement IFS Cloud to support its mission-critical enterprise resource planning (ERP) processes.

The result of a merger between Eidsiva and long-standing IFS customer Hafslund, Elvia is responsible of delivering power to more than one third of all households in Norway.

To meet the rapidly growing demand for renewable energy among its private and public customers, the company engaged IFS to define a enterprise software solution that could support all current needs while ensuring easy integration and extensibility to power future innovation projects.

IFS Cloud will be used by 1,800+ Elvia staff and Elvia subcontractors to ensure a uniform way of working across all parts of the business. The solution will form the backbone of an entirely new way of managing core processes such as finance, procurement, as well as contractor and project management. IFS Cloud and its uniquely open API architecture will also be used to modernize and streamline Elvia's asset maintenance processes while providing the basis for intelligent power grid management through the use of sensor data, geodata, and grid data.

"We are witnessning a major shift in the energy sector, where public and private customers place ever-increasingly stringent demands on the generation, provenance, and distribution of the electricity they use," Elvia IT Director Jon Andreas Pretorius said. "This means that we needed to revise and remodel our processes to offer the services people expect from a modern, customer-centric utility company. The IFS solution will help us realize this transformation and gives us an open and easily extensible platform for continuous innovation."

Glenn Arnesen, President, IFS Northern and Central Europe, added, "Elvia is a change- and innovation-driven company and we are proud to have been selected as its technology partner. IFS Cloud was designed to offer enterprises with complex business an uncomplicated way to become data-driven, improve decision-making, and, ultimately, deliver better moments of services to their customers. We look forward to continuing our successful collaboration with Elvia as we implement a future-proof solution for sustainable and efficient power distribution."

Learn more about how IFS supports energy and utility companies at www.ifs.com/industries/energy-utilities-and-resources/.

IFS Press Contact:

Kine Ellefsen, IFS Nordics; Phone: +47 988 25 854; Email: press@ifs.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/ifs/r/norway-s-largest-power-distributor-selects-ifs-cloud,c3427672

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- EQT Private Equity to sell a majority stake in VFS Global, the leading visa outsourcing services provider, to Blackstone and retain a minority position

- VFS Global is the industry pioneer and the world's largest provider of visa outsourcing services, such as administrative and non-judgmental tasks related to visa, passport and consular services for governments and diplomatic missions



- During EQT Private Equity's ownership, VFS Global has expanded its position as the clear market leader by expanding into lesser travel-dependent fields, strengthening its digital capabilities and executing on multiple inorganic opportunities

STOCKHOLM, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- EQT is pleased to announce that the EQT VII fund ("EQT Private Equity") has signed a definitive agreement to sell a majority stake in VFS Global (the "Company") to private equity funds managed by Blackstone ("Blackstone"). EQT Private Equity will retain a minority position in the Company alongside Blackstone and the Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation following the closing of the transaction.

Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, VFS Global is an industry pioneer and the world's largest provider of visa outsourcing services, such as administrative and non-judgmental tasks related to visa, passport and consular services for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The Company serves over 60 client governments through more than 3,500 Visa Application Centers in more than 140 countries across five continents.

EQT Private Equity acquired Kuoni Group in May 2016, which at the time consisted of three business segments: GTA, GTS (Kuoni Global Travel Services) and VFS Global. Following a strategic repositioning of the business, the GTA and GTS segments were divested in 2017, allowing EQT Private Equity to focus fully on the development of VFS Global as a standalone portfolio company.

During EQT Private Equity's ownership, VFS Global has successfully expanded its differentiated market position with industry-leading technologies, infrastructure and capabilities. The company strengthened its long-term client government relationships, won major new contracts, and serves more client governments than ever before. The Company successfully broadened its product range into lesser travel-dependent offerings, such as passport and consular services. It strengthened its digital capabilities and executed on multiple inorganic opportunities. While VFS Global's operations were impacted by travel restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Company successfully adjusted to the new travel patterns and is well-positioned to benefit from the strong demand when travel resumes as a vital part of the global economy.

Matthias Wittkowski, Partner within EQT Private Equity's Advisory Team, said, "We are proud of the remarkable expansion of VFS Global's market position and substantial improvements in its independent governance, which we achieved together with the VFS Global team in the past five years during EQT's majority ownership. We are pleased to have found a partner in Blackstone who will continue to support VFS Global in its strong future growth story. We especially thank VFS Global's CEO Zubin Karkaria, the management team, all employees and the board for their exceptional dedication over the past years and look forward to continuing the partnership as a minority shareholder in the Company."

Lionel Assant and Amit Dixit, Europe and Asia Head of Blackstone Private Equity, respectively, said: "VFS spearheaded the visa outsourcing business and is today a global market leader, playing a crucial role in enabling access to travel for millions of people around the world in an efficient and secure manner. VFS' local market expertise, unmatched global footprint and technology leadership makes the company a reliable partner to client governments across the world. We are excited to partner with the company's CEO Zubin Karkaria and the management team, and the Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation. We look forward to helping the company capitalize on the global travel recovery, accelerate its digitization journey, and expand into adjacent services to further accelerate growth and create value for all stakeholders."

Zubin Karkaria, CEO of VFS Global, further commented, "On behalf of the entire VFS Global team, I want to thank EQT for the very collaborative and value enhancing partnership over the past five years. With EQT's trust and support - especially during the COVID-19 pandemic - we are in a much stronger position today and look forward to the next phase of growth together with Blackstone."

The transaction is expected to close by Q1 2022.

Contact

EQT Press Office, press@eqtpartners.com, +46 8 506 55 334

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

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Press Release

Lightstorm opts for Nokia's Digital Operationssoftware forfaster service rollout

Nokia's solution enables Lightstorm to deliver NaaS-based offerings easily and quickly to their customers

Nokia's cloud-native Digital Operations software, deployed on AWS connects the network to the business by automating digital service life-cycle management at scale to evolve OSS from being a mere support system to a business enabler

Deployed by Singapore-based AWS Premier Consulting Partner, Cloud Kinetics, it is the first publicly announced deployment of Nokia's Digital Operations software on AWS globally





7 October 2021

Espoo, Finland - Nokia today announced that it has been selected by Lightstorm, India's first carrier-neutral network infrastructure platform,to deploy its Digital Operations software. Nokia willautomate Lightstorm'sservice fulfilment and service assurance processes,enabling the company to create new revenue streams byoffering Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) solutions to theirenterprise customers. The deployment is underway across India and will be implemented on Amazon Web Services (AWS). Once deployed, Lightstorm's customers will benefit fromquick and efficient execution of service requests.

Lightstorm has built a first of its kind utility-grade fiber network across India to support enterprises' digital infrastructure at speed and scale, serving as a backbone to power the country's growing digital economy. Built for a cloud-first environment, Lightstorm's foundations lie in digitalization and end-to-end automation of network systems to deliver a seamless user experience. The company is now pioneering the deployment of Nokia's cloud-native Digital Operations software. This deployment will enable Lightstorm to enter and establish itself quickly in India's NaaS market as a greenfield operator.

The Digital Operations software facilitates business process and operations automation in multi-vendor, multi-technology, and multi-domain networks. This will enable Lightstorm to quickly quote, design, deploy and assure connectivity services with guaranteed service level agreements.

The solution leverages industry standards - including TM Forum Open APIs - to minimize the time required to onboard new customers. Nokia's solution will allow Lightstorm to process connectivity orders in seconds and enable the delivery of complex new enterprise services in minutes - up to 500 times faster than traditional OSS approaches. The solution will also offer closed-loop automation, identifying problems up to eight times faster compared to legacy systems.

Nokia's Digital Operations software is being deployed on AWS by Cloud Kinetics, a Singapore-based AWS Premier Consulting Partner and AWS Managed Service provider for AWS globally. This is the first publicly announced deployment of Nokia's Digital Operations software on AWS globally where, in India, this allows Lightstorm to combine operational efficiency and flexibility with modern service design and delivery. Cloud Kinetics has designed the security architecture and integration.

Amajit Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, at Lightstorm, said: "Lightstorm is building a resilient and future-ready telecom network designed to support the ever-growing demand for data and low-latency applications in India. We are confident that Nokia's Digital Operations software on AWS will help us realize our vision of building a software-defined programmable and automated network. We look forward to working with Nokia in our journey to provide a world-class digital experience through our platform."

Vinish Bawa, Head of Emerging Markets, India at Nokia, said: "This deployment builds on Nokia's relationship with AWS, which supports the development and deployment of telecom-specific cloud-native solutions for communication service providers. With Nokia's Digital Operations software and the reliability and scalability of AWS, Lightstorm is positioning itself as a next-generation service provider capable of delivering NaaS services rapidly and efficiently."

Puneet Chandok, President Commercial Sales, AWS India and South Asia, AISPL said: "We are pleased to work with Nokia and Lightstorm to bring the complete breadth and depth of AWS to play. Deploying Nokia's Digital Operations software on AWS will allow Lightstorm to drive maximum efficiency, flexibility, and customer satisfaction with modern service design, delivery, and billing. We believe this combination will enable Lightstorm to efficiently manage complexity and costs, enabling them to scale and meet customer demands as they build out their network infrastructure across India."

Resources

Webpage: Digital Operations Center (https://www.nokia.com/networks/solutions/digital-operations-center/)

Press release: Nokia cloud-native software platform available on Amazon Web Services (https://www.nokia.com/about-us/news/releases/2019/11/18/nokia-cloud-native-software-platform-available-on-amazon-web-services/)

About Nokia

We create technology that helps the world act together.

As a trusted partner for critical networks, we are committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. We create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs.

Adhering to the highest standards of integrity and security, we help build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable and inclusive world.

About Lightstorm:

Lightstorm is India's only carrier-neutral network infrastructure platform built to accelerate business growth and innovation in the digital world. We are the pioneer to build a first-of-its-kind utility-grade resilient fibre network, SmartNet, connecting the major economic hubs in India. Our Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) platform opens new opportunities for enterprises by providing a simple, secure, and smart way to enhance their application performance and user experience. ?A trusted partner of several Fortune 500 companies, Lightstorm is building a robust foundation of digital infrastructure to create new sources of value and differentiation to businesses.

About Cloud Kinetics:

Cloud Kinetics.

Media Inquiries:

Nokia

Communications

Phone: +358 10 448 4900

Email: press.services@nokia.com

Lightstorm

Prasanna C

Marketing & Communications

Email: c.prasanna@lightstormtelecom.com

AWS

Rony Thomas

PR & Communications

Email: ronythom@amazon.com

Cloud Kinetics

Anju Williams

Phone: +91-9167205355

Email: anju.williams@cloud-kinetics.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - MAX RESOURCE CORP. (TSXV: MXR) (OTC Pink: MXROF) (FSE: M1D2) ("Max" or the "Company") is pleased to report new assay results expanding the URU zone from 12-km to over 48-km, located along the CESAR North 80km-long belt, within the wholly-owned CESAR project in NE Colombia (refer to Figure 3).

Highlights

- 14.8% copper and 132 g/t silver outcrop over 1.5m x 0.8m panel (876798)

- 6.5% copper and 6 g/t silver outcrop over widths of 1.0m chip channel (876931)

- 5.6% copper and 87 g/t silver outcrop over 1.0m by 1.0m panel (879972)

- 4.0% copper and 42 g/t silver outcrop over 1.0m by 1.0m panel (879975)

- 3.7% copper and 14 g/t silver outcrop over widths of 5.0m chip channel (876486)

- 2.9% copper and 7 g/t silver outcrop over widths of 10.0m representative (876460)

- 2.1% copper and 3 g/t silver outcrop over widths of 10.0m representative (876478)

- 2.0% copper and 20 g/t silver outcrop over widths of 10.0m representative (876922)

URU's continuous copper-silver mineralization now spans over 48-km, extending along strike over 12-km and down dip over 4-km from the elevation of 1200m down to 410m, and is open along strike and down dip (refer Figure 1, 2 and 4).

Eighteen rock samples collected over widths ranging from 1.0 to 10.0m returned values in excess of 2.0% copper. Thirty-two returned values greater than 1.0% copper. Highlight values are 14.8 % copper and 132 g/t silver (refer to Table 1).

"The URU 48-km zone remains open in all directions and potentially represents a zone of major proportions when compared to the world class Kupferschiefer and the Central African Belt deposits," commented Max CEO, Brett Matich.

"In addition, MAX is conducting on-going exploration at the other four zones (CONEJO, SP, AMN, AMS, refer to Figure 3) within the CESAR North 80-kilometre-long-copper-silver belt of significant regional potential," he continued.

"The world's transition to clean energy can only be accomplished with copper to build power grids, solar and wind farms, electric vehicles which typically require upwards of 180 pound of copper per vehicle. Copper's rapidly declining reserve base necessitates the need for new major discoveries of copper, positioning Max to take advantage of the copper shortfalls with the potential district size of the CESAR discoveries," he concluded.





Figure 1. 14.8% copper + 132 g/t silver 1.5m x 0.8m (876798)Figure 2. 2.9% copper over 10.0m (876460)

https://www.maxresource.com/images/gallery/MXR_CESAR-Copper-Silver_News_38.jpg

To view an enhanced version of Figures 1 and 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/98870_d9df5268f4f6ba2e_002full.jpg

Figure 3. CESAR project location

https://www.maxresource.com/images/gallery/MXR_CESAR-Copper-Silver_News_39.jpg

To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/98870_d9df5268f4f6ba2e_003full.jpg





Figure 4. URU 48-km zone and open in all directions

https://www.maxresource.com/images/gallery/MXR_CESAR-Copper-Silver_News_40.jpg

To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/98870_d9df5268f4f6ba2e_004full.jpg



Visible mineralization reports the presence of chalcocite, native copper and copper oxides. Two types of mineral events have been observed. On type is hosted in a stockwork within igneous host rock and is associated with the presence of epidote and the second type is sediment-hosted stratiform copper silver mineralization of Kupferschiefer type. The stratiform type is cross cut by the mineralized stockwork associated with igneous rocks.

Copper Silver Width Sample # 14.8% 132 g/t 1.5m x 0.8m - Panel 876798 6.7% 68 g/t 0.3m - Chip Channel 876935 6.5% 6 g/t 1.0m - Chip Channel 876931 5.6% 87 g/t 1.0m x 1.0m - Panel 879972 5.4% 133 g/t 0.5m - Chip Channel 876755 4.2% 105 g/t 0.5m - Chip Channel 876757 4.0% 42 g/t 1.0m x 1.0m - Panel 879975 3.7% 14 g/t 5.0m - Chip Channel 876486 3.7% 1 g/t 0.3m - Chip Channel 878273 3.6% 36 g/t 1.0m x 1.0m - Panel 879974 3.6% 37 g/t 1.0m x 1.0m - Panel 879969 3.5% 8 g/t 0.7m - Chip Channel 870022 3.1% 7 g/t 3.0m - Chip Channel 876488 2.9% 7 g/t 10.0m - Representative 876460 2.6% 10 g/t 0.5m - Chip Channel 876605 2.6% 16 g/t 1.0m - Chip Channel 876572 2.6% 7 g/t 1.0m x 1.0m - Panel 876472 2.5% 6 g/t 0.7m - Chip Channel 870008 2.5% 4 g/t 0.2m - Chip Channel 876907 2.4% 5 g/t 3.0m - Chip Channel 876491 2.4% 3 g/t 0.5m - Chip Channel 870017 2.1% 6 g/t 1.8m - Chip Channel 876575 2.1% 6 g/t 1.8m - Chip Channel 876574 2.1% 3 g/t 10.0m - Representative 876478 2.1% 12 g/t 1.0m x 1.0m - Panel 879967 2.1% 19 g/t 1.0m x 1.0m - Panel 879970 2.0% 9 g/t 1.0m x 1.0m - Panel 879968 2.0% 20 g/t 10.0m - Representative 876922 1.8% 18 g/t 10.0m - Representative 876930 1.8% 9 g/t 1.0m x 1.0m - Panel 879973 1.6% 8 g/t 0.6m - Chip Channel 879959 1.6% 5 g/t 1.0m x 1.0m - Panel 876477 1.6% 2 g/t 1.0m - Chip Channel 876611 1.6% 18 g/t 1.0m - Chip Channel 879954 1.6% 2 g/t 0.3m - Chip Channel 876901 1.5% 1 g/t 3.0m - Chip Channel 876487 1.5% 1 g/t 2.0m x 1.0m - Panel 876915 1.5% 14 g/t 1.3m - Chip Channel 879956 1.4% 1 g/t 1.0m x 1.0m - Panel 876475 1.4% 18 g/t 0.5m - Chip Channel 879951 1.4% 3 g/t 10.0m - Representative 876481 1.3% 50 g/t 0.5m - Chip Channel 876752 1.3% 10 g/t 1.0m x 1.0m - Panel 876971 1.3% 5 g/t 2.0m x 2.0m - Panel 876622 1.3% 1 g/t 5.0m - Chip Channel 876482 1.2% 6 g/t 0.7m - Chip Channel 870025 1.2% 6 g/t 0.2m - Chip Channel 876469 1.1% 3 g/t 10.0m - Representative 876479

Table 1. Rock assay results that returned over 1.0% copper. Max cautions investors that panel and representative grab sampling can be selective and are not necessarily representative of the mineralization.

Max interprets the sediment-hosted stratabound copper-silver mineralization in the Cesar basin to be analogous to both the Central African Copper Belt (CACB) to the south and the Polish Kupferschiefer to the north. Almost 50% of the copper known to exist in sediment-hosted deposits is contained in the CACB, including Ivanhoe Mines Ltd (TSX: IVN) 95-billion-pound Kamoa-Kakula copper deposits in the Congo.

Kupferschiefer, the world's largest silver producer and Europe's largest copper source, is a mining orebody ranging from 0.5 to 5.5m thick at depths of 500m, grading 1.49% copper and 48.6 g/t silver. The silver yield is almost twice the production of the world's second largest silver mine.

Source: Central African Belt Descriptive models, grade-tonnage relations, and databases for the assessment of sediment-hosted copper deposits with emphasis on deposits in the Central Africa Copperbelt, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia by USGS 2010. Kamoa-Kakula by OreWin March 2020. World Silver Survey 2020 and Kupferschiefer Deposits & Prospects in SW Poland, September 27, 2019. Max cautions investors that the presence of copper mineralization of the Central African Copper Belt and the Polish Kupferschiefer are not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization at CESAR.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

All CESAR rock chip samples are shipped to ALS Lab's sample preparation facility in Medellin, Columbia. Sample pulps are then sent to Lima, Peru, for analysis. All samples are analyzed using ALS procedure ME-MS41, a four-acid digestion with inductively coupled plasma finished. Over-limit copper and silver are determined by ALS procedure OG-62, a four-acid digestion with an atomic absorption spectroscopy finish. ALS Labs is independent from Max.

Max uses standard chip and channel sampling where possible, but also relies on composite grab sampling. Max considers composite grab samples to be representative but cautions investors that individual grab samples can be selective and may not be representative of continuous mineralization at CESAR.

QUALIFIED PERSON

The Company's disclosure of a technical or scientific nature in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Tim Henneberry, P Geo (British Columbia), a member of the Max Resource Advisory Board, who serves as a qualified person under the definition of National Instrument 43:101.

CESAR COPPER-SILVER PROJECT IN COLOMBIA - OVERVIEW

CESAR lies along the copper-silver rich 200-kilometre-long Cesar Basin in northeastern Colombia. This region enjoys major infrastructure resulting from oil & gas and mining operations, including Cerrejon, the largest coal mine in Latin America, now held by global miner Glencore (refer to Figure 5).

Figure 5. CESAR Project location.

https://www.maxresource.com/images/gallery/MXR_CESAR-Copper-Silver_News_41.jpg

To view an enhanced version of Figure 5, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/98870_d9df5268f4f6ba2e_005full.jpg



Due to the district-scale and copper-silver prospectivity of the Cesar Basin, Max has implemented a multi-faceted exploration program for 2021:

Advanced Drill Core Analysis and Modelling: ongoing interpretation of seismic sections and analysis of historical drill holes are all being integrated into our structural modelling of the Cesar Basin, in collaboration with Ingenieria Geologica Universidad Nacional de Colombia ("IGUN") in Medellin (January 7, 2021 NR).

Geochemical and Mineralogical: research programs by the University of Science and Technology ("AGH") of Krakow, Poland. AGH bring their extensive knowledge of KGHM's world renowned Kupferschiefer sediment-hosted copper-silver deposits in Poland to the CESAR project.

Geophysical: Fathom Geophysics is interpreting seismic data, funded by the Company in collaboration with one of the world's leading copper producers.

Proprietary Field Exploration & Techniques: Max's in-country exploration teams continue to target new copper-silver stratabound mineralized zones.

CESAR North 80-kilometre-long-copper-silver zone:

In 2020, Max discovered both the copper-silver rich AMS (previously named AM South) zone and the AMN (previously named AM North) zone 40-km north, collectively spanning over 45-km. Highlight values of 0.5 to 34.4% copper and 5 to 305 g/t silver range over outcrop intervals ranging 0.1 to 25.0m;





In March 2021, Max's announced the CONEJO discovery, now spanning 3.2-km by 1.6-km and open in all directions. CONEJO returned values greater than 5.0% copper from 23 rock panels varying from 5.0m by 5.0m to 1.0m by 1.0m. In addition, 66 rock panel samples returned values over 1.0% copper (March 24, 2021 NR): 12.5% copper + 84 g/t silver over 5.0m by 5.0m 10.5% copper + 50 g/t silver over 3.0m by 2.0 m 10.4% copper + 95 g/t silver over 5.0m by 5.0m 10.2% copper + 62 g/t silver over 5.0m by 5.0m 10.0% copper + 80 g/t silver over 5.0m by 5.0m 8.7% copper + 89 g/t silver over 5.0m by 5.0m 8.4% copper + 60 g/t silver over 5.0m by 5.0m 7.9% copper + 21 g/t silver over 5.0m by 5.0m 7.7% copper + 84 g/t silver over 5.0m by 5.0m 7.4% copper + 47 g/t silver over 5.0m by 5.0m





The 2021 URU discovery is located 30-km south of CONEJO, now expanded to 48-km and open in all directions. URU appears to have major-scale potential; Thirteen rock samples over widths ranging from 10 to 25.0m returned values of 2.0% copper and above, thirty-seven returned values greater than 1.0% copper, with highlight values of 5.7 % copper and 37 g/t silver: 4.3% copper and 8 g/t silver outcrop over widths of 10.0m 3.9% copper and 7 g/t silver outcrop over widths of 10.0m 3.6% copper and 12 g/t silver outcrop over widths of 10.0m 3.0% copper and 6 g/t silver outcrop over widths of 10.0m 3.0% copper and 37 g/t silver outcrop over widths of 10.0m





By late April 2021, at CESAR North 80-km belt MAX had identified five copper discoveries URU, CONEJO, SP, AMN and AMS;





The new SP discovery target September 2021 spans over 1.6-kilometres and is open in all directions. The reconnaissance composite grab sampling over a 25.0m outcrop averaging 4.8% copper and 51 g/t silver is considered very significant, as it indicates the presence of a higher copper and silver grades within the 25.0m interval.





Exploration continues on the CONEJO and URU zones;





In addition, Max has initiated the process of mineral claim approvals and drill permitting;

CESAR West: Max has identified copper porphyry-style mineralization.

ABOUT MAX RESOURCE CORP.

Max Resource Corp. is a copper and precious metals exploration company, engaged in advancing both the newly discovered district-scale CESAR copper-silver project (100% owned) in Colombia and the newly acquired RT Gold project (100% earn-in) in Peru. Both projects have potential for the discovery of large-scale mineral deposits; both stratabound-type copper-silver in Colombia and high-grade gold porphyry and massive sulfide in Peru.

Max Resource was awarded a Top 10 Ranked Company in the Mining Sector on the TSX Venture 50 for 2021, achieving a market cap increase of 1,992% and a share price increase of 282% in 2020.

For more information visit: https://www.maxresource.com/

For more information visit: www.tsx.com/venture50

TSX Venture 50 for 2021 video: MAX Resource Corp. (TSXV: MXR) - 2021 TSX Venture 50 - YouTube

For additional information contact:

Max Resource Corp.

Tim McNulty

E: info@maxresource.com

T: (604) 290-8100

*The Venture 50 ranking is provided by TSX Venture Exchange Inc. ("TSXV") for information purposes only. Neither TMX Group Limited nor any of its affiliated companies guarantees the completeness of this information and are not responsible for any errors or omissions in or any use of, or reliance on, this information. The Venture 50 program is not an invitation to purchase securities listed on TSX Venture Exchange. TSXV and its affiliates do not endorse or recommend any of the referenced securities or issuers, and this information should not be construed as providing any trading, legal, accounting, tax, investment, business, financial or other advice and should not be relied on for such purposes"

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

Except for statements of historic fact, this news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to delays or uncertainties with regulatory approvals, including that of the TSXV. There are uncertainties inherent in forward-looking information, including factors beyond the Company's control. There are no assurances that the commercialization plans for Max Resources Corp. described in this news release will come into effect on the terms or time frame described herein. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties that could affect financial results is contained in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedar.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98870


CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Japanese yen fell against its most major counterparts during the Asian session on Thursday, as investor sentiment improved after a drop in oil prices following Russian President Vladimir Putin's assurance to increase natural gas exports to Europe to resolve the energy crisis.



Putin said that Russia is prepared to stabilize global energy markets by sending more gas to Europe than it has contracted for this year.



In another development, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday announced a short-term offer to suspend the U.S. debt ceiling after Democrats intensified pressure on Republicans to act to avert a default.



In a Twitter statement, McConnell said that the GOP will allow Democrats to use normal procedures to pass an emergency debt limit extension at a fixed dollar amount to cover current spending levels into December.



On the U.S.-China front, President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping agreed to hold a virtual meeting before the end of the year to defuse tensions between the two countries.



Preliminary data from the Cabinet Office showed that Japan's leading index decreased in August.



The leading index, which measures the future economic activity, fell to 101.8 in August from 104.1 in July. This was the lowest since February, when it was 98.9.



The yen dropped to 120.24 against the franc, 128.92 against the euro and 151.56 against the pound, off its prior highs of 119.84, 128.64 and 151.19, respectively. The next possible support for the yen is seen around 124.00 against the franc, 130.00 against the euro and 153.00 against the pound.



The yen reversed from its early highs of 80.97 against the aussie, 76.93 against the kiwi and 88.42 against the loonie, edging down to 81.32, 77.24 and 88.70, respectively. If the yen extends decline, 83.00, 80.00 and 90.00 are possibly seen as its next support levels against the aussie, the kiwi and the loonie, respectively.



In contrast, the yen rose to 111.23 against the greenback from yesterday's close of 111.40. The yen may locate resistance around the 110.00 level.



Looking ahead, the European Central Bank publishes the account of the monetary policy meeting of the Governing Council held on September 8 and 9 at 7:30 am ET.



Canada Ivey PMI for September, U.S. weekly jobless claims for the week ended October 2 and consumer credit for August will be featured in the New York session.



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Details were disclosed at the company's 5th Annual Samsung Foundry Forum

Samsung Electronics, a world leader in advanced semiconductor technology, today unveiled plans for continuous process technology migration to 3- and 2-nanometer (nm) based on the company's Gate-All-Around (GAA) transistor structure at its 5th annual Samsung Foundry Forum (SFF) 2021.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005441/en/

Samsung Foundry Innovations Power the Future of Big Data, AI/ML and Smart, Connected Devices (Graphic: Business Wire)

With a theme of Adding One More Dimension, the multi-day virtual event is expected to draw over 2,000 global customers and partners. At this year's event, Samsung will share its vision to bolster its leadership in the rapidly evolving foundry market by taking each respective part of foundry business to the next level: process technology, manufacturing operations, and foundry services.

"We will increase our overall production capacity and lead the most advanced technologies while taking silicon scaling a step further and continuing technological innovation by application," said Dr. Siyoung Choi, President and Head of Foundry Business at Samsung Electronics. "Amid further digitalization prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, our customers and partners will discover the limitless potential of silicon implementation for delivering the right technology at the right time."

GAA is ready for customers' adoption 3nm MP in 2022, 2nm in 2025

With its enhanced power, performance and flexible design capability, Samsung's unique GAA technology, Multi-Bridge-Channel FET (MBCFETTM), is essential for continuing process migration. Samsung's first 3nm GAA process node utilizing MBCFET will allow up to 35 percent decrease in area, 30 percent higher performance or 50 percent lower power consumption compared to the 5nm process. In addition to power, performance, and area (PPA) improvements, as its process maturity has increased, 3nm's logic yield is approaching a similar level to the 4nm process, which is currently in mass production.

Samsung is scheduled to start producing its customers' first 3nm-based chip designs in the first half of 2022, while its second generation of 3nm is expected in 2023. Newly added to Samsung's technology roadmap, the 2nm process node with MBCFET is in the early stages of development with mass production in 2025.

FinFET for CIS, DDI, MCU 17nm specialty process technology debuts

Samsung Foundry is continuously improving its FinFET process technology to support specialty products with cost-effective and application-specific competitiveness. A good example of this is the company's 17nm FinFET process node. In addition to the intrinsic benefits afforded by FinFET, the process node has excellent performance and power efficiency leveraging a 3D transistor architecture. Consequently, Samsung's 17nm FinFET provides up to 43 percent decrease in area, 39 percent higher performance, or a 49 percent increase in power efficiency compared to the 28nm process.

Additionally, Samsung is advancing its 14nm process in order to support 3.3V high voltage or flash-type embedded MRAM (eMRAM) which enables increased write speed and density. It will be a great option for applications such as micro controller units (MCUs), IoT and wearables. Samsung's 8nm radio frequency (RF) platform is expected to expand the company's leadership in the 5G semiconductor market from sub-6GHz to mmWave applications.

Looking ahead, in cooperation with its ecosystem partners, Samsung Foundry's SAFE Forum will be held virtually in November 2021.

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005441/en/

Contacts:

Ujeong Jahnke

Samsung Semiconductor Europe GmbH

Tel. +49(0)89-45578-1000

Email: sseg.comm@samsung.com
History and future converge during pivotal period in global hospitality marketplace

LONDON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Highgate, a leading real estate investment and hospitality management company, has announced two new additions in the UK market - the acquisition of Dorsett City London Hotel and the management of Grosvenor House Suites in London's Mayfair District. The additions mark Highgate's return to the UK and European markets and the company's confidence for tourism and business travel to return.

"Highgate's philosophy over three decades of investing in Europe has been to acquire well-located real estate at discounts to replacement cost, and to pursue opportunities where Highgate has a distinct ability to add value. The Dorsett City London Hotel exemplifies that strategy," said Mehdi Khimji, Managing Principal at Highgate. "Highgate plans to continue pursuing single asset, portfolio and platform wide opportunities throughout Europe by adhering to the key principles that have contributed to the company's historical success - fostering relationships with key industry constituents; innovating around operational, distribution, and hotel positioning capabilities; targeting opportunities where Highgate has a distinct ability to add value; and acting as a highly-reliable and collaborative counterparty on transactions."

Located in the heart of London's financial district, with a strong reputation for luxury and service, the Dorsett Hotel London is well-positioned for a new surge of business and leisure travel. This hotel offers a unique blend of British charm and Asian hospitality, with awe-inspiring views of London's iconic skyline, and is situated near the vibrant Shoreditch and its array of galleries, as well as the Tower of London, Tate Modern and Tower Bridge. The deal is the latest partnership between Cerberus and Highgate.

The Grosvenor House Suites is a 130-unit, luxury, aparthotel, located in the Mayfair neighborhood on Park Lane. As part of its management services, Highgate is partnering with the property's ownership to develop the future positioning and renovation to relaunch the property and capitalize on its unique apartment-style accommodations and location, which caters to discerning international travelers looking for long-term stays and impeccable service.

"In addition to our acquisition platform, we are focused on growing our UK and European management platform through strategic single asset and portfolio management contracts, operating company M&A and, in certain situations, leases," said Richard Russo, Principal at Highgate. "Highgate will have a particular focus on opportunities where the company can see an ability to add value through operational improvements, business plan repositionings, and partnerships with talented management teams."

For more information, visit Highgate.com.

ABOUT HIGHGATE

Highgate is a global real estate investment and hospitality management company. We have a 30-year track record as an investment manager, operating partner, and developer for REITs, private equity firms, sovereign wealth funds, high net worth individuals, and other institutional investors. With a particular focus in hospitality real estate, Highgate's portfolio includes over 350 owned and/or managed hotels comprising over 65,000 rooms across Europe, the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Highgate maintains corporate offices in London, New York, Dallas, Miami, Seattle, and Waikiki. www.highgate.com.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1654513/Highgate_Logo.jpg
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / Metrospaces, Inc. (OTC PINK:MSPC) Issues Letter to Shareholders from CTO, Alejandro Laplana and CEO Oscar Brito.

Dear Shareholders:

As a part of our continuing commitment to engage our shareholders with clear and consistent communication, we wanted to provide you with an update on the most immediate innovations at Metrospaces in advance of the release of our upcoming unaudited financial statements.

First, we're excited to welcome the leadership of Alejandro Laplana, both as Metrospaces' CTO and as a member of our Board of Directors. Alejandro and his team at Shokworks have been a key part of our plan to transform Metrospaces into the definitive leader in the proptech industry.

Together, we're excited to reinvent the ethos of this company, evolving from a traditional real estate company to a real estate company that is technology-first.

During the past quarter, we've made key acquisitions and developed important partnerships that will fuel the company's metamorphosis.

Acquisition highlights include the purchase of Houston's Brazos Atrium office building, which will serve as a perfect case study showing how an IoT-driven property improvement model can yield impressive ROI with rapid transformation. Additionally, the development of the Infinity View Villas in the Dominican Republic serves as a springboard both for our co-living platform, Metrohouse, and an investment vehicle through our upcoming tokenization platform, Metrocrowd.

Our partnerships with technological leaders in the market will not only yield immediate financial benefits, but also have long-term growth implications for the company. We've signed an agreement with Crown Electrokinetics to utilize its revolutionary Smart Window inserts to create energy efficiencies in our properties that are expected to yield over 25% reduction in energy costs. Our partnership with Cryptobucks ensures that our investors and members can diversify their payment methods or investment capital to include cryptocurrency.

These partnerships will be followed by opportunities to utilize our real estate holdings to incorporate bitcoin mining as a revenue stream. Additionally, we're negotiating partnerships that will allow Metrospaces to utilize virtual reality technology to revolutionize the real estate market for brokerages and agencies.

These strategic partners are selected to extract higher revenue and lower the operating expenses of our assets. As these assets continue to grow in NOI, we will then tokenize them to further democratize the investment opportunity for signature real estate assets.

Our new CFO, Steven Plumb, is continuing to make improvements in the Metrospaces balance sheet. Our new leadership team is excited to share both an increase in the company's core assets, as well as a renewed profitability, now that Metrospaces is in an EBITDA-positive position.

Partnership with Shokworks : Through our relationship with Shokworks, we've been able to develop some of the most innovative blockchain-based digital platforms introduced in the real estate space. We're excited to share details below on both Metrohouse and Metrocrowd, which will be released in beta later this year. Additionally, we've been able to partner with key Shokworks portfolio companies such as Cryptobucks to further our revenue opportunities.

Metrohouse -Co-Living Platform : Metrohouse will launch in beta during Q4 with an inaugural launch in one city, with approximately 33 units available for lease. Our second and third markets will launch during mid- to late-4th quarter, and we project that by year end we'll have between 120-150 total rentable units.

Metrocrowd - Tokenization platform : The Metrospaces and Shokworks teams are moving rapidly to complete the development of our proprietary real estate tokenization platform, Metrocrowd. This revolutionary resource will not only cater to third-party real estate owners and developers but will also allow the company to be a principal tokenizing our internal assets. Metrocrowd with be launched in several stages, with beginning early in Q4. Rollouts will continue until mid-December when we expect to have the final version active. Metrocrowd will be offered to world-class real estate developers and owners as a third-party service. Additionally, Metrospaces as a principal will continue to acquire assets that we will later tokenize on the platform. It is not our intention to be a hard-asset company, but we are committed to taking advantage of any exceptional opportunity we find in the market. We will use a variation of strategies to fund these acquisitions, including partnering with private equity investors and other off-balance sheet structures.

We believe that the leader in this space will not only be the one that develops the best technology, but the one that is able to bring the most profitable and unique real estate assets to the platform. With a strong background in real estate ownership and development, our management team has access to exceptional real estate assets and opportunities, both with third-party owners and assets for acquisition.

Acquisitions/investments :

The Brazos Atrium office complex already brings Metrospaces to an EBITDA-positive cash-flow from rent income, only 8-9 months into our transformation to a Proptech company. This is an accomplishment rarely achieved in up-and-coming companies. Additionally, the company acquired this asset at an impressive 12% capitalization rate. On a leveraged basis, we expect this asset to generate an IRR of greater than 30% for the company and for future token investors

The company has initiated the construction of Phase III of Infinity View Villas, which consists of three luxury 3-bedroom villas that will sold under fractional ownership and will also be payable with cryptocurrency via Cryptobucks. Phase I is expected to be finalized before end of 2021, and Phase III should be finished by 3Q of 2022. This will bring a total of 6 villas and 18 bedrooms of new inventory to our Metrohouse co-living platform. Also, as these assets are completed and start generating rental income, they will later be tokenized on the Metrocrowd platform.

Balance Sheet and Capital Structure :

The company has reduced its total liabilities by over 70% from $14.8M. Metrospaces' assets have grown from $213,130 on Dec. 31, 2020, to close to $2 million by the end of 3Q 2021. Our Sept. 30 financials, which we will release in the coming days, will offer shareholders a look at the exceptional progress made in our debt-reduction plan. Not only will we see a dramatic reduction in overall liabilities and an increase in assets, but most importantly, the company will show its first revenue from the new business plan in the proptech realm and be able to share an EBITDA-positive position.

The company has filed with the SEC to register a Regulation A offering. Once this offering is cleared, we will have access to cheap growth capital to continue our investment in our digital platforms, to acquire assets and to pay off any outstanding debts.

Management Team :

Our management team is committed to the growth of Metrospaces as a leader in the proptech industry, and includes:

Oscar Brito - CEO

Oscar brings more than a decade of innovative leadership in the real estate space, as well as unparalleled connections to dealmakers in the industry.

Alejandro Laplana - CTO

As CEO of Shokworks, Alejandro has led the technological growth and development of more than 30 portfolio companies, and he brings that same business acumen and innovation to Metrospaces.

Steven Plumb - CFO

Steven has an outstanding reputation in the financial community as a leader who works with integrity. His work as CFO with tech-forward companies coupled with his big four experience make him a great partner for our current and planned financial goals.

Daniel Laplana - SVP of Business Development

Daniel is a tech leader who makes things happen. His strong connections in emerging technologies and his real estate roots make him a powerful business development innovator.

This gives the company a powerhouse team of leaders with a proven track record for success.

Communication to Shareholders : As a part of our corporate transformation, we are committed to the highest level of transparency with you, our shareholders. We've put in place a team of professionals, including public relations and digital marketing agencies, that will allow us to improve and refresh our communication strategy to ensure the prompt and accurate flow of information to our audiences. These communications leaders will guide the flow of information for Metrospaces to ensure that all our key partners are informed, included and engaged.

Integrity is one of our fundamental values at Metrospaces, and we continue to research and pilot innovative and efficient methods of communicating our goals, projects and successes with you. Thank you for joining us as we embark upon this metamorphosis of Metrospaces.

Alejandro Laplana Oscar Brito

Relevant Links:

http://metrospaces.com/

https://shokworks.io

https://cryptobucksapp.com

Safe Harbor Statement: Statements in this news release may be "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that express our intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, predictions, or any other statements relating to our future activities or other future events or conditions. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may, and are likely to, differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release and Metrospaces Inc. undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release.

Metrospaces Inc.

Contacts:

investors@metrospaces.com

www.metrospaces.com

SOURCE: Metrospaces, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667145/Letter-to-Our-Shareholders


BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - European stocks advanced on Thursday as investor concerns about a U.S. debt ceiling deal eased and the U.S. Treasury bond yields retreated further from the highest level since June ahead of U.S. non-farm payrolls data, due on Friday.



The U.S. jobs report is seen as crucial in influencing the timing of the start of winding down the Fed's QE program.



The pan European Stoxx 600 gained 1 percent to 455.84 after losing 1 percent in the previous session. The German DAX climbed 1.1 percent, France's CAC 40 index rallied 1.2 percent and the U.K.'s FTSE 100 was up 0.9 percent.



Automakers topped the gainers list, with BMW, Daimler, Volkswagen and Renault all climbing around 2 percent.



TeamViewer shares fell 4.3 percent to extend losses from the previous session after the software company reported quarterly results below its own expectations and cut its full-year guidance.



Sika AG shares gained 2.5 percent. The Swiss specialty chemicals company confirmed fiscal 2021 targets, expecting sales growth in local currencies of 13 percent-17 percent as well as an over-proportional EBIT increase.



Spanish utility Iberdrola surged 5.8 percent after reports that the company is in talks with the Spanish government over energy pricing.



Volution Group shares advanced 1.5 percent after the British ventilation-equipment maker said revenue and earnings increased in fiscal 2021.



Workspace Group shares jumped 4 percent. The real estate investment trust company said that customer demand improved during the second quarter of fiscal 2022.



In economic releases, German industrial output fell 4 percent month-on-month in August, reversing a 1.3 percent rise in July, Destatis reported. Economists had forecast a monthly fall of 0.4 percent.



U.K. house prices grew 1.7 percent month-on-month in September, following an increase of 0.8 percent in August as stamp duty holiday draws to a close, survey data released by the Lloyds Bank subsidiary Halifax showed. This was the third consecutive rise in prices.



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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / Komo Plant Based Foods Inc. (CSE:YUM)(OTCQB:KOMOF)(FRA:9HB) ("Komo"), a premium frozen plant-based food company, announces that it entered into an agreement on September 30, 2021 with SubZero Cold Logistics, a division of Radius Transport Ltd., for cold storage and cold chain services, in a facility in Canada close to the USA border.

SubZero operates a frozen cold storage in South Surrey, BC, which is a 10 minute drive from a USA commercial truck crossing. The facility provides storage for frozen foods and offers cross docking, import/export, container services and a wide-reach transportation services around Metro Vancouver and across North America. Sub Zero is a CFIA regulated and inspected facility and is HACCP compliant.

"Komo selected SubZero because of its high standards to maintain food integrity and safety throughout the cold chain, as well as its location which is close to a USA truck crossing and less than an hour drive from 3 major ports," says Komo CEO William White. "SubZero works seamlessly with Radius Transport, a reputable refrigerated carrier in Greater Vancouver and across North America, which will complement our growth plan for expansion across Canada and into the US market."

Komo will store its food at SubZero's innovative new facility that offers temperature ranges from -20 degrees Celsius and a refrigerated loading dock to maintain correct product temperatures to ensure the integrity of frozen foods. SubZero uses a sophisticated warehouse management system which includes EDI capabilities, inventory management, and 24/7 online access to customer data. To ensure a high standard of food safety compliance, SubZero follows a HACCP-based program. Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) is a management system in which food safety is addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards from raw material production, procurement and handling, to manufacturing and distribution.

About Radius Transport

Radius Transport is a dedicated refrigerated carrier that has been delivering service for all types of food-related businesses in the greater Vancouver area and across North America for over 25 years. It has a fully refrigerated fleet of 5 tons, 10 tons, day cab tractors and line haul units. SubZero, a division of Radius, is a premier provider of cold storage and transportation related services located in South Surrey, British Columbia.

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/667148/KOMO-Plant-Based-Foods-Establishes-Strategic-Cold-Storage-Near-US-Border-Through-SubZero-Cold-Logistics
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - Kodiak Copper Corp. (TSXV: KDK) (OTCQB: KDKCF) (FSE: 5DD1) (the "Company" or "Kodiak") is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Lana Eagle to the Company's Board of Directors.

Lana Eagle is an Indigenous relations strategist and a Social Innovator advising companies on how to better engage and work with Indigenous communities. Her background is in banking, economic development, wealth management and mineral exploration. Lana is a pioneer for Aboriginal women in being one of the first to chair a mineral exploration company in Canada, Electra Gold Ltd. In 2017 she was elected to the Board of the Association for Mineral Exploration (AME) BC, where she is the founder and co-chair of AME's Gathering Place. She is a Program Advisory Committee Member for Mining and Mineral Exploration at the BC Institute of Technology. Lana is an appointed member of BC's Indigenous Business and Investment Council. She is a Director on the Board of Geoscience BC and most recently has been elected to the board of Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada. Lana is a sought-after speaker and lecturer on the topic of Indigenous engagement and reconciliation in Canada, as well as diversity and inclusion. She is a member of the Whitecap Dakota First Nation in Saskatchewan.

Claudia Tornquist, President and CEO of Kodiak said, "I am delighted to welcome Lana to Kodiak's Board and am genuinely looking forward to working with her. Lana's impressive background combines business experience with in-depth involvement and thought leadership in Indigenous relations. I have no doubt that she will bring valuable perspectives to Kodiak's Board and help formulate and execute a well-rounded strategy that will truly benefit our shareholders."

Kodiak has also granted 75,000 stock options to a director and a consultant of the Company, exercisable at C$1.20 per share. 25,000 options will be exercisable for a period of one year and 50,000 for five years.

Further, Kodiak has retained, subject to regulatory approval, Red Cloud Securities Inc. ("Red Cloud") to provide market stabilization and liquidity services to the Company in compliance with the policies and guidelines of the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V") and other applicable legislations. Red Cloud will trade shares of the Company on the TSX-V for the purposes of maintaining a reasonable market and improving the liquidity of Kodiak's common shares. The Company has agreed to pay Red Cloud $5,000 per month. The agreement between Red Cloud and the Company may be terminated by either party with written notice of 30 days. The Company and Red Cloud act at arm's length, but Red Cloud may provide investment banking or other services to Kodiak and Red Cloud and/or its clients may have an interest, directly or indirectly, in the securities of Kodiak. The agreement is principally for the purposes of maintaining market stability and liquidity for the Company's common shares and is not a formal market making agreement. There are no performance factors contained in the agreement between Red Cloud and the Company and Red Cloud will not receive any shares or options from the Company as compensation for services it will render."

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Kodiak Copper Corp.

Claudia Tornquist

President & CEO

For further information contact:

Nancy Curry, Corporate Development

ncurry@kodiakcoppercorp.com

+1 (604) 646-8362

About Kodiak Copper Corp.

Kodiak is focused on its 100% owned copper porphyry projects in Canada and the USA. The Company's most advanced asset is the MPD copper-gold porphyry project in the prolific Quesnel Trough in south-central British Columbia, Canada, where the Company made a discovery of high-grade mineralization within a wide mineralized envelope in 2020. Kodiak also holds the Mohave copper-molybdenum-silver porphyry project in Arizona, USA, near the world-class Bagdad mine. Kodiak's porphyry projects have both been historically drilled and present known mineral discoveries with the potential to hold large-scale deposits.

Kodiak's founder and Chairman is Chris Taylor who is well-known for his gold discovery success with Great Bear Resources. Kodiak is also part of Discovery Group led by John Robins, one of the most successful mining entrepreneurs in Canada.

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.

Forward-Looking Statement (Safe Harbor Statement): This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "expect", "estimate", "objective", "may", "will", "project", "should", "predict", "potential" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements concerning the Company's exploration plans. 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 cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with conditions in the equity financing markets, and assumptions and risks regarding receipt of regulatory and shareholder approvals.

Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward-looking statements in this press release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company's future operations. The Company's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98827
SALT LAKE CITY, UT / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / IONIQ Sciences, Inc. ("IONIQ" or the "Company"), is developing a rapid and non-invasive Multi-Cancer Screen for early detection that has the potential to expand the therapeutic window, dramatically improve survivability and reduce the cost of healthcare. Today IONIQ Sciences announced the appointment of Aaron B. Dorny to its Board of Directors.

Mr. Jared Bauer, CEO, stated, "On behalf of the IONIQ Sciences Board of Directors, we are delighted to welcome Mr. Dorny to the Board. We believe that his deep understanding of our life science business and proven financial acumen with companies large and small will greatly help us achieve our goals. Mr. Dorny's contributions to our company over the past year and a half have already increased IONIQ's market readiness and institutional attractiveness."

Mr. Dorny, shared, "Many of us have felt the negative impact of cancer. Earlier detection may have dramatically improved the outcome. I firmly believe that IONIQ Sciences' breakthrough bioimpedance technology and scalable platform has the potential to modernize early cancer detection. I am committed to helping IONIQ Sciences share their powerful solution with cancer patients and healthcare providers throughout the world."

About Mr. Aaron B. Dorny

Mr. Dorny has dedicated his career to improving the operational and financial standing of companies of all sizes by utilizing his expertise in strategy, finance, and leadership. His work has crossed multiple industries, international borders, and business disciplines, including accounting, finance, manufacturing, intellectual property, product development, restructuring, and corporate strategic planning. His leadership and business skills have been enhanced by time spent with great colleagues at strong companies, such as Innovative Coatings, EP Minerals, EaglePicher, and Ernst & Young Corporate Finance, as well as in advisory roles for many other organizations. Mr. Dorny holds a Master of Accountancy from the Marriott School of Business at Brigham Young University.

About IONIQ Sciences, Inc.

IONIQ Sciences, Inc. is developing an advanced multi-cancer screening technology for early detection that has the potential to expand the therapeutic window, dramatically improve survivability and reduce the cost of healthcare. IONIQ Sciences operates at the confluence of its Electrical Impedance Analytics (EIA) or bioimpedance technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI). IONIQ Science's first product utilizing its proprietary analytic platform, the IONIQ ProLung Test for lung cancer, has been designated a Breakthrough Device by the U.S. FDA.

About BioHive

IONIQ Sciences is proud to be a key supporter and member of the newly formed BioHive, a collective representing the life science and healthcare innovation ecosystem. By embracing diversity and collaboration, BioHive has become the fastest-growing life science community in America and their innovations are improving the lives of millions of patients. To learn more, please visit their site https://biohive.com .

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this release that are not purely historical, including, without limitation statements regarding IONIQ Sciences' future performance and goals, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in the ProLung, Inc. dba IONIQ Sciences' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such risks and uncertainties include inherent risks and uncertainties relating to IONIQ Sciences' ability to meet its funding requirements for its operations and other commitments and to obtain successful test results and regulatory approvals for its products. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections.

For further information about IONIQ Sciences, Inc., please contact:

Andy Robertson | 1-801-736-0729 | acr@IONIQsciences.com

IONIQ Sciences, Vice President of Business Development

IONIQ Sciences, Inc.

350 W. 800 N., Suite 214

Salt Lake City, Utah 84103

USA

www.IONIQsciences.com

Follow IONIQ Sciences, Inc. on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn: @IONIQSciences

SOURCE: IONIQ Sciences, Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667036/IONIQ-Sciences-Announces-the-Appointment-of-Aaron-B-Dorny-to-its-Board-of-Directors
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. & SANDTON, South Africa, Oct. 07, 2021, the official brand of the United States Polo Association, in collaboration with its partner in South Africa, Stable Brands, have announced they will support the South African Polo Associationthrough the current 2021-2022 polo season and serve as the Official Apparel Sponsor of their 2021 Nedbank International Polo Tournament.

The 2021 Nedbank International Polo Tournament event, which had been postponed last year, is hosted by the Inanda Polo Club and will take place on the shores of Sandton, South Africa on April 2, 2022. It is organized by the SAPA to highlight an international sporting event in the country while also continuing to develop the sport of polo in South Africa. The tournament has been played in South Africa for more than 50 years and is the region's premier international tournament, bringing South Africa's best players together annually to compete.

"South Africa is one of U.S. Polo Assn.'s emerging markets, and we are thrilled to showcase both the brand and the sport at the premier Nedbank International Polo Tournament," says J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global Licensing, which manages the global, multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand. "And by supporting the South African Polo Association's 2021-22 Season in such an important region, we continue to reach fans through the brand's authentic connection to the sport of polo."

As part of the event sponsorship, U.S. Polo Assn. will provide team jerseys, staff outfitting, field signage, and global promotion of the event across various digital platforms.

"We'd like to thank U.S. Polo Assn. for partnering with the SA Polo Association as the Official Apparel Sponsor of the Nedbank International Polo Tournament," says Bridget Macduff of South African Polo Association. "We have the shared goal of developing awareness and interest for the sport of polo among youth players and polo fans in South Africa, and this is a wonderful step in that direction for both organizations."

About U.S. Polo Assn.

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official brand of the United States Polo Association

About The South African Polo Association

The South African Polo Association (SAPA) is the official administrative controlling body of polo in South Africa. All clubs affiliate through their provincial bodies to SAPA which, in turn, affiliates to Hurlingham Polo Association (based in the UK) and Federacion Internationale de Polo (based in Argentina). SAPA has a constitution that was first formulated in 1905, making it one of the oldest sporting bodies in the country.

About Stable Brands (Pty) Ltd.:

Stable Brands (Pty) Ltd, a proudly South African company, has decades of experience working with various international apparel brands. The company recently increased its portfolio by securing the distribution rights of the U.S. Polo Assn. brand into South Africa. Stable Brands employs an array of world-class talent to ensure our collections are well-positioned in the South African market to be the lifestyle brand of choice.

###

For further information contact:

Shannon Stilson - AVP, Marketing

Phone +001.561.227.6994 - Email: sstilson@uspagl.com

Stacey Kovalsky - Senior Director, Global Communications

Phone +001.561.790.8036 - Email: skovalsky@uspagl.com

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With CDN $21M in Recent Funding, Graphite One Continues to Advance the Largest Known Natural Graphite Deposit in the United States

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / Graphite One Inc. (TSXV:GPH) (OTCQX:GPHOF) ("Graphite One" or the "Company") announces that graphite was added to the new U.S. National Defense Stockpile (NDS) Acquisitions List, one of four new materials added for 2022.

"The inclusion of graphite on the National Defense Stockpile list is another sign of graphite's growing importance," said Anthony Huston, CEO of Graphite One. "Coupled with the importance of graphite to three of the four key supply chains recognized by the June 2021 White House report, it is clear the U.S. Government sees graphite as essential to both national security and the technology economy."

The NDS, established by the U.S. Congress in 1939, is a raw materials-based stockpile meant to decrease or prevent "dependence upon foreign and single points of supply for strategic and critical materials needed in times of national emergency".

The last publicly released National Defense Stockpile Requirements Report included "natural flake graphite" on its watch list of "shortfall materials" based on modeling against specific conflict scenarios indicating a projected graphite shortfall of more than 82,000 metric tons. The U.S. has been 100% import-dependent for graphite since 1990 with the vast majority of supply being reliant on graphite production from China.

The United States Government's Interim National Security Guidance issued March 4, 2021 states as one of the U.S.'s National Security Priorities that the United States:

"[W]ill invest in critical stockpiles and ensure that supply chains for pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and other critical materials required during a crisis are not overly reliant on overseas networks prone to disruption."

The White House supply chain report of June 2021 identified three technology sectors - advanced semiconductors, "high-capacity batteries, including Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries", and pharmaceuticals - as well as "critical minerals and other strategic materials" as a fourth supply chain, essential to technology manufacturing and the Defense Industrial Base. In addition to being a U.S. Government-listed Critical Mineral, graphite is an essential material for both the renewable and EV Battery sectors, and for advanced semiconductor manufacturing.

Graphite is also one of only four USG-listed Critical Minerals (2018) essential to all six industrial sectors screened by the USGS, for which the U.S. is both 100% import-dependent, while China is the world's leading producer.

The U.S. Government Executive Branch action parallels rising interest in the U.S. Congress on critical minerals including graphite. The bipartisan infrastructure package ("BIF"), which has passed the Senate and is waiting for a vote in the House of Representatives, has a number of items of interest to Graphite One, including provisions for various pilots, demonstration and research projects related to the supply of critical minerals.

In particular, the legislation calls for a new program to be created at the Department of Energy (DOE) to ensure that the United States has a viable battery materials processing industry to supply the North American battery supply chain, including enhancing the domestic processing capacity of minerals necessary for battery materials and advanced batteries. If passed by the House, projects to mine and develop critical minerals in Alaska, such as graphite used in lithium-ion batteries, will be eligible for federal loan guarantees to help secure funding, while $6B would be available for battery processing and manufacturing, including grants for processing facilities, which would help firms looking to produce and refine battery materials such as graphite and rare earth elements in Alaska.

For further information on the pending infrastructure bill and the possible benefits to Alaska, click here.

Graphite One has completed over CDN $21 million in financing this year and continues to advance its 100% owned Graphite Creek deposit. Graphite One's deposit in western Alaska remains the largest known source of natural graphite in the United States. According to the World Bank, global graphite demand for clean energy applications alone - primarily electric vehicle batteries and energy storage systems -- is expected to rise by 494% between now and 2050.

Graphite One is developing a complete U.S. based supply chain solution from mine to advanced graphite materials, including anode material for lithium-ion battery applications including EV batteries, as well as advanced graphite for potential uses ranging from foam fire suppressant to graphite sealants for 5G network elements and synthetic diamond for semiconductor substrates.

About Graphite One Inc.

GRAPHITE ONE INC. (TSXV:GPH) (OTCQX:GPHOF) continues to develop its Graphite One Project (the "Project"), whereby the Company could potentially become an American producer of high grade Coated Spherical Graphite ("CSG") that is integrated with a domestic graphite resource. The Project is proposed as a vertically integrated enterprise to mine, process and manufacture high grade CSG primarily for the lithium-ion electric vehicle battery market. As set forth in the Company's Preliminary Economic Assessment, potential graphite mineralization mined from the Company's Graphite Creek Property, is expected to be processed into concentrate at a graphite processing plant. The proposed processing plant would be located on the Graphite Creek Property situated on the Seward Peninsula about 60 kilometers north of Nome, Alaska. CSG and other value-added graphite products, would likely be manufactured from the concentrate at the Company's proposed graphite product manufacturing facility, the location of which is the subject of further study and analysis. The Company intends to make a production decision on the Project once a feasibility study is completed.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

"Anthony Huston" (signed)

For more information on Graphite One Inc., please visit the Company's website, www.GraphiteOneInc.com or contact:

Anthony Huston

CEO, President & Director

Tel: (604) 889-4251

Email: AHuston@GraphiteOneInc.com

Investor Relations Contact

Tel: (604) 684-6730

GPH@kincommunications.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.

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts that address actual use of proceeds including the timing and completion of the anticipated Pre-Feasibility Study, receipt of regulatory approvals, implementation of a more established shipment program, exploration drilling, exploitation activities, future production, establishment of a processing plant, and events or developments that the Company expects, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and title and delays due to third party opposition, changes in government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date it is expressed in this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedar.com.

SOURCE: Graphite One Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667150/Graphite-One-Reports-Graphite-Added-to-the-US-National-Defense-Stockpile-List
Tryp has partnered with Paul Hutson, PharmD and Christopher Nicholas, PhD to advance the Company's proprietary, psilocybin-based drug product

San Diego, California--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - Tryp Therapeutics (CSE: TRYP) (OTCQB: TRYPF) ("Tryp" or the "Company"), a pharmaceutical company focused on developing psilocybin-based compounds for diseases with unmet medical needs, announced today a collaboration with Paul Hutson, PharmD and Christopher Nicholas, PhD to support clinical pharmacology studies for the Company's proprietary drug product, TRP-8803.

Dr. Hutson and Dr. Nicholas will serve as Investigators on a clinical pharmacology study to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of TRP-8803 in healthy, volunteer patients. The completion of the studies will provide further regulatory support for TRP-8803 as well as insight into the pharmacokinetic profile of TRP-8803. TRP-8803 is expected to be used in Tryp's Phase 2b studies and eventual commercialization as the Company develops the product for chronic pain indications such as fibromyalgia and phantom limb pain, among other diseases.

Dr. Hutson is Professor of the Pharmacy Practice Division at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy and brings years of experience assessing the therapeutic uses of psilocybin and other psychoactive medications to the partnership. Dr. Hutson has been prolific in evaluating blood exposure levels of psilocybin-based products in patients and the impact on patients as the Principal Investigator for a safety and dose escalation clinical trial for psilocybin performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Hutson also serves as Director of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Transdisciplinary Center for Research in Psychoactive Substances in the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy.

Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. Hutson said, "I am excited to work with Tryp to assess the unique features of their proprietary drug product, TRP-8803. Psilocybin-based treatments have incredible clinical potential. Our collaboration will explore important safety and dosing considerations with the potential to create a best-in-class psychedelic therapy with significant benefits to patients across a wide range of indications."

Trained as a clinical psychologist and neuroscientist, Dr. Nicholas is Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health where he serves as the Principal Investigator on a number of psilocybin clinical trials and mechanistic studies. With expertise in psychedelic-assisted therapy, he will provide guidance on study design, behavioral and biological outcome measures, and psychological support to ensure participants will successfully complete the pharmacology study. "I'm hopeful that TRP-8803 will not only be an effective treatment modality, but one that also improves access to care and scalability."

"We are fortunate to benefit from Dr. Hutson's and Dr. Nicholas's tremendous expertise in psilocybin-based treatments and their effects on patients," said Jim Gilligan, PhD, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Tryp Therapeutics. "TRP-8803 has the potential to set the standard in safety, control, and patient comfort for psilocybin-based therapies. We look forward to working with Dr. Hutson and Dr. Nicholas on this exciting endeavor."

About Tryp Therapeutics

Tryp Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical company focused on developing psilocybin-based compounds for the treatment of diseases with unmet medical needs through accelerated regulatory pathways. Tryp's Psilocybin-For-Neuropsychiatric Disorders (PFN) program is focused on the development of synthetic psilocybin as a new class of drug for the treatment of chronic pain and other indications. The Company has announced upcoming Phase 2a clinical trials with the University of Michigan and the University of Florida to evaluate its drug products for fibromyalgia and overeating disorders, respectively. Tryp is also developing a proprietary psilocybin-based product, TRP-8803, that uses a novel formulation and method of delivery to improve the patient experience. For more information, please visit www.tryptherapeutics.com.

Investor Inquiries:

Joseph Green

Edison Group

investors@tryptherapeutics.com

Media Inquiries:

Joy Willis

Tryp Therapeutics

media@tryptherapeutics.com

1-833-811-8797

Forward-Looking Information

Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking information. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans," "targets," "expects" or "does not expect," "is expected," "an opportunity exists," "is positioned," "estimates," "intends," "assumes," "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes," or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might," "will" or "will be taken," "occur" or "be achieved." In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Tryp as of the date of this news release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to the factors described in greater detail in the "Risk Factors" section of Tryp's final prospectus available at www.sedar.com. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Tryp; however, these factors should be considered carefully. There can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and Tryp expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements containing any forward-looking information, or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED OR ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98790
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - Khiron Life Sciences Corp. (TSXV: KHRN.V) (OTCQX: KHRNF) (FSE: A2JMZC), a vertically integrated cannabis leader with core operations in Latin America and Europe, will be participating in the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, which will take place on October 14 and October 15 at the Marriott Marquis hotel in New York City.

Virtual access to the conference for those unable to attend in person is also available.

Alvaro Torres will be speaking at 3:45 PM ET on October 15th. Interested parties can register to attend here.

Members of the Khiron Life Sciences Corp. management will also be holding one-on-one investor meetings throughout the day.

"Why head out West when you can attend the biggest cannabis event to hit the East Coast? The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in New York City will bring more than 1,000 of the top movers and shakers in the cannabis industry to your backyard," said Chief Zinger Jason Raznick. "We've kept the pedal to the metal during COVID-19 and continue to be very excited to shine the spotlight on the cannabis industry. This conference will be the best place to raise money, create partnerships, and expand media visibility for all involved."

To register and access please follow this link.

About Khiron Life Sciences Corp.

Khiron is a leading vertically integrated medical cannabis company with core operations in Latin America and Europe. Leveraging wholly-owned medical health centres and proprietary telemedicine platforms, Khiron combines a patient-oriented approach, physician education programs, scientific expertise, product innovation, and agricultural infrastructure to drive prescriptions and brand loyalty with patients worldwide. The Company has a sales presence in Colombia, Peru, Germany, UK, and Brazil and is positioned to commence sales in Mexico in 2021. The Company is led by Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Alvaro Torres, together with an experienced and diverse executive team and Board of Directors.Visit Khiron online at investors.khiron.ca.

About The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference

The premier gathering of cannabis entrepreneurs and investors in North America is returning in a hybrid format (NYC + Virtual).

The next iteration of the famed Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference will gather industry insiders and investors from around the world once again on October 14 and 15 in New York City. Attendees can expect a two full days of keynotes, panel discussions, fireside chats, networking, company presentations, celebrity appearances, and more.

The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is guaranteed to offer participants all the benefits of an immersive and robust in-person conference from any remote location. The conference will feature an interactive forum of live and on-demand presentations from top CEOs, investors and leaders in the cannabis space.

INVESTOR CONTACT

Paola Ricardo

4165402970

pricardo@khiron.ca

MEDIA CONTACT

Elsa Navarro

6475565750

enavarro@khiron.ca
Internet, Everywhere--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - Shopify Inc. (NYSE: SHOP) (TSX: SHOP), a provider of essential internet infrastructure for commerce, plans to announce financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2021 before markets open on Thursday, October 28, 2021.

Shopify's management team will host a conference call to discuss third-quarter results at 8:30 a.m. ET on Thursday, October 28, 2021. The conference call will be available via webcast on the investor relations section of Shopify's website at https://investors.shopify.com/news-and-events/.

An archived replay of the webcast will be available following the conclusion of the call.

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.

CONTACTS:

INVESTORS:

Katie Keita

Senior Director, Investor Relations

613-241-2828 (ext. 1024)

IR@shopify.com

MEDIA:

Rebecca Feigelsohn

Communications Lead

416-238-6705 (ext. 302)

press@shopify.com

SOURCE: Shopify

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98155
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - Plurilock Security Inc. (TSXV: PLUR) (OTCQB: PLCKF) and related subsidiaries ("Plurilock" or the "Company"), an identity-centric cybersecurity solutions provider for workforces, has received a US$133,000 order from the U.S. Marshals Service and a US$193,000 order from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as part the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Solution for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) program, a U.S. Government-Wide Acquisition Contract Vehicle (GWAC).

The U.S. Marshals Service is a part of the U.S. Department of Justice, serving as the enforcement arm of the federal courts.1 The U.S. DEA is a federal law enforcement agency, tasked with enforcing controlled substances laws and regulations.2 These orders are part of the SEWP V program. All contracts and orders announced by Plurilock since April 2021, including the latest order, represent a combined total of roughly US$12.23 million in sales.

The incidence of cyber attacks against law enforcement agencies is on the rise, underscoring the need for using vendors with extensive experience in cybersecurity and IT support solutions. In April, the D.C. Police Department was hit with a significant ransomware attack, the third law enforcement department in a six-week period, and was the 26th government agency to suffer an attack in 2021.3

According to the purchase order, Plurilock's Solutions Division will provide hardware maintenance for the two agencies. The orders align with Plurilock's stated goal of expanding within the government vertical.

About SEWP

The SEWP V program, launched by NASA in 2015, is the leading information technology (IT) contract vehicle, with government agencies spending $7.9 billion in fiscal 2020.4 Estimates anticipate that agencies will utilize SEWP V for $8.8 billion in contracted spending in fiscal 2021.5 The contract vehicle provides Plurilock with the opportunity to access downstream customers in the government sector.

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://www.usmarshals.gov/duties/factsheets/overview.pdf https://www.dea.gov/what-we-do https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/27/us/dc-police-hack.html https://gov-acq.com/contracts/nasa-sewp-v-contract/ https://about.bgov.com/news/this-is-it-sewp-v-is-the-top-it-vehicle-in-fiscal-2020/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98804
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - Goldsource Mines Inc. (TSXV: GXS) (OTCQB: GXSFF) (FSE: G5MA) ("Goldsource" or the "Company") is pleased to announce additional infill and expansion drill results for the Company's 100%-owned Eagle Mountain Gold Project in Guyana, South America. Newly reported results are for 55 core holes totaling 7,886 metres from the Friendly, Bacchus, Bottle Bank, No. 1 Hill and Baboon areas of the Eagle Mountain deposit, which is defined by a series of sub-horizontal mineralized zones that are laterally extensive and start at surface. See attached Figures and Tables below.

The Company's focus through the first nine months of 2021 was to complete infill and expansion drilling of the Eagle Mountain deposit in preparation for an updated Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE"). This drilling was designed to upgrade a significant portion of current near-surface Inferred Mineral Resources to the Indicated category through infill drilling and to test for lateral and depth extensions through expansion drilling. The results reported in this release constitute most of the remaining infill and expansion holes planned for the 2021 program.

Since November 6, 2020, the cut-off date for the February 2021 MRE ("February MRE"), the Company has completed 17,449 metres of infill and expansion drilling in 155 core holes (average depth of 113 metres) at the Eagle Mountain deposit and remains on track for an updated MRE later in 2021. The February MRE is contained in a report titled, "Eagle Mountain Gold Project, Potaro - Siparuni Region Guyana, NI 43-101 Technical Report," dated April 7, 2021 with an Effective Date of February 17, 2021.

With the infill and expansion drilling of the Eagle Mountain deposit substantially complete, the Company has re-initiated exploration activities, drill testing known geophysical targets and following up on prospects along the north-south Salbora-Powis structural trend. This 5,000-metre exploration program was detailed in the Company's August 12, 2021 News Release. Drill results for these activities will follow in a separate release when analytical results have been received and evaluated.

Highlights (Eagle Mountain deposit):

Friendly-Bacchus and Bottle Bank Areas:

Results for 36 core holes totaling 5,379 metres (Table 1).

Expansion drilling in the gap between the Friendly and Bacchus areas, a distance of approximately 225 metres, has intersected mineralization in several structures that are outside of the February 2021 MRE outline. Expansion hole EME21-129 intersected 27.0 metres (estimated true width (" ETW ") of 24.0 metres) grading 3.87 grams per tonne (" gpt ") gold starting 51 metres down the hole (Figures 2 and 3).

") of 24.0 metres) grading 3.87 grams per tonne (" ") gold starting 51 metres down the hole (Figures 2 and 3). Infill drilling in the central area of Bottle Bank within the Inferred Mineral Resource outline has confirmed elevated gold grade-thicknesses at surface and at depth. EME21-115 intersected 9.0 metres (ETW of 7.7 metres) grading 1.66 gpt gold, EME21-116 intersected 4.5 metres (ETW of 4.4 metres) grading 4.22 gpt gold, and EME21-127 intersected 8.5 metres (ETW of 7.4 metres) grading 1.10 gpt gold. All intervals are in saprolite and at or near surface (Figures 2 and 3).



No.1 Hill and Baboon Areas:

Results for 19 core holes totaling 2,507 metres (Table 2).

Expansion drilling targeted lateral and depth extensions of the mineralized zones in the No.1 Hill and Baboon areas.

Expansion hole EMD21-154 in No.1 Hill area intersected a high-grade interval of 1.5 metres (ETW of 1.4 metres) grading 32.72 gpt gold starting 43.5 metres down the hole, approximately 35.0 metres below surface mineralization reflected in the February 2021 MRE.

Consistent with previous drilling in Baboon, mineralization is hosted in more discrete horizons (Zones 1 to 7) that are generally thinner than the main mineralized zones in the Ounce Hill, Bottle Bank, Zion and Kilroy areas of Eagle Mountain. Positive, however, expansion drilling has confirmed that the mineralized zones of Baboon extend approximately 250 metres southeast of the 2021 MRE outline, with several thicker intervals at depth, highlighted by EMM-044A, which intersected 18.0 metres (ETW of 15.6 metres) grading 1.46 gpt starting 69.5 metres down the hole in Zone 4 (Figure 5).

Steve Parsons, P. Eng., and CEO of Goldsource, commented, "Our exploration activities through much of 2021 have focused on confirming and extending the shallow mineralized horizons of the Eagle Mountain deposit, initially focusing on the thicker zones of mineralization in the core areas, such as Ounce Hill, Bottle Bank, Zion, and Kilroy, and more recently moving to the flanks of the deposit to test for lateral extensions to the north, southwest and at depth in the Bacchus and Baboon/No.1 Hill areas, respectively. In all, with drilling through October, including some follow-up at the Salbora deposit, we expect to be well positioned to deliver on another key objective, that is, to upgrade a significant portion of Inferred Resources to the Indicated category. This updated Indicated resource will then be used as the basis for a prefeasibility study ("PFS") focusing on establishing a shallow, low strip open-pittable mineral reserve. Confirming the economic potential of Eagle Mountain by way of a PFS is a critical step for the Company."

"Drilling will continue, however, as the property is still relatively underexplored, both along the Salbora-Powis trend and on the eastern side of the Prospecting License. The Salbora-Powis trend is currently the subject of a 5,000-metre program, which kicked off in September and will continue into early December. We look forward to sharing these results as assays become available."

The following table shows the most significant results (uncut, undiluted):

Table 1: Friendly/Bacchus/Bottle Bank Expansion and Infill Intercepts (Eagle Mountain Deposit)

(Holes corresponding to Figure 2 plan view)

Hole ID (1,2) From (m) To (m) Drilled Interval (m)(3) Au (gpt)(4) EMD21-172 0.0 1.5 1.5 0.46

10.5 13.5 3.0 0.91

132.0 135.0 3.0 1.00 EMD21-173 27.0 28.5 1.5 0.55

46.5 51.0 4.5 0.94

72.0 73.5 1.5 0.84

99.0 100.5 1.5 5.68 EMD21-174 10.5 13.5 3.0 0.98

22.5 24.0 1.5 0.56

79.5 81.0 1.5 0.50

99.0 100.5 1.5 1.17

109.5 112.5 3.0 0.51

196.5 198.0 1.5 0.56 EMD21-175 9.0 16.5 7.5 1.70 EMD21-176 12.0 19.5 7.5 0.70

106.5 108.0 1.5 1.29 EMD21-177 6.0 15.0 9.0 0.68 EME21-104 5.5 7.0 1.5 0.76

53.5 55.0 1.5 0.60

87.0 93.0 6.0 1.09

124.5 126.0 1.5 0.52

151.5 153.0 1.5 2.72

156.0 165.0 9.0 1.06 EME21-115 7.0 16.0 9.0 1.66

19.0 20.5 1.5 0.61

28.0 29.5 1.5 1.01 EME21-116 8.5 13.0 4.5 4.22 EME21-117 5.5 10.0 4.5 0.62 EME21-118 8.5 14.5 6.0 0.52 EME21-119 0.0 1.0 1.0 0.94

65.0 68.0 3.0 0.73 EME21-120 0.0 1.0 1.0 0.57

7.0 8.5 1.5 0.51

22.0 25.0 3.0 0.63

159.0 163.5 4.5 0.63

166.5 168.0 1.5 0.54 EME21-121 0.0 2.5 2.5 0.43

76.5 78.0 1.5 0.84 EME21-122 40.0 41.5 1.5 1.22

42.0 43.5 1.5 0.46

124.5 129.0 4.5 0.75

148.5 150.0 1.5 0.55 EME21-123 31.0 35.5 4.5 0.67

51.0 52.5 1.5 0.59

55.5 57.0 1.5 0.56 EME21-124 0.0 2.5 2.5 0.73

16.0 23.5 7.5 1.05 EME21-125 0.0 8.5 8.5 0.41

14.5 20.5 6.0 3.75 EME21-126 0.0 4.0 4.0 0.99

7.0 16.0 9.0 0.52 EME21-127 0.0 8.5 8.5 1.10

64.5 66.0 1.5 0.94

85.5 90.0 4.5 1.86

153.0 162.0 9.0 0.44

178.5 180.0 1.5 1.14

190.5 192.0 1.5 7.35 EME21-128 17.5 19.0 1.5 0.82

87.0 88.5 1.5 0.70

105.0 112.5 7.5 1.41

126.0 127.5 1.5 0.70 EME21-129 51.0 78.0 27.0 3.87

85.5 87.0 1.5 1.22

117.0 118.5 1.5 0.76

147.0 148.5 1.5 0.54

150.0 151.5 1.5 1.03 EME21-130 61.5 63.0 1.5 2.26

90.0 96.0 6.0 0.87

135.0 139.5 4.5 1.04 EME21-135 29.5 38.5 9.0 0.50 EME21-136 25.0 29.5 4.5 0.40

50.5 52.0 1.5 1.29

123.0 124.5 1.5 0.69 EME21-137 10.0 11.5 1.5 0.37 EME21-138 13.0 14.5 1.5 0.58

51.0 54.0 3.0 1.80

108.0 112.5 4.5 1.02

243.0 253.5 10.5 1.51 EME21-139 0.0 1.0 1.0 0.42

72.0 73.5 1.5 0.67

147.0 148.5 1.5 0.56 EME21-140 1.0 2.5 1.5 0.81

75.0 76.5 1.5 1.31

126.0 130.5 4.5 1.26

184.5 187.5 3.0 7.00 incl. 186.0 187.5 1.5 13.38



Note: All numbers rounded.

(1) EMD defines core holes completed by in house drill rig.

(2) EME defines core holes completed by contractor drill rig.

(3) True widths are estimated to be 70 to 100% of drilled widths.

(4) Saprolite and hard rock cut-off grades of 0.3 and 0.5 gpt gold, respectively.

Table 2: No. 1 Hill/Baboon Expansion and Infill Intercepts (Eagle Mountain Deposit)

(Holes corresponding to Figure 4 plan view)

Hole ID (1,2,3) From (m) To (m) Drilled Interval (m)(4) Au (gpt)(5) EMD21-154 43.5 45.0 1.5 32.72 EMD21-155 66.0 67.5 1.5 0.86

73.5 76.5 3.0 6.22 EMD21-157 4.5 6.0 1.5 1.33

25.5 27.0 1.5 4.33 EMD21-158 22.5 24.0 1.5 0.69

187.5 190.5 3.0 5.29 EMD21-159 105.0 106.5 1.5 0.68 EMM21-044 49.5 69.0 19.5 0.81 EMM21-44A 69.0 87.0 18.0 1.46 EMM21-045 64.5 66.0 1.5 0.63

75.0 76.5 1.5 0.62

90.0 91.5 1.5 0.55

93.0 94.5 1.5 0.62 EMM21-046 141.5 143.0 1.5 1.19 EMM21-047 75.0 93.0 18.0 0.98

133.5 135.0 1.5 1.44 EMM21-048 9.0 12.0 3.0 0.50

16.5 18.0 1.5 0.54

94.5 99.0 4.5 1.63 EMM21-049 25.5 28.5 3.0 0.41

147.0 150.0 3.0 2.40 EMM21-050 117.0 121.5 4.5 1.16 EMM21-051 28.5 31.5 3.0 0.85

115.5 126.0 10.5 0.95

130.5 132.0 1.5 0.56

147.0 148.5 1.5 1.27 EMM21-052 27.0 28.5 1.5 0.56

139.5 144.0 4.5 0.82 EMM21-053 3.0 4.5 1.5 2.47

22.5 24.0 1.5 0.57 EME21-099 0.0 2.5 2.5 1.18

126.0 127.5 1.5 9.11



Note: All numbers rounded.

(1) EMD defines core holes completed by in house drill rig.

(2) EMM defines core holes completed by contractor drill rig.

(3) EME defines core holes completed by contractor drill rig.

(4) True widths are estimated to be 70 to 100% of drilled widths.

(5) Saprolite and hard rock cut-off grades of 0.3 and 0.5 gpt gold, respectively.

(6) EMM21-004A is a redrill of EMM21-044 after EMM21-044 was abandoned at 69.0m due to drilling issues, EMM21-044A started recovery at 69.0m.

All sample preparation and geochemical analyses were completed by Actlabs Guyana Inc. in Georgetown, Guyana. Holes EMD21-153, EMD21-156, EMD21-171, EME21-101, EME21-102, EME21-103, EME21-131, EME21-132, EME21-133, and EME21-134, intersected mineralization below the Company's cut-off grade of 0.3 gpt gold for saprolite and 0.5 gpt for fresh rock.

2021 Drill Program Overview

The four primary objectives for the 2021 drill program are unchanged, as follows:

In-fill drilling to upgrade a significant portion of the mineralization currently classified as Inferred to the Measured and Indicated categories. Re-classification to be used as the basis for a prefeasibility study, which is targeted to be delivered in 2022; Testing for new lateral extensions of the sub-horizontal zones of the Eagle Mountain deposit, notably to the north, west and southwest currently outside of the February 22, 2021 MRE outline, as defined in Figure 1; Follow-up exploration of several new target areas along the prospective Salbora-Powis trend, such as the Toucan, Powis, Ann and Montgomery prospects where the potential exists for Salbora-style mineralization; and Using the above information, announce another MRE update later in 2021.

Bottle Bank - Bacchus - Friendly (Eagle Mountain Deposit)

Drilling in this area has concentrated on infilling the projected near surface saprolite mineralized zones classified as Inferred Resources in the February 2021 MRE. Drilling has confirmed the continuity of this area. Recent drilling to the north has also expanded the mineralized area 225 metres northwards towards the already released expanded area of Bacchus. Combined, the Friendly-Bacchus Gap has extended the mineralized footprint by an area approximately 225 by 350 metres.

No.1 - Baboon (Eagle Mountain Deposit)

The Baboon area displays a deeper weathering profile than many places on the slopes of the Eagle Mountain deposit, with saprolite extending to 60 metres vertical depth from surface. The saprolite has several mineralized zones within it, with the upper zones being continuations of those from the Kilroy area, separated by the Elephant Fault. The thicker and higher-grade intervals in the Baboon area, such as in EMM21-044/044A, occurs at the saprolite-fresh rock interface. This zone is interpreted to be the same mineralized structure which extends 400-500 metres to the North-west, expressing as surficial mineralization in the No.1 Hill area, which sits at a lower elevation than Baboon.

The Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this news release is N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng., Executive Chairman for Goldsource, who has reviewed and approved its contents.

ABOUT GOLDSOURCE MINES INC.

Goldsource Mines Inc. (www.goldsourcemines.com) is a Canadian exploration company focussed on the 100%-owned Eagle Mountain gold project in Guyana, South America. The Company is led by an experienced management team, proven in making precious metals exploration discoveries and executing on phased project development in the Americas.

Steve Parsons

CEO

Goldsource Mines Inc.





For Further Information:



Goldsource Mines Inc.

Contact: Steve Parsons, CEO

Yannis Tsitos, President

Telephone: +1 (604) 694-1760

Fax: +1 (604) 357-1313

Toll Free: 1-866-691-1760 (Canada & USA)

Email: info@goldsourcemines.com

Website: www.goldsourcemines.com

570 Granville Street, Suite 501

Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3P1

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT AND FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements concern Goldsource's strategic plans, timing of preparation of an updated MRE, timing and expectations for the Company's exploration and drilling programs at Eagle Mountain; and information regarding high grade areas projected from sampling results and drilling results. Such forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: conditions in general economic and financial markets; accuracy of assay results and availability of mining equipment; availability of skilled labour; timing and amount of capital expenditures; performance of available laboratory and other related services; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on operations and future operating costs. The actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of the risk factors including: the timing and content of work programs; the ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on operations and results, results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; the uncertainties of resource estimations; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project costs overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; delays in release of an updated mineral resource, availability of funds and general market and industry conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

Neither TSX-V nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX-V) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.





Figure 1



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Figure 2



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Figure 3



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Figure 4



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Figure 5



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Belle Pulses continues to scale with over 35% YOY revenue growth for the two month period of August to September by capturing increased demand from multinational CPG companies

Eat Well Investment Group Inc., the "Company" or "Eat Well Group") (CN:EWG) (US:EWGFF) (FRA:6BC0), a publicly-traded investment company,is pleased to provide a comprehensive update on the business operations of Belle Pulses Ltd., ("Belle Pulses" or "Belle") following two months of operations under the new Eat Well Group portfolio.

Highlights

Report of record momentum in August and September since close with Eat Well Group

Since closing July 30, 2021, revenue has increased +35% YOY for the two month period of August to September

Reaffirms projected revenue of approximately $60,000,000 for calendar year 2021

Expanded sales partnerships and service agreements with NYSE Fortune 500 firms: Ingredion, General Mills, Nestle, and Colgate

Increasing volumes in emerging premium pulses to drive margin growth

Experiencing 2x demand from leading pet food brands seeking high quality plant-based proteins

Further supports Gleanings For The Hungry charitable food and nutrition security for challenged global regions

Since the acquisition of Belle Pulses on July 30th, 2021, the company has continued to drive significant momentum with revenue growth +35% versus August and September 2020 combined, further proving out the tailwinds the plant-based foods sector continues to experience. The team is accelerating its operations and production into the winter months and remains on target driving toward revenue forecasts of approximately $60,000,000 in 2021. Belle Pulses is expanding its product and service offerings to tailor to both domestic and international customers, with added sales of premium chickpeas and faba beans.

Global Plant-Based Sector

Belle Pulses' performance continues to track the global trend towards plant-based protein, which, as reported by Bloomberg Intelligence in August 2021, will approach nearly 10% of global protein consumption, or approximately $162B by 2030. The pulse protein market is a foundational ingredient to most plant-based foods due to the high protein content and affordable supply of pulse proteins (including faba, yellow pea, green peas, lentils) and is expected to continue exhibiting strong growth in demand as new brands enter the space.

"We are incredibly proud to report we have experienced some of our busiest months on record. The global plant-based foods market continues to expand rapidly as consumers continue to make healthier decisions for themselves and their families," commented Tony Gaudet, President of Belle Pulses. "It's over 40 years of experience, strong values, and cornerstone relationships fostered over decades that have cemented our leadership position in the global pulse foods community. The industry trusts the quality behind the Belle name; the producers know and trust who they are dealing with and we continue to strategically de-risk the business from pricing fluctuations in order to capture maximum value."

The Pet Food Market

Belle Pulses is seeing tremendous demand from the pet food industry for plant-based proteins, as the plant-based pet food market expects to double over the next decade, according to The Insight Partners. The largest pet food brands in North America are doubling demand for Belle Pulses protein-fibers going forward, driven by Nestle, Colgate, NYSE Fortune 500 multi-nationals who command leading market-share positions across their branded portfolios.

Sales and Customer Development

International sales are stable, despite COVID and cross-border complexities, as Belle Pulses has partnered closely with customers to overcome multiple supply chain and labor hurdles, reflecting Belle Pulses' leadership position as a go-to supplier of high quality North American pulses. "We are fielding increasing calls from our customers, notwithstanding the increases in market price, as Belle Pulses continues to be the brand of choice," commented Myrna McIvor, Head of Finance for Belle Pulses.

Belle Pulses will be executing several new contracts led by its senior leadership team, including the expansion of its direct supplier relationship with General Mills for a variety of end consumer products featuring pulse proteins, and the expansion of the Ingredion strategic partnership.

Ingredion's product for their newly-opened plant in Vanscoy, Saskatchewan, Canada is being sourced by Belle Pulses. Ingredion and General Mills, both NYSE Fortune 500 companies, are among the global leaders in plant-based ingredients and nutrition.

"We are so proud of the Belle team and their ongoing growth and executional excellence, feeding the world with plant-based pulses," said Marc Aneed, President of EatWell. "The trajectory of long-term growth is well underway with strong volume across all product groups, including the base pea products, and premium faba and chick peas. The disciplined breadth of product and customers through Belle, paired with operating agility throughout the value chain pricing, geography, processing, and customer service are exactly the value EatWell brings to the global plant-based marketplace," continued Aneed.

"The momentum points to the strong underpinning business fundamentals, with good pricing and margin discipline, driven by a team that knows exactly how to win in plant-based foods for the long term," added Pat Dunn, VP Finance, "With capital injection from the Eat Well Group we expect to increase our production double-digits into 2022 and beyond."

"As companies continue to turn to Western Canadian pulses as a key source for new CPG products, particularly in the protein-based sector, Belle is genuinely well-positioned for success," added Dan Prefontaine, President of The Saskatchewan Food Centre, and Strategic Advisor to Eat Well Group.

ESG Update

Notwithstanding its strong business, Belle Pulses also moves forward its charitable work to help drive food and nutrition security, by partnering with Gleanings for the Hungry. Belle provides ingredients for a highly nutritious soup mix, sent to impoverished regions globally. "We are in business for the greater good, and sharing the gleanings is an excellent way to support those in need, which we will keep doing," said Francis Gaudet, Vice President of Belle Pulses.

Belle Pulses is a 100% wholly owned division of Eat Well Group's portfolio of industry leading plant-based food agribusinesses, food-tech companies, and Consumer Packaged Goods brands.

To learn more, join Eat Well Group's mailing list for important updates.

Financial Outlook

This news release contains financial outlook as that term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. This financial outlook was approved by management of the Corporation on August 3, 2021. This financial outlook has been provided by management of the Company in order to provide investors and shareholders with an accurate estimate of the anticipated future financial performance of the Company and should not be relied upon for other purposes.

ABOUT EAT WELL GROUP

Eat Well Group is a publicly-traded investment Company primarily focused on high-growth companies in the agribusiness, food tech, plant-based and ESG (environmental, social and governance) sectors. Eat Well Group's management team has an extensive record of sourcing, financing and building successful companies across a broad range of industries and maintains a current investment mandate on the health/wellness industry. The team has financed and invested in early-stage venture companies for greater than 25 years, resulting in unparalleled access to deal flow and the ability to construct a portfolio of opportunistic investments intended to generate superior risk-adjusted returns.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005315/en/

Contacts:

Eat Well Investment Group Inc.

Nick Demare

ir@eatwellgroup.com

www.eatwellgroup.com
Canon's Zoemini S2 instant camera printer combines innovative in-app editing and on-the-go printing with fun shooting options for the ultimate 2-in-1 instant camera printer.

DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Canon today introduces the Canon Zoemini S2, the latest addition to the instant camera printing sector for those wanting to snap, customise, and print on the go. An evolution from its predecessor the Canon Zoemini S, this innovative 2-in-1 design allows users to add borders and filters, choose between shooting modes and save favourite snaps to print later - all on one device. Available in Dark Teal, Pearl White and Rose Gold, the Canon Zoemini S2 remains light and compact, making it easy to carry around day-to-day.

Power your creativity using the Canon Mini Print App

Ideal for creative minds, content creators and craft lovers alike, the Canon Zoemini S2 connects to the Canon Mini Print App via Bluetooth to produce fun creations, from collages and circular printouts, to adding text and printing pre-made or custom stickers. Hand-drawn signatures and symbols can be snapped on a mobile device, edited in-app and printed using the Canon Zoemini S2, perfect for scrapbooking or zines. Perfectionists can tweak poses and ensure friends and family are all in shot before printing by checking out the live view through the Canon Mini Print app.

Shoot, print, peel and stick with 2-in-1 functionality

The creative functions of the Canon Zoemini S2 are enhanced by its 2-in-1 functionality, allowing users to shoot, customise and print on the go. Stylish selfies can be snapped with the in-built mirror and ring-light, while the new Effects and Frames buttons add vintage style filters and borders. For optimal shooting, users can flick between portrait, outdoor or selfie mode using the top slider button, and then print in different formats on up to 10 sheets of sticky-backed Zink Photo Paper to personalise everything from laptops to bedroom walls or journals.

Carry it with you anywhere thanks to its compact design

With a compact design and weight of just 188g, the Canon Zoemini S2 is the perfect pocket-camera and chic holiday companion. If users forget to refill the paper tray before setting out on an adventure, they can still snap away and save images onto the MicroSD card for printing later, with time information automatically added once synchronised with a smartphone. The print queue has now also been extended from its predecessor, reducing the wait between taking photos and the need for frequent paper refills, while the battery life lasts for up to 25 photo prints - ideal for making memories on the go.

The Canon Zoeminin S2 will be available in the Middle East region beginning December 2021.

Find out more information about the Canon Zoemini S2 here:

https://en.canon-me.com/cameras/zoemini-s2



Canon Zoemini S2 key features:

Vivid and vintage colour filter options supported as well as black and white

Automatic white balance and exposure adjustment

Borderless and white border printing both supported

Circular printing supported in addition to rectangular, with the use of Zink ZP-Circle Photo Paper

Bluetooth 5.0 compatible

Product specifications:

Power Source - Rechargeable lithium polymer (700mAh)

Display Window Size - N/A

Body Colours - Rose Gold / Pearl White / Dark Teal

/ / Dark Teal Body Size (W x H x D) - 121 x 80.3 x 22.4 mm

Weight - 188g

About the Canon Mini Print App:

Requires mobile device to be connected to the Canon Instant Camera Printer via Bluetooth and the Canon Mini Print App, available for free on the App Store and at Google Play

Compatible OS: iOS 9.0 or later, Android 4.4 or later

Supported languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Portuguese, Dutch, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Swedish, Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Greek, Czech, Hungarian, Polish, Slovak, Turkish, Slovenian, Romanian, Bulgarian, Croatian, Russian, Kyrgyz, Kazakh, Armenian, Ukrainian

About Canon Middle East

Canon Middle East, a subsidiary of Canon Europe, is the operational headquarters for Canon in the Middle East is based in Dubai, UAE.

Founded in 1937, the desire to continuously innovate has kept Canon at the forefront of imaging excellence throughout its 80-year history and has commitments to invest in the right areas and capture growth opportunities. From cameras to commercial printers, and business consultancy to healthcare technologies, Canon enriches lives and businesses through imaging innovation.

Canon's corporate philosophy is Kyosei - 'living and working together for the common good'. In EMEA, Canon Europe pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon's products, solutions and services.

Canon invests heavily in R&D to deliver the richest and most innovative products and services to satisfy customers' creative needs. From amateur photographers to professional print companies, Canon enables each customer to realize their own passion for image. Further information about Canon Middle East is available at www.canon-me.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1652862/Canon_Zoemini_S2.jpg
ST PETER PORT, Guernsey and NEW YORK, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WM's 21st Century system provides a solution to the increasing risks to global security that the continual rise in unsecured FX Transactions are introducing to the Global Financial System

Global FX Market trading amounts to USD 6.6 Trillion per day or +/-USD 1 716 Trillion per annum - but that number is applicable only to the Trading - and not the Gross Payment obligations arising from that trading.



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According to the Bank for International Settlements ("BIS") Quarterly Review of 2019, almost half that USD 4 862 Trillion per annum is at risk of default, due to it not being covered by any secured "Payment versus Payment" (PvP) structure.

Although most people who are not involved in the FX or related markets at a high level are not familiar with these markets, market values or the terms used for these transactions - they should be. This is because any default in these markets - and the risk of default grows every year - will affect every person and business in the world very seriously.

The 2008 Financial Crisis was also the result of a default. A different market - but the same process of default. A default in the Gross Payments process of the Global FX Market will cause a much more serious crisis than in 2008, because the volumes and values involved in this default will be very much higher.

Moreover, defaults initiate chain reactions - just as Facebook's outage caused a chain reaction that saw many non-Facebook sites to go down, or business hosted on Facebook to experience problems - and these would reverberate globally and significantly.

For the average person or business, a default in the Gross Payment obligations of the FX Market will have far more serious consequences than the 2008 Financial Crisis - one of the largest financial crises in history.

The reason is the advent of 21st Century technology has enabled far more entities internationally to become involved in Global FX Trading. However, the entities primarily responsible for the Settlement of FX Trades are not 21st Century companies. Rather, they are 20th Century companies - with some of them functioning according to 19th Century methodologies or world-views.

This situation is, in its current format, insoluble given the structure of the incumbent settlement companies - and that they cannot stop their operations to rebuild their systems to conform to 21st Century requirements.

WM, on the other hand, built its first platform - Platform 1 - to fit with the changed and modernized landscape that 21st Century Technologies provided, and tested that platform robustly in worldwide operations for nine years.

Thereafter, WM completely rebuilt its platform to conform to modern best practice structures, process-flows and capacities as dictated by its nine years of operational testing, to produce its Complex Adaptive System-driven Platform 2 - which is specifically built to cater for 21st Century capacities and requirements.

An overview comparison of some of the capacity-differences between the legacy systems and the WM System are as follows:

Process Flows

The process-flow in such transactions involves three processes - Execution, Clearing and Settlement.

Legacy Systems: Legacy systems each have 70 to 100 Settlement Member entities that jointly work together to provide these services to 25,000 or more transacting entities worldwide. However, all of these entities - whether Settlement or Transacting - are in different countries, in different time zones, with different internal processes, with varying standards of security, reliability and speed - with hundreds of intermediaries involved in the process. This makes it (comparatively) a very high-cost process. It was necessary to work this way in the 20th Century because there was no other alternative. In the 21st Century - with the capacity for entities globally do conduct transactions worldwide in seconds - this system is so fragmented that it cannot function in any way than "best efforts". It requires patches and contingencies continually having to be used to cater for the multitude of problems caused by such a huge number of required entities and their varying capacities trying to work together. It is just a matter of time before the "best efforts" and patches run out of the capacity to keep the system afloat.

WM's System: Execution, Clearing and Settlement is all carried out simultaneously and instantly - in 1/100th of a second - to all, and any, member entities globally, according to uniform and global standards of speed, security, reporting and recording. There are no intermediaries or other entities involved at all, and the cost is either 0.25% to 1% if using WM's ICLM Currency Swap facility or zero if using WM's TUV Currency Swap Facility.

Risk

There are two types of default risk. The first is Default Risk - where an entity does not have the funds it claims to have and cannot settle. The second is Settlement Timing Risk that leads to Default - where an entity may have the capacity to acquire the funds, but cannot acquire them in time to settle (i.e., leveraged trading).

Legacy Systems: Legacy Systems are rarely exposed to Default Risk, but they are increasingly in danger of being subjected to Settlement Timing Risk due to more entities engaging in leveraged trading - meaning they carry out FX Trading as liquidity providers without actually having the funds available to cover total exposure. As an indication of how dangerous Settlement Timing Risk is, the 2008 Financial Crisis was caused by it.

WM's System: WM's System's process-flow completely removes both Default Risk and Settlement Timing Risk. All members must have 100% of required funding (as "Stored Credit") within their accounts prior to executing either an ICLM Currency Swap or TUV Currency Swap, and the Execution, Clearing and Settlement between both parties to the transaction is instantaneous.

Currencies and Timings

Legacy Systems: Currently, Legacy Systems only provide Settlement in the World's Reserve Currencies (this varies between 18 to 20 currencies depending on the entity) and none of the other 100+ currencies - for which trades, and Gross Payment Obligations are mostly not PvP secured. Moreover, their limited 24/5/365 operational times and the wide disparity in time zones, standards and processes of the tens-of-thousands of entities and intermediaries involved in the processes cause delays to arise in transmission of settlements.

WM's System: WM's system provides for the World's Reserve Currency and nearly 30 others - and is increasing the currencies it caters for rapidly - in order to cover all world currencies. It functions 24/7/365, and its transactions flows for receipt and settlement to all parties in a transaction are instant.

The Recommendations of the Group of 30

As long ago as 2003, an organization known as the "Group of 30" - an eminent persons group comprising former senior members of Central Banks, Large Commercial Banks, and International Financial organizations - published a research paper entitled "Global Clearing and Settlement - A Plan of Action".

This document described in detail the alarming fragility of the Global Clearing and Settlement systems at that time, and the grave peril that failure to attend to these shortcomings could bring to the entire Global Financial and Economic systems.

In the document, they published a list of 20 very clear requirements for the reform and stabilization of these systems globally.

To date - and despite the situation in respect of stability worsening since then - not one of those 20 requirements has been able to be achieved by any of the legacy systems.

The WM System has - on the other hand - not only conforms to, and has, all the 20 requirements as part of its System, it surpasses them (with the exception of securities lending and borrowing - as WM has electively decided not to include this type of facility on its platform at this time).

Currently, WM is the only entity globally whose structure is built to - and has the capacity to - adequately cater for the security of the Global Clearing and Settlement Markets - for the Global FX Market and a variety of other markets whose sizes and volumes are similar - in a manner conformant with 21st Century requirements.

(Notes: Links to the BIS Report on FX Settlement Risk document and the Group of 30's document containing its 20 recommendations are available in the "Resources" section below)

Resources:

Media Contact:

Nick Lambert: wm@thoburns.com

BIS Quarterly Review - FX Settlement Risk Remains Significant:

https://www.bis.org/publ/qtrpdf/r_qt1912x.htm

Group of 30 - Global Clearing and Settlement, A Plan of Action:

https://group30.org/images/uploads/publications/G30_GlobalClearingSettlement.pdf

Research Reports on the Capacities of the WM System:

https://tinyurl.com/TUVresearch

Video on the Capacities of the WM System:

https://youtu.be/XYBrCikUhn8

Video on WM's Regulatory Compliance:

https://youtu.be/u522lVsGIJI

WM's urls:

https://webtel.mobi/pc(Pre-Smart Mobile Phones)
ROAD TOWN, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / Polytrade, a blockchain-based protocol that brings safe and insurance-backed real-world assets to the crypto world is set to launch its Minimum Viable Product (MVP) at the World Blockchain Summit 2021, happening in Dubai in October. As announced by the company, the MVP launch will be unveiled by its Chief Executive Officer, Piyush Gupta, who will also be delivering a keynote speech at the Summit.

The Essence of MVP To Polytrade's Growth Push

Minimum Viable Products are often launched before a project releases the fully compliant version of its protocol. As the name implies, MVPs are used to check the viability of the core functionalities that a project embodies when it is fully opened to the public.

The evolution of blockchain technology is currently being showcased by the emergence of several innovative projects with solutions to the real-world problems of today. With all projects maintaining a steady development course, the point at which the underlying technology is opened to the public can aid in the acceleration of the growth through the adoption of Polytrade. Based on the importance of this public access, blockchain innovators attempt to give their platforms a headstart through the launch of an MVP.

The plans by Polytrade to unveil its MVP are strategic as it is set to be pushed to a global audience where notable industry veterans will be in attendance. These veterans include Alex Mashinsky of Celsius, Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni CEO Dubai Blockchain Centre, and Serguei Popov, the Founder of IOTA Foundation amongst others.

With notable milestones attained thus far, the MVP will help usher in the next phase of development which will see the Polytrade protocol make good on its promise of powering a decentralized receivables financing or export financing model.

Bridging the Gap in Trade Finance

With many loopholes in the traditional trade finance sector, Polytrade is designing the right tools to help harness the liquidity and trustless nature of digital currencies to give importers and businesses a good footing to excel in their respective pursuits.

"We're very proud of what Polygon has achieved till date, however, the true testimony to Polygon's success will be when we're able to help in building projects with a direct impact on the real-world using our framework. I have immense respect for the Polytrade team who are building a trade finance protocol on the Polygon network having done about $ 500 m worth of transactions in trade finance in the real-world" said Sandeep Nailwal, Co-Founder & COO Polygon Network during his keynote at The Indian Crypto Summit conducted by INC42 earlier this year.

Embarking a New Journey

The Polytrade platform is one of the first blockchain protocols to decentralized access to receivables finance, with the sole aim of powering an ecosystem using TRADE Tokens where the needs of both SMEs and liquidity providers are met. With Polytrade's deep-rooted involvement in trade finance dating back to 2014, the right team to help actualize its revolutionary visions has been assembled and many are actively contributing to the development of the platform. The launch of the protocol's MVP product at the World Blockchain Summit is bound to open the doors to new networking opportunities for the startup as it looks to make its mark in today's cryptocurrency ecosystem.

Follow our social channels

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Polytrade_fin

Announcement channel: https://t.me/PolytradeFinance_News

Medium: https://link.medium.com/tuHQfRVKkgb

Discussion group: https://t.me/Polytrade_Finance

Website: https://polytrade.finance/

Contact:

Annie Clain

Outreach Manager POLYTRADE

Contact@blockchainprbuzz.com

SOURCE: POLYTRADE

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667174/Polytrade-to-Unveil-its-Minimum-Viable-Product-at-the-WBS-in-Dubai
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 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 that Chris Driessen, Chief Executive Officer, will present virtually at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, which is being held in person at the Marriott Marquis in New York City and virtually on October 14-15, 2021.

Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference Virtual Presentation

Date:Thursday, October 14th and Friday, October 15th

Time:10:30am ET

Link:Register here

If you are interested in scheduling a one-on-one meeting with SLANG's management team, please contact SLANG@kcsa.com.

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.

To be added to SLANG's email distribution list, please email SLNG@kcsa.com with "SLNG" in the subject.

CONTACTS:

Media and Investor inquiries

Investors@SLANGww.com

KCSA Strategic Communications

Phil Carlson / Rory Rumore

SLANG@kcsa.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 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98769
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - Maple Gold Mines Ltd. (TSXV: MGM) (OTCQB: MGMLF) (FSE: M3G) ("Maple Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce plans for a 2,500-3,000 metre ("m") Phase I drill program based on the recently completed 3D geological and structural model at the Company's 100% controlled Eagle Mine Property ("Eagle") in Quebec, Canada. Eagle is a 77-hectare property that hosts the historical Eagle Mine and covers a key segment of the past-producing Eagle-Telbel Mine Trend, which produced 1.1 million ounces of gold between 1974 and 1993[1] under much lower gold prices than those prevailing today. Eagle is not currently a part of the Joutel Gold Project ("Joutel") that is held by a 50-50 joint venture ("JV") between the Company and Agnico Eagle Mines Limited ("Agnico").

Highlights:

Results indicate an opportunity to extend mineralization beyond the mined-out stopes and along observed sub-parallel gold trends that were never mined nor adequately tested.

Significant historical drill intercepts [2] adjacent to areas that have seen only limited drilling to-date (e.g. 32.9 g/t gold ("Au") over 10.4 m , 16.2 g/t Au over 9.0 m and 10.2 g/t Au over 10.2 m ) all point to the high-grade gold mineralization potentially remaining at Eagle.

adjacent to areas that have seen only limited drilling to-date (e.g. , and ) all point to the high-grade gold mineralization potentially remaining at Eagle. The Company's 3D modelling and grade contouring work has identified numerous high priority drill targets, several of which will be tested as part of a planned 2,500-3,000 metre Phase I drill program expected to commence in Q4 2021.

Fred Speidel, VP Exploration of Maple Gold, commented: "When combined with the previously released 3D model results from the Telbel Mine area (see August 16, 2021 news release), these latest results from Eagle highlight the potential for near-mine extensions along the entire Eagle-Telbel Mine Trend as well as along sub-parallel target trends. Acquiring this strategic ground that hosted Agnico's first gold mining operation with the benefit of an extensive drilling database and modern tools will allow us to effectively test high priority target areas that have seen only limited exploration activity since mine closure in 1993."

Phase 1 Drill Targeting

Results from the Company's initial 3D model grade contouring work at Eagle demonstrate the potential for relatively shallow mineral resources to be defined through further confirmation drilling as well as the untested potential below the previously mined-out areas (see Figure 1). The Eagle longitudinal section has also identified district-scale and deposit-scale southeast plunges of mineralization similar to those interpreted at Telbel as well as potential intersections at depth with interpreted deposit-scale cross-plunges.

Figure 1: Eagle long section with grade contouring and target areas within the main mine horizon (~30 m width). Note: E-15 intercept (highlighted intercept #9) is located 50 m south of the main mine horizon (see Figure 2 for more details). Grade contour trends are similar to those at Telbel and point to significant potential, particularly along the lower flank of the Eagle system (shallow/cross plunges).

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3077/98875_mapleg2.jpg

Click the following link to view the full district scale long section covering the entire Eagle-Telbel mine trend: https://bit.ly/3Fn9oGW

The Company's targeting methodology involves selection of higher-grade (>2.5 g/t Au) areas where limited drilling, typically on the edges of the target area, has yielded significant intercepts, as measured by metal factors (grade x thickness) greater than or equal to 25 g/t-m.

In addition to targets within the main mine horizon, Maple Gold has identified compelling targets between 50-200 m to the south that could represent multiple mineralized horizons along a northwest-southeast orientation at Eagle. The Company is in the process of submitting permit applications for multiple drill sites to allow for initial step-out holes in these areas during Q4 2021, with success-based follow-up drilling planned during Q1 2022 (see Figures 2-3).

Figure 2: Section view (40 m total width) highlighting significant shallow intercepts at Eagle and opportunity to define additional near-surface high-grade gold mineralization with further drilling. Note: Apparent twin hole E-15B cut the same mineralized intervals as in E-15, albeit with lower average grades.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3077/98875_157c2bb2f48c9a39_002full.jpg

In addition to relatively near-mine extension opportunities at Eagle, the Company will also be targeting an area approximately 200 m to the south where a historical drillhole (E-62W) intersected 23.7 g/t Au over 3.3 m, described as mineralized tuff with 60% pyrite, in a sparsely drilled area (see Figure 3).

The interpreted splay at the northwest end of the Eagle mine horizon (see Figures 3-4), which contains several significant and shallow (within the top 100 m) intercepts and has seen no drilling either at depth or along strike (particularly to the northwest), represents another compelling exploration target.





Figure 3: Oblique section view depth slice highlighting E-62W (23.7 g/t Au over 3.3 m). Intercept is located at the same depth (~400 m downhole) as the higher-grade mineralization within the main mine horizon.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3077/98875_157c2bb2f48c9a39_003full.jpg





Figure 4: Series of holes drilled in 1990 with consistently significant results, including AE-90-7 (2.6 g/t Au over 23.9m, MF = 62 g/t-m) on the shallow northwest extension of the main Eagle-Telbel Mine Trend.

To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3077/98875_157c2bb2f48c9a39_004full.jpg

Next Steps

The Company expects to commence Phase I drilling at Eagle in November 2021. Concurrently, the JV also expects to commence drilling at the Douay Gold Project. A Phase I drill program in the Telbel mine area at Joutel is expected to form part of the JV's winter drill campaign in Q1 2022.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical data contained in this press release was reviewed and prepared under the supervision of Fred Speidel, M. Sc., P. Geo., Vice-President Exploration of Maple Gold. Mr. Speidel is a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Speidel has verified the data related to the exploration information disclosed in this press release through his direct participation in the work.

Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC)

Quality Assurance ("QA") and Quality Control ("QC") protocols applied to the historical drilling data used to generate the Eagle-Telbel 3D modelling included field surveying of historical grids in order to establish spatial relationships with the UTM grid, a two-stage visual validation of compilation results including a first pass by the contractor doing the compilation work along with further validation of drill hole locations and orientations, assay validation to eliminate data entry errors, and an ongoing re-examination of a limited number of original drill logs and verification of a minimum of 5% of drill holes and assay intervals. As part of its modelling work at Eagle, the Company performed data verification and analysis of historical drill data and has re-logged more than 1 km of physical drill core. The Company believes that the compiled data and associated 3D model accurately represent the historical drilling and assay data collected within the Eagle and Telbel Mine areas between 1974 and 1993 and prior to the adoption of NI43-101.

About Maple Gold

Maple Gold Mines Ltd. is a Canadian advanced exploration company in a 50/50 joint venture with Agnico Eagle Mines Limited to jointly advance the district-scale Douay and Joutel gold projects located in Quebec's prolific Abitibi Greenstone Gold Belt. The projects benefit from exceptional infrastructure access and boast ~400 km2 of highly prospective ground including an established gold resource at Douay (RPA 2019) that holds significant expansion potential as well as the past-producing Eagle, Telbel and Eagle West mines at Joutel. The Company holds an exclusive option to acquire 100% of the Eagle Mine Property.

The district-scale property also hosts a significant number of regional exploration targets along a 55 km strike length of the Casa Berardi Deformation Zone that have yet to be tested through drilling, making the project ripe for new gold and polymetallic discoveries. The Company is well capitalized and is currently focused on carrying out exploration and drill programs to grow resources and make new discoveries to establish an exciting new gold district in the heart of the Abitibi. For more information, please visit www.maplegoldmines.com.

ON BEHALF OF MAPLE GOLD MINES LTD.

"Matthew Hornor"



B. Matthew Hornor, President & CEO

For Further Information Please Contact:

Mr. Joness Lang

Executive Vice-President

Cell: 778.686.6836

Email: jlang@maplegoldmines.com

Mr. Kiran Patankar

SVP, Growth Strategy

Cell: 604.935.9577

Email: kpatankar@maplegoldmines.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 PRESS RELEASE.

Forward Looking Statements:

This press release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively referred to as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation in Canada, including statements about exploration work and results from current and future work programs. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, uncertainties and management's best estimate of future events. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company's expectations and projections. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, refer to Maple Gold Mines Ltd.'s filings with Canadian securities regulators available on www.sedar.com or the Company's website at www.maplegoldmines.com. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

[1] Production figures were provided by Agnico and are historical in nature

[2] Results are historical in nature and are non-compliant with NI43-101 standards. However, the Company believes that the data quality is sufficient to support mineral resource estimation purposes subject to confirmation drilling.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98875
PUNE, India, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- According to our new research study on "Artificial Cornea and Corneal Implant Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis - by Type, Transplant Type, Disease Indication and End User," the market is expected to reach US$ 696.18 million by 2028 from US$ 421.86 million in 2021; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.4% during 2021-2028. The report highlights trends prevailing in the market and factors driving its growth. The market growth is mainly attributed to factors such as the increasing prevalence of eye diseases causing corneal blindness and significant rise in elderly population. However, the high cost of ophthalmology surgeries and devices is hindering the market growth.

Get Exclusive Sample Pages of Artificial Cornea and Corneal Implant Market at https://www.theinsightpartners.com/sample/TIPRE00022569/

Report Coverage Details Market Size Value in US$ 421.86 million in 2021 Market Size Value by US$ 696.18 million by 2028 Growth rate CAGR of 7.4% from 2021-2028 Forecast Period 2021-2028 Base Year 2020 No. of Pages 181 No. Tables 115 No. of Charts & Figures 76 Historical data available Yes Segments covered Type, Transplant Type, Disease Indication, End User 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

In 2020, Asia Pacific dominated the global artificial cornea and corneal implant market. The market growth in the region is credited to a rise in awareness pertaining to the importance of cornea donation, coupled with surge in social media marketing to encourage a positive attitude towards the same. Additionally, developing healthcare infrastructure and increasing investments for boosting manufacturing capacities are contributing to the Artificial Cornea and Corneal Implant Market growth.

As per the Fact Sheet, in developed countries, including Japan, visual impairment is an important issue among older adults. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the number of visually impaired people in Japan is expected to reach 2 million by 2030. As per the World Health Organization (WHO), China has the fastest rate of aging in the world; population with age 65 and above is predicted to reach 243 million by 2020, while the number of people with myopia would reach ~710 million in the same year. Age-related eye diseases are becoming more serious with the rapidly growing number of aging population and the surging popularity of electronic devices in China. India became the first country in the world to begin the National Program for Control of Blindness, with the goal of lowering the prevalence of blindness to 0.3% by 2020. The WHO and the International Association for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) launched Vision 2020: The Right to Sight in 1999, with the goal of eliminating preventable blindness by 2020. India has a high cataract surgical coverage rate, with ~6.5 million cataract surgeries performed annually and an average cataract surgical rate of ~5,000 surgeries per million population. Hence, the elevating incidences of eye diseases among the populations in Asia Pacific is contributing to the artificial cornea and corneal implant market.

Download the Latest COVID-19 Analysis on Artificial Cornea and Corneal Implant Market Growth Research Report at https://www.theinsightpartners.com/covid-analysis-sample/TIPRE00022569/

The artificial cornea and corneal implant market, by type, is segmented into human cornea and artificial cornea. The human cornea segment is expected to hold a larger share of the market in 2021. However, the artificial cornea segment is anticipated to register a higher CAGR in the market during the forecast period. Based on transplant type, the artificial cornea and corneal implant market is segmented into penetrating keratoplasty, endothelial keratoplasty, and others. The penetrating keratoplasty segment is expected to account for the largest market share in 2021. However, the endothelial keratoplasty segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR in the market during the forecast period. The artificial cornea and corneal implant market, based on disease indication, is segmented into Fuchs' Dystrophy, keratoconus, fungal keratitis, and others. The Fuchs' Dystrophy segment is expected to account for the largest market share in 2021. However, the fungal keratitis segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR in the market during the Artificial Cornea and Corneal Implant Market forecast period. Based on end user, the artificial cornea and corneal implant market is segmented into hospitals, specialty clinics and ASCs, and others. The specialty clinics and ASCs segment is expected to account for the largest market share in 2021, and it is further estimated to register the highest CAGR in the Artificial Cornea and Corneal Implant Market during the forecast period.

Increasing Number of Eye Diseases and Significant Rise in Geriatric Population Fueling Market Growth

The artificial cornea and corneal implant market in Japan is growing significantly owing to the increasing incidences of eye diseases in the country. The country has been increasing its focus on diagnostics with the fastest-growing geriatric population, which is a major factor encouraging the transformation of the healthcare sector in the country. As per the World Economic Forum, currently, 2.3 billion people in Japan are in their 70s. The country stands third among the country-wise in-vitro device market, after the US and European Union.

Artificial Cornea and Corneal Implant Market: Segmental Overview

The artificial cornea segment is anticipated to register a higher CAGR in the artificial cornea and corneal implant market, by type, during the forecast period.

Artificial Cornea and Corneal Implant Market: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments

AJL OPHTHALMIC S., ADVANCING SIGHT NETWORK, Aurolab, CORNEA BIOSCIENCES, INC., LinkoCare Life Sciences AB, KERAMED, INC., EyeYon Medical, Florida Lions Eye Bank, Corneat Vision, and CorneaGen are among the key companies operating in the artificial cornea and corneal implant market. Leading players are focusing on the launch of new products, expansion and diversification of their market presence, and acquisition of new customer base for tapping prevailing business opportunities.

Order a Copy of Artificial Cornea and Corneal Implant Market Shares, Strategies and Forecasts 2021-2028 Research Report at https://www.theinsightpartners.com/buy/TIPRE00022569/

In March 2021, CorNeat Vision, a clinical-stage, biomimetic implant and technology company, and LiveU, a company offering high-quality live video streaming and remote production solutions, announced their partnership on remote surgeon virtual presence (RSVP) solution.

In February 2021, EyeYon Medical, an Israeli start-up involved in developing ophthalmic products for vision-threatening conditions, announced that it has received CE Mark for its EndoArt, after conducting clinical trials demonstrating its safety and efficacy in the treatment of chronic corneal edema.

Browse Related Reports:

Corneal Implants Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis

Corneal Topography Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis

Ophthalmic Imaging Equipment Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis

Optometry or Eye Equipment Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis

About Us:

The Insight Partners is a one stop industry research provider of actionable intelligence. We help our clients in getting solutions to their research requirements through our syndicated and consulting research services. We specialize in industries such as Semiconductor and Electronics, Aerospace and Defense, Automotive and Transportation, Biotechnology, Healthcare IT, Manufacturing and Construction, Medical Device, Technology, Media and Telecommunications, Chemicals and Materials.

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BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The European Central Bank has published the account of the monetary policy meeting of the Governing Council held on September 8 and 9 at 7:30 am ET Thursday. The euro changed little against its major rivals after the release. The euro was trading at 1.1566 against the greenback, 128.76 against the yen, 0.8496 against the pound and 1.0707 against the franc around 7:35 am ET. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / Searchlight Resources Inc. ("Searchlight" or the "Company") (TSXV:SCLT) (OTC:CNYCF) (FSE:2CC2) is pleased to announce the results of outcrop samples collected during preliminary field work visits to the Robinson Creek Gold Project, located approximately 15 kilometres west of Creighton, Saskatchewan, in the historic Flin Flon mining camp.

Outcrop samples verify high gold values in surface outcrops

Greater than 10 g/t Au from Quartz, Bleiler and Vein zones

40% of outcrop samples greater than 0.5 g/t Au

During the 2021 summer field season, a geological team completed an initial site visit to the Robinson Creek project to sample and confirm the surface locations of the Vein, Bleiler, and Quartz Zones. During the program, a total of 60 outcrop samples and 12 soil samples were collected. Selected outcrop samples are shown in Table 1. Results show multiple samples with greater than 10 g/t Au from all three zones, and over 40% of outcrop samples with greater than 0.5 g/t Au (Map 1).

"These are excellent first results from our new Robinson Creek project indicating high grade gold from surface outcrops from all known zones", stated Stephen Wallace, Searchlight's CEO. "These results will assist future mapping, trenching and drill planning".

Concurrent with the field work, Airborne Triaxial Magnetic Gradiometer and Lidar surveys were carried out over the entire Robinson Creek property. The results of these airborne surveys along with further results from the field work are expected to be received in October. In addition, detailed compilation of the 70 drill holes at Robinson Creek is underway, and will be used along with the geophysical data for drill planning on this project.

Table 1. Gold Assays from Selected Outcrop Samples from the Robinson Creek Mineralized Zones

Sample Sample Zone Description Gold Number Type g/t 124251 Grab Quartz Hematized quartz vein 12.21 124252 Grab Quartz Weathered quartz vein 5.45 124253 Grab Quartz Hematized quartz vein 1.92 124254 Grab Quartz Quartz vein 14.30 124258 Grab Quartz Quartz vein 2.13 124259 Grab Quartz Quartz vein hosting disseminated, cubic and weathered pyrite 17.17 124261 Grab Quartz Quartz vein 12.48 124262 Grab Quartz Quartz vein hosted in hematite altered mafic volcanic 1.44 124263 Grab Quartz Blebby pyrite in chlorite schist 0.07 124264 Grab Quartz Folded and sheared mafic volcanic with cm-scale quartz stringers 2.06 124265 Grab Quartz Disseminated and foliation-controlled pyrite in chlorite schist 0.31 124313 Grab Quartz Pyrrhotite disseminations in chlorite schist 3.02 124316 Grab Quartz Chlorite schist hosting disseminated pyrite, cpy, arsenopyrite 1.65 124319 Grab Quartz Chlorite schist hosting disseminated pyrite; quartz vein; heavy alt 0.69 124322 Grab Quartz Quartz vein + hematite-limonite altered mafic volcanic 14.53 124324 Grab Quartz Quartz vein with lenses of mafic volcanic 0.48 124326 Grab Quartz Pyrite and disseminated chalcopyrite in wall rock next to qtz vein 0.27 124266 Grab Quartz Disseminated pyrite 0.41 124269 Grab Quartz Weathered pyrite disseminations within quartz vein and wall rock 0.38 124271 Grab Quartz Wall rock and quartz vein hosting disseminated pyrite 0.34 124272 Grab Quartz Hematite-Limonite altered wall rock hosting disseminated pyrite 3.43 124273 Grab Quartz Trace disseminated pyrite in granodiorite 0.58 Grab 124278 Grab Bleiler Disseminated arsenopyrite 19.31 124279 Grab Bleiler Disseminated pyrite and arsenopyrite 7.68 124297 Grab Bleiler Wall rock with mm-scale quartz veining 12.96 124298 Grab Bleiler Mafic volcanic with chlorite-mica schist 1.53 124299 Grab Bleiler Disseminated pyrite and arsenopyrite in chlorite schist 11.83 Grab 124274 Grab Vein Hematite altered quartz-carbonate vein 0.45 124275 Grab Vein Quartz-carbonate vein hosting cubic pyrite 2.19 124276 Grab Vein Disseminated pyrite in and quartz veining in mafic volcanic 3.88 124277 Grab Vein Vug-hosted pyrite in quartz vein 5.56 124291 Grab Vein Hematite altered quartz vein 6.86 124292 Grab Vein Quartz veins in mafic volcanic hosting disseminated pyrite 2.78 124293 Grab Vein Disseminated and blebby pyrite in quartz-carbonate vein 3.02 124294 Grab Vein Disseminated and blebby pyrite in quartz-carbonate vein 13.98 124295 Grab Vein Quartz vein in basalt 3.05 124296 Grab Vein Quartz vein 0.93

The samples in Table 1 can be described as Grab samples, chipped from outcrops exposed at or near the surface. These samples were collected based on visible mineralization, geology and structure, and so the resulting metal concentrations should not be considered representative of the overall mineralization on the property. Grab samples are indicators to help define further exploration work.

Map 1. Gold Assays (g/t) from Outcrop Samples from the Robinson Creek Mineralized Zones

The Robinson Creek Gold Project consists of 7 claim blocks covering 1.84 square kilometres, located approximately 15 kilometres northwest of Searchlight's Bootleg Lake claims. The Robinson Creek target area lies within a structurally controlled mesothermal lode gold system, with considerable historical exploration which includes geologic mapping, trenching, soil surveys, airborne and ground geophysical surveys, and over 70 diamond drill holes. The Robinson Creek target comprises three gold zones - the Vein, Bleiler, and Quartz Zones - over a strike length of approximately 600 metres (Map 1).

Sample Analysis

Samples were collected by geologists from the Axiom Geological Group, and transported directly to TSL Laboratories Inc. in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The samples were analysed with Fire Assay Package FA/ Gravimetric - 30 gram and Multi Element Package ICP-MS - Aqua digest.

Qualified Person

Stephen Wallace, P.Geo., is Searchlight's Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

About Searchlight Resources Inc.

Searchlight Resources Inc. (TSX.V:SCLT; US:CYNCF) is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company focused on Saskatchewan, Canada, which has been ranked as the top location for mining investment in Canada by the Fraser Institute. Exploration focus is on gold and battery minerals throughout the Province, concentrating on projects with road access.

Searchlight holds a 427.6 square kilometre land position within the gold and base metal rich Flin Flon - Snow Lake Greenstone Belt. The Company is currently advancing its Bootleg Lake Gold Project located in Saskatchewan, less than 10 km from Flin Flon, Manitoba, and which hosts four past-producing high-grade gold mines.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Stephen Wallace"

Stephen Wallace, President, CEO and Director

SEARCHLIGHT RESOURCES INC.

For further information, visit the Company's website at www.searchlightresources.com or contact:

Searchlight Resources Inc.

Alf Stewart, VP Corporate Development

(604) 331-9326

info@searchlightresources.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. 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 the Company's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

SOURCE: Searchlight Resources Inc.

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Clean Fragrance reaffirms company's commitment to Conscious Perfumery

GENEVA, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Firmenich, the world's largest privately-owned fragrance and taste company, is proud to announce a new clean fragrance designed exclusively for the Swiss Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Named BREATHE IN, the scent is part of a multi-sensorial experience at the pavilion that aims to surprise and captivate visitors by evoking the top of the Swiss Alps, generating positive emotions.

"As a Swiss company with a rich 126-year history, Firmenich is delighted to be the Swiss Pavilion's fragrance partner in designing this multi-sensorial experience for visitors at the Expo," says Ilaria Resta, President, Global Perfumery. "In line with the expo's theme of 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future', we will also be showcasing our industry-leading efforts towards Clean Fragrances in Conscious Perfumery."

An active leader of sustainability efforts in the fragrance business, Firmenich was the first in the industry to develop a holistic fragrance sustainability measurement tool, EcoScent Compass, that determines a fragrance's sustainability footprint across three criteria: intrinsic green properties, environmental and social impact.

BREATHE IN was created with our CreateForGood Conscious Fragrance design process, and has an EcoScent Compass triple A, science-based, positive impact score across Renewability, Biodegradability, Green Chemistry, Carbon, Water and Social criteria. The scent combines responsibly and ethically sourced ingredients from its Naturals Together initiative, with ingredients from its Firgood collection - a brand new range of pure, 100% natural extracts obtained by a revolutionary, sustainable proprietary extraction technology. The fragrance is also vegan and 100% biodegradable.

"When creating the scent, I envisioned someone emerging after a hike in the magical Swiss Alps, surrounded by fog and mountains, and greeted by a scent of positive energy that is regenerating, pure, fresh and bright," said Hamid Merati-Kashani, Principal Perfumer at Firmenich behind the fragrance. "This aligns with our vision of perfumery - to be conscious and positive - and supports Switzerland's commitment to build a sustainable future."

BREATH IN has been created using some ingredients from Firmenich's Naturals Together program, with Patchouli from Indonesia, Clary Sage Pays from France, upcycled Cedarwood Virginia from USA, as well as Firgood Pear from France. Lastly, the scent also includes Clearwood, a 100% natural, renewable and biodegradable biotech ingredient by Firmenich. The scent conveys pure Swiss mountain air, with a sense of calm to regenerate the body and soul in a deep breath.

Firmenich is at the Expo 2020 Dubai until March 31, 2022 and invites visitors to explore opportunities to collaborate, co-create and innovate the future of Fragrance together.

About Firmenich

Firmenich, the world's largest privately-owned fragrance and taste company, was founded in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1895 and has been family-owned for 126 years. Firmenich is a leading business-to-business company specialized in the research, creation, manufacture and sale of perfumes, flavors and ingredients. Renowned for its world-class research and creativity, as well as its leadership in sustainability, Firmenich offers its customers superior innovation in formulation, a broad and high-quality palette of ingredients, and proprietary technologies including biotechnology, encapsulation, olfactory science and taste modulation. Firmenich had an annual turnover of 4.3 billion Swiss Francs at end June 2021. More information about Firmenich is available at www.firmenich.com.

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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / MGX Minerals Inc. ("MGX" or the "Company") (CSE:XMG) (FKT:1MG) (OTC:MGXMF) announces a strategic review is underway of its REN niobium-tantalum-titanium-rubidium project for nuclear and space metals. These metals are generally known for their high melting point and ability to withstand extreme heat. The previously explored REN property, located in British Columbia, was drilled by MGX in 2018. Results of the 14 hole 1249 meter drill program, included a drill intersection of 44 meters of 1700ppm niobium with tantalum, titanium, and rubidium, see press release.

Niobium has both a high thermal conductivity and high melting point and is used in nickel superalloys for aerospace applications such as turbine blades and rocket components, as well as, nuclear applications such as fuel and heat exchangers.

Fall 2018 Drill Program

As previously reported, a 14-hole, 1,249-meter drill program was completed at REN covering an area of approximately 200x600 meters in the central portion of the mineral claims. The goal of the drill program was to test magnetic positive anomalies generated from a magnetometer survey completed earlier this year. Results from the drill program returned positive niobium grades and wider than expected zones. A total of 670 samples split core samples (at 2-meter intervals) were analyzed by ALS Geochemistry using method ME-MS89L (sodium peroxide fusion, reporting 52 elements, as well as additional elements Zr and P). Results have now been compiled with assay results from select holes reported below:

Table 1. REN 2018 Drill Hole Assays Results

DDH From

(m) To

(m) Int

(m) Nb2O5

% Ta2O5

% *TREO

% P% FeO

% TiO2

% MnO

% 18RE 1 3.28 3.58 0.3 0.16 0.002 0.16 >1 4.36 0.292 0.59 18RE 1 10.48 20.5 10.02 0.13 0.002 0.18 >1 6.82 0.62 0.49 18RE 2 6.56 10 3.44 0.04 0.001 0.09 0.29 6.1 0.75 0.14 18RE 3 29.5 33.5 4 0.18 0.003 0.14 >1 4 0.07 0.47 18RE 4 3.6 13 9.4 0.19 0.004 0.15 >1 5.1 0.22 0.34 18RE 5 2.6 3.7 1.1 0.11 0.002 0.22 >1 7.01 0.47 0.37 18RE 5 6 10 4 0.21 0.003 0.35 >1 6.1 0.26 0.56 18RE 5 12.3 38 25.7 0.14 0.003 0.26 >1 5.9 0.31 0.6 18RE 6 2.5 6.9 4.4 0.1 0.005 0.17 >1 11 0.44 0.42 18RE 6 14.3 40 25.7 0.1 0.003 0.15 >1 6.65 0.54 0.42 18RE 7 4.8 16 11.2 0.13 0.003 0.25 >1 6.94 0.53 0.41 18RE 8 7.3 13.6 6.3 0.13 0.006 0.17 >1 10.2 0.97 0.39 18RE 8 17.4 21.8 4.4 0.09 0.003 0.18 >1 7.89 0.5 0.47 18RE 8 24 50 26 0.13 0.003 0.14 >1 6.22 0.52 0.4 18RE 9 7.5 9.6 2.1 0.24 0.002 0.15 >1 8.85 0.887 0.36 18RE 9 15.6 27.4 11.8 0.31 0.004 0.19 >1 10.62 0.66 0.48 18RE 9 32.3 64 31.7 0.15 0.003 0.11 >1 6.15 0.55 0.48 18RE 10 2.7 10 7.3 0.15 0.003 0.11 0.74 5.9 0.41 0.31 18RE 11 3.2 19.2 16 0.21 0.004 0.21 >1 11.12 0.58 0.53 18RE 11 22.7 54 31.3 0.13 0.003 0.14 0.9 6.34 0.47 0.43 18RE 12 3.3 48 44.7 0.17 0.003 0.16 >1 6.59 0.39 0.51 18RE 12 includes 18RE 12 10 14 4 0.35 0.003 0.21 >1 8.7 0.47 0.62 18RE 13 6 52 46 0.13 0.003 0.15 >1 7.1 0.4 0.46 18RE 14 2.7 4 1.3 0.11 0.002 0.42 0.35 7.76 0.58 0.44 18RE 14 4 28 24 0.043 0.001 0.29 0.46 6.74 0.44 0.35 18RE 14 28 36.4 8.4 0.14 0.003 0.18 >1 6.8 0.37 0.53 18RE 14 40 69.5 29.5 0.14 0.004 0.12 >1 5.54 0.42 0.35

*: Geochemical analysis of Total Rare Earth Oxides("TREO") include: La2O3, Ce2O3, Pr2O3, Nd2O3, Sm2O3, Eu2O3, Gd2O3, Tb2O3, Dy2O3,Ho2O3, Er2O3, Tm2O3, Yb2O3, Lu2O3, and Y2O3 (NOTE: Pm & Sc not analyzed). Neodymium Oxide is defined as Nd2O3 and expressed as a percent out of the TREO content. The four most abundant rare earth oxides that make up the TREO reported above are Cerium (Ce2O3), Lanthanum (La2O3), Neodymium (Nd2O3) and Praseodymium (Pr2O3).

Qualified Person

Andris Kikauka (P. Geo.), Chief Executive Officer of MGX Minerals, has prepared, reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release. Mr. Kikauka is a non-independent Qualified Person within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 Standards.

About MGX Minerals Inc.

MGX Minerals is a diversified Canadian resource and technology company with interests in advanced metals, industrial minerals, and energy technologies.

Contact Information:

Andris Kikuaka

Chief Executive Officer

andris@mgxminerals.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to holding the postponed Meeting, and the filing of an amended notice of meeting and record date for the postponed Meeting. Forward-looking information is generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "in the event", "if", "believes", "asserts", "position", "intends", "envisages", "assumes", "recommends", "estimates", "approximate", "projects", "potential", "indicate" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur.

The Company's forward-looking information are based on the applicable assumptions and factors the Company considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to the Company at such time, including without limitation, the ability to host the postponed Meeting at a later date, and the ability to find a suitable location which can accommodate an in-person shareholders' meeting. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various risk factors. These factors include, among others, uncertainties arising from the COVID-19 pandemic, and general economic conditions or conditions in the financial markets. The reader is referred to the Company's public filings for a more complete discussion of such risk factors, and their potential effects, which may be accessed through the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Except as required by securities law, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, events or otherwise.

SOURCE: MGX Minerals Inc.

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Specialized program to research and scale access to psychedelic medicine opens new doors for patients with chronic and serious illness

TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / Novamind Inc. (CSE:NM)(OTCQB:NVMDF)(FSE:HN2) ("Novamind" or the "Company"), a leading mental health company specialized in psychedelic medicine, is pleased to launch Psychedelic Palliative Care by Novamind (the "Palliative Program") at its recently opened clinic and research site in Murray, Utah.

Among the first-of-its-kind, the Palliative Program combines psychedelic medicine with psychotherapy, workshops, multi-day immersive retreats and group support for palliative care patients and families who are coping with chronic and serious illness.

"Patients receiving palliative care have higher rates of depression than the general population. Unfortunately, standard anti-depression and anti-anxiety treatments do not work for everyone, can cause side effects, and can take up to eight weeks to work," explained Dr. Paul Thielking, Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) of Novamind. "Due to psychedelic medicine's generally low side effect burden and fast-acting nature, it shows promise for patients who are physically ill and might have limited life expectancies."

Through Novamind's clinical research division, the Palliative Program will host studies to investigate the use of psychedelic medicine including ketamine and establish the infrastructure for future clinical studies examining psilocybin. This work will build on notable studies from New York University and Johns Hopkins University, which demonstrated psilocybin's significant immediate and sustained improvements in anxiety and depression symptoms in cancer patients.

Prior to his role as Novamind's CSO, Dr. Thielking developed ketamine-assisted treatment protocols for cancer patients experiencing depression at the University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI). He also pioneered an ongoing HCI study examining the feasibility of group-administered psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for cancer patients experiencing depression. Dr. Thielking leads the Palliative Program's multidisciplinary team of mental health professionals specialized in palliative care and psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy.

"Our healthcare system struggles to support the millions of Americans dealing with emotional, spiritual and psychological suffering associated with chronic or serious illness," noted Dr. Thielking. "Psychedelic Palliative Care by Novamind is designed to address this need, bringing together fast-acting medicine, innovative treatment options and therapeutic expertise in a safe, nurturing environment."

To learn more about the Palliative Program, visit www.novamind.ca/psychedelic-palliative-care

About Novamind

Novamind is a leading mental health company enabling safe access to psychedelic medicine through a network of clinics and clinical research sites. Novamind provides ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and other novel treatments through its network of Cedar Psychiatry clinics and operates Cedar Clinical Research, a contract research organization specialized in clinical trials and evidence-based research for psychedelic medicine. Both Cedar Psychiatry and Cedar Clinical Research are wholly owned subsidiaries of Novamind. For more information on how Novamind is enhancing mental wellness and guiding people through their entire healing journey, visit novamind.ca.

Contact Information

Novamind

Yaron Conforti, CEO and Director

Telephone: +1 (647) 953 9512

Samantha DeLenardo, VP, Communications

Email: media@novamind.ca

Bill Mitoulas, Investor Relations

Email: bill@novamind.ca

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations including the risks detailed from time to time in the Company's public disclosure. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by applicable laws.

SOURCE: Novamind Inc.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - District Metals Corp. (TSXV: DMX) (FSE: DFPP) ("District" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has commenced core drilling a minimum of 5,000 m with two rigs at its high grade polymetallic Tomtebo Property located in the Bergslagen Mining District in south-central Sweden. Hy-Tech Drilling Sweden AB has been awarded the contract for this Phase II drill program.

The main objectives of the Phase II drill program include: 1) aggressive step outs from significant mineralization encountered during our Phase I drill program at the historic Tomtebo Mine; 2) testing a new and comprehensive interpretation proximal to the large mineralized system at the Tomtebo Mine through the use of whole rock geochemistry, Borehole Electromagnetic (BHEM) anomalies, and coincident geophysical anomalies; 3) testing virgin regional targets that comprise coincident gravity, magnetic, and conductive anomalies located up to 1 km northeast and 600 m southwest along trend from the Tomtebo Mine. The proposed Phase II drill hole locations are shown in Figures 1 and 2.

Garrett Ainsworth, CEO of District, commented: "Since acquiring the Tomtebo Property in June 2020 we have been diligently acquiring and compiling exploration data to better understand the polymetallic mineral system at Tomtebo, which has prioritized the best targets with potential to discover economic mineralization. We now have a much better understanding of Tomtebo thanks to our technical team's breadth of modern knowledge on polymetallic deposits in the Bergslagen, and through innovative exploration techniques such as whole rock geochemistry and geophysical surveys that were never previously carried out at Tomtebo. Every exploration program we have conducted at Tomtebo has delivered positive overlapping anomalies and data that makes this Phase II drill program the most exciting to date."

A minimum of 5,000 m of core drilling in approximately 14 holes is planned at the historic Tomtebo Mine and up to 1 km along the Tomtebo Mine trend with a focus on the following targets:

Steffenburgs zone: step outs below hole TOM21-001, which intersected 8.2 m at 20.94% ZnEq1 (65.3 to 73.5 m) and is supported by the largest and strongest BHEM conductive plate from the Phase I drill program.

Oscarsgruvan zone: step outs below and east-northeast from hole TOM21-002, which intersected 12.55 m at 331.9 g/t AgEq2 (90.8 to 103.35 m), and 4.8 m at 505.6 g/t AgEq2 (125.0 to 129.80 m) supported by numerous geophysical anomalies and the whole rock geochemical interpretation.

Gardsgruvans zone: step outs below and southwest from hole TOM21-017, which intersected 13.4 m at 0.68% CuEq3 (88.1 to 101.5 m), 16.2 m at 0.87% CuEq3 (206.8 to 223.0 m), 5.6 m at 7.11% ZnEq1 (269.2 to 274.8 m), 5.05 m at 2.86% CuEq3 (278.1 to 283.15 m), and 2.0 m at 2.18% CuEq3 (295.3 to 297.3 m) supported by numerous geophysical anomalies and the whole rock geochemical interpretation.

Northeast Gravity Target: testing a very significant blind gravity high anomaly with coincident magnetic and conductive anomalies located 1 km northeast along trend from the historic Tomtebo Mine. This gravity high anomaly remains open to the northeast and at depth where an exploration target of 34.0 Mt at a density of 3.45 g/cm3 has been modeled at shallow depths (40 to 320 m).

Southwest Gravity Target: testing a significant gravity high anomaly with coincident magnetic and conductive anomalies located 600 m southwest along trend from the historic Tomtebo Mine. This gravity high anomaly is associated with historic iron sulphide occurrences, which are known to sometimes coalesce with polymetallic sulphide mineralization in the Bergslagen District. An exploration target of 28.7 Mt at a density of 3.50 g/cm3 has been modeled at shallow depths (near surface to 420 m) at this target.

Tomtebo Mine Proximal Gravity Targets: testing gravity high anomalies to the south and east of the historic Tomtebo Mine, which are supported by coincident magnetic and conductive anomalies.

West of Tomtebo Mine: systematic analysis of whole rock geochemistry in drill core from the Phase I program combined with structural mapping data has resulted in an interpretive breakthrough where the massive sulphide fertile horizon (between the Rhyolite 1 and 2) has been identified. This fertile horizon remains wide open and untested for at least 800 m west of hole TOM21-012 and the historical Tomtebo Mine.

The potential quantity and density of the gravity exploration targets described above are conceptual in nature, and it is not possible to make assumptions on metal grades from a gravity survey. There has been insufficient or no drilling to define a mineral resource or to determine if polymetallic sulphide mineralization is present, respectively. It is uncertain if further drilling will result in these gravity exploration targets being delineated as a mineral resource or resulting in the discovery of polymetallic sulphide mineralization.

The Company has also granted a total of 2,220,000 stock options to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company, in accordance with the provisions of its stock option plan. Each stock option is exercisable at $0.25 per common share (being above the closing price of the Company's common shares on October 6, 2021, the grant date). All stock options have a term of five years and vest on the grant date.





Figure 1: Plan View of Proposed Phase II Drill Holes

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Figure 2: Massive Sulphide Fertile Horizon Between Rhyolite 1 and 2



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References

1 Metal prices used in USD for the ZnEq calculation were based on Ag $15.00/oz, Au $1650/oz, Cu $2.15/lb, Zn $0.85/lb, and Pb $0.75/lb. ZnEq equals = Zn% + (Ag g/t  0.0257) + (Au g/t x 2.831) + (Cu%  2.529) + (Pb%  0.882). The use of ZnEq is to calculate cut-off grades for exploration purposes, and no adjustments were made for metal recovery.

2 Metal prices used in USD for the AgEq calculation were based on Ag $15.00/oz, Au $1650/oz, Cu $2.15/lb, Zn $0.85/lb, and Pb $0.75/lb. AgEq equals = Ag g/t + (Au g/t  110) + (Cu%  98.286) + (Zn%  38.857) + (Pb%  34.286). The use of AgEq is to calculate cut-off grades for exploration purposes, and no adjustments were made for metal recovery.

3 Metal prices used in USD for the CuEq calculation were based on Ag $15.00/oz, Au $1650/oz, Cu $2.15/lb, Zn $0.85/lb, and Pb $0.75/lb. CuEq equals = Cu% + (Au g/t x 1.1192) + (Ag g/t  0.0102) + (Zn % x 0.3953) + (Pb % x 0.3488). The use of CuEq is to calculate cut-off grades for exploration purposes, and no adjustments were made for metal recovery.

Technical Information

All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared by, or approved by Garrett Ainsworth, PGeo, President and CEO of the Company. Mr. Ainsworth is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

The drill core reported in this news release was logged and prepared at the District Metals AB core facility in Sater, Sweden before submittal to ALS Geochemistry in Mala, Sweden where the drill core is cut, bagged, and prepared for analysis. Sample pulps were sent to ALS Geochemistry in Ireland (an accredited mineral analysis laboratory) for analysis. Samples were analyzed using a multi-element ultra trace method combining a four-acid digestion with ICP-MS analytical package ("ME-MS61"). Over limit sample values were re-assayed for: (1) values of copper >1%; (2) values of zinc >1%; (3) values of lead >1%; and (4) values of silver >100 g/t using the high-grade material ICP-AES analytical package ("ME-OG62"). Additional over limit sample values were re-assayed for: (1) values of zinc >30%; (2) values of lead >20% using the high precision analysis of base metal ores AAS analytical package ("Zn, Pb-AAORE"). Gold, platinum, and palladium were analyzed using the 30 g lead fire assay with ICP-AES finish analytical package ("PGM-ICP23"). Certified standards, blanks, and duplicates were inserted into the sample shipment to ensure integrity of the assay process. Selected samples were chosen for duplicate assay from the coarse reject and pulps of the original sample. No QA/QC issues were noted with the results reported.

Some of the data disclosed in this news release is related to historical drilling results. District has not undertaken any independent investigation of the sampling nor has it independently analyzed the results of the historical exploration work in order to verify the results. District considers these historical drill results relevant as the Company is using this data as a guide to plan exploration programs. The Company's current and future exploration work includes verification of the historical data through drilling.

Mr. Ainsworth has not verified any of the information regarding any of the properties or projects referred to herein other than the Tomtebo Property. Mineralization on any other properties referred to herein is not necessarily indicative of mineralization on the Tomtebo Property.

About District Metals Corp.

District Metals Corp. is led by industry professionals with a track record of success in the mining industry. The Company's mandate is to seek out, explore, and develop prospective mineral properties through a disciplined science-based approach to create shareholder value and benefit other stakeholders.

The advanced exploration stage Tomtebo Property is located in the Bergslagen Mining District of south-central Sweden is the Company's main focus. Tomtebo comprises 5,144 ha and is situated between the historic Falun Mine and Boliden's Garpenberg Mine that are located 25 km to the northwest and southeast, respectively. Two historic polymetallic mines and numerous polymetallic showings are located on the Tomtebo Property along an approximate 17 km trend that exhibits similar geology, structure, alteration and VMS/SedEx style mineralization as other significant mines within the district. Mineralization that is open at depth and along strike at the historic mines on the Tomtebo Property has not been followed up on, and modern systematic exploration has never been conducted on the Property.

For further information on the Tomtebo Property, please see the technical report entitled "NI 43-101 Update Technical Report on the Tomtebo Project, Bergslagen Region of Sweden" dated effective October 15, 2020 and amended and restated on February 26, 2021, which is available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

"Garrett Ainsworth"

President and Chief Executive Officer

(604) 288-4430

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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information.

This news release contains certain statements that may be considered "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "targets", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "an opportunity exists", "is positioned", "estimates", "intends", "assumes", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", "will" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" and any similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, predictions, indications, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events. Forward-looking statements in this news release relating to the Company include, among other things, statements relating to the Company's planned exploration activities, including its drill target strategy and next steps for the Tomtebo Property; the company's interpretations and expectations about the mineralization of the Tomtebo Mine; the Company's belief that the numerous gravity high anomalies identified at the historic Tomtebo Mine provide immense expansion potential; the Company's belief that the modeled gravity high anomalies at the historic Tomtebo Mine could correspond with polymetallic and/or iron sulphide mineralization, or a mafic unit; and the Company's belief that the gravity high anomaly located one kilometer to the northeast of the Tomtebo Mine represents a potential grassroots discovery opportunity with a modeled tonnage that compares with the historic production tonnage from the historic Falun Mine.

These statements and other forward-looking information are based on opinions, assumptions and estimates made by the Company in light of its experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances, as of the date of this news release, including, without limitation, assumptions about the reliability of historical data and the accuracy of publicly reported information regarding past and historic mines in the Bergslagen district; the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to fund planned exploration activities, maintain corporate capacity and satisfy the exploration expenditure requirements required by the definitive purchase agreement between the Company and the vendor of the Tomtebo Property (the "Tomtebo Purchase Agreement") by the times specified therein; and stability in financial and capital markets.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date such statements are made, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to risks associated with the following: the reliability of historic data regarding the Tomtebo Property; the Company's ability to raise sufficient capital to finance planned exploration (including incurring prescribed exploration expenditures required by the Tomtebo Purchase Agreement, failing which the Tomtebo Property will be forfeited without any repayment of the purchase price); the Company's limited operating history; the Company's negative operating cash flow and dependence on third-party financing; the uncertainty of additional funding; the uncertainties associated with early stage exploration activities including general economic, market and business conditions, the regulatory process, failure to obtain necessary permits and approvals, technical issues, potential delays, unexpected events and management's capacity to execute and implement its future plans; the Company's ability to identify any mineral resources and mineral reserves; the substantial expenditures required to establish mineral reserves through drilling and the estimation of mineral reserves or mineral resources; the Company's dependence on one material project, the Tomtebo Property; the uncertainty of estimates used to calculated mineralization figures; changes in governmental regulations; compliance with applicable laws and regulations; competition for future resource acquisitions and skilled industry personnel; reliance on key personnel; title matters; conflicts of interest; environmental laws and regulations and associated risks, including climate change legislation; land reclamation requirements; changes in government policies; volatility of the Company's share price; the unlikelihood that shareholders will receive dividends from the Company; potential future acquisitions and joint ventures; infrastructure risks; fluctuations in demand for, and prices of gold, silver and copper; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; legal proceedings and the enforceability of judgments; going concern risk; risks related to the Company's information technology systems and cyber-security risks; and risk related to the outbreak of epidemics or pandemics or other health crises, including the recent outbreak of COVID-19. For additional information regarding these risks, please see the Company's Annual Information Form, under the heading "Risk Factors", which is available at www.sedar.com. These factors and assumptions are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors and assumptions that could affect the Company. These factors and assumptions, however, should be considered carefully. Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking statements or information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Also, many of such factors are beyond the control of the Company. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws. All scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been prepared by or reviewed and approved by Garrett Ainsworth, PGeo, President and CEO of the Company. Mr. Ainsworth is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98837
Interval within a mineralized envelope grading 4.76 g/t over 27.8m

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - Satori Resources Inc. (TSXV: BUD) ("Satori" or the "Company") is pleased to report results from the first hole (TLSZ21-05) drilled in the Company's Phase II drilling campaign, targeting a separate location, the South Zone, at Satori's 100% owned Tartan Lake Project, Flin Flon, Manitoba. The results suggest continuous gold mineralization within the deposit area, and hole TLSZ21-05 is the longest high-grade intercept returned to date from the South Zone. This hole is the fifth diamond drill hole of Satori's 2021 drilling campaign, and is proximal to the underground ramp/decline. Previous holes reported targeted the Main Zone mineralization, 200 metres to the northwest (Ref. Figure 2).

TLSZ21-05 is the longest and highest grade interval ever reported from the South Zone deposit;

Quartz-carbonate-tourmaline veining assayed 9.59 g/t Au over 11.75 metres;

Mineralized Intersection included 24.23 g/t Au over 2.00 metres and 13.05 g/t Au over 3.29 metres; and

Mineralization remains open at depth along plunge.

TLSZ21-05 was the first hole drilled at the South Zone during Satori's 3000 metre Phase II 2021 drilling campaign. Drilling targeted the interpreted steep westerly plunge to the high grade mineralization (Ref. Figure 1).





Figure 1 - South Zone Long Section showing grade distribution and location of Hole TLSZ21-05

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3276/98862_4f4ea21214630868_001full.jpg

This hole intersected mineralization at a depth of approximately 150 metres from surface, 100 metres south of the existing underground decline (ramp) established in the 1980's. The South Zone mineralization strikes east-west with a sub-vertical dip, essentially parallel to the Main Zone mineralization located approximately 200 metres to the northwest. The Main Zone high grade mineralization plunges steeply to the west and this initial hole at the South Zone suggests that the South Zone mineralization has the same orientation.

Results are summarized in Table 1.0 and in Figure 1.0 below.

Table 1.0 - TLSZ21-05 Results

Hole ID

From (m) To (m) Interval (m)(1) Au (g/t) TLSZ21-05

190.30 21810 27.80 4.76 Including

194.00 210.75 16.75 7.48



198.00 209.75 11.75 9.59

Including 198.00 200.00 2.00 24.23

and 206.46 209.75 3.29 13.05

(1) Interval is measured down hole and does not reflect true width.

There is insufficient information to estimate true width at this time.

Jennifer Boyle, Chief Executive Officer commented, "These are excellent results for Satori and provides reliable insight into the potential scale that may be realized on the project. The Tartan Lake Gold Mine Project ceased production in 1989, not because the ore was depleted; the price of gold fell below $390 per ounce. For the first time in decades this project is benefitting from a new team applying modern day techniques in a robust gold environment. The entire project area has been overlooked for decades and is sparsely-drilled. This intercept has exceeded our expectations and illustrates the expansive potential for Tartan Lake."

Wes Hanson, P. Geo., and a Director of Satori, states, "We couldn't be more pleased with the results of TLSZ21-05. It's always exciting when the initial hole, testing a revised interpretation on the controls on mineralization, returns the highest value intercept to date from a population of over 100 historical drill holes. The South Zone represents a second opportunity to increase the mineral resource of the project, with both the Main Zone and the South Zone being accessible to the existing underground infrastructure. Once additional results are received, we will evaluate our targeting and plan follow up holes to continue to demonstrate potential to increase the mineral resource."

SOUTH ZONE INTERSECTION

TLSZ21-05 targeted an interpreted steep, westerly plunge line, sub-parallel to what Satori has successfully demonstrated at depth at the Main Zone. The mineralization was intersected at a depth of 150 metres from surface and lies 100 metres south of the existing underground ramp/decline. The target is open at depth along an interpreted 125-150-metre strike length.

The South Zone intersection encountered in Hole TLSZ21-05 is well foliated and shows intense shearing within deformed-crenulated gabbroic rock. There is pervasive ankerite with abundant quartz-carbonate-tourmaline-albite veining, from 190.3 to 219.1 metres down hole. Alteration within the South Zone includes fuchsite, tourmaline and iron carbonate. Sulphide mineralization is dominated by disseminated and blebby pyrite with minor chalcopyrite.





Figure 2.0 - Surface Location Map

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3276/98862_4f4ea21214630868_002full.jpg





Figure 3.0 - TLSZ21-05 Core from 180.66 metres to 202.74 metres



To view an enhanced version of Figure 3, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3276/98862_4f4ea21214630868_003full.jpg





Figure 4.0 - TLSZ21-05 Core from 202.74 metres to 215.45 metres



To view an enhanced version of Figure 4, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3276/98862_4f4ea21214630868_004full.jpg

FALL 2021 FIELD PROGRAM

All Phase II drilling at the South Zone and the Main Zone has been completed, and the drill remains on site pending results of holes completed along plunge at both the South Zone and the Main Zone. Satori has initiated reconnaissance mapping and sampling of prioritized targets elsewhere within the claim group, many of which have seen limited work to date. Desk-top compilation work carried out in 2020 and enhanced geophysical evaluations have presented a number of new opportunities for potential discovery and resource growth.

SAMPLING, QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL

All diamond drill holes are NQ diameter (47.6 mm). Drill core is delivered to a secure logging facility at site where it is photographed, logged for geotechnical and geological data and marked up for splitting. Most samples are collected on 1.0 metre intervals, honouring litho-structural contacts with a minimum sample length of 0.3 metres and a maximum sample length of 1.5 metres. All logging, sampling and splitting is performed under the supervision of the P.Geo. managing the drill program. After logging and sample mark up, the core is split with one half of the core sent for analysis and the remaining half stored at site for future reference. Certified Reference Materials and Blanks are inserted into the sample stream at a rate of one blank and one certified standard for every twenty samples.

Samples are shipped in sealed containers to TSL Laboratories in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for analyses. All samples are analyzed for gold using a 30 gram lead collection fire assay fusion with an atomic adsorption finish. In addition, certain selected samples are assayed using a 36 element multi-acid ICP-ES analysis method. Samples corresponding with any observed visible gold during logging are flagged for Metallic Screen analysis, as are any samples assaying greater than 5.0 g/t Au. All Quality Control results, including the laboratory's own control samples, are evaluated before public release.

Wes Hanson P.Geo., Director of Satori, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the contents of this press release.

ABOUT SATORI RESOURCES INC. (TSXV: BUD)

Satori is a Toronto-based mineral exploration and development company whose primary property is the past producing Tartan Lake Gold Mine Project, located in the prolific Flin Flon Greenstone Belt, Manitoba. Satori also holds a 100% interest in the New Delhi Project, an advanced polymetallic gold project in the Sudbury Mining District, Ontario.

The Tartan Lake Project (2,670 Ha.) is located approximately 12 kilometres northeast of Flin Flon, Manitoba, and includes the Tartan Lake Mine (1986-1989); which produced 36,000 ounces of gold from 250,000 tonnes of ore feed. Remaining infrastructure includes: all season access road, grid connected power supply, mill, mechanical, warehouse and office buildings, tailing impoundment and a 2,100 metre decline and developed underground mining galleries to a depth of 300 metres from surface. Gold mineralization is associated with anastomosing quartz-carbonate veins hosted in east-west striking, steeply dipping shear zones up to 30 metres in width. The veins vary from several centimetres to several metres in width and gold grades vary from 1.0 to +100 g/t. Mineralization at the mine is currently drill limited and open at depth.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Jennifer Boyle, B.A., LL.B.

President and Chief Executive Officer

Satori Resources Inc.

(416) 904-2714

jennifer@capexgroupinc.com

Mr. Pete Shippen

Chair, Satori Resources Inc.

(416) 930-7711

pjs@extramedium.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.

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release of Satori contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Satori's 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98862
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - Adnimation Ltd. ("Adnimation"), an innovative Israeli SaaS-based monetization service and technology company, specializing in helping online publishers and news websites sell the advertising space on their digital assets to maximize ad revenue using its advanced technology and experts coupled with access to major ad demand partners, is pleased to announce that it has signed the largest publisher agreement in Adnimation's history. This agreement, which was signed with a leading North American publisher operating numerous web sites globally, provides Monetization Services for the publisher's advertising inventory.

Adnimation provides its publishers with a triple layered service, including:

Managing the ad inventory stack to cover all ad-tech needs and increase the overall ad revenue from top advertisers. Providing, with tools, the creation of new ad inventory to provide users contextually relevant video content accompanied by video advertising. Management of direct advertising sales throughout the digital channels, leveraging Adnimation's existing partnerships.

Adnimation expects the agreement to generate monthly sales of over C$900,000 reaching an annual revenue of over C$11,000,000 in 2022.

Tomer Treves, Co-Founder and CBO and Board member commented, "I am extremely pleased to announce this C$11M Publisher Agreement, the largest in the company's history. The agreement will support our growth in 2022 and is evidence of the traction that our SaaS-based technology is gaining momentum among North American publishers."

For More Information please contact:

Adnimation Ltd.

Tomer Treves, Co-Founder and CBO

Telephone: +972 54 3313355

Email: tomer@adnimation.com

About Adnimation:

Adnimation is an innovative Israeli Software as a Service ("SaaS") based monetization platform and technology company, specializing in helping online publishers and news websites to sell the advertising space on their digital assets to maximize ad revenue.

Adnimation provides an online advertising and marketing SaaS- based platform to deliver three layers of service:

Managing the ad inventory stack for premium online publishers to cover all their ad-tech needs;

Providing online publishers with tools to create new ad inventory; and

Managing direct advertising sales throughout the digital channels, leveraging existing relationships with major ad demand partners.

Serving approximately 5 billion ad impressions and over 38 billion ad requests on a monthly basis, Adnimation has been profitable since inception with sales growing from C$0.5M in 2015 to C$28.0M in 2020.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities to be issued in connection with the Transaction have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or listing application to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

Certain information in this news release constitutes "forward-looking information" under applicable securities laws. "Forward-looking information" is defined as disclosure regarding possible events, conditions or financial performance that is based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action and includes future-oriented financial information with respect to prospective financial performance, financial position or cash flows that is presented as a forecast or a projection. Forward-looking statements are often but not always, identified by the use of such terms as "may", "might", "will", "will likely result", "would", "should", "estimate", "plan", "project", "forecast", "intend", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "seek", "continue", "target" or the negative and/or inverse of such terms or other similar expressions.

These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including: the completion of the transactions contemplated in the agreement; the ability of Adnimation to continue as a going concerns;; the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic; changes in economic conditions; competition; risks and uncertainties applicable to the business of Adnimation; and other risks, uncertainties and factors. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and Adnimation disclaims any obligations to update these statements, except as may be required by law.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect our expectations as of the date hereof, and thus are subject to change thereafter. Adnimation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. This news release has been approved by the board of directors of Adnimation.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES



To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98863
Optiver, a leading global market maker, announces the opening of its Austin, Texas office, which will serve as the firm's global tech hub. The Austin opening marks the latest development in Optiver's continued expansion. It joins the market maker's eight other locations spanning the US, Asia Pacific and European regions, home to 1,300+ employees and counting.

"Optiver has been active in the US markets since 1998, and in that time we have solidified ourselves as a trusted partner to exchanges across the country, making the markets healthier and more transparent for all participants," said Optiver US CEO, Rutger Brinkhuis. "Today, the US is projected to become one of our largest growth markets, due to our focus on technical innovation, higher trade volumes, new asset classes and increased activity in single-stock equity options. With Austin now joining our long-established Chicago location, Optiver is well positioned to accelerate our ambitious US growth plans over the coming years."

Based in 'The Domain' neighborhood of Austin, the city will become Optiver's innovation nucleus, with a strong focus on quantitative research, software and hardware engineering initiatives. With technological innovation an integral part of Optiver's core business, heavy investment is being made into machine learning, research infrastructure and big data computing. Given these concentrations, Austin will also welcome one of the firm's Delta One Futures Trading Teams. The office will be headed by local Managing Partner, Scott Richardson, and the firm's Group Head of Engineering, Pierre Salverda.

"In recent years, Austin has emerged as one of the leading global tech hubs," said Managing Partner, Scott Richardson. "Establishing a local presence provides enormous opportunity for us to reach the top industry talent, whose skills are vital for a technology-driven firm like ours. With both the next generation and veteran technologists joining our Austin office, we are confident in Optiver's ability to continue driving innovation in financial markets."

For more information on Optiver's Austin office and current opportunities, please visit: optiver.com

ABOUT OPTIVER

Optiver is a global market maker with offices in Amsterdam, Chicago, Sydney, London and Shanghai. Over thirty years ago, we started business as a single trader on the floor of Amsterdam's European Options Exchange. Today, we are a leading liquidity provider, with more than 1000 employees in offices around the world, united in our commitment to improve the market by competitive pricing, execution and thorough risk management. By providing liquidity on multiple exchanges across the world in various financial instruments we participate in the safeguarding of healthy and efficient markets. We provide liquidity to financial markets using our own capital, at our own risk, trading a wide range of products: listed derivatives, cash equities, ETFs, bonds and foreign currencies.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005502/en/

Contacts:

Aubrey Almanza

Communications Manager

+31 (0) 6 25 75 56 24

aubreyalmanza@optiver.com
Acquisition builds upon long-standing relationship between Calian and SimFront

OTTAWA, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / Calian Group Ltd. (TSX:CGY), provider of trusted solutions across Advanced Technologies, Health, Learning and IT and Cyber Solutions segments, announces the acquisition of Canadian-based SimFront, effective immediately.

Calian and SimFront have a 15-year collaborative relationship within the Department of National Defence.

During this 15-year period, the SimFront Virtual Command and Control Interface (VCCI) Tool Suite has served as the cornerstone for Simulation-to-Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) integration/interoperability and After-Action Review (AAR). The VCCI Tool Suite combined with Calian MaestroEDE will now enable Calian to provide end-to-end military training and simulation capabilities and pursue new opportunities with customers seeking integration and immersive training support. SimFront integration and augmented/virtual/mixed reality solutions elevate Calian capabilities in this area.

SimFront customers include Land Forces and Navy in the Canadian Department of National Defence, the UK Ministry of Defence and the Asia Pacific Region. Their simulation-to-C4ISR integration expertise and solutions help strengthen decision-making, performance and readiness of tactical commanders and staff in operational environments.

In addition to strong defence experience, SimFront is also a leader in immersive training simulations for the healthcare and oil & gas industries and has been developing simulation software since 2013. These simulations help improve employee safety and performance against identified tasks.

"We look forward to building upon the long-standing relationship we have with Calian. SimFront is committed to delivering quality solutions to our existing, joint customers and supporting the Calian expansion into the European market," said Chad Watson, Director, SimFront.

"Having successfully collaborated with SimFront for 15 years, I am confident that this is a solid culture fit. Our customers need an end-to-end offering in the training and simulation space, and with SimFront we will continue to over-deliver on customer expectations. This acquisition aligns strongly with all four pillars of our growth strategy - continuous improvement, customer retention, customer diversification and innovation," said Kevin Ford, Calian CEO.

The definitive agreement is valued at up to CDN$15 million. The amount paid on closing is CDN$9 million and contains earnouts of up to CDN$6 million based on the achievement of a certain level of EBITDA performance over the next 24 months.

The acquisition of SimFront is effective October 7, 2021.

About Calian Learning

Calian Learning provides comprehensive, specialized learning services to public and private sector organizations, including the Canadian Armed Forces. With a focus on reduced time to competency, the Calian learning experts help customers achieve learning outcomes in high fidelity, complex environments. Calian Learning offers full-service training programs and services ranging from needs analysis and design, delivery of on-line, in-person and simulation scenarios, and evaluation and post-event analysis.

About Calian

www.calian.com

Calian employs over 4,500 people in its delivery of diverse products and solutions for private sector, government and defence customers in North American and global markets. The Company's diverse capabilities are delivered through: Advanced Technologies, Health, Learning, and IT and Cyber Solutions. Advanced Technologies provides innovative products, technologies and manufacturing services and solutions for the space, communications, defence, nuclear, government and agriculture sectors. Health manages a network of more than 2,400 healthcare professionals delivering primary care and occupational health services to public and private sector clients across Canada. Learning is a trusted provider of emergency management, consulting and specialized training services and solutions for the Canadian Armed Forces and clients in the defence, health, energy and other sectors. IT and Cyber Solutions supports public and private sector customer requirements for subject matter expertise in the delivery of complex IT and cyber security solutions. Headquartered in Ottawa, the Company's offices and projects span Canada and international markets.

About SimFront

https://www.simfront.com/

Headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, SimFront simulation-to-C4ISR integration expertise and solutions help advance training, simulation technologies and integrating platforms focused on strengthening decision-making, performance and readiness of tactical commanders and staffs in new operating environments. In 2013, the SimFront team incorporated SimWave as a separate corporate entity, focused on creating immersive experiences within private industry and defence. SimWave was legally amalgamated with SimFront but continues to operate under its trade name of "SimWave". SimWave is a well known and respected brand within industry and has worked on numerous immersive digital applications for a variety of professional sectors across North America and Europe. With over 15 years of experience in training and simulation, supported by a growing team of 50 people comprised of software engineers, specialists in C4ISR, and 3D artists, the teams are dedicated to integrating simulation systems and command and control systems while optimizing the convergence of Live-Virtual-Constructive (LVC) in support of existing and developing Synthetic Training Environment (STE).

Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Media inquiries:

info@calian.com

613-599-8600 x 2298

Investor Relations inquiries:

ir@calian.com

DISCLAIMER

Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Such statements are generally accompanied by words such as "intend", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar statements. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of price competition; scarce number of qualified professionals; the impact of rapid technological and market change; loss of business or credit risk with major customers; technical risks on fixed price projects; general industry and market conditions and growth rates; international growth and global economic conditions, and including currency exchange rate fluctuations; and the impact of consolidations in the business services industry. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, please see the Company's most recent annual report and other reports filed by Calian with the Ontario Securities Commission. Calian disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No assurance can be given that actual results, performance or achievement expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking statements within this disclosure will occur, or if they do, that any benefits may be derived from them.

Calian  Head Office  770 Palladium Drive  Ottawa  Ontario  Canada  K2V 1C8

Tel: 613.599.8600  Fax: 613-592-3664  General info email: info@calian.com

SOURCE: Calian Group Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667187/Calian-Now-Offers-End-to-End-Military-Training-and-Simulation-Solutions-with-Acquisition-of-SimFront-Simulation-Systems-Corporation
Pickering, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - Ayurcann Holdings Corp. (CSE: AYUR) (FSE: 3ZQ0) (the "Corporation" or "Ayurcann"), a Canadian cannabis extraction company specializing in the processing of cannabis and hemp for the production of oils and various derivative products, is pleased to announce that it has closed a non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") of 7,710,354 units (each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.18 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,387,863.72.

Each Unit consists of one (1) common share in the capital of the Corporation (each, a "Common Share") and one (1) Common Share purchase warrant (each, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one (1) Common Share at an exercise price of $0.22 for a period of the earlier of: (a) thirty six (36) months from the date of the closing of the Private Placement (the "Closing"); or (b) if, at any time after the Closing, the closing price of the Common Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the "CSE") is at least $0.70 for a minimum of ten (10) consecutive trading days, the Corporation may, upon providing written notice to the holders of the Warrants, accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants to the date that is at least thirty (30) days following the date of such written notice (the "Acceleration Provision").

In connection with the Private Placement, eligible finders received $17,747.28 in cash and 98,594 broker warrants (each, a "Broker Warrant"). Each Broker Warrant entitles the holder thereof to purchase one (1) Common Share at an exercise price of $0.22 for a period of thirty-six (36) months from the Closing, subject to the Acceleration Provision.

The Corporation intends to use the net proceeds of the Private Placement for general working capital for business, corporate, research and development. All securities issued in connection with the Private Placement will be subject to a four (1) month and one (1) day hold period under applicable securities laws.

RSU Grant

The Corporation is pleased to announce the granting of an aggregate of 1,253,125 restricted share units (each, an "RSU") to certain directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Corporation, pursuant to the Corporation's RSU plan. All RSUs granted vest immediately and the Common Shares issuable upon redemption will be subject to a four (1) month and one (1) day hold period under applicable securities laws.

Trading Services Agreement

The Corporation is also pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-exclusive issuer trading services agreement (the "Trading Agreement") with Generation IACP Inc. ("GIACP") for the purpose of providing trading services and contributing to the market liquidity of the Common Shares currently listed on the CSE (the "Services"). GIACP has agreed to comply with all applicable securities laws and policies of the CSE in providing the Services.

Under the Trading Agreement, GIACP will provide the Services for an initial term of six (6) months (the "Initial Term") at a monthly fee of CAD$7,500, plus applicable taxes. The Initial Term shall be automatically renewed for subsequent six (6) month periods unless terminated in accordance with the Trading Agreement.

Ayurcann and GIACP act at arm's length from one another, and to the best knowledge of the Corporation, GIACP has no present interest, directly or indirectly, in the securities of Ayurcann.

Correction to Earlier Disclosure

The Corporation wishes to correct certain disclosure in its news release issued on September 14, 2021, with regards to the engagement of three marketing firms which stated that none of the firms engaged had a direct or indirect interest in the securities of Ayurcann, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest. Discrete Media Inc. o/a 'Unlimited', one of the firms engaged, held a Common Shares, which represented 0.53% of the Corporation's issued and outstanding shares as of the date the press release was issued.

About Ayurcann Holdings Corp.:

Ayurcann is a leading post-harvest solution provider with a focus on providing and creating custom processes and pharma grade products for the adult use and medical cannabis industry in Canada. Ayurcann is focused on becoming the partner of choice for leading Canadian cannabis brands by providing best-in-class, proprietary services including ethanol extraction, formulation, product development and custom manufacturing.

For further information, please contact:

Igal Sudman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Tel: 905-492-3322

Email: info@ayurcann.com

Investor Relations:

Ryan Bilodeau Tel: 416-910-440

Email: ir@ayurcann.com

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider have reviewed or accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking statements. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained herein include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Corporation's intention with respect to the use of proceeds from the Private Placement; the provision by GAICP of the Services; and the ability of the Corporation to become the partner of choice for leading Canadian cannabis brands.

Forward-looking information in this news release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events, namely: the Corporation will expand and be able to maintain production capacity; the Corporation's ability to continue as a going concern; continued approval of the Corporation's activities by the relevant governmental and/or regulatory authorities; the continued growth of the Corporation; the Corporation will spend its use of proceeds as outlined; and the Corporation will utilize the Services.

These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements, including but not limited to: the Corporation's inability to expand and/or maintain production capacity; the potential inability of the Corporation to continue as a going concern; the risks associated with the cannabis industry in general; increased competition in the cannabis extraction market; the potential future unviability of the cannabis market; risks associated with potential governmental and/or regulatory action with respect to the cannabis industry; risk that the Corporation will not spend its use of proceeds as outlined; risk that GIACP will not provide the Services and/or that the Services will not generate a positive response; and the inability of the Corporation to become the partner of choice for leading Canadian cannabis brands.

Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated.

Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement and reflect the Corporation's expectations as of the date hereof and are subject to change thereafter. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise or to explain any material difference between subsequent actual events and such forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable state securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98883
WEST MELBOURNE, FL / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / BK Technologies Corporation (NYSE American:BKTI) today announced that the U.S. Army has chosen the Company's BKR 5000 portable communications technology for purchase and deployment at Camp Arifjan Army Base in Arifjan, Kuwait.

Situated to the south of Kuwait City, within the sovereign State of Kuwait, Camp Arifjan is vital to U.S. military operations in the Southwest Asian Theater. The camp is primarily an Army post, but Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Marine personnel and international troops also call it home. It is a forward-deployment camp: This means that soldiers going to or returning from Iraq all pass through Camp Arifjan. The camp provides ground support for helicopters and armored vehicles. Additionally, the camp is currently assisting with refugees from Afghanistan.

Tim Vitou, President of BK Technologies commented, "It's gratifying to have our BKR 5000 portable communications technology selected to play a role in support of the U.S. Army's mission in Kuwait and their field operations, both military and on behalf of civilians in the area. The Army is a longstanding customer and we're pleased to have this opportunity to provide the BKR 5000, which enables the highest level of dependable communications technology and ruggedized hardware, ideal for use in the extreme desert terrain and weather conditions that characterize Camp Arifjan. Our continued work with the U.S. Army demonstrates the high quality and reliability of our technology and equipment and the added value of our equipment's 'American Made' pedigree."

The BKR 5000 comes in three tiers allowing maximum flexibility and customization for the user's mission-critical needs and has been designed to meet the requirements of today's tough Public Safety communications environment. The BKR 5000 was designed and developed by the BK Technologies engineering team with extensive input from customers to incorporate the features and options needed by first responders.

A full line of accessories is available including intelligent battery and charging solutions, IP68 remote speaker microphones, and the popular BK wildland fire alkaline battery "clamshell." The new BKR 5000 is expected to be a platform that enhances BK's ability to address significant new vertical markets leading to expanded growth and market share.

About BK Technologies

BK Technologies Corporation is an American holding company deeply rooted in the public safety communications industry, with its operating subsidiary manufacturing high-specification, American-made communications equipment of unsurpassed reliability and value for use by public safety professionals and government agencies. BK Technologies is honored to serve our public safety heroes with reliable equipment when every moment counts. The Company's common stock trades on the NYSE American market under the symbol "BKTI." Maintaining its headquarters in West Melbourne, Florida, BK Technologies can be contacted through its website at www.bktechnologies.com or directly at 1-800-821-2900.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements concern the Company's operations, economic performance, and financial condition and are based largely on the Company's beliefs and expectations. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks, some of which have been, and may further be, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, include, among others, the following: changes or advances in technology; the success of our land mobile radio product line; successful introduction of new products and technologies, including our ability to successfully develop and sell our anticipated new multiband product and other related products in the planned new BKR Series product line; competition in the land mobile radio industry; general economic and business conditions, including federal, state and local government budget deficits and spending limitations, any impact from a prolonged shutdown of the U.S. Government, and the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; the availability, terms and deployment of capital; reliance on contract manufacturers and suppliers; risks associated with fixed-price contracts; heavy reliance on sales to agencies of the U.S. Government and our ability to comply with the requirements of contracts, laws and regulations related to such sales; allocations by government agencies among multiple approved suppliers under existing agreements; our ability to comply with U.S. tax laws and utilize deferred tax assets; our ability to attract and retain executive officers, skilled workers and key personnel; our ability to manage our growth; our ability to identify potential candidates for, and consummate, acquisition, disposition or investment transactions, and risks incumbent to being a noncontrolling interest stockholder in a corporation; impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the companies in which the Company holds investments; impact of our capital allocation strategy; risks related to maintaining our brand and reputation; impact of government regulation; rising health care costs; our business with manufacturers located in other countries, including changes in the U.S. Government and foreign governments' trade and tariff policies, as well as any further impact resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic; our inventory and debt levels; protection of our intellectual property rights; fluctuation in our operating results and stock price; acts of war or terrorism, natural disasters and other catastrophic events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic; any infringement claims; data security breaches, cyber-attacks and other factors impacting our technology systems; availability of adequate insurance coverage; maintenance of our NYSE American listing; risks related to being a holding company; and the effect on our stock price and ability to raise equity capital of future sales of shares of our common stock. Certain of these factors and risks, as well as other risks and uncertainties, are stated in more detail in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, and in the Company's subsequent filings with the SEC. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: BK Technologies Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667090/BK-Technologies-BKR-5000-Selected-by-US-Army-for-Use-at-Camp-Arifjan-in-Kuwait
Management of American Resources and Perry County Resources are sponsoring local families with Thanksgiving dinners through partnerships with a local small business to help support them through the holidays

FISHERS, IN / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / American Resources Corporation (NASDQ:AREC) ("American Resources" or the "Company"), a next generation and socially responsible supplier of raw materials to the new infrastructure and electrification marketplace, today announced that its management team will sponsor 20 local families, near its Perry County Resources (PCR) complex in Hazard, Kentucky, with Thanksgiving dinners to enjoy with their family during the holiday season.

Mark Jensen, commented, "We love the holiday season but also understand it can be a stressful time for families that need a bit of a helping hand. Our employees are hard-working individuals that are proud to put food on the table for their families. We have a strong belief in community stewardship and want to give our employees this opportunity to take it a step further and support others in their community that they know could use a little bit of extra help during this coming Thanksgiving. Our solutions-based platform is based on creating a better, more efficient and sustainable way of producing natural resources while adapting and innovating to meet the needs of the evolving, modern infrastructure markets. We are proud of our investments we have made in our operations and rare earth element innovations to bring well-paying, sustainable jobs as well as new economic opportunities to the region. The town of Hazard has a bright future and it's an honor to involve our local workforce to give back and pay it forward into the local community and region. Furthermore, we couldn't be happier to support local businesses such as Big Blue Smokehouse, a top local BBQ restaurant to provide the meals for our recipients!"

The 20 families will be nominated by members of the 127 individuals that are currently employed at American Resources' Perry County complex. The nominations will take place over the next 30 days leading up to the holiday season and will allow the Company's workforce to nominate families that they believe need a little bit of extra joy. Recipients will be provided a full Thanksgiving meal from Big Blue Smokehouse that they will be able to pick up at their convenience.

To date, American Resources has created over 125 jobs at its Perry County Resources complex since reopening, following its restructuring efforts to make it the premier low-cost steel making carbon mine, and due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. As the Company continues to scale its operation at PCR, it expects to grow its employee count to approximately 170 in total. Additionally, as the Company sets to restart its McCoy Elkhorn complex in Pike County, Kentucky, to meet the growing demand in the steel and infrastructure markets, it expects to add an additional 140 initial jobs to the region and replicate its employee-driven, Holiday Dinner Support Program.

About American Resources Corporation

American Resources Corporation is a next-generation, environmentally and socially responsible supplier of high-quality raw materials to the new infrastructure market. The Company is focused on the extraction and processing of metallurgical carbon, an essential ingredient used in steelmaking, critical and rare earth minerals for the electrification market, and reprocessed metal to be recycled. American Resources has a growing portfolio of operations located in the Central Appalachian basin of eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia where premium quality metallurgical carbon and rare earth mineral deposits are concentrated.

American Resources has established a nimble, low-cost business model centered on growth, which provides a significant opportunity to scale its portfolio of assets to meet the growing global infrastructure and electrification markets while also continuing to acquire operations and significantly reduce their legacy industry risks. Its streamlined and efficient operations are able to maximize margins while reducing costs. For more information visit americanresourcescorp.com or connect with the Company on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other important factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, or achievements or industry results to differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond American Resources Corporation's control. The words "believes", "may", "will", "should", "would", "could", "continue", "seeks", "anticipates", "plans", "expects", "intends", "estimates", or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. Any forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date of this release. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or supplement any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. The Company cannot assure you that the projected results or events will be achieved.

PR Contact

Precision Public Relations

Matt Sheldon

917-280-7329

matt@precisionpr.co

Investor Contact:

JTC Team, LLC

Jenene Thomas

833-475-8247

arec@jtcir.com

RedChip Companies Inc.

Todd McKnight

1-800-RED-CHIP (733-2447)

Info@redchip.com

Company Contact:

Mark LaVerghetta

Vice President of Corporate Finance and Communications

317-855-9926 ext. 0

investor@americanresourcescorp.com

SOURCE: American Resources Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667140/American-Resources-Corporations-Perry-County-Resources-Announces-Its-Thanksgiving-Dinner-Community-Support-Program
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / Lucky Minerals Inc. (TSXV:LKY)(OTC PINK:LKMNF)(FRA:LKY) ("Lucky" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has received sample assay results from its ongoing work at the Wayka epithermal gold discovery at its 100% owned Fortuna Property ("Fortuna") in southern Ecuador. Work in the field is advancing on several fronts with work advancing on trench 14.

The current release reflects the results from trenches T-2, T-3, T-4, T-7, T-8, and T-9. All of these trenches are from the southern area of the Wayka prospect where trench T-1 results were previously announced (see July 12, 2021 News Release).

Wayka Trench Location Map

Trench T-1 to T-9 Location Map

Trenching Highlights

Trench T-2 confirms lateral extent of the breccia sampled along 27 meters averaging 1.91 g/t gold

Trench 2 was dug along the strike direction (275 degrees) of a breccia lens in order to confirm the orientation and continuity along the breccia and while sampling was systematic, more representative sampling of the system was sought out with trenches 3 and 4 as those are interpreted to crosscut the breccia structure.

Trench T-3 averages 0.32 g/t gold over 17m including 0.56 g/t gold over 9 meters

Trench T-3 intersected the east west breccia exposed in T-2 on a north south direction and confirmed a continuously mineralized interval of 0.32 g/t gold over 17 meters.

Trench T-4 averages 0.79 g/t gold over 7 meters

Trench T-4 is parallel to trench T-3 approximately 7 meters east of it.

Trench T-9 averages 0.59 g/t gold over 4 meters

Trench T-9 is located approximately 40 metres to the southwest of Trench T-2. This is the furthest point south that has been prospected and extends the system to the south and remains open.

Francois Perron President and CEO states "Work at the Southern portion of Wayka continues to expand the known occurrences of mineralization that exceeds 0.3 g/t gold. The potential for the scale of the system continues to expand as we find other areas that are mineralized that are further from the known feeders. In particular the newly exposed T-9 extends the project another 70 meters to the south and the system remains open in that direction. Our understanding of the mineralization is still in the early stages and will continue to improve over the coming weeks as more work is completed from surface. In addition to the current trenching, we have mobilized crews to complete a detailed soil sampling program which will be combined with geophysics to refine our targeting and drilling which is expected in the coming months."

Fortuna - Next Steps

Wayka

Exploration teams are focused on trenching soil sampling and geophysical survey This work will be followed by a detailed compilation of all geologic data which will subsequently lead to scout drilling in the coming months.

Trenching Results

Trench T-2

Trench T-3

Trench T-4

Trench T-7 (2 meters)

No significant assays

Trench T-8 (2 meters)

No significant assays

Trench T-9

QA/QC Protocols

All exploration work is completed following QA/QC protocols and include the insertion of a coarse blank, a standard and duplicate sample on every batch of 25 samples.

Samples are being submitted approximately every two weeks to ALS Chemex Labs in Quito for preparation work, and the analytical work is completed at their lab facility in Lima, Peru. ALS Chemex is an ISO certified and accredited laboratory. Results will be released as they are received.

Renmark Financial Communications Inc.

In addition to the exploration update above, the Company is pleased to announce that it has entered into a retail investor relations agreement (the "Agreement") with Renmark Financial Communications Inc. ("Renmark"), with respect to Renmark providing investor relations services to the Company. As part of the Agreement, Renmark will provide investor relations correspondence and telecommunications, and corporate development services to the Company. As consideration for the investor relations services to be provided by Renmark, the Company has agreed to pay to Renmark a fee of up to CAD$8,000 per month, plus reimbursement of all reasonable expenses.

The Agreement is for a 6-month period starting October 1, 2021 and ending March 31, 2022, and shall continue monthly thereafter, unless otherwise terminated pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, or extended by mutual agreement of the Company and Renmark.



Renmark is a full-service investor relations firm representing small, medium and large cap public companies. Mr. Henri Perron, an officer of Renmark, who will be providing the services to the Company is the brother of Mr. Francois Perron, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

Renmark does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in Lucky Minerals Inc. or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest.

The Agreement is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.

About Lucky

Lucky is an exploration and development company targeting large-scale mineral systems in proven districts with the potential to host world class deposits. Lucky owns a 100% interest in the Fortuna Property.

The Company's Fortuna Project is comprised of twelve contiguous, 550 km2 (55,000 Hectares, or 136,000 Acres) exploration concessions. Fortuna is located in a highly prospective, yet underexplored, gold belt in southern Ecuador.

Covid-19 Safety Protocols

Lucky has strict rules in place for all workers arriving to and from field sites. All personnel are tested upon arriving and leaving and are tested every two weeks. All personnel are housed in separate and private accommodations and are isolated from the community.

Qualified Person

Victor Jaramillo, M.Sc.A., P.Geo., Lucky's Exploration Manager and a qualified person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, is responsible for supervising the exploration program at the Fortuna Project for Lucky Minerals and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Francois Perron"

President and Chief Executive Officer

Further information on Lucky can be found on the Company's website at www.luckyminerals.com and at www.sedar.com, or by contacting Francois Perron, President and CEO, by email at investors@luckyminerals.com or by telephone at (866) 924 6484.

Or by contacting:

Renmark Financial Communications Inc.

Daniel Gordon: dgordon@renmarkfinancial.com

Tel: (416) 644-2020 or (212) 812-7680

www.renmarkfinancial.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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Adjacent Properties and Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to the future operations of the Company and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will", "may", "should", "anticipate", "expects" and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding the 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. Such factors include, but are not limited to: uncertainties related to exploration and development; the ability to raise sufficient capital to fund exploration and development; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; increases in input costs; litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological or operational difficulties or inability to obtain permits encountered in connection with exploration activities; and labor relations matters. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations also include risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators.

The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will not update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements unless required by Canadian securities law.

SOURCE: Lucky Minerals Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667129/Lucky-Minerals-Expands-Mineralization-at-Surface-Near-Trench-T-1-and-Engages-Renmark-Financial-Communications-Inc
Research using Canadian technology by Cloud DX provides evidence healthcare decision-makers need; RPM improves patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.

News in Summary

A recent study called Post Discharge After Surgery Virtual Care with Remote Automated Monitoring Technology-1 (PVC -RAM 1) proves remote patient monitoring (RPM) improves patient outcomes.

Results show that virtual care patients saw a 24% reduction in drug errors, up to 14% fewer patients reported pain, and there were 5% fewer re-admissions or emergency room visits.

The study comes as Healthcare Units around the world struggle to address COVID-19 related issues. These results spurred adoption of this post-surgical model of care, using Cloud DX's Connected Health platform, which is already being broadly adopted in Canada and the United States.

WATERLOO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / Cloud DX (TSXV:CDX)(OTCQB:CDXFF), A national medical study using Cloud DX's Connected Health platform, led by P.J. Devereaux and Michael McGillion of the Population Health Research Institute proves remote patient monitoring (RPM) improves patient outcomes. Results show post-surgical RPM provides greater detection and correction of drug errors, reduces patient pain, and could reduce hospital re-admissions and emergency room visits.

"Healthcare can be better. With the recent rapid industry innovation, we are now conclusively seeing improvements in patient results from RPM," says Robert Kaul, CEO and co-founder of Cloud DX. "Anecdotally, we know remote patient care is great and offers more convenience. However, for physicians, administrators and payers there has been a lack of strong evidence proving ROI when deciding what innovations to adopt and implement. Until now."

The study, called "Post discharge after surgery Virtual Care with Remote Automated Monitoring technology-1" (PVC-RAM 1), included over 900 patients at nine hospitals. Scientists sought to evaluate if RPM, when used for 30 days post-surgery, improved patient outcomes compared to standard care (where the onus is on the patient to seek healthcare support). Patients using Cloud DX's Connected Health Kit had their vital signs monitored at home: heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, respiration rate, body temperature, and weight. Patients could also send nurses photos of surgical wounds and virtually access a nurse or doctor 24 hours a day.

Results revealed that virtual care prevented and resolved 24% more medication errors during patient care transitions than the standard care cohort. Patients under virtual care also reported 10-14% less pain. With 5% fewer patients returning to hospital compared to standard care, the study indicated a possibility of reducing re-admissions and emergency visits.

"Remote patient monitoring is convenient, efficient, and effective. There is enormous potential for the broader society," says Devereaux, a senior scientist at Population Health Research Institute (PHRI), a joint institute of McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences (HHS). "Something positive that has resulted from COVID is that it has forced healthcare to move more rapidly with remote patient care and RPM. If we can monitor and manage patients virtually, there are upsides for population health as going to a busy clinic or hospital has inherent risk."

"It is about innovating for the future of healthcare. The field is evolving, we need the clinical studies to make the right kind of investments into RPM," says McGillion, a scientist at PHRI. "We need to discover what are the best models are to preserve patient health and safety, optimize healthcare delivery, and improve patient outcomes and healthcare-related costs."

The PVC-RAM-1 study served as the foundation for the new surgical transitions program at HHS and St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. It features a joint command centre to monitor patients remotely as they recover from surgery at home.

Join CEO Robert Kaul in October for an in-depth look at Cloud DX's future roadmap. The company's next monthly investor's update, 'Generating Revenue in RPM' will be held October 12, 2021, at 12:00 pm EDT. Registration is now live

Additional Information

The BMJ today published "Effect of post discharge after surgery virtual care with remote automated monitoring-1 technology versus standard care."

More about the study, PVC-RAM-1

About Cloud DX

Accelerating virtual healthcare's future, Cloud DX is making healthcare better for everyone. The company's Connected Health remote patient monitoring platform is used by healthcare enterprises and care teams across North America to virtually manage chronic disease, enable ageing in place, and deliver hospital-quality post-surgical care. Providers partnering with Cloud DX achieve better healthcare and patient outcomes, reduce the need for hospitalization/re-hospitalization, and reduce healthcare delivery costs through more efficient use of resources. Cloud DX is the co-winner of the Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE, a 2021 Edison Award winner, a Fast Company "World Changing Idea" finalist, and one of "Canada's Ten Most Prominent Telehealth Providers."

Cloud DX Investor Site https://ir.clouddx.com/overview/default.aspx

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.

Social Links

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For media inquiries please contact:

Janine Scott

Marketing Lead

888-543-0944

janine.scott@clouddcx.com

For investor inquiries please contact:

Jay Bedard

Cloud DX Investor Relations

647-881-8418

jay.bedard@CloudDX.com

SOURCE: Cloud DX Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667172/Canadian-Study-Using-Cloud-DX-Technology-Proves-Remote-Patient-Monitoring-Improves-Patient-Outcomes
Gross discovered recoverable resource estimate for Stabroek Block increased to approximately 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent

Cataback is the 21 st significant discovery on the block

Recent discoveries further enhance the development potential of the Stabroek Block

Hess Corporation (NYSE: HES) today announced an increase in the gross discovered recoverable resource estimate for the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana to approximately 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent, up from the previous estimate of more than 9 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

The updated resource estimate includes another significant discovery on the Stabroek Block at the Cataback well. The well encountered 243 feet (74 meters) of net pay in high quality hydrocarbon bearing sandstone reservoirs of which 102 feet (31 meters) is oil bearing. Cataback is located approximately 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) east of Turbot-1 and was drilled in 5,928 feet (1,807 meters) of water by the Noble Tom Madden.

CEO John Hess said: "We are pleased that Cataback is our 21st significant discovery on the Stabroek Block and further underpins the potential for future developments. We continue to see multibillion barrels of additional exploration potential remaining on the block."

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometers). ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is operator and holds 45 percent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest.

Hess Corporation is a leading global independent energy company engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. More information on Hess Corporation is available at www.hess.com.

Cautionary Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Words such as "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "guidance," "could," "may," "should," "would," "believe," "intend," "project," "plan," "predict," "will," "target" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which are not historical in nature. Our forward-looking statements may include, without limitation, the expected number, timing and completion of our development projects and estimates of capital and operating costs for these projects; estimates of our crude oil and natural gas resources and levels of production; and our future financial and operational results. Forward-looking statements are based on our current understanding, assessments, estimates and projections of relevant factors and reasonable assumptions about the future. Forward-looking statements are subject to certain known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from our historical experience and our current projections or expectations of future results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. The following important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements: fluctuations in market prices or demand for crude oil, NGLs and natural gas, including due to the global COVID-19 pandemic or the outbreak of any other public health threat, or due to the impact of competing or alternative energy products and political conditions and events; potential failures or delays in increasing oil and gas reserves and in achieving expected production levels, including as a result of unsuccessful exploration activity, drilling risks and unforeseen reservoir conditions; inherent uncertainties in estimating quantities of proved reserves and resources; changes in laws, regulations and governmental actions applicable to our business, including legislative and regulatory initiatives regarding environmental concerns, such as measures to limit greenhouse gas emissions and flaring; the ability of our contractual counterparties to satisfy their obligations to us, including the operation of joint ventures which we may not control; unexpected changes in technical requirements for constructing, modifying or operating exploration and production facilities and/or the inability to timely obtain or maintain necessary permits; potential disruption or interruption of our operations due to catastrophic events, including the global COVID-19 pandemic; and other factors described in Item 1A-Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and any additional risks described in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As and when made, we believe that our forward-looking statements are reasonable. However, given these risks and uncertainties, caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements since such statements speak only as of the date when made and there can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will occur and actual results may differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement we make. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.

We use certain terms in this release relating to resources other than proved reserves, such as unproved reserves or resources. Investors are urged to consider closely the oil and gas disclosures in Hess Corporation's Form 10-K, File No. 1-1204, available from Hess Corporation, 1185 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036 c/o Corporate Secretary and on our website at www.hess.com. You can also obtain this form from the SEC on the EDGAR system.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005615/en/

Contacts:

Investor Contact:

Jay Wilson

(212) 536-8940

jrwilson@hess.com

Media Contact:

Lorrie Hecker

(212) 536-8250

lhecker@hess.com
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - United said it plans to offer more than 3,500 daily domestic flights in December - the most since the start of the pandemic and 91% of its December 2019 domestic schedule - to support expected surge in holiday travel demand. The December schedule includes new connections between the Midwest and warm weather cities like Las Vegas and Orlando as well as nearly 70 daily flights to ski destinations, including new service between Orange County and Aspen. The airline expects the busiest travel days for the Thanksgiving holiday will be Wednesday, November 24 and Sunday, November 28, while popular days for winter holiday travel are expected to be Thursday, December 23 and Sunday, January 2. In December, United will begin new direct flights to Las Vegas and Phoenix from Cleveland, and to Orlando from Indianapolis. The carrier also will resume eight popular direct flights from Midwest cities, including routes to Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Orlando and Tampa, offering the most departures the airline has flown from Cleveland since 2014 including direct service to Nassau and Cancun. United said it will offer up to 195 daily flights to 12 destinations in Florida this winter, the most flights to the Sunshine State in company history. United is also resuming direct flights from Columbus, Indianapolis, Milwaukee and Pittsburgh to Fort Myers - which were some of the airline's most popular point-to-point flights last winter. 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 largest UL facility of its kind in southern Europe will address testing and certification for consumer electronics, information technology equipment, telecommunications, medical, industrial, lighting and small and large appliances.

CARUGATE, Italy, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- UL, the global safety science leader, officially opened today an expanded electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and wireless laboratory in Carugate, Italy, 20 kilometers from Milan. The enhanced facility features an end-to-end service solution for EMC and wireless testing. It also enables UL to service a more diverse range of products for customers across multiple industries, including consumer electronics, information technology equipment, telecommunications, medical, industrial, lighting and small and large appliances.

This is one of the first facilities in the region to help EMC and wireless customers test to global regulatory standards. Testing services for destination market regulatory compliance, safety, EMC and radio frequency evaluations are also available. Thanks to multiple upgrades, the expansion also allows for an increase in testing speed and capabilities for wireless professional appliances and connected industrial devices as well as connected consumer, medical and in vitro diagnostic devices. Key facility upgrades offer manufacturers a set of enhancements, including:

A new Notified Body for European directives EMC and RED (Radio Equipment Directive), closely supporting customers through technical conformity assessments

Expanding the scope of International Electrotechnical Commission for Electrical Equipment Certification Body (CB) Scheme of UL's CB testing laboratory to include capabilities for measurements services covering medical devices according to IEC 60601 and in vitro diagnostic and laboratory equipment testing according to the IEC 61010 series

New 3m and 5m semi-anechoic chambers

and semi-anechoic chambers A new 45,000 volt-amps (45 kVA) power supply system to perform harmonic current and flicker tests in three-phase mode up to 63 amps

The opening event, which was held live and streamed online from the new facility and Milan's Museo della Scienza e della Tecnologica, the largest science and technology museum in Italy, was hosted by Silvia Bernardi, journalist, Il Sole 24 Ore and featured remarks from UL's Alberto Uggetti, senior vice president of Global and Strategic Accounts. Additionally, UL's science and engineering experts delivered insight on the Internet of Things (IoT) market in Italy, including status, trends, challenges and opportunities as well as how UL helps enable advances in the IoT space.

In addition, during a pre-opening event for Italian media, Morten Claudi Lassen, regional vice president for UL in Europe, Francesco Marenoni, UL's sales director of Consumer, Medical and Information Technology and Salvadori Giulio, director of the Internet of Things and Connected Car & Mobility Observatories at the Politecnico Milano School of Management delivered remarks on enabling business success in southern Europe and on the current and future state of connected devices.

"We are thrilled to open our expanded EMC and wireless laboratory and help fuel the innovation that is already in tremendous abundance throughout southern Europe," said Lassen. "UL's investment in the Carugate laboratory demonstrates our commitment to offering high-performance services to southern European manufacturers locally by providing testing and certifications from a single source and at one location. It also demonstrates our commitment to empowering manufacturers with shorter development cycles, a faster time-to-market and the ability to be more competitive in the global marketplace."

The UL EMC and wireless laboratory in Italy is part of UL's global network of EMC and wireless testing laboratories located in China, Germany, Korea, the U.K. and the U.S. Collectively, these facilities have the ability to help manufacturers meet product development timelines and budgets by helping reduce process inefficiencies and mitigating safety and performance risks throughout the entire product life cycle.

"Our strategy in growing our footprint here in Italy and throughout the world mirrors the global strategies that our customers in southern Europe have in place," said Lassen. "We know that navigating the regulatory landscape of global markets is a complex and challenging task. That's why we stand ready to address global market access needs for companies in the region, with our experts and facilities throughout the world - to help ensure a smooth destination market entry. Combining our expanded footprint with our significant global market access capabilities means we will empower customers with shorter development cycles, which equates to a faster time-to-market, the ability to be more competitive in the global marketplace and the opportunity to continue to grow and thrive."

Learn more information UL's EMC and wireless laboratory in Italy.

About UL

UL is the global safety science leader. We deliver testing, inspection and certification (TIC), training and advisory services, risk management solutions and essential business insights to help our customers, based in more than 100 countries, achieve their safety, security and sustainability goals. Our deep knowledge of products and intelligence across supply chains make us the partner of choice for customers with complex challenges. Discover more at UL.com.

For information about Standards development and other nonprofit activities, visit UL.org.

Press contacts:

Steven Brewster

UL

ULNews@UL.com

P: 1+847.664.8425

Mariateresa Faregna

BPRESS

mariateresaf@bpress.it

P: +39 02 72585.583

M: +39 3484954601; +39 335 5701336

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MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / Kisses from Italy Inc. (OTCQB:KITL), a publicly listed U.S. based company, restaurant chain operator, franchisor, and product distributor (the "Company"), is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Cuisine Solutions for the continued development and evolution of the Company's menu and future kitchen design. Kisses From Italy is focused on leveraging the latest kitchen technologies which will give current and future operational setups the ability to operate in a space that does not require a traditional hood or cooking vent thereby significantly reducing expenses that are usually incurred due to the traditional infrastructure setups. The new equipment layout will increase the number of spaces and locations available, particularly in high-profile locations, thus providing the opportunity to reduce the traditional kitchen footprint, while improving the unit economics for each location.

Cuisine Solutions, based in Sterling, Virginia, with an additional three locations across the U.S. as well as locations around the globe, including Thailand and France, services more than 22,000 restaurants, as well as airlines, cruise ships, major hotels, K-12 schools, and the military. With a list of notable clients and partners such as Starbucks, Panera Bread, Taffer's Tavern as well as some renowned hotel groups such as the Ritz-Carlton, Marriott, Hilton Worldwide, Virgin Hotels, and the Conrad Hotels and Resorts. Cuisine Solutions is the world's leading manufacturer and distributor of sous-vide foods and is recognized by top chefs as the authority on sous-vide, the innovative slow-cooking technique that they pioneered, perfected, and popularized decades ago. Primarily, Kisses from Italy will be working with CREA, The Culinary Research and Education Academy, a division of Cuisine Solutions. CREA's research and development team innovate new cooking techniques and recipes, anticipating clients' needs and market trends while incorporating the best ingredients. Additionally, CREA specializes in the latest and state-of-the-art advanced cooking equipment, computerized monitoring systems, which ensure precise cooking times, temperatures, and consistency across the operational process.

"We were introduced to Cuisine Solutions by Dan Rowe, Founder, and CEO of Fransmart, and we could not have asked for a better partner to collaborate with when it comes to menu ideas and operational layout for our current and future locations," commented Claudio Ferri, co-CEO, CIO, and co-founder of Kisses from Italy. "We have been primarily collaborating with A.J. Schaller an executive chef at CREA. It has been an absolute pleasure getting to work with A.J. and being given the opportunity and ability to broaden our scope in this industry. Working with industry leaders, such as CREA, has provided us with the opportunity to learn from the best so that we can position our Company for future fundamental growth," added Ferri.

Michele Di Turi, President, co-CEO, and co-founder of Kisses from Italy also commented, "The equipment that will allow us to become hoodless and ventless creates an opportunity to improve operational efficiencies while being able to scale back large variable expenses such as labor costs, but all the while still gives us the ability to offer the same quality menu that our guests have come to love. Sharing our love for our unique concept and enthusiasm are a few of the components to make it work but the most important is showing future franchisees the right unit economics that will compel them to gravitate to the Kisses from Italy brand and concept."

About Kisses from Italy Inc.

Kisses from Italy Inc. is a U.S.-based restaurant chain operator, franchisor, and product distributor with locations in North America and Europe. The Company offers a quick-service menu and a unique take on traditional Italian delicacies with an All-American flair. Kisses from Italy offerings include sandwiches, salads, Italian roasted coffee, coffee-related beverage, and an array of other products. In November of 2020, Kisses from Italy launched its retail branded products for distribution stores across Canada. Currently, our products are being offered in grocery stores and retail food stores.

The Company currently operates three corporate-owned stores. It successfully commenced operations in May 2015 with the opening of its flagship location in Ft. Lauderdale at 3146 NE 9th St. The Company recently opened its inaugural European location in Ceglie del Campo, Bari, Italy in October of 2019. In September of 2019, Kisses from Italy Inc. was approved by FINRA to trade its common stock and was approved for up-listing by the OTC Markets Group to the OTCQB in mid-October 2019 under the ticker symbol KITL.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements, which are based on current expectations, forecasts, and assumptions that involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes and results to differ materially from those anticipated or expected. These risks and uncertainties are further defined in filings and reports by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). Actual results and the timing of certain events could differ materially from those projected in or contemplated by the forward-looking statements due to a number of factors detailed from time to time in our filings with the SEC. Reference is hereby made to cautionary statements set forth in the Company's most recent SEC filings which are available at www.sec.gov as well as the Company's website at www.kissesfromitaly.com. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or changes to future operating results.

For more information, please visit www.kissesfromitaly.com

Contact Information:

Kisses from Italy Inc.

305-423-7129

info@kissesfromitaly.com

SOURCE: Kisses from Italy Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667153/Kisses-from-Italy-Enters-into-an-Agreement-with-Cuisine-Solutions-a-World-Renowned-Service-Provider-to-Top-Brands-in-the-Restaurant-and-Hotel-Industry
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - Bam Bam Resources Corp. (CSE: BBR) (OTC Pink: NPEZF) (FSE: 4NPB) ("Bam Bam" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that unsampled core has been identified from historic drill holes at the DeSoto Area in the Majuba Hill District in Nevada. Recent surface rock chip sampling to evaluate the 2022 Magnetic and Induced Polarization ("IP") geophysical results led the BBR geologic team to a re-examine the historic DeSoto core and identify the unsampled core intervals. A total of 198.5 m (651 ft) from 7 holes was sampled and submitted to ALS Minerals for copper, silver, gold, and trace element analysis. Historic soil sampling had previously outlined a large copper in soils anomaly.

Recent surface rock chip samples from the DeSoto Area returned:

2.49% Copper (24,900 ppm) and 58.4 g/t Silver

1.82% Copper (18,200 ppm) and 87.1 g/t Silver

0.36% Copper (3560 ppm) and 25.3 g/t Silver





Figure 1: Majuba Hill Project Area



To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/6332/98822_bambamfigure1.jpg

David Greenway, President and CEO, commented: "The DeSoto area is a very exciting development for Majuba Hill. This zone has oxide and enrichment style copper mineralization that is like our Known Oxide Target Zone. With the close proximity to the Known Oxide Zone and our understanding of the near-surface mineralization, DeSoto has the potential to add more near-surface mineralization to what we have already identified. I look forward to getting the assays from the unsampled core zones."

Historic drilling at DeSoto reported several near-surface copper oxide/enriched (malachite, chalcocite, and chrysocolla) intervals including:

MM-18: 105.7 ft (32.3 m) @ 0.62% Cu and 25.16 g/t Ag

from 72 to 177.7 ft (21.9-54.2 m)

MM-19: 22.6 ft (6.8 m) @ 0.26% Cu and 7.74 g/t Ag

from 2.4 to 25 ft (0.8-7.6 m)

DSM-02: 25.5 ft (7.8 m) @ 0.57% Cu and 28.09 g/t Ag

from 152.5 to 178 ft (46.5-54.3 m)

DSM-06: 25 ft (7.6 m) @ 0.64% Cu and 34.66 g/t Ag

from 60 to 85 ft (18.3-25.9 m)

Historic Rock and Soil Geochemistry

Fifteen historic rock chip samples have been reported in the DeSoto zone with 12 returning greater than 1000 ppm (0.1%) copper and 4 returning greater than 100 ppm silver. Additional values are listed in the table below.

Sample Target Area Cu

ppm Ag

ppm As

ppm Mo

ppm Au

ppm Sn

ppm Pb

ppm Sb

ppm Zn

ppm MHR-15 DeSoto 2830 22.4 10009 3.5 0.018 21.2 315 187.5 47 MHR-16 DeSoto 4760 66.5 10009 7.26 0.081 13.9 222 442 24 MHR-17 DeSoto 3890 147.4 10009 68.2 0.085 62.6 2510 254 926 MHR-18 DeSoto 13300 93.0 10009 9.22 0.239 26 463 446 40 MHR-101 DeSoto 37500 116.6 9120 2.76 0.088 120 124.5 20.9 490 MHR-102 DeSoto 272 1.9 84.7 0.29 <0.005 7.6 6.5 0.99 118 MHR-103 DeSoto 19400 980.6 2060 2.93 0.081 284 132 51 895 MHR-104 DeSoto 1645 12.4 7150 5.74 0.03 129.5 3980 19.85 5340 MHR-105 DeSoto 14400 91.6 276 1.73 0.007 82.2 57.2 12.45 186 MHR-106 DeSoto 4850 58.1 10009 3.06 0.036 11 540 127 1080 MHR-107 DeSoto 1890 250.3 10009 4.42 0.057 23.6 370 71.9 258 MHR-108 DeSoto 101 1.0 131 0.72 0.008 0.9 26.4 1.18 91 MHR-109 DeSoto 19500 99.6 9430 3.52 0.015 57.6 186 17.6 371 MHR-110 DeSoto 498 73.4 10009 2.87 0.014 15.2 28500 307 522 MXR-8 DeSoto 4043.4 5.7 417.6 1.4 <0.005 12.2 20 4.45 24

The DeSoto anomalous copper soil zone was outlined using a 100 ppm copper value threshold (see map). The zone is comprised of 169 samples. Out of 169 soils that outline the DeSoto Oxide Copper Target, 106 returned greater than 100 ppm copper.

Number of Samples Range of Values - Cu ppm 5 31,800 to 1216 101 931.2 to 100.4 56 99.6 to 50 7 49.6 to 25

About Majuba Hill Property

Majuba Hill is a large contiguous land position controlling the emerging Majuba Hill Copper District, located Northeast of Reno, Nevada. The "Majuba Hill District" is comprised of extensive mineral and surface rights held by private ownership, patented mining claims, and Federal Lode Mining claims that are 100% controlled by Bam Bam Resources Corp. The land package is approximately 15.1 square miles (39.2 square km)/9,678 acres (3,917ha).

The property is easily accessed by 23 miles of well-maintained roads leading from U.S. Interstate 80. Reno and Elko are the major supply centers for exploration and mining activities in Nevada. The existing highways are sufficient for transportation of exploration-size heavy equipment. Development logistics would use the 4 lane Interstate 80 highway, Union Pacific railroad tracks and adjacent power, natural gas, and fiber optic transmission lines in the rail - highway corridor.

Mining is a common occupation in the area with several small to world class mines operating in the Winnemucca - Lovelock area over the past several decades. A well-trained and experienced mining workforce pool is available in Nevada when labor and expertise are required.

The excellent location of Bam Bam's Majuba Hill District, with already existing mining friendly infrastructure, will significantly reduce costs for exploration programs and future mining activities.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QA/QC") Measures, Chain of Custody

The Company has implemented a QA/QC program using best industry practices at the Majuba Hill Project. The samples are transported from the BBR secure warehouse or directly from the drill to the ALS Sample Prep Facility in Reno or Elko, Nevada. ALS then transports the prepared pulps to their analytical lab in Reno, Nevada or Vancouver, B.C. Soil and rock chip samples are transported by the company directly to Elko or Reno, Nevada.

Drill core samples are sawn in half lengthwise and one half is placed in labeled cloth sample bags. All samples are analyzed for copper, gold, silver, and 33 other elements. Gold is determined by ALS method Au-AA23 which is a fire assay with an AAS finish on a 30 gram split. Copper, silver and the remaining 31 elements are determined by ALS method ME-ICP61 which is a four acid digestion and ICP-AES assay. Approximately 5% of the submitted samples are drill duplicates and copper-gold-porphyry commercial standard reference material pulps. The sample rejects and remaining pulps will be retrieved from ALS.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed by E.L. "Buster" Hunsaker III, CPG 8137, a non-independent consulting geologist who is a "Qualified Person" as such term is defined under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101").

About Bam Bam Resources Corp.

Bam Bam Resources Corp. (CSE: BBR) (OTC Pink: NPEZF) (FSE: 4NPB) is engaged in the identification, review and acquisition of latter stage copper and copper/silver/gold assets. This is in direct response to the growing worldwide demand and lack of supply for precious metals fueled by the Green New Deal in the US and most other developed nations with similar programs aimed at addressing climate change. Such programs are heavily reliant on silver, gold and especially copper to produce Electric Vehicles and other renewable power sources, as well as building infrastructure to provide clean and affordable electricity.

The flagship project is the Majuba Hill copper, silver and gold District located 156 miles outside Reno, Nevada, USA. Management has been mandated to focus on safe, mining friendly jurisdictions where government regulations are supportive of mining operations.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

On Behalf of the Board of Bam Bam Resources Corp.

"David Greenway"

David C. Greenway

President & CEO

For further information, please contact:

Joel Warawa

VP of Corporate Communications

E: jw@bambamresources.com

P: 1 (855) 475-0745

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking" statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although Bam Bam Resources Corp. believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of Bam Bam Resources Corp. management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Bam Bam Resources Corp. undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

###

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98822
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - Aurwest Resources Corporation (CSE: AWR) ("Aurwest" or the "Company") is pleased to provide its shareholders with an update on its 2021 exploration program on its Paradise Lake gold project located in the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt.

Paradise Lake, Highlights:

a deep penetrating Induced Polarization survey has commenced at the Paradise Lake Project. A total of 67-line kilometers are planned over a strike length of 8km. The survey is designed to locate at depth, the source of a number of areas of coincident gold-pyrite-arsenopyrite mineralization and associated hydrothermal alteration in sub-crop and locally derived float.





out of 273 rock samples from Paradise Lake, thirty-one returned gold values ranging from 100 to 11,381 ppb gold (11.38 g/t Au), the highest rock assay yet recorded on the property. Further assays from these prospective areas are pending and prospecting is ongoing.





the Phase 1 exploration program continues to make new discoveries while expanding the area of gold mineralization in the area around Paradise Lake.

Colin Christensen, President and CEO of Aurwest, commented, "Our 2021 program has been successful in locating a number of areas of coincident alteration and gold mineralization in the Botwood sediments. Our exploration model is based on locating "leakage halos" in the Botwood sediments that indicate the potential for higher-grade gold mineralization at depth in the underlying volcanics. The gold-pyrite association provides the opportunity to use deep penetrating geophysical surveys to map the potential source of these leakage halos at depth. We are moving forward with our 2021 exploration program and confident that this work will lead us to a drill ready stage at Paradise Lake. The results to date indicate the potential for high-grade gold mineralization given our proximity to the Cape Ray-Valentine Lake structural zone."

Exploration Model:

The Paradise Lake Project is situated on the 450 km long, Cape-Ray-Valentine Lake ("CRVL") structural zone that is host to gold deposits including Valentine Lake, Cape Ray, Moosehead and Queensway. During orogenic events in Newfoundland, these primary and secondary structures were re-activated allowing hydrothermal fluids to emanate upward from deep seated faults in the basement rocks to form "leakage halos" within the overlying rocks including the Botwood Group sediments and Stony Lake volcanics. These leakage halos are characterized by various styles of quartz veining with associated sulfides (pyrite + arsenopyrite) and gold mineralization along these discrete structures. At Paradise Lake an intrusion of granodiorite likely belonging to the Mt. Peyton Intrusive suite is considered an important source for gold-bearing hydrothermal activity. Gold occurrences on the property are thus considered Orogenic and Intrusion related.

Mapping and Sampling:

Geological mapping and rock sampling from bedrock and locally transported float has identified several target areas with anomalous to high concentrations of gold, arsenic, antimony, and base metals. These are positive indications of "leakage halos" proximal to the CRVL structural zone.

At Paradise Lake out of a total of 273 rock samples thirty-one (31) samples yielded gold concentrations ranging from 100 to 11,381 (11.38g/t) ppb gold. Seventeen samples returned arsenic concentrations ranging between 117 to 1000 ppm, twelve samples returned lead values from 82 to 223ppm, and seventeen samples returned zinc values from 102 to 905 ppm. Assays are pending for a high priority batch of samples. The gold and associated elements appear to be concentrated around the Paradise Lake area of the property hosted in predominantly Botwood Group sediments and felsic intrusive rocks with varying degrees of quartz veining and iron carbonate alteration.

Analytical Procedures:

Sample preparation and analytical work was completed by Eastern Analytical ("Eastern") located in Springdale, Newfoundland Labrador. Gold concentrations were determined in parts per billion ("ppb") using 30g fire assay with atomic absorption finish. Trace elements concentration are determined in parts per million ("ppm") on 200 milligram samples, using four acid digestion and analyses by ICP-OES. Aurwest's QA/QC protocol includes insertion of Standard Reference Material and blanks in the sample streams. Eastern has an ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation.

Elmer B. Stewart, MSc. P. Geol., is the Company's independent, nominated Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101, Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects, and has reviewed and approves the scientific and technical information disclosed in this news release.

On Behalf Of Aurwest resources Corporation

"Colin Christensen"

President and Chief Executive Officer

For additional information please contact:

Colin Christensen

Telephone: (403) 483-8363

Email: cchristensen@aurwestresources.com

Website: www.aurwestresources.com

About Aurwest Resources Corporation

Aurwest is a Canadian-based junior resource company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of gold properties in Canada. The Company currently has three Option Agreements to earn a 100% interest in Paradise Lake and Stony Caldera projects covering a 47,800-hectare (478 sq kms) package of gold exploration licenses within the emerging Central Newfoundland gold district. The Company also currently holds a 100% interest in the 24,533-hectare Stellar porphyry copper project, and an adjoining 50% interest in the recently acquired 2,136 hectare Stars porphyry copper property located approximately 25 kilometers southwest of Houston, British Columbia.

Forward-Looking Information

Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our plans, intentions, and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation: positive rock sampling results; areas of quartz veined, sulfide bearing (pyrite-arsenopyrite) sandstone and commencement of a deep penetrating Induced Polarization survey.

In connection with the forward-looking information contained in this news release, Aurwest has made numerous assumptions regarding, among other things: the geological advice that Aurwest has received is reliable and is based upon practices and methodologies which are consistent with industry standards; and the reliability of historical reports. While Aurwest considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies.

Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause Aurwest's actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. Known risk factors include, additional exploration of the Properties may not locate significant gold mineralization orthe exploration program may not be completed as planned or at all; exploration of the areas of anomalous metal concentrations may not locate significant mineralization; the deep penetrating Induced Polarization survey may not located chargeability or resistivity signatures associated with gold mineralization or may not be completed as planned or at all; receipt of permits to conduct the exploration plans and matters relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects; certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such risks and uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, except in accordance with the applicable laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98854


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Tanzanian novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah has won the 2021 Nobel Prize in Literature.



Mats Malm, Permanent Secretary of the Swedish Academy, announced the award in Stockholm Thursday.



The Academy said Gurnah was honored 'for his uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents'.



Gurnah was born in 1948 and grew up on the island of Zanzibar in the Indian Ocean but arrived in England as a refugee in the end of the 1960's.



Gurnah recently retired as Professor of English and Postcolonial Literatures at the University of Kent in Canterbury. He has been focusing principally on writers such as Wole Soyinka, Ngugi wa Thiong'o and Salman Rushdie.



Gurnah has published ten novels and a number of short stories. The theme of the refugee's disruption runs throughout his work. He began writing as a 21-year-old in English exile.



He consciously breaks with convention, upending the colonial perspective to highlight that of the indigenous populations. His novel Desertion (2005) about a love affair becomes a blunt contradiction to what he has called 'the imperial romance.'



In all his work, Gurnah has striven to avoid the ubiquitous nostalgia for a more pristine pre-colonial Africa.



Gurnah's writing is from his time in exile but pertains to his relationship with the place he had left. His debut novel Memory of Departure, written in 1987, is about a failed uprising in the African continent.



In the second work, Pilgrims Way (1988), Gurnah explores the multifaceted reality of life in exile.



the third novel, Dottie (1990), is a portrait of a Black woman of immigrant background growing up in harsh conditions in racially charged 1950's England.



Gurnah's fourth novel, Paradise (1994), was his breakthrough as a writer. It is characteristic of Gurnah to frustrate the reader's expectations of a happy ending, or an ending conforming to genre.



Gurnah's latest novel, the magnificent Afterlives, written last year, takes up where Paradise ends.



'An unending exploration driven by intellectual passion is present in all his books, and equally prominent now, in Afterlives, as when he began writing as a 21-year-old refugee,' Anders Olsson, Chairman of the Swedish Academy's Nobel Prize Committee, said in a statement.



The Nobel laureate will get 10 million Swedish kronor ($1.13 million) as prize amount.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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DGAP Post-admission Duties announcement: Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated / Third country release according to Article 50 Para. 1, No. 2 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act]

Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated: Release according to Article 50 of the WpHG [the German Securities Trading Act] with the objective of Europe-wide distribution



07.10.2021 / 15:35

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.



Press Release Media Relations Investor Relations

Mike Jacobsen, APR Christine Marchuska, CAIA

+1 330-490-3796 +1 607.206.9212

michael.jacobsen@dieboldnixdorf.com christine.marchuska@dieboldnixdorf.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Oct. 7, 2021



Diebold Nixdorf to Conduct 2021 Third Quarter Investor Call on Oct. 28



NORTH CANTON, Ohio - Diebold Nixdorf (NYSE: DBD) will release 2021 third quarter financial results on Thursday, Oct. 28 before trading begins on the New York Stock Exchange. Gerrard Schmid, president and chief executive officer, and Jeffrey Rutherford, senior vice president and chief financial officer, will discuss the results during a conference call and webcast beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET.

Information about Diebold Nixdorf's financial results, including a complete press release, earnings presentation and supplementary financial data will be accessible by visiting the Investor Relations section of Diebold Nixdorf's website located at http://www.dieboldnixdorf.com/earnings. Live access to the conference call, as well as the replay, will also be available on this website.

To access the call, we encourage you to pre-register at www.incommglobalevents.com/registration/q4inc/8919/diebold-nixdorf-inc-third-quarter-2021-earnings-call/. After registering, a confirmation will be sent via email and will include dial-in details and a unique PIN code for entry to the call. To avoid long wait times, we suggest registering at least one day in advance to receive your unique PIN code. Registration will be open throughout the live call. You may also access the call and register with a live operator. The conference call will last approximately one hour. Participants should plan to dial in 15 minutes prior to the session. Details on the call are as follows: Dial-in number Conf. ID Time/Date Conference Call Toll Free: 844-200-6205 839676 8:30 a.m. ET; Oct. 28, 2021 International: 929-526-1599 About Diebold Nixdorf

Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD) is a world leader in enabling connected commerce. We automate, digitize and transform the way people bank and shop. As a partner to the majority of the world's top 100 financial institutions and top 25 global retailers, our integrated solutions connect digital and physical channels conveniently, securely and efficiently for millions of consumers each day. The company has a presence in more than 100 countries with approximately 22,000 employees worldwide. Visit www.DieboldNixdorf.com for more information. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/diebold Twitter: twitter.com/dieboldnixdorf Facebook: www.facebook.com/DieboldNixdorf

YouTube: www.youtube.com/dieboldnixdorf



DN-F

### PR_21-4027

07.10.2021 The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.dgap.de


Hereby we announce the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (hereinafter - the Meeting) of AB Linas Agro Group, registered address Smelynes St. 2C, Panevezys, Lithuania, code 148030011, (hereinafter - the Company) is convened.



With continued uncertainty around the status of the COVID-19 pandemic and being unable to accurately predict further decisions and restrictions, we strongly recommend all shareholders to participate in the Meeting by taking the opportunity to vote in advance.

If on the day of the Meeting restrictions related to pandemic including the quarantinewill be valid in the territory of the Republic of Lithuania or Vilnius city municipality and events or gatherings organized in closed areas will be banned or restricted, or any other restrictions are imposed, the participation in the Meeting would be possible only by voting in writing in advance by filling in the General Voting Ballot.



The date, time and venue of the Meeting - 29 October, 2021 at 10.00 a.m., Radisson Blu Royal Astorija Hotel, Symphony Hall (Didzioji St. 35/2, Vilnius, Lithuania).



Accounting day of the Meeting is 22 October, 2021. Only the persons who are the shareholders of the Company at the end of the Accounting day of the Meeting shall have the right to attend and vote at the Meeting.



The Rights Accounting day is 16 November, 2021. Only the persons who are the shareholders of the Company at the end of the Rights Accounting day shall have proprietary rights.



On the day the Meeting is convened the total number of the Company's shares is 158,940,398, and the number of shares granting voting rights is 158,172,426. The own shares in amount of 767,972 acquired by the Company do not grant voting rights. The ISIN code of the Company's shares is LT0000128092.



Agenda of the Meeting:

Presentation of the Company's Audit Committee Activity Report. Presentation of the independent auditors' report. Presentation of the Consolidated Annual Report of the Company for the financial year 2020/2021. Approval of Company's Remuneration Report. Approval of the consolidated and the Company's set of financial statements for the financial year ended 30 June, 2021. Approval of the Distribution of the Company's Profit (Loss). Election of the Company's auditor for the financial year 2021/2022 of the Company and establishment of the payment for the services. Increase of the Company's share capital; Revocation of the pre-emption right of all shareholders of the Company to acquire the newly issued shares in order to grant shares of the Company free of charge to the employees and/or members of the Company's corporate bodies; Approval of a new wording of the Articles of Association of the Company; Approval of terms and conditions regarding the payment of the subscribed shares; Change of the registered office of the Company.

Initiator of convening of the Meeting is the Board of the Company.

The Meeting is convened by the decision of the Board of the Company, adopted on 7 October, 2021.

Registration of the Shareholders of the Company starts: 29 October, 2021 at 9.15 a.m.

Registration of the Shareholders of the Company ends: 29 October, 2021 at 9.55 a.m.

The Company does not provide possibility to attend and vote at the Meeting through electronic means of communication.

Persons who at the end of the Accounting day of the Meeting will be shareholders of the Company, or their authorized persons, or persons with whom an agreement on the disposal of the voting right has been concluded, will have the right to personally participate and vote at the meeting.



A person attending the Meeting must submit a person's identification document. A person who is not a shareholder must additionally produce a document confirming his/her right to vote at the Meeting.

Each shareholder shall have a right in the manner established by the Laws to authorize natural or legal person on his/her behalf to attend and vote at the Meeting. At the Meeting, an authorized person shall have the same rights as the shareholder represented by him/her, unless otherwise specified in the issued power of attorney. A power of attorney issued abroad must be translated into Lithuanian and legalized in the manner established by the Laws. The Company does not require a special form of power of attorney.



The agenda of the Meeting may be supplemented by initiative of the shareholders holding shares carrying at least 1/20 of all the votes. The drafts of proposed decisions on proposed issues or, if the decision shall not be adopted, explanation on each proposed issue of the agenda of the Meeting shall be presented alongside with the proposal to supplement the agenda of the Meeting. The proposal to supplement the agenda shall be submitted in writing by sending it by registered mail to AB Linas Agro Group at the address Subaciaus St. 5, Vilnius, Lithuania or by e-mail group@linasagro.lt. The agenda of the Meeting shall be supplemented if the proposal is received not later than 14 days before the Meeting.



The shareholders who own shares carrying at least 1/20 of all the votes shall have the right at any time before the Meeting or during the Meeting to propose new draft decisions on the issue already included or to be included in to the agenda of the Meeting. The proposed draft decisions must be presented in writing by sending them by registered mail to AB Linas Agro Group at the address Subaciaus St. 5, Vilnius, Lithuania or by e-mail group@linasagro.lt. The shareholders shall also be entitled to propose draft decisions on the agenda issues of the Meeting in writing during the Meeting.



The shareholders shall have the right to present questions related to the agenda issues of the Meeting to the Company. The questions in writing can be presented not later than 3 working days before the Meeting, by providing the shareholder's personal identification number and consent to process personal data by registered mail to AB Linas Agro Group at the address Subaciaus St. 5, Vilnius, Lithuania. Responses of general character shall be posted on the Company's website www.linasagrogroup.lt. The Company will not respond to the shareholder personally if the respective information is posted on the Company's website.



A shareholder or a person authorized by him/her shall have right to vote in writing in advance by filling in the General Voting Ballot. Upon a written request of the shareholder holding the voting right, the Company shall send the General Voting Ballot by registered mail not later than 10 days before the Meeting. The General Voting Ballot also will be provided on the Company's website www.linasagrogroup.lt. The filled in General Voting Ballot must be signed by the shareholder or by the person authorized by him/her. If the person who is authorized by the shareholder is voting, the document confirming the right to vote must be attached to the filled in General Voting Ballot. The document confirming the voting right must be in Lithuanian or translated into Lithuanian by authorized translator and his/her signature must be confirmed by notarius. The filled in General Voting Ballot and the document confirming the voting right must be submitted to the Company in written form not later than the last working day before the Meeting, by sending it by registered mail to AB Linas Agro Group at the address Subaciaus St. 5, Vilnius, Lithuania or personally to the Company.



The shareholders can familiarize themselves with the documents, related to the agenda of the Meeting, draft decisions on each issue of the agenda, documents to be submitted to the Meeting, and other information regarding execution of the shareholders rights, in the website of the Company www.linasagrogroup.lt, also on arrival at Subaciaus St. 5, Vilnius, Lithuania during business days at time agreed in advance by phone No +370 45 507 303 only.

Sincerely

Chairman of the Board Darius Zubas

Please contact for further information:



Mazvydas Sileika, Finance Director of AB Linas Agro Group

Mob. +370 619 19 403

E-mail m.sileika@linasagro.lt
HALIFAX, NS / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / Namibia Critical Metals Inc. ("Namibia Critical Metals" or the "Company" or "NMI") (TSXV:NMI) is pleased to provide an update on the development of the Lofdal Heavy Rare Earth project since granting of the Mining Licence in July this year. The Lofdal Heavy Rare Earth Deposit is one of only two primary xenotime projects under development in the world. The deposit has the potential for significant production of dysprosium and terbium, the two most valuable heavy rare earth elements used in high powered magnets and other high-tech applications. The Project is being developed in joint venture with Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation ("JOGMEC") targeting a long term, sustainable supply of heavy rare earths to Japan.

The Company has successfully completed hydrometallurgical test work to develop a flowsheet capable of producing a high-grade rare-earth oxide product from a xenotime flotation concentrate. The Company's lead metallurgical consultants at SGS Minerals Services Canada (SGS) have simplified the final process stage with an acid bake to crack the mineral xenotime, to purify the pregnant leach solution and to precipitate a rare earth oxalate, which is subsequently calcined to form a product containing >98% total rare earth oxides (TREO). The acid bake process and concurrent removal of impurities is highly efficient and resulted in a 95% recovery of Dysprosium and Terbium in the leaching operation of the processing flow sheet. The high-quality product is practically free of typical deleterious elements like thorium and uranium (<3 ppm combined U+Th).

Darrin Campbell, President of Namibia Critical Metals stated:

These very positive test results are another big milestone for the Lofdal project and show that we are on the right path towards establishing that Lofdal can produce a valuable heavy rare earth product. This will allow us to advance an updated assessment of large-scale and integrated rare earth production towards a high purity Rare Earth Oxide product in Namibia. This would result in further value addition in Namibia and puts the country on the global map of rare earth supply strategies."

Hydrometallurgical test work and results

Two flotation concentrates produced by processing of bulk samples from the Lofdal deposit were tested at the laboratories of SGS in Lakefield, Ontario, to determine the potential for producing a marketable rare earth product with minimal impurities. Previous hydrometallurgical test work had focused on more costly caustic cracking following gangue acid leach. The comprehensive test work at SGS has demonstrated the acid bake route is preferred due to lower reagent costs and higher recovery of the heavy rare earths.

A total of 12 acid bake and water leach tests were completed throughout the test program to investigate the dissolution of rare earth elements (REE) and the behaviour of gangue minerals through the addition of sulphuric acid at elevated temperatures (200-300C). Optimum results were achieved using an acid addition of 1250 kg/t H2SO4 at 300C followed by a water leach at 20% solids by weight at 25C. Under these conditions, the tests showed very good REE recoveries with 97-98% for yttrium, 95% for dysprosium and 94-95% for terbium.

Table 1: Elemental composition of the calcined oxalate

Impurity removal test work using magnesium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide resulted in maximum precipitation of iron and thorium from the pregnant leach solution while minimizing REE co-precipitation. An intermediate and impure REE precipitate was produced via the addition of soda ash (sodium carbonate) solution.

The intermediate REE precipitate was re-leached in sulphuric acid using a two-stage sulphuric acid process at 50C to achieve a pulp pH of around 3.5. This step resulted in the production of a concentrated REE liquor representing 99% of the available REE and also rejected 94% of the thorium, 85% of the aluminum, and 99% of the remaining iron.

To remove residual uranium and thorium, the re-leach liquor was processed through sequential ion exchange (Purolite A660) and solvent extraction (0.5% Primene JMT, 2.5% isodecanol in Aromatic 150ND) steps to selectively remove uranium and thorium from the REE liquor. Consequently, 99.9% of the uranium was removed in the IX contacts. A significant fraction (94%) the thorium was also removed in the IX steps and 75% of the remaining thorium was removed in the solvent extraction steps. The practically thorium-free raffinate from the solvent extraction step advanced to final REE precipitation with oxalic acid and calcination of the REE oxalate.

In the REE oxalate precipitation step, all REE were precipitated with minimal co-precipitation of impurities such as sodium, magnesium, silica and calcium. The final REE oxalate was calcined and produced a final solid containing 98.1% total rare earth oxides (TREO) or 86.2% of heavy rare earth oxides (HREO). High leach extractions of ~95% were achieved in the test program and REE losses in the REE recovery steps (as shown in Figure 1) are expected to be minimal.

Figure 1: Hydrometallurgical process flowsheet developed using Lofdal flotation concentrate

While the results are extremely positive, there remains room to optimise these processes regarding OPEX and CAPEX as well as recoveries. This final optimisation on flotation concentrate produced from the currently mined bulk samples is planned for 2022.

Planning for further value addition in Namibia

The positive hydrometallurgical test results allow for planning of value addition beyond the production of a xenotime concentrate at the Lofdal Mine providing for a win-win for the country and the company.

The addition of a hydrometallurgical plant would create further jobs in the southern Kunene Region of Namibia, and provides a marketable product for export as the rare earth oxalate with thorium and uranium levels below 3 ppm would be acceptable for import into Japan without restrictions or penalties.

About Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC)

JOGMEC is a Japanese government independent administrative agency which among other things seeks to secure stable resource supplies for Japan. JOGMEC has a strong reputation as a long term, strategic partner in mineral projects globally. The mandated areas of responsibilities within JOGMEC relate to oil and natural gas, metals, coal and geothermal energy. JOGMEC facilitates opportunities with Japanese private companies to secure supplies of natural resources for the benefit of the country's economic development.

Rare earths are of critical importance to Japanese industrial interests and JOGMEC has extensive experience with all aspects of the sector. JOGMEC provided Lynas with US$250,000,000 in loans and equity in 2011 to ensure supplies of the Light Rare Earths metals suite to the Japanese industry.

The Company currently owns a 95% interest in the Lofdal project with the remaining 5% held for the benefit of historically disadvantaged Namibians. The terms of the JOGMEC joint venture agreement with the Company stipulate that JOGMEC provides $3,000,000 in Term 1 and $7,000,000 in Term 2 to earn a 40% interest in the Lofdal project. Term 3 calls for a further $10,000,000 of expenditures to earn an additional 10% interest. JOGMEC can also purchase another 1% for $5,000,000 and has first right of refusal to fully fund the project through to commercial production and to purchase all production at market prices. The collective interests of NMI and historically disadvantaged Namibians cannot be diluted below a 26% carried working interest upon payment of $5,000,000 to JOGMEC for the dilution protection. The JV Agreement is structured such that no NMI equity will be issued and it is totally non-dilutive to NMI shareholders. To date, JOGMEC, has funded Term 1 and 2 expenditures totaling $6,600,000.

About Namibia Critical Metals Inc.

Namibia Critical Metals Inc. holds a diversified portfolio of exploration and advanced stage projects in the country of Namibia focused on the development of sustainable and ethical sources of metals for the battery, electric vehicle and associated industries. The two advanced stage projects in the portfolio are Lofdal and Epembe. The Company also holds significant land positions in areas favourable for gold mineralization.

Figure 2: Location of Namibia Critical Metals' projects highlighting position of gold projects (Erongo, Otjiwarongo and Grootfontein) in relation to important gold projects within the Navachab-Otjikoto gold belt

Heavy Rare Earths: The Lofdal Dysprosium-Terbium Project is the Company's most advanced project being fully permitted with a Mining Licence (ML 200) issued in 2021. The project is being developed in joint venture with Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation ("JOGMEC") to provide a sustainable supply of heavy rare earths to Japan, most notably dysprosium and terbium.

Gold: The Company's Exclusive Prospecting Licenses ("EPLs") prospective for gold are located in the Central Namibian Gold Belt which hosts a number of significant orogenic gold deposits including the Navachab Gold Mine, the Otjikoto Gold Mine and more recently the discovery of the Twin Hills deposit. At the Erongo Gold Project, stratigraphic equivalents to the meta-sediments hosting the recent Osino gold discovery at Twin Hills have been identified and soil surveys are progressing over this highly prospective area. The Grootfontein Base Metal and Gold Project has potential for magmatic copper-nickel mineralization, Mississippi Valley-type zinc-lead-vanadium mineralization and Otjikoto-style gold mineralization. Detailed interpretation of geophysical data and regional geochemical soil sampling have identified first gold targets, with the first targets currently being drill-tested.

Tantalum-Niobium: The Epembe Tantalum-Niobium-Uranium Project is at an advanced stage with a well-defined, 10 km long carbonatite dyke that has been delineated by detailed mapping and radiometric surveys and over 11,000 meters of drilling. Preliminary mineralogical and metallurgical studies including sorting tests (XRT), indicate the potential for significant physical upgrading. Further work will be undertaken to advance the project to a preliminary economic assessment stage.

Copper-Cobalt: The Kunene Copper-Cobalt Project comprises a large area of favorable stratigraphy along strike of the Opuwo cobalt-copper-zinc deposit. Secondary copper mineralization over a wide area points to preliminary evidence of a regional-scale hydrothermal system. Exploration targets on EPLs held in the Kunene project comprise direct extensions of the cobalt-copper mineralization to the west, sediment-hosted copper, orogenic copper, and stratabound manganese and zinc-lead mineralization.

The common shares of Namibia Critical Metals Inc. trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "NMI".

Micheal Archer of SGS is the Company's Qualified Person and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this press release.

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.

For more information please contact -

Namibia Critical Metals Inc.

Darrin Campbell, President

Tel: +01 (902) 835-8760

Fax: +01 (902) 835-8761

Email: Info@NamibiaCMI.com

Web site: www.NamibiaCriticalMetals.com

The foregoing information may contain forward-looking information relating to the future performance of Namibia Critical Metals Inc. forward-looking information, specifically, that concerning future performance, is subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the appropriate securities commissions.

SOURCE: Namibia Critical Metals Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667202/Lofdal-Heavy-Rare-Earth-Deposit-Successful-Hydrometallurgical-Test-Work-Results-in-Highly-Efficient-Process-to-Produce-a-Market-Ready-98-Rare-Earth-Oxide-Product


BONN (dpa-AFX) - Deutsche Post AG (DPSGY.PK) said the positive development of the group's businesses seen in the first half of the year has continued well through the third quarter 2021. The management will raise guidance for fiscal 2021 Group EBIT and free cash flow, driven by the strong development in the DHL divisions. Also, the mid-term guidance for fiscal 2023 will be subject to upward revision, the Group said.



Preliminary third quarter group EBIT were around 1.765 billion euros compared to 1.377 billion euros, prior year. Free cash flow was more than 1.0 billion euros, for the quarter.



For the first nine months of 2021, EBIT was around 5.760 billion euros. Free cash flow was more than 3.1 billion euros, for the period.



The company will publish revised guidance with the formal release of third quarter earnings on November 4.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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LAUSANNE, Switzerland and PARIS and MONTPELLIER, France and LONDON and BALTIMORE, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- MindMaze , a global pioneer in the multibillion-dollar digital neurotherapeutics market, today announced the closing of a USD 125 million investment round that will be utilized to drive the continued growth of its SaaS-based digital neurotherapeutics platform. The financing was provided by AlbaCore Capital Group, one of Europe's leading specialist investors focusing on public and private corporate credit markets. MindMaze will use the proceeds to accelerate commercialization of, and enhance market access for, its approved and reimbursed neuro-rehabilitation platform, particularly in North America and Europe, and expand its neuro-restorative portfolio through further system development and clinical trials in additional indications including acute stroke, Parkinson disease, Alzheimer disease, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis and aging. The investment in MindMaze represents one of the top-three private capital raises in the Continental European digital health space and will serve to bolster one of the premier European HealthTech leaders.

MindMaze is the global leader in digital neurotherapeutics, delivering seamless digital assessments and therapeutics over the full continuum of care in over twenty countries, with thousands of patients suffering from neurological conditions. The Company currently collaborates with approximately ninety healthcare providers and has a product portfolio that has received three FDA clearances and four CE marks across eight clinical indications. Backed by over seventy patent families, MindMaze's innovative digital neurotherapeutics platform combines highly engaging, personalized, protocolized, quantified, gamified digital therapeutic content supported by tailored smart peripherals that target two distinct areas of care: neuro-rehabilitation and neuro-restoration. MindMaze is partnering with leading academic and medical institutions, including Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, the Mount Sinai Health System and the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) in the United States, the Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and the Swiss Federal Institution of Technology (EPFL) in Switzerland, and the Institute for the Brain and Spinal Cord (ICM) in France, to further develop and demonstrate the efficacy of its market leading solution set.

"MindMaze is dedicated to improving the lives of patients around the world through the development of novel digital therapeutic products for the treatment of serious neurological conditions. We have built the leading neuro-focused digital health platform comprehensively addressing full body motor and cognitive challenges associated with key neurological conditions. We believe that the demands of a rapidly aging world population make our proprietary, proven solutions more critical now than ever before," stated Tej Tadi, PhD, MindMaze founder and CEO. "This investment by AlbaCore will allow us to accelerate our proven neuro-rehab platform and advance commercialization of our evidence-based neuro-restorative solutions in stroke, traumatic brain, aging and Parkinson disease. One avenue to pursue will be to partner with pharmaceutical companies to promote brain repair by combining our digital therapeutic neurorestorative approach with emerging drug discovery. We are thrilled to partner with AlbaCore as we build the leading universal platform for brain health and recovery. This financing will enable our dedicated team and partners to advance in our mission to help patients recover, learn and adapt through advanced neuroscience and digital therapeutics."

AlbaCore Capital Group's Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer, David Allen, says: "We are excited to partner with MindMaze and empower their critically important mission to change the face of brain health and recovery through advanced digital tools. At AlbaCore, we look to be a creative solutions provider with partnership at the core of everything we do. We believe that MindMaze is positioned to dramatically improve care for millions of patients, and with this fresh capital will be able to rapidly scale."

Citi acted as the exclusive Placement Agent in the transaction.

About MindMaze

MindMaze is a global leader in digital neuro-therapeutics (DTx) solutions with a mission to accelerate the brain's ability to recover, learn and adapt. With over a decade of work at the intersection of neuroscience, bio-sensing, engineering, mixed reality and artificial intelligence, its healthcare division is addressing some of the most challenging problems in neurology, including stroke, Alzheimer disease and Parkinson disease, by creating the universal platform for brain health and recovery and unique digital therapeutic interventions. MindMaze's pioneering FDA cleared and CE marked neuro-digital therapeutics accelerate patients' recovery from many critical neurological conditions. Founded in 2012 by CEO Dr Tej Tadi, MindMaze is the first Swiss Unicorn with offices in Lausanne, Baltimore, London, Paris and Mumbai.

For more information, please visit www.mindmaze.com .

About AlbaCore Capital Group

AlbaCore Capital Group is one of Europe's leading specialist credit investors focusing on public and private corporate credit markets. The senior investment team have been investing with this hybrid strategy for over a decade. Founded in 2016, AlbaCore has invested over $17bn for global pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, consultants, insurance companies, family offices and endowments. AlbaCore is focused on consistently outperforming the market in the long term while protecting investor capital. The credit selection process is based on fundamental research with a focus on capital preservation, ESG factors and risk-adjusted returns. Headquartered in London with offices in New York and Dublin, AlbaCore has a partnership approach with values at the center of the AlbaCore community.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1653468/MindMaze.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1653469/MindMaze_1.jpg
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BOSTON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Manulife Investment Management announced today the closing of Manulife Co-Investment Partners II, L.P. ("MCIP II" or the "Fund"), a US$683.5 million private equity co-investment fund, which exceeded its original target of US$600 million. MCIP II is the firm's second co-investment fund, primarily investing in a diverse portfolio of North American middle market companies. MCIP II further fulfills Manulife Investment Management's commitment to provide global investors access to its private market capabilities across private equity and credit, infrastructure, real estate, timberland, and agriculture.

"We are pleased to have closed the Fund above target - and well in excess of the size of our first equity co-investment fund," said Stephen J. Blewitt, global head of private markets, Manulife Investment Management. "The successful fundraise demonstrates the strength of our platform and the potential opportunities for our investors."

Initially launched in 2020, MCIP II is backed by a highly diversified global investor base of institutional and private capital investors.

"We appreciate the continued partnership and support from our investors. Our differentiated team, with extensive experience making direct equity investments in the North American middle market, enables Manulife Investment Management to bring these opportunities to clients interested in the diversification, risk profile and potential outperformance of equity co-investment strategies," said Scott Garfield, senior managing director, private equity and credit, Manulife Investment Management.

Mr. Garfield serves as Portfolio Manager of the fund. In addition to Mr. Garfield, Manulife Investment Management's co-investment leadership team includes Vipon Ghai, global head of private equity and credit, and members of his senior team.

"We are proud of our longstanding relationships with global private equity partners. Over the last 15 years, we have invested more than US$2 billion in over 100 co-investments thanks in great part to our synergistic private equity and credit platform, which leverages our enhanced sourcing capabilities and deal flow opportunities across private assets," added Vipon Ghai.

Manulife Investment Management's private equity and credit platform currently has $16.1 billion in assets under management and unfunded commitments across five verticals: primary private equity funds, equity co-investments, GP-led secondaries, senior credit, and junior credit. The integrated GP-centric platform possesses a strong network of 185+ sponsor partners. Manulife has been making direct private equity investments in the North American middle market since 2006. In 2016, Manulife Investment Management offered investors the opportunity to access its equity co-investment strategy with the launch of its inaugural co-investment fund.

About Manulife Investment Management

Manulife Investment Management is the global wealth and asset management segment of Manulife Financial Corporation. We draw on more than a century of financial stewardship and the full resources of our parent company to serve individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. Headquartered in Toronto, our leading capabilities in public and private markets are strengthened by an investment footprint that spans 18 geographies. We complement these capabilities by providing access to a network of unaffiliated asset managers from around the world. We're committed to investing responsibly across our businesses. We develop innovative global frameworks for sustainable investing, collaboratively engage with companies in our securities portfolios, and maintain a high standard of stewardship where we own and operate assets, and we believe in supporting financial well-being through our workplace retirement plans. Today, plan sponsors around the world rely on our retirement plan administration and investment expertise to help their employees plan for, save for, and live a better retirement.

As of June 30, 2021, Manulife Investment Management's assets under management and administration, including assets managed for Manulife's other segments, totaled CAD$1.0 trillion (US$834.0 billion). Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulifeim.com.

Media contact : Manulife Investment Management, Elizabeth Bartlett, +1 857-210-2286, Elizabeth_Bartlett@Manulife.com

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The FMI survey on the condition monitoring system market offers insights into key growth drivers and restraints impacting the growth of the market through 2031. The report discloses also shares insights into condition monitoring system demand outlook in terms of technique and application.

DUBAI, U.A.E., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ESOMAR-certified consulting market research firm Future Market Insights' (FMI's) latest study presents a healthy outlook for global condition monitoring system market between 2021 and 2031.

According to the report, the market registered year-on-year growth of 7.6% in 2021. The demand for condition monitoring system in infrared thermography is set to rise at 8.4% CAGR, to hit 786,550 units over the forecast period. FMI has forecast the demand for conditioning monitoring systems to surpass US$ 7.3 Bn by 2031.

Request a report sample to gain comprehensive insights at https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1046

Increasing application of condition monitoring system in power generation industry will push the sales. Expansion of chemical and petrochemical industry also has increased the scope for sales of condition monitoring systems.

For improved efficiency and smooth running of compressors, motors, and other machinery, demand for advanced condition monitoring system within chemical industry is increasing. In order to capitalize on existing opportunity, key players are investing heavily in research activities. Through this, they also are aiming at the development and launch of advanced monitoring systems with capability of real-time data analysis.

Hence, adoption of cutting edge technologies such as big data analysis and artificial intelligence have increased. Integration of these technologies allows systems to eliminate unnecessary maintenance needs and maximize operating hours.

Various industries are banking on these upgrades to avoid delays, improve the machinery efficiency, get accurate prediction of assets through real-time monitoring, and receive notifications for scheduled maintenance. Hence, manufacturers are leveraging their production capabilities to cater the surging demand for advanced condition monitoring systems.

As per Future Market Insights, on the back of these aforementioned advantages, over 1/5th of sales are expected to come from chemical and petrochemical industry.

"Integration of advanced technologies such as real-time data analysis and artificial intelligence is pushing the sales of condition monitoring systems within power generation and chemical industries, thereby, creating incremental growth opportunities for the market," says the FMI analyst.

For More Information on This Report, Please Visit @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/condition-monitoring-system-market

Key Takeaways from FMI's Condition Monitoring System Market Survey

Based on technique, vibration analysis segment will witness highest growth, accounting for over 70% of global market share

Over 20% sales of condition monitoring systems to come from chemical and petrochemical industry

Germany will account for over 1/5 th of Europe's condition monitoring system market

will account for over 1/5 of condition monitoring system market On the back of increasing application of condition monitoring system for power generation, Sweden will emerge as the most lucrative market across Europe

will emerge as the most lucrative market across The U.S. is expected to account for over 4/5 th of North America's market share

of market share Demand of condition monitoring system in Canada will rise at over 7% CAGR through 2021

Key Drivers

Increasing adoption of wireless communication technology in condition monitoring system will improve the growth

Adoption of secure cloud computing in the condition monitoring systems will bolster the growth of condition monitoring systems market

Key Restraints

Lack of skilled technical resources for data analysis will restrict the condition monitoring system market growth

Integration of condition monitoring system with other maintenance system might prove to be a challenge for key players

Reliability issues regarding the prediction capabilities of condition monitoring systems will act as a major restraining factor

For any Queries Linked with the Report, Ask an Analyst@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-1046

Competitive Landscape

Key companies operating in condition monitoring system market are focusing on product launches and forging alliances with other industrial automation solution providers to revamp their product portfolio and cater the surging demand from consumers.

For instance,

In June 2021 , Rexnord Process & Motion Control announced the launch of its first smart condition monitoring system capable of monitoring oil quantity, temperature, and vibration to improve cost-efficiency and safety.

, Rexnord Process & Motion Control announced the launch of its first smart condition monitoring system capable of monitoring oil quantity, temperature, and vibration to improve cost-efficiency and safety. In March 2021 , leading player Emerson announced the new line of its product portfolio through the launch of corrosion and erosion monitoring systems with integration of digital technologies and a plantweb digital ecosystem. The product is integrated with new Rosemount 4390 series of corrosion and erosion wireless transmitters. This new portfolio turns existing offline corrosion probes into online tools to monitor risk of erosion in oil and gas processing.

Some of the key players operating in the condition monitoring system market profiled by FMI are:

Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co.

Kirloskar Brothers Ltd.

Siemens AG

Honeywell International Inc.

ABB Ltd.

Emerson Electric Co.

Rockwell Automation, Inc.

Fluke Corporation

Parker Hannifin Corp.

General Electric

Festo Group

AB SKF

Fuji Electric

Eaton Plc

Meggit PLC

PCE Instruments

AIMIL ltd.

Bachmann Electronic GmbH

Ingeteam

Bruel & Kjaer Vibro GmbH.

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More Valuable Insights on Condition Monitoring System Market

FMI, in its new report, offers an unbiased analysis of the global condition monitoring system market, analyzing forecast statistics through 2021 and beyond. The survey reveals growth projections on in condition monitoring system market with detailed segmentation:

By Technique:

Corrosion Monitoring

Infrared Thermography

Motor Condition Monitoring

Oil Analysis

Ultrasound Testing

Vibration Analysis

By Application:

Aerospace and Defense

Automotive and Transportation

Chemical and Petrochemical

Food & Beverage

Marine

Mining and Metal

Oil and Gas

Power Generation

By Region:

North America

Latin America

Europe

East Asia

South Asia & Pacific

& Pacific Middle East and Africa (MEA)

Key Questions Covered in the Report

The report offers insight into condition monitoring system market demand outlook for the forecast period 2021-2031

The market study also highlights projected sales growth for condition monitoring system market between 2021 and 2031

Condition monitoring system market survey identifies key growth drivers, restraints, and other forces impacting prevailing trends and evaluation of current market size and forecast and technological advancements within the industry

Condition monitoring system market share analysis, covering key companies within the industry and coverage of strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, collaborations or partnerships, and others

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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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CHICAGO, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In the era of digitalization healthcare is moving towards innovation in technologies. Apple has developed more interest in converting their iPhone into an mHealth devices using its technological capabilities and the iOS ecosystem. Vendors are moving towards providing value-based solutions in the market. Telehealth provides higher satisfaction to customers, which is expected to provide improved patient outcomes, higher-quality care, and lower costs in the future years. The UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands in Europe are contributing to the highest growth in the telehealth market. Arizton is developing insightful and customized reports to boost your business easily. The health & lifesciences industry reports are high on demand due to its quality of information. Get flash sale on our selected healthcare reports now!

Check out which report is trending:

1. Home Healthcare Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026

Home healthcare market size was valued at USD 276 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 390 billion by 2026. With the launch of many advanced and innovative medical devices every year, people are opting for home healthcare services. In the recent years, vendors are focusing on innovating and introducing devices that are targeting a wider population. Increasing adoption of AI and ML is expected to boost the growth of digital point-of-care testing in the future. Biosensors and wearables are one of the most hiked trends in home healthcare. In developed regions such as North America and Europe, the acceptance of home healthcare services and the willingness to spend on home healthcare devices is high compared to other regions.

The introduction of wearable to detect health at home is gaining high traction across the globe. For instance, many companies have launched wearable monitors such as HeartGuide by OMROM, an oscillometric blood pressure monitor that can continuously monitor blood pressure. FreeStyle Libre by Abbott is a wearable biosensor used for continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels. The process of healthcare reformation, that is being applied by many developed and developing countries, is expected to facilitate the growth of the home healthcare market. It promotes patient centricity and a value-based model in healthcare, positively impacting home healthcare across the globe.

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2. Medication Management Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2021-2026

The global medication management market size to reach USD 4,517.87 million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 15.15% during the period 2021-2026. With the high adoption of IT in the healthcare industry, medication management is gaining traction in the global market. The global medication management market is dominated by North America and is expected to witness the highest incremental growth of USD 1,151.75 million during the forecast period. During the COVID-19 pandemic medication management systems have widely helped the management of vaccines among the population. The incorporation of next-generation technologies is gaining priority in the healthcare industry as it helps to better manage and offer consumer-friendly experience for the patients.

The trend of adopting cloud services is providing healthcare providers a wide opportunity to grow in the medication management market. Most of the leading vendors in the medication management market are involved in strategic developments. Omnicell, Epic Systems Corporation, BD, Cerner Corporation, McKesson Corporation, UnitedHealth Group are the key vendors in the market.

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3.Telehealth Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2020-2025

Telehealth market size will cross USD 22 billion by 2020 and is expected to reach USD 60.86 billion by 2025. The introduction of telehealth is transforming the healthcare industry. In the US, among all healthcare providers, about 70% of hospitals and 52% of physician clinics/groups are offering telehealth services to patients. Players are competing to increase their footprints in the telehealth market by adopting strategies such as new product launches and strategic collaborations. AMD Global Telemedicine, American Well, GlobalMedia Group, Koninklijke Philips, Resideo Life Care Solutions, Medtronic, and Vivify Health are some of the key vendors in the market. Vendor partnerships and strong IT capabilities are key to the successful implementation of telehealth across the healthcare value chain.

The implementation of next-generation healthcare technologies such as cloud-based telehealth is taking precedence as healthcare providers seek to manage the influx of patients, their health information, and their expectations for more consumer-friendly healthcare experience. The cloud-based telehealth market is expected to contribute incremental growth of USD 5.12 billion by 2025. Cloud technology allows providers to scale existing healthcare services and offer new services at minimal costs across the globe. Hospitals are collaborating with vendors to serve as beneficial in increasing the adoption of tele-ICUs in the telehealth market.

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4.U.S. Telehealth Market - Industry Outlook and Forecast 2021-2026

The US telehealth market size is expected to reach USD 43 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 28% during the forecast period. Recognizing the significant benefits of telehealth services, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have expanded the reimbursement options for telehealth services. In 2020, telehealth providers rapidly scaled up their telehealth offerings and are seeing 50-175 times rise in the number of patients availing telehealth than before. In the current situation, when social distancing is among the major measures used to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth is stepping up as the most promising technology for safe and efficient communications.

The government initiative towards the adoption of telehealth services is fueling the market growth in the US. US based Companies such as Fitbit and Garmin have introduced wearable medical devices that are compatible with smartphones to monitor their health at home. Wearable medical devices and enhanced telehealth services is likely to have a positive impact on the growth of the US telehealth market in the coming years. Mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships are further increasing the competitiveness in the US telehealth market.

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We offer comprehensive market research reports on industries such as consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, and life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals, and materials, IT and media, logistics and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts.

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Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - Peekaboo Beans Inc. (CSE: BEAN) (OTC Pink: PBBSF) ("PK Beans" or the "Company") is pleased to share that they will be featured in Vancouver's 2021 Fashion Week taking place October 22 to 24th 2021 at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver - Museum & Archives in Canada.

With a focus on diversity, Vancouver Fashion Week is one of the fastest growing fashion week events world-wide and is the second largest in North America. The Company is thrilled to be showcasing 16 styles from their Fall and Winter 2021 Collection, as well as styles from their PK Replay Sustainability initiative, among a large selection of new and established award-winning designers. This is an exciting opportunity for the Company to showcase styles and their brand to a large audience of customers, wholesalers, manufacturers, and corporate decision makers.

"We are really proud and honoured to participate in Vancouver Fashion Week this fall," says CEO and founder Traci Costa, "PK Beans designs for children to move and play, without compromising style. Our clothing is comfortable, practical, durable, and responsibly made to make children feel good and look good. We are also thrilled to be featuring our PK RePlay Lil Bean Doll Clothing Collection as part of the event. Our doll styles are part of our PK RePlay Sustainability initiative, keeping PK Bean textiles out of landfills."

About Peekaboo Beans Inc.

PK Beans is an integrated and innovative children's wellness brand. From sustainable clothing options that kids love to wear, to healthy foods that fuel children's play, our mission is to provide the ingredients for a playful life. Together with our monthly adventure subscription box, consisting of interactive and engaging activities that educate and entertain, developed by an Emmy award-winning child psychologist and devoted kid-experts, our goal is to enrich, empower and nourish children through quality nutrition, clothing and play - every day. The company maximizes revenue by reaching sellers and online retailers through an omnichannel approach.

To learn more about PK Beans, visit: www.pkbeans.com

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Peekaboo Beans Inc.

Ms. Traci Costa, President and CEO

(604) 279-2326

For more information, please contact the Company at:

IR@pkbeans.com

1-604-279-2326

Reader Advisory

This news release may include forward-looking information that is subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward-looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking information are based on reasonable assumptions, such information is not a guarantee of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, fluctuations in market prices, successes of the operations of the Company, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such information will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. The Company does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking information except as required under the applicable securities laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98889.
MUNICH, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, the global leading inverter solution supplier for renewables, released its powerful SG350HX string inverter at Intersolar Europe. This release demonstrated the Company's ever-evolving technology innovation and unlocked a new era of string inverters surpassing 300 kW.

The new market-leading SG350HX features a maximum output power of 352 kW, which redefines high powered string inverters. It guarantees an incomparable return of investment for stakeholders while ensuring compatibility with large-format modules and tracking systems, as well as leading in safety.

Maximum yields

One of the challenges to inverter suppliers is matching the requirements of high-powered large-format panels. The SG350HX is highly compatible with 182 mm and 210 mm large-format high-efficiency bifacial modules with maximum input current of 20A each string. This allows using solar modules with power ratings of 600W and higher.

Equipped with multiple MPPTs, the 352 kW inverter ensures a high yield despite any impact of shade. It supports a single block design as large as 8.96 MW for the European market and supports a high DC/AC ratio of up to 1.8, making it an ideal solution for higher yields.

Safer and Stronger

The safety of PV power plants has attracted much attention under the carbon net-zero target. With 2 strings being connected to 1 MPPT, there's no fear of the string reverse connection. The integrated DC trip switch will automatically cut off the fault in less than 15 milliseconds, ensuring the system's safety.

The SG350HX is also incorporated with both DC and AC insulation monitoring functions. Any potential insulation faults could be detected in a timely manner, facilitating on-site maintenance and operation. The strong inverter also possesses the advantages of a protection rating of IP66 and an anti-corrosion rating of C5, making it durable and stable in harsher conditions. It includes smart-forced air-cooling technology; thus, allowing the inverter operating without derating in extreme heat environments, such as deserts.

Robust grid support

A growing ratio of renewable energy penetrating into the grid system can cause the decline of overall strength and inertia of the grid. The SG350HX combines a weak grid adaptive algorithm which ensures the inverter to operate stably in weak grid conditions even if the SCR (Short Circuit Rate) is as low as 1.16. It enables a reactive power response within 30 milliseconds without additional static var generator traditionally required in solar plants -- offering robust support to the grid.

The integrated Virtual Synchronous Generator (VSG) technology increases system inertia and improves stability by voltage and frequency adjustment as well.

Sungrow's innovation proves its devotion to R&D. Sungrow maintains a large proportion of R&D investment and has the industry's largest R&D team. "As we race to accelerate global carbon neutrality, we keep pioneering on the edge of innovation and look forward to powering more facilities and communities with more flexible, accessible, and stable clean energy," said James Wu, Vice President of Sungrow.

The new SG350HX will be available in Europe in mid-2022. Learn more about Sungrow SG350HX by checking here.

About Sungrow

Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd. ("Sungrow") is the world's most bankable inverter brand with over 182 GW installed worldwide as of June 2021. Founded in 1997 by University Professor Cao Renxian, Sungrow is a leader in the research and development of solar inverters with the largest dedicated R&D team in the industry and a broad product portfolio offering PV inverter solutions and energy storage systems for utility-scale, commercial & industrial, and residential applications, as well as internationally recognized floating PV plant solutions. With a strong 24-year track record in the PV space, Sungrow products power installations in over 150 countries. Learn more about Sungrow by visiting: www.sungrowpower.com.

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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / Accelerated Technologies Holding Corporation (OTCPINK:ATHC), Has released Q2 2021 Financials, and takes another step closer to achieving "Current" status with OTCiq. ATHC a rapidly emerging leader in providing consulting and enterprise-level technology services and operates disruptive technologies products in the sectors of artificial intelligence, short-term alternative funding platforms, electronic payment solutions, social engagement, health, and wellness solutions. ATHC announced it has taken another necessary step towards achieving "Current" status. We will be providing a Legal Letter from our attorneys imminently, and continue to support the process and provide additional information as required by OTCiq in order to achieve our goals. The Company intends to continue its commitment to future compliance with listing requirements. ATHC recently submitted all necessary documentation with OTC Markets. As a result, OTC Markets replaced the "STOP" sign with a :YIELD" sign this week.

For further information, please contact the company info@athcorp.com.

About ATHC

Accelerated Technologies Holding Corporation (OTC PINK:ATHC) is a publicly traded full-service end-to-end business solution and technology company that specializes in cloud-based disruptive technologies. ATHC provides consulting and enterprise-level technology services and operates disruptive technologies products in the sectors of artificial intelligence, short-term alternative funding platforms, electronic payment solutions, social engagement, health, and wellness solutions. ATHC's expertise lies in consumer Internet, cloud computing and software-as-a-service (SaaS), mobile software and services, software-powered consumer electronics, infrastructure and applications software, networking, storage, databases, and other backend systems. ATHC's infrastructure can accommodate most business sectors ranging from small local business to national conglomerates.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this press release, including any information as to our strategy, plans or future financial or operating performance and other statements that express management's expectations or estimates of future performance, 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. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "expect," "will," "anticipate," "contemplate," "target," "plan," "continue," "budget," "may," "intend," "estimate," "project" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, certain delays beyond the company's control with respect to its plans or operations. Our actual results may differ materially from the results anticipated in these forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including, without limitation those set forth as "Risk Factors" in our filings with the SEC which can be found at www.sec.gov. There may be other factors not mentioned above or included in the Company's SEC filings that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statement. 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, except as required by applicable law.

For further information, please contact the company info@athcorp.com

Related Links:

athc.com

rompos.com

SOURCE: Accelerated Technologies Holding Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667210/ATHC-Takes-a-Step-Closer-to-Current-Staus-with-OTCiQ--Releases-Q2-2021-Financials
THUNDER BAY, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / Wolfden Resources Corporation (TSXV:WLF) ("Wolfden" or the "Company") has been informed by the staff of the Maine Land Use Planning Commission, that it will be recommending to the nine Commissioners to decline the approval of its current updated application to rezone a 646 acre portion of its 7,145 acre Pickett Mt. Project in Northern Maine, to allow for the development of an underground mining and processing operation. A memorandum from the staff, explaining the reasons behind this recommendation is expected to be released today and posted on the LUPC website for the Pickett Mt Petition. The Company has not been given the opportunity to see this information and the decision by the Commission is pending a future meeting of the Commission that is expect October 13, 2021.

"We are obviously disappointed with this set back as the proposed project with its state of the art designs and study work, in our opinion, have the potential to meet the requirements of the 2017 Maine Mining Code (Chapter 200 -managed by the Department of Environmental Protection) and would represent one of the greenest mine designs in the world, generate 303 jobs per year and generate over $697M in economic output," stated Ron Little, President and CEO for Wolfden. "We will review the memorandum of the LUPC and decide how best to proceed with the permitting process for this economically attractive project that has drawn significant support from the local communities of Patten and Mt. Chase in the county of Penobscot including written letters of support from their officials."

About Wolfden

Wolfden is an exploration and development company focused on high-margin metallic mineral deposits including base, precious and strategic metals in North America. Its wholly owned Pickett Mountain Project is one of the highest-grade polymetallic projects in North America (Zn, Pb, Cu, Ag, Au) as detailed in a Preliminary Economic Assessment date September 14, 2020. In addition, the company is expanding its advance stage nickel sulphide projects in Manitoba (Rice Island and Nickel Island) where NI43-101 compliant reports are being completed, and silver projects in New Brunswick.

For further information please contact Ron Little, President & CEO, at (807) 624-1136 or Rahim Lakha, Corporate Development at (416) 414-9954.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation) that involves various risks and uncertainties regarding future events. Such forward-looking information includes statements based on current expectations involving a number of risks and uncertainties and such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance of the Company, and include, without limitation, metal price assumptions, cash flow forecasts, projected capital and operating costs, metal or mineral recoveries, mine life and production rates, and other assumptions used in Preliminary Economic Assessment dated September 14, 2020, information about future activities at the Pickett Mountain Project that include plans to complete additional drilling and pre-permitting (rezoning petition), the results of the Preliminary Economic Assessment dated September 14, 2020, the potential upside of the Pickett Mt. Project, and the timing and completion of drill programs in Maine, Manitoba and New Brunswick and the respective drill results, and the timing of a resource update for Pickett Mt. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and the Company's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information in this news release, including without limitation, the following risks and uncertainties: (i) risks inherent in the mining industry; (ii) regulatory and environmental risks; (iii) results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; (iv) risks relating to the estimation of mineral resources; (v) stock market volatility and capital market fluctuations; and (vi) general market and industry conditions. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. This forward-looking information is based on estimates and opinions of management on the date hereof and is expressly qualified by this notice. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed in the Company's disclosure materials filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada at www.sedar.com. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking information or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from such information unless required by applicable law.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Wolfden Resources Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667213/Wolfden-Update-on-Pickett-Mt-Rezoning
The Group is Fully Committed to Support the Development of Next Generation Power Distribution and Transmission Grids for the Energy Transition in the U.S. and Canada

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / Prysmian Group, the world leader in energy and telecom cable systems industry, announced today it is investing an additional $100M over the next two and half years to upgrade its North American plants to support the foreseen growth in the power distribution and transmission markets, helping meet the need for infrastructure upgrades in the region and the growing demand from clean energy sources. This investment follows the Group's recent announcement to invest $85M in its North America telecom plants further consolidating its leading role as an enabler for the energy transition and digital transformation across the region.

Following the SOO Green HVDC Link project announced in late June, Prysmian Group is taking bold steps towards the region's decarbonization effort. This $100M investment reinforces the Group's commitment to North American customers and to support the need to build together a resilient backbone energy distribution and transmission infrastructure. More specifically, these investments will further increase capacity to support breakthrough projects, reinforcing Prysmian Group's positioning as the partner of choice for building the U.S. clean energy grid.

"Prysmian Group is fully committed to support the growth of the North America grid and build a better and more sustainable future," said Andrea Pirondini, Chief Executive Officer of Prysmian Group North America. "Through these investments, Prysmian Group demonstrates its commitment as the enabler to building a resilient infrastructure and support the speed change necessary to meet the ambitious decarbonization targets in the U.S. and Canada."

The current aging cabling infrastructure in North America pose real challenges to the safety and continuity of power distribution and supply. In addition, the series of emergency and natural disaster events that have occurred in the region due to climate change impact have proved to test the resiliency of the power grids, underscoring the need for important upgrades.

"We are proud to partner with our customers as we announce these investments that will allow us to boost capacity and support the growth in the medium voltage and overhead transmission markets," added Brian DiLascia, Senior Vice President of Power Distribution of Prysmian Group North America. "These milestone investments will expand our capabilities, adding new jobs that are crucial to help us meet a shared goal to support the modernization of the U.S. power grid and further facilitate the energy transition for the future."

About Prysmian Group North America:

Prysmian Group is the world leader in the design, manufacture and sales of wire and cable products. Based in Highland Heights, Ky., Prysmian Group North America operations include 27 manufacturing facilities, 14 distribution centers, four R&D centers, and more than 5,400 employees with net sales of near $4 billion. From wire & cable products and solutions for the transmission and distribution of low, medium, high and extra-high voltage systems, to a cutting-edge offering of optical fiber and copper cables and connectivity systems for voice, video and data transmission, the Group serves the most comprehensive range of markets including power transmission and distribution, telecommunications, construction and infrastructure, energy projects and specialty industries for countless applications in the United States and Canada. Prysmian Group is a public company, listed on the Italian Stock Exchange in the FTSE MIB index. Additional information is available at na.prysmiangroup.com.

Media Relations (North America)

David Parades

Marketing & Communications NA

david.parades@prysmiangroup.com

Justine David

Mower, on behalf of Prysmian Group

jdavid@mower.com

SOURCE: Prysmian Group North America

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667205/Prysmian-Group-Announces-100M-Investment-to-Boost-Capacity-of-Power-Cable-Production-in-North-America
LONDON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Al Hikma Modern Hospital, Zarqa, Jordan, today announced it is the first hospital in the region to adopt the geko device to treat and prevent acute lower limb post-operative and trauma-based oedema for enhanced recovery.

Oedema, the medical term for swelling - a huge and, until now, silent burden with few tools to address the complication - can delay pre-operative surgical fixation, impede post-operative wound closure, decrease muscle strength and stall rehabilitation[1].

The current standard of care for pre-operative oedema reduction in ankle fracture patients is a backslab plaster cast in combination with leg elevation; and for post-operative elective surgeries, most often a boot-like cuff that compresses the lower limb to increase blood flow, called intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC).

IPC, however, is not suitable for all patients due to vascular disease, fragile skin, or complex limb injury[2]. IPC also requires resource to correctly fit the cuffs and the pneumatic pumps to inflate them are not always readily available - and elevation alone, can cause increased length of hospital stay and with it increased costs. The result is the need for an alternative mechanical intervention that can surpass IPC and leg elevation - a therapy able to reduce length of hospital stay, follow a patient home, facilitate enhanced recovery and allow rehabilitation to begin sooner.

To address this significant unmet need, the orthopaedic department at the Al Hikma Hospital, led by Dr Sameih Ismail Abu Khaleifa, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, has adopted Sky Medical Technology's geko device. A small watch-sized device that sticks to the side of the knee, increasing blood flow in the deep veins of the calf[3], via painless electrical pulses, at a rate equal to 60 percent of walking[4] without a patient having to move. Through this mechanism of non-invasive neuromuscular electrostimulation, the device prevents oedema build-up and enables oedema clearance by local reabsorption of oedematous fluid into the vasculature and lymphatic systems[5],[6].

Influenced by compelling NHS real-world data, reporting a pre-operative 2 day improvement in readiness for surgery in ankle fracture patients[5]; and an RCT (randomized control trial) demonstrating post-operative oedema prevention in hip replacement patients[6], Dr Sameih Ismail Abu Khaleifa saw the potential for the innovative geko device and embraced the opportunity to examine its role and subsequent adoption into clinical practice.

Dr Sameih Ismail Abu Khaleifa, Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, said: "Lower limb post-operative and trauma-based oedema is a complicating factor that can impact length of hospital stay, functional recovery and readmission rates1. My team were therefore keen to explore geko device use as an alternative mechanical intervention to enhance recovery. The easy-to-use device, the size of a wrist-watch, is now in routine use providing safe and well-tolerated oedema control, ensuring that all of our patients can now receive appropriate oedema management for better clinical outcomes - and importantly improved patient satisfaction."

Bernard Ross, founder and CEO of Sky Medical Technology, said: "I am delighted that Dr Sameih Ismail Abu Khaleifa and his clinical team are the first in their region to champion use of the geko device to manage post-operative and trauma-based oedema, essential to optimizing the effectiveness of other interventions, such as physical therapy, that combined can enhance functional recovery. My thanks also goes to Tadawi Medical Supplies, importer and distributor of the geko device, for supporting innovation adoption in orthopaedics at the Al Hikma hospital."

References

Loyd BJ, et al. Development of a reference chart to monitor postoperative swelling following total knee arthroplasty. Disabil Rehabil. 2020 Jun;42(12):1767-1774. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2018.1534005. Epub 2019 Jan 22. Eberhard R, et al. Risks and contraindications of medical compression treatment - A critical reappraisal. An international consensus statement. Phlebology. 2020 Aug;35(7):447-460. doi: 10.1177/0268355520909066. Epub 2020 Mar 2 . A.Nicolaides, M Griffin. Measurement of blood flow in the deep veins of the lower limb using the geko neuromuscular electro-stimulation device. Journal of International Angiology August 2016-04. Tucker A, et al. Augmentation of venous, arterial and microvascular blood supply in the leg by isometric neuromuscular stimulation via the peroneal nerve. The International journal of angiology: official publication of the International College of Angiology, Inc. 2010 Spring; 19(1): e31-7. Mahmood et al, Neuromuscular Electrostimulation Device Reduces Preoperative Edema and Accelerates Readiness for Theater in Patients Requiring Open Reduction Internal Fixation for Acute Ankle Fracture the foot and ankle journal, published online, March 2020 Wainwright TW et al. A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effectiveness of a Novel Neuromuscular Electro-stimulation Device in Preventing the Formation of Oedema Following Total Hip Replacement Surgery. Heliyon 18 Jul 2018 - Volume 4, Issue 7

About the geko device

The geko is a neuromuscular electrostimulation device that gently stimulates the common peroneal nerve with small electrical pulses, activating the calf and foot muscle pumps to increase blood flow in the deeps veins of the calf at a rate equal to 60% of walking without the patient having to move. In the circumstance of lower limb trauma, the geko reduces the net filtration of fluid leakage from the capillary bed. Through this unique mechanism of action, the geko device prevents oedema build-up and enables oedema clearance by local reabsorption of excess interstitial fluid into the vasculature and lymphatic systems. Weighing just 10g, silent in operation and with no wires or leads, the battery powered geko is a daily disposable device that is self-adhesive and comfortable to wear. www.gekodevices.com

About Firstkind and Sky Medical Technology Ltd

Sky Medical Technology, the parent of Firstkind Ltd, is a UK-based medical devices company. Through its innovative mechanism of neuromuscular electrostimulation, Sky has developed a non-invasive, ground-breaking technology platform, OnPulse, embedded in its industry-leading brand, the geko device. Sky's products are tailored to different medical application areas, selling through strategic partnerships or distributors in each major clinical area. Clinical areas of focus include life threatening blood clots, complications related to swelling after orthopaedic surgery and vascular conditions related to wound healing. The goal in each pathway is to partner with healthcare professionals to improve clinical outcomes and patient care whilst saving health system resources. www.skymedtech.com

About Tadawi Medical Supplies Est

Tadawi is a leading importer and distributor of medical equipment for the Jordanian market. Focus application areas include intensive care and wound therapy, alongside exclusive distribution agreements with leading international companies in the respiratory field. Their selling organization has a strong medical background, with staff drawn from medical device engineering, nursing and health education.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1653496/T3_Device_3D_render_Flat.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1654698/The_geko__device_on_the_leg.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1340942/Sky_Medical_Logo.jpg

Media Contact

Sue Davenport

Hawk House

Peregrine Business Park

High Wycombe

Buckinghamshire

HP13 7DL

+44 (0)333 444 0468
ENEOS and Goldman Sachs Offer for Nippo Is Abusive to Minority Shareholders

Process followed by Nippo Special Committee is deeply flawed

Orbis Investment Management Limited ("Orbis") is a global investment firm founded in 1990 that is a significant investor in Japanese companies. As signatories of Japan's Stewardship Code, we monitor and engage with our investee companies including Nippo Corporation (1881:JT). As a long-term investor, Orbis seeks to enter into constructive relationships with companies but has a duty to act in the best interests of its clients.

In September 2021, Nippo announced that it had entered into an agreement with Nippo's parent, ENEOS Holdings Inc. (5020:JT) and Goldman Sachs whereby Nippo will be privatised for JPY4,000 per share. Orbis believes that the process followed by the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Nippo formed to approve the transaction is deeply flawed and has resulted in a transaction that is abusive and unfair to minority shareholders who will be forced to accept an inadequate offer that meaningfully undervalues Nippo, given in particular its significant non-operating assets.

A number of institutional shareholders share our sentiment as evidenced by the press releases issued by Japan Catalyst on 24 September, Silchester International Investors on 27 September and Oasis on 4 October. We are broadly supportive of their observations, and we call upon the Special Committee to revoke their support for the transaction until such time as they have:

Invited competing offers from both industry and financial acquirers for Nippo's operating and non-operating assets

Obtained an appropriate valuation of Nippo's non-operating assets such as real estate, equity securities and other financial assets

Disclosed the full details of all valuation reports and fairness opinions to allow minority shareholders to decide whether to tender their shares or exercise their right to have a court determine fair value

Imposed a majority of minority approval condition on any transaction in accordance with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's Fair M&A guidelines

We are hopeful that Nippo, ENEOS, Goldman Sachs and others who benefit from access to the capital markets share our view that they assume an obligation to treat security holders fairly, and that doing so is essential to protect the public interest in maintaining confidence that capital markets operate efficiently, fairly and with integrity.

Please contact John Christy (john.christy@orbis.com) if you have any questions regarding the contents of this press release.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005763/en/

Contacts:

John Christy

john.christy@orbis.com
U.S. Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL), U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL), U.S. Congressman Bobby Rush (D-IL), Father Michael Pfleger and other leaders will join activists from AIDS Healthcare Foundation and other community organizations to honor those that have lost their lives due to complications from COVID related causes and to speak out in support of access to COVID-19 vaccination for countries across the globe. The candlelight vigil will take place at St. Sabina Church.

U.S. Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL), U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly and civil rights activist Michael Pfleger will join local leaders and activists from AIDS Healthcare Foundation and other local community organizations for a candlelight vigil in honor of the millions of lives that have been lost to complications from COVID related causes and to speak out in support of the US government continuing to share its surplus COVID-19 vaccine supply with hard-hit countries and those without access to vaccines around the globe. The vigil is set for Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 7:00pm at St. Sabina Church, 1210 W. 78th Place, Chicago, IL. The vigil follows recent remarks by President Biden addressing the U.N. General Assembly in New York on global COVID vaccine access and shortages. At a point where nearly 4.7 million people worldwide have died from the novel coronavirus, 57% of the world population have yet to receive a single dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.

Thursday's gathering is a part of AHF's "VOW" Campaign, a global advocacy campaignto remind political and public health leaders at the federal level to continue to have the US swiftly share its unused vaccine supply abroad and to honor the millions of individuals that have lost their life to COVID related causes.

WHAT: Candlelight Prayer Vigil in Honor of COVID-19 Victims and in Support of Continued Global Vaccine Sharing WHEN: Thursday, October 7, 2021 7:00pm WHERE: St. Sabina Church, 1210 W. 78th Place, Chicago, IL (78th Throop) WHO: U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL) U.S. Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL) U.S. Congressman Bobby Rush (D-IL) Representative Kambium Buckner (IL-District 26) Father Michael Pfleger Anthony Burton, Administrator, Matteson, IL Village Dr. Danica Wilson, AHF Medical Director Chicago Vanessa Smith, Executive Director, South Side Help Center Omar N. Lopez, Executive Director, CALOR Other local political and civic leaders from across Chicago

"Vaccine apartheid cannot stand. While we applaud the Biden administration for supporting waiving patent rights, and beginning to create access to vaccination in under-served countries, there is still more work needing to be done. As we come together as a united community to honor the millions of lives that have been lost to COVID-19, we continue to be cognizant that to shift the devastating impact of this pandemic, vaccine is needed immediately around the globe, and time continues to be of the essence," said Dr. Danica Wilson, AHF Chicago Medical Director. "We cannot celebrate COVID subsiding here while a strategic plan to ensure COVID vaccination is accessible in every corner of the globe is still not in place."

COVID-19 Global Stats

As of October 4th, there were over 234 million COVID-19 cases worldwide reported with over 4.8 million people dead. In India and Brazil, new COVID-19 cases are completely exceeding the capacity of healthcare systems. There is a crushing need for more vaccines, particularly in the developing world. However, as of October 3rd, 6 billion vaccine doses had been administered worldwide 81% were given in wealthy countries and low-income countries received only 0.3%, according to the World Health Organization.

In addition to tomorrow's event, vigils will also take place in Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta and smaller awareness activations will happen in as many as 25 other communities across the country. For more information about AHF's 'Vaccinate Our World' campaign, please visit: www.VaccinateOurWorld.org.

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organization, currently provides medical care and/or services to over 1.5 million clients in 45 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, the Asia/Pacific Region and Europe. To learn more about AHF, please visit our website: www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter: @aidshealthcare and Instagram: @aidshealthcare

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005773/en/

Contacts:

Imara Canady, National Director, Communications Community Engagement +1.770.940.6555 cell/ imara.canady@ahf.org
Financial hub unites Turkey's financial services industry and international investors in the heart of Istanbul, with ambitions to become one of the largest financial centers in the world

Sponsors of this weekend's Formula 1 Turkish Grand Prix as part of global marketing strategy

ISTANBUL, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Research commissioned by Turkiye Wealth Fund forecasts that the annual value of Turkey's financial services exports is to increase from US$2 billion to US$16 billion by 2036, with Turkey's financial services exports expected to rise to 1.3% of GDP, up from 0.3% in 2019. The iFC, a new financial center in Istanbul, will be pivotal in helping to drive this growth with its complete financial services ecosystem, delivering growth to both the Turkish economy and international investors by promoting increased regional and global capital flows.

The iFC will benefit from Turkey's unique geographic location at the nexus of global markets, access to a large domestic economy, modern infrastructure, state of the art facilities and forward looking, supportive legislation and incentives.

Arda Ermut, CEO of the Turkiye Wealth Fund, said: "The opening of the Istanbul Financial Center is an important milestone both for Turkey's growing and dynamic economy, and wider regions. Located in Istanbul, already a global hub, the iFC will further facilitate and support capital flows at a global level. While eyes throughout the world are on the city and the Formula 1 this weekend, we are delighted to be able to bring attention to the iFC."

The iFC will support the whole of the international financial services industry, with a focus on Turkey's strengths in banking, insurance, green finance, fintech and Islamic finance. The iFC will be underpinned by regulation reflecting international best practice and supported by government-led incentives. The foundations of Turkey's financial services sector, including the central bank, financial regulators, the stock exchange and three leading public banks will relocate their headquarters to the iFC and many international investors have already agreed to open regional offices there.

Istanbul has easy access to a total population of 1.6 billion, and a market worth $30 trillion in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, all within a 4-hour flight radius. The iFC is located in Istanbul's Atasehir district, 35 minutes' drive from both international airports of Istanbul. The gross leasable space will be slightly more than 1.5 million sqm, hosting up to 50,000 employees. This includes 1.4 million sqm of modern office space, a 100,000 sqm mall, a 30,000 sqm 5-star luxury hotel, a 22,000 sqm conference center and over 26,000 units of parking space. The land is 300,000 sqm and more than 200,000 sqm consists recreational, common, and green areas.

The iFC will open for local and international tenants by H2 2022.

This weekend the iFC name will be prominent at the Formula 1 Rolex Turkish Grand Prix hosted at Istanbul Park, where it will be a Founding Partner. As part of the sponsorship iFC will unveil its new logo, branding and international website.

For further information, please visit www.ifc.gov.tr.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1655190/Turkiye_Wealth_Fund.jpg
Deutsche Telekom to distribute high-speed satellite broadband via the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite from end 2021

Positive initial trials in the German flood region

Confirming satellite as a complementary infrastructure to enable telcos achieve ubiquitous reach for their services

Regulatory News:

Deutsche Telekom and Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) have signed an agreement covering the distribution by Deutsche Telekom, Europe's largest telecommunications provider, of high-speed satellite broadband via the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite.

Under the agreement, Deutsche Telekom will commercialize EUTELSAT KONNECT high-speed broadband Internet offers for households in Germany with limited internet connection, starting from the end of 2021. Deutsche Telekom and Eutelsat have also agreed to discuss an extension of their partnership in the future. This closer co-operation would result in Deutsche Telekom offering its own products via Eutelsat's current and future infrastructure.

In service since November 2020, EUTELSAT KONNECT has a total capacity of 75 Gbps and is capable of offering speeds of up to 100 Mbps to both individuals and companies in the digital divide. It covers the whole of Germany, as well as 14 other European countries.

Meanwhile, Deutsche Telekom and Eutelsat are currently piloting an initial deployment in the city of Heimerzheim where the fixed network was badly affected by the floods in July. Crucial connectivity has been re-established via satellite connection providing WLAN coverage for an information point where both relief workers and affected residents can access the Internet free of charge.

Commenting on the agreement, Rodolphe Belmer, Eutelsat's Chief Executive Officer said: "We are excited to enlist the power of Deutsche Telekom as a distributor of our satellite broadband offer in Germany, one of Europe's largest markets. This type of agreement illustrates the confidence of major telecommunications operators in our offer; it further highlights the relevance of satellite as a cost-effective and reliable infrastructure, enabling them to extend their reach beyond the scope of terrestrial networks and assure ubiquitous coverage of a territory. Following the agreements with Orange in France and TIM in Italy, this is another significant milestone strengthening our go-to-market strategy in a third major market in Europe.

"Our ambition is to be the leader in both fixed and mobile communications", added Andre Almeida, Managing Director Private Customers at Telekom Deutschland. "Our fiber roll-out remains one of the key building blocks for digitization in Germany. In the coming years, Deutsche Telekom will make a massive contribution to further increasing the number of fiber connections for households and companies in Germany. The cooperation with Eutelsat is a perfect complement of our portfolio in the coming years to offer highspeed broadband via satellite in regions where we have no high speed currently and for remote areas."

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 customers, 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.

For more about Eutelsat go to www.eutelsat.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005538/en/

Contacts:

Media

Joanna Darlington

Tel.: +33 1 53 98 31 07

jdarlington@eutelsat.com

Marie Sophie Ecuer

Tel.: +33 1 53 98 32 45

mecuer@eutelsat.com

Jessica Whyte

Tel.: +33 1 53 98 46 21

jwhyte@eutelsat.com

Investors

Joanna Darlington

Tel.: +33 1 53 98 31 07

jdarlington@eutelsat.com

Cedric Pugni

Tel.: +33 1 53 98 31 54

cpugni@eutelsat.com

Alexandre Illouz

Tel.: +33 1 53 98 46 81

aillouz@eutelsat.com
- Development is a big priority for employees, with almost half (48%) saying that a lack of face time with employers over the past 12 months has slowed their career progression

- Over a quarter (26%) of workers say improved training and career guidance is important whilst 24% prioritise reigniting culture over anything else when returning to the office

- Companies failing to address these concerns are at risk of losing talent, with 53% of workers planning to leave their job in the next 12 months.

LONDON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Almost half (48%) of workers in the UK and the US say remote working and a lack of face-time with their employers over the past 12 months has hindered promotions and their ability to learn on the job, according to leading talent operating system Beamery. The findings have been released as part of Beamery's quarterly "Talent Index" research which collected current opinions from over 5,000 workers in the UK and US.

Lack of a workplace culture and social aspect to working has taken its toll. For many, the lack of support and progression has become overwhelming, with over half (53%) considering leaving their job in the next 12 months. Furthermore, almost a third (31%) of workers say getting more mental health support is a top priority for returning to the office.

As a result, many are considering career changes, with almost two thirds (63%) saying their career paths and goals have changed during the pandemic.

Generation Z

The issue is even more pronounced with Generation Z workers, with two thirds (66%) saying remote work has slowed their career progression. 41% of 18-24 year-olds also say their work life balance was better before the pandemic, suggesting that they especially benefited from office life. Almost three quarters (73%) are considering leaving their job in the next 12 months.

UK vs US

There is a noticeable difference between how workers in the UK feel versus their counterparts in the US. In the UK 34% of respondents felt very happy with their employer's return to office policy, versus 41% of US respondents. This could be because 56% of workers in the US say their employers prioritised wellbeing and were supportive, over 45% in the UK.

The findings from both the UK and US suggest the need for employers to take a balanced and hybrid approach to the future of work, and to ensure younger Generation Z employees in particular are supported in their development and progression, to avoid losing talent in what has been dubbed the 'Great Resignation'.

A lack of face-to-face time has clearly had an impact on mental health, with 30% of employees stating that their company's approach to working from home has left them feeling both isolated and undervalued, in addition to 38% voicing concerns of personal development and career progression. The best employers should ensure that there is support for both.

Abakar Saidov, Co-Founder and CEO at Beamery said: "While many have enjoyed the flexibility that comes with remote working, younger workers' careers appear to be suffering through a lack of training, a lack of development through observing experienced colleagues and a lack of recognition owing to less physical human interaction with their peers and managers.

"It is crucial that employers consider how their employees feel about the way they work, consider a more balanced hybrid approach, and ensure adequate human contact time to enable progression, training, personal connection and mental health services as they focus on motivating employees about future opportunities, and getting career paths back on track".

Methodology

The online survey was conducted by Atomik Research among 5,000 employed adults aged 18+ in the UK and U.S. The research fieldwork took place from August 19, 2021 to September 1, 2021. Atomik Research is an independent creative market research agency that employs MRS-certified researchers and abides by MRS code.

About Beamery

Beamery's mission is to put talent transformation at the heart of every business. Leveraging an industry first AI-powered Talent Graph, Beamery's Talent Operating System aggregates and enriches billions of relevant data points and signals from across the web and an enterprises' existing technology, to help organizations quickly identify and prioritize potential candidates that are likely to thrive at their organization, reach diversity targets, provide better learning opportunities and career pathways for existing employees, and understand the skills and capabilities they need to build their workforce of the future. Beamery is one of the fastest growing companies in the world, with a dedicated team that is not only superb at their jobs, but who are also a reliable and friendly bunch who leave egos out of the equation. For more information, visit beamery.com.

Media Contact

UK:

Louis van der Linden

Seven Hills

beamery@wearesevenhills.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - Bayhorse Silver Inc. (TSXV: BHS) (OTCQB: BHSIF) (FSE: 7KXN) (the "Company" or "Bayhorse") has received the building permit to install its full flotation processing facility in Payette, Idaho. The facility is 40 miles on mostly Interstate 84, from the Bayhorse Silver Mine in Oregon, USA.

The full flotation facility , where building erection is now 75% completed, is capable of handling 75 tons of pre-processed, ore-sorted, mineralization from the Bayhorse Mine per day.

The Company anticipates that it will have the equipment relocated to the new facility and back in operation by mid November.

The Company has fully completed lease and buyout payments on its US$1 million Steinert Ore-Sorter, that is capable of a 40 ton per hour throughput and now holds full title to the equipment.

During this past six months of nearly continuous operation, the Company is pleased to report that the grade of the rejected material from the Ore-Sorter has consistently been less than  ounce (15 grams) per ton of silver, demonstrating that it is achieving maximum recovery with minimal loss.

Operations at the Bayhorse Mine currently consists of drifting into and making safe the high grade Big Dog zone, where additional drilling of the Big Dog structure is under way,. This is to determine the dip, strike, and plunge and width of the zone, to permit extraction of mineralized material from this high grade zone.

Recent sampling of the smaller veins criss-crossing this zone has identified these veins are coated with limonite. These very high grade veins are very brittle and fracture and liberate readily into small pieces on blasting .





Figure 1 High grade vein, Big Dog stope

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5015/98900_a5bbfe8fb46ac986_001full.jpg.

The Company has made some changes to the initial crushing circuit to screen off all  inch material, that will bypass the Ore-Sorter and go straight to the flotation mill.





Figure 2 XRF reading of 2328.2 silver

To view an enhanced version of Figure 2, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/5015/98900_a5bbfe8fb46ac986_002full.jpg.

A number of mineralized samples from these newly accessible veins were measured with XRF by the Company's geologists (Apex Geoscience) one of which measured 2328.2 g/t (74.85 opt) silver, as well as 17.16% copper, 2.04% cobalt and 26.74% zinc, and 4.99% antimony. Another sample graded 1,350 g/t (The two samples were submitted to Christopherson Umpire Assayers of Kellogg, Idaho for silver assay, (fa/grav) and returned 75.82 opt (2,358.2 g/t) and 40.4 opt (1,256.5 g/t) respectively.

XRF devices are used by the Company inside the mine and on drill core to identify and initially assess the mineralized areas. The Company cautions that while the XRF device is calibrated, and the assay samples generally agreed with the XRF readings, the samples are not representative of actual mining grades as they only measure a 1cm portion of the actual sample.

The Company is not basing any decision to produce on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability and advises there is an increased uncertainty and specific economic and technical risk of failure with any production decision. These risks include, but are not limited to, (i) a drop in price of commodities produced, namely silver, copper, lead and zinc, from the pricing used to make a production decision; (ii) failure of grades of the produced material to fall within the parameters used to make the production decision; (iii) an increase in mining costs due to changes within the mine during development and mining procedures; and (iv) metallurgical recovery changes that cannot be anticipated at the time of production.

The TSX Venture Exchange, has approved a $166,685.42 settlement for debt amount of convertible debenture accrued interest through the issuance of 1,515,322 common shares of the Company at a price of $0.11 per share. In accordance with the TSX Venture Exchange rules, the shares issued are subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance.

This News Release has been prepared on behalf of the Bayhorse Silver Inc. Board of Directors, which accepts full responsibility for its contents. Dr. Stewart Jackson, P.Geo., a Qualified Person and Consultant to the Company has prepared, supervised the preparation of, and approved the technical content of this press release.

On Behalf of the Board.

Graeme O'Neill, CEO

604-684-3394

About Bayhorse Silver Inc.

Bayhorse Silver Inc. is an exploration and production company with a 100% interest in the historic Bayhorse Silver Mine located in Oregon, USA. With state of the art Steinert Ore-Sorting technology reducing waste rock entering the processing stream by up to 85%, we have created a minimum environmental impact facility capable of mining 200 tons of mineralization per day and the ability to process and supply 3,600 tons per year of silver/copper concentrate ranging between 7,500 to 15,000 g/t using standard flotation processing at its milling facility in nearby Payette County, Idaho, USA, with an offtake agreement in place with Ocean Partners UK Limited. The Company also has an option to acquire an 80% interest in the Brandywine high grade silver/gold property located in B.C. Canada. The Company has an experienced management and technical team with extensive mining expertise in both exploration and building mines.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98900.
2020/2021 FULL-YEAR RESULTS

SUCCESSFUL FIRST YEAR OF THE 2021-2025 PLAN

Strong growth momentum: revenue up 309% to 10.5m

Tight control of expenses: EBITDA of 0.5m; EBIT and net income close to breakeven

Tenfold increase in the order backlog since the IPO to 43.1m

Commercial pipeline in development, selection or final negotiation of 112m

2021/2022 outlook: doubling of H ydrogen stations revenue and EBIT close to breakeven

Grenoble, October 7, 2021 - HRS , European designer and manufacturer of hydrogen refueling stations, today announced its audited 2020/2021 results (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021), approved by the Board of Directors at its meeting on October 6, 2021.

Hassen Rachedi, founder, Chairman & CEO said: "The 2020/2021 financial year closed a few months after our successful IPO and saw our ambitious 2021-2025 development plan get off to a strong start." We have quadrupled year-to-year revenue, generated positive EBITDA, delivered our first new generation hydrogen refueling station to TotalEnergies and hired around 50% additional staff.

Our sales momentum is also very strong, and we recently signed a major contract with the Gaussin group for 36 hydrogen stations to be delivered between 2021 and 2026, representing a tenfold increase in our order book.

The demand for hydrogen mobility is growing and is attracting significant investment and we are perfectly positioned to take advantage of the growth of this market.

More than ever, HRS is the leading player in France and one of the largest manufacturers in Europe, delivering large-scale projects at the forefront of the hydrogen revolution. Hiring new talents, our future industrial tool, and tripling our production capacity will enable us to develop unique large-scale stations, and further ramp-up our presence in the European hydrogen sector.

All of these factors confirm our confidence in our business plan, and our ability to double Hydrogen stations revenue in the short term, i.e. in the financial year beginning July 1, 2021."

000- Audited 2019/2020 2020/2021 Change Revenue 2,564 10,488 +7,924 Operating expenses[1] (3,354) (10,027) (6,673) Cost of sales (752) (6,468) (5,716) Personnel expenses (1,282) (2,085) (803) External expenses (1,237) (1,426) (189) EBITDA[2] (718) 461 +1,179 EBIT (1,272) (203) +1,069 Financial income/(expense) (28) 58 +86 Taxes 368 (20) (388) Net income/(loss) (1,003) (167) +836

The audit of the financial statements has been carried out. The HRS Board of Directors met on October 6, 2021 to approve the 2020/2021 financial statements. The certification report will be issued in the next few days.

COMMERCIAL SUCCESS AND SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN OPERATING PROFIT

This financial year was marked by the initial commercial success of the new offer of hydrogen refueling stations designed, manufactured and installed by HRS. In 2020/2021, HRS received nine orders for stations, six of which were placed between the initial public offering in February 2021 and the end of the financial year on June 30, 2021. Thanks to this sales momentum, HRS recorded sharp revenue growth of 309% to 10.5m over the year, 2.2m of which in the Industrial piping segment and 8.3m in the Hydrogen stations segment (recognized over time).

This considerable increase in business was coupled with tight control over expenses. Operating expenses for the two segments amounted to 10.0m, including 6.5m in purchasing costs, mainly comprising hydrogen station components, personnel expenses of 2.1m (up 0.6m), which support the Company's commercial and industrial deployment, and external expenses of 1.4m (up 0.1m).

EBITDA reached 0.5m for the year, up 1.2m compared to the previous year, demonstrating HRS' ability to post a profit on this indicator just four months after its IPO. After net depreciation, amortization and provisions of 0.7m (up 0.1m), EBIT (before non-recurring items) was close to breakeven at 0.2m, up 1.1m, broadly in line with expectations.

HRS is progressively improving its processes through a learning effect and the recruitment of experienced people at key positions in its value chain (technical department, procurement, logistics, etc.), which will gradually enable economies of scale to be achieved. The unique organization of our production makes it possible to deliver products to customers in just a few weeks, a record time in the sector and a decisive key point during commercial negotiations.

Financial income amounted to 0.1m and income tax remains marginal for the year. The Company net loss for 2020/2021 was at 0.2m, up 0.8m year on year.

SOUND FINANCIAL STRUCTURE AND LARGE-SCALE CAPACITY THANKS TO A SUCCESSFUL IPO

000 - Audited 6/30/2020 6/30/2021 6/30/2020 6/30/2021 Non-current assets 3,504 5,547 (303) 67,906 Shareholders' equity Current assets 2,391 71,226 2,210 2,771 Non-current liabilities Inventories 175 533 2,137 2,672 Loans and borrowings (>1 year) Trade receivables 475 9,331 3,988 6,096 Current liabilities Cash and cash equivalents 83 58,440 1,767 847 Loans and borrowings (<1 year) TOTAL ASSETS 5,895 76,773 5,895 76,773 TOTAL EQUITY & LIABILITIES

Following HRS' successful IPO in February 2021, raising net funds of 67m, the balance sheet has been considerably strengthened in line with Company's bold ambitions. HRS' shareholders' equity amounted to 67.9m at June 30, 2021.

Cash flow from operating activities resulted in an outflow of 6.2m at June 30, 2021, comprising free cash flow after cost of net financial debt and taxes of 0.5m and a logical 6.7m increase in working capital linked to business growth over the year, the manufacturing of hydrogen stations not yet delivered and precautionary inventories in view of expected growth in 2021/2022.

Meanwhile, cash flow from investing activities amounted to an outflow of 0.8m, 0.3m of which was allocated to R&D and the fitting out of the head office, as well as a 0.5m investment in a vehicle fleet. Financial cash flow of 65.6m essentially comprises funds raised during the IPO, after transaction-related costs.

The Company therefore had a strong positive cash position of 58.4m at June 30, 2021, while gross debt totaled 3.5m.

Post-closing, HRS participated in a capital increase of the company GAUSSIN, a pioneer in clean and intelligent freight transport, to the tune of  7.0m and concluded with the latter a term sheet aimed at the implementation of an exclusive partnership on the territory of the Member States of the European Union for the supply of 36 HRS hydrogen stations between 2021 and 2026 (see press release).

ONGOING POST-IPO STRATEGY

HRS aims to become a European leader in the design and manufacture of hydrogen refueling stations, with a focus on heavy mobility. In this context, the IPO in February 2021 provided the Company with financial resources necessary to deploy its ambitious strategy, with 67m net raised. Management was therefore able to step up its industrial and commercial deployment, particularly in the following areas:

the future production and R&D center (see press release). This unique space will make it possible to respond to the significant step-up in demand by increasing production capacity to 180 stations a year, as well as a range of hydrogen equipment and devices. Groundbreaking for the works will take place on November 25, 2021, with delivery of the production center planned for October 2022 and the offices and laboratories for February 2023.

(see press release). This unique space will make it possible to respond to the significant step-up in demand by increasing production capacity to 180 stations a year, as well as a range of hydrogen equipment and devices. recruitment plan to support robust business growth in France and Europe In order to expand HRS ' commercial presence in Europe and bolster its cutting-edge status, a large-scale recruitment plan has been launched targeting the recruitment of over 130 people between 2020 and 2025. Under this plan, the Company has made 9 new hires and plans to recruit a least 30 more people over the coming year, including sales people to open new offices outside France or establish local partnerships, in order to rapidly expand in the European market. The structure of the Company's operating chain is also a key factor in the recruitment drive, including a new Technical Officer, Operating Officer and a number of specialized engineers.

In order to expand ' commercial presence in Europe and bolster its cutting-edge status, a large-scale recruitment plan has been launched targeting the recruitment of over 130 people between 2020 and 2025. including sales people to open new offices outside France or establish local partnerships, in order to rapidly expand in the European market. The structure of the Company's operating chain is also a key factor in the recruitment drive, including a new Technical Officer, Operating Officer and a number of specialized engineers. the integration of organizations at the heart of the sector, which aim to massively develop hydrogen mobility, such as the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance and Hydrogen Europe where HRS own the chair of the working group on mobility.

STRENGTHENING HRS MANAGEMENT

Adamo Screnci joined HRS on September 1, 2021 as Deputy CEO (see press release) in order to strengthen the executive management team and support Company's development. Adamo Screnci was also co-opted as a Director of HRS at the Board of Directors meeting held of October 6, replacing Philippe Bottu, who resigned from his mandate as Director on September 29, 2021. Philippe Bottu also resigned from his position as Deputy CEO with effect from December 31, 2021.

TOTAL COMMERCIAL PIPELINE OF 155m, INCLUDING A 10-FOLD INCREASE IN THE ORDER BACKLOG

Since the launch of its new hydrogen refueling station offering in mid-2020, order intake has reached 51.4m, including:

10.8m in new orders during the 2020/2021 financial year, for the following orders: 1 station for Total (see press release) with extended storage capacity, specifically designed to be easily dismantled and transported. This station, delivered in June 2021, is now fully operational. 5 stations, including two new orders in March 2021 (see press release), by Hympulsion under the ZEV (Zero Emission Valley) project; These stations will be delivered between 2021 year-end and 2022; 1 station for Plug Power currently being installed on site, ( see press release ) to supply hydrogen to a fleet of forklifts equipped with its fuel cell solution; 1 station currently being installed on site for a regional green hydrogen mobility ecosystem under a call for tenders coordinated by ENGIE Solutions (see press release); 1 station for the HyGO project , to be delivered in H1 2022, supplying green hydrogen produced by electrolysis for light and heavy vehicles in Vannes (see press release) as well as the installation of industrial piping for the entire project.



40.6m[3] in order intake at the start of the 2021-2022 financial year under the partnership agreement with Gaussin. This major partnership provides for the delivery of 36 stations by HRS by 2026, reflecting the Company's ability to book multi-year orders as part of ambitious development projects. The agreement provides for a gradual ramp-up set to begin with the supply of four 200 kg/day stations over the next 12 months, the first two of which will be supplied within 30 days of HRS subscribing to the GAUSSIN capital increase.

Taking into account the 8.3m[4] in revenue already recognized during the 2020/2021 year, the order book amounts to 43.1m to be recognized over the next five years, i.e. a 10-fold increase in less than 8 months.

Furthermore, HRS is involved in a range of hydrogen station projects throughout France, but also Europe. HRS now has a significant potential order pipeline comprising:

several stations at the final negotiation or selection stage in calls for tenders representing potential revenue of 20.1m with deliveries staggered over the 2021-2025?period; Some of these projects are now at an advanced stage and are expected to be finalized shortly;

stage in calls for tenders representing potential revenue of 20.1m with deliveries staggered over the 2021-2025?period; Some of these projects are now at an advanced stage and are expected to be finalized shortly; c alls for projects answered by HRS for additional stations for delivery between 2021 and 2027, representing over 91.7m in potential revenue;

An agreement signed with Engie in January 2021 on the joint development of 15 projects between 2021 and 2025 as part of a commercial and industrial partnership, which is now being finalized.

2021/2022 OUTLOOK AND CONFIRMATION OF MEDIUM-TERM OBJECTIVES

Building on its order book and intake, HRS aims to double its revenue in the hydrogen stations segment by June 30, 2022, while maintaining EBIT income around breakeven in this phase of strong growth and structuring of the Company. Like the previous financial year, there will be a notable seasonal effect, resulting in a busier second half.

The sale of hydrogen stations will be supported by the future growth of the HRS sales team, as well as the leasing partnership set up with BNP PARIBAS Leasing Solutions (see press release). The Company is also keeping a close eye on growing global tensions in supply chains and is implementing solutions to avoid or mitigate the possible impacts of shortages, such as securing a supply of strategic components and building up inventories of stations in production.

HRS has confirmed its goal to reach 85m in revenue by June 30, 2025, aiming to deliver 100 new stations over the period. The Company also confirms its aim to maintain a positive EBIT margin (EBIT/revenue) or around breakeven throughout the plan term, to reach around 20% by June 30, 2025, thanks to the leverage effect of growth on profitability.

Next financial press release:

H1 2021/2022 revenue, January 20, 2022

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 2020/2021 revenue of 10.5 million. As of June 30, 2021, the company had 38 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

[1] Excluding depreciation, amortization and provisions

[2] EBITDA: according to the definition used by the Company, EBITDA is obtained by deducting from net income: the depreciation and amortization of assets recognized as part of a business combination; amortization of intangible assets and depreciation of PP&E; the costs of share-based payments, including those resulting from the deferral of the fair value of bonus shares and stock options granted to employees; other non-recurring operating income or expenses, net cost of debt and other financial income and expenses, and the tax charge for the year.

[3] Based on the historical sales price

[4] Recognition of revenue using the percentage-of-completion method.

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Company Introduces Six New Skincare Products

Significantly Expands Its Distribution Network in Ireland

LONDON, ENGLAD and BELFAST, IRELAND / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / (CSE:POKO) - Poko Innovations, Inc. (formerly Brunswick Resources), an award-winning international UK based integrated company with a robust portfolio of CBD brands, a financial services platform, LumiPay, a range of consumer brands and a roster of marketing and media sites is pleased to announce it has its flagship skin care brand, Poko, is dramatically expanding its skincare range with six new products:

Purifying Gel Cleanser

Brightening Rosewater Toner

AHA Exfoliating Treatment

Azelaic Acid Spot Gel

Light Hydrating Moisturizer

Hempsoriasis Balm

In addition to these new products, the company has signed a distribution agreement with a leading European Department Store and has significantly increased its distribution in Ireland with the addition of department stores and independent pharmacies now selling Poko products.

"It's always been our long-term goal to provide quality skincare products to the markets that cover a wide range of issues like acne, rosacea and dryness," said Justine O'Hanlon, COO and Co-Founder of POKO. "Since we founded the company, we have always looked at our customer feedback, and we keep in mind our customers' wants and needs when deciding which products to launch next. With the introduction of these six new products, we are giving customers a full line of Poko skincare products, including cleansers and toners, so they can use all of them as part of a comprehensive skincare."

The entire line of Poko skincare products will be available online at www.pokocbd.co.uk and in stores from 8 October 2021 individually and in gift boxes.

"Our recent listing on the Canadian Stock Exchange (POKO:CSE) and financing will enable Poko Innovations, Inc. to expand and grow the Poko skincare line and all of other divisions," said David Hughes, President and CEO of Poko Innovations, Inc. "The completion of the financing has also enabled the company to invest in several partnership agreements so as to broadly expand our brand visibility and spur increased demand for our products. We are heavily invested in boosting production and product research and development, which we expect will result in growth, profitability and increased shareholder value."

Poko comprises of four segments:

Consumer Brands:

Poko is the group's flagship award winning brand, a natural skin care company harnessing the power of CBD to transform skin care by combining an innovative cannabidiol formula with tried-and-tested "skin-loving" ingredients; Poko's products come in different luxury ranges for different types of skin issues, including aging, acne, blemishes and dry skin. www.pokocbd.co.uk

Canndid is a CBD brand which brings fun, affordable and easy to use CBD products to the market that taste great, are compact and easy to take anywhere and are smoke, vapour and device free. It's aim is to provide customers with products that aid stress and pain relief, as well as anxiety management and improved recovery times. www.canndid.co.uk

Fintech Platform:

Lumipay is an easily-integrated payment platform gateway service approved for high risk industries and currently focused on the CBD industry; the platform is expanding into other e-commerce sectors. Lumipay has the benefit of multiple acquiring bank contracts www.lumi-pay.com

News and Media Sites:

The Extract is a B2B news and media site covering changes and events in the industry, with an audience in the UK and the USA. Poko is working to build an audience for The Extract in the EU. It's aim is to provide lead generation to Poko Group's other assets and provide extensive market data on the needs and wants of our buyers. www.theextract.co.uk

Candid Magazine, a B2C culture magazine, is part of Poko's marketing media operation. Candid's audience is the avid CBD and cannabis user in Canada and the USA; the magazine covers lifestyle-focused products, lead generation, CBD news and events. Poko has begun marketing the magazine in the EU and UK. www.candidmagazine.com

White labelling Service:

Cannmed Products brings together several vetted, compliant CBD manufacturing companies, providing start-ups and established businesses moving on to the CBD scene a one stop location for their product creation which they can trust, offering consultation on raw materials, white labelling and CBD isolate in the UK. Having already applied for it's Novel Food license, Canndmed is a serious player in the UK market. www.cannmedproducts.com

Poko also has several new websites and related business activities under development and expects to launch them in 2022.

Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities laws.

About The Poko Group, Ltd

The Poko Group is a collection of CBD focused companies that bring innovative, inspiring solutions to the CBD industry through the company's leading platforms which, when working together, form a complete ecosystem.

The Poko Group has is an award-winning UK CBD company that has developed a unique business model comprising complete "turnkey solutions," including fintech payment processing and white label opportunities. Poko plans to export its signature products to the EU and the USA. For more information, please visit https://www.pokogroup.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 company's ability to raise sufficient financing to implement its business plan, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the company's business, operations and the economy in general, and the Company's 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 company's filings with the SEC, which are available at the SEC's website (www.sec.gov). The company disclaims any intention or obligation to update, or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Investor Relations

Michael J. Porter, President

Porter, LeVay & Rose, Inc.

T: (973) 865-9357

E: mike@plrinvest.com

LinkedIn

@PlRinvest

SOURCE: Poko Innovations Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667251/Poko-Innovations-Inc-Signs-Distribution-Agreement-with-Leading-European-Department-Store
LA JOLLA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / Billionaires Row founder, Gregg Whitney, believes in giving back to his community and is especially passionate about the upcoming Making Strides walk in San Diego. His wife, Lisa Marie Whitney, has battled stage four breast cancer for eight years. They both learned that this disease involves the entire family. That includes their two children, as well as the entire team at Billionaires Row.

Names right to left: Lisa Whitney, Ryan Mills, Gregg Whitney, and Brooks Whitney.

Bringing the staff together this October to support Making Strides Against Breast Cancer will be a time to bond in a casual, festive environment to support to this worthy cause. Awareness events such as this walk are pivotal pieces of the advancement of medicine. The entire team is there to support the Whitney family and all those who have had to deal with breast cancer.

"I deal with breast cancer every day - so to be part of something bigger, with so many kind and generous people, really touches me to the core," stated Lisa. "So many treatment advances would not be possible without public awareness, financial support, and the continued encouragement to never give up," she added.

The Billionaires Row team will be out walking and they're pushing hard to achieve a set goal for their fundraising efforts. Billionaires Row founder, Whitney shared why he encouraged his staff to support this walk. He said, "As part of a team that puts a strong emphasis on family culture, it's important that our team shows support and unity for those impacted by breast cancer."

Lisa is excited for the various emotions she will observe and experience at the walk. "People are at many different phases of their breast cancer journey, and I am sensitive to the hope, fear, isolation, and the many emotions that people feel. My family and I are looking forward to being a part of honoring the many lives impacted by breast cancer. We are thankful that others want to honor them too. And miracles do happen!" Lisa added.

Billionaires Row, Gregg Whitney, and his team are in La Jolla, and with Mr. Whitney's 35 years in the industry, they deliver a high-class experience in real estate. The provide vision and design expertise, concierge services and strong negotiations. Visit Billionaires Row on the web here, where you may contact them to be a part of their Making Strides team, to donate to the walk, or to learn more about their community involvement.

Join the American Cancer Society in the Making Strides movement to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. Billionaires Row will participate as a team in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk to be held on October 17, 2021, in Balboa Park in San Diego, California.

About Billionaires Row

Billionaires Row is a boutique real estate agency that assists in the buying and selling luxury real estate in Southern California. With over seventy-five years of combined experience, Billionaires Row understands the La Jolla and San Diego market area and what is important to both buyers and sellers. When they list your home for sale, they design a strategic marketing plan specific to your needs. With superior market knowledge and an exceptional team, they execute a plan for selling or buying the property to your strongest advantage. Visit Billionaires Row on the web at https://www.viewsandiegorealestate.com/ or call them at 8584563282.

Links:

https://secure.acsevents.org/site/STR?pg=entry&fr_id=100752

https://www.viewsandiegorealestate.com/

Contact: Susan Fortner, President, Bowers PR

Telephone: 614-562-0054

Email: susan@bowerspr.com

SOURCE: Billionaires Row

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667078/Billionaires-Row-Raises-Funds-for-Making-Strides-Movement
October 7th, 2021

PLACEMENT OF A900MILLION EURO SECURITIZATION BACKED BY GERMAN AUTO LOANS

RCI Bank and Services announces the placement of a securitization backed by auto loans originated by its German branch RCI Banque S.A Niederlassung.

FCT Cars Alliance Auto Loans Germany V 2021-1 has placed 900m(1) of Senior notes. These notes are rated AAA(sf) / Aaa(sf) by DBRS and Moody's.

The Senior tranche, with a weighted average life of 2.9 years, has a margin(2) of Euribor 1 month + 11bps.

The success of this placement demonstrates investors' confidence in RCI assets quality and receivable management process. This transaction also confirms the diversified financing sources to which the company has access.

(1): of which 200m have been retained by RCI Banque

(2): Coupon: Euribor + 70 floored at zero, issuance price 101.703





Attachment
BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Switzerland stock market ended on a buoyant note on Thursday, in line with other markets in Europe, after U.S. lawmakers reached an agreement to temporarily extend the debt limit, avoiding a potential default. According to reports, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., announced an agreement to extend the debt ceiling through early December. Data showing a drop in Swiss unemployment rate in the month of September contributed as well to the upbeat mood in the market. The benchmark SMI ended with a strong gain of 194.25 points or 1.68% at 11,763.64, slightly off the session's high of 11,771.71. Richemont climbed 4.4%, Credit Suisse gained 3.8% and UBS Group firmed 3.6%. Partners Group gained about 3.1%. Sika shares rallied 3%. The Swiss specialty chemicals company confirmed fiscal 2021 targets, expecting sales growth in local currencies of 13% - 17% as well as an over-proportional EBIT increase. ABB gained 2.5%, while Logitech, Roche Holding, Swiss Life Holding and Holcim moved up by about 2%. Geberit, Novartis, Swiss Re and Alcon also rose sharply. In the Swiss Mid Price Index, AMS ended more than 4% up. Julius Baer, Adecco, Swatch Group, Cembra Money Bank, OC Oerlikon Corp, Dufry, Clariant, Logitech, BB Biotech, Temenos Group and Georg Fischer gained 1.8 to 3.2%. Data released by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs showed the Swiss unemployment rate inched down to a non-seasonally adjusted 2.6% in September 2021, the lowest since February 2020. The number of unemployed people fell by 6,061, or 4.8% to 120,294. 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.
U.S. Federal Judge Grants Alvotech's Motion to Dismiss AbbVie's lawsuit alleging misappropriation of trade secrets

A U.S. federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by AbbVie against Alvotech Hf alleging theft of trade secrets. Alvotech, an Iceland-based biosimilar company, is seeking to bring an affordable high-concentration biosimilar of Humira(adalimumab) to the market. Judge Harry D. Leinenweber of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division, issued the ruling Wednesday, Oct. 6.

"Alvotech's mission is to bring affordable medicines to market as soon as we can. Meritless accusations aimed at denying access to affordable medicines will not deter us from our mission and today serves as an affirmation of our efforts," said Robert Wessman, founder and chairman of Alvotech

AbbVie's lawsuit was another attempt to preserve its monopoly over Humira and prevent Alvotech's proposed biosimilar from being available to patients in the United States.

Alvotech is the only known company that has both submitted a Biologics License Application (BLA) for a high-concentration biosimilar candidate to Humira, the most commonly utilized strength of the product on the market, and has successfully conducted a switching study in support of an FDA designation of interchangeability and correspondingly the potential for product substitution at the pharmacy level. Teva Pharmaceuticals, a U.S. affiliate of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NYSE and TASE: TEVA) is the exclusive strategic partner for the commercialization of AVT02 in the United States.

Adalimumab inhibits tumor necrosis factor, which is a protein in the body that causes inflammation. Adalimumab is used to treat certain inflammatory conditions. Humira recorded global sales of about US$20 billion in 2020, making it the largest-selling biologic medicine in the world.

On Sept. 10, Alvotech announced positive top-line results for a switching study between its proposed biosimilar AVT02 and Humira. The purpose of the switching study is to support the potential approval of AVT02 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as an interchangeable product with Humira.

About Alvotech:

Alvotech is a multinational biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and manufacture of high quality biosimilars for global markets. We are specialists in biotechnology, seeking to be a global leader in the biosimilar space by delivering high quality, cost-competitive products and services to our partners and to patients worldwide. Our fully integrated approach, with high-quality in-house competencies throughout the value chain, enables the accelerated development of biosimilar products. Alvotech's shareholder base includes, among others, Aztiq Pharma, led by founder and Chairman Mr. Robert Wessman, Fuji Pharma from Japan, YAS Holdings form Abu Dhabi, Shinhan from Korea, Baxter Healthcare SA from the US, ATHOS (Strungmann Family Office) from Germany and CVC Capital Partners and Temasek from Singapore through their participation in Alvogen.

Alvotech's initial pipeline contains several monoclonal-antibody and fusion-protein biosimilar candidates aimed at treating autoimmunity, oncology and inflammatory conditions to improve quality of life for patients around the world. For more information, please visit our website, www.alvotech.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.

About AVT02:

AVT02 is a monoclonal antibody and a proposed biosimilar to Humira (adalimumab). AVT02 is an investigational compound and has not received regulatory approval in any country. Biosimilarity has not yet been established by regulatory authorities and is not yet claimed.

Forward Looking Statement

Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this press release are forward looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. These forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts but rather on our expectations regarding future growth, results of operations, performance, future capital and other expenditures, competitive advantages, business prospects and opportunities. Statements in this press release about our future plans and intentions, results, level of activities, performance, goals or achievements or other future events constitute forward looking statements. There are a number of factors which could cause actual results or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Any of the assumptions underlying forward-looking statements could prove inaccurate or incorrect and therefore any results contemplated in forward-looking statements may not actually be achieved. Nothing contained in these slides and/or the press release of them should be construed as a profit forecast or profit estimate. Wherever possible, words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "may", "could", "will", "potential", "intend", "estimate", "should", "plan", "predict", or the negative or other variations of statements reflect management's current beliefs and assumptions and are based on the information currently available to our management. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements or other information contained herein, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. You are cautioned not to put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005933/en/

Contacts:

Andrew Friedman

alvotech@berlinrosen.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - Mine One Blockchain Inc. announces an exciting new Bitcoin venture launched by a UK entrepreneur has appointed an experienced financier to drive forward its ambitious growth plans.

A Canadian-based company launched by UK-based businessman Alex Lineton, has ambitions of floating a Bitcoin business on the Toronto Stock Exchange after investing $500,000 in a Canadian mining venture.

Mine One Blockchain has already been successful in raising capital despite its infancy - and now hopes the appointment of Vancouver-based Mat Lee as its new CFO will ramp up their plans.





Vancouver-based Mat Lee has been appointed CFO of Mine One Blockchain Inc, a Bitcoin venture launched by UK entrepreneur Alex Lineton.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/8274/98935_mathew_lee_2021-5-edit.jpg

Mr. Lee is a chartered accountant with more than 13 years' experience in audit, finance, public company financial reporting and operations management.

"I'm extremely excited to be involved," said Mr. Lee. "The management team Alex is putting together is quite talented."

"I like the fact we've already had some initial success in raising capital and we have a good line of clean energy."

"It seems everyone is set on doing things correctly and by the book, which for me is very important."

Before setting up his own CFO services, specialising in the mining and technology sectors, Mr. Lee previously held the position of financial controller at a private real estate investment firm that operates two funds with combined assets under management of $140m in Canada and the US.

Prior to that, he was operations manager for Canada's largest independent investment dealer, Raymond James, also based in Vancouver, with revenues in excess of $300m and assets under administration in excess of $33 billion.

Mine One Blockchain CEO Alex Lineton said: "The reason we wanted Mat on board is because he has a fantastic reputation in the region."

"We're trying to build this company properly from the ground up. We're not trying to skim on anything."

"So to get Mat on board is a massive feather in our cap and speaks volumes about the potential of the venture, and the confidence he has in what we're building."

"He was someone we targeted from the start. Sets a precedent and a standard of what we're trying to do."

Bitcoin mining, which is growing hugely in the US, is performed by high-powered computers that solve complex computational math problems, with miners using increasingly complex machinery to speed up mining operations and 'mint' Bitcoins.

But there's a worldwide shortage of Bitcoin miners after China shut down mining operations earlier this year.

Canada - which is the world's fourth-highest producer of hydro power - currently has 8% spare hydro energy capacity.

And with Bitcoin mining demanding huge amounts of energy, Mr. Lineton has acquired spare, carbon neutral hydro capacity in Canada to run a sophisticated Bitcoin mining operation.

Mr. Lee said: "There are some companies operating across the border in Washington to gain access to cheap energy. Having said that, I don't think there are many using clean energy in this way, which is why I'm excited to be involved."

"Bitcoin can be polarising. There are some demographics who don't quite get it. But there are many who do and love it. It promotes decentralised finance. There's still a lot of education surrounding cryptocurrency, but that education should be straight forward when the time comes."

"Bitcoin will continue to grow as more businesses, customers and vendors accept it as a formal currency."

"The market price can be fairly volatile, but the general day-to-day use of Bitcoin will continue its trend for the foreseeable future."

"The structure and the low cost of operations of Mine One Blockchain will speak well to the market. I'm happy to be involved with the company and I'm looking forward to working with the team."

With two recent increases in its value jumping from the level of $29,000 on July 20 to a high of over $54,000 in October, Mr. Lineton says the combination of Canada's spare power capacity together with the growing price of Bitcoin convinced him to target Vancouver.

Contact:

investors@mine.one

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98935
Organized by the Public Prosecutor's Office in partnership with the NGO Amigos da Terra - Amazonia Brasileira (Friends of the Earth - Brazilian Amazon, in English) the report assesses the results of companies committed to ESG best practices

BARRETOS, Brazil, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Minerva Foods, leader in beef exports in South America and one of the largest companies in the production and sale of fresh beef and its derivatives in the region, once again reinforces its commitment to the development of sustainable agricultural supply chain as it fully certifies compliance with the Terms of Adjustment of Conduct agreement(TAC) for cattle raising in the state of Para, Brazil, confirmed by an audit lead by the Public Prosecutor's Office, the main and most reliable verification body of the Brazilian production chain, in partnership with the NGO Amigos da Terra - Amazonia Brasileira. The report assessed the results of companies committed to the fight against illegal deforestation in cattle production.

TAC focuses on legal, environmental and social aspects involved in the cattle raising activity. This requires that protein-producing industries verify that the properties they deal with are in compliance with social and environmental criteria and laws.

Thus, the Company contributes directly for tackling ilegal deforestation, land grabbing, slave labor; invasion of environmental protection areas, indigenous, and traditional lands (e.g. quilombola people), or without environmental or land regularization. The new achievement confirms not only Minerva Foods' good sustainability practices, but also reiterates its commitment to Sustainable Cattle Ranching and to the work being carried out throughout the sector.

"We work continuously to ensure a sustainable business model, from farm to table, while respecting the environment, people, and encouraging the development of the entire production chain. The result of the main audit on fighting illegal deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon shows that we are on the right track, contributing to sustainable cattle ranching, engaging the producers in this trajectory," highlights Taciano Custodio, Sustainability Director at Minerva Foods.

The report results are available at: http://www.mpf.mp.br/pa/sala-de-imprensa/documentos/2021/apresentacao_auditorias_cadeia_pecuaria_pa_07-10-2021.pdf/

Reference in Supplier Monitoring

The Company is the first and only in the sector to use geographic information systems for monitoring its direct supply farms with georeferenced maps in all biomes in which it operates in Brazil (Amazon, Cerrado, Pantanal and Atlantic Forest) and Paraguay. Additionally, Minerva Foods has become the first company to integrate the risk analysis tool into its monitoring system, thanks to its innovative trials with Visipec.

Currently, more than 14 million hectares are being geographically monitored in Brazil and Paraguay. Together, all monitored regions are larger than the territory of Greece.

In Brazil, 100% of purchases made by Minerva Foods in the Amazon, Cerrado, Pantanal and Atlantic Forest regions are monitored, through the use of georeferenced maps of direct supplier farms, thus ensuring compliance with strict social and environmental criteria by suppliers.

Currently, the company privately monitors more than 9,000 suppliers in the Amazon biome, comprising a total area of more than 9 million hectares, a region equivalent to the territory of Portugal. In addition, it also monitors more than 2 million hectares in the Cerrado, Pantanal, and Atlantic Forest.

Minerva Foods is also the first Company in the sector to move forward with actions to assess indirect supplying ranches. In 2020, the Company implemented Visipec, a tool developed by the University of Wisconsin (USA) in partnership with NGO National Wildlife Federation (NWF), to assess risks related to indirect suppliers' ranches in the Amazon region. Preliminary tests showed 99.8% compliance with the criteria established by the Indirect Supplier Working Group. Information on the test results is available for public consultation on our investor relations website http://ri.minervafoods.com/ . Anticipating the target announced in April in four months, the Company integrated the Visipec tool to its geographic monitoring system for the Amazon.

Recently, Minerva Foods announced its new Sustainability Strategy, with the commitment to become Carbon Neutral. It's goal is to achieve zero net emissions by 2035 - 15 years ahead of the Paris Agreement. The Company plans to invest in projects that will help reduce emissions throughout the production chain by the announced date.

The first commitment is to ensure zero illegal deforestation throughout the supply chain in South America. The company will continue with geographic monitoring in all territories in Brazil and will continue to expand to 100% of direct suppliers in Paraguay during 2021; in Colombia by 2023; in Uruguay by 2025 and other countries of South America by 2030.

Minerva Foods will also include 50% of beef suppliers in the Low Carbon Emission Program by 2030. The strategy will strengthen the partnership with leading research institutions, such as the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa); the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT/Colombia); and the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA/Uruguay).

About Minerva Foods

Minerva Foods is the leader in beef exports in South America and also operates in the processed meat segment, selling its products to more than 100 countries. In addition to Brazil, Minerva Foods is present in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia and Chile, through its subsidiary Athena Foods, a company that was born a leader in the global beef export market from South America to the world. Minerva Foods, together with Athena Foods, operates in five continents with beef and its derivatives and currently manages 25 slaughtering and deboning facilities, 16 international offices, 14 distribution centers, and three processing plants.
Not for distribution to U.S. news wire services or dissemination in the United States.

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / New Placer Dome Gold Corp. ("New Placer Dome" or the "Company") (TSXV:NGLD)(OTCQB:NPDCF)(FSE:BM5) is pleased to report the initial induced polarization (IP) / resistivity geophysical surveys results from its flagship Kinsley Mountain Gold Project ("Kinsley Mountain") in Nevada.

Kinsley Mountain is located 90 km south of the Long Canyon Mine1, operated by the Newmont/Barrick Joint Venture, Nevada Gold Mines. It hosts Carlin-style gold mineralization under and adjacent to a historical open-pit, run-of-mine heap leach operation, and hosts an Indicated Resource at the Western Flank Zone (WFZ) of 302,000 ounces of gold grading 6.11 g/t Au (1.54 million tonnes)1.

IP/Resistivity surveys are currently underway to infill between the WFZ and Shale Saddle survey grids completed during Q4 of 2020. The 2020 surveys revealed a correlation between enhanced chargeability and drill confirmed high grade gold sulphide mineralization at the WFZ. At Shale Saddle, drill hole KMR20-035, drilled prior to the 2020 survey, intersected anomalous gold values on the periphery of a large untested chargeability anomaly.

The 2021 geophysical surveys are progressing northwest from Shale Saddle towards the high-grade WFZ resource (Figure 1). Two northeast-southwest oriented infill lines have been completed to date. Both lines detected significant chargeability anomalies coincident with modelled Secret Canyon shale rocks, the main host of high-grade sulphide gold mineralization at the WFZ and Secret Spot. The Company's 2020 drilling yielded high-grade gold sulphide intercepts from the Secret Canyon shale including: 10.2 g/t gold (Au) over 6.1 metres within a broader zone averaging 2.63 g/t Au over 38.1 metres in KMR20-017 at the WFZ; and 11.3 g/t Au over 2.9 m within a broader zone grading 3.81 g/t Au over 11.6 m in KMD20-006 at Secret Spot2. Significantly, the two holes are separated by a 1.5-kilometer expanse of largely untested Secret Canyon stratigraphy.

The new chargeability anomalies occur within an area untested by previous drilling and represent at least three new potential drill targets. Together with anomalies identified by the 2020 survey, a broad north-south trending zone of elevated chargeability is emerging, increasing in both size and amplitude to the north. Only 10% of the 2021 IP/Resistivity survey is complete, totaling 8 line-km. An additional 72 line-km are planned, covering a total area of 25 square km of undrilled target host rocks.

Max Sali, CEO and founder of New Placer Dome commented, "The 2020 geophysical surveys successfully demonstrated that IP/Resistivity surveys are a powerful exploration tool capable of unlocking potential targets undetected by previous methods. The discovery of additional high quality chargeability targets on the first two lines of the 2021 survey further reinforces our belief that additional undiscovered zones of high-grade gold mineralization exist within underexplored areas at Kinsley. With the survey only 10% complete, we look forward to receiving additional results as we move forward with completing the financing and generating drill targets for the upcoming Kinsley core and RC drilling program. We continue to collect allocations on the private placement financing on a daily basis despite market conditions and continue to work on the Kinsley project and appreciate the support from insiders of Liberty Gold and funds that continue to support."

Figure 1. Kinsley Mountain IP/Resistivity Chargeability Inversions

Private Placement & Kinsley Option Agreement

Further to the Company's news release dated September 14, 2021, the Company intends to close the private placement and the amended Kinsley Option Agreement with Liberty Gold Corp. (TSXV: LGD) on or before October 22, 2021. The private placement and the amended Kinsley Option Agreement are subject to approval by the TSX Venture Exchange.

Upon the closing of a minimum of $4,000,000 pursuant to the private placement and the issuance of common shares pursuant to the amended Kinsley Option Agreement, Liberty Gold Corp. would own approximately 18% of the issued and outstanding common shares of New Placer Dome on an undiluted basis.

Methodology and QA/QC

Two IP/resistivity lines have been completed to date during 2021 infilling the area between the WFZ and Shale Saddle target. The lines are spaced 150 metres apart, each with a line length of 4 kilometres. Data were collected using the Direct Current Resistivity, Induced Polarization ("DCIP") method, on a 16-channel pole-dipole array with a dipole size (a-spacing) of 100 metres. A GDD GRx16 receiver and GDD 5000W-2400V-20A IP Tx model Tx4 transmitter was used. Raw data were loaded into GDD IP Post-Process software and Geosoft Oasis Montaj software for quality control and review. The reviewed data were used to produce pseudo section plots of apparent resistivity and apparent chargeability and were the input for the inversion. Inversions were completed using the UBC-GIF DCIP2D inversion codes. Each line of data was inverted independently. The resistivity and IP inversion is a two-step process. The resistivity inversion is run first, and this model is used in the chargeability inversion. Multiple inversions were completed for quality control.

About New Placer Dome Gold Corp.

New Placer Dome Gold Corp. is a gold exploration company focused on acquiring and advancing gold projects in Nevada. New Placer Dome's flagship Kinsley Mountain Gold Project located 90 km south of the Long Canyon Mine (currently in production under the Newmont/Barrick Joint Venture, Nevada Gold Mines), hosts Carlin-style gold mineralization, previous run of mine heap leach production, and NI 43-101 indicated resources containing 418,000 ounces of gold grading 2.63 g/t Au (4.95 million tonnes) and inferred resources containing 117,000 ounces of gold averaging 1.51 g/t Au (2.44 million tonnes)3. The Bolo Project, located 90 km northeast of Tonopah, Nevada, is another core asset, similarly hosting Carlin-style gold mineralization. New Placer Dome also owns 100% of the Troy Canyon Project, located 120 km south of Ely, Nevada. New Placer Dome is run by a strong management and technical team consisting of capital markets and mining professionals with the goal of maximizing value for shareholders through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (BC), Principal and Consultant of APEX Geoscience Ltd. of Edmonton, AB, a Director of New Placer Dome and a "Qualified Person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Raffle has verified the data disclosed which includes a review of the sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information and opinions contained herein.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

/s/ "Max Sali"

Max Sali, Chief Executive Officer

Contact Information:

Max Sali, Chief Executive Officer & Director

Tel: 604 620 8406

Email: msali@newplacerdome.com

Karl Mansour, Paradox IR

Tel: 514 341 0408

Email: karlmansour@paradox-pr.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 news release.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States or in any jurisdiction where the offer, sale or solicitation would be unlawful. The Securities referred to in this press release may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration.

Forward Looking Information

This news release includes certain statements that constitute "forward-looking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities law, including without limitation, the completion of the Private Placement, completion of the amendments of the Kinsley Option Agreement with Liberty Gold, completion of the geophysical survey program and subsequent drilling and the expected outcomes and results, other statements relating to the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company and its properties, and other matters.

Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "estimates" or "intends", or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved), and variations of such words, and similar expressions are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements 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. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of metals, anticipated costs and the ability to achieve goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms, and that third party contractors, equipment and supplies and governmental and other approvals required to conduct the Company's planned exploration activities will be available on reasonable terms and in a timely manner. 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. For further information concerning these and other risks and uncertainties, refer to the Company's filings on www.SEDAR.com including the annual information form for the year ended June 30, 2020, filed on May 26, 2021.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events, level of activity, performance or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: (i) risks related to gold and other commodity price fluctuations; (ii) risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration results; (iii) risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; (iv) that resource exploration and development is a speculative business; (v) that the Company may lose or abandon its property interests or may fail to receive necessary licences and permits; (vi) that environmental laws and regulations may become more onerous; (vii) that the Company may not be able to raise additional funds when necessary; (viii) the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations; (ix) exploration and development risks, including risks related to accidents, equipment breakdowns, labour disputes or other unanticipated difficulties with or interruptions in exploration and development; (x) competition; (xi) the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of geologic reports or studies; (xii) the uncertainty of profitability based upon the Company's history of losses; (xiii) risks related to environmental regulation and liability; (xiv) risks associated with failure to maintain community acceptance, agreements and permissions (generally referred to as "social licence"); (xv) risks relating to obtaining and maintaining all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations relating to the continued exploration and development of the Company's projects; (xvi) risks related to the outcome of legal actions; (xvii) political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; (xix) risks related to current global financial conditions; and (xx) other risks and uncertainties related to the Company's prospects, properties and business strategy. These risks, as well as others, could cause actual results and events to vary significantly.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, the loss of key directors, employees, advisors or consultants, adverse weather and climate conditions, increase in costs, equipment failures, government regulations and policies, litigation, exchange rate fluctuations, the impact of Covid-19 or other viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate, decrease in the price of gold and other metals, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations and fees charged by service providers. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and, accordingly are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty of such statements. The forward-looking statements included in this news release are made as of the date hereof and 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, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation.

1Technical Report on the Kinsley Project, Elko County, Nevada, U.S.A., dated June 21, 2021, with an effective date of May 5, 2021 and prepared by Michael M. Gustin, Ph.D., and Gary L. Simmons, MMSA and filed under New Placer Dome Gold Corp.'s Issuer Profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Long Canyon Mine is not necessarily indicative of mineralization within New Placer Dome Properties.

2See New Placer Dome news releases dated January 11, and April 29, 2021. True width of mineralized intervals is interpreted to be between 60-90% of the reported lengths.

3Technical Report on the Kinsley Project, Elko County, Nevada, U.S.A., dated June 21, 2021 with an effective date of May 5, 2021 and prepared by Michael M. Gustin, Ph.D., and Gary L. Simmons, MMSA and filed under New Placer Dome Gold Corp.'s Issuer Profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Long Canyon Mine is not necessarily indicative of mineralization within New Placer Dome Properties. SOURCE: New Placer Dome Gold Corp.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667287/New-Placer-Dome-Gold-Corp-Geophysical-Surveys-Yield-Additional-Chargeability-Anomalies-at-Kinsley-Mountain-Gold-Project-Updates-on-Private-Placement-Financing
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / Fortitude Gold Corp. (OTCQB:FTCO) (the "Company") today announced it has increased its monthly dividend 14% to $0.04 per common share, or $0.48 annually with its October dividend announcement. Fortitude Gold is a gold producer, developer, and explorer with operations in Nevada, U.S.A.

The $0.04 per common share monthly dividend for October 2021 is payable on October 29, 2021, to shareholders of record as of October 19, 2021.

"On behalf of the Board of Directors I am pleased to announce our third dividend increase of 2021," stated Fortitude Gold's CEO and President, Mr. Jason Reid. "Our 2021 cumulative dividend increase is now 100% and our forty-eight-cent annual dividend, paid monthly at four cents, is a substantial dividend for a gold producer. Fortitude's business strategy of returning as much cash back to shareholders while balancing the needs of the operations, organic growth and paying taxes transcends the typical gold mining investment. We continue to tap into a pool of investment capital much larger than that of the gold space itself with investors that chase dividends and yield. We provide an excellent yield, currently over six percent, rewarding our shareholders and attracting new investors looking for both yield and gold exposure. This has been reflected in our positive year-to-date stock performance compared to many of our industry peers."

Third quarter preliminary Isabella Pearl production numbers are expected to be announced mid-October.

Dividends may vary in amount and consistency or be discontinued at the Board of Directors' discretion depending on variables including but not limited to operational cash flows, Company development requirements and strategies, construction, spot gold and silver prices, taxation, general market conditions and other factors described in the Company's public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

About Fortitude Gold Corp.:

Fortitude Gold is a U.S. based gold producer targeting projects with low operating costs, high margins, and strong returns on capital. The Company's strategy is to grow organically, remain debt-free and distribute substantial dividends. The Company's Nevada Mining Unit consists of five high-grade gold properties located in the Walker Lane Mineral Belt, with the Isabella Pearl gold mine in current production. Nevada, U.S.A. is among the world's premier mining friendly jurisdictions.

Cautionary Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. If you are risk-averse you should NOT buy shares in Fortitude Gold Corp. The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. When used in this press release, the words "plan", "target", "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend" and "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the statements regarding the Company's strategy, future plans for production, future expenses and costs, future liquidity and capital resources, and estimates of mineralized material are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon information available to the Company on the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in this press release. In particular, the scope, duration, and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mining operations, Company employees, and supply chains as well as the scope, duration and impact of government action aimed at mitigating the pandemic may cause future actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements. Also, there can be no assurance that production will continue at any specific rate.

CONTACT:

Greg Patterson

719-717-9825

greg.patterson@fortitudegold.com

www.Fortitudegold.com

SOURCE: Fortitude Gold Corporation

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667292/Fortitude-Gold-Increases-Monthly-Dividend-14
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 7, 2021 / VERTICAL EXPLORATION INC. (TSXV:VERT) ("Vertical" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that further to its Press Releases dated May 4, 2021, July 14, 2021 & September 8, 2021 the Company has closed its non-brokered private placement. The Company issued 17,651,700 common share units (the "Units") at a price of $0.10 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,765,170.00.

Finder's fees of $70,056.00 were paid to arm's length parties.

The shares and warrants comprising the units are subject to a 4 month hold period expiring February 8, 2022.

Proceeds raised from the Offering will be used to advance the Company's St. Onge project in Quebec and for general working capital.

This offering is subject to TSX Venture Exchange final approval.

ABOUT VERTICAL EXPLORATION

Vertical Exploration's mission is to identify, acquire, and advance high potential mining prospects located in North America for the benefit of its stakeholders. The Company's flagship St-Onge Wollastonite property is located in the Lac-Saint-Jean area in the Province of Quebec.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Peter P. Swistak, President

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Telephone: 1-604-785-5513

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. IS

SOURCE: Vertical Exploration Inc.

View source version on accesswire.com:https://www.accesswire.com/667295/Vertical-Exploration-Closes-Financing
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The work from home option will no longer be available for Facebook Inc. (FB) employees as the company declared a full return to office for its workers. This is in contrast with Facebook's earlier decision to make work-from-home forever. The decision to ask employees to return to office follows days after the social media giant faced a major outage, which according to the company, would have had a lesser impact, had there been more employees at its American offices. Sources at Facebook have revealed that the decision to come work office is being considered on a case-to-case basis and the decision as of now depends on the employee's consent. The massive outage not only affected the FB site, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp, it also greatly hit company resources with company keycards becoming offline, thus employees could not get access to their offices or server rooms. Facebook said the massive outage took place due to configuration changes on the backbone routers that co-ordinate network traffic between different data centers. Explaining what happened, Facebook said the outage was caused by 'configuration changes on the backbone routers that coordinate network traffic between our data centers.' To counter outages like the recent one, which lasted for seven hours, Facebook is now depending on remote working. The company will not allow everyone to only work from home. Those employees who want to work from home will require to send an official request and can do WFH only if they are granted permission. The need to request such permission is also applicable for employees who were offered pay cuts in return for staying at home. This is the same policy as other tech giants regarding work from home. Google employees now have to apply to work from home, while both Amazon and Apple will bring back more employees by next year. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - Castlebar Capital Corp. (TSXV: CBAR.P) ("Castlebar" or the "Company") announces that, as a result of a review by the British Columbia Securities Commission, the Company is issuing the following news release to clarify its disclosure.

On September 17, 2021, the Company filed a technical report (the "Technical Report") titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Southern Spectrum Property" having an effective date of February 16, 2021, as revised April 16, 2021. The Company advises that the Technical Report is contrary to National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects as it was not prepared by a "qualified person," and therefore the Technical Report should not be relied upon until a new technical report is filed by the Company.

About Castlebar

Castlebar is a capital pool company in accordance with Exchange Policy 2.4 and its principal business is the identification and evaluation of assets or businesses with a view to completing a Qualifying Transaction.

For additional information, please refer to the Company's disclosure record on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) or contact the Company as follows: Lucas Birdsall, CEO, at (778) 549-6714 or lucasbirdsall@gmail.com.

###

This news release contains "forward-looking information" that is based on the Company's current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections. This forward-looking information includes, among other things, the Company's business, plans, outlook and business strategy. The words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "likely", "expect," "anticipate," "intend", "estimate", "plan", "forecast", "project" and "believe" or other similar words and phrases are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: changes in economic conditions or financial markets; increases in costs; litigation; legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; and technological or operational difficulties. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect our forward-looking information. These and other factors should be considered carefully and readers should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98954
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - American Aires Inc. (CSE: WIFI) (the "Company" or "Aires") is pleased to announce that the Company has enhanced its e-commerce experience with the commencement of shipping from fulfillment centres located outside of North America, allowing international customers to receive product in a timely and cost-effective manner. The Company has also successfully negotiated with its primary suppliers to secure a reduction in manufacturing and production costs averaging approximately 20%, which is expected to improve the Company's bottom line by an estimated 5-7% going forward.

International Fulfillment Centres Improve Shopping Experience

Based on the latest data from eShopWorld (ESW)[1], an estimated seven out of ten consumers made at least one e-commerce purchase outside their home country in 2020. This significant uptick in cross-border commerce throughout 2020 has continued in 2021. During the first quarter of 2021, Aires realized an increase in transactions of 110% and an increase in revenue from orders outside of the US and Canada of 56%.

To further accelerate international growth and truly reach a global audience, Aires will begin rolling out enhanced cross-border functionality on its website in time for the fast-approaching holiday shopping season. This functionality will enable Aires to offer a localized, customer-centric and cost-competitive shopping experience, as orders can be fulfilled from distribution centers in either North America or Europe. This combination of enhanced customer experience plus convenient and proximal fulfillment for international shoppers is expected to provide faster delivery without incurring duty or local taxes often charged on international shipments. Aires will continue to advance initiatives that can more fully open up cross border commerce, better support the Company's existing and loyal international customers and support its ability to attract new potential customers from around the world.

Josh Bruni, Chief Revenue Officer at Aires commented: "In my short time with Aires, this move to better serve a global audience might be the one I am most excited about. Beyond the cost savings of a fulfillment center that is situated much closer to where the product is being built, our data shows strong international demand and based on industry trends, we believe this demand will continue growing.

Growth marketers are always searching for tactics offering compound effects that can simultaneously and positively improve major e-commerce metrics such as traffic, average order value, conversion rate and lifetime value. I believe these moves will do just that.

Improved Cost Structure

Consistent with the economics behind most consumer packaged goods, cost of goods sold represents a critical factor that can impact corporate profitability. Aires has been actively working to renegotiate its overall costs of production as a means of increasing gross margins, while maintaining stable sales prices and consistent sales volume. Based on forecast manufacturing and production cost reductions of approximately 20%, Aries expects to enhance its gross margins by an estimated 5-7% as a result.

About American Aires Inc.

American Aires Inc. is Canadian-based nanotechnology company which has developed proprietary silicon-based microprocessors that reduce the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). The technology was developed by a team of highly credited scientists and confirmed by independent third-party validation including peer reviewed studies and publications in scientific journals. Aires' Lifetune products specifically target EMR emitted by consumer electronic devices such as cellphones, computers, baby monitors, Wi-Fi radiation, including the rapidly expanding next-generation high-speed 5G networks. Aires is listed on the CSE under ticker 'WIFI'. Learn more at www.airestech.com .

On behalf of the board of directors

Company Contact:

Dimitry Serov, CEO

Email: dimitry@airestech.com

Telephone: (905) 482-4667

Website: www.airestech.com

For further information please contact:

5 Quarters Investor Relations, Inc.

Cindy Gray, CEO & Managing Director

Email: wifi@airestech.com

Telephone: (403) 705.5076

No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The Shares have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to or for the account or benefit of any person in the United States, absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any common shares in the United States, or in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. We seek safe harbour. Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding future financial position, business strategy, use of proceeds, corporate vision, proposed acquisitions, partnerships, joint-ventures and strategic alliances and co-operations, budgets, cost and plans and objectives of or involving the Company. Such forward-looking information reflects management's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to management. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "predicts", "intends", "targets", "aims", "anticipates" or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases or may be identified by statements to the effect that certain actions "may", "could", "should", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. A number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause the actual results or performance to materially differ from any future results or performance expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions and dependence upon regulatory approvals. Certain material assumptions regarding such forward-looking statements may be discussed in this news release and the Company's annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis filed at www.sedar.com. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. The Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by securities laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Not intended for distribution to United States Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of United States Securities laws.

[1] S ource: "Global Voices 2021: Cross-Border Shopper Insights" from e-commerce technology/services provider eShopWorld (ESW)

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98926


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - General Motors Co.'s (GM) autonomous vehicle subsidiary Cruise is planning to launch at least 1 million self-driving cars by the year 2030.



General Motors is the majority stake-holder in the autonomous company. During the General Motors investor meeting, Cruise CEO Dan Ammann showed a graphic of the subsidiary's 'exponential Cruise fleet ramp.' As per the graph, Cruise will touch 1 million or more vehicles by the end of the decade.



While Ammann did not talk much about the 2030 target, a Cruise spokesman said 'that's where the company believes it can be.'



The Cruise subsidiary has been testing robotaxis in San Francisco for many years and the company will soon be able to charge customers for rides as early as 2022, following a final permit from California.



Federal officials granted Cruise five of the six permits needed to commercially bring together a self-driving ride-hailing fleet in the state. Google's self-driving car Waymo was also given a similar permit, but that requires the vehicles to have back-up safety drivers.



Cruise plans to expand both domestically in the U.S and internationally. Earlier this year, the company signed an agreement with Dubai's roads and transport authority to exclusively supply self-driving taxis and ride service throughout 2029.



Cruise hopes to bring down the cost of calling a taxi from about $5 a mile to $1.50 a mile by removing the driver.



The subsidiary's test fleet has many custom-made Chevrolet Bolt EVs fitted with driverless technology. That fleet, which is the backbone of the operations, will be increased until a purpose-built autonomous vehicle called the Origin is produced by GM in early 2023.



In 2019, Cruise was to have launched a ride-hailing service for the public in San Francisco in 2019. The company delayed those plans to focus on more testing.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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MANCHESTER, England, Sept. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- REVIV is pleased to announce that our President and CEO Sarah Lomas will be profiled in a prestigious new book which celebrates leadership across the full spectrum of British society: from Parliament and Crown to captains of industry and those pushing the boundaries of innovation.

In 300 Years of Leadership & Innovation, published by St James's House, Sarah discusses the growth of REVIV's doctor-led services, the huge potential that lifestyle genomics could have to improve people's health and how advanced research is fuelling her ambition to use artificial intelligence to make genome education more accessible to all.

The beautifully presented book will be launched in September in partnership with The History of Parliament Trust. Publication will coincide with the 300th anniversary of the appointment of Britain's first prime minister, Robert Walpole in 1721, and in the year of Her Majesty The Queen's 95th birthday. It is authored by a team of distinguished academics and award-winning writers and features expertly written articles on those who have shaped British society, past and present; from Walpole to Cromwell, Churchill to Blair, The Queen and Prince Charles to captains of industry.

In the book, Sarah discusses how REVIV's doctor-led services - which recommend personalised nutritional solutions for preventative health - have expanded from one clinic in 2012 to 90 clinics operating in 47 countries today. She also explains how REVIV's DNA swab sequencing can help clients live healthy, balanced and enriched lifestyles. This includes giving a guideline on foods that could be beneficial to them while also offering other services, such as testing for vitamin deficiencies, intravenous (IV) therapies and vitamin injections.

Sarah Lomas, President and CEO of REVIV, says: "I feel honoured to have the opportunity to discuss REVIV's services in the prestigious 300 Years of Leadership & Innovation, in the company of other business leaders, renowned politicians and royalty, and also to champion my ambition to change people's lives by making available products and services that would historically only be accessible to the wealthier community.

Sarah adds: "Genome sequencing has huge potential to revolutionize the health and wellness industries and to improve people's overall health, not just at an individual level but also within a working environment. My passion is to improve health based on genomics and personalized nutrition and I truly believe this could drive down the cost of treatment and make it more accessible to all, not just the wealthy. Therefore, important issues regarding health could be introduced to a person early on in life. REVIV is changing lives all over the world and seeing those results drives our future vision."

300 Years of Leadership & Innovation will be launched at a special ceremony at Westminster Abbey in London, England, on 22 September 2021.

For more information about REVIV Global visit our website: www.revivme.com or email Emma Robertson on erobertson@revivme.com

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Raising the bar for video surveillance while lowering barriers to AI solutions

PANGYO, South Korea, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Artificial intelligence technology is transforming surveillance, simultaneously spurring improvements in the quality of solutions, while lowering the barrier to AI surveillance through a profusion of more affordable options. Hanwha Techwin is leading this movement through its Wisenet AI lineup.

Wisenet AI lineup is useful to customers in a broad array of contexts, such as business owners, who wish to have timely, accurate surveillance of their surroundings, and AI means that the most effective solutions are available not only to high-end applications. AI presents solutions to the old shortcomings of surveillance systems at lower prices.

At the root of this progress is AI deep learning technology, which improves video analytics and operational efficiency by facilitating image quality and clarity while reducing noise and motion blur and making bandwidth more effective.

AI heightens accuracy, reduces false alarms

In particular, Wisenet AI cameras can achieve video analytics of heightened accuracy, which means more reliable and efficient video surveillance with fewer false alarms. Conventional cameras discern people or events based on pixels and may flag as relevant something that a user wishes to ignore. This greatly contributes to the increased false alarm fatigues among users and is very common with heuristic-based analytics which then can lead to reduced operational efficiency. It has been a great challenge for every operator responsible for simultaneous monitoring of multiple cameras and event detection from each of them.

The AI deep learning algorithm allows the detection of meaningful objects and can distinguish human, vehicles or license plates, providing a solution to this long-lasting challenge

Wisenet AI algorithms are able to distinguish a person from a background of swaying trees or in low light conditions and can differentiate between the movements of people and animals. In less advanced systems, the movement of a tree or a stray animal could generate unwanted false alarms. Wisenet AI cameras' higher level of accuracy means that operators suffer fewer false alarms that distract from their core surveillance objectives.

The New X series lineup

Plus, Hanwha Techwin's The New X series lineup X Core and X Plus can identify license plates and vehicles, including cars, buses, trucks and bicycles, with superb image quality supported by Scene Analysis and Local Contrast Enhancement. X Plus comes with long focal length (10.9-29mm) which is especially applicable when monitoring objects at high elevations or at great distances, particularly useful in casino and hotel lobby settings.

For added versatility, operators can create virtual channels by homing in on a particular view with one camera, allowing it to be monitored simultaneously with a separate channel on the backend equipment.

These systems draw on the power of AI for their strength and efficacy. Data -- on person, vehicle, and license plates -- is sent to the backend server and used to extract information on specific events. Operators can then search AI events on the backend servers, which allows for quicker and more efficient searching.

Lowering barriers to AI solutions

Advances by Hanwha Techwin have made the advantages of AI more affordable and available on a broader range of products. In previous iterations, only the high-end "P series" had AI features, and only in 4K resolution. Now, P series cameras in 2MP resolution also offer AI features, as do the mid-level series 'X series' cameras.

And more over, thanks to the increased operational efficiency that the Hanwha Techwin's Wisenet AI lineup brings, the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) of a surveillance system can be remarkably saved. The total operational costs across the lifespan of the system now can yield to the increased ROI (Return on Investment).

Therefore, consumers seeking more affordable cameras can now also enjoy the benefits of AI surveillance solutions, which are able to make informed decisions to protect users' security, based on deep learning technology.

You can learn more about Hanwha Techwin's Wisenet AI at http://wisenet-ai.com

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Getsafe, a Heidelberg, Germany-based digital insurer, raised another $63m in funding, extending its Series B to $93m.

Backers included unnamed family offices from Germany and Switzerland, as well as Earlybird, CommerzVentures, and Swiss Re.

The company plans to use the capital to fund its own insurance licence by the end of 2021 and to accelerate its European expansion

Led by Christian Wiens, CEO & Co-Founder, Getsafe is digitising the entire insurance process and making it accessible through its smartphone app. Via the app, customers can buy, manage, and adapt their policies as well as file a claim on the go  all in just a few seconds.

The company began offering renters insurance in Germany in late 2017, and has expanded its product portfolio to a car insurance product at the end of last year. It also launched its renters insurance product in the UK in 2020. It currently serves a quarter of a million customers in Germany and the UK.

To control the full value chain, Getsafe has applied for a licence with the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin, for short) last year. With its own licence, the company plans to expand its product offering and innovations faster.

In the long term, Getsafe wants to offer holistic insurance coverage for people across Europe, including life insurance.

FinSMEs

07/10/2021
Klasha, a San Francisco, CA-based cross-border technology company, raised $2.4m in seed funding.

The round was led by Greycroft with participation from Seedcamp, Berrywood Capital, AVG Basecamp Fund, Practical VC, Plug and Play, First Round VC, Expert Dojo, 2.12 Angels, MiLA Capital and angels, including Joe Cross, Ex-Marketing Head at Wise (formerly TransferWise), Santosh Ankola, Ex-Head of Product at TechCrunch and Michael Pennington, Co-founder of Gumtree.

The company intends to use the funds to expand its technology to help international B2B and B2C businesses such as ASOS, Zara, Amazon or Zoom to receive payments online in African currencies from consumers across Africa, invest in driving more revenue, growing its current 10,000 customer base, and expand into new markets with three more African countries set to go live by Q4 this year.

Led by Jess Anuna, Founder and CEO, and Oloyede Oladimeji, CTO, Klasha provides core technology that allows African consumers to pay international online and offline retailers in African currencies while the retailers receive payouts in their dominant currencies, including USD, GBP, EUR. The company is currently available in Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya.

Klasha has built plugin integrations for WooCommerce, OpenCart and BigCommerce. Its integration library is growing to accommodate even more platforms, including Wix, Ecwid, Magneto and Commerce Cloud. And with an official partnership with BigCommerce, the Klasha Checkout will reach thousands of e-commerce stores globally, enabling them to receive payments online from Africa.

Within five short months of launching, Klasha has already processed more than 20,000 transactions across Africa with an average 366% MoM growth rate.

FinSMEs

07/10/2021
Solo.io, a Cambridge, Mass.-based application networking company, raised $135m in Series C funding at a valuation of $1 billion.

The round, which brings Solo.ios total funding raised to $171.5m, was led by Altimeter Capital, with participation from existing investors Redpoint Ventures and True Ventures.

The company will use the funding to recruit for sales, marketing, customer success, and engineering roles, expand its worldwide go-to-market efforts, invest in product development and professional services, and grow its services and support offerings.

Led by Idit Levine, founder and CEO, Solo.io is an application networking company, which delivers API infrastructure from the edge to service mesh, allowing enterprises to adopt, secure, and operate innovative cloud native technologies. APIs drive microservices and cloud native technologies, forming the foundation for developers, partners and customers to interact with application services effectively, and securely.

The Gloo Mesh Enterprise platform is an enterprise service mesh built on Istio for multi-cluster Kubernetes, VMs, and hybrid cloud deployments. Gloo Mesh Enterprise simplifies adoption of a service mesh, solves for difficult observability, security, and high-availability scenarios, and increases developer productivity.

FinSMEs

07/10/2021
Tampa, FL (33646)

Today

Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm during the morning, then some lingering showers still possible this afternoon. High 77F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Rain showers this evening with overcast skies overnight. Low 66F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.
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MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) -- The University of South Alabama Board of Trustees has voted to accept the recommendations of the Universitys President Search Committee and will invite three finalists to interview for the position of University of South Alabama president.

The finalists for the position of USA president are:

 Dr. Damon Andrew, dean and professor, College of Education, Florida State University.

 Jo Bonner, chief of staff to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey.

 Dr. Michael Tidwell, immediate past president, The University of Texas at Tyler.

The search for our next president yielded significant interest from a broad array of candidates, demonstrating that the University of South Alabama has an excellent reputation across the country, said USA Board of Trustees Chair pro tempore Jimmy Shumock. Were very pleased that our presidency was attractive to so many highly qualified candidates.

Detailed information about each finalist is available on the USA President Search website at www.SouthAlabama.edu/presidentsearch. Each finalist will meet with members of the University community during the month of October.

After reviewing feedback from the finalists campus visits, the Board of Trustees will meet to decide upon its selection for president. The new presidents start date will be determined by their individual circumstances and will be announced after discussions with the selected candidate
News

'Killing Fields' suspect released from prison after eight years

Clyde Hedrick

GALVESTON

A San Leon man convicted of involuntary manslaughter in a 1984 death and suspected in two infamous Killing Fields cases was released from prison Monday, just eight years into a 20-year sentence, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Clyde Hedrick, 67, was sentenced March 2014 in the death of Ellen Rae Beason, 30 years after the crime.

Hedrick was released to a halfway house in Houston and will be on parole until 2033 with an ankle monitor, said Tammy Phillips, director of development at Texas EquuSearch, a group that searches for missing people. The group was founded in 2000 by Tim Miller, who has accused Hedrick of killing Millers 16-year-old daughter, Laura.

Miller filed a $100 million wrongful death lawsuit against Hedrick in 2014 that is still ongoing.

Hedrick was released on mandatory supervision, according to the criminal justice department. Mandatory supervision is the legislatively mandated release of a prisoner to parole supervision when the combination of actual calendar time and good conduct time equal the sentence, according to the departments website. Good time is earned by participation in self-improvement programs or work.

Although the Board of Pardons and Paroles approves mandatory supervision, because Hedrick committed his crime before Sept. 1, 1996, he was eligible for mandatory supervision without the parole panels approval. Under a law that was in effect until Aug. 31, 1996, all offenders serving time for crimes committed before that date, with the exception of some offenses such as first-degree murder, were automatically given mandatory supervision without the need for the parole panels approval. That law changed Sept. 1, 1996, to require the panels approval but was not retroactive.

He fell under that, Phillips said. Apparently, if you have good time in prison, then that goes to reducing your sentencing.

Hedrick originally was charged with murder in Beasons death, but a Galveston County jury found him guilty of the lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter, according to court records.

He had previously been convicted in 1986 of abusing a corpse after Beasons body was found beneath a couch in a field north of the Galveston Causeway. He was sentenced to one year in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Beason, 29, was reported as a missing person to the Harris County Sheriffs Office in 1984 after last being seen at a League City club with Hedrick. Shortly after her body was found, the countys medical examiner reported a cause of death could not be determined. But in 2013, Beasons body was exhumed and reexamined, with the cause of death found to be blunt-force trauma to the head.

Hedrick claimed he and Beason had gone swimming at a sand pit in Dickinson when Beason drowned, Hedricks lawyer Jeremy DuCote said in a previous article by The Daily News. Hedrick panicked and drove to the causeway, where he hid her body under a couch, DuCote said.

In closing arguments, prosecutors disputed the drowning claim, saying Hedrick killed Beason by either striking her head with a blunt object or forcing her head into a solid object. Hedricks former wife and a county jail inmate also said Hedrick had admitted to killing Beason, prosecutors said.

Although Beasons was the only death for which Hedrick was convicted, a five-page court document filed by the prosecution before the 2014 trial suggested Hedrick might be tied to the murders of Heide Fye, 25, and Laura Miller, 16. Both bodies were found in the Killing Fields, an area near Calder Road in League City, but that connection was never mentioned during his trial. The bodies of two other young women also were found in the area. In 2019, they were identified as Audrey Lee Cook and Donna Prudhomme.

Hedricks release has left the families of those women afraid, Phillips said. His release also highlights the need to reevaluate some of the laws surrounding criminal justice, she said.

We need to bring some common sense to our laws that we have here in Texas and across the United States, she said.
An Oregon State University students work is being showcased in this years edition of the Portland Film Festival. The documentary short, which details the story of a Nisqually tribal leaders history of activism, was produced by OSU junior Caleb Jacobson.

The film centers on the work of Nisqually tribal leader Billy Frank Jr., who was a staunch advocate of the southwestern Washington tribes fishing rights and other rights outlined in treaties with United States government.

Frank was reportedly arrested more than 50 times during the Fish Wars  an effort by him and other tribal activists to secure the tribes right to fish salmon in their traditional watersheds. A shortage of salmon in the first half of the 20th century led the Washington State Legislature to pass bans on fishing, though these prohibitions were in direct conflict with the fishing rights outlined in tribal treaties from the 1850s.

The state was also trying to force tribal fishermen to fish only on their reservation lands, but the treaties gave the Nisqually and other tribes equal access to their traditional fishing spots, even those outside the boundaries of the reservation.

According to Franks son and the current chairman of the Nisqually Tribe, Willie Frank III, their tribes traditional fishing lands stretch all the way up into Puget Sound, all along the Nisqually river basin.

Theres been a Frank fishing that spot on the river for almost 200 years, the junior Frank said in a follow-up interview. This, he said, highlights just how important the tradition of fishing salmon is to the Nisqually.

This prohibition and enforcement led to often-violent clashes between tribal members and non-Native citizens, as well as numerous confrontations with police. The conflict led to a federal case, United States vs. Washington, in which a federal judge ruled in favor of the tribes in 1974.

Aside from guaranteeing the tribes ability to continue fishing at their traditional areas, the ruling also reaffirmed their right to half of the salmon harvest every year  because the number of salmon that was allowed to be fished every year was capped due to the shortage. Commercial fishing operations often fished beyond the amount allowed by law, eating into the amount that the Nisqually could fish.

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Thats just one example in a lifetime of Franks activism to secure rights for Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest. His efforts are celebrated by many, including other tribes throughout the Pacific Northwest, as well as conservationists and policymakers across the country.

Franks work was so prolific that hes been granted the honor of having a wood sculpture made in his image, which will be displayed in Statuary Hall of the Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. That statue is still being made, using old-growth cedar logs from Gifford-Pinchot National Forest, from trees that surround the headwaters of the Nisqually River.

While Frank died in 2014, he was given a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama the following year. That same year, the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge was renamed in honor of Frank. Treaty tribes in Western Washington celebrate Billy Frank Jr. Day every year on March 9.

According to Willie Frank III, the rights his father struggled to obtain are a constant fight for Indigenous folks.

We are still dealing with this, he said. Every day, this is still the number one priority making sure our treaty rights are protected.

Frank III said the tribe just this week hosted White House staffers, along with Reps. Derek Kilmer and Marilyn Strickland, D-Washington. They spoke about making sure the federal government continues to honor the agreements decided decades ago  really, more than a hundred years ago.

He also noted that it took the efforts of many other tribal leaders and activists, including experts who spoke during the federal trial, in order to reach the ruling.

Speaking about the documentary, Frank III said that he was excited the story of his tribe will reach wider audiences, thanks to the efforts of Jacobson, the OSU student.

When I started this project with Caleb, helping him with this film, I never thought  that the film would be submitted and entered into film festivals, he said. I think its so great that hes doing that. Its really great to be spreading the story of the Nisqually people.

Jacobson, who set out to recount all these complexities in his film, learned about Frank through his father, a tribal attorney who has worked with the Nisqually Tribe for years. Jacobson was in an environmental journalism class at the university and was tasked with making a final project that dealt with environmental issues.

Always interested in documentary filmmaking, he decided to create Nisqually Moving Forward. Its a roughly 10-minute film, edited together from interviews with the junior Frank and archived footage from the 1960s and '70s that detail the Fish Wars.

The film talks about the history of Billy Frank Jr. and uses historical footage that kind of illustrates his advocacy and how he was arrested many times fighting for tribal fishing rights and human rights in general, Jacobson explained.

The Portland Film Festival has moved to an entirely virtual experience for the second year in a row. Program director Joe Stephens said that this film was selected both because it tells a local story and because it depicts the struggles of minority groups, a common theme of the film festival.

For starters it was local, in the Pacific Northwest, and its a local tribe whos fighting for their rights for their land and water, their way of life, Stephens said.

The festival was founded in 2013 and has run every year since. The virtual format may actually be an advantage, since festival organizers said this actually helps the films reach the widest audience.

Its been very interesting shifting away from four screens and a couple screenings a day to just having everything available, Stephens said. Were getting more feedback on films that people may have missed if theyd been in our live program.

People can go online to www.portlandfilm.org to see the whole program of this years films. All-access passes cost $100, though people can also buy packages of specific films that range in price.

Customers of Xfinity for internet or phone service are in luck, because the Portland Film Festival is sponsored by the company this year. Customers can use their voice remote (which comes with every router and cable box from Comcast/Xfinity) and simply say Portland Film Festival to access the entire lineup of films. Simply put, you get access for free if youre an existing customer.

Jacobson, whos a junior and still attending classes at OSU, said that the experience of making this film has been positive. He plans to continue telling multimedia stories.

I definitely have a passion for storytelling, whether it be through photography or journalistic storytelling, he said.

He added, however, that this documentary is more the tribes than it is his. Its not my story, its the tribes story, and I just wanted to tell it and share it in a new way with a wider audience.

Troy Shinn covers healthcare, natural resources and Linn County government. He can be reached at 541-812-6114 or troy.shinn@lee.net. He can be found on Twitter at @troydshinn.

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The Wiley Creek Community retirement home in Sweet Home was sold last week by Samaritan Health Services to Mosaic Management, part of an ongoing effort to bolster healthcare services in East Linn County.

Samaritan ended up with Wiley Creek back around the late 1990s, when it acquired the Lebanon Community Hospital, which built the property. Its the only retirement community Samaritan operates, so the sale is part of a pivot to focus solely on healthcare and get Wiley Creek Community into the hands of a company that specializes in senior residential care.

We decided probably about a year or so ago that, quite frankly, its not our core business, and operating an assisted living facility would be better served by someone who that is their core business, said Ryan Combs, COO of the Lebanon hospital who oversaw Wiley Creek when Samaritan owned it.

Mosaic owns 11 retirement communities in Oregon and Montana, with plans for a number of additional ones in Washington and California.

One of the attractive things about Wiley Creek was the ability for us to work alongside Samaritan to provide additional health services to the community, said Jeremy Schoenfelder, Mosaics director of development. I believe this feeling is shared by all of us.

Neither Samaritan nor Mosaic provided further details of the purchase price, though the property has a real market value of more than $6 million according to record from the Linn County Tax Assessors office. That figure does not include the value of the business itself, however.

The sale was finalized on Sept. 30 and Mosaic assumed control of Wiley Creek operations on Oct. 1. Officials said that employees were either retained at the nursing home or given options to work with Samaritan.

Quality journalism doesn't happen without your help Support local news coverage and the people who report it by subscribing to the Albany Democrat-Herald.

Samaritan officials say that proceeds from the sale will help the organization build a brand new urgent care and family medicine clinic in Sweet Home. Samaritan estimates a budget of $9.3 million for completion of the new clinic, as well as remodel of the existing Sweet Home Family Medicine clinic on Main Street.

In addition to sale profits, theres also a fundraising effort, with community members helping to raise about $617,000 and counting so far. The goal is to hit $1 million.

Those who would like to make a donation can do so by visiting www.samhealth.org and type the following into the webpage search function: Building A Healthier Sweet Home Together.

Its all about increasing access to quality healthcare, said Christy Duncan, senior regional development specialist for the Lebanon Community Hospital Foundation. Quality healthcare close to where they live.

Officials and community members say that an urgent care clinic is sorely needed in Sweet Home, which currently has none. Residents must drive to Lebanon for emergency care, or rely on fire and ambulance services for rapid response.

Were excited to provide this service up here, said Milt Moran, board member of Samaritan Lebanon Community Hospital. Fire and ambulance provides most emergency care in this area.

The Sweet Home Fire District is spread thin, however, because it responds to calls clear out in rural Lane County, near Blue Pool right off Highway 126.

Samaritan actually has plans for improvements to every one of their hospitals in Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties.

The new Sweet Home clinic is planned to go on the corner lot of the field in front of the existing retirement community. The large rock sign for Wiley Creek will likely have to come down to make room for the project. A new sign is expected to be installed in the next year, officials said.

Aside from an urgent care clinic, the new building will also house primary care offices. The goal is also have a landing pad so helicopter ambulances can bring patients directly to the urgent care clinic from the scene of an emergency, or from other area hospitals.

It was a mutually beneficial deal for both Mosaic and Samaritan and both companies will be working within their core competencies, said Lebanon hospital CEO Marty Cahill said of the Wiley Creek sale.

Troy Shinn covers healthcare, natural resources and Linn County government. He can be reached at 541-812-6114 or troy.shinn@lee.net. He can be found on Twitter at @troydshinn.

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Gettysburg, PA (17325)

Today

Sunny early then becoming cloudy with periods of rain this afternoon. High 69F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Rain early. Decreasing clouds with mostly clear skies by morning. Low 34F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Jamie Bescak of Gilbert, right, is the principal of St. John Bosco Catholic School in Ahwatukee. She and librarian Theresa Harvey are celebrating the schools 20th anniversary.
Gillette, WY (82718)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun with gusty winds. High 47F. Winds S at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Considerable clouds this evening. Some decrease in clouds late. Low near 30F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph.
WILMINGTON, Del., Oct. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tech Impact, a leading provider of technology training, education and nonprofit solutions, and The Delaware Data Innovation Lab (DDIL), a nonprofit that accelerates the use of data insights and intelligence to address social challenges, jointly announce a merger, positioning DDIL as a division of Tech Impact. Together, they will leverage organizational efficiencies that will aid communities and nonprofits in using data and technology to better serve the world.

"We are thrilled to welcome the Delaware Data Innovation Lab to the Tech Impact family," said Patrick Callihan, Executive Director of Tech Impact. "Our missions and strengths are well-aligned. Tech Impact is positioned to bring the infrastructure to the table while Data Lab brings the data, innovation, and social impact. Together, we are community-focused and leverage technology for positive impact."

"We are excited to join forces with Tech Impact, a move that enables our team to focus our energy completely on the data and innovation, and not on the overhead," said Hector Maldonado-Reis, Associate Director of Research, Development and Analytics at DDIL. "We have always known DDIL would evolve into an organization that was supported by others that would also benefit from data collaboration. By merging with Tech Impact, we will be able to leverage their network and relationships with state agencies, nonprofits, and foundations across the U.S. while continuing to innovate, learn, and create impact from data-driven conversations for years to come."

The innovation lab launched with a $2 million New Castle County CARES Act grant in October 2020. The organization's goal has been to engage local and, ultimately, national and global organizations in an ongoing conversation around the sharing and collaboration of data for multiple stakeholder use. The organization has been working to support the state of Delaware in solving challenges with data collaboration during and coming out of the pandemic. DDIL's current Executive Director, Anne Clauss, will step down from her role and exit the organization. Ryan Harrington, Associate Director, Strategy & Operations, and Hector Maldonado-Reis, Associate Director, Research Development & Analytics, will co-lead DDIL and report to Patrick Callihan at Tech Impact. The Delaware Data Innovation Lab Board of Directors will remain in an advisory capacity.

About Delaware Data Innovation Lab

The Delaware Data Innovation Lab (DDIL) applies innovations in data science to public problems to grow community impact. DDIL is a data lab made up of diverse thinkers and innovators. Its world-class research helps partners identify and implement solutions stemming from data collaboration  from public health and safety to housing, finance, and education. Armed with open-source and in-house research, DDIL convenes policymakers, entrepreneurs, corporate innovators, and community advocates for data-driven conversations and collaborative solutions.

About Tech Impact

Tech Impact is a nonprofit on a mission to empower communities and nonprofits to use technology to better serve the world. The organization is a leading provider of technology education, services, and solutions for nonprofits and operates award-winning IT and customer experience training programs, including job placement, designed to help young adults launch their careers.

Media Contact:

Caitlin Wolf

410-935-2363

caitlinrwolf@gmail.com

This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com.
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. ("Ginkgo" or the "Company") (NYSE: DNA) investors that the firm has initiated an investigation into possible securities fraud, and may file a class action on behalf of investors.



Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy , by phone 310-692-8883 or email : lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case via www.portnoylaw.com . The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses.

In September 2021, Ginkgo Bioworks went public by way of a deSPAC transaction with blank check company Soaring Eagle Acquisition Corporation. Scorpion Capital, a short seller, released a report on October 6, 2021, stating Ginkgo Bioworks is a colossal scam. Scorpion says within this report that, We believe that Ginkgo is concealing the true extent of its dependence on related party revenue and that it is even greater than it reports. We have uncovered a smoking gun that indicates that essentially all of its foundry revenue is derived from related parties. On October 6, 2021, Ginkgo Bioworks' stock price fell over 20% in early morning trading, following this news

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims arising from corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.

Admitted CA and NY Bar

lesley@portnoylaw.com

310-692-8883

www.portnoylaw.com

Attorney Advertising
Woodlands, Singapore, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ed Charly, a minimalist lifestyle brand based in Singapore is proud to introduce their new beautiful set of leather wallets to the world. The business offers three types of wallets available for purchase, all of which were successful Kickstarter projects that received great responses from backers around the globe.

Customers looking for a new minimalist wallet for their daily needs can find an affordable option with the Ed Classic, a coin wallet that goes for S$55 in Black Saffiano Leather. It is also available in Brown and Red Crazy Horse Leather, as well as Full Grain leather for only S$59.

The Ed Classic was the brands first Kickstarter project that successfully introduced Ed Charlys minimalist leather wallets. It all started as the founder Ed and his friends were looking for a slim and functional wallet to carry coins during their travels, but could never seem to find the right option. The team later decided to take it upon themselves to design the absolute minimalist wallet, and the rest is history.

The Ed Classic project was successfully oversubscribed at 250% on Kickstarter and this started the brand, which was then followed by two more successful Kickstarter projects that introduced Ed Sleek and Ed Contemporary that were updated based on customers requests.

Ed had a long journey to begin with, first with prototyping different types of leathers ensuring that it can overcome long term usage. Followed by getting the right dimension and feedback from user experience, said Ed, the Founder of Ed Charly.

But now we are thrilled to see how our brand and user community have grown, and most importantly that we have created something we are truly proud of. We are so grateful for the opportunities given by the Kickstarter community and our customers and we will be looking to create even more impactful minimalist goods down the line.

Since 2017, Ed Charly has been founded based on their beliefs in a minimalist lifestyle and to remove anything that distracts us from living with freedom. The brand wallets are made to be functional, simple, and to last a lifetime. Their Instagram page also tells interesting stories by featuring stunning photographs of their products.

The wallets come in sturdy Crazy Horse leather options that are made by applying a layer of wax to the surface of the leather to give it an antique look that gets better the longer it is used. They are also designed with intention and feature RFID blocking protection, as well as slim compartments to easily hold and access all your essentials.

To learn more about Ed Charlys wallets, please visit https://edcharly.com/.

About Ed Charly

Ed Charly is a Singapore brand that focuses on minimalist lifestyle products. They have three types of wallets available for purchase, all of which were successful Kickstarter projects with worldwide customers and raving reviews. The business allows for worldwide shipping and customers can choose from the Ed Classic, Ed Sleek, or Ed Contemporary in their desired leather options.

Website: https://edcharly.com/
New York, NY, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Healixa, Inc. (OTC Pink: EMOR) (Healixa, or the EMOR), a technology company focusing on building and acquiring innovative and disruptive technologies in the health-tech, clean water, and green-tech industries, announces today that it has been invited to join the Global Special Operations Forces Foundation (Global SOF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that aims to build and grow an international network of military, government, commercial, and educational stakeholders in order to advance Special Operations Forces (SOF) capabilities globally.

The Global SOF Foundation (GSF), a non-profit organization, is forging this good-guy network among the worlds special operations forces (SOF). It brings together military, government, industry and intellectual leaders from around the world for the purpose of advancing the capability and efficacy of SOF. Globally SOFs board of directors, leadership and advisors council have the expertise and creative to evaluate emerging technologies that can enhance SOF capabilities around the world.

The Army War College release a study in 2019 showing that The U.S. Army is precipitously close to mission failure concerning hydration of the force in a contested arid environment. The report also states that Reducing the dependence on bottled water dramatically reduces the number of logistics formations freeing up that force structure for deliberate operations and The Army must reinvest aggressively in technologies both in-house and commercial off the shelf in the next 5-10 years to keep pace with rising global temperatures, especially those arid areas in or poised for conflict. Healixas Atmospheric Water Harvesting presents a potentially quickly deployable, off the grid solution that can be used in almost any environment.

Ian Parker, CEO of Healixa said, There are few that understand global special operations needs better than Col (ret) Stu Bradin, CEO of Global SOF, and his very impressive team. It has been a pleasure to work with them and get our message to the Global SOF community.

"Healixa is developing exciting technology that will revolutionize potable water availability around the world. The Foundation and its network will be an excellent resource for Healixa leaders and engineers as they launch their product in the future." - Meaghan Keeler-Pettigrew, Chief Operating Officer, Global SOF Foundation.

About Healixa Inc.

Healixa is a technology company focusing on building and acquiring innovative and disruptive technologies in the health-tech, clean water generation and green-tech industries. Healixa embraces innovation by combining its intellectual properties, patents, strategic collaborations, and partnerships to create a LaunchPad of disruptive sustainable products.

As Healixa prepares for manufacturing its Atmospheric Water Havesting (AWH) devices, it has begun to source components from US companies. Recently, Healixa signed a supply agreement Letter of Intent (LOI) whereby Solar Integrated Roofing Corp (OTC Pink: SIRC) (SIRC) where SIRC will supply solar panels and components for the Global Aquaduct AWH device. For more information, please visit www.healixa.com

About Global SOF

The Global Special Operations Forces (SOF) Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that aims to build and grow an international network of military, government, commercial, and educational stakeholders in order to advance SOF capabilities and partnerships to confront global and networked threats. For more information, please visit the foundation's website at www.gsof.org

About Solar Integrated Roofing Corp.

Solar Integrated Roofing Corp. (OTC Pink: SIRC), is an integrated, single-source solar power and roofing systems installation platform company specializing in commercial and residential properties throughout the United States. The Company serves communities by delivering the best experience through constant innovation & legacy-focused leadership. The Company's broad array of solutions include sales and installation of solar energy systems, battery backup and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations to roofing, HVAC and related electrical contracting work. For more information, please visit the Company's website at www.solarintegratedroofing.com

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. For example, forward-looking statements are used when discussing our expected research and development programs, and more. These forward-looking statements are based only on current expectations of management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to the risks and uncertainties related to the progress, timing, cost, and results of Partnerships and product development programs; difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approval or patent protection; and competition from other companies. Except as otherwise required by law, Healixa Inc., f.k.a. Emerald Organic Products, Inc., undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Healixa Inc. Contact:

Bret Hedges

SVP Global Relations

833-432-5492

invest@healixa.com

Global SOF Foundation Contact:

Chelsea Hamashin

Vice President of Marketing and Events

Cell: (813) 486-7684

Email: chamashin@gsof.org

Social Media: @GlobalSOF
BRISBANE, Australia, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Orocobre Limited (ASX: ORE, TSX: ORL) (Orocobre or the Company), advises that its 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held at 11.00am AEST on Tuesday 30 November 2021. In the interests of safety for shareholders, employees and the broader community during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 AGM will be held virtually, rather than at a physical location.



Shareholders will be provided with information on how to participate in the AGM when the Notice of Meeting is released this month. The Notice of Meeting will also be available on the ASX Company Announcements Platform and Orocobres website at: https://www.orocobre.com.

The closing time for receipt of director nominations for any candidates other than those recommended by the Board is 5.00pm AEST, Tuesday 19 October 2021.

This announcement has been approved by:

Rick Anthon

Joint Company Secretary

For more information please contact:

Andrew Barber

Chief Investor Relations Officer

Orocobre Limited

T: +61 7 3720 9088

M: +61 418 783 701

E: abarber@orocobre.com

W: www.orocobre.com



Twitter: https://twitter.com/OrocobreLimited

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/orocobre-limited

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OrocobreLimited/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orocobre/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/OrocobreLimited

Click here to subscribe to the Orocobre e-Newsletter
Dublin, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Baby Car Seat Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global baby car seat market exhibited moderate growth during 2015-2020. Looking forward, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 5% during 2021-2026.

The rising instances of road accidents, along with the growing concerns among parents about the safety of their children, represent one of the key factors impelling the global baby car seat market growth. Moreover, there is an increase in the number of initiatives undertaken by governing agencies and non-profit organizations (NGOs) to spread awareness on child safety and educate parents about the proper utilization and installation of baby car seats. Furthermore, market players are introducing innovative features, such as side protection, ventilation system, pushchair adapters, anti-rebound bars and built-in lock-offs, which is creating a positive outlook for the market. However, the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and consequent lockdowns imposed by governments of various countries have led to a decline in the sales of automobiles around the world, which, in turn, is negatively impacting the market growth. The market is anticipated to revive once normalcy is regained.



The analyst provides an analysis of the key trends in each sub-segment of the global baby car seat market, along with forecasts at the global, regional and country level from 2021-2026. The report has categorized the market based on product type and distribution channel

The competitive landscape of the industry has also been examined with some of the key players being Artsana Spa, Britax Excelsior Ltd., Diono LLC, Dorel Industries Inc., Goodbaby International Holdings Ltd., Jane Group, Kiwi Baby, Newell Brands Inc., Nuna International BV and RECARO Holding GmbH.



Key Questions Answered:

How has the global baby car seat market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?

What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global baby car seat market?

What are the key regional markets?

What is the breakup of the market based on the product type?

What is the breakup of the market based on the distribution channel?

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 baby car seat 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



5 Global Baby Car Seat Market



6 Market Breakup by Product Type



7 Market Breakup by Distribution Channel



8 Market Breakup by Region



9 SWOT Analysis



10 Value Chain Analysis



11 Porters Five Forces Analysis



12 Price Analysis



13 Competitive Landscape

Artsana Spa

Britax Excelsior Ltd.

Diono LLC

Dorel Industries Inc.

Goodbaby International Holdings Ltd.

Jane Group

Kiwi Baby

Newell Brands Inc.

Nuna International BV

RECARO Holding GmbH.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ay5n8n

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.
MOORESTOWN-LENOLA, N.J., Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Joe Italiano's Maplewood, Moorestown Mall Location proudly participated in the Tractor-Trailer Challenge that took place on Sept. 25/26 in the parking lot of the Moorestown Mall, 400 Route 38, Moorestown, New Jersey.

"Joe Italiano's, Maplewood is happy to donate to families, near and far from our restaurant's community who are desperately struggling for weeks without power and supplies, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida," said Chris Curry, General Manager of Joe Italiano's Maplewood.

"We learned of this opportunity through the Moorestown Mall events calendar and immediately signed up to help. It's pretty amazing to see all the volunteers who showed up to be a part of such a generous and caring South Jersey community and, as a family owned and operated restaurant, it made perfect sense for us to support such a great cause," added Justin Italiano, General Manager of Joe Italiano's Maplewood.

The entire event was run by teenage volunteers and their parents. Bohren's Moving Company donated the 53-foot tractor-trailer, driver, transportation, etc., and the Moorestown Mall donated the use of its location for the event.

Relief supplies accepted include cleaning supplies (bleach, sprays, disinfectants), mops, brooms, buckets, large trash bags, paper towels, non-perishable foods, baby products (diapers, wipes, formula), hygiene products (toothpaste, adult diapers, soap, shampoo, deodorant, feminine products, first aid products, etc.), dog and cat food, hand sanitizer, masks, and can openers.

About Joe Italiano's Maplewood: The Legendary Maplewood was founded in 1945 by Joe Italiano Sr., father of the legendary Joe Italiano Jr., a U.S. Navy Veteran who brought the art of Italian home cooking to the Maplewood. He endeared himself to the community and established a legacy offering authentic Italian cuisine, freshly made pasta, and signature seafood creations. Joe Italiano's Maplewood is an award-winning restaurant located in the Moorestown Mall, 400 NJ-38, Moorestown, NJ 08057. https://joesmaplewood.com/joe-italiano-maplewood-moorestown/ - email: hello@joesmaplewood.com - Tel: 856.242.2851

Monday Closed

Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Saturday 12-10 p.m.

Sunday 12-8 p.m.

*Business hours may vary due to the circumstances of the pandemic

* Happy Hour: Tuesday-Friday 4-7 p.m.

About Tractor-Trailer Challenge: Visit https://tractortrailerchallenge.org

Press Contact: www.tpdmarketing.com - info@tpdmarketing.com

Related Images











Image 1: Tractor-Trailer Challenge





Philanthropy

















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Greeley, Colorado., Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Following the groundbreaking success of Vantage Hemp Co. in the cannabinoid industry, the company has announced the expansion of its contract manufacturing services to include a white labeling program. The only North American hemp processor with both ICH Q7 and WHO Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certified facilities, Vantage Hemp is one of the highest accredited cannabinoid extractors in the world, which enables Vantage Hemp and its partners to export pharmaceutical-grade CBD products internationally.

Vantage Hemp empowers businesses to set and maintain unsurpassed standards, with active pharmaceutical ingredients that comply with rigid quality, safety, and purity parameters. The white labeling services allow for custom product formulations and competitive pricing to create the opportunity for product differentiation. These extracts have been approved for export around the world and allow businesses of all sizes to reach untapped audiences.

With a rigorous commitment to compliance, the company produces industry-leading CBD extracts, including oils, distillates, and isolates. With pharmaceutical expertise, world-class facilities, and a science-based data-driven approach, these extracts can form the foundation of exceptional pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic products, with certifications mandated in regulated medical and wellness markets worldwide.

Deepank Utkhede, COO of Vantage Hemp says, Contract manufacturers have been helping CPG companies bring products to market for years, but technology advancements, globalization, new regulations, and standards, plus market and competitive pressures are raising new challenges. Contract manufacturing strives to balance product quality and innovation with cost and process efficiency, and most CBD companies are no different.

In addition to ICH Q7 and WHO GMP compliant facilities and processes, Vantage Hemp has also completed the construction of its cleanroom for the production of finished products. The cleanroom is compliant with ISO 7 guidelines and has been designed to accommodate the companys white-labeling manufacturing services, ensuring final products are manufactured in controlled environments that mitigate contamination.

Specializing in the production of pharmaceutical-grade CBD oils, distillates, isolates and finished products, Vantage Hemps purpose-built facilities span over 60,000 sq. ft. and can process five tons of high-quality hemp biomass a day. For more information and to partner with Vantage Hemp, visit https://vantagehemp.com/.

About Vantage Hemp Co.

With large-scale high-volume extraction facilities, Colorado-based Vantage Hemp Co. is an industry leader in CBD extraction. By utilizing state-of-the-art technology and having a meticulous focus on every detail of extraction, Vantage Hemp consistently delivers pharmaceutical grade, GMP compliant CBD extracts (including full-spectrum oil, distillate and isolate) that companies can trust. Vantage Hemps contract manufacturing services offer a broad range of benefits as they operate with integrity and abide by stringent pharmaceutical-production standards to provide quality products to their partners.

Learn more by visiting Vantage Hemp experts at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV as they attend SupplySide West from October 25th-28th. Vantage Hemp will be located at booth #2454 from 10:00 am - 5:30 pm. For general or sales inquiries visit www.vantagehemp.com.

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Pune, India, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The global enhanced oil recovery market size is projected to reach USD 20.06 billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period. Increasing requirement for advanced oil recovery technologies around the world is expected to be the key growth driver for this market, as per the new Fortune Business Insights report, titled Enhanced Oil Recovery Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Technology (Thermal Injection, Gas Injection, and Chemical Injection), By Application (Onshore and Offshore), and Regional Forecast, 2020-2027. Enhanced oil recovery (EOR), or tertiary recovery, is a technique that is deployed to increase oil production at a well-site. EOR mechanism is utilized to retrieve oil that primary and secondary extraction methods have been unable to retrieve. According to the US Department of Energy (DoE), EOR technology can lead to an increase in oil production between 30% and 60% of a reservoirs original oil capacity. The technology features three main categories, namely, thermal recovery, gas injection, and chemical injection. Of these, the gas injection technique, involving pushing of CO2 in wellbores, has been found to be particularly successful, especially in North America, and is slated to lead the enhanced oil recovery market trends in the coming years.

Request To Sample PDF Brochure: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/request-sample-pdf/enhanced-oil-recovery-market-100471

List of Players Covered in this Market Report:

 Petroleum Development Oman (Oman)

 Petrobras (Brazil)

 Cairn Oil & Gas (India)

 China National Petroleum Corporation (China)

 Husky Energy (Canada)

 Oxy (United States)

 Ecopetrol (Colombia)

 Lukoil (Russia)

 China Petrochemical Corporation (China)

 ConocoPhillips (United States)

 BP (United Kingdom)

 Chevron (United States)





REPORT SCOPE & SEGMENTATION:

Report Coverage Details Forecast Period 2020 to 2027 Forecast Period 2020 to 2027 CAGR 7.5% 2027 Value Projection USD 20.06 billion Base Year 2018 Market Size in 2019 USD 1.18 trillion Historical Data for 2016 to 2018 No. of Pages 120 Tables, Charts & Figures 81 Segments covered By Technology; By Application; and By Region Growth Drivers Unbounded Demand for Oil to Provide Impetus to Market Rising Capital Expenditure by National Oil Companies Likely to Inflate Opportunities Exponential Investment to Bolster the Growth of the Onshore Segment Pitfalls & Challenges High Capital Investment and Economic Slowdown Puts Growth on Backfoot





The emergence of COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill. We understand that this health crisis has brought an unprecedented impact on businesses across industries. However, this too shall pass. Rising support from governments and several companies can help in the fight against this highly contagious disease. There are some industries that are struggling and some are thriving. Overall, almost every sector is anticipated to be impacted by the pandemic.

We are taking continuous efforts to help your business sustain and grow during COVID-19 pandemics. Based on our experience and expertise, we will offer you an impact analysis of coronavirus outbreak across industries to help you prepare for the future.

Click here to get the short-term and long-term impact of COVID-19 on this Market.

Please visit: https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/queries/enhanced-oil-recovery-market-100471

The EOR market report states that the value of the market stood at USD 15.77 billion in 2019. The other highlights of the report include:

Targeted analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the market;

In-depth study of the factors and trends shaping the market;

Comprehensive evaluation of the regional dynamics influencing the market; and

Thorough profiling of and research into the key market players and their strategies.

Market Restraint

Exponential Spread of the Coronavirus to Retard Market Growth

The COVID-19 outbreak has brought the global economy to a grinding halt and the crude oil industry is bearing the severest brunt of the pandemic. The demand for oil has significantly deflated worldwide as countries have imposed strict lockdowns and business operations have come to a standstill, which has negatively impacted the enhanced oil recovery market value. Subdued economic activity, therefore, has punctured global oil demand and oil prices have rock-bottom. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in a worst case scenario where the virus spread goes unbridled, the global oil demand is likely to fall by 730,000 barrels per day throughout 2020. Moreover, the University of Oxfords Institute for Energy Studies predicts that the high uncertainty surrounding the crisis will deter investments in oil, compounding to the sectors existing woes. Thus, falling demand, volatile prices, and low investment in the oil sector will impede the expansion of the EOR market size in the immediate future.

Regional Analysis

Government Investment in Oil Extraction Technologies to Boost the Market in North America

The market size in North America stood at USD 5.72 billion in 2019 and the region is anticipated to lead the enhanced oil recovery market share owing to rising government-backed investments in oil recovery technologies. For example, the US DoE is actively promoting adoption of EOR among oil companies to meet the world demand for oil. In Asia-Pacific, the demand for oil is mainly driven by the rapid economic growth in India and China, while in Europe Russia, Norway, Germany, and UK are heavily investing to increase hydrocarbon production.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to dampen the regional prospects of the EOR market growth owing to work from home, social distancing, and suspension of non-essential activities. For example, the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), Indias largest oil refiner, estimates that the current demand in India is around 30-40% of the pre-coronavirus levels. Being the third largest oil importer in the world, stymied demand will inevitably hamper the growth of this market.

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Competitive Landscape

Increased Collaboration between State Entities to Excite the Market

According to the enhanced oil recovery market study, the state entities are teaming up to explore the possible avenues for utilizing the EOR technology. This has the potential to prepare the market for a surge in demand that is expected to occur once the world tides over the COVID-19 outbreak, even though the demand is unlikely to return to the pre-pandemic levels anytime soon.

Industry Developments:

July 2019: The Office of Fossil Energy under the US Department of Energy announced that it has selected five projects that will receive federal funding amounting to USD 39.9 million. This funding will be directed towards R&D in advancing the EOR technology in conventional and unconventional reservoirs.

The Office of Fossil Energy under the US Department of Energy announced that it has selected five projects that will receive federal funding amounting to USD 39.9 million. This funding will be directed towards R&D in advancing the EOR technology in conventional and unconventional reservoirs. July 2019: The Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC) signed a MoU for implementing CO2-based EOR in the Koyali refinery operated by IOCL. The two companies aim at reducing Indias carbon footprint and elevating its domestic production simultaneously.

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Major Table of Content for Enhanced Oil Recovery Market:

Introduction Research Scope Market Segmentation Research Methodology Definitions and Assumptions

Executive Summary

Market Dynamics Market Drivers Market Restraints Market Opportunities

Key Insights Key Emerging Trends  For Major Countries Latest Technological Advancement Regulatory Landscape Industry SWOT Analysis Porters Five Forces Analysis

Qualitative Analysis  Impact of COVID-19 Impact of COVID-19 on the Oil and Gas Industry Steps Taken by Government to Overcome the Impact Key Developments in the Industry in Response to COVID-19 Potential Opportunity and Challenges due to Outbreak

Global Enhanced Oil Recovery Market Analysis (USD Billion), Insights and Forecast, 2016-2027 Key Findings / Summary Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Technology Thermal Injection Gas Injection Chemical Injection Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Application Onshore Offshore Market Analysis, Insights and Forecast  By Region North America Latin America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East & Africa



TOC Continued ...!!!





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Dublin, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Fabric Conditioner Market 2021-2025" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The publisher has been monitoring the fabric conditioner market and it is poised to grow by $4.14 billion during 2021-2025, progressing at a CAGR of 6.29% during the forecast period. The report on the fabric conditioner market provides a holistic analysis, market size and forecast, trends, growth drivers, and challenges, as well as vendor analysis covering around 25 vendors.



The report offers an up-to-date analysis regarding the current global market scenario, latest trends and drivers, and the overall market environment. The market is driven by the growing popularity of concentrated fabric conditioners and high demand for eco-friendly fabric conditioners.



The fabric conditioner market analysis includes product and distribution channel segments and geographic landscape. This study identifies the increase in marketing initiatives as one of the prime reasons driving the fabric conditioner market growth during the next few years.

The report on fabric conditioner market covers the following areas:

Fabric conditioner market sizing

Fabric conditioner market forecast

Fabric conditioner market industry analysis

The robust vendor analysis is designed to help clients improve their market position, and in line with this, this report provides a detailed analysis of several leading fabric conditioner market vendors that include Church and Dwight Co. Inc., Colgate-Palmolive Co., Henkel AG & Co. KGaA, Kao Corp., LG Household and Health Care Ltd., Lion Corp., Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc, S. C. Johnson and Son Inc., The Procter and Gamble Co., and Unilever Group. Also, the fabric conditioner market analysis report includes information on upcoming trends and challenges that will influence market growth. This is to help companies strategize and leverage all forthcoming growth opportunities.



The study was conducted using an objective combination of primary and secondary information including inputs from key participants in the industry. The report contains a comprehensive market and vendor landscape in addition to an analysis of the key vendors.



The publisher presents a detailed picture of the market by the way of study, synthesis, and summation of data from multiple sources by an analysis of key parameters such as profit, pricing, competition, and promotions. It presents various market facets by identifying the key industry influencers. The data presented is comprehensive, reliable, and a result of extensive research - both primary and secondary. The market research reports provide a complete competitive landscape and an in-depth vendor selection methodology and analysis using qualitative and quantitative research to forecast the accurate market growth.



Key Topics Covered:



1. Executive Summary

Market overview

2. Market Landscape

Market ecosystem

Value chain analysis

3. Market Sizing

Market definition

Market segment analysis

Market size 2020

Market outlook: Forecast for 2020 - 2025

4. Five Forces Analysis

Five forces analysis 2020 & 2025

Bargaining power of buyers

Bargaining power of suppliers

Threat of new entrants

Threat of substitutes

Threat of rivalry

Market condition

5. Market Segmentation by Product

Market segments

Comparison by Product

RCFS - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Dryer sheets - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Market opportunity by Product

6. Market Segmentation by Distribution channel

Market segments

Comparison by Distribution channel

Offline - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Online - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Market opportunity by Distribution channel

7. Customer landscape

8. Geographic Landscape

Geographic segmentation

Geographic comparison

APAC - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

North America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Europe - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

South America - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

MEA - Market size and forecast 2020-2025

Key leading countries

Market opportunity By Geographical Landscape

Market drivers

Market challenges

Market trends

9. Vendor Landscape

Overview

Landscape disruption

10. Vendor Analysis

Vendors covered

Market positioning of vendors

Church and Dwight Co. Inc.

Colgate-Palmolive Co.

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Kao Corp.

LG Household and Health Care Ltd.

Lion Corp.

Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc

S. C. Johnson and Son Inc.

The Procter and Gamble Co.

Unilever Group

11. Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/tewypa
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Silver Hammer Mining Corp. (CSE: HAMR / OTC: HAMRF) (Silver Hammer or the Company) is pleased to report that it has staked an additional 52 new claims at its Eliza Silver Project in the historic Hamilton District of Nevada, more than doubling its land package.



The Eliza Silver Project is located along the south side of the Eberhardt fault, opposite the past-producing Treasure Hill Mine in the Hamilton Mining District, Nevadas highest-grade silver district producing 40 million (M) ounces (oz) silver with historic mined ore grades of up to 18,700 grams per tonne (g/t) between 1860-1872. Surface samples as high as 25,000 g/t were collected in the 1960s.1

With the addition of these new claims, the Eliza land package now comprises 88 claims totaling 5.52 square kilometres, (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. Eliza silver complex, Hamilton, Nevada, included previously reported surface samples. (See September 9, 2021 News Release for comprehensive sampling data).

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ad83cc3a-bd7d-4ffb-bf0e-d12dcced842c

Our initial exploration work has identified mineralization that extends onto these newly acquired claims along the lower half of the Eliza project, stated President Morgan Lekstrom. We are currently conducting a mapping and geochemistry program on the property where we see significant potential for discovery in areas that have never been explored using modern exploration techniques. We will use this data to plan an extensive initial exploration program targeted for early 2022.

Additionally, initial results from a sampling program at the Companys Silverton Mine, a project sharing similar geology and Aster signature to Kinross Golds Round Mountain project located approximately 108 kilometres to the west, have confirmed surface gold mineralization on the east side of the property. A sample of 6.1 g/t gold was taken from the silicified tuff (see Figure 2).

Figure 2. Silverton claim layout with northeast sampling showing 6.1 g/t gold from a surface sample

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/eaf7fb83-8d84-4822-a69f-d1849f27a85f

The Company also announces that David Grandy has stepped down as a director of the Company in order to pursue other opportunities. The Company thanks Mr. Grandy for his services, including helping take the company public, and wishes him the best in his future endeavours.

Qualified Person

Technical aspects of this press release have been reviewed and approved under the supervision of Philip Mulholland, P.Geo. Mr. Mulholland is a Qualified Person (QP) under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Silver Hammer Mining Corp.

Silver Hammer Mining Corp. is a junior resource company advancing the past-producing Silver Strand Mine in the Coeur dAlene Mining District in Idaho, USA, both the Eliza Silver Project and the Silverton Silver Mine in one of the worlds most prolific mining jurisdictions in Nevada and the Lacy Gold Project in British Columbia, Canada. The Company has commenced an initial drill program at Silver Strand that will test for silver and gold mineralization immediately below the mines lowest level extending only 90 metres below surface. Lakewood strives to become a multimine silver producer and will focus near-term exploration and drilling plans at the Companys Idaho and Nevada silver-gold assets.

*Mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Companys property.

On Behalf of the Board of Silver Hammer Mining Corp.

Morgan Lekstrom, President

Corporate Office: 551 Howe Street, Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 2C2, Canada

Contact: Kristina Pillon, President, High Tide Consulting Corp.

604.908.1695 / investors@silverhammermining.com

The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

1 Nevada Bureau Mines report 52900017




Dublin, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "LED Bulb Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The global LED bulb market reached a value of US$ 6.7 Billion in 2020. LED (light emitting diode) bulb refers to an electric lamp comprising of numerous clusters of LEDs which are mounted on a base. In contrast with the conventional lighting sources, such as incandescent and fluorescent lights, LED bulbs are associated with innumerable advantages which include a compact size, longer lifespan, lower energy consumption and production of less heat output. Additionally, these bulbs are available in different watts, colours, shapes and dimmable control. On account of this, LED bulbs are being commonly used in the industrial, commercial and residential sectors worldwide. Looking forward, the publisher expects the global LED bulb market to exhibit strong growth during the next five years.



Global LED Bulbs Market Drivers:

Currently, power consumption has been witnessing an increase across the world. The high rate of power consumption can be attributed to a rise in population worldwide, steep subsidies for electrical power by several countries and limited attempts to rationalise the consumption. Mounting consumption of electricity, however, has not been supplemented by adequate electricity production which is leading to a power crisis. Owing to this, there is a strong demand for energy-efficient products such as LED bulbs.

Manufacturers are undertaking unique marketing initiatives through various advertising mediums such as newspaper, television, etc. so as to expand their consumer-base. In addition to this, constant encouragement by government and other regulatory bodies, coupled with rising product awareness amongst the population is anticipated to impel the market growth.

Over the past few years, there has been a growing trend of promoting environmental protection and energy conservation. For instance, governments in some of the markets, such as China, India, etc., have been encouraging the use of LED lights in their respective countries. As a result, LED bulbs have emerged as one of the major energy-efficient lighting solutions which is envisaged to drive the market forward in the coming years.

LED bulbs are widely used in automotive, general lighting, mobile devices, signal and signage, healthcare, forensic, street lighting and academics. On account of rapid urbanisation and industrialisation in the developing countries, we expect the demand for LED bulbs to increase across various end-use industries in the long run.

Break up by Application:

Based on application, the market is segregated as retrofit, retail and hospitality, outdoor, offices, architectural, residential and industrial. Amongst these, retrofit represents the biggest application of LED bulbs as it has been swiftly replacing the conventional lighting systems.



Regional Insights:

On a geographical front, India enjoys the leading position in the global LED bulbs market. This is due to an increase in the local manufacturing of LED products in the country. India is followed by China, Europe, United States, Japan, Brazil, Russia and Others.



Competitive Landscape:

The LED bulb market is concentrated in nature with the presence of a few manufacturers who account for the majority of the market share. There prevails a tough competition in the market as these manufacturers are dominating the market, in turn, keeping a tight control over the prices of LED bulbs. Some of the leading players operating in the market are:

Nichia

Osram

Samsung Electronics

Everlight Electronics

This report provides a deep insight into the global LED bulb market covering all its essential aspects. This ranges from macro overview of the market to micro details of the industry performance, recent trends, key market drivers and challenges, SWOT analysis, Porter's five forces analysis, value chain analysis, etc. The report also provides a comprehensive analysis for setting up a LED bulb manufacturing plant. The study analyses the processing and manufacturing requirements, project cost, project funding, project economics, expected returns on investment, profit margins, etc. This report is a must-read for entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, consultants, business strategists, and all those who have any kind of stake or are planning to foray into the LED bulb industry in any manner.



Key Questions Answered in This Report:

How has the global LED lighting market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?

How has the global LED bulb market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?

What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global LED lighting industry?

What are the key regional markets in the global LED lighting industry?

What are the major application segments in the global LED lighting industry?

What are the various stages in the value chain of the global LED lighting industry?

What are the key driving factors and challenges in the global LED lighting industry?

What is the structure of the global LED bulb industry and who are the key players?

What is the degree of competition in the global LED bulb industry?

What are the profit margins in the global LED bulb industry?

What are the key requirements for setting up a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

How are LED bulbs manufactured?

What are the various unit operations involved in a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

What is the total size of land required for setting up a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

What are the machinery requirements for setting up a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

What are the raw material requirements for setting up a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

What are the packaging requirements for LED bulb?

What are the transportation requirements for LED bulb?

What are the utility requirements for setting up a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

What are the manpower requirements for setting up a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

What are the infrastructure costs for setting up a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

What are the capital costs for setting up a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

What are the operating costs for setting up a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

What will be the income and expenditures for a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

What is the time required to break-even?

Key Topics Covered:



1 Preface



2 Scope and Methodology



3 Executive Summary



4 Introduction

4.1 Overview

4.2 Key Industry Trends



5 Global LED Lighting Industry

5.1 Market Overview

5.2 Market Performance

5.2.1 Volume Trends

5.2.2 Value Trends

5.3 Impact of COVID-19

5.4 LED Bulb Market

5.5 Market Breakup by Region

5.6 Market Breakup by Application

5.7 Market by LED Products: LED Lamps, Modules and Fixtures

5.7.1 Current and Historical Market Trends

5.7.2 Market Forecast

5.8 Market Forecast

5.9 SWOT Analysis

5.9.1 Overview

5.9.2 Strengths

5.9.3 Weaknesses

5.9.4 Opportunities

5.9.5 Threats

5.10 Value Chain Analysis

5.10.1 Primary Raw Materials Suppliers

5.10.2 LED Chip Manufacturers

5.10.3 LED Package and Module Manufacturers

5.10.4 Lighting Products, Electronic Products and Automotive Part Manufacturers

5.10.5 Product Distribution

5.10.6 End Users

5.11 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

5.11.1 Overview

5.11.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers

5.11.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

5.11.4 Degree of Competition

5.11.5 Threat of New Entrants

5.11.6 Threat of Substitutes

5.12 Key Success and Risk Factors for LED Bulb Manufacturers

5.13 Comparative Analysis of CFL and LED

5.14 Price Analysis

5.14.1 Key Price Indicators

5.14.2 Price Structure



6 Performance of Key Regions

6.1 India

6.1.1 Market Trends

6.1.2 Market Forecast

6.2 China

6.2.1 Market Trends

6.2.2 Market Forecast

6.3 Europe

6.3.1 Market Trends

6.3.2 Market Forecast

6.4 United States

6.4.1 Market Trends

6.4.2 Market Forecast

6.5 Japan

6.5.1 Market Trends

6.5.2 Market Forecast

6.6 Brazil

6.6.1 Market Trends

6.6.2 Market Forecast

6.7 Russia

6.7.1 Market Trends

6.7.2 Market Forecast

6.8 Others

6.8.1 Market Trends

6.8.2 Market Forecast



7 Market by Application

7.1 Retrofit

7.1.1 Market Trends

7.1.2 Market Forecast

7.2 Retail & Hospitality

7.2.1 Market Trends

7.2.2 Market Forecast

7.3 Outdoor

7.3.1 Market Trends

7.3.2 Market Forecast

7.4 Offices

7.4.1 Market Trends

7.4.2 Market Forecast

7.5 Architectural

7.5.1 Market Trends

7.5.2 Market Forecast

7.6 Residential

7.6.1 Market Trends

7.6.2 Market Forecast

7.7 Industrial

7.7.1 Market Trends

7.7.2 Market Forecast



8 Competitive Landscape

8.1 Market Structure

8.2 Market Breakup by Key Players



9 LED Bulb Manufacturing Process

9.1 Product Overview and Specifications

9.2 Key Features and Advantages

9.3 Key Application Areas

9.3.1 Home

9.3.2 Offices

9.3.3 Hotel and Restaurants

9.3.4 Showrooms and Malls

9.3.5 Hospitals

9.4 Popular Shapes and Sizes

9.4.1 LED Bulb (Classic Globe)

9.4.2 LED Bulb (Mini Globe)

9.4.3 LED Bulb (Spot Light)

9.4.4 LED Bulb (Flame Tip)

9.4.5 LED Bulb (Deco Light)

9.4.6 LED Bulb (Candle Light)

9.5 Design Material Alternatives

9.5.1 Thermoplastic Housing

9.5.2 Aluminium Housing

9.5.3 Aluminium Housing with Plastic Coating

9.6 Manufacturing Process

9.7 Raw Material Requirements

9.8 Raw Material Pictures



10 Project Details, Requirements and Costs Involved

10.1 Land Requirements and Expenditures

10.2 Construction Requirements and Expenditures

10.3 Plant Machinery

10.4 Machinery Pictures

10.5 Raw Material Requirements and Expenditures

10.6 Raw Material and Final Product Pictures

10.7 Packaging Requirements and Expenditures

10.8 Transportation Requirements and Expenditures

10.9 Utility Requirements and Expenditures

10.10 Manpower Requirements and Expenditures

10.11 Other Capital Investments



11 Loans and Financial Assistance



12 Project Economics

12.1 Capital Cost of the Project

12.2 Techno-Economic Parameters

12.3 Product Pricing and Margins Across Various Levels of the Supply Chain

12.4 Taxation and Depreciation

12.5 Income Projections

12.6 Expenditure Projections

12.7 Financial Analysis

12.8 Profit Analysis



13 Key Player Profiles



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/m6r8h8
Toronto, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With the addition of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products and sequences to its AI-powered platform, BenchSci, an emerging global leader in machine learning applications for novel medicine development, is empowering scientists to more rapidly discover how genes influence health and disease.

PCR is a laboratory technique that enables scientists to make copies of a particular region of DNA to better understand a specific gene function. Its lauded as one of the most crucial advancements in molecular biology.

The BenchSci platforms advanced technology surfaces evidence of a PCR product or sequences successful utilization in experiments similar to a scientist's own, says Casandra Mangroo, BenchScis SVP of Product and Science. As a result, scientists can recoup time that would have otherwise been spent optimizing and testing PCR products and sequences before running an experiment.

With BenchSci, scientists can now leverage data on over 21.8 million conventional and real-time PCR primers and probes, and their use in 807,000 published experiments, to design more successful research projects.

In addition to identifying the most appropriate sequences, a common challenge for scientists when designing real-time PCR experiments is identifying a new, appropriate housekeeping gene when switching from one context to another. Scientists often consult the published literature to identify which housekeeping genes were used within similar experiments, trying to avoid a lengthy trial and error process.

BenchScis proprietary machine learning models detect when a gene has been used as a housekeeping gene, enabling scientists to:

Avoid manual literature reviews and optimization testsscientists apply experimental context filters to quickly surface relevant experimental evidence from the published literature

Search by treatment or procedure to generate a shortlist of genes successfully utilized as housekeeping genes within the desired context

Identify which genes have been used the most often as housekeeping genes within similar experiments

In addition to PCR reagent data, the BenchSci platform currently includes data on antibodies, proteins, cell products, CRISPR reagents, RNAi reagents, and animal models.

For more BenchSci updates, visit our news page.

About BenchSci

BenchScis vision is to bring novel medicine to patients 50% faster by 2025. Were achieving it by empowering scientists with the worlds most advanced biomedical artificial intelligence to run more successful experiments. Backed by F-Prime, Gradient Ventures (Googles AI fund), and Inovia Capital, our platform accelerates science at 15 top-20 pharmaceutical companies and over 4,300 leading research centers worldwide. Were a remote-first, CIX Top 10 Growth company, certified Great Place to Work, and top-ranked company on Glassdoor. Learn more at www.benchsci.com.

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VILLA VICTORIA, Mexico, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Municipal President of Villa Victoria, Mr. Raul Asencio Pilar, presented Narconon Latinoamerica with a special recognition along with a letter of appreciation to honor its six years of dedicated service to the community.

The President stated, "This global event [the pandemic] has taken its toll on vulnerable populations, with addiction becoming the refuge. Overdose deaths are at an all-time high and are spreading throughout communities in Mexico. It is always welcome and comforting to have organizations like Narconon Latinoamerica that offer effective solutions to the drug abuse crisis. It is clear to me that at Narconon Latinamerica, there is a team of professionals who are at the forefront of addiction rehabilitation."

Mexico is no stranger to the devasting effects of addiction. The scenario is far worse in the urban areas of the country, especially for the most vulnerable populationthe youth of Mexico. The World Drug Report 2021 produced by United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime noted far higher levels of drug use in urban areas in Mexico than in rural areas; for example, school surveys done with youth showed drug use 60% higher in urban areas.

To compound this problem further, as COVID-19 spread through the country, desperately needed treatment facilities started to either closedown or reduce their services. The report noted that a month after the first COVID-19 case was reported in Mexico, experts saw an interruption in drug treatment services across the country. Treatment facilities that managed to remain open were primarily for emergencies and the heavy load was resting on the shoulders of limited personnel.

Amidst this backdrop of rising addiction and disruption of vital treatment services, the staff of Narconon Latinoamerica made the decision to remain open to continue to serve those in need of rehabilitation. In the last year and a half, the center has kept its doors open to provide lifesaving services to those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. The center has utilized cutting-edge sanitization procedures used by hospitals to maintain a safe environment. In addition, the center has reached out to community partners such as the municipal government of Villa Victoria to share these procedures to sanitize public facilities. Throughout this period, Narconon Latinoamerica continued with its drug addiction awareness-raising work in the community.

Narconon Latinoamerica is an integral part of the Villa Victoria community. Built in 1880, the facility grounds lie on four acres in beautiful Villa Victoria. Narconon Latinoamerica offers one-on-one care and personalized attention to help individuals on their path to a drug-free life.

Media Contact

Media Relations

+1-323-775-9292

publicaffairs@narconon.org

Related Images











Image 1: Municipal President of Villa Victoria acknowledges Narconon Latinoamerica





Municipal President of Villa Victoria, Mr. Raul Asencio Pilar, presents recognition to ED Narconon Latinoamerica, Ms. Zuveldia Morales, to honor the center's sixth anniversary









This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com.

Attachment
New York, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Sexual Wellness Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2021-2026" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05151520/?utm_source=GNW

83%.



The continuing creation of the new sexual culture, devoid of the stigma attached to the concept of sex, is witnessing exploration of sexual fantasies, driving the changes in attitudes, and linking sexual wellness to lifestyle. The use of sexual protection measures or contraceptives gains prominence with the emergence of STDs and STIs, preventing the spread of diseases and potentially limiting birth rates. Innovation in product development and distribution channels, enabling better adoption of condoms among the youth population. As governments worldwide are fighting for unsafe sex practices, the need for accessible and reversible contraceptives such as condoms fuels the global market.



The following factors are likely to contribute to the growth of the sexual wellness market during the forecast period:

 Growing Penetration of Digital Marketplace

 Increasing Usage of Dating Applications in APAC

 Growth Spurred by Sexual Wellness Festivals, Trade Shows, And Expo

 Rise in Government Initiatives for Free Condom Distribution



SNIPPETS



 Male condoms accounted for over 99% of the global market. However, the female condom segment will witness a significant CAGR of over 25%.

 With the huge development in infrastructure and R&D support, international vendors are rapidly expanding their footprint in the sexual wellness industry.

 North America has a well-structured and developed sexual wellness system. The sexual wellness industry in North America is expected to reach USD 10.50 billion by 2026.

 In 2020, the sex toys segment led the market with a market share of 57.71%. Sex toys are witnessing a huge demand from countries such as the US, China, and Japan.

 L Brands, formerly known as Limited Brands designs and distributes beauty products, personal care products, apparel, and accessories.



The study considers a detailed scenario of the present sexual wellness market and its market dynamics for the period 2021?2026. It covers a detailed overview of several market growth enablers, restraints, and trends. The report offers both the demand and supply aspects of the market. It profiles and examines leading companies and other prominent ones operating in the market.



SEXUAL WELLNESS MARKET SEGMENTATION

This research report includes a detailed segmentation by

 Product

 Gender

 Distribution

 Geography



SEXUAL WELLNESS MARKET SEGMENTS



Product: With innovation in condom designs has fueled the demand for condoms across the globe. The condoms segment is likely to account for a market share of 32.65% in 2026. The sudden spike of sex toys was witnessed during March and April 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19. There is a growing demand for both shared and solo sex toys among end-users. Sex toy manufacturers and retailers capitalize on this growing interest by offering bundled adult products and "starter kits" for inquisitive customers.



Gender: Numerous products developed within the sexual wellness industry, be it condoms to sexual lubricants, have focused on the demands and needs of men being primary customers. However, male customers tend to offer better opportunities for the vendors developing products for the sexual wellness industry. The global sexual wellness market by gender- male, was valued at USD 21.42 billion in 2020 and will reach USD 32.87 billion by 2026. Several free-to-use condoms are being made available for end-users in developing countries such as South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. Vendors can consider eyeing such free spots promoting the sale of free condoms, which tends to reduce their scope for pushing the branded condoms up for sale.



Distribution: Sexual wellness products are available to end-users through online OEMs e-commerce portals and direct-to-consumer stores such as Amazon, Adam & Eve online stores, eBay, Ann Summers, Alibaba, and AliExpress. The entrance of key condom manufacturers such as Reckitt Benckiser and Church & Dwight is surging the sale of sex toys and sexual lubricants through retail stores such as sex specialty stores and supermarkets worldwide. The rise in online sales is set to fuel by over 20% YOY during the forecast period.



Market Segmentation by Product

 Sex Toys

o Vibrators

o Rubber Pennies

o Cock Rings

o Rubber Vaginas

o Blindfolds/Feathers

o Harness & Strap-on-Penises

o Bondage Gear

 Condoms

o Latex & Non-latex

o Branded & Institutional

o Male & Female

 Exotic Lingerie

 Sexual Lubricants

o Water-based

o Silicon-based

o Oil-based

o Hybrid

 Others



Market Segmentation by Gender

 Male

 Female



Market Segmentation by Distribution

 Offline Retail

o Specialty Store

o Mass Market Players

o Drug Store/Pharmacies

 Online Retail



GEOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS



The sexual wellness industry in North America is witnessing high traction due to the growth in the spending power of end-users, especially millennials. One of the key factors driving the growth of the market in North America is the robust institutional sales by government and federal agencies, NGOs, and charitable organizations. The market for sex toys enjoys a majority of share of 48.78% in the sexual wellness products in the region, followed by condoms (33.25%). North America is expected to follow a leadership strategy. Players are expected to establish more enhanced facilities in this region and maintain offshore facilities for profit enhancement and customer base expansion.



Market Segmentation by Geography



 APAC

o China

o Japan

o India

o Australia

o South Korea

o Indonesia

o Malaysia

o Singapore

o New Zealand

o Thailand

o Philippines

o Vietnam

o Sri Lanka

 Europe

o UK

o Germany

o France

o Spain

o Italy

o Netherlands

o Poland

o Sweden

o Denmark

o Norway

 North America

o US

o Canada

 Middle East & Africa

o UAE

o Kenya

o Saudi Arabia

o South Africa

o Algeria

o Nigeria

o Ethiopia

 Latin America

o Brazil

o Argentina

o Mexico

o Peru

o Chile

o Colombia



COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE



The aggressive competitive scenario in the global sexual wellness industry is currently intensifying. The sexual wellness market is moderately fragmented, with many global players providing sexual lubricants with high functionalities and designs. Players have to develop new technologies and need to remain abreast with upcoming technologies to have a competitive advantage over other vendors. The female condom market is more concentrated in developing and marginalized regions such as Africa and Central Asia. Veru Healthcare/The Female Health Company, Cupid Ltd., HLL, Shanghai Dahua Medical Apparatus Company, Tianjin Condombao Medical Polyurethane Tech. Co. are some of the major vendors in the female condom industry.



Key Vendors

 Lifestyles (LIFESTYLES HOLDCO PTE. LTD.)

 Church & Dwight

 Diamond Products

 Reckitt Benckiser Group

 Okamoto Industries

 Karex Berhad

 Doc Johnson



Other Prominent Vendors

 Bally

 Beate Uhse

 Beijing Aimer

 Bijoux Indiscrets

 BILLY BOY

 BioFilm

 BMS Factory

 Bodywise

 Cumming

 Caution wear

 CalExotics

 Calvin Klein

 Convex Latex

 Cosmo Lady

 Cupid Limited

 Dongkuk Techco

 Double One

 Eau Zone Oils & Fragrances

 European Lingerie Group AB (ELG)

 Embry

 Empowered Products

 Fuji Latex

 Good Clean Love

 Guy & ONeill

 Hathor Professional Skincare

 HBM Group

 HLL Lifecare

 ID Lubricants

 Innova Quality

 Innovus Pharma

 IXU

 Limited Brands (LVMH)

 La Maison Lejaby

 La Perla

 LELO

 Live Well Brands

 Lovehoney Group

 Mankind Pharma

 Mayor Laboratories

 MD Science Lab

 MTLC Latex

 Nulatex

 Orient Industry

 PHE

 pjur group

 Ritex

 Sagami Rubber Industries

 Sensuous Beauty

 Shandong Ming Yuan Latex

 Shanghai Dahua Medical Apparatus Co.

 Silk Parasol

 Sliquid

 StaySafe Condoms (BY ADVACARE PHARMA)

 STRATA Various Product Design

 Suki (OhMiBod)

 Tenga

 Thai Nippon Rubber Industry (TNR)

 The Yes Company

 Tianjin Condombao Medical Polyurethane Tech

 Topco Sales

 Trigg Laboratories

 Triumph

 Veru Healthcare/The Female Health Company

 XR Brands

 Kaamastra



KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

1. How big is the sexual wellness market?

2. What are the factors impacting the growth of the sexual wellness market share?

3. Who are the key players in the sexual wellness industry?

4. What is the impact of COVID-19 on the sexual wellness industry?

5. What are the latest opportunities in the global sexual wellness market?

6. Which region has the highest growth rate in the sexual wellness market?

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05151520/?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.



__________________________
Washington, D.C., Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Association of Womens Business Centers (AWBC) has named Roberta McCullough, Senior Vice President of Operations Institute Capital, Inc., an affiliate of the National Institute of Minority Economic Development (NIMED), as the new Chair of the AWBC board of directors. At Institute Capital, Ms. McCullough leads a team of investment capital providers for small businesses, affordable housing developers, and community-based organizations. Ms. McCullough encourages collaboration between the three Womens Business Centers at NIMED, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in her community to foster economic growth and strategic alliances.

As the new Board Chair, Ms. McCullough brings more than 30 years of experience in economic development to the AWBC and will strengthen the AWBCs knowledge and resources for serving women-owned businesses. Roberta and AWBC's new board members will guide the Association in its support of women entrepreneurs nationwide.

Corinne Hodges, CEO of the Association of Womens Business Centers (AWBC), issued the following statement:

The Association of Womens Business Centers is thrilled to have Roberta as the Chair of our Board of Directors. Robertas lifelong dedication to economic development initiatives, and her prior experience leading a Womens Business Center, will thrust the AWBC mission forward, helping our organization reinforce and strengthen its commitment to women-owned businesses across the nation. Ms. McCulloughs addition to our board, among other new members, is representative of the AWBCs ever-expanding breadth of demographic and locational diversity across the states and localities we serve.

About AWBC
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pegasus Resources Inc. (TSX-V: PEGA; Frankfurt  0QS, OTC/Pink Sheet symbol SLTFF) (the Company or Pegasus) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Pine Channel Uranium Property (the Property) in the prolific Athabasca Basin of northern Saskatchewan. The property encompasses 6,028 ha in six mineral claims situated at the northern most edge of the Athabasca Basin, about 40 km due west of the community of Stony Rapids, Saskatchewan. It is accessible via trails and winter road which lead from Stony Rapids, cross the property, and continue westerly to other locations.



A 100% interest in claim MC00013839 can be acquired from Eagle Plains Resources Ltd., while an adjacent claim to the south (MC00015143), will be acquired through a binding LOI with a staking syndicate. An additional four mineral claims are under option from ALX Resources Corp. (MC00014001,08,43 and MC00015391)

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fb58fb4d-3c76-447d-99e9-ba0bc1bff57f

Pine Channel Uranium Property Highlights:



The Property is prospective for unconformity-related uranium mineralization, with a very shallow depth to the basement from surface of about 60 to 100 metres;

Historical work identified two conductive trends on the property. One trend is approximately 2.5 km long, defined by both airborne and ground electromagnetic (EM) surveys. The second, a 600-metre long conductor has not yet been followed up with a ground EM survey(s) or drilling; and

Drilling in 1981 identified anomalous uranium in a hematite-rich fracture within Athabasca sandstone rocks, directly above unconformity in hole PC81-2 with 0.15% U3O8 over 0.15m .



The property with a thin cover of Athabasca Basin, is underlain at shallow depths by the structurally complex Tanto Domain, which is host to numerous U, Cu, Ni and Au occurrences.

Historical Exploration

During the 1970s Denison Mines Ltd. conducted both airborne and ground geophysical surveys at and around the Pine Channel property. During 1979, Denison drilled a total of 12 diamond drill holes in the area to test a conductor that was coincident with a magnetic contact.

Results were very encouraging and included:

PN-79-1: 0.028% U3O8 across 1.2 m within brecciated basement rocks,

PN-79-2: 0.062% U3O8 across 0.6 m within altered basement rocks, and

PN-79-3: 0.039% U3O8 across 0.7 m within Athabasca Basin sandstone.



In 1981 Denison completed an additional four holes on the Pine Channel Property to test ground geophysical conductors at the same location as the 1979 drill holes. At least four drill holes intersected elevated radioactivity directly above the unconformity, including PC81-2 which intersected 0.15% U3O8 over 0.15m .

The property remained idle until about 2005 when UEX Corporation completed an airborne magnetic, radiometric and gravity survey, as well as an airborne MegaTEM survey atop the Pine Channel Property and surrounding area.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e7a33e21-5d52-4281-8bad-e3e2b3f0de38

Exploration Model

With the discovery of NexGens Arrow deposit, recent exploration in and around the Athabasca Basin has included the search for other high-grade, basement hosted uranium occurrences. The Pine Channel property has several important attributes which make it an attractive exploration target for this deposit type:

structurally complex basement lithologies,

altered basement rocks associated with a conductive trend, and

multiple drill holes having intersected highly anomalous radioactivity, ranging from 0.028 to 0.15% U3O8.



The location and road accessibility provide for an opportunity to conduct advanced exploration year-round at Pine Channel.

According to Charles Desjardins, CEO, Despite significant success at the Pine Channel Property, including highly anomalous radioactivity being identified in structurally complex basement rocks, exploration essentially halted in 1981. We are very excited to have acquire this project, which has not only sat idle since the early 80s, but also which was explored at a time prior to the discovery of uranium in basement rocks such as at NexGens Arrow and Fissions PLS Projects.

The company intends to begin an immediate program of data compilation, review and planning for the next stages of exploration at the Pine Channel Property.

Deal Terms

A 100% interest in the Pine Channel Property (Claim MC00013839) was acquired from Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. by issuing 500,000 shares of Pegasus (subject to a 2% NSR). The 2% NSR is subject to a buyback provision whereby the company can reduce the NSR to 1%, for a cash payment of $1 million.

The company can earn a 70% interest in the four mineral claims (MC00014001, 08, 43 and MC00015391) from ALX Resources Corp., by making cash payments of $50,000 and issuing 700,000 shares and spending $300,000 in exploration over 3 years. A further 30% interest can be purchased by making a cash payment of $200,000 and issuing 500,000 shares, otherwise a joint venture would be formed.

The Company has signed a binding letter of intent with a Staking Syndicate. Details to follow.

These acquisitions are subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange and the respective Boards of Directors of ALX Resources Corp. and Eagle Plains Resources Ltd.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Neil McCallum B.Sc., P.Geol. of Dahrouge Geological Consulting, and is a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101.

About Pegasus Resources Inc.

Pegasus Resources Inc. is a diversified Junior Canadian Mineral Exploration Company with a focus on zinc and base metal properties in North America. The Company is also actively pursuing the right opportunity in other resources to enhance shareholder value. For additional information please visit the Company at www.pegasusresourcesinc.com or contact Charles Desjardins at charles@pegasusresourcesinc.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Charles Desjardins

President and Director

Pegasus Resources Inc.

700  838 West Hastings Street

Vancouver, BC V6C 0A6

PH: 1-604-369-8973

E: info@pegasusresourcesinc.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

Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning the Companys plans, intentions and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, expects and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Companys future operations and business prospects, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements.
New York, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Ultrapure Water Market - Global Outlook & Forecast 2021-2026" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06154544/?utm_source=GNW

21 billion in 2026 growing at a CAGR of 7.78%.



The following factors are likely to contribute to the growth of the ultrapure water market during the forecast period:



 Impact of Transition to 5G

 Impact of Evolving Microelectronics Market

 Increasing Demand in Semiconductor Industry

 Increasing Demand for Cleanroom Practices



MARKET OVERVIEW



The primary end-users of the ultrapure water treatment market include industries such as semiconductors, solar photovoltaics, pharmaceuticals, power generation (sub and super critical boilers), and specialty applications such as research laboratories. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to accelerate digitalization, which could be expected to positively impact the microelectronics industry. The launch of the 5G mobile network is expected to stimulate the demand for semiconductor components. Also, the adoption of internet of things (IoT) technologies such as cloud computing, data analytics, blockchain, and augmented intelligence are enhanced. This will increase the demand for ultra-pure water in the industry.



KEY HIGHLIGHTS



 The market growth is supported by increased demand for ultrapure water filtration for cleaning small and minute electronic appliances such as wafers and semiconductors.

 Geographically, the APAC region is the largest market for ultra-pure water and accounts for 60.05% of the global ultrapure water market share.

 The pharmaceutical segment dominates the Europe market and accounts for 40.33% of the global market share.

 Vendors need to find partners in emerging industries to expand their geographic presence in other potential markets.



The study considers a detailed scenario of the present ultrapure water market and its market dynamics for the period 2021?2026. It covers a detailed overview of several market growth enablers, restraints, and trends. The report offers both the demand and supply aspects of the market. It profiles and examines leading companies and other prominent ones operating in the market.



ULTRAPURE WATER MARKET SEGMENTATION

This research report includes a detailed segmentation by



 Equipment

 Application

 End-User

 Capacity Consideration

 Geography



ULTRA-PURE WATER MARKET SEGMENTS



 The filtration segment accounted for a revenue share of 34.90% in 2020 and is expected to witness an absolute growth of 49.83% by the end of 2026. The Ultrapure filtration technologies include particle filtration, depth filtration, carbon filtration, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, and gas filtration.

 Washing fluid is the largest application for ultrapure water, and the segment is accounted for the highest share in the ultrapure water industry. Most of the industries such as semiconductors, flat panel display, and pharmaceuticals use ultrapure water as washing fluids which raise the demand.



Segmentation by Equipment

 Filtration

 Reverse Osmosis

 Ultraviolet

 Electro Deionization

 Others



Segmentation by Application

 Washing Fluid

 Process Feed



Segmentation by End-User

 Semiconductor

 Power Generation

 Flat Panel Display

 Pharmaceuticals

 Others



Segmentation by Capacity Consideration

 Large Scale

 Small Scale



GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

 Asia: The Asian market for consumables and hardware is expected to create the demand for ultrapure water required by the semiconductor, pharmaceutical, flat panel display, and power generation industries.

 North America: North America region is one of the fastest-growing for ultrapure water. Ultrapure water is used by semiconductor companies such as Intel Corporation, Nvidia, Texas Instruments, and Micron Technology as a cleaning agent. It is used to remove dissolved impurities that might precipitate or particles that might settle on circuits and cause the failure of microchips.

 Europe: The pharmaceutical industry is one of the developing industries in the region. Germany is the leading pharmaceutical market in Europe. Therefore, the growth in the pharmaceutical sector would lead to an increased demand for ultrapure water. This will contribute to the expansion of the ultrapure water industry in the region.



Segmentation By Geography



 APAC

o China

o Japan

o South Korea

o Australia

o India

 North America

o US

o Canada

 Europe

o Germany

o France

o Italy

o Spain

o UK

 Middle East & Africa

o South Africa

o UAE

 Latin America

o Brazil

o Mexico

o Argentina



VENDOR ANALYSIS

 The key players in the industry are General Electric, Pall Corporation, DuPont, Asahi Kasei Corporation, and Pentair.

 The customers are looking for vendors who deliver value-added services. This has motivated companies in the industry to focus their efforts on continuously working toward offering a varied range of product and service offerings.

 Asahi Kasei Corporation has a first-mover advantage in several segments. The global business solutions & strategies have assisted the company in coming up with a unique solution to tap the un-catered markets.

 Innovation, costs, and convenience play a crucial role in setting up the demand for such products. Thus, vendors need to remain abreast with the latest customer demands and trends in the ultrapure water industry.



Key Vendors

 General Electric

 Pall Corporation

 DuPont

 Asahi Kasei Corporation

 Pentair



Other Prominent Vendors

 Nalco

 SUEZ

 Evoqua Water Technologies

 Mar Cor

 Organo Corporation

 Ovivo

 Veolia

 Kurita Water Industries

 Aqua-Chem

 Reynolds Culligan

 Ultra Pure Water Technologies

 Pure Water Group

 Merck

 SpectraPure

 Nancrede Engineering

 RODI System Corporation

 Biosan

 Sartorius

 Agape Water Solutions

 Zhuhai Wangyang Water Treatment Equipment Company



KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

1. How big is the ultrapure water market?

2. Which region has the highest growth rate in the ultra-pure water market?

3. Who are the key players in the ultra-pure water Industry?

4. What segments are covered in the ultra-pure water market report?

5. What are the key driving factors for the ultrapure water industry?

6. What industries are the major vendors focusing on in the ultrapure water market?

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06154544/?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.



__________________________
New York, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "France Crane Market - Strategic Assessment & Forecast 2021-2027" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06154547/?utm_source=GNW

5 billion and to reach a volume of 5566 units by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.67% by volume during 2021-2027



The increasing demand for cranes is attributed to investments by developed countries, favorable government policies and FDIs, upcoming industrial developments in the construction industries, and government initiatives such as Grand Paris Project and the upcoming 2024 Olympic games. By switching to intelligent systems driven by IoT and data analysis for service, networking and sustainability, the crane market is transitioning to a more innovative industry.



FRANCE CRANE MARKET OUTLOOK



 In 2021, France crane market reached a volume of 4483 units and is expected to reach 5566 units by 2027.

 Cranes have intelligent service panels that help operators diagnose and rectify problems more rapidly, fueling the usage of cranes across France.

 The Grand Paris Project and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris are likely to drive the crane industry.

 Several proposals to develop and modernize major airports in France, with an estimated expenditure of USD 1.3 billion, are expected to boost the crane industry.

 In France, the rental business is growing rapidly. With most OEMs offering rental services in this space, most of the crane rental market in France is dominated by unorganized players.



KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE REPORT



 In 2019, France imported USD 539 million in cranes, making it the worlds fourth-largest importer.

 The 101-200 tons crane market in France was estimated at 1,691 units in 2020 and is expected to reach 2,122 units by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 3.53% during the period.

 Over the previous 3-4 years, the French market for cranes has grown, fueled by government initiatives such as the "Macron law. 

 Cranes used in the construction industry accounted for the largest share of around 50.1%.

The report considers the present scenario of the France crane market and market dynamics for the forecast period 2021?2027. It covers a detailed overview of several growth enablers, restraints, and trends in the market. The study includes the volume and value sales with a segment analysis of the France crane market.



FRANCE CRANE MARKET - SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS



 The mobile crane market in France by value is expected to reach USD 502 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 4.04% during the forecast year.

 The demand for crawler cranes is largely driven due to increased investment in both building and civil engineering. The crawler crane industry in France by value is expected to reach USD 63.1 million by 2027.

 Truck cranes are smaller, less versatile, and used for lifting lighter loads (load capacity limit of about 45 tons) and are highly demanded in the France market.

 France fixed crane industry is expected to reach USD 962.7 million by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 3.27%.

 Tower cranes are used to build tall structures such as skyscrapers. The construction sector in France is driving demand for tower cranes, and the France tower crane market is expected to reach USD 318.8 million by 2027.



Market Segmentation by Crane Type

 Mobile Crane

o Crawler Cranes

o Rough Terrain Cranes

o All-Terrain Cranes

o Truck Mounted Cranes

o Others

 Fixed Cranes

o Overhead Cranes

o Tower Cranes



Market Segmentation by Application

 Construction

 Mining

 Transport/Port

 Manufacturing

 Others



Market Segmentation by Gross Power

 Less than 20 Tons

 20-100 Tons

 101-200 Tons

 Greater than 200 Tons



VENDOR LANDSCAPE



During the forecast period, the increase in private and government investments in new development and construction projects to provide improved infrastructural facilities is expected to boost the crane market growth in France. Vendors such as KOBELCO have developed a new crawler crane equipped with a system for improving fuel consumption and reducing CO2 emissions. Players in the crane industry in France are focusing on innovative technologies to intensify the competition. For instance, Palfinger Marine, an Austrian deck equipment manufacturer, has been awarded a contract to supply 71 fixed boom cranes to build the 500-MW Fecamp offshore wind farm in French waters.



Major Vendors

 Tadano

 Manitex International, Inc.

 Manitowoc

 SANY

 Kobelco Construction Machinery (KCME)

 Konecranes

 Liebherr

 Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group Co., Ltd. (XCMG)

 Terex Corporation

 Cargotec



Other Prominent vendors

 American Crane & Equipment Corp. (ACE)

 Zoomlion Heavy Industry

 Broderson Manufacturing Corp

 Link-Belt Cranes

 Kato Works



WHY SHOULD YOU BUY THIS REPORT?



This report is among the few in the market that offers outlook and opportunity analysis forecast in terms of:

 Volume (Unit sales)

o Crane Type

o Application

o Gross Power

 Value (USD)

o Crane Type

o Application

o Gross Power

 Gain competitive intelligence about the economic scenario, advantages in France major projects and investments, market dynamics, and share

 Examples of latest technologies

 Get presentation-ready format and easy-to-interpret data.

 Enable decision-makers to make informed and profitable choices

 Gain expert quantitative and qualitative analysis on value/volume growth projections of the France crane market share

 Complete supply chain analysis

 Get COVID-19 impact analysis of the market.

 Company Profile of 10 key vendors and 5 other prominent vendors



KEY QUESTIONS ANSWERED:

1. How big is the France crane market?

2. What are the latest trends in the crane marker in France?

3. Who are the key players in the France crane market?

4. What are the key opportunities in the mobile crane market in France?

5. Which segment accounted for the highest share in the France crane market?

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06154547/?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.



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New York, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Global COVID-19 Vaccines Industry" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06097782/?utm_source=GNW

This figure is expected to increase to 81% by the year 2022. The rapid vaccination programmes launched around the world has led to millions of people being fully vaccinated, particularly in developed nations. With the rise in vaccination rates, measures designed to limit the spread of Covid-19 like mask mandates and capacity limits have been relaxed. The subsequent relaxation strengthened consumer confidence and allowed economic activity to return to normalcy. However, with the Covid-19 virus rapidly mutating, new variants have emerged in many parts of the world, posing a threat of potential future waves. These new variants are more deadly than the original virus, more easily transmissible and can impact the effectiveness of vaccines. Viruses naturally change over time through the process of mutation. Among the thousands of variants currently circulating around the world, Delta (B.1.617.2), Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), and Gamma (P.1) have emerged as variants of concern, and the reason behind subsequent spike in infections. These variants were first identified in India, the UK, South Africa, and Brazil respectively. The high number of Covid-19 cases also increases the risk of virus mutations, leading to the emergence of new variants. The spread of the Delta variant has forced some countries to step up their vaccination campaigns and bring back curbs on businesses, activity and travel.



Messenger RNA (mRNA)-based Covid-19 vaccine from Moderna and Pfizer stand out not only as frontrunners but also as being more protective against newer variants. mRNA vaccine although never been licensed for use in humans before, is now being approved in the fight against COVID-19 largely because of the speed at which these vaccines can be produced. mRNA vaccines work by introducing a part of mRNA that reacts to the viral protein. It accelerates production of antibodies and trains the immune system to recognize the virus in the future, thereby offering protection. Beyond Covid-19, mRNA vaccines also hold promise for combatting cancer and infectious diseases, such as malaria and flu. Early animal testing has shown that mRNA vaccines demonstrates efficacy against viruses such as influenza, Zika and rabies. mRNA-based vaccine technology is the most preferred platform for developing a vaccine for COVID-19 in part because it offers some advantages in the pace of development, high potency, and potential for low-cost manufacture.



After a sharp drop in cases throughout the first half of the year, cases began to spike again as the Delta variant took over. This variant now accounts for the vast majority of new infections. To a certain extent, current vaccines have been shown to work against mutants. They provide protection against developing severe disease, hospitalization and death due to the variants. This in turn has prompted vaccine makers to pursue booster shots. The leading vaccine makers, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and AstraZeneca announced plans to pursue development of booster shots to address the emerging threat of new virus variants. The booster shot will be essential to keep the immune system to the optimum level. A number of wealthy countries like the US, Germany and Israel are considering booster shots to increase protection against Covid-19. Germany is expected to roll out booster shots in September to vulnerable individuals such as pensioners and people with weak immune systems. mRNA-vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna will be offered as booster shots, regardless of the vaccine administered previously.



In India, Bharat Biotech, the makers of Covaxin, received regulator`s approval for conducting trials for a third shot that will be administered as a booster dose. While a booster dose is typically an exact replica of the initial vaccine, it can also be tweaked. Moderna, AstraZeneca, Pfizer are working on variant-specific booster shots. Recently, Moderna announced positive initial data from its ongoing phase 2 study. The data revealed that the booster dose increased neutralizing antibody responses against the original virus as well as B.1.351 and P.1, in previously vaccinated individuals. Studies suggest that a third dose can boost also antibodies in the blood of some immunocompromised patients. Despite being fully vaccinated, people with weak immune systems may not have strong defense against new variants. With Covid-19 cases on the rise, millions of cancer patients undergoing treatment, organ transplant recipients and others are still susceptible to severe Covid-19. In response, Israel is administering third doses of the Pfizer vaccine to immunocompromised people, including those who have had heart, lung, kidney or liver transplants and cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.



Despite the fewer cases of Covid-19 in pediatric populations and adolescents, vaccinating young children and teenagers is crucial to significantly slow the spread of Covid-19 and achieve herd immunity. Young children and particularly adolescents can play a significant role in coronavirus transmission. Studies are underway evaluating vaccine safety for younger children in various countries. Vaccination will allow children to return to in-person teaching safely and ease the burden on parents. Pfizer vaccine is currently authorized for ages 12 and older in the US, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Philippines, Japan, New Zealand, Dubai, UK, and few EU countries. Moderna is seeking approval for teens as young as 12 in the US, Canada and EU. Another mRNA vaccine maker, Novavax is expected to start clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of its vaccine on children, while China has already approved Sinovac`s vaccine for emergency use in children as young as three. India vaccine makers such as Bharat Biotech, Serum Institute of India and Zydus Cadila have either initiated clinical trials or are in the process of doing so for their Covid-19 vaccine for children. Young teenagers with chronic health problems such as diabetes, severe asthma, obesity and chronic cardiac disease; compromised immune systems, and those who have organ transplants are more likely to be at risk of severe Covid-19 disease. Australia and the UK authorized the use of Pfizer`s Covid-19 vaccine for vulnerable children aged between 12 and 15 years old, as cases of the highly contagious Delta variant rise sharply. So far, data from clinical trials suggest that the Covid-19 vaccines are safe in adolescents. With this in mind, Pfizer and Moderna have moved on to carrying out clinical trials in children as young as 5 years old. The vaccination of vulnerable populations will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the pandemic control and serve as a catalyst to promote rapid economic recovery.

Select Competitors (Total 348 Featured)



Moderna, Inc.

Pfizer Inc./BioNTech

AstraZeneca/University of Oxford

Johnson & Johnson

CanSino Biologics, Inc.

China National Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. (Sinopharm)

Sinovac Biotech Ltd.

Novavax, Inc.

Inovio Pharmaceuticals

Sanofi/GlaxoSmithKline

Gamaleya Institute







Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06097782/?utm_source=GNW



I. METHODOLOGY



II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



COVID-19 VACCINE DEVELOPMENT - A GLOBAL MARKET OVERVIEW

The Race Between the Virus & Vaccines Intensifies. Amidst this

Chaotic Battle, Where Is The World Economy Headed in 2021?

Covid-19 Vaccine Shortages Hit Global Supply Initiative

Dosing Interval Adjustment to Expand Coverage

Global COVID-19 Vaccine Inequity

Impact of Vaccine Inequity on the Labor Market

Emergency Use Approvals (EUAs) Dry Up in Developed Markets

Anti-Vaccine Movement Poses Significant Threat

EXHIBIT 1: COVID-19 Cases Worldwide by Country: As on July 26,

2021

EXHIBIT 2: COVID-19 Cases in the US by State: As on July 26, 2021



THE VARIOUS COVID-19 VIRUS VARIANTS

Emergence of Delta Variant Sparks New Wave of Infections

Is South African Variant a Formidable Threat?

E484K Mutation Challenges Vaccine Developers

Rising Cases in South Africa & Other Countries

California Strain Emerges to be more Contagious and Deadly

Is COVID-19 Virus Increasingly Resorting to Mutation to

Outsmart Vaccines?

Less Effectiveness of AstraZeneca Vaccine Against South African

Variant Leads to its Halt

Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine Demonstrates Low to Modest Level of

Efficacy against South African Variant

US Government Unveils Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Shot Plan to

Maximize Vaccine Protection Against Emerging Variants

Pfizer/BioNTech Trailing a Booster Covid-19 Shot to Provide

Variant Protection

Moderna?s Variant-Specific Vaccine Candidate Ready for Clinical

Study

AstraZeneca Plans to Adapt Covid-19 Vaccine against New

Emerging Variants

Sinovac Vaccines Against Mutated Variants of Coronavirus to be

Produced in 10 Weeks



AN OVERVIEW OF COVID-19 VACCINE ROLLOUT

EXHIBIT 3: Roll-out Timeline of Select Frontrunners

COVID-19 Vaccine Approval Details

EXHIBIT 4: Production Capacity by Company for Frontrunners in

Millions of Doses for 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine Funding Details

Pfizer/BioNTech?s COVID-19 Vaccine Receives World?s First

Authorization

UK Clinches the First Position in the World to Approve Pfizer?s

Vaccine

After UK, Pfizer?s Vaccine Gains Approval from the US and EU

Novartis Inks Agreement with Pfizer-BioNTech to Support Covid-

19 Vaccine Production

After Pfizer, Moderna Vaccine Bags Coveted EUA from US FDA

Moderna Kick-Starts Inoculation in the US

AstraZeneca?s Vaccine - Third Globally to Obtain Approval

J&J?s Single Shot Vaccination Resumes After Temporary Suspension

Pfizer/BioNTech vs. Moderna vs. AstraZeneca vs. J&J Vaccine

A Comparison of Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine

Johnson & Johnsons Adenovirus-based COVID-19 Vaccine vis-a-vis

Moderna or Pfizer

Russia Commences Mass Vaccination from Mid-December, 2020

Russia?s Sputnik V Receives Approval for People Aged over 60

China Awards Conditional Approval to First COVID-19 Vaccine

from Sinopharm

WHO Approves China`s Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine for Emergency Use

China Issues License for Vaccine Production to Overseas Partners

Brazilian Authorities Approve Sinovac?s CoronaVac

AstraZeneca?s Covishield and Bharat Biotech?s Covaxin Receive

Emergency Use Approval in India

Sanofi Starts Trials of Second Vaccine on February 2021 after

Disappointing Results of the First Vaccine

CanSinoBIO Claims No Blood Clot Issues from COVID-19 Vaccine

Novavax Experiences Further Approval Delays To Produce Covid-19

Vaccine

Novavax Begins Crossover Arms for COVID-19 Vaccine Trials in UK

and South Africa



VARIOUS COVID-19 VACCINES UNDER CLINICAL TRIALS

EXHIBIT 5: COVID-19 VACCINES UNDER DEVELOPMENT

EXHIBIT 6: COVID-19 Vaccine Candidates in Human Clinical Trials

EXHIBIT 7: Vaccines in Pipeline by Technology

EXHIBIT 8: Vaccine Technologies in Pre-Clinical Studies



mRNA: A NEW APPROACH TO MEDICINE

mRNA Vaccine Marks Dawn of New Era of Vaccines & Medical Therapies

RNA Technology: Benefits & Potential for Future Outbreaks

Key Challenges

mRNA Vaccines Could Vanquish COVID-19 and Cancer

Efforts to Target New Application Areas



MARKET DYNAMICS

COVID-19 Vaccine Approvals Shift All Eyes toward Pre-Order and

Distribution Statistics

EXHIBIT 9: Select Major COVID-19 Vaccine Doses (In Millions)

Contracts by Various Countries for 2020-2021

Emergence of Novel Disease Variants Likely to Spell Need for

Booster Shots

mRNA Vaccines Offer More Protection Against Newer Variants

Vaccine Companies Stress on Booster Dose

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine May Require Third Dose,

Companies Seek Approval

J&J Vaccine May Need a Booster Dose

Longer Interval between the Two Doses of Pfizer Vaccine to

Boost Antibody Levels

Mix and Match is the New COVID-19 Vaccine Mantra

Long-Haul COVID-19 Holds Potential to Become a Public Health Issue

Vaccine Passports - The New Concept for Travel and Premises

Access Permission

Vaccine Alliances Ensure Supplies for All

EXHIBIT 10: Funding Deals for COVID-19 Vaccine R&D: 2020 & 2021

Licensing and Partnership Deals Worldwide Propel Vaccine

Production

EXHIBIT 11: COVID-19 Deals Worldwide - Jan 2020 to May 2021



GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE

EXHIBIT 12: Global Percentage of Individuals Vaccinated by

Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-

Pacific (India, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil,

Mexico, Rest of Latin America), Middle East and Africa

Markets - Independent Analysis of Percentage of Individuals

Vaccinated for 2020 through 2025

EXHIBIT 13: European Percentage of Individuals Vaccinated by

Geographic Region - France, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy,

Russia, Spain, and Rest of European Markets - Independent

Analysis of Percentage of Individuals Vaccinated for 2020

through 2025

EXHIBIT 14: Global Number of Annual COVID-19 Vaccine Doses (In

Million) for Years 2020 through 2025 by Geographic Region/

Country - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific:

(India and Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil,

Mexico, and Rest of Latin America), Middle East, and Africa

Markets

EXHIBIT 15: World 5-Year Perspective for COVID-19 Vaccines by

Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Million Doses for

USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific (India and

Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and

Rest of Latin America), Middle East, and Africa Markets for

Years 2021 & 2025

EXHIBIT 16: World Current & Future Analysis for COVID-19

Vaccines by Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China,

Europe, Asia-Pacific (India and Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin

America (Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America), Middle

East, and Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual

Doses in US$ Million for Years 2020 through 2025

EXHIBIT 17: World 5-Year Perspective for COVID-19 Vaccines by

Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Value Sales for

USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific (India and

Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and

Rest of Latin America), Middle East, and Africa Markets for

Years 2021 & 2025



VACCINES FOR KIDS

Kids: A Key to COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts

Existent Covid-19 Vaccines for Children

Precautions to be taken by the Children infected with Covid-19

FDA Approves Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine in Kids aged 12 to 15

Years Age (May, 2021)

Pfizer Aims to Obtain Vaccine Approval for Kids Aged 5-11 Years

by Fall, 2021

Moderna Begins Testing its Vaccine on Children Aged Below 12

Years (March, 2021)

Oxford University Halts AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine Trial on

Children over Perceived Safety Concerns

COVID-19 Vaccine Spikevax Approved for Children aged 12 to 17

in EU

EXHIBIT 18: World COVID-19 Vaccines for Under-18 Age Group by

Geographic Region - USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-

Pacific (India and Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America:

(Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin America), Middle East, and

Africa Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual Doses in

Millions for Years 2021 through 2025

EXHIBIT 19: World COVID-19 Vaccines for Under-18 Age Group by

Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Million Doses for

USA, Canada, Japan, China, Europe, Asia-Pacific (India and

Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and

Rest of Latin America), Middle East, and Africa Markets for

Years 2021 & 2025



REGIONAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE

THE UNITED STATES

Market Analysis

Current Vaccine Scenario

New Delta Variant Cases Cause Concern

US Buys Additional 200 Doses of Pfizer Vaccines for Children

and Booster Shots

US FDA Gives Nod to Pfizer and Moderna?s Vaccine

US Government Unveils Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Shot Plan to

Maximize Vaccine Protection against Emerging Variants

Moderna Supplies 100 Million Additional Vaccine Doses to the US

Government

Lonza Announces Plans to Double Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Output

in Switzerland

US Regulators Give Nod to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for

Ages 12 to 15

Federal Health Agencies End Temporary Pause of J&J?s Covid-19

Vaccine Use

Positive Safety Review Prompts Walmart to Restart Johnson &

Johnson COVID-19 Vaccinations

Sanofi Joins Hands with Moderna to Produce COVID-19 Vaccines

for Global Supply

The ?Operation Warp Speed? Program Expedites Vaccine Development

EXHIBIT 20: US Government Deals with Vaccine Developers

Market Analytics

EXHIBIT 21: USA Current & Future Analysis for COVID-19 Vaccines

Market: Annual Sales in Million Doses for the Years 2020

through 2025

EXHIBIT 22: USA Current & Future Analysis for COVID-19 Vaccines

Market: Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years 2020 through

2025

CANADA

Market Analysis

Vaccination Gathers Steam Across Canada

Canada Grants Approval to Pfizer?s COVID-19 Shot for Use in

Children in 12-15 Years Age Group

Market Analytics

EXHIBIT 23: Canada Current & Future Analysis for COVID-19

Vaccines Market: Annual Sales in Million Doses for the Years

2020 through 2025

EXHIBIT 24: Canada Current & Future Analysis for COVID-19

Vaccines Market: Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years

2020 through 2025

JAPAN

Market Analysis

Slow Rollout of COVID-19 Vaccines in Japan

Japan Ropes in Armed Forces to Expedite Vaccinations

Slow Vaccination Rates Affect Olympics

Vaccine Passports

Japan Inks Deal with Pfizer to Secure 50 Million Additional

Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine

Japan Pushes Shipments of Pfizer?s COVID-19 Shots to Vaccinate

Elderly

Coronavirus Vaccination Drive Timeline in Japan

Takeda Obtains Approval for Moderna?s Vaccine

AnGes Fast Tracks COVID-19 Vaccine Development Program for 2021

Rollout

Japan Commences Production of AstraZeneca?s Vaccine

VLP Therapeutics Plans to Commence Clinical Trials for Low-Dose

COVID-19 Vaccine in Japan

Market Analytics

EXHIBIT 25: Japanese Current & Future Analysis for COVID-19

Vaccines Market: Annual Sales in Million Doses for the Years

2020 through 2025

EXHIBIT 26: Japanese Current & Future Analysis for COVID-19

Vaccines Market: Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years

2020 through 2025

CHINA

Market Analysis

Chinese Vaccine Development Scenario

China Reaches Milestone of Administering over Billion Covid-19

Vaccine Doses

Vaccine Candidates in China

WHO Recognizes Sinopharm?s COVID-19 Jab as Effective & Safe

Chinese Regulator Gives Nod to COVID-19 Vaccine from Sinovac

Life Sciences

China Approves Sinopharm?s Vaccine

BioNTech?s Shot to Become First Western COVID-19 Vaccine to

Secure Authorization in China

Countries Relying on the Chinese COVID-19 Vaccines

Trials Indicate Neutralizing Effect of Chinese COVID-19

Vaccines on South African & UK Variants

Market Analytics

EXHIBIT 27: Chinese Current & Future Analysis for COVID-19

Vaccines Market: Annual Sales in Million Doses for the Years

2020 through 2025

EXHIBIT 28: Chinese Current & Future Analysis for COVID-19

Vaccines Market: Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years

2020 through 2025

EUROPE

EU Urges Nations to Focus on COVID-19 Vaccine Sharing & Export

to Beat the Pandemic (May, 2021)

COVID-19 Vaccine Drive Gathers Pace in Europe after Initial Glitch

EU Approves Pfizer?s Vaccine

EU Obtains 1.8 Billion Doses of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine

European Agency Makes Changes to Ramp Up Supply & Manufacturing

Capacity of Pfizer & Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines

BioNTech to Scale up Vaccine Production to Fill Supply Gaps and

Support Vaccination Efforts in the EU

Europe?s Horizon 2020

EU Demands Delivery of 120 Million COVID-19 Vaccine Doses from

AstraZeneca

EU?s Assessment Prompts Spain to Restart Use of Oxford-

AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine

Johnson & Johnson to Resume Shipment of Janssen COVID-19

Vaccine to Europe

Apparent Side-Effects Prompt Denmark to Extend Suspension of

Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine

Market Analysis

UNITED KINGDOM

Vaccine Passport

UK Wins COVID-19 Vaccine Race with Approval of Pfizer-BioNTech

Vaccine

Vaccine Distribution Challenges

The UK Approves AstraZeneca?s Vaccine

Oxford-AstraZeneca?s COVID-19 Vaccine in the form of Nasal

Spray, to be Tested Soon (March, 2021)

Moderna Modifies Supply Contract with UK to Deliver Additional

Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine

UK?s Independent Vaccine Deals

GSK to Aid Production of Novavax?s COVID-19 Vaccine for

Distribution within UK

FRANCE

France Embarks on Plans to Offer COVID-19 Vaccine Free to Citizens

France Suggests mRNA Vaccines for Second Coronavirus Shot After

AstraZeneca?s First Shot

GERMANY

Germany Readies COVID-19 Vaccine Centers

Germany Allows the Use of J&J Vaccine

SPAIN

Spain Prioritizes Frontline Healthcare Providers for

Immunization Policy

Spain to Donate Vaccines to Latin America and Caribbean

ITALY

Italy Plans to Produce mRNA Vaccines Domestically

RUSSIA

Gamaleya Institute?s Sputnik V Vaccine Trials Show Promise with

92% Efficacy

CanSino Obtains Approval for Phase III Trial of COVID-19

Vaccine in Russia

NORWAY

Norway Bans AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine

Market Analytics

EXHIBIT 29: European Current & Future Analysis for COVID-19

Vaccines by Geographic Region - France, Germany, Italy, UK,

Spain, Russia, and Rest of European Markets - Independent

Analysis of Annual Doses in Millions for Years 2020 through

2025

EXHIBIT 30: European 5-Year Perspective for COVID-19 Vaccines

by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Million Doses

for France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russia, and Rest of

European Markets for Years 2020 & 2025

EXHIBIT 31: European Current & Future Analysis for COVID-19

Vaccines by Geographic Region - France, Germany, Italy, UK,

Spain, Russia, and Rest of European Markets - Independent

Analysis of Sales in US$ Million for Years 2020 through 2025

EXHIBIT 32: European 5-Year Perspective for COVID-19 Vaccines

by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar Sales

for France, Germany, Italy, UK, Spain, Russia, and Rest of

European Markets for Years 2020 & 2025

ASIA-PACIFIC

Market Analysis

INDIA

Second Wave of Covid-19 in India Attributed to Delta Variant

Indian Government Initiates COVID-19 Vaccination Drive

India Makes Notable Contribution in Production of Vaccines

AstraZeneca?s Covishield Receives Emergency Use Approval in India

EXHIBIT 33: Introduction of COVID-19 Vaccine in Priority Group:

India

Spike in New Cases Coerces India to Briefly Suspend Export of

Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 Vaccine

Bharat Biotech`s Covaxin Gets Approval

Bharat Biotech Obtains Government Financial Backing to Ramp up

Production of Covaxin

Panacea Biotec Obtains DCGI`s nod for Manufacturing Sputnik V

vaccine

Bharat Biotech & SII on Capacity Expansion Mode

Trial Indicates Decent Efficacy of Covaxin against B.1.617

Variant of COVID-19

IIL Partners with Bharat Biotech to Produce Active Drug

Substance for Covaxin

J&J Vaccine to Be Available in India by Fourth Quarter of 2021

Talks On to Obtain Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to India

Novavax?s Clinical Trials for Corovax COVID-19 Vaccine in India

Holds High Relevance

Dr Reddy`s Rolls out Sputnik V Covid-19 Vaccine in India

Delayed Launch of Corovax in India

Pfizer Looks Forward to Make its COVID-19 Vaccine Available in

India

DCGI Approves Phase 2 and 3 Clinical Trials of COVAXIN on

Children Aged 2 to 18 Years

Cipla to Import Moderna?s COVID-19 Vaccine to India

Moderna, Pfizer Vaccines Less Effective against COVID-19 Mutant

Found in India

Sanofi, GSK Obtains Approval to Conduct Phase 3 trial of their

Covid-19 vaccine in India

Covid-19 Vaccines for Children to be Available by September

Second Dose of Covaxin for Kids aged 2-6 years Being Provided

by July end

Zydus? Covid-19 Vaccine to be Provided for kids by the end of July

AUSTRALIA

Australia to Invest On Novel Coronavirus Vaccines for Wider Region

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand Acquires Ultra-Cold Freezers to Store Pfizer?s

COVID-19 Vaccine

SOUTH KOREA

With the Spread of Delta Plus Variant, Fresh Covid Cases

Witness a Sharp Increase

South Korea Extends its Vaccination Programme to the Workers of

Electronics and Chip Manufacturing Industries

J&J Covid-19 Vaccine Receives Approval in South Korea

INDONESIA

Indonesia Negotiates Additional COVID-19 Vaccines from China

and GAVI

Indonesia Gets First Consignment of COVID-19 Vaccine from

China?s Sinovac

Chinese Vaccine Sinovac Allowed for Use in Sri Lanka and

Bangladesh but restricted in Malaysia

BANGLADESH

Serum Institute of India to Offer 3 Crore Doses of COVID-19

Vaccine to Bangladesh

MYANMAR

China Meets Myanmar?s Requirements

Market Analytics

EXHIBIT 34: Asia-Pacific Current & Future Analysis for COVID-19

Vaccines by Geographic Region - Australia, India, New Zealand,

and Rest of Asia-Pacific Markets - Independent Analysis of

Annual Doses in Millions for Years 2020 through 2025

EXHIBIT 35: Asia-Pacific 5-Year Perspective for COVID-19

Vaccines by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of

Million Doses for Australia, India, New Zealand, and Rest of

Asia-Pacific Markets for Years 2020 & 2025

EXHIBIT 36: Asia-Pacific Current & Future Analysis for COVID-19

Vaccines by Geographic Region - India, and Rest of Asia-

Pacific Markets - Independent Analysis of Dollar Sales in US$

Million for Years 2020 through 2025

EXHIBIT 37: Asia-Pacific 5-Year Perspective for COVID-19

Vaccines by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar

Sales for Australia, India, New Zealand, and Rest of Asia-

Pacific Markets for Years 2020 & 2025

THE MIDDLE EAST

Market Analysis

BAHRAIN

Bahrain Becomes the Second Country to Offer Emergency Use

Approval to Pfizer?s Vaccine

Sinopharm?s Vaccine Doses Reach Bahrain

SAUDI ARABIA

COVID-19 Vaccine Production in the UAE

IRAN

Iran Procures Vaccine Doses

AFGHANISTAN

Afghanistan to Procure COVID-19 Vaccines

TURKEY

COVID-19 Vaccines in Turkey

ISRAEL

Israel Reimposes Restrictions

COVID-19 Vaccines for Israel

SYRIA

Syria Obtains AstraZeneca Vaccines, the first for the Country

Market Analytics

EXHIBIT 38: The Middle East Current & Future Analysis for

COVID-19 Vaccines Market: Annual Sales in Million Doses for

the Years 2020 through 2025

EXHIBIT 39: The Middle East Current & Future Analysis for

COVID-19 Vaccines Market: Annual Sales in US$ Million for the

Years 2020 through 2025

AFRICA

Market Analysis

UNICEF Enters into Agreement with Janssen Pharmaceutica for

Supply of Vaccine to African Union

Relief for Countries in Africa that Finally Receive Vaccine

Shipment as Third Wave Creates Havoc

Takeaways from Covid-19 Vaccine Program in Africa

SOUTH AFRICA

Approach of South Africa towards Covid-19 Vaccination Program

New Virus Variant in South Africa Creates a Challenge

South Africa Halts AstraZeneca?s Vaccination

Highly Infectious COVID-19 Variant Spurs Countries to Impose

Travel Ban from South Africa

South Africa: The First Country in Africa to Start Vaccine

Clinical Trial

South Africa to Resume J&J Jab Vaccination

Aspen to Manufacture Johnson & Johnson?s COVID-19 Vaccine in

South Africa

China to Deliver Potential COVID-19 Vaccine to Africa for Free

CEPI Identifies Biovac Institute as Potential Manufacturer in

South Africa

EGYPT

Market Analytics

EXHIBIT 40: African Current & Future Analysis for COVID-19

Vaccines Market: Annual Sales in Million Doses for the Years

2020 through 2025

EXHIBIT 41: African Current & Future Analysis for COVID-19

Vaccines Market: Annual Sales in US$ Million for the Years

2020 through 2025

LATIN AMERICA

Market Analysis

Mass COVID-19 Vaccination Campaigns Launched in Latin American

Countries

BRAZIL

Brazil Signs Deal to Buy Additional 100 Million Doses from

Pfizer/BioNTech

Brazilian Town Serrana Beats COVID-19 with China`s Sinovac Vaccine

Brazil, Turkey Announce Vaccination Plans for Chinese Vaccine

GSK to Aid Production of Novavax?s COVID-19 Vaccine for

Distribution within UK

Brazil Blocks Import of Russian Sputnik V COVID-19 Vaccine over

Efficacy & Safety Concerns

Covaxin Clinical Trial?s Stopped in Brazil but Supply Continued

in India

MEXICO

Mexico?s Cofepris Approves Emergency Use of Pfizers COVID-19

Vaccine

ARGENTINA

Argentina Secures 22 Million Doses of AstraZeneca?s COVID-19

Vaccine

CHILE AND PERU

Chile, Peru Approve Clinical Trials for AstraZeneca?s COVID-19

Vaccine

Chile Struggles with Escalating Cases of COVID-19 despite

Massive Rollout of Vaccine

CanSinoBIO Secures Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19

Vaccine in Chile

MEXICO

Tulane University, Children?s Hospital Launch Moderna Covid-19

Vaccine Trial for Children

Market Analytics

EXHIBIT 42: Latin American Current & Future Analysis for COVID-19

Vaccines by Geographic Region - Brazil, Mexico, and Rest

of Latin American Markets - Independent Analysis of Annual

Doses in Millions for Years 2020 through 2025

EXHIBIT 43: Latin American 5-Year Perspective for COVID-19

Vaccines by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of

Million Doses for Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin American

Markets for Years 2020 & 2025

EXHIBIT 44: Latin American Current & Future Analysis for COVID-19

Vaccines by Geographic Region - Brazil, Mexico, and Rest

of Latin American Markets - Independent Analysis of Dollar

Sales in US$ Million for Years 2020 through 2025

EXHIBIT 45: Latin American 5-Year Perspective for COVID-19

Vaccines by Geographic Region - Percentage Breakdown of Dollar

Sales for Brazil, Mexico, and Rest of Latin American Markets

for Years 2020 & 2025



FOCUS ON THE FRONTRUNNERS

Moderna, Inc. (USA)

Pfizer Inc./BioNTech (US/Germany)

AstraZeneca/University of Oxford (The UK)

Johnson & Johnson (USA)

CanSino Biologics, Inc. (China)

China National Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. (Sinopharm) (China)

Sinovac Biotech Ltd. (China)

Novavax, Inc. (USA)

Inovio Pharmaceuticals (USA)

Sanofi/GlaxoSmithKline (France/UK)



INITIATIVES FOR EQUITABLE DISTRIBUTION OF VACCINES

The Most Extensive Vaccine Program in the History of Mankind Is

Upon Us

Fair Distribution of COVID-19 Vaccine

Vaccine Nationalism to Hamper Equitable Distribution of Vaccines

COVAX Created to Ensure Fair and Universal Access to COVID-19

Vaccine

COVAX Inks Additional Deals for Global Rollout of COVID-19

Vaccines

African Countries Become Part of the COVAX Facility for Timely

Access to Successful Vaccines

COVAX Advance Market Commitment (AMC)

World Economic Forum to Push COVID-19 Vaccine Production

Capability

Pushing Manufacturing Capacity to Fulfil Global Demand

Technology Transfer and Other Payments



KEY VACCINE TECHNOLOGY PLATFORMS

Inactivated Vaccines

Inactivated Vaccine Candidate in Preclinical Development: As on

July 27, 2021

Protein-Subunit Vaccines

Protein-Subunit Vaccine Candidate in Preclinical Development:

As on July 27, 2021

Non-Replicating Viral-Vector

Non-Replicating Viral Vector Vaccine in Preclinical

Development: As on May 14th, 2021

Replicating Viral Vector Vaccine Candidate in Preclinical

Development: As on May 14th, 2021

Nucleic Acid Vaccines

RNA Vaccine Candidate in Preclinical Studies: As on July 27, 2021

DNA Vaccine Candidate in Preclinical Studies: As on July 27, 2021

Replicating Bacteria Vector

Live Attenuated Vaccines (LAVs)

Live Attenuated Virus Candidate in Preclinical Studies: As on

July 27, 2021

Live Attenuated Bacterial Vector Candidate in Preclinical

Studies: As on May 14th, 2021

Virus-like Particle Vaccines

Virus-like Particles (VLP) Vaccine Candidate in Preclinical

Development: As on May 14th, 2021



WORLD COVID-19 VACCINE BRANDS



SELECT CORPORATE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE COVID-19 VACCINE MARKET: 2021



III. COMPETITION

Total Companies Profiled: 348

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06097782/?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.



__________________________
Sydney, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Papua-New-Guinea-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

The two MNOs operate networks offering services based on GSM, 3G, and LTE, depending on location. GSM is prevalent in many rural and remote areas, while 3G and LTE are centred more on urban areas. GSM still represents the majority of all mobile connections.



Network deployment costs are high, partly due to the relatively low subscriber base, the difficult terrain, and the high proportion of the population living in rural areas. As a result, fixed telecom infrastructure is almost non-existent outside urban centres, leaving most of the population un-serviced. PNG is the Pacific regions largest poorly developed telecom market, with only around 22% of its people connected to the internet.



The existing submarine cable infrastructure is insufficient to serve the countrys needs. Low international capacity has meant that internet services are expensive and slow. Internet access has improved, however, with the Coral Sea Cable System which came online in 2019. The cable links PNG to the Solomon Islands and Australia (landing at Sydney). The PIPE Pacific Cable is in the process of being upgraded to a capacity of 12Tb/s, with the work expected to be completed by the end of 2021.



In a bid to challenge the encroaching influence of China, the Australian government has pressed Telstra to negotiate a potential acquisition of the troubled Digicel Pacific, including the latters units in Fiji, Nauru, PNG, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. As part of its efforts to promote itself in the region, the Australian government would be prepared to provide Telstra with financial incentives to complete the deal.



By September 2021 progress had been made on the merger of the state-owned telcos Bmobile, Telikom, and DataCo, creating a more efficient vertically integrated operator.



Key Developments:



PIPE Pacific Cable is upgraded from 8Tb/s to 12Tb/s;

Kumul Submarine Cable Network System 1 is lit;

Digitec builds out a greenfield LTE network;

PNG rolls out Get Connected training with the ITU to boost digital transformation;

Australian government encourages Telstra to acquire Digicels Pacific operations;

Kacific-1 satellite services are made available;

Report update includes an assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments.
Sydney, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Guyana-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

The end of the 31-year monopoly held by the fixed-line incumbent Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT) occurred just two months after the PPP took power from the APNU+AFC coalition, which had signed a non-binding agreement with GTT in 2019 to liberalise Guyanas telecoms market but failed to take any concrete action to make it happen.





The Telecommunications Act sets out a framework for enabling competition across all segments of the telecommunications sector in Guyana. The mobile market has been open to competition since 2001, but only one operator, Digicel Guyana, has successfully launched competing GSM and 3G services. While Digicel quickly built a small lead in the mobile market, it remains a duopoly, and penetration levels are well below those of other countries in the region. The Telecommunications Act presents the country with the potential to benefit from a more level playing field that may attract new players, but nevertheless Guyanas relatively small size and low GDP may restrict it from reaching its full potential for some more years to come.





This report includes the regulator's annual report (last published in 2018), the ITU's 2020 market data, operator data to Q2 2021, Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, an assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, and other recent market developments.







Key developments:





The 2016 Telecommunications Act was finally enacted by Parliament in October 2020.

The start of oil sales in 2020 is expected to accelerate growth in the telecommunications sector as a result of the trickle-down effect increasing disposable incomes.



Companies mentioned in this report:





Guyana Telephone and Telegraph (GTT), Digicel Guyana.



Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Guyana-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW
Ketchikan, Alaska, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On October 1, 2021, Cape Fox Corporation (CFC) was one of the representative organizations in attendance at a historic meeting that was also attended by the Saxman City Council and Mayor and the Organized Village of Saxman (OVS). All three entities are working together to strategize and put plans in place that will focus on community development and the revitalization of Saxman, Alaska.

For the first time, all three entities are working together. They will form a Community Development Corporation (CDC). This newly formed Corporation will focus on the development and revitalization of the Saxman Village. Charles Parker from Alaska Village Initiatives (AVI) led the strategic planning session that outlined the responsibilities, governance structure, priorities, and vision for the CDC. This is a shared vision of all three entities that includes a list of priorities that need to be performed to move the Village forward.

This is a historic moment for Saxman, Alaska as noted by Joe Williams, Jr., President of the OVS, Never before in the history of Saxman has OVS, the City of Saxman and Cape Fox Corporation, the ANC for the Village of Saxman, met to discuss the future of Saxman. I have been working for 26 years to make this meeting happen and it has finally happened!

One of the plans in discussion is the building of a new grocery store that will service Saxman. Joe Williams noted that a grocery store of some kind should be built in Saxman for residents of the south end of greater Ketchikan which includes all Saxman residents and shareholders.

The mayor of Saxman, Frank Seludo, has been devoted to strengthening the community of Saxman. He stated that We as elected officials must work for the betterment of the people who elected us. So, we have continued to work towards building a grocery store. We care for our community and listen, and we did hear the response from the constituents.

Additionally, Clifford Blair, President of the CFC Board of Directors, has expressed support of this historic initiative by declaring that, I am extremely grateful that all three entities in Saxman are working together for the betterment of Saxman and its people. With the creation of the new Community Development Corporation (CDC), we can now get things done faster than ever for our shareholders, extended family shareholders, and community members.

The creation of the CDC is a defining moment for Saxman, Alaska as it brings together community leaders to work together in unison. The plans being put forward will move Saxman forward commercially and will bring greater economic stability to the community.

If you have any further questions regarding the future development plans and initiatives, email Heather Kaiser, Cape Fox Corporation PR and Communications Manager at hkaiser@capefoxss.com.

About Cape Fox Corporation

Cape Fox Corporation (CFC) was formed as part of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971. Cape Fox Corporation is the Alaska Native Corporation for the village of Saxman.

Today, Cape Fox Corporation is comprised of a family of businesses divided between two distinct groups: The Federal Contracting Group and The Commercial (Tourism) Group. Collectively, CFC and its subsidiaries specialize in tourism, information technology and cybersecurity; professional services; health care services; marketing; training services; and logistical services.

Visit Cape Fox Corporation to learn more.

Attachment
Pune, India, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Fortune Business Insights, The global anti-counterfeiting packaging market size is projected to reach USD 189.9 billion by 2026, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period. The rising menace of flagrant counterfeiting on e-commerce platforms is likely to emerge as the central growth driver for this market.

E-commerce platforms have become a breeding ground for counterfeiters to sell fake products to unsuspecting customers. A study conducted by a community media platform called Local Circles found that approximately 20% of the products sold on e-commerce sites are counterfeit. The widespread presence of such fake products across online marketplaces poses a grave threat not just to the well-being of consumers, but also to investments being made into these companies. In response, e-commerce giants such as Amazon and Alibaba are implementing advanced anti-counterfeiting measures to protect both consumers and investors, which are leading the anti-counterfeiting packaging market trends.

The report on this market states that the market value stood at USD 104.5 billion in 2018. Besides this, the report shares the following information:

Diligent segmentation of the market and careful study of each segment;

Detailed evaluation of the factors driving and restraining the market;

Comprehensive research into the regional and competitive dynamics influencing the market; and

Precise computation of market values and figures.





Get a Sample PDF Brochure:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/sample/anti-counterfeiting-packaging-market-102692





Concerted Efforts to Tackle Counterfeiting to Boost the Market



Counterfeiting practices are running rampant across all the major sectors and industries around the world. These practices have gained firm ground in critical sectors and have the potential to cause serious, long-term damage to the health of consumers. For example, the World Health Organization estimates that roughly 10% of the pharmaceutical drugs and medicines sold in low- and middle-income countries are fake or substandard. This, and many such findings, has spurred governments into action.

For instance, China came out with a law in early 2019 that holds sellers and e-commerce platforms jointly accountable for counterfeit products sold on such platforms. Many leading technology companies are also coming to the fore with advanced solutions. For instance, IBM developed the Crypto Anchor Verifier, an Artificial Intelligence- and blockchain-based counterfeit detector that runs on a smartphone. These independent efforts have considerably augmented the potential of this market.





North America to Hold Commanding Lead; Asia-Pacific to Showcase Remarkable Growth



With a market size of USD 37.28 billion in 2018, North America is slated to dominate the anti-counterfeiting packaging market share during the forecast period owing to the extensive utilization of superior anti-counterfeiting packaging solutions. This is further propelled by the surging demand for packaged food and beverage products in the region, which is boding well for the market.

Asia-Pacific is expected to present plenty of lucrative opportunities on account of rapid economic growth in India and China. Moreover, private players and the government in China are focused on effectively tackling the high rate of counterfeiting in the country through policy and technology, thereby fueling this market. In Europe, stable demand for consumer electronics will mainly drive the growth of the market.





Browse Summary of Detailed Research Insights with Impact of COVID-19 Analysis:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/anti-counterfeiting-packaging-market-102692





Launch of Novel Solutions to Animate Competitive Fervor among Players



Incorporation of advanced, intelligent technologies in the e-commerce industry has paved the way for key players in this market to innovate and come out with next-gen solutions, as per the anti-counterfeiting packaging market report. As a result, some of the top companies are focusing on launching new products to entrench their market position, while some are acquiring businesses to expand their portfolio.





Key Industry Developments:

March 2020: The US-based RFID provider SML RFID introduced the RFID FactoryCare with the aim to smoothen the supply chain in fashion retailing by enabling manufacturers to efficiently manage RFID-tagged products. Furthermore, the product will enhance item visibility all through the supply chain process and ensure foolproof delivery.

The US-based RFID provider SML RFID introduced the RFID FactoryCare with the aim to smoothen the supply chain in fashion retailing by enabling manufacturers to efficiently manage RFID-tagged products. Furthermore, the product will enhance item visibility all through the supply chain process and ensure foolproof delivery. March 2020: Avery Dennison Corporation, the US-based adhesive manufacturer, announced the successful acquisition of the transponder business arm of Smartrac, a leading developer and manufacturer of RFID inlays based in the Netherlands. The deal was sealed at an estimated value of 225 million.





List of Companies Covered in the Report:

MicroTagTemed Ltd.

BrandWatch Technologies

AlpVision

SICPA HOLDING SA

Zebra Technologies Corporation

CCL Industries Inc

Impinj, Inc

Authentix

Avery Dennison Corporation

SML Group

3M Company





Get your Customized Research Report:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/enquiry/customization/anti-counterfeiting-packaging-market-102692





About Us:

Fortune Business Insights offers expert corporate analysis and accurate data, helping organizations of all sizes make timely decisions. We tailor innovative solutions for our clients, assisting them to address challenges distinct to their businesses. Our goal is to empower our clients with holistic market intelligence, giving a granular overview of the market they are operating in.

Contact Us:

Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd.

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Pune - 411045, Maharashtra, India.



Phone:

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Fortune Business Insights
TORONTO, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inventus Mining Corp. (TSX VENTURE: IVS) (Inventus or the Company) is pleased to provide an update on its ongoing exploration programs at its 100%-owned Sudbury 2.0 project near Sudbury, Ontario.



Exploration Highlights:

Rathbun surface grab samples return up to 7.2 g/t palladium, 1.1 g/t platinum, 0.7 g/t gold, 1.0% copper, and 0.5% nickel.





surface grab samples return up to palladium, platinum, gold, copper, and nickel. Cobalt Hill 3D IP survey identifies a large 600 m by 500 m anomaly with an untested core that may extend to depth below the survey limit.



Rathbun Footwall Structure

A highly successful prospecting program at Rathbun, including trenching, mapping, and sampling, has exposed a Sudbury footwall structure extending along a strike length of approximately 1.5 km (see Figure 1).

Grab samples of the mineralization along strike returned up to 7.2 g/t palladium, 1.1 g/t platinum, 0.7 g/t gold, 1.0 % copper, 0.5 % nickel (see Table 1). The geological structure has been named the Rathbun Footwall Structure (RFS). It is composed of recrystallized Sudbury breccia, metabreccia and inclusion-bearing quartz diorite, the same geological units that host high-grade Ni-Cu-PGE sulfides in footwall deposits around the Sudbury Basin. The high-temperature alteration and partial melting of rocks within the RFS is the same thermal process observed in Sudbury footwall deposits, where high-temperature fluids transport high-grade mineralization into the footwall.

An example of this type of high-grade mineralization analogous to Sudbury footwall deposits occurs within the RFS at the historic shaft and muck pile where sample assays ranged from 6.3 to 74.4 g/t palladium, 1.0 to 18.4 g/t platinum, 0.8 to 22.8% copper, 0.1 to 0.5% nickel, 0.5 to 13.3 g/t gold, and 1.0 to 13.0 g/t silver.

Beginning this fall/winter, we plan to use geophysics and drilling to identify and test targets along the RFS.

Cobalt Hill 3D IP Survey

The results of the 3D induced polarization (IP) survey at Cobalt Hill has identified a 600 m north-south by 500 m east-west anomaly (see Figures 2 and 3). The IP anomaly is in the center of the observed alteration and brecciation at Cobalt Hill. It has a strong correlation with Inventus surface mapping and drill intersections of the sulfide breccia. 2021 drill hole CH-21-02 intersected the northern edge of the anomaly and returned an intersection of 7 m of 4.4 g/t gold, 0.09% cobalt and 0.03% nickel within 44 m of 1.3 g/t gold, 0.04% cobalt and 0.02% nickel (see April 8th 2021 news release). The center of the IP anomaly occurs 200 m south of drill hole CH-21-02 and begins at approximately 150 m depth.

Inventus is currently planning a winter drilling program at Cobalt Hill to test the IP anomaly associated with the mineral system at Cobalt Hill.

The IP results from Cobalt Hill are very encouraging and illustrate a sizeable untested target that extends at depth. The IP anomaly correlates well with the IOCG-type gold, cobalt, nickel and REE mineralization found on the surface and intersected in drilling at the northern edge of the anomaly in early 2021. This is a strong indication that the survey results illustrate increased sulfide concentrations that may extend below the lower limit of the IP survey. I am very excited to get the drill spinning and explore this mineral system below surface, said Wesley Whymark, VP of Exploration.

Property Airborne MT Survey

The property-wide airborne MT survey was completed in August, and the final 3D inversion product was finished in September. The MT data has provided Inventus with valuable subsurface information above the Temagami Geophysical Anomaly including an abundance of low resistivity structural targets similar to the one that hosts the Cobalt Hill and Lake Zone mineralization. Inventus is currently evaluating and prioritizing the targets for further exploration.

Click here to view Figures 1-3: http://inventusmining.com/s/IVS_Oct_7_Figs.pdf

Table 1. Selected Grab Sample Assays from Rathbun

Sample ID Area Pd (g/t)

Pt (g/t)

Au (g/t)

Cu (%)

Ni (%)

S00439514 250E 7.2 0.3 0.55 0.30 0.13 S00439521 250E 7.2 0.5 0.10 0.04 0.34 S00439519 250E 4.6 0.4 0.04 0.03 0.36 S00439520 250E 4.5 0.3 0.05 0.03 0.30 S00439522 250E 4.2 0.3 0.06 0.05 0.37 S897297 50W 4.1 1.1 0.59 0.69 0.17 S897270 550W 3.4 0.4 0.27 0.79 0.46 S00439524 250E 2.1 0.2 0.10 0.10 0.16 S00439503 150E 2.0 0.4 0.05 0.01 0.14 S00439504 150E 1.1 0.2 0.01 0.03 0.13 S897282 360W 0.6 0.3 0.10 0.11 0.17 S897293 200W 0.6 0.3 0.67 1.00 0.35

For further information, please contact:

Mr. Stefan Spears

Chairman and CEO

Inventus Mining Corp.

Tel: (647) 258-0395 x280

E-mail: info@inventusmining.com

About Inventus Mining Corp.

Inventus is a mineral exploration and development company focused on the world-class mining district of Sudbury, Ontario. Our principal assets are a 100% interest in the Pardo Paleoplacer Gold Project and the Sudbury 2.0 Project located northeast of Sudbury. Pardo is the first important paleoplacer gold discovery found in North America. Inventus has approximately 130,500,000 common shares outstanding.

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.

Qualified Person

The Qualified Person responsible for the geological technical content of this news release is Wesley Whymark, P.Geo., who has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this news release on behalf of the Company.

Technical Information



The samples collected by Inventus described in this release were transported in secure sealed bags for preparation and assay by SGS Laboratories. The samples reported were crushed in their entirety to 75% passing -10 mesh, with one 1 kg subsample split and pulverized to 85% passing -200 mesh. One 50 g aliquot was taken from the subsample for fire assay (FA) with an ICP-AES finish. Samples over 10 g/t gold were subject to a 50 g aliquot FA with gravimetric finish. Multi element analysis was done by ICP-MS and ICP-AES.

Forward-Looking Statements

This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking statements include estimates and statements that describe the Companys future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward-looking statements may be identified by such terms as believes, anticipates, expects, estimates, may, could, would, if, yet, potential, undetermined, objective, or plan. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet managements expectations.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.
New York, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Fiber Bragg Grating Market Research Report by Type, by Application, by State - United States Forecast to 2026 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p06169432/?utm_source=GNW



The United States Fiber Bragg Grating Market size was estimated at USD 361.46 million in 2020 and expected to reach USD 408.90 million in 2021, at a CAGR 10.38% to reach USD 653.93 million by 2026.



Market Statistics:

The report provides market sizing and forecast across five major currencies - USD, EUR GBP, JPY, and AUD. It helps organization leaders make better decisions when currency exchange data is readily available. In this report, the years 2018 and 2019 are considered historical years, 2020 as the base year, 2021 as the estimated year, and years from 2022 to 2026 are considered the forecast period.



Market Segmentation & Coverage:

This research report categorizes the Fiber Bragg Grating to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets:



Based on Type, the market was studied across Fiber Bragg Grating Filter and Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors.



Based on Application, the market was studied across Aerospace & Defence, Energy & Utility, Geo-Technical Services, Oil & gas, Telecommunication, and Transportation.



Based on State, the market was studied across California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas.



Cumulative Impact of COVID-19:

COVID-19 is an incomparable global public health emergency that has affected almost every industry, and the long-term effects are projected to impact the industry growth during the forecast period. Our ongoing research amplifies our research framework to ensure the inclusion of underlying COVID-19 issues and potential paths forward. The report delivers insights on COVID-19 considering the changes in consumer behavior and demand, purchasing patterns, re-routing of the supply chain, dynamics of current market forces, and the significant interventions of governments. The updated study provides insights, analysis, estimations, and forecasts, considering the COVID-19 impact on the market.



Competitive Strategic Window:

The Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies to help the vendor define an alignment or fit between their capabilities and opportunities for future growth prospects. It describes the optimal or favorable fit for the vendors to adopt successive merger and acquisition strategies, geography expansion, research & development, and new product introduction strategies to execute further business expansion and growth during a forecast period.



FPNV Positioning Matrix:

The FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Fiber Bragg Grating Market based on Business Strategy (Business Growth, Industry Coverage, Financial Viability, and Channel Support) and Product Satisfaction (Value for Money, Ease of Use, Product Features, and Customer Support) that aids businesses in better decision making and understanding the competitive landscape.



Market Share Analysis:

The Market Share Analysis offers the analysis of vendors considering their contribution to the overall market. It provides the idea of its revenue generation into the overall market compared to other vendors in the space. It provides insights into how vendors are performing in terms of revenue generation and customer base compared to others. Knowing market share offers an idea of the size and competitiveness of the vendors for the base year. It reveals the market characteristics in terms of accumulation, fragmentation, dominance, and amalgamation traits.



Competitive Scenario:

The Competitive Scenario provides an outlook analysis of the various business growth strategies adopted by the vendors. The news covered in this section deliver valuable thoughts at the different stage while keeping up-to-date with the business and engage stakeholders in the economic debate. The competitive scenario represents press releases or news of the companies categorized into Merger & Acquisition, Agreement, Collaboration, & Partnership, New Product Launch & Enhancement, Investment & Funding, and Award, Recognition, & Expansion. All the news collected help vendor to understand the gaps in the marketplace and competitors strength and weakness thereby, providing insights to enhance product and service.



Company Usability Profiles:

The report profoundly explores the recent significant developments by the leading vendors and innovation profiles in the United States Fiber Bragg Grating Market, including Advanced Optics Solutions GmbH, Advanced Photonics International Inc., Alnair Labs Corporation, FBG Korea, FBGS Technologies GmbH, Fibercore, FLT Inc., fos4x, GEOPTEX bvba (FOS&S), HBM FiberSensing, ITF Technologies Inc, iXFiber, Micron Optics, National Instruments, O/E Land Inc., Proximion AB, Raysung Photonics Inc., Smart Fibres Limited, Technica Optical Components, LLC, TeraXion Inc, Timbercon Inc., and Wuhan Ligong Guangke.



The report provides insights on the following pointers:

1. Market Penetration: Provides comprehensive information on the market offered by the key players

2. Market Development: Provides in-depth information about lucrative emerging markets and analyze penetration across mature segments of the markets

3. Market Diversification: Provides detailed information about new product launches, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments

4. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: Provides an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, certification, regulatory approvals, patent landscape, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players

5. Product Development & Innovation: Provides intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and breakthrough product developments



The report answers questions such as:

1. What is the market size and forecast of the United States Fiber Bragg Grating Market?

2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the United States Fiber Bragg Grating Market during the forecast period?

3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the United States Fiber Bragg Grating Market?

4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the United States Fiber Bragg Grating Market?

5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the United States Fiber Bragg Grating Market?

6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the United States Fiber Bragg Grating Market?

7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the United States Fiber Bragg Grating Market?

Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p06169432/?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.



__________________________
NEW YORK, NY, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire -- Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: TAUG) (Tauriga or the Company), a New York based diversified Life Sciences Company, today announced that it has commenced the development of a proprietary Kratom extract infused supplement chewing gum. This proposed product will incorporate the Companys considerable expertise in developing proprietary chewing gums, as well as its unwavering commitment to innovation, while always adhering to the highest moral, safety, and quality standards.



This proposed Kratom infused supplement chewing gum is currently in the development phase. The Company is actively developing this product prototype, for internal evaluation. Each piece of this proposed chewing gum will be infused with 20mg of the highest quality Kratom extract.

The Proposed Flavor: Granny Smith Green Apple

After conducting its own background research, the Company believes that there is a potential market niche for a high quality Kratom extract infused chewing gum that incorporates the following attributes of the Tauri-Gum brand: 1. Safety Profile, 2. Quality Assurance Protocols (Manufacturing Process), 3. Research & Development Capabilities, 4. Multiple Certifications, 5. Access to Top Tier Legal & Professional Advice, 6. Testing by Two Independent Laboratories (C of As).

ABOUT TAURIGA SCIENCES INC.

Tauriga Sciences, Inc. (TAUG) is a revenue generating, diversified life sciences company, engaged in several major business activities and initiatives. The company manufactures and distributes several proprietary retail products and product lines, mainly focused on the Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabigerol (CBG) Edibles market segment. The main product line, branded as Tauri-Gum, consists of a proprietary supplement chewing gum that is Kosher certified, Halal certified, and Vegan Formulated (CBD Infused Tauri-Gum Flavors: Mint, Blood Orange, Pomegranate), (CBG Infused Tauri-Gum Flavors: Peach-Lemon, Black Currant), (DELTA 8 THC Infused Tauri-Gum Flavor: Evergreen Mint), (Vitamin C + Zinc Infused Tauri-Gum Flavor: Pear Bellini), (Caffeine Infused Tauri-Gum Flavor: Cherry Lime Rickey), & (Vitamin D3 Infused Tauri-Gum Flavor: Golden Raspberry). The Companys commercialization strategy consists of a broad array of retail customers, distributors, and a fast-growing E-Commerce business segment (E-Commerce website: www.taurigum.com). Please visit our corporate website, for additional information, as well as inquiries, at http://www.tauriga.com

Complementary to the Companys retail business, is its ongoing Pharmaceutical Development initiative. This relates to the development of a proposed Pharmaceutical grade version of Tauri-Gum, for nausea regulation (specifically designed for the following indication: Patients Subjected to Ongoing Chemotherapy Treatment). On March 22, 2021, the Company announced that it had Converted its U.S. Provisional Patent Application (filed on March 17, 2020) into a U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application. The Patent, filed with the U.S.P.T.O. is Titled MEDICATED CBD COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURING, AND METHODS OF TREATMENT. On December 18, 2020 the Company disclosed that it had entered into a Master Services Agreement with CSTI to lead the Company's clinical development efforts.

The Company is headquartered in Wappingers Falls, New York. In addition, the Company operates two full time E-Commerce fulfillment centers: one located in Montgomery, Texas and the other in Brooklyn, New York.

DISCLAIMER -- Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 which represent managements beliefs and assumptions concerning future events. These forward-looking statements are often indicated by using words such as may, will, expects, anticipates, believes, hopes, believes, or plans, and may include statements regarding corporate objectives as well as the attainment of certain corporate goals and milestones. Forward-looking statements are based on present circumstances and on managements present beliefs with respect to events that have not occurred, that may not occur, or that may occur with different consequences or timing than those now assumed or anticipated. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in forward looking statements due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, such as are not guarantees of general economic and business conditions, the ability to successfully develop and market products, consumer and business consumption habits, the ability to consummate successful acquisition and licensing transactions, fluctuations in exchange rates, and other factors over which Tauriga has little or no control. Many of these risks and uncertainties are discussed in greater detail in the Risk Factors section of Taurigas Form 10-K and other periodic filings made from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Such forward-looking statements are made only as of the date of this release, and Tauriga assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Contact:

Tauriga Sciences, Inc.

4 Nancy Court, Suite 4

Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

Chief Executive Officer

Mr. Seth M. Shaw

Email: sshaw@tauriga.com

cell # (917) 796 9926

Company Instagram: @taurigum

Personal Instagram: @sethsms47

Twitter: @SethMShaw

Corp. Website: www.tauriga.com

E-Commerce Website: www.taurigum.com
AMSTERDAM, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Effie Canada has announced its winners for 2021, with Zerotrillion awarded Gold for their work on Flowr's BC Pink Kush "Art & Science" Campaign.

The award-winning campaign for The Flowr Corporation, a Canadian Licensed Cannabis Producer, addressed one of the biggest issues Cannabis consumers face - inconsistent THC levels across dried flower product. Most cannabis brands will offer a THC percentage in their products with a deviation range between 10% to 12%, forcing consumers into a game of THC Russian Roulette every time they bought bud. Zerotrillion showcased Flowr's unique benefit, the right to smoke without surprises, and having the smallest THC deviation rate on the market at 2.5%. This campaign effort solidified Flowr's place as the most consistent supplier on the market with a never before used call-out "THC  2.5%".

The visual components of the campaign drew inspiration from renowned Dutch artist Rembrandt, alongside scientific instrumentation as props, resulting in stunning photography that elevated the aesthetic standard in Cannabis Print Advertising.

The effectiveness of this innovative effort was undeniable with Flowr's BC Pink Kush campaign driving clickthrough rates at 4x the industry average, increasing site traffic by 349%, and pushing BC Pink Kush to the #1 spot as the premium dried flower at the Ontario Cannabis Store.

Alex Paquin, CEO of Zerotrillion, said, "I was so thrilled to hear that we won a rare Gold Effie. This is only further proof that shooting for the moon creatively with each and every brief is worth the effort."

For the past 50 years, Effie has celebrated brand success and achievement at an unmatched level of recognition. Yearly, Effie Canada recognizes international agencies and companies who champion the greatest advertising efforts and set standards for the industry with their effective marketing strategies for that year. Creative agencies faced many obstacles in 2020 with the ever-changing landscape of the pandemic, however, some agencies used this adversity to their advantage to create award-winning campaigns.

This past year left high expectations with its record number of Effie entries. Zerotrillion proudly accounts for one of only six agencies to be awarded a Gold Effie in Canada and having their client Flowr as one of only four for-profit companies to win a gold.

Zerotrillion is honored to be recognized for their creative strength on this project - proof that putting creativity first translates effectively to sales and enduring brand reputation. In addition to this latest award, Zerotrillion was also named Best New Agency of the Year at this year's New York Festivals.

-End-

ABOUT ZEROTRILLION

Zerotrillion is an independent global creative agency based in Amsterdam and Toronto helping our clients overcome their growth-limiting challenges with moonshot creative business ideas.



Zerotrillion Media Contact:

Teal Minisofer

teal@zerotrillion.com

C: +31 06 16382684

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Image 1: Effie Canada Gold Winners









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Washington, D.C., Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UNCF (United Negro College Fund) today announced the selection of two scientists for the E. E. Just Postgraduate Fellowship in the Life Sciences. Heather Beasley, Ph.D., and Shawna K. Brookens, Ph.D., are the 2021 recipients of the post-graduate fellowship program that aims to accelerate the career development of African American scientists pursuing research careers in academia or the biopharmaceutical industry.

The tremendous support that Bristol Myers Squibb gives to this program provides a unique opportunity to assist the next generation of African American scientists, said Chad Womack, Ph.D., Senior Director, STEM Programs and Initiatives and founding Executive Director of the Ernest E. Just Life Science Initiative at UNCF. We believe Drs. Beasley and Brookens are outstanding bench scientists whose research will one day benefit patients who are battling serious diseases.

Created in 2017 by a partnership between UNCF and Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), the E. E. Just Postgraduate Fellowship is a three-year award that provides recipients with an annual stipend that includes a base salary, benefits, research budget, and travel funds. The program honors Dr. Ernest Everett Just, one of the most prominent African American scientists of the 20th century.

We are proud to continue our support of the E. E. Just Postgraduate Fellowship Program, and we congratulate Drs. Brookens and Beasley on this achievement, said Dr. Rupert Vessey, M.A., B.M., B.Ch., F.R.C.P., D.Phil., Executive Vice President and President, Research & Early Development, Bristol Myers Squibb.

At Bristol Myers Squibb, we believe that bringing innovative medicines to patients requires a workforce with diverse experiences and personal backgrounds that reect patients and communities around the world. Our continued partnership with the UNCF allows us to continue critical scientific discovery and advancement in service of our growing patient population.

Dr. Beasley conducted her Ph.D. dissertation research studies in the field of cancer biology at Meharry Medical College in the Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology. Her research was on investigating the role of calcium signaling in breast cancer and the dysregulation of bone metabolism due to hypercalcemia. Currently, she is pursuing her postgraduate studies at Vanderbilt University, studying the role of a novel regulator of mitochondrial dynamics, TMEM135 and its role in protecting against accelerated aging and calcium miscommunication in cancer cells.

Dr. Brookens conducted her Ph.D. dissertation research at Vanderbilt University in the Department of Cancer Biology focused on the role of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in humoral immunity and how AMPK, a conserved energy sensor that helps regulate healthy intracellular ATP concentrations, regulates B cell biology and immunoglobulin production during an immune response. She is currently pursuing her postgraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania, investigating T cell effector immune function in genetically engineered CAR T lymphocytes and how tumor-specific glycosylation contributes to immunosuppressive microenvironments.

Drs. Beasley and Brookens join a distinguished group of past E. E. Just Postgraduate Fellowship recipients. They include: Dr. Antentor J. Hinton (now on faculty at Vanderbilt University), Dr. Bianca Jones Marlin (now on faculty at Columbia University), Dr. Elizabeth Ransey (Duke University), and Dr. Cornelius Taabazuing (now on faculty at the University of Pennsylvania).

###

About UNCF

UNCF (United Negro College Fund) is the nations largest and most effective minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other historically Black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding nearly 20% of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 400 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. Today, UNCF supports more than 60,000 students at over 1,100 colleges and universities across the country. Its logo features the UNCF torch of leadership in education and its widely recognized trademark, A mind is a terrible thing to waste. Learn more at UNCF.org or for continuous updates and news, follow UNCF on Twitter at @UNCF.
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 22nd annual Newport Beach Film Festival (NBFF) will present the largest celebration of Irish Cinema in North America during its eight-day run (Oct. 21 - 28, 2021) in Southern California. Highlights include an Irish Showcase event, red carpet premieres, seven Irish feature length films, six Irish short films and the participation of Irish filmmakers and dignitaries.

On Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, the Festival will present its Irish Spotlight, an evening celebration of Irish cinema and culture. The event will feature the premiere of the three highly anticipated Irish films, Deadly Cuts, Redemption of a Rogue and Shelter ('Foscadh') followed by a festive post-screening reception.

The Irish Spotlight films will screen at Edwards Big Newport (300 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA). The post-screening celebration will take place at Muldoon's Irish Pub (202 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, CA) and will feature live music and hosted hors d'oeuvres.

Directed by Rachel Carey, Deadly Cuts (U.S. Premiere) stars Victoria Smurfit, Ericka Roe and Angelina Ball. The film is a black comedy set in a working-class Dublin hair salon where the stylists become accidental vigilantes and community heroes as they take on gang members and gentrifiers threatening their community.

Directed by Philip Doherty, Redemption of a Rogue (U.S. Premiere) stars Aaron Monaghan, Ciaran Roche, Aisling O'Mara, Pat McCabe, Shane Connoughton and Liz Fitzgibbon. Jimmy carries a black leather doctor's bag around with him containing the rope he plans to hang himself with. He returns home to the fictional town of Ballylough in the cold austere beauty of West Cavan to seek salvation for his sins.

Written and directed by Sean Breathnach and produced by Paddy Hayes, Shelter ('Foscadh') (International Premiere) stars Donall O Healai, Fionnuala Flaherty and Cillian O'Gairbhi. When his overprotective parents pass away, friendless and guileless recluse, John Cunliffe, discovers their land to be extremely valuable. He is soon forced to navigate the choppy waters of courtship, trust, and vengeance for the first time in his 28 years. Shelter ('Foscadh') is Ireland's Oscar submission for Best International Film for the 2022 Academy Awards.

"Newport Beach Film Festival showcases the very best of classic and contemporary filmmaking from around the world. I am thrilled that included in that showcase is the Irish Spotlight which underlines the depth of imagination, creativity and diversity in Irish filmmaking today," stated Marcella Smyth, Consul General of Ireland - Los Angeles.

On Sunday, Oct. 24, the Festival will also screen the short program Irish Shorts - All Sorts at 1:00 p.m. at The Lot - Fashion Island (999 Newport Canter Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660). Films in the program include How to Fall in Love in a Pandemic, Drifting, Fatherly, Life After Life, The Invisible Boy and The Yellow Dress.

Other Irish feature length films screening at the Newport Beach Film Festival include the international premiere of Director, Ross Killeen's film, Love Yourself Today as well as acclaimed Irish documentarian, Kim Bartley's Pure Grit (U.S. Premiere) and Tomas Seoighe's The Queen V Patrick O'Donnell (U.S. Premiere). The Irish horror feature, Let the Wrong One In (Regional Premiere) directed by Conor McMahon will also screen. For Festival passes, tickets and COVID-19 safety information, visit www.NewportBeachFilmFest.com.

###

Contact:

Quartararo & Associates (Q&A)

press@newportbeachfilmfest.com

(949) 253-2880

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Image 1: Newport Beach Film Festival





22nd Annual Newport Beach Film Festival October 21st-28th, 2021 Largest luxury lifestyle film festival in the United States









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OTTAWA, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With the fourth wave raging in many communities and just two weeks before emergency benefits are cut, Canadas unions are drawing attention to the urgent need to extend emergency benefits for hundreds of thousands of everyday people still relying on these programs.



We are seeing an uneven jobs recovery and theres still a long way to go before our communities are back on track. The prime minster said he would have workers backs, said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. Now, with Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) about to expire, and so many still without access to decent work, the government must live up to its promises and immediately extend this vital lifeline for hundreds of thousands of workers.

Bruske said Canadas unions are engaging the new government to make sure everyday people, not business interests, are at the centre of pandemic recovery plans. This includes raising the minimum wage; fair scheduling laws; increasing and fixing EI and paid sick leave; opening employment standards to gig economy workers; outlawing pay discrimination against part-time employees; and strengthening workers voices by providing a path to unionization.

Its wrong to blame emergency help for trouble finding workers. With low wages and poor working conditions, punishing those left in the labour force isnt going to fix chronic labour shortages. The solution is better jobs, real benefits and fairer wages, said Bruske. Benefits must be extended until the crisis is over. And by then, Parliament must pass new legislation to permanently fix the cracks in our EI system.

The same business owners that are calling for an end to support for workers are still asking for government handouts for themselves, concluded Bruske. We know its workers who drive our communities. We need an equitable, inclusive recovery. Withdrawing supports from individuals would only serve to deepen inequality.

Learn more about how Canadas unions are helping to shape the recovery at canadianplan.ca.

To arrange an interview, please contact:

CLC Media Relations

media@clcctc.ca

613-526-7426
WESTPORT, Conn., Oct. 07, 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 2021 HMG Live! Global Women in Technology Summit on October 25. HMG Strategys highly interactive events bring together the worlds most distinguished and innovative 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! Global Women in Technology Summit will focus on the role of female technology executives in creating a community of mentorship which aligns top talent to the mission of the organization while embracing diversity, equity and inclusion. A-list speakers for this event will also discuss the mind shift that needs to take place in a male-dominated C-suite to better mentor women into leadership roles.

As members of the senior leadership team strive to promote diversity, equity and inclusion across the workplace, a good starting point is championing under-represented female colleagues into leadership roles, said Hunter Muller, President and CEO at HMG Strategy. Our Global Women in Technology Summit series tackles some of the toughest challenges that female technology executives are facing in their roles to help to foster a more inclusive and winning culture for all stakeholders.

Top-tier business technology and industry executives speaking at the 2021 HMG Live! Global Women in Technology Summit will include:

Julia Anderson , Former Global CIO, Smithfield Foods

, Former Global CIO, Smithfield Foods Marcia Ballinger , Co-Founder and Principal, Leafblad

, Co-Founder and Principal, Leafblad Priscilla Barolo , Head of Communications, Zoom

, Head of Communications, Zoom Robin Brown , CIO, Protein Group, Cargill

, CIO, Protein Group, Cargill Cindy Finkelman , Former CIO, FactSet Research Systems

, Former CIO, FactSet Research Systems Dax Grant , CIO, Global Operations, HSBC

, CIO, Global Operations, HSBC Edward Greene , Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer, Iron Mountain

, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer, Iron Mountain Patty Hatter , Chief Customer Officer, Palo Alto Networks

, Chief Customer Officer, Palo Alto Networks Deb Muro , CIO, RN, CHCIO, El Camino Health

, CIO, RN, CHCIO, El Camino Health Pat Phelan , VP, Market Research, Rimini Street

, VP, Market Research, Rimini Street Melissa Vice , Interim Director, Vulnerability Disclosure Program, DoD Cyber Crime Center

, Interim Director, Vulnerability Disclosure Program, DoD Cyber Crime Center Laura Whitt-Winyard , Global CISO, DLL Group

, Global CISO, DLL Group Angela Yochem , EVP, Chief Transformation and Digital Officer, Novant Health

, EVP, Chief Transformation and Digital Officer, Novant Health Sigal Zarmi, Senior Advisor, Morgan Stanley

Valued Partners for the 2021 HMG Live! Global Women in Technology Summit include Akamai, Auth0, BetterCloud, Darktrace, Forescout Technologies, Globant, Nutanix, Palo Alto Networks, RingCentral, SafeGuard Cyber, Skybox Security, Zoom and Zscaler.

To learn more about the 2021 HMG Live! Global Women in Technology Summit and to register for this in-person event, click here.

HMG Strategy will also be hosting its 2021 HMG Live! Houston CIO Executive Leadership Summit, taking place at the Hilton Americas  Houston from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. CT on October 14 in partnership with SIM Houston. This event 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.

Prominent CIOs and industry executives speaking at the 2021 HMG Live! Houston CIO Executive Leadership Summit will include:

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.

On October 27, HMG Strategy will be hosting its 2021 HMG Live! San Diego Technology Executive Leadership Summit in partnership with SIM San Diego at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine. World-class technology executives at this in-person event will discuss opportunities for next-generation technology leaders to navigate the future course with digital transformation, along with recommendations to attract and grow talent in todays challenging labor market.

Distinguished executives speaking at the 2021 HMG Live! San Diego Technology Executive Leadership Summit will include:

Sandra Bissember , Senior Project Manager, IT, Baker Electric

, Senior Project Manager, IT, Baker Electric Christopher Ceppi , Chief Product Officer, Science 37

, Chief Product Officer, Science 37 Bryan Clayton , SVP, Strategic Solutions, YPrime

, SVP, Strategic Solutions, YPrime Tony Costa , SVP & CIO, Bumble Bee Foods

, SVP & CIO, Bumble Bee Foods Doug Cyphers , VP IT, WD-40 Company; VP, SIM San Diego

, VP IT, WD-40 Company; VP, SIM San Diego Bradley H. Feldmann , Chairman, President and CEO, Cubic

, Chairman, President and CEO, Cubic Maija Goyarts , Director, Enterprise Applications, Breg

, Director, Enterprise Applications, Breg Abe Lietz , SVP & CIO, KinderCare Education

, SVP & CIO, KinderCare Education Philippe Marchand , COO, Biosplice Therapeutics

, COO, Biosplice Therapeutics Steve McMahon , CIO & VP Operations, CrowdStrike

, CIO & VP Operations, CrowdStrike Barb Munro , Co-Founder and Membership Chair, SIM San Diego; Co-Founder, Partner, The Carrera Agency

, Co-Founder and Membership Chair, SIM San Diego; Co-Founder, Partner, The Carrera Agency Steve Phillpott , CIO/CDO, SK hynix; President, SIM San Diego

, CIO/CDO, SK hynix; President, SIM San Diego James Rinaldi , CIO, Jet Propulsion Laboratory

, CIO, Jet Propulsion Laboratory Vimal Subramanian , Head of Information Security and Privacy, Cue Health, Inc.

, Head of Information Security and Privacy, Cue Health, Inc. Adam Wolfberg , Chief Medical Officer, Current Health

, Chief Medical Officer, Current Health John Zavada, Chief Administrative Officer, Petco

Valued Partners for the 2021 HMG Live! San Diego Technology Executive Leadership Summit include Akamai, Auth0, BetterCloud, CGI, CrowdStrike, Darktrace, Forescout Technologies, Globant, Nutanix, Palo Alto Networks, RingCentral, SafeGuard Cyber, SIM San Diego, Skybox Security, Slalom, SnapLogic, Trace3, Zoom and Zscaler.

To learn more about the 2021 HMG Live! San Diego Technology Executive Leadership Summit and to register for this in-person event, click here.

To learn about all of HMG Strategys Upcoming CIO & CISO Summits, click here.

HMG STRATEGYS CUSTOM WEBINARS AND ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSIONS

CIOs and business technology executives are expected by the CEO and the Board to help identify and execute on new business opportunities and go-to-market strategies. This includes opportunities for harnessing emerging technologies to drive business innovation and to enable the company to gain a competitive edge.

Register to watch this compelling panel discussion moderated by HMG Strategy President and CEO Hunter Muller with top technology leaders including Ramesh Razdan, Global CIO at Bain & Company; Dr. Kenneth Russell, Chief Innovation Officer at Curran Biotech; Chris Hood, Head of Business Platform Strategy at Google Cloud; and Emmanuel Salazar Dominguez, IT Director at Banco Azteca on effective ways to leverage application innovation to drive new business growth. In this 60-minute discussion, youll discover:

How application innovation is helping to shape the future of business

Opportunities for leveraging data-powered innovation to develop adaptable applications

Recommendations for empowering application innovation while safeguarding the enterprise

The business and operational benefits behind API-fueled application innovation

Click here to register for this timely discussion!

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/e65be928-2f7d-461d-b210-ab3687c58207
The study on ransomware, conducted by cybersecurity experts at Hornetsecurity, also found that almost 1 in 10 ransomware victims paid the ransom.





London, United Kingdom, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A recent survey of 820+ businesses found that 21% of respondents had been the victim of a ransomware attack to date. Ransomware is one of the most common and effective forms of cyber threat, whereby attackers encrypt an organizations data, rendering it unusable until a ransom is paid.

Over 9% of surveyed ransomware victims paid the ransom

Of the 21% of companies that reported a ransomware attack, 9.2% recovered the data by paying the demanded ransom. The remaining respondents recovered the ransomed data through backups, yet some still reported losing data in the process.

According to the results, companies with 201-500 employees reported the highest incidence of ransomware attacks (25.3%), while those employing 1-50 had the lowest (18.7%). In geographical terms, 19.6% of North American companies reported attacks, while those based in Europe reported 21.2%.

Over 15% of companies do not protect backups from ransomware

15.2% of all survey respondents indicated that their company does not protect their backups from ransomware. Moreover, the survey also found that 17.2% of reported ransomware attacks targeted backup storage. These results reveal a cause for concern: that standard on-site backups do not offer 100% protection against ransomware attacks. Indeed, backups must be protected against ransomware attacks through methods such as air-gapped, offsite storage or immutable storage - two commonly reported protection methods in this survey.

15.9% of respondents also reported having no disaster recovery plan in place, meaning they are typically unprepared and unequipped to deal with an attack.

28.7% of companies do not provide training to end-users on how to recognize and flag potential ransomware attacks

End-users represent one of the most effective methods-of-entry for ransomware attackers. Through social engineering techniques such as email phishing, end-users are manipulated into providing opportunities for malicious software to be introduced into company systems. According to this survey, more than 1 out of every 4 organizations (28.7%) do not provide training to end-users on how to recognize and handle potential ransomware threats.

Most common forms of backup and ransomware protection and prevention

71.3% of companies changed the way they back up their data in response to the threat of ransomware. The two most common forms of prevention observed in the survey are end-point detection software with anti-ransomware capabilities (75.6%), and email filtration and threat analysis (76.1%). Air-gapped, offsite storage is reported to be used 47.8% of the time - a low percentage when considering its effectiveness at enabling extraordinary data recovery.

To read more about the survey, along with a more in-depth analysis, click here.

About Hornetsecurity Group

Hornetsecurity is the leading security and backup solution provider for Microsoft 365. Its flagship product is the most extensive cloud security solution for Microsoft 365 on the market, providing robust, comprehensive, award-winning protection: Spam and virus filtering, protection against phishing and ransomware, legally compliant archiving and encryption, advanced threat protection, email continuity, signatures and disclaimers. Its an all-in-one security package that even includes backup and recovery for all data in Microsoft 365 and users endpoints.

Media enquiries

Please contact us on marketing@hornetsecurity.com.

For the original news story, please visit https://prdistribution.com/news/1-in-5-companies-has-suffered-a-ransomware-attack-survey-finds.html
MONTREAL, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Velan Inc. (TSX: VLN) (the Company), a world-leading manufacturer of industrial valves, announced today its financial results for its second quarter ended August 31, 2021.



Highlights:

Sales for the quarter amounted to $101.9 million, an increase of 33.6 million or 49.1% compared to the same quarter of the previous fiscal year. This quarters sales level represents the highest volume in the last six quarters.

Gross profit for the quarter of $31.4 million, or 30.8%, an increase of $14.3 million or 580 basis points from the same quarter of the previous year. The gross profit percentage of 29.1% for the first six-month of the fiscal year is the highest in recent history, a performance essentially driven by the improved sales volume, a more profitable product mix delivered, as well as the margin improvement activities undertaken over the past fiscal years within the scope of the V20 restructuring and transformation plan.

Net income 1 of $5.0 million and EBITDA 2 of $10.7 million for the quarter represent a significant improvement compared to last years results. The better results are explained primarily by an increased gross profit, driven by an improved sales volume and product mix, despite notably lower Canada Emergency Wage Subsidies (CEWS).

of $5.0 million and EBITDA of $10.7 million for the quarter represent a significant improvement compared to last years results. The better results are explained primarily by an increased gross profit, driven by an improved sales volume and product mix, despite notably lower Canada Emergency Wage Subsidies (CEWS). Strong order backlog 2 of $575.8 million at the end of the quarter.

of $575.8 million at the end of the quarter. Net new orders (bookings) 2 of $81.6 million for the quarter, a decrease of $19.7 million or 19.5% compared to the same quarter of the previous fiscal year. The Companys book-to-bill ratio of 0.80 for the quarter has a stronger relation to the improved sales volume rather than the softer quarter in terms of bookings. Nonetheless, the book-to-bill ratio for the six-month period stands at a positive 1.12.

of $81.6 million for the quarter, a decrease of $19.7 million or 19.5% compared to the same quarter of the previous fiscal year. The Companys book-to-bill ratio of 0.80 for the quarter has a stronger relation to the improved sales volume rather than the softer quarter in terms of bookings. Nonetheless, the book-to-bill ratio for the six-month period stands at a positive 1.12. The Companys net cash amounted to $68.1 million at the end of the quarter, an increase of $5.2 million since the beginning of the fiscal year.

Yves Leduc, CEO of Velan Inc., said, I am very pleased with our companys best quarterly results in years, but I am certainly not surprised. We are seeing the convergence of many of the positive factors reported in previous quarters, whose effects had either been slowed by the global economic crisis or were simply expected to materialize over time.

Lets start with our sales, growing near 50% over the same period last year. Our Italian operations were able to overcome most of the shipping hurdles experienced in the first quarter, we achieved notable progress in reducing our North American operations production delays caused by the many changes deployed during the first year of the pandemic, and both our Indian and Chinese operations are having a record production year. Still experiencing one of the highest backlogs in years, we did see a slower quarter in bookings, but they have outpaced billings in the first six months of the year and, good news, we are observing a recovery of our North American MRO business, as distributors are steadily increasing their stock.

Another important aspect of our performance is the sustained growth in our margins. The quarters gross margin and the first six months were the highest recorded in at least ten years, at respectively 30.8% and 29.1%, compared to 25% and 24.4% last year, and 23.3% at the end of fiscal year 2019 when our V20 plan was announced. Here again, there should be no surprise, as the main goal of the plan was to drive our North American operations margins up. And we are indeed meeting the goal through the elimination of significant structural costs in North America, the now completed transfer of our small forged valve production to India, and the much greater focus put on profitable orders from our new strategic businesses. As a result of those improvements and the growth in sales, to which each of our divisions is contributing, our EBITDA after six months improved by close to $10 million compared to the same period last year, despite lower Canadian federal subsidies and higher liability costs than last year to date.

In summary, thanks to the relentless efforts and resilience of our employees in the last years, we are laying the base for a return to profitable growth.

This does not mean we are out of the woods. On the coronavirus front, the global pandemic is far from over and we remain vigilant, committed to maintain our excellent record in keeping our work environment as safe as possible for our employees. Meanwhile, the negative effects of the economic crisis on global logistics and the price of metals are affecting our operations worldwide, and driving growth will require ruthless focus and execution as industry demand remains soft.

Aware of those challenges, we take nothing for granted and are moving ahead with confidence.

Financial Highlights

Three-month periods ended

Six-month periods ended



(thousands of U.S. dollars, excluding per share amounts) August 31,

2021

August 31,

2020

August 31,

2021

August 31,

2020

Sales $ 101,893 $ 68,340 $ 176,422 $ 144,993 Gross profit 31,391 17,053 51,385 35,445 Gross profit % 30.8 % 25.0 % 29.1 % 24.4 % Net income (loss)1 5,015 (5,112 ) (58 ) (6,998 ) Net income (loss)1 per share  basic and diluted 0.23 (0.24 ) (0.00 ) (0.32 ) EBITDA2 10,657 (2,497 ) 9,716 141 EBITDA2 per share  basic and diluted 0.49 (0.12 ) 0.45 0.01

Second Quarter Fiscal 2022 (unless otherwise noted, all amounts are in U.S. dollars and all comparisons are to the second quarter of fiscal 2021):

Sales amounted to $101.9 million, an increase of $33.6 million or 49.1% for the quarter. Sales were positively impacted by the Companys North American operations increased large project orders shipments primarily destined for the petrochemical and power markets. Sales were also positively impacted by the shipment of previously delayed orders by the Companys Italian operations. The delays were due to various customer-related and global logistics factors.

Bookings 2 amounted to $81.6 million, a decrease of $19.7 million or 19.5% for the quarter. This decrease is primarily attributable to lower large project orders recorded by the Companys French and North American operations.

amounted to $81.6 million, a decrease of $19.7 million or 19.5% for the quarter. This decrease is primarily attributable to lower large project orders recorded by the Companys French and North American operations. Gross profit amounted to $31.4 million, an increase of $14.3 million or 84.1% for the quarter. The gross profit percentage for the quarter of 30.8% was an increase of 580 basis points compared to last years second quarter. The improvement in gross profit percentage for the quarter is primarily attributable to the higher sales volume, which helped to cover the Companys fixed production overhead costs more efficiently. The Companys improved margins are also stemming from the margin improvement activities implemented over the course of the past fiscal years within the scope of the V20 restructuring and transformation plan. Additionally, the Companys gross profit also benefited from favorable movements in unrealized foreign exchange translation primarily attributable to the fluctuation of the U.S. dollar against the euro and the Canadian dollar for the quarter when compared to the prior year. Finally, the increase in gross profit percentage was such that it could more than offset the impact of a lower amount of CEWS of $1.7 million for the quarter compared to last year. The subsidies are allocated between cost of sales and administration costs.

Net income1 for the quarter amounted to $5.0 million or $0.23 per share compared to a net loss1 of $5.1 million or $0.24 per share last year. EBITDA2 for the quarter amounted to $10.7 million or $0.49 per share compared to a negative $2.5 million or $0.12 per share last year. The improvement in EBITDA2 for the quarter is primarily attributable to an increase in gross profit, thanks to the reasons mentioned above, the absence of restructuring and transformation costs in the current fiscal year which totaled $1.7 million in the previous quarter and a reduction in other expenses of $1.4 million for the quarter due to land clean-up costs of a former factory incurred in the second quarter of the prior year. On the other hand, these improvements were partially offset by an increase in administration costs of $4.3 million or 21.8% for the quarter which is primarily attributable to a decrease of $1.4 million in CEWS received by the Company compared to last year, an increase in sales commissions due to the higher sales volume and a general increase in administration expenses that had been significantly lowered when the global pandemic broke out last year. The subsidies are allocated between cost of sales and administration costs. The favorable movement in the Companys net income1 for quarter was primarily attributable to the same factors as explained above coupled with an unfavorable movement in income taxes.

First Six months Fiscal 2022 (unless otherwise noted, all amounts are in U.S. dollars and all comparisons are to the first six months of fiscal 2021):

Sales amounted to $176.4 million, an increase of $31.4 million or 21.7% for the six-month period. Sales were positively impacted by the Companys North American operations increased large project orders shipments primarily destined for the petrochemical and power markets. For the six-month period, the Companys French operations were able to show an improved sales volume due to their strong performance in the first quarter of the current fiscal year. Finally, the Companys MRO sales for the six-month period were negatively affected by the persistent unfavorable market conditions triggered by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic which has significantly affected the Companys distribution channels bookings in the previous fiscal year. The lower distribution channels bookings in the latter part of the prior year translated in lower shipments of such orders in the first quarter of the current year.



Bookings 2 amounted to $197.9 million, an increase or $19.9 million of 11.2% for the six-month period. The increase is primarily attributable to large project orders recorded by the Companys Italian and North American operations, notably in the marine and oil and gas markets. The increase is also attributable to higher MRO orders recorded by the Companys North American operations. The Company is encouraged by the recovery of its MRO order bookings, which were severely impacted by the global pandemic at the end of the prior fiscal year, and ultimately adversely affected the sales of its current fiscal year as explained in the prior paragraph. The increase in bookings for the six-month period was partially offset by a reduction in large project orders recorded by the Companys French operations.



amounted to $197.9 million, an increase or $19.9 million of 11.2% for the six-month period. The increase is primarily attributable to large project orders recorded by the Companys Italian and North American operations, notably in the marine and oil and gas markets. The increase is also attributable to higher MRO orders recorded by the Companys North American operations. The Company is encouraged by the recovery of its MRO order bookings, which were severely impacted by the global pandemic at the end of the prior fiscal year, and ultimately adversely affected the sales of its current fiscal year as explained in the prior paragraph. The increase in bookings for the six-month period was partially offset by a reduction in large project orders recorded by the Companys French operations. As a result of bookings outpacing sales in the current six-month period, the Companys book-to-bill ratio 2 was 1.12 for the period. Furthermore, the total backlog 2 increased by $13.3 million or 2.4% since the beginning of the fiscal year, amounting to $575.8 million as at August 31, 2021.

was 1.12 for the period. Furthermore, the total backlog increased by $13.3 million or 2.4% since the beginning of the fiscal year, amounting to $575.8 million as at August 31, 2021. Gross profit amounted to $51.4 million, an increase of $15.9 million or 45.0% for the six-month period. The gross profit for the first six-month period of 29.1% represented an increase of 470 basis points compared to the same period last year and is also the highest in recent history. The improvement in gross profit percentage is primarily attributable to the higher sales volume, which helped to cover the Companys fixed production overhead costs more efficiently. The Companys improved margins are also stemming from the margin improvement activities implemented over the course of the past fiscal years within the scope of the V20 restructuring and transformation plan. Additionally, the Companys gross profit also benefited from favorable movements in unrealized foreign exchange translation primarily attributable to the fluctuation of the U.S. dollar against the euro and the Canadian dollar for the six-month period when compared to the prior year. Finally, the increase in gross profit percentage was such that it could more than offset the impact of a lower amount of CEWS of $3.1 million for the six-month period compared to last year. The subsidies are allocated between cost of sales and administration costs.

Net loss1 for the six-month period amounted to $0.1 million or $0.00 per share compared to a net loss1 of $7.0 million or $0.32 per share in the prior period. EBITDA2 for the six-month period amounted to $9.7 million or $0.45 per share compared to $0.1 million or $0.01 per share in the prior period. The improvement in EBITDA2 for the six-month period is primarily attributable to and improved gross profit, primarily due to an increased sales volume, while reflecting the notably improved product mix and margins resulting from the Companys targeted efforts under V20, described earlier. The Companys gross profit also benefited from favorable movements in unrealized foreign exchange translation for the six-month period when compared to the prior year. The improvement is also attributable to the absence of restructuring and transformation costs in the current fiscal year which totaled $2.9 million in the previous six-month period as well as a reduction in other expenses of $1.4 million for the six-month period primarily due to land clean-up costs of a former factory incurred in the second quarter of the prior year. On the other hand, these improvements were partially offset by an increase in administration costs of $10.4 million or 27.8% for the six-month period, primarily attributable to a decrease of $2.5 million in CEWS received by the Company compared to last year, an increase in sales commissions due to the improved sales volume for the period, a general increase in administration expenses that had been significantly lowered when the global pandemic broke out last year as well as an increase of $1.4 million in the costs recognized in connection with the Companys ongoing asbestos litigation. The favorable movements in the Companys net loss1 for the six-month period was primarily attributable to the same factors as explained above coupled with an unfavorable movement in income taxes.

Dividend

At the end of fiscal 2020, the Board of Directors deemed appropriate to suspend the quarterly dividend. The decision remains unchanged and will be reviewed on a quarterly basis.

Conference call

Financial analysts, shareholders, and other interested individuals are invited to attend the second quarter conference call to be held on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at 04:00 p.m. (EDT). The toll free call-in number is 1-800-768-2878, access code 21998213. A recording of this conference call will be available for seven days at 1-416-626-4100 or 1-800-558-5253, access code 21998213.

About Velan

Founded in Montreal in 1950, Velan Inc. (www.velan.com) is one of the worlds leading manufacturers of industrial valves, with sales of US$302.1 million in its last reported fiscal year. The Company employs close to 1,700 people and has manufacturing plants in 9 countries. Velan Inc. is a public company with its shares listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol VLN.

Safe harbour statement

This news release may include forward-looking statements, which generally contain words like should, believe, anticipate, plan, may, will, expect, intend, continue or estimate or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar expressions, all of which are subject to risks and uncertainties, which are disclosed in the Companys filings with the appropriate securities commissions. While these statements are based on managements assumptions regarding historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that it believes are reasonable and appropriate in the circumstances, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed and actual future results may differ materially from those expressed herein. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by the applicable securities laws. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Non-IFRS and supplementary financial measures

In this press release, the Company has presented measures of performance or financial condition which are not defined under IFRS (non-IFRS measures) and are, therefore, unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. These measures are used by management in assessing the operating results and financial condition of the Company and are reconciled with the performance measures defined under IFRS. Company has also presented supplementary financial measures which are defined at the end of this report. Reconciliation and definition can be found on the next page.

Net earnings (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA")

Three-month periods ended

Six-month periods ended



(thousands, except amount per shares) August 31,

2021

$ August 31,

2020

$ August 31,

2021

$ August 31,

2020

$ Net income (loss)1 5,015 (5,112 ) (58 ) (6,998 ) Adjustments for: Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 2,394 2,450 4,808 4,975 Amortization of intangible assets 451 626 1,009 1,194 Finance costs  net 526 44 1,055 362 Income taxes 2,271 (505 ) 2,902 608 EBITDA 10,657 (2,497 ) 9,716 141 EBITDA per share Basic and diluted 0.49 (0.12 ) 0.45 0.01

The term EBITDA is defined as net income or loss attributable to Subordinate and Multiple Voting Shares plus depreciation of property, plant & equipment, plus amortization of intangible assets, plus net finance costs plus income tax provision. The terms EBITDA per share is obtained by dividing EBITDA by the total amount of subordinate and multiple voting shares. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

Definitions of supplementary financial measures

The term Net new orders or bookings is defined as firm orders, net of cancellations, recorded by the Company during a period. Bookings are impacted by the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates for a given period. The measure provides an indication of the Companys sales operation performance for a given period as well as well as an expectation of future sales and cash flows to be achieved on these orders.

The term backlog is defined as the buildup of all outstanding bookings to be delivered by the Company. The Companys backlog is impacted by the fluctuation of foreign exchange rates for a given period. The measure provides an indication of the future operational challenges of the Company as well as an expectation of future sales and cash flows to be achieved on these orders.

The term book-to-bill is obtained by dividing bookings by sales. The measure provides an indication of the Companys performance and outlook for a given period.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

1 Net earnings or loss refer to net income or loss attributable to Subordinate and Multiple Voting Shares

2 Non-IFRS and supplementary financial measures  see explanation above.

Velan Inc. Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) (in thousands of U.S. dollars) As at August 31,

2021 February 28,

2021 $ $ Assets Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 76,448 74,688 Short-term investments 1,703 285 Accounts receivable 126,075 135,373 Income taxes recoverable 3,590 3,798 Inventories 240,225 204,161 Deposits and prepaid expenses 9,969 8,670 Derivative assets 74 196 458,084 427,171 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 91,826 96,327 Intangible assets and goodwill 16,890 17,319 Income taxes recoverable 5,927 5,927 Deferred income taxes 32,397 33,140 Other assets 854 949 147,894 153,662 Total assets 605,978 580,833 Liabilities Current liabilities Bank indebtedness 8,317 11,735 Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 101,856 90,840 Income taxes payable 1,479 1,609 Customer deposits 79,738 62,083 Provisions 27,241 29,515 Derivative liabilities 9 303 Current portion of long-term lease liabilities 1,595 1,578 Current portion of long-term debt 8,711 9,902 228,946 207,565 Non-current liabilities Long-term lease liabilities 12,197 12,649 Long-term debt 56,522 48,189 Income taxes payable 1,244 1,410 Deferred income taxes 2,405 2,545 Other liabilities 8,235 8,254 80,603 73,047 Total liabilities 309,549 280,612 Total equity 296,429 300,221 Total liabilities and equity 605,978 580,833





Velan Inc. Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (in thousands of U.S. dollars, excluding number of shares and per share amounts) Three-month periods ended

Six-month periods ended

August 31,

2021 August 31,

2020 August 31,

2021 August 31,

2020 $ $ $ $ Sales 101,893 68,340 176,422 144,993 Cost of sales 70,502 51,287 125,037 109,548 Gross profit 31,391 17,053 51,385 35,445 Administration costs 23,977 19,687 47,756 37,354 Restructuring and transformation costs - 1,723 - 2,899 Other expense (income) (79 ) 1,369 42 1,393 Operating profit (loss) 7,493 (5,726 ) 3,587 (6,201 ) Finance income 118 298 290 414 Finance costs (644 ) (342 ) (1,345 ) (776 ) Finance costs  net (526 ) (44 ) (1,055 ) (362 ) Income (loss) before income taxes 6,967 (5,770 ) 2,532 (6,563 ) Income tax expense (recovery) 2,271 (505 ) 2,902 608 Net income (loss) for the period 4,696 (5,265 ) (370 ) (7,171 ) Net income (loss) attributable to: Subordinate Voting Shares and Multiple Voting Shares 5,015 (5,112 ) (58 ) (6,998 ) Non-controlling interest (319 ) (153 ) (312 ) (173 ) Net income (loss) for the period 4,696 (5,265 ) (370 ) (7,171 ) Net income (loss) per Subordinate and Multiple Voting Share Basic and diluted 0.23 (0.24 ) (0.00 ) (0.32 ) Total weighted average number of Subordinate and Multiple Voting Shares Basic and diluted 21,585,635 21,585,635 21,585,635 21,585,635









Velan Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) (in thousands of U.S. dollars) Three-month periods ended

Six-month periods ended

August 31,

2021 August 31,

2020 August 31,

2021 August 31,

2020 $ $ $ $ Comprehensive income (loss) Net income (loss) for the period 4,696 (5,265 ) (370 ) (7,171 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) Foreign currency translation adjustment on foreign operations whose functional currency is other than the reporting currency (U.S. dollar) (4,817 ) 9,903 (3,422 ) 10,809 Comprehensive income (loss) (121 ) 4,638 (3,792 ) 3,638 Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to: Subordinate Voting Shares and Multiple Voting Shares 254 4,707 (3,448 ) 3,777 Non-controlling interest (375 ) (69 ) (344 ) (139 ) Comprehensive income (loss) (121 ) 4,638 (3,792 ) 3,638 Other comprehensive income (loss) is composed solely of items that may be reclassified subsequently to the consolidated statement of income (loss).





Velan Inc. Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Unaudited) (in thousands of U.S. dollars, excluding number of shares) Equity attributable to the Subordinate and Multiple Voting shareholders Share capital Contributed

surplus Accumulated

other

comprehensive

loss Retained

earnings Total Non-controlling interest Total equity Balance - February 29, 2020 72,695 6,260 (34,047 ) 236,269 281,177 3,684 284,861 Net loss for the period - - - (6,998 ) (6,998 ) (173 ) (7,171 ) Other comprehensive income - - 10,775 - 10,775 34 10,809 Balance - August 31, 2020 72,695 6,260 (23,272 ) 229,271 284,954 3,545 288,499 Balance - February 28, 2021 72,695 6,260 (21,007 ) 239,136 297,084 3,137 300,221 Net loss for the period - - - (58 ) (58 ) (312 ) (370 ) Other comprehensive loss - - (3,390 ) - (3,390 ) (32 ) (3,422 ) Balance - August 31, 2021 72,695 6,260 (24,397 ) 239,078 293,636 2,793 296,429





Velan Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow (Unaudited) (in thousands of U.S. dollars) Three-month periods ended

Six-month periods ended

August 31,

2021 August 31,

2020 August 31,

2021 August 31,

2020 $ $ $ $ Cash flows from Operating activities Net income (loss) for the period 4,696 (5,265 ) (370 ) (7,171 ) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash provided (used) by operating activities 3,645 633 6,057 5,259 Changes in non-cash working capital items (6,808 ) 4,492 (3,259 ) 21,015 Cash provided (used) by operating activities 1,533 (140 ) 2,428 19,103 Investing activities Short-term investments (1,232 ) 610 (1,418 ) (527 ) Additions to property, plant and equipment (1,830 ) (1,405 ) (3,569 ) (3,936 ) Additions to intangible assets (522 ) (266 ) (810 ) (523 ) Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets - 989 3,132 1,029 Net change in other assets (15 ) (467 ) (27 ) (489 ) Cash used by investing activities (3,599 ) (539 ) (2,692 ) (4,446 ) Financing activities Dividends paid to Subordinate and Multiple Voting shareholders - - - (482 ) Short-term bank loans - (395 ) - (1,377 ) Net change in revolving credit facility (3,378 ) - 6,248 - Increase in long-term debt 5,889 14,305 5,889 14,305 Repayment of long-term debt (1,379 ) (1,299 ) (4,546 ) (2,058 ) Repayment of long-term lease liabilities (444 ) (425 ) (857 ) (856 ) Cash provided by financing activities 688 12,186 6,734 9,532 Effect of exchange rate differences on cash (1,728 ) 4,218 (1,292 ) 5,166 Net change in cash during the period (3,106 ) 15,725 5,178 29,355 Net cash  Beginning of the period 71,237 44,640 62,953 31,010 Net cash  End of the period 68,131 60,365 68,131 60,365 Net cash is composed of: Cash and cash equivalents 76,448 86,894 76,448 86,894 Bank indebtedness (8,317 ) (26,529 ) (8,317 ) (26,529 ) Net cash  End of the period 68,131 60,365 68,131 60,365 Supplementary information Interest received (paid) (484 ) (115 ) (834 ) (463 ) Income taxes reimbursed (paid) (463 ) (1,954 ) (1,584 ) (2,509 )

For further information please contact:

Yves Leduc, Chief Executive Officer

Tel: (438) 817-9917

or

Benoit Alain, Chief Financial Officer

Tel: (514) 917-6454
SEATTLE, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dream Dinners, the original meal kit company, is giving away a pic-a-nic basket filled with family favorite foods for happy campers to enjoy at Yogi Bears Jellystone Park Camp-Resorts. The 2021 Dream Dinners & Jellystone Park Camping Contest is underway now and continues until 11:59 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time on October 14.



Three lucky winners will receive a $200 Dream Dinners e-gift card good at any Dream Dinners store location or with Dream Dinners Delivered along with a Jellystone Park gift card valued at $200, good at any Jellystone Park U.S. location.

The gift cards may be used at the same time, making for a fun family camping trip complete with easy to prepare dinners, or separately.

Entering is a three-step process:

Like or Heart the contest post on Facebook or Instagram using @DreamDinners or @CampJellystone Follow @DreamDinners or @CampJellystone on Facebook or Instagram Comment on the contest post with a favorite camping hack



The contest is open to legal residents within the United States who are 18 years of age or older. Limit one entry per person, per day. Contest winners will be selected by a random number generator on or about October 21, 2021. Complete rules are at www.dreamdinners.com/promotions.

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 48 U.S. 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 Jellystone Park

Yogi Bears Jellystone Park is North Americas leading family camping and glamping destination, famous for providing guests with attractions such as pools, water slides, and splash grounds; activities including jumping pillows, wagon rides, and foam parties; fun-filled theme weekends such as Chocolate Lovers Weekend and Halloween Spooktacular Weekends; and interactions with Yogi Bear costumed characters. Jellystone Park guests can choose from a variety of accommodation options including premium cabins, yurts, deluxe RV sites, and traditional tenting campsites. There are 75 Jellystone Park locations in the U.S. and Canada. Follow Jellystone Park at @campjellystone and visit www.jellystonepark.com and www.jellystonefranchise.com for more information.

Contact:

Ritter Communications, Brad Ritter

BRitter@bradritter.com

740.815.1892
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) congratulates president and CEO Teresa Bryce Bazemore on her recognition as one of the Bay Areas Most Influential Women in Business for 2021 by the San Francisco Business Times. Bazemore and the other honorees will be celebrated at a virtual event today.



The annual list celebrates the leadership and achievements of women in a broad cross section of industries, and Bazemore has lost no time in promoting change within her sector since joining FHLBank San Francisco this past March. Id like to thank the San Francisco Business Times for this recognition, Bazemore said. And to extend my congratulations to all of the amazing, inspiring women on the 2021 list of Influential Women. I am honored to be in such company.

Bazemore is a financial industry trailblazer and seasoned leader with more than 25 years of executive experience building and leading both mortgage insurance and services businesses. Appointed to her role at FHLBank San Francisco effective March 15, Bazemore has been a driving force in responding to the economic fallout of the pandemic and the disparities it has highlighted. With a passion for creating prosperity for all, Bazemore is focused on using the Banks existing affordable housing, first-time homebuyer, and economic development grant programs, as well as brand-new initiatives, to make a difference in the communities the Bank and its member financial institutions serve.

I am inspired to come to work each day and work with my team to empower our members to best serve their customers and communities, said Bazemore. As we emerge from the economic shocks and dislocations of the pandemic, the Banks business activities and community support initiatives will need to be even more robust to further our mission of making all our communities more equitable and resilient.

To that end, Bazemore pursued the recently announced collaboration between FHLBank San Francisco and the Urban Institute focused on the Black/White homeownership gap. Called the Racial Equity Accelerator for Homeownership, the two-year, $1.5 million research and product development initiative is aimed at tackling some of the most persistent challenges to closing racial gaps in homeownership and wealth-building. Additionally, she advocates for the Bank to play a larger role in supporting infrastructure projects that enhance the quality of life for residents throughout its footprint of Arizona, California, and Nevada.

Bazemore has been breaking ground for women in financial services throughout her career, serving as an important model for up-and-coming generations. She draws on her wealth of experience in the housing finance industry to explore viable solutions to complex and persistent challenges facing the Banks member-lenders and the customers and communities they serve. Prior to her appointment to FHLBank San Francisco, she rose through the ranks to become president of Radian Guaranty. Prior to Radian, she held general counsel and executive positions with Nexstar Financial Corporation and the mortgage banking line of business at Bank of America. A former member of FHLBank Pittsburghs board of directors, Bazemore currently serves on the boards of First Industrial Realty Trust, Inc., and T. Rowe Price Funds. Her professional appointments have included the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Economic Advisory Council, Fannie Mae National Advisory Council, and Consumer Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve.

About the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco

The Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco is a member-driven cooperative helping local lenders in Arizona, California, and Nevada build strong communities, create opportunity, and change lives for the better. The tools and resources we provide to our member financial institutionscommercial banks, credit unions, industrial loan companies, savings institutions, insurance companies, and community development financial institutionsfoster homeownership, expand access to quality housing, seed or sustain small businesses, and revitalize whole neighborhoods. Together with our members and other partners, we are making the communities we serve more vibrant and resilient.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d88ba855-3269-488d-bbab-73ef8e546e2a.
NEW YORK, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greenbacker Capital Management, LLC (GCM or Greenbacker), a leader in sustainable infrastructure investment, is pleased to announce that Mehul Mehta has been promoted to the position of Chief Investment Officer, effective October 2021.



Since joining Greenbacker in June 2016, Mehul has been essential in shaping the firms growth trajectory. He began his tenure as a Vice President focused on leading deal origination for Greenbacker Renewable Energy Company (GREC), a long-term owner and operator of renewable energy projects. At that time, GRECs gross investment value1 (GIV) was just over $122 million, and the clean powergenerating capacity of its fleet of renewable energy assets was roughly 50 megawatts. By June 2021, the companys GIV exceeded $1.5 billion, and the power capacity of its fleet had climbed to 2.1 gigawatts, with assets in 34 states, districts, territories, and provinces.2 Beyond Mehuls successful expansion of GREC, he has been instrumental in helping to roll out additional investment vehicles for GCM. He has also contributed to the growth of the organization more broadly, in his role on Greenbackers Executive Committee.

Since joining the firm five years ago, Mehuls service and contributions to Greenbacker have been key ingredients in our success, said Charles Wheeler, President of GCM and CEO of GREC. His proven track record of insightful investment decisions has propelled GREC through a period of substantial growth, helping us attain new heights and reach significant milestones. With Mehuls steady leadership, sound judgement, and broad market expertise, the future of Greenbacker is a very bright one. Mehul is assuming the role of CIO from Charles, who remains intimately involved with the companys investment decisions and overall business strategy as President of GCM and CEO of GREC.

Im humbled that the company leadership has placed their trust in me, and Im excited at the opportunities Greenbackers future holds, said Mehul. When I first joined GCM, I was struck by the founders vision: to lead the clean energy transition by bringing Main Street investors into an industry dominated by Wall Street capital. Looking back on all weve accomplished and how much progress weve made, Im proud to continue moving that mission forward.

Mehul joined the company from a position on the Global Renewable Power team at BlackRock, where he structured and executed investments in the North American renewables space. Prior experience in sustainable infrastructure investment also includes UBS, Recurrent Energy, and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where he began his career as an electricity and natural gas options trader. Mehul graduated from NYU with a BA in Mathematics and Economics and received his MBA from the Yale School of Management.

1 Gross investment value (GIV) reflects the fair market value of our investments and cash as reported on GREC's latest quarterly financial statements, as well as project-level debt related to our projects. GIV amounts are unaudited and subject to change.

2 GREC portfolio metrics set forth herein are unaudited estimates and subject to change.

About Greenbacker Capital Management

Greenbacker Capital Management LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser that provides advisory and oversight services related to project development, acquisition, and operations in the renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability industries. For more information, please visit www.greenbackercapital.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from those anticipated at the time the forward-looking statements are made. Although Greenbacker believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it can give no assurance that the expectations will be attained or that any deviation will not be material. Greenbacker undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement contained herein to conform to actual results or changes in its expectations.

Media Contacts:

Greenbacker:

Chris Larson

Senior Writer & Media Communications

847.313.9035

c.larson@greenbackercapital.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4a14743c-73e4-4d38-8901-d1592f978ba4
Washington, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHAT

SBA Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month: Testimonies of Excellence & Pride (Excelencia y Orgullo). The U.S. Small Business Administration will hold a virtual fireside chat to discuss entrepreneurship in the Hispanic community with SBA Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman , Associate Administrator of the Office of Entrepreneurial Development, Mark Madrid, and Bibi Hidalgo, Associate Administrator of the Office of Government Contracting and Business Development. The fireside chat will be followed by a live online panel discussion with Hispanic small business owners about how theyve used critical financial lifelines to help them pivot and overcome adversity during the pandemic.

WHEN

Thursday, October 14, 2021

12:00 p.m.  1:30 p.m. (EDT)

WHO

Isabella Casillas Guzman, SBA Administrator

Mark Madrid, Associate Administrator, SBAs Office of Entrepreneurial Development

Bibi Hidalgo, Associate Administrator, SBAs Office of Government Contracting and Business Development

Ryan Bethencourt, CEO, Wild Earth, Las Vegas, NV

Teresa Razo, CEO and Owner, Cambalache and Villa Roma Argentine and Italian Restaurants, Fountain Valley, CA



HOW

Registration is required. Click here to register or visit

https://sbahispanicheritagemonth.eventbrite.com .

This event will be recorded.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration
NEW YORK, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Questexs International Esthetics, Cosmetics & Spa Conference (IECSC)  a trade show and conference dedicated to spa owners, managers, estheticians, cosmetologists, massage therapists, and other industry professionals  will be held at the Palm Beach Convention Center, October 10-11, 2021. Celebrating its 23rd year in Florida as the leading spa & wellness event, IECSC also takes place annually in New York, Chicago, and Las Vegas.



The 2021 show features 20 business boosting conference classes, such as Using TikTok + Instagram Reels for Beauty, The Importance of CBD and Hemp Skincare, Lash Lift 101, Mastering the Client Consultation, Gaining Confidence in Chemical Peels, and Leveraging Live Video for More Clients.

There is also a six-hour seminar, Your Profitable American Spa, that focuses on how to run a spa successfully. Attendees have access to 34 product focused classes that are included with the purchase of exhibit hall admission, covering topics such as cryotherapy, LED light therapy, microneedling, skincare, facials, and peels.

Over 100 participating companies include new and innovative brands, as well as industry leaders such as Eminence Organic Skin Care, Celluma, Circadia, CryoConcepts, Hush & Hush, HydraFacial, Image Skincare, ORGAID, Procell Therapies, Repechage, SilcSkin, Sorella Apothecary, ToGoSpa, and more.

One of the highlights this year will be Palm Beach County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay joining Jill Birkett, vice president, Wellness Group at Questex, organizer of IECSC, in this years Opening Ceremony ribbon cutting on Sunday, October 10th at 10:00am.

We are very excited to host IECSC Florida in West Palm Beach for the first time and look forward to engaging the spa community with educational workshops, hands on demonstrations on the latest techniques and treatments, and introducing them to over 100 exhibitors on the show floor with the top brands in skincare, said Birkett.

Spa professionals may register to attend via iececflorida.com for this two-day event.

Stay connected to IECSC on Facebook and Instagram (#FLSpaShow).

About IECSC

Produced by Questex, the International Esthetics, Cosmetics and Spa Conferences (IECSC) are for professionals only and reach a wide crosssection of participants from spa and wellness product manufacturers and distributors to spa owners, directors and managers, estheticians, massage therapists, cosmetologists, medical estheticians, and dermatologists. With dynamic trade show floors, in-depth conference programs, and a partnership with America Spa, IECSC events provide the perfect meeting ground for the worlds most elite and qualified spa professionals looking to meet the top skin, cosmetic and wellness companies.



About Questex

Questex brings people together in the markets that help people live better: travel, hospitality and wellness; the industries that help people live longer: life science and healthcare; and the technologies that enable and fuel these new experiences. We live in the experience economy  connecting our ecosystem through live events, surrounded by data insights and digital communities. We deliver experience and real results. It happens here.

Media Contact

Amanda Butcher

Event Marketing Executive

IECSC

abutcher@questex.com

212-895-8276
Washington, DC, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On October 12, Washington Examiner will launch a major new initiative under a website titled Restoring America, promoting patriotic American virtues and values to bring people together for a better future.

The new journalism platform offers readers informative stories and editorials from Washington Examiners trusted journalists and expert contributors, addressing issues of the day, examining our challenges as a country, and exploring the ideals that bring our nation together.

"America succeeded spectacularly and became the most admired nation on Earth because of its culture of freedom guaranteed by its founding idea that people have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. No matter where its people traced their roots, it was once their proudest boast that they were American, said Washington Examiner Editor-in-Chief Hugo Gurdon. America's founding ideas are under attack on many fronts. It is time to restore them where they have been eroded, and stand up for them where they continue to be under assault. That is the way to secure a future as splendid as America's past."

Restoring America, the platform for news, social connectedness and creativity, embraces six pillars:

Patriotism and unity

Faith, freedom, self-reliance

Courage, strength, optimism

Equality not elitism

Community and family

Fairness and justice

America is beautiful because it is a rich fabric woven of brilliant threads representing individuals not bound by oppression, but blessed with life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, added Gurdon. Please visit Restoring America at www.washingtonexaminer.com/RestoringAmerica.

Please contact MediaDC Director of Strategic Communications and Publicity Carly Hagan at chagan@mediadc.com or Zachary Hooper at zhooper@craftdc.com for further information.
CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Athabasca Oil Corporation (TSX: ATH) (Athabasca or the Company) announced today a private placement offering (the Offering) of 350,000 units. Each unit will consist of $1,000 principal amount of senior secured second lien notes due 2026 (each a Note) which bear interest at 9.75% per annum, and one five-year warrant (each Warrant) to purchase 227 common shares (Warrant Shares) at an exercise price of $0.9441 per Warrant Share (representing the 5-day volume weighted average trading price of the Companys common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) ended October 6). The Warrants have a cashless exercise feature to minimize future dilution. Listing of the Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants will be subject to TSX approval. Closing of the Offering is anticipated on or about October 22, 2021. Athabasca will provide a strategic update and corporate guidance incorporating the Offering on closing.



Athabasca intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering, and cash on hand to redeem its US$450 million aggregate principal amount of 9.875% senior secured second lien notes due February 24, 2022 (the 2022 Notes). Athabasca will issue a notice today to conditionally redeem its 2022 Notes at a redemption price of 100.0% of the principal amount of the 2022 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the redemption date. The redemption is expected to be completed on or about November 6, 2021 and is conditioned upon the completion of the Offering. This press release does not constitute notice of the redemption.

Athabasca also announced today that, conditional upon the completion of the Offering and the redemption of the 2022 Notes, it will enter into an amended and restated credit agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions. The amended and restated credit agreement will provide for a C$110 million reserves-based secured credit facility with a maturity date in October 2023. The Company maintains its C$40 million unsecured letter of credit facility that is supported by a performance security guarantee from Export Development Canada.

The Notes, Warrants and Warrant Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants (collectively, the Securities) will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. The Securities have not been and will not be qualified for sale to the public under applicable Canadian securities laws and, accordingly, any offer and sale of the Securities in Canada will be made on a basis which is exempt from the prospectus requirements of such securities laws. The Securities are being offered only to persons reasonably believed to be qualified institutional buyers in the United States under Rule 144A and outside the United States in compliance with Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act and pursuant to certain prospectus exemptions in Canada.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any security and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale in any jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful.

About Athabasca Oil Corporation

Athabasca Oil Corporation is a Canadian energy company with a focused strategy on the development of thermal and light oil assets. Situated in Albertas Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, the Company has amassed a significant land base of extensive, high quality resources. Athabascas common shares trade on the TSX under the symbol ATH. For more information, visit www.atha.com.

For more information, please contact:

Matthew Taylor

Chief Financial Officer

1-403-817-9104

mtaylor@atha.com

Robert Broen

President and CEO

1-403-817-9190

rbroen@atha.com

Reader Advisory:

This News Release contains forward-looking information that involves various risks, uncertainties and other factors. All information other than statements of historical fact is forward-looking information. The use of any of the words anticipate, plan, forecast, continue, estimate, expect, may, will, project, target, should, believe, predict, pursue, potential, view and contemplate and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information. The forward-looking information is not historical fact, but rather is based on the Companys current plans, objectives, goals, strategies, estimates, assumptions and projections about the Companys industry, business and future operating and financial results. This information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information included in this News Release should not be unduly relied upon. This information speaks only as of the date of this News Release and, except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. In particular, this News Release contains forward-looking information pertaining to, but not limited to, the following: the completion, size and other attributes of the Offering; the proceeds and use of proceeds of the Offering; the redemption of the 2022 Notes and the timing thereof; the amendment and restatement our credit agreement and the terms and timing thereof; and other matters. With respect to forward-looking information contained in this News Release, assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the completion of the Offering. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of numerous risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties described in Forward-Looking Statements and Risk Factors included in the Companys Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2020, as filed on SEDAR and available on the Athabasca website at www.atha.com.
LOS ANGELES and SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Theresa Gala, vice president of personal lines, joins Burnham Risk and Insurance Solutions LLC to lead the private client practice.



Gala has 30-plus years of experience in the private risk spacemost recently, 16 years as west coast region manager at Risk Strategies. She led a team of client managers that provided insurance guidance to successful families throughout California. Gala brings unparalleled care and thought leadership to educate and empower high net worth clients and further augment Burnhams private risk team.

I was drawn to Burnham Risks overall approach and commitment to its employees and clients, says Gala, I am excited to continue my passion for providing creative solutions in this tumultuous time and giving families peace of mind.

In Galas role, she will lead Burnham Risks private client practice to enhance its current infrastructure and develop the team further as she creates new solutions for Burnhams private risk clients.

Chief Operating Officer Sara Owens says, "Theresas strong leadership and expertise creating tailor-made risk management and insurance solutions will enhance our Private Client experience at Burnham. With her proven track record of success, strong carrier partnerships, and client-focused approach, Theresa will no doubt move Burnham Risks Private Client to the next level.

ABOUT BURNHAM RISK AND INSURANCE SOLUTIONS, LLC.

Burnham Risk and Insurance Solutions, LLC offers property and casualty consulting, utilizing a unique approach to develop and negotiate tailored risk management plans that protect you and your business. Our expertise, advanced technology solutions, and the ability to put our clients first differentiate us in the industry. Burnham Risks expertise, advanced technology solutions, and client-first approach allow us to provide the best commercial and personal line coverage. For more information, visit www.BurnhamRisk.com.

If you would like more information about Burnham Risk or Theresa Gala, please contact Chief Operating Officer Sara Owens at 213-788-7559 or email owens@burnhamrisk.com.

Contact: Emily PisanoBurnham, a BRP Company Phone: 949.800.4014 Email: pisano@burnhambenefits.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7d92004e-1873-49cb-8067-331946269eed


DALLAS, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ePayResources has announced that the closing keynote speaker for its Executive Payments Summit on Nov. 4, 2021, will be Marisa Walster, VP of Financial Services Solutions at Financial Health Network, an organization uniting industries, business leaders, policymakers, innovators, and visionaries in a shared mission to improve financial health for all. Melissa brings 15 years of experience in corporate strategy, innovation, product management, and consumer insight.

"With two-thirds of people living in America not financially healthy, supporting customers with financial health solutions that drive inclusion and positive outcomes is critical," said Walster. "Discussion around building a financial health strategy that drives success is important for consumers but also your business by improving loyalty, satisfaction, and cross-sell."

"ePay is delighted to partner with Financial Health Network to shed light on the important topic of Financial Inclusion," said Laura Steele, President & CEO of ePayResources. "The ability to send and receive payments is a critical first step, and we are eager to share collaborative strategies that financial institutions can employ."

The Executive Payments Summit, held in person in Dallas, TX, and presented virtually via livestream, is a fast-paced program specifically for executives and senior payments professionals to provide insights into the challenges they face to remain competitive and compliant with current and future priorities in the payments industry. It is specifically formatted to facilitate a strategic understanding of payments industry developments. Event sponsors are The Clearing House, USIO, Affirmative Technologies, ePayAdvisors, Solutions by Text, and Digital Transactions.

In addition to financial inclusion, other topics covered at the conference will include cybersecurity, digital currency, and the challenges of legacy systems. The opening keynote speaker is Lee Wetherington, Senior Director of Strategy, Jack Henry & Associates, who will address payments industry trends in 2021 and beyond. More information and registration can be found at executivepaymentssummit.org.

About ePayResources: ePayResources has been empowering financial institutions and businesses to be informed, compliant, and competitive in payments for almost 50 years. As an innovative Payments Association and a founding sponsor of the Center for Payments, we provide emerging and legacy payments expertise, professional development, and industry leadership through education, publications, compliance support, risk management, and advocacy. Our staff of nationally accredited payments and risk professionals provides situational analysis and response guidance on our Payments Answerline and keeps you informed of industry developments that impact operational processing, fraud detection, and your bottom line. Our subsidiary, ePayAdvisors, provides payments audits and risk assessments and customized payments strategy consulting. Visit epayresources.org and follow us on Twitter (@ePayResources_), LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

CONTACT:

Anne-Marie J. Leake

Director, Marketing

ePayResources

800-475-0585, ext. 1401

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TORONTO, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Element Fleet Management Corp. (TSX: EFN) (Element or the Company), the largest pure-play automotive fleet manager in the world, will hold its third quarter results conference call and webcast for investors and analysts on Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. ET. Elements financial and operating results for the period will be issued after market close on the same Wednesday, November 10, 2021 and will be available on the Companys website at www.elementfleet.com/investors.



The conference call and webcast can be accessed as follows:

Webcast: http://services.choruscall.ca/links/elementfleet20211110.html Telephone: Click here to join the call most efficiently, or dial one of the following numbers to speak with an operator: Canada/USA toll-free: 1-800-319-4610 International: +1-604-638-5340

The webcast will be available on the Companys website for three months thereafter. A taped recording of the conference call may be accessed through December 10, 2021 by dialing 1-800-319-6413 or +1-604-638-9010 and entering the access code 7883.

About Element Fleet Management Corp.

Element Fleet Management (TSX: EFN) is the largest pure-play automotive fleet manager in the world, providing the full range of fleet services and solutions to a growing base of loyal, world-class clients  corporates, governments and not-for-profits  across North America, Australia and New Zealand. Element enjoys proven resilient cash flow, a significant proportion of which is returned to shareholders in the form of dividends and share buybacks; a scalable operating platform that magnifies revenue growth into earnings growth; and an evolving capital-lighter business model that enhances return on equity. Elements services address every aspect of clients fleet requirements, from vehicle acquisition and maintenance to accident recovery and remarketing. Clients benefit from Elements expertise as the largest fleet solutions provider in its markets, offering unmatched economies of scale and insight used to reduce fleet operating costs and improve productivity and performance. For more information, visit www.elementfleet.com/investors.
PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Unite Oregon, a nonprofit organization bringing together immigrants, refugees, people of color, and low-income Oregonians to address racial and economic disparities and improve quality of life in the state, partnered with Motus Recruiting and Staffing, Inc. in selecting Khanh Le as their newest executive director. Khanh Le succeeds Unite Oregon's founder Kayse Jama who served as executive director from 2002 through 2020.

Khanh Le previously worked as the State Director for Main Street Alliance of Oregon, a small business advocacy organization. Prior to returning to Portland, Khanh worked for Congressman Mike Honda in Washington, D.C., and Senator Tim Kaine and on various national and local political campaigns. He holds a master's degree in public policy from Oregon State University with an emphasis on civic and political engagement.

"Over the past five years, Khanh Le helped build Unite Oregon into the diverse statewide organization it is today, with four offices, strong programs, stable funding, and an amazing staff. His innate ability to create a vision and move that vision into action is exactly what we need today in Oregon," said Kayse Jama. "As someone who worked closely with Khanh, I've witnessed his dedication to racial justice, immigrant and refugee rights, and economic opportunity, and climate advocacy, and I know he will lead Unite Oregon with integrity, equity, and inclusion."

Khanh joined the Unite Oregon staff in 2018 as their finance director, but his relationship with the organization, and its predecessor Oregon Action, started decades ago when he first volunteered as a high school student to eventually serving on the board of directors.

"I'm excited to continue the vision and important work of Unite Oregon's former executive director and founder, Senator Kayse Jama, and many community members who have dedicated their energy to the growth of the organization," said Khanh Le. "The last two years, our communities have encountered many extreme hardships from the pandemic, the loss of economic opportunities, housing, and wildfires. Unite Oregon will put forward a bold vision and innovative solutions to tackle climate change, housing crisis, community economic prosperity, and wealth creation."

Khanh started his new role as executive director on Sept. 27, 2021.

About Unite Oregon:

Unite Oregon/Unite Oregon Action was founded in 2002 in the response to anti-Muslim, immigrant, and refugee sentiment in the wake of 9/11. Led by people of color, immigrants and refugees, rural communities, and people experiencing poverty, Unite Oregon works across Oregon to build a unified intercultural movement for justice. Unite Oregon has four chapters and 22,000 members and supporters across the state.

Contact:

Elizabeth McGarry

elizabeth@motusrecruiting.com

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Kelowna, BC, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Avant Brands Inc. (TSX:AVNT) (OTCQX: AVNTBF) (FRA: 1BUP) (Avant or the Company), an award-winning leading producer of handcrafted, high quality cannabis products, is pleased to announce it will release its financial results for the three months ended August 31, 2021 on October 13, 2021 after-market. Management will host a conference call to discuss the financial results for Avant on October 14, 2021 at 5.00pm Eastern Time.



Conference Call

Date: October 14, 2021

Time: 5.00pm Eastern Time

Canada/USA TF: 1-800-319-4610

International Toll: +1-604-638-5340



A transcript of the call will be posted on the Companys website at www.avantbrands.ca within 48 hours of the call.





About Avant Brands

Avant is an innovative, market-leading cannabis brand house. Avant has multiple licenced and operational production facilities across Canada, which produce high-quality, handcrafted cannabis products for our highly desired, and award-winning consumer brands, sold across both recreational and medical channels.



Avants recreational consumer brands includes BLK MKT, Tenzo, Cognoscente and Treehugger, all produced from rare and exceptional cultivars, and sold in British Columbia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, and Yukon. The Companys medical cannabis brand, GreenTec, is distributed nationwide, directly to qualified patients through its GreenTec Medical portal, and through various medical cannabis partners.



Avant is a publicly traded corporation listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: AVNT), and cross-trades on the OTCQX Best Market (OTCQX: AVTBF) and Frankfurt Stock Exchange (FRA: 1BUP). The Company is headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia and has operations in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.



To learn more about Avant, to access the investor presentation, or learn more about its consumer brands, please visit www.avantbrands.ca





Forward-Looking Information



This news release includes certain forward-looking information as defined under applicable Canadian securities legislation, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to future business activities and operating performance. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding: the timing for release of financial results and the related conference call; and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Examples include statements that the Company will operate in a fiscally disciplined manner; build long-term shareholder value; reduce operational expenses; or increase its revenue and gross margins.



Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical fact but instead reflects managements expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the Company. Among the key factors that could causei actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: regulatory and licensing risks; changes in consumer demand and preferences; changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; the global regulatory landscape and enforcement related to cannabis, including political risks and risks relating to regulatory change; compliance with extensive government regulation; public opinion and perception of the cannabis industry; the impact of COVID-19; and the risk factors set out in the Companys annual information form dated March 16, 2021, filed with Canadian securities regulators and available on the Companys profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.



Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speak only as of the date of this news release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.



Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
NEW YORK, Oct. 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --

WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of the securities of The Boston Beer Company, Inc. (NYSE: SAM) between April 22, 2021 and September 8, 2021, inclusive (the Class Period), of the important November 15, 2021 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Boston Beer securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Boston Beer class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2159.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than November 15, 2021. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs Bar. Many of the firms attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Boston Beers hard seltzer sales were decelerating; (2) as a result, Boston Beer was reasonably likely to incur inventory write-offs; (3) Boston Beer was reasonably likely to incur shortfall fees payable to third party brewers; (4) a result of the foregoing, Boston Beers financial results would be adversely impacted; and (5) as a result of the foregoing, defendants positive statements about Boston Beers business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Boston Beer class action, go to http://www.rosenlegal.com/cases-register-2159.html or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investors ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.

Phillip Kim, Esq.

The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.

275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor

New York, NY 10016

Tel: (212) 686-1060

Toll Free: (866) 767-3653

Fax: (212) 202-3827

lrosen@rosenlegal.com

pkim@rosenlegal.com

cases@rosenlegal.com

www.rosenlegal.com
Palm City - Margaret Jan Crandall passed away at home on November 14. Her daughter Martha and her husband Robert were at her side. Jan Crandall, nee Schmults, was born on June 2, 1935, in Barrington, Rhode Island. During WWII, the family lived in Newport where her father, Ernest, worked at t
Goshen, IN (46526)

Today

Windy with a mix of clouds and sun this morning then becoming cloudy this afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 39F. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 29F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.
About The Mexico Cafe

Price range: $11-$30

Mexico Cafe has been proudly serving the Mount Vernon, WA area for more than 40 years. Owned and operated by the Rivas family, our business is dedicated to providing great food and service in a relaxed, kid-friendly atmosphere. Let us be of service to you. At Mexico Cafe, your satisfaction is our top priority.

Accepts:

American Express

Cash

Discover

MasterCard

Visa
Governor Northam Announces Efficiency Efforts Have Saved Virginians $1 Billion in Energy Costs

Virginia is the second state to achieve this milestone

RICHMONDGovernor Northam today announced Virginia has reached more than $1 billion in energy savings through the Virginia Department of Energys Energy Savings Performance Contracting Program. More than 30 states have similar programs, and Virginia is only the second state to accomplish this milestone.

Achieving this impressive level of energy savings shows that Virginia is ready and poised to be a national leader on clean energy, said Governor Northam. Energy efficiency is one of the most cost-effective ways to meet energy needs. These savings are a huge win for sustainability and reaching our ambitious clean energy goals.

Virginia Energys Energy Efficiency and Performance Contracting Support program was created in 2001. Through the program, state agencies, higher education facilities, and other public bodies enter into a contract with an energy services company to significantly reduce energy costs through one or more conservation or operational measures. The cost of the project must equal the projected savings. The program has helped save $1,011,581,170 in energy costs since it was created.

Working closely with state agencies, local governments, utilities, and the private sector, Virginia Energy has administered this important program, helping Virginia establish itself as a national leader in the expansion of energy efficiency, said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. These efforts and others are part of Virginias commitment to clean energy, and I commend Virginia Energy and those that worked with the agency for meeting this outstanding goal.

This significant milestone shows what we can accomplish when our public bodies work together with our vendor community to achieve common goals, said Secretary of Administration Grindly Johnson. Through innovative contracting, strategic management and collaboration, were able to once again show why Virginia is a leader in business and energy efficiency.

Since 2001, Virginia Energy has completed 271 energy efficiency projects: 166 for public bodies, 50 for state agencies, and 55 for higher education systems. The average project value was $3.7 million. Annually, Virginia Energy completes projects totaling an average of $50.5 million. To learn more about the program, click here.

The General Assembly and Virginia Energy saw the rewards of energy efficiency improvements earlycreating an avenue to facilitate those improvements through our agency in 2001, said Virginia Energy Director John Warren. Our team has spent many hours visiting localities throughout the Commonwealth to ensure successful projects, and the results speak for themselves. We are excited to see what the results of the next 20-years of work will be as more public bodies realize the benefits of the program.

This announcement comes on Energy Efficiency Day, designated annually on October 6 and celebrated by a nationwide network of energy efficiency groups and businesses. More than 80,000 Virginians work in the energy efficiency sector in high-skilled, good-paying, clean energy jobs that cannot be outsourced.

# # #
On the Thursday prior to the Turkish Grand Prix Red Bull Racing unveiled a special livery to honour their partnership with Honda. A few hours later the matching race overalls of Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez were also unveiled.

The overalls have the same colours as the special livery: white with red letters. The special livery and overalls were actually meant for the Japanese Grand Prix, but are now used to make a nice homage to Honda in Turkey.

The engine manufacturer will be missed by Red Bull: the team is in their most successful year since working with Honda, but the Japanese engine supplier is leaving the premier class of motor racing after this season. However, they will continue to work with the Austrian racehorse for the time being, supporting them in the transition of the engine project.

Special Honda overalls Verstappen and Perez in view
New research by economic and public policy consulting group M.Cubed finds a proliferation of backup generators across California, with nearly 90% being diesel-fueled, posing significant obstacles to achieving greenhouse gas reduction targets and driving nearly $136 million in annual health costs.

Over the last year, the generator population jumped by 22% in the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD), and by 34% in the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) over the last three years. In 2021, the two districts were collectively home to 23,507 backup generators with a capacity of 12.2 gigawatts (GW)about 15% of Californias entire electricity grid. Of these, 20,907 are diesel-fueled.

Diesel generators release greenhouse gases, particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrous oxides (NO x ) and sulfur dioxide (SO 2 ), harmful pollutants that create smog and exacerbate respiratory conditions.

The report concludes that diesel generators in the South Coast and Bay Area communities alone have 12.2 GW of generation capacity and produce roughly 20 metric tons (MT) of fine particulate matter, 62 MT of VOCs and almost 1,000 MT of haze-inducing NO x annually.

We have long been concerned about the proliferation of diesel backup generators here in the Bay Area, as highlighted in this report. Emissions from these backup generators can harm local residents, regional air quality and the global climate. This is particularly true in communities already overburdened by air pollution and the Air District is actively pursuing regulations to curb this pollution. Jack Broadbent, executive officer of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District

This pollution, in turn, may trigger upwards of $31.8 million in annual health costs in the Bay Area and $103.9 million in South Coast communities, due to increases in mortalities, heart attacks, hospital visits and other adverse consequencesparticularly in vulnerable communities.

This research began when I received a notice that a diesel-fueled generator was being sited near my daughters high school. I never expected to find so many diesel-fueled generators operating in San Francisco and across the state of California, especially so close to where people live, work, and play. For a state leading in climate action, this growing reliance on diesel underscores a disconnect between how were addressing grid reliability, long-term energy affordability, and the ongoing environmental consequences of diesel dependency. M.Cubed partner and lead researcher Steven Moss





California Power Outage Map. BloomEnergy, working with PowerOutage.us, a company that monitors utilities throughout the country, tracked when and where every blackout occurred in California during a sample period from 15 October 2017 to 31 December 2019, and how many customers it impacted, to generate this interactive map. Source: Bloom Energy

Diesel generators tend to be located close to where people live, work and attend school. M.Cubeds study highlights that many of these generators are in communities that the California Environmental Protection Agency identifies as disadvantaged, according to CalEnviroScreen.

It is concerning to see an increased reliance on diesel-fueled generators, particularly when nearly three-quarters of California voters support alternative, non-harmful energy solutions like fuel cells and more than half desire to see diesel generation reduced. We must embrace existing technologies that will make Californias grid cleaner and more resilient, rather than increasing the population of high-polluting power sources that will set us back in meeting crucial emission reduction goals. Marisa Blackshire, senior director of environmental compliance, Bloom Energy

In California, diesel generators are individually permitted by each of the 35 air districts in which they are located, so data on the cumulative population is largely unavailable. Data from individual districts is not aggregated or reported at the state level, and backup generator usage data and permit renewals are self-reported by the operators themselves. As a result, this data remains largely hidden and subject to little regulatory scrutiny.
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GREENWICH  The plans for the largest residential project proposed in central Greenwich in years is set to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission even as concerns are raised about the scope of the proposed structure.

The seven-story building would contain 192 apartments in an 84-foot-tall structure, according to an application recently filed by the development team with the town Planning Department.

The proposal would combine 11 different parcels on 2 acres around 35 Church St. and Sherwood Place, according to the plans.

The structures currently there, which contain the Townhouse Restaurant (formerly Gabrieles), medical offices, a spa, several homes and a dance studio, would be demolished to make way for the new housing structure, according to the application. A nearby parking garage would offer space for 234 cars.

The current proposal, which is in the preapplication phase, would set aside 30 percent of the residential units as affordable housing. The monthly rent has not yet been specified for the building.

The development team behind the proposal is a combination of Eagle Ventures, founded by Greenwich native James Cabrera, and SJP Properties, a regional developer.

According to Chip Haslun, the development teams attorney, the new construction would add diversity to the housing stock and would considerably increase the number of affordable units in Greenwich.

The apartments would serve a segment of the Greenwich population, Haslun said.

Due to its central location, we believe the development will be attractive to those looking to downsize, to young professionals and to workforce employees such as hospital workers, teachers and first-responders, he said. While the planned design is in the early stages, Haslun said, The intent is to create a contextual architectural design that will blend with the adjacent Fourth Ward neighborhood.

Neighbors are already raising concerns about the scale of the large apartment project. A nearby neighbor, Nancy Freeman, wrote to the Planning Commission to voice her vehement opposition to the plan.

I believe a building seven-stories high does not fit the character of a small town and would affect the character and safety of the neighborhood. ... The traffic in my neighborhood is already very dangerous, and I have trouble pulling out of my apartment complex safely, she said.

Many nearby neighbors had also opposed the proposed construction of a Greenwich Hospital cancer unit on nearby Lake Avenue, which was turned down by the planning commission this summer.

The commission is expected to undertake a short preliminary review of the application at its meeting Oct. 13.

rmarchant@greenwichtime.com
In the past three weeks, I have been to one wedding and three funerals, the last of which required me to travel to England for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Setting aside the existential implications such a lineup might have on a metaphysically inclined pandemic mother-of-three, I cant stop thinking about how my three funerals and a wedding sounds like an absurd antipode to Four Weddings and a Funeral, a 1994 movie that perfectly captured the US/UK lovefest that defined the end of the 20th century.

Granted, only one of my four events took place in England  but the comparison was striking.

So I watched Four Weddings and a Funeral on my flight back from England, jet-lagged and exhausted from my three funerals and a wedding. And the whole thing freaked me out.

In Four Weddings and a Funeral, Andie MacDowell runs around the UK, dazzling Brits with her homegrown American charm at bucolic English weddings. Three Funerals and a Wedding involves me wearing a motorcycle helmet and ramming British people at a memorial held in London earlier this week. I was sure someone was exaggerating, until a friend texted me a video of the whole thing.

Grief affects people differently, a British friend told me kindly, as I rewatched the video in horror. (To be fair, it was a kind of wild night.)

But as I sat there watching Andie MacDowell twirl around with handsome British men, it occurred to me that my present-day version of Four Weddings and a Funeral was a dark, twisted pandemic inversion of the 1994 film. Andie MacDowell is replaced by a woman who looks like she has her hand permanently inserted in an electrical socket, charging at people randomly in a world where funerals outdo the weddings three to one.

Different times; Andie MacDowell was frolicking amid the backdrop of a booming past with Hugh Grant  while Three Funerals and a Wedding has me floundering against a backdrop of an unprecedented global pandemic, loss and masked celebrations. Its like comparing The Sound of Music to Les Miserables. Even the rain could not damper Andie and Hughs love; Is it raining? I hadnt noticed, she coos in his ear during the films finale. I mean, please.

And then theres the whole American-in-England trope, which is lovely and quasi-paternal in good times, but can get prerevolutionary fast when darkness is nigh. One could claim my helmet-ramming was a manifestation of continental fury at the motherlands endless nasal swabs up my colonial nostrils. Ive never had more COVID tests in the span of five days, and the way in which they were administered was anything but paternal.

We dont do it like that in America, I told the nurse who swabbed me at Heathrow Airport. I was sure she got some of my cerebral cortex in the process; the length of time she kept her swab up my nostril rivaled the time it took Parliament to resolve Brexit.

In 1995, Hugh Grants enthusiasm for American women took a detour when he was arrested after picking up a prostitute off Sunset Boulevard. Yet he and his British accent came back strong in Richard Curtiss Notting Hill (another American UK lovefest) and Love Actually, where Grants performance as a prime minister lip-syncing The Pointer Sisters had America in love all over again.

But now its more Pandemic Actually. Words like quarantine and lateral flow fit to fly tests welcome Americans visiting Britain these days  amid funerals, vaccination wars and immunity cards.

In the late 1990s, Britain had affirmed the U.S. as its most important bilateral partnership as evidenced by aligned politics, trade, commerce and joint combat operations.

The Earth held itself differently back then, I think, as I look out the window of my JFK-bound flight VS045.

Andie MacDowell was dancing through Dorset before the wildfires, heat strokes, tornadoes and hurricanes got completely out of whack. Of course she was wholesome, I think, from my 2-foot-square economy seating  which would have been much bigger in 1994 when the income gap wasnt so wide.

And all at once Im William Shatner in The Twilight Zone  only its not a Gremlin I see on the airplanes wing, its Andie MacDowell and Hugh Grant.

What is happening? Everything is upside down, the planet itself is dying, nothing makes sense.  And then something shifts.

Perhaps it was turbulence, but suddenly I realize how much has happened so quickly.

Jim, Dan, Marc  all the memorials I had been to in a short time span. Jims twinkly eyes, Dans laugh, Marcs voice  all gone, all so loved. Poems, memories and toasts, while loved ones looked on with distant eyes.

Thank you so much for your words, they say.

And Im so glad I was there.

My Swedish friend marries an Indian American, and we celebrate; hearts busting open behind face masks. Quotes from Rilke and Buechner, while loved ones looked on with joyful eyes.

Thanks for the readings, they tell me.

And Im so glad I was there.

The 1990s are far behind us; so much has changed. Im not sure anything would make sense if we could rewind the clock. Its like weve seen too much now; were like Macbeth midway through  no use turning back. Loss and love are still with us, but were a bit darker for the wear.

And as if on cue, Andie and Hugh take their leave from my in-flight screen, the credits roll and the captain tells us were 200 nautical miles from JFK.

And just like that, I realize Im home.

And Im so glad Im here.

Claire Tisne Haft is a former publishing and film executive, raising her family in Greenwich while working on a freelance basis on books and films. She can be reached through her website at clairetisnehaft.com.
The governors of New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey on Thursday joined Gov. Ned Lamont in announcing a regional effort to stem gun violence through better sharing of the federal firearms-registration data base.

The initiative comes at a time when shootings in Hartford, Waterbury, Bridgeport and New Haven are on the rise during the last year and a half in the COVID pandemic. Statewide, gun crimes are down slightly in Connecticut.

I want to go after Big Guns, so to speak, Lamont said during a 12-minute announcement led by New Jersey Phil Murphy, stressing that by sharing information that is currently available only to individual states will make it easier to track and trace criminal activity.

COVID doesnt know state borders and neither do guns, Lamont said. Talking just about gun violence, its a symptom of so much more that is going on in this COVID and post-COVID world, the isolation, the quarantine, what thats done in terms of stress, what thats done in terms of extreme activities going on in our schools, in our streets. And guns exacerbate that.

Lamont joined Murphy, Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York, and Gov. Tom Wolf of Pennsylvania  all Democrats  in an online news conference to announce the multi-state initiative effort. Murphy is in a tight race for reelection in November.

The four state leaders signed a memorandum of understanding to share information they receive from the F.B.I. on the flow of firearms, which mostly come to the Northeast from Florida, South Carolina and Georgia.

This is a coalition that should grow and will grow, Murphy said during the virtual event in which no questions were taken from reporters.

Late Thursday night, Jen Psakis press secretary, issued a statement from the White House praising the four-state effort.

This data-sharing agreement recognizes the reality that firearms cross state lines, and we therefore need a multijurisdictional approach to tackling gun violence, Psaki said in a statement. President Biden shares these governors commitment to cross-state collaboration to tackle the gun violence public health epidemic.

Under the new, five-year regional agreement, Connecticut State Police would share gun-tracing information with the other states. After the announcement, Lamont said it would also require better information sharing between local police agencies and the four different state police agencies.

A lot of these things are better in collaboration and thats what were doing, Lamont said, using the hypothetical of a handgun that has been recovered after a crime. We can find that weapon that been cast aside. We can see who sold it it to whom. We can do an immediate DNA test. So within an hour or two what information we can on who that shooter is, we can share that data as part of a centralized data base. Look, that person goes from Waterbury down to Westchester and now Kathy Hochuls team has a little more intel on who to go after.

By sharing that information with the other states, law enforcement could better trace the origin of weaponry. If we see what the origin of that gun, or guns like that may have, we can trace that back, hopefully, to the Big Kahuna thats been selling these things.

Jeremy Stein, executive director of CT Against Gun Violence, said that while he is supportive of the new regional effort, the larger issue is to stop firearms-related events. He wondered why Lamont hasnt allocated $12 million the General Assembly has approved for an advisory council focused on fighting gun violence.

Tracing firearms from one state to another is great, but that occurs only after the shooting happens, Stein said. We would like money spent on gun violence prevention and intervention rather than concentrating on law and order. The governors actions seem to go back to law enforcement time and time again. Prevention, intervention and aftercare are needed to solve this problem.

Out-of-state sources are responsible for about 50 percent of the guns seized in Connecticut, while Wolf said that 85 percent of firearms involved in crimes in his state originate from other states, with about a quarter of them traced back to Florida, South Carolina and Georgia. Unlike New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, which have some of the tightest gun regulations in the nation, Pennsylvania does not regulate private sales of firearms.

In 2018, governors in Northeastern states , including then-Gov. Dannel P. Malloy of Connecticut, announced plans to look into the causes of gun violence, creating a regional consortium. The goals of the research included ways to discourage the trafficking of firearms across state borders. That effort was supported by New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Delaware and Puerto Rico, and was driven by then-Gov. Mario Cuomo of New York.

At the federal level, bills such as an expansion of the so-called red flag laws and an omnibus gun safety act, which would have required universal background checks, have generally failed amid opposition from Republicans, who say existing laws and gun purchasing procedures are not being followed.

Stein, at CT Against Gun Violence, wondered whether there is adequate staff for Connecticut to participate in the new four-state compact.

We also have to be looking at the demand for the guns, Stein said. As long as there are states like Florida and Georgia with no permit needed to purchase guns, people will be able to access them.

kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT
Google is ready to announce the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro on Tuesday October 19 as confirmed this week by the company. As we approach the launch of the new Pixels, a German retailer's promotional flyer reveals that the price of the Pixel 6 in Germany will be 649.

Seems like the German Retailer "Mediamarkt" spilled the beans on the Pixel 6 and confirms the 649 Price.

Source: https://t.co/H2wXIX8Lz4 pic.twitter.com/SvZMZiYIdL  Nils Ahrensmeier (@NilsAhrDE) October 6, 2021

The promotional materials for German retailer Saturn outline a pre-order promotion for the Pixel 6. If the device is pre-ordered through Saturn between October 19 and October 27, buyers will be eligible to receive a free pair of Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.



Pixel 6  Pixel 6 Pro

This price point is in line with a recent rumor regarding the Pixel 6, which was said to go for 649. The Pixel 6 Pro was rumored to start at 899, but the promotional materials from Saturn don't explicitly mention the 6 Pro's price. Google has not yet confirmed the Pixel 6 or 6 Pro's pricing, but it will do so in two weeks.

Source
Unlocked Galaxy Z Flip3 and Fold3 get October 2021 security patch in the US, international S20 units get it too

Samsung released the October 2021 Android security patch for the Galaxy Z Flip3 and Galaxy Z Fold3 last month in South Korea, which is now rolling out for the unlocked units of the two phones in the US.

The new updates for the Galaxy Z Flip3 and Galaxy Fold3 come with version F711U1UES2AUI5 and F926U1UES1AUI5, respectively. And while we don't have their changelogs yet, the new builds might bring the virtual RAM feature to both smartphones in addition to the privacy and security-related fixes.

Galaxy Z Fold3 with Galaxy Z Flip3

In addition to the Galaxy Z smartphones, Samsung also released the October 2021 security update for the international Galaxy S20, S20+, and S20 Ultra with firmware version G98xxXXUBDUI5.

The update for the international S20 trio is currently seeding in Germany, but the rollout should expand to other regions soon.

If you haven't received the October 2021 update on your Galaxy Z Flip3/Z Fold 3/S20 trio yet, you can head to the phone's Settings > Software update menu to check for it manually.

Via 1, Via 2
The Galaxy Z Flip3 and Galaxy Z Fold3 are offered in multiple colors and you also have the option to buy their Thom Browne Edition, which will be soon joined by Wooyoungmi Edition.

Wooyoungmi is a South Korean menswear clothing brand launched by designer Youngmi Woo in Paris in 2002. Neither Samsung nor Youngmi have divulged anything about the Wooyounmi Edition of the Galaxy Z Flip3 and Galaxy Z Fold3 yet, but a few pictures posted on Twitter give us an idea of what to expect from these special edition smartphones.

The images tell us that the Galaxy Z Flip3 will come in black color along with a protective case, a leather carrying case, and other accessories. The Z Fold3 also comes with a phone case, in addition to a holster for the S Pen Pro, but the pictures don't reveal the phone's color.



Galaxy Z Flip3 and Galaxy Z Fold3 Wooyoungmi Edition

We don't know when Samsung will release the Wooyoungmi Edition, but chances are its home country South Korea will get it first.

Source (in Korean) | Via
A few days later than expected, but Samsungs third generation foldables have reached the 1 million sales mark in South Korea. This happened on Wednesday, says Samsung (analysts were predicting that million will be achieved last weekend).

It has been a little over a month since the Galaxy foldables launched in their home market. Only Samsungs greatest hits  the Galaxy Note10 and the Galaxy S8 series - were faster in getting to 1 million sales in their home market.

The Galaxy Z Flip3 makes up the bulk of the sales, accounting for 70% of the total. The other 300,000 units were the Galaxy Z Fold3. The cheaper Flip is at the right price point while also offering a brand new experience not possible with a similarly-priced Galaxy S21 phone.

More than half (54%) of Z Flip3 buyers were millennials or from Generation Z, says Samsung. This also means that folks born in the 80s or earlier are also buying foldable phones, meaning they appeal to all ages.

And Samsung wants to keep the gravy train rolling, so it is extending the trade-in program to October 31. Koreans can hand over their old phone to reduce the price of the new Z Flip3 or Z Fold3 and this includes trading in an iPhone XS or XR.

Source
Tastes change, trends come and go, but a well crafted drink is timeless.

Though they may still be rare, excellent craft cocktails are cropping up in bars and restaurants throughout Guam. Slowly but surely, people are turning away from hyper sugary, synthetic mixes and opting instead for fresh ingredients, quality spirits, and bartenders with in depth knowledge to get their buzz on.

According to Smithsonian Magazine, craft cocktails as we know them have their roots in Prohibition-era efforts to make bootleg liquors palatable.

Many of the drinks considered classics, such as the Bees Knees and The Last Word, were born out of the need to mask the flavor of funky, home-made gin.

The full history of craft cocktails is rich and reaches back hundreds of years, but they fell out of favor in the mid-20th century as World War II, industrial mixes, and efficiency took center stage.

In the 1990s, Manhattan bartenders Dale Degroff and Sasha Petraske spearheaded a revival, which has slowly trickled from luxury metropolitan bars to bars and restaurants across the country and around the world.

In short, bartenders and consumers alike have begun to think as critically about their drinks as they do about their dining. The best innovations find their footing in classic principles, and value is placed on the artisanal, the creative, and the balanced.

Guam bartenders have been steadily growing their arsenal of drinkable works of art; all we have to do is pull up a stool and order them.

In a new series in Lifestyle, well be exploring Guams craft cocktail scene  where its been, where its going, and where we should be drinking as it moves along.

First up, we take a look at a relatively new spot on scene, La Cantina at The Tsubaki Tower. See story online at guampdn.com.
After many years of waiting, a sacred burial ground for the re-internment of ancestral remains found on Guam might transition from plan to reality if legislation that received public hearing on Thursday is successful.

The burial ground, or Naftan I Manaina-ta, was authorized by law in 1992, but the land wasnt identified December 2016.

Due to lack of funding, over 3,000 ancestral remains have been disturbed from their original resting placed, disinterred due to military, local and private development, said Sen. Joe San Agustin. who introduced Bill 187, which would provide $3.5 million to the State Historic Preservation Office to develop the site.

Guams State Historic Preservation Officer Patrick Lujan said many of the remains had been unearthed and remained on shelves for more than 100 years.

A 5-acre plot for the burial ground was identified at Ypao Point in Tumon, overlooking the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa. Lujan said the site would incorporate a shrine: Its meant for a solemn time: reflection, prayer. Remains would be placed in tombs that correspond with the ancient village where they were unearthed. The design phase for the site was completed in September.

Lujan requested an additional $300,000, to assist the preservation agency with completing a final inventory of the remains, a majority of which are housed at the Guam Museum.

The current law requires that remains discovered before 1989 be reinterred as close as possible to where they were unearthed. Lujan said there needed to be consideration to include those remains.

Sen. Mary Camacho Torres asked whether the proposed legislation accommodates future discoveries of ancestral remains. Lujan responded that was a gray area that would be addressed as the inventory of current remains are addressed.

Other agreement

According to Sen. Telo Taitague, the Department of Parks and Recreation had signed an agreement with a company called Ancestral Lands LLC in Oct. 2018 to build the burial ground at no cost.

That letter has been a topic of discussion with Land Management and so forth, Lujan said, though he didnt want to speak on it as he was a not a part of the agreement. Im not sure if that is possible route.

Taitague said she supported Bill 187s intent but questioned the funding source, which depended on the governments ability to secure federal reimbursement for GovGuams payout of the Earned Income Tax Credit.

The reality is the money is not in our hands at this time, she said.

San Agustin has said he believes the money will be reimbursed based on his interpretation federal law.
The island continues to average around a 13% positivity rate for all COVID-19 tests, as it has over the past month, according to Territorial Epidemiologist Ann Pobutsky during a COVID-19 brief on Oct. 7.

Daily positives recently saw a slight dip, but the island was still well more than 100 per day. The Department of Public Health and Social Services reported on Oct. 7 that there were 138 new cases of COVID-19 out of 1,283 tests performed on Oct. 6, placing Guams current CAR score at 27.7. Out of those cases, 29 were identified through contact tracing.

Were still in a surge. Were not going to say were out of a surge until were below 25 cases per day, Pobutsky said.

Hospitalizations

While hospitalized cases had been decreasing over the past month, intensive care units continued to be full, she stated. There were 60 people hospitalized on Oct. 7, down from a high of 85 on Sep. 17, according to the Joint Information Center. At Guam Memorial Hospital, there were 37 hospitalized, 13 in the ICU and eight on ventilators. At Guam Regional Medical City, there were 21 hospitalized, three in the ICU and two on ventilators. As for the U.S. Naval Hospital, two are currently hospitalized and one on a ventilator.

Breakthroughs

Breakthrough cases among the fully vaccinated continued to be about 45% of all positives. The lag time between people being fully vaccinated and getting a subsequent positive test was around four months, she said.

Thats a shorter time than the six months after full vaccination that the Centers for Disease Control recommends for a booster shot.

Younger people were actually a larger portion of breakthrough cases, Pobutsky added, possibly because they are of working age and have more chances for exposure.

Its also been reported by the Joint Information Center, that younger people are also finding themselves hospitalized. Of the 60 people currently hospitalized, five are pediatric admissions. The ages of the admissions are a day old, two days old, one month old, 22-months-old, and 8-years-old. The Leon Guerrero administration recently released a video encouraging parents to get vaccinated for the safety of their children.

As for deaths among vaccinated people, 10 out of 81 recent deaths, or 12.3% were breakthrough cases. All of those were people who were elderly or have underlying medical conditions.

Pregnancy

Dr. Annette David recommended during the briefing that pregnant women continue to be vaccinated, as the virus posed a greater threat to them.

Pregnancy puts a woman at much higher risk of severe COVID and death  a pregnant woman has about twice the likelihood of developing severe COVID and about 70% (higher) chance of dying from COVID as compared to someone who is not pregnant.

Worries about adverse reactions to the vaccine were contradicted by the roughly 200,000 pregnant woman who have safely received the vaccine.

So the overwhelming evidence is that these vaccines are safe in pregnancy. Of course, women have to make this decision in in conjunction with their physicians, she stated.
Adrienne Loerzel, NAVFAC Marianas forest enhancement program manager at Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz, wearing a yellow vest, provides information during a June 17 visit to the Camp Blaz North Finegayan Forest Enhancement Site. The visit, by participants of the Marianas Terrestrial Conservation Conference, allowed them to learn more about the innovative conservation efforts being researched at the Finegayan Forest Enhancement Site. The military announced plans to remove invasive plants and animals from the site and transplant indigenous plant species.
The number of residents requesting continuation of rental assistance jumped more than 300% from August to September, according to a government official.

In September, 216 people requested an extension of funding from the Emergency Rental Assistance program compared to 50 in August, according to Viki Lindlau from the Department of Administration.

She provided the information during the Interagency Council for Coordinating Homelessness Programs meeting Thursday.

I guess it is because of PUA folks are saying I still need help, Lindlau said, attributing the increase to the end of Pandemic Unemployment Assistance weeks earlier.

The Emergency Rental Assistance program is designed to help families having difficulty paying rent and utilities because their households were financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

An additional 600 applications have been received for the program since it expanded on Sept. 6.

Additional funding for the program allowed for paying security deposits; relocation costs; payments to secure a lease if there are barriers for tenants; and past arrears from previous addresses.

Payments are made directly to the utility agencies and landlords.

To apply for the program, download forms at doa.guam.gov and submit them to era@doa.gov.

Housing vouchers

During the meeting, Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority Executive Director Ray Topasna also noted that 19 of 87 available emergency Section 8 housing vouchers have been issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Five of those recipients have found houses, Topasna said.

Grants available

Residents and organizations are invited to apply for grant money to create new programs for permanent housing and housing support services, according to Guam Homeless Coalition Chairwoman Samantha Taitano.

The programs aim to help those who are experiencing homelessness and domestic violence.

More information on the Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Grants funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development can be found at guamhomelesscoalition.org under Announcements.

The deadline to submit an application is Oct. 15. Those interested in applying can contact Amor Say at (671) 475-1406 or amsay@ghura.org.
After its debut at the Isla Center for the Arts, The Spirit of Budo: The History of Japans Martial Arts is now open to the public at the Guam Museum in Hagatna.

The free exhibit traces the origins of Japanese martial arts in battlefield combat, known as bujutsu, through their evolution to contemporary sports, and the development of the idea that physical movement can positively impact ones mind and spirit, known as budo.

Budo is not only a sport, its more than just sport. And its a way of life, Japanese life. And you know, in Japan, its very important, we attach importance to harmony, respect to other people  This is one of the bases of Japanese culture and Japanese style, said Kobayashi Toshiaki, after a ribbon cutting for the exhibit and a guided tour on Oct. 7.

The traveling exhibit is presented by The Japan Foundation and the Consulate-General of Japan in Hagatna, with support from the Guam Nikkei Association and the Guam Museum. Parts of this exhibit were previously available at the Isla Center for the Arts on the University of Guam campus.

There are a stunning array of items on display in the exhibit. Most are ornate and the practical design of each speaks to the ingenuity of their creators. Gerry Dizon designed the exhibit, which leads viewers through the evolution of warfare to contemporary martial arts.

The first part is the ancient portion of Japans martial arts, which spans I think from the ninth century up until the late 19th century. So theres replicas of certain items, but they are to the design of what would have been during that era. Theres swords in there from the 18th and 19th century, and then other items, theres helmets, and then theres armor, weaponry, Dizon said.

And then the second part focuses on the modern martial arts, of when Japan decided to take their martial arts and make it become a sport. And so theres items in there for judo, kendo, which is what is practiced today.

Luis Cabral II is a lifelong martial arts enthusiast. He has studied various forms for years, teaches a style known as Icho Ryu Aikijujutsu, has trained in sword work, and is rebuilding parts of a traditional sword himself. He is lending some of his personal items to the exhibit, and is impressed by the artifacts and replicas on display.

To me, these are fantastic works of art. Some of these might be replicas, but to me, the way they were built, as far as Im concerned, these are works of art, Cabral said.

Beyond the focus on budo and Japanese martial arts, the exhibit connects to the history of Guam by presenting a look into ancient CHamoru warfare. Michael Lujan Bevacqua is the curator at the Guam Museum, and he described how CHamoru warfare tactics have experienced their own evolution over time.

One of the big things the Spanish write about is that CHamoru men would wrestle at their parties, sort of in front of all of the leaders of different families and villages. And we see that theres a tradition that continues today  even though we dont know a lot of the details of that fighting style  that today, mixed martial arts, wrestling, grappling, these are all big things for CHamorus nowadays.

Guam and Japan have a long and complex relationship, very much alive today through our tourism industry. As vaccination rates in Japan increase, Guam looks forward to rekindling the once robust travel to and from our northern neighbor. Bevacqua hopes the exhibit and its focus on culture and values can help to shift what that relationship is built upon.

This can help deepen our understanding of each other. And thats always very important, because especially when youre talking about developing like, a strong tourism industry, again, part of that comes from understanding each other and developing a respect, you know, a real relationship between your cultures, not just one thats based on American fast food or shopping, Bevacqua said.

This exhibit beautifully demonstrates how a contemporary mindset can trace its centuries old roots into the rich history of Japan, but budo is hardly a thing of the past. In fact, Toshiaki himself has a present and personal connection.

When I was a university student, I used to practice kyudo, Japanese archery. I was the captain of Japanese Kyudo Club. So since then, most of 40 years have passed. Budo is not daily life for me right now, but I have never lost the spirit of budo  the respect to other people, and self control. These cultural aspects gave a great influence to me, Toshiaki said.
George R. Tweeds 1945 book Robinson Crusoe USN wasnt really written by Tweed. It was ghostwritten by journalist Blake Clark, based off of 




Haiti - NOTICE : Partial scholarships from Russia, registrations open





The Ministry of Foreign Affairs bring to the attention of those interested that the Government of the Russian Federation has decided to grant scholarships to Haitian students wishing to continue their studies in Russia for the academic year 2022-2023.



Requirements :



- Be under the age of 22;



- Have completed secondary studies with a minimum of 7.60 / 10 average in the BAC II or the single Bac;



- Be of Haitian nationality and hold a valid passport;



- Have the extract from the archives of their birth certificate, their secondary school diploma and their legalized transcripts;



- Hold a medical certificate issued by an institution recognized by the Ministry of Public Health;



- Provide twelve (12) recent ID photos;



- Have the capacity to finance the costs of transport and preparation of documentation;



It should be noted that the scholarships are not complete and therefore do not cover the costs of travel, visa, processing of files, transmission of documents and homologation of diplomas to the Russian Embassy in Caracas, (Venezuela). All these costs are the responsibility of each applicant.



Applications will be received at the Chancellery, located at 5A Musseau, Delmas 60, until Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.



The date of the competition is set for October 23, 2021.



For more information, those interested can call : + (509) 2816-7021



or write to one of the following email addresses:

directionculturellcmae@yahoo.fr

cultural.maec@diplomntie.ht



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - FLASH : The supplementary indictment accusing the PM has mysteriously disappeared





On Wednesday at a press conference Me Renan Hedouville, Citizen Protector of the OPC ,National Independent State Institution for the promotion and protection of human rights reiterated that the Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, constitutes a major obstacle in the pursuit of the investigation into the assassination of President Jovenel Moise by a commando of foreign mercenaries helped in their dirty work by several Haitians.



He recalled in a document dated the same day that as part of the investigation into this crime, "[...] more than forty people have already been arrested by the National Police of Haiti (PNH). Other individuals from different sectors (political, religious, legal, commercial) cited in this file and prosecuted by the Police are on the run" citing as an example "Wendelle Coq Thelot, John Joel Joseph, Felix Badio, Gerald Bataille, Paul Denis, Gerard Forges Janvier, Samir Handall..."



He considers that one of the major obstacles to the investigation which should lead to the trial of all the alleged assassins (sponsors, intellectual authors and material authors) is and remains the de facto Prime Minister, Dr Ariel Henry, considered to be one of the main suspects in connection with the assassination of President Moise, citing a series of charges



"[...]

a) On August 4, 2021, during a radio and television broadcast on Scoop FM, Prime Minister Ariel Henry, responding to a question from star journalist Gary Pierre Paul Charles on the dossier of the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, a declared that Joseph Felix Badio (one of the alleged assassins cited in this file) cannot commit such a crime...



b) In the meantime, information conveyed led to believe that the de facto Prime Minister, Dr Ariel Henry and Joseph Felix Badio were in contact before and after the assassination of the Head of State.



c) The Prime Minister's Communication Office rejected these allegations because, claiming that the Prime Minister never spoke with Joseph Felix Badio.



4. The revelations of the Digiciel company confirming the contacts between Ariel Henry and Joseph Felix Badio [...] Information made public by Digicel and relayed by the press confirms that, "shortly after the assassination of President Jovenel Moise, ie on the 7th July 2021, Ariel Henry and Joseph Felix Badio had a 3-minute telephone conversation around 4:03 am According to GPS data, Ariel Henry was located in Montana and Badio in Pelerin, at the scene of the crime. 17 minutes later, at 4:20 am, the two men spoke for 4 minutes."



The Government Commissioner, in order to clarify these suspicious revelations, invited Prime Minister Ariel Henry, to the Public Prosecutor's Office on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, in order to verify the content of the aforementioned conversations for a possible additional indictment to be sent to the Judge in charge of the investigation in this case https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34762-haiti-justice-phone-call-with-badio-the-pm-does-not-remember.html



In particular trampling on the principle that "no one is above the law", the Prime Minister refused to provide explanations to the Government Commissioner and shunned the invitation of the Chief Prosecutor.



Displaying fascist behavior, he dismissed the Government Commissioner on September 13, 2021, then the Minister of Justice, Me Rockefeller Vincent, to replace them with men in his pay with the idea of hiding the truth."



Adding that "The supplementary indictment prepared by Commissioner Bed Ford Claude, requesting the indictment of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, has disappeared or has been removed from the file https://www.haitilibre.com/article-34746-haiti-flash -the-Prime-Minister-threat-of-indictment-and-forbidden-to-leave-the-territory.html 



Stressing "before his arbitrary dismissal by the Prime Minister indexed, Commissioner Bed Ford Claude had time to transfer to the dean of the Court of First Instance the supplementary indictment requesting the indictment of Prime Minister Ariel Henry to be sent to the office of the Judge Instructor, Me Gary Orelien. However, this correspondence bearing the number 0635-09/20-21, dated September 14, 2021 notification of receipt, is not at the seat of Judge Instructor Gary Orelien. It also disappeared in a mysterious way."



Me Renan Hedouville also criticizes the complacent attitude of a fringe of the international community "[...] which supports a Prime Minister decried and indexed in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise [...] By supporting the unbearable, part of the international community hhttps://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34260-haiti-flash-turnaround-of-core-group-in-favor-of-the-pm-named-ariel-henry.html implicitly encourages the Prime Minister in fact, Ariel Henry in his attempts to further weaken the investigation into the assassination of President Jovenel Moise exposed to major challenges.



Based on these findings, the OPC, "renews its request to the UN Special Investigation Commission to support Judge Gary Orelien in charge of the case and recommends that the international community avoid becoming an accomplice of Prime Minister Ariel Henry."



Read also on the assassination of President Moise :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34928-haiti-flash-martine-moise-heard-by-examining-magistrate-garry-orelien-video.html







Haiti - FLASH : Martine Moise heard by examining magistrate Garry Orelien (Video)

07/10/2021 09:23:54



Haiti - FLASH : Martine Moise heard by examining magistrate Garry Orelien (Video)

On Wednesday October 6, the former First Lady Martine Moise, protected by her heavily armed foreign bodyguards and a large escort of the Haitian National Police (PNH), went to the Courthouse of Port-au- Prince, to be heard as a witness, by the examining magistrate Garry Orelien, in the context of the assassination of her husband, President Jovenel Moise. Several dozen supporters of the late President Moise came to show their support for Martine Moise.



"Today, October 6, I was in the cabinet to answer questions from the judge to see how the investigation into the death of President Jovenel Moise can advance. I answered all the questions, just under 80 questions over three to four clock hours," Martine Moise told the media following her hearing.



She announced that she had become a Civil Party "because I want the investigation to advance and succeed [...] All we want, all we are waiting for is that justice be done" affirming that forever she will ask justice to be done for Jovenel Moise. Regarding the investigation she cannot say if it is on the right track, as the fact-finding investigation is just beginning, she recalled. In addition, she encouraged all those who have information to participate in the invstigation "If someone has information about a person who is the subject of a warrant, a search notice, share the info."







Let's recall that 3 months after the assassination of the President in his resident on August 7, 2021, we still do not know who are the sponsors and the reason for this attack, during which no police officer responsible for the protection of the President was injured. A total of 44 people, including 18 Colombians and two Americans of Haitian descent, were arrested in connection with the investigation and several others are on the run and are actively sought.



Following his statements to the media, his security agents drove Martine Moise in a vehicle of the procession which quickly left the area of the capital which the gangs have controlled for several months.



Read also on the assassination of President Moise :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34835-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34739-haiti-flash-the-pm-dismisses-the-minister-of-justice-the-government-commissioner-and-the-sg-of-the-council-of-ministers.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34714-haiti-flash-the-prosecution-wants-to-hear-pm-henry-in-connection-with-the-assassination-of-the-president.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34567-haiti-flash-new-investigating-judge-in-the-assassination-of-president-moise.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34351-haiti-flash-all-the-arrested-colombian-ex-soldiers-were-aware-of-a-plan-to-kill-president-moise.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34339-haiti-flash-official-report-by-dimitri-herard-on-the-assassination-of-president-moise.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34331-haiti-flash-arrest-of-the-presidential-security-coordinator-jean-laguel-civil.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34299-haiti-flash-7-of-the-colombians-arrested-had-received-american-military-training.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34296-haiti-flash-the-company-which-participated-in-the-financing-of-the-operation-knew-nothing-about-the-assassination-of-president-moise.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34283-haiti-flash-follow-up-of-investigations-into-the-assassination-of-president-moise-video.html



https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34278-haiti-national-funeral-note-from-the-first-lady-martine-moise.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34265-haiti-news-zapping.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34250-haiti-flash-according-to-colombia-in-the-commando-only-a-few-knew-about-the-assassination-of-president-moise.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34238-haiti-flash-monitoring-of-investigations-into-the-assassination-of-president-jovenel-moise.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34225-haiti-notice-the-pnh-is-looking-for-3-dangerous-and-armed-individuals-including-a-former-senator.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34223-haiti-justice-the-dg-of-the-colombian-police-wonders-about-the-role-of-the-chief-of-security-of-president-moise.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34220-haiti-politic-creation-of-the-organizing-committee-for-the-national-funeral-of-president-moise-text-of-the-decree.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34218-haiti-flash-wanted-notice-for-a-very-dangerous-colombian-mercenary.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34217-haiti-flash-the-white-house-does-not-rule-out-sending-troops-to-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34214-haiti-assassination-of-president-a-colombian-team-in-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34212-haiti-politic-a-large-american-delegation-in-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34210-haiti-flash-arrest-of-one-of-the-intellectual-authors-of-the-assassination-of-president-moise-and-an-attempted-coup.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34205-haiti-flash-statements-and-testimony-from-colombia-about-the-commando.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34203-haiti-usa-no-american-military-assistance-for-the-moment.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34201-haiti-flash-authenticated-message-from-the-first-lady-martine-moise-audio.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34199-haiti-assassination-of-the-president-names-of-the-20-members-of-the-commando-arrested-5-others-still-on-the-run.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34193-haiti-flash-the-government-requests-the-sending-of-american-soldiers-to-the-country.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34188-icihaiti-flash-11-mercenaries-arrested-in-the-taiwanese-embassy.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34193-haiti-flash-the-government-requests-the-sending-of-american-soldiers-to-the-country.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34188-icihaiti-flash-11-mercenaries-arrested-in-the-taiwanese-embassy.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34183-haiti-flash-the-commando-that-killed-the-president-included-26-colombians-and-2-haitian-americans-official-video.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34182-icihaiti-assassination-of-president-moise-15-days-of-national-mourning-text-of-the-decree.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34178-haiti-politic-what-measures-contains-the-state-of-siege-text-of-the-decree.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34177-icihaiti-usa-the-pm-met-with-secretary-of-state-anthony-blinken.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34176-haiti-un-the-security-council-condemns-the-assassination-of-president-jovenel-moise.html

https://www.icihaiti.com/en/news-34174-icihaiti-diplomacythe-assassins-of-moise-were-professional-mercenaries-dixit-bocchit-edmond.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34173-haiti-flash-the-police-intercepts-the-presumed-assassins-of-president-moise-official-video.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34172-haiti-flash-martine-moise-in-florida-for-treatment.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34170-haiti-flash-the-first-lady-martine-moise-would-still-be-alive-but.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34168-haiti-flash-the-state-of-siege-is-declared-in-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34165-haiti-assassination-of-jovenel-moise-what-says-the-constitution.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34162-haiti-flash-president-jovenel-moise-assassinated-by-mercenaries-official-updated-7am-+-video.html



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





Petion-ville : Individuals shoot passers-by

On Wednesday October 6 in Petion-Ville near the Don Bosco Church, unidentified armed individuals opened fire on passers-by, fatally affecting 2 people and causing several injuries before fleeing.



DR : More than 35,000 Haitians returned to Haiti in 1 month

25,052 Haitians have voluntarily chose to leave the Dominican Republic in September 2021 unable to adapt to Dominican life. In addition 2,740 Haitians in an irregular migratory situation on Dominican territory were repatriated to Haiti. To this is added the 7,285 Haitians intercepted at the border who entered illegally into Dominican territory who were returned to Haiti. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34915-haiti-dr-7-285-illegal-haitians-intercepted-at-the-dominican-border-and-repatriated-to-haiti.html



The "Fanm Yo La" collective dismayed

The Haitian Feminist Collective for the Political Participation of Women (Fanm Yo La), says it is appalled by the appointment of 6 male magistrates to the Superior Council of the Judicial Power (CSPJ) on October 1, 2021 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-34891-haiti-justice-oath-of-the-6-magistrates-completing-the-cspj.html, in flagrant violation of the Constitution of 1987, in particular in its article 17.1 which recognizes the principle of the quota of 30% women, in all decision-making positions in national life.



Migration : 661 Haitians arrested in DR in 48 hours

661 Haitians were apprehended during migration control, by the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) in the Dominican Republic, the past weekend. These Haitians were arrested in an irregular migratory situation in the provinces of Santo-Domingo Dajabon, Montecristi, Valverde, Santiago Rodriguez, San Pedro and La Romana. They have been transferred to accommodation centers and will be repatriated to Haiti.



NOTICE : public holiday and non-working day in Croix-des-Bouquets

By municipal decree, the day of October 7, 2021 is declared a statutory holiday on the occasion of Our Lady of the Rosary, Patron Saint of Croix-des-Bouquets. The doors of public, private and non-governmental institutions on the municipal territory will remain closed.



Launch of the month of Creole language and culture

This Thursday, October 7, the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Haitian Creole Academy, will launch the celebration of the month of Creole language and culture.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Romney, WV (26757)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will give way to occasional showers during the afternoon. High 66F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Evening clouds will give way to clearing overnight. A shower of rain or wet snow possible. Low around 30F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.
By William Schwartz | Published on 2021/10/06

As the titles implies, "The Last Comfort Woman" is not an especially pleasant film. It deals with women pressganged by the Japanese government into offering sexual services to beleagured soldiers. We see women of multiple nationalities wonder where they're being taken by train, and fight among themselves. It's only when they arrive that the worst fears of the most misinformed girls are confirmed, and we watch several of them get raped, albeit not in a graphic manner.

Advertisement

"The Last Comfort Woman" may sound like typical anti-Japanese nationalism, but in between the scenes of horrific rape there's surprising nuance about the comfort women issue generally absent from the media that postdates it. For starters, "The Last Comfort Woman" can't really call its victims sex slaves. We can see quite clearly that they are paid. Yes, they were tricked into signing fraudulent contracts and can't leave. Nevertheless, as they are paid for their work, they can't be slaves by definition.

This is particularly important as regards the Japanese comfort women. Yes, ethnic Japanese women also worked in the camps. And the ones we see in this movie are professional prostitutes. They knew exactly what they were signing up for, and consider their work in wartime brothels an informed patriotic improvement over their previous work situations. This makes them less sympathetic to the new girls, who they think are just amateur whiners. Well, for awhile anyway.

The arc from there is fairly predictable. We have Miyako (played by Kim Mi-yeong-I) grow more sympathetic to the situation of the younger girls, particularly that of Yeon-hee (played by Moon Na-eun). The camp is evil, but it's a banal evil, and over time the girls who survive the worst of the situation are able to accept it. Yet the brutality continues unabated, and we have intermittent moments of not especially graphic horror throughout.

When I emphasize that the horror is not graphic, I mean that we don't actually see any hits or penetration or nudity. "The Last Comfort Woman" is still an intensely uncomfortable movie, and writer/director Lim Seon makes a little go a long way by just letting the viewer imagine the more horrific details. For a movie filled with shocking imagery the understatement is quite potent. One great tragedy happens entirely off-screen, with the grief of one bereaved character serving as the only marker for why such a mundane wartime event should feel like a tragedy.

In spite of their seeming to be the chief villains, I was also struck how at times the soldiers too come off as victims. One just want a maternal figure to comfort them and tell them everything is going to be all right. Another, this one an ethnic Korean soldier, just encourages his assigned comfort woman to take a badly needed rest. Moments of minor humanity sparkle throughout "The Last Comfort Woman" and are its strongest selling point.

Review by William Schwartz

___________

"The Last Comfort Woman" is directed by Lim Seon, and features Moon Na-eun, Kim Mi-yeong-I, Rei, Jung Hee-ro, Kim Byung-soo-I, Kang Joon-gyu. Release date in Korea: 2015/08/13.



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Michigan City, IN (46360)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 38F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 29F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.
Editor: Arizona 4th Congressional District, really? Is Paul Gosar the best you can do?
On Sept. 30, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) held the annual Sworn Awards Ceremony in Lexington to honor 55 troopers and officers who put on a uniform each day to patrol Kentuckys neighborhoods with a mission of serving and protecting their fellow citizens. The achievement awards presented were for acts of service that occurred during 2020.

The past year and a half has been a battle none of us ever expected to fight, said Gov. Andy Beshear. And yet we have shown up every day, together, to get through this public health crisis. The men and women of KSP have worked on the frontlines, as they always do, ready to handle any emergency that the commonwealth faces. Thank you to all troopers, officers and support personnel for your continued service to our commonwealth.

On behalf of the Beshear administration, Justice and Public Safety Cabinet Deputy Secretary Keith Jackson attended the ceremony to personally congratulate the award recipients and assist with the presentation. Deputy Secretary Jackson thanked the award recipients for their valiant service to the commonwealth and protection of all Kentuckians.

KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. also spoke during the ceremony, thanking troopers and officers for going beyond their regular job duties to protect and serve the citizens of the commonwealth. Our troopers and officers put themselves in harms way every day, but these acts of heroism and service stand above the normal call of duty, said Burnett. Each of these recipients has demonstrated both bravery and self-sacrifice in protecting the citizens of the commonwealth.

The 2020 award recipients included: Trooper Timothye K. Moffett, a 16-year veteran of KSP assigned to the Executive Security Branch, who was named 2020 Trooper of the Year; Detective Justin A. Flannery, a four-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 8 in Morehead, was named 2020 Detective of the Year; Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Officer Brian C. Gilliam, a 12-year veteran of KSP assigned to the CVE Central Region, was named the 2020 Jason Cammack Officer of the Year for the KSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Troop; Trooper Scotty Sharp, an 11-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 4 in Elizabethtown, was named 2020 Public Affairs Officer of the Year; and Officer Teddy L. Magness, a seven-year veteran of KSP assigned to the Security Branch, was named 2020 Facilities Security Officer of the Year.

Ten troopers were awarded the KSP Citation for Bravery, an honor bestowed on officers who perform acts of bravery, without regard for personal risk despite clear and obvious peril, and clearly above and beyond the call or risk of ordinary duty. Six troopers received the Lifesaving Medal, which is awarded to officers who perform life-saving acts under extraordinary circumstances. Three troopers received the Meritorious Award, an honor bestowed on officers of the agency who distinguish themselves by an act of courage performed under more than ordinary circumstances. Nineteen troopers were named post-level Detective of the Year at the division level. Seventeen troopers were named post-level Trooper of the Year at the division level. Three Commercial Vehicle Enforcement officers were named Officer of the Year at the regional level.

Ten troopers from the Post 13 area were included in those honors. Post 13 award recipients included:

 Trooper Patrick Bailey was named 2020 Post 13 Trooper of the Year. Trooper Bailey is a two-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 13 Hazard.

 Detective Eric Caldwell was named 2020 Post 13 Detective of the Year. Detective Caldwell is a 12-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 13 Hazard.

 Detective Vicki Day was named 2020 Drug Enforcement and Special Investigations East Unit. Detective of the Year. Detective Day is a 22-year veteran of KSP assigned to the Drug Enforcement and Special Investigations East Unit.

 Trooper Issac Whitaker received the KSP Citation for Meritorious Service. Trooper Whitaker is a 12-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 13 Hazard.

 Trooper Brandon Thomas received the KSP Citation for Meritorious Service. Trooper Thomas is a 21-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 13 Hazard.

 Trooper Christopher Collins received the KSP Citation for Bravery. Trooper Collins is a 21-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 13 Hazard.

 Trooper Joshua Huff received the KSP Citation for Bravery. Trooper Huff is an eight-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 13 Hazard.

 Trooper Jerry Baker Jr. received the KSP Citation for Bravery. Trooper Baker is a four-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 13 Hazard.

 Trooper Bruce Kelley received the KSP Citation for Bravery. Trooper Kelley is a 25-year veteran of KSP assigned to Post 13 Hazard.

 Trooper Matthew Gayheart received the KSP Citation for Bravery. Trooper Gayheart is an eight-year veteran of KSP and is assigned to Post 13 Hazard.

 Trooper Ronald Long II received the KSP Citation for Bravery. Trooper Long is a 24-year veteran of KSP and is assigned to Post 13 Hazard.

 Trooper Ora Moore received the KSP Citation for Bravery. Trooper Moore is an eight-year veteran of KSP assigned to the Executive Security Branch.

Post 13 Commander Capt. Jennifer Sandlin said she is proud of the commitment and efforts of these units.
Staff at Families & Literacy includes Lisa Shockley, left; and Tammi Bingham, right, and Executive Director Misty Kothe (not pictured).
Fletcher News Two seriously burned in house explosion FLETCHER  Henderson County sheriff's deputies and the county fire marshal are investigating a house explosion that seriously injured two residents in the home at 1:05 p.m. today. Read Story 

North Carolina Four Seasons Politics N.C. budget contains $31 million for county The budget headed for adoption by the General Assembly includes an appropriation that would cover most of the cost of a new wastewater treatment plant to serve the apple country plus money for the Ecusta Trail, Flat Rock Playhouse, a new substance abuse treatment center and more. Read Story 

Henderson County Your Town BoA honors IAM as Neighborhood Champion Interfaith Assistance Ministry, the Hendersonville-based crisis services agency that provides emergency relief for families in need, will now be able to help even more people after receiving a multi-year grant from Bank of America. Read Story 
(BPT) - Harold L. was raised in a Kansas farming family as one of fourteen siblings. Unfortunately, throughout his active life and unbeknownst to him, he had been exposed to asbestos; first, as a young man growing up on the family farm and then while on active duty in the military. But his g
St. Joseph, MI (49085)

Today

Windy and cloudy this morning. A few snow showers possible this afternoon. Temps nearly steady in the mid to upper 30s. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of snow 30%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 32F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph.
St. Joseph, MI (49085)

Today

Cloudy with gusty winds. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Temps nearly steady in the mid to upper 30s. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph..

Tonight

Overcast. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 32F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph.
Uniontown, PA (15401)

Today

Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain for the afternoon. Morning high of 63F with temps falling to near 45. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low 29F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
Pipeline

7 October 2021

lyf Mid-Town Hangzhou is located in the Gongshu district, near the Grand Canal, a popular UNESCO World Heritage site noted for its historical relics. It is also situated near a shopping mall and directly opposite the Hangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre. A short walk away, guests can easily access a future train station, opening in 1Q 2022 along line 10 of Hangzhou's metro network. Famed tourist spot, West Lake and its surrounding vibrant retail, dining and nightlife options are about a 30-minute drive away. The Hangzhou International Airport and the Hangzhou East train station are about a 45-minute and 30-minute drive away respectively.

lyf Mid-Town Hangzhou offers 118 units comprising 'One of a Kind', 'One of a Kind Plus' and 'Side by Side' studios, 'lyf Style' thematic studios as well as 'Two of a Kind' and 'All Together' apartments. Its social facilities and spaces include the 'Bond' social kitchen, the 'Connect' coworking and lounge zone, and 'Wash & Hang' laundromat. Guests staying at lyf Mid-Town Hangzhou can also have a peace of mind with Ascott's enhanced 'Ascott Cares' commitment to provide stringent hygiene and safety standards, wellness support and implement sustainable practices.

Providing a digital experience through the 'Discover ASR' mobile app, guests at lyf Mid-Town Hangzhou can access their apartments via a mobile key. Guests can also perform mobile check-in and out, make contactless payments, interact with other guests via the in-app social wall and communicate with lyf Guards.
Rebranding

7 October 2021

Rossland's boutique ski-in, ski-out hotel cultivates its unique identity while transitioning to an Autograph Collection Hotel by late 2021.

William Cole Hotel, LP today announced it has signed an agreement with Marriott International that adds The Josie in Rossland, BC to Marriott International's exclusive Autograph Collection Hotels portfolio.

Regularly ranked among the best ski hotels in North America, the 106-room property sits at the base of RED Mountain Resort, the legendary independent, 3,850-acre (1,558-hectare) winter and summer playground, ranked ninth largest in skiable acres in North America. The Josie will be the ninth Canadian hotel to join Marriott's Autograph Collection, bringing an eclectic, contemporary and authentic brand to one of the most sought-after ski resorts on the continent.

Managed by Noble House Hotels & Resorts, The Josie offers outdoor adventurers immediate ski-in, ski-out/bike-in, bike-out access to RED Mountain Resort. With a collection of stylish guest rooms and suites designed to bring the outdoors in, alongside crackling fire pits, a premier spa and fitness facility, and ski concierge services, The Josie merges boutique accommodations with rugged mountain adventure and the distinct spirit of Rossland. The destination property is home to more than 2,500 square feet of flexible event space, including an adjoining terrace - all boasting panoramic vistas of RED Mountain and the Rossland range. After an exhilarating day on the mountain, guests can linger at The Velvet Restaurant and Lounge over a soul-enriching culinary experience. Here, a regional menu spotlights ingredients from local farmers and growers, paired with a curated wine list and signature cocktails.
Appointment

7 October 2021

Kelley Brings Over Two Decades of Hospitality Experience and World-Renowned Mixology Apprenticeship to the Iconic St. Regis Atlanta Bar

For Immediate Release, Atlanta, Georgia Atlanta's best address - The St. Regis Atlanta, is pleased to announce Gordon Kelley as the St. Regis Bar Manager. Effective immediately, Kelley will oversee the daily operations of the St. Regis Bar, the premiere in-town resort's most iconic social venue. In the heart of Buckhead, where luminaries meet, Kelley will also lead the efforts of continu ing to exceed guests' expectations by elevating the wine and spirit offerings through innovative programming and specialized menus.

Gordon Kelley brings extensive experience to his of role of manager at the glamourous St. Regis Bar. Under the guidance of Ian Schrager and Rande Gerber, Kelley expanded his talents aligning with world-renowned hospitality brands including Catch Hospitality Group and Gerber Group. Prior to his invitation to join the St. Regis Atlanta, Kelley worked with Ellis Adams Group, supporting Chris Adams, where he expanded his intricate knowledge and love for mixology and craft cocktails while traveling across the North America opening Marriott International brand hotels. Possessing two decades of career experience, in hospitality and beverage management, Kelley has supported some of the greatest restaurateurs in the industry in premiere markets including Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York. From a strong family legacy in hospitality, Kelley 's career stems from opening and operating his family-owned 10,000 square foot event and nightlife venue, Boulevard3, in Hollywood, California. Celebrating continued success, in 2011 Kelley established 1109 Projects, a consulting company focused on helping businesses in the hospitality and service industry flourish.
Press Release

7 October 2021

What will the city of tomorrow look like? What quality of life will its inhabitants have? What role will hospitality players have in shaping a cleaner and more responsible city of the future? How can hospitality go outside hotel walls and strengthen the link with customers in their daily lives through mobility experiences?

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These are the questions raised by Accor, Citroen and JCDecaux. These three international French companies have joined forces to form The Urban Collectif to imagine the future of autonomous urban mobility. The need to build a better world together, to respect its natural resources and local communities is more important than ever. In order to contribute to more sustainable hospitality that is firmly rooted in the local ecosystem, and to continue the current trend of providing new customer experiences, Accor is relying on open innovation: an approach based on open-mindedness towards new uses, new technologies and new opportunities. The Urban Collectifis part of this committed approach to innovation in order to create a new vision geared towards holistic hospitality. It is also a way of making a positive contribution to the city of tomorrow and breathing life into Accor's augmented hospitality strategy, a holistic concept that combines hospitality and tailormade services to provide unique experiences for guests and local residents. And our Group believe that mobility is an essential part of augmented hospitality.

We are delighted to be teaming up with Citroen and JCDecaux for this innovative project. With nearly 5,200 hotels worldwide, our Group is active in the local ecosystem and committed to offering ever more exclusive experiences, both to travellers and local communities, while contributing to the development of sustainable cities. Extending the hotel experience outside the walls of our establishments is in line with our bold and modern vision of hospitality . Sebastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO, Accor.

During a fully digital event on 29 September, Accor, Citroen and JCDecaux unveiled their autonomous urban mobility prototypes based on an open-source model named Citroen Autonomous Mobility Vision: the Citroen Skate with three futuristic Pods, two of which are adorned with Sofitel and Pullman brand colours. Revisit the event in a one-minute video showing the presentation of the partnerships innovative concepts:

Solutions for the sustainable improvement of the quality of life in cities.

The separation between The Citroen Skate and the Pods is the cornerstone of the concept, offering fluid and inventive urban mobility.

As a part of The Urban Collectif, Accor, Citroen and JCDecaux invent the urban mobility of tomorrow, autonomous and for everyone  Photo: Accor

As a part of The Urban Collectif, Accor, Citroen and JCDecaux invent the urban mobility of tomorrow, autonomous and for everyone  Photo: Accor

As a part of The Urban Collectif, Accor, Citroen and JCDecaux invent the urban mobility of tomorrow, autonomous and for everyone  Photo: Accor

The Citroen Autonomous Mobility Vision is a revolutionary, open-source mobility model that is collective and shared, offering autonomous mobility which adapts to demand. This mobility model relies on a fleet of Citroen Skate transport robots, which move around cities non-stop, and are paired with Pods that promise unique experiences.

Like Sofitel, which was the first French luxury hotel brand to expand internationally, the Sofitel En Voyage Pod reflects French elegance, culture and art de vivre. An invitation to a new urban mobility, with exceptional comfort and services. Whether heading to the best restaurants, the finest boutiques or simply to work, guests can experience the city in a new way through the pod's glass doors and enjoy the view as if they were at the theatre.

Since sport and well-being are at the heart of the Pullman identity, it is no surprise that the brands Pod echoes the same sentiments. The Pullman Power Fitness Pod reflects the brands bold, intelligent and inclusive approach towards contemporary fitness, by putting its Pullman Power Fitness programme front and centre. The Pod has a highly original concept where users can exercise in the vehicle while travelling through the city.

An easy and ergonomic way to board for anyone on the move, whether they are travelling with luggage, a pushchair, a wheelchair, solo or as a group, JCDecaux City Provider is a solution accessible to all passengers, which facilitates mobility in the city by offering more freedom and choice when travelling.

The range of possibilities for the Citroen Skate and Pods are endless. Whether it is for health, work, gaming, the dentist, entertainment, sport or delivery, The Urban Collectif is opening up new avenues in the future of urban mobility.
WASHINGTON  Charif Souki is feeling pretty pleased with himself these days.

Eighteen months ago, the ex-CEO of Cheniere Energy, now executive chairman of Houston-based Tellurian LNG, had to lay off half his staff amid grim projections for global gas demand.

But with supply shortages now causing price spikes in Europe and Asia, Souki says he has Wall Street investors banging at his door and plans to begin construction on the Driftwood LNG project outside Lake Charles, La., by March  though no final decision has been made.

A year ago, everyone is saying hes never going to build anything, Souki said of critics on Wall Street, in a recent interview. You bring it to them now and theyre salivating.

For more than a decade, the price of natural gas was so cheap that in some parts of the world it made more financial sense to burn the gas at the wellhead than build pipelines to bring it to customers. But now the world is facing an extended period of supply shortages that stand to drive up natural gas prices for years to come, experts say.

Demand is outpacing supply, said Michael Stoppard, chief strategist for global gas at the consulting firm IHS Markit. The current high price cannot be sustained for a long time, but there are underlying fundamentals that have turned around the market for the next few years.

With the global economy rebounding from the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for energy in all forms is strong. But unlike crude oil, the natural gas supply chain cannot easily be adjusted to where its most needed. Transporting gas requires pipelines and specialized cooling plants to transform it into a liquid, projects that cost billions of dollars and take years to permit and build.

Not so long ago, the world was awash in natural gas from fields in Qatar, Australia and the United States. But, with a push toward renewable energy, oil and gas companies steadily pulled back from developing new fields, even as gas demand increased with a growing global population requiring greater amounts of energy.

On HoustonChronicle.com: LNG producers make case for energy transition role

Between 2014 and 2019, capital spending by the global oil and gas industry declined more than 40 percent to less than $500 billion from nearly $800 billion, according to the International Energy Agency, which advises industrialized nations on energy supply. At a conference this summer, one of JP Morgans top analysts warned of a $600 billion shortfall in oil and gas development through the end of the decade.

At the same time natural gas demand is expected to increase 3.6 percent this year, with the forecast for 2024 showing gas consumption 7 percent above pre-COVID levels. Earlier this month,OPEC Secretary-General Mohammed Barkindo said the world should brace for more energy shortages unless investment in oil and gas projects is increased.

The energy crisis in Europe and many parts of the world is a wake-up call, he said, according to the Wall Street Journal We need to buckle up more investment in capital to revive the production cycle.

But doing so would mean more greenhouse gas emissions when scientists are warning that , humanity is on track to increase earths temperature to the point that coastlines are inundated byflooding and weather becomes more dangerous and extreme.

Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, has pushed back against OPECs warnings, blaming the supply shortage on unusually cold winters and hot summers this past year, along with unexpected outages in processing plants caused in part by delayed maintenance due to the pandemic.

Recent increases in global natural gas prices are the result of multiple factors, and it is inaccurate and misleading to lay the responsibility at the door of the clean-energy transition, he said last month.

As policymakers debate the cause of the supply crunch, the question facing gas producers is how long it will last. Two LNG projects are under construction on the Gulf Coast, and the national oil company Qatar Petroleum said it will build one of the worlds largest LNG projects to expand the nations LNG exports by more than 40 percent. But production from that project is not scheduled to begin until the end of 2025.

And while Tellurian prepares to move ahead on its Driftwood LNG project, many U.S. LNG developers are waiting to see if buyers in Asia, Europe and South America will commit to buying gas that wont be available for at least another five years, said Charlie Riedl, executive director for the Washington-based trade group Center for Liquefied Natural Gas.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Souki on going green, LNG and the nuclear option

Before there was no incentive for a long-term agreement because there was plenty of cargo out there to buy on the spot market for next to nothing, he said. Now all of a sudden you see the market tighten and theres a desire. The question is, are those long-term contracts likely to start reappearing?

For now, energy consumers abroad must make do as best they can. Coal consumption is increasing as power plants that cannot get gas at a reasonable price switch to coal. And without a decline in gas prices in Asia and Europe, analysts say, customers will soon switch to fuel oil, too.

That shift to more carbon intensive fuels is going to be front and center next month when world leaders gather in Glasgow, Scotland, for the COP26 climate conference to negotiate emissions reductions.

Managing increasing energy demand against the need for lower emissions is a problem world leaders will grapple with for many years to come. The challenge facing clean energy advocates will be convincing political leaders not to back off commitments to reach net-zero carbon emissions by dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels  including natural gas  in favor of renewables such as wind and solar energy.

Wait until people in Europe start getting their electricity bills, said Souki, the Tellurian executive chairman. When youre talking about not having gas for lighting or cooking, all of a sudden your priorities change.

james.osborne@chron.com

twitter.com/osborneja
An unremitting shipping logjam in the waters outside of Los Angeles has already contributed to higher costs, delays and intermittent goods shortages across the U.S. Now, it could be to blame for Californias biggest oil spill in 27 years.

Although the official cause of a pipeline rupture that spilled as many as 3,000 barrels of crude oil into the ocean off Orange County remains unconfirmed, preliminary reports indicate an anchor may have hooked the pipeline, tearing the metal open. About 4,000 feet of the pipeline had been moved 105 feet from its original position and divers found a 13-inch split in the line thats likely the source of the release, the Coast Guard said.

The pipeline was pulled like a bowstring, Martyn Willsher, chief executive of line operator Amplify Energy Corp., said at a briefing this week. It is a 16-inch steel pipeline thats a half inch thick and covered in an inch of concrete, and for it to be moved 105 feet is not common.The volume of oil that flowed from the leak is likely to be revised downward, Willsher said on Wednesday. About 5,000 gallons have already been recovered, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

LOCAL REPERCUSSIONS: What the latest oil spill could mean for Houston's economy

The spill discovered over the weekend, which sullied nearby wetlands and closed popular beaches along the Orange County coast, happened at a time when theres a near record backup of ships waiting off Southern California ports. The massive vessels are queueing to unload containers of goods to satisfy booming American demand for everything from construction materials to bicycles. A shortfall in the number of truck drivers and a lack of available warehouse space are slowing deliveries.

The more ships you have at anchor, the more risk there is that something could happen, said Paul Blomerus, Executive Director of Vancouver-based Clear Seas Centre for Responsible Marine Shipping. There are some examples of anchors snagging critical infrastructure in the past, including power cables, he said.Such accidents are a rare occurrence, according research group Clear Seas. In 2017, in two separate incidents in January and April, ship anchors snagged power cable's in Vancouver, the organization said.

On Monday, as workers scrambled to contain the southward drift of crude oil from the pipeline incident, a total 146 vessels, almost two-thirds of them container ships, were anchored or at berth in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, close to the record reached late last month, according to the Marine Exchange of Southern California, which monitors ship traffic off the coast. Nine out of the ten so-called contingency anchorages off Huntington Beach, near to where the pipeline breach happened, were occupied and 33 vessels were drifting in deeper waters in the ocean.

Critical infrastructure such as underwater pipelines are carefully marked on nautical maps so vessels can steer clear. But ships can sometimes drag their anchors when moving for any number of reasons, James Kipling Louttit, the Marine Exchanges executive director, said by phone Wednesday. He said he couldnt comment on the cause of the pipeline rupture specifically other than that its not interfering with marine traffic. Spokespeople for the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach also said the spill hasnt impacted their operations.

The oil spill was first discovered early Saturday after a low-pressure alarm on the pipeline sounded at about 2:30 a.m. The pipeline carries oil produced and treated on three platforms located in the Beta oil field, more than eight miles off the coast.

Satellite imagery shows what appeared to be an oil slick forming at 10:58 p.m. Friday, according to John Amos, president of SkyTruth, an environmental watchdog group that tracks incidents in the oil and gas industry.

What could cause this kind of a sudden, high-volume release? Amos said in a Zoom interview. An anchor strike.
Senior Judge Susan Reed denied an attorneys motion this week to remove a 5-year-old boy from his San Antonio-area foster home where the caregivers arent vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.

Local attorney William Bill Keiler, who represents the child, is considering whether to appeal Reeds ruling issued late Monday.

The judges decision followed a 90-minute court hearing Friday afternoon, during which Keiler urged moving the boy elsewhere to protect his health and safety. But a Texas Child Protective Services official opposed that idea, noting the boy is happy and thriving in his current foster home and argued that removing him from that environment would be detrimental.

If this child gets sick or, heaven help us, something worse happens, were all going to have to pay for this, Keiler said at the hearing.

Reed, the former Bexar County district attorney, wasnt required to explain her ruling. She declined to comment Tuesday.

The judge initially ruled the child could be removed from his foster home if his caregivers dont get vaccinated for COVID-19, but she changed her mind and reversed her ruling after hearing testimony from the foster parents, Richard and Barbara Bernhardt. The couple said they havent gotten the shots because they each have celiac disease, an autoimmune condition that makes them sensitive to some medications.

Richard Bernhardt, 53, later said he plans to get his first dose of the COVID vaccine Thursday.

His 51-year-old wife hasnt changed her mind on refusing the shot, he said.

Children under 12 years old cant yet receive COVID-19 vaccines, making them vulnerable to the virus. A vaccine for younger children is expected to become available later this year.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Vaccine mandate drama fades among Houston-area providers as deadlines pass

COVID vaccines are widely available for adults, but the 5-year-old boys foster parents expressed concern about how those shots could potentially affect them because of their medical condition.

The Bernhardts have been caring for the 5-year-old boy at their San Antonio area home intermittently for more than two years.

Keiler, who is also a former foster parent, said he initially approved of the Bernhardts as suitable care providers for his 5-year-old client. But the attorney said he became troubled when he learned in recent weeks that the couple hadnt received any COVID vaccines.

Keiler told Reed during the court hearing that the Bernhardts refused to get vaccinated when he pressed them to do so. The attorney filed a court motion on Sept. 17 that sought to place the child with other caregivers vaccinated for COVID-19 or require the Bernhardts to get the shots.

Its upsetting to me to have to bring this motion, Keiler told Reed during Fridays hearing. But I am the ad litem attorney and guardian of this child. ... Im in charge of this kid. And this kid is living in a home now where the parents refuse to get vaccinated.

Richard Bernhardt denied ever refusing the vaccine and said he only wanted more time to research how the shot might affect him due to his medical condition.

The childs biological mother watched the hearing online but did not testify. Her attorney, Claire Hargrove, supported removing the boy from the foster home if the caregivers didnt get vaccinated.

I dont think that it is unreasonable to ask foster parents who are supposed to keep these kids safe to take a federally approved vaccination to aid in that effort, Hargrove argued.

On HoustonChronicle.com: After just 3 days, CDC redirects COVID page on how to safely celebrate the holiday season

During Fridays hearing, CPS conservatorship specialist Gaby Moreno, who handles the 5-year-old boys case, said she hasnt received any training from the state child welfare agency about COVID-19 protocols or policies for Texas foster parents.

Theres no regulations or new policy that Ive heard of that we need to follow when it comes to foster homes or the children aside from the regular precautions that were all taking  (such as) masks and sanitizers, Moreno testified.

Moreno said she wouldnt be concerned if foster parents declined COVID-19 vaccines.

That is a personal choice, sir, Moreno told Keiler during the hearing. Its not law to be vaccinated. Even our own governor has not put any mandate for anybody to be vaccinated.

Moreno said the child is happy in his foster home and refers to the Bernhardts as his parents. She visits their home once a month and talks to the Bernhardts and the boy during those check-ins.

Moving the little boy would destroy him, Moreno testified.

The child was in a previous placement when we removed him in January, Moreno told the court. All he did from January to July was have major tantrums and aggression and begging the foster parents he was with to take him back home to the foster family where he is placed now.

Moreno noted it would be difficult to find another home for the 5-year-old because so many foster children are waiting for places to live.

Attorney Raul Perales  who represented Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, including CPS  asked Reed to reject the idea of taking the child from his foster home.

On HoustonChronicle.com: How did 400 Katy ISD parents get a book removed? Accusations of Marxism and 'critical race theory.'

In her initial ruling before learning of the foster parents medical condition, Reed said she was very concerned and ordered the boy moved elsewhere if the adults didnt get vaccinated.

I think we all have an ultimate duty to not only protect ourselves but to protect those around us, Reed said during the hearing.

When you remove children from their parents ... youve got to do what is in the best interest of that child.

After Reeds initial ruling, a foster care agency official interjected and asked if the boys foster parents could be heard.

Perales asked the judge to reopen the hearing so he could call the foster parents to testify. Reed agreed, noting she allowed it only because it was in the childs best interest.

Richard Bernhardt told the court he is retired and his wife works from home. Their 12-year-old son also lives with them.

Bernhardt said the family always wears face masks when they go out somewhere, such as a grocery store, and they use hand sanitizer to disinfect their hands and any shopping baskets they use.

The foster father said celiac disease affects him severely, which forces him to be much more cautious about what he does. Bernhardt said he takes the COVID-19 pandemic seriously, but he also must consider his own health and being present for his family.

Bernhardt said he would never place the 5-year-old boys health at risk.

I maintain proper distance. I make sure that Im not in a group or gathering that could cause me harm ... And I take as many precautions as I can because I am unvaccinated, Bernhardt said.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Texas schools are reporting fewer COVID cases, state and local data show

Bernhardt said he was nervous about the COVID vaccines because his own father had an adverse reaction to the shot. Im a little more concerned about some of the consequences and some of the reactions that he had, he testified.

Keiler sought to establish during questioning that Bernhardt didnt report having a medical condition when Keiler asked him by phone in August if he planned to get vaccinated.

I believe I said it was a personal choice ... That I was going to make that choice on my own, Bernhardt responded.

Under questioning, Bernhardt acknowledged asking Keiler during their phone conversation in August why he should get vaccinated when half the people in the White House hadnt gotten the shots.

The childs foster mother, Barbara Bernhardt, also testified she isnt vaccinated for COVID-19 and fears she will suffer adverse reactions from the shot since she also has celiac disease.

She confirmed her doctor recommended that she get the COVID vaccine but said she has no intentions of doing so. However, Barbara Bernhardt denied that her religious or political beliefs played any role in her refusal to get the shot.

I feel its a personal choice as well, Barbara Bernhardt testified, noting that shes had adverse reactions to different medications over the past year. If I get the vaccine and have an adverse reaction to that, Im concerned about how thats going to impact me as a mother, as a wife.

Both of the Bernhardts acknowledged under questioning that they dont get flu vaccines every year.

I have never had the flu, Barbara Bernhardt testified. Im not against it. I just dont do it.

She told the court that she took the 5-year-old to get vaccinated at his most recent doctors appointment and said the boy is up to date on his shots.

If the child isnt returned to his biological parents, the Bernhardts plan to adopt him.

Richard Bernhardt expressed elation that the little boy will remain in his familys home for now.

It was a blessing, he said Tuesday of the judges ruling. And we were incredibly excited.

pohare@express-news.net
The Houston Astros begin their postseason against the Chicago White Sox today at Minute Maid Park.

Part of the appeal of a baseball game is sitting back with some unhealthy food and a beer. Here's what to look forward to at the stadium.

New food items at Minute Maid:

Stacked Nacho (pop-up kitchen in the Atrium): A fried tortilla loaded with charro beans, salsa ranchero, crema, pico de gallo, jalapenos and cilantro. The nachos are served with your choice of carne asada, pork carnitas or fajita chicken.

La Pina Dog (section 132): A grilled beef hot dog topped with smoked pineapple and candied jalapenos.

Asian BBQ Nacho (section 206): Fried wonton chips, glazed roasted pork, sweet chili aioli, teriyaki glaze, mint, cilantro, green onion and fresh lime.

Aramark/Minute Maid Park

Walk Off Nacho (La Michoacana cart, section 114): Doritos topped with queso blanco, pico de gallo, crema, served with your choice of fajita beef or chicken fajita.

Smoked Chicken Half (section 224): Chicken braised in Karbach's Crawford Bock beer, then smoked.

Aramark/Minute Maid Park

Other exciting food stands:

Battered Up (section 116): Fried foods such as chicken tenders, corn dogs and funnel cakes.

Elote and Pupusas (Atrium, section 155): This stand serves elote, the Mexican street corn, plus pupusas with chicken, pork or cheese served with curtido and salsa rojo. You can also find chicharrones and paletas.

Pluckers Wing Bar (section 156): Wings tossed in your sauce choice of ranch, bakers gold, honey mustard BBQ or buffalo, served with waffle fries.

Shake Shack (section 157): This New York-based chain offers burgers, fries, hot dogs and frozen custards.

Cookies and Creamery (section 219): For the sweet tooths, this stand serves ice cream sundaes, cookie sundaes, ice cream sandwiches and more.

Osso and Kristalla (section 226): Think Italian trattoria, but in a stadium, serving individual pizzas.

Spud House (sections 116, 131, 324): Three locations offer a baked potato loaded with chopped brisket.

HTX Mex (sections 125, 153, 215, 318): Come to one of four locations at Minute Maid for chicken, beef and pork tacos.

Aramark/Minute Maid Park

For the barbecue fans:

Jackson Street BBQ (section 124): Brisket and deep-fried mac and cheese.

Texas Smoke (section 306): Get your chopped beef or turkey sandwiches here, as well as loaded baked potatoes with chopped barbecue and more.



Killen's BBQ (section 334): Houston barbecue stalwart Killens offers its brisket and more at Minute Maid.

Where to grab a beer and other drinks:

Saint Arnold's Bar (section 104): The O.G. of Houston's beer scene has its own bar with seasonal and core beers from the brewery.

Love Street Bar (section 119): Named after one of its signature brews, this bar by Karbach Brewing features some of the brewery's beers as well as cocktails, sodas, wine and snacks.

Karbach Bar (section 304): Karbach Brewing's second bar at Minute Maid has a great view of downtown Houston and draft beer from the brewery.
Well, if Texas legislators arent more careful, they might get a reputation for sloppiness.

This years third special session, now underway in Austin, is nominally focused on redistricting. But its also an opportunity for lawmakers to take another swing at the priorities they werent able to accomplish during the 2021 regular session, or simply bungled  or have, for some reason, simply changed their minds about.

Republicans are again trying to pass a bill targeting transgender children, for example. But theyre also trying to revisit legislation they already passed.

Gov. Greg Abbott, who vetoed an anti-animal cruelty bill passed during the regular session, now wants lawmakers to pass it again so he can sign it. Hes also now asking them to revisit one of the few compromises in Senate Bill 1, the package of new voting restrictions that passed this summer, and eliminate a provision that would reduce penalties for illegally voting.

By increasing penalties for illegal voting, we will send an even clearer message that voter fraud will not be tolerated in Texas, said Abbott, who appears to be in full re-election mode as he faces a GOP primary with two conservative challengers next year.

Abbott likes to give speeches about a voter fraud problem that isnt much of a problem, and his proposal would send a chilling message. The provision in question was inspired by the cases of Texans like Hervis Rogers and Crystal Mason  two people of color who believed, sincerely albeit wrongly, that they were eligible to vote, and are facing possible prison time as a result. It was a point of contention between the House and the Senate, as my colleague Taylor Goldenstein reported last month, with the former ultimately prevailing when lawmakers met in conference committee.

And while its a provision that may have attracted relatively little attention from the public, its hardly plausible that Abbott didnt know about it until now. After all, he signed the sweeping elections bill, a top GOP priority, after spending months promoting it.

In fairness  though this isnt much of a defense  there are a lot of genuine errors made in the Legislature, as a result of the states highly compressed lawmaking process. As a general matter, legislators have just 140 days every other year to handle all of the states business  including passing a biennial budget, which is the most consequential and labor-intensive measure of any regular session. In the final weeks of our legislative session, especially, the days are long and the players are tired; wires get crossed, balls get dropped.

But what were looking at this year is really a series of flip-flops from Abbott, rooted in political expediency.

Consider the anti-animal cruelty bill. Most observers were surprised when Abbott vetoed the Safe Outdoor Dogs Act, which passed both the House and Senate with bipartisan support. The bill sought to require dog owners to provide adequate shelter, water, and space for dogs left outside.

And Abbott may have been surprised by the backlash he received over the veto. In any case, his proclamation for the third special session calls for legislation similar to Senate Bill 474 as passed by 87th Legislature, Regular Session, but that addresses the concerns expressed in the governors veto statement.

But the veto statement, issued in June, takes issue with the bill as a general matter. Texas is no place for this kind of micro-managing and over-criminalization, Abbott said back then, after asserting that our laws already protect our dogs by outlawing true animal cruelty.

Abbott has similarly done an about-face on the question of election audits.

The outcome of the elections in Texas were valid, he told KHOU-TV when pressed on the subject in July.

Two months later  after a certain former president called on him to support legislation auditing the 2020 election in Texas  Abbott had an entirely new view of the subject.

Why do we audit everything in this world, but people raise their hands in concern when we audit elections, which is fundamental to our democracy? Abbott asked in a Fox News appearance a few days after Donald Trump exhorted him to act. He also insisted that the election audit he had just announced was already underway in Harris, Dallas, Tarrant and Collin counties. This is all the more bizarre, of course, because Trump won the state by over 5 points.

Abbotts flip-flop on penalties for illegally voting may be inspired, similarly, by a desire to look tough when it comes to the subject of election integrity  or to placate Trump, who was not impressed by the version of an audit Abbott announced.

Regardless, it is a blatant flip-flop  and one that Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan seems inclined to resist.

Now is not the time to re-litigate, Phelan said in a statement, reacting to Abbotts shift.

Thats right. And House Republicans were right to advocate reducing penalties for illegally voting in the first place. SB1 is by no means soft on voter fraud; in fact, it creates a slew of new criminal offenses related to elections. But most cases of voter fraud boil down to genuine errors, and we shouldnt penalize people harshly for that  especially since there are severe consequences to having a felony conviction on ones record.

So on this issue, Abbott should simply flip back to his original stance.

After all, hes had plenty of practice.

erica.grieder@chron.com
A former high-ranking member of one of the nations largest white supremacist prison gangs is to serve seven years in federal prison and three years on probation, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Michael Martin, 38, was a leader of the Aryan Circle, a prison gang that originated in 1980s in Texas lockups. Martin, who went by the nickname Aryan Prodigy, had pleaded guilty in March to orchestrating the brutal beating in October 2016 of a fellow gang member who wanted to leave the organization and join another one.

Court documents show Martin ordered fellow gang members to remove the man  who is not named  from the gang by violently beating him; the victim was kicked in the head while he lay prostrate on the ground.

Hate, violence, brutal retribution: Inside ATF's effort to take down the Aryan Circle prison gang

Experts estimate the gang has about 1,000 members in and outside prison, with a presence in at least 10 states across the country. Gang members have been accused of murders, violent assaults, drug dealing, car thefts and numerous other crimes.

The groups origins date back to 1985, when it was founded by several former Aryan Brotherhood members and others rejected for membership. For years, it remained relatively small, then began expanding rapidly in the 1990s. Now, it is one of the largest and most entrenched white supremacist gangs within the Texas prison system, experts say.

According to court records, the gang has a defined, militaristic structure, with six branches overseen by a five-member Upper Board.

It demands total loyalty with mottos such as Silence is Golden, Silence is deadly, Silence is mandatory. The tattoos or patches with Nazi imagery, including the Iron Cross, swastikas, or SS style lightning bolts, signal full  and lifelong  gang membership. Perhaps most striking, the gang created a small task force to carry out gang-ordered executions and enforce leaders orders.

Guilt plea: Aryan Circle prison gang member pleads guilty to planning and participating in brutal 2016 beating

In a wide-ranging indictment against Martin and 11 other gang members, federal investigators had also accused Martin of telling subordinates to give money and drugs to one of their colleagues who had murdered a rebellious gang member. At the time, Martin was a member of the Upper Board, making him one of the most powerful members of the gang.

The conviction comes amid a larger investigation by more than two dozen state and federal agencies into the organization and its members which led to indictments against 42 defendants in six states, said Fred Milanowski, special agent-in-charge of the Houston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the agency that led the investigation into Martin and the other members of the prison gang. It follows a similar , six-year investigation by ATF agents into the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, another white power prison gang. That probe ended with the convictions of 73 members.

After the sentencing, Milanowski described Martin as a dangerous criminal who facilitated and directed violent criminal activity for the Aryan Circle.

He was a leader in the gang and directly involved in numerous criminal acts that helped to further the illicit activities of the gang, he said.

He said the sentencing shows the powerful message that can be sent when law enforcement from the federal, state and local levels combine resources to tackle criminal activity. Some 42 defendants in six states were indicted over the course of the investigation. Martin is one of 33 who so far have been convicted.

Martins attorney was not immediately available for comment Thursday morning.
The defense attorney for the teen valet charged in the traffic deaths of three other valets said on Thursday his client's family is mourning.

Bryan Savoy was appointed on Thursday to defend Ahmedaltayeb Elnouman Modawi. The 17-year-old faces three felony murder charges in the deaths last Friday night of Fnan Measho, Eric Orduna and Nick Rodriguez. Savoy told media that his family wanted to extend their condolences regarding the three young men who died.
Crosby Independent School District is investigating an incident that alarmed both parents and students at Crosby High School.

The district notified parents and guardians Wednesday afternoon in a letter that a bathroom was vandalized this week with "derogatory racial remarks." The district did not specify the terms used but a KPRC report showed messages on bathroom tiles that read "whites only, no Blacks allowed, pick my cotton, no slaves in use" among others.

The district called on everyone including parents and students to help them in being vigilant and reminded parents that any student involved in vandalism of any kind would be held to the "strictest disciplinary action."

OnHoustonChronicle.com: As 'slap a teacher' trends, Humble school warns parents of disturbing monthly TikTok challenges

NEWSLETTERS Join the conversation with HouWeAre We want to foster conversation and highlight the intersection of race, identity and culture in one of America's most diverse cities. Sign up for the HouWeAre newsletter here.

Its disgraceful, a parent, Gail Schmidt, told KPRC. "Where are peoples values anymore."

Crosby ISD provided the letter via email as their only statement:

Everything about this incident goes against what Crosby ISD stands for. On our campuses, we teach respect for all people and property. This could likely be part of a wider trend on social media encouraging teenagers to vandalize school bathrooms. Regardless of the motivation, destruction of school property is illegal and disrespectful. Students who choose to participate in this behavior will be disciplined according to the Student Code of Conduct and could be required to pay restitution for the property damage.

We need everyone to assist us in being vigilant. Please discuss this incident with your students and remind them that they can report any suspicious activity to campus administration, or the deputies assigned to their school. Their identities will be kept confidential. This is a moment that can become a teaching opportunity about respecting property and people. We appreciate your help because it will take all of us to create a safe place for all students and allow us to remain focused on teaching and learning.

School bathroom vandalism has been on the rise within the last month at a number of middle and high schools across the nation including the Houston-area after a viral TikTok challenge dubbed "devious lick" encouraged the behavior.

Crosby ISD did not specify if this incident was sparked by the TikTok challenge.
The Houston Independent School District may not have been named among the best school districts in the area, but Texas' largest district has some of the best high schools, according to a recent Niche ranking.

The Pittsburgh-based ranking and review organization known for its in-depth profiles on schools, colleges and neighborhoods analyzed the best public high schools in the Houston-area for 2022 and three Houston ISD high schools topped the list.
Superintendents wear many hats and must have a tool belt of skills to occupy the position.

As the top executive of a school district, the superintendent plays an integral role in implementing the school board's vision by making day-to-day decisions regarding educational programs, spending, facilities, and hiring, supervising and managing staff and principals. They must also work with school leaders and principals to serve the needs of students and meet the district goals.

A superintendent is also the face of the district in the case of inclement weather, school safety concerns, bias incidents, and workplace injuries - just a few examples that demand their attention. But the role also comes with a close working relationship with the Department of Education, legislators and taxpayers, when they must advocate for increased funding and manage the needs of the district within the confines of state allocations.

In 2020, the average annual salary of school administrators in the U.S. was $103,010, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typically varying by school district size.

Texas employs the most education administrators in kindergarten through secondary school with a total of 29,290.

So how does the Houston area measure up? Here's a rundown of superintendent base salaries for the 2020-2021 school year, using data provided to the Texas Education Agency by each school district.

Mark Henry, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD

Courtesy of Cy-Fair ISD / Submitted

With the second largest district size with an enrollment of 114,881, Superintendent Mark Henry is among the highest paid, earning a base salary of $437,018.

Greg Poole, Barbers Hill ISD

Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Poole has served as the superintendent since 2006 and has a base salary of $425,773, in a district with an enrollment of 6,424 students.

HD Chambers, Alief ISD

Tom Reel, Staff / Staff photographer

Leading a district of 41,724 students, Chambers' base salary is $381,315.

Charles Dupre, Fort Bend ISD

Courtesy of Fort Bend ISD

Dupre led a district of 76,735 students and earned an annual base salary of $363,911.

Millard House II, Houston ISD

Steve Gonzales, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

The newly-appointed superintendent heads the largest Houston-area independent school district with an enrollment size of 196,943 according to data from Texas Education Agency, and earns a base salary of $350,000. His salary is $5,000 more than both his predecessor, Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan and former Superintendent Richard Carranza, and would have ranked tied for 15th-highest in Texas this past school year, according to Texas Education Agency data.

Eric Williams, Clear Creek ISD

Michael Wyke / Contributor

The newly hired Superintendent Eric Williams will earn a yearly salary of $306,000 along with incentives of at least another $48,000, taking him well over $350,000, according to Galveston County Daily News. He takes over a district of more than 40,000 students formerly led by Gregory Smith, who reportedly earned $325,678.

Jenny McGown, Klein ISD

Klein ISD

McGown serves a 52,824 student district and earns $330,000 a year.

DeeAnn Powell, Pasadena ISD

Powell is the first Pasadena ISD graduate to be appointed superintendent and reportedly earns $330,000 a year in a district of 50,614 students.

Roosevelt Nivens, Lamar ISD

Courtesy of Lamar CISD

Nivens is the newly-appointed superintendent succeeding longtime Superintendent Thomas Randle, who announced he was retiring last October. He makes a base salary of $290,000, according to the district. Randle's base salary was $327,781 a year.

Kenneth Ken Gregorski, Katy ISD

courtesy Katy ISD

Gregorski oversees a district of 84,176 students with a base salary of $327,240.

TOUGH TIMES: Katy ISD superintendent looks back after challenging 14 months

Jennifer Blaine, Spring Branch ISD

Provided by Spring Branch ISD

Blaine currently earns $320,714 leading a district of 33,388 students.

OnHoustonChronicle.com: Spring Branch ISD meeting gets heated over lawsuit accusing district of violating Voting Rights Act

LaTonya Goffney, Aldine ISD

Melissa Phillip, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Goffney has held the role since 2018 leading a district of 63,302 students. Her base salary is $316,944 a year.

Elizabeth Celania-Fagen, Humble ISD

Hillory Broussard

Elizabeth Fagen joined Humble ISD in July 2016 as superintendent. She leads a district of 45,528 students and earns an annual base salary of $316,240.

$2,000 FOR TEACHERS: Humble ISD uses CARES Act funds to provide COVID stipend

John Kelly, Pearland ISD

KRISTI NIX / The Journal

Serving a district just over 21,000 students, Pearland ISD Superintendent John Kelly reportedly earns $301,498 a year.

Rodney Watson, Spring ISD

Courtesy of Spring ISD, Web Specialist & Photographer

Spring ISD serves a district of 33,567 students from kindergarten to 12th grade. One of its biggest struggles during the pandemic was closing academic gaps, said Superintendent Rodney Watson. He earns a reported salary of $299,642.

Robert Bostic, Stafford MSD

Karen Warren, Staff photographer / Staff photographer

Bostic leads one of the smallest Houston-area school districts with 3,316 students and earns $296,700 a year.

Walter Jackson, La Porte ISD

Courtesy Walter Jackson

Jackson tookover the La Porte Independent School District in 2020, replacing Lloyd Graham, who retired. The district serves nearly 7,000 students and he reportedly earns $283,688 a year.

Martha Salazar-Zamora, Tomball ISD

Brett Coomer, Staff / Houston Chronicle

Salazar-Zamora's base salary is $262,450 a year to lead the best district in the Houston region and fifth best in Texas by Children at Risks annual school rankings. The district serves 18,666 students.

Randal O'Brien, Goose Creek CISD

O'Brien has served as superintendent of Goose Creek CISD, which serves 23,318 students, since 2014 and earns $258,329 a year.

Jerry Gibson, Galveston ISD

Mark Mulligan, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

Galveston ISD recently appointed Jerry Gibson as the new superintendent, replacing Kelli Moulton, who recently retired after more than four years with the district. The district serves 6,698 students and his base salary is $245,000, according to his contract, which is nearly $7,000 less than Moulton's salary of $251,697, according to TEA.

Paula Patterson, Crosby ISD

Courtesy Sheldon ISD

The newly appointed superintendent comes from Sheldon ISD, where she served as deputy superintendent, replacing former Crosby ISD Superintendent Scott Davis, who announced plans to retire in October after two years with the district. Now, Patterson heads a smaller district of 6,337 students and will make a base salary of $210,000.

Don Beck, Channelview CISD

Previously serving as the assistant superintendent of secondary education, Beck has taken over the district of 9,572 students after former Superintendent Greg Ollis retired. Updated salary information was not immediately available.

John Moore, Galena Park ISD

Moore took over in 2020, succeeding Superintendent Angi Williams, and serves a district of 21,918 students. He reportedly earns $250,000.

Carol Nelson, Alvin ISD

Alvin ISD

Nelson has served the students, parents, and staff of Alvin ISD, a district that comprises 27,006 students, for 25 years. She earns a reported base salary of $247,002.

King Davis, Sheldon ISD

Davis serves a district of 10,206 students and reportedly earns $245,720 a year.

OnHoustonChronicle.com: Sheldon ISD honored for improving access to female STEM students

Stephen Harrell, Deer Park ISD

Deer Park ISD

Longtime Deer Park ISD administrator Stephen Harrell was appointed the superintendent of schools last year and leads a district of 12,370 students. He reportedly earns an annual salary of $240,000.

Carla Voelkel, Dickinson ISD

Voelkel serves a district of 11,631 students and reportedly earns $214,240 a year.

Melissa Machesk-Duarte, Texas City ISD

Duarte has served as the superintendent of schools since July 2020. She leads a district of 8,044 students and earns $207,398.

Thad Roher, Friendswood ISD

Friendswood ISD

Roher serves a district of 6,119 students and earns a base salary of $206,338 a year.

Kevin Bott, Santa Fe ISD

Bott recently took over a district of 4,343 students this year after former Superintendent Leigh Wall announced her retirement. According his contract, he earns an annual salary of $155,000 compared to Wall's $221,451 salary, according to data from the TEA.

Travis Edwards, Hitchcock ISD

Serving the smallest district in Houston with 1,644 students, Edwards earns a reported salary of $150,000.
Spring Branch ISD this week banned a childrens graphic novel that features a transgender character from all of its elementary school libraries after a parent filed a complaint about it.

The Breakaways, which follows a diverse group of 8th graders who play soccer, first was challenged when a parent at Wilchester Elementary School complained it was available in the school library, according to a letter from the schools principal.

The decision to ban the The Breakaways from SBISD elementary schools comes as the Texas Legislature again is considering a bill that would bar transgender student athletes from competing on teams that align with their gender identity.

The move also comes on the heels of an uproar in Katy ISD over the cancellation of an event that would have featured the author of a graphic novel series that a small group of parents claimed promote critical race theory and Marxism. The district has pulled acclaimed Black author Jerry Crafts Year 6 series while it assesses whether it will allow the books in its libraries and curriculum in the future.

A committee of two librarians, two teachers and an administrator reviewed the book and recommended to the district it be banned from all elementary school libraries, district spokesman Terry Abbott said. The ban went into effect this week.

NEWSLETTERS Join the conversation with HouWeAre We want to foster conversation and highlight the intersection of race, identity and culture in one of America's most diverse cities. Sign up for the HouWeAre newsletter here.

The book includes kids of all sorts of identities to reflect the world that is around us, Cathy G. Johnson, author of the acclaimed book, said Wednesday. There is a transgender student who comes out in the book. He is just one of many characters who make up my book, as well as one of the identities that make up the world.

Johnson, winner of the 2020 Ignatz Award for Outstanding Minicomic, said this is not the first time she had been contacted about her book being under review, but it is the first time she is aware of it being banned in elementary school libraries.

As a teacher and as someone who identities as queer myself, it isn't surprising and its sad, she said. Its something we need to fight against.

The review committee decided the book, which previously was available at two district elementary schools, was not age appropriate nor was it appropriate for its intended educational use, according to an emailed statement sent by the district.

Johnson said the target age range for the book is 8 to 14.

In alignment with SBISD policy, librarians use their expertise to select books and often consult library journals in order to keep libraries current, reads the statement. SBISD will continue to follow its policies on instructional materials selection.

According to Spring Branch ISDs official policy, library books should be selected to help students gain an awareness of our pluralistic society and to present various sides of controversial issues.

The policy for reviewing literature states that no challenged instructional resource shall be removed solely because of the ideas expressed in therein. Any parent, student, employee or resident in the district may formally challenge an instructional resource on the basis of appropriateness, the policy says.

Austin Ruiz, communications and marketing manager for the Montrose Center, a Houston nonprofit that supports the LGBTQ+ community, said talking about gender identity and sexual orientation is not inherently a discussion about sexuality that is inappropriate for children.

Gender identity does not have to do with who you are attracted to, he said.

Ruiz also dispute the argument that discussing such topics with elementary students is inappropriate, adding These are things many kids are already aware of.

Advocates say positive representations of transgender and other LGBTQ+ youth in the media can be lifelines for kids who face a greater risk of bullying and violence in schools, as well as higher rates of suicide.

According to 2019 data from the Centers for Disease Control, 43 percent of transgender youth in the U.S. have been bullied at their schools compared to 7 percent of cisgender youth. Nearly 30 percent of transgender children have attempted suicide compared to 7 percent of cisgender youth.

Its important for youth  to see literature that they can read and say, Thats something that I identify with and its OK and normal and not a bad thing, said Ruiz. It could be the difference between them continuing or unfortunately trying to harm themselves.

Johnson said when she was growing up, there were not many books she could find that reflected her experience. She said she treasured the few she found.

I value being able to continue that as an author and educator by creating work representative of all identities, she said. Research does show that representation helps students do better in school and achieve more.

Ruiz said work like Johnsons also can help teach straight and cisgender students empathy and acceptance of their peers who have different experiences.

The main takeaway (Johnsons) book conveys is that everyone in the story is trying to do their best and they all come from different backgrounds, he said. At the end of the day, were all sharing the commonality of the human experience and that's whats important to remember.

Johnson, speaking of the children who may be hurt by the districts decision, said she wants them to know that they are valued and accepted.

There are people out there who love you and youll find them, she said.

hannah.dellinger@chron.com
A consortium of colleges including the University of Houston received $5 million from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to expand Latino humanities studies and prepare researchers and scholars for faculty positions.

UH President Renu Khator said the gift will be instrumental in creating pipelines for UH Latino students who are leading humanities and Hispanic studies initiatives across the country and will help them transition into professors and leaders within the field.

The foundation, considered one of the largest donor organizations for arts and humanities, gave the three-year, multi-million award to the consortiums lead institution the University of Illinois, Chicago to support its initiative Crossing Latinidades: Emerging Scholars and New Comparative Directions. The grant is shared by the consortiums 16 institutions which are federally designated as research universities and Hispanic-Service Institutions by the U.S. Department of Education.

Other institutions within the consortium include, 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 UT-El Paso.

The consortium will first create an annual summer institute on Latino studies, and later expand to other fields, including science, technology, education and mathematics. At the summer institute, scholars will learn Latino methodologies and theories and receive mentorship help to form the prospectus or summary of their dissertations. Nearly 100 students  two from each institution  will attend the institute each year, according to a release.

On HoustonChronicle.com: Four Houston-area universities team up to elevate African and African American studies

The consortium has also created ready-made professional networks and pathways for Latino students and faculty from one institution to another, which could help leverage their respective programs, according to Mark Clarke, UH associate provost of faculty development and faculty affairs.

Collaboration within the humanities is rare because scholars work on solo projects like completing manuscripts, which can cause some students or faculty to feel lonely or isolated, said Maria Elena Solino, chair of UHs Hispanic Studies program. Latino scholars, who are often underrepresented within their respective departments, can feel even more disconnected, she said. So the initiatives creation of cohorts is sorely needed.

The consortium institutions want to increase the number of underrepresented scholars within their faculties. In addition to the network, the consortium will build a web portal where scholars and students can view shared materials and learn what other Latino academics are working on, Solino said.

This will strengthen programs and points of view that the university already has and make them a lot stronger, specifically for Latinos, she said.

UH has launched multiple programs to expand scholarship in Latino humanities, including its U.S Latino Digital Humanities Program and its Mellon Research Scholars Program for undergraduates  both of which are funded through Mellon Foundation grants. UH is also home to the Center for Mexican American Studies, which features visiting scholars, graduate fellowships and faculty affiliate programs, and is the base for Arte Publico Press, the publisher of contemporary and recovered literature by US Hispanic authors.

brittany.britto@chron.com
AUSTIN  Attorneys for the state and a group that represents disabled children sparred in an Austin courtroom this week over the question of whether Gov. Greg Abbotts mask mandate runs afoul of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

At issue at Wednesdays trial was whether federal law allows the Republican governor to remove mask mandates as an accommodation that school districts can use for kids with disabilities who are disproportionately at risk from COVID-19.

This isnt like the governor banned injecting bleach. This isnt like he banned taking horse medicine to cure COVID, said Tom Melsheimer, the lead attorney for those challenging the ban. Hes taken off something that the scientists and the doctors and the epidemiologists say is effective for fighting COVID in schools.

The plaintiffs in Wednesdays case are a group of disabled children who are deemed particularly vulnerable to catching COVID-19 or at risk of having worse effects if they contract it. The case was organized by Disability Rights Texas, which is being was represented pro bono by lawyers from the firm of Winston & Strawn. They are suing Attorney General Ken Paxton and the Texas Education Agency.

The federal Americans with Disabilities Act requires places like schools to consider reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. Lawyers argued that Abbotts executive order banning mask mandates violates the ADA by blocking school districts from considering them as an accommodation for kids with special needs.

Abbott shouldnt be allowed to take any legitimate reasonable considerations off the table for school districts, Melsheimer said.

Attorneys from Paxtons office opposed the arguments on complex legal grounds. They argued that because the children in the suit hadnt actually caught COVID-19, their increased risk of contracting it without masks was speculative, and thus didnt give them grounds to sue. They asked for the lawsuit to be dismissed.

They also advanced an argument familiar to those who have been following the debate over the states new law banning most abortions: The law cant be challenged because plaintiffs cant identify any one entity enforcing it.

When laws are invalidated by a judge, usually the judges do so by blocking further enforcement. So when enforcement is diffuse, it makes it more difficult to block a law. Critics have charged that the new abortion ban was written with this specifically in mind, as it explicitly says the law cannot be enforced by the governor or by the attorney general, but only by private citizens.

As for Abbotts ban on mask mandates, Paxtons lawyers argued that he is not technically enforcing the law even though the attorney general has filed 15 lawsuits against school districts, written letters threatening to sue nearly 100, stated in those letters that their purpose is to enforce the law, and tweeted and sent out news releases touting his efforts to push school districts into repealing their mask mandates.

Instead, hes acting with the same authority that any private citizen could, they said, and concerned parents across Texas are bringing their own lawsuits.

Is your statement that the attorney general can bully or threaten, however seriously or flippantly, as he wants? U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel asked. Then thats OK? Thats not enforcement, thats just bullying, and thats alright?

Paxtons lawyers responded that they wouldnt call it bullying, but yes.

The attorney general is enforcing the ban on mask mandates, Yeakel said later. Thats not theoretical I just find it amazing that your position is that the plaintiffs have to sue someone other than the person enforcing (the executive order) causing the alleged harm.

Not all problems have a solution in a court of law, Paxtons lawyers contended.

The judge voiced frustration with this argument.

I think what the state builds up here is an elaborate house to avoid access in the courts, said Yeakel, who was appointed by President George W. Bush.

Texas new abortion law, challenged by the U.S. Department of Justice, is being considered by another federal judge in the same building. That judge on Wednesday blocked enforcement of Texas abortion ban at six weeks, issuing a temporary ruling one month after the law took effect.

Dustin Rynders, the supervising attorney for Disability Rights Texas, said before that ruling that he had been following the abortion case as well and sees a clear line that runs through the two controversial cases.

Increasingly, they are going further and far-further to avoid judicial review of civil rights violations and restrictions on individual liberties, Rynders said. And for anyone who cares about civil rights for any group of individuals, civil liberties for any group of individuals, it's frightening.

After the trial on the mask ban wrapped up Wednesday evening, Yeakel said that instead of offering a verbal ruling from the stand, he would move quickly to publish a written opinion. Toward the end of the day, the attorney generals lawyers indicated they would likely have issues with Yeakels ruling if it contained certain language, which he said it very well could.

Thats why God gave us the 5th Circuit in New Orleans, Yeakel said to laughs from the crowd, referring to the appeals court.

edward.mckinley@chron.com
Decades after Army posts across the South were named for Confederate officers, its hard to understand why America ever honored senior military men who went to war against our country for any reason, let alone to preserve the grotesque institution of slavery.

One theory is that the U.S. Army during the early decades of the 20th century needed local support for acquiring huge pieces of land in Southern states to build sprawling bases and posts such as Fort Hood. Local communities received unofficial naming rights. At least 10 of them chose Confederate generals.

Imagine a Pentagon press release if all 10 were named at once. On the list would be Gen. Braxton Bragg, not only a traitor but an inept traitor at that. Would the release mention that this scion of a slave-owning family was famously ill-tempered, generally disliked and that his bumbling got his men killed?

Former Gen. David Petraeus, a retired Army commander in Iraq and Afghanistan who served at Fort Bragg three times, is among those who support erasing the names and replacing them with the names of true American patriots. The irony of training at bases named for those who took up arms against the United States, and for the right to enslave others, is inescapable to anyone paying attention, Petraeus wrote in The Atlantic magazine a couple of years ago. Now, belatedly, is the moment for us to pay such attention.

Opportunities to correct the historical record dont come along every day, but when they do, we need to take advantage of them. The American people have that opportunity in the next few months.

In the wake of the killing of George Floyd last year, Congress ordered that 10 Army posts in Southern states be stripped of their Confederate names. President Donald Trump vetoed the bipartisan bill but Congress easily overrode him and passed the law. That means in the next three years or so the sprawling Central Texas Army post that Texans know best, Fort Hood, will no longer be Fort Hood. Fort Polk, where a great many Texans endured the rigors of basic training, will no longer be Fort Polk. The Armys Home of the Infantry, Fort Benning, will be called something else. And so forth.

Last year, Congress appointed an eight-person Naming Commission, chaired by retired Navy Admiral Michelle Howard. Its final recommendations are expected next year; names must be changed by Jan. 1, 2024.

Americans can submit suggestions at the website of the Naming Commission, which is also conferring with surrounding communities. (Killeen, Copperas Cove and Belton for Fort Hood, for example).

I will say some of those suggestions on the website are quite intense, Howard told the Washington Post last week. There are some folks who are distinctly opposed and the verbiage they use is quite deliberate.

No doubt thats an understatement. Some people cannot be reached on this issue. But we urge sensible Americans to ask: why should the names of proud American military installations bear the names of those who took up arms against that very military?

Just look who were honoring now. Our imaginary long ago press release would no doubt highlight the career of John Bell Hood, who joined the Confederate Army at the beginning of the Civil War and commanded the Texas Brigade. In his career fighting against the United States, Hood was known for getting massive numbers of his men killed or wounded at the Battle of Chickamauga, the Battle of Franklin and the Battle of Nashville, among others.

Also on the ignominious list would be Maj. Gen. George E. Pickett (Fort Pickett in Virginia), a Virginia-born Confederate officer who had graduated last in his class at West Point and who helped lead the bloody and futile assault known as Picketts Charge at the Battle of Gettysburg.

At the head of the list, of course, is Gen. Robert E. Lee. Perhaps the press release would note that what used to be the beautiful sloping lawn of the generals Virginia home is now a cemetery, where thousands of white crosses commemorate young men who died fighting Lees legions.

Changing the names will be expensive and a bit disconcerting for both the installations and their surrounding communities, but fortunately worthy names abound.

Incidentally, Fort Bragg  with 57,000 military personnel, the nations largest Army post  may have the most obvious solution. Its namesake was a Confederate general; his cousin, Edward Bragg, was a Union general. Since few people have ever heard of either Bragg, the swap should be easy. Signs and stationery can stay as you were.

Many Texans no doubt will insist that Fort Hood be named after a Texan. Leading candidates include Cuero-area native Roy Benavidez, an Army Special Forces sergeant who received the Medal of Honor for valor in combat in Vietnam, and Kingsville native Gen. Richard E. Cavazos, the first Mexican American four-star general.

Another possibility is Civil War hero Milton M. Holland. Born in Panola County, Holland was the first Medal of Honor recipient from Texas and one of the nations first African American recipients. We also would suggest Henry Ossian Flipper, a Georgia native, former slave and the first African American to graduate from the United States Military Academy. Flipper, who endured shunning his whole four years at West Point, spent time at Fort Davis in far West Texas.

Another candidate is Audie Murphy. Born on a tenant farm in Hunt County, northeast of Dallas, he became the most decorated soldier in World War II. Yet another is Houstons own Oveta Culp Hobby, wife of a Texas governor and mother of a lieutenant governor. Hobby was the first director of the Womens Army Corps (WAC).

A former Texas A&M University president who served on more than a few Army posts got it right in an interview a few years ago with the New York Times. Its always puzzled me that we dont have a Fort George Washington or a Fort Ulysses S. Grant or a Fort Patton or a facility named for an African American Medal of Honor recipient, Robert Gates remarked.

Gates, was defense secretary under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, added that his background as a Soviet scholar made him very sensitive to the notion of rewriting history. But Confederate statues, he said, belong in a museum where we can learn from the mistakes of the men theyre meant to memorialize.

We agree. And we look forward in the near future to seeing new signs at the gates to Fort Benavidez. Fort Cavazos. Fort Holland. Fort Murphy. Fort Hobby.
Regarding Houston Rep. Dan Crenshaw fined $5,000 for dodging Capitol metal detectors, (Oct. 1): In response to Crenshaw calling the metal detectors a virtue signal for liberals: Get over it. Your actions are a slap in the face for those who perished as a result of the atrocities that occurred on Jan. 6.

Last time I checked, the detectors do not discern by party affiliation. Those that elect to bypass  whether Democrat or Republican  should donate their fines to the family of Capitol Police officer Brian Sicknick or another worthy cause.

The shame is that all offenders are wasting their resources on trivial issues when many more apparent ones warrant their attention. As we say, there are bigger fish to fry.

Chris Brown, Houston

Hot pursuit

Regarding Teen charged in Houston crash that killed 3 valets; victim's mom questions HPD pursuit, (Oct. 4): Yes, indeed, lets blame the police. What an unfortunate accident to have happened anyway, but then to imply the officer involved was in any way at fault is absolutely inexcusable. The three valets were doing their job, the police officer was doing his job. The only one not doing his job was the perpetrator, Ahmedal Modawi, and that job was to be a responsible citizen. He should be very happy I will not be the judge when or if he goes to trial.

As a 70-year resident of Houston, yes, I still care what happens in my town. In fact, this accident happened within a few blocks of my former residence.

Carol J. Rhodes, Texas City

Humans matter, too

Regarding Crushed turtles and shrinking wetlands: How the proposed Ike Dike could affect wildlife and plants, (Sept. 30): Precisely when Congress is considering appropriations for construction of the Ike Dike, the environmental zealots of the Galveston Bay Foundation and the Turtle Island Restoration Network propose another postponement for more studies.

Have ecologists Danielle Goshen of the Galveston Bay Foundation and Kimber De Salvo Anderson of the turtle network considered the environmental, economic and human devastation that would have ensued had Hurricane Ike flushed its surging Gulf waters directly into the Houston Ship Channel? The inundation of our regions refinery and petrochemical assets that line the channel would have spelled doom for those industries, not to mention millions of fish, turtles and other subsea creatures.

Why must we play Russian roulette every hurricane season? Yes, we wish the best to the turtles and seabirds. Texas beautiful artificial lakes, created through human intervention and flood management, have all become wonderful havens for flourishing wildlife. Species can often adapt. However, when considering the ecology, humans matter, too.

Joe Jennings, Houston
Have you ever been called a Luddite? If so, you were probably not being credited with fueling a skilled labor movement in 19th century England. You were being jabbed for your relationship to technology. Today, the term is largely pejorative and can be directed at anyone who questions, rejects or even fumbles with technology.

If you resist a new technology in favor of an old one, youre a Luddite. If the recent testimony from Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen persuaded you to quit social media, youre a Luddite. If you dont know how to use a newer technology efficiently, youre a Luddite. Youre swimming upstream down the river of technological progress and getting in everyones way. Shame on you!

But the original Luddites were not opposed to technological progress. They were opposed to technological progress that left them in the dust and sought better representation and wages from factory owners in the textiles industry. The years of the Luddite movement (1811-1816) were characterized by industrialization, economic depression, famine and seemingly endless war. The machinery they destroyed wasnt new  it had been developed hundreds of years before. It wasnt the tech itself the Luddites protested  it was, in their own words, the fraudulent and deceitful manner in which the factory and mill owners used the equipment, squeezing out the jobs of skilled tradesmen in favor of cheaper labor and lower-quality goods. Theirs was a labor movement before legal protections of unions existed, a kind of collective bargaining by riot, as historian Eric Hobsbawm puts it.

Ultimately, the Luddites failed to bring about the changes they sought. Had they not been driven by desperation, they may not have resorted to violence, and may have been more successful in their fight. And had their concerns been taken more seriously, it may not have ended the way it did. Today, technology moves at a dizzying pace, with more gadgets, algorithms and data in our lives than ever before. Its not surprising that this technological landscape would cause some people to probe their relationship with technology, seek alternatives or choose not to participate. Is it right to call these people Luddites?

In a recent article pointing out the troubling implications of deepfake technology that superimposes the image of one person on top of a video of another, writer Katherine Dee suggests that, in an internet ruined by deepfakes, we may decide just to log off, and watch as a new era of Luddism begins. But are we Luddites just because we log off or turn off a technology that isnt working for us? Are we rejecting technological progress when we assume control of the technology in our lives?

Living authentically in the digital age  what I call authentic technology  starts with an understanding of the true meaning of the word technology. It comes from the Greek tekhne (art, skill, craft in work). The deeper root is teks, which literally means to weave or fabricate. So, our technology is not just the tools we make, its the art and skill we use as humans to craft them. And this art and skill applies not only to the original maker of a piece of technology but to those who will harness it as well.

Once we understand what technology really is, we can establish healthy boundaries with the tech in our lives. And although it may be difficult to take control of all the tech in your life, know that youre not alone. A growing chorus is calling for much-needed regulation of Americas biggest technology companies, which would strengthen our position as technology consumers. As Haugen said on Twitter before her congressional testimony this week, We solve problems together, we dont solve them alone.

As boss of our tech, we get to choose what gadgets, machines and platforms we use. In setting these boundaries, were equipping ourselves to think using the most powerful computer we have  our brain. And the more we think for ourselves, the wiser well get about technology and its ability to better ourselves and others.

The next time someone calls you a Luddite, feel free to smile and tell them that actually, youre the boss of your technology, not the poor artisan getting sidelined by a greedy factory owner. And if they look at you weird, tell them to read a book about it.

Andrew McDiarmid is a senior fellow at the Discovery Institute. His writing on technology has appeared in the San Francisco Chronicle, the Seattle Times, The Herald (Scotland), Technoskeptic Magazine, BreakPoint.org, and other outlets. Learn more about his work in technology at www.authentictechnology.org.
Actor Matthew McConaughey still isnt ready to say if hes running for governor, but the Uvalde native offered a sliver of insight into his political position on abortion during an interview on a podcast with the New York Times.

McConaughey repeatedly veered away from policy specifics but made clear he is not a fan of Senate Bill 8, the legislation that has effectively banned abortion in Texas.

McConaughey said parts of the law, which was blocked by a federal judge Wednesday evening, are a little juvenile and said he didnt agree with not having any exceptions for women who are victims of rape or incest.

Ive got a problem with that, McConaughey said.

McConaughey later said giving women potentially just six weeks to get an abortion  which is before many even know they are pregnant  does not really make that an honest consideration.

Despite all that, McConaughey declined to spell out his opinions about abortion rights during his interview with Kara Swisher, who hosts the podcast Sway.

Im not going to come out and tell you right now on this show, heres where I stand on abortion, McConaughey said.

THE LATEST: Federal judge blocks enforcement of Texas abortion ban, calls it "offensive"

During other segments of the podcast, McConaughey waxed philosophical about the state of politics, what it is so broken about it and how he can be part of repairing it.

Im working on what Im trying to understand politics to be, McConaughey said. I think weve got to redefine politics. If each partys only about preservation of party, well, Im almost arguing thats undemocratic. If youre only there to, by hook or by crook, preserve your party, youre leaving out 50 percent of the people. So I think politics needs a redefining.

But McConaughey said thats led him to question whether hes supposed to get into the arena, or if it is all a bag of rats that he shouldnt touch with a 10-foot pole.

He said hes convinced people want to see a third party emerge and that the bulk of Americans already would fit into a more centrist ideological party.

I think people want a third party, he said. And weve got one. It doesnt have a name right now. And it is the majority. It is 60 percent of the population in America.

He added: I think its necessary to be aggressively centric to possibly salvage democracy in America right now.

McConaughey, 51, has talked about running for governor for nearly a year but has not said which party, if any, he would align with if he were to get into the race.

Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, is running for a third four-year term as governor. He is being challenged in the GOP primary by former State Sen. Don Huffines and former Florida Congressman Allen West.

Meanwhile, Democrats are trying to convince former El Paso Congressman Beto ORourke to get into the race. ORourke said last month he is still thinking about it, but does not have a timetable for when he would make a decision.

jeremy.wallace@chron.com
Just after 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, federal court staff in Austin uploaded a 113-page document that  at least in theory  alters the way abortion services are provided for thousands of patients in Texas.

The ruling by U.S. District Judge Robert L. Pitman is a scathing rebuke of SB 8, the Texas law that imposed the harshest restriction on abortion since Roe v. Wade. The judge highlights the fact that the law hangs the responsibility of enforcement on citizens and writes of the absurdity and perversity of a law that incentivizes people who do not disagree with abortion care to sue abortion providers to make a quick buck.

Pitmans ruling, five days after a virtual hearing and 36 days after the law went into effect, calls for an immediate halt to enforcement.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxtons appeal was in the works within an hour. What remains to be seen during the appellate process is how providers and patients will respond during this period of limbo.

The following excerpts provide a window into Pitmans take on the abortion law.

SB 8 IS WILLFULLY AND FLAGRANTLY UNCONSTITUTIONAL SCHEME

The law allows civil lawsuits seeking up to $10,000 in damages to be brought by pretty much anyone with a heartbeat against abortion providers or people who assist patients seeking abortion, including taxi drivers or friends who offer a ride or reproductive rights advocates who provide information. Pitman begins by saying that the authors of the bill knew exactly what they were doing when they crafted a law that violates the constitution.

A persons right under the Constitution to choose to obtain an abortion prior to fetal viability is well established. Fully aware that depriving its citizens of this right by direct state action would be flagrantly unconstitutional, the State contrived an unprecedented and transparent statutory scheme to do just that.

THE STATE USES CIRCULAR LOGIC TO MAKE ITS CASE THE LAW IS LEGAL

The State appears to argue that abortion services remain available because providers are willing to act in violation of S.B. 8  in other words, the law is constitutional because people will violate it. The absurdity of this reasoning speaks for itself.

THE LAW SET OUT TO CRIMINALIZE ABORTION AND CIRCUMVENT CONSTITUTION

There can be no doubt that S.B. 8 was a deliberate attempt by lawmakers, notably its author, State Senator Bryan Hughes, to find another way around resistance to enforcement of laws criminalizing abortion state actors worked deliberately to craft a statutory scheme that would avoid review by the courts, and thereby circumvent any pronouncement of its unconstitutionality.

SB 8 PLACES UNDUE AND ONGOING BURDEN ON TEXAS ABORTION PROVIDERS

The law appears to be having the desired chilling effect: the provider describes a staff plagued by fear and instability who remain seriously concerned that even providing abortions in compliance with S.B. 8 will draw lawsuits from anti-abortion vigilantes or others seeking financial gain under S.B. 8s bounty hunting scheme. As one provider aptly observed, the days since the ban went into effect have been nothing short of agonizing for our staff. No one should be forced to risk overwhelming costs of litigation and crushing penalties to provide safe and common health care. No one should be subject to state-directed harassment for caring for patients in need.

THE STATE CANNOT ABSOLVE ITSELF OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR SCHEME

The States scheme to disguise its enforcement role and disclaim accountability collapses upon cursory inspectionThe practical operation of an S.B. 8 lawsuit in Texas courts deepens the States enforcement role. As set out above, the State plays a role at every step of an S.B. 8s lifecycle in Texas courts. A private cause of action enforcement scheme is meaningless without state action. Yet, the State endeavors to use it as a sword  and a shield (to insulate those regulations from federal review). The State cannot pin the enforcement of S.B. 8 solely on the backs of private individuals and avoid federal judicial review or injunctive relief.

THE U.S. HAS STANDING TO SUE BECAUSE TEXAS LAW HARMS FEDERAL WORKERS

The judge said the Justice Department has proper standing, or has the right, to sue Texas over its abortion law because federal employees face imminent and concrete harm if they adhere to the law. They can be held liable for violating SB 8, putting them in an impossible situation, Pitman said, because the Texas law itself violates the Constitution.

By imposing damages liability of $10,000 or more on any person performing, inducing, aiding, or abetting an abortion, S.B. 8 exposes the federal government, its employees, and its contractors to monetary injury... Under S.B. 8, these employees and contractors must choose between facing this civil liability and damages or violating federal regulations, statutes, or case law.

THE U.S. MAY ALSO SUE TEXAS TO PROTECT TEXANS

Pitman said the Justice Department may sue Texas on behalf of the people of Texas because part of the governments role is to safeguard its people.

It is the rare case in which direct actions by the state lead directly and indisputably to a deprivation of fundamental federal rights. But in the unlikely event that the state behaves so egregiously that it actively infringes constitutional protections, then the United States may properly sue to enjoin the offensive action.

THE LAW WAS CRAFTED TO INSULATE STATE FROM FEDERAL LAWSUITS

S.B. 8 is deliberately structured so that no adequate remedy at law exists by which to test its constitutionality. By purporting to preclude direct enforcement by state officials, the statutory scheme is intended to be insulated from review in federal court. The State itself concedes that the laws terms proscribe review by the federal courts, limiting review to state court alone.

THE LAW IMPOSES CATASTROPHIC HARM ON TEXANS

Its harms affect the public at large, as it affects any person with reproductive capacity, who engages in sexual contact with a person with reproductive capacity, or who can conceivably be sued under S.B. 8 Further, it has, in just over one month, had a truly catastrophic effect.

REAL PEOPLE ARE SUFFERING REAL CONSEQUENCES

Real people are being denied the constitutionally protected right to make decisions about their pregnancies. The State attempts to distance the law from its consequences, but let us be clear: S.B. 8 prevents individuals from exercising their right to obtain abortions in Texas, and an injunction will restore that right

gabrielle.banks@chron.com
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Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low around 25F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.
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The 5 things you need to know about the economics of streaming music [Jay Gilbert]

Most artists and many in the music industry dont begin to understand the economics of streaming. Highly respected music marketer Jay Gilbert dives in to explain streaming economics both as they are now and as they could be in the future.

By Jay Gilbert, Co-Founder / Digital Strategy at Label Logic and curator of the Your Morning Coffee Newsletter

According to the RIAA, streaming now accounts for nearly 85% of the music business revenue in the United States.

Streaming has given our industry something it never really dreamed of, regular monthly revenue; figure $120 per year / per user in the best-case scenario. In the first half of 2021, revenue grew 27% to $7.1 billion, up from $5.6 billion over the same period last year!



I believe that, as an industry, weve done a poor job at educating artists about how the economics of streaming works. Is streaming paying out too little or are the rights holders holding on to too much? Would raising payouts break the system as Mark Mulligan from MIDiA so eloquently points out? What about raising subscription fees and limiting ad-supported tiers?

Here are 5 things you need to know about the economics of streaming:

1. Streaming services dont always pay ARTISTS, in most cases, they pay the RIGHTS HOLDERS. Thats typically the label or Distribution. So, when you hear about DSPs like Spotify not paying artists enough, look to see if they are represented by a label. What royalty rate did the artist agree to? (15%  25% is common). Is the artist recouped?

2. Streaming services payout nearly 70% of the revenue they take in. But when I asked music industry attorney and pundit Chris Castle about this, he told me Bear in mind the revenue is not the services gross but its a negotiated number that doesnt include certain items. It also doesnt include the market value reflected in share price, especially true of pure-play music services like Spotify. Although, like the artist royalty, you cant really know what is to be included unless you see the deal between the rights holder and the DSP.

3. The #1 music streaming service is still YouTube, not Spotify.

4. A stream is not worth a download, downloads arent worth a CD and a CD isnt typically worth a premium vinyl package.



5. We all want artists and songwriters to earn more revenue from streaming. Is the answer as simple as raising subscription fees?

I asked Billboard writer Glenn Peoples to weigh in. He told me, Not that modest prices increases will make a big difference, but I think artists have a good argument to say they shouldnt subsidize Spotifys growth at all costs while keeping prices down. Spotify would say more customers, not profits, are good for artists right now. And that might be true.

Pro-rata vs user-centric models

Currently, as an industry, we use a pro-rata model. Some believe that a user-centric model would be a fairer way to compensate rights holders and ultimately, writers and artists. What does that mean?



Music-streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music collect monthly streaming revenue and then proportionally divide those royalties to rights holders (and DIY artists) by a pro-rata share of their streams compared to all streams. This means that fans pay for music they dont listen to, and bonuses the most popular tracks. Soundclouds fan-powered royalties offering is user-centric.



The User-centric model pays all of a fans subscription for actual usage (although that doesnt work that well in ad-supported services.) For example, if I listen to The Accidentals Vessel album exclusively all month, their royalty split is applied to 100% of my $10.



Could the answer lie somewhere in the middle, where the subscriber chooses which model the subscriber wants? Are we missing opportunities to engage fans on DSPs by offering a deeper experience, connection, and offering?

Smart people are working on a solution, but the UKs DCMS and CMA havent agreed yet on what to do (if anything). So, instead of cursing the darkness, lets work together to light up the way.

Jay Gilbert is the Co-Founder / Digital Strategy at Label Logic, Curator of the Your Morning Coffee Newsletter, and Former Executive With Universal, Sony, and Warner Music Group.

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Williamstown Board's Executive Session Minutes Don't Reveal Individual Votes

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  The Select Board met 14 times in executive session between Aug. 17, 2020, and Dec. 4, 2020.

The public record of those meetings shows exactly 28 votes: 14 to move to executive session and 14 to adjourn.

In between, the panel made a lot of decisions on how to respond to a high-profile lawsuit against the town. But either those decisions were made without formal votes or the votes themselves have been redacted on the advice of the town's counsel, board members said this week.

According to minutes from the 37 hours of meetings that were released on Friday, the board made most of its decisions by either the "sense of the Board" or "general consensus," phrases that show up in one form or another more than 45 times in 37 pages of redacted minutes.

Not all instances where the "sense of the Board" is recorded were occasions that may have warranted formal votes.

But there a number of times where the "sense" takes the place of a vote that would have recorded the opinions of individual board members.

On Aug. 17, the first closed-door session, five days after the lawsuit from Williamstown Police Department Sgt. Scott McGowan became public, the Select Board discussed whether to do an independent investigation while the lawsuit was pending.

"The Board's general consensus was that while [insurance attorney Patricia Rapinchuk's] investigative efforts in preparation and defense of the lawsuit would not necessarily satisfy the public's calls for an 'independent investigation,' they would have to suffice for now," the minutes read.

Two weeks later, on Aug. 31, the minutes record that, "Sense of the Board is the Board must direct the investigation through existing Defense Counsel."

On Sept. 14, one month and six lengthy closed-door virtual meetings into the crisis, "Sense of the Board it is too early to begin settlement talks."

On Oct. 8, the minutes record, "Sense of the Board that the Town Manager should continue negotiations with the [Police] Chief for a mutual separation agreement that includes the Chief's future cooperation throughout the litigation."

On Oct. 13, there is a paragraph that begins, "Sense of the Board that the next steps are," and the rest of the paragraph is redacted.

On Oct. 21, the minutes read, "Sense of the board to issue statement regarding Chief [Kyle] Johnson's continued employment."

On Dec. 4, the final executive session before the lawsuit was dropped by McGowan, the minutes say, "It was the sense of the Board that such an independent investigation could be conducted if the lawsuit was settled or otherwise resolved."

The commonwealth's Open Meeting Law requires that all meetings  public and executive session  must have an accurate record of minutes that includes "the decisions made and the actions taken at each meeting, including the record of all votes." Neither the words "sense" nor "consensus" appear in the 11-page OML.

The local Select Board's guide for its operations, approved in May of this year, notes that, "All votes taken in Executive Session shall be recorded roll call votes made part of the records of the Executive Session." And state law governing virtual meetings, as all of these executive sessions were, requires that all votes be cast by roll call.

In 18 sets of minutes for Select Board public meetings currently available on the town's website, the terms "sense" or "consensus" appear just once, in the minutes from a Jan. 4, 2021, meeting, as opposed to the more than 40 times they appear in the minutes from the 14 executive sessions.

Hugh Daley, who served as the Select Board's secretary and drafted the minutes for the executive sessions, said there were actual roll call votes taken during the sessions, but they are included in the two dozen passages of the minutes that were redacted before release to the public.

"Having said that, there were not a lot of things that the board needed to vote on (especially during our information gathering and legal guidance sessions) or should vote on due to constraints by charter and/or employment law," Daley wrote in reply to an email seeking comment.

"I tried to record when consensus was reached but no voting action was taken. I tried to note when there were dissenting opinions. That does not mean it was always unanimous, but it was always at least a majority."

There are indications in the executive session minutes from Oct. 21 that the five members of the board were not always on the same page.

"A lengthy discussion ensued about the best path forward," the minutes read in part. "Town Counsel suggested that the Board needs to make a final 'decision' about its recommendation to the Town Manager as to the Chief's status."

The use of the phrase "final 'decision'" implies that the board had been debating making such a decision, but nowhere in the non-redacted minutes does it indicate what the arguments were or who was making them. Chief Kyle Johnson would stay on the job for another two months after that meeting, finally leaving the town's service under a negotiated settlement in mid-December.

The minutes from that same Oct. 21 meeting go on to say, "Discussion of public appearance and need for unity of purpose. Discussion of individual board members disclosing personal views. Sense of the Board that the Chief must take responsibility publicly."

More information about what board members held what personal views may be included in the redacted sections of the minutes.

Jane Patton was chair of the Select Board during the period of the 14 executive sessions and continues to serve on the panel. She was part of the multiple meetings this summer and fall to review redactions to the minutes that were approved (in full) by the board in either fall 2020 or spring 2021.

Patton said all of the redactions in the publicly released version of the minutes were recommended to the Select Board by the town counsel.

"I don't think there were any full-on redactions that counsel recommended that we opted not to follow," Patton said this week.

"Those recommendations were typically, if not 100 percent, all about personnel record privacy types of things."
Taconic Community, Pittsfield Residents Asked to Weigh in on New Mascot

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Taconic High School is seeking a new name and mascot and is looking to the community for inspiration.

The School Committee a year ago voted to change 50-year-old team mascot and begin the process of determining a new, more culturally acceptable identity for the vocational school.

The Taconic teams had been known as the Braves and used a logo with a Native American. Officials decided it was time to retire the outdated mascot, following the lead of numerous other schools and professional teams that have used Native American imagery.

The school district has enlisted the services of Heard Strategy & Storytelling, a marketing and communications services agency, which offered pro bono rebranding services to any Massachusetts high school that made the decision to change its mascot. To date, five schools, including Taconic, have taken the offer.

"We're thrilled to begin the important work of making our school and our mascot representative of everyone in the district," said Principal Matthew Bishop. "We're excited to see what ideas the community has during the open survey portion of the process."

Working with members of the Taconic High School Mascot Subcommittee, Heard recently helped engineer a strategy of compiling community input for a period of time, with the goal of distilling that data into actionable items so the subcommittee can make further decisions and recommendations.

The online public survey opens Wednesday, Oct. 7, and will remain open for two weeks. The survey can be accessed via the link on the Taconic High School website or here

Following the collection of responses received from the survey, the subcommittee will begin narrowing the choices to a smaller list of finalists in anticipation of presenting them to the student body and School Committee for an eventual vote.

The rebranding process will take several months to complete. Starting with the community survey, school officials are hopeful to have a new mascot unveiled by the end of 2021.

Students, alumni, and Pittsfield community members are encouraged to participate in the survey in an effort to reach the goal of establishing a new name and mascot that is relevant and relatable to both current students and alumni, as well as portray a positive, uplifting image.
Wayland North of Rhode Island was selected to turn the classroom wing of the Memorial Building into one and two-bedroom apartments. Above, an illustration of the Wayland North's plans.

Memorial Building Project Awarded to Rhode Island Developer

ADAMS, Mass. The Board of Selectmen unanimously selected Wayland North of Providence, R.I., to develop the Memorial Building into a mix of residential and commercial opportunities.

After an executive session Wednesday, the board voted to award Jay Hayes of Wayland North the project that will convert the former middle school's classroom wing into one and two-bedroom apartments.

"We were told that we should tear it down by many ... but now we are at this point and we are very very proud of that," Selectman John Duval said.

On Sept. 29, the Selectmen interviewed both Wayland North and Mackin Construction Co. Inc about the project. Both developers were planning one and two-bedroom apartments in the classroom wing. Both proposals would be a complete renovation with new windows, doors, mechanicals, landscaping, and parking.

Hayes has plans for 20 two-bedroom and four one-bedroom units and partitioning 20 percent of the units for affordable housing. The units will be mixed in, not separated. The cafeteria is to be turned into a cafe and the exterior facade redone in white to stand out.

The board was impressed with Hayes' proposal and felt it met the towns' own needs. They were also impressed by other Wayland North projects.

Selectwoman Christine Hoyt thanked all those who showed interest in the property and was encouraged that so many highly qualified developers were interested in the town.

"New housing is a critical part of our future and I appreciate all who came forward," she said.

Selectman Howard Rosenberg agreed and added that he was impressed by the complex and large-scale projects Wayland North had worked on.

"I was impressed by some of their projects, some far more complex than this one," he said. "I was impressed by their expertise, and It takes a lot to do real estate development in this day and age."

For Duval, he said it was important that Wayland North allowed the town to continue to own portions of the building

"We had a vision to keep this building and to keep it a viable recreation and community center," he said.

The town will maintain control over the Valley Street entrance and the gym and auditorium. These spaces will be for community use and the Council on Aging.

Duval said the town hopes to move the council before the end of the year. He said the town does plan to update and refresh the building.

Duval was also encouraged that Wayland North is currently developing the Jones and Carlow blocks on Park Street. He added that new housing is needed in Adams and he hopes this will be the first of many projects.

"This is a big time for the town of Adams, and we haven't had a big housing project like this as far back as I can remember," Duval said. "This will be the first of many ... we want people, who may work elsewhere, to live in our community and we need new housing. There is a lot of old housing stock in Northern Berkshire County."

The Memorial Building has been used on a limited basis since closing as a school a decade ago. Potential developers flirted with the project over the years but serious efforts often stalled.

The town replaced the building's roof and HVAC system. Not only were these improvements needed, but the town hoped they would attract developers.

The recently passed Smart Growth zoning sweetened the pot. The state program incentivizes developers to utilize existing structures to create market-rate housing that also provided a percentage of affordable housing units and space for retail or commerce.

Duval said the town administrator will work with town counsel to negotiate a selling price and contract with the developer. This will later come back to the board for approval.
PCTV, iBerkshires Hosting Pittsfield Candidate Forums

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Pittsfield Community Television, in partnership with iBerkshires.com, will present live debates for all the contested races in the city of Pittsfield during the month of October. The debates will take place in the auditorium at the Berkshire Athenaeum.

The candidate forums will begin on Thursday, Oct. 14, with the ward council debates beginning at 6 p.m.

Ward 1 debate begins at 6 p.m. with candidates Kenneth Warren and Andrea Wilson.

Ward 2 debate begins at 6:30 p.m. with candidates Matthew Kudlate and Charles Kronick.

Ward 4 debate begins at 7 p.m. with candidates James Conant and Andrew Wrinn.

Ward 6 debate begins at 7:30 p.m. with candidates Dina Guiel Lampiasi and Edward Carmel.

There are no races in Wards 3, 5 and 7.

On Monday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m., the candidate forum for School Committee will take place. All candidates on the ballot received invitations to the debate, including incumbents William Cameron, Mark Brazeau, Nyanna Slaughter, Alison McGee, and Daniel Elias; and challengers Vicky Smith, Katie Lauzon, Sara Hathaway, Karen Reis Kaveney Murray, and Bill Tyer. Two of the candidates, Slaughter and Lauzon, have indicated they are no longer running for a seat on the six-member committee.

On Tuesday, Oct. 19, at 7 p.m., the six at-large City Council candidates will face off in a 90-minute debate for the four seats up for election. The candidates for the at-large race are incumbents Yuki Cohen, Pete White, Peter Marchetti, and Earl Persip III as well as challengers Craig Benoit and Karen Kalinowsky.

The series of debates are moderated by representatives of iBerkshires and Pittsfield Community Television. They are open to the public and will be broadcast live on PCTV CityLink Channel 1303 in Pittsfield, on the PCTV Select App available on Roku and Apple TV, and on the Pittsfield Community Television Facebook page.

PCTV and Berkshires are also soliciting questions from the public. You can submit your question for the candidates to election@pittsfieldtv.org and the moderators will work some of the questions into the debates.

Pittsfield's municipal election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 2. Polls open at 8 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

Pittsfield Community Television is Pittsfield's Public, Education and Government Access Television Station. A 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, PCTV's mission over the past 35 years has been to provide access to the medium of television and related technologies and to provide the Pittsfield community with local television programming.
FILE - In this Dec. 5, 2020, file photo, President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally for Senate Republican candidates in Valdosta, Ga. A report by the Senate Judiciary Committee's Democratic majority details Trumps extraordinary effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election that he lost. His pursuit of fraud claims brought the Justice Department to the brink of chaos and prompted top officials there and at the White House to threaten to resign. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
Jammu directorate of information in central Kashmirs Budgam district announced it will limit and regulate journalists covering official functions due for asking questions of the union minister. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate Indian Journalists Union (IJU) and National Union of Journalists- India (NUJ-I) condemn restrictions and conditions imposed on journalists reporting on official issues and reiterate the imperative for press freedom and independence.

The Budgam District Information Officer (DIO) Tajamul Yousuf announced the government would ban particular journalists from entering the union ministers program, alleging they were attempting to tarnish his image by asking irrelevant questions. The officer said journalists not on the blacklist would be allowed to continue covering official functions, including that of the union minister, Anurag Thakur. The district administration has not publicised the journalists names on the so-called prohibition list. On a previous occasion in 2020, Thakur accused a reporter of telling a lie when he was asked about an election campaign for the assembly polls in Delhi.

Abid Hussain, a journalist affiliated with ETV Bharat, reported he was told directly by the DIO office that he was barred, along with other journalists, from covering official events. Journalists working in Budgam criticised the administrations move, terming it a bias decision and a total attack on freedom of the press. The IFJ has documented similar censorship in the Kupwara district. On July 24, the district magistrate of Kupwara issued an order instructing journalists to complete a registration process to be eligible to report from the field. Those journalists who did not complete the registration were barred from reporting.

According to the IFJs South Asia Press Freedom Report 2020-21 Truth in a time of Contagion: The Viral Frontline, Jammu and Kashmir journalists have been increasingly targeted since the abolishment of Article 370 on August 5, 2019.

The IJU said: The IJU expresses grave concern at the order of the District Information Officer of Budgam of Central Kashmir to restrict the number of journalists in Central Minister's and other VVIPs functions. It strongly protests at the selective entry of journalists who toe with the administration's line. IJU demands the Kashmir administration to ensure freedom of press, free movement and free entry of Journalists in all government functions.

The NUJ-I said: "This action is against press freedom. There is no right to any administration in India to stop local Media-persons from covering Government events. We are going to take up this issue with authorities."

The IFJ said: Barring journalists from participating in the public function is a serious form of censorship and a violation of constitutionally enshrined freedom of press and expression. The IFJ urges the Budgam administration to remove the restriction and allow all journalists to report freely and independently.
After awaiting trial for over four months in Yangons Insein prison on charges of sedition American journalist Danny Fenster was charged with a further criminal offence on October 4. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) condemns the ongoing detention of all journalists in Myanmar and calls for the immediate release of Danny Fenster by the military junta.

Danny Fenster, editor of independent magazine Frontier Myanmar, was charged under the Unlawful Associations Act on October 4. Fenster was previously facing charges of sedition under the penal code, an offence which could see him imprisoned for up to three years. He has remained in pre-trial detention since his arrest on May 24, which authorities have declined to justify and international advocates and the IFJ continue to condemn as a violation of his rights.

Myanmars so-called Unlawful Associations Act is being used as a means to moderate communications with groups deemed criminal after the military coup on February 1, 2021. The list of illegal groups includes popular opposition organisations that represent Aung San Suu Kyis overthrown government.

On September 30, Myanmars junta defended Fensters arrest and detention without providing details of the allegations against him. 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, said Major General Zaw Min Tun.

The United States government has called for the immediate release of Fenster. The detention of Danny Fenster and other journalists constitutes an unacceptable attack on freedom of expression in Burma, State Department spokesman, Ned Price, said.

Myanmars junta has grown increasingly hostile towards the media since the coup, with over 100 journalists arrested by authorities to date, 53 of which remain in custody.

According to Freedom Houses 2021 annual Freedom on the Net report, internet freedoms in Myanmar have plummeted by 14 points, the largest decline ever recorded in the reports history.

The IFJ said: We condemn the use of draconian laws to silence expression. The IFJ calls for the immediate release of Danny Fenster as well as for the release of all other media workers enduring detention in Myanmar; arbitrary detentions as a punitive means of silencing dissent must end.
Global cybersecurity leader Trend Micro Incorporated announced in early September that it blocked 40.9 billion email threats, malicious files, and malicious URLs for customers in the first half of 2021, a 47% year-on-year increase.

Ransomware remained the standout threat in the first half of the year as cybercriminals continued to target big-name victims and used Advanced Persistent Threat tools and techniques to steal and encrypt victims' data.

Ransomware was a major threat to global organizations in the first half of 2021, but it was not the only one. Trend Micro's report also reveals:

Business email compromise (BEC) attacks increased by 4%, potentially as a result of new COVID-19 opportunities for threat actors. The Philippines ranked fourth among Southeast Asian countries that encountered BEC threats at 8.4%, with Singapore ranking first at 55.8%.

Cryptocurrency miners became the most detected malware, having surged ahead of WannaCry and web shells in recent months.

The Zero Day Initiative reported 770 vulnerabilities, a slight (2%) drop from 1H 2020.

A total of 164 malicious apps related to COVID-19 scams were detected, 54% of which impersonated TikTok.

Healthcare is the top industry affected by ransomware in the Philippines, followed by food and beverage, then banking.

According to a report by Hootsuite, the Philippines ranks the highest in internet and social media usage in the world. A Pew Research study conducted in 2020 also revealed that 60% of Filipinos own a smartphone. Given this, Filipinos are more likely to be exposed to malicious links and Android malware, especially if not equipped with proper internet security knowledge. The Philippines ranked first among Southeast Asian countries and third globally after the US and Japan in terms of users accessing malicious URLs, and second among Southeast Asian countries in terms of Android malware detected.

Mitigating cyber risk effectively necessitates the thorough understanding of the scale, complexity, and specific characteristics of the threat landscape. said Alma Alvarez, Trend Micro Threat Hunting Director.

Alongside the comprehensive protection Trend Micro provides against fast-evolving threats and our biannual roundup reports, our annual cyber security conference DECODE brings together industry professionals and presents the latest in local cybersecurity to empower and inform the continuous transformation of organizations digital infrastructures.

The report's overall findings highlight the effectiveness of  and increasing need for  a holistic and scalable cybersecurity solution at the enterprise level. As threats continue to increase in frequency and sophistication, enterprise SOC teams will require a platform that can streamline security processes without sacrificing reliability.

To read a full copy of the report, Attacks from All Angles: 2021 Midyear Security Roundup, please visit: www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/us/security/research-and-analysis/threat-reports/roundup/attacks-from-all-angles-2021-midyear-security-roundup

About DECODE:

DECODE is the premier cyber security conference in the Philippines hosted by Trend Micro. It aims to decode to local technology professionals the up-to-date information about the threat landscape, industry trends, and new technologies in order to empower them to secure the digital infrastructures of their organizations, as well as to inspire them to embark on a continuous learning journey.

This years theme:

IT professionals who are equipped with cybersecurity know-how are more likely to rise above a crisis, make informed decisions, and win the war against cyber threats. Understanding new threats comes with the acceptance that all systems and processes need to transform.

DEC1DE. DEC0DE.

DECIDE to act with certainty. Timing matters when it comes to making security decisions amidst a threat. Whats in your toolbox and your ability to deploy solutions quickly and seamlessly will make all the difference.

DECODE will equip you with the cybersecurity expertise to recognize and isolate real security threats. This expertise sets you apart from those without it -- and the contrast is like night and day, black and white, 1s and 0s.

Let DECODE push you towards a commitment to win the war against digital threats no matter what the situation is. Transcend the ordinary and become a cybersecurity expert!
Kingston Technology, a world leader in memory products and technology solutions, today announced its forthcoming DDR5 UDIMMS has received Intel Platform Validation. This marks the first and arguably most important milestone in validating compatibility between Kingston DDR5 memory solutions and Intel platforms utilizing DDR5.

16GB and 32GB DDR5 UDIMM Compatible with Intel Platforms

Kingstons introductory portfolio of DDR5 memory will be the first in a series of high performance, low to high capacity, multiple form factor solutions in support of DDR5 based platforms debuting over the next year. After developing the next generation of DDR memory, Kingston is providing over 10,000 DDR5 UDIMM samples to major motherboard manufacturers and technology partners in support of the platform launch. By supporting partners early, Kingston is doing its part to lay the foundation for a successful product launch.

For over three decades, Kingston has been the memory brand customers choose to power their systems. Earlier this week, Kingston announced it has been ranked as the top third-party DRAM module supplier in the world according to the latest rankings by revenue from analyst firm TrendForce. This marks the 18th consecutive year the company has held the top spot and solidifies Kingston as a leading force in the market. With the launch of new platforms on the horizon, Kingston is gearing up to bring a range of DDR5 memory modules to market featuring enhancements to performance, data integrity, density, and scalability for years to come.

"We are looking forward to unveiling our latest DDR5 portfolio and have made significant investments into enabling the upcoming launch," said Kingston. By early sourcing of components during a global shortage to enhance our production infrastructure with the latest DDR5 platforms, we are able to support high volume demand. From the partner level through to the end-user, Kingston Is With You, and here to take the lead with the next generation of memory.

Kingston memory is backed by a limited lifetime warranty, free technical support and legendary Kingston reliability.
Kent Gregoire is an Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) member and founder of Symphony Advantage, a boutique consulting company. As the world's seventh certified Conscious Capitalism consultant, he helps organizations unleash their entrepreneurial spirit for good. We asked Kent how entrepreneurs can address the talent shortage while simultaneously elevating humanity. Here's what he shared:

In September, the U.S. Labor Department reported an all-time record high of 10.9 million job openings, shattering the pre-pandemic record by more than 2.5 million additional job postings. I hear it often from businesses of every size, region, and industry: A lack of available workers, both unskilled and qualified, is their No. 1 pain point.

American employers are not alone facing this issue: Globally, the proportion of employers complaining that they can no longer find the right staff is close to 40 percent. Countries such as Japan and Peru are struggling at levels over 80 percent!

Unfortunately, the talent shortage crisis is not going to get better. An extensive Korn Ferry report recently found that, by 2030, more than 85 million jobs could go unfilled because there aren't enough people to take them worldwide. Left unchecked, by 2030, the talent shortage could represent approximately $8.5 trillion in unrealized annual revenues.

Covid is NOT (only) to blame

First, let's look at the causes behind this global talent crisis. Much of the shortage is based on simple demographic trends. Japan and many European nations, for instance, have had low birth rates for decades. Last year, the U.S. experienced the lowest birth rate in its history. In addition, 75 million Baby Boomers in the U.S. alone will be retiring sooner rather than later, and there simply aren't enough Generation X workers to replace them. Younger generations will not have had the time or training to fill many of the jobs left behind.

While Covid is not the fundamental cause for this generalized talent shortage, it undeniably acted--and continues to act--as an accelerant. The pandemic spurred workers to re-evaluate what they want from their employers and life in general. For many, it was a wake-up call that a different future is possible at a time when record-high job openings entice them with new opportunities. That's why, in the last 18 months, we have witnessed record-low participation in the labor force by American workers who are 25- to 54-years-old. Finally, travel restrictions due to Covid mean that foreign-born workers face unprecedented--if not insurmountable--challenges to obtain work visas to cross borders.

Given these demographics and circumstantial trends, it's now clear that employers will need a strong workforce plan to address this talent shortage. However, traditional capitalism--focused on maximizing profits at all costs--offers few effective solutions. On the other hand, conscious capitalism provides concrete steps to help employers and employees alike build a stronger, more sustainable workforce.

10 steps to address the talent shortage crisis in your organization

Purpose: Increasingly, a job is about more than a paycheck. It's about having a purpose and making an impact. Give your employees meaningful work geared toward solving a worthwhile societal and environmental challenge. Pay higher wages! It's about supply and demand. Provide meaningful benefits, including quality health insurance and child care services, if relevant. Beware of perks that do more harm than good. Unlimited PTO is one: Without clear boundaries, employees have no idea how much vacation is too much vacation, so they end up taking less time off for fear of getting let go. According to Namely, employees with access to unlimited PTO take an average of 13 days off per year. As a leader, bring out the best in people by inspiring them instead of focusing primarily on management or time micromanagement. Build your internal pipeline of talent by providing meaningful skill-development training, together with concrete upward mobility opportunities. Include all stakeholders in your recruitment efforts: leadership team, employees, HR department, recruiters, vendors, etc. Provide development opportunities outside of the workplace. Employees want to feel valued as human beings and, therefore, cared for in and out of the workplace. Provide flexibility when it comes to location and WFH policies. Promote work-life balance. Set clear expectations and boundaries around availability, and working after hours or at home. Leaders help define the value of well-being improvement through setting personal examples and reinforcement. When the leadership team supports and highlights well-being improvement, employees will follow that example.
On Wednesday, The Verge released its annual "trust survey" of tech brands. There is a lot of interesting information about how consumers feel about various companies, but maybe the most interesting is that the company viewed favorably by the largest number of people is Google.

It's probably worth mentioning that the next brand on the list is YouTube, which is also owned by Google. More than Apple, Microsoft, or Amazon, people have a favorable opinion of Google.

That's a little surprising. After all, people love their iPhones and they do a lot of shopping on Amazon--and have especially over the past 18 months. There are millions of companies that depend on Microsoft's operating system and enterprise services.

And yet, when asked whether they have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of various tech companies, Google gets the highest score. Of course, part of that could be that Google hasn't had some of the same problems that other tech companies have faced.

Google has never been the source of a massive data breach affecting its users. Its search engine isn't seen as amplifying divisive content or misinformation in the way that other social platforms do. It also has avoided criticisms facing some tech companies that they put the bottom line before the well-being of their users.

Even YouTube, which arguably does just that, manages to mostly stay above the fray--and, as a result, above the level of scrutiny facing its peers. Yes, Google has the same privacy concerns as other companies that collect your information, but the reality is that the average user almost never thinks about that.

There's a reason for that, and it's honestly quite simple. In many areas of people's lives, Google is the default. That one word is extremely powerful and even more valuable as a business.

Google is the default search engine for most people. It's the default email service. It's the default web browser. It's where people go for directions, to find a nearby restaurant, or to make travel plans.

That word is powerful, and I think it explains the reason people have such a high opinion of Google, compared with other tech companies. Google is a sort of utility for most people in the sense that they use Google's services without thinking about Google other than the fact that it's the place you go for all of those important pieces of their personal tech stack.

Google Search is the perfect example. Not only does Google Search have a 92 percent market share, it has 100 percent mind share when it comes to answering the question, "Where do I find information about, well, anything?"

"Google it" is the obvious--and default--answer.

I've written in the past about the value of being the default option in people's lives. It's easily the most powerful position a company can obtain, and Google has made itself the default better than any other.

Apple might make the world's most popular smartphone, but the iPhone isn't the default. There are a lot of people who would never buy an iPhone or a Mac. There are a lot of people who would rather shop at Target than Amazon. For that matter, there are plenty of people who believe Amazon is killing small businesses and make an intentional choice to shop local as often as possible.

Sure, Apple is the most valuable company on the planet, and Amazon is the world's largest online shopping website, but neither is the default in the way Google is. Almost no one uses Microsoft's search engine, Bing, and the ones who do are apparently searching for Google anyway.
Since 1963, The Independent has helped create a great community!

Since our founding in September of 1963, The Independent has been dedicated to giving Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin, and Sunol readers the news they need to be in-the-know about what's going on in the Tri-Valley region.
Indiana, PA (15701)

Today

Periods of rain. Morning high of 62F with temps falling to near 45. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Some clouds. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 28F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
MAM | Media And Advertising Xaxis elevates Dimpy Yadav to general manager, India Xaxis, GroupM's outcome media specialist, on Thursday announced the elevation of Dimpy Yadav as general manager of Xaxis India. She will be based out of Gurugram and will report to GroupM India president of data, performance, and digital products Atique Kazi. Read More...

MAM | Media and Advertising Himanshu Shekhar to lead in Vietnam at GroupM GroupM has announced that Himanshu Shekhar, currently CEO of GroupM Indonesia, will lead the organisation's Vietnam business. He succeeds Neil Hardwick, who is returning to the UK to take up a new role outside WPP, said the company in a statement. Read More...

MAM | Media and Advertising Leader Batteries ropes in Ajay Devgan for new campaign Leader Batteries, a part of the Pilot Industry group has launched a new brand campaign announcing the new avatar Leader 2.0 to strengthen its pan India presence. The campaign features brand ambassador Ajay Devgn who showcasing the brand's values of 'performance, commitment, innovation, and trust.' Read More...

MAM | Media and Advertising CredAvenue names Niren Yadav as communications and PR head Debt markets platform CredAvenue on Thursday announced the appointment of Niren Yadav as head of communications and public relations. Yadav will report to CMO Karanpreet Bindra and work closely with the founder/CEO and leadership team. He will be based out of the firm's Bengaluru office, which will also double up as the upcoming technology hub and marketing HQ of CredAvenue, said the company in a statement. Read More...
For the second time Nobel Prize season has returned under the pandemic spotlight with awarding of the prize in Physiology or Medicine, Physics and Chemistry while Literature, Peace, and Economics Sciences prizes are yet to be awarded.



Interestingly, this is the first time climate scientists, Syukuro Manabe, Klaus Hasselmann and Giorgio Parisi have been jointly awarded the Physics Nobel for contributing to the understanding of complex physical systems.

Earlier, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) had won the Peace Nobel in 2007, an acknowledgement of its efforts in creating awareness for the fight against climate change, while a Chemistry Nobel to Paul Crutzen in 1995, for his work on the Ozone layer, is considered the only other time someone from atmospheric sciences has won this honour.

But, how does one get nominated for this coveted Prize?

Nominations to most of the Nobel prizes are by invitation only. However, anyone, who meets the nominating criteria can nominate the candidate.

Each year, thousands of University professors, members of academies, and previous Nobel Laureates, and members of parliamentary assemblies are asked to submit candidates for the Nobel Prize for the coming year.

AP

After receiving the nominations, respective institutions of different fields are responsible for the selection of candidates.



How do we know who is nominated this year?

Some of those who have proposed nominees for this year have publicly announced their choices.

For that reason, we know that among the 2021 nominees are exiled Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and two other Belarus democracy activists, Veronika Tsepkalo and Maria Kolesnikova; the Black Lives Matter movement; Alexei Navalny, Russian President Vladimir Putins fiercest critic; Stacey Abrams, the former Georgia gubernatorial candidate who has become a leading U.S. voting rights advocate; and former White House adviser Jared Kushner and his deputy, Avi Berkowitz, who negotiated a series of Mideast agreements known as the Abraham Accords.

Groups nominated in 2021 include the World Health Organization for its role in addressing the coronavirus pandemic; NATO; Reporters Without Borders, known by its French acronym RSF; and Polish judges defending civil rights.

Who awards the Nobel Prize?

In his will, Alfred Nobel designated the institutions responsible for the prizes he wished to establish: Karolinska Institutet for the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences for the Nobel Prize in Physics and Chemistry, the Swedish Academy for the Nobel Prize in Literature, and a Committee of five persons to be elected by the Norwegian Parliament (Norwegian Nobel Committee) for the Nobel Peace Prize.

AP

However, the sixth category, Economic Sciences, was not originally listed in Alfred Nobels will. It was established in 1968 by Sveriges Riksbank who established the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel.



Process of selection

The process of selection begins in the month of September every year the Nobel Prize is to be awarded.

September: The Nobel committee invites qualified personnel to nominate extraordinary work.

January: January 31 is the deadline for submitting nominations.

February: The Nobel committee screens the nominations and selects preliminary candidates.

March-May: In spring, the committee meets and consults with experts.

June-August: The Nobel committee puts together the report with the expert recommendations.

September: The Nobel committee submits the final recommendation report to the respective academies.

October: The Nobel Laureates are chosen through a majority of votes. The decision is final and without appeal. The names of the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates are then announced.

December: The Nobel Laureates receive their prizes.

What is 50-year secrecy rule?

The Committee does not itself announce the names of nominees, neither to the media nor to the candidates themselves.

In so far as certain names crop up in the advance speculations as to who will be awarded any given years Prize, this is either sheer guesswork or information put out by the person or persons behind the nomination.

Information in the Nobel Committees nomination database is not made public until after fifty years.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe of the case relating to the seizure of 2988.21 Kgs of Narcotics substance at Mundra Port in Gujarat last month.

One of the biggest mysteries, the NIA is reportedly trying to solve is - who is Delhi businessman Kuldeep Singh?

According to News 18, Kuldeep Singh said to be a Delhi-based businessman was to receive the consignment that was sent from Afghanistan.

Adani Ports

But till date, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) which seized the drugs at Mundra Port has not been able to identify who Singh is.

The consignment was imported by Vijayawada-based Aashi Trading company and was declared as 'Semi-processed Talc stones' originating from Afghanistan.

However, Vijayawada Police Commissioner B Sreenivasulu had said that the consignment of heroin was intended to reach Delhi and not Vijayawada.

According to Vijayawada Police, the GST number used for consignment belong to a company registered in Vijayawada.

BCCL

Arrests made

Govindaraju Durga Purna Vaishali, a resident of Chennai, had taken GST registration in August 2020 on the address D No 23-14-16, Satyanarayanapuram. Machavaram Sudhakar, a resident of Chennai, is the husband of Vaishali. The building is owned by Vaishali's mother Govindaraju Taraka.

The couple has since been arrested by the DRI.

So far 8 people including the couple and some foreign nationals have been arrested, but there is still no clarity on who Kuldeep Singh is.

According to the investigators, the address and phone number of Kuldeep Singh are fake.

AFP/ Representational Image

Another arrested man, Rajkumar is said to be the one who introduced Sudhakar to an Afghan national Javad who in turn introduced him to another Afghan national Hasan Husain, who imported the consignment.

Following the drug seizure on September 15, it also came to light that this was the second consignment imported by the same company.



The first consignment was imported in June 2021 and is said to be bigger than the one that was seized and it was delivered to an address in Aluipur, Delhi.

For more on news and current affairs from around the world please visit Indiatimes News.


Love Jihad, Narcotic Jihad, Land Jihad, UPSC Jihad... the list only seems growing.

Rakesh Kumar Pandey, a professor at Delhi University has courted controversy after he added one more jihad - Marks Jihad.

Professor Rakesh Kumar Pandey

According to Pandey, a member of RSS-affiliated teachers' body National Democratic Teachers' Front, the high number of students applying for admission in Delhi University colleges is part of a conspiracy and needs to be investigated. He even went on to claim that it was 'Marks Jihad.

"Marks Jihad"

"The invasion of Kerala board students with perfect 100 per cent marks cannot be considered as unplanned. It hints at something that must be investigated. There is no way that one can accept this inexplicable flow of students from the Kerala board as normal. Majority of these students are comfortable neither in Hindi nor in English. All these students do not have 100 per cent marks in Class 11," he said in a statement.

Pandey said the DU should implement an entrance examination system. He called it a "marks jihad".

It seems some plan has been in operation for two-three years. One can connect this with the loosening hold of those aligned to the political left on universities like Jawaharlal Nehru University. They, therefore, now want to spread to Delhi University, he told The Times of India.

His comments came in the backdrop of reports that a large number of students, including many with perfect scores, had applied for admission in several courses at Delhi University.

BCCL

For the BA (Hons) programme in Political Science at Hindu College, there were more than 100 applications for the 20 seats and all except one of these perfect scorers were from Kerala.

On Wednesday, over 100 admissions of students of the Kerala board were put on hold by the DU over a confusion related to their marksheets, but the matter was resolved after officials contacted the board in the southern state.

A majority of these admissions had taken place in north campus colleges. Three Kerala boards are recognised by the Council Of Boards of School Education in India (COBSE) -- the Kerala Board of Public Examination, the Kerala Board of Higher Secondary Education and the Board of Vocational Higher Secondary Education.

BCCL

"There was confusion when some students submitted marksheets issued by the Directorate of Higher Education, Kerala. We asked the colleges to put the admissions of these students on hold. After we contacted officials from Kerala, we found out that it is an authentic board and is approved by the COBSE. By 3 pm on Tuesday, we mailed to the colleges, asking them to approve the admissions that were put on hold," a DU source told PTI.

Explaining the marksheet issue, he said the schools in which these students studied were probably affiliated to the Andhra Pradesh board earlier, but then there was a split. "There is a Board of Higher Secondary Education, which issued the Class 10 marksheets, while the board for Class 12 was being controlled by the Directorate of Higher Education, which issued the Class 12 marksheets. Talking about the marking given by the Kerala board, the source said it gives the marks of Class 11 as well as Class 12 in the marksheets.

BCCL

"A student has 92, 93 or 94 marks in Class 11 but 100 in Class 12. But since the DU has a rule that it will consider only Class 12 marks and not an average of the marks of Class 11 and Class 12, we are going by the Class 12 marks," he added.

According to data shared by the DU, there are 4,824 applicants from the Kerala Board of Higher Secondary Education and most of them have scored perfect marks.
Back in 2019, a selfie from Congo got supremely viral on social media. This selfie was not of a celebrity or any human for that matter. It was of a mountain gorilla.

It showed a photo of two gorillas posing for a selfie with two rangers at the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It went massively viral on social media then.



The selfie of these two gorillas casually striking a pose was shared by many including Indian Forest Services (IFS) officer Parveen Kaswan who had shared it on Twitter on World Ranger Day last year.

Sharing again, selfie of the century, a ranger and friends at Virunga National Park in DR Congo. On #WorldRangerDay pic.twitter.com/Kp3BCkCHCS  Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) July 31, 2020





The two gorillas, Ndakasi and Matabishi, became something of an overnight Internet sensation back then.



This picture of two gorillas  posing for a selfie is one of the best things Ive seen this week!  pic.twitter.com/ftj2k3s1DF  Alhaji  (@The_Nifemi) April 19, 2019

However, the adorable gorilla has gone viral once again but for a very saddening reason. The orphaned Ndakasi has died at age 14.

A harrowing image was shared on Instagram by Virunga National Park in eastern Congo where Ndakasi can be seen lying in the arms of her friend and carer Andre Bauma, who also appeared in the famous photo.



The post reads: "It is with heartfelt sadness that Virunga announces the death of beloved orphaned mountain gorilla, Ndakasi, who had been under the care of the Park's Senkwekwe Center for more than a decade.



"On the evening of 26 September, following a prolonged illness in which her condition rapidly deteriorated, Ndakasi took her final breath in the loving arms of her caretaker and lifelong friend, Andre Bauma."



The picture has been liked over 31,000 times since it was shared yesterday (5 October) with people piling into the comments box to share their condolences with Mr Bauma and the rest of the team at the park.

One user said: "So so sorry to hear your tragic news of the loss of Ndakasi. Thank you so much Andre for looking after her & loving her so much. You are an Angel." Another commented: "More than friendship. Love. She will be missed by many. My sincere condolences."

At the time when the selfie had gone viral, the park's website explained that the site had been 'deeply' impacted by war and armed conflict over the last two decades.

"Virunga is protected by a dedicated team of over 600 rangers," the website stated. "These local men and women go through intensive training, risking their lives on a daily basis to safeguard the park's exceptional wildlife, including the last of the world's critically endangered mountain gorillas."

Saddening to see this news.
From schools to corporate offices, most regulatory bodies have dress codes. But do you think a place of worship should have one as well?

Well, looks like that may be the case in the state of Karnataka.

Karnataka State Dharmik Parishat, a government religious body that looks after more than 211 temples, has decided to implement a dress code for devotees in all 211 temples in Dakshina Kannada district.



To make it mandatory for people, the religious body has issued the banners.



Harinarayan Asranna, a priest said, We have urged devotees to follow dress code which respects our Hindu cultural values. Saree is preferred for women and it should be worn in a way that covers her bosoms properly. For men also we are deciding.



#dakshinakannada temple authorities say no to women wearing jeans. They have issued new guidelines saying women should wear sarees respecting culture. And they should cover their bosoms properly. #BajrangDal had put up posters ordering people to maintain proper dress.#Karnataka pic.twitter.com/v6QpZ9IUXI  Imran Khan (@KeypadGuerilla) October 6, 2021



The member of Bajrang Dal, a Hindu nationalist organisation have also urged temples in Dakshin Kannada to follow the implementation of the dress code. After getting a nod from the government, the Karnataka State Dharmik Parishad will start implementing the dress code in a phased and staggered manner.



However, people on the internet had mixed reactions to the authorities imposing the dress code.

Recipe to destroy India's hub of IT and innovation. Sad  Amitabha Saha (@asaha71) October 6, 2021

Suddenly I refresh the feed and booooh I am living in 1890  Ameesha (@_Ameesha___) October 6, 2021

Mard ko apni nazar pe kam bharosa hai,

Isliye har mazhab me aurat pe parda hai.  WriteItOut (@shambhu2005) October 6, 2021

Yes, very good decision. Must be emulated in all Hindu temples.   Rama Jamadagnya  (@rAma_jAmadagnya) October 6, 2021

Is there any dress code for men too? Fully covered? Partially covered like him? What if one wears only the very traditional kaupinam or langot? Are the Digambara Jain Munis allowed in these temples as visitors?  Ved Nayak (@catcheronthesly) October 6, 2021

A good move, US places of worship have alwAys had the dress code....Better late than never.  Patriot Indian   (@INDNationalist2) October 6, 2021

There is nothing wrong in wearing sarees in the temples, it is a mark of respect. And yes Jeans should not be allowed. If we can follow dress code in office/club why not in temples  Priya kawale (@priyakawale10) October 7, 2021

Nice 

All Hindu temples should have proper dresscode  SURYA  (@Da_Bong_munde) October 7, 2021



At present, the umbrella body has made traditional dresses mandatory at two temples of the Dakshina Kannada District. The two temples where the dress code has been implemented are Kateel Durgaparameshwari temple and Polali Rajarajeshwari temple respectively.

As per the Times Of India reports, the religious body holds the responsibility of making recommendations on conducting rituals, pujas, and also matters related to the dress code of the devotees visiting the temples, controlled by the govt.

The Hindu religious institutions, as well as the charitable endowments, will first have to approve the recommendations made by the Karnataka State Dharmik Parishad. Later they will be sent to the Cabinet for further approval.



Mangalore Tourism

For regulatory bodies, a dress code makes complete sense but moral policing over especially women seems but too much. Adding to that, recently, a 19-year-old student, who turned up in shorts for an entrance test, was made to wrap a curtain around her legs after she was not allowed to sit for the exam in Assams Tezpur town.

So, what are your views over the dress codes imposed on women alone?
A woman is suing one of the UK's top wedding venues for 150,000 (Rs 1.5crore) after she slipped on the dance floor and broke her elbow.

Cara Donovan, 35, says she was left in agony after smashing her elbow on the high-tech light-up dancefloor at Leez Priory in Essex.

Champion News

Cara claimed that she slipped on spilled drinks after staff failed to stop guests from taking their drinks onto the laminated plastic floor. She further added that the tables were placed by the edge of the floor encouraging people to dance and drink after her wedding, Metro reported.



The accident reportedly took place in September 2018, and left her with a badly broken elbow which resulted in her having three operations.

thetudortravelguide

She claims that she still has permanent pain in her arm, which impacts on all areas of her everyday life at home and has prevented her returning to work at school.



Now, she's suing Country House Weddings Ltd, the company that owns the venue, for 150,000 (Rs 1.5 crore).

According to papers filed at the High Court, Country House Weddings Ltd, which owns Leez Priory, were told by the suppliers of the high-tech dance floor that it would be a slip-hazard if drinks were spilled on it.

Representational Image/iStock

However, the case states that nothing was done to stop drinks being taken onto the dancefloor, and the wedding venue's own company advertisements showed dancers with drinks on the floor.



"The dance floor became wet with patches of spilt drink. Its underfloor lights made it difficult for those on the dance floor to see spilt liquid on the surface. At about 10pm, the claimant went to dance. She slipped in the spilt drink, fell and fractured her right, dominant, arm," Philip Goddard, Donovan's barrister, was quoted as saying by Metro.


Woodbridge, VA (22192)

Today

Sunny skies this morning will give way to occasional showers during the afternoon. High 71F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Rain early. Decreasing clouds with clear skies by morning. Low near 35F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
Wednesday nights Prince William County School Board meeting went off without disruption in a return to relative normalcy after last months meeting was cleared and public comment cancelled due to what board members said was a security call.

Three weeks ago, shouting matches ensued and demonstrators tried to exceed the announced meeting room capacity, causing the board to clear the building temporarily before the meetings open session even began. But on Wednesday night, the only verbal confrontation was over keeping public commenters on agenda topics, a requirement under the boards new public comment rules.

During the meeting, the board approved submission of a continuing Head Start grant application and added just over $30 million in project savings to the divisions general fund, among other things. The board also awarded contracts for new air purifiers and water filters.

Superintendent LaTanya McDade also announced that effective immediately, the division will now allow employees to use accrued sick leave for up to four weeks of baby bonding after pregnancy. She also said that the 1,103 students currently in quarantine for COVID-19 mitigation represented just 1.2% of the overall student population and expressed optimism over the potential approval of the Pfizer COVID vaccine for children ages 5 to 11, which could come later this month.

Most of the students required to quarantine are not eligible for the vaccination, which is why its reassuring to learn last weeks news from Pfizer, McDade said. We now have data that confirms the two-dose vaccine is safe for children ages 5 to 11. This is critically important as some of our elementary-age students will soon be eligible for vaccination.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, some teachers requested extra paid time for the additional time school staff is spending to help with transportation among bus staffing shortages.

Several teachers also delivered public remarks insisting that no one in school buildings was teaching whats known as Critical Race Theory, a graduate-level academic focus on how race is integral to U.S. history and government.

Other community members spoke out against race-sensitive instruction and books containing sexually explicit material available in high school libraries, but all was done without creating any significant disruption aside from board members asking that comments stay on topic, resulting in guffaws from the crowd.

Board Chair Babur Lateef closed the meeting discussing unity in values across political sides, pointing to Gainesville Board Member Jennifer Wall, who is supported by the local Republican party, saying that they both share the same values despite differing political views. He said that should be a model for civil discourse surrounding the school board. And Coles Member Lisa Zargapur thanked community members for coming to give public comment after it was suspended last meeting.

Well take emails, listen to what you have to say. Im happy to do a phone call just so you know because sometimes [speaking at meetings] is difficult, Zargapur said.

Prince William County, Manassas school bus struggles continue Kids seated on the school bus floor on their way to a Prince William County middle school be

VIDEO: Prince William School Board meeting cleared due to unruly crowd A chaotic Wednesday night at the Prince William County School Board meeting ended with the b

Prince William School Board meeting gets raucous; plans move forward to limit public comment Prince William School Board Chair Babur Lateef plans to move forward with a vote on new publ
Specialty Program Group LLC (SPG), an operator of specialty insurance brokerages and underwriting facilities, acquired the assets of CM&F Group, a digital provider of healthcare liability insurance coverage for individuals and groups.

CM&F, formerly Cotterell, Mitchell & Fifer, was founded in 1919 as a property/casualty insurance broker in downtown Manhattan. In 1947, CM&F developed the first nursing professional liability policy. This policy would become the foundation of the business today. Over the past 70 years, CM&F has continued to offer healthcare professionals liability insurance protection.

The acquisition by SPG will enable CM&F to focus on expanding its core business by providing operational, HR support, access to markets and expanding its digital footprint.

Headquartered in Summit, New Jersey, Specialty Program Group is a fully licensed holding company established to acquire and scale insurance underwriting facilities and specialty businesses throughout North America.

Source: Specialty Program Group

Topics Mergers Excess Surplus
A former employee of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) was sentenced to 78 days in jail, to be spent on weekends, for accepting more than $40,000 in bribes in exchange for providing personal identifying information of traffic crash victims and for carrying out a separate scheme involving insurance fraud.

Kendra Coles of Beltsville, Maryland, pleaded guilty in March 2019 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, to one count each of bribery of a public official and conspiracy to commit insurance fraud. She was sentenced by the Honorable Emmet G. Sullivan. The judge also placed her on three years of probation. She is also required to pay more than $6,000 in restitution to an insurance carrier as well as a $40,0001 forfeiture money judgment.

According to the governments evidence, Coles began work for the Metropolitan Police Department in 2006 as a customer service representative. In late 2012, she became a staff assistant and was assigned to the Patrol Services and School Safety Bureau. Coles was in that position when, in approximately 2015, she conspired with two individuals who were runners. These runners were in the business of connecting lawyers and accident victims.

These runners were able to identify potential clients by obtaining police reports of recent traffic accidents, referred to as Traffic Crash Reports. Before 2015, these reports were publicly available and could be obtained from a clerical office at MPD.

In January 2015, however, MPD issued a general order restricting the distribution of Traffic Crash Reports to persons involved in a crash and certain family members and representatives. The order aimed to protect crash victim confidentiality and limit solicitations by runners.

To circumvent the general order, the runners began paying Coles cash in exchange for her providing Traffic Crash Reports, to which she had access by virtue of her employment at MPD. Specifically, one runner paid Coles approximately $400 to $500 per week and another runner paid her approximately $350 per week. Over the two years she engaged in the scheme, Coles received more than $40,000 from at least two runners.

In exchange, Coles accessed the reports and created handwritten ledgers. These ledgers contained the reports essential information, including crash victims identity and contact information. Coles would also provide information regarding the nature of the crash, including whether it included an injury, property damage or was a hit and run. Coles would then take a picture of the ledger and send them to runners via email or text.

An audit conducted by MPD revealed that between June 1, 2017, and October 6, 2017, Coles had accessed Traffic Crash Reports 3,367 times.

The investigation is continuing. One of the runners, Marvin Parker, of Silver Spring, Maryland, pleaded guilty to a bribery charge and was sentenced in January 2020 to 18 months in prison.

In a separate scheme, Coles committed insurance fraud. In late June 2017, her car required between $1,000 and $2,400 for parts and an additional $700 for labor. In addition, Coles owed $1,505 to the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles for unpaid parking tickets and fees. Rather than incur these costs, Coles conspired with a family friend to have the car disappear so she could file an insurance claim. In furtherance of her scheme, on July 31, 2017, Coles abandoned her car and her co-conspirator set it on fire. After filing a false theft report, Coles collected more than $1,000 from her insurance carrier.

Source: U.S. Attorneys Office, District of Columbia

Topics Fraud Law Enforcement
Hub International Ltd., a Chicago-based broker and financial services firm, announced it has completed the acquisition of the assets of National Home Warranty Group Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Aviva Canada Inc.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

With offices in Edmonton and Calgary, Alberta, and Vancouver and Langley, British Columbia, National Home Warranty is one of Western Canadas leading home warranty providers. Partnering with more than 3,500 registered builders, they provide new home warranty coverage to 15,000 homes and homeowners every year.

The news comes after Hubs purchase agreement announcement in August. The National Home Warranty team will join Hub Canada West, continuing to service and support clients under their brand.

Source: Hub International

Topics Canada
New Dawn Risk Group, the London-based broker, announced the launch of its new European subsidiary, New Dawn Risk (Europe), headquartered in Malta. Like its parent company, New Dawn Risk (Europe) focuses on insurance broking for financial and professional lines.

The new business will not only directly serve the growing financial and technology services industries in Malta but will also have the capacity to deliver solutions for New Dawn Risks global clients who have European operations with complex financial lines requirements.

The new European operation will be led by Elizabeth Grima and Tom Malcolm, appointed as senior executive officer and managing director, respectively. They are assisted by Joseph Rizzo who has been in the insurance sector for more than 30 years.

Our offering in Malta will be exclusively wholesale, working with local brokers to provide them and their clients with additional (and much needed) capacity to service larger and more complex financial lines risks. New Dawn Risk Group is one of the largest independent specialist brokers servicing professional and financial lines business around the world, and it is great to have access to that team on the ground in Malta, commented Grima.

The market for professional and financial lines is facing challenges on several fronts, as pricing continues to harden, and the complexity of placing risks increases. Our group has seen significant demand for our services internationally, and as a result we are delighted to be able to bring our offering to market in Europe; both in service of our larger global clients and to support the in-market requirements of Maltas own financial services industry, said Max Carter, CEO of New Dawn Risk Group.

Established in 2008, New Dawn Risk is a specialist insurance broker providing dynamic advisory solutions. It focuses on complex, international liability and other specialty insurance and reinsurance.

Source: New Dawn Risk

Photograph: Cruise ship shown at the Grand Harbour, in Maltas capital, Valletta, on March 25, 2021.

Topics Agencies Europe
A northeast Kansas county paid more than $70,000 to end a cyberattack that crippled its computer systems for about two weeks.

Pottawatomie County administrator Chad Kinsley said the attackers had demanded more than $1 million, The Topeka Capital-Journal reports.

Kinsley said the county told the hackers that it was small, with just about 25,000 residents, and couldnt even come close to meeting their demand.

Instead, it paid $71,250 to the attackers and $356.25 in exchange fees, the county announced in a news release Monday.

Problems began Sept. 17 when the ransomware attack encrypted several servers.

The countys insurance carrier paid most of the ransom and the county covered the rest, said spokesperson Becky Ryan. Restoration efforts began last week.

The county also spent $5,000 to buy enhanced decryption software needed to unlock the files that the hackers had encrypted, Kinsley said.

We believe that now we are much less vulnerable to any subsequent attack, Kinsley said.

The cyberattack remains under investigation, and the identity of the attackers is unknown.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Cyber Kansas
Police in a northern Indiana county are seeking the publics help as they investigate a string of fires that have destroyed or damaged eight barns since last spring.

The request from the Elkhart County Sheriffs Office came after two fires about one mile apart destroyed two barns in the southern part of the county.

They were a total loss, said Capt. Mike Culp.

The recent fires brought to eight the number of barns in the county that have been hit by fires since April, The Elkhart Truth reported.

Culp asked anyone who lives near the locations of those eight fires and has home security cameras to review footage from the dates of the fires and report anything suspicious to the sheriffs office.

The sheriffs office is investigating the fires with the State Fire Marshals Office.

Culp said property owners in the rural areas where the fires have occurred should not to dismiss anything they may consider suspicious.

If theyve heard anything regarding any of the fires, if they do have any footage or if they can at least review their footage if they live anywhere in those areas, report that back to us to try to assist in these investigations; that would be appreciated, he said.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Indiana
U.S. officials on this week approved a long-lasting fire retardant that could significantly aid in fighting increasingly destructive wildfires by stopping them before they ever start.

The U.S. Forest Service approved Perimeter Solutions fire retardant that is intended to be used as a preventative measure and can last for months.

Its similar to the companys red-dyed retardant dropped from aircraft while fighting active wildfires, but its clear and sprayed by ground-based workers and equipment.

The real game-changer here is once you treat it, you can forget it, said Edward Goldberg, chief executive officer of St. Louis, Missouri-based Perimeter Solutions. Its there for the whole year.

The company said its primary use will be by industrial customers such as utility companies and railroads, but it can also be used to protect residential and commercial properties. Its intended to be sprayed on vegetation, not homes themselves, but can be sprayed on such things as wood fences.

The companys existing retardant is also used for that purpose, but can be problematic because its only effective until rain washes it away. Goldberg said the new product will remain effective even after a couple inches of rain, making the one-and-done application less expensive.

Cost, Goldberg said, depends on the topography and ranges from $7,000 to $15,000 per mile (1.6 kilometers) covering a 20-foot (6-meter) -wide strip.

Goldberg said the product will likely be most effective in the drier climate of the U.S. West, and could be applied in the spring to offer fire protection throughout the wildfire season. In July, it was applied to the grounds at former President Ronald Reagans coastal mountain ranch in the Santa Ynez mountains in California near Santa Barbara.

The company also said the new fire retardant had been applied at the start of the wildfire season along a fire-prone, 4-mile (6.5-kilometer) stretch of Californias Route 118. That resulted in no fires that season, the company said, after the previous fire season saw 37 fires start along the same stretch of road.

Stanton Florea, a spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service based at the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, said the agency had no comment about its approval of the Perimeter Solutions fire retardant.

Goldberg said the new retardant has the potential to reduce the overall number of wildfires, freeing up firefighters that have been in short supply in recent years.

The fire center on its website said that so far this year, about 46,500 wildfires have burned 10,000 square miles (26,000 square kilometers). Those numbers are at roughly the 10-year average for number of wildfires and area burned.

Currently, there are 52 large wildfires, 18 of them in Idaho, nine in California and nine more in Montana.

The center is currently at National Preparedness Level 3, having dropped down from the maximum level 5 earlier this year when resources for fighting wildfires were hard to come by.

The center said that cooler, more favorable weather will pass through much of the Western U.S. in the next several days, but that drought conditions still leave the region open for continued wildfire potential.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters USA Wildfire
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 arent 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.

About the photo: Keith Mathis holds a panic button he helped create as part of CoxHealths Innovation Accelerators program. 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. (Sara Karnes/The Springfield News-Leader via AP)

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Medical Professional Liability
A report out Thursday from a climate change advocacy group alleges that more than one-fifth of U.S. insurance company board members have worked for the fossil fuel industry, and that two-thirds of all U.S. insurance company board members are climate conflicted.

The research was commissioned by the advocacy group. It was conducted by DeSmog, a network of investigative reporters focused on climate journalism. They looked at 371 directors in 30 of the worlds top property and casualty insurers.

There is a notable prevalence of directors with current and past connections to some of the worlds most polluting industries on the boards of major insurers, said Rachel Sherrington, lead researcher on the project. This includes directors who currently hold leadership roles at major emitters, as well as others whove spent the entirety of their careers in high-carbon industries. Public support for scientifically-led action on the climate crisis is high, and the directors of these insurers have the chance to put themselves on the right side of history.

In Europe, 11% of directors have worked in fossil fuels, and 57% are climate conflicted, while in Asia, the numbers are substantially lower, in part due to lack of data, the report shows.

Roughly 6% of all the directors analyzed had current roles working in fossil fuel companies overall, with the research showed a number of directors that were board members of some of the worlds largest emitting energy companies.

Liberty Mutual director Joseph Hooley, for example, is a board member at the second largest oil company in the U.S., ExxonMobil, while Erhard Schipporeit, a supervisory board member of German insurer Hannover Re, is supervisory board member of RWE.

Washington Commissioner Summit

Washington Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler held his virtual Climate Summit 2021 on Oct. 6.

Kreidler founded and has chaired the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Climate Risk and Resilience Working.

The summit highlighted the latest science, and the best practices in the private sector, as well as regulatory approaches to combat climate change.

The lineup features several speakers, including Gov. Jay Inslee, and of course Kreidler.

Amy Snover, director of the climate impacts group and Northwest climate adaptation science center at the University of Washington, talked about the anticipated impacts of climate change.

She said scientists expect to see area burned by wildfire in the Pacific Northwest quadruple in coming years, while sea level rise will impact the coasts.

She added that climate change brings real physical threats to our infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest.

Climate and Credit Ratings

A growing number of investors, academics, policymakers, and regulators are questioning whether credit ratings are accounting for the impact that extreme weather events and policy changes related to global warming will have on borrowers.

Alarms are ringing about a financial danger related to climate change: risks lurking within government bonds, the biggest part of the global debt market, according to a Bloomberg article on Insurance Journal this week.

When those risks do materialize they threaten to trigger a sudden, chaotic asset collapse, creating effects that could sweep through pension funds and the balance sheets of central and commercial banks, the article states.

A lot of this looks like its years and decades ahead, but when you look at the financial implications, you run into risks of Minsky-type moments and rapid devaluations, Steven Feit, an attorney at the Center for International Environmental Law in Washington who focuses on climate liability and finance, told Bloomberg. The climate time scale is decades or a century long. The financial timeline is right now.

The article notes that 10 of the 26 members of the FTSE World Government Bond Index, which include Japan, Mexico, South Africa, and Spain, will default on their sovereign debt by 2050 if the efforts by governments to cut carbon emissions are late, abrupt, and economically damaging.

Darker Place?

A new study reports that climate change is making for a darker planet.

According to researchers with the American Geophysical Union, warming ocean waters are causing a drop in the brightness of the planet.

The researchers measured the reflectance of the Earth from Big Bear Solar Observatory between 1998 and 2017 by observing the earthshine.

The net sunlight reaching the Earths climate system depends on solar irradiance and the Earths reflectance, also known as the Earths albedo  the planet reflects roughly a third of the sunlight it gets.

They measured a global decline in the reflectance over the two decades of data.

The recent drop in albedo is attributed to a warming of the eastern Pacific, which the researchers say is measured to reduce low-lying cloud cover.

The Earths albedo (or reflectance) is the fraction of shortwave solar radiation that it reflects back to space, the study states. It is an essential determinant of the earths climate, since, in the broadest sense, changes in climate arise from the simultaneous evolution of the solar intensity, the Earths albedo, and greenhouse insulation.

Past columns:

Topics Carriers USA Energy Oil Gas
Greenhill Insurance Services Appoints Dunlavy President

Houston-based Greenhill Insurance Services (Greenhill Insurance), a professional and general liability insurance provider specializing in social services and allied health care, appointed Chris Dunlavy president.

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 companys team. With a background in health care and professional liability underwriting, Dunlavy will seek to support and expand Greenhill Insurances four areas of expertise: proprietary specialty programs, risk management, claims services and financial 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.

Greenhill Insurance Services LLC is a general underwriter and programming manager with binding authority to underwrite professional liability programs for a variety of industries.

Reed Named VP at Midlands Management

Midlands Management Corp. appointed Jennifer (Jennie) Reed, vice president, brokerage, based in the companys Dallas office.

Reed will oversee the wholesale brokerage unit and will co-manage the specialty program business unit, which includes strategic involvement with administration, consulting and servicing operations.

Reed brings extensive brokerage expertise along with a valued skill set to her current roles and responsibilities. With 22 years of experience in the commercial lines brokerage industry, she offers extensive knowledge of both the retail and wholesale segments of the business. Prior to Midlands, she worked at top national wholesale brokerages where she became a leading expert in commercial brokerage, contract underwriting, sales and business development. She began her career as a commercial account manager for an independent retail insurance agency.

Midlands Management Corporation is a managing general agent, wholesale broker, program administrator and insurance services provider with a specialty in excess workers compensation and occupational accident.
The Florida property insurance community was abuzz this week after word got out that a closely watched complaint about some public adjusters apparent conflicts of interest had been withdrawn.

The head of investigations for Universal Property & Casualty Insurance, one of the largest homeowners carriers in Florida, in July filed the petition for a declaratory statement with the Florida Department of Financial Services. The petition gave examples of public adjusters who, it said, were directing repair and restoration work to companies owned by family members.

The petition asked DFS to clarify what may constitute a conflict of interest under Florida statutes.

I am seeking clarification from the department in determining the scope of the definition of directly or indirectly as stated in Florida Statute 626.8795  prohibition of conflict of interest, wrote David Dominguez, special investigations unit manager for Universal. In addition, what recourse does the insurance carrier have regarding the demand for payment being made by a vendor who submitted their invoice for service under an AOB (assignment of benefits) or DTP (direction to pay).

Finally, insurance industry advocates said at the time, regulators will have little choice but to crack down on the public adjuster problem, which some say has led to exorbitant property claims, extensive litigation, and rising premiums for homeowners.

These shenanigans have been going on for a while, and people want to know what DFS is doing to stop it, said Scott Johnson, a Tallahassee lobbyist and former vice president at the Florida Association of Insurance Agents. When all of an adjusters claims to go a company thats owned by her son, thats not the spirit of the law.

But many were surprised when the DFS posted a small notice on the Florida Administrative Register recently, saying that Universals petition had been withdrawn. No explanation was given. The withdrawal was made on Sept. 16, but few in the industry appeared to realize it until this week.

Dominguez could not be reached for comment about what was behind the cancellation. But Travis Miller, attorney for Universal, told the Insurance Journal that the carrier felt that the concerns were better addressed in another forum. The DFS petition route historically has been used to address questions that an insurer has about its own actions in the future, not about other companies current practices, Miller said.

It came down to what is the right avenue for this, Miller said Wednesday.

He said Universal hopes that DFS, headed by Florida CFO Jimmy Patronis, will take the information and continue to investigate what appears to be a pattern of some adjusters having conflicts. Meanwhile, the carrier will scrutinize its claims on a case-by-case basis and may pursue fraud allegations through the DFS investigations and fraud unit.

Miller said no one from the state agency had asked that the petition be withdrawn. Universals own audit of claims, which led to the petition, has been very instructive, he noted, and may yet lead to further action. Other carriers have seen what to do and may follow suit, he suggested. A spokesman for DFS said only that the petition had been withdrawn at Millers request.

Still, industry observers are scratching their heads over the withdrawal. Johnson, who blogs regularly about Florida insurance issues, said he had not heard back from Universal about the reason for the petition cancellation. But he wondered if the matter had been withdrawn because the carrier wasnt seeing the action or answers it had hoped for.

Public adjusting has been a huge issue in Florida for years. While insurance agents have said that some public adjusters provide homeowners with needed relief when a carrier undervalues repairs or makes a mistake, insurers also have said that a few adjusters have produced sky-high replacement claims, assigning work to contractors with whom they have a financial relationship.

We see conflicts of interest, yes, said Mary Jordan, owner of Gulf Coast Insurance, an agency in Pensacola, Florida.

After hurricanes strike a coastal area, billboards often appear across the landscape, advertising public adjusters who will get full payment on claims or three times what the insurance company adjuster will offer. Insurance agents have told stories about adjusters who present an attractive package to damaged homeowners, saying theyll take care of everything. But the stressed homeowner may not realize that the adjusters claim to the insurer is twice as high as what was quoted or that the adjusters wife or brother is getting the work, agents have said.

Insurance companies cant keep up, with the inflated claims and litigation that have resulted from Floridas broken regulatory environment, said Lauren Menuey, managing director for Goosehead Insurance, a national insurance agency.

Citizens Property Insurance, Floridas rapidly growing insurer of last resort, also expressed worries about the reported practices.

The concern is that there is collusion, and we certainly cant support that, said Michael Peltier, chief of communications for Citizens.

The Florida Legislature earlier this year approved Senate Bill 1598, which was signed into law. It prohibits contractors and others from filing claims for policyholders unless they are licensed as adjusters. It also strengthened the Department of Financial Services authority to pursue administration action and impose fines.

The Legislature made some changes but not enough on this specific issue, Johnson said.

Other states have gone further. New York now requires public adjusters to disclose their financial interests and bans them from requiring an insured to use a specific contractor.

The Florida law that Universal referred to in its petition has been on the books for some time. Statute 626.8795 reads: A public adjuster may not participate, directly or indirectly, in the reconstruction, repair, or restoration of damaged property that is the subject of a claim adjusted by the licensee; may not engage in any other activities that may be reasonably construed as a conflict of interest, including soliciting or accepting any remuneration from, of any kind or nature, directly or indirectly; and may not have a financial interest in any salvage, repair, or any other business entity that obtains business in connection with any claim that the public adjuster has a contract or an agreement to adjust.

Universals Dominguez said he audited two years of claims, 2019 through 2021, and found multiple adjusters in Florida who have cozy relationships with water mitigation and remediation providers. He named three of them. On one, Capital Claims Public Adjusters, in Miami, the principal is the mother of the owner of Emergency Remediation Services, Dominguez said in his petition. In 100% of claims in which Emergency Remediation was the contractor, Capital Claims was the adjuster, the petition contends.

On another, Superior Insurance Claim Consultants of Miami, the principal is married to the principal at Restoration Heroes. In 96% of claims in which Restoration was the contractor, Claim Consultants was the adjuster, Dominguez said.

His petition argues that similar relationships have affected hundreds, perhaps thousands of Florida homeowners.

The owners of those firms did not return phone calls from the Insurance Journal by late Wednesday. The Florida Association of Public Insurance Adjusters president released a statement. Were following the issue very closely, but it would be inappropriate to comment until the matter is resolved, Karen Schifmiller said. What I can tell you is that FAPIAs position has always been that conflicts of interest should not exist because they diminish consumer confidence in the insurance claim process. FAPIA has in fact successfully lobbied for anti-conflict of interest language that is now state law (defined in FS 626.8795).

The groups website notes that member public adjusters subscribe to a code of ethics and that much of the inflated costs in Florida are the result of unlicensed adjusters and unscrupulous contractors.

FAPIA believes there is a direct relationship between the increased frequency in unlicensed activity and the perpetual need for increases in insurance premiums, the associations site reads. Implementing greater statutory prohibitions pertaining to unlicensed activity, and instituting a clearer process for enforcement, will provide policyholders greater availability to alternative insurance options at affordable rates.

A spokesman for DFS said the department is focused on fighting insurance fraud that drives up rates, and encourages stakeholders to report fraud at MyFloridaCFO.com/Division/DIFS.

Topics Florida
Charlotte-based Amwins Program Underwriters announced that Mary Wisely has joined the company as managing director over a new crane and rigging contractors program. The program is backed by a non-admitted carrier, rated A by A.M. Best, the company said in a news release.

Amwins Program Underwriters is a managing general agency, specializing in niche property and casualty markets, affinity and program management. It is part of Amwins, which calls itself one of the largest independent wholesale distributors of specialty insurance products.

APUs crane and rigging contractors program is available in all 50 states and offers commercial general liability. Some agents and brokers also will have access to business auto, inland marine and workers compensation products, the company said.

Wisely was previously president of Pioneer Programs specialty contractors division.
A man who owned a Southern California pharmacy was sentenced to over five years in prison after he admitted submitting more than $13 million in fraudulent insurance claims for expensive medication.

Thu Van Le, 42, pleaded guilty in July to one count of health care fraud, the Orange County Register reported.

Le admitted paying kickbacks to marketers who submitted claims for tailor-made drugs known as compounded medications, according to court documents. But the specialized formulas werent necessary, prosecutors said.

The prescriptions were supposed to be for unique patient needs, but they instead were formulated to maximize reimbursements and were prepared on an assembly-line basis, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a news release.

Most of those customers received cold calls from marketers who obtained their medical information and promised free medication, prosecutors said. Some werent contacted at all before receiving expensive drugs that they did not order.

Le, who owned a pharmacy in Corona, was one of six defendants indicted by a federal grand jury on June 21, 2018.

In court, he expressed extreme remorse for what happened and took full responsibility, Les attorney, Michael Khouri, told the Register.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics California Fraud
San Diego will pay nearly $100,000 to a former city Streets Division worker who filed a lawsuit claiming he faced discrimination because he is Black and was retaliated against for complaining about unsafe work conditions.

The Union-Tribune reports the City Council is scheduled Tuesday to give final approval to a $97,500 settlement with Demetris Wimberley, who was fired for cause in January 2018 after he had worked for the city for just over a year.

Despite agreeing to the payout, city officials deny the allegations and any wrongdoing. Documents submitted to the council and obtained by the newspaper say the parties have agreed to resolve the dispute without an admission of liability.

Wimberleys lawsuit says city officials used a minor vehicle crash as an excuse to fire him in retaliation for his complaints, which focused on discrimination and how he was mistreated after suffering a foot injury on the job.

Wimberley assigned to a work crew led by a Latino supervisor who favored Latino workers and rarely spoke English to employees, the lawsuit said.

Wimberley complained that as a Black worker he got unappealing assignments, less favorable shifts than Latinos, fewer opportunities for overtime and no duties that would be likely to lead to a promotion.

Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics California
Pat McCormack, president of ICMSA, explains the central role that family farms will play in delivering Ireland's climate change ambitions.

The very first thing to say is that ICMSA does not accept the false either/or choice that is the format in which certain elements present the challenge around making farming and food production compatible with climate change and environmental sustainability.

This cliche has the challenge boiled down to either Ireland reducing its overall farming and food sector  and particularly its multi-billion euro dairy sector  or Ireland abandoning any hope of reaching the targets that have now been enacted into law by the Oireachtas.

This binary is artificial and misleading; it does not represent the real choice before us and usually is articulated by groups who for a variety of reasons want to either deflect scrutiny away from other preferred sectors, or regard any commercial farming as an affront to their own unattainable idea of the environment.

ICMSA is saying that not alone can we retain our most valuable agri-sectors, but we can develop and improve them, while still moving steadily and decisively towards the targets set.

The most valuable agri-sector in Ireland is dairying. The family dairy farms that ICMSA has represented for in excess of 70 years are the base and primary engine for a multi-billion euro exporting capacity that is regarded globally as best in class.

It is already  even before we begin on the historic transition to lower emissions  regarded as one of the most sustainable milk production systems on the planet and certainly the most sustainable in Europe. It is grass-based, low emissions and is dependent on the technical skill and capacity of about 18,000 farmers  the majority of whom as ICMSA members.

This bears stressing, so Im going to do just that. Practically all the global flagship Irish food brands rated by international analysts arise directly from our family dairy farms. Our multi-billion Euro co-ops and processing sectors arise directly from our family dairy farms. Our Multi-billion Euro marketing and sales bodies  whether agencies such as Bord Bia or Co-op of Co-ops like Ornua  have as their primary focus the sale of products that arise directly from our family dairy farms.

The economic, social and demographic stability of vast swathes of rural Ireland  specifically in the South but right throughout the country  is based directly on the family dairy farms in those areas. It all rests on them.

The question then becomes how we manage this absolutely indispensable sector through the current transition in a way that retains and grows its economic and social capacity while meeting its environmental targets. We would submit that answering that question is not just the business or duty of ICMSA: it is  or it should be  the business of anyone interested in the overall indigenous economic stability of Ireland. Well make it simple: if theres one farming sector that Ireland absolutely has to keep as a matter of national priority then its the dairy sector.

Thats not ICMSAs subjective opinion; its what every scrap of data and every examination of the situation confirms. Its what every economist is saying. Its what the maths says.

So we have to assume that we will keep the sector that earns Ireland most; the sector in which we are already environmentally best positioned; the sector with greatest multiplier effect into the wider economy and the sector with by far the highest levels of investment and technical qualifications.

How do we take all those indisputable points and make the sector more sustainable and even more climate-compatible towards the lower emissions goal?

Pat McCormack on the farm in Co Tipperary.

This is where we come to the bizarre position adopted by the Government which, for instance, is no longer allowing grants for capital dairy investments. Its as if the Government is nervous about being seen to take a decision based on the data and the science. Its as if the Government is afraid of actually having to tell certain parties: The national economic and environmental interest has been weighed up and on that basis, our dairy sector is going to be managed and supported through the process of meeting the emissions legislation.

We would have thought that thats pretty well what Government is there for. If its not there to decide on the national interest, then what is it there for?

The Government must unapologetically announce that Irish dairying is going to be transitioned and supported through the emissions-lowering process.

That will absolutely mean a comprehensive system of grant-aiding that will enable farmers to invest in the plant and equipment necessary to meet those twin objectives of lowering emissions while preserving the economic and social contributions of our most valuable farming sector.

Farmers have been repeatedly told that the challenge to them arises from irrefutable data and science. Well ICMSA is turning that question back onto the Irish Government. When are they going to make a decision to actively support our most valuable and environmentally compatible farm sector through this historic challenge and into the more sustainable future we all want, a sector that is one of the most sustainable globally.


Hailed as a masterpiece when it was first staged in 1964, Brian Friels Philadelphia, Here I Come! is a classic of Irish theatre and a well-judged choice for Cork Opera Houses post-lockdown reawakening, providing a welcome reminder of the playwrights genius for divining the magic in ordinary life and language.

The Ireland it portrays, where a St Brigids Cross hangs on the wall and the rosary is said every evening, may be rapidly receding in the distance but the plays emotional truths still ring loud and clear.

Gar ODonnell is preparing to leave his home of Ballybeg to start a new life in America, leaving his widowed father, S.B. and the family shop behind. It is a home, like many, where difficult conversations are avoided and instead platitudes and talk about the weather fill the gap.

Catherine Walsh (Madge), Seamus O'Rourke (S.B.), and Shane O'Regan (Gar Public) in Philadelphia Here I Come!. Picture: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision

The protagonists divided self is represented by Gar Public (Shane ORegan) and Gar Private (Alex Murphy). Gar Public is reserved and uptight, struggling to communicate with his distant father (Seamus ORourke). Gar Private swaggers with cheeky insolence, serving as a conduit for Gar Publics flights of fantasy but also a truth-teller  to hell with all strong, silent men he exclaims at one point.

Murphys finely-honed comic timing from his role in Young Offenders is utilised well in a production sprinkled with humour. He lights up the stage in the same way he lights up the screen, impeccably assaying an array of accents and characters.

While the play centres on the male inability to communicate, the women  housekeeper Madge, Gars aunt Lizzy and erstwhile love Kate  have it hard too, their needs sublimated into servitude, marriage and thwarted motherhood.

The cast and crew of Brian Friel's Philadelphia Here I Come! at Cork Opera House. Picture: Michael Mac Sweeney/Provision

Catherine Walsh is excellent as Madge, a Mrs Doyle-esque presence who acts as an emotional sounding board for the men of the house  through her, we discover that Gars father too lives with disappointment and regret.

As Gars departure hastens, he makes one final but futile heartbreaking attempt to bond with his father.

Producer Patrick Talbot, director Geoff Gould and cast are to be commended for pulling off such a confident and entertaining full-scale production, a poignant and timely reminder of our need for connection and how we often struggle to articulate it.

Philadelphia, Here I Come! by Brian Friel, at Cork Opera House until Oct 16. corkoperahouse.ie

Out and about at Cork Opera House

Catherine and Ted Mahon-Buckley at Philadelphia, Here I Come, at Cork Opera House. Picture: Jim Coughlan

Caoimhe O'Leary and Edi Laine at Cork Opera House. Picture: Jim Coughlan

John O'Brien and Eadaoin O'Donoghue at Cork Opera House for the performance. Picture: Jim Coughlan
Student leaders have pleaded for immediate government support after their food bank ran out of supplies in less than 50 minutes following unprecedented demand from hungry students.

Just days after the Cabinet met at University College Cork (UCC), students queued for food as the UCC Students Union (UCCSU) reopened its on-campus food bank for the first time since 2019.

At that time, it catered for about 30 students a day. On Wednesday, it supported over 100 and many more were turned away when supplies ran out.

UCC students' union president, Asha Woodhouse, said it was heartbreaking to not have enough and to see so many students experiencing food insecurity.

The students' union welfare officer, Caoimhe Walsh, said she thought opening a food bank for two hours would be enough.

But its a lot worse than we thought, she said.

50 minutes in weve run out of food and have had to turn students away. Heartbreaking to not have enough and to see so many students experiencing food insecurity. Is this the @UCC and country we are supposed to be proud of? @SimonHarrisTD https://t.co/dpGdOrZCnm  Asha Woodhouse (@UCCSUPresident) October 6, 2021

We now have to figure out if we can do this more often, maybe even daily, but well need support.

The Cabinet was down here on Monday. And thats great, but maybe they could come down again and meet us, and hear about some of the real problems facing students today.

She said soaring accommodation costs, including rent and utility bills, has left little or nothing for food, and many students are going hungry.

The food bank opened thanks to donations from Cork Penny Dinners, some students, local businesses and UCC staff.

'Please help'

Caitriona Twomey, of Cork Penny Dinners, said politicians have to do more to help.

Ive been trying to find different or better ways to say the same thing, over and over again - trying to find ways to get the politicians to sit up and take notice, she said.

But I think the only thing I can say really is please help. They have the power. And its their job to help.

She said she expects people to dismiss this as an issue after images appeared on social media last week of students partying on the streets of Cork city.

But she said those turning to food banks for help are not the students who were out partying.

We have to make people realise that we are in a university city where some students are going hungry. We will stand over feeding them, she said.

A spokesman for UCC said it is acutely aware of the challenges faced by its students and works together to support them.

UCC deploys over 50 support services for students, across health and wellbeing, accommodation and student life, and access, he said.

Student finance services include a dedicated student assistant fund, a laptop loan scheme, structured payment options, a bursary for economically disadvantaged students from communities significantly under-represented in higher education, and financial advice from a dedicated Student Budgetary Advisor.

UCC will continue to work with its student union to protect the welfare of our students.

Sinn Feins spokesperson on education, Donnchadh O Laoghaire, said the situation in UCC is a stark example of the hardship facing many students around the country who are trying to get a third-level education.

Students are under severe financial pressure, he said.

Whether it's the fees, transport, or accommodation, the cost of studying is crippling most ordinary workers and families.

A decade of under-funding of third-level education has pushed more and more costs onto students, and has commercialised many aspects of higher education and college life.

He urged Minister Simon Harris to look at increasing the student assistance fund, expanding SUSI grants to more families, and increasing the maintenance grant to reflect the cost of living.

Late on Wednesday night, in response to the support, UCCSU set up a GoFundMe page to help students.

The money will be spent on purchasing food and essential products for our food bank to directly support students who need it. A target of 5,000 has been set.

The union said it will continue to accept donations of food and hygiene products at their offices.

Ms Walsh said that the support has been phenomenal and we are so grateful.

People can donate to the GoFundMe page here.
There is much to praise in the National Development Plan launched this week in Cork. The commitments to public transport, water infrastructure, and active commuting are very welcome.

There is little new in the range of projects included in the plan. However, that the government is planning such a large capital investment in the aftermath of the pandemic shows we have learned from past austerity.

The most worrying element of the new plan is what it reveals about the nature of politics in Ireland and the paralysing effect that continues to have on necessary moves towards decarbonising our society. In this plan, the need to compromise overwhelms any sort of vision.

In an economy growing strongly with constraints on resources, such as labour, we should at least expect to see this government set out its priorities in this plan. As he fielded media questions, Eamon Ryan must have believed he is Minister for Roads, and not Minister for Environment, Climate, and Communications, and Transport.

Transport in Ireland needs to become about more than just cars and roads.

It is clear that the focus by opposition parties and the media on roads, and which road will or will not go ahead, is an attempt to find a wedge between the parties in government. There are many regional TDs that have staked a lot of political capital on various road upgrades in their constituencies.

The M20/N20 between Cork and Limerick is a good example of the tension between the old approach to capital investment and the new reality that we need to wean ourselves off our car dependency.

As a Limerick man living in Cork, I know this road well. The road needs to be made more safe. The towns along the way are choked with large trucks and car traffic. Fixing these problems does not require a new motorway.

Galway does not need a ring road to deal with its obvious traffic problems. Our experience, and the experience across the world, is that providing more road space simply results in more cars to take up that space.

The plan states that new road investment is intended to drive economic connectivity and growth in the regions. There is no evidence that motorways bring increased economic activity between the places serviced by them.

The effect they have is to draw economic activity out of smaller urban areas towards the larger cities, as commuting is made easier. As we have seen time and time again in other locations, how long after the opening of the M20 will we see houses in Charleville advertised as just half an hour drive from Cork and Limerick.

The effect of motorways is sprawl and we are already suffering in Ireland from the economic, social, and environmental burden of sprawl.

Our world and our lives are different than they were when the previous plan was launched in 2018. Covid has upended many of our certainties, climate action has become even more urgent, and we have seen the importance of community and place in all our lives.

The government has stressed the importance of working from home for sustaining smaller towns and villages, and many suburbs of our cities. If they really believe we are in a new era of remote working, why do we need so many roads to bring us into traffic on the outskirts of our cities?

The commitment to a 2:1 ratio of public transport investment to roads investment is firmly baked in to the plan and this is good news. The focus on investment in public transport, through Bus Connects, in our cities and greater rail connectivity has to be part of decarbonisation.

I have doubts about all of the parties commitment to this. Jim OCallaghan, the Fianna Fail TD, referred to the public transport commitment in the plan as a win for the Greens.

There have to be question marks about whether the traditional government parties, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, really get what is involved in meeting our climate action goals. This is not about compromise and negotiation.

We cannot negotiate our way out of the implications of a 1.5 or 2 degree rise in average temperatures. The political approach of giving a little here and taking a little there wont cut it anymore. We should commit to a quarter of the spend on roads that is this plan and to put these investments at the bottom of the list of priorities.

With scarce construction resources we need to prioritise new homes and new public transport investments.

This plan shows how political game-playing persists and billions of euros, glossy reports, and fancy launches are meaningless if vision and leadership is lacking.

Leadership means we need to prioritise our efforts. Otherwise we end up with something for everyone and more of the same.
The explosive interview given by the Dails youngest TD James OConnor on his local radio station had many people choking on their cornflakes yesterday morning.

Clearly unhappy at being misled and lied to by Government figures over the lack of inclusion of Cork East projects in the National Development Plan, Mr OConnor let rip, going as far as threatening to resign from Fianna Fail if the situation is not resolved immediately.

Mr OConnor has said that despite repeated assurances for some time, it was not until last Sunday night that he discovered that neither of two overdue East Cork roads projects would be included in the National Development Plan.

When asked if he felt that he was lied to, Mr OConnor said, yes, by a multitude of colleagues, I feel I have been deeply misled, I am hurt.

His party colleagues were, no doubt, aghast on hearing his strident outing on C103 Radio and it led to many of his fellow TDs to dump on him, describing him as everything from naive to petulant.

Politics can be a dirty business and it even grew nastier later in the day when some suggested that because he was away in France, he wasnt pushing as hard as he could for his constituents.

Mr OConnor was on a private trip and it turns out that the exclusion of the Killeagh/Castlemartyr bypass scheme and the Fota Road upgrade to Cobh was decided upon a week ago, and he was only told late on Sunday.

The reality is that speaking out meant that people were out to get him, even many in his own party.

Perhaps conscious of the recent loss of Marc MacSharry, Taoiseach Micheal Martin was keen not to lose another TD so soon.

Despite being in Slovenia, Mr Martin made a call to the young TD in a bid to reassure him and to agree to meet him alongside Transport Minister Eamon Ryan upon his return to Ireland today.

Mr OConnor says the lack of inclusion of these projects is a red line issue and he is prepared to resign the whip if he does not get satisfaction.

The trouble for Mr Martin is that even if he does manage to quell the fire in East Cork, he will have opened the door for many other TDs to demand the same.

Already, TDs such as Dara Calleary and Eamon O Cuiv are demanding a meeting over uncertainty on projects in the West, caused primarily by comments made by Green Party leader Mr Ryan.

Mr O Cuiv accused the Greens of seeking to strangle projects through bureaucracy, saying this is what they did when the parties were last in government together a decade ago.

Senior Government sources said they are seeking to work with Mr OConnor and do not want to see him jump overboard, a move that could mean the Government could only rely on 81 votes, a bare majority.

They said the Cork East projects were not listed as they are so early on in the process that it would have been premature to do so, but that looking at the glass as being half full as opposed to half empty, plenty of signals have been given to Mr OConnor to show the projects are in the mix.

Mr OConnor has taken a big risk in speaking out and could ultimately pay a price for doing so and many have not taken too kindly to his overt actions.

However, as last nights Irish Times poll shows, Fianna Fail is now 12 points behind Sinn Fein and firmly lodged in third place.

Party TDs in fear of their seats will be willing to do more and more desperate things to try and avoid losing their jobs.
Burma Hundreds of Myanmar Junta Informants Killed or Wounded

The corpse of a ward administrator shot dead in Hlaing Tharyar Township, Yangon in June.

Almost 700 junta informants have been killed or wounded since the Myanmar militarys February 1 coup, according to regime-controlled media.

Junta propaganda has accused the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw  founded by ousted National League for Democracy lawmakers  the parallel National Unity Government (NUG) and Peoples Defense Forces (PDF) of being terrorists responsible for the assassination of 406 people accused of being informants, as well as the wounding of another 285.

But the international community has witnessed the brazen atrocities of the military regime, with prominent international human rights group the Special Advisory Council for Myanmar (SAC-M) calling on the United Nations (UN) to declare the junta a terrorist organization for its attacks on civilians.

The regime-controlled Myanma Alinn newspaper said on Wednesday that, as well as junta informants being targeted, 116 police stations, 46 police outposts, 28 offices and 58 buildings were damaged in attacks by armed resistance groups across 105 townships between February 1 and September 27. 375 government offices in 183 townships were also burned down during the same period.

The newspaper said that 2,460 bomb attacks were reported in 372 townships, while 340 firefights occurred in 134 townships. Another 349 attacks targeted houses.

Armed resistance to the military regime began in late March, with civilian groups using homemade and traditional firearms to fight back against the juntas lethal crackdowns and raids on peaceful anti-coup protesters, striking government staff and anyone opposing military rule.

Since then the administration offices of villages, wards and townships have been targeted by civilian resistance groups to prevent the regime from governing the country. Junta-appointed ward and village administrators and informants have also been targeted for collaborating with the regime.

At the same time, detained civilians have been tortured to death while in junta custody.

Opposition to the regime has further intensified since the NUG declared a nationwide defensive war against the junta on September 7. With the exception of Rakhine State, regions across the country have witnessed a growing number of attacks on junta forces by PDFs.

The regime has responded by escalating its arrests and raids in the most restive areas, especially Magwe and Sagaing regions and Chin and Kayah states, killing civilians as young as five-years-old, looting and burning down villages and bombarding the residential areas of towns.

The SAC-M, which is made up of senior former UN experts with long experience of Myanmar, recently urged the UN Security Council to declare the military regime a terrorist organization for its atrocities against its own civilians.

As of Wednesday, 1,158 civilians have been slain by junta forces during their raids, crackdowns, arrests, interrogations and random shootings, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners, which is compiling deaths and arrests at the hands of the regime.

Another 8,770 people, including democratically-elected government leaders, have been detained or face arrest warrants.



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Malaysia to Talk to Myanmars Parallel Govt if Junta Fails to Cooperate With ASEAN
Burma Myanmar Junta Launches New Coastguard

Junta leader Min Aung Hlaing inspects a coastguard vessel during the inauguration in Yangon. / CinCds

Myanmars regime has formed a coastguard, a policy from the ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) government, with four armed naval vessels to protect the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea shoreline.

Amid a heavy security forces presence on Wednesday, the junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing inaugurated the ships on Wednesday at Thilawa in southern Yangon.

In his speech, the junta chief said the coastguard would primarily focus on law enforcement, search and rescue and environmental protection.

Myanmar has almost 2,000km of coast.

Before the formation of the coastguard, Myanmars navy was solely responsible for stamping out illegal fishing from neighboring countries and other crimes.

The size of the coastguard is unknown.

The formation of the coastguard was initiated by the NLD in 2018 to tackle human and drug traffickers, illegal fishing and other law-enforcement issues.

In 2019 the military-appointed deputy minister of defense told parliament the coastguard would fall under the military-controlled ministry.

Myanmar has been in turmoil following the coup in February when the military seized power from the NLD. Since then Myanmar has faced mass protests, bloody crackdowns and growing armed civilian resistance against the regime.



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Myanmar Junta Troops Clash With Civilian Resistance Fighters
Burma Myanmar Junta Troops Clash With Civilian Resistance Fighters

A house raided by junta troops in Mingin. / CJ

Civilian resistance fighters clashed with around 100 junta troops on Wednesday in Mingin Township, Sagaing Region, according to the township Peoples Defense Force (PDF).

The clash followed regime raids on five villages in Mingin on Tuesday. Heavy rain forced the Mingin-PDF to wait until Wednesday before confronting the junta soldiers, said the leader of the Mingin-PDF.

We were waiting [on Tuesday] because we knew that they were coming. They came and raided villages. But it rained and we only have traditional hunting rifles that dont work in the rain, he said.

Wednesdays fighting lasted for around 45 minutes and one civilian resistance fighter was injured by junta shelling, added the Mingin-PDF commander.

We were upset when we saw the damage they [junta forces] had done to those villages, and we decided to chase and fight them at the risk of our lives, said a Mingin-PDF fighter.

Over 3,000 people were forced to flee their villages following the junta raids on Tuesday.

Since September, the military regime has brought in troop reinforcements and extra weapons to Sagaing Region, launching attacks on areas where civilian armed resistance is strong.

Junta soldiers have raided villages in several Sagaing townships including Kani, Yinmabin, Pale, Myaung, Tabayin, Taze and Mingin. Civilians have been killed or detained, and many houses looted and burned down during the raids.

Dozens of regime troops have reportedly been killed in ambushes and mine attacks carried out by local PDFs. vv



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Over 40 Myanmar Junta Soldiers Killed in Ambush
Burma Myanmar Military Detains North Western Commander for Planning to Defect: Ethnic Insurgent Sources

Junta soldiers from the North Western Command crack down on anti-regime protesters in Monywa, where the commands headquarters are located, in March.

The head of one of the Myanmar militarys regional commands has been detained and interrogated by the military regime after his plan to defect and take refuge in an area controlled by an ethnic armed group was exposed, according to sources close to the matter.

Brigadier-General Phyo Thant, the commander of the militarys North West

Command, which has responsibility for areas that are strongholds of resistance to the Myanmar regime, is the highest-ranking regime official so far to switch allegiance to the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) against the junta, and the most senior officer to be arrested.

The Irrawaddy has learned that the commander, who is in his early 50s, contacted a CDM support group that assists defectors from the military and police, and also reached out to some local resistance forces in his area.

A senior official from an ethnic army said the brigadier general had been planning to join them and that officials from the ethnic armed group and the leader of local civilian resistance forces told him to leave as soon as possible.

The coast was clear for him to come to us with four or five of his subordinates. But he said he wanted to get more people to join him. Then, the plot was uncovered and he was arrested, said a senior official from an ethnic armed group.

The brigadier general was apparently detained this week, as he was seen holding meetings with local veterans as recently as Monday in Sagaing Region, one of the areas under his command. He is likely to face serious interrogation, as the regime has zero tolerance for anyone participating in the CDM. Rumors have already circulated that he was tortured to death.

The Irrawaddy has learned that the commander had been under increasing pressure as Sagaing Region and Chin State, which were under his command, had seen deadly and ongoing armed clashes between regime soldiers and local guerrillas known as the Peoples Defense Force (PDF) on an almost daily basis. During the fighting, junta soldiers have sustained significant casualties due to landmine attacks and ambushes. To retaliate against the resistance forces, regime troops have raided and torched villages in areas suspected of harboring PDF units, while committing extrajudicial killings.

The ethnic armed group source said Brig-Gen Phyo Thant had also promised to testify that a massacre took place under his command in Sagaing Region, as he feared that his superiors in Naypyitaw would use him as a scapegoat for recent mass killings in the region.

In July, the Myanmar army killed nearly 40 people, including a 14-year-old boy, in Sagaings Kanni Township. The bodies were found four days after junta troops entered villages in the area. Some bodies were burned; all were badly bruised and exhibited signs of torture, said residents. The mass killing prompted Myanmars ambassador to the UN to alert the world body that a reported massacre was committed by the military junta in Sagaing, calling for a global arms embargo on the ruling junta and urgent humanitarian intervention from the international community.

In the meantime, Brig-Gen Phyo Thant has been replaced as commander by the notorious Lieutenant General Than Hlaing, chief of the Myanmar Police and the juntas deputy home affairs minister, who will take charge of operations against the PDF in Sagaing, Chin State and neighboring Magwe Region. Lieutenant General Tay Zar Kyaw from the Bureau of Special Operations is accompanying Lt-Gen Than Hlaing on the new mission. In recent days, locals reported that many reinforcements have been deployed in the area, prompting fears of more serious clearance operations against the PDFs.

Lt-Gen Than Hlaing has been sanctioned by the European Union, which said the police chief was directly responsible for decision making concerning repressive policies and violent actions committed by police against peaceful [anti-regime] demonstrators and is therefore responsible for serious human rights violations in Myanmar/Burma.



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Burma Myanmar Rice Farmers Face Losses as Junta Sets Minimum Price Too Low

A farmer in Ayeyarwady Region. / The Irrawaddy

Myanmars farmers are making losses as the prices of fertilizers and other agricultural inputs have doubled during the monsoon season amid ongoing turmoil under military rule.

A sack of fertilizer has jumped from 25,000 kyats (US$13) to 70,000 kyats and it costs more than 60,000 kyats to harvest an acre (0.4 hectares) as fuel prices have significantly increased, said a farmer from Kayan Township in Yangon Region, who did not want to be named.

Price hikes have forced many paddy farmers to use less fertilizer, which will directly affect the harvest, he said.

Previously, we could buy goods on credit. But sellers cant give credit now so we cant fertilize our farms, he said.

The military regime on Wednesday fixed a minimum or floor price for rice at 540,000 kyats for 100 baskets of paddy (the regime set one basket at 21kg, however on the market, it is around 22-23kg) for monsoon paddy this year and hot-season paddy next year.

A regime statement said the market can exceed the floor price but not fall below it.

Monsoon paddy harvest is just beginning and prices will depend on the merchants. Only when the rice fetches 700,000 kyats per 100 baskets at market can they have a profit of 70,000 kyats to 100,000 kyats, said farmers.

It costs more than 400,000 kyats per acre with an estimated harvest of 70 baskets, according to farmers. And the yield will decline with the limited use of fertilizer.

Rice prices are 500,000-600,000 kyats per 100 baskets in Myanmar. Current prices are only covering most farmers costs. Farmers in remote locations are making losses after earning only around 500,000 kyats after transport costs are paid to merchants.

If price hikes continue, it will be difficult for farmers to grow paddy in the coming hot season when there will be no rain and farmers rely on wells and irrigation, they said.

Fuel prices have increased so the harvest may decline in farms that have to pump from wells in the hot season, an Ayeyarwady Region farmer told The Irrawaddy.

Even in Ayeyarwady Region, farmers in Zalun, Danubyu, Kyonpyaw, Pantanaw and other townships have to use wells during the hot season, meaning the area being cultivated might decline, he said.

Given the fertilizer and other prices, it will be hard for farmers to grow hot-season paddy, said the Kayan Township farmer.

While the minimum price was set at 520,000 kyats per 100 baskets of paddy last year, fixing the price at 540,000 kyats this year will not help farmers, considering the current situation. Given the fixed prices, farmers who borrowed money from lenders or pawned their belongings to grow paddy will be forced to abandon their livelihoods, said Pakokku University Students Union.



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Myanmar Military Detains North Western Commander for Planning to Defect: Ethnic Insurgent Sources
Burma Myanmar to Receive Over 6 Million COVID Vaccine Doses Through GAVI Alliance

Volunteers carry the body of a COVID-19 victim from her home to the cemetery in Katha, Sagaing Region on July 16, 2021.

Myanmar will receive more than 6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses from a global health partnership that is helping the worlds most vulnerable populations get vaccinated, after seeing a delay in shipping of the vaccines the country was initially promised through the initiative.

The countrys Health Ministry said on Wednesday that it held a series of meetings with representatives from GAVI and its partners WHO and UNICEF from late July through late August on providing vaccines. GAVI is a private-public global health alliance that aims to increase access to immunization in poor countries.

The ministry said GAVI would provide more than 4 millions doses of the Pfizer vaccine, while UNICEF will support the ultra cold chain system that is essential to keep the vaccine at the recommended storage temperature of as low as -70C. It will also provide more than 2.2 million doses of the Chinese vaccine Sinovac.

Myanmar has been hit hard by a third wave of COVID-19. In July alone, a total of 6,000 people died from the disease, mostly due to the regimes mismanagement. The country reported its first case of coronavirus in late March last year. As of Wednesday, Myanmar had reported 473,025 positive cases and 17,988 deaths.

Myanmars ousted Daw Aung San Suu Kyi-led National League for Democracy (NLD) government started to purchase vaccines in late 2020 and launched a nationwide vaccination program in January 2021. It also reached out to COVAX, a UN-backed initiative that is co-led by GAVI, to get 27 million doses, which were scheduled to arrive starting from March. Then, the coup in February threw everything into disarray, including vaccinations and the shipment from COVAX.

Following the coup, the regime intermittently resumed immunization and geared up in August with vaccines donated and purchased from China, vowing that half of the countrys more than 55 million population would be jabbed by the end of this year. As of Monday, the regime said, 3.92 million people had been fully vaccinated.



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Editorial Will ASEAN Invite Myanmars War Criminals to Its Summit?

Anti-regime protesters in Yangon call on ASEAN not to recognize the junta, in late February. / The Irrawaddy

ASEAN is in deep trouble again. The ongoing chaos, violence and armed conflict in Myanmar, a member state, are creating headaches for the regional grouping. Not for the first time, Myanmar is making ASEAN look pathetica laughing stock in the eyes of the world.

The generals in Myanmar have never shown ASEAN any respect. As its predecessors did, the current junta is testing the blocs policy of non-interference and its consensus-seeking approach. The generals are adept at reading ASEAN and they can foresee its concessions. Once again, thanks to them, ASEAN finds itself scrambling to preserve its credibility.

The question of whether to invite Myanmar to its summit in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei, on Oct. 26-28 is being hotly discussed among ASEAN members. If Myanmar junta chief Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is invited to attend, ASEAN will be condemned for welcoming a war criminal into the fold.

Ultimately, ASEAN leaders may simply opt to hold their noses as this rotten fish is presented to the regional grouping. If that happens, and the general is allowed to show up at the summit, we can safely and definitively declare ASEAN morally bankrupt. His presence could not send a worse signal, not only to Myanmars oppressed citizens, but also to democratic forces around the region.

ASEAN members have discussed excluding Myanmar from the upcoming summit on grounds that the coup leader has backtracked on his commitments to restore peace and democracy, the blocs special envoy said, days after Malaysia advocated the move in public comments that a junta spokesman dismissed as personal remarks.

Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing agreed to a five-point consensus during an in-person meeting with Southeast Asian leaders in Jakarta on April 24. The consensus calls for an end to the violence, allowing humanitarian access, a commitment to dialogue with all parties, and the appointment of an ASEAN emissary to broker the dialogue.

Bruneian Foreign Minister Erywan Yusof, the ASEAN envoy, told reporters this week that the bloc was seriously considering not inviting Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing to the summit. I can say that we are now deeply in discussion on this matter, Erywan said during a press conference in Bandar Seri Begawan.

He did say that other ASEAN members had raised the same idea, but analysts noted earlier this week that a strong public statement, such as Malaysias, would put pressure on ASEAN as a bloc.

On Monday, Malaysias top diplomat, Saifuddin Abdullah, tweeted that without progress, It would be difficult to have the chairman of the SAC at the ASEAN summit. The SAC, or State Administration Council, is the Myanmar juntas ruling organ.

Malaysia also said it would open talks with Myanmars shadow government if the junta failed to cooperate with ASEANs conflict-resolution effortsthe first such declaration by a member of the regional bloc.

At the ASEAN foreign ministers meeting held virtually on Monday, several ministers voiced disappointment at the lack of progress made by the junta.

Some ASEAN members, however, are sticking to the blocs ineffective noninterference policy, demonstrating in their discussions a pitifully limited knowledge of Myanmar issues and a lack of understanding of the member country. As they do, Myanmars people see more violence and killings as their country falls further into a state of chaos. They must acknowledge the fact that the military junta and Snr-Gen Min Aung Hlaing have committed shocking, heinous crimes since taking power in February.

According to the UN, more than 1,100 people have been killed since the Feb. 1 coup, many during crackdowns by security forces on peaceful pro-democracy strikes and protests, and thousands have been arrested.

As a result, many people are now taking up arms in revolt, to resist the regime and its overthrow of the elected government. The militarys power grab remains an attempted coup, as the junta has been unable to assume full control of the country.

In many ways this is a problem of ASEANs own making; Myanmars long history of military dictatorships and the gross human rights abuses committed by them have been among ASEANs thorniest issues for many years. Regimes past and present have managed to hide behind the ASEAN shield, testing the limits of its unity and abusing its policy of noninterference. The result is that ASEAN gets zero respect from Myanmar citizens, or from millions of their counterparts around the region.

The only humane course of action for ASEAN is to deny any and all legitimacy to the junta and to Min Aung Hlaing, a war criminal. If this is to happen, ASEAN will have to listen to millions of voices in Myanmar.



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Cambridge, MN (55008)

Today

Cloudy with snow showers mainly during the morning. High 33F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 60%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

A few passing clouds. Low near 20F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Dana Lynn Burson, 72 transitioned from this realm to the next adventure, October 7th, 2021. He will be missed by his wife, Jacque Burson, his mother Francis martin, daughter Miranda Burson and son Gabriel Burson, Grandchildren and other family and friends. He passed easily and peacefully awa
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Today

Periods of rain. Morning high of 60F with temps falling to near 45. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

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Four cloud companies have achieved Strategic Hosting Provider certification under the Federal Government's Hosting Certification Framework. One of them, Sliced Tech, was acquired by global consultancy Deloitte on Thursday.

Announced at noon on Thursday, the companies are Vault Cloud, AUCloud (both Australian), Sliced Tech (now UK-owned) and Amazon Web Services (US) [corrected]. They have been certified for the following services:

AUCloud  Government Cloud Service offering

Amazon Web Services  Government Cloud Service offering (Australian Region)

Sliced Tech  Government Cloud Service offering

Vault Cloud  Government Cloud Service offering (Australia)

The system of certification wasin March 2020, when the Australian Signals Directorate ceased to be the regulator for cloud providers who aspire to be certified for government services.

Thereafter, the Digital Transformation Agency and the Australian Cyber Security Agency became the two bodies involved in the certification.

Vault chief executive Rupert Taylor-Price told iTWire that the certification his company had received was conditional and Vault had given two undertakings as a result of non-compliance discovered during the assessment process.

These were:

Certification to ISO 28001; and

Non-operational management staff and Board members becoming AGSVA NV1 security cleared.

Taylor-Price said all operational staff had appropriate AGSVA clearances. An NV1 clearance is the government security clearance to handle PROTECTED and SECRET data.

As to whether a report on the non-compliant aspects would be released publicly by the DTA, Taylor-Price said: "Vault is supportive of transparency around certifications but it is not Vault's role to make any decisions about the release of any specific information. We are not advocating that other providers approve the release of their reports as there may be sensitive content in some reports."

iTWire has contacted AUCloud and Sliced Tech for comment on their making the grade and also to inquire whether there were any non-compliance issues.

Iain Rouse, director of AWS Public Sector in Australia and New Zealand, said in a statement: "AWS is pleased to be certified as Strategic Hosting Provider in the Australian Government's Hosting Certification Framework.

"We look forward to continuing to work with the Government to ensure they have access to safe, secure, and innovative cloud services.

"Since 2012, AWS has provided world-class infrastructure in Australia, including on-shore data centres to enable data sovereignty, and a full range of security protections, tools, and services to the Australian Government and our local customers."

AWS has been asked whether there were any issues of non-compliance.

Apart from the four cloud providers, the DTA also announced the following data centre facilities for hosting of government data:

Data Centre facilities

Service Provider and Certified Strategic Facility:

Australian Data Centres  Canberra - Mitchell

Canberra Data Centres  H1, H2, H3, H4, F1, F2, EC1, EC2 and EC3

Macquarie Telecom  IC4 and IC5.

Service Provider and Certified Strategic Enclave:

Equinix Australia  CA1, SY3, SY4, SY5, SY6, SY7, PE2 and ME4

Fujitsu Australia  Western Sydney and Homebush

Macquarie Telecom  IC1, IC2 and IC3

NEXTDC  Perth 1 and 2, Sydney 1 and 2, Melbourne 1 and 2, Brisbane 1 and 2, and Canberra 1
GUEST OPINION: Artificial intelligence, or AI, seems to be the buzzing topic these days. Most businesses are calling it a standard operating procedure whilst most of the employees on the ground are drowning in fear of robots taking over their jobs and eventually, the entire world. The media hasnt quite made it easier to understand; the information out there is broad and varied. However, while no one can foresee exactly how AI will progress in the future, current trends and advances present a very different picture of how AI will become a part of our everyday life.

Lets start off by demystifying the subject.

What is Artificial Intelligence really?

According to Britannica, artificial intelligence is defined as "the capacity of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to execute activities typically associated with intelligent beings.

Generally, AI is the catchall term we use for any advancements in computing, systems, and technology that allow computer programs to perform tasks or solve problems that require the kind of reasoning we associate with our human intelligence, including learning from previous processes.

In truth, AI is already at work all around us, influencing everything from our Google search results to our chances of finding romantic love online to the way we buy. If you click on this IGA specials link, youll experience what is called image-based targeted advertising. Big supermarkets like IGA, Aldi, Woolworths etc., also use shopper customisation, and warehouse and inventory automation among other things. This is AI at work.

The usage of AI in various corporate areas has increased by 270 per cent in the past four years. In 2015, only ten per cent of businesses said they were using artificial intelligence technology or planned to do so in the near future. By 2019, the percentage had risen to 37%, indicating that more than one-third of businesses are either utilising or planning to use artificial intelligence.

Photo by Andy Kelly on Unsplash

So, how does this affect the future of work?

To assuage some of your worries, robots are unlikely to take all our jobs in the near future. However, right now, the main concern is with traditional industries with plant workers, packers and machine operators, especially in industries like coal mining. As per estimates from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 36% of Australian occupations are at risk of becoming automated.

The workaround suggested is upskilling. Affected workers will need to have their roles upskilled to replace their regular tasks which are easily done by machines. This would ensure that people could perform non-routine activities that could not be automated. There is also the option to change jobs; some industries will not be as hard hit as others. The best prospects currently lie in teaching and health.

Image by Matthew Henry from Burst

Rather than encouraging the abolition of human labour though, take AI is transforming the way people work in organisations by making operations more efficient, facilitating better decision-making, and freeing up staff from certain responsibilities. Job responsibilities are changing, as are the skills that are most in-demand.

A recent study of trends shows that AI will continue to drive tremendous innovation, which will fuel many existing businesses and have the potential to establish many new ones, resulting in the creation of additional employment. Improving internal corporate procedures is a benefit on par with improving goods and services for AI adopters. Companies all over the world are rapidly recognising the importance of developing strong AI capabilities in order to remain competitive.

Industries in which AI has had, and will continue to have the strongest impact

Cybersecurity

Many company executives are concerned about cybersecurity, especially given the significant increase in cybersecurity incidents in 2020. During the Covid19 pandemic, hackers targeted those who worked from home, as well as less protected technical equipment and Wi-Fi networks. In cybersecurity, AI and machine learning will be important technologies for detecting and forecasting attacks. Given its ability to handle massive quantities of data and anticipate and detect fraud, AI will also be a critical tool for financial security.

Health Care

The potential benefits of using AI in medicine are currently being considered. The medical industry contains a large quantity of data that may be used to develop healthcare-related prediction models. In some diagnostic situations, AI has been proven to be more successful than physicians.

Photo by Bermix Studio on Unsplash

Automotive

With the introduction of autonomous cars and autonomous navigation, we can already see how AI is affecting the world of transportation and autos. AI will also have a significant influence on production, especially within the automobile industry.

E-commerce

AI will continue to play a critical role in every aspect of e-commerce, from user experience to marketing to fulfilment and distribution. We should anticipate AI to continue to drive e-commerce through chatbots, shopper customisation, targeted advertising, warehouse and inventory management, among other things.

Final words

We conclude in this article that current worries about AI causing mass unemployment are unlikely to materialize. Instead, we are of the opinion that, like all past labour-saving technologies, AI will promote the emergence of new industries, resulting in the creation of new employment than the technology eliminates. However, we believe that the Australian government and other sectors of society must play an important role in easing this transition, particularly for those whose old employment has been disrupted and who are having difficulty finding new jobs.
GUEST OPINION: In this ever-changing economic landscape, small businesses are in constant search of better ways to scale. But it is all about getting the timing right. Scaling too early can crush your eCommerce startup while scaling too late can leave it in the lurch.

With big data initiatives, you can create smarter, profitable improvements to optimize your startups marketing processes. eCommerce businesses can also experiment with new strategies in cycles before implementing them on a larger scale  this is the core philosophy behind lean.

But before adopting lean marketing principles, lets explore what this concept entails and why your business needs it.

What is lean marketing?

The modern lean methodology originated from the Japanese company Toyota. Due to the companys massive success with this model, other adaptations of the lean philosophy became popular with time.

In marketing, Eric Riess book The Lean Startup started the ongoing lean revolution. Tech and Ecommerce companies worldwide now apply this philosophy as part of lean development.

Today, the core principles of lean marketing involve iterative cycles of process optimization, testing, and assessment to maximize productivity. In essence, lean marketing involves sharing responsibilities across teams to reduce the duration of creative cycles.

Who needs lean marketing?

Every forward-thinking company needs to adopt lean marketing in all or some of its business strategies. This marketing concept will help your business stay on pace with the ever-changing marketplace. Not only that, lean marketing principles allow you to monitor the results of business decisions after every cycle.

On the decision-making front, lean marketing principles help your business strategy stay on course without many mid-project changes. Companies like Pinterest have also employed lean marketing to escape from obscurity into the limelight. Toyota, Tesla, and Nike also use lean marketing initiatives to stay competitive.

So, if you are still on the fence about lean marketing, you can follow the examples of these multinational companies to maximize growth.

What are the core lean marketing principles?

In our definition of lean marketing, we have hinted at the core principles behind this philosophy. Here are the tenets of lean marketing in eCommerce.

Marketing cycles

When working with lean marketing, teams must focus their efforts on individual cycles. The plan is to prioritize a particular goal rather than trying to cover everything at once. Working in cycles allows your business to continue working on larger projects without sacrificing progress on all fronts. And most importantly, the results of every marketing cycle in lean informs changes in the next one.

Creative sprints

Every cycle focuses on single or multiple sprints, depending on the preferred approach. Lean marketing helps companies to organize self-sustaining scrums that require limited attention. For time-sensitive projects and marketing campaigns, creative sprints are essential to meet time-specific objectives in the company.

User stories

At its core, lean development can only succeed when your company works with user personas to streamline the sprint objectives. To develop a relevant user story, marketers must gather information from multiple users. And from the intersecting narratives, a persona will materialize. Overall, user personas and stories determine the measurable metrics required to determine success.

Measurements

Your company (or marketing team) needs advanced data management systems to gather and analyze data. These lean-driven data initiatives offer valuable insights into the acquired metrics from user engagement and product performance. You also need to measure team success in relation to the outlined goals. Eventually, the results will be used in subsequent iterations of the lean marketing strategy.

Transparency

Lean marketing relies on transparency and publicity. Every team member needs to stay aware of expectations from individuals and the overall team. This centralized system of accountability motivates team members to apply maximum effort to every task or project involved in the marketing cycle.

Backlogs

A backlog is a repository for ideas and projects arranged based on priority. In lean marketing, backlogs are essential for planning creative cycles and optimizing sprints. Companies also use them as idea dumps. Essentially, every project contributor can add their ideas to the backlog, which the marketing manager curates for faster adjustments.

Regular reports

Marketplaces are changing at a rapid pace  which means that your eCommerce business needs an updated backlog.

But how can you stay in touch with emerging trends? The answer is regular reports.

Organize meetups (or standups) every week or fortnight for team members to share their progress and obstacles. These reports will show the team if they are on track to meet the objectives of every cycle.

Benefits of lean marketing for eCommerce businesses

In the current marketplace, top brands are choosing lean marketing strategies over traditional strategies. Although AI implementation plays a significant role in this shift, lean marketing remains beneficial to eCommerce businesses.

Lets check out the main advantages.

Promotes fast-paced marketing

The lean philosophy allows space for rapid growth and adjustments. Since every marketing or development objective occurs in iterative cycles, your company can arrange sprints to maximize efficiency.

Lets say your competitors time-to-market is shorter than yours; project managers can organize multiple sprints to beat them to launch.

Prioritizes objectives

Forget about multitasking; it is a waste of time and resources. With the lean methodology, you can prioritize significant tasks faster.

For example, teams working on multiple projects can decide which project to focus the companys resources on. And since you have tangible goals and metrics, measuring the success of various strategies becomes less complicated.

Monitors progress

Core principles of lean marketing like transparency and regular reports are essential for progress monitoring. Since every team member shares their goals, the project contributors are always abreast of challenges and shortcomings experienced by others.

The tracking of progress and analyzing marketing data is critical for improving marketing strategy and help your business grow. For instance, you're using Shopify as an eCommerce platform, which allows you to monitor progress and adjust marketing processes. From this, you can configure Shopify to BigQuery integration to gather metrics and insights, visualize them, and report. The same approach works for any eCommerce platform you're using.

Optimizes spending

According to Eric Riess methodology, lean strategies allow you to build a product (objective) during the initial sprint. Afterwards, your marketers must measure the key metrics to determine high-cost redundancies. Eventually, you can learn from the process and reduce costs in subsequent cycles.

This feedback loop is called the Build-Measure-Learn cycle. And when properly implemented can save eCommerce companies lots of expenditure and increase ROI.

Focuses on the future

Traditional marketing strategies are rigid in the sense that they focus on market trends. As a result, idea silos and backlogs can become defunct before product launch. But with lean marketing, your company always stays flexible to potential changes in consumer behavior.

Since your marketers work in cycles, they can easily adjust strategies to meet current market demands without incurring significant financial losses. In essence, lean marketing provides you with data-driven indicators of when to pivot or stay on course.

Final words

Lean marketing is the most cost-effective way for marketers to maximize revenue generation. Although Toyota developed this concept for manufacturing, marketing experts have adapted it to eCommerce marketing.

As a marketer, you must understand the core principles of lean marketing. Start with user stories and create iterative cycles. Use a seamless feedback loop that functions on transparency to improve the final product.

Ultimately, lean marketing will ensure that your company develops a future-proof product within the specified launch deadline.
44% of Australians regularly feel lonely. Nine in ten have experienced loneliness with almost half are embarrassed to talk about it, according to Telstras Talking Loneliness report. As a response, Telstra urged the public to be more open and start talking about loneliness, and acknowledge it.

The Talking Loneliness report also found:

 More than half (54%) say they often or sometimes lack companionship

 A quarter (24%) dont feel they have anyone to talk to. Gen Z (32%) and Millennials (26%) are the most likely age groups to feel this way

 Over a third (35%) admit they rarely or never feel like they are part of a group of friends

 Almost two in five (38%) say they have never felt lonelier than they have felt in lockdown

Market research company YouGov conducted the research on behalf of Telstra in September 2021 and consulted loneliness researcher and clinical psychologist Dr Michelle Lim.

The research highlights the growing issue of widespread loneliness in Australia and explores its impact on individuals, communities, and society at large.

Dr. Lim stresses loneliness is the next public health crisis facing Australia.

Loneliness, when persistent or severe, hurts our health, communities, and society. We need to work together as a community to combat loneliness, Lim adds.

If you feel lonely, it is important to understand that your feelings are normal. Take small feasible steps towards managing your loneliness. You dont always have to make more friends to feel less lonely  look within your current network and consider how you can improve the quality of those relationships, Lim suggests.

Telstra CEO Andrew Penn says while it was a significant societal issue beforehand, more than a quarter (27%) of Australians experienced loneliness for the first time during COVID.

We know the pandemic has had a huge impact on mental health but now we also know how it has accelerated the widespread issue of loneliness, says Penn. Despite Telstras history of connecting people for more than 100 years, there are so many people in the community who feel disconnected. As a company with connectivity at the heart of our purpose, we are shining a light on loneliness and its impact. 

Sadly, there are many people in our community who are reluctant to speak up about something that is having significant consequences  it could be your brother, neighbour or workmate and you may never know, Penn explains. Thats why we wanted to challenge the preconceptions about who might be lonely and to encourage everyone to find a sense of connection through their shared experience.

Penn says the report calls for Australians to start talking about loneliness, a way to focus on the issue to emerge from COVID stronger as a nation and individually.

To support this important cause, Telstra is releasing a series of videos highlighting real stories from nine people impacted by loneliness, as well as a dedicated hub with resources and support tools.

We are also donating more than 100,000 hours to help address loneliness in the community, with our employees incentivised to use their annual day of paid volunteer leave to contribute to eradicating loneliness through third-party specialist programs, says Penn.

The stigma

While loneliness is indiscriminate, 41% of Australians are worried about being judged if they say they are lonely. And these worries are particularly pronounced amongst members of the LGBTQI+ community (57%), Gen Z (52%), Millennials (50%) and parents with children under 18 (50%).

Misconceptions of loneliness

Looking at the age groups most likely to be perceived as lonely, the research found that six in ten (60%) assumed people aged 65+ are the loneliest group in their community. However, when asked directly, those aged 65+ are the most likely generation to say they never or hardly ever feel lonely (46%).

Surprisingly, Gen Z (54%) and Millennials (51%) are more likely to feel lonely, which is higher than all other generations. Challenging the idea that being surrounded by others prevents loneliness, interestingly parents with children under 18 at home are more likely to be lonely than those without (48% compared to 42%).

The report also reveals the stark impact of COVID-19 on loneliness, with more than a quarter of (27%) Australians saying that COVID-19 has led them to experience loneliness for the first time. Sadly, almost two in five (38%) say they have never felt lonelier than they have felt in lockdown.

Tackling loneliness, one connection at a time

Respondents also shared how they attempted to cope with their loneliness: engaging in a hobby (49%), exercise (40%), and playing with pets (31%). Many connect with others to manage feelings of loneliness, either by calling or texting someone (43%) or reaching out to a loved one (34%).

Those who feel lonely say others can help them simply by getting in touch for any reason (62%) and by checking in on how they are doing (55%).
Proof-of-concept exploit code has been released on the internet to take advantage of a directory path traversal flaw in version 2.4.49 of the well-known Apache Web server software.

Remote code execution can also be carried out by anyone who exploits the flaw.

Researcher Will Dorman, a vulnerability analyst at CERT/CC, said of the flaw: "...Apache needs to be the vulnerable 2.4.49 version, and mod-cgi is enabled, and it needs to be missing the default Require all denied. But if both of those are true, then CVE-2021-41773 is as RCE as it gets."

The Apache thing is your yearly reminder to keep up with code changes on high profile surfaces over the long term ... the mental trap of "everyone was auditing this to death X years ago so it must still be barren and surely such and such doesn't exist" is real  Bas Alberts (@basalberts) October 6, 2021

In its advisory, the Apache HTTP Server Project acknowledged that the vulnerability was being exploited in the wild. It credited Ash Daulton along with the cPanel Security Team for reporting the issue on 29 September.

The issue was fixed on 1 October and an update, 2.4.50. released on 4 October.

A second vulnerability, CVE-2021-41524, is also present in version 2.4.49 and allows an external source to stage a denial-of-service attack on a server.

Oh good, CVE-2021-41773 is in fact also RCE providing mod-cgi is enabled. An attacker can call any binary on the system and supply environment variables (that's how CGI works!) - if they can upload a file and set +x permissions, they can trivially run commands as Apache user. pic.twitter.com/c3D2h5Cy4A  Hacker Fantastic (@hackerfantastic) October 5, 2021

Li Zhi Xin of NSFocus Security Team was credited for this bug which was reported on 17 September and patched through an update on 4 October.

Apache once had about 80% of the Web server software market, but in February this year, a survey by Netcraft found that its share had dropped to 26.3% of sites, 26.4% of domains and 32.7% of Web-facing computers.

nginx leads the Web server software market with 34.5% of sites, 30.4% of domains and 35% of Web-facing computers. But when it comes to the top million busiest sites, Apache has 25.5% of active sites, compared to 19.8% for nginx.
A large majority of Australian and New Zealand organisations were not adequately prepared for COVID-19 and fear the increased risk they are being exposed to through working from home and flexible work policies, according to newly published survey findings.

The findings in the latest Thales Access Management Index reveal that 57% have adopted two factor authentication, but major access control gaps remain leaving digital identities at risk - and a staggering 82% of Auastralian organisations and 86% of New Zealand organisations are concerned about the security risks / threats of employees working remotely - yet, 41% (AU) and 53% (NZ) of organisations do not have an access management solution deployed.

Thales says that while many organisations viewed security as an important investment during the pandemic, it lagged behind investment into infrastructure and cloud as the number one priority.

And for organisations across the region, the most important investment during COVID-19 has been infrastructure / cloud (51% AU / 45% NZ), followed by security and privacy (27% AU / 39% NZ).

According to Rana Gupta, APAC Regional VP, Authentication & Encryption for Thales,With the move to remote work and cloud, organisations perimeters have extended beyond their physical walls.

Most employees today  as well as customers and partners  gain access to the work applications and data from outside of an organisations walls, whether those are on the network or in the cloud. Digital identities have become the new perimeter.

According to Thales, humans remain organisations weakest link and this has yet again been demonstrated by the OAICs latest January-June 2021 Data Breaches Notification report which shows that data breaches resulting from human error accounted for 30% of notifications - and business and technology leaders need to look at new ways to secure the access to organisations expanding digital walls, and much stronger access controls are needed..

Despite a world where digital identities are the new perimeter, traditional security policies and practices are still largely in use according to the report:



55% (AU) and 63% (NZ) of employees use a VPN

50% (AU) & 55% (NZ) of employees use virtual desktop infrastructure

However the study also reveals that many organisations are planning to move away from VPN, instead replacing it with: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) solutions (49% across the region), Zero Trust network access / SDP (44% AU / 41% NZ), and other Identity and Access Management solutions with different levels of access control.

Only 9% (AU) and 18% (NZ) of organisations are not planning to move away from VPN.

The report also ntes that stronger Identity and Access Management (IAM) tools are on the rise with 59% (AU) and 55% (NZ) of organisations adopting two factor authentication (2FA) - while overall, multi-factor authentication (MFA) has been deployed for 73% (AU) / 71% (NZ) of remote/mobile and non-IT employees and staff. But major gaps still remain:



34% (AU) and 29% (NZ) of organisations are deploying three to five different authentication vendor tools, which increases complexity for IT teams and for users

41% (AU) and 53% (NZ) of organisations do NOT have an access management solution deployed

23% of AU organisations and an alarming 41% of NZ organisations are either somewhat not confident or not at all confident that their current access security solutions can effectively enable employees to work remotely in a secure and easy manner

Third-parties are often not part of organisations security strategies or submitted to the same levels of security controls, and the report found:



Only 43% (AU) and 64% (NZ) of third parties, and 40% (AU) / 50% (NZ) of customers have MFA/2FA in place

Those numbers drop even lower when it comes to on-premise

Our report shows the critical need for ANZ organisations to rethink their access control strategies and look at Identity and Access Management (IAM) as an organisation wide strategy and not a siloed security approach, Gupta said..

As we move away from perimeter-based security models, managing access to the organisations critical resources needs to become THE central function of any security strategy that essentially needs to be based on the new mindset of Zero Trust. You cant let any user  from within or outside of the organisation  bypass your access management strategy. It takes one single non-secure access to compromise the entire organisation.



The report also reveals that amongst the technologies ANZ organisations are planning to deploy due to the impact of the pandemic and remote work:



Zero Trust network access / SDP is the most popular (49% AU / 45% NZ)

Zero Trust network access / software defined perimeter is now used by 53% (AU) and 49% (NZ) of organisations

Too many networks and applications currently run on assumed trust systems, said Gupta.



A Zero Trust model views trust as a vulnerability  any user or device looking to access confidential data cannot and should not be trusted by default. Instead, the idea is to follow a trust no one, verify everyone continuously mindset. But to achieve this it is vital business leaders take a more active role in setting the organisations access control strategy alongside their technology leaders.



Again, this is a question of mindset across the entire organisation, before it can be brought to life by investing in the right Identity and Access Management technologies.


Developers chose Snyks platform to make the production of their cloud native applications safe. The platform looks for vulnerabilities using IDE and SCM-Integration while programming, resulting to automatic debugging, and learnings can be implemented immediately.

Introducing new vulnerabilities into the code base through new dependencies and code changes can be prohibited.

Due to reports and warnings, oversight of the security state of the application is ensured across all development teams. Governance can be managed by company-wide security and license policies, as well as context-oriented prioritisation.

Snyk allows security integration. Relevant application and security information is integrated into a SaaS platform, where products meet the requirements of old and new systems, including Open Source, containers, and infrastructure as code.

Customers like Asurion, Google, Intuit, MongoDB, New Relic, Revolut, and Salesforce have already established their security with Snyk. Users have performed more than 300 million tests within the last 12 months and fixed more than 30 million security vulnerabilities within the last 90 days.

Snyk also counts the Australian Volt Bank as its customer, and it commends Snyks ability to easily fit into the developer workstream.

As an open source service provider, we were looking for a solution that would prove itself especially in the environment of open technologies and take into account the security and compliance requirements of our customers. Snyk fits perfectly into this gap and adds an important piece of the DevSecOps puzzle to our portfolio, says Adfinis CEO and chief technical officer Nicolas Christener.

Snyk closed a $530 million Series F investment at $8.5 billion valuation, raising the total funding to $775 million. The financing will continue to fuel Snyks product innovation and development, set to be revealed at the companys free annual developer conference, SnykCon 2021, this week. During the conference, Snyk will introduce new enhancements to its Developer Security Platform and new workflow integrations.
The European Union is set to file an anti-trust suit against Apple over the NFC chip technology it uses for tap-and-go payments, a report claims.

Reuters cited "people familiar with the matter" as saying the EU's preliminary concerns also included the terms and conditions for how Apple Pay should used by companies' Web sites and the company's insistence that only it could have access to Apple Pay.

Apple has been in the EU's sights for some time. It was fined by the EU in 2016, with the political bloc ordering it to pay 13 billion (A$20.65 billion) in back taxes.

The company won this battle in 2020, with the Luxembourg General Court ruling that the Cupertino-based firm did not have to pay. However, the EU has appealed against this ruling, claiming legal errors were made by the court.

The EU alsoan anti-trust suit against Apple in April this year, for allegedly blocking rivals on its App Store, based on a complaint from music service Spotify.

Were the EU to succeed in a possible case against Apple's NFC chip technology, that could force the company to open its mobile payment system to rivals.

Australian banks have had their own struggles with Apple. Initially, three of the four big banks  Westpac, Commonwealth Bank and National Australia Bank  attempted to gang up with the smaller Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, and jointly negotiate with Apple in 2017.

But they were prevented from doing so by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

The banks had sought authorisation to bargain with Apple for access to the near-field communication controller in iPhones, and reasonable access terms to the App Store.

Such access would have allowed the four institutions to offer their own integrated digital wallets to iPhone customers in competition with Apples digital wallet, without using Apple Pay.

Subsequently, Bendigo and Adelaide Bank quietly adopted Apple Pay. The Commonwealth Bank introduced Apple Pay in January 2019, while NAB adopted the system in May and Westpac gave in in December. ANZ, Australia's fourth big bank, was not part of this cartel, with the bank offering Apple Pay since April 2016.

In July this year, Commonwealth Bank chief executive Matt Comyn was reported by the Australian Financial Review as telling a Parliamentary panel that there should be curbs put on Apple's speedy growth in the payments system and accused the company of getting a free ride on investments made by the banks.

Apple shot back at Comyn in August, accusing him of misleading the committee, describing his bid to gain open access to the NFC chip technology as self-serving.

That same month, iTWire contacted the Commonwealth Bank to inquire why there was bad blood between the bank and Apple, No response was received.

The Reuters report said a charge sheet, called a statement of objections, was being drafted and could be sent to Apple in 2022.

Last month, South Korea amended its existing legislation in order to force both Google and Apple to allow alternative payment systems to be used for their mobile app stores.

The changes banned those who run app markets from forcing a given payment system on a mobile content business by abusing market position.
A staff of California Department Fish & Wildlife examines a contaminated Sanderling from the oil spill in Huntington Beach, Calif., on Monday. A major oil spill off the coast of Southern California fouled popular beaches and killed wildlife while crews scrambled Sunday, to contain the crude before it spread further into protected wetlands. AP PHOTO Ringo H.W. Chiu
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Virginia Beth Bounds Gray passed away Saturday, November 6, 2021 in Flint. She was born April 14, 1938 in Sacul, Texas to James and Callie Bounds. Funeral Services are scheduled for Friday, November 12, 2021 to begin at 1:00pm at Boren-Conner Funeral Home in Jacksonville. A visitation will b
Knowesis Honored By Inc. 5000 As One Of America's Fastest Growing Companies
Stephanie Garland is director of the Better Business Bureau in Springfield. Among those counties served by BBB Springfield are Jasper, Newton, McDonald, Lawrence and Barton counties. Emails may be sent to sgarland@springfieldbbb.org.
Consumer Issues and Advice Columnist

Harlan was a full-time reporter and columnist for the JI from August 1997 to September 2017, after which he has continued to write weekly Consumer Diary and Leave it to Levy advice columns. Harlan graduated from Princeton University and NYU School of Law.
Living Reporter and Theatre Critic

Tim covers leisure and arts, and he is also a theater critic. He interned for the JI in 2015, and was hired in 2016. Tim graduated from UConn, Central College of McPherson, Kansas, and American Musical & Dramatic Academy. His favorite movie is "Jaws."
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Susan covers the towns of Somers and Ellington. She joined the JI in May 2021 and graduated from Skidmore College. She recently completed docent training for the Wadsworth Atheneum and hopes to start giving tours some time next year.
Today's accounting graduates will enter a very different profession than those who began their careers 20 or even 10 years ago. In many cases, employers will demand more from them. They'll be tasked with learning new technologies at a more rapid pace, dealing with larger datasets, and solving more complex problems earlier on in their careers than their predecessors did.

New accounting hires today "start at a higher level" than those of a decade ago, said Mark Rocca, CPA, an audit partner at EY's Boston office, speaking at the 2021 AAA Annual Meeting. "Audits of the past were more procedural and task-focused," he observed. "Today, using data, analytical tools, and technology, in many cases we can look at all transactions from a company. We are asking our people to do more thoughtful and insightful analysis than I had to do when I started 18 years ago."

That, he acknowledged, places "more pressure" on new graduates. "They're a much more important part of the thought leadership of their teams than when I started out," he said. "We throw all this data at them. It can be overwhelming."

Nevertheless, he said, "new hires are making the most of and embracing this opportunity," and many are excited about machine learning and other technologies. "It reflects well on what they learn in school," he said.

"A lot of innovations are coming from our newest hires," said Lisa Hackard, CPA, audit partner at KPMG, who is based in Denver.

The same mindset that can earn a diligent student high grades  obediently following directions, pleasing authorities, and not asking too many questions  can cause a graduate to struggle in a workplace where critical thinking is valued. To succeed in the accounting profession today, practitioners said in several panel sessions at the Annual Meeting, new hires need to acquire a different set of skills:

Curiosity and a willingness to ask questions. New hires sometimes take the information that's presented to them at face value, and fail to dig deeper to understand where it came from or how it connects to a larger context, panelists said.

New hires can "execute if they're told what to do," said Judi Gonsalves, CPA, executive vice president and chief internal auditor at Liberty Mutual Insurance in Boston, but there are times when they will need to ask questions that can take them beyond what they were asked to do. For instance, if they see an outlier in their data, they should be asking themselves "if it's a one-off or indicative of a larger problem," she said.

Having curiosity can also help new hires get past the procedural and understand the purpose behind what they're doing, Rocca said. "We don't expect them to have all the answers, but to be able to ask questions that can get them to the right questions," he said.

The ability to know when they need more information to solve a problem. Graduates need to be able to assess a problem and determine if they need any missing information to solve it, panelists said. A great deal of data analytics in particular, said Jackson Wojciechowski, CPA, senior accountant at aerospace firm Maxar Technologies in Denver, who previously worked at KPMG, consists of deciding whether a problem exists and whether it's something that can be solved. In other words, they need to be able to "pull the critical information out of a situation" and "translate into something they can execute," said Joshua Marine, vice president of data analytics and insights at Fidelity Investments in Boston.

The ability to acquire the information they need. New hires should also be prepared to seek out the information they lack on their own, panelists said. That may mean reading up on an issue outside of their scheduled work tasks, Gonsalves said. Or it can mean knowing who in their organization might have the answer, Marine said.

Panelists acknowledged that it can be hard for accountants to find the time for learning. "It is a demanding profession," Rocca said. "Time management and prioritization are important," he said, and new hires with those skills "will have a leg up."

Comfort with ambiguity. Many students graduate believing that they always need to get the answers right, panelists said. But in the accounting workplace, they'll encounter situations where the course of action is unclear and where they may be asked to recommend the best of several possible solutions.

New hires have a tendency to jump to conclusions too quickly, panelists said. As Gonsalves put it, when they reach a stumbling block they need to be able to "hit the pivot button and not the panic button."

Digital flexibility. Proficiency with a certain type of software is a skill that is unique when you are an early adopter, but can quickly become an expected baseline skill, panelists said. Hackard gave an example from her workplace, where everyone asked the early adopters for advice with a particular type of software, she said, but as more people built up proficiency with it, "some of the early adopters had moved onto the next hot new tool." Plus, as Rocca pointed out, firms may use their own proprietary systems that aren't taught in schools.

Thus it's more important students learn the underlying principles of data analytics than any one type of software, panelists said. Graduates also need to have a knowledge of what tools are available and how the profession is digitizing," said Gonsalves. "They don't have to be an expert in everything, but they need to know what's possible."

Faculty can cultivate these skills in many ways, panelists said. Here are a few of their suggestions:

Push students to think harder and more metacritically. "Challenge students to reflect on the decisions they make and the process they use," said Bette Kozlowski, CPA (inactive), director  talent acquisition, faculty and academic relations, at KPMG, who is based in Philadelphia. They "need to step back and say, 'What's the question I should be asking?'," she said.

Ask students to consider their audience. Give students assignments that require them to address a certain audience, such as a CEO, a partner, or a client, Marine suggested. That will encourage them to think about their word choices and what information to include, omit, or explain in more detail. Have them think through "the questions their presentation could generate," he said, noting that new employees sometimes struggle to respond to questions they hadn't anticipated.

Get students comfortable with ambiguity. Give students experience with situations where there are no clear solutions. Many panelists advocated assigning case studies and other activities where the answers aren't concrete.

Give assignments that ask students to define the problem themselves. Open-ended assignments can be extremely valuable, Wojciechowski said. In his master's classes, he said, a faculty member would point the class to a website where they could obtain raw data and instruct them to make a business case out of it. "There were no right or wrong answers; it was all about the case you make," he said. "It's so important to be given these types of projects. In your career you'll face large amounts of data and have to find an accounting solution that makes sense."

Let students know what to expect in the workplace. Educators should not contribute to the mentality that new graduates will "get their degree and then learn once they get to a firm," Hackard said. Instead, students should expect to "bring their critical thinking and data analytics skills to the workplace" where everyone on their team will improve together, she said.

Editor's note: Bette Kozlowski was part of a panel moderated by Ann Dzuranin, CPA, Ph.D., KPMG Endowed Professor of Accountancy at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Lisa Hackard and Jackson Wojciechowski, both former students of Margarita Lenk, Ph.D., associate professor of accounting at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, were part of a panel that she moderated. Judi Gonsalves, Joshua Marine, and Mark Rocca were part of a panel convened by Karen Osterheld, senior director of the AAA's Center for Advancing Accounting Education in Sarasota, Fla. Osterheld held focus groups with several practitioners to learn what they expected of new hires, and plans to release a white paper on her results.

 Courtney Vien (Courtney.Vien@aicpa-cima.com) is a JofA senior editor.
Disgraced former Peru president Alberto Fujimoris spirits are high following heart surgery earlier this week, his politician daughter Keiko said on Wednesday.

Fujimori underwent a heart catheterization on Monday and had a stent fitted after developing an uncontrollably racing heart rate.

Thankfully so far the medical reports are positive, however it should be noted that he is in complete rest  and still at risk, but hes in good spirits. said Keiko Fujimori, head of Perus main opposition party.

Alberto Fujimori, who is serving a 25-year prison sentence for crimes against humanity, had been taken to hospital on Friday due to breathing difficulties.

His condition worsened on Monday, and during the catheterization doctors found that one of his arteries was 70 percent blocked.

The 83-year-old is due to spend several days recovering at the Peruvian-Japanese Centenario clinic under police guard.

His deteriorating health came soon after Perus new left-wing government announced its intention to transfer him from his golden prison at a police station  where he is the only inmate  to one with fewer home comforts.

Right-wing populist Keiko Fujimori, who in April lost a presidential election run-off against Pedro Castillo, accused the government of being cruel and malicious.

Last week she told AFP the proposed move amounted to an attempt against my fathers life.

Fujimoris sentence is due to two massacres committed by army death squads in 1991 and 1992, in which 25 people, including a child, were killed in a supposed anti-terrorism operation.

Fujimori was president from 1990 to 2000.

Imprisoned since 2007, Fujimori has long suffered from breathing and neurological problems and hypertension.

In May 2020, a court rejected a request from his family to have him released from prison due to the risk of contracting Covid-19.

Before her election defeat, his daughter said she would pardon her father if elected president.
The new prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said Thursday he will uncover the truth in his investigation into Philippines President Rodrigo Dutertes so-called war on drugs.

Duterte said earlier this week he would prepare his defence against the probe by the Hague-based tribunal into the anti-narcotics campaign, which rights groups estimate has killed tens of thousands of people, after previously insisting he would not cooperate.

My investigation will seek to uncover the truth and aim to ensure accountability, Karim Khan said in his first response to a September 15 decision by ICC judges to authorise a full investigation.

Britains Khan, who took office in June, said he was willing to constructively engage with national authorities in the Philippines over the investigation by the worlds only permanent war crimes court.

ICC officials said the release of Khans statement was not linked to Dutertes recent comments.

ICC judges gave the green light to the probe into Dutertes campaign after saying it resembled an illegitimate and systematic attack on civilians.

The court said there was a reasonable basis to believe murder, as a crime against humanity, had been committed and said Khan could also probe reports of other crimes including torture, enforced disappearance, and sexual violence.

Firebrand Duterte pulled Manila out of the ICC in 2019 after it launched a preliminary probe, but the Hague-based court says it has jurisdiction over crimes committed while the Philippines was still a member.

After long refusing to admit it had any power to intervene, Duterte backtracked in a pre-recorded speech released on Monday.

I will prepare for my defence in the ICC, Duterte said in the speech, which came two days after he declared he would retire from politics.

Just stick to the facts because there are records of it. I am not threatening you  just dont cheat me on the evidence.
The UN Human Rights Council on Thursday voted to get rid of its group of experts investigating abuses in Yemen, following, according to NGOs, an intense Saudi lobbying campaign.

The 47-member council voted against renewing the mandate of the Group of Eminent International and Regional Experts on Yemen (GEE)  the first time the United Nations top rights body has ever rejected a draft resolution since its foundation in 2006, a spokesman for the council told AFP.

The draft resolution seeking to extend the GEEs mandate for a further two years was brought forward by several European nations and Canada.

Some 21 countries voted against the draft resolution, 18 voted in favour, seven abstained and Ukraine did not register a vote at all.

Those voting in favour included Argentina, Brazil, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico and South Korea.

The countries voting against included Bangladesh, China, Cuba, India, Indonesia, Libya, Pakistan, the Philippines and Russia.

Japan was among the abstentions.

The Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies (CIHRS) said the vote amounted to a blatant attempt by Saudi and its allies to ensure blanket impunity for themselves after having been linked to war crimes and other grave violations of international law in the country.

 Grave failure: NGO 

Yemens grinding conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives and displaced millions, resulting in what the UN calls the worlds worst humanitarian crisis.

The United Nations calls Yemen the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. About 80 percent of Yemens 30 million people are dependent on aid.

The conflict erupted in 2014 when Huthi rebels from the countrys Zaidi Shiite minority in northern Yemen seized the capital Sanaa, prompting a Saudi-led military coalition to intervene the following year in support of the government.

Jeremie Smith, director of the CIHRS Geneva office, said: Todays vote represents a grave failure  one that will inevitably lead to more violence and suffering in Yemen.

States who voted against the renewal or abstained have chosen to appease Saudi Arabia instead of protecting the lives of millions.

Speaking earlier before the council, UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said there was no peace in sight in Yemen.

Parties to the conflict have continued to act with little regard to their obligations under international human rights and humanitarian law, she said.

Numerous attacks targeting or disproportionately impacting civilians or civilian objects during the past year may amount to war crimes.

Parties to the conflict also continue to commit extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, torture, child recruitment and forced displacement, among other violations and abuses of international human rights and humanitarian law.

She said urgent funding was needed to avert large-scale famine in the impoverished country.
JEFFERSON DAVIS - According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents, the body of a missing boater has been recovered.

The body of Daniel R.Reed, 71, of Jennings, was recovered from the Chicot Lake around 9am on October 7, 2021.

Agents were notified about a missing boater around 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 6 in Chicot Lake. Agents responded immediately and began searching the area. LDWF agents along with deputies from the Jefferson Davis Parish Sheriffs Office and Evangeline Parish Sheriffs Office, and Evangeline Parish Firemen and Chicot State Park Rangers searched until around 3 a.m. on Oct. 7.

The search crews resumed at first light on Oct. 7 and found Reeds vessel in a cove. His body was found shortly thereafter in close proximity to the vessel.

LDWF will be the lead investigative agency for this fatal boating incident. It is unknown at this time what caused Reed to fall overboard. Reed was not wearing a personal flotation device. His body was turned over to the Jefferson Davis Parish Coroners Office to determine an official cause of death.
LAFAYETTE, La.  South Louisiana Community College has been awarded a five-year federal grant to provide college admissions and support services to underserved populations within the southern region of the colleges service area. The program will predominately serve the rural populations of Iberia, St. Martin, and St. Mary Parishes beginning November 1.

The $1.1 million grant is awarded from the U.S. Department of Education and is under the agencys TRiO Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) program.

With the awarding of this grant, SLCC will be able to greatly expand access to college for all underserved populations in the southern region, said Dr. Vincent June, SLCC chancellor. This can be a game-changer for so many people who never believed they could attend college or have the resources to access post-secondary education.

Nationwide, EOC programs are traditionally found in areas with disadvantaged, underserved people who have a desire to attend a college or university. To qualify for the program, participants must be at least 19 years of age and be either a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, resident alien, or have an intention to become a permanent resident.

Through this grant, SLCC will provide information on attaining a high school equivalency (HiSET) diploma, going to college, and getting financial assistance to pay for school. Participants can also receive assistance with completing applications for college admissions, testing, and financial aid (FAFSA), in addition to counseling services, career workshops, and guidance on career selection and college programs.

The grant is structured to serve groups who are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, students with disabilities, students who are homeless children and youths, students who are in foster care or are aging out of the foster care system, or other disconnected students. The program also provides services for students who are limited English proficient.

SLCCs grant will also offer a community component. The college will partner with organizations across the region, such as Acadiana Workforce Solutions, Beacon Community Corrections, Catholic Charities of Acadiana, The Family Tree Counseling Center, Goodwill Acadiana, Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA), One Acadiana, and United Way of Acadiana, all to further support the population of program participants.

LEDA is proud to partner with SLCC in an effort to provide the residents of South Louisiana with opportunities and options to attain college credentials leading to high-demand and high-wage jobs, said Ryan LaGrange, Manager of Workforce Development for Lafayette Economic Development Authority.
A new draft of a university-wide academic workload policy caused concern during the Faculty Senate Executive Committee meeting Tuesday about the possible impacts on smaller departments on the University of Kansas campuses.

The policy draft is being discussed because the Kansas Board of Regents has expressed interest in implementing academic workload policies in the future.

Under the terms of the policy draft, the Lawrence and Edwards KU campuses must seek to maintain an average teaching workload over the next three years of a certain number of organized sections and a certain number of student credit hours per school year as a university - not individually. Those numbers are still being determined.

Some Fac-Ex members raised concerns regarding smaller academic units and their ability to contribute to this proposed average workload. University Senate President-Elect Ani Kokobobo said she wondered if an academic unit like anthropology would be able to keep up with the average of a bigger unit like the business school.

If someone falls below or above it, it would create discontent and problems, Kokobobo said. I wonder if theres a way to also spell out that this is an average for the whole, but we anticipate X, Y and Z areas falling above and below?

Fac-Ex member Nate Brunsell also brought up similar concerns about how smaller departments on campus would have trouble keeping up with expectations surrounding the amount of student credit hours faculty need to teach since their class sizes are much smaller.

Even if we add more sections, we arent going to get more student credit hours, Brunsell said. Im more concerned about that student credit hour number because I dont see that being achievable for a lot of majors.

Vice Provost for Faculty Development, Chris Brown, said the goal of the policy is to provide the Kansas Board of Regents and taxpayers with a better sense of what faculty spends their time doing, not to set clear expectations for individual schools.

We wanted to steer clear of anything in the policy that showed an expectation that all faculty members had to achieve a certain workload because we knew it was so different across the university, Brown said.

Faculty Senate President Remy Lequesne said the intention of setting a university-wide workload average is to give units the freedom to set their own workload averages without having to meet a specific number.

The earlier drafts were much more explicit about there being an expectation for faculty or at least units, Lequesne said. We intentionally moved away from that with the expectation that some units will have lower student credit hours or lower section loads and others will be higher, Lequesne said.

Brown said a policy like this would be less stringent than what KBOR has asked for in the past and would allow faculty to adjust to meet their own goals and fill in holes in the workload within their units.

When I look back at what the board has asked for in the past - which is like a complete spreadsheet of every single faculty member and exactly what they taught and how many students they taught and what their salary is - I want to get out of that world as quickly as possible. If this policy helps us get there, Ill be happy, Brown said.

Brown also said if a unit fails to meet its specific goal or falls under the university average, it wont be a big deal since the policy aims to adjust the average goal for the university over three years.

The most concern people are going to have is what happens if a department falls below it, Brown said. In one year, it doesnt matter because this is an average over three years, and the average gets reassessed. The idea here is that theres also an ongoing conversation about it, and its not just something thats fixed forever.

However, Brunsell had concerns that when a unit doesnt meet its workload goal or falls under the overall average, the unit would be targeted by KBOR or the university in some way. Lequesne said this is a possibility.

We intentionally moved to this much softer language of averages, but I cant say that it wont be used against a unit, Lequesne said.

The use of averages and the lack of specific numbers detailing exactly what the university-wide goal is for organized sections and student credit hours concerned some members of Fac-Ex and made it more difficult for them to come to a consensus on the policy.

I think a lot of this discussion is now theoretical because we dont have concrete numbers. I think if we had concrete numbers, it would inform our feelings a little bit more, Kokobobo said.

Lequesne said he and Brown reviewed a list of organized sections and student credit hours per faculty member for every unit on campus. The overall average seems to be 3.4 organized sections and 250 student credit hours per year based on data from the last five years. He said those numbers might be what the policy ends up being based on.

Those were the numbers that we saw in the last draft two weeks ago - 3.4 and 250. We raised concerns about setting a standard thats at our current average when the chancellor himself has the expectation that enrollment is going to go down over the next decade, he said.

Due to concerns over setting the average workload at an unattainable rate, Lequesne said they are advocating for a workload policy that sets a university-wide average closer to 3 organized sections and 180 student credit hours.

Lequesne said the policy is something that KBOR really wants, even though he doesnt see it as something that will create meaningful change. Therefore, he said their goal is to get a policy that would do the least harm possible, and he is not sure if they are there yet.

Im not optimistic that this policy is going to achieve anything positive, Lequesne said.

Brown said the plan is to put together a consensus document on the matter to be reviewed by Faculty Senate. Lequesne said Brown wants to get a final draft of the policy by the end of October. Lequesne also said they should move quickly since KBOR has discussed the policy publicly and seems inclined to require it soon regardless of their input.

We need to make a decision and the sooner we make that decision, the better, he said.
COVID-19 cases are low at the University of Kansas, Watkins Health Center Physician Graig Nickel said. However, the KU Cough, a bad cough which people have a tough time distinguishing from COVID-19, has become more prominent in recent months.

The KU Cough has been around countless times before the pandemic, Nickel said.

I have heard students refer to the 'KU cough,' or some variation of that term, every year, Nickel said.

This year, students have been going into Watkins to determine if they have COVID-19 or the KU cough, Nickel said.

We have had a relatively large number of students come to Watkins with a cough thus far this Fall, Nickel said. However, due in part to the large number of students who have been vaccinated for COVID-19 and the use of masks when recommended, the number of COVID-19 cases has been very low.

Many students have not been exposed to a large amount of people due to COVID-19 and classes being online, said Sophia Masi, a senior from St. Louis studying human biology.

My roommates and I all got sick and had bad coughs right when school started this year, Masi said. I live in a house with 10 girls, so basically when one of us gets sick, we all get sick.

Some students do not want to cough in class even if they know they do not have the coronavirus, said Maya Feldman, a freshman from Deerfield, Illinois studying social welfare.

Its an awkward situation because I know people dont want to be coughing in class and having their classmates think they might have COVID," Feldman said.

Since a cough is a symptom of COVID-19, it can be hard to diagnose what illness you have, Nickel said.

If students develop a cough, we encourage them to come to Watkins Health Center to be evaluated,'' Nickel said. We can help to determine if it is something that might require a treatment.

Even if you think you do not have COVID-19, it is still highly encouraged to get tested at Watkins for your own personal safety and others.

I had a cough for almost 2 weeks straight, said Jacob Sinton, a senior from Deerfield, Illinois studying strategic communications. I didnt think I had COVID-19 because I didnt have any other symptoms, but I still went and got tested at Watkins just to make sure that I was negative.

In order to recover and keep yourself healthy, physicians at Watkins suggest for students to rest, hydrate, properly wash their hands, wear a mask and use prescription medications under the direction of a healthcare provider.
A protest organized by Strip Your Letters took place outside Strong Hall on Tuesday. Despite heavy promotion on social media, turnout was low, but protesters were able to hear speeches from local activists, including Student Body President Niya McAdoo, and were given an opportunity to speak to University of Kansas administration officials without press present.

Tweesna Mills, who is pursuing a masters in film and media studies at KU and is co-chair of the First Nations Student Association, was the other activist to give a speech at the protest.

During her speech, she sang a song she called the Tobacco Song, which she said was adapted by her aunt and represents historic connections to her Indigenous roots. She sang it at the protest to support survivors of sexual assault.

I just wanted to come and support the women, the survivors and our fellow Jayhawks and students because we have to stick together, Mills said. We have to stand up for what is right, and I think that is what is the most important thing. Thats why I said its not just about tonight  we have to keep letting them know [and] keep telling them that we need to be heard. We need to show up every day, whether youre on Facebook, sharing it or twittering it, thats showing up, and standing together. Thats why Im here.

Lyndsey Baker, a senior studying communications studies, said that she believed this protest was critical to attend.

I think awareness of sexual assault is extremely important, especially on KU campus, and campuses all around, Baker said. I hope that KU holds people more accountable.

Nathan Baker, a KU graduate of the class of 2021, said that he was there to support his wife, Lyndsey Baker.

We both believe that this is a really important cause, and I think its important that males like me who tend not to be affected by events like this, I think its important that they need to stand in solidarity and in support of women, and against men that do this to them, he said.

Carter Krafve, an undeclared sophomore from Minneapolis, said that he was out here to support survivors and demand justice.

Im just here to come out and support the survivors of rape and to show that we have not forgotten about this and to demand justice [against] those who need to be held accountable, Krafve said.

About an hour into the protests, KU administration officials invited protesters to have a dialogue inside the auditorium. Members of the press were barred from attending the talks to create what organizer Grace Reading called a safe space. Strip Your Letters did not respond to requests for comment about the dialogue with KU administration officials.

Recent KU graduates and organizers of the protest, Anissa Brantley and Reading, along with four others, run the Instagram account @stripyourletters.

The protest was part of a broader network of protests that Brantley and Reading were organizing, including those at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas State University, and the University of Missouri. Organizing was made easy because of social media, Reading said.

In the age of social media, it looks a little bit different than Im sure it has in the past, Reading said. It was just a lot of coordinating through Instagram posts, sending people messages, being like, Hey, this is what were doing, are you about it? Do you want to come join us? It was just collectively working together as a team. I know theres organizers at UMKC, K-State, Mizzou, that are all about the same message and were seeing the same problems on our campuses, just like theyre seeing at UNL [the University of Nebraska-Lincoln] and across the country. We just want to see our university push for change.

Reading also said that the group running the account is a diverse mix of people.

Theres six of us, Reading said. Campus adjacent is how we describe ourselves, so theres former students, current panhellenic students, former panhellenic students, so its kind of a hodge-podge.

This protest is the fourth on campus as of recent; the first two were in front of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house and the third was a sit-in in front of KU administration offices in Strong Hall.
The Overland Park Police Department offense report just came to light, but was filed by Principal David Ewers on Nov. 8 at 1 p.m., a couple of hours after hundreds of students walked out while holding signs saying things like, "Protect the victims, not the assailants," "It's not a joke," and
PHOENIX, Ore.  The Oregon Department of Education released its "at-a-glance" profiles of school districts across the state this week, including key numbers on the number of students who graduated this year and those on-track to graduate in the years ahead. Unsurprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on performance over the past school year.

However, there were a few bright spots to emerge from the numbers. Despite both the pandemic and a wildfire that displaced many students and their families, the Phoenix-Talent School District kept pace with its graduation rate and surpassed neighboring districts with the percentage of students on-track to graduate.

On-time and on-track graduation rates Oregon statewide | On-track: 74% | On-time: 83%

Ashland SD | On-track: 74% | On-time: 94%

Phoenix-Talent SD | On-track: 87% | On-time: 85%

Klamath County SD | On-track: 79% | On-time: 84%

Brookings-Harbor SD | On-track: 69% | On-time: 84%

Three Rivers SD | On-track: 67% | On-time: 84%

Eagle Point SD | On-track: 69% | On-time: 83%

Medford SD | On-track: 63% | On-time: 83%

Grants Pass SD | On-track: 77% | On-time: 78%

Central Point SD | On-track: 59% | On-time: 78%

Rogue River SD | On-track: 51% | On-time: 74%

Klamath Falls City SD | On-track: 48% | On-time: 73%

For context, Oregon's average on-time graduation rate for the 2020-21 school year is 83 percent, and 74 percent of students are on-track to graduate throughout the state, on average. The first figure looks at the share of seniors who graduated on-time in the class of 2021, while the latter looks at how many credits the freshman class completed.

Phoenix-Talent Schools slightly surpassed the state graduation average, with 85 percent of seniors graduating on time. But its on-track to graduate rate of 87 percent well outdoes both the state average and the rates of neighboring districts, even if it is lower this year than it was the year prior.

2020-21 At-A-Glance School and District Profiles Released

Read more here: https://t.co/eNcAzYrj39 pic.twitter.com/1ZkSdJFZ7r  OR Dept of Education (@ORDeptEd) October 7, 2021

"We had tremendous setbacks with the fire and the pandemic and online learning," said Superintendent Brent Barry. "But we were one of the schools that was able to go two full quarters in-person for our high school, and we saw those number drastically increase on credits earned  which just shows you the value of in-person learning."

After the Almeda Fire left numerous students without stable homes to stay or study in, Phoenix-Talent received a special waiver from the state allowing it to resume in-person learning. The District still approached its return slowly and cautiously, trying to ensure that students and staff would be safe on-site.

Barry said that schools track these numbers all school year, so ODE's report is not a surprise. High school freshmen who earn six credits are most likely to graduate on time, and the District pays close attention to how they are performing.

"Our students are earning this, they are getting the job done and doing the work that gets them over the finish line and graduation  or meeting that target of on-track graduation," Barry said. "So the persistence, the resiliency of our kids is just simply amazing."

The support, engagement, and determination of families and staff has been key as well, Barry added.

"That started from week one, because the Almeda Fire really turned everything on its head," Barry said. "We communicated with our families and got ahold of all of them within the first couple weeks, which I think carried over throughout the year  once we started to get into school and then get into in-person learning, those relationships and communication avenues were pretty solid for our staff."

Barry added that Phoenix High School's graduation rate for the class of 2021 was actually 93 percent, but ODE's numbers for the District include Armadillo Tech Charter School, which had a graduation rate of 52 percent.

Of the major school districts in southern Oregon, only Ashland Public Schools had a higher on-time graduation rate than Phoenix-Talent, with an impressive 94 percent. But Ashland's on-track to graduate rate is level with the state average of 74 percent.

Statewide, ODE noted a decline in on-track rates of nearly 12 percent since the 2018-19 school year, which the agency interpreted as a need for increased support to students as they resume full-time and in-person instruction. The on-time graduation rate has essentially plateaued compared to 2020 stats reported earlier this year.

The 2020-21 school year was unlike any other our state has ever faced, but the strength, resiliency and resolve of students, families and educators saw us through, said ODE director Colt Gill. Were relying on that same strength and resolve during our first few months of school as our educators focus on minimizing COVID-19 and connecting with students to support their mental health.

"Oregons schools are ready, eager and committed to serving our students. Data is key to tell us how to better invest and serve students and we look forward to using this years profiles to continue focusing on diversifying and strengthening our educator workforce and providing all students the supports they need to graduate.

One other statistic that ODE highlighted was a 9.5 percent increase in the number of counselors and psychologists employed by schools and districts, which the agency says reflects an increasing focus on students' social, emotional, and mental well-being.
By Pedram Javaheri, CNN

(CNN) -- Extreme, climate-fueled rainfall broke records this week in a part of Italy known for its rain and an area in Oman not known for rain at all.

On Monday, a series of storms put on the parking brakes over northwestern Italy, unleashing rainfall rates never before seen in all of Europe after over 29 inches (742 mm) of rain fell in just 12 hours. In Oman, a rare tropical cyclone dumped years' worth of rainfall, bringing deadly floods to the desert landscape that rarely sees much rain in an entire year.

Feet of rain in half a day

Italy's Genoa province, known for its natural beauty and rugged coastlines, became the epicenter for the most recent extreme rains.

A series of slow-moving storms stalled in the region Sunday into Monday, dumping over 36 inches (925 mm) of rain in the town of Rossiglione, about 60 miles (100 km) southwest of Milan.

For some context, 36 inches is roughly equivalent to the average rainfall one would expect in Seattle in a year. It would take London an average of 15 months to tally such rainfall. Dozens had to be rescued after reports of mudslides and flooding dotted the landscape, leading a bridge to collapse in the town of Quiliano, according to Milan news outlet Corriere della Sera.

Wet weather is not uncommon in this part of Italy, as the region averages over 50 inches (1,200 mm) of rain per year. However, the storm dropped nearly 30 inches (750 mm) in just 12 hours, setting a new European mark for the highest 12-hour rainfall on record, according to climatologist and extreme weather expert Maximiliano Herrera.

In the nearby town of Cairo Montenotte, about 20 miles (32 km) west of Rossiglione, weather records continued to fall by the wayside on Monday. A 6-hour deluge unlike any ever observed in Italy brought nearly 20 inches (500 mm) of rainfall, besting the national 6-hour record for all of Italy, Herrera noted.

Just a few miles to the east, the mind-bending rainfall also inundated the nearby town of Vicomorasso, after over 7 inches (180 mm) fell in just one hour, according to FloodList, an organization that documents significant flood events from around the world.

By comparison, remnants of Hurricane Ida swamped Central Park in early September after a record of 3.15 inches fell in just 1-hour, breaking the previous 1-hour record set just 11 days earlier when Tropical Storm Henri soaked the region.

Rain in the desert

Less than 2 days earlier and a little over 3,000 miles to the southeast, Cyclone Shaheen made landfall in far northern Oman with winds just shy of a Category 1 hurricane.

The storm drenched the normally parched city of Al Khaburah with over 14 inches (300 mm) of rainfall in a matter of hours, according to The Times of Oman.

This is the equivalent of more than 3 years' worth of rainfall in about 24 hours. In the nearby town of Suwaiq, more than a years' worth of rain fell in just 6 hours. The storm produced a remarkable 4.57 inches (116 mm) of rainfall in a 6-hour span, exceeding what it typically sees in an entire year, according to Oman's Meteorological Department.

A warming globe allows room for more rainfall

The significant increase in heavy rainstorms observed around the world is becoming more evident.

As the global temperatures rise, extreme precipitation events will drop more water, according to a report by the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change. The report highlighted that for every 1 degree Celsius (1.8F) increase in air temperatures, the atmosphere can retain roughly 7% more water vapor.

In the US, the summer of 2021 exemplified this as tropical systems such as Ida and Henri rewrote the record books several times over in a span of weeks.

In August, Tennessee shattered its previous state record after 17 inches of rain fell in the town of McEwen in just 24 hours. A little over a week later, remnants of Hurricane Ida brought torrents of rainfall across the northeastern, setting daily and all-time records from New Jersey to New England.

These extreme rainfall rates are becoming more common because of human-caused global warming, scientists say. According to the UN's report on climate change, "the frequency and intensity of heavy precipitation events have increased since the 1950s over most land area."

Deadly flash floods also made headlines around the world this summer, including deadly floods in July across Western Europe, after several months' worth of rain fell in hours, turning city streets in Belgium and Germany into torrents of water.

Heavy rainfall also caused floods in Central China in July that led to over 300 deaths. Zhengzhou, the provincial capital of 12 million people, was one of the hardest-hit areas, with entire neighborhoods submerged and passengers trapped in flooded subway cars.
Carol Dube, husband of Joyce Echaquan, pauses as he reads a statement next to his daughter Wassihna during a memorial marking the first anniversary of the death of his wife, in front of the hospital where she died in Joliette, Que., on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
The pews at St. Mary's Parish Catholic church are empty shortly before the Easter Vigil mass, which will be broadcast live over Youtube as houses of worship remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ottawa, on Saturday, April 11, 2020. Several Ontario religious organizations are requiring workers and volunteers at their worship places to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 while strongly encouraging others attending their services to get their shot after the province exempted these places from its proof of vaccination mandate. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
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Ketchikan, AK (99901)

Today

Moderating temperatures will change morning scattered snow showers to rain showers by late day. High around 40F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Rain and snow showers this evening transitioning to snow showers overnight. Low around 35F. Winds light and variable. Chance of precip 50%.
While more people are likely to be eligible for Covid-19 vaccine booster shots, the most glaring issue prolonging the pandemic is the large swath of unvaccinated people, who are filling up hospitals and dying from the persistent virus, officials and health experts said.

Advisers to the US Food and Drug Administration on Friday greenlighted recommending emergency use authorization of a booster dose of Pfizer's vaccine six months after full vaccination for people 65 and older and those at high risk of severe illness from the virus. The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention is meeting next week with its vaccine advisers, and the agency determines the final approval for the shots.

But with 54.4% of the US total population fully vaccinated, health experts reiterated that booster shots are not the answer to ending the pandemic.

Dr. Paul Offit, who is a member of the FDA Vaccines Advisory Committee, said vaccinating every eligible Americans remained the most important strategy.

"What is going to be the change in the arc of this pandemic by giving a third dose to people who are already vaccinated as compared to giving two doses to people unvaccinated?" Offit told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on Friday.

It's been a bleak trajectory in terms of hospitalizations and deaths over the past few months. On Thursday, the seven-day average of Covid-19 deaths hit 1,464, according to the CDC, the highest it's been since March 1, which was before the widespread availability of the vaccines.

In West Virginia, where 74 people have died from the virus since Wednesday, the governor is pleading for residents to get vaccinated. The state has fully vaccinated only 40.1% of its population, CDC data shows.

"We're either going to run into the fire and get vaccinated right now, or we're going to pile the body bags up until we reach a point in time to where we have enough people that have immunities and enough people that are vaccinated," Gov. Jim Justice said Friday during a news conference. "The only thing I have in my arsenal that will make this get better is for you to get vaccinated. That's all I've got."

In Alabama, the increased availability of hospital beds is only because of the double-digit numbers in Covid-19 deaths, State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said Friday during a news briefing.

"I would just say very respectfully and with compassion ... there are two ways people leave the hospital, and one of them is not very good," Harris said.

The state, where 41% of its residents are fully vaccinated, has been seeing "typically 40 or 50 or sometimes 60 deaths a day," Harris said.

And at least seven pregnant people have died from Covid-19 in Alabama since the pandemic's onset, Harris said. The state also averaged 23 pregnant people hospitalized with Covid-19 over the past week.

FDA advisers OK booster shot for certain high-risk people

Friday's highly anticipated meeting to discuss boosters resulted in a recommendation from a group of advisers --vaccine experts, immunologists, pediatricians, infectious disease specialists and public health experts -- that people 65 and older along with those at high risk of severe Covid-19 to get a Pfizer booster shot six months after they get their first two shots.

The committee stopped short of recommending a booster shot for 16 and older six months after they are fully vaccinated due to concerns about the safety of a booster dose in younger adults and teens. Members also complained about the lack of data about the safety and long-term efficacy of a booster dose.

The vote was messy, with some advisers expressing concern that the move left out health care workers, who are at high risk of infection, if not of severe disease. The FDA asked the advisers to informally expand their recommendation to encompass people at high occupational risk of infection -- and won a yes.

"I think this should demonstrate to the public that the members of this committee are independent of the FDA and that in fact we do bring our voices to the table when we are asked to serve on this committee," Dr. Archana Chatterjee, dean of the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University, said after the last vote.

The issue of independence bubbled to the surface because the Biden administration had announced it would be ready to distribute booster doses as early as Monday -- ahead of any FDA action or even consideration.

Florida sees decline in Covid-19 cases

There was a glimmer of good news from Florida, which has been a virus hotspot, even as the state surpassed 50,000 Covid-19 deaths.

"One-quarter of those deaths have occurred since the surge of infections from the Delta variant, so that puts an exclamation point on the fact, just how deadly the Delta variant has been for all of us," Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings said Friday.

Orange County, home to Orlando, saw 372 residents die from Covid-19 in August, said Demings , adding there have been 85 additional deaths since the last briefing on Monday.

However, the county is also "seeing some very promising news," Demings said, as the number of daily infections declines. For the 13th consecutive day, the number of daily cases has been under 1,000 in the county.

"That's more good news," Demings added. "As of today, 72% of eligible residents ages 12 and up have received one or more doses of the vaccine."

Overall, the state is saw fewer than 100,000 new cases of Covid-19 in the past week for the first time since July 16, according to data published Friday by the Florida Department of Health.

New cases per week in Florida have been declining steadily since August 20, when the state hit its peak of 151,880 new cases in a week.

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NEW YORK, N.Y. -- Pfizer is asking the U.S. government to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11.

If regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks.

Pfizer already had announced that a lower dose of its vaccine worked and appeared safe in a study of the youngsters.

Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech on Thursday officially filed its application with the Food and Drug Administration.

FDA's advisers are scheduled to debate the evidence later this month. Until now the vaccine was only available to children as young as 12, and many parents and pediatricians are clamoring for protection for even younger children.
Weather Alert

...FIRST SNOW OF THE SEASON EXPECTED FOR MANY TOWNS LATE THIS AFTERNOON INTO FRIDAY MORNING... ...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 10 AM PST FRIDAY... * WHAT...Wet snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 3 inches with highest amounts above 2000 feet. Local accumulation up to 4 inches possible on the West Plains between Airway Heights and Davenport. Snow may mix with rain at times below 2000 feet. * WHERE...Rockford, Spokane Valley, Worley, Coeur d'Alene, Cheney, Fairfield, Hayden, Post Falls, Airway Heights, Downtown Spokane, and Davenport. * WHEN...From 4 PM this afternoon to 10 AM PST Friday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning commute. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Slow down and use caution while traveling. The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1. &&
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become the first country in the Persian Gulf to commit to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. But it's not turning its back on oil just yet.

The UAE government made the announcement at Expo 2020 in Dubai on Thursday. Meeting the target would bring the OPEC member into alignment with the Paris Agreement on climate, which seeks to limit the rise in global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.

"The major economic opportunities offered by the path to net zero directly support a vision to develop the Emirates into the most dynamic economy in the world," the government said in a statement.

Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said that the UAE will invest 600 billion dirhams ($163 billion) in renewable energy as part of the commitment.

The UAE is a major oil and gas producer. The country produced an average of 4 million barrels per day of petroleum and other liquids in 2019, according to the US Energy Information Administration, ranking it seventh in the world.

The net zero commitment could put pressure on neighboring Saudi Arabia, the world's largest oil producer, to move away from fossil fuels. But the shift won't happen overnight.

Less than a year ago, UAE national oil company ADNOC won approval to invest $122 billion in developing new oil and gas deposits. It plans to increase oil production capacity to 5 million barrels per day by 2030.

In an interview with CNN's Becky Anderson, UAE climate change and environment minister Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri said that the nation will continue producing oil and gas "if it's still needed."

"We can't just switch off the tap. This is a transition," Almheiri added.

 Zeena Saifi and Kareem Khadder contributed reporting.

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Here's a look at the life of Clint Eastwood, a filmmaker, actor, producer, director and composer.

Personal

Birth date: May 31, 1930

Birth place: San Francisco, California

Birth name: Clinton Eastwood Jr.

Father: Clinton Eastwood Sr., corporate executive

Mother: Margaret Ruth (Runner) Wood, homemaker

Marriages: Dina Ruiz (1996-2014, divorced); Margaret "Maggie" Johnson (1953-1984, divorced)

Children: with Dina Ruiz: Morgan; with Frances Fisher: Francesca; with Jacelyn Reeves: Kathryn and Scott; with Maggie Johnson: Alison and Kyle; with Roxanne Tunis: Kimber

Education: Attended Los Angeles City College

Military service: US Army 1951-1953

Other Facts

Produced, directed, starred in and composed music for six films: "Heartbreak Ridge," "Unforgiven," "The Bridges of Madison County," "Space Cowboys," "Million Dollar Baby," and "Gran Torino."

Eastwood has 11 Academy Awards nominations with four wins. He is also the recipient of the Irving G. Thalberg Award presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Has received one Emmy nomination and one Grammy nomination.

Timeline

1955 - His first film role, "Revenge of the Creature." Other bit parts that same year include roles in "Lady Godiva" and "Francis in the Navy."

1959-1965 - Stars in TV western "Rawhide" as Rowdy Yates.

September 12, 1964 - The Italian release of "A Fistful of Dollars," the first of three "spaghetti westerns" Eastwood would star in for director Sergio Leone. The film is released in the United States in January 1967.

1967 - Starts Malpaso Productions, a film production company.

November 12, 1971 - Directorial debut "Play Misty for Me," in which Eastwood also stars, opens.

December 23, 1971 - "Dirty Harry," the first of five films as Inspector Harry Callahan of the San Francisco Police Department, is released.

December 9, 1983 - "Sudden Impact," the fourth Dirty Harry film, is released. It includes the now famous line, "Go ahead. Make my day."

1986-1988 - Mayor of Carmel, California.

March 29, 1993 - Winner of the Academy Award for Best Director and Best Picture for "Unforgiven."

March 27, 1995 - Receives the Irving G. Thalberg Award.

2000 - Is a Kennedy Center Honors recipient.

2002-2008 - Serves on the California State Park and Recreation Commission.

February 27, 2005 - "Million Dollar Baby" wins Eastwood the Best Director and Best Picture Academy Award.

2006 - Produces and directs two World War II films about the Battle of Iwo Jima told from the perspective of both the Japanese and American soldiers. "Letters from Iwo Jima" is the Japanese story of fighting to the death, and "Flags of Our Fathers" tells the story of the six men that raise the American flag on Mount Suribachi.

February 17, 2007 - Is named a knight in France's Legion of Honor and is inducted into the Legion by French President Jacques Chirac.

November 3, 2009 - Is named a commander of the French Legion of Honor.

August 28, 2012 - As a surprise guest at the Republican National Convention, Eastwood ad-libs a speech in the form of a conversation by speaking to an empty chair that is "standing in" for President Barack Obama.

December 9, 2019 - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution criticizes Eastwood's film, "Richard Jewell," saying that the movie's producers took dramatic license and portrayed AJC journalist Kathy Scruggs, who died in 2001, as having traded sex for information from a FBI source, and having done so due to being exploited by the newspaper -- accusations the paper denies. The film is based off a Vanity Fair story on Jewell, a security guard who was falsely accused of the pipe-bombing at Centennial Park during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

February 21, 2020 - In an interview published in The Wall Street Journal, Eastwood backs Democratic candidate Michael Bloomberg for president.

October 1, 2021 - Eastwood is awarded $6.1 million in a lawsuit filed against Mediatonas UAB, a company from Lithuania advertising cannabidiol (CBD) products by using Eastwood's unauthorized name, image and likeness.

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ALBERT LEA, Minn. - A 33-year-old man is in custody after barricading himself in a residence and calling in a bomb threat to a school.

The Albert Lea Police Department said Anthony Woodraska, of Walters, was in a residence at 10:41 a.m. in the 800 block of 3rd Ave. S. and was wanted for numerous theft-related charges and a warrant from another county.

Woodraska barricaded himself in the residence. At 11:15 a.m., Lakeview School received a report of a bomb in the building.

"The school was immediately evacuated and emergency responders were dispatched," police said.

At 11:25 a.m., negotiations were successful and Woodraks was taken into custody. Shortly after, he admitted to calling in a bomb threat in hopes that police would leave.

He was taken to the Freeborn County Adult Detention Center on the warrant and charges related to theft and the bomb threat.
EMMET COUNTY, Iowa - A 20-year-old man whose body was found on a rural Emmet County roadway has been identified while two teenagers have been arrested for his death.

The Emmet County Sheriff's Office said David McDowell, 20, of Estherville, was found last Saturday.

On Thursday, two search warrants were executed simultaneously and resulted in the arrest of Connor Udhe, 19, of Estherville, and CeJay Van Der Wilt, 18, of Rockwell City.
The investigation into the disappearance of Brian Laundrie, whose fiancee Gabby Petito was found dead in Wyoming last month, has uncovered new details about his earlier movements as well as traces of human activity at the nature reserve that's been the focus of a massive search.

Police found the remnants of a campsite that appeared to be used recently in Florida's Carlton Reserve, a sprawling 24,565-acre wilderness near Laundrie's family home that has been closed to visitors, a source close to the family told CNN's Chris Cuomo on Wednesday.

Laundrie's father, Chris Laundrie, went to the reserve on Thursday morning to help law enforcement's search, family attorney Steven Bertolino told CNN.

'Chris was asked to point out any favorite trails or spots that Brian may have used in the preserve. Although Chris and Roberta Laundrie provided this information verbally 3 weeks ago it is now thought that on-site assistance may be better,' he said.

Additionally, the North Port Police Department confirmed that a notice was placed on an abandoned vehicle belonging to the Laundrie family near the nature reserve on September 14.

Laundrie's family told police on September 17 that they had not seen him in days, saying he told the family he was headed to the reserve.

The ongoing search comes as investigators try to piece together what happened to Petito, 22, and Laundrie, 23, on their trip in a white Ford Transit van through the American West this summer. Laundrie and the van -- but not Petito -- returned to his family home in North Port, Florida, on September 1. Petito's parents, unable to make contact with either her or Laundrie, reported her missing 10 days later.

As police searched for Petito, Laundrie declined to speak with investigators and then himself went missing. The national focus on her whereabouts also revealed conflicts in their relationship, particularly during an August domestic dispute and police interaction, that were at odds with their aspirational, sun-drenched posts on social media.

Her remains were recovered September 19 in Wyoming, near where the couple had last been seen together, and a coroner determined she died by homicide, the FBI said.

Laundrie has not been charged in her death, though he is the subject of a federal arrest warrant for unauthorized use of another person's debit card in the days after Petito last spoke with her family.

Abandoned vehicle was retrieved near reserve

The abandoned vehicle notice was placed on a Ford Mustang belonging to the Laundrie family outside the Myakkahatchee Creek Environmental Park on September 14, North Port police said Wednesday. The park acts as an entrance to the Carlton Reserve, not far from the family home in North Port.

Bertolino, the family attorney, told CNN that upon further communication with the FBI, 'we now believe the day Brian left to hike in the preserve was Monday September 13.' His parents had previously told authorities he had left on September 14.

Chris Laundrie went to look for his son on the night of September 13 when he didn't return from the park, Bertolino told CNN on Wednesday.

The next day, Brian's parents returned to the area to look for Brian and saw the citation on the car, Bertolino said. The parents returned again the next day, September 15, to retrieve the vehicle.

'The Laundries were basing the date Brian left on their recollection of certain events. Upon further communication with the FBI and confirmation of the Mustang being at the Laundrie residence on Wednesday September 15, we now believe the day Brian left to hike in the preserve was Monday September 13,' Bertolino said.

Bertolino told CNN that Chris Laundrie was asked to help North Port police search for him Wednesday but police had to postpone.

'Since the preserve has been closed to the public Chris has not been able to look for Brian in the only place Chris and Roberta believe Brian may be,' Bertolino said. 'Unfortunately North Port police had to postpone Chris' involvement but Chris and Roberta are hopeful there will be another opportunity to assist.'

CNN asked Bertolino whether Brian's parents believe he's in the reserve or another area. 'No, they don't believe he's in another area. They believe he is in the preserve,' Bertolino said.

Regarding the campsite found and the family's involvement in the search, the North Port Police Department told CNN the FBI is the lead agency in the case and that North Port police would not be making those decisions or taking those actions.

'The FBI would have to answer if that was true,' said North Port police spokesperson Josh Taylor.

CNN has reached out to the FBI for comment.

'I want to see him in a jail cell for the rest of his life'

Petito's body was found about a five-to-ten-minute walk from where her van was last seen near the entrance to the Grand Tetons, on the border of Bridger-Teton National Forest, according to her mother Nichole Schmidt and stepfather Jim Schmidt during the second installment of an exclusive interview with the 'Dr. Phil' show that aired Wednesday.

Gabby's body was in a clearing and was just in front of the remnants of a fire ring, Jim Schmidt said. 'You could see where the rocks had been moved to make the fire ring,' he said.

'It's definitely not an area that was heavily trafficked,' he added.

Jim Schmidt left a memorial and sunflowers at the site, CNN has previously reported.

The Schmidts were joined by Gabby's father, Joe Petito, and his wife Tara Petito, along with their attorney Richard Stafford, for the interview with host Phil McGraw.

Joe Petito said he wants Laundrie found alive so he can spend his life behind bars.

'I want to see him in a jail cell for the rest of his life where -- he's an outdoorsman -- being in that concrete cell and he can't go see those trees and hug -- and smell the fresh air like that,' Petito said.

'I want to look him in the eyes,' Nichole Schmidt said.

Laundrie family attorney Bertolino declined to comment Wednesday on the 'Dr. Phil' interview.

In late September, Laundrie's parents released a statement through their attorney, saying, 'Chris and Roberta Laundrie do not know where Brian is. They are concerned about Brian and hope the FBI can locate him. 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.'

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MASON CITY, Iowa - It's a scene no one wants to go through...cleaning up after a devastating fire.

Using the theme 'Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety', fire departments are encouraging home and business owners to identify potential causes of fires, and what to do if caught in one, as part of the week-long national Fire Prevention Week.

Mason City Assistant Deputy Chief of Training Randy Elsbernd saw the number of property loss and fire calls drop this year, down to 23 from 40 in 2020. He credits education and awareness.

"People might be more receptive to listening, and they're just getting the word out more about fire prevention and keeping themselves safe."

Elsbernd adds that there's now a much shorter window to escape from a blaze, down to 1-2 minutes, as compared to the previous 7-8 minutes. That's because more of the products we use are petroleum-based.

"They burn a lot quicker, they produce more toxins. You have less time to extinguish that fire."

Brad Boldt has been a firefighter-paramedic for a little over two decades. He encourages us all to have a good escape plan in the event of a fire.

"If you have a two story home, it's a good idea to have an escape ladder. They sell escape ladders you can quickly throw out the window, they don't take up a lot of room."

In addition, a working fire extinguisher or two should be in every home and business.

"They should have a gauge on it, usually it's color coordinated so its easy to read. Green is good, red is bad."

If you're considering building a new home, Elsbernd suggests adding a 1-2 head sprinkler system. While it can be expensive, he says having one is worth it.

"They allow more time for exiting. A lot of times, they'll put the fire out before the fire department arrives on scene."

With the time to 'fall back' coming up in just a few weeks, Elsbernd and Boldt emphasize that while you're resetting your clocks, make sure the batteries in your smoke detectors are working properly.

The Mason City Fire Department will wrap up Fire Prevention Week by holding an open house Sunday from Noon-3 p.m., and will feature a car fire simulator, hosing stations and a bounce house for the kids.

Fire Prevention Week has been in existence since the 1920s, and is celebrated during the week of October 9 in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which killed more than 250 people and destroyed structures and acreage.
ROCHESTER, Minn. - Local leaders took part in a transcontinental conversation on clean energy Wednesday.

Officials from the City of Rochester and Olmsted County welcomed Professor Christof Wetter, a renowned expert from the University of Applied Sciences in Muenster, Germany, to discuss clean energy initiatives in the Med City and abroad. Wetter's visit was part of the University of Minnesota's Climate Smart Municipalities program, connecting cities in the North Star State and Germany in hopes of accelerating progress toward improving our energy footprint.

"The most important thing is that everybody can, and everybody must, contribute to have this sustainable future," Wetter told KIMT.

Part of the context of Professor Wetter's visit was The City of Rochester's ambitious commitment to making a complete transition to renewable energy by 2030.

"I saw that there was a strong team working out all these plans, which you are doing during the next years, and it seems that this could be a great success, but will be difficult," Wetter said following the meeting.

The challenges are countless when it comes to cleaning up our energy footprint. One of the biggest - many of the renewable power sources we have available are less dense in energy content than fuel and coal.

"That means we have to find ways of how we could reduce this amount of energy which we need, and also thinking more in cycles, come to a circular economy, using the things we produce for a longer time - replace parts of it instead of throwing it entirely away," said Wetter.

There are also immense obstacles related to storage, spending, and transportation of clean energy. Still one of the most daunting, Wetter says, is making the case that new and more complex power systems are worth the trouble.

"The situation was easy, let's say, in the 2000's when we were just buying fuel, burning it in cars, so the mobility was secure." Describing similar examples, Wetter continued, "the companies would like to earn money on these 'working system,' and all of the houses are supplied with power, all of the houses are supplied with heat, and all the cars are running, and now you are trying to change this system, and that is difficult."

That leads Wetter to believe the power of conversation will be crucial moving forward.

"To contribute to, let's say, a better world, I think education and behavior, this is probably the most difficulty we have to survive."

Just last month, Rochester Mayor Kim Norton visited Germany to learn about clean energy initiatives in Wetter's home, Muenster.
OLMSTED COUNTY, Minn. - A man who stabbed his wife at St. Marys Hospital has been convicted of first-degree assault while charges of attempted murder were dismissed.

Augustino Soro Nasona, 59 of Rochester, was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison for the stabbing that occurred in the employee cafeteria of St. Marys in May of 2019.

Police say Nasona slashed at someone who tried to stop his attack and Nasona was eventually subdued by a Mayo Clinic security officer and another man in the cafeteria.
MASON CITY, Iowa - A pursuit Wednesday night resulted in a Mason City man being jailed for eluding.

Tony Jones, 33, was driving a 2005 Dodge Ram near the intersection of 9th St. NE. and N. Delaware Ave. when he fled from a deputy.

Court documents state he drove several blocks, ran stop signs and did not stop until he reached the 400 block of 10th St. NE.

At that point, he ran on foot.

Jones is facing charges of eluding-2nd or subsequent offense and multiple traffic violations.
MASON CITY, Iowa - After being held on lesser charges, a murder charge was filed Thursday against a Chicago man for a shooting last weekend that left a 35-year-old Garner man dead.

Jelani Faulk, 25, is being held on $1M bond in the Cerro Gordo County Jail.

According to court documents, Faulk "deliberately, and with premeditation repeatedly discharged a firearm at another" at around 1:13 a.m. on Oct. 3.

The victim, Christopher Tucker, suffered numerous gunshot wounds and later died from his injuries.

Faulk was shot during the incident by responding officer Noah Friese.

Friese was in the area at the time of the shooting and identified two males who were running at him following Tucker being shot.

Friese ordered the subjects, Faulk and 24-year-old Kristopher Keys, of Dubuque, to the ground. Keys complied with the officer's commands while Fault pointed a handgun at the officer.

Friese then shot Faulk, who was hospitalized prior to being taken into jail.
Jasper, TX (75951)

Today

Cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 61F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 38F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
Shenandoah, IA (51601)

Today

Mainly sunny. High near 45F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

A few passing clouds, otherwise generally clear. Low 26F with temps rising to near freezing. Winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
State Sen. Jim Buck, R-Kokomo, from left, is shown with Third House session moderator Kirk Daniels and state Reps. Tony Cook, R-Cicero; Heath VanNatter, R-Kokomo; and Mike Karickhoff, R-Kokomo, as they participate in the final session of the season May 12 at Celebrations Banquet and Conference Facility in Kokomo.
The Biden administration is set to boost Covid-19 testing in the US by announcing an additional investment in at-home rapid tests.
The US has 3,750 nuclear warheads in its stockpile and 2,000 are waiting to be dismantled, according to a release from the State Department, which emphasized the importance of transparency. A deactivated Titan II nuclear ICMB is seen in a silo at the Titan Missile Museum on May 12, 2015 in Green Valley, Arizona.




Senior diplomats of Korea and Brazil agreed to work together for an early conclusion of a regional trade pact involving the two countries during their bilateral policy dialogue Thursday, the foreign ministry said.







Yeo Seung-bae, deputy foreign minister for political affairs, shared the view with his Brazilian counterpart, Marcia Donner Abreu, who was visiting Seoul this week for the policy talks.







Seoul has been under negotiations to forge the regional free trade agreement, known as Mercosur, with the four member countries  Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The Mercosur bloc accounts for 68 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) in South America. (Yonhap)


By Chuck Collins



The Pandora Papers, released in early October, are the product of massive data leaks carefully analyzed by more than 600 journalists from around the world. They unmask the secretive ways that the world's super-wealthy hide trillions of dollars and dodge taxes  not just on some sandy Caribbean island, but right here in the United States.



Billionaires and crooks from around the globe now regard the United States as an offshore tax haven. They are bringing their treasure to "secrecy jurisdictions" such as South Dakota, Delaware, Nevada and Florida.



My role in the release of the Pandora Papers, acknowledged in many international stories, was to serve as an advance source for foreign reporters to understand the U.S. wealth-hiding system.



The list does not include many of the U.S. super-rich, even though they use the same toolbox of offshore banks, anonymous shell companies, and opaque trusts. That's because this trove of leaks originated from offshore wealth advisory firms in 12 countries including Samoa, Cyprus, Belize and Singapore  not places where super-wealthy U.S. citizens go for financial services.



The United States has become a tax haven because, since the 1990s, a number of states have changed their laws to accommodate anonymous shell companies and trusts with unlimited lifespans. This attracts the domestic and foreign wealth of the "ultra-high net worth" crowd  people with $30 million or more, including those whose wealth has been obtained through illicit means.



South Dakota is getting special scrutiny in this reporting because it leads the pack in entities known as "dynasty trusts," where wealthy families are parking billions with the intention of avoiding taxes for centuries.



This hidden wealth system causes four serious harms.



First, it allows for the plundering of the wealth of nations, especially hurting the world's poorest and most vulnerable populations. Some of the shady characters parking their assets in the United States are dictators and politicians who have stolen public funds as well as business owners who have broken laws in their countries. The United States is now an accomplice to these crimes, providing a get-away car in the form of secret trusts and anonymous corporations.



Second, the hidden wealth system leads to tax hikes on the non-rich. When billionaires and global companies dodge and evade their tax responsibilities, they shift the costs of public services onto everyone else. When the wealthy don't pay, they saddle the rest of us with the bills for pandemic response, caring for veterans, and the funding of infrastructure and schools.



Third, the system of secretive finance empowers deadbeats and criminals, allowing them to shuffle funds around in secrecy. U.S. law enforcement officials have been pressing to abolish anonymous shell companies, like those formed in Delaware, that facilitate money laundering, human trafficking and other illicit activities.



Finally, the hidden wealth system contributes to the growing economic inequality. It enables some families to create billion-dollar inherited wealth dynasties while making life for everyone else more economically precarious.



U.S. lawmakers could shut down Tax Haven U.S.A. if they mustered the political will to do so. They could invest in tax enforcement, rebuilding the ability of the Internal Revenue Service to monitor the financial shell games of the super-rich and to enforce existing tax laws. They could regulate or ban trusts and transactions that serve no purpose other than tax dodging.



President Joe Biden is advancing his Build Back Better plan, paid for by increased taxes on the very wealthy and global corporations. But this effort will be undermined if we leave this system of hidden wealth in place.



We can do better. And we should.





Chuck Collins is the co-editor of Inequality.org at the Institute for Policy Studies and author of "The Wealth Hoarders: How Billionaires Pay Millions to Hide Trillions." This column was produced for The Progressive magazine and distributed by Tribune News Service.


Kendallville, IN (46755)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 38F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 28F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
Angola, IN (46703)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 39F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Overcast. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 28F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
Auburn, IN (46706)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High near 40F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 27F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph.
SALEM, Ore. (KPTV) - As the health care staffing shortage continues to impact the state of Oregon, the Oregon Nurses Association is proposing new policies to better retain its employees.

The Oregon Employment Department says health care has consistently had the most vacancies of any industry in the state since 2013, the pandemic burn out and vaccine mandates have only made things worse.

OSBN proposes new rules that would legally require nurses to get vaccinated PORTLAND, Ore. (KPTV)  Newly proposed rules by the Oregon State Board of Nursing would legally require nurses to get vaccinated against COVID

One of the policies proposed by ONA during a meeting Thursday includes asking hospitals to pause their plans of returning to operating at maximum capacity. This comes as 60 percent of nurses at OHSU indicated they are considering leaving the profession entirely, that's according to Matt Calzia, a registered nurse and member of ONA.

Calzia also called for hospitals to honor meal and rest breaks for nurses and to stop relying on traveling nurses to meet demand. He says they instead need to turn their attention to retaining existing nursing staff at hospitals or otherwise risk perpetuating a cycle of them leaving their jobs to become travel nurses for better pay.

"In Oregon, we are seeing 30 percent of the nursing staff in some hospitals are made up of traveling nurses. In others, turn over is high. The majority of a unit might be composed of traveling nurses during some shifts," Calzia said. "All hospital systems must be planning for how we can ween ourselves off travel nurses, and turn those resources over to retention pay, incentives for existing staff, and improving the hospital environment."

ONA is also calling on the Oregon Legislature to expand the Oregon Wellness Program to include a provision of mental health services for nurses. They are asking for $1.8 million bi-annually to support the expansion.

Healthcare workers and educators line up to get COVID-19 vaccine before mandate deadline HAPPY VALLEY, Ore. (KPTV) - Two weeks before the October 18 vaccine mandate deadline for healthcare workers, long term care workers, and educa

ONA also called upon Governor Kate Brown and the Oregon Health Authority to create a commission to engage in a systemic review of the state's overall healthcare staffing models in order to strengthen them.

Thursday's meeting also addressed the upcoming deadline - Oct. 18 - for all nurses in Oregon to get vaccinated. Lynda Pond, the President of ONA, says losing just one more nurse because of the mandate will cause an ever greater strain on the state's healthcare system.
BILLINGS - The Billings Police Department is seeking information on a shooting that happened at a business on Wednesday.

At around 2:19 p.m. Wednesday afternoon, police were dispatched to a business located at 18 South 27th Street for report of a shooting.

At the time of the incident, a 27-year-old man and an 8-year-old boy from Billings were inside the business. According to a release, neither were injured.

Police are now searching for a vehicle of interest in the incident. The car is described as a white four door passenger car that was seen leaving the area.

If you have information or recognize the vehicle you should call police dispatch at 406-657-8200. Anonymous tips can also be called into crime stoppers at 406-245-6660.
BILLINGS - Signal Peak Energy, LLC, which operates an underground coal mine near Roundup, admitted that it willfully violated health and safety standards and has agreed to pay a $1 million fine as part of a proposed plea agreement, Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Through a representative, Signal Peak Energy pleaded guilty on Thursday during an initial appearance and plea hearing to four counts of willful violation of a health and safety standard, a misdemeanor. The maximum penalty is a $250,000 fine.

A criminal fine of $250,000 for each count of the four convictions, totaling $1 million, is recommended as the appropriate disposition of the case. The parties further agree that a sentence of probation is appropriate.

If the court accepts the plea agreement, the company does not have an automatic right to withdraw its guilty pleas. If the court rejects the plea agreement, the company can withdraw its guilty pleas and proceed to trial.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided. A sentencing date before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters has not been set, as stated in a release.

Signal Peaks conduct showed a blatant and callous disregard for its own workers health and safety and for protecting the environment. Companies that habitually and willfully violate regulations will be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law, Acting U.S. Attorney Johnson said.

In the Signal Peak Energy case, the government alleged in court documents that from 2013 through 2018, Signal Peak Energy habitually violated mandatory health and safety standards in the Mine Safety and Health Act during the mines operation.

These violations included environmental safety and worker safety standards. They also occurred with the full knowledge, direction and participation of the mines most senior management during that period, including the president and CEO, the vice president of surface operations, the vice president of underground operations and the safety manager.

The government further alleged that during the summer of 2013, Signal Peak Energys senior managers directed mine employees to improperly dispose of mine waste by pumping the waste into abandoned sections of the mine.

This waste, known as slurry, consisted of wastewater, industrial chemicals used in the mining process and unprocessed soil containing heavy metals, including arsenic and lead over groundwater tolerances. Mine employees pumped this slurry into the abandoned section of the mine for about two weeks, until the section was full.

Disposing mine waste in this manner required approval of both the Mine Health and Safety Administration (MSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which Signal Peak Energy did not obtain.

In the spring of 2015, the government alleged, Signal Peak Energy agents commissioned the drilling of two bore holes through the ground that led to another abandoned section of the mine. Senior mine managers directed employees to pump more slurry into the abandoned section through the bore holes. This slurry was similar to the slurry improperly disposed of in 2013.

Estimates vary, but this pumping occurred for up to six weeks. The pumping stopped after a witness discovered that seals between the abandoned mine works and the operating mine had been breached, causing flooding in the areas of the operating mine. Signal Peak Energy obtained a permit to inject water into the ground through the bore holes, but this permit did not allow for the disposal of slurry waste.

In January 2018, Signal Peak Energy failed to report as required the injury of an employee who was working at the mine when his finger was crushed and required amputation.

The employee was moving large mining equipment as part of his duties when some of this equipment fell onto his hand. He met with the safety manager, who began driving him to the hospital for medical treatment. On the way, the man spoke with the vice president of underground operations over the phone.

The vice president of underground operations pressured the employee not to report the injury as work related and said that he would make it worthwhile for him. The safety manager witnessed this but did not intervene.

The safety manager then dropped off the employee at the hospital rather than accompanying him inside pursuant to mine policy. The man falsely stated that the injury had occurred at home and was not work related. When he returned to work sometime later, the vice president of underground operations gave the man an envelope containing $2,000.

In May 2018, Signal Peak Energy again failed to report an injury as mandated. An employee was working in the underground portion of the mine when rock sluffed off the wall and onto his head, causing a severe laceration.

The shift manager immediately called the safety manager. The safety manager met the injured employee and drove him away from the mine with the stated intention to take him to the hospital. Instead, the safety manager drove the man home. The man waited until the next morning to seek medical attention and falsely stated the injury had been caused by a shelf falling on his head in the garage of his home.

Doctors treated the laceration and the man returned to work for his next scheduled shift. The man was unable to complete the shift or several of the following shifts because of his injuries. His lost time was charged against his vacation leave without his approval.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colin M. Rubich, Zeno B. Baucus and Timothy Tatarka are prosecuting the case, which was investigated by the IRS, FBI and Environmental Protection Agency.

This prosecution is part of a broad investigation into mine management and operations that resulted in worker safety and environmental misdemeanor convictions, and individual convictions and charges for some former mine officials and associates for embezzlement, tax evasion, bank fraud, money laundering, drugs and firearms violations.

Former mine official convictions included Larry Wayne Price, Jr., former vice president of surface operations, who was sentenced to prison for defrauding companies of $20 million and Zachary Ruble, former surface mine manager, who was sentenced to probation for conspiring to defraud Signal Peak Energy of $2.3 million.

Dale Lee Musgrave, former vice president of underground operations, has pleaded not guilty to an indictment alleging cocaine trafficking and false statements in mine records and is pending trial.

Associated individual cases include Stephen P. Casher, a former Rocky Mountain Bank loan officer, who was sentenced to prison and fined on bank fraud and money laundering charges for a loan scheme involving Larry Price Jr., James and Timilynn Kisling, owners of Kisling Quality Builders, who were sentenced to probation and fined for conviction of tax evasion in a scheme involving the construction of Larry Price Jr.s Billings residence, Mark Luciano, a Nevada resident who was sentenced to prison for conviction on trafficking cocaine and Todd Alan Irwin, a secretary to Larry Price, Jr., who was sentenced to probation for conviction of felon in possession of firearms.

Robert Wayne Ramsey, owner of Peters Equipment Company, has been charged in an alleged equipment sale scheme involving Signal Peak Energy and is pending arraignment, according to a release.
GREAT FALLS, Mont. - Governor Greg Gianforte traveled to the Texas-Mexico border as the fight to re-open the southern border continues.

Gov. Gianforte joined nine other GOP governors addressing the issue of illegal immigrants and brought forth a security plan they believe will help the situation.

The security plan includes 10 steps, like continuing Title 42 health restrictions, providing more law enforcement at the border and sending more resources to reduce human and drug trafficking.

Over the last few months there's been a rise in southwest border encounters and some governors are demanding change before things get worse.

"We had over 1.3 million illegals apprehended at the southern border, those are just the ones that were caught. Thats more than the entire population of my state of Montana," Gov. Gianforte said.

Now, this issue is bringing on a new problem.

"In July we saw over 700 pounds of fentanyl apprehended here at the border, almost nine tons of methamphetamine. Those drugs are making it to Montana and because of that, really every state is a border state when it comes to the drugs in our community and we need to draw attention to this," he said.

The governors were also provided with a law enforcement briefing as well as remarks from the National Border Patrol Council.

Gianforte and other governors say they've been reaching out to the Biden administration since Sept. 20 to discuss the situation.

So far, they have not received a response.
KALISPELL, Mont. - The Somers Beach property on the northwest shore of Flathead Lake has been acquired by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), who has plans to add it to Montanas state park system.

For many years, the previous owners, the Sliter family, allowed public access to the property, and FWP says its designation as a state park will perpetuate public enjoyment and access into the future.

FWP is working on a long-term vision and development plan of the park that will include extensive public involvement, and while that comprehensive process is expected to take several months, FWP is starting with an interim plan to address immediate needs for public safety, sanitation and parking.

Proposed amenities are outlined in a draft environmental assessment that is available on FWPs website here, and it is open to public input through Nov. 6.

A public meeting is scheduled for Oct. 21 at 6:00 pm via Zoom. Information for the meeting will be posted online here.

Written comments can be mailed to: Somers Beach Acquisition EA; Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks; 490 N. Meridian Road; Kalispell, MT 59901 or sent by e-mail to: Stevie Burton at Stevie.Burton@mt.gov.

The public is being asked to recreate responsibly at the property and to follow all day-use rules  No camping or campfires; Leave No Trace; and Pack It In, Pack it Out etiquette  while also respecting neighboring private property.

"For more than a decade, we have worked with the Sliter family with a shared goal to find a conservation outcome for this special property and expand much needed outdoor recreation opportunities along the north shore of Flathead Lake," said Paul Travis of Flathead Land Trust. "We are beyond excited that it is now a new Montana State Park and give a big thank you to the Sliter family, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and all donors and partners who helped make it happen."
CHEYENNE, Wyo.  On Wednesday, Governor Mark Gordon joined other governors in Mission, Texas to call for policy changes at the U.S-Mexico border and announce 10 policy solutions addressing the crisis at the southern border.

The Joint Policy Framework on the Border Crisis includes calls to continue to refuse entry to individuals coming into the country due to the COVID-19 public health risk (Title 42 health restrictions), fully reinstate the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) established by prior administration, which require asylum seekers to return to Mexico to await a court hearing, and dedicate additional federal resources to eradicate human trafficking and drug trafficking.

During the trip, Gov. Gordon met with Texas Department of Public Safety officials and toured the Rio Grande by boat, according to a release. Border officials noted that Mexican cartels dominate the drug and human trafficking markets due to the current situation.

Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation figures show a significant increase in the amount of fentanyl that is being seized in the state since 2019.

Wyoming citizens are impacted by a failure of the Biden administration to engage in its Constitutional duty to secure our border, Gov. Gordon said. Seeing the conditions and hearing firsthand from agents on the ground made it clear that a different approach is needed and more resources are necessary to secure our border from drug trafficking and human smuggling.

Last month, Gov. Gordon joined 25 other governors in signing a letter to the Biden administration requesting a meeting with the president on the issue. An offer to meet has not be received.
MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. - A 25-year-old Illinois woman pleaded guilty to a case involving a grizzly bear that happened in May 2021 at Yellowstone National Park.

Samantha R. Dehring pleaded guilty to "willfully remaining, approaching, and photographing wildlife within 100 yards" Wednesday, according to a release from the National Park Service.

The other count of "feeding, touching, teasing, frightening, or intentionally disturbing wildlife" was dropped.

According to the violation notices, Dehring was at Roaring Mountain in Yellowstone National Park on May 10, when visitors noticed a sow grizzly and her three cubs.

While other visitors slowly backed off and got into their vehicles, Dehring remained. She continued to take pictures as the sow bluff charged her.

Witnesses took pictures and video of the incident which was shared with news outlets and eventually led to her identification.

She appeared in court in Mammoth Hot Springs, Wyoming Wednesday, Oct. 6 for her change in plea and sentence hearing.

She was sentenced four days in custody, one year of unsupervised probation, fined $1,000, has to pay $1,000 in community service to Yellowstone Forever Wildlife Protection Fund, a $30 court processing fee and a $10 assessment. She is banned from YNP for a year.

Wildlife in Yellowstone National Park are, indeed, wild. The park is not a zoo where animals can be viewed within the safety of a fenced enclosure. They roam freely in their natural habitat and when threatened will react accordingly, Acting United States Attorney Bob Murray said in the release. Approaching a sow grizzly with cubs is absolutely foolish. Here, pure luck is why Dehring is a criminal defendant and not a mauled tourist.

YNP requires visitors keep at least a 25-yard distance from big animals including bison, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose and coyotes, and keep at least a 100-yard distance from bears and wolves.

YNP's park regulations require visitors to give animals space when they are near a trail boardwalk, parking lot or in a developed area.
BUTTE, Mont. -- Butte-Silver Bow is seeing a troubling trend in rising COVID cases and hospitalizations despite being a county what a vaccination rate higher than the state of Montana as a whole.

Just last week, it was reported that other counties were relying on the hospitals in Butte to accept out-of-county COVID patients due to capacity limits. But with this surge in cases, resources for local patients are becoming the priority.

The latest information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention shows a 29% increase in total cases in Silver Bow County and a 44% increase in hospital admissions in the past week alone.

Although the Butte-Silver Bow Health Department was unavailable for comment on this story, it has gone on record recently saying that the COVID delta variant is a probable cause for the sudden spike, despite Silver Bow's high vaccination rate of 64%.

In terms of enforcing masking or vaccine mandates, the county's hands are tied.

Cindi Shaw, the chairperson for the county's Council of Commissioners, said that Silver Bow does not have the ability to enforce any sweeping preventative measures due to policies enacted by the governor. In turn, Shaw asks county residents to "do the right thing" by adhering to CDC and health department guidelines.

Shaw also mentioned that COVID-preventative policies lie in the hands of individual business and organizations. One example is the masking policy enacted by the Butte School District, which the school board voted to extend last month.

As for fighting the surge, the county health department continues to host vaccine clinics, and the goal in Silver Bow is to get the county vaccination rate to 70 or 80%.
LEWISTOWN, Mont. - Five structures have been destroyed by the fast moving South Moccasin Fire.

In just two days, the fire has managed to consume 11,750 acres.

It's burning just seven miles northwest of Lewistown in steep mountain terrain, right now it's burning mostly on private land.

On Oct. 4, when the fire started, you could see the giant plume of smoke from the outskirts of Billings in the day - over 125 miles from where the fire is burning.

By nightfall, you could see the flames from just outside of Belt, still over 80 miles away from where it's burning.

"We're seeing August conditions in October," said Alex Schwier, Public Information Officer for the County Assist Team.

On top of high temperatures crews also are battling wind gusts up to 35 miles an hour on ridgetops and low humidity.

"The conditions are just in place for extreme fire behavior," said Schwier.

Firefighters are battling the blaze a few different ways, and one of the ways they're fighting the fire is with strategic burn operations.

"If we burn away that area between the main fire and our constructive line, it takes that fuel away from the fire and it can't keep moving that direction anymore," said Schwier.

Overall, it stops the fire from moving forward past that point.

"When we plan a burn the other thing we can do make it so the fire's not burning as hot as the main fire is. Which can be helpful just so there isn't the same intensity of heat if the main fire rolls through that area," said Schwier.

On InciWeb, you can see an estimated containment date is listed for Oct. 10.

Schwier says this date is determined by fire managers.

"Based on fuels, weather conditions, all of that kind of go into the decision of that containment date," said Schwier.

As of 3:06 P.M. on Oct. 6, the fire is 0% contained.

Schwier says there will be an update on both the size and the containment by 8:00 P.M., and you can find that information here.

The cause of the fire is still undetermined.
BILLINGS, Mont. - A man accused of shooting a pedestrian has been sentenced.

According to the Department of Justice, in court documents filed in the case, the government alleged 31-year-old Fabian Cruz Dawes was parked in a car near a confidence store in Crow Agency on April 7.

Dawes then reportedly pulled up to the victim who was walking with another person and had a short conversation before firing a single 9 mm bullet, striking the victim in the leg.

After that Dawes drove away at a high rate of speed.

In May, Dawes pleaded guilty to an information charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon.

On Wednesday, Fabian Cruz Dawes was sentenced to seven years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.
HELENA, Mont. - Multiple police and sheriffs offices in Montana have had grants approved that will help them obtain and train new canine units.

The canine units will help local law enforcement crackdown on illegal drugs being trafficked into Montana according to the Department of Justice.

Dangerous drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl are coming in from the southern border and leading to an increase in crime across Montana. This program is part of my commitment to getting additional resources into the hands of local first responders, Attorney General Knudsen said. Once trained, these canines and law enforcement officers will be on the front lines protecting our communities from drugs and the crime they cause.

A selection committee approved 18 grants. The following applications were approved:

Billings Police Department

Bozeman Police Department

Carbon County Sheriffs Office

Cascade County Sheriffs Office

Columbus Police Department

Dawson County Sheriffs Office

Havre Police Department

Helena Police Department

Hill County Sheriffs Office

Lake County Sheriffs Office

Lewis and Clark County Sheriffs Office

Meagher County Sheriffs Office

Missoula County Sheriffs Office

Missoula Police Department

Musselshell County Sheriffs Office

Ravalli County Sheriffs Office

Rosebud County Sheriffs Office

Sidney Police Department

Funds for the grants were secured in House Bill 701 for the Montana Department of Justice to administer a grant program to help law enforcement agencies to purchase and train new drug-detecting K9s to replace those that were trained to detect marijuana after voters last year passed an initiative legalizing the drug.
File photo: Kyle Rittenhouse was arrested for murder in Kenosha, Wisconsin protest shooting, Photo Date: Aug. 2020. Rittenhouse, of Antioch, Illinois, faces multiple charges, including homicide. He argues that he fired in self-defense.
Has the Zodiac Killer's identity been confirmed? One group believes the answer is yes.
Jeffrey Allen Burnham from Maryland is accused of killing his pharmacist brother, his sister-in-law and an 83-year-old woman. Burnham told his mother he wanted to "confront" his brother over "him administering COVID vaccines."
Have you seen the proposed redistricting maps for New Hampshire? What do you think of the plans?
Larose, LA (70373)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. Areas of patchy fog. High 77F. Winds NNE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low near 50F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph.
A Republican-authored bill being circulated for co-sponsors would effectively overhaul Wisconsins unemployment system, with a focus on getting more individuals off unemployment benefits and reemployed.

The GOP ideas include drug testing those claiming unemployment benefits, providing cash payments to businesses that hire the long-term unemployed  meaning those who have collected benefits for more than 27 weeks  and directing job seekers to apply for specific job positions.

However, some measures in the proposal  including one that would force Gov. Tony Evers to direct federal COVID-19 stimulus dollars to businesses that hire the long-term unemployed  may set the bill up for a veto as the Democratic governor has rejected similar GOP measures related to the use of federal funds in the past.

Rep. Warren Petryk, R-Town of Washington, and Sen. Roger Roth, R-Appleton, said in an interview with the Wisconsin State Journal the legislation aims to transform the states unemployment insurance system, which has struggled to quickly process an influx of claims brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, into a more individualized process that focuses more on getting people back to work.

Its good for the employee; its great for the employer because theyre struggling to find workers right now and its great for the state of Wisconsin, Roth said. The quicker we get people into jobs, the less theyre drawing on unemployment insurance and the more they are able to support their families and support our economy.

The Republicans said they hope to bring the proposal before a committee this fall.

Jennifer Sereno, spokesperson for the state Department of Workforce Development, said the department has significant concerns about the GOP proposal due to the anticipated reporting burden for employers, potential costs associated with the bill and a lack of a sustainable funding source. Sereno also said the department is already carrying out several provisions detailed in the proposal, including providing reemployment services and work-search requirements.

While DWD already is performing a number of key functions called out in the proposal, other requirements may not align with Wisconsins labor market challenges, Sereno said.

Sereno added that Wisconsins nonfarm jobs have returned to 96% of pre-pandemic levels in February 2020 as the states economy continues to recover from the ongoing pandemic.

However, Wisconsin employers in all sectors are finding it difficult to fill jobs due to a workforce gap driven by low birthrates, high retirement rates and low, if not negative, net migration and immigration flows, she said.

The state reported last month that Wisconsins unemployment rate remained at 3.9% for the month of August  the same level it has been since April. The states labor-participation rate increased from 66.4% in July to 66.5% in August.

Evers spokesperson Britt Cudaback said the governor has some concerns regarding the proposed bill, but did not provide specifics.

The bill

One of the primary measures in the bill would change language in state statute referring to unemployment insurance to reemployment assistance and require DWD to create a Division of Reemployment Assistance, according to an analysis of the bill by the nonpartisan Legislative Reference Bureau.

Under current law, unemployment claimants are required to conduct at least four work-search actions each week, although DWD has the ability to require an individual to conduct additional search actions in a week. After a claimants initial week of benefits, the individual must provide DWD with information such as job application materials, if requested, and take part in a public employment workshop, training program or similar reemployment service, according to LRB.

The proposed bill would require claimants to make at least two direct contacts with potential employers as part of their four work-search actions starting with their third week of benefits. Claimants living in Wisconsin also would need to keep a resume posted on DWDs job center website starting with their second week of benefits.

Under current law, DWD provides claimants with a list of potential job opportunities, but does not have to require individuals to apply for specific positions. The bill would require the department to provide such a list to claimants, who would need to apply for those positions in order to satisfy the work-search requirement and be eligible for benefits.

Youll have folks who take jobs to make sure they dont get financially punished, but it may not end up being the right fit for anyone, said Shawn Phetteplace, state manager for the Main Street Alliance, which represents small businesses across Wisconsin. We should be improving the (unemployment) system, improving the tech, improving the way that its implemented.

Another provision in the bill would require DWD to immediately promulgate rules requiring claimants to undergo drug testing in order to be eligible for benefits.

We really feel that we need to help people that have substance-abuse challenges and the only way to identify them is through drug testing so that is an important aspect of the bill, Petryk said.

The legislation also would require the governor to provide employers with up to two $1,000 payments for hiring a person who has been unemployed for more than 27 weeks. The payments would be to help cover costs including wages, training and benefits. The bill dictates that those funds would need to come from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

A fiscal estimate for the bill was not available Wednesday, but Petryk said the required use of federal funds would sunset when ARPA dollars are exhausted or expire.

Changes underway

The GOP proposal comes as state officials continue to roll out updates to how DWD manages its unemployment claims, which skyrocketed in the early months of the pandemic and hampered the departments ability to quickly process, adjudicate and pay out claims.

DWD last week launched a customer service chatbot called Mattie Moo on the departments job center website jobcenterofwisconsin.com. The chatbot was developed through a partnership with Google and directs employers and prospective employees to resources including employment and unemployment data, programs for young adults and veterans, apprenticeships and the dislocated worker program for individuals who have lost their jobs.

Other upcoming changes to the unemployment process include updated call centers, which are expected to be fully implemented by February 2022, and a virtual career center that aims to better connect job seekers with prospective employers in the state. The department also has increased the number of administrative law judges, who preside over the appeals process for unemployment claims, from 17 before the pandemic to more than 60.

DWD last Wednesday also announced a $16.5 million contract with Madison-based software development company Flexion Inc. to begin updating the departments decades-old computer system.

The state anticipates a full overhaul of Wisconsins unemployment system will cost as much as $80 million. After multiple failed attempts to secure state funding from the GOP-led Legislature for the project, Evers now plans to fund the entirety of the effort using federal coronavirus stimulus funds.

Evers and state Democrats have also said addressing workforce challenges must include a focus on reducing other barriers to employment, including lack of childcare, transit and affordable health care.

While I am genuinely open to discussing ways to improve the system, I would be cautious of any legislative attempt to undermine the UI system by adding hurdles to slow down the process when it is relied upon by so many, said Rep. Katrina Shankland, D-Stevens Point.

Back in July, Evers allocated $130 million in federal stimulus funds to help connect unemployed people with work opportunities with hopes of addressing ongoing workforce shortage challenges across the state.

Under the governors plan, $100 million would go toward a workforce innovation program that would offer up to $10 million in grants to at least 10 local and regional collaborations that develop initiatives to help employers and workers connect. Another $30 million has been provided to DWD to administer a worker-advancement initiative through local employers and create a worker-connection program to assist individuals attempting to find work.
A temporary COVID-19 booster vaccination clinic will open Tuesday at the Alliant Energy Center, Public Health Madison and Dane County said Thursday.

The clinic at the Arena building at the Alliant Center will offer booster doses for those who are eligible, as well as first and second vaccine doses for anyone 12 and older.

The booster clinic will start with five active vaccination booths capable of accommodating about 220 booster vaccinations per day. Health officials strongly encourage residents to make an appointment, but drop-ins will be accepted.

To make an appointment at the Alliant Center clinic, or one of the other Public Health clinic locations visit publichealthmdc.com/vax. COVID-19 vaccines are also available throughout the county through health care providers and pharmacies.

This clinic will differ from the previous clinic we had set up on the grounds of the Alliant Energy Center for a couple of reasons, Sarah Hughes, COVID-19 vaccine deputy for the city-county health department, said in a statement. First, it is in a different part of the facility and second, people will park and walk-in, as opposed to the previous drive-through approach.

Hughes said the department is ready to expand vaccination capacity as soon as children under 12 are eligible. Pfizer made its formal application for children between the ages of 5 and 11 on Thursday.

Health officials are recommending booster shots of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for people who already got two Pfizer doses if they: are 65 and older; are at least 50 and have underlying conditions such as cancer, diabetes or lung disease; or live in long-term care facilities.

People 18 and older with underlying conditions and those 18 to 64 in higher risk occupations  such as first responders, teachers and grocery store workers  may get boosters, officials said.

Boosters should be given at least six months after the second dose. Boosters are not yet recommended for people whose initial doses were of the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines, but such approval and guidance is expected in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services on Thursday said it was relaunching a Community Testing Support Program to help local health departments and providers offer more COVID-19 testing. The announcement came as the delta variant surge continued in the state even as it has ebbed in some parts of the country, with 2,770 new COVID-19 cases and 17 more deaths reported in Wisconsin.

State Journal reporter David Wahlberg contributed to this report.
Wisconsins rooftops could support enough solar panels to meet two-thirds of the states electricity needs, generating more electricity than all fossil fuel sources combined last year.

Yet a new study predicts fewer than 2% of those panels are likely to be installed under current market conditions.

Thats because many people cant afford the upfront costs of solar panels and lack financing options or dont control their roofs  either because they rent or live in multifamily housing, according to a report released this week by the Public Service Commission.

The first such investigation in more than a decade, the study by the consulting firm Cadmus could inform how regulators determine what utilities allow their customers to do and how they compensate them for excess electricity, as well as how to allocate resources within the states $100 million energy-saving program.

Bigger rebates, incentives and leasing options would reduce upfront costs, though the report concludes the most effective strategy for accelerating adoption is a statewide policy requiring utilities to offer net metering, in which customers are credited for any excess energy sent to the grid and billed only for their net electricity use.

Sam Dunaiski, who directs Renew Wisconsins efforts to promote customer-owned renewable energy, called the findings staggering and said the report affirms his organizations call for statewide net metering.

To see there is so much potential there on the behind-the-meter side is really great to see, Dunaiski said.

While the report demonstrates that rooftop photovoltaic (PV) solar is a viable clean-energy technology even in a northern state like Wisconsin, it also points to limitations, said Chelsea Chandler, director of climate solutions for Clean Wisconsin.

Even under the rosiest scenario, 98% of whats possible is unlikely to be installed. Chandler said large-scale wind and solar farms, battery storage, energy efficiency and other solutions will also be needed to meet the governors goal of carbon-free electricity.

We need a whole suite of carbon-free technologies, Chandler said. Because there are some of those barriers, we need to consider rooftop PV as one piece of the suite of strategies.

Dane County leads state

To calculate potential, the authors used a model developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory that considers the amount of residential and commercial rooftop space, the strength of the suns rays at particular locations, and economic scenarios including net metering, financing options, rebates and tax incentives.

The study found enough unshaded roof space to support nearly 39,000 megawatts of solar-generation capacity  more than double Wisconsins total existing generation capacity. Those panels would generate more electricity than all the states coal and gas plants combined last year, meeting about two-thirds of projected demand in 2034.

But when economic factors are considered, the reports authors concluded only 623 megawatts  the equivalent of about three utility-scale solar farms  are likely to be built in the next 12 years.

With 38.4 megawatts, Dane County roofs would account for nearly a fifth of the economically viable potential. Milwaukee County has the greatest technical potential  nearly 3,900 megawatts  but only about 9 megawatts of that is considered likely.

Single-family homes represent nearly two-thirds of the potential, which would be largely concentrated in urban areas, but the study found that nearly a quarter of those rooftops belong to low-income households that cant afford the upfront cost, around $20,000 for a typical home.

The report examined the impact of four policy changes: increased state rebates, extending federal tax credits, low-interest financing and statewide net metering. Net metering was estimated to have the largest impact, boosting adoption by about 34%.

The study did not examine the cumulative impact of all four policies.

A separate Cadmus study found cost-effective energy-efficiency improvements could reduce overall electricity use by about 2% a year, though only about half of those savings would be realized under current policies.

Despite solars upfront costs, the report found residential and commercial rooftop solar is just as cost-effective as some of the more expensive energy-efficiency measures, such as heating and cooling equipment.

Thats in part because the study found cheaper natural gas and wholesale electricity prices  known as avoided costs  have lowered the value of energy-efficiency investments. And gains are increasingly hard to achieve as energy-sipping LED bulbs have become the standard, meaning much of the low-hanging fruit has been picked.

Plenty of work

Despite the barriers, solar installers say they dont lack work.

The phones been ringing more this year than any time since we started, said Chad Sorenson, president and founder of SunPeak, a Madison company that specializes in the commercial sector, where corporations are increasingly focused on sustainability.

The driving force is the ESG (environmental, social and governance) goals, he said. But it has to be done in the context of an acceptable return on investment.

Sorenson agreed that better net-metering policies would improve that return, while the ability to lease panels  an issue that remains unsettled under state law  would open up the market to more nonprofit organizations that cant benefit from federal tax credits. He would also like to see rebates set at levels where they dont run out before the end of the year.

Nobody wants to pay full retail if they think its going to be on sale next week, he said.

Michael Reuter, partner and project manager for Midwest Solar Power, said hes seen a steady increase in demand for residential solar over the past four years, even through the pandemic.

But he said consistent rules around permitting and hooking up to the grid would speed up the process, while universal net metering and better financing options would likely push more customers into the market.

While he agrees that Wisconsins balkanized market and limited rebates have dampened market potential, Nick Hylla, executive director of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, said the study likely underestimates adoption rates because there is no single reliable data source on current rooftop solar capacity, which is currently estimated at just over 100 megawatts.

I think well blow the number away, though, as there is one common error in all historic modeling of solar PV adoption, Hylla said. It has always grown faster than we project.
Before there was Floridas Gabrielle Gabby Petito or the missing Keeshae Jacobs of Richmond, Va., there was Ogechi Sarah Uwasomba of Chesterfield County, Va.

Uwasomba, a Nigerian immigrant, was reported missing on June 7, 2014. Her remains were found in South Richmond nine months later.

Richmond and Chesterfield police departments said it did not appear Uwasomba was the victim of foul play. The Richmond Branch NAACP, the African Community Network and other organizations remained unconvinced, calling in vain for a homicide investigation into the death of the 28-year-old woman with mental health issues.

For Richmond activist Lynetta Thompson, then head of the Richmond NAACP, the dramatic elevation of Petito over missing women of color has been triggering.

I think for me it just really shows how far we have not come, she said Tuesday. We are still fighting these same battles.

If all lives truly mattered, the airways would not be saturated with coverage of Petito  young, blonde and viewed as telegenic  while Indigenous women are murdered at 10 times the national average, according to PBS, and websites such as Our Black Girls document the disproportionately missing and ignored.

Keeping these cases active and in the public eye is personally important to me, but also to the family and friends of the missing: They have not been forgotten, said Police Chief Gerald M. Smith on Monday, during a news conference called by Richmond police to bring attention to several missing persons cases.

But Smith, hired last year, is a relative newcomer to his job, several chiefs removed from when Uwasomba went missing.

Osita Iroegbu, then a Ph.D. student at Virginia Commonwealth University, shared Uwasombas story at a 2016 academic research conference in Japan as part of her presentation on Missing White Woman Syndrome  a concept coined by the late PBS journalist Gwen Ifill to describe the lack of media and law enforcement priority afforded to missing women of color.

Participants from Nigeria, China, India and the U.S. discussed how we would do our parts to ensure that the lives of women and men of color all over the world are deemed worthy, wrote Iroegbu  now manager of the City of Richmonds Office of Equity and Inclusion  in a July 24, 2016, Op-Ed column in the Times-Dispatch.

That is the essence of the Black Lives Matter Movement. It is filled with members and advocates of all hues, ages, ethnicities and social status. It does not devalue others, but instead seeks to elevate the God-given fact that Black and brown life, existing in a system that considered them to be merely merchandise, traffic and profit-making, is fully respected and valued. It deserves nothing less.

Theres plenty of blame to go around for the devaluing of missing people of color, from the police to the media to news consumers to social media trendsetters.

The Times-Dispatch staff wrote about Uwasomba twice. I didnt write a column on her or Keeshae Jacobs, who vanished from Richmonds Church Hill in September 2016. None of this stuff was done for my baby, her mother, Toni Jacobs, said of the feverish reaction to Petitos disappearance.

All human lives have the same value, but we as a public do not value all human lives the same, says Kym Grinnage, vice president and general manager of Richmonds NBC12. That is the goal that we all have to get to, and the media plays a large role in making that happen.

We have a lot of work to do.

Grinnage, who said his station routinely airs stories on missing persons, says the so-called missing white woman syndrome is mostly a national network phenomenon. He called the issue systemic with everything that was talked about in the social justice movement: Why are people of color many times not viewed the same way as white people when they are in distress?

The issue, said Grinnage, who is Black, underscores the importance of having people of color in decision-making positions in newsrooms  or at the very least, people who are sensitive to their audience, which is comprised largely of people of color in places like Richmond, Grinnage said.

Petitos remains were found in Wyoming this month. A coroner ruled her initial cause of death a homicide. Her case is tragic and points to so much else thats broken: historically racist standards of beauty; the distorting impact of social media trending; media sensationalism in pursuit of ratings; the ineffectual manner in which law enforcement addresses domestic violence; and yes, the invisibility and casual disregard afforded nonwhite immigrants and women of color.

The cry of all lives matter rings especially hollow when empathy, for too many folks, requires an attractive white package.

Until that changes, police and the media will cater to that audience.
Walking her Milking Shorthorn under a bright spotlight in the Large Arena of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, Natalee Zug was part of the Premier National Junior Show supreme champion pageant on Sept. 20 at the All-American Dairy Show.
Non-Texas resident and billionaire Timothy Mellon has donated around 98 percent of a privately raised fund for the $54 million border wall that Gov. Greg Abbott is planning.

Mellon is known to be based in Wyoming and the grandson of banking tycoon and former U.S. Treasury Secretary Andrew Mellon, according to a Newsmax report.

He was also known to be a top supporter of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Mellon had donated $53.1 million in stock to Texas in August.

Abbott's private fundraising campaign that started in June had only managed to raise about $1.25 million in its first two months before Mellon's donation.

Some 12,100 individuals had donated to Abbott's fundraising campaign.

READ NEXT: Texas Begins to Detain Immigrants on Trespassing Charges as Gov. Greg Abbott's Border Security Effort Ramps Up

Timothy Mellon and His Donations

The state website that tracks the donations to the crowdfunding had seen a jump on the donations on August 27, making it around $19 million.

It had topped $54 million by the end of August, according to a Texas Tribune report. Upon reaching the target amount, the donations have since stalled again.

Mellon and Abbott had both declined to comment on the border wall funding.

Mellon has been a top donor to the reelection campaign of Trump. The former president has made the border wall his administration's priority.

Mellon has also previously donated money to defend legislation targeting immigrants.

He gave an unsolicited $1.5 million in 2010 to the legal defense of an Arizona law that would require police to determine the immigration status of people suspected of being in the country illegally.

Many critics said that the law would lead to racial profiling and was challenged all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

In addition, Mellon gave $20 million to America First action last year.

He has donated $30 million to the Congressional Leadership Fund since 2018 and had given $30 million to the Senate Leadership Fund, which tries to elect Republicans to the U.S. Senate.

Mellon has not donated to Abbott, but he gave $2,500 to Republican challenger Allen West when he ran for Congress in Florida in 2012.

Mellon was also donating to two Democrats namely U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in 2018 and former U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard in 2020.

However, Ocasio-Cortez's campaign later said it did not solicit the donation and would return it.

Mellon has been under scrutiny when he used offensive stereotypes to describe Black Americans in his self-published autobiography.

He also called social safety net programs "slavery redux."

Abbott's Border Wall Efforts

Abbott announced that he plans to return to the southern border on Wednesday. He will meet with 10 fellow Republican state chief executives from around the nation.

Mission Mayor Armando O'Can said that he sees evidence that his community is being overtaken by migrants crossing from Mexico.

Abbott and Texas law enforcement officials had also installed a wall of black-and-white squad cars barricading migrants from advancing farther north, according to a USA Today report.

Texas lawmakers had allotted more than $2 billion for Abbott's border security measures, including $250 million as a "down payment" on the governor's border barriers.

The Republican governor had also signed Senate Bill 576, which ramps up criminal penalties for human smuggling.

READ MORE: Trump Officials Warn of Illegal Border Crossings Surge If Biden Reverses Immigration Policies

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WATCH: Governor: Texas will build its own border wall - from Associated Press






Brian Laundrie's dad, Christopher Laundrie, will join the law enforcement authorities in the search for the Florida fugitive in the Carlton Reserve.

The elder Laundrie's addition to the search team was announced by the lawyer of Gabby Petito's fiance, Steve Bertolino, on Wednesday.

"Chris Laundrie was asked to assist law enforcement in their search for Brian at the preserve today," Bertolino said on Wednesday night.

Bertolino pointed out that Christopher Laundrie was not yet part of the search team on Wednesday, and they were waiting for the call from the North Port Police Department to give the elder Laundrie permission and take part in looking for his son.

READ NEXT: Brian Laundrie Manhunt: Florida Sheriff Says Police in Utah, North Port Missed Chances to Take Gabby Petito's Fiance Into Custody

Brian Laundrie's Dad Excited to Take Part in the Search

In another interview, Brian Laundrie's attorney pointed out that the father of the Florida fugitive was "excited" when he heard that he will take part in the search.

According to Bertolino, the Carlton Reserve was closed to the public; that is why the elder Laundrie was not able to look for their son in the only place he believes Gabby Petito's boyfriend may be.

"The North Port Police... were actually hoping that Mr. Laundrie could join them on that search," Bertolino underscored pointing out that the law enforcement authorities were "focusing on certain areas of the preserve."

Aside from announcing Christopher's excitement in joining the search, Laundrie's attorney also mentioned that Laudnire's dad combed the T. Mabry Carlton Jr. Reserve on September 13, after the Florida fugitive did not come home that night.

Christopher will join the search for his son after he and his wife changed the date of Brian Laundrie's disappearance from September 14 to September 13.

Gabby Petito Releases YouTube Video While Brian Laundrie Left her in Utah

As the investigation of Gabby Petito's case continues, authorities confirmed that the influencer was able to publish and edit a video on YouTube about their cross-country van trip, while Laundrie left her in Utah.

The YouTube video entitled "Van Life" was posted by Petito on her account "Nomadic Statik" on August 19, two days after Laundrie went back to Florida.

It can be recalled that Bertolino confirmed on Tuesday that Laundrie flew to Tampa from Salt Lake City on August 17 to collect items as the couple planned to extend their trip.

Van Life - From Nomadic Statik

The video posted on YouTube showed their experiences and the highlights of the couple's trip, including a clip where Petito was inside a tent as the wind blows hard and rain pours heavily.

Despite uploading the video on her YouTube account, bodycam footage dated August 12 revealed the influencer saying that her boyfriend did not believe in her becoming a content creator.

"I've been really stressed and he [Brian Laundrie] doesn't really believe that I could do any of it," Petito said claiming that they were fighting "all morning" and Laundrie did not let her go inside the car.

Gabby Petito went missing on a cross-country road trip to Oregon with her boyfriend Brian Laundrie who went missing on September 13. Petito's remains were uncovered by the authorities in a Wyoming campground on September 19.

To date, Brian Laundrie was not yet located by the authorities.

READ NEXT: Brian Laundrie Search: Sightings of Gabby Petito's Fiance Reported in Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina

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Written By: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Aerials: Law Enforcement Searching Carlton Reserve for Brian Laundrie - From FOX 13 Tampa Bay
A prison guard killed himself after he reported the corruption and harassment inside California Correctional Facility to authorities and cooperating with attorneys about suing the state for the misconduct, a newspaper reported.

Prison Guard Dies After Reporting California Correctional Facility

According to U.S. News, the 56-year-old Sgt. Kevin Steele, early this year wrote memos to top prison officials in which he said fellow correctional officers and investigation units had faked documents and planted drugs and weapons on inmates in California State Prison, Sacramento.

The prison guard was found dead on August 20, in Miller County, Missouri, where he had gone after being barred from prison grounds during what prison officials say was a misconduct investigation, but the county coroner ruled that Steele's death was a suicide.

Based on the report of The Sacramento Bee, the two lawyers who were working with Steele said that in some cases inside the correctional facility, other prison guards allegedly planted evidence and had been falsifying documents or covering it up.

A year ago, the 30-year-old Valentino Rodriguez, a second member of the same investigations unit who also complained of harassment and retaliation, died of an accidental fentanyl overdose at his home in West Sacramento.

READ MORE: Officials Notified About California Oil Spill Even Before the Public - Report Says

Prison Guard Vs. California

The entire unit was tasked with investigating crimes committed inside the prison.

However, the corrections department spokeswoman Dana Simas told the newspaper that the unit had been replaced, and 10 of its officers were facing disciplinary actions related to the death of Rodriguez.

Currently, prison employees are facing investigations, not only by the FBI, but also the corrections department.

The corrections department spokeswoman stated in an email to The Bee that they are taking every allegation of misconduct by staff very seriously and they are working hard to ensure that there would be accountability when allegations were sustained.

Furthermore, an attorney for a white supremacist prison gang member facing federal charges, John Balazs, revealed that Steele was his confidential source. He got information from the prison guard who he used for his statements in court documents that he filed, alleging that his client may be killed in the maximum-security prison commonly called New Folsom.

The source, who Balazs identified as Steele, advised that "rogue" guards planted weapons and drugs in inmates' cells to obtain more overtime, spread false rumors, and relay private information from the files of other inmates in violation of department policy.

Also, Balazs said in his court filing that on at least two occasions, the rogue guards have been directly involved in the killing of a CSP-Sacramento inmate.

Balazs alleged that the guards allowed inmates to conduct a "practice run" a week prior to the killing of the two inmates by their fellow prisoner who was handcuffed to a chair. He cited that his source was Steele.

In a January memo to Prison Warden Jeffrey Lynch, Steele said that he alerted his supervisors regarding the inconsistencies about the slaying. The memo was backed up with recorded interviews.

READ NEXT: California Family's Mexico Vacation Turns Into Nightmare; American Tourists Found Dead Following an Airbnb 'Gas Leak'

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WATCH: Video Shows Santa Clara Co. Deputies Slow to Respond in Jail Attack Against Witness -NBC Bay Area


The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Wednesday opposed the argument from Case Breakers that the infamous Zodiac Killer was identified by the said group, arguing that the case for the murdered was still left open.

FBI disputed the claims of the said group, which was composed of former law enforcement members and intelligence officers, after they named a man who they believe is the Zodiac killer.

"The Zodiac Killer case remains open," Dan Francisco's office to the FBI confirmed with USA Today, without furthering additional details to the case.

READ NEXT: Work Dispute Triggers Man to Kill 3 Coworkers in Florida; Another Victim Escapes Death

Case Breakers Holds "Circumstantial Evidence," Says Police

Aside from the FBI opposing the claims of the Case Breakers, a Riverside Police Officer claimed that the evidence held by the group was "circumstantial," The Wrap reported.

"If you read what they [Case Breakers] put out, it's all circumstantial evidence. It's not a whole lot," Riverside Police Officer Ryan Railsback said. The police officer went on to say that there is no chance that the suspect identified by the Case Breakers killed Cheri Jo Bates, a victim of the killer.

The opposition from the FBI and the police officer stemmed out when the group Case Breakers claimed that they uncovered the mysterious case of the Zodiac Killer, as they linked the California murderer to an individual identified as Gary Francis Poste, who died in 2018.

According to reports, the group based the discovery of the Zodiac Killer's identity in the photos of Poste that showed him with forehead scars. The group claimed that the scars matched the description of the Zodiac Killer.

The group also claimed that they decoded the letters sent by the Zodiac yielded Poste's name as the killer, where he claimed he killed as many as 37 people. During the killing spree, the Zodiac killer was reported to leave two survivors who helped in giving descriptions.

The Case breakers also confirmed that "an outlaw turned whistleblower" gave them the information about the developments on their team. The collaborator also claimed to escape the Zodiac's criminal "posse" and roamed the mountains for decades.

Although the Case Breakers claimed they identified the Zodiac Killer, Deadline noted that it was not the first time claims like this happened, saying that several theories about who the California killer emerged over the years.

Zodiac Killer

California's Zodiac Killer was linked to at least five murders in the San Francisco area in 1968 and 1969. However, the Case Breakers tied Poste to a sixth murder that occurred in Southern California.

Since his killing spree, the Zodiac Killer has never been identified by the local authorities.

The infamous killer also became a part of the pop culture, as it inspired a 2007 movie entitled "Zodiac" where actor Jake Gyllenhaal played the role of the cartoonist who was tasked to track down the Zodiac Killer. The film was directed by David Fincher and was derived from the book authored by Graysmith.

READ NEXT: Brian Laundrie Search: Florida Fugitive's Dad Will Join the Search in Carlton Reserve

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Written By: Joshua Summers

WATCH: Zodiac Killer Possibly Identified - From KPIX CBS SF Bay Area
The Taliban was reported to have released the ISIS-K suicide bomber that caused the Kabul attack, killing the U.S. servicemen and hundreds of civilians around the perimeter.

The Kabul attack had killed 13 U.S. servicemen and more than 170 Afghans outside Kabul airport in the final days of the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The ISIS-K suicide bomber was incarcerated at the Parwan prison at Bagram Air Force base 11 days before the attack, according to a Daily Mail report.

House Rep. Kevin Calvert and two other U.S. officials had released the information. Calvert said he was briefed on the information by national security officials.

U.S. officials identified the ISIS-K suicide bomber as Abdul Rehman Al-Loghri. He was named by the ISIS-K when they took responsibility for the attack.

READ NEXT: Afghanistan Ambassador Says Pres. Joe Biden Doesn't Care About Women, Children Left Behind; Will Take Time Before Country Trusts Another U.S. President

Bagram Air Force

The U.S. had controlled the Bagram Air Force until early July. Its abandonment had caused criticism.

White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki was asked whether the bombing in Kabul would have happened if the U.S. retained control of Bagram.

Psaki noted that she cannot speak to the specific case.

Pentagon press secretary John Kirby said that it's in the thousands when asked how many ISIS-K prisoners were left at Bagram when the U.S. departed, Business Insider reported.

Republicans have continued to look closely on Bagram, asking questions whether keeping a presence there would have made the withdrawal less chaotic.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, as well as Gen Mark Milley, who is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, were questioned by lawmakers regarding the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Austin told lawmakers that retaining Bagram would need as many as 5,000 U.S. troops in harm's way just to operate and defend it.

Meanwhile, Calvert has blamed the Biden administration's "poor judgment and execution" on the withdrawal of the United States from Afghanistan.

He said in a statement that U.S. President Joe Biden's administration would need to explain why the prisoners were not transferred and secured at another location, according to a New York Post report.

Some of the U.S. servicemen injured in the attack are still undergoing treatment in the United States.

Taliban Ruling in Afghanistan

The Taliban has gained control of the country before the U.S. could complete the troops' pullout.

Recently, U.K. officials have traveled to Afghanistan to have a talk with senior Taliban members. The discussion included how the U.K. could help address the humanitarian crisis and provide safe passage for those who want to leave the country, according to a BBC News report. They had also raised the rights of women and girls, as well as the treatment of minorities.

Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesman for the Taliban, said that the discussion had revolved around reviving diplomatic relations between the two countries.

James Landale, BBC's diplomatic correspondent, noted that the meeting did not mean the U.K. officially recognized the Taliban as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan, saying that it only wanted to create communications.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier said that it would be a mistake to acknowledge any new regime in Kabul prematurely.

READ MORE: 2 Afghan Refugees Staying in Wisconsin Arrested for Trying to Rape Child, Strangle Woman

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Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: ISIS-K claims responsibility for deadly Kabul attack - from CBS Evening News






A Florida man has admitted that after he killed his 67-year-old fiancee at their shared home, he drove her body to a Walmart parking lot and left it inside his truck.

Individuals who saw the body of the dead woman inside the truck on Tuesday morning called 911 to report the incident.

Florida Man Leaves Fiancee's Dead Body at a Walmart Parking Lot

According to Newsweek, police responded to calls regarding a possibly deceased woman inside a vehicle at a Walmart parking lot in Sebastian at around 7:46 a.m.

Based on the statement of Police Chief Daniel Acosta, when police officers arrived at the scene, they discovered a dead woman inside a black Chevrolet pickup truck in the store's parking lot.

The woman was later identified as Jeanine Bishop of Sebastian, Florida. Acosta said Bishop's fiance, Michael Despres, a 56-year-old handyman, was also at the Walmart when the detectives questioned him.

Florida authorities said Despres gave "cryptic" comments about Bishop's whereabouts before the police located the victim's body.

Acosta noted that his cryptic accounts raised suspicion for investigators and prompted detectives to further questioned Despres.

The interview conducted by Sebastian detectives led to the confession of Despres. Acosta said the suspect confessed that he killed his fiancee in their shared home and later transported her body to the parking lot of Walmart, where he staged the incident.

READ NEXT: Work Dispute Triggers Man to Kill 3 Coworkers in Florida; Another Victim Escapes Death

Confession of Florida Killer

In an arrest report, Sebastian Police Department Detective Kenneth McDonough said that Michael Despres told officers that "he had been angry at (Bishop) and had been contemplating killing her for several days prior to her death."

The Florida man admitted strangling his fiancee from behind with a rope while she sat in a kitchen chair around 7:30 p.m. Monday. Before he brought his body to the Walmart parking lot, he told investigators that he slept in the same bedroom with her dead body.

The Florida man was booked into the Indian River County Jail after being charged with premeditated first-degree murder. Authorities said the motive in the killing was not clear, and the investigation was still ongoing. Police said that evidence is still being collected from the couple's shared residence, Despres' workplace, and both cars of Bishop and Despres.

A medical examiner who checked the victim's body found ligature marks on the neck and a two-inch laceration consistent with strangulation, TCPalm reported.

Meanwhile, witnesses shared that they saw a body being loaded onto a stretcher outside of the black pickup.

Shopper Chuck Tranfhelia said that around six individuals were looking at the black truck at the time. Individuals suspected that there was something in the vehicle, but they did not know what was inside.

Tranfhelia added that they didn't know if the person was dead or just lying in there, but authorities wouldn't let them get very close.

According to a Violence Policy Center report, about two in five female victims were murdered by their intimate partners.

READ MORE: Florida Man Faces Sentence to Prison After Receiving $130,000 Fraudulent Tax Refunds in Oregon

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WATCH: Man Confesses to Killing Fiancee, 'Staging' Her Body at Walmart, Florida Police Say - From WKMG News 6 ClickOrlando
Suspected Mexican drug cartel members involved in human smuggling were seen at the U.S.-Mexico border brandishing AK-47s and were taunting Texas Army National Guards and Border Patrol agents.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) noted that there had been multiple incidents the past week of suspected cartel members appearing next to the Rio Grande in Starr County, Texas, Daily Mail reported.

The gunmen, wearing tactical vests, were spotted and photographed carrying assault rifles as they checked out the border.

In a statement, the Texas DPS said that potential threats to law enforcement and the Texas Military Department would be fully investigated. The department noted that those responsible would be arrested and charged.

"We continue to monitor the situation as it unfolds in order to make real-time decisions and will adjust operations as necessary," it added.

READ NEXT: Mexican Drug Cartel Los Tlacos Leaks Disturbing Video of Mass Execution of Rival Gang Members

Suspected Mexican Drug Cartel Members Appear at the U.S.-Mexico Border

The appearance of the alleged Mexican drug cartel members at the U.S.-Mexico border came after Border Patrol agents arrested several migrants with criminal records in recent days, Fox News reported.

The migrants arrested include two Mexican drug cartel members, an MS-13 gang member, and three sex offenders with prior convictions. The La Joya Police Department arrested the two Gulf Cartel members.

The MS-13 gang member has an extensive criminal history in the U.S., including a third-degree assault and criminal negligence causing injury with a weapon/instrument.

The MS-13 gang member was also convicted and sentenced to 18-months imprisonment by an immigration judge and was subsequently removed from the U.S., said a U.S. Customs and Border Protection press release.

For the fiscal year 2021, Border Patrol agents arrested 325 gang members. More than 150 of these gang members were arrested in Rio Grande Valley.

Earlier this week, five people were shot during an exchange of gunfire seven miles away in the city of McAllen.

Texas DPS spokesman Lt. Christopher Olivarez said the suspects came across the border from the Mexican city of Reynosa and were involved with Mexican cartel operatives and Mexican officials, Washington Examiner reported.

Mexican Drug Cartel Members Threat

Amid the large-scale migrant smuggling in July, a narco-banner threatening to kill Border Patrol agents and Mexican police was hung in Juarez, Mexico, El Paso Times reported.

The banner hung from a pedestrian bridge over Viaducto Diaz Ordaz warned municipal police, state, National Guard, and U.S. Border Patrol to stop messing with human smugglers or "polleros" or "we will kill you."

The message, which was in Spanish, said that bullets can also cross the river and the border wall.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) earlier said that it would investigate the threat, adding that it will be handled accordingly and not taken lightly.

The CBP noted that the threat is a reminder that criminal organizations will stop at nothing to continue their operations and exploit those being smuggled into the U.S.

Juarez police have come across an increasing number of migrant stash houses in the area in the past months.

Reports noted that around 431 migrants were found in stash houses in Juarez in June, and more than 250 others were rescued from such "inhumane" conditions in July. In some cases, smugglers told neighbors that they were running legitimate migrant shelters.

READ MORE: El Chapo's Sinaloa Cartel Continues to Thrive Despite the Drug Lord's Absence: Report

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WATCH: Texas Lawmakers Push for Crackdown on Human Trafficking as Border Crisis Grows - From KHOU 11






A federal judge on Wednesday moved to temporarily block the enforcement of a Texas law that would prevent women from having an abortion after six weeks of pregnancy.

The Lone Star State immediately filed an appeal after U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman in Austin temporarily blocked Texas' controversial restrictions. Pres. Joe Biden's Justice Department sued Texas on September 9 and sought a temporary injunction against the abortion law.

Reports said Texas officials would likely seek a swift reversal from the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which previously allowed the restrictions to take effect.

Pitman took the first legal blow to the Texas Heartbeat Act, also known as Senate Bill 8, which prohibits abortion when a fetal heartbeat can be detected in a fetus, occurring six weeks during a woman's pregnancy.

It went into effect in early September after the Supreme Court ruled that the law could be enforced while legal challenges were pending.

READ NEXT: Billie Eilish Lashes out on Texas Abortion Law During Austin City Limits 2021

Texas Judge Temporarily Block State's Abortion Law

According to Pitman, since Senate Bill 8 went into effect in Texas, women have been "unlawfully prevented from exercising control over their lives in ways that are protected by the Constitution," NBC News reported.

"This Court will not sanction one more day of this offensive deprivation of such an important right," Pitman noted in his ruling.

Pitman's ruling garnered mixed reactions. Attorney General Merrick Garland lauded the ruling, saying it was a "victory" for both "women in Texas and the rule of law."

Garland then noted that "it is the foremost responsibility of the Department of Justice to defend the Constitution."

White House press secretary Jen Psaki called the ruling "an important step" in restoring women's "constitutional rights" in the Lone Star State.

Anti-abortion rights group Susan B. Anthony List was not in favor of Pitman's ruling. The group said in the statement that the ruling made by "an unelected judge" has "interfered" with the "clearly expressed will of Texans."

Although the ruling temporarily blocked the anti-abortion law, reports said the abortion services may not instantly resume as doctors still fear that they could still be sued without a more permanent legal decision.

Unlike other anti-abortion laws from other states, Senate Bill 8 allows individuals, not the state government, to file lawsuits against abortion providers who help a woman obtain an abortion. Anyone who successfully sued an abortion provider can be awarded up to $10,000.

Effects of Texas Abortion Law on Providers

Since the Texas anti-abortion law took effect, abortion providers said the impact has been exactly what they feared. According to Planned Parenthood, the number of patients in its Texas clinics declined by nearly 80 percent two weeks after the law took effect.

On the other hand, neighboring states reportedly struggled with the surge of abortion patients as some of the abortion providers in Texas were on the brink of closure.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed Senate Bill 8 in May. Abbott earlier said the Texas abortion law would not slow down businesses coming to the state.

"In fact, it is accelerating the process of businesses coming to Texas... They are leaving the very liberal state of California," he added.

READ MORE: Pres. Joe Biden Flip-Flops on When Life Begins in Abortion, Says Life Does Not Begin at Conception Contradicting Past Claims

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WATCH: Preliminary Injunction Issued, Blocking Texas Abortion Law - From KVUE
Florida cops reportedly found a "fresh campsite" at the Carlton Reserve in their search for Gabby Petito's fiance, Brian Laundrie.

A source close to the Laundrie family told CNN's Chris Cuomo on Wednesday that police have found the "remnants" of a makeshift camp that appeared to have been recently used at the Carlton Reserve.

The Sun reported that police and FBI agents were scouring the 25,000-acre Carlton Reserve in Sarasota on Wednesday as they continued to search for Brian Laundrie.

Brian Laundrie's Dad Asked to Join the Search in Carlton Reserve in Florida

Steve Bertolino, the Laundrie family attorney, said Brian Laundrie's dad, Christopher Laundrie, was asked to help North Port police search for his son Wednesday, but police had to postpone since the preserve has been closed to the public.

According to CNN, law enforcement asked Laundrie's dad to show them trails that his son was known to have used. However, police then told him that because of the discovery of the "traces" of a campsite, they wanted to search the area alone.

Bertolino said that Laundrie's parents "are hopeful there will be another opportunity to assist." But Josh Taylor, the North Port Police Department's chief spokesman, told Fox News that they did not ask Laundrie's dad for assistance, and police did not "postpone" it.

"In no world would we be the agency asking the family to help search in an FBI-led investigation," Taylor noted.

Based on the initial report, Brian Laundrie went missing on September 17, days after he allegedly told his parents that he was going for a hike in Carlton Reserve. Laundrie's changed the date of their son's disappearance from September 14 to September 13.

On Wednesday, Bertolino said Laundrie's parents believe he's still in Carlton Reserve, where they claimed he went hiking the last time they saw him.

READ NEXT: Brian Laundrie Search: Florida Fugitive's Dad Will Join the Search in Carlton Reserve

Abandoned Ford Mustang of Brian Laundrie Found 16 Miles From Where His Parents Claim He Went Hiking

Gabby Petito's fiance abandoned Ford Mustang was found 16 miles from the Carlton Reserve.

According to a redacted vehicle report on September 14, Laundrie's car was found at 6968 Reisterstown Road in the Myakkahatchee Environmental Park in Florida. This discovery came a day after Laundrie's parents changed the timeline of events they initially shared with authorities.

Bertolino said on Tuesday that Gabby Petito's fiance "left to hike in the preserve" on September 13 and not September 14, the date that Laundrie's parents originally stated.

Bertolino told WFLA that the family were basing the date Brian Laundrie left "on their recollection of certain events."

After consultations with the FBI and confirmations regarding the day Laundrie's Mustang was found and returned to the Laundries' home, Bertolino added that authorities now believe the day he left to hike in the preserve was on September 13.

Your Tango reported that it's unclear why the search has been focused on Carlton Reserve if the Mustang was found in the Myakkahatchee Park. However, the two parks are reportedly connected through a 12-mile trail.

Laundrie's parents initially said they went looking for their son on September 15 and found the car with a police note ordering it to be moved.

Gabby Petito disappeared on a cross-country road trip with Brian Laundrie. The couple was traveling to Oregon when the YouTuber stopped communicating with her family in Wyoming in late August.

Brian Laundrie was named a person of interest by North Port police after returning home on September 1 or 10 days before Gabby Petito was reported missing by her family.

On September 19, Gabby Petito's body was found at the Spread Creek Dispersed Campground near Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

The FBI has already issued a federal arrest warrant for Brian Laundrie but over debit card fraud.

READ MORE: Brian Laundrie Manhunt: Parents of Gabby Petito's Fiance Change the Date of Florida Fugitive's Disappearance

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Written by: Jess Smith

WATCH: Police Activity at Carlton Reserve in Brian Laundrie Manhunt #GabbyPetito #HeyJB - From WFLA News Channel 8
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October 7 was National Womens Enterprise Day so it was more than appropriate that one of Portlaoise leading business woman took the reigns as the new President of Laois Chamber on the same date.

Laois Chamber held their 2nd AGM on the evening of Wednesday, 6th October via Zoom, due to Covid-19. The AGM saw the election of a new President, Vice-President, and Secretary.

Alison Browne of Portlaoise-based Gerry Browne Jewellers is stepping up from her previous role as Vice-President and is taking over as President from Ciaran Finane, of Finline Furniture. Yvonne McKeon of McKeon Stone, located in Stradbally, is the Chambers newly elected Vice-President, with Martin Crowley of iCashco elected Secretary. Conor McGarry of Powerpoint Engineering continues in his role as Treasurer.

Following her election as the new President of Laois Chamber, Alison Browne said she was looking forward to the coming year as President of Laois Chamber.

"I would like to thank our outgoing President, Ciaran Finane, for steering the Chamber through one of the most difficult business climates that we have seen in decades. Despite this, still managing to grow membership and maintain a very strong business representative body while managing a very large and profitable business, Finline Furniture.

"I am delighted to be able to give some time back to Laois, a county that has been loyal to us in business over many decades. I look forward to working with our new CEO, Caroline Hofman, who has covered a lot of ground in such a short time here. We have an outstanding board, who only want to give something back to Laois and each year they have achieved this. I also welcome Yvonne McKeon, Vice President, who brings a wealth of business knowledge to the board. Yvonne is passionate about building on all the strengths that Laois have on offer.

"I look forward to providing real tangible benefits to our loyal membership. Working closely with all entities in Laois is key to its future success, she said.

Outgoing President Ciaran Finane spoke. following the AGM.

It has been a genuine privilege to represent Laois Chamber Board and Members as President this past year. I would like to thank our fantastic board which is full of great enthusiasm and energy for Laois business. Everyone in Laois knows the huge potential that exists in our great county and hopefully the Chamber will continue unlocking this potential and get our message that Laois is open for business to the wider world! Laois Chamber is the only Chamber in the country to grow our membership during the pandemic which shows the appetite in Laois for networking and growing business.

"I would especially like to wish our new CEO Caroline Hofman the very best of luck in her new role. Caroline has made a fantastic early impression and is the youngest Chamber CEO in the country. Huge thanks to John Mulholland and Laois County Council for their ongoing support of Laois Chamber.

"The future of Laois Chamber is in great hands with Alison Browne as incoming president. Alison is as passionate about Laois business as anyone in the county and has done huge work on our board in recent years. I would like to wish her the very best for a great year ahead, he said.

The new president will be working closely with the new CEO of Laois Chamber, Caroline Hofman.

I would like to thank Ciaran Finane for his outstanding work and contribution to Laois Chamber over the past year, and I look forward to continuing working with Ciaran as a Board member," said Ms Hofman.

"He has been a tremendous asset to the Chamber, and I want to commend his hard work and determination supporting Laois businesses particularly during such challenging and unprecedented times as a result of Covid-19, and ensuring that Laois is promoted as a key location for business.

"I look forward to working closely with Alison as newly elected President of Laois Chamber and wish her the very best of luck in her new role. Alison has really done stellar work with the Chamber and the business community in Laois, and will no doubt continue delivering results for Laois businesses.

"We are fortunate to have a diverse Board representing a number of business areas. They are extremely hardworking and with the best interests of Laois at the heart of their roles, she said.

The remaining Board members are Ciaran Finane of Finline Furniture, James McElwee of Rolleston McElwee Solicitors, Ashleigh Doyle (CJ Sheeran).
It costs thousands of euros for new homeowners to connect to water and sewerage mains in Laois and a councillor is asking Irish Water to come before them and explain why.

The prices for a single house start at 2,272 for watermains and 3,929 for sewerage, rising rapidly for every extra metre of pipe.

This and the management of private pumping stations require answers in person from the company, says Cllr Willie Aird from Portlaoise.

I thank them for their online meetings, you ring and you do get a service. But we need to talk to the persons who say we are charged so much for water and sewerage. I ask, how did they come up with the figures?

People all think Laois County Council is charging this, its not, were a collecting service now.

To be fair to builders, people think theyre all well off, a builder puts this price onto the house price. The amount of money looked for is outrageous.

On pumping stations, what is the situation going forwards? Keys are handed to people building on a site, you cant have that. And you have to ensure that if another 60 houses are added that the station has capacity, he said.

Fellow Portlaoise Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald seconded his motion requesting an Irish Water rep to come to the next council meeting.

This is important. We need a lot of infrastructure from Irish Water for our town to progress. We need a serious conversation on who is responsible for funding this. Its not just for housing, its for business and commercial growth. Portlaoise really needs this, Id love to see what their plans are for the future, infrastructure is vital.

We had a few weeks of good weather and half the town had its water turned off. Water is the most precious thing for us to develop, Cllr Fitzgerald said.

Homes off Mountmellick road in Portlaoise suffered the most said Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley.

We have a growing population, we need to ensure we have proper facilities in place. The council is a subcontractor to Irish Water but we need direct contacts, she said.

Cllr Ben Brennan says the cost of services is turning people away from building a house.

Their CEO said recently that their service agreement with county councils is no longer fit for purpose. I want someone senior not just a presentation, agreed Cllr James Kelly.
The HSE has recognised the efforts made by Portlaoise hospital staff in battling Covid-19 by presenting an award to the the Clinical Director of the Laois facility.

Dr John Connaughton, Clinical Director at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, was recognised for Exceeding Expectations  Outstanding Employee Award at the 2021 Health Service Excellence Awards.

The HSE says he won the award for his support and guidance as part of the hospital's response to Covid-19.

CEO of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group, Mr Trevor OCallaghan presented the award to Mr Connaughton and congratulated the doctor for the recognition and his work and the work of all the team in the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise in their ongoing response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dr Connaughton paid tribute to all the staff at the hospital and said the award is for them. He also paid tribute to everyone in the local health service for their tireless work.

I am truly humbled to be nominated by my colleagues for this award and I accept it on behalf of all of the team in Portlaoise who went above and beyond in responding to Covid-19. It was a difficult time for everyone. I would like to thank all the staff at Portlaoise hospital, and indeed all our colleagues across the health services, in hospitals, Community Care and beyond who worked tirelessly to respond to what was, and continues to be, one of the most challenging times we have ever encountered, he said.

The HSE received a record number of entries this year - just under 700 teams entered projects and 80 staff members were nominated for their outstanding contributions.

The awards took place on Wednesday, September 15.

Mr John Connaughton with Mr Trevor O'Calllaghan.
Over half of Irish people want to maintain the country's corporation tax of 12.5%.

That's according to a recent poll by Ipsos/MRBI, which found that an average of 58% of people stated that Ireland should maintain the tax rate despite other countries wanting to harmonise the rate at 15%.

Twenty eight percent of people thought the government should join international efforts even though it may lead to a drop in corporation tax revenues.

An average of 14% stated they didn't know or had no opinion.

The 35-64 age group were the biggest proponents of keeping the tax rate as is, with over 65s the lowest proponents.

Twenty seven percent of 18-24 year olds stated they either didn't have an opinion or they didn't know if the rate should be kept.

It's expected that a revised draft of the proposals to change the tax rate will take place today.




School is back and pupils in schools in Maynooth are being urged to Think Before You Flush!

Clean Coasts in partnership with Irish Water are asking pupils to help protect their local environment by being mindful of the connection between the toilet and our beaches.

Clean Coasts pointed out only the 3 Ps (Pee, Poo and Paper) should be flushed down the toilet and everything else should go in the bin.

It explained that if the wrong things, like wipes, dental floss and sanitary items get flushed down the toilet they can lead to blockages, wastewater overflows and discharges to our marine environment where they can harm wildlife or wash up on our shores.

As part of the Think Before You Flush campaign, national schools in Maynooth are receiving information and resources about the Think Before You Flush campaign in a bid to reduce the number of wastewater blockages and overflows to our environment.

Donal Heaney, Regional Operations Manager from Irish Water said: At our wastewater treatment plants we are removing lots of wipes and other items from the screens at the inlet. Our crews are also dealing with thousands of blockages in our sewers, that can cause overflows to the environment. We are delighted to be working with schools in Maynooth to raise awareness of this item and encourage teachers, pupils and their families to Think Before You Flush.

Elaine from Clean Coasts added: We know that by educating children on environmentally responsible behaviour, it sets them up to become environmentally responsible adults and possible future change makers. Making small changes in our homes, only flushing the 3 Ps; Pee, Poo and Paper down the toilet and simply putting a bin in your bathroom can have a significant positive impact on our local waterways, beaches and rocky shorelines.

For more information on the campaign, lot on to www.thinkbeforeyouflush.org and follow @CleanCoasts on social media.
THE closure of seven Bank of Ireland branches in Limerick city and county this Friday will pose a security risk for small businesses who need and use night-time safes, Fianna Fails Cllr Kevin Sheahan has warned. And he slammed the closures as a shameful act.

Askeaton, where the councillor is based, is one of the seven branches in Limerick to close its doors for the last time this Friday.

In the county, the banks branches to close are in Abbeyfeale, Rathkeale, Bruff and Askeaton while the city branches to close are Caherdavin, Roxboro and UL Campus.

The closures arise from a decision announced last March to reduce the number of branches nationally by 88. This is the first significant change to our physical footprint in almost a decade, a spokeswoman for the bank said.

Customers, she added, do not have to transfer their accounts to a different branch and the Bank has gone into partnership with An Post to provide banking services to Bank of Ireland customers at the country's 920 post offices.

But, declared Cllr Sheahan: There is no justification whatsoever for the bank to abandon Askeaton."

The town has two major industries, Aughinish and Wyeth, he pointed out, as well as Southern Chemicals and Kingspan Aerobord, and a large farming and working community.

It is a shameful act and comes so soon after the people of this country bailed out Bank of Ireland, he said. There will now be no bank from Limerick to Tarbert.

The decision by Bank of Ireland was also met with deep disappointment in Rathkeale, where the bank occupies a prime position on the Main Street.

We are disappointed. There was no negotiation. It was something that was decided without any consultation, said Pat Neville, chairman of Rathkeale Community Council.

The move comes at the same time as AIB in the town has announced it will not be continuing to offer cash services over the counter or at the cash and cheque lodgement machines.

This is seen locally as a blow to businesses as well as individuals, pushing people out of town as they will now have to travel to Newcastle West for any cash service.

We are trying to negotiate with AIB, Mr Neville said.

Rural areas are devastated to be losing another vital amenity, said Mark Nagle, chairman of Bruff Community Council. Bruff, he pointed out, had lost amenities over the years but people had pulled together and worked hard to turn negatives into positives, repurposing buildings such as the courthouse and school.

This is another blow. It is a tough one to take especially as the announcement was made in the middle of a pandemic, Mr Nagle said. He praised the post office and credit union network for picking up the slack left by the bank. But the hope is that the building could be repurposed as a remote working hub.

We are very sorry to see them leave, said Maurice OConnell, chairman of Abbeyfeale Community Council but he thanked and paid tribute to all staff members of Bank of Ireland and its predecessor, the National Bank, who had served the people of the area for the last 100 years.

I am very sorry to see a financial institution of that calibre closing, he added. His hope was that the bank building in the town square would not be left empty but would be sold and developed.
A STRONG debate took place in Kilmallock Mart this week as Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue continued his nationwide CAP consultation tour in the town on Monday evening.

Addressing a Covid-19 compliant crowd, the minister spelled out his current vision for the next CAP which is currently being worked on. Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan must be submitted before January 1, 2022 in order to have the new CAP in place for January 2023.

It was a great honour to visit farmers in Kilmallock. I was enthused by the suggestions that were coming forward from those in attendance. While time is short, farmers can still have an input into this CAP Strategic Plan. This is very much their CAP and I want ensure that as many farm families as possible have the opportunity to feed into this CAP plan.

I am committed to bringing this CAP to every milking parlour, every calving shed, every tillage field and every kitchen table in the county and I am doing that. I thank Ministers of State Niall Collins and Patrick ODonovan and all public representatives for joining me, the staff and board of Kilmallock Mart and everyone who assisted in making the event such a success, said Minister McConalogue.

Also in attendance were Deputy Richard O'Donoghue, Cllrs Bridie Collins, Mike Donegan and John O'Donoghue.

The day after the meeting the IFA announced they were holding regional rallies - in Cavan, Roscommon, Portlaoise and Cork City - to "Save Irish Farming".

The IFA says the rallies are to highlight how the "current Government is pursuing a path that will wipe out Ireland's largest indigenous sector".

IFA president Tim Cullinan, who will lead the rallies, said: "For the last two years, IFA has tried to engage with Government on the sector's future. Despite this, it continues to treat us as low-hanging fruit that it can target without impunity.

"At the same time, its rolling out the red carpet for energy-guzzling multinationals and allowing food, peat, and timber to be imported from less efficient countries in Europe and further afield. IFA will not allow farmers to be sacrificial lambs so the Government can give the appearance of doing the right thing.

Mr Cullinan said they are sounding an alarm.

"Without proper negotiation with farmers and a coherent plan, farming and food production in this country will be unrecognisable. We want the Government to get serious and sit down to develop a workable farm-level plan, said the IFA president.
THERE isnt one person who didnt stop and pause after hearing Vicky Phelan share her upsetting news on Sunday.

Through her indefatigable spirit she has lifted up so many when they were down. Now, countless people are demonstrating their love for the fearless women's health campaigner.

Ms Phelan took to Instagram to give an update on her cancer treatment in the USA, saying that she has returned to Ireland.

The Kilkenny native, who resides in Annacotty, wrote that she has some new tumours.

This means that I am no longer eligible for proton beam therapy since my tumours are far too extensive, i.e. I have too much disease in my body for them to zap.

And so, the recommendation from the team at Georgetown University Hospital was for me to return home for systemic therapy, i.e. palliative chemotherapy, wrote Ms Phelan.

With a very heavy heart, the mum-of-two said she made the decision to return home to Ireland.

I returned home earlier this week and am taking the time to reconnect with my kids and to absorb this news before I start down the chemotherapy road.

The good news is that I can still have treatment and that this treatment will keep me alive until Christmas at least. The bad news is that the treatment I am about to start on is extremely toxic and will take its toll on my body and my mind, wrote Ms Phelan.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Vicky Phelan (@vickykellyphelan)

She told her tens of thousands of followers on Instagram: As always, I would like to thank you all so very much for your support, your kindness, your generosity, your prayers and positive messages which continue to lift me and keep me going. THANK YOU ALL.

There have been tens of thousands of likes and messages of support for the advocate for women's health. There were no words for Labour party leader Alan Kelly, a long-time supporter of Ms Phelan, who summed up his feelings by using the broken heart emoji on social media.

Ryan Tubridy spoke on his RTE Radio 1 show on Monday of his sadness and upset at the news.

Mr Tubridy, who has interviewed Ms Phelan on a number of occasions on The Late Late Show, told his listeners: She loves hearing from you when you send her an email to wish her well. That is the fuel in her tank. I know this for a fact, shes grateful beyond words for the love and the kindness and the comments that come in to her.

Ms Phelan became a leading figure in the CervicalCheck controversy after she was awarded a settlement by the High Court in April 2018 in a case taken against the US laboratory that carried out her cervical smear test.

Since then she has been a powerful advocate for women's health and has given her support to many charitable organisations and people despite her own cancer treatment.
NEW DELHI : A proposal to ease the auditing burden on small businesses has brought out simmering differences between two of Indias top statutory bodies, with one alleging the other has no jurisdiction over them.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), which regulates CAs and frames accounting rules, on Wednesday said the audit regulator National Financial Reporting Authority (NFRA) cannot decide whether small businesses should be audited or not.

The roots of the displeasure arise from accounting standard changes for small companies prepared by ICAI and sent to NFRA.

NFRA last month sent back ICAIs proposals and asked the latter to conduct an assessment of the impact if the changes were implemented. Subsequently, NFRA also brought out a consultation paper seeking comments on whether small and medium companies need to be given relaxation on statutory audit and what should be the threshold.

On Wednesday, ICAI president Nihar N. Jambusaria told chartered accountants at an online event that his agency had begun work on revising accounting standards in 2006. He said ICAIs approach paper was approved by a body of government and independent experts, and a lot of effort went into the revision of 18 accounting standards for five years, for which due process of consultation took place.

Jambusaria alleged that the revised accounting standards were not brought up for discussion at the NFRA board meeting in September, where part-time members were also present. Mint has seen a recording of Jambusarias message to chartered accountants.

While ICAI is a statutory body for regulating the profession of chartered accountancy and is under administrative control of the ministry of corporate affairs, NFRA was set up under the Companies Act to recommend accounting and auditing policies and standards to the government and to enforce compliance of accounting and auditing standards.

The government last Thursday gave a temporary charge of NFRA to Competition Commission of India chairperson Ashok Kumar Gupta after the three-year term of its first chairperson, Rangachari Sridharan, ended in September.

An appropriate reply is being drafted, and the revised accounting standards are being sent back to NFRA for its consideration again," Jambusaria said.

Even this statement that micro, small and medium firms should be subject to audit only if they satisfy certain public interest entity criteria cannot be regarded as the view of NFRA. This view was never brought for discussion at the NFRA board. NFRA does not have jurisdiction over micro, small and medium companies," he said.

Jambusarias comment refers to NFRAs proposal that smaller companies need to be audited only if they satisfy certain public interest entity criteria".

As per the Companies Act 2013 and NFRA rules, it is not within the purview of NFRA to recommend whether the audit of certain firm is required, Jambusaria said. We would like to have good coordination with NFRA for which discussions will be held with them. It was done in the past, and we will continue to have channels of discussions open with NFRA," he said.

Emails sent to the ministry of corporate affairs and Ashok Kumar Gupta remained unanswered till press time.

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Rebel Foods Pvt has become at least the third Indian startup to achieve a billion-dollar valuation this week after securing $175 million in a funding round led by the sovereign wealth fund Qatar Investment Authority.

Existing investors Coatue Management and Evolvence Group joined the funding at a $1.4 billion valuation for the Mumbai-headquartered company, which operates cloud kitchens and calls itself the worlds largest internet restaurant company. The startup said on Thursday its exploring an IPO within the next two years.

The startup will focus on growing its international presence, building its ordering and delivery technology and acquire more restaurant brands.

Rebel Foods, which is also backed by Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and Sequoia Capital, delivers butter chicken and paneer cottage cheese-topped pizzas to millions of Indians daily. It said its growing at 100% annually and moving toward profitability with an annual run rate of over $150 million. It operates more than 45 brands from Behrouz Biryani to Ovenstory Pizza and Faasos wraps across 10 countries including India, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia.

Internet restaurants, which operate out of non-prime real estate and only deliver to customers, compete with traditional restaurants that need waiters, table seating and cashiers, all of which result in high overheads. The pandemic has given a boost to such startups with customers preferring to order in. Low costs and fast scale-up are allowing such chains to grow quickly.

Rebel was founded in 2011 by former McKinsey & Co alumnus Jaydeep Barman and his friend Kallol Banerjee. Last year, it struck a deal with American quick service chain Wendys to open 250 cloud kitchens. Meat-delivery startup Licious and crypto-exchange CoinSwitch Kuber also announced funding at billion-dollar valuations this week.

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Mumbai: Bank of Baroda, Indias premium public sector bank, announced a reduction of 25 bps in its home loan rates from 6.75% to 6.50%* w.e.f from October 7, 2021. With the onset of the festive season and to make home-buying more affordable for customers, the Bank has extended this offer and the special rate will be available till December 31, 2021.

The new rates will be available for customers applying for fresh loans, loan transfers or looking to refinance their existing loans making the offer more inclusive. Nil processing fee on home loan was already on offer and has been extended till 31/12/21.

On the announcement of a reduction in home loans, Mr H T Solanki, GM- Mortgages & Other Retail Assets, Bank of Baroda said, Bank always tries to offer the most competitive rates of interest on home loan and other retail loan products while making the process seamless and hassle-free through our digital platforms and our dedicated teams. Our customers will get benefited from this offering in this festive season. With this reduced rate of interest, Bank of Baroda home loans is now offering the most competitive rates across categories for a limited period till 31/12/2021 ."

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The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal on Thursday directed the NCLT to provide "reasonable and sufficient opportunity" to Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (ZEEL) to reply to Invesco's plea seeking convening a meeting of the company's shareholders.

In a 15-page order, the appellate tribunal said the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) committed an "error" by not granting reasonable time to ZEEL to reply to Invesco's plea.

A two-member NCLAT bench said that it was a complete violation of NCLT Rules and Principles of Natural Justice and directed the Mumbai bench of the NCLT to proceed further after hearing both parties.

"... we are of the opinion that reasonable and sufficient opportunity should be given to the appellants for filing a reply," the appellate tribunal said in the order.

"After hearing both the parties, the learned NCLT should proceed further. The appeal is disposed of accordingly," said the two-member NCLAT bench comprising Justice Jarat K Jain and Alok Srivastava.

However, the NCLAT did not mention how much time should be given to ZEEL to submit its reply.

The order has come on a petition filed by ZEEL seeking more time to file reply over the requisition of minority shareholders -- Invesco and OFI Global China Fund -- to convene an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM).

Invesco Developing Markets Fund (formerly Invesco Oppenheimer Developing Markets Fund) along with OFI Global China Fund LLC hold 17.88 per cent stake in ZEEL.

The minority shareholders have moved a petition before the NCLT seeking convening of the EGM, removing the company's Chief Executive and Managing Director Punit Goenka as well as two other directors, and reconstituting the board with the appointment of six new directors.

This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text.

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Comcast-owned British broadcaster Sky has unveiled Sky Glass, a new streaming television and innovation platform.

The almost entirely wireless television is a large screen that can be installed swiftly and only requires an Internet connection to operate  dispensing with the need for a satellite dish or cable box.

The service will amalgamate shows and films from each different streaming service in one place, allowing users to search by title or category without having to log into each one separately, including Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Skys own Now service, among others. It will even allow users to seamlessly watch shows where seasons are split between different streaming services due to licensing constraints.

[This is] Sky embracing aggregation as a strategy, said Sky CEO Dana Strong during a press event for the launch on Thursday morning in London, U.K.

At the moment, the television will only be available to purchase with a Sky network package, totalling 39 ($53) per month for the smallest screen, which breaks down as 13 ($17.60) per month for the screen and 26 ($35) for the Sky carriage package (which includes traditional cable networks such as Niceklodeon, Dave and E!). The television is also available to purchase outright (in a similar way consumers can choose whether to purchase cell phones on a monthly plan or a higher one-off fee).

Users will, however, have to pay for their own subscriptions to each streamer, except where they purchase a Sky package that includes Netflix.

We believe this is the smartest TV available, said Strong during the presentation for the new product, where she was joined by Comcast CEO Brian L. Roberts.

The big idea was to reimagine television and Skys role in the living room, said Roberts. Comcast has been in the television business for about 60 years and there have been a few big moments with the potential to be transformative and you know what? This could well be one of them.

Everything you see here is powered by a remarkably intelligent and flexible platform that makes finding what you love effortless, he added.

The screen contains Dolby Atmos sound and there are three-sized screens available ranging from 43-65 inches and in a variety of colors.

It is due to launch Oct. 18 in the U.K. with more markets to follow in 2022.

In response to Varietys question about how difficult it was to sign streaming platforms up to the service, Strong said: We have had every major content provider into the offices to see this product and weve been blown away by their response, by how supportive theyve been, how excited they are about it. Its actually given us a lot of conviction that were on the right path because youve got every leader from major organizations coming through and walking away with a smile on their face.

Getting them on board, we already have IP distribution deals with most every provider so it was an amendment to deals as opposed to a complete re-cast. But we have re-done all four of our four public service broadcaster deals because that was in a different category. [] They really like the way were representing their content, how were representing their brands and how weve elevated them on the platform. And weve refreshed our deals with almost everybody else. Its been a very busy 9 months.

In a follow-up question, Variety asked whether streamers were worried about brand dilution of their own platforms, particularly given users would be able to look for content by title via one search bar?

In the abstract they were worried about that, Strong acknowledged. When they came in and saw the product and saw how we were representing it they really, really liked what we were doing and understood then that we plan on giving them very clear brand attribution, we have no intent of anything but celebrating the fact its [say] a piece of BBC content. People are loyal to their content brands and we want to make sure we help connect you to the content brand not stand between you and so I think once they appreciated that that was our goal, it was pretty smooth sailing.

And with DCMS considering introducing more robust direction around prominence of public service broadcasters on audio-visual hardware such as televisions and remote controls, was that a consideration when designing the TV, Variety asked? Weve done all of these through commercial relationships with public service broadcasters and weve been very open with DCMS to share with them that weve been able to achieve that and that the public service broadcasters are happy with this resolution, said Strong.

The new hardware launch is the latest strike in the streaming wars battle. With Sky and WarnerMedias lucrative deal for HBO content believed to be coming to an end in 2025  at which point its likely HBO Max will launch in the U.K.  Sky Glass will ensure audiences have a reason to stick with Sky even if much of its Sky Atlantic content transitions over.

Its funny, I feel this is all offense, said Strong in response to a question as to whether Sky Glass was a defensive play against the streaming wars by moving into infrastructure and assets rather than competing directly with the streaming giants such as Amazon Prime and Netflix. This is not looking over our shoulder at all but looking forward. This is about really setting the standard for the next phase of innovation.

The technology has also allowed Sky to replicate its traditional cable and satellite carriage deals in a new era in which streaming is overtaking traditional pay-TV viewing; the Sky Glass team had to strike deals with each individual streamer  from Channel 4s All4 to Netflix  that is represented on their new platform.

Sky Glass has already signed up its first syndication partner with Australias Foxtel.

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Dave Chappelle is drawing a growing wave of criticism for his derogatory comments about the LGBTQ+ community in his newest Netflix stand-up special.

The special, titled The Closer, premiered on the streamer on Tuesday and is meant to serve as a final entry in a series of stand-up routines by Chappelle on Netflix. In the new release, the comedian makes explicit jokes about trans women and offers defenses for previous derogatory comments made by figures such as Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling and rapper DaBaby.

Chappelle also references criticism he faced over the past two years for makings jokes about the trans community in his specials Equanimity and Sticks and Stones.

Representatives for Chappelle did not immediately respond to Varietys request for comment, and Netflix declined to comment on the matter.

In a statement, GLAAD called out the pattern of derogatory jokes, saying that Chappelles brand has become synonymous with ridiculing trans people and other marginalized communities.

Dave Chappelle's brand has become synonymous with ridiculing trans people and other marginalized communities. Negative reviews and viewers loudly condemning his latest special is a message to the industry that audiences don't support platforming anti-LGBTQ diatribes. We agree. https://t.co/yOIyT54819  GLAAD (@glaad) October 6, 2021

The National Black Justice Coalition, a civil rights advocacy group serving the LGBTQ+ community, also provided a statement, urging Netflix to remove the new special from its catalog.

With 2021 on track to be the deadliest year on record for transgender people in the United States  the majority of whom are Black transgender people  Netflix should know better, NBJC executive director David Johns said in a statement. Perpetuating transphobia perpetuates violence. Netflix should immediately pull The Closer from its platform and directly apologize to the transgender community.

Jaclyn Moore, a writer, executive producer and showrunner on Netflix series Dear White People, expressed her disappointment in the streamer, declaring that she is done with the company.

I will not work with them as long as they continue to put out and profit from blatantly and dangerously transphobic content, Moore wrote in part.

I love so many of the people I've worked with at Netflix. Brilliant people and executives who have been collaborative and fought for important art But I've been thrown against walls because, "I'm not a 'real' woman." I've had beer bottles thrown at me. So, @Netflix, I'm done. https://t.co/2naqrzW0G2  Jaclyn Moore (@JaclynPMoore) October 7, 2021

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A federal judge has ordered Texas to suspend the states new law banning most abortions, according to the Associated Press.

On Wednesday, Judge Robert Pitman of Austin, Texas explained why he believes the law is an offensive deprivation of constitutional rights in a 113-page opinion.

From the moment S.B. 8 went into effect, women have been unlawfully prevented from exercising control over their lives in ways that are protected by the Constitution, Pitman wrote in the opinion, according to the AP. That other courts may find a way to avoid this conclusion is theirs to decide; this Court will not sanction one more day of this offensive deprivation of such an important right.

Senate Bill 8, which was signed by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in May, bans abortion once a heartbeat is detected. This can happen around six weeks into pregnancy, which is before some women even find out that they are expecting. The law also does not make any exception for pregnancies that are the result of rape or incest, and is enforced by private citizens, who could recover legal fees and collect $10,000 by bringing successful lawsuits to the state.

According to the New York Times, Pitman has now prevented state court judges, state court clerks and anyone acting on behalf of the state of Texas from enforcing the law. The U.S. Justice Department sued Texas over the law last month, and then filed an emergency motion to prevent the state from enforcing the law while the lawsuit ensues.

Last month, the Supreme Court voted not to block the law in a 5-4 decision.

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Have you watched Squid Game? is as common a question in South Korea as it is in much of the rest of the world, where it has become a breakout success for Netflix as the streamers biggest non-English-language series. But audiences in the shows home country are divided over its merits.

A recent on-air promotion event by K-pop girl band Itzy on KBS Cool FM radio recently deviated into a discussion of the survival show. While they were supposed to be promoting their single Loco, three of the bands five members discussed their reactions to the series. One, Chaeryeong, said she found it too violent and could only stomach some of it. Thats a common criticism of Squid Game, in which the majority of the 456 contestants in a mysterious contest are brutally eliminated.

Regardless of its popularity, Squid Game is too violent for my taste, Kwak Young-shin, a 20-something woman who describes herself as a Korean drama addict, tells Variety. My father, on the other hand, stayed up all night binge-watching the series and only dragged his feet to our [holiday] Chuseok celebrations the next morning.

For many South Koreans, part of the shows appeal is its use of childhood games and activities. The price of dalgona, an old-fashioned brittle candy featured in one of the Squid Game contests, has soared from around KRW1,000 ($0.84) per piece to a reported KRW7,000 ($5.88).

Another sign of Squid Game mania in Korea has been the soaring incidents of fans calling up the telephone numbers depicted in the show via obscure business cards given to prospective contestants. In a reactive and attention-seeking move, a local politician was reported to have offered KRW5 million (more than $4,000) to buy the number that belongs to a person living in his district and who had been plagued by hundreds of nuisance calls. On Wednesday, Netflix said it would edit out the number.

We are working to resolve this matter, including editing scenes with phone numbers where necessary, said the company.

Other efforts to capitalize on the shows zeitgeist popularity have similarly been victims of their own success. Netflix Korea established a pop-up game experience installation at Ogem World, in the heart of Itaewon, Seouls colorful nightlife district. It garnered huge interest and attention from the Korean general public, but had to be shut down ahead of schedule, due to infringement of social distancing regulations.

Despite such setbacks, social media has made major stars of some of the shows on-screen performers. Model-turned-actor Jung Ho-yeon, who portrays North Korean refugee Kang Sae-byeok, has now become the most followed actress in Korea with 15.6 million Instagram followers  an astonishing number in a country with a population of 52 million. Jung modestly told Korean media in a recent interview: Too many great big things happened so quickly, its best to take time and recollect myself.

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The alleged drunk driver accused of crashing into a Laredo police unit had an alcohol blood content of nearly twice the legal limit in Texas, according to an arrest affidavit.

Police said Luis Armando Galvan-San Miguel, 40, had blood alcohol content of 0.15 while the legal limit in Texas is 0.08. He was arrested and charged over the weekend with driving while intoxicated, second offense. Webb County Jail records show he is out on bond.

The case unfolded at about 2:31 a.m. Oct. 3, when an officer on regular patrol was in the 3500 block of Bob Bullock Loop assisting a motorist whose vehicle had undercarriage damage and was stalled on the inside lane.

His units overhead lights were on, and the patrol unit was about two cars lengths behind the stalled vehicle. Two more officers arrived to assist and placed their unit with emergency lights on behind the first officers unit.

At about 2:42 a.m., a loud crash was heard. Then, a gray Nissan Sentra drove past the officer assisting the motorist and eventually stopped on the shoulder of Loop 20. Officers identified the driver of the Nissan as Galvan-San Miguel. Authorities said he looked confused. He was looking away from the officer and was not initially obeying verbal commands, states the affidavit.

Police instructed him to unlock the door and unlock the vehicle.

As he was stepping out of his vehicle, he was unable to keep his balance, the affidavit states.

After being read his rights, Galvan-San Miguel did not want to answer questions and stated, quiero un abogado Mexican consular, states the affidavit.

Galvan-San Miguel refused to perform a standardized field sobriety test but allegedly wanted to provide a specimen of his breath. He was then taken to LPD headquarters, where he underwent a breathalyzer test. Two breath samples revealed he had a blood alcohol content of 0.15 and 0.14.

First DWI offense

A criminal history check on Galvan-San Miguel revealed he was arrested on the charge of driving while intoxicated with a child younger than 15 years old on March 3, 2013.

For that case, an officer pulled over Galvan for speeding and failing to signal his lane change on Chihuahua Street. The arrest affidavit states he was arrested after he exhibited obvious signs of intoxication and poor performance on the standardized field sobriety test.

Galvan-San Miguel was driving with his then 10-year-old son, according to court documents.

He pleaded guilty to the lesser offense of DWI in the 341st District Court on Oct. 3, 2013. He successfully completed his 1-year probated sentence, according to court documents.
The City of Laredo Health department has received recognition for the work its done to help stop the spread against COVID-19.

A certificate from the State of Texas Office of the Gov. Greg Abbott was received Wednesday recognizing the departments hard work to mitigate the spread of the disease, which has resulted in a global pandemic for nearly two years.

Abbott expressed in the letter that he is thankful for the service the Laredo Health Department has done as a major vaccination hub. The governor added that the departments efforts to serve Texas have ensured the communitys protection, serving as one of the best examples from the Lone Star State.

On Monday, Laredo dropped to the lowest COVID-19 hospitalization in Texas after the area had so long prior led the state in the metric before vaccinations were prevalent.

During a council meeting later that night, Laredo Health Director Richard Chamberlain discussed the progress and how the city has dropped to below than 5%. He added that the vaccination efforts as well as the participation of the community have played a crucial part for the result of these numbers.

We are the best hospitalization rate in the state of Texas right now,Chamberlain said. That has to do with vaccination as we in the City of Laredo, Webb County, have the best rate per capita in the state of Texas.

Many were pleased at the progress the area has made during this pandemic and the lessening of the most recent third wave. Among them was District VI Councilmember Dr. Marte Martinez, who recognized the communitys efforts in vaccination as key in achieving this milestone.

People should feel assured that if you do get the vaccine, you are most likely going to be OK, Martinez said. We are the prime example of vaccination efforts and how that played into our ability to take care of the population in general.
A Laredo man has been sentenced to prison for his role as an organizer in finding drivers for a meth smuggling conspiracy, according to court documents.

Federico Castanon, 45, pleaded guilty on June 21 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute the meth. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo sentenced him to 144 months in prison.

At the hearing, the court heard evidence Castanon was a leader/organizer of a drug trafficking organization. He continued to attempt to coordinate criminal activity by speaking to associates in coded language on recorded jail calls while in custody. In imposing the sentence, Judge Marmolejo noted that if he was continuing in his attempts to still coordinate drug trafficking while in custody, he clearly had no remorse for his actions, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a statement.

Castanon made arrangements to find drivers to transport narcotics from Laredo to other areas, according to his plea agreement.

Drug Enforcement Administration special agents set up surveillance on Aug. 3 near the intersection of Killam Industrial Boulevard and Doc Adams Road. At about 4 p.m., an undercover officer parked a tractor-trailer near the intersection. Moments later, a Chevrolet HHR parked near the tractor-trailer.

The undercover agent retrieved a bag from the HHR containing 8.97 pounds of cocaine and 2.91 pounds of methamphetamine. Authorities took custody of the undercover agent in a mock arrest, according to court documents.

Prosecutors said the investigation identified Castanon as a leader, organizer of the smuggling event after he had met with law enforcement and discussed the seizure. Castanon will remain in custody pending his transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility in the near future.

The DEA assisted by the Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francisco J. Rodriguez and Ursula Smith prosecuted the case.
Stanley "Jim" G. Kenyon passed away November 16, 2021 in Niagara Hospice House. Born August 3, 1925 in Somerset, NY, he was the son of Howard E. and Inez G. (Harrod) Kenyon. Stanley served in the US Navy from 1944-1946 during WW II. He worked for Harrison Radiator Div of GM where he was a ra
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, will continue his Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) Consultation Tour in County Leitrim on Friday, October 8. The Minister will speak at Carrigallen Mart at 7pm.

The Minister plans to visit every county to hear directly from farmers as part of the CAP consultation process over the coming weeks.

Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan must be submitted before January 1, 2022 in order to have the new CAP in place for January 2023.

"I look forward to meeting as many farmers as possible in the weeks ahead - I want to put farm families at the centre of this CAP. This is farmers' CAP and I want to hear from farmers in every county. Earlier this year, I committed to bringing this CAP to every calving shed, every milking parlour every tillage field and every farm kitchen table and this is another step in that commitment to farm families.

"While time is tight, there is still time for farmers to have their voices heard in these hugely historic CAP reforms.

Details on mart visits will be released through agri, social and local media. Interested farmers are encouraged to contact their farming organisations or their local mart before attending due to necessary COVID-19 restrictions and responsibilities.
A father of four was tragically killed when a tractor plough he was undertaking maintenance work on collapsed on him after its hydraulics system failed.

John Harte, Aughnavalley, Colehill had just returned from a check up in Dublins Beaumont Hospital when tragedy struck on May 28 last year.

His distraught wife, Maura, found Mr Harte trapped under the plough after going in search of her husband to ask him what he wanted for dinner.

She spoke of how she froze as she saw the experienced farmer laying prostrate on the ground with the tractor still running shortly after 6:30pm.

Mrs Harte raised the alarm by flagging down a passing tractor which happened to being driven by her nephew, John Kenny.

At an inquest last week, Mr Kenny said he ran over to his uncles tractor, moved it forward and lifted the plough off the 56-year-old.

Mr Kenny, together with another man, dashed to a nearby church and returned with a defibrillator minutes later while his sister Brid arrived to undertake CPR on Mr Harte.

Despite their best efforts and those of ambulance personnel who arrived around 15 minutes later, Mr Harte was pronounced dead shortly before 9pm.

Pathologist Dr Miriam Walsh said a postmortem carried out on Mr Harte the following day at Tullamores Midland Regional mortuary revealed the 56-year-old had died from fatal crush injuries.

A health and safety investigation carried out in the aftermath of the tragedy found Mr Harte had been attempting to replace shears on his 41 year old tractor when the plough collapsed on him.

HSA inspector Manus Tiernan told the inquest Mr Harte would have raised the plough using the tractors hydraulics and then got underneath the plough to carry out maintenance work.

He said it was the authoritys finding that faults linked to the tractors hydraulics system allied to the absence of an axle stand or similar support to hold the ploughs weight resulted in Mr Harte becoming trapped and pinned to the ground.

He said internal leakage and freeplay had been uncovered within the tractors hydraulics compartment which caused it to drop a heavy implement in a relatively short period of time.

Mr Tiernan told County Coroner Dr Niall Donohoe a number of tools, including a spanner and other items were found close to Mr Hartes body which the Longford farmer had been using in his attempts to replace the ploughs shears.

Mr Tiernan said an examination on the tractor found that the machine was in need of repair but said after the completion of a case file, no prosecution under health and safety legislation was deemed necessary.

To remove the plough shear Mr Harte had to get below the level of the raised plough body, he said.

Evidently he lay on the ground to access the nuts holding the worn shear point.

Mr Tiernan said due to flaws with the tractors hydraulics, it was not able to return the plough to its original position and ultimately trapped Mr Harte under its weight.

The evidence shows that Mr Harte got trapped under the descending plough for some reason and was not able to get clear of the plough in time, he said.

Once caught under the descending plough, the hydraulics could not lower enough to activate a raised function and lift the plough enough to provide space and time for escape, thus trapping Mr Harte underneath.

The inquest heard the tractor had since been sold on, but a HSA prohibition was issued directing its new owner to rectify the vehicles hydraulics before getting behind its wheel.

A verdict of accidental death was recorded by Dr Donohoe at last Thursdays inquest with extended sympathies being extended to the Harte family on the tragic loss of the much admired and respected south Longford farmer.

The late Mr Harte is survived by his wife Maura (nee Kenny) and daughters Marie, Sarah, Clare and Edel; his daughters partners Andrew, John and Tom; his brothers Brendan, Kevin, Dermot, Michael, Paul; his sisters Helen, Anne, Geraldine Cullen and Mary Morrissey along with a wide circle of extended family, friends and neighbours.

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.
A north Longford publican is planning to shut his doors for good and carry out a six figure redevelopment that could see a state of the art digital working hub and premier accommodation being introduced in its place.

Father of four Seamus Gallagher has lodged plans with Longford County Council to undertake a major renovation of his family run business in the wake of ongoing struggles Ireland's pub industry has faced during the pandemic.

Mr Gallagher wants to repurpose his pub by introducing a remote working hub area and six self catering apartments on the building's first floor.

The Drumlish based publican, who has been at the forefront of Gallagher's public house since the early 90s having inherited it from his late parents Hugh and Bridie, also intends to incorporate wheelchair accessible accommodation at ground floor level.

He said his decision to change tack was largely as a consequence of ongoing difficulties the local vintners industry has had to withstand in the face of Covid-19.

"It made me sit back and think," he said.

"There are four bars in Drumlish and the whole Covid thing just made me wonder if it was time for a change.

"Things were quiet anyway. If you look at the likes of how the smoking ban, laws on drink driving, everything has hit the pubs and now every filling station and shop has a bar licence."

Mr Gallagher, however, alluded to how the stop-start nature of the wider economy brought about by the coronavirus pandemic was the "final straw" which prompted him to look elsewhere in terms of making a living.

He said his plans, should they receive the backing of Longford County Council, would provide much needed economic benefits to the Drumlish and surrounding areas.

"There will be a dry room, launderette and refrigeration for fishermen who come and stay," he said, adding that the proposed development would cost a six figure sum to bring to fruition.

"If you look at it, there is no real accommodation in north Longford and it was a no brainer to put the apartments upstairs. The hub will also hopefully help other businesses and shops in providing much needed spin offs."

A decision on the plans is not expected until the end of November, but Mr Gallagher said he intends being on site by next spring at the latest, should Longford County Council give the application the green light.
A lender is trying to take back a woman's house in the midlands even though the property was damaged by pyrite and she is paying the bank monthly.

The woman being pursued by Start Mortgages DAC is paying the equivalent of the tracker rate each month, a move which the lender disagreed with, her solicitor told County Registrar James Seymour in Tullamore.

An order for possession was sought by a solicitor acting for Start Mortgages DAC at a sitting of the registrar at Tullamore Circuit Court last week.

The application was opposed by Dublin-based solicitor Gerry Dunne who appeared for the borrower by video link.

Mr Dunne said the house was effectively a family home because it was owned by the defendant and her daughter lived there.

The arrears were less than 20,000 which were not a hugely significant amount for a 2003 mortgage, Mr Dunne said, and his client had been fully engaging with the bank and paying every month at the equivalent of a tracker rate though there was a big dispute about her entitlement to that rate.

He said a settlement meeting had been proposed by the borrower as far back as December 2018 but it had been refused.

The defendant believed she was entitled to a tracker rate as she had been offered one at an earlier date but then it wasn't made available to her when she wanted to avail of it.

He said there would have been no arrears if the woman had been on the tracker rate and negotiations with the bank were ongoing but nonetheless they were in court making an application for possession.

The first letter his client had received in 2017 was seeking the full amount of the balance including the arrears and he said that while technically the monies may have been due, it was evidence of the unreasonable approach from the outset.

The arrears at that point were around 10,000 but Start sought the full amount of nearly 100,000, said Mr Dunne.

He said a very relevant factor in this case was that the house turned out to have pyrite and that essentially made the house worthless until it was resolved.

Most of the remedial works had been carried out but there was an ongoing dispute in relation to aspects of those works.

Mr Dunne said rightly or wrongly his client believed that because of the pyrite, the bank should share the burden of what happened to her house, which is their security.

The solicitor said the defendant also believed that with all its resources the bank could have carried out due diligence at the time the mortgage was being taken out and discovered that stone from a particular quarry was being used in the construction.

The registrar Mr Seymour said he would not like the bank to be taking that sort of role in every house because then they probably wouldn't give a mortgage for anything.

He was told that the defendant was paying 426 per month to Start and the contracted payment was 686.59.

Mr Dunne said the matters had already been raised with the financial services ombudsman and even while that process was going on his client was still getting threatening letters from the bank and solicitors.

He said the bank's solicitors had been told since 2018 that the proceedings should either never have been issued, or should have been struck out and discontinued long ago.

The borrower's solicitor also said the bank on their own admission had breached data protection legislation by sending details to a third party, including her mortgage account number which had caused very significant stress to the woman.

Mr Dunne said the lender was required by the Central Bank to deal with customers on a fair and equitable and reasonable basis and we would certainly submit this has not happened.

He said the bank had even applied its legal costs to the amount it said was due but had to withdraw that because it was not entitled to do so without a court order.

Mr Dunne applied for the proceedings to be struck out and costs awarded to the defendant.

Mr Seymour said he noted on a bank statement that some of the costs had been refunded and he was concerned that while payments were being made to the bank by the woman, these cases can't go on for ever.

The registrar said that because the defendant was able to make a payment each month and it was not an insignificant one, she should consider applying for insolvency.

There is effort being made and there are payments being made and that is an important factor, said Mr Seymour.

He adjourned the matter to the sitting of the County Registrar in February, 2022 for the defendant to take advice on applying for personal insolvency and stressed that he would like to hear then that she had gone that route.

He refused the application for possession and also made no order on a request from Start's solicitor for another standard financial statement. Mr Seymour said that the arrears, though not enormous, were still mounting and remarked: I wouldn't like to be trying to clear them.
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(Clarifying that this is the latest in a series of payments received by Gulf Keystone from the Kurdistan regional government.)

(Alliance News) - Gulf Keystone Petroleum Ltd on Tuesday confirmed it received a payment from the Kurdistan regional government for crude oil sales and outstanding invoices.

The London-listed oil producer, which operates in Iraq, received a gross payment of USD38.5 million. Of the total sum, USD30.1 million is net to Gulf Keystone.

The payment comprised of USD32.1 million for Shaikan crude oil sales during July this year and USD6.4 million related to arrears from outstanding invoices from December 2019 to February 2020.

In May, the Kurdistan regional government had asked the oil producer to reduce the pace at which it is paying arrears. The regional government cited the impact of Covid-19 on Iraq and the improved global price of oil for the amended payment schedule.

The current outstanding arrears balance is USD45.2 million net to Gulf Keystone, it said on Tuesday, adding it continues "engage with the KRG on its proposal" to slow payment of arrears.

Gulf Keystone shares were down 3.9% at 200.44 pence in London early Thursday.

By Josie O'Brien; josieobrien@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of London-listed company director and manager changes announced on Thursday and not separately reported by Alliance News:







Arix Bioscience PLC - London-based venture capital investor in biotech firms - Confirms Interim Chief Executive Officer Robert Lyne as permanent CEO, effective immediately. Additionally, hires Michael Bunbury as senior independent director, while Giles Kerr steps down as non-executive director after serving four years.







Schroder Real Estate Investment Trust Ltd - invests in UK commercial real estate, seeking income and capital growth from active management - Lorraine Baldry will retire as chair at end of July next year, replaced by Senior Independent Director Alastair Hughes. A search firm will be engaged to find a new senior independent director.







TwentyFour Select Monthly Income Fund Ltd - invests in less-liquid debt instruments - Hires Ashley Paxton as independent non-executive director, starting November 1. Paxton was an audit partner and Channel Islands head of Advisory for KPMG. He is a non-executive director of Downing Renewables & Infrastructure Trust PLC and JZ Capital Partners Ltd.







Fidelity Asian Values PLC - invests in smaller listed companies in Asia - Hires Sally Macdonald as non-executive director, starting January 1. Macdonald was head of Asian Equities at Marlborough Fund Managers. She is a non-executive director of JPMorgan Japanese Investment Trust PLC.







By Tom Waite; thomaslwaite@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Alliance News) - The following is a round-up of London-listed company director and manager changes announced on Thursday and not separately reported by Alliance News:







Headlam Group PLC - Birmingham-based floorcoverings distributor - Steve Wilson steps down as chief executive after 30 years with the company and 5 as CEO. Chief Financial Officer Chris Payne is named interim chief executive while an independent search for a permanent replacement is conducted. "It is impossible to convey how fundamental Steve has been to Headlam's success," Chair Philip Lawrence says. "He was integral in the formation of Headlam, overseeing the acquisition and growth strategy that has led it to being a clear market-leader." Headlam says there is no change to the expectations that it set out in its interim results last month. At the time, Headlam had said it was trading in line with market consensus for 2021 revenue of GBP684.8 million and underlying pretax profit of GBP35.0 million.







Spectris PLC - Egham, Surrey-based supplier of precision instrumentation and controls - Karim Bitar will step down from the board at the end of December, having served as a non-executive director since 2017.







Getech Group PLC - Leeds-based provider of geoscience data - Hires Max Brouwers as chief business development officer. Brouwers is a geoscientist who joins from Royal Dutch Shell PLC, where he has spent 25 years in roles including leader of Energy Transition for Global Exploration and vice president of Exploration for Europe-Russia-Caspian. Brouwers is based in the Netherlands and will head a new European subsidiary that Getech plans to establish.







Alpha FX Group PLC - London-based foreign exchange risk management and international payments - Appoints Chief Risk Officer Tim Butters to board, starting Thursday. Butters joined Alpha FX in 2019.







Bank of Cyprus Holdings PLC - Nicosia-based lender - Adds Eliza Livadiotou to board as executive director. Livadiotou is executive director for Finance and her responsibilities also include Investor Relations & ESG and Regulatory Affairs.







Bluefield Solar Income Fund Ltd - buys and manages UK-based renewable energy and storage projects - Hires Libby Burne as independent non-executive director. Burne is an accountant who was an audit director at PwC, working in alternative asset management and insurance. She is a non-executive director of HarbourVest Global Private Equity Ltd.







By Tom Waite; thomaslwaite@alliancenews.com

Copyright 2021 Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved.
(Updates throughout with detail, comment)

By Susanna Twidale

LONDON, Oct 7 (Reuters) - More British energy suppliers

could go bust because of continued high wholesale energy prices,

energy regulator Ofgem said on Thursday.

Some 12 energy supplies have already collapsed this year

affecting more than 2 million customers. Nine folded in

September, as they struggled to cope with record gas prices.

"Given the continued volatility in the market it is likely

more suppliers will exit the market," Ofgem Chief Executive

Jonathan Brearley told the Energy UK conference.

Britain's energy minister Kwasi Kwarteng told the conference

the government would not bail out failing energy suppliers.

Most energy suppliers hedge customer needs in advance but

some firms, with less capital available, have struggled to keep

pace with wholesale gas prices which have surged as

much as 400% or more this year. They were up about 380% on

Thursday.

A cap on household domestic electricity and gas bills, which

came into effect in 2019, has limited the impact of wholesale

prices for consumers Brearley said, but warned this will

eventually need to rise to reflect the changes.

"(The cap) is designed to reflect fair costs and therefore

will need to adjust over time to reflect the changes in fuel

costs we are seeing today," Brearley said.

He said the regulator had tightened rules on new entrants

joining the energy supply market in the past few years but that

it would seek to go further.

"If we do see sharp and unethical practices, we will use the

full extent of our powers," he said, without giving more details

on what the regulator could do.

(Reporting by Susanna Twidale; Editing by Jason Neely and

Edmund Blair)
LSU was ranked one of the worst U.S. colleges for free speech in the Foundation for Individual Rights in Educations 2021 college free speech rankings released Sept. 21. LSU placed 152 out of 154 universities.

Researchers asked students from each university 23 questions to gauge their comfort in speaking their mind to professors and other students, their tolerance of political speakers on campus and if the universitys administration upholds free speech among the student body.

Among the reports findings:

Fifty-eight percent of students feel somewhat uncomfortable or very uncomfortable publicly disagreeing with their professor.

Nearly half feel uncomfortable expressing their views on a controversial political topic during an in-class discussion.

Sixty-one percent say they occasionally, fairly often or very often have felt uncomfortable expressing their opinion because of how students, a professor or administration would respond.

Just under a third of students say its never acceptable to shout down a speaker to prevent them from speaking on campus.

LSU students identified racial inequality, abortion and sexual assault as the most difficult issues to talk about on campus.

Student responses looked more positive when asked specifically about administration:

Only 13% of students say its not clear that LSUs administration protects free speech on campus.

Seventy-eight percent of students believe its clear that the administration would protect a speakers right to express their views if a free speech controversy were to arise.

I endorse free speech as well as rebuttal, LSU President William Tate IV said in a written statement. Our strength as an intellectual body rests in our ability to debate with passion, while supporting the rights of others to share opposing views. We must maintain a community of students, faculty and staff where contested ideas are discussed in a principled fashion without suppression.

Open, vigorous and civil debate of ideas is the hallmark of academic life.

Seven free speech components were added together to give universities their overall rankings: openness to difficult topics, tolerance for liberal and conservative speakers, administrative support for free speech, comfort expressing ideas, disruptive conduct (preventing speakers from expressing their views) and the universities' written policies regarding free speech.

Other than FIREs review of universities written policies, the six components were all scored by student responses and totaled to give each college a score out of 100. LSU scored a 52 overall.

FIRE gave LSUs speech code, the written policies regarding free speech and expression on campus, a code red, though its unclear which policies specifically warrant such a poor rating.

Tulane was the only other Louisiana university in the rankings, also receiving a low score of 53, ranking 148th.

This ranking isnt anything out of the norm though  free speech surveys for colleges from FIRE and other organizations last year gave LSU a ranking of 53 out of 55.

LSU ranks 53rd for acceptance of free speech in recent survey Out of 55 schools, LSU ranked 53rd for acceptance of free speech in a survey by RealClearEdu

Political science senior Nate Wiggins said the results of the FIRE study were very disappointing but not very shocking.

I know several of my friends who are very concerned with expressing anything because of these types of things, Wiggins said. Ive never personally seen [people face repercussions for sharing their beliefs] before but people at least think that it's possible. And thats something thats really concerning.

As the director of programming at BridgeLSU, an organization designed to promote civil discourse on campus, Wiggins said that he feels the university and administration can do a better job making all of campus as open to free expression as Free Speech Alley, but he feels that, for the most part, people can express themselves on campus.

It just depends on what people are saying, he said.

In her short time on campus, general art freshman Madeline Barr found that the studys results dont accurately reflect her experience with the larger LSU community. Her experience in courses like HNRS 2000 are free-speech positive, providing a safe space where she feels comfortable to debate her peers.

I find that a lot of people here are really accepting of different viewpoints all across the spectrum and youre not necessarily going to get any hate for anything you believe, especially in areas like Free Speech Alley, Barr said.

Pre-med kinesiology junior Macy Laurent offered a differing opinion to the studys results, saying she would feel uncomfortable expressing a differing opinion from that of her professor  especially if said opinion invalidated her own.

Consistent with the studys findings, Laurent feels one of the most sensitive topics of discussion on campus right now is abortion. Against the studys findings, however, she feels conservative speakers views are tolerated more than those of liberal speakers.

The general population of more conservative people in the South kind of gears toward accepting more conservative views in free speech, Laurent said.

Wiggins agrees with the FIRE data when it comes to the universitys openness to facilitate free speech. He feels that the administration has done a pretty good job at protecting free speech on campus.

I think they should continue to do so in the face of pressure, but I can certainly understand why they may be wary of protecting freedom of speech when it could have serious implications for their tangible, monetary position, Wiggins said.

Members of university faculty also critiqued the FIRE study. Media and public affairs professor Robert Mann found the methodology of the study flawed.

This is a useful tool in some ways but it should only be used in concert with other, more objective metrics, Mann said.

Mann also noted that the difference in the top ranked school, Claremont McKenna College, was only 20 points removed from LSUs 152nd ranking. He said that because there were so many similar statistics, the study really doesnt show much.

Mann said he wished the study was a better contextual representation of LSUs student body, with demographic data showing what students who expressed their opinion in the study were studying.

If youre uncomfortable sharing your political views in your mechanical engineering class, you should be. That's not what youre there to do. If you want to talk about politics, there are places for that but it's not a mechanical engineering classroom, Mann said.

FIRE is a non-profit group founded in 1999 devoted to protecting free speech and expression rights on college campuses. The organization has sparred with a number of universities over free speech controversies and campus policies.

Former Faculty Senate president and English professor Kevin Cope feels the study does very little to promote LSU as a credible, nationally prominent, research university.

Cope feels statistics like the 58% of students uncomfortable with disagreeing with their professors make it clear that the university is not creating a culture where controversy and disagreement is encouraged.

Somehow or another, the university has communicated to students that controversy, disagreement, dissent and deviation from the status is not a safe or a good thing, Cope said. That is a recipe for obedience rather than an intelligent and educated citizenry.

Cope said he always encourages students to speak their minds and wants them to actively participate in open debates. He said the university really doesnt have something like that right now.

Most universities the size of LSU have public speaker series where speakers of all sorts come to give presentations and the public comes and asks questions. We have virtually none of that at LSU, Cope said. The few times we have had a controversial speaker it has prompted adverse reactions on the part of the university to discourage anything along those lines."
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EDITOR'S NOTE: The writer is addressing whether foreign language classes should be required in college.

(TNS) On a fall day in 1974, I walked into a Russian language course at Hunter College, one of the Manhattan campuses of the public City University of New York system.

In New York for back-to-back college internships at the Paris Review literary magazine and the New York Times, I chose Hunter because it offered evening classes.

As editor of my high school newspaper outside Detroit, Id had a strong interest in current events, and no ongoing story was bigger or more consequential than the global superpower rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union.

But what brought me to that nighttime class at Hunter was less weighty: Id just read Dostoevskys Crime and Punishment. So brilliant was his monumental novel about a misguided young man who becomes a murderer, I vowed to someday read it in Russian.

Little did I know then that the decision to master Russian would lead, 15 years later, to my assignment as a Moscow correspondent covering the collapse of the Soviet Union. By then, I was fluent enough to conduct interviews with Russians in their native tongue. Soon after my arrival, the Nobel laureate Andrei Sakharov died. Hed become the most prominent anti-Communist dissident, as famous for his political activism as for his science. His death caused an outpouring of grief across the vast country, and the line to view his open casket stretched for miles. Thousands of Muscovites waited in line for hours in the bitter winter cold to pay their last respects.

Other foreign correspondents walked the line with their translators to interview the mourners while I was able to speak with them alone.

Did it make a difference? The Russians I interviewed were touched that we could talk in their own language. More important, the translators who worked for foreign bureaus were known to be spies, using the coveted posts to file reports to the KGB about international journalists sources and subject matters. It was clear to me that the Sakharov mourners I interviewed felt more at ease and were more willing to share their true feelings about him. Many wept as they spoke.

One of the sad ironies of our current era is that at a time when the United States is becoming more diverse and globalization is outsourcing more American jobs, fewer young people are studying foreign languages.

Among the nations top 10 universities, according to U.S. News & World Report, only Columbia University requires foreign-language study (three years) for admission. My alma mater, the University of California at Berkeley, is one of a shrinking number of other elite schools to require it.

And once in college, fewer students are required to show even basic proficiency in a foreign language in order to graduate. Only 12 percent of institutions of higher learning retain such a mandate, according to a survey last year by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni.

My experience with Russian shows how acquiring skills at a young age can pay unforeseen benefits down the road as the winding, surprising path of life takes us on its mysterious journey.

There are other reasons to study a foreign language. By the time I started with Russian, Id taken four years of Spanish classes at my high school  a requirement it would later shed. And I would take an intensive German course while spending a year abroad in Munich.

In ways I didnt fully appreciate at the time, grappling with other tongues made me a better writer in my own tongue. The grammatical thorns of English were less prickly after Id struggled to learn the six cases in Russian and the four cases in German, which change words forms to show their functions in sentences. Those experiences, too, enhanced my subsequent career as a journalist and book author.

You might not become a reporter and a writer as I did. Instead you might become an international lawyer specializing in Chinese investment in the United States, a hot job source these days. You might become a chef or restaurateur deciphering French recipes. You might become an automobile engineer working for Volvo or BMW or Toyota. You might become a missionary spreading the word in Brazil or India or Congo. You might find yourself living in a demographically diverse community surrounded by neighbors speaking in a dozen tongues.

If you think these scenarios are unlikely, you simply havent lived long enough to understand the twists and turns of life.

James Rosen is a longtime Washington correspondent who has covered Congress, the White House and the Pentagon. He recently received the top award for column writing from the Society of Professional Journalists. He wrote this for InsideSources.com.
Mankato, MN (56001)

Today

Windy with on and off snow showers this morning. Bright sunshine later. High 33F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Clear this evening then becoming cloudy after midnight. Low 21F. W winds shifting to SSE at 10 to 15 mph.
Newcastle United have been officially converted into the richest club in the world after the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) ended Mike Ashley's 14-year ownership by purchasing the Premier League club.

PIF will provide the large part of the 300 million pound takeover sum to convert Newcastle into the financially strongest club in England, as the fund's 320 billion euro fortune is almost 11 times more than Manchester City's Sheikh Mansour.

Yasir Al-Rumayyan will be the club's executive president, with this takeover having the backing of Newcastle fans, who took to the streets to celebrate Ashley's departure.

Asi celebraron los fans del Newcastle la compra del club por un fondo saudi: como si fuera un titul

A year ago, the Premier League didn't approve the purchase of Newcastle by PIF due to the altercation between Saudi Arabia and beIN Sports, which owns the TV rights to the competition in the country, as the channel claimed that the country was behind a pirate broadcast that was illegally transmitting games for years.

However, the Premier League received legally binding guarantees that Saudi Arabia will not be involved in the management of the club and gave the green light for the takeover to take place.

Newcastle currently sit second bottom in the league table after having picked up just three points from their opening seven games.
Julia A. Johnston, 68, of Wilburton, OK passed away at her home in Wilburton on Sunday, November 14, 2021. Services will be on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Waldrop Funeral Home Chapel in Wilburton, OK with the burial to follow in the Peachland Cemetery in Bengal, Oklahoma. O
Richard "Rick" Charles Bean, 70, passed away unexpectedly on November 13, 2021. He was born March 5, 1951 in Meadville, PA to the late Charles and Bernice (Haven) Bean. Rick worked hard his entire life. He enjoyed watching his children grow up and is very proud of them both for what they hav
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"As the EU has demonstrated, phasing out animal tests is the future. It is crucial that India does not fall behind international developments in science and animal welfare," said PETA India science policy advisor, Ankita Pandey."Moving away from unreliable and unethical tests on animals and instead investing in superior, non-animal methods will be better for humans, other animals, and the future of science," Pandey added.In India, testing cosmetics or their ingredients on animals was banned in 2014, as was the importation of animal-tested cosmetics. Last year, the government released the Cosmetics Rules 2020, which include provisions to strengthen the ban on the importation of animal-tested cosmetics.However, the testing of cosmetics is only one type out of many animal experiments conducted on animals. Animals are still subjected to painful experiments for testing chemicals and drugs or for conducting biomedical research, the release added.Source: IANS
The film industry is undoubtedly the most money-making industry once you make it big, of course.

Superstars not only enjoy crazy fame and stardom but also an envious bank balance. Most of the biggest actors in cinema charge a mad amount for the role in a movie.

 Instagram/Prabhas

The highest-paid male actors in the Hindi film industry (of course, they are all men, no need to specify) make up to Rs 80-100 crore per movie.



The Khans of Bollywood charge around a hundred crore per movie, while Khiladi Akshay Kumar earns around Rs 135 crore, becoming the highest-paid star.

 Instagram/Akshay Kumar

However, there is one Indian actor who has even surpassed the biggest Bollywood actors in terms of charging crazy fees for their work, and it is South superstar Prabhas.



The Baahubali star has reportedly asked for a whopping Rs 150 crore for his upcoming movie, Adipurush.

 Instagram/Prabhas

The film is an adaptation of the Hindu epic Ramayana in which Prabhas will play Lord Ram. It stars Kriti Sanon and marks the debut of Bollywood actors Saif Ali Khan and Sunny Singh in the South cinema.



While Kriti Sanon will play Sita, Sunny Singh will essay the role of Lakshman and Saif will be seen as Lankesh (Ravana). The film is slated for a release in August 2022.

 Instagram/Prabhas

Adipurush has already created a buzz among the Indian audience.



It is also speculated to be one of the most expensive Indian films ever made. The bilingual movie (Hindi and Telugu) will be a 3D movie.

 Instagram/Prabhas

Prabhas rose to prominence pan-India after the Baahubali series where he played the titular role. He had charged Rs 100 crore for both instalments of the epic fantasy directed by SS Rajamouli.



 Instagram/Prabhas

He is one of the most sought after actors in South cinema and filmmakers feel the fee is quite justified for the actor to ask for. And, we agree.



"Prabhas is the only Indian actor who is in the position to command this kind of a remuneration today...since he is earning a lot more for his producers with each film, a leading daily reported quoting a source.

 Instagram/Prabhas

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.


Meridian, MS (39302)

Today

Rain showers this morning with overcast skies during the afternoon hours. High 71F. Winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 36F. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph.
Arrangements are currently incomplete at Berry and Gardner Funeral Home for Mr. William "Sonny" McGruder, 71, of Enterprise, who passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, at his residence.
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'Its always a perfect day to say thank you': County holds three Veterans Day celebrations
That decrease was due to lower shipments from the Sao Luis port, in the countrys northeastern Maranhao state. Alumar, an alumina refinery owned by Alcoa, South32, Rio Tinto and Alumina Ltd, is located in Maranhao.

Alcoa announced on September 20 that it was restarting Alumars aluminium smelter, with first output expected in the second quarter of 2022. The smelter has a production capacity of 447,000 tonnes per year, but it will...
Miami, FL (33127)

Today

Cloudy skies this morning followed by thunderstorms during the afternoon. High near 80F. Winds E at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Thunderstorms. Low 72F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
LARA Summarily Suspends License for Group Child Care Home in Wayne County

LARA Summarily Suspends License for Group Child Care Home in Wayne County

Media Contact: LARA Communications (517-335-LARA (5272))

Email: mediainfo@michigan.gov

October 7, 2021 - The Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Child Care Licensing Bureau (CCLB), has summarily suspended and issued a notice of intent to revoke the group child care home license of Melissa Givens, located at 16516 Roselawn St., in Detroit.

The complaint investigation that concluded on October 1, 2021, found violations of the Child Care Organizations Act and administrative rules, including but not limited to the following:

Appropriate care and supervision

Caregiver suitability

Proper ratio of caregivers to children in care

Effective October 1, 2021, the summary suspension order prohibits Givens from operating a child care group home at 16516 Roselawn St., in Detroit, or at any other address or location. Accordingly, she may not accept children for care after that date and time. The order also requires the licensee to inform all parents of children in her care that the license has been suspended and that she can no longer provide child care.

It was critical to take emergency action to protect the health, welfare, and safety of the children at this group child care home.

Since LARA has summarily suspended the license, an administrative hearing will promptly be scheduled before an administrative law judge with the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules.

To learn more about child care licensing and regulations, or how to file a complaint, please visit www.michigan.gov/michildcare.
AG Nessel Provides Update on Three Public Integrity Cases

AG Nessel Provides Update on Three Public Integrity Cases

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel 517-599-2746

Public inquiries: 517-335-7622

October 7, 2021

LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is announcing the outcomes of three public integrity investigations, which resulted in charges in one of the cases involving law enforcement in Isabella County and clearing two of any criminal wrongdoing.

The cases were reviewed and evaluated by the Department's Public Integrity Unit (PIU). The investigating agency that worked alongside the Department is mentioned in the case summaries below.

"These cases are another example of the scrutiny our public integrity team gives all instances where officer conduct must be evaluated to ensure their oath to protect and serve is not neglected," Nessel said.

Charges against Christopher Cluley - Isabella County Sheriff's Department

On April 12, 2020, Sgt. Christopher Cluley was working in the Isabella County Jail as the administrator in charge when he interacted with an inmate during a cell transfer. The transfer was the result of a verbal disagreement between the inmate and another corrections officer.

Once the inmate was standing just outside of the cell, video evidence shows Cluley grabbed the inmate, spun him around and pushed him into the cell door before then pushing him into the wall next to the cell door. Then, after walking the inmate to the new cell, video evidence shows Cluley pushed the inmate to the ground, where the inmate cried out in pain upon crashing to the floor.

An x-ray later determined the inmate suffered a fractured left knee.

Cluley was placed on administrative leave the following day while the Isabella County Sheriff's Department conducted an internal investigation. The Isabella County Sheriff's Department then contacted the Michigan State Police (MSP) and MSP's Special Investigation Section completed their own investigation and referred the matter to the PIU.

Christopher Cluley is charged with the following in 76th District Court:

two counts of misconduct in office, five-year felonies; and

one count of aggravated assault, a one-year misdemeanor.

He appeared for arraignment Wednesday morning and is scheduled for a probable cause conference Oct. 14. He was given a $21,000 personal recognizance bond. Cluley was also ordered to have no contact with the victim, no assaultive conduct and is not allowed to leave the state without the Court's permission.

No charges in Ashley Novak case - Michigan State Police

On April 12, 2021, Michigan State Police troopers responded to a home in Houghton following a social media post by Ashley Novak in which she had a gun pointed at her head with the caption, "if the cops come, it's them, then me."

Novak had previous involvement with law enforcement and three days prior called 9-1-1 to request someone come to her residence before she "f-----g kills someone".

Police called the house phone after seeing the latest social media post. A man answered and reported hearing four gun shots. Novak was the only other person in the home at that time.

When officers arrived, it took about 20 minutes to locate Novak in a truck parked on the property, holding a gun. She ultimately exited the truck but refused to obey troopers' commands to drop the gun.

She began walking back toward the house where the male occupant was inside. As she opened the front door, still disobeying commands, three officers fired their weapons. She was shot in the midsection and treated for non-life threatening injuries at a local hospital.

An investigation conducted by MSP and the PIU team's review of all relevant reports determined the officers were justified in the shooting.

Separate to that review, a felony warrant has been authorized for charges against Novak for resisting and obstructing state troopers, felonious assault and felony firearm.

The Department is in the process of getting her arraigned on the felony warrant in this case.

The filing that determined charges are not warranted against officers involved in the Novak case can be read on the Department's website for additional information.

No charges following review of student arrest by Onaway H.S. Resource Officer

On Feb. 19, 2021, a resource officer at the Onaway High School - who is a deputy with the Presque Isle County Sheriff's Department - responded to a special education classroom where an 18-year-old student was throwing items including tables and chairs and threatened the teacher with a pair of scissors.

Initially, the resource officer sat with the student and was able to calm him down, but the student then became aggressive and threw a pencil box at the resource officer. The deputy again tried to calm the student down, but the student began advancing toward the resource officer. A physical altercation ensued and the two fell to the ground, where the resource officer attempted to gain control by laying on top of the student as he scratched at the deputy. The student also attempted to grab the deputy's taser and handgun and threatened to kill him.

Once handcuffed, the student's mother was notified that he would be taken to the county jail.

The Presque Isle County Prosecutor reviewed the arrest following the incident and determined the resource officer did not use excessive force but exercising an abundance of caution, requested the AG's office review the actions of the officer.

The use-of-force police policy at the Presque Isle County Sheriff's Office states that an officer may utilize non-lethal force to prevent injury and to stop assaultive behavior if an individual is acting in an assaultive or threatening manner and alternatives to use of force have failed or are unavailable.

After thorough review of the case, the PIU determined the resource officer acted appropriately and no charges are warranted.

The filing that determined charges are not warranted against the resource officer can be read on the Department's website for additional information.

Questions regarding current employment status of the officers involved in the above cases should be directed to their respective departments.

###

Please note: A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The Department does not provide booking photos
State Launches Resource to Organize Volunteer Support for Afghan Arrivals

State Launches Resource to Organize Volunteer Support for Afghan Arrivals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021 MEDIA CONTACT: Ebony Stith

517-285-5549

LANSING, Mich.-With approximately 1,300 Afghan allies and nationals expected to be resettled in Michigan in the coming months, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the Office of Global Michigan and the Michigan Community Service Commission are calling on Michiganders to volunteer to ease the transition and welcome individuals and families to Michigan. A new online resource - Michigan.gov/AfghanArrivals - has been launched where Michiganders can find volunteer opportunities to support Afghans arriving in the state.

"We urge everyone to join us in welcoming these Afghan families to Michigan and ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed," Gov. Whitmer said. "We will continue to embrace our duty to honor and protect these families as they flee from violence and political persecution. Especially given the recent treatment of Haitians at our border, we also urge humane treatment of all immigrants arriving to the U.S., regardless of their origin."

Global Michigan has worked with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to secure $500,000 of MSHDA funds to temporarily house the arrivals until resettlement agencies can secure their permanent housing. Arriving Afghans are being assigned to one of the state's five resettlement agencies that have the expertise to offer support. The Michigan Community Service Commission is supporting organizations serving Afghan evacuees across the state by identifying volunteer roles and donations to support the transition to Michigan for these individuals and families. The website will play a crucial role in helping coordinate and channel the flow of resources to these important organizations.

"The Office of Global Michigan is working closely with our federal, state, private and philanthropic partners to ensure Afghan individuals and families feel welcome and connected with the resources they need," said Poppy Hernandez, Office of Global Michigan director. "We look forward to working with the Michigan Community Service Commission and supporting organizations serving Afghan evacuees in this effort to identify volunteer roles and donations to ease their transition."

There are opportunities for individuals, families, community teams, nonprofits, and corporate teams to volunteer. Anyone interested in helping should register to become part of the Volunteer Michigan Afghan Resettlement Team. Those who register will complete a simple survey to indicate what skills and donations they'd like to offer, and will receive updates about opportunities to serve within those selected topics.

"We are so appreciative of the many Michiganders who want to volunteer or offer resources for the Michigan Afghan Resettlement initiative," said Michigan Community Service Commission Executive Director Ginna Holmes. "We encourage residents to sign up to serve and support our new neighbors."

The Afghan Arrivals site allows volunteers to share specific resources they can offer for the variety of tasks needed to help support and welcome individuals and families to the state. Michiganders can volunteer in person or remotely and can donate a variety of goods and services, including financial resources.

"Volunteers and donations from our communities will play a critical role in supporting Afghan Nationals arriving in the coming weeks and months. Together, with our state and local partners, we will work hard to ensure those community contributions are put to good use as we provide arriving men, women and children with the essential services and support they need to begin to rebuild their lives here in Michigan," said the five Michigan resettlement agencies, Bethany Christian Services, Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County, Samaritas, St. Vincent Catholic Charities, and United States Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) - Dearborn, in a joint statement.

Governor Whitmer is focused on making Michigan a more welcoming state. The Office of Global Michigan was established to help grow Michigan's economy by retaining and attracting global talent; and to promote the skills, energy, and entrepreneurial spirit of our immigrant and refugee communities. Consistent with that vision, the office supports immigrant and refugee integration initiatives for the state. It works with state agencies that provide services to immigrants and refugees and strives to minimize or eliminate barriers to accessing those state services. For more information about the Office of Global Michigan, visit: Michigan.gov/OGM.
MECOSTA COUNTY  Friends of the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail are working to get a stretch of trail between Big Rapids and Sand Lake paved.

As part of that effort, they are reaching out to local governmental entities within the surrounding area for support.

Paul Griffith, vice chair of the organization, spoke to the Big Rapids Township board of trustees at its meeting this week, asking for support of this effort.

The governor (Gretchen Whitmer) has had several proposals as to how she would like to see the American Rescue Plan Act funding used, and one of those was a $250 million allotment for state parks and trails, Griffith said. The White Pine Trail is a state park, and I believe would be eligible for that funding.

Griffith added that although Whitmer has made recommendations, the funding still needs to be negotiated, and nothing has been determined as yet.

Starting next month, they will begin working on recommendations and come up with an agreement on how to spend the ARPA money here in Michigan," he said. "We are asking for your support of this resolution, which will then be sent on to the state representatives, senators and others of influence.

Should the $250 million be allocated for state parks and trails, 90% of it will be designate for maintenance purposes, which would include finishing the paving of the trail, Griffith said.

Board members questioned whether the paving of that section of the trail would be considered maintenance or improvement.

I call it maintenance, but it includes improvement, Griffith said. The thing that it (funding) can not be used for is additional park amenities, like adding campsites or adding to the trail. This would be an improvement because the trail is already there and would be going from a natural surface to a hard surface.

The first stretch of the White Pine Trail to be paved was the section between Big Rapids and Reed City in 1998. Since that time, 50 additional miles have been paved, leaving a 29 mile stretch that is still gravel.

We still have 29 miles to pave, and 2.7 of the unpaved miles are in Big Rapids Township, Griffith said. The asphalt stops behind the Sunoco Station down to Sand Lake. It is literally the old railroad bed.

That section is pretty rough and many people that use the trail wont use the unpaved section, he said. Everyone agrees that it would be great to have all 92 miles paved.

Griffith added that they are not looking to just the communities on the 29 miles, however, but at communities all the way from Cadillac down to Cedar Springs.

The Big Rapids city commission approved a resolution of support during their meeting this week and the Mecosta County board of commissioners is expected to do the same during their meeting this morning.

City manager Mark Gifford said during the board meeting that paving the trail is an important issue to the community.

Having it paved will benefit business and industry, travel and tourism, Gifford said. I just dont see a downside, and with the development we are looking to do at the trailhead, the timing is very good.

Gifford added that with the potential for funding from the state, hopefully the collective voice from those living along the trail will have some impact on those funding decisions.

Griffith said they have received support from the Reed City Chamber of Commerce and the Reed City Rotary Club, as well.
MANISTEE COUNTY  The following includes reports made to the Manistee County Sheriffs Office from Sept. 5-11.

All calls may not be reported. This is part of a lengthy report and is compiled by assistant editor Arielle Breen.

Sept. 5

 Deputies assisted EMS at 6:40 a.m. in Manistee Township.

 A property damage crash was reported at 4:15 p.m. in Arcadia Township.

 Attempted larceny of a catalytic converter was reported at 1:37 p.m. in the county.

 A dirt bike personal injury crash was reported at 2:16 p.m. in Stronach Township.

 A verbal domestic incident was reported at 12:44 p.m. in Springdale Township.

 A personal injury crash and operating while intoxicated incident was reported at 6:32 p.m. in Maple Grove Township.

Sept. 6

 Deputies assisted with a domestic incident at 12:55 a.m. in Bear Lake Township.

 Deputies conducted a property check at 4:05 a.m. in Filer Township.

 Larceny from a motor vehicle was reported at 4:15 p.m. in Arcadia Township.

 A vehicle-deer crash was reported at 9:15 a.m. in Springdale Township.

 Larceny was reported at 4:30 p.m. in Marilla Township.

 Deputies assisted with a fire at 7:30 p.m. in Manistee Township.

Sept. 7

 A vehicle-deer accident was reported at 8:22 a.m. in Onekama Township.

 Counterfeit money was reported at 11:59 a.m. in Cleon Township.

 A juvenile assault incident was reported at 1 p.m. in Norman Township.

 Malicious destruction of government property was reported at noon in the Manistee County Jail.

 A person was reported to have been driving without insurance and open intoxicants in Maple Grove Township.

Sept. 8

 A one-vehicle personal injury crash was reported at 6:33 a.m. in the county.

 A vehicle-deer accident was reported at 8:30 a.m. in Manistee Township.

 A property dispute was reported at noon in Onekama Township.

 A verbal domestic incident was reported in Norman Township.

 A vehicle-deer accident was reported in Filer Township.

 Retail fraud was reported at 8 p.m. in Filer Township.

Sept. 9

 A 911 call was abandoned at 10:41 a.m. in Springdale Township.

 A dog bite was reported in Dickson Township.

 Animal control was called to Springdale Township at 10:24 p.m.

Sept. 10

 Harassment was reported at 11:40 a.m. in Bear Lake Township.

 A person was reported to have been driving without a license at 8:35 p.m. in Maple Grove Township.

 A neighbor dispute and harassment were reported at 8:39 p.m. in Maple Grove Township.

 Deputies assisted the Manistee City Police Department with a domestic incident at 12:21 a.m. in Manistee.

 A person was reported to have been driving with open intoxicants at 9:57 p.m. in Maple Grove Township.

 Family trouble was reported 6:10 p.m. in Manistee Township.

Sept. 11

 Deputies assisted a citizen at 12:17 p.m. in Filer Township.

 Deputies assisted a citizen at 9:36 a.m. in Filer Township.

 Harassment was reported at 2:39 p.m. in Norman Township.

 Fraud was reported at 3:51 p.m. in Filer Township.

 Neighbor trouble was reported at 10:43 a.m. in Manistee Township.

 A suspicious fire was reported at 7:34 p.m. in Springdale Township.

 A civil matter was reported at 5:40 p.m. in Cleon Township.

 Deputies conducted traffic policing at 6:54 p.m. in Bear Lake Township.

 Deputies attempted to locate a drunk driver in Manistee Township at 1:45 a.m.

 Loud music was reported at 11:35 a.m. in Cleon Township.

 A person was reported as being suicidal and missing at 7:40 p.m. in Manistee Township.
TOP PERFORMERS

Taylor Benaitis, Northwest Catholic: The junior outside hitter had a double-double with 13 kills and 19 digs to help Northwest Catholic get past Windsor 3-2 on Friday.

Evelyn Brenton, Glastonbury: The junior led the Guardians with 13 kills, five aces and four blocks during a 3-2 win over Bristol Eastern on Friday.

Sydney Clark, Northwest Catholic: The senior libero amassed 28 digs during a five-set victory over Windsor on Friday. She has 67 digs in her last three matches, and 179 this season.

Maura Conlan, Stratford: Conlan, a junior, led Stratford to a 3-0 shutout of town rival Bunnell, picking up 12 assists, seven digs and three aces.

Leilani Gillespie, Darien: The junior hitter had 13 kills, seven digs and one ace to help lead the Blue Wave past Trumbull 3-0 in an FCIAC showdown on Saturday. She also had 10 kills and six digs in a 3-0 shutout against Westhill last Thursday.

Lucy Grillo, Brien McMahon: The senior collected 12 kills, 15 digs and four aces to help the Senators defeat Wilton in four sets on Tuesday.

Ally Hadley, RHAM: Hadley, a junior, led the Raptors with 32 digs during a 3-1 victory over South Windsor. She also had 10 kills and one ace in the win. Hadley had 11 kills, 14 digs and six aces in a shutout of New Britain last Friday.

Abby Jones, Bristol Eastern: The setter racked up 59 assists and 14 digs, but the Lancers fell to Glastonbury 3-2 on Friday.

Sydney Katz, Ridgefield: The senior collected 38 assists in the Tigers 3-1 victory against Warde on Saturday.

Halle Krause, Guilford: Krause hit double digits in two categories with 18 kills and 14 digs as the Grizzlies defeated Shelton 3-2 in an SCC battle last Friday.

Madison Lodovico, Bristol Central: The junior put down 19 kills and had five digs in Bristol Centrals 3-1 win over Farmington on Friday.

Jayna MacKenzie, Sheehan: MacKenzie had 16 kills, seven digs and four aces in Shehans five-set victory over Sacred Heart Academy last Friday.

Avery Mola, Cheshire: The junior hitter had 16 kills, two aces and one block as the Rams took down Amity 3-0 in a battle of unbeaten teams last Friday.

Nyssa Park, Conard: Park, a senior, did a bit of everything with 29 assists, 12 digs, two kills and a pair of aces in a 3-0 shutout of East Catholic on Friday. She also had 25 assists, four digs and eight aces in a 3-0 shutout of Northwest Catholic last Wednesday.

Brenna Piller, Simsbury: The junior collected 30 assists and 18 kills during a 3-1 win over Farmington last Wednesday.

Daisy Pope, Guilford: The senior setter dished out 34 assists to help Guilford top Shelton in five sets on Friday.

Jillian Roche, Darien: Roche collected 21 kills and 23 digs in two games as Darien blanked Westhill and Trumbull last week. She had 17 digs and eight kills against Westhill, and 13 kills and eight digs against Trumbull.

Kat Roth, New Canaan: The Rams setter racked up 57 assists in five sets as New Canaan defeated Wilton 3-2 on Saturday.

Emma Rousseau, Seymour: The senior setter dished out 27 assists as the Wildcats swept Naugatuck 3-0 in a battle between two NVL contenders on Tuesday.

Julia Rusi, Kennedy: Rusi, a senior, collected 24 kills and 20 digs to help lead Kennedy past Holy Cross in five sets on Tuesday.

Lily Stevens, New Canaan: The sophomore hitter had a huge game with 38 kills and 31 digs to lead the Rams to a five-set win over Wilton on Saturday.

Hannah Webber, Bristol Eastern: Webber collected 35 kills, 14 digs and three aces in the Lancers five-set loss to Glastonbury on Friday.

GAMES TO WATCH

Ludlowe at Trumbull, Thurs., 5:30 p.m.: Ludlowe was the only team to defeat Trumbull during last years shortened season. The Falcons have been solid this fall, earning the No. 6 spot in the state poll, while Trumbull sits just outside the Top 10.

Seymour at Woodland, Thurs., 6 p.m.: Seymour remained unbeaten after knocking off Naugatuck on Tuesday, and now takes on another strong NVL rival in Woodland. Woodland lost two of its first three, but has since won seven straight matches.

Ludlowe at St. Joseph, Sat., 11:30 a.m.: Ludlowe is in the midst of a tough stretch which has included losses to No. 1 Greenwich and No. 3 Darien. St. Joseph is another challenge, as the Cadets are unbeaten in the FCIAC.

Trumbull at Greenwich, Sat., Noon: Trumbull has stumbled of late, losing two straight to Darien and Ridgefield heading into a match with Ludlowe on Thursday. This is yet another tough matchup, as the Cards have won 22 straight and are ranked No. 1 in the state.

Greenwich at New Canaan, Mon., 5:30 p.m.: Top-ranked Greenwich is receiving a true test this week, facing defending Class LL champion Trumbull, New Canaan and Darien in a span of five days.

Stratford at Weston, Tues., 5:30 p.m.: The last two unbeaten teams in the SWC square off. Stratford has dropped just one set in nine matches, while Weston has won three five-setters en route to an 11-0 mark.

Kennedy at Naugatuck, Tues., 6 p.m.: An NVL clash between two-loss teams. Kennedy bounced back from a loss to Torrington to defeat Holy Cross in five sets on Tuesday. Naugatuck had a five-match win streak snapped against Seymour on Tuesday.

Greenwich at Darien, Wed., 4 p.m.: No. 1 vs. No. 3. While Greenwich won all three meetings with the Wave last year, none were shutouts and two went to five sets, including in the FCIAC West Division final.

RHAM at Conard, Wed. 5 p.m.: A battle at the top of the CCC standings. No. 4 Conard is unbeaten at 9-0, while No. 7 RHAM is 9-1 and has won eight straight since a loss to Southington week one.

- Dave Stewart
MIDDLETOWN  The city police department was awarded a $25,000 grant from the state Department of Transportation for its efforts to lessen distracted driving in the area.

The Common Council unanimously voted to accept the money during its meeting Monday night. The point of the grant is to fund an extra focus on distracted driving in order to reduce fatalities and injuries caused especially by the use of hand-held devices.

The DOT looked at a number of factors before determining which departments in the state would receive a grant, including statistics on traffic volume and crash rate per population. Officer Peter Botsacos, part of the departments traffic division, said the problem is not limited to Middletown.

I think its needed all over the state. Its not just our area, Botsacos said at the meeting.

He said there are a few potential ways the money can be spent. More officers may be hired, or existing officers may be sent out on extra patrols. He said the heightened attention to this issue will be organized into two waves: one to take place in the next few weeks, and the other in the spring.

Police Lt. Brain Hubbs provided more details on what these additional efforts will look like. They alternate between surveillance-based enforcement, and patrolling the area in a cruiser looking for violations, he said.

Officers working these shifts are required to track their activity and report it so that updated traffic stats can then be sent to the DOT, he added.

Connecticut laws against distracted driving state that no person shall engage in any activity not related to the actual operation of a motor vehicle that interferes with its safe operation on a highway. While this encompasses a number of activities, Hubbs said the focus will be on cellphones and texting.

According to AAA, distracted driving kills an average of nine people and injures over 1,000 every day in the United States.

Botsacos explained that statistics are hard to obtain, because motorists who cause an accident often lie about why they were distracted.

This is the second year in a row that Middletown were selected as a recipient of the grant. Botsacos said that last year the department used the same approach with a fall and spring wave of extra surveillance.

During those two efforts in 2020, a total of 459 motor vehicle stops were conducted, he said. This year were hoping to do the same.

Not all of these stops resulted in an arrest or citation because the main goal is making sure drivers are aware of the law, Botsacos said. We werent just out there trying to enforce and issue tickets. We were trying to educate the public.

This particular grant is 100 percent reimbursable with no overall financial impact on the city.

Correction: The story headline has been updated to reflect that the grant was in the amount of $25,000.
Three of the longest-serving workers for a McDonalds restaurant on Interstate-95 in Darien are suing the company after they were laid off in the coronavirus pandemic, then not rehired despite a new state law that requires the recalling of employees on the basis of seniority.

Its believed to be the first lawsuit under a state statute that went into effect July 13, which applies to layoffs in certain industries during the pandemic emergency.

The workers, with a combined 53 years of service, say they were laid off last year and have not been offered their jobs back by the Windsor Locks-based Michell Enterprises, LLC, which owns McDonalds restaurants in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Jersey.

In a complaint filed in state Superior Court, aided by a union thats trying to organize fast-food workers at service plazas on Connecticut highways, the three are asking for back wages and benefits, as well as punitive damages and legal costs.

We didnt get a phone call, we didnt get anything, said Mario Franco of Stamford, a 26-year employee of the I-95 McDonalds, through an interpreter outside Superior Court in Hartford during a morning news conference and rally on Wednesday, led by the SEIU 32BJ union.

It could happen to me and I dont want it to happen to anyone else, said Franco, who had been making $15.15 an hour following a settlement between the restaurant owners and the state Department of Labor when he, Pilas Mestanza and Rosa Franco, also of Stamford, were laid-off. Mario and Rosa Franco are not related.

In all, eight experienced workers were not recalled, Franco and union officials said. The lawsuit alleges that the workers were laid off in October, 2020, and that Michell hired other people in September of 2021.

Michell Enterprises did not return calls for comment, and its legal representatives on Wednesday had not responded to the filing of the lawsuit. The president of the company is George R. Michell of New Canaan, according to state business registration filings. Its chief financial officer, Linda Cukurs of Chicago, also did not return a request for comment.

Rochelle Palache, SEIU 32BJ vice-president and head of the Connecticut district, said the three plaintiffs were most likely not rehired because of their support for the union. Mario Franco and Rosa Franco were both in a 2019 Hearst CTInsider column about the union drive. Retaliation for union activity is barred under state and federal laws.

The recall law, which took effect on July 13 when it was signed by Gov. Ned Lamont, was the idea of two of the General Assemblys most liberal lawmakers on labor issues: state Rep. Robyn Porter of New Haven and Sen. Julie Kushner of Danbury, the Democratic co-chairwomen of the Labor and Public Employees Committee.

The law nearly failed this past spring. After Kushner led its passage through the Senate, business groups including state restaurateurs and business lobbyists complained it would raise costs as the pandemic still battered the state economy. So, for its passage in the House, Porter agreed to set a time limit on the bills effectiveness. Porter won House approval after the addition of a date to terminate  sunset  the law in May of 2022.

The amendment meant the Senate had to again act on the legislation. It passed on June 9, the last day of the legislative session. Porter said it came really close to failing in the waning days of the 2021 General Assembly. It covers workers in the lodging, food services and building service industries.

Kushner, in an interview along with Porter after the Hartford rally, recalled that the idea for the law started at a union event for workers laid off during the pandemic at the northbound Darien Service Plaza.

We walked them back inside and asked the employers if they would hire them back and they had no response for us, Kushner said. Then, she and Porter found out there was legislation elsewhere in the country that could force companies to recall veteran employees.

California and Nevada have similar laws to protect workers. An identical ordinance was passed locally in New Haven last year. Thats what really made it personal for me, Porter said. There was no reason why we shouldnt be able to do this at the state level and take care of all workers. Set a precedent.

Nicole Rothgeb, the attorney handling the case for the workers, said under the law, employers with at least 15 employees who let go workers during the pandemic, must give them the opportunity to be rehired based on their number of years of service.

Theres no requirement of any ill motive or untoward, draconian undermining motivation that an employee has to prove, Rothgeb said. Its simply, this is what the law requires the employer to do and if they dont, then theres liability. Its not about showing a hidden motivation.

Rothgeb believes its the first case involving the new law.

Some of the McDonalds workers also have pending cases before the National Labor Relations Board and the state Department of Labor, including disputes over attempts to unionize; and a dispute over whether the workers are entitled to a higher standard wage because the service plazas are on state property.

Former state Labor Commissioner Kurt Westby ordered Michell to pay nearly about $870,000 in back wages to 264 McDonalds employees at Michell locations in Fairfield County, in September, 2020. Westby, who retired in June, was previously head of SEIU 32BJ in Connecticut.

Kushner, a retired regional labor leader who was elected to the Senate in 2018, and Porter, a seven-year member of the House, said they would like to revisit the law next year and possibly lengthen the period of its activity beyond May, 2022.

Porter, during remarks to the crowd, said Michell Enterprises has been engaging in union-busting activities at a time when the states Unemployment Trust Fund helped companies as well as workers stay afloat in the pandemics dire business climate.

We gave them relief, Porter said. So where is the relief for the workers who have committed and dedicated their lives like Mario, to a company that is making millions? Wheres the trickle-down? There is no trickle down, and thats why this legislation and the work that we do at the state House on behalf of this labor movement is so critically important. Essential workers matter. Theres no profit without the people.

kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT
DEEP RIVER  The decision by gun-maker Smith & Wesson to shutter its manufacturing center in town and relocate to a state with unwavering support of the 2nd Amendment, drew skepticism from local leaders this week, who said the move was more likely motivated by profit.

The company announced its plans last week to move headquarters from its longtime home in Springfield, Mass., to Maryville, Tenn., citing attempts by Massachusetts lawmakers to ban the manufacturing of assault weapons in the state.

But despite its stated rationale for the move, Smith & Wesson said it plans to continue manufacturing revolvers at its plant in Massachusetts, while employing more than 1,000 workers there. Along with its corporate headquarters, the company said it plans to move its smaller facilities in Deep River and in Missouri to a new facility being built with a $120 million investment in Tennessee.

Reasons for move questioned

The collateral impact of the move on Connecticut  a state whose gun laws Smith & Wesson did not address in its announcement of the move  left local officials questioning the companys motives.

I think this is purely a business decision, to move to a state with a lower minimum wage, and lower costs for them, said Deep River First Selectman Angus McDonald. To throw politics into it is good headlines, but Im not sure how real that is.

McDonald said he first learned of the plans to close the Deep River plant, which Smith & Wesson announced Thursday, when he was contacted last week by a reporter from a local TV station. The plant is the third-largest taxpayer in town, McDonald said, adding that the move would deal a big blow to municipal revenues.

Smith & Wesson did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday regarding the impact of its decision on Deep River.

In its original statement announcing its decision, the company said the move would affect more than 750 employees across all three impacted locations, beginning in 2023. The company said it will provide relocation assistance to employees who are willing to move with the company, as well as enhanced severance packages to those who do not.

McDonald said the Deep River plant employs more than 100 people, most of whom commute from towns in New London County. The plant serves as the gun-makers plastic injection molding facility, producing more than 33 million parts each year.

We are deeply saddened by the impact that this difficult decision will have on so many of our dedicated employees, but, in order to preserve future jobs, and for the viability of our business in the long term, we are left with no choice but to relocate these functions to a state that does not propose burdensome restrictions on our company, Smith & Wesson President Mark Smith said in a statement.

The statement referred to legislation proposed by lawmakers in Boston that would ban the manufacturing of assault weapons for commercial sale outside of law enforcement and military uses. Supporters of the bill point to the use of Smith & Wesson weapons during mass shootings in Parkland, Fla., Aurora, Colo., and elsewhere.

Smith & Wesson said that the sales of such weapons accounted for more than 60 percent of its revenues last year.

State Sen. Norm Needleman, D-Essex, said he, too, doubted the companys pronouncements regarding its decision to close the plant. He noted that the facility was once operated by a company with local ties, Tri-Town Plastics, before being purchased by Smith & Wesson in 2014.

If thats what theyre saying, thats what theyre saying, Needleman said. Whether thats true, Im less than convinced.

Both Needleman and another area lawmaker, state Rep. Christine Palm, D-Chester, said that the companys rationale for leaving, if true, represented an unwillingness by Smith & Wesson to work with lawmakers to enact gun control measures that are supported by most Americans, while still protecting the rights of gun owners.

A line in the sand

It seems like they drew a line in the sand, Palm said. The corporate leadership didnt want to be challenged on gun safety, and they decided to go to a place where they wouldnt be challenged.

In addition to its opposition to the proposed Massachusetts law, Smith & Wesson cited a number of other factors behind its move to Tennessee, including the low cost of living, quality of life, outdoor recreation, and a welcoming, business friendly environment.

The company did not say whether it was offered any economic incentives by state or local authorities to build its new headquarters. Tennessee is one of nine states that does not levy an income tax.

McDonald said that he would be willing to discuss incentives to keep Smith & Wesson in Deep River, though, he added, as far as I can tell, their minds are made up.

Connecticut, long known as an epicenter of gun manufacturing, has seen the industry decline over recent years with companies such as Remington and Winchester Repeating Arms abandoning the state.

Speaking to Hearst in 2019, industry experts cited both economic incentives offered by other states as well as Connecticuts strict gun laws as reasons for those departures.
GUILFORD  The campaign manager for the towns Republican slate of Board of Education candidates says comments she made about how helping kids of color has a negative impact on white children were taken out of context during a University of Connecticut education forum.

Mary Beeman, the campaign manager for the group Parents for Guilford Students, made the comments last week during the UConn virtual forum on race in education.

In the forums chat, Beeman commented, helping kids of color to feel they belong has a negative effect on white, Christian, or conservative kids.

Beemans slate of GOP candidates has sparked an ongoing debate on how race is taught in Guilford schools. The candidates, who could not be reached for comment about Beemans remarks, have claimed critical race theory is being taught in the towns schools. CRT is a controversial academic framework through which to view systems of racism and oppression in America.

However, Guilford Public Schools Superintendent Paul Freeman and other officials have said critical race theory is not being taught in town.

Beeman could not be reached for comment Thursday, but in a statement posted on Facebook, she said her remarks during the forum were poorly worded and shown out of context.

In her statement posted on the Facebook group, Not So Simply Guilford, Beeman said her comment was in response to a statement Freeman made during the webinar about the importance of children of color fitting in.

Guilford students who may have staunch Judeo-Christian values  or simply are conservative thinkers  have been bullied into submission by their teachers and fellow students with left-leaning ideologies, Beeman, a former Guilford Board of Education member, wrote in her statement. Not only is diversity of thought being stifled, students are being victimized socially and emotionally because they have a different perspective.

Beeman concluded by stating that all children, regardless of race, religion, culture or sexual orientation, need to be treated with kindness and respect and taught to treat others that way.

Beemans statement came after Chris Moore posted in the Facebook group a screenshot of her comments, which he said was sent to him.

I actually reached out to her to see if it was true she had said this because I had a hard time believing it and her response was that if it became part of public discourse it would prove her right, Moore wrote on Facebook and reiterated in an interview Thursday with Hearst Connecticut Media.

Protect Guilford Schools, a slate of two Democrats and three Independents running against Beemans candidates, released a statement about the comments, standing against racism and prejudice.

Democratic Board of Education incumbent Moira Rader said in a press release that theres no room for interpretation of Beemans comment.

In her comment, Ms. Beeman seeks to lump kids into two groups, white and non-white, Rader said in the release. She has called on our public schools to abandon efforts towards diversity, equity and inclusion. Our board has devoted much time and energy towards successfully prioritizing the social and emotional wellbeing of every student. Such racist outlooks would dismantle this important progress.

The ACLU of Connecticut shared resources for those impacted by Beemans comment, including the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and Dignity in Schools, a national coalition that aims to empower families and educators to fight racism and oppression in schools.

Its reprehensible that someone seeking to influence public education shows such a fundamental lack of interest in the wellbeing of children of color, and such a severe underestimation of other childrens capacities to learn from and with their classmates, said Dan Barrett, the legal director of the ACLU of Connecticut.

Barrett also said the government has a responsibility to create a safe, inclusive learning environment for all children in public schools, including all students of color.

christine.derosa@hearstmediact.com
The Army announced Wednesday that it is launching a one-year pilot program establishing resource centers for victims of sexual assault and harassment.

The program aims to centralize a variety of resources for victims, including legal support, investigations and medical services. Previously, victims of sexual harassment or assault have often faced a labyrinth of military bureaucracy to access basic services or start an investigation, a process usually kicked off by a meeting with their chain of command.

"The intent is we bring together a host of services in a centralized location so it's much more responsive for victims," Col. Kelly Webster, deputy director of the Army's People First Task Force, told reporters Wednesday.

The centers still would report to the senior leadership of that installation, but could give a victim means to maneuver around their immediate chain of command, which can include the perpetrator or supervisors who may want to protect the perpetrator.

"It doesn't eliminate, but reduces the likelihood of any retaliation," Webster said.

Read Next: 2 Soldiers Die at Fort Bragg on the Same Day in Unrelated Incidents

However, the Army idea is not new.

There have been sexual assault resource centers in the past, some of which still exist. This pilot is effectively a sequel to a 2014 program that established victim centers, but they were largely starved of resources and never became commonplace on bases.

"In some places, this already exists, but they didn't look like what we're envisioning for this pilot," said Col. Erica Cameron, the lead on the Army's redesigned sexual assault prevention program. "There's additional personnel. In many cases, they didn't have direct support."

Army documents provided to Military.com noted some of the motivation for the new centers were delays in services for victims, slow responsiveness of services, and poor communication of resources for victims.

For active-duty soldiers, the program will be tested at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Fort Irwin, California; Fort Riley, Kansas; and Fort Sill, Oklahoma.

The Army Reserve will have a small pilot program in the 99th Readiness Division headquarted at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey. The National Guard will not be involved in the pilot program due to the 50 states and four territories all having their own rules, as well as Guardsmen having a mishmash of different types of state and federal orders that can confuse policy.

The pilot program is one of the Army's first big shifts to address sexual assault and harassment a year and a half after the brutal slaying of Spc. Vanessa Guillen.

Guillen was bludgeoned to death with a hammer by Spc. Aaron Robinson, who later killed himself when law enforcement was closing in to take him into custody. While investigators never concluded whether Robinson harassed her, Guillen previously reported being sexuallay harassed by another soldier -- twice -- but her leadership never took action.

Her murder was a flashpoint across the entire Defense Department and Congress, triggering a reckoning on the failure of military leaders to protect the rank and file.

The unresolved issued of sexual assault and harassment in the force culminated in a damning Fort Hood, Texas, investigation in December that unveiled systemic leadership failures responsible for an environment where it was permissible to harass and assault soldiers, mostly women.

In a letter to the force Wednesday signed by Army Secretary Christine Wormuth, Army Chief of Staff James McConville and Sergeant Major of the Army Michael Grinston, the trio acknowledged that "structural changes" are needed to revamp the force's sexual assault prevention policies in light of Guillen's death and that they need feedback from soldiers on the pilot program.

"Over the past year and a half, our Army embarked on an unprecedented review of how we care for people," the trio said in a statement. "Our Army needs your help and support as we test this new approach to improving our response and support to victims."

Women remain an extreme minority in the Army, making up only 16% of the force. Sexual assault and harassment festered within the rank and file for decades, with little evidence that leaders have put a dent in the issue.

This year, under pressure from Congress, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered an independent review of how sexual assaults are handled and in June accepted all its reform recommendations, including removing commanders from decisions over sexual assault prosecutions.

However, the Pentagon in September said it will be 2027 before its first tranche of military-wide sexual assault reforms can be implemented.

"The DoD efforts in this space will be the largest ever attempted. No university, no major institution is at our scale," Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks said. "We want to move fast, but we want to make sure these changes last and we build back that trust."

Reports of sexual assault in the military marginally increased in 2020, a year in which most troops were largely in lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Annual data released by the Pentagon shows that assaults involving troops went up 1% compared to 2019.

According to the report, there were 7,816 reported sexual assaults.

-- Steve Beynon can be reached at Steve.Beynon@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StevenBeynon.

Related: Pentagon's First Wave of Sexual Assault Reforms Will Take 6 Years to Complete
A Sikh Marine is considering a lawsuit to force the Department of the Navy to grant him permission to wear a turban and beard at all times in accordance with his faith.

First Lt. Sukhbir Toor, an active-duty fire support officer for 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines, applied in March for a religious accommodation to wear a beard and turban and to not cut his hair. The application was made with the help of an advocacy group called the Sikh Coalition.

The Navy's response in June largely prohibited Toor from wearing his turban and beard, and he soon filed an appeal, the coalition said in a Sept. 27 press release.

In August, the Navy granted Toor a partial accommodation to wear his turban and beard in some circumstances -- but not all. The service said he would have to shave and remove his turban when assigned to a ceremonial unit, such as an honor guard. He also would have to shave his beard when deployed and receiving hostile-fire or imminent-danger pay.

The Sikh Coalition said this amounted to an "incomplete and flawed accommodation ... which recognizes his right to maintain his articles of faith but still imposes undue restrictions on his free exercise of religion."

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The group said it is now considering what its last steps might be before filing a lawsuit.

The New York Times first reported on Toor's case.

A Marine Corps spokesman said in an email Wednesday that Toor's job as an artillery officer would make it unsafe to wear his turban and beard while deployed.

In the email, Maj. Jordan Cochran pointed to a section of the regulations on religious accommodations outlining safety hazards, which state that the service can consider whether the religious apparel might pose a health or safety hazard, or interfere with the wear or proper function of special or protective clothing or equipment.

"When in a different billet (job) outside of his primary [military occupation specialty], 1st Lt. Toor will be able to exercise his accommodation on multiple occasions over the course of his career when mission parameters of his unit permit," Cochran said.

The Sikh faith requires men not to shave or cut their hair, and to cover their hair with a turban. If Toor's request is approved, the coalition said it likely would be the first time the Marine Corps had granted a Sikh a full accommodation.

In recent years, other services have granted troops religious accommodations to grow beards or otherwise be exempted from some dress or grooming regulations. In 2019, for example, the Air Force granted a Sikh airman permission to wear a turban, beard and long hair.

The Air Force granted a beard waiver to a Muslim airman in 2018, and waivers to at least two Norse Heathen airmen in 2019. And in 2020, the service updated its regulations to formally lay out the process by which airmen can request religious accommodation waivers.

When Toor joined the Marines in October 2017, the coalition said, he made the "extremely difficult decision" to shave his beard and cut his hair to meet the service's grooming standards and serve his country.

With his promotion to captain coming up this fall, Toor decided to ask for a religious accommodation, hoping his record would be enough to receive approval.

"For more than three years, I have proven my commitment to excelling in the U.S. Marine Corps and defending my country," Toor said in the press release. "Now, I am simply asking for a religious accommodation that will permanently allow my turban and beard, so that I can once again be true to my faith while continuing my career of service."

Amrith Kaur Aakre, the legal director for the Sikh Coalition, said the group understands that the military services sometimes have legitimate safety concerns when asked for these kinds of accommodations. The group's clients have engaged in those conversations in good faith in the past, she said.

"What we've seen from the USMC in 1st Lt. Toor's case, however, is a continual push to ground their objections to accommodation in outdated notions of uniformity and unit cohesion that are not reflective of the diversity of our nation," Aakre said in an email.

Giselle Klapper, a senior staff attorney for the Sikh Coalition, urged Marine Corps Commandant Gen. David Berger to review Toor's service record and grant him an accommodation that would allow him to continue serving while following his faith.

-- Stephen Losey can be reached at stephen.losey@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @StephenLosey.

Related: Air Force Issues New Guidelines for Beards, Turbans and Hijabs
More than 92% of active-duty troops have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine as service deadlines for getting the jab approach.

But roughly 103,000 service members haven't even gotten their first shot despite deadlines for being fully immunized. That includes roughly 48,600 Army soldiers, 7,000 Navy sailors, 15,500 Air Force airmen and Space Force Guardians, and 26,800 Marines, according to statistics released by the services.

With the Air Force and Space Force deadline of Nov. 2 less than four weeks away, the airmen and Guardians who have not yet been vaccinated will miss the mandate unless they opt to get the one-dose vaccine made by Johnson & Johnson within the next two weeks.

According to data obtained Wednesday by Military.com, 90% of the Army, 98% of the Navy, 95.4% of the Air Force and Space Force, and 85% of the Marine Corps have been partially or fully vaccinated.

For the Coast Guard, which falls under the Department of Homeland Security, 92% of the active duty force has received at least one dose, while 86% are fully vaccinated.

An official told Military.com that Coast Guard men and women have been ordered to "be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as operations allow, starting immediately."

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While Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced in late August that all U.S. service members will be required to get the COVID-19 vaccine, he left it to the military branches to draft their own policies for how and when troops should be vaccinated.

The airmen and Guardians who have not yet started their shot series have missed the window for making the deadline with the only vaccine officially approved by the Food and Drug Administration -- the Comirnaty vaccine made by Pfizer -- which requires two shots within three weeks of each other followed by two weeks to build maximum immune response.

They also aren't able to get the Moderna vaccine, which is available under an emergency use authorization and requires six weeks from first shot to full immunity.

But they still can opt for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, also available under emergency use, by Oct. 19 to be fully vaccinated by their services' deadlines.

The deadline for active-duty sailors and Marines to be fully vaccinated is Nov. 28, meaning they will need to get the first Pfizer vaccine shot by Oct. 24, their first Moderna vaccine by Oct. 17 or, at the latest, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine by Nov. 14.

Active-duty soldiers have a little more wiggle room for getting their shots: The Army's deadline is Dec. 15.

Army Col. Aaron Bohrer, director of the Training Maneuver Support Center of Excellence at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, told Kansas City Public Media station KCUR Wednesday that soldiers who have not been immunized are receiving counseling from their commanders and must watch a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention video on the vaccines' development and safety.

If they continue to refuse their commander's vaccine order, they must meet with a medical provider and again with their commanders. Those who still refuse will receive a memo locally or placed in their permanent record saying they have not followed "a lawful order ... and that's detrimental for good order and discipline of their unit."

Once the deadline passes, however, the procedure could change, Bohrer said.

"It will potentially change as we see what our numbers are of total refusals and as these religious exemption or medical exemption [applications] are processed," Bohrer said on the KCUR show Up to Date. "The phase II operation may start as soon as 16 December, and that may be a decision point for our senior leadership that says you will start administratively separating soldiers that refuse the vaccine or there may be other ways we go with that."

The deadlines for Reserve and National Guard members are slightly different by service. The Army Reserve and National Guard have until June 30, 2022, to be vaccinated, while the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard have until Dec. 2 of this year.

The deadline for members of the Navy Reserve and Marine Corps Reserve is Dec. 28.

The House version of the annual defense authorization bill contains a provision that would prohibit the services from discharging members with anything less than an honorable discharge for refusing the vaccine order.

The Senate's version does not yet include the provision, although a separate bill has been introduced in the chamber by several Republicans, including Sen. Roger Marshall of Kansas.

"As a physician and veteran who is confident that the vaccine has saved countless lives, I believe vaccinating our service members against COVID-19 is an important effort; however, whether or not to receive the vaccine should be a personal choice between an individual and their doctor," Marshall said in a press release. "Service members who refuse to get vaccinated, and are subsequently separated from the service, should not receive anything other than an honorable discharge."

As of Wednesday, 62 U.S. service members have died from COVID-19, including 36 in just the last three months.

The deaths in the last week include an active-duty sailor, Aviation Electrician's Mate 1st Class Cory Weber, 51, who died Oct. 3 in Las Vegas after a battle with COVID-19 that began Sept. 20 when he was hospitalized for the illness.

Weber was assigned to Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Command in Fallon, Nevada.

The Army and the Texas National Guard also recorded the deaths of three yet-to-be-identified troops in the past week from the coronavirus.

Despite the rise in deaths in the U.S. military since the summer, the case fatality rate within the services remains low, at .025%, compared with 1.6% in the general U.S. population.

Roughly one-third of those members known to have died of COVID-19 were 40 years old or younger; the youngest was 23 while the oldest was 61. According to defense officials, none was fully vaccinated.

There have been more than 246,700 cases of COVID-19 among U.S. service members.

-- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Monster.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime.

Related: US Troops Go to Court Seeking Vaccine Exemption for Those Who've Had COVID-19
A soldier assigned to the Fifth Special Forces Group at Fort Campbell, Ky., has been charged with murder in the death of his pregnant wife, Army officials said Wednesday.

Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Santiago, 33, a signal support systems specialist, was also charged with injuring the couple's unborn child and he was first taken into custody Sept. 28, one day after the incident, the Army said.

The Army did not say how or when his wife, Meghan Santiago, died. However, a senior Army enlisted soldier who spoke on condition of anonymity said she suffered a brain stem injury that left her on life support.

"Meghan's death is a tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends," said Col. Brent Lindeman, commander of 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). "This tragic event has shaken our entire unit. We take all allegations of domestic violence seriously, and we will provide every resource to ensure a thorough investigation."

Following the incident, the couple's two other children were placed in the temporary custody of the Tennessee Department of Children's Services, the Army said.

The Army also said no further information will be released at this time because the service needs to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.

"The charges in this case are merely accusations and all soldiers accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty," according to the Army.

On Facebook, commenters offered an outpouring of support for Meghan Santiago.

"I'm so sorry that you went through all of the pain and that the person you vowed to share your life with hurt you," one person wrote.

Cindy Lamotta, who identified herself as a family friend, wrote: "Miraculously, the baby survived."
U.S. special operations forces and Marines have been deployed to Taiwan and secretly training its military for at least a year as China becomes increasingly aggressive with its territorial claim on the island, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

A couple of dozen special operators and support troops are training small units of Taiwan's ground forces, while a contingent of Marines is working with local maritime forces on small-boat training, according to the report, which cited unnamed U.S. officials.

The news report came amid a record-setting number of Chinese military flights around the island. The People's Liberation Army made a total of 149 military flights over four days, including 56 on Monday, The Associated Press reported.

It also comes at a time of heightened U.S.-China tensions over issues ranging from trade to human rights to COVID-19 and seems sure to further stoke Beijing's ire.

In a statement to the Journal, the Chinese foreign ministry said the country "will take all necessary steps to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Read Next: 92% of Active-Duty Troops Have Been Vaccinated as Mandatory Deadlines Near

The Marine Corps on Thursday directed questions to the Pentagon, which declined to comment directly on the report when contacted by Military.com. A spokesman did release a general statement on the Pentagon's position toward China and Taiwan.

"I don't have any comments on specific operations, engagements, or training, but I would like to highlight that our support for and defense relationship with Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by the People's Republic of China," spokesman John Supple wrote in an email statement.

Supple said the U.S. urges a peaceful resolution to the tensions over Taiwan, an island democracy just off the coast of the Chinese mainland that signed a mutual defense pact with America in 1954. Beijing considers it a breakaway province and increasingly has been asserting claims to the island despite tolerating some independence in the past.

The Global Times, a Chinese tabloid considered to be a mouthpiece for the Communist Party, in August warned that a U.S. troop presence on Taiwan would lead China to "destroy and expel U.S. troops in Taiwan by military means, and at the same time realize reunification by force." The editorial was a response to a since-deleted tweet from Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, which incorrectly stated 30,000 U.S. troops were stationed in Taiwan.

Under a decades-old policy, the United States maintains "strategic ambiguity" toward Taiwan, meaning Washington does not explicitly say it would come to the island's defense in a conflict with China.

The policy is designed to avoid provoking Beijing while also not emboldening Taiwan into formally declaring independence, a move that could lead to a Chinese invasion.

As part of the "One China" policy, the United States also does not formally have diplomatic relations with Taiwan. But U.S. ties with Taipei City, the capital of Taiwan, have deepened in recent years. In the defense sphere, that has included billions of dollars in arms sales.

Defense officials also have issued increasingly stark warnings about China's designs toward Taiwan, including Adm. John Aquilino, head of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, telling lawmakers earlier this year that the possibility of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan is "much closer to us than most think."

On Wednesday while arguing for a new arms spending package, Taiwan's defense minister, Chiu Kuo-cheng, also warned that military tensions with China are the worst in 40 years and that Beijing could be able to launch a "full-scale" invasion by 2025.

During his confirmation hearing in May, Christopher Maier, the assistant secretary of defense for special operations, told senators he believed Taiwan could benefit from special operations training for irregular warfare, but did not indicate such training was already being conducted.

"I do think that is something that we should be considering strongly as we think about competition across the span of different capabilities we can apply," Maier said.

-- Rebecca Kheel can be reached at rebecca.kheel@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @reporterkheel.

--Travis Tritten can be reached at travis.tritten@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @Travis_Tritten.

Related: China Flies Record 52 Planes Toward Self-Ruled Taiwan
Pandemic aside, military teens are stressed out.

That's a key takeaway from a new survey that should concern the Defense Department. A majority of those polled plan to join the military as adults.

The survey of more than 2,000 teens aged 13 to 19 years old who are in military families found that 42% reported low mental well-being during the pandemic and 45% reported being of moderate well-being. It was published Thursday by the National Military Family Association, or NMFA.

Just 13% said they were better than fine.

It's difficult to determine how the military teen population is holding up compared with the general high school population, since the latest data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is from pre-pandemic 2019 and showed that 37% reported persistent sadness or hopelessness.

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But the military survey still indicates that military "kids are not okay," according to the authors of the report.

"Military teens' well-being is low," wrote the researchers. "We wanted to get an accurate understanding of military teens' mental health. The results weren't good."

The survey, "The Military Teen Experience: A Snapshot of America's Military

Teenagers and Future Force," was conducted by Bloom: Empowering the Military Teen and the National Military Family Association to understand the impact of the pandemic, the military lifestyle and the high operational tempo on the teenage children of service members.

Given that military children learn toward serving themselves, knowing how they are holding up mentally and physically should be of paramount importance to the Defense Department and advocacy groups, explained Besa Pinchotti, executive director and CEO at the NMFA.

The survey found that 65% of respondents said they planned to join the military.

"We always say military kids serve too, and they do, but this is also the population that's going to be serving and protecting our country in the future, so it's an important point," Pinchotti said Thursday in an interview with Military.com.

The poll asked questions about the respondents' sense of mental well-being, including whether they had adequate nutrition and felt supported in their communities and safe in their homes and schools.

In many of those areas, the survey found that teenage military dependents weren't faring well:

More than one-third of the respondents worried about whether their families had enough food or the money to buy more.

45% said they'd endured at least one to four parental deployments, and 62% had moved at least one to five times, leaving them less connected to family and their communities.

11% reported domestic abuse or violence in their homes.

"This really tracks with everything that we hear. We talk to military parents and families really regularly, but not so much directly with the teens," Pinchotti said.

The organization Bloom: Empowering the Military Teen is an online site founded by military teens Elena Ashburn and Matthew Oh to give the military teen community a platform to share their experiences, writing, artwork, memes and more.

"We wanted to know straight from the source," Pinchotti said.

They reported enduring frequent moves and the loss of community every time they were uprooted, as well as long-term separations from their parents.

In terms of schools, one-third said they had attended six to 11 schools in their lifetimes. Nearly a third said they weren't able to participate in an extracurricular activity because they were in a military family or expected to move, and 20% felt they had been treated differently or teased for their military connection.

Nearly half said they had experienced at least one deployment, with about 14% saying they had gone through five to 10 deployments. Fifteen respondents reported 19 or more deployments among one or both of their parents.

Not surprisingly, the survey confirmed that deployments can take a toll on mental health.

"Military teens who reported experiencing more deployments or separations lasting three months or longer generally reported lower mental well-being," the researchers wrote.

While most children, or 57%, said they did not experience or witness any domestic abuse or violence in their homes, 11% said they had. Roughly 5% reported having been abused by a parent, and 5% said they experienced dating violence.

The results also reflected food insecurity, an issue that advocates say is a growing problem among military families and veterans. Of the respondents, 36% said they experienced food insecurity during the pandemic year, including nearly 40% of active-duty dependent respondents.

That may be much higher than the national average.

According to the report, the Department of Agriculture said 10.5% of American families were food insecure in 2020, while the Washington, D.C.-based Brookings Institution think tank found that 27.5% of families with children experienced food insecurity during the pandemic.

Congress has taken notice, and this year the House and Senate versions of the National Defense Authorization Act contain provisions for struggling families to receive extra pay to cover food costs.

The bill has yet to be finalized or signed into law, but it currently contains a "basic needs allowance" that would provide the benefit to troops if their household income does not exceed 130% of the federal poverty level.

Pinchotti said abolishing food insecurity among military families would "go a long way toward helping our military teens' well-being."

This community warrants more research not only for its own well-being but for the national defense, since they are more likely to become the soldiers, sailors, airmen, Guardians and Marines of tomorrow, the authors noted.

A 2019 DoD poll showed that only 13% of Americans aged 16 to 24 said they would likely join the military in the next couple of years. But two-thirds of the study respondents, or 1,379 teens, said they planned to serve.

Given their willingness to join, Pinchotti said the DoD and advocacy groups should do more to support them, including expanded access to mental health services and wellness initiatives, and more programs tailored to their needs.

"We're asking the Department of Defense to make the well-being of our military kids a priority," Pinchotti said.

-- Patricia Kime can be reached at Patricia.Kime@Monster.com. Follow her on Twitter @patriciakime.

Related: DODEA Plans to Reopen Classrooms at All Schools in Fall, But With Virtual Option
A Navy investigation into the deadly sinking of a Marine Corps amphibious assault vehicle last year found leadership confusion, poor communications and gaps in training.

But ultimately the service concluded none of those shortfalls was directly to blame for the incident, which killed eight Marines and a Navy corpsman, according to a report released this week that was more than 800 pages long.

The probe was launched in April after the Marine Corps fired a colonel, a lieutenant colonel and then a two-star general for their roles in the incident. The AAV sank hundreds of feet beneath the surface on its way back to the amphibious transport dock Somerset on July 30, 2020.

The incident happened on the tail end of a day-long exercise, according to the report. The plan was for Marines embarked on the Somerset to launch a mechanized raid on San Clemente Island off the coast of San Diego.

However, the day ended up being fraught with issues.

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Fourteen amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) were supposed to launch, but one broke down inside the transport ship. Another broke down on the island. The AAV that would ultimately sink had issues itself, and Marines added six gallons of transmission fluid to the vehicle.

Later, nine AAVs were returning to the Somerset at around 4:45 p.m. that day when the ill-fated vehicle experienced mechanical failure and began taking on water.

As the vehicle began to take on more water, its commander ordered the Marines to prepare to get out. However, another AAV that came up to help accidentally bumped into the sinking vehicle due to choppy seas, and the impact turned it sideways into the waves.

With a hatch open, a wave quickly filled the troop compartment and the AAV sank with most of its crew still on board.

A subsequent investigation by the Marine Corps found that no single problem caused the AAV to sink that day. Instead, a "sequence of mechanical failures" caused the tragedy.

The Navy's investigation -- the fourth into what leaders have called a truly preventable tragedy -- was released Wednesday, and it doesn't differ significantly from the Marine Corps' findings. It offers few new details or information.

In fact, U.S. Pacific Fleet commander, Adm. Samuel Paparo, noted that "the Navy and the Marine Corps investigations established that poorly-maintained AAVs, inadequately trained personnel and the failure to conduct a timely egress caused the sinking of the AAV and the tragic loss of life" in his endorsement of the findings.

Vice Adm. Steve Koehler, commander of U.S. 3rd Fleet in San Diego, California, in his letter to Paparo, wrote that all the issues raised in the Navy's investigation "were not causal or contributory to the sinking."

Investigators did find, however, that the crew of the Somerset was unsure who had the authority to control the departure of the vehicles from the beach. Also, briefings leading up to the exercise "lacked commonly expected detail," and communication within the ship was "ineffective" throughout the exercise.

The communication issues were highlighted when another AAV with mechanical issues returning from the island caused confusion for the ship's crew.

"There were simultaneous discussions about which AAV was taking on water, how much water it had taken on, and which AAVs were trying to get back to [San Clemente Island] versus trying to return to the ship," investigators wrote.

Instead, the Navy's recommendations following this tragedy focus largely on training and doctrine. Paparo's letter said that the Navy will recommend that all incoming amphibious ship commanders and executive officers get additional amphibious warfare training.

Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener, commander of the Navy's surface forces in the Pacific, said in a statement that the service is "reworking procedures and doctrine, clarifying aspects of amphibious operations, and instituting new training requirements to prevent future tragedies."

The Navy is also making changes to its Wet Well Manual, a document that outlines the rules of launching and recovering craft on amphibious ships.

The service has clarified and tightened the rules around safety boats. Specifically, it will no longer allow another AAV to act as a safety boat -- something that occurred during the launch of the vehicles on July 30, 2020.

It is also requiring ships to have better control over the direction and status of landing craft and to better integrate Marine and Navy training.

Paparo said in his letter that, "unless otherwise directed," he plans to take administrative action in the cases of the commander of the amphibious task force, Capt. Stewart Bateshansky; Somerset's commanding officer, Capt. John Kurtz; and the ship's tactical action officer, who was not identified in the report.

When asked for more detail, Lt. Andrew Bertucci, a Navy spokesman, said that the service "did take administrative actions on some personnel involved" but that he was "not able to provide more information due to the privacy act."

In contrast, the Marine Corps relieved Lt. Col. Michael J. Regner, commanding officer of Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 4th Marines, in October 2020, and Col. Christopher Bronzi, the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit's commanding officer in March 2021 over the incident.

In June of this year, the Corps also fired Maj. Gen. Robert Castellvi as the service's inspector general. Castellvi was the commanding general of the California-based 1st Marine Division at the time of the incident.

In all, 12 Marines have been or will be punished for their roles in the accident, Marine Corps spokesman Capt. Ryan Bruce confirmed to Military.com.

"The Navy and Marine Corps learned from this tragedy, and we are codifying the lessons we have learned as an organization so that the deaths of these Marines and sailor are not in vain," Kitchener said.

-- Konstantin Toropin can be reached at konstantin.toropin@military.com. Follow him on Twitter @ktoropin.

Related: 'Tragic Mishap Was Preventable': How the Marines Failed 9 Troops Whose 35-Year-Old AAV Sank in the Pacific
Republican senators on Thursday hammered the nominee for a key Pentagon military personnel job, arguing past tweets and statements show she will not be able to respect Christian troops' religious freedoms and oversee chaplains.

The political fireworks happened as Brenda "Sue" Fulton, who was tapped by President Joe Biden to be assistant secretary of defense for manpower and reserve affairs, testified at her confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Fulton is a West Point graduate who was the first openly gay member of the academy's Board of Visitors, and she has led several LGBT military groups including SPARTA, which advocates for transgender troops.

Pointing to a tweet where Fulton called Republicans "right-wing anti-everyone nutjobs falling in love with a dictatorship," Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., pressed Fulton on whether she thinks Christian Republican reservists and Guardsmen are "racist" and "nutjobs."

"I'm a Christian, and no, I don't," Fulton replied. "I will, as I have throughout my career, work side by side with Republicans, with Democrats, with independents, with anyone regardless of their political beliefs, for the mission, for what is best for our Armed Forces."

Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., who is the committee chairman, defended Fulton's "extraordinary career" that he said has included working with people of all different ethnicities, as well as political and religious beliefs.

"There's been no complaints by any of your subordinates or any of your superiors about your work," Reed said.

But that was not enough to mollify Republicans, who said they would oppose the nomination.

"I think you'll understand why so many members of this committee and this Senate do not think you are fit to take over this position. You are going to be in charge of military chaplains," said Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., a staunch conservative who is seen as a possible 2024 presidential contender. "You have a long history of offensive, inflammatory accusations against Bible-believing Christians."

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Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., accused Fulton of saying "callous, hateful, divisive and absolutely untrue things" over the years. Republican Sens. Josh Hawley of Missouri and Dan Sullivan of Alaska also explicitly said they would oppose Fulton.

Among the comments at issue was a 2017 interview with The New York Times in which Fulton said military chaplains are required to provide guidance to service members regardless of their religious beliefs.

"What people fail to understand is that chaplains give up some of their rights as ministers when they become military chaplains," Fulton said in 2017.

Republicans argued the statement was anti-religious and shows she should not hold a job where she would be in charge of military chaplains. But Fulton said her point was that a military chaplain is "required to find support for that individual one way or another, either support them themselves or find that support."

"Whereas a civilian could turn someone away and say 'not my job,'" Fulton explained.

Republicans also pointed to a 2011 quote in which Fulton argued the repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy for gay service members and the Defense of Marriage Act, which allowed states to ignore gay marriages, were the product of a "powerful right-wing anti-gay, anti-abortion lobby" that was more radical than Christian.

Cotton zeroed in on tweets in which Fulton said "'religious freedom' is twisted to mean conservative Christians can dictate their views to the rest of us." She also argued for repealing a 1993 law called the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and claimed "the vast majority of white evangelical leaders are utterly unmoored from the gospel of Jesus Christ."

"I support religious freedom, and I would support religious freedom for all of our troops, all of our civilian employees, consistent with the law," she replied.

Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., raised a 2018 social media post in which Fulton said, "It's not a political statement to say the GOP is racist, it's a moral statement, and one backed up by an increasing amount of evidence."

Fulton apologized for the earlier remark.

"The words are muddled and confused, and I deeply regret them," she said during the testimony. "I know that when we talk about race, we have to do it in a way that opens and expands the conversation instead of shutting it. And by that standard, I failed miserably, and I deeply apologize."

Republicans, who have leaned into culture wars as part of their electoral strategy, have attacked a few of Biden's nominees for controversial tweets despite largely staying silent about former President Donald Trump's inflammatory tweets when he was in office.

They locked arms in opposition to Colin Kahl, who was confirmed anyway as undersecretary of defense for policy, over his partisan outbursts on Twitter.

While nominees do not need GOP votes to be confirmed, staunch Republican opposition can slow down a confirmation at a time when key national security jobs remain unfilled more than eight months into Biden's presidency. The chamber's 50-50 party divide also means nominees cannot lose any Democratic support if all Republicans oppose the nomination.

-- Rebecca Kheel can be reached at rebecca.kheel@military.com. Follow her on Twitter @reporterkheel.

Related: Republicans Pounce on Biden's Pick to Run DoD Policy over His Mean Tweets
The Federal Trade Commission recently announced that it is sending notice-of-penalty offenses to 70 for-profit schools that may be violating federal law.

The agency says that for-profit schools sometimes use exaggerated or false promises about their schools and education programs to attract new students and their money. In an attempt to end these illegal practices, the agency is putting 70 of the largest for-profit schools on notice that they are being monitored closely by the government.

Post-9/11 GI Bill veterans enrolled in for-profit schools used $1.2 billion in taxpayer money in FY 2020, compared to the $2.9 billion used for those attending nonprofit and public schools. For-profit schools often offer technical degrees that can lead to high-paying civilian jobs when added to one's military training and skills, and many offer fast-track and employment oriented training.

While the FTC warning does not accuse these schools of illegal practices, the agency says that placing them on a list of notice-of-penalty offenses serves to notify schools that some of the practices in which they have engaged, while not illegal, are unfair or deceptive.

In recent years, for-profit schools have paid hefty penalties. The University of Phoenix agreed to a record $191 million judgment to settle the FTC's charges of deceptive advertising, and DeVry University paid $100 million to settle charges it misrepresented the employment chances and earning ability of its graduates. The schools did not admit to any wrongdoing.

Related: VA Issues Warning on DeVry University

The FTC also cited an example where the agency filed a case against the now-shuttered Career Education Corporation ("CEC"), charging it with recruiting prospective students by using marketers who falsely claimed to be affiliated with the U.S. military.

In prior years, government agencies have taken extreme actions, including closing down some for-profit schools that participated in wrongful recruiting practices.

See: ITT Tech Latest To Come Under Government Scrutiny

See: Senators Ask VA to Help Veterans Affected By School Closure

If you are thinking of using your GI Bill for school, you can visit the VA's website and their School Comparison Tool to see details on which schools are approved for GI Bill benefits, as well as view any student complaints on file for that school.

The Department of Education's College Scorecard and College Navigator also can help you find reputable schools that offer the training programs in which you are interested.

Keep Up With Your Education Benefits

Whether you need a guide on how to use your GI Bill, want to take advantage of tuition assistance and scholarships, or get the lowdown on education benefits available for your family, Military.com can help. Subscribe to Military.com to have education tips and benefits updates delivered directly to your inbox.
In the grand tradition of bored Marines finding amazing ways of killing time, another one of Uncle Sams misguided children has topped any floor-waxer video ever produced by Marines anywhere in the world.

Redditor u/thatonefratboy uploaded a photo to the subreddit r/USMC on Oct. 1, 2021, that featured a young Marine sporting cowboy boots and silkies sitting on a barracks room bed with a full-grown cougar, the second-largest cat in North America.

The caption reads: Never forget when we got a mountain lion in the barracks. And nothing else.

The image was first uploaded to Terminal Lance, artist and Marine Corps veteran Maximilian Uriarte's webcomic, one that is popular with Marines and veterans, on Sept. 29, 2021. Terminal Lance later tweeted it.

As if anyone would forget the time they got a mountain lion into their barracks building, with the exception of whoever was working Charge of Quarters that night. Thats one CQ who is extremely unlikely to have put the cougar into the logbook. As many of the Reddit users note in the comments section, If its not written in the logbook it never happened.

Related: That Time in 1945 a Lejeune Marine Had a Pet Monkey

Coffee or Dies Eric Miller notes that theres no way of determining whether the photo is real. Theres also no way of knowing if the cougar was real, or if anything is real at this point. Although, one commenter said it was a snapchat photo uploaded by someone in the 2nd Battalion, 6th Marines at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

(Redditor thatonefratboy)

Some commenters who appeared to have knowledge of the art of taxidermy noted that the cougars ears appeared to be sewn back, indicating that although it was once alive, its now a stuffed cougar.

Insert stuffed cougar in the barracks'' joke here.

The commenters also began sharing videos of other U.S. military engagements with wildlife, from Air Force Security Forces taking on a rat to soldiers clearing an armored vehicle of its raccoon insurgents. Others shared stories of herding geese or coyotes to screw around with their friends on firewatch.

Real or not, let this be a lesson: Never leave Marines unattended in the barracks. Or anywhere else.

-- 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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An aerial photo of Naval Base San Diego in San Diego, CA. The photo was taken from a U.S. Navy MH-60S Seahawk assigned to the Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 14 (HSC-14).
U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms 1st Class Andrea Navar, a Navy Reservist from San Diego, Calif. assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalion 1, stands near a static display at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
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While Astros owner Jim Crane is focused on his teams ALDS matchup with the White Sox, Crane talked about several impending offseason topics with FOX 26s Mark Berman, The Houston Chronicles Chandler Rome (all multiple links) and other reporters today.

With several major names scheduled to hit free agency, Crane said his team plans to definitely be in the mix to sign Carlos Correa, and I think we have a chance to retain the shortstops services. Of course, it just depends on where we end up on that and what Carlos wants to do. Certainly dollars are a factor.

The Astros made attempts to sign Correa to a contract extension last spring, reportedly making offers in the range of five years/$125MM and six years/$120MM. Those numbers seemed low even before Correa delivered an All-Star performance in 2021, and the 27-year-old now seems likely to land at least twice as much money on the open market.

Re-signing Correa would require the Astros to make the biggest financial commitment in franchise history, which Crane at least sounded open to, if a little guardedly. I never count anything out.We have a history of doing something in the neighborhood of five (years) is the most weve ever done since Ive been here, Crane said. Things can change. Were not counting it out.

Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, and Lance McCullers Jr. have all signed five-year extensions with Houston during Cranes stewardship, and it isnt as if Crane has been unwilling to spend. Altuves five additional years gave the second baseman $151MM in new guaranteed money, Bregmans extension was worth $100MM, and McCullers landed $85.5MM. That said, Correa said back in April that the Astros made it clear to me they dont believe in long contracts, they dont believe in big contracts, which could indicate that his contractual expectations go far beyond any commitment the Astros are willing to make.

Crane didnt bring up the qualifying offer in regards to Correa, in all likelihood because it seems a foregone conclusion that Houston will issue Correa a QO and hell reject the one-year offer, leaving the Astros in line to receive draft pick compensation if Correa did sign elsewhere. Justin Verlander is a bit more complicated qualifying-offer case given that the veteran ace has missed virtually all of the last two seasons with injury, but Crane said well probably issue Verlander the QO and then see where it goes.

Even after two lost seasons and now on the verge of his age-39 season, Verlander is still looking for a contract of some length, according to Crane. This would imply that Verlander would reject the one-year qualifying offer (though it would pay in the neighborhood of a $20MM salary for 2022) in search of a longer-term deal, and given Verlanders track record, it certainly seems possible that at least one or even multiple teams would be willing to sign the future Hall-of-Famer to such a multi-year contract.

If Verlander did reject the QO, the Astros would at least benefit via compensatory draft picks. However, Verlander has 10 days to decide whether or not to accept a qualifying offer, and if he doesnt get wind of any teams showing interest in a multi-year deal, Verlander might choose to take the QO and remain in a familiar situation in Houston. The Astros and Verlanders camp could then negotiate a longer-term extension after the QO had been accepted, similar to what Jose Abreu and the White Sox did in the 2019-20 offseason.

There appears to be much less controversy surrounding Yuli Gurriels 2022 status. The Astros hold an $8MM club option on Gurriel for next season, which looks to Crane like a pretty easy decision. Im sure well execute on that. The 37-year-old Gurriel is coming off a strong season that saw him hit 15 homers and win the AL batting title as part of an overall .319/.383/.462 performance in 605 plate appearances.

Beyond the player roster, manager Dusty Baker isnt under contract beyond this season, as Crane said we havent really talked about it. Were going to wait for things to get over with here in the Astros playoff run. Baker has led the Astros to the postseason in each of his two years in Houston, and the veteran manager has indicated that he would like to continue with the team.

Though Crane noted that GM James Click has authority over the managers job, Ill certainly weigh in on it and well make a decision probably together on that one because I did hire [Baker] to begin with. Crane did give Baker some measure of a vote of confidence in noting that Baker has done a great job for us. I like Dusty a lot.
[October 07, 2021] igloocompany Sets Up United States Presence and Targets 1 Million Devices to Be Deployed Amidst COVID-19 With New IoT Deadbolt igloocompany, the Singapore-based smart access solutions provider, is pleased to announce the establishment of a United States team and office. Despite the looming effects of the pandemic, they aim to propel growth by three-fold, targeting a slice of the US$46 billion smart home market over the next few years. igloocompany charges on into expansion mode with plans to deploy 1 million devices in the US across the next three years. With continuous innovation, they are poised to mark their entry with their first IoT Deadbolt. This product is part of the iglooworks access solution for real estate and property management verticals which is projected to grow to $339 billion in 2024 at a CAGR of 3.37%. The IoT Deadbolt is the newest addition to the enterprise suite of solutions, supported by igloodeveloper for seamless integration into existing workflows and platforms. The full-stack solution is designed to help property management firms manage access on a scalable level. By leveraging on public NB-IoT and LTE (News - Alert)-M networks, the lock is well positioned to solve pre-occupancy or property touring pain points, where onsite networks such as WiFi or Z-wave are typically unavailable. With this, the igloodeveloper and iglooworks solutions can offer better efficiencies and traceabiity, thus streamlining operations with on-demand access visibility for builders and property managers. "igloocompany is at a very exciting stage of growth which brings us a step closer to our vision of A World without Keys. The potential is better than ever in the US with new ways of going about our lives. We also compete on the basis of superior value proposition based on proprietary IP, innovation and strong brand attributes. With this development, it will bring us even closer to our customers and partners, thereby enabling our brand to grow faster and stronger," commented Anthony Chow, CEO & co-founder of igloocompany. The US market showed no signs of slowing despite the pandemic. Demands for robot, solo and virtual home showings skyrocketed, with companies like ShowingTime, Darwin Homes and Rently seeing huge jumps in demand for their services. While people maintain social distancing, property sales and leases carry on with the help of technology and innovation. Keyless access is an ideal solution for several industries, thus increasing the demand for products and services created by igloocompany. "igloocompany has been at the forefront of driving adoption for smart access solutions, selling over a hundred thousand smart locks across the world, mostly in Asia for the past 3 years. The growth of proptech in the US has been progressing steadily and it's a strategic move for the business to establish a direct presence in the market. We're extremely excited to witness this important milestone and to see the company unlock even greater possibilities," said Shelli Trung, Managing Partner of REACH Australia, an igloocompany partner Eric Manlunas, Founder and Managing Partner of Wavemaker Partners, added, "We've been supporting igloocompany since their inception. As an early investor, it's been amazing to see the company grow to what it is today. Their expansion into the US market demonstrates the business' strong commitment to growth and profitability. We're exceptionally proud of what the team has achieved thus far and look forward to seeing them garner greater successes." Started in 2015, the company's rapid growth was made possible with the support from Enterprise Singapore (ESG), the government agency that works with Singapore companies to build capabilities, innovate and internationalise. "We would like to congratulate igloocompany for their successful entry into the US, and are happy to partner them in that journey. The US continues to be an important market and has a growing demand for digital and technology solutions. Singapore companies like igloocompany with deep capabilities and emphasis on innovation have shown how they're able create a strong value proposition in one of the most competitive technology markets in the world. We hope to partner more Singapore companies to venture into the market," commented Kelvin Woon, Regional Director (New York), Enterprise Singapore. For more information, please visit igloocompany.co or iglooworks.co. ### About igloocompany igloocompany is the market leading smart access solutions provider. It operates two business lines; igloohome and iglooworks. igloohome smart locks allow consumers to grant time-sensitive access to properties remotely, leveraging on their unique algoPIN technology. iglooworks offers businesses, in property and infrastructure management, solutions for remote access monitoring and management. Headquartered in Singapore, it has 13 regional offices including a presence in Texas, United States. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005047/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Nextech AR Launches "3D Rooms" Saas Product for eCommerce Nextech AR Solutions Corp. ("Nextech" or the "Company") (OTCQB: NEXCF) (NEO: NTAR) (CSE: NTAR) (FSE: N29), a diversified provider of augmented reality ("AR") experience technologies and services has formally launched "3D Rooms" - an enhancement to its Augmented Reality suite and WebAR for ecommerce. The company is focused gaining market share to what it believes is disruptive technology for creating 3D models at scale by using machine learning and AI. With the launch of this new SaaS (News - Alert) offering, the company is enhancing its revenue generating capabilities from each new customer and enhancing its position in the AR for ecommerce market. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005377/en/ 2D image of room, before and after 3D furniture additions using Nextech AR's "3D Rooms" technology. (Photo: Business Wire) 3D Rooms enables customers to virtually preview home furnishing and decor in a desired location, using just a simple 2D photo of a room. The solution uses Nextech's AI to analyze a room layout automatically and then parses out room surfaces, reconstructs the scene, and allows 3D objects to be seamlessly placed inside a 2D photo, as if they were part of the room. 3D Rooms is currently offered as a standalone product, or as an add-on to our WebAR offering and integrated seamlessly within our Nextech AR platform. Watch a demonstration of a 2D image of a room being furnished with 3D objects - click here. Nextech AR CTO, Nima Sarshar explained the product's functionality and benefits to customers, "3D Rooms opens up a whole new avenue for bridging the on-line and off-line purchasing gap. With Threedy Rooms, you can effectively take your "home" with you to a physical store. Anyone who has flipped through 100s of swatches in a furniture store, trying to imagine first how the swatches will look on the sofa they are sitting on, and then how it looks inside their living room will appreciate that. With 3D Rooms, you can visualize a product in store inside an actual photo of your room, and be able to explore options such as color and patterns." Watch a promotional video explaining the technology - click here. Through it's early product release, Nextech is already gaining traction with Threedy Rooms, and Nextech's existing clients can start offering this unique product with just one click. Recently, Lighting Plus - the largest speciality lighting store in New Zealand signed a 12 month contract to use 3D Rooms after a successful Proof Of Concept (POC) trial. Nextech AR will now convert more than 300 of Lighting Plus' best selling SKUs to augmented reality models, enabling the retailer's customers with the ability to visualize multiple lighting products, floor, wall and ceiling lighting items alike, by simply uploading their room photo while shopping on the site. Nextech AR CTO, Nima Sarshar continues "With augmnted reality, customers try products inside their homes virtually. For that to happen, the customers need to be in the very location where the product is going to be placed (i.e, in their living room, kitchen, etc). However, there is also the consideration and research phases of the customer journey. In particular, the customer will lose the ability to place and visualize the products when they are outside the room. As we, and other pioneering companies like Amazon have realized, customers would like to be able to continue shopping "off-home", be able to get feedback from friends and family, and also be able to try multiple products at the same time. With the release of 3D Rooms, we are solving all of these problems." Evan Gappelberg, CEO of Nextech AR commented, "This product launch is another building block for Nextech and ads another source of monthly recurring revenue to our business". He continues, "Since our acquisition of Threedy.ai on June 25th 2021, we have been hard at work to bring an amazing suite of AR solutions to market and so it's very gratifying to be able to announce this new product launch, and that we already have Lighting Plus and others as paying customers. The excitement from our new customers is palatable, and the excitement from our sales team is growing with each new product release and customer win. We believe that we are just getting started with what we see as a multi-decade mega trend toward everything turning into 3D/AR". As previously mentioned, Nextech AR is in the early stages of an important period of growth and transition of its AR business, with a clear vision to build a unified platform containing a suite of augmented reality solutions for its customers. With 3D Rooms, Nextech AR is executing on this vision, and will continue to develop and add AR offerings - all of which are being designed to interact seamlessly and be available to new and existing customers. Furthermore, 3D Rooms is offered as a self-serve subscription based SaaS platform, also executing on the company's strategic initiative to develop and release first to market SaaS platforms for Augmented Reality. About Nextech AR Nextech is focused on developing and operating augmented reality ("AR") platforms that transports three-dimensional ("3D") product visualizations, human holograms and 360 portals to its audiences altering e-commerce, digital advertising, hybrid virtual events (events held in a digital format blended with in-person attendance) and learning and training experiences. Nextech also maintains a legacy ecommerce business that generates revenues through product sales. Nextech is focussed on continuing to develop and market its AR solutions as a growth business, however most of the Company's revenues are currently derived from three e-Commerce platforms: vacuumcleanermarket.com ("VCM"), infinitepetlife.com ("IPL") and Trulyfesupplements.com ("TruLyfe"). VCM and product sales of residential vacuums, supplies and parts, and small home appliances are sold on Amazon. For further information, please contact:

[email protected] To learn more, please follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, or visit our website: https://www.Nextechar.com. Forward-looking Statements

The CSE and the NEO have not reviewed and do not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain information contained herein may constitute "forward-looking information" under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, "will be" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. Forward-looking statements regarding the completion of the transaction are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Nextech will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005377/en/

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Facebook, battered by a whistleblower's serious accusations in the US against its "toxic" and "divisive" algorithms, allegedly did not take action on fear-mongering and hate content related to India because of "the lack of Hindi and Bengali classifiers".

According to the Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen's complaint filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), "RSS Users, Groups, and Pages promote fear-mongering, anti-Muslim narratives targeted pro-Hindu populations with V&I (violence and inciting) intent".

An "Adversarial Harmful Networks - India Case Study", cited in one of the documents, quoted the author of the report as saying, "...and we have yet to put forth a nomination for designation of this group given political sensitivities".

The complaint by Haugen alleged that Facebook's internal records show there was a problem of "lack of Hindi and Bengali classifiers" to flag off such harmful content.

Classifiers are automated systems and algorithms that are designed to detect hate speech in content on the social media platform.

"There were a number of dehumanising posts (on) Muslims Our lack of Hindu and Bengali classifiers means much of this content is never flagged or actioned, and we have yet to put forth a nomination for designation of this group (RSS) given political sensitivities," the complaint read.

After throwing the kitchen sink at her former employer, Haugen has laid out an inside-out view on the simple "frictions" that would cool off Facebook's "toxic" and "divisive" algorithms that are driving teens and vulnerable populations off the cliff on the world's largest social networking platform.

India is one of the biggest markets for the social network, with a user base of over 400 million for Facebook and WhatsApp each, according to third-party data.

Both the BJP and the RSS were yet to comment on the complaint.

In the past, Facebook has faced several allegations of inaction against hate content in India.

In January this year, a Parliament Standing Committee on Information Technology (I&T) had issued summons to officials of Facebook and Twitter to question them over misuse of the social media or online news platforms. The committee has also questioned Facebook's India head Ajit Mohan over the issue of political bias on the social media platform.

The allegations of a Facebook bias towards the BJP were reported in The Wall Street Journal in August 2020 and had claimed that Ankhi Das, the platform's then India Policy Head had opposed the idea of removing hate posts by BJP leaders, warning that this could hamper their "commercial interests".

Das later quit Facebook.

Meanwhile, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has posted a staunch defense of his company in a note to employees, saying that recent claims by an ex-employee about the social network's negative effects on society "don't make any sense".

Disclaimer: Information, facts or opinions expressed in this news article are presented as sourced from IANS and do not reflect views of Moneylife and hence Moneylife is not responsible or liable for the same. As a source and news provider, IANS is responsible for accuracy, completeness, suitability and validity of any information in this article.
In compliance with Rule 19 of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, as notified by the Government of India on 25 February 2021, here are monthly disclosures on grievances received and redressed, by Moneylife Digital Pvt Ltd, in the format prescribed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB).

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Oak Hill, WV (25901)

Today

Rain. Morning high of 64F with temps falling sharply to near 45. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. A shower of rain or wet snow possible. Low 27F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
October 07, 2021

How The 'China is a Threat' Fake News Cycle Works

Here is a nice example how the U.S. keeps certain issues in the news and thereby propagandizes its people against its perceived enemies.

On Friday several news agencies and outlets falsely claimed that Chinese airplanes had 'intruded Taiwan's airspace'. In fact the planes had crossed into an imaginative air 'identification zone' hundreds of miles from Taiwan.

As the fake news died down someone in the White House, Pentagon or Congress thought about how to revive the theme to strengthen anti-Chinese sentiment.

"A: Is there something that is not secret and that we can hand to some scribe that allows for another 'China threat' news cycle?"

"B: Hmm. How about our troops in Taiwan?"

"A: Good idea. That will do."

So A, B and maybe also C called up a Wall Street Journal scribe and proceeded. Here is the result:

WSJ News Exclusive - U.S. Troops Have Been Deployed in Taiwan for at Least a Year

Small presence of Americans secretly training local forces marks concern over Chinas yearslong military buildup and recent moves

WASHINGTONA U.S. special-operations unit and a contingent of Marines have been secretly operating in Taiwan to train military forces there, U.S. officials said, part of efforts to shore up the islands defenses as concern regarding potential Chinese aggression mounts. About two dozen members of U.S. special-operations and support troops are conducting training for small units of Taiwans ground forces, the officials said. The U.S. Marines are working with local maritime forces on small-boat training. The American forces have been operating in Taiwan for at least a year, the officials said. The U.S. special-operations deployment is a sign of concern within the Pentagon over Taiwans tactical capabilities in light of Beijings yearslong military buildup and recent threatening moves against the island. Taiwan and U.S. officials have expressed alarm over nearly 150 flights near Taiwan in the past week by Chinese military aircraft. The Chinese aircraft have included ...

There follow in total 1200 words of general 'China is a threat' sentiment.

There is one problem though. The deployment of some troops, including special forces, in Taiwan is neither a secret nor new nor newsworthy.

Taiwan regularly buys U.S. weapon systems. These typically come with training. The U.S. has therefore had for years some dozens of troops in Taiwan. These are usually trainers for the specific weapon systems Taiwan purchases from the U.S. There are also a number of Department of Defense civil personnel in Taiwan also related to weapon sales.

Since 2017 the Pentagon's Department Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) provides quarterly spreadsheets which list all countries where DOD personnel, active, reserve or civilian, are permanently on duty.

As of June 30 2021 there were 30 active troops in Taiwan on permanent duty: 0 Army, 2 Navy, 23 Marines and 5 Airforce. There were also 15 civilian DoD employees in Taiwan.

The numbers and composition of the permanently deployed troops fluctuate over time. At the end of last year there were 20 active duty troops and 15 civilians there, one more than half a year earlier. In mid 2019 there were 8 troops and 16 civilians. Numbers going back to 2008 are available. Each file I checked lists a few U.S. troops in Taiwan. Sometimes more, sometimes less.

A number of U.S. Marines are also guarding the American Institute in Taiwan which is the de facto U.S. Embassy on the island. The Marines also guard other U.S. embassies. But in Taiwan they are not 'active' troops listed in the DMDC database:

The American Institute is a nonprofit organization composed of former U.S. government officials who retire or take leave to work there  processing visas and handling other consular services  so as not to upset relations.

The special forces are on a temporary deployment in Taiwan and are thus also not listed in the DMDC database. But their current deployment is no secret either. It was announced in June by Taiwan's defense minister:

Taiwan News reported that the Taiwanese defense minister said multiple U.S. special forces units will arrive in the country to train with their Taiwanese counterparts following the Han Kuang 37 military exercise. Han Kuang 37 is Taiwans largest annual military exercise that simulates a full-scale enemy invasion in a worst-case scenario lasting eight days, Newsweek reported. The goal is to repel a Chinese invasion for a full week, the report said. The Taiwanese defense ministry also said Taiwan-U.S. military training and exchanges have been frequent, due to Chinas military threat against Taiwan.

This years Han Kuang exercise was delayed but took place last month. The U.S. special force deployment was announced to come after that exercise which would be about now.

When Taiwan's defense minister says that Taiwan-U.S. military training and exchanges have been "frequent" and not secret one wonders why the WSJ claims that their current deployment "is a sign of concern within the Pentagon".

The WSJ also writes:

Asian media reports last year suggesting a possible U.S. Marine deployment in Taiwan were never confirmed by U.S. officials. The presence of U.S. special operations forces hasnt been previously reported.

While the 'presence' of U.S. special force many not have been 'previously reported' their upcoming deployment was loudly announced months ago. To claim that these are 'secret' deployments as the WSJ piece does is simply nonsense.

But that will not matter. Within the next 24 hours the WSJ 'exclusive' piece will have been picked up by dozens of other outlets and agencies all of which will use it to rehash the previous anti-China claims.

Some 'officials' make some (false) claims. Some scribe writes those down in a dramatic tone. Other scribes then copy and rewrite the 'exclusive' without ever checking its validity.

It is how the news cycle works.

Posted by b on October 7, 2021 at 16:51 UTC | Permalink

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McLeod's Daughters star Michala Banas, is known for being one of Australia's most successful actors. However, behind closed doors throughout her life, she has been through a health scare to the point where doctors told her parents she only would have had two more weeks or she would have died.

While being a child, Michala had repeated infections and, her parents did everything they could to keep them monitored by doctors.



At the age of six, doctors found out that Michala was born with a kidney defect in which there was a tube connecting her kidney to the bladder.



Not only would did she need this tube removed immediately; surgeons would have to remove most of her left kidney that was impacted, as well as part of her bladder that had also been damaged.

"With your kidneys, you can lose 90 percent function before you experience any symptoms showing that something is wrong. So, for my first six years of life, I was fine but, I'd have little urinary tract infections often and take antibiotics." Michala tells 9Honey.



According to the Ministry of Health New Zealand, there were 225 people in New Zealand living with kidney failure that require dialysis or kidney transplantation to stay alive. Those who suffer from kidney disease have dialysis and are strapped to a machine for 60 hours a month on average while it cleans their blood.



For all health queries about your kidneys check out https://www.kidney.health.nz/

Source
Sarah Adams, left, and Tommie Beth Willis, right, are among 14 members of South GeorgiaLEADS 2.0, a program that calls upon leaders from across the region to address a problem facing South Georgians.
Commercial Truck Driving graduate Antonio Yates recently signed an apprenticeship with Orgill, Inc. It was the first commercial truck driving apprenticeship in Georgia, according to Southern Regional Technical College.

Seated are Orgill, Inc.s Human Resources Manager David Fant, Yates, SRTCs CDL Program Chair Kerrie Wilson and SRTCs President Jim Glass. Standing are SRTCs Special Assistant to the President Amy Carter, SRTCs Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ron OMeara and SRTCs Dean for Academic Affairs School of Professional Services Tara Rakestraw.
Sun Valley, ID (83353)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. High 39F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Snow showers. Low 29F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 50%. Snow accumulations less than one inch.
age 95, a long time resident of Beggs, OK, transitioned in her grandsons home in Tulsa, OK with family at bedside. Arrangements are pending with House of Winn Funeral Home-Okmulgee.
Justin Stanley began working at an entry-level job for Skutchi Designs in Carolina Forest about eight years ago.

Since then hes worked his way up to being the shop manager.

Its a good company filled throughout with good people, he said, adding that he likes everybody there.

Theyre really dedicated to their work, everybody, but especially the Ferraros, he said.

Warehouse manger Tim Purkey agreed, I love my job. The employees are all greatIt's a fast-paced job, but we get done everyday. Were never late on anything.

He says they pride themselves on having a quick turnaround.

We do need the space, he said.

Actually, thats what Wednesdays gathering at the Ascott Valley Industrial Park, under construction on Adrian Highway at the location of the old Conway Mill, was all about.

Five parcels have been sold at the new park; four of them to the same company, B&B Cranes.

It looks now as if Skutchi Designs will be the first company to actually begin operating there. Sandy Davis with the Myrtle Beach Economic Development Corporation says Skutchi Designs will be able to begin its building right away because it is on the street side of the park where all of the needed infrastructure is available.

Skutchi owner Jamie Ferraro expects construction on the new 60,000-square-foot building to begin in November and be complete by November of 2022 representing a total investment of about $3 million.

Skutchi Designs crafts office furniture. They offer cubicles, conference tables and modular wall panels that can be configured and reconfigured by office workers to be used the exact way they want. They sell to governments, universities, schools, corporations and smaller customers. In the new facility, they plan to add millwork.

The business began in 2005 in New York, but moved to Carolina Forest 13 years ago. The problem now is a good one; theyve been so successful they need more room and more employees.
More Information

The legislative package includes:

Fund the Police Act:

SB 2918: Creates Fund the Police Grant Fund with $100 million with appropriations to the ILETSB to make grants to local governments and universities to hire police officers, purchasing equipment designed to prevent gang violence, motor vehicle theft, carjacking, or sale of contraband, and training for law enforcement in preventing gang violence, motor vehicle theft, carjacking, or the sale of contraband. This includes mental health, hiring and retention incentives, and overtime.

Eliminate Good Time for Weapons Offenses and Attacks on Law Enforcement Officers:

SB 2916: Requires a defendant who commits aggravated battery to a police officer to serve at least 85% of their sentence.

SB 2917: Requires a defendant who brings a weapon or contraband into a penal institution to serve at least 85% of their sentence.

Ending Deadly Delay:

SB 2927: Requires Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority to track gun crimes by convicted felons. Amended to include real-time reporting by county of gun offenses charged and outcome of the case.

SB 2926: Requires state's attorneys to provide written justification when a weapons offense is plea bargained down to a lesser offense or non-weapons offense. Similarly, in imposing a sentence, the judge shall set forth in a written sentencing order his/her reasons for imposing the sentence or accepting the plea agreement.

SB 2924: Allows a school or school district to employ qualified retired law enforcement officers to carry out the duties of a school resource officer.

Getting Serious on Gun Crime:

SB 2928: First time conviction of the following offenses receives a mandatory 10-year sentence, second offense receives a life sentence.

Aggravated discharge of a firearm.

Use of a stolen or illegally acquired firearm in the commission of an offense.

Unlawful use or possession of weapons by felons.

Armed habitual criminal.

SB 2925: Mandatory minimum penalty for gun trafficking/straw purchases. Imposes a 10-year minimum on those who sell or give a firearm to a convicted felon.

Juvenile Court Reforms:

SB 2929: Juvenile commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice for use or discharge of a firearm in a school that results in bodily injury or death to any person.

SB 2923: Restore offenses of aggravated vehicular hijacking and armed robbery committed by juveniles with a firearm to the automatic-transfer provisions of adult court.

SB 2922: Prevent "catch and release" of juvenile carjackers by requiring a shelter care hearing to determine if it is safe to release the juvenile or continue holding until the adjudicatory hearing.

Bail Reform:

SB 2920: Deny bail for previously convicted gun offenders or a felon charged with a gun offense.

SB 2921: Adds violation of bail bond, escape and aggravated fleeing and attempting to elude to the more serious "Category A" bond provisions.

SB 2919: Allows counties to opt out of Bail Reform Act provisions if county board adopts a resolution to do so.

Mental Health Reform:

SB 1649: Amends the Community Mental Health Act. Provides that upon receipt of all the annual moneys collected from the tax levied under the act, each governmental unit that levies that tax shall immediately deposit 20% of those moneys into a special fund directly controlled by the county sheriff to be used for mental health services within the county jail.
CARLINVILLE  Ground was broken this week for renovations to turn the former Frontier Building at 225 N. Broad St. into a multipurpose public safety center.

The 6,800-square-foot building will be the home of a new police station and public safety facilities.

Mayor Sarah Oswald was joined by state Rep. Avery Bourne, Carlinville Police Chief David Haley and representatives from City Council and CTS Group/Veregy.

A $250,000 state grant through the Rebuild Illinois plan allowed Carlinville to more than double the size of its police department building.

The center will contain four main areas. The first area will be the public area with a secure lobby, emergency response center and a public space. The second area will be administrative offices, dispatch and a duty call room. The third area will have restrooms, locker rooms and a break room for employees. The fourth space will be dedicated to police processing activities and an evidence room.

Through the outstanding partnership with CTS/Veregy, our city will see great improvements in our police station operations plus well have new capabilities for public safety such as emergency management services, a child safe room, and a public assistance office, Oswald said. From the planning stages through the implementation, the CTS/Veregy team has designed a highly functional and aesthetically pleasing building.

The back side of the building will allow police to safely bring in suspects through a secure vehicle entry.

We envision many years of use by our police department, as well as our community, Oswald said.

The new station have an updated heating and air conditioning system, LED lighting and water-efficient plumbing. Advanced technology for IT, security and video surveillance will also be installed.
The Federal Trade Commission warned 70 U.S. for-profit colleges that the commission could impose "significant financial penalties" if the schools make false claims about how successful their graduates were, among other matters, the agency said Wednesday.

Letters were sent to the University of Phoenix, DeVry University and Grand Canyon University, among others. DeVry University, Chamberlain University, the University of Phoenix and Lincoln College of Technology, all of which operate Illinois campuses, were also sent letters.

The FTC commissioners voted unanimously, 5-0, to use a dormant penalty authority against any school that, for example, overstated how likely it was that graduates would get jobs and how much they could hope to earn.

The notices were sent to schools that included "the largest for-profit colleges and vocational schools" in the United States, the agency said in a statement, while adding that a school receiving a letter was not an indication of wrongdoing.

Complaints about for-profit schools rose about 70% between 2018 and 2020, the agency said.

The notices echo an effort by the Obama administration to pursue for-profit schools whose former students have high loan default rates. At least one chain of schools, Corinthian Colleges, collapsed when its students were denied access to federal student loans.

"For too long, unscrupulous for-profit schools have preyed on students with impunity, facing no penalties when they defraud their students and drive them into debt," said FTC Chair Lina Khan in a statement. "Working closely with our state and federal partners, well be monitoring this market carefully."

Under federal law, the FTC may put companies on notice that some practices have been found to be unfair or deceptive in administrative cases with final cease and desist orders, other than consent orders. If a company knows about the orders and uses those same deceptive marketing tactics, the FTC can sue the company in federal court for civil penalties.

Most recently, the University of Phoenix agreed to a $191 million judgment to settle the FTCs charges that, to attract students, it used deceptive ads that falsely touted its relationships with and job opportunities at companies such as AT&T, Yahoo!, Microsoft, Twitter and The American Red Cross.

DeVry University recently paid $100 million to settle the FTC's charges that the for-profit misrepresented the employment and salary prospects of its graduates. Additionally, the FTC has published a guide for vocational schools describing the practices that the agency determined to be deceptive.

Service members and student veterans are often the targets of schools deceptive marketing. For-profit schools have had a strong incentive to enroll veterans because of the education benefits service members can use to pay for college.

This broad-based initiative to deter for-profit college fraud marks the agencys first use of its Penalty Offense Authority to protect students and their families.
Jacksonville City Councils workshop and meeting rescheduled for Tuesday has been canceled.

The next council meeting will be Oct. 25 in the Municipal Building at 200 W. Douglas Ave.
Union workers at the Kellogg Company are on the picket lines striking against pay and benefit issues.

Kellogg, which is based in Battle Creek, Michigan, is best known for their cereal brands Frosted Flakes, Raisin Bran, and Rice Krispies.

Cereal workers with the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers, and Grain Millers Union went on strike after contract negotiations fell through, according to the Associated Press. Additional Kellogg facilities in Omaha, Nebraska, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and Memphis, Tennesse are also on strike with their union counterparts in Battle Creek.

"Kelloggs response to these loyal, hardworking employees has been to demand these workers give up quality health care, retirement benefits, and holiday and vacation pay. The company continues to threaten to send additional jobs to Mexico if workers do not accept outrageous proposals that take away protections that workers have had for decades," Union President Anthony Shelton said in a statement on the union's website.

Overall, about 1,400 workers are on strike.

The Kellogg company had about 31,000 employees worldwide to start 2021, according to a company filing, meaning that less than 5% of its workers worldwide are on the picket line. Kellogg factories are also located in California, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, and New Jersey, according to CNN Business, in addition to the factories facing strikes.

Battle Creek Michigan Mayor Mark Behnke addressed the Kellogg strike by encouraging both sides to negotiate.

"No matter how you look at it, its unfortunate, because they need to sit down and talk," the mayor said.

Kellogg had announced at the beginning of September that more than 200 jobs were going to be cut at its Michigan plant in Battle Creek over the next two years, as reported by WWMT-TV. "We are committed to helping our talented and dedicated employees, and we are devoted to working with them and their union to ensure they have outplacement assistance, resources and support through this transition," Kellogg spokesperson Kris Bahner told the station in a written statement.

Bahner told CNN Wednesday that the company was "disappointed" with BCTGM moving forward to strike.
PLEASANT HILL  Two Louisiana, Missouri, residents were arrested on drug-related charges after a traffic stop Monday.

A Pike County sheriffs deputy stopped a car being driven by Lisa M. Dempsey, 50, of Louisiana at 7:28 p.m. Monday on South Main Street. Dempsey was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of hypodermic syringes, possession of adult-use cannabis in a motor vehicle, illegal transportation of alcohol and having a loud exhaust.

Passenger Jarred M. Ingram, 36, of Louisiana was arrested on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of hypodermic syringes and possession of adult-use cannabis in a motor vehicle. He also was arrested on a Pike County warrant accusing him of failing to appear in court.

Both were lodged in Pike County Jail.
According to Forbes magazine's latest tally of the country's richest people, the top 400 billionaires in America added $4.5 trillion to their wealth last year, a 40% rise, even as the pandemic closed large swaths of the country.

Illinois billionaires saw their wealth increase over the pandemic and many rose on the list of America's richest.

44 new billionaires were placed on the list, the highest number since 2007, including Steven Sarowitz, now the 10th richest person in Illinois, according to Forbes, tied for 300 on the Top 400 list, who made his money as the founder of online payroll firm Paylocity. In addition, Noubar Afeyan, co-founder of the Covid-19 vaccine maker Moderna, also made the list for the first time.

To make this year's list, people now have to have a minimum net worth of $2.9 billion, up from $800 million from a year ago.

The pandemic initially triggered a record-setting wave of layoffs, according to the Guardian. The job market has recovered significantly but the economic impact of the coronavirus is still shaking large parts of the US economy. States are bracing for an avalanche of evictions after the expiration of federal protections.

Stock markets and property prices have continued to soar, trends that have disproportionately padded the wealth of the richest.

"Despite the uncertainty and the ever-changing market economy, the 2021 Forbes 400 shows that Americas wealthiest have grown far richer," Kerry Dolan, assistant managing editor, wealth at Forbes, told the Guardian.

All 13 of the Illinois billionaires on the list (and the Ricketts family, owner of the Chicago Cubs, from Wyoming) saw their wealth rise in 2021 and moved up the list. Those 14 people or families accounted for $77.7 billion in wealth.

Those 13 people are Ken Griffin (estimated net worth: $16.1 billion, 47th on the list), Pat Ryan ($7.4 billion, tied for 120), Neil Bluhm ($6.4 billion, tied for 151), Joe Mansueto and Sam Zell ($6 billion, tied for 172), Mark Walter ($5.4 billion, 204), Thomas Pritzker ($4.5 billion, tied for 247), Ty Warner ($4.3 billion, tied for 261), Eric Lefkofsky ($4.1 billion, tied with the Ricketts at 273), Sarowitz ($3.8 billion, tied for 300), J.B. Pritzker ($3.6 billion, tied for 318), Penny Pritzker ($3.1 billion, tied for 368 and the richest woman in Illinois) and Joseph Grendys ($2.9 billion, tied for 389).

But not all of the wealthy have had a good pandemic. Former president Donald Trump has dropped off the Forbes 400 for the first time. Trumps estimated $2.5 billion fortune is $400 million short of this years cutoff, according to Forbes. Additionally, Oprah Winfrey also fell off the list.

The magazine calculates that the pandemic hit to Trumps portfolio of big-city properties shrank his fortune by $600 million. Trump had an opportunity to offload those assets at the start of his presidency.

Had he divested those assets and invested the money in a simple S&P 500 market-tracking index fund the day he entered the White House  and received a common ethics sign-off allowing him to avoid capital gains taxes  he would be worth about $7 billion today, according to Forbes, within the top 150 on the list.

"If Trump is looking for someone to blame, he can start with himself," Dan Alexander, senior editor at Forbes, wrote. "Five years ago, he had a golden opportunity to diversify his fortune. Fresh off the 2016 election, federal ethics officials were pushing Trump to divest his real estate assets. That would have allowed him to reinvest the proceeds into broad-based index funds and assume office free of conflicts of interest ... Trump decided to hang onto his assets."
Renters affected by the expiration of a state moratorium on evictions can get information about available assistance through one of three free seminars Oct. 15.

The seminars will be at 10 a.m. at Beecher High Rise, 301 W. Beecher Ave.; 1 p.m. at Turner High Rise, 800 Hoagland Blvd.; and 2 p.m. at Vas Community Center, 612 N. West St.
Is it true that some wildlife species are evolving much more rapidly in response to the warming climate?

Its amazing to think that climate change is causing animals to evolve faster than they would otherwise, but the science speaks for itself.

Researchers from Australias Deakin University found evidence of so-called shape-shifting in recent years in direct response to warming temperatures across habitat ranges.

Indeed, several species of Australian parrots have 4% to 10% bigger bills than their ancestors before the industrial revolution, correlating directly with rising temperatures due to human-induced global warming. Dark-eyed juncos in North America also evolved bigger bills as temperature extremes ramped up across their range.

Mammalian shape-shifting also includes longer tails in wood mice and increased leg and tail sizes in masked shrews over the 150 years  all likely adaptations to warming habitats.

Another study found that climate change has sped up the rate of natural selection for mosquitoes that lay their eggs inside carnivorous pitcher plants. Mosquito larvae that hatch in the spring have adapted to an earlier spring by opening sooner than they did a quarter-century ago to feed on more dead insects.

While these types of adaptations may benefit the species under study, climate change is likely negatively affecting many more which cannot adapt fast enough to keep up. For example, Scotlands feral sheep have become smaller due to warmer weather in the winter that no longer necessitates larger, thicker coats.

And polar bears, which have evolved thick fur coats and layers and layers of fat to keep them warm out on the Arctic tundra and swimming between ice floes, are likely another evolutionary loser in the age of climate change. As ice caps melt and ice floes become fewer and farther between, these majestic white guardians of the Arctic are unlikely to adapt quickly enough to keep up with the fast-moving changes to their environment and are thus likely headed for extinction unless we can turn things around ASAP.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a quarter of all species may face extinction as a result of global warming, an estimate based on studies on the range of species and whether a species has adapted to new conditions of temperature, rainfall and more.

Researchers then projected future ranges of to determine whether the range will shift faster than a species can move and adapt. Species that fail to adapt quickly enough will be trapped in degrading habitat and as such are much more likely to go extinct.

While warming temperatures increased gene flow and evolution among some species during the Pleistocene era, the current reality of climate change paints a different picture.

The present human-caused climate change will not lead to similar extensive mixing and adaptation of populations, says Eeva Furman of the Finnish Environment Institute. Partly because movements of most species are greatly hindered in human dominated landscapes, and partly because the present climate warming is extremely rapid in comparison with Pleistocene climate fluctuations.

EarthTalk is written by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss. Send questions to question@earthtalk.org.
Tuolumne County Public Health reports 36 new COVID-19 cases since yesterdays report. While the California blueprint for a safer economy was retired in June, Tuolumne Public Health shared that the CDC continues to provide an interactive COVID tracker with a colored tier system as seen in the images. In Tuolumne County, there are 252 residents with active Covid cases including 4 who are hospitalized. The total current case rate, a 14-day average for Tuolumne County is up to 37.5 from 36.7 per 100,000 population. There were 13 released from isolation since yesterday, there have been a total of 4,719 released. There have been 5,076 community cases, 105 deaths, and 1,620 inmate cases with no currently active inmate cases.

Todays newly reported cases include 8 cases age 17 or younger and 6 cases age 60 or older. The gender and age breakdown is; 1 girl and 2 boys age 0-11, 3 girls and 2 boys age 12-17, 4 women and 1 man age 18 to 29, 4 women and 3 men 30-39, 3 women and 3 men age 40 to 49, 3 women age 50-59, 3 women and 1 man age 60 to 69, and 2 men age 70 to 79.

Of the 36 new community cases, 30 were unvaccinated and 6 were vaccinated. Of Tuolumnes population eligible to be vaccinated 59% have been vaccinated. Tuolumne Countys active community cases went below 200 for 8 days before increasing. Cases were above 200 for 49 days between August 2 and September 19 with a high of 407 active cases. During the previous surge, active cases were above 200 for 36 days between November 15 and December 20 with a high of 350. There were two Covid deaths reported on Monday, October 4th.

Calaveras County Public Health reports 12 new Covid cases since yesterdays report. Active cases decreased to 41, including two Covid hospitalizations. There are 4 new cases age 0-17 and 2 new cases age 65 years old or older. Since the pandemic began Calaveras has had 574 Covid-19 positive children who are 17 and under and 630 Covid-19 positive people 65 and over. Calaveras has vaccinated 53.9% of their eligible population. There were two Covid deaths reported on Tuesday, October 5th.

Last Weeks Overview (Sep 24- Oct 1) Tuolumne reported a total of 197 new Covid cases and Calaveras reported 151 new cases. There were two deaths of Tuolumne residents due to COVID-19 and three deaths of Calaveras residents. Hospitalizations in both counties decreased over the week although Friday Tuolumnes increased from four to six.

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, Thank you for continuing to take the positive actions 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.

Students as detailed here in the school term immediately after full FDA authorization and approval Governor Gavin Newsom plans to require COVID-19 vaccination for students in grades 7-12, and after that for students in K-6.

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 10/6 136 15 3,246 53 Calaveras 10/6 41 12 3,585 76 Mariposa 10/6 63 10 1,167 13 Mono 10/6 62 4 1,356 5 Stanislaus 10/6 1,501 105 74,836 1,296 Tuolumne 10/6 252 36 6,696 105
Marijuana illegal grow site in Calaveras County View Photos

Calaveras County, CA  Out of the five grows raided in Calaveras County recently, one had been eradicated before.

Over three consecutive days in September the Calaveras County Sheriffs Office Marijuana Enforcement Unit netted 3,211 plants at a combined estimated value of $2.68 million and four suspects were issued citations for illegal marijuana grows.

The first two searches were on Sept 14th. One in the 1800 block of Liberty Valley Road in Railroad Flat where deputies seized 462 growing pot plants, but no suspects were located. The second was on Michel Road in Mountain Ranch with 508 growing marijuana plants and two firearms seized. Phanh Saivong, 51, of Visalia, was cited.

The next day, a search warrant was served in the 6300 block of Old Gulch Road in San Andreas where 974 plants were eradicated. Sheriffs officials relay this property was also raided in 2019 and 399 plants were seized. One suspect, Kevin Leonel Casillas, 23, of Tomatlan, Mexico, was cited.

The third day of raids consisted of two properties, one in the 3800 block of Highway 12 in Burson with 267 plants and no suspects found. The other was in the 4000 block of South Burson Road in Valley Springs. At the site, deputies found a large metal shop on the property that had been converted into a marijuana grow. Up and running in the shop were two growing rooms, several other areas including the upstairs were under construction to become growing areas. A total of 1,000 plants were growing in the shop. Two Valley Springs residents, Yani Wu Dewu, 47, and Aipeng Qu Feng, 48, were cited.

Illegal marijuana operations can be called into the Sheriffs Office Anonymous Marijuana Tip Line at (209) 754-6870.
Newsom Signs Higher Education Bill Package View Photo

Sacramento, CA  California lawmakers approved a package of bills designed to make college more affordable at the states publicly funded universities and community colleges.

It includes more money going to financial aid programs, and efforts to bring down the costs of on-campus student housing.

Governor Gavin Newsom argues, There is no economic development strategy without a workforce development strategy. There is no equation to address the issue of income or wealth disparity unless we provide opportunities and pathways to close those gaps.

Newsom says California has been losing a previous competitive advantage the state had in higher education because of failing to invest in its programs in recent decades.

Over 30 bills were signed at a ceremony at Cal State Northridge in Southern California.

In addition, they standardize general education requirements and community college courses. There is a new rule that all students submit a FAFSA application (Free Application For Federal Aid or a California Dream Act application, to ensure students get as much financial aid as they are eligible for. College savings accounts will be expanded for low-income residents and more grants and advanced training opportunities will be available for workers impacted negatively by the Covid pandemic.
Construction on a Westside museum is underway.

The Rinconcito de Esperanza project will soon convert Ruben's Ice House, an iconic building that once housed a Westside staple, into the Museo del Westside, according to a recent filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

The Rinconcito de Esperanza will be Esperanza Peace and Justice Center's cultural hub where it will hold its cultural and historical programming in addition to the museum.

A dream project of the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, the project will renovate Ruben's Ice House and add an additional 1,000 square feet earthen block gallery to the building to a create a total 2,300-square-foot museum.

Construction has an expected start date in November with a projected completion date in December 2022 and an estimated cost of $900,000.

MySA reached out to the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center for comment.

The Westside Tax Increment Reinvestment will partially fund the $3 million project through reimbursements over three years for a total of $1.5 million, according to an agreement approved in February. The rest of the money will be raised through Esperanza.

The Museo del Westside will house exhibits on Westside women activists and their contributions to history, heritage, culture, pride, and work ethic of the people.

The building operated as the M & E Grocery Store until owners Manuel Araiza Reyes and Elida Rendon Reyes added on to the building and open Ruben's Ice House sometime in the 1950s. It closed in 1987, and Esperanza bought the property 20 years later.
Despite concerns from the community, the City of San Antonio has agreed to spend millions on the new Spurs training center.

On Thursday, October 7, city council approved $17 million in tax incentives over 20 years for Spurs Sports and Entertainment's Human Performance Campus on 24 acres at the intersection of La Cantera and Mercado roads. The total incentives paid will be based on how much in taxes the development pays.

This $17 million is on top of Bexar County's $15 million commitment to the project. The exact details of the county's agreement hasn't been laid out yet.

The agreement was approved 9-1, with District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee Rodriguez voting against, citing future impacts on the project overlapping Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. (District 10 Councilman Clayton Perry was not in attendance.)

"We have done incentive packages before," McKee Rodriguez said. "Just because we've done something before doesn't make it right or just."

He added that he doesn't doubt that the great things will happen at the facility, but he had to vote no.

With an estimated cost of $510.8 million, the development will bring acres of green space along with the training center to San Antonio's Northwest Side. It plans to break ground this month.

During the vote, District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval said she was confident with the agreement the developers will hold them to tree preservation as well as finding ways to include the community.

District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo noted that the plan to create paid internships at the facility and contribute $37 million in infrastructure improvements set a good precedent for future development agreements. Spurs also expects about 1,700 full-time positions at the facility.

"I think it's important to build off this model," Castillo says. "And ensure that when we see a project of this scope come across us at city hall, that we ensure that something of this magnitude provides benefits to every district."
Did you know that over 61 million people were receiving Medicare benefits in 2019? Medicare is a widely used insurance policy in the health care system.



Navigating how to enroll with Medicare is easy with a few simple steps to follow. Once enrolled, Medicare can help you with inpatient and outpatient services, and save you money in the long run.



Heres how to get set up with Medicare.



What Is Medicare?

Medicare is largely broken up into two different parts. Medicare includes a Part A policy and Part B policy. What are the differences between these?

Medicare Part A includes inpatient hospital services - this involves a brief stay in a skilled nursing facility. It can also include hospice and home health services.

Medicare Part B includes more of your typical outpatient services. It can also cover home health care and preventive care. Additionally, Part B will cover any equipment you need and additional doctor's visits.

Anyone 65 and older will qualify for Medicare Part A depending on how long they have worked and paid Medicare taxes. Medicare Part B requires an additional payment per month, which is dependent on the person's income.

What is the time frame for Medicare open enrollment?

You can enroll in Medicare from three months before you turn 65 to up to three months following. Additionally, you can opt-out of the Part B benefit, but you run the risk of increased premiums if you decide to register later on.

RELATED: Can My Immigrant Parents Get Medicare?



How To Enroll With Medicare

It is fairly easy when looking at how to get set up with Medicare. The easiest way to enroll in Medicare is online; however, you can get set up with Medicare over the phone or in person.



Once you have reached the Medicare open enrollment period, you can set up an account online through the Social Security Administration's site. You will need to provide them with a birth certificate and driver's license.



Additionally, the website will also ask you for typical information, such as an address, name, and telephone number. At this point, you will have the option to enroll for Part A and Part B or just Part A. If you are still working and covered by traditional insurance, many people just choose Part A.



How To Enroll Others With Medicare

If you are enrolling your parents with Medicare you will need a couple of additional things. You will need a form called "Authorization to Disclose Personal Information" to register a parent. It is also important to have a discussion with your parent on their medical needs.



You can find this form on Medicare's website. With rising COVID-19 cases continuing to blanket the United States, now is the time to enroll your parent in Medicare coverage.



Why Enroll With Medicare

If your parent is eligible for Medicare, then you can easily go through the process of how to enroll with Medicare online, in person, or over the phone. There has never been a more pertinent time to walk your parent through the process of health coverage.
COVID is still a thing, but United Airlines is betting big that Americans will still travel this winter. The airline just announced a slew of new routes to popular destinations across the country, including adding seven new Texas-to-Florida routes.

I tested out the new, lightweight carry-on luggage from July

United detailed its winter schedule in an October 7 release, which will "add nearly 150 flights to warm-weather destinations across the U.S and is increasing service to Latin beach and leisure markets."

Houston, one of United's major hubs, will get seven of these new routes.

Beginning in November, United passengers flying out of Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) can now enjoy service to popular Florida vacation destinations including Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach.

As of press time, United is offering nonstop deals from Houston to Miami ($112 round trip), Orlando ($117 round trip), Tampa ($117 round trip), and Fort Lauderdale ($117 round trip). Be warned that they are subject to change.

"Celebrating the holidays with family and loved ones in 2020 was a challenge, and we know our customers are already eager to plan winter vacations and gatherings in person this year to make up for time that they lost," said Ankit Gupta, vice president of network planning at United, in a release.

"As pandemic restrictions ease, people are becoming more confident in planning travel further in advance, so we want to make sure to offer our customers as much choice as possible."

Most of these additional flights will be operated on United planes featuring United FirstSM, Economy Plus, and standard Economy seat options, notes a release. Complimentary snacks and onboard Wi-Fi are also provided.

Along with the additional Houston routes, United said it's also increasing frequency of flights to Central and South America by 30 percent compared to pre-pandemic 2019. Those routes include Belize City, Belize; Cozumel, Mexico; Liberia, Costa Rica; and Nassau, Bahamas.
SAN FRANCISCO - Tesla will move its headquarters from Palo Alto, Calif., to Austin, CEO Elon Musk announced at the company's annual shareholder meeting on Thursday.

Musk had hinted for months that a move to Texas could be imminent. He also started residing in the state - the country's second largest and most populous - where Tesla has ramped up a factory in Austin and where many of the operations for his aerospace firm, SpaceX, are based. Musk lashed out last year at California's restrictive shelter-in-place measures during the coronavirus pandemic and their effect on the company's ability to operate its largest production facility in Fremont, Calif.

But a move of the company's corporate headquarters signals a major shift for Tesla, which traces its roots to Silicon Valley and has drawn from a lush environment of incentives for electric-vehicle buyers and green-energy initiatives to propel its growth. The company's proximity to Stanford University has provided a rich landscape of engineers to choose from - and its Silicon Valley location placed it within the radius of numerous technology companies, including Google, Apple and Facebook.

"I'm excited to announce we are moving our headquarters to Austin, Texas," Musk said. "Just to be clear, though, we will be continuing to expand our activities in California. This is not a matter of Tesla leaving California."

Messages for the offices of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, R, and California Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, were not immediately returned.

Musk said Tesla has approached the limits of its capacity in California, though it will continue to grow in the state, aiming to increase its output at the Fremont plant by 50%. The Austin move, he said, gives the company the chance to build out in a location where there is ample space to support its growth. Capacity at the Fremont factory, where Tesla has more than 10,000 workers, has reached its limits.

Tesla's corporate headquarters occupies a lot in Palo Alto's Stanford Research Park that had been the site of other companies, such as Hewlett-Packard. The area quickly became constrained as the company grew, with workers unable to park at the office and some shifting to other locations around the Bay Area. The location, at 350,000 square feet on 23 acres, was built to house hundreds of employees.

"Roughly 350 employees will work in Palo Alto initially, with space for up to 650 people at the facility," read a Tesla news release at the time.

Tesla noted in its release that the move to Palo Alto and the build-out of the facility was funded in large part by U.S. Department of Energy loans. The company noted how it had received nearly $465 million in low-interest loans "to accelerate the production of affordable, fuel-efficient electric vehicles," precipitating its move.

In Fremont, meanwhile, Musk said Tesla arrived to a sprawling facility that it could hardly fill out, where it was like "kids in parents' shoes."

"Now we're like spam in a can here," Musk said.

He added that Austin proved more accommodating for the pool of workers Tesla is aiming to attract to the company. The costs and constraints of the Bay Area began to be prohibitive, he said.

"It's tough for people to afford houses and a lot of people have to come in from far away," he said. "There's a limit to how big you can scale in the Bay Area."

Mike Ramsey, automotive analyst with Gartner Inc., said the decision reflected numerous business concerns - from the growth of the company to Musk's place of residence and the escalating presence of his other company, SpaceX, in Texas. For many workers in California however, he said, little would change.

"Texas - in my view - the main thing that it has going for it is that's where the center of gravity has moved for SpaceX," Ramsey said. "If you're planning to put manufacturing there, it is a lower-cost business state than California there's no doubt."

Still, "it's more than symbolic but you know for a lot of people in California and people who work there, [that] probably won't change," he said.

But the move would likely have an impact on how Tesla would approach California going forward, said Jason Schloetzer, Professor of Business Administration at the Georgetown McDonough School of Business.

"In Austin, they're going to have a pretty large workforce there when that facility opens; I would anticipate they may consider drawing down production in California over the medium-term," he said. "It seems like a natural evolution of decisions they've made recently to relocate their business out of California."

He cited Austin's rapid growth, relatively young population and the presence of a major university with the University of Texas at Austin as factors that fell in the city's favor. And Texas has landed entities such as Oracle and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise recently in part by playing up its attractiveness to business.

"Texas is viewed rightly or wrongly as a business friendly environment and they've been actively trying to develop the Austin area as a technology hub," said Schloetzer.

Musk threatened last May that a Texas move could be imminent amid California's shelter-in-place orders, which had prevented him from reopening Tesla's main production facility in Fremont.

"Tesla will now move its HQ and future programs to Texas/Nevada immediately," he wrote on Twitter in May 2020, though a move did not follow then. "If we even retain Fremont manufacturing activity at all, it will be dependen[t] on how Tesla is treated in the future."

At the meeting, Musk laid out his vision for the Austin factory, as Musk touted its proximity to the airport and downtown.

"We're going to create an ecological paradise here because we're right on the Colorado River," he said.
Marie D. De Jesus, Houston Chronicle / Houston Chronicle

Texans looking to learn more about medical marijuana in the Lone Star State can get hyped about a cannabus rolling into town.

A mobile cannabis dispensary  a literal cannabis bus  will make a stop in San Antonio next month, giving locals an opportunity to get schooled on anything and everything relating to Texas medical marijuana program. Brought to you by goodblend Texas, a cannabis operator, the on-the-go dispensary will inform prospective patients who would benefit from a prescription.
Nine Republican governors joined Gov. Greg Abbott for a press conference in Mission, Texas Wednesday to blame President Joe Biden's administration for the escalating migrant crossings at the border. There they also unveiled a plan they claim will end such entries.

The conservative group of state executives included Doug Ducey of Arizona, Kim Reynolds of Iowa, Pete Rickets of Nebraska, Brian Kemp of Georgia, Brad Little of Idaho, Greg Gianforte of Montana, Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma and Mark Gordon of Wyoming.

The Republican leaders claimed the Biden Administration has failed to address their concerns about border security and has encouraged historic rise in human trafficking, drug smuggling and other crimes. In turn, the group presented a "Joint Policy Framework on the Border Crisis" plan listing 10 policies to "protect America, restore security, and end the crisis."

"I want to make clear that while Biden continues to dither, Texas and other states are taking action to do the federal government's job," Abbott said, thanking governors who have lent resources to the state. "[These governors] understand the magnitude of the problem as well as the need for action."

As part of the new policy, Ducey called for the Biden Administration to dedicate additional federal resources to control human and drug trafficking along the southern border. The Arizona governor also called for the U.S. to reenter all agreements with its Northern Triangle partners, including Mexico, and added that officials should speak with a unified voice that the country's borders are not open.

Ducey said he and 25 other governors, some of which were present at the press conference, sent a letter to the White House in September requesting a meeting to discuss border policy, which he claimed went ignored. "We've tried to meet with the president and be a part of the solution, but he refuses," Ducey said. "Even worse, he ignores us, just like he's ignoring the border and the wellbeing of the American people."

Reynolds followed Ducey and said the Biden Administration should also notify governors when migrants and unaccompanied children are being dropped off in their states because they then become responsible for them.

"In addition to that they need to resume the deportation of all convicted criminals," Reynolds said. "When President Biden took office the first thing he did was issue an executive order that ordered ICE do limited deportations. That is unacceptable. That should have never happened."

Rickets also called for the Biden Administration to end the "catch-and-release" program, which Rickets said incentivizes people to come across the border illegally. "That is creating a crisis not only here at the border but health hazards across our country," he said, also suggesting the program has led to an increase in COVID-19 cases in the U.S.

Rickets finished by saying the Biden Administration needs to "properly resource" the border. "This is not new," he said. "Four previous administrations deployed National Guard troops to the border to be able to help out with this crisis down here. The administration needs to call more soldiers to be able to do that. They can do that under Title X so that the states don't bare the cost. That's what the proper role of the federal government is."
Good morning, San Antonio. A leader of the city's biggest literary festival is leaving town for a job in D.C. Here's what you need to know.

Clay Smith is leaving his post as literary director of the San Antonio Book Festival to become chief of literary initiatives at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., according to a news release. He will will curate the National Book Festival as well as oversee other Library of Congress programs.

Smith has been with the San Antonio organization since 2012. He increased the number of participating writers from 40 to more than 200 during his time with the SABF.

His last day is on Friday, October 8.

Here's what else you need to know this morning.

Luxury penthouse of Pace Picante heir for sale

A luxury penthouse that belonged to the well-known philanthropist, art collector and owner of Pace Food, the makers of Pace Picante sauce, is now up for grabs.

The Southtown penthouse has six rooms and seven bathrooms as well as a rooftop jetstream tub.

Get a look at the penthouse here.

RNC plans to create Hispanic community centers

The Republican National Committee is planning to bring what it is calling "Hispanic Community Centers" to San Antonio soon.

The centers are an attempt by Republicans to capitalize on support from the expanded Latino vote that former President Donald Trump received in 2020.

Read more here.

Developer calls San Antonio 'best kept secret'

The New York Times spoke with developers in San Antonio about ongoing, and sometimes controversial, development in the city.

One developer says San Antonio is still flying under the radar.

Read more here.

San Antonio nightclub to host three nights of spooky parties

San Antonio's oldest gay nightclub is bringing a long, ghoulish list of spooky season parties this month.

Locals will get the chance to show up in their best Halloween look to compete in a costume contest with more than $1,000 up for grabs.

See what's going down here.
Texas' Senate Bill 8, which went into effect on Sept. 1, continues to overwhelm the national conversation around abortion as the most restrictive law in the country. Now other states  many of which are led by Republican governors  are looking to copy or even outdo the Lone Star State's new ban.

The controversial SB 8 outlaws abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, making no exceptions for rape or incest. But, controversially, the legislation relies on enforcement by private citizens, rather than state officials, who can sue anyone who "aids or abets" these procedures. Gov. Greg Abbott also signed Senate Bill 4 in September, which when it goes into effect on Dec. 2 will make the use of abortive medications after seven weeks of pregnancy illegal.

As several lawsuits aim to stop the enforcement of SB 8, per the Texas Tribune, lawmakers crafting anti-choice legislation in other states have taken cues from the law's passage and seek to implement similar measures in their jurisdictions.

In the aftermath of Texas' measure, the Supreme Court balked at calls to stop its implementation, voting 5-4 against an emergency appeal from abortion providers in the state. The decision encouraged Mississippi Republican state Sen. Chris McDaniel, who told the Associated Press he would consider filing similar legislation in light of the ruling. "I think most conservative states in the South will look at this inaction by the court and will see that as perhaps a chance to move on that issue," he said.

Mississippi is currently looking to uphold it ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy in the highly anticipated case of Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, which is being argued in front of the Supreme Court on Dec. 1, and which has the potential to overturn Roe v. Wade, according to the Texas Tribune. In 2018, the Magnolia State passed the law but was blocked by a federal appellate court. In May, the court agreed to hear the case.

If the law overturns Roe v. Wade, 12 states, including Mississippi, possess pre-Roe abortion bans on the books that can be returned to active enforcement, according to the Guttmacher Institute, an organization that researches reproductive rights.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem announced via Twitter after SB 8's passage that she too wants to follow Texas' lead and "make sure we have the strongest pro-life laws on the books in (South Dakota)." Her state currently outlaws abortions after 20 or more weeks except in cases of life endangerment or severely compromised health, according to the Guttmacher Institute.

In September, Noem issued an executive order restricting access to abortion medication, requiring a physician to examine a patient in-person before administering the medications and prohibiting the mailing of the abortive treatment materials, according to the Associated Press. In North Dakota, GOP Sen. Janne Myrdal said she assumes the legislature will seek to pass a similar measure that uses Texas' law as a template when it reconvenes in 2023.

Arkansas GOP Sen. Jason Rapert also tweeted on Sept. 2 that he was working on a bill to "mirror the Texas SB 8 bill" adding he was the "original sponsor of the first Heartbeat Bill to pass in America." On Oct. 3, the Republican leader told the Southwest Times Record that the bill has already been drafted and will be introduced in a special legislative session in the coming weeks.

Rapert was a co-sponsor of Arkansas Senate Bill 6, which would ban abortions except to save the life of a mother and made no exceptions for rape or incest. The bill was blocked by a federal judge in July.

On Sept. 22, Florida Republican state Rep. Webster Barnaby introduced a Texas-style abortion bill, which similarly prohibits abortions after six weeks and would also be enforceable by private citizens. Those who file suit could win a $10,000 bounty, as Texas SB 8 has similarly decreed.

Speaking on the measure, Florida's Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis erred on the side of caution and told reporters he would "have to look more significantly" at Texas' mandate before proposing legislation in his state. "What they did in Texas was interesting, and I haven't really been able to look enough about it," he explained.

Republican legislators in Indiana have also shown interest in borrowing from Texas, but claim they will not be drafting abortion legislation this year. "We're closely watching what's happening in Texas in regards to their new pro-life law, including any legal challenges," Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston told the Associated Press. "Indiana is one of the most pro-life states in the country, and we'll continue to examine ways to further protect life at all stages."

Since most state legislatures aren't currently in session, votes on these publicly proposed Texas-style abortion bills won't likely be considered until next year unless eager Republican lawmakers see fit to capitalize on the moment and call for a special session.
Windcrest Fire Department will celebrate the arrival of its new ladder truck with the traditional push-in ceremony Saturday at the station on Midcrown Drive, next to City Hall.

The open house-push-in ceremony will run 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and include food and drink, music activities, games for children, and the push-in, when Windcrest firefighters line the front of the vehicle and literally push the engine back into its bay.

Windcrest Fire Chief Daniel Kramer said members of the fire department, both its paid and volunteer staff, will be on hand to take part in the firefighting tradition.

The push-in ceremony dates back to the late 1800s when fire departments used hand-drawn pumpers and horse-drawn equipment. Upon returning to the station, horses could not easily back the equipment into the station, so firefighters would push the equipment back into the bay themselves.

Were going to be pushing in the engine that came in last year, as well as the ladder truck, a 2021 Pierce Velocity Ascendant 100-foot Mid-mount Ladder, Kramer said.

The ladder truck has its history with the city and department before it even arrived. The city spent months working with one vendor before pulling that work contract and going with a second vendor.

We had to cancel the original order and then purchase this one, Kramer said.

Windcrest Mayor Dan Reese said both fire units to be pushed-in Saturday were part of the $2 million November 2018 bond that voters overwhelming approved, with a 70 percent approval. The ladder truck price was an estimated $1.32 million, with the Pierce Pumper costing just under $560,000.

Built at the Pierce facility in Appleton, Wis., the ladder truck arrived in Houston in mid-July before traveling to College Station for the 2021 Texas A&M Municipal Fire School and Vendor Show.

It then made its way to Indianapolis, Indiana, for the Aug. 2-7 Fire Department Instructors Conference, the worlds largest annual fire training conference and exhibition, before arriving in Windcrest in mid-August.

Kramer said the truck was on display with its ladder extended the full 100 feet in Lucas Oil Stadium, where the NFLs Indianapolis Colts play their home games.

The extensive pre-arrival travel gave the department a chance to test out its durability and handling.

In Windcrest we have 20 mph speed limits, and we dont really take the trucks on long drives, the chief said. So this (travel) was good break-in time for that motor. That way, they were able to identify any potential issues before that started.

Reese said the Windcrest ladder truck was one of the feature trucks at the FDIC.

Our Windcrest truck was actually featured in their displays among other fire trucks, Reese said. Its quite a feather in our cap (that we) actually got national recognition by having our truck on display as part of that convention.

The arrival of the ladder truck serves a dual purpose, Kramer said, for public safety and firefighter recruitment and retention.

Two things (volunteers) are really looking for are training and good equipment, Kramer said. We provide a boatload of training for our firefighters. Now we have some of the best and newest equipment in the area. Thats a huge asset for us.

From a public safety standpoint, a ladder truck is not only useful for the commercial side of things, but in helping fight residential fires as well.

Commercially, with Rackspace (Technology) and the fact we have about one million square feet of warehouse space down off Eisenhauer, the ladder truck is a necessity, he said. But a ladder truck can also help affect rescues and firefighting of two-story houses, able to get up on the roof and vent a roof to try to control the spread of fire.

It just enhances our capabilities on a fire scene, to be able to provide the relief needed to make sure the fire stops its spread, he added.

Reaching heights of 100-feet vertically and 93-feet horizontally, the Ascendant 100-foot Aerial Tower comes with 800-foot hose bed capacity, storage area for five extension ladders, and a pump capable of dispensing 1,500-2,000 gallons of water per minute.

jflinn@express-news.net
Yves here. Our Richard Smith is back! As you can see below, hes a co-author of a new piece at openDemocracy on a favorite topic: how shady investment vehicles like Scottish limited partnerships facilitate scams and money laundering.

Richard took up this beat when a friend lost a lot of money to an international scammer. He discovered that the authorities wont get out of bed if the ripoff is below $20 million, and even then its hard to get their attention, since cross border crime is harder to pursue than the domestic sort. And who wants to have to share credit?

Richard and his allies have been documenting how investment vehicles like Scottish limited partnerships, which provide for historically no and recently only lax disclosure of who is behind them, and dodgy company registries are essential for these crooks to flourish. But this is a decidedly technical and therefore unsexy topic, at least as far as the press and regulators are concerned. So despite officials saying they want to Do Something when stories like the Panama Papers and now the Pandora Papers break, their eyes glaze over when they find they have to get into the weeds to actually have an impact.

Funny that the same impediments also help private equity scamming to continue virtually unchecked, even with the SEC having woken up briefly to make noise about it.

By David Leask, a freelance journalist, Thomas Rowley, Lead Editor at oDR. (@te_rowley.; email tom.rowley[at]opendemocracy.net) and Richard Smith, a researcher documenting shell company abuse whose collaborations, credited and uncredited, include Australian Broadcasting Corporation, BBC, BBC, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Al-Jazeera, interest.co.nz, Glasgow Herald; blog posts at www.nakedcapitalism.com. Originally published at openDemocracy

Luxury cars allegedly purchased with funds from European-wide investment scam

Image: Office of General Prosecutor, Ukraine

Just before New Year, with a touch of fanfare, police and prosecutors in Ukraine posted a video online.

The film, backed by a dramatic, upbeat soundtrack, showed a garage door slowly opening to reveal first a Lamborghini and then a dozen or so other luxury cars.

Housed in a shining modern curved-roof structure with slate-grey cladding sat a Rolls-Royce, a Bentley, a Range Rover, a Mercedes, a Porsche and a BMW.

These vehicles, according to the title of the YouTube film, were the frozen assets of a group alleged to be involved in an online investment scam which turned over 10 million euros a month between 2017 and 2020.

Bavarian investigators had already identified hundreds of victims in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Britain. Now their Ukrainian colleagues were also chasing the proceeds of this alleged crime.

Their investigations, openDemocracy can reveal, led them to Scotland.

Video of assets released by Ukrainian prosecutors.

According to submissions for an asset freeze in August this year, Ukrainian investigators had pinpointed bank accounts where 35.9 million euros from the alleged fraud scheme were accumulated.

These accounts were held in the name of a Scottish limited partnership or SLP, a type of shell company that Transparency International has described as the go-to money laundering vehicle for criminals in former Soviet States.

Ukrainian prosecutors were, in effect, alleging a UK firm was used to launder the profits of a scam that targeted people in Britain and Europe.

The UK entity, Remini Consulting, is named in Ukrainian prosecutorial filings as having paid half a million euros for a Rolls-Royce. Those filings also claimed the entity transferred money from the alleged scam to other British firms, including another SLP and a London limited company.

The investigation into fraud and money laundering continues in Ukraine. On Monday, 4 October, law enforcement arrested a third suspect in the city of Dnipro, and reported that pre-trial investigation into one of two other suspects, originally arrested in March, had been completed. For the two men arrested earlier this year, bail has been set at a total of 325 million hryvnya, or roughly eight million pounds. A fourth suspect is currently wanted on an international warrant, prosecutors reported.

Ukrainian authorities did not name any suspects in the case. The owners of the frozen property, which included a downtown office block in Kyiv, have successfully contested some aspects of the asset freeze.
My position with Nashville Post has evolved since 2000 when I began work with the now-defunct The City Paper. TCP became a Post sister pub in 2008 (when I began some Post work) and folded in 2013. I have worked mainly with the Post since late 2011.

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Heru Heru brings something different to the table from its hip-hop peers around the region and beyond. The group is a meeting of the minds between MCs Ah-Deli and Foundation Mecca, plus producer and beatmaker Konscience Beatz  who live in Donelson, Pegram and Columbia, Tenn., respectively. If youre seeking trap beats or navel-gazing Soundcloud histrionics, youll want to look elsewhere. If the soulful vintage grooves and streetwise yet optimistic vibes of greats like Yasiin Bey, Talib Kweli and the late MF DOOM are in your wheelhouse, youre sure to pick up what Heru Heru is putting down on their new LP The Legacy  an expression of the social and artistic movement they call heal hop, which is also the name of their 2019 album. Just ahead of The Legacys release, I caught up with Ah-Deli.

Tell me about your musical upbringing.

Grew up in Nashville. Went to MTSU for philosophy. Was going to go to law school, but Im not the argumentative type. Shouldve studied music. [Laughs] After graduation, I moved to New York City. Lived there for a few years and totally immersed myself in the experience.

Was it a love of hip-hop that guided you there?

Definitely. I grew up on Tupac, Nas, Biggie, Mobb Deep.  And being able to go to New York, work there and walk the same streets while listening to their music got me even deeper into it. I lived there for two years, but continue to go there all the time, and made close friends.

What was your musical journey up to that point?

Born in 85. Heard Snoop Doggs Gin and Juice when I was 8. Id heard Vanilla Ice and MC Hammer, and didnt like it. But I loved listening to Snoop, Warren G and DJ Quik and picturing Long Beach, California. Then, when I was about 12 or 13 I got into Nas Illmatic. The West Coast guys were my gateway, but the East Coast rappers were what stuck. Just so lyrically expressive. Wise beyond their years.

When did you start making music?

In 2000, when I found this program at Staples called Acid 2.0. I brought it home, made a beat, rapped on the computer mic, made a song, and thought it wasnt too bad. Then I brought it to school and my friend was like, This is trash. I was like, Damn! At the same time, thats the real world. I was like, I have to go harder. I didnt quit. Twenty-something years later, Im still doing that  just better at it now. [Laughs]

Hip-hop is on its deathbed, Foundation declares on the track Mind Right from The Legacy. Is that addressing the one-dimensionality of some contemporary rap styles?

Yes. Our intention is to bring back hip-hop, as it was. We feel like the world needs it. Look at the charts. Its all nonsense. Moneys the motivation, rather than uplifting people. I grew up on the wisdom of artists like Nas, so to have experienced that, and now what we have today, theres a disconnect. We have to bridge the gap  heal people through hip-hop.

I read in your bio that you had a face-to-face encounter with the late DMX.

I happened to know the producer he was working with when he was recording The Exodus, his final album, in Franklin. I was star-struck but I kept my cool, didnt bother him. But I certainly didnt expect to rap with him. Then, on a Friday, Id just laid down after getting home from work  and I got a call at about 11 from my friend saying X is here, swing by.

I went there and he was drinking shots of moonshine. He offered me one, and I dont drink, but it was X, so I couldnt not  and three of those later, he challenged me to rap. Ten of the Ruff Ryders are there, they have their cameras out, its 1 in the morning, were drunk  and nothing was coming for me. I dropped the one thing I could think of, and X did not go easy. [Laughs]

He gave me four words of wisdom: Have a full clip. Ill never forget that.

Whats your take on Nashville hip-hop?

Theres so many talented artists in their own lane, it varies so much. But I think thats a beautiful thing. It lives in the shadows of all the other music here, but were looking to change that. Now is the time.
(Natural News) Remember back in the early days of the plandemic when it was widely reported that Sweden, which never imposed lockdowns or mask mandates, fared better than just about every other country in the world that oppressed its citizens? Well, the same thing is happening once again with the so-called vaccines.

Sweden has basically told the Branch Covidians to go to hell, and the result is that the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) is basically non-existent. Meanwhile in Israel, one of the most fully vaccinated countries in the world, the death toll is skyrocketing.

The latest data shows that the death rate in the Promised Land is going parabolic as Israelis get injected with two, three, and soon to be four Chinese Virus needles. In Sweden, on the other hand, where natural immunity reigns supreme, life is pretty much back to pre-covid normal.

How can this be if Fauci Flu shots are what is supposed to save us all from testing positive? The answer is simple: The shots are a fraud. Fortunately for Swedes, this is common knowledge. Unfortunately for Israel, Australia, the United States and other heavily compromised countries, it is a constant fight for health freedom with no end in sight.

On October 4, Sweden completely lifted the few minor restrictions it still had in place, which were minor compared to what other countries are doing. Life there is quite literally back to normal, and the data charts show that public health is better than ever.

Conversely, Israel, which has become a medical police state hell, is seeing hospitalizations and deaths soar to record highs.

Be like Sweden, not Israel

Just prior to when its final remaining restrictions were lifted, cases in Sweden were about nine percent of the countrys peak and falling. Only 41 infections per 100,000 people had been recorded, and more than likely a bulk of them were asymptomatic.

Nearby Denmark axed its last remaining restrictions as well, and is similarly seeing a massive decline in the number of new cases of the Chinese Virus.

It would appear as though the restrictions themselves were largely responsible for people falling ill and dying. It turns out that remaining isolated and blocking your breathing holes with Chinese plastic is not exactly good for health and well-being, which the left has still not figured out.

In fact, leftists everywhere are doubling down in support of covid fascism, which has become something of an accessory to these people as they trot around showing off their latest face mask designs and vaccine passport holders.

This sickening display of worship towards science would not even be worth mentioning were it not being ramrodded down the throats of others. Think Roman Catholic crusade, covid style.

Covidism really is a religion, and one that Sweden and Denmark have decided is not for them. Unfortunately for the West, it is rapidly becoming a convert or die situation where the apostles of Covidism are demanding full allegiance to covid gods in order to live.

Most dont know that Israel runs like a collectivist country, wrote one commenter at Citizen Free Press. It has no rules limiting government, but look how voting never gets it anywhere, not ever  same old status quo. Guess the Almighty has chosen them to be the example of mans folly.

Sweden has one of the lowest death rates per million, wrote another. Shouldnt it have the highest rate since it didnt lock down? Half of America is vaccinated and almost that many got covid ANYWAY, even with the lockdowns. All this crap needs to just end. It has nothing to do with any virus.

The latest news about Chinese Virus deception can be found at Pandemic.news.

Sources for this article include:

CitizenFreePress.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) If you never thought America would devolve into an actual police state, your opinion was probably changed at the start of, and during, the COVID-19 pandemic, when one left-wing authoritarian mayor and governor after another imposed soul-and-economy-crushing lockdowns.

And now that vaccines are available, many of these same people including medical groups, hospitals and corporations run by like-minded leftists are now demanding that in order to take part in their services, people will have to have a COVID-19 jab. Its tyranny deluxe and were still seeing it play out.

And if that didnt convince you, this will: A national school board organization has actually petitioned the Biden regime to utilize the full scope and power of the federal government to come down on parents whose crime is showing up to local school board meetings and loudly protesting, as is their First Amendment right, divisive critical race theory curriculum, ridiculous transgender policies and filthy sexual materials including adult-child sex presented to young students in school libraries.

Americas public schools and its education leaders are under an immediate threat. 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 from NSBA President Viola Garcia and NSBA interim Executive Director and CEO Chip Slaven noted last week.

Local school board members want to hear from their communities on important issues and that must be at the forefront of good school board governance and promotion of free speech. However, there also must be safeguards in place to protect public schools and dedicated education leaders as they do their jobs, the letter said.

As these acts of malice, violence, and threats against public school officials have increased, the classification of these heinous actions could be the equivalent to a form of domestic terrorism and hate crimes, they added.

And because the Biden regime is owned by teachers unions, naturally the president dutifully responded. On Monday, Attorney General Merrick Garland announced a new effort to force parents to shut up or be subjected to prosecution  because thats really what it amounts to.

Threats against public servants are not only illegal, they run counter to our nations core values, said Attorney General Merrick Garland in a statement. Those who dedicate their time and energy to ensuring that our children receive a proper education in a safe environment deserve to be able to do their work without fear for their safety.

The Department takes these incidents seriously and is committed to using its authority and resources to discourage these threats, identify them when they occur, and prosecute them when appropriate, Garland noted further in a memo. In the coming days, the Department will announce a series of measures designed to address the rise in criminal conduct directed toward school personnel.

Now, nearly two dozen other organizations are battling back.

On behalf of our 427,000 members, the undersigned organizations write in response to your September 29th letter to President Biden requesting federal assistance to stop threats and acts of violence against school board members, school officials, and teachers, a letter to the NSBA on Saturday began, according to the Post Millennial.

In that letter you requested that the federal government investigate, intercept, and revert the current threats and acts of violence against our public school officials through existing statues, executive authority, interagency and intergovernmental task forces, and other extraordinary measures and that the government leverage the expertise and resources of the US Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), US Department of Homeland Security, US Secret Service, and its National Threat Assessment Center,' the letter adds.

The groups pointed out that the NSBA was hyper-inflating the number of instances where there was violence or threatening behavior at school board meetings in order to justify the request for federal help.

Your letter to President Biden is a thinly veiled threat, intended to intimidate into silence and submission the very constituents that your members ostensibly represent, the letter reads.

Republican lawmakers railed at Biden for the Justice Departments decision to take this nonsense seriously.

Parents are speaking out against Critical Race Theory in schools. Now the Biden administration is cracking down on dissent, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR) tweeted in response to the DOJ announcement.

At his confirmation hearing, Merrick Garland promised not to follow the Obama model of weaponizing DOJ to target & persecute his political opponents, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) said. Just a few months in, hes already breaking that promise.

Sources include:

ThePostMillennial.com

USAFeatures.news

NewsTarget.com
(Natural News) The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) has received 569,294 adverse event reports associated with Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccinations in the United States.

Among the most common disorders reported after the vaccinations include temperature-related issues, skin problems and muscle movement and neuropathy. Others include non-specified pain-related issues, weakness, injection site reactions, headaches, heart problems and lung or respiratory problems.

Abdominal problems, getting COVID after vaccination, blood clots or bleeding, product issues and mood or memory problems have also been reported.

Each symptom does not necessarily equate to one patient as adverse reports usually include multiple symptoms for a single patient. Reporting of illnesses and symptoms that occur after COVID-19 vaccination does not also always mean that they are caused by the vaccine. The system itself is designed to collect adverse events that occur after vaccination to uncover patterns of illnesses that have not captured during vaccine studies.

The reports can be made by doctors, family members, vaccine industry representatives or the patients themselves. Many scientists have estimated that adverse events occur at a much higher rate since it is assumed that most adverse events are not reported through the tracking system.

To date, there have been over 391 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines given to around 185 million people in the United States. This number does not include the over one million people who have crossed the border illegally.

Health concerns raised

There are plenty of health alerts issued in the U.S. and around the world. Some of the vaccine-related concerns raised are listed below.

Functional neurological disorder

Researchers in the U.K. are studying cases of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) among women in their 30s who became ill after receiving their doses. FND symptoms include limb weakness, paralysis, tremor, spasms, speech problems, vision loss, seizures, fatigues, anxiety and chronic pain.

Guillain-Barre Syndrome

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added warnings about Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) paralysis in people who received the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine. GBS is an autoimmune disorder that damages nerve cells and causes muscle weakness, sometimes paralysis. (Related: VAERS data shows skyrocketing number adverse events following COVID vaccinations.)

Myocarditis, pericarditis and endocarditis

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been investigating reports of myocarditis, pericarditis and endocarditis after the COVID-19 vaccine inoculation to see if there is a relationship between them. The Pfizer vaccine was found to have thrice as high of a risk of myocarditis, according to a real-world case-control study from Israel, which found that the vaccination had a strong association with an increased risk of the disease.

The FDA added a warning to Pfizer and Moderna vaccines regarding the risk of heart inflammation. As of June 2021, there have been over 1,200 cases of heart inflammation in young people following their Pfizer or Moderna vaccination.

Breakthrough COVID cases

Concerns about waning immunity heightened in June 2021 when Israel announced that half of the adults infected with COVID-19 were fully vaccinated. In early September, an analysis of data in Israel showed that almost 60 percent of those hospitalized with COVID were vaccinated.

Blood clots and similar disorders

In late June, the first case of a blood clot disorder called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia was reported following the vaccination of a 65-year-old man who developed symptoms 10 days after his second dose of the Moderna vaccine.

According to the CDC, there is a plausible causal relationship between J&J/Janssen and TTS, a serious adverse event that has already caused deaths.

Get more news and updates about vaccines and their adverse effects during the time of COVID at Pandemic.news.

Sources include:

JustTheNews.com

Medscape.com

CNBC.com

BeckersHospitalReview.com
(Natural News) For breaking free from the left-wing hivemind of full Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine acceptance, British comedian Russell Brand is under attack by the communist media machine.

The Daily Beast via Yahoo News slammed Brand in a recent piece for being a powerful voice for anti-vaxxers. Writer Cheyenne Roundtree claims that Brand is spreading conspiracy theories that appeal to health freedom advocates who support other right-wing trolls like Ben Shapiro and Candace Owens.

If theres one thing few people had on their 2021 bingo cards, it would be anti-vaxxers becoming enamored with British comedian Russell Brand for his conspiracy theory-laden YouTube channel, Roundtree sneered in the piece.

The Forgetting Sarah Marshall actor has always presented himself as a contrarian  a free-thinker who isnt afraid to challenge established views or spout off at the government (both U.K. and U.S.).

Roundtree just cannot come to terms with the fact that Brand, who always seemed to skew left in his political beliefs, could reject Donald father of the vaccine Trumps Operation Warp Speed injections, which she regards as sound science.

Brands outspoken skepticism about Fauci Flu shots has generated for himself a large right-wing fan base, Roundtree further claims, adding that Brand likes to create video titles that either delight or infuriate, depending on the viewers political stance.

It appears to greatly upset Roundtree that Brand is doing well for himself on YouTube with both sides of the political aisle, depending on the issue. As many well know, bipartisan opposition to tyranny is not accepted in the United States as everyone is expected to pick a side.

Leftists hate free speech, and it really shows

Roundtree further complains in the piece that Brand is casting doubt on the trustworthiness of the FDA, insinuating that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is an agency worth trusting.

Brand has also called out Big Pharma for pushing covid injections as a type of gold rush, meaning the whole plandemic sham is nothing more than a profit-generating racket.

His videos, which appear to be monetized, often rack up millions of views across YouTube and Facebook, and his comment sections have become hotbeds of misinformation, Roundtree snarled.

Recently, Brand called out CNNs Don Lemon for promoting vaccine apartheid, calling Lemon a racist. Roundtree of course takes issue with this as well.

Like many other leftists who have completely lost the argument and have no counter-arguments, Roundtree supports social media censorship as a solution to people like Brand who buck the trend and think outside the box.

The Daily Beast actually put in a request with YouTube to crack down on channels like Brands that spread medical misinformation. There is just no room for honest and open debate about things like masks and injections because everyone is just supposed to accept these things without question.

If Brand was not a threat, neither Roundtree nor The Daily Beast would be paying him any mind. His message is popular, though, so he must be silenced by the fascists on the left who cannot tolerate any kind of free speech that contradicts their own beliefs.

In this case, the religious beliefs of the Cult of Covidism must not be questioned online. Anyone who does must be silenced, according to the journo-terrorists on the left.

There has been both a mistrust in science and a politicization of this pandemic, whined Rebecca Weintraub, a professor who believes that people should contact a clinician for information about the Chinese Virus, not outside-the-box thinkers and investigators like Brand.

The latest news about the lefts assault on free-thinking skeptics can be found at Fascism.news.

Sources for this article include:

Yahoo.com

Yahoo.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) The government of New Zealand has finally come to the realization that its zero covid policy  meaning society cannot return to normal until there are no more positive test results  is absolutely ridiculous.

To think that the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) will ever completely disappear is just lunacy, and Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is now admitting this as she throws in the towel on her previous plan.

After ratcheting up the tyranny to extreme levels and incurring massive backlash, Ardern now says that there is no way to completely eradicate all Chinese Germs from every crevice of the country.

Australia recently admitted the same, following what the United States, Europe and most other countries outside of China have long acknowledged, even if some of them continue to tyrannize their populations with covid fascism.

Were transitioning from our current strategy into a new way of doing things, Ardern told reporters in an announcement.

With Delta, the return to zero is incredibly difficult, and our restrictions alone are not enough to achieve that quickly. In fact, for this outbreak, its clear that long periods of heavy restrictions have not gotten us to zero cases.

Ardern went on to state that what she and her fellow Branch Covidians have been calling a long tail actually feels more like a tentacle that has been incredibly hard to shake.

After declaring covid to be eradicated, New Zealand blames resurgence on Delta variant

What does Arderns new way of doing things entail? For one, it involves easing lockdown restrictions in Auckland in a cautious way. It also involves abandoning the Chinese Virus policies that have been in place there for the past 18 months.

Time will tell if Ardern holds to her word, especially since she remains one of the most tyrannical dictators throughout this saga. Regardless, it is still expected that things will loosen up there like they already are in nearby Australia.

As you may recall, New Zealand was once touted as a covid success story. To this day, there have been only 27 deaths blamed on covid there, though cases have been picking up despite the governments restrictions.

At one point, New Zealand had declared that covid was effectively eradicated throughout the country  that is until the mainstream media starting blabbing about the Delta variant.

Now, officials are blaming the Delta variant for covids alleged return to New Zealand, which serves as yet another example of a government gone bad having put its foot in its mouth.

Australia did much the same thing, imposing a war-like strategy of full-fledged fascism to supposedly beat the virus. It, too, is failing miserably because terrorizing the public with endless lockdowns, mask mandates and vaccine aggression does nothing to stop disease.

The people of New Zealand were openly defying the orders of Princess Jacinda, wrote one Zero Hedge commenter, speculating as to why there has been a sudden change. She had to save face and allow what the people were already doing. Theres no way back to lockdowns. The armed forces are with the people.

It occurs to me that this whole game of characterizing people who are against mandatory vaccinations  and the vast erosion of personal liberty that entails  as, anti-American or unpatriotic, is really something that should be met head on, wrote another.

I completely reject the notion that my being against getting injected with something against my will makes me a bad citizen. I am pro-American. Those who wish to violate my bodily sovereignty are anti-American.

The latest news about the crumbling covid narrative can be found at Pandemic.news.

Sources for this article include:

ZeroHedge.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Northwell Health, the largest healthcare provider in New York, has terminated 1,400 healthcare workers for refusing to get a Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine.

The workforce across Northwells 23-hospital system is not 100 percent vaccinated. In a statement, the healthcare system says: Northwell believes that having a fully vaccinated workforce is an important measure in our duty to protect the health and safety of our staff, our patients, and the communities we serve. This allows us to continue to provide exceptional care at all of our facilities, without interruption and remain open and fully operational.

It adds that while it regrets losing employees under the circumstances, it believes that it has the responsibility to protect the health of its patients and the communities it serves to be 100 percent vaccinated against the virus.

NY healthcare workers ordered to get vaccinated

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has ordered healthcare workers in the state to get vaccinated, except those who are seeking religious exemptions. President Joe Biden has also ordered businesses with over 100 workers to require employees to get a COVID-19 vaccine or get tested weekly.

Healthcare workers who refused the vaccine have been placed on unpaid leave, leading to a lot of disruptions in the system. Strong Memorial Hospital, for instance, is pausing some of its elective procedures for two weeks.

The Biden administration has made vaccination a central part of its effort to vaccinate the country. Large hospital systems like Northwell Health seem to be complying with the vaccine mandate. In the state of New York, 87 percent of hospital workers have been fully vaccinated by September 29.

To avoid a staffing shortage in the states healthcare industry, Hochul has declared a state of emergency that allowed her to deploy National Guard troops, expedite visas for workers from abroad and recruit newly graduated or recently retired healthcare professionals. (Related: New York calling in National Guard to fill hospital staffing shortages due to vaccine mandates.)

The governors contingency plan reflects the fears that New York hospitals could face the same problems that have devastated hospitals in other parts of the country.

Northwell employs over 76,000 people and says that vaccinating all of its employees would allow them to provide exceptional care at their hospitals without interruption. Terminated workers have the opportunity for reinstatement in 30 days, according to Northwell spokesman Joe Kemp. However, the system is also recruiting healthcare workers for the vacant positions.

Terminations in other sectors expected to follow

Although healthcare organizations account for the most number of firings of unvaccinated workers, others are expected to follow when workers start reporting to offices again.

Randi May, a labor and employment attorney at Hoguet Newman Regal & Kenney in New York, says that general counsel and human resources in their company are planning to do the same. One company that is already firing unvaccinated workers is United Airlines.

In August, the company told its 67,000 U.S.-based employees that they will need to be fully vaccinated by fall. It has initially identified nearly 600 employees who refused to follow the order, but about half of them have since opted to get vaccinated.

Many other companies face dilemmas regarding vaccine mandates because of worker shortages in retail businesses, restaurants, hotels and other service sector employers.

Get more news related to vaccination in workplaces at Pandemic.news.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

NYTimes.com

CBSNews.com
(Natural News) While the Biden administration and liberal states, cities, and businesses across the nation impose unconstitutional draconian rules forcing people to receive experimental gene therapeutics, aka COVID vaccines, or lose a job or face other negative consequences in a bid to eliminate COVID, the vaccines appear to actually do little to protect one from getting COVID, spreading it to others, or even landing in a hospital.

(Article by Veronika Kyrylenko republished from TheNewAmerican.com)

On Thursday, Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) took to the Senate floor to unveil some data that sheds light on the shocking inefficiency of the vaccines that have been pushed so hard on the American public.

In his speech, Johnson referred to public health figures from England, explaining that the health authorities in the United States are obfuscating the facts or misleading Americans with their COVID reports.

Lets look at some data, Sen. Johnson said, The type of data we are not getting from our healthcare agencies, so we have to look, unfortunately, to England and Israel, that are more transparent.

Johnson continued, citing the official stats from Public Health England, an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care in England (pdf). According to its one of the latest briefings, dated September 17, 2021, that covers the number of cases for about seven-and-a-half months, there were about 750,000 new COVID cases, some 600,000 of which were attributed to the Delta strain.

Of the 600,000 cases, 27 percent of those infected were fully vaccinated people, a third were partially vaccinated or undetermined, and 43 percent were unvaccinated.

Johnson reminded the public how President Biden stated on July 21 that those who got the shot are immune from getting COVID.

The full quote from the president:

One last thing thats really important is, were not in the position where we think that any virus, including the Delta virus, which is much more transmissible and more deadly in terms of unvaccinated people, the  the various shots that people are getting now cover that. Youre OK. Youre not going to  youre not going to get COVID if you have these vaccinations.

On July 31, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) contradicted the presidents words in a statement that the viral load vaccinated and unvaccinated people carry when infected is similar. The vaccination was still recommended to everyone since it was said to reduce the risk of severe COVID complications.

The narrative then changed from getting the shot will protect you from COVID to getting the shot will protect you from COVID complications. Simultaneously, the message the government must protect the unvaccinated from the virus (hence the CDC recommending mask for everyone) changed into the government must protect vaccinated from unvaccinated, as the president put it when announcing a slew of vaccine mandates.

It remained unclear why the vaccinated people needed the governments protection from the unvaccinated folks on top of the protection they presumably got from the safe and effective and lifesaving vaccines. After all, the president himself claimed that only one out of every 160,000 fully vaccinated Americans was hospitalized for COVID per day.

Stating that This is a pandemic of the unvaccinated, Biden argued that those 80 million Americans who have failed to get the shot, while being a 25 percent minority, cause a lot of damage. It turns out, the president is yet again wrong.

Moreover, Sen. Johnson showed, there were more vaccinated Britons who died because of COVID than their unvaccinated compatriots, 63 percent vs. 28 percent, respectively.

Now, this is information the American people have probably never heard, the senator said, This information, by conveying it, I will get attacked. I will be vilified. I will be censored. I will be suppressed. Presumably, Johnson was referring to the YouTubes recent announcement to ban any misinformation claiming that federally or internationally approved vaccines are dangerous or dont work.

The same dire situation was observed in heavily vaccinated Israel, where a whopping 95% of all severe COVID cases were reported in August in fully vaccinated people, and 85-90% of all hospitalizations were also in that cohort.

The Land Down under reports that people who are inoculated against COVID are taken to the hospitals with COVID in larger numbers than those who were not jabbed. Speaking last week, Victoria Health Minister Martin Foley indicated that of all recent COVID hospitalizations, 78 percent of the patients were fully vaccinated, and 17 percent were partially vaccinated, and only five percent of people hospitalized with COVID were unvaccinated.

The efficacy of the vaccines is admitted to wane over time even by the vaccine manufacturers themselves, so they say the booster shots will be needed on a seasonal basis.

Still, it is hard not to notice a disturbing disproportion of fully vaccinated people suffering from severe COVID complications  a stark contrast to what would be expected given the official narrative.

There may be an explanation for that, and it is not good news for the inoculated.

As reported by Independent Sentinel, the Department of Defense program named Project Salus, run in cooperation with the JAIC (Joint Artificial Intelligence Center), has analyzed data on 5.6 million Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 and older, and found that the vast majority of COVID hospitalizations are occurring among fully-vaccinated individuals and that outcomes among the fully vaccinated are growing worse with each passing week. The study was shared on Twitter by Dr. Robert Malone, an inventor of the mRNA technology used in Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

Per the outlet:

This [data] appears to fit the pattern of so-called Antibody Dependent Enhancement, where the treatment intervention (mRNA vaccines) is worsening health outcomes and leading to excess hospitalizations and deaths.

That means, the vaccines put one at a greater risk of being hospitalized with COVID or dying from it.

As French virologist Dr. Luc Montagnier previously warned, the vaccines dont stop the spread of the virus  they feed it to become deadlier. You see it in each country, its the same: the curve of vaccination is followed by the curve of deaths, Montagnier said, and urged people to reject the jab.

Read more at: TheNewAmerican.com and Vaccines.news.
(Natural News) Here at ANP we have an ongoing series of food shortage crisis piece, with images taken from all across the country, from different stores, showing the rapidly declining options on store shelves, at least those that arent totally empty.

(Article by Susan Duclos republished from AllNewsPipeline.com)

What we havent addressed in as much detail is the other shortages, and the break down of the supply chain causing delays of nearly half of all U.S. Imports.

For those taking images for ANP, they can be sent to [email protected] or [email protected]

Those looking for food links, a recent piece by Stefan Stanford offers plenty of them, here.

This piece isnt about food in general, but rather taking a step back and looking at the issues with the entire supply [chain].

It seems as if most stories written about this issue are encouraging people to do their Christmas shopping early because by they may not be able to get what they want come Christmas, but really, shopping for presents should be the least of our worries.

Nearly half U.S. imports come in through California ports, and the backlog is being touted as a crisis, as more than just Christmas gifts are on the line.

From Business Insider via Yahoo News, in a piece titled The director of one of the largest ports in the US warns the shipping industry is in crisis mode as 66 cargo ships float off the California shore.

Cordero, who oversees one of the busiest ports in the country, advised people to start holiday shopping as soon as possible due to the disruptions in the supply chain. The port will move about 20 million containers this year, more than ever before, Cordero told Fox Business. Consumers will definitely feel the pinch, as companies across the board  from raw materials to durable goods, electronics, furniture, and auto parts  have been hit with shortages and delays. The supply chain is definitely disrupted and has been for some time, Cordero told the outlet. The situation is in a crisis mode. Earlier this month, ports in Los Angeles and Long Beach broke multiple records for the number of ships in the locations, as well as the number of cargo ships waiting to dock. Since then, the number of vessels has trended slightly downward, but the ports maintain unprecedented levels of congestion. On Tuesday, the ports housed 144 ships  including 66 container ships waiting off the shore at anchor or in drift areas, according to data from the Marine Exchange of Southern California. Before the pandemic, the ports typically saw an average of zero to one ship waiting to dock, but now the ships wait weeks to unload.

Below you will see Maria Bartiromo interview Director of Long Beach Port, Mario Cordero.

To put those numbers into some type of perspective, each ship carries thousands and/or tens of thousands of items, so we are talking about hundreds of thousands of containers stuck at U.S. ports collectively.

More on that in a video at the bottom of this article.

While the Port of Long Beach has increased their hours to 24 hours a day, Monday through Thursday, hoping to maintain the new schedules, that hasnt been possible because of shortages of dock workers, truckers, and warehouse workers.

The fact is that while we at ANP have focused on food, water and [other] basic necessities, because you need food and water to survive, without appliances (refrigerator and freezer) one cannot keep perishables or foods that need to stay cold or frozen.

Without car parts or a vehicle, it is difficult to shop for basic needs or do your weekly shopping.

Without electronics, simply replacing your computer if need be could start taking much longer, leaving you offline for an extended length of time, or getting parts to fix other electronics could take just as long or longer.

I think you get the point here.

The crises are multi-pronged and expected to get worse, with some experts predicting months-long delays on many products.

Read more at: AllNewsPipeline.com
(Natural News) After it was determined that the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) vaccine from Moderna causes myocarditis particularly in the young, the Nordic countries of Sweden and Denmark both banned it from being used in specific age groups.

According to reports, a new preliminary analysis from Swedish and Nordic data sources found that SpikeVax, as Moderna is now calling it, damages young peoples bodies and must cease from being administered.

The Swedish Public Health Agency issued a recommendation that Modernas SpikeVax be immediately discontinued for all young people born after 1991. Denmark already imposed a ban on the drug for children between the ages of 12 and 17.

The Swedish Public Health Agency has decided to suspend the use of Modernas vaccine Spikevax, for everyone born in 1991 and later, for precautionary reasons, the agency announced.

The cause is signals of an increased risk of side effects such as inflammation of the heart muscle or heart sac. However, the risk of being affected is very small.

The statement went on to explain that the connection between Modernas SpikeVax and cases of both myocarditis and pericarditis is especially clear  especially after the second dose.

The increase in risk is seen within four weeks after the vaccination, mainly within the first two weeks.

Modernas SpikeVax confirmed to cause heart inflammation in young people

On the same day the Swedish Public Health Agency issued this statement, the Danish Health Authority issued its own statement about how Modernas SpikeVax causes an increased risk of heart inflammation.

Though extremely rare, the agency insists, heart inflammation is not a good thing for young people to potentially experience, especially since the Chinese Virus itself poses almost no risk to them.

Even the Canadian Public Health Agency agrees with this assessment. It issued a statement a few days later stating:

The risk of cardiac complications, including heart inflammation, has been shown to be substantially increased following COVID-19 infections, with the risks higher after the infection than after vaccination.

Back in April, Denmark permanently banned the Fauci Flu shots from AstraZeneca after it was determined that the injections cause deadly blood clots.

Denmark was the first nation to ban that jab, though, like many other nations, it continues to push the mRNA (messenger RNA) shots from Pfizer-BioNTech, which appear to be the preferred type among governments around the world.

Patients everywhere were dropping dead after receiving the AstraZeneca injection, and it was so obvious so quickly that politicians were forced to act. With the mRNA shots, the damage often takes a while longer, meaning it is easier to conceal.

mRNA technology also permanently reprograms the recipients DNA, which could also explain why it is the preferred type of injection all around the world. Rather than just inject spike proteins directly (AstraZeneca), mRNA shots (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) program the body to produce spike proteins continuously over time.

Sweden, by the way, recently put an end to all of its covid restrictions, which were few to begin with. The so-called vaccines are not a requirement there, and things are completely back to normal now with no capacity restrictions or other impositions.

You are unlikely to hear about any of this from the mainstream media, by the way. Denmark and Sweden are both what you might call progressive nations that are bucking the plandemic trend, which does not fit the far-left covid narrative here in the U.S. that only Trump supporters are opposed to Chinese Virus fascism.

Lets see if our rabid left praises THIS turn of events from the Swedes and Danes, joked one commenter at National File.

To keep up with the latest news about injuries and deaths caused by Chinese Virus injections, be sure to visit ChemicalViolence.com.

Sources for this article include:

NationalFile.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Scott Kesterson slams the government for being untrustworthy during his program BardsFM on Brighteon.TV. He says the government is willing to use its people in an experiment for bioweapons, among other things.

The propensity to want to believe in the quick fix is something that we need to restrain as we look forward to the challenges ahead, he says before discussing how the U.S. has financed the development of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19).

US government financed coronavirus research at Wuhan lab

Our government is the enemy of the people, Kesterson says. Previous reports have shown that a bat coronavirus grant was provided to EcoHealth Alliance to back the research at Chinas Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV). The grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) also includes $600,000 to identify and alter bat coronaviruses that are likely to infect humans.

U.S. Senator Paul Rand has said that the documents revealing the extent of the funding for the coronavirus research showed that the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci lied in previous testimony to Congress when he denied giving funding. NIAID is an NIH sub-agency.

Citing the report, Rand says he asked the Department of Justice to review his testimony so that he may be held accountable for his actions. The documents have also revealed that experimental research on genetically engineered mice with human cell receptors was conducted at the Wuhan University Center for Animal Experiment, and not at the WIV as previously thought. (Related: Yes, the Coronavirus is an Engineered BIOWEAPON.)

Rutgers University chemical biology professor, Richard Ebright, has also slammed NIH Director Francis Collins. He says that the documents made it clear that assertions from Collins and Fauci saying that they did not support gain-of-function research or potential pandemic pathogen enhancement at WIV are untruthful.

Even before the pandemic, many scientists have expressed their concerns about the potential dangers associated with the experiments. Reports have been made showing that the COVID-19 virus stemmed from a genetically modified virus that leaked from the WIV.

Untrustworthy government in the midst of pandemic

Data has shown that the pandemic will leave a scar for years. With the current pandemic and resulting recession, the U.S. has witnessed the most tangible failure of government in recent history. The ongoing issues of errors, deceptions and corruptions have led to thousands of unnecessary deaths and economy shutdowns.

Distrust in the government has put the country into this situation. Poor performance in handling the pandemic leads to deeper distrust.

The government also incites distrust through its complexity and inaccessibility, with its many programs creating a barrier of uncertainty and confusion for people. Vaccination mandates could also hurt voluntary compliance, as lack of trust in the government could make it counterproductive.

The fact that mainstream media has been very quiet about vaccine deaths is not helping with the distrust, either. In Norway, for example, elderly people have died after receiving Pfizer vaccines. According to the Norwegian Medicines Agency, 13 of them had been found with common side effects that contributed to severe reactions.

Norway has only vaccinated about 25,000 people with Pfizer vaccine, and there have been 23 deaths connected to it. However, the media has failed to report the incident immediately. It seems that major media outlets have been downplaying the deaths associated with COVID-19 vaccines.

Americans have lacked trust in the federal government for decades. A recent poll has found that only 17 percent of Americans have a great deal of trust in the federal government in terms of giving reliable vaccine information. A separate poll has shown that 32 percent of unvaccinated adults claim that they dont trust the Biden administration to provide reliable information about the vaccines.

Watch the Sept. 30 episode of BardsFM here:

You can catch new episodes of BardsFM every Thursday at 5-6 p.m. on Brighteon.TV.

Get more news and updates about how the government is handling the COVID-19 cases in America and elsewhere at Pandemic.news.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

LiveMint.com

GlobalTimes.cn

Edition.CNN.com
(Natural News) Whistleblower Guo Wengui, also known as Miles Guo, warns the public that the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines are dangerous and can kill people.

Guo has discussed some important points about the virus in his latest publication. According to Guo, copies of spike proteins injected into the body will last forever. COVID-19 and vaccines have caused over 6 million deaths worldwide, with 2 million dying of the virus and another 4 million who died from vaccines.

He has also pushed for the use of several drugs, such as artemisinin, ivermectin, dexamethasone, oxytetracycline, hydroxychloroquine and zinc, which he says are necessary medication to fight the COVID-19 virus. Guo notes that artemisinin is effective for people who have had one shot of the vaccine, but not the fully vaccinated.

Vaccines a form of assault on global population

Guo maintains that the virus is the advanced force while the vaccines are the main force in the assault on global population. Now that vaccines are being launched worldwide, deaths will soon follow.

As early as February 2021, Guo stated that the virus is designed to target specific races, and the ones that will suffer most are Whites as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is targeting those they dont like. When the COVID infection breaks out again, those who have been vaccinated will be vastly affected as the COVID vaccines are expected to turn into bioweapons for genocide. (Related: Covid vaccines confirmed to KILL twice as many people as they save.)

Guo stated that one of the most important information about the SARS-CoV-2 virus is that it is not only about the Zhoushan bats  the core element of the virus is that a piece of a gene that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has been inserted into it as well.

The presence of the AIDS gene can lead to cancer development. Moreover, the spike proteins can enhance the effect of the AIDS gene, which can lead to exhaustion and heart and organ damage. The virus can also produce a type of cardiac enzymes that can exhaust the body system.

All symptoms of COVID, including increased cardiac enzymes, myocarditis and pericarditis can lead to death. A person who has been vaccinated is comparable to someone who opened the door and allowed 10 to 20 times more people in the house as the vaccine brings trillions of mRNA molecules into the cells, manufacturing trillions of spike proteins.

Adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines will lead to the death of people in two to three years. Guo says that people will suffer from vaccine-induced myocardial infarction, cerebral thrombosis, myocarditis and acute cancers.

Because of the genetic door that has been opened through the vaccines, more and more people will go blind or lose their voice, experience fertility problems and more disabilities. For those who get the booster doses, antidotes will appear to keep those who are needed to stay alive, and kill those who are not needed.

Possible scenarios following COVID-19 vaccination

Guo says there are four possible scenarios following COVID-19 vaccination: First, some vaccinated individuals may die of sudden myocardial or cerebral infarction; second, a vaccinated pilot or driver may die a sudden death while flying a plane or driving a car, taking the lives of others; third, vaccinated individuals may unknowingly infect or cause the deaths of their closest family and friends around them; and fourth, those who have been vaccinated but didnt die from vaccination will be physically, mentally or psychologically impacted from taking the vaccine, and can no longer lead a normal life.

According to Guo, people in China have been divided into different classes, and the vaccines have been designed for people of different classes.

The first class of people are not getting vaccinated; the second may take fake or ineffective vaccines; and the third may receive nutrients that will improve their immunity. Finally, the last class are the people who will receive the real vaccines, which include the disabled, elderly and anyone over the age of 45 whom China wants to wipe out.

Read more about the dangers of COVID-19 vaccines BiologicalWeapons.news.

Sources include:

GNews.org

CNBC.com
(Natural News) After all the vitriol directed at anyone who said or did anything that could even be remotely construed as racist against black people in the wake of the George Floyd incident, its alarming that there isnt greater furor over the way COVID-19 vaccine mandates overwhelmingly place them at a disadvantage.

New York Citys vaccine passports are being viewed by many black people as racist, and theyre gathering together to make their voices heard. Last weekend, former GOP congressional candidate and niece of civil rights figure Martin Luther King Jr., Angela Stanton King, spoke at a Brooklyn event that she helped organize denouncing the mandates. Roughly 100 people attended, most of whom were black, to express their outrage.

King drew attention to vaccines being used as population control in comments to The Epoch Times: Medical apartheid is population control. Population control comes in different forms: vaccines, abortions, mass incarceration, and perverted sexual agendas targeting children. Population control is racist, from the womb to the tomb, she said.

King was a vocal supporter of President Trump, but its not just those with conservative political leanings who are outraged.

The far more liberal Black Lives Matter group has also called attention to the problematic mandates. One leader of the Greater New York chapter of Black Lives Matter, Chivona Newsome, took Mayor Bill de Blasio to task over the mandate, saying: The vaccination passports are modern-day Freedom Papers, which limit the free will of Black people.

The mandate went into effect the week of September 13. It ordered that all indoor establishments require each person to present proof of vaccination before entering. Moreover, employees of certain establishments must also show vaccination proof to keep their jobs. This is keeping many black people from dining in city restaurants and also jeopardizing their jobs and livelihoods.

Black citizens make up 18 percent of New Yorks population, yet they account for just 14 percent of vaccinated people there. This contrasts sharply with figures for white people, who make up 69.9 percent of the states population and 69 percent of its vaccinated people, as well as those for Asian New Yorkers at 9 percent and 15 percent respectively.

Vaccine mistrust among black Americans fueled by history

Its not at all surprising that so many black people are hesitant to get vaccinated. America has a long history of targeting blacks with medical experiments. And although the Tuskegee syphilis study may be decades behind us now, black Americans still do not receive the same level of medical care that white Americans do overall, with disparities noted in everything from the treatment of chronic pain to maternal death rates. There is a deep distrust of the American healthcare system as well as the government agencies encouraging people to get the jab.

Of course, the same mainstream media, liberal politicians and people on social media who are so quick to attack every police officer based on the actions of just one of them in the name of supporting black people are not saying or doing anything to acknowledge this very real problem that also affects black Americans. Theyll complain that a traffic stop for a black person who ran a stop sign is racist but dont see anything wrong with creating a two-class system that largely gives privileges to white people that blacks wont have. In fact, they go out of their way to shame those who are too scared to get vaccinated.

The same people who claim were not learning from history and want to knock down statues are completely ignoring our nations history of medical experimentation on blacks and the fact that previous vaccines have statistically been more harmful to black people than those of other races.

Sources for this article include:

WesternJournal.com

FoxNews.com
(Natural News) When Donald Trump was in the White House, he kept a close tab on the Chinese government, forcing Beijing to come to the negotiating table regarding trade and other issues while blocking the Communist regime off from sensitive American technology.

At the same time, Trump honored previous U.S. defense agreements with Taiwan because it is a democracy and because the Chinese regularly threatened to invade the island nation  although the threats ceased during the 45th presidents term.

But hes gone now, cheated out of a second term by Marxists in government and the deep state, and it is becoming quite obvious the Chinese do not fear or respect Trumps successor, Joe Biden.

How do we know? Because the threats against Taiwan have resumed again as well as acts of military intimidation. Whats more, the Chinese continue to build the capability specifically to invade the island, which the regime considers just a renegade province even though the once-ruling government of China fled there after losing a civil war to Maos Communists.

The Daily Mail reports on some harrowing new details:

China has warned that World War Three could be triggered at any time after it sent dozens of warplanes into Taiwans airspace.

An article in the state-backed Global Times newspaper on Tuesday said that collusion between the US and Taiwan was so audacious that the situation has almost lost any room for maneuver, teetering on the edge of a face-off.

It claimed that the people of China were ready to back all-out war with the US, warning the island nation against playing with fire.

In recent days, nearly 150 warplanes including fighters, nuclear-capable bombers, anti-submarine and electronic warfare planes have violated Taiwans airspace including 56 planes in a single incident in what has become a dramatic escalation of aggression.

Meanwhile, the hapless Biden says hes talked to Chinese President Xi Jinping about Taiwan and he said Xi has agreed to abide by some arrangement no one seems to know anything about, including, apparently, Biden, as tensions have continued to rise between Taipei and Beijing.

Ive spoken with Xi about Taiwan. We agreewell abide by the Taiwan agreement, Biden told reporters at the White House this week.

But, the Daily Mail notes that phone call took place Sept. 9; it isnt clear what agreement he was referring to and besides, its obvious whatever was discussed made little difference to Xi because he has ratcheted up his aggressiveness towards the island democracy since then.

It may have been a nod to Washingtons long-standing policy under which the US officially recognizes Beijing rather than Taipei, and the Taiwan Relations Act, which makes clear that the US decision to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing instead of Taiwan rests upon the expectation that the future of Taiwan will be determined by peaceful means, the outlet reported.

Meanwhile, the Taiwanese arent backing down. President Tsai Ing-wen vowed on Tuesday to do whatever it takes to defend the country, as U.S. warships and those from a half-dozen other countries made their presence felt in the region this week.

President Tsais vow comes as British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth (Big Lizzie) was shown sailing in the Philippine Sea in a joint exercise with two US carriers  the USS Ronald Reagan and USS Carl Vinson  and Japans helicopter destroyer JS Ise, the Daily Mail reported.

In reality, the Izumo-class helicopter destroyers are being modified into aircraft carriers capable of operating vertical takeoff-landing F-35Bs from their decks; the modifications are said to be directly related to Chinas construction of carriers.

Xi has described the seizure of the self-governed democracy as inevitable and Beijing has ratcheted up pressure on Tsai since she was elected in 2016 on a mandate of an independent Taiwan, the Daily Mail noted.

Sources include:

NavalNews.com

DailyMail.co.uk

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Francis Haugen, who has been identified as the now-infamous Facebook whistleblower, appears to have ulterior motives for attacking her former employer that have nothing at all to do with doing the right thing or making society better, but everything to do with causing as much havoc as possible among independent media outlets that legitimately work to inform readers and hold the powerful elite of either major party to account.

Haugen, who made her admission on 60 Minutes in recent days, is getting strategic communications guidance from a top Democratic operative, according to a source with direct knowledge of the relationship, which was confirmed by another half-dozen sources with indirect knowledge of the partnership, the Washington Free Beacon reported.

The revelation comes after Haugen, a former data scientist at Facebook, gave internal documents to a top reporter at The Wall Street Journal exposing questionable practices the social media behemoth engages in, which includes targeting teens with inappropriate and harmful materials.

The thing I saw at Facebook over and over again was there were conflicts of interest between what was good for the public and what was good for Facebook, and Facebook, over and over again, shows to optimize for its own interests, like making more money, she told the long-running CBS television newsmagazine.

Youve seen a bunch of social networks and it was substantially worse at Facebook than anything Id seen before, Haugen, 37, told interviewer Scott Pelley of her experiences at other platforms including Google and Pinterest.

One of Facebooks internal studies that Haugen exposed concluded: We have evidence from a variety of sources that hate speech, divisive political speech and misinformation on Facebook and the family of apps are affecting societies around the world.

But what she didnt really reveal was her motivations.

Haugen is working with the political consultant and former Obama administration deputy press secretary Bill Burton and his consulting firm, Bryson Gillette. It is unclear when Haugens relationship with Burton and Bryson Gillette began, how big her communications team is, and whether it includes other political operatives, the Free Beacon continued.

But Burton is now deeply integrated with an emerging infrastructure on the left comprised of individuals and organizations, including the nonprofit Center for Humane Technology, seeking to press Facebook to more aggressively police political content, the outlet continued.

And, of course, that means policing conservative content and reporting from independent media, many sites of which use Facebook as their primary marketing tool and depend on the site to generate page views and revenue.

When we live in an information environment that is full of angry, hateful, polarizing content, it erodes our civic trust, it erodes our faith in each other, it erodes our ability to want to care for each other. The version of Facebook that exists today is tearing our societies apart and causing ethnic violence around the world, Haugen told Pelley.

But we also know that language like this from leftists is code for going after the right: So-called misinformation and disinformation is arbitrary, we have discovered, and defined individually by people in power who simply do not want certain facts and truths to come out. Any reporting that refuted the lefts Russian collusion narrative back when Donald Trump was still president, though that narrative was a fabrication, was immediately branded Russian disinformation and removed by platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Google.

And its all been planned, the Free Beacon reports:

In Haugens public testimony, industry and political insiders see a sophisticated communications campaign intended to put Facebook on defense, from a steady trickle of leaked internal documents that fueled a Wall Street Journal investigative series dubbed The Facebook Files to the blockbuster 60 Minutes interview to congressional testimony scheduled to begin Tuesday. Haugen on Sunday also debuted a slick personal website in part to field media requests.

It does have the appearance of being an incredibly well-orchestrated communications campaign, said GOP operative Kevin McLaughlin, the former director of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Nothing in politics this major happens accidentally. Haugens apparent Democrat connections makes it plain to us this is all about censorship of wrong-think.

Haugen has admitted that Facebook changed its rules on free speech during the run up to the 2020 election, but then the company reverted back to the old rules afterward, Outspoken reported this week. Her solution is to have Congress intervene and force Facebook to engage in some level of censorship akin to the silencing of information like the tech behemoth did before the 2020 election.

Sources include:

GetOutspoken.com

FreeBeacon.com

NewsTarget.com
(Natural News) Frances Haugen, the former Facebook employee commonly being called a whistleblower by the fake news media, helped suppress the infamous Hunter Biden laptop story in the lead up to the 2020 presidential election.

(Article by Shane Trejo republished from BigLeaguePolitics.com)

The Post Millennial has reported that Haugen served on the Facebook civic integrity team that decided to put the lid on the Hunter Biden story last year despite its accuracy and its potential to affect the results of the upcoming election.

Additionally, Haugen is being represented by White House Press Secretary Jen Psakis public relations firm and received an expedited blue checkmark of verification on Twitter. She is also receiving strategic guidance from a consulting firm run by former Obama deputy press secretary Bill Burton.

This is a far cry from how legitimate whistleblowers such as WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, NSA leaker Edward Snowden, James OKeefe at Project Veritas, and their various associates usually operate.

Just spoke with James OKeefe on War Room He confirmed 60 Minutes has never invited on any of his whistleblowers from Silicon Valley or anywhere else  Jack Posobiec  (@JackPosobiec) October 5, 2021

The case of Haugen, who is advocating for Facebook to stifle speech and enact Big Brother even more quickly than they already are, has all the hallmarks of an astroturfed gaslighting operation.

Big League Politics reported on how fake whistleblowers were deployed throughout the Trump administration to undermine his America First agenda with carefully-choreographed media disinformation campaigns:

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) exposed the name of CIA whistleblower Eric Ciaramella on the Senate floor on Tuesday, in a move that has enraged leftists desperate to protect the anonymity of the veteran Democrat and deep state operative.

Paul was enraged that Chief Justice John Roberts denied his ability to ask questions about Ciaramella while the Senate impeachment trial was being waged last week.

Im going to ask that question again this morning because the Constitution does protect debate, Paul said. I think they made a big mistake not allowing my question. My question did not talk about anybody who is a whistleblower, my question did not accuse anybody of being whistleblower, it did not make a statement believing that someone was a whistleblower. I simply named two peoples names because I think its very important to know what happened.

Paul explained his position and how he supports protection but not necessarily anonymity for whistleblowers.

In the first month of [Trumps] office, in January of 2017, they were already plotting the impeachment, he alleged. And you say Well, we should protect the whistleblower, and the whistleblower deserves anonymity. The law does not preserve anonymity. His boss is not supposed to say anything about him, hes not supposed to be fired. Im for that.

Paul exposed Ciaramellas identity during the final deliberations of the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump that is expected to end with an acquittal on Wednesday.

He stood by a sign on the Senate floor, which contained his censored question reading as follows: Manager Schiff and Counsel for the President, are you aware that House Intelligence Committee staffer Shawn Misko had a close relationship with Eric Ciaramella when at the National Security Council together, and are you aware and how do you respond to reports that Ciaramella and Misko may have worked together to plot impeaching the President before there were formal House impeachment proceedings?

Democrats and the fake news media are at war with free speech and are desperate to control the flow of information on social media. This is why Haugen has been rolled out with her sob story to manipulate public opinion.

Read more at: BigLeaguePolitics.com and Traitors.news.
(Natural News) If our founders somehow managed to be reincarnated and took a look around at the country they bequeathed us, they would be amazed  and angry as well as disappointed  at how far we have allowed our leaders to stray from the Constitution.

The tyranny of the majority that James Madison feared would become evident to them immediately, as they watched how the rights of certain groups were trampled in favor of majority rule. But also, they would be appalled at how powerful the federal government has become despite specific language in the Constitution that sought to ensure that never happened, including serial and frequent disregard for basic civil liberties and protections.

Like privacy.

The Fourth Amendment states clearly: The 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, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

That seems fairly straightforward and clear. So why, then, are search giants like Google turning over user search term data to the Feds even when there is no probable cause to do so and when many people have used the site under the firm expectation of being secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects?

Thats a great question and certainly someone from the government needs to answer it because thats exactly whats happening, as reported by American Wire:

The federal government has covertly issued warrants requiring Google to give up user information on people searching for specific terms and information, generating concerns among privacy advocates that users may inadvertently be caught up in criminal probes at a higher frequency than once believed.

Forbes reported Tuesday that federal authorities have begun using what is called keyword warrants which require the tech behemoth to give up data on users who were reportedly searching for a victims name or address during a particular timeframe, according to a court document that was unsealed by mistake.

Trawling through Googles search history database enables police to identify people merely based on what they might have been thinking about, for whatever reason, at some point in the past, said Jennifer Granick, a surveillance and cybersecurity attorney at the American Civil Liberties Union, in an interview with the outlet.

This never-before-possible technique threatens First Amendment interests and will inevitably sweep up innocent people, especially if the keyword terms are not unique and the time frame is not precise. To make matters worse, police are currently doing this in secret, which insulates the practice from public debate and regulation, she noted further.

Forbes managed to discover what was taking place by accident; the Justice Department inadvertently unsealed court documents related to a 2019 case in Wisconsin involving the alleged kidnapping and sexual abuse of a minor girl and the documents revealed that investigators used the warrants to see who may have searched for the girls information including name and address.

The problem, according to privacy advocates, is the same one that always crops up involving scooping of electronic data: People who have done nothing wrong are identified as well, which is a blatant constitutional rights violation.

Forbes noted that another disturbing aspect to the Wisconsin case is that the Justice Department published the kidnapping victims name, her Facebook profile (now no longer accessible), her phone number and address, a potential breach of a minors privacy. The outlet also reported that similar warrants have been served on Yahoo and Microsoft.

Google tried to explain away any concerns.

As with all law enforcement requests, we have a rigorous process that is designed to protect the privacy of our users while supporting the important work of law enforcement, a Google spokesperson said.

Sure  and the FBI hasnt entrapped people for years, either.

Sources include:

AmericanWireNews.com

YahooNews.com

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) A British study found that mixing and matching Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines could lead to more side effects. University of Oxford researchers discovered the issue in the Comparing COVID Vaccine Schedule Combinations (Com-COV) trial  the first in the world to look at mixing different COVID-19 vaccines. The Com-COV study focused on the Pfizer/BioNTech and AstraZeneca vaccines, which are both authorized for use in the United Kingdom.

The researchers found that people who received one vaccine candidate first followed by the other candidate had a higher chance of experiencing undesirable side effects than those who received two doses of the same vaccine. Based on their findings, 37 percent of volunteers who received an AstraZeneca dose followed by a Pfizer dose experienced chills. Meanwhile, 41 percent of volunteers who got a Pfizer dose first and an AstraZeneca dose afterward developed a fever.

On the other hand, only 10 percent of those who received two doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine and 21 percent of those who received two doses of the Pfizer vaccines reported having a fever.

According to the Com-COV trial data, which is set to be published in The Lancet next month, other side effects reported by those who received mixed doses of the two vaccines included fatigue, malaise, headache, joint pain and muscle ache. All symptoms, the study noted, were short-lived.

Both the AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines require two doses for complete protection. However, the two vaccines make use of different technologies. AstraZenecas vaccine, made in partnership with the University of Oxford, uses an adenoviral vector, while Pfizers vaccine, made in partnership with German firm BioNTech, uses messenger RNA (mRNA). The U.K.s Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) approved both vaccines for use in the country.

The vaccines by themselves are linked to serious reactions  mixing them only makes things worse

As per the British governments guidance, people should ideally receive two doses of the same vaccine. However, in other countries like France, some people who initially received a dose of AstraZenecas vaccine have been offered the Pfizer vaccine for their second dose. Trials to see if combining two different vaccines can trigger stronger immunity against the coronavirus are ongoing.

As of writing, there is no data showing that mixing vaccine doses induces a more robust immune response to the Wuhan coronavirus.

In a briefing, vaccinologist and Com-COV chief investigator Dr. Matthew Snape said they are still unsure whether the higher rates of side effects they observed are indicative of a stronger response. I personally would be surprised if that was the case, [but] we just dont know what the outcome will be yet. Snape has previously remarked that mixing vaccines carried the risk of causing a response that is not as good as in the original vaccine course.

Snape and his colleagues are now looking at mixing the Moderna and Novavax COVID-19 vaccines. Both of these vaccines also require two doses for protection. The MHRA approved Modernas mRNA vaccine for use in the country but has yet to give the Novavax adenovirus vaccine the green light.

The AstraZeneca and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines have been linked to serious cardiovascular reactions. In Denmark, the AstraZeneca vaccine is associated with cases of brain hemorrhage. According to a report by The Hill, two health care workers experienced adverse reactions within 14 days of receiving their first shot.

The emergence of many similar reports led Denmark to discontinue vaccinations using the AstraZeneca vaccine. Back in April, Danish Health Authority Director General Soren Brostrom announced the decision to remove the AstraZeneca vaccine from Denmarks mass vaccination program because there is a real risk of severe side effects associated with using [it].

Meanwhile in Israel, authorities investigated reports of heart lining and heart muscle inflammation in people who received the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. They identified 62 incidents of cardiac inflammation caused by the vaccine based on a study by the Israeli Ministry of Health. Two people died as a result of the adverse reaction while the rest recovered.

Pfizer confirmed in a statement that it is aware of the cardiac inflammation cases in Israel. However, it denied that its two-dose mRNA vaccine had anything to do with the adverse reactions. We have not observed a higher rate of myocarditis than what would be expected in the general population. A causal link [between heart inflammations and] the vaccine has not been established, the drug company said.

Visit VaccineInjuryNews.com to read more articles about the different COVID-19 vaccines and their adverse effects.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

TheHill.com

SST.dk

BloombergQuint.com
(Natural News) The National School Boards Association (NSBA) is begging Joe Biden to send in the troops and wage actual war against parents who do not want their children forcefully masked and vaccinated by the Branch Covidians.

The group claims that teachers and other public school staffers are under immediate threat from parental health freedom advocates who are engaging in acts of malice, violence, and threats by speaking out in defense of their own childrens lives.

The NSBA is so scared of parents holding them accountable for committing crimes against humanity that they are actually now calling on the Biden regime to send in FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) and Secret Service agents to protect them against what they claim are mobs of angry and irate parents.

All of this would end if the NSBA would just stop assaulting children with Chinese face masks and experimental, DNA-modifying mRNA (messenger RNA) chemicals. Because the tyrannical organization refuses to do so, parents have no choice but to do whatever it takes to protect their kids.

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, reads a letter signed by NSBA President Viola Garcia and Interim Executive Director and CEO Chip Slaven.

Whiny public school teachers want China Joe to punish parents for trying to keep their children safe against masks, vaccines

Public school teachers and administrators continue to complain that they are unable to hold school board meetings because too many parents are speaking out about the dangers of wearing a mask and getting injected for Chinese Germs.

Last we checked, parents still have authority over their children, despite the claims of the NSBA. No public school teacher or administrator has the right to force kids to wear an experimental cloth or receive a syringe to the arm, and yet the public school system believes otherwise.

Consequently, more and more parents are taking a stand and the NSBA is scared. The group claims that parents are the extremists, not teachers, and they want Beijing Biden to intervene to keep the sham going.

As these threats and acts of violence have become more prevalent, 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, the group further wrote in its letter to the illegitimate president.

The NSBA is of course using the children as an excuse, claiming that parents are putting their own childrens well-being at risk by speaking out in their defense. The only entity that can protect children against their own parents is the government, the NSBA claims.

We urge the federal governments intervention against individuals or hate groups who are targeting our schools and educators, the NSBA letter further demands.

As the threats grow and news of [sic] is being reported, this is a critical time for a proactive approach to deal with this difficult issue.

Again, there would be no issue if public school tyrants would stop trying to force masks, vaccines, and other Branch Covidian fetish items on innocent children. They only have themselves to blame for all the backlash that is coming in response to public school tyranny.

Get your kids out of these communist reeducation camps, wrote one commenter at the DailyMail Online.

So, the world doesnt mandate masks for kids in schools, but we do? asked another. No wonder we are referred to as dumb Americans.'

The latest news about the complete breakdown of society due to Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) fascism can be found at Fascism.news.

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk

NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) In addition to breaking news on the covid vaccine being banned in Scandinavian countries (for certain age groups), and Chinas warning of imminent war against the world, todays Situation Update begins with a Preparedness Pop Quiz that covers the top 10 areas where we all need to be prepared.

Listen to the first 25 minutes of todays podcast (below) and give yourself 10 points for each of the 10 preparedness areas you have covered (such as home food production, backup comms, community networking, etc.) If you score 70 or better, youre well prepared! If you score under 50, youre behind the curve and need to take steps to get caught up.

Mainstream media tries to trick the public with new math about vaccine-injured people in the hospitals

To try to hide the full extent of vaccine injuries and deaths now taking place around the world, the lying mainstream media is making statements such as, Nearly 13% of hospital patients with confirmed Covid were unvaccinated. This means, of course that 87% of hospital patients were previously vaccinated.

Other stories run by the BBC inadvertently confirm that two-thirds of COVID cases in the UK are taking place among vaccinated people. See full details here.

They are hoping that nobody can remember how to do basic math. (They might be right)

Scandinavian nations ban the use of Modernas covid vaccine in younger people

Due to alarming numbers of young people suffering myocarditis, blood clots and heart attacks, Sweden, Denmark and now Finland have all banned the Moderna covid vaccine in younger age groups (anyone under 30 in one case).

The US, UK and Canada, meanwhile, are happy to keep murdering young people with vaccines since that helps achieve their global depopulation agenda. Somehow, scientists in Scandinavian countries arent yet all-in with the depop plandemic scheme. More details here.

Energy and power grids rapidly collapsing in Asia and Europe

In China, 21 out of 30 provinces are now experiencing rolling blackouts as power generation bandwidth crumbles due to shortages of coal. According to the South China Morning Post, some factories are currently operating just one day per week.

US coal production cant keep up with global demand, which continues to soar. Meanwhile, the natural gas shortage / price increase across Europe has fertilizer producers reeling. Many have shut down, and just two days ago, Germanys largest ammonia plant slashed its output and is warning it may have to shutter the entire operation.

The upshot is that skyrocketing energy prices (and outages) are going to thrust millions of people across Europe and China into poverty as manufacturing is heavily impacted. The coming winter wont be easy to handle without affordable heat, either.

The natural gas shortage / price spike is also affecting greenhouse food production across Europe. This, in addition to the fertilizer plants shutting down, means Europe will face extreme food scarcity following the 2022 harvest. This will extend into the Fall of 2022 and may continue long after.

Its a good thing that fasting is good for your health!

Colorado health care system orders woman to DIE from lack of a kidney transplant because she wont take the spike protein injection

The University of Colorado Health system is now operating in full-blown death panel mode, removing a women from a kidney transplant list because she wont take the spike protein injection.

Apparently, in order to receive an organ transplant in Colorado, you must first destroy your healthy organs with a bioweapon injection. Only then are you allowed to receive replacement organs, most of which are probably already contaminated with spike protein nanoparticles themselves.

Read the following letter, sent to the patient by UCHealth administrator Katherine Hamann, the Kidney Transplant Coordinator for the hospital:

(See hi-res image at this link)

Kidneys are routinely damaged by vaccines, of course, due to the mercury content found in some flu shots as well as aluminum adjuvants. So the vaccine industry damages your kidneys, driving you to a transplant, then orders you to take yet more toxic injections in order to receive the transplant.

Its all a cruel scam designed to generate repeat profits for Big Pharma and the organ harvesting hospitals that profit from organ trafficking.

It is an industry of death, and now that industry is openly running death panels. Is anyone really surprised? Sadly, all the people who will soon die from covid vaccines cant be tapped for organ donations since their organs are destroyed by the spike protein.

But thats probably the whole point.

Hear all this and more in todays Situation Update podcast

We cover all this and more in todays SU podcast, which documents the increasing insanity and accelerating collapse thats now happening all across the globe.

Its astonishing that there are still people who arent yet red-pilled about whats really happening. What will it take before they wake up and smell the tyranny?

Brighteon.com/56022d39-6ccb-4c42-b812-eb9cbe2f8d92

Explore new podcasts and interviews each day at:

https://www.brighteon.com/channels/hrreport
(Natural News) Leaked proposals submitted to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) reveal that a group of American and Chinese scientists had deliberately planned to create a new coronavirus two years before the start of the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The grant application submitted in 2018 was leaked to the Decentralized Radical Autonomous Search Team (DRASTIC), a pandemic origins analysis group.

Controversial British zoologist and EcoHealth Alliance President Peter Daszak submitted the grant application proposal for the study on behalf of a group that also includes the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore.

The application states that the group planned to compile sequence data from a panel of closely related strains of viruses, compare full-length genomes and scan for unique single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that represent sequencing errors. Consensus candidate genomes will then be synthesized commercially using established techniques to recover recombinant viruses.

In the proposal, scientists said that they wanted to genetically enhance airborne coronaviruses and release aerosols containing novel chimeric spike proteins among cave bats in China, as well as other coronaviruses to infect humans by introducing human-specific cleavage sites to bat coronaviruses.

The idea is to discover the risks posed by coronaviruses, as well as find ways of preventing outbreaks by vaccinating bats against illnesses. This would result in a virus that has no clear ancestor in nature. (Related: Virus expert at Wuhan lab denies COVID-19 lab leak theory.)

The World Health Organization (WHO) expert who has looked into the file says that if such a method had been carried out, it could explain the lack of close matches for SARS-CoV-2 in nature.

The virus that has spurred the pandemic does not have any close matches. The closest known naturally occurring virus is the Banal-52 strain, and it only shares 96.8 percent of the COVID-19 genome. A direct ancestor should share about 99.98 percent of genomes. The WHO expert says the process detailed in the application could create a new sequence that would not 100 percent match anything.

Based on the proposal, the group would synthesize the viral genome from the computer sequence, creating a virus that does not exist in nature but looks just as natural because it is the average of natural viruses. The team would then put the virus RNA in a cell, where it can be recovered.

The proposal had been rejected and the database of viral strains at the WIV had been taken offline about 18 months later, making it impossible to check what the team had been working on. Scientists at the WIV have denied creating the coronavirus in their lab.

According to experts, creating an ideal average virus could have been part of a work to create a vaccine that is effective across all kinds of coronaviruses.

Questions raised regarding research

Files obtained as part of a Freedom of Information request have shown that the National Institutes of Health (NIH) approved a $3.3 million grant for EcoHealth Alliance to look into bat coronaviruses in 2014

A recently unearthed footage of a 2017 conference also showed Daszak talking about how his work on coronaviruses in China was conducted with White House funding through the NIH.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, who leads the NIHs National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), has repeatedly denied in congressional testimony that any U.S. funding went to gain-of-function research at the WIV.

Richard Ebright, a molecular biologist at Rutgers University, has studied the papers and says that the scientists who performed the construction of the virus in Wuhan have confirmed that the resulting viruses could infect human cells.

DRASTIC is asking whether or not the research happened in light of the lab-leak theory, which former President Donald Trump supported himself.

The problem with those opposing the lab-leak theory is that they will always say there is a need for more evidence. Scientists are afraid of discussing the issue due to the political situation in the U.S., leaving a small and vocal minority of scientists free to spread information.

Given that we find in this proposal a discussion of the planned introduction of human-specific cleavage sites, a review by the wider scientific community of the plausibility of artificial insertion is warranted, says DRASTIC.

Read more updates about the coronavirus pandemic at Pandemic.news.

Sources include:

DailyMail.co.uk

News.Yahoo.com

News.com.au
(Natural News) Documentary filmmaker Lilian Franck has released a new expose that blows the lid on the World Health Organization (WHO), Bill Gates and the global corruption racket known as public health.

Entitled, TrustWHO, the film exposes Gates and other globalist players who are steering policy at the WHO with their ill-gotten wealth. In Gates case, he contributes more than $4.84 billion biennially, which is more than any member-state government.

Gates was largely responsible for the bogus swine flu scam that was pushed back in 2009. He also, of course, played a major role in unleashing the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) plandemic on the world, which has generated untold billions of dollars in new profits for Big Pharma.

The film also exposes the WHOs strong allegiance to China, which is why the faux public health agency helped to cover up the communist regimes lies concerning the true origin of the Chinese Virus.

The WHO infamously teamed up with social media giant Facebook to censor all skepticism about Fauci Flu shots. It even released a statement admitting that it had been in talks with Zuckerberg to ensure people can access authoritative information on vaccines and reduce the spread of inaccuracies.

WHOs history clearly illustrates its allegiance to Big Pharma and other industries, including downplaying the health effects caused by the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster and collaborating with opioid giant Purdue, wrote Dr. Joseph Mercola in a piece for LifeSiteNews.

Given the strong and ongoing evidence that WHO is heavily conflicted and controlled by industry, its usefulness as a guardian of public health needs to be seriously reevaluated.

Trump partly defunded the WHO, but Biden brought back the status quo

The WHO has also maintained illicit ties with other corrupt industries including nuclear energy and weapons and Big Tobacco. If there is profit to be made, the WHO is always there raking it in for globalist pigs like Gates.

Profits always come first when the globalists are in charge of something, and the WHO is one of the weapons they use to impose fascism on the world  all under the guise of public health, of course.

President Donald Trump appeared to fight against the WHO by partially defunding it during his first term. Now that Joe Biden is occupying the White House, however, it is back to business as usual.

Gates has used his money strategically to infect the international aid agencies with his distorted self-serving priorities, writes Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in his new book Vax-Unvax. The U.S. historically has been the largest direct donor to WHO.

Keep in mind that Gates does not just bribe the WHO under his own name. He also uses his many money laundering non-profits, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and GAVI, to funnel as much cash as possible into the WHOs coffers for maximum control.

This has afforded him incredible leverage over global health policy, which is how we ended up with lockdowns, mask mandates and now vaccine mandates for the Chinese Flu.

 a disproportionate amount of its resources on projects with the measurable outcomes Gates prefers  His sway has NGOs and academics worried, admitted Politico about the disturbing level of influence that Gates holds over world affairs.

Some health advocates fear that because the Gates Foundations money comes from investments in big business, it could serve as a Trojan horse for corporate interests to undermine WHOs role in setting standards and shaping health policies.

All of this and more is covered in the film, which you can learn more about at this link.

More related news stories about public health corruption can be found at Corruption.news.

Sources for this article include:

LifeSiteNews.com

NaturalNews.com

Oval.media
(Natural News) Sweden and Denmark announced on Wednesday, Oct. 6, that they will pause the use of Modernas Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine  also known as Spikevax  for younger age groups following reports of possible cardiovascular side effects.

The Public Health Agency of Sweden says it will stop using the vaccine for people born in 1991 and later as data points to an increase of myocarditis and pericarditis cases among vaccinated youths and young adults.

Myocarditis is a condition that involves inflammation of the heart muscle. Symptoms can include fever and fatigue, as well as shortness of breath and a very specific type of chest pain. Patients tend to say their chest hurts more when they lean forward. The pain tends to subside when they lean back. Pericarditis, on the other hand, is the swelling and irritation of the thin, sac-like tissue surrounding the heart.

The connection is especially clear when it comes to Modernas vaccine Spikevax, especially after the second dose, the health agency says.

Anders Tegnell, Swedens chief epidemiologist, says that the health agency will continue to follow the situation closely and act quickly to ensure that vaccinations against COVID-19 are always as safe as possible and at the same time provide effective protection against the disease.

In Denmark, the Danish Health Authority says that people under the age of 18 will no longer be offered the Moderna vaccine out of precaution.

Reuters reported in August that health officials in the U.S. are reviewing reports that Modernas COVID-19 vaccine may be linked to a higher risk of heart condition in younger adults than previously thought.

The review has focused on Canadian data suggesting that there might be a 2.5 times higher incidence of myocarditis in those who get the Moderna vaccine compared with Pfizers vaccine, especially in men below the age of 30. (Related: Data shows 2.5 times higher risk of myocarditis with Moderna vaccine.)

Data suggests reported cases of heart inflammation are relatively higher after Modernas vaccine compared with the Pfizer vaccine, Canadian health officials have said.

Although both vaccines are based on mRNA technology, each dose of Pfizer only contains 30 micrograms of vaccine while each dose of Moderna contains 100 micrograms. Data from one of two U.S. vaccine safety monitoring databases has also suggested that Modernas vaccine may carry a higher risk of myocarditis among young people.

Heart inflammation linked to mRNA vaccines

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added a warning to Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines about their possible link to cases of myocarditis and pericarditis in teenagers and young adults.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), vaccine advisory group of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has also noted that the risk of myocarditis or pericarditis following vaccination with the mRNA-based vaccines in adolescents and young adults is notably higher after the second dose and in males.

In June, the CDC said a higher-than-expected number of young men had experienced heart inflammation after their second dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, with more than half the cases reported in people between the ages of 12 and 24.

The higher-than-expected rate of myocarditis cases among Americans below 30 is consistent with the data from Israel.

Israels Ministry of Health identified over 200 cases of myocarditis in men between 16 and 30 years old, a vast majority of those happening at the younger end of that range. That equates to a risk of between 1 in 3,000 and 1 in 6,000 of suffering from heart inflammation.

Meanwhile, the sets of data collected from two other Nordic countries show that there is a suspicion of an increased risk of heart inflammation when vaccinated with Modernas COVID-19 vaccine. The preliminary data from the Nordic study has been sent to the European Medicines Agencys (EMA) adverse reaction committee.

Norway already recommends the Comirnaty vaccine to minors. On Wednesday, it said that side effects may be more frequent for boys and young men  and mainly after receiving a second dose. Men under the age of 30 should also consider choosing Comirnaty when they get vaccinated, Geir Bukholm, head of infection control at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, says in a statement.

A Finnish health official says Finland is expected to publish a decision on Thursday, Oct. 7. The EMA approved the use of Comirnaty in May, while Spikevax was approved for children over 12 years old in July.

Cardiologist: No case of myocarditis is mild

Public health officials are still trying to downplay the increasing number of heart inflammation cases following COVID-19 vaccination. They insist that those cases are mostly mild. However, a cardiologist who has treated a boy suffering from myocarditis after getting vaccinated against COVID-19 told the childs mother that no case of myocarditis is mild.

On May 12, 14-year-old Aiden Jo received his first dose of Pfizers COVID-19 vaccine. Less than a month later, he woke up in the middle of the night complaining of chest pain and difficulty breathing. The boys mother, Emily, rushed him to the hospital where he was ultimately treated for myocarditis.

Emily says she had been under the impression that the adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines are rare and mild.

What they didnt explain is that mild means hospital care and follow-up care indefinitely, Emily tells activist group Childrens Health Defense. Theyre not explaining what mild myocarditis means. Aidens cardiologist told us no case of myocarditis is mild. Thats like saying a heart attack is mild.

Aiden is now forced to sit out gym activities, skip recess and avoid running around and playing outside with his friends due to how easily he gets tired and how poorly his heart can handle the stress of activity. His mother also faces thousands of dollars in medical care. (Related: Exclusive: Athlete who recovered from COVID facing very different future after second dose of Pfizer vaccine triggers myocarditis.)

Parents need to understand that myocarditis is not covered under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, says Emily.

And the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program only covers if youre incapacitated, wheelchair-bound or dead. We have incurred thousands and thousands of dollars in medical bills. We have insurance but they dont pay all. It does not account for tests down the road that we still have to get.

Myocarditis reduces your hearts ability to pump and can cause rapid or abnormal heartbeats. Severe cases of myocarditis can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure and sudden cardiac arrest.

Follow Immunization.news for more news and information related to coronavirus vaccines.

Sources include:

ZeroHedge.com

Aljazeera.com

NaturalHealth365.com
(Natural News) Sandra Whitten accuses President Joe Biden of working with drug cartels during the latest episode of the B-Alert News with host Bishop Leon Benjamin on Brighteon.TV.

You have to prove it to me in black and white that the Biden administration and the cartel are not working together, because there is no way that what is happening in our border could be happening without that cooperation, she says.

Drug cartels take charge of US-Mexico border

Members of the House Border Security Caucus said earlier this year that there is a growing immigration crisis at the southern border  and that the de facto in charge of it are the drug cartels from Mexico, according to Texas Representative Brian Babin.

Babin says unauthorized migrant apprehensions are at a 20-year high, but deportations are at their lowest levels in recent history.

Caucus members have said that during their trip, there had been more than 200,000 unauthorized migrants that have gotten away at the border because agents are being taken off their posts and assigned clerical or caretaker duties at processing centers.

Babin notes that Texas border agents spend less than 50 percent of their time patrolling the border, and are instead taking care of the influx of unaccompanied minors, leaving the borders unguarded.

He relates that he visited the Department of Health and Human Services Emergency Intake Site in Fort Bliss, but failed to get information on how much taxpayer money was spent in caring for over 4,500 unaccompanied minors housed on-site. That to me was stunning on how they would not have that information.

Top officers from the National Border Patrol Council (NBPC) has also expressed concerns about the drug cartels taking advantage of the situation in sending record amounts of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids through the now porous border and to cash in on the hardships of thousands of Central Americans seeking passage into the U.S. (Related: Ex-DHS head warns of immigration and border security crisis following Bidens executive orders.)

Art del Cueto, vice president of the NBPC says: As far as Im concerned, those individuals that are suffering, those people that are putting their children in the hands of these smugglers, that falls on the hands of this administration.

Pompeo: Children will suffer due to Bidens weak border policies

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has also criticized Biden, saying that the presidents inability to secure the southern border could lead to deaths of American children as drug cartels take advantage of the nations vulnerability.

Pompeo says local law enforcement is already under enormous pressure because of the drugs, and kids all across the U.S. would die as a result of the administrations failure to secure the border.

His comments come after the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued a public safety warning regarding the alarming increase in fake prescription pills containing fentanyl that was found in the United States.

The DEA says that the majority of the bogus pills were manufactured in Mexico from chemicals supplied by China, then smuggled into the United States. The agency adds that over 9.5 million of these pills have already been seized, which is double the amount of drugs confiscated over the past two years.

DEA laboratory testing reveals a dramatic rise in the number of counterfeit pills containing at least two milligrams of fentanyl, which is considered a lethal dose, the agency says.

The agency has also announced that at the end of September, 1.8 million fake pills containing fentanyl were seized during a two-month-long operation that has also led to 810 arrests.

The pills, which contained deadly synthetic opioids, have the potential to kill over 700,000 people, says DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. Additionally, the DEA seized more than 1,500 pounds of fentanyl powder, which is enough to make tens of millions of additional pills.

Watch the Oct. 4 episode of the B-Alert News here:

You can catch new episodes of the B-Alert News with Bishop Leon Benjamin every Monday at 10-11 a.m. on Brighteon.TV.

Read more about the Biden administrations failure to secure U.S. borders at BorderSecurity.news.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

BorderReport.com

NYPost.com
Extreme heat waves and increasing ice melting occurrences have become regular subjects of concern due to global warming. In recent months, though, the opposite results have been just as startling in the South Pole.

A Colder South Pole

All latitude bands, except for Antarctica, observed above average temperatures over the last three months.



[Plot shows average June to August 2021 zonal-mean surface air temperature anomalies, where latitude = x-axis (not scaled by distance). Data from @NASAGISS (GISTEMPv4)] pic.twitter.com/OjHA4YiSe5  Zack Labe (@ZLabe) September 21, 2021



The South Pole hasn't been as immediately exposed to the impacts of a warming climate as its flashier cousin, the North Pole, which has become famed for its fabled holiday residents. So while climatologists are concerned about increasing temperatures and melting ice shelves, the South Pole has been largely spared from the consequences observed at the North Pole, which has experienced significant glacier melting and has even been enveloped in wildfire smoke this summer.

However, temperatures in the huge tundra of Antarctic ice at the South Pole fell to levels never seen before this winter.

From April through September, the continent's winter months, average temperatures at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, located on the continent's highest plateau, dropped to 78 degrees below zero Fahrenheit (61 degrees below zero Celsius).

Related Article: NASA Uncovers Mystery of Vanishing Lakes Hidden Under Antarctic Ice Sheet



How Cold can the South Pole Get?

That wasn't even the coldest of the temperatures in that range. So that was the standard chill.

According to statistics collected by the British Antarctic Survey, the severe temperatures of the 2021 winter were the lowest in more than 60 years. Since 1957, the study team, part of the Natural Environment Research Council, has been collecting temperature data in the South Pole and has never seen a winter this cold.

On Sept. 30, the lowest minimum temperature recorded at Russia's Vostok Station was an astounding 110.9 degrees below zero Fahrenheit (79.4 degrees below zero Celsius). The temperature reading was 122 degrees below zero degrees Fahrenheit at the time.

The Washington Post reported that the terrible season was caused by a continuous polar vortex that encircled Antarctica for the entire winter.

AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls said that the strong polar vortex might be linked to the weak La Nia conditions that reappeared later in the Southern Hemisphere's winter.

According to Nicholls, the vortex was strongest in July and August. Even though it weakened slightly in September, it remained relatively robust overall.

"The polar stratospheric winds have been stronger than typical, which has resulted in the jet stream moving toward the pole," NOAA atmospheric scientist Amy Butler told The Washington Post. "The cold air is trapped over most of Antarctica as a result of this."

Reading Between the Lines

As scientist Zack Labe pointed out on Twitter, the contrast between the rest of the world's rising temperatures and Antarctica's new depths of severe cold is startling.

However, experts warn that people should proceed with care when interpreting Antarctica's winter temperatures. The analysis of global climatic patterns should not be based on a single season of severe temperatures, whether hot or cold.

Professor Eric Steig of the University of Washington's Department of Atmospheric Sciences told The Washington Post, "One cold winter is intriguing, but it doesn't affect the long-term trend, which is warming."

Also Read: NASA Reports Earth Has Been Trapping "Unprecedented" Amount of Heat in Energy Imbalance

For more news update about Environmental Action, don't forget to follow Nature World News!
Over the years, local evidence of the disaster has disappeared. But Douglas firs in Oregon may have caught hints deep in their tree rings.

The Devastating Earthquake

A night when January 1700 was about to end, two tectonic plates moving along the Pacific Northwest coast freed the tension they had piled up during a conversation lasting for centuries. In a tectonic sound, the Juan de Fuca plate slipped past the plate of North America.

After that, an earthquake of roughly 9.0 magnitude clattered the whole region with the coastline dropping and tsunamis washed over the whole Northwest coast.

Indigenous stories described the disaster, but later on, scientists just linked these dots. Until the 1980s, there was no geological evidence of the events discovered.

But revealing only when a major quake occurs is not enough. Exact details concerning its extent and aftereffect are also important for preparedness in time to come. Studies have left no disbelief that there will be another Big One eventually.

Every 500 years is the calculated window for earthquakes of magnitude 8 to 9 on the Cascadia subduction zone, since modern instruments started taking the record of data in the late 19th century none has taken place.

Also Read: Supercomputer's 700,000 Year-Earthquake Simulation Could Predict When it'll Hit

Scientists Discover a New Evidence

An associate professor at the University of Arizona, Bryan Black, said: "We have no observations, because they're just so rare. But sooner or later they're going to hit again."

Now, Bryan's team has succeeded in discovering a new piece of evidence that they are convinced shows traces of the tsunami which the quake prompted: It's concealed inside the ancient coastal Oregon Douglas firs that weathered it.

On the basis of the tree rings, Black and Robert Dziak, an oceanographer, report that the growth of trees decreased the year the ground was flooded with seawater from the tsunami.

Even the team's dendrochronologist, Black, or expert of tree-ring date didn't think he would find this connection. He said he was pleasantly surprised. Linking the undersized tree growth to the geographic reach of the flood waters unlocks a window between now and the past.

"We could have a new tool for mapping tsunami inundation," he added.

Understanding the Aftermaths of Earthquakes and Tsunamis

The study made by the team can be found in Natural Hazards and Earth System Sciences in late June. The notion that coastal trees are likely to be a new seismic tool that keeps record is an accepted one for geoscientists.

They could use them to gain a better understanding of the aftereffects of earthquakes and tsunamis in this zone that is both highly populated and risky, and to check the flooding models that policymakers are using to prepare for potential disasters.

A geologist with the US Geological Survey who was not a part of the study, Jessie Pearl said: "We're so dependent on the geologic record here. It's one of the few places in the world where a huge diversity of types of scientists have to converge to come up with a story."

Related Article: Large Knowledge Gap on Tsunami Threatens Coastal Cities and Humanity

For more news, updates about earthquakes, tsunamis and similar topics don't forget to follow Nature World News!
According to information published by the U.S Navy on October 4, 2021, the Navys newest guided-missile destroyer, the future USS Daniel Inouye (DDG 118), sailed away from General Dynamics Bath Iron Works shipyard.

Follow Navy Recognition on Google News at this link

Arleigh-Burke class guided-missile destroyer USS Daniel Inouye (Picture source: Twitter account of WarshipCam)

The ship is en route to its homeport, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for its scheduled commissioning in December.

The future USS Daniel Inouye is named in honor of Daniel Inouye, who served as a United States Senator for Hawaii from 1963 until his death in 2012. He received the Medal of Honor on June 21, 2000, for his extraordinary heroism in action while serving with the 442nd Infantry Regimental Combat Team in Italy during World War II.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are multi-mission ships able to hold targets on land, at sea, in the air, and underwater at risk with a suite of sophisticated weapons and sensors.

The other Arleigh Burke-class destroyers currently under construction at Bath Iron Works include: Carl M. Levin (DDG 120), John Basilone (DDG 122), Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG 124), Patrick Gallagher (DDG 127), Louis H. Wilson Jr. (DDG 126) and William Charette (DDG 130), as well as the Zumwalt-class destroyer Lyndon B. Johnson (DDG 1002).

As one of the Defense Departments largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, sealift ships, support ships, boats and craft.

The Arleigh Burke is a class of guided-missile destroyers (DDG) in service with the United States Navy built around the Aegis Combat System, an American integrated naval weapons system developed by the Missile and Surface Radar Division of RCA, and now produced by Lockheed Martin.

Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are highly capable, multi-mission ships and can conduct a variety of operations, from peacetime presence and crisis management to sea control and power projection  all in support of the United States military strategy. The guided-missile destroyers are capable of simultaneously fighting air, surface, and subsurface battles. The ship contains a myriad of offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime defense well into the 21st century.
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Anthony J. Griffith, 63, of New Castle, passed away on Nov. 15, 2021. No visitation or services will be held. Arrangements have been entrusted to the R. Cunningham Funeral Home, New Castle.
Opinion



I shall pray for you whether you like it or not!



Ian Boughton has been wondering whether or not we should tell people we are praying for them.

The wife of a former bandmate has died. It was not unexpected  she had been fading for some time, but still the end came rather quicker than anyone had foreseen.



During her last few days, I was chatting to a mutual friend, who happened to remark: I told her Id been praying for her... I think it is important to let people know you have prayed for them.



I have not been able to get that remark out of my mind. I have always found it awkward to say that I have prayed for someone; I think I have a long-standing fear that I shall sound pompous and self-righteous, as in those 1960s TV sitcoms where a fat vicar would solemnly intone: I shall pray for you, my son... as if theyre the one with a direct line to God.



This puzzle occupied me so much that I consulted a number of friends, several of them ordained, on whether they think it important, or necessary, to tell someone they have been the recipient of prayer.



The responses were mainly in the affirmative  but not unanimously.



In a typical response, a Norfolk minister said: with some, it certainly does give support and encouragement; with others it can be best to just pray quietly for them.



Others shared my own reticence about offering prayer. McK of Worcestershire said: we find it difficult when we know someone has died leaving a partner or family  it is because we fear upsetting someone even more after their loss. But we find the consensus of opinion is that you shouldn't worry about it, as many bereaved people say they wish people would talk to them.



Its fine to offer prayer if you really mean it and your promise is not just empty words, said RP from Vermont. If you know that a friend or family member would be comforted by your prayers, I wouldn't hesitate to let them know that you are praying for them as long as you really are!



By contrast and perhaps surprisingly, the retired-rev J from rural Cornwall told me that no, she does not tell anyone she is praying for them: I very rarely tell anyone  it always embarrasses people and complicates a one-to-one relationship. The fact that its my job to pray means, I think, that most people presume I am doing so without being told or asked.



What if the recipient does not believe in prayer?



M of Wolverhampton, married to a lay preacher, is curious about this: people do change into believers in later stages of illnesses, and I think most people would appreciate any help, including spiritual, at that stage I have had a chance to put that hypothesis into practice. A friend has had a diagnosis of bowel cancer and the treatment involved is very daunting, so we have been praying for him. He has no belief of any kind, as far as we know, so we thought: when I tell him that he is in our prayers it will be interesting to see his reaction! - and the only reply I had was on WhatsApp, saying thanks for that. Not an entirely conclusive answer!



One aspect which several of my respondents are clearly thinking deeply about, is: how private should a prayer request be? Is it an invasion of privacy to make the need of prayer widely known, as in a church newsletter?



A modern complication in all this, one respondent suggested, is the recent trend for online prayer chains, as used by many churches. In any online communication, there is the risk of information getting into the wrong hands  so is it unwise to publicise that someone is the subject of prayer?



From the Midlands, DBS said: our church uses an e-mail prayer chain, and people are always asked in advance: would you like to go on the prayer chain? If the answer is yes, then their name and brief details of their situation are added to a list of those in need and circulated weekly to church members. But I don't think I would ever spring it on someone retrospectively that they have been included.



In Norfolk, I consulted a church secretary who operates an online prayer room, in which recipients of prayer, and sometimes the reasons for it, are identified. Is it customary, or indeed is it required, for these people to know in advance that support has been requested for them?



It has certainly not been made a requirement. Its left to someone asking for prayer for another person, to determine whether or not they ask that person.



There was general agreement that, as such requests for prayer are circulated only within the limited numbers of a single church fellowship, no breach of privacy is likely to have been committed.



However, the idea of learning that one has been prayed for was not unanimously approved: one quite vehement response was received.



This disturbing negative reaction came from someone who said: as one who had prayer weaponised at me for fifty or more years, I would find the suggestion that I am being prayed for as being threatening and an attempt at intimidation. That is the result of being raised in the (Ive deleted the name of the sect). Prayer can be, and is, used as an instrument of abuse.



Perhaps reassuringly, this was the only reaction of its kind. Virtually all my respondents took the view that people who are the subjects of prayer do find it a positive thing to hear of the concern of others.



M, a nurse from Oxfordshire, told me that she is always heartened by the reactions of people for whom she asks permission to pray. They appreciate both her asking them, and then for praying. I absolutely do think it is right to tell them or ask them! And what is amazing is that they always say, thank you.



My little debate was rounded off by a delightfully cheeky follow-up from R of Norfolk, whose initial remark started the whole thing.



If curses are said to work better when someone knows theyre cursed... then why shouldnt the same apply to prayers?!

Ian Boughton is a musician and author and retired journalist who lives in Dilham in Norfolk.

The views carried here are those of the author, not of Network Norfolk, and are intended to stimulate constructive and good-natured debate between website users.
Newburyport, MA (01950)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. High 66F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Periods of rain. Low around 40F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
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Americas wealth gap is wide and getting wider, with the number of billionaires multiplying during the coronavirus pandemic. Stacker takes a look at how we got where we are. Click for more.
"No Time to Die" is the 25th film in the James Bond franchise and Daniel Craig's fifth and final film in the title role.
Reporter

Mary Schenk is a reporter covering police, courts and breaking news at The News-Gazette. Her email is mschenk@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@schenk).
Our County Editor

Dave Hinton is editor of The News-Gazette's Our County section and former editor of the Rantoul Press. He can be reached at dhinton@news-gazette.com.
Reporter

Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey).
Hundreds lined the streets between Monticello High and the courthouse square Saturday, clapping, cheering and waving to the 40 entries that traversed the route of the Honor Parade. Said Bill Schield, who made the trip with Pipes and Drums of the Chicago Police Department: It's awesome to be down here, have thin blue line flags everywhere, everybody's wearing 703 shirts. It's really cool."
He sent His word and healed them, and saved them from their destruction.

Psalm 107:20
In the medical profession, the Hippocratic Oath is one of the most venerated documents. The Oath states the professional conduct and obligations of doctors; it is an oath of ethics that emphasizes is the importance of ethical and professional standards in medicine, and its name is derived from a Greek physician, Hippocrates, who was widely regarded as the father of western medicine.

Image Credit: Ugis Riba/Shutterstock.com

The validity of this is contested as that is no intact evidence to corroborate this. His teachings were disseminated by followers and the collected work is referred to as the Hippocratic corpus. The earliest version of the complete text of the Oath dates to 300 CE. Its history is inconsistent in the following 1500 years after its estimated creation.

Various versions of the Hypocritic Oath were integrated into medical school settings in the 18th century, featuring in graduation ceremonies across the US and Europe. Notably, no single version is used universally.

Present-day use of the Hippocratic Oath

Since the creation of the classical Hippocratic Oath in 400 BCE, there have been several revisions. Moreover, other documents that outline professional ethics have superseded the Oath in importance.

These professional ethics are regularly updated ethical codes which are issued by National Medical Associations. This includes the British General Medical Councils Good Medical Practice and the AMA Code of Medical Ethics, published in 1847.

These documents contain a much more extensive overview of all obligations and professional behaviors of a doctor in relation to their patient and the wider society. Violation of these codes by doctors will result in disciplinary proceedings, including the loss of license to practice medicine.

Despite the more comprehensive and modern-day professional codes, the Hippocratic Oath is still used, perhaps for the sake of posterity. Four widely used versions include:

The Oath of Maimonides, attributed to rabbi, philosopher, and physician of the Middle Ages Moses Maimonides. It is a shortened version of the Prayer of Maimonides The Declaration of Geneva, adopted after World War II by the World Medical Association in 1948. It has been subject to several revisions; the most recent of which occurred in 2017 The 1964 revision by Louis Lasagna, the academic Dean of the School of Medicine at Tufts University; this version is commonly adopted in the US and was revised to remove pledges concerning abortion, along with similar changes seen in the Declaration of Geneva which is secular in its reading and prioritizes patient rights Student and faculty authored Oaths

Of the four widely used versions the Declaration of the Geneva is one of the World Medical Associations' oldest policies. Among the documents produced by the World Medical Association, it is the most consistent, with only very few and specific revisions made over several decades since 1948.

The current version of the Declaration, which to the current day, has been subject to minimal amends in the >70 years since its adoption, addresses several key ethical parameters concerning medical confidentiality, respect for teachers and colleagues, the patient-physician relationship, and other ethical considerations. A newly revised version adopted by the WMA General Assembly on October 14, 2017, includes several important changes and additions.

These changes reflect the challenges and needs of the modern medical profession. The most notable change in the 2017 revision is the focus on the physicians wellbeing and the importance of patient self-determination. To reflect the critical importance of patients rights, these paragraphs were moved to the beginning of the document, with clauses relating to other professional obligations following this.

Medical ethics was the catalyst for the Declaration of Geneva, following unethical behaviors practiced in World War II. it is important to note that the Oath is not intended to be read alone but considered in conjunction with more specific and detailed policies of the World Medical Association. This includes the international code of Medical Ethics, which was published after the Declaration of Geneva, also as early as 1948.

The revised version of the Declaration of Geneva

The newly revised version of the Declaration of Geneva was adopted by the World Medical Association General Assembly on October 14, 2017, in Chicago:

AS A MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION:

I SOLEMNLY PLEDGE to dedicate my life to the service of humanity;

THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF MY PATIENT will be my first consideration;

I WILL RESPECT the autonomy and dignity of my patient;

I WILL MAINTAIN the utmost respect for human life;

I WILL NOT PERMIT considerations of age, disease or disability, creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, social standing, or any other factor to intervene between my duty and my patient;

I WILL RESPECT the secrets that are confided in me, even after the patient has died;

I WILL PRACTISE my profession with conscience and dignity and in accordance with good medical practice;

I WILL FOSTER the honor and noble traditions of the medical profession;

I WILL GIVE to my teachers, colleagues, and students the respect and gratitude that is their due;

I WILL SHARE my medical knowledge for the benefit of the patient and the advancement of healthcare;

I WILL ATTEND TO my own health, well-being, and abilities in order to provide care of the highest standard;

I WILL NOT USE my medical knowledge to violate human rights and civil liberties, even under threat;

I MAKE THESE PROMISES solemnly, freely, and upon my honor.

The key additions to the 2017 edition, since the prior 2006 version include respecting the autonomy of the patient; mutual respect for teachers, colleagues, and student physicians to share medical knowledge for the benefit of patients and the advancement of healthcare; and a requirement for physicians to attend to their health as well as their patients.

The latter two additions represent one of the differences between the Declaration of Geneva original Hippocratic Oath.

Overall, the critical component of the Declaration of Geneva is the emphasis on the doctor-patient relationship, which encourages patients confidence and autonomy. It is important to note that the revision of the pledge was carried out by individuals from different social, ethical, and religious backgrounds.

Who uses the Oath?

Few UK medical schools use the original version of the Oath, whereas reportedly 43% of US schools still use this. The revisions made to across the 20th century on the more prominent versions used across the UK and US. There is no single unified Oath, and despite it featuring in graduation ceremonies, it is not considered fit for modern-day use.

This is because it does not incorporate patient preferences; the importance of using the information to make decisions; the need to avoid conflicts of interest; to protect patients in clinical trials, as well as several other considerations. As societies differ across the world and across time, the contents of the Oath are subject to change.

What are the penalties for violating the Hippocratic Oath?

There is no one single modern accepted version of the hypocritic Oath, and it is not compulsory to take this. This is at the discretion of the medical school and the core values and principles set by modern-day professional codes of ethics are more important. As such, the Hippocratic Oath is not considered a legally binding document with no direct consequences of violation.

References:

Indla V, Radhika MS. Hippocratic oath: Losing relevance in today's world?. Indian J Psychiatry. 2019;61(Suppl 4):S773-S775. doi:10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_140_19

Wonner E, Tschernig T, Pabst R. The Hippocratic Oath and the physician's pledge and their potential role early in medical education. Ann Anat. 2021;238:151780. doi: 10.1016/j.aanat.2021.151780.

Hurwitz B, Richardson R. Swearing to care: the resurgence in medical oaths BMJ. 1997;315:671. doi:10.1136/bmj.315.7123.1671

Dossabhoy S, Feng J, Desai MS. The use and relevance of the Hippocratic Oath in 2015a survey Of US medical schools. J Anesthesia History. 2016; 2 (3):10. doi:10.1016/j.janh.2016.03.011.

(3):10. doi:10.1016/j.janh.2016.03.011. Parsa-Parsi RW. The Revised Declaration of Geneva: A Modern-Day Physicians Pledge. JAMA. 2017;318(20):19711972. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.16230.

Dossabhoy SS, Feng J, Desai MS. The Use and Relevance of the Hippocratic Oath in 2015-a Survey of US Medical Schools. J Anesth Hist. 2014;4(2):139-146. doi: 10.1016/j.janh.2017.09.005.

Further Reading
Non-Hispanic Black patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who were treated with immunotherapy had a lower risk of death than their non-Hispanic white counterparts treated with immunotherapy, according to results presented at the virtual 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved, held October 6-8, 2021.

Our results show that when people receive the appropriate care, they do better. We need to remove barriers to accessing quality treatment to ensure that everyone receives the best care available." Tomi Akinyemiju, PhD, associate professor in population health sciences, Duke Cancer Institute and lead author of the study

Although lung cancer disparities between Black and white Americans are decreasing, Black men are still more likely to die from lung cancer than white men. Reasons for this disparity include biological differences that affect disease progression and treatment response, as well as differential access to care. Issues such as high cost, lack of access to academic medical centers, and distrust in health care providers contribute to these gaps, Akinyemiju said.

"We know that African American patients are more likely to be diagnosed at advanced stages compared to white patients, contributing to poorer survival. Because immunotherapy is typically utilized at advanced stages, we wanted to understand survival differences by race following receipt of immunotherapy in particular," said the study's first author, Anjali Gupta.

In recent years, immunotherapies-;such as antibodies targeting the immune checkpoint proteins PD-1 and PD-L1-;have emerged as a standard-of-care treatment for advanced NSCLC. The 2020 AACR Cancer Disparities Progress Report, however, found mixed results about whether African Americans were equally likely to receive immunotherapy treatment as white Americans. Akinyemiju and colleagues designed their study to control for access-related issues by restricting their study population to patients who had already received immunotherapy.

"We wanted to see whether, among people who had access to immunotherapy, disparities between Black and white patients persisted, or whether they were mitigated," Akinyemiju said. "If they persisted, it could potentially mean that the treatment didn't work as well in certain population groups, but if they were mitigated, it would support the idea that access is a big issue."

The researchers obtained data from the 2016 National Cancer Database on 3,068 patients with advanced NSCLC who were treated with immunotherapy. After adjusting the survival data for sociodemographic factors-;such as age, sex, location, and income-;as well as tumor characteristics and the type of treatment received, the researchers found that non-Hispanic Black patients had a 15 percent lower risk of death than non-Hispanic white patients.

Akinyemiju and colleagues also investigated outcomes in specific groups known to have restricted access to care, namely patients living in impoverished areas and those with preexisting health conditions. "People who are healthier may on average be offered more aggressive treatment options because they can withstand the rigors and side effects of these therapies," Akinyemiju said. "If African Americans, on average, have more comorbidities, they may be less likely to be offered immunotherapy."

However, the data showed that Non-Hispanic Black immunotherapy recipients living in counties in the lowest two quartiles of median income had an 18 percent lower risk of death than non-Hispanic white immunotherapy recipients at the same income level. Similarly, among immunotherapy-treated individuals with at least one comorbidity, Black patients experienced a 24 percent lower risk of death than white patients. Akinyemiju suggested that, as people with underlying health conditions are often omitted from clinical trials, this could present a possible area for intervention.

"Making sure everyone has access to the best treatment facilities and providers so they can benefit from groundbreaking novel therapies will be essential to reduce cancer burden," Akinyemiju added.

Limitations of this study include a lack of data on smoking status, which is a significant risk factor for NSCLC, as well as limited data on the types and severity of the comorbidities used to stratify the data.

This study was funded by the Duke University School of Medicine. Akinyemiju and Gupta report no conflicts of interest.
Chinese Americans and Laotian Americans were over 10 and 14 times more likely to be diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer, respectively, than non-Hispanic white Americans, with incidence rates surpassing other Asian American subgroups, according to results presented at the virtual 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved, held October 6-8, 2021.

It's become increasingly evident that studying the Asian American population as a single racial group may overlook critical ethnic-specific risk patterns. Our findings identify those at highest risk of nasopharyngeal cancer, who would largely benefit from targeted interventions." Alice Lee, PhD, MPH, Assistant Professor, California State University, Fullerton and Study Lead Author

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a relatively rare head and neck cancer known to more frequently affect people of Asian descent. Previous research based on data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database estimates that the incidence of nasopharyngeal cancer is over seven times higher among Asian Americans than non-Hispanic white Americans.

However, Asian Americans represent a highly heterogeneous population with a variety of cultures and lifestyle practices that can differentially impact cancer risk. By disaggregating this population into ethnic subgroups, researchers can better identify the genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors that increase risk for nasopharyngeal cancer, Lee said.

In this study, the researchers identified approximately 9,700 cases of nasopharyngeal cancer in the SEER database, diagnosed in Asian Americans between 1990 and 2014. They divided the population into nine ethnic subgroups-;Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Asian Indian/Pakistani, Vietnamese, Laotian, Cambodian, and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander-;and, after adjusting for age, calculated the incidence rates for each group.

Lee and colleagues found that compared with non-Hispanic white Americans, the incidence of nasopharyngeal cancer was 14.71 times higher in Laotian Americans and 10.73 times higher in Chinese Americans. Most other ethnic subgroups also had a significantly increased risk of nasopharyngeal cancer when compared with non-Hispanic whites, with the exception of Japanese and Asian Indian/Pakistani individuals. Lee said this distinction might help researchers better understand the mechanisms underlying the etiology of nasopharyngeal cancer.

"Japanese and Asian Indian/Pakistani individuals will serve as a contrast to the higher risk groups in future research aimed at identifying risk factors and developing more targeted prevention programs," Lee explained.

The researchers also investigated whether these disparities persisted across different nasopharyngeal tumor histologies. While Chinese and Laotians had a higher risk for all histologies examined in the study, the risk was especially high for differentiated and undifferentiated non-keratinizing tumors, the latter of which had a 25-fold higher incidence in both Chinese and Laotian Americans when compared to non-Hispanic white Americans.

Lee hopes these data will promote a shift in the way cancer risk is studied in people of Asian descent and will spur research into the reasons behind these disparities.

"Our findings highlight the need to move away from examining cancer among Asian Americans as a single racial group, since there are clear ethnic-specific disparities that are missed with an aggregated approach," she said. "By identifying those disproportionately burdened by the disease, we can start thinking about the behavioral, biological, and social factors that may contribute to their higher risk."

Limitations of this study include a small sample size for some ethnic subgroups, as well as limited information about patient and lifestyle factors-;such as immigration history, smoking, alcohol use, and body mass index-;which could confound the differences observed.
Researchers in Australia have reported that pregnant women in Melbourne were more likely to have a preterm stillbirth during the period when coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown restrictions were imposed on the city, than they were during the corresponding period one and two years prior.

The retrospective study conducted across twelve public maternity hospitals in Melbourne found that in the absence of high COVID-19 prevalence, rates of preterm stillbirth were significantly higher during the lockdown period of March 23rd, 2020, to March 14th, 2021, compared with the two previous years.

Lisa Hui from The University of Melbourne and colleagues say that further research is needed to understand whether this increase was related to changes in health service access and utilization, altered maternal pathophysiology, or other social and environmental factors.

A pre-print version of the research paper is available on the medRxiv* server, while the article undergoes peer review.

Melbourne experienced a unique set of circumstances

The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a worsening of perinatal outcomes globally due to a combination of maternal COVID-19, changes in maternity care, and overloaded health services.

In 2020, the city of Melbourne endured a prolonged period of fluctuating lockdown restrictions between March 23rd, 2020, and March 14th, 2021.

During the strictest lockdown period in mid-2020, people were restricted from leaving their homes for anything other than essential work, caring for dependents and obtaining medical care or essential foods and services.

Multiple changes were made to pregnancy care to help minimize the anticipated strain on health services and to reduce infection risk. Such changes included a rapid transition to telehealth, increased intervals between in-person visits, reduced face-to-face appointment time, and modifications to gestational diabetes screening and fetal growth monitoring.

During this lockdown period, there were relatively few maternal COVID-19 infections in Melbourne (less than 100 in 2020), and no associated maternal or perinatal deaths were recorded.

This meant that metropolitan Melbourne experienced a unique set of circumstances not seen in other high-income countries: a prolonged period of significant social restrictions and major changes to antenatal care, without an associated high burden of COVID-19 infections, writes Hui and colleagues.

In mid-2020, all twelve public maternity hospitals in Melbourne formed the Collaborative Maternity and Newborn Dashboard (CoMaND) to internally monitor the effects of the COVID-19 on clinical quality indicators.

What did the current study involve?

Hui and colleagues used perinatal data collected for CoMaND to compare stillbirth and preterm birth rates between women exposed and unexposed to lockdown restrictions during pregnancy.

The team collected data on all singleton births without congenital anomalies from 24 weeks gestation across all twelve maternity services from 1st January 2018 to 31st March 2021.

The lockdown-exposed cohort included all women for whom weeks 20 to 40 of gestation would have occurred between March 23rd, 2020, and March 14th, 2021. The control cohort included all pregnancies in the corresponding period one and two years prior. The lockdown-exposed cohort comprised 24,017 births and the control cohort comprised a total of 50,017 births.

What did the study find?

The rate of preterm stillbirth was significantly higher in the lockdown-exposed group than in the control group, at 0.26% vs. 0.18%.

Stillbirth hazard ratio, CI, confidence interval; HR, hazard ratio

There was also a significant reduction in preterm births at less than 37 weeks gestation, at 5.93% versus 6.23%. This was largely mediated by a reduction in iatrogenic (induced or cesarian) preterm live births, at 3.01% versus 3.27%, including those initiated due to suspected fetal compromise (1.25% vs. 1.51%).

There was no significant difference in the spontaneous preterm birth rate between the exposed and control groups, at 2.69% versus 2.82%.

What did the researchers conclude?

The researchers say the study suggests that lockdown restrictions have significant impacts on perinatal outcomes, independent of the effect of COVID-19 disease.

Our study shows that pregnant women exposed to lockdown in a high-income setting were less likely to have an iatrogenic preterm birth for suspected fetal compromise but more likely to have a preterm stillbirth, they write.

Hui and colleagues suggest that the increase in stillbirth might be due to a maternal reluctance to present to hospital for decreased fetal movements or other medical or obstetrics concerns, rather than institution-specific barriers to in-person care.

The team advises that health services, consumers, practitioners, and policymakers must consider the consequences of the pandemic response on maternity care as part of continuing to navigate the second year of the pandemic.

*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 pediatric COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial is underway in St. Louis. Led by Washington University School of Medicine, about 140 area children will receive the two-shot Moderna vaccine or placebo at St. Louis Children's Hospital as part of a clinical trial involving about 100 medical institutions in the U.S. and Canada.

A pediatric COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial is underway in St. Louis, led by Washington University School of Medicine. About 140 area children, ages 6 months to 11 years, are to receive the two-shot Moderna vaccine or placebo at St. Louis Children's Hospital as part of a clinical trial involving about 100 medical institutions in the U.S. and Canada.

Washington University's infectious diseases physicians began administering injections in August to children ages 6 to 11 years old. These participants will be followed by children ages 2 to 5 years old, and then ages 6 months to just shy of age 2.

The study will help determine how well kids tolerate the vaccine, and their immune response. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an emergency use authorization for the vaccine in adults ages 18 and older.

Developing safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines for children will be paramount to controlling the pandemic and getting life back to normal. Throughout the pandemic, we have learned that kids can get very sick from COVID-19, and they can transmit the virus to others. Vaccinating kids will allow them to be protected like adults are now and to indirectly protect others in their homes and communities." Carol Kao, MD, Assistant Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics

Carol Kao is one of the physicians overseeing the trial.

Added Jason Newland, MD, a Washington University professor of pediatrics who is also a part of the trial: "Simply put, vaccines save lives. I've recently treated some super-sick kids with significant complications from COVID-19. We need vaccines to protect more children from getting sick."

Blanketing the study is a sense of urgency due to the delta variant surging as kids have returned to school. In August, Moderna nearly doubled the study's size to enroll up to 13,275 children from across the United States and Canada. The FDA already is reviewing data from a recent clinical trial evaluating the Moderna vaccine in older adolescents.

The new study in younger children is randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled  the gold standard for clinical trials. This means the children are randomly selected to receive either the vaccine or a placebo, and that neither the families nor the health-care professionals administering the vaccine know whether participants receive the vaccine or the placebo. As is the case for adults, the injections are in the upper arm or thigh, 28 days apart.

At the Washington University site, nonwhite children will comprise half of the participants in the study, allowing researchers to also evaluate the vaccine's effectiveness by race.

Health-care workers are monitoring the children's health and potential reactions via telemedicine appointments and on-site visits. The children and their parents are keeping electronic diaries to record possible symptoms and keep track of health-care visits.

St. Louis area parents expressed excitement for their children to participate in the study.

"We've been waiting for this opportunity," said Jamie Antisdel, a few days after her 9-year-old twin boys, Ames and Emry, received their first injections with no complications. "It's concerning to send Ames and Emry back into the classroom while the number of COVID cases and severity of illness rise in children. If being a part of the vaccine trial affords them some protection against the virus, we see it as a major benefit. I can say with confidence that the boys hope this will eventually help us all get back to normalcy sooner rather than later."

Ashley Haden felt elated after learning that her sons, Shepherd, 10, and Crew, 8, could participate in the Moderna vaccine trial. "Our family is eager to play a small role in helping demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the vaccine in younger children. We're hopeful that by seeing our successful participation in the study, our family, friends and community members will be encouraged to get the vaccine when it becomes approved for this age group."
A research group from Italy and the United States proposed a graphene field-effect transistor (gFET) biosensor that takes advantage of a critical interaction between the spike glycoprotein of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its receptor on human cells  opening the door for a new generation of highly sensitive detection methods.

The need for rapid and very sensitive detection systems was evident early in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2; however, this issue became even more important in the era of an increased number of viral variants.

Societies worldwide are slowly opening, but the global distribution of vaccines is not up to pace, which means the causative agent of the ongoing pandemic is far from being contained. Hence, as we advance we will need to react quickly to potential disease surges, so there will be a need for rapid test results.

Still, highly sensitive molecular tests based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) require several hours for the results and specialized personnel and adequate laboratory facilities. On the other hand, rapid antigen-based tests have much lower accuracy, which can be additionally impacted by emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.

There is an additional issue of environmental impact, as both aforementioned testing strategies use a substantial amount of disposable plastic supplies in testing campaigns on a global level. Is there a possibility to address this issue with a highly sustainable material?

Towards an easily detectable signal

A new study posted to the medRxiv* server and led by Dr. Mattia D'Agostino, Dr. Eleonora Pavoni and Dr. Alice Romagnoli from the Polytechnic University of Marche in Ancona (Italy), a gFET biosensor that uses angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) as a bioreceptor has been put forth as a viable solution.

More specifically, their approach aims to mimic the viral mechanism of host cell access while the viral spike glycoprotein recognizes and binds to the ACE2 receptor, a ubiquitous membrane-anchored protein.

In the proposed gFET, a graphene monolayer links the source and drain electrodes of a transistor, while graphene is functionalized with a bioreceptor that can specifically bind target molecules. As a result, such bioreceptor-target interaction can modify graphene's electronic properties, which results in an easily detectable signal.

To achieve portability, the researchers have also designed and built a reusable, customized point-of-care device that accommodates the gFET chip and gives the same readouts of the laboratory scale probe station used during sensor implementation and testing.

Probing the interactions of ACE2 and Antibodies with Spike (A) Schematic representation of ACE2-mediated host cell entry mechanism. (B) Cryo-EM structure of soluble trimeric Spike protein (the three monomers have different colors). A zoomed in view of the RBD is shown. (C) Cryo-EM structure of dimeric ACE2 receptor (the two monomers are colored differently). The two subunits of a monomer are reported: Peptidase domain (PD) and Collectrin-like domain (CLD) that is composed by neck domain (ND) and transmembrane helix (TM). (D) Peptidase Domain of the ACE2 receptor bound to the RBD of the SARS-CoV- 2 Spike protein. (E) Antibody CR3022, bound to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein RBD. (F) Force profiles from the steered MD simulations of RBD unbinding from the ACE2 receptor (orange) and Ab-CR3022 (green) (G) Pull-down assay of Spike and ACE2 (upper), and Spike and Ab Anti-Spike (lower). Control is represented by the same experiment excluding the Spike protein (bait) from the system. The binding of Spike with ACE2 or anti-Spike were monitored by Western blot analysis.

Robust detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants

By using a comprehensive computational analysis approach, the researchers have shown that a chimeric ACE2-Fc construct (i.e., fusion of the fragment crystallizable part of human immunoglobulin G to the ACE2) can neatly mimic the ACE2 dimer (usually present on host cells membranes) much better than its soluble truncated form.

They have also demonstrated that ACE2-Fc functionalized gFET can be very effective for in vitro detection of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein, outperforming the same chip functionalized with either soluble ACE2 or a diagnostic antibody.

By imitating the actual interaction between the virus and the host during cell infection, whose affinity has been improved in certain variants that have emerged this year, the sensor in this study is expected to be rather robust to current and future SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Point-of-Care (POC) device detects SARS-CoV-2 in patient samples (A) Signal acquisition module of the POC device with main elements labeled. (B) Photograph of the gFET Cartridge Unit and the Signal acquisition modules connected together to form the entire POC. A reference dimension bar is reported below. (C) Schematic representation of gFET modified with ACE2-Fc tested on viral samples from patients. (D) Bar graph reporting ACE2-Fc_gFET signal before (black) and after the addition of swab specimens (red) from patient 1, 2 and 3. **P<.01, ***P<.001; (E) RT-qPCR results for the detection of the SARS-CoV-2 specific genes (E gene; RdRP gene; S gene and ORF1ab gene) of the three patient samples. Ct value in clinical samples were evaluated. Ct average value of internal control is indicated for each sample. The type of virus variant (as detected by targeted RT-PCR) is also reported.

Low-waste and user-friendly point-of-care device

In short, gFETs seem rather attractive in point-of-care diagnosis  not only due to their miniaturization but also due to their potential for the large-scale manufacturing process and operability by non-specialized staff. These are all important facets of any diagnostic procedure in the middle of the pandemic.

"Our biosensor, miniaturized into a reusable, low-waste user-friendly point-of-care device, was successfully tested with clinical samples from patients infected by alpha and gamma virus variants," explain the authors of this medRxiv paper. "Accuracy studies coupled with PCR-based molecular tests as a benchmark will be, of course, needed to verify the performance of our point-of-care biosensor with different and upcoming virus variants," they add.

Moreover, modifications of the ACE2 amino acid sequence that potentially increase binding affinity with the viral spike glycoprotein could additionally improve the sensitivity of the proposed ACE2-Fc gFET-based biosensor. Overall, this novel biosensor sets the stage for a new class of rapid, highly-sensitive and robust SARS-CoV-2 detection platforms, but there is a need for more research.

*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.
Drug-related deaths are four times more likely to occur in the two days after hospital discharge than at any other time among users of opioids such as heroin, according to research led by UCL, Public Health England (PHE) and King's College London.

The peer-reviewed study, published today in PLOS Medicine, looked at data from 13,609 adults in England, who were aged between 18 and 64 and died after using non-prescribed opioids between 2010 and 2019.

The researchers looked at the history of individuals' hospital admissions and then assessed whether they were admitted to hospital at the time of death or had recently been discharged. Overall, the study found that one in 14 opioid-related deaths in England occurred in the two weeks after hospital discharge.

Of the 13,609 deaths, 1,088 occurred in the 14 days after hospital discharge, particularly during the first two days, when the risk of fatal overdose is four times higher than usual. Patients who were admitted to psychiatric hospitals, who left hospital against their doctor's advice, or who had stays of seven days or more were also at greater risk.

Deaths due to drug overdoses reached the highest level on record in the UK in 2020 and it is concerning to see that hospital discharge is such a high-risk time for people who use illicit opioids such as heroin. Hospital patients who use drugs often report undertreated pain or opioid withdrawal and might leave hospital to use illegal drugs. More support is urgently needed for those leaving hospital and interventions such as treatment to prevent withdrawal or overdose response training could save hundreds of lives." Dan Lewer, Lead Author, UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care and NIHR Research Fellow

The authors say that discharge from hospital may be associated with an increased risk of death because a patient's tolerance to drugs reduces over the days they are in hospital, leaving them vulnerable on discharge. Additionally, medicines such as methadone and buprenorphine that prevent drug withdrawal may not be available in hospital, which further reduces tolerance and makes people more likely to use heroin. Finally, the illness that caused someone to be admitted to hospital might make them more vulnerable to death after using opioids.

Of the total number of 13,609 deaths, a further 236 deaths (1.7%) happened following drug use while admitted to hospital.

Co-author, Dr Thomas Brothers (UCL Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care & Dalhousie University / Nova Scotia Health, Canada), who specializes in treating addiction, said: "It is possible these patients were admitted to a hospital ward and might have been found dead in a hospital toilet.

"We don't want patients needing to treat their own withdrawal or pain and end up overdosing in the bathroom. Hospitals can do more to support these patients, by giving proper medication, safer spaces for drug use, take-home naloxone kits which can reverse an opioid overdose, and improving staff training."

Lewer added: "We are facing a public health crisis in the UK related to drug related deaths, and very sadly, many of these deaths are avoidable. The findings show that hospitals can play a central role in stopping the escalating crisis in drug-related deaths.

"They can ensure that medicines such as methadone are available in the same way as in the community. They can also work with patients and local drug and alcohol teams to plan discharge and make sure patients have somewhere safe to recover when they leave hospital."

The research was funded by the National Institute for Health Research.
A recent study published on the preprint server medRxiv* presents evidence that a booster dose of the Moderna vaccine can induce a robust memory immune response against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) illness among recipients, counteracting the impact of waning neutralizing antibody titers.

Study: Immune Memory Response After a Booster Injection of mRNA-1273 for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Image Credit: guteksk7 / Shutterstock.com

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a severe worldwide outbreak of COVID-19, which has caused the deaths of over 4.8 million. Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) ranging from social distancing, mask use in public spaces, and full-scale lockdowns, with travel bans at national and international borders, exerted a heavy toll on economic, educational, and social interactions.

In an attempt to obviate such restrictive measures, emergency use authorization (EUA) of several different COVID-19 vaccines was issued by federal agencies around the world. The earliest to be deployed were the Pfizer BNT162b2 and the Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccines.

Background

Recently, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine to those who had been fully immunized with two doses 6-8 months earlier, provided that they were 65 years old or more, younger people between the ages of 18-64 years with a high risk of developing severe COVID-19, or those who are at an increased risk of COVID-19 due to institutional or occupational conditions.

Both vaccines are based on nucleic acid platforms that work by encoding the viral spike antigen for expression within the host cells. The Moderna vaccine contains a stabilized version of the ancestral spike antigen in the prefusion conformation, containing two proline mutations that prevent its switch to the fusion conformation.

This vaccine has been used in adults and adolescents with a good safety profile. It has proven to be tolerable and effective in reducing the incidence of COVID-19 in 93% of cases, according to a recent report analyzing vaccine efficacy at five months of follow-up.

Newer SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) appear to resist neutralization by antibodies elicited by natural infection earlier in the pandemic with the wildtype strain of the virus, or by vaccine-induced antibodies. Antibody titers have been shown to wane over time, with some research suggesting that half the vaccinated population may not have detectable titers of neutralizing antibodies to the newly dominant Delta VOC.

Both these factors have likely resulted in a decline in vaccine efficacy, which nevertheless remains high. Overall, however, reduced vaccine effectiveness may be traceable to the high prevalence of the Delta variant, as observed in breakthrough infections among residents of long-term care facilities and frontline health workers.

Taken together, these factors have supported the potential utility of a booster dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. In the current paper, the immune response in individuals who received a single booster dose of the Moderna vaccine given about 200 days from the second dose of the primary vaccination regimen are reported, along with safety on the antigenicity and safety of this additional vaccine dose.

The study included two cohorts, about 300 each, aged 18-55 years and above 55 years. In each group, participants received either the vaccine at a dose of 50 micrograms (g) or 100 g, or placebo.

Study finding

The researchers found that the booster dose did not cause a higher rate of local or systemic adverse reactions within seven days of the injection as compared to the placebo. This finding was independent of the dosage.

Most reactions were mild or moderate, with less than one in seven being grade 3. Furthermore, no grade 4 adverse events (AEs) were reported in the current study.

Pain at the injection site was extremely common and was reported in over 85% of recipients, irrespective of the dose. This reaction reached grade 3 in less than 5% of participants at either dosage.

Lymph node enlargement was seen at twice as high rates after the booster at either dosage as compared to those who had received two 100 g doses of the vaccine.

Systemic reactions included headache, fatigue, and muscle pain, most of which were mild or moderate. Grade 3 systemic AEs included fatigue in 6% of the vaccine recipients. No serious AEs were reported at up to 28 days from the booster dose.

The percentage of participants in the Solicited Safety Set who reported local (A) or systemic (B) solicited adverse reactions is shown for 330 participants who received a booster dose of mRNA-1273 (50 g) after a primary series of two doses of 50 or 100 g of mRNA-1273 in Part B, 198 participants who received a booster dose of mRNA-1273 (50 g) after a primary series of two doses of 100 g of mRNA-1273 in Part B, and 14691 participants who received two doses of 100 g of mRNA-1273 in the phase 3 COVE trial. The percentages of participants who submitted any data for the adverse event within seven days after the booster injection or the second dose during the primary series are shown.

The booster dose was also immunogenic, with geometric mean titers (GMTs) of neutralizing antibodies against the D614G pseudovirus being almost 900 after two doses. The 100 g group had GMTs twice as high as the 50 g group. However, on the day before the booster dose, the titers had waned to a GMT of 150 and 100 in the 100 g group and 50 g group, respectively.

After the booster, the levels of neutralizing antibody rose to 2,000 in both groups. These were almost three times higher than the titers at 28 days from the second dose of the primary regimen in the 50 g group, and almost twice that in the 100 g group.

Serological responses were observed in over 93% and almost 99% of those who received a booster dose and after the two-dose primary vaccine regimen. When the Delta variant is considered, the neutralizing antibody titer before the booster was 42 and 800 before and 28 days after the booster, respectively, which is a 19-fold rise.

In the booster group, a four-fold rise from the baseline anti-Delta antibody titers was observed before the booster dose. However, titers against the D614G strain were 2.4-fold higher compared to the Delta variant, which reflects the trend seen after primary immunization as well.

The geometric mean titers (GMTs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) against the D614G virus for serum samples collected in Part A at baseline, 28 days after the first dose of mRNA-1273, 28 days after the second dose of mRNA-1273, and in Part B before the booster injection of 50 g of mRNA-1273 (Pre-booster) and 28 days after the booster injection. Antibody values in the pseudovirus assay reported as below the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ; 18.5) were replaced by 0.5 x LLOQ. Values that were greater than the upper limit of quantification (ULOQ; 45118) were changed to the ULOQ if actual values were not available. 95% Confidence Intervals were calculated based on the t-distribution of the log-transformed values or the difference in the log-transformed values for GMT, then back transformed to the original scale.

Implications

The results of this study indicate the safety of a 50 g booster dose of the Moderna vaccine when given 6-8 months after a primary vaccine regimen at either 50 or 100 g of the vaccine. The absence of serious systemic AEs is an encouraging sign.

The increased neutralizing capacity against the D614G-spike-bearing pseudovirus at 28 days from the booster compared to titers at a similar time point from the second dose suggests that the booster dose stimulated memory B-cells, thus resulting in a strong immune memory response. The response was strongest with the 100 g booster, probably because the assays used have different dynamic ranges.

At six months after full vaccination, the neutralizing antibody titers against the Delta variant were lower than at 28 days. In half the cases, neutralizing antibodies were undetectable. However, at two weeks from the booster dose of 50 g, the anti-Delta antibody levels rose to the same level as anti-D614G antibodies had risen at 28 days from the second dose.

Just as booster mRNA-1273 stimulated nAb [neutralizing antibody] levels against the original strain, a booster injection of mRNA-1273 was able to broaden and increase nAb levels against the Delta variant, highlighting the critical benefits of mRNA-1273 booster dose.

The authors of the current study suggest that this route could result in long-term vaccine efficacy and a return to neutralizing capacity against multiple circulating and newly emerging variants. A third dose of the booster could enhance protection against the Delta variant, in particular, which is causing havoc across much of the world.

*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.
When you clicked to read this story, a band of cells across the top of your brain sent signals down your spine and out to your hand to tell the muscles in your index finger to press down with just the right amount of pressure to activate your mouse or track pad.

A slew of new studies now shows that the area of the brain responsible for initiating this action -; the primary motor cortex, which controls movement -; has as many as 116 different types of cells that work together to make this happen.

The 17 studies, appearing online Oct. 6 in the journal Nature, are the result of five years of work by a huge consortium of researchers supported by the National Institutes of Health's Brain Research Through Advancing Innovative Neurotechnologies (BRAIN) Initiative to identify the myriad of different cell types in one portion of the brain. It is the first step in a long-term project to generate an atlas of the entire brain to help understand how the neural networks in our head control our body and mind and how they are disrupted in cases of mental and physical problems.

"If you think of the brain as an extremely complex machine, how could we understand it without first breaking it down and knowing the parts?" asked cellular neuroscientist Helen Bateup, a University of California, Berkeley, associate professor of molecular and cell biology and co-author of the flagship paper that synthesizes the results of the other papers. "The first page of any manual of how the brain works should read: Here are all the cellular components, this is how many of them there are, here is where they are located and who they connect to."

Individual researchers have previously identified dozens of cell types based on their shape, size, electrical properties and which genes are expressed in them. The new studies identify about five times more cell types, though many are subtypes of well-known cell types. For example, cells that release specific neurotransmitters, like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) or glutamate, each have more than a dozen subtypes distinguishable from one another by their gene expression and electrical firing patterns.

While the current papers address only the motor cortex, the BRAIN Initiative Cell Census Network (BICCN) -; created in 2017 -; endeavors to map all the different cell types throughout the brain, which consists of more than 160 billion individual cells, both neurons and support cells called glia. The BRAIN Initiative was launched in 2013 by then-President Barack Obama.

Once we have all those parts defined, we can then go up a level and start to understand how those parts work together, how they form a functional circuit, how that ultimately gives rise to perceptions and behavior and much more complex things." Helen Bateup, Cellular Neuroscientist,University of California, Berkeley

Together with former UC Berkeley professor John Ngai, Bateup and UC Berkeley colleague Dirk Hockemeyer have already used CRISPR-Cas9 to create mice in which a specific cell type is labeled with a fluorescent marker, allowing them to track the connections these cells make throughout the brain. For the flagship journal paper, the Berkeley team created two strains of "knock-in" reporter mice that provided novel tools for illuminating the connections of the newly identified cell types, she said.

"One of our many limitations in developing effective therapies for human brain disorders is that we just don't know enough about which cells and connections are being affected by a particular disease and therefore can't pinpoint with precision what and where we need to target," said Ngai, who led UC Berkeley's Brain Initiative efforts before being tapped last year to direct the entire national initiative. "Detailed information about the types of cells that make up the brain and their properties will ultimately enable the development of new therapies for neurologic and neuropsychiatric diseases."

Ngai is one of 13 corresponding authors of the flagship paper, which has more than 250 co-authors in all.

Bateup, Hockemeyer and Ngai collaborated on an earlier study to profile all the active genes in single dopamine-producing cells in the mouse's midbrain, which has structures similar to human brains. This same profiling technique, which involves identifying all the specific messenger RNA molecules and their levels in each cell, was employed by other BICCN researchers to profile cells in the motor cortex. This type of analysis, using a technique called single-cell RNA sequencing, or scRNA-seq, is referred to as transcriptomics.

The scRNA-seq technique was one of nearly a dozen separate experimental methods used by the BICCN team to characterize the different cell types in three different mammals: mice, marmosets and humans. Four of these involved different ways of identifying gene expression levels and determining the genome's chromatin architecture and DNA methylation status, which is called the epigenome. Other techniques included classical electrophysiological patch clamp recordings to distinguish cells by how they fire action potentials, categorizing cells by shape, determining their connectivity, and looking at where the cells are spatially located within the brain. Several of these used machine learning or artificial intelligence to distinguish cell types.

"This was the most comprehensive description of these cell types, and with high resolution and different methodologies," Hockemeyer said. "The conclusion of the paper is that there's remarkable overlap and consistency in determining cell types with these different methods."

A team of statisticians combined data from all these experimental methods to determine how best to classify or cluster cells into different types and, presumably, different functions based on the observed differences in expression and epigenetic profiles among these cells. While there are many statistical algorithms for analyzing such data and identifying clusters, the challenge was to determine which clusters were truly different from one another -; truly different cell types -; said Sandrine Dudoit, a UC Berkeley professor and chair of the Department of Statistics. She and biostatistician Elizabeth Purdom, UC Berkeley associate professor of statistics, were key members of the statistical team and co-authors of the flagship paper.

"The idea is not to create yet another new clustering method, but to find ways of leveraging the strengths of different methods and combining methods and to assess the stability of the results, the reproducibility of the clusters you get," Dudoit said. "That's really a key message about all these studies that look for novel cell types or novel categories of cells: No matter what algorithm you try, you'll get clusters, so it is key to really have confidence in your results."

Bateup noted that the number of individual cell types identified in the new study depended on the technique used and ranged from dozens to 116. One finding, for example, was that humans have about twice as many different types of inhibitory neurons as excitatory neurons in this region of the brain, while mice have five times as many.

"Before, we had something like 10 or 20 different cell types that had been defined, but we had no idea if the cells we were defining by their patterns of gene expression were the same ones as those defined based on their electrophysiological properties, or the same as the neuron types defined by their morphology," Bateup said.

"The big advance by the BICCN is that we combined many different ways of defining a cell type and integrated them to come up with a consensus taxonomy that's not just based on gene expression or on physiology or morphology, but takes all of those properties into account," Hockemeyer said. "So, now we can say this particular cell type expresses these genes, has this morphology, has these physiological properties, and is located in this particular region of the cortex. So, you have a much deeper, granular understanding of what that cell type is and its basic properties."

Dudoit cautioned that future studies could show that the number of cell types identified in the motor cortex is an overestimate, but the current studies are a good start in assembling a cell atlas of the whole brain.

"Even among biologists, there are vastly different opinions as to how much resolution you should have for these systems, whether there is this very, very fine clustering structure or whether you really have higher level cell types that are more stable," she said. "Nevertheless, these results show the power of collaboration and pulling together efforts across different groups. We're starting with a biological question, but a biologist alone could not have solved that problem. To address a big challenging problem like that, you want a team of experts in a bunch of different disciplines that are able to communicate well and work well with each other."

Other members of the UC Berkeley team included postdoctoral scientists Rebecca Chance and David Stafford, graduate student Daniel Kramer, research technician Shona Allen of the Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, doctoral student Hector Roux de Bezieux of the School of Public Health and postdoctoral fellow Koen Van den Berge of the Department of Statistics. Bateup is a member of the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, Hockemeyer is a member of the Innovative Genomics Institute, and both are investigators funded by the Chan Zuckerberg Biohub.
A simulated pancreatic cancer clinical trial screening process showed that Black patients were significantly more likely than white patients to be excluded from clinical trials for a wide range of eligibility criteria, according to results presented at the virtual 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved, held October 6-8, 2021.

Clinical trials determine the safety and efficacy of cancer therapeutics and pave the way to approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Previous research has proven that racial and ethnic minorities are significantly underrepresented in clinical trials.

Clinical trials that do not include diverse populations may present an incomplete or inaccurate picture of how patients will respond to various medications, explained the study's lead author, Andrea N. Riner, MD, MPH, a research fellow and general surgery resident at the University of Florida in Gainesville. "Inequitable representation of participants leaves gaps in our knowledge, limits opportunities to receive investigational therapeutics, and subsequently perpetuates disparities in survivorship."

In this study, Riner and colleagues at VCU, under the mentorship of Jose G. Trevino, MD, surgeon in chief of VCU Massey Cancer Center, examined the criteria that are typically used to determine whether a patient will qualify for a trial. She explained that many trials use criteria that have been in place for a long time. However, depending on several factors, "these criteria may not be medically justifiable."

Riner and colleagues simulated a screening process for a pancreatic cancer clinical trial, using data from patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who sought care at VCU Massey Cancer Center in Richmond, Virginia, from 2010-2019. They compiled common eligibility criteria for phase II and phase III pancreatic cancer trials listed in clinicaltrials.gov, and modeled inclusion and exclusion based on clinical variables determined from billing codes and medical records.

The criteria that had the highest propensity for exclusion of Black patients were related to nutrition and infectious diseases. They included:

Albumin, a marker of nutrition (14.07 percent of Black patients were excluded, compared with vs. 7.91 percent of white patients)

HIV (3.136 percent of Black patients were excluded, compared with 0.286 percent of white patients.)

Hepatitis B (1.742 percent of Black patients were excluded, compared with 0 percent of white patients.)

Hepatitis C (9.06 percent of Black patients were excluded, compared with 3.43 percent of white patients.)

Several other criteria also disproportionately excluded Black patients, although the results did not reach statistical significance. The only criteria that excluded more white patients than Black patients was a history of prior cancer treatment. Fourteen percent of white patients were excluded based on prior cancer treatment, compared with 9.06 percent of Black patients. This difference reflects more white patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy for their current pancreatic cancer, Riner explained.

When researchers removed certain criteria that they felt were not crucial to patient safety or well-being, the difference in eligibility was minimized, Riner said.

The results of our study confirmed our suspicion that standard criteria lead to significantly fewer Black patients being eligible for pancreatic cancer clinical trials than white patients. We are creating bias in who may even qualify to participate, and we are sometimes doing so without a truly valid medical reason to exclude someone." Andrea N. Riner, MD, MPH, Research Fellow and General Surgery Resident, University of Florida in Gainesville

Riner said the study could be used to inform modifications to existing clinical trial enrollment.

"Modifications should be made on a trial-by-trial basis given the range of therapeutics being investigated," Riner said, noting that chemotherapy trials may require different criteria than immunotherapy trials based upon how the drugs work. "These decisions could be made between the sponsor of the trial and an advisory board of medical experts that would be able to decide which criteria are absolutely necessary."

"Alternative eligibility criteria can improve the diversity of participants, provide more equitable access to investigational therapeutics, and reduce disparities in survivorship, without compromising patient safety or study results," Riner added.

One limitation of the study is that it was based on data from a single cancer center, so the results may not be generalizable to the broader public. Also, based on the demographics of the patients in the study, researchers were only able to compare eligibility between patients who identified as Black or white. Riner said the team suspects their findings may be applicable to other minority groups, but further research would be necessary to confirm the results.

Members of the research team received salary and research support from the National Human Genome Research Institute (Riner), the National Cancer Institute (Riner, Trevino, and VCU Massey Cancer Center Informatics Core), and the Joseph and Ann Matella Fund for Pancreatic Cancer Research (Trevino). Riner declares no conflicts of interest.
A pilot program that provided transgender men and nonbinary people with cervical cancer screening tailored to their biological needs and personal preferences was well-received and could provide a model for similar programs, according to results presented at the virtual 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved, held October 6-8, 2021.

Cervical cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world. It can often be prevented through regular screening via methods including a Pap test. In the United Kingdom, where this pilot program was launched, screening is recommended every three years for people with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 49, and every five years for those between age 49 and 64, (Guidelines in the United States are similar, but recommend beginning screening at age 21.)

These screening recommendations encompass all people who have cervixes, including trans men and nonbinary people. "Trans men and nonbinary people are often reluctant to receive cervical screening, raising their risk of undetected human papillomavirus, which could lead to cervical cancer," explained the study's lead author, Alison May Berner, MBBS, MRCP, a specialty trainee and clinical research fellow in medical oncology at Barts Cancer Institute in London, and a specialist registrar with the Gender Identity Clinic, part of the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust.

Berner said that many trans men and nonbinary people avoid cervical cancer screening because it may exacerbate discomfort with their bodies or their identities. Many also cite fears that their clinicians will make them feel uncomfortable or stigmatized.

Previous research had indicated that trans men and nonbinary people would be more likely to access cervical cancer screening through a trans-specific sexual health service. In this study, the researchers launched a test program in conjunction with Britain's National Health Service and several organizations serving gender or sexual minority populations. The program offered weekly cervical cancer screening clinics staffed by professionals who were experienced in providing screening to the trans and nonbinary population.

The tailored screening launched in October 2019. The researchers launched a 10-day social media campaign on six platforms, reaching 40,000 people. Nine people were screened before the clinic closed its doors in March 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

The clinic reopened in July 2020, and the researchers undertook several different strategies to inform people about the clinic. They used only the two most popular social media platforms, Facebook and Twitter, reaching 50,000 people in a 14-day campaign. They also emailed clients of London's Gender Identity Clinic and provided patient testimonials.

Between July 2020 and February 2021, 35 people received tailored cervical screening in the clinic. Organizers received feedback surveys from 20 participants. A full 100 percent said they were satisfied with the service. Most respondents (12 out of 20) said that if the service had not been available, they would not have undergone cervical screening. Nine out of the 20 respondents said that if their own general practitioner provided a trans-specific screening, they would participate.

Berner said the feedback from the pilot program indicates that trans-specific cervical screening is beneficial and could help ensure that cervical cancer does not go undetected in the trans and nonbinary population.

People assume that this population's health care-related needs are solely related to transition. That's not true. Trans and nonbinary people are at risk of HPV infection and cervical cancer if they continue to retain a cervix, and they stand to benefit from programs designed specifically for them." Alison May Berner, Study's Lead Author

Berner added that future research will aim to replicate the trans-specific screening within primary care, under the care of general practitioners. She noted that programs like this would be most likely to succeed in large cities with significant numbers of trans and nonbinary people, though sensitive screening is needed everywhere, even in rural areas.

"If you're a trans or nonbinary person living in a place where these specialist services do not exist, I would encourage you to work with a trusted health care professional to build relationships and ensure that you get the appropriate screenings, while continuing to have your identity respected," she advised.

As previously noted, the study's scope was limited by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to the temporary closure of clinical sites.

This program was developed through funding from RM Partners, West London Cancer Alliance hosted by The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust. Berner declares no conflicts of interest.
As of October 7, 2021, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused over 4.82 million deaths worldwide. The need to identify the factors associated with the spread and virulence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is the virus responsible for COVID-19, has prompted a host of studies.

A new study published on the preprint server medRxiv* discusses the strong possibility of multifactorial causation for SARS-CoV-2 infection using data from twin studies.

Study: COVID-19 in twins: What can we learn from them? Image Credit: Marian Weyo / Shutterstock.com

Background

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in Wuhan, China at the end of 2019 was followed by the rapid development of several vaccines aimed at terminating community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by increasing the level of herd immunity. Vaccine efficacy has since been challenged by the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants that are more transmissible and sometimes more virulent than the ancestral strain.

Furthermore, some SARS-CoV-2 variants are able to escape neutralization by antibodies elicited from previous exposure to the ancestral virus antigens, either through natural infection or by vaccination. Such strains are called variants of concern (VOCs).

Earlier studies on the pathogenesis and severity of COVID-19 have included comparisons of the infection rate, severity, and adverse outcomes in pairs of monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins, as with other infectious pathogens. The aim is to detect a genetic component, if any, that contributes to the susceptibility.

The overall risk of illness or infection in a pair of twins will be equal if the susceptibility is determined mainly by environmental factors. Conversely, the presence of a genetic component will be shown by a higher degree of similarity in the outcomes among MZ twins, who have identical genetic codes, as compared to DZ twins, who have only fraternal degrees of shared genetic programming.

The current group of researchers has previously shown that the clinical features of the post-infectious illness Zika Congenital Syndrome (ZCS) in members of twin pairs showed discordance in accordance with the genetic makeup of the twin baby. This was despite the fact that both had been exposed to the virus during pregnancy.

In the case of COVID-19, such a head-to-head comparison is difficult because the members of a twin pair may not be equally exposed, besides the extreme variation in the clinical manifestations. Some infected individuals are completely asymptomatic, while others develop severe disease or even succumb to the illness, independent of age.

From an early stage, the illness and death of identical twins from COVID-19 have been reported to occur, with both dying within days or hours of each other. This began with a set of adult MZ twins who died three days apart in April 2020. This has raised questions about the involvement of genetic components in this disease. in close succession.

The current paper discusses the outcome of COVID-19 in ten twin pairs, half of which were MZ and half DZ twins. All twins included in the current study were from the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Study findings

Among the twin pairs, at least one in each pair had tested positive for COVID-19. Both twins shared a bedroom and did not use any measures to protect themselves against the virus at home. In the majority of cases, the infected twin had got the infection from one or more relatives.

The researchers found that four of the five MZ twin pairs showed concordance for the infection. That is, both twins were either symptomatic or asymptomatic. However, the opposite was true of the five DZ twin pairs, with four of them showing discordance.

In the single MZ twin pair who did not show concordance, both were infected and exhibited symptoms of COVID-19. However, one was reinfected and developed severe illness, while the other had only a single episode of infection with mild symptoms.

This corroborates the findings of earlier reports of adult MZ twin pairs with discordant clinical presentations.

In one case, the twins had multiple common medical conditions, including type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and higher body mass index (BMI) values. Surprisingly, the twin with more medical complications had a milder and shorter episode, while the other was hospitalized with critical COVID-19.

In another, the individuals were healthy but one developed critical COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation, while the other recovered rapidly from a mild bout. This is the case even during congenital infections with pathogens, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or cytomegalovirus, where MZ twins exposed to the same virus in utero nevertheless develop different clinical illnesses.

On the other hand, Brazilian media have reported on seven or more identical twin pairs who died within days or weeks of each other. Of these, six pairs were male, which agrees with the known increased risk for severe COVID-19 in this sex. However, these twins did not stay together, neither did they have any underlying illnesses. This indicates that genetic factors play a major role in the concordant clinical course.

Conclusion

In conclusion, although these observations are derived from a small sample, the rate of discordance among DZ twins and the higher concordance in MZ gives further supports a complex multifactorial inheritance modulating the susceptibility or resistance against SARS-CoV-2 infection.

*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.
Recent studies by the University of Kentucky's HEALing Communities Study (Helping to End Addiction Long-term) researchers show a notable rise in opioid overdose death rates among non-Hispanic Black individuals.

Opioid overdose death rates increased by 40% among non-Hispanic Black individuals between 2018 and 2019, despite having leveled off overall, according to study results published in the American Journal of Public Health this September.

The death rate trends were determined using data from 67 communities disproportionately affected by opioid overdose, which represent 8.3 million individuals in Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York and Ohio.

Another UK study published in JAMA this July found that the increase in opioid overdose death rates among Black individuals continued over the next year, rising 57% in Kentucky from 2019-2020.

Historically, opioid overdose death rates have been disproportionately higher among white individuals. The new shifting demographics are shaping the way UK's HEALing Communities Study (HCS) research team is helping to address the opioid epidemic in Kentucky, says Sharon Walsh, Ph.D., the principal investigator for UK's HCS and director of UK's Center on Drug and Alcohol Research.

"The data are being used to help inform communities about evidence-based practices proven to reduce opioid overdose," said Walsh. "The HCS team is developing and implementing more culturally tailored interventions to reach communities of color in Kentucky, which face additional barriers to accessing treatment."

This includes outreach events in Black communities, which include overdose education and distribution of naloxone -; a life-saving, highly effective medication that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose.

The JAMA study also reports a significant increase in drug overdose mortality across all demographic groups in Kentucky in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began. The UK study was released before the CDC released their provisional 2020 estimates.

Kentucky has one of the most timely drug overdose surveillance data collection and reporting in the U.S. and the UK research team has been on the front line, informing other practitioners and researchers about changing trends in non-fatal and fatal drug overdoses." Svetla Slavova, Ph.D., study co-author, associate professor in the UK College of Public Health's Department of Biostatistics and faculty member in the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center

Funded by the National Institutes for Health (NIH) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the HCS aims to significantly reduce opioid overdose deaths by helping communities implement evidence-based practices to treat opioid use disorder and reduce harms from opioid use.
In the face of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants such as Delta, reasonable concerns have been raised over how COVID-19 vaccines are affected. But new research finds people continue to have high vaccine effectiveness until around 6 months after being vaccinated.

More than 4.9 million individuals were assessed for eligibility between Dec 14, 2020, and Aug 8, 2021, and over 3.4 million were included in the study.

SARS-CoV-2 infection protection of fully vaccinated individuals was found to be 73%, and COVID-19-induced hospitalization protection was 90%. The effectiveness against infections dropped from 88% during the first month following full vaccination to 47% after 5 months.

The vaccine's effectiveness against the delta variant sequenced infections was high in the first month following full vaccination (93%) but declined after four months to 53%. Vaccination was also 97% effective against other variants (non-delta) the first month after the full vaccination but dwindled to 67% at the end of 45 months. Vaccination against delta variant infections has been effective in reducing hospital admissions by 93 percent nationwide up to 6 months.

"Our results provide support for high effectiveness of BNT162b2 against hospital admissions up until around 6 months after being fully vaccinated, even in the face of widespread dissemination of the delta variant," concluded the researchers.

Reduced vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19 infection may likely be due to waning immunity rather than the Delta variant. However, given the decline in immunity, the researchers suggest booster doses are potentially needed to reinstate high protection levels.

The study "Effectiveness of mRNA BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine up to 6 months in a large integrated health system in the USA: a retrospective cohort study" is published in the journal The Lancet.

How they did it

The researchers monitored patients in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California system. All patients eligible for the study were over 12 years old. The median age was 45, about 52.4% of participants were female, and about 40.5% were Hispanic.

They compared the risk of COVID-19 infection  confirmed with a PCR test  between unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals.

In individuals with COVID-19 infection, samples were taken and sequenced to evaluate for SARS-CoV-2 variants. The prevalence of specific variants differed by season. The Epsilon variant dominated a majority of infections in the winter, Alpha took over in the spring, and Delta came on to the scene in the summer.

Waning immunity against COVID-19 infection over time

Vaccines remain effective but not as strong as the time of vaccination. Throughout the study, about 5.4% of participants were infected with SARS-CoV-2. Of this, 6.6% required hospitalization. These individuals were more likely to be older, male, and with a history of comorbidities.

Results showed that vaccine effectiveness in preventing COVID-19 infection was 91% for ages 12-15 years old and 61% for people 65 years and older. Vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization after full vaccination was 92% for people 16 to 44 years old. In people 65 years and older, the vaccine was 86% effective for people over 65.

After 1 month of vaccination, vaccine effectiveness against infection lowered to 88%. After 5 months, vaccine effectiveness against infection decreased to 47%.

For people over 65 years, vaccine effectiveness against infection dropped from 80% after 1 month to 43% after 5 months.

Regardless of the SARS-CoV-2 variant, a waning effect continued to be seen over time. For example, while the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine showed high protection against SARS-CoV-2 variants after a month, vaccine effectiveness against Delta dropped to 53%. For other variants, vaccine effectiveness against other variants decreased to 67%.

Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine continued to show robust protection against severe illness

However, effectiveness against hospitalization remained steady. In preventing hospital admission for COVID-19, vaccine effectiveness showed no significant waning with the effectiveness of 87% after 1 month and 88% after 5 months.

"Effectiveness against hospital admissions in all age groups did not wane over the duration of the study. These findings are consistent with preliminary reports from the Israel Ministry of Health and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showing reductions in the effectiveness of BNT162b2 against infections 5 months or longer after being fully vaccinated, but consistently high estimates against COVID-19- related hospital admissions and severe disease up until July, 2021," wrote the research team.
The circuits of the human brain contain more than 100 billion neurons, each linked to many other neurons via thousands of synaptic connections, resulting in a three-pound organ that is profoundly more complex than the sum of its innumerable parts.

In recent years, however, transformative advances in imaging, sequencing and computational technologies have opened the possibility of mapping a human brain truly at the resolution of its molecular and cellular components. While that ultimate goal remains to be achieved, researchers have steadily progressed with a smaller, but no less momentous, effort: an atlas of the mouse brain.

The Mouse Brain Atlas is a multi-year, multi-institutional effort to parse the genomics underlying form and function of the mouse brain, which serves as a model for related human research. Photo credit: Allen Brain Institute

In a special issue of Nature, publishing online October 7, 2021, researchers at the University of California San Diego, with colleagues across the country, describe their progress in collection of papers. Two of the papers, in which UC San Diego scientists served as senior authors, further refine the organization of cells within key regions of the mouse brain and, more critically, the organization of transcriptomic, epigenomic and regulatory factors and elements that provide these brain cells with function and purpose.

"To truly understand how the brain functions, and from that knowledge develop new drugs and therapies to improve human lives and health, we need to see and quantify brain structure, organization and function down to the level of single cells," said Bing Ren, PhD, director of the Center for Epigenomics, professor of cellular and molecular medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine and member of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research at UC San Diego.

Depth and specificity are essential. We want a comprehensive parts list for the brain, including not just the locations and connections of the neurons, but also the molecular and epigenetic fingerprints that give them their specialized identity." Eran A. Mukamel, PhD, Director of the Computational Neural DNA Dynamics Lab and Associate Professor in the Department of Cognitive Science, University of California San Diego

Gene regulatory elements

Since 2006, there has been a concerted, international effort to create a three-dimensional atlas of the mouse brain, which is roughly the size of a pea and comprised of approximately eight to 14 million neurons and glial cells. Though the mouse brain is not a miniature version of the human brain, it has proven to be a powerful model for studying many human brain functions, diseases and mental disorders, in part because the genes responsible for building and operating both human and rodent organs are 90 percent identical.

In their paper, senior author Ren, colleagues and collaborators at the Center for Epigenomics focused on creating an atlas of gene regulatory elements in the mouse cerebrum, the evolutionarily youngest region of the brain that supports high-level sensory perception, motor control and cognitive functions.

Recent surveys of mouse and human brains have revealed that the cerebrum contains hundreds of neural cell types distributed in different regions, but the transcriptional regulatory programs  the directions responsible for each cell's unique pattern of gene expression, and hence its identity and function  remain unknown.

Ren's team probed accessible chromatin  the stuff of chromosomes  in more than 800,000 individual cell nuclei from 45 locations in the adult mouse brain, then used the data to map the state of 491,818 candidate cis-regulatory DNA elements in 160 distinct cell types. Cis-regulatory elements are regions of non-coding DNA that regulate transcription (copying a segment of DNA into RNA) of neighboring genes.

They found that different types of neurons are located in distinct areas of the mouse brain, and the specificity of their spatial distribution and function is correlated, and likely driven, by the unique set of cis-regulatory DNA elements within each cell type. Indeed, some of the cell-type-specific elements identified by Ren's team were independently shown to be sufficient to drive reporter gene expression in specific sub-classes of neurons in the mouse brain.

Surprisingly, most of the mouse brain cis-regulatory elements mapped by the researchers have homologous or similar sequences in the human genome that may act as regulatory elements, and therefore could be used to annotate gene regulatory elements involved in human brain cell type specification.

Ren said the findings provide a foundation for comprehensive analysis of gene regulatory programs of the mammalian brain, including humans, and can assist in interpreting noncoding risk variants that contribute to various neurological diseases and traits in humans.

Transcriptomic and epigenomic elements

Each cell or population of cells produces a unique pattern of RNA transcripts  strands of RNA transcribed from DNA that convey genetic instructions for the proteins that direct and sustain life. It's estimated that millions of chemical reactions occur within mammalian cells every second. That complexity, combined with growing datasets describing the functions of genes, fats, proteins, sugars and other players in cell biology, have complicated efforts to understand how the brain is organized and functions.

Mukamel and colleagues brought together advanced sequencing techniques to focus on the mouse primary motor cortex, a brain region fundamental to movement. They generated more than 500,000 transcriptomes and epigenomes  comprehensive listings of all of the RNA molecules and modifications of DNA that make each mouse brain cell unique.

Using novel computational and statistical models, they created a multimodal atlas of 56 neuronal cell types in the mouse primary motor cortex that comprehensively describes their molecular, genomic and anatomic features.

Mukamel said the study showed that each brain cell has a coordinated pattern of gene expression and epigenetic regulation that can be recognized with high fidelity using different sequencing techniques. Just as an individual has characteristic handwriting, facial features, vocal patterns and personality traits, the authors found that the RNA and DNA signatures of cell types in the motor cortex differentiate each cell from its neighbors.

And just as our human individuality contributes to the strength and diversity of our communities, said Mukamel, the unique patterns of gene expression and regulation in brain circuits support a highly diverse network of cells with specialized roles and interdependent functions.

By combining both epigenomic and transcriptomic data from an unprecedented number of cells, Mukamel said the study demonstrates the potential of single-cell sequencing technologies to comprehensively map brain cell types  a lesson that will help in understanding the more complex circuits of the human brain.
An international agreement to protect the ozone layer is expected to prevent 443 million cases of skin cancer and 63 million cataract cases for people born in the United States through the end of this century, according to new research.

The research team, by scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), ICF Consulting, and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), focused on the far-reaching impacts of a landmark 1987 treaty known as the Montreal Protocol and later amendments that substantially strengthened it. The agreement phased out the use of chemicals such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that destroy ozone in the stratosphere.

Stratospheric ozone shields the planet from harmful levels of the Sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation, protecting life on Earth.

To measure the long-term effects of the Montreal Protocol, the scientists developed a computer modeling approach that enabled them to look to both the past and the future by simulating the treaty's impact on Americans born between 1890 and 2100. The modeling revealed the treaty's effect on stratospheric ozone, the associated reductions in ultraviolet radiation, and the resulting health benefits.

In addition to the number of skin cancer and cataract cases that were avoided, the study also showed that the treaty, as most recently amended, will prevent approximately 2.3 million skin cancer deaths in the U.S.

It's very encouraging. It shows that, given the will, the nations of the world can come together to solve global environmental problems." Julia Lee-Taylor, Study Co-Author and Scientist, National Center for Atmospheric Research

The study, funded by the EPA, was published in ACS Earth and Space Chemistry. NCAR is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

Mounting concerns over the ozone layer

Scientists in the 1970s began highlighting the threat to the ozone layer when they found that CFCs, used as refrigerants and in other applications, release chlorine atoms in the stratosphere that set off chemical reactions that destroy ozone. Concerns mounted the following decade with the discovery of an Antarctic ozone hole.

The loss of stratospheric ozone would be catastrophic, as high levels of UV radiation have been linked to certain types of skin cancer, cataracts, and immunological disorders. The ozone layer also protects terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, as well as agriculture.

Policy makers responded to the threat with the 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, in which nations agreed to curtail the use of certain ozone-destroying substances. Subsequent amendments strengthened the treaty by expanding the list of ozone-destroying substances (such as halons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons, or HCFCs) and accelerating the timeline for phasing out their use. The amendments were based on Input from the scientific community, including a number of NCAR scientists, that were summarized in quadrennial Ozone Assessment reports.

To quantify the impacts of the treaty, the research team built a model known as the Atmospheric and Health Effects Framework. This model, which draws on various data sources about ozone, public health, and population demographics, consists of five computational steps. These simulate past and future emissions of ozone-destroying substances, the impacts of those substances on stratospheric ozone, the resulting changes in ground-level UV radiation, the U.S. population's exposure to UV radiation, and the incidence and mortality of health effects resulting from the exposure.

The results showed UV radiation levels returning to 1980 levels by the mid-2040s under the amended treaty. In contrast, UV levels would have continued to increase throughout this century if the treaty had not been amended, and they would have soared far higher without any treaty at all.

Even with the amendments, the simulations show excess cases of cataracts and various types of skin cancer beginning to occur with the onset of ozone depletion and peaking decades later as the population exposed to the highest UV levels ages. Those born between 1900 and 2040 experience heightened cases of skin cancer and cataracts, with the worst health outcomes affecting those born between about 1950 and 2000.

However, the health impacts would have been far more severe without the treaty, with cases of skin cancer and cataracts rising at an increasingly rapid rate through the century.

"We peeled away from disaster," Lee-Taylor said. "What is eye popping is what would have happened by the end of this century if not for the Montreal Protocol. By 2080, the amount of UV has tripled. After that, our calculations for the health impacts start to break down because we're getting so far into conditions that have never been seen before."

The research team also found that more than half the treaty's health benefits could be traced to the later amendments rather than the original 1987 Montreal Protocol. Overall, the treaty prevented more than 99% of potential health impacts that would have otherwise occurred from ozone destruction. This showed the importance of the treaty's flexibility in adjusting to evolving scientific knowledge, the authors said.

The researchers focused on the U.S. because of ready access to health data and population projections. Lee-Taylor said that the specific health outcomes in other countries may vary, but the overall trends would be similar.

"The treaty had broad global benefits," she said.
RedShift BioAnalytics (RedShiftBio), a company providing next-generation platform technology enabling measurements of previously undetectable structure changes in biomolecules, announced the opening of their scientific services lab, StructIR Lab.

Known for its Microfluidic Modulation Spectroscopy (MMS) technology, RedShiftBios StructIR Lab will provide institutions with the ability to access the ground-breaking technology for sample testing and proof-of-concept experiments. To celebrate the grand opening, the company is also announcing a StructIR Lab Grant program which will fund two research projects conducted at the lab.

The StructIR Lab houses several of the companys flagship AQS3pro instruments and is staffed by a dedicated scientific team of MMS experts. Customers can either come to the lab and work side-by-side with the staff to gain hands-on experience or can choose to send samples for remote processing.

MMS overcomes many of the limitations of traditional spectroscopy-based technologies with ultrasensitive, highly reproducible, automated structural measurements of proteins and other biomolecules. It can be used for a wide range of applications from formulation development of mAb-based biotherapeutics to robust measurements of ADCs, AAVs, and mRNA.

Key features of the AQS3pro instrument include:

Ability to measure wide range of native sample concentrations from <0.1 mg/ml to >200 mg/ml

Fully automated sample-handling, with both 24 and 96 well plate formats

Real-time background subtraction eliminates need to dialyse samples

Detection of <2% change in secondary structure even at low concentrations

Advanced onboard data analytics enabling rapid and robust data interpretation and reporting

We are excited to celebrate the opening of our StructIR Lab with the launch of our grant program. The grant program will expand access to our novel MMS technology to groups who are researching and developing pivotal biotherapeutics and vaccines. Our AQS3pro has seen wide adoption by the majority of the worlds leading biopharmaceutical companies, reducing development time, improving product quality, and de-risking development. Julien Bradley, CEO of RedShiftBio

For more information on the StructIR Lab click here.

The 2021 StructIR Lab Grant program will provide two winners access to the AQS3pro and the labs staff for sample testing and analysis. The program is open to applicants in North America and Europe starting October 6.

Applicants will need to complete and submit a grant application, available through the RedShiftBio website, by November 15 to be considered for this grant. The winners will be selected by a review committee and announced November 22. For more information on the application process and to submit your application click here.

About RedShiftBio

RedShiftBio is a forward-thinking technology company providing a powerful, life sciences platform for reliable and accurate detection of pivotal changes in molecular structure that affect the critical quality attributes governing the safety, efficacy, and stability of biomolecules and their raw materials.

The company has developed a powerful new analytical technique, Microfluidic Modulation Spectroscopy (MMS) that provides comprehensive information across five key measurements, in a single automated analysis. RedShiftBio is headquartered out of Burlington, Massachusetts. For more information, please visit www.redshiftbio.com.
A modeling analysis has demonstrated effective management of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Delta variant outbreaks in Australia by adopting a strategy that includes implementing an achievable 80% vaccine coverage in ages five-plus with moderate physical distancing measures.

Study: Non-pharmaceutical interventions and vaccinating school children required to contain SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant outbreaks in Australia: a modelling analysis. Image Credit: TakSato/ Shutterstock

The highly transmissible Delta variant (B1.617.2) has disseminated worldwide, even in countries with high vaccination rates. Vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the pandemic. Given the rapid rise in Delta case numbers, considering the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in children becomes critical.

Researchers from Australia have conducted a mathematical modeling study to understand how expanding vaccination to younger age groups may reduce the increasing case numbers, with and without reintroducing strict social distancing measures (as were implemented in Australia in 2020 and 2021).

A pre-print version of the research paper is available on the medRxiv* server while the article undergoes peer review.

What did the researchers do?

The mathematical model was created by considering numerous parameters based on individuals' demographics and movement patterns within the Australian city of Newcastle. The transmission probability of the COVID-19 Delta variant occurring between individuals was adjusted to give a basic reproduction for the analysis.

The modeling technology captured individuals' periodically variable contact patterns and the physical virus transmission "world" simulated by running model software used in previous studies. The accounted parameters also allowed age-specific health outcomes to be determined following infection.

The team modeled the BNT162b2 Pfizer vaccine with assumed protection of 88% against Delta infection or disease, and vaccinated individuals were assumed to remain immune for at least six months, without immunity waning. The analysis took heed of alternative vaccine coverage, varying from 70% to 90% in the population in two categories, age five-plus and 12-plus.

In addition to the vaccine determinants, the team also evaluated the effect of presence or absence of moderate physical distancing non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI) on Delta infection mitigation.

Infection data generated by the model was translated into cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, using recent UK Delta variant data, and a per million value was calculated to permit results to be scaled to population.

Study observations

The team noticed that the number of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths was reduced by increasing coverage to include children aged 5 to 11 years, activating moderate NPI measures, and increasing coverage levels above 80%.

Without NPIs at 80% vaccine coverage rate, vaccinating ages 12 plus predicted 1,162 hospitalizations per million individuals. Simultaneously, vaccinating ages, five-plus predicted 1,073 hospitalizations per million.

On activating moderate NPIs at an 80% vaccine coverage rate, the model reduced hospitalizations to 705 per million. Alternatively, increasing vaccine coverage to 90% of the population reduced this to 684.

Finally, combining all three measures - vaccinating ages five plus, activating moderate NPIs, and increasing vaccine coverage to 90% reduced the total cases to 398, hospitalizations to two, and deaths to zero per million.

Study implications

Based on the findings from a comprehensive modeling analysis, the team warns that SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant outbreaks may continue to occur unless vaccination reaches high coverage levels in adults, adolescents, and school-age children.

We determined that vaccinating adolescents and younger children was critical, to both increase the pool of immune individuals, and to mitigate transmission in an age group implicated in high transmission of viruses," says the team.

The team also highlights the obligation to follow physical distancing / NPI measures, even in populations with high vaccine coverage levels. Combining moderate physical distancing measures that allow schools and many workplaces to remain open and achievable vaccine coverage rates will avoid the need for implementing economically and socially damaging hard lockdown measures and the resulting economic, health, and educational damages.

*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.
Teaching magic tricks to children with disabilities can enhance their feelings of self-esteem and confidence, a study has shown.

The study, published in Health Psychology Research, is a collaboration between the University of Alabama at Birmingham's Institute for Arts in Medicine, the School of Health Professions' Department of Occupational Therapy and illusionist and educator Kevin Spencer. It shows the effectiveness of a virtual summer magic camp program in enhancing self-esteem in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Children with ADHD can experience low self-esteem.

Learning and performing magic tricks can benefit children and adults with disabilities. The approach promotes motivation and improves physical, psychological, perceptual or social functions in those who participate and has been shown to be an effective treatment technique.

Magic trick programs have also been reported to enhance the self-esteem of children with severe emotional disturbances, and those with a diverse range of developmental disabilities such as communication difficulties, learning difficulties, (emotional) behavioral disorders, autism and ADHD.

The single-group study at UAB included six children with ADHD, ages 8-14, who participated in a virtual magic camp program designed for children with disabilities. The camp met three days a week, in sessions from 45 minutes to one hour, over four consecutive weeks, for a total of nine to 12 hours. Participants completed assessments before and after camp, and they and their parents were individually interviewed after camp to explore their camp experience.

Self-esteem scores after the magic camp were significantly higher than the self-esteem scores before camp. Findings were validated by the participants, who described gains in self-esteem after participating in the magic camp, and by the parents' statements regarding the positive impact on their child's psychological well-being.

ADHD is a common child and adolescent neurodevelopmental disorder. It is characterized by problems with attention skills, staying on task or being organized, and affects academic performance in school and daily activities. In addition to inattention and/or hyperactivity, children and adolescents with ADHD report psychological well-being difficulties such as low self-esteem. Considering their frequent challenges and failures in school, and adverse social feedback they encounter, these experiences may contribute to their low self-esteem.

Research on ADHD shows self-esteem problems can lead to maladaptive coping strategies, such as anxiety and depression, substance use and deviant peer choices, and disruptive behaviors such as bullying and peer victimization, the study says.

Psychosocial interventions have been recommended to help children and adolescents with ADHD cope with difficulties and failures in school and everyday life and increase self-esteem.

Future studies should investigate the holistic impact of magic camps on children and adolescents with ADHD and include measures that tap into other psychosocial attributes, such as social functioning, social skills and self-efficacy, the study authors say.

UAB Magic Camp, which is held each summer, is part of a collaboration between UAB Arts in Medicine, the UAB School of Health Professions' Department of Occupational Therapy, Children's of Alabama and Hocus Focus. UAB occupational therapy students are trained in the protocol developed by illusionist and educator Kevin Spencer -; an international authority on the therapeutic use of magic tricks in physical and psycho-social rehabilitation -; and provide instruction to the campers.

Each camper is paired with two OT students for the duration of the three-week summer camp. Through this pairing, campers work at their own speed and have a personalized learning experience. The end of each camp will feature a streamed magic show performance for friends and family. Camp is free and open to children ages 9-18 who have been diagnosed with a disability. The virtual camp welcomes participants from all over the United States and internationally.
Misty Ronau said she didnt use the word anxious, but instead defined herself as high functioning and productive.
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(Newser)  Update: The husband of an Instagram star found slain in roadside bushes near her Texas apartment last year killed himself as authorities tried to arrest him on charges connected to her death. US marshals arrived at Thomas Sharkey's Florida home late Tuesday; there was no confrontation, he simply ran up the stairs and fatally shot himself, the AP reports. Sharkey had been wanted in Texas on a murder charge connected to the death of 26-year-old Alexis Robinault. Our original story from Jan. 20, 2021, follows:

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The death of an Instagram influencer whose body was found along a Texas road in late November has been ruled a homicide. In the first update about the case since December, authorities also said that an autopsy showed that Alexis Sharkey was strangled to death, Fox News reports. A Houston Public Works employee found the 26-year-olds body on Nov. 28 after noticing feet in some bushes, according to reports. Police have not publicly identified any suspects. Sharkeys mother said in November that she believed her daughter had been murdered. One of Sharkeys friends told the Daily Beast that she was going to divorce her husband, adding that during an October trip with friends Sharkey said that her husband strangles me and chokes me out, and I black out and wake up on the bathroom floor every single time.

The husband, 49-year-old Tom Sharkey, denies that the couple was getting a divorce, ABC13 reports. In what the station called a disjointed interview, Tom Sharkey said that his wife wasnt happy and was stressed, adding, I don't need to set the record straight. I'll let it play out the way it is. He said that the last time he spoke to Sharkey was to warn her not to drive under the influence. She left anyhow, he said. This is where we're at. Tom Sharkey, who claims that hes gotten death threats, said he is cooperating with authorities. It's horrible, he said. People are talking tons of crap. (Sharkey was said to be "scared for her life" a month before she was found dead.)
(Newser)  Update: An Illinois tourist spotted taking photos of a grizzly bear and her cubs pleaded guilty to willfully being within 100 yards of wildlife and will spend four days in jail. She's also barred from Yellowstone National Park for a year. Samantha Dehring told the court she regrets putting herself and other tourists in danger, KRTV reports, and has suffered emotionally from social media attacks over her standoff with the grizzly. Dehring will be on probation for a year and was fined about $2,000, half of which will go to the Yellowstone Forever wildlife protection fund. The judge said the punishment is intended to "put an exclamation point on how serious this is." A federal prosecutor said her actions were foolhardy, per the AP. "Pure luck is why Dehring is a criminal defendant and not a mauled tourist," he said. Our original story from July follows:

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The woman charged by a grizzly bear in an encounter caught on video at Yellowstone National Park has been charged again, this time in US District Court. Investigators used the video, which went viral on social media, to identify suspect Samantha Dehring; they asked for tips and someone sent one in, the Billings Gazette reports. Dehring unfollowed the park's Facebook page the same day it posted a photo of her on the page, and after getting a search warrant to view her Facebook page, the park found she had posted photos of the bears there.

Witnesses say that when they spotted the sow and her two cubs on May 15, they warned Dehring to move back but she did not. She was about 15 feet away from the bears; park regulations require visitors to be at least 300 feet away. The Illinois woman is charged with breaking federal law by feeding, touching, teasing, frightening, or intentionally disturbing wildlife, WGN reports, as well as violating closures and use limits, and is set to appear in court next month. (A recent grizzly bear attack in Montana was fatal.)
(Newser)  The International Monetary Fund has added up the government subsidies that went to support the fossil fuel industry in 2020: $5.9 trillion, or about $11 million per minute. On top of that, the analysis found that not one country priced its fuels high enough to cover the true supply and environmental costs, the Guardian reports. With international agreement that greenhouse gas emissions need to be seriously reduced to combat global warming prompted by climate change, and that the fossil fuel economy should be phased out, analysts said these subsidies are a bad idea.

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"To stabilize global temperatures we must urgently move away from fossil fuels instead of adding fuel to the fire," said Mike Coffin of Carbon Tracker, a think tank. "It's critical that governments stop propping up an industry that is in decline, and look to accelerate the low-carbon energy transition, and our future, instead." The reports figures that tax breaks account for 6% of the total aid, per Market Watch, while 8% consists of subsidies cutting fuel prices. But the biggest break for coal, oil and gas producers is not making them pay for the deaths and poor health caused by air pollution and the heat waves and other impacts of global warming.

Just setting fossil fuel prices at the true cost would reduce global carbon dioxide emissions by more than a third, an IMF analyst said. G-20 economies decided in 2009 to gradually eliminate fossil fuel subsidies, which it called inefficient, by 2025. The IMF is unhappy with the progress toward that goal. There's a United Nations climate conference scheduled for Glasgow next month, and a reconsideration of fossil fuel pricing is the sort of issue that could be decided. IMF analysts said the conference "could not be timelier." (Read more fossil fuel stories.)
(Newser)  A New Jersey man who used dating apps to lure and kill three women five years ago was sentenced Wednesday to 160 years in prison after a trial in which it was revealed that friends of one victim did their own detective work on social media to ferret out the suspect. Khalil Wheeler-Weaver, 25, sat motionless as the judge gave the sentence in state court in Newark. The sentencing was preceded by emotional statements by family members of victims Robin West and Sarah Butler, the AP reports. In a brief statement before they spoke, Wheeler-Weaver denied responsibility, telling Superior Court Judge Mark S. Ali that he was framed.

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The sentences covered three murders, one attempted murder, and other counts including kidnapping, aggravated arson, and desecration of human remains. The Essex County prosecutor's office had credited friends of Butler, a college student from Montclair, with using social media to help police find Wheeler-Weaver. They gained access to her social media accounts, set up a fake account, lured Wheeler-Weaver to a meeting in Montclair and notified police, according to prosecutors. A fourth woman who survived an attack and testified at Wheeler-Weaver's trial also provided crucial information that helped investigators.

Prosecutors presented evidence at trial that Wheeler-Weaver, then 20, used the dating apps to lure the women for sex and then strangled them. Their bodies were found between September and December 2016 in northern New Jersey. Investigators also presented evidence from Wheeler-Weavers cellphone that placed him where the victims disappeared and where their bodies were found. Assistant Essex County Prosecutor Adam Wells noted Wednesday that the killings were separated by weeks, giving Wheeler-Weaver a chance to contemplate his actions before killing again. "The defendant believed these victims were disposable. They were killed and then he went on about his day as if nothing had happened," he said. "But each of these women's lives mattered." (Read more serial killer stories.)
(Newser)  A teacher has resigned from a North Carolina charter school after telling Black students in her class that if not for the Constitution, they would be her field slaves, a comment that one parent said brought attention to other racist incidents at the school, the AP reports. Winterville Charter Academy sent a memo which also referred to racially insensitive words being used by children in the class without any action from the teacher. That teacher, according to the memo from principal Annastasia Ryan, was supported in turning in her resignation and will not be returning on campus, WITN-TV reported.

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Cullison said that while privacy rules prevent her from discussing details, we will not tolerate racism in our school community and will continue taking swift action that addresses these issues. Kanisha Tillman, who has an eighth-grader at the school, said a parent sent her a text message on Sept. 20 suggesting a particular teacher treated Black and white students differently at the school. Her son later that day described one such incident. A white student had called a Black student a monkey, Tillman told the AP, as she relayed her son's account. When the Black student educated him on that being racist and him not liking it and not to call him that and asked the teacher for support, the teacher turned around and said to him, Oh, its OK. We're all a little bit racist.'"

The Black student then called the white student a cracker," to which the teacher responded with a threat to write up the Black student for disciplinary action, Tillman said. That incident and several others were recounted on a private Facebook page devoted to the school's parents. In September, the teacher asked Black students in her class to raise their hands. That's when she then told the students that they would be her field slaves," were it not for the Constitution, parents alleged. In another instance detailed on the Facebook page, Tillman said, a group of Black girls was trying to explain how being called a monkey is racist when a teacher walked up to them and said, It's OK, you're all my little monkeys.

(Read more North Carolina stories.)
(Newser)  A man arrested in Brazil this week appeared to have two main interests, police say: Sexually abusing children and collecting Nazi memorabilia. Police say that when they went to the suspect's condo in Rio de Janiero Tuesday to arrest him on suspicion of raping a minor, they found a stash of more than 1,000 Nazi-related items worth around $3.5 million. "He is a smart guy and articulate, but he's a Holocaust denier, he's homophobic, he's a pedophile, and he says he hunts homosexuals," lead detective Luis Armond tells Reuters. "I'm no doctor, but he seems to me an insane psychopath."

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Police say the man is from a wealthy family and apparently used his inheritance to buy the Nazi memorabilia. Foco Regional reports that the items found in the suspect's home included Nazi flags, uniforms, and medals. Investigators say authentic Nazi uniforms can sell for up to $250,000 in specialist marketplaces. Police also seized child pornography and nine World War II-era firearms. Armond says the Nazi items will probably end up in a museum. Police say they started monitoring the 58-year-old suspect following reports that he was approaching children in the area and trying to lure them back to his home, the Washington Post reports. They believed he raped at least one minor and possibly others. (Read more Brazil stories.)
(Newser)  It was Justin Trudeau's government that designated Sept. 30 Canada's first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, and yet the country's prime minister did not actually participate in events on that day. Rather, he was on vacation with his family as the country memorialized the children who died at, and the survivors of, Indigenous schools, the Guardian reports. He'd been invited to attend a ceremony at the Tkemlups te Secwepemc first nation in British Columbia, where some of the more than 1,000 unmarked graves at two former school sites were discovered earlier this year. He did not go, and Indigenous leaders accused him of failing make reconciliation a priority, as he'd promised to do.

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Trudeau said he did speak on the phone that day to victims and survivors of the so-called "residential schools," which removed about 150,000 Indigenous children from their families between 1831 and 1996, committing what has been called "cultural genocide" and subjecting some of the children to abuse, rape, and malnutrition. Despite the phone calls, however, Trudeau acknowledged that traveling to Tofino, British Columbia, with his family on his official government jet on the federal holiday Sept. 30 "was a mistake, and I regret it." He said he's "focused on making this right." His official itinerary for the day listed him as being in meetings in Ottawa, but he was spotted having a beer at the beach. The Toronto Star notes Tofino is a "popular surfing destination." Critics had been calling for an apology for days. (Read more Justin Trudeau stories.)
(Newser)  While one codebreaker claims the Zodiac killer's own cyphers identifies him as a known suspect, a team of 40 former law enforcement investigators say physical and forensic evidence points to a different person. The so-called Case Breakers say they've identified a former US airman and house painter from California's Sierra foothills, who died in 2018 at the age of 80, as a "very strong suspect," per the San Francisco Chronicle and ABC Australia. They claim his name is needed to decipher an anagram and he had scars on his forehead consistent with the San Francisco Police's sketch of the Zodiac killer.

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Though authorities haven't backed the theory (Newser is not naming him since police have not established him as a suspect), the man's former daughter-in-law tells the Chronicle that she believes the Code Breakers are correct. Of the 1969 police sketch, she notes, "I saw that and thought, 'That's him.' Totally." The Zodiac killer, who taunted authorities with letters, cyphers, and bloody evidence sent through the mail, is believed to be responsible for at least five murders in the Bay Area from 1968 to 1969. But the Case Breakers claim their suspect also killed 18-year-old student Cheri Jo Bates in Riverside County, Calif., in 1966.

The team says the former house painter is implicated by a paint-splattered watch purchased from a military base that was found at the scene of Bates' murder, per Fox News. It also says a heel print at the scene matched the style and size of three other prints found at other Zodiac crime scenes. They're hoping DNA can be sought and tested. Riverside Police, however, maintain Bates was not murdered by the Zodiac killer. Spokesperson Ryan Railsback says the only possible connection is a handwritten letter sent through the mail that claimed responsibility for Bates' death, per CNN.

"If you read what [the Case Breakers] put out, it's all circumstantial evidence," he tells the Chronicle. "It's not a whole lot." Case Breakers team member Jen Bucholtz, a former Army counterintelligence agent, tells Fox that removing the letters from the mans full name from one anagram revealed an alternate message. But David Oranchak, who helped crack the Zodiac's 340 Cipher, has his doubts. The San Francisco Police Department and the FBI have not endorsed the new theory, saying the case remains an open investigation. (Read more Zodiac killer stories.)
(Newser)  Nikolas Cruz is on trial for allegedly attacking a jail guard in November 2018, with jury selection having started Tuesdayand an unusual dispute between attorneys having bubbled up Wednesday. While Cruz was described as alert and focused on Tuesday, Local 10 reports he "appeared distressed" the next day and was seen rubbing his forehead and blowing his nose. NBC Miami reports a prospective juror in the first group on Wednesday cried upon seeing Cruz (it's the third time that had happened during the selection process, in which jurors enter the courtroom without knowing who the defendant is).

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Cruz became noticeably upset in response, and one of his lawyers supplied him with paper and colored pencils with which to calm himself. Prosecutor Maria Schneider decried it as a sympathy play. "They are doing (that) so the jury perceives that he is a child, that his mentality is somehow challenged," she complained. Defense attorney Gabe Ermine countered they were just trying to calm Cruz down. "We are not doing this for any nefarious reasons," he said.

Regardless of intention, Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer ruled the pencils were a no-go, and that for safety reasons he could only use the pen he'd been issued. Cruz faces up to 15 years if convicted of attempted criminal battery on a law enforcement officer, among other charges. His trial in the Parkland shooting, in which 17 people were killed, has yet to be scheduled. (Read more Nikolas Cruz stories.)
(Newser)  For all of the Southern Hemisphere's winter season, nearly two dozen staffers have been huddled together at the UK's Rothera Research Station in Antarctica, managing to avoid the coronavirus that continues to make its rounds through the rest of the world. This week, a delivery was made to continue to keep the scientists, engineers, and support staff there safe: doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which arrived after what the BBC calls a "mammoth trek" from England.

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"We're thrilled," tweeted Crown Agents, the nonprofit that helped organize the vaccine delivery, adding that the shipment is "the furthest south any British Covid-19 vaccine has travelled." The group shows a timeline of the vaccine's almost 10,000-mile journey, starting with the doses being packed in the north of England, then flown out of the Brize Norton airport in West Oxfordshire on a Royal Air Force tanker plane. From there, the aircraft made stops in Senegal and the Falkland Islands, where the vials were moved onto a smaller Twin Otter plane, which landed at the British Antarctic Survey's facility on Tuesday.

The vaccine vials were transported in special containers that kept them at their required chilly temperature: 35 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Medical Xpress notes the trip had to be completed in 92 hours to make sure the vaccines didn't spoil. The 23 staffers, who've been in winter lockdown at Rothera since March, have now all received their first jab of the two-dose vaccine. They get their next shot in four weeks, right before more researchers and other visitors start arriving in the warmer months with mail and fresh fruit and vegetables.

"Being able to vaccinate people will help keep the station population and Antarctica COVID-free," Matthew Phillips, who heads up the station over the winter, tells the BBC. "This puts us in a great position ahead of a busy summer." The outlet notes there's been one COVID outbreak in Antarctica, when three dozen people were infected in December 2020 at Chile's Bernardo O'Higgins research base. All were evacuated. (Read more coronavirus vaccine stories.)
(Newser)  The foundation of one of America's oldest Black churches has been found at a Colonial Williamsburg site that had been under a parking lot since 1956. Archaeologists believe the brick foundation is the remains of the first permanent home of the First Baptist Church. It was first organized in 1776 by Black residents of the former Virginia capital, both free and enslaved, who defied laws against Black people congregating, the Virginia Gazette reports. It's not clear exactly when the church's first building went up, though it is mentioned in tax records from 1818, reports the AP. It was destroyed by a tornado in 1834, and a replacement that went up in 1856 was removed to make space for the parking lot a century later.

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Jack Gary, Colonial Williamsburg's director of archaeology, says an excavation that began last year has also detected around 25 graves. The age of the foundation was confirmed by artifacts including a coin from 1817. The project, which aims to eventually reconstruct the historic church, is part of a wider effort to tell the long overlooked stories of Williamsburg's Black residents, reports the AP. The find "helps to erase the historical and social amnesia that has afflicted this country for so many years," says First Baptist Pastor Reginald F. Davis.

"The early history of our congregation, beginning with enslaved and free Blacks gathering outdoors in secret in 1776, has always been a part of who we are as a community, says Davis, per WY Daily. "To see it unearthedto see the actual bricks of that original foundation and the outline of the place our ancestors worshippedbrings that history to life and makes that piece of our identity tangible." The find was confirmed just days before the church, which now has a building elsewhere in Williamsburg, is set to celebrate its 245th anniversary. (Read more Williamsburg stories.)
(Newser)  A man about to turn 101 is the oldest defendant yet to stand trial for allegedly aiding in the murder of prisoners at a German concentration camp almost 80 years ago. The former guard at the Sachsenhausen concentration camp near Berlin, who can only be identified as Josef S. due to German privacy laws, arrived in a wheelchair at a prison in Brandenburg an der Havel on Thursday before making his way to a makeshift courtroom using a walker, per the BBC. Authorities say he's fit to stand trial but can only spend up to 2.5 hours in court per day. He's charged with aiding in the murder of 3,518 prisoners during World War II.

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A former member of the Nazis' Schutzstaffel paramilitary group, he's accused of complicity in the executions of Soviet prisoners of war by firing squad and the murder of other prisoners with Zyklon B gas, per the Times of Israel. "He is not accused of having shot anyone in particular," a Neuruppin state court spokesperson tells the paper. Tens of thousands of peopleJews, POWs, homosexuals, political opponents, and otherswere killed at the camp, including 3,000 who were slaughtered toward the end of the war as they were deemed "unfit to march," per the BBC.

Josef S. allegedly worked at the camp between 1942 and 1945, meaning he may have seen the installation of a gas chamber in 1943. The AP notes Leon Schwarzbaum, a 100-year-old survivor of Sachsenhausen, Auschwitz, and Buchenwald, was in attendance Thursday as public prosecutor Cyrill Klement stated the defendant had "knowingly and willingly" supported the systematic killings "at least by conscientiously performing guard duty, which was seamlessly integrated into the killing system."

Josef S. remained silent and used a folder to hide his face. His lawyer says he won't address the allegations against him but will speak about his personal circumstances on Friday. The trial is expected to stretch into January. It will coincide with the trial of a 96-year-old German woman who served as a secretary at the Stutthof concentration camp in Nazi-occupied Poland. Accused of aiding in the murders of more than 10,000 people, Irmgard Furchner fled from a nursing home before the start of her trial last month but was soon captured. The trial will now begin Oct. 19, per the Times. (Read more Nazis stories.)
(Newser)  Police say a Maryland man's paranoia over the COVID vaccine led him to murder three people, including his brothera pharmacist who doled out the vaccine. The Baltimore Sun cites charging documents filed Wednesday in the case of Jeffrey Burnham, who allegedly told his elderly mother, whom he lived with in Cumberland, that his brother Brian Robinette was poisoning people with the vaccine. "Brian knows something," he is quoted as saying. WBAL reports the 46-year-old Burnham allegedly fatally shot Brian Robinette, 58, in the foyer of his home in Ellicott City, roughly 100 miles from Cumberland, reports NBC News. Wife, Kelly Sue Robinette, 57, was found dead in a bedroom.

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He faces first- and second-degree murder charges in connection with their Sept. 30 deaths. He was arrested in Davis, West Virginia, on Friday after approaching a firefighter and telling him he "had been forced to kill three people." As for that third, the Sun reports Burnham's mother called police on Sept. 30 after he made reference to "Becky's car"that belonged to her longtime friend Rebecca Reynolds, who lived in Cumberland. The 83-year-old Reynolds was subsequently found dead in her home, which showed signs of a struggle. She had a neck laceration and was found with a pillow on her face.

Police believe Burnham took her car and drove to Ellicott City; the car was ultimately found near the Robinettes' home. Police allege Burnham stole his brother's 2007 red Corvette and made his getaway in it. He allegedly stopped at a home to request gas, and informed the person they would see him on TV and that his brother was "killing people with the Covid shot," per the charging document. That person alerted police. A GoFundMe started to give the Robinettes' two adopted children "the funds and resources they need as they transition into young adulthood" has raised nearly $100,000 as of this writing. (Read more coronavirus vaccine stories.)
(Newser)  Clarisse Faure told a Paris court Wednesday that she was there "for those who cannot do it today, for those who never left the Bataclan." She was among many survivors who delivered emotional testimony at the trial of 20 suspects accused of involvement in the 2015 terror attacks that killed 130 people, including 90 at the Bataclan theater. American survivor Helen Wilson, wearing a shirt that said "Love Always Wins," said boyfriend Nick Alexander died in her arms. "I wasn't going to let him go," she said, NBC reports. "I wasn't going to leave him there on his own. Why should I let him die?" Wilson was shot in both legs by gunmen who stormed the theater during a concert by US band Eagles of Death Metal.

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Survivors described hiding for hours, afraid they would die at any moment. "They were shooting us down like animals. As soon as a mobile phone rang, as soon as someone screamed, they fired," testified delivery driver Cedric Bouhour, per Reuters. "I heard someone die, suffocating in their own blood." Faure, who hid in a ceiling for hours, said she suffered PTSD and could not work for a long time after the attack. "You took away from me the pleasure of living," she told the 14 defendants in the Paris courtroom. Another six are being tried in absentia.

French American citizen Mohamed Amghar, hit by shrapnel in a suicide attack at the National Stadium, said he wanted to testify to tell the defendants that their version of Islam was wrong. "It's not my Islam," he said. Some 300 survivors and relatives of victims are expected to testify in the coming weeks, AFP reports. The only surviving attacker, Saleh Abdeslam, said on the trial's first day that he was an ISIS "soldier." Wilson told NBC that she wants him to acknowledge that "he made a lot of bad decisions and hes sorry that he hurt so many people that didnt deserve it"but she doubts that it's going to happen. (Read more Paris terror attacks stories.)
(Newser)  Despite the fact that he was on the receiving end of a Woody Harrelson punch, a man who tangled with the actor at the rooftop bar of the Watergate Hotel is facing charges, DC police said. The two had a confrontation Wednesday night, WRC reports, after the man began taking photos of Harrelson and his daughter. Harrelson asked him to delete the photos, sparking an argument before the man lunged at the actor, trying to grab his neck, a witness told police. Harrelson then hit him in what police called self-defense. The man appeared to be intoxicated, a police spokesman said, per the Washington Post.

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DC police said they're investigating and will release the man's name once he's charged. They said witnesses identified him as the aggressor in the clash. Harrelson, 60, is in Washington shooting a TV series on the Watergate scandal, including the break-in of Democratic offices at the Watergate in 1972. He plays Howard Hunt. The actor visited House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others at the Capitol last week, per the Hill. (Read more Woody Harrelson stories.)
(Newser)  A Moscow court has ruled to enforce the collection of fines from Facebook for breaching Russian laws on illegal content, officials said Thursday. The Tagansky District Court in Russia's capital ordered bailiffs to collect 26 million rublesover $361,000after Facebook failed to pay the fines, court officials said. Russian state communications watchdog Roskomnadzor has asked Russian courts to fine Facebook for not deleting content considered unlawful, the AP reports, including calls for unsanctioned anti-Kremlin protests.

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The agency has levied eight fines against Facebook and ordered the company to pay a total of $1.1 million in fines so far this year, per Reuters, and said the social media company hasn't paid any. Roskomnadzor warned that it would impose much heftier fines, equal to 5% to 10% of Facebook's sales turnover in Russia over the content deemed unlawful. Russian authorities have methodically raised pressure on Western tech giants, including Twitter, Facebook, and Google, over their roles in amplifying voices of dissent. Authorities accused the platforms of failing to take down announcements for unauthorized protests, including those in support of dissident Alexei Navalny.

Facebook officials didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. The Moscow Times quoted an estimate that Facebook makes tens of billions of rubles per year in Russia. President Vladimir Putin complained early in the year about the influence of large tech companies, saying they compete with sovereign nations. Russian officials said recently that American social media companies have interfered with parliamentary elections and called in the US ambassador to Moscow. (Read more Facebook stories.)
(Newser)  The four former White House aides subpoenaed by a House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol have received instructions from their old boss not to cooperate. A letter from a lawyer for former President Donald Trump tells them to not turn over documents or consent to interviews as ordered, Politico reports. The documents are covered by executive privilege, the letter says, adding, "President Trump is prepared to defend these fundamental privileges in court." The letter also cites attorney-client privilege.

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Mark Meadows, Steve Bannon, Dan Scavino, and Kash Patel face a midnight Thursday deadline for the files. The interviews are supposed to be next week. Patel, who was in the Defense Department, told the Washington Post in a statement that he'd speak through his website he's using to raise $250,000 for "a top-notch legal team," adding, "I will continue to tell the American people the truth about January 6, and I am putting our country and freedoms first through my Fight with Kash initiative."

Trump has cited executive privilege before, but the new administration has indicated President Biden probably would turn over information about Trump's actions on Jan. 6 if the committee asked for it. The panel hasn't said how it would enforce its subpoenas of the four Trump aides, but a couple of members said it could ask the Justice Department to prosecute uncooperative witnesses. It's also possible the four would ignore Trump's direction, per Politico; they could be sentenced to a year in prison and fined as much as $100,000 if they're convicted of criminal contempt of Congress. (Read more Capitol attack stories.)
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'One in a million': Patrick Latsha remembered as kind soul

Larry Deklinski / LARRY DEKLINSKI/FILE PHOTO Jacob Jeremiah, left, and Patrick Latsha embrace at the Coal Bucket game pitting Shamokin against Mount Carmel on Oct. 25, 2019. Latsha, who served as a honorary captain for the Indians during the contest, died Saturday on the campus of Susquehanna University. Larry Deklinski / LARRY DEKLINSKI/FILE PHOTO Patrick Latsha flips the coin prior to the annual Coal Bucket game Oct. 25, 2019, at Kemp Memorial Stadium. Latsha, who fought osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer, died Saturday of a heart attack.

Kathy Latsha tuned into WQSU Tuesday night not knowing what to expect, but she soon realized her departed son, Patrick, was sending a message when the chords of a piano and the words let it be resonated through the speaker.

Kathy had a loving tradition of calling in at the beginning of her sons shifts at the Susquehanna University radio station and requesting the song by The Beatles, but the 22-year-old cancer survivor from Shamokin never made it to Tuesdays gig, having passed away following a heart attack Saturday evening while attending a fundraising event on campus.

The general manager of the radio station, Dawn Benfer, dedicated an hour to the 2018 graduate of Shamokin Area and communications major at Susquehanna by playing a set of some of his greatest hits  starting with Let it Be, sung by Paul McCartney.

If you listen to the words of Let it Be, its so powerful. I think I can apply it to myself now, Kathy said Wednesday afternoon. The fact that it was the first song they played  I just got the chills. I just think it was so nice.

After graduating from Shamokin, Patrick enrolled in Penn State University Harrisburg. In December 2018 he transferred to Susquehanna University, but, just a month later, was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, the most common type of bone cancer. University officials, Kathy said, were accommodating as her son sought treatment.

Patrick served as an honorary captain during the 2019 Coal Bucket game with Mount Carmel. Friends and teammates remarked that Patrick displayed the same courage and intestinal fortitude in his battle with cancer that he did on the gridiron.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Patrick Latsha. He was a wonderful person, a man of great character and a true inspiration to those who knew him, Henry Hynoski, head coach and dean of students, remarked Wednesday. The number of people he impacted throughout his life was significant. He will be missed tremendously by our community; however, his legacy will always live on.

Patrick began attending classes at Susquehanna in January 2020, but COVID put a hold on in-person learning. This August he returned to campus, where he spent his time working his radio broadcast and served as chaplain for Phi Mu Delta Fraternity. He was attending a function for Transitions of Pa. when tragedy struck.

He was playing tug-of-war (Saturday) and just went down, Kathy said. This really took us by surprise. Unfortunately, the chemotherapy played havoc with his heart.

Kathy said the outpouring of support during her sons previous fight with osteosarcoma as well as the past few days has been a testament to the type of life Patrick lived.

Kathy said Susquehanna University President Jonathan Green called to offer condolences and say that Patrick had a reputation for welcoming new students who felt isolated or alone. The university, she added, held a candlelight vigil Sunday evening.

He loved Susquehanna, thats all he could talk about. He wanted to get back to school. At times he wanted to quit, but he looked at the prize in the end, Kathy said.

Patrick was more concerned about the pain in the faces of his family and friends than his own feelings, as he always worried about everyone else. He was always a positive individual with a smile on his face, and a tough kid who would never let anything beat him. A true fighter in every sense of the word, Kathy said her son showed this time and time again, whether it be for family, friends, fraternity brothers or teammates.

I think what speaks volumes is the fact that, when you ask his friends, he never talked much about the cancer after he was finished. I think it was part of a coping mechanism, Kathy said. He went through hell  and he did  but the hardest thing for him, and what he had in mind, was the pain and hurt on all of us. That speaks volumes.

A college roommate, Alexander Raynes, described Patrick as a shining ray of positivity. He said Patrick woke up everyday with a bright smile on his face.

Pat put his best foot forward every day, and never let anything bring him down, Raynes said. His positivity and outlook on life affected everyone he encountered every single day for the better.

His girlfriend, Kayla Borrelli, said Patrick became one of the most important people in her life, adding that her situation would be much different if they had never met.

He always had the best attitude and the brightest smile, and he has left such a heavy impact on my life, Borrelli remarked. His love and support is something that I will hold onto for the rest of my life, and I will love him forever.

Big brother

Patrick and Jacob Jeremiah started their friendship through peewee football. What started as teammates turned into a cherished friendship that continued through Patricks final days on earth.

He was a big brother to not only me, but my little sister as well. He was also a man of his word. No matter what promise he made, dumb or not, he delivered, Jeremiah remarked. We had each others back no matter what the scenario was and loved each other like we were blood related. The amount of inside jokes, late night conversations, sleep overs and memories I made with Patrick over our 10 years of friendship is irreplaceable and I will cherish them forever.

Jeremiah said Patrick was the type of person that you could go months without talking to and he would be the same-old Patrick the moment you started talking again. Patrick, he continued, would put whatever problems he had going on to the side and make whatever problem you were having his No. 1 priority, even if the problem was completely irrelevant to him.

Patrick helped me out of numerous situations and helped me see the brighter side of every situation. He is truly one in a million and blessed everyone he came across, Jeremiah said. Heaven gained one great man when Patrick returned home and I know he will be waiting for all of his friends at the gates when its our time to meet him again.

A viewing will be held at the Leonard J. Lucas Funeral Home, 120 S. Market St., Shamokin, Saturday morning from 9 to 11 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:30 a.m. at Mother Cabrini Church, 214 N. Shamokin St., Shamokin. A choir from Susquehanna University is expected to perform in honor of their lost classmate.
Shamokin, PA (17872)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will give way to cloudy skies and rain during the afternoon. High 63F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Rain showers early, then clear overnight. Low near 30F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

The Bahrain Society of Private Training Institutes hailed the efforts of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in developing Bahraini national cadres within the framework of Bahrain Vision 2030 to make Bahrainis a first option in the labour market.

Nawaf Mohammed Al Jishi, the Chairman of the Bahrain Society of Private Training Institutes, stressed Bahrains success in conquering the Corona epidemic, thanking the leadership and the unity of the whole population.

Training institutes took the responsibility of preparing national cadres and ensuring their readiness to enter the labour market and actively contribute to economic growth, while also benefiting from initiatives of Tamkeen and the Foras Programme, Hope Fund, Business Incubators and more, Al Jishi said.

Al Jishi expressed his optimism about Bahrains continued economic recovery and returning to pre-pandemic figures, citing the growth of real GDP by 5.7% during the second quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter of 2020, 3.5% quarterly from the first quarter of 2021, and 20.7% growth of the nominal GDP on an annual basis and 6.4% quarterly.

This period may be sensitive for we are experiencing an economic bottleneck because of the pandemics expenditures and the governments large financial support, but what bodes well is the return of performance to previous levels with the improvement in oil pricesand the governments determination to achieve fiscal balance, Al Jishi said.
TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune  www.newsofbahrain.com

SULB, a steel producer serving international markets, announced the successful inauguration of newly constructed Wharf.

The new private port facility, located at Salman Industrial City in Hidd, is set to significantly enhance the companys supply chain and deliver strong environmental and economic benefits for Bahrain and its customers.

High level dignitaries, SULBs Board and management, customers, partners and the media were on hand to commemorate the milestone opening where SULB was presented the Port/Private Jetty Operator License issued by the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications Ports and Maritime Affairs.

Developed at a cost of approximately $20 million, the facility is 230 m long and can accommodate ships up to 180m LOA, 40,000 DWT.

Now in operation, it will allow for a strong reduction in SULBs usage and dependance on Bahrains public roads and port network. Shipping directly by sea to customers, nearly one million tons of SULBs product will be taken off Bahrains roads each year. This is equivalent to 40,000 trailers annually, which will not only significantly reduce traffic in the Kingdom and wear and tear on roads, but is also expected to result in a substantial reduction in its post-production greenhouse-gas emissions nearing 18,000 tons per year.

Enhanced efficiency and a range of resulting economic benefits will also be realised from the companys streamlined delivery capabilities. With its own shipping facility, SULB has now effectively secured its supply chain bolstering business continuity for the company and its global customers. Savings and the securing of its strong forex contributions to Bahrains economy will also be supported by the new facility through reductions in the companys cost of exporting and a greater return of earned dollars. The new facility will help SULB save approximately 30% on its annual Freight on Board (FOB) charges while also helping customers reduce their procurement fees by up to 20% as a result of SULBs onsite loading and shipment capabilities.

SULB currently exports 99% of its products annually to customers in more than 25 countries located across the broader MENA region, South East Asia, Americas and Europe. Today, nearly 50% of all structural steel sections used in the GCCs infrastructure development are manufactured by the company in Bahrain.

We are delighted to see private sector initiatives and investments that support greater efficiency, Bahrains position as a leading regional exporter and which contribute to the Kingdoms plans and policies to see the economy operate in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly manner,Assistant Undersecretary for Ports Affairs Bader Hood Al Mahmood said.

We congratulate SULB, its Board, management, shareholders and employees on this milestone, which not only furthers the companys objectives but also supports key goals of the Kingdoms Vision 2030.

We are delighted to mark this important event in the presence of our partners and were extremely grateful for the exemplary support extended to us by Bahrains Ports & Maritime Affairs in the development and construction of the SULB Wharf, Ravi Singh, CEO of SULB, said.

This is a win-win proposition for the Kingdom, our company, our customers and our community. The new facility will help us operate more efficiently. It significantly strengthens our export supply chain for the benefit of our customers, the Kingdoms economy and our position as one of Bahrains largest exporters and net forex earners. Importantly, it also allows us to make positive strides in our sustainability mission. With our own shipping facilities onsite, we will help in decongesting Bahrains roads and significantly reducing our own carbon emissions in support of cleaner air and the meeting of the governments air quality targets.

The inauguration of the facility was followed by a water salute executed by members of the SULB team and two ships are expected to arrive at the facility within the first month of its operation. The first will arrive to load for export approximately 13,000 tons of Made in Bahrain steel beams and the second ship with 32,000 tons will be loaded by months end.

SULB produces 1.7 Mtpa of Direct Reduced Iron from iron ore pellets manufactured by sister-company Bahrain Steel, 1.2 Mtpa of steel and delivers almost 800,000 tons of finished beams, angles and channels along with its sister company in Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia. Steel beams are required for the creation of infrastructure related to heavy industries like refineries, steel and petrochemical plants as well as in high rise buildings, bridges, airports, convention centres and other long span architecture.

The company is 51% owned by Foulath Holding, the Bahrain-based investment vehicle for the metals industry across the Middle East region. Foulath has been established by the six GCC countries through their investment holding company Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC). It is owned 49% by Yamato Kogyo, a Japanese global major in structural steel production.


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Brian A. Pounds / Hearst Connecticut Media

REDDING  A debate will be held on Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. for municipal candidates running for office in Novembers elections.

The event, hosted by the League of Women Voters of Redding will take place at the Redding Community Center located at 47 Lonetown Road. The debate will also be available via livestream through Facebook.
John OHern, a Fairfield resident and a former long-time member of the Westport Theatre Artists Group, recently published a memoir book, Not the Kennedys, on Amazon. The book is also an Irish/Catholic family tale.

OHern is an author, actor and storyteller. Visit his website, johnohern.com, to find out more about him and his book.

Trinity Episcopal Church hosting Blessing of the Animals event

The Trinity Episcopal Church, at 651 Pequot Ave.in Southport, is hosting a special Blessing of the Animals event on the churchs lawn at 4 p.m., Oct. 10.

Trinity clergy will give individual blessings for every animal in attendance at the event, including horses, pigs, chickens, goats, dogs, cats, goldfish, hamsters and birds.

The free event is open to all members of the community, regardless of their religious affiliation. It is also a celebration of the Feast Day of Saint Francis of Assisi, who is the patron saint of animals. Any animal is welcome.

All attendees will need to wear masks and ensure adequate social distancing amid the coronavirus pandemic. Pets will need to be restrained on a leash, or in a carrier. People should also bring their own chairs.

Trinity also asks that all attendees register online at eventbrite.com, so that the church can track attendees, and ensure that attendance is within the recommended guidelines amid the pandemic from the virus.

A special collection will be taken to benefit the Fairfield Animal Shelter, which also has a need for donations of old towels and blankets, which people can donate to the non-profit organization.

Vaccine clinics set

The Fairfield Health Department is going to host two flu and pneumonia clinics in the gym at the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities. The first clinic is taking place from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., Oct. 7. The second clinic is taking place from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., Oct 8.

The center is located at 100 Mona Terrace in Fairfield.

The department accepts the Medicare Part B, Connecticare, Aetna, CIGNA, Anthem, United Healthcare, and Oxford health insurance plans with no copay cost.

The flu shot is available to people over the age of 6 and the pneumonia vaccine is available for people over the age of 65.

Patients are asked to print the consent form found on the town website, fairfieldct.org, and bring the completed form completed to the clinic that they are attending.

All individuals will be required to wear a face covering regardless of their COVID vaccination status.

The Griffin Health Mobile COVID-19 vaccination van will also be attending the clinics from 9:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. on both days.

Individuals can receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine if they are at least 12 years old. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccine is available to those at least 18 years old.

Van staff will also be giving out booster doses of the Pfizer vaccine to those people, who received the Pfizer vaccine. Individuals are eligible for a booster dose if it has been six months since their second dose of the Pfizer vaccine and they are at least 65 years old or are 18 to 64 years old and have an underlying health condition, or conditions that puts them at a higher risk for severe cases due to institutional or occupational exposure.

People should call their primary care physicians with any questions about the flu vaccine. Call the Fairfield Public Health Department Nursing Office at 203-256-3150, with any questions about the flu clinics.

Carnival returning

The McKinley Elementary School Carnival community-wide event is returning to Fairfield this month, after a two year hiatus because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The event will be open from 6 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 22, 1 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 23, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 24.

The event is going to take place in the Jennings Beach parking lot. People should enter from South Benson Road. Attendees are asked to not use side roads.

The McKinley Elementary School Parent Teacher Association is the host.

All ages can attend. Parking, and admission are free. Wristbands are $30 and will be sold each day so children, and adults can enjoy unlimited rides. Single tickets will be also be available for purchase.

Proceeds help fund cultural enrichment programs, sponsor educational field trips for the schools community, and offer teacher grants, among other in-school programs. The event is the McKinley Elementary Schools largest annual fundraiser.

The PTA has a long-standing partnership with Stewart Amusement, the provider of the tradtional rides.

Food and drink, will also be available through F&W Caterers.

Visit https://mckinleyschoolpta.membershiptoolkit.com/carnival for more details.

Driven 4 Cause hosting fundraiser

The automotive social club, Driven 4 Cause, is hosting a Cars 4 K9s fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Oct 10, at the Fairfield train station, at 165 Unquowa Road.

The event will support the Fairfield Police Departments K9 Unit.

The event is in collaboration with the non-profit organization, Hometown Foundation, and the businesses, the Tasty Yolk, BMW of Bridgeport, Automobilia, Sloan Motorcars, Marine Max and Cafe Piccolo.

Car enthusiasts will see classic cars, and performance cars. There will also be a live K9 dog demonstration, local food trucks, a charity raffle and music.

The goal of the event is to bring together the local community to meet and support first responders, including the K9 unit.

Visit https://hometownfoundation.org/core-initiatives/police-k-9-initiative/ for tickets and to donate.
When Rhode Island residents spotted several red flares being launched into the sky late at night last year, witnesses fearing the worst contacted authorities.

A flare of that color and type flying over coastal skies typically signals one thing: A vessel or crew is in distress and needs help.

For hours, local authorities and the U.S. Coast Guard searched the water and shoreline near the area where the flares were first seen off of mainland Rhode Island, court records state. The reports prompted the Coast Guard to deploy a surface vessel, two helicopters, personnel and equipment. Altogether, it cost the Coast Guard over $100,000, according to a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court of Rhode Island.

But the flares were no sign of nautical distress, authorities later found.

Perry C. Phillips and Benjamin C. Foster discharged the flares aboard a skiff when they got close to their friend's wedding reception in the Breezy Point area of Block Island, court records state. All the pair wanted to do was to catch the attention of the wedding guests, according to the court documents.

The federal government later sued the Block Island duo, arguing they knowingly and willfully discharged marine distress flares without an emergency. As a result, federal prosecutors argued, the Coast Guard conducted and carried out an unnecessary operation.

On Monday, Phillips, 31, and Foster, 33, reached an agreement with the government, the U.S. attorney's office in Rhode Island announced. Each will pay a fine of $5,000 for causing a "needless and expensive" maritime search-and-rescue mission.

Neither Phillips nor Foster responded to messages from The Washington Post late Tuesday. Attorneys representing the pair and Coast Guard officials also did not respond to requests for comment.

This is not the first time the Coast Guard has responded to distress calls connected to celebrations. In June, a Coast Guard helicopter rescued three people celebrating a 30th birthday in Alaska when their pink flamingo raft was swept out to sea. In 2017, Coast Guard personnel rescued eight bachelor partygoers when they were stranded after their boat ran aground on a sandbar near Capers Island, S.C.

On June 6, 2020, Phillips and Foster borrowed a flare gun and flares from a friend, court records state, before boarding a skiff and heading toward a beach near Block Island's Breezy Point. As they neared the wedding location at about 9:30 p.m., the duo launched three red flares into the sky, court records state. One of the men recorded the incident and posted it to his social media, the complaint states, before the pair returned to shore.

Following reports from witnesses, the New Shoreham harbor master and a police officer searched the shoreline and water for 90 minutes. The Coast Guard also sent out personnel and equipment, investing nearly nine hours of work.
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

TORONTO, Oct. 6, 2021 /CNW/ - Halo Collective Inc. ("Halo" or the "Company") (NEO: HALO) (OTCQB: HCANF) (Germany: A9KN) today announced its intention to consolidate all of its issued and outstanding common shares ("Common Shares") on the basis of one post-consolidation Common Share for every 100 pre-consolidation Common Shares (the "Consolidation"). The Consolidation was previously approved by the Company's shareholders at the annual general and special meeting held on June 23, 2021.

The Consolidation is expected to result in the number of issued and outstanding Common Shares being reduced from 2,867,358,846 pre-consolidation Common Shares to approximately 28,673,588 post-Consolidation Common Shares. The exercise or conversion price of warrants, convertible debentures, compensation options and options, and the number of Common Shares issuable thereunder will also be proportionately adjusted upon the completion of the Consolidation. No fractional shares will be issued as a result of the Consolidation. All fractions of Common Shares will be rounded down to the next lowest whole number. No cash consideration will be paid in respect of fractional shares.

The Consolidation is subject to the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including the approval of the Neo Exchange Inc. The Company will be obtaining a new set of CUSIP and ISIN numbers for the Consolidation. The effective date for the Consolidation and the new CUSIP and ISIN numbers is expected to be October 12, 2021. The Company anticipates that its current trading symbol will remain unchanged.

On September 21, 2021 the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act ("NDAA") which included the provision of the Secure and Fair Enforcement ("SAFE") Banking Act. The SAFE act would allow state-licensed cannabis-related businesses to engage freely in relationships with banks and other financial institutions. While the passage of the NDAA is only one step forward, there is now increased possibility that this long-overdue reform for the U.S. cannabis industry could be approved by Congress. The Consolidation is in part in anticipation of this reform, which would position Halo to be considered by senior U,S. exchanges for listing.

About Halo Collective Inc.

Halo is a leading, vertically integrated cannabis company that cultivates, extracts, manufactures, and distributes quality cannabis flower, oils, and concentrates and has sold approximately eleven million grams of oils and concentrates since inception. The Company continues to expand its business and scale efficiently, partnering with trustworthy leaders in the industry who value Halo's operational expertise in bringing top-tier products to market.

Halo currently operates in the United States in Oregon and California, Canada, Southern Africa in the Kingdom of Lesotho, and the United Kingdom. The Company sells cannabis products principally to dispensaries in the U.S. under its brands Hush, Mojave, and Exhale, and under license agreements with Papa's Herb, DNA Genetics, Terphogz, and FlowerShop*, a cannabis lifestyle and conceptual wellness brand that includes G-Eazy as a partner and key member.

As part of continued expansion and vertical integration in the U.S., Halo boasts several grow operations throughout Oregon and two planned in California. In Oregon, the Company has a combined 11 acres of owned and contracted outdoor and green house cultivation, including East Evans Creek, a six-acre grow site in Jackson County with four licenses owned and operated by Halo and two third-party licenses under contract to sell all of their product to Halo; Winberry Farms, a one-acre grow site located 30 miles outside of Eugene in Lane County with a license owned and operated by Halo; and William's Wonder Farms, a three-acre grow site in Applegate Valley, under contract to sell all of its product to Halo pending the closing of Halo's acquisition of its licenses and business assets. Halo has recently acquired Food Concepts LLC, a master tenant of a 55,000 sq.ft. indoor cannabis cultivation, processing, and wholesaling facility in Portland, Oregon operated by the Pistil Point entities (the "Pistil Point Acquistion").

In California, the Company is building out Ukiah Ventures, a planned 30,000 sq. ft. indoor cannabis grow and processing facility, which will include up to an additional five acres of industrial land to expand the site. Recently, Halo partnered with Green Matter Holding in California to purchase a property in Lake County, developing up to 63 acres of cultivation, comprising one of the largest licensed single site grows in California. Halo also plans to expand its operations in California by opening three dispensaries in North Hollywood, Hollywood, and Westwood.

In Canada, Halo acquired three KushBar retail cannabis stores located in Alberta as a first in its planned entry into the Canadian market, leveraging its Oregon and California brands. With the KushBar retail stores as a foundation, the Company plans to expand its foothold in Canada.

Halo has also acquired a range of software development assets, including CannPOS, Cannalift, and, more recently, CannaFeels. In addition, Halo owns the discrete sublingual dosing technology, Accudab. The Company intends to spin-off these assets and its intellectual property and patent applications into its subsidiary Halo Tek Inc. and expects to complete a distribution to shareholders on a record date to be determined by Halo.

Halo has recently announced its intention to reorganize its non-U.S. operations into a newly formed entity called Akanda Corp., whose mission is to provide high-quality and ethically sourced medical cannabis products to patients worldwide. Akanda will seek to deliver on this promise while driving positive change in wellness, empowering individuals in Lesotho, and uplifting the quality of the lives of employees and the local communities where it operates, all while limiting its carbon footprint. Akanda will combine the scaled production capabilities of Bophelo Bioscience & Wellness Pty. Ltd., Halo's Lesotho-based cultivation and processing campus located in the world's first Special Economic Zone (SEZ) containing a cannabis cultivation operation, with distribution and route-to-market efficiency of Canmart Ltd., Halo's UK-based fully approved pharmaceutical importer, and distributor that supplies pharmacies and clinics within the U.K. With a potential maximum licensed canopy area of 200 hectares (495 acres), Bophelo has scalability that is arguably unmatched in the world today.

For further information regarding Halo, see Halo's disclosure documents on SEDAR at www.sedar.com

Connect with Halo Collective: Email | Website | LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information and Statements

This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only Halo's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of Halo's control. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or may contain statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "will continue", "will occur" or "will be achieved". Forward-looking information may relate to anticipated events or results including, but not limited to the potential reform of cannabis laws in the United States, the eligibility of Halo to obtain a listing on a U.S. stock exchange, Halo's expectations regarding the expansion of processing, production and distribution operations and the financial performance thereof, the Company's plans to expand in Canada and California, the expected size and capabilities of the final facility planned at Ukiah Ventures, the size of Halo's planned cultivation facility in Northern California, the ability of Bophelo and Canmart to serve the U.K. market, the proposed spin-off with Halo Tek Inc. and Halo's proposed plans to re-organize its non-U.S. operations via Akanda Corp.

By identifying such information and statements in this manner, Halo is alerting the reader that such information and statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such information and statements. In addition, in connection with the forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release, Halo has made certain assumptions. Although Halo believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements. Among others, the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information and statements are the following: delays in obtaining required licenses or approvals, delays or unforeseen costs incurred in connection with construction, the ability of competitors to scale operations in Northern California, delays or unforeseen difficulties in connection with the cultivation and harvest of Halo's raw material, changes in general economic, business and political conditions, including changes in the financial markets; and the other risks disclosed in the Company's annual information form dated March 31, 2021 and other disclosure documents available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Should one or more of these risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and Halo does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking information and statements attributable to Halo or persons acting on its behalf is expressly qualified in its entirety by this notice.

Non-Solicitation

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell nor the solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

SOURCE Halo Collective Inc.

For further information: Contact Information, Halo Collective, Investor Relations, [email protected]

Related Links

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McDonald's Canada is removing plastic cutlery*, stir sticks and straws by December 2021

TORONTO, Oct. 7, 2021 /CNW/ - McDonald's Canada today announced that it will introduce wooden cutlery*, wooden stir sticks and paper straws to its more than 1,400 restaurants across the country by December 2021. The removal of these single-use plastics* in its restaurants supports McDonald's global commitment to source 100% of McDonald's primary guest packaging** from renewable, recycled or certified sources.

"By being part of the Canadian fabric and serving close to three million guests every day across more than 1,400 restaurants, McDonald's Canada is playing an important role in the ongoing reduction of single-use plastics in the country", says Rob Dick, Supply Chain Officer, McDonald's Canada. "By removing these single-use plastics in our restaurants, we show our ongoing commitment to minimize our environmental footprint and to help protect the planet for future generations. "

Wooden stir sticks are currently being rolled out in restaurant with wooden cutlery* and paper straws to follow starting in October, with the "last plastic straw" expected to be used in December 2021.

Additional facts:

By removing plastic cutlery*, stir sticks and straws from its restaurants, McDonald's Canada will remove approximately 840 tons of plastics from the Canadian system annually.

will remove approximately 840 tons of plastics from the Canadian system annually. In 2019, McDonald's Canada introduced a 20 per cent smaller napkin in its restaurants, produced with 100 per cent recycled fibre, which eliminated more than 900 tons of paper from the Canadian system.

introduced a in its restaurants, produced with 100 per cent recycled fibre, which from the Canadian system. To learn more about McDonald's Global Commitments on Planet, click here.

*Excluding McFlurry spoons.

Average based on 2018-2020 data.

**Refers to products that are used to package guest food on premises at McDonald's restaurants, including containers, cups, wraps, bags for food, drink carriers, napkins and Happy Meal boxes.

ABOUT McDonald's Canada

In 1967, Canadians welcomed the first McDonald's restaurant to Richmond, British Columbia. Today, McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Limited has become part of the Canadian fabric, serving close to three million guests every day. In both franchised and corporate-owned restaurants, nearly 100,000 people are employed from coast-to-coast, and more than 90 per cent of McDonald's 1,400 Canadian restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent franchisees. Of the almost $1 billion spent on food, more than 85 per cent is purchased from suppliers in Canada. For more information on McDonald's Canada, visit mcdonalds.ca.

SOURCE McDonald's Canada

For further information: Media requiring more information please contact: McDonald's Media Relations Line: [email protected] or 1-877-786-3342
Earlier on Wednesday, a street hawker was shot dead by terrorists in Srinagar. The incident took place near Madina Chowk, Lalbazar in Srinagar where terrorists fired upon the victim Virender Paswan.

As many as two teachers were killed in a terrorist attack at a government school in the Eidgah area of Srinagar on Thursday, said Jammu and Kashmir Police. More details on the same are awaited.

Earlier on Wednesday, a street hawker was shot dead by terrorists in Srinagar. The incident took place near Madina Chowk, Lalbazar in Srinagar where terrorists fired upon the victim Virender Paswan. Paswan is a resident of Bihars Bhagalpur district and worked as a street vendor. He was residing at Alamgari Bazar, Zadibal. Police said a search operation was underway by police to nab the terrorists.

Also, a businessman has been killed by terrorists in Srinagar on Tuesday evening. The incident took place near Iqbal Park in Srinagar where terrorists fired upon the owner of Bindroo Medicate namely, Makhan Lal Bindroo. Following this, Bindroo was shifted to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Earlier, A candlelight protest was organised by Amarnath Yatra Welfare Society on Wednesday in Jammu and Kashmirs Srinagar over the killing of three civilians by terrorists in Bandipora district. A total of three civilians including a street hawker and a businessman were shot dead by terrorists in separate incidents in a single day in the union territory on Tuesday.

Condemning the attacks, the Amarnath Yatra Welfare Society president Nanaji Dembi alleged the political leaders of Jammu and Kashmir are not raising their voices on the incident. Speaking to ANI, the Dembi said, We are holding a candlelight protest today from Lal Chowk over the killing of three civilians yesterday. Today I ask why the top leaders of the previous governments are silent? Why they are not raising their voice on this incident?

Dembi further asked, I want to ask the government that why these incidents take place in Jammu and Kashmir? Kashmiri Pandits are not safe here, why do they need to suffer every time? What have those civilians done? They were innocent people and were doing their jobs only. If the terrorists will kill one innocent person, then many will take birth and unite against this terrorism, he added.

The welfare society president also asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide security against terrorists in the union territory. I ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide us security in Jammu and Kashmir. Why he is not saying anything over these killings as we are not safe here, he further said. Following the incident, the many leaders of the union territory had condemned the killings on Tuesday. Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said terrorists will never succeed in their nefarious designs.

I strongly condemn the killing of civilians Virender Paswan and Mohd Shafi Lone by terrorists. The barbaric act of killing innocent people is against humanity. Terrorists will never succeed in their nefarious designs, and those responsible for such heinous acts shall be brought to justice. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families in this hour of grief, reads the statement of the office of Lt Governor. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also condemned the attack on civilians in Jammu and Kashmir.

What terrible news! He was a very kind man. I have been told he never left during the height of militancy and remained with his shop open. I condemn this killing in the strongest possible terms and convey my heartfelt condolences to his family. God bless his soul, tweeted Abdullah. Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the killing of the businessman in Srinagar.

Condemn the killing of Shri M L Bindroo who chose to stay back in Kashmir even during the peak of insurgency. Such acts of violence have no place in our society. May his family find the strength to deal with this loss, tweeted Mehbooba Mufti.
Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal on Wednesday thanked Chief Justice of India, NV Ramana for deciding to take up the Lakhimpur Kheri matter Suo Motu. Taking to Twitter, he tweeted, Lakhimpur Kheri Incidence. Thank the Chief Justice of India for deciding to take up the matter Suo Motu. This is the need of the hour. This and courts in India are the temples of justice that can restore the faith of the voiceless who most often feel orphaned.



Earlier, on October 4, reacting to the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, Sibal had said, This is the symbol of the arrogance of political party that is power. The ruling party is giving a message that they can do whatever they want and even run a car over those who are protesting.



The Supreme Court on Wednesday took suo motu cognisance of the violence that took place in the Lakhimpur Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh. A Bench of Chief Justice Nuthalapati Venkata Ramana and Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli will hear the matter on October 7.
Noting the threat posed by increasing Chinese incursion into Taiwans air defence identification zone (ADIZ), US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken on Wednesday said that there is always the possibility of miscalculation, miscommunication, and thats dangerous. Actions weve seen by China are provocative and potentially destabilizing. So what I hope is that these actions will cease because there is always the possibility of miscalculation, of miscommunication, and thats a  thats dangerous, in an interview with Francine Lacqua of Bloomberg, as quoted by the State Department. Blinken, who is in Paris to attend Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), said that no one should take any unilateral actions that change the status quo by force. Provocative actions go in exactly the wrong direction. And its very important that no one take any unilateral actions that change the status quo by force, and so we really need to see China cease some of the actions that its taken because they are potentially a source of instability, not stability, he said.



This statement comes China flew a record fighter aircraft towards Taiwan, in the past week, in continuation of sustained aggressive military posturing against the self-ruled island. The United States has termed Chinas recent military activity near Taiwan provocative and strongly urged Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure and coercion against the island. We remain concerned by the Peoples Republic of Chinas provocative military activity near Taiwan, which is destabilizing, risk miscalculations and undermines regional peace and stability, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Tuesday during a presser.



Taiwan has recorded more than 600 Chinese sorties into its ADIZ this year. Chinese military aircraft started flying into Taiwans ADIZ in March 2019. There were 380 incursions in the southwest corner of Taiwans ADIZ, Taiwan News reported. Since mid-September of last year, Beijing has stepped up its grey-zone tactics by regularly sending planes into Taiwans ADIZ, with most instances occurring in the southwest corner of the zone and usually consisting of one to three slow-flying turboprop planes.



Beijing claims full sovereignty over Taiwan despite the islands self-governance for more than seven decades. Taipei has countered the Chinese aggression by increasing strategic ties with democracies including the US, which has been repeatedly opposed by Beijing. China continues to threaten with war.
The Chinese air incursions into Taiwans air identification defence zone(ADIZ) has escalated fears of an imminent full-fledged invasion of the island nation in the near future. On June 1, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to complete reunification with self-ruled Taiwan and vowed to smash any attempts at formal independence for the island. Answering a query from a lawmaker on the current military tensions with China at the parliament, Taiwanese defence minister Chiu Kuo-cheng termed the situation most serious in more than 40 years since he joined the military. Chiu also said China already has the ability to invade Taiwan and it will be capable of mounting a full scale invasion by 2025.

Taiwan has recorded more than 600 Chinese sorties into its air defence identification zone (ADIZ) so far this year. Since mid-September of last year, Beijing has stepped up its grey-zone tactics by regularly sending planes into Taiwans ADIZ, with most instances occurring in the southwest corner of the zone and usually consisting of one to three slow-flying turboprop planes.

The Chinese fleet of 56 warplanes that intruded Taiwanese airspace on Tuesday included J-16D jets. Satellite images released by the Kanwa Defence Review show Chinese J-16D fighters parked at the Xiangtang airbase in eastern Chinas Jiangxi close to Taiwan. The J-16D has advanced stealth and enemy air defence suppression capabilities.

The United States has termed Chinas recent military activity near Taiwan provocative and strongly urged Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure and coercion against the island. On Friday, US State Secretary Antony Blinken said there is always the possibility of miscalculation, of miscommunication which can be dangerous. He said that no one should take any unilateral actions that change the status quo by force. Earlier, on Tuesday, US President Joe Biden said he spoke to Xi Jinping about Chinese military activity near Taiwan and both sides agreed to abide by the Taiwan agreement.
NEW HAVEN  A student allegedly brought a BB gun to Bishop Woods School Thursday morning, according to a district spokesman.

The BB gun was not loaded, spokesman Justin Harmon said.

All students and staff are safe, he said.

The students action was a serious breach of school rules, which bar weapons of any kind on school premises, Harmon said.

Harmon said the New Haven Police Department was notified and investigated the situation.

We would like to commend the brave students and staff that made us aware of this situation, he said.

The magnet school on Quinnipiac Avenue serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Christian Abraham / Hearst Connecticut Media

NEW HAVEN  Police were investigating a shooting on Congress Avenue on Wednesday night, according to Officer Scott Shumway, the media liaison for the New Haven Police Department.

Shumway added that Congress Avenue was closed as of 9:20 p.m. while officers investigated the area.
WEST HAVEN  Over three years, the car crashes start to add up.

According to data collected by the University of Connecticuts Crash Data Repository, between Jan. 1, 2018, and Aug. 31, 2021, there were 6,104 crashes on roads in West Haven  on both state and local roads  involving 11,933 vehicles and 13,936 drivers, passengers and pedestrians.

Kevin Nursick, a spokesman for the state Department of Transportation, said the numbers are not exceptional.

The crash numbers are not outside the realm of what is unfortunately anticipated with traffic volumes and driver behavior, he said.

Despite the numbers not being anomalous, Bridgette Hoskie, a city councilwoman who lives near some of the citys busiest roads, said her constituents have many concerns about traffic safety  concerns she personally shares.

I do know Campbell Avenue has long stretches where theres no stop signs or traffic lights, said Hoskie. Is that a long distance to go, and do people drive as fast as they should? Some of the accountability is on drivers, but I do get a lot of complaints.

According to UConn data, the roads with the most frequent crashes are state highways  there were 634 crashes on the stretch of Interstate 95 in West Haven over the last three years, as well as 598 and 581 crashes on the parts of Route 162 and Route 1, respectively, that run through West Haven in that time period.

The local road with the most wrecks in the last three years was Campbell Avenue, with 616, with most of them happening where the avenue intersects with First Avenue.

Hoskie said she does not have enough knowledge of traffic infrastructure to prescribe solutions, but she thinks more can be done. Nursick said the state currently is not looking at adding any traffic calming measures.

We dont have any projects in the works at this time that are related to [West Haven] to address any crash patterns, he said.

Ron Quagliani, chairman of the City Council and a former police chief for the city, said Campbell Avenue is a major artery with approximately 30 intersections as well as highway entrance and exit ramps.

It services thousands of vehicle trips per day, he said. The City Council has funded infrastructure projects to include traffic signal and intersection upgrades.

Ray Collins III, chairman of the West Haven Board of Police Commissioners, said the Police Department makes decisions about traffic enforcement and the implementation of traffic calming measures based on data.

You look at all the data and if it looks like theres a problem in a certain location  like if its got to be a stop sign issue or retiming the lights or more traffic control, he said.

Collins said the department also considers neighbor concerns. He said residents complaining about cars racing around the beach area played a role in there being a traffic study on First Avenue that led to the addition of a stop sign about three years ago.

Although crashes persist, Collins said he agrees with the state spokesmans assessment that the number of crashes in the city is not abnormal.

Police Department representatives declined to comment on enforcement efforts and strategies because a department supervisor was unavailable.

Hoskie said she would like to see more collaboration between the City Council and Police Department to ensure the roads are being used properly by drivers.

I think they are stretched thin, she said of the police.

I get a lot of complaints about Kelsey Ave. and how people use it to race, she said. Washington Ave. is another speedway.

Hoskie said she has witnessed a great deal of reckless driving on Painter Avenue, a one-way street near the high school.

I dont go that way anymore, she said. People are doing things that put other people at risk. It is really very scary, and people have a reason to be concerned.

City Public Works Commissioner Tom McCarthy, said his department has added extra precautions while doing work on city streets because of driver behavior.

We tend now to close down roads using vehicles and with police, not our guys, he said.

In three years, there have been 12 fatalities and 48 people with serious injuries stemming from car crashes in West Haven, according to UConns data. Six of those 12 were driving a vehicle during a crash and five were pedestrians.

More than one-third of the crashes in West Haven were rear end collisions. Of the 13,936 people involved in crashes in the UConn data time frame, 10,733 were driving a vehicle. One-third of drivers in crashes were between the ages of 21 and 30  although not all those drivers may have been at fault. At the time of the crash, 107 of the 10,733 drivers were reported as being under the influence, according to data.

brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com
Unpaid suspensions will begin on Friday for as many as 671 unionized state workers who have not complied with Gov. Ned Lamonts vaccination-or-test order, as new data showed the Department of Correction lagging, with 57 percent vaccinated.

The suspensions could turn into job terminations in 45 days under an order by Gov. Ned Lamont, who said Thursday he could wait no longer before taking action several days after the deadline he imposed. The first to be suspended will be new state employees who are still within their six-month probationary periods.

Under the order, state employees had to either show they were vaccinated for COVID-19 or consent to weekly testing for the illness. Those directly working in long-term housing or hospitals did not have the option of testing instead of vaccinations.

The 671 people, or 2.2 percent of 30,220 affected employees, were those who had not registered their vaccination proof or weekly testing consent in an online system.

At some point you have to hold people accountable, if theyre not responding, Lamont told reporters during an early afternoon online news conference.

Later Thursday, Lamont issued a larger picture of the employee population, with an agency-by-agency breakdown showing that 78.5 percent of workers  23,711  said they are fully vaccinated; 19.3 percent  5,838 people  will accept weekly testing; and the remaining employees had not responded or had declined the options.

The Department of Correction, by far the states largest department with 5,290 employees including prison guards, had the lowest vaccination rate, at 57 percent. But 40.5 percent of that department agreed to weekly testing, leaving 122, or 2.3 percent, out of compliance and in danger of suspension.

Four state agencies had at least 93 percent of employees vaccinated, the largest of those being the Department of Public Health, at 93 percent, with 44 people agreeing to testing and only one noncompliant. The highest was the Workers Compensation Commission at 95 percent of 105 employees fully vaccinated.

Other agencies with more than 90-percent vaccination compliance include a group of small agencies with a total of 614 employees; the Department of Economic and Community Development; the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station; the office of the Attorney General; the Division of Criminal Justice; and the Office of Policy and Management.

The agencies with vaccination rates less than 80 percent include the state Department of Transportation, the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, which includes the State Police; and the Department of Motor Vehicles. All three were over 75 percent, leaving th Department of Correction with by far the lowest vaccination rate.

The statewide vaccination rate for eligible residents was 76 percent as of Wednesday, the states public database showed. That was also the vaccination rate for adults ages 25 to 64.

It was still unclear late Thursday how many of the 671 noncompliant employees would be suspended Friday. Under Lamonts orders, regular state employees had until this past Monday night at 11:59 p.m. to either document that they have been vaccinated or agree to begin weekly testing.

The ones who remain noncompliant have not necessarily actively refused vaccinations or testing, as they may have had trouble accessing the system or other technical issues, or theey may simply have not responded.

I think a lot of those are inadvertent, Lamont said. In a lot of those theyve got the wrong ID numbers and such in there. Were going after them. Personnel is talking to them, making sure theyve got that corrected. And then those few outliers who just dont want to participate either vaxxing or testing, theyre going to have to take some unpaid leave.

The state Department of Public Health on Thursday said 38 COVID-related deaths occurred over the last week, bringing the total number of fatalities in the pandemic to 8,667. Last week, 53 deaths were announced and the week before that, 36.

State agency vaccination rates % Fully % Number Agency Employees Vaccinated Testing Non-compliant Total 30,220 79% 19% 671 Dept of Correction 5,290 57% 41% 122 Mental Health/Addiction Svcs 2,990 84% 13% 112 Dept of Transportation 2,885 78% 21% 51 Dept of Children and Family 2,788 83% 16% 34 Dept of Developmental Services 2,313 81% 18% 38 Source: See More Collapse

The number of people hospitalized with COVID, 230 as of Thursday, was four fewer than the week before, after a decline of 48 in the prior week.

The positive test rate continues to fall. It was at 1.7 percent Thursday, with 548 new cases. The 7-day positivity rate was 1.93 percent, with 3,154 new cases.

Lamont said during the week that he wanted to avoid suspensions for people who had intentions to comply with the order, but the order gives him only until Monday to suspend people  and that is a state holiday.

The umbrella group for more than 30 state employee unions argues that the state already has a critical shortage of workers in some areas, especially in mental health and other services at state-owned hospitals, which is endangering clients and employees.

The union coalition, the State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition, or SEBAC, on Thursday declined comment on the imminent suspensions. Last week the coalition asked for a 20-day extension on Governor Ned Lamonts vaccination deadline for those employees not permitted to opt out through testing.

Lamont on Thursday said that an eventual agreement with SEBAC will likely include the costs of weekly testing beyond the current four-week limit.

kdixon@ctpost.com
Niagara Falls, NY (14301)

Today

Becoming partly cloudy after some morning rain. High 47F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Some clouds. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 32F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
Niagara Falls, NY (14301)

Today

Steady light rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. High 47F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Some clouds. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 32F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
A federal high court in Abuja has sentenced Faisal, son of Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Taskforce Tea...

A federal high court in Abuja has sentenced Faisal, son of Abdulrasheed Maina, former chairman of the defunct Pension Reform Taskforce Team, to 14 years in prison.

In the judgment delivered on Thursday, Okon Abang, trial judge, found Faisal guilty on a three-count money laundering charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Abang held that the anti-graft agency was able to establish that Faisal operated a fictitious bank account with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), through which his father, Maina, laundered the sum of N58.1million.

The court noted that the said fund which was deposited into the account that was operated in the name of Alhaji Faisal Farm 2, was subsequently withdrawn by Faisal and his father between October 2013 and June 2019.

The judge said he was satisfied that the EFCC proved all the essential ingredients of the charge, adding that the defendant reasonably ought to have known that inflows into the bank account formed proceeds of an unlawful act by his father.

On count one, Faisal was sentenced to five years imprisonment, 14 years on count two and another five-year sentence on count three. The sentence is to run concurrently starting from judgment day.

Abang also ordered that 21-year-old Faisal, who had since June 24, 2020 failed to appear for his trial, be arrested anywhere he is found in Nigeria and remanded in any Correctional Service Centre to serve his jail term.

The federal government shall arrest the convict anywhere found in the country and commit him to serve his jail term, if not found in the country, the FG shall legally or lawfully commence extradition proceedings against him, the judge held.

The court ordered that the company through which the fund was laundered, Alhaji Faisal Farm 2, be wound up, and the funds in it forfeited to the government.
The National Industrial Court holden at Jos has on Thursday, commenced hearing on the case between the Taraba State Government and 18 employ...





The National Industrial Court holden at Jos has on Thursday, commenced hearing on the case between the Taraba State Government and 18 employees of the defunct Taraba Publishing Company Ltd.

The employees sued the state government over the non-payment of their salaries since 2014, amounting to N79,917,507.60, and discrimination on the basis of their states of origin.

They also claimed that while indigenes were absorbed into the civil service, they were abandoned by the government without any formal disengagement.

The case came up for mention before Justice P.A Bassi with the suit number: NICN/JOS/12/2021 with Hosea Yunana and 17 others as claimants and Executive Governor of Taraba State, Taraba State Government, the Attorney General of Taraba State, Taraba State Commissioner for Information and the Taraba Publishing Company Ltd as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th defendants respectively.

During the session, Counsel to the claimants, A.Y Shagaiya Esq., told the judge that the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendants have been served but the 5th defendant couldnt be served because it has no address and could not be located.

But a representative from the Taraba State Ministry of Justice told the judge that an out-of-court settlement was being contemplated.

The case was only mentioned but not entered for appearance.

Justice Bassi, therefore, set 18 November 2021 for hearing.

According to Counsel to the claimants, an out-of-court settlement would only be considered if there was any concrete arrangement by the Taraba State Government.
Reno Omokri, a former aide of ex-President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has urged the Federal Government to focus on the insecurity in Norther...

Reno Omokri, a former aide of ex-President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, has urged the Federal Government to focus on the insecurity in Northern Nigeria.

His stance comes after the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami announced after the Federal Executive Council meeting, that the FG might declare a state of emergency in Anambra state.

Malami had on Wednesday, warned that a state of emergency might be declared in Anambra to ensure the forthcoming governorship election.

However, Omokri opined that Kaduna, Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, and the Niger States where he claimed Boko Haram controls, are in dire need of such declaration.

He tweeted, Abubakar Malamis threat to declare a state of emergency in Anambra may very well be the spark that ignites what he cant put out.

How can you leave Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, Zamfara and Niger (where Boko Haram controls 500 communities) and declare an emergency in Anambra?
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has narrated how he rejected state governors call to scuttle the second term bid of then President O...





Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has narrated how he rejected state governors call to scuttle the second term bid of then President Olusegun Obasanjo by running against him for president in 2003.

He said that, rather than accede the call, he referred them to to the resolution of the National Executive Council of the Peoples Democratic Party, where NEC had decided that power should remain in the southwest for eight years.

The politician, however, caused when he declared that Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of the 1993 presidential election, was killed after he won the election.

Atiku also noted that while the PDP reserves the right to regulate itself, the ultimate decision about who should govern remains that of Nigerians.

The former Vice President spoke in his opening remarks at the 94th PDP NEC meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

He said, The Peoples Democratic Party has the right to determine its rules on how the party should be governed. The people of Nigeria also have the right to determine who governs them.

Where the president comes from has never been the problem of Nigeria. There is no such thing as a president from sSouthern Nigeria, or a president from northern Nigeria.

There is only one president from Nigeria, for Nigeria, by Nigerians. Talking about inclusion, I would like to see a new national working committee of our party, our great party that has sizable numbers of our youths and women.

The decision of NEC today will either see PDP into the villa in 2023 or not. Since the inception, this party has faced serious challenges and have risen above sentiments to solve those challenges and moved forward. 

Going down memory lane, Atiku said, Now, let me come to historical events, which I said I was going to cite.

Those of us who served in the constitutional conference, which drafted the current constitution of Nigeria, sure remember that after we finished the draft of that constitution, we all met as members of the constitutional conference and resolved to correct the injustice that was done to a particular part of this country.

And we said in whichever party you found yourself, your presidential candidate must come from the southwest because Abiola had won election, not only did he win, he was killed.

So, we all agreed as members, and we went out of the constitutional conference, and we formed our parties, those of us formed PDP others formed ANPP, those who formes AD formed AD.

At the end of the day, there were two alliances in two parties. PDP brought General Obasanjo, ANPP brought Olu Falae. This is to show you that Nigerians have a sense of fairness.

He then turned to Professor Jerry Ghana, who was sitting to his right and asked, is that not what happened in 2003?

To which Gana answered more or less.

How I turned down governors request to stop OBJs second term

Atiku said, All the PDP governors and some members of the party met me at the Villa and said that they were not going to support [then] President Olusegun Obasanjo for a second term, that I should run.

I now referred them to the resolution of NEC where NEC had decided that power should remain in the southwest for eight years.

How do you want me to go against the resolution of NEC and I turned it down, and we moved on. So, this country has a sense of fairness. This country has a sense of justice, this country has a sense of fairness.

Therefore, this thing that is in-built in our party, we should be able to use it, to embed it, to make sure todays deliberation is in the best interest of our party, in the best interest of Nigeria, which will ultimately give us the victory that we asked for  to go back to the Villa.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has claimed that bandits and terrorists are not treated softly by the government. ...

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has claimed that bandits and terrorists are not treated softly by the government.

He made this known while appearing at a FRCN programme on Thursday.

According to him, the government is not softer on bandits and terrorists than separatists.

He said this amid complaints that the Federal Government is hadling terrorists and bandits with gloves hand while crushing members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and Yoruba Nation agitators.

The minister said, The treatment of the bandit and terrorist is one and the same. Wether youre a terrorist or a bandit, youre a criminal.

The truth of the matter is that the military does not make any distinction in the ferocious attacks theyre unleashing on the terrorist whether theyre from the Northwest, South East or theyre from the North East.





It is an attempt to politicize the approach of the Federal Government in tackling banditryThe Federal Government is not relenting in the attacks from the military thats why the newly acquired platforms such as the Super Tucano(as of today we have 10 of them) has changed the equation.

As I told you earlier, today wether terrorists or bandits, theyre in disarray. Thousands of terrorists have surrendered because of the superior power of the military, and because of the combined efforts of the States and Federal Governments, most of the bandits today are either hungry or isolated in the forest but we are not relenting.

It is a disservice and disincentive to the military to say that terrorists and bandits from the North East and North West are being treated with soft gloves while the separatists and other criminals from other parts of the country are not treated like that. I think it is very unfair.

It is a fallacy, misinformation and #fakenews all rolled into one to say that the Government is softer on bandits and insurgents than on the separatist and other criminals in other part of the country.

It is very unfair to say so.

As far as Government is concerned, a criminal is a criminal, nomenclature not withstanding. Wether you call him a bandit or call him a terrorist.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has accused some broadcast media outfits of allowing Nigerians to use their platform ...

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has accused some broadcast media outfits of allowing Nigerians to use their platform to castigate President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mohammed disclosed this at the 75th General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria, BON, in Kano on Thursday.

He also lamented that broadcast media houses allowed some Nigerians to use their platforms to carry out divisive messages.

Mohammed urged broadcast stations to ensure that their platforms are used to serve both public and national interests, rather than the interest of a few naysayers and agents of destabilization.

According to Mohammed: Today in Nigeria, some broadcast stations revel in lending their platforms to those whose stock-in-trade is to spew hate as well as angry and divisive rhetoric and misinformation. Someone went on national television to say that the army officer that was abducted from the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna on Aug. 24, 2021, had been killed, only for the officer to be rescued alive shortly after.

Some broadcast stations lent their platforms to a very senior public official whose stock-in-trade is divisive rhetoric and unjustified castigation of Mr. President. Of course, we cannot forget how a television station reported erroneously that the Ecumenical Centre in Abuja was set ablaze by hoodlums during the EndSar protest, or how another television station reported, also erroneously, that a workman atop a bank building in Lagos was a sniper. But for providence, these false reports could have triggered an orgy of violence.

Let us, therefore, resolve to use our platforms to serve both public and national interest, rather than the interest of a few naysayers and agents of destabilization. Let us harness the power of broadcasting to inform, educate and entertain our people in a positive way. Let us deny dead-enders the use of our various platforms. Let us remember that it is because we have a country that we can have broadcast stations.

Mohammed, however, urged broadcasting outfits not to shut those critical of the Federal Government.

He said those preaching disunity, divisiveness, misinformation, and hate should not be allowed to use private and public broadcast stations to achieve their goals.

Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we are not asking you to shut out those who are critical of the government or those who have opposing views. All we are saying is that agents of disunity, divisiveness, misinformation and hate should not be allowed to use private and public broadcast stations to achieve their goals.

On our part, we will continue to partner with BON, which we consider a reliable ally, to keep the people adequately informed of the activities of the government, and also in the successful implementation of key projects like the Digital Switch Over, he said.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will on Thursday depart Nigeria for London. Osinbajo will represent President Muhammadu Buhari at the U...

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo will on Thursday depart Nigeria for London.

Osinbajo will represent President Muhammadu Buhari at the United Nations, UN, High-Level event on the Energy Transition in Africa agenda, focusing on Nigeria.

The event scheduled to hold on Friday at the Imperial College will feature meetings organized by UN-Energy ahead of the UN Climate Conference COP26, hosted by the United Kingdom in Glasgow, Scotland.

Osinbajos trip to London was disclosed in a statement by his spokesperson, Laolu Akande.

According to the statement, Osinbajo would deliver an address at the Imperial College London and also interact with the academic community on the global energy transition.

According to the statement: Prof. Osinbajo will also hold talks with the President-Designate of COP26, Mr Alok Sharma, a cabinet rank UK Minister and the Chair of the UK Governments COP26 Energy Transition Council, discussing issues regarding the 2050 global Net-Zero emissions target and the need for the international community to align on the key elements of a just and equitable transition for all. The meeting holds at Whitehall.

Nigeria is playing a prominent role in shaping the energy and climate agendas in 2021. In its role as a Global Theme Champion for the theme on Energy Transition at the UN High-Level Dialogue on Energy, Nigeria led the advocacy on behalf of developing nations for the clean energy offer and recognition of various transition fuels.

In his entourage is the Minister of State for Environment, Sharon Ikeazor, and Buharis Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Adeyemi Dipeolu.

He is expected back in Nigeria on Sunday.
Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, Senator Andy Uba has said that there were signs that Gover...

Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, Senator Andy Uba has said that there were signs that Governor Willie Obiano was playing politics with the security situation in Anambra.

According to him, the recent statement by the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami on imposing an emergency rule in Anambra could be likened to a wake up call on the Governor.

In a press statement by Afam Ogene, Director of Media, Andy Uba Campaign Council, the candidate lamented that for weeks, he has prodded Governor Obiano to come off the high horse he bestrides and frontally tackle the deteriorating insecurity in the state.

Uba, however, said that with the threat of an emergency rule, the governor appears to have woken up.

He said: As typical of anyone who wakes up from the wrong side of his bed after a deep slumber, Obiano, like an intemperate workman who quarrels with his tools, is blaming everyone else but himself, for the threats by the federal authorities to declare a state of emergency in Anambra if the current state of anomie persists.

Uba questioned Obiano for asking if neighbouring Imo and Ebonyi States, which are controlled by APC have had state of emergency imposed on them.

Anambra guber: Andy Uba dismissies report of non-purchase of APC forms by aspirants

He said: When Gov. Obiano speaks about past security challenges in neighbouring Imo and Ebonyi States, the question to ask is: didnt governors of both states take urgent, practical steps that restored normalcy?

When only two days ago, on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 governors of the South east met at Enugu to seek solutions to rising insecurity, especially in Anambra, why was Obiano the only governor not in attendance?

Why did he rather choose to go dancing on a campaign romp at Otuocha, Anambra East LGA of the state, on the same day other serious governors gathered to seek a regional solution to a problem most prevalent in his state; in spite of the fact that he is not a candidate in next months governorship election?

It is still not too late for the governor to retrace his steps and act like the governor he is  well, until March 17, 2022 when by the grace of God, Senator Andy Uba would succeed him, Ogene wrote.
A senior lecturer in the Department of English and Literature, Faculty of Arts, University of Benin has been accused of raping a female st...

A senior lecturer in the Department of English and Literature, Faculty of Arts, University of Benin has been accused of raping a female student in his office.





The 400-level student was said to have gone to the lecturers office to submit her final year project when she was allegedly raped and locked in the office for several hours.





It was gathered that the incident occurred on October 5, but became public knowledge when a video purportedly recorded when the lecturer was begging for forgiveness went viral.





A course mate of the female student told newsmen that the video and the news of the alleged rape was first circulated on the class WhatsApp platform.





The source said, The news of the incident was first reported on our class WhatsApp group. A video was posted which showed the lecturer pleading for forgiveness and regretting his action.





The lady was able to contact an unnamed friend, who with UNIBENs security operatives, rescued her. The lecturer was arrested by UNIBENs security officials, taken to the universitys administrative block and questioned.





Sources reached out to one of the victims friend on phone but she declined to comment on the matter and refused to give out the number of her friend who was allegedly raped.

Another source also stated that the Student Union led by Osaze Forster had assured them that the matter would not be swept under the carpet.





When the lecturer was contacted on Wednesday, his phone was busy throughout and he did not respond to a test message sent to his line.





UNIBEN spokesperson, Dr Benedicta Ehanire, was contacted for the universitys official reaction, but she had not responded at press time.
Watertown, NY (13601)

Today

Rain. High 53F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. Low 34F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
National Hispanic Heritage Month began on Sept. 15 and concludes Oct. 15. Why Sept. 15? This date was chosen because it coincides with the Independence Day celebrations of five Central American nations  Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico also celebrates its independence from Spain on Sept. 16, 1810.

The monthlong celebration winds down this week, but the resources at Jefferson Parish Library are available all year round. The following resources are available through the librarys home page.

Ancestry Library Edition: Includes records from hundreds of countries. Patrons can access millions of names in thousands of genealogical databases, including census and vital records, birth, marriage and death notices. Ancestry provides access to citizenship and naturalization records, border crossing and passports, crew lists, immigration and emigration books, and passenger lists.

Heritage Quest: With over 28,000 books available, the entire U.S. Federal Census, PERSI, Freedman's Bank Records, Revolutionary War Pension Records, and other expanding collections, Heritage Quest Online is designed for patrons in public libraries who are just beginning their family research or who after years of work are still uncovering their past.

Kanopy: Patrons can stream more than 30,000 films from any computer, television, mobile device, or platform. Kanopy features films and documentaries in a specially curated collection for Hispanic Heritage Month that reflects unique Latino experiences and contributions in America as well as the diverse stories that have shaped a rich cultural identity.

Pronunciator and Pronunciator En Espanol: Patrons can practice English as a Second Language or study for the citizenship test.

Tumblebooks: A collection of children's e-books with more than 1,100 titles for grades K-6, including unique animated, talking picture books, read-along chapter books, national geographic videos, non-fiction books, playlists, as well as books in Spanish and French.

Learning Express Library  Recursos Para Hispanohablantes: This resource provides a comprehensive interactive learning platform of tests, courses, and career preparation for students and adults.

Salud En Espanol: This resource allows patrons access to health and medical information. Search and browse within medical encyclopedias, popular reference books, and magazine articles.

All of the above resources can be accessed by clicking the Databases tab on the librarys home page.

'THE CANON CODE': Jon Gegenheimer, a New Orleans native, litigation lawyer, and Clerk of Court for Jefferson Parish, will discuss his latest book, "The Canon Code," at noon Oct. 19, via video conference online. Visit www.jplibrary.net/adults for more details, including how to join the discussion.

"The Canon Code" is subtitled Freud, C.S. Lewis, et al., Solve the Mystery of Edwin Drood. Dickens last book, "Edwin Drood," was not finished at the time of his death. Though it was incomplete (only six of 12 installments were completed), it was published in 1870. Many other authors have attempted to complete the story.

COMPUTER CLASSES: Receive free computer training at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie, or the West Bank Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey. Seating is limited, and online registration is required. Visit the Computer Classes page at www.jplibrary.net/training and click East Bank Regional Schedule" or West Bank Regional Schedule.

Upcoming Metairie classes include:

Introduction to PowerPoint  10 a.m. to noon Oct. 13.

Introduction to Microsoft Word 2  2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 19.

Basic Computer Skills  2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 20.

One-on-One Training  2 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 21.

One-on-One Training  2:30 to 3 p.m. Oct. 21.

Introduction to Microsoft Excel 3  10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 25.

Introduction to PowerPoint 2  2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 27.

Introduction to Microsoft Word 1  2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 28.

One-on-One Training  10 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 29.

One-on-One Training  10:30 to 11 a.m. Oct. 29.

Upcoming west bank classes include:

Basic Computer Skills  10 a.m. to noon Oct. 14.

Basic Computer Skills  2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 14.

Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint  10 a.m. to noon Oct. 18.

Beginner Computer Skills  10 a.m. to noon Oct. 22.

Introduction to Microsoft Word 2  2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 22.

Basic Computer Skills  2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 28.

NEW EXHIBIT: A display of 153 crochetrf miniature figures occupies a display cabinet outside the managers office at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave. in Metairie.

The art is called amigurumi is the crocheting (or sometimes, knitting) of miniature figures. The word is derived from the Japanese words "ami," meaning to knit or crochet, and "nuigurumi," meaning stuffed doll.

Amigurumi is essentially the same as crochet, but it refers specifically to the process of making 3D toys. Crochet uses a range of techniques, whereas amigurumi almost always involves working in the round.

The items in the display case were created by library patron Jamie Plasworth. Also, the library has several books about amigurumi for those who would like to learn how to make these miniature figures.

Chris Smith is manager of adult programming at the Jefferson Parish Public Library.
Loretta Cousin calls the image-rich mural she commissioned to be painted along her driveway a dedication to her poet sister.

Caroline Hill, the muralist, calls it a love letter.

Either way, its a living monument to poet Shannon Marquez McGuire, a former LSU English instructor who died at age 67 in 2018.

The idea for the mural led to all kinds of magical happenings, starting with Cousin musing about her need for a muralist to a complete stranger who turned out to be a muralist.

How about me? Hill responded when Cousin brought up the subject while they waited for their dogs to finish their greetings in City Park.

Over the summer, despite repeated thunderstorms and a violent hurricane, Hill recreated McGuires poetry in shades of blue and peach to coincide with Cousins pale blue cottage near the Fair Grounds racetrack.

Nuns in black and white habits roller skate on water; a boxcar carries a yellow onion; a crow perches on a crescent moon; and the naked trunk of a cypress tree rises from shadowy irises. Kin of the real irises that McGuire nurtured grow along the bottom of the wall.

The murals dreamy quality captures the natural world and the family love that lives in McGuires poetry. As a combination of older sister, friend and mother figure, McGuires death left Cousin heartbroken. Feeling she needed to do something to lessen her grief, she got permission from the walls owner to turn the ugly strip of cement running along her drive into a series of memories.

As it turned out, Hill was the perfect painter for the project. Who better to celebrate a poets life work than a muralist who adorned a New York City law office with a giant octopus cradling a sleeping woman?

Hills coal-black hair, imaginative flare and native love for everything New Orleans  all so like McGuire herself  convinced Cousin to move forward with the project. She gave Hill poems to study and made three image requests  nuns, a crescent moon and a crab. After meditating on McGuires imagery for a while, Hill gave Cousin a preliminary drawing.

The first time Caroline showed me the sketch, I knew Shannon was in the best hands, Cousin said. She saw what was seen, and the unseen, all the layers and complexity of Shannons poetry.

Hill started applying paint to the wall in May and finished in mid-September. Rain and Hurricane Ida stalled the project so many times that raindrops that werent part of the initial sketch appeared in the final product.

Other changes were made a long the way. The two women discussed the work during each phase, with Cousin often asking for small changes to reflect family history or one of McGuires poems. A magnolia flower became a night-blooming cereus because McGuire wrote about the flower, and a gumbo pot became a Magnalite pot, a brand of cookware recognized by its ridged handles.

Thats all my family cooked with, Cousin said.

The central image remained true to the initial sketch, however. Arms pumping, three nuns roller-skate over water in a whirl of joyful whimsy.

Skating nuns are part of Cousins family lore because her grandfather owned a roller-skating rink called the Comet near Bayou Lacombe, a scenic waterway between the Pearl River and the Mississippi. McGuire wrote about nuns arriving in a yellow school bus on Saturday mornings to skate for free.

In the poem Nuns Skating at the Comet, she reminisces about three nuns racing with their hands flying up like birds, their veils whipped back away from sweaty brows.

Other winged creatures are prominent. Mallards fly in a pink-skyed dawn just as they do in a poem called Lightning Man, about the Loretta and Shannon's brother who was struck by lightning three separate times, the final strike killing him.

A crow wearing Mary Janes  clunky shoes once worn by school girls  rests on a crescent moon. A butterfly emerges from its chrysalis.

The crow wearing Mary Janes reflects aspects of McGuire. The crow embodies Shannon to me, Hill said. She seems like an old soul while still being youthful.

Hill inserted the Gulf fritillary butterfly because she watched one emerging from its chrysalis while she was painting one day. She had noticed the chrysalis dangling from the walls roof overhang, and shed been watching for hours before the butterfly finally emerged, dried its wings and flew away.

A boxcar carrying an onion rides the waves of water that run through the entire mural. That boxcar references McGuires fond memories of trains running near her childhood home in the 9th Ward. The onion comes from a poem by Naomi Shihab Nye called The Traveling Onion, Cousin said, one of McGuires favorites.

Boxcars appeared often in McGuires poetry as a metaphor for the journey of life, Hill said. Because of that, she placed the onion in one to carry it along the waves of water that dip and rise throughout the painting.

Halfway through the project, Hill said she watched a real onion bob in the surf and then float up to the Florida beach where she stood: a single onion, whole and fresh-looking. She thought that occurrence odd, but when another lone onion washed up near her from the Mississippi River the day after she finished the mural, she gave both incidents more meaning.

Cousin began to think the onions were sent by McGuire to telegraph her spiritual presence. She said her family members often talked of sending messages from the afterlife. Onions, water, the artist, the timing: It all seemed to fit.

My sister was a force of nature, Cousin said. Caroline nailed it. She really helped me get on the other side of my grief.
Be on the lookout: Mind-bending art will materialize around New Orleans this month, as the Oct. 23 opening of the Prospect.5 art festival approaches.

Expect a single-seat Ferris wheel in New Orleans East, a bronze crocodile in Crescent Park, a West African-inspired sculpture at the former Lee Circle, a video projection inside a long-forgotten Bywater theater, a tribute to the Oracle of Delphi on Esplanade Avenue, a Jamaican-style rolling sound system roving across town, and other marvels.

The Prospect New Orleans series of citywide art exhibits debuted in 2008, modeled on international art fests such as the Venice Biennale. Prospect shows have taken place every two or three years since.

Prospect.5, which features exhibits by 51 artists from around the country and world, displayed at 20 museums and scattered outdoor sites, promises to be a not-to-miss experience for adventuresome art lovers this fall.

Prospect.5 was scheduled to open in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a yearlong postponement. Then, this summer, as the moment to begin hanging exhibits and installing public sculptures approached, the delta variant of coronavirus and Hurricane Ida threatened to derail the fest once again.

But Executive Director Nick Stillman, the Prospect staff and partnering institutions took a show-must-go-on attitude. New Orleans had already suffered a series of disappointments, when the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, French Quarter Fest and Voodoo Fest were called off. The producers of Prospect.5 didn't want to join that number.

We were really determined to do this after all the October cancellations, Stillman said.

Prospect.5, which is subtitled Yesterday We Said Tomorrow, after an album by New Orleans jazz musician Christian Scott, focuses on the works of African diaspora artists and will include politically charged and socially challenging exhibits reflecting the zeitgeist of the past two years.

The Prospect.5 artists, who were selected by Los Angeles-based guest curators Diana Nawi and Naima J. Keith, are reckoning with a confusing and overwhelming moment in world history, Stillman said.

+19 Two artists see unexpected beauty in the face of Hurricane Ida: one in sound, another in oils Quintron is a fiery, far-out keyboardist who used meteorological equipment of his own design to capture the abstract music of Hurricane Ida as

Prospect.5 exhibits will be presented at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the Contemporary Arts Center, the New Orleans African-American Museum, The Historic New Orleans Collection and several other institutions, but Stillman pointed out that one of the great pleasures of the Prospect series is the presentation of cutting-edge art in unexpected public locales, such as parks and other public spaces.

The New Orleans art community will be well represented in Prospect.5, with exhibits by Ron Bechet, Willie Birch, Anastasia Pelias, Welmon Sharlhorne, the late George Dureau and others. As in the past Prospects, several other local artists who are not on the official Prospect roster will present so-called satellite exhibits in various art galleries.

Prospect.5 is free, though museum admission costs may apply. The individual exhibits and installations will open in stages, with three separate opening receptions, on Oct. 23 and 30 and Nov. 6, at separate locations. Prospect.5 continues through Jan. 23, with a concluding unveiling of artwork and gala. Consult the Prospect.5 website prospectneworleans.org for precise times and locations for exhibit openings, performances and other activities.

+12 Famous French Quarter statue goes missing, but neither thieves nor Ida is to blame Changes in the New Orleans cityscape dont easily escape Richard Campanella. The Tulane professor and prolific author has made a career studyi

+17 The Backstreet Cultural Museum to relocate after Hurricane Ida damage Dominique Dilling-Francis, the director of the Backstreet Cultural Museum, led a grim tour on Friday morning, pointing out the places where ra
The Coast Guard is searching for a missing boater near Main Pass, which is near where the Mississippi River meets the Gulf of Mexico.

The search started after a good Samaritan reported an unoccupied red and yellow 25-foot pleasure craft around 3 p.m. Wednesday near Main Pass (map).

The missing 48-year-old man is about 5'10 and was last seen wearing a white shirt, the Coast Guard said.

Crews are searching by air and by water. Involved in the search are:

 Coast Guard Air Station New Orleans

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 Coast Guard Station Venice

 Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Mobile

 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
A dump truck driver who swerved to avoid crashing into a stopped school bus struck a 9-year-old who had just stepped off the bus in Plaquemines Parish Wednesday afternoon, according to State Police.

Update: Belle Chasse girl hit by dump truck while getting off school bus is a fighter, mom says

The child suffered serious injuries and was taken to the hospital. No condition information was available on Thursday.

The dump truck's driver, Gregory Valentine, 61, of Donaldsonville, was arrested and booked with negligent injuring, reckless operation of a vehicle and driving with a suspended license, said Trooper Ross Brennan, a State Police spokesperson.

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The crash was reported about 4 p.m. on Louisiana 23 near Danos Lane (map). The school bus was stopped in the northbound lane of Highway 23 to drop off students.

The bus's lights were flashing, and its stop signs were extended. But Valentine, who was also driving north on the same highway in a 1989 Ford dump truck, didn't come to a stop in time, according to State Police.

To avoid rear-ending the bus, Valentine veered right, driving onto the shoulder of the highway were the 9-year-old victim was walking, authorities said.

Investigators don't believe Valentine was impaired, but he did submit a blood sample for toxicology tests. The results were not yet available, Brennan said. The case is still being investigated.

"Taking your eyes away from the roadway for just a short time can result in life-changing events," Brennan said in a news release about the crash.
A man who claimed he acted in self-defense when he fatally shot another man outside of a Metairie business early Thursday morning has been arrested and booked with murder, authorities said.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office detectives are still investigating the deadly shooting, which occurred in the 3200 block of Lisa Drive, said Capt. Jason Rivarde, a Sheriff's Office spokesperson.

+2 Jefferson Parish Grand jury indicts Harvey man with murder of ex-girlfriend's mother A Harvey man accused of gunning down his children's maternal grandmother has been indicted with second-degree murder.

Authorities had not released the name of the victim or the suspect as of Thursday afternoon. The Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office was still trying to notify the victim's relatives Thursday afternoon, according to Rivarde.

The Sheriff's Office is withholding the suspect's name for investigative reasons, he said.

Deputies were called out to the Lisa Drive address about 2:30 a.m. after receiving a report of a shooting, Rivarde said. They arrived and found a man who'd been shot multiple times.

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Algiers man arrested, accused of cashing checks stolen from Gretna Post Office boxes Gretna police have arrested an Algiers man accused of stealing mail from the large blue collection boxes in front of the Gretna Post Office an

The man was taken to the hospital but later died of his injuries.

The gunman remained at the scene and "initially made a self-defense claim," said Rivarde, who did not disclose any other details about the shooting, including what the suspect said happened to prompt gunfire. Authorities also did not say how the two men know one another.

Investigating detectives found evidence that didn't fit the gunman's assertion of self-defense, leading the Sheriff's Office to obtain an arrest warrant for second-degree murder, Rivarde said.

The suspect was booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center in Gretna.
Gretna police have arrested an Algiers man accused of stealing mail from the large blue collection boxes in front of the Gretna Post Office and fraudulently cashing checks from the illicit haul.

Terrence Thompson Jr., 19, was arrested Tuesday following an investigation by the Gretna Police Department and the U.S. Postal Inspector's Office, Gretna Police Chief Arthur Lawson said.

Jefferson Parish Council sounds alarm over thefts, other problems at Gretna post office The Jefferson Parish Council has thrown its weight behind an effort to reform the operations of the Gretna Post Office and get to the bottom o

When authorities raided his MacArthur Boulevard home they recovered 181 checks that were not written out to nor issued by Thompson, according to authorities.

"He was going in, stealing people's checks, then rewriting and cashing them," Lawson said.

Police began investigating last year after receiving complaints of missing or stolen checks, all mailed from the mailboxes in front of the city's main post office at 406 Gretna Blvd.

Detectives identified more than 40 victims who lost about $200,000 due to stolen checks that had been altered before being cashed, according to authorities.

+2 2nd suspect booked in murder of motorcyclist shot and killed on west bank last year Authorities have arrested a second suspect accused in the death of James White, who was gunned down while riding his motorcycle near Westwego 

Some of the checks were for nominal sums and had been intended as gifts or to pay bills, Lawson. But others were written by large companies for substantial amounts. The victims wouldn't discover the theft until they received notification of a missed payment or a delinquent account.

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"It caused a lot of problems for a lot of people," Law said.

Because the collection boxes weren't damaged in the thefts, authorities suspected the thief had access or was possibly using a key.

Mail theft complaints began to spike again in Gretna in August and September, Lawson said. Detectives partnered with Postal Inspectors and determined that crates of mail had been stolen from the Gretna blue boxes on Aug. 8, Aug. 15, Aug. 27, Sept. 12, Sept. 20 and Oct. 1, Lawson said.

Surveillance video shows a person in a black, convertible Ford Mustang approach the mailboxes on each date of the reported thefts.

Investigators eventually identified Thompson as a suspect. When authorities served the search warrant at his home Tuesday, Thompson was driving a black Ford Mustang similar to the one seen in the surveillance videos, Lawson said.

A search of the car turned up more checks that didn't belong to Thompson, as well as illegal drugs, including crack cocaine, Lawson said.

Thompson was booked into Orleans Parish Prison on 181 counts of possession of stolen property. He is also wanted by Gretna police on six counts of simple burglary and six counts of obstruction of justice.

Detectives suspect Thompson used a key to access the mail collection boxes, but they aren't sure how he got it, according to Lawson. The case is still under investigation, and additional charges are possible.

Thompson was being held without bond Thursday in the New Orleans jail.
Steel beams supporting the 16th floor of the ill-fated Hard Rock Hotel project in downtown New Orleans were so grossly underdesigned that the deadly collapse of the unfinished building was waiting to happen, according to an unreleased OSHA engineering report.

Sources with knowledge of the federal investigation provided WWL-TV with details from an engineering review by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration that was produced last year but never disclosed, not even to Orleans Parish prosecutors considering possible criminal negligence charges.

Those sources say OSHAs engineer found that 81 beams on the 16th floor did not meet the basic design code to properly support the upper three floors of the structure, the sources said, raising questions about how the design was approved.

Allegations that undersized steel beams contributed to the buildings failure on Oct. 12, 2019, are not new. But WWL-TV has discovered new details about why some beam and column sizes were reduced, and to what extent, by sifting through thousands of construction documents collected in civil lawsuits stemming from the collapse.

The documents show the owner of the project wanted a 205-foot building with lofty penthouse ceilings, a pool deck and a rooftop bar, but the changes he ordered in March 2018 would have exceeded the citys 190-foot height restriction.

So, the design team got creative. Rather than seek another variance to raise the roof by 15 feet, internal project documents show the designers kept a 190-foot building and made room for higher ceilings by reducing the size of steel beams supporting the 17th and 18th floors.

Independent engineers who reviewed blueprints and other construction documents for WWL-TV said the 2018 changes to the structural steel of the building could have contributed to its collapse, which crushed three workers to death and injured several others.

Michael Bradbury, a structural engineer who has designed steel buildings and reviewed high-rise projects for the cities of Denver and Austin, called the change to thinner beams and columns a very significant discovery that could be a smoking gun in pending criminal investigations.

+2 Inspector General recommends felony charges against city inspector in Hard Rock collapse probe: WWL-TV The New Orleans inspector generals office has filed a long-delayed report with the district attorney recommending felony charges against a fo

It tells me that they were trying to keep within the basic structure and trying to use much shallower beams and much smaller columns to keep within that height, Bradbury said. Nobody checked to see whether or not the beams they put in took the (bending force) from the deck on those upper floors, which I believe would have  been one of the causes of the collapse because they overloaded the structure.

By using thinner steel beams buttressing the floor above, the ceilings could be raised, allowing for more headroom below.

Blueprints from early 2018 called for 21-inch-thick beams. But after the owner directed modifications to the ceiling heights, the floor plans on the 16th and 17th floors changed to show 10-inch-thick beams, allowing an extra 11 inches of ceiling clearance.

Walter Zehner, a local structural engineer hired by the owner, 1031 Canal Development, said the changes to the size of beams under the 17th and 18th floors did not cause the collapse. He said the beams under the 16th floor did, and they were three times too small all along.

The beams on the 16th floor were the same size as the ones on all the floors below, he said. It was carrying its own floor, plus the two additional floors above and the roof. So, they were like 300% overstressed, based on my calculations.

The design team planned to offset the impact of thinner beams by adding more steel columns, according to notes on construction documents from the spring of 2018. But plans dated Oct. 11, 2019 -- the last blueprints the construction team had distributed before the building collapsed the next day -- only called for one additional column along the Rampart Street edge on the top floors.

That gave them 12 columns there, instead of 11. Bradbury said he was shocked to see how few columns they added, given that his load calculations showed they would have needed at least 24 columns of that size to properly support the floors above.

And like the beams running horizontally under the floors, the columns also ended up significantly smaller than what was in the original plans. All 12 of the columns installed along the Rampart Street edge that collapsed were W6x20s  meaning they were 6 inches wide with a weight of 20 pounds per foot. By contrast, the 11 columns shown in the original plans were all W10x49s -- 10 inches wide and 49 pounds per foot.

Bradbury calculated the W6X20 columns installed at the Hard Rock site had one-eighth the stiffness of the columns originally proposed.

That is a big problem, he said.

Construction crews poured the last heavy concrete floor on top of those columns on Oct. 5, 2019. A worker took video of temporary shoring poles buckling under those floors on Oct. 10. And two days after that, those floors pancaked.

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The collapse began at the end of a curved balcony along Rampart Street, just in front of a tower crane some 75 feet from the corner of Rampart and Iberville streets. That northwest corner of the building caved in first, before the concrete and steel cascaded back to the southwest corner at Rampart and Canal.

Bradbury said the owner requested certain changes and may have applied pressure to get the project done without further delays. But he said the responsibility for doing so safely ultimately lies with the engineer of record who approved the changes.

The engineer has to be held accountable in this case because the contractor builds what's on the approved plans or on the RFI (a document where contractors can request and receive information). They're not engineers, he said. That's what he's responsible for, the engineer, is to make sure it doesn't fall down.

OSHA has already issued violations against the engineer of record, Heaslip Engineering, and the steel contractor, Hub Steel.

The citations OSHA issued against Heaslip include a serious violation that alleges "floor beams on the 16th floor were under-designed" for the loads they would need to support. They also include a willful violation alleging structural steel connections were inadequately designed, reviewed or approved, affecting the structural integrity of the connections.

The latter violation stated the engineer should ensure the number and size of bolts for the connection is designed to meet or exceed the anticipated loads.

Sources with knowledge of the OSHA investigation said the agencys engineer found some holes for heavy bolts to connect beams and columns didnt match up, so crews welded them instead.

Some of the photos obtained by WWL-TV also show handwritten notes on the plans at the construction site that indicate some of the prefabricated steel beams were shorter than what the plans called for.

OSHA issued a separate violation against Hub Steel alleging "steel beams on the 16th floor were not connected to columns on the 15th floor" in accordance with the code and "did not meet the specified load requirements."

Heaslip and Hub Steel are both contesting the violations.

Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams says he wants OSHA's full report, so he can file possible criminal charges against those who caused the collapse. But OSHA has declined to release that report, even to Williams prosecutors, until all appeals in the case have been heard.

Heaslip's appeal, for one, won't be heard until July 26, 2022.

An attorney for the developer, 1031 Canal Development, defended the aesthetic changes lead partner Mohan Kailas directed in 2018 and placed the blame for the structural failure squarely on Heaslip and Hub Steel.

+5 Hard Rock Hotel developer sues New Orleans over height limit, politics The developers of the ill-fated Hard Rock Hotel have sued the city over a new measure that would restrict the height of future construction at

Like any developer on a project, the owner requested that certain aesthetic changes be made, attorney Paul Thibodeaux said in a statement to WWL-TV. Those aesthetic changes did not cause the building to collapse. At all times, ownership relied on experienced professionals, including Heaslip Engineering and Hub Steel, to determine the means and methods to safely construct the building, including specifying the size and type of all beams, columns and connections.

Thibodeaux said OSHA has never implicated the owner in any of the structural failures, and sources with knowledge of the investigation confirmed to WWL-TV that OSHA has not found Kailas was responsible.

At no point did Heaslip, Hub Steel or anyone else raise to ownership any concerns regarding the buildings structural integrity, Thibodeaux added.

In response to specific questions about the structural steel changes his firm approved, James Heaslip sent WWL-TV the same statement he has previously sent.

"We have denied and are contesting all allegations of fault and negligence asserted in the legal proceedings related to the Hard Rock Hotel collapse, and we stand behind our company's track record of designing projects that meet applicable engineering standards, Heaslip said.

Hub Steel officials and the companys attorney did not respond to requests for comment.
When Netflix announced last month that a new season of its gritty reality series Jailbirds would feature female detainees in the New Orleans jail, local criminal justice reform groups and attorneys ripped Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman for letting it happen.

They pointed to a previous season of the show filmed in Sacramento, where lawyers and detainees alleged producers and jail deputies allowed fights to take place, informed detainees that they wouldnt get in trouble for rule violations caught on film, and let them incriminate themselves in their pending criminal trials without a lawyer present.

But the Sheriffs Office seemed to brush off those criticisms last month  prior to the shows release. It said Gusman stood by the decision, and that 44 Blue Productions agreed to strict legal terms and conditions to ensure that production crews did not interfere with the well-being of our staff and inmates, and that the production crews were closely monitored when they filmed in early 2020.

And Blake Arcuri, a lawyer for the Sheriffs Office, told The Lens that the production was not related in any way to the federal consent decree the jail has been operating under for eight years due to violence, inadequate medical and mental health care and insufficient staffing.

However, emails obtained by the Lens between the Sheriffs Office and producers on the show reveal that Gusman and Arcuri had reservations about the project before production started, and then abruptly halted filming of the show on March 5, 2020, to the frustration of the production company.

They also include references to an unnamed federal judge made by producers complaining about the decision to pull the plug.

In response to new questions from The Lens, OPSO acknowledged Tuesday that the filming had been halted when they determined that the production company had violated their agreement.

The Sheriffs Office was reassured by the producers that this series, unlike the Sacramento one, would show women inmates who were trying to positively turn their lives around, the statement said. We understood that no incidents would be staged or encouraged by the film crew. Filming was halted when these main agreements were violated in our opinion.

Later, after viewing a rough cut of one episode of the show, Arcuri accused the production company in an email of violating the agreement with OPSO by failing to report drug use that they filmed in the jail, and of editing the footage to make it seem like detainees were able to dodge the jail staff while crushing and snorting medication.

Arcuri wrote in May to 44 Blue Productions representatives  including radio host, political consultant and former New Orleans City Councilman Oliver Thomas, who is running for the District E council seat in the fall election  noting that they had assured Sheriffs Office staff that the New Orleans season would be different.

It turns out my concerns were correct, he wrote, given this episodes content and the repeated requests for surveillance footage of altercations. As I suspected, it seems this is exactly like Sacramento.

The new season, which is only 3 episodes long, premiered Sept. 24. It contains footage of detainees trading their medication for snacks and other items, hiding in each others cells, and discussing their cases. It does not appear that the specific scene that Arcuri objected to in May was included in the episodes that ultimately aired.

Rasha Drachkovitch, co-CEO of 44 Blue productions, did not respond to questions from The Lens.

+3 Netflix's Jailbirds: New Orleans touts scandalous look at women behind bars; critics dismayed Eight years ago, video shot inside the New Orleans jail of inmates using drugs, drinking beer and handling a gun prompted outrage and a costly

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Arcuri wrote to Elton Jones, an executive producer on the show, on Jan. 5, 2020, telling him that there would be no filming or cameras brought into the facility until Gusmans concerns were addressed. But shortly after, film crews were let inside to shoot a casting tape, which was shared with the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office on Feb. 5.

A month later, the production was kicked out of the jail.

Neither the Sheriffs Office nor 44 Blue would say what led to the termination, and the emails dont make that clear either. But Jones, the producer, makes a reference to a federal judge he believe received incorrect information he wanted to address.

The consent decree is overseen by U.S. District Court Judge Lance Africk.

Its imperative that we resolve this matter as quickly as possible, as Im sure you can understand  based on the production time, resources and investment, Jones wrote. Can you please provide contact info for the federal judge in question?

The Lens asked officials with the Sheriffs Office about the reference to a judge, but they did not respond. Africk declined to comment.

The decision was met with apparent shock and frustration by the producers, who maintained they never violated the agreement.

Ive been around a long time watched a lot of maneuvering socially and politically and this is strangest move Ive ever seen, wrote Thomas, who served on the City Council from 1994 to 2007 before resigning and pleading guilty to taking bribes.

The Men and Women at 44Blue are some of the honorable Ive ever met. They love our city, they want to invest even more, and they gave their word to the Sheriff  What happened to justice? Facing your accuser? Innocent before proven guilty? Why dont these things matter?

It is unclear what took place following the email exchange. Neither side responded to questions about any future negotiations, though Thomas did reach out once again in October 2020 in an apparently futile attempt to restart production.

Please review and let me know when we can start discussions about completing this Project, Thomas wrote.

Notorious Orleans Parish Prison video results in contraband charges OPP video shows inmate checking out of jail and enjoying Bourbon Street This video was shown in a federal courtroom this morning in the ongoin

Advocacy organizations  including the ACLU of Louisiana, the Orleans Parish Prison Reform Coalition, Voice of the Experienced, and the Orleans Public Defenders  have called on the City Council to hold a public hearing on the production of the show.
When Keith Schroth, chief finance officer for the LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, pushed for a hefty pay bump for his son who works there, the centers human resources director called the request infuriating and ridiculous and urged her bosses to shoot it down.

Jeremy Schroth didnt get the raise, but he was named head of a new department, a move that also meant he would report to a new supervisor who worked closely with his father.

The human resources director said she feared for her job after shooting down the raise and criticizing Jeremy Schroths work performance. She was fired in April.

The allegations of nepotism on the part of Keith Schroth are contained in a scathing 67-page internal audit released by LSU last month. But the details about how the proposed raise was greeted by human resources managers at the LSU Health are new, contained in emails obtained by The Times-Picayune | The Advocate.

Meanwhile, LSU auditors are now probing separate allegations that Schroths other son, Andrew, benefited from an inside track to an internship at a local hospital.

Keith Schroth denies any wrongdoing in either situation. In an interview, he suggested the complaints against him and his children are coming from disgruntled employees with whom his relationships have soured. All of its lies, he said.

Jeremy Schroth didnt return an email seeking comment. No one returned a voicemail message left for Andrew Schroth.

The new investigation and details of his efforts to advance his son at LSU Health are the latest revelations in a swirl of controversy around the older Schroth.

Last week, The Times-Picayune | New Orleans Advocate reported Keith Schroth was found to have misspent thousands of dollars on an LSU foundation credit card a decade ago.

He was also a primary target of last months audit, which uncovered a range of unethical behavior at LSU Health in New Orleans  including Schroths improper advocacy on behalf of his son. The audit said that effort had the aid of the organization's top official, Chancellor Larry Hollier, who drafted a memo justifying the younger Schroths raise, falsely labeled it to suggest it came from another administrator, then addressed it to himself.

The newly obtained emails show how other administrators pushed back. They insisted the younger Schroth didnt always fulfill his job duties and didnt deserve the 20% raise his father and Hollier were pushing, which would have bumped Jeremy Schroth's salary to nearly $100,000.

Cori Higginson, then human resources director, concluded the request was unjustified, especially while the administration was rejecting much smaller raises for her staff, emails show.

This additional request, when I cant even get an additional 1200 a month for Melissa handling benefits is  quite frankly  infuriating and ridiculous, she wrote.

Keith Schroth approached Hollier about his son almost immediately after assuming the organizations top financial position last year, auditors found.

Then serving as digital marketing and production manager, Jeremy Schroth was busier than usual amid the pandemic developing virtual tours, his father said. The elder Schroth also said his son had delivered savings of nearly $50,000 by bringing some photography services in house.

But the compensation manager later found that almost all of Jeremy Schroths work fell well within his agreed-upon duties, emails show.

Hollier backed Keith Schroths position anyway, outlining his arguments in an internal memo justifying the 20% raise. Hollier falsely labeled Jeremy Schroths immediate supervisor, Chris Winters, as the author and sender of the memo, while addressing the document to himself, auditors found.

Asked about the younger Schroth, Hollier referred a reporter to his seven-page response to auditors, in which he promised he and Keith Schroth would stay out of any future personnel decisions involving Jeremy Schroth. It did not address his decision to ghost-write the justification for a raise.

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In opposing the raise, Higginson said Jeremy Schroth sometimes takes a week to respond to emails. This is the person who is responsible for our marketing/branding  not supported by his degree, nor is it supported by any evidence of work, she wrote.

Jeremy Schroths LinkedIn profile lists a digital marketing certificate from the University of Vermont, along with a bachelors degree in film.

Higginson said the younger Schroth had also rejected a request to schedule a photography session for employee appreciation day. Though he was asked to pick a day to shoot over a two-week period, his response was that he could not make any commitments  he said that he is sparky. I have yet to determine what that even means! Higginson wrote.

Anyone you ask outside of the 8th floor will tell you that Jeremy has been hand moved out of positions and under other supervisors since the moment he arrived having failed at other departments, she added.

Jeremy Schroths LinkedIn lists one other LSU Health job, a stint in public relations. The 8th floor is where top administrators, including Keith Schroth and Hollier, work.

Higginson was concerned Hollier and Keith Schroth were going to OK the raise over her objections. I still want to be on record  for having said this should not be approved, she wrote last September. She later told auditors she feared retaliation for taking sides against Keith Schroth.

She was suspended in February, according to the audit, which mentions a memo contending she had improperly shared interview questions with internal job candidates. Two months later, she was out of the job. She didnt return a phone message.

While the raise request was ultimately dropped, Jeremy Schroth went on to be selected as director of a newly created Creative Services & Marketing department, the audit said.

Auditors concluded Keith Schroth arranged for his son to report to the organizations chief of staff, who works closely with Schroth and Hollier on the 8th floor. Keith Schroth also hand-delivered a folder to Louis Colletta, Jeremy Schroths new boss, with materials he said demonstrated his son was undercompensated, auditors found.

Colletta, who left the agency a month ago, told auditors that Keith Schroths actions were inappropriate, and asked his assistant to stick the folder in a drawer.

Keith Schroth denied doing anything improper on behalf of his son. Everything youve been hearing or reading about is absolutely incorrect and not true, he said.

He also said theres no merit to the allegations that his other son, Andrew Schroth, received special treatment when he secured an internal medicine residency at Ochsner this year. An anonymous complaint received by LSU alleges he was selected because of his fathers connections there, after failing to land a spot through the standard process for gaining residencies, called matching.

An LSU spokesman confirmed auditors are looking into the allegations.

As vice chancellor for administration and finance, Keith Schroth is a main liaison between LSU Health and Ochsner  Louisiana's largest healthcare provider. His responsibilities include overseeing contracts for LSU Health students to help fill Ochsners 300-plus residencies in the area.

In a statement, Ochsner Chief Academic Officer Leonardo Seoane didnt directly address the complainants allegation. Ochsner reviews applications and interviews applicants for these programs to make a qualified selection, the statement said. Andrew Schroth went through this process and is a current Preliminary Internal Medicine Resident at Ochsner.

Keith Schroth acknowledged in an interview that LSU auditors have questioned him about the complaint, but he denied getting involved with Andrew Schroths selection.

He also declined a reporters request to provide documentation that would refute the allegations, including a claim that Andrew Schroth performed poorly on some exams. Anyone who knows his skills, knowledge and abilities  they speak for themselves, he said.
Hurricane Ida has helped make Bob Dean a household name in south Louisiana  for all the wrong reasons.

The nursing-home and real estate magnate became something of a supervillain after officials with the Louisiana Department of Health, citing horrific conditions, shut down a Tangipahoa Parish warehouse where Dean had evacuated nearly 850 frail residents of his seven nursing homes.

The LDH took the patients away from Dean, placing them in other care facilities around the state, and blasted Dean for allowing conditions to slide so steeply. Seven patients have died, and around 50 have been hospitalized. The scandal led the LDH to permanently revoke licenses for Deans seven nursing homes and to open an investigation into how things went so wrong. Attorney General Jeff Landry has also begun a probe, and a chorus of family members whose loved ones went through the ordeal are calling for criminal charges.

+6 State revokes nursing home licenses for owner who sent 800 residents to warehouse for Ida Louisiana health officials announced Tuesday that they are revoking Bob Dean's seven nursing-home licenses after he evacuated more than 800 nu

Wealthy people who find themselves in such predicaments generally hire PR firms with experience in crisis management. And they often come out to face the music themselves. Dean has mostly stayed in the bunker, giving a couple of short, mystifying phone interviews to reporters. On Tuesday, he said he was hunkered down in Georgia, and complained that he was recovering from oral surgery.

During the crisis itself, he also fired off a barrage of texts to LDH officials, many of them laced with profanity, anger and threats. These cursory communications  some of which suggest a loose grip on reality  provide the only real clues of Deans mindset as things slid out of control.

Taken together, what they reveal is that Dean believes his system for evacuating several nursing homes to a single piece of property he owns  in this case, a warehouse  is a progressive approach that should be a model for others. He insists that hes a victim of overzealous bureaucrats, who intervened without justification to move his nursing home residents to other facilities. And hes furious about it.

Can't see the video above? Click here.

In the texts he sent to LDH officials as they shut down his warehouse, Dean invoked powerful figures who he said would support him, including Gov. John Bel Edwards, U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, U.S. President Joe Biden and a federal marshal who he described as a good friend of mine.

And in an interview with The Advocate | The Times-Picayune, Dean alternated between professing concern for his nursing home patients and brushing off worries about the seven deaths, dozens of hospitalizations and details of nursing home residents living in inhumane conditions that have emerged over the past week.

I usually lose two or three people a day, that pass on, he said in an interview Tuesday. So, four of the five thats passed were hospice patients, which, you know  those are people that are on their way out.

+4 Nurses horrified by nursing home's treatment of evacuees at Louisiana warehouse; 'We tried' Two nurses who worked inside the Tangipahoa Parish warehouse where more than 800 nursing home residents have now been rescued from squalid con

He said he worried that in evacuating the warehouse, state health officials would lose track of his patients medications.

Dean also claimed in the call that former LDH Secretary Dr. Rebekah Gee had resigned in disgrace over the fallout from evacuating his warehouse, though Gee in fact quit her post about 20 months earlier. And he suggested, without basis, that the dust up had also led the secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to quit.

The governor has promised that the LDH will probe whether Dean failed to keep residents safe and whether he intentionally obstructed efforts to check on their welfare.

If warranted, we will take aggressive legal action against any responsible parties, Edwards said.

Both Edwards and a PAC that supports Kennedy have received substantial campaign donations from Dean, and Dean claimed in one text that Kennedy was calling everyone that is possible to stop you from disturbing my Covid free residents. A spokesman for the PAC, Conservative Louisiana, said Thursday that they had refunded Dean's contributions.

+11 Families never knew nursing home loved ones were suffering in warehouse; it breaks my heart Terry Hicks spent a week trying to contact her husband of 33 years after he told her his nursing home was evacuating ahead of Hurricane Ida.

A Kennedy spokesperson acknowledged that the senators office had made inquiries about Deans patients, but said Dean had contacted Sen. Kennedys office before the public or the senators office was aware of the nursing home conditions.

Following that contact, Sen. Kennedys office was concerned for the nursing home patients and reached out to the Louisiana Department of Health to inquire about the welfare of those patients, the spokesperson added. At no time did the office advocate for Mr. Dean or anyone other than patients and families, which our office has worked to reunite since learning of this matter.

A spokesperson for the governor would not answer Thursday when asked whether he would also return any of Dean's political contributions, saying instead that Edwards "remains 100 percent focused on the response to Hurricane Ida and the COVID pandemic."

The LDH has faulted Dean for more than just his evacuation plans, which left hundreds of vulnerable people in a partially flooded warehouse where nurses said that the air conditioner stopped working, toilets overflowed and trash piled up. A major part of the departments beef is that Dean was hostile to LDH inspectors and, rather than seek help as the crisis worsened, he sought to keep them off the property.

By Aug. 31, an LDH surveyor reported that Dean began aggressively questioning her over the phone, according to his nursing home license revocation letters.

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Bob Dean, at center of nursing-home evacuation scandal, has been prolific political donor The nursing homes owner who left nearly 850 of his patients in an unsanitary warehouse following Hurricane Ida has been a generous supporter o

Mr. Dean started yelling over and over, who sent you? cutting her off from attempts to answer, the letter states. When Surveyor #4 responded one last time that she would not answer that question, Mr. Dean informed her to get off my property! Now!

His texts to the LDH show him saying that he has a federal restraining order barring the state from his property, and later complaining that his rights under the Fourth Amendment, which prohibits illegal searches, had been violated.

LDH also alleged that Dean started a campaign of threats, intimidation and attempts at interfering with LDHs ability to properly assess the site and assure the safety of residents at the site. Those included a series of text messages, phone calls and voicemails  some of which LDH memorialized as exhibits in the letters they sent about revoking Deans licenses.

In a text message exchange beginning Aug. 30, an LDH employee asked Dean for a phone call about your residents in Independence. There are problems.

Dean responded, Hello who the f---- is this before saying he was "on the air wrangler" and that the employee should text him.

+2 Problem with nursing-home evacuation was execution, not plan itself: Louisiana health officials The ghastly problems that festered after residents of seven New Orleans-area nursing homes were evacuated to a warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish 

"What a liar you are," Dean wrote. "Somebody told me you better watch it motherf----r "

The LDH employee responded, asking: "did you intend to send these messages to someone else?" Again, the employee noted their LDH affiliation.

"No I did not you better get off my f---ing ass you bitch do you not realize you're in a conspiracy theory with the federal government," Dean wrote. "Your ass is grass motherf---er "

The next day, Dean began a text message, dear secretary. He then complained about a specific LDH employee who he claimed had conspired with the city of Plaquemine, where Dean sold a nursing home in 2020 amid dozens of complaints.

Please be advised I am well and able and have many hundreds of millions to back me up that belong to me that is in the bank currently, he wrote. Postscript I would like a written copy of her termination it will happen immediately this is being forward to the governor of Louisiana in the presence of United States President Joe Biden.

+14 At remote Louisiana warehouse, nursing home evacuees lay in waste, calling out for help After spending six days in a fetid warehouse with overflowing toilets and piled-up trash, four nursing home residents died and nearly 800 more

An hour later, Dean sent more messages.

"This is a stop order you are now under a federal restraining order respond you were being delivered that immediately call the state police off you're getting so far under you can't get out do you understand respond," he wrote, three times in a row.

So youre in the loop John Kennedys office do United States senator is calling everyone that is possible to stop you from disturbing my COVID free restaurants besides that you would scare all of my employees away do you know the detriment youre called in to your own calls youre supposed to be in health care youve got a vendetta towards me made it unbelievable you will not be good and youre not good, he wrote.

Dean has been a prolific political donor to both the governor and Kennedy despite their differing political party affiliations. Dean contributed $42,500 to Edwards during his second gubernatorial run and $7,500 to the governors brother, Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards. Both are Democrats.

"He's not thinking at all about campaign donations and fundraising, except for when it comes to making sure the people of Louisiana have the recovery funds they need," said Christina Stephens, a spokesperson for the governor.

+3 Baton Rouge nursing home owner Bob Dean has drawn regulators' ire on numerous occasions Bob Dean, the Baton Rouge developer whose Louisiana nursing home empire is at the center of controversy after four residents died after being 

Dean also donated $25,000 in June to the Conservative Louisiana political action committee, which supports Kennedy, who is a Republican. Though the PAC supports Kennedy, his spokesperson said that contributions to the Conservative Louisiana PAC do not go to Sen. Kennedy, nor does he direct their distribution.

The PAC initiated a refund of Dean's donations last week, according to its treasurer.

Dean is already facing at least three separate lawsuits from nursing home residents and their families over the nursing home evacuations. Lawsuits have been filed in both Jefferson and Orleans so far, and largely allege that Dean violated both state law and nursing home best practices through the evacuation efforts, which they say have caused both physical and mental scars for the nursing home residents.

By Sept. 2, Dean was sending new texts that accused LDH of violating the Fourth Amendment rights against search and seizure. He also said that the federal government would be involved in pursuing a case against LDH  though LDH has said that theyve been in touch with federal regulators about Dean.

They are physically taking my residents out of the building theyre breaking their arms and legs come on really I need a phone call theyre hurting my people and theyre killing them, Dean wrote.   Also we have pictures of the stealing of their persons without charge and our Covid test. Truly a holocaust.
When news broke that nearly 850 frail nursing-home patients were crammed into a warehouse in a remote corner of Louisiana during Hurricane Ida, it sounded like a desperate, temporary solution devised as the storm quickly grew and threatened much of the southeastern part of the state.

But the plan in the event of an emergency was always to evacuate residents of seven nursing homes to the warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish, documents submitted to the state show.

Emergency evacuation plans for two of the seven facilities obtained by The Times-Picayune | The Advocate described an alternate care facility that could hold 700 people in Independence, where residents of River Palms and Maison Orleans Healthcare were to be taken in an emergency.

One page in the document makes clear that the warehouse could be the evacuation site for all seven homes, which along with the warehouse are owned by Baton Rouge businessman Bob Dean.

But while the plans were submitted to and approved by the Louisiana Department of Health, its not clear how closely they were scrutinized. LDH officials have not commented yet on their knowledge of the plans.

3 more Louisiana nursing-home residents die after evacuation to warehouse; total now at 7 Three more nursing-home residents who were controversially evacuated to a huge warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish have died, bringing the total nu

Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller has said he was told the facility was designed to hold between 200 to 400 people, and Independence Police Chief Frank Edwards III told WVUE-TV that he was told to expect a maximum of 350 people.

Instead, 843 residents were crammed in, strewn across the building on mattresses on the floor, eventually lying in their own feces and calling out for help as conditions worsened. LDH officials ordered the warehouse evacuated Wednesday and moved the patients to other facilities.

They have also said they will conduct a full investigation of what happened and refer it to prosecutors if necessary. Attorney General Jeff Landry has also announced an investigation.

Late Saturday, LDH officials announced that they was ordering the closure of all seven nursing homes that evacuated to the Independence warehouse. "What happened in Independence is reprehensible, and I know there are many families hurting as a result, LDH Secretary Dr. Courtney N. Phillips said in a prepared statement.

With three additional deaths announced Saturday, seven people have now died as a result of the conditions they endured after the storm, according to state health officials.

It was ungodly, said Melanie Sieberth, 65, a resident from one of the nursing homes who suffers from multiple sclerosis and who was rescued from the warehouse Thursday. People were dying around me and they would just leave them there for hours and hours before the coroner would come pick up the dead bodies. It was really, really bad.

Attorney James Cobb, who successfully defended the owners of the St. Ritas nursing facility in Chalmette, where 35 patients died during Hurricane Katrina, calls the plans that allowed for 700 nursing home residents to gather in a warehouse a double failure.

+11 Families never knew nursing home loved ones were suffering in warehouse; it breaks my heart Terry Hicks spent a week trying to contact her husband of 33 years after he told her his nursing home was evacuating ahead of Hurricane Ida.

Its a failure on the part of the operator, who should know better than try to put 700 nursing home residents in one spot, and a failure on the part of the state to catch that and require them to do something else, said Cobb.

The state requires each of Louisianas roughly 280 nursing homes to submit disaster plans for providing care without power, where they would evacuate if necessary and how they would get patients to that facility. The LDH signs off on the plans.

But the plans do not appear to be closely examined by the state. For example, the LDH mandates that nursing homes must have a transportation plan, but there is no rule about multiple nursing homes using the same provider. As a result, many homes have contracts with the same transportation companies. If a large swath of the state needed to evacuate, there likely wouldnt be enough buses to go around.

The emergency plans from Deans two Orleans facilities also list the other nursing homes he owns as potential evacuation locations, even though most are near enough to each other that a hurricane would likely impact all of the facilities. One nurse who worked for Deans South Lafourche Nursing and Rehab facility and evacuated to the warehouse with the residents said that Deans facilities generally evacuated any time they were in the path of a Category 3 hurricane or higher.

AG probes warehouse of Hurricane Ida nursing home evacuees; 5th resident reported dead A fifth nursing home resident who had been transferred to a Tangipahoa Parish warehouse ahead of Hurricane Ida has died.

Dean has had a habit of clustering residents of multiple nursing homes under a single roof when he evacuates them. The nurse from South Lafourche Nursing and Rehab, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because she fears for her job, recalled a 2008 evacuation for Hurricane Gustav to an abandoned Winn-Dixie building in Plaquemine owned by Dean, where four of his nursing homes sent hundreds of their residents.

At the time, she said she thought the Winn-Dixie evacuation went poorly because they were short on supplies. But she described the Ida evacuation as 100 times worse.

Because this time, instead of four nursing homes, this facility we had seven, she explained. We had so many more people with about the same amount of supplies.

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Dean also evacuated residents of numerous New Orleans-area nursing homes to a poorly equipped warehouse he owned in downtown Baton Rouge for 1992s Hurricane Andrew and 1998s Hurricane Georges.

The latter evacuation stirred controversy because two residents died during or shortly after the evacuation, via a bus that lacked air conditioning. Meanwhile, Baton Rouge fire officials shut the warehouse down because it violated fire codes, lacking sprinklers and fire alarms. They had become aware of issues because of multiple 911 calls involving patients suffering from the heat.

For Ida, the lack of available bed space at Deans other nursing homes may explain in part why the Independence warehouse wound up hosting roughly 20% more residents than the emergency plans said it could hold -- and more than twice what local officials said they were expecting.

Another question raised by the documents is why all of the Dean-owned nursing homes were evacuated in the first place.

+4 Nurses horrified by nursing home's treatment of evacuees at Louisiana warehouse; 'We tried' Two nurses who worked inside the Tangipahoa Parish warehouse where more than 800 nursing home residents have now been rescued from squalid con

The plan for River Palms, for instance, says the facility has a natural gas-powered generator that can keep the air conditioning on for 76 hours. The documents also include a contract to resupply fuel if it becomes necessary.

The warehouse in Independence apparently did not have such redundancy. Once the main power went out, the facility had a generator that also sputtered, and residents suffered in the heat, staffers who worked at the facility said.

Its also clear that in some instances, nursing home operators did not follow their own plans. The River Palms evacuation plans, for example, say that the nursing homes administrator should establish daily communications with staff members, residents, and resident families/responsible parties.

They also include a note sent to residents families last year, reminding them that you also have the option to take your loved one home during planned evacuations, particularly due to hurricanes.

But numerous relatives have said they had no notice that their loved ones were being evacuated, let alone to a remote warehouse, for Hurricane Ida. They also say they had no communication about their loved ones whereabouts for days after the storm.

+3 Baton Rouge nursing home owner Bob Dean has drawn regulators' ire on numerous occasions Bob Dean, the Baton Rouge developer whose Louisiana nursing home empire is at the center of controversy after four residents died after being 

According to Sarah Babcock, chief administrative assistant of Jefferson Parish, three of the four total facilities evacuating from the parish were owned by Dean.

This company has a history of evacuating early, and those buildings tend to have smaller generators than some of our other nursing homes. If a generator is not going to be able to run air conditioning, we do encourage them to evacuate, said Babcock, who previously worked in emergency management at the New Orleans Health Department. In Orleans Parish, facilities are required to have enough power to keep the air running, an ordinance Babcock helped draft.

But evacuation brings its own risks. Studies show that nursing home residents who evacuate die at much higher rates in the following months, according to the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association.

My understanding was this owner would not allow the state or fire marshal into the building, said Babcock. Having a plan for how to address that is really critical.

A large number of residents in one facility, by itself, is not always cause for concern in an emergency situation, said Dr. Rebekah Gee, CEO of health care services for LSU Health and former secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health.

If you have the appropriate staff, clean linens and beds, medications, everything you need, I wouldnt say this number alone is a problem, said Gee, who pointed out the state houses people in large congregate shelters for storms. The most important thing is staff.

And while the residents have all been evacuated, the failed planning has trickled down to other vulnerable people because the nursing home residents were moved to the states medical needs shelters.

We havent had a place to take them for the last two days, said Babcock, of other people deteriorating in their homes who havent had power for six days. We havent had enough buses and ambulances for the last two days.

Video and accounts from staff and residents inside the warehouse show beds packed tightly together without masks, with plastic bags used as diapers and not enough nurses to help the patients crying out.

Sieberth says she wound up in a much better place, but she is still haunted by the days after Ida.

"I ended up in a wonderful nursing/rehab place called Roseview Nursing in Shreveport, Sieberth said. Everyone is kind, the food is incredible and it is furnished very pretty. Now I have to stop my nightmares somehow."

Staff writer Gordon Russell contributed to this report.
The owner of seven nursing homes that evacuated 843 residents to a squalid warehouse for Hurricane Ida has filed appeal documents to get his nursing home licenses back, arguing that the residents faced "no cruelty or indifference," though residents and their families have described living in inhumane conditions.

In an Oct. 5 letter to the Louisiana Department of Health announcing that he would appeal his license revocations, Dean's attorney argued that the warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish had ample space and supplies for the 843 residents who he evacuated there. The storm was not expected to hit Independence, and its last-minute change in trajectory caused unexpected problems at the site.

"Because of the damage throughout Tangipahoa Parish many services which the facility was relying upon were stopped," wrote attorney John McLindon. "Garbage was not picked up and the landfill was closed. The linen service was unable to come to the facility to pick up linens. The port-o-let service was unable to come and empty the port-o-lets."

His appeal letter also says that hurricane damage created staffing shortages, because some workers were staying off-site when the storm hit. They could not make their way back to the warehouse, which Dean owned, because streets were blocked by trees, powerlines and other debris.

'One fiasco after another': How Bob Dean lost a nursing home before Hurricane Ida scandal Notorious Louisiana nursing home owner Bob Dean plans to wage a legal fight to restore the licenses of seven nursing homes the state wrested f

State health officials had approved Dean's emergency evacuation plans for sending his residents en masse to the shelter, and they inspected the facility before the storm hit and found that it met the minimum standards for an emergency evacuation. But after the storm hit, inspectors found that nursing home residents were crying out for help with no responses from staffers, coronavirus protocols were not being followed, toilets were overflowing and trash was piling up.

And when inspectors tried to visit the shelter on Aug. 31, Dean kicked them off-site, threatening them in a series of rambling and profane text messages. The next day, LDH took over the shelter, rescuing the hundreds of remaining residents. More than 50 were hospitalized, and at least 15 people who were evacuated to the shelter have since died. Five have been classified as "storm-related."

McLindon wrote in the appeal letter, however, that "the administrators had secured placement for over 100 of the residents at the time the LDH officials came in and took over."

Attached to Deans appeal letter are detailed accounts from administrators for the nursing homes, chronicling how they followed their evacuation plans in the move to Independence.

Death toll now 15 among nursing home residents evacuated to Tangipahoa Parish warehouse State health officials now say that 15 nursing home residents have died out of a group of more than 800 that was evacuated to a warehouse in T

The letters include timelines for the evacuations of patients by ambulance and bus to the warehouse in Independence after Dean began ordering them late on Aug. 26; descriptions of the conditions there through the storm; and summaries on how they handled patients who suffered health problems during the evacuation.

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One of the letters stands apart from the others. It's from the administrator of Maison DeVille in Houma, who writes that Dean texted to urge evacuation, then fired the administrator for suggesting they wait for advice from state officials.

At this point, I didnt quite know what to do because I knew I had an obligation to these patients, the fired administrator wrote in the letter, which does not identify its author by name.

Despite the firing, the administrator helped with the evacuation to Independence after speaking with a state health official, and later developed a plan to place residents in other facilities after the storm, the letter states.

Aly Neel, a spokesperson for the LDH, confirmed that the department had received the appeal filing. The state's Division of Administrative Law will oversee the appeal hearings with a three-judge panel. McLindon said he expects the process to take months.

Dean is appealing to get back both his nursing home licenses and Medicaid provider agreements, both of which LDH terminated after the evacuation scandal.

Dean owns seven nursing homes: Maison Orleans and River Palms Nursing and Rehab in Orleans Parish; Maison DeVille Nursing Home of Harvey, Park Place Healthcare Nursing Home and West Jefferson Health Care Center in Jefferson Parish; Maison DeVille Nursing Home in Terrebonne Parish; and South Lafourche Nursing and Rehab in Lafourche Parish.

Up until earlier this year, Dean owned an eighth nursing home known as both Iberville Oaks and Plaquemine Manor in Iberville Parish. He was forced to sell that home amid mounting complaints of neglect of residents who lived there.

Plans to evacuate nursing homes to warehouse, where 7 have since died, were OK'd by state When news broke that nearly 850 frail nursing-home patients were crammed into a warehouse in a remote corner of Louisiana during Hurricane Ida

Dean is facing at least 10 lawsuits over the storm evacuation. At least nine have been filed by nursing home residents and their loved ones who say they suffered in the warehouse. One is from nurses who worked there, alleging they were not properly paid for their work during the storm.
The owner of seven Louisiana nursing homes who sent more than 800 fragile residents to ride out Hurricane Ida in an unsanitary warehouse will fight back against the Louisiana Department of Healths recent decision to revoke all of his nursing home licenses, terminate his Medicaid provider agreements and shut down his nursing homes.

Bob Dean is facing a growing number of lawsuits and at least two government investigations. The Louisiana Attorney Generals Office has opened a criminal probe into what happened at the warehouse, while LDH officials have said theyre pursuing federal regulatory action against Dean.

But Dean's lawyer said he does not expect him to face criminal charges.

Nothing rises to the level of criminal activity, said Baton Rouge attorney John McLindon, who represents Dean in the criminal investigation as well as in his licensing battle with LDH. I understand the attorney general has to do an investigation, but I dont think anything will rise to the level of criminal conduct.

McLindon said that Dean is also absolutely appealing the revocation of his seven nursing home licenses and the termination of his Medicaid provider agreements. He noted that Dean's nursing homes only take residents who are paying through programs like Medicaid and Medicare, rather than those who can pay out-of-pocket.

He serves a very valuable service to this community because the wealthy, rich nursing homes are not going to house these people," McLindon said.

But running nursing homes for those on Medicaid and Medicare can still be lucrative. Owners routinely enjoy Medicaid rate increases and a strong nursing home lobby in the Louisiana Legislature has led the state to steer residents to nursing homes despite polls showing many older people would prefer to receive home-and-community-based services. One New Orleans commercial real estate broker estimated that the licenses alone could be worth $1 million apiece.

Dean has until Oct. 6 to file an appeal; McLindon said he will do so by the end of September. McLindon said he expects everyone to eventually learn that Dean "did a very good job on this evacuation," echoing Dean's words in an interview with WVUE-TV.

McLindon is a well-known criminal defense lawyer in south Louisiana.

He represented Iberia Parish Sheriff Louis Ackal when the U.S. Justice Department leveled allegations of civil rights abuses against him, including routine beatings of prisoners. While 10 of Ackals deputies pleaded guilty in the case, many of them cutting deals to testify against Ackal, a federal jury cleared Ackal of all charges in 2016.

+11 Families never knew nursing home loved ones were suffering in warehouse; it breaks my heart Terry Hicks spent a week trying to contact her husband of 33 years after he told her his nursing home was evacuating ahead of Hurricane Ida.

McLindon also represented Nate Cain, the son of the storied former Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola warden Burl Cain. In that case, Nate Cain pleaded guilty mid-trial in 2019 to corruption charges from his work as warden of Avoyelles Correctional Center. And McLindon represented LSU fraternity member Matthew Naquin, who was convicted by a Baton Rouge jury on a charge of negligent homicide in a 2019 case after Naquins fraternity brother died from a night of forced drinking and hazing.

While McLindon is primarily known for his work on criminal cases, he said he will also help represent Dean in his regulatory fight with LDH. The department revoked Deans nursing home licenses on Sept. 7, alleging that Dean failed to ask for help  and even kicked LDH inspectors off the site of the warehouse  while conditions went downhill after the storm.

The seven nursing homes that evacuated to the warehouse were: Maison DeVille Nursing Home in Terrebonne Parish; South Lafourche Nursing and Rehab in Lafourche Parish; Maison Orleans Healthcare Center and River Palms Nursing and Rehab in Orleans Parish; and Park Place Healthcare Nursing Home, West Jefferson Health Care Center and Maison DeVille Nursing Home of Harvey in Jefferson Parish.

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Inspectors wrote that the warehouse partially flooded, while they witnessed nursing home residents crying out for help from mattresses where they lay in filth, while staff ignored their pleas. Toilets overflowed, sending noxious fumes through the facility where more than 800 medically vulnerable people were staying. Trash piled up, and food was in short supply.

+4 Nurses horrified by nursing home's treatment of evacuees at Louisiana warehouse; 'We tried' Two nurses who worked inside the Tangipahoa Parish warehouse where more than 800 nursing home residents have now been rescued from squalid con

At least seven residents who were evacuated to the warehouse died, while at least 50 others were hospitalized. But the effects are ongoing: attorney Don Massey, who has filed a lawsuit against Dean over the ordeal said one of his clients died this week after being evacuated to the warehouse. Other attorneys who have sued Dean say their clients are still in the hospital, fighting off the aftereffects of the warehouse.

LDH officials cited eight separate failures from nursing home administrators who oversaw the Ida evacuation. They include cruelty or indifference to the welfare of residents, failure to comply with rules for nursing homes, failure to protect residents from harmful acts of employees, failure to notify the proper authorities of suspected cases of neglect, knowingly making false statements while under investigation, failure to comply with reporting requirements, failure to allow the department to investigate and failure to allow access to records.

Dean has defended himself in interviews, while seeking to portray himself as the victim of overzealous government officials.

I usually lose two or three people a day, that pass on, he said in an interview last week with The Advocate | The Times-Picayune. So, four of the five thats passed were hospice patients, which, you know  those are people that are on their way out.

+14 At remote Louisiana warehouse, nursing home evacuees lay in waste, calling out for help After spending six days in a fetid warehouse with overflowing toilets and piled-up trash, four nursing home residents died and nearly 800 more

LDH officials approved Deans evacuation plans in advance, which said that he would house 700 people at an alternate care facility in Tangipahoa Parish. When they first inspected the warehouse before Hurricane Ida hit, health officials found that it met the "minimum standards" as a short-term shelter.

LDH has argued that though Dean's evacuation plans met the basics, he failed to execute them properly. They also say Dean had an obligation to communicate the problems to LDH once conditions worsened inside the warehouse after the storm.

Some lawyers have blamed LDH in addition to Dean.

The fact that Bob Deans hurricane evacuation plan even included dumping 843 senior citizens into a warehouse  how that plan got even approved by the state of Louisiana is ridiculous to me, said attorney Ron Haley, who filed a lawsuit this week in East Baton Rouge district court. His suit named Dean, his companies and LDH as defendants.

+6 State revokes nursing home licenses for owner who sent 800 residents to warehouse for Ida Louisiana health officials announced Tuesday that they are revoking Bob Dean's seven nursing-home licenses after he evacuated more than 800 nu

Haley filed the lawsuit on behalf of Darlene Franklin, a hospice care resident of Park Place in Gretna. Franklin has COPD and congestive heart failure and drifted in and out of consciousness while being evacuated to the warehouse because of a lack of oxygen, according to the lawsuit. She was forced to helplessly sit in her wheelchair for two days without being moved or changed, she was not fed for two days and she was forced to urinate on herself, the lawsuit says.

Yes, we understand that the state did the right thing by revoking the licenses after but it was a little bit too late, Haley said. Its a little bit too late for the seven individuals that died, its a little bit too late for the other 836 people that were left there in inhumane conditions. We need to do better. Shame on you, Bob Dean, shame on you state of Louisiana, for leaving those vulnerable behind.

Dean is already facing at least five lawsuits from nursing home residents who were evacuated to the warehouse and their families. McLindon said that attorneys for Dean's insurers will represent him in those suits.
LONDON  Oil giant Royal Dutch Shell warned Thursday that it will take an earnings hit of up to $500 million as a result of the disruptions caused by Hurricane Ida, which hit the Gulf of Mexico in late August.

In an update to shareholders, the company said the hurricane, which prompted oil companies operating in the Gulf of Mexico to shut down operations and evacuate workers for a few days, has reduced oil production by around 90,000 barrels a day.

It said the total impact to earnings will be between $350 million and $500 million.

Shell said the main hit from Ida, estimated at between $200 million and $300 million, has been felt in the upstream division, which essentially is the oil production part of the business.

However, it said there were also sizeable effects in Shell's chemicals and oil products divisions, worth $100 million and $50 million-$100 million, respectively.

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Shell has said most of its operations in the Gulf of Mexico are running as normal.

The update, which comes ahead of third-quarter results on Oct. 28, was brushed aside in stock markets. Shell's share price was up 0.7% on Thursday.

Oil companies, like Shell, are benefitting from a huge spike in oil prices over recent weeks as the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic drives up demand. Brent crude, the international standard, is trading above $80 a barrel, around double the price seen a year ago.

Shell said that over the full year, every $10 increase in the cost of Brent crude adds around $3 billion to upstream annual earnings and $1.1 billion to integrated gas earnings, all other factors notwithstanding.
Sixth grader Damynei Smith usually boards a school bus near her Des Allemands home for the short trip to J.B. Martin Middle School in Boutte.

But on Wednesday, her mother Malchiel Smith, 37, drove her 80 miles from the Denham Springs hotel where the family has been living since Hurricane Ida sent trees crashing through their home.

Still, Damynei grinned ear-to-ear as she sat in the schools carpool line.

Shes thrilled to be back, said Malchiel Smith, who will share school-commute duties with other relatives until the family can return home.

Five weeks after Hurricane Ida shut down the St. Charles Parish Public School System, students were back in their classrooms Wednesday at seven of the district's schools that suffered the least amount of damage.

In addition to J.B. Martin, the district reopened R.J. Vial Elementary School in Boutte, St. Rose Elementary School and Albert Cammon Middle in St. Rose, Luling and Mimosa Park Elementary Schools in Luling and Ethel Schoeffner Elementary School in Destrehan. Those campuses are the first to resume in the districts three-phase reopening plan.

We focused on them first because we knew we could get them open sooner. There wasnt as much damage, Superintendent Dr. Ken Oertling said.

When Ida made its way through Southeast Louisiana, the edge of the storms eyewall spent six hours punishing St. Charles Parish with sustained winds of more than 125 mph, according to parish officials. Every one of the districts 19 school facilities and eight auxiliary buildings were damaged, Oertling said.

+5 Hurricane Ida battered St. Charles Parish school facilities, complicating return to classrooms Students in the St. Charles Parish Public School System had been back in the classroom for less than a month while navigating a resurgence in 

The schools in the later phases have more serious damage, including catastrophic roof failure and water inundation.

The eight schools in the Phase 2, which include Hahnville and Destrehan High Schools, are slated to reopen during the week of Oct. 11. The staffers of those schools were supposed to report this week, but their return has been delayed a few days because of additional needed repairs, district officials said late Wednesday.

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The four facilities in Phase 3 are not scheduled to reopen until the week of Oct. 25, though some may open sooner.

The districts reopening plan wasnt dictated by just physical repairs. Officials had to contend with the needs of its teachers and staff who also suffered damages to their property during Ida, according to Oertling. The district has tried to help with employee needs, including shelter and childcare.

We have teachers that are housing other teachers, J.B. Martin Principal Steven Guitterrez said.

Despite the personal challenges, R.J. Vial Elementary School Principal Christina Mullins proudly noted that all of her teachers and staff members were able to return to work.

Mullins admitted Wednesday that there likely wouldnt be a lot of learning on the students first day back. Instead, teachers planned to focus on the children's social and emotional needs.

We want to allow the students to tell their story this morning, Mullins said.

Guitterrezs staff had much the same plan for the middle school students at J.B. Martin.

We just want to see how the kids are doing, he said. Are they ok? Do they need uniforms? Do they need school supplies? Do they have a place to stay?

Instead of a day of music, Martin band director Annette Blanchard said she planned to do a little body percussion  snaps, claps and stomps  to get the kids up and moving, and to give them some normalcy.

Im ready to count my ducks and make sure theyre all alright, she said.
The New Orleans City Council on Thursday ratified a new employee pay plan in which all city workers will make at least $15 per hour.

The long-awaited hike from the current hourly minimum wage of $11.19 is effective next year under the councils resolution, which ensures the 2022 city budget will include the wage hikes.

While it was a momentous occasion for advocates and their council allies who have worked for years to increase the minimum wage for city workers, they also acknowledged the limitations of the accomplishment.

'Living wage' rate for city contractors backed by New Orleans City Council; see pay changes Municipal contractors must pay their employees at least $15 per hour within two years under rules the New Orleans City Council passed Thursday

The resolution on Thursday has no bearing on the private sector, although the council adopted an ordinance in July requiring city contractors to also pay their employees a minimum of $15 an hour by 2023.

District C Councilmember Kristin Gisleson Palmer said she hoped other employers would follow the citys lead, as she said had occurred after the city adopted a ban the box policy in 2019 which banned criminal background checks on job candidates prior to their being interviewed.

One way that government can work is to set the tone for equity, Palmer said.

Advocates have been pushing for better pay for city employees and contractors for more than a decade. Councilmember Jared Brossett first spearheaded a living wage ordinance in 2015 that increased minimum hourly wages for contracted employees to $10.55.

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Several New Orleans public works employees walk off job, protesting pay and working conditions Several employees in the city's Department of Public Works reported to a protest on the steps of City Hall on Monday instead of to their jobs,

Brosset on Thursday highlighted the lack of a statewide minimum wage, meaning the federal rate of $7.25 an hour is Louisianas minimum wage by default.

No family can live off $7.25. Its incomprehensible, Brossett said. We will continue to fight to make sure that (the state Legislature) gets its act together and creates a minimum wage law.

Advocates with Step Up Louisiana counted the resolution as an important win, but said they would continue to push for a statewide minimum wage of $15 an hour.

People are talking about a labor shortage, said Ben Zucker of Step Up Louisiana. We see a wage shortage.

The New Orleans Civil Service Commission, which is constitutionally authorized to set city employee pay scales with City Council ratification, approved the new plan on Sept. 29. The commissions action fulfilled the wishes of the council and Mayor LaToya Cantrells administration, who have been unified in supporting an increase.

The commission did not provide a cost estimate with the amended plan, but it appears similar to one the administration proposed in August that would add about $10 million to the citys payroll. The new plan combines a citywide property tax for the New Orleans Fire Department with new base pay rates to meet the $15 threshold for firefighters.
Seven candidates are running in a New Orleans City Council District C race that has raised important questions about how the city manages crime and vacation rentals.

They are: nonprofit executive Stephanie Bridges, lawyer Freddie King III, business owner Alonzo Knox, cosmetologist Vincent Milligan Jr. and business owners Stephen Mosgrove, Frank Perez and Barbara Waiters.

All hope to replace City Council member Kristin Gisleson Palmer, who is running for council member at-large.

District C encompasses Algiers, the French Quarter, the Marigny, Treme, St. Roch and the Bywater. The primary is Nov. 13, and a runoff, if needed, will be Dec. 11.

Stephanie Bridges

Bridges, the director of the New Orleans Council for Community and Justice, a nonprofit focused on fighting bias and racism, signed up for the council race because she sees an opportunity to fix some of the city's long-standing problems.

She also said that as a former city attorney, she's familiar with local government's inner workings.

"Looking at the streets, the blight, and the crime ... there is so much that needs to be done in this city to better our community and to improve the quality of life for our citizens," said Bridges, a 60-year-old Democrat.

The New Orleans Police Department needs help, but not necessarily more money, Bridges said. Instead, the force should examine why it is losing so many of the officers it hires each year, and why it has trouble recruiting them at all.

The council's regulation of Entergy New Orleans is inadequate, as Entergy mounted a sluggish response to Hurricane Ida's pummeling of its grid, Bridges said.

STEPHANIE BRIDGES 60. Born in New Orleans, lives in Algiers. Graduated from John Ehret Senior High School; bachelor's of arts in communications from University of New Orleans; juris doctorate, Loyola University College of Law. President, New Orleans Council for Community and Justice. Former city attorney. Democrat since 1979. Ran for Orleans Parish Criminal Court Judge, Division K, 2020. Website: https://www.stephanieforcouncil.com/

Freddie King III

King, 37, is a Democrat and a lawyer at his own firm. As a mentor of boys and young men in the New Orleans area, member of the InspireNOLA charter school board, and constituent services director in former City Council member Nadine Ramsey's office, King said he's well prepared for the job he seeks.

"A lot of people say what they are going to do," King said. "But I have been doing things in my community for several years, not as an elected official, and with limited resources."

King said the New Orleans Police Department should expand its ranks by reducing its age requirement from 20 to 19. Mental health experts, not police, should be responding to calls involving mental health crises. And the New Orleans Recreation Development Commission needs more money for its programs, he said.

To stop illegal vacation rentals, the city should raise the fine it imposes on rulebreakers from $500 per offense to $2000, he said.

Officials should also create a nighttime enforcement team that would monitor operators who post their illegal whole-home rentals at night, when City Hall would otherwise be closed.

FREDDIE KING III 37. Born in New Orleans; lives in Algiers. Graduated from Archbishop Shaw High School; bachelor's of arts in liberal arts, Southeastern Louisiana University; juris doctorate, Southern University Law School. Lawyer, King Law Firm. Former attorney at Orleans Parish Public Defender's office. Lifelong Democrat. Orleans Parish Democratic Executive Committee member, 2020 to present. Former director of constituent services for New Orleans City Council District C member Nadine Ramsey. Website: https://www.ElectFreddieKing.com

Alonzo Knox

Knox, a Democrat who owns Backatown Coffee Parlor in the Iberville neighborhood, said residents should see his candidacy as a breath of fresh air for anyone looking for real change.

"It's the same-old people running for office, and it's the same results that we keep getting," said Knox, 50. "I'm independent, and I'm not relying on any political machine or social group."

Violent crime will taper off when more resources are put into crime-ravaged neighborhoods, Knox said. First responders should also get higher salaries, and New Orleans should have a dedicated lab to process DNA and other evidence key in solving crimes. Currently, New Orleans police outsource that lab work to the Louisiana State Police.

Knox also proposed an Office of Night life and Culture that would hold the owners of vacation rentals accountable when they break the city's rules. Those rules should also be tweaked to prevent rental operators from taking over large swaths of city neighborhoods, he added.

ALONZO KNOX 50. Born in Baton Rouge, lives in Treme. Graduated from Glen Oaks High School; bachelor's in law enforcement and political science, Southern University in Baton Rouge; master's of business administration, Trinity University. Owner/operator, Backatown Coffee Parlor. Former sergeant, United States Marines. Former readjustment specialist and human resources specialist, Department of Veterans Affairs; former director of grants and community development, New Orleans Police and Justice Foundation; former consulting manager, Quadel Consulting. Democrat since 1989. Former legislative correspondent, U.S. Sen. John Breaux; former intern, U.S. Sen. J. Bennett Johnson; former intern, state Rep. Sharon Weston Broome; former commissioner, Historic District Landmarks Commission. Website: http://www.vote4knox.com

Vincent Milligan Jr.

Milligan, a 53-year-old cosmetologist who is not registered to a party, moved to New Orleans five years ago after flooding ravaged his Baton Rouge home.

He said that local government often fails to provide basic services to residents, despite collecting hundreds of millions of dollars in hospitality and other tax revenues each year.

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"If we are getting over a billion dollars in the city every year, where is it going?" Milligan said. "A lot of money is being wasted in this city on different things."

The council has too often kowtowed to Mayor LaToya Cantrell, despite its ability to control the government's purse strings and make decisions in residents' best interests, he added.

NOPD needs a bigger budget to allow it to hire more police; so too does the city's public works department need more funding to fix potholes and other infrastructure problems, he said.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission should also be regulating Entergy New Orleans, not the council, he said.

VINCENT MILLIGAN JR. 53. Born in Baton Rouge; lives in the Central Business District. Graduated from Baton Rouge High School. Graduated from Lockworks Academy of Hairdressing. Cosmetologist. Has not been registered to a political party since 1986. Website: https://milligan4citycouncil.com/

Stephen Mosgrove

Mosgrove, a 50-year-old Democrat, is running because he wants to create a New Orleans that people never want to leave. The city needs better police protection, an economy that offers more than tourism, and an efficient government, he said.

"I've been an early and longtime voice advocating for positive progress in New Orleans," Mosgrove said.

He said the government should serve people, "and not the political ambitions within the political machines and circles."

Mosgrove would prioritize crime reduction and the revitalization of small businesses in Algiers and along St. Claude Avenue and North and South Claiborne avenues. He would also work to revive Algiers' Brechtel Park.

STEPHEN MOSGROVE 50. Born in Marrero, lives in Algiers. Graduated from Jesuit High School; bachelor's of arts in political science, Boston College; master's of business administration, University of New Orleans. Owner, Via Consulting. Former neighborhood liaison to City Council District A, mayor's neighborhood engagement office. Former disaster recovery specialist. Former staffer in mayor's economic development office. Democrat since 1989. Former legislative aide to Councilmember Cynthia Willard-Lewis, 2001-2002. Worked for Donald Mintz mayoral campaign, 1994. Worked on Ann Duplessis' state senate campaign, 2004. Worked for Eugene Green, multiple campaigns. Website: https://www.stephenmosgrove.com

Frank Perez

Perez, a 53-year-old Democrat, is running for the District C seat because he hopes to remedy the dysfunction he said has long been present in every facet of local government. An anemic Department of Public Works, spotty sanitation collections and inadequate zoning laws are just some examples, he said.

"People say, 'Oh, that's just New Orleans. That's the way things have always been,'" Perez said. "Look, I think we can keep our quirkiness, our eccentricity, our oddball nature of our city, without being incompetent."

Perez wants to beef up the police force by allowing lateral transfers of officers from other departments.

He would also push the Orleans Parish Juvenile Court to expand its services, and enforce long-held city laws that have long gone ignored.

He also favors opening a "nighttime city government" to catch violators of short-term rental rules and of the city's noise ordinance.

FRANK PEREZ 53. Born in Baton Rouge, lives in the French Quarter. Graduated from Trafton Academy; bachelor's of science, University of Louisiana at Lafayette; master's of arts; University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Tour guide. Author. Instructor, Loyola University. Former instructor, Delgado Community College. Democrat since 1986. Website: https://www.frankperezcitycouncil.com/

Barbara Waiters

Having lived in the district for 38 years, Waiters, a 59-year-old Democrat, remembers when crime was low and kids had no shortage of after-school programs to keep them out of trouble, she said.

She blames political machines, which have done their part to mobilize Black voters but "have lost their way" when it comes to solving the problems people care about, she said.

"I think we need to go back to basics, and so that's my platform," Waiters said.

The city should create more programs to improve relationships between young people and the police, Waiters said. Upgrades are needed for the decades-old pumps that make up the city's drainage system, and stronger internet connections are needed for residents who can't afford their own service.

The city should also enforce rules that require developers to add more affordable housing units in large projects, to help stop the gentrification of neighborhoods, Waiters said.
Kay Hoover Collins, age 80 of Lancaster, passed away on November 2, 2021 at Bickford of Lancaster. She was born on August 8, 1941 in Norman, Oklahoma to Lloyd and Myrtle (Blair) Hoover. Kay retired from Fisher Catholic High School after 27 years of teaching. She was a member of St. Mark Cath
Harrisburg, Pa. -- A hearing on higher education funding in Pennsylvania took place on Monday. The funding will apply to various Pa. universities.

The 2021-22 budget allocates more than $1.86 billion to the following institutions: The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE); state-related universities of Penn State University, The University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, Lincoln University, and Penn Veterinary School (Penn Vet); community colleges; and grants for students through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

Held at the state Capitol, the hearings testifiers included:

Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Nathan Hench, Guaranty and Strategy, PHEAA.

Dean Andrew Hoffman and Vice Dean Robert Schieri, Penn Vet.

Vice President Charles Gradowski, Finance and Administration, Lincoln University.

Senior Vice Chancellor and Chief Financial Officer Hari Sastry, University of Pittsburgh.

Interim Treasurer David Marino, Temple University.

Executive Vice President and Provost Nick Jones, Pennsylvania State University.

Chancellor Dr. Daniel Greenstein and Chief Financial Officer Molly Mercer, PASSHE

Our focus today was on public dollars earmarked for higher education; where the money goes and how it is used, said Topper. Providing this oversight ensures our investment in our institutions and its students is being spent prudently and in the best manner possible.

With this much funding being allocated to higher education, it was only appropriate that the state Legislature took a deep dive. Our primary duty is to make sure we are being good stewards of taxpayer dollars, said Mihalek. We want accountability and transparency for the public when were talking about five cents of every dollar spent in Pennsylvania. The public deserves to know how this money is being used and how it benefits students. I thank PASSHE, PHEAA, and our state-run schools for helping us to have a better understanding as to how allocated funding from the General Assembly is used.

Testifiers focused on this funding being used to keep higher education accessible and affordable for all students, especially those who reside in the Commonwealth. Since these schools work in partnership with the Commonwealth, in-state tuition is discounted greatly compared to out-of-state rates and it helps to keep the discount rates flat year after year.

Another focus was that these state-run universities have been able to manage their cost structure better in recent years. Marino stated that by better aligning their cost structure with changing demographics, Temple University has been able to cut its operating budget in five of the past 10 years, eliminating $136.4 million from the annual operating budget.

Sastry emphasized that the University of Pittsburgh has had modest tuition increases and has invested in several critical initiatives aimed at reducing student debt. The Pitt Success Pell Match Program was introduced in 2019 and marked the greatest restructuring of financial aid in the universitys history, Sastry said. The program helps students and families with the greatest financial need pay for college by maximizing the power of this federal program by matching student Pell Grants dollar for dollar.

Hoffman and Schieri thanked the state on behalf of Penn Vet for their support since 1889, four years after the school was founded. Without the states support, Penn Vet would not exist in the form it does today, said Hoffman. It would not be able to discount tuition for in-state students, nor would it be able to provide its breadth of services to residents and industry, most notably agriculture, which as you know is regarded as Pennsylvanias largest industry.

Hench, on behalf of PHEAA, took pride in the organization being able to offer higher education assistance while minimizing students reliance on loan debt. PHEAA offers a variety of student aid programs for the Commonwealth, the largest being the PA State Grant Program, and many outreach services that millions of residents have relied upon to successfully navigate the student aid application process.




Mechanicsburg, Pa. -- State public health officials joined community hospital officials to discuss the necessity of the flu vaccine this year.

Acting Physician General Dr. Denise Johnson and Deputy Secretary of Health Preparedness and Community Protection Ray Barishansky today joined public health officials from UPMC West Shore to urge residents to get their flu vaccine at the start of flu season as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Every flu season is different and this flu season leaves a lot of unknowns, said Dr. Johnson. One thing we do know is the flu is serious and can be deadly, which is why it is extremely important that Pennsylvanians are receiving their flu vaccine now. While there is no better measure to protect yourself from flu than to get a flu vaccine, I encourage people to take other preventative measures to protect themselves from the spread of the flu.

This year, both the flu shot and nasal spray are available and recommended for everyone six months of age and older to protect against the flu. The flu vaccine can often diminish the severity of symptoms a person might experience should they come down with the flu.

It is safe to visit your doctors office, pharmacy, local walk-in clinic or grocery store to get your flu vaccine, said Barishansky. There are also seasonal flu clinics distributing the flu shot to anyone ages six months and older. A full list of upcoming clinics can be found at health.pa.gov. The vaccine process is quick, easy and helps protect not only yourself, but anyone you may come into contact with this flu season. We recommend doing so before flu activity begins in your community, ideally before the end of October.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness, caused by the influenza virus. It attacks the nose, throat and lungs and may include the following symptoms:

Fever

Headache

Tiredness

Dry cough

Sore throat

Nasal congestion

Body aches.

Similarly, COVID-19 symptoms include:

Fever

Cough

Shortness of breath

Diarrhea

Chills

Repeated shaking with chills

Muscle pain

Headache

Sore throat

New loss of taste or smell

It is possible for individuals to contract both influenza and COVID-19 at the same time.

As our communities start to relax COVID-19 containment measures  such as masking and social distancing  were seeing a resurgence of other respiratory viruses, which does not bode well for the flu season ahead, Dr. John D. Goldman, infectious disease specialist at UPMC in Central PA said. Healthcare workers across the region, state and nation have been working tirelessly for over 18 months now battling the COVID-19 pandemic and the predictive models for influenza are concerning. But there is something our community members can do to help control the spread of flu in our region  get your flu vaccine. Its simple, safe and effective.

Since the flu and COVID-19 are comparable, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. The best way to prevent respiratory illness at this time is to get the flu vaccine. It takes about two weeks for the antibodies from the vaccine to develop protection against infection. This small but powerful action will protect your family, friends and frontline health care workers who will be caring for sick people with respiratory illnesses this fall and winter.

The flu vaccine reduces the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death, while the COVID-19 vaccine reduces the risk of COVID-19 illness, hospitalization and death. It is important to get both vaccines to protect yourself against both viruses. The CDC reported that it is safe to get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time.

In addition to getting vaccinated, Pennsylvanians are encouraged to practice preventative healthy habits like using your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, frequently washing your hands during flu season and remembering to disinfect commonlytouched objects, such as door knobs, light switches, countertops, cell phones and computers.

If you do become sick with the flu, it is important to stay home and rest. If you are at risk for developing serious complications from the flu, or feel extremely ill, you should see a medical professional immediately.

Additional information on how to stay healthy and prevent the flu can be found on the Department of Healths website.




Sunbury, Pa.  An investigation into the assault of a child started in July of 2020 when PSP Stonington received information from Children Youth Services.

Trooper Josh Reiner said he spoke with the accusers mother, who discovered messages on a phone allegedly indicating abuse. According to the affidavit, the accuser told authorities Michael Bishop, 44, of Sunbury would come into her room and touch her underneath her clothes.

Bishop allegedly touched the accuser on more than 20 to 30 occasions during a time span of June 1 to Sept. 2020. On one occasion, Bishop allegedly put his mouth on the accusers bare breast after lifting her shirt up.

Authorities said a forensic interview was conducted on July 8 of 2020. According to the interviewer, the accuser gave the same account of Bishop coming into her room at night when he allegedly thought she was sleeping.

Bishop admitted to the abuse to a person related to the accuser on Sept. 7, 2021, according to court documents.

Bishop told her that the victim was not lying about the sexual abuse. wrote Reiner.

Bishop has been charged with four counts of first-degree felony aggravated assault of a child, two counts of third-degree felony indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age, first-degree felony corruption of minors, and two counts of second-degree misdemeanor indecent assault without the consent of others.

Courts records show Bishop was initially held on $150,000 bail at the Northumberland County Jail. Bishop posted the amount through a professional bondsman on Sept. 30.

Docket sheet
Politics

City Commission candidates speak at Floyd GOP Women's luncheon

pelliott / Peyton Elliott Rome City Commission candidates Elaina Beeman (from left), LuGina Brown, Jamie Doss, Victor Hixon, Tyrone Holland and Randy Quick answer questions at the Floyd GOP Womens meeting Tuesday.

As early voting is set to begin on Oct. 12, the six Rome City Commission candidates spoke at the Floyd GOP Womens luncheon.

Questions posed by a moderator Tuesday ranged from infrastructure and tourism to homelessness and public safety.

The three Ward 2 seats will be filled in the Nov. 2 citywide race. Voters will be able to choose up to three candidates, with the top three taking office in January.

Incumbents Jamie Doss and Randy Quick are running for reelection. Elaina Beeman, Victor Hixon, Tyrone Holland and LuGina Brown also are seeking seats.

5-year issues

Beeman cited job creation as one of the most important issues Rome will be faced with in the next five years.

We have a lot of under-utilized businesses on North Broad Street, Beeman said. I love what the Downtown Development Authority has done downtown, but we need to direct some of those resources to enhance that North Broad Street area.

Creating jobs was also a focal point for Quick, who said the citys educational development and work force development programs should help bring employees to Rome.

Holland said he is concerned about the number of unleashed animals roaming the streets and the potential danger of being attacked by a vicious dog.

Brown said the lack of adequate cellphone and internet service has become an issue, especially with the wave of people working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We have a lot of places in Rome where there is no connectivity, Brown said. I would focus on that.

Hixon said combating the influx of drugs in the city is his priority, adding that drug problems tend to latch onto jobs, housing and homelessness, creating even more problems.

We have to come together and do it as a whole, Hixon said. Handling the drug problem will solve a lot of the public safety issues.

Public safety

Some of the candidates were asked about ways to retain and support first responders.

Hixon said the city would not have to continue to hire additional officers if the amount of crime is reduced, adding that it turns people away from wanting to serve as a first responder.

Doss said the city compensates its police officers well and is working to add bonuses to attract new employees. He said new officers would receive a $5,000 annual bonus. It would increase to $8,000 after two years and jump to $10,000 after five years.

Beeman said she wants to speak with first responders to understand what aspects of the job are deterring potential employees.

Quick said that Rome first responders should be held to a higher standard and that whoever the city hires has to be a fit for the expectations of the community.

Traffic congestion

To reduce traffic congestion, Brown suggested bringing in a tech company to install cameras that sense buildups and help relieve them.

Youll hear me speak a lot about surveillance, Brown said. I come from that industry and its the cheapest way. They will answer so many of your problems.

Holland said he likes the idea of building more roads to thin out the traffic.

Romes traffic is becoming a lot like Atlantas traffic, he said.

City roads

Doss, Quick, Holland and Hixon each expressed approval of the state of the roads in Rome, especially when compared to other communities. Doss said the city is working on a plan to build more roads and Quick said there are plans to pave most of the existing streets.

Theres nothing we can do about paving the state routes, Quick added. Wed have to basically collaborate with the state and put additional pressure on the state to add to the immediate needs. We plan to do that.

Hixon said there are plenty of streets in need of repair and the city is working to fix them. Holland then mentioned some big pot holes on South Broad Street he wants to see fixed.

Trails

The candidates all had different ideas about how to improve Romes trail system.

Brown and Quick favored adding more lights to the trails, with Brown also opting for more surveillance equipment to make people feel safe.

Beeman would like to see bike rental stations set up and more promotion of the trails to tourists.

Doss wants the trails to be linked, citing the Mount Berry Trail that will go out to the Armuchee Connector. He said better connectivity would bring more people to Rome.

Open container

The open container ordinance for downtown Rome was one of the final topics mentioned. A trial period  on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.  is running through Oct. 31.

Holland said he doesnt drink, but wont rain on anybodys parade as long as people drink responsibly.

Brown said that the merchants downtown have been asking for the ordinance for years and feedback has been mostly positive. She said she also likes that it results in having more police on the streets.

Hixon said he has not heard any complaints and applauded the city for the way it handled the ordinance.
Napoleon, OH (43545)

Today

Sunshine and a few afternoon clouds. High 43F. Winds W at 15 to 25 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, then partly cloudy after midnight. Low 29F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
A German retailer has revealed numerous details about the Google Pixel 6 ahead of its October 19 release. Not only has the retailer confirmed how much the handset will cost in the Eurozone, but also its launch date. Google will offer an enticing pre-order bonus for those who purchase the Pixel 6 between October 19 and October 27, too.

4 Reviews , News , CPU , GPU , Articles , Columns , Other "or" search relation. 3D Printing , 5G , Accessory , AI , Alder Lake , AMD , Android , Apple , ARM , Audio , Business , Camera , Cannon Lake , Cezanne (Zen 3) , Charts , Chinese Tech , Chromebook , Coffee Lake , Comet Lake , Console , Convertible / 2-in-1 , Cryptocurrency , Cyberlaw , Deal , Desktop , E-Mobility , Exclusive , Fail , Foldable , Gadget , Galaxy Note , Galaxy S , Gamecheck , Gaming , Geforce , Google Pixel , GPU , How To , Human 2.0 , Ice Lake , Intel Evo / Project Athena , Internet of Things (IoT) , iOS , iPad Pro , iPhone , Jasper Lake , Lakefield , Laptop , Launch , Linux / Unix , Lucienne (Zen 2) , MacBook , Mini PC , Monitor , MSI , OnePlus , Opinion , Phablet , Radeon , Renoir , Review Snippet , Rocket Lake , Rumor , Ryzen (Zen) , Science , Security , Single-Board Computer (SBC) , Smart Home , Smartphone , Smartwatch , Software , Storage , Tablet , ThinkPad , Thunderbolt , Tiger Lake , Touchscreen , Ultrabook , Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) , Wearable , Windows , Workstation , XPS , Zen 3 (Vermeer) Ticker

Google may have announced certain aspects about the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro, including what the pair look like. The company has finally confirmed that the pair will arrive on October 19 too, a date that may coincide with Android 12's release for other Pixel smartphones. Google has not announced how much the Pixel 6 series costs though, let alone when handsets will ship.

However, a German retailer has, or it will do from the middle of next week. According to soniccity on MyDealz.de, they have got their hands on Saturn's next voucher booklet, due to be released around October 13 or October 14.

As the photo below shows, Saturn will launch the Pixel 6 for 649, the device's rumoured price across the Eurozone. Additionally, Saturn will accept pre-orders from October 19 (19:01 CEST) to October 27 (23:59 CEST). Hence, it seems likely that Google will ship Pixel 6 pre-orders on October 28, as a recent Google Camera app update suggested.
Samsung has started to release the October Android update for many Galaxy smartphones and tablets. The update resolves numerous security issues which is why owners of compatible devices are advised to install the update in a timely manner.

4 Reviews , News , CPU , GPU , Articles , Columns , Other "or" search relation. 3D Printing , 5G , Accessory , AI , Alder Lake , AMD , Android , Apple , ARM , Audio , Business , Camera , Cannon Lake , Cezanne (Zen 3) , Charts , Chinese Tech , Chromebook , Coffee Lake , Comet Lake , Console , Convertible / 2-in-1 , Cryptocurrency , Cyberlaw , Deal , Desktop , E-Mobility , Education , Exclusive , Fail , Foldable , Gadget , Galaxy Note , Galaxy S , Gamecheck , Gaming , Geforce , Google Pixel , GPU , How To , Human 2.0 , Ice Lake , Intel Evo / Project Athena , Internet of Things (IoT) , iOS , iPad Pro , iPhone , Jasper Lake , Lakefield , Laptop , Launch , Linux / Unix , Lucienne (Zen 2) , MacBook , Mini PC , Monitor , MSI , OnePlus , Opinion , Phablet , Radeon , Renoir , Review Snippet , Rocket Lake , Rumor , Ryzen (Zen) , Science , Security , Single-Board Computer (SBC) , Smart Home , Smartphone , Smartwatch , Software , Storage , Tablet , ThinkPad , Thunderbolt , Tiger Lake , Touchscreen , Ultrabook , Virtual Reality (VR) / Augmented Reality (AR) , Wearable , Windows , Workstation , XPS , Zen 3 (Vermeer) Ticker

According to multiple reports Samsung has started the roll out of its monthly Android security update for several compatible Galaxy smartphones and tablets. As usual, these kind of security patches do not bring any kind of visible and noticeable changes, but there have been important fixes behind the scenes. Overall the October 2021 update includes 100 security relevant fixes, 68 of which have been issued by Google directly, with the South Korean company contributing another 32.

24 of these security fixes have been labeled as severe, which is why owners of compatible Galaxy devices should install the October update as soon as possible. Samsung fans may already be aware of the fact that the company gradually releases these updates in all geographical regions, which is why this update may already be available in some countries, while users in others will have to wait a few more days. The download of the October 2021 Android security patch for Samsung Galaxy smartphones comes in at approximately 300MB, and it should be available or will be available shortly for the following devices.

Galaxy S series of smartphones:

Galaxy foldables:

Galaxy Note series of smartphones:

Galaxy A series of smartphones:

Galaxy tablets:
Roseburg, OR (97470)

Today

Light rain this morning. Then remaining cloudy. High 61F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%..

Tonight

Cloudy with occasional light rain late. Low 47F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
James R. Poplar III, of Quicksburg, proudly served with the U.S. government for over 40 years. He specialized in national security affairs at both Vanderbilt and the National Defense University.
Golden Corral has reopened its popular Schererville buffet and continues to work to reopen its Merrillville restaurant after a lengthy closure.

The North Carolina-based buffet chain has been welcoming the public back to its all-you-can-eat sit-down restaurant at 915 Eagle Ridge Drive just off Indianapolis Boulevard in Schererville and has been hiring to fill a range of positions at 8215 Broadway in Merrillville.

Both eateries closed last year when then-franchise owner William C. Niemet was arrested in late February after he was charged with killing a teenager in a cold case from 1991.

The Missouri resident has bonded out of jail in central Missouri, but still faces a Class A felony charge of murder in the first degree for the shooting death of a 15-year-old classmate who was found long after his death in a drainage ditch with two bullets in the head.

Before his arrest for the decades-old cold case, Niemet owned at least seven Golden Corral restaurants in Indiana, Illinois and Missouri, according to prosecutors and Secretary of State records.
CROWN POINT  The first person to be charged in Lake County with causing a death by dealing drugs arrived Tuesday at the Lake County Jail to face prosecution.

Kariem "K" Rainey, 45, of Chicago, was charged in August 2020 with dealing a controlled substance resulting in the death of a 36-year-old Schererville man April 2, 2019, from an overdose on multiple drugs, including fentanyl, heroin, codeine, methadone and clonazepam.

Rainey was in federal custody in Illinois at the time charges were filed in Lake County.

Rainey also was facing a charge in LaPorte Superior Court alleging he sold drugs resulting in the death of a 31-year-old Michigan City woman on Nov. 21, 2018, from an overdose of morphine and fentanyl.

In total, investigators linked him to four fatal overdoses and eight nonfatal overdoses from October 2018 to May 8, 2019, according to court records.

A state law adopted in 2018 allows county prosecutors to file a charge of dealing in a controlled substance causing death, which carries a possible sentence of up to 40 years in prison.

In the past, prosecutors filed a reckless homicide charge in drug overdose deaths. Reckless homicide is a level 5 felony, punishable by one to six years in prison.
The Indiana Court of Appeals has unanimously affirmed the murder conviction of a Gary man who shot and killed 69-year-old Alonzo Smith Sr. four years ago in East Chicago.

Stephen Shelton, 54, is serving a 60-year prison term for shooting Smith on April 29, 2017, while Smith was sitting in a silver Chevrolet Impala parked at Wallace Metals, 1200 E. Chicago Ave.

According to court records, Shelton fired twice at the driver's side of Smith's car, wounding Smith, and sending his car rolling forward where it struck a passing truck and ultimately crashed into a fence at a building across the street.

Smith was pronounced dead when he arrived at the hospital. A forensic investigation determined the cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds, records show.

In his appeal, Shelton claimed there was insufficient evidence to sustain his murder conviction because no one directly witnessed him shooting Smith.

The appeals court disagreed. It said DNA evidence linking Shelton to the gun, glove and ski mask unquestionably used by the perpetrator, and multiple witnesses seeing someone with Shelton's unique walking style leaving the shooting scene, along with the other evidence presented at trial were more than enough to justify a murder conviction.
CROWN POINT  A man pleaded guilty Tuesday and was sentenced to a year in jail for attempting to possess illegal drugs while incarcerated at the Lake County Jail.

James L. P'Pool initially told Lake Criminal Court Judge Natalie Bokota he was sorry and didn't understand what he was doing when he urged a woman to mail him papers, which later tested positive for suspected PCP.

At the urging of defense attorney Nicole Bennett, P'Pool corrected himself and said he did know what he was doing.

Bokota said, "I know you did."

Bennett said P'Pool never possessed the drug, because corrections officers seized the mail before it was delivered to him.

P'Pool is also facing federal charges alleging possession of methamphetamine and a firearm, and he could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted, she said.

P'Pool was sentenced last month in Lake Criminal Court to five years for robbery and possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, records show.

P'Pool's co-defendant, Anna M. Thomas, of Gary, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of trafficking with an inmate.

She's accused of mailing P'Pool PCP-laced papers in August and early September.

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CROWN POINT  Some of the 14 Lake County Veterans Treatment Court participants who celebrated their graduation Wednesday appeared by Zoom, while others brought their families.

Lake Superior Court Judge Julie Cantrell congratulated them all for their hard work.

"Sometimes we make big strides. Sometimes we make little strides. Sometimes we do things with great expectations, and sometimes it takes a lot of prodding and poking and begging and pleading," Cantrell said.

"I tell the veterans I will be happy to be your teacher, your mother, your baby-sitter, your best friend, your cheerleader  whatever role you need me to take to help you get through this program is what I'm willing to do."

The coronavirus pandemic changed the way Cantrell, her staff, program mentors and participants did things, she said.

It's not easy to get to know someone via Zoom, so she and her staff started hosting weekly meetings at a Crown Point park to get some face-to-face time outside the courtroom.

Graduate Jerzy Dunlap started a family while in the program, so Cantrell and her staff watched his baby grow as he attended outdoor meetings, she said.

"We had to be more innovative," Cantrell said.
When New York City decided to reopen its school system, the nations largest, on a part-time basis in September, it set off a new child care crisis that could seriously threaten its ability to restart the local economy and recover from the coronavirus outbreak.

Business and union leaders say the city needs to mount a kind of Marshall Plan-like effort to find child care for many of the systems 1.1 million students when they are not in classrooms. They said there was no way the economy  from conglomerates in Midtown Manhattan to small businesses in Queens  could fully return to normal if parents had no choice but to stay at home to watch their children.

The concerns reflected a growing recognition across the nation that the reopening of schools could be the linchpin in the broader effort to undo the severe economic damage from the outbreak. New York City alone is facing its worst financial crisis since the 1970s, with an unemployment rate hovering near 20 percent.

There is no discussion of this right now thats serious, said Kathryn S. Wylde, chief executive of the Partnership for New York City, whose members include the citys biggest private-sector employers. There is not a serious solution. Which means that people will not be able to go back to work.
Just in time for its National Day in October, China completed construction of a new village high in the mountains where the Chinese region of Tibet meets the kingdom of Bhutan. A hundred people moved into two dozen new homes beside the Torsa River and celebrated the holiday by raising Chinas flag and singing the national anthem.

Each of us is a coordinate of the great motherland, a border guard was quoted as saying by an official state news agency, China Tibetan News.

The problem is, these new coordinates are more than a mile inside what Bhutan considers its territory.

The construction, documented in satellite photos, followed a playbook China has used for years. It has brushed aside neighbors claims of sovereignty to cement its position in territorial disputes by unilaterally changing the facts on the ground.
WASHINGTON  The Justice Departments top leaders listened in stunned silence this month: One of their peers, they were told, had devised a plan with President Donald J. Trump to oust Jeffrey A. Rosen as acting attorney general and wield the departments power to force Georgia state lawmakers to overturn its presidential election results.

The unassuming lawyer who worked on the plan, Jeffrey Clark, had been devising ways to cast doubt on the election results and to bolster Mr. Trumps continuing legal battles and the pressure on Georgia politicians. Because Mr. Rosen had refused the presidents entreaties to carry out those plans, Mr. Trump was about to decide whether to fire Mr. Rosen and replace him with Mr. Clark.

The department officials, convened on a conference call, then asked each other: What will you do if Mr. Rosen is dismissed?

The answer was unanimous. They would resign.

Their informal pact ultimately helped persuade Mr. Trump to keep Mr. Rosen in place, calculating that a furor over mass resignations at the top of the Justice Department would eclipse any attention on his baseless accusations of voter fraud. Mr. Trumps decision came only after Mr. Rosen and Mr. Clark made their competing cases to him in a bizarre White House meeting that two officials compared with an episode of Mr. Trumps reality show The Apprentice, albeit one that could prompt a constitutional crisis.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced on Wednesday that it planned to return two brass plaques from its collection, part of the group of West African artifacts known as the Benin Bronzes, to Nigeria, making it the latest institution to pursue repatriation of the looted works.

It has also brokered the return of a third object  a brass head produced in the city of Ife around the 14th century  that had been offered to the museum for sale.

The Met is pleased to have initiated the return of these works and is committed to transparency and the responsible collecting of cultural property, the museum said in a statement.

The two 16th-century brass plaques, Warrior Chief and Junior Court Official, were created at the Court of Benin.
Firefighters in Turkey struggled to contain dozens of wildfires raging for a fourth day on Saturday, as fast-spreading blazes forced popular holiday resorts and dozens of rural areas along the Mediterranean coast to be evacuated.

The fires, which authorities say may have been sparked by arson or human negligence, have killed at least six people, officials said Saturday, and injured roughly 200 others.

As tourists were forced to flee hotels, some on boats as flames licked closer, local residents in rural areas watched the fires burn their homes, kill their livestock and destroy their businesses.

Our lungs are burning, our future is burning, Muhittin Bocek, the mayor of Antalya, a resort city, said in a telephone interview from the ravaged town of Manavgat, about 50 miles east along the coast.
From January to July this year, exports to China totaled 1.77 billion Swiss francs, or more than $1.9 billion, a 63.7 percent increase over the same period in 2019. And exports to the United States, Switzerlands No. 2 market, totaled 1.7 billion Swiss francs, a 26.2 percent increase over the 2019 period.

In contrast, exports to Hong Kong from January to July totaled 1.3 billion Swiss francs, a 24.1 percent decline from the 2019 period, putting it into the No. 3 position.

While current events have reshaped the distribution picture in the short term, said Karine Szegedi, managing partner and head of fashion and luxury at Deloitte Switzerland, the long-term outlook will ride on the purchasing power of the digitally savvy, wealthy and brand-conscious Chinese consumer; the opportunities afforded to them to buy luxury products domestically; and the increase in brands (both groups and independents) flocking to China either physically or virtually, she wrote in an email.

For many Swiss watchmakers, that future is already here.

In an August interview with the watch industry publication Europa Star, Georges Kern, the chief executive of Breitling, said the companys financial year ended in March with 90 percent year-over-year growth in the Chinese market.

We still need to triple or even quadruple our turnover there to reach the level we feel we should be at, he told Europa Star. We are already in the top five watchmakers in the United States and the United Kingdom, and we aim to reach the top seven in China. Its not a problem of strategy but of implementation. We have 30 boutiques and 50 points of sales there, but we will eventually have at least 150 outlets.
WASHINGTON  The Biden administration on Thursday took the first steps that would allow it to begin the process of protecting Alaskas pristine Bristol Bay, one of the worlds most valuable sockeye salmon fisheries that also sits atop massive copper and gold deposits long coveted by mining companies.

The administration filed a motion in the United States District Court for Alaska to quash a Trump-era decision that had stripped environmental protections for Bristol Bay, about 200 miles southwest of Anchorage. If the court agrees, the administration could begin crafting permanent protections for the area.

In a statement, the Environmental Protection Agency argued that the administration of President Donald J. Trump acted unlawfully in 2019 when it rejected concerns that a proposed massive gold and copper mine would threaten the fisheries, withdrawing federal protections from Bristol Bay.

The move will have little immediate effect because the Trump administration ultimately denied an essential permit for the project, known as Pebble Mine, in 2020. That happened after President Trumps son Donald Trump Jr. and the Fox News personality Tucker Carlson, both of whom enjoyed hunting and fishing in the region, joined environmental activists and Native tribes to oppose the mine in an unlikely coalition.
Leaving it to you to decide how to comment on that one.

McConnells obsession is Republican victories next year that will turn him back into Senate majority leader. In a perfect world his members would be hopping up and down, offering amendments that would force the Democrats to take embarrassing votes on anything from tax hikes to the price Hunter Bidens paintings fetch.

And, of course, shifting the whole blame for the national debt in one direction. Lets be clear: With a Democratic President, a Democratic House, and a Democratic Senate, Democrats have every tool they need to raise the debt limit. It is their sole responsibility, McConnell tweeted.

Im so sorry about this  here you are, a concerned citizen whos just started planning Covid-conscious holiday parties. And all of a sudden youve got to wrestle with a complicated financial story that requires a great deal of time contemplating Mitch McConnell.

And thats almost never much fun. Some folks still dont think I spend enough time with Congress, mused Barack Obama when he was president. Why dont you get a drink with Mitch McConnell, they ask. Really?

McConnell does inspire a lot of colorful commentary about his colorlessness. One columnist suggested McConnell normally displays the emotional range of a coat rack. In a Times profile, Charles Homans wrote that the Republican leader used this blankness to great advantage in accomplishing his goals, just like a spy or a pinto bean.

God knows hes never been beloved in his home state. McConnell won an easy re-election victory last year, and just a few months later, a statewide survey found 53 percent of his fellow Kentuckians said they disapproved of his performance. It does suggest that like so very many people in the senators life, his constituents are mainly interested in what they can get out of him.

One of the deeply ironic aspects of McConnells sudden demand that the Democrats be forced to raise the debt limit with as many difficult votes as possible, is his own enormous affection for accomplishing his goals in the equivalent of a legislative closet. Remember when he killed so many of Obamas judicial nominations? Didnt even hold hearings on them.
Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin of Idaho took advantage of an out-of-state trip by Gov. Brad Little on Tuesday to issue an executive order forbidding educational institutions to require proof of vaccination from employees. She said on Twitter that in her pursuit of individual liberty, she had fixed an order the governor had issued earlier.

Governor Littles order, made in the spring, prohibits state agencies from requiring or issuing proof of Covid vaccinations, but does not specifically name universities and public K-12 schools. When he returned Wednesday from a trip to Texas, he promptly repealed Ms. McGeachins order, writing that he had notified her that no official business would require her services in an acting governor capacity during his absence.

The lieutenant governor, who is elected independently of the governor, is challenging Mr. Little for the position, and the two have feuded throughout their tenure. Ms. McGeachin has consistently criticized Mr. Littles measures to contain the virus, casting his restrictions as government overreach. And this week was not their first round of political one-upping.

In May, when Mr. Little was away at the Republican Governors Association conference, Ms. McGeachin issued a ban on mask mandates, which he then repealed. Idaho did not have a statewide mask mandate, but an executive order required masks at long-term care facilities and said they were strongly recommended elsewhere. Nor did Mr. Little prevent municipalities from issuing their own directives on masks.
President Biden will meet President Xi Jinping of China for their first summit by the end of this year  but virtually, not in person, a concession to a pandemic era and a recognition of the dangers of going an entire year into a new presidential term without a formal meeting between the leaders of the worlds largest and second-largest economies.

The announcement on Wednesday from American officials came after a six-hour meeting between Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, and his closest Chinese counterpart, Yang Jiechi, Beijings top diplomat.

American officials had sought an in-person meeting. But Mr. Xi has not left Chinese territory for such meetings in nearly two years, and will not be at the Group of 20 summit in Rome this month, which the Chinese leader usually attends. Mr. Sullivans meeting came after a Sept. 9 telephone call between Mr. Biden and Mr. Xi in which the two leaders agreed that there was too little communication between their governments.

But by the time Mr. Sullivan arrived in Zurich for Wednesdays meeting, Chinas air force had been entering Taiwans air defense identification zone, a clear warning to the island. And the United States had announced a new deal to provide nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, capable of popping up anywhere along the Chinese coast or running through disputed areas of the South China Sea.
The report also detailed a Jan. 2 confrontation during which Mr. Clark seemed to both threaten and coerce Mr. Rosen to send the letter. He first raised the prospect that Mr. Trump could fire Mr. Rosen, and then said that he would decline any offer to replace Mr. Rosen as acting attorney general if Mr. Rosen sent the letter.

Mr. Clark also revealed during that meeting that he had secretly conducted a witness interview with someone in Georgia in connection with election fraud allegations that had already been disproved.

The report raised fresh questions about what role Representative Scott Perry, Republican of Pennsylvania, played in the White House effort to pressure the Justice Department to help upend the election. Mr. Perry called Mr. Donoghue to pressure him into investigating debunked election fraud allegations that had been made in Pennsylvania, the report said, and he complained to Mr. Donoghue that the Justice Department was not doing enough to look into such claims.

Mr. Clark, the report said, also told officials that he had participated in the White Houses efforts at Mr. Perrys request, and that the lawmaker took him to a meeting at the Oval Office to discuss voter fraud. That meeting occurred at around the same time that Mr. Perry and members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus met at the White House to discuss the Jan. 6 certification of the election results.

The report confirmed that Mr. Trump was the reason that Mr. Pak hastily left his role as U.S. attorney in Atlanta, an area that Mr. Trump wrongly told people he had won. Mr. Trump told top Justice Department officials that Mr. Pak was a never-Trumper, and he blamed Mr. Pak for the F.B.I.s failure to find evidence of mass election fraud there.

During the Jan. 3 meeting in the Oval Office, Mr. Donoghue and others tried to convince Mr. Trump not to fire Mr. Pak, as he planned to resign in just a few days. But Mr. Trump made it clear to the officials that Mr. Pak was to leave the following day, leading Mr. Donoghue to phone him that evening and tell him he should pre-emptively resign.

Mr. Trump also went outside the normal line of succession to push for a perceived loyalist, Bobby L. Christine, to run the Atlanta office. Mr. Christine had been the U.S. attorney in Savannah, and had donated to Mr. Trumps campaign.
Nancy Northup, the president and chief executive of the Center for Reproductive Rights, said in a statement that clinics her group represents hope to resume full abortion services as soon as they are able, even though the threat of being sued retroactively will not be completely gone until S.B. 8 is struck down for good.

Whole Womans Health, a group that operates four clinics in the state, said in a statement that it was making plans to resume abortion care up to 18 weeks as soon as possible.

A spokeswoman said she did not know precisely when that would be.

Texas, for its part, notified the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit on Wednesday night that it would appeal the ruling. The court is one of the most conservative in the country. Mr. Seago estimated that decision could come in as soon as a few days.

Judge Pitman enjoined Texas or anyone acting on its behalf from enforcing the law. He also said state court judges and state court clerks who had the power to enforce or administer the law were not to do so.

Mr. Seago said that his organization expected Judge Pitman to rule in favor of the clinics, but that his decision to enjoin judges and clerks was a surprise.

We expected him to look for a way to do this, but we are astonished he created a way to enjoin state judges and court staff, Mr. Seago said.

In Washington, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland hailed the ruling as a victory for women in Texas and for the rule of law.
A state of emergency was imposed at Civil Hospital in Quetta, where officials issued a call to all medical personnel for help.

Adeel Ahmed, an official with the provincial Home Ministry, said in a telephone interview from Quetta that relief efforts were underway but that some mountainous areas in the district were still inaccessible. Efforts are being made to reach the people trapped in the far-off mountains, he said. The main roads leading to the district that had been blocked because of landslides had been cleared, he said.

Officials said the coronavirus pandemic did not affect the relief efforts. Mr. Ahmed said no virus cases had been reported so far from the Harnai district, adding that residents there did not take the pandemic seriously.

Pakistan lies in an area noted for high seismic activity. In 2019, an earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale rocked several cities in northern Pakistan and parts of the Kashmir region under its control, leaving at least 22 people dead and more than 700 wounded. In 2013, a quake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck a remote area of western Pakistan, killing at least 80. A 6.5-magnitude earthquake jolted parts of the southwest in 2008, leaving at least 150 people dead and hundreds more injured.

One of the most devastating quakes in the countrys history was a 7.8-magnitude temblor in 2005 that struck the disputed Kashmir region and rattled parts of Pakistan, India and Afghanistan. It killed more than 87,000, injured about 38,000 others and destroyed thousands of buildings, including schools and hospitals. Nearly four million people were left homeless.

Salman Masood reported from Islamabad, Pakistan, and Azi Paybarah from Seoul, South Korea.
President Biden on Thursday appealed to private companies to mandate coronavirus vaccinations for employees, asking them to take initiative as an effort that he announced last month to require 80 million American workers to get the shot undergoes a lengthy rule-making process and may not go into effect for weeks.

The president, delivering remarks at a construction site outside Chicago, said that encouraging Americans to get vaccinated had helped, but it had not gone far enough to address the pandemic.

Even after all of these efforts, we still have more than a quarter of the people in the United States who are eligible for vaccinations but didnt get the shot, Mr. Biden said. Thats why Ive had to move toward requirements.

He said mandates had not been his first instinct, but the requirements were already proving that they work.
Over his long, provocative career, the artist Billy Apple changed his name, registered it as a trademark, branded products with it, had his genome sequenced and, finally, arranged to have his cells extracted and stored so that they might survive forever even if he could not. He died on Sept. 6 at his home in Auckland, New Zealand, at 85.

The cause was esophageal cancer, said Mary Morrison, his wife and collaborator.

He was born Barrie Bates in Auckland but became Billy Apple in London after graduating, barely, from the Royal College of Art in 1962, one of a rebellious cohort that included David Hockney and R.B. Kitaj.

By 1964 he was in New York City (subletting a loft on the Bowery from the sculptor Eva Hesse) and showing his work. His cast bronze, half-eaten watermelon slice was one of many objects included in The American Supermarket, an early Pop spectacle at the Bianchini Gallery on Manhattans Upper East Side, where one could buy artists versions of real products: a painted turkey by Roy Lichtenstein, candy made by Claes Oldenburg and Campbells soup cans signed by Andy Warhol. The gallerist took orders on a grocers pad.
New York City Ballet announced on Thursday that it was promoting two dancers to the role of principal and one to soloist, elevating young talent as six of its longtime performers are set to depart and the company seeks to make an energized return after the long pandemic shutdown.

The soloists Unity Phelan and Indiana Woodward will become principals, and Roman Mejia, a member of the corps de ballet, will rise to the rank of soloist, the company said in a news release. The promotions come at a time when City Ballet has been back onstage for just over two weeks, performing for vaccinated, masked and often ebullient crowds.

In the opening night of the long-awaited new season, Woodward, 27, burst back onto the stage, featured in the one-night-only performance of George Balanchines Symphony in C. Phelan, 26, appeared in Alexei Ratmanskys vibrant and lively Russian Seasons the next night.
The close friendship between Jay DeFeo and Bruce Conner, leading figures on the San Francisco art scene, is the stuff of bohemian legend. They spoke to each other so often that DeFeo nicknamed Conner Telephone, and their long, meandering conversations spilled over into their work. A captivating two-person show at the Paula Cooper Gallery, We Are Not What We Seem, is the first to consider their constructive and touching influence on each other.

DeFeo, who died in 1989, at age 60, is known for a single work, her astounding Rose, a monumental accretion of oil paint that consumed her for more than seven years. Working in her apartment on Fillmore Street, she applied pigment in gloppy impastos, then chiseled into the paint. What finally emerged was an 11-foot-tall, ash-gray slab incised with a central starburst radiating white lines. The piece (which, by a happy coincidence, is now on view in the permanent-collection galleries of the Whitney Museum of American Art) has a visionary energy and can put you in mind of William Blakes blazing 19th-century suns.
Three things stand out about the current edition of Greater New York, a survey at MoMA PS1 of artists living and working in New York, which happens every five years: pitch-perfect politics, intense nostalgia and an underwhelming display of new art.

Organized by a curatorial team led by Ruba Katrib, Greater New York  which opened Thursday  is both a show of our moment and one that attempts to escape it through the trap door of history. In the art world at the moment, its safer to celebrate the underknown, underrecognized and under-acknowledged artist who was radical half a century ago than to dive into the actual messy politics of the present.

The best work here, overwhelmingly, is the art made decades ago, not within the last few years. That is unfortunate, because it gives the impression that great art isnt being made right now. Meanwhile, art in New York is vibrant, which you can see on any given day, particularly in galleries on the Lower East Side, Chinatown and TriBeCa, and in pockets of Queens.
Laura Winters, writing in The New York Times in 1996, called Paradise a shimmering, oblique coming-of-age fable, adding that Admiring Silence was a work that skillfully depicts the agony of a man caught between two cultures, each of which would disown him for his links to the other.

But despite being hailed as one of Africas greatest living writers by the author Giles Foden, Gurnahs books have rarely received the kind of commercial reception that some previous laureates have.

Lola Shoneyin, the director of the Ake Arts and Book Festival in Nigeria, said that she expected the Nobel Prize would draw a larger audience for Gurnah on the African continent, where his work is not very widely known, and that she hoped his historical fiction might inspire younger generations to reflect more deeply on their countries pasts.

If we are not looking very actively and deliberately at what has gone on in the past, how can we forge a successful future for ourselves in the continent? she said.

Gurnah was born in Zanzibar, which is now part of Tanzania, in 1948. After moving to England, he started writing fiction in his 20s. He finished his first novel, Memory of Departure, about a young man who flees a failed uprising, at the same time he was writing his Ph.D. dissertation. He became a professor of English and postcolonial literatures at the University of Kent in Canterbury, teaching the work of writers such as Soyinka, Ngugi wa Thiongo and Salman Rushdie.

In both his scholarly work and his fiction, Gurnah has tried to uncover the way in which colonialism transformed everything in the world, and people who are living through it are still processing that experience and some of its wounds, he said.

The same themes that occupied him early in his career, when he was processing the effects of his own displacement, feel equally urgent today, he said, as both Europe and America have been gripped with a backlash against immigrants and refugees, and political instability and war have driven more people from their home countries. Its a kind of meanness and miserliness on the part of these prosperous countries that say, we dont want these people, he said. Theyre getting these literally handfuls of people compared to European migrations.
Sincerity, not corruption

Why are Democrats struggling to enact an overwhelmingly popular tax increase?

The answer from some frustrated progressives is that centrist Democrats like Manchin have been bought off by the wealthy and their lobbyists. And money does matter in politics. But campaign donations are at best a partial explanation.

Its worth remembering that left-leaning Democrats today are often better funded than moderates, thanks to a large network of progressive donors. Just look at the fund-raising success of Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, both of whom favor bigger tax increases than Biden. If Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona  the Senate Democrat most skeptical of tax increases  embraced Bidens agenda, they would have no trouble raising money.

A more plausible explanation than campaign donations, Matthew Yglesias of Substack argues, is that Manchin and Sinema sincerely favor lower taxes on the rich than Biden does. Manchin, in particular, often looks for high-profile ways to signal that he is not as liberal as most Democrats. For much of his career, skepticism about high-end tax increases has been an obvious way to do so. He and Sinema are where most Democrats were only a couple of decades ago  part of what Paul Krugman, the economist and Times Opinion columnist, calls the partys corporate wing.

Yglesias puts it this way: Sinema isnt blocking popular progressive ideas because shes getting corporate money; shes getting corporate money because shes blocking popular progressive ideas, and businesses want their key ally to succeed and prosper.

Win more votes

In 2021, the Democratic Partys corporate wing has shrunk so much that it represents only a small share of the partys elected officials in Washington. Arguably, the group does not include many more than Manchin, Sinema and a handful of House members like Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey. But it doesnt need to be large to be decisive. The Democrats current margin in Congress is so narrow that the party cannot pass legislation without near-unanimous agreement.

If Democrats want to enact larger tax increases on the rich  and help pay for expansions of pre-K, college, health care, paid leave, clean energy programs and more  the path to doing so is straightforward: The party needs to win more elections than it did last year.

That isnt easy, of course. In many conservative and moderate parts of the country, most voters agree with the Democratic Partys call for high-end tax increases, but have enough other disagreements with the party that they still often vote Republican. And elected Republicans remain almost unanimously in favor of historically low taxes on the wealthy.
Almost a month from the initial announcement, OSHAs standards could still be a few weeks away, as it works through a long list of questions that business groups, like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Retail Industry Leaders Association, have about the finer points of vaccine mandates. A few of the issues include:

Will independent contractors count toward the 100-employee threshold?

Who will pay for testing? Companies? The government? The unvaccinated?

Will vaccine mandates include boosters, if approved?

The White House has made this OSHAs top priority, and I know theyre working around the clock on it, said Lawrence Gostin, a law professor at Georgetown University who specializes in health policy. It doesnt surprise me that its taking this long, because they want to immunize themselves as best they can against a lawsuit.

Attorneys general in 24 states have threatened to sue. Legal experts generally say that OSHA has the authority to introduce a vaccine mandate under powers granted by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. But it is never has before required vaccines in the workplace.

Plans for a mandate could also be complicated by state legislation challenging the move. Montana has outlawed employer vaccine mandates. OSHAs standards pre-empt state governments existing rules, except in states that have their own OSHA-approved workplace agencies. (About half do.) The legal basis for a challenge is likely to be weakest in states that are directly within OSHAs jurisdiction, which include Montana, Texas and Florida.

Even after OSHA finalizes its rules, some employers wary of mandates may not act, betting that they wont be punished because of the agencys limited enforcement resources, or decide to wait out any legal battles before putting in place any requirements of their own.

As executives await more details, a cottage industry has emerged to help companies with everything from testing to tracking vaccinations. Smaller employers, in particular, are worried about managing the new requirements, given their limited resources.

ReturnSafe, a software company that can integrate building access systems with vaccine records, said it had gone from an average of 40 to 60 people booking a meeting via its website every week to almost 300 requests per week after Mr. Bidens announcement. ADP, a payroll processing company, has updated its return to workplace software to add features to track vaccination status and weekly Covid-19 testing. Labor lawyers are walking companies through the complex task of handling requests for religious exemptions to vaccine mandates.

The White House released details on its mandate for federal contractors this month, which gives those workers until Dec. 8 to comply. The guidelines are stricter than the proposed rules for private employers: For example, there is no option for the unvaccinated to submit to regular testing instead of getting inoculated. A White House official said the administration expected many companies ultimately to announce vaccine-only policies. IBM and United Airlines noted that their mandates brought them into compliance with the rule for federal contractors.
WASHINGTON  The tenure of Kristalina Georgieva as managing director of the International Monetary Fund faces a pivotal moment on Friday, when the funds executive board will meet to decide whether she should continue to be its leader after allegations that she pressured staff to manipulate a report to placate China when she was a top World Bank official.

This week, the executive board spent hours questioning Ms. Georgieva about her actions. It also interviewed lawyers from WilmerHale, the firm that conducted the World Banks internal review of the circumstances surrounding the Doing Business survey. The review, published last month, concluded that Ms. Georgieva had played a central role in meddling with the report, raising questions about her judgment and ability to continue leading the I.M.F.

Ms. Georgieva has denied the allegations, and in a meeting with the board on Wednesday she offered a forceful rebuttal.

The WilmerHale Report does not accurately characterize my actions with respect to Doing Business 2018, nor does it accurately portray my character or the way that I have conducted myself over a long professional career, Ms. Georgieva said in a statement to the board, which was obtained by The New York Times.
Neil Barsky said on Thursday that he would step down as chairman of the Marshall Project, the nonprofit investigative news organization he founded in 2014 that focuses on inequities in the American criminal justice system.

In Mr. Barskys seven years at the helm, the outlet won two Pulitzer Prizes, including this years prize for national reporting, and expanded to 54 employees and a budget of nearly $12 million, while offering a template for sustainable nonprofit journalism.

A former financial journalist who made his fortune as a hedge fund manager, Mr. Barsky is now set to pursue a new investment venture that would support and provide capital to female and minority asset managers. He said in an interview that he wanted the new group to embrace the ideals of a multiracial democracy while earning some money, too.

His departure is in some ways a mark of maturity for the Marshall Project, which has punched above its weight as a producer of high-impact journalism. Its investigations exposed, among other subjects, an epidemic of attacks by police dogs and a botched investigation of a rape in Washington State, which won the 2016 Pulitzer for explanatory reporting.
The company is on track to sell about a million cars this year and is planning a major expansion. In addition to the Austin factory, Tesla is building one near Berlin. Its headquarters have been in Palo Alto for more than a decade. The city, home of Stanford University, is across the bay from Fremont.

Tesla is one of several California companies to say they were moving to Texas in recent months. Hewlett Packard Enterprise said in December that it was moving to the Houston area, and Charles Schwab has moved to a suburb of Dallas and Fort Worth.

Mr. Musks decision will surely add fuel to a ceaseless debate between officials and executives in Texas and California about which state is a better place to do business. Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas, and his predecessors, have courted California companies to move to the state, arguing that it has lower taxes and lower housing and other costs. California has long played up the technological prowess of Silicon Valley and its universities as the reason many entrepreneurs start and build their companies there, a list that includes Tesla, Facebook, Google and Apple.

Texas has become more attractive to workers in recent years, too, with a generally lower cost of living. Austin, a thriving liberal city that is home to the University of Texas, in particular has boomed. Many technology companies, some based in California, have built huge campuses there. As a result, though, housing costs and traffic have increased significantly, leaving the city with the kinds of problems local governments in California have been dealing with for years.

Mr. Musks announcement is likely to take on political overtones, too.

Last month, Mr. Abbott invoked Mr. Musk in explaining why a new Texas law that greatly restricts abortion would not hurt the state economically. Elon consistently tells me that he likes the social policies in the state of Texas, the governor told CNBC.
WASHINGTON  President Biden announced on Friday that he will use his executive authority to restore sweeping environmental protections to three major national monuments that had been stripped away by former President Donald J. Trump.

Mr. Biden will reinstate and slightly expand the original 1.3 million acre boundaries of Bears Ears National Monument, and restore the original 1.8 million acre boundaries of Grand Staircase-Escalante, two rugged and pristine expanses in Utah that are defined by red rock canyons, rich wildlife and archaeological treasures.

He will also restore protections covering the Atlantic Oceans first marine monument, the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts, an expanse of sea canyons and underwater mountains off the New England coast.

Mr. Trump had sharply reduced the size of all three national monuments at the urging of ranchers, the fishing industry and many Republican leaders, opening them to mining, drilling and development.
The federal government has attempted this exercise before, during the Obama administration. That work effectively stopped under former President Donald J. Trump, whose disdain for climate science led most agencies to either shelve their planning for climate change or stop talking about it.

Within weeks of taking office, President Biden directed officials to quickly resume the work. Stressing the urgency of the threat, the president gave agencies four months to come up with plans that listed their main vulnerabilities to climate change and strategies to address them.

Nearly every service that the government provides will be impacted by climate change sooner or later, said Jesse Keenan, a professor at Tulane University who focuses on climate adaptation and has advised federal agencies.

The plans released Thursday are brief, many of them fewer than 30 pages. They include core themes: ensuring that new facilities meet tougher construction standards, using less energy and water at existing buildings, better protecting workers against extreme heat, educating staff about climate science, and creating supply chains that are less likely to be disrupted by storms or other shocks.

The documents also reflect Mr. Bidens emphasis on racial equity, looking at the effects of climate change on minority and low-income communities and how agencies can address them. For example, the Department of Health and Human Services said it will focus research grants on the health effects on those communities.
In a sense, she is capitalizing on one of the oldest tricks of wine-lovers, shopping by importer. No wine consumer, not even experts, can hope to know every producer. Instead, over time, they learn which importers tastes tend to align with their own. Remembering the names of several importers is a lot easier than memorizing dozens or hundreds of producers.

One might object that Ms. Taylor is franchising wine, removing the mystery like franchise food options at interstate rest stops rather than independent mom-and-pops. If anything, the opposite is true. She is instead making available in her line good, small, independent producers who otherwise might never have cut through the noise.

The uniformity is the packaging, not the wine or the appellation, she said. My hope is that this convention creates a safe space for people to explore the unknown.

What led her to this project? Ms. Taylor, 44, originally from Concord, Mass., has worked in many parts of the wine business, including retail, auctions, restaurants, distributing and imports. She remembers how she felt when young and curious about wine.

I built it with empathy for my 24-year-old self, living in a railroad apartment with a low budget, she said. Im not against expensive wine, but I just wanted to make something affordable.

She remembered what it felt like to be confronted with a store full of bottles with no good way to distinguish one from the other.

Theres a lot of good wine out there, hiding in awful packaging, she said. Its really hard for the everyday person not-so-into wine to find these sorts of wine. They want to explore, but its hard. Im very much trying to make it less dicey.
An absorbing, resonant, at times near majestic whodunit, Illustrious Corpses is the Italian analog to Watergate-era conspiracy thrillers like The Parallax View and The Conversation. The movie, first seen here at the 1976 New York Film Festival, is at Film Forum in a new 4K restoration through Oct. 21.

As directed by Francesco Rosi, one of the most political of Italian filmmakers, Illustrious Corpses aspires to the metaphysical. The opening sequence, partially set to Chopins Funeral March, has an elderly gentleman pay a visit to the sacred mummies in a dank church catacomb and, reaching for a flower, fall from an assassins bullet  the first of many judges to be shot. The mafia killed him, one orator later announces at the judges funeral. He was the mafia, shout the youthful demonstrators in the street, thus laying out the movies particular logic.

Illustrious Corpses is based on the novel, Equal Danger, by Leonardo Sciascia, a Sicilian author who wrote often about the mafia, ultimately as metaphor. His afterword to Equal Danger, Sciascia calls it a fable about power anywhere in the world. Still, although Italy is never mentioned, the locations  recognizably Palermo, Naples and Rome  are scarcely allegorical.

By contrast, Rosis protagonist is something of an abstraction or a useful cliche. Tough, honest Inspector Rogas (the veteran roughneck Lino Ventura) is tasked with solving the first murder and those that follow. As he theorizes a culprit, an existential policier plays out against a background of strikes and demonstrations, under constant state surveillance. There are strong hints of unseen forces. Playing a judge, Max Von Sydow materializes as a version of Dostoyevskys Grand Inquisitor advancing a theology of judicial infallibility.
In Prism, the directors Rosine Mbakam, An van. Dienderen and Eleonore Yameogo join forces to ask, Is the very technology of cinema biased?

In 2015, van. Dienderen made Lili, a short film that interrogated cinemas use of China Girls. Thats the name for the test images  typically of a white woman and a color bar  used since the 1920s for film processing calibrations. Prism is the result of van. Dienderens invitation to Mbakam and Yameogo to ponder their professions culpability with her, via Zoom and apart in their own segments. Their answers are personal, cultural, theoretical. Their pieces speak to each other, concurring but diverging too.
But in all her years of serving and helping in times of destruction, Ms. Jackson had never experienced damage to her personal property as she did during Hurricane Ida. This was a new experience, she said. Watching your house fall apart around you was amazing to me.

Ms. Jackson went to stay with family before moving into a hotel, where she and her husband are still living. But two days after her home was nearly destroyed, it was time to get back to work.

She and her team at Second Harvest had been through a handful of storms in the past year, in addition to dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and its economic fallout. So when the hurricane crashed through the region on Aug. 29, We knew what we had to gear up for, she said.

The storm damaged floors and skylights in Second Harvests warehouse, and a downed electrical wire limited one of their truck routes. But Ms. Jackson and her crew reported back to work on Tuesday, Aug. 31, and got started on what they do best: loading trucks with fresh water, ice and food.

Ms. Jackson said it was a relief to get up and go to work.

We are here to help people make ends meet, she said. Were here to do a job, its not the most glamorous thing in the world, but it has the most pride attached to it.
The landlord maintains that the building has been properly maintained and that tenants have sometimes blocked access to their apartments, preventing maintenance people from doing repairs.

Simmering tensions between landlords and renters are not uncommon in New York, but the rent strike on President Street in Crown Heights has a pandemic-related twist. The outbreak has mobilized tenants to take on their landlords. As my colleague Mihir Zaveri explains, the protest on President Street began in May 2020 when a nationwide protest with the rallying cry cancel rent demanded housing relief.

Its not clear how many other protests that were inaugurated then have lasted. Some landlords  also coping with the financial pain of the pandemic  have struck deals with tenants for reduced payments on back rent. But theres no question that in New York, many tenants who lost their jobs owe millions in back rent. Government aid programs and a state eviction moratorium that is scheduled to expire in January are all that has kept them in their homes.

At the President Street building, some issues were well known before the pandemic. Jason Korn, the landlord, led the list of the 100 worst landlords in the city issued by the citys public advocate, Jumaane Williams. The ranking, for 2020, was based on hundreds of open violations of the housing code at several of Korns buildings, including 1616 President Street.

Korn had been listed as a managing agent; the official owner of the building appeared for years to be a limited liability company called 1616 President Street Realty. Korn did not respond to messages left at phone numbers listed for him; Josh Rosenblum, a lawyer for the limited liability company, said he believed that the building was being maintained.
This is a core issue he can tackle, Mr. Patton said.

Another issue Mr. Williams will confront is diversity in his office: Of its 232 assistant U.S. attorneys and executives, only seven  including himself  are African American.

Mr. Williamss ascent follows several years of tumult in the office, which has long guarded its independence from Washington, earning it the nickname the Sovereign District.

Two of the previous four top Southern District prosecutors were fired by the Trump administration, most recently last year when the office was rocked by the dismissal of Geoffrey S. Berman after Attorney General William P. Barr tried unsuccessfully to replace him with a political ally. The New York Times has also reported that Mr. Barr and other Justice Department officials tried to interfere with some of the offices key cases and investigations.

Mr. Williams declined to comment for this article, which is based on interviews with more than two dozen of his former colleagues, defense lawyers and others who have known him for years.

I think he really enjoys the work that he is doing at the U.S. attorneys office, said Addisu Demissie, a political strategist who met Mr. Williams in 2003 when both men worked in Iowa as field organizers on Senator John Kerrys Democratic presidential campaign. The feeling that you go to work every day and are on the side of good is something that for him is a driving force in his happiness, in his professional career.

Another close friend, the actress Natalie Portman, who has known Mr. Williams since they were Harvard students two decades ago volunteering for an arts organization that mentored children, said his career path was no surprise.

There was always a sense that he wanted to go into public service, Ms. Portman said.

But while his appointment to one of the most prominent seats in the legal world appeared to be the logical next step in a remarkable career, Mr. Williamss path was neither simple nor easy. To excel professionally, those who know him best said, he had to overcome his familys pain and loss, including the arrest of his father, a doctor in Georgia, on a Medicaid fraud charge.
In the upstate city of Johnstown, north of Albany, two-thirds of the home health aides at one small agency have notified their director that they intend to quit rather than get vaccinated against the coronavirus, as they are required to do this week under a state mandate.

At the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, the states largest home health care organization, about 400 workers are expected to be unable to work after the mandate takes effect. And in the New York City area, a union leader for home health care workers says he expects thousands of his members will be put on leave.

We need more time, said Joe Pecora, the vice president of Home Healthcare Workers of America, a union that represents about 32,000 home health care workers in New York City and its suburbs. Its unrealistic to get all these people vaccinated by the deadline.

One week after requiring more than 650,000 hospital and nursing home workers to get at least one dose of the vaccine, New York States pioneering mandate for health care workers is moving into a second and likely more difficult phase: requiring at least 250,000 home health care workers to get at least one dose of the vaccine before Friday or face the threat of losing their jobs.
After Hurricane Sandy battered New York nearly a decade ago, city leaders made bold promises that they would remake the city to survive higher temperatures and rising seas.

On Thursday, the City Council, pushed into action by the devastation of Hurricane Ida, moved to step up pressure on city government to honor those promises, approving legislation that requires City Hall to make a comprehensive plan to protect every city neighborhood from the threats of climate change.

Under the bill, the mayor must create the plan to deal with wide-ranging dangers  rising seas, extreme heat and floods from hurricanes and downpours  and a list of solutions that ensures that all agencies work together on the problem.

The legislation also seeks to remedy years of concerns that slow-moving plans to protect Lower Manhattans Financial District have eclipsed equally urgent needs in working-class neighborhoods, like those in Queens and Brooklyn where people died in last months flash floods caused by remnants of Hurricane Ida. It requires the plan, aimed at protecting the citys residents and 520 miles of coastline, to assess the needs of each area and to find ways to first address the most vulnerable neighborhoods.
Eight years ago, Penny Abeywardena met with Mayor Bill de Blasio on the front porch of Gracie Mansion to discuss revamping the citys Office of International Affairs, which, up to that point, she said, had been known for social events and managing parking tickets.

Ms. Abeywardena, 43, who is Sri Lankan American and is the first woman of color and immigrant to serve as commissioner of international affairs, also set out to diversify her office and make it more accessible. To that end, she established the NYC Junior Ambassadors program, which introduces middle schoolers to the United Nations and encourages them to put their knowledge to use in their neighborhoods.

As the United Nations General Assembly convened last month, Ms. Abeywardena sat down with The New York Times to reflect on her tenure as she prepares to step down in December. This conversation has been edited and condensed.

Q. What do you think has changed about the relationship between the city and the United Nations during your term?
At a lunch gathering at the Hotel Astor in 1942, Buck noted that Japanese propaganda was starting to show signs of success and concluded that the United States could not win the war unless it convinced its Asian allies that they would be seen as equals in the eyes of American law. Later, Buck would write that as long as the United States continued to discriminate against Chinese people, we are fighting on the wrong side in this war. We belong with Hitler.

In May 1943, Buck, her husband and a group of intellectuals and publishers formed the Citizens Committee to Repeal Chinese Exclusion and Place Immigration on a Quota Basis. They used their influence in the media to blast out their message. That same month, the House Committee on Immigration and Naturalization held public hearings on the possible repeal of the act. The opposition came mostly from labor organizations, veterans groups and patriotic societies, who dredged up much of the original logic for Chinese exclusion: an Asian influx would bring a wave of morally depraved men who would quickly displace native workers.

But the Citizens Committee had some powerful allies: Top military officials argued that Chinas allegiance was crucial not only to winning in the Pacific theater but also to stabilizing the region after the fighting ended. And in October, as the Exclusion Act was being debated in Congress, President Franklin Roosevelt came out in favor of repeal. In an address, he said: Nations, like individuals, make mistakes. We must be big enough to acknowledge our mistakes of the past and to correct them. By the repeal of the Chinese exclusion laws, we can correct a historic mistake and silence the distorted Japanese propaganda. Just over two years after the Pearl Harbor attack, the law was repealed with the passage of the Magnuson Act, which allowed for some immigration from China.

Buck and her allies had put forth a vision of strength through pluralism  a nation whose diplomatic and economic ties to Asia could be deepened by liberal immigration laws that proved the United States did indeed consider the Chinese to be potential contributors to American society as opposed to inscrutable outsiders. In 1942, a poll commissioned by the Office of War Information found that over 80 percent of Americans considered China to be a strong ally of the United States.

The reality of the Magnuson Act, however, did not match the worldly rhetoric. Roosevelt, who just two years before had authorized the internment of Japanese Americans, brokered a compromise that allowed for only a small increase in the number of Chinese immigrants per year.

Future immigration bills would continue to restrict immigrants from Asia, though some concessions were made. In 1952, Patrick McCarran, a Democratic senator from Nevada, and Francis Walter, a Democratic representative from Pennsylvania, pushed through a complex, endlessly negotiated immigration law that both amplified the rhetoric of fear around Asian and Jewish immigrants and also, counterintuitively, lifted the ban on Asian naturalization, meaning Asian immigrants could now become full citizens. All Oriental countries were given a quota of visas, though they were minuscule: 100 to 185 per year.

But these allowances came with a caveat: Tight restrictions were placed on who, exactly, could come to the United States. Educated, oftentimes wealthy professionals with families were given preference over poor laborers. And while some new pathways for immigrants had been laid out, the bill also contained an Asian-Pacific Triangle provision that capped the number of total Asian immigrants at 2,000 per year.
Twenty years ago, Judy Bolden served 18 months in a Florida prison. She has been free ever since, but she is still barred from voting by the state until she pays all court fines and fees associated with her conviction.

When Ms. Bolden sat to be photographed by The Times earlier this year, she said she had received a letter informing her that her outstanding debt was a few hundred dollars. Then she checked the Volusia County website and learned that she actually owes nearly $53,000. I was so taken aback, she said. I was like, What? Thats not right. I was just deflated. Its like, when is this going to end?

Ms. Bolden is one of more than 700,000 people in Florida who are barred from voting because they cant afford the financial obligations stemming from a prior felony conviction. Its like Im not a citizen, she said. Thats what theyre saying.
It was 2007 and I was in some kind of a souk in Tel Aviv. A three-card monte dealer was encouraging passers-by to find the red as he lifted and dropped the cards from the left to the right. Later, over drinks, I asked the dealer to show me how the grift worked. He put down his glass and looked me in the eyes for longer than felt comfortable before he hit me with it: No one who knows anything about life plays this game, Eugene. I felt almost embarrassed for asking.

Six years later, I found myself standing before a whiteboard in the Mountain View, Calif., headquarters of Ozy Media, a digital-media start-up focused on the new and the next, thinking of that dealer in Tel Aviv. On that whiteboard someone had drawn several concentric circles that seemed to lay out the company goals.

The board and those circles would later appear in a photo taken by Fortune. In front of the board sat Carlos Watson, the chief executive and a co-founder of Ozy Media. Mr. Watson had done time in the trenches at Goldman Sachs, McKinsey and MSNBC and had been educated at Harvard and Stanford. He seemed groomed for this master of the universe moment.

I think you might be a visionary  that is, seeing things that are not there, I recall telling him, as we sat in his office sometime during the first year of working on the launch, plotting the Ozy global takeover. If he managed to deliver on, say, 80 percent of his promises, hed make a believer out of me.
Justice Amy Coney Barrett, speaking not at Notre Dame, where she taught law for 15 years before becoming a federal appeals court judge, but at the University of Louisville, told her audience last month that my goal today is to convince you that the court is not comprised of a bunch of partisan hacks. Media coverage of the court makes the decision seem results-oriented but that is not the case, she said. Judicial philosophies are not the same as political parties. Justice Barrett chose a distinctly discordant venue to make her case that the court is nonpartisan. Her speech was part of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the universitys McConnell Center, named for the Kentucky Republican whose engineering of her confirmation to the court on the eve of last Novembers presidential election, without a single Democratic vote, set a new standard for Supreme Court-related partisanship.

The Supreme Court got off easy in the aftermath of Bush v. Gore. Opinion polling during the ensuing months revealed, to the surprise of the decisions many critics, that the court had not suffered much in the publics estimation. One reason may have been that during the period surrounding the decision, the court did not appear to the public to be as polarized along partisan lines. Two of the liberal justices, John Paul Stevens and David Souter, had been appointed by Republican presidents. Two other Republican-appointed justices, Sandra Day OConnor and Anthony Kennedy, departed from conservative orthodoxy with some regularity.

Justice Kennedy, in fact, wrote the majority opinion in the first important case the court decided following Bush v. Gore, holding that Congress had violated the First Amendment by restricting lawyers who received money from the federal Legal Services Corporation from bringing lawsuits to challenge existing welfare law. That decision, Legal Services Corporation v. Velazquez, issued in February 2001, was an unexpected liberal victory.

The composition and public perception of the court now are very different. All six of the courts conservatives are Republican appointees, and the three remaining liberals were all appointed by Democratic presidents. A Gallup Poll conducted shortly after the Sept. 1 order in the Texas abortion case showed that public approval of the court had plunged from 58 percent a year ago to 40 percent today, the lowest in the 21-year history of this particular survey.

A poll conducted during the same period by the Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania and released on Monday found that 34 percent of Americans agreed with the statement: If the Supreme Court started making a lot of rulings that most Americans disagreed with, it might be better to do away with the court altogether. Two years ago, when Annenberg last asked that question, only 20 percent agreed.

My point is not to suggest that the court should be running a popularity contest, but rather to reflect on the erosion of the traditional reservoir of public regard for the institution. Three polls within the past month show that fewer than a third of Americans want to see the court overturn Roe v. Wade. Yet it appears that only a third of the justices can be counted on to preserve the right to abortion as defined by the courts current precedents. The culture war that brought us to this point may acquire another tangible manifestation as women unlucky enough to live in red states are forced to travel hundreds of miles from home to exercise what for 50 years was their constitutional right.

Ive quoted conservative justices defending the court from what they portray as unfair misrepresentation, but some liberal justices also shared their own views in off-the-bench remarks. It was Sonia Sotomayor, speaking in an American Bar Association-sponsored virtual fireside chat last week, who came closest to the truth. There is going to be a lot of disappointment in the law, she predicted. A huge amount.
But when she pointed to a subtle churn of the lawn in various spots and said that I had moles? That threw me. And thats when I finally accepted that I hadnt bought a house.

Id bought a zoo.

I moved to my forested neighborhood in Chapel Hill, N.C., in mid-July, and in my first week here, before dawn, I heard a shuffling in the crawl space above my second-floor study. I tried to convince myself that it was some echo of rain hitting the roof, but the sound was still there when the weather cleared. So I called in a wildlife removal company, whose workers confirmed my suspicion: I had a raccoon. Or two raccoons. Or a family of raccoons. They couldnt be sure of the number, but they were definite on the encampment.

They showed me the telltale claw marks on the tree being used to climb up to the roof for daytime sleeping and back down for nighttime foraging. That was where they put the trap: at the trees base. The raccoon or raccoons ignored it, so it was moved up to the roof, snug against the exit and entry point, where the raccoon or raccoons continued to ignore it. But sometime during all this human activity, the raccoon or raccoons must have decided that there were safer homes to invade. They left. The company cleaned up the traces of them, disinfected the area and tightly sealed any and all access to it.

Which left only the bats to attend to. They were discovered under the eaves above my garage, and they couldnt be disturbed until Aug. 1, because the weeks before then are when theyre nursing baby bats, who need to be old enough to fly away with their parents. Once they were, a screen with a one-way portal was placed across their nook, and then, upon the whole broods departure, a screen without any portal  a barrier  was put in its place, to create, well, a no-fly zone. I have been bat-free since.

So I can focus on the woodpeckers.

At least one and maybe more of them are fond of the siding on the back of the house, just outside the kitchen. Ill be sitting at the kitchen table, working on this newsletter, when the drumming  no, drilling  commences, a sound thats not entirely familiar and yet immediately recognizable. Its insistent. Its maddening. Its loud. Ill go to the nearest window and bang on it, and that usually does the trick. But whats happening when Im not home? I regularly inspect the siding, knowing that one of these days, Ill find a big hole, which will equate to a big bill. Nature is lovely. Its also costly.

The other morning, I woke to four deer in my front yard. Rather, Regan woke me, realizing before I did that we had visitors and racing to the front door in the hope that Id let her out to chase them. I didnt, but we both marveled at them through the window. I think deer are beautiful. I just wish they wouldnt eat the plantings skirting the path to my front door.

Need I worry about the coyote that I heard one night in my backyard? Theres a fence, but Im forever leaving the gates open, given Regans disinclination to stray. Better attend to that.
Cleo Le-Tan does not have pets. Not in the shop she recently opened. Not in the home she shares with her husband, Alex Detrick, and their two children, ages 2 and 6.

Which is not to say she doesnt appreciate pets, or all animals, for that matter. She most certainly does  enough to establish a bookstore dedicated to them.

On Sept. 15, Ms. Le-Tan opened the doors to what she calls the first animal-focused bookshop in New York, Pillow-Cat Books, on East 9th Street in the East Village of Manhattan.

All my favorite characters are animals, she said of why she settled on the theme, pulling out a Little Golden Book about Little PeeWee, a circus dog, a favorite of hers growing up in France. I do have all these technical books on poodle grooming and it just makes me want a poodle, she said. (We always had pets in the family, and now Im waiting for my kids to be old enough to choose one, she said.)
Over many centuries, journals have served as tools for recording history, as emotional outlets and as creative stimulants. In the current age of self-care and self-optimization  not to mention digital overload  logbooks are resurging, this time as a means of supporting ones mental health.

The Anti-Anxiety Notebook, a tidy blue-and-white volume, is one example. It takes a page, or several, from cognitive-behavioral therapy, featuring work sheets that aim to challenge cognitive distortions  the thought patterns that can make anxiety worse, such as catastrophizing (assuming the most disastrous possibility will play out) or self-blaming (believing that you are entirely responsible for a negative situation, as the book's appendix puts it).

When we were writing this notebook, we were thinking, How do we put tools into peoples hands? said Dr. Hod Tamir, a clinical adviser to the books parent company, Therapy Notebooks. Its hard to sift through academic literature to figure out how to deal with your anxiety. And, he noted, not everyone can go to therapy.

Therapy Notebooks has sold more than 100,000 copies of the Anti-Anxiety Notebook, which retails for $38, since it was released last summer. The company received an early Instagram boost from an admirer: the actress Lili Reinhart, a star of the CWs Riverdale, who has spoken openly about dealing with anxiety and depression. Wes and I had nothing to do with it, Varshil Patel, who founded Therapy Notebooks with Wesley Zhao, said of Ms. Reinharts post.
The friendship between the artists Bruce Conner and Jay DeFeo has assumed almost mythic status in the art world. The two met in San Francisco in the 1950s and began a decades-long aesthetic conversation in a variety of mediums, including photocopy collages, that became so entangled that it can be hard to pinpoint which artist made what. Some of these works  lo-fi, vaguely psychedelic, remarkably composed  are now on view at Paula Cooper Gallery, but the centerpiece is Conners 1967 short film, The White Rose, which documents the removal of DeFeos signature painting, The Rose  weighing nearly a ton  from her studio with the help of a forklift and some strategic exterior-wall removal. Scored to Miles Daviss Sketches of Spain, the film features DeFeo chain-smoking and lying atop her painting as if in fretful sleep, trying to come to terms with the parting. Incidentally, The Rose is on view a few blocks south, on the seventh floor of the Whitney Museum of American Art. Bruce Conner & Jay DeFeo (we are not what we seem) is on view through Oct. 23, paulacoopergallery.com.

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This article is part of the On Tech newsletter. Here is a collection of past columns.

In Facebooks major scandals of the last five years, some of the scary details or breathless conclusions have been off base. But each one has moved us closer to essential truths about how Facebook affects our lives.

In 2016, the worst fears were that a wildfire of Russian propaganda on Facebook persuaded a bunch of Americans to vote for Donald Trump. In 2018, people spun yarns that the political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica brainwashed us with data they vacuumed up from Facebook users. Not quite right.

In the firestorms, there may have been too much credit given to the Kremlin, Cambridge Analytica and Facebook  and too little to human free will.

And in Facebooks crisis du jour, kicked off by a whistle-blowers claims that the company repeatedly chose its short-term corporate interests over the good of humanity, some nuance has likely been lost. Instagrams internal research about the apps influence on teenage girls mental health doesnt appear conclusive, as some researchers told me and NPR reported.
In extended soliloquies, Liddell rails against the spiritual and aesthetic decadence of contemporary culture. Nor does she spare herself from scathing criticism. As a result, the production contains a running commentary on its own status as art.

Liebestod refers, of course, to Wagners Tristan und Isolde. The term is often used as a shorthand for the operas radiant coda, where Isolde sings herself to death in a moment of transfiguring ecstasy. We never hear the aria in the production, although Liddell, dressed as a matador, recites the lyrics to the stuffed effigy of a bull.

While bullfighting is a main trope of the production, Liebestod is also awash in Catholic symbolism. Liddell renders the liturgical in ways both disturbing and absurd, including in a scene in which she mops her own blood with bread, which she then eats. Theres also a double amputee dressed as Jesus and a coffin-shaped glass reliquary filled with live cats. Some of these images seem worthy of Bunuel (an artist Liddell reveres), although the atheistic filmmaker would rise from the dead to protest when Liddell endorses theocracy as a corrective to a society built on secular values.

Although she lacerates herself and her audience (some of whom left; others giggled nervously; most applauded heartily), it is clear that Liddell considers art a wellspring of holy beauty. And at the moments when her production approaches the high-water mark of the art she so venerates, Liddell makes us feel how dazzled she is.

While Liddell performs as if her every minute onstage were a fight for survival, shes not the only person with work at the festival for whom making art seems a matter of life and death. The Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov spent 18 months under house arrest in Moscow on charges of embezzlement that are widely considered to be trumped up. During his long confinement (and the coronavirus lockdowns that came after it), Serebrennikov has directed plays, operas, films and even a ballet remotely. Much of his confinement-era work has dealt with persecution, paranoia and even incarceration, suggesting a therapeutic working through of themes that loom large in the directors new reality.
Her story inspired our call out to readers asking for their chaotic stories of travel from the summer, to help us capture the highs and lows of the moment. Read a selection of responses here, which have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

The early-bird special

I was staying at a hotel outside Port Antonio, Jamaica. I was told about the restaurant on the grounds and the free breakfast, but nobody mentioned the Covid curfew. When I showed up around 7:30 p.m. for dinner, I was told that curfew was 6 p.m., and the restaurant staff had left long ago! However, the bar was open, so I had a strawberry daiquiri for dinner!

 Alice Mathis, Madison, Wis.

One day in paradise

The bucket-list trip to Greenland I planned for my 80-something-year-old parents was canceled  for the second time  less than a month in advance. My parents had worked hard to get strong for the trip, so I was thrilled to find availability on a Tahitian cruise in August instead. With testing before the flights departure, upon arrival and dockside, I kept telling friends I wouldnt breathe easy until we were on the boat. No dice: After a wonderful first day on the island of Moorea, Tahiti entered lockdown. The ship quickly returned to Papeete, the capital, while I spent hours trying to rebook; we then sat at the dock for three days, unable to disembark until our flight. I feel guilty that we went at all, but its so hard to know what to do: Local Covid cases spiked dramatically in just two weeks. Grateful we are all healthy and so sorry for the people of Tahiti.

 Elaine Chen, New York

Traveling a little too light

I took my first flight in 18 months to see my family. On my way back, I breezed through T.S.A. PreCheck, made a joke to the T.S.A. agent about not being used to travel (I forgot about putting all my belongings in the security bins) and then headed to my gate. Right before I got there I realized I didnt have my suitcase! I had left it in my sisters car when she dropped me off. After a minute of hysterically laughing to myself (luckily my flight was delayed), I called her and, in a best-case scenario, she was nearby  my 2-year-old niece had wanted a smoothie. Five minutes later I had my bag. The T.S.A. agent checking IDs and I had a pretty good laugh when I told her why I was back.

 Rebecca Perlmutter, Boston
At least four people, including a child, died in flooding and many more were rescued from inundated cars after heavy rainfall swept through parts of northern and central Alabama, officials said on Thursday.

In Hoover, just south of Birmingham, a young man and woman were found dead in an S.U.V. in the Riverchase residential development, where lakes were so swollen from rainfall that they had merged, Mayor Frank V. Brocato said on Thursday.

He said the couple had been driving down a hill and encountered flooding that had swamped Riverchase Parkway West. They probably didnt see there was that much moving water, and it literally swept their vehicle, Mr. Brocato said.

Lina Evans, the Shelby County coroner, identified the couple on Thursday as Latin Marie Hill and Myles Jared Butler, both 23. The floodwater was so deep that their vehicle went over some guardrails into a swollen creek and flipped upside down, Ms. Evans said.
Archaeologists believe they have uncovered the original brick foundation of one of the nations oldest historically Black churches, known as the First Baptist Church.

The church, at Colonial Williamsburg, the historical site and museum in Virginia, was formed in 1776 by free and enslaved Black people who met in secret in defiance of laws that forbade the congregation of African Americans, according to the museum.

The early history of our congregation, beginning with enslaved and free Blacks gathering outdoors in secret in 1776, has always been a part of who we are as a community, the Rev. Reginald F. Davis, the pastor of the First Baptist Church, said in a statement on Thursday.

He added that to see the actual bricks of that original foundation and the outline of the place our ancestors worshiped brings that history to life and makes that piece of our identity tangible.
A false conspiracy theory about Covid-19 vaccines may have driven a Maryland man to kill three people last week, including his brother, a pharmacist, the authorities said.

The police said Jeffrey Burnham, 46, of Cumberland, Md., killed a longtime family friend, stole her car, then drove about 130 miles to Ellicott City, Md., where he shot and killed his brother and sister-in-law in their home.

He had become convinced that his brother, Brian Robinette, 58, was working with the government to poison people with the vaccines, according to a charging document filed by the police in Howard County District Court. Rumors and false information about the Covid-19 vaccines have circulated widely for months, despite overwhelming scientific evidence that they are safe and effective.

Detectives said that Mr. Burnhams mother, Evelyn, had called the Cumberland police on Sept. 29, worried about her sons mental health and his fears that the F.B.I. was after the two of them.
Neal Sher, a lawyer who for 11 years ran the federal office that rooted out World War II-era Nazis in the United States and moved to revoke their citizenship and deport them, died on Sunday at his home in Manhattan. He was 74.

His wife, Bonnie Kagan, said the cause was most likely cardiac arrest.

Mr. Sher joined the newly formed Office of Special Investigations, the Justice Departments Nazi-hunting department, as a litigator in 1979 and became its director four years later. Its targets were often individuals who had lied to enter the United States after World War II to conceal their Nazi past.

Were going after people who are involved in the most heinous crimes known to modern man, Mr. Sher told CBS Morning News in 1983. For these people to live freely in the United States is contrary to everything this country stands for.

The cases Mr. Sher prosecuted or oversaw included those of John Demjanjuk, who was accused of having been a death camp guard and deported to Germany; Archbishop Valerian Trifa, who, as part of the antisemitic Iron Guard of Romania, was reported to have instigated a pogrom in 1941 against Jews in Bucharest; and Arthur Rudolph, who was accused of working slave laborers to death in the V-2 rocket factory in Germany before becoming the project manager of NASAs Saturn 5 rocket program, which was critical to the Apollo spaceflights.
Mr. Biden said in September that he would use the full force of his presidency to push some 80 million American workers to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, reaching into the private sector to mandate that all companies with more than 100 workers require vaccination or weekly testing. He ordered the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to draft a new rule that would make those requirements enforceable, a process that White House officials said at the time would take at least three or four weeks.

The president said on Thursday that the rule would be put in place quickly, but officials familiar with the process said it was likely to take several more weeks.

In the meantime, Mr. Biden sought to shift responsibility toward companies, which he said would help lead the United States out of the pandemic: Businesses have more power than ever before to change the arc of this pandemic and save lives.

A report released by the White House on Thursday and shared with trade groups sought to show how vaccine mandates had helped persuade more people to receive their shots: 78 percent of eligible adults have had at least their first dose, and data released in September show that unvaccinated Americans are 11 times as likely as vaccinated people to die of Covid-19.

Several large companies  such as 3M, AT&T and Procter & Gamble  along with several of the largest U.S. aerospace and defense companies  including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon and Northrop Grumman  have said that they would enforce the new requirements, according to a report released by the White House on Thursday.
A decade ago, the Chinese government systematically dismantled the C.I.A.s spying operation in the country, with informants captured or killed. Some former officials have blamed a breach of the agencys classified communications system, while others have blamed a former C.I.A. officer later convicted of giving secrets to China. Since then, the agency has tried to rebuild its networks, but the Chinese governments power to track the movements and communications of people has slowed the effort.

A senior C.I.A. official said the new technology center would help the agency stay ahead of new technologies that can identify spies. During the last several years, the official said, the agency has been working to address new technological developments and pushing officers not to underestimate adversarial intelligence services.

In the jargon of the C.I.A., tradecraft is the skills spies use to evade adversarial operatives, find new sources and communicate with them securely. Technological advances by countries like China have forced the agency to update and improve their tradecraft. And the senior official said the new focus on technology and China would help in those efforts to continue to transform their tradecraft.

The changes are also an attempt to refine the broad reorganization of the C.I.A. undertaken in 2015 by John O. Brennan, when he became director in the final years of the Obama administration. Before the announcement, Mr. Burns reached out to former agency directors to brief them on the reorganization and his thinking, several of whom said the changes made sense to them.

The C.I.A. must adapt to the policy priorities of each new administration as well as to the evolving global landscape of national security challenges and opportunities, Mr. Brennan said. If there is any country that deserves its own mission center, it is China, which has global ambitions and presents the greatest challenge to U.S. interests and to international order.

The new reorganization is not nearly so broad as Mr. Brennans. But Mr. Burns is undoing two changes put in place by Mr. Brennans successor, Mike Pompeo, who was President Donald J. Trumps first C.I.A. director. Mr. Pompeo created mission centers focused on North Korea and Iran. Those groups will now be folded back into regional centers focused on the Middle East and East Asia.

With the ending of the Iran mission center, its current chief, Michael DAndrea, is retiring from the agency. The appointment in 2017 of Mr. DAndrea, who had a long career leading operations against Al Qaeda and other terrorist targets, was a sign of the Trump administrations hard line on Iran. And inside the C.I.A., Mr. DAndrea helped craft a more muscular approach against Tehran.
Republicans played a dangerous and risky partisan game, and I am glad that their brinkmanship did not work, said Senator Chuck Schumer of New York, the majority leader. What is needed now is a long-term solution so we dont go through this risky drama every few months.

The bill would raise the statutory debt limit by $480 billion, an amount the Treasury Department estimates would be enough to allow the government to continue borrowing through at least Dec. 3. The current debt limit was set at $28.4 trillion on Aug. 1, and the Treasury Department has been using so-called extraordinary measures to delay a breach of the borrowing cap since then.

The agency estimated that the government would no longer be able to pay all of its bills by Oct. 18, once those fiscal accounting maneuvers were exhausted. Without congressional action before then, economists and lawmakers have warned of catastrophic economic consequences, including the U.S. government having to choose between making interest payments on its debt and sending out Social Security checks and other crucial assistance.

The legislation under consideration on Thursday did not offer a hard deadline for when cash would run out, and it would not restart the Treasury Departments ability to employ extraordinary measures, such as curbing certain government investments, a Treasury official said. Some Republicans said they thought the set dollar figure would ensure the limit would not be reached again until at least January.

The actual X-date will be determined by calculating tax revenues and expenditures. Making such projections has been especially difficult this year because pandemic relief programs have made it hard to predict when money is coming and going.
Executive privilege will be defended, not just on behalf of President Trump and his administration, but also on behalf of the office of the president of the United States and the future of our nation, he added.

The instructions from Mr. Trump were reported earlier by The Guardian.

The deadline for compliance from the committees first batch of subpoenas came as it issued three more on Thursday, targeting organizers of the Stop the Steal rally that brought together many of Mr. Trumps supporters who went on to violently storm the Capitol.

The latest subpoenas seek deposition testimony from Ali Abdul Akbar, also known as Ali Alexander, and Nathan Martin, both of whom were involved in organizing protests around the country  including in Washington on Jan. 6  based on Mr. Trumps lies that he was the rightful winner of the 2020 election and that it had been riddled with fraud. The committee also issued a subpoena for Stop the Steal L.L.C., an organization affiliated with the event.

The rally on the Capitol grounds on Jan. 6, like the rally near the White House that day, immediately preceded the violent attack on the seat of our democracy, Mr. Thompson said. Over the course of that day, demonstrations escalated to violence and protesters became rioters.

In the weeks before the attack, Mr. Alexander, a far-right activist and conspiracy theorist, repeatedly referred during Stop the Steal events to the possible use of violence to achieve the organizations goals, and he claimed to have been in communication with the White House and members of Congress about events planned to undermine the certification of the Electoral College results, the committee said.

Mr. Alexander has claimed that he, along with Representatives Mo Brooks of Alabama, Paul Gosar of Arizona and Andy Biggs of Arizona, all Republicans, set the events of Jan. 6 in motion.

Understand the Claim of Executive Privilege in the Jan. 6. Inquiry Card 1 of 8 A key issue yet untested. Donald Trumps power as former president to keep information from his White House secret has become a central issue in the Houses investigation of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Amid an attempt by Mr. Trump to keep personal records secret and the indictment of Stephen K. Bannon for contempt of Congress, heres a breakdown of executive privilege: What is executive privilege? It is a power claimed by presidents under the Constitution to prevent the other two branches of government from gaining access to certain internal executive branch information, especially confidential communications involving the president or among his top aides. What is Trumps claim? Former President Trump has filed a lawsuit seeking to block the disclosure of White House files related to his actions and communications surrounding the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. He argues that these matters must remain a secret as a matter of executive privilege. Is Trumps privilege claim valid? The constitutional line between a presidents secrecy powers and Congresss investigative authority is hazy. Though a judge rejected Mr. Trumps bid to keep his papers secret, it is likely that the case will ultimately be resolved by the Supreme Court. Is executive privilege an absolute power? No. Even a legitimate claim of executive privilege may not always prevail in court. During the Watergate scandal in 1974, the Supreme Court upheld an order requiring President Richard M. Nixon to turn over his Oval Office tapes. May ex-presidents invoke executive privilege? Yes, but courts may view their claims with less deference than those of current presidents. In 1977, the Supreme Court said Nixon could make a claim of executive privilege even though he was out of office, though the court ultimately ruled against him in the case. Is Steve Bannon covered by executive privilege? This is unclear. Mr. Bannons case could raise the novel legal question of whether or how far a claim of executive privilege may extend to communications between a president and an informal adviser outside of the government. What is contempt of Congress? It is a sanction imposed on people who defy congressional subpoenas. Congress can refer contempt citations to the Justice Department and ask for criminal charges. Mr. Bannon has been indicted on contempt charges for refusing to comply with a subpoena that seeks documents and testimony.















We four schemed up of putting maximum pressure on Congress while they were voting, Mr. Alexander said in a since-deleted video posted online, so that who we couldnt lobby, we could change the hearts and the minds of Republicans who were in that body, hearing our loud roar from outside.
Regulators will have to examine the purity and stability of mass-manufactured doses of the vaccine and determine that it matches the quality and potency of doses given to children in clinical trials.

Children rarely become severely ill from Covid-19, but the Delta variant landed nearly 30,000 of them in hospitals in August. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, nearly 5.9 million Americans younger than 18 have been infected with the coronavirus. Of the roughly 500 Americans under 18 who have died, about 125 were ages 5 to 11.

It really bothers me when people say kids dont die of Covid, said Dr. Grace Lee, an associate chief medical officer at Stanford Childrens Health who also leads a key advisory committee to the C.D.C. They die of Covid. Its heartbreaking.

About one in six Americans infected since the beginning of the pandemic was under 18. But with the surge of the Delta variant, children accounted for as many as one in four infections last month, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The F.D.A. authorized emergency use of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for 12- to 15-year-olds in May. Since then, more than 8.2 million children in that age group have received at least one dose, and more than 6.7 million have been fully vaccinated.

The infection rate in the United States is currently falling, prompting hope that the wave caused by the Delta variant is ebbing. But public health experts worry that the onset of colder weather could result in increased transmission.

Although federal regulators are under enormous pressure to quickly review Pfizers application, they also face other pressing decisions. Next week, they might rule on whether people who received the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines should receive booster shots, both potentially contentious decisions.
The New York Times reviewed two different versions of the video of the meeting, but the footage is brief and occasionally obscured by obstructions like a passer-by and a flag, making it impossible to conclusively confirm or deny Mr. Samsels account.

In its public filings, the government has never explicitly mentioned the video footage of the encounter between Mr. Biggs and Mr. Samsel, who appears to have no ties to the Proud Boys. Prosecutors have in fact left only meager hints about possible connections between the men, noting in court papers this spring that they were both in the same part of the crowd outside the Capitol.

But if Mr. Samsels account is true, it could serve to bolster arguments that some Proud Boys leaders intentionally incited ordinary people in the crowd  or what they refer to as normies  to commit violence during the attack. The government has offered other evidence, drawn from the groups internal messaging chats, that two Proud Boys leaders from Philadelphia were excited by the prospect of riling up the normies on Jan. 6.

The vast investigation into the Capitol attack has so far led to 630 federal arrests and nearly 100 guilty pleas. The conspiracy charges against Mr. Biggs and 16 other Proud Boys are some of the most prominent allegations that the Justice Department has made.

Understand the Claim of Executive Privilege in the Jan. 6. Inquiry Card 1 of 8 A key issue yet untested. Donald Trumps power as former president to keep information from his White House secret has become a central issue in the Houses investigation of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Amid an attempt by Mr. Trump to keep personal records secret and the indictment of Stephen K. Bannon for contempt of Congress, heres a breakdown of executive privilege: What is executive privilege? It is a power claimed by presidents under the Constitution to prevent the other two branches of government from gaining access to certain internal executive branch information, especially confidential communications involving the president or among his top aides. What is Trumps claim? Former President Trump has filed a lawsuit seeking to block the disclosure of White House files related to his actions and communications surrounding the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. He argues that these matters must remain a secret as a matter of executive privilege. Is Trumps privilege claim valid? The constitutional line between a presidents secrecy powers and Congresss investigative authority is hazy. Though a judge rejected Mr. Trumps bid to keep his papers secret, it is likely that the case will ultimately be resolved by the Supreme Court. Is executive privilege an absolute power? No. Even a legitimate claim of executive privilege may not always prevail in court. During the Watergate scandal in 1974, the Supreme Court upheld an order requiring President Richard M. Nixon to turn over his Oval Office tapes. May ex-presidents invoke executive privilege? Yes, but courts may view their claims with less deference than those of current presidents. In 1977, the Supreme Court said Nixon could make a claim of executive privilege even though he was out of office, though the court ultimately ruled against him in the case. Is Steve Bannon covered by executive privilege? This is unclear. Mr. Bannons case could raise the novel legal question of whether or how far a claim of executive privilege may extend to communications between a president and an informal adviser outside of the government. What is contempt of Congress? It is a sanction imposed on people who defy congressional subpoenas. Congress can refer contempt citations to the Justice Department and ask for criminal charges. Mr. Bannon has been indicted on contempt charges for refusing to comply with a subpoena that seeks documents and testimony.















Mr. Biggs, who lives in Florida, was the first of four Proud Boys leaders to be arrested in connection with the Capitol attack. The internal chats suggest that he was in communication with the groups chairman, Enrique Tarrio, on the night before the assault.

Mr. Tarrio himself was not in Washington that day, having been ordered by a local judge to stay away from the city after his arrest days earlier on charges of illegally possessing ammunition magazines and burning a Black Lives Matter banner after a pro-Trump rally in December. He is currently serving a five-month sentence on the charges.

Before joining the Proud Boys, Mr. Biggs was, among other things, a correspondent for Infowars, the conspiracy-minded media company run by Alex Jones. He has remained close to Mr. Jones, who was also at the Capitol on Jan. 6 with his right-hand man, Owen Shroyer, who has been arrested on charges of illegally entering a restricted area outside the building. Mr. Jones has not been charged in connection with the riot even though he was standing near Mr. Shroyer.
Mr. Farriss involvement in the effort, which has not previously been reported, came as part of a broad push by religious conservatives to get Mr. Trump re-elected. Their role intensified after the pandemic hit in early 2020 and states began to loosen absentee ballot rules, which the religious conservatives feared would lead to a surge in participation by liberal voters.

Mr. Farris made a name for himself in the 1980s as the founder of a legal group that successfully pushed states nationwide to allow children to be taught at home, based on a belief that only through home-schooling, away from secular influences in public schools, could a broad Christian movement rise in the United States.

At the Alliance Defending Freedom, Mr. Farris has helped drive the organizations campaign against abortion and gay rights, including the lawsuit litigated by Mr. Farriss team that sought to defend the right of a Colorado cake shop to refuse to sell a wedding cake to a gay couple, a case that went all the way to the Supreme Court.

Mr. Farris declined a request for an interview, but in an email he confirmed his role in the postelection effort, saying his involvement was not a part of his work at the Alliance for Defending Freedom, a nonprofit group that is prohibited under federal law from playing any role in a political campaign.

While its true that I care about this issue on a personal level, it is not something that ADF works on in any capacity, he wrote. As President and CEO, my charge is to focus on ADFs mission, which is to protect Americans God-given freedoms. I have nothing to say about the details of the way forward on the issue of election integrity other than the hope that all Americans take the issue seriously.

A spokesman for Mr. Paxton did not respond to a request for comment.
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With all the subtlety of a bullhorn, former President Donald J. Trump has been hinting that he plans to run for office again in 2024.

And Republicans are so far treating him with the deference they displayed while he was in the White House as they wait to see if he makes his move.

On Saturday afternoon, Mr. Trump heads to Iowa for a rally at the state fairgrounds, a perennial stop on the presidential campaign circuit. Joining him will be several of the states top Republicans, including Gov. Kim Reynolds, Senator Charles E. Grassley and the chairman of the Iowa Republican Party, Jeff Kaufmann  a testament to the former presidents enduring dominance.

Mr. Trumps unwillingness to cede the spotlight has cast doubt on the political futures of an entire group of Republican politicians who have suggested that they might someday want to run for president. And while they  like the rest of the country  cant be sure what the notoriously fickle former president might do, some of them are trying to stake their claims as leaders in the party.
A Louisiana high school student is facing a felony charge of battery after she punched a teacher several times in a classroom on Wednesday, the authorities said, an attack that was recorded on video and may have been inspired by a TikTok challenge.

But TikTok said in a statement that the purported challenge was not a trend on its app and that it does not allow videos promoting violence.

The student, Larrianna Jackson, 18, who attends Covington High School, about 45 miles north of New Orleans, knocked the 64-year-old English teacher to the ground and kept hitting her, the police said on Thursday.

The teacher, who is disabled and has trouble walking, was released from an area hospital after being treated for injuries to her arms and head, Sgt. Edwin Masters, a spokesman for the Covington Police Department, said in an interview. The attack remains under investigation, and additional arrests were expected, the police said.
At least six clinics in Texas returned to performing abortions the day after a federal judge halted enforcement of the nations most restrictive abortion measure, but a majority had not, a reflection of the power of the law the judge froze.

The novel law, which banned most abortions in the state after cardiac activity is detected, about six weeks into pregnancy, continued to exert control over many clinics. Planned Parenthood, whose Texas affiliates operate seven centers that offer abortion services, said on Thursday that despite the ruling it was not carrying out abortions banned under the measure.

The law, which went into effect last month, has changed the landscape of the abortion fight through a unique design that makes it particularly difficult to challenge in court by putting enforcement on citizens, not the state. On Wednesday night, Judge Robert L. Pitman of U.S. District Court in Austin sided with the Justice Department, which had sued to halt the laws enforcement.

But after weighing the risks, most of the states abortion clinics  there are about 24 across Texas  decided not to resume abortions on women whose pregnancies exceeded six weeks because of another of the laws unique features: Clinics can be sued retroactively for up to four years for any abortions they provide while the measure is blocked.
Much like the states with low coverage levels, the parts of California with low vaccination rates are also those that have experienced the worst of this summers Delta surge.

Theres also evidence that people who arent vaccinated are less likely to take other precautions, such as wearing masks and staying away from crowded indoor spaces.

As Kevin Malotte, professor emeritus of epidemiology at Cal State Long Beach, explained to me, They have low vaccination rates because they dont believe its that serious, so theyre not doing other mitigation measures either.

But the trend doesnt stop there. In recent months, highly vaccinated counties in California have also been quicker to insist on masks, testing in schools and vaccines for students and government employees.

On Wednesday, the city of Los Angeles voted to require proof of vaccination to enter indoor restaurants, gyms, museums, movie theaters and salons starting next month. The measure is one of the strictest in the nation.

With these rules, it joins San Francisco, Berkeley and Contra Costa County  places that also already have high levels of vaccination.
The vaccine saves lives but it will not be a silver bullet, said Dr. Githinji Gitahi, the chief executive officer for Amref Health Africa, a nongovernmental organization.

The vaccine, called Mosquirix, targets the deadliest malaria parasite and the most common in Africa  Plasmodium falciparum. While the vaccines are a huge addition to the fight against malaria, said Dr. Gitahi, health officials will still have to deploy a Swiss cheese strategy, which includes insecticide-treated bed nets and indoor spraying.

Faith Walucho is the mother of an 11-month-old who was recently diagnosed with malaria. The 29-year-old trader of used clothing in the city of Kisumu in western Kenya said she received the news about the vaccines with a lot of happiness. In Kenya, an estimated 10,700 deaths from malaria are recorded annually, and Kisumu, on the shores of Lake Victoria, is one of the high-malaria regions where the vaccine was tested.

As soon as shes able to get a dose for her daughter, Ms. Walucho said, I will run to get it.

In Malawis capital, Lilongwe, Jenala Mwafulirwa, a 52-year-old mother of five, welcomed the news of the vaccine, saying that too many children in her family had been lost to the disease, particularly in rural areas where access to health care is limited.

This vaccine has come at the right time, she said.

But in some places, people voiced skepticism about the vaccine, in part because of mistrust of the World Health Organization.

I wonder why they want to help Africa, said Mamadou Tounkara, a 40-year-old-teacher in Senegals capital, Dakar. He asked why the W.H.O. did not instead fund better hygiene and sanitation systems. If W.H.O. wants to help eradicate this disease, they can do it without the vaccine.

Yet public health officials say the vaccine, which has been in development for more than 30 years, has already proved to be an important weapon in the war against the disease.
One of the first things the New York Times photographer Tyler Hicks witnessed after arriving in Afghanistan in late 2001, soon after U.S. airstrikes on Oct. 7 opened the invasion, was the execution of a wounded Taliban fighter. The scene shocked him, upending everything he thought he knew about war and about the Afghan Northern Alliance  the U.S.-aligned fighters who had been his guides and protectors, and the Talibs killers.

It was one fleeting episode in a rapid series of events that unfolded as Mr. Hicks accompanied Northern Alliance fighters, who soon drove the Taliban from Kabul with the help of American airstrikes and Special Operations forces.

Mr. Hicks returned to Afghanistan more than 30 times over the next two decades, chronicling almost every chapter of a war that dragged on nearly 20 years. He photographed American troops in battle, the deaths of Afghan civilians in Taliban bombings, the disputed Afghan elections, schoolgirls attending classes, and the struggles of ordinary Afghans to survive violence, hunger and a conflict that often seemed endless and intractable.

A war that began as a mission to punish Al Qaeda for the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks evolved into an exhausting fight against a determined Taliban insurgency amid a nation-building effort aimed at transforming an impoverished, patriarchal country burdened by decades of conflict. Mr. Hicks was drawn back to Afghanistan by the intense personal relationships he formed with the people he worked with and by the countrys raw beauty. He became invested in the nation and the conflict  and was determined to follow the story wherever it led him.

A particularly searing memory for Mr. Hicks was witnessing the death of an American soldier in 2009 in the Korengal Valley in eastern Afghanistan. The soldier was walking on patrol in front of Mr. Hicks when he was killed by a roadside bomb during a Taliban ambush. Later, after Mr. Hicks sent the family photos of the soldier, the mans stepmother told Mr. Hicks how grateful she was that he had survived the attack unharmed.

His most recent assignment to Afghanistan, in July, brought Mr. Hicks full circle. He found himself near Bagram Air Base, where he had photographed the Northern Alliances execution of the Taliban fighter nearly 20 years earlier.
SRINAGAR, Kashmir  The masked militants barged into a school in Kashmir, a Muslim majority region in India, demanding to know the religious identity of its teachers. Then they separated two non-Muslim teachers and shot them at close range, a police officer said.

The killings on Thursday in the city of Srinagar were the latest in a series of attacks largely targeting Hindu and Sikh civilians in Kashmir, once again raising alarm about the rise of a militancy that drove out religious minority groups from the region nearly three decades ago.

And they came at a time of high tensions that followed the Indian governments decision to strip Kashmir of its semiautonomous status in 2019 and limit civil liberties in the region.

The police did not identify the attackers. But the Resistance Front, a little-known militant group operating in Kashmir that emerged after India moved to revoke the region's autonomy, claimed responsibility for the attack.
GENEVA  Spurred by mounting evidence of Taliban abuses since the group seized power two months ago, the United Nations top human rights body voted Thursday to appoint an independent expert backed by specialist advisers to investigate and report on abuses in Afghanistan.

The Human Rights Council in Geneva adopted a European Union-led resolution endorsed by 50 mainly European and Latin American countries that will install, by March of next year, a special rapporteur and a team of technical experts to monitor human rights there.

China condemned the initiative for overlooking the abuses by American forces and their allies over the past 20 years. Russia, challenging the biased, imbalanced and destructive resolution, also took aim at Americas hasty and irresponsible withdrawal without ensuring a smooth transition of power.

But the 47-member council, after discarding a series of hostile amendments proposed by China, voted 28 to 5 in favor of the resolution, with 14 members abstaining.
Ms. Abrams experience has been in the United States, where former President Donald J. Trump and his followers are seeking to change elections laws in some states in their favor. But the reference applied equally to populists in countries like Russia, Hungary, Turkey or the Philippines who have sought to subvert democratic processes by controlling news media, manipulating the rules and safeguards of democratic institutions, or conjuring up frightening visions of foreign agents, terrorists, drug dealers or radical socialists lurking behind the opposition.

Many discussions at the forum, a three-day event in association with The New York Times, focused on the power of the internet and social media. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, who as president of Estonia led his small nation to become among the most digitally savvy countries in the world, said his greatest fear now was the rise of deep fakes, the ability of bad actors to create a false video  say one showing a politician receiving a bribe  that is indistinguishable from the real thing.

It strikes at the empiricist basis of democracy, Mr. Ilves said. You can no longer believe your senses. You no longer believe in anything.

To the British-Ghanaian philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah, that is the intent of the lies fed by the populists. Russian disinformation, it has often been observed, works not because we believe it, but because it engenders a more generalized distrust, such that any news can be dismissed as fake news, even the truth, he said. An even more dangerous tool of dictatorship, according to Yuval Noah Harari, the Israeli historian and professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, lies in artificial intelligence, or A.I., which promises dictators the ability to satisfy their greed for knowing, and controlling, everything about their subjects.
Covid screening tests in France will no longer be free for unvaccinated people starting on Oct. 15, according to the French authorities, a change that signals a new phase in the governments strategy to quell coronavirus infections by encouraging people to get inoculated.

Unvaccinated people will now essentially have to pay to enter cafes, restaurants and theaters, because under a law enacted this summer, entering many indoor venues requires proof of being fully vaccinated, of a recent negative test or of a recent Covid-19 recovery.

Tests will remain free for vaccinated people.

The introduction of the health pass prompted large protests over the summer, with demonstrators including people calling it an infringement on their freedom, vaccine conspiracy theorists, and activists on the far left and the far right.
BERLIN  After a frantic week of political speed dating among five German political parties eager to form the next government, three of them took the first  very tentative  step Thursday toward forming a kind of alliance the country has not seen before, trying to bridge deep ideological divides.

On Thursday Olaf Scholz, Germanys would-be next chancellor whose Social Democrats narrowly won last months election, met with the leaders of the Greens and the Free Democrats for their first talks  or, to be more precise, talks about more talks  on trying to create a coalition. All emerged sounding hopeful about their prospects.

After a lackluster campaign among candidates who seemed allergic to being interesting, the prospect of a three-way union sent the German news media into a tizzy of sexual innuendo  even before the party leaders turned off their phones, lowered the blinds, shut the door and did not emerge for hours on Thursday.

Journalists and political analysts have shown a limitless penchant for references to flirting, romance, affairs and, of course, a menage a trois  or, in German, a flotter Dreier. On the political talk show Tough but Fair, the host asked, Who needs Tinder when the dating in Berlin has started so energetically? The newsmagazine Der Spiegel asked Mr. Scholz in an interview whether he expected to find love in a three-way coalition.
WARSAW  Polands constitutional court on Thursday set up a head-on collision with the European Union by ruling that the countrys Constitution trumps some laws set by the bloc, a decision that threatens to dissolve the glue that holds the unions 27 members together.

The ruling, issued in Warsaw by the Constitutional Tribunal after months of delays in a closely watched case, effectively challenges the primacy of European law, a cornerstone of the continents push for an ever closer union since it began more than 60 years ago.

In a tart statement, the European Commission, the blocs executive arm in Brussels, said the Polish ruling raises serious concerns in relation to the primacy of E.U. law and vowed to uphold the founding principles of the Unions legal order, namely that: E.U. law has primacy over national law, including constitutional provisions.

The court decision in Warsaw also raised perilous long-term questions about the future European Union membership of Poland, the most populous and economically important nation in a group of former communist states that joined the bloc after the collapse of the Soviet empire.
The Russians cant just wash their hands and say it has nothing to do with them, Mr. Sikorski said. It obviously has a lot to do with them.

The European Commission is looking into the claim that Russia is manipulating the flow of gas to push up prices but has reached no conclusion. Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany, whose government has backed Nord Stream 2 and called it a business deal, not a geopolitical strategy, dismissed charges that Russia is partly to blame for the rise in European gas prices.

To my knowledge, there are no orders where Russia has said we wont deliver it to you, Ms. Merkel told reporters on Wednesday. Russia can only deliver gas on the basis of contractual obligations.

Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, said in an interview on Thursday in Brussels that Russia had a history of using energy as a political weapon, but added, Whether thats whats happening here now is something Ill leave to others.

But he said that the United States had a real concern that energy supply was not keeping up with recovering demand. He said he had discussed the issue on Thursday with E.U. officials and that the United States would like to be aligned with Europe in securing more supplies. The U.S. has opposed Nord Stream 2 on the grounds that it would increase European dependence on Russian gas, but in August it dropped its threat to block the pipeline.

We have a fundamental interest in seeing global energy supplies, in both gas and oil, at sufficient levels to support global economic recovery and not stall it out, Mr. Sullivan said. Wed like to see energy suppliers take measures to ensure that that is the case.

Russia has been fulfilling its contractual obligations to European clients, analysts and officials say, but has resisted delivering significantly more even as demand increasingly outpaced supply. That has exacerbated an energy crisis fueled by a variety of factors, including the increase in demand as the world comes out of the pandemic, a cold end to last winter that left storage tanks low, higher demand from China and low wind speeds in Europe that reduced renewable energy production.
There never was any doubt that United Russia, the party backed by Mr. Putin, would come out on top. And indeed, the final vote gave the party 324 of the Dumas 450 seats, more than enough to guarantee a constitutional, or two-thirds, majority (but fewer than the 343 seats United Russia took in 2016).

Still, Mr. Putin and his allies took no chances, deploying heavy-handed measures to keep his critics off the ballot, while giving generous handouts to sway apathetic voters. Pensioners and military personnel, two crucial constituencies, received one-off pre-election bonuses, at an estimated cost of $6.7 billion to the federal government.

Followers of the jailed opposition figure Alexei Navalny, now legally labeled extremists, were barred from running, and some were put in jail or forced to flee the country. Popular candidates from Russias legal parliamentary parties  including the liberal centrist party Yabloko and the Communist Party  were pushed off the ballot under thinly veiled pretenses, ranging from faulty paperwork to allegations of criminal offenses. In St. Petersburg, a well-known Yabloko candidate found himself running against two people who had recently adopted not only his name but also his appearance.

The Kremlin also took on independent media outlets, declaring that many journalists were foreign agents. And yet news still leaked about local officials who went to great lengths to gin up the vote for United Russia. Election officials were reportedly caught on tape discussing vote targets of 42 percent to 45 percent, presumably for United Russia, and government officials complained of being pressured by their employers to vote. In todays Russia, these advantages are called administrative resources, all of which tipped the scales in United Russias favor.

Similar tactics have worked in the past. In Russias 2016 parliamentary elections, officials in the city of Saratov did not take any risks. In about 100 of the citys 373 electoral districts, the results were exactly the same: 62.2 percent for United Russia, 11.8 percent for the Communist Party, and on down the list. A local electoral commission official dismissed the suspicious results as a mere coincidence.
MR. GLANVILLE I firmly believe that it is the local level you have to unlock to ensure that we get not just the action on climate change that we want to see, but the change in our communities, the nature-led recovery that we want, and that also we involve the citizen level in that work. Failure to do that, we will miss the opportunity for social justice, green recovery and green jobs. And what weve been doing in London is to think about how we can reimagine the city away from the private car. And there are obviously people who are involved in electric-vehicle transition, and that is an absolutely important act. The problem is, if we just do that were transitioning a society based around the private car.

Already in Britain, land-transport emissions have overtaken energy contribution to climate change. And theres some really stark statistics at a national level. Before Covid every morning 36 million seats in cars were unfilled. So people are driving all around the country, and there are 36 million cars. The average occupancy of a car is 1.2 people. So if we simply take that old model and apply it to a new model, were going to invest far too much in E.V.s.

So we have been taking the steps in the city to invest in active travel. So its thinking about how we restrict private car use and the most polluting vehicles. London-wide thats represented by the Ultra Low Emission Zone, which is the mayor of Londons plan to effectively charge the most polluting vehicles to come into the center.

But my borough in Hackney sits just outside the city center, and it has some of the lowest car ownership anywhere in Britain. Some of the highest number, if not the highest number, of trips taken by walking, cycling and public transport.

But it also has some of the worst air. So weve been introducing low-traffic neighborhoods, which is where you dont close roads permanently, but you restrict through-traffic access.

And were seeing the impact on air quality, the taking up of walking and cycling. And you also start to get the chance to reimagine what roads can be, so you can de-pave, you can create parklets, you can do urban tree planting, changing what the city is, but also improving its resilience. Were seeing increased flooding in Europe, fires here in Greece, weve seen the impact of heat.

The solutions to that are not concrete and car-based. We need to reimagine what our streets can be and make sure that theyre ready for that transition. It is about being more ambitious than just transitioning existing ways of the transport economy into something far more better and sustainable.
The countrys 21 million registered voters include an estimated one million old enough to vote for the first time. Despite TikTok campaign spots and other tactics aimed at reaching young voters, many of them are boycotting the election.

Our country is for us and not for them, said Helen Alaa, 19, referring to the political parties and the militias. Ms. Alaa, a first-year college student who said she would not vote, was at a demonstration commemorating slain protesters. We tried so hard to explain to them but they always try to kill us. Now they try to calm down the situation so they can win in the election and bring back the same faces.

Ahmed Adnan, 19, said, Every election there is a candidate who comes to a mosque near our house and promises to build schools and pave streets. The candidate keeps being elected, he said, but none of those things have been done.

To help support his family, Mr. Adnan, who is unrelated to Mohanad Adnan, works at a shop selling ice, making about $8 a day. He is trying to finish high school by studying at home and going in only to take exams.

His friend, Sajad Fahil, 18, said a candidate came to his door and offered to buy his vote for $300.
Know what pre-eclampsia is and how its diagnosed.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists defines pre-eclampsia as a combination of high blood pressure and protein in urine or some other sign of organ disfunction, such as anemia or neurological problems. Its typically diagnosed after 20 weeks gestation, but most commonly diagnosed after 32 weeks, said Dr. William Grobman, M.D., an obstetrician at Northwestern Universitys Feinberg School of Medicine.

Theres no official consensus on what happens inside a womans body to cause pre-eclampsia, largely because of the difficulties of studying human pregnancy in action. But there is a generally accepted theory that it starts when the placenta implants into the wall of the uterus, Dr. Poon said.

When the placenta first develops, its blood vessels are tiny and narrow, but they have to get big fast to support gaseous exchanges  like nutrients and oxygen  from the mom to the fetus. If they dont grow big enough, resistance in the flow of blood between mom and placenta can build up and cause the mom to develop high blood pressure. Chronic high blood pressure can cause all kinds of damage throughout the body. The first thing that usually goes is that the kidneys become leaky, and that lets protein in the urine, she said.

Pre-eclampsia can also be diagnosed in the absence of protein in the urine, Dr. Poon said. Doctors will look for other features, like neurological problems or other signs of kidney dysfunction.

At its worst, pre-eclampsia can result in seizures, liver rupture, stroke or a drop in the number of blood platelets, small cell fragments that help blood clot. Ultimately, it can take the life of the mom, baby or both. Worldwide, pre-eclampsia is a major cause of maternal death, however Dr. Grobman said that most of these complications are uncommon in the United States, where severe pre-eclampsia affects about 1.4 percent of pregnancies, according to the 2013 analysis published in the journal BMJ. Nonetheless, the complications can be severe, so the condition is treated seriously.

Know the symptoms.

High blood pressure and protein in the urine are the clinical signs of pre-eclampsia, but there are also symptoms that some women experience. These include swelling, like Dr. Moore had, but also a slew of others, according to ACOG.

A persistent headache

Seeing spots or stars

Nausea and vomiting that occurs in the second half of your pregnancy

Pain in your shoulder or upper abdomen

Having trouble breathing

Rapid weight gain

Many women dont experience any of these symptoms, Dr. Poon said, or they may think their symptoms are a normal part of pregnancy, adding to the importance of regular checkups.

How is pre-eclampsia treated?

If youre diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, Dr. Grobman said, you want to be focusing but not alarmed. Most of the time, things turn out O.K. with proper management. Right now, the most effective treatment is delivery, whether induced or via cesarean section. When to deliver the baby, he said, depends on how the mom is doing and how far along the pregnancy is. It also takes into account the risks of premature birth. Its basically a risk-benefit balance, he said.
Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, in close collaboration with New York University, has received $11.6 million in funding from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities to develop the Rutgers-NYU Center for Asian Health Promotion and Equity (CAHPE). The center will serve as a regional hub for researchers to conduct studies on cardiometabolic disease and mental health issues in Asians throughout the New Jersey-New York area.

The Rutgers-NYU Center for Asian Health Promotion and Equity will have the following aims:

Create infrastructure to support high quality research on Heart-Mind connection through cardiometabolic (including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes) and mental health.

Provide annual funding for six pilot research projects.

Conduct interdisciplinary projects focusing on nutritional, emotional, and dementia caregiving interventions to target diverse Asian population at high risk.

Disseminate study findings to the local, regional, and national levels to inform future prevention and intervention research strategies.

XinQi Dong, director of the Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research and the inaugural Henry Rutgers Distinguished Professor of Population Health Sciences, and Bei Wu, inaugural co-director of the Aging Incubator at New York University, Deans Professor in Global Health, and Director of Global Health and Aging Research at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, will serve as principal investigators for the new center.

Building on two decades of health equity research in minority populations, we have leveraged strong partnerships across multiple academic and community institutions to build a center designed to foster the next generation of diverse researchers focused on cardiometabolic and mental health outcomes in US Asians, said Dong.

Asians are the fastest growing yet most understudied US minority group at 23 million people, having grown 26 percent from 2010-2019. Yet less than one percent of research funding from the National Institutes for Health in the last 10 years was focused on US Asian populations. Currently, there are significant disparities in the Asian communitys relationship to heart health and mental health. The Rutgers-NYU Center for Asian Health Promotion and Equity intends to focus on cardiometabolic disease and mental health research to inform both practice and policy at community, regional, and national levels.

Health disparities in the Asian community are perpetuated by the Asian Paradox. US Asians are, on average, the highest income earners and the most highly educated, but more older Asian adults live below the poverty line, are less likely to participate in biomedical research, and suffer disproportional health disparities compared to white Americans.

These health inequities are further complicated by the heterogeneity of these immigrant populations, especially with respect to culture, religion, language, sexual identity, and trauma exposure, many of which challenge our assumptions about the model minority stereotype around Asian-Americans, explains Wu.

The $11.6 million in funding from the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, part of National Institutes of Health (NIH), is a five-year clinical research center grant (P50MD017356-01). This is the first P50 grant awarded to Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences and to the NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing. The purpose of the NIH funding opportunity is to support regional comprehensive centers on the prevention, treatment, and management of chronic diseases associated with health disparities.

Thanks to this NIH funding, the center will generate knowledge to address troubling gaps in research on Asian health and reduce health disparities in this population. We are pleased to be working with Rutgers and leveraging NYU Meyers deep expertise in health equity and chronic diseases in this endeavor, said Eileen Sullivan-Marx, dean and Erline Perkins McGriff professor at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing.

The Rutgers-NYU Center for Asian Health Promotion and Equity will bring much needed focus, coordination, and resources to research focusing on Asian health issues, said Brian L. Strom, chancellor of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences. As a leading academic health center in one of the countrys most diverse and populous regions, Rutgers boasts clinicians and scientists who have exceptional experience in improving health outcomes among underserved populations. We are excited to apply our expertise, in collaboration with NYU, in advancing this important work.

About NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing (@nyunursing)

NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing is a global leader in nursing and health. Founded in 1932, the College offers BS, MS, DNP, and PhD degree programs providing the educational foundation to prepare the next generation of nursing leaders and researchers. NYU Meyers has several programs that are highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report and is among the top 10 nursing schools receiving NIH funding, thanks to its research mission and commitment to innovative approaches to healthcare worldwide.

About Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research

Rutgers Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research advances health and well-being through meaningful, rigorous and impactful research in the critical areas of behavioral health, health services, health disparities, health policy, health economics, pharmacoepidemiology, and aging research.

Since its 1985 founding, the Institute has become nationally renowned for interdisciplinary and translational research. The Institute's 57,000 square foot facilities are home to six members elected to the National Academy of Medicine and 200 members representing over 30 schools, institutes, and units with adjunct members from 29 national and international universities.

Rutgers Press Contact: Nicole Swenarton, nswenarton@ifh.rutgers.edu
An Ohio man tried to sue his wife for leaving her shoes in an inappropriate place and causing him to trip and tumble down a flight of stairs, suffering multiple bone fractures.

An appeals court recently rejected John Walworths lawsuit against his wife, Judy Khoury, over an incident that occurred in February of 2018. Walworth was helping his then-fiancee by carrying some jugs of vinegar to her basement when he tripped over a pair of her shoes and fell down the basement stairs, breaking bones in his leg, arm, and hand. He later sued Judy, claiming that it was her carelessness that cost him $80,000 in medical bills and another $18,000 in lost income because his injuries caused him to miss work.

Photo: Carolina Pimenta/Unsplash

On February 18, 2018, while visiting his fiancees house in Cleveland, John Walworth was asked to carry a box full of four one-gallon jugs of vinegar from her car to her basement. He took the box and entered the house through a backdoor, but as he got ready to descend the stairs into the basement, he stepped with his left foot on a pair of black and grey shoes that Khoury left on the landing at the top of the basement. This caused his right foot to catch the lip of the stair tread and lose balance.

Walworth tumbled down the stairs and suffered multiple bone fractures, which required three surgeries and several months of physical therapy to repair. In October of 2019, the mans lawyer filed a lawsuit against Judy Khoury, arguing that she had created dangerous conditions in her home and failed in her duty as a host to protect a social guest from them. The strangest thing is that in April of that same year Walworth had married her

During a sworn deposition, Judy Khoury testified that she always left her shoes by the back door, and hadnt thought of telling her then-fiancee about them. She also added that she did not see Walworth fall so she couldnt be sure he tripped over her shoes. Khourys lawyers said that she felt responsible for leaving out the shoes, but that did not amount to her taking legal responsibility for his injuries.

Photo: Daniel_B_/Pixabay

Had Mr. Walworth used ordinary care and simply looked where he was going, especially given he was about to go down a set of stairs, he would have easily seen the shoes on the floor, Khourys attorneys said.

A three-judge panel at the 8th District Court of Appeals agreed with the defendants lawyers and rejected Walworths lawsuit. According to court documents, at the time the lawsuit was originally filed, Walworth and Khoury were already married and remain married to this day
Route 36 is an illegal pop-up bar in the Bolivian capital city of La Paz notorious for being the worlds first and only cocaine bar.

South America is home to many popular tourist attractions, like the ruins of Machu Pichu, the Salar de Uyuni salt desert, or Angel Falls, but when it comes to drug tourism, theres one place that everyone puts on their must-visit list. Route 36 is probably the only place in the world where you can walk in and order cocaine from the bar without having to worry about the legal consequences. Aimed exclusively at foreign tourists looking to indulge in some high-purity cocaine  no Bolivians allowed  Route 36 has been around for at least 12 years, during which time it has become famous as the worlds only cocaine bar.

Photo: Sergio Alves Santos/Unsplash

Although the high-risk drug is readily available and relatively inexpensive in Bolivia, its use is still illegal in the South American country. However, the people behind Route 36 have managed to stay in business for as long as they have by greasing the right hands and making sure to change the location of the bar every few weeks. Operating as a cocaine-serving after-hours lounge doesnt sit too well with the locals, so in order to avoid complaints from neighbors, Route 36 constantly moves its operations throughout La Paz.

So how does one find the worlds only cocaine bar? Theres no address, no mainstream marketing, no official website to check, but then again, it doesnt need any of that to get plenty of patrons. Foreigners traveling to La Paz need only tap the citys taxi network to get information about the current location of Route 36. There are other ways as well  obscure travel websites, word of mouth, etc.  but this is by far the simplest way to find it.

For obvious reasons, theres no bright Route 36 sign outside the venue, and apart from the two grunts standing outside whatever location it does business, theres no indication that the place even exists. After being frisked by the two gentlemen, tourists are allowed inside the establishment, but have to pass several security checks and locked metallic doors before finally making it inside the lounge itself.

Route 36 changes its appearance with every new location it moves to, but most often than not its a dimly lit room with the usual tables and a bar, the only difference being that you can order and enjoy more than the typical drinks. Here, you can reportedly order cocaine by the gram and have it brought to you on a metal tray, divided into lines, as well as a straw to snort it with.

The prices per gram vary by source (from 14$ to $25), but its definitely much cheaper than youd have to pay anywhere else in the world. I cant attest to the quality, but every source I checked seems to put it in the above-average category.

Even with its constant relocation, a bar as notorious as Route 36 would have been long closed without the tacit support of law enforcement and local authorities.

Photo: Dan Gold/Unsplash

Everyone comes here. Of course, the police know, but they get paid enough that they actually look after the place, one regular patron of Route 36 told Stylist.co.uk.
Strike 2's Jason Weinberger, Matt Kaminsky; SourceCode's Rebecca Honeyman, Greg Mondshein

SourceCode Communications acquires Chicago-based integrated creative agency Strike 2. The acquisition comes after a more than a year of a strategic partnership, during which the two agencies collaborated on more than 10 accounts. Strike 2 will continue to operate under its own name and will become part of the newly formed SourceCode Group, which also includes WeRaise PR, a full-service agency advancing working mothers in the industry, and the Diversity Marketing Consortium, which provides pro bono marketing support to minority and women-led startups. Strike 2 co-founders Jason Weinberger and Matt Kaminsky will remain as managing directors, joining the SourceCode leadership team. There will be no changes as regards to location or office space. Our partnership with SourceCode will allow us to offer a more integrated approach, and desilo the worlds of creative and comms. It puts us in a position not just to keep up, but to lead through a rapidly evolving media consumption landscape, said Kaminsky.

sparks & honey, Omnicoms cultural intelligence consultancy, launches its diversity, equity and inclusion consulting practice. As part of the new practice, the consutancy is introducing three offerings: Equity Forecast, which keeps up with the latest and most critical trends in the DE&I space; Equity Space Analysis, which identifies specific opportunity areas where organizations can position themselves to address systemic inequities or drive change; and Diversity OS, which is designed to holistically transform organizations seeking to modernize and embed DE&I into the ethos and operations of their business. Its not going to be a one size fits all solutionand we took that into consideration when designing these offerings. We meet clients where they are on their DE&I journey so they can drive tangible and sustained impact for their organization, said chief client officer and head of the diversity, equity & inclusion practice Davianne Harris.

Omnicom Media Group acquires performance marketing agency Jump 450 Media. Jump 450, which will continue to be led by its current management team, is intended to form the foundation for a dedicated performance media platform and business operation within OMG. The agency leverages algorithmic scaling strategies, rapid creative testing, and robust data analytics to optimize digital media spend and drive customer acquisition for high-growth and enterprise clients in industries such as consumer, health and wellness, gaming, and fintech. Jumps focus on pure performance marketing and e-commerce media will add a distinct set of capabilities to OMGs existing performance media offerings, said Omnicom Media Group global chairman and CEO Daryl Simm.
King Abdullah II

Stripe Theory has signed on to provide consulting services to the Royal Hashemite Court regarding potential defamation suits concerning articles about Jordans King Abdullah II.

The 59-year-old monarch was among movers and shakers featured in the Pandora Papers project that was conducted by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.

It alleged that the King secretly owned luxury homes in the UK and US worth more than $100M.

Craig Kronenberger, who, as managing director of Edelman Intelligence, co-led a team of more than 200 data scientists and researchers, launched Stripe Theory data-based PR, crisis and reputation management firm in 2015.

Acceleration Community of Companies, the firm of former PMK-BNC CEO Michael Nyman, acquired the Atlanta-based Stripe Theory in 2020.

Stripe Theory is working for the Jordanians as a subcontractor to DLA Piper, which bills at a $1,335-an-hour rate.

Mary Gately, who co-head of DLAs Washington litigation group, oversees the work for Jordan.
Northumberland County, which is located on the north shores of Lake Ontario east of Toronto, is seeking social media support to attract eyeballs to its tourism site.
Irish festivals have received an almost 1million investment from Arts Council Ireland

Seventy three applications were received this year with a total of fifty nine receiving funding of 924,989 across sixteen counties.

Director of the Council, Maureen Kennelly, said, "Festivals have endured during the pandemic in very challenging circumstances, providing a number of digital events for audiences over the last 18 months, and their tenacity and adaptability has been inspiring.

"As the arts landscape returns to delivering more live events, we are delighted to make an increased investment in small festivals. This will ensure the public can enjoy in-person arts activities and artists across all art forms will be supported to deliver programmes of work across the country. These festivals play a critical part in their locales."

According to the Arts Council, the average grant has risen by 9% to 15,677 on the previous year.

Five first time applicants to the Festival Investment Scheme have also been provided for, including Waterford International Organ Festival, Dinny Delaney Uilleann Pipers, Inisbofin Arts Festival and the Oranmore Festival all in Galway, Catalyst Film Festival in Limerick.

The funding announced today is for festivals taking place between January and June 2022, while applications will open on October 19th for festivals taking place between July and December 2022.
New research by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) has found that 97 per cent of nurses and midwives believe Covid-19 has had a negative psychological impact on the profession.

The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 on Nurses and Midwives in Ireland survey- carried out between April and July 2021 gained an understanding of the psychological impact of Covid-19 on nurses and midwives in Ireland with over 1,905 nurses and midwives responding to the survey.

Close to 90 per cent of nurses said they are facing mental exhaustion as a result of the pandemic while 68 per cent of nurses and midwives are now considering leaving the profession as a consequence of the ordeal.

Commenting on the findings, INMO head of education and professional development, Steve Pitman said:

This survey paints a bleak picture of how emotionally and physically taxing the pandemic has been on our nurses and midwives right across the country.

62 per cent of the members who responded to the survey indicated that they had cared for patients that died as a result of Covid-19, and while nurses and midwives deal with and care for dying patients normally, the level of death in this short period far exceeded previous levels in circumstances that were far from ideal in many instances.

Nurses and midwives have faced an unprecedented increase in workload demands resulting directly or indirectly from the pandemic.

Coupled with caring for patients with the virus, witnessing the physical and emotional effects on patients, families and loved ones has taken a psychological toll."

Psychological impact: Earlier this year, INMO President Karen McGowan spoke to Norah Casey on the Lets Talk About It Podcast, about the pressure on nurses and midwives on the COVID frontline.

Catch the episode, or the full podcast series at https://t.co/wFrSrs0Y2y https://t.co/FNaC4Goc6h pic.twitter.com/J8xZwXukAv  Irish Nurses & Midwives Organisation (@INMO_IRL) October 7, 2021

Mr. Pitman added that the vast majority of their members are telling them they are mentally and emotionally exhausted, and he said it is going to have an impact on their safety and the safety of their patients.

The INMO has provided mental health supports for members through an online digital mental health support hub, free counselling help line and emergency funding through the INMO benevolent fund, but it is clear that the State must provide more practical resources and mental health supports for nurses and midwives, recovery must be prioritised", he said.
Wilson's Hospital boarding and day school in Westmeath is hosting a virtual open evening next Wednesday, October 13.

Wilsons Hospital School is a five-day co-educational boarding and day school under the trusteeship of the Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of Ireland. While the majority of students are Church of Ireland, all denominations are welcome, provided there is acceptance of the Schools ethos, and in accordance with the Admissions Policy of the School.

The school remains on its original 200-acre site of 1761 in Multyfarnham, Co. Westmeath.

"We have a modern teaching block. Wilsons is fortunate to enjoy the tranquillity of a by-gone age while possessing the advantages of technology of the new century. Students from many backgrounds blend together to form a community of learning in its fullest sense. We offer a wide range of subjects for Junior Cycle and both the traditional Leaving Certificate and Leaving Certificate Applied. Our students are encouraged to take part in our wide range of extra-curricular activities and sports.

"We are holding a Virtual Open Evening on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 7pm. Everyone is welcome to log in to this virtual event to meet the Principal, Mrs Niamh McShane, staff and students, get information about the school and have a virtual look around the facilities.

To join the event please register on openday2021@whs.ie before 5pm on Tuesday, October 12. Appointments can be made to visit the school to see the boarding facilities by emailing reception@whs.ie

Virtual Open Evening Details:

Meet the Principal, staff and students, get information about the school and have a look around the facilities.

When?

Wednesday, October 13, 2021 @ 7 pm

How to attend?

To register for this event please email openday2021@whs.ie before 5 pm on Tuesday 12th October 2021

For visits to boarding house please email reception@whs.ie to make an appointment.

Need more information:

Website: www.whs.ie

Phone: 044  9371115

Facebook: @WilsonsWestmeath

Twitter: @WilsonHospital

Instagram: @wilsons_hospital_school
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Northern Ireland Amends Gambling Bill

Published October 7, 2021 by Sol FH

Northern Ireland has designed legislation to amend gambling laws after 3 decades.

The Betting, Gaming, Lotteries, and Amusements Bill passed the first of seven bureaucratic stages towards becoming law after it was presented by Deirdre Hargey, the Minister for Communities, last week. In order to become a law, the bill must be passed before 2022, as the Assembly's current mandate will expire.

The main amendments in the new legislation will create a set of new offenses for those that allow children to play on gaming machines, enable new powers to impose a statutory levy on gambling operators, and establish a code of practice for those with gambling licenses.

The bill would update the Betting, Gaming, Lotteries and Amusements Order 1985, the provinces most recent gambling legislation, from over 30 years ago.

More Reform Ahead

Hargey stated that the bill is the first phase to reforming gambling law. The much bigger task at hand will be to deal with iGaming, which will be introduced in the coming months.

In order to explain the amendment bill, the Department for Communities commented: The overarching objective of the bill is to address a number of specific anomalies with regard to the current regulation of land-based betting, gaming, lottery, and amusement activities. It is also designed to strengthen existing regulatory protections for operators and consumers as well as young people and those who may be vulnerable to gambling harm."

Members of the Legislative Assembly will debate and then vote on the overarching principles of the bill before it will most likely progress to the committee stage. The bill will then be brought back to the Assembly for MLAs to debate and vote on the details and any proposed amendments. If/when passed, it must then be approved by the Secretary of State, who presents it for final Royal Assent.
Rudra Thandavam badly exposes the nexus between the urban-Naxal anti-national elements and the conversion mafia generating money for their anti-national activities through illicit drug trafficking, conversion and kangaroo courts.

"Rudra Thandavam" is the latest released Tamil movie directed by Mohan G and produced by Jayam Gopi. The movie badly exposes the nexus between the urban-Naxal anti-national elements and the conversion mafia generating money for their anti-national activities through illicit drug trafficking, conversion and kangaroo courts. Despite several attempts to stop the movie by fringe missionary elements by issuing death threats to those involved in the film, filing court cases and police complaints, the movie is well received by the common public and running successfully in theatres across Tamil Nadu.

Movie Plot

A tough and honest cop catches two youngsters for selling ganja. One boy succumbs to an injury in the head while chasing. Keeping the boy's future in mind, the cop releases them, filing a petty case, calling their parents, and giving good advice. A few days later, the boy who had a head injury dies in a mysterious circumstance that opens Pandora's box of the boy's brother, a drug peddler leading a public protest against the cop. The protest later turns into a communal angle when a YouTuber reports the incident that the boy hails from the Dalit community and death because of custody. The protest turns into a demand for filing a PCR case on the cop. The cop could not control his guilt surrenders but finds some missing piece of clue in the postmortem report of the boy.

The cop gets bail, and while preventive suspension the cop with his loyal subordinate head constable investigates to find that the boy had already embraced Christianity with proof of baptism and finds how his old enemy Vaathapi (A Local Urban Naxal, Chief of some human rights group) had his hand in influencing the protest, the family of innocent boys, media and Christian missionaries. The cop defends his case with the Christian Conversion angle (which makes the individual ceases to be under Scheduled Category) and the confession footage of the boy's brother, which says that the death of the boy was because of overconsumption of a new type of narcotic drug mixed with chocolate after the head injury for which Vaathapi and his henchmen threatened his family if revealed to police. How the cop wins the case is the climax of the story.

Points to Ponder

The film exposes how urban-Naxal and anti-national elements deceive youngsters from the Dalit community for mere sum and use them for smuggling drugs, Kangaroo courts, etc., to raise funds for anti-national activities in the state.

It is shown in the film that how the PCR act, which is meant to protect the SC community, is wrongfully used by anti-national fringe elements to file false cases against those who are against them.

The particular point of focus is on evangelical pastors such as Mohan C Lazarus and Ezra Sargunam, who not only amaze immense wealth by deceiving poor people in the name of prayer and miracles but also act as a driving force behind anti-national activities and activists.

At one point, while in the courtroom, the film reveals how Dr. Ambedkar is the leader of the general public and not a caste leader.

Response from Common Public

Mohan G had previously directed two films named Palaya Wanarapettai (Old Washermanpet) and Draupadi. Draupadi revolves around trapping young girls into love by caste fringe elements and Kangaroo courts run by them. Though Draupadi was well received by people belonging to a particular caste, the response from the common public was mediocre due to poor screenplay and technical aspects. But Rudrathandavam, on the other, has a better screenplay, and the director Mohan G has vastly improved in technical aspects. The subtle message in the film on wrongful use of PCR act, conversion activities by missionary mafia and anti-national fringe elements raising money for their anti-national activities through illicit means, were well received by the common public, and they appreciated the guts of director Mohan G for exposing the breaking India forces. Common people expect Mohan G to do many more films in the coming days, exposing anti-national nexus's nefarious agenda.

Points to Ponder

Before the film was released, the missionary mafia filed court cases, police complaints and death threats to the Rudrathandavam team to sabotage the film's release. But their efforts went in vain, and now the film is successfully running in theatres after all hurdles.

Not only the Hindus, but even the Christians and Muslims have well received the film. In a movie review YouTube channel, a Christian who watched the movie said, "I am a Dalit converted to Christianity and what Mohan G has said in the movie is absolutely true," The movie received an overwhelming response from people of the OBC community, particularly in Northern districts of Tamil Nadu.

At places, particularly at Christian majority pockets in Southern districts such as Tuticorin and Kanyakumari, the film was not released due to fear of backlash from Christian organizations.

Response from Media and YouTubers

Before the film was released, director Mohan G and the entire movie team gave several pre-release interviews to the media as part of the pre-release movie promotion campaign. A couple of interviews went controversial as there were fiery exchanges between the director and journalists, as most of them are supporters of DMK and anti-national nexus. This created a massive hype for the film. After the movie was released, instead of focusing on the main focal point of the movie, the majority of the mainstream media, YouTube channels and YouTube movie reviewers were more critical of the technical part of the movie. Some popular YouTube movie reviewers acknowledged that what Mohan G has shown in the movie is an undeniable fact and expected more such movies in the future.

Observation

For the past couple of years, films showing caste persecution against Dalits, Brahmin hegemony, corporate fascism, promoting anti-Hindu hatred, etc., directed by new-age directors such as P. Ranjith, Vetrimaaran, etc. are ruling the course in Tamil cinema. But Mohan G, with a limited budget, has boldly shown the other side of the coin, which is refreshing, desirable and something people anticipated for a long time. Though Rudrathandavam may not be a big blockbuster movie, the core message has reached every Tamil Nadu individual. Common people expect more such movies exposing the anti-Hindu and anti-national nexus. It must also be noted that movie makers like Pa Ranjith have a very good backing for making a movie that is sound in technical aspects like Screenplay, editing, lyrics, choreography, while movies that fit into our narrative lags heavily on such aspects, which will be a big drawback in gathering attention and popularity. In the coming days, the movies or any creativity that fit national integrity must be having a sound technical aspect of production.

Points to Ponder
The festival of Navratri will be observed from October 7 till October 15 and the religious places have reopened in Delhi from October 2, following all the COVID protocols.





New Delhi: 'Ambe Gauri Arti' was performed at the Jhandewalan Temple on Thursday (October 7) to mark the first day of Navratri.

Very few devotees were present at the temple for the occasion.

The festival of Navratri will be observed from October 7 till October 15.

Given the improving COVID-19 situation, the religious places have reopened in Delhi from October 2, following all the COVID protocols.

The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has permitted people to go to religious places, but special care will have to be taken of the COVID SOPs. In the order issued by DDMA, a distance of six feet has to be maintained between the devotees. The district administration and police will keep a watch on overcrowding in religious places.

"Only those devotees will be allowed to enter religious places, who are not having symptoms of COVID and every devotee will have to use a mask," stated the order. According to the order, the distribution of prasad or sprinkling of holy water is not allowed inside the religious place.

Courtesy: ANI
Prajna Pravah Akhil Bharatiya Sanyojak J Nandakumar has demanded that the Kerala Government should declare the Moplah massacre as Hindu Genocide Day. Asserting that the Kerala Government should recognise the sufferings of the people, Nandakumar said, It was a well-planned Hindu genocide in which more than 10,000 Hindus were massacred in one region. They were Hindus who refused to convert and so they were massacred.

He pointed out that the families of the 1921 Hindu genocide are suffering trans-generational trauma. Their pain is unbearable when they see the mass murderers being recognised as freedom fighters, he added.

Shri Nandakumars comments came while he was a special invitee at a seminal exhibition and homage meeting in Delhi. It was an occasion to mark Hindu Genocide Day (September 25). The exhibition commemorating 100 years of Malabar Hindu Genocide was inaugurated by VHP Working President Alok Kumar.

According to Shri Nandakumar, a campaign has been underway to bring to light the real and untold stories of Hindu victims of genocide in Malabar in 1921 and to project the real face of the Khilafat Movement which is often touted as a peasant uprising or freedom movement by the Left-Islamist cabal. Although the genocide was carried out over a period of 3-6 months, September 25 is being observed as the Hindu Genocide Day nationally, as on this day more than 40 innocent Hindus were slaughtered and thrown into a well at Thuvvur in Malappuram in a true Islamic State style for refusing to convert to Islam, he added. Forget about recognising the pain and sufferings of the Hindus and their families, the Kerala Government is constructing memorials for the mass murderers. VK Haji, who led the mass murderers, is celebrated as a freedom fighter by the Communist Government of Kerala.

In the Malappuram district of the Malabar area, there is not a single statue of any freedom fighter. In light of this development, Shri Nandakumar said, We demand that the Kerala Government build a memorial to honour the memories of the victims of the 1921 Moplah Hindu genocide. Currently, the Kerala Government is celebrating the memories of the mass murderers and providing them with all sorts of incentives. The mass murderers of the Moplah Hindu genocide were declared freedom fighters by the Communist government of Kerala.
Assam police had arrested Md Shariful Hussain of Jorhat and Md Yashin Hussain of Golaghat in connection with printing, possession and circulation of Fake Notes in Assam.

Guwahati: In the past several years, fake currency notes circulation has been increasing in Assam. Kudos to the migrant Muslim crooks and efforts by the enemy on that side of the border. Indian Intelligence believes that the notorious Pakistani agency ISI is trying hard to pump FICN to Assam and other parts of the North East. On Wednesday (October 6), Assam police had arrested Md Shariful Hussain of Jorhat and Md Yashin Hussain of Golaghat in connection with printing, possession and circulation of Fake Notes in Assam. The police team recovered 100 Rs denomination FICNs valued around 13 thousand and one computer and a printer.

The worrying fact is that these fake currency rackets are now printing and circulating fake notes in the state. Last week only Darrang Police in North Assam busted a fake Indian currency note (FICN) racket and arrested five persons, including three women from Nagaland, from a remote village in the district. The police also seized 50 FICNs in the denomination of Rs 500 and a printing machine used for printing FICN from their possession.

Panbari Police under Dhula Police Station on September 29 conducted a raid in the house of one Mohibul Hoque of village Raja Howli and arrested all the five persons, including the three Naga women. The arrested criminals have been identified as Nazrul Hussain and Hafizur Islam of village Islampur No. 2 under Bihapuria Police Station in the Lakhimpur district. Three Naga women, Antoli Hayemi (31), Hukheli Sumi (31) and Jury (30) of Zunheboto village under Zunheboto Police Station of Zunheboto district of Nagaland, were also arrested by police.

On1st August this year, Darrang police seized fake currency notes of a face value of Rs 2,78,000 in the denomination of Rs 500. Police arrested the kingpins of the FCIN racket Rafique Ali, a resident of Uttar Kalikhura village and Jun Ali, a resident of No 1 Goriajhar village, both under Panery police station in Udalguri district.

On June 12 this year, Darrang police again arrested five people involved in the FICN trade. Arrested Ali Hussain, Amirul Islam, Rahul Ali and Inamul Haque all from village Bandia Chapori under Mangaldai Police Station - and Saddam Hussain of Baroipara in Barpeta district. Police recovered a fake currency printing machine, a bundle of blank paper sheets for printing FICN, five mobile phones, cash Rs. 13,410 and FICN amounting to Rs.17,500 and two motorcycles from their possession in May this year, Bongaigaon district police seized a huge cache of fake currency notes and arrested a person named Abu Bakkar Siddiqi. Police seized fake currency notes of value Rs 1,86,800.

In June this year, the Border Security Force (BSF) arrested one Bangladeshi from the Baladova village along the Indo-Bangla international border in Assam's Dhubri district. Fake Indian currency notes worth Rs 49,500 were recovered from his possession of the arrested Bangladeshi Kalam Ali, a resident of Dhanirampur village at Kurigram district in Bangladesh.

In Guwahati only in 2020, a total of 42 cases were registered in connection with the printing and circulating of FICN.

According to a police source, most of the FICN are being smuggled to the city from neighbouring countries. Assam police intelligence sources told 'Organiser' that most of these FICNs are pumped through the Bangladesh and Myanmar border. Due to the strict vigil of the security forces and police, the FICN rackets are now up to printing and circulating the FICN locally, which remains a major challenge for the police.
Prabajan Virodhi Manch (PVM) argued that all the mentioned individuals attempted to incite hatred against the Assamese community by implying that the Assamese people do not bear true faith to the rule of law established by the Constitution and thus the entire community is hateful and bigoted.

Guwahati: Alleging for instigating enmity amongst different groups to disturb public tranquilities through media pieces on the backdrop of the recent Gorukhuti-Dholpur eviction drive against the illegal settlers, an anti-influx forum has lodged a first information report (FIR) against Suraj Gogoi (a Singapore-based Assamese researcher), Angshuman Chowdhury (associated with New Delhi-based Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies) and Suresh Nambath (editor of The Hindu).

In the FIR submitted to the officer-in-charge of Latasil police station in the city on Wednesday (October 6), Prabajan Virodhi Manch (PVM) argued that all the mentioned individuals attempted to incite hatred against the Assamese community by implying that the Assamese people do not bear true faith to the rule of law established by the Constitution and thus the entire community is hateful and bigoted.

Mentionable is that Gogoi wrote an article in The Hindu newspaper, which is also available in the digital space, throwing light on the recent eviction drive against encroachers in the Sipajhar locality of Darrang district where the writer tried to convince the readers about how Assamese nationalism played a part in the drive and the violence that accompanied the government action.

The article titled The Scorching Rays of Assamese Nationalism made special reference to the district authority-hired photographer Bijoy Bania, who pounced on an injured agitator and lately arrested by the State police. In this article, there are many instances of offensive speech being made against Assam and its largest community (Assamese), the FIR stated.

The article tried to conclude that the unfortunate death of an agitator (Moynul Haque) and defiling of the victim in Gorukhuti-Dholpur was an act of political sadism. The writer also described that reactions to the concerned incident among journalists, politicians, and other foot soldiers of Assamese nationalism reveal how hatred has crystallised into the caste Assamese social structure and how benumbed they are.

Serious insults were floated against the entire Assamese community in the article, where Gogoi deliberately promoted disharmony, feelings of enmity, hatred and ill-will towards the Assamese community amongst the other groups and communities of the country. The FIR asserted that the communist visibly represented by words that Assamese people do not bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India, as by the law established.

In a separate piece titled On Moynul Haque and Bijoy Bania, which is available in his personal blog, Chowdhury compared Bania (the photographer) with the local hero Lachit Borphukan of the Ahom era. Bijoy is a warrior. A bit like Lachit Borphukan, maybe. He is the MVP of modern Assamese history, the frontline commander in the Battle of Saraighat. He is the batman of Assamese Jatiyatabad, described Chowdhury.

Later on, receiving strong reactions from the people across social media, he edited the sentence with the deletion of Lachit Borphukan. But the edited article contains criminally motivated statements against the Ahom warrior with an intention to incite rioting. It added that such an insult to a national hero like Lachit Borphukan is an attempt to give provocation to cause riots besides encouraging enmity towards the Assamese community by other groups in the country.

In this manner, the accused persons are guilty of committing offences under Sections 153, 153-A, 153-B, 505, 34, of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, informed senior advocate Upamanyu Hazarika, who leads PVM adding that the FIR endorsed by Akash Kalita, Birajmohan Hazarika, Deepjyoti Kalita and Biman Prashad Borkakoti urged the responsible police officer to register a case against the three accused individuals to bring the matter to its logical conclusion.
Over 6.83 lakh people have thus far been vaccinated, of whom 4.55 lakh people have received both doses, the Mizoram Immunisation department has said.

New Delhi: A tiny state with an estimated 12 lakh population, over one lakh people have been infected and tested positive for the COVID-19 virus in northeastern Mizoram.

Officials said 1,471 more people tested positive for the infection on Wednesday, October 6.

Mizoram population in 2011 was only around 10.91 lakh.

An estimate says - at least 92 people per 1,000 population have already been infected with Covid-19. The Central government has deputed a four-member team that will virtually hold a review meeting with all the district chief medical officers.

The rate of recovery or discharge ratio was fairly poor, at around 84 per cent. While states like Maharashtra have a 97 per cent discharge ratio, the average national discharge figures were 97.94 per cent.

Among other northeastern states - Tripura has 84,204 infected cases, Meghalaya - 81,955, Arunachal Pradesh - 54,771 19, Sikkim - 31,561 and Nagaland 31,342. Assam, of course, has so far 6,03,623 infected cases.

The team headed by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) consultant-epidemiologist, Dr Vinita Gupta, is visiting the Champhai district today (October 7) along the India-Myanmar border, where a large number of 'Myanmar refugees' are now residing.

The state's coronavirus death toll rose to 336 by Wednesday late evening.

On October 6 (Wednesday), the figures stood as - total cases - 1,01,327; Discharged - 85,925.

The active cases figure stood at 15006, and officials said the recovery rate was 84.80 per cent as 938 were discharged between Tuesday and Wednesday evening hours.

One official also said that - out of 336 deaths, 283 casualties (84.23 per cent) had comorbidities (simultaneous presence of two or more diseases or medical conditions in a patient).

At least 92 people per 1,000 population have already been infected, and the state administration has tested more than 11.40 lakh samples for Covid-19 so far.

Over 6.83 lakh people have thus far been vaccinated, of whom 4.55 lakh people have received both doses, the Mizoram Immunisation department has said.

Village leaders in the Champhai district have temporarily sealed the Mizoram-Myanmar border entry points following a spurt in Covid-19 cases along the international border.

As many as 594 cases were reported positive from 11 villages within the East Tuipui assembly constituency in the southern part of Champhai district.

Sources said 40 refugees tested positive for Covid in three out of 21 villages in the locality.

However, there was no separate categorisation between local residents and refugees in the rest of the villages while recording Covid data.

The Mizoram government has officially informed the centre that over 20,000 Myanmar refugees have been residing in the state which neighbours Myanmar's Chin province by mid-September.
1,224 PSA oxygen plants have been funded under PM CARES all across the country, out of which over 1,100 plants have been commissioned, providing an output of over 1,750 MT oxygen per day.



Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dedicated 35 Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plants established under PM CARES across 35 states and Union Territories (UTs) at AIIMS Rishikesh.



Uttarakhand Governor Gurmeet Singh, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya are present on occasion.

According to Prime Minister's Office (PMO), with the inception of these 35 PSA oxygen plants, all country districts will now have commissioned PSA oxygen plants.



Till now, 1,224 PSA oxygen plants have been funded under PM CARES all across the country, out of which more than 1,100 plants have been commissioned, providing an output of over 1,750 MT oxygen per day.



Operations and maintenance of these plants have been ensured by training more than 7,000 personnel. They come with an embedded Internet of Things (IoT) device for real-time monitoring of their functioning and performance through a consolidated web portal, said PMO. (ANI)
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh addressed the Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) Annual General Meeting in New Delhi on September 28, 2021. The key highlights of his speech are:

Govt created an atmosphere of jointness to ensure modernisation of Armed Forces Countries around the world focusing on modernisation of their militaries and demand for military equipment are rapidly increasing due to emerging security concerns, border disputes and maritime dominance Indian companies capable of manufacturing state-of-the-art equipment in cost-effective way Govt reforms aim to create long-term linkages with OEMs to meet global demands Focus must be on emerging areas such as cyberspace & AI Public-Private partnership crucial for AatmaNirbhar Bharat

GOVERNMENT INCREASES INCOME LIMIT OF DISABLED DEPENDENTS FOR FAMILY PENSION

MoD has enhanced the income criteria for grant of family pension to children/siblings suffering from mental/physical disability. Accordingly, such child/sibling shall be eligible for family pension for life, if his/her overall income from sources other than family pension remains less than the entitled family pension at ordinary rate i.e 30 per cent of last pay drawn by the deceased govt servant/pensioner concerned plus the dearness relief admissible thereon. This enhancement shall accrue with effect from February 8, 2021. Presently, the disabled child/sibling is eligible for family pension if overall monthly income of disabled child/sibling from sources other than family pension is not more than Rs 9,000/- along with dearness relief thereon.

SUCCESSFUL MAIDEN FLIGHT TEST OF AKASH PRIME MISSILE

A new version of the Akash MissileAkash Prime has been successfully flight tested on September 27, 2021. In comparison to the existing Akash System, Akash Prime is equipped with an indigenous active Radio Frequency seeker for improved accuracy. Other improvements ensure more reliable performance under low temperature environments at higher altitudes.
The terrorists separated the Muslim teachers from the group and dragged two Hindu teachers, including the principal, out of the school building.

Islamic terrorists shot dead two Hindu teachers employed at the Boys Higher Secondary School, Sangam Safakadal, in Srinagar, in the Kashmir Valley. Both the teachers had sustained injuries in the terror attack and were rushed to a hospital, but they later succumbed to the injuries.

One of them is principal Sukhvinder Kaur, and the second victim is teacher Deepak.

Four to five teachers were having a meeting in the principals office when at least two terrorists barged in. The terrorists separated the Muslim teachers from the group and dragged two Hindu teachers, including the principal, out of the school building. They then opened fire at them in the school compound and fled from the spot.
Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister of Gujarat for 13 years and has been the Prime Minister of the country for the last seven years. In this way, he is completing 20 years while holding the responsibility of the constitutional post. Narendra Damodar Das Modi, 71, was born on September 17 1950, in Vadnagar, Mehsana district of Gujarat.

Unmatched 20 decisions of Modi:

1) During the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Narendra Modi had raised the issue of black money vigorously while being a contender for the post of Prime Minister. After the formation of the government, Prime Minister Narendra Modi suddenly announced the closure of 500 and 1000 rupee notes at 8 pm on November 8, 2016.

2) PM Modi said that with this, the problem of black money would end to a great extent. One side opposed this decision of PM Modi, and the other openly supported it. Earlier notes were banned in 1946 and 1978 as well. However, the government notified and withdrawn all 1000, 5000 and 10,000 notes from the people. According to the Reserve Bank of India report, 16 thousand crore rupees did not come back after demonetisation. These were 500 and 1000 rupee notes.

3) It is September 18 2016. Terrorists attacked the headquarters of the Indian Army in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir at around 5.30 am. In this, 19 soldiers were martyred, while over 30 soldiers were injured. Four terrorists were also killed in retaliatory firing. After this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level committee meeting and decided to avenge this attack. Modi had tweeted and said that those involved in this attack would get the necessary punishment. After this, on September 28, 2016, the Indian Army conducted a surgical strike on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. At midnight, i.e. 12 o'clock, 150 commandos landed near the LoC through MI 17 helicopters. From here, the Para 25 commandos crossed the LoC and, after walking for three kilometres, carried out the surgical strike on the hideouts of the terrorists.

4) Terrorists attacked a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14, 2019. In this, 40 Indian soldiers were martyred. One terrorist was also killed. After the attack, there was sorrow and anger in the whole country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with the chiefs of the three services. In this, he decided to answer the terrorists and immediately issued the order. After this, on February 26, 2019, the Indian Air Force carried out an airstrike in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. In this, 300-400 terrorists were killed. Many countries of the world gave their support for this move of India.

5) The historic decision was taken on Jammu and Kashmir: The fourth shocking decision was to remove Article 370 from Kashmir. On August 5, 2019, Home Minister Amit Shah told in the Rajya Sabha that President Ram Nath Kovind had abolished Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. During this, the formation of two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh was also announced. This entire process was carried out under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Because of the possibility of violence and uproar, many leaders and separatists of Jammu and Kashmir were taken into custody. The government imposed a curfew in the entire Jammu and Kashmir. This decision of PM Modi was discussed all over the world.

6) New law for Muslim women:

On August 22, 2017, the Supreme Court declared triple talaq illegal. After this, the government introduced the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill 2017 in the Lok Sabha on December 28, 2017. After being passed, it could not be sent to the Rajya Sabha. In 2018, the government implemented it through an ordinance. The ordinance was brought for the second time in 2019. In the same year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government introduced the bill in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. After getting approval from both places, President Ram Nath Kovind issued a notification to implement the new law. This decision to get rid of triple talaq to Muslim women got the support of many people, while some people also opposed it.

7) Laws for minorities living in neighbouring countries:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again surprised everyone after the government was formed again in 2019. During this, he introduced the Citizenship Amendment Act, i.e. CAA, in the Parliament in the country. Under the Citizenship Amendment Act, minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan got the right of citizenship in India. The Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians of these countries who were forced to live the life of refugees for years got the right to acquire citizenship of India. There was a lot of opposition to this decision of PM Modi. Violence broke out in Delhi, in which more than 50 people were killed. There was agitation for a long time, but the government did not withdraw this decision.

8) Ended 41 years of dispute with Bangladesh:

In June 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ended the 41-year-old border dispute with Bangladesh. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi signed the Land Boundary Agreement. Under the agreement, India got about 7 thousand acres of land, and Bangladesh got about 17 thousand acres. Bangladesh got 111 villages of India, and 51 villages of Bangladesh were given to India.

9) Start of Swachh Bharat Mission:

After the formation of the government for the first time in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi started the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on Gandhi Jayanti. Beginning this, PM Modi requested people to keep cleanliness around them. Later, the government also implemented the cleanliness tax, i.e. cess. This campaign of PM Modi also showed a broad impact. The government also started competitions at the district level for cleanliness.

10) Connected the country with Jan Dhan Yojana:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Jan Dhan Yojana on August 15, 2014. According to this, every citizen of the country had to open a bank account with zero balance. Banking facilities were provided to all.

1.5 crore bank accounts were opened on the day of the inauguration of the scheme. After the opening of the bank account, the subsidy was sent directly to the beneficiaries of all the schemes of the government. Apart from this, people were provided with the facility of accident insurance cover up to one lakh rupees. So far, over 20 crore Jan Dhan bank accounts are operational.

11) International Yoga Day:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the United Nations General Assembly for the first time on September 27, 2014. From the global stage, he made yoga necessary for the better health of people around the world and demanded International Yoga Day. After this, every year, June 21 is celebrated as International Yoga Day all over the world.

12) Launched Ujjwala scheme to provide free LPG connections:

Prime Minister Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana on May 1 2016. This was an ambitious plan of the Prime Minister. Under this, free domestic gas connections were given to the families living below the poverty line. So far, over ten crore families have been given its benefit. The Prime Minister has recently launched Ujjwala Yojana 2.0.

13) The facility of free treatment from the Ayushman Bharat Scheme:

To provide good health facilities to the country's poor citizens, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the Ayushman Bharat scheme on September 23, 2018. Under this, low-income families provide health insurance up to Rs 5 lakh from the government. A card is made for all the beneficiaries, through which they can get treatment up to Rs 5 lakh at any hospital free of cost. Under this scheme, the government has included many governments and private hospitals where the beneficiary can get free treatment.

14) Pradhan Mantri Gramin and Urban Housing Scheme launched:

In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban and Rural). The objective of this scheme was to provide pucca houses to all the lower classes, backward classes, economically weaker sections, and middle-class people. A target has been set to provide housing to two crore people by March 31, 2022.

15) PM Modi dedicates 35 PSA oxygen plants to the nation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday dedicated 35 Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plants established under PM CARES across 35 states and Union Territories (UTs) at AIIMS Rishikesh.

According to the PMO, with the inception of these 35 PSA oxygen plants, all country districts will now have commissioned PSA oxygen plants. Till now, 1,224 PSA oxygen plants have been funded under PM CARES all across the country, out of which more than 1,100 plants have been commissioned, providing an output of over 1,750 MT oxygen per day.

16) Implemented National Education Policy:

After 1986, for the first time in the country, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government issued a new education policy. It was announced on July 29 2020. Under this, a target has been set to achieve a 100% Gross Enrollment Ratio in the country by 2030. Apart from this, he also changed the Ministry of Human Resource Development name to the Ministry of Education. Emphasis was laid on imparting education up to class V in the local and mother tongue.

17) Vibrant Gujarat Summit inaugurated:

To increase investment in Gujarat, Narendra Modi started the Vibrant Gujarat Summit in 2003. Then Gujarat was the only state in the country where investment was increased through such a program. It got a lot of benefits. Since then, this program started being organised in Gandhinagar every two years. In this, many prominent business people of the country and abroad are involved and make agreements with the government for investment in the state. According to a report, business people from the country and abroad made a capital investment of $12.36 billion in Gujarat in 2015. This was six times more than in 2014. Between 2013 and 2017, investments worth about Rs 86 lakh crore were made.

18) Enforcement of Religious Freedom Act:

In 2003, after the Godhra incident and communal riots in 2002, Modi implemented the Gujarat Freedom of Religion Act 2003 in the state. According to this, forcible conversion, conversion by greed or deceit, became a crime. Now, in this, the conversion of religion in the name of marriage has also been made in the category of crime.

Changes made in Gujarat's education system.

While being the Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi's focus was on the education system. Then he made a significant change in the education system of Gujarat and implemented the semester system in the 9th, 11th and 12th science groups. In primary school, the focus was on speaking, singing, and writing. Separate classes used to be held for children to have good values. The courses are also prescribed accordingly.

19) CCTV installed in government offices for transparency:

Narendra Modi, while being the Chief Minister of Gujarat, started strict monitoring of government offices. This happened for the first time in the country when CCTVs were installed in government offices of a state. Apart from this, Modi also installed CCTV cameras in public places and susceptible places. It aimed to bring transparency to government work.

Recruitment and transfer process

20) Agriculture Festival inaugurated:

To connect the state farmers with better technology and new research, Narendra Modi started the Krishi Mahotsav in Gujarat. In this, farmers from all over the state were called, introduced to the farmers and new techniques related to agriculture. In the same festival, Modi also started giving grants to the farmers on the spot.
Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 suspended Chinese immigration for ten years and declared Chinese immigrants ineligible for naturalization. President Chester A. Arthur signed the act and made into law on May 6, 1882.

Having itchy feet is a great virtue. It helps you disconnect from your mentally and emotionally taxing daily struggles and leads you to new places in less explored parts of the world. It led me to take the family to a lesser-known island in the Bay Area called Angel Island. This day trip turned out to be a great outdoors experience, and it also initiated me on an even greater journey of discovering something very intriguing.

The Glimpse

As a nation of immigrants, 1882 was one of the most historical landmark years in the annals of the United States of America. This was when the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 suspended Chinese immigration for ten years and declared Chinese immigrants ineligible for naturalization. President Chester A. Arthur signed it into law on May 6, 1882. Chinese-Americans already in the country challenged the constitutionality of the discriminatory acts, but their efforts failed.

In Details

The Second Industrial Revolution (1870-1914), also known as the Technological Revolution, was a phase of rapid standardization and industrialization from the late 19th century into the early 20th century. In that period, new technological systems were introduced, most significantly electrical power and telephones. The famous morse codes are an invention of that era. In that era, a combination of factors contributed to the influx of people from all over the world into the United States, including the Chinese, which eventually led to the Chinese Exclusion Act. Two major factors that contributed to the increase of Chinese labourers in America revolved around the economic growth of the 2nd Industrial Revolution and the need for cheaper labour to support it.

Two of the biggest industries that contributed to the growth of the Chinese population along the West Coast were the mining and railroad industries.

Labour for Mining

First, the growth of the mining industry. The discovery of gold near San Francisco in 1849 brought many people to the western states in the hopes of striking it rich, especially from China and other parts of Asia. Yet, the peak of the mining industry boom didn't reach its full economic prowess until the 1860s as the entire western part of the United States started to become settled by migrants.

Labour for Railroads

Second, the transportation revolution. As the railroad companies continued to expand into the West, the nation's dream of a transcontinental railroad started to become a reality. Connecting the East and West via rail was instrumental in opening new western markets to East coast based companies. Massive amounts of cheap and available labour were needed to complete the project.

China of the 19th Century

The Opium Wars (1839-42, 1856-60) between Great Britain and China left China in debt. Floods and drought contributed to an exodus of peasants from their farms, and many left the country to find work. When gold was discovered in California's Sacramento Valley in 1848, a large uptick in Chinese immigrants entered the United States to join the California Gold Rush.

Following an 1852 crop failure in China, over 20,000 Chinese immigrants came through San Francisco's customs house (up from 2,716 the previous year) looking for work. Violence soon broke out between white miners and the new arrivals, much of it racially charged. In May 1852, California imposed a Foreign Miners Tax of $3 per month to target Chinese miners, and crime and violence escalated.

An 1854 Supreme Court Case, People v. Hall, ruled that the Chinese, like African Americans and Native Americans, were not allowed to testify in court, making it impossible for Chinese immigrants to seek justice against the mounting violence. By 1870, Chinese miners had paid $5 million to California via the Foreign Miners Tax, yet they faced continuing discrimination at work and in their camps.

Changing gears

The details of this exclusion act and its impacts are fascinating, but let's pause now and talk about why we are discussing this subject today. Offering interesting historical tidbits is only part of the motive. More importantly, what can we learn from it? The idea of the Chinese Exclusion act in legal terms is called positive discrimination. Even the Constitution of India, which largely followed the pattern of the Government of India Act, 1935, made provisions for positive discrimination in favour of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SCs & STs), which constituted about 23% of divided India's population.

Some of the constitutional provisions which aimed at positive discrimination are:

# Article 17: Abolition of "untouchability" and making its practice in any form a punishable offence.

# Article 46: Promotion of educational and economic interests.

# Article 16 and 335: Preferential treatment in matters of employment in public services.

# 330 and 332: Reservation of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

Later, the job-related positive discrimination was extended to government-supported autonomous bodies. A 1974 Government order laid down that all such bodies which employed more than 20 people, and where 50% of the recurring expenditure was met out of grants-in-aid from the Central Government, and which received annual grants-in-aid of at least Rs.200,000 should invariably provide for reservation of SCs and STs in posts and services. The general rule that exempted the scientific and technical posts from the purview of positive discrimination was also applicable to the autonomous bodies.

Changing gears [again!]

With that, let's change the gears again. Having lived almost two decades in both, it's quite reasonable to state that both the United States and India are diverse, pluralist and welcoming nations. I want to talk about an issue identical to what the United States faced in the late 19th century that India has been facing for over four decades which stems from its Eastern border. The issue of illegal Bangladeshi Muslim migrants into Bharat is as old as the birth of Bangladesh. There are enough essays and thesis written on the origins and complexity of this issue. So adding to the pile of research papers that we Indians rarely read would be a sub-optimal use of our time and, more importantly, one with no actionable feedback.

Until history turned a page in May 2014, Indian polity was largely driven by people with narrow vested interests and a cocktail mix of personal biases and ideologies that disproportionately favoured a community sans any national interest. The shock and horror experienced when it was reported that India's policies to promote the pink revolution was largely because a Congress/UPA cabinet-level minister owns meat processing units and export companies is still fresh.

Not just the personal interests but lack of sensitivity and attention to serious matters were so abysmal that India's homegrown ultra high-technology ladden top of the line missile was lying in a foreign dock unattended for over a month. That is good enough time for someone to dismantle the whole machine, gain critical knowledge and put it back together to evade even suspicion of espionage.

Thanks to the Modi era, things are changing for good on most traditional indicators of progress. However, there are some areas where there has been little progress made. One of those is undeniably the deportation of illegal Bangladesh immigrants. Before we talk about it, let's understand that there are two types of immigrants in general. The first category is of those who are opportunity seekers, mostly financial opportunities to improve their living standards and their families.

There is nothing wrong with seeking a better life. We all do. Being an immigrant to the United States, this categorization also befits the author. The sub-categories here are lawful legal immigration vs immigration by illegally crossing over. The second category is of those who are persecuted and harassed simply for being who they are. Their daily lives become a struggle with palpable fear for safety in a Muslim majority nation.

It is humbling and inspiring that the Modi government took cognizance of the second category of immigrants and passed the CAA in 2019, which took effect on January 10 2020. That being said, there are no reports indicating if any of the refugees have benefited based on this law. However, it must be understood that this law is undeniably one of the shinier feathers in the Modi ji's cap. This law could be rightfully described as a farsighted civilizational renaissance. Also, fulfilling one of the longest standing emotive issues pertaining to Hindus of the Indian subcontinent also charming the core voters base. Arguably the Modi government first decided to pursue the cause of the second category of the persecuted immigrants because it was a low hanging fruit.

That leaves us with the first category of immigrants, which is the gorilla in the policy room. Thanks to being a digital generation, it's easy to dig around and find precisely what Modi ji has said publicly about the immigrants from the first category making writing on the subject easier. It should be clear that when we refer to the first category, the majority of Bangladeshi entering India are financial opportunity-seeking illegal immigrants. The good news is that Modi ji seems to agree with this interpretation and has endorsed the above categorization.

During the rallies preceding the general elections of 2009, Modiji has expressed his views on the subject, long before his first stint as a PM or even much before he was seen as a contender for the highest office. He restated his stand on the matter in the poll rallies leading up to the 2014 general elections. These immigrants are tilting the delicate balance of demography in many West Bengal and Assam districts, and there are documented cases of these immigrants being part of organized criminal activities that pose a serious security threat.

Any analytical mind who has analyzed Kashmir and Kerala over the years would concur that there exists documented evidence of certain villages/districts having majority Muslims becoming national liability once the fundamentalist form of Islam flourishes, thereby denying equal rights to other communities. Yet, efforts so far to address this illegal immigration have been very modest and defensive.

A hundred per cent fenced border with Bangladesh, increased vigil and enhanced night patrolling will limit the further influx of such immigrants; however, these actions do not address the existing large illegal population. Thanks to the fact that neither the West Bengal State govt nor the Central govt has ever conducted a proper and extensive study of the illegal aliens in Bharat, guesstimating is the order of business.

Even if we leave the numbers game aside, just a casual drive through the districts of West Bengal such as Malda, Howrah, Murshidabad, Uttar Dinajpur, Birbhum, Nadia, Hooghly, large parts of North and South 24 Parganas makes it undeniably evident how they have become Muslim-dominated due to illegal infiltration sans natural population growth. And that's just the story of West Bengal. Assam is paying the price of having a bad neighbour who refuses to address the issue thanks to political correctness, the cornerstone of India's regional politics. The demographic invasion of Assam by illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators is more well-known than the West Bengal story, thanks to BJP's dynamic and outspoken chief minister of the state.

In 2001, there were only six Muslim majority districts, which went up by 50 per cent to nine by 2011, of the total 33 districts in Assam. It is worth noting here that the Muslim population is more than 50 per cent in Hailakandi, Goalpara, Barpeta, Dhubri, Darrang, Karimganj, Morigaon, Nagaon and Bongaigaon districts of Assam and more than 30 per cent in districts like Cachar, Nalbari and Kamrup. There are also ample reports that this illegal migration affects the entire nation, not just the immediate Eastern border states.

On the other end of the Indian mainland, in 2019, in the Western Indian state of Gujarat, 47 illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators suspected of being involved in local crimes and having links with the terror outfits in Bangladesh and then crossing over into India were detained. Some of them were 'repeat' offenders meaning they had been deported back to Bangladesh in the past and managed to sneak back into India [and get caught again!]

If Modi sarkar can bring a much-needed CAA bill to welcome persecuted minorities in the Indian subcontinent, it is very much capable of laying down a timebound project on war footing to deport all the illegal aliens that unfairly compete with the low wage earning legal Indian citizens and heightens security concerns across the states of India while keeping our security agencies on their toes.

Such action will be a complex task that would require a delicate dance of external affairs, home, defence and other ministries working in tandem along with the respective state govt. It is not unlikely that state govt's would frown upon such massive exercise that would have implications for their political future. However, by keeping the matter on a backburner, the Modi Govt is letting the problem worsen.

The longer these illegal aliens stay back, they enter marital prospects with Indian citizens, learn to game the slow-moving Indian bureaucratic system and find avenues to stay put by hook or crook. It is unclear if the govt is unwilling to address the issue due to the potential political impact by addressing it or if it is the lack of sustained public interest on the matter or the international lobby that could build up against India or some combination of all of these factors. Either way, it will serve the national interest in the best possible way if the Modi govt takes some proactive stance and quantifiable actions. If India's first non-Congress Prime Minister Shri Vajpayee ji could hold against the international backlash, embargoes and other punitive actions in the aftermath of the

Pokharan nuclear tests and eventually make India a stronger nation. Such deportation drive against illegal immigrants could well be Modi ji's Pokharan moment and would become the cornerstone in India's ability to set its course in its external affairs. It also behoves his position on the matter, which has been known for decades. While fully acknowledging it will not be a trivial task to gather support, the electorate should ask this question. If not Modi, who else should we pin our hopes on?

After all, by now, Modi ji is known for taking up nearly impossible tasks that have been willfully ignored by prior non-BJP governments for decades and achieving stellar results. From Ram Mandir to repeal of article 370/35A to CAA bill, PM Modi already has some amazing achievements in his bag, particularly in the 2nd term. Asking for one more small potato while buying vegetables from street vendors is irrefutable proof that asking for more is a typical Indian middle-class characteristic. CAA bill has raised the hopes of the likes of the author on the illegal aliens' matter and remains optimistic that there will be traction on this at some point in time before Modi 2.0 term runs its course.
Dr S Jaishankar pitched for autonomous changes in the region during the inaugural session of the India-ASEAN Business Summit.

New Delhi: India is keen to "re-visit" the level of ambition in partnership with the ASEAN countries.

"It is natural that we would like to re-visit the level of ambition that we have set for our partnership," External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said on Thursday (October 7).

At the inaugural session of the India-ASEAN Business Summit, he pitched for "autonomous changes" in the region.

"But what has given this objective a new urgency is the necessity to re-imagine our cooperation in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.

In terms of challenges posed by Covid-19, he said the "uncertainties that we have all experienced since the beginning of 2020 cannot just be wished away."

Nor can it be assumed that they are a onetime phenomenon. "Therefore, we are tasked with responding to the immediate repercussions even as we are compelled to plan for the future," he said, adding, de-risking national economies will only be possible "if we achieve a strong measure of success quickly in that regard."

Covid-19 has brought out many inadequacies in the global health system, the Minister pointed out.

Meaningful partnerships, sharing of advanced technologies, collaboration in vaccine and pharmaceutical production, capacity building and transparency in health information are all part of the answers, Dr Jaishankar said and emphasized that in all of this, the role of businesses is critical.

"Crisis can often be the basis of creativity and our endeavour should be to come out of this stronger."

Connectivity and security are vital elements in the region, he said.

Dr Jaishankar said India aspires to be a more effective engine of growth and a part of reliable and resilient supply chains. "International cooperation, especially among businesses, will be very much a key to the better world that we all seek. India and ASEAN can surely work together more closely to this end," he said.
The board comprising 24 members and the managing director met with representatives from law firm Wilmer Hale, which found that Georgieva, during her time as World Bank CEO, pressured staff into changing data to Chinas benefit in the 2018 edition of its closely watched Doing Business report.





The IMF Executive Board has announced that it has initiated a probe against Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva after an investigation found she manipulated data in favour of China while in a senior role at the World Bank.



Earlier, an investigation by law firm Wilmer Hale released last month found that during her time as World Bank CEO, Georgieva was among top officials who pressured staff into changing data to Chinas benefit in the 2018 edition of its closely watched Doing Business report.



In a brief statement, IMF spokesperson Gerry Rice said the board met today with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva as part of its ongoing review of the matter raised by Wilmer Hales investigation of the World Banks Doing Business 2018 report.



The Executive Board remains committed to a thorough, objective and timely review and expects to meet again soon for further discussion, he added.



The board comprising 24 members and the managing director met earlier this week with representatives from Wilmer Hale. Rice declined to comment on whether Georgieva attended that meeting.



The World Bank has since scrapped the report that ranked nations based on their investment climate, while Georgieva, who took the top job at the International Monetary Fund in 2019, has called the investigations findings wrong and said she did not pressure anyone to alter any reports.
Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, in a letter to his countrys ambassador in Washington, said that the embassy failed to establish meaningful contact between the two countries.

Angered by the constant diplomatic snubs received by Pakistan and PM Imran Khan not receiving a phone call from United States President Joe Biden, foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in a letter to his countrys ambassador in Washington said that the embassy failed to establish meaningful contact between the two countries.

Desperate begging by youthia government and calling those it is begging as having immature understanding.  pic.twitter.com/P40oVB5ASH  Gul Bukhari (@GulBukhari) October 6, 2021

Qureshi said that despite Pakistan playing a key role in Afghanistan, Washington has been indifferent towards Islamabad.

In the letter dated September 27, 2021, Qureshi further directed Pakistani ambassador Asad Majeed Khan to ensure that enough diplomatic steps are taken to guarantee the strategic relevance of Pakistan in all diplomatic forums.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan expresses its concern over the inability of the Pakistan Embassy, Washington in creating an environment to facilitate diplomatic communication between the office of the PM of Pakistan and the President of the USA, the letter said.

Qureshi said that the PMs office has taken a strong view that despite all efforts by Pakistan to establish a healthy line of communication between the White House, it is unable to see meaningful reciprocity.

You are thus expected to take adequate measures in ensuring that enough diplomatic steps are undertaken to guarantee the strategic relevance of Pakistan in all diplomatic forums, the foreign minister said.
Paul Dean Hicks, 84, passed away on November 6, 2021, in Las Vegas, NV. Dean was born on August 10, 1937, in Rutledge, MO, first son of Clarence Hicks and Madeline (Ewing) Hicks. Dean graduated from Memphis High School, Memphis, MO in 1956. He married Carol Joan Blackwell (deceased February 
Ottumwa, IA (52501)

Today

Sunny skies. Gusty winds during the morning. High near 40F. Winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 23F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
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Thank goodness it's the weekend, right?

Yes, exactly.

If you're looking for a weekend adventure or just a weekend experience, there's plenty to do throughout Michigan that's no more than a day trip or a weekend trip away. From the loud, to the fun, to the spooky, the Wolverine State doesn't disappoint. The fall weather settling in also makes things more perfect.

Here are five things to do in Michigan this weekend.

1. Monster Jam

Looking for a wild night out? Head over to Grand Rapids this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday-Sunday-SUNDAY for Monster Jam.

See stunts, big trucks, and watch things get smashed. Almost sounds therapeutic.

Monster Jam takes place at Van Andel Arena.

2. Charlevoix Apple Festival

What's better than a juicy, tasty apple? How about a freshly harvested juicy, tasty apple?

You'll get that and more at the Charlevoix Apple Festival. This annual autumn event features a variety of apples as well as a market that you can get yourself some eggs, fruits, vegetables, squash and mums. There's also food on hand such as chili, hot dogs and Irish apple cake. Yum!

3. Fort Fright

Why is it that older things are the perfect ingredients for a scary experience?

Seriously, old mansions, vintage cruise ships, the list goes on and on. And an 18th century fur trading fort in Mackinaw City fits the bill just fine.

At Fort Fright, there's ghouls, goblins, and spooky tales centuries old that could very well give you chills and thrills from the days of and proceeding the Revolutionary War.

Fort Fright is meant for all ages, however, there are some extra spooky experience available to take in, if you dare.

4. Great Lakes Comic Expo

There's expected to be costume galore in honor of many of the captivating superheroes that have graced the covers of several comic books. From Spider-man to Batman, and maybe even Bartman there will be plenty of sights to see and experiences to take in.

This Clinton Township event is also expected to feature special guests, including Don Simpson, the creator of "Megaton Man."

5. Ann Arbor Arborfest

It's all about art and fun this weekend in Ann Arbor.

Not only will 100 pieces of fine art be on display at this large outdoor event, there will also be live music, craft beer and cocktails, activities, and food trucks.

Oh, and by the way, it's free.
A vote was passed in the very room in which future commissioners impacted by the decision will serve.

The Midland County Apportionment Committee voted on new apportionment for the seven county commissioner districts Wednesday.

The Reapportionment Committee voted (4-1) on Plan C, the new map that will be in effect for 10 years.

Five members of the committee were present for the Wednesday meeting in the Midland County Services Building: Midland County Clerk Ann Manary, Midland County Prosecuting Attorney J. Dee Brooks, Midland County Treasurer Cathy Lunsford, Midland County Democratic Party Chair Jennifer Austin and Midland County Republican Party Chair Cathy Leikhim.

Manary, Brooks, Lunsford and Leikhim voted yes to pass Plan C. Austin voted no.

The map, along with a resolution that was passed Wednesday, will be filed with the State of Michigan. Manary, who chaired the reapportionment committee, will file the map, resolution and the "physical wording" of each district on Monday, Oct. 11.

"I'm very happy that we were able to move forward with the districts," Manary said. "We did spend a lot of time on Sept. 15, creating Plan C, that was ultimately approved by this committee.We looked at lots of different options when we were making the decisions for Plan C. But we have those guidelines that we have to stay in contact with and you can't think about what political issues are going to arise because of the maps."

The other plan, Plan E, was drafted by Austin and presented on Sept. 29 to the committee.

"It's disappointing," Austin said. "It went as I expected. I didn't expect to convince four Republicans to attempt to be fair in the County of Midland, but I had to give it my best shot."

More than 15 community members  on both sides of the aisle  were present to witness the vote. The majority of people present expressed frustration with the Plan C decision.

The criteria for apportionment are that the districts shall be contiguous, compact and square; townships shall generally not be combined with cities; townships, cities, and villages shall generally not be divided; precincts shall be divided only to meet population standard; no partisan political advantage shall be given to a particular party; and population deviation between commissioner districts must be under 11.9%.

This term, all seven Midland County commissioners are Republican.

The Reapportionment Committee began meeting on June 2 and has met at least once a month since that time.

The Daily News will continue to follow this topic; If youre interested in sharing your perspective, email Reporter Tess DeGayner at tess.degayner@hearstnp.com.

Related content

Midland Co. Apportionment Committee nearing vote on county commissioner map
This winter, the Four Lakes Task Force (FLTF) plans to finish up repairs on the Tobacco River side of the Edenville dam.

According to FLTF, the primary Edenville dam repair project includes removing parts of a rollway and constructing a reinforcement wall.

Thats just one item on FLTFs long list of projects to be completed in an effort to restore the four lakes and their respective dams.

FLTF held a board meeting and webinar earlier this week to update Midland and Gladwin County residents on recently completed efforts and the status of current projects.

Progress report: Edenville dam

FLTF President Dave Kepler said the restoration on Wixom and Sanford Lakes are significant.

The Edenville dam interim repairs on the Tobacco River and Tittabawassee River sides are underway.

Parts of the rollway (a natural or prepared slope for rolling logs into a stream) will be removed to take out the upper portions of a spillway on the Edenville dam. The reinforcement wall, or sister wall, will provide structural support for training walls.

Around winter, a breach way I-wall berm is planned for the Tittabawassee River side.

And looking ahead to next year, FLTF plans to install boat safety booms on the Tobacco River side in summer. The group will make efforts toward embankment stabilization on the Tittwabawassee River side, with the goal to complete this project in the summer.

On the Tittabawassee River side, the group has removed downstream sediment and a rollway.

Progress report: Secord and Smallwood dams

The Secord and Smallwood dams suffered damage from the May 2020 mid-Michigan dam failures.

After the Edenville and Sanford dams failed, FLTF completed post-flood inspections to outline the immediate aspects to take action against. This information was shared with EGLE and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC); A decision was made to implement the identified measures, which was completed in April.

Paul Drew, whos working on the risk-informed decision making process, met with EGLE, FERC and FLTF members. He said a two-day workshop was completed in September to identify possible consequences of a hypothetical dam failure.

The workshops goal was to ultimately understand the annual probability of Secord and Smallwood dams and how downstream communities would be impacted in a potential flooding event.

FLTF used the information to design a spillway to fit the need. Hansen said the process is developed by the Army Corps of Engineers and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

More recently, FLTF conducted subsurface investigations to better understand soil borings and the mechanics of the soils.

Ron Hansen is an environmental health and safety committee member and vice president at Spicer Group, the lead engineering firm with FLTF. Hansen said this understanding is necessary for geotechnical and structural designs.

FLTF is working on submitting some permit applications to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) by December. Next summer, the group hopes to have boat safety booms installed on both dams.

The group has also completed 30% Design Drawings (with IDF upgrades) and 60% Designs are underway.

Progress report: Sanford dam

Right now, FLTF said it's in the design and permitting phase of its interim repairs, which includes spillway stabilization and breach closure on the Sanford dam.

In the Wednesday meeting, the group said EGLE is reviewing the permit applications. This fall, FLTF plans to begin construction.



Community questions, concerns

Residents had a chance to ask questions to FLTF members, including Kepler, Vice President Dave Rothman and Hansen.

Coleman resident Kelly Bax requested FLTF to share a treasury report, she also added she had concerns over taxpayer money use and possible funding avenues.

Regarding the treasury report, Kepler said it is on FLTFs website. Annual reports and tax filings can be found here.

Another resident asked about bottomland lake management, which primarily impacts Wixom and Sanford lakes. Rothman said theres an estimated 10 million trees growing on the bottomlands (between the four lakes). Some, he said, are only 4-feet high. Others are over 15-feet tall.

FLTF is working on required spraying permits from EGLE to help control the bottomland vegetation, Rothman said. He said residents do not need permits to mow, they can mow 40- to 50-feet out of their properties.

Kepler said FLTFs role is to bring the lakes up and deal with environmental management that comes along with raising the lake water levels. However, he said the group does not foresee itself managing all of the lakes, rather the community townships and associations will need to have lake management plans.

Rothman said FLTF is collaborating with the Wixom Lake Improvement Board to receive funds to cover the cost of bottomland work, located east of M-30 on Wixom Lake.

On the Tobacco side of the Edenville Dam, Tobacco Township asked FLTF to look into mowing as a measure to control Wixom Lakes bottomland trees.

Area resident Karen Price, who lives on a river tributary, asked a question about the special assessment districts (SAD). While the SAD boundaries are final, the methodology is not final and will be updated.

For more information on this topic, click here.

The Four Lakes Task Force is the delegated authority for Midland and Gladwin counties.

Related content:

Midland, Gladwin: Do you have questions for the Four Lakes Task Force?
Not all builders are happy with Gov. Gretchen Whitmers announcement Thursday that Michigan will pay higher "prevailing" wages on state construction projects, three years after Republican legislators repealed a long-standing law that required better pay.

The Democratic governor said the cancellation of the law does not preclude her from implementing a prevailing wage policy for state contracts, according to the Associated Press. Nonunion contractors appear likely to sue.

Angela Madarang, president of the Greater Michigan Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors, said her organization will resist this move from the governor.

"After all that we know from the last three years, are any of us really surprised that Gov. Whitmer would again ignore the will of the people and attempt to override state law to enact her partisan agenda?" Madarang said. "Our members will not back down from fighting for their livelihoods because Whitmers job-killing agenda has no place in Michigans construction industry."

Jimmy Greene, President of ABC Michigan, said this decision targets over 100,000 contractors and was unconstitutional. These orders will also increase state construction costs, thus affecting taxpayers, he said.

Gretchen Whitmers unilateral broadside on Michigans builders and contractors is both illegal and devastating to our states workforce, Greene said. Whitmer has spent the last two years ignoring state lawmakers while she destroys our jobs and economy. Now shes signing illegal orders to undo laws that protect workers and taxpayers. Every worker in Michigan deserves the governors respect. Instead shes attacking them.

The Associated Press reports that Whitmer said Thursday that reestablishing the prevailing wage policy is the right decision.

When we support hardworking people and make sure they can make good money and we've got expertise on state jobs, it benefits every single one of us," Whitmer said during a news conference at the United Association Local 333 near Lansing.

Her move is tied to her 2019 executive directive instructing the Department of Technology, Management and Budget to consider factors such as wages and benefits paid by companies that submit bids, according to the Associated Press.

The announcement drew criticism from conservative groups, along with an association of nonunion contractors that primarily funded a ballot initiative that enabled lawmakers to rescind the law in 2018 despite then-Republican Gov. Rick Snyder's opposition.

Union leaders and workers applauded Whitmer.

"Things in this world are simply not driven on price point alone. We should not pursue the race to the bottom," said Tom Lutz, executive secretary-treasurer of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights, who contended that prevailing wage policies will ensure superior value for the government.

Republicans accused the governor, who is up for reelection, of trying to "buy back" trade unions that oppose her order to shut down the Line 5 oil pipeline in the Straits of Mackinac. They support building a tunnel to encase a new underwater segment under a deal her predecessor reached with Enbridge.

"It smells of desperation," said Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey of Clarklake. "We know union members are migrating to Republicans because of policy not politics. ... They won't fall for this cheap stunt. These are people who work too hard to be fooled."

Lutz urged workers to not be "fooled" by allegations that Whitmer acted to help her political allies.

"Prevailing wage is good for Michigan because it goes to working people," he said.

The potential financial impact of the governor's step was not immediately known, as it was unclear if people working on state infrastructure projects have been paid less since the 1965 law was repealed. At the time of the repeal, it was not expected to save much on road projects because most are at least partially funded with federal money and subject to a U.S. prevailing wage law.

Other projects partly financed with state money, such as public schools and university buildings, are not covered by Whitmer's move because those entities  not state government  award the contracts.
The following list includes recent reports from the Midland County Sheriffs Office and the Midland Police Department. Compiled by reporter Andrew Mullin.

Wednesday, Sept. 29

9:32 p.m.  Officers responded to a domestic verbal situation on Arlington Street.

8:19 p.m.  A deputy assisted Michigan State Police with an operating while intoxicated stop in Porter Township. Two males were arrested for various crimes.

7:53 p.m.  Officers responded to a case of larceny on Bay City Road.

7:38 p.m.  Deputies were dispatched to a Warren Township residence to speak with a 68-year-old Coleman female reference items that were stolen from her vehicle. The estimated value of the stolen items was approximately $380. This incident is under investigation.

12:09 p.m.  A 79-year-old Lee Township female reported she got a call from a subject claiming to be her banking institution. The female believes it was a fraud and did not provide any information.

11:24 a.m.  Officers responded to a death investigation on Brambleridge Lane.

10:10 a.m.  A 75-year-old Lee Township male failed to pay for $42.50 in fuel from a station in Sanford. The male placed the money on a pre-paid card. The clerk failed to remove the money from the card, so the male made arrangements to return and pay for the fuel.

10:00 a.m.  Officers responded to a domestic assault on Dahlia Street.

8:15 a.m.  Midland County Sheriffs Office detective bureau received a referral from the Department of Health & Human Services indicating the possibility of an adult male who suffers from mental health issues sexually touching children. Through investigation, it was determined that if a crime occurred, it could have been in the City of Midland. The case was then turned over to the Midland Police department for further investigation.

4:16 a.m.  Officers responded to a vehicle crash in the area of West U.S. 10 and Eastman Avenue.

1:07 a.m.  Deputies were dispatched to a Coleman location for a suspicious situation. Deputies contacted a 20-year-old Jerome Township male who advised he slept walked from his Jerome Township residence to Coleman. Deputies gave the male a ride home.

Tuesday, Sept. 28

10:18 p.m.  Deputies conducted a traffic stop in Sanford that resulted in the 33-year-old Midland male driver being issued a citation for driving while license suspended. A report was completed and forwarded to the Midland County Prosecutors Office for review.

10:08 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to a Mount Haley Township residence for a well-being check on a 12-year-old who sent a suicidal e-mail. The deputy contacted the male and his father. He denied using his email to send the message. It was recommended to the father to discuss the matter with his son. The deputy explained options for mental health if needed.

9:43 p.m.  Deputies were dispatched to a Lee Township residence for a general assist. The 39-year-old Lee Township female was excessively calling 911 when there was no apparent emergency. The female was advised not to call 911 unless it was an emergency. A report was sent to the prosecutors office for the misuse of 911.

8:49 p.m.  Deputies conducted a routine traffic stop for an equipment violation at a Lee Township location. Deputies contacted the male driver, a 33-year-old Lee Township male. Upon further investigation, the male had a suspended driver's license. The male was cited for the offense and the vehicle was turned over to a valid driver. A report was sent to the prosecutors office for review.

8:19 p.m.  Deputies were dispatched to a Homer Township residence reference an argument between a 14-year-old Homer Township female and her father, a 32-year-old Homer Township male. It was determined the female was being disobedient and needed to respect her parents and their commands. Deputies cleared the scene without incident.

6:20 p.m.  Officers responded to a breaking and entering on Alpine Drive.

6:08 p.m.  Officers responded to a case of larceny on Eastman Avenue.

5:36 p.m.  Officers responded to a case of retail fraud on Joe Mann Boulevard.

4:55 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to a Lincoln Township business to speak with a 42-year-old male who is the manager of a business, and who wanted to fire a 28-year-old male employee. The 42-year-old male stated the 28-year-old employee has an aggressive attitude, so he felt the presence of the deputies was needed. The deputy stood by as the business was handled and the event was handled without incident.

4:19 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to a Lincoln Township storage facility to speak with a 51-year-old female regarding a possible larceny. The 51-year-old female stated an unknown person had entered her storage facility through the ceiling and stole a pillow and a pair of shoes, valued at $80, from her storage.

3:44 p.m.  officers responded to a domestic verbal situation on Edwin Street.

2:43 p.m.  An animal control deputy received a call regarding two goats that escaped their enclosure from the back yard of a home in Lincoln Township. One was returned to the pen, but the second goat was too large to be placed back over the fence and it was content to stay next to the enclosure.

1:40 p.m.  A deputy was dispatched to the Midland Law Enforcement Center (LEC) to speak with a 19-year-old female regarding suspicious situation. The 19-year-old female wanted to file a report because UPS had lost her package. UPS said that they delivered her package on July 28, but she stated that she never received it. She believes it was delivered to the wrong residence, so the 19-year-old female was told to file a complaint with UPS. The package was valued at $300.

1:08 p.m.  Officers responded to a suicidal person on Smith Street.

12:50 p.m.  Deputies were dispatched to a Lee Township residence, to assist a tribal police department regarding an ongoing domestic dispute that took place in Isabella County.

11:47 a.m.  A deputy was dispatched to the Midland County Jail to speak with a 42-year-old inmate regarding a personal protection order violation. A report will be sent to the prosecutors office for review.

10:14 a.m.  A deputy was dispatched to a Larkin Township residence to check the wellbeing of a 26-year-old male after his mother stated she spoke with her son, and he mentioned that he was locked in the attic of his girlfriends parents home. The deputy arrived on scene and spoke with the 26-year-old male, who stated that there was a misunderstanding when he spoke with his mother. He advised that he is fine, and that his bedroom is in the attic.

9:37 a.m.  Officers responded to an assault on Jerome Street.

9:36 a.m.  A deputy cited a 44-year-old female for driving on a suspended license, after a traffic stop in Lee Township. A report will be forwarded to the prosecutors office.

1:58 a.m.  A deputy conducted a traffic stop at a Jerome Township location. The deputy spoke with the 49-year-old male driver who was subsequently arrested for operating while intoxicated. The male was lodged at the Midland County Jail, and a report is being sent to the prosecutors office for review.
NYFF Review: Joel Coens The Tragedy of Macbeth is an Impeccably Stylish Act of Mimicry

By Ciara Wardlow | Film | October 7, 2021 |

What if there was a film version of William Shakespeares Macbeth that looked like if F. W. Murnaus Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans and Carl Theodor Dreyers The Passion of Joan of Arc had a baby?

This seems to be the central question that Joel Coens The Tragedy of Macbeth asks and answers. Aesthetically distinct amongst its kin, The Tragedy of Macbeth holds its own against other cinematic iterations of the Scottish play, but its not reinventing the wheel, either. If a movie Macbeth impeccably styled after two greats of the silent era, only with sound, strikes you as a great time, you will love this. By the same token, if this idea does not appeal to you, dont expect to be surprised.

While the combined star power of Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is the obvious draw hereand they are living legends for good reasonthe real stars of this film, in all its austerity, is the below-the-line production team. Every frame of The Tragedy of Macbeth is a work of art. There is not so much as a hair on a head or a leaf on a tree that does not feel precisely curated. In this way, the film strikes an interesting balance between gore and sterilitythe violence here is graphic and brutal, but clean. Blood drips and pools on the floor on occasion when it suits the aesthetics, but elsewhere a blade just stabbed into a torso will pull away spotless.

Mary Zophres costumes are masterpieces of texture that feel precisely patterned and yet mesmerizingly organic, and not even the smallest detail comes across as left to chance. As Lord Banquo, Bertie Carvels ensemble is not just perfectly coordinated but his eyebrows modified to bushy, scraggly caterpillars that precisely match the fur lining of his cloak.

Stefan Dechants production design perfectly recreates the strange geometries of German Expressionism to a degree that it can feel like stepping into a time machine. Both gorgeous and sparse, the sets are graphically intriguing and only dressed with precisely what is neededthere are no spare props or clutter to speak of. Any chair that is seen will be sat in; any cup will be drunk from or hurled across the room.

That being said, while the department heads do feel like the real stars here, of the cast, one supporting player does steal the showaccoladed Shakespearian stage actress Kathryn Hunter, who gives a mesmerizingly eerie performance as the Three Witches. McDormand and Washington are top-of-their generation talents, but Hunter displays an incredible, almost preternatural physicalityalmost Lon Cheney-esquethat feels especially at home in the 1920s aesthetics of it all. At times its like watching Gollum without motion capture.

The Murnau of it all sometimes works a little better than the Dreyer. Coen makes a pointed stance in how he handles monologuingthat is, sticking to stark high-contrast close-ups of the actors faces all the way through (no pivot-to-voice-over) in a way that feels lifted straight from The Passion of Joan of Arc. The issue is that in silent film, these shots tend to work as a sort of shorthand. The camera often doesnt actually linger long enough for someone giving a speech to deliver the speech, the shot generally just establishes who is speaking and the way in which they are speaking before the film cuts to the explanatory intertitle. When the same approach is taken in a sound film that just so happens to have some very long monologues, certain shortcomings to the technique become apparent, especially when it comes to some of the drier, more expositional monologues earlier in the story.

Coen holds firm on maintaining this approach anyway, but one unfortunate quality of the film that feels like a possible byproduct of this approach is the extent to which a lot of the monologues feel rather rushed: No pauses for suspense or thought or just to let a viewer process whats been said; just bulldozed straight through. At times, particularly with Denzel, it nearly borderlines mumblecore, especially earlier on when Macbeth is still more or less sane. Once he starts unraveling, he takes more time with the lines and it becomes as big and compelling of a performance as one would hope. While some of the Bards iconic wordplay lands, a good bit gets lost in the rushconsidering the crux of Shakespeares genius is his wordsmithing, this feels like a particular loss.

The technical execution is stunning, but ultimately the thematic underpinnings feel somewhat less robust. The Tragedy of Macbeth is gorgeous to look at but ultimately does not add all too much to think about that is not provided by that seminal Shakespeare text. There does not seem to be a layered thesis behind the why of the approach so much as a why not, it looks cool. It does not come across like it is echoing the past to say anything in particular beyond testing to see if that past artistry can be recaptured, and indeed it can. A simple question with a simple answer.

Theres nothing wrong with that, per se, its just also not the sort of film that tends to linger on the mind for all too longand is perhaps a smidge less than one expects at this point from someone as iconic in his own right as Joel Coen. It feels, quite bluntly, perhaps most reminiscent of The Artista well-crafted novelty project that recapitulates the highlights of a bygone era but forgets to establish any strongly distinguishing features of its own. For fans of Shakespeare, German expressionism, McDormand, or Denzel, its worth a viewing, but five years from now, it feels a safe bet that the bulk of this films viewers will be the myriad students who are definitely going to end up watching this for class.

For those going into this movie wondering who Joel Coen is as a filmmaker without Ethan by his side, the answer is that this question remains once the credits roll, because The Tragedy of Macbeth is, more than anything, an incredible act of mimicrya remarkable piece of craftsmanship, but less than one would expect from a filmmaker of Coens distinction.

The Tragedy of Macbeth was reviewed out of 2021s New York Film Festival. The film will receive a limited theatrical release on December 25, 2021, and will start streaming on Apple TV+ on January 14, 2022.

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Ciara is one of Pajiba's film critics. You can follow her on Twitter.

Image sources (in order of posting): Apple, A24
Cora Heart Crether, 64 of Palestine, died on November 10th in Tyler. Funeral service will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at Rising Star Baptist Church in Grapeland. Burial will follow in Golden Gate Cemetery in Grapeland. The viewing will be Friday from 10 to 6 at Emanuel Funeral Home Palestine.
Nairobi, Kenya (PANA)  Tanzania's ban on pregnant students and adolescent mothers attending school has denied tens of thousands of girls their right to education, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has said
FedEx Express has completed its first scheduled last-mile aerial drone delivery in Ireland thanks to an innovative partnership with Future Mobility Campus Ireland (FMCI) Air.

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The delivery marks the launch of a trial service delivering goods from FMCI, based at Shannon Airport, County Clare, to Foynes Port, County Limerick.

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The drone deliveries were conducted by Skyports on behalf of the FMCI Air consortium which also includes Avtrain, Shannon Group and FMCI.

The delivery is part of a month-long trial which will see several test flights conducted in the Mid-West region, beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) between Shannon Airport and Foynes Port, with deliveries anticipated to be made in under 13 minutes.

Mike Roche, operations managing director, FedEx Express Ireland, said, We are always looking for new and innovative ways to deliver the world to our customers doorsteps and Im delighted that this drone delivery trial is underway and an example of how we, as an industry, continue to explore new technology to help meet our customers evolving delivery needs.

Julie Garland on behalf of the FMCI Air Consortium, said, The caliber of the partners involved in this trial ensures its success. To test the incorporation of beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone freight deliveries into global supply chain logistics is the future happening now. The location of this trial from the FMCI base adjacent to Shannon Airport, in controlled airspace, with full air traffic control services, demonstrates the integration of manned aircraft operations with simultaneous vertiport drone operations becoming the norm and paving the way for advanced air mobility.
Photo: (Photo : ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)

New York moms and dads were starting to panic and getting angry after a claim circulated that unvaccinated parents would not be able to bring their newborns home from the hospitals because of a vaccine mandate.

A post on social media stirred the false claims when an alleged doctor shared that mothers or fathers have to be vaccinated before taking their infants home. The post, however, did not provide any valid links to the claims.

Similar claims were also made on Facebook, Instagram, and discussion forums online. They claimed that NYU Langone and other hospitals follow guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Read Also: Boppy Recall: Parents Urged to Stop Using Loungers After Death of 8 Babies

The posts have drawn strong reactions from the followers, with some claiming that the government is committing mass kidnapping. Others, however, were more cautious about believing the claims.

"Have to be careful not to post this sort of thing without links though, I can't find this info anywhere else but this post," one commenter said.

New Forced Control: NYU Langone and other Hospitals in New York and Long Island are Forcing that if the Parent is not VAXXED they will not release Babies From NICU to Parents or after birth as per CDC Guidelines. You Need to Show VAX-Passport to see your own New Born Baby. pic.twitter.com/eMUUPg9pSY  DR AFZAL NIAZ M.D, M.B.B.S (King Edward) ,FRCS (@DRAFZALNIAZ2) October 1, 2021

NY Department of Health Responds

After the false information went viral, the New York State Department of Health disputed the claims. Jill Montag, the spokesperson for the department, also informed the media that the claims were not true. Montag told USA Today that the department is "deeply disturbed by the grossly inaccurate messages being spread on social media." She reiterated that unvaccinated parents are not prohibited from taking their newborn infants after birth based on their vaccination status.

NYU Langone also issued a statement on social media saying that the stories going around were inaccurate and harmful. There is no evidence that unvaccinated parents are having difficulty bringing their babies home from the hospital because they would be blocked. The CDC also indicated on its website that the chances of newborn babies contracting COVID-19 from their unvaccinated parents are low. However, preventive measures are still necessary to ensure that the safety guidelines are followed.

In response to the false & completely unfounded post circulating on social media: NYU Langone DOES NOT prohibit a parent/guardian from taking a child home from the NICU due to their vaccination statuswe vehemently discourage the spread of this inaccurate, harmful information.  NYU Langone Health (@nyulangone) October 2, 2021

NY Vaccine Mandate Expands

The news comes as New York has expanded its vaccine mandate among medical workers to include those in mental and developmental disabilities facilities. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that vaccination requirements for these workers would be implemented beginning November 1, while unvaccinated workers will have to subject themselves to testings starting October 12. In a statement, the governor said that the state has an obligation to assure the safety of those who need care from medical workers.

Some of the staff challenged New York's vaccine mandate for hospital workers, forcing some facilities to shut down their NICU and nursery departments as workers resigned instead of getting vaccinated. Some teachers have also sued the state for requiring vaccinations, but the court has rejected these requests.

Related Articles: Baby Deliveries Stopped as Vaccine Mandate Leads to Mass Resignation in New York Hospital
Photo: (Photo : Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Parents who protest against various school rules, to the point of issuing threats to school boards, could be investigated by the Department of Justice (DOJ) if their complaints involve acts of violence that may be regarded as domestic terrorism.

The directive to investigate the parents comes from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland, who issued a memorandum that indicated a disturbing trend involving parents against teachers, school staff, and members of the school boards. Garland said these violent threats are illegal and "run counter to our nation's core values."

FBI's potential investigations into the threats to school boards come after the National School Boards Association (NSBA) asked President Joe Biden's help amid several harassments experienced by school workers. The NSBA suggested that Biden enforce the Patriot Act, passed after the 9/11 attacks, on these harassments.

Read Also: Newsom Announces Vaccine Mandate for Schoolchildren in California, Effective January 2022

Criminalizing Parents

Teachers have been quitting their jobs because of these incidents that stem from different policies over masking, transgender rights, vaccination, and school curriculums like critical race theory.

But Asra Nomani, the vice president of the advocacy group Parents Defending Education, said that the government is criminalizing parents for ordering the FBI to investigate them. She demanded an apology from Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray as parents are not domestic terrorists. Nomani has been vocal about opposing critical race theory in school curriculums.

Dear @TheJusticeDept Merrick Garland and @FBI Director Christopher Wray,



This is what a domestic terrorist looks like?



You are criminalizing parenting, and you owe the people of America a swift apology.



"Domestic Terorrist,"

Asra Nomani @DefendingEd https://t.co/McvDgeF9j3  Asra Q. Nomani Domestic Terrorist (@AsraNomani) October 5, 2021

Some parents also believed Garland's memo was meant to shut down opinions that did not align with the liberal agenda. Florida Gov. Ron de Santis said that the attorney general has been "weaponizing" the DOJ and the FBI against the parents.

Ian Prior, the former DOJ Principal Deputy Director of Public Affairs, said that this order is an attempt to stop parents from using their First Amendment rights. While he acknowledged that there are legitimate threats to school boards that the authorities should look into, he still believes that the DOJ order is an effort to curtail freedom of speech.

Other parents questioned Garland over data or evidence to show a "disturbing spike in harassment" and threats to school boards. The parents said there are also cases where the school workers shun the parents if they complain about the rules, but the government is not quick to lift a finger and go after them.

"The moment parents speak up about their children being taught poisonous Critical Race Theory, they spring into action and label these parents 'domestic terrorists,'" one parent said.

'Very Tough Stance'

Lawmakers across the country have sought answers and clarifications about Garland's memo since he did not detail what incidents could be considered threats to school boards that would make them criminally liable. The attorney general also did not say what sanctions parents could face if they are to be investigated. Sen. Tom Cotton said he had written Garland with questions about the directive.

Former President Donald Trump has also aired his opinion about this controversy during a podcast talk with John Solomon. He felt that the order was a "very tough stance" against the parents who are just concerned for their children. Trump said that the parents should have a voice on how their kids should be educated in school.

During his term, Trump established the 1776 Commission to prevent the radical indoctrination of students. Once Biden took office, he disbanded the commission.

Related Article: California Parents Sue to Stop Public Schools From Letting Students Pray to Aztec Gods
Photo: (Photo : skalekar1992/Pixabay)

A lawmaker from Pennsylvania plans to file a vasectomy mandate that will force men above 40 years old to get the operation within six weeks of their youngest child's birth to prevent another pregnancy.

Democratic Rep. Chris Rabb said he would soon introduce the bill to the floor in response to the most stringent Texas abortion law. He also said that his proposal would adopt a similar provision that will reward private individuals $10,000 if they report a man who has not followed the vasectomy mandate.

The bill will also include a provision that will limit the number of children fathers should have to just three. After the third child, they should also get a vasectomy regardless of their age.

I will be introducing a bill inspired by @RepKellyCassidy that requires all inseminators to undergo #vasectomies within 6 weeks of having their third child or 40th birthday, whichever comes first. /1



Additionally, . . .#ReproJustice #ReproductiveRights #AbortionIsHealthcare  Rep. Chris Rabb (@RepRabb) October 2, 2021

Read Also: Arizona Abortion Law: Judge Blocks Criminalization of Pregnancy Termination Due to Genetic Abnormalities

It's a Satirical Proposal

In an interview with WHP-TV, Rabb admitted that the proposal is actually a satire meant to spark a conversation about people's reproductive rights. He said that many bills and laws regulate women's health and rights, but there is no such law for men.

"I want to create a conversation about how easily we accept government intervening into the health decisions of women, which should be between them and their family, and then saying what would it feel like if men were being regulated," Rabb said.

The lawmaker, however, is determined to introduce the bill to the floor at the General Assembly so that his colleagues will see the double standard of reproductive health care proposals. Within minutes after announcing his plan, Rabb said he received hateful and threatening messages, but he told his critics they should have scrutinized other restrictive bills in the same manner.

Rabb added that he was inspired to follow the bill filed by Illinois Rep. Kelly Cassidy, called the TExAS Act, which grants a $10,000 bounty on individuals who report or file a civil lawsuit against people who commit sexual assault, domestic violence, or cause unwanted pregnancy in women.

Both laws take a similar stance as the Texas abortion law that will reward people who report a woman or anyone helping the women get an abortion. The controversial Texas abortion law took effect on September 1.

'Open Season' for Women's Health

Per Cassidy and Rabb, the Texas abortion law triggered an "open season" for women seeking proper reproductive health care. However, Republicans who have heard of Rabb's proposals said that abortion and vasectomy are not the same issues.

In a post on social media, Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Barb Gleim believed that Rabb's bill would "never see the light of day" and likened the proposal to the communist policies of China. On Twitter, Rabb was mocked by netizens, comparing the vasectomy mandate to Nazi Germany.

However, Rabb is not the first lawmaker to propose a vasectomy mandate. In 2020, Alabama Rep. Rolanda Hollis also filed a similar bill for men above 50 years old or dads of three kids to get snipped. Hollis' proposal, which was a response to Alabama's abortion laws, was scrapped for overstepping on a private, personal, and family decision.

Related Article: Texas Abortion Law: Biden Justice Department Sues for 'Unconstitutional' Ban
Photo: (Photo : Selim Sudheimer/Getty Images)

A pair of same-sex parents have filed a lawsuit against the state of Nebraska for rejecting their right to be listed as the moms on their children's birth certificates.

Erin Porterfield and Kristin Williams had given birth to their sons, Kadin, in 2002, and Cameron, in 2005. Each of the same-sex parents took turns carrying one child to term in pregnancy -- Porterfield to Kadin and Williams to Cameron -- using the same sperm donor and assisted by reproductive technology.

However, the moms separated in 2013, before the legalization of same-sex marriage in all 50 states. This meant that their children could only have one biological mother's name on their birth certificates.

Despite their separation, Porterfield and Williams wanted to ensure that their sons would be legally recognized as the children of both parents, so they went to court to make some changes in their birth documents.

Read Also: Parents React Against FBI Crackdown on Threats to School Boards for Possible Domestic Terrorism

Approval Followed by Rejection

In 2017, same-sex parents were granted the right to have both their names listed as the mother in their sons' birth certificates by a court in Douglas County. The court recognized Porterfield and Williams' parental obligations and also approved their parenting plan as separated parents.

Things became complicated when Porterfield applied to change Kadin's birth certificate details with the Nebraska Department of Health Human Services. She wanted to add Williams as his mother, but the agency rejected her ex-partner as Kadin's legal parent.

In 2021, the same-sex parents submitted additional notarized documents where they both voluntarily stated and affirmed their parentage for the boys. However, the state said that the additional documents could not be legally recognized unless the ex-couple had been married.

"We were never able to marry because by the time the supreme court had awarded that right to gay people, we had split as a couple," Williams said.

Lawyers for Porterfield and Williams argued that parents of the opposite sex would not encounter similar problems if they had a father acknowledged parentage despite not being married to the mother.

In Loco Parentis

Porterfield and Williams are recognized as "in loco parentis," which is a legal but temporary acknowledgment. However, same-sex parents want full parental rights recognition because it will matter to their children's medical and education care, as well as estate planning for their two sons.

Williams explained that if she were to die, the state would tax Kadin heavily for half of her estate because she is not recognized as his mother on his birth certificate. It would be the same case for Cameron if Porterfield were to pass away suddenly. The same-sex parents also said that they want both their children to make decisions for them for their end-of-life care.

Sara Rips of ACLU Nebraska said that this lawsuit is about "equal treatment for families with same-sex parents." The court has recognized that both women chose to be parents and be involved with their kids together, and the state should not discriminate on their choices.

Related Article: Adoptive Parents Appeal Reinstatement of Birth Dad's Rights to 3-Year-Old Adopted Child
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In this episode of The Full Nerd, Gordon Mah Ung, Brad Chacos, Mark Hachman, and Adam Patrick Murray discuss the question everyone is mulling right now: Should you upgrade to Windows 11?

The Full Nerd crew discusses Windows 11s lukewarm reception, and talks about everything related, from its performance, security, and account requirements to whether its even a good idea to install it right now.

This episode is brought to you by Avasts new all-in-one solution, Avast One, which helps keep your identity and actions hidden, stops malware, phishing and virus attacks, and helps clean up your devices. And because Avast believes essential protection should be available to everyone, a free version of Avast One still includes award-winning free AV, free VPN, free firewall, and much more.

You can view the video embedded above or you can watch The Full Nerd episode 193 on YouTube (subscribe to the channel while youre there!) or listen to it on Megaphone.fm if you prefer the audio alone down below.

Speaking of audio, you can subscribe to The Full Nerd in iTunes (please leave a review if you enjoy the show). Were also on Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or you can point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader to: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/IDG8935300959

If you want to wear your geekiness on your sleeve, check out our Full Nerd merch!

Have a PC- or gaming-related question? Email thefullnerd@pcworld.com and well try to answer it in the next episode. You can also join the PC-related discussions and ask us questions on The Full Nerds Discord server. Finally, be sure to follow PCWorld on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitch to watch future episodes live and pick our brains in real time!
Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta has not resigned from his post as being speculated on social media, the Ministry of Finance has said in a statement issued on Tuesday, 5 October 2021.



The attention of the Ministry of Finance has been drawn to rumours circulating on social media platforms that the Minister of Finance, Mr Ken Ofori-Atta, has resigned from his position, the statement said.



It said Mr Ofori-Atta is at post.



The Ministry wishes to assure the general public that there is no truth in these rumours, the statement added.



Mr Ken Ofori-Atta is at post and focused on his mandate, given to him by His Excellency the President, to serve the people of Ghana in his capacity as Finance Minister.



The general public is advised to disregard these rumours.









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 Chief Executive Officer of Think About Mentally Challenged Person Near You (TAMeCPeNY), an NGO, Mr Evans Appiah-Kubi has called on the government to train more psychiatrists to help address mental health issues in the country.



According to him, there are limited formal avenues for professional interaction and referrals to mental health professionals, thus expressed concerned about the development.



Speaking to the media in Accra yesterday, Mr Appiah-Kubi noted that the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, stated that a total of 3.1 million Ghanaians, representing 10 per cent of the countrys 31 million population had mental disorders.



He indicated that the development was due to the less attention the country gave to mental illness and its treatment.



The words mental illness, Mr Appiah-Kubi, said were scary to some people, stressing that there is, unfortunately, a type of stigma associated with the term making it impossible for people to seek psychological attention when the need arises.



He indicated that mental illness was very common and it was estimated that around a fifth of the population had some form of mental disorder such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.



According to Mr Appiah-Kubi, boredom that arose from unemployment and other related issues had made many individuals develop mental illnesses that needed psychological attention.



There are numerous causes, such as stress and chemical imbalances, of mental health issues, and a psychiatric evaluation can help identify a problem, its cause, and treatment options, he added.



Mr Appiah-Kubi regretted that people who had mental problems often did not seek help.



Being able to recognise when someone may need help is important, and there are a number of signs that indicate a psychiatric evaluation is a good idea therefore the government has to invest in the area to tackle the issue, he said.



Mr Appiah-Kubi underscored the need for the government to make the psychiatric profession attractive for people to enrol, while also educating Ghanaians on the need to seek psychological attention when they have trauma and other psychological problems.



It is established that some Ghanaians have psychological distress, which is either mild, moderate or severe, and it costs the nation about 7 per cent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) loss so we have to act fast as a nation and prioritise mental health just like the international communities, he added.

Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Peoples National Convention (PNC) has said it agrees with the view of former Chairman of the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, that any attempt to split the EC into two bodies must be done with well-defined roles and responsibilities to ensure a highly efficient organisation.



The General Secretary of the PNC, Ms Janet Nabla, said the call for the EC to be split into two one to be in charge of elections and the other to be in charge of political parties regulation  was in order as that would enhance the efficiency of the commission.





She said the only challenge was, if the latter's decision would be binding on the former, and cautioned that their roles must be clearly defined by institutionalising appropriate regulations.



Ms Nabla was reacting to the former EC Chairmans views expressed on a proposal to reform the EC.



Proposal, counter



Dr Afari-Gyan, in a statement detailing his views on some reforms in Ghana's electoral system, disagreed with a proposal to make the Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) a statutory body, with its functions backed by law.



According to him, changing the IPAC from a mechanism through which political parties offered suggestions to the EC to a body whose functions were backed by law would interfere with the independence of the EC, as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.



Dr Afari-Gyan, who was instrumental in the formation of the IPAC, said: The Constitution clearly says that in doing its work, the EC should not take instructions from any person or body external to the commission. The IPAC is such a body. Accordingly, IPAC decisions cannot be binding on the EC. If they were, it would, in effect, amount to nothing less than meddling with the independence of the commission.



The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has proposed that the EC be divided into two separate bodies  one regulating political parties, to be known as the Office for the Regulation of Political Parties (ORPP), and the other conducting and supervising public elections.



Interference



While agreeing with Dr Afari Gyan, Ms Nabla argued that the EC was an independent body set up by and entrenched in our constitution, and that no individual or a body should interfere in its activities.



Should we give the IPAC the power to dictate for the EC, wouldn't it amount to interference in the work of the EC? she asked.



The PNC said it was only appropriate for the EC to respect IPAC in its posturing and ensure consensus on issues other than pushing its decision down the throat of the political parties.



Electoral Disputes



The PNC also said Dr Afari-Gyans admission that the EC should be made a party in all electoral disputes and be made to produce all public elections related materials and documents relevant to presidential and parliamentary elections was worthy of note.



We believe, if accepted, it would increase transparency and fast- track the resolution of election disputes in the country, she said.



On the issues related to the role of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) in ensuring equal representation on its political programmes, the PNC said the Supreme Courts ruling on the matter must be followed through and should any staff of GBC be found to be favouring a particular party, the said individual should be personally held liable and be punished accordingly.



The PNC commended the former chairman of the EC for bringing his wealth of experience to bear on the discourse, describing his recent comments on the NDCs proposal for electoral reforms as welcoming.



Ms Nabla said the PNC would encourage other individuals and civil society organisations that were into election-related issues to do the same in order to further enhance Ghanas election processes.

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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Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) Ghana, a public service leadership organization preparing the next generation of competent and effective public sector leaders in Africa, has organized a graduation ceremony for the second cohort of Public Service Fellows who have undergone a two-year intensive public service fellowship program in Accra.



The graduation ceremony, which was held at the Ecobank Auditorium at the Ecobank Head office, had sixteen (16) Fellows who drafted reports for the United Nations, led digitization projects and worked on budgets presented to Parliament, all the while navigating a global pandemic in their roles as trainee civil servants.



Speaking at the event, Yawa Hansen Quao, the Global Executive Director of EPL said that civil servants are at the centre of an effective government that delivers for the people.



Today, I am incredibly proud to see 16 capable young civil servants complete our fellowship program, she added.



Yawa Hansen Quao stated that As we continue to expand our mission across Africa, these young leaders exemplify our model and the possibility of transforming the civil service in the region. EPL fellows' work will change our country, our continent, and our world.



The Chief Director of the Office of the Head of Civil Service (OHCS), Godwin Brocke indicated that the Emerging Public Leaders L program has been able to deliver civil service staff who are committed and have proven to have the capacity required in the Service. Some of the Fellows have assisted their various institutions to deliver effectively and efficiently.



Since its first cohort began in 2018, Emerging Public Leaders Ghana has grown the programs reach to include young Ghanaians from all 16 regions in Ghana. Fellows and alumni of the program have been placed in 21 government agencies across Ghanas Central Government including the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and the Office of the Vice President.



In charging the Fellows, Moses Cofie, the Ghana Country Director for Emerging Public Leaders said It has been an honour working with these top-tier fellows for the past two years and guiding them on the start of their journeys. However, this is just the beginning. We look forward to supporting these incredible young people as they take the next step towards their bright futures.



Other dignitaries who graced the occasion with congratulatory messages to the graduands include Betsy Williams, Founder & Co-Chair of EPL; Nana Kwasi Agyekum Dwamena, Head of Ghanas Civil Service and representatives from EPL Ghana key partners.



The graduating Cohort 2 Fellows will join the Emerging Public Leaders Alumni Network (EPLAN), a growing network of ethical public servants committed to excellence who act as catalysts to drive systemic change in Africas public sector.

Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Peacefmonline.com can authoritatively confirm that the Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) will in the shortest possible time, be the latest government outfit to go digital.



When the GSFP digitizes its operations, tracking of caterers will become uncomplicated and the case of the state financing unapproved caterers activities will cease to exist.



Currently, the operations of the GSFP which has over 3million pupils benefiting from the government's policy, is manual.



Rolled out in 2006, the school feeding policy which seeks to enhance food security and reduce hunger, provides pupils in deprived communities with a meal each day, in line with the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (MDGs) on hunger, poverty and malnutrition.



Earlier this week, they were several calls on government to overhaul the School Feeding Secretariat.



Allegations of payment of ghost schools surfaced with some caterers claiming the Secretariat had paid some 510 ghost schools an amount of GHC12M during the 2019/2020 academic year.



But reliable sources have hinted Peacefmonline, that efforts by the current administrator of the programme headed by Mrs Gertrude Quashigah, to ensure sanity in their operations by eliminating further cases of financing unapproved caterers, as well as monitor and streamline activities, precipitated these false claims.



This was after the GSFP recently initiated moves to track and bar some School Feeding caterers who are cooking without letters of engagement.



The GSFP operates within an approved budget and anytime some persons try to impose themselves on the programme and they are prevented, they turn round to accuse the National Coordinator instead, the source disclosed.



The programme currently boasts of creating jobs for over 10000 caterers and more than 35000 cooks in basic schools in all 260 districts.



Read below some achievements of the GSFP:



 The Programme has consistently provided children in public primary schools with one hot nutritious meal prepared from locally grown foodstuffs on every school going day.



 Increase in beneficiary pupils from 1,677,771 million in 2016 to 3,448,065 million.



 Given jobs to 10,850 caterers and over 35,000 cooks working in 10,832 basic schools in all the 260 districts.



 Development of GSFP bill waiting for passage by Parliament.



 Development of new GSFP operational manual with support from UNICEF.



 Digitization of GSFP monitoring and evaluation tools funded by WFP. It is presently on pilot basis in some districts in all the regions.



 It has been able to reduce hunger and malnutrition among beneficiary children.



 It has also increased school enrolment, attendance and retention, which has enhanced the development of education in Ghana.



 With support from World Food Programme WFP, the GSFP has instituted a countrywide Farmer Based Organisations Database for the first time in the history of the Programme aimed at boosting domestic food production.



 With financial and technical supports from development partners especially the WFP, GSFP has organised series of nutrition and innovative training for caterers and head cooks in 11 out of the 16 regions between 2019 and 2020 to enhance the use of alternative sources of protein and local food stuffs. The caterers were trained on how to use green leaves such as kontomire, casava leaf, potato leaf, ayoyo and other local spices such as ginger, onion, garlic which are less expensive and can be found in their communities to prepare different meals.



 Development of GSFP Menu Planner and the Handy Measures which basically guide caterers on how to serve the pupils with the right quality and quantity of meal. It was supported by WFP and Partnership for Child Development (PCD).



 introduced caterers to the use of Soya Chunks also known as Textured Soya Protein (TSP).



 Increased the feeding grant per a beneficiary pupil from GHp 0.80 to GHC1.00.



 Distribution of One Hot Nutritious Meal to all Form 3 and Form 2 JHS students and teachers in both public and private schools in Ghana. That initiative benefited about 584,000 students and 146,000 staff in 17,440 Junior High public and private schools nationwide.



It is therefore the hope of many Ghanaians that the full digitization of the operations of GSFP is effectuated before the next academic year, to not only streamline activities, but to also ensure that all deprived children benefit from it.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Majority Leader of Parliament, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu says it is unfathomable for the group led by renowned lawyer, Akoto Ampaw to describe the Parliament of Ghana as unbecoming of a modern Parliament for the mere fact that there is an anti-LGBTQ+ Bill to be discussed on the floor of the House.



According to the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, the Members of Parliament who have formed a coalition to present anti-LGBTQ+ Bill to curtail the activities of LGBTQ have the right to do so if they feel the majority of Ghanaians dont like the activities as a sovereign state.



Speaking on Okay FMs 'Ade Akye Abia' Morning Show, the Member of Parliament for Suame Constituency in the Ashanti Region noted that the position of the group that is kicking against the bill to brandish Parliament as old fashion for the fact that the House wants to give a listening ear to the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee that is handling the bill does not add up.



We have not even started a discussion on the LGBTQ+ Bill in Parliament and so if some group of people describe Parliament as unbecoming of a modern Parliament, I dont understand them. We are unbecoming a modern parliament because we have decided to listen to the MPs who have brought a bill to Parliament to be discussed or . . .? he rhetorically asked.



He added that it will rather be wrong on the part of Parliament to ignore the Members of Parliament who have brought the bill on behalf of the majority of Ghanaians who do not like the activities of the LGBTQ+ to entertain in the country as the 1992 Constitution stipulates that justice emanates from the people.



He stressed that the passage of any law in the country is hinged on the way of life of Ghanaians, thus, the decision of Parliament to discuss the LGBTQ+ Bill cannot be termed as old fashion as purported in the media by a group led by lawyer Akoto Ampaw; reminding him that justice in Ghana is not imported from England or America but rather from the Ghanaian culture.



Justice is not from England or America which has been imported into the country, and so our culture and tradition play a critical role in our justice system in the country as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, he argued.



The fact that Professors have expressed their views on the LGBTQ+ Bill doesnt make their comments a God-sent rule for us to accept it like that. We cannot accept it like that; we have to discuss the bill in Parliament and know whether to pass it or not, he indicated.



With regard to the religious sentiment attached to the LGBTQ+ Bill, Hon. Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu kicked against it, saying that it will further introduce religious beliefs that will deepen the crack in the discussion of the LGBTQ+ issues since justice according to the 1992 Constitution does not emanate from the Bible and the Quran.



When you started the introduction, you said I am a Christian, but the issue we are discussing, I will rather focus on the Ghanaian culture because the Constitution does not say that our justice emanates from the Bible or the Quran . . . , he stated.



So, the issue at hand should be discussed devoid of religion because if we allow religion to set in the discussion, then the various religious denominations will reduce the discussion to their religious beliefs and doctrines, he added.



Watch Video Below





Source: Daniel Adu Darko/Peacefmonline.com









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Dean of the School of Performing Arts of the University of Ghana, Professor Kofi Agyekum, has advised against same sex marriages and other homosexual acts in Ghana.



There are currently heated arguments about a bill to criminalize LGBTQ+ practices.



Some Members of Parliament, primarily those from the opposition National Democratic Congress, and one Parliamentarian from the ruling New Patriotic Party have proposed an anti-LGBTQ+ bill called Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill to be passed to outlaw homosexual activities, but a group of academics, legal practitioners, human rights activists, Professors and Civil Society Organizations have kicked against the bill.



The opponents of the bill argue it is an encroachment on the fundamental human rights enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.



Professor Kofi Agyekum, speaking on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme, added his voice to calls for a legislation to be made to check the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transexual, queer (LGBTQ+) community.



Declaring his stance on the issue, Opanyin Agyekum stated he doesn't support same sex marriages.



He explained that the difference between animals and humans is that humans have conscience that guides them to decipher wrong and right, hence engaging in homosexuality aberrates from the societal norms.



"It's very difficult for me to say that if somebody says he or she wants to marry the same sex, we should allow it but we're dealing with the laws of our country . . . If we are to look at it from the legal perspective, then what the Professors are saying that it's the right of a person to choose who he or she wants to marry, so it's not our concern and we should leave them alone but if you have conscience, you will know this is not good,' he told host Kwami Sefa Kayi.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The head of the European Union mission in Liberia says he is appalled by how "dirty" and "disgusting" the capital, Monrovia is, despite donors pouring in aid to clean it up and improve living conditions.



Laurent Delahousse told a forum organised by the Monrovia City Council that he was a bit surprised by what he saw when he arrived a year ago.



Monrovia is a disgusting city, it is a dirty city, he said.



Of all the capitals I have seen in my previous posts in Africa, I have not seen one that is as dirty as yours, he added.



He went on to urge city officials to address the crisis, and to account for the money received from donors and the taxes collected from businesses.



A clean city is an asset; it create jobs and probably that is what Liberia needs most, he said.



The straight-talking envoy joined other speakers in telling the city council that decorating Monrovia every now and again was not enough when the issue of sanitation remained a serious problem.



The mayor of Monrovia, Jefferson Koijee, who is also the chairman of the youth wing of the governing CDC party, told the forum that waste management in the over-crowded city was a major challenge.



But with more support from donor partners like the European Union they would continue to tackle the problem, he said.



There has been huge support from the donor community for the upkeep of Monrovia over the years, but the city has remained filthy with heaps of rubbish seen all over the place and some remaining on the streets for weeks.

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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Christian groups in the country say new voices pushing for the rejection of the bill seeking to criminalize activities of LGBTQ+ people in Ghana are a stark reminder that the Ghanaian society is vulnerable to same-sex marriage.They have urged President Akufo-Addo to stop the creeping crisis before it poses a deep challenge to the countrys moral fabric, by shutting the door of LGBTQ+ now.The Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021, is under consideration by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs after it was introduced in Parliament on August 2, 2021 and read for the first time in the House.Recently, a group of Ghanaian intellectuals called on authorities to reject the bill, arguing that the proposed law will violate the right to inviolability of the person and all the key fundamental freedoms guaranteed under the nations Constitution.But the Christian groups, made up of the Christian Council of Ghana, Methodist Church Ghana, Apostolic Church Ghana, Christ Apostolic Church, Church of Pentecost, GACO Women, National Clergy Association, National Association of Charismatic and Christian Churches, said matter is not about rights but morality.Presenting various memoranda to the Committee on Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, the Christian groups argued that the proposed law, when rejected, could provide fertile grounds for same-sex marriage to fester, throwing their weights behind the bill.Chairman of the Church of Pentecost, Apostle Eric Nyamekye indicated that our concern is not about today; it is about the future. Today, if we let in this LGBTQ+ [to fester] it means we are going to accept same-sex marriage.He continued, The Presidents says its not going to be under his watch but if he allows LGBTQ+ to start it will be true that it will not be under his watch, but by the time we get into same-sex marriage he will not be the President of the nation.He should stop this. He should close the door where it matters and we are saying that he should close it now, Apostle Nyamekye urged.According to him, LGBTQ+ movement is an insult to the intelligence of God, the Creator, saying, They are just trying to tell God that He didnt think enough, and that this is how it should have been.For him, If you have a society where there is no absolute, soon there will be no law and we have to be very careful, and our lawyers who are arguing for all these ought to know that the matter on the floor is not about rights but it is about morality.He said the Church of Pentecost with a population of 3,196,605 is rooting for the Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values Bill, 2021 before the floor of Parliament.The Pentecost Church Chairman encouraged Members of Parliament (MPs) to argue well and know that they are creations of God, noting They didnt come out of apes and so they should not use science as the basis.They should know that the one who made this creation has the right to determine how the creation should behave and other creatures should not tell us how other creatures should behave,We have written six memoranda with 15,000 signatures. Our trustees have signed, all pastors and their wives have signed and students of Pentecost Church. The six memos are coming from women, men, the youth, children, all workers and theologians, he stated.The Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Ghana, Most Rev. Dr. Paul Kwabena Boafo said the church, from the very beginning, set its agenda right by announcing that it does not support LGBTQ+.Our stance is very clear. Seeing this bill put forth by the Eighth Parliament, we were so happy and today we are here representing the over a million Methodists in Ghana to say we are in support of the bill.We are presenting memoranda from the church, the Children Ministry which sees the bill as good, as well as the Accra Diocese of the Methodist Church, Ghana, he noted.President of the Apostolic Church Ghana, Apostle Dr. Aaron Ami-Narh said the anti-gay bill is important for the future of Ghana, adding that the church believes that sexual orientation should not be made fluid for anyone to pick and choose.No nation has what it takes to deal with that kind of confusion. We also believe that God exists and made us male and female, he indicated and added that church stands for the bill.Other church leaders also presented memoranda and spoke in support of the bill.Deputy Clerk to the Committee, Eric Owusu Mensah, who received the various memoranda on behalf of his boss, said the Committee had received more than 100 memoranda on the bill.He assured members of the Christian groups that their memos would be tabled before the Committee for consideration, pointing out that further presentation could be made to the committee during stakeholders conference.

Source: UTV/Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Former NPP Member of Parliament (MP) for Ayensuano constituency, Samuel Ayeh-Paye, has lauded the Ashanti Regional Secretary of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) over his appointment as the new Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive.



Sam Pyne doubles as a teacher at the Kumasi Anglican Senior High School.



Fifty-five out of the 58 members voted in favour of Mr. Pyne, giving him 94.8 percent to validate his nomination in an election supervised by the Metropolitan office of the Electoral Commission (EC).



He pledged his commitment to work with all stakeholders to accelerate the development of the Kumasi metropolis.



My endorsement has placed a huge task on my shoulders, but with determination, hard work and assistance from all the stakeholders, Im optimistic of telling a success story at the end of my tenure, he said.



Speaking on Peace FM's ''Kokrokoo'', Samuel Ayeh-Paye expressed excitement over Sam Pyne's approval saying, "I was glad when they approved Sam Pyne as Mayor of Kumasi . . . our biggest thanks goes to the Assembly members within Kumasi metropolis who voted to confirm Sam Pyne" but advised him to be down to earth in his service to the people of Kumasi.



He noted that, "consultation is key", hence called on Mr. Pyne to regularly meet with all stakeholders including Chiefs in the metropolis in order to meet the needs of the people.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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"The President won the elections for Sam Pyne," says Bernard Allotey Jacobs, during a panel discussion on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' programme Wednesday morning.



According to Allotey Jacobs, President Nana Akufo-Addo's statements regarding threats to reject the nomination of the NPP Ashanti Regional Secretary, Sam Pyne as Mayor of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) made a huge difference for the nominee.



Issues have been raised about the Assembly incurring a 50 million debt since the regime of Ex-President J.A. Kufuor.



In an interview with Citi News, the KMA Presiding Member, Stephen Ofori said the Assembly members had reached a consensus to not approve any nominee unless all debts hanging on the Assembly were cleared by the government.



The President, delivering a speech during his four-day official visit to the Ashanti Region, pleaded with the Assembly not to refuse the nominee stating it is unfair to attach him to an issue that happened in the past.



To Allotey Jacobs, Sam Pyne owes the President a pool of gratitude.



"The President won the elections for Sam Pyne. You see the President is the ultimate. When the Presiding Member saw things weren't favouring his expectations, that's why he said they should lay aside the debt and threats. No, because immediately the President steps in, all must bow!", he asserted.





Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Mame Yaa Aboagye, Deputy Communications Director of the ruling NPP, has appealed to Ghanaians to participate in the SIM card registration directed by the Ministry of Communication to curb mobile phone fraud in the country.



She asked Ghanaians to ignore the opposition NDC saying they are a nuisance and only want to incite citizens against the registration.



Mame Yaa Aboagye emphasized that the exercise will benefit Ghanaians especially the Mobile Money users to curb fraud and other criminal activities perpetrated by fraudsters using fake SIM cards.



The Minority in Parliament is demanding the immediate withdrawal of the threat to deactivate all SIM cards not re-registered by March 2022.



According to Deputy Ranking Member on the Communications Committee, Sam George, the legislation that backs SIM registration does not make the Ghana card the sole card for purposes of registration.



The current legislation that backs SIM registration in Ghana is the Ll 2006 passed by Parliament in 2011. This legislation saw the registration that happened in 2012. This Legislation Instrument does not mandate the linkage of the Ghana Card to activate SIM Cards, he said.



But to Mame Yaa Abaogye, the exercises will also help authorities ascertain the accurate number of valid and accurate SIMs on the networks, enable operators to build better demographics of their customer base and help them develop products and services to suit the various groupings".



She further indicated that SIM registration will enhance economic growth by drawing huge confidence in the telecommunications sector.



Let's embrace change and ignore NDCs negativity, she said.

Source: Peacefmonline









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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Alleged Ex Girlfriend Of Dangote, Ms Spike Reacts As US Court Dismisses Case Filed Against Her.

The American lady and alleged former girlfriend of Aliko Dangote's, Autumn Spike, has taken to the social media to jubilate after a US court dismissed the lawsuit the African richest man filed against her.

Aliko Dangote under the pseudonym John Doe filed a civil suit against Ms Spike in January, seeking "excess of $30,000" in damages against her after she shared a controversial video of herself together with Dangote on her Instagram page on January 1st, 2021.

The video which quickly went viral on social media after Spike first posted it on her Instagram account showed the African richest person lying on a couch with Ms Spike sitting next to her. However, the subject of controversy in the video was the exposure of Dangote's buttock in the video.

Following this, Dangote accused Spike of libel, defamation and a breach of agreement "to keep their relationship private and away from the social media." Also, Dangote accused her of attempting to extort him through her demand for $5,000 million in palimony.

However, the court has now dismissed the case following the plaintiff, Aliko Dangote's voluntary withdrawal. While Dangote's counsel stated in the "Notice of Dismissal" that Spike's conduct which was the object of complaint has ceased, she insisted she was vindicated because Dangote's legal team had no evidence to back claims against her.

"Never extorted him. Never was a side chick. Never was an escort, never was a prostitute, you were a part of me for the past decade and you really hurt me with this." Ms Spike stated in her message to Dangote saying it is now her turn to tell her truth.

Source: Get It Right Nigerians/facebook









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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A Liberal Party of Canada logo is shown on a giant screen as a technician looks on during day one of the party's biennial convention in Montreal, Thusday, Feb. 20, 2014. Federal Liberals say they've picked up another seat in Quebec after a judicial recount.

They say incumbent Brenda Shanahan will be returning to Parliament after the recount declared her the winner in Chateauguay-Lacolle over her Bloc Quebecois rival by just 12 votes. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario's chief medical officer of health speaks during a press conference regarding COVID-19 at Queens Park, in Toronto, Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021. Ontario's chief medical officer of health is set to release his advice for today for safely celebrating Thanksgiving and Halloween. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Evan Buhler
She had done everything the doctors suggested. Yoga. Specialized chiropractic exercises -- three times a day -- that were designed to slow the progression of the scoliosis she was diagnosed with at the age of 10.

And that darn brace. For 18 months, she wore it 23 hours a day. She didnt sleep or eat well because it constricted her, and it was difficult to muster enough breath to play her oboe or the saxophone. She was uncomfortable all the time.

But Sydney Borchardt was willing to try anything to avoid spinal fusion surgery.

Im very Type A, Sydney, who is now 16, said matter-of-factly, So, I was just ready to do whatever I needed to do.

Unfortunately, though, the curves in her spine continued to worsen, moving from 18 degrees at her initial diagnosis to 42 within two years. The doctors told Sydney and her family they needed to seriously consider fusion surgery to correct the deformity in her spine.

I remember walking back into our little hospital room and I just broke down, Sydney says. I was like, I worked so hard these past few years to try to prevent it and nothing worked.

So, it was pretty devastating and hard, especially as a 12-year-old and thinking about what spinal surgery would be like. And that's when my mom and my dad started looking for other options.

Sydneys parents discovered a procedure called Vertebral Body Tethering, which uses a flexible cord and the bodys growth process to straighten out the spine, unlike the rods used in fusion surgery. But their insurance company deemed it experimental and wouldnt pay for it.

So, Sydneys mom, Melissa, found a Facebook group and posted about her situation. Almost immediately, she received a message from a man named Kyle who said to call him to talk about Shriners Childrens. After Googling Kyle and his son, who also had scoliosis, she felt comfortable enough to make the call  and the conversation would change Sydneys life.

Kyle told Melissa that he had taken his son to a Shriners Childrens. While he was unable to meet the strict FDA requirements for a clinical trial  and ended up having a procedure similar to VBT in a Boston hospital that cost $69,000  he was struck by the Shriners mission.

Ill give you 69,000 reasons to call Shriners now, Kyle told Melissa.

Shriners is a network of 22 non-profit hospitals across the country. Doctors at these facilities treat children with spinal cord issues like Sydney as well as orthopedic conditions, burns and cleft lips and palates -- regardless of a familys ability to pay. Proceeds of this weeks Shriners Childrens Open on the PGA TOUR help in that cause.

They said, well, it doesn't matter if your insurance pays or not, Melissa says. We're going to do what's best for Sydney. And then the relief of just worrying about whether you can afford to give her college or afford this specialty treatment, it just weighs on you as a parent.

The Borchardts, who live in Oklahoma City, ended up taking Sydney to Shriners Childrens Philadelphia for the VBT surgery. Doctors deflated her lung and put a medical rope in her spine, connecting it to seven screws before inflating the lung again. Within two weeks, Sydney said she was ready to go, and four weeks later, she was back in school, swimming and playing the oboe.

And this week, Sydney is in Las Vegas, serving as one of four Patient Ambassadors for Shriners Childrens.

Oh gosh, I can't even really describe what it means, she says. I'm just so thankful for the opportunities that they've given me. Honestly, surgery was a big deal.  So being able to go to Shriners and just feel so secure in what they were doing and feel so loved, I know that helped my parents feel more confident in their decision and made me feel more confident.

Now, being able to give back, I mean, I'll never be able to repay what they did for me. So, this is just like a small thing of what I can do. Speaking on behalf of them and representing them feels like the only way I can ever kind of give back. And so, I enjoy talking about how amazing they are and the amazing care that they have given kids through all these years.
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After just over an hour of final table action, Zhi Wu of Boston, Massachusetts defeated Ari Mezrich of Las Vegas in heads-up play to win the gold bracelet in Event #8: $600 No-Limit Hold'em Deepstack.

The first Deepstack event of the 2021 World Series of Poker attracted 4,527 entrants to generate a $2,309,280 prize pool from which Wu collected $281,604 for the victory.

The victory was Wus first cash at the WSOP after previous success in other tournaments around the country.

Event #8: $600 No-Limit Hold'em Deepstack Final Table Results

Place Name Country Prize 1 Zhi Wu United States $281,604 2 Ari Mezrich United States $173,998 3 Chrishan Sivasundaram United States $131,675 4 Ryan Chan Canada $100,330 5 Nicholas Zautra United States $76,974

Winner's Reaction

Wu hails from Boston and plays most of his poker in home games with his friends, some of whom were on the rail for his victory. The group plans to go home to Boston after this weekend before returning at the end of October for the Main Event.

I won a Foxwoods $400 a couple of years ago and I came in second in a $1,700 bounty in Florida, Wu said through a translator. I am not a professional, but I have some experience.

I am going to play the Millionaire Maker, the Main Event, and a few others. We plan to party a little bit but stick to the schedule.

The $600 deepstack event drew previous bracelet-winners Asi Moshe, Joey Weissman, and Craig Varnell, but they were all eliminated prior to Day 3 and the final table welcomed a group of fresh faces looking for their first WSOP victory.

Final Table Action

The action unfolded quickly when Chrishan Sivasundaram knocked out Nicholas Zautra with a pair of kings as the final table got underway. Zautra was soon followed by Ryan Chen in fourth place. Chen was Wus first victim of the day when he shoved his stack with middle-pair on the flop against Wus top-pair of eights.

Wu applied pressure early in three-handed play and extended the lead with two big pots before eliminating Sivasundaram in third place. Wu called Sivasundarans shove with seven-three and the hot run continued when he made two-pair on the flop.

Runner-up Mezrich entered the day as the shortest stack and Wu held a commanding lead going into heads-up play, but Mezrich immediately went to work and doubled up twice before taking two other pots to bring the players near even. In a matter of minutes, Wu had lost his commanding chip lead and Mezrich was on the march.

Runner-up Ari Mezrich

I was nervous about big hands so I changed my strategy, Wu said. I played big hands differently because I knew my opponent was a strong heads-up player.

The nerves didnt last long, however, and Wu soon looked down at a pair of aces. Mezrich called off with mid-pair after tanking for more than a minute when Wu shoved the turn. The river was a brick and Wu was all smiles as he took his first look at the WSOP gold bracelet.

This wraps up coverage of Event #8: $600 No-Limit Hold'em Deepstack. Be sure to keep it with the PokerNews live reporting team for updates on all the action as it happens live from the 2021 WSOP.
PERRYDALE  As he patrols the hallways of the Perrydale School District, Thomas Hutchison is greeted with fist bumps and hails of Hey Deputy Tom.

In his three years as Polk County Sheriff Offices School Resource Officer, Hutchison has continued the rapport with the students built by his predecessor Deputy Gregg Caudill (since promoted to sergeant). One student finds a sympathetic ear in Hutchison with how much she hates taking a test. He assures her shell do fine if she does her best.

Just five years into his tenure on the PCSO staff, signing up as their SRO presented a new challenge for Hutchison that he couldnt pass up.

Growing up, I always had an SRO in school, said Hutchison, a graduate of Dallas High School. Now that I look back on it, he was a great mentor and example I still talk to today. Having that opportunity was a chance to push myself outside my comfort zone, and build relationships with the community, parents, staff.

Hutchison said the funding for the countys SRO comes completely out of sheriffs office budget. In 2015, voters approved a five-year Public Safety Levy (at .45 cents per $1,000 assessed value on homes in Polk County). The SRO position was among the 22 full-time employees the levy paid for, between the sheriffs office (patrol and the jail) and the Polk County District Attorneys Office in addition to the rental of two juvenile detention beds.

School districts dont pay anything for it. Its important to Sheriff (Mark) Garton to be there in the schools, be a role model, have those positive interactions with the youth and other community members, Hutchison said.

He admits its rather ironic he ended up as another positive influence on current students as an SRO, when as a youth, he really had no plans to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Hutchison said he was a cadet in high school. He then continued on to volunteer with Search and Rescue, then as a volunteer reserve deputy.

It just kind of happened. I never really thought of it as a career as a kid, Hutchison recalled. I had a friend who was a cadet and brought me into it. It kind of grew my passion for it.

He then left Dallas to join the U.S. Army for four years.

I drove boats, I was confused, Hutchison joked.

Then he returned full time to the community and rejoined the PCSO.

During his 10-hour shift, Hutchison splits his time amongst five school campuses in three separate school districts  the Perrydale campus; Falls City with its K-8 and high schools; the Luckiamute Charter School; and the Luckiamute Valley Charter School Pedee campus in Bridgeport.

He sees his chief role as to just be a presence. After checking in with the staff to see if they have anything to report or talk to him about, he peeks into classrooms to ensure he doesnt interrupt lessons or lectures.

Im just showing up, being a part of the community, part of the school. Talking to kids, pop into the classrooms, see what they are learning, play with them on the playground, Hutchison said.

Thats one thing I really like about our program is the enforcement action I have to take is pretty minimal. A lot of times I get to be there and be a role model, be someone these kids can see, break down the law enforcement barriers. Just having a good time, playing and hanging out. Thats honestly a big part of my job, being there, he added.

Sometimes, however, Hutchison is more than a representative of law enforcement. Rather, hes a confidant for insecure students.

There is one that will always stick in my mind, Hutchison recalled. A girl in one of the schools who had been sexually abused by an adult perpetrator outside of school, she had been interviewed by detectives, by the Liberty House in Salem. Eventually she just asked to talk to me at the school, and kind of disclosed what had happened to her. It had been the first time she had disclosed anything.

Hutchison was eventually able to talk her into speaking with detectives about what had happened and get the ball rolling to where that suspect was arrested for the crimes.

She even told me later she felt comfortable with me. I think thats just from, again, not being there as enforcement, rather as a mentor, and getting to know these kids before it becomes a negative interaction. They have all the positive interactions to build on, he added.

Perrydale Superintendent Dan Dugan said thats why their school district was really excited when Polk County moved forward with that initiative to have school resource officers in Polk County.

Our kids have really good relations with Dept. Caudill and Dept. Hutchison. The kids have that relationship they build, that camaraderie that they value. Both of them are professionals, so if there is a situation, theyre going to address it that way, Dugan said. Sometimes kids break the rules, cross the line, you have somebody in the school setting, or deputy who comes and helps out with that situation thats important. But also, the education piece. The kids are able to learn about the situation, what consequences may be, try to be preventative with those things, too. So, we try to be proactive having the sheriffs office in our school. It has been a positive overall. We realize its a mixed bag in other parts of the state, but in Polk County, we support that.

For example, the Salem-Keizer School Board recently voted to terminate its SRO program and the Dallas School District hasnt had one for more than a decade.

Hutchison figured its just a matter of the general public getting past negative preconceptions.

When people think of law enforcement, they think of enforcement actions we typically take, have the authority to take, Hutchison explained. They think of the negative interactions we have in the community, arresting people or showing up to the worst day in peoples lives. For our program, its centered completely opposite around that  building positive relationships and being a role model. I think a lot of it comes from, I guess, their lack of knowledge what were trying to do specific to our program.

The way Hutchison sees it, schools are the center of communities. And community policing is being a primary component in law enforcement.

It needs to start at schools. Not only am I having positive interactions with students every day here, Im having interactions with the staff, community members, parents. So, its a lot bigger than just the school itself, he said.

(Being an SRO) wasnt quite my expectation what it actually is. Its been a huge learning curve, Hutchison added. So far, Id say, its been the most rewarding part of my career. Absolutely.
INDEPENDNCE -- On Saturdays clear night, the adventurous returned to the downtown streets of Independence in search of tales of the paranormal and, perhaps, with hopes to catch sight of an actual apparition.

The Independence Downtown Associations annual Ghost Walk returned for its 19th season after a year off due to the pandemic. Marilyn Morton, city councilor and author of Haunted Independence Oregon, said the event has grown in popularity over the years, from a humble 300 at its onset to more that 1,000 at its height of popularity. It appears the community was eager to welcome back a popular tradition.

We think it was a very successful event, Morton said. Based upon number of maps handed out and amount of donations received, best guess is that we had 1,200 people in attendance. Thats pretty good after missing a year!

Instead of guided tours, this year participants were given maps marked with 18 locations, from The Tap Station furthest north to Gilgamesh south and the side streets between. Each stop featured a guest speaker regaling listeners with yarns of the locations history and brush with the paranormal.

Outside the former location of the Red Front Saloon on C Street was the longest tenured volunteer, City Councilor Tom Takacs. He started about 11 years ago as a guide before transitioning into a storyteller. This evening, he was in full character  the Ghost of Hops Picker Past. While no one specific, Takacs centered his tale on the citys hop heritage.

Its a lot of fun. Its like herding cats. These groups just kind of go everywhere. We tried to keep it a little more organized back in those days, but it never worked. Now its more a free for all, Takacs said. A lot of these people have been here year after year. To have this many people. I think its just a fun, community event, you learn about history. the ghost stuff is kinda fun Its just a fun evening.

While most of the stops along the tour route were outside the building, a few invited guests indoors for a longer tale and closer look at usually members only areas such as the Elks and Masonic lodges.

Inside the gathering hall of the Masonic Lodge, Scott Freeman welcomed guests from the dark, back lit to enhance the eerie ambiance. Word is, the Masonic Lodge was the most active stop on the tour for ghostly sightings.

Independence is a great place. Im pretty sure thats why spirits like to stay around here and why we get really cool ghost stories, Freeman said. Places like this, wood-brick buildings, are warm and inviting. And I think they pick up the flavor of the people that have been in the building. Not in a bad, zombie way. But in a warm ambiance way.

Morton added overhearing the exclamation of an excited youth upon leaving the lodge.

One young man of about 8 years of age exclaimed, rather loudly, in the Masonic Lodge that this Ghost Walk was the Best One Ever! Morton said. One other person that I spoke to said hed gotten photos of orbs (plural) in the Masonic Lodge.

This is where, as reporter, I must interject, and confirm the sighting for the skeptics among the readers. As I was setting up my camera phone for a shot of Freeman while he narrated his tale, I noticed a small light, darting up and around the chair in which he sat. Looking away from the screen, I saw nothing with the naked eye. But a glance back showed I was not mistaken. The orb remained and slowly darted around my screen, proving it was not something on my lens or an unseasonable, glowing moth.

The orb was captured in several photos. Then I switched over to video and it continued to move around the room, almost as if to stay centered in my recording as I swept from side to side.

The saying is with todays technology, its too easy to fake paranormal activity unless you see it for yourself. The DIAs Ghost Walk is the perfect opportunity to become a believer for yourself.
Itemizer-Observer report

MONMOUTH  Events celebrating Hispanic Heritage are in full swing in Monmouth.

The city has and will host several activities celebrating and honoring the histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America during Hispanic Heritage Month, which spans Sept. 15 through Oct. 15.

As a partner to community members Hispanic Heritage Month campaign, the city of Monmouth is displaying banners in Main Street Park that honor the stories of area migrant and seasonal farm worker families.

Together with Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC), community members interviewed five local families involved with local agriculture.

Their stories and photos are shared on five public art displays at sites in Monmouth and Independence designed to highlight our shared history, educate and share information with our community.

Here are upcoming events observing Hispanic Heritage Month:

 Snacks, crafts and bilingual story time 11 a.m. to noon Oct. 9 at Independence Riverview Park Amphitheater

 The bilingual story walk in Gentle Woods Park

 The WOU Freedom Center (Werner Center, room 220) invites the Monmouth and Independence communities to a celebration from 6 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 15. There will be music, a gallery walk through campus, and hors doeuvres. Western Oregon University is close to being designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution, achieved when 25% of the student population is Hispanic. WOUs goal is to be known as a Hispanic Success Institution.

 Continued local conversations about race on the history and untold history of Hispanic/Latino communities contributions in the U.S. and Oregon, and Hispanic/Latino/Mexican current issues in education, health care, criminal justice, and continued focus on farm workers.

These community events are possible through collaborations with the cities of Monmouth and Independence, WOU Freedom Center and OCDC.

Organizers ask that guests maintain social distancing and wear masks at these events.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period. It was enacted into law on Aug. 17, 1988.

The day of Sept. 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Dia de la Raza, which is Oct. 12, falls within this 30-day period.

Learn more about Hispanic Heritage Month at https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/about.
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On October 1, the Interior Ministry of Libyas U.N.-backed Government of National Accord (GNA), based in the capital Tripoli, launched what it described as a security campaign against criminals and illegal migrants in the area of Gargaresh. That is a hub for migrants and asylum-seekers located about 12km (7.5 miles) west of Tripoli.

Police rounded up more than 5,000 people, including women and children, and put them in detention centers.

Oil-rich Libya is a major transit point to Europe for migrants escaping war and poverty in their countries. The U.N. estimated that there were 597,611 migrants in Libya as of the end of July, including 3,860 in detention centers and 42,210 registered refugees and asylum-seekers.

In 2011, NATO-backed rebels ousted and killed Muammar Gaddafi, who had ruled Libya for 40 years. Since then, Libya has been divided between the GNA in eastern Libya and the Tobruk administration in the western part of the country. The latter is supported by the Libyan National Army (LNA) under command of General Khalifa Haftar, a Libyan-American.

The warring parties reached a nationwide ceasefire in 2020. A transitional government backed by the United Nations was formed earlier this year, with elections set for December.

After launching the October 1 raid, the GNAs Interior Ministry tweeted that Deputy Prime Minister Ramadan Abu Jinnah ... visited Gargaresh area to follow up the security campaign in the area launched at dawn today to arrest criminals and alcohol, drug dealers."

But that is misleading based on concerns raised by the United Nations and rights activists. The detained migrants were beaten and pushed around with heads bowed and hands tied. Many of those arrested are torture survivors and pregnant women, some of whom have been trapped for years in a cycle of trafficking and exploitation.

On October 2, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) flagged reports of killings and the use of excessive use of force against migrants and asylum seekers in Gargaresh, Tripoli. The U.N. said migrants were harassed in their homes, beaten and shot. Communications went down, leaving individuals unable to reach out for assistance.

The mission said the raid targeted makeshift migrant shelters in the Gargaresh area.

Ahmed Abdul Hakim Hamza, the head of the National Commission for Human Rights in Libya, told the Voice of America that most of the arrested migrants and asylum seekers were registered with the U.N. refugee agency and recognized as refugees by the Libyan government.

He added that the U.N. and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) rent buildings in the Gargaresh area to house migrants temporarily until their cases are adjudicated and they are allowed either to return voluntarily to their home countries or resettle elsewhere.

Detention centers are crowded and riddled with violations and abuses without minimum humanitarian treatment. Such campaigns against migrants should stop, especially when migrants are already registered with the U.N., Hamza said.

Hamza added that the Libyan government needs help dealing with migrants in line with humanitarian and legal principles and assistance fighting cross-border human trafficking.

In July, Amnesty International released a report documenting patterns of human rights violations, including severe beatings, sexual violence, extortion, forced labour, and inhuman conditions across seven DCIM centres in Libya.

Amnesty noted that in the Abu Issa center in the city of al-Zawiya, detainees reported being deprived of nutritious food to the point of starvation.

Amnesty also highlighted the ongoing complicity of European countries that continue to support Libyan coast guard operations to intercept, capture and forcefully return migrants to the hellscape of detention in Libya.

In February 2017, Italy signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.N.-backed Libyan government to restrict the flow of Europe-bound migrants. The deal committed Italy and the European Union to train and fund Libyas coast guard.

A migration crisis erupted in 2015 and 2016, when a million refugees from Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries sought refuge in Europe. Countries in the front lines of the crisis like, Greece and Italy, took tough measures with the support of the European Union. Recently, the Taliban takeover of Kabul has increased fears of a new refugee source.

In an open letter to the Italian government, a number of international organizations. including Amnesty International, Save the Children and Oxfam Italy, said the Memorandum of Understanding between Italy and the U.N.-backed Libyan government should be revoked.

Italy and the entire European Union must be aware that they are carrying out collective push backs of people fleeing war and persecution and that they are also financing the concentration camp system in Libya, the appeal stated.



In September, the IOM said the Libyan coast guard had intercepted 24,000 Europe-bound migrants in the Mediterranean since the start this year, but only 6,000 are accounted for in official detention centers. The fates of thousands of migrants remain unknown.

On October 4, the U.N.-led Independent Fact-Finding Mission on Libya reported that since 2016, all the warring parties in Libya have likely committed war crimes against civilians, internally displaced people and immigrants.

Violations against migrants are committed on a widespread scale by State and non-State actors, with a high level of organization and with the encouragement of the State  all of which is suggestive of crimes against humanity, the report said.

Reacting to the roundups in Gargaresh, the U.S. Embassy in Libya called on authorities to respect human rights and investigate alleged violations.

The human rights and dignity of all people, including migrants and asylum-seekers, must remain a priority of all governments, the embassy said on Twitter. The events in Gargaresh raise alarm and should immediately be investigated.
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The growth of the cyber industry should not be bounded by the border between Georgia and South Carolina, the commander of Fort Gordon said Thursday, underlining the value of partnerships with the Palmetto State and its institutions.

Theres a public-private benefit to ops and training that were benefitting from across the greater Central Savannah River Area, or the CSRA, also known as the Fort Gordon district, Brig. Gen. Paul Stanton said at a briefing with S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster and other military leaders. And some like to call it the cybersecurity capital of the world, which it may become, if we are smart about it.

In particularly strategic position is North Augusta. In late August, North Augusta Mayor Briton Williams described his city as literally a suburb of Fort Gordon": a roughly 25-minute ride from the home of the Armys Cyber Center of Excellence, a hop across the Savannah River from the Georgia Cyber Center, and near the prospective DreamPort cybersecurity complex championed by the S.C. National Guard.

Our argument is that the river doesnt need to be the boundary, Stanton said at the Commanders Briefing on Thursday. We can easily extend that partnership across the river, into North Augusta.

Such collaboration would generate jobs in a highly technical field and in rings of knock-on development  the type of community-building investment leaders on this side of the river find so attractive.

As we look at the riverbank, and the growth of North Augusta, we think that there are real opportunities to continue that evolution, Stanton said, noting that thousands of forecasted jobs can and should be within South Carolina. About 4,500 South Carolinians already commute to Fort Gordon on a daily basis, by the commander's count; many more could.

S.C. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Will Grimsley on Thursday said the growth is well appreciated. And the opportunities now on the table, he suggested, should be leveraged.

Wed all rather have it at Fort Gordon than Fort Meade, in Maryland, Grimsley said.
Moncks Corner, SC (29461)

Today

Sunshine and clouds mixed. High around 75F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low 52F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.
FOLLY BEACH  For nearly three quarters of a century, members of the Holliday family owned and operated a small lodging that started as a weekend island-resort rental to raise extra money to fund improvements to the beach house.

Now, the 16-room Holliday Inn at 116 W. Ashley Ave., a few steps away from the Atlantic Ocean, is under new ownership.

Folliday Inn Holdings LLC of Eatonton, Ga., bought the two-building rental accommodation Sept. 21 for $3.35 million, according to Charleston County land records.

Jim Moring with RestaurantBrokers.info handled the sale for the seller and said the new lead owner is Matthew Baldino, a restaurant and bar owner from Chicago. He bought the inn in a partnership with his brother, Shane Baldino of Georgia, and Charleston real estate developer Spencer Nash of Bowmen LLC.

Nathan Buttrick with Carolina One Real Estate represented the buyers and said the owners plan to continue to operate it as a small inn.

"We bought it to save it," said Matt Baldino, who first stayed at the inn in 2015. "We are going to continue to run it as a family business, and we want to inject new life into a place that is a piece of Americana."

Baldino, who owns Commonwealth Tavern and Guthrie's Tavern in the Windy City, first made an offer in 2017 and finally closed on the deal this year.

"It took a long time to get Mr. Holliday to a place where he felt comfortable to sell," Baldino said.

Guests who show up next spring will see a few changes. Room renovations are planned during the winter.

"It will see a significant facelift while keeping its core character," Baldino said. "We want to make it more customer friendly, but not change the identity."

The previous owner was Louis C. Holliday, a trustee of the Louis C. Holliday Living Trust.

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He declined to talk about the property sale, but said he would no longer be living on the island locals refer to as "The Edge of America."

"Folly Beach is not the same anymore," the former inn owner said. "It's a completely different atmosphere than it was."

He pointed to more traffic and larger crowds while acknowledging that nothing stays the same.

"Times keep changing," he said.

According to the inn's website, his mother, Louise Holliday, started renting rooms in 1949 over a Fourth of July weekend to make new friends and earn a few extra bucks for home improvements.

Holliday said he didn't remember the exact date the inn started, but he believes the website might be off by a couple of years and the rentals could have started in the early 1950s.

The concept took hold and eventually expanded from a four-room beach bungalow to a two-building property that includes enclosed common areas, an outdoor covered patio and a large backyard with umbrella-shaded patio tables, stone fire pit and a large swimming pool.

The small lodging is not associated with the Atlanta-based Holiday Inn chain that is owned by InterContinental Hotels Group.

The chain's first accommodation opened in Memphis, Tenn., in 1952, three years after Louise Holliday began renting rooms on Folly, based on the inn's website.
COLUMBIA  Disgraced former SCANA Corp. CEO Kevin Marsh is heading to federal prison for defrauding hundreds of thousands of electric customers across South Carolina.

The once-prominent leader of South Carolinas largest Fortune 500 company will spend two years behind bars and has already forfeited $5 million of his pay to atone for his involvement in the failure of the state's $9 billion nuclear project, a federal judge decided Oct. 7.

Marsh, 65, became the first person to be sentenced in the yearslong criminal investigation into the failed V.C. Summer power plant expansion project.

Judge Mary Geiger Lewis scolded Marsh for several minutes before handing down her sentence, pushing back on his lawyers' "vanilla" descriptions of his criminal conduct.

She said his crime might have been one of "elegance and sophistication," in which he lied to cover up flaws that doomed the nuclear construction effort. But she noted millions of South Carolina ratepayers lost billions of dollars because of the V.C. Summer project's failure, charges that will inflate their power bills for decades to come.

"The losses that have flowed from it are so enormous," Lewis said. "It hurt a lot of people."

Still, Lewis stopped short of sentencing Marsh to more prison time than the 24 months recommended in a plea deal between the businessman's attorneys and federal prosecutors.

Marsh's lawyers said he wanted to report to a low-security prison in Butner, N.C., as soon as possible so he can serve his sentence and return home to his wife, who is suffering from terminal cancer.

He will report to the facility the first week of December. There, he will be housed in the same prison where Bernie Madoff, a financier who ran the largest Ponzi scheme in American history, served his 150-year sentence; Madoff died at the facility earlier this year.

Marsh led SCANA as it worked with its partner, Santee Cooper, on the decade-long V.C. Summer project. The two utilities sought to build two more nuclear reactors at the one-reactor plant in Fairfield County. Their executives promised the effort would create thousands of jobs and usher in a new era of cheap, clean energy.

But the utilities suddenly abandoned the project in July 2017 after years of design issues, supply chain dysfunction, slow construction progress and budget overruns. The public only learned of most of those concerns after the project's demise.

Over the past year, Marsh and three other businessmen have been charged with covering up those problems in order to keep the V.C. Summer expansion alive and profits flowing. They lied to regulators, investors, lawmakers and the public while ratepayers were charged billions of dollars more on their power bills for V.C. Summer, state and federal prosecutors allege.

Marsh's sentence is the product of an agreement between his attorneys and federal prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney's Office of South Carolina, which has investigated the V.C. Summer venture since shortly its abandonment.

"We hope today's sentence will deter other business executives and business owners from committing fraud in the future," acting U.S. Attorney for South Carolina Rhett DeHart said after the Oct. 7's hearing.

He reiterated that Marsh's "false statements and fraud" prolonged a project that was destined to fail and made the ultimate collapse even more costly for ratepayers and SCANA investors.

Marsh pleaded guilty in February to federal fraud charges, agreeing to a deal that required him to cooperate as a witness against others involved in the V.C. Summer conspiracy. He has already spent more than a year working as a criminal informant. Prosecutors said Thursday his cooperation helped them investigate Westinghouse, the project's lead contractor, and bring an indictment against one of its former executives who helped lead the project.

In court Oct. 7, Marsh's attorneys said he loved SCANA, the company where he worked for 34 years, and feels remorse for his role in V.C. Summer. SCANA, which claimed to be on the verge of financial collapse after abandoning the project, was sold off to Virginia-based Dominion Energy in January 2019.

"Not a day goes by that I don't regret" the project's failure, Marsh said in a prepared statement to Lewis. "I accept full responsibility for my decisions."

Prosecutors originally wanted to delay Marsh's sentencing until the end of the investigation. That way, they could threaten to push for a lengthier prison sentence if he became reluctant to cooperate with their probe.

So far, that hasn't been a problem, according to court documents filed by Marsh's attorneys this week.

Marsh "has spent no less than 33 hours over the course of eight days of meetings" answering questions from investigators and helping them identify and bring charges against other defendants, his lawyers said.

"Kevin's cooperation has been extraordinary: he contributed directly and materially to the investigation and prosecution of others involved in the V.C. Summer nuclear project," they wrote.

Marsh also requested an earlier sentence so he can serve his time and return to his wife, Sue, who is suffering from "terminal and incurable metastatic breast cancer," his defense attorneys wrote.

Prosecutors have charged three other executives in the alleged V.C. Summer conspiracy.

Marsh's No. 2 at SCANA, former chief operating officer Steve Byrne, pleaded guilty to fraud in July 2020. He awaits sentencing while working as a criminal informant.

A former vice president of Westinghouse, the project's lead contractor, pleaded guilty in June to lying to federal investigators as they probed the project's failure. Carl Churchman is also cooperating with the investigation as he awaits sentencing.

Another Westinghouse executive, former Senior Vice President Jeff Benjamin, has vowed to fight his 16 felony fraud and conspiracy charges. Prosecutors say Benjamin lied to SCANA and Santee Cooper executives about construction progress at V.C. Summer and when the reactors would be online.

In filings this week, Marsh's attorneys insisted he bears responsibility for the project's failure. But they also sought to minimize the utility executive's wrongdoing.

"Kevin understands that as Chairman and CEO of SCANA, he bears responsibility for an outcome that no one  least of all Kevin Marsh  wanted to see," they wrote.

They said Marsh's crime was deciding to "wait and see" how Westinghouse was going to handle the project's many flaws, rather than alerting state regulators about what was going wrong at the Fairfield County construction site.

"Kevin accepts that he must be held accountable," his lawyers wrote.

In asking a judge not to lengthen Marshs recommended two-year prison sentence, his attorneys submitted 10 letters attesting to the former utility executive's character from former employees, business colleagues, local pastors and friends.

"Those who know Kevin well consistently describe him as a humble, caring man who puts the needs of others ahead of his own," his attorneys wrote earlier this week.

They noted Marsh started at SCANA in 1984 as a group manager of technical accounting and worked his way up the company ranks over the next 34 years. He was a boss who wrote personal notes of sympathy and letters of congratulation to employees.

They pleaded that imprisoning Marsh for more than two years "would cruelly and unnecessarily abbreviate the time Kevin has remaining with his wife Sue before she succumbs to her metastatic breast cancer."

They said Marsh and his family has suffered enough, including "the notoriety and shame that accompanies being prosecuted for the failure of the V.C. Summer nuclear project."
COLUMBIA  A new study questions how much Richland County taxpayers might be asked to pay for a new parking garage near an expanded downtown convention center.

According to the study commissioned by state Rep. Kirkman Finlay and Columbia City Council candidate Joe Taylor, the county would be asked to borrow $130 million for the construction and operation of a parking garage in the Vista with more than 1,600 new spaces.

The estimated construction cost of that garage is $65 million. The study, drafted by Chris Shefelton, a consultant and former researcher at the Statehouse, could not account for the difference in cost and loan estimates.

County Council member Joe Walker, who attended the study's release on Oct. 7, said that, under one proposal, developer Ben Arnold could use the garage's revenue as part of his capital for his adjoining redevelopment project that would include three hotels.

Arnold did not immediately return requests seeking comment.

Finlay, a Columbia Republican, and Taylor, a former state commerce secretary, spent more than $10,000 because they believed that the community needed more data to make a decision about going forward with the convention center plans.

Taylor, who is running unopposed for the District 4 council seat, said he could support a convention center expansion, but only if the arrangement is "a very good deal for the city of Columbia."

Finlay and Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin have clashed in the past over funding for the new convention center, with Benjamin blaming Finlay for the Midlands' effort to get state funds for the project receiving $9 million, while other parts of the state have received up to $19 million for similar projects.

According to the study, the revenue estimates put forward for the new parking deck are so large that they eventually exceed all funds now coming in from all city parking garages and lots.

If the expanded convention center does not draw major new visitors to fill the parking garage, the taxpayers could owe $37 million or more to cover the garage loan's cost, according to Shefelton's study.

The county should build a garage that can generate enough revenue to cover its costs and not take money from general tax revenues for it, Richland County Council Chairman Paul Livingston said.

He supports an expanded convention center and expects the details on the convention center and parking garage to be worked on by county council in November, he said.

The county might need to go further than it has in previous deals or structure things differently to get major new growth, Livingston said.

"We have to do things differently sometimes," he said.

Advocates for expanding the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center have argued that the venue is too small to attract big events, which end up going to other event centers in South Carolina or the Southeast.

Paired with the expansion plans is a proposal from Arnold, who owns about 12 acres adjacent to the center in the Vista. He has proposed a major redevelopment, including up to three hotels and other businesses, but Arnold said he would pursue the hotels only after a convention center expansion is approved.

The study's author is a former researcher in the office of Sen. Dick Harpootlian, D-Columbia. While in his office, Shefelton contributed research on issues, such as earmarks tucked in the state budget and economic incentives to bring the Carolina Panthers offices to the state.

Another part of the Shefelton study focuses on estimates of how many additional customers the convention center might attract.

One study being used to promote the convention center expansion predicts an increase in visits by almost 150 percent immediately and by 172 percent five years in, Shefelton reported.

That stands in contrast, Shefelton said, to the current data about why events have chosen to go elsewhere. Only a few events have cited the convention center's size as an issue, according to his review.

A more often cited problem, according to the data in the study, is the limited flight options at Columbia Metropolitan Airport.
COLUMBIA  Lexington-Richland District Five Superintendent Christina Melton struggled this year adapting to expectations of new board leadership with differing priorities as the coronavirus pandemic surged and debate spiraled over safety protocols, emails obtained by The Post and Courier showed.

"Dr. Melton, Are you going to answer me?" one exchange with the vice chairman went.

"Mr. Loveless, Based upon my records, I sent a reply on Jan. 6 as seen below," Melton replied. "It is my goal to meet the expectations of the Board while supporting compliance within my scope of responsibilities."

The superintendent of the fast-growing, 17,500-student district covering the Lake Murray towns of Chapin and Irmo also faced criticism over continuing the district's mask requirements.

Continuing to ask our children to wear masks seems downright unwarranted after staff vaccinations have had a chance to take effect, board Chairwoman Jan Hammond told Melton in late April.

At a board meeting June 14, Melton tearfully announced her resignation, just six weeks after being named South Carolina's superintendent of the year. One board member said she was forced out.

The Post and Courier obtained hundreds of emails between Melton and members of her governing board stretching from Jan. 1 through the day of Melton's June 14 announcement under a public records request submitted to district leaders on June 15. The district supplied the documents on Oct. 4.

While a review of the emails show Melton's tension at times with trustees, they do not reveal why she ultimately left.

There were no emails from Melton saying she was considering resignation. There were no statements from board members suggesting they no longer wanted her to run the district.

In the end, Melton walked away with a $225,000 severance.

How things changed

Melton was not a stranger in Lex-Rich Five when she became the superintendent in 2017. She had spent 11 years within the administration before replacing Stephen Hefner, who had been a for 24 years  17 with Richland School District Two and seven with Lex-Rich Five.

And for most of her four-year tenure at the helm, Melton worked under a board of trustees dominated by long-serving members supportive of new school construction approved by voters in 2008 as well as a slow classroom reopening plan during the heights of the COVID pandemic.

The board was often split 4-3, the power brokers being three trustees who boasted a combined 49 years in office, voting alongside a single-term chairman.

Outside its veteran members, Lex-Rich Five is a board that has seen much turnover in the past decade, with a smattering of candidates voted out after just one term.

But with one long-reigning trustee not seeking reelection in 2020 and another ousted at the ballot box, along with the chairman, only trustee Ed White remained from the previous majority.

An influx of new members shifted power to a group within the board thats been critical of the districts expansion and that supported a quicker return to face-to-face instruction.

This includes two first-term trustees elected in 2018, who became vice chairman and secretary, and another longtime member, Hammond, who took over as chairwoman.

Soon after the shift in board leadership, members started communicating directly with Melton, often with requests for information not usually sought by previous leadership.

It has been my practice and expectations of previous boards to work with the chair, Melton responded to a set of questions from Vice Chairman Ken Loveless at the end of January.

That was just the beginning of challenges facing the superintendent.

Information requests

Melton simultaneously was hitting headwinds with the districts reopening plans.

Three high schools  Chapin, Dutch Fork and Irmo  were closed Dec. 1, amid mass staff absences a day after trustees failed to vote on her request to reduce the number of in-person class days as COVID-19 cases rose after the Thanksgiving break.

A week later, Loveless accused Melton of being insubordinate for waiting more than three days to answer questions he had about staffing levels at Chapin High School and rumors of a substitute punching a student.

Loveless asked that the new board leadership discuss creating a policy for communications at its next meeting.

This is a theme that would continue into February, emails showed: Loveless or another board member submitting inquiries and then later questioning why they had not received an answer, and Melton asking the full board for policy clarifications.

Loveless requested information about finalists for the chief financial officer job opening, data on remote work during closures of the district office and funding of a district virtual learning option.

Sometimes, he was joined in these requests by other trustees. Other times, he was rebuked by other trustees for micro-management.

Loveless declined comment for this story, citing board policy that only the chairwoman speaks to the media and that the board's severance agreement with Melton does not allow trustees to discuss her resignation.

Hammond issued a short statement Oct. 6: "Our board is committed to moving forward and it is inappropriate to comment on this matter." Other board members did not respond to requests for comment for this story.

Reopening woes for Melton continued as protesters opposed to a suggested return to five-day live learning outside the board's Jan. 25 meeting. The district had previously been operating on a four-day, in-person schedule.

A week later, on the first day of full in-person instruction, the district already found itself announcing the temporary closure of Chapin Elementary School because of a positive COVID case.

A new majority

As the pandemic continued to pose problems at schools, Melton prepared for a meeting on Feb. 8 where trustees wished to speak to her about improving communication and relations.

In a conversation with Hammond, Melton mentioned a previous closed-door meeting in December that turned hostile without offering specifics. Both stated they wanted this meeting to be different.

Among the feedback Melton received from trustee Nikki Gardner, who was part of the new majority: "Earn the trust of the Board," according to notes Melton had taken.

Following that February meeting, relationships between the superintendent and the board appear to have improved.

I know working with a new board is challenging and I really appreciate the additional steps you are taking to communicate with us, trustee Catherine Huddle, a newcomer to the board, wrote Feb. 17.

In the weeks after, several board members respond kindly when Melton informed them her granddaughter is ill and shell be out the next day.

Thank you for being a great superintendent, Hammond wrote at the beginning of March. As board chair please know we all appreciate your hard work and your staff. Your caring nature added with your knowledge of the classroom shows in every way.

These congenial feelings would take a turn over the next month.

Mask debate

By mid-April, parents were flooding school board meetings around the Midlands asking for an end to masking in classrooms. Gov. Henry McMaster had weighed in that it's a decision that should be left to parents.

But in exchanges with board members, Melton said she thought it was too soon to change the district's policy of requiring masks  her employers disagreed.

I am concerned by an indefinite mask policy, new trustee Rebecca Blackburn Hines wrote to Melton on April 13.

Huddle suggested eliminating the mask requirement for the outdoors and in places inside where students could be more than six feet apart.

If we have a way to suspend this policy but do not, I believe we are not fulfilling our mission to 'always put children first,' " she wrote April 28.

Board members called for lifting the district's mask mandate at the May board meeting.

My concern is that your expectations are not clear to parents, our community or our board, Hammond told Melton on April 29.

Meltons continued guidance against modifying the districts mask policy infuriated Gardner.

Our school district has repeatedly sent mixed messages about this policy and are putting our children in the middle of this political battle," Gardner wrote April 30. "This is unconscionable and I will not be a part of it any longer.

Trustees voted 4-2 on May 4 to rescind requirements for masks inside classrooms. But two days after that vote, the district's attorney said a more thorough review of state law was needed. The masks stayed.

Gardner said Melton's refusal to abide by the board's earlier vote was catastrophic.

I cannot believe you have gone directly against the will of the board, Gardner wrote May 6. You have no authority to enforce masking without a policy. This will cause extreme events ... and I will lay it at your feet.

No hints of an end

As the school year wound down, the confrontation appears to have passed.

June emails showed no indication that a separation between the sides was coming, with back-and-forth emails on innocuous topics, such as when Melton planned to use vacation days, scheduling of board workshops and graduation attendance.

So it would come as a surprise when White resigned from the board mid-meeting on June 14, followed by Melton's own tearful resignation announcement.

White later would go one to say there was no basis for pushing out Melton and accused Gardner, Huddle and Loveless of leading the effort.

I witnessed the hostile and abusive work environment these three created for her that would make it impossible for any Superintendent to succeed, White wrote in a June 15 statement that did not provide details.

Multiple attempts to reach White for comment for this story were unsuccessful.

In her one public statement since the meeting, Hammond said Melton had been considering resigning for nearly a month and had been communicating with board members. None of these communications appeared in the emails provided by the district.

She had the votes she needed to remain on the job, Hammond told the New Irmo News. Im not pleased she resigned but I respect her decision.

Melton told The Post and Courier on Oct. 5 that lessons she learned while leading the district helped ready her for the next step in career. She oversees the state Department of Educations newly combined Office of Assessment and Standards, a job she began on Sept. 1.

My experiences in District Five helped me transition into a state level role," she said in a statement. "As director, I am eager to work alongside schools and districts to deploy strategies we proved successful in District Five to improve achievement and educator success."

After Melton left, Lex-Rich Five trustees pivoted quickly to a former national Principal of the Year as their choice to helm the district temporarily. Akil Ross, who spent eight years leading Chapin High School, agreed to a $175,000 per year deal starting July 1.

In his first public remarks as interim superintendent, Ross called for a culture change and community healing.

Casey Darnell contributed from Columbia.

Editors Note: This story has been corrected to show the number of years former superintendent Stephen Hefner served. He was superintendent of Lex-Rich Five for seven years and Richland Two for 17 years.
GEORGETOWN  The lines of Georgetown County Council's seven districts will very likely to shift, bulge and shrink ahead of the 2022 election with drastic population changes over the last 10 years.

The Waccamaw Neck's Districts 1, 2 and 6 could shrink to meet district population counts called for by the S.C. Revenue and Financial Affairs Office, though creating an entire new district is unlikely, according to the office's strategic operations manager, Sandra Kelly.

The districts that contain Pawleys Island, Litchfield and Murrells Inlet all have more people in them based on 2020 Census numbers than what the 2010 district lines suggested, according to a report from the Revenue and Financial Affairs Office.

This means that if the lines were to stay untouched, Districts 1, 2 and 6 would have more people in them than planned, which could force some communities previously in Waccamaw Neck districts into other districts with drastically different demographics.

Georgetown Countys population grew by 5.4% over the past decade, with most of that growth concentrated in the Waccamaw Neck. Other areas of the county, though, saw mass exoduses, especially in their Black populations, according to analysis of Census data.

In total, the three overflowing districts have approximately 4,500 more people combined than what's in the Revenue and Financial Affairs Office's plans, while the other four districts have a total of 4,500 fewer people than called for.

But making districts proportional isn't as simple as adding to or cutting them up, Kelly said.

"You do want to take into consideration communities of interest and various other things that people who are just looking at numbers on the maps don't know," Kelly said. "There's more to this than just straight shot numbers and maps."

County councilman Bob Anderson, who represents District 2 that starts at the south end of Pawleys Island and stretches to just before the eastern bridge into Georgetown, said redistricting all comes down to negotiations and compromises between councilmembers.

"It's like a balloon, if you squeeze it here it's going to bulge out over there," Anderson said, adding that he isn't concerned about Waccamaw Neck districts possibly shrinking because of their demographic similarities.

The report also said there appears to be "racially polarized voting" in Georgetown County, which means there are districts where most voters are minorities and others where most are White.

This is the first post-census redrawing of district lines since the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the section of the Voting Rights Act that required governments in states including South Carolina to get all election changes cleared by the U.S. Justice Department.

Districts should not be drawn solely based on race, Kelly said, but these numbers are points the county should take into consideration in conversations with each other and residents to avoid extensive polarization.

"It's really just going to take more talking and trying to figure all that out rather than solely relying on (race) numbers," Kelly said.

According to the report, more than 90% of registered voters in District 2 who have voted in the last five years are white, and 92% of voters voted for Republican Bob Anderson in the last election.

Meanwhile, 62% of registered voters in District 3 who have voted in the last five years are Black, and 88% of voters voted for Democrat Everett Carolina in the last election.

Georgetown County Council is set to have a workshop Oct. 26 to discuss the report and possible adjustments that could be made to make districts more equitable, though ideally the office would want newly drawn lines by mid-January.

Once the county has redrawn its lines, the new districts will go back to the Revenue and Financial Affairs Office, Kelly said, who will check to make sure they align with the plans before permanently implementing them for the next 10 years.
The board of trustees for Greenville County Schools gave initial approval to prohibiting the use of schools or properties for COVID-19 vaccine clinics, unless those vaccines have received full FDA approval. Staff/Stephanie Mirah
CONWAY  Horry-Georgetown Technical College and a former English professor are being sued by a former student who alleges she received a racist and profane text message.

Ladaysha Berrien, an 18-year-old Black student with a learning disability, alleges in a federal lawsuit that Sheryl Lindquist, a former professor at HGTC, sent her a text that complained about her needing help on an assignment. The text, apparently meant for a different recipient, mentioned Berrien's race and learning disability.

"WHY would not this 'bitch' just go collect her disability check and leave me alone?" the text read according to the lawsuit. "This is going to blow up yet and I catch the shrapnel.

The lawsuit accuses Lindquist and the college of violating: the Americans with Disabilities Act; medical privacy laws, commonly known as HIPPA; and Civil Rights Act.

Berrien is seeking payments to cover therapy sessions for emotional distress, attending a university of her choice and her legal fees.

Lindquist is no longer employed at HGTC. School spokeswoman Nicole Hyman declined to comment about why the professor left or discuss the lawsuit.

According to the federal complaint filed in Florence, Berrien reached out to Lindquist multiple times seeking assistance on an assignment, but instead Lindquist referred her to HGTCs Program for Accelerated College Enrollment program, meant for high school students to get a head start in college.

Lindquist was aware of Berrien's learning disability, the lawsuit said. HGTC has of Office for Accessibility and Disabilities.

Berrien's mother, Lisa Meyers, also reached out to the English professor to try and get her daughter help on the assignment.

After Meyers reached out, Lindquist sent a text message to Berrien stating, "This black, NY (New York) girl is giving me fits has her mother involved. The mother sent me the girls documents for her LD (learning disability): last year she had 5th grade reading and comprehension."

The text finishes with the line calling Berrien a bitch.

Lindquist told Berrien the text was meant for someone else, the lawsuit said.

Lindquist also apologized in an email to Meyers stating, "(O)nce again, I want to apologize for my bad and hurtful behavior. I know that my words come at a time when America is coming to grips with racism and truly bad behavior, in general.

HGTC leaders, lawyers for both parties and Berrien met in September 2020. HGTC President Marilyn Fore apologized and offered Berrien a scholarship, the lawsuit said.

But Berrien was not interested in staying at HGTC and the school reimbursed her tuition.

In October 2020, Berrien sent a letter to the college asking for a settlement that would include fees for therapy, tuition to attend another college and attorney fees.

The school rejected the request because of its ongoing investigation into the incident, the lawsuit said.

None of the defendants had filed responses to the lawsuit with the court as of Oct. 6.
SUMMERVILLE  The global pandemic meant the cancellation of one of South Carolina's largest events, the Flowertown Festival.

Now with the event's October return, many are hoping the festival also allows the community to connect again.

"It's something we've done my whole life," DeeAnn Farrell, a lifelong Summerville resident and owner of Fancy Trimmins Embroidery, said. "It's definitely a community event."

In a non-pandemic year, the Flowertown Festival brings more than 200,000 locals and tourists to the Summerville area for a weekend of festivities. Started in 1973, it's an event organized by the Summerville Family YMCA that includes vendors, food trucks, carnival rides and art showcases.

The festival usually takes place in the spring, celebrating all of the blooming flowers. Because of the pandemic, and to avoid another year of missing out on the festival, it will take place in the fall. This year's event will be Oct. 8-10.

The year 2020 marked the first time the event had been canceled in 48 years.

For some it meant going without a major tradition in a year that saw countless other traditions get skipped. For the Summerville YMCA, it meant missing out on its largest fundraiser and an estimated $100,000-plus.

So the event's return is extremely welcomed, organizers said.

"We're pretty excited," said Kim Caughell, vice president of community relations for the Summerville YMCA.

Pandemic differences

While the blooming azaleas won't be present at this year's festival, a lot of familiar activities will be around. These include the many vendors and art showcases.

It's what Caughell said she enjoys most about the event. The festival acts as an opportunity to showcase all of the different businesses and activities Summerville has to offer, she said.

It really is all about being able to highlight all the other nonprofits and local businesses," Caughell said.

Many organizations throughout the years have used the event as a marketing opportunity. With the pandemic, some have had to adjust to find news ways to connect with people differently, such as through social media.

The 2021 festival is expected to add to that connectivity.

"It's another way for them to get exposure," said Rita Berry, president and CEO of the Greater Summerville/Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce. We love having people come and discover Summerville.

When the 2020 festival was canceled, Caughell said, organizers realized just how impactful the event was to so many different groups in the area.

Usually around 300 arts-and-crafts vendors attend the event, selling hundreds of items often specifically made for the festival. Around 150 businesses also attend.

They depend on that marketing to get them through the whole year," Caughell said.

The event also helps the Summerville YMCA fund local need-based scholarships and programs for the community.

The organization is expecting half of the usual number of vendors this year.

"We did that so we could space them out," Caughell said.

Some regular vendors had other plans around the time of the October festival, so they can't make the event. Others also had items that would only be available in the spring.

With it being in October, organizers said attendees can expect more Christmas items on sale. They're also expecting lower temperatures in comparison to when the event is held either in March or April.

Another difference this year will be COVID safety measures. Hand sanitizer and hand-washing stations will be scattered through the festival grounds.

The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control is also slated to offer COVID-19 vaccines at the festival.

Mask-wearing will be encouraged, but since the event is outdoors, organizers said they're hoping people will be able to space out.

Other than that, attendees can expect the usual restaurant vendors and activities for kids like the Children's Jubilee. More than 200 artists will also have their works on display for purchase.

I am glad to see the Flowertown Festival return," Mayor Ricky Waring said. "I hope everyone stays safe and enjoys the festival."

Though doing the event in the fall feels different, Caughell and others said they still expect it to capture the same magic that the festival has in the spring.

Years of tradition

This year will not be the first time the flowers have not been in bloom at the festival.

Farrell has attended the event since its second year. She was 2 at the time. She said there have been plenty of years when the flowers have not been there in the spring because of rainy weather.

But she also said she still expects to hear about people making calls to find out where the flowers of Flowertown Festival are located.

In her experience, she said, the flowers are just a bonus. When they're not there, the festival is still a good time, she said.

I dont think it takes away from the festival," she said.

Farrell's parents were vendors at the event when she was a child. That's how she first got connected to it.

Today, she is not only a longtime vendor at the festival, but her business, Fancy Trimmins, also makes and sells the official Flowertown Festival T-shirts.

As a business owner, she said, the event always makes for good advertising. Fancy Trimmins isn't located on Main Street, so the festival helps people become familiar with the business, she said.

When the festival is in the spring, the business often sells Easter-themed items. This year, Farrell said she's excited to display their Christmas items.

This is going to be different being in the fall," she said.

What makes the event so special to her is the opportunity to see and connect with people. This year feels especially important because of all the distance the pandemic created, she said.

The best way she said she can describe the festival is that it's just a place where people are going to be able to see one another.

Theres been so little of that," she said.
HAMPTON  Alex Murdaugh used a fraudulent bank account for years to siphon money away from his former law firm and clients, as well as the family of his late housekeeper, a pair of lawsuits allege.

The legal complaints, filed separately this week, purportedly reveal how the disgraced attorney used a dummy bank account to scam his associates out of millions of dollars.

Both lawsuits allege Murdaugh illegally funneled money from legal cases to a Bank of America account that he disguised to look like a legitimate financial firm.

The complaints allege Murdaugh named the account "Forge" so it would appear he was directing money to Forge Consulting, an Atlanta-based company that lawyers sometimes hire to facilitate legal settlement payments. From there, the money disappeared, the suits claim.

Among the alleged victims: Murdaugh's former Hampton County law firm and the sons of his late housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield.

The law office of Peters, Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth, Detrick filed its lawsuit Oct. 6, seeking to recover an untold amount of money that it claims Murdaugh drained from firm and client accounts. The lawsuit comes a month after the firm said it discovered Murdaugh had been embezzling money and forced him to resign.

Jim Griffin, one of Murdaugh's defense attorneys, called the firm's lawsuit "a very sad development."

"Alex holds every member of the (PMPED) firm in very high esteem," he continued. "He has pledged his full cooperation to the firm."

Satterfield's sons filed their lawsuit last month.

They said Murdaugh recommended they sue him in 2018 after Satterfield, 57, died from a slip-and-fall accident at his Hampton home that February. But then they never received a dime of the $4.3 million settlement that was negotiated on their behalf without their knowledge, according to their lawsuit.

Questions swirled for weeks about where the money went.

Then, this week, the Satterfields' attorneys said they had gotten to the bottom of it. They filed a more detailed claim accusing Murdaugh of conspiring with a lawyer friend and a banker to steal the Satterfields' money.

Attorneys Eric Bland and Ronnie Richter said they determined that Murdaugh worked with Beaufort lawyer Cory Fleming  the Satterfield's attorney in the wrongful death lawsuit  to direct the millions of dollars owed to the family to a "Forge" bank account controlled by Murdaugh.

From there, Satterfield's sons never received anything. In fact, they had no idea the settlement even existed, Bland and Richter said.

In a joint Oct. 6 statement with Bland and Richter, Fleming and his law firm announced they had settled with the Satterfield family and agreed to repay all legal fees he earned from the original case.

The Satterfields will also receive damages from Flemings malpractice insurance policy. Fleming acknowledged making mistakes in the case but said he was duped by Murdaugh as well.

Fleming trusted his close friend and colleague to deal with him truthfully and honorably, only to be misled and deceived in one of the worst possible ways for a lawyer: Alex Murdaugh lied to Mr. Fleming to steal client funds, the statement said.

The State Law Enforcement Division is investigating allegations Murdaugh embezzled from PMPED. Agents are also probing Satterfields death and what happened to the settlement money tied to her passing.

The lawsuits this week are just a slice of the embezzlement, fraud and obstruction of justice allegations lodged against Murdaugh, 53, in recent months.

The prominent attorney and scion of a powerful family of lawyers in Hampton County has seen his personal and professional lives unravel since the still-unsolved slayings of his wife, Maggie, and son Paul in early June. The pair was shot to death at the familys hunting lodge in Colleton County.

Last month, Murdaugh was forced out of the law firm his great-grandfather founded amid embezzlement accusations. That same weekend, he reported being shot in the head by an unknown assailant on the side of a rural Hampton County road.

Then, Murdaugh checked himself into rehab as his lawyers admitted he had stolen money from his firm to fuel a decades-long addiction to opioids.

And then, he confessed that his shooter wasn't an unknown assailant, but a longtime acquaintance who had agreed to kill him so Murdaugh's remaining son, Buster, could collect on Murdaugh's $10 million life insurance policy. SLED arrested Murdaugh and charged him with insurance fraud, among other crimes, in the scheme.

Along the way, the state Supreme Court suspended his law license, and state investigators have opened no fewer than six investigations into matters involving his family.

PMPED investigation

The PMPED firm said it began looking into Murdaugh's financial activities after discovering a suspicious check lying on his desk in early September.

The firm reviewed prior cases Murdaugh had worked and found "numerous checks" that sent settlement money to bank accounts named "Forge" or "Forge Consulting, LLC."

The firm also identified cases where Murdaugh drafted checks from PMPED accounts into his bogus accounts. But when it contacted the real Forge Consulting, the Atlanta firm said it had not provided any services to Murdaugh's clients in those cases, PMPED alleged.

"FCL was not assisting the Defendant in his scheme and had no knowledge of the improper use of its name or his conduct," the lawsuit states.

According to the lawsuit, Murdaugh admitted to stealing the money and resigned on Sept. 3 when the firm confronted him about the checks.

The firm reported the theft to the Hampton County Sheriffs Office and SLED on Sept. 4 and notified the S.C. Supreme Courts Office of Disciplinary Counsel, which handles ethics complaints against lawyers, two days later.

PMPED then hired a forensic accounting firm to review Murdaughs financial transactions during his time with the law office. The firm has not put a dollar amount on the amount of missing money, but it has been reported to be in the millions of dollars.

PMPED said it has reimbursed any clients that Murdaugh stole from. It said none of the firms attorneys had prior knowledge of his conduct.

Alleged Satterfield scam

Meanwhile, the lawsuit Bland and Richter filed alleges Satterfield's sons were victims of a similar scheme.

In a detailed Oct. 5 filing, Bland and Richter described the 2018 case as "a story of trust and betrayal."

Here is their version of how it played out:

Satterfield's sons, Tony and Brian, took Murdaugh's advice to hire Fleming for their wrongful-death lawsuit. But Murdaugh hadn't told them he and Fleming were close friends.

Fleming was Murdaugh's college roommate and the godfather of Murdaugh's son Paul.

In the fall of 2018, Fleming advised the Satterfield sons that there were business issues on the horizon that Tony, as personal representative for his mothers estate, was not experienced enough to handle. Fleming recommended Tony relinquish his title as personal representative to Chad Westendorf, a banker.

The sons agreed, allowing Westendorf to manage the case going forward. But they knew nothing of a potential settlement on the horizon.

Westendorf officially took over as personal representative of Satterfields estate on Dec. 18, 2018. The next day, Fleming filed a petition that a partial settlement of $505,000 had been reached in the case, money that would be paid by Lloyds of London, one of Murdaugh's insurance carriers.

In their filings, Bland and Richter allege the partial settlement was clearly negotiated but withheld from the Satterfield sons before they relinquished authority over the estate to Westendorf. They cited a $504,000 check for the settlement that was dated Dec. 4, 2018, two weeks before Westendorf took control.

Neither Tony, nor Brian, were told anything about the partial settlement  ever, Bland and Richter wrote.

The next month, in January 2019, Fleming began disbursing the money. At Murdaughs direction, Fleming sent a check for more than $403,000 to a payee named Forge at a P.O. box provided by Murdaugh. The Satterfields got none of it.

Meanwhile, Fleming continued pursuing the Satterfield wrongful-death claim against other insurance providers.

Through a March 2019 mediation, he secured another settlement worth $3.8 million from Nautilus Insurance Co. Fleming never told the Satterfield sons about that money, either.

Fleming requested approval of the settlement from Circuit Judge Carmen Mullen, who scheduled a hearing on the matter for May 13, 2019.

Mullen, who graduated in the same University of South Carolina law class as Murdaugh and Fleming, had recused herself just a month before from another wrongful-death case involving Murdaugh. That case stemmed from a 2019 boat crash in Beaufort that killed 19-year-old Mallory Beach. Paul Murdaugh was the alleged boat driver, and he faced criminal charges of boating under the influence.

At the Satterfield settlement hearing, Mullen was misled to believe that the housekeepers sons were fully informed of the settlement and would ultimately receive nearly $2.8 million from it after legal fees and other costs were subtracted from the total $4.3 million, the attorneys allege.

But Satterfields' sons had no knowledge of the settlement.

Mullen approved the settlement, trusting the attorneys and banker involved would handle it appropriately, Bland and Richter said. But it was never filed in the courthouse.

Mullen did not respond to a phone message or email left at her office on Oct. 6. She has not returned repeated phone calls about the matter from The Post and Courier in recent weeks.

And after the settlement was approved, Fleming did not pay the Beneficiaries a dime.

The attorney instead directed nearly $3 million to a Forge account at a Hampton P.O. box at Murdaughs direction.

Fleming also didnt collect the more than $1.4 million in attorneys fees he was owed from the case. He paid his law firm $666,000 and sent the rest to Murdaugh.

Westendorf, the banker, had told Mullen that he had received all the settlement money and would be personally responsible for making the payments. Instead, he allowed the money to be misapplied by Fleming and Murdaugh, the lawsuit states.

Westendorf has not responded to repeated requests for comment, including an inquiry made on Oct. 6.

Bland and Richter accused Fleming, Murdaugh and Westendorf of acting in direct and willful contempt of Mullens order to distribute the settlement money.

They have asked a judge to make the same finding.

Glenn Smith and Thad Moore contributed reporting from Charleston.
The Charleston Chronicle newspaper, which provided African Americans in the Lowcountry with news and community information for 50 years, has ceased operating in the wake of its founders death.

James French, 94, died July 31, leaving his journalistic legacy to his family. The Chronicle has been run for several years by Frenchs grandsons Tolbert and Damion Smalls.

At the onset of the COVID pandemic in March 2020, The Chronicles office on upper King Street was vacated. In January, the newspaper produced its last edition, in conjunction with the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. The website was disabled about the time of Frenchs death. It is not clear if the family intends to resurrect the newspaper, sell it, let it remain idle or shut it down permanently.

Telephone and email queries for publisher Tolbert Smalls were not answered.

Barney Blakeney, a longtime contributor to The Chronicle, said the newspaper had been printed only intermittently in recent months, and copies sat in storage, undistributed.

Rep. Wendell Gilliard, who knew James French well and valued The Chronicle as an essential news source for the Black community, said he could not confirm that the paper was defunct but was unsurprised by that prospect.

French ran the paper almost singlehandedly for 45 years, until he became too ill to continue, Blakeney said. Circulation, which always had been a challenge, deteriorated, and there was no apparent strategy for maintaining the business, he said.

The Chronicle is among numerous small-circulation newspapers to close in recent years, and one of the last survivors of its kind in South Carolina. Newspapers generally have been transitioning from a print to a digital environment, adjusting their business models and revenue projections accordingly. It has been challenging to all, damaging to many and fatal to some.

The first regular Black publication was Freedoms Journal, introduced in 1827 in Boston by Samuel Cornish and John Brown Russwurm in response to traditional newspapers that defended slavery and to abolitionist newspapers that often spoke of Blacks in paternalistic tones. Too long have others spoken for us, the publishers of Freedoms Journal argued.

Eventually, other Black newspapers emerged offering a variety of content, from news stories and commentary to religious instruction and cultural engagement. Many of these papers, such as The Pittsburgh Courier, which reached a circulation of 200,000 nationally, were produced in the North and surreptitiously distributed to people in the Deep South. They often were consumed collectively, in church or at the barbershop.

By the time French started The Chronicle in 1971, Black newspapers and magazines had become essential additions to homes across the country. African Americans relied on The Pittsburgh Courier, Jet magazine, The Lighthouse and Informer and other publications to keep them informed about issues that impacted Black communities.

These publications often challenged Jim Crow and American politics, held elected officials accountable and highlighted injustice. They gave a voice to the voiceless.

Frenchs Chronicle followed in this tradition, reaching residents of Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester counties, and featuring prominent local voices such as Dot Scott, Robert Ford and Margaret Rush. It provided more than news content. It was an institution in Charleston that contributed to the economy and, for Black residents, symbolized autonomy and pride.

As the public debates the issue of representation, and as traditional newsrooms seek to diversify their staffs, some in the community argue there is still a need for Black-run media that provides a platform for historically marginalized people. A survey of social media reveals that, to a degree, this is happening. Black Lives Matter Charleston and Geechee Experience, for example, have developed prominent voices online. Tamika Gadsden hosts a daily podcast called "Mic'd Up."

Nevertheless, the demise of a traditional weekly Black newspaper leaves a void, Blakeney said.

It was a publication that simultaneously kept African American readers informed and asserted their interests, Blakeney told The Post and Courier earlier this year.

Not only was I obligated to report good stories, but I also had to be an advocate, a proponent for the black community, he said.
NORTH CHARLESTON  Police arrested a man in connection with the shooting deaths of a man and woman at two motels.

Police charged Michael Parker with two counts of murder and two counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He also faced a separate charge of burglary in Charleston, records show.

Parker, 35, was booked into the Charleston County jail early Oct. 5, records show.

Police responded to a shooting at 9:10 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Econo Lodge on Northside Drive. They located Anthony Merida, 27, in one of the hotel rooms. Merida suffered a fatal gunshot wound, Charleston County Coroner Bobbi Jo O'Neal said.

The next morning, Lauren Bishop, 44, was found dead in Room 313 at the Red Roof Inn at Northwoods Boulevard, just a half-mile from the Econo Lodge.

North Charleston police were dispatched around 8:30 a.m. Sept. 20 to the Red Roof Inn after an employee discovered Bishop in her room.

O'Neal said Bishop died from a gunshot wound the day before her body was found  the same day Merida died.

Police determined during their investigation the two homicides were related. They located witnesses and identified Parker as the individual who shot and killed both victims, according to a North Charleston news release.
Charleston, SC (29403)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will become overcast during the afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High near 75F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Considerable clouds this evening. Some decrease in clouds late. Low around 55F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Goose Creek, SC (29445)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 78F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy. Low 54F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
One of the U.S. Armys Iron Dome missile defense systems is being deployed to Andersen Air Force Base, the military announced Thursday in a press release.

Personnel needed for the missile defense deployment have arrived on Guam, the military said, but the numbers were not released publicly.

The military called it an "experimental deployment."

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There was no mention of North Korea's recent missile tests or concerns about the Chinese military's rapidly expanding military muscle in the announcement of the deployment to Guam.

The deployment is anticipated to take place from mid-October through mid-December, according to Joint Region Marianas, the Guam-based military leadership.

The deployment will be executed in multiple locations and equipment may be visible in Apra Harbor, Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz and Andersen AFB.

'Protect our people, ... assets'

"This experimental deployment is a tremendous opportunity to test the capability of a point defense system in the theater, assess its performance alongside existing systems, and determine for future use," said Rear Adm. Benjamin Nicholson, commander, Joint Region Marianas. "A robust missile defense capability will significantly improve our defense posture and protect our people and critical assets in the region."

The government of Guam and the Guam-based leadership of the military are working with the 94th Army Air and Missile Defense Command and 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade to support the temporary deployment of one of the Iron Dome systems to Andersen, according to the military.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero issued a joint statement with the military expressing support.

"I fully support the temporary deployment of the Iron Dome system to Guam. Additional missile defense protection in this part of the world would strengthen national security by providing another layer of protection to our current Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, or THAAD," the governor said.

The Pentagon deployed the THAAD missile interceptor to Guam in 2013 when North Korea specifically mentioned Guam as a potential target.

But in recent years, the United States and its allies have been particularly concerned with China's military flexing and how that could affect the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific region.

Guam recently hosted the historic visit of the United Kingdom's carrier strike group led by its flagship aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth following military drills with the United States, Japan, South Korea, Japan and India in the Philippine Sea, South China Sea and other parts of the Indo-Pacific.

"At a time when a free and open Indo-Pacific Region is of utmost global importance, a safe and prosperous home for Guam residents is of equal local importance. We look forward to continued work that ensures the freedom and security of our people, as One Guam with our DoD partners," the governor said.

The Iron Dome system can intercept subsonic cruise missiles, unmanned aircraft systems, rockets, artillery and mortar threats, according to the U.S. Army.

The United States has since invested some $900 million in Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system, according to reports by the Tribune News Service.

Israels Iron Dome was frequently in the news when, in May 2021, Hamas fired more than 3,300 rockets toward Israeli cities and towns, the vast majority of which were stopped by the Iron Dome.

Iron Dome is manufactured by Israeli defense company Rafael and was co-developed by Raytheon, DefenseNews has reported. The Army bought the two Iron Dome systems at the request of Congress to fill the cruise missile gap while it developed a more enduring solution to counter a variety of air and missile threats, according to DefenseNews.

Potential China threat

Questions have been raised regarding whether the truck-mounted THAAD will be adequate for protecting Guam.

On Aug. 25, Matthew Kroenig, senior policy adviser on nuclear and missile defense policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense from 2017-2021, wrote an opinion article in The Hill, saying while the United States was preoccupied with the Afghanistan exit crisis, "it must simultaneously address more important, longer-term challenges, including deterring Chinese military aggression in the Indo-Pacific. This is why Congress should fully reinstate funding for air and missile defenses in Guam when it reconvenes in early September," Kroenig wrote.

The Chinese military, Kroenig wrote, "hopes to push American military forces out of the Indo-Pacific, giving Beijing a freer hand to engage in armed aggression against its neighbors. U.S. regional military presence is concentrated at several large military bases, including in Japan, South Korea and the U.S. territory of Guam."

"China would likely attempt to degrade U.S. military capabilities at these locations in the early stages of any conflict by overwhelming them with a broad range of missile attacks  including ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missiles. A successful missile attack would greatly blunt American military power in the region and complicate the U.S. ability to deny a Chinese victory over Taiwan," Kroenig wrote.

South Korea also buying Iron Dome

In June, South Korea approved plans to pursue a $2.6-billion interception system, similar to Israel's Iron Dome, designed to protect against North Korea's arsenal of long-range guns and rockets, Reuters reported.

Late last year, the South Korean government's defense blueprint called for the development of a "Korean-style Iron Dome" that can defend Seoul and key facilities, Reuters reported.
FiveThirtyEight notices that Joe Bidens approval number isnt bouncing back after the Afghanistan fiasco. Its pundits had suggested that the number might well bounce back as news of that debacle faded. But, they acknowledge, were now more than a month removed from Bidens difficult August, and there have been no signs of a rebound in his approval rating.

Why? The FiveThirtyEight crew now says the decline in Bidens approval rating was never just about Afghanistan. Rather, it was also driven by the resurgent pandemic, dissatisfaction with the economy, or even natural post-honeymoon reversion to a mean that is more realistic in these polarized times.

I dont want to discount any of these factors. However, I suggest there is something more fundamental going on.

I suspect that the electorate feels deceived and betrayed by Joe Biden. He ran as a centrist  center-left at most  who would heal America.

This was always a hoax, but many people believed it. Maybe they were fooled because Biden once was a non-leftist. Maybe they just wanted to believe his pitch because they hated Donald Trump. I know people who bought it for that reason.

But now, the view of Biden as a moderate, as opposed to a captive of the left, is untenable. He wanted to spend almost $5 trillion  a sum disfavored by moderates in his own party. He has unleashed a surge of illegal immigration and shown no intention of curbing it.

He wants to impose leftist indoctrination on Americas school children. He wants people to be able to use the restroom of their choice, not of their gender. And so forth.

And now, Biden wants federal law enforcement to come down on people who attend school board meetings to vigorously oppose his woke agenda. The Garland Justice Department, led by Bidens signature moderate, wrote the memo ordering this crackdown on Americas parents.

Roger Kimball thinks the Garland memo might well be the straw that breaks the camels back. He writes:

The reaction to Garlands memo has been quick and furious. Will this episode be the turning point, the straw that broke the back of President Ice Cream? Coupled with Bidens response to the harassment of Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who was followed into a public bathroom and filmed by shouting activists, maybe so. That, Biden said, was part of the process. But parents opposing the insinuation of Marxoid ideas into school curricula: that must be met by nationalizing the police power of the state and stomping down on any resistance as if it were an instance of domestic terrorism.

Bidens other core campaign pitch was that he would restore competent governance. It too has been exploded. The Afghanistan debacle played a major role in the explosion, to be sure. But Biden also undermines the claim of competence on almost a daily basis with his rambling inability to speak coherently, remember names, and take questions. If he had performed that way in the debates, he would have lost to Trump.

If Im right that Bidens woes are due in significant part to Americas sense that he defrauded us, its unlikely that he will bounce back. Americans can forgive policy errors. They are less willing to forgive blatant fraud.

Im not saying for sure that Biden wont bounce back, though. Things almost as strange have happened.

Bill Clinton similarly defrauded the electorate in 1992, not with his claims of competence but with claims of centrism. He bounced back after the 1994 election, but only because he moved decidedly towards the center.

I dont expect Biden single-mindedly to follow this course and, in any event it may be too late. Clinton never veered as far left as Biden has. Nor can Biden reverse his obvious mental decline. If anything, that will get worse.

But maybe someone should give Biden Dick Morris phone number, just in case.
Someone named Timothy Noah has a piece in the New Republiconce a respectable magazine, but that was a long time agoin which he denounces the state of South Dakota as a moral sewer and calls for its expulsion from the Union. I think the piece is intended to be sort-of-humorous, but it betrays some of the Lefts current obsessions.

The substance of the article is not worth talking about. Noah is offended that South Dakota has a robust financial services sector, about which he betrays ignorance. He argues that there is no good reason for there to be two Dakotas, North and South, and suggests that the admission of northwestern states after 1880 was a plot to increase Republican power.

That is all rather silly, but his underlying complaint is that the Dakotas, two states with a combined population of fewer than two million  get four senators. Of course, leftists werent complaining as recently as 2005, when the Dakotas sent four Democrats to the Senate, or 2011, when three of four Dakota senators were Democrats. If South Dakota were still sending Democrats to Congress, you can be sure that liberals would not be attacking that state, just as they are not now attacking Delaware or Rhode Island. (By the way, is there any good reason why Rhode Island shouldnt be part of Massachusetts? Lets have two Democrat senators rather than four!)

Leftists try to delegitimize institutions that they do not control as undemocratic. Thus, the Supreme Court has come under withering attack, with threats to pack the Court by adding more seats to be filled with new, left-wing justices. Needless to say, leftists found no fault when they controlled the Court. The Senate is likewise in the Lefts crosshairs. How can it possibly be right for small states and big states to have the same number of senators? Of course, if the shoe were on the other foot, they would ask how it can possibly be right for the big states to swamp the rights and interests of the small states. Maybe they never learned about the Connecticut Compromise in high school.

In todays terms, the fact that states have equal representation in the Senate reflects the importance of the states in our constitutional system. Our country is a union of 50 states, not 320 million atomized individuals. It also is a valuable part of the constitutional checks and balances that prevent momentary majorities, like the microscopic one the Democrats now enjoy, from running roughshod over others rights.

Beyond that, let me just say that South Dakotamy home state!is a beacon of freedom and prosperity. South Dakota may currently be more self-consciously conservative than any other state in the Union. As a result, its government is run with astonishing efficiency and effectiveness, and South Dakotas consequent economic and demographic growth sets a standard to which most other states can only aspire.

Rather than kicking South Dakota out of the Union, we should hold up that states sound principles as a model for less successful states like California, New York and Illinois to follow.
The Biden administration pretends to perceive a threat of domestic terrorism when angry parents show up at school board meetings to demand answers as to why their young children have to wear masks all day and be taught that America is racist. Meanwhile, angry mobs who actually terrorize conservative politicians and harass a center-left one are subjects of benign neglect from Team Biden.

Rand Pauls wife has had enough of this. Kelly Paul tweeted:

A mob held us hostage for ten minutes, spitting on and threatening to kill us. No charges! Fake anthrax and death threats sent to our home. No charges! Now just learned the person who called Rands Senate office threatening to shoot us will not be charged. Im exhausted and angry.

Welcome to Joe Bidens America.

Sen. Paul added:

The punk who assaulted the policeman defending my wife and I in DC went free but the Biden Admin. labels concerned parents as domestic terrorists?

Thats healing, Biden administration style.

And lets not forget about the domestic terrorists who go by the name Antifa. Rick Manning of Americans for Limited Government reminds us that the FBI admitted to a House Committee that it does not track violence by ANTIFA as part of its monitoring of domestic terrorism.

Manning also points to the FBIs attempt to gain access to the encrypted emails of 200,000 conservatives who use protonmail. This attempt isnt based on any specific charges. Its simply due to the Biden Justice Departments assumption that conservatives are guilty until proven innocent.

Take all of this into account and you have what Manning calls a federal intelligence infrastructure that is blind to real and obvious threats while choosing to engage in intimidation campaigns against parents who simply want the Marxist indoctrination of our children to end. It adds up to a politically weaponized federal government with no fear of being held accountable for abuses of power.

Manning hopes that with this past weekends assault on Democrat Sen. Kyrsten Sinema by at least one illegal alien following her into a restroom and haranguing her while she was in a bathroom stall. . . a bi-partisan consensus can emerge that forces the Justice Department to quit accepting political violence from the left while imagining it from parents of all political stripes.

That bi-partisan consensus may emerge among ordinary Americans, but I question whether the leftists who run the Biden-Garland Justice Department will back off in response to it.
There must a Robert Ludlum series lurking in the saga of OCC Comptroller nominee Saule Omarova. One installment of the series would be The Omarova Thesis  the thesis she wrote at Moscow State University on the Lenin Personal Academic Scholarship: Karl Marxs Economic Analysis and the Theory of Revolution in The Capital. It must have been a good one  so good that she has scrubbed it from her current resume.

Chuck Ross reports on the mysterious disappearance of Omarovas thesis in the Free Beacon story Biden Banking Nominee Scrubs Karl Marx Paper From Resume. Ross adds that the paper was not disclosed on the version of the resume reported last month by the Washington Free Beacon. Senator Toomey has now asked Omarova about the mysterious disappearance of the item from her resume and requested a copy.

Senator Toomey noted that presidential nominees are required to submit all copies of their published writings, but Omarovia has not responded to questions about the thesis or the revision to her resume. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency is also maintaining radio silence.

The OCC is the chief regulator of national banks. The Wall Street Journal flagged Omarovas nomination to the office of Comptroller of the OCC here. John wrote about Omarova here. She wants to end banking as we know it and make a name for herself as the Krazee Eyez Killah of federal regulation.
Jeff Sessions has written an excellent article for the New York Post called Blame woke pols for the nations needless spike in murders. Most of what Sessions says will be familiar to Power Line readers. However, its great to have someone of Sessions stature publishing these arguments in an outlet with the kind of circulation the New York Post enjoys.

Sessions starts by noting that from 2019 to 2020, the U.S. murder rate rose by an astounding 27 percent, the largest annual increase in at least the past 100 years. Even during the crime wave at the start of Prohibition, the murder rate never rose by more than 19 percent in a year.

In the past three decades, the largest increase until now occurred in 2015. Not coincidentally, this was the year after the Ferguson riots, which produced the Ferguson effect. But even then, the murder rate rose 11 percent, less than half of the increase in 2020.

Sessions correctly assigns responsibility for the 2020 surge in murders to woke politicians. He writes:

Tragically, they ignored the warnings of law-enforcement officials and abandoned policies shown to work, replacing them with naivete and wishful thinking. The results are now clear for all to see. . . . [W]ithout serious thought, law-enforcement policies that saved our cities from violence and disorder [in the 1990s and the first part of this century]  providing safety especially for poorer and minority communities  were abandoned. Big-city mayors turned against the police, effectively telling them to cease and desist. The FBI reports that nationwide arrests fell an incredible 25 percent in 2020 alone, neatly matching the 27 percent increase in the murder rate.

(Emphasis added)

In response to the surge in murders, as well as aggravated assaults which rose 12 percent from 2019 to 2020, the largest one-year increase in more than a third of a century, left-wing organs like the Washington Post and The Atlantic sometimes point out that property crime is down. Sessions brushes that argument aside:

A continuation of the longstanding decline in burglaries, during a period when far more people were staying at home, hardly compensates for a huge increase in murders.

Of course it doesnt.

Sessions doesnt discuss the role of the failure these days to hold criminals in prison  a trend Sessions fought valiantly against as a Senator successfully opposing jailbreak legislation and as Attorney General trying to keep Donald Trump from supporting it (as Trump eventually did). I think Sessions is right to focus on weakened policing as the primary cause of the 2019-2020 national murder spree. But we shouldnt forget about our under-incarceration problem.
12:23 a.m.

Mr Buhari mounts the podium.

He assures that the 2022 budget will help improve development across the country

The president says the minister of finance will provide further details of the proposed Appropriation Bill.

Mr Buhari says he is happy that his administration is making great progress with regards to infrastructure.

He says the government created 52 isolation centres and provision of personal protection equipment across the country in the wake of the pandemic.

A lot was accomplished last year but there is still much to be done, he said.

The president says the 2022 budget is aimed at investing in critical infrastructure, strengthening infrastructure, reducing poverty, among others.

The 2022 budget is therefore the Budget of Economic Growth and Sustainability,  he says.

The parameters for the Oil benchmark $57, Daily oil production at 1.88, Exchange rate N410 per $, GDP growth of 4.2 expected and 14.2 per cent inflation rate.

Total expenditure is estimated at N17.7 trillion.

Mr Buhari says the estimated fiscal deficit is put at N6.26 trillion with 3.39 per cent estimate for GDP.

We plan to finance oir deficit mainly by borrowing to a time of N5.01 trillion, he said.

Nigerians are right to be concerned over the governments borrowing but it is necessary, the president says.On the 2021 budget, the president explained that the poor performance of oil revenue was as a result of low production and under-recovery by NNPCHe said the PPPRA announced that the PMS will be determined by demand and supply earlier this year, but the rising price of crude oil and the impact of union led the government to shelve the plan.He said Nigeria performed well in the non-oil revenue, adding We have stepped up the implementation on strengthening the revenue generation of government-owned enterprises.I solicit the national revenue to help to enforce the cost ratio of revenue-generating agencies.Despite our revenue challenges, we continue to meet our obligation of debt servicing and we are paying salaries.We have made progress on the rail sector, the Lagos-Ibadan is fully completed, the Kaduna-Abuja is running efficiently and the Itakpe line has been commissioned.The MDAs on the IPPIS payroll are now 711.Defence and internal security remain our top priority.The budget is the first where MDAs are advised on gender balancing. This is part of efforts to ensure inclusion.Some have expressed concern on borrowing. We believe that the borrowings are within the limit. Our borrowings are on projects that can be verified. We had to spend our way out of recessions. It is unlikely if we would have exited the recessions without borrowing.

We do not have a debt sustainability problem, but a revenue problem.

In 2022, government will strengthen the use of PPP. Explore available option of green financing, Mr Buhari said.

In his closing remarks, Mr Gbajabiamila said, We will scrutinise the books of MDAs and ask them how they spent previous allocations.

We will work with the senate to ensure that all interventions by House are included in the final draft.

The motion for the adjournment of the joint session was moved by Abdulahi Yahaya (APC, Kebbi)

Budget of Economic Growth and Sustainability

Delivered By:

His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari

President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

At the Joint Session of the National Assembly, Abuja

Thursday, October 7, 2021

PROTOCOLS

1. It is my great pleasure to be here once again to present the 2022 Federal Budget Proposals to this distinguished Joint Session of the National Assembly.

2. Distinguished and Honourable leaders, and members of the National Assembly, let me start by commending you for the expeditious consideration and passage of the Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2021. This further underscores your commitment to our collective efforts to contain the COVID-19 Pandemic and address the various security challenges facing our country.

3. I will also take this opportunity to thank you for the quick consideration and approval of the 2022-2024 Medium-term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper. Our hope is that National Assembly will continue to partner with the Executive by ensuring that deliberations on the 2022 Budget are completed before the end of this year so that the Appropriation Act can come into effect by the first of January 2022.

4. The 2022 Budget will be the last full year budget to be implemented by this administration. We designed it to build on the achievements of previous budgets and to deliver on our goals and aspirations as will be reflected in our soon-to-be launched National Development Plan of 2021 to 2025.

5. Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, in normal times, I make use of this opportunity to provide an overview of global and domestic developments in the current year, a summary of our achievements, and our plans for the next fiscal year.

6. However, these are exceptional times. The grim realities of COVID-19 and its lethal variants are still upon us. From President to Pauper, the virus does not discriminate.

7. This is why our country still maintains its COVID -19 guidelines and protocols in place to protect its citizens and stop the spread of this disease.

8. Over the past few days, we have consulted with the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 and the leadership of the National Assembly on how best to present the 2022 budget proposal keeping in mind the deep-rooted traditions in place and the guidelines for safe mass gatherings.

9. We ultimately decided that the most responsible and respectful approach was to hold a shorter than usual gathering while allowing the Honourable Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to provide fuller details of our proposals in a smaller event.

10. I am sure many of you will be relieved as my last budget speech in October 2020 lasted over fifty minutes.

11. Still, over the next few minutes, I will provide key highlights of our 2021 performance as well as our proposals for 2022.

PERFORMANCE OF THE 2021 BUDGET

12. The 2021 Budget of Economic Recovery and Resilience is based on a benchmark oil price of 40 US Dollars per barrel, oil production of 1.6m b/d, and exchange rate of 379 Naira to US Dollar. Furthermore, a Supplementary budget of 982.73 billion Naira was recently enacted to address exigent issues in the Security and Health sectors.

13. Based on the 2021 Fiscal Framework, total revenue of 8.12 trillion Naira was projected to fund aggregate federal expenditure of 14.57 trillion Naira (inclusive of the supplementary budget). The projected fiscal deficit of 6.45 trillion Naira, or 4.52 percent of GDP, is expected to be financed mainly by domestic and external borrowings.

14. By July 2021, Nigerias daily oil production averaged one 1.70million barrels (inclusive of condensates) and the market price of Bonny Light crude averaged 68.53 US Dollars per barrel.

15. Accordingly, actual revenues were 34 percent below target as of July 2021, mainly due to the underperformance of oil and gas revenue sources. Federal Governments retained revenues (excluding Government Owned Enterprises) amounted to 2.61 trillion Naira against the proportionate target of 3.95 trillion Naira for the period.

16. The Federal Governments share of Oil revenue totalled 570.23 billion Naira as of July 2021, which was 51 percent below target, while non-oil tax revenues totalled 964.13 billion Naira. The poor performance of oil revenue relative to the budget was largely due to the shortfall in production as well as significant cost recovery by NNPC to cover the shortfall between its cost of importing petrol and the pump price.

17. The National Assembly will recall that in March 2020 the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency announced that the price of petrol would henceforth be determined by market forces.

18. However, as the combination of rising crude oil prices and exchange rate combined to push the price above the hitherto regulated price of 145 Naira per litre, opposition against the policy of price deregulation hardened on the part of Labour Unions in particular.

19. Government had to suspend further upward price adjustments while engaging Labour on the subject. This petrol subsidy significantly eroded revenues that should have been available to fund the budget.

20. On a positive note, we surpassed the non-oil taxes target by eleven (11) percent in aggregate. The sustained improvement in non-oil taxes indicates that some of our revenue reforms are yielding positive results. We expect further improvement in revenue collections later in the year as more corporate entities file their tax returns and we accelerate the implementation of our revenue reforms.

Improving Revenue Generation and Administration

21. We have stepped up implementation of the strengthened framework for performance management of government owned enterprises (GOEs), with a view to improve their operational efficiencies, revenue generation and accountability. The 50% cost-to-income ratio imposed on the GOEs in the Finance Act 2020 has contributed significantly to rationalizing wasteful expenditures by several GOEs and enhanced the level of operating surpluses to be transferred to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF). I solicit the cooperation of the National Assembly in enforcing the cost-to-income ratio and other prudential guidelines during your consideration of the budget proposals of the GOEs, which I am also laying before you today.

22. On the expenditure side, as at end of July 2021, a total of six point seven-nine (6.79) trillion Naira had been spent as against the pro-rated expenditure of seven point nine-one (7.91) trillion Naira. Accordingly, a deficit of four point one-seven (4.17) trillion Naira was recorded as at end of July 2021. The deficit was financed through domestic borrowing.

23. Despite our revenue challenges, we have consistently met our debt service commitments. We are also up to date on the payment of staff salaries, statutory transfers, and overhead costs. As at (4th of October 2021, a total of 1.732 trillion Naira had been released for capital expenditure.

24. I am pleased to inform you that we expect to fund MDAs capital budget fully by the end of the fiscal year 2021.

25. Capital releases thus far have been prioritised in favour of critical ongoing infrastructural projects in the power, roads, rail, agriculture, health and education sectors.

26. We have made progress on the railway projects connecting different parts of the country. I am glad to report that the Lagos-Ibadan Line is now completed and operational. The Abuja-Kaduna Line is running efficiently. The Itakpe-Ajaokuta rail Line was finally completed and commissioned over thirty (30) years after its initiation.

27. Arrangements are underway to complete the Ibadan-Kano Line. Also, work will soon commence on the Port Harcourt-Maiduguri Line and Calabar-Lagos Coastal Line, which will connect the Southern and Eastern States to themselves and to the North.

28. Progress is also being made on several power generation, transmission, and distribution projects, as well as off-grid solutions, all aimed towards achieving the national goal of optimizing power supply by 2025.

29. I am again happy to report that we continue to make visible progress in our strategic road construction projects like the Lagos  Ibadan expressway, Apapa  Oworonsoki expressway, Abuja  Kano expressway, East-West Road and the second Niger bridge. We hope to commission most of these projects before the end of our tenure in 2023.

30. The Pandemic revealed the urgent need to strengthen our health system. Towards this end, we constructed 52 Molecular labs, 520 bed intensive care units, 52 Isolation centres and provision of Personal Protective equipment across 52 Federal Medical Centres and Teaching Hospitals.

31. We continue to push our expenditure rationalization initiatives which we commenced in 2016. For example, on personnel costs, the number of MDAs captured on the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System increased from 459 in 2017 to 711 to date.

32. The recent passage of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, and consequent incorporation of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation should also result in rationalisation of expenditure, as well as increased investments and improved output in the oil and gas industry.

33. Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, you will agree with me that a lot has been accomplished over the last year but there is still much to be done. I will now proceed with a review of the 2022 Budget proposal.

THEME AND PRIORITIES OF THE 2022 BUDGET

34. The allocations to MDAs were guided by the strategic objectives of the National Development Plan of 2021 to 2025, which are:

a. Diversifying the economy, with robust MSME growth;

b. Investing in critical infrastructure;

c. Strengthening security and ensuring good governance;

d. Enabling a vibrant, educated and healthy populace;

e. Reducing poverty; and

f. Minimizing regional, economic and social disparities.

35. The 2022 Appropriation therefore is a Budget of Economic Growth and Sustainability.

36. Defence and internal security will continue to be our top priority. We remain firmly committed to the security of life, property and investment nationwide. We will continue to ensure that our gallant men and women in the armed forces, police and paramilitary units are properly equipped, remunerated and well-motivated.

37. The 2022 budget is also the first in our history, where MDAs were clearly advised on gender responsive budgeting. These are part of critical steps in our efforts to distribute resources fairly and reach vulnerable groups of our society.

PARAMETERS AND FISCAL ASSUMPTIONS

38. Distinguished Members of the National Assembly, the 2022 to 2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper sets out the parameters for the 2022 Budget as follows:

a. Conservative oil price benchmark of 57 US Dollars per barrel;

b. Daily oil production estimate of 1.88 million barrels (inclusive of Condensates of 300,000 to 400,000 barrels per day);

c. Exchange rate of four 410.15 per US Dollar; and

d. Projected GDP growth rate of 4.2 percent and 13 percent inflation rate.

2022 REVENUE ESTIMATES

39. Based on these fiscal assumptions and parameters, total federally-collectible revenue is estimated at 17.70 trillion Naira in 2022.

40. Total federally distributable revenue is estimated at 12.72 trillion Naira in 2022 while total revenue available to fund the 2022 Federal Budget is estimated at 10.13 trillion Naira. This includes Grants and Aid of 63.38 billion Naira, as well as the revenues of 63 Government-Owned Enterprises.

41. Oil revenue is projected at 3.16 trillion, Non-oil taxes are estimated at 2.13 trillion Naira and FGN Independent revenues are projected to be 1.82 trillion Naira.

PLANNED 2022 EXPENDITURE

42. A total expenditure of sixteen point three-nine (16.39) trillion Naira is proposed for the Federal Government in 2022. The proposed expenditure comprises:

a. Statutory Transfers of 768.28 billion Naira;

b. Non-debt Recurrent Costs of 6.83 trillion;

c. Personnel Costs of 4.11 trillion Naira;

d. Pensions, Gratuities and Retirees Benefits 577.0 billion Naira;

e. Overheads of 792.39 billion Naira;

f. Capital Expenditure of 5.35 trillion Naira, including the capital component of Statutory Transfers;

g. Debt Service of 3.61 trillion Naira; and

h. Sinking Fund of 292.71 billion Naira to retire certain maturing bonds.

Fiscal Balance

43. We expect the total fiscal operations of the Federal Government to result in a deficit of 6.26 trillion Naira. This represents 3.39 percent of estimated GDP, slightly above the 3 percent threshold set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007. Countries around the world have to of necessity over-shoot their fiscal thresholds for the economies to survive and thrive

44. We need to exceed this threshold considering our collective desire to continue tackling the existential security challenges facing our country.

45. We plan to finance the deficit mainly by new borrowings totalling 5.01 trillion Naira, 90.73 billion Naira from Privatization Proceeds and 1.16 trillion Naira drawdowns on loans secured for specific development projects.

46. Some have expressed concern over our resort to borrowing to finance our fiscal gaps. They are right to be concerned. However, we believe that the debt level of the Federal Government is still within sustainable limits. Borrowings are to specific strategic projects and can be verified publicly.

47. As you are aware, we have witnessed two economic recessions within the period of this Administration. In both cases, we had to spend our way out of recession, which necessitated a resort to growing the public debt. It is unlikely that our recovery from each of the two recessions would have grown as fast without the sustained government expenditure funded by debt.

48. Our target over the medium term is to grow our Revenue-to-GDP ratio from about 8 percent currently to 15 percent by 2025. At that level of revenues, the Debt-Service-to-Revenue ratio will cease to be worrying. Put simply, we do not have a debt sustainability problem, but a revenue challenge which we are determined to tackle to ensure our debts remain sustainable.

49. Very importantly, we have endeavoured to use the loans to finance critical development projects and programmes aimed at improving our economic environment and ensuring effective delivery of public services to our people. We focused on;

a. the completion of major road and rail projects;

b. the effective implementation of Power sector projects;

c. the provision of potable water;

d. construction of irrigation infrastructure and dams across the country; and

e. critical health projects such as the strengthening of national emergency medical services and ambulance system, procurement of vaccines, polio eradication and upgrading Primary Health Care Centres across the six geopolitical zones.

Innovations in Infrastructure Financing

50. In 2022, Government will further strengthen the frameworks for concessions and public private partnerships (PPPs). Capital projects that are good candidates for PPP by their nature will be developed for private sector participation.

51. We will also explore available opportunities in the existing ecosystem of green finance including the implementation of our Sovereign Green Bond Programme and leveraging debt-for-climate swap mechanisms.

Enhancing Revenue Mobilisation

52. Our strategies to improve revenue mobilisation will be sustained in 2022 with the goal of achieving the following objectives:

a. Enhance tax and excise revenues through policy reforms and tax administration measures;

b. Review the policy effectiveness of tax waivers and concessions;

c. Boost customs revenue through the e-Customs and Single Window initiatives; and

d. Safeguard revenues from the oil and gas sector.

53. Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members, I commend you for the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021. It is my hope that the implementation of the law will boost confidence in our economy and attract substantial investments in the sector.

Finance Bill 2022

54. In line with our plan to accompany annual budgets with Finance Bills, partly to support the realization of fiscal projections, current tax and fiscal laws are being reviewed to produce a draft Finance Bill 2022.

55. It is our intention that once ongoing consultations are completed, the Finance Bill would be submitted to the National Assembly to be considered alongside the 2022 Appropriation Bill.

CONCLUSION

56. Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, Distinguished and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, this speech would be incomplete without commending the immense, patriotic, and collaborative support of the National Assembly in the effort to deliver socio-economic development and democracy dividends for our people.

57. I wish to assure you of the strong commitment of the Executive to strengthen the relationship with the National Assembly.

58. Nigeria is currently emerging from a very difficult economic challenge. We must continue to cooperate and ensure that our actions are aimed at accelerating the pace of economic recovery so that we can achieve economic prosperity and deliver on our promises to the Nigerian people.

59. The fiscal year 2022 is very crucial in our efforts to ensure that critical projects are completed, put to use and improve the general living conditions of our people.

60. It is with great pleasure therefore, that I lay before this distinguished Joint Session of the National Assembly, the 2022 Budget Proposals of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

61. I thank you most sincerely for your attention.

62. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Thursday, sentenced Faisal, a son of former chairperson of the defunct Pension Reform Taskforce Team, Abdulrasheed Maina, to 14 years imprisonment.

The trial judge, Okon Abang, jailed Faisal after finding him guilty on all the three counts of money laundering involving N58.1million in public funds.

Faisal, whose father is also facing separate set of money laundering charges involving N2billon before the same judge, jumped bail and stopped attending court since last year.

The judge, who revoked the defendants bail and ordered his arrest to no avail, ordered the trial to proceed in his absence.

Faisal was absent from court when the judge read the judgement convicting him on all the three counts and sentencing him on Thursday.

The judge jailed him for 14 years on count 2 and for five years on each of counts 1 and 3.

The sentences are to run concurrently, implying that the convict who is believed to have fled from Nigeria, would spend 14 years which is the longest jail terms imposed by the judge in prison.

Mr Abang said the agency proved beyond reasonable doubt that Faisal operated a fictitious bank account with the United Bank for Africa (UBA), through which his father, Mr Maina, laundered the sum of N58.1million.

The court noted that the funds deposited into the account that was operated in the name of Alhaji Faisal Farm 2 were sequentially withdrawn by the convict and his father, between October 2013 and June 2019.

The court held that the anti-corruption agency proved all the essential ingredients of the charge, adding, The defendant reasonably ought to have known that inflows into the bank account formed proceeds of an unlawful act of corruption by his father (Mr Maina).

In addition, the court ordered that the 21-year-old Faisal, who had since June 24, 2020, been declared a fugitive after jumping bail, should be arrested anywhere he is found in Nigeria and remanded in any correctional service center to serve his jail term.

The court further held that in the event the convict was traced to anywhere outside the shores of Nigeria, the federal government, shall legally or lawfully commence extradition process to bring him into the country to serve the jail term.

The court ordered that the company through which the fund was laundered, Alhaji Faisal Farm 2, be wound up, with funds in it forfeited to the government.

Background

Last February, the EFCC though its prosecuting lawyer, Mohammed Abubakar, told Mr Abang that the convict had fled to the United States (U.S).

Mr Abubakar said EFCC got information that Faisal sneaked to the U.S. through the Republic of Niger.

This development compelled the trial judge, Mr Abang, to order Faisals surety, Sani Dan-Galadima, who is a member of the House of Representatives, to forfeit a property used as a bail bond.

Mr Dan-Galadima who represents Kaura-Namoda Federal Constituency of Zamfara, had entered into a N60 million bail bond on behalf of Faisal.

Mr Maina, the convicts father, also standing trial before the same judge, also jumped bail last year.

Following an order issued by the judge for his arrest, Mr Maina was apprehended in the Republic of Niger, and brought back to Abuja to continue facing his trial in December 2020.

Mr Maina has since remained in prison with his trial continuing in court.
The Nigerian police are currently investigating the arrest and illegal detention of a journalist for 48 days by Hamza Galadima, a chief security officer to the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali.

The investigation is being handled by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja and is believed to have been ordered by Mr Alkali.

The journalist involved, Sanusi Inuwa, confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that he has been invited for questioning by the FCID in Abuja and was told the investigation was ordered by Mr Alkali.

How It Started

Mr Galadima, a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), allegedly sent officers from the IGs Special Tactical Squad (STS) to arrest Mr Inuwa, the publisher of Daily Focus newspaper. The arrest followed a disagreement on the sale of 10 plots of land in Abuja by Mr Inuwas company to Mr Galadima at a cost of N13 million.

An officer at the FCID, who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak with journalists, said Mr Alkali ordered the investigation following a petition to his office and the Police Service Commission (PSC) by Mr Inuwas lawyer, Femi Falana.

The petition, received by the office of the Inspector-General of Police on August 2, accused Mr Galadima, and three other officers involved in the arrest and detention of Mr Inuwa, of abuse of power, threat to life, torture, harassment and unlawful detention.

According to the petition, seen by PREMIUM TIMES, Mr Galadima, in September 2020, approached Mr Inuwa to buy 10 plots of land in Sabo Lugbe, Southwest extension, Abuja for N13 million.

After agreeing on the price, DSP HAMZA GALADIMA made a deposit of 10 million Naira to our client sometime in October (2020). Unfortunately, after numerous demands, DSP Galadima reneged on his promise to remit the balance of N3, 000,000 (Three Million Naira) to our client.

That notwithstanding the disrespect to contractual obligation, DSP HAMZA GALADIMA has continued to use the apparatus of Nigerian Police Force to subject our client to numerous traumatic abuses, both physically and psychologically.

Specifically, on or about 12 a.m. of 30th May, 2021, our client was attacked by armed police personnel attached to IGP STS Abattoir, Abuja led by SP AHMED M. BELLO, INSPECTOR TAKWANDO and INNOCENT AUDU while he was in his house at Sokoto. The police officers who assaulted our client subsequently revealed that the operation was based on the publication of Daily Focus newspaper which captured the transactions between our client and DSP HAMZA GALADIMA, hence his subjugation to this molestation.

During the illegal invasion of our clients property in Sokoto, the police officers vandalised our clients house, took away his international passport and money amounting to about N300,000 (three hundred thousand Naira).

Our client was then moved to Kaduna State, where he was held for a day in a cell at SHQS Operation Yaki, before moving him to STS Abattoir in Abuja where he was detained for 48 days and subjected to all manners of physical and mental torture.

Our client was accused of tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police Force and ordered to write a public apology before being released.

That our client was again moved to Kaduna and detained at the Operation Yaki cell for 12 days, where they said he will be kept until he apologises to DSP HAMZA GALADIMA.

After spending about seven weeks in a cell with no trial, our client was finally taken to the magistrate court in Abuja on the 15th of July 2021, where he was charged for defamation of character and cheating of DSP HAMZA GALADIMA. He was subsequently granted bail after paying N300,000 to the police prosecutor.

It is interesting to note that prior to the 30th May, 2021, our client was never invited by the police for any form of questioning or investigation relating to the complaint lodged against him by DSP HAMZA GALADIMA.

More fundamentally, springing from the entirety of the above, our client has received a series of death threats which suggest that the named individuals are after the life of our client. This is more so considering the current security situation in the country. Our client can ill afford to dismiss the death threats with a wave of the hand.

The actions of these officers are in flagrant disregard to the constitution, Human Rights and the rule of Law. Hence, we urge you to use your good offices to investigate the issues, which we have raised.

Land deal gone sour

Providing more details on the matter in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES in Abuja, Mr Inuwa said his company, Cowries Alliance Nig. Ltd., had agreed to sell 10 plots of land to Mr Galadima, who conducted the transaction in the name of his wife, Jamila Aliyu Galadima.

He said after paying the sum of N10 million in three instalments, Mr Galadima refused to make further payment and insisted on taking possession of the land.

He said the officer rejected a suggestion to take possession of eight of the 10 plots if he could not pay the balance of N3 million for the total cost agreed on.

Mr Inuwa said following the disagreement, Mr Galadima started using the police to harass the staff of his company and to chase away surveyors working at the site of the land. He said this led him to write a petition to the Inspector-General of Police and the Deputy Inspector-General of Police at Force Headquarters.

His newspaper also published a report on the transaction.

Following the publication, he illegally instructed officers attached to the Inspector-General of Polices Special Tactical Squads (IGP STS), who acted without the approval of the IGP and violently took me away from my Sokoto residence and detained me in Abuja for 48 days, Mr Galadima said.

Mr Galadima stepped into the IGP shoes, ordered STS to break into my house in Sokoto, using objects to break all the doors of the house.

The armed men broke the doors, using iron bars and hammers. My wife and my 16-year-old eldest daughter, Aisha, were beaten and my elder brother who was on a visit to the house was also beaten by the policemen.

I was kidnapped and kept in a private house in Sokoto. The following day, I was taken to Kaduna before moving me to Abuja where I spent 48 days in captivity, Mr Inuwa said.

Petition

According to Mr Inuwa, his lawyer initially wrote a petition on his ordeal to the police high command, after which a signal was sent to the Commander of STS, Kolo Yusuf, a deputy commissioner of police, to transfer his case for proper investigation.

He said the officers holding him, however, ignored the directive.

I was later taken to Chief Magistrate Court 1, Wuse, Abuja, in a stage-managed trial because I was forced to pay N300,000 for the two sureties for my bail; and N100,000 for the prosecutor, Mr Remi, to verify the address of one of my sureties within Abuja.

I was also forced to transfer N465,000 under duress to one Mr Zitta of Keffi Prison. I was asked to either pay the money or go to prison. But despite paying the said amount to those officials, I was still detained in Keffi Prison for eight days. I was released on July 23 after the Sallah celebrations.

Breach of Trust

However, Mr Galadima, in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, said Mr Inuwa was arrested for jumping bail and ignoring police invitation over an allegation he lodged against the journalist of breach of trust, and not because of the publication by his newspaper.

N10 million loan

Mr Galadima said his problem with Mr Inuwa was not over land but because the journalist failed to pay back N10 million he lent him. But the documents seen by Premium Times stated that the N10 million transferred in three instalments by Mr Galadima to Mr Inuwa were payments for plots of land.

In spite of the contents of the documents, Mr Galadima said he got the police involved only after Mr Inuwa jumped bail after being arraigned before a magistrate court and he declined police invitation over the debt.

I met Inuwa through a friend, Ado Bichi. He introduced Inuwa to me that he was looking for money to do a sponsored publication for a particular state. Mr Bichi stood as guarantor for him and I lent him over N10 million, starting from N2 million.

Inuwa did not return the money as promised. For three months, there was no response from him and he did not pick my phone calls. I engaged Mr Bichi and we traced Mr Inuwas house. He said he did not have cash but he suggested to lease his land at Lugbe in Abuja, which we all agreed on. But for three months, the process was not completed because Mr Inuwa was reluctant to provide the land documents.

Afterward, he called me to Bichis house to sign the document. Inuwa presented to me a land document and a receipt of N13 million. I objected because my money is not up to that. They insisted that I should sign the document. He trusts me, we will settle the matter amicably, he said to me.

But Inuwa refused to take me to the exact location of the land. We visited three different land which are all fake. Following that, I told him that I was not interested in the land again, I just needed my money. I petitioned the IGP over the incident and he approved the invitation of Inuwa. He was later granted bail.

He jumped the bail. He was later arrested and charged to court but he also absconded from the courts sitting three times. Afterward, he wrote to the IGP accusing me of corruption and living above my means. He went ahead to publish three different write-ups against me, tarnishing my image and that of my family.

I will legally pursue my right against Mr Inuwa to the letter. He has been, for three months, tarnishing my image. Being a police officer doesnt warrant that I dont have the right to seek for my right from a civilian, Mr Galadima said.

But Mr Inuwa disputed this account. He said his company had offered to return the N10 million to Mr Galadima since it appeared to them that he was not willing to pay the full sum.

Mr Galadima did not pick subsequent calls to his phone when this reporter tried to find out how he raised the N10 million he sent to Mr Inuwa, especially as his annually salary is less than half of the amount.

The police spokesperson, Frank Mba, did not pick calls or respond to text messages from PREMIUM TIMES requesting his comments for this story.
Governor Willie Obiano met with President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday during which they discussed the security situation in Anambra State and the November 7 governorship election in the state.

Their meeting came a day after the attorney-general of the federation, Abubakar Malami, said the federal government was contemplating declaring a state of emergency in Anambra.

After the Thursday meeting, Mr Obiano told journalists that the president told him that he was against any state of emergency in the South-eastern state.

I just finished meeting with the president and I mentioned it and the president didnt suggest that. The president is firm, he wants a peaceful election in Anambra State. He wants a free and fair election in Anambra State, thats the president for you.

But if people in his party are going around making insinuations, using his name to do things, the president clearly told me that he does not support that, full stop, Mr Obiano told journalists in Abuja.

Details later
The resumption by members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on Wednesday after a nine-week industrial action was a big relief for many Nigerians who have had to endure their long absence from work.

Regina Ameh had been booked for surgery at the Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, before the resident doctors commenced the indefinite strike action on 2 August .

But Mrs Ameh, who is in her 40s, had to cope with excruciating pain while the strike lasted.

She was, therefore, one of the first patients to arrive at the hospital on Wednesday, saying she had waited and prayed fervently for the strike to end.

I have fibroids and it was to be removed via surgery when suddenly the strike started. I cried as if the world would end, she told PREMIUM TIMES reporter on Wednesday.

Similarly, 35-year-old Musa Shehu said he has been registered with the hospital for a long time and was used to the place, and that he couldnt afford private hospitals.

So I am happy that the doctors are available to attend to us today. I have been waiting for this day, Mr Shehu said.

At the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute-Metta, Lagos, doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists and attendants were busy attending to patients who had visited the facility in their large numbers.

In fact, I dont know if anyone will have the time to talk to you because a lot of samples have been coming in unlike the last time you came that we were less busy, a laboratory scientist, who does not want to be mentioned, told our reporter at the hospital.

At the maternity unit of the facility, a nurse, who also does not want to be quoted, said as of Wednesday afternoon, 35 pregnant women were already attended to by the doctors.

Of the 35, 14 are new mothers. Before the strike, we used to see an average of 40 per day. So the number is still in order, the nurse said.

The situation was similar at Wuse District Hospital, where all the departments were opened and staff of all categories including doctors were busy attending to patients.

But at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Josiah Isaac, who had visited the hospital from Ogijo, a nascent community in Ogun State that shares boundary with Lagos State, said as of 12 noon, he was yet to be attended to by the doctors.

Mr Isaac, in his 60s, who had visited the urology unit of the hospital for a check-up, said he did not bother to show up during the strike.

During the strike, I only continued with the drugs they prescribed for me, I didnt bother to come. Now, coming from a far place and not yet attended to by the doctor can be frustrating, he lamented.

Frank Ekwere had also returned his mother, Grace Ekwere, to the hospital on Wednesday after they were turned back on 15 September when the old woman developed a respiratory and rheumatology-related medical crisis.

According to the son, as a result of the strike, a private drug store owner was consulted and had been managing the mother until the suspension of the industrial action by the doctors.

My mother cannot work alone without being assisted. But now that the strike is over, she has been attended to this morning and we have been asked to go for some medical tests, as usual, Mr Ekwere told our reporter.

At the Kubwa General Hospital, Abuja, scores of patients were seen being attended to by the healthcare workers when our reporter visited on Wednesday.

For instance, the eye clinic, which was under lock while the strike lasted, was opened on wednesday with patients receiving care.

Emeka Ani, a Kubwa resident, who was at the eye clinic for a check-up, expressed relief that the strike was suspended.

As you can see, the hospital is full today unlike when the strike was on. I just hope they dont go on strike for this long again, he said.

At the maternal unit, scores of patients and their relatives could also be seen waiting for turns.

Daniel Mbah, who said his wife was in the labour room, said there was noticeable change in activities at the hospital.

Businesses boom again

Meanwhile, traders and business owners within the location of hospitals neighbourhoods have expressed satisfaction that the strike by the resident doctors was over.

Oladeinde Lucas is the owner of Foodie Restaurant at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba, who was excited that the strike was over.

According to Mr Lucas, the strike by the doctors had created an atmosphere that was similar to what he experienced during the lockdown that was imposed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

While the strike lasted, this place was like a ghost town. I didnt know that the resident doctors were so important. Business was poor but we hope things will pick up now, He told our reporter.

He, however, noted that he could not prepare much meal since it was just the first day of resumption. We didnt want to gamble because we suspected many people may not know about the resumption yet.

A food seller at the Asokoro District Hospital who is popularly called Hajiya was also happy that her business has started improving.

She said, though the strike lingered for too long, everyone is happy that the doctors are back to work.

Also, a seller of Okpa, a local delicacy, who identified herself simply as Rachael, said the long strike affected her daily income. I was still bringing Okpa to this place as usual but the strike really affected sales.

Also, at the National Hospital, Abuja, Rose Oman, who sells bananas opposite the hospital, hailed the doctors for calling off the strike.

I have made a lot of sales today unlike in previous weeks during the strike, Ms Oman said.

Other people selling items such as corn, groundnuts and oranges were also having a busy day.

But at the taxi part in front of the hospital, Emeka Akpa, a driver, said passengers were yet to patronise them like before.

He hopes that in the coming days normalcy would return.

Students speak

A medical student at the College of Medicine of the University of Lagos (CMUL), Idi-Araba, Obianyor Chinedu, said with the resident doctors returning to work, learning could be fun again.

According to the student, since the consultants were busy with the patients and other engagements that should ordinarily be handled by the resident doctors, there was little the students could learn during practical classes.

The resident doctors have been very busy since they resumed today. They like to teach and they usually join the consultants to teach us but during the strike we were taught by only the consultants and because they were also the ones taking care of all patients, the workload couldnt allow them to give us enough attention, he said.

He added that though the strike didnt affect the academic calendar, it impacted negatively on the practical classes.

Another student, who resumed an internship programme at the hospital two weeks ago, said she had seen the difference between when there was a strike and now that the doctors have resumed.

Doctors speak

Most of the NARD members that our reporters spoke to offered to speak only on condition of anonymity.

While some of them are excited to return to work, they also hope that the Nigerian government will fulfill its own sides of the agreements.

As you can see, we have resumed but that only depends on how the government responds to our demands. At least, in the interest of the patients we would not like to stay out of work again, a resident doctor at the Kubwa general hospital, Abuja, said.

Lasisi Muiden, the hospitals Chief Medical Director (CMD), also expressed relief with the resumption by the resident doctors. He said full activities are gradually returning to all the wards and departments in the hospital.

Go around, you can see that every unit and department is very busy. The resident doctors are fully back and we hope it stays that way, he said.

Mr Muiden,however, did not provide any response on what will happen to the locum doctors and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were engaged to fill the vacuum created by the striking doctors.

Another doctor at the Asokoro District Hospital also declined to disclose his identity, but said: Yes, the strike is off and we are just resuming back to work. Im yet to attend to any patient but I will do that shortly. Thats all I can say for now.

About the strike

On 2 August , resident doctors, who are doctors undergoing residency to become consultants, had commenced the industrial strike over what they described as poor treatment by both the federal and some state governments.

This category of doctors, who constitute a large percentage of doctors in Nigerias tertiary hospitals, had demanded, among others, payment of COVID-19 treatment allowances in the absence of death-in-service insurance, having lost over a dozen of its members to the pandemic, even as they also protested the shortage of manpower in public hospitals.

The strike coincided with a spike in COVID-19 cases in the country, leaving many worried that it could have serious consequences for the battle against the third wave of the pandemic.

Series of meetings between the leaders of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), NARD, and government representatives also failed to resolve the issues after the striking doctors insisted they could not trust the government.

Despite the National Industrial Court (NIC) ordering members of NARD to return to their duty posts, the doctors vowed to continue the strike until all demands are met.

The NMA, the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN) and the Medical and Dental Doctors in Academics (MEDSABAM) are also threatening to commence strike if the government fails to resolve the pending issues.

The Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), which comprises other categories of health workers in the country, has also threatened to down tools should the government fail to heed its requests.

But early Monday morning, the union announced the suspension of the industrial action, while urging the government to fulfill its own part of the agreement that led to the suspension of the action.

The NARD president, Godiya Ishaya, told PREMIUM TIMES that the union would observe the governments compliance to the deal and act appropriately when necessary.

Contributors to this report include Medinat Kanabe, Ebuka Onyeji, Nike Adebowale and Mariam Ileyemi.
The Niger State Government on Wednesday announced Muhammad Barau as the seventh Emir of Kontagora, weeks after cancellation of the selection process announcing the same person as the new emir.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how Governor Abubakar Bello cancelled the appointment of Mr Barau following a petition by 46 other contestants for the throne alleging irregularities in the selection process.

The governor also redeployed the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, who was accused of perpetrating the irregularities.

Earlier selection was okay

The new Commissioner for Local Government and Chiefancy Affairs, Emmanuel Umar, in a statement, said the authorities confirmed tge initial process to be okay.

In response to the petition, the Governor acted on section 3(2) and 7 of the Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Law of Niger State 1989 (as revised) held meetings with the Kingmakers and also consulted the State Council of Chiefs.

The Kingmakers during their interaction with the Governor affirmed that the selection followed the Customary Law of Kontagora Emirate and their decision was based on their own conviction without any undue influence.

The appointment of the new Emir is in line with the powers vested in the Governor under section 3 subsection (1) of the Chiefs (Appointment and Deposition) Law Chapter 19, Law of Niger State 1989 (as revised) and all other powers enabling him in that behalf has accepted the selection of and appointed Mohammed Barau Kontagora as the 7th Emir (Sarkin Sudan) of Kontagora Emirate, the statement said.

The selection was done by the Kingmakers of the Kontagora Emirate in line with the Customary Laws and Practice of the Kontagora Emirate, it added.

The late Emir of Kontagora , Saidu Namaska, died September 9 at the age of 84 years following years of illness,

Mr Namaska was turbaned in 1974 and reigned for 47 years.
The Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Carl Michael Grans, on Wednesday, decried the alarming levels of intimidation and bullying girls and women face online.

This issue is a global problem that requires urgent attention. The shaming of and harassment of girls online needs to be addressed immediately, he stated at an event held in Abuja to commemorate the 2021 International Day of the Girl Child.

The Swedish Embassy in partnership with PLAN International and TechHerNG organised the event titled: Girl Takes Over at the Embassy of Sweden in Nigeria.

The event hosted a 15-year old female student of OakBridge Foundation School, Mercy Chrimon, who spent the day accompanying the Swedish Ambassador.

Selected as one of the students from TechHers School Tour Network, she spent the day chaperoned by her school principal, Angela Ejeme, and discussed the girl childs needs and ways to improve the digital rights of women and girls in the country.

In his remarks, the Policy, Research and Influencing Manager for PLAN International Nigeria, Tunde Aremu, hailed Swedens efforts to partner with PLAN and other stakeholders to uphold girls rights online.

He also lauded the Ambassadors efforts to collaborate on defending the rights of the girl child, especially during the #FreeToBeOnline campaign.

The Ambassador of the Day, Miss Chrimon was given a tour of the Embassy.

In her conversation with Ambassador Grans, she called on the Nigerian government to increase its investment in digital literacy for women and girls.

She also spoke of her sadness at realising other girls were denied access to digital literacy and, much worse, other fundamental human rights.

She called for deliberate efforts to equip girls and children with the digital literacy skills to navigate false information online and prevent its spread.

TechHers Programme Assistant, Gloria Simon, equally lauded the Embassy of Sweden for its investment in the girl child and the opportunities for collaboration.

The embassy has done well to bring awareness to this issue and for promoting the digital rights of women  a primary focus of TechHers engagements, she said.

We are pleased to see that efforts are being stepped up to reduce the gaps in access to tech and similar opportunities between boys and girls in Nigeria, she added
The Kebbi State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed a bill to domesticate the Child Rights Act in the state.

The Child Rights Act is an international law domesticated by Nigeria in 2003. It protects children against abuse.

The passage of the bill in Kebbi State followed that of Katsina in December last year. Both North-west states are affected by child marriages and the street children (Almajiri) menace.

The spokesperson of the governor, Yahaya Sarki, in a statement to reporters, said the passage of the bill followed presentation of the report of the House Committee on Justice and Judiciary, and deliberations by the Committee of the whole House where the Bill was read for the 3rd time.

The Chairman of Justice and Judiciary Committee, Barrister Aminu Muhammed Bunza, while presenting the Committees report at plenary, explained that the committee studied Bills and made comparison with law of other states such as Sokoto, Kano and Kaduna to ascertain the extent of the laws in those states.

The Committee visited four Emirates headquarters of the state to entertain views of Royal fathers and sensitised the public as well as organised a public hearing involving Council of Ulama and Civil society organizations in the state among others to X-ray religious and moral implications of the Bill, the official statement said.

The Child Right Act

Nigeria adopted the Child Rights Act in 2003 to domesticate the international convention on the rights of a child.

The Act covers key aspects of the lives of children and adolescents. It is divided into survival rights, development rights, participation rights, and protection rights.

Pass and Repeal

In the North-west, Kaduna was the first state that passed the law in 2018. Jigawa also domesticated the Childs Right Act, but later repealed it in 2012. However, it reintroduced the bill in September last year.

The lawmakers in Jigawa said the law was repealed due to inadequate input from citizens and ambiguous sections that needed explanations.

The Kano government in January 2020, said it had forwarded the bill to the states House of Assembly.
The Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, George Akume, says the race for All Progressives Congress (APC) national chairmanship position should not be seen as a do or die affair by contenders.

Mr Akume, a former governor of Benue State, said this on Thursday in Abuja when he received members of the Middlebelt Youth Vanguard who paid him a courtesy visit.

He said his major concern was for the position to be zoned to the North-central.

We are still going on with our state congresses, after that it will be the National Convention. Our prayer is that let this position be zoned to the North-Central.

I have not declared, but after appropriate consultations and the zoning, we will do the needful. When that occasion arises I will be depending on you. Whoever gets your support is close to getting the victory.

Also in our zone, we are all committed that whoever emerges will get the support of all of us. It is not a do-or-die affair, Mr Akume said.

He said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government was committed to youth development as demonstrated in the signing of the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Act.

He added that this was also demonstrated in other youth-focused programmes being implemented by the administration.

No nation toils with the destiny of its youths, Mr Akume said.

The minister said the administration was committed to the development of the country through infrastructure especially road and rail projects.

He noted that in spite of obvious challenges, the country has done well under the Buhari-led administration, saying that what was needed was the support of Nigerians for it to do more.

Mr Akume thanked the group for the visit and urged members to continue to use the platform to pursue things that unite the region and Nigeria, rather than things that sought to create division in the country.

He advised Nigerian youths to continue to project things that unite the country, which he said were many, stressing, We are better off as one untied and indivisible nation.

Earlier, Prince Miaphen, the president of the group, disclosed that Mr Akume has been endorsed as the preferred candidate of the group for the position of APC national chairman.

He said the group endorsed him at the last Executive Council meeting in Plateau State because he stood out among other aspirants.

We are here today to tell you that the Middlebelt Youth Vanguard is adopting you as our candidate for APC national chairman 2021

Having considered the characters and positions of all aspirants from the North-Central and other geo-political zones, we said it would be proper and most appropriate for us to zero-in on one person that will better represent us as a region.

And the person that has the connection beyond the region that can deliver for APC in the 2023 general elections is Akume.

This was supported by further nominations and confirmations across virtually the entire North-Central, so we arrived at a consensus that not only should we adopt you, but to also canvas support for you, he said.

Mr Miaphen added that the group would embark on a campaign especially in the North and South to draw support for Mr Akume to ensure that he emerged as the APC national chairman.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group also appointed Mr Akume as its grand patron to replace former Deputy Senate President, Ibrahim Mantu, who died recently.

Apart from Mr Akume, another prominent contender for the position from the North-central is former Nasarawa governor, Tanko Al-Makura.
The House of Representatives Committee on Local Content on Wednesday commenced an investigation into allegations of marginalisation against Nigerians in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporations shipping contract.

The committee is specifically looking into Nigerias coastal and bunkering vessel contract awarded by NNPC to UNIBROS shipping company, a Greece-based company.

At the public hearing, the Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) appeared before the committee with a petition that the state-owned oil company is denying Nigerian shippers the opportunity to benefit from the $14 trillion global annual cabotage industry.

Mkgeorge Onyung, the president of SOAN, while speaking before the committee, said Nigerians are being denied the opportunity in the shipping business, despite the existing laws on local content.

He said NNPC conducted a closed bid and awarded the contract to 11 foreign flagged coastal tanker vessels belonging to the UNIBROS in breach of the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act.

Speaking on the allegation, Bashir Jamo, the director-general of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), said NNPC must respect the law, irrespective of the capacity of indigenous shippers.

Even if the indigenous shipping companies do not have the capacity, the provisions of the Cabotage law should be respected, he said.

The Chairman of the Committee, Legor Idagbo (APC, Cross River), read a letter from the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) saying that UNIBROS, the company that NNPC awarded the contract to, is not in the database of the FIRS.

We are focused on the breach of our laws. Our laws specifically state that our contracts must be awarded to indigenous ship owners according to the Cabotage Act. If you go ahead to award a contract without adhering to those four things as stipulated in our laws, it is in breach, Mr Idagbo said.

He ruled that the NNPC and Ministry of Transportation should provide the committee with all necessary documents on the contract.

The lawmaker also expressed displeasure with the Group Managing Director of the NNPC for failing to reply the committee through the proper channel.

Let me state on record that this committee is totally displeased by the correspondence signed by one Garba Mohammed, Group Public Affairs Division from NNPC.

We wrote a letter to the GMD NNPC on this investigative hearing and if for any reason, he could not be here present, he should have at least had the courtesy of himself responding to the communications that was issued by this Committee, so we discountenance this.

The lawmaker said the committee will take proper action if the GMD should fail to appear before it.

The committee has adjourned the hearing for one week.
The federal government has warned that it may be forced to impose State of Emergency in Anambra State, to ensure peaceful conduct of the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federal, Abubakar Malami, gave the warning when he fielded questions from State House correspondents at the end of the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

The meeting was presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja on Wednesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that concerned parties in Anambra project including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had raised an alarm over the upsurge in cases of violent attacks on individuals and government facilities in Anambra as the governorship election in the state draws closer.

The minister, however, threatened that the federal government may declare a state of emergency if the security situation in the state did not improve.

According to him, the federal government has the responsibility to sustain the democratic order and will do the needful in terms of ensuring that the election holds in the state.

When our national security is attacked, and the sanctity of our constitutionally guaranteed democracy is threatened, no possibility is ruled out.

As a government, we have a responsibility to ensure the sustenance of our democratic order.

As a government, we have a responsibility to provide security to life and properties.

So, within the context of these constitutional obligations, of the government or the desire to establish democratic norms and order, there is no possibility that is out ruled, he said.

He added that government would certainly do the needful in terms of ensuring that our elections are held in Anambra in terms of ensuring necessary security is provided, and in terms of ensuring protection is accorded to lives and properties.

So, what Im saying in essence, no possibility is ruled out by government in terms of ensuring the sanctity of our democratic order, in terms of ensuring that our election in Anambra holds, Mr Malami said.

And you cannot out rule possibilities inclusive of the possibility of declaration or state of emergency where it is established, in essence, that there is a failure on the part of the state government to ensure the sanctity of security of lives, properties and democratic order.

So, our position as a government is; election is going to hold, necessary security in terms of democratic order most certainly prevail for the purpose of this election.

(NAN)
The police in Katsina say recent killings by bandits in the state were to avenge killings of Fulani by vigilante groups.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how bandits killed 10 people in Yasore community of Batsari on Tuesday night.

Locals said several people were also wounded while houses and shops were razed, by the attackers.

Speaking to journalists in Katsina, the police spokeperson, Gambo Isa, said the recent attacks by bandits were for revenge.

He spoke on the attack on Yasore, which the bandits rode into the village on motorcycles and used sophisticated weapons.

Our investigation has revealed that the bandits are intensifying the attacks to revenge killing of Fulani people by unidentified vigilante members. These Yan sakai tend to kill innocent Fulani and that makes the bandits to take revenge for the lawless killings, he said.

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Apart from Yasore, the spokesperson also said the police had been investigating killings in Daudawa in Faskari local government area.

Even in Daudawa, it was a case of revenge attack on innocent people. But we have been investigating the case since last week. Some youthful vigilante members are in the habit of taking laws into their hands. We have recorded issues in local government areas like Bakori, Funtua, Batsari and others, killing innocent Fulanis.

Faskari and Batsari local government are among the areas in the frontline of banditry in the state.

Mobile telecommunication networks have been shut down and weekly markets closed in the areas as part of efforts of the government in tackling insecurity.
The police in Katsina State on Wednesday paraded a woman, Hajarat Iyeh-Egbunu, 42, for allegedly duping Nigerians with fake employment letters of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission.

The police spokesperson in the state, Gambo Isah, said the suspect amassed over N47 million from the job scam.

The suspect alleged collected N3.5 million from each of her victims before issuing them with the fake ECOWAS online appointment letters.

Each of the jobs offered in the fake appointment letter is worth a N3 million monthly salary, the police said.

The police said Ms Iyeh-Egbunu, a resident of Abuja, was a dismissed staff of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

She had been on the watchlist of security agencies for criminal offences, the police said.

How she was arrested

The police spokesperson, Mr Isah, said based on credible intelligence, one Ibrahim El-Maki, 45, of Rafin Dadi Quarters, in Katsina, who was now residing at Gwarinpa Quarters, Abuja, was arrested on October 4.

He said Mr El-Maki conspired with Ms Iyeh-Egbunu in the fraudulent activities.

Mr Isah said Mr El-Maki had, on October 15 last year, approached one Aminu Hamza, 32, of GRA, Katsina State with a proposal for a job vacancy at Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Headquarters, Abuja, with a salary of more than three million naira.

Mr El-Maki informed Mr Hamza that each offer is sold at three million and five hundred thousand (N3,500,000:00K).

After Mr Hamza informed his friends of this lucrative offer, they picked interest and gathered N7 million, which they transferred to Ibrahim El-Makis account.

Subsequently, the suspect, Mr El-Maki, sent copies of the appointment letters to him through WhatsApp, which were later traced to be fake, the police narrated.

The police added that In the course of investigation, Mr El-Maki was traced and arrested.

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He allegedly confessed to have collected the said money and gave it to Ms Iyeh Egbunu, in good faith with intent of assisting his friends to get ECOWAS juicy appointments.

Mr Elmaki cooperated and assisted the police in their investigation, which led to the arrest of the principal suspect, Ms Iye-Egbunu, who confessed to have received over N34 million from Mr El-Maki, through her bank accounts.

But Mr El-Maki stated that Ms Iyeh-Egbunu collected over N47 from him. It may interest you to know that other unsuspecting members of the public defrauded by the suspect through the same modus operandi by Ms Iye Egbunu are still trooping to the Command Headquarters to lodge their complaints.

Investigation is ongoing, the police spokesperson said.
President Muhammadu Buhari has met behind closed door with Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting came barely 24 hours after the federal government threatened to invoke emergency rule as part of measures to address security challenges and safeguard electoral process in the state.

NAN gathered that the governor updated the president on the security situation in Anambra.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federal, Abubakar Malami, on Wednesday, warned that the federal government may be forced to impose a state of emergency in Anambra to ensure peaceful conduct of the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

NAN reports that stakeholders in Anambra project including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had raised alarm over the upsurge in cases of violent attacks on individuals and government facilities in Anambra as the governorship election in the state draws closer.

Mr Malami, however, threatened that the federal government may declare a state of emergency if the security situation in the state did not improve.

When our national security is attacked, and the sanctity of our constitutionally guaranteed democracy is threatened, no possibility is ruled out, Mr Malami said.

As a government, we have a responsibility to ensure the sustenance of our democratic order.

As a government, we have a responsibility to provide security to life and properties.

So, within the context of these constitutional obligations, of the government or the desire to establish democratic norms and order, there is no possibility that is out ruled, he said.

He added that government would certainly do the needful in terms of ensuring that our elections are held in Anambra in terms of ensuring necessary security is provided, and in terms of ensuring protection is accorded to lives and properties.

READ ALSO:

So, what Im saying in essence, no possibility is ruled out by government in terms of ensuring the sanctity of our democratic order, in terms of ensuring that our election in Anambra holds, Mr Malami said.

And you cannot out rule possibilities inclusive of the possibility of declaration or state of emergency where it is established, in essence, that there is a failure on the part of the state government to ensure the sanctity of security of lives, properties and democratic order.

So, our position as a government is; election is going to hold, necessary security in terms of democratic order most certainly prevail for the purpose of this election.

(NAN)
The 2019 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has dismissed the debate on zoning of the partys presidential ticket as the solution to Nigerias leadership crisis.

Within the context of the calls by some of the party leaders that the 2023 presidential ticket be zoned to the south, Mr Abubakars remarks suggest a contrary position.

Speaking at the 94th National Executive Committee (NEC) of the main opposition party in Abuja on Thursday, the former Vice-President of Nigeria argued that the zoning of the 2023 presidential ticket has never been the cause of the countrys problem nor will it be the solution.

The PDP has the right to determine its rules on how its party should be governed. The people of Nigeria also have the right to determine who governs them.

Where the president comes from has never been the problem of Nigeria neither will it be the solution. There is no such thing as the president from Southern Nigeria or president from Northern Nigeria. There is only one president from Nigeria, by Nigeria and for Nigeria, Mr Abubakar told the NEC members in attendance.

In respect to the already zoned chairmanship seat as well as other national officers seat, the former vice president said he would like to see a sizable number of youth and women in the new National Working Committee the party braces to produce.

Making his stance known before the NEC went behind closed doors for its decisive meeting, he posited that the decision of the NEC today will either see the PDP into the Villa in 2023 or not as he referenced a time when he turned down the opportunity to clinch the ticket in 2003.

He said the 1999 conference that led to the emergence of Olusegun Obasanjo was birthed out of the injustice meted out on M.K.O Abiola during the June 12 election and was agreed by all who later went to establish some of the political parties the country has today.

This is to show you that Nigeria has a sense of fairness.

In 2003, all the PDP governors met at the Villa, (Ahmed) Makarfi was there, and said they were not going to support President Obasanjo, that I should run. I now referred them to the resolution of the NEC that said power should remain in the southwest for eight years, then I turned it down and we moved on, he said.

With the zoning of the chairmanship ticket to the North by the Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi- led committee last week, the party presidential ticket, going by tradition, should go to the South, a move that may further dent Mr Abubakars 2023 ambition.

The PDPs acting national chairman, Yemi Akinwonmi, in his opening remark, urged all members to embrace whatever comes from the meeting for the partys ultimate goal of reclaiming power from the APC.

His view was also seconded by the chairman of the partys governors forum, Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto Governor), who spoke before Mr Abubakar.

Heavy security

PREMIUM TIMES can report that the PDP National Secretariat was unusually bursting with different security operatives as speculation of disagreement ruled the atmosphere before the NEC commenced its meeting at some minutes after 3p.m.

This newspaper witnessed the arrival of 10 out of the 13 governors elected under the PDP umbrella.

Among the governors sighted were Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta State), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Godwin Obaseki (Edo), Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue) and Ahmadu Fintiri (Adamawa).

David Mark and Bukola Saraki, who are former senate presidents, were also at the meeting as well as former ministers, former and serving national lawmakers.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan has decried the level of deficit of the 2022 Budget.

He made this known at the presentation of the 2022 Budget estimates by President Muhammadu Buhari to a joint session of the National Assembly in Abuja on Thursday.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deficit stands at N 6.26 trillion.

Mr Lawan, who noted that the level of budget deficit is high, said both the legislature and the executive should work to reduce the deficit through the availability of more revenues.

Generating and collecting revenues have remain major challenges in our quest for development.

The recent efforts by the National Assembly as well as the executive to challenge the revenue generating agencies is a step in the right direction.

Equally important is the recent position taken by the Legislature and the Executive to insist on zero allocation for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that fail to remit/upload their revenues for the 2022 Appropriation.

This saw an increase in the contribution of the MDAs by over N400 billion. It is my view that MDAs can contribute to the Federation Account much more than that.

This policy should be expanded and deepen to cover more MDAs, Mr Lawan said.

On borrowings, the senate president said: We understand that due to paucity of revenue, the federal government has to resort to raising funds from foreign and domestic sources to provide infrastructure across the country.

That is why, the National Assembly approved the requests for borrowing.

The Commitment of the federal government in providing infrastructure across the country means that the funds must be raised one way or the other.

Government should also explore other sources of funding its projects in order to reduce borrowing.

Mr Lawan said the security of lives and property of Nigerians was still a challenge.

He noted that the National Assembly was ever willing to work with the executive to continue to work for better security for citizens.

The recent changes in the leadership of the armed forces is a clear testimony of the collaboration between the legislature and the executive to overhaul the security

architecture for better outcomes in our fight against the myriads of security challenges, he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Buhari presented the 2022 Appropriation Bill for an aggregate expenditure of N16.39 trillion to the National Assembly.

Addressing the joint session of the NASS on Thursday in Abuja, the president described the 2022 Appropriation as Budget of Economic Growth and Sustainability.

According to him, the 2022 budget is also the first in the nation history, where Ministries, Developments and Agencies (MDAs) were clearly advised on gender responsive budgeting.

These are part of critical steps in our efforts to distribute resources fairly and reach vulnerable groups of our society, he said.

He maintained that defence and internal security would continue to be on top priority of his administration.

(NAN)
President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that the government used borrowing to stimulate the economy as response to the two recent economic recessions the country experienced.

Mr Buhari in his budget presentation speech said the government had to use borrowing to spend its way out of the two recent recessions.

The president, who laid the 2022 estimates before the joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, said the country would not have exited the two recessions fast enough without resorting to borrowing.

As you are aware, we have witnessed two economic recessions within the period of this administration. In both cases, we had to spend our way out of recession, which necessitated a resort to growing the public debt. It is unlikely that our recovery from each of the two recessions would have grown as fast without the sustained government expenditure funded by debt, he said.

Despite the growing debt profile, the Buhari administration will borrow N5.01 trillion to fund the proposed 2022 budget.

According to the Debt Management Office, as of December 2020, the total national debt was put at N32.915 trillion.

Nigerias economy slipped into recession in the third quarter of 2020 after a negative growth of 3.6 per cent. The recession was exited after positive GDP growth in the 4th quarter of 2020.

In 2016, the economy had earlier fallen into recession following two consecutive quarterly declines.

According to the proposal presented by Mr Buhari, the budget has a deficit of N6.26 trillion which represents 3.39 of the estimated GDP.

This figure is once again above the three percent threshold set by the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007.

The government plans to fund the deficit through N5.01 trillion, N90.73 billion from privatization proceeds and N1.16 trillion drawdowns on loans secured for specific development projects.

Mr Buhari stated that the debt level of the federal government is still within sustainable limits. Borrowings are to specific strategic projects and can be verified publicly.

The president insisted that Nigeria does not have a debt problem but a revenue problem.

He said the government is setting a target to increase Revenue-to-GDP ratio to 15% by 2021, noting that a 15% Revenue-to-GDP will help to allay fears over Debt-Service-to-Revenue ratio.

Our target over the medium term is to grow our Revenue-to-GDP ratio from about 8 percent currently to 15 percent by 2025. At that level of revenues, the Debt-Service-to-Revenue ratio will cease to be worrying.

Put simply, we do not have a debt sustainability problem, but a revenue challenge which we are determined to tackle to ensure our debts remain sustainable.

The proposed budget has N3.61 trillion debt servicing proposal.
The ex-governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has reacted to a PREMIUM TIMES report on his opaque and illegal activities but he largely went off the tangent in an apparent effort to confuse the public.

In the PREMIUM TIMES opening story in the Pandora Papers series, this newspaper exposed Mr Obis secret businesses and how he broke Nigerias law in at least three ways.

One, Mr Obi continued to hold his position as a director of his UK company, NEXT International (UK) Limited, 14 months after becoming the governor of Anambra State in contravention of Section Six of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act.

Two, Mr Obi set up complicated layers of secrecy to hide his offshore holdings, which he admitted to failing to declare to the Code of Conduct Bureau, apparently hoping the public and the authorities would never get to know, thereby breaching Section 11, Part of the Fifth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution.

Three, Mr Obi as a governor was also operating a foreign account in breach of the constitution and the public service code of conduct rules.

However, in a reaction sent to PREMIUM TIMES by his spokesperson, Valentine Obienyem, Mr Obi insisted he did not break any law  without specifically debunking any of our claims  and then tried to switch the lane by raising what PREMIUM TIMES did not allege in the papers report.

It was exhilarating that nowhere in the article was he accused of any form of corruption, whether in the form of diversion of public funds or in any other manner during and after his stewardship as the governor of Anambra State, Mr Obi said in his premise to claim no breach of law.

But our report did not accuse him of diverting public funds as we did not uncover such evidence for such conclusion during our reporting.

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When we faced Mr Obi with our findings, he did not deny failure to comply with the law with regards to asset declaration, operation of a foreign account, and directing a private company as a governor. He, however, claimed he was ignorant of the law: I dont declare what is owned with others. If my family owns something I wont declare it. I didnt declare anything I jointly owed with anyone.

This is contrary to the position of the Constitution, which specifies the declaration of all assets, whether jointly or partly owned, PREMIUM TIMES reporters told Mr Obi. He said he was not aware of that provision of the law. Nevertheless, leaked records show Mr Obi is the sole ultimate beneficial owner of the offshore companies. So he lied in claiming to be a part-owner.

Yet, Mr Obi, who admitted to ignorance of the provisions of the constitution, which he swore to uphold twice as a two-term governor, claimed PREMIUM TIMES writers displayed ignorance on matters of Trust and International Investment Practices.

Even when the federal government introduced the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme, VAIDS, and Voluntary Offshore Assets Regularization Scheme (VOARS) in 2017 and 2018, respectively, to encourage people like Mr Obi with previously undisclosed assets to declare and settle any possible tax liabilities, the ex-governor shunned the two schemes and continued with his opaque activities. The schemes were to curb illicit financial flows and those that complied were offered clearance from prosecution for tax evasion.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service told PREMIUM TIMES that the law will take full course regarding any tax offences committed by those exposed in the Pandora Papers.

The Pandora Papers, the biggest cross-border collaboration of journalists in history, is an investigation into a vast amount of previously hidden offshore companies, exposing secret assets, covert deals, and hidden fortunes of the super-rich  among them more than 130 billionaires  and the powerful, including more than 30 world leaders and hundreds of former and serving public officials.

The leaked records came from 14 offshore services firms from around the world that set up shell companies and other offshore nooks for clients like Mr Obi, who seek to shroud their financial activities, often suspicious, in secrecy.
A Magistrates Court in Karu, Abuja, has summoned Precious Chikwendu, an estranged wife of a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, to answer to charges of forging court documents and deposing to false claims against her ex-husband in series of court affidavits.

Ms Chikwendu is charged alongside one of Mr Fani-Kayodes domestic workers, Emmanuel Anakan, and five others, in the First Information Report (FIR) filed by the police.

Contacted by PREMIUM TIMES on Thursday, Ms Chiwendu denied the allegation levelled by the police that she was evading service of court summons.

This is a smear campaign by Mr Fani-Kayode to save his bruised ego, Ms Chikwendu told our reporter in a telephone interview.

Mr Anakan was the only one present in court on Wednesday among the seven defendants.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following his arraignment, the police prosecuting lawyer, John Ijagbemi, told the magistrate that the rest of the defendants had been evading arrest.

The prosecutor then applied for an order summoning the rest of the six other absentee defendants, a request the magistrate promptly granted.

Aside from Ms Chikwendu, the other defendants summoned by the magistrate are Prisca Chikwendu, Anthonia Uchenna, Oko Emmanuel, Daniel Gona and Agbolo Kosi Edah, all of whom the police said were at large.

The charges against them were filed by the police at the instance of Mr Fani-Kayode, who recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

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The police alleged in the FIR filed at the magistrates court that the defendants forged some court processes, using them as genuine and deposed to series of affidavit of false allegations against him to have physically assaulted, sexually harassed of domestic staff, inhumane conduct and domestic violence, which has directly affected his reputation.

They stated that the alleged criminal conspiracy forgery and defamation of character, violated sections 79, 364, 366, 158 and 392 of the penal code law.

The documents which form the basis of the FIR filed by the police appear to be subject of ongoing litigation on the child custody battle between Ms Chikwendu and Mr Fani-Kayode.

Co-defendant granted bail, trial adjourned

Mr Anakan, who was arraigned on Wednesday, was granted bail by the magistrate during Wednesdays proceedings.

This followed an oral application by his lawyer, Emmanuel Okewu.

The prosecuting counsel had objected to the bail application, expressing fears that the defendant might jump bail.

In a short ruling, the trial magistrate, Ms Woni, overruled the objection and granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N1.5 million with two sureties in like sum.

The court held that the sureties must be residents in the FCT and shall be reasonable persons.

They must bring proof of payment of utility bills or bring proof of rent payment, Ms Woni said, adding that the sureties must bring proof of gainful employment.

The case was adjourned till 2 November.

Im not evading service  Ms Chikwendu

Ms Chikwendu has denied evading the service of court processes on her, adding that the allegation was a smear campaign against her by Mr Fani-Kayode.

She said in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Thursday that she had been honouring the police invitations since last March.

Nobody has served me any court process. I have been honouring every police invitation. Two weeks ago, I was at the FCT police command upon the invitation by James Idachaba, Head, Legal Unit.

The police know my house. This is a smear campaign by Mr Fani-Kayode to save his bruised ego. I was not informed of yesterdays (Wednesdays) court sitting, Ms Chikwendu said.

Legal battle between Fani-Kayode, ex-wife

Ms Chikwendu and Mr Fani-Kayode have been locked in a legal battle over the custody of their four sons since they split last year.

She has levelled series of allegations against Mr Fani-Kayode in series of filings in the suit which she had instituted to obtain an order to compel her ex-husband to yield custody of their children to her.

Her lawyers alleged in one of her filings in her suit pending before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, that Mr Fani-Kayode beat her up on several occasions even while she was pregnant.

In an aspect of the case pending at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, she accused Mr Fani-Kayode of lacking the capacity to look after the children, and expressed worries that the former minister was entrusting the boys in the care of nannies and his girlfriends.

She is demanding from Mr Fani-Kayode a monthly payment of N3.5 million for the upkeep of their four sons.

Mr Fani-Kayode has denied his ex-wifes allegations.
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has vowed actions to determine and punish possible tax offences following the landmark Pandora Papers investigation in which a number of rich and powerful Nigerians have been named.

The Pandora Papers project involves 617 journalists and 151 media outlets collaborating to investigate a vast amount of previously hidden offshore records of the powerful and super rich in the world.

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists obtained the trove of 11.9 million confidential files and led the partners, including Nigerias PREMIUM TIMES, that spent two years sifting through them, tracking down sources and digging into court files and other public records from dozens of countries.

The leaked records come from 14 offshore services firms from around the world that set up shell companies and other offshore nooks for clients often seeking to keep their financial activities in the shadows.

In the Nigerian series, published by PREMIUM TIMES, a number of Nigerian serving and past public officers have been reported as having links to offshore companies, many undeclared in accordance with the law and some others used to anonymously acquire UK properties.

Offshore firms are not necessarily illegal and they are at times used for legitimate purposes. But they feature prominently in illicit financial flows. Corrupt politicians use them to steal and launder proceeds of corruption across international jurisdictions.

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In a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES, a spokesperson for the FIRS, Johannes Wojuola, said the service will go after people reported in the leaks and suspected to have broken the law.

Nigerians reported so far include ex-governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi; governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Bagudu; former minister and serving senator, Stella Oduah; NPA acting chief Mohammed Bello-Koko; and Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State as well as their associates.

PREMIUM TIMES will publish more reports in the series.

FIRS Full Statement

I have taken a look at the Pandora leak and I think the scheme that is best applicable is the Voluntary Offshore Assets Regularization Scheme (VOARS), which though like VAIDS, applies more in particular to the ownership of offshore assets and the voluntary declaration of same.

This VOARS office was set up by the Attorney Generals office and is managed by the same. It provides an opportunity, or say, an amnesty for taxpayers or tax defaulters as the case may be, to voluntarily declare their offshore assets and incomes from sources outside Nigeria and in return obtain some benefits.

The Scheme, which came into existence under Executive Order 008 was signed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, was meant to operate or run for twelve months and covers assets and income from sources outside Nigeria relating to the preceding thirty years of assessment. The scheme has long ended.

For VAIDS, the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme launched in 2017, is a scheme designed to encourage voluntary disclosure of previously undisclosed assets and income for the purpose of payment of all outstanding tax liabilities. Like VOARS, it was time-bound as well, and its amnesty ended.

In both instances, whether VAIDS or VOARS the law would take its full course on an individual that fails to disclose assets that are taxable (assets that are of Nigerian origin). So with this Pandora leaks that exposes hidden offshore assets of various world citizens, if there are any persons who are suspected to have a taxable asset by Nigerian laws among the revealed pool, the applicable processes with regards to investigation, charges, enforcement procedures, loss of the right to enjoy the amnesty the scheme offers, liability to pay in full the principal sum due, and the full penalties and interests that have arisen, as well as prosecution for tax offenses, would be enforced.
The Nigerian Army has announced the arrest of popular actor, Chiwetalu Agu, for allegedly supporting the proscribed separatist group, IPOB.

Army spokesperson Onyema Nwachukwu accused the actor of inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Read the full statement by the army below.

TROOPS ARREST CHIWETALU AGU WHILE SOLICITING SUPPORT FOR PROSCRIBED IPOB

Troops of Nigerian Army (NA) have arrested one Chiwetalu Agu while inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Dressed in a very well known attire of the proscribed group, Chiwetalu Agu was picked up for questioning while inciting members of the public to join the proscribed group. Though he attempted puting up some resistance when troops made effort to take him into custody, he was not assaulted or subjected to brutalization.

While the NA recognizes the inalienable rights of the citizenry to freedom of movement and expression as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is apparently a violation for any individual or group to incite the public to cause mayhem or break down of law and order. It is therefore pertinent to state that while exercising such freedoms, it must be done within the confines of the law, bearing in mind the imperative for peace, and national security.

For the avoidance of doubt and emphasis, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) remains proscribed . Therefore, any individual or group seen to be projecting and advancing the cause or activities of the group is viewed as brazenly challenging the constitutionality of Federal Republic of Nigeria. More worrisome, was the fact that considering the prevailing security situation of the region, coupled with the ongoing Exercise GOLDEN DAWN, his action could be a tacit endorsement and support for the proscribed group. We have all witnessed the activities of the group take a violent dimension in recent times.

Chinwetalu Agu has clearly demonstrated uncharitable disposition to negate peace and security in the region, hence, he is taken into custody for preliminary investigation. It is important to once again place on record that the allegation that he was brutalized is false and should be disregarded accordingly.

While the NA would not allow IPOB and its sponsors to hold the region captive and allow the security situation to degenerate, it is instructive to restate that national interest supercedes any parochial consideration. Individuals or groups who fan the embers of violence are warned to desist or face the consequences of their actions. The ongoing Exercises are on course and will rid the region of all forms of criminality.

The peace loving and law abiding people of the South East are enjoined to please go about their normal activities, as efforts are ongoing to bring perpetrators of violence to book. They are equally urged to continue to support the security agencies to restore normalcy to the region in furtherance of peace.
With its national convention barely three weeks away, Nigerias main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has kept mum on where to zone its presidential ticket.

Arguably the most trending issues in the countrys political space, the PDP, again at its 94th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Thursday, dodged discussion on the issue.

Briefing journalists after the meeting, the partys spokesperson, Kola Ologbondiyan, said the NEC only considered and approved the recommendations of the 44-member committee on zoning of national officers.

The Zoning Committee chaired by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, last week recommended the zoning of the position of the partys national chairman to the north.

It also recommended that other offices in the national working committee (NWC) be swapped between the northern and southern zones.

The NEC considered Governor Ugwuanyis report on zoning, and the NEC approved the zoning as presented. The positions that are in the south will go to the north and the positions that are in the north will go to the south.

The convention is still holding, there is no other decision outside what has been taken prior to now. We will hold the national convention on the 30th and 31st, Mr Ologbondiyan said.

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He added that the respective zones in the south and north are expected to go inward to micro-zone the positions allotted to them before aspirants can know the positions to contest.

While the party remained mum on zoning of its presidential ticket, former Vice-President and 2019 presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar, earlier at the meeting suggested the need for the party to throw the ticket open to all those interested.

The PDP has the right to determine its rules on how its party should be governed. The people of Nigeria also have the right to determine who governs them.

Where the president comes from has never been the problem of Nigeria neither will it be the solution. There is no such thing as the president from Southern Nigeria or president from Northern Nigeria. There is only one president from Nigeria, by Nigeria and for Nigeria, Mr Abubakar, who is believed to be nursing presidential ambition, told the NEC members before the closed door meeting.

The PDP had zoned its presidential ticket to the south in 2015 and to the north in 2019.

While the then President Goodluck Jonathan flew the partys flag in 2015, Mr Abubakar was the partys candidate in 2019.

Analysts say the opposition party is reluctant in zoning its 2023 presidential ticket perhaps to know where the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) would zone its ticket.
Friends with whom I shared my experience told me it was a real struggle for them, too. They were also fighting their own social media demons, but of greater concern was the mental health of children of school age, who appear to be spending more and more time on Facebook and other forms of social media, with all the attendant risks and dangers.

The founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, is having a torrid time. One by one, his worst fears are coming true.

According to Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang, authors of An Ugly Truth, a scathing tell-all on Zuckerberg and his second-in-command, Sheryl Sandberg, the Facebook founder has been troubled for years by three deadly fears: the prospect of hackers breaching the site, his employees being harmed, and the breakup of his empire.

Hes had them coming for the past five years, at least. But in just one week, his deadly fears have not only come to him with chairs, they have arrived at Menlo Park with their own shades as well.

Just before the disruption of services on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp for six hours on October 4, an engineer and former product-manager-turned-whistleblower, Frances Haugen, dragged Zuckerberg out in a devastating interview and public testimony, accusing Facebook, the worlds largest social technology platform, of putting profits above safety.

If Facebook was a country, Haugens testimony might have been treated not just as a rebellion, but a coup attempt. And Zuckerberg is not just another tyrant in a banana republic. He is a potentate with a fan base of over three billion, revenue of $85.9 billion and a market value of $800 billion. Facebook is bigger than many countries, and Zuckerberg, more influential than presidents.

Zuckerberg has rejected the whistleblowers charges, saying they are untrue. But the crux of the matter is whether Facebook is exercising a duty of care remotely matching the brands monumental influence and impact.

After the Cambridge Analytica scandal and concerns that right wing groups, especially, were using social media to stoke hate crimes and spread dangerous and misleading information about public health issues in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the heat has been turned on Facebook to raise its game.

The jacket of An Ugly Truth is lined with statements of remorse by Zuckerberg and Sandberg since 2006, promising distressed subscribers a new day and pledging a new leaf.

But it would seem that the fulfillment of those promises is hardly matched by the brutishness with which the brand seeks to impede or destroy its competitors, using the massive trove of data at its disposal.

Im not on Facebook or Instagram. Yet, I recognise that Im caught in the predatory web of one of the behemoths most egregious platforms  WhatsApp. My addiction is not Zuckerbergs fault; its entirely mine.

Long before Haugen laid out her charges, I had been having a deep personal conversation with myself over the potential impact that WhatsApp, which I signed up to only about four years ago, was having on me.

At first, it was an adventure. But as time went on, the cons overwhelmed the pros of my daily WhatsApp experience. I began to wonder if flitting from one message to another with hardly enough time to process and digest one before the next, was not dangerous, if not to my mental health, perhaps to my mindfulness.

I sensed that I was getting addicted to WhatsApp, but like most addicts going through a rite of passage, it took a long time to convince myself that it was happening. I was in denial.

I would pick up my phone in the morning, determined to reply just one or two messages or check the time. And then, I would find myself drifting from tray to tray, clearing message after message and leaping from one tray to the other as notifications stream in with the seducing charm of a red-light district.

Some say its an ecosystem, a network of family and friends connected by shared interests, experiences and banter. In a way it is.

Its a far more connected world today than it was in the 1980s when my aunt migrated to the U.K. and the whole brood that saw her off to the airport in two buses wept at the lounge as she departed. Speaking with her again from Nigeria which, at the time, had less than 800,000 telephone lines in a population of over 100 million was always going to be a misery. Her departure was like a funeral.

In a lot of ways, things have changed for good, empowering millions of young people and forcing greater transparency in government. But in some ways, too, it feels like an eco-prison. Once youre online, everyone in your community knows youre there. Even when you disable your Read Receipts, stalkers still find a way to figure youre in the yard and pounce.

To keep my space and sanity, I find myself leaping from one message tray to another, dodging unwanted incoming calls, and at the same time, taking care not to miss important information in the swamp of things.

At first, it was an adventure. But as time went on, the cons overwhelmed the pros of my daily WhatsApp experience. I began to wonder if flitting from one message to another with hardly enough time to process and digest one before the next, was not dangerous, if not to my mental health, perhaps to my mindfulness.

It was also difficult to remember where I got a particular information from  which chatroom, which message tray, or in fact, which platform? The whole thing would slowly blur into a fuzz, lacking in depth, context or meaning, yet bandied about by contacts as gospel.

Algorithms feed on our vulnerable, curious sides as humans. Most adults can, however, begin to turn the tide once they realise that the bulk of what exists in the chat-o-sphere is for the benefit of the propagators and those mining the data.

As the social media eco-prison took hold in my world, with memes displacing touch, and tech-speak and abbreviations replacing context and right spellings, flightiness became a real danger. I had to improvise to catch my sanity. And that meant letting necessity drive my social engagements, instead of the other way round.

Facebook may be in the eye of the storm now but all social media platforms have the same predatory instinct for which Zuckerberg is being called out. Haugens expose, coupled with political pressure on Big Tech from a number of countries around the world, may lead to some soul-searching in Silicon Valley. But I doubt very much that were on the eve of a meltdown.

Friends with whom I shared my experience told me it was a real struggle for them, too. They were also fighting their own social media demons, but of greater concern was the mental health of children of school age, who appear to be spending more and more time on Facebook and other forms of social media, with all the attendant risks and dangers.

Yet, it would be unfair to scapegoat Facebook or single out any other social media platform for all the social problems of contemporary society. Throughout history, new forms of technology have elicited both excitement and fear among the populace.

Socrates never wrote, because he said the invention of writing would worsen forgetfulness and his student, Plato, agreed with him.

The invention of the telephone was greeted with criticism that it was soon bound to make humanity a transparent jelly heap. And when television came along, it was scorned as a useless wooden box incapable of holding the attention of any serious-minded person.

The dramatic change in technology, especially in the late 1980s and early 1990s has spooked fears of job loss and weakened control. There are also fears related to privacy, cyber security and mental wellbeing and childrens safety. Yet, inventors and innovators have always prevailed and created opportunities for a better world.

Facebook may be in the eye of the storm now but all social media platforms have the same predatory instinct for which Zuckerberg is being called out. Haugens expose, coupled with political pressure on Big Tech from a number of countries around the world, may lead to some soul-searching in Silicon Valley. But I doubt very much that were on the eve of a meltdown.

Zuckerberg and other tech entrepreneurs who have changed our world never pretended theyre out to finish what Mother Teresa started. They are in it for profit. The only thing that keeps their genius going is to build, buy or bury.

Shouldnt they care about safety and people? Of course, they should. If they dont and the market does not punish them soon enough, governments ultimately will. But until such a time, we must increasingly take responsibility for our safety and not be seduced by the prospects of a Mark Zuckerberg or Jack Dorsey nanny.

The world has been here before. Between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, three of the most famous monopolies in the world  Andrew Carnegies Steel Company, John D. Rockefellers Standard Oil, and the American Tobacco Company were broken up. When AT&T got too big for its own good, it joined the list of fallen monopolies in 1984.

Recent events may have shaken Mark Zuckerberg, unsettling his quest for immortality. But they dont necessarily mean that his third most deadly fear  a breakup  is imminent. Yet, its a good time for Facebook and its users to stop and reflect.

Azu Ishiekwene is Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP.
The most advanced pro-camera phone from TECNO CAMON seriesUltra-steady Gimbal Camera; Ultra-clear 60X Hyper Zoom; Self-portrait master; Newest MediaTek Helio G96 Chip designed for 4G camera phone and 120Hz AMOLED screen; TUV Rheinland Certified Display for Eye Protection from low-blue light and certified fast-charge system.

October 6th 2021 TECNO, a rising superstar as a global smartphone brand of the new generation, today released its newest CAMON18 series  CAMON 18 Premier, CAMON18P and CAMON18, pushing the boundaries for what it means to be a professional camera smartphone with anti-shake feature. The new CAMON 18 Premier brings together the best of the CAMON series, such as TAIVOS, Super Night Mode, Selfie Mode to combine with an all-new Ultra-steady Gimbal Camera, a 60X Hybrid Zoom and even more enhanced AI features for achieving professional videography. Featuring AMOLED screen with 120hz refresh rate makes every touch experience faster and smoother. Furthermore, TECNOs CAMON 18 Premier with Low Blue Light Certification from TUV Rheinland will provide consumers with best eye care possible. Powered by the latest MediaTek Helio G96 chip and supported by a redesigned HiOS 8.0 showcase the CAMON series at what it does best, exceeding expectations once again to produce the best photos and videos that technology can offer.

We always seek for breakthroughs of product and technology to inspire our consumers to unlock the world of possibilities. The digital revolution with the rise of new generations brings the latest trend of film making through a smartphone device. The CAMON 18 Premier is the first TECNO product to take Ultra-steady Gimbal Camera technology innovations to create brand-new experience to users. With Stop At Nothing as TECNOs brand spirit, we aim to continually make breakthroughs in product and design innovations as we have delivered through CAMON 18 Series. said Stephan Ha, General Manager of TECNO.

Ultra-steady Gimbal Camera, a Smart Shaking Lens to Cancel External Shaking Motions

Users of all levels, from casual users to professional content creators, will have a new tool to achieve that perfect video. The CAMON 18 Premier is now imbued with unparalleled anti-shake technology at 300% more effective than other smartphones without the anti-shake technology. When combined with a wide-angle lens, the CAMON 18 Premier is now capable of 109 wide-angle shooting, allowing users to create truly beautiful videos anywhere, while doing anything, with sublime clarity.

The CAMON 18 Premiers rear camera follows the meticulously ratioed design philosophy that enhances the three lenses  a 64MP main camera, a 12MP Ultra-steady Gimbal Camera with widened frame, and a 8MP periscope lens housed within a new elegant glowing and ceramic backing and a cleaner, tougher flat surface design.

Ultra-clear 60X Hyper Zoom, See Further Than the Eyes Can Perceive

The CAMON 18 Premier uses a 5X periscope lens and Galileo algorithm engine, which accesses multiple frames and gathers pixel information to enhance resolution and clarity. By combining the 5X optical zoom capability with up to 12X AI algorithm-based digital zoom, users can achieve an incredible 60X hybrid zoom and travel as far as the moon in photography, elevating smartphone astrophotography to spectacular levels.

Master the Art of Self-Portrait with the 32 MP AI Selfie Camera

TECNO embodies their Stop At Nothing with a the 32 MP front camera, once again exceeding expectations with crystal-clear clarity. The powerhouse camera comes with a more compact and convenient UI, incorporating clear cut function buttons and new intelligent gender-based identification. The beauty function has increased inclusivity for male features, having introduced beard and eyebrow enhancement. Users can now utilize the Portrait Light Effect Mode to lighten, darken, change, or remove the background completely, lending the world of photo-editing software concisely to the palms of their hands.

Stylish & Exquisite Design from Color to Texture

CAMON18 series adopts a natural and flexible design language, and interprets flowers and trees, natural breezes and drizzle in the product design. At the same time, it advocates the most dynamic and energetic elegant fashion design sense, which is perfectly integrated into the urban language. The ceramic elements are added to our products to bring a new aesthetic perspective of CAMON series and give the products more imagination

Unleash Smoother, Faster Performance with the Newest MediaTek Helio G96 Chip and 33W Flash Charging

Equipped with an MediaTek Helio G96 CPU with eight cores, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, the CAMON 18 Premier possesses multi-tasking ability like never before, empowering seamless integration of multiple apps. This incredible processing power, coupled with 4750 mAh battery, comprehensively enhances user experience, resulting in a system with the ability to photograph, videograph, network, and run games with remarkable smoothness. With TUV Rheinland certifications for Safe Fast-charge Systems, CAMON 18 Premier supports 33W Flash Charging, attaining 50% charge in just 20 minutes and a full charge in 65 minutes.

Live Vivid with the 120Hz Refresh Rate and TUV Rheinland Certified Display for Eye Protection on your CAMON 18 Premier

The 6.7 AMOLED display (10802400) has a full HD resolution with up to 550 nit brightness and 100% NTSC for maximum visual satisfaction. The display boasts a 120Hz refresh rate; this unprecedented high refresh rate in a phone promises higher display fluidity and a more coherent and intuitive experience  the scroll is smoother and touch feedback is more sensitive. Moreover, as a TUV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) certified product, the CAMON 18 Premier can reduce blue light to provide comfort for your eyes all day long and reduce overall power consumption.

Explore Ahead with the Latest HiOS 8.0

For all the stunning hardware, TECNOs software pulls its own weight. The latest HiOS 8.0 features Za-Hooc2.0 high-security privacy solutions, relying on leading data security capabilities and privacy protection technology to build a strong and safe privacy ecosystem to protect both hardware and software data. With AI OS system service, life is far more well-organized. Calendar, Business trips & meetings, Flight information, Birthday reminders Do not miss any important moment.

TECNO is a rising-star smartphone brand at global market. With Stop At Nothing as its brand essence, TECNO is passionately unlocking the best contemporary technologies for progressive individuals and bringing them innovative stylish smart devices with the latest technologies.

TECNO and SLOT limited have come together to come up with an amazing offer with the exclusive partnership where the CAMON 18 would be sold at all SLOT stores nationwide from 7th to 20th October, 2021.

The Retail Recommend Price for the CAMON 18 series are CAMON 18 N102,000; CAMON 18P N128,000; CAMON 18 premier N182,000

About TECNO

TECNO is a premium smartphone and AIoT devices brand from TRANSSION Holdings. With Stop At Nothing as its brand essence, TECNO is committed to unlocking the best contemporary technologies for progressive individuals across global emerging markets, giving them elegantly designed intelligent products that inspires consumers to uncover a world of possibilities. TECNO understands the needs of consumers from different markets and provides them with localized innovations and design breakthroughs demonstrated through their mastery of serving consumers who are young at heart and never stops pursuing excellence. TECNOs portfolio spans across smartphones, tablets, smart wearables and AIoT devices made for consumers in over 70 emerging markets world-wide. TECNO is also the Official Partner of Manchester City, Premier League Champions 2020-21. For more information, please visit: www.tecno-mobile.com.
President Ramaphosa of South Africa, President Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe, Nigerias Trade and Investment minister, Adeniyi Adebayo and the His Excellency Sheikh Tahnoon Al Nahyan have all confirmed attendance for the FIN Africa-UAE Trade and Investment Forum and the Forbes Best of Africa Energy Award sessions that will hold on November 21st, 2021 at the prestigious 7-star Burj AL Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

A letter from His Excellency Sheikh Tahnoon Al Nahyan in confirmation of His support as Patron and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, reads We endeavour to use our esteemed office to Invite UAE Investors and Key speakers to the event, as it will further strengthen the business relationships and UAE.

This move is in continuation of its bid to promote emerging economies in Africa and serve as a platform for Africas linkage to the world.

The event is a two-pronged package. The theme of the International Energy Forum is The future of oil and gas in Africa while the theme of the Trade and Investment Forum is The road to a prosperous Africa.

The FIN Africa-UAE Trade and Investment Forum and the Forbes Best of Africa Energy Award sessions will hold on November 21st, 2021 at the prestigious 7-star Burj AL Arab, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The second part which is the conference and the exhibition will hold on November 22nd  23rd, 2021 at Shangaria Hotel, Dubai.

The Trade and Investment Forum will aim at stimulating of wider inclusiveness between countries to speed up actualization of prosperous Africa; act as an advocacy machinery for the development of job creation incubation system for African youths at the grassroots and impact on the participants improved know-how on available opportunities for trade, investment and tourism.

According to Olayinka Fayomi, Chief Executive, Foreign Investment Network (FIN), it is estimated that the impact of COVID-19 would drag African economies into a fall of about 1.4% in GDP, with smaller economies facing contraction of up to 7.8%. So, it is time to turn to trade and investments help to build better bilateral trade and investment platforms and boost the economy as well as increasing productivity and export capacity.

I am looking forward to the high-level networking, especially the one-to-one business meetings between decision makers and top executives and entrepreneurs from all parts of the world, Zulfiquar Ghadiyali, Executive Director, Directions Investment Holding Company (DIHC).

Expected key participants at the trade and investment forum include; President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa; President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe; President Felix- Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), who is also Chairperson of the African Union; Majid Saif Al Ghurair, Chairman Dubai Chamber of Commerce; Zulfiquar Ghadiyali, Executive Director, Directions Investment Holding Company (DIHC); Beata Habyarimana, Minister of Trade and Industry, Rwanda; Adeniyi Adebayo, Minister of industry, Trade and Investment, Nigeria; Ebrahim Patel, Minister of Trade and Industry, South Africa, Chief Dr Mrs Nike Akande; former Trade and Investment Minister Nigeria, amongst others.

Despite the global economic contraption as a result of shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic, the African continent is set for a huge economic transformation in the energy sector, says Fayomi, adding that the international energy forum will expose latest inventions in the oil and gas technology and provide an opportunity for greater investment in oil and gas exploration amidst the challenges of global warming.

Confirmed guests for the international energy forum include; Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouel, Minister of Energy & Industry, United Arab Emirates; Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO/Managing Director, DP World UAE Region; Mansoor Mohamed Al Hamed, CEO Mubadala Petroleum; Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC); Umar Farouk, General Secretary, APPO; Diamantino Azevedo, Minister of Petroleum, Angola; Gabriel Lima Obiang, Minister of Mines & Hydrocarbon, Equatorial Guinea; Mohamed Arkab, Minister of Energy, Algeria; Mohammed Sanusi Barkindo, Secretary General, OPEC amongst others.

There will also be an exhibition area where oil and gas technology, inventions, software developers, gas exploration equipment manufacturers and multinational companies demonstrate their innovations.

The high point of the event is the FIN-Forbes Best of Energy Africa Award where deserving oil companies, policy makers and entrepreneurs including the Presidents of Nations and Ministers of Petroleum in Africa and top oil and gas personalities and firms will be decorated with various awards and certificate of Honour.

Interested in sponsoring this prestigious event?

Sponsorship will provide your business with excellent exposure, which typically results in a great return on investment. Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of event sponsorship is that it can strengthen your companys image. When you sponsor an event, you automatically gain an advantage over your absent direct competitors.

Benefits of sponsoring a FIN event:

 Maximise your reach  FIN utilises a variety of platforms to promote our events, which includes social media, websites, radio, television, over 400 media partners across the globe and our partners Forbes Custom of New York with an audience reach in excess of 60 million. Hence as a sponsor your company brand will not only reach the attendees at the event but also a captive global audience.

 Credibility  By sponsoring an event you immediately show authority and a sense of achievement thus giving you credibility in your relevant industry and among your potential members. Event attendees are thus more likely to notice your brand and want to find out more about what it is you do. Most sponsorships will include workshops or speaking opportunities at the event, a perfect platform to showcase you and your business.

 Harness your target market  sponsored events cater to niche audiences or member organisations, talking at such an event will assure you get one on one face time with a captive audience. FIN will only extend sponsorship invitations to companies, industries and countries that have relevance to the event.

 Reposition your brand  Sponsoring an event has the potential to reposition your brand in the minds of your target audience. It can be incredibly impactful! By affiliating your company with strong brands can portray your business image in a different light and change people perceptions of your brand.

To find out more about our event and sponsorship opportunities for the FIN Africa-UAE forum please contact:

Gary Randall on +27 83 4127700 or email gary.randall@finmagazine.com

OR

Henriette De Kock on + 27 82 854 5518 or email henriette.dekock@finmagazine.com
The Lagos State Government on Wednesday named the LagosHoms, Gbagada, after former Lagos State Administrator, Ndubuisi Kanu.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu made the pronouncement at `A Day Of Tributes In Honour Of Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu, organised by the Lagos State Government, at Ikeja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kanu, who died on January 13 at 78, will be buried on October 16 in his home state, Abia.

The late Kanu was appointed the former military administrator of Imo in 1976 and Lagos from 1977 to 1978.

It is, therefore, my honour and very rare privilege that for us to be able to fully immortalise him, that I will be naming one of our brand new estate in Gbagada after him.

It will be called Ndubuisi Kanu Housing Estate. The estate will be commissioned before the end of this year. It is right in the centre of the city.

It is to demonstrate and to tell to our people that though our tribes may differ, in unity, we are one nation, Sanwo-Olu said.

He said the deceased was a visionary and courageous governor of Lagos State, who led a remarkable life, starting from humble beginnings in Ovim village, in todays Abia.

According to him, Mr Kanu, in his service as military Governor of Lagos State between 1977 and 1978, was one of those who laid the foundation of modern Lagos.

He said the deceaseds successors were proud to inherit and build upon the foundation laid by the deceased for modern Lagos when he was the state governor.

Post-retirement, he commenced a new phase of his life as a champion of democracy and a chieftain of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

NADECO was at the forefront of the agitation for the actualisation of the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential elections. Kanus devotion to June 12 was indeed exemplary.

It is interesting and perhaps very apt to note that even after the dawning of democracy, he continued to be a strong champion for the sustenance of the rule of law.

In every chapter of his life, Rear Admiral Kanu showed true courage, strength and leadership.

One thing that really struck me about the departed patriot, was his Spartan lifestyle. In spite of the several privileged public offices he occupied, he did not exploit them for personal aggrandisement.

He lived a life devoid of the usual perks and privileges that one might associate with a two-time military Governor. He made himself available and accessible to everyone, regardless of class or status, Sanwo-Olu said.

In another tribute, Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State, described Mr Kanu as an achiever in the true sense of the word.

The late Admiral Kanu, a tested nationalist, lived his life for the good of the people. He loved the people and was always willing to make them happy.

A dependable and trustworthy comrade, he lived a contented life, devoid of avarice and unbridled pursuit of personal wealth.

He loathed injustice as a plague. A pro-democracy activist, he detested oppression and was at the forefront of the battle against military dictatorship between 1993 and 1999, the deputy governor said.

Earlier in her speech, Gladys Kanu, widow of the deceased, described her late husband as a God-fearing and selfless man.

Ndubuisi or ND as I called him, was not just my husband and life partner, he was my soulmate. and my true love, and my best friend. For one-third of a century, he was my other half.

I feel so truly blessed to have had such a caring, humble and above God-fearing husband and father as my companion. He had left a huge void in my life, it is only God that is helping me through this difficult time.

I truly miss him. I dont know if I can get anyone to replace him. I pray for the ability to continue the goodwill and love that he brought to this world, she said. (NAN)
White Bear Lake, MN (55110)

Today

Light snow this morning. Then remaining cloudy this afternoon. Temps nearly steady in the low to mid 30s. Winds WNW at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 80%. Higher wind gusts possible..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low 21F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph.
Plattsburgh, NY (12901)

Today

Cloudy with occasional rain during the afternoon. High 54F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. A shower of rain or wet snow possible. Low 32F. Winds light and variable.
Southbury, CT (06488)

Today

Sunshine to start, then a few afternoon clouds. High near 65F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Periods of rain. Low 37F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
SKIET's first plant in Poland has completed after about 21 months of construction. It is expected to kick off commercial operation in the fourth quarter of this year, after mechanical completion in June and test operation that started in August. It makes SKIET the first company ever to gain a production foothold for lithium-ion battery separators in Europe, the largest global EV market. The amount of production is enough to be mounted to 300,000 electric vehicles, and the products will be supplied to global battery companies such as SK On.

The opening ceremony for the first plant was held in Silesia Province, Poland, and joined high-ranking officials and related business figures including SK IE Technology CEO & President Rho Jae-sok, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Poland Sun Mira, Polish Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Technology Grzegorz Piechowiak and the Export-Import Bank of Korea CEO Bang Moon-kyu.

"I'm very delighted that the construction of SKIET's Polish separator production plant has completed," said the Polish Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Technology Grzegorz Piechowiak. "When the 4th plant is completed, SKIET's Polish facility will be SK Group's largest separator plant that can create about 1,000 new jobs, which is great news to the local community as well," he added.

"For around 260 Korean companies, Poland is another nest as well as a bridgehead for market expansion to Europe," said Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Poland Sun Mira. "To the day when all European and the global electric cars use battery separators developed by SKIET and produced in Poland, I hope both countries forge a stronger tie and Embassy will do our best to assist."

Also, the Export-Import Bank of Korea CEO Bang Moon-kyu stated, "I expect there would be more exploration of overseas markets by Korean companies in the field of battery, which is one of the industries conducive to innovative growth. And I will do my utmost best to financially support Korean battery makers to take the lead in the development of the global market."

"As SKIET produces lithium-ion battery separators, indispensable materials for EV batteries for the first time in Poland, EU, I expect it will both attain the growth of the company and the invigoration of the European EV market," said SKIET CEO Rho Jae-sok. "We will provide our product not only to battery companies in Poland but also those in Europe such as Hungary and the United States as well. This will eventually contribute positive impact to the Polish economy."

SKIET plans to invest a total of KRW 2 trillion in Silesia Province, Poland by 2024 to secure the production capacity of 1,540 mil. m2 for the lithium-ion battery separators, which is the largest scale of battery separators production in Europe. Along with the first plant that begun its commercial production, the second plant with a 340 mil. m2 production capacity is under construction and aims at being ready for a commercial operation by 2023. And the third and fourth plants with respective 430 mil. m2 capacity have broken ground last July. It is anticipated that the global production capacity of SKIET encompassing South Korea, China, and Europe will reach a total of 2,730 mil. m2.

Against the backdrop of strong environmentally-friendly policies, Europe is the place where electric cars are booming. It is one of the three largest global EV markets along with China and the U.S. According to HIS market, market research agency, the European battery market will be expanded by five times from 82GWh this year to about 410GWh in 2026, the demand for separators will likely follow suit.

The separator is one of the four core materials for lithium-ion battery and is closely associated with battery stability and SKIET's separator is already supplied to global top major battery producers. As rising demand for high-density batteries brought the importance of battery stability to the fore, pushing the demand for high-quality separators is even higher. SKIET's battery separators stood out for it have not been implicated in not a single case of fire, thereby being recognized as unrivaled high-quality lithium-ion battery separators in the European Market.

As the global leader in 'Tier1'* wet-laid battery separators, SKIET plans to capitalize on the commercial operation of the first Polish plant to preemptively secure the European lithium-ion battery separator market. Separator produced in SKIET's European production base receives flooding orders to the extent the units to be produced from its third and fourth plants have already signed up, not to mention ones from the second plant.

SKIET Polish subsidiary was selected as one of this year's awardees including other global enterprises such as Amazon and Toyota by the 5th Investor Without Borders**. The awards are conferred to Polish companies investing in overseas markets and foreign companies investing in Poland. The local media accentuated, "The growth of the EV battery market is already an ineluctable global trend and Poland is emerging as an EV battery hub within EU. The current investment made by SKIET provided Poland a momentum to consolidate its position as the leader in E-mobility related production industry."

*Tier1 lithium-ion battery separator market refers to the market to supply battery separators for leading EV automakers including Tesla, Volkswagen, Renault-Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai, and Kia. It is exclusive to high-quality lithium-ion battery separator producers such as SKIET, Asahi Kasei, and Toray Industries.

** Annually awarded to distinguished Polish investors in overseas markets and foreign enterprises invested in the Polish market. The winners of the awards are screened by organizations that support investment attraction to Poland and Polish enterprises' overseas expansion, municipalities and government agencies, and more. This year four Polish companies and five foreign companies won the award.

[Reference] Investment and production status of SKIET's lithium-ion battery separator plants

Location Production Capacity (Unit: mil.) Point of investment decision Point of production Korea (Cheongju, Jeungpyeong) 520 - - China 1(Changzhou) 340 Jun. 2018 Nov. 2020 Poland1(Silesia) 340 Nov. 2018 Aug. 2021 China 2-1(Changzhou) 170 Apr. 2019 Apr. 2021 China 2-2(Changzhou) 170 Oct. 2019 Q1 2022 Poland 2(Silesia) 340 Oct. 2020 Q1 2023 Poland 3(Silesia) 430 Mar, 2021 Q4 2023~ Q2 2024 Poland4(Silesia) 430 Mar. 2021 Total 2,730 - -

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1654960/1__SKIET_CEO_Rho_Jae_seok.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1654967/2__SKIET_1st_factory_in_Poland.jpg

SOURCE SK IE Technology
The fully automated, easy-to-use ASTar System utilizes advanced imaging techniques and algorithms to monitor bacterial growth, removing the need for subculture, which alone can take an additional one to two days. The system is based on the ISO 20776-1 AST frozen broth microdilution methods, and as such it produces the all-important MIC results physicians can use to deliver more personalized antibiotic treatment to the critically ill.

The reduction in time-to-result may be a factor in reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as clinicians often prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics while awaiting laboratory guidance on more targeted therapy. This practice is believed to contribute to the emerging pandemic of AMR1, which threatens to claim 10 million lives a year by 20502. Reducing AMR could be expected to reduce mortality rates by around 40%3, and could also support a decrease in healthcare costs by reducing hospital stay and delivering per-patient cost savings of between $2,500 and $20,0004.

Romain Lecomte, senior director, clinical product marketing, Thermo Fisher Scientific microbiology, said: "When we say rapid, we mean it. With approximately six hours to result, the ASTar System can process up to 12 samples in parallel for the patients who need it most. Equipped with a panel design containing the broadest combination of antimicrobials and dilution ranges in a single test for Gram-negative bacteria*, laboratories can deliver truly targeted therapy, with only two minutes of hands-on time."

Jonas Jarvius, CEO of Q-linea said: "We believe the ASTar System represents a turning point in the pursuit for more accurate, reliable and rapid AST. It uses gold standard-equivalent techniques to deliver actionable results in approximately six hours and provides physicians with the true MIC information they can use to guide personalized treatment options."

The ASTar System, developed by Q-linea and distributed by Thermo Fisher:

Delivers fast, accurate results in  6 hours direct from positive blood cultures.

direct from positive blood cultures. Fully automated load-and-go system that requires just two minutes of hands-on time per sample.

that requires just two minutes of hands-on time per sample. Comprehensive AST panel with a format design containing 23 antimicrobials, covering 235 dilutions.

The ASTar System is now commercially available from Thermo Fisher Scientific in Europe, with plans for launch in other regions to follow pending relevant regulatory approvals. For more information, visit thermofisher.com/ASTar.

*Based on commercially available systems market overview undertaken by Q-linea - May 2021

Product is CE marked but not 510(k)-cleared and not available for sale in the U.S. Availability of product in each country depends on local regulatory marketing authorization status.

Q-linea AB is the legal manufacturer of ASTar. ASTar is a trademark of Q-linea AB. All other trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific and its subsidiaries. The ASTar System is distributed globally by Thermo Fisher Scientific.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue of approximately $35 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, improving patient diagnostics and therapies or increasing productivity in their laboratories, we are here to support them. Our global team of more than 90,000 colleagues delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services and Patheon. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.

1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4165128/

2https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/documents/no-time-to-wait-securing-the-future-from-drug-resistant-infections-en.pdfsfvrsn=5b424d7_6

3https://jcm.asm.org/content/55/1/60.short

4https://jcm.asm.org/content/55/1/60.short

Media Contact Information:

Carlene Graham

Global Marketing Communications Manager

Microbiology

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Phone +1 216.704.3479

carlene.graham@thermofisher.com



Secondary Contact Information:

Jenny Morris

PR Account Director

The Henley Group International

+44 (0)7866361936

jenny@henley.co.uk

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Related Links

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SOURCE Thermo Fisher Scientific
TreeToTextile, owned by H&M Group, Inter IKEA Group, Stora Enso, and LSCS Invest, reported earlier that they are constructing a demonstration plant for biobased textile fibers in Sweden. To execute the owners' investment and TreeToTextile's ambitious commercialization plan, the company appoints Marie Gronborg as the new Chief Executive Officer.

STOCKHOLM, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TreeToTextile offers a newly developed technology that produces biobased textile fibers with a low environmental footprint at an attractive cost level. Therefore, TreeToTextile is currently constructing a demonstration plant at Stora Enso's Nymolla mill in southern Sweden for upscaling the process technology. In connection with the investment, the companys management team will also be expanded.

Marie Gronborg is appointed as the new CEO to lead the company in its next steps towards industrial upscaling and global commercialization. Marie Gronborg, with an MSc in Chemical Engineering, has earlier had several leading positions in the technical, as well as in the commercial domains, in the Perstorp group. Before joining TreeToTextile she has been the CEO of Purac. She also sits on the boards of SSAB and Permascand. Marie Gronborg's employment starts November 22nd, 2021.



 We are very happy that Marie is joining our team as she brings in critical competence from her diverse roles in engineering, production, sales, and innovation. Marie's strong leadership, decades of experience, and proven track record in both successfully delivering growth strategies, as well as improving performance, will help TreeToTextile pursue its mission with the highest speed while seizing the great opportunities ahead of us, says Roxana Barbieru, Chairwoman of TreeToTextile / Vice President, Emerging Businesses and Alliances Management, Biomaterials at Stora Enso.

Part of the companys focus during the last months has been to shape the demonstration plant team. TreeToTextile is now onboarding a highly skilled management team to operate and develop the plant, consisting of Henric Hoglind (Plant Manager), Johan Larsson (Head of Production), Hanna Svensson (Development Manager), and Jonas Engstrom (Head of Technology). The team on site will closely work together with the already existing management team: Olli Yla-Jarkko (CTO), Asa Ostlund (Head of R&D), and Ida Alnemo (Head of Textile Development & Design).

- I am very excited and proud about the opportunity to join TreeToTextile, and genuinely look forward to leading a highly capable, competent, and passionate team that will bring new technology to the market and accelerate the transformation of the textile industry. I also truly look forward to working together with the support of the committed and strong owners with our collaboration partners in the strong eco-system that TreeToTextile has built up", says TreeToTextile's incoming CEO Marie Gronborg.

Contact:

Maria Starck, presskontakt, Futerra

maria.starck@futerra.se

+46 760 278294

TreeToTextile - Sustainable textile fibers are in growing demand, and the world is in need for new and better fibers. TreeToTextile offers a new technology to enable a new sustainable man-made cellulosic textile fiber. Its committed owners: H&M Group, Inter IKEA Group, Stora Enso, and entrepreneur Lars Stigsson, are united in the aim to make sustainable textile fibers available to all.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/treetotextile-ab/r/treetotextile-is-growing-its-management-team-to-take-on-the-next-steps-towards-commercialization,c3428484

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/20319/3428484/1477928.pdf Press release (PDF)

SOURCE TreeToTextile AB
NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The global wearable biosensors market is estimated to accelerate a high CAGR of 10.4% over the forecast period (2021-2031). As such, the market is set to expand around 2.4X and close in on a valuation of US$ 33.1 Bn by 2031.

The future of wearable biosensors looks attractive with opportunities across different sectors such as healthcare, military, agriculture, and food & beverages. Major drivers for this market happen to be growth of Internet of Things (IoT), increasing need for wearable devices, and miniaturization of sensors.

As the society is moving toward a connected world, sensors are increasingly being adopted across various applications. Many of these applications require various sensors in a small footprint with no degradation of performance and often with very low power requirements. With increasing number of applications requiring smaller sensors, there has been substantial rise in demand for miniaturization of sensors, thereby increasing demand for wearable biosensors.

Market players are involved in collaborations and acquisitions, and also coming out with advanced products to increase their industry share.

In May 2020 , Koninklijke Philips N.V. introduced the Philips Biosensor BX100. This product is designed to address a new approach to vital sign measurements, supporting surveillance of higher acuity patients moving from intensive care units to lower acuity general care areas of a hospital. The biosensor has been widely used for clinical surveillance of COVID-19 patients in hospitals for monitoring their health and recovery.

, Koninklijke Philips N.V. introduced the Philips Biosensor BX100. This product is designed to address a new approach to vital sign measurements, supporting surveillance of higher acuity patients moving from intensive care units to lower acuity general care areas of a hospital. The biosensor has been widely used for clinical surveillance of COVID-19 patients in hospitals for monitoring their health and recovery. In Feb 2021 , Phillips-Medisize, a Molex company, collaborated with Subcuject to introduce a wearable bolus injector to market. The new Wearable Osmotic Bolus Injector is designed to be a low-cost, patient-friendly, prefilled wearable injector for single use. The product uses osmosis to generate force to complete a full injection cycle, requiring minimal components, which reduces development time and costs.

, Phillips-Medisize, a Molex company, collaborated with Subcuject to introduce a wearable bolus injector to market. The new Wearable Osmotic Bolus Injector is designed to be a low-cost, patient-friendly, prefilled wearable injector for single use. The product uses osmosis to generate force to complete a full injection cycle, requiring minimal components, which reduces development time and costs. In November 2020 , VitalConnect Inc launched the VitalPatch RTM cardiac monitoring solution for patients who require extended Holter monitoring. VitalPatch RTM monitors 21 cardiac arrhythmias through a unique AI-based ECG analysis solution and captures data on four key vital signs, providing a more complete view of a patient's condition.

Request for sample PDF of report: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/16522

Key Takeaways from Market Study

Demand for sensor patches, among type, is estimated to surge. However, embedded sensors are estimated to continue to hold a significant market share through 2031.

Healthcare & medical application is expected to emerge as a high-growth market. However, environmental monitoring application is estimated to dominate the market share through 2031.

By product, wearable electrochemical biosensors are currently leading the market. However, demand for wearable piezoelectric biosensors is likely to expand at a robust CAGR of nearly 14% through 2031.

The South Asia & Pacific market is expected to register a high CAGR owing to growing demand for various wearable biosensors for monitoring health and quality of food & beverages across the region.

& Pacific market is expected to register a high CAGR owing to growing demand for various wearable biosensors for monitoring health and quality of food & beverages across the region. The market for wearable biosensors

in Japan and India is expected to surge at growth rates of around 14% and 19%, respectively.

Ask an expert for any other query: https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/ask-an-expert/16522

"Wearable biosensor providers are focusing on developing single-walled carbon nanotube based electrochemical biosensors for detecting microorganisms that cause respiratory diseases," says a Persistence Market Research analyst.

Increasing Demand for Wearable Biosensors in Food & Beverage Sector to Propel Market Growth

Growth of the food & beverage sector has a significant impact on the market for wearable biosensors. Increasing number of food & beverage companies and rising demand for canned and packaged food are important factors driving market growth.

Sensing devices are being increasingly used in the packaging sector to improve industrial efficiency, convenience, and precautions. Furthermore, wearable biosensors help in improving the sensitivity, specificity, and detection limit of chemical analysis of food & beverages, thereby generating high demand for wearable biosensors in the food industry.

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More Valuable Insights

Persistence Market Research's report on the wearable biosensors market is segmented into four major sections  type (sensor patches and embedded sensors), product (wearable electrochemical biosensors, wearable optical biosensors, wearable piezoelectric biosensors, wearable thermal biosensors, and others), application (healthcare & medical, environmental monitoring, military & defense, food & agriculture, and others), and region (North America, Latin America, Europe, East Asia, South Asia & Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa), to help readers understand and evaluate lucrative opportunities in the market.

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Overview:

Persistence Market Research is always way ahead of its time. In other words, it tables market solutions by stepping into the companies'/clients' shoes much before they themselves have a sneak pick into the market. The pro-active approach followed by experts at Persistence Market Research helps companies/clients lay their hands on techno-commercial insights beforehand, so that the subsequent course of action could be simplified on their part.

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SOURCE Persistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd.
LONDON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today marks the launch of the second Ecological Threat Report (ETR) from the international think tank, the Institute of Economics and Peace (IEP).

Key results

Eleven of 15 countries with the worst environmental threat scores are currently classified as being in conflict. Another four are classified as at high risk of substantial falls in peace, highlighting the relationship between resource degradation and conflict.

Half of the world's population will live in the 40 least peaceful countries, by 2050. This will be an increase of 1.3 billion people from 2020 levels.

New global poll data reveals only 23% of China's citizens see climate change as a serious threat making it the 7th least concerned country.

citizens see climate change as a serious threat making it the 7th least concerned country. Global food insecurity has increased by 44% since 2014, affecting 30.4% of the world's population in 2020, and is likely to rise further.

COVID-19 has increased food insecurity and prevented refugees from returning home.

With conflict having cost the global economy $600 billion in 2020, the ETR shows that COP26 negotiations need to approve resilience funding to ecological hotspots before drivers of conflict intensify.

The ETR analyses a broad range of indicators associated with ecological risk including food and water availability, population growth and societal resilience, to better understand the countries most at risk of experiencing significant deteriorations in peace.

Conflict and ecological threats

The main finding from the ETR 2021 is that a cyclic relationship exists between ecological degradation and conflict. It is a vicious cycle, whereby degradation of resources leads to conflict, leading to further resource degradation. Eleven of the 15 countries with the worst ETR scores are currently experiencing conflict. Another four are classified as at high risk of substantial falls in peace. Many more countries are likely to fall into conflict unless these cycles are reversed.

To reverse these cycles both the ecological environment and societal resilience need to improve, which requires a systemic approach. This means a reappraisal of how development is currently undertaken.

Underlining the severity of the finding, the number of malnourished people has been steadily rising since 2016 and is forecast to rise by 343 million people by 2050, creating another driver for conflict. Food insecurity has also increased to 30.4% of the world's population, according to FAO.[1] This is the reversal of a trend spanning decades which has seen undernourishment steadily improve. Malnutrition is worse for men, especially in Africa where twice as many males suffer from thinness than females. Stunting is also worse in boys than girls.

Three areas of the world suffer from the greatest risk of societal collapse as a result of food insecurity, lack of water, population growth and the impacts of natural disasters. The Sahel-Horn belt of Africa, from Mauritania to Somalia; the Southern African belt, from Angola to Madagascar; the Middle East and Central Asian belt, from Syria to Pakistan. These areas are in urgent need of attention.

Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence of food insecurity, with 66% of the population deemed food insecure. By 2050, sub-Saharan Africa's population is projected to be 2.1 billion, a 90% increase from today's population. It also has the poorest measures of societal resilience.

The Sahel is the next focal point for potential societal collapse as demonstrated by the recent proliferation of radical Islamic groups. Niger and Burkina Faso are currently among the world's least peaceful countries (measured by the GPI) and are amongst the worst scorers on the ETR.

Ecological threat and migration

The ETR has found that more than 1.26 billion people live in 30 hotspot countries, suffering from both extreme ecological risk and low levels of resilience. These countries are least likely to be able to mitigate and adapt to new ecological threats, which is likely to cause mass displacement.

The number of people displaced by conflict has been steadily rising with 23.1 million people from hotspot countries living outside their home country in 2020. Europe was hosting the largest number of displaced people from hotspot countries, at 6.6 million. These numbers are likely to increase by tens of millions as ecological degradation and climate change takes hold.

Steve Killelea, Founder & Executive Chairman of the Institute for Economics and Peace , said:

"COP26 provides an ideal opportunity for leaders to recognise that the ecological threats of today need to be addressed before climate change substantially accelerates them, costing trillions more to address.

"The solution to these problems lies in a more systemic approach, partially through the conscious integration of development agencies. The problems of conflict, food and water insecurity, displacement, business development, health, education and indeed climate change are interrelated, and the interconnectedness of these relationships must be recognised for them to best be addressed."

Attitudes towards climate change

New polling of over 150,000 people in 142 countries has found that the most significant emitters of carbon dioxide are countries where their citizens are least concerned with climate change. They are also some of the most populous countries in the world. Only 23% of China's citizens see climate change as a very serious threat, while India recorded only 35%. The global average was 49.8%, with men slightly more concerned than women by 2%.[2]

Without the buy in of the citizens of these countries, climate change action is unlikely to be effective.

Spanish and Portuguese speaking countries scored the highest and occupied 12 of the 20 top spots. Countries immersed in conflict scored poorly, with Yemen, Ethiopia, Egypt, and Myanmar having the worst scores.

The United States scored near the global average at 49.2%, while the United Kingdom had a relatively high score at 69.9%

The greatest gender disparity was in the Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden, and Finland where women scored higher than men by 21%, 18% and 13% respectively.

Food insecurity

Since 2014, the number of people without access to adequate food globally has risen every year, increasing by 44%. Increases in food insecurity are associated with deteriorations in peace.

By 2050, the global demand for food is expected to increase by 50%.

Due to lockdowns and border closures, COVID-19 has amplified food insecurity further and will likely have a long-lasting negative impact on world hunger due to stagnant economic growth.

Water stress

The ETR reveals that by 2040 over 5.4 billion people will live in countries facing extreme water stress. Lebanon and Jordan are the countries most at risk.

Sub-Saharan Africa has the most countries with the lowest levels of social resilience combined with the highest population growth. 70% of its population suffer from inadequate access to safely managed water, which will be compounded by high population growth.

Building ecological resilience

IEP worked with 60 leading policy stakeholders to develop policy recommendations that promote global ecological resilience. This included the recommendation to combine health, food, water, refugee relief, finance, agricultural and business development into one integrated agency in high-risk areas. This recognises the systemic nature of both the problems and solutions, allowing for a more efficient allocation of resources and faster decision making based on the geographical area of need.

Although military interventions are necessary, they will not solve the underlying ecological issues driving the conflicts. The lesson from Afghanistan is that without well planned and executed development spending, obtaining peace is impossible. The recent fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban highlights the limits of the military and exposes a poor spending strategy. It is estimated that the total US federal expenditure on Afghanistan cost $2.261 trillion - $50,000 for each Afghan citizen currently living in the country. This is more than 100 times the average Afghan's yearly income.

For more information, visit www.economicsandpeace.org

*The 11 countries with the worst ETR score are Afghanistan, Niger, Madagascar, Malawi, Rwanda, Burundi, Guatemala, Mozambique, Pakistan, Angola and Yemen.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About the Ecological Threat Report (ETR)

This is the second edition of the Ecological Threat Report (ETR), which covers 178 independent states and territories. The ETR is unique in that it combines measures of resilience with the most comprehensive ecological data available to shed light on the countries least likely to cope with extreme ecological shocks, now and into the future.

Methodology

The ETR includes the most recent and respected scientific research on population growth, water stress, food insecurity, droughts, floods, cyclones, and rising temperature. In addition, the report uses IEP's Positive Peace framework to identify areas where the resilience is unlikely to be strong enough to adapt or cope with these future shocks. The report draws on a wide variety of data sources, including World Bank, World Resources Institute, Food and Agriculture Organization, the United Nations, the United Nations Human Rights Council, Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre, The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, International Organization for Migration and IEP.

About the Institute for Economics and Peace

IEP is an international and independent think tank dedicated to shifting the world's focus to peace as a positive, achievable, and tangible measure of human well-being and progress. It has offices in Sydney, Brussels, New York, The Hague, Mexico City and Harare.



[1] Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations

[2] Analysis IEP, source data Lloyds Register Foundation World Risk Poll

SOURCE Institute of Economics and Peace

Related Links

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"Finding out I was the 2022 Hooters Calendar cover girl is the most honoring thing I could ask for. It truly is a dream come true since I started shooting for the calendar in 2018," said Tulio. Tulio has worked for at Hooters for almost five years and has been featured in the calendar each year.

All of the 200 ladies featured in the calendar work at Hooters restaurants and were selected from thousands of candidates. There are several calendar girls who are making their first appearance including Miss September Ireland Dabydeen from Madeira Beach, Florida and Centerfold Deeanna Krakowski, from Weston, Florida.

"To be in the Hooters Calendar to me is much more than a picture. It means overcoming obstacles. When I was younger I was bullied for the way I looked and now I am Miss September. I have gained so much confidence working for Hooters and it means the world to me to be surrounded by other strong women," said Dabydeen. Dabydeen has worked at Hooters for over two years.

"Being in the Hooters Calendar for the first time has been the most heart warming, remarkable and surreal feeling. There's no feeling that can top opening the calendar for the first time and seeing my picture as the centerfold," said Krakowski. Krakowski has worked at Hooters for a year and recently graduated nursing school.

The first Hooters Calendar was released fall 1985, two years after the first Hooters opened. "We are proud of the history and tradition of the Hooters Calendar as it continues to be one of America's top selling calendars and is a cornerstone of the Hooters brand," said Chuck Melcher, owner and publisher of the Hooters Calendar.

$1 of every Hooters Calendar sold supports the Kelly Jo Dowd Breast Cancer Research Fund. Kelly Jo Dowd, an original Hooters Girl, the 1995 Hooters Calendar Cover Girl and Hooters first female General Manager in Palm Harbor succumbed to breast cancer in 2007. The calendar has raised over one million dollars.

For more information about the Hooter Calendar, please visit hooterscalendar.com .

###

Ilona Wolpin, Hooters Calendar

(954) 298-8784

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Hooters Calendar

Related Links

http://www.hooterscalendar.com/


WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Oct. 5, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Advatix announces the acquisition of UP-Time, establishing its local office in Santiago, Chile to bring the most advanced eCommerce supply chain and technology solutions to LATAM.

Advatix's team comes with global experience from companies including Amazon, FedEx, JDA, Walmart, Kroger. Advatix was recently ranked #493 on the Inc. 5000 fastest growing privately held businesses in the US.

This acquisition will help speed up eCommerce transformation in Latin America. Advatix services that are now offered in LATAM include Operations Consulting, Centralized Global Command Center, and Technology Platforms for Fulfillment, Inventory Management and Logistics.

Through this acquisition, Advatix also gains a local, experienced team and proprietary engineering technology for fulfillment that can support Advatix customers worldwide.

Manish Kapoor is the founder and CEO of Advatix and he said, "I have worked in the Latin American market over the last several years and have always been impressed by the talent pool and work environment in Chile. Having a local team will help us serve LATAM customers better. By joining forces with UP-Time, we are excited to bring the best-in-class eCommerce solutions to growing companies across LATAM."

The Latin America team will also serve as Advatix's global engineering and innovation hub where several new technology solutions will be incubated. The team in Chile will collaborate closely with Advatix's software technology hub in India.

"Advatix is truly a global and fast-growing company, and we are delighted to now be part of it. I have been working in the LATAM logistics industry for more than 20 years and could not be more excited to bring the latest innovation to this continent. This is an explosive combination for the LATAM market  precisely what our dynamic industry requires," said Jorge Vasquez, CEO of UP-Time.

Advatix LATAM is already working with local businesses and in discussion with several other companies in need of rapid innovation for their supply chain and technologies for eCommerce.

About Advatix:

Advatix, Inc. is one of the leading providers of eCommerce Supply Chain and Logistics solutions. Advatix is based in Westlake Village, CA with a technology hub in New Delhi, India and a LATAM office in Santiago, Chile. The company currently serves customers in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit www.advatix.com or email [email protected].

About UP-Time:

UP-Time.cl is now a subsidiary of Advatix Inc. It is an Operations Consulting and Engineering Solutions company based in Santiago, Chile.

Media Contact:

Trish Byron

[email protected]

SOURCE Advatix Inc.
The island of Aruba, with its year-round sunny skies and award-winning white sand beaches, offers the perfect backdrop for couples in any stage of their romance. Whether you and your partner are seeking adventure in the island's rugged Arikok National Park, looking to indulge in a signature wellness experience or sample the island's diverse culinary scene, Aruba promises an unforgettable vacation and an escape from any wedding-related stress.

And one deserving couple that has had to postpone their nuptials can even win a 'Honeymoon First' trip-of-a-lifetime to Aruba. Starting today, couples can enter the sweepstakes online at Aruba.com/us/honeymoon-first. Submissions will close on November 15, and the winning couple will receive a five-day/four-night romantic getaway to either Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort or Amsterdam Manor Beach Resort .

Couples can also take advantage of incredible 'Honeymoon First' offers from some of Aruba's top hotels and resorts, a sampling of which is below:

Brickell Bay Beach Club & Spa Brickell Bay Beach Club & Spa offers a 5-night Romantic & Relaxing Getaway package for 2, including Deluxe room accommodations, a bottle of champagne upon arrival, a sunset sail, daily breakfast buffet, resort credit of $100 and more.

Courtyard Aruba Resort Experience an unforgettable getaway at Courtyard Aruba Resort and take romance to a new level thanks to our Honeymoon package including: premium accommodations, daily breakfast for two, a romantic dinner for two Allegra Bistro, complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and more with promotional code: HON.

Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives For couples seeking a romantic and stress-free Caribbean getaway, Divi & Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusives cover every element needed for your special occasion. Couples can enjoy up to 40% savings on all inclusive rates as well as VIP status at check-in, preferred location based on room category, a bottle of champagne upon arrival, free night first anniversary certificate and remembrance gift. Available for travel now through March 31, 2022 .

Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino Enjoy the ultimate romantic getaway to Aruba with Mi Amore , Let's Honeymoon First. Available for 4-night minimum stays, this package and a welcome amenity in your room upon arrival, a private Sunset Concierge Dining Experience at the location of your choice, an 80-minute couples' spa treatment in an outdoor cabana, daily palapa on the beach and daily breakfast.



"With so many having to postpone important milestones in the last year, we want to give couples the chance to enjoy a safe, romantic escape to reconnect," said Ronella Croes, CEO of Aruba Tourism Authority. "Our One happy island offers a slice of paradise for all couples to enjoy, from our sunny skies and fresh ocean air to the secluded caves and Natural Pool in Arikok National Park."

Since reopening its borders last summer, Aruba has implemented a number of traveler protocols to keep visitors and locals alike safe, including requiring travelers to present a negative COVID-19 test prior to or upon arrival and purchase Aruba Visitors Insurance. Aruba's stringent health and safety efforts have ensured that COVID-19 cases among tourists remain consistently low, and locally, more than 75 percent of eligible residents in Aruba (aged 12+) have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. For the most up-to-date entry requirements and on-island protocols, visit www.aruba.com/us/traveler-health-requirements .

To learn more about the One happy island of Aruba, find more information at Aruba.com , and make sure to follow along on social, use the #OneHappyIsland hashtag and tag @ArubaTourism.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of 48 contiguous U.S./DC (excl AK & HI) & Canada (excl QB) who are 18 years of age or older and married or engaged to be married. Begins 9:00am ET on October 6, 2021; ends 11:59pm ET on November 15, 2021. For Official Rules, visit Aruba.com/us/honeymoon-first

About Aruba

As one of the most revisited Caribbean destinations, Aruba  One happy island  offers breathtaking beaches, diverse culinary delights, a sprawling and unforgettable Arikok National Park, and award-winning hotels and villas. A leader in innovation, the country was awarded a top spot on Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2020 list due to their ambitious sustainability efforts. In today's ever-changing world, Aruba's 'Health and Happiness Code' safety protocols provide peace of mind, while still delivering a relaxing on-island experience. Located outside the hurricane belt, explore all Aruba has to offer, from romantic beach getaways, unique wellness experiences and more, on Aruba.com .

This material is distributed by Zeno Group, Inc. on behalf of Aruba Tourism Authority. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.

Contact:

Zeno Group

[email protected]

SOURCE Aruba Tourism Authority

Related Links

http://www.aruba.com/honeymoonfirst


BOSTON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobile veterinary startup, BetterVet , announced its latest launch into new markets today, with the addition of Dr. Calvin Lum in San Francisco and Dr. Hanna Ekstrom in Seattle.

Founded by industry-trailblazer Bruce Herzfelder, along with former president of the AVMA, Dr. John de Jong, BetterVet is a first of its kind, family owned veterinary provider that delivers comprehensive mobile vetcare across the nation. At their core, BetterVet provides an elevated vetcare experience by meeting the pet in the comfort of their home while saving pet-parents the hassle of bringing their anxious pets to the vet. Furthermore, they utilize a mobile app and website to provide simplified appointment scheduling, virtual vet visits and telehealth communications, access to medical records and certificates, and an online pharmacy.

BetterVet's modern and mobile approach to veterinary medicine promotes a better vet care experience for pets and pet parents alike. Every BetterVet veterinarian is Fear Free certified as a badge of their commitment to minimizing anxiety and stress for furry family members.

With the primary goal of delivering the highest level of veterinary care to his patients, Dr. Calvin Lum is looking forward to joining the BetterVet family and working alongside an impressive and diverse team. Dr. Lum states, "As the owner of my own mobile practice, San Francisco Veterinary Housecalls, since 2008, I have worked all by myself for the past 13 years. I look forward to merging my practice with BetterVet. The added support of a veterinary nurse, a committed and involved team of professionals, and advanced veterinary medicine and supplies will allow me to better serve my long-term patients as well as take on new families, as well. With the support of BetterVet, I can focus my time on being a housecall veterinarian and transforming my practice into the dream I've always wanted."

Dr. Hanna Ekstrom began practicing in 1992, right after graduating with honors from Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Ekstrom initially worked with all pets before focusing down on small animal medicine and starting her own mobile practice known as At Home Vet. After selling At Home Vet in 2017, she launched Gentle Home Vet, and a "sister" practice known as Angel Wings Vet, which focuses solely on Hospice and End-of-Life Care. Dr. Ekstrom is thrilled to join the BetterVet team and says she, "couldn't be more excited at the opportunity to join the BetterVet team" and is "looking forward to being able to bring an exceptional and compassionate veterinary experience to her clients alongside a team of supportive and skilled providers."

BetterVet is excited to continue its nationwide expansion to the West Coast through the addition of Dr. Calvin Lum and Dr. Hanna Ekstrom. To acknowledge this milestone, BetterVet will be offering customers a free first video consultation if booked between October 14, 2021 and November 14, 2021. Also, new clients in the San Francisco and Seattle areas can use the promo code SF95 or SEATTLE95 to receive a $95 discount off of an in-home appointment. To book an appointment, either download BetterVet's convenient mobile app, or visit BetterVet's Appointment page via bettervet.com .

About BetterVet

Founded in July, 2020, BetterVet is a truly mobile veterinary service delivering an easy and hassle-free healthcare experience for pets, pet parents and vet care providers. From telemedicine to in-home visits, BetterVet provides all the expert veterinary services you find in a brick-and-mortar practice but in the comfort of your own home, without the stress, anxiety, and inconvenience. BetterVet is currently available in the Greater Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Denver, Austin, Palm Beach and Broward areas, and will be launching soon in more cities across the US. To learn more about BetterVet and to experience better vet care in just a few taps, visit www.bettervet.com , or download the app on any mobile device.

Related Links

https://www.bettervet.com

SOURCE BetterVet

Related Links

www.bettervet.com


Ideal for creative minds, content creators and craft lovers alike, the Canon Zoemini S2 connects to the Canon Mini Print App via Bluetooth to produce fun creations, from collages and circular printouts, to adding text and printing pre-made or custom stickers. Hand-drawn signatures and symbols can be snapped on a mobile device, edited in-app and printed using the Canon Zoemini S2, perfect for scrapbooking or zines. Perfectionists can tweak poses and ensure friends and family are all in shot before printing by checking out the live view through the Canon Mini Print app.

Shoot, print, peel and stick with 2-in-1 functionality

The creative functions of the Canon Zoemini S2 are enhanced by its 2-in-1 functionality, allowing users to shoot, customise and print on the go. Stylish selfies can be snapped with the in-built mirror and ring-light, while the new Effects and Frames buttons add vintage style filters and borders. For optimal shooting, users can flick between portrait, outdoor or selfie mode using the top slider button, and then print in different formats on up to 10 sheets of sticky-backed Zink Photo Paper to personalise everything from laptops to bedroom walls or journals.

Carry it with you anywhere thanks to its compact design

With a compact design and weight of just 188g, the Canon Zoemini S2 is the perfect pocket-camera and chic holiday companion. If users forget to refill the paper tray before setting out on an adventure, they can still snap away and save images onto the MicroSD card for printing later, with time information automatically added once synchronised with a smartphone. The print queue has now also been extended from its predecessor, reducing the wait between taking photos and the need for frequent paper refills, while the battery life lasts for up to 25 photo prints  ideal for making memories on the go.

The Canon Zoeminin S2 will be available in the Middle East region beginning December 2021.

Find out more information about the Canon Zoemini S2 here:

https://en.canon-me.com/cameras/zoemini-s2



Canon Zoemini S2 key features:

Vivid and vintage colour filter options supported as well as black and white

Automatic white balance and exposure adjustment

Borderless and white border printing both supported

Circular printing supported in addition to rectangular, with the use of Zink ZP-Circle Photo Paper

Bluetooth 5.0 compatible

Product specifications:

Power Source - Rechargeable lithium polymer (700mAh)

Display Window Size - N/A

Body Colours - Rose Gold / Pearl White / Dark Teal

/ / Dark Teal Body Size (W x H x D) - 121 x 80.3 x 22.4 mm

Weight - 188g

About the Canon Mini Print App:

Requires mobile device to be connected to the Canon Instant Camera Printer via Bluetooth and the Canon Mini Print App, available for free on the App Store and at Google Play

Compatible OS: iOS 9.0 or later, Android 4.4 or later

Supported languages: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Arabic, Portuguese, Dutch, Norwegian, Danish, Finnish, Swedish, Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Greek, Czech, Hungarian, Polish, Slovak, Turkish, Slovenian, Romanian, Bulgarian, Croatian, Russian, Kyrgyz, Kazakh, Armenian, Ukrainian

About Canon Middle East

Canon Middle East, a subsidiary of Canon Europe, is the operational headquarters for Canon in the Middle East is based in Dubai, UAE.

Founded in 1937, the desire to continuously innovate has kept Canon at the forefront of imaging excellence throughout its 80-year history and has commitments to invest in the right areas and capture growth opportunities. From cameras to commercial printers, and business consultancy to healthcare technologies, Canon enriches lives and businesses through imaging innovation.

Canon's corporate philosophy is Kyosei  'living and working together for the common good'. In EMEA, Canon Europe pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon's products, solutions and services.

Canon invests heavily in R&D to deliver the richest and most innovative products and services to satisfy customers' creative needs. From amateur photographers to professional print companies, Canon enables each customer to realize their own passion for image. Further information about Canon Middle East is available at www.canon-me.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1652862/Canon_Zoemini_S2.jpg

SOURCE Canon
Transcontinental aircraft have an impressive performance and the lowest direct operating cost to provide optimum travel solutions for business aviation travelers. The Challenger 650 is the best-selling large aircraft that offers ultimate value, a smooth ride and reliability. The Global 5500, on the other hand, famous for its leading-edge wing technology, refined interior design and agility, brings a new "home-like" comfort for non-stop travel from Toronto to many destinations Worldwide.

"New additions to the existing Chartright fleet will help us meet demand in the business jet market," said Adam Keller, President, Chartright Air Group. "The global business travel undergoes a moderate growth in 2021, a positive trend comparing to the previous year. With Covid-19, travel patterns have been changed. The combination of business and leisure travel with a flexible work created the environment for on-demand travel growth. The team at Chartright is delighted to welcome new aircraft built by Bombardier, as part of the managed fleet. For our clients it will be a great opportunity to fly privately to many destinations on the best business jets in their class."

A successful collaboration between two Canadian flagship companies continues. Earlier this year, Bombardier delivered two Global 7500 to Chartright Air Group that received positive feedback from Chartright's clients. It has proven to be a productive partnership that results in providing an ultimate experience to Canadian travelers.

About Chartright Air Group

For over 30 years Chartright has led the way in business aviation in Canada, evolving into one of the most trusted and innovative providers of business and private jet services in North America.

Visit https://chartright.com/ for more information.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Peter Boyd Chartright Air Group [email protected] +1 800.595.9395 ext. 225

Svitlana Gaidamachenko Chartright Air Group [email protected] +1 800.595.9395 ext. 239

This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com

SOURCE Chartright Air Group
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has been named a 2021 NOD Leading Disability Employer at the National Organization on Disability (NOD)'s 2021 Annual Forum. Now in its seventh year, the NOD Leading Disability Employer Seal recognizes companies who measure and achieve strong talent outcomes for people with disabilities.

With this recognition, CHOP was highlighted for its commitment to building an inclusive workforce by adopting exemplary employment practices for people with disabilities.

"We are honored to receive this recognition from the National Organization on Disability," said Gilbert Davis, Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at CHOP. "At CHOP, we believe diversity among our staff creates a more vibrant, dynamic, and creative workforce that can better meet the needs of the patients and families we serve. Making CHOP an inclusive workplace is a top priority, and we are proud of the steps we have taken to make all feel welcome here."

"I have been a disabled employee at CHOP for over 23 years," said Frank LaMacchia, an Information Services Business Analyst at CHOP. "CHOP goes to great lengths to accommodate all of its employees and ensure that individuals with a disability experience a truly inclusive workforce."

"Congratulations to all the 2021 Leading Disability Employers for creating an inclusive and diverse workplace that allows people with disabilities to be successful," said NOD President Carol Glazer. "NOD's mission is to ensure that no ability is wasted, that all Americans, including those of us with disabilities, have an opportunity for enterprise, achievement, and earnings and that corporate America knows how to put our talents to work. These winning organizations have stepped up and are doing just that. We want to applaud their leadership and thank them for their commitment to hiring and retaining people with disabilities."

The announcement was made before an audience of hundreds of diversity and inclusion leaders from global companies at NOD's two-hour virtual forum, entitled "Disability Inclusion in the Next Normal." The impactful discussion examined new opportunities the global pandemic has afforded employees with disabilities, including remote working, increased digital accessibility, better access to mental health programs and more flexibility.

The NOD Leading Disability Employer Seal is a selective award given to companies demonstrating the positive outcomes in recruiting, hiring, retaining, and advancing people with disabilities in their workforces.

About Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was founded in 1855 as the nation's first pediatric hospital. Through its long-standing commitment to providing exceptional patient care, training new generations of pediatric healthcare professionals, and pioneering major research initiatives, Children's Hospital has fostered many discoveries that have benefited children worldwide. Its pediatric research program is among the largest in the country. In addition, its unique family-centered care and public service programs have brought the 595-bed hospital recognition as a leading advocate for children and adolescents. For more information, visit http://www.chop.edu

Contact: Joey McCool Ryan

(267) 426-6070

[email protected]

SOURCE Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Related Links

http://www.chop.edu


VIENNA, Va., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cordia Partners (CORDIA), a leading outsourced accounting and technology consulting firm announces it continues to drive growth in its technology consulting business by adding Kristen Schrump as Senior Manager to the Nonprofit and Commercial Technology Consulting Practice.

"Kristen joins CORDIA to manage our Sage Intacct technology implementation and optimization project oversight and to spearhead internal training of our staff. The addition of her role was driven by new and expanded customer projects at a time when the need for ERP systems is essential for achieving financial success," stated Abraham Gogel, Principal, Cordia Partners.

"I am excited to have joined Cordia Partners at time when organizations are choosing Sage Intacct and Cordia as their accounting and technology partner. Cordia's 40% growth path the last few years has shown a true commitment for understanding its clients' needs and for delivering the right accounting and technology solutions. I am delighted to join the team and to help expand our technology practice to gain additional market share," said Kristen Schrump.

"Today, CORDIA offers the leading ERP accounting system for nonprofit organizations and commercial clients. As we continue to support customers with outsourced accounting and technology consulting, we look to bring on the most talented professionals to join our team. Kristen's skills and experience will not only enable us to expand our services, but help us bring delightful customer experiences now and in the future, " said Mitch Weintraub, Managing Partner, Cordia Partners.

About Cordia

Cordia is a professional services company with a robust platform designed to support organizations through every stage of business growth. We are a leading provider of outsourced accounting, technology consulting, executive search, recruiting & staffing, technical accounting and fractional CFO services in the Washington, DC Metropolitan region. Our team of experts has more than 20 years of deep accounting, finance, accounting systems, and recruiting expertise enabling us to support businesses in various industries including, commercial, not-for-profit, government contracting, technology, professional services, and more. Explore Cordia's platform of services at www.cordia-us.com or learn about our outsourced accounting, technology consulting, and fraction CFO services at www.cordiapartners.com.

Media Contact:

Veronica Vannoy

Principal, Marketing & Communications, Cordia

8330 Boone Boulevard, Suite 350

Vienna, VA 22182

703-962-9575

[email protected]

SOURCE Cordia

Related Links

http://www.cordia-us.com


NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 4, 2021, Credit Suisse declared a Coupon Amount for the Credit Suisse S&P MLP Index ETN (the "ETN").

ETN

Ticker ETN Name Ex-Date Record Date Coupon Payment Date Coupon Amount

per ETN Coupon

Frequency Current Yield* MLPO Credit Suisse S&P

MLP Index ETN 10/13/21 10/14/21 10/22/21 $0.1683 Quarterly 6.55%

* The "Current Yield" equals the current quarterly Coupon Amount, annualized and divided by the Closing Indicative Value of the ETN on September 30, 2021.

 The Current Yield, which is based on the ETN's Coupon Amount, is not indicative of future quarterly Coupon Amounts, if any, on the ETNs. The quarterly Coupon Amount (if any) is variable and dependent on the most recent distributions of the MLPs included in the index, and such amount does not represent a fixed periodic interest payment. There can be no assurance that the MLPs included in the index will make any distributions in any future period. Any payment on the ETN is subject to Credit Suisse's ability to pay its obligations as they become due. For more information regarding the ETN's coupon payments, please refer to the ETN's pricing supplement.

Press Contact

Anna Christensen, Credit Suisse AG, [email protected]

Credit Suisse ETNs

Telephone +1 800 320 1225, [email protected]suisse.com

The ETNs may not be suitable for all investors and should be purchased only by knowledgeable investors who understand the potential consequences of investing in the ETNs. The ETNs are subject to the credit risk of Credit Suisse. You may receive less, and possibly significantly less, than the principal amount of your investment at maturity or upon repurchase or sale. Investors will not have any partnership interests or other rights in the MLPs included in the index. Coupon Amounts on the ETNs will vary and could be zero. An investment in the ETNs involves significant risks. For further information regarding risks, please see the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the applicable pricing supplement.

Credit Suisse AG

Credit Suisse is one of the world's leading financial services providers. Our strategy builds on Credit Suisse's core strengths: its position as a leading wealth manager, its specialist investment banking capabilities and its strong presence in our home market of Switzerland. We seek to follow a balanced approach to wealth management, aiming to capitalize on both the large pool of wealth within mature markets as well as the significant growth in wealth in Asia Pacific and other emerging markets, while also serving key developed markets with an emphasis on Switzerland. Credit Suisse employs approximately 49,240 people. The registered shares (CSGN) of Credit Suisse Group AG, are listed in Switzerland and, in the form of American Depositary Shares (CS), in New York. Further information about Credit Suisse can be found at www.credit-suisse.com.

Disclaimer

This document was produced by and the opinions expressed are those of Credit Suisse as of the date of writing and are subject to change. It has been prepared solely for information purposes and for the use of the recipient. It does not constitute an offer or an invitation by or on behalf of Credit Suisse to any person to buy or sell any security. Any reference to past performance is not necessarily a guide to the future. The information and analysis contained in this publication have been compiled or arrived at from sources believed to be reliable but Credit Suisse does not make any representation as to their accuracy or completeness and does not accept liability for any loss arising from the use hereof.

Credit Suisse has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, for the offering to which this press release relates. Before you invest, you should read the applicable Pricing Supplement, the Prospectus Supplement dated June 18, 2020, and the Prospectus dated June 18, 2020 that Credit Suisse has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Credit Suisse and this offering. You may obtain these documents without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov or clicking the hyperlink below:

Pricing Supplement dated November 9, 2020:

https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1053092/000089109220012081/e11689-424b2.htm

Alternatively, Credit Suisse, Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC or any agent or any dealer participating in this offering will arrange to send you the applicable pricing supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus if you so request by calling 1-800-320-1225.

This document was produced by and the opinions expressed are those of Credit Suisse as of the date of writing and are subject to change.

Copyright  2021, CREDIT SUISSE GROUP AG and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Credit Suisse AG

Related Links

https://www.credit-suisse.com/


Denmark Tech's "Panther Pathways" program begins once students submit their applications. They receive an email invitation to take the YouScience Discovery aptitude assessment, and, once completed, they work with academic champions to understand their results and plan their college journeys. The college aims to equip students, who may or may not already have career plans, with the information they need to make intentional career and course decisions. During its past year of experience with YouScience Discovery, Denmark Tech has already seen a decrease in the number of students changing majors.

Research shows that individuals who work in careers where they have a natural aptitude tend to be more successful and have greater job satisfaction.

"YouScience will provide our students and our community with the opportunity to know that other career opportunities exist outside of what they might have imagined for themselves," said Dr. Willie L. Todd Jr., Denmark Tech President and CEO. "This is especially important for our students from rural communities whose exposure to career opportunities may be limited."

YouScience offers innovative solutions for career discovery, exploration, certification, and connection. Using science-based "brain games," YouScience Discovery helps individuals identify their aptitudes, or natural talents, and shows how these talents relate to a variety of potential careers. YouScience offers the largest collection of industry-recognized certification exams, helping faculty and administrators ensure skills are acquired and providing students with certifications that represent their skills and capabilities to potential employers.

"We're not just helping our students align with their careers faster," added Dr. A. Clifton Myles, Denmark Tech Executive VP for Administration and Innovation, and Chief Strategy Officer. "We're arming them with the knowledge that will make them competitive, so they know what to do, what decisions to make, and how to facilitate being the best self they can be. It's more than just getting a certification or degree; it's about how our students can make an impact in this world. We want to make change-agents here in our communities."

Beyond focusing on helping students find their best-fit path, Drs. Todd and Myles are also aiming to put the "tech" back in Denmark Tech. Using Precision Exams by YouScience, the college can more easily keep their curriculum aligned to the latest industry standards and attract businesses back to Denmark, S.C.

"Denmark Tech is leading the way in providing its students with career choice and support," commented Edson Barton, CEO of YouScience. "It is critically important that we support students in being successful in their careers, both in their choice of careers, as well as in providing them with the skills they need."

About YouScience

YouScience is revolutionizing how individuals, education, and industries connect and achieve success. Using psychometrically-valid brain games to measure performance-based aptitudes, the YouScience platform connects users to careers they'll naturally perform well in and industry-recognized certifications and education pathways to attain those careers. While other career assessments rely solely on interest and personality surveys, only YouScience aligns individuals with education pathways and real-world, in-demand careers and employers based on natural talents. For more information go to www.youscience.com, call (800) 470-1215, like the YouScience Facebook page and/or follow us on Twitter @You_Science.

SOURCE YouScience

Related Links

http://www.youscience.com


ST. LOUIS, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For the 36th time, financial services firm Edward Jones' Grassroots Legislative Task Force met with US legislators on Oct. 5 and 6 from Washington, D.C., to discuss a number of investment-related issues on the minds of individual investors with lawmakers, particularly advancing bipartisan retirement savings legislation to help more Americans save for a secure and dignified retirement.

While usually meeting in the US Capitol, this year's "fly-in" was held virtually. The theme for this year's virtual meetings was "Living our Purpose."

The Grassroots Task Force, a group of financial advisors from all 50 states, remains the securities industry's only volunteer advocacy organization that travels to Washington, D.C. each year to speak out on issues of importance to the individual investor. The group is dedicated to being the voice of individual investors to local, state and national lawmakers.

"The Grassroots Task Force is a great example of living our purpose - which is to partner for positive impact to improve the lives of our clients and colleagues, and together, better our communities and society," said Jesse Hill, Edward Jones principal, Government and Regulatory Relations. "With branch offices in 422 of the 435 Congressional districts, we are uniquely positioned to advocate for issues that are important to individual investors and share how policies have 'real world' impacts."

According to research Edward Jones conducted with Age Wave and Harris Poll, at the end of 2020, 22 million Americans stopped making monthly retirement contributions. For the past two years, the Grassroots Task Force has been focused on advocating for bipartisan retirement savings by hosting virtual roundtable events across the country to build momentum for bills that will help millions of Americans save for a secure and dignified retirement.

The group's current priorities include:

Establishing a new catch-up contribution to help workers 60 and older who have not been able to save sufficiently for retirement.

Increasing the required minimum distribution age from 72 to 75 to help more workers who are working and living longer to save longer.

Enhancing the small business start-up tax credit, which will enable many small businesses across the country to provide retirement benefits to their employees.

Permitting employers to make matching contributions with respect to student loan repayments that will help workers burdened with large student loan debt to start saving for retirement.

Launching The Military Spouses Retirement Security Act, which helps address the unique challenges military spouses face in saving for retirement by providing a tax credit to small businesses to make military spouses eligible more quickly for retirement benefits.

"Our research on the devastating impact the pandemic has had on retirement savings really reinforces the need to create additional opportunities for people to save," said Hill. "We are passionate about improving the possibilities for individual investors and will ensure their concerns are heard on Capitol Hilleven in this virtual environment."

About Edward Jones

Edward Jones, a FORTUNE 500 firm headquartered in St. Louis, provides financial services in the U.S. and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the investments its financial advisors offer to the location of its branch offices caters to individual investors. The firm's nearly 19,000 financial advisors serve more than 7 million clients with a total of $1.7 trillion in assets under care. The Edward Jones website is www.edwardjones.com, and its recruiting Web site is www.careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.

SOURCE Edward Jones

Related Links

www.edwardjones.com


The study surveyed more than 200 global mining executives and shortlists the most significant risks shaping the industry. The survey highlight how various external and societal factors are continuing to drive risks and opportunities, driving mining companies to reshape the future of the industry. Two new risks emerged this year: "Uncertain demand" due to energy transition and post-COVID-19 markets at number six, and at number nine, "New business models" that need to be considered to capture value amid volatility.

Top 10 Business Risks and Opportunities for mining and metals in 2022

Despite conversations in 2021 across the industry focused on the energy transition and decarbonization, environment and social issues emerged as the number one risk for 2022. We believe this reflects the industry understanding that issues will broaden as society demands continue to impact the industry. The study examines the push to develop and deploy new technology for a broader purpose, to further improve onsite health and safety, help miners respond to the challenge of transitioning to net zero and developing "greener" products, as well as an accelerated focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) measures from capital markets. The study highlights that responding companies focused on operations during the COVID-19 pandemic but are planning to increase their investment in digital transformation and innovation to help them to diversify and differentiate.

Paul Mitchell, EY Global Mining & Metals Leader, says:

"While there were fears that the COVID-19 pandemic might slow global progress on sustainability measures, the opposite has been true. Environment and social issues have emerged as a surprise top risk, which means miners need to think more broadly about which factors they consider; social impact, water management and biodiversity came through as strong areas of focus for 2022.

"As stakeholders continue to hold miners accountable for environmental and social practices, purpose, long-term value and sustainability are no longer add-ons to business as usual  they are themselves business as usual. In such an uncertain and shifting environment, we are likely to see greater use of data science, scenario planning and data modelling to guide more intelligent decisions and create differentiation."

Managing impact on the environment and communities can build a positive legacy

According to the study, the COVID-19 pandemic has focused attention on social inequalities, placing pressure on companies to go beyond their regulatory obligations and take responsibility for driving social equality in the regions in which they operate. Biodiversity has yet to receive the same attention as other ESG topics, but momentum is building. With future mines set to be carbon neutral and sustainable, the majority of the sector's environmental risk and liability will lie in closed legacy assets. Progressive closure planning can assist with these challenges.

Mitchell says: "Miners that do more to help ensure the long-term, sustainable economic and social growth of the regions in which they operate can leave a positive legacy beyond the life of the mine."

Building a flexible, practical decarbonization strategy

Over the past year, miners and investors have accelerated conversations and actions around decarbonization to address both the risks and opportunities it presents. Decarbonization therefore takes the second place in the ranking, up from fourth position last year. While focus to date has been on abating scope 1 and 2 emissions, controlling scope 3 emissions is really where value and long-term sustainability can be created, according to the study.

Mitchell says: "Decarbonization is a major industry disruptor and as such needs to be treated like any other strategic risk; dealt with at a board and executive level, and managed as part of the overarching business strategy, not addressed as a separate climate strategy delegated to a discrete team. Sharing a road map to net zero and successes along the way will be key to gaining investor confidence and, potentially, competitive advantage."

Creating long-term value for all stakeholders can secure mining's future

Despite conceding the top spot in the rankings, LTO remains an evolving and complex issue for mining and metals companies. The study indicates that shareholder expectations are changing fast, impacted by numerous challenges including the mining industry's contribution to communities, economies, protection of heritage sites and engagement with indigenous and First Nations peoples, as well as the industry's role in prioritizing ethical supply chains, with diversity and inclusion also in the spotlight.

Mitchell says: "Focus on long-term value will be critical if miners are to develop a sustainable license to operate strategy and reshape themselves for the future. The days of working solely to deliver quarterly results are over. The impetus instead needs to be on stakeholder value in its broadest sense; the value that they bring to customers, people and society, in addition to their own bottom line."

SOURCE EY

Related Links

http://www.ey.com


OJAI, Calif., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Declassified U.S government documents and witness testimony from former or retired U.S. Air Force personnel to be presented as evidence of ongoing incursions by unidentified aerial objects at nuclear missile sites over several decades. These will be cited to support the claim that nuclear missiles were inexplicably disabled while a UAP object silently hovered nearby. Four former officers involved in such encounters will discuss these and other incidents at the National Press Club and urge the U.S. Congress to investigate and hold public hearings.

Former Air Force officer, Robert Salas, was the on-duty commander of an underground launch control facility assigned to Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, on March 24, 1967. He has publicly stated over a span of twenty-five years, that all ten of his ICBMs became inoperable and that eight days earlier, on March 16, 1967, a similar incident occurred at another missile launch control facility.

Numerous other UFO-related incidents with possible implications for national security have been publicly acknowledged by former public officialswhose efforts resulted in the creation of a secret Pentagon UFO investigations group, the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP).

This Press Conference will present witness testimony and other evidence of a many of such incidents.

The first UFOs and Nukes press conference, held on September 27, 2010, which Robert Salas co-sponsored with researcher Robert Hastings, was extensively covered by the media worldwide.

WHO: Robert Salas, former USAF captain and nuclear missile crew commander

Robert Jamison, former USAF captain and nuclear missile targeting officer

David Schindele, former USAF captain and nuclear missile crew commander

Robert Jacobs, former USAF lieutenant and missile test photographic officer



WHAT: A panel of former U.S. Air Force officers will discuss their involvement in UFO incidents at nuclear missile launch facilities and test sites during the Cold War era. Witness affidavits that substantiate the reality of UFO activity at nuclear weapons sites will be available.



WHEN: Tuesday, October 19, 2021

8:30 -11:00 a.m.



WHERE: National Press Club

Combined MWL Rooms





Event open to specified guests, credentialed media and Congressional staff only



Live Stream: https://youtu.be/LTf5-TNASoI



RSVP: Robert Salas [email protected] (805) 294 5154

Contact: Robert Salas

(805) 294 5154

SOURCE Former USAF Officers Present Evidence of UFOs Tampering with Nuclear Weapons
To address this unsatisfactory situation, Safe Toddles , a non-profit whose mission is to provide blind toddlers with a solution for walking safely, will be participating in a potentially groundbreaking research study with the help of the Lavelle Fund for the Blind and conducted by Northern Illinois University. The developer of a pediatric belt cane worn by young children too small to use a standard cane, the organization has received a two-year grant from the Lavelle Fund to provide 80 blind children ranging in age from 18 to 60 months with belt canes and study their independent walking progress.

Dr. Grace Ambrose-Zaken and Professor Marom Bikson of City University of New York are the inventors of the pediatric belt cane and will work with Northern Illinois professors Bill Penrod and Dr. Ximena Bergin, co-principal investigators, to conduct this investigation. According to Ambrose-Zaken and Bikson, "The pediatric belt cane has demonstrated the ability to significantly improve the lives of children born blind and severely visually impaired by providing them a means of independent safe mobility. This study will provide the statistical data needed to demonstrate the effect of providing safe mobility to a large population of children who are blind and visually impaired."

Susan Olivo, Lavelle Fund Executive Director, described the two-year project as "a key research undertaking conducted to investigate the use of mobility tools to improve safety in children under the age of five years. The Lavelle Fund is proud to support efforts that have the potential to dramatically improve the lives of blind children."

Safe Toddles is a nonprofit that provides free pediatric belt canes to families of children who are blind and unable to afford one.

Pictured, Jaxon age 2, has tunnel vision, he strides down the street with confidence wearing his pediatric belt cane.

About Safe Toddles

Safe Toddles (nonprofit 501c3) provides the one and only pediatric belt canes (wearable white canes) for toddlers and preschoolers who are blind and mobility visually impaired. The pediatric belt cane is an innovative safe mobility solution for blind toddlers. Our unique design uses magnets to connect a lightweight rectangular white cane frame to a waist belt. When toddlers who are blind wear their belt canes, they learn to find the clear path, are protected from most bodily collisions, and gain self-confidence to independently explore their world.

Contact information

Grace Ambrose-Zaken, President & CEO Safe Toddles

845-244-6600

[email protected]

www.safetoddles.org

SOURCE Safe Toddles

Related Links

https://www.safetoddles.org/


TORONTO, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Galileo Life Sciences Inc (OTC: MDRM), also known as Modern Mobility Aids, (The Company) is a Nevada-based company, whose strategic focus lies in launching an innovative telehealth platform. The first of its "Virtual-Care-Plus" (VCPlus) clinics is scheduled to open on October 17, 2021. The clinic is located within Nanaksar Pharmacy (Nanaksar) in Brampton, Ontario.

By the end of October 2021, two more VCPlus clinics will be open at (i) Guardian MarkhaMack Pharmacy located in Markham, Ontario and (ii) in the Four Winds Roots Pharmacy in North York, Ontario.

To finalize this initiative, the Company has recruited several licensed primary care physicians to provide telehealth consultations and treat patients attending the clinics.

"We are excited to launch our first three clinics. The concept of VCPlus clinics is what differentiates us from our competitors and other telehealth providers as our physicians will be able to virtually check patients' vitals in real time, without affecting the quality of care." said Tito DiMarco, President and CEO of Galileo Life Sciences Inc.

The company will be using secure technology provided by AMD Global Telemedicine (AMD) to deliver the best possible solution for patients attending the clinics. Galileo will also offer "House Calls" for patients who are unable to attend a physical VCPlus location. This will involve a technician bringing the VCPlus directly to the patient's home for a truly virtual doctor's visit.

COVID-19 has changed the way the world looks at healthcare in all aspects, from the importance of getting regular health checkups to establishing a primary network of care. Along with other factors, the growth in population also reinforces the need for healthcare that is reliable and attainable, not sacrificing either.

Telehealth services are one of the primary sources of healthcare for people living in areas where physical healthcare may be inaccessible or overpriced. Globally, technological innovation is impacting all industries and disrupting processes to lead to a constructive solution that will greatly benefit the public. When it comes to online consultation services and being able to access quality healthcare, the narrative is quickly changing to a positive one due to the benefits these services are able to provide. COVID-19 has changed the way the world looks at healthcare in all aspects, from the importance of getting regular health checkups to establishing a primary network of care.

The global telehealth market is expected to increase from $90 billion in 2021 to $636 billion by 2028, representing a CAGR of over 32%. Galileo Life Sciences Inc. is thrilled to be a part of this growth and contribute to the industry within its local market and beyond. (source:fortunebusinessinsightt)

About Galileo Life Sciences Inc.

Galileo Life Sciences Inc. is a company strategically focused on the telehealth and telemedicine industry. The company is dedicated to offering the most robust telehealth platform incorporating AI and IOT so that anyone can get access to quality healthcare regardless of location and financial status. The company is committed to providing healthcare to those who cannot afford it. With the company's services, physicians can get direct access to the patient's vitals and examine the patient in real-time without affecting the quality of care.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release may contain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws (collectively, "Forward-looking Statements"). All information contained herein that is not clearly historical in nature may constitute Forward-looking Statements. In some cases, Forward-looking Statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "potential", "estimate", "believe" or the negative of these terms, or other similar expressions intended to identify Forward-looking Statements. There are no guarantees or assurances that expansion in leadership will result in the hopes the company has mentioned here. Any investment made into Modern Mobility Aids, Inc., would be classified as speculative and risky. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: market conditions, general acceptance of the company's products and technologies, competitive factors, the ability to successfully complete additional or adequate financing, government approvals or changes to proposed laws, and other risks and uncertainties further stated in the company's financial reports and filings. Any Forward-looking Statement included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and, except as required by law, Galileo Life Sciences Inc. and Modern Mobility Aids Inc. disclaim any obligation to update or revise any Forward-looking Statement. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on any Forward-looking Statement.

Contact: Phone : 416 254 2581, Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Modern Mobility Aids, Inc.
Among the new investors are some of the largest Family Offices from Germany and Switzerland, for example Abacon Capital. Existing investors Earlybird, CommerzVentures and Swiss Re also participated. Getsafe plans to use the money to fund its own insurance licence by the end of 2021 and to accelerate its European expansion.

The company began offering renters insurance in Germany in late 2017, and has expanded its product portfolio to a car insurance product at the end of last year. It also launched its renters insurance product in the UK in 2020. Currently, one quarter of Getsafe's total growth is already generated through the British market.

"The insurance brands we know today have been founded in a totally different era," says Christian Wiens, CEO & Co-Founder of Getsafe. "But insurance, more than many other products, can be much better when powered by technology and machine learning. This is why we believe that insurance companies built from scratch, on their own digital platform, are set to become the dominant insurance players for the generations to come."

Getsafe is digitising the entire insurance process and making it accessible through its top-rated smartphone app. Via the app, customers can buy, manage, and adapt their policies as well as file a claim on the go  all in just a few seconds.

Among first-time insurance buyers, mostly millennials, Getsafe is already leading the German market. A lot of that success goes back to Getsafe's superior customer engagement rates. In fact, 30% of customers use the Getsafe app every month  a much higher engagement than that of traditional insurance companies or brokers.

"We are delighted to work with the team surrounding CEO Christian Wiens. Getsafe's vision to excite people with a digital insurance experience, and to sustainably change this industry is a fantastic journey to be part of," says Christian Nagel, partner at Earlybird. "At Earlybird, we invest in innovative and scalable technology companies that have the potential to revolutionise entire industries. The disruption of the insurance sector is well underway and holds lots of growth opportunities. Getsafe is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between traditional insurance distribution and the needs of a new generation of customers across Europe."

To control the full value chain, Getsafe has applied for a licence with the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin, for short) last year. With its own licence, Getsafe plans to expand its product offering and innovations even faster. "We don't only want to do insurance differently, but we want to make it unconditionally better. The innovations in the insurance market we've seen so far are merely the tip of the iceberg. Becoming a full-stack carrier will give us the necessary freedom to take unconventional paths and to realise innovations quicker than before," states Christian Wiens.

In the long term, Getsafe wants to offer holistic insurance coverage for people across Europe, including life insurance. Getsafe's proprietary infrastructure is inherently geared towards multiple product lines, languages, and markets. Contrary to established insurance corporations, Getsafe is thus able to expand to new product lines and markets within a few months while offering a consistent, fully-digital customer experience.

ABOUT GETSAFE

Getsafe is a digital insurance company creating a better insurance experience for everyone that is easy, flexible, and enjoyable. With its strong technological backbone, the company offers liability, contents and car insurance in Germany and contents insurance in the UK. Getsafe replaces complexity and manual paperwork with smart bots and automation, allowing customers to file claims or change their coverage in real time with just a few clicks.

Since launching in Germany in 2018, Getsafe has expanded to the UK and is now looking into further European markets. The company is headquartered in Heidelberg, Germany, with a satellite office in London. It is one of Europe's top 10 funded insurtechs, serving 250,000 customers.

Learn more about Getsafe on our website or on our social media via LinkedIn and Twitter.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1654014/Getsafe_App.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1654015/Getsafe_Christian_Wiens.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1654013/GETSAFE_Logo.jpg

PRESS CONTACT

Dr. Lydia Prexl

Tel.: +49 151 555 69 709

E-Mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Getsafe
DUBLIN, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Micro Grids - Global Market Trajectory & Analytics" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

Global Micro Grids Market to Reach $46.5 Billion by 2026

Global market for Micro Grids estimated at US$27 Billion in the year 2020, is projected to reach a revised size of US$46.5 Billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 9.3% over the analysis period.

Grid Connected, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to grow at a 10.2% CAGR to reach US$35.5 Billion by the end of the analysis period. After a thorough analysis of the business implications of the pandemic and its induced economic crisis, growth in the Off-Grid Connected segment is readjusted to a revised 7.3% CAGR for the next 7-year period.

This segment currently accounts for a 33.2% share of the global Micro Grids market. As investments in renewable energy rises, the demand for both grid connected and off-grid connected segments are expected to witness strong demand.

With traditional utilities stretched to the breaking point due to rapid population growth, urbanization and demands of the digital age, microgrids are the future of smart and distributed energy generation and distribution. Growing complexity of ICT infrastructures and widespread deployment of high density computing infrastructures have reduced the tolerance of business processes and systems to power outages.

With the potential risk of power failures being IT system breakdown, loss of critical data, inability to provide customer services and business losses, among others, demand for sophisticated power distribution solutions will remain strong thus benefiting the adoption of microgrids.

There is increased establishment of microgrids in areas rich in green sources of power such as photovoltaic (PV) and wind power. Independent microgrids are also growing in popularity because unlike grid connected systems there are no complex government permits and cooperation with utilities required.



The U.S. Market is Estimated at $6.6 Billion in 2021, While China is Forecast to Reach $12.1 Billion by 2026

The Micro Grids market in the U.S. is estimated at US$6.6 Billion in the year 2021. The country currently accounts for a 22.4% share in the global market. China, the world's second largest economy, is forecast to reach an estimated market size of US$12.1 Billion in the year 2026 trailing a CAGR of 10.7% through the analysis period.

Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 7.1% and 7.9% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 7.8% CAGR while Rest of European market (as defined in the study) will reach US$13.2 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Frequent power outages have become an unfortunate norm globally.

While the phenomenon is more rampant across developing economies, developed regions are not alien to power outages, with the US experiencing more outages in comparison to other developed nations. The rise in microgrids established with the purpose of ensuring grid independence and leveling out power inconsistencies will therefore drive demand for microgrids.

Renewable microgrids are especially important for developing countries like India with vast geographic lands and poor electrification in rural areas. Solar microgrids are especially on the rise in developing countries where a large of portion of the population has no access to a power grid.



Key Topics Covered:



I. METHODOLOGY



II. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY



1. MARKET OVERVIEW

Growing Investments in Energy Infrastructure: The Cornerstone for Growth in the Market

How the Energy Industry is Impacted by the Pandemic & What's the New Normal?

Beyond the Current Challenges, The Pandemic Will Fuel Our Energy Transition

Microgrid: Definition, Scope, Importance and Benefits

2. FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS (Total 55 Featured)

ABB Ltd

AMS

Caterpillar

Eaton Corporation Inc.

GE's Grid Solutions

General Microgrids

Heila Technologies

Hitachi ABB Power Grids

HOMER Energy LLC

Honeywell International Inc.

Lockheed Martin Corporation

Power Analytics Corporation

S&C Electric Company

Schneider Electric SE

Siemens AG

Spirae, LLC

Tesla, Inc.

Toshiba Corporation

3. MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS

Rise in Power Outages & Undesirable Impact of Power Outages on Modern Digitalized Enterprises Pin Hopes on Microgrids to End Black Outs

Bad Weather Conditions Accelerate Risk of Power Outages

Focus on Decentralized Energy Generation Drives Deployment of Microgrids

Distributed Generation & Microgrids. Here's What You Need to Know

Rise of Smart Cities Drives the Focus on Engineering Microgrids to Achieve Slated Energy Goals

Private Sector Microgrids Rise Tall Over the Horizon to Offer Exciting Opportunities for Growth

Rising Investments in Renewable Energy Leads to Rapid Mushrooming of Renewable Microgrids Across the Global Energy Terrain

Cloud Based Management of Microgrids Attract Interest in Community Microgrids

Supported by Myriad Benefits Automated Microgrid Control Systems Grow in Popularity

IoT Revolutionizes Microgrid Management

Innovations in Microgrid Control Systems Spurs the Popularity & Operational Feasibility Microgrids

Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL): A Key Innovation in Micro-Grid Control System

The Rise of Blockchain Microgrids, a Major Trend of Note

of Note AI and Microgrids. Here's What's Happening

Robust Outlook for EVs Creates a Parallel Rise in Microgrids for Fleet Electrification

Role of Microgrids in Fleet Electrification

Growing Focus on Disaster Preparedness Drives the Importance of Microgrids

Can COVID-19 Provide a Launchpad for the Rise of Home/Residential Microgrid?

COVID-19 Induced Transition to Work-From-Home & Online Education Shifts Focus on Electricity Reliability

The Time is Ripe for Hybrid Microgrid. Here's Why

Microgrids Crucial for a Low Carbon Future

COVID-19 Expedites Decarbonization Efforts

Moving towards Low-Carbon Future with Microgrids

4. GLOBAL MARKET PERSPECTIVE



III. REGIONAL MARKET ANALYSIS



IV. COMPETITION

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3jm525

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


Key Highlights Offered in the Report:

Information on how to identify strategic and tactical negotiation levels that will help achieve the best prices.

Gain information on relevant pricing levels, detailed explanation on pros and cons of prevalent pricing models.

Methods to help engage with the right suppliers and discover KPI's to evaluate incumbent suppliers.

Get a free sample report for more information

Insights into buyer strategies and tactical negotiation levers:

Several strategic and tactical negotiation levers are explained in the report to help buyers achieve the best prices for the Paraffin Wax market. The report also aids buyers with relevant Paraffin Wax pricing levels, pros, and cons of prevalent pricing models such as volume-based pricing, spot pricing, and cost-plus pricing and category management strategies and best practices to fulfil their category objectives.

For more insights on buyer strategies and tactical negotiation levers, www.spendedge.com/report/paraffin-wax-market-procurement-research-report

Key Drivers and Trends Fueling Market Growth:

The pressure from substitutes and a moderate level of threat from new entrants has resulted in the low bargaining power of suppliers.

Price forecasts are beneficial in purchase planning, especially when supplemented by the constant monitoring of price influencing factors. During the forecast period, the market expects a change of 4.00%-6.00%.

Identify favorable opportunities in Paraffin Wax TCO (total cost of ownership).

Expected changes in price forecast and factors driving the current and future price changes.

Identify pricing models that offer the most rewarding opportunities.

To get instant access to over 1000 market-ready procurement intelligence reports without any additional costs or commitment.

Subscribe Now for Free

Some of the top Paraffin Wax suppliers listed in this report:

This Paraffin Wax procurement intelligence report has enlisted the top suppliers and their cost structures, SLA terms, best selection criteria, and negotiation strategies.

Atlas Copco AB

General Electric Co

Kobe Steel Ltd

Get the Details That You Are Looking for:

Buy our detailed market analysis report to uncover:

Changing market landscape with yearly forecast till 2025.

Analyze the market's competitive and vendor landscape.

How much marketing budget to set aside for geographical market expansion.

Understanding the most adopted procurement strategies by buyers across industries.

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Table of Content

Executive Summary

Market Insights

Category Pricing Insights

Cost-saving Opportunities

Best Practices

Category Ecosystem

Category Management Strategy

Category Management Enablers

Suppliers Selection

Suppliers under Coverage

US Market Insights

Category scope

Appendix

About SpendEdge:

SpendEdge shares your passion for driving sourcing and procurement excellence. We are the preferred procurement market intelligence partner for 120+ Fortune 500 firms and other leading companies across numerous industries. Our strength lies in delivering robust, real-time procurement market intelligence reports and solutions.

Contacts

SpendEdge

Anirban Choudhury

Marketing Manager

Ph No: +1 (872) 206-9340

https://www.spendedge.com/contact-us

SOURCE SpendEdge
The gallery is on public display at the new tasting room at Yellow Rose Distilling, Houston's first legal whiskey distillery (at 1224 North Post Oak Road). After an extensive renovation, the newly re-opened Yellow Rose Experience center also features tours of the distillery (where Yellow Rose's award-winning Outlaw bourbon, Rye, Harris County and Premium American are produced and bottled), a full bar, a 1,200 sq. ft. outdoor deck, and a store to purchase limited-edition whiskeys and gifts only available at the distillery. The facility will also function as an events and entertainment center for weddings and other celebrations.

During his long career, Jim Marshall photographed many of history's most important and trailblazing musicians, including The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Jim Morrison, The Grateful Dead, Neil Young, Janis Joplin, and of course the "Outlaws" of country music, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash, among many others. The Yellow Rose Jim Marshall photography exhibit celebrates and pays tribute to those Original Outlaws, including extraordinary images of the very first Willie Nelson's 4th of July Picnic, the Dripping Springs Reunion, now a revered Texas summer tradition.

"When we started more than 10 years ago, the first whiskey we created here at Yellow Rose was our flagship 'Outlaw Bourbon.' True to its name this was a bourbon that broke all the rules, made from only 100 percent Texas Yellow Corn and aged in American oak barrels," says Michael Langan, Yellow Rose's Head of Distillery. "So, as we were designing our new tasting room and visitors' center it seemed only fitting that we should pay tribute to the 'Original Outlaws'  and their ties to Texas  by sharing some of their stories through the lens of the legendary Jim Marshall."

In addition to the new exhibit at Yellow Rose Distilling in Houston, Jim Marshall photos are also displayed at Austin City Limits Live at Moody Theater in Austin.

"Jim loved cars, guns and camerasand whiskey. Whiskey was Jim's drink of choice and anyone who stayed friends with him shared a glass of whiskey with him," says Amelia Davis, Jim Marshall's trusted longtime assistant who now owns Jim Marshall Photography LLC, established to preserve and protect Marshall's extraordinary legacy. "We have always wanted to have a space dedicated to Jim's historic country music photography of which the Outlaw Movement is memorialized. Jim felt an affiliation with the Outlaw Movement, 'one of the reasons why I loved them is that they are Outlaws like me. They do it all their way' he liked to say. How better to celebrate Jim's love of whiskey and The Outlaws than at Yellow Rose Distillery."

"With the refurbishment and reopening of the Yellow Rose Experience and distillery, we hope that the venue will become an integral part of the fabric of Houston. To us, Yellow Rose Whiskey couldn't exist without the city of Houston. Our people, process and spirit are linked to the place our distillery calls home. Even the humidity here provides a unique opportunity to hone our craft," adds Langan. "We're thrilled to re-open our tasting room and invite all of our friends in Houston, Texas, and people from across the United States and world who have discovered and enjoy our Texas-crafted whiskeys, to come visit us here in the heart of our favorite city."

Tour hours for the Yellow Rose Experience center and distillery are:

Tuesday to Thursday: 2 to 7pm (last tour at 6pm)

Friday and Saturday: 12noon to 8pm (last tour at 7pm)

Tours and bookings can be made by visiting https://yellowrosedistilling.com/

Special events bookings can be arranged through Sara McLain at 832-717-2812 ext. 201

About Yellow Rose Distilling:

Founded in 2010, Yellow Rose Distilling, LLC is a distillery located in Houston, Texas. As Houston's first legal whiskey distillery, Yellow Rose specializes in handmade, blended and bottled premium whiskey. For more information, please visit yellowrosedistilling.com or follow us on Instagram or Facebook.

About Zamora Company USA:

Zamora Company USA, based in Dallas, Texas, brings together a collection of unique luxury brands along with an experienced, passionate and dedicated team of over 50 people. The organization manages sales, distribution, execution and marketing of the following brands: Licor 43, Double Cross Vodka, Yellow Rose Whiskey, Don Papa Rum, Martin Miller's Gin, Lolea Sangria, Villa Massa Limoncello, plus Spanish wines Ramon Bilbao, Cruz De Alba, and Mar de Frades. For more information, please visit zamoracompany.com/usa.

About Jim Marshall:

Widely acknowledged as the godfather of music photography, Marshall's 50-year career resulted in over 500 album covers, numerous magazine features and countless iconic images spanning blues, jazz, country, and the explosion of rock and roll. As a reporter from the San Jose Mercury News put it, "It's almost as if Jim Marshall was on the shoulder of God when rock & roll was born." Jim Marshall is the first and only photographer to be presented with the Recording Academy's Trustee Award, a Grammy for nonperformance contributions to the music industry, in recognition of his unprecedented chronicling of music history from the 1950s through the early 2000s. More information about Jim Marshall and the photographs displayed in the Yellow Rose Distillery exhibition, including availability for purchase, can be found at www.jimmarshallphotograhyllc.com.

SOURCE Zamora Company USA

Related Links

http://zamoracompany.com/usa


PHOENIX, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) (the "Company")a vertically integrated cannabis dispensary franchisor and operator that produces premium, award-winning productstoday announced it has signed an Asset Purchase Agreement ("APA") for an existing dispensary license and storefront in Adams County, CO.

This will be the first corporate-owned shop under its cannabis dispensary franchise brand, Unity Rd., and is anticipated to open within the next 4-6 months. Currently, the Company is awaiting regulatory approval by Colorado's Marijuana Enforcement Division ("MED").

This APA is part of an overarching acquisition strategy that is intended to accelerate national expansion by creating turnkey investment opportunities for Unity Rd. franchise partners. The Company plans to convert acquired dispensaries into Unity Rd. shops, operate them internally and sell them to an existing or future franchise partner. This offers an expedited solution for entrepreneurs seeking immediate entry into cannabis. The Company's dispensary acquisition program spans the entire state of Colorado, initially seeking opportunities in Denver, front range and compelling mountain towns.

"Our eyes are set on Colorado and building up the Unity Rd. brand to become one of the main players in the market," said the Company's Chief Strategy Officer, Jeffrey Rassas. "We're in multiple ongoing negotiations with other Colorado dispensaries to become Unity Rd. shops. Here's to the first of many."

Item 9 Labs Corp. is also targeting the Arizona, Montana and Oklahoma markets as part of these development efforts. Through its Unity Rd. dispensary franchise, the Company is focused on building a national community of local dispensary owners who open their doors each day compliantly and with confidence because of the tools, products, systems and training their team provides.

"With Unity Rd., we're keeping dispensary ownership local and thriving with the backing of a franchise system, Rassas added. "This growth plan ultimately keeps dispensary ownership in the hands of the local entrepreneur. They hire local and keep the wealth cannabis offers within their community."

More Information on Item 9 Labs Corp. and Unity Rd.:

Visit https://investors.item9labscorp.com/

Cannabis Operators Interested in Selling Their Dispensary License:

Contact Mark Busch at [email protected]

Colorado Cannabis Market Continues to Shatter Sales Records

Initially, the Company plans to operate the Adams County shop and utilize it for tours with prospective franchise partners, franchise partner and team member training and more. The shop is primed for immediate success as Colorado's cannabis sales recently hit the highest point the state has ever seen, bringing in $2.2 billion in 2020  $714.9 million of those sales were from the Denver market alone. 2021 is poised to be an even more lucrative year for the Colorado cannabis market, which has already clocked in more than $1.1 billion in sales through June.

"While Colorado was the first state to legalize recreational cannabis seven years ago, the state is still ripe with opportunity," explained Unity Rd.'s Chief Franchise Officer, Mike Weinberger. "In the industry, we refer to states like Colorado as mature cannabis markets, and there are plenty of perks to operating a dispensary in one. For instance, several members of our team have owned or led cannabis companies within the state  we know what it takes, are familiar with state regulations and have a deep understanding of the consumer. We're confident that our team can create some incredible investment opportunities for prospective operators, which is all part of our mission to keep dispensary ownership in the hands of the local business owner."

Unity Rd. offers the safest route for cannabis entrepreneurs interested in staking their claim in an industry that's bursting with potential. The dispensary franchisor's time-tested Standard Operating Procedures ("SOPs") and veteran team, with a combined 120+ years of cannabis experience, guide franchise partners through every operational function of the business, whether it be securing a license or assisting with cash flow, product selection or changing regulations.

The cannabis franchise is actively seeking qualified franchise partners throughout Colorado and the United States who would benefit from the systems, processes and ongoing support the franchise offers. As it stands, Unity Rd. currently has multiple agreements signed with more than 15 entrepreneurial groups who are in various stages of development nationwide.

More Information About the Unity Rd. Franchise Opportunity:

Contact [email protected], Call 720-923-5262 or Visit unityrd.com

About Item 9 Labs Corp.

Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) is a vertically integrated cannabis operator and dispensary franchisor delivering premium products from its large-scale cultivation and production facilities in the United States. The award-winning Item 9 Labs brand specializes in best-in-class products and user experience across several cannabis categories. The company also offers a unique dispensary franchise model through the national Unity Rd. retail brand. Easing barriers to entry, the franchise provides an opportunity for both new and existing dispensary owners to leverage the knowledge, resources, and ongoing support needed to thrive in their state compliantly and successfully. Item 9 Labs brings the best industry practices to markets nationwide through distinctive retail experience, cultivation capabilities, and product innovation. The veteran management team combines a diverse skill set with deep experience in the cannabis sector, franchising, and the capital markets to lead a new generation of public cannabis companies that provide transparency, consistency, and well-being. Headquartered in Arizona, the company is currently expanding its operations space by 650,000+ square feet on its 50-acre site, one of the largest properties in Arizona zoned to grow and cultivate flower. For additional information, visit item9labscorp.com.

About Unity Rd.

Unity Rd. is bridging the two previously disconnected worlds of cannabis and franchising. The industry trailblazer is the first to bring the cannabis dispensary franchise model to the United Stateswith duality of prowess in both industries to back it up. Built up from a collective 200 years in the legal cannabis industry and franchising, the company helps eager operators enter the complex industry with ease. The marijuana franchise pioneer offers its partners the knowledge, resources, and ongoing support needed to compliantly and successfully operate a dispensary. Launched in 2018, Unity Rd. has signed multiple agreements with more than 15 entrepreneurial groups across the country. Recently, it was named one of the top cannabis retail leaders in the nation by MJBizDaily magazine and one of the "Best Cannabis Companies to Work For" in both the dispensary and cultivation categories in Cannabis Business Times' elite 2020 list. The company is also the first cannabis business to earn a Franchise Times Dealmakers award. For more information, visit unityrd.com.

Forward-Looking Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, risks and effects of legal and administrative proceedings and governmental regulation, especially in a foreign country, future financial and operational results, competition, general economic conditions, proposed transactions that are not legally binding obligations of the company and the ability to manage and continue growth. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this news release include the introduction of new technology, market conditions and those set forth in reports or documents we file from time to time with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to revise or update such statements to reflect current events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

Media Contact:

Item 9 Labs

Jayne Levy, VP of Communications

Email: [email protected]

Investor Contact:

Item 9 Labs

800-403-1140

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Item 9 Labs Corp.

Related Links

https://www.item9labscorp.com


CHICAGO, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- JLL (NYSE: JLL) today announced the hire of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Joe Silva to lead JLL's information security strategy, working closely with global technology teams across the company, including JLL Technologies (JLLT), JLL's business division dedicated to commercial real estate technology.

As the commercial real estate industry becomes increasingly data driven and technology enabled, Silva will oversee all facets of JLL's information security approach to protect employees, customers and products. His remit will include threat management and oversight of security policies, procedures and preventative measures.

"Technology has become mission critical for real estate companies," said George Thomas, chief information officer at JLL. "As the commercial real estate industry embraces technology and data-driven decision-making, we are pleased to welcome an industry leader like Joe Silva to head up our security posture. With Joe's experience leading security practices, both internal and commercial, JLL is well positioned to lead the industry in reshaping the future of work and the built environment with technology."

Prior to JLL, Silva worked at credit reporting agency and data analytics company TransUnion, where he built and led a large, global organization responsible for cybersecurity, insider risk and product security. Before that, he worked on the commercial product side of cybersecurity with Symantec and iSight Partners, which was acquired by FireEye in 2016.

"JLL is the leader in commercial real estate because of its strategic focus on technology," said Silva. "I am thrilled to join its world-class security team and drive security innovation that supports JLL's mission to shape the future of real estate for a better world."

Silva spent his early career in a variety of security roles in the U.S. military and federal government with a significant focus on addressing cyber threats to critical infrastructure. He holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Florida State University and a master's degree in computer and network forensics from George Mason University.

About JLL Technologies

JLL Technologies (JLLT) is a division of JLL, a world leader in real estate services, that helps organizations transform the way they acquire, operate, manage and experience space. JLLT is a first-of-its-kind team combining builders of high-growth tech companies and commercial real estate experts. Its comprehensive technology portfolio of purpose-built solutions and leading venture-backed companies exceed industry demands for better business intelligence, workplace experience and smart building platforms. Learn more at www.jllt.com.

About JLL

JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. JLL shapes the future of real estate for a better world by using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces and sustainable real estate solutions for our clients, our people and our communities. JLL is a Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $16.6 billion in 2020, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of more than 92,000 as of June 30, 2021. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit ir.jll.com.

Contact: Ramona Redlingshafer

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE JLL

Related Links

https://www.jll.com


Keyrus expands its presence in the digital transformation and data intelligence markets with the acquisitions of Bigo and IT Performa

SAO PAULO, BOGOTA and MEXICO CITY, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Keyrus, a global leader in data intelligence, digital, and business transformation consulting, announces today the acquisition of Bigo, a Mexican company specializing in digital commerce, and IT Performa, a Colombian company specializing in data intelligence.

"We are strengthening our positioning and leadership in LATAM, where Keyrus has been present for more than 15 years, representing the Group's second largest operation after France," states Eric Cohen, President and CEO of Keyrus Group.

With these acquisitions, Keyrus will have a total of 800 collaborators in LATAM with functional and technical expertise in cloud technologies, big data, artificial intelligence, data science, data analytics, enterprise performance management, digital commerce, digital marketing, and digital workflows.

Keyrus also expands its geographic presence in LATAM with offices in Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Mexico.

Bigo is a fast-growing digital B2B & B2C commerce and CRM consulting company, founded in 2015, with around 40 employees and a revenue of $1.7 million in 2020. "We have built solid practices and capabilities with our team and business partners, which enable us to offer complete digital transformation solutions for our clients in Mexico and the US," states Raul Castellanos, CEO of Bigo.

IT Performa is a data intelligence solutions and consulting services company, founded in 2014, with operations in Colombia, Peru, and Mexico and a revenue of $3.1 million (2020).

IT Performa has more than 200 clients, including Juan Valdez, Policia Nacional de Colombia, and Aval Digital Labs. "Joining forces with Keyrus is a natural fit and represents a huge opportunity for IT Performa, as it will allow us to rapidly scale up and offer high quality delivery capabilities. A wider, more holistic approach will allow us to tackle our clients' data and digital business challenges within LATAM's dynamic environment," says Carlos Diaz, CEO of IT Performa.

Stephan Samouilhan, CEO of Keyrus LATAM, comments, "Demand for data intelligence and digital transformation is booming in LATAM! These acquisitions will de facto position Keyrus as the leading data and digital expert in the region."

Driven by the global pandemic, the Latin American data and digital segments came to prominence in 2020. In Mexico, more than 60% of the population used e-commerce last year. In Latin America, the number of people purchasing online grew by 5%.

In 2020, Latin American companies spent around $7 billion on cloud services, a domain that includes data management, which was previously confined to on-site operations. It is predicted to reach $18 billion in 2023, according to Boston Consulting Group.

The acquisitions of Bigo and IT Performa allow Keyrus to take advantage of its strategic partnerships in the region. With an agnostic positioning, Keyrus currently has partnerships with major cloud providers (Microsoft, AWS, Google, Oracle), digital partners (SAP and Salesforce, among others), and data partners (Alteryx, Tableau, Qlik, H2O, Denodo, and Talend, among others).

"We are ready to support local demand for projects related to the data-driven journey, digital transformation, cloud, and management and transformation to better serve our clients. Our main goal is to be recognized as a one-stop shop for data intelligence and digital transformation for mid-sized and large companies in LATAM," concludes Stephan Samouilhan.

ABOUT KEYRUS

Keyrus: Creating Value in the Digital and Data Era

Keyrus, an international leader in consulting and technology, specializing in data and digital, is committed to helping enterprises take advantage of the data and digital paradigm to enhance their performance, assisting them in undergoing transformation, and generating new drivers of growth and competitiveness.

Placing innovation at the heart of its strategy, Keyrus is developing a value proposition that is unique in the market, centered around an innovative offering that combines three major and convergent spheres of expertise:

Data Intelligence

Data Science  Artificial Intelligence  Big Data & Cloud Analytics  Business Intelligence  EIM  CPM/EPM

Data Science  Artificial Intelligence  Big Data & Cloud Analytics  Business Intelligence  EIM  CPM/EPM Digital Experience

Innovation & Digital Strategy  Digital Marketing  DMP & CRM  Digital Commerce  Digital Performance  User Experience

Innovation & Digital Strategy  Digital Marketing  DMP & CRM  Digital Commerce  Digital Performance  User Experience Management & Transformation Consulting

Strategy & Innovation  Digital Transformation  Performance Management  Project Support

With 3,000 employees, the Keyrus Group is active in 22 countries on 4 continents.

Keyrus is listed on Euronext Growth Paris (ALKEY - ISIN code: FR0004029411  Reuters: KEYR.PA  Bloomberg: ALKEY:FP).

For more information, visit: www.keyrus.com

PRESS CONTACT

LA NOUVELLE AGENCE

Jonathan Smadja

Tel : 06 67 27 57 40

[email protected]



KEYRUS

Felix Bassous

Tel : 01 41 34 10 00

[email protected]

SOURCE Keyrus
NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Krane Funds Advisors, LLC ("KraneShares"), a global asset manager known for its China-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and innovative China investment strategies, today announced the launch of the KraneShares China Innovation ETF (Ticker: KGRO).

KGRO is an active ETF that provides investors with core exposure to the brightest high-growth areas within China's economy by combining "New China" sectors. These areas include China internet, healthcare, clean technology, 5G, semiconductors, and the Shanghai Stock Exchange Science and Technology Innovation Board (STAR Market). KGRO primarily invests in the following KraneShares ETFs:

KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (Ticker: KWEB)

KraneShares MSCI All China Health Care Index ETF (Ticker: KURE)

KraneShares MSCI China Clean Technology Index ETF (Ticker: KGRN)

KraneShares CICC China 5G & Semiconductor ETF (Ticker: KFVG)

KraneShares SSE STAR Market 50 Index ETF (Ticker: KSTR)

KGRO may also invest up to 15% of its net assets in the securities of private companies that align with these themes or appear to be attractive opportunities, including companies preparing for an initial public offering.

"As we expand our suite of ETFs to cover multiple growth areas in China many investors have asked us for a comprehensive allocation to each of these opportunities," said Jonathan Krane, CEO of KraneShares. "KGRO provides investors with a model portfolio of our ETFs representing what we believe to be the top growth opportunities in China, in a single ETF."

China Innovation Highlights:

China's internet population reached 989 million people in 2020, a penetration rate of only 70.4%.1 By comparison, the U.S. internet population reached 313 million people, a penetration rate of 85.8%.2

China budgeted $360 billion for renewable energy investments from 2017 to 20203 and plans to have renewable energy account for 35% of its electricity consumption by 20304, which may lead to tremendous growth in China's clean technology industry.

Due to global supply constraints and its strategic importance, China's domestic semiconductor industry is becoming a major driver of innovation. China is becoming more self-sufficient in semiconductor development largely due to government policies and funding specifically for the industry. As stated in "Made in China 2025" initiative, China aims to produce 70% of the semiconductors used domestically by 2025 and have complete import substitution by 20305.

KGRO was inspired by the Krane China Innovation Strategy, a model portfolio available to financial advisors on select TAMPs (Turnkey Asset Management Platforms), for model delivery, or model implementation through Krane Model Portfolios.

About KraneShares

Krane Funds Advisors, LLC is the investment manager for KraneShares ETFs. Our suite of China-focused ETFs provides investors with solutions to capture China's importance as an essential element of a well-designed investment portfolio. We strive to deliver innovative, first-to-market strategies developed based on our strong partnerships and deep knowledge of investing. We help investors stay up to date on global market trends and aim to provide meaningful diversification. Krane Funds Advisors, LLC, is a signatory of the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investing (UN PRI). The firm is majority owned by China International Capital Corporation (CICC).

Citations

CNNIC, The 47th Statistical Report on the Development of China's Internet, 4/20/2021 Statista, "Internet usage in the United States - Statistics & Facts", 4/29/2021. Michael Forsythe , "China Aims to Spend at Least $360 Billion on Renewable Energy by 2020", The New York Times , 1/5/2017. Retrieved 3/31/2019. Bloomberg, "China Steps Up Its Push Into Clean Energy", 9/26/2018, retrieved 3/31/2019. US Chamber of Commerce, "Made in China 2025: Global Ambitions Built on Local Protections", 2017.

Carefully consider the Funds' investment objectives, risk factors, charges, and expenses before investing. This and additional information can be found in the Funds' full and summary prospectus, which may be obtained by visiting www.kraneshares.com/kgro. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Risk Disclosures:

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its stated objectives. The Fund is subject to political, social or economic instability within China which may cause decline in value. Fluctuations in currency of foreign countries may have an adverse effect to domestic currency values. Emerging markets involve heightened risk related to the same factors as well as increase volatility and lower trading volume.

Narrowly focused investments may be subject to higher volatility. The Fund is non-diversified.

The Fund may underperform other similar funds that do not consider conscious company/ESG guidelines when making investment decisions.

The Fund may invest in private companies that have not yet issued securities publicly in an initial public offering ("IPO") ("pre-IPO shares"). Private companies involve greater risks than investments in securities of companies that have traded publicly on an exchange for extended periods of time. Investments in these companies are generally less liquid than investments in securities issued by public companies and may be difficult for the Fund to value.

The ability of the Fund to achieve its investment objective is dependent, in part, on the continuous availability of A Shares and the ability to obtain, if necessary, additional A Shares quota. If the Fund is unable to obtain sufficient exposure to A Shares due to the limited availability of A Shares quota, the Fund could seek exposure to A Shares by investing in other types of securities, including derivatives.

The Fund may invest in derivatives, which are often more volatile than other investments and may magnify the Fund's gains or losses. A derivative (i.e. futures/forward contracts, swaps, and options) is a contract that derives its value from the performance of an underlying asset. The primary risk of derivatives is that changes in the asset's market value and the derivative may not be proportionate, and some derivatives can have the potential for unlimited losses. Derivatives are also subject to liquidity and counterparty risk.

The Fund is subject to liquidity risk, meaning that certain investments may become difficult to purchase or sell at a reasonable time and price. If a transaction for these securities is large, it may not be possible to initiate, which may cause the Fund to suffer losses.

The KraneShares ETFs are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Company (SIDCO), which is not affiliated with Krane Funds Advisors, LLC, the Investment Adviser for the Fund.

SOURCE Krane Funds Advisors, LLC

Related Links

http://kraneshares.com


Leaf Home Safety Solutions offers direct-to-consumer, in-home accessibility productsincluding stair lifts, walk-in tubs, and low-entry showers. The company is looking forward to assisting customers in the Mile High City region, where nearly 3 million people reside.

"We're thrilled to be joining the Denver market with a focus on providing high-accessibility solutions that empower people in their homes," said Jeff Collignon, President of Leaf Home Safety Solutions. "We feel that everyone deserves to live comfortably wherever they choose, and our products allow people to enhance their residence to meet their needs."

Leaf Home Safety Solutions' life-enhancing products are designed to improve life quality without the need for a stressful, full-scale renovation. The company strives to enable homeowners to access every room and level of their home with ease and confidence. Custom installations and packages allow representatives to work with each customer's existing space, allowing projects to be completed in a matter of days instead of weeks or months.

To learn more and see if Leaf Home Safety Solutions serves your neighborhood, visit the website and schedule a free estimate.

About Leaf Home

Leaf Home is a leading technology-enabled provider of home solutions on a mission to transform home hassles into personal peace of mind. Leaf Home's experienced, dependable specialists provide end-to-end services directly to consumers through its core brands; LeafFilter Gutter Protection, Leaf Home Safety Solutions, Leaf Home Water Solutions, and Leaf Home Enhancements. With its corporate headquarters in Hudson, Ohio, Leaf Home delivers seamless, transformative home solutions for safer, easier, and more comfortable living every day. Live Comfortable. Live Safe. Live Happy. For more information, visit www.leafhome.com.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Leaf Home

Related Links

http://www.leaffilter.com


Blanc brings over 18 years of experience to LGA, well-known for his roles as a successful venture-backed start-up founder, BCG strategy consultant, and life insurance president with deep Asian and North American start-up and corporate experience. Previously, Blanc served as Co-Founder & CEO of Gerry Care, Inc., a start-up focused on improving the accountability and affordability for families seeking long term care. He has been recognized as one of the "20 Insurance Innovators to Know" by Digital Insurance and was named a top 35 young executive by Intelligent Insurer.

"I am thrilled to be joining the Term Life insurance market leader, Legal & General America," said Farron Blanc, VP of Brokerage Distribution & Strategy. "My prior experience of leading agile teams to build, iterate and scale digital, data-driven tech within regulated industries aligns with how LGA is continuing to invest in an ever-changing industry. By continuing to advance our digital platform we can help our business partners and brokerage customers grow their business, create delightful experiences, and ultimately provide protection to millions of Americans."

"We are delighted to have Farron join LGA," said Jennifer Torneden, SVP of Sales, Marketing & Strategic Growth. "His unique background in advising and scaling insurtech companies from the ground up and significant corporate consulting experience brings enormous value to us as we continue to accelerate business growth in the North American market."

About Legal & General America

Legal & General America is part of the worldwide Legal & General Group. For over 70 years, the Legal & General America companies have been in the business of providing financial protection through life insurance for American families. The Legal & General America companies are Banner Life Insurance Company and William Penn Life Insurance Company of New York. With more than $57 billion in new coverage issued in 2020, LGA is ranked in the top ten of U.S. life insurers and ended 2020 with in excess of $782 billion of coverage in force with 1.5 million U.S. customers. LGA shares Legal & General's independent financial strength ratings: A+ Superior from A. M. Best and AA- Very Strong from Standard and Poor's and Fitch. For more information, please visit https://www.lgamerica.com.

Legal & General America life insurance and retirement products are underwritten and issued by Banner Life Insurance Company, Urbana, MD and William Penn Life Insurance Company of New York, Valley Stream, NY. Banner products are distributed in 49 states and in DC. William Penn products are available exclusively in New York; Banner does not solicit business there. The Legal & General America companies are part of the worldwide Legal & General Group.

SOURCE Legal & General America (LGA)
TSX andOTCQX: MPVD

TORONTO and NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. ("Mountain Province", the "Company") (TSX: MPVD) (OTCQX: MPVD) today announces that the Company and Stuart Brown, its President and Chief Executive Officer, have reached a mutual decision that Mr. Brown will depart the Company, effective immediately. Jonathan Comerford has been appointed Interim President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company in Mr. Brown's place. A search for a full-time replacement has commenced and the Company would hope to make an announcement on this in the coming weeks. Mr. Brown has also resigned as a director of the Company. Mr. Brown will provide assistance to the Company to facilitate the transitional period.

Mr. Comerford has been a director of the Company since September 2001 and the Chairman since April 2006. From May to July 2018, he assumed the additional role of Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Comerford is resident in Dublin, Ireland. He obtained his Masters in Business from the Michael Smurfit Business School and a Bachelor of Economics from University College Dublin. Mr. Comerford has been the Investment Manager at International Investment Underwriting (IIU) since August 1995.

Mr. Comerford commented:

"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Stuart for his strong and committed service as CEO of Mountain Province for the past three years. Stuart has guided the Company through difficult times for the Diamond sector including the very challenging Covid-19 Pandemic. He leaves the Company in a stronger position entering 2022. We appreciate his considerable efforts and accomplishments, and wish him the very best in his future endeavors."

About the Company

Mountain Province Diamonds is a 49% participant with De Beers Canada in the Gahcho Kue diamond mine located in Canada's Northwest Territories. The Gahcho Kue Joint Venture property consists of several kimberlites that are actively being mined, developed, and explored for future development. The Company also controls 106,202 hectares of highly prospective mineral claims and leases that surround the Gahcho Kue Joint Venture property that include an indicated mineral resource for the Kelvin kimberlite and inferred mineral resources for the Faraday kimberlites.

For further information on Mountain Province Diamonds and to receive news releases by email, visit the Company's website at www.mountainprovince.com.

Qualified Person

The disclosure in this news release of scientific and technical information regarding Mountain Province's mineral properties has been reviewed and approved by Matthew MacPhail, P.Eng., MBA, and Tom E. McCandless, Ph.D., P.Geo., both employees of Mountain Province Diamonds and Qualified Persons as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Caution Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian and United States securities laws concerning the business, operations and financial performance and condition of Mountain Province Diamonds Inc. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to operational hazards, including possible disruption due to pandemic such as COVID-19, its impact on travel, self-isolation protocols and business and operations, estimated production and mine life of the project of Mountain Province; the realization of mineral reserve estimates; the timing and amount of estimated future production; costs of production; the future price of diamonds; the estimation of mineral reserves and resources; the ability to manage debt; capital expenditures; the ability to obtain permits for operations; liquidity; tax rates; and currency exchange rate fluctuations. Except for statements of historical fact relating to Mountain Province, certain information contained herein constitutes forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates," "may," "can," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "projects," "targets," "intends," "likely," "will," "should," "to be", "potential" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may", "should" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made, and are based on a number of assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Mountain Province and there is no assurance they will prove to be correct.

Factors that could cause actual results to vary materially from results anticipated by such forward-looking statements include the development of operation hazards which could arise in relation to COVID-19, including, but not limited to protocols which may be adopted to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and any impact of such protocols on Mountain Province's business and operations, variations in ore grade or recovery rates, changes in market conditions, changes in project parameters, mine sequencing; production rates; cash flow; risks relating to the availability and timeliness of permitting and governmental approvals; supply of, and demand for, diamonds; fluctuating commodity prices and currency exchange rates, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, failure of plant, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated.

These factors are discussed in greater detail in Mountain Province's most recent Annual Information Form and in the most recent MD&A filed on SEDAR, which also provide additional general assumptions in connection with these statements. Mountain Province cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Investors and others who base themselves on forward-looking statements should carefully consider the above factors as well as the uncertainties they represent and the risk they entail. Mountain Province believes that the expectations reflected in those forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release.

Although Mountain Province has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Mountain Province undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change except as required by applicable securities laws. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Statements concerning mineral reserve and resource estimates may also be deemed to constitute forward-looking statements to the extent they involve estimates of the mineralization that will be encountered as the property is developed.

Further, Mountain Province may make changes to its business plans that could affect its results. The principal assets of Mountain Province are administered pursuant to a joint venture under which Mountain Province is not the operator. Mountain Province is exposed to actions taken or omissions made by the operator within its prerogative and/or determinations made by the joint venture under its terms. Such actions or omissions may impact the future performance of Mountain Province. Under its current note and revolving credit facilities Mountain Province is subject to certain limitations on its ability to pay dividends on common stock. The declaration of dividends is at the discretion of Mountain Province's Board of Directors, subject to the limitations under the Company's debt facilities, and will depend on Mountain Province's financial results, cash requirements, future prospects, and other factors deemed relevant by the Board

SOURCE Mountain Province Diamonds Inc.

Related Links

http://www.mountainprovince.com


WASHINGTON, Oct. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA will provide coverage of upcoming prelaunch and launch activities for Lucy, the agency's first mission to explore the Jupiter Trojan asteroids.

Lucy is scheduled to launch no earlier than 5:34 a.m. EDT Saturday, Oct. 16, on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V 401 rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

Live launch coverage will begin at 5 a.m. EDT on NASA Television, the NASA app , and the agency's website . NASA will hold a prelaunch briefing Wednesday, Oct. 13, and science and engineering briefings Oct. 14.

Over its 12-year primary mission, Lucy will explore a record-breaking number of asteroids. The spacecraft will fly by one asteroid in the solar system's main belt and seven Trojan asteroids. Lucy's path will circle back to Earth three times for gravity assists, which will make it the first spacecraft ever to return to our planet's vicinity from the outer solar system.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, all media participation in news conferences will be remote dial-in only. A phone bridge will be provided for each briefing.

Full mission coverage is as follows. Information is subject to change:

Wednesday, Oct. 13

1 p.m.: Lucy prelaunch news conference with the following participants:

Thomas Zurbuchen , associate administrator, NASA's Science Mission Directorate at the agency's Headquarters in Washington .

, associate administrator, NASA's Science Mission Directorate at the agency's Headquarters in . Hal Levison , Lucy principal investigator, Southwest Research Institute.

, Lucy principal investigator, Southwest Research Institute. Donya Douglas-Bradshaw , Lucy Project Manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland .

, Lucy Project Manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in . John Elbon , Chief Operating Officer, United Launch Alliance.

, Chief Operating Officer, United Launch Alliance. Launch weather officer, 45th Weather Squadron, Space Launch Delta 45, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Omar Baez , Lucy Launch Director, NASA's Launch Services Program at Kennedy Space Center in Florida .

For the dial-in number and passcode, please contact the Kennedy newsroom at: [email protected] no later than noon, Wednesday, Oct. 13. Members of the public may also ask questions online by using #LucyMission on social media.

Thursday, Oct. 14

10 a.m.: NASA EDGE: Live Lucy Rollout Show.

1 p.m.: Lucy science briefing with the following participants:

Adriana Ocampo , Lucy program executive, NASA Headquarters.

, Lucy program executive, NASA Headquarters. Cathy Olkin , Lucy deputy principal investigator, Southwest Research Institute.

, Lucy deputy principal investigator, Southwest Research Institute. Keith Noll , Lucy project scientist, Goddard.

, Lucy project scientist, Goddard. Hal Weaver , principal investigator for Lucy's L'LORRI instrument, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory.

, principal investigator for Lucy's L'LORRI instrument, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. Phil Christensen , principal investigator for Lucy's L'TES instrument, Arizona State University .

, principal investigator for Lucy's L'TES instrument, . Dennis Reuter , principal investigator for Lucy's L'Ralph instrument, Goddard.

3 p.m.: Lucy engineering briefing with the following participants:

Joan Salute, associate director for flight programs, Planetary Science Division, NASA Headquarters.

Jessica Lounsbury , Lucy project systems engineer, Goddard.

, Lucy project systems engineer, Goddard. Katie Oakman , Lucy structures and mechanisms lead, Lockheed Martin Space.

, Lucy structures and mechanisms lead, Lockheed Martin Space. Coralie Adam , deputy navigation team chief, KinetX Aerospace.

For the dial-in number and passcode, please contact the Kennedy newsroom at: [email protected] by Thursday, Oct. 14 no later than noon for the Science Briefing and 2 p.m. for the Engineering Briefing. Members of the public may also ask questions, which may be answered in real-time during the segment, by using #LucyMission on social media.

Friday, Oct. 15

3:30 p.m.: NASA Science Live with the following participants:

Carly Howett , assistant director of the Department of Space Studies, Southwest Research Institute.

, assistant director of the Department of Space Studies, Southwest Research Institute. Wil Santiago , deep space exploration engineer, Lockheed Martin Space.

, deep space exploration engineer, Lockheed Martin Space. Donya Douglas-Bradshaw , Lucy project manager, Goddard.

, Lucy project manager, Goddard. Brittine Young , mentor for the NASA Lucy L'SPACE academy.

, mentor for the NASA Lucy L'SPACE academy. Wilbert Ruperto , ambassador for the NASA Lucy L'SPACE academy.

This episode will air live on NASA Television and stream live on the agency's Facebook, Twitter and YouTube channels. Members of the public can participate live by sending questions using #askNASA or posting a comment in the live video chat stream.

NASA TV Launch Coverage

NASA TV live coverage will begin at 5 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16. For NASA TV downlink information, schedules, and links to streaming video, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/live

Audio only of the news conferences and launch coverage will be carried on the NASA "V" circuits, which may be accessed by dialing 321-867-1220, -1240, -1260 or -7135. On launch day, "mission audio," countdown activities without NASA TV launch commentary, will be carried on 321-867-7135.

On launch day, a "clean feed" of the launch without NASA TV commentary will be carried on the NASA TV media channel.

NASA Website Launch Coverage

Launch day coverage will be available on the agency's website. Coverage will include livestreaming and blog updates beginning no earlier than 5 a.m. Oct. 16, as the countdown milestones occur. On-demand streaming video and photos of the launch will be available shortly after liftoff. For questions about countdown coverage, contact the Kennedy newsroom at: 321-867-2468. Follow countdown coverage on our launch blog at:

https://www.blogs.nasa.gov/lucy

Interview Requests

Members of the media looking for interviews on the Lucy launch should submit media requests to Alana Johnson and Nancy Neal-Jones.

Public Participation

Members of the public can register to attend the launch virtually. NASA's virtual guest program for Lucy includes curated launch resources, a behind-the-scenes look at the mission, and the opportunity for a virtual guest launch passport stamp .

Virtual NASA Social

As NASA finalizes launch preparations, the agency invites the public to join its virtual NASA Social for the #LucyMission on Facebook. Stay up to date on the latest mission activities, interact with NASA team members in real-time, and watch the launch.

Watch and Engage on Social Media

Stay connected with the mission on social media, and let people know you're following it on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram using the hashtag #LucyMission  and tag the following accounts:

Twitter: @NASA , @NASASolarSystem, @NASASocial , @NASA_LSP , @SLDelta45

Facebook: NASA , NASASolarSystem, NASA LSP , SLDelta45

Instagram: NASA

The launch of this mission is managed by NASA's Launch Services Program, based at Kennedy, America's premiere multi-user spaceport. Goddard provides overall mission management, systems engineering, and safety and mission assurance. Lucy's principal investigator is based out of the Boulder, Colorado, branch of Southwest Research Institute. Lucy is the 13th mission in NASA's Discovery Program. NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, manages the Discovery Program for the agency's Science Mission Directorate in Washington.

United Launch Alliance is the rocket provider for Lucy's launch. Lockheed Martin Space in Littleton, Colorado, built the spacecraft.

Para obtener informacion sobre cobertura en espanol en el Centro Espacial Kennedy o si desea solicitar entrevistas en espanol, comuniquese con Antonia Jaramillo 321-501-8425.

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


In all four US census regions, telehealth claim lines fell from June to July 2021 as a percentage of all medical claim lines just as they did nationally, with the greatest decrease occurring in the South. In that region, telehealth utilization dropped 11.4 percent from June to July 2021.

Mental health conditions remained the top-ranking telehealth diagnosis nationally and in every region, but from June to July 2021 their percentage share of all telehealth claim lines fell nationally and in every region except the Northeast. Nationally, where the share held by mental health conditions dropped from 61.3 percent in June 2021 to 60.7 percent in July, the percentage had been rising every month since January 2021. From June to July 2021, acute respiratory diseases and infections increased as a percentage of all telehealth claim lines nationally and in every region.

From June to July 2021, joint/soft tissue diseases and issues fell in the rankings of telehealth diagnoses nationally and in every region except the West. Nationally, this diagnosis fell from third to fourth place; in the West, it remained in third place. Developmental disorders rose in the rankings nationally and in the Northeast and Midwest, while acute respiratory diseases and infections rose in the rankings in the Midwest, as did skin infections and issues and urinary tract infections in the South.

There were also changes in the top five telehealth procedure codes by utilization. Nationally, from June to July 2021, CPT2 99214, established patient outpatient visit, total time 30-39 minutes, fell from second to third place, while CPT 99213, established patient outpatient visit, total time 20-29 minutes, rose from third to second placereversing a change in places that had happened the previous month.

In the Midwest from June to July 2021, CPT 99213 (established patient outpatient visit of 20-29 minutes) rose from fourth to third place, while CPT 90834, 45-minute psychotherapy, fell from third to fourth place.

About the Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker

Launched in May 2020 as a free service, the Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker uses FAIR Health data to track how telehealth is evolving from month to month. An interactive map of the four US census regions allows the user to view an infographic on telehealth in a specific month in the nation as a whole or in individual regions. Each infographic shows month-to-month changes in volume of telehealth claim lines, top five telehealth procedure codes and top five telehealth diagnoses (or diagnostic categories), along with that month's top five granular diagnoses within the most common diagnostic category.

FAIR Health President Robin Gelburd stated: "FAIR Health's Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker continues to reveal changes in telehealth as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves. This is one of many ways we pursue our healthcare transparency mission."

For the Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker, click here.

Follow us on Twitter @FAIRHealth

About FAIR Health

FAIR Health is a national, independent nonprofit organization that qualifies as a public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the federal tax code. It is dedicated to bringing transparency to healthcare costs and health insurance information through data products, consumer resources and health systems research support. FAIR Health possesses the nation's largest collection of private healthcare claims data, which includes over 35 billion claim records and is growing at a rate of over 2 billion claim records a year. FAIR Health licenses its privately billed data and data productsincluding benchmark modules, data visualizations, custom analytics and market indicesto commercial insurers and self-insurers, employers, providers, hospitals and healthcare systems, government agencies, researchers and others. Certified by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) as a national Qualified Entity, FAIR Health also receives data representing the experience of all individuals enrolled in traditional Medicare Parts A, B and D; FAIR Health includes among the private claims data in its database, data on Medicare Advantage enrollees. FAIR Health can produce insightful analytic reports and data products based on combined Medicare and commercial claims data for government, providers, payors and other authorized users. FAIR Health's systems for processing and storing protected health information have earned HITRUST CSF certification and achieved AICPA SOC 2 compliance by meeting the rigorous data security requirements of these standards. As a testament to the reliability and objectivity of FAIR Health data, the data have been incorporated in statutes and regulations around the country and designated as the official, neutral data source for a variety of state health programs, including workers' compensation and personal injury protection (PIP) programs. FAIR Health data serve as an official reference point in support of certain state balance billing laws that protect consumers against bills for surprise out-of-network and emergency services. FAIR Health also uses its database to power a free consumer website available in English and Spanish, which enables consumers to estimate and plan for their healthcare expenditures and offers a rich educational platform on health insurance. An English/Spanish mobile app offers the same educational platform in a concise format and links to the cost estimation tools. The website has been honored by the White House Summit on Smart Disclosure, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), URAC, the eHealthcare Leadership Awards, appPicker, Employee Benefit News and Kiplinger's Personal Finance. FAIR Health also is named a top resource for patients in Dr. Marty Makary's book The Price We Pay: What Broke American Health Careand How to Fix It and Dr. Elisabeth Rosenthal's book An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back. For more information on FAIR Health, visit fairhealth.org.

Contact:

Rachel Kent

Senior Director of Marketing, Outreach and Communications

FAIR Health

646-396-0795

[email protected]

1 A claim line is an individual service or procedure listed on an insurance claim.

2 CPT  2020 American Medical Association (AMA). All rights reserved.

SOURCE FAIR Health

Related Links

www.fairhealth.org


WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The White House Historical Association released a new episode of the 1600 Sessions podcast today, "A Discussion with the Voices of Lafayette Park." In this episode, Association President Stewart McLaurin is joined by the narrators of the newly installed Wayside Exhibit in Lafayette Square, which was created by the White House Historical Association in partnership with the National Park Service.

Watch the full video of this podcast episode here.

The Wayside Exhibitwhich features audio narration of the panel textdetails the historical origins of the park, including the involvement of enslaved labor in the construction of the White House, the commemoration and preservation of the White House's legacy, and the history of the park as a site for demonstrations and protests.

The audio components of the panels are voiced by Royce L. Dickerson, member of the National Black MBA Association and current MBA candidate at Manderson Graduate School of Business at the University of Alabama, and Hilary West, the Executive Director for Federal Government Relations at JPMorgan Chase and Co. These audio recordings are also available on the White House Historical Association's website.

Dickerson remarked on the impact of the historical markers, saying, "It's not D.C. history, it's not White House history, it's American history. Being able to have a voice and tell the story for everyone who visits Lafayette Park is an incredible opportunity and honor."

West shared the sentiment, adding, "The educational resources that you all provide are very exceptional, whether it is for us as human beings to educate ourselves or for educators to be able to use in their classrooms to teach students."

"We are proud to commemorate the vital history of Lafayette Square and bring it to life in a manner that is accessible to all," said Stewart McLaurin, President of the White House Historical Association. "Our goal is to uphold the legacy of White House Historical Association founder Jacqueline Kennedy by continuing the Association's long-standing tradition of promoting accessibility, understanding, and appreciation of the Executive Mansion."

The 1600 Sessions is available on iTunes, Google Play, Spotify, and Stitcher.

To hear the full episode, visit The1600sessions.org.

The 1600 Sessions

In this podcast series, White House Historical Association President Stewart McLaurin interviews luminaries, historians, and eyewitnesses to history about America's most famous residence and officethe White House. Each episode includes a prominent guest or guests to discuss varying facets of White House history, including insights from former staff and many other topical issues.

About The White House Historical Association

First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy envisioned a restored White House that conveyed a sense of history through its decorative and fine arts. In 1961, the White House Historical Association was established to support her vision to preserve and share the Executive Mansion's legacy for generations to come. Supported entirely by private resources, the Association's mission is to assist in the preservation of the state and public rooms, fund acquisitions for the White House permanent collection, and educate the public on the history of the White House. Since its founding, the White House Historical Association has contributed more than $50 million in fulfillment of its mission. To learn more about the White House Historical Association, please visit www.whitehousehistory.org .

SOURCE White House Historical Association

Related Links

http://www.whitehousehistory.org


NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fireblocks ( www.fireblocks.com ), the global leader in digital asset custody and settlement technology announced today that it has been selected to support Bankhaus von der Heydt, a German-based, privately owned bank offering traditional and digital asset banking, securitization and fund services. The bank will leverage Fireblocks' advanced custody technology in combination with the Fireblocks Network to expand digital asset and crypto service offerings to its customer base.

"Fireblocks gives us a secure and easy to use platform to develop complex operational workflows such as moving between asset trading and custody, staking assets in custody or even a direct integration with lending protocols to extend our service portfolio," said Philipp Doppelhammer, Managing Director of Bankhaus von der Heydt. "With Fireblocks, we are one step closer to becoming the one stop shop for our customers."

Launched in 1754, Bankhaus von der Heydt is one of the first banks in Germany to offer blockchain services such as cryptocurrency trading, and custody services for financial institutions. Its product suite consists of secure custody of crypto assets, solutions for tokenization, efficient payment transactions and provides regulatory secure market access. While operating as a German financial institution under the supervision of BaFin, von der Heydt must ensure the highest possible level of security in the handling and safekeeping of assets.

The Munich based Bankhaus von der Heydt integrated Fireblocks' platform as a key component of its digital asset custody solution to increase operational efficiency and security, specifically combining Fireblocks' MPC and SGX infrastructure, with its own security mechanisms. Fireblocks delivered all relevant blockchain protocols as well as exchanges and easy API integration into the bank's existing IT-architecture.

"Supporting Bankhaus von der Heydt marks another key milestone in our mission to bridge the gap between digital asset banking and traditional finance," said Michael Shaulov, CEO of Fireblocks. "As a pioneer in Germany for over 250 years, Bankhaus von der Heydt is seen as a trusted partner for innovative financial market solutions and we are proud to work alongside them to revolutionize the financial sector and work towards bringing every single banking service to the blockchain space, safely."

Fireblocks now supports many of the world's biggest banks such as BNY Mellon, Signature Bank and Siam Commercial Bank in addition to leading crypto-native exchanges, lending desks, hedge funds, OTC desks, and market makers and is a trusted partner to financial institutions and other organizations worldwide looking to securely enter the digital asset space.

About Fireblocks

Fireblocks is an enterprise-grade platform delivering a secure infrastructure for moving, storing, and issuing digital assets. Fireblocks enables exchanges, lending desks, custodians, banks, trading desks, and hedge funds to securely scale digital asset operations through the Fireblocks Network and MPC-based Wallet Infrastructure. Fireblocks has secured the transfer of over $1 trillion in digital assets and has a unique insurance policy that covers assets in storage & transit. For more information, please visit www.fireblocks.com .

About Bankhaus von der Heydt

Founded in 1754, Bankhaus von der Heydt is a privately owned bank, offering traditional and digital asset banking, securitization and fund services. Based in Munich, Bankhaus von der Heydt is one of the first banks in Germany to offer blockchain, cryptocurrencies trading and custody services. For more information please visit https://www.1754.eu/ .

SOURCE Fireblocks

Related Links

www.fireblocks.com


NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On September 29, 2021, Outten & Golden obtained court approval of a settlement agreement and consent decree that prohibits the individuals who allegedly ran an unlicensed, worked-based "recovery" program with multiple citations from the Department of Labor, from operating or directing a rehabilitation program in the state of North Carolina. The settlement and consent decree enforcing it follow Outten & Golden's recovery of $805,000 through settlements with the businesses that contracted with the recovery program. Plaintiffs are also represented by the North Carolina Justice Center and Patterson Harkavy LLP.

Plaintiffs alleged that Defendants Jennifer Warren and Phillip Warren operated a purported substance abuse program, Recovery Connections Community (RCC), where they forced individuals struggling to overcome substance abuse and addiction to work for local businesses without pay while housing them in unsanitary conditions, and without providing any real substance abuse treatment. The businesses paid the program the wages that should have gone to its residents, the lawsuit alleged. In 2019 and 2020, Plaintiffs recovered $805,000 through settlements with the businesses who contracted with the program. On September 29, 2021, the Court entered a consent decree that prohibits Jennifer Warren and Phillip Warren from owning, operating, or directing a substance abuse treatment center in North Carolina.

"We are pleased that we were able to achieve a settlement with the program's operators for important programmatic relief," Stewart said, "on top of our prior settlements with the offsite employers for significant monetary relief." The businesses that allegedly employed the Plaintiffs included fast food restaurants and senior living facilities. The program claimed this employment provided its residents training in vocational skills, but in reality, the lawsuit alleged, it allowed the defendants to profit from an unpaid labor pool.

In the complaint filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina, Plaintiffs alleged that RCC deceptively presented itself as a substance abuse recovery service provider, but the defendants verbally abused the residents in what they claimed was therapy and provided no bona fide counseling or vocational training. Plaintiffs alleged that they were forced to live in unsafe, unsanitary, and inadequate conditions without air conditioning or running water; in some instances, up to twelve people were expected to live in 936 square feet.

Plaintiffs were then expected to work up to 16 hours a day for the program, performing personal work for Jennifer and Phillip Warren, and performing work for local businesses, including adult care facilities and local restaurants, according to the complaint. Plaintiffs allege they were not paid for any of this work: local businesses did not pay residents wages, but instead contracted with the Warrens and the program for residents' labor. According to the complaint, the Warrens and the program pocketed the residents' pay, while the businesses benefitted from access to a pool of sub-market rate labor.

"We hope that this lawsuit will put rehabilitation programs nationwide on notice that they should seriously evaluate any working arrangements," Stewart commented, "and if work is to be a part of a live-in rehabilitation program, avoid overwork and ensure that patients are paid fairly for any work they perform."

The case was filed in the Eastern District of North Carolina Western Division.

Case 5:18-cv-00466-BO

CONTACTS: Melissa L. Stewart, 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
CHICAGO, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The ongoing demand for medical face mask in creating incredible opportunities for growth in the global market. COVID-19 drastically impacted the scenario of the medical mask market. Manufacturers in the US were drastically affected due to the pandemic as majority of the face masks were imported from China and only a few major manufacturers such as 3M and Honeywell managed the demand in the US. Healthcare facilities worldwide initiated to encourage individuals and businesses to donate such critical supplies to protect healthcare workers in the global pandemic crisis. Observing these rapid and drastic changes in demand and supply patterns encouraged the industry analysts at Arizton to publish exhaustive and data-driven insights on these recent trends in the health & wellness industry. If you want to grow and gain profit in your business, check out Arizton's wide range of healthcare related reports today and also get customised reports as per business requirement!

Here's the sneak peak of the exhaustive face mask reports!

1. Face Mask Market - Global Outlook and Forecast 2020-2025

The global face mask market expected to reach USD 8.88 billion by 2026, exhibiting a growth rate of 4.8% by 2026. New companies are entering the global face masks market. Since many countries lack domestic manufacturers, they are largely dependent on imports of face masks from China and the US. New entries will be partnering with established vendors and to capture higher market share during the forecast period. The demand for masks has drastically risen due to COVID-19 pandemic and are creating lucrative opportunities for the vendors to expand their portfolio in the global market. The FDA issued an umbrella EUA for certain disposable, single-use surgical masks in response to concerns relating to insufficient supply and availability of such masks. This EUA authorized the emergency use of surgical masks that met certain performance requirements for use in healthcare settings. In addition, the FDA also initiated innovative and creative approaches to recommend using 3D-printed face masks to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, which is gaining high traction in the market. Online channels are gaining popularity in the global market, vendors are expected to adopt online distribution channels to increase their footprint and intensify the competition among other vendors.

Interesting Facts to Know

In March 2020 , one of the key players, Honeywell added a medical face mask production operation at its Phoenix Engines campus in Arizona , US, to fight against the global novel coronavirus pandemic.

, one of the key players, Honeywell added a medical face mask production operation at its Phoenix Engines campus in , US, to fight against the global novel coronavirus pandemic. Player such as 3M has invested more than USD 80 million to ramp up the production of N95 respirator masks during the pandemic. However, these investments are expected to double 3M's production capacity to around 2 billion respiratory masks in the upcoming years.

has invested more than to ramp up the production of N95 respirator masks during the pandemic. However, these investments are expected to double 3M's production capacity to around 2 billion respiratory masks in the upcoming years. AstraZeneca, one of the major pharma companies, also donated more than 9 million face masks to healthcare workers in various countries during the pandemic to overcome the crisis in the global market.

Get your free sample now! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/face-mask-market

2. U.S. Medical Mask Market - Industry Outlook and Forecast 2020-2025

The US medical mask market size to reach USD 586.93 million by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 23.13% during the forecast period. Many reputed companies from many industries are taking initiatives to donate medical face masks amid a national shortage as COVID-19 takes an increasing toll on the US population. Many studies suggest that the number of outpatient surgical procedures in the US is estimated to grow from around 129 million in 2018 to approximate 144 million by 2023. The CDC reported that around 2.7% of surgical procedures are complicated by SSI. Manufacturers are increasing focus on enhancing production capacity for medical face masks, which in turn, is contributing to the current spike in sales of the medical face masks market in the US during pandemic. The advent of transparent masks is gaining traction is treating the hear loss patients, especially in the US market. However, these next-generation transparent medical face masks are likely to fuel the growth of the medical face masks market in the US during the upcoming years.

Interesting Facts to know!

In March 2020 , the Department of Health and Human Services offered to procure up to 500 million N95 respirator masks using a federal purchase guarantee to boost the COVID-19 response over the next 18 months for its Strategic National Stockpile.

, the Department of Health and Human Services offered to procure up to 500 million N95 respirator masks using a federal purchase guarantee to boost the COVID-19 response over the next 18 months for its Strategic National Stockpile. Top companies such as Ford and General Motors Company, have transformed production facilities to create medical face masks to meet the excessive demand during the pandemic crisis.

Alpha Pro Tech strategizes to catalyze innovation and empowers the success of its customers by providing superior product portfolio and service solutions in the US medical mask market.

Get your free sample now! https://www.arizton.com/market-reports/united-states-medical-mask-market

Subscribe to our health & wellness portfolio to access the latest research reports at competitive pricing.

Read some of the top-selling reports:

About Arizton:

Arizton Advisory and Intelligence is an innovation and quality-driven firm, which offers cutting-edge research solutions to clients across the world. We excel in providing comprehensive market intelligence reports and advisory and consulting services.

We offer comprehensive market research reports on industries such as consumer goods & retail technology, automotive and mobility, smart tech, healthcare, and life sciences, industrial machinery, chemicals, and materials, IT and media, logistics and packaging. These reports contain detailed industry analysis, market size, share, growth drivers, and trend forecasts.

Arizton comprises a team of exuberant and well-experienced analysts who have mastered generating incisive reports. Our specialist analysts possess exemplary skills in market research. We train our team in advanced research practices, techniques, and ethics to outperform in fabricating impregnable research reports.

Mail: [email protected]

Call: +1-312-235-2040

+1 302 469 0707

SOURCE Arizton Advisory & Intelligence
PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 4, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PHYTunes, a leader in 5G at the Edge and wireless-wireline convergence, today announced it has closed its seed round of $1.5 million with investors Deutsche Telekoms hub:raum, Draper University Ventures and led by Quake Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm. The round includes several private investors, including PHYTunes Chairman John Cioffi who participated in the round. The round opened in July 2021 and closed September 30, 2021.

5G loses significant signal strength going through physical barriers including glass, wood and concrete. In-building limitations to high-frequency signals could slow 5G adoption. PHYTunes utilizes existing wireline infrastructure to transport high-frequency wireless signals over existing telephone lines, fiber-optic cables, ethernet wires, and coaxial cables to seamlessly deliver 5G speeds without degradation or latency within the home, small business or enterprise. The converged edge solution supports the full power of cloud computing and the future of IoT, automation, and artificial intelligence applications.

Said Amy Coveny, managing partner at Quake Capital, "As a leading venture capital firm with a focus on early-stage companies and emerging markets, we recognize the high-growth potential of 5G and enabling technologies in industrial IoT, healthcare and artificial intelligence. But a critical barrier to scaling 5G to support next-generation applications is overcoming the limitations inside residential and commercial buildings. As the lead investor of this round, we are proud to support a company that is solving this critical problem. PHYTunes has assembled a strong management team and has the vision and strategy to become a leader in the 5G ecosystem."

The PHYTunes solution will enable mobile operators and carriers to improve customer loyalty, accelerate customer acquisition and ultimately increase brand reputation by improving service reliability and the overall customer experience.

"Draper University Ventures invest in start-up companies that are committed to innovation and changing the world," said Asra Nadeem, Chief Executive Officer of Draper University. "5G promises to drive innovation in the next stage of high-frequency wireless connectivity within the industrial manufacturing, retail, gaming and retail fields but faces slow adoption due to connectivity barriers within buildings and urban dense areas. A problem, Jisung and his team at PHYTunes have solved through their innovative approach. Draper University Ventures are proud to welcome them as one of our portfolio companies and look forward to working with them as they advance their vision for a network without limits."

The PHYTunes team demonstrated its innovative approach to wireless-wireline convergence at Deutsche Telekom's global competition, the Telekom Challenge, winning first place in the Research Stream. T-Labs, Telekom's research and development unit, launched the international science competition this year.

Said John Cioffi, Chairman of the Board of PHYTunes, "Our solution not only solves a critical problem for carriers, it enables new market opportunities that promise to transform healthcare, retail, manufacturing, gaming and hospitality. We are grateful to our investors and partners that share our vision for a world without barriers, and applications without limits. We look forward to executing on our go-to-market strategy to deliver shareholder value and help build a new category for growth."

About Quake Capital

Quake Capital is an early-stage VC with offices in the U.S. and Europe. Quake focuses on reverse engineering the Series A raise by plugging into the right data metrics that align with industry benchmarks. In terms of exits, Quake ranks in the top 2% of all early-stage investment vehicles worldwide. We find value in underserved and underrepresented founders, markets and sectors, and, according to published CrunchBase data, are the #1 ranked fund for investments in founders of color. For more information, visit www.quakecapital.com.

About PHYTunes

PHYTunes is a leader in 5G at the Edge, enabling Wireless Wireline Convergence (WWC) and the transport of high-frequency wireless signals over existing wired infrastructure to seamlessly deliver full 5G inside the home, small business or enterprise. PHYTunes empowers telecom carriers and businesses to deliver extraordinary customer experiences fostering brand loyalty and trust. The company helps industrial enterprises dramatically improve productivity and security enabling IoT solutions and the digital transformation of their business. Ultimately, PHYTunes delivers mission-critical connectivity enabling services innovation in gaming, healthcare, hospitality, industrial IoT and retail. Because a network without limits makes possible a limitless world. For more information, visit www.phytunes.com or follow us on Twitter @PHYTunes.

SOURCE PHYTunes

Related Links

http://www.phytunes.com


VALLEY FORGE, Pa., Oct. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- PJM Interconnection, operator of the nation's largest power grid, has been named among the top 100 adoption-friendly companies by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, ranking first again among energy and utility companies. It is the 15th consecutive year on the list for PJM.

PJM has been offering substantial financial assistance for adoption-related expenses incurred by full-time employees since 2006. PJM's policy reimburses families for many types of expenses related to adopting a child, including fees, travel and legal costs.

"Our commitment to supporting employees who grow their families through adoption is an essential part of who we are at PJM," said Nora Swimm, Senior Vice President  Corporate Client Services. "We're grateful to be recognized for that commitment once again."

The annual October announcement of the 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces list precedes National Adoption Month, a campaign to raise awareness for children in foster care. Wendy's founder Dave Thomas, himself an adopted child, was a lifelong champion of adoption.

Each year since 2002, the foundation has surveyed the nation's employers for its ranking of the 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces. The annual survey weighs adoption-friendly corporate policies, including financial reimbursement for the costs of adoption and paid leave for employees.

Visit the Dave Thomas Foundation website for more information on adoption and to see a listing of honored companies.



PJM Interconnection, founded in 1927, ensures the reliability of the high-voltage electric power system serving 65 million people in all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. PJM coordinates and directs the operation of the region's transmission grid, which includes over 85,103 miles of transmission lines; administers a competitive wholesale electricity market; and plans regional transmission expansion improvements to maintain grid reliability and relieve congestion. PJM's regional grid and market operations produce annual savings of $3.2 billion to $4 billion. For the latest news about PJM, visit PJM Inside Lines at insidelines.pjm.com.



SOURCE PJM Interconnection

Related Links

http://www.pjm.com


ROCHESTER, N.Y., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York State-based mortgage lender, Premium Mortgage Corporation, launched their Neighborhood Vitality Program in March of 2021 to help cultivate homeownership in majority minority target areas across the state. Since its inception earlier this year, the growth has been significant. As compared to the loans closed in these targeted areas between January and September of 2020, the company has seen a 38% increase year-over-year in units closed and a 48% increase in originated funds closed between that same timeframe in 2021.

Initially, the Neighborhood Vitality program was established with a special financing fund of $500,000 to further incentivize the purchase of homes in historically underserved communities. The company is poised to surpass this goal and are now funding additional grants up to $2 million. A commitment Mike Donoghue, Premium Mortgage Corporation's President, believes is crucial. "We did not just want to throw money at the problem  that is easy  anyone can do that. We wanted to find a way to get the money into the hands of those that need it and can use it to enrich their neighborhoods."
PRINCE WILLIAM, Va., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Prince William County's Department of Information Technology (DoIT) today announced additional investments in its Technology Inclusion Initiative (TII). The program seeks to deliver affordable, universal broadband access County-wide, and to expand technology literacy among County residents and businesses.

"Prince William County is moving forward with a sense of urgency to address broadband access, affordability and technology literacy issues that are critical to the prosperity and well-being of our residents and businesses," said Rob Mancini, Director of the Department of Information Technology and CIO for Prince William County. "The investments we're making today in our Technology Inclusion Initiative will enable the County to fully deliver on the promise of universal broadband as funding becomes available."

DoIT launched the Prince William Technology Inclusion Initiative (TII) in the last half of 2020 to help resolve chronic issues of technology access, affordability and literacy across the County. As a specialized program, TII serves under DOIT as a broadband strategist, advocate, sponsor, and domain representative for Prince William County. The program is a multi-year effort that leverages partnerships, grants, local businesses, utility companies, County funding and ingenuity to achieve its goals.

Last year, DoIT and Prince William County Public Schools applied for and received a $1.2 Million grant through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to buy 4,061 Wi-fi hotspot devices for students in Title 1 County schools without reliable internet service. This year, the TII program is investing in three initiatives to further enhance the County's ability to secure grants and other special funding that may become available.

Technology Literacy - Prince William County will offer a series of free technology education courses for County residents and businesses beginning in November 2021 . The goal is to enhance technology adoption and fluency through a deliberate strategy of addressing all impediments to technology inclusion in Prince William County .

- will offer a series of free technology education courses for County residents and businesses beginning in . The goal is to enhance technology adoption and fluency through a deliberate strategy of addressing all impediments to technology inclusion in . County-wide Broadband Survey - This initiative will identify all of the precise locations in Prince William County that are unserved, or underserved for broadband. This data will enable the County to develop and execute a comprehensive plan for addressing broadband service gaps. The survey is scheduled to be completed by November 30, 2021 .

- This initiative will identify all of the precise locations in that are unserved, or underserved for broadband. This data will enable the County to develop and execute a comprehensive plan for addressing broadband service gaps. The survey is scheduled to be completed by . Broadband Partnerships - DoIT has engaged a broadband partnership broker, local utility companies, and an internet service provider to deliver broadband services to areas in Prince William County that are unserved by service providers, and to help enhance areas that are underserved as well. These partnerships will help identify the best grant and investment opportunities, and assist the County government in solving all obstacles that might inhibit technology inclusion.

More information on the TII program and these initiatives is available in a newly released whitepaper, Technology Inclusion in Prince William County.

Contact:

Sherrie Johnson | Director of Communications | Prince William County Government |

(703) 792-5509 (TTY: 711) | [email protected]

SOURCE Prince William County Department of Information Technology

Related Links

www.pwcgov.org


NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Recurrent Ventures announced today that it raised $75 million in a round of financing. This investment round brings the company's funding to over $100 million in capital to date.

Provided by North Equity LLC, the new funding will be used to acquire other digital media properties and to make additional investments in its current digital media portfolio and employees.

"This funding and the enthusiasm we've received from investors is a direct result of the success of our playbook and building our digital media portfolio with our amazing content creators," said Lance Johnson, CEO of Recurrent Ventures. "We're all extremely proud of the company we've built so far. This funding will accelerate our acquisition pipeline, while allowing us to further invest in the current portfolio and diversify our already profitable businesses. One area we are especially looking to ramp up is our sustainability and conservation initiatives, and completing this fundraising provides a great launchpad to further invest time, resources, and in personnel."

The company dates back to December 2018 when North Equity purchased The Drive from Meredith Corporation. North Equity continued to acquire digital media properties through January 2021, including BobVila.com, Car Bibles, Task & Purpose, Field & Stream, Popular Science, and Domino. In June, North Equity announced that Recurrent would be the new parent company for all of the digital media brands, while the venture equity firm would remain the company's main investor and continue to focus on digital media-related investments. Since then, Recurrent has continued to expand its portfolio, with the additions of MEL and Futurism in July and JancisRobinson.com in August.

"The accelerated growth the company has experienced is both exciting and encouraging. We're tremendously proud of all that Recurrent, the digital media brands, and the teams have done so far," said North Equity Managing Partner, Andrew Perlman. "We're also confident that this funding sets everyone up for success and growth for years to come."

Recurrent is headquartered in Miami, with additional offices in New York and San Francisco, coupled with a virtual-first workforce across the United States. To further its mission of creating a sustainable, equitable, innovative digital media company, Recurrent is rapidly expanding its workforce. Interested candidates can learn more and apply for open roles here.

ABOUT RECURRENT VENTURES

Recurrent is an innovative digital media company that empowers brands to grow, and connect with consumers in a way that is enjoyable, sustainable, inspiring, and profitablewhile maintaining editorial integrity. Its best-in-class brands like Popular Science, The Drive, Domino, MEL, Field & Stream, SAVEUR, Futurism, and Task & Purpose engage a combined audience of more than 50 million monthly unique visitors. Initially founded in late 2018 with the acquisition of The Drive, the portfolio rapidly expanded under the ownership and backing of North Equity LLC to include 20 digital media brands across automotive, home, lifestyle, military, outdoors, and science and tech verticals.

SOURCE Recurrent Ventures

Related Links

http://recurrent.io/


LUXEMBOURG, Oct. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

REDE D'OR FINANCE.

(Incorporated in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg)

Offer to Purchase for Cash Up to U.S.$135,000,000 Aggregate Principal Amount

of its Outstanding 4.500% Notes due 2030

unconditionally guaranteed by Rede D'Or Sao Luiz S.A.

Rede D'Or Finance, a private limited liability company (societe a responsabilite limitee) incorporated and existing under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg with registered office at 17, Boulevard F.W. Raiffeisen, L-2411 Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and registered with the Luxembourg Register of Commerce and Companies (Registre de commerce et des societes, Luxembourg) under number B221035 ("Rede D'Or"), hereby announces the commencement of its offer to purchase for cash up to U.S.$135,000,000 aggregate principal amount (subject to increase by Rede D'Or in its sole discretion under the circumstances described in the Offer to Purchase (as defined below), the "Maximum Tender Amount") of the outstanding notes set forth in the table below (the "Notes"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions described in the Offer to Purchase dated October 6, 2021 (as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, the "Offer to Purchase").

The following table sets forth certain terms of the Tender Offer (as defined below):

Title of Notes CUSIP and ISIN

Numbers Aggregate

Principal

Amount

Outstanding Maximum

Tender Amount Tender Offer

Consideration

(1) Early

Tender

Premium(1) Total

Consideration(1)(2) 4.500% Notes due 2030 CUSIP: 75735GAA6 and L7915TAA0 ISIN: US75735GAA67 and USL7915TAA09 U.S.$885,000,000 U.S.$135,000,000 U.S.$976.25 U.S.$30.00 U.S.$1,006.25

_____________________________________________ (1) Per U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes tendered and accepted for purchase. (2) Includes the Early Tender Premium (as defined below).

The Tender Offer will expire at 11:59 p.m., New York City time, on November 3, 2021, or any other date and time to which Rede D'Or extends the Tender Offer (such date and time, as it may be extended, the "Expiration Deadline"), unless earlier terminated. Holders must validly tender their Notes at or prior to the Expiration Deadline to be eligible to receive the Tender Offer Consideration (as defined below) for such Notes plus Accrued Interest (as defined below). Holders must validly tender their Notes at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on October 20, 2021 (such date and time, as it may be extended, the "Early Tender Deadline") to be eligible to receive the Total Consideration (as defined below) for such Notes plus Accrued Interest. The Total Consideration, the Tender Offer Consideration and the Accrued Interest will be payable in cash. Tendered Notes may be validly withdrawn from the Tender Offer at or prior to, but not after, 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on October 20, 2021 (such date and time, as it may be extended, the "Withdrawal Deadline"). Notes validly tendered pursuant to the Tender Offer and accepted for purchase will be so accepted subject to the Maximum Tender Amount and may be subject to proration, all as more fully described herein.

Subject to the Maximum Tender Amount, Rede D'Or intends to accept for purchase all Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline, and will only prorate such Notes if the aggregate principal amount of Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline exceeds the Maximum Tender Amount. If the Tender Offer is not fully subscribed as of the Early Tender Deadline, Holders who validly tender Notes after the Early Tender Deadline but at or prior to the Expiration Deadline may be subject to proration if the aggregate principal amount of Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Expiration Deadline exceeds the Maximum Tender Amount. Subject to the Maximum Tender Amount and proration, all Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline will be accepted for purchase before any Notes validly tendered after the Early Tender Deadline are accepted for purchase. Furthermore, if the Tender Offer is fully subscribed as of the Early Tender Deadline, Holders who validly tender Notes after the Early Tender Deadline will not have any of their Notes accepted for purchase, provided that such Notes may be accepted for purchase if Rede D'Or increases the Maximum Tender Amount, which it is entitled to do in its sole discretion. There can be no assurance that Rede D'Or will increase the Maximum Tender Amount. See "The Tender OfferMaximum Tender Amount; Proration" in the Offer to Purchase for more information on the proration provisions applicable to the Tender Offer.

The Tender Offer is not conditioned upon the tender of any minimum principal amount of Notes. Rede D'Or refers to the offer to purchase the Notes as the "Tender Offer." The Tender Offer is open to all registered holders (individually, a "Holder," and collectively, the "Holders") of the Notes. The Tender Offer is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions, as described in the section of the Offer to Purchase entitled "The Tender OfferConditions to the Tender Offer." The purpose of the Tender Offer is to purchase up to U.S.$135,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes and reduce Rede D'Or's interest expense.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the Tender Offer, the consideration for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer will be the tender offer consideration for the Notes set forth in the table above (the "Tender Offer Consideration"). Holders of Notes that are validly tendered (and not validly withdrawn) at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer will receive the Tender Offer Consideration plus the early tender premium for the Notes set forth in the table above (the "Early Tender Premium" and, together with the Tender Offer Consideration, the "Total Consideration"). Holders of Notes tendered after the Early Tender Deadline, but before the Expiration Deadline, and accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer, will receive the Tender Offer Consideration, but not the Early Tender Premium. No tenders will be valid if submitted after the Expiration Deadline.

In addition to the Tender Offer Consideration or the Total Consideration, as applicable, all Holders of Notes accepted for purchase pursuant to the Tender Offer will, on the Early Settlement Date (as defined below) or the Final Settlement Date (as defined below), as applicable, also receive accrued and unpaid interest on those Notes from the last interest payment date with respect to those Notes to, but not including, the Early Settlement Date or the Final Settlement Date, as applicable ("Accrued Interest").

The Tender Offer commences on the date of the Offer to Purchase and will expire on the Expiration Deadline, unless extended or earlier terminated by Rede D'Or. No tenders will be valid if submitted after the Expiration Deadline. If a beneficial owner whose Notes are held by a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee (a "Nominee") on behalf of a beneficial owner, such Nominee may have an earlier deadline for accepting the Tender Offer. Any beneficial owner should promptly contact such Nominee that holds its Notes to determine its deadline. The Tender Offer is open to all registered Holders of the Notes. There is no letter of transmittal for the Tender Offer.

Rede D'Or reserves the right, but is under no obligation, following the Early Tender Deadline, to set an early settlement date in respect of Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline (the "Early Settlement Date"). If Rede D'Or elects, in its sole discretion, to have an Early Settlement Date, based on an Early Tender Deadline of October 20, 2021, it is expected that the Early Settlement Date would occur on October 22, 2021. The acceptance for purchase by Rede D'Or of validly tendered Notes on the Early Settlement Date would be subject to the Maximum Tender Amount, proration (if applicable) and all conditions to the Tender Offer having been either satisfied or waived by Rede D'Or. Irrespective of whether Rede D'Or chooses to have an Early Settlement Date, it expects to purchase any remaining Notes that have been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn at or prior to the Expiration Deadline and that Rede D'Or chooses to accept for purchase, subject to the Maximum Tender Amount and all conditions to the Tender Offer having been either satisfied or waived by Rede D'Or, promptly following the Expiration Deadline (the "Final Settlement Date"). Subject to the Maximum Tender Amount and proration, all Notes validly tendered at or prior to the Early Tender Deadline will be accepted for purchase before any Notes validly tendered after the Early Tender Deadline are accepted for purchase. The Final Settlement Date is expected to occur on the first business day following the Expiration Deadline. Notes accepted on the Final Settlement Date, if any, will be accepted subject to the Maximum Tender Amount and proration, each as described herein and in the Offer to Purchase.

Notwithstanding any other provision of the Tender Offer, Rede D'Or's obligation to accept for purchase, and to pay for, any Notes validly tendered and not validly withdrawn pursuant to the Tender Offer, is subject to, and conditioned upon, the satisfaction of, or Rede D'Or's waiver of, the conditions described in the section of the Offer to Purchase entitled "The Tender OfferConditions to the Tender Offer."

The conditions to the Tender Offer are for the sole benefit of Rede D'Or and may be asserted by Rede D'Or, regardless of the circumstances giving rise to any such condition (including any action or inaction by Rede D'Or). Rede D'Or reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to waive any and all conditions of the Tender Offer, at or prior to the Expiration Deadline. The Tender Offer is not subject to a minimum principal amount of Notes being tendered. See "The Tender OfferConditions to the Tender Offer" in the Offer to Purchase.

Withdrawal rights with respect to the Notes will terminate on the Withdrawal Deadline, unless extended pursuant to applicable law. Accordingly, following the Withdrawal Deadline, any Notes validly tendered (whether before, on or after the Withdrawal Deadline) may no longer be validly withdrawn. For the withdrawal of a tendered Note to be valid, such withdrawal must comply with the procedures set forth in "The Tender OfferWithdrawal of Tenders" in the Offer to Purchase.

Subject to applicable law and the terms set forth in the Offer to Purchase, Rede D'Or reserves the right: (i) to extend or otherwise amend the Early Tender Deadline, the Withdrawal Deadline or the Expiration Deadline, (ii) to increase the Maximum Tender Amount without extending the Withdrawal Deadline or otherwise reinstating withdrawal rights of Holders except as required by law; (iii) to waive or modify in whole or in part any and all conditions to the Tender Offer; (iv) to modify or terminate the Tender Offer; and (v) to otherwise amend the Tender Offer in any respect. In the event of the termination of the Tender Offer, the Notes tendered pursuant to the Tender Offer and not previously accepted and purchased will be promptly returned to the tendering Holders.

If a Holder does not tender its Notes or if a Holder tender Notes that are not accepted for purchase, they will remain outstanding. If Rede D'Or consummates the Tender Offer, the trading market for a Holder's outstanding Notes may be significantly more limited. For a discussion of this and other risks, see "Certain Significant ConsiderationsThe Tender Offer may adversely affect the market value and reduce the liquidity of any trading market of the Notes" in the Offer to Purchase.

THE OFFER TO PURCHASE AND THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAIN CERTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT SHOULD BE READ BEFORE ANY DECISION IS MADE WITH RESPECT TO THE TENDER OFFER, IN PARTICULAR, SEE "CERTAIN SIGNIFICANT CONSIDERATIONS" IN THE OFFER TO PURCHASE FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS HOLDERS SHOULD CONSIDER IN CONNECTION WITH THE TENDER OFFER.

NEITHER THE OFFER TO PURCHASE NOR ANY OF THE OFFER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE TENDER OFFER HAVE BEEN FILED WITH OR REVIEWED BY THE FEDERAL OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION OR REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF ANY COUNTRY, NOR HAS ANY SUCH COMMISSION OR AUTHORITY PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THE OFFER TO PURCHASE OR ANY OF THE OFFER DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE TENDER OFFER. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS UNLAWFUL AND MAY BE A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

NONE OF REDE D'OR, ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, THE DEALER MANAGERS (AS DEFINED BELOW), THE TENDER AND INFORMATION AGENT (AS DEFINED BELOW) OR THE TRUSTEE (AS DEFINED IN THE OFFER TO PURCHASE) OR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES IS MAKING ANY RECOMMENDATION AS TO WHETHER HOLDERS SHOULD TENDER ANY NOTES IN RESPONSE TO THE TENDER OFFER. HOLDERS MUST MAKE THEIR OWN DECISION AS TO WHETHER TO PARTICIPATE IN THE TENDER OFFER, AND, IF SO, THE PRINCIPAL AMOUNT OF NOTES TO TENDER.

The Offer to Purchase and related documents do not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell notes in any jurisdiction or in any circumstances in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. In those jurisdictions where the securities, blue sky or other laws require the Tender Offer to be made by a licensed broker or dealer, the Tender Offer will be deemed to be made on behalf of Rede D'Or by the Dealer Managers or one or more registered brokers or dealers licensed under the laws of such jurisdiction. If Rede D'Or becomes aware of any jurisdiction in which the making of the Tender Offer would not be in compliance with such laws, Rede D'Or will make a good faith effort to comply with any such laws or may seek to have such laws declared inapplicable to the Tender Offer. If, after such good faith effort, Rede D'Or cannot comply with any such applicable laws, the Tender Offer will not be made to the Holders of Notes residing in each such jurisdiction. Neither the delivery of this announcement, the Offer to Purchase and any related documents nor any purchase of Notes by Rede D'Or will, under any circumstances, create any implication that the information contained in this announcement, the Offer to Purchase or in any related document is current as of any time subsequent to the date hereof or thereof.

The Offer to Purchase does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities (other than the Notes). Any offering of securities will only be made by an offering document and any such offering may not be registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

This release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainty and changes in circumstances, which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from anticipated results, performance or achievements. All statements contained herein that are not clearly historical in nature are forward-looking and the words "anticipate," "believe," "expect," "estimate," "plan" and similar expressions are generally intend to identify forward-looking statements. Rede D'Or is under no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to update or alter its forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. More detailed information about these and other factors is set forth in the Offer to Purchase.

D.F. King & Co., Inc. is acting as the tender agent and as the information agent (the "Tender and Information Agent") for the Tender Offer. Itau BBA USA Securities, Inc. and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC are acting as Dealer Managers (the "Dealer Managers") for the Tender Offer.

The Tender and Information Agent for the Tender Offer is:

D.F. King & Co., Inc.

48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor

New York, NY 10005

[email protected]

Banks and Brokers call: (212) 269-5550

Toll free (U.S. only): (866) 356-7813

By Facsimile:

(For Eligible Institutions only):

(212) 709-3328

Confirmation:

(212) 232-3233

Attn: Michael Horthman

Any questions or requests for assistance or for additional copies of the Offer to Purchase may be directed to the Tender and Information Agent at one of its telephone numbers above. A Holder (or a beneficial owner that is not a Holder) may also contact any of the Dealer Managers at their telephone numbers set forth below or its broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee for assistance concerning the Offer to Purchase.

The Dealer Managers for the Tender Offer are:

Itau BBA USA Securities, Inc.



Debt Capital Markets Team

540 Madison Avenue, 24th Floor

New York, NY

10022

U.S. Toll-Free: +1 (888) 770-4828

Collect: +1 (212) 710-6749 J.P. Morgan Securities LLC

Latin America Debt Capital Markets 383 Madison Avenue New York, NY 10179 U.S. Toll-Free: +1 (866) 846-2874 Collect: +1 (212) 834-4533

SOURCE D.F. King & Co., Inc.

Related Links

www.dfking.com


MENLO PARK, Calif., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Robert Half Mobile App is a multiple winner in this year's Annual w3 Awards, receiving Gold for Best User Experience and Best Practices, and Best in Show for Best User Interface. Winners were selected from more than 3,000 entries from across the globe by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts.

Best in Show selections represent the highest mark of distinction and are chosen by the Academy based on scoring. The judges award Best in Show honors to only the top 1% of all work entered.

"These awards validate our commitment to providing the best experience for candidates using the Robert Half Mobile App and a more efficient and convenient way for those job seekers to find work, report time and get paid," said Colin Mooney, senior vice president and chief digital officer of Robert Half.

Since its launch, the Robert Half Mobile App has helped professionals throughout the U.S. and Canada with their job search needs. Candidates can quickly create a profile to get personalized job recommendations that match their chosen preferences as soon as they become available. It has never been easier to stay connected with specialized talent managers at Robert Half.

About Robert Half

Robert Half (NYSE: RHI) is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects opportunities at great companies with highly skilled job seekers. Robert Half offers contract and permanent placement solutions and is the parent company of Protiviti, a global business consulting firm. Visit roberthalf.com.

SOURCE Robert Half

Related Links

http://www.roberthalf.com


DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Investing in a second citizenship is the ultimate plan b, a contingency that covers all aspects of one's life and proves as an optimal safeguard against instability. It is something everyone needs, but not everyone knows about.

East Africa falls into that category, a diverse group of countries located on the Eastern coast of Africa; these nations boast large quantities of High-Net-Worth individuals but also host a plethora of problems that can lead to instability or internal turbulence.

The foundation for East Africans to begin investing in second citizenship is already in place. The region has one of the fastest-growing populations in the world, with three East African countries  Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya  among the seven most populated on the continent.

You Might Also Like: Why Wealthy Nigerians Are Investing In Second Citizenship

But it isn't just about population growth, the collective GDP is an indicator of the direction of the region, as prior to the pandemic, the region saw a steady GDP annual growth rate averaging at 3.5%, and while it dipped due to the impact of COVID, it is expected to steady course and increase 3.4% in 2021.

The disparity of wealth in the region means that there is a large amount of High-Net-Worth individuals (HNWIs), but poverty remains an economic and political concern among its populace.

Knight Frank predicts the number of HNWIs to increase in the upcoming five years, and that forecast does vary from one country to the other. For example, the number of HNWIs in Tanzania is expected to increase 13% in the next half-decade, while the rate in Zambia is a staggering 43%. Both indicators that the nations are hosting increasing numbers of the world's elite.

So it is apparent that the region's elite are present and have the capacity to invest in a second citizenship, but the question remains, do they need it? And in short, yes they do, and here is why.

Global Mobility

The countries in the region have an average visa-free travel ability of 60 global countries among them, a very low score when compared to other nations around the world.

A St. Kitts & Nevis passport, for example, provides visa-free entry to 157 destinations worldwide, including hotspots such as the EU, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and others that most East Africans require visas to travel to.

As African countries boast the highest Schengen Visa rejection rates, and don't do too well when applying for the United Kingdom visas either, global mobility is an actual concern that a second citizenship can address.

Contingency Planning

Economic and political turbulence is another concern, with countries such as Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Somalia, and others have undergone internal political struggle.

A second citizenship can mitigate the risk of instability and offer its holders options in the darkest hour. There is no better plan than having an entire new home to flee to if things go awry.

Related Article: Mitigating Risk  How a Second Citizenship Protects Citizens of Unstable Regions

It also helps investors diversify their asset base in order to mitigate the "eggs in one basket" risk of having all their wealth and assets locked up in one nation. This can be extremely frustrating, especially when large economic powers tend to sanction politically turbulent nations to gain influence over them.

A Better Lifestyle

East Africa faces an abundance of challenges as a region. Healthcare is one of the most challenged sectors in the region, as Malaria, AIDS, Yellow Fever, Dengue, and other diseases rampage the East African shoreline.

Educational institutes, although present, yet lack the finesse and pedigree of their first-world counterparts, fulfilling the future generation's potential more challenging than it needs to be.

Having a second citizenship and passport from another nation opens doors to better healthcare, greater education, and overall a better lifestyle.

The Timing Is Right

Getting a second citizenship through investment has never been easier, and due to the global economic crisis the pandemic created, many countries that offer citizenship by investment options have streamlined their processes to become completely remote and have even instated limited time offers on some investment options, making it more cost effective as well as easy.

The Need Is There

Like any other human on Earth, East African nationals need a second citizenship to safeguard themselves and their families against risk.

Whether it be their wellbeing, wealth, or just their overall standard of living, a second citizenship is a failsafe to ensure that everything is secure even if the worst happens. It is the ultimate plan b.

However, the awareness and knowledge of citizenship by investment in East Africa is lacking, and that is where we at Savory & Partners come in.

Our team has spent a lot of time in Eastern Africa, travelling through Kenya, Tanzania, and more to spread more information about citizenship by investment and help our East African clients obtain second citizenship.

People Who Read This Article Also Read: Plan A, Plan B, and Plan C; Why Everyone Needs A Second Citizenship

We understand the needs and the challenges HNWIs in the region face, and we have developed the ultimate solutions to help them thrive on a global stage. To know more about this topic and how it can change your life contact us today for a comprehensive and free consultation with one of our citizenship by investment experts.

Savory & Partners is an accredited agent for multiple governments where citizenship by investment is offered. Founded in 1797, the agency has evolved from pharmaceuticals to family assets and legacy protection through second citizenship and residency. The company's professional, multinational staff is made up of expert advisors who have guided thousands of clients, including many North African investors, on their journey to find the most suitable CBI program for them. The Savory & Partners team will be happy to answer your enquiries in English, Arabic and French.

For more information, please send an email to [email protected]. You can also call +971 04 430 1717 or send a WhatsApp message to +971 54 440 2955.

SOURCE Savory & Partners
These new recognitions bring the company's total to 23 Comparably awards earned since 2018, and the third consecutive year it has earned a spot on the "Best Work-Life Balance" list. In earning these prestigious awards, which are based on employee sentiment, SmartBug  joins some of the world's largest companies and most recognizable names such as Google, IBM, Microsoft, Peloton, Adobe, HubSpot, Nextdoor, RingCentral, Instacart and Ford Motor Company.

These particular awards have a special significance to SmartBug's CEO and founder Ryan Malone, whose life-long dream was to prove that it is possible to provide employees with challenging careers along with the flexibility to spend more quality time and make lifelong memories with their loved ones. That dream began to take shape when Malone founded SmartBug as one of the world's few fully remote marketing agencies in 2008.

"I value Comparably awards because they not only reflect what our employees are thinking and feeling about their jobs, but also highlight how important listening and gaining feedback is in order to make adjustments and continually improve processes," said Malone. "Winning spots in these two particular categories brings me such joy and pride, because it reinforces the core elements of our culture. My priority first and foremost is to ensure our employees are happy, healthy and resilient. That then translates to high-quality work, which leads to happy clients and overall success."

SmartBug's early remote model has led to sustained growth over the years, as the company has grown to more than 130 full-time employees across 42 states and in several countries  even during the global pandemic. Much of that success can be attributed to the fact that company culture and work-life balance are top priorities at SmartBug.

SmartBug has a number of company policies and initiatives that aim to make it a happy place to work. One of these initiatives is called Healthy SmartBug, which ensures the company is "happy, healthy, safe, and resilient." Healthy SmartBug empowers employees from the bottom up to solve real challenges by checking in with employees to find out, from their perspective, how to make SmartBug healthier. Employees at all levels have produced hundreds of ideas for SmartBug's leadership team to consider, prioritize, and ultimately roll out in order to improve the health of the company.

Comparably awards are based on sentiment ratings provided by current employees who anonymously rated their employers on Comparably.com within the past 12 months. Winners were determined based on employee feedback to a combination of workplace culture questions. This set of Comparably Awards were derived from sentiment ratings provided by employees who anonymously rated their employers on Comparably.com during a 12-month period (September 17, 2020 through September 17, 2021) on topics that contribute to overall happiness at work.

"Now more than ever, people want to be happy at work and have flexibility in where and how they work," said Comparably CEO Jason Nazar. "As a pioneer in fully-remote workplaces, Smartbug's ranking on our Happiest Employees and Best Work-Life Balance lists prove once again what a strong leader it is in these categories. Employees consistently commend the company for understanding the needs of its workforce across these important factors."

Comparably Awards are compiled from 15 million ratings across 70,000 U.S. companies. There are no fees or costs associated with participating, nor is nomination required. To see the full list of award-winning companies and to learn more about the methodology used to determine winners, visit Comparably's blog .

SmartBug's recognition by Comparably follows the recent announcements that it was also named to the prestigious Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in America for the fifth year in a row and that it was also named to the Adweek Fastest Growing Agencies list for the third consecutive year just this week.

ABOUT COMPARABLY

Comparably (www.comparably.com) is a leading workplace culture and compensation monitoring site that provides the most comprehensive and accurate representation of what it's like to work at companies. Employees can anonymously rate their employers in 20 different workplace culture categories, providing the public a transparent and in-depth look at the experiences workers have based on their gender, ethnicity, age, department, experience, location, education, and company size. Since launching in 2016, Comparably has accumulated 10 million ratings across 60,000 U.S. companies. The platform has become one of the fastest-growing SaaS solutions for employer branding and a trusted third-party site for workplace and salary data, including its annual Best Places to Work series.





ABOUT SMARTBUG MEDIA

SmartBug Media is a globally recognized Intelligent Inbound marketing agency assisting businesses in growing revenue by generating leads, increasing brand awareness and building customer loyalty through content marketing, sales enablement, revenue operations, web development, marketing automation and public relations.

As HubSpot's 2018 Global Partner of the Year, SmartBug is the highest-rated HubSpot partner in the world today. The company has not only been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies five years in a row, but it has also been named to the Adweek Fastest Growing Agencies list three times and won a number of Great Place to Work and Comparably awards. With hundreds of awards for client work  and a team holding a combined 1,000-plus marketing certifications  SmartBug is fully dedicated to delivering client success and an unparalleled agency experience. For more information about SmartBug Media, visit smartbugmedia.com .

For SmartBug Media Inquiries, Contact:

Jennifer Tolkachev, PR Director

SmartBug Media

949-236-6448 x865

jtolkachev@smartbugmedia.com

SOURCE SmartBug Media

Related Links

www.smartbugmedia.com


NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Sotheby's International Realty today announced that Reside Realty Ltd. has joined the network and will now operate as Jamaica Sotheby's International Realty. The addition marks the brand's continued growth in the Caribbean and comes at a time of increased interest in secondary and resort markets. The addition follows the brand's recent expansion into St. Kitts & Nevis and marks its 30th affiliated office in the Caribbean.

Jamaica Sotheby's International Realty is owned and operated by Julian Dixon and Alexander Melville who bring a collective 27 years of experience to the company. The office will be headquartered in the city of Kingston and will service the surrounding island including St. Andrew, Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and more.

"Jamaica offers a diverse luxury lifestyle which appeals to a wide variety of buyers," said Philip White, president and CEO, Sotheby's International Realty. "In recent years, closed transactions have seen steady growth and new construction is booming on the island. The Jamaican market has historically appreciated year-after-year with interest from domestic and international interest in North America, Europe, Canada, and most recently the Middle East, motivated by the island's many opportunities and its tourism sector. I want to welcome Julian and her team to the network and look forward to working together to support the island."

"Jamaica is famous for the tag line 'no problem' and this is true of the culture and lifestyle," said Dixon. "I have always admired the Sotheby's International Realty brand and their philosophy towards client satisfaction connects with our culture and mission. The island offers promise to buyers seeking opportunities through business ventures, vacation homes, retirement, and income-earning properties. Our affiliation with Sotheby's International Realty will be the first of its kind on the island and will bring value, excitement, and global recognition to our market."

The office currently has several sales associates supporting the island with plans for continued growth.

The Sotheby's International Realty network currently has more than 24,000 affiliated independent sales associates located in approximately 1,000 offices in 75 countries and territories worldwide. Jamaica Sotheby's International Realty listings are marketed on the sothebysrealty.com global website. In addition to the referral opportunities and widened exposure generated from this source, the firm's brokers and clients will benefit from an association with Sotheby's auction house and worldwide Sotheby's International Realty marketing programs. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Sotheby's International Realty



Sotheby's International Realty was founded in 1976 as a real estate service for discerning clients of Sotheby's auction house. Today, the company's global footprint spans approximately 1,000 offices located in 75 countries and territories worldwide, including 45 company-owned brokerage offices in key metropolitan and resort markets. In February 2004, Realogy entered a long-term strategic alliance with Sotheby's, the operator of the auction house. The agreement provided for the licensing of Sotheby's International Realty name and the development of a franchise system. The franchise system is comprised of an affiliate network, where each office is independently owned and operated. Sotheby's International Realty supports its affiliates and agents with a host of operational, marketing, recruiting, educational and business development resources. Affiliates and agents also benefit from an association with the venerable Sotheby's auction house, established in 1744. For more information, visit www.sothebysrealty.com.

The affiliate network is operated by Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC, and the company owned brokerages are operated by Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. Both entities are subsidiaries of Realogy Holdings Corp. (NYSE: RLGY) a global leader in real estate franchising and provider of real estate brokerage, relocation and settlement services. Both Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates LLC and Sotheby's International Realty, Inc. fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

Media Contact: Melissa Couch, 973-407-6142, [email protected]

SOURCE Sotheby's International Realty

Related Links

http://www.sothebysrealty.com


NEW YORK and BOSTON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Starry, a next generation licensed fixed wireless technology developer and internet service provider, and FirstMark Horizon Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: FMAC) ("FirstMark"), a special purpose acquisition company sponsored by an affiliate of FirstMark Capital, today announced that they have entered into a definitive merger agreement. Upon completion of the mergers contemplated therein, the combined company will continue to operate as Starry and will be listed on a national exchange under the ticker symbol "STRY."

The transaction implies a pro forma enterprise value of $1.66 billion and will give Starry $452 million in cash on the balance sheet (assuming no redemptions of the common stock held by FirstMark's stockholders), including $130 million from a fully committed PIPE and contemporaneous equity round in Starry that includes ArrowMark Partners, Atreides Management, Fidelity Management & Research Company LLC, Tiger Global Management, and affiliates of FirstMark Capital, to fund its growth and the deployment of its services across the United States, and to retire Starry's existing debt. The transaction is also supported by important execution partners, including Quanta Services, that will help Starry continue its significant growth.

Additionally, the transaction includes significant sponsor alignment: FirstMark Capital, an affiliate of FirstMark's sponsor, is an existing long-term investor in Starry and will retain its board seat, and 75% of the sponsor-held shares are subject to a performance-based earn-out and forfeiture of one million shares.

Uniquely, the holders of FirstMark Class A common stock that do not elect to redeem their shares in connection with the transaction will share in a pool of one million additional shares based on an exchange ratio between 1.0242 and 1.2415, to be determined based on the number of unredeemed shares. Assuming a price of $10.00 per share of FirstMark Class A common stock at the closing of the transaction, each share of FirstMark Class A common stock would receive shares of the post-combination company with a value ranging between $10.24 (assuming no redemptions by FirstMark's stockholders) and $12.42 (assuming redemptions resulting in the maximum exchange ratio).

"When we set out to build this business, we wanted to transform how broadband networks were built so that we could meaningfully improve people's lives with faster, better, more affordable internet access," said Chet Kanojia, co-Founder and CEO of Starry. "Nearly seven years later, Starry's wireless technology has transformed the economics of connecting homes and small businesses to a fiber-quality connection through the air  without having to sacrifice reliability or the customer experience. This business combination with FirstMark will give us the necessary capital to expand our business and reach profitability. More importantly, it will allow us to continue to deliver for customers and execute on our mission. We believe broadband connectivity is a social good and, if it is universally available and affordable, that great things will happen for families, for communities and for society as a whole. I cannot think of partners better suited to support our growth than FirstMark and FirstMark Capital and we're excited to continue our relationship with them to bring #HappyInterneting to more places and people."

Upon closing, Starry will continue to be led by Kanojia as CEO, along with his experienced management team.

"We believe a key driver of long-term value creation is having truly exceptional, mission-driven founders who have the discipline, passion and vision to change the world," said Amish Jani, Chairman and President of FirstMark. "Chet and the Starry team have built a company grounded in deep R&D, capable of disrupting the status quo in an enormous broadband market that is largely untouched by competition. We have known Chet and the Starry team over multiple companies and have the utmost confidence in their ability to execute and perform because we've seen them do it before. Starry is not a 'grand idea.' It is a proven and operational technology that is already transforming how networks are built and significantly changing the customer experience into something that delights, not frustrates. We could not be more thrilled to bring Starry to the public markets through this transaction that we believe is aligned for the long-term performance and long-term success of the company."

Starry Overview

Founded in 2014, Starry believes broadband is essential and is committed to delivering on its mission  offering customers a superior internet service that is fast, reliable, uncapped and competitively-priced, while also working to improve digital access and equity.

Starry's wireless network is designed exclusively to serve the needs of fixed broadband users, including residential and small- and medium-sized businesses, with broadband that meets the growing bandwidth needs of today's consumer. Starry is a research and development company at its core, having invested nearly $200 million to develop and commercialize proprietary technology that enables it to wirelessly beam gigabit-speed internet from towers and rooftops to people's homes at a fraction of the cost of traditional fiber. The company has a full intellectual property stack and developed each piece of its network hardware, from the base stations to the home receiver on customer premises, all the way down to the Wi-Fi router that serves the customer's home. The company has also built its own software billing, customer care, and network management systems to provide complete visibility and flexibility in serving the customer.

The company has transformed the economics of broadband, pioneering the use of licensed high frequency spectrum at a low cost to deliver high-capacity, low-latency, symmetrical connectivity over distances up to one mile. To date, Starry has successfully deployed its gigabit network in six U.S. cities including Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Denver, and Columbus  covering more than 4.7 million households. With its licensed spectrum rights, Starry intends to further develop its offerings and expand its network to cover more than 25 million households by 2026, with a projected 1.4 million subscribers and $1.1 billion in revenue. The company saw 187% year over year revenue growth from 2019 to 2020 and expects revenues of $22 million in 2021. The company expects a revenue CAGR of 124% for the period between 2020 and 2023.

Starry's customer-first philosophy is core to how the company operates, from its proprietary hardware approach all the way to the subscriber experience. Starry's technology and service is engineered to delight customers in an industry that has to date been universally disappointing, with incumbents generating an industry average net promoter score of 0 as of 2021, compared to Starry's 2021 net promoter score of 72.

Starry is also deeply committed to its mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable broadband service including to communities such as public and affordable housing, which have been traditionally underserved and under-connected by incumbent broadband providers. In late 2018, Starry established its digital equity program, Starry Connect, to bring ultra-low-cost broadband service to public and affordable housing residents without requiring credit checks, long-term contracts, individual eligibility requirements or a lengthy application process.

Summary of the Transaction

The transaction is expected to be funded through a combination of FirstMark's $414 million of cash in trust (assuming no redemptions of common stock held by FirstMark's stockholders) supported by a $130 million fully committed PIPE and contemporaneous equity investment at $10.00 per share.

The transaction implies a pro forma Starry enterprise value of $1.66 billion, or approximately 7x 2025 estimated adjusted EBITDA. It is estimated that post-transaction, Starry will have approximately $452 million on its balance sheet (assuming no redemptions of common stock held by FirstMark's stockholders) to fund growth initiatives. Starry will use a portion of cash raised in the PIPE, as well as a $150 million issuance of new convertible debt, to retire Starry's existing debt. The new convertible debt is led by AS Birch Grove, an existing lender to Starry, and certain funds managed by Highbridge Capital Management, LLC.

The transaction, which has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of Starry and FirstMark, is expected to close in Q1 2022, subject to receipt of FirstMark stockholder approval and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

Governance

At the close of the transaction and once public, Starry will have a seven-person board, with three independent directors. Amish Jani (FirstMark and FirstMark Capital), Starry CEO Chet Kanojia, and independent director James Chiddix will remain on the board.

Investor Presentation

A copy of the investor presentation can be found by accessing the Starry investor page.

Advisors

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC served as financial advisor to Starry and placement agent to FirstMark Horizon Acquisition Corp. Credit Suisse served as financial advisor and capital markets advisor to FirstMark.

Latham & Watkins LLP acted as legal advisor to Starry. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP acted as legal advisor to FirstMark.

Additional Information about the Business Combination and Where to Find It

In connection with the proposed business combination, Starry Holdings, Inc. ("Starry Holdings"), a newly formed subsidiary of Starry, will file a registration statement on Form S-4 (the "Form S-4") with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The Form S-4 will include a proxy statement of FirstMark Horizon Acquisition Corp. ("FirstMark") and a prospectus of Starry Holdings, referred to as a proxy statement/prospectus. The proxy statement/prospectus will be sent to all FirstMark stockholders. Additionally, Starry Holdings and FirstMark will file other relevant materials with the SEC in connection with the proposed business combination. Copies of the Form S-4, the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant materials filed or that will be filed with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Before making any voting or investment decision, investors and security holders of FirstMark are urged to read the Form S-4, the proxy statement/prospectus and all other relevant materials filed or that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the proposed business combination because they will contain important information about the proposed business combination and the parties to the proposed business combination.

Participants in Solicitation

FirstMark, Starry Holdings and Starry and their respective directors and executive officers, under SEC rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies of FirstMark's stockholders in connection with the proposed business combination. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names and interests in the proposed business combination of FirstMark's directors and officers in FirstMark's filings with the SEC, including FirstMark's registration statement on Form S-1, which was originally filed with the SEC on September 18, 2020. To the extent that holdings of FirstMark's securities have changed from the amounts reported in FirstMark's registration statement on Form S-1, such changes have been or will be reflected on Statements of Change in Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. Information regarding the persons who may, under SEC rules, be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies to FirstMark's stockholders in connection with the business combination will be included in the proxy statement/prospectus relating to the proposed business combination when it becomes available. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described in the preceding paragraph.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication shall not constitute a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the proposed business combination. This communication shall also not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of FirstMark, Starry Holdings or Starry, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Forward-Looking Statements

This communication includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to the proposed business combination between FirstMark and Starry. Words such as "expect," "estimate," "project," "budget," "forecast," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "may," "will," "could," "should," "believe," "predict," "potential," "continue," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "would," "seem," "seek," "outlook" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this communication. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by an investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, Starry's and FirstMark's expectations with respect to anticipated financial impacts of the proposed business combination, the satisfaction of closing conditions to the proposed business combination, and the timing of the completion of the proposed business combination. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described in the "Risk Factors" section of FirstMark's registration statement on Form S-1 (File No. 333-248916), its Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended from time to time, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, and its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. In addition, there will be risks and uncertainties described in the Form S-4 and other documents filed by FirstMark or Starry Holdings from time to time with the SEC. These filings would identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Most of these factors are outside Starry's, Starry Holdings' and FirstMark's control and are difficult to predict. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ from the forward-looking statements in this communication, including but not limited to: (1) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against FirstMark, Starry or Starry Holdings following the announcement of the proposed business combination; (2) the inability to complete the proposed business combination, including due to the inability to concurrently close the business combination and related transactions, including the private placements of common stock and convertible notes or due to failure to obtain approval of the stockholders of FirstMark; (3) the risk that the proposed business combination may not be completed by FirstMark's business combination deadline and the potential failure to obtain an extension of the business combination deadline if sought by FirstMark; (4) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the proposed business combination, including the approval by the stockholders of FirstMark, the satisfaction of the minimum trust account amount following any redemptions by FirstMark's public stockholders and the receipt of certain governmental and regulatory approvals; (5) delays in obtaining, adverse conditions contained in, or the inability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals or complete regulatory reviews required to complete the proposed business combination; (6) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement; (7) volatility in the price of FirstMark's, Starry's or Starry Holdings' securities; (8) the risk that the proposed business combination disrupts current plans and operations as a result of the announcement and consummation of the business combination; (9) the inability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the proposed business combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain key employees; (10) costs related to the proposed business combination; (11) changes in the applicable laws or regulations; (12) the possibility that the combined company may be adversely affected by other economic, business, and/or competitive factors; (13) the risk of downturns and a changing regulatory landscape in the highly competitive industry in which Starry operates; (14) the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic; (15) Starry's ability to obtain or maintain rights to use licensed spectrum in any market in which Starry operates and potential declines in the value of Starry's FCC licenses; (16) the potential inability of Starry to raise additional capital needed to pursue its business objectives or to achieve efficiencies regarding other costs; (17) the enforceability of Starry's intellectual property, including its patents, and the potential infringement on the intellectual property rights of others, cyber security risks or potential breaches of data security; and (18) other risks and uncertainties described in FirstMark's registration statement on Form S-1 and Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended from time to time, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. These risks and uncertainties may be amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has caused significant economic uncertainty. Starry, Starry Holdings and FirstMark caution that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive or exhaustive and not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements, including projections, which speak only as of the date made. None of Starry, Starry Holdings or FirstMark gives any assurance that Starry, Starry Holdings or FirstMark will achieve its expectations. None of Starry, Starry Holdings or FirstMark undertakes or accepts any obligation to publicly provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, or should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.

About Starry

At Starry, we believe the future is built on connectivity and that connecting people and communities to high-speed, broadband internet should be simple and affordable. Using our innovative, next generation licensed fixed wireless technology, Starry is deploying fiber-quality broadband to the home without bundles, data caps, or long-term contracts. Starry is a different kind of internet service provider. We're building a platform for the future by putting our customers first, protecting their privacy, ensuring access to an open and neutral net, and putting the customer experience at the heart of everything we do. Headquartered in Boston and backed by world-class investors, Starry is currently available in Boston, New York, Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Denver, and Columbus, and is expanding nationwide. To learn more about Starry or to join our team and help us build a better internet, visit: https://starry.com .

About FirstMark

FirstMark is a special purpose acquisition company whose mission is to drive long-term value creation by actively supporting the next generation of iconic public companies. FirstMark is comprised of a team of seasoned investors and industry executives with an extensive track record of identifying transformative trends across innovative subsectors of technology. Notably, FirstMark's management team is composed of the founders and executives of FirstMark Capital, a prominent technology venture capital firm founded in 2008 with $2.2 billion in total capital commitments, which has backed entrepreneurs that have created leading companies, many valued over a billion dollars. For more information, please visit http://firstmarkhorizon.com.

Contacts

For Media Inquiries regarding Starry, Inc.

Meredith Ryals

[email protected] / [email protected]

Lauren Odell / Felipe Ucros

Gladstone Place Partners for Starry

[email protected]

212-230-5930

Jennifer Wlach / John Collins / Kimberly Winston

Mercury for Starry

[email protected]

212-681-1380

For Media Inquiries regarding FirstMark Horizon Acquisition Corp.

Gregory McNiff

The Blue Shirt Group for FirstMark

[email protected]

For Non-Media Inquiries regarding Starry, Inc.

[email protected]

For Non-Media Inquiries regarding FirstMark Horizon Acquisition Corp.

Eric D. Cheung

[email protected]

SOURCE Starry

Related Links

https://starry.com/


CALGARY, AB, Oct. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Sylogist Ltd. (TSX: SYZ) ("Sylogist" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce the acquisition of MISSION CRM Ltd. ("Mission CRM"), the developer of the Mission CRM fundraising and donor engagement SaaS platform for large and mid-market nonprofit organizations. Pursuant to the transaction, which closed on October 6th, 2021, Sylogist acquired all the shares of Mission CRM for $2.67 million (CAD), approximately 3x trailing annual revenue, subject to working capital adjustments, plus an earnout tied to agreed-upon revenue targets over the next three years. The annual earnout milestones reflect a compound annual growth rate in excess of 100%, with the business achieving more than $8.5 million in annual revenue by the end of the earnout period. Should Mission CRM achieve its earnout milestones, the total purchase price will equal approximately 1x revenue exiting FY2023. Mission CRM's two founders will remain with the company to drive its growth.

Founded in 2016, Mission CRM set out to develop an innovative, 100% SaaS fundraising and donor engagement platform built on a Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Azure foundation; fully embracing the Microsoft Common Data Model ("CDM") for nonprofit and non-governmental organizations. With its latest release in 2020, and unlike other point-solution products in the marketplace, the platform provides seamless constituent engagement, online fundraising and campaign pages, event management, peer-to-peer fundraising, donation processing, funds distribution, postal integrations, and CRA receipting.

Since the commercial release of the Mission CRM platform, 21 high-profile organizations across North America have selected and implemented the solution. As Mission CRM is built on top of Microsoft's Fundraising and Engagement offering and the CDM, it's integrated from the get-go with Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofit. In fact, the company co-developed the initial Mission CRM solution with Microsoft and licensed the platform kernel to Microsoft in 2020 for its use in Microsoft Cloud for Nonprofit. In turn, Mission CRM is the logical and easy upgrade path for organizations needing more functionality than what the Microsoft Fundraising and Engagement offering includes.

Bill Wood, Sylogist's President and CEO stated: "We are very excited to welcome Mission CRM's team and customers to Sylogist. This is a highly strategic deal for both parties. While Mission CRM will continue to be offered as a stand-alone solution, the innovative fundraising platform complements our Serenic Navigator ERP and other IP extraordinarily well. We look forward to offering fully integrated front-end donor engagement, fundraising, grants management, analytics, and back-end financial management and reporting in a single, comprehensive SaaS platform in the near future.

Over the last several months, we have pursued select booking opportunities in partnership with the Mission CRM team, which validated both the attractiveness of their platform and a unified solution. We are confident their fundraising and donor engagement solution offers innovation the market is looking for. In parallel, we initiated discussions with Mission CRM's founders about acquiring their company. With today's announcement, we look forward to launching an aggressive go-to-market campaign as a united team.

Sylogist intends to accelerate and help recognize Mission CRM's exciting growth trajectory. We will provide investment, resources, and expertise to enable rapid scaling on all fronts. This strategic acquisition brings with it strong IP, marquee customers, and an exceptional team, with whom we look forward to realizing the business' full potential." concluded Mr. Wood.

Christina Herancourt, President of Mission CRM, stated: "I am delighted to be joining the Sylogist team. When my co-founder, CJ Brooks, and I established this company, we did so with a goal of helping nonprofits achieve their missions with an innovative donor management platform. Joining forces with Sylogist provides the scale, expertise, and resources to accelerate our growth  even more so with Bill's first-hand knowledge of the space and his learnings from bringing Blackbaud's Raiser's Edge product to market. With cutting-edge technology, a strong team, backing from Sylogist, and alignment across our strategies and organizations, we are very excited about what the future holds."

About Sylogist

Sylogist is a public sector SaaS company that provides comprehensive ERP, CRM, fundraising, education administration, and payments solutions that allow our public sector customers to carry out their missions. We serve over 1,500 customers globally, including all levels of government, non-profit and non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, and public compliance-driven and funded companies. We have a strong balance sheet, industry-leading profitability, a track record of successful acquisitions, and a portfolio of mission-critical SaaS solutions.

Full financial statements together with Management's Discussion and Analysis are available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

The Company's stock is traded on the TSX Exchange under the symbol SYZ. Information about Sylogist can be found at www.sylogist.com .

About Mission CRM

Mission CRM provides nonprofits with an innovative SaaS fundraising and donor engagement platform built on Microsoft's Dynamics 365, Azure, and Common Data Model, allowing charities to accelerate the momentum of their operations and advance their missions. The platform is currently in use by 21 high-profile customers across North America. The company has differentiated and disruptive IP, a strong Microsoft relationship, and an exceptional team working to accelerate its growth.

Mission CRM is a division of Sylogist. Information about the company can be found at www.missioncrm.com.

Forward-looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws and regulations. These statements typically use words such as expect, believe, estimate, project, anticipate, plan, may, should, could and would, or the negative of these terms, variations thereof or similar terminology. Forward-looking information in this news release includes statements with respect to the total purchase price equalling approximately 1x revenue should Mission CRM achieve its earnout milestones, earnout milestones reflecting a compound annual growth rate in excess of 100% and the expectation of Mission CRM's business achieving $8.5 million annual revenue in that period, Sylogist's confidence that the Mission CRM platform offers the innovation the market is looking for, Sylogist's intention to offer a single comprehensive SaaS platform, and Sylogist's intention to accelerate and help recognize Mission CRM's expected growth trajectory through investment, resources and expertise to enable rapid scaling. By their very nature, forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific in nature. It is therefore possible that the beliefs and plans and other forward-looking expectations expressed herein will not be achieved or will prove inaccurate. Although Sylogist believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it provides no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including headwinds from COVID-19 and economic turmoil, inability to achieve earnout milestones for any reason, competitive threats to innovation or Sylogist's inability to invest and add expertise and market uptake of Sylogist products. Additional information regarding some of these risks, uncertainties and other factors may be found in the Company's Annual Information Form for the fiscal period ended September 30, 2020, and in the management's discussion and analysis for the three months ended June 30, 2021, and other documents available on the Company's profile at www.sedar.com. Material assumptions and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include Sylogist's ability to attract and retain customers and to realize on its investments. Although Sylogist believes that the material assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur. Sylogist disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Certain information set out herein may be considered as "financial outlook" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The purpose of this financial outlook is to provide readers with disclosure regarding Sylogist's reasonable expectations as to the anticipated results of its proposed business activities for the periods indicated. Readers are cautioned that the financial outlook may not be appropriate for other purposes.

SOURCE Sylogist Ltd.

Related Links

http://www.sylogist.com/


TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- In another move forward to expand the cutting-edge services and ranks of world-class physicians, Tampa General Hospital is announcing that it has established Tampa General Hospital General Surgeons of the Palm Beaches, a new surgery practice based in the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast.

TGH General Surgeons of the Palm Beaches provides another layer of support for patient care. "Our goal with this affiliation is to provide east coast patients with the resources and access to a highly robust academic institution. With a general surgery office located in their own neighborhood, patients can receive care there and when needed, easily access Tampa General for highly complex care, then return to receive follow-up care on the east coast with their treating physicians," said John Couris, Tampa General's president and chief executive officer. "It's the best of both worlds."

To connect the Palm Beach and Treasure Coast communities with top-level surgical care, Tampa General has affiliated with two renowned general surgeons with deep experience caring for local patients  Dr. Daniel R. Higgins and Dr. Itzhak Shasha. Higgins and Shasha will continue to see patients in their current office located at 1201 N. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach.

"Both Dr. Higgins and Dr. Shasha will continue providing the same clinically excellent, compassionate care their patients have come to rely upon and expect. Through this new alliance, patients will have access to a wider variety of clinical trials and options for advanced immunotherapy procedures, enhanced personal treatment plans and a convenient path to complex surgical procedures offered by a best-in-class academic medical center like Tampa General Hospital," said Dr. Abraham Schwarzberg, chief of oncology and senior vice president of network development at Tampa General.

The formation of TGH General Surgeons of the Palm Beaches follows Tampa General's alliance with other South Florida physician groups, the Cancer Center of South Florida and the Gastro Group of the Palm Beaches. The Cancer Center of South Florida affiliation was announced in May of 2020 and marked the first time that Tampa General has opened a location on the east coast of Florida.

TGH General Surgeons of the Palm Beaches patients will receive pre- and post-surgical care locally in the Palm Beach and Treasure Coast communities and many will receive their surgery in the area as well. Patients who need a higher level of care will now have a direct connection to Tampa General, one of America's largest hospitals. The academic medical center will provide patients with access to research breakthroughs, a wider variety of clinical trials and options for advanced immunotherapy therapy procedures, enhanced personal treatment plans and a convenient path to complex surgeries available through Tampa General Hospital. TGH General Surgeons of the Palm Beaches' medical records are aligned with Tampa General, making for a unified communication process.

Dr. Daniel R. Higgins

Higgins' work in South Florida spans nearly 40 years. His areas of clinical interests include breast, bowel, hernia and robotic surgery as well as dialysis access, vein treatment and cutaneous oncology. He is currently affiliated with two hospitals on the east coast, including Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach since 1985 and JFK Medical Center in Atlantis, Fla., since 1990. In addition, he served on the faculty of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine as affiliate assistant professor of surgery from 2014-17 and held a wide array of leadership positions in South Florida. "We continually bring surgeons with a wealth of experience like Dr. Higgins to our world-class team," said Couris. "His expertise speaks for itself and underscores why he is a great addition to our east coast provider network."

Higgins is a past president and board member of the Palm Beach County Medical Society. Other service roles have included board chairperson of West Palm Hospital, medical director of the Breast Center at Columbia Hospital, and chief of staff of Intracoastal Health Systems serving Good Samaritan Hospital and St. Mary's Health Centers.

A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the Florida Medical Association and the Palm Beach County Medical Society, Higgins will remain affiliated with Good Samaritan Medical Center and JFK Medical Center and perform surgery at both hospitals. "This association represents a wonderful opportunity to continue my life's work with an innovative, world-class academic medical center like Tampa General," said Higgins. "I look forward to bringing the experience and knowledge I've gained over my career to this new role, while providing the best possible care to patients in South Florida."

Higgins was raised in West Palm Beach. He earned his undergraduate degree in biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He received his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, the oldest medical school in the United States, and completed his surgical training at Graduate Hospital in Philadelphia. Over the years, he has contributed to medical literature with several articles, including the President's Report for the Journal of the Palm Beach County Medical Society, and several other scientific publications.

Dr. Itzhak Shasha

Shasha most recently has been affiliated with Jupiter Medical Center in Jupiter and Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Palm Beach, along with JFK Medical Center in Atlantis, Fla., serving as director of robotic surgery since 2010. His past hospital appointments include chief of the department of surgery and chairman of surgical quality assurance (1987-90) at Good Samaritan, and membership on the board of directors at JFK Medical Center.

As a distinguished general surgeon, Shasha  formerly a clinical instructor in surgery at New York's prestigious Mt. Sinai School of Medicine  adds invaluable experience and depth to Tampa General's presence beyond the Tampa Bay area.

"A physician with the high degree of knowledge and experience that Dr. Shasha possesses is a significant addition to our east coast provider network we are building to serve Palm Beach and Treasure Coast patients," said Couris.

A former paratrooper and sergeant with the Israeli Defense Forces, Shasha earned his medical degree at Universidad Autonoma de Guerrero in Mexico. He then did clinical rotations at Duke University, the University of Michigan, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Shasha subsequently did his surgical training as an intern at Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., progressing from junior resident to chief resident at Beth Israel Medical Center in the early 1980s. He received his certification from the American Board of Surgery in 1987, and the American College of Surgeons as a fellow in 1989. He has been included in the list of Best Doctors in America, Southeast Region (1996-97).

"I am so pleased to bring my experience as a surgeon to one of the nation's top academic medical centers," said Shasha, whose academic appointments include teaching medical students and training residents as an affiliate professor of surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine at JFK Medical Center. "I am proud to be part of this new network and help provide the best care possible to the Palm Beach and Treasure Coast area." Shasha will continue to perform surgeries at Good Samaritan Medical Center, JFK Medical Center and Jupiter Medical Center.

The fourth highest-ranking hospital in Florida in U.S. News and World Report's 2021-22 Best Hospitals list and one of Florida's leading academic medical centers, Tampa General is the primary teaching affiliate of the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine on the forefront of providing world-class care through innovation and collaboration.

TGH General Surgeons of the Palm Beaches provides another layer of support for patient care and is anticipated to be a seamless transition for patients not requiring them to make any changes in care. Insurance, copayments, and electronic medical records will remain the same. Patients who have questions about the new alliance and the wide array of new services are encouraged to call Dr. Higgin's and Dr. Shasha's office at 561-655-4334.

ABOUT TAMPA GENERAL HOSPITAL

Tampa General Hospital, a 1,041-bed non-profit academic medical center, is one of the largest hospitals in America and delivers world-class care as the region's only center for Level l trauma and comprehensive burn care. Tampa General Hospital is the highest-ranked hospital in the market in U.S. News & World Report's 2021-22 Best Hospitals, and one of the top 4 hospitals in Florida, with five specialties ranking among the best programs in the United States. The academic medical center's commitment to growing and developing its team members is recognized by two prestigious 2021 Forbes magazine rankings  America's Best Employers by State, third out of 100 Florida companies and first among health care and social organizations and 13th nationally in America's Best Employers for Women. Tampa General is the safety net hospital for the region, caring for everyone regardless of their ability to pay, and in fiscal 2020 provided a net community benefit worth more than $182.5 million in the form of health care for underinsured patients, community education and financial support to community health organizations in Tampa Bay. It is one of the nation's busiest adult solid organ transplant centers and is the primary teaching hospital for the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine. With five medical helicopters, Tampa General Hospital transports critically injured or ill patients from 23 surrounding counties to receive the advanced care they need. Tampa General houses a nationally accredited comprehensive stroke center and its 32-bed Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit is the largest on the West Coast of Florida. It also is home to the Jennifer Leigh Muma 82-bed Level IV neonatal intensive care unit, and a nationally accredited rehabilitation center. Tampa General Hospital's footprint includes 17 Tampa General Medical Group Primary Care offices, TGH Family Care Center Kennedy, TGH Brandon Healthplex, TGH Virtual Health and 19 outpatient Radiology Centers. Tampa Bay residents also receive world-class care from the TGH Urgent Care powered by Fast Track network of clinics, and they can even receive home visits in select areas through TGH Urgent Care at Home, powered by Fast Track. As one of the largest hospitals in the country, Tampa General Hospital is first in Florida to partner with GE Healthcare and open a clinical command center that uses artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to improve and better coordinate patient care at a lower cost. For more information, go to www.tgh.org.

Media Contact: Beth Hardy

Sr. Communications Specialist

(813) 844-7322 (direct)

[email protected]

SOURCE Tampa General Hospital

Related Links

http://www.tgh.org


As part of this partnership, The General is powering Black Entrepreneurs Day's Game Changer Conversations  which features Daymond John in inspirational one-on-one conversations with Black business leaders and cultural icons, including The General long-time brand ambassador Shaquille O'Neal, Tyra Banks, Michael Strahan, Rev Run, Marcus Samuelsson and the first female Black Billionaire, Janice Bryant Howroyd as they share their own pivotal career moments.

In addition, The General will also present a new addition to this year's event: Black LeadHERship  a Black Women's Roundtable. In honor of National Women's Small Business Month, the roundtable discussion will feature business leaders from the American Family Insurance Enterprise, including Elicia Azali  Enterprise Chief Marketing Officer, American Family Insurance, Telisa Yancy  President, American Family Direct, Sherina Smith  Vice President and Head of Marketing, American Family Insurance and Lauren Powell  Corporate Legal Vice President, American Family Insurance. Alongside Daymond John, Elicia, Telisa, Sherina and Lauren discuss their own career journeys while offering advice to other Black women looking to form their own entrepreneurial paths.

"The General is on a tremendous journey to consistently commit to driving diversity and inclusion, including prioritizing and pursuing initiatives that better reflect the interest of our diverse customer base," said Elicia Azali, Enterprise Chief Marketing Officer at American Family Insurance. "As part of this initiative, The General has launched meaningful partnerships to authentically connect with and support new and existing customers, particularly during a challenging time when many Americans were faced with financial challenges and social injustice  and continuing to work with and support Black Entrepreneurs Day is a clear fit."

The General will also be funding one $25,000 grant to a rising Black entrepreneur via the NAACP Powershift Entrepreneurial Grant, in partnership with the NAACP. The winner will also receive professional one-on-one mentoring sessions with Shaquille O'Neal and Elicia Azali. The grant recipient will be announced during this year's event.

As a further extension of this event, The General is also engaging its Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) partners - Morehouse College and Tennessee State University - by giving six Black business students and student entrepreneurs a chance to win one-on-one mentoring sessions with Shaquille O'Neal and Elicia Azali, along with a Surface Laptop Pro, a signed book from Daymond John and more. Since 2020, The General has partnered with HBCUs to support their students and graduates by offering career development and employment opportunities. This opportunity will equip these six students with resources and tools to take the next step in their entrepreneurial careers and continues to demonstrate The General's commitment to supporting their customers when they need it the most.

Beyond Black Entrepreneurs Day, The General supports other diverse efforts, including the brand's recent partnership with Shaquille O'Neal and Bleacher Report to surprise everyday people with a break from the financial challenges they've been facing brought on by the pandemic. In a three-part content series, Shaquille visited three Atlanta-based businesses and rewarded each of them with a well-deserved financial and emotional break. For nearly 60 years, The General has been there for its customers when they need it the most and as the brand continues to grow, the brand will always keep the needs and interests of its customers first, particularly during a time when so many people were impacted financially.

Earlier this year, The General launched a brand refresh with the goal of more accurately representing the true identity of the brand - a quality insurance company that has been saving people money for nearly 60 years. Fueled by data and insights, it came to light that many potential customers didn't see The General as a quality company and had misperceptions about who The General really is - all because of the brand's previous advertising. As part of the brand refresh, The General launched two ad campaigns this year. The brand refresh and new ad campaigns more accurately reflect the quality and credibility of the rest of the business and position The General for growth into the next several decades. Both campaigns are a true representation of The General's continued commitment to diversity and inclusion in the brand's marketing efforts - both in front and behind the camera.

This year's Black Entrepreneurs Day will air on October 14th beginning at 7 pm ET exclusively Daymond John's Facebook Page . To learn more about The General, visit www.thegeneral.com and for more details about the free, virtual Black Entrepreneurs Day event, visit www.blackentrepreneursday.com .

About The General Insurance

The General Automobile Insurance Services, Inc. (The General) is a licensed insurance agency and subsidiary of PGC Holdings Corp. (PGC), which is wholly owned by American Family Mutual Insurance Company. Through its insurance company subsidiaries and their predecessors, PGC has been writing automobile insurance since 1963, serving customers who may find it difficult to obtain insurance from other carriers at a reasonable rate. Visit www.thegeneral.com or follow The General on Twitter , Instagram and Facebook .

Media Contacts: Megan Snodsmith, [email protected]

SOURCE The General Insurance

Related Links

http://www.thegeneral.com


HOUSTON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Howard Hughes Corporation  (NYSE: HHC) announced today that it will release 2021 third-quarter earnings on Thursday, November 4, 2021, after the market closes and will hold its third-quarter conference call on Friday, November 5, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The Company's earnings release will be posted to the Investors section of the Company's website prior to the conference call.

To participate in The Howard Hughes Corporation's third-quarter earnings conference call, please dial 1-877-883-0383 within the U.S., 1-877-885-0477 within Canada, or 1-412-902-6506 when dialing internationally. All participants should dial in at least five minutes prior to the scheduled start time, using 9166884 as the passcode. A live audio webcast will also be available on the Company's website ( www.howardhughes.com ) .

In addition to the dial-in options, institutional and retail shareholders can participate by going to app.saytechnologies.com/howardhughes to submit questions to Say prior to the Earnings Call. Shareholders can email [email protected] for any support inquiries.

A taped replay of the call can be accessed 24 hours a day through December 5, 2021, by dialing 1-877-344-7529 within the U.S., 1-855-669-9658 within Canada, or 1-412-317-0088 when dialing internationally, using the passcode 10150107.

About The Howard Hughes Corporation

The Howard Hughes Corporation owns, manages and develops commercial, residential and mixed-use real estate throughout the U.S. Its award-winning assets include the country's preeminent portfolio of master planned cities and communities, as well as operating properties and development opportunities including: the Seaport in New York; Downtown Columbia, Maryland; The Woodlands, The Woodlands Hills, and Bridgeland in the Greater Houston, Texas area; Summerlin, Las Vegas; and Ward Village in Honolulu, Hawaii. The Howard Hughes Corporation's portfolio is strategically positioned to meet and accelerate development based on market demand, resulting in one of the strongest real estate platforms in the country. Dedicated to innovative place making, the company is recognized for its ongoing commitment to design excellence and to the cultural life of its communities. The Howard Hughes Corporation is traded on the New York Stock Exchange as HHC. For additional information visit www.howardhughes.com.

Media Contact

The Howard Hughes Corporation

Cristina Carlson, 646-822-6910

SVP, Head of Corporate Communications

[email protected]

Investor Relations

The Howard Hughes Corporation

Correne Loeffler, 281-929-7700

Chief Financial Officer

[email protected]

SOURCE The Howard Hughes Corporation

Related Links

http://www.howardhughes.com


The NDU Foundation is the entity for the private sector to invest in National Defense University's (NDU) mission of joint strategic education and leadership development. The NDU Foundation exists to support excellence at NDU including building relationships between the private sector and NDU.

The National Defense University (NDU) develops joint military and interagency national security leaders through rigorous academics, research, and engagement. NDU's five accredited post-graduate colleges have prepared over 20,000 civilian and military professionals from the U.S. and over 75 allied countries to serve as tomorrow's national security leaders and policy makers at the highest levels of command in military, government, and private industry.

Chicago-based businessman and philanthropist Michael Tang, Chief Executive Officer of National Material L.P (NMLP) Chairman of Tang Industries (TII), has served on the NDU Foundation Board since 2017. Tang's gift benefits the National Defense University and NDU Foundation in four priority areas:

Faculty Excellence, including support of research, to improve the productivity, and the teaching excellence of NDU faculty;

Student Success, including support for student papers, research, and publications to improve student learning and outcomes;

International Relationships, including support for the International Student Management Office and the College of International Student Affairs to improve international relationships with national security leaders from our allies, partners, and friends engaged with NDU, and engaging current students and alumni;

Improving the University including acquiring technology to improve faculty and student success and the infrastructure of the university to support national security education and outreach.

"Mr. Tang's investment in the NDU Foundation speaks to his understanding of the importance of leader development and to the quality of education at NDU and its focus on both national security and peacekeeping," said NDU Foundation President and CEO James Schmeling, JD.

"The NDU Foundation has a pivotal role to play in developing creative public-private partnerships which enhance the capabilities of the National Defense University to prepare future national security leaders for tomorrow's global security challenges. I am so pleased with Mr. Tang's generosity as it will underpin the Foundation's efforts in this regard," said NDU Foundation Chairman, RADM Michael Manazir, USN (Ret), who is currently Vice President, Boeing Defense Global Sales and Marketing.

The NDU Foundation partners with business, industry, and other organizations to ensure NDU remains the international community's premier institution for national security, public diplomacy, and global security education.

"The creation of the Michael Tang Fund for Excellence and Innovation provides the foundation with future opportunities for investments in global security and peacekeeping. Our goal is to ensure that the NDU has the necessary resources to remain the international center of excellence for joint, combined, interagency and international education promoting collaborative problem solving across branches of governments with partner nations and educational institutions," said Tang.

About the National Defense University Foundation

The NDU Foundation is focused exclusively on supporting the education and leadership development of national defense, security and peacekeeping professionals studying at the National Defense University (NDU), located at Ft. Lesley J. McNair in Washington, D.C. The Foundation provides NDU with vital resources to protect our democracy and ensure peace by educating and developing agile leaders prepared to think critically and operate strategically in an increasingly dynamic, complex, and unpredictable international security environment. Learn more at NDUFoundation.org.

About the National Defense University

Under the direction of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, NDU is the nation's preeminent higher education institution for advanced national security strategy and leadership development. NDU's five accredited post-graduate colleges have prepared over 20,000 civilian and military professionals from the U.S. and over 75 allied countries to serve as tomorrow's decision and policy makers at the highest levels of command in military, government, and private industry. To learn more, please visit NDU.edu.

SOURCE National Defense University Foundation

Related Links

www.ndu.edu


COLUMBIA, Md., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- During the past year, NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy (SOFIA) has enabled several outstanding and unique scientific discoveries in astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, and earth science -- from observing the Solar System, to observing galactic and extragalactic centers, star formation and supernovae. SOFIA, whose science mission operations are managed by Universities Space Research Association (USRA) "continues to make significant contributions and its seminal findings have been published in high impact refereed scientific journals," said Margaret Meixner, USRA Director of SOFIA Mission Operations.

SOFIA is regarded as a world-class observatory committed to improving scientific prowess and looks forward to continuing collaborations with other major ground-based and space-based astronomical observatories such as ALMA and JWST in the future. SOFIA researchers continue to lead and co-author many highly influential refereed papers, with some of these papers being led by SOFIA scientists as the first author, and most being led by scientists world-wide.

Supported by NASA and DLRthe German Space Centersome of SOFIA's significant discoveries during this past year are highlighted below.

SOFIA discovers water on the Moon

SOFIA recently discovered even more compelling evidence of water on the Moon, this time in its sunlit regionsin Clavius Crater-- affording exciting new opportunities for lunar science.

This discovery enhances our understanding of the behavior of water and other volatile elements on the surface of cold, airless bodies. This important result and follow-up observations by SOFIA will support future Moon missions in creating the first water resource maps of the Moon and was published in Nature Astronomy, October 2020.

Growth of active black holes does not stop star birthSOFIA findings causing scientists to rethink galactic evolution

Black holes are thought to gobble up so much surrounding material that they put an end to the life of their host galaxy. In that process they create a highly energetic object called a quasar which was previously thought to halt star birth. Now researchers, using SOFIA, have found a galaxy CQ4479--that is surviving the ravenous forces, and continuing to birth new stars about 100 Sun-sized stars a year. The discovery is causing scientists to re-think their theories of galactic evolution. The results are published in the Astrophysical Journal, November 2020

Galactic wind flowing from the center of the Cigar Galaxy (M82) channels gas and dust along a magnetic field providing clues to the evolution of galaxies

New research shows that magnetic fields are also contributing to the expulsion of material from Messier 82, a well-known example of a starburst galaxy with a distinctive, elongated shape.

The findings from, SOFIA, help explain how dust and gas can move from inside galaxies into intergalactic space, offering clues to how galaxies formed. This material is enriched with elements like carbon and oxygen that support life and are the building blocks for future galaxies and stars. The research was presented at the meeting of the 2021 Winter meeting of the American Astronomical Society and has been published in the Astrophysical Journal, June 2021.

SOFIA's studies of comet Catalina suggests comets delivered carbon to rocky planets

SOFIA discovered that some comets are carbon rich and may be the source of carbon on planets like Earth and Mars. The observations of Comet Catalina as it made its first pass through the solar system and was briefly visible to stargazers, offers new clues about how this essential ingredient for life came to rocky planets in the Sun's inhabitable zone.

Comets like Catalina could have been an essential source of carbon on planets like Earth and Mars during the early formation of the solar system. New results from SOFIA, a joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Center, were published recently in the Planetary Science Journal, February 2021.

SOFIA's observations of the Whirlpool galaxy (M51) identify cause of Spiral arms in the galaxy

The Whirlpool galaxy's arms are strikingly visible as they reach out along the central spine structure displaying swirling clouds of gas and dust are massive star-making factories. But new observations by NASA's Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy, or SOFIA, presented at 237th meeting of the American Astronomical Society, and accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal shows a more complicated picture --that magnetic fields play an important role in shaping spiral galaxies.

Radio telescopes previously detected neatly-drawn magnetic fields throughout the length of the galaxy's massive arms. But under SOFIA's infrared gaze for the first time those lines give way to a chaotic scene in the outer spiral arms. Using a far-infrared camera and imaging polarimeter instrument called the High-Resolution Airborne Wideband Camera, or HAWC+, researchers found that the magnetic fields in the outskirts of the galaxy no longer follow the spiral structure and are instead distorted. The research builds on SOFIA's previous findings that show magnetic fields are important in shaping spiral galaxies and helps unravel the complex role magnetic fields play in the evolution of galaxies.

SOFIA offers new way to study Earth's atmosphere

A major science finding that resulted from SOFIA's direct measurement of atomic oxygen in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere, offered a new way to study one of the least understood regions of Earth's upper atmosphere. The results were published in Nature Communications Earth and Environment, January, 2021.

SOFIA observed a particular form of unbonded oxygen, known as atomic oxygen, which is distinct from the life-giving O 2 found at the Earth's surface. Atomic oxygen plays an important role in cooling the upper atmosphere and therefore is used to estimate temperatures in this region. Climate models predict that increasing greenhouse gases will raise temperatures in the lower atmosphere but decrease temperatures in the mesosphere. A more accurate monitoring of the mesosphere's temperature can help researchers better understand the relationship between the lower and upper atmosphere. SOFIA's direct measurements improve these temperature estimates.

SOFIA witnesses rare accretion flare on a massive protostar

SOFIA can detect extraordinary luminous outbursts due to episodic accretion into stellar objects at different stages of their evolution. Recently, SOFIA observed a rare accretion flare on a massive protostar. Infrared data obtained by SOFIA was crucial for studying an outburst from a massive protostar in the iconic Cat's Paw Nebula that is now glowing at 50,000 times the luminosity of the Sun. Unlike some of its companions, this particular protostar is so deeply embedded that it was not even detectable in the infrared prior to the outburst. These new findings confirm that the formation of high-mass stars can be considered a scaled-up version of the process by which low-mass stars like our Sun are born. The results are published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, May 2021.

SOFIA finds clues to star formation in a young nebula

Astronomers are still trying to understand how stars and galaxies formed in the early universe. Using SOFIA, scientists have new data from a glowing nebula, filled with clouds of hot gas and dust, known as RCW 120. Observations from SOFIA suggest that this nebula may be representative of how stars formed in the early universe. Scientists found the stellar wind emanating from the nebula's central massive star is making the nebula expand rapidly. The expansion is triggering the birth of stellar neighbors at breakneck speeds  and revealing the nebula is younger than previously believed. The results are published in Science Advances, April 2021.

Galactic merger warps magnetic fields

SOFIA's new observations provide new insights into how the early universe may have been shaped by galactic mergers under the influence of their supercharged magnetic fields and were recently published in Nature Astronomy, June 2021.

For the first time, scientists have mapped out the invisible magnetic fields pulsing through Centaurus A using infrared light. The results show how the merging of the two original galaxies created a new, reshaped, and contorted galaxy that not only combined the two galaxies' magnetic fields but amplified their forces. One of the brightest galaxies in the night sky, Centaurus A, is well known for its distinct "S" shape, and according to scientists is a good candidate for the study of galactic mergers.

SOFIA Probes Heart of Hot core chemistry increasing understanding of star formation

SOFIA probed the Heart of Hot Core Chemistry High-resolution molecular line surveys provide a chemical inventory for star forming regions  essential for establishing the relative importance of potential chemical networks, understanding organic chemistry associated with star formation. SOFIA was able to detect HNC, HCN, and H13CN in an Orion hot corewhich was not possible with previous high resolution molecular surveys. The findings were published in a paper in the Astrophysical Journal, January 2021

Discovering New Insights into Star forming regions called Westerland 2

With the help of the SOFIA's FEEDBACK program, researchers obtained the first clear picture of how massive stars begin to form. Using the German REceiver for Astronomy at Terahertz Frequencies, or GREAT, in one of its advanced configurations called UpGREAT, SOFIA's FEEDBACK program enabled high-resolution insights into the star-forming region called Westerlund 2 - one of the brightest and most massive star formation regions in the Milky Way. The results were recently published in the Astrophysical Journal, September 2021.

"We believe the best is yet to come in the remaining years in SOFIA's planned life-time, and perhaps beyond, based on its new and archival datasets. For example, SOFIA observations are being used in tandem with other major ground-based and space-based astronomical observatories to study our galaxy and solar system (e.g. Earth's Moon and other planets) and galaxies far beyond," said USRA's Ghassem Asrar, Senior Vice President, Science.

Additional Resources:

https://www.sofia.usra.edu/science/publications/sofia-publications



https://newsroom.usra.edu/

About USRA

Founded in 1969, under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences at the request of the U.S. Government, the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) is a nonprofit corporation chartered to advance space-related science, technology and engineering. USRA operates scientific institutes and facilities, and conducts other major research and educational programs. USRA engages the university community and employs in-house scientific leadership, innovative research and development, and project management expertise. More information about USRA is available at www.usra.edu.

About SOFIA

SOFIA is a joint project of NASA and the German Aerospace Center. NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley manages the SOFIA program, science, and mission operations in cooperation with the Universities Space Research Association, headquartered in Columbia, Maryland, and the German SOFIA Institute at the University of Stuttgart. The aircraft is maintained and operated by NASA's Armstrong Flight Research Center Building 703, in Palmdale, California.

PR Contact:

Suraiya Farukhi, Ph.D.

[email protected]

443-812-6945

SOURCE Universities Space Research Association

Related Links

http://www.usra.edu


Timex is expanding upon its heritage in the outdoor watch segment by adding new styles to its much-loved Expedition franchise. Having first introduced the collection in the late 80s, the newest Expedition North line brings together quality craftsmanship and an outdoor design, boasting ergonomic, functional capabilities and a rugged aesthetic, alongside premium materials and sustainable manufacturing processes.

In fact, Expedition North marks a new era for Timex, forging the path to a greener future by implementing an eco-conscious approach to watch design. Of note, each watch is outfitted with straps made from 100% Recycled Plastic Fabric and zero-water Ecco DriTan Leather. Our solar-powered movements can be recharged by any light source, while our hand-wound movements allow consumers to forgo the batteries altogether.

Tide-Temp-Compass: Releasing in 2022, this timepiece is built for the long haul. The bidirectional center hand reflects local tide and temperature conditions to always point its wearer in the right direction.

Field Post 41 Solar: With luminescent hands and dial markings powered by light, the sun works overtime to make this watch legible in the dark.

Field Post 36 Solar: Take what you love about the Field Post 41 Solar, and scale it all down to a slightly retro profile. The Field Post 36 Solar harkens back to military-issue watches from decades past.

Field Post 38 Mechanical: Featuring a hand-wound mechanical movement and anti-reflective sapphire crystal, the Field Post 38 does more than look the part.

The highlight of the Expedition North collection, however, is the timepiece crafted in collaboration with The James Branda style that is similarly guided by our commitment to preserving Earth's wild spaces. Designed around both brands' pledge to deliver on modern minimalism, true craftsmanship and attention to detail, the new Timex x The James Brand wristwatch is crafted with an adventurous lifestyle in mind, while simultaneously embodying the kind of tradition you can wear every day.

"Partnering with The James Brand allowed us to apply our mutual appreciation for craftsmanship and functionality to a piece that honors our respective passions for watchmaking and everyday carry essentials" notes Giorgio Galli, Chief Executive Creative Director of Timex Group. "The resulting watch is not only the pinnacle style of our newest Expedition North collection, but also the embodiment of the future we have in store for outdoor watch design."

Portland, Oregon-based Ryan Coulter, Founder & Chief Creative Officer of The James Brand, states that one of the brand's main objectives is to "elevate traditional tools, like the pocketknife, from the tactical realm and into a space in which they carry some form of emotional currency." He continues, "Our collaboration with Timex tells an integrated storyone that's centered around strengthening the connective tissue between the product and the wearer."

Lightweight and built-to-last, The James Brand x Timex Expedition North collaboration accomplishes this and more, featuring a 41mm titanium case that packs a sturdy 21-jewel automatic movement, classic Timex dial layout, sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, and Super-LumiNova C3 luminescent infill on the hands and dialneatly packaged and 200 meters water resistant. The result guarantees all-around functionality, whether you consider yourself a budding explorer or epic adventurer.

For more information about Timex x The James Brand, as well as the full Timex Expedition North, please see HERE. Both Timex x James Brand and Expedition North are available for purchase on Timex.com.

About Timex Group

Timex Group designs, manufactures and markets innovative timepieces around the world. Timex Group is a privately held company headquartered in Middlebury, Connecticut with multiple operating units and over 3,000 employees worldwide. As one of the largest watch makers in the world, Timex Group companies produce watches under a number of well-known brands, including Timex, adidas, Furla, Gc, Guess, Missoni, Nautica, Salvatore Ferragamo, Ted Baker, Versace and Versus.

Join Timex on social media: @timex and please visit http://timexgroup.com .

PRESS CONTACT

[email protected] | [email protected]

SOURCE Timex
LTG (Ret.) Ostrowski served as the Army's top uniformed acquisition official as well as a Program Executive Officer. As the Principal Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA (ALT)), LTG (Ret.) Ostrowski led a staff of nearly 40,000 personnel with 720 acquisition programs and a portfolio of $36 billion while overseeing all the Army's acquisition workforce.

Ostrowski brings over 28 years of defense acquisition expertise to Tomahawk Robotics. This experience will assist the company in bringing their cutting-edge technology into the hands of U.S. military service men and women. According to Ostrowski, "Unmanned systems are a critical capability on the future battlefield that we have to get right. I believe Tomahawk Robotics' universal robotic control software, Kinesis, is a capability that will allow the Army to address a key element of the Army's overarching robotic strategy more quickly and will also maximize the value of existing unmanned systems investments already made by the DoD."

Specifically, Ostrowski will focus his attention on further developing the Intellectual Property strategy of Tomahawk Robotics to align with a model that best supports the needs of the Army and the broader DOD customer base. "I'm excited to advise the team at Tomahawk on best IP practices that will progress their common control software capability down a program acquisition pathway that makes sense and satisfies the unique needs of the Services' diverse stakeholders," he added.

"Paul's appointment reflects our commitment to advancing the Army's modernization priorities," said Brad Truesdell, CEO of Tomahawk Robotics. "His insightful recommendations gained from decades of experience as a senior acquisition leader have already made an impact. Paul's help will position us to address the need more rapidly for universal robotic control and support the men and women in harm's way who need better solutions than what's out there today."

About Tomahawk Robotics

Tomahawk Robotics is the leading innovator of common control solutions that transform how humans and unmanned systems work together to make the world more safe and secure. From the battlefield to remote industrial sites, our products and technology safeguard users working under the most extreme and stressful conditions. Designed from the ground up with the user in mind, Kinesis is the only multidomain, cross-architecture, AI-enabled control system that unlocks intuitive interaction with remote environments from across the room or around the world.

Learn more at https://www.tomahawkrobotics.com

CONTACT: Tracy Maslow, [email protected]

SOURCE Tomahawk Robotics

Related Links

https://www.tomahawkrobotics.com


DENVER, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Voyager Space (Voyager), a global leader in space exploration, today announced the company joins Unreasonable 's Fellowship and 2021 Unreasonable Impact Americas Program, with the goal of using the power of business to drive lasting, scalable change.

Investments in environmental, social and governance (ESG) have drastically increased in recent years, with $21 billion invested in Q1 2021 alone. In parallel, the demand for ESG metrics in the space sector has also risen, prompting industry incumbents and startups alike to pursue opportunities in space to support a more sustainable future for all of humanity. By uniting like-minded companies dedicated to this idea, Voyager is pioneering a new way of doing business that is not only profitable, but impactful on Earth and beyond.

"The next frontier of space exploration is now, and it's crucial for our new generation of pioneers to use this opportunity and platform to solve pressing global problems," said Dylan Taylor, Chairman and CEO, Voyager Space. "We are honored to join Unreasonable in its commitment to make the world a better place."

Unreasonable hand picks and privately invites the world's most impactful growth-stage companies into The Unreasonable Fellowship. To date, the 285 Fellowship CEOs have raised more than $6.5 billion in financing, and the company works with more than 1,500 sources of capital in an effort to drive more resources, faster, into Unreasonable Companies. Unreasonable Impact Americas is a multi-week virtual gathering designed to further support these entrepreneurs as they work to address key global issues and rapidly create jobs.

"While it may seem counterintuitive at first, those working in the space industry are some of the most passionate people I've met when it comes to making impactful, worldwide changes," said Daniel Epstein, Founder and CEO, Unreasonable . "I'm thrilled to welcome Dylan and the Voyager team to Unreasonable, and I can't wait to see how we can support them on their journey to scale."

Voyager is currently a NewSpace industry leader in EdTech,having flown over 500 student experiments to space, and in AgTech, through a partnership with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office leveraging space technology to improve global food security here on Earth. As a co-architect to the World Economic Forum's Space Sustainability Rating , Voyager is also a leader in space debris mitigation. Over 500 soon-to-launch satellites will be equipped with Voyager interfaces that enable end-of-life deorbiting, reducing future space debris. There are already over 200 satellites in orbit today with this technology.

About Voyager Space

Voyager Space is a global leader in space exploration. Voyager's long-term mission is to create a vertically integrated, publicly traded NewSpace company capable of delivering any space mission humans can conceive. The firm's first-in-industry model is uniquely tailored to support the growth needs of commercial space companies by replacing traditional private capital models with a longer-term approach that provides permanent capital. Voyager is led by founders and space industry veterans Dylan Taylor and Matthew Kuta, along with the Board of Directors which includes National Security Expert and four-star Air Force General William Shelton; leading institutional investor Gabe Finke; world-leading planetary scientist, Dr. Alan Stern; noted public company director and former U.S. undersecretary of technology Dr. Cheryl Shavers; experienced technology executive, board director, and financial leader, Marian Joh; and former undersecretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment, Ellen Lord. To learn more about Voyager Space Inc., please visit: https://voyagerspace.com/

About Unreasonable

Unreasonable exists to re-purpose capitalism. We are an international company that supports a Fellowship for growth-stage entrepreneurs, channels exclusive deal-flow to investors, and partners with institutions to discover profit in solving global problems. Part global community and part investment firm, we operate at the intersection of profit, advanced technologies, and impact. The 277 ventures in the Unreasonable Fellowship operate across more than 180 countries, have collectively generated $5.4 billion in revenue, raised $6.5 billion in financing, and are positively impacting the lives of more than 700 million people.

SOURCE Voyager Space
BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vyluma Inc. and MyMyopia (MyMyopia.com) are excited to announce new tools and resources to support the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) World Sight Day, a global event to draw attention to blindness and vision impairment. The theme for this year is #LoveYourEyes.

In today's COVID world where kids spend more time than ever on digital devices, World Sight Day 2021 is important to ensure we do everything possible to preserve the vision of children worldwide.

By raising awareness of World Sight Day, we aim to educate parents about the risks of myopia and inform them of the importance of seeking information regarding options to slow the progression of myopia.

MyMyopia supports this effort by providing parent-friendly educational materials that can be shared on social media, posted on eye practices' websites, and made available as printable handouts. Resources can be access at https://mymyopia.com/world-sight-day-2021/ and include:

Social media images with impactful statistics from recent research studies and MyMyopia community polls

An animated video that provides a foundational understanding of myopia in less than three minutes

Parent quote graphics about their children's eyesight and myopia

Short videos that feature myopic children asking eye doctors their important questions about myopia and vision health

Social media graphics that feature the most common questions eye doctors receive from parents and accompanying answers

A myopia BINGO game parents can play with their children

MyMyopia has put an emphasis on educating parents and equipping eye care professionals with valuable information on myopia.

The MyMyopia toolkit contains many valuable resources in the form of brochures, reference sheets, and checklists. The toolkit includes embed codes for resources like an infographic and video content for easy use. The full toolkit and how-to guide can be downloaded here.

About Vyluma Inc.

Vyluma was established in June 2021 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Nevakar Inc., with a focus on pharmaceutical ophthalmic treatments for refractive errors. Vyluma' s pipeline of therapies is led by NVK002, an investigational, preservative-free, low-dose atropine eye drop to slow the progression of myopia in children. NVK002 is currently in late Phase III clinical development in the United States, Europe, and Asia. The multi-country CHAMP (Childhood Atropine for Myopia Progression) study includes children ages 3 to 17 and administration is a single drop to both eyes, nightly.

Vyluma has partnered with Zhaoke Ophthalmology to develop and commercialize NVK002 in China and South East Asia. In Europe and other select markets outside of the United States, Laboratories Thea has responsibility for the commercialization of NVK002.

In addition to NVK002, Vyluma has a robust pipeline of pharmaceutical assets in various stages of development that address important unmet treatment needs of patients with refractive errors or eye pain. For more information, visit https://vyluma.com/.

References

1. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2774808

2. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaophthalmology/fullarticle/2774808

SOURCE Vyluma Inc.

Related Links

https://vyluma.com


DUBLIN, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "LED Bulb Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global LED bulb market reached a value of US$ 6.7 Billion in 2020. LED (light emitting diode) bulb refers to an electric lamp comprising of numerous clusters of LEDs which are mounted on a base. In contrast with the conventional lighting sources, such as incandescent and fluorescent lights, LED bulbs are associated with innumerable advantages which include a compact size, longer lifespan, lower energy consumption and production of less heat output. Additionally, these bulbs are available in different watts, colours, shapes and dimmable control. On account of this, LED bulbs are being commonly used in the industrial, commercial and residential sectors worldwide. Looking forward, the publisher expects the global LED bulb market to exhibit strong growth during the next five years.



Currently, power consumption has been witnessing an increase across the world. The high rate of power consumption can be attributed to a rise in population worldwide, steep subsidies for electrical power by several countries and limited attempts to rationalise the consumption. Mounting consumption of electricity, however, has not been supplemented by adequate electricity production which is leading to a power crisis. Owing to this, there is a strong demand for energy-efficient products such as LED bulbs.

Manufacturers are undertaking unique marketing initiatives through various advertising mediums such as newspaper, television, etc. so as to expand their consumer-base. In addition to this, constant encouragement by government and other regulatory bodies, coupled with rising product awareness amongst the population is anticipated to impel the market growth.

Over the past few years, there has been a growing trend of promoting environmental protection and energy conservation. For instance, governments in some of the markets, such as China , India , etc., have been encouraging the use of LED lights in their respective countries. As a result, LED bulbs have emerged as one of the major energy-efficient lighting solutions which is envisaged to drive the market forward in the coming years.

, , etc., have been encouraging the use of LED lights in their respective countries. As a result, LED bulbs have emerged as one of the major energy-efficient lighting solutions which is envisaged to drive the market forward in the coming years. LED bulbs are widely used in automotive, general lighting, mobile devices, signal and signage, healthcare, forensic, street lighting and academics. On account of rapid urbanisation and industrialisation in the developing countries, we expect the demand for LED bulbs to increase across various end-use industries in the long run.

Competitive Landscape:

The LED bulb market is concentrated in nature with the presence of a few manufacturers who account for the majority of the market share. There prevails a tough competition in the market as these manufacturers are dominating the market, in turn, keeping a tight control over the prices of LED bulbs. Some of the leading players operating in the market are:

Nichia

Osram

Samsung Electronics

Everlight Electronics

This report provides a deep insight into the global LED bulb market covering all its essential aspects. This ranges from macro overview of the market to micro details of the industry performance, recent trends, key market drivers and challenges, SWOT analysis, Porter's five forces analysis, value chain analysis, etc. The report also provides a comprehensive analysis for setting up a LED bulb manufacturing plant. The study analyses the processing and manufacturing requirements, project cost, project funding, project economics, expected returns on investment, profit margins, etc. This report is a must-read for entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, consultants, business strategists, and all those who have any kind of stake or are planning to foray into the LED bulb industry in any manner.



Key Questions Answered in This Report:

How has the global LED lighting market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?

How has the global LED bulb market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?

What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global LED lighting industry?

What are the key regional markets in the global LED lighting industry?

What are the major application segments in the global LED lighting industry?

What are the various stages in the value chain of the global LED lighting industry?

What are the key driving factors and challenges in the global LED lighting industry?

What is the structure of the global LED bulb industry and who are the key players?

What is the degree of competition in the global LED bulb industry?

What are the profit margins in the global LED bulb industry?

What are the key requirements for setting up a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

How are LED bulbs manufactured?

What are the various unit operations involved in a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

What is the total size of land required for setting up a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

What are the machinery requirements for setting up a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

What are the raw material requirements for setting up a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

What are the packaging requirements for LED bulb?

What are the transportation requirements for LED bulb?

What are the utility requirements for setting up a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

What are the manpower requirements for setting up a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

What are the infrastructure costs for setting up a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

What are the capital costs for setting up a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

What are the operating costs for setting up a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

What will be the income and expenditures for a LED bulb manufacturing plant?

What is the time required to break-even?

Key Topics Covered:



1 Preface



2 Scope and Methodology



3 Executive Summary



4 Introduction

4.1 Overview

4.2 Key Industry Trends



5 Global LED Lighting Industry

5.1 Market Overview

5.2 Market Performance

5.2.1 Volume Trends

5.2.2 Value Trends

5.3 Impact of COVID-19

5.4 LED Bulb Market

5.5 Market Breakup by Region

5.6 Market Breakup by Application

5.7 Market by LED Products: LED Lamps, Modules and Fixtures

5.7.1 Current and Historical Market Trends

5.7.2 Market Forecast

5.8 Market Forecast

5.9 SWOT Analysis

5.9.1 Overview

5.9.2 Strengths

5.9.3 Weaknesses

5.9.4 Opportunities

5.9.5 Threats

5.10 Value Chain Analysis

5.10.1 Primary Raw Materials Suppliers

5.10.2 LED Chip Manufacturers

5.10.3 LED Package and Module Manufacturers

5.10.4 Lighting Products, Electronic Products and Automotive Part Manufacturers

5.10.5 Product Distribution

5.10.6 End Users

5.11 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

5.11.1 Overview

5.11.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers

5.11.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

5.11.4 Degree of Competition

5.11.5 Threat of New Entrants

5.11.6 Threat of Substitutes

5.12 Key Success and Risk Factors for LED Bulb Manufacturers

5.13 Comparative Analysis of CFL and LED

5.14 Price Analysis

5.14.1 Key Price Indicators

5.14.2 Price Structure



6 Performance of Key Regions

6.1 India

6.1.1 Market Trends

6.1.2 Market Forecast

6.2 China

6.2.1 Market Trends

6.2.2 Market Forecast

6.3 Europe

6.3.1 Market Trends

6.3.2 Market Forecast

6.4 United States

6.4.1 Market Trends

6.4.2 Market Forecast

6.5 Japan

6.5.1 Market Trends

6.5.2 Market Forecast

6.6 Brazil

6.6.1 Market Trends

6.6.2 Market Forecast

6.7 Russia

6.7.1 Market Trends

6.7.2 Market Forecast

6.8 Others

6.8.1 Market Trends

6.8.2 Market Forecast



7 Market by Application

7.1 Retrofit

7.1.1 Market Trends

7.1.2 Market Forecast

7.2 Retail & Hospitality

7.2.1 Market Trends

7.2.2 Market Forecast

7.3 Outdoor

7.3.1 Market Trends

7.3.2 Market Forecast

7.4 Offices

7.4.1 Market Trends

7.4.2 Market Forecast

7.5 Architectural

7.5.1 Market Trends

7.5.2 Market Forecast

7.6 Residential

7.6.1 Market Trends

7.6.2 Market Forecast

7.7 Industrial

7.7.1 Market Trends

7.7.2 Market Forecast



8 Competitive Landscape

8.1 Market Structure

8.2 Market Breakup by Key Players



9 LED Bulb Manufacturing Process

9.1 Product Overview and Specifications

9.2 Key Features and Advantages

9.3 Key Application Areas

9.3.1 Home

9.3.2 Offices

9.3.3 Hotel and Restaurants

9.3.4 Showrooms and Malls

9.3.5 Hospitals

9.4 Popular Shapes and Sizes

9.4.1 LED Bulb (Classic Globe)

9.4.2 LED Bulb (Mini Globe)

9.4.3 LED Bulb (Spot Light)

9.4.4 LED Bulb (Flame Tip)

9.4.5 LED Bulb (Deco Light)

9.4.6 LED Bulb (Candle Light)

9.5 Design Material Alternatives

9.5.1 Thermoplastic Housing

9.5.2 Aluminium Housing

9.5.3 Aluminium Housing with Plastic Coating

9.6 Manufacturing Process

9.7 Raw Material Requirements

9.8 Raw Material Pictures



10 Project Details, Requirements and Costs Involved

10.1 Land Requirements and Expenditures

10.2 Construction Requirements and Expenditures

10.3 Plant Machinery

10.4 Machinery Pictures

10.5 Raw Material Requirements and Expenditures

10.6 Raw Material and Final Product Pictures

10.7 Packaging Requirements and Expenditures

10.8 Transportation Requirements and Expenditures

10.9 Utility Requirements and Expenditures

10.10 Manpower Requirements and Expenditures

10.11 Other Capital Investments



11 Loans and Financial Assistance



12 Project Economics

12.1 Capital Cost of the Project

12.2 Techno-Economic Parameters

12.3 Product Pricing and Margins Across Various Levels of the Supply Chain

12.4 Taxation and Depreciation

12.5 Income Projections

12.6 Expenditure Projections

12.7 Financial Analysis

12.8 Profit Analysis



13 Key Player Profiles



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/3mt11d

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


VENICE BEACH, Calif., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- It was announced today by YepChat CEO and Co-Founder, Quinn Goldstein, that the company has just signed on LA's most popular coffee brand, Alfred. With YepChat handling the phones across their current 12 Los Angeles coffee shop locations, Alfred's staff can focus their attention on the customers in providing them with continued, excellent customer service.

YepChat revolutionizes restaurant phones by offering a custom experience for every caller. By converting calls to digital orders and decreasing in-store phone traffic, YepChat is the solution for every restaurant that is frustrated with their phones.

"We're thrilled to welcome Alfred Coffee to the YepChat family," said Goldstein. "Everyone in Los Angeles knows of Alfred and has their favorite location. You can imagine how challenging it is for their staff to handle the phones while also helping guests that have been waiting in line. With our platform, guests can self-serve many of the things they need which frees up valuable staff time to handle the most important calls. It's nice when everybody wins!"

Utilized by top restaurant brands like Sweetgreen, Tender Greens, Tocaya, and Lemonade, YepChat allows restaurants of all sizes to streamline communications by increasing staff efficiency, improving guest satisfaction, driving digital order volume, and ultimately, profit.

MIT classmates Quinn Goldstein and Daniel Ingram created YepChat to revolutionize the restaurant industry and provide incredible value to their clients. YepChat was founded in 2015 in Venice Beach, California.

For more information on YepChat, visit: https://yepchat.com/ To contact, email: [email protected] or Text/Call: +1-415-300-2829

MEDIA CONTACT:

Kelsey Koster

[email protected]

+1-415-300-2829

SOURCE YepChat
NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Yext, Inc. (NYSE: YEXT), the AI Search Company, today announced its designation as the No. 2 Enterprise Search Software on the Fall 2021 Grid Report* by G2.com, Inc., a leading software review platform. This marks a two-spot jump from the company's No. 4 rank from last quarter.

Following a quarter marked by continued innovation  including a new support search integration with Salesforce , an AI-powered Doctor Finder solution , and a powerful algorithm update titled "Phoenix"  Yext continues to make significant progress towards the top of G2's grid, maintaining its "leader" distinction across Enterprise, Mid-Market, and Momentum segments for the Enterprise Search Software category, as well as its category badges:

"Best Support" on the Mid-Market Support index

"Easiest To Use" on the Mid-Market Usability index

"Best Meets Requirements" on the Mid-Market Usability index

"Best Relationship" on the Mid-Market Relationship index

User reviews of Yext's AI search platform, on which G2 reports are based, praise the search company for its "innovative, ever-evolving, forward-thinking approach," "effortless onboarding," "exceptional customer support," and more.

"We're grateful to every customer who took the time to publicly share their experiences with Yext on G2," said Marc Ferrentino, Chief Strategy Officer at Yext. "With their input throughout the years, we've been able to grow our AI search platform into the powerhouse it is today."

Click here to discover Yext's acclaimed AI search platform.

*To compile its quarterly reports, G2 assigns a score to companies based on positive customer reviews, then maps them into four quadrants: niche, contenders, high performers, and leaders.

About Yext

Yext (NYSE: YEXT) is the AI Search Company and is on a mission to transform the enterprise with AI search.

With the explosion of information and data online, search has never been more important. However, while the world of consumer search has innovated over time, enterprise search has not. In fact, the majority of enterprise search is powered by outdated keyword search technology that only scans for keywords and delivers a list of hyperlinks rather than actually answering questions.

Yext, the AI Search Company, offers a modern, AI-powered Answers Platform that understands natural language so that when people ask questions about a business online they get direct answers  not links.

Brands like Verizon, Vanguard, Subway and Marriott  as well as organizations like the U.S. State Department and World Health Organization  trust Yext to radically improve their business with answers-led AI search.

CONTACT:

Amanda Kontor

[email protected]

SOURCE Yext, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.yext.com


EIGHTY FOUR, Pa., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- 84 Lumber, the nation's largest privately held building materials supplier, is launching a recruitment effort to fill immediate openings in the Durham and Raleigh region. The company will host a Hiring Event on October 14th from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the 84 Lumber Durham location (2543 Whilden Drive, Durham, NC 27713).

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), truss and door builders, 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. New hires with perfect attendance through the first 30 days of employment will receive a $1,500 bonus.

"84 Lumber is seeking to fill 12 open positions in the Durham and Raleigh region to add to our team of 115 employees in the area," said Rob Woodrow, divisional vice president at 84 Lumber. "We're growing along with the growth in the construction industry  here in Durham and Raleigh and across the nation. We're looking for people seeking a fresh start."

Woodrow 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 $42,000 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. Truss and door builders need no prior experience and perform essential behind-the-scenes functions in the manufacturing process of doors, wall panels, and roof and floor trusses. Starting compensation for door and truss builders is between $15 and $16 per hour.

need no prior experience and perform essential behind-the-scenes functions in the manufacturing process of doors, wall panels, and roof and floor trusses. Starting compensation for door and truss builders is between and 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.

Woodrow 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 Woodrow. "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 .

SOURCE 84 Lumber

Related Links

http://84lumber.com


ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Aaron's Company, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a leading, technology-enabled, omnichannel provider of lease-to-own and purchase solutions, will host a conference call and webcast on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss its third quarter 2021 financial results scheduled for release before the market opens on that day. Chief Executive Officer, Douglas A. Lindsay, and Chief Financial Officer, C. Kelly Wall, will host the call.

The public is invited to listen to the call by dialing 1-844-200-6205 a few minutes before the scheduled start time and requesting to join the Aaron's call. For international participants the number is 1-929-526-1599. The call will also be accessible by visiting the company's investor relations website at investor.aarons.com. The webcast will be archived for playback at that same site.

About The Aaron's Company, Inc.

Headquartered in Atlanta, The Aaron's Company, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), is a leading, technology-enabled, omnichannel provider of lease-to-own and purchase solutions. Aaron's engages in direct-to-consumer sales and lease ownership of furniture, appliances, consumer electronics and accessories through its approximately 1,300 Company-operated and franchised stores in 47 states and Canada, as well as its e-commerce platform, Aarons.com. For more information, visit Aarons.com or investor.aarons.com.

SOURCE The Aaron's Company, Inc.
NORTH CHICAGO, Ill., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) today announced positive top-line results from Study 2 of the Phase 3 SELECT-AXIS 2 clinical trial in adults with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA), showing upadacitinib (RINVOQ; 15 mg, once daily) met the primary endpoint of Assessment in SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) 40 response and the majority of ranked secondary endpoints at week 14.1 Significantly more upadacitinib-treated patients achieved ASAS40 response at week 14 compared to placebo (45 percent versus 23 percent; p<0.0001).1

SELECT-AXIS 2 is the first trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib in adult patients with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.1 Earlier today, AbbVie announced positive results from Study 1 of SELECT-AXIS 2 in adults with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and inadequate response to biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs).1

"People living with active non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis suffer from chronic inflammatory back pain and limited physical function that can be very debilitating," said Michael Severino, M.D., vice chairman and president, AbbVie. "These patients need treatments that help them improve their physical function and quality of life. We are encouraged by the potential of upadacitinib in helping to provide relief of these signs and symptoms through meaningful disease control."

Treatment with upadacitinib resulted in reductions in signs and symptoms of non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, including back pain and inflammation, as well as improvements in physical function and disease activity at week 14.1 Significantly more patients treated with upadacitinib achieved Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) Low Disease Activity compared to those treated with placebo (42 percent versus 18 percent; p<0.0001).1 A statistically significantly improvement in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada (SPARCC) Score (SI Joints) as measured by mean change from baseline was reported in the upadacitinib group versus the placebo group (-2.49 versus 0.57; p<0.0001).1 Patients on upadacitinib experienced significantly greater decrease from baseline in Patient's Assessment of Total Back Pain at week 14 than those on placebo (-2.91 versus -2.00; p=0.0004).1 Additionally, patients treated with upadacitinib experienced significantly greater improvement in physical function as assessed by mean change from baseline in Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI) compared to patients on placebo (-2.61 versus -1.47; p<0.0001).1

SELECT-AXIS 2 (Study 2) Efficacy Results at Week 14*,1

Upadacitinib 15 mg,

once daily (n=156) Placebo (n=157)

Percent of Patients achieving ASAS40a 45% 23%

Percent of Patients achieving ASDAS Low Disease Activityb 42% 18%

Mean Change from Baseline in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) SPARCC Score (SI Joints)c -2.49 0.57

Mean Change from Baseline in Patient's Assessment of Total Back Paind -2.91 -2.00

Mean Change from Baseline in BASFIe -2.61 -1.47

*Primary and ranked secondary endpoints at week 14. Not all ranked secondary endpoints are shown. All endpoints shown with the exception of total back pain (p=0.0004) achieved p-values of <0.0001 versus placebo. a ASAS 40 is defined as a 40 percent improvement and an absolute improvement of 2 units (on a scale of 0 to 10) from Baseline in at least 3 of the 4 domains (patient's global assessment, back pain, function and inflammation) with no worsening at all in the remaining domain. b ASDAS Low Disease Activity is defined as ASDAS score <2.1. c SPARCC scores for SI-Joints are calculated by adding up the dichotomous outcomes from evaluations of the presence, depth, and intensity of bone marrow edema lesions of the SI-joints. d Back Pain is measured using 0 - 10 numerical rating scale (NRS) for Total Back Pain (0 = no pain and 10 = severe pain). e BASFI is a validated patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument for use in the axial SpA patient population. It consists of 10 items measured on a 0 to 10 NRS, which assesses the ability to perform activities known to be problematic to axial SpA patients such as dressing, bending, reaching, turning, and climbing steps. The total scores range from 0 to 10.

"Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis affects a younger adult patient population which can have a significant impact during prime years of those dealing with the disease," said Atul Deodhar, M.D., professor of medicine and medical director of the Rheumatology Clinics for the Division of Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases at Oregon Health & Science University. "These data show that upadacitinib has the potential to improve non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis symptoms and help patients take control of their disease."

Safety data were consistent with SELECT-AXIS 1, previous Phase 3 studies in other indications, and the known safety profile of upadacitinib, with no new risks identified.1-6 Through week 14, the most common adverse events ( 3 percent of patients) with upadacitinib were headache, COVID-19, nasopharyngitis and nausea.1 The proportion of patients with adverse events leading to discontinuation, serious adverse events and serious infections were 2.6 percent/2.6 percent/1.3 percent for upadacitinib and 1.3 percent/1.3 percent/0.6 percent for placebo, respectively.1 Serious infections included COVID-19 induced pneumonia and pyelonephritis in two patients on upadacitinib and hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome in one patient on placebo.1 Two patients treated with upadacitinib and one treated with placebo developed non-serious, mild or moderate herpes zoster limited to one dermatome.1 One patient treated with placebo developed a malignancy (basal cell carcinoma).1 No adjudicated major adverse cardiovascular events, venous thromboembolic events or deaths were reported in either group through week 14.1

Full results from the SELECT-AXIS 2 trial will be presented at a future medical meeting and submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Use of upadacitinib in non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis is not approved, and its safety and efficacy have not been evaluated by regulatory authorities.

About SELECT-AXIS 2  Study 21,8

SELECT-AXIS 2 was conducted as a master study protocol that contains two standalone studies with randomization, data collection, analysis and reporting conducted independently. The Phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind studies are evaluating the efficacy and safety of upadacitinib compared with placebo on reduction of signs and symptoms in adult participants with active axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) including biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug inadequate responders (bDMARD-IR) ankylosing spondylitis (Study 1) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (Study 2). Study 2 enrolled 314 participants who were randomized to receive upadacitinib for 104 weeks or placebo for 52 weeks followed by upadacitinib for 52 weeks. More information on this trial can be found at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04169373).

About Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA)

Axial spondyloarthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the spine, causing back pain, limited mobility, and structural damage.15 It consists of two subsets that have been clinically defined as ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA).15 In ankylosing spondylitis, patients have definitive structural damage of the sacroiliac joints visible on x-rays.15 Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis is clinically defined by the absence of definitive x-ray evidence of structural damage to the sacroiliac (SI) joint by plain x-ray.15

About upadacitinib (RINVOQ)

Discovered and developed by AbbVie scientists, RINVOQ is a selective and reversible JAK inhibitor that is being studied in several immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.1-14 In human cellular assays, RINVOQ preferentially inhibits signaling by JAK1 or JAK1/3 with functional selectivity over cytokine receptors that signal via pairs of JAK2.5 RINVOQ is approved by the European Commission for adults (15 mg and 30 mg) and adolescents (15 mg) with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. RINVOQ 15 mg is approved by the European Commission for adults with moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis, adults with active psoriatic arthritis and adults with active ankylosing spondylitis. RINVOQ 15 mg is also approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adults with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis. Phase 3 trials of RINVOQ in rheumatoid arthritis, atopic dermatitis, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis are ongoing.7-14

EU Indications and Important Safety Information About RINVOQ (upadacitinib)5

Rheumatoid arthritis

RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe active rheumatoid arthritis in adult patients who have responded inadequately to, or who are intolerant to one or more disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). RINVOQ may be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate.

Psoriatic arthritis

RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis in adult patients who have responded inadequately to, or who are intolerant to one or more DMARDs. RINVOQ may be used as monotherapy or in combination with methotrexate.

Ankylosing spondylitis

RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of active ankylosing spondylitis in adult patients who have responded inadequately to conventional therapy.

Atopic dermatitis

RINVOQ is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adults and adolescents 12 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy.

Contraindications

RINVOQ is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the active substance or to any of the excipients, in patients with active tuberculosis (TB) or active serious infections, in patients with severe hepatic impairment, and during pregnancy.

Special warnings and precautions for use

Immunosuppressive medicinal products

Use in combination with other potent immunosuppressants is not recommended.

Serious infections

Serious and sometimes fatal infections have been reported in patients receiving upadacitinib. The most frequent serious infections reported included pneumonia and cellulitis. Cases of bacterial meningitis have been reported. Among opportunistic infections, TB, multi-dermatomal herpes zoster, oral/esophageal candidiasis, and cryptococcosis have been reported with upadacitinib. As there is a higher incidence of infections in patients 65 years of age, caution should be used when treating this population.

Viral reactivation

Viral reactivation, including cases of herpes zoster, was reported in clinical studies. The risk of herpes zoster appears to be higher in Japanese patients treated with upadacitinib.

Vaccinations

The use of live, attenuated vaccines during or immediately prior to therapy is not recommended. It is recommended that patients be brought up to date with all immunizations, including prophylactic zoster vaccinations, prior to initiating upadacitinib, in agreement with current immunization guidelines.

Malignancy

The risk of malignancies, including lymphoma is increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Malignancies, including nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), have been reported in patients treated with upadacitinib. Consider the risks and benefits of upadacitinib treatment prior to initiating therapy in patients with a known malignancy other than a successfully treated NMSC or when considering continuing upadacitinib therapy in patients who develop a malignancy.

Hematological abnormalities

Treatment should not be initiated, or should be temporarily interrupted, in patients with hematological abnormalities observed during routine patient management.

Cardiovascular risk

RA patients have an increased risk for cardiovascular disorders. Patients treated with upadacitinib should have risk factors (e.g., hypertension, hyperlipidemia) managed as part of usual standard of care.

Lipids

Upadacitinib treatment was associated with dose-dependent increases in lipid parameters, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

Hepatic transaminase elevations

Treatment with upadacitinib was associated with an increased incidence of liver enzyme elevation compared to placebo

Venous thromboembolisms

Events of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) have been reported in patients receiving JAK inhibitors, including upadacitinib. Upadacitinib should be used with caution in patients at high risk for DVT/PE.

Adverse reactions

The most commonly reported adverse reactions in rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis clinical trials (2% of patients in at least one of the indications) with upadacitinib 15 mg were upper respiratory tract infections, blood creatine phosphokinase (CPK) increased, alanine transaminase (ALT) increased, bronchitis, nausea, cough, aspartate transaminase (AST) increased, and hypercholesterolemia.

The most commonly reported adverse reactions in atopic dermatitis trials (2% of patients) with upadacitinib 15 mg or 30 mg were upper respiratory tract infection, acne, herpes simplex, headache, CPK increased, cough, folliculitis, abdominal pain, nausea, neutropenia, pyrexia, and influenza.

The most common serious adverse reactions were serious infections.

The safety profile of upadacitinib with long term treatment was generally similar to the safety profile during the placebo-controlled period across indications.

Overall, the safety profile observed in patients with psoriatic arthritis or active ankylosing spondylitis treated with upadacitinib 15 mg was consistent with the safety profile observed in patients with RA.

In atopic dermatitis, dose-dependent increased risks of infection and herpes zoster were observed with upadacitinib. Based on limited data, there was a higher rate of overall adverse reactions with the upadacitinib 30 mg dose compared to the 15 mg dose in patients aged 65 years and older. The safety profile for upadacitinib 15 mg in adolescents was similar to that in adults. The safety and efficacy of the 30 mg dose in adolescents are still being investigated. Dose-dependent changes in ALT increased and/or AST increased ( 3 x ULN), lipid parameters, CPK values (> 5 x ULN), and neutropenia (ANC < 1 x 109 cells/L) associated with upadacitinib treatment were similar to what was observed in the rheumatologic disease clinical studies.

This is not a complete summary of all safety information.

See RINVOQ full summary of product characteristics (SmPC) at www.ema.europa.eu. Globally, prescribing information varies; refer to the individual country product label for complete information.

About AbbVie

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram.

Forward-Looking Statements

Some statements in this news release are, or may be considered, forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "project" and similar expressions, among others, generally identify forward-looking statements. AbbVie cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, failure to realize the expected benefits from AbbVie's acquisition of Allergan plc ("Allergan"), failure to promptly and effectively integrate Allergan's businesses, competition from other products, challenges to intellectual property, difficulties inherent in the research and development process, adverse litigation or government action, changes to laws and regulations applicable to our industry and the impact of public health outbreaks, epidemics or pandemics, such as COVID-19. Additional information about the economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect AbbVie's operations is set forth in Item 1A, "Risk Factors," of AbbVie's 2020 Annual Report on Form 10-K, which has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as updated by its subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. AbbVie undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law.

References:

AbbVie. Data on File: ABVRRTI73013 Cohen S., et al. Safety profile of upadacitinib in rheumatoid arthritis: integrated analysis from the SELECT phase III clinical programme. Ann Rheum Dis. 2020 Oct 28;80(3):304-11. Mease, P.J., et al. Upadacitinib in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis and Inadequate Response to Biologics: 56-Week Data from the Randomized Controlled Phase 3 SELECT-PsA 2 Study. Rheumatol Ther. 2021 Apr 28. doi: 10.1007/s40744-021-00305-z. Online ahead of print. Guttman-Yassky E ., et al. Once-daily upadacitinib versus placebo in adolescents and adults with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (Measure Up 1 and Measure Up 2): results from two replicate, double-blind, randomized controlled phase 3 studies. Lancet. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(21)00588-2. RINVOQ [Summary of Product Characteristics]. AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG; September 2021 . Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/rinvoq-epar-product-information_en.pdf. Van der Heijde , D., et al. Efficacy and safety of upadacitinib in patients with active ankylosing spondylitis (SELECT-AXIS 1): a multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2/3 trial. Lancet. 2019 Dec 7 ;394(10214):2108-2117. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(19)32534-6. Epub 2019 Nov 12. Pipeline  Our Science | AbbVie. AbbVie. 2021. Available at: https://www.abbvie.com/our-science/pipeline.html. Accessed on October 3, 2021 . A Study to Evaluate Efficacy and Safety of Upadacitinib in Adult Participants With Axial Spondyloarthritis (SELECT AXIS 2). ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04169373. Accessed on October 3, 2021 . A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of ABT-494 for Induction and Maintenance Therapy in Subjects With Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02819635. Accessed on October 3, 2021 . A Study to Compare Safety and Efficacy of Upadacitinib to Dupilumab in Adult Participants With Moderate to Severe Atopic Dermatitis (Heads Up). ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03738397. Accessed on October 3, 2021 . A Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Upadacitinib (ABT-494) in Participants With Moderately to Severely Active Ulcerative Colitis (U-ACCOMPLISH). ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03653026. Accessed on October 3, 2021 . A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of ABT-494 for the Induction of Symptomatic and Endoscopic Remission in Subjects With Moderately to Severely Active Crohn's Disease Who Have Inadequately Responded to or Are Intolerant to Immunomodulators or Anti-TNF Therapy. ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02365649. Accessed on October 3, 2021 . A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Upadacitinib in Participants With Giant Cell Arteritis (SELECT-GCA). ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03725202. Accessed on October 3, 2021 . A Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of Upadacitinib in Subjects With Takayasu Arteritis (TAK) (SELECT-TAK). ClinicalTrials.gov. 2021. Available at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04161898. Accessed on October 3, 2021 . Deodhar AA, Understanding Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Primer for Managed Care. Am J Manag Care. 2019;25:S319-S330.

SOURCE AbbVie

Related Links

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"In just one year, more than 200 Kansas adults have taken an important step toward a brighter future," Central Plains Unified School District Superintendent Greg Clark said. "By earning their high school diplomas, these students have increased their job prospects, earning potentials, and self-esteem. Congratulations to all of our graduates!"

In partnership with Graduation Alliance, Central Plains Unified School District provides Kansas adults with the opportunity to finish high school online for free. Students complete their coursework on their own schedule with help from experienced teachers and an individualized support team.

"This program is unique because we not only pave the pathway to graduation, but we also provide the support team students need to keep moving forward when things get tough," Clark said. "Every student is different, so our team takes time getting to know each student so we can serve them in the best way possible."

Unlike a traditional high school, Graduation Alliance courses are designed for students who are juggling multiple priorities. Students have four weeks to complete each class 100% online and can work through the coursework at their own pace. No textbooks or other physical resources are required.

"Adult learners don't have as much time to dedicate to their studies as traditional students," Clark said. "By offering classes online, students can earn credits at any time and from anywhere, allowing them to balance other priorities like family and full-time work."

Tyson B., a 2021 graduate, searched for an adult education program that would work with his schedule for years to no avail. He started to view his high school diploma as a barrier he would never overcome  until he learned about the Central Plains Diploma Completion Program.

"It was greatly amazing to be able to do everything at home and at my own pace," Tyson said. "It was easier than it would have been to do it all on a specific schedule. I'm looking forward to moving past what I thought was my barrier and pushing myself further than I ever thought I could go."

To qualify for this program, applicants must be Kansas residents aged 20 or older, have completed at least some of 10th grade, have access to an internet-enabled computer, and have not completed a GED. For more information or to apply for enrollment, visit KansasDiploma.com.

About Graduation Alliance

Since 2007, Graduation Alliance has given schools and communities across the nation the resources and support needed to help individuals reach their educational and career goals. In partnership with school districts, local governments, nonprofits, workforce development boards, and community colleges, Graduation Alliance develops highly effective alternative education and workforce training programs. For more information about Graduation Alliance, visit GraduationAlliance.com.

Media Contact: Joanna Camburn ([email protected]; 855.486.8855)

SOURCE Graduation Alliance
DUBLIN, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AerCap Holdings N.V. ("AerCap") (NYSE: AER) has announced its major business transactions during the third quarter 2021:

Signed lease agreements for 42 aircraft , including 5 widebody aircraft and 37 narrowbody aircraft.





, including 5 widebody aircraft and 37 narrowbody aircraft. Purchased 7 aircraft , including 5 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft and 2 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft.





, including 5 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft and 2 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. Executed sale transactions for 11 aircraft , including 3 Airbus A340s, 3 Boeing 737NGs, 3 Boeing 737 Classics and 2 Boeing 767-300ERs from AerCap's owned portfolio.





, including 3 Airbus A340s, 3 Boeing 737NGs, 3 Boeing 737 Classics and 2 Boeing 767-300ERs from AerCap's owned portfolio. Signed financing transactions for approximately $1.1 billion .

About AerCap

AerCap is the global leader in aircraft leasing with one of the most attractive order books in the industry. AerCap serves approximately 200 customers in approximately 80 countries with comprehensive fleet solutions. AerCap is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (AER) and has its headquarters in Dublin with offices in Shannon, Los Angeles, Singapore, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, Seattle and Toulouse.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain statements, estimates and forecasts with respect to future performance and events. These statements, estimates and forecasts are "forward-looking statements". In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "might," "should," "expect," "plan," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "predict," "potential" or "continue" or the negatives thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements and are based on various underlying assumptions and expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and may include projections of our future financial performance based on our growth strategies and anticipated trends in our business. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events, including the impacts of, and associated responses to: the Covid-19 pandemic; our ability to consummate the proposed GECAS transaction; our ability to obtain requisite regulatory approval and the satisfaction of other conditions to the consummation of the proposed GECAS transaction; our ability to successfully integrate GECAS' operations and employees and realize anticipated synergies and cost savings; and the potential impact of the announcement or consummation of the proposed GECAS transaction on relationships, including with employees, suppliers, customers and competitors. There are important factors that could cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to differ materially from the results, level of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements. As a result, we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate or correct. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future performance or events described in the forward-looking statements in this press release might not occur. Accordingly, you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results and we do not assume any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of any of these forward-looking statements. Except as required by applicable law, we do not undertake any obligation to, and will not, update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For more information regarding AerCap and to be added to our email distribution list, please visit www.aercap.com and follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/aercapnv.

SOURCE AerCap Holdings N.V.

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The AirCargo Conference, jointly presented by the Airforwarders Association, Air & Expedited Motor Carriers Association and Airports Council International-North America, is proud to announce that industry veteran and expert Tim Strauss has accepted an invitation to be the keynote speaker for the 2022 conference which will be held at the Hilton Riverside in New Orleans January 17 - 19, 2022.



Strauss, currently CEO of Miami-based Amerijet International Airlines, is no stranger to AirCargo attendees and air cargo professionals worldwide. Through his career, Tim has held positions of leadership at Emery Worldwide, Northwest, Delta, Hawaiian and immediately prior to Amerijet, Air Canada.

"Tim's positive outlook, outstanding achievements, vast experience, and significant industry knowledge make him the ideal speaker for the conference's first in-person gathering since the pandemic. We are delighted that he will be serving in this important role at the event," says Brandon Fried, AfA Executive Director.



Held January 17 - 19, 2022, AirCargo 2022 will look and feel nearly identical to previous conferences including evening events, general association meetings and panels covering the most important topics of the day for air cargo professionals.



Back as well is the Exhibition Hall, a focal point and site of the opening night event as well as the location for breakfast and lunch on the second and third days of the conference. Exhibitors are eager to be back in front of real people.



"Having opened registration just a few short weeks ago, the exhibition hall has already seen more than half of the booths taken," offers Fiona Morgan. "We have worked diligently to create a safe and socially-distanced experience for our exhibitors and attendees and are confident that it will feel very comforting to everyone."



For members of the AfA and AEMCA, this is their annual conference. ACI-North America's Cargo Committee will be holding a session concurrently with the other two association's general meetings.



"With identical prices for attendees from 2020 in Nashville where we were fortunate to have our event very early in the year, we have lowered the price for AfA, AEMCA and ACI-NA member companies' booth registrants to encourage greater participation," relays Fried.



Photos:

https://www.prlog.org/12888597



Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE AirCargo Conference

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The all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and its spacious, luxurious cabin, which combines handcrafted materials and modern amenities with an available McIntosh audio system, has been named one of Wards 10 Best Interiors for 2021.

"When it came to the interior design of the all-new 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, our team's objective was to create one of the most exquisite and technically advanced interiors in the industry," said Ralph Gilles, Chief Design Officer  Stellantis. "This all-new interior features a much more focused approach to attention to detail of materials and design as a system. Our goal was to deliver an experience for drivers and passengers that delighted the senses and perhaps set a new standard of luxury for the segment, while also setting a new internal benchmark for our future generations of Jeep brand vehicles. We are truly honored to be recognized for the collective team's effort."

For each trim level, the interior of the Jeep Grand Cherokee L has been carefully crafted and tailored to deliver a truly unique expression. Structural accents accentuate dimension and symmetry. The instrument panel has been proportioned and angled to create spaciousness that is celebrated through an expressive contrast of warm authentic materials and sleek modern technologies, including 10-inch digital display screens, one that houses the new five-times-faster Uconnect 5 system.

Grand Cherokee L introduces a new premium package, Summit Reserve, that sets the benchmark for luxury in the full-size SUV segment. Premium hand-wrapped, quilted Palermo leather, ventilated front and second-row seats, memory and massage front seats and choice of a new Tupelo interior color add distinguishable details to the model.

"Utterly breathtaking interior," notes Wards 10 Best judge Drew Winter. "A stunning mixture of rich colors and lavish materials."

A full suite of all-new customizable interior LED lighting with daytime/nighttime settings is now standard on all models. True ambient lighting with a five-color selection, a Jeep brand first, is standard on the Overland and Summit models for a personalized sensory experience.

An all-new Jeep seating architecture has been introduced on the Grand Cherokee L, featuring a length-adjustable cushion for the front row in Overland and Summit models. For the first time in a Jeep vehicle, the second- and third-row vents, now wider and slimmer, are placed in the pillars, as opposed to overhead, to better target passenger comfort zones without compromising headroom or visibility.

The most technologically equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee ever features significant next-generation innovations, including a rear-seat monitoring camera, digital rearview mirror, windshield HUD and frameless digital cluster.

The Jeep interior design team partnered with McIntosh to deliver an advanced, high-performance audio system that envelopes vehicle occupants in high-definition sound. The shared vision between the Jeep brand and McIntosh design teams resulted in a Jeep vehicle audio system with the same level of authenticity and design quality found on McIntosh home audio products. The 950-watt, 19 custom speaker sound system accentuates the updated and premium feel of the vehicle's new interior design.

The Wards editorial staff selected the winners after evaluating 33 vehicles. Contenders for the award were completely new or significantly redesigned for the 2021 model year. Vehicles were scored by the Wards editors on ergonomics, comfort, fit-and-finish, material quality and aesthetics.

Full details on the Jeep Grand Cherokee L are available in the press kit.

Jeep Brand

Built on 80 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence. Jeep Wave, a premium owner loyalty and customer care program that is available to the entire Jeep lineup, is filled with benefits and exclusive perks to deliver Jeep owners the utmost care and dedicated 24/7 support.

The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, Renegade and Wrangler. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left- and right-hand drive configurations. Jeep is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

Follow Jeep and company news and video on:

Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Jeep brand: www.jeep.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeep

Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeep

Twitter: www.twitter.com/jeep

YouTube: www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel or https://www.youtube.com/StellantisNA

SOURCE Stellantis
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- AM LLC , a public health firm supporting federal, state, and local health departments and K-12 school districts announces a one-year Diamond level sponsorship of the School Superintendents of Alabama ( SSA ), the professional association for school system executives and their leadership teams.

SSA is a non-profit organization comprised of superintendents and school system leaders from across Alabama who are committed to improving education for Alabama's children by providing quality professional learning opportunities for their members. They have become a leading voice in sound public policy development and advocacy throughout the state through meaningful collaboration and networking.

"AM is committed to get schools around the country opened and operating as quickly and safely as possible," said CEO and founder, Dan Gabriel. "As the delta variant turned recovery plans upside down, school leaders in Alabama are looking for strong support if they are going to keep their students and teachers safe from COVID-19. We look forward to working with them through this extraordinarily difficult time."

To date, COVID-19 has claimed the lives of 65 educators in Alabama, perpetuating high levels of worry, stress, and feelings of vulnerability among members of the profession.

Next week, Alabama directors of schools will gather for the SSA Fall Conference (October 11-13) for meetings and professional development workshops at the Marriott Shoals in Florence where representatives from AM will be on hand to meet with Alabama's superintendents. As a Diamond-level partner, AM will facilitate program development and advisory assistance with key SSA members and decision-makers.

At the conference and elsewhere, AM will collaborate with county leaders, health advocates, and corporate partners to identify priorities and to ensure that these stakeholders receive timely and accurate information to make appropriate health decisions for their communities.

Counties, states, or K-12 schools that are interested in working with AM for COVID-19 mitigation support should contact Dr. Christopher Orlea at [email protected] .

About AM LCC

AM LLC was purpose-built to work with partners addressing large-scale public health challenges. AM LLC can design and quickly deploy tailored and scalable workforce solutions to help your organization with all aspects of contact tracing, testing, and vaccine programming. Learn more at https://amllc.co/.

Media Contact: Dylan M. Martinez | [email protected]

SOURCE AM LLC

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Encouraged by then-Chief Justice Warren Burger, and established nearly four decades ago by Dwight D. Opperman, the distinguished American pioneer in the legal/judicial community, and its greatest philanthropist in his day, Mr. Opperman created the Devitt Award to honor the unsung heroes of the American judiciary. It has risen to become our nation's most esteemed recognition for members on the federal bench.

In selecting Judge Gibbons for this honor, Justice Gorsuch said, "Judge Julia Gibbons is a trailblazer and role model in the legal profession. In her home state of Tennessee, she was the first woman to serve as a state trial judge and, later, the first woman to be appointed a federal judge. In addition to discharging her judicial duties, for nearly 30 years Judge Gibbons has also played a vital role in the governance and administration of the federal judiciary nationwide, chairing in turn both the United States Judicial Conference's Budget Committee and its Judicial Resources Committee."

Justice Gorsuch emphasized that Judge Gibbons' deep commitment to public service and the rule of lawin her home state, on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and on the national stageare inspiring. He added, "With my fellow selection committee members, Judges Thomas Hardiman and Christine Arguello, I am delighted and honored to have this chance to recognize and thank one of our most distinguished judicial colleagues."

Julia Smith Gibbons grew up in the rural Tennessee town of Pulaski. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University in 1972 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Virginia School of Law three years later.

In 1981, the Tennessee governor appointed Judge Gibbons to the Tennessee Circuit Court for the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit, making her the first female trial judge in the state. At the time of her induction to the United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee in 1983, she was, at 32, the youngest U.S. district court judge in the country. There, Judge Gibbons served as chief judge from 1994-2000. Judge Gibbons was nominated by President George W. Bush to a seat on the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in 2001 and received commission in July 2002.

"I am honored to receive the 2021 Devitt Award,'' said Judge Gibbons. "I am humbled that the selection committee and others believed me worthy of this recognition." She continued, "Serving with federal judicial colleagues and staff for the past 38 years, as we have conducted trials, decided cases, and done the work of judiciary governance, has given me great faith in the federal courts as an institution. Given this context, being the representative of the Third Branch to receive the Award this year is deeply meaningful."

Each year, the Devitt Award is held at the Supreme Court of the United States with a ceremony in the Courtroom, followed by a formal dinner in the East and West Conference Rooms. It is opened by Chief Justice John G. Roberts, Jr., and attended by the Justices of the Supreme Court and 100 invited guests.

Regretfully, due to the pandemic, this is the second year the Devitt Award was conducted virtually. Therefore, early next year, a special dinner will be held at the Supreme Court to personally honor Judge Gibbons and the 2020 honoree, Judge Rya W. Zobel.

"Women judges have risen to the top," said Julie Opperman, Chairman of the Dwight D. Opperman Foundation, the on-going sole sponsor of the Award. "I remember asking Dwight more than a decade ago, why only men got the award. He replied that women haven't been on the bench long enough to achieve the lifetime status that is required. Well, I am very pleased to say that the women have earned their stripes and are receiving their long overdue recognition."

Julie Opperman added, "I am most grateful to Chief Justice Roberts for appointing Justice Gorsuch who chaired the 2020-21 selection committees. Justice Gorsuch's enthusiasm and efforts were intense and for that we remain indebted. Prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court, every Justice has served on the Devitt committee since the Award's inception. We are also thankful to his committee members, the Honorable Thomas M. Hardiman, a Circuit Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, and the Honorable Christine M. Arguello, a District Court Judge on the United States District Court for the District of Colorado."

SOURCE The Dwight D. Opperman Foundation
DENVER, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading consumer panel site, ProductReportCard is hosting their first ever giveaway with a top prize worth up to $80,000.

The winner will be able to choose their prize from one of three Ford models: Mustang, F-150 and Expedition. Depending on their selection, the value of the prize is between $50,000 - $80,000.

Entering the sweepstakes is free for ProductReportCard members. Simply completing any survey on the site before December 10th, 2021, earns them one entry.

What's more, there are no restrictions on the number of entries a member can have. So the more surveys they complete, the greater their chance of winning becomes.

The winner will be drawn on December 15, 2021, and will receive their selected prize by December 31, 2021.

The $80,000 "Dream Car Sweepstakes" is open to both existing and new ProductReportCard members.

If you're not a member and would like to enter the sweepstakes - as long as you're 18+, a legal resident of one of the fifty United States and the District of Columbia  you can join ProductReportCard at https://content.productreportcard.com/sweeps

FURTHER INFORMATION ON DREAM CAR SWEEPSTAKES

Answers to frequently asked questions:

https://hosted.mo1send.com/6ED6?domain=productreportcard.com

Full list of sweepstake rules:

https://hosted.mo1send.com/6EGD?domain=productreportcard.com

ABOUT PRODUCTREPORTCARD

Since 2012, ProductReportCard has been a trusted partner to over 200 companies, providing them with invaluable market research from our 2,558,610 members. ProductReportCard provides more opportunities for high-paying surveys and more free product testing opportunities than anyone else.

PRESS CONTACTS

For additional information, please contact Josh Baumoehl, Market Research Manager ([email protected]).

SOURCE ProductReportCard, LLC
ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG) will release its third quarter 2021 earnings after the market closes on Thursday, October 28, 2021. A printer-friendly format will be available on the company's website shortly thereafter.

In conjunction with this release, J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Chairman, President and CEO, will host a conference call on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 5:15 pm ET/4:15 pm CT.

The conference call will be broadcast live through Gallagher's website at www.ajg.com and a conference call replay will be available on the company's website approximately two hours after the broadcast. The replay can be accessed by going to Investor Relations and clicking on Events & Presentations.

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG), a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. The company has operations in 57 countries and offers client service capabilities in more than 150 countries around the world through a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.

Contact:

Ray Iardella

VP - Investor Relations

(630) 285-3661  [email protected]

SOURCE Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

Related Links

http://www.ajg.com


NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CRE financial firm, Axylyum Charter, has announced that they have joined the National Private Lenders Association. The NPLA serves as a platform for members to collaborate and educate the public, as well as, state and federal policymakers, on the vital role private lending plays in real estate markets throughout the United States.

"We are proud to be part of such an important organization whose mission is to support, protect, and grow the private lending industry. We are looking forward to collaborating with other members of this important community," said Serge Petroff, CEO and partner at Axylyum Charter.

Axylyum Charter was founded in early 2021 with the purpose of disrupting the distressed mortgage industry. Through their exclusive product, AXY Wrap, Axylyum enables lenders to increase lending facilities by eliminating default riskultimately decreasing servicing expenses, carrying costs, and property disposition time.

"As the Executive Director of the National Private Lenders Association, we would like to welcome Axylyum to our organization. We are honored to have such a prestigious company join forces with us and make a contribution to our space. We look forward to working with Axylyum Charter in the near future," said Leonard Rosen, executive director of the NPLA.

Axylyum Charter will be attending the NPLA membership-sponsored events in Austin, Texas on October 16-18, 2021.

ABOUT AXYLYUM CHARTER:

Axylyum Charter focuses on acquisition of defaulted asset backed non-owner-occupied loans through portfolio wide engagement guarantees to non-traditional lenders. The goal of the organization is to disrupt the distressed mortgage-backed asset space by executing their litigation-driven equity capture position in high value markets.

For more information, please visit www.axylyum.com

SOURCE Axylyum

Related Links

https://www.axylyum.com


STOCKHOLM, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- To stress the extreme urgency and add pressure on global politicians at the COP26 Climate Change Conference, Bindi Irwin now sends a message to remind leaders about the Australian bushfires in 2020. The message was released together with hundreds of testimonial videos from young people around the world, each telling a story about how climate change affects their lives. Behind the initiative is the Climate AID World Forum, by The Perfect World Foundation, which channels the voices of the youth and mobilises them to pressure the politicians to stop talking and start acting.

I stand with the Climate AID World Forum, says Bindi Irwin .

Bindi Irwin, daughter of conservationist Steve Irwin, now sends a message to put pressure on the leaders of the COP26 Climate Change Conference by reminding them about the Australian bushfires in 2020 and the importance of getting more people involved in understanding the effects of climate change.

It is important to get more people involved to understand the effects and drastic consequences of climate change across the world. As a passionate wildlife conservationist, I witness the harm that climate change has on our wildlife and wild places every day, says Bindi in the message.

Bindi also highlighted her worries about wildlife around the world and how rising temperatures are causing detrimental effects to the ecosystems and habitats, altering their living conditions and making it challenging for them to thrive in the wild as they are supposed to.

The heart-breaking reality of climate change is that it threatens life and our natural environment every single day, says Bindi.

Bindis message was sent to leaders at the COP26 Climate Change Conference, together with hundreds of testimonial videos by young people around the world, each telling a story about how climate change affects their own lives. Another message is from Jona Petursdottir, 26 years old from Iceland, who talks about disappearing glaciers and extensive wildfires due to droughts in her country. Samuel Schimmel, 21 years old from Alaska, also brings up how climate changes are negatively impacting the way animals are interacting with people in his region.

The whales come later every year, the walrus doesn't come at all, our seals are sick and our salmon is getting smaller, says Samuel Schimmel , 21 years old from Alaska , in his message.

The testimonial videos are an initiative from the Swedish non-profit organization, The Perfect World Foundation, to stress the extreme urgency and add pressure to global politicians and the COP26 Climate Change Conference to stop talking and start acting. The Perfect World Foundation's climate initiative goes by the name Climate AID World Forum.

Young people all around the world are anxious about the reality of a bleak future. They have  by all rights  lost trust in the promises of their governments, global politicians, and the UN. The future of the young generation is at stake. The Perfect World Foundation and Climate AID World Forum are teaming up with non-profit organizations around the world to channel the voices of the youth and to mobilize them to pressure our politicians to act, says Ragnhild Jacobsson , CEO, and co-founder of The Perfect World Foundation.

New messages from young voices will be sent regularly from The Perfect World Foundation to the leaders who will participate during COP 26. A selection of messages can be seen today at Climate AID World Forum and The Perfect World Foundation's website.

I am so proud to stand with the Climate AID World Forum and support them in their mission to help influence global change for climate sustainability, says Bindi.

CONTACT:

Daniel Wilke

Marketing Director

[email protected]

+4673-632 98 27

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/climate-aid-world-forum/r/bindi-irwin-s-message-to-cop26---i-witness-the-harm-that-climate-change-has-on-our-wildlife-,c3428325

The following files are available for download:

https://news.cision.com/climate-aid-world-forum/i/bindi-irwin-s-message-to-cop26,c2964647 Bindi Irwin's message to COP26

SOURCE Climate Aid World Forum
VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Blue Sky Uranium Corp. (TSXV: BSK) (FSE: MAL2) (OTC: BKUCF), "Blue Sky" or the "Company") announces that it intends to implement a warrant exercise incentive program (the "Incentive Program"). The Company has applied for TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") approval for the Incentive Program.

As announced on October 23, 2019, the Company completed a private placement offering of 5,793,333 units ("Units") at a subscription price of $0.15 per Unit. Each unit was comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant for two years at $0.25 from the date of issuance (the "Placement Warrants"). All of the Placement Warrants remain outstanding expiring October 23, 2021 (the "Expiry Date").

The Incentive Program will commence on the date of receipt of conditional acceptance by the TSXV and will expire at 4:00 p.m. (Vancouver time) on the Expiry Date (the "Incentive Period"). If the Placement Warrant holder exercises the Placement Warrants, the Placement Warrant holder will receive one additional warrant (an "Incentive Warrant") in consideration of the exercise of each Placement Warrant. Each Incentive Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of $0.35 per share for a period of three years from the date of issuance. The Company believes this will give existing Placement Warrant holders the right incentive to exercise their Placement Warrants. The Incentive Warrants and any shares issued upon the exercise of the Incentive Warrants will be subject to a hold period expiring four months plus one day after the date of distribution of the Incentive Warrants.

In the event a Placement Warrant holder determines not to participate in the Incentive Program, then the Placement Warrants will expire on October 23, 2021.

A portion of the Placement Warrants, eligible for participation in the Incentive Program, are held by insiders of the Company. Participation by any such insiders in the Incentive Program may constitute a related party transaction pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101  Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company is exempt from the formal valuation requirement pursuant to subsections 5.5(a) and (b) of MI 61-101, and from the minority approval requirement pursuant to subsection 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101

The Company is not aware of any potential new insider position that would be created upon the exercise of the Placement Warrants nor Incentive Warrants.

There are no guarantees of TSXV approval and the Company will provide further details on the manner by which Placement Warrant holders may exercise their Placement Warrants under the Incentive Program if TSXV approval is granted.

The Company intends to use the proceeds from the exercise of any Placement Warrants for working capital and exploration on its properties in Argentina.

About Blue Sky Uranium Corp.

Blue Sky Uranium Corp. is a leader in uranium discovery in Argentina. The Company's objective is to deliver exceptional returns to shareholders by rapidly advancing a portfolio of surficial uranium deposits into low-cost producers, while respecting the environment, the communities, and the cultures in all the areas in which we work. Blue Sky has the exclusive right to properties in two provinces in Argentina. The Company is a member of the Grosso Group, a resource management group that has pioneered exploration in Argentina since 1993.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"Nikolaos Cacos"

______________________________________

Nikolaos Cacos, President, CEO and Director

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.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "expects" or "it is expected", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "will" occur. This document contains statements about expected or anticipated future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and as a result, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, such as general economic, market and business conditions, regulatory processes and actions, technical issues, new legislation, competitive conditions, the uncertainties resulting from potential delays or changes in plans, the occurrence of unexpected events and the Company's ability to execute and implement its future plans. The actual events may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update any forward looking statements, except as may be required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Blue Sky Uranium Corp.

Related Links

www.blueskyuranium.com


ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO) announced today that Brent Tilson, president and CEO of Greenwood, Indiana-based Tilson, has received the 2021 Michaeline A. Doyle Award. This award is the professional employer organization (PEO) industry's highest honor.

Tilson was selected by his peers for this prestigious honor. He has previously served as Chair of NAPEO's Board of Directors and was the first chair of NAPEO's marketing and communications committee. Tilson is recognized as an industry leader on the national, state, and local levels. His efforts were instrumental in passing the PEO model act legislation in Indiana, and during the COVID-19 pandemic Tilson played a key role in ensuring that PEO clients would be eligible for critical Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans.

"Brent is an industry veteran and someone that many PEO operators look to for guidance and leadership," said Pat Cleary, president & CEO of NAPEO. "He's always been very involved in NAPEO and our efforts to grow and protect our industry; I cannot think of anyone who has had more of a positive impact on our industry than Brent."

"I am honored to receive the highest level of recognition from my peers," stated Brent Tilson, President and CEO of Tilson. "The Michaeline Doyle award is treasured by all who've received it and I am truly humbled and appreciative to have received it as well."

The Michaeline A. Doyle Award was created in 1995 to honor Michaeline Doyle, an industry legend who worked tirelessly to build the PEO industry. The award honors an individual who has provided exemplary leadership and service in devoting his or her time to NAPEO and industry activities on a local or national basis and whose business philosophy is to improve the industry while improving his or her PEO at the same time.



About NAPEO

The National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO) is The Voice of the PEO IndustryTM. NAPEO's 250 PEO members provide payroll, benefits, workers' comp, regulatory compliance assistance, and other HR services to more than 173,000 small and mid-size businesses employing 4 million people. An additional 250 companies that provide services to PEOs are associate members of NAPEO. For more information, please visit www.napeo.org.

SOURCE National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO)

Related Links

http://www.napeo.org


DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The global building automation systems (BAS) market demand outlook will remain positive, with sales expected to surge at a robust 7.8% CAGR during the forecast period (2021-2031), projects Future Market Insights (FMI) in its latest study.

The market will register stellar growth as demand for energy efficient infrastructure continues to surge. Emergence of smart cities and industrial internet of things (IIoT) technology, especially in East Asia will continue to augment market growth.

Request a report sample to gain comprehensive insights at https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2150

Historically, demand for building automation systems grew at a steady pace of 5.7% CAGR between 2016 and 2020. However, with surge in demand for energy-efficient building and need for robust interconnected infrastructure for leisure and convenience, adoption of building automation systems increased over the last few years.

Rapid integration of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud computing in building automation systems to provide secure and smart surveillance services will augment the market growth through 2031.

As consumers are increasingly seeking to upgrade their lifestyle, need for smart connected buildings, energy-efficient lighting systems, and secured interconnectivity of machines is increasing. This is providing tailwinds to the adoption of BAS.

Favourable initiatives launched by various governments to promote the agenda of smart cities, especially in countries such as China, India, and Japan, are creating conducive environment for the BAS market growth.

Alongside this, growth in commercial sector, coupled with need for upgrading security systems and temperature control within schools, hospitals, and industrial offices will fuel the demand through 2031.

"Due to the increasing demand for energy-efficient and smart infrastructure, dependence on building automation system services has increased exponentially, in commercial and residential sectors, alike. In order to capitalize on these opportunities, market players are increasing the adoption of IIoT technology, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. This is expected to create incremental growth opportunities for the market," says the FMI analyst.

Key Takeaways from FMI's Building Automation Systems Market Survey

Demand for security and surveillance building automation systems will surge at a remarkable pace over the forecast period

The U.S. building automation systems market will account for highest growth across North America , expanding at 7.2% CAGR over the projection period

, expanding at 7.2% CAGR over the projection period Backed by favorable government initiatives to promote energy efficient infrastructure, the U.K. market is expected to witness positive growth at 7% CAGR

Sales of building automation systems in China are expected to surge at an impressive pace underpinned by government initiatives to promote smart building infrastructure

are expected to surge at an impressive pace underpinned by government initiatives to promote smart building infrastructure Growth prospects in South Korea and Japan are expected to remain positive, capturing 7% of global market share

Full Report [email protected] https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/building-automation-systems-market

Key Drivers

Investment towards construction of energy-efficient buildings is increasing worldwide. This will improve the adoption of building automation systems

Rapid growth of construction and infrastructure industry, followed by increasing penetration of industrial internet of things (IIoT) technology will augment market growth

Development of wireless sensor network and wireless protocols for BAS will drive the market growth over the coming years

Key Restraints:

Hesitation among end-users and building owners to implement building automation systems due to their false notion regarding high installation cost are likely to hamper sales

Presence of alternative communication controls, along with lack of interoperability will impede the sales of building automation systems

Competitive Landscape

Presence of established players in the building automation systems market has led to market consolidation, finds FMI in its latest report. Siemens AG, Honeywell International, ABB, Schneider Electric, and Johnson Controls PLC are identified as top 5 players by Future Market Insights.

To gain competitive edge in the market, key players are emphasizing on product development and extensive research & development activities. Besides this, they are investing in strategic alliances with other key manufacturers through mergers and acquisitions.

For instance,

In August 2021 , Schneider Electric announced the partnership with American Power Conversion line for uninterruptable power supplies and to offer improved visibility, front-end maintenance across their customers UPS' systems.

, Schneider Electric announced the partnership with American Power Conversion line for uninterruptable power supplies and to offer improved visibility, front-end maintenance across their customers UPS' systems. In January 2021 , ABB Smart Buildings unveiled its FLXeon BACnet/IP automation control solutions to deliver powerful connectivity and visualization of intelligent buildings.

, ABB Smart Buildings unveiled its FLXeon BACnet/IP automation control solutions to deliver powerful connectivity and visualization of intelligent buildings. In March 2020 , FSG Smart Buildings, a division of Facility Solutions Group, announced the launch of Chariot, a building automation systems software with robust energy management system (EMS) capabilities combining HVAC controls and lighting with smart metering and Internet of Thinking (IoT) devices for multi-site command.

Some of the key players operating in the building automation systems industry market profiled by FMI are:

Honeywell International

Schneider Electric

Siemens AG

ABB

Johnson Controls, Plc

Delta Electronics, Inc.

Eaton Corporation

Bosch Rexroth

Emerson

AVASGLO Group

Signellent Technologies ( India ) Pvt. Ltd.

) Pvt. Ltd. Comnatz Thailand Company Ltd

Deos AG

MCS Automation Technology Company Ltd.

Philips Lighting

Others

For any Queries Linked with the Report, Ask an [email protected] https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-question/rep-gb-2150

More Valuable Insights on Building Automation Systems Market

FMI, in its new report, offers an unbiased analysis of the global building automation systems market, analyzing forecast statistics through 2021 and beyond. The survey reveals growth projections on in building automation systems industry market with detailed segmentation:

By Product:

Hardware

Software

Services

By System Type:

Security & Surveillance

HVAC

Lighting Solutions

BEMS (Building Energy Management)

By Application Type:

Commercial

Residential

Government

By Region:

North America

Latin America

Europe

South Asia

East Asia

Oceania

Middle East and Africa

We Offer tailor-made Solutions to fit Your Requirements, Request [email protected] https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/customization-available/rep-gb-2150

Key Questions Covered in the Report

The report offers insight into building automation systems market demand outlook for the forecast period 2021-2031

The market study also highlights projected sales growth for building automation systems market between 2021 and 2031

Building automation systems market survey identifies key growth drivers, restraints, and other forces impacting prevailing trends and evaluation of current market size and forecast and technological advancements within the industry

Building automation systems market share analysis, covering key companies within the industry and coverage of strategies such as mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, collaborations or partnerships, and others

FMI is hosting a talk show in collaboration with SPRING to uncover the paths of latest innovations in packaging. Join our Talk show "The Rise of Intelligent Packaging' by registering here: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/event/the-rise-of-intelligent-packaging

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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.

Contact:

Future Market Insights,

1602-6 Jumeirah Bay X2 Tower,

Plot No: JLT-PH2-X2A,

Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai,

United Arab Emirates

For Sales Enquiries: [email protected]

For Media Enquiries: [email protected]

Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/

Report: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/building-automation-systems-market

Press Release Source: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/press-release/building-automation-systems-market

SOURCE Future Market Insights
PHOENIX, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- BWH Hotel Group announced today that Lawrence (Larry) M. Cuculic has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer by the company's Board of Directors. Cuculic has been serving as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for the company for 12 years and will assume his new role as President and CEO on December 1, 2021.

Lawrence (Larry) Cuculic, President and Chief Executive Officer

"Together with my fellow Board of Directors I have great confidence in our decision to appoint Larry our new President and CEO," comments Ishwar Naran, Board Chairman, BWH Hotel Group. "Larry brings tremendous experience from his prior roles, military background and longstanding position within our organization. Larry is a trusted and decisive leader whose collaborative and strategic approach will undoubtedly lead the company to even stronger financial success, driving positive growth for our hoteliers."

Cuculic takes the helm of the global hospitality powerhouse at a pivotal time in the company's history. Under the leadership of outgoing President and CEO, David Kong, BWH Hotel Group has grown from one to 18 vibrant and exciting brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury. The company boasts successive records of RevPAR growth, culminating at 113.9 in 2021, as well as industry-leading levels of guest and hotel satisfaction ratings. Under Cuculic's leadership, BWH Hotel Group is on track to continue leading the industry as a powerful global hotel company.

"It is a true honor to be selected as the next President and CEO of BWH Hotel Group by our esteemed Board of Directors," said Cuculic. "During my tenure with the organization I have had the great privilege of working alongside David Kong and witnessing the remarkable impact he has made on our company and the industry as a whole. I can only hope to live up to the legacy David is leaving behind and I am committed to ensuring the long-term success of our members and our organization. I am fortunate to have the support of our Board and one of the most successful senior executive teams in the industry. I am excited and look forward to working together with our Board, our members, my colleagues, and our corporate associates to usher BWH Hotel Group into its next chapter."

"I am pleased to be passing the reigns of BWH Hotel Group to my long-term colleague, Larry Cuculic," comments David Kong, President and CEO, BWH Hotel Group. "I have worked alongside Larry for 12 years and have been continually inspired by his thoughtful leadership and strategic thinking. Throughout his tenure, Larry has gained valuable experience through a wide range of responsibilities, including our Central Reservations and Contact Centers. He is conversant in many areas of our company and is well liked and respected throughout the organization. Larry is the ideal candidate for the role of President and CEO. He is the right person to lead our organization through the recovery phase of the pandemic and to capitalize on new opportunities ahead. I am confident that together with our strong senior executive team, Larry will drive even more success for BWH Hotel Group and our hoteliers in the years ahead."

Prior to joining BWH Hotel Group, Cuculic was Senior Vice President General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for Wabash National Corporation. Previously, Cuculic served as Vice President Legal and Corporate Secretary for American Commercial Lines, Inc., and was a partner in the law firm Gambs, Mucker & Bauman. Before retiring from the U.S. Army, Cuculic served as a Judge Advocate General's Corps officer in various legal positions, including appointment as a military judge. Cuculic received his B.S. from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and his J.D. from Notre Dame Law School. He also earned an LL.M. degree from the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's School and graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.

To learn more about BWH Hotel Group, please visit www.bestwestern.com or www.worldhotels.com. To follow Larry Cuculic on LinkedIn, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-cuculic/.

About BWH Hotel Group:

BWH Hotel Group is a leading, global hospitality network comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels Collection, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotel Group. The global network boasts approximately 4,700 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*. With 18 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market. For more information visit www.bestwestern.com, www.bestwesterndevelopers.com, www.worldhotels.com and www.surestay.com.

* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.

Media Contact

Katie Ray

Senior PR Manager

602.957.5526

[email protected]

SOURCE Best Western Hotels & Resorts

Related Links

http://www.bestwestern.com/en_US.html


Open to all PRINTING United Alliance supplier members, this year's Pinnacle Product Award competition evaluates products that are, or will be, available for sale in 2021. A highly qualified panel of judges from across the printing industry evaluated the annual contest's 160+ entries in more than 58 categories spanning analog, digital, output and non-output technologies.

Pinnacle Product Award Winners 2021

Colorado 1630 winning best Roll-to-Roll UV (under 80 in.)

Arizona 1380 GT winning best UV/Latex Flatbed +White ($100K-200K)

Arizona 2380 GTF winning best UV/Latex Flatbed ($200K-500K)

Arizona 2380 XTF winning best UV/Latex Flatbed +White ($200K-500K)

"This juried competition represents the best of the best among commercial hardware, software, consumables, and industrial and screen equipment, and judges are basing their decisions on objective criteria," said Ray Weiss, director, Digital Print Programs, PRINTING United Alliance. "Some of the categories were decided by tenths of a pointso fierce was the competition this yearand with outstanding entries like the Colorado and Arizona, the judges certainly had their work cut out for them."

The Pinnacle InterTech Awards recognize significant new technologies that improve or advance the printing industry with exceptional contributions in quality, capability, and productivity, and are predicted to have a major impact on the printing industry.

Pinnacle InterTech Award Winners 2021

UVgel 460 Ink - UVgel 460 inks' patented auto-gelling acts on contact with the media, allowing rapid ink coverage of the media for high productivity with superior color gamut not possible with evaporative ink technologies. Its flexible nature also combines the ability to produce stretchable output for vehicle graphics and soft signage with significantly higher chemical and abrasion resistance than competitive ink technologies. In addition, UVgel 460 ink's FLXfinish offers producers the singular ability to produce matte or glossy prints on the same media interchangeably.

Arizona FLOW Technology - New Arizona FLOW technology significantly changes the way print producers are able to use flatbed printing systems, allowing any size or shape media to be placed anywhere on the table without regard for vacuum zones or concern about vacuum leaks, saving significant time and effort, and allowing several new working methods. Producers can now print contour-cut, unusually-shaped media or multiple, smaller boards across the table without sealing the table vacuum system. An alternative approach to the highly successful Arizona high-vacuum flatbed architecture, Arizona FLOW technology greatly reduces or even eliminates the need for masking open areas of the flatbed vacuum table, enabling quicker job setups.

"We are honored to have our products and technologies recognized by PRINTING United Alliance for their significance and innovation," said Shinichi Yoshida, executive vice president and general manager, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "These awards exemplify our continued commitment to developing innovative technology that helps our customers meet ever-changing demands and challenges in today's print market. We congratulate all 2021 recipients."

About PRINTING United Alliance

PRINTING United Alliance is the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in the United States, comprised of the vast communities which it represents. The Alliance serves industry professionals across market segments with preeminent education, training, workshops, events, research, government and legislative representation, safety, and environmental sustainability guidance, as well as resources from the leading media company in the industry  NAPCO Media. Now a division of PRINTING United Alliance, Idealliance is the global leader in standards training and certification for printing and graphic arts operations across the entire industry supply chain.

PRINTING United Alliance also produces the PRINTING United Expo, the most influential days in printing. The expansive display of technology and supplies, education, programming, and services are showcased to the industry at large, and represents all market segments in one easily accessed place.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $30.4 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks third overall in U.S. patents granted in 2020 and is one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2020. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss and follow us on Twitter @CanonUSA.

Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

CONTACT: Nicole Esan, [email protected]

SOURCE Canon U.S.A., Inc.
MIAMI, Oct. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Cruise Line announced plans for more ship restarts for January and February, as it works towards the return of its full fleet sailing from U.S. homeports in the spring of 2022.

With 17 ships scheduled to be operating by year-end, Carnival Sunshine will restart from Charleston on Jan. 13 and Carnival Liberty from Port Canaveral on Feb. 11.

With today's announcement, Carnival's U.S.-based operations will cover the following homeports and ships by February, and represents 90 percent of Carnival's U.S.-based capacity:

Galveston: Carnival Breeze, Carnival Dream and Carnival Vista

Miami : Carnival Freedom, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Sunrise and Carnival Conquest

: Port Canaveral: Mardi Gras , Carnival Elation, Carnival Magic and Carnival Liberty (effective Feb. 11 )

and (effective ) New Orleans : Carnival Glory and Carnival Valor

: and Long Beach : Carnival Panorama, Carnival Radiance and Carnival Miracle

: and Baltimore : Carnival Legend

: Tampa : Carnival Pride

: Charleston: Carnival Sunshine (effective Jan. 13 )

"Our restart plan continues to excel across all metrics, and we are looking forward to completing the restart of the fleet in the new year," said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. "We appreciate the support and patience of our guests, travel agents and port and destination partners who have been key to this successful restart."

Duffy said that Carnival continues to carefully monitor the status of public health and adjust its operating protocols accordingly. "We are optimistic that vaccines will be approved for children between the ages of 5-11 before the end of the year and we look forward to welcoming more families back on board," she added. As it relates to ships operating in January and February, Carnival will continue to operate vaccinated cruises under its current protocols.

Cruises on Carnival's three remaining U.S.-based ships  Carnival Ecstasy from Jacksonville, Carnival Paradise from Tampa, and Carnival Sensation from Mobile  have been cancelled through February.

In addition, Carnival Splendor from Sydney, Australia is cancelled through Feb. 7, and Carnival Spirit from Brisbane, Australia is cancelled through Feb. 20.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation, call 1-800-CARNIVAL, visit www.carnival.com, or contact your favorite travel advisor or online travel site.

About Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line is proud to be known as America's Cruise Line with a total of 24 ships, sailing from 14 U.S. homeports and employing more than 40,000 team members from 120 nationalities. The line resumed cruise operations July 3, 2021 while its newest and most innovative ship, Mardi Gras, featuring the first roller coaster at sea and the first in the Americas powered by eco-friendly Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) debuted from Port Canaveral, Fla., July 31, 2021. As part of its 50th Birthday festivities, Carnival Celebration, sister ship to Mardi Gras, is scheduled to debut in late 2022 from PortMiami, along with an as-yet-unnamed ship slated to enter service in 2023.

SOURCE Carnival Cruise Line
ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc. (NYSE: CTT) will release its third quarter 2021 earnings on Thursday, November 4, 2021, following the market close. The company will host a conference call and live webcast at 10 a.m. ET on Friday, November 5, 2021 to discuss these results.

Investors may listen to the conference call by dialing 1-888-347-1165 for U.S/Canada and 1-412-902-4276 for international callers. Participants should ask to be joined into the CatchMark call. Access to the live webcast is also available at www.catchmark.com or here. A replay of this webcast will be archived on the company's website immediately after the call.

About CatchMark

CatchMark (NYSE: CTT) seeks to deliver consistent and growing per share cash flow from disciplined acquisitions and superior management of prime timberlands located in high demand U.S. mill markets. Concentrating on maximizing cash flows throughout business cycles, the company strategically harvests its high-quality timberlands to produce durable revenue growth and takes advantage of proximate mill markets, which provide a reliable outlet for merchantable inventory. Headquartered in Atlanta and focused exclusively on timberland ownership and management, CatchMark began operations in 2007 and owns interests in 1.15 million acres* of timberlands located in Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Texas. For more information, visit www.catchmark.com.

* As of September 1, 2021

SOURCE CatchMark Timber Trust, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.catchmark.com


IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CB Resource, Inc. (the "Company" or "CBR")  a leader in community bank performance and risk management solutions announced the creation of the CDFI Performance Group ("CPG") and the appointment of Mr. Robert "Bob" Jones as Executive Director.

The CDFI Performance Group developed by CB Resource intends to focus on banks with or seeking the CDFI designation certified by the CDFI (Community Development Financial Institutions) fund and the U.S. Department of the Treasury. They have a mission to serve the nation's most distressed communities in a financial capacity. Mr. Jones joins CBR as former CEO of a CDFI designated bank and former Chairman of the Community Development Bankers Association (CDBA). Mr. Jones will work closely with Mr. Jeff Rigsby, founder, President and CEO of CBR and Robert Finch, Director of Sales & Marketing, to further establish the company as a leader in the areas of enterprise risk management, strategic planning, and capital planning.

"I am excited. Community banks are facing increased adverse economic conditions, growing burden of systemic risk and the threats of new market entrants." Stated Jeff Rigsby, President & CEO of CBR. "Conversely, as a board member of a CDFI bank, I see that they are positioned to be a leading force in providing small business owners and local underserved community members with targeted banking and financial services that they alone are uniquely empowered to provide. Under Bob's leadership, I am confident we will join forces with CDFI banks to provide them with the necessary support to optimize recently available capital, align strategic priorities with sound risk management disciplines, and deliver proprietary insights customized to serve their mission."

"I am thrilled to be working with Bob " said Mr. Finch. "He has a great understanding of the opportunities and risks that CDFI banks have. With his direction, CB Resource will be able to better provide CDFI banks with the tools they need to be successful as they fulfil their mission. Having defined strategies and focused risk management programs will be critical for these banks."

Recently retired, Jones served as CEO of United Bank and United Bancorporation (OTCQX:UBAB). Additionally, he served as Chairman of UB Community Development. Jones' service extends into many critical areas of banking and advocating for CDFI services and advancement of its mission. In addition to being Chairman of CDBA, Jones was appointed by the President to serve on the Community Development Advisory Board of the CDFI Fund.

"Following our certification as a CDFI in 2010, I have personally seen the power of a progressive community bank deliver the unique capabilities of a CDFI," said Mr. Jones. "These organizations have proven the value of this model and their commitment to improve the future of challenged rural and urban communities across our country. These are times of opportunity and strength. CDFIs have an intentional advantage through the extension of resources and visibility. I look forward to working with CBR and mission driven banks to enhance their performance and fulfil their mission."

About CB Resource, Inc.

CB Resource, Inc. is a member company of Finance 500, Inc., a full-service broker-dealer serving over 2,000 banks nationwide. CBR is the only firm serving community banks that seamlessly integrates ERM, Strategic and Capital Plan solution within a fully integrated platform. These integrated solutions along with superior Board and Management reporting are setting a new standard serving community bank executives and their boards.

Contact:

Robert Finch

SVP, Director of Sales and Marketing

949.502.6910

[email protected]

SOURCE CB Resource

Related Links

cb-resource.com


HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Patricia (Patti) A. Husic, President & CEO of Centric Financial Corporation, Inc. and Centric Bank ("Centric") (OTC Pink: CFCX), has been selected as one of American Banker's 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking in the U.S. Chosen from hundreds of talented female bank leaders across the country, Husic is honored to be recognized for the seventh consecutive year.

Patricia (Patti) A. Husic, President & CEO of Centric Financial Corporation, Inc. and Centric Bank, has been honored as one of American Bankers 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking in the U.S. for the seventh consecutive year. In addition to achieving Best Banks to Work For wins in 2020, 2019, and 2018 and cresting $1 billion in assets in May 2020, Centric Bank has been named a 2021 Top Team in American Bankers 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking.

"The women on this list are at the forefront of significant changes across the financial services industry and in society more broadly," says Bonnie McGeer, Executive Editor of American Banker and Chair of the Most Powerful Women in Banking and Finance program. "They are leading reinvigorated efforts to increase diversity of all kinds in the senior ranks, concepting the future of work, and helping central banks explore the idea of developing digital currencies, to name just a few of the many initiatives they have underway."

"A Most Powerful Woman in Banking is defined not by the power she possesses, but by the vision and leadership she invests with her team, customers, and community," says Husic. "I am honored to stand alongside women of tremendous strength, resolve, courage, and relentless adaptation. Women who succeed on behalf of their peers, their financial institutions, and their customers. This is the fresh future of banking, and I'm humbled to be in the company of these extraordinary leaders."

"Patti lives the community bank ethos and is a fierce advocate for Pennsylvania's one million small businesses," says Nicole S. Kaylor, Esq., McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC and member of the Centric Financial Corporation and Centric Bank board of directors. "Standing in the gap for our customers in the face of COVID's devastating impact, Centric Bank has been the lifeline to more than 3,000 small businesses and counting."

"Centric is emerging in a post-pandemic world stronger as a team, more resilient than anyone imagined, with deeper customer relationships and as a stabilizer in our community," says Husic.

Beginning in 2007 at the bank's founding, Husic led with the principle that a diverse bank is a better bank. With 60% of Centric Bank's executive leadership team female, and 70% of the workforce female, Husic has turned rhetoric into realityno peer bank in Pennsylvania is equal to Centric Bank's number of women in leadership. Centric Bank was also recognized as an American Banker Most Powerful Women in Banking Top Team this year, one of five teams chosen in the U.S. and its fourth year to receive the honor.

In addition to achieving Best Banks to Work For wins in 2020, 2019, and 2018, leadership on the American Bankers Association board, and as a champion for small business, Husic led Centric Bank to crest $1 billion in assets in 2020.

"For 19 years, this list has honored trailblazers, change-makers, and unparalleled achieversindividuals who have helped transform the industry despite countless obstacles," says Gemma Postlethwaite, CEO of Arizent, publisher of American Banker. "This year's honorees are a testament to the perpetual resilience required of leaders today."

Husic and her peers will be honored at an invitation-only celebratory gala at The Glasshouse in New York City on October 21. This in-person event is an opportunity for the honorees to gather, connect, and celebrate their achievements in the face of unprecedented challenges. It is also an important opportunity for the financial services community to convene and recommit to driving toward a more equitable and inclusive industry.

American Banker recognizes leaders in multiple lists: The Most Powerful Women in Banking , The Most Powerful Women to Watch , The Most Powerful Women in Finance, Top Teams andin a special recognition for 2021 Standouts . The complete list of honorees can be viewed at American Banker's website and is featured in the October 2021 issue of American Banker Magazine: americanbanker.com/women-in-banking.

ABOUT CENTRIC FINANCIAL CORPORATION AND CENTRIC BANK

An American Banker 2020, 2019, and 2018 Best Banks to Work For, four-time American Banker Most Powerful Women in Banking Top Team, three-time Best Places to Work, and Top 50 Fastest-Growing Companies for eight years, Centric Bank is headquartered in south central Pennsylvania with assets of $1.1 billion and remains a leader in organic loan growth. A locally owned, locally loaned community bank, Centric Bank provides highly competitive and pro-growth financial services to businesses, professionals, individuals, families, and to the health care and dental industries with the Doctor Centric Bank Division. Centric Bank was named one of the Top 200 Community Banks in the U.S. in 2021, 2020, and 2019.

Founded in 2007, Pennsylvania-based Centric Bank has financial centers located in Harrisburg, Hershey, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill, Doylestown, Devon, and Lancaster, as well as a loan production office in Devon and an Operations and Executive Office campus in Hampden Township, Cumberland County. To learn more about Centric Bank, call 717.657.7727 or visit CentricBank.com. Connect with them on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.

Centric Financial Corporation is traded over the counter (OTC-Pink) with the ticker symbol CFCX.

About American Banker

American Banker empowers banking professionals with unique insight and analysis into the ideas transforming their business and industry. Across its journalism, events, research, and benchmarking, it helps drive the way forward through the complexity of business innovation, retail and commercial disruption, technology, regulation, and reform. With a banking community 850M strong, American Banker's transformative content connects leaders online, in person, and in print every day.

Contact: Anne Deeter Gallaher

Tel. 717.580.4856

[email protected]

SOURCE Centric Financial Corporation
ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicken Salad Chick, the nation's only fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced today the reopening of its relocated restaurant in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. After over five years of operating in Northcutt Plaza Shopping Center, the brand will be moving just two doors down to a larger space featuring a drive-thru and expanded dining room seating. The new location is designed to better accommodate the growing number of Chick fans in the area, whether they choose dine-in or on-the-go. Now located at 280-A West Coleman Boulevard, the new Mount Pleasant restaurant will celebrate its reopening on Wednesday, October 20 by offering free chicken salad for a year to the first 100 guests.

During reopening week, guests will experience the Southern hospitality that Chicken Salad Chick is known for with giveaways and specials that include:

Wednesday, October 20  The first 100 guests will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month for an entire year, with one of those lucky guests randomly selected to win one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week.* Guests can arrive starting at 7 a.m. for grand opening day only.

The first 100 guests will receive one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per month for an entire year, with one of those lucky guests randomly selected to win one large Quick Chick of chicken salad per week.* Guests can arrive starting at for grand opening day only. Thursday, October 21 The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Special will receive a free Chick tote bag.**

The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Special will receive a free Chick tote bag.** Friday, October 22  All guests can enjoy two Quick Chicks and get one of equal or lesser value free.**

All guests can enjoy two Quick Chicks and get one of equal or lesser value free.** Saturday, October 23  The first 50 guests to purchase a Chick Special will receive a free Chick cooler.**

Behind the relocation is multi-unit franchise owner duo Julie Beville and Michelle Singleton of Sing Bev Hospitality, LLC. With previous careers in sales, marketing and time spent as stay-at-home moms, Beville and Singleton had been longtime patrons of Chicken Salad Chick before joining the brand. After meeting the Chicken Salad Chick's founder, Stacy Brown, Beville and Singleton were inspired by her triumph and related to her journey, deciding to expand the brand across the Carolinas. The team opened their first Chicken Salad Chick in Greenville in 2013 and have since grown to 13 locations throughout North and South Carolina, with a new restaurant in Rock Hill, South Carolina slated to open this fall.

"Michelle and I are so proud to reflect on our growth with Chicken Salad Chick. Through each location across the Carolinas, we have come to understand our Chick fans more and more every day. Specifically, our Mount Pleasant restaurant has become a place for guests to enjoy a fresh meal while sharing loving moments with friends and family," says Julie Beville. "We've always wanted to offer our Mount Pleasant guests the enhanced dining experience they craved and couldn't pass on the opportunity when the space became available to expand our dining room and offer drive-thru to our Chick fans!"

Chicken Salad Chick in Mount Pleasant will be open Monday  Saturday from 10:30 a.m.  8 p.m. For more information, visit www.chickensaladchick.com. Follow Chicken Salad Chick on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and trends.

*Guests should arrive at Chicken Salad Chick between 7 and 10 a.m. on Grand Opening Day to check in. The first 100 guests will be assigned a number and a designated return time between 10 and 11:15 a.m. Upon return, guests will make a purchase of "The Chick" or anything of greater value and enter a code on the CravingCredits app to officially secure your spot. If you are late, or miss return time, your spot will be awarded to next in-line. Guests must be 16 years or older, redemption begins 10/25/21.

**Dine in or take out only. Limit 1 reward per Guest Present. Not valid with any other offers.

*Free item must be equal or lesser value. Not valid with any other offers.

For more information on giveaways and specials, visit https://www.facebook.com/ChickenSaladChickMtPleasant/.

About Chicken Salad Chick

Chicken Salad Chick serves full-flavored, Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch and served from the heart. With more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors as well as fresh side salads, gourmet soups, signature sandwiches and delicious desserts, Chicken Salad Chick's robust menu is a perfect fit for any guest. Founded in Auburn, Alabama by Stacy and Kevin Brown in 2008, Chicken Salad Chick has grown to more than 200 restaurants in 17 states. Today, under the leadership of Scott Deviney and the Chicken Salad Chick team, the brand is continuing its rapid expansion with both franchise and company locations. Chicken Salad Chick has received numerous accolades including rankings in the 2021 Entrepreneur Franchise 500, Franchise Times' Fast & Serious for the second consecutive year, Fast Casual.com 's top Movers and Shakers from 2018 to 2021, QSR's Best Franchise Deals in 2019 and 2020, and Franchise Business Review's Top Food Franchises in 2020. See www.chickensaladchick.com for additional information.

Contact:

Paige Alonso

Fish Consulting

954-893-9150

[email protected]

SOURCE Chicken Salad Chick

Related Links

http://www.chickensaladchick.com


DENVER, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Cin7 , a pioneer in cloud-based inventory management software (IMS), today announced significant customer growth with more than 7,000 product sellers worldwide.

"The hallmark of our business is to enable fast growth and empower our product sellers to thrive in today's global marketplace," said David Leach, CEO of Cin7. "We are passionate about our customers and providing them with the right solutions that will supercharge their business and ultimate growth."

Product sellers have adapted to expanded channels, pandemic-incurred supply and labor issues and ongoing digital transformation. Cin7 recently unveiled its 2021 Inventory and Order Management Trends report which found that across 77 countries, 38% of customers saw a more than 30% in revenue year over year  out-performing the market during this time of upheaval. Cin7's platform recently crossed over $30B a year in gross merchandise value, supporting customers such as Tipsy Elves, the holiday-themed apparel company, and Poppi, a prebiotic soda brand, both of which were contestants on the popular ABC television show, "Shark Tank."

"Congratulations on reaching 7,000 customers," said Daymond John, CEO of FUBU and investor on ABC's "Shark Tank," in his recent company-wide Cameo appearance. "This is a huge, massive accomplishment that you should all be very, very proud of, and that's why I call you my fellow Sharks."

"Thank you to everyone on the Cin7 team. This company is the real deal  you are real people who are nimble, smart, and provide a level of responsiveness you don't see in a lot of other software companies," said Steve Dunlap, CEO of Meghan Fabulous. "For anyone looking to become a customer, Cin7 is a good bet."

Cin7 is contributing to the success of its customer base by making an impact on the local communities where it does business. Across its seven locations, the company is donating a total of $7,000 to local charities of importance to customers and employees: Mental Health Center of Denver in the U.S.; Child Action Lanka in Sri Lanka; Blind People's Association in India; Grant Life Foundation in Russia; Mental Health Foundation in New Zealand; Emirates Red Crescent in the UAE; and Christians Against Poverty in Australia.

To learn more about Cin7, visit www.cin7.com .

About Cin7

Cin7's inventory and order management platform connects more than 700 ecommerce platforms, online marketplaces, 3PL warehouses, and native EDIs in one solution, helping retailers and product sellers quickly and efficiently get their products to customers wherever they are, from any channel. Cin7 was founded in New Zealand and supports product sellers in 25 countries. In early 2020, Cin7 established a significant US presence to serve its growing customer base and accelerate growth in the North American market. Every month, millions of orders flow through the platform, representing over a billion dollars of product sales, as Cin7 helps over 7,000 growing brands sell more products, to more customers, in more places.

SOURCE Cin7

Related Links

http://www.cin7.com


LAWRENCE, Kan., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Last week, Teamsters Local 696 in Topeka announced that the union has filed a petition with the City of Lawrence, asking that they conduct an election for workers employed by the City of Lawrence Municipal Services and Operations Department.

"We are coming together to improve working conditions and secure better wages. We know that the Teamsters will give us the voice and strength to address the issues that matter most to us," said Dave Osborne, a utilities worker for the City of Lawrence. "We are very excited about this election. The support is overwhelming."

The petition for a union election was filed with overwhelming support from workers in all three departments. The Lawrence City Commission is expected to set a date for the election in the coming days.

"After seeing sanitation workers organize with the Teamsters and win a strong contract, the decision to follow suit was a no-brainer. I'm not doing this for me; I'm doing this for the next generation. We've had too many city workers quit. The turnover rate is too high, and we need the union to bring us stability and respect," said Steve Demaranville, a worker for the City of Lawrence Municipal Services and Operations Department.

In August 2020, sanitation workers employed by the City of Lawrence voted overwhelmingly, 65-1, to join Teamsters Local 696 in Topeka. In July, the 70-plus sanitation workers secured an excellent three-year agreement containing a modernized wage scale, substantial benefits, strong seniority language, grievance procedure, consistent work rules and other improvements to working conditions.

"This campaign is about fairness and respect," said Mike Scribner, President of Local 696. "We will continue to stand with workers employed by the City of Lawrence. These workers have seen the impact of the union firsthand thanks to their brothers and sisters who work in sanitation. We are thrilled more workers in Lawrence are looking to join them by uniting as Teamsters. When workers win respect, the entire community thrives."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact: Matt Hall, (785) 424-4831

[email protected]

SOURCE Teamsters Local 696
The report highlights the company's actions and progress within the key themes of Purpose and Values, Growing Investments, Healthy Lives, Clean World and Thriving Communities. The report also demonstrates how Clorox puts people at the center, bringing to life the stories behind the company's internal and external stakeholders. Closing out the second year of its IGNITE strategy, the company reported its fiscal year financial results and recent strategic progress, including the following:

9% sales growth (17% sales growth on a two-year stack basis)

Doubled innovation investment, introducing more than 250 new products

Doubled e-commerce business over the past two years to represent about 13% of sales

Best-in-class employee engagement of 87% versus 75th percentile benchmark of 84% for consumer goods companies and 85% for Fortune 500 benchmark

Best safety record in modern history with a 0.26 recordable incident rate, significantly better than the 3.3 average RIR for goods-producing companies

Board of directors comprising 42% women and 38% people of color and an executive team comprising 50% women

76% of packaging recyclable 1 , reusable or compostable

, reusable or compostable Approved science-based targets and net zero commitment across scopes 1, 2 and 3

Nearly $20 million in product donations, company and foundation cash grants, and cause marketing

"In an extraordinary year for Clorox, our fiscal year 2021 integrated annual report highlights our performance that's rooted in our purpose. I'm proud of how we delivered, pragmatic about the near-term challenges ahead, and resolute about what we can accomplish over the long term," said CEO Linda Rendle. "We remained true to three operating principles as we navigated the past year: maximizing supply of products across our portfolio, putting people at the center and leading with our values. We also drove our ESG agenda  from inclusion and diversity to plastic and waste reduction to climate action. Guided by our IGNITE strategy, we're a stronger, more resilient company, well positioned to create value for all our stakeholders now and in the future."

With this report, the company continued to evolve its ESG reporting practices, informed by stakeholders' needs and determined by this year's comprehensive ESG materiality assessment. Clorox expanded disclosure of its workforce representation by detailing its race/ethnicity and gender data over a three-year period and by Clorox job categories. This year also marked the debut of reporting the company's progress advancing the most relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in relation to its IGNITE strategy, demonstrating how Clorox is helping address the world's most significant challenges.

The report also highlights The Clorox Company Foundation's new mission to foster healthy and inclusive communities. Aligning to the company's purpose, the foundation established its signature theme of health security, which is based on the belief that health and wellness is a basic human right.

The 2021 annual report marks a decade of integrated reporting at Clorox. Beginning with its 2011 report, the company began providing a holistic view of its performance, recognizing the strategic link between its societal impact and long-term value creation.

The full integrated annual report (in an interactive PDF format) and an executive summary of the report in English and Spanish can be found at thecloroxcompany.com/annualreport.

The Clorox Company

The Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX) is a leading multinational manufacturer and marketer of consumer and professional products with about 9,000 employees worldwide and fiscal year 2021 sales of $7.3 billion. Clorox markets some of the most trusted and recognized consumer brand names, including its namesake bleach and cleaning products; Pine-Sol cleaners; Liquid-Plumr clog removers; Poett home care products; Fresh Step cat litter; Glad bags and wraps; Kingsford grilling products; Hidden Valley dressings and sauces; Brita water-filtration products; Burt's Bees natural personal care products; and RenewLife, Rainbow Light, Natural Vitality CALM, and NeoCell vitamins, minerals and supplements. The company also markets industry-leading products and technologies for professional customers, including those sold under the CloroxPro and Clorox Healthcare brand names. More than 80% of the company's sales are generated from brands that hold the No. 1 or No. 2 market share positions in their categories.

Clorox is a signatory of the United Nations Global Compact and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's New Plastics Economy Global Commitment. The company has been broadly recognized for its corporate responsibility efforts, included on the Barron's 2020 100 Most Sustainable Companies list, 2021 Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, the Human Rights Campaign's 2021 Corporate Equality Index and the 2021 Parity.org Best Places for Women to Advance list, among others. In support of its communities, The Clorox Company and its foundations contributed about $20 million in combined cash grants, product donations and cause marketing in fiscal year 2021. For more information, visit TheCloroxCompany.com and follow the company on Twitter at @CloroxCo.

CLX-C

1 Calculated using Ellen MacArthur Foundation's recyclability assessment tool. Reporting based on CY20 U.S. sales data with an estimate to reflect global results.

SOURCE The Clorox Company

Related Links

http://www.thecloroxcompany.com


JACKSON, Mich., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- CMS Energy announced today it will provide 2021 third quarter results along with a business and financial outlook at 9:30 a.m. EDT on Thursday, October 28, 2021.

A webcast of the presentation will be available on CMS Energy's website, cmsenergy.com. An audio replay will be available approximately three hours after the webcast and will be archived for 30 days on CMS Energy's website in the "Investor Relations" section.

CMS Energy (NYSE: CMS) is a Michigan-based energy company featuring Consumers Energy as its primary business. It also owns and operates independent power generation businesses.

For more information on CMS Energy, please visit our website at cmsenergy.com. To sign up for email alert notifications, please visit the Investor Relations section of our website.

Check out Consumers Energy on Social Media

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consumersenergymichigan

Twitter: https://twitter.com/consumersenergy

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/consumersenergy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consumersenergy

SOURCE CMS Energy

Related Links

http://www.cmsenergy.com


BOCA RATON, Fla., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Curative Biotechnology, Inc. (OTC: CUBT) ("Curative Biotech" or the "Company") announced today that the Company has reached agreement with Mid-Atlantic BioTherapeutics (MABT) to broaden its previously announced license of IMT504, a novel patented immunotherapy and adjuvant, to include the development of a next generation COVID-19 vaccine. The Company will initially develop the vaccine to address the kidney failure patient population. This new license, utilizing IMT504 as an adjuvant on top of a proprietary protein vaccine, adds a second infectious disease program to the Curative Biotech product development portfolio which also includes a reformulation of Metformin licensed from the National Eye Institute at National Institutes of Health (NIH) to treat degenerative eye diseases; and a novel monoclonal antibody/drug combination to treat brain cancer licensed from the National Cancer Institute at NIH.

"It is becoming increasingly clear that the initial COVID-19 vaccines developed are not working for everyone. There are highly vulnerable people, such as those patients with kidney failure who require kidney transplantation or dialysis, who are being left behind. We need targeted vaccines for this immunocompromised patient group," said Curative Biotech Chairman & President Paul Michaels.

Curative Biotech and Mid-Atlantic BioTherapeutics have agreed to develop a next generation COVID-19 vaccine targeted to meet the needs of this vulnerable population. A consequence of kidney failure in general is the loss of a robust immunologic response to infections, including COVID-19. This means that kidney failure patients may get a more severe version of COVID-19 that could lead to a greater chance of hospitalization or even death.

Dr. David Horn, CEO of Mid-Atlantic BioTherapeutics, added: "It is well known that kidney transplant recipients have impaired responses to mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. Recent data from France reveals that, even after 4 vaccine shots, many kidney transplant recipients have poor responses. In addition, kidney failure patients on dialysis do not initially respond as well to current vaccines and rapidly lose measurable antibodies when compared to the general population."

As previously announced, Curative Biotech has acquired the worldwide rights for the development of IMT504 to treat symptomatic rabies. Curative Biotech and MABT are already working together to develop IMT504 to treat patients whose disease has advanced to a stage where the virus has migrated to the brain, causing lethal rabies encephalitis. There are currently no treatment options for these patients. IMT504 has already been granted orphan drug designation in the US for the treatment of rabies, which may provide significant benefits including tax credits, market exclusivity and the waiver of certain FDA fees. Rabies is one of only a limited number of diseases which qualify for the FDA Tropical Disease Priority Review Voucher (PRV) Program that is granted to sponsors of approved tropical disease product applications that meet certain criteria. Once the sponsor obtains a PRV, the voucher can be used to obtain priority review designation for a subsequent application that does not itself qualify for priority review as described in the guidance, and it can be sold to another party.

Chairman Michaels concluded, "We are excited to begin work on this additional program and expect to announce additional important management resources at Curative Biotech to supplement the clinical development team."

Future Curative Biotechnology Press Releases and Industry Updates

Interested investors and shareholders will receive press releases and industry updates by sending an e-mail to [email protected].

About Mid-Atlantic BioTherapeutics, Inc. https://mabt.us/

Mid-Atlantic BioTherapeutics was founded in 2011 with the mission of eradicating infectious diseases. MABT is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company focused on the clinical development and commercialization of novel anti-infective approaches, such as the patented IMT504 immunotherapy platform, that harnesses the body's own immune response to fight off infections. The company is actively addressing the growing antibiotic resistance problems and creating a revolutionary treatment paradigm for bacterial and viral diseases, emerging infectious diseases, and biodefense.

About Curative Biotechnology, Inc. http://curativebiotech.com

Curative Biotech is a development-stage biomedical company focusing on novel treatments for rare or currently unmet medical needs. Curative Biotech is focused on therapies with potentially accelerated development paths resulting from either the disease, the nature of the therapeutic itself, or the stage of clinical development. At the heart of the Company is a product development engine that rests on our unique S.O.A.R. filter (Science, Opportunity, Acceleration, Rare Disease.) At Curative Biotech, we envision a world where all patients have a therapeutic option.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. CUBT is not yet generating revenues. Although forward-looking statements in this release reflect the good faith judgment of management, forward-looking statements are inherently subjected to known, unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those discussed in these forward-looking statements, including but not limited our ability to generate sufficient market acceptance for our products and services, our ability to generate sufficient operating cash flow, and general economic conditions. Readers are urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by us in our reports filed with OTC Markets from time to time which attempt to advise interested parties of the risks and factors that may affect our business, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those expected or projected. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this release. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this release.

SOURCE Curative Biotechnology
STERLING, Mass., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- David L. Taylor is being recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Trusted Attorney for his outstanding contributions in the field of Law and acknowledgement of his role as an Attorney and Senior Partner with Adams & Blinn Counsellors at Law, P.C.

Adams & Blinn Counsellors at Law provides quality, expert legal services in two offices located in Cambridge and Sterling, Massachusetts. The firm's dedicated Real Estate, Probate and Trusts Attorneys have more than 125 years' combined experience, priding themselves on high ethical standards and securing favorable results. A native of Boston, Mr. Taylor is an acclaimed Attorney and Senior Partner serving clients in the Cambridge office, less than two minutes away from Lechmere Canal Park.

Garnering nearly fifty years of vast knowledge and experience, Mr. Taylor specializes in real estate, corporate, real estate, elder, trust, probate, and nonprofit tax laws. In addition to his legal experience, he is renowned for being a strong strategic planner, event planner, and public speaker. A proud third generation lawyer, learning the skills necessary to succeed at an early age has continuously attributed to his success throughout his professional career.



An academic scholar, Mr. Taylor completed his undergraduate studies at Brown University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics in 1967. Following this, he attended Boston School of Law, obtaining a Juris Doctorate in 1970. Within a year, he was admitted to practice law in Massachusetts. Since then, he has also been admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, U.S. Supreme Court, and District of Massachusetts and U.S. Court of Appeals, First Circuit.



To further his professional development, Mr. Taylor is a member of the American Bar Association, Massachusetts Bar Association, and Christian Legal Society.



For more information, please visit https://www.adamsblinn.com.

Contact: Katherine Green , 516-825-5634 [email protected]

SOURCE Continental Who's Who

Related Links

http://www.continentalwhoswho.com


AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Defyned Brands , a family of health and wellness brands including 5 Star Nutrition and lifestyle supplement companies, has bolstered its leadership team with the addition of three new leadership hires, including a chief technology officer, vice president of marketing and general manager.

Matthew Miller joins the Defyned Brands team as the chief technology officer, bringing 20 years of expertise to his role. Previously holding leadership positions at Intel, Samsung, LDR Holding, Spredfast and WP Engine, Miller will lead the development of digitizing and personalizing the company's omnichannel experience, developing robust data management and analytics and integrating sophisticated platforms to further optimize operational efficiency.

Cassandra Stoklosa is taking on the role of vice president of marketing for Defyned Brands. Stoklosa brings 10 years of experience to the leadership team, previously holding high-level marketing positions with Nulo Pet Food, Indeed and Walmart. She will support the company in delivering people-focused service, ensuring customers' experience is personalized and effective. Stoklosa will also spearhead the Defyned Brands goal of building engaging, advocating communities across its family of brands, customers and employees.

Robin Mendenhall joins the Defyned Brands team as general manager and will spearhead the enhancement of the company's branded offerings and experiences within wholesale, direct-to-consumer and marketplaces. Mendenhall brings 20 years of branding and sales experience to Defyned Brands, previously holding vice president roles with BWX Limited, Humco and Synergy.

"These additions to the leadership team come amidst a time of major expansion for our company, and I couldn't be more thrilled to welcome Matthew, Cassandra and Robin to the family," said Drew Powell, chief executive officer, Defyned Brands. "Their deep industry knowledge and expertise in functionality will allow us to leverage comprehensive data to provide positive customer experiences while giving our family of brands narratives that match the product quality and offerings."

Under Powell's leadership and with the support of Miller, Stoklosa and Mendenhall and the rest of the leadership team, Defyned Brands is accelerating its new 5 Star Nutrition store openings with an upgraded look and feel while bringing its industry-leading in-store customer experience online and mobile. The company plans to open a dozen new locations in 2022, with a focus on North Carolina, Georgia and Colorado markets. The investment in footprint expansion, brands and employees will help achieve organic growth goals of more than 25% per year over the next three years.

To learn more about Defyned Brands or to explore opportunities to join the team, please visit www.defynedbrands.com .

About Defyned Brands

Defyned Brands is a premier developer, marketer, distributor and multi-channel retailer of best-in-class vitamins, supplements and apparel. As the owner of 5 Star Nutrition , Anabolic Warfare , Foxy Fit , NutraOne and Blue Spruce Hemp Co. , Defyned Brands has helped hundreds of thousands of customers reach their health and wellness potentials through trust, knowledge, personalization and empowerment. For more information, visit www.defynedbrands.com .

SOURCE Defyned Brands

Related Links

http://www.defynedbrands.com


COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Financial Stability Ratings (FSR) of A, Exceptional, assigned to FedNat Insurance Company, Maison Insurance Company, and Monarch National Insurance Company have been affirmed by Demotech, Inc. This level of FSR is assigned to insurers who possess exceptional financial stability related to maintaining positive surplus as regards policyholders, sufficient liquidity of invested assets, an acceptable level of financial leverage, reasonable loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (L&LAE) and realistic pricing, to name some critical metrics.

Demotech founder and President, Joe Petrelli, noted that additional information was considered to supplement the Q2 2021 financial statements and operating results. We obtained information through conversations and meetings with executive management that was not available at the time of the most recent statutory financial statements. Given our current understanding of the revisions in corporate business model, in anticipation of the favorable impact of the efforts on the Company's operating plan, the availability of capital, and future operating results, in conjunction with the Company's immediate access to sufficient capital to honor or defend meritorious claims as they come due, including the recent catastrophe losses and loss adjustment expenses, we issue this affirmation of the Financial Stability Ratings based upon the totality of our review of the June 30, 2021 operating results and actions of management. Any future affirmations will require demonstrable evidence of the impact of the revisions on the company's financial stability.

According to Mike Braun, Chief Executive Officer, FedNat Holding Company, President, FedNat Insurance Company, "The Company has experienced an unprecedented amount of weather related events over the past eighteen months, more than has been experienced in its nearly thirty years of business. FedNat, along with the support of its reinsurance partners, continues to provide quality and timely service to all of our policyholders that have been impacted by this weather. We very much value Demotech's leading financial stability rating expertise that recognizes the challenging environment in which we operate as well as our initiatives to improve future financial results."

Petrelli also stated, "The rigorous, albeit expensive, horizontal reinsurance program purchased by the companies protected stakeholders, particularly claimants. The policyholders of these insurers have been well-served by the catastrophe reinsurance requirements associated with the assignment of a Financial Stability Rating from Demotech."

About Demotech, Inc.

Demotech, Inc. is a financial analysis firm specializing in evaluating the financial stability of regional and specialty insurers. Since 1985, Demotech has served the insurance industry by assigning accurate, reliable, and proven Financial Stability Ratings (FSRs) for Property & Casualty insurers and Title underwriters. FSRs are a leading indicator of financial stability, providing an objective baseline of the future solvency of an insurer. Demotech's philosophy is to review and evaluate insurers based on their area of focus and execution of their business model rather than solely on financial size. Demotech was the first to review and rate independent regional and specialty insurers. Demotech's consistently increasing list of accreditations and acceptances has resulted in rating and reviewing more than 400 insurers operating in the US. Visit www.demotech.com for additional information.

About FedNat Holding Company

FedNat Holding Company is a regional insurance holding company that controls substantially all aspects of the insurance underwriting, distribution and claims processes through our subsidiaries and contractual relationships with independent agents and general agents. The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiaries FedNat Insurance Company, Maison Insurance Company and Monarch National Insurance Company, is focused on providing homeowners insurance in Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, South Carolina and Mississippi. More information is available at https://www.fednat.com/investor-relations.

SOURCE Demotech, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.demotech.com


FAIRFIELD, Ohio, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 15th, open enrollment for Medicare will begin. Thousands of Ohioans will once again face the challenge of finding the right Medicare coverage, including the need to decide between Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans. While the primary focus will be on medical and prescription coverage, it is important not to ignore the potential impact of dental coverage.

Andrew Dine DDS

Most Medicare participants fail to understand Medicare does not include routine, preventive dental procedures that are critical to longevity and overall health. Currently, Medicare benefits only apply to surgical dental procedures carried out in hospitals. As a result, seniors must either pay for dental services completely out-of-pocket or try to find a Medicare supplement that provides high-quality, affordable and accessible dental care.

Unfortunately, this is extremely difficult. Most Medicare dental supplements are low-cost and poorly designed. In addition, these plans have very limited networks of inexperienced dentists.

"Our Dental Membership Plan is designed to help these patients enjoy the same high-quality care as those with insurance," commented Dr. Andrew Dine. He continued, "Instead of struggling to find seasoned, skilled dentists to provide the care they need, patients who enroll in our Dental Membership Plan get friendly, personalized care at a predictable, monthly rate."

Furthermore, the negative impact of poor dental care on the overall health of seniors can be significant. A range of statistics tell the story:

Only 29% of seniors have dental coverage.

1 in 5 adults aged 65 or older have no natural teeth remaining, and complete tooth loss becomes twice as prevalent by age 75.

People who still have 20 or more teeth at age 70 are significantly more likely to have a longer lifespan than those with fewer teeth.

70% of adults over the age of 65 have advanced periodontitis. This is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

In Ohio , over 1.4 million senior citizens are estimated to have periodontal disease  a disease that has been strongly linked to heart disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and other serious conditions.

While dental membership plans have existed for more than 20 years, most patients are unaware of this option. At the same time, ease of use and enrollment are two of the most significant benefits. Other facts to know about the Dental Membership Plan with Andrew Dine, DDS include:

All, routine preventive care is included at a fixed cost of as low as $25 per month, based on your periodontal health and the number of people on the plan.

per month, based on your periodontal health and the number of people on the plan. Benefits are available immediately without any waiting period.

There are no annual limits, deductibles or co-pays.

A 15% discount is available on all other dental procedures done in the practice.

Dental implants, dentures, veneers and teeth whitening are included.

As seniors consider the benefits of the Dental Membership Plan, it is important to keep a couple of dates in mind. Open enrollment for Medicare starts on October 15, 2021, and ends December 7, 2021. This is the time to drop an existing dental supplement that is not working and to enroll in a better form of coverage. Families interested in learning more should feel free to contact Andrew Dine, DDS via his website or by calling 513-829-9700.

Contact Information:

Website: https://www.drdine.com/

Dr. Andrew Dine

Andrew Dine, DDS

1251 Nilles Rd #16

Fairfield, OH 45014

Kathleen McLendon, Client Relations

TNT Dental

2100 North Collins Boulevard

Richardson, TX 75080

877-868-4932

[email protected]

SOURCE Andrew Dine DDS
FRISCO, Texas, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 15th, open enrollment for Medicare will begin. Thousands of Texans will once again face the challenge of finding the right Medicare coverage, including the need to decide between Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans. While the primary focus will be on medical and prescription coverage, it is important not to ignore the potential impact of dental coverage.

Plush Dentistry

Most Medicare participants fail to understand Medicare does not include routine, preventive dental procedures that are critical to longevity and overall health. Currently, Medicare benefits only apply to surgical dental procedures carried out in hospitals. As a result, seniors must either pay for dental services completely out-of-pocket or try to find a Medicare supplement that provides high-quality, affordable and accessible dental care.

Unfortunately, this is extremely difficult. Most Medicare dental supplements are low-cost and poorly designed. In addition, these plans have very limited networks of inexperienced dentists.

"This is one of the primary reasons we created our Dental Membership Plan," commented Dr. Faizan Ali of Plush Dentistry. He continued, "My parents and their friends were struggling to find dentists with the experience and knowledge to take care of their unique needs. If they did, the care was extremely expensive. A Dental Membership offers the best of both worlds  friendly, personalized care at a predictable, monthly fee."

Furthermore, the negative impact of poor dental care on the overall health of seniors can be significant. A range of statistics tell the story:

Only 29% of seniors have dental coverage.

1 in 5 adults aged 65 or older have no natural teeth remaining, and complete tooth loss becomes twice as prevalent by age 75.

People who still have 20 or more teeth at age 70 are significantly more likely to have a longer lifespan than those with fewer teeth.

70% of adults over the age of 65 have advanced periodontitis. This is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

In Texas , nearly 4 million senior citizens struggle with periodontal disease  a disease that has been strongly linked to heart disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and other serious conditions.

While Dental Membership Plans have existed for more than 20 years, most patients are unaware of this option. At the same time, ease of use and enrollment are two of the most significant benefits. Other facts to know about the Plush Dental Membership Plan include:

All, routine preventive care is included at a fixed cost of $30 per month.

per month. Benefits are available immediately without any waiting period.

There are no annual limits, deductibles or co-pays.

A 20% discount is available on all other dental procedures done in the practice.

Dental implants, dentures, veneers and teeth whitening are included.

As seniors consider the benefits of a Dental Membership plan, it is important to keep a couple of dates in mind. Open enrollment for Medicare starts on October 15, 2021, and ends December 7, 2021. This is the time to drop an existing dental supplement that is not working and to enroll in a better form of coverage. Families interested in learning more should feel free to contact Plush Dentistry via their website or by calling 469-850-0786.

Contact Information:

Website: https://www.plushdentistry.com/



Dr. Faizan Ali

Plush Dentistry

5285 Dallas Pkwy #515

Frisco, TX 75034

Taylor Dybwad, Client Relations

TNT Dental

2100 North Collins Boulevard

Richardson, TX 75080

[email protected]

SOURCE Plush Dentistry

Related Links

http://www.plushdentistry.com


MINEOLA, N.Y., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 15th, open enrollment for Medicare will begin. Thousands of New Yorkers will once again face the challenge of finding the right Medicare coverage, including the need to decide between Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans. While the primary focus will be on medical and prescription coverage, it is important not to ignore the potential impact of dental coverage.

Meadowbrook Dental Care

Most Medicare participants fail to understand Medicare does not include routine, preventive dental procedures that are critical to longevity and overall health. Currently, Medicare benefits only apply to surgical dental procedures carried out in hospitals. As a result, seniors must either pay for dental services completely out-of-pocket or try to find a Medicare supplement that provides high-quality, affordable and accessible dental care.

Unfortunately, this is extremely difficult. Most Medicare dental supplements are low-cost and poorly designed. In addition, these plans have very limited networks of inexperienced dentists.

"We offer an in-house discount plan that helps these patients enjoy the same high-quality care at an affordable rate," commented Dr. Miguel Casanas Jr at Meadowbrook Dental Care. He continued, "Rather than struggle to find skilled, friendly dentists, our patients who enroll in this plan get personalized care at a predictable, monthly rate."

Furthermore, the negative impact of poor dental care on the overall health of seniors can be significant. A range of statistics tell the story:

Only 29% of seniors have dental coverage.



1 in 5 adults aged 65 or older have no natural teeth remaining, and complete tooth loss becomes twice as prevalent by age 75.



People who still have 20 or more teeth at age 70 are significantly more likely to have a longer lifespan than those with fewer teeth.



70% of adults over the age of 65 have advanced periodontitis. This is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.



In New York , nearly 2.4 million senior citizens have periodontal disease  a disease that has been strongly linked to heart disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and other serious conditions.

While dental membership plans have existed for more than 20 years, most patients are unaware of this option. At the same time, ease of use and enrollment are two of the most significant benefits. Other facts to know about the in-house discount plan, or a dental savings plan, at Meadowbrook Dental Care include:

All routine preventive care, including fluoride and X-rays, is included at a fixed cost of as low as $25 per month for adults.

per month for adults. Benefits are available immediately without any waiting period.

There are no annual limits, deductibles or co-pays.

A 20% discount is available on all other basic and major procedures done in the practice.

Dental implants, dentures, veneers and teeth whitening are included.

As seniors consider the benefits of the in-house discount plan, it is important to keep a couple of dates in mind. Open enrollment for Medicare starts on October 15, 2021, and ends December 7, 2021. This is the time to drop an existing dental supplement that is not working and to enroll in a better form of coverage. Families interested in learning more should feel free to contact Meadowbrook Dental Care via their website or by calling 516-284-1234.

Contact Information:

Website: https://www.meadowbrookdentalcare.com/

Dr. Miguel Casanas Jr.

Meadowbrook Dental Care

130 E Jericho Turnpike

Mineola, NY 11501

Candy Chaney, Client Relations

TNT Dental

2100 North Collins Boulevard

Richardson, TX 75080

Primary Media Contact:

Candy Chaney

[email protected]

877-868-4932

SOURCE Meadowbrook Dental Care

Related Links

http://www.meadowbrookdentalcare.com


SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Skycatch , an industrial end-to-end data automation solution company, today announced the addition of former United States Ambassador to Brazil, Todd Chapman , to its Advisory Board. Chapman is an award-winning diplomat with 30 years of experience, and a two-time U.S. Ambassador to Brazil and Ecuador who served throughout South America, Africa and Asia under six U.S. Presidents. His advisory role with Skycatch represents one of Chapman's first positions since retiring from the U.S. Foreign Service in July 2021. To commemorate his new position, Chapman will visit Brazil in mid-October to meet with private sector leaders in the mining sector and government officials with the Ministry of Mines and Energy.

South America is a major producer of several of the world's most important metals, including silver, iron ore, copper and gold. The continent produces 45 percent of the world's copper, 21 percent of zinc, 50 percent of silver and a large percentage of many strategic rare earth minerals. South America is a top destination for international mining investment, thus presenting an excellent opportunity for the expanded use of Skycatch's technology.

"In the mining industry, Skycatch is known as one of the top drone mapping and data analytic services providers to many leading mining companies around the world and I'm proud to assist with their continued growth in South America and around the world," said Chapman. "Skycatch technology solutions provide the data necessary for more sustainable and efficient mining operations while protecting the health and safety of workers. It's clear to me that Skycatch is committed to sharing its technology solutions with a broad range of Brazilian mining operators, as well as construction and petroleum companies."

With his extensive knowledge of the region, Chapman will enhance and support Skycatch's success in South America with a particular emphasis on working with government and industry leaders in Brazil. He will work closely with key stakeholders to ensure the safety of miners, elevate the sustainability and efficiency of communities where mining is present and help drive awareness for Skycatch's all-in-one UAV mapping, data processing and complete drone analytics solution in one of the fastest-growing segments of their customer base.

"Demand for our solution in South America has risen sharply in recent years, and today's mining operators are looking for technology providers that can offer localized domain expertise," said Christian Sanz, Founder and CEO of Skycatch. "Todd is uniquely well-qualified to fill the role of senior advisor in the region, and we look forward to partnering with him as Skycatch continues serving the needs of the world's largest mining sites in South America."

Skycatch is used at 10,000+ sites worldwide, including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Australia, Canada, the U.S., Indonesia, China, Philippines, Thailand, and Japan - and is widely relied upon based on the software's ability to operate in sites with limited connectivity.

To learn more about Skycatch's all-in-one solution for drone survey and highwall mapping, visit https://skycatch.com/mining-solution .

About Skycatch

Skycatch is an industrial end-to-end data automation solution company focused on indexing and extracting critical information from the physical world. The technology uses a combination of hardware, software, and data science to deliver high-precision data at unprecedented speed, reliability, and ease of use. Built for the enterprise, Skycatch's end-to-end solutions are deployed across global project sites with the world's largest mining, construction, energy, and asset management companies.

For more information:

Frances Bigley

FINN/Barokas Communications

[email protected]

SOURCE Skycatch, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.skycatch.com


CHICAGO, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Easterseals convened national leaders, including U.S. Representative Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-VA Third District), Chair, U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor, and National Education Association President Becky Pringle, for an all-too-relevant discussion on the significant disparities that Black students with disabilities experience within specialized education programs nationwide and solutions to address these inequities to ensure equity, inclusion, and access to quality education for these students.

The 90-minute virtual event, hosted in partnership with EducationWeek, provided a forum for members of Easterseals' Collaborative on Racialized Disabilities (CORD) initiative  including Dr. Mildred Boveda, Associate Professor of Special Education at the Pennsylvania State University; Dr. Maleka Donaldson, Assistant Professor of Education and Child Study at Smith College; and Dr. Aubry Threlkeld, Dean of the School of Education, Endicott College  to share their research with more than 500 educators attending the event.

Students with disabilities, especially students of color, have long faced myriad challenges in navigating classrooms, IEP protocols, and advocating for their specific needs across the education system. These challenges are now only exacerbated by the pandemic.

The research reflects outcomes from the initial phase of special education advocate training developed by Easterseals and CORD to address the pressing need to better serve Black youth with disabilities and their families. Research findings confirm that Black youth encounter wide inequities in services provided within specialized education programs; Black students with disabilities are disproportionately represented in special education and are more likely to experience exclusionary disciplinary actions from school; anti-Black racism and ableisma system that assigns value on people's bodies and minds based on societally constructed ideals of normalcy and intelligenceexacerbate the challenges Black families face when navigating and accessing high quality special education services; and typical trainings for special education advocates tend not to directly address the uniqueness and complexity of Black families' experiences.

The need for culturally appropriate resources and training for Black students, their families, and advocates resonated from the research. Subsequently, these are being developed through the Easterseals CORD initiative to translate the research into practice within the Easterseals Network and through partnerships with educators and advocates nationwide.

"I'm incredibly grateful to Education Week for extending their platform for this important conversation on a topic that is incredibly close to home for me, and a key focus of our mission as an organization," remarked Angela F. Williams, CEO, Easterseals. "What a gift to have a lineup of such powerful, dynamic speakers with a wide range of thoughtful perspectives and progressive visions. I truly feel like ground was broken today."

Research shared during the virtual event is a direct outcome of the work being done through Easterseals' Black Child Fund with support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the Comcast Foundation.

The event provided the opportunity to introduce Erika Watson, Easterseals National Director of Childhood Development, Education, and Equity, who will be driving this work at the national level for the organization.

About Easterseals

Easterseals is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services. For more than 100 years, we have worked tirelessly with our partners to enhance quality of life and expand local access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. And we won't rest until every one of us is valued, respected, and accepted. Through our national network of Affiliates, Easterseals provides essential services and on-the-ground supports to more than 1.5 million people each year  from early childhood programs for the critical first five years, to autism services, to medical rehabilitation and employment programs, to veterans' services, and more. Our public education, policy, and advocacy initiatives positively shape perceptions and address the urgent and evolving needs of the one in four Americans living with disabilities today. Together, we're empowering people with disabilities, families, and communities to be full and equal participants in society. Learn more at www.easterseals.com.

SOURCE Easterseals

Related Links

http://www.easterseals.com


AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Two thirds of U.S. and UK workers who experienced more work flexibility during the pandemic want employers to prioritize work-life balance moving forward and three quarters acknowledge they are now being heard - but still - half are looking for a new job. These findings and more from the latest "Beamery Talent Index" spotlight the stark gap between employee optimism about post-pandemic workplace policies and retention issues plaguing employers as the Great Resignation of the global workforce continues.

"In the fierce battle for talent, businesses across the globe continue to grapple with a tremendous amount of rapid change, from work environments to employee perceptions and preferences, all of which are reflected in our new Talent Index findings," said Abakar Saidov, Co-Founder and CEO at Beamery. "As workers call for employers to meet - and anticipate - their evolving needs, it demands that businesses take a truly talent-first approach to attract and retain employees, and optimize the workplace of today and tomorrow."

Workers Confident About Finding New Jobs

Of the 5,000 employed adults surveyed in the U.S. and UK, almost three quarters (72%) are confident in their ability to find a new job, half (53%) are considering leaving their current role within the next 12 months, and 23% are actively looking for a new job. The majority (81%) say the pandemic gave them time to make that decision with some soul searching leading a quarter (26%) to change their career path and goals.

Happiness in the Moment Doesn't Mean Loyalty

Three quarters (74%) of respondents acknowledge they are happy with their companies' return-to-work policies, despite half of the total eyeing new job opportunities. 51% say their employers have been supportive and have prioritized their wellbeing during the pandemic, but seeds of doubt have crept in as almost half (49%) feel the lack of face time with their employers over the past 12 months has hindered their chances of promotion. There's a split decision when it comes to whether work-from-home helped or hindered creativity. Looking ahead, two thirds (68%) say they've been offered a more flexible work schedule, a move that may satisfy people's reported desire both for the in-person interaction they perceive to fuel career growth combined with the flexibility to work from home.

More Work-Life Balance, Please

Workers have had a taste of better work-life balance and they aren't turning back. In fact, more than a third (37%) actually think their work-life balance was better during the worst of the pandemic and 42% want flexible working opportunities returning to the office. In their current roles, 45% of office workers say they will be returning to the office full-time, whilst just 29% will have flexibility as to when they go in. For organizations looking to reassure and retain staff, it's optimistic to see that almost three quarters (71%) think their employers clearly understand what matters to them in a post-COVID workplace.

Perks are Great, But People Want Career Growth & Wellness Benefits

Along with flexibility, wellness benefits matter. So does support for career growth, according to the majority (83%) of respondents who say their company should help with career progression. But 44% say their employer doesn't have a talent acceleration program to address high achievers. Nearly a third (31%) say they want more mental health support. 24% feel that HR departments are making changes to prioritize mental health and 25% say their company is providing more online training, signaling small signs of progress with much room for improvement. The most desirable perks for employees are free or subsidized travel (23%), discounts on products outside the workplace (23%) and dental care plans (20%).

Opinions Vary by Geography, Demographic

The Beamery Talent Index data shows U.S. employees believe their employers have prioritized their wellbeing (56%) more than employees in the UK (45%), and U.S. workers are happier with their organizations return-to-office policies, while UK employers are more flexible when it comes to working from home. Mental health support is a bigger priority for employees in the U.S. vs UK (33% compared to 29%), a bigger priority for women vs men, and the top priority for younger employees ages 18-24. Meanwhile, men are more likely than women to think that collaboration and creativity has been hampered in the last 12 months.

Methodology

The online survey was conducted by Atomik Research among 5,000 employed adults aged 18+ in the UK and U.S. The research fieldwork took place from August 19, 2021 to September 1, 2021. Atomik Research is an independent creative market research agency that employs MRS-certified researchers and abides by MRS code.

About Beamery

Beamery's mission is to put talent transformation at the heart of every business. Leveraging an industry first AI-powered Talent Graph, Beamery's Talent Operating System aggregates and enriches billions of relevant data points and signals from across the web and an enterprises' existing technology, to help organizations quickly identify and prioritize potential candidates that are likely to thrive at their organization, reach diversity targets, provide better learning opportunities and career pathways for existing employees, and understand the skills and capabilities they need to build their workforce of the future. Beamery is one of the fastest growing companies in the world, with a dedicated team that is not only superb at their jobs, but who are also a reliable and friendly bunch who leave egos out of the equation. For more information, visit beamery.com.

Media Contact

U.S. Media Contact

Leighton Thompson

Inkhouse for Beamery

[email protected]

SOURCE Beamery

Related Links

www.beamery.com/


ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Equifax (NYSE: EFX) will announce its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021, in a release to be issued on October 20 after the market closes.

Equifax will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (ET) on October 21, in which senior management will discuss financial and business results for the quarter. Related presentation materials will be published on investor.equifax.com on October 21 at 6:30 a.m. ET.

Conference Call:

US/Canada: (877) 559-1190

International: (201) 389-0916

Please dial the appropriate number 5-10 minutes prior to the call to complete registration. Name and affiliation/company are required to join the call.

Webcast:

To view the webcast and slide presentation, please click the link and enter your information to be connected. The link becomes active 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

An audio replay of the conference call will be available on investor.equifax.com beginning on October 22.

ABOUT EQUIFAX INC.

At Equifax (NYSE: EFX), we believe knowledge drives progress. As a global data, analytics, and technology company, we play an essential role in the global economy by helping financial institutions, companies, employers, and government agencies make critical decisions with greater confidence. Our unique blend of differentiated data, analytics, and cloud technology drives insights to power decisions to move people forward. Headquartered in Atlanta and supported by more than 12,000 employees worldwide, Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region. For more information, visit Equifax.com .

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Kate Walker for Equifax

[email protected]

SOURCE Equifax Inc.

Related Links

http://www.equifax.com


SILVER SPRING, Md., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today announced that California, Florida, Utah and Wisconsin have entered into domestic mutual reliance agreements with the agency. These Mutual Reliance agreements facilitate a coordinated effort between the FDA and individual states with goals to reduce human foodborne illness outbreaks, reduce duplication of regulatory oversight and increase public health protection by focusing on areas of higher risk.

"Foodborne illness outbreaks are largely preventable but can have devasting consequences for consumers," said Erik Mettler, assistant commissioner for partnerships and policy in the FDA's Office of Regulatory Affairs (ORA). "The FDA is committed to keeping Americans safe. As part of our commitment, we are using these partnerships to strengthen our relationship with our state regulatory partners and improve industry compliance with applicable food safety requirements to reduce foodborne illness outbreaks."

These new mutual reliance agreements help the FDA to work in cooperation with the states of California, Florida, Utah and Wisconsin to rely on, coordinate with and leverage one another's work, data and actions to achieve a safer national food supply. As envisioned in the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the Partnership for Food Protection and the New Era of Smarter Food Safety blueprint, the mutual reliance agreements will enhance the existing relationships with states and government counterparts, moving the nation toward an Integrated Food Safety System.

"A strong, integrated system is essential to a safe food supply. Mutual reliance between the FDA and individual states is one example of the many actions the agency is taking to address our nation's increasingly complex food production and distribution systems," said Michael Rogers, assistant commissioner for the Office of Human and Animal Food Operations in the FDA's ORA. "We expect that as more states sign mutual reliance agreements, it will help reduce redundancy and duplication of effort, optimize the impact of our collective oversight, and allow us to build on the long-standing relationships that we have with our state regulatory partners. This is truly a step forward towards achieving a seamless integrated food safety system between the federal and state regulators."

The FDA will collaborate with partner states on data sharing, risk prioritization, inspections, outbreak investigations, development and monitoring of key metrics and laboratory capacity, among many other key focus areas. The domestic mutual reliance framework provides opportunities for the FDA and partners to jointly identify needs to better protect the public and leverage work from other regulatory programs. In addition, it will provide knowledge to build quality management systems and infrastructures to support national regulatory standards, including those related to resource allocation, training, outreach and information exchange.

FSMA was signed into law in 2011 and enables the FDA to focus on the prevention of foodborne illness rather than relying primarily on reacting to problems after they occur. The Act provides the FDA with authority to achieve higher rates of compliance with prevention and risk-based food safety standards. In addition, the FDA has the authority to better respond and contain food safety concerns when they do occur.

Additional Resources:

Media Contact: Courtney Rhodes, 202-281-5237

Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA

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


" As a Swiss company with a rich 126-year history, Firmenich is delighted to be the Swiss Pavilion's fragrance partner in designing this multi-sensorial experience for visitors at the Expo ," says Ilaria Resta, President, Global Perfumery. " In line with the expo's theme of 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future', we will also be showcasing our industry-leading efforts towards Clean Fragrances in Conscious Perfumery."

An active leader of sustainability efforts in the fragrance business, Firmenich was the first in the industry to develop a holistic fragrance sustainability measurement tool, EcoScent Compass, that determines a fragrance's sustainability footprint across three criteria: intrinsic green properties, environmental and social impact.

BREATHE IN was created with our CreateForGood Conscious Fragrance design process, and has an EcoScent Compass triple A, science-based, positive impact score across Renewability, Biodegradability, Green Chemistry, Carbon, Water and Social criteria. The scent combines responsibly and ethically sourced ingredients from its Naturals Together initiative, with ingredients from its Firgood collection  a brand new range of pure, 100% natural extracts obtained by a revolutionary, sustainable proprietary extraction technology. The fragrance is also vegan and 100% biodegradable.

"When creating the scent, I envisioned someone emerging after a hike in the magical Swiss Alps, surrounded by fog and mountains, and greeted by a scent of positive energy that is regenerating, pure, fresh and bright," said Hamid Merati-Kashani, Principal Perfumer at Firmenich behind the fragrance. "This aligns with our vision of perfumery  to be conscious and positive  and supports Switzerland's commitment to build a sustainable future."

BREATH IN has been created using some ingredients from Firmenich's Naturals Together program, with Patchouli from Indonesia, Clary Sage Pays from France, upcycled Cedarwood Virginia from USA, as well as Firgood Pear from France. Lastly, the scent also includes Clearwood, a 100% natural, renewable and biodegradable biotech ingredient by Firmenich. The scent conveys pure Swiss mountain air, with a sense of calm to regenerate the body and soul in a deep breath.

Firmenich is at the Expo 2020 Dubai until March 31, 2022 and invites visitors to explore opportunities to collaborate, co-create and innovate the future of Fragrance together.

About Firmenich

Firmenich, the world's largest privately-owned fragrance and taste company, was founded in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1895 and has been family-owned for 126 years. Firmenich is a leading business-to-business company specialized in the research, creation, manufacture and sale of perfumes, flavors and ingredients. Renowned for its world-class research and creativity, as well as its leadership in sustainability, Firmenich offers its customers superior innovation in formulation, a broad and high-quality palette of ingredients, and proprietary technologies including biotechnology, encapsulation, olfactory science and taste modulation. Firmenich had an annual turnover of 4.3 billion Swiss Francs at end June 2021. More information about Firmenich is available at www.firmenich.com.

SOURCE Firmenich
IRVING, Texas, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Industry veteran Michael Keller has been named FleetPride's new vice president of category management and sourcing. Keller is rejoining FleetPride where he previously held various roles, including director of category management, from 2008 to 2014. With two decades of industry experience, he most recently held leadership positions for various suppliers and manufacturers within the aftermarket industry including SAF-Holland and STEMCO.

Growing up, Keller worked on the front lines of the heavy duty truck and trailer industry. Early on in his career, Keller was an outside sales representative, later becoming a branch manager for his family's business, Keller Truck Parts. In 2008, the 11-location business was sold to FleetPride; today, these locations make up the company's presence in the Maryland/Delaware area.

"We are excited to have Michael rejoin the FleetPride team. His unique experience within our industry brings together his knowledge of heavy duty sales and operations, along with his understanding of our supplier partnerships," said Mike Harris, senior vice president, sales and operations. "We couldn't ask for a better, more well-versed individual to lead our category management team into the next phase of FleetPride's growth."

FleetPride will be introducing Keller to the supplier industry during the company's next Strategic Supplier Call, scheduled for late October. The call serves as a way to keep FleetPride's partners aware of the latest business updates, strategic initiatives and digital solutions, which is key to building and maintaining strong relationships within the industry. FleetPride partners with the top 400 industry manufacturers and suppliers and prides itself on leading the heavy duty industry with unmatched product availability and reliability.

In addition, FleetPride will be sharing an update on its investments in becoming the 'First Click In Heavy Duty' during the upcoming Summit.

"This is a massive undertaking, and we couldn't be prouder of the relationships we have with our suppliers that have enabled us to set up our new comprehensive E-Commerce site  the First Click In Heavy Duty," said Darren Taylor, senior vice president, digital and marketing. "Our new Product Information Management system is able to take in millions of datapoints, allowing us to make faster changes and improve upon our current Master Data Management (MDM) system. FleetPride is investing in our product information because we understand how important it is to our customers to get the right parts, when and where they need them."

If you are interested in becoming a FleetPride approved supplier partner, visit FleetPride.com and fill out the Supplier Request Form.

About FleetPride, Inc.

Headquartered in Irving, TX, FleetPride is the nation's largest distributor of truck and trailer parts and service in the independent heavy duty aftermarket. FleetPride's sophisticated network of 281 stores, 55 service centers and 5 distribution centers means customers get the parts and services they need, when and where they need them. Customers can click, talk, chat or visit with FleetPride's team of 3,600 experts empowered and motivated to solve problems and create tailored solutions for each customer's unique needs.

To find your local FleetPride branch or service center, or to cross-reference, search, and shop for parts by VIN, visit the new www.fleetpride.com.

Download Michael Keller's headshot here.

SOURCE FleetPride, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.fleetpride.com


Former Microsoft Global Head of HR Strategy will drive innovation and talent strategy in key role for the global immigration leader

NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Global immigration powerhouse Fragomen announced that it has hired Salvador Malo as its new Chief People Officer. Mr. Malo brings more than 25 years' experience devising and leading on HR strategy, talent management and business strategy at Microsoft, McKinsey, Ericsson and other leading organizations.

Malo will lead Fragomen's people team, driving the strategy and execution of attracting, developing and retaining top talent as part of our goal to create the best client service teams globally, along with developing the most appealing career environment. He will also play a key role in implementing and refining #FragomenWorks, the firm's recently launched forward thinking hybrid working model. Malo will also be deeply engaged in furthering Fragomen's already successful diversity and inclusion mission  Fragomen has been recognized by American Lawyer and Law360 for diversity  ensuring that the most transparent and inclusive processes and practices exist to support Fragomen's 4,500+ employees around the world.

"We are thrilled to welcome Salvador Malo to the leadership team," said Vivek Wadhwa, Chief Operating Officer. "He will be a crucial asset to our team as we continue to invest in attracting, developing and retaining top talent around the globe in order to continue to be at the forefront of immigration and related services.

"Salvador's background fits perfectly with our culture of innovation and client service. We are excited for our clients and employees to reap the benefits of what he brings to Fragomen at this pivotal point in our firm's growth," Mr. Wadhwa added.

"I am delighted to have joined the industry leader in global talent mobility," said Mr. Malo. "We help to bring people to where they add most value to the world, and this fills me with pride."

Most recently, Malo was the Global Head of HR Strategy for Microsoft where he had a focal-point role between Microsoft's HR Centers of Excellence, Line HR, and the CHRO office, involved in a constantly changing stream of work to address HR issues and opportunities impacting the entire company.

About Fragomen

Fragomen is a leading firm dedicated exclusively to immigration services worldwide. The firm has more than 4,500 immigration professionals and support staff in more than 50 offices across the Americas, EMEA and Asia Pacific. Fragomen offers immigration support in more than 170 countries.

Fragomen's professionals are respected leaders in the immigration field, and the firm is regularly recognized as a leading firm for its percentage of minority and female attorneys. The firm also supports all aspects of global immigration for both corporate and private clients, including strategic planning, quality management, reporting, and case management and processing, compliance program counseling, representation in government investigations, government relations, complex matter solutions, and litigation.

These capabilities allow Fragomen to work in partnership with individuals and corporate clients across all industries to facilitate the transfer of employees worldwide. For detailed information about Fragomen, please visit www.fragomen.com.

SOURCE Fragomen

Related Links

https://www.fragomen.com/


FACTS AT A GLANCE Edition: 6; Released: April 2021 Executive Pool: 17924 Companies: 43 - Players covered include ABB Ltd.; AeroVironment, Inc.; Alfen N.V.; Allego; Blink Charging Co.; ChargePoint, Inc.; ClipperCreek, Inc.; EFACEC Group; ENGIE Group; EVgo Services LLC.; Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc.; Schneider Electric SA; SemaConnect Inc.; Siemens AG; Tesla, Inc.; TGOOD Global Limited and Others. Coverage: All major geographies and key segments Segments: Charging Station (DC Charging Station, AC Charging Station); Installation Type (Commercial, Residential) Geographies: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Complimentary Project Preview - This is an ongoing global program. Preview our research program before you make a purchase decision. We are offering a complimentary access to qualified executives driving strategy, business development, sales & marketing, and product management roles at featured companies. Previews provide deep insider access to business trends; competitive brands; domain expert profiles; and market data templates and much more. You may also build your own bespoke report using our MarketGlass Platform which offers thousands of data bytes without an obligation to purchase our report. Preview Registry

ABSTRACT-



Global Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Market to Reach $48.4 Billion by 2026

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations estimated at US$7.4 Billion in the year 2020, is projected to reach a revised size of US$48.4 Billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 36.3% over the analysis period. DC Charging Station, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to record a 38.9% CAGR and reach US$45.7 Billion by the end of the analysis period. After a thorough analysis of the business implications of the pandemic and its induced economic crisis, growth in the AC Charging Station segment is readjusted to a revised 31.4% CAGR for the next 7-year period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at $2.7 Billion in 2021, While China is Forecast to Reach $11.3 Billion by 2026

The Electric Vehicle Charging Stations market in the U.S. is estimated at US$2.7 Billion in the year 2021. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$11.3 Billion by the year 2026 trailing a CAGR of 42.9% over the analysis period. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 30% and 34.2% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 32.4% CAGR. More

MarketGlass Platform

Our MarketGlass Platform is a free full-stack knowledge center that is custom configurable to today`s busy business executive`s intelligence needs! This influencer driven interactive research platform is at the core of our primary research engagements and draws from unique perspectives of participating executives worldwide. Features include - enterprise-wide peer-to-peer collaborations; research program previews relevant to your company; 3.4 million domain expert profiles; competitive company profiles; interactive research modules; bespoke report generation; monitor market trends; competitive brands; create & publish blogs & podcasts using our primary and secondary content; track domain events worldwide; and much more. Client companies will have complete insider access to the project data stacks. Currently in use by 67,000+ domain experts worldwide.

Our platform is free for qualified executives and is accessible from our website www.StrategyR.com or via our just released mobile application on iOS or Android

About Global Industry Analysts, Inc. & StrategyR

Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (www.strategyr.com) is a renowned market research publisher the world`s only influencer driven market research company. Proudly serving more than 42,000 clients from 36 countries, GIA is recognized for accurate forecasting of markets and industries for over 33 years.

CONTACTS:

Zak Ali

Director, Corporate Communications

Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Phone: 1-408-528-9966

www.StrategyR.com

Email: [email protected]

LINKS

Join Our Expert Panel

https://www.strategyr.com/Panelist.asp

Connect With Us on LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/company/global-industry-analysts-inc./



Follow Us on Twitter

https://twitter.com/marketbytes

Journalists & Media

[email protected]

SOURCE Global Industry Analysts, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.strategyr.com


DeLeon Tequila is showing up in an unpredictable fashion to support Makamo during the opening weekend of his exhibition, which commenced on October 6 with a private dinner of curated VIP guests who received a first look at the collection. The spirited evening included a performance, coursed dinner, and DeLeon Tequila art-inspired cocktails that embodied the creative inspiration behind BLUE through the show's color palette and Makamo's favorite flavors.

"DeLeon Tequila recognizes and supports the artistry and craftsmanship of cultural architects like Nelson," says Ingrid Best, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Marketing, Spirits, Combs Enterprises. "When I heard about his US exhibition, I knew we had to support this history-making moment in a real way. DeLeon is honored to join Nelson as he continues to capture the world with his talent. And we look forward to celebrating other artists, like Nelson, who break boundaries with their art."

DeLeon Tequila will serve art-inspired cocktails during the opening weekend of Nelson's exhibition [October 7  10]:

DeLe o n Blanco Paloma Azul

n DeLe o n Reposado Gotta Have He(art)

n Reposado Gotta Have He(art) DeLe o n A n ejo Pop Art

'BLUE' will be in residency through November 20 at 1242 Palmetto Street in Los Angeles, California. Please email [email protected] to make an appointment.

Link to event and cocktail images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/n3uex5kxqwpsxrg/AABqyNe5cfCZvTyAg8kTJHHpa?dl=0

NELSON MAKAMO| b. 1982 Modimolle, Limpopo

Johannesburg based Artist Nelson Makamo is best known for his charcoal and oil paintings that redresses decades of images that have portrayed African children in destitute. Makamo's career spans sixteen years. Based in Johannesburg, he has managed to solidify an iconic signature and a subject matter that has steadily placed him on a global stage, making him one of the worlds young and most sought-after visual artists of our times. Makamo has exhibited in South Africa, USA, France, Italy, the Netherlands, England, Scotland, and Finland. His work is featured in prestigious public and private collections. Nelson Makamo's artwork speaks to changing the global mindset of what it means to be an African child. His portraits have strong emotions that every young African possess, from conviction, to prowess and determination, you cannot help but resonate with every piece. Makamo's famous portraiture can capture these strong emotions which draw you inward. His mix media style, and a unique mark-making technique that breaks the scholarly rules is a very distinct signature.

DELEON TEQUILA

DeLeon Tequila is made from our finest 100% Blue Weber agave and sourced from the rich earth of the Los Altos region of Jalisco, the agave is hand-selected for ripeness before harvesting and yields sweet pinas to achieve the unrivaled smoothness of DeLeon Tequila.

DeLeon Tequila was initially created in the Guanajuato region, home to the town of Leon and the town of Purisima del Rincon. The DeLeon Tequila brand launched in 2009 to an elite following in Hollywood and the U.S. music industry. Purchased in 2014 by a joint venture between business mogul and international icon Sea n"Diddy" Combs and Diageo North America, Inc., part of DIAGEO  the world's largest spirits and beer company, DeLeon Tequila defies conventions to establish a new standard of luxury in tequila. Perfected through a blend of traditional and innovative tequila-making processes DELEON Tequila curates exquisite smoothness and abundant character.

For more, information visit: www.deleontequila.com and https://www.instagram.com/deleontequila/?hl=en

COMBS SPIRITS

Combs Spirits (CS) is a privately owned, premium spirits company created by Sean "Diddy" Combs in 2013. The company co-owns DeLeon Tequila and is responsible for all strategic marketing for CIROC Ultra-Premium Vodka, both in partnership with Diageo. CS is focused on delivering high impact growth driven product development strategies that promote a healthy business structure while highlighting social responsibility - and has become known for its bold business moves, energetic marketing and history-making success.



SOURCE DeLeon Tequila

Related Links

https://www.deleontequila.com


Johnson spent more than 35 years in the U.S. Army, holding numerous senior positions within the Department of Defense, including director of the Department of Defense's Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization and Commander of Eighth Army in the Republic of Korea.

After his years of active service in uniform, Johnson entered the private sector and held numerous leadership posts within Raytheon, most recently holding the position of acting vice president of Customer Engagement and Solutions, and previously serving as vice president of U.S. Government Integrated Solutions for Raytheon Intelligence & Space and vice president of Business Development for U.S. Army and Special Operations.

Johnson comes to General Motors with a deep knowledge of the Department of Defense customer, a multitude of relationships with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Joint Staff, as well as within each of the Military Services, and also provides GM with a wealth of knowledge about the international military market.

"JD will play an integral role accelerating our relationships within the national security community, as well as expanding our partner dialogues and growing our global pipeline," said Stephen S. duMont, president of GM Defense. "JD brings a robust understanding of defense acquisitions, specifically how to shape and grow programs that provide enduring value to our warfighters. Having someone with JD's impressive background and capabilities at the helm of Business Development will greatly improve our ability to bring innovative solutions to our defense and government customers. I'm extremely excited to have JD on the GM Defense leadership team."

Johnson will assume the role from Angela Ambrose, who has served as interim vice president of Business Development since March 2020. She will resume her regular duties of vice president of Government Relations and Communications effective immediately.

GM Defense recently won a contract to develop and validate next-generation Large Support Utility Commercial Vehicles (SUV) for future fleet production in support of the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service. The Infantry Squad Vehicle, a light and agile nine-troop carrier based off the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, is the company's first program of record, awarded by the U.S. Army in 2020.

As part of GM's Global Innovation organization, GM Defense will continue to leverage GM's vast investments and proven capabilities to bring new, innovative solutions to the government and defense sector, creating growth opportunities for the company. For the latest GM Defense news, please visit www.GMDefenseLLC.com and follow GM Defense on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About GM Defense LLC

GM Defense delivers integrated vehicles, power & propulsion, and mobility & autonomy solutions to global defense, security and government markets. The exceptional reliability of GM Defense's technologies results from decades of proven performance and billions of dollars spent in independent research and development by its parent, General Motors, a world leader in global design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities.

SOURCE GM Defense LLC
"Despite the challenges brought on by 2020 due to the pandemic, Gold's Gym SoCal persevered in order to keep fulfilling the needs of the fitness communities we've helped build and foster for over three decades," said Angel Banos, CEO of Gold's Gym SoCal who, along with his brother Willy (Gold's Gym SoCal COO), have been Gold's Gym franchisees for nearly 35 years to-date. "Now we're making up for time lost because of the pandemic by accelerating our expansion and introducing new, top-tier fitness experiences for our members across Southern California. We are thrilled about this new chapter of growth."

Kicking off the brand's pursuit of opening more new locations than ever before in under five years is a 38,000-square-foot facility in the Northridge Fashion Center, where the gym is already growing its membership base through its preview center and online pre-sale ahead of its opening slated for this winter.

Soon after Northridge opens, residents of Cerritos and Rancho Cucamonga can also look forward to dynamic new Gold's Gym facilities opening in their communities as soon as early 2022.

Gold's Gym SoCal is also committed to elevating its current footprint, making significant updates in the coming months to gyms in Uptown Santa Barbara, Goleta, Downtown Los Angeles, Thousand Oaks, Fullerton, Arcadia, Long Beach and Culver City. Upgrades will vary by location, with major projects including add-on expansions to both indoor and outdoor exercise spaces, installations of high-tech new equipment, the addition of indoor functional turf training areas, full interior remodels and more.

"The fitness industry has evolved significantly since we opened our first Gold's Gym in North Hollywood back in 1987," said Angel Banos. "Our growth since then has been driven by our willingness to embrace our members' wants and needs as they have changed over time. We're heading into a new era that promises to exceed our members' already-high expectations of us in terms of the quality of our facilities and the overall experience we deliver. The best is yet to come."

In celebration of the network's latest accomplishments while also seeking inspiration for achieving their biggest expansion goals yet, the Banos brothers and numerous Gold's Gym SoCal team members are headed to Dallas, Texas, next week for the 40th anniversary and post-pandemic return of the IHRSA International Convention and Trade Show .

More information about Gold's Gym SoCal is available at goldsgym.com/markets/socal/ , facebook.com/GoldsGymSoCalGroup/ or twitter.com/goldsgymsocal.

About Gold's Gym

What started out in 1965 as a small gym in Venice Beach, California has since become the most well-known and traditional fitness company in the world  Gold's Gym. Over the last 55 years, Gold's Gym has developed into a global brand with over 600 locations spanning 6 continents. Bodybuilding greats such as Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno and Franco Columbu worked out at the original Gold's Gym, which went on to become the most legendary gym in the world. In the fitness industry, the brand enjoys cult status and universal appeal with 96% aided brand awareness. In 2020, the RSG Group acquired Gold's Gym and integrated the brand into its portfolio, making it the global leader in the fitness sector.

For more information, please visit www.goldsgym.com , www.facebook.com/goldsgym or www.twitter.com/goldsgym .

SOURCE Golds Gym
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- HCI Equity Partners ("HCI") today announced it has been recognized by Inc. for the second consecutive year as an Inc. 2021 Top Founder-Friendly Investor. Inc.'s list features firms that have the best track record of successfully backing founders and providing the investment and management support they need to help accelerate growth.

HCI, a leading lower middle market private equity firm, focuses on partnering with founder-owned distribution, manufacturing and B2B service companies to rapidly scale their business through acquisition and organic growth initiatives. "With a deep bench of industry experts, senior advisors and an established operations team, HCI brings both capital and know-how to support these founders in achieving their objectives," said Doug McCormick, HCI Managing Partner.

Inc. compiled the 2021 list by selecting firms that have a successful track record of remaining actively involved in the businesses after their investment. Founders shared about their experiences with private equity firms and data on how their companies grew during the partnership. "HCI's approach was to put our business relationship first, and that continued every step of the way during the partnership with Summit Interconnect," said Shane Whiteside, CEO of Summit. "Supported by HCI's strategy, M&A experience, operational support and expertise in the defense sector, Summit's revenue grew in excess of 500% during our five years together. We could not have achieved that growth without HCI."

"We are honored to receive this award in recognition of HCI's strategy of supporting founders," said Dan Dickinson, HCI Managing Partner. "Because over 90% of our investments in the past five years have been with founder and family-owned businesses, we understand their needs and have the capabilities and a playbook to effectively support their journey."

About HCI Equity Partners

HCI is a lower middle market private equity firm focused on partnering with family and founder owned distribution, manufacturing and service companies. HCI makes majority investments in businesses within North American in large, fragmented markets. HCI is headquartered in Washington, DC. For more information, please visit www.hciequity.com.

Contacts:

Kelsey Clute, VP, Director of Communications, HCI

[email protected]

Lisa Baker, Lambert & Co.

[email protected]

SOURCE HCI Equity Partners

Related Links

https://www.hciequity.com


SEATTLE, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Headset, the leading provider of data and analytics to the cannabis industry, announced today the launch of its competitive intelligence tool, Headset Insights , in Arizona, Illinois and Maryland. With the expansion, Headset's retail-derived cannabis market reports based on aggregated point of sale data at the receipt level are now available in 15 markets across the U.S. and Canada. Headset Insights is currently available in California, Colorado, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Pennsylvania and most recently Michigan.

The expansion of Headset Insights into Arizona, Illinois and Maryland will provide the rapidly expanding U.S. cannabis industry with even more valuable consumer trend insights and real-time market data. The platform enables local businesses to gain a comprehensive understanding of shifts within the market, proactively identify emerging retail opportunities and develop data-driven strategies to stay competitive. In 2020, both Arizona and Illinois surpassed $500 million in full-year cannabis sales with Arizona being the 8th top-selling state and Illinois being the 10th top-selling state in the country. Medical sales in Maryland grew by 40% in 2020, increasing from $34 million in monthly sales in April 2020 to $48.1 million in 2021.

"We are thrilled to expand Headset Insights further into the Southwestern, Midwestern and Eastern U.S.," said Cy Scott, Founder and CEO of Headset. "Data from these markets will contribute to a comprehensive profile of the U.S. market as a whole and give new and existing businesses in Arizona, Illinois and Maryland the information they need to thrive. Data from these markets will also likely influence business and investing behaviors of neighboring states that are on the cusp of legalizing adult-use products or already have a thriving medical industry."

Arizona has shown strong YoY growth, growing 62% YoY in August to $138 million in total cannabis sales (medical and recreational). As of August, Illinois has $1.1 billion in total cannabis sales and is only $400,000 away from surpassing Michigan as the third-largest cannabis market in sales in the U.S. Maryland is the smallest U.S. market being tracked by Headset with $370 million in total cannabis sales and sales have been fairly steady month to month, ranging from $42 million to $48 million per month from January through August. Looking at category sales shares in Arizona, Illinois and Maryland, Flower is the largest category capturing 46.2% of the Arizona market, 43.2% of the Illinois market and 50.0% of the Maryland market.

To learn more about Headset Insights, please click here . For more Illinois and Maryland market insights, please read the recent industry reports, "A high-level overview of the Illinois cannabis market" here and "A high-level overview of the Maryland cannabis market" here . Keep an eye out for the Arizona market report in the coming weeks.

About Headset:

Headset is a data analytics company in the cannabis industry with a mission to help businesses make better-informed decisions through data. Headset focuses on collecting and analyzing consumer transaction information. Headset's models and dashboards help cannabis retailers better optimize their day-to-day operations. In addition, product manufacturers, processors and distributors leverage the aggregated, standardized and anonymized receipt-level sales data in real-time to identify trends and opportunities, stay competitive and collaborate with retail customers. Learn more at https://www.headset.io/.

Contact:

Renee Cotsis

[email protected]

SOURCE Headset

Related Links

https://www.headset.io


NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Healist Advanced Naturals, the cutting-edge wellness brand under the parent company Kadenwood, announced the launch of a limited-edition CBD product line in support of World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2021. The launch is part of the brand's larger mission to "Defend Wellness" and inspire consumers to prioritize their physical and mental health.

Healist Limited Edition Calm Chews

The brand's mission to "Defend Wellness" was created as a reaction to the nonstop nature of modern life. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), the largest grassroots organization supporting mental illness, 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. To advocate for those struggling with mental health issues and reduce the stigma around speaking out about mental illness, Healist teamed up with visual artists Anthony Burrill and Luciano Cian to design custom packaging. The illustrations demonstrate diverse perspectives that embody the challenges and barriers associated with the stigma of mental health.

Burrill is known for impactful art that spans across disciplines, often collaborating with other creatives to spread positive messages, while Cian has a knack for celebrating diversity and bringing people of all backgrounds together through culture. Both artists align with Healist's core belief that good mental health is a fundamental right and one that should be defended at all costs.

"At Healist, we believe now more than ever it is crucial to prioritize wellness and mental health is a key factor in one's overall wellbeing,'' said Sarah Pirrie, Healist Brand Director. "We are honored to work with such talented artists that are able to use their art to deliver important positive messages that can drive change. We hope this inspires more people to speak out so that we can start to normalize the conversation around mental health."

The limited-edition artists collection features Healist's Calm Chews, a great tasting on-the-go vegan gummies containing the highest quality U.S. organically farmed CBD blended with active levels of organic Ashwagandha, L-Theanine and a custom calming terpene blend to support your body's ability to cope with daily stress and feelings of unease.

As a Stigma-Free partner of NAMI, throughout the month of October Healist will match a $5 donation for every order on healistnaturals.com, with proceeds going to the organization.

"A lot of things demand our attention and it's easy for life to fall out of balance. There is simply too many people struggling with their mental health in silence, so it's vital for us all to start talking openly. I hope this powerful campaign brings down the barriers and inspires people to talk. Together we can Defend Wellness," said graphic artist Luciano Cian.

Artist Anthony Burrill added, "I love the sentiment of the Defend Wellness campaign from Healist Naturals. I also like how they are pushing to make a real difference by partnering with charities to show support for World Mental Health Day. There's still far too much stigma attached to mental health issues, we hope this campaign can challenge and inspire people to think differently. Good mental health is a human right."

In addition to the limited-edition line, the brand's all-natural, benefit-driven CBD range of ingestible drops, chews, capsules and topical body care are one of the tools that can help mitigate the impact daily stressors have on our mental health.

Healist Advanced Naturals are now available at a leading drugstore nationwide and at www.healistnaturals.com

For more information on Kadenwood and its products please visit www.kadenwoodbrands.com .

About CBD

CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in cannabis. After tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most abundant cannabinoid in the plant and is believed to have many potential therapeutic benefits.

About Kadenwood

Founded in 2019, Kadenwood is a privately held consumer products lifestyle company relentlessly focused on shaping CBD into a trusted and safe mainstream plant-based wellness category. To drive this mission, Kadenwood is backed by decades of CPG marketing and category innovation expertise and industry-leading, vertically integrated CBD farming to ensure quality CBD oil from seed-to-shelf that contains no THC. In 2019, Kadenwood launched its first branded products under LEVEL SELECTTM in personal care. In late 2020, Kadenwood launched the Purity Preferred Pet business, as well as Purity Organic hot teas, to add to its portfolio of CBD brands. Kadenwood expanded its global presence in Summer 2021 with the acquisition of Healist Advanced Naturals, an innovative CBD wellness brand, along with Social CBD, a brand committed to high-quality, pure CBD products. Since then, Kadenwood has become the first CBD company to have a portfolio of multiple brands across approximately 18,000 retail stores.

About Healist

Founded in 2020 by Present Life Limited, Healist is led by a diverse team of executives with category-leading expertise in marketing and innovation in the wellness and beauty industry with a mission to bring transparency and credibility to a newly forming category. Already distributed nationally in the US, UK and Brazil, Healist was crafted as a benefit-led brand designed to help defend wellness. All Healist products are clean and natural, triple lab-tested, vegan, cruelty-free, non-GMO and contain 0% THC.

SOURCE Kadenwood

Related Links

http://www.kadenwoodbrands.com


MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- HealthLevel, Inc., innovator of Foundations, a business operations analytics platform for healthcare institutions, announces the successful deployment of its comprehensive enterprise analytics solution across the Veterans Health Administration's VISN 8 network in Florida.

Foundations is an engagement and management solution that combines real-time clinical, financial, and operational data with historical information to enable radiology staff and leadership to discover ways to improve performance and reduce costs. The user-friendly analytics tool is designed to be intuitive to learn and easy to use, allowing everyone access to personalized actionable insights.

VISN 8 took the initiative to look beyond the typical EHR, PACS and enterprise data sources. Through Foundations they consolidated their medical imaging performance insights, comprehensive data governance and security, into a source-of-truth with analytics that align their administrative and clinical staff. All seven VISN 8 medical centers across Florida, as well as their associated imaging centers are implemented on one common Foundations platform.

This deployment enables clinical staff at each medical center and department to access insights that are specific to their role and facility, while empowering regional leadership to obtain a comprehensive view of that same data across the entire multi-facility organization. All parties are now in a strong position to develop and monitor new operating metrics and standards across the organization.

"VISN 8 leadership is proactively eliminating resource waste and saving hours of time every day from busywork, allowing them to focus more on patient-centric activities," states Parag Paranjpe, CEO of HealthLevel. "We are proud to partner with a team that recognizes the high value of our Foundations business operations platform, putting actionable insights into the hands of those who can make a real impact on the healthcare services our veterans deserve."

About VISN 8

Headquartered in beautiful St. Petersburg, Florida, the VA Sunshine Healthcare Network (VISN 8) is the nation's largest system of hospitals and clinics serving a population of more than 1.5 million Veterans in a vast 64,153 square mile area spread across 79 counties in Florida, South Georgia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. VISN 8's seven healthcare systems include eight Joint Commission-accredited VA medical centers and more than 60 large and small outpatient clinics. Nearly 29,000 full-time VISN employees work at these facilities, providing a full range of high quality, cost-effective medical, psychiatric, and extended care services in an inpatient, outpatient, nursing home, and home care settings.

About HealthLevel, Inc.

Founded in 2010, privately held HealthLevel is headquartered in Mountain View, California and is the supplier of Foundations, a SaaS Healthcare Business Operations Platform that integrates clinical, operational, and financial data. Foundations provides intuitive, configurable analytics for clinicians, administrators and all staff enabling them to monitor and improve individual and corporate business performance. Visit HealthLevel in booth #5335  South Hall/AI Showcase at next month's Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) live, in-person conference. Find us here. And visit www.healthlevel.com to learn more.

SOURCE HealthLevel, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.healthlevel.com


TEMECULA, Calif., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hello Auto Group announced it has acquired two dealerships in the state of California, John Hine Mazda Temecula and John Hine Subaru Temecula, increasing the Hello Auto Group footprint of dealerships in the Southern California market. The acquisition bolsters the positive reputation John Hine and his dealership organization have built over several decades. The acquisition was finalized effective close of business on October 4, 2021.

"John Hine and his dealerships have been mainstays in the Temecula community for years," said Karl Schmidt, Hello Auto President. "We look forward to carrying on the Hine tradition and growing the bond with the local automotive community."

John Hine and his dealerships have been part of the local community for more than 60 years. Hello Auto Group is a relative newcomer to the California dealership community; however, its leadership team have longstanding experience with the Subaru and Mazda brands.

"I've known Karl for the better part of two decades," said John Hine, President of John Hine Mazda and Subaru. "We are likeminded in our commitment to the customer experience and the belief that high levels of customer satisfaction can only be achieved through employee satisfaction."

Hello Auto Group, based out of Valencia, California, prides itself on bringing a new, welcome approach to vehicle purchasing and ownership. It's centered its processes around being upfront, seamless and devoid of the anxieties associated with auto dealerships.

"In developing and growing Hello Auto Group, we've been able to do everything we've wanted to do elsewhere, but haven't been able to," said Schmidt. "Given the overwhelming reception we've seen in Valencia, I'm positive we'll continue the lasting connection John and team have made in Temecula and San Diego."

Hello Auto Group intends to maintain all employees at the Temecula locations, and expand the team for future growth.

To learn more about Hello Auto Group, visit helloautogroup.com.

About Hello Auto Group

Beyond the new dealership acquisitions, Hello Auto Group operates Mazda and Kia dealerships in Valencia, California. A third Valencia location, Hello Subaru of Valencia, is scheduled to open in early-2022 once construction is completed on the new dealership facility. Hello Auto Group is proud to be a trailblazer committed to delivering a more welcoming way of doing business. When they say hello, it's always a friendly, humble and inviting "Hello."

Contacts:

Ben Robertaccio

Linnihan Foy

[email protected]

612-238-3008

Karl Schmidt

Hello Auto Group

[email protected]

812-804-6000

Chris Morris

Hello Auto Group

[email protected]

612-292-5145

SOURCE Hello Auto Group

Related Links

http://helloautogroup.com


"Our mission is to be the leader in a seamless, digital and transparent retail experience in partnership with our dealer body," said Jose Munoz, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor North America. "The events of the last 18 months have made it clear that many consumers want a car buying process that aligns with how they purchase nearly everything else in their life. Amazon is a leading retailer and we're excited to continue collaborating with them on digital retail experiences."

Alan Moss, VP of Global Ad Sales for Amazon Ads, said: "We are thrilled Hyundai is continuing to innovate with us to evolve their showroom experience. We look forward to a deeper collaboration on new features that enhance the showroom and make it even more helpful for customers as they discover and research Hyundai vehicles."

These new features build upon Hyundai's digital showroom on Amazon that initially launched in 2018, and makes Hyundai the first automotive manufacturer to establish these enhanced experiences on Amazon.

Hyundai Motor America

Hyundai Motor America focuses on 'Progress for Humanity' and smart mobility solutions. Hyundai offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs and electrified vehicles. Our 820 dealers sold more than 620,000 vehicles in the U.S. in 2020, and nearly half were built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama. For more information, visit www.HyundaiNews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On October 15th, open enrollment for Medicare will begin. Thousands of Illinoisians will once again face the challenge of finding the right Medicare coverage, including the need to decide between Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans. While the primary focus will be on medical and prescription coverage, it is important not to ignore the potential impact of dental coverage.

Westgate Dental Care

Most Medicare participants fail to understand Medicare does not include routine, preventive dental procedures that are critical to longevity and overall health. As a result, seniors must either pay for dental services completely out-of-pocket or try to find a Medicare supplement that provides high-quality, affordable and accessible dental care.

Unfortunately, this is extremely difficult. Most Medicare dental supplements are low-cost and poorly designed. In addition, these plans have very limited networks of inexperienced dentists.

"We designed our In-House Dental Savings Plan to help patients who don't have insurance enjoy similar benefits as those who do," commented Dr. Aurora Hart at Westgate Dental Care. She continued, "We give them uncomplicated access to seasoned, skilled dentists and get friendly, personalized care at a simple annual rate seniors can afford."

Furthermore, the negative impact of poor dental care on the overall health of seniors can be significant. A range of statistics tell the story:

Only 29% of seniors have dental coverage.

1 in 5 adults aged 65 or older have no natural teeth remaining, and complete tooth loss becomes twice as prevalent by age 75.

People who still have 20 or more teeth at age 70 are significantly more likely to have a longer lifespan than those with fewer teeth.

70% of adults over the age of 65 have advanced periodontitis. This is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

In Illinois , over 1.4 million senior citizens are estimated to have periodontal disease  a disease that has been strongly linked to heart disease, Alzheimer's, diabetes, and other serious conditions.

While dental membership plans have existed for more than 20 years, most patients are unaware of this option. At the same time, ease of use and enrollment are two of the most significant benefits. Other facts to know about the In-House Dental Savings Plan at Westgate Dental Care include:

Routine preventive care, with unlimited X-rays, is included at a fixed cost of as low as $250 annually.

annually. Benefits are available immediately without any waiting period.

There are no annual limits, deductibles or co-pays.

A 15 to 30% discount is available on all other dental procedures done in the practice.

Dental implants, dentures, veneers and teeth whitening are included.

As seniors consider the benefits of the In-House Dental Savings Plan, it is important to keep a couple of dates in mind. Open enrollment for Medicare starts on October 15, 2021, and ends December 7, 2021. This is the time to drop an existing dental supplement that is not working and to enroll in a better form of coverage. Families interested in learning more should feel free to contact Westgate Dental Care via their website or by calling 847-577-7171.

Contact Information:

Website: https://www.westgatedentalcare.net/

Dr. Aurora Hart

Westgate Dental Care

2900 W Euclid Ave

Arlington Heights, IL 60005

Ariel Rodriguez, Client Relations

TNT Dental

2100 North Collins Boulevard

Richardson, TX 75080

Primary Media Contact:

Ariel Rodriguez

[email protected]

877-868-4932

SOURCE Westgate Dental Care

Related Links

https://www.westgatedentalcare.net/


AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- InMarket , the leader in 360-degree consumer intelligence and real-time activation, is launching the next generation of attribution with it's enhanced Lift Conversion Index (LCI) , offering a 360-degree view of a campaigns true impact on in-store and online sales.

New features give users advanced, in-depth views into exposure, attribution, and conversion to facilitate ongoing campaign optimization and maximize results. By combining robust consumer visit and sales data, InMarket's LCI allows users to harness the power of omnichannel attribution by connecting online and offline worlds. This streamlines campaign optimization and drives higher Return-On-Ad-Spend (ROAS).

New features of InMarket's Lift Conversion Index include:

Sales Attribution: A new Sales Attribution tool enables users to identify the impact of omnichannel media investment on in-store visits and sales. Through InMarket's accurate and consistent data sets, including Total Sales, Incremental Sales, Sales Lift, Transaction Rate, Shop Rate, Basket Size and more users can link their media's impact on sales to uncover true ROAS.

A new Sales Attribution tool enables users to identify the impact of omnichannel media investment on in-store visits and sales. Through InMarket's accurate and consistent data sets, including Total Sales, Incremental Sales, Sales Lift, Transaction Rate, Shop Rate, Basket Size and more users can link their media's impact on sales to uncover true ROAS. Optimization Engine: A robust Optimization Engine identifies the top variables driving success, elevating top performing campaign tactics for faster and smarter actionability. The Optimization Engine allows users to leverage key campaign performance metrics and generate in-the-moment recommendations to drive better results.

A robust Optimization Engine identifies the top variables driving success, elevating top performing campaign tactics for faster and smarter actionability. The Optimization Engine allows users to leverage key campaign performance metrics and generate in-the-moment recommendations to drive better results. Transformed User Experience: The enhanced LCI dashboard visualizes key performance metrics, creating faster, simplified access to the data users care about most.

"InMarket's Lift Conversion Index attribution tool allows marketers to understand the success of their campaign through every step of the purchase process. From impression to visit to sale, LCI illustrates a holistic view of results, while providing visibility into the leading variables driving performance. Brands can now learn the effects of channel vs publisher vs creative and beyond to see what was really driving growth, and what was not," said Todd Morris, President of InMarket. "We are dedicated to supporting our clients with the next generation of actionable, predictive intelligence to grow their business through the optimization of accountable marketing."

Lift Conversion Index is powered by InMarket's industry-leading, robust consumer visit and sales data, and provides an accurate view of how media campaigns impact every stage of the customer journey, from impression to purchase. InMarket's omnichannel attribution solution pairs new features with updated incremental lift calculations including sales lift, precise, 1:1 matching improvements, improved projected visit methodology, and transparent statistical testing to increase actionable recommendations.

"Foot traffic is the holy grail for us. If you can drive incremental foot traffic you can drive incremental sales," said Tim Ferris, Head of Precision Marketing at Dunkin' Brands. "With InMarket's LCI, we are able to close the loop on our advertising efforts by calculating the impact of those efforts through incremental visits and the revenue it drives for our franchise owners. As a result, incrementality has become a staple of our measurement and analytics approach to drive both brand love with consumers and our advertising effectiveness."

Dunkin' Brands' success leveraging incrementality to drive growth was a key factor in Tim Ferris' recognition as a 2021 InMarket Lift Leader for Innovation. The InMarket Lift Leader Awards program recognizes and celebrates the individuals and organizations that leverage real-time engagement, attribution and insights to drive growth for their brands.

For more information on InMarket's LCI visit https://inmarket.com/attribution.

About InMarket

Since 2010, InMarket has been the leader in 360-degree consumer intelligence, real-time marketing for thousands of major brands. Through InMarket's data-driven marketing platform, brands can build targeted audiences, activate real-time, and measure success in driving sales. InMarket's proprietary Moments offering outperforms traditional mobile advertising by 6.5x.*

InMarket, which has raised no venture capital funding, holds more than 27 patents across location, attribution and digital marketing, and its GeoLink self-service marketing platform was awarded Best Location Platform at the 2020 Digiday Technology Awards. Its nationwide team is united across more than 20 states. For more information, visit www.inmarket.com.

*Wordstream Google Ads Benchmark for Mobile Media

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE InMarket
LEHI, Utah, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SimpleNexus ( https://simplenexus.com/ ), developer of the leading homeownership platform for loan officers, borrowers, real estate agents and settlement agents, today announced new milestones in the company's bid to "build the future of mortgages."

SimpleNexus has onboarded more than 66 new enterprise customers in 2021. The number of active loan originators (LOs) using SimpleNexus at the beginning of Q4 surpassed 41,000, a 48% increase from the start of the year. Using SimpleNexus, those LOs have connected with more than 5.8 million borrowers and 141,000 real estate partners. So far in 2021, SimpleNexus has touched more than $419 billion in loan volume.

Since debuting Nexus Closing earlier this year, SimpleNexus has swiftly enhanced the single-platform eClosing solution with remote online notarization (RON), eNote and eVault capabilities underpinned by new strategic integrations with Notarize and DocMagic . Nexus Closing went on to earn the coveted designation of certified eClosing solution provider from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in September.

"Following a record-setting 2020 and a fresh infusion of support from our investors, SimpleNexus entered 2021 at a ferocious pace  and we have never let off the gas," said CEO Cathleen Schreiner Gates. "The pace of innovation at SimpleNexus is outstripping our competition, positioning us as category leaders that lenders, real estate partners and consumers are excited to be a part of."

Schreiner Gates made a name for herself in the mortgage industry as executive vice president of Ellie Mae (NYSE: ELLI), later acquired by Intercontinental Exchange (NYSE: ICE). She then served as SimpleNexus' president before accepting the firm's top job in May of this year. She has gone on to retool the SimpleNexus C-suite with the appointments of Kevin McKenzie as chief operating officer, John Aslanian as chief revenue officer and Andria Lightfoot as chief customer officer.

In August, SimpleNexus earned a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of America's fastest-growing private companies for a fourth consecutive year. The company was also named to CB Insights' Fintech 250 list of top private fintechs worldwide and HousingWire's Tech 100 list of the most innovative companies in mortgage technology. SimpleNexus made its debut on Fast Company's list of the world's Best Workplaces for Innovators this year, ranking #47 out of 100.

About SimpleNexus, LLC:

SimpleNexus is a homeownership platform transforming the mortgage experience and connecting borrowers, loan officers, real estate agents and settlement service providers throughout the homebuying process. The platform's native mobile toolset enables lenders to originate, process and close home loans from anywhere with increased efficiency and convenience. Loan officers can manage their loan pipelines, order credit, run pricing, send pre-approvals, sign disclosures and execute eClosings - all on the go. SimpleNexus provides borrowers with a single sign-on experience from home search to the application, document upload, eClose and beyond for a more streamlined homeownership journey.

Twitter: @SimpleNexus #mortgageindustry #housing #fintech #homebuyers

#mortgage #mortgages

This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com

SOURCE SimpleNexus

Related Links

http://www.simplenexus.com


IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Interim HealthCare, a national network of more than 300 independently owned home healthcare locations, announced today its newest franchise owner: Khushbu Dadlani and the opening of her first franchise location in Irvine, California, located at 2152 Dupont Drive, Suite 174, Irvine 92612. The office is the 25th Interim HealthCare location in California and the first in the Irvine community.

Khushbu Dadlani, an accountant turned preschool teacher, is CEO of the business with support from her husband, a technology executive and project management professional (PMP). The couple's interest in the home healthcare industry was born out of their own personal experience. Just as they were starting a family in their native India, they faced the physical, financial, and emotional burden of caring for ailing parents on both sides of their family. Then, when her husband's consulting job at the time transferred the family to California, they witnessed their new friends and neighbors facing the similar stress of caring for ill parents or loved ones. This common burden shared by families across the globe touched them deeply.

When the pandemic hit and Dadlani found herself homeschooling her middle school daughter, she took the time to research how she could apply her passion for servant leadership and to find a better way to care for seniors who desire to age in place and others facing serious illness who prefer the power of home-based care.

"I've always enjoyed working compassionately with both children and seniors," she said. "I knew when I discovered the franchise opportunity with Interim HealthCare that I would be able to use my personal life story and decades of professional experience to help others. The full breadth of services offered by Interim HealthCare through their model of the full continuum of care convinced me that I wanted to be a part of the number one franchise network in the home healthcare industry."

Dadlani, a resident with her family of the Irvine area for the past 15 years, has a state license to provide personal care and support services and plans to hire up to 10 full time employees immediately. Within six months to a year, she plans to build a team of at least 40 team members and expand to widen her continuum of care service lines. She attributes her commitment to building an authentic family-oriented culture to her ability to attract the first three staff members and a slew of new customer referrals before the doors even opened.

"During orientation, our first employees all commented about how much they value the family feel and culture of our company," she said. "They share our vision to provide best-in-class continuum of home healthcare services to members of our own local community who want the comfort and safety of home."

Engaged members of the community, the Dadlanis are active with the nonprofit Chinmaya's Early Education Program in Tustin, where Khushbu was a lead teacher; as well as the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts of America.

For more information on Interim HealthCare of Irvine, please visit: https://irvineca.interimhealthcare.com/.

About Interim HealthCare Inc.

Interim HealthCare Inc., founded in 1966, is a leading national franchisor of home care, hospice and healthcare staffing. It is part of Caring Brands International, which also includes UK-based Bluebird Care and Australia-based Just Better Care, both well-known franchise brands in their countries. With more than 530 franchise locations in seven countries, Caring Brands International is a global healthcare leader.

Interim HealthCare in the United States is unique in combining the commitment of local ownership with the support of a national organization that develops innovative programs and quality standards that improve the delivery of service. Franchisees employ nurses, therapists, aides, companions and other healthcare professionals who provide 25 million hours of home care service to 190,000 people each year, meeting a variety of home health, senior care, hospice, palliative care, pediatric care and healthcare staffing needs. For more information or to locate an Interim HealthCare office, visit www.interimhealthcare.com .

SOURCE Interim HealthCare Inc.

Related Links

http://www.interimhealthcare.com


Invisible Fence of Philadelphia will be based in Paoli, PA, and act as a full-service dealership of genuine Invisible Fence products and services. With each dealership's respective territories, Invisible Fence of Philadelphia will serve over 78,000 satisfied customers.

"Each one of these dealers are unique in their own way, but collectively they all strive towards the same goal  to keep dogs and cats safe at home. This fits perfectly with our mission to help pet owners enjoy their pets more and worry about them less." said Ed Hoyt, Senior Director of Invisible Fence.

Acquiring these six dealerships is the company's 14th acquisition of the year. Radio Systems Corporation just recently acquired Invisible Fence of the Upstate and now has over 240 authorized dealers. Invisible Fence has the largest support network for pet containment in the US and Canada.

"Expanding our footprint allows us to extend our customer service hours and offer new and innovative solutions that will help customers enjoy their pets even more  all while providing the same high-level of attention customers have come to expect." said Hoyt.

Invisible Fence offers the exclusive Boundary Plus System, the most premier dog fence on the market, including professional installation and Perfect Start Plus Training. Highly recommended by veterinarians, dog trainers, animal behaviorists and other pet experts, Invisible Fence offers pet fences that can be customized for clients' unique needs.

With these acquisitions, Invisible Fence will continue to support and be involved in the local community. Local animal shelter donations, adoption events and the Project Breathe Program are among some of the ways Invisible Fence will continue to contribute to local pet welfare.

For additional information or questions, customers can call 1-800-578-3647, visit InvisibleFence.com, and follow Invisible Fence of Philadelphia on Facebook.

About Invisible Fence Brand

Invisible Fence pioneered the pet containment industry in 1973, making it their mission to provide safe boundaries inside and outside of the home. The Radio Systems Corporation owned brand predominantly sells pet containment, avoidance and access solutions across the U.S. and Canada. In addition to offering award-winning products like Boundary Plus Technology, Authorized Dealers provide professional installation, Perfect Start Plus Training and integrated solutions that have protected more than three million pets to date. Invisible Fence also founded the Project Breathe Program in 2006, donating more than 33,000 pet oxygen masks to fire departments and first responders. For more information on Invisible Fence or to find a local dealer, visit InvisibleFence.com or follow the company on Facebook.

Media Contact:

Courtney Gross

270-217-7981

[email protected]

SOURCE Invisible Fence Brand
As chief technology officer and a member of the executive leadership team, Lehrman will lead efforts to improve member experiences through digital transformation and enhanced data integration. In this role, he will oversee the information systems and information security department, the data architecture and management program, business continuity and disaster recovery.

"At iQ, integrating technology that improves the member experience is a central strategic objective," President/CEO Eric Petracca said. "Jordan, with his years of experience, will play a critical role in pushing the organization forward in achieving those objectives and in shaping a comprehensive technological vision for the credit union."

Lehrman brings extensive knowledge of IT infrastructure and years of experience leading digital initiatives to his new role. In his previous position as senior vice president of IT and digital transformation at Solarity Credit Union, he headed major projects including moving the institution's data center to the cloud, providing a 360-degree view of members, implementing an application programming interface development methodology, and organizing the information systems (IS) team to support the rapid delivery of new experiences and technology to staff and members.

In his new role at iQ, Lehrman is focused on improving technological infrastructure and enhancing the banking process for members. He will spearhead a range of initiatives designed to improve cybersecurity posture and culture; utilize data to simplify experiences, decisions and processes; rapidly innovate and release best-in-class technologies to members to make banking easier; and simplify online loan processes and applications.

"iQ has built an incredible brand and is deeply committed to the community," Lehrman said. "Building off the existing success of iQ and its IS team, I'm ecstatic to be able to help lead them through their next round of digital transformation where we focus on making all experiences across channels easy for our members. From quickly getting a loan as an existing member to opening an account online in minutes as a new member, we will use technology to simplify how members bank with iQ."

Lehrman has a bachelor's degree in business administration with a focus on finance and entrepreneurial leadership from Gonzaga University and is a certified green belt in Lean Six Sigma. In addition, he regularly speaks about digital transformation and modern banking technologies at conferences and webinars such as Dreamforce, CULytics and MuleSoft.

ABOUT iQ CREDIT UNION

iQ Credit Union is a full-service financial institution serving the Pacific Northwest since 1940. With more than 90,000 members in Washington and Oregon, the credit union is known for its deep commitment to financial education and community engagement  and for its signature red and black buffalo plaid colors. iQ helps WAnderers and explORers reach their financial goals by offering honest and friendly advice at any of its 16 branches. More information is available at iQCU.com .

SOURCE iQ Credit Union

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NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- iStar Inc. (NYSE: STAR) announced today that it will release its financial results for the third quarter 2021 on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, prior to the opening of the market.

The Company will host an earnings conference call reviewing these results and its operations beginning at 10:00 a.m. ET. This conference call will be broadcast live and can be accessed by all interested parties through iStar's website, www.istar.com, in the "Investors" section.

The dial-in information for the live call is:

Dial-in: 844.291.5490 International: 409.207.6993 Access Code: 9561135



A replay of the call will be archived on the Company's website. Alternatively, the replay can be accessed via dial-in from 2:30 p.m. ET on November 2, 2021 through 12:00 a.m. ET on November 16, 2021 by calling:

Replay: 866.207.1041 International: 402.970.0847 Access Code: 1463546

* * *

iStar Inc. (NYSE: STAR) is focused on reinventing the ground lease sector, unlocking value for real estate owners throughout the country by providing modern, more efficient ground leases on institutional quality properties. As the founder, investment manager and largest shareholder of Safehold Inc. (NYSE: SAFE), the creator of the modern ground lease industry, iStar is using its national investment platform and its historic strengths in finance and net lease to expand the use of modern ground leases within the $7 trillion institutional commercial real estate market. Recognized as a consistent innovator in the real estate markets, iStar specializes in identifying and scaling newly discovered opportunities and has completed more than $40 billion of transactions over the past two decades. Additional information on iStar is available on its website at www.istar.com.

SOURCE iStar Inc.

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OMAHA, Neb., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Jet Linx, the only locally-focused, global private aviation company providing aircraft management, joint ownership and Jet Card membership services through its 20 locations nationwide, has announced the promotion of Jay Vidlak from Senior Vice President to Senior Vice President, Aircraft Acquisition and Sales. Created as part of an ongoing growth and expansion strategy for Jet Linx, the SVP of Aircraft Acquisition and Sales is responsible for streamlining and optimizing the owner experience for the Company's Joint Ownership and industry-first Complete Aircraft Transaction (CAT) programs. Mr. Vidlak will work closely with the Company's trusted aircraft broker partners, backed by Jet Linx turnkey private jet inventory, to identify aircraft for new aircraft owners or current owners seeking an aircraft upgrade. The announcement was made by Jamie Walker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jet Linx.

"We are thrilled to announce Jay's new role with Jet Linx, following his many years of impactful contributions for the company," said Mr. Walker. "Jay is a distinguished leader and absolutely instrumental to our growth as we continue to expand through strategic M&A activity, new Base locations and fleet growth in order to continue meeting the increased demand for private jet ownership solutions."

Jet Linx has announced the promotion of Jay Vidlak from Senior Vice President to SVP, Aircraft Acquisition and Sales. Tweet this

Mr. Vidlak, who has been with Jet Linx for nearly 20 years, most recently served as Senior Vice President, where he was responsible for overseeing the day-to-day activity of seven Base locations. Mr. Vidlak began his career with Jet Linx in 2002 following his education in Aviation Studies at the University of Nebraska Omaha and subsequent four years with Mayo Aviation. Having first joined Jet Linx as a Flight Scheduling Coordinator, Mr. Vidlak was soon promoted to Vice President of Flight Coordination in 2007, where he was managed the flight scheduling and charter sales departments and the development of Jet Linx's nationwide charter and private Jet Card program. He has held numerous leadership positions since 2012, including Vice President of New Base Development and Executive Vice President.

"It is an honor to assume this new role with Jet Linx as we embark on this next phase of growth," said Mr. Vidlak. "I have been fortunate to watch the company redefine and elevate the private aviation experience for both aircraft owners and private jet travelers over the years. Now, I look forward to working more closely with our esteemed leadership team and incredible broker partners to continue contributing to the success of the Jet Linx business, and to provide truly seamless support for aircraft management and aircraft acquisitions clients."

Mr. Vidlak's new position comes as part of Jet Linx's strategic reorganization, an initiative designed to streamline efficiencies between the Company's growing network of Base locations and robust National Operations Center, including the regionalization of the sales enterprise and Base President roles. In addition to the recent appointment of Paul Kloet as Director of Mergers & Acquisitions and Jason Vanis as Senior Vice President of Integrations, five additional Jet Linx executives recently assumed new roles as Regional Base Presidents. Alec LeFort, previously Senior Vice President of Sales, and former Base Presidents Dan Pasque, Tom Buffington, Dan Longo and Brad Frawley, have joined Senior Vice Presidents Brent Carreker, Vanis and Vidlak as Regional Base Presidents. In their new role, each Regional Base President is responsible for overseeing the profitability and operations multiple Bases.

For more information on Jet Linx, please visit www.jetlinx.com .

About Jet Linx Aviation

Jet Linx Aviation is a locally-focused private jet company founded in Omaha, NE in 1999 as a more personalized approach to national private jet companies. Jet Linx offers three different ways to experience private aviation  a guaranteed jet card, joint ownership, and private jet management program  providing its clients with an all-encompassing, local solution to all of their private jet travel needs. Jet Linx is an IS-BAO Stage 3, ARGUS Platinum and Wyvern Wingman safety rated operator, an accomplishment earned by less than one percent of all aircraft operators in the world. In 2019, Jet Linx became the only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star trained and accredited private aviation company in the world. In addition to establishing the independent global rating system's preeminent and unparalleled service standards for the in-flight experience, Jet Linx also collaborated with Forbes Travel Guide to develop their own customized, proprietary Jet Linx standards of service excellence. Jet Linx is headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska and has Base locations in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Ft. Worth, Houston, Indianapolis, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, New York, Omaha, San Antonio, Scottsdale, St. Louis, Tulsa and Washington D.C. For additional information, please visit the Jet Linx website (www.jetlinx.com).

SOURCE Jet Linx

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CHICAGO, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated (NYSE: JLL) will release its third quarter 2021 results Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at approximately 7:30 a.m. EST, followed by a live webcast and teleconference call at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Standard Time.

The link to register for the webcast or audio conference can be accessed at the Investor Relations website, ir.jll.com. Registration is open throughout the call. However, to ensure connection for the full call, registration a day in advance or at least 10 minutes before the start of the call is recommended. The webcast replay will be available for 12 months following the event on the Investor Relations website.

For further information, please contact JLL's Investor Relations department at: [email protected]

About JLL

JLL (NYSE: JLL) is a leading professional services firm that specializes in real estate and investment management. JLL shapes the future of real estate for a better world by using the most advanced technology to create rewarding opportunities, amazing spaces and sustainable real estate solutions for our clients, our people and our communities. JLL is a Fortune 500 company with annual revenue of $16.6 billion in 2020, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of more than 92,000 as of June 30, 2021. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit ir.jll.com.

Connect with us

https://www.linkedin.com/company/jll

https://www.facebook.com/jll

https://twitter.com/jll



Contact: Gayle Kantro

Phone: +1 312 228 2795

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE JLL-IR
Daniels was selected after an open national search of over 400 candidates across industries. He succeeds interim president Scott Hommel , who resumes his role of chief operating officer.

"America250 is laser focused on our mission to inspire the American spirit and engage all Americans in this once-in-a-lifetime initiative," said Daniel M. DiLella , chairman, U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. "Joe's track record of leadership, his demonstrated commitment to this country and his significant management and fundraising experience will help propel America250 forward as we develop and inspire impactful programs, secure national partners, and raise funds to achieve our vision."

"As someone who loves this country and is deeply patriotic, helping lead America250 is a privilege beyond expectation and presents an unrivaled opportunity to bring this country together," said Daniels. "I have seen first-hand what can happen when Americans come together with limitless compassion for one another, and I am honored to contribute my experience as a leader and coalition builder to elevate our nation's commitment to this daring experiment called democracy."

Daniels brings more than two decades of high-profile national, nonprofit leadership experience to America250. Significantly, he served as the founding president and CEO of the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, where he led the development, planning, design and operational ramp up of both the Memorial and the Museum for 10 years. During his tenure, the institution grew to approximately 500 in-house and contracted personnel and an $80 million budget. The Memorial and Museum flourished under his leadership, becoming a sacred part of the national landscape, and a must-see tourism and educational destination both nationally and internationally.

Following the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, Daniels served as president and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Museum, where he spearheaded the effort to create the United States' first ever institution dedicated to preserving the legacies of the recipients of the country's highest award for valor in combat.

"I had the pleasure of working with Joe at the 9/11 Memorial 10 years ago while serving as Treasurer of the United States and have seen first-hand his ability to successfully develop and execute a large-scale national project that will leave a lasting impact on our country," said Rosie Rios, commissioner, U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. "His vision and expertise will be tremendous assets for America250 as we look to raise funds and engage as many Americans as possible leading up to 2026."

He has been recognized by numerous organizations for his talent and leadership, including the Aspen Institute as a Henry Crown Fellow, US-Japan Leadership Program Fellow, and a British American Project Fellow.

Daniels holds a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and a B.A. in history from Washington University in St. Louis.

About America250

America250 is a multiyear effort to commemorate the semiquincentennial, or 250th anniversary, of the United States. The purpose of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, created by Congress, and the corresponding America250 Foundation, is to catalyze a more perfect union by designing and leading the most comprehensive and inclusive celebration in our country's history. America250 represents a coalition of public and private partners all working to create initiatives and programs that honor our first 250 years and inspire Americans to imagine our next 250. The commemoration period began in 2020, culminates on July 4, 2026, and officially concludes in 2027. For more information, visit www.america250.org and follow us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and TikTok .

SOURCE America250

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Low Carbon Patent Pledge announced today that JPMorgan Chase, Micro Focus, and Majid Al Futtaim are helping combat climate change by making key patents freely available to anyone using low carbon technologies. That brings the total number of companies who have joined the Pledge to 6. The Pledge was launched on Earth Day 2021 by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) , Microsoft , and Facebook with the mission of promoting low carbon technologies and fostering collaborative innovation.

The new signatories are adding patents to the Pledge, contributing new solutions that will accelerate our transition to low carbon energy sources. These companies span different industries, bringing new solutions and perspectives to help tackle the complexity of climate change. Over time, the coalition aims to add more companies, organizations, and governments around the world.

"Technological innovation will be key for the world to reach the goals of the Paris Agreement," said Daryl Wooldridge, Managing Director and Head of Intellectual Property, JPMorgan Chase. "At JPMorgan Chase, we are committed to doing our part in advancing the transition to a low carbon economy. Making critical technology available to innovators who are developing solutions that address climate change is critical to that effort."

"This Pledge is an important tool in achieving the cross-industry cooperation that is essential to achieving dramatic gains in adopting low carbon resources, "says Sarah Atkinson, Micro Focus' Director of Environmental, Social & Governance. "We are excited to join the Pledge as a way to scale the impact of our product offerings that enable reduced energy consumption in data centers and IT environments."

Ibrahim Al Zubi, Chief Sustainability Officer at Majid Al Futtaim commented: "We realize that technology, innovation and collaboration are critical pillars in the world's fight against climate change. At Majid Al Futtaim, we rely heavily on innovation in our journey to be Net Positive in carbon and water by 2040. We believe the onus is on large corporations to incubate, nurture and grow innovators especially within our communities. We are proud to be part of the initiative and look forward to further contribute to the global efforts against climate change."

The new signatories will help accelerate the adoption of low carbon technologies and inspire a new wave of innovations to combat climate change. For example, JPMorgan Chase has pledged patents that help cool and ventilate data centers and increase HVAC system efficiency. The patents pledged by enterprise software company Micro Focus include technologies that improve the management of wind turbines and methods for more efficiently distributing power.

The Pledge comes amid warnings from the global scientific community that breakthrough technologies will be vital to cutting emissions fast enough to avert climate disaster. Roughly half the reductions needed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 require technologies that are not yet commercially available, according to the International Energy Agency. The World Economic Forum is supporting the Pledge as it demonstrates the role of technology and innovation in pursuit of sustainability and net zero goals.

More than 400 patents have been pledged so far. The list of patents and other details are available at lowcarbonpatentpledge.org. The Pledge is designed to grow as companies add more patents and more companies from different industries make the Pledge. The Low Carbon Patent Pledge is hosted by the Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property at American University Washington College of Law.

SOURCE American University Washington College of Law
PRINCETON, N.J., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Autism Speaks, the nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting solutions across the spectrum and throughout the life span for people with autism and their families, today announced that Keith Wargo has been named president and CEO of the organization. Mr. Wargo's appointment is effective October 15, 2021, and follows the Board of Directors' announcement earlier this year that Angela Timashenka Geiger would be stepping down from her position after a five-year tenure. An extensive search was conducted by a search committee of the board of directors. Ms. Geiger has served as a critical member of the search team responsible for identifying her successor and will work closely with Mr. Wargo to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

Mr. Wargo joins Autism Speaks after a long and successful career in finance on Wall Street. He spent nearly 30-years in leadership roles at leading global financial institutions, including Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, BMO Capital Markets and Mizuho Securities where he built effective teams and partnered with a broad array of stakeholders to identify innovative ways to enhance and scale platforms while tackling complex challenges. More recently, Mr. Wargo became an owner of Monarch Cypress, an industry-leading amenity manufacturer and supplier, where one of the company's missions is to employ autistic individuals.

Mr. Wargo and his wife are parents of two adult children, one of whom has autism. Importantly, they have witnessed the positive impact that Autism Speaks has on enhancing the lives of people with autism and their families through research, advocacy, supports and services.

Brian Harper, chairman of the board of directors, Autism Speaks, said, "The last 18 months have been especially hard in the autism community, with people suffering from significant isolation and dislocation. There is an urgent need for our organization's support and programs. Keith is an accomplished business leader and executive that has a proven track record of success in driving organizations forward. As a parent of an adult son on the spectrum, he also understands the diverse needs of the autism community and the importance of providing a variety of options and solutions to best support the people we serve. His passion for our cause and his deeply rooted commitment to fulfilling our broad and ambitious mission make him the ideal person to lead our team forward and continue our important work on behalf of the millions impacted by autism around the world."

Keith Wargo, president and CEO, Autism Speaks, said, "It is an honor to join Autism Speaks during what I believe is a pivotal time in the organization's history. My family and I have experienced first-hand the deep value of social connection and the dignity of work and purpose that all people, especially those who are autistic, need and deserve. I am looking forward to building on the phenomenal work that Angela Geiger and the team have already accomplished and to making a positive and profound impact."

Angela Timashenka Geiger, former president and CEO, Autism Speaks, said, "Keith's personal connection to autism as well as his business background make him an excellent choice to lead Autism Speaks going forward. There is still much to accomplish but I am confident that Keith is the right individual to get the job done and I am grateful to leave Autism Speaks in such capable hands."

Mr. Wargo will be based in the New York metropolitan area.

About Autism

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. We know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, and each person with autism can have unique strengths and challenges. A combination of genetic and environmental factors influences the development of autism, and autism often is accompanied by medical issues such as GI disorders, seizures and sleep disturbances. Autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. To find resources, join an event or make a donation, go to www.AutismSpeaks.org . Learn more by following @AutismSpeaks on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and LinkedIn .

Contact

Mike Geller

Prosek Partners (on behalf of Autism Speaks)

M: 914-715-8901

[email protected]

SOURCE Autism Speaks

Related Links

https://www.autismspeaks.org/


CLEVELAND, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- KeyBank today announced it extended 947 loans for a total of $434 million during the SBA's FY 2021, more than doubling its number of unit loan approvals to individual small businesses from 2020. The volume secured KeyBank a top 10 position out of over 1,700 participating lenders and represented a record-breaking loan volume for Key in terms of both units and dollars.

This funding is outside of KeyBank's efforts through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), which held its third wave of funding in 2021. Through PPP, KeyBank processed approximately 70,000 SBA-approved loans, totaling $11 billion in critical funding for businesses. Since 2015, KeyBank has provided more than $2 billion in SBA-guaranteed financing to thousands of small business owners and has continually been ranked among the top SBA lenders in the country.

"This year marks a monumental achievement for our team. Our strategic focus and partnership with clients along with the SBA are playing a meaningful role in the economic rebound of many small businesses and communities" said Jim Fliss, KeyBank National SBA Manager. For our team, the mission is helping the communities we serve to thrive by providing capital to more individual businesses that operate in them. Our growth and rankings this year are proof that we are honoring that commitment, signaling to small business owners that they can rely on us."

"Complementing our industry-leading SBA offerings, we are proud to be a true relationship bank that provides holistic financial solutions including treasury, merchant, and wealth management services for the company, the entrepreneur, and their employees." said Kip Clarke, KeyBank Head of Business Banking.

The SBA measures lender performance based on number of units and absolute dollars lent under the flagship 7(a) program. KeyBank earned a number one ranking in SBA dollar volume, ahead of all other lenders, in SBA districts of Syracuse and Seattle; ranked in the top 3 in Portland, Columbus, Cleveland and Buffalo. For units, KeyBank earned a top 3 ranking in the districts of Cleveland, Buffalo, Seattle, Syracuse, Portland, and Maine. The bank increased loans to individual small businesses by more than 100% in 2021 compared to 2020 in Syracuse, Buffalo, Columbus, Connecticut, Pittsburgh, New York, Philadelphia, Utah, Boise, and Massachusetts.

"KeyBank continues to invest heavily in all areas of our national SBA lending platform, from loan origination through closing, to ensure that business owners can efficiently access the capital they need while receiving the highest level of service from our specialized SBA lending staff," said Fliss. "This includes significant investment in digital technology utilized by our stakeholders to ensure we are delivering ease, value, and expertise to small business clients across the nation. We remain optimistic looking into the future and will continue to support small businesses that are the backbone of our economy driving significant GDP and job creation."

About KeyCorp

KeyCorp's (NYSE: KEY) roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $181.1 billion at June 30, 2021.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of more than 1,000 branches and approximately 1,300 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC. 2021. KeyCorp. CFMA #211001-1277778

SOURCE KeyCorp

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SAN JOSE, Calif. and LAS VEGAS, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LimFlow SA, the pioneer in the development of minimally-invasive technology for the treatment of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI), a severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD), on Wednesday announced 24-month results from the PROMISE I Study of the LimFlow Percutaneous Deep Vein Arterialization System ("LimFlow System"), confirming excellent and sustained outcomes for both amputation-free survival and wound healing. The late-breaking data was presented on Wednesday at the Vascular Interventional Advances (VIVA) Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"The presentation of the PROMISE I 24-month results validate the benefits of the LimFlow System," said Daniel Clair, MD, PROMISE I principal investigator, Professor and Chair of the Department of Vascular Surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center Section of Surgical Sciences. "The high percentage of no-option CLTI patients that remained amputation free at 24-months is a major positive step forward for a condition characterized by high amputation and mortality rates."

PROMISE I is a multi-center, prospective, single-arm study of the LimFlow System, conducted at seven study centers across the U.S. All of the 32 patients enrolled in the study had non-healing wounds on the target foot. The primary endpoints were freedom from amputation (FFA), amputation-free survival (AFS), and survival overall. There were no amputations after day 75 in the study. At 24-months, FFA remained at 77 percent with an AFS of 59 percent. Three additional deaths within the second year of study resulted in 77 percent survival (two non-limb-related deaths; one from sepsis due to a non-healing wound in the non-treated foot). 92 percent had all wounds classified as healed or healing as adjudicated by an independent core lab. Technical success was reported at 97 percent.

"The 2-Year data from PROMISE I US feasibility study is highly encouraging and sends a strong signal about the potential of the LimFlow System to strengthen our mission of no limb left behind," said LimFlow CEO Dan Rose. "We are swiftly advancing our study of the LimFlow System in the ongoing PROMISE II US pivotal study in a patient population which is facing a very poor overall prognosis in terms of mortality and quality of life after major limb amputation. The LimFlow System is designed to help heal wounds and avoid major limb amputation, and we are proud of our mission of 'No Limb Left Behind.'"

About Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia (CLTI)

CLTI is the most severe form of PAD and often occurs in patients suffering from coronary artery disease, diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, and/or high blood pressure. Patients with CLTI often experience profound, chronic pain and develop festering wounds or infections that lead to major limb amputation, an event closely associated with increased mortality and reduced quality of life. To relieve the symptoms of CLTI, patients today are treated primarily with angioplasty or open bypass surgery. In many late-stage patients, however, neither option is feasible due to extensive disease in the target arteries or other anatomical constraints.

No-option CLTI is defined as being ineligible for surgical or endovascular arterial revascularization as adjudicated by an independent committee of vascular surgeons

About LimFlow and the LimFlow System

LimFlow SA is a private, venture-backed medical device company, transforming the treatment of CLTI, a severe condition, for which there is a growing clinical need in light of high mortality rates. The minimally-invasive LimFlow System is designed to bypass blocked arteries in the leg and deliver oxygenated blood back into the foot via the veins in CLTI patients who are facing major amputation and have exhausted all other therapeutic options.

The LimFlow System received the Conformite Europeenne (CE) Mark in October 2016 and is currently only commercially available in Europe. The PROMISE II study is currently enrolling patients at up to across 22 sites in the U.S. and Japan. For more information, please visit: add link.

For more information on LimFlow and the LimFlow System, please visit www.limflow.com.

Follow us on: LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE LimFlow

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Ambrose joined Lockheed Martin in 2000 and served as the president of the Information Systems & Global Solutions-National business; vice president and general manager of the Surveillance and Navigation Systems line of business within Space; and vice president and general manager of Mission Systems and Sensors' Tactical Systems.

"We are grateful to Rick for all his contributions to our company and for his strategic leadership of our $11 billion Space portfolio that provides advanced technology and mission-driven solutions for national security, civil and commercial customers," said Lockheed Martin Chairman, President and CEO James Taiclet. "I join the Lockheed Martin team in thanking him for his service and wishing him all the best in his upcoming retirement."

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my two decades at Lockheed Martin and I'm especially proud of our accomplishments at Space," said Ambrose. "What we've been able to achieve as a team has been nothing short of amazing  from the world-changing innovations we've developed to the enduring relationships with our customers, I feel both privileged and humbled."

After a successor is announced, Ambrose will serve as a strategic advisor to ensure a smooth transition.

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 114,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

Please follow @LMNews on Twitter for the latest announcements and news across the company.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin
The Chancellor's go-ahead marks the first phase of the approval process as the college prepares to next seek approval from the Ohio Department of Higher Education and then the Higher Learning Commission. LCCC is well-versed in the process, having launched its first Bachelor of Applied Science in Microelectronic Manufacturing (MEMS) in 2018. Much like the MEMS program, LCCC developed the Smart Industrial Automated Systems Engineering Technology degree program in response to the rapid development of disruptive technologies that are shaping advanced manufacturing in Northeast Ohio.

"LCCC is proud to have once again worked directly with local employers to ensure we meet their evolving talent needs and we are thankful to the Lorain County Chamber, the Lorain County Manufacturing Sector Partnership and other regional partners like Team NEO for working closely with us to make this degree possible," said LCCC President Marcia J. Ballinger, Ph.D. "This bachelor of applied science in smart manufacturing will provide students with the knowledge and skills for current in-demand local jobs, as well as those of the future."

Smart Industrial Automated Systems Engineering Technology represents a multidisciplinary engineering field concerned with the design, modeling, analysis and control of predominantly computer-based automated systems or processes, often referred to as smart manufacturing. Automated systems typically contain a mixture of sensors, equipment, devices, software, hardware and humans and requires knowledge of elements of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, software programming, networking, security, and human factors engineering. The program will be designed to meet the Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology requirements and train students for job roles such as automation engineer, controls engineer, systems engineer and more.

Those positions, which cut across multiple industry sectors, are in high demand now with anticipated growth in the coming years. In 2020, over 21,000 individuals were employed in Northeast Ohio within similar positions and 72% of occupations in Northeast Ohio related to Smart Manufacturing and Automation require a bachelor's degree as typical entry level education. Today, labor market data company Emsi forecasts 8,750 regional openings in these occupations in the next five years.

As industrial automation continues to play a key role in regional companies' abilities to remain productive and competitive in an increasingly global economy, many local businesses are anticipating hiring both students and graduates of LCCC's Smart Industrial Automated Systems Engineering Technology program.

"As we strive to maintain our competitiveness, we understand that robotics technicians, specialists, and integrators can help AgriNomix LLC accomplish its goals," said Joseph Smith, VP of manufacturing for the Oberlin, OH company that supplies equipment to the North American horticulture industry. "With quality training courses focused on equipment operation, engineering and design issues associated with a dynamic manufacturing environment, LCCC can help address an unmet need in the advanced manufacturing workforce pipeline."

The new program will embed work-based learning at local companies, like AgriNomix, making the already low tuition of the new program  $15,000  even more affordable. And the experience will help students quickly transition into the workforce after earning their bachelor's degree.

LCCC has a unique understanding around developing and offering bachelor's programs, having launched its University Partnership in 1996. The program partners LCCC with 14 local four-year colleges and universities to offer more than 100 bachelor's and master's degrees from LCCC's campus.

"LCCC has a solid history of 'firsts' in Ohio. We were the first community college to have a permanent campus in the state and we were the first to offer bachelor's and master's degree programs from four-year universities on our campus through the University Partnership," Ballinger said. "That history and experience paved the way for us to become the first community college to offer our own applied bachelor's degree programs in these niche in-demand, high-paying fields like MEMS and now smart manufacturing."

About Lorain County Community College in Elyria, Ohio

Established in 1963, Lorain County Community College is the first community college in Ohio with a permanent campus. For more than five decades, LCCC has served the diverse needs of the greater Lorain County region by providing affordable access to higher education and now serves approximately 13,000 students each year in certificate, associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs. LCCC was recently ranked as the most affordable college in Ohio for associate and bachelor's degrees and is in the top 10% of most affordable colleges in the nation. Since 1963, one in four Lorain County residents have taken classes at LCCC and more than 42,000 have earned a degree. More than 90% of LCCC graduates live and work in Northeast Ohio. LCCC partners with more than 700 employers and offers 170 industry-recognized credentials to better prepare the workforce of the future.

www.lorainccc.edu

SOURCE Lorain County Community College

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IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- This release is a US market supplement to Mazda's global product update made on October 6, linked here.

Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today announced significant milestones across its product portfolio and business operations as it evolves to meet the growing expectations of today's consumers.

Three All-New SUVs by 2023

In November, Mazda will reveal the CX-50, the next midsize crossover to join its lineup in the US. The CX-50 will share its platform with Mazda's latest generation products, CX-30 and Mazda3, with enhanced all-wheel drive (AWD) capabilities and functionality for consumers with outdoor active lifestyles. Production will begin in January 2022 at the new Mazda Toyota joint venture factory, Mazda Toyota Manufacturing, U.S.A., Inc. in Huntsville, Alabama.

Following CX-50, Mazda will introduce two additional SUVs for the US market from its all-new large platform: CX-90 followed by the CX-70. These models will feature Mazda's new longitudinal architecture with new inline-six-cylinder and plug-in hybrid powertrains. This shared layout provides both vehicles Mazda's next-level performance, handling, technology, and design.

A major difference between the models will be passenger occupancy, with the CX-90 providing three rows of seats and the CX-70 offering two rows of seats. The proportions of both vehicles will be optimized for US consumers with expanded interior cabin and cargo spaces.

The design, features, pricing, and trim details of the CX-50, CX-70, and CX-90 will be announced closer to their on-sale dates. While CX-50 and CX-70 will serve as additions to Mazda's lineup in the US, CX-90 will replace the current generation CX-9 as Mazda's US three-row SUV.

Existing Models and All-Wheel Drive

Mazda will continue to sell the CX-5 in the US, where it recently announced a refreshed design and enhanced driving dynamics for the 2022 model year, arriving in dealers this winter. As new models are introduced with advanced technologies and design, Mazda will continue to cascade those features into existing vehicles, such as CX-5, regardless of platform.

Additionally, Mazda is making i-Activ AWD standard across its CX lineup, starting with the 2022 model year. This move to AWD supports the brand's dedication to deliver unparalleled driving pleasure for all owners.

Retail Milestone

Today, Mazda also celebrates the opening of its 200th redesigned "Retail Evolution" dealer, North Park Mazda in San Antonio, Texas. Originally announced in 2014, these dealerships provide their customers a premium design and experience. The upgraded design features an upscale, open concept floor plan to offer a higher level of business transparency and customer satisfaction, providing a consistent experience from when a customer first comes into the showroom all the way to when they bring in their Mazda to be serviced.

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, Canada and Mexico through approximately 780 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario, and 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.

Follow MNAO's social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/MazdaUSA.

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations

Related Links

www.mazdausa.com


"The healthcare sector has undergone profound changes in recent years, and there is now an increased focus on new modes of delivery, new technologies and new shifts in the payment environment," said McDermott Chairman Ira Coleman . "McDermott and WSJ Intelligence joined forces on this report to gain a better understanding of how private equity investors are adapting and leading through this evolution."

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated many of these changes, as solutions such as telemedicine and remote monitoring became more prevalent, and pandemic-related initiatives drove many decisions on resourcing and priorities. However, existing challenges persist, and continuing changes in the political landscape means uncertainty about how the regulatory environment will continue to impact healthcare investments.

"This collaboration with WSJ Intelligence and the resulting analysis of the data will provide readers with critical insight into how private equity investors are putting money to work to address the important issues facing the healthcare sector today," said Krist Werling, a co-head of McDermott's Private Equity Practice Group.

Key findings from the research include:



Almost three-quarters of respondents (74%) strongly or somewhat agree that "the healthcare sector was ripe for structural change prior to the onset of the pandemic, which has accelerated opportunities for investing in new modes of healthcare delivery."

Executives from firms rated as earnings leaders (40%) see broad upside opportunities from their investments in physician practice management due to optimizing efficiencies driving lower costs and greater convenience.

Those same executives hold strong views on privacy and security, with more than half (53%) pointing to regulations on interoperability as the most impactful government intervention affecting historical and current investments.

Health IT and telehealth stands out as the subsector that will attract the most attention from private equity investors, though there are prioritization differences between earnings leaders and others.

A majority of respondents say PE has driven interest in biopharma investments that support the creation of COVID-19 vaccines and therapies (62%) and helped fill the gap between in-hospital and out-of-hospital care (59%).

The complete paper with all results and analysis can be found here.

PitchBook recently recognized McDermott as the most active firm in healthcare private equity for the fourth consecutive year. The Firmthe nation's leading health law firm handled 41 more healthcare private equity transactions in 2020 than its nearest competitor. McDermott's Health Industry Advisory Group is the only health practice to receive top national rankings from U.S. News  Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms," Chambers USA, The Legal 500 US and Law360.

About McDermott

McDermott Will & Emery partners with leaders around the world to fuel missions, knock down barriers and shape markets. Our team works seamlessly across practices and industries to deliver highly effectiveand often unexpectedsolutions that propel success. More than 1,200 lawyers strong, we bring our personal passion and legal prowess to bear in every matter for our clients and the people they serve.

About WSJ Intelligence

WSJ Intelligence, a unit of The Wall Street Journal's advertising department, conducts bespoke and secondary research for brands and client brands of The Wall Street Journal | Barron's Group. Through rigorous analysis, WSJ Intelligence provides insights that are relevant, timely, and reliable. The Wall Street Journal news organization was not involved in the creation of this content.

SOURCE McDermott Will & Emery

Related Links

http://www.mwe.com


COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- MinervaX, a privately held Danish biotechnology company developing a novel vaccine against Group B Streptococcus (GBS), today announces clinical progress on its maternal GBS vaccine as well as multiple additions to its leadership teams.

MinervaX is developing a maternal vaccine for the prevention of adverse pregnancy outcomes and life-threating infections caused by Group B streptococcus (GBS). GBS is responsible for nearly half of all life-threatening infections in newborns during the first 3 months of life as well as a portion of late-term abortions, premature deliveries, or stillbirths during pregnancy. Current preventative strategy is insufficient, and great medical needs exist, which may be addressed by a maternal GBS vaccine. MinervaX's maternal GBS vaccine is based on adjuvanted proteins antigens covering close to 100% of clinical GBS isolates.

Clinical Update:

MinervaX announces today completed enrolment of 150 pregnant women in a Phase 2 study in South Africa, sponsored by the European Developing Countries Trial Partnership. Dosing of an additional 50 pregnant women in the same study has started in Uganda. The study is listed on clinicaltrials.gov under NCT04596878.

MinervaX has also started dosing healthy adult women previously receiving the Company's GBS vaccine in a Phase 1 booster study in the United Kingdom. The study is listed on clinicaltrials.gov under NCT05005247.

Finally, MinervaX has received regulatory approval from the Danish Medicines Agency and UK MHRA to initiate a Phase 2 study in 270 pregnant women in Denmark and the United Kingdom.

Corporate Update:

Gerd Zettlmeissl joins MinervaX as new Chairman of the Board of Directors. Gerd brings a wealth of experience from the vaccine and broader biotech industry, including several successful biotech exits.

MinervaX announces the addition of Ralf Clemens, Jean-Paul Prieels, Peter Patriarca, Jean Smal, Clement Lewin, and Inca Kusters as new members of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).

Commenting on the announcement, Per Fischer, Chief Executive Officer of MinervaX, said: "We are very pleased with the progress in clinical development of our maternal GBS vaccine since closing our last financing round in December 2020. The vaccine has to date demonstrated high immune responses even in individuals with low levels of preexisting immunity to GBS who are most at risk of invasive disease. The vaccine has also demonstrated a very promising safety profile in both non-pregnant and pregnant women in past and ongoing clinical studies. The progress represents a significant advancement towards initiating Phase 3 clinical studies"

"We are also very pleased to welcome Gerd Zettlmeissl as new Chairman of the Board of Directors as well as the members of the expanded Scientific Advisory Board. The additions bring valuable business and development expertise to the Company."

Gerd Zettlmeissl, Chairman of MinervaX Board of Directors said: "I am very excited about the outstanding progress MinervaX is making in the development of one of the globally most promising GBS vaccine candidates and about the opportunity to support the company towards future success."

Ralf Clemens, MinervaX Scientific Advisory Board member said: "Group B Streptococcus is a leading cause of neonatal sepsis and despite efforts since many years by academia and industry to develop a prophylactic vaccine progress so far is limited. The MinervaX phase 2 candidate has shown very promising immunogenicity data and an excellent safety profile, and the company has a clear plan of path to licensure. The studies in Uganda, UK and Denmark are a critical piece of that plan."

About MinervaX

MinervaX is a Danish biotechnology company, established in 2010 to develop a prophylactic vaccine against Group B Streptococcus (GBS), based on research from Lund University. MinervaX is developing a GBS vaccine for maternal immunization, likely to have superior characteristics compared with other GBS vaccine candidates in development. The latter are based on traditional capsular polysaccharide (CPS) conjugate technology. By contrast, MinervaX's vaccine is a protein-only vaccine based on fusions of highly immunogenic and protective protein domains from selected surface proteins of GBS (the Alpha-like protein family). Given the broad distribution of proteins contained in the vaccine on GBS strains globally, it is expected that MinervaX's vaccine will confer protection against virtually 100% of all GBS isolates. www.minervax.com

About Group B Streptococcus (GBS)

GBS is responsible for nearly 50% of all life-threatening infections in newborns. At any given time, some 15-25% of women are spontaneously colonized with GBS, and they run the risk of transmitting the bacteria to their child in the womb, during birth and/or during the first months of life. GBS colonization may lead to late abortions, premature delivery, or stillbirth and, in the newborn child, may result in sepsis, pneumonia or meningitis, all of which carry a significant risk of severe morbidity, long- term disability or death.

Currently, the only preventative strategy available involves the use of intravenously delivered prophylactic antibiotics which does not comprehensively prevent GBS infection in utero or protect against late-onset infection in newborns. Not only is this approach expensive and logistically challenging, it fails to cover all, including the most severe cases in the US and Europe, and is rarely available in resource- limited settings.

The development of a GBS vaccine is also endorsed by Group B Strep Support and Group B Strep International, and GBS has been prioritized by a number of public health organizations. Both increased uptake of immunization among pregnant women and greater awareness of the implications of GBS suggest that a safe and effective vaccine targeting GBS would be well suited to address this unmet need.

About Gerd Zettlmeissl, Chairman

Gerd has more than 30 years of R&D and General Management leadership experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. Since 2012 he served on the Board of Directors of several non-profit organizations and biotech companies. Until 2015 he was chairman of GlycoVaxyn (Switzerland) sold to GSK, and until 2020 chairman of Themis (Austria) sold to MSD. He is the former CEO of the Austria-based Intercell (now Valneva). Prior to that, he was Managing Director of Chiron-Behring (Germany) and held senior management roles in biopharmaceutical R&D and Technical Operations at Chiron (USA) and Behringwerke (Germany). In 2010, he was named Vaccine Biotech CEO of the Year at the World Vaccine Congress. Gerd Zettlmeissl holds a doctoral degree in biochemistry of the University of Regensburg and did a post-doctoral fellowship at the Institut Pasteur Paris in virology. Current key positions: Chairman of the Supervisory Board for Medigene (Germany) & Hilleman Laboratories (Singapore) and Member of the Strategic and Scientific Advisory Board for Biological E (India).

About Ralf Clemens, SAB

Ralf Clemens, MD PhD, is a long-time leader in vaccine industry and academia. He is currently serving as Advisor to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and is Member/ Chair of various scientific and management boards including IVI, GHIT, CEPI as well as Clover Biopharmaceuticals, China, Curevac AG, Germany, and Valneva SE, France. Prior to this he was Head Global Vaccines Development at GSK, Novartis and Takeda Vaccines. At GSK Vaccines he was additionally in charge of developing country business strategies and technology transfers to developing country manufacturers. During his almost 30 years in vaccine industry, he developed and brought to licensure over 25 different vaccines. Ralf graduated in medicine from the University of Mainz, Germany, and he holds an executive degree in Management from the Wharton Business School. Ralf has more than 180 publications and given more than 250 scientific presentations mainly on vaccines, immunization and pharmaceutical development.

About Jean-Paul Prieels, SAB

Jean-Paul Prieels holds a Ph.D. in biochemistry from Universite Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium. He started his industrial career at Petrofina in 1983 as biotechnology manager and joined GSK Vaccines in 1987. His responsibilities gradually expanded to lead the vaccine preclinical R&D development activities as Senior Vice President of Research and Development at GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals in Rixensart, Belgium, until 2011. His career spans from basic research to applied research and product development. He was instrumental in the development of several commercially available vaccines, including Rotarix, Cervarix, Synflorix and Shingrix. Today, he is director at Quantoom Bioscience, NCardia, Nouscom, Leukocare, Bone Therapeutics and PDC*Line Pharma. He is a member of the scientific advisory board of CureVac, Imcyse, and Vaximm, and a member of the European Vaccine Initiative Board of Stakeholders.

About Peter Patriarca, SAB

Peter A. Patriarca, MD, is the Principal of Immuno-Vax, LLC, and a senior affiliate consultant with the Biologics Consulting Group, Inc. (Alexandria, Virginia). He has provided technical and regulatory consulting services for all phases of vaccine and drug development for the past 14 years, including approximately 400 IND submissions and 12 successful Biologics License Applications (BLAs) or NDAs. Prior to consulting, Dr. Patriarca was Corporate Head and Vice President, Worldwide Regulatory Affairs and Pharmacovigilance at MedImmune, Inc. (2001-2005) and also served as Medical Officer in the U.S. Public Health Service at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (1980-1992) and the US Food and Drug Administration (1993-2001). At FDA, Dr. Patriarca served, among other positions, as Director of the Division of Viral Products in the Office of Vaccines Research and Review (OVRR), CBER. In that capacity, he was responsible for laboratory-based research and review activities of more than 100 scientific staff in eight laboratories and was intimately involved with regulatory decisions and policy affecting vaccine development and licensure. While at CDC, Dr. Patriarca was assigned to the National Immunization Program, where, among other positions, he served as the Chief Medical Epidemiologist in the Influenza Division and the first head of CDC's program in support of the Global Poliomyelitis Eradication Initiative. He has authored more than 100 peer-review publications and has served on multiple scientific advisory bodies for CDC, WHO, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Academy of Sciences, and numerous pharmaceutical companies.

Jean Smal, SAB

Jean Smal is a Senior Consultant with global experience in the R&D and Manufacturing Vaccine Industry. He is currently supporting the vaccine projects of various companies and serves as a member of the WHO Advisory Panel for the Polio Eradication Program. He is chairman or independent board member of several biotech companies. He has previously served as Vice-President, Head of New Product Development at GSK Vaccines, covering development and scale-up of manufacturing processes, analytical methods, manufacturing for Phase I-III clinical trials, development strategy and organizational development. In this role, he directly contributed to the development and the launch of 12 new vaccines from 1998 to 2016, totaling over 4bn in sales in 2020. Prior to joining GSK, Jean served in roles from Project Leader to General Manager of Eurogentec CDMO Division, a Company offering development and GMP services for biopharmaceutical products. Jean Smal holds a degree in Bio Engineering, a PhD in Biochemistry and Prost-graduate degree in Business Management. He has published over 50 peer reviewed scientific papers/communications in the biochemical field.

About Clement Lewin, SAB

Clement Lewin, PhD MBA, is a Principal at CSL Vaccine Consulting with expertise in medical affairs, policy and strategy. Clem has 25 years of experience from vaccine development at Merck, Chiron, Acambis, Novartis and Sanofi Pasteur. He served as VP Strategic Planning & Business Intelligence and then VP Government Affairs & Immunization Policy for the US at Chiron. He served as Head of Government Affairs, Strategic Planning and Marketing at Acambis, helping to secure large government contracts for a small-pox vaccine. He headed Medical Affairs & Immunization Policy for North America, at Novartis Vaccines, where he was responsible for Medical Affairs activities and the CDC and National Vaccine Program Office helping launch several vaccines and manage the response to the 2009 pandemic. He served as AVP of R&D Strategy and headed the BARDA Office and NV Stakeholder Engagement for Sanofi Pasteur, securing and managing over $2 billion in BARDA funding for pandemic influenza and COVID-19 vaccines development. Clem obtained his BSc and PhD from the University of London, and an MBA with distinction from Cornell University. He served as the Biotechnology Innovation Organization liaison to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices from 2004 to 2014, and served on the National Vaccine Advisory Committee from 2009-2012. He has published over 50 papers in peer reviewed journals.

About Inca Kusters, SAB

Inca C. Kusters, Ph.D. has been at Sanofi Pasteur for more than 20 years and currently heads External Research and Development for Sanofi Pasteur in Europe. This group is responsible for evaluating the scientific value of external vaccine opportunities. Prior to her current role, Inca was responsible for several vaccine projects including pandemic H1N1 vaccine development in 2009 and the SARS-CoV1 vaccine development in 2003. She is a guest lecturer at several French universities (Lyon I, Paris IX, Paris XIII).

SOURCE MinervaX
VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Mobilum Technologies Inc. ("Mobilum'' or the "Company'') (CSE: MBLM) (OTC: MBLMF) (FRA: C0B), a technology-driven company making traditional finance accessible through digital payment infrastructure and digital asset management technologies, is pleased to announce the launch of its crypto-to-fiat off-ramp product via gift cards, debit and credit cards.

The off-ramp compliments Mobilum's fiat-to-crypto on-ramp, completing the ecosystem with functionality to convert digital assets back to fiat currency through gift cards from major retailers across 80 different countries with over 2,000 retail brands without any fees.

"This new product feature opens up a significant revenue stream for the Company, and we are excited to see the continued customer and market demand for these services," said Mobilum OU CEO Wojciech Kaszycki. "Off-ramp services are an evolving and core part of our product strategy, our goal is to ensure our partners and customers have a secure, compliant and efficient payments ecosystem to entrust and move in and out of."

Mobilum is also excited to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, XPort Digital Limited ("XPort"), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with PhyloPay, an online back office solution that offers accounting, vendor management, payroll and procurement services. The agreement would see XPort integrate its simple fiat-to-crypto and crypto as a form payment acceptance widget into PhyloPay's back-office solution. On a separate engagement XPort Digital and PhlyoPay will establish a long term partnership and new entity with the intent to offer a global back office solution to process crypto and fiat throughout the platform's various features.

About Mobilum Technologies Inc.

Mobilum Technologies Inc. (CSE:MBLM) (OTC:MBLMF) (FRA:C0B) a technology driven Payment Service Provider (PSP) with a mission to make traditional finance accessible through digital payment infrastructure and digital asset management technologies. Our goal is to allow consumers around the world to convert fiat-to-crypto and crypto-to-fiat with Mobilum's on-ramp and off-ramp solutions. Mobilum enhances shareholder value by building new technologies to manage digital assets. Mobilum has offices in Canada, Hong Kong, Poland and Estonia. For further information please go to Mobilum.com.

About XPort Digital Ltd.

XPort Digital Limited is a merchant services fiat-to-crypto on-ramp gateway solution offering credit card processing for cryptocurrency exchanges, wallets and other cryptocurrency businesses. XPort's Buybitfast.com's on-ramp solution provides competitive cryptocurrency pricing and low transaction fees for retail customers while XPort's B2B plug-and-play customizable widget can be set up within hours for merchants to process credit card transactions instantly and securely. Merchants may also use XPort's Javascript or mobile SDK (coming soon) to quickly integrate directly with their own website or mobile application.

This news release may contain certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When or if used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target, "plan", "forecast", "may", "schedule" and similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. Such statements represent the Company's current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

SOURCE Mobilum Technologies Inc.

Related Links

https://mobilum.com/


CLEVELAND, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- US demand for aluminum in volume terms is forecast to see average annual gains of 5.9% through 2025, according to Aluminum: United States, a report recently released by Freedonia Focus Reports. Gains reflect a pandemic-depressed 2020 base; annual increases of less than 1.0% are expected between 2019 and 2025. Growth will be driven by the increasing production of motor vehicles, along with higher aluminum loading rates per vehicle due to a shift in consumer preference toward larger vehicles, such as SUVs and crossovers. A 1.2% yearly increase in real US construction expenditures will support expanding shipments of aluminum building products, further spurring gains. Finally, continued economic growth will support demand for  and by extension, shipments of  consumer products featuring aluminum packaging or aluminum components. Despite these positive trends, aluminum will continue to face competition from other materials  such as copper, steel, glass, and plastics  across each of its markets, restraining faster gains. Demand is expected to grow 13% in 2021, rebounding from the pandemic-driven decline in 2020. However, US tariffs on imported aluminum will continue to limit even faster gains.

Production of aluminum in the US is forecast to increase 2.5% yearly in volume terms through 2025. Bolt-on additions will help supply the increasing demand in the US. Primary aluminum producers have also begun to restart idled production lines to take advantage of the favorable pricing environment provided by the tariffs on aluminum imports.

These and other key insights are featured in Aluminum: United States. This report forecasts to 2021 and 2025 US aluminum demand and production in metric tons. Total demand is segmented by market in terms of:

transport

containers and packaging

building and construction

electrical

other markets such as consumer durables, machinery, and cookware

Total demand in nominal US dollars at the producer level is also forecast to 2021 and 2025.

Total production is segmented by type as follows:

primary

secondary

To illustrate historical trends, total demand, total production, the various segments, and trade are provided in annual series from 2010 to 2020.

More information about the report is available at:

https://www.freedoniafocusreports.com/Aluminum-United-States-FF65010/?progid=91541

About Freedonia Focus Reports

Each month, The Freedonia Group  a division of MarketResearch.com  publishes over 20 new or updated Freedonia Focus Reports, providing fresh, unbiased analysis on a wide variety of markets and industries. Published in 20-30 pages, Focus Report coverage ranges from raw materials to finished manufactured goods and related services such as freight and construction. Additional Materials & Chemicals reports can be purchased at Freedonia Focus Reports or MarketResearch.com.

Analysis is intended to guide the busy reader through pertinent topics in rapid succession, including:

total historical market size and industry output

segmentation by products and markets

identification of market drivers, constraints, and key indicators

segment-by-segment outlook in five-year forecasts

a survey of the supply base

suggested resources for further study

Press Contact:

Corinne Gangloff

+1 440.842.2400

[email protected]

SOURCE The Freedonia Group
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- NASA released a climate action plan Thursday, Oct. 7, aimed at averting mission impacts due to climate change, ensuring the resiliency of facilities and assets, and providing the nation and world unique climate observations, analysis, and modeling through scientific research.

The plan is part of President Biden's whole-of-government approach to confronting the climate crisis. Federal agencies face rising maintenance and repair costs due to more frequent and extreme weather events, health and safety challenges to employees for work outside, and potential issues with program effectiveness. To address these and other challenges, President Biden prioritized federal agency climate adaptation and resilience planning. Through this approach, NASA and 22 other large agencies developed climate action plans, to address their most significant climate risks and vulnerabilities.

"NASA has unique assets it must protect  scientific equipment and capabilities that allow us to understand this climate crisis on Earth as well as explore the universe," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "Thankfully, we have the ingenuity and engineering capability to ensure our agency's resources remain resilient from this growing threat. NASA is committed to safeguarding our mission in the decades to come, and through the data we provide to the world, we'll help other agencies make sure they can do the same."

NASA is one of a few federal agencies that conducts climate research and provides data critical for governments, private companies, and others across the globe. Thanks to decades of commitment to supporting scientists and deploying technology, NASA's climate-related research encompasses solar activity, sea level rise, ocean and atmospheric temperatures, ozone layer conditions, air pollution, greenhouse gas levels, and changes in sea ice and land ice.

But even as NASA conducts this research, its facilities, vehicles, equipment and infrastructure face threats related to climate change. Approximately two-thirds of agency assets when measured by replacement value are located within 16 feet of mean sea level along America's coasts. Some of these assets are located in areas already experiencing high water levels and other impacts from sea level rise. Temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events are expected to affect others.

Agencies submitted their plans for review by the National Climate Task Force, White House Council on Environmental Quality's Federal Chief Sustainability Officer and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in response to President Biden's Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad. Using their plans, agencies will embed adaptation and resilience planning and implementation throughout their operations and programs and will continually update their adaptation plans.

The plans also address the need to leverage procurement in ways that drive innovation and increase resilience against supply chain disruptions, in line with the President's commitment to implementing his Justice40 Initiative. In addition to these plans, President Biden's Build Back Better Agenda and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal include bold, historic, and transformational investments to strengthen our nation's resilience to climate change and extreme weather events, including upgrading power infrastructure, rebuilding America's roads and bridges, and more.

To ensure accountability, NASA's plan identifies officials and areas of the agency responsible for addressing its priorities and areas of focus. Strategic priorities in NASA's plan include:

Ensuring access to space. NASA will identify climate change-related vulnerabilities that threaten access to space, perform risk assessments, and develop risk reduction strategies to enable prioritizing adaptations.

NASA will identify climate change-related vulnerabilities that threaten access to space, perform risk assessments, and develop risk reduction strategies to enable prioritizing adaptations. Integrating climate adaptation into NASA's master plans. The agency will work to better integrate climate risk analysis and adaptation strategies into facility and infrastructure project prioritization processes.

The agency will work to better integrate climate risk analysis and adaptation strategies into facility and infrastructure project prioritization processes. Integrating climate change into risk analysis and resilience planning. The agency will integrate the results of resilience planning into the master plans for its centers, and into operations and maintenance processes.

The agency will integrate the results of resilience planning into the master plans for its centers, and into operations and maintenance processes. Updating climate modeling to better understand threats and vulnerabilities. NASA will develop next generation climate models, generate improved data on Earth's water and energy cycle, and create a connection between NASA climate science data and the agency's Geographic Information Systems. These actions will assist other agencies and help NASA improve its risk planning.

NASA will develop next generation climate models, generate improved data on Earth's water and energy cycle, and create a connection between NASA climate science data and the agency's Geographic Information Systems. These actions will assist other agencies and help NASA improve its risk planning. Advancing aeronautics research to reduce contributors to climate change. NASA will collaborate with partners to develop and implement aviation solutions that enable climate adaptation, while supporting the aviation community's goal to aggressively reduce emissions of carbon dioxide.

The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) and Office of Management and Budget seek public input on the plans released by NASA and other agencies. Members of the public may submit comments until Nov. 6, 2021 via the docket (Docket ID: CEQ20210003) at:

https://www.regulations.gov/

CEQ also will hold a virtual convening this fall with national organizations that have expertise in climate adaptation and resilience or have expressed interest in the agency plans.

The Agencies releasing a Climate Action Plan are:

Department of Agriculture Department of Commerce Department of Defense Department of Education Department of Energy Department of Health and Human Services Department of Homeland Security Department of Housing and Urban Development Department of the Interior Department of Justice Department of Labor Department of State Department of the Treasury Department of Transportation Department of Veterans Affairs Development Finance Corporation Environmental Protection Agency General Services Administration National Aeronautics and Space Administration Office of Personal Management Smithsonian Institution U.S. Agency for International Development U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

All plans are available at:

https://www.sustainability.gov/adaptation

SOURCE NASA

Related Links

http://www.nasa.gov


NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) released today a research roadmap that, if funded by Congress, would quickly accelerate innovations in treatment and increase understanding of kidney disease.

Kidney disease is growing in the United States so much so that now 1 in 3 adults are at risk, yet the pace of funding, research, and innovation in therapies is not sufficient to tackle the illness and lags far behind research for other diseases. In fact, many treatment options for those with the most advanced stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD) haven't changed in 40 years.

Today's report maps a strategy to accelerate scientific discovery and address the most vexing challenges in kidney disease, especially the challenges posed by healthcare inequity. The report calls on Congress to fully fund research in preclinical science, genetics, health equity, implementation science, and other priorities.

To craft the roadmap, NKF convened nephrology leaders from prominent U.S. academic institutions, experts from the pharmaceutical industry, individuals with CKD and their care partners, and living kidney donors to identify opportunities and priorities for preclinical and clinical kidney-related research and present the findings to stakeholders, policymakers, and federal funders.

"We urge Congress and the Administration to significantly increase its investment in CKD research," said Holly Kramer, MD, MPH, co-author, NKF Board member and immediate past President, and Professor of Public Health Sciences and Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension Loyola University Chicago. "Investment in research saves lives as demonstrated by the decrease in mortality for heart disease and cancer over the past 20 years due to research. Research can advance knowledge on how and why kidney disease starts and progresses and can identify better treatments. Dialysis should not be the only solution to a disease that affects so many people, especially those from under-represented groups."

An estimated 37 million adults have CKD but 90% are unaware they even have it. Our aging population and our nation's obesity epidemic, along with increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes will increase the risk of CKD and kidney failure.

In addition to its toll on patients and families, CKD threatens the financial sustainability of the Medicare program. In FY 2020, Medicare spent $130 billion on patients with a CKD diagnosis while the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) spent only $700 million on CKD research. Despite the prevalence and impact of CKD on patients, families, Medicare, and other parts of our healthcare system, federal support for CKD research is wholly inadequate. This results in lost opportunities for research breakthroughs that can lead to new treatments to slow disease incidence and progression, and to address disparities through greater utilization of proven therapies.

"People of color are underrepresented in kidney disease research, yet they are the majority of people affected by kidney disease," said Nichole Jefferson, a kidney patient advocate from Dallas, Texas. "Improved research and clinical trials that include diverse people will help us develop better treatment options to benefit patients affected by kidney disease."

"Increased investment in kidney disease will save lives and reduce health disparities," added Dr. Kramer. "There are too many people suffering from this deadly disease and the costs are not sustainable. Policy makers must act now."

Learn more about the research roadmap during a virtually live event, "Kidney Disease and the Road to Saving Lives" with The Hill on October 13th at 1PM ET. The Hill will gather policymakers, physicians, and patient advocates for a conversation on the fight against chronic kidney disease and how we can improve diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options.

The research roadmap was published today in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases.

Recommendations At a Glance:

Prioritize data science

Establish a nationwide integrated platform for kidney research in which datasets can be securely shared across institutions and bioinformatics support can be facilitated.



Establish federal funding opportunities to train, attract, and support young researchers and junior faculty members who desire training in bioinformatics in the field of kidney health and disease.

Use genetic tools in defining kidney disease mechanism and identify therapeutic targets

Increase investment in genetic research on racial/ethnic minorities to better understand genetic determinants of health across populations.



Develop polygenic risk scores that can have clinical and research utility across U.S. diverse populations.



Translate genetic discoveries into disease-causing genes, cell types and mechanisms.



Create a human gene regulatory map to comprehensively connect non-coding variation and genes.



Comprehensively catalog cellular programs to map coordinated changes in gene expression across cell types and states including across different types of kidney disease, CKD stages, sex, races, and ethnicities.

Develop better models of human disease

Develop humanized animal models that more closely mimic human disease for the study of kidney disease-causing variants and therapeutic approaches.



Enhance reproducibility and functional characterization of kidney organoids derived from patient cells to study the effects of genetic variability, decode the causal disease mechanisms, and evaluate the efficacy of potential therapeutics on human kidney disease models in a dish.



Accelerate the development of in vivo imaging technologies to monitor molecular processes associated with kidney disease progression (e.g., fibrosis).

Develop cell-specific drug delivery systems and gene editing

Develop targeted systems for the delivery of therapeutic compounds to specific kidney compartments or cell types.



Accelerate the implementation of gene editing and gene therapy for the treatment of kidney diseases in vivo.

Clinical trials

Develop and sustain clinical trial consortiums that can recruit patients with kidney disease to ensure adequate sample size to assess kidney outcomes and increase the enrollment of under-represented populations.



Encourage use of novel designs in clinical trials to enhance the recruitment and retention of under-represented populations, which will enhance the generalizability of study findings.



Support outreach initiatives to promote an improved understanding of the benefits of clinical research participation.



Complete clinical trials that test interventions to improve patient quality of life and address patient-reported outcomes.



Encourage inclusion of persons with CKD in clinical trials of treatments for non-kidney diseases.

Health disparities

Examine the delivery of evidenced-based care for all CKD stages, especially in under-represented and underserved populations.



Expand support for a root-cause analysis approach to disparities, including causes, detection, and management of CKD for underserved populations.



Develop research teams that engage with community organizations to develop and implement interventions which halt or delay development and progression of kidney disease.



Continue support of observational studies of kidney disease measures and outcomes

Implementation Science: Use What We Know

Identify effective strategies to increase implementation of proven therapies to slow kidney disease incidence and progression, especially in high-risk, underrepresented populations.



Identify effective practice improvement strategies in large and small health systems to reduce CKD incidence and progression.

Kidney Disease Facts

In the United States, 37 million adults are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD)and approximately 90 percent don't know they have it. 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. is at risk for chronic kidney disease. Risk factors for kidney disease include: diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and family history. People who are Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian American, or Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander are at increased risk for developing the disease. Black or African American people are almost 4 times more likely than Whites to have kidney failure. Hispanic or Latino people are 1.3 times more likely than non-Hispanic or non-Latino people to have kidney failure.

About the National Kidney Foundation

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is the largest, most comprehensive, and longstanding patient-centric organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention, and treatment of kidney disease in the U.S. For more information about NKF, visit www.kidney.org.

Facebook.com

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twitter.com/nkf

SOURCE National Kidney Foundation

Related Links

http://www.kidney.org


TORONTO, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Odd Burger Corporation (TSXV: ODD) (OTCQB: GBLYF), one of the world's first vegan fast-food chains and first to go public, has completed its listing on the U.S. trading market today with its common shares being posted on the OTC (QB) under the symbol GBLYF.

The Canadian company has five locations and is currently seeking a location in New York City. Odd Burger plans to have 20 restaurants operational by this time next year.

To further U.S. expansion, Odd Burger has secured foodservice distribution via Sysco, and international food safety certification by HACCP, clearing the way to supply to its future restaurants outside its home province of Ontario.

"As we did by going public in Canada, we want to give U.S. customers an easier way to invest in and support our mission to change fast food," said Odd Burger co-founder and CEO James McInnes. "Many of our customers are also shareholders, and this is why it's so important to continue expanding our market access as our organization grows."

Odd Burger will apply to change its ticker symbol with oversight agency FINRA; upon approval, its new ticker is expected to be ODDAF. The company was founded as Globally Local, and recently rebranded as Odd Burger.

Odd Burger manufactures its own plant-based proteins and dairy alternatives, which represent about 70 percent of the food sold in its restaurants. Controlling its own supply chain helps the company keep menu prices in line with conventional fast food, reduces its dependence on third-party vendors, and ensures consistent quality and customer experience.

More than 10,000 companies trade on OTC (over-the-counter) markets. Developing international companies often enter the U.S. stock market through an OTC listing. Eligible companies must be current in reporting and undergo annual verification.

To purchase shares of Odd Burger, consult a brokerage firm or an online broker that allows OTC trading.

About Odd Burger Corporation

Odd Burger Corporation is a chain of company-owned and franchised vegan fast-food restaurants as well as a food technology company that manufactures and distributes a proprietary line of plant-based protein and dairy alternatives to its locations. Odd Burger restaurants operate as smart kitchens, which use state-of-the art cooking technology and automation solutions to deliver a delicious food experience to customers craving healthier and more sustainable fast food. With small store footprints optimized for delivery and takeout, advanced cooking technology, competitive pricing, a vertically integrated supply chain along with healthier ingredients, Odd Burger is revolutionizing the fast-food industry by creating guilt-free fast food. Odd Burger Corporation is traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol ODD and on the OTCQB under the symbol GBLYF. For more information visit https://www.oddburger.com.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements that relate to among other things, the Company's strategies, intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations and estimates, and can generally be identified by the use of words such as "may", "will", "could", "should", "would", "likely", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "objective" and "continue" and words and expressions of similar import. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements, including but not limited to its expansion plans into the United States and the number of restaurant locations anticipated in the following period.

Forward-looking statements or information are based on a number of factors and assumptions which have been used to develop such statements and information, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: negative cash flow and future financing requirements to sustain operations; dilution; competition; economic changes; and the impact of and risks associated with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The forward-looking information in this news release reflects the current expectations, assumptions and/or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company.

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include but are not limited to: general business and economic conditions (including but not limited to currency rates); changes in laws and regulations; legal and regulatory proceedings; and the ability to execute strategic plans. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements contained in this document, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

SOURCE Odd Burger Corporation

Related Links

https://oddburger.com/


VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ - Orea Mining Corp. ("Orea") (TSX: OREA) (OTCQX: OREAF) (FSE: 3CG) reports that it has received confirmation today, that the French government has filed a final appeal to the French Supreme Court (Conseil d'Etat) on the renewal of the Montagne d'Or Gold Deposit mining titles, located in French Guiana, France, owned 44.99% by Orea and 55.01% by Nord Gold plc (the "JV").

As announced on July 22, 2021, the Court of Appeal of Bordeaux rejected the French Government's appeal and its request for a stay of execution of the initial court rulings of December 24, 2020, which were in favour of the JV, ordering the renewal of the mining titles. In its ruling, the Court of Appeal concluded that the arguments put forth by the French Government were without merit and that the JV submitted complete applications and met all requirements for the renewal of the mining titles. The French Government had until September 17, 2021 to file a second and final appeal to the French Supreme Court (Conseil d'Etat).

The Supreme Court will conduct an analysis on whether to admit or reject to hear the appeal. To be admissible, the appeal must be based on reasonable arguments and exceptional grounds. If the appeal is considered admissible, the Supreme Court will only assess whether the initial court rulings were sufficiently substantiated and if the procedural rules have been duly followed without error; therefore, it is not possible for the French Government to present new or additional arguments. In principle, an appeal before the Supreme Court has no suspensive effect, therefore the initial court rulings should in theory, be upheld and implemented, even if a final appeal is made.

Additional updates will be provided by Orea when available.

About Orea Mining Corp.

Orea is a leading gold exploration and development company operating in a prospective and underexplored segment of the Guiana Shield, South America. Its mission is to develop gold deposits with a reduced environmental footprint using innovative technologies, upholding the highest international standards for responsible mining. In French Guiana, Orea holds a major interest in the world-class Montagne d'Or mine development project and is also advancing the Maripa gold exploration project.

For more about Orea visit the company's website at www.oreamining.com

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:

Rock Lefrancois

President & CEO

Forward-looking statements

Certain statements made herein, including statements relating to matters that are not historical facts and statements of the Company's beliefs, intentions and expectations about developments, results and events which will or may occur in the future, constitute "forward looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation ("forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance, reflect current expectations or beliefs regarding future events and are typically identified by words such as "anticipate", "could", "should", "expect", "seek", "may", "intend", "likely", "budget", "plan", "estimate", continue", "forecast", "believe", "predict", "potential", "target", "would", "might", "will", and similar words, expressions or phrases (including negative variations) suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. These include, but are not limited to, statements and information regarding: the Company's plans to construct and develop the Montagne d'Or project, including anticipated timing thereof; the timing, processes, outcome and other matters related to the renewal of the Montagne d'Or concessions, including the appeal from the French Government; the satisfaction of regulatory requirements in respect of the permitting, construction and operation of the Montagne d'Or project, including but not limited to, the submission and processing of mine permit applications, the timing thereof and the timing of completion of environmental and engineering studies; the Company's ability to renew the concessions for the Montagne d'Or project and to comply with the conditions thereof; economic analysis for the Montagne d'Or project and related exploration objectives and plans; the conversion of mineral resources into mineral reserves and the conversion of inferred mineral resources into higher resource classification categories; the Company's objective of become an emerging gold producer; the acquisition of exploration projects including terms of acquisition, exploration or development plans, intentions to acquire additional exploration or development interests and the implications thereof; the production capacity and potential of future plant and equipment; future exploration and mine plans, objectives and expectations and corporate planning of the Company, future studies and environmental impact statements and the timetable for completion and content thereof and statements as to management's expectations with respect to, among other things, the matters and activities contemplated in this news release.

Forward-looking statements are made based upon certain assumptions and other important factors that, if untrue, could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements. Such assumptions and analyses are made by the Company's management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are reasonable and appropriate in the circumstances. All assumptions and analyses are those of the Company's. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies, local and global economic conditions, and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including compliance by the Company with regulatory and permitting requirements applicable in French Guiana, the sufficiency of Company's working capital; the Company's ability to secure additional funding for the continued exploration and development of its properties; the price of gold and other metals; and the Company's ability to retain key personnel. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Certain important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among others, political and economic risks in France, political and economic risks in French Guiana, risks related to the renewal applications for the Concessions and the possible outcomes thereof; possible negative outcomes of any appeals from the decision of the Administrative Court of Cayenne in French Guiana; regulatory risk including but not limited to unforeseen changes in regulatory requirements, the Company's ability to enforce its contractual and other legal rights to explore and exploit its properties, risks related to exploration and development, permitting and licensing risk, the estimation of mineral resources and mineral reserves and related interpretations and assumptions, future profitability of the Company, the ability to obtain additional financing on a timely basis, the price of gold and marketability thereof, government regulations including with respect to taxes, royalties, land tenure and land use, title to the Company's properties, currency exchange rates and fluctuations, environmental risks, dilution resulting from the issuance of additional securities of the Company, joint venture risks, reliance on Nord Gold SE as operator of the Montagne d'Or project, the availability of equipment, conflicts of interest, competition in the mining industry, uninsured risks, market fluctuations, global financial conditions, credit risk and risks arising from pandemics and epidemics such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. These statements, however, are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, which contribute to the possibility that the predicted outcomes will not occur. Events or circumstances could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those estimated or projected and expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements are included in the "Risk Factors" section in Company's annual information form dated December 11, 2020 for the year ended September 30, 2020 ("AIF").

Readers are further cautioned that the list of factors enumerated in the "Risk Factors" section of the AIF that may affect future results is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions with respect to the Company, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements and information contained herein are made as of the date of this document and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. The forward-looking statements and information contained herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

SOURCE Orea Mining Corp.

Related Links

https://oreamining.com/


LONDON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Paddle, the global revenue platform for software companies, today announces the first alternative In-App Purchasing (IAP) system for iOS developers. Designed to bring innovation, competition and choice to iOS in-app payments for the first time, Paddle's new offering is a direct response to the recent ruling in the Apple vs Epic lawsuit. Developers can register their interest in Paddle In-App Purchase from today, with the new service going live on 7th December 2021, in line with the terms of the court ruling. .

Founded in 2012, Paddle's mission is to help developers and software sellers grow their businesses as quickly and efficiently as possible. More than 2,000 software sellers rely on Paddle's platform to sell into over 200 markets globally. However, until now, Apple's strict policies have prevented any innovation or competition within a huge part of the software market: the App Store.

As soon as the Apple vs Epic ruling was announced, Paddle began work building a better, cheaper alternative for iOS developers; one that would give them greater control over how they sell their products, while freeing them from the high commission fees - the so-called 'Apple Tax' levied on all App Store transactions.

Paddle In-App Purchase is a true like-for-like, drop-in replacement for Apple's IAP, allowing developers to maintain a seamless user experience, without having to pay Apple 30% of every sale. Paddle has a highly competitive fee structure, charging just 10% for transactions under $10, and just 5% on transactions over $10. This means that developers earn more from every purchase.

Other benefits of using Paddle In-App Purchase include:

Greater control over customer relationships: By removing Apple as the middleman. Paddle can give sellers far greater access to data on each customer throughout their lifecycle, allowing developers to better understand and optimise the user experience at every stage.

By removing Apple as the middleman. Paddle can give sellers far greater access to data on each customer throughout their lifecycle, allowing developers to better understand and optimise the user experience at every stage. Flexible subscription options and retention tools: Direct subscription management and the ability to pause subscriptions, gives the developer more power to support their users directly, more choice of billing models and the option to offer additional payment methods such as PayPal (alongside Apple Pay)

Direct subscription management and the ability to pause subscriptions, gives the developer more power to support their users directly, more choice of billing models and the option to offer additional payment methods such as PayPal (alongside Apple Pay) Direct customer service: by putting the developer in control, Paddle IAP gives sellers the ability to to deliver high-quality customer service without having to go through Apple every time. Until now, developers have had to rely on Apple to pay refunds or collect payments on their behalf. This is not only inefficient, it means the developer has no control over a key aspect of the customer experience.

by putting the developer in control, Paddle IAP gives sellers the ability to to deliver high-quality customer service without having to go through Apple every time. Until now, developers have had to rely on Apple to pay refunds or collect payments on their behalf. This is not only inefficient, it means the developer has no control over a key aspect of the customer experience. Apple's business model + greater freedom: Like Apple, Paddle also takes responsibility for the time consuming purchase admin, from global sales taxes to customer support. While other payment companies shift these responsibilities on to the seller to handler, with Paddle there's nothing new for developers to worry about.

Christian Owens, Founder and CEO of Paddle, said: "An estimated $30bn is spent on non-gaming apps on iOS per year[1]. This is a huge part of the software market that, until now, has been closed off from competition and innovation. When we saw that the Apple vs Epic ruling might change that, we knew we had to get involved. Our mission has always been to help software makers and sellers achieve their growth potential but up until now, we've never been able to help customers do this within the App Store itself. Our alternative In-App Purchase offering gives developers the chance to retain all the things they like about the App Store, while also giving them greater control and lower costs. We're incredibly excited to be rolling this out and look forward to helping customers get set up and ready for the switchover in December."

Oleksandr Kosovan, CEO & Founder of MacPaw, a Paddle customer, added: "As long-time users of Paddle for our products on desktop, such as CleanMyMac, Setapp, Gemini, we are excited by the opportunity to use Paddle to power in-app purchases and subscriptions for our iOS users."

About Paddle

The Paddle Revenue Platform for SaaS companies powers hyper-scale growth across acquisition, renewals and expansion. With Paddle, companies are finally able to transform their revenue infrastructure into a strategic growth lever to respond faster and more precisely to every growth opportunity. Paddle has 140 employees serving over 2,000 software sellers in 245 countries and territories globally. Backed by investors including FTV Capital, Kindred, Notion, and 83North, Paddle aims to define the next wave of SaaS leaders. Visit www.paddle.com or www.twitter.com/PaddleHQ for more information.

[1] https://techcrunch.com/2021/09/23/apps-to-reach-record-highs-in-q3-of-36b-downloads-and-34b-in-consumer-spending/

SOURCE Paddle
NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Palladium Equity Partners, LLC, one of the nation's oldest minority-owned private equity firms with approximately $3 billion in assets under management, today announced that it has been named to Inc.'s 2021 Founder-Friendly Investors List, an annual list that recognizes investors with an established track record of success backing entrepreneurs.

"We are deeply honored to be named to Inc.'s list of Founder-Friendly Investors," said Marcos Rodriguez, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Palladium Equity Partners. "Since our inception 25 years ago, identifying and supporting leaders of innovative founder-owned businesses has been at the core of Palladium's investment strategy. This key element of our strategy has been essential to our firm's success and is something we intend to build upon well into the future."

Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. media, said, "Supporting an entrepreneur's vision and driving growth is more than just a financial investment. It's about building relationships and supporting founders beyond that initial year. These private equity firms treat the founders like partners."

To compile the list, Inc. went straight to the source: entrepreneurs who have sold to private equity. Founders filled out a questionnaire about their experiences partnering with private equity firms and shared data on how their portfolio companies have grown during these partnerships.

"Knowing that many of the incredibly talented entrepreneurs we collaborate with shared their experiences about our relationship makes being on this list that much more meaningful. We value the bond and partnership we have had with so many entrepreneurial leaders," added Mr. Rodriguez.

About Inc.

The world's most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community they need to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers, and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

About Palladium Equity Partners, LLC

Palladium is a middle market private equity firm with approximately $3 billion in assets under management. The firm seeks to acquire and grow companies in partnership with founders and experienced management teams by providing capital, strategic guidance and operational oversight. Since its founding in 1997, Palladium has made 38 platform investments and 142 add-on acquisitions.

Palladium is a signatory of the United Nations supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). The PRI is recognized as the leading global network for investors committed to integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into their investment decision making. For more information on Palladium, please visit www.palladiumequity.com.

Media Contacts

Todd Fogarty or Jeffrey Taufield of Kekst CNC

[email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE Palladium Equity Partners, LLC
2021 was a record-breaking year for the competition: over 10,000 entries were submitted from more than 70 countries across the world. 'During my years as a judge, then as Chairman of the Judges, I've watched the Awards grow into one of the most important and much-loved photographic competitions in the world,' says David Loftus, Chair of Judges.

With over 25 categories, the Awards recognise the great diversity of ways in which food touches our lives. 'What is really wonderful is the ever-increasing breadth of imagery, from still life to landscape, interior to portraiture, the macro to the immense, intimate street photography to epic drone images, the scope becomes greater year by year.' continues Loftus. 'Judging is always a humbling and enlightening experience and I so look forward to the coming year.'

2022 sees an important expansion of the Awards with the introduction of Regional Awards as an additional celebration of winners from around the world. And in another exciting development, the 2022 winner of The Claire Aho Award for Women Photographer, launched last year in memory of Finland's greatest woman photographer, will receive an exclusive trip to Finland courtesy of VisitFinland.

This year's global judging panel, chaired by legendary food photographer, David Loftus, includes Phillip Prodger, Executive Director, Curatorial Exhibitions, LA and former Head of Photographs, National Portrait Gallery, London, Nik Sharma, Cookbook author, Photographer, Columnist, Andy Adams, FlakPhoto Projects Curator & Director, Rein Skullerud, Head of Photo Unit, World Food Programme and Magui Chadwick, Family Ambassador, Vina Errazuriz and Vina Sena.

The media coverage of the Awards continues to grow across the world. To date, last year's photographs have been covered by media in over 40 countries: from the BBC, The Times, Forbes, National Geographic and MSN, to Corriere della Sera, China Daily, Vanity Fair and El Mundo.

Enter the competition at www.pinkladyfoodphotographeroftheyear.com

SOURCE Pink Lady America
"Mark is a seasoned and passionate leader. His energy, three decades of experience and inspired vision will expand the Quality of Life Plus development efforts and future giving programs," stated Michael Phelps, Chairman of the QL+ Board of Directors. "QL+ stands alone in developing unique solutions for our injured heroes and we are pleased to have Mark lead us on the next step of our journey."

"I appreciate the board's confidence in me, and I'm honored to advance our mission to connect America's brightest students with our nation's bravest heroes to transform lives," Robbins said. "Continuing to serve our nation's veterans and first responders while tapping into the mind trust of our country's university STEM students is an exciting opportunity and aligns with my unwavering commitment to those who have served our country."

Earlier in his career, Robbins was executive director of the Yellow Ribbon Fund, which assisted injured service members and their families. Over an eight-year period, revenue, and staff both doubled in size, while programming and services also increased. Robbins launched one of the first programs to focus on the caregivers of the wounded. What was once a small, local organization became one with a national footprint. To help during the transition of the old Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., to the new location in Bethesda, Robbins was part of the YOUR non-profit team that assisted the efforts. YOUR was an acronym that represented the alliance formed by the Yellow Ribbon Fund, Operation Homefront, USO, and Red Cross.

Prior to that, Robbins enjoyed an extensive career in higher education and with various trade associations where he gained proficiency in membership development, chapter operations, communications, and fundraising. Most recently, Robbins was acting executive director of Madison House Autism Foundation, which focuses on supporting adults with autism.

About QL+: The mission of QL+ is to provide innovative engineering solutions to improve the lives of American heroes and their families. We connect America's brightest STEM students with our nation's bravest heroes to transform lives. Quality of Life Plus is a 501c3 organization affiliated with 19 university systems nation-wide and has supported more than 1,000 veterans and first responders since its founding in 2009.



To learn more about QL+, visit www.qlplus.org, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.



Contact: Cary Hatch

[email protected]

cell: 202-262-3201

SOURCE Quality of Life Plus

Related Links

http://www.qlplus.org


LUND, Sweden, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SAGA Diagnostics AB ("SAGA"), a leading cancer liquid biopsy and genomic testing company, has announced the appointment of Peter Collins as Chief Executive Officer.

Mr. Collins is a highly experienced entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the pharma and diagnostics sector.

He joins SAGA after successful executive roles at major players in the liquid biopsy field such as Inivata as Chief Business Officer and at Guardant Health as VP Biopharma Business Development, and CBO of Yourgene. Peter was also VP, Head of Diagnostics at GSK for 5 years. Throughout his various executive positions, he has demonstrated a track record of building high performance teams and leading organizations' commercial growth.

"SAGA is an outstanding company with a leading technology and solid market traction. Ultrasensitivity and detection of minimal residual disease (MRD) is exactly what biopharma, the clinical testing market and cancer patients need. SAGA has a diverse and exceptionally talented team already in place  I'm excited to lead this next phase of growth, build out the team further, and execute on a strategy to rapidly bring our technologies into the clinics to benefit more people living with cancer."

- Peter Collins, CEO, SAGA Diagnostics

"We are delighted to welcome Peter to the SAGA team as our new CEO. With his highly relevant, results-driven experience and extensive network, we are confident that Peter will lead the company in its next phase of growth to becoming one of the leaders in cancer liquid biopsy testing and genomic profiling."

- Greg Batchellor, Chairman, SAGA Diagnostics

Founding CEO Dr. Lao Saal has been appointed Chief Operating Officer and remains a member of the Board of Directors.

"We are delighted to welcome Peter to the SAGA team as our new CEO. I have enjoyed leading SAGA these last 5+ years, and Peter is exactly the right person to receive the reins for this next stage of growth. In my new role as COO, I will be supporting Peter, the wider SAGA team and our Board to deliver on our vision to make SAGA's technologies available to as many cancer patients as possible and truly make a difference to people's lives."

- Lao Saal, COO and Co-Founder, SAGA Diagnostics

Contact:

CEO Peter Collins

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +46 (0) 733 01 7242

SOURCE SAGA Diagnostics
LONG ISLAND CITY, N.Y., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Schweiger Dermatology Group ("SDG"), the leading dermatology practice in the Northeast, has announced it has acquired The Derm Group in the greater New Jersey area. With this partnership, SDG will add 13 new office locations to its footprint in the New Jersey region and 40 new providers to its medical team.

Founded in 1992 by Dr. Daniel Groisser, The Derm Group evolved from a single-physician practice to one of the largest dermatology practices in New Jersey and the surrounding area, with over 200,000 patient visits per year. Over the years under Dr. Groisser's leadership, he assembled a team of the country's top dermatology providers at The Derm Group. The provider roster includes many physicians renown in the field of skin cancer as well as some of the country's leading medical and cosmetic dermatologists.

"I am very excited to welcome Dr. Groisser and the outstanding dermatologists, advanced practice providers and staff of TDG to Schweiger Dermatology Group," says Dr. Eric Schweiger, founder and C.E.O of Schweiger Dermatology Group. "This partnership marks a significant and meaningful new chapter for SDG, as we solidify ourselves as the leading practice for top tier dermatology care in New Jersey. Dr. Groisser has built a team of knowledgeable and experienced medical professionals, which fits perfectly into our model of delivering the highest quality dermatology services to patients in the Northeast."

"As we looked to transition after growing our practice for almost 30 years, the quality of clinical care provided and the overall patient experience was paramount in our search for a partner," says Dr. Daniel Groisser, founder and Chief Medical Officer at The Derm Group. "Schweiger Dermatology Group's focus on clinical excellence, advancing therapeutical areas of research, and providing a quality team experience made them the natural choice for The Derm Group."

Shannon Delage, Chief Executive Officer of The Derm Group adds: "We sought a partner with our same mission, vision, and values. Schweiger Dermatology Group is recognized as the gold standard in the Northeast for both its patient and employee experience."

With this acquisition, Schweiger Dermatology Group is adding offices in multiple New Jersey regions, including Egg Harbor Township, Marlton, North Wales, Paramus, Riverdale, Warren, Freehold Township, Livingston, Morristown, Nutley, Princeton, Verona, and West Orange. Dr. Groisser will continue to see patients as well as join the Schweiger Dermatology Group Medical Management team.

Keith Price (Sandberg Phoenix), Mark Stein (Morgan Lewis), Michele Masucci (Nixon Peabody) and Sam Walker (Blank Rome) acted as legal counsel to Schweiger Dermatology Group. The Derm Group was represented by Adrienne Walker, Locke Lord, and advised by David Campbell of Getzler Henrich & Associates.

About Schweiger Dermatology Group

Schweiger Dermatology Group is the largest group dermatology practice in the Northeast with over 90 offices and over 250 healthcare providers. SDG provides both medical and cosmetic dermatology services to over 1,000,000 patient visits annually. Schweiger Dermatology Group has been named to Crain's New York Fast 50, honoring the fastest growing companies in New York and to Inc 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies in America, each over five times. To learn more, visit schweigerderm.com.

Media Contact:

Melissa Schweiger Kleinman

[email protected]

SOURCE Schweiger Dermatology Group

Related Links

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NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Koninklijke Philips N.V. ("Philips" or the "Company") (NYSE: PHG) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and docketed under 21-cv-04606, is on behalf of a class consisting of all persons and entities other than Defendants that purchased or otherwise acquired Philips securities between February 25, 2020 and June 11, 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.

If you are a shareholder who purchased or otherwise acquired Philips's securities during the Class Period, you have until October 15, 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]

Philips operates as a health technology company in North America, Greater China, and internationally. The Company's products include, among others, Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure ("Bi-Level PAP") and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure ("CPAP") devices, as well as mechanical ventilators. Bi-Level PAP machines pump air under pressure into the airway of the lungs. Bi-Level PAP machines have a higher pressure when users breathe in and lower pressure when users breathe out. CPAP machines keep users' airway open by providing a continuous stream of air through a mask. CPAP machines are devices prescribed to people with obstructive sleep apnea to keep their airways open during sleep. Bi-Level PAP and CPAP machines use Polyester-based polyurethane, a sound abatement foam, to reduce sound and vibration.

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) Philips had deficient product manufacturing controls or procedures; (ii) as a result, the Company's Bi-Level PAP and CPAP devices and mechanical ventilators were manufactured using hazardous materials; (iii) accordingly, the Company's sales revenues from the foregoing products were unsustainable; (iv) the foregoing also subjected the Company to a substantial risk of a product recall, in addition to potential legal and/or regulatory action; and (v) as a result, the Company's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On June 14, 2021, Philips issued a voluntary recall of certain of its Bi-Level PAP and CPAP devices, as well as mechanical ventilators, after finding that the sound abatement foam used in the devices can degrade and become toxic, potentially causing cancer.

On this news, Philips' stock price fell $2.25 per share, or 3.98%, to close at $54.25 per share on June 14, 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

[email protected]

888-476-6529 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

Related Links

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NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Juan Monteverde, founder and managing partner at Monteverde & Associates PC, a national securities firm rated Top 50 in the 2018-2020 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report and headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City, is investigating Echo Global Logistics, Inc. (ECHO) relating to its proposed acquisition by The Jordan Company, LP. Under the terms of the agreement, ECHO shareholders are expected to receive $48.25 in cash per share they own.

The investigation focuses on whether Echo Global Logistics, Inc. and its Board of Directors violated securities laws and/or breached their fiduciary duties to the Company by 1) failing to conduct a fair process, and 2) whether the transaction is properly valued.

Click here for more information: https://www.monteverdelaw.com/case/echo-global-logistics-inc. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

About Monteverde & Associates PC

We are a national class action securities litigation law firm that has recovered millions of dollars and is committed to protecting shareholders from corporate wrongdoing. We were listed in the Top 50 in the 2018-2020 ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. Our lawyers have significant experience litigating Mergers & Acquisitions and Securities Class Actions. Mr. Monteverde is recognized by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in Securities Litigation in 2013, 2017-2019, an award given to less than 2.5% of attorneys in a particular field. He has also been selected by Martindale-Hubbell as a 2017-2020 Top Rated Lawyer. Our firm's recent successes include changing the law in a significant victory that lowered the standard of liability under Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act in the Ninth Circuit. Thereafter, our firm successfully preserved this victory by obtaining dismissal of a writ of certiorari as improvidently granted at the United States Supreme Court. Emulex Corp. v. Varjabedian, 139 S. Ct. 1407 (2019). Also, over the years the firm has recovered or secured over a dozen cash common funds for shareholders in mergers & acquisitions class action cases.

If you owned common stock in the Company and wish to obtain additional information and protect your investments free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan E. Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at [email protected] or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

Contact:

Juan E. Monteverde, Esq.

MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC

The Empire State Building

350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4405

New York, NY 10118

United States of America

[email protected]

Tel: (212) 971-1341

Attorney Advertising. (C) 2021 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

SOURCE Monteverde & Associates PC

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NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 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

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BOCA RATON, Fla., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Melisa Grace, as Personal Representative of the Estate of Jenie Barbato, through her counsel, Shiner Law Group, P.A. has filed a lawsuit against Coventry I Condominium Association, Inc.; P.G. Security, Inc. d/b/a Platinum Group Security; United Civic Organization, Inc.; W.P.R.F., Inc.; and Seacrest Services, Inc. in the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County, Florida (Case No. 50-2021-CA-010726), alleging that the Defendants' negligence resulted in the wrongful death of Ms. Jenie Barbato.

Ms. Jenie Barbato was a resident of the community commonly known as Century Village, which is located in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida. The Estate of Jenie Barbato has alleged that on September 14, 2020, Robert Wayne Murray, entered the community, evading P.G. Security, Inc. d/b/a Platinum Group Security, the hired security company, and proceeded to Ms. Barbato's residence. The Estate of Jenie Barbato then alleged that when Mr. Murray entered Ms. Barbato's residence, he stabbed her and killed her. Ms. Barbato left behind many family members, including her daughter, Melisa Grace, who is serving as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Jenie Barbato. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office is investigating the case and criminal charges are currently pending in the 15th Judicial Circuit in and for Palm Beach County against Mr. Murray in connection with Ms. Barbato's death.

On September 15, 2021, Ms. Grace on behalf of her mother's estate, filed a lawsuit against several Defendants alleging that their actions or inactions led to Ms. Barbato's untimely death. Those allegations include claims for negligent security and that the Defendants should have reasonably foreseen that criminal acts, such as the one resulting in Ms. Barbato's death, could have been committed, but the Defendants failed to use reasonable care and provide adequate security measures to residents such as Ms. Barbato.

The Estate of Jenie Barbato alleged that prior to Ms. Barbato's untimely death, the Defendants were on notice that Mr. Murray was dangerous and should not be allowed on the Defendants' property as he could present a danger to others including Ms. Barbato.

The lawsuit filed by Shiner Law Group on behalf of the Estate of Jenie Barbato reserves the right to bring a claim for punitive damages against the Defendants pursuant to section 768.72, Florida Statutes. Under Florida law, punitive damages are allowed if a plaintiff can prove a defendant acted with intentional misconduct or gross negligence. A claim for punitive damages will subject the defendant to financial worth discovery, which will assist the jury in determining the appropriate amount to award the plaintiff.

Attorney Stratton Smiley of Shiner Law Group, P.A., who represents the Plaintiff said, "We believe the facts will show that Ms. Barbato's death was completely preventable if the Defendants had utilized reasonable care for their residents' safety and provided adequate security measures on the Century Village premises." Mr. Smiley, who has handled many negligent security and premises liability cases, added, "It is our opinion that when a jury applies a 'reasonably prudent person' standard they will find that the defendants were negligent in providing adequate protection and security."

Attorney David Shiner, who also represents the Plaintiff, stated, "When presented with foreseeable criminal conduct on their premises, like we think the Defendants were provided with in this case, the Defendants were required to provide proper security. As we believe that did not happen, we are going to do everything we can to help Ms. Barbato's grieving family obtain the justice they deserve."

If you want more information on this matter, or other matters in which Shiner Law Group, P.A. is involved, please contact Shiner Law Group at 561-777-7700, via email: [email protected], or visit: ShinerLawGroup.com. Shiner Law Group, P.A., maintains offices throughout Florida in Palm Beach, Broward, Martin, and St. Lucie counties and Shiner Law Group's main office is located at 301 Yamato Road, Suite 4100, Boca Raton, Florida 33431.

SOURCE Shiner Law Group

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EAGAN, Minn., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firm of Sieben Edmunds Miller PLLC is pleased to announce the opening of its new office in Eagan, Minnesota, to serve clients in the areas of criminal defense and personal injury law. The firm's office has been relocated from its previous location in Mendota Heights, Minnesota.

Sieben Edmunds Miller PLLC has helped thousands of people achieve prompt and successful resolution to their criminal defense and personal injury matters. The firm has been determined to make legal aid available to all Minnesotans during the pandemic, which inspired them to create the Peacetime Emergency Free Expungement Program for laid off workers who may have a difficult time finding new work because of a past conviction. By relocating to Eagan, the firm will be conveniently located for clients who need assistance with their personal injury or criminal defense case during a time when many are still facing financial and health-related challenges.

Partner Kevin Sieben is looking forward to supporting the people of Eagan and the surrounding areas with their criminal defense and personal injury cases. "We're glad to now be located in Eagan, a central location where we can serve more clients as our firm continues to grow," said Sieben.

"Our relocation opens new doors for the firm," agrees Partner Samuel Edmunds. "Eagan is a bustling suburb, and we're happy to become part of its thriving community. I know all our attorneys and staff are looking forward to working with clients in Eagan and throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area, and also all across Minnesota and Wisconsin."

Sieben Edmunds Miller PLLC is an award-winning criminal defense and personal injury law firm. The firm maintains a state-wide reputation for achieving positive results and substantial settlements for its clients. Attorneys at Sieben Edmunds Miller have been honored to be acknowledged for their exemplary professional achievement from Super Lawyers, Minnesota Lawyer Attorneys of the Year, Best Lawyers, and Martindale Hubbell. Kevin Sieben and Samuel Edmunds' debut criminal defense book, "The Criminal Defense Guide," will soon be available on Amazon.

Contact:

Kevin Sieben, Partner

Sieben Edmunds Miller

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 651-994-6744

SOURCE Sieben Edmunds Miller
STOCKHOLM, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Softwood fiber costs were generally higher worldwide in the 2Q/21 than in the previous quarter despite an increase in the supply of residuals from sawmills in Europe and North America. Practically all regions covered by the WRQ experienced q-o-q prices increases in the range of 1-5%. The major exception was British Columbia, where wood chip prices were up by almost 20% because of tighter fiber supply and higher NBSK pulp prices. Over the past year, softwood fiber costs have gone up worldwide between 5% and 20%, except for in the US and Germany, where wood chip prices have fallen substantially.

The higher softwood fiber prices resulted in a two-year high of over $92/odmt for the Softwood Fiber Price Index (SFPI) in the 2Q/21. However, with only a modest increase of the Hardwood Fiber Price Index (HFPI) by one percent q-o-q to $84.41/odmt, the discrepancy between the two indices rose to the widest margin since 2007.

Hardwood fiber prices in most major pulp-producing countries saw minor price adjustments in the 2Q/21. However, a few regions, such as the US South, Eastern Canada, and Spain, stand out as being places where the costs of hardwood pulplogs have gone up over 5% from the 1Q/21.

Trade of hardwood chips in the Pacific Rim has increased rapidly for four consecutive quarters to reach a record-high of 6.7 million odmt in the 2Q/21. During the same quarter in 2020, shipments were at a six-year low of only 5.0 million odmt. China continues to be the primary destination for exported wood chips, accounting for over 60% of all traded wood chips in the region. Japan's share has fallen to 34%, while the balance is imported by pulpmills in South Korea and Taiwan.

Japan's wood chip import volumes in 2021 have bounced back from their recent lows during the initial period of the COVID epidemic in early 2020. However, the quarterly shipments in 2021 have been more than 10% below their 5-year average before the exceptional decline in 2020.

The overall changes in supply sources in 2021 have been China's diversification and Japan's concentration of imports from fewer countries. For example, China has predominantly relied on Vietnam and Australia in the past but has recently expanded imports from Thailand, South Africa, and Brazil. In contrast, Japan has increasingly purchased wood chips from Vietnam and Australia while reducing importation from Brazil and Chile.

Are you interested in worldwide wood products market information? The Wood Resource Quarterly (WRQ) is a 75-page report established in 1988 and has subscribers in over 30 countries. The publication tracks prices for sawlog, pulpwood, lumber & pellets and reports on trade and wood market developments in most key regions worldwide. For more insights on the latest international forest product market trends, please go to www.WoodPrices.com

Contact Information

Wood Resources International LLC

Hakan Ekstrom, Seattle, USA

[email protected]

www.woodprices.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/wood-resources-international-llc/r/softwood-pulpwood-saw-higher-price-increases-worldwide-than-hardwood-pulpwood--resulting-in-the-wide,c3428459

The following files are available for download:

https://mb.cision.com/Main/1902/3428459/1477906.pdf WRI-Market Insights 2021 Global Wood Fiber Markets Sep 2021 https://news.cision.com/wood-resources-international-llc/i/3428459-0-png,c2964705 3428459_0.png

SOURCE Wood Resources International LLC
Solarea bio rounds out management team to prepare for product launch Tweet this

David Easson, Solarea's Chief Manufacturing Officer has spent most of his career at startup companies working to develop and commercialize microbial and biopharmaceutical products. He has held process development and manufacturing leadership roles at Alpha-Beta Technology, Epic Therapeutics, Baxter Healthcare, AOBiome, and recently Indigo Ag. He earned his Sc.D. from MIT and is energized by early stage companies. "I am very excited to be a part of the Solarea team," says Easson, "we are focused on ensuring efficient scale-up of our manufacturing processes and the rapid launch of our novel and valuable products. I believe that this is critical to unlocking the full potential of our technology."

In the Chief Business Officer role, Rachel Raymond will drive the strategy and implementation of the commercial launches of new products and define partnerships with industry players. She brings extensive experience in this space including global strategy and business development roles at Syngenta and commercial roles at Indigo, most recently having served as the Chief Operating Officer for their North American Business. "Solarea is exactly the type of opportunity I was looking for," says Raymond, who completed her MBA at Harvard Business School and is passionate about launching new technologies "the technology platform creates so much opportunity to bring value across multiple verticals. I'm proud to be a part of a team bringing products to market that will have such an important impact on people's lives and wellbeing."

"The management team is set up for our next steps in the company's growth by launching our lead products and expanding our pipeline in multiple verticals" says Toledo. "I'm fortunate to be working with such an experienced and mission-oriented group as we unlock the power of fresh fruits and vegetable microbiomes to help people address key challenges they're facing with their health."

About Solarea: Solarea Bio is a biotechnology company based in Cambridge, MA developing new microbiome-based solutions to address some of the world's largest health problems. Solarea Bio: Inspired by Nature, Powered by Science.(TM)

Contact:

Rachel Raymond

[email protected]



Solarea Bio

[email protected]

SOURCE Solarea Bio

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MANCHESTER, N.H., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Spirit Airlines' bright yellow planes touched down at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) for the first time today as the Airport celebrated the arrival of their new carrier. The airline brought more exciting news with them, announcing the addition of a seasonal, nonstop route to Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) starting April 20, 2022.

"Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is certainly in the spirit to celebrate today!" said Airport Director Ted Kitchens, A.A.E. "We want to welcome and thank our newest airline partner, Spirit Airlines, for bringing new service from MHT to four popular Florida destinations and for the new service to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. And for all of our passengers flying on Spirit's inaugural flight todaycongratulations on being a part of Making History Today!"

Spirit Airlines is the first new airline at MHT in 17 years and marks an exciting new period of expansion for MHT. Myrtle Beach, their newest addition, marks the first time MHT has had a nonstop flight to the state of South Carolina.

"It's a great feeling to be able to bring More Go and announce additional service on Day One," said Lania Rittenhouse, Spirit's Vice President of Guest Experience & Brand, and President of the Spirit Charitable Foundation. "It's an absolute pleasure to serve MHT. We see great opportunities and are eager to show our New Hampshire Guests why Spirit is the best value in the sky."

Spirit's nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) from MHT started today. In just six weeks, Spirit's nonstop service to Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers (RSW) and Tampa International Airport (TPA) will begin on November 17 and 18, respectively.

"Spirit Airlines is bringing New Hampshire residents exactly what they have asked formore nonstop destinations and affordable prices," said New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu. "Because of this exciting partnership, we now havefor the first time evera nonstop flight from New Hampshire to South Carolina. A great opportunity for the Granite State!"

"I'm thrilled to celebrate the launch of Spirit Airlines from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport," said Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig. "These new, direct, low-cost flights to Florida and South Carolina will give residents more options as they travel and will allow more visitors the opportunity to visit our beautiful state. This is an exciting time for MHT, and I'm proud to welcome Spirit as an official partner to the Greater Manchester community."

To celebrate, the Airport pulled out all the stops and threw a big inaugural flight celebration at Spirit's new gate, Gate 1. As part of the inaugural celebration, the airline provided Free Spirit vouchers to every passenger on the inbound FLL and outbound MCO flights. The vouchers are worth 1,000 points and can be redeemed on future Spirit flights.

Spirit also showed its commitment to New Hampshire and its community by donating $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester through the Spirit Charitable Foundation. Diane Fitzpatrick, CEO; Natalie Jutras, Development Director; and three children from the Boys & Girls Club attended the celebration to accept the check.

"On behalf of the Boys & Girls Club of Manchester, we are excited to welcome Spirit Airlines to Manchester-Boston Regional Airport," Diane Fitzpatrick said. "We are thankful to the Spirit Charitable Foundation for this generous gift, and we appreciate their commitment to inspiring positive change in our city and our children."

Airport officials, Spirit officials and the passengers on the first outbound flight celebrated at Gate 1 as they waited with anticipation for the first Spirit plane to arrive. While waiting, they enjoyed a celebration of Florida-themed activities, starting at Spirit's ticket counter with colorful floor stickers that led the way to Gate 1. Passengers took photos at a giant flip flop photo station, enjoyed a custom-designed, three-tiered cake from Frederick's Pastries, and received inaugural flight certificates and other giveaway items.

At 4:30 p.m., all eyes turned outside to watch Spirit's first plane touch down. The plane, arriving from Fort Lauderdale, received a "water salute"a traditional airport welcome for new airlines or routes. Spirit Team Members assisted in the ribbon cutting at Gate 1.

Inbound passengers arriving at MHT enjoyed a New Hampshire fall-themed entrance into the Airport, with fall decor, Starbucks pumpkin spice coffee, apple cider donuts from NH Doughnut Co., and VisitNH giveaway items.

MHT and Spirit first announced the new carrier and flights on June 16, 2021.

Click here for more information, including a flight fact sheet, inaugural photos, logos and more.

ABOUT MANCHESTER-BOSTON REGIONAL AIRPORT

Strategically situated in the heart of New England, Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is located less than fifty miles north of Boston, Massachusetts, and less than an hour's drive from the region's most popular ski areas, scenic seacoast beaches and peaceful lakefront resorts. Having not closed for winter weather in over 30 years, MHT provides operational certainty and is the premier aviation gateway for the region. For more information, visit www.flymanchester.com.

ABOUT SPIRIT

Spirit Airlines (NYSE: SAVE) is committed to delivering the best value in the sky. We are the leader in providing customizable travel options starting with an unbundled fare. This allows our Guests to pay only for the options they choose  like bags, seat assignments and refreshments  something we call A La Smarte. We make it possible for our Guests to venture further and discover more than ever before. Our Fit Fleet is one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the U.S. We serve destinations throughout the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean, and are dedicated to giving back and improving those communities. Come save with us at spirit.com.

SOURCE Manchester-Boston Regional Airport
WORCESTER, Mass., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday Oct. 8, the St. Vincent nurses strike will reach another unfortunate milestone in their struggle against Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare, which began a full seven months earlier on March 8 in a last-ditch effort by the nurses to finally convince Tenet Healthcare, one of the most profitable corporations in America, to finally put their concern for patients ahead of their ravenous desire for profits.

As the strike, now the longest nurses' strike in state history, reaches its seventh month, the support for the nurses' cause, and the ire against Tenet for its behavior continues to gather momentum within the region, the state and the nation

"The fact that we are still outside this hospital, the hospital we love and have served, some of us for 10, 20 even 40 years is a travesty and serves as an indictment of Tenet Healthcare and their unyielding desire for profit and power at the expense of the suffering of our patients and our community," said Marlena Pellegrino, RN, a longtime nurse at the hospital and co-chair of the nurses local bargaining unit of the Massachusetts Nurses Association. "Our nurses want nothing more than to be back at the bedside to provide our patients with the dignity and expert care they expect and deserve from this, their community hospital. Unfortunately, Tenet has refused an agreement that would allow that to happen, choosing instead to spend millions to keep us out, to pursue illegal practices to punish us for our advocacy -- all to avoid accountability for providing safe patient care."

In the last two weeks, the nurses have been buoyed by a growing chorus of voices coming from all sectors of the community, including two powerful letters from the unions -- UFCW 1445 and Teamsters Local 170 -- representing most of the caregivers still working inside St. Vincent Hospital who place the blame for poor conditions inside the hospital, and the crisis outside the hospital on Tenet, and fully support the nurses call for a return to the positions they held prior to the strike.

Public officials have also weighed in, which included a powerful statement by State Representatives Mary Keefe and David LeBoeuf, where they wrote in part: "Worcester is in the midst of a public health crisis with a 'negative' number of hospital beds throughout the regionThis lack of services during the height of resurge of the COVID-19 pandemic has put all of us in the community at risk. There are over 700 nurses on the picket line. Bringing them back to their jobs would solve this crisis that our community faces."

Also last week, Mayor Joe Petty and City Councilor and Chair of Public Health Sarai Rivera held a press conference supporting the St. Vincent nurses' position and calling out Tenet for their efforts to endanger the community, where the Mayor stated, "Tenet Healthcare is demanding that these nurses end this strike with no guarantee that they will retain their previous positions or a commitment that they can return to work without fear of retaliation. These demands are unprecedented and violate the standard practice in any and all strikes and the high labor standards that we expect from all employers in our city. The demand put upon them by the hospitals corporate owners is not only unjust, it is detrimental to the safe restoration of services for our community. I want Tenet to know that we will not allow Worcester to be a testing ground for the imposition of unprecedented labor practices that harm unions and all workers. And when it comes to our nurses, who have given so much to us for so many years, I want Tenet to know that we in Worcester believe that they are irreplaceable."

This week, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, which represents thousands of organized workers and serves as the voice for working families in Massachusetts sent a letter to policy makers calling out Tenet for the abusive treatment of St. Vincent nurses and the need to return them to their original positions to end the nurses strike so they can resume caring for the communities they have served with skill and compassion for decades.

And on Tuesday, nurses who work at hospitals owned by Tenet Healthcare in California, Arizona and Texas, sent a letter to Tenet's CEO Saum Sutaria, as well as a number of legislators and policymakers in Massachusetts, decrying the for-profit company's actions during the historic strike, stating in part that they "strongly condemn Tenet's continued disregard for the community and patients' health during this pandemic by failing to return striking St. Vincent nurses to work and ending the seven-month long strike. As fellow Tenet nurses, we have seen how Tenet leadership put profits over patients at our own hospital and we see they are making the same choice at St. Vincent. Their actions are now putting the community of Worcester at dire risk with the closing of beds and failing to reinstate striking nurses."

The nurses have also won praise from their colleagues working in hospitals across the region, who view them as heroes for their stand against Tenet's corporate greed and blatant abuse and the support they are providing to the community. While the nurses are being kept out on the street by Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare and Tenet has closed beds and services needed by the community, many of the nurses have found or are seeking work at a number of facilities in the region in the hopes of minimizing the impact of the COVID crisis on their own communities while also sustaining their families until Tenet agrees to an equitable end to the dispute. Many of the strikers are working in a number of hospitals, including at both campuses of nearby UMass Memorial Medical Center, at both UMass Memorial HealthAlliance facilities in Clinton, and Leominster, at UMass Memorial Marlborough Hospital, at Milford Regional Medical Center, Harrington Hospital and Henry Heywood Hospital. Other nurses are working in vaccination sites and some in local nursing homes. The skill, expertise and helping hands of these nurses are much appreciated by their colleagues throughout the region.

"We completely support the St. V's nurses. Their battle for safe staffing in order to provide safe care to their patients is a fight that belongs to all of us," said Diane Lane-Cormier, RN and co-chair of the nurses local bargaining unit at UMass Memorial HealthAlliance-Leominster Hospital. "We have had St, Vincent nurses coming in droves to help us out with our nursing shortage at HealthAlliance. They have been nothing but wonderful, caring nurses and we are pleased and grateful to be working side by side with them."

How We Got Here

The strike followed more than 18 months of negotiations and advocacy by the nurses to convince their CEO Carolyn Jackson that conditions for patients were patently unsafe and needed to be improved to protect their patients and stem the mass exodus of nurses, after more than 100 nurses left the facility largely due to the deplorable working conditions. The strike followed a year of great sacrifice and courageous service by the nurses during the worst public health crisis in the nation's history, as they worked tirelessly to care for patients during the pandemic with inadequate staffing conditions and the required personal protective equipment (some nurses resorted to wearing trash bags after Tenet failed to provide appropriate protective gowns), resulting in hundreds of the nurses becoming infected with the virus themselves.

Repeated appeals to improve conditions were ignored by Jackson and her leadership team, who responded to the crisis by furloughing staff, implementing daily staffing cuts, while the corporation bragged in the press of their plan to utilize billions in taxpayer pandemic funding to "maximize our cash position." Over the course of the last two years, the nurses went to great lengths to convince Tenet to address the growing patient safety crisis, including:

the nurses filed more than 1,000 official real time reports of unsafe conditions that threatened the lives of their patients, with Tenet taking little or no action to address nurses' concerns;

the nurses signed and delivered a petition to Jackson in March of 2020 demanding safer patient care conditions;

the following month, more than 200 nurses attended a meeting with the hospital's negotiating team providing harrowing testimony of unsafe conditions for patients on nearly every unit;

in January of 2021 nurses began daily picketing outside the hospital to draw public attention to their cause, and finally;

on February 10, 2021 , the nurses cast an 89 percent vote in favor of the strike. The same day, Tenet announced profits for the pandemic year of more than $400 million , profits made on the backs of their nurses and the suffering of their patients.

"What is at stake in this situation is the ability of nurses to advocate for and to care for patients at the most vulnerable time in their lives," said Marie Ritacco, RN, a member of the nurses negotiating committee and vice president of the MNA. "CEOs come and go, but at the end of the day, nurses are the ones who answer the call light and make the split-second decisions that could save your life. Our union provides us with a protected voice which allows us to fight for you, particularly when a for-profit corporation is willing to sacrifice your safety, as Tenet has done, to boost their stock price for their shareholders.

"We were the nurses in the room with patients gasping their last breaths, holding up an iPad or cell phone to say their final goodbyes to loved ones last year, not anyone wearing a suit from Tenet in Worcester or Dallas," Ritacco concluded. "We are appalled that they have chosen to deprive patients in this community the care they need, and they are now threatening us with the loss of our ability to care for you purely out of spite. It is beyond despicable."

More than 700 nurses joined the strike on March 8, and six months later, nearly 700 nurses are honoring the strike. While the nurses continue to walk the line, their cause has been followed and supported throughout the region, the state, the nation, and yes, the world, as nurses and labor/health care advocates from nearly every continent have lent moral and material support to the nurses' cause, seeing their struggle as a fight for humane health care delivery and workplace justice in the face of unmitigated corporate greed. From its inception, the nurses have won the support of nearly every member of the state's congressional and legislative delegations, from Attorney General Maura Healey, the Mayor of Worcester and the entire Worcester City Council. These officials have sent multiple letters, passed resolutions and made multiple calls to Tenet urging them, to provide what the nurses are asking for. The nurses have also won vast community support, with multiple faith leaders and community activists holding rallies, marches and no less than four prayer vigils with the nurses outside the hospital. More than 10,000 "I support the St. Vincent Nurses" lawn signs have been distributed and are showing up outside homes and businesses from Cape Cod to Pittsfield, and several thousand community postcards have been signed and mailed to Tenet's CEO in Worcester and in Dallas from community members.

"As difficult as this has been for all of us, we take enormous comfort from the support we have received and continue to receive from all sectors of our local community and from around the world," said Dominique Muldoon, RN, another longtime nurse at the hospital and co-chair of the nurses local bargaining unit. "No matter what lies and misinformation our CEO puts out, the public understands the core message of our strike, as shown on one of our signs, which is 'if nurses are out here, there is something wrong in there.' The public understands the key role we play in their care, particularly after what we all went through last year, and they know we doing this not for personal gain, but to keep them safe."

As the strike continues, the nurses continue their effort to hold Tenet accountable for their actions and have filed a total of nine unfair labor practices against the corporations for their actions prior to and throughout the strike including making unlawful threats against striking nurses, retaliation and discrimination towards striking nurses, promises of benefits to non-strikers, and bad faith bargaining tactics, all designed to break the strike and to remove MNA as the nurses' bargaining agent. This conduct has greatly disturbed the nurses, who are now demanding that any return-to-work agreement must also include resolution of the unfair labor practices and the conduct underlying them.

The announcement of the charges follows a scathing news report detailing heart-wrenching stories by patients and staff inside the hospital about deplorable patient care conditions and the lack of safe and compassionate care being provided by the replacement nurses hired by Tenet to work during the strike.

Tenet's propensity for questionable and unlawful behavior is well documented, as the corporation has been subject to fines and other judgements from courts and governmental agencies totaling more than $1.8 billion over the last 20 years alone. A listing of those decisions can be found here. This includes the award in February of $10.6 million to two cardiologists at Tenet-owned Detroit Medical Center after a federal judge upheld an arbitrators' decision that the hospital and Tenet acted with malice in firing them as retaliation for reporting violations at the facility. Four nurses at a Tenet facility in June of 2020 have also filed $25 million lawsuit against Tenet for alleged wrongful discharge, retaliation against whistleblowers, and intentional and/or reckless infliction of emotional distress, after the nurses reported preventable patient deaths in their emergency department due to understaffing during the height of the COVID crisis. And in February of 2020, Tenet and one of its California hospitals agreed to pay $1.41 million to settle false claims allegations brought by the federal government for knowingly charging Medicare for implanting unnecessary cardiac monitors into patients.

Agreement Scuttled Last Month Over Back to Work Provision and Tenet Unfair Labor Practices

Two months ago the nurses had agreed to staffing improvements negotiated throughout the strike and were ready to return to work to provide care, particularly during the current surge caused by the Delta variant, yet a final agreement was scuttled by Tenet when they demanded the nurses accept an unprecedented and punitive back to work provision that is not only unfair to nurses, but its replacement of highly skilled nurses with lesser qualified staff, would undermine all the patient safety gains the parties had negotiated. The hospital's proposal also called for the nurses to retract all the unfair labor practice charges, opening the door for Tenet to continue its efforts to retaliate against the striking nurses. The nurses are clear that any negotiated Return to Work Agreement must also include a negotiated resolution of all the unfair labor practice charges the nurses have filed.

"We went on strike to achieve safer patient care and can't go back as long as the hospital's dangerous return to work agreement denies our most fragile patients the experienced, expert care they deserve," said Muldoon. "Our members are clear. They are ready to end the strike to provide care once again, but not unless all nurses are returned to their jobs and can do so without fear of abuse because a for profit corporation decided to retaliate against nurses who have been advocating for safer conditions inside our hospital."

"This was a callous demand at the 11th hour by our CEO in blatant retaliation against the nurses with only one goal, to punish the nurses for our strike, to break our union and thereby silence our voice as advocates for our patients and our community," said Pellegrino. "This is yet another example of what our nurses have faced for more than two years, why our nurses cast a vote of no confidence against our CEO during the height of the pandemic in May 2020, and why we went on strike and stayed out on strike all this time."

Without an agreement, the strike will continue as the nurses continue to work with the federal mediators and the National Labor Relations to find a way to move the process to a just resolution.

For more background on the strike and the issues involved, click here to learn more.

MassNurses.org  Facebook.com/MassNurses  Twitter.com/MassNurses

Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 23,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association

Related Links

http://www.massnurses.org


KOKOMO, Ind., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ --

Announcement is one piece of a long-term strategy and electrification plan shared during the company's EV Day

Investment will retool three Kokomo plants to produce electrified, next-generation, eight-speed transmissions; 662 jobs retained

plants to produce electrified, next-generation, eight-speed transmissions; 662 jobs retained "Multi-tool" of transmissions can be paired with internal combustion, mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid propulsion systems

New transmission will deliver improved fuel economy, provide pure-electric range and help vehicles meet future emission regulations

Electrified transmission diversifies product portfolio of Kokomo -area plants

-area plants Leverages core competencies and skill sets of local workforce

Stellantis today announced it would invest a total of $229 million in three of its Kokomo, Indiana, plants to help the company reach its goal of achieving 40% low-emission vehicle sales in the U.S. by 2030. This announcement, which will retain 662 jobs, comes three months after the company laid out its long-term electrification strategy, where it committed to investing $35 billion through 2025 in electrification and software.



Stellantis Head of Powertrain Operations Brad Clark made the announcement during an event at the Kokomo Transmission Plant attended by Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb, Kokomo Mayor Tyler Moore and UAW Region 2B Director Wayne Blanchard, along with other elected officials and community leaders.



The investment will support retooling of the Kokomo Transmission (KTP), Kokomo Casting and Indiana Transmission plants to produce the fourth-generation eight-speed transmission. This new transmission will have the flexibility to be paired with internal combustion engines, as well as mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid propulsion systems, for vehicles across the Jeep, Ram, Chrysler and Dodge brands. It will deliver improved fuel economy, provide pure-electric range and help vehicles meet future emission regulations.



"This investment and this transmission represent an important stepping stone in getting us to 2030 and further expanding our battery electric offerings," said Clark. "This new eight-speed is the 'multi-tool' of transmissions. It is a versatile transmission that can be adapted for a variety of applications, allowing us the flexibility to adjust our production as consumer demand for electrified vehicles grows over the next decade. It also offers consumers the opportunity to get familiar with this technology and explore all of the benefits that can come from electrification."



The new, fourth-generation, eight-speed transmission will capitalize on a number of common parts within the different versions  transmission gear train/clutch, mechatronics, mechanical pump and E-pump motor. It also will have the flexibility for unique parts to adapt to the various electrification options. These parts include the eMotor, torque converter and power electronics.



Adding electrified transmission assembly also diversifies the product portfolio of the Kokomo operations. In March 2020, Stellantis announced it would invest $400 million to convert Indiana Transmission Plant II to the Kokomo Engine Plant to produce the GMET4 engine, the company's 2.0-liter Global Medium Engine inline four-cylinder turbo. Production is expected to launch later this year.



This investment also leverages the core manufacturing competencies of the Kokomo operations and the local workforce in the areas of casting, machining and assembly, all of which will be needed as the market transitions to an electrified future.



"As our industry continues to change, our focus must continue to be on our most valuable asset  our people," said Clark. "This transmission program will bring new opportunities for our current workforce, as well as the manufacturing workforce of the future."



The second-generation eight-speed transmission has been a workhorse of the company's powertrains since production began in 2012. KTP celebrated the 5 millionth eight-speed transmission built on Sept. 30. It is the current transmission option on the Jeep Wrangler, Gladiator and Grand Cherokee; Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer; Ram 1500; Dodge Charger, Challenger, Durango; and Chrysler 300 models.



Stellantis

Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) is one of the world's leading automakers and a mobility provider, guided by a clear vision to offer freedom of movement with distinctive, affordable and reliable mobility solutions. In addition to the Group's rich heritage and broad geographic presence, its greatest strengths lie in its sustainable performance, depth of experience and the wide-ranging talents of employees working around the globe. Stellantis will leverage its broad and iconic brand portfolio, which was founded by visionaries who infused the brands with passion and a competitive spirit that speaks to employees and customers alike. Stellantis aspires to become the greatest, not the biggest, while creating added value for all stakeholders, as well as the communities in which it operates.

Follow company news and video on:

Company blog: http://blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Media website: http://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Company website: www.stellantis.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/Stellantis

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StellantisNA

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellantisna

Twitter: @StellantisNA

YouTube: http://youtube.com/StellantisNA

SOURCE Stellantis

Related Links

http://www.stellantis.com


GREENWICH, Conn., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- SVPGlobal, a global investment firm focused on distressed debt, special situations and private equity opportunities, with more than $18 billion in assets under management, today announced a number of steps it has taken to expand its Real Estate team and capture real estate investment opportunities across the U.S. and Europe.

SVPGlobal appointed Sujan Patel as Head of Real Estate in late 2020. Previously, Mr. Patel served as Managing Director and Co-Head of U.S. Investment Management at Colony Capital Inc., now named DigitalBridge Group, Inc., having cut his teeth in the business at the NorthStar companies, where he served as Managing Director and Co-Head of Investments, working at the firm from 2007. SVPGlobal has now named Anders Hemmingsen and Joseph Pontrello as Managing Directors in London and Greenwich, respectively. Mr. Hemmingsen and Mr. Pontrello will play critical roles in sourcing, evaluating, and executing investment opportunities for SVPGlobal's rapidly growing Real Estate platform, as well as offering support and insights to the firm's existing investments. These appointments bring SVPGlobal's Real Estate team to seven members, with plans for further growth in the near term.

Victor Khosla, SVPGlobal's Founder and Chief Investment Officer, said, "The current break in the real estate market is presenting SVPGlobal with compelling investment opportunities. The sector experience provided by Sujan, Anders, Joseph, and the rest of our Real Estate team will accelerate our pursuit of these opportunities during this pivotal period. As this team continues to expand, we are well positioned to take advantage of the current market."

In addition to the appointments of Messrs. Hemmingsen and Pontrello, SVPGlobal recently hired Dan Raffe as Managing Director on the North America Investment Team focusing on managing real estate assets. The firm also named Jeff Johnson to its Advisory Council to assist the real estate franchise in North America.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, SVPGlobal has deployed approximately $1.6 billion into distressed real estate opportunities. Most notably, SVPGlobal is leading Washington Prime Group's successful Chapter 11 reorganization, which was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court on September 3, 2021. As WPG's largest creditor, SVPGlobal led a $100 million DIP financing facility to support WPG's day-to-day operations and is backstopping a $325 million equity rights offering. As a result of the restructuring, WPG's balance sheet will be de-levered by nearly $1 billion through a debt equitization that will result in SVPGlobal controlling the company.

Additional information on Messrs. Hemmingsen, Pontrello, Raffe and Johnson follows below:

Anders Hemmingsen, Managing Director. Mr. Hemmingsen joins SVPGlobal from Deutsche Bank where he served as head of CRE Special Situations Europe, a team focused on commercial real estate and distressed debt. At Deutsche Bank, he led the acquisition of several billion Euros of non-performing loans in the CRE space. Prior to Deutsche Bank, Mr. Hemmingsen held various positions at HSBC in both Canada and London in real estate finance and investment banking.

Joseph Pontrello, Managing Director. Mr. Pontrello joins SVPGlobal from Fortress Investment Group where he held various roles, most recently serving as Managing Director in the Real Estate and Credit Funds. During this time, he contributed to the sourcing, execution, and realization of several billion dollars in complex opportunistic debt and equity transactions across various commercial real estate and related asset classes. Mr. Pontrello began his career at Credit Suisse as an investment banking associate where he rotated through the leverage finance and financial institutions groups.

Dan Raffe, Managing Director and Senior Operating Partner, Real Estate. Prior to joining SVPGlobal, Mr. Raffe was Global Head of Portfolio/Asset Management at Colony NorthStar, where he assisted in growing the company to over $20 billion in real estate assets under management and was responsible for Portfolio/Asset Management throughout the U.S. and Europe. Prior to Colony Northstar, Mr. Raffe served as Managing Director of the Financial Consulting Group at Cushman & Wakefield, Vice President of Structured Finance and Equity Investments at GE Business Property, and a Senior Vice President at USBX.

Jeff Johnson, Advisory Council, Member. Mr. Johnson has more than 24 years of experience in the real estate investment arena and has held various executive positions during his time in the industry. He was the Managing Partner for Lakeshore Holdings, LLC, a real estate private equity firm and CEO of Black Creek Diversified Property Fund, the largest public NAV REIT in the United States. Mr. Johnson also served as Chief Investment Officer and Chairman of the Investment Committee at Equity Office Properties Trust and its predecessors from 1990 to 1999 and from 2003 until EOP was acquired in 2007 by Blackstone Group for $39 billion. From 2000 to 2003, he was a founding Partner, Managing Director and Co-Head of U.S. Investments for Lehman Brothers' first global real estate private equity fund.

About SVPGlobal

Strategic Value Partners, LLC and its affiliates ("SVPGlobal") is a global investment firm focused on distressed debt, special situations and private equity opportunities, with more than $18 billion in assets under management. The firm, established by Victor Khosla in 2001, has approximately 130 employees, including approximately 50 investment professionals, across its main offices in Greenwich (CT), London and Tokyo. It was among the earliest U.S. distressed firms to establish a European presence, opening in London in 2004. In total, SVPGlobal has invested more than $36 billion of capital since its inception in 2001, including $16 billion in Europe, and led over 150 significant transactions. SVPGlobal is a signatory of the United Nations supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). The PRI is recognized as the leading global network for investors committed to integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into their investment decision making. Learn more at www.svpglobal.com.

Media Contacts:

North America Europe Kekst CNC Todd Fogarty, Richard Goldman, Emma Young [email protected] +1 212 521 4800 Greenbrook Communications James Madsen, Mikaela Murekian, Fanni Bodri [email protected] +44 20 7952 2000

SOURCE SVPGlobal

Related Links

http://www.svpglobal.com


CHICAGO, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Chi-town java lovers are in for a caffeinated treat. In honor of International Coffee Month, Tchibo , Europe's #1 coffeehouse, is celebrating with two long weekends of mobile pop ups featuring hot, fresh Tchibo coffee samples. From Thursday, October 7 - Sunday October 10, and again from Thursday, October 14 - October 17, the Tchibo truck will be making stops around Chicago's busiest areas, giving residents and tourists alike a free morning jolt.

"We're excited to offer coffee lovers across Chicagoland a taste of Tchibo. The iconic European heritage brand provides a premium, high-quality and vibrant option to the American coffee market," said Chris Mattina, CEO Rainmaker Food Solutions, LLC. "From Lincoln Park to Old Town, and local Jewel-Osco stores around the city, bean junkies will have a chance to taste the difference and experience the 800 aromas of Tchibo firsthand. After all, nothing says International Coffee Month like Europe's #1 Coffeehouse!"

"Tchase" the Tchibo Truck the following dates and locations:

Week 1

Week 2

Thursday,

October 7 7:30-8:30 AM: Lincoln Park - Near Armitage Street 9:00-10:00 AM: Jewel-Osco - 2550 N. Clybourn Ave Chicago IL 60614 11:30-12:30 PM: Lakeview - Near Southport & Roscoe 1:00-2:00 PM: Jewel-Osco - 3630 N Southport Chicago IL 60613 Thursday,

October 14 9:00-10:30 AM: Jewel-Osco - 1227 Naper Blvd Naperville IL 60540 12:00-1:30 PM: Jewel-Osco - 1759 W Ogden Avenue Naperville IL 60540 Friday,

October 8 7:30-8:30 AM: Old Town - Near N Clark St. & W Wrightwood Ave 9:00-10:00 AM: Jewel-Osco - 424 W Division St. Chicago IL 60610 11:30-12:30 PM: Old Town - Near Wells Street 1:00-2:00 PM: Jewel-Osco - 102 W. Division Chicago IL 60610 Friday,

October 15 9:00-10:30 AM: Jewel-Osco - 1151 S Roselle Road Schaumburg IL 60193 12:00-1:30 PM: Jewel-Osco - 2501 W Schaumburg Rd Schaumburg IL 60194 Saturday,

October 9 7:30-8:30 AM: Bucktown - Churchill Park 9:00-10:00 AM: Jewel-Osco - 1341 N Paulina Chicago IL 60622 11:30-12:30 PM: Wicker Park - Near Milwaukee Avenue 1:00-2:00 PM: Jewel-Osco - 370 N Des Plaines Ave Chicago IL 60661 Saturday,

October 16 9:00-10:30 AM: Jewel-Osco - 45 Plum Grove Road Palatine IL 60067 12:00-1:30 PM: Jewel-Osco - 423 E Dundee Palatine IL 60067 Sunday,

October 10 7:30-8:30 AM: Roscoe Village - Near Roscoe & Damen 9:00-10:00 AM: Jewel-Osco - 2940 N Ashland Chicago IL 60657 11:30-12:30 PM: Avondale - Near W Roscoe St & N Elston Ave 1:00-2:00 PM: Irving Park Sunday,

October 17 9:00-10:30 AM: Jewel-Osco - 1660 Larkin Avenue Elgin IL 60120 12:00-1:30 PM: Jewel-Osco - 1040 Summit Elgin IL 60120

The mobile tour follows the brand's recent launch in the U.S. and allows for coffee drinkers across Chicago to enjoy a more sustainable and fresher coffee experience. Tchibo is distributed by Rainmaker Food Solutions, LLC, a distribution partner renowned for offering consumers better food choices in a responsible, honest, contemporary and sustainable manner. The four Tchibo varieties created specifically for the U.S. market are Morning Blend, Colombia Origin, Classic Blend and Rostmeister. Among Midwest retailers, Tchibo can be found at Jewel-Osco and Meijer stores across Chicago.

This Tchibo coffee tour is made possible by OutCold , a Chicago based experiential agency with the motto anything but boring.

To learn more about Tchibo, visit Tchibo.com ; follow the mobile tour on Instagram and Facebook . For a complete list of Midwest retailers click here.

About Tchibo

Founded in 1949, Tchibo has been delighting coffee connoisseurs for over 70 years, becoming the #1 coffeehouse in Europe. Now available in the U.S. and carried throughout Europe, Tchibo is the roasted coffee market leader in several European countries. In addition to coffee products, Tchibo operates a wide range of non-food businesses in Europe with a large retail arm operating in more than 900 shops, 24,300 outposts at third-party retail outlets, and online stores. Tchibo has 11,450 employees worldwide, and generated revenues of over $3.6 billion in 2019.

The Tchibo difference is grounded in the concept of ROST FRISCH, redefining what it means to be fresh. From growing and harvesting to roasting and packaging, every step in the Tchibo process is 'fresher by design' and dedicated to creating exquisitely fresh coffee for consumers to enjoy at home. Tchibo recognizes that it is imperative to have a healthy planet to achieve the freshest and most sustainable coffee. With global headquarters in Hamburg, the family-owned business has been recognized with multiple awards for its sustainable, fair-trade practices. Learn more at Tchibo.com ; follow us on Instagram and Facebook

Contact: Sabrina Christiansen

[email protected], 801.836.0789

SOURCE Tchibo

Related Links

http://www.tchibo.com


FREMONT, Calif. and CLEARWATER, Fla., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TD SYNNEX (NYSE: SNX) today announced the launch of World of Inspiration, a virtual demo lab that uses an immersive approach to visualize and collaborate on multi-vendor solutions within authentic environments. The lab can be customized to simulate scenarios such as return to school, festivals and other public events, as well as the management of disasters by providing a roadmap outlining how a smart city uses technology to respond efficiently and safely. The platform features nine unique environments in the form of a city with 45 3D-rendered vendor products and seven software solutions.

World of Inspiration showcases next-generation digital transformation solutions and provides resellers the opportunity to present high-quality, interactive use case scenarios of multi-vendor solutions to end customers. Partners can use the virtual showcase to bridge the gap between IT professionals and technology users envisioning the future. Solutions feature products from a range of technology segments, including collaboration, networking and security, to create complete solutions for end users.

"Using this platform, reseller partners can provide product demos that showcase how their solutions can be applied in a variety of vertical applications including healthcare, education, hospitality and more," said Bob Stegner, Senior Vice President, Marketing, North America, TD SYNNEX. "We are thrilled to bring this cutting-edge experience to our partner community, especially as businesses and organizations accelerate their digital transformation journeys."

Part of the TD SYNNEX SMB Connect program, World of Inspiration is available to all partners. According to John Phillips, Vice President, Commercial Sales, SMB and MSP, TD SYNNEX, "Our World of Inspiration lab will be an impactful solution for many of our small-to-medium business customers as they continue to deploy multi-vendor solutions to accommodate increasingly complex real-world situations."

"World of Inspiration provides an opportunity to highlight Microsoft products in real scenarios, but also allows partners and customers to experience first-hand how our products can easily integrate with other devices for complete solutions that solve real business challenges," said Jason R. Jones, Senior Partner Development Manager, Microsoft.

To learn more about World of Inspiration through TD SYNNEX, email [email protected] or visit http://synnexexperience.com.

About TD SYNNEX

TD SYNNEX (NYSE: SNX) is a leading global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem. We're an innovative partner helping more than 150,000 customers in 100+ countries to maximize the value of technology investments, demonstrate business outcomes and unlock growth opportunities. Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, and Fremont, California, TD SYNNEX' 22,000 co-workers are dedicated to uniting compelling IT products, services and solutions from 1,500+ best-in-class technology vendors. Our edge-to-cloud portfolio is anchored in some of the highest-growth technology segments including cloud, cybersecurity, big data/analytics, IoT, mobility and everything as a service. TD SYNNEX is committed to serving customers and communities, and we believe we can have a positive impact on our people and our planet, intentionally acting as a respected corporate citizen. We aspire to be a diverse and inclusive employer of choice for talent across the IT ecosystem. For more information, visit www.TDSYNNEX.com or follow us on Twitter , LinkedIn , Facebook and Instagram .

Safe Harbor Statement

Statements in this news release that are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the Company's actual results in future periods to be materially different from any future performance that may be suggested in this release. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release.

 2021 SYNNEX Corporation. TD SYNNEX, the TD SYNNEX Logo, and all other TD SYNNEX company, product and services names and slogans are trademarks of SYNNEX Corporation. Other names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

SNX-G

Media Contact :

Bill Fox

Hughes Agency

For TD SYNNEX

(864) 271-0718

[email protected]

SOURCE TD SYNNEX
LAKE FOREST, Ill., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tenneco (NYSE: TEN) will report its third quarter 2021 financial results before the market opens on Friday, November 5, 2021 and host a webcast conference call the same day at 9:30 a.m. ET. The purpose of the call is to discuss the Company's financial results for the third quarter 2021, as well as to provide other information regarding the company's outlook.

A live "listen only" webcast and presentation materials will be available on the investor section of the company's website at https://investors.tenneco.com. An archive of the webcast will be available approximately one hour after conclusion of the call for one year.

Telephone participants are encouraged to pre-register for the conference call using the following link:

https://dpregister.com/sreg/10161052/ee7271b14c

Callers who pre-register will be given a conference passcode and unique PIN to gain immediate access to the call and bypass the live operator. Participants may pre-register at any time, including up to and after the call start time.

Those without internet access or unable to pre-register may dial in, using the passcode "Tenneco Inc."

PARTICIPANT DIAL IN (TOLL FREE): 1-833-366-1121

PARTICIPANT INTERNATIONAL DIAL IN: 1-412-902-6733

About Tenneco

Tenneco is one of the world's leading designers, manufacturers and marketers of automotive products for original equipment and aftermarket customers, with full year 2020 revenues of $15.4 billion and approximately 73,000 team members working at more than 270 sites worldwide. Through our four business groups, Motorparts, Performance Solutions, Clean Air and Powertrain, Tenneco is driving advancements in global mobility by delivering technology solutions for diversified global markets, including light vehicle, commercial truck, off-highway, industrial, motorsport and the aftermarket.

Investors and others should note that Tenneco routinely posts important information on its website and considers the Investor section, www.investors.tenneco.com, a channel of distribution.

Visit www.tenneco.com to learn more.

Investor inquiries:

Linae Golla

847-482-5162

[email protected]

Rich Kwas

248-849-1340

[email protected]

Media inquiries:

Bill Dawson

847-482-5807

[email protected]

SOURCE Tenneco Inc.

Related Links

https://www.tenneco.com


DALLAS, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Readers of Texas Lawyer magazine have selected The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson as the best plaintiffs' personal injury law firm in North Texas.

The trial litigation boutique led by firm founder Frank L. Branson earned the No. 1 distinction in the "Best in 2021" reader survey compiled by Texas Lawyer, the state's longest-running legal publication.

"We fight every single day for people who have been injured by dangerous products and negligent behavior by powerful corporate interests," Mr. Branson said. "This ability to obtain justice for individuals is what motivates us, and it's extremely rewarding to see our hard work and commitment recognized by our peers and judges in Texas."

The complete "Best of 2021" awards listing is published as part of a special edition of Texas Lawyer.

In addition to having two jury verdicts in the 2020 VerdictSearch Hall of Fame, the firm has been named Elite Trial Lawyers Product Liability Law Firm of the Year by the National Law Journal and the National Trial Lawyers twice since 2019.

"Our success is a real team effort, and each one of the attorneys on our team approaches his or her work with passion and creativity," said firm attorney Debbie Dudley Branson.

Mr. Branson was recently named to D Magazine's Best Lawyers in Dallas list for the 21st year and has been honored by Best Lawyers in America every year since 1987. Super Lawyers magazine has listed him among the Top 10 lawyers in Texas every year since 2007 and among the Top 100 since 2003. He has been featured in Texas Lawbook's "Lions of the Bar," National Law Journal's "50 Most Influential Lawyers in the U.S.," and D CEO's "Dallas 500: Most Powerful Business Leaders." For 2021, the Texas Bar Foundation recognized him as the Ronald D. Secrest Outstanding Trial Lawyer Award for a trial lawyer who has demonstrated high ethical and moral standards and exceptional professional conduct, thus enhancing the image of the trial lawyer.

The "Best of 2021" honor recognizes the entire Branson trial team, which includes:

Debbie Dudley Branson is a veteran trial lawyer who is known for her skill analyzing jury pools and framing winning arguments. In addition to being a key member of the Branson team, she has held numerous leadership positions within governmental, political, business and legal organizations at the national and regional level. 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 .

is a veteran trial lawyer who is known for her skill analyzing jury pools and framing winning arguments. In addition to being a key member of the Branson team, she has held numerous leadership positions within governmental, political, business and legal organizations at the national and regional level. 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 . Tim Newsom is a trial lawyer with a long string of significant verdicts and settlements in personal injury and commercial litigation, including contract disputes and the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA). With more than 29 years of experience, he is the vice president of the Texas Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (TEX-ABOTA). He is a past President of the Amarillo Area 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 .

is a trial lawyer with a long string of significant verdicts and settlements in personal injury and commercial litigation, including contract disputes and the Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA). With more than 29 years of experience, he is the vice president of the Texas Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (TEX-ABOTA). He is a past President of the Amarillo Area 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 . Trial lawyer John Burkhead is a committed advocate for individuals in high-stakes personal injury. In addition to extensive experience representing individuals who have suffered catastrophic personal injuries, he recently prevailed in high-profile litigation on behalf of individuals who were held against their will by a chain of psychiatric hospitals. The judgment is not entered yet, but the jury finding would allow a multimillion-dollar award.

The Law Offices of Frank L. Branson represents clients in cases involving complex product liability, personal injury, commercial air crashes, electrical and gas explosions, and truck and auto catastrophic injury. To learn more about the firm visit www.flbranson.com .

Media Contact:

Robert Tharp

800-559-4534

[email protected]

SOURCE Law Offices of Frank L. Branson

Related Links

http://www.flbranson.com


NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Corinthian, one of Manhattan's largest condominium buildings, today announces it will introduce an elevated new brand refresh. The initiative is a thoughtfully executed board-led effort to further enhance the building, offering unrivaled services and amenities. This will also include efforts focused on capital improvements and various initiatives to modernize and increase the property's overall value.

"The Corinthian is a building like no other in New York City," said Philip Maltaghati, Board President, The Corinthian. "The sense of community and pride amongst all of the owners makes it a truly special property. Our goal as the Board is to maximize asset value and provide an exceptional lifestyle experience that is uniquely elevated, but still feels like home."

As part of the Board's vision to deliver a commitment to excellence, The Corinthian has retained AKAM as their management partner following a thorough search process. AKAM is the largest organically grown property management company in New York City, with approximately 300 buildings and 45,000 units under management, including many top addresses from Park Avenue to Stamford, CT.

"We are honored to be partnering with The Corinthian on this new chapter," said Michael Rogoff, President, AKAM. "The opportunity to further enhance the brand and create additional value completely aligns with our values at AKAM. We look forward to the journey and successfully executing on all Board objectives and expectations."

Located at 330 East 38th Street, The Corinthian is a 55-story tower with over 800 residences. The property features an array of lifestyle amenities including a tness center, indoor pool, steam room, sauna, and sun deck with private running track. Residents also enjoy 24-hour doorman and concierge service, onsite package valet, on-site parking and private balconies in select homes. For more information about AKAM and The Corinthian, please visit www.akam.com or call 212-210-1587.

About AKAM

Established in 1983, AKAM is one of the leading property management firms serving New York and South Florida, recognized for their hospitality-led service designed for an enriched residential experience. AKAM's work is supported by deep knowledge and best-in-class talent in hospitality, management, finance, architecture, and related disciplines to elevate the value of your real estate asset. Powered by state-of-the-art technology, AKAM seeks to maintain and build upon its definitive leadership in the management space while transforming the future of the industry at large.

SOURCE AKAM

Related Links

www.akam.com


The release is in celebration of and tribute to, the storied, six-decades long career of The Glen Grant's own Dennis Malcolm, known as one of Scotland's longest serving distillers. Attendees such as designer Joshua Kane, Campari CEO Bob Kunze-Concewitz and Editor of NetJets Farhad Heydari, had the chance to enjoy a taste of the rare liquid in a toast led by Master Distiller Malcolm himself, following addresses from Bob Kunze-Concewitz, CEO of Campari Group.

For almost 22,000 days and nights, this carefully distilled amber malt whisky has matured naturally in a hand-selected Oloroso sherry cask, filled on October 24th, 1960 - the oldest, to date, distillery bottling in the brand's 181 year history. An extremely rare and precious liquid, The Dennis Malcolm 60th Anniversary Edition, is a luxurious, aromatic spirit, exuding an elegance that can only be achieved with time and dedication. The result is - quite simply - a sublime masterpiece. With only 360 decanters available, this complex alchemy of spirit and time is a rare specimen and a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Before having the pleasure to sample the rare, refined 60 year old spirit, guests enjoyed The Glen Grant cocktails and noshed on canapes while they sipped drinks neat and on the rocks from the award-winning, world-renowned The Glen Grant core range, including the 15 and 18 Year Old aged spirits.

The first of the decanters (Bottle No. 88) was purchased at auction during a special dinner at the Shanghai St Regis Hotel in China last week. The winning bid came from Ms. Luo Xiaorong, a whisky collector from Chengdu, who bid 380,000 RMB for the bottle, making it the highest-price sale in The Glen Grant's history.

"With the launch of The Glen Grant Dennis Malcolm 60th Anniversary Edition, we celebrate and pay tribute to the career of a true Scottish gentleman and globally recognized Scotch Whisky craftsman- an unwavering champion for the whisky industry," remarked co-host Bob Kunze-Concewitz, CEO of Campari Group. "With craftsmanship at the heart of The Glen Grant, it was only fitting that we partner with a brand that embodies British quality and luxury, and so we looked to Rolls Royce and its showroom in Mayfair. This is an incredibly exciting time for The Glen Grant as we make our entrance into the luxury market, and we could think of nowhere better to showcase this extremely special expression of our portfolio."

Each marked with a bespoke number, every one of the 360 decanters have been made from hand-blown crystal glass, designed by world renowned Glencairn Studio, and are based on the design of the distillery's unique tall slender pot stills. Nestled in an elegant presentation case crafted from sustainable walnut, the decanter itself requires over 15 hours of expert craftsmanship for each creation, encompassing intricate details which symbolize the unique aromas of The Glen Grant. Each presentation case has the Master Distiller's signature engraved within it and includes a Certificate of Authenticity, signed personally by Dennis Malcolm.

'It's been such a joy to spend my life working in an industry and with a craft that I'm so passionate about. Much like our UK launch partner, Rolls Royce, The Glen Grant has always been about consistent dedication to craftsmanship and quality, and this comes across in the high standard of what we produce. This quality cannot be maintained without the right people, looking after the brand and ensuring that care and attention go into every bottle. This evening was a night to celebrate all of the people who have made The Glen Grant the brand that it is today."

The Glen Grant Dennis Malcolm 60th Anniversary Edition Aged 60 Years is priced at  25,000.00 and will be available in select retailers in global markets beginning in October, 2021. The launch event and release of the new expression marks an exciting new chapter for The Glen Grant, showcasing the incredible six decade career of the Master Distiller on the world's stage

All Images from the event can be accessed HERE.

SOURCE The Glen Grant
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ProStar Holdings Inc. ("ProStar" or the "the Company") (OTCQB: MAPPF) (TSXV: MAPS) (FSE: 5D00) a world leader in Precision Mapping Solutions, is pleased to announce the signing the Township of Aberdeen, New Jersey. Aberdeen adopts ProStar's solution, PointMan, as its system of record (SOR) to meet the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) mandate for Mapping and Digital Data Standards.

"ProStar's solution was chosen for many key reasons including the fact it is affordable, easy to use, and provides exactly what we need to meet the NJDEP mandate for precision and collection parameters standards," stated Sandra Caceres Director of Public Works for the Township of Aberdeen, New Jersey. "There is nothing on the market even remotely close to PointMan, and I believe that there will be a larger number of other small municipalities in the U.S. that are also looking for a comprehensive mapping solution that is affordable and easy to implement and manage and in particular here in New Jersey based on state mandates."

New Jersey Bureau of Geographic Information Systems in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, mandates that all GPS data collection submitted to the State meet minimum data standards for both data quality and accuracy. PointMan exceeds the New Jersey mandate specification and is designed to be an easy to use and affordable solution that meets the workflow processes and business practices of municipalities.

Page Tucker, President and CEO of ProStar, stated today: "Signing the Township of Aberdeen is further proof that small cities provide a tremendous opportunity for us. There are approximately 38,000 municipalities in the U.S. with populations under 20,000, and a vast majority do not have a comprehensive digital system of record for mapping and managing critical infrastructure. With PointMan, they now have a solution that is simple and affordable."

About Aberdeen:

Aberdeen Township is a Township in Monmouth County, New Jersey, United States. As of the United States 2010 Census, the township population was 18,210. Aberdeen Township is part of the Bayshore Regional Strategic Plan, an effort by nine municipalities in northern Monmouth County to reinvigorate the area's economy by emphasizing the traditional downtowns, dense residential neighborhoods, maritime history, and the natural beauty of the Raritan Bay coastline.

About ProStar:

ProStar is a world leader in Precision Mapping Solutions and is creating a digital world by leveraging the most modern GPS, cloud, and mobile technologies. ProStar is a software development company specializing in developing patented cloud and mobile precision mapping solutions focused on the critical infrastructure industry. ProStar's flagship product, PointMan, is designed to significantly improve the workflow processes and business practices associated with the lifecycle management of critical infrastructure assets both above and below the Earth's surface.

ProStar's PointMan is offered as a Software as a Service (SaaS) and seamlessly connects the field with the office and provides the ability to precisely capture, record, display, and manage critical infrastructure, including roads, railways, pipelines, and utilities. Some of the largest entities in North America have adopted ProStar's solutions, including Fortune 500 construction firms, Subsurface Utilities Engineering (SUE) firms, utility owners, and government agencies.

ProStar has strategic business partnerships are with the world's leading geospatial technology providers, data collection equipment manufacturers, and their dealer networks.

The Company has made a significant investment in creating a vast intellectual property portfolio that includes 20 issued patents in the United States and Canada. The patents protect the methods and systems required to digitally capture, record, organize, manage, distribute, and display the precise location of critical infrastructure, including buried utilities and pipelines.

ProStar's Executive management team has extensive experience in the management of both early stage and Fortune 500 technology companies in the private and public sectors.

For more information about ProStar, please visit: www.prostarcorp.com.



Contact:

Alex Moore,

Investor Relations

970-822-4792

[email protected]

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Such information includes, without limitation, information regarding the terms and conditions of the Company's future plans. Although the Company believes that such information is reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct.

Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "postulate" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to: the state of the financial markets for the Company's securities; the state of the technology sector; recent market volatility; the COVID-19 pandemic; the Company's ability to raise the necessary capital or to be fully able to implement its business strategies; and other risks and factors that the Company is unaware of at this time. The reader is referred to the Company's recent Information Circular filed on SEDAR on November 20, 2020 for a more complete discussion of applicable risk factors and their potential effects, copies of which may be accessed through the Company's issuer page on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

SOURCE ProStar Corp

Related Links

https://www.prostarcorp.com


OAK BROOK, Ill., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE: THS) will host an audio webcast of its third quarter earnings results conference call on Monday, November 8, 2021 at 8:30 a.m. ET. Steve Oakland, Chief Executive Officer and President, and Bill Kelley, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will discuss the results for the third quarter and the outlook for the balance of 2021. An earnings release will be issued before the market opens on the same date, and the accompanying slides will be posted to the "Investors" section of the website at approximately 8:15 a.m. ET. The webcast will be accessible by visiting http://www.treehousefoods.com under "Investors", "Events & Presentations".

In order to listen to the webcast, users will need to have installed either Real Player or Windows Media Player software, which can be detected and downloaded by visiting the site. A webcast replay will be available under the "Investors", "Events & Presentations", "Archived Events & Presentations" section of the Company's website.

ABOUT TREEHOUSE FOODS

TreeHouse Foods, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and distributor of private label packaged foods and beverages in North America. We have approximately 40 production facilities across North America and Italy, and our vision is to be the undisputed solutions leader for custom brands for our customers. Our extensive product portfolio includes snacking, beverages, and meal preparation products, available in shelf stable, refrigerated, frozen, and fresh formats. We have a comprehensive offering of packaging formats and flavor profiles, and we also offer clean label, organic, and preservative-free ingredients across almost our entire portfolio. Our purpose is to make high quality food and beverages affordable to all.

Additional information, including TreeHouse's most recent Forms 10-Q and 10-K, may be found at TreeHouse's website, http://www.treehousefoods.com .

SOURCE TreeHouse Foods, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.treehousefoods.com


ANN ARBOR, Mich., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Truck Hero, Inc., the market leader for a wide range of functional truck and Jeep accessories, announces the appointment of Christina Baldwin as chief human resources officer. Baldwin will join the company's senior leadership team and report to CEO Bill Reminder.



Baldwin will be responsible for all aspects of the company's strategic HR initiatives, as well as partner with operational and functional leaders to support organizational development and growth throughout Truck Hero's portfolio of industry leading brands.

Truck Hero, Inc., hires Christina Baldwin as chief human resources officer. Truck Hero, Inc.

"We are thrilled to have Christina join the team to support our continued growth and build a world-class HR organization," said Reminder. "Christina's experience in developing top-notch talent and managing change across international teams will be invaluable."

Baldwin joins Truck Hero from Cummins Corporation. She spent more than fifteen years serving in various roles, most recently as executive director of HR for the Global Components Segment, where she oversaw global segment planning and strategic HR programs. An accomplished HR executive with twenty years of industry experience in Fortune 500 companies, Baldwin has demonstrated the ability to develop and implement best-in-class global organizations.

About Truck Hero, Inc.

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Truck Hero provides consumers a full range of branded automotive accessories for trucks, Jeep, brand vehicles, and cars, with market-leading functionality, engineering, quality, and design. The breadth of Truck Hero's product offering is vast, including hard and soft truck bed covers, truck caps, bed liners, floor liners, fender flares, steps, suspension kits, Ventvisors, Jeep parts, and off-road accessories. Truck Hero's industry-leading family of brands includes Advantage Truck Accessories, Alloy USA, AMP Research, A.R.E., Auto Ventshade, BAK Industries, BACKRACK, BedRug, Belmor, Bushwacker, Extang, Husky Liners, LUND, N-FAB, OMIX, Rampage Products, Retrax, RoadWorks, Roll-N-Lock, Rugged Liner, Rugged Ridge, Stampede, Superlift, Tonno Pro, TruXedo, UnderCover, and an online retailer, RealTruck. All the companies in the Truck Hero family are recognized as premier brands and innovation leaders. For more information, please visit our website at truck-hero.com.

Media Contact:

Sean Marks

EVP of Marketing

800-253-7692

[email protected].

SOURCE Truck Hero, Inc.

Related Links

http://truck-hero.com


uLab Systems will be exhibiting at the OP Summit 2021, October 7-10, at the Sheraton Denver Downtown in Denver, CO. Tweet this

Dr. Eric Wu of Wu Orthodontics in Palo Alto and Redwood Shores, CA will be speaking at a uLab sponsored event, on October 10 from 9:00 am to 11:30 am, about "The 4 C's of Todays Clear Aligner Therapy." Dr. Wu attended dental school at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, then completed an Advanced Education General Dentistry residency at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he treated complex interdisciplinary cases. He received his specialty degree in orthodontics from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Wu is a featured lecturer and Adjunct Professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Roseman University Postgraduate Department of Orthodontics. All are welcome to attend the lecture, however RSVP is required for the brunch that follows.

"Orthopreneurs Summit is the premier event for continued orthodontic professional development and I'm excited to speak on behalf of uLab Systems. No company has helped me grow my practice more than uLab. High quality aligners delivered in 10 days in boxes printed with my practice logoit definitely differentiates my practice." said Dr. Eric Wu.

uLab's booth will be located right by the escalator, and showcase demos of their groundbreaking uDesign software, which allows treatment planning in one sitting, in less than 10 minutes. Attendees can also see examples of full-color packaging for uSmile aligners that can be customized with the orthodontist's logo.

uSmile aligners are currently available in the U.S. and Canada, with more than 300,000 cases planned to date. uLab manufactures the uSmile aligners at its state-of-the-art facility in Memphis, TN.

"We are excited to be an exhibitor at Orthopreneurs Summit," said David Thrower, uLab' Chief Commercial Officer. "It's the perfect opportunity to connect with our customers and the orthodontist community as a whole."

About uLab Systems

uLab Systems is led by a proven team of engineers and entrepreneurs with extensive experience bringing innovative new products to market. uLab's mission is to advance the orthodontic industry with digital treatment planning software and aligner products that let orthodontists take back control of their treatment plans. uLab has facilities in San Mateo, CA and Memphis, TN. To learn more visit www.ulabsystems.com.

Media Contact: David Thrower, Chief Commercial Officer, [email protected], uLab Systems

SOURCE uLab Systems
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and the world's largest humanitarian organization fighting global hunger, today announced that Multi-platinum and Diamond certified global superstar The Weeknd has been named a Goodwill Ambassador. He joins an international roster of ambassadors who use their voices and platforms to advocate for ending global hunger. Each year, the U.N. World Food Programme provides lifesaving food assistance to over 100 million people in more than 80 countries.

"The U.N. World Food Programme is doing urgent and important work to change and save lives on a daily basis and I feel passionately about addressing world hunger and helping people in need. Our partnership is an authentic extension of all our efforts and intentions to help those in need and bring an end to so much suffering," said Abel 'The Weeknd' Tesfaye.

The Weeknd has been a passionate advocate and generous supporter of humanitarian causes throughout his career, with over $3 million in donations to various organizations in the past year. Most recently, he donated $1 million to the U.N. World Food Programme's relief efforts in Ethiopia following months of deadly violence in northern Ethiopia. As the son of Ethiopian immigrants to Canada, the conflict deeply impacted him, and ultimately this moved him to deepen his relationship with the U.N. World Food Programme.

"We are thrilled to welcome The Weeknd to the WFP family. His compassion and commitment to helping the world's hungriest people is truly inspirational," said United Nations World Food Programme Executive Director David Beasley. "Every night, 811 million people go to bed hungry, and another 270 million are marching toward starvation. This is just not right and we have got to speak out and act today to save lives. We need everyone to come join our movement to end hunger - it is all hands on deck to avoid a global catastrophe."

"Whether he is performing or speaking out about global hunger, The Weeknd's voice is powerful and inspiring, only matched by his dedication to helping people around the globe," said World Food Program USA President and CEO Barron Segar. "We are honored that he has joined our mission. He will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of humanitarians in the fight to ensure no man, woman, or child goes to bed hungry."

About the U.N. World Food Programme:

The United Nations World Food Programme is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and the world's largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people living with conflict, natural disasters and the impact of climate change.

World Food Program USA, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Washington, DC, proudly supports the mission of the United Nations World Food Programme by mobilizing American policymakers, businesses and individuals to advance the global movement to end hunger. Our leadership and support help to bolster an enduring American legacy of feeding families in need around the world. To learn more about World Food Program USA's mission, please visit wfpusa.org/about-us.

About The Weeknd:

Filtering R&B and pop through an ambitious widescreen lens, The Weeknd has taken over popular music and culture on his own terms. The multi-platinum and diamond certified star is one of the most listened to artists in the world on Spotify (over 68 billion streams), and is a top 10 artist of all time for RIAA singles. His 2020 album After Hours is the #1 most streamed R&B album of all time (followed by his 2016 album Starboy at #2), and his 80's nostalgic track "Blinding Lights" went 5X RIAA-certified platinum and broke the record for Billboard's longest-running #1 on its US radio chart. Alongside his gilded musical career, he has graced the covers of TIME, Forbes, Variety, Rolling Stone, Esquire, Harper's Bazaar, and GQ magazines, as well as late night TV stages with heralded performances on SNL, Jimmy Kimmel, Stephen Colbert and the VMAs, where he accepted the awards for Video of the Year and Best R&B and most impactfully as the solo headliner of the 2021 Super Bowl LV. He walked away from The Billboard Music Awards with 9 trophies including Top Artist, along with notable wins and performances at the acclaimed Brit Awards and iHeart Music Awards. In recent times he has made acting appearances in TV and film, with 2019's film Uncut Gems as well as starring in and co-writing an episode of the hit show American Dad. He generously shares, making over $3M in donations so far in 2020 and 2021 to various charities including a recent $1 million dollar donation to help with the crisis in Ethiopia. The continuous record breaking of charts, sales and streams, headlining the biggest festivals and stadiums in the world including this year's Super Bowl, and his ever mysterious public persona have combined to establish The Weeknd as one of the most compelling and significant artists of the 21st century.

Media Contacts:

Toula Athas

World Food Program USA

Director, Communications

[email protected]

ID, on behalf of World Food Program USA

[email protected]

Kathryn Frazier

BIZ 3

Founder/CEO

[email protected]

SOURCE U.N. World Food Programme

Related Links

https://www.wfpusa.org


WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- For the second season, the USDA Forest Service is selling Christmas Tree permits through Recreation.gov, which makes it more convenient for visitors to find and purchase permits to cut holiday trees from their favorite forest. Permits will be available beginning on October 14 and may vary by forest. In 2020, 90 percent of National Forests that offer Christmas Tree permits made them available through Recreation.gov, and more joined the system for the 2021 season.

(PRNewsfoto/Recreation.gov) Christmas Tree Permit

"Every tree that is found, cut and carried home creates a new story," said USDA Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. "These stories become the memories and traditions we carry on for generations and further connect families with their local forests."

A great example of a touching story is by Braxton Lemmon who submitted her "Here's Our Tree" story into the Share Your Story adventure writing contest. Lemmon describes their family's first introduction to a tree cutting adventure into the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in northern Utah, "After several minutes, my sister called for us in an excited tone. Sure enough, she had found it. About eighteen feet from tip to base with perfectly imperfect branches for decorating, the tree stood out from the rest."

Recreation.gov makes it easy to purchase a permit. "We heard from many visitors that they liked the new online permit system, and we also heard from local forests that permit sales were incredibly successful," said Rick DeLappe, Recreation.gov Program Manager. In fact, Kerri G., a Plumas National Forest permit holder, provided a five-star rating from their experience and commented that "The website for Christmas Tree cutting permits was very easy to navigate, pay and print! Thank you so much for this convenient service."

Instead of visiting a Forest Service office in person, visitors can go to Recreation.gov and search for their local forest. Once on Recreation.gov, forests provide important details, like cutting area maps, types of trees to cut, and important planning tips on their respective permit pages. "It is important to remember that visitors will need to print the permit and display it on the dash of their vehicle on the day of their visit to cut their trees," said DeLappe. Also keep in mind that many forests will continue to sell permits in person or through local vendors.

Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit. And kids of all ages can download, color, and decorate their tree with this Christmas tree ornament coloring page for a fun, handmade addition to their tree.

Cutting a Christmas tree improves forest health. The permit system helps to thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees. Local forest health experts identify areas that benefit from thinning trees and tend to be the perfect size for Christmas trees. Removing these trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide food for wildlife.

Online Sources:

CONTACTS: Forest Service Press Office: [email protected]

Recreation.gov Contact: Janelle Smith | [email protected] | 208.874.9027

SOURCE USDA Forest Service; Recreation.gov

Related Links

http://www.usda.gov


In only 10 months of study, the Haslam MAcc prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities.

"We are really excited about the many career opportunities our Master of Accountancy program opens up for accounting students and for those individuals from other academic backgrounds who are looking for a change," says Robert Fuller, MAcc program director. "Beyond learning the skills and knowledge needed for successful careers in public accounting, MAcc students gain important technology and analytics hands-on experiences that can lead to additional career opportunities across a multitude of industries."

The brief but rigorous program has held a national reputation for decades. In 2019, the Public Accounting Report ranked the Haslam MAcc No. 21 among U.S. public universities and No. 26 nationwide overall. The caliber of the program makes its students attractive job candidates who are ready to move directly into professional roles upon graduation.

"With a placement rate of over 97 percent at graduation, our graduates are able to quickly make a positive impact on their careers and on the organizations they join," Fuller says.

As part of their degree, Haslam MAcc students have opportunities to attend high-impact events including:

the Neel Corporate Governance Speaker Series, which features experts in topics that students will face in an evolving profession.

Meet the Firms, the university's largest annual recruiting event for accounting, audit, tax and consulting internships and full-time jobs;

and various other networking events that bring together hundreds of alumni, students and friends of the Haslam Department of Accounting and Information Management (AIM).

Each year, the college's AIM department awards more than $190,000 in scholarships to MAcc students on the basis of academic achievement and professional promise. The university offers additional assistantships and fellowships with varying eligibility requirements.

Applications for the Haslam MAcc program are accepted for fall semester only. The application deadlines are listed below.

January 15 : Priority deadline to be considered for graduate assistantships, fellowships and scholarships

: Priority deadline to be considered for graduate assistantships, fellowships and scholarships February 1 : Deadline for international students

: Deadline for international students March 1 : Deadline for all other domestic applications

About the Haslam College of Business:

The Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, founded in 1914, consists of nearly 6,200 undergraduate and 800 graduate students. In a typical year, more than 3,000 executive education students participate in Haslam's non-degree programs. Its seven departments, six centers and institutes, three forums and graduate and executive education programs reach across the for profit, not-for-profit and governmental sectors of business, with a heavy emphasis on practical research. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, was founded in 1794 and was designated Tennessee's land-grant institution in 1879.

SOURCE University of Tennessee, Knoxville's Haslam College of Business
MIAMI, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Among the many shifts resulting from the global pandemic is the growing interest in the second home real estate market. Belize in particular has increased in popularity amongst North American buyers, drawn to the country for its safety, low property taxes, strong airlift and wealth of recreational opportunities to maintain a more active lifestyle.

Six Senses Residences Belize

John D. Turley, CEO and Co-Owner of RE/MAX Caribbean & Central America, the largest real estate company in Belize with 75 agents in nine offices, has witnessed the boom first-hand. The company's 2020 total sales volume increased by 168 percent in the first eight months of 2021 alone. Current year-end projections are expected to surpass a staggering 300 percent year over year.

"Belize is like Costa Rica, the Bahamas or the Cayman Islands thirty years ago, untouched and unspoiled in its natural beauty but with better accessibility and a more modern infrastructure to suit the lifestyle needs of today's digital nomads," stated Turley. "Unlike thirty years ago, vacation home buyers are now able to work from any location so long as they are able to maintain their connection to their businesses back home. As a result of the border closings and stringent entry requirements seen in other regions during the pandemic, easy-to-reach, highly accessible destinations such as Belize have gained favor, allowing our clients to feel 'worlds away' while still being close to their professional and personal connections back home."

In addition, today's savvy buyers are seeking a greater return on their investment, without the hassle of undertaking their own property management. Resort-branded real estate has emerged as a solution for investors seeking the convenience of a professionally managed property with the revenue potential of a luxury resort rental pool.

"Since the pandemic, younger buyers have emerged. While in the past Belize was always favored among retirees and expats, most of our current clients are in their 40s to 50s and continue to have strong ties to their home country," continued Turley, "These younger families are looking for investments that are a safe haven away from large crowds and the fast-paced lifestyle of the U.S., while still providing the peace of mind that comes from a professionally managed on-site property team. Further, with a respected luxury resort brand at the helm, buyers can be assured that they could see a strong return on their investment."

Belize's newest and most exciting resort-branded real estate opportunity is the recently announced Six Senses Belize. A true retreat with its prime location on highly sought-after Ambergris Caye, the Residences at Six Senses is slated to open by mid-2025. Sustainably designed with seamless indoor and outdoor living spaces, the 33 residences will range from intimate, one-bedroom units to spacious five-bedroom sanctuaries.

Some residences will be located on the resort's private island, designed in an exotic, Maldives-inspired style above expansive overwater decks. Other residences will be located on Secret Beach, the main activities hub. This 15-acre paradise will boast 700 feet of private beachfront, conveniently located just up the coast from lively San Pedro. "Interest in our residential product to date has been very strong," said Turley.

For more information on available real estate opportunities, please visit www.secretbeachbelize.com or for inquires, contact [email protected].

Media Contact

Claire Kunzman

407-227-8867

[email protected]

SOURCE Six Senses Belize
FACTS AT A GLANCE Edition: 7; Released: April 2021 Executive Pool: 2041 Companies: 42 - Players covered include CA Technologies; Code Green Networks; Digital Guardian, Inc.; Forcepoint LLC; GTB Technologies, Inc.; RSA Security LLC; Symantec Corporation; Trend Micro, Inc.; Trustwave Holdings, Inc.; Zecurion and Others. Coverage: All major geographies and key segments Segments: Application (Encryption, Web & Email Protection, Cloud Storage, Other Applications); Deployment (On-Premise, Cloud); Solution (Network DLP, Storage/Data Center DLP, Endpoint DLP) Geographies: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific; Rest of World.

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ABSTRACT-



Global Data Loss Prevention Market to Reach $6 Billion by 2026

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, the global market for Data Loss Prevention estimated at US$2.1 Billion in the year 2020, is projected to reach a revised size of US$6 Billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 19% over the analysis period. Network DLP, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is projected to record a 17.9% CAGR and reach US$3.1 Billion by the end of the analysis period. After a thorough analysis of the business implications of the pandemic and its induced economic crisis, growth in the Storage/Data Center DLP segment is readjusted to a revised 19.5% CAGR for the next 7-year period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at $767.3 Million in 2021, While China is Forecast to Reach $1.1 Billion by 2026

The Data Loss Prevention market in the U.S. is estimated at US$767.3 Million in the year 2021. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$1.1 Billion by the year 2026 trailing a CAGR of 18.7% over the analysis period. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at 16.8% and 16.2% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 13.4% CAGR.

Endpoint DLP Segment to Reach US$1 Billion by the year 2026

In the global Endpoint DLP segment, USA, Canada, Japan, China and Europe will drive the 20.9% CAGR estimated for this segment. These regional markets accounting for a combined market size of US$259.1 Million in the year 2020 will reach a projected size of US$979.6 Million by the close of the analysis period. China will remain among the fastest growing in this cluster of regional markets. More

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Capitalizing on the rising interest and profitability of used cars, vAuto offers Wholesale Hub to support dealerships during a predicted unseasonable slowing sales period. Wholesale efficiency is critical as dealers move into Q4 facing continued inventory challenges and sales roadblocks.

"Wholesale Hub creates efficiencies in the wholesale vehicle disposal process," says Derek Hansen, VP of Wholesale Operations, vAuto. "It helps Provision dealers save time, reduce time-to-sell and maximize profits by streamlining processes that find inventory marked for wholesale, send inventory to auction, and track wholesale inventory from within Provision. These gains in efficiency equate to real advantages given current industry challenges."

According to the just released Manheim's Used Vehicle Value Index, wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix-, mileage-, and seasonally adjusted basis) increased 5.3% month- over- month in September. This brought the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index to 204.8, a 27.1% increase from a year ago and a record high. In addition to increased pricing, wholesale used car supply remains below normal.

In addition to low supply and increased pricing for wholesale used vehicles, Cox Automotive's September 2021 Forecast reports new-vehicle inventory levels are more than 50% lower than they were one year ago, when inventory was already below healthy levels, and supply chain issues continue to disrupt production. This pronounced lack of new vehicles is sending more shoppers into the used market, further driving up demand.

With Wholesale Hub improving their workflow, dealerships can now list cars through Manheim in 'bulk' in the same time that it used to take to process one vehicle. This makes it faster and easier to get their vehicles into the world's largest wholesale marketplacewhether those vehicles will be sold from the dealers' lots or on site at a Manheim location. For vehicles sent to a Manheim location, dealers can move their vehicles effortlessly through every step of the wholesale process with Manheim's connected, intuitive marketplace.

For offsite vehicles, dealers can designate a car as wholesale and choose Manheim Express for their wholesale option. A trained Manheim specialist will then go to the dealer's lot, inspect the vehicle, cover it with an Inspection Guarantee and enable the vehicle to be listed on Manheim Express, Manheim.com and OVE simultaneously. They can then track the vehicle's status in Wholesale Hub. vAuto plans to make Wholesale Hub available to other auction marketplaces later this year.

"The partnership between Cox Automotive brands vAuto and Manheim makes it all a lot easier," said Paul Golias, Corporate Used Vehicle Director, Modern Automotive. "We want to be able to retail everything, but if we can get more in wholesale, and free up those funds, that's all the better."

Cox Automotive-owned vAuto provides innovative technology, tools and business intelligence to thousands of dealerships across the United States and Canada, helping them compete more effectively and increase new/used vehicle sales volumes and profits. Cox Automotive-owned Manheim provides end-to-end wholesale vehicle solutions that help dealer and commercial clients increase profits and efficiencies in their used vehicle operations.

For information on all of Cox Automotive's 2021 new offerings, visit www.coxautoinc.com/experience.

About vAuto

vAuto provides innovative technology, tools and business intelligence to thousands of dealerships across the United States and Canada, helping them compete more effectively and increase new/used vehicle sales volumes and profits. Founded in 2005, vAuto revolutionized dealers' used vehicle operations with the groundbreaking Provision suite of tools. Leveraging The Velocity Method of Management, pioneered by vAuto founder, Dale Pollak, Provision helped dealers adopt a more transparent- and turn-focused approach to used vehicle acquisition, appraising, pricing and merchandising based on real-time, local market supply-and-demand data. vAuto's solutions also include Conquest, a new vehicle inventory management and pricing system, and Stockwave, which enables dealers to efficiently find and purchase vehicles from leading wholesale sources via a single platform. In 2018, vAuto released the Provision ProfitTime metric and methodology to help dealers maximize inventory turn and gross profit based on the investment value or profit potential of each vehicle. In 2020, the company debuted an all new iRecon solution, integrated with Provision, to help dealers recondition vehicles and get them retail ready faster.

Headquartered near Chicago, Illinois, vAuto is a Cox Automotive brand.

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using vehicles easier for everyone. The global company's more than 27,000 team members and family of brands, including Autotrader, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com, Dealertrack, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, NextGear Capital, VinSolutions, vAuto and Xtime, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with annual revenues of nearly $20 billion. www.coxautoinc.com

SOURCE vAuto
NORTH BERGEN, N.J., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- VCNY Home, a top U.S.-based home goods manufacturer, announced today it has introduced its first brand collection designed just for kids. Olivia & Finn is one of the trusted manufacturer's exclusive brands and celebrates color, playful prints, creativity, and self-expression. Their kid-inspired bedding, bath, and home decor accents take the guesswork out of decorating children's rooms by providing coordinated looks at affordable prices.

VCNY Home VCNY Home

"We're thrilled to officially launch Olivia & Finn following a soft roll-out earlier this year," said Toby Cohen, co-founder and CEO of VCNY Home. "We are proud that VCNY Home is known industry-wide for helping make decorating your home simple, and this collection is no exception. Filled with whimsical prints, quality fabrics and on-trend designs, we've included everything you need to give your kids' space an exciting makeover."

The collection launched with more than a dozen products available in a variety of adorable themes, and in time for the holiday season, the Olivia & Finn collection now includes Printed Throws with Plush Friends. Exclusive to Macy's, these gift sets include cozy, cute and huggable friends with irresistibly soft throws attached. From plaid reindeer and gingerbread friend to magical unicorn, space astronaut and friendly shark, these plush accessories make sweet additions to any bedroom or playroom and great holiday gifts. Each plush character has Velcro fasteners making it easy to roll up the throw and take both on the go.

Olivia & Finn collections include:

2- or 3-piece lightweight quilt sets

4- or 5-piece comforter sets with decorative pillows

6- or 8-piece complete bed-in-a-bag set with decorative pillows and coordinating sheets

5-piece bath sets with shower curtains, rugs, and hooded towels

Squishy decorative pillows and glow-in-the-dark throws

Printed Throws with Plush Friends Collection  Exclusive to Macy's

2-piece throw and plush character set available in Unicorn, Astronaut, French Bulldog, Shark, Reindeer, and Gingerbread Man

Flannel plush throw measures 50 x 60 inches

Machine washable

Additional Olivia & Finn products are currently available at Sam's Club, Home Goods, Winner's, Amazon, and more online retailers.

For more information about this and other VCNY Home collections, please visit VCNY HOME.

About VCNY Home

VCNY Home is a home textile industry leader with more than 30 years of experience in home decor. Trusted by top retailers and consumers alike, VCNY Home draws inspiration from timeless designs and modern trends to create affordable, quality decor solutions for every room: bedding, bath, window, area rugs, home decor, and more.

Media Contact

Ilya Welfeld

845-705-0076

[email protected]

SOURCE VCNY Home
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vita Inclinata (Vita), developer and producer of helicopter and crane load stabilization and precision hardware, today announced the company's attendance at AUSA 2021 , Booth #625. At the booth, the company is inviting show attendees to experience the Vita Rescue System Litter Attachment , as they are strapped in and safely hoisted into the air to experience the system's stabilization capabilities. Witness the system's real-world capabilities in the Black Hawk helicopter rescue ops training race, legacy hoist vs. the Vita Rescue System video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLi1y0b447M .

The Vita Rescue System Litter Attachment Under a Black Hawk Helicopter

The Association of the United States Army's Annual Meeting is the largest land power exposition and professional development forum in North America, taking place 11-13 October 2021, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (WEWCC) in Washington, D.C. Vita's booth demonstration underscores the event's mission to highlight the capabilities of Army organizations and present a wide range of industry products and services. Vita works closely with the U.S. Military to carefully understand soldier touchpoints regarding helicopter-hoisted rescues and has developed the Vita Rescue System specifically to make operations faster, safer, and more precise.

"Our system attaches in less than a minute, weighs only 40 pounds, and can collapse into a compact unit that is easy to carry on helicoptersit's truly a first of its kind," said Vita Inclinata, CEO, Caleb Carr. "We are proud to be demonstrating this life-saving technology at such an important event."

Media interested in a meeting and demonstration at AAUSA can contact Vita Inclinata's PR team at 603-821-0809 or [email protected].

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


MIAMI, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Vivex Biologics, Inc., a leading regenerative medicine company specializing in the development of naturally sourced biologics treatment solutions, opened its Customer Experience Center today at its state-of-the-art 98,000 sq. ft. facility in Miami. The Customer Experience Center is designed to provide customers, including physicians and health care providers, with the opportunity to preview and learn about the foundational role VIVEX plays in the history of biologics and regenerative medicine and its range of regenerative products and solutions.

"Our new Customer Experience Center provides an immersive experience, showcasing VIVEX's incredible 50-year history and regenerative medicine heritage, the innovative solutions that we deliver to patients today, and the exciting vision we have for the future," said Ron Hebert, Vice President of Marketing at VIVEX.

"The modern design of the Customer Experience Center was concepted and developed over the past year and offers visitors access to interactive displays, multimedia content, and hands-on learning. We look forward to welcoming customers, physicians, and guests to experience the VIVEX Customer Experience Center first-hand," added Hebert.

The Customer Experience Center features:

An area dedicated to the rich history of VIVEX, outlining its foundations as the first civilian tissue bank in the US as the University of Miami Tissue Bank;

Tissue Bank; VIVEX's evolution from a tissue bank to an innovator in regenerative medicine;

VIVEX's solutions and technology, detailing how new discoveries are transformed into products that impact the lives of patients;

VIVEX's mission to maximize the impact of the "Gift of Life" provided by donors; and

VIVEX's thought leadership within the regenerative medicine space over the past 50 years

The Customer Experience Center will play a significant role as part of VIVEX's growth strategy, highlighting its pioneering leadership and contributions in regenerative medicine. The company continues to be an industry leader, launching 10 new products in just the past two years. For more information on VIVEX and its advanced regenerative medicine solutions, visit www.vivex.com.

About Vivex Biologics, Inc.

VIVEX is a pioneer in regenerative medicine, specializing in the development of naturally sourced treatment options and solutions that improve clinical, surgical, and therapeutic patient care through innovation. With tissue damage resulting from a variety of diseases, direct injury, and trauma, there is a significant need for advanced solutions. By leveraging the resources of the nation's oldest civilian tissue bank, VIVEX is channeling the body's inherent healing qualities to bring patients optimal care and to provide medical professionals and patients with innovative treatment options for a broad range of indications.

Media Contact:

rbb Communications

Rachel Gerardi

[email protected]

SOURCE Vivex Biologics, Inc.
MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Wealth Enhancement Group, an independent wealth management firm, announced today that it will join forces with The Wealth Enhancement Group (TWEG), a hybrid RIA located in Alpharetta, Ga. that oversees $376 million in total client assets. This represents Wealth Enhancement Group's 14th transaction of the year, and upon closing, the firm's total client assets are expected to reach $52.8 billion.*

Founded in 1997 by President Michael Ross, TWEG specializes in estate, business, retirement and investment planning for high-net-worth individuals, specifically local business owners, retirees and celebrities. In addition to Mr. Ross, the team includes Investment Advisor Representative and Chief Compliance Officer Steven Petcovic and Operations Manager Risa Peterson. This transaction builds upon Wealth Enhancement Group's efforts to build a significant presence in the Southeast, following its recent partnership announcement with Carroll Financial Associates and expansion into the Carolinas.

Jeff Dekko, Chief Executive Officer of Wealth Enhancement Group, said, "Michael, Steven and Risa have built an incredible, growth-oriented firm in the Atlanta area through their tireless commitment to exceptional client service, and we are pleased to welcome them to our team. Our centralized service model will help them realize even greater efficiencies in their back office operations, along with enhanced growth through our wealth management and financial planning offerings. This partnership will bring us even greater scale to serve clients in the southeast as we continue toward our goal of establishing Wealth Enhancement Group as a premier national wealth management and financial planning brand."

Jim Cahn, Wealth Enhancement Group's Chief Investments & Business Development Officer, said, "We have worked hard to build a reputation as the partner of choice for successful RIAs that want to take their capabilities and growth potential to the next level. We are thrilled that TWEG chose to join the Wealth Enhancement Group platform, and we look forward to working in partnership to drive years of shared success."

Upon closing of the transaction, Michael Ross and Steven Petcovic will serve as Senior Vice Presidents, Financial Advisors at Wealth Enhancement Group and Risa Peterson will serve as Senior Client Service Manager. As part of the transaction, the practice will be moving its brokerage assets to LPL Financial.

Michael Ross said, "My team and I have built our firm on a commitment to providing independent and objective, high-quality, financial planning services to our clients. As we conducted our diligence on potential partners that were best suited to help with not only our current growth needs, but for our future growth needs as well, Wealth Enhancement Group was the clear winner, quickly rising to the top above all other candidates. They not only shared our name, but also our commitment to superior client service and holistic financial planning. As our industry evolves, our goal is to be at the forefront offering the best available services to our valued clients and enriching their experience. We believe that Jeff, Jim and the entire Wealth Enhancement Group team will enable us to continue to deliver on this mission as we reach new and exciting heights."

The transaction is expected to close by November 1. Financial terms were not disclosed.

About Wealth Enhancement Group

Wealth Enhancement Group is a Greater Minneapolis-based independent wealth management firm offering comprehensive and customized financial planning and investment management services. Founded in 1997, Wealth Enhancement Group serves clients nationwide. Wealth Enhancement Group specializes in providing retail clients with the team-based knowledge and resources they need to simplify their financial life. For more information, please visit www.wealthenhancement.com.

Advisory services offered through Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services, LLC (WEAS), a registered investment advisor. Certain, but not all, investment advisor representatives (IARs) of WEAS are also registered representatives of and offer securities through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Wealth Enhancement Group and Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services are separate entities from LPL Financial. Wealth Enhancement Group is a registered trademark of Wealth Enhancement Group, LLC.

* Wealth Enhancement Group and its Registered Investment Advisor, Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services, had $40.5 billion in client brokerage and advisory assets as of 8/31/2021. TWEG had $376 million in assets as of 7/30/2021. With the addition of previously announced acquisitions that are expected to close in October and November and the acquisition of TWEG, Wealth Enhancement Group will have $52.8 billion in client brokerage, advisory and trust assets as of November 2021.

Media Contacts

Joseph Kuo / Chris Clemens

Haven Tower Group

424 317 4851 or 424 317 4854

[email protected] or [email protected]

SOURCE Wealth Enhancement Group

Related Links

https://www.wealthenhancement.com


LOS ANGELES, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- White label OTT service OTTera has expanded their business into China, noting huge growth potential in the Chinese OTT market in both users, advertising opportunities and media publishers looking to expand into international markets. OTTera China will seek out strategic partnerships, connect with local advertisers and secure targeted premium content in the region.

OTTera's move into Asia is on the heels of successful expansions into Europe and Latin American OTT markets, and the service boasts over 100 million users globally. With both video-on-demand applications and linear channels streaming around the world, US-based OTTera will be able to meet the growing needs of both changing demographics and viewing habits in China and beyond.

"Entering the Chinese market with OTTera China has given us the chance to bring OTT video to a huge swath of users in the second largest economy in the world," said Stephen L. Hodge, Chairman and co-CEO of OTTera Inc. "Success in this large and diverse market depends on our OTTera China team as well as our comprehensive partnerships already in place in Asia. Revenue in the OTT video segment in China is projected to reach new heights in the coming decade, and OTTera is poised to be a part of it all."

OTTera China will be lead by Xiaosong (Adam) Zhu, a strategic advisor and investor of OTTera Inc. Zhu has a proven track record in sales and start-up businesses in the telecommunications and CTV industries across Chinese and LATAM markets.

"We are very excited to open our entity in China to facilitate local business with our customers and partners. We believe our footprint in China will open a new page of OTTera global business development," said Zhu. "Shanghai OTTera Media Technology Co., Ltd. is our local entity name. Any potential media publishers or advertisers are welcome to contact us to enhance and build more business partnerships together."

About OTTera

OTTera is a professional white label service that allows companies to quickly launch highly customized, affordable OTT services. Based in Los Angeles, OTTera manages 55+ OTT services and 120+ channels with more than 100 million users worldwide. The OTTera White Label Service offers companies the latest OTT technologies with one of the widest distribution reaches on the market. For over 10 years OTTera has maintained strong partnerships with the world's largest CE manufacturers including Samsung, Vizio, Sony and Hisense.

The OTTera White Label Service is a fully managed scalable OTT service with native distribution across all major platforms including iOS, tvOS, Android, Android TV, Roku, HTML5, Chromecast and Web. The service offers linear distribution to cable/satellite services and vMVPDs (Samsung, LG, Sling, Xumo, Pluto, etc.), as well as diverse monetization including subscription, advertising via OTTera's AdNet+ service and transactions.

Media Contact:

Kate Cahall

7472630123

[email protected]

SOURCE OTTera, Inc
Wholesale used-vehicle prices increased in September raising the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index to a record high. Tweet this

Manheim Market Report (MMR) prices saw accelerating weekly increases throughout September. MMR is a valuation tool used by tens of thousands of consignors and dealers to assess millions of trade-ins each month. MMR is designed to be highly stable and avoid overreacting to short-term market ups and downs and provides an accurate measure of vehicle valuations regardless of market conditions.

The sales conversion rate also increased to 65% over the course of September, which is significantly higher than is typically seen this time of year and indicates that buyers were more aggressive throughout the month. For reference, the average conversion rate in September 2019 was 52%.

Over the four full weeks in the month of September, the Three-Year-Old Index increased a net 4.6%. Over the month of September, MMR Retention, which is the average difference in price relative to current MMR, averaged 100.8, which meant that market prices were ahead of MMR values.

On a year-over-year basis, all major market segments saw seasonally adjusted wholesale price increases in September. Vans and sport utility vehicles had the largest year-over-year performance, while the remaining car and pickup segments lagged the overall market. On a month-over-month basis, no segment saw declines.

High Prices and Inventory Challenges Lead to Falling Sales

According to Cox Automotive estimates, total used vehicle sales were down 13% year over year in September. We estimate the September used SAAR to be 36 million, down from 40.9 million last September and down compared to August's 36.5 million SAAR. The September used retail SAAR estimate is 19.5 million, down from 21.7 million last year and flat month over month.

Using a rolling seven-day estimate of used retail days' supply based on vAuto data, used retail supply peaked at 114 days on April 8, 2020. Normal used retail supply is about 44 days' supply. It ended September at 37 days, which is below normal levels. Wholesale supply peaked at an estimated 149 days on April 9, 2020, when normal supply is 23. It ended September at 18 days.

September total new-vehicle sales were down 25% year over year, with the same number of selling days compared to September 2020. Month over month, September new-vehicle sales were down 7%. The September SAAR came in at 12.2 million, a decrease from last year's 16.3 million and September 2019's 17.2 million rate.

Combined sales into large rental, commercial, and government buyers were down 21% year over year in September. Sales into rental decreased 17% year over year in September and are up 6% compared to the same period last year. Commercial sales are down 18% year over year in September and are up 13% year-to-date 2021 versus 2020. Remaining retail sales were down an estimated 23% year over year in September, leading to an estimated retail SAAR of 10.7 million. This is down from 14.0 million last September and September 2019's 13.8 million rate.

Vehicle retail average listing prices are also at record-high levels both on the new and used markets and continue to rise. The average listing price for a new vehicle was above $42,000 last month. After passing the $25,000 milestone at the end of June, the average listing price for a retail used vehicle was approaching $26,000 in the last report.

Rental Risk Mileage Decreasing

The average price for rental risk units sold at auction in September was up 37% year over year. Rental risk prices were up 12% compared to August. Average mileage for rental risk units in September (at 56,600 miles) was up 33% compared to a year ago but down 19% month over month.

September Brings Clear Declines in Consumer Sentiment

Consumer Confidence according to the Conference Board declined 5.1% in September and left confidence down 17.6% compared to February 2020. Confidence has declined for three straight months. Plans to purchase a vehicle in the next six months declined to the lowest level in eight months and was much lower than a year ago. Plans to purchase a home also declined to the lowest level in three months and was also down year over year. The sentiment index from the University of Michigan reported a 2.5% gain in September. However, the index of consumer sentiment from Morning Consult, which includes data for the full month, showed declines all summer including into September. The Morning Consult index declined 5.5% in July, another 3.1% in August, and ended September down another 0.8%. That left sentiment where we were in early February and down 20.2% from Feb. 29, 2020 and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To download additional commentary on the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index from Cox Automotive, visit the Cox Automotive Newsroom.

About Manheim

Manheim is the nation's leading provider of end-to-end wholesale vehicle solutions that help dealer and commercial clients increase profits and efficiencies in their used vehicle operations. Through its physical, mobile and digital sales network, Manheim offers services for decisioning, buying and selling, floor planning, logistics, assurance and reconditioning. Operating the largest vehicle wholesale marketplace, Manheim provides clients with choices to connect and transact business how and when they want. With nearly 6 million used vehicles offered annually, Manheim team members help the company facilitate transactions representing nearly $60 billion in value. Headquartered in Atlanta, Manheim North America is a Cox Automotive brand. For more information, visit http://press.manheim.com

About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using vehicles easier for everyone. The global company's more than 27,000 team members and family of brands, including Autotrader, Dealer.com, Dealertrack, Dickinson Fleet Services, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, NextGear Capital, VinSolutions, vAuto  and Xtime , are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with annual revenues of nearly $20 billion. www.coxautoinc.com

SOURCE Cox Automotive
DUBLIN, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Orphan Drugs Market: Global Industry Trends, Share, Size, Growth, Opportunity and Forecast 2021-2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The global orphan drugs market reached a value of US$ 174.7 Billion in 2020. Looking forward, the market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.8% 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. These insights are included in the report as a major market contributor.



Orphan drugs refer to pharmaceutical products used for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of rare medical disorders. These drugs are manufactured to meet a specific public health requirement and usually have a limited market as they are produced for a small group of patients. They are effective against numerous oncological, metabolic, hematologic, immunologic, infectious and neurological diseases. Medical ailments, such as lymphoma, leukemia, cystic fibrosis, glioma, pancreatic cancer, ovarian cancer, multiple myeloma and renal cell carcinoma, are often life-threatening, chronic, progressive, degenerative and disabling and require specific treatment alternatives that are effective for their particular symptoms.



The increasing prevalence of cancer and other rare genetic disorders is one of the key factors driving the growth of the market. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are developing innovative orphan drugs to provide personalized therapy to patients. The market is also being driven by increasing awareness among the masses regarding the benefits of orphan drugs. The emergence of new pharmaceutical drug manufacturers and the implementation of favorable government policies to inhibit the spread of contagious diseases are also contributing to the market growth. Additionally, various product innovations, such as the development of biological orphan drugs, are acting as other growth-inducing factors. These drugs can treat diseases, such as cancer, and reverse the damage caused to the stem cells, which is facilitating their overall demand significantly. Other factors, including improvements in the healthcare infrastructure, along with extensive research and development (R&D) activities, are expected to drive the market further.

Competitive Landscape

The report has also analysed the competitive landscape of the market with some of the key players being AbbVie Inc., Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc., Amgen Inc., Biogen Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG (Roche Holding AG), Jazz Pharmaceuticals Plc, Johnson & Johnson, Merck & Co. Inc., Novartis AG, Pfizer Inc., Sanofi S.A., Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.



Key Questions Answered in This Report

How has the global orphan drugs market performed so far and how will it perform in the coming years?

What has been the impact of COVID-19 on the global orphan drugs market?

What are the key regional markets?

What is the breakup of the market based on the drug type?

What is the breakup of the market based on the disease type?

What is the breakup of the market based on the phase?

What is the breakup of the market based on the top selling drugs?

What is the breakup of the market based on the distribution channel?

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 orphan drugs 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 Orphan Drugs Market

5.1 Market Overview

5.2 Market Performance

5.3 Impact of COVID-19

5.4 Market Forecast



6 Market Breakup by Drug Type

6.1 Biological

6.1.1 Market Trends

6.1.2 Market Forecast

6.2 Non-Biological

6.2.1 Market Trends

6.2.2 Market Forecast



7 Market Breakup by Disease Type

7.1 Oncology

7.1.1 Market Trends

7.1.2 Market Forecast

7.2 Hematology

7.2.1 Market Trends

7.2.2 Market Forecast

7.3 Neurology

7.3.1 Market Trends

7.3.2 Market Forecast

7.4 Cardiovascular

7.4.1 Market Trends

7.4.2 Market Forecast

7.5 Others

7.5.1 Market Trends

7.5.2 Market Forecast



8 Market Breakup by Phase

8.1 Phase I

8.1.1 Market Trends

8.1.2 Market Forecast

8.2 Phase II

8.2.1 Market Trends

8.2.2 Market Forecast

8.3 Phase III

8.3.1 Market Trends

8.3.2 Market Forecast

8.4 Phase IV

8.4.1 Market Trends

8.4.2 Market Forecast



9 Market Breakup by Top Selling Drugs

9.1 Revlimid

9.1.1 Market Trends

9.1.2 Market Forecast

9.2 Rituxan

9.2.1 Market Trends

9.2.2 Market Forecast

9.3 Copaxone

9.3.1 Market Trends

9.3.2 Market Forecast

9.4 Opdivo

9.4.1 Market Trends

9.4.2 Market Forecast

9.5 Keytruda

9.5.1 Market Trends

9.5.2 Market Forecast

9.6 Imbruvica

9.6.1 Market Trends

9.6.2 Market Forecast

9.7 Avonex

9.7.1 Market Trends

9.7.2 Market Forecast

9.8 Sensipar

9.8.1 Market Trends

9.8.2 Market Forecast

9.9 Soliris

9.9.1 Market Trends

9.9.2 Market Forecast

9.10 Others

9.10.1 Market Trends

9.10.2 Market Forecast



10 Market Breakup by Distribution Channel

10.1 Hospital Pharmacies

10.1.1 Market Trends

10.1.2 Market Forecast

10.2 Retail Pharmacies

10.2.1 Market Trends

10.2.2 Market Forecast

10.3 Online Stores

10.3.1 Market Trends

10.3.2 Market Forecast

10.4 Others

10.4.1 Market Trends

10.4.2 Market Forecast



11 Market Breakup by Region



12 SWOT Analysis



13 Value Chain Analysis



14 Porters Five Forces Analysis



15 Price Analysis



16 Competitive Landscape

16.1 Market Structure

16.2 Key Players

16.3 Profiles of Key Players

16.3.1 AbbVie Inc.

16.3.1.1 Company Overview

16.3.1.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.1.3 Financials

16.3.1.4 SWOT Analysis

16.3.2 Alexion Pharmaceuticals Inc.

16.3.2.1 Company Overview

16.3.2.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.2.3 Financials

16.3.2.4 SWOT Analysis

16.3.3 Amgen Inc.

16.3.3.1 Company Overview

16.3.3.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.3.3 Financials

16.3.3.4 SWOT Analysis

16.3.4 Biogen Inc.

16.3.4.1 Company Overview

16.3.4.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.4.3 Financials

16.3.4.4 SWOT Analysis

16.3.5 Bristol Myers Squibb Company

16.3.5.1 Company Overview

16.3.5.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.5.3 Financials

16.3.5.4 SWOT Analysis

16.3.6 F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG (Roche Holding AG)

16.3.6.1 Company Overview

16.3.6.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.6.3 SWOT Analysis

16.3.7 Jazz Pharmaceuticals PLC

16.3.7.1 Company Overview

16.3.7.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.7.3 Financials

16.3.7.4 SWOT Analysis

16.3.8 Johnson & Johnson

16.3.8.1 Company Overview

16.3.8.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.8.3 Financials

16.3.8.4 SWOT Analysis

16.3.9 Merck & Co. Inc.

16.3.9.1 Company Overview

16.3.9.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.9.3 Financials

16.3.9.4 SWOT Analysis

16.3.10 Novartis AG

16.3.10.1 Company Overview

16.3.10.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.10.3 Financials

16.3.10.4 SWOT Analysis

16.3.11 Pfizer Inc.

16.3.11.1 Company Overview

16.3.11.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.11.3 Financials

16.3.11.4 SWOT Analysis

16.3.12 Sanofi S.A.

16.3.12.1 Company Overview

16.3.12.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.12.3 Financials

16.3.12.4 SWOT Analysis

16.3.13 Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited

16.3.13.1 Company Overview

16.3.13.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.13.3 Financials

16.3.13.4 SWOT Analysis

16.3.14 Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

16.3.14.1 Company Overview

16.3.14.2 Product Portfolio

16.3.14.3 Financials

16.3.14.4 SWOT Analysis



For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/hywi34

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

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DUBLIN, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Positive Airway Pressure Devices Market Research Report by Product Type, by Region - Global Forecast to 2026 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Global Positive Airway Pressure Devices Market size was estimated at USD 1,583.16 Million in 2020 and expected to reach USD 1,688.64 Million in 2021, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 7.00% to reach USD 2,375.98 Million by 2026.



Market Statistics:

The report provides market sizing and forecast across five major currencies - USD, EUR GBP, JPY, and AUD. It helps organization leaders make better decisions when currency exchange data is readily available. In this report, the years 2018 and 2019 are considered historical years, 2020 as the base year, 2021 as the estimated year, and years from 2022 to 2026 are considered the forecast period.

Competitive Strategic Window:

The Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies to help the vendor define an alignment or fit between their capabilities and opportunities for future growth prospects. It describes the optimal or favorable fit for the vendors to adopt successive merger and acquisition strategies, geography expansion, research & development, and new product introduction strategies to execute further business expansion and growth during a forecast period.



FPNV Positioning Matrix:

The FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Positive Airway Pressure Devices Market based on Business Strategy (Business Growth, Industry Coverage, Financial Viability, and Channel Support) and Product Satisfaction (Value for Money, Ease of Use, Product Features, and Customer Support) that aids businesses in better decision making and understanding the competitive landscape.



Market Share Analysis:

The Market Share Analysis offers the analysis of vendors considering their contribution to the overall market. It provides the idea of its revenue generation into the overall market compared to other vendors in the space. It provides insights into how vendors are performing in terms of revenue generation and customer base compared to others. Knowing market share offers an idea of the size and competitiveness of the vendors for the base year. It reveals the market characteristics in terms of accumulation, fragmentation, dominance, and amalgamation traits.



Company Usability Profiles:

The report profoundly explores the recent significant developments by the leading vendors and innovation profiles in the Global Positive Airway Pressure Devices Market, including 3B Medical, Inc., Apex Medical Corp., Armstrong Medical Inc., Becton, Dickinson and Company, BMC Medical Co., Ltd., Breas Medical AB, Compumedics Limited, Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, Inc., Dymedso Inc., Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited, Invacare Corporation, Koninklijke Philips N.V., medin Medical Innovations GmbH, Microchip Technology Inc., Narang Medical Limited, Nice Neotech Medical Systems Private Limited, NXP semiconductor NV, ResMed Corp., Salter Labs Inc., Smiths Medical, Teijin Pharma Limited, and Texas Instruments Incorporated.



The report provides insights on the following pointers:

1. Market Penetration: Provides comprehensive information on the market offered by the key players

2. Market Development: Provides in-depth information about lucrative emerging markets and analyze penetration across mature segments of the markets

3. Market Diversification: Provides detailed information about new product launches, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments

4. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: Provides an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, certification, regulatory approvals, patent landscape, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players

5. Product Development & Innovation: Provides intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and breakthrough product developments



The report answers questions such as:

1. What is the market size and forecast of the Global Positive Airway Pressure Devices Market?

2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Positive Airway Pressure Devices Market during the forecast period?

3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Positive Airway Pressure Devices Market?

4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Positive Airway Pressure Devices Market?

5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Positive Airway Pressure Devices Market?

6. What is the market share of the leading vendors in the Global Positive Airway Pressure Devices Market?

7. What modes and strategic moves are considered suitable for entering the Global Positive Airway Pressure Devices Market?



Key Topics Covered:



1. Preface



2. Research Methodology



3. Executive Summary



4. Market Overview

4.1. Introduction

4.2. Cumulative Impact of COVID-19



5. Market Insights

5.1. Market Dynamics

5.1.1. Drivers

5.1.1.1. High prevalence and economic burden caused by sleep apnea

5.1.1.2. Increased awareness about obstructive sleep apnea and its treatment options

5.1.1.3. Technology developments in diagnostics related to sleep apnea

5.1.1.4. Prevalence of Respiratory Diseases among the geriatric population

5.1.2. Restraints

5.1.2.1. Stringent regulations on device approvals

5.1.3. Opportunities

5.1.3.1. Attractiveness of continuous positive airway pressure therapy

5.1.3.2. Digitisation of training modules for patients

5.1.4. Challenges

5.1.4.1. Patient challenge with continuous device usability

5.2. Porters Five Forces Analysis

5.2.1. Threat of New Entrants

5.2.2. Threat of Substitutes

5.2.3. Bargaining Power of Customers

5.2.4. Bargaining Power of Suppliers

5.2.5. Industry Rivalry



6. Positive Airway Pressure Devices Market, by Product Type

6.1. Introduction

6.2. Auto - Titrating Positive Airway Pressure

6.3. Bi - level Positive Airway Pressure

6.4. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure



7. Positive Airway Pressure Devices Market, by End User

7.1. Introduction

7.2. Home Care Settings

7.3. Hospitals & Sleep Labs



8. Americas Positive Airway Pressure Devices Market

8.1. Introduction

8.2. Argentina

8.3. Brazil

8.4. Canada

8.5. Mexico

8.6. United States



9. Asia-Pacific Positive Airway Pressure Devices Market

9.1. Introduction

9.2. Australia

9.3. China

9.4. India

9.5. Indonesia

9.6. Japan

9.7. Malaysia

9.8. Philippines

9.9. Singapore

9.10. South Korea

9.11. Thailand



10. Europe, Middle East & Africa Positive Airway Pressure Devices Market

10.1. Introduction

10.2. France

10.3. Germany

10.4. Italy

10.5. Netherlands

10.6. Qatar

10.7. Russia

10.8. Saudi Arabia

10.9. South Africa

10.10. Spain

10.11. United Arab Emirates

10.12. United Kingdom



11. Competitive Landscape

11.1. FPNV Positioning Matrix

11.1.1. Quadrants

11.1.2. Business Strategy

11.1.3. Product Satisfaction

11.2. Market Ranking Analysis

11.3. Market Share Analysis, By Key Player

11.4. Competitive Scenario

11.4.1. Merger & Acquisition

11.4.2. Agreement, Collaboration, & Partnership

11.4.3. New Product Launch & Enhancement

11.4.4. Investment & Funding

11.4.5. Award, Recognition, & Expansion



12. Company Usability Profiles

12.1. 3B Medical, Inc.

12.2. Apex Medical Corp.

12.3. Armstrong Medical Inc.

12.4. Becton, Dickinson and Company

12.5. BMC Medical Co., Ltd.

12.6. Breas Medical AB

12.7. Compumedics Limited

12.8. Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, Inc.

12.9. Dymedso Inc.

12.10. Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited

12.11. Invacare Corporation

12.12. Koninklijke Philips N.V.

12.13. medin Medical Innovations GmbH

12.14. Microchip Technology Inc.

12.15. Narang Medical Limited

12.16. Nice Neotech Medical Systems Private Limited

12.17. NXP semiconductor NV

12.18. ResMed Corp.

12.19. Salter Labs Inc.

12.20. Smiths Medical

12.21. Teijin Pharma Limited

12.22. Texas Instruments Incorporated



13. Appendix

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/d3ogfb

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

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TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- WWC Global, a federally focused, woman-owned management consulting firm, announced today it was awarded a five-year, $15 million contract providing support to the Center for Democracy, Human Rights and Governance (DRG Center), a Center of Excellence at U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This is the second USAID contract award for the firm this fiscal year.

WWC Global will provide subject matter specialists in key DRG disciplines. This will enable DRG Center to quickly respond to priorities in Washington, DC and deploy highly skilled DRG technical professionals to support USAID missions' temporary technical needs as well as program management and administrative staff.



The DRG Center provides technical advice and support to USAID missions, implementing programs in democracy, human rights and governance. It generates and disseminates knowledge to build the evidence base for global advancement, elevating and integrating democratic human rights into the broader USAID programming.

"This contract award furthers our depth of experience at USAID and expands our capabilities," said Lauren Weiner, CEO of WWC Global, "It marks close to $200 million in new contract awards for our firm this year."

"WWC Global's mission is to put good government into practice," said Donna Huneycutt, President and COO of WWC Global. "Working with the DRG Center will enable us to support the expansion of government programs aimed at providing positive change."

With employees in more than 30 contract locations, spanning four continents and 13 time zones, WWC Global is the largest woman-owned federal management consulting firm headquartered in Tampa, Florida.

The U.S. Agency for International Development administers the U.S. foreign assistance program providing economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 80 countries worldwide.

About WWC Global

WWC Global is a federally focused, woman-owned management consulting firm with a wide portfolio of clients including the U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The firm's mission is to help federal agencies put good government principles into practice. Implementing a proven series of program management techniques, carrying out statistical and qualitative analysis, identifying effective metrics, and utilizing performance measurement tools with outcome-based qualitative data, WWC Global provides exemplary client service to surpass mission completion objectives. For more information, visit wwcglobal.com.

SOURCE WWC Global

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New York, Oct 7 : After throwing the kitchen sink at her former employer, Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen laid out an inside-out view on the simple "frictions" that would cool off Facebook's "toxic" and "divisive" algorithms that are driving teens and vulnerable populations off the cliff on the world's largest social networking platform.

Starting mid-September, leaked internal Facebook studies of the harms of Instagram for teenagers - including triggering eating disorders and suicidal thoughts - have set off alarm bells across the country.

In three hours of Congress testimony Tuesday, Haugen accused Facebook of intentionally refusing to make changes to its algorithms because it put "profits" before people. She is urging US lawmakers to act swiftly. "I came forward at great personal risk because I believe we still have time to act. But we must act now. I'm asking you, our elected representatives, to act,a Haugen said.

"The kids who are bullied on Instagram, the bullying follows them home. It follows them into their bedrooms. The last thing they see before they go to bed at night is someone being cruel to them," Haugen said.

"Kids are learning that their own friends, people who they care about, are cruel to them." Haugen listed a series of small tweaks as a starting point. "A lot of the changes that I'm talking about are not going to make Facebook an unprofitable company, it just won't be a ludicrously profitable company like it is today," she said.

Haugen said her knowledge of "problematic use" suggests that there should be an age limit of 16-18 years old for children to use social media.

"I strongly encourage raising age limits to 16 or 18 years old based on looking at the data around problematic use or addition on the platform and children's self regulation issues," Haugen told lawmakers.

Haugen said one of the simplest changes could be to reset the default mode to chronological ordering of posts rather than bombarding the audience with hyper-targeted posts based on their inferred identity. The way it's coded now, Facebook - and other social media platforms - let their algorithms predict what people want to see based on their engagement history over time.

Haugen pointed to Twitter as an example to explain the upside of inserting frictions. Twitter now routinely asks users if they want to read an article first before retweeting it. While not a hard intervention like deplatforming, Haugen said Facebook knows that such features can dramatically reduce misinformation and hate speech and refuses to act.

Haugen made the case that these frictions will actually work better for the company in the longer term. According to Haugen, the company's own research shows that people tend to avoid the platform as the volume of exposure to toxic content increases.

"One could reason a kinder, friendlier, more collaborative Facebook might actually have more users five years from now, so it's in everyone's interest," she said.

(Nikhila Natarajan is on Twitter @byniknat)
United Nations, Oct 7 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that Ethiopia has no right to expel UN staff and it is violating the international law in doing this.

In his right of reply at the Security Council meeting on Ethiopia, Guterres said on Wednesday that "we believe that Ethiopia has not the right to expel these members of the UN", reports Xinhua news agency.

"We believe Ethiopia is violating international law in doing so," he added.

The Foreign Ministry of Ethiopia on September 30 declared seven UN officials persona non grata for "meddling in the internal affairs" of the country.

They were given 72 hours to leave.

Speaking directly to Ethiopia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Taye Atske Selassie, who was also in the Security Council chamber, the Secretary-General said that "if there is any written document, provided by the Ethiopian Government to any UN institution, about any of the members of the UN that were expelled, I would like to receive a copy of that document, because I have not had any knowledge of any of them".

"It would be very useful for me to detect, if documents are given to the UN and not given to my knowledge, then I have to investigate what has happened in my organization," he added.

Guterres recalled that he "twice" told Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed that "if there were concerns about lack of, how to say, lack of impartiality of UN staff, that I asked him, please, send me those situations for me to be able to investigate".

"Until now I have no response to these requests," he stressed.

The Secretary-General said that "we are ready to cooperate with the government of Ethiopia in relation to any situation in which the government of Ethiopia feels that any member of the UN is not behaving in total impartiality, in total independence, as humanitarian law prescribes and humanitarian principles establish".

"We want to cooperate with the government of Ethiopia, because we have only one agenda in Ethiopia, and that agenda is the people of Ethiopia - Tigrayans, Amharans, Afaris, Somalis, the people of Ethiopia.

"The people of Ethiopia are suffering. We have no other interest but to help stop that suffering," he said.

Guterres told the Council before he exercised his right of reply that up to 7 million people in Tigray, Amhara and Afar are now in need of food assistance and other emergency support.

This includes more than 5 million people in Tigray where an estimated 400,000 people are "living in famine-like conditions".
New Delhi, Oct 7 : The first and foremost priority of Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum, who has been appointed as the new Director General of Pakistan's external spy wing Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), is to crush the Balochistan freedom movement.

Following his appointment on Wednesday, Lt Gen Anjum replaced Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, who was seen with the Taliban after the fall of Kabul on August 15.

Lt Gen Hameed, who was heading the spy agency since June 16, 2019, has now been appointed as Commander of the Peshawar Corps, which would make him eligible for the next Pakistan Army chief.

The incumbent Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa is on extension till 2022.

As the Peshawar Corps Commander, Lt Gen Hameed would also be working with the US and the Chinese as both are playing a major role in Afghanistan after its fall to the Taliban.

Lt Gen Anjum had previously worked in Balochistan as Inspector General of the Frontier Corps Balochistan for a while and has been infamous for stalling and disrupting freedom movement in the region through militia.

He had also served as the commander of Karachi Corps and it was in 2019 that he was promoted as Lieutenant General. He has also held command postings near the Line of Control.

The new ISI DG hails from the Pakistan Military Academy's (PMA) 78th Long Course and the Punjab Regiment.

He also served as the commandant of the Command and Staff College in Quetta and was also the commander of a brigade in Kurram Agency, Hangu.

Lt Gen Anjum graduated from the Royal College of Defense Studies in the UK and also holds a degree from the Asia-Pacific Centre for Security Studies, Honolulu.
Chennai, Oct 7 : Even as five special teams, including forest officers from Kerala and Karnataka have been pressed into service, the Tamil Nadu forest department is clueless on the 'killer' MDT 23 tiger, believed to have killed four humans and 12 cattle.

The tiger continues to be elusive. The forest and police departments have blocked the main road at the Theppakdu region in Masinagudi and Singara due to the possibilities of the tiger reaching the village settlements in search of prey.

The search operation for the 'killer' tiger has reached the 12th day and the forest department on Wednesday said 'they are in the right direction and are tracking the pug marks and other movements of the tiger'.

The Madras High Court on Tuesday ordered the forest department not to kill the tiger as it may not be a 'man eater'. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PPCF) of Tamil Nadu, Shekar Kumar Neeraj told media persons on Wednesday evening that the forest department is on the right track and has used drones and sniffer dogs to trace it. He also said that the department would immediately get hold of the tiger by tranquilizing it.

The people of the area are, in the meanwhile, restless following the order of the Madras High Court not to go for the kill as well as the forest department not being able to catch the tiger even after several days of relentless efforts.

Subramanian Sankar, a homestay owner at Gudalore and Manasinagudi while speaking to IANS said, "The tiger has to be caught at any cost. Local people know the forest and its surrounding areas and the animals much better. They vouch that the tiger has killed humans and 12 cattle and are fearful.

"The fear of the tiger has totally curtailed our business and blocking of roads and preventing movement of people has led to a situation wherein we will have to shut shop. For a smooth life of people in the area, the department should act fast and catch hold of the tiger." The heavy rains and fog have increased difficulties in the search operation and the forest department feels that the tiger is scavenging the leftovers of other animals for its feed. The tiger is injured and is not in a position to hunt and, hence it reached the village settlements for its food, including domesticated animals, the forest department has said earlier..

The forest department of Tamil Nadu is using the services of two kumki elephants, Udayan and Srinivasan as well as three elite sniffer dogs from Karnataka to nab the tiger.
New York, Oct 7 : The US Ambassador-designate to India, Eric Garcetti's decision to attend an art show by President Joe Biden's son Hunter presaging the sale of his paintings reportedly for as much as $500,000 has raised questions of ethics.

The President's spokesperson Jen Psaki deflected questions on Wednesday about Garcetti's ethics.

"I'd refer you to the gallerist for questions about the event and -- as well as the representatives of Mr. Garcetti, in terms of his attendance," she told a reporter who asked her about the propriety of him being at the event.

The controversy centres on the White House assertion that the names of buyers of the high-priced art would remain a secret to avoid any semblance of conflict of interest or of a buyer trying to influence the administration of a President who has vowed to fight corruption abroad.

The Republican National Committee's Deputy Rapid Response Director Kyle Martinsen tweeted: "Here's Hunter Biden meeting with potential buyers for his art at a showing last week. Didn't the White House say he wasn't going to know the buyers?" Garcetti, who is the mayor of Los Angeles, was nominated by Biden to be the envoy to India in July, but his confirmation by the Senate, as required by US law, has been held up by a Republican.

Republican Senator Ted Cruz has obstructed most of the nominations of ambassador in a pique over Biden waiving sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany.

President Biden, who has made fighting corruption abroad an important element of his foreign policy, has directed his administration to deal "robustly" with international corruption.

But domestically the ethics of Hunter Biden's business and art dealings have been questioned by the President's critics.

Hunter Biden, who had left the Navy reportedly over allegations relating to drugs, snagged without experience in energy or Eastern Europe a position with a Ukrainian gas company, Burisma, with payments of about $50,000 per month. This was while his father as Vice President was overseeing Washington's involvement with Kiev.

Later, after accompanying his father on an official visit to China, Hunter Biden was appointed to the board of a Chinese equity fund, BHR Partners, despite lacking experience in those areas. He subsequently acquired a 10 per cent stake in the company with links to the state-run Bank of China.

Psaki refused to say categorically whether he still had the shares or not.

"He's been working to wind that down... Beyond that, I would talk to his representatives," she said.

And in a genius move, Hunter switched after his father's election from being a business and finance expert to an artist, whose artworks are suddenly valued at $500,000, a high price for someone with no previous presence in the art world.

To deal with the ethics issue of people seeking favours from the president funnelling money to the son by buying his art, the White House said that the identities of buyers would be kept a secret by the art gallery handling the sale.

"We were very transparent about what recommendations were made to the gallerist," Psaki said at her briefing.

Raising the ethics issue, a reporter asked her" "The President's son would be selling artwork and then meeting, potentially, with people who would seek to buy it. If you have attendees at that event who might be seeking either jobs in this administration or favours from this administration, isn't it an awkward situation to put the president in?" Referring to Garcetti, the reporter said that "an Ambassador nominee was at this event. Should we expect to see more people who seek jobs in this administration attending events like this in the future?" About 200 people, including Hunter Biden, attended the art show at a gallery in Los Angeles on October 1, Mother Jones magazine reported on its website.

Hunter Biden's dealings with the Ukrainian gas company led to former President Donald Trump's impeachment by the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives.

He was impeached on charges of abusing his power to get Ukrainian authorities to investigate Hunter Biden and obstructing Congress, but was acquitted by the Republican-controlled Senate.

(Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in and followed @arulouis)

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
October 07 : With Aryan Khans and his co-accused Arbaaz Merchant and Munmun Dhamechas custody ending today, the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) alleged on Wednesday that the Narcotics Control Bureaus (NCB) raid on a cruise ship off the Mumbai coast on October 2 was fake. Shah Rukh Khans son Aryan Khan was arrested during a drugs raid by the NCB last Saturday along with his friend Arbaaz Merchant, fashion designer Munmun Dhamecha and five others. They were allegedly detained from the party onboard the cruise ship.

The Nationalist Congress Party also alleged that no narcotic drugs were found during the raid. The party also said that two people were along with the NCB team during the raid and allegedly one of them was a BJP member. The drama (the raid) was fake. They did not find drugs on the ship, NCP spokesperson and Maharashtra Minorities Affairs Minister Nawab Malik claimed.

Nawab Malik released a few videos allegedly of the NCB raid, and pointed out that a man named Gosavi, who was seen escorting Aryan Khan in one of the videos was not an NCB official. According to his social media profile, the man in question is a private detective based in Kuala Lumpur, the NCP leader claimed. "The entire NCB is being used by the BJP to malign the Maharashtra government and Bollywood," he said.

Reacting to the allegation, the BJP said that if there was no evidence, the court would have granted bail to the star kid Aryan Khan. NCB, who said that NCPs allegations are baseless, has so far arrested 17 people, including Aryan, after allegedly seizing drugs from the Goa-bound ship on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Aryan co-accused Arbaaz Merchant moved an application seeking CCTV footage of the cruise terminal where both Arbaaz and Aryan were allegedly held by the NCB. Merchant also claimed that despite recovering only about 6 grams of charas from him, the NCB remand application against him and Aryan Khan has mentioned recovery of larger quantity of drugs in the case. He also claimed that the NCBs allegation that they wanted to board the ship was completely false as they didnt have the entry ticket to the ship.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : In the run up to Cop26, scientists at the Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) at Queen's University Belfast are investigating a range of sustainable, natural resources with potential to greatly reduce agricultural emissions -- by as much as 50 per cent.

IGFS is already involved in a number of projects, local and international, investigating the use of seaweed as a feed supplement for farm animals in order to reduce GHG emissions. These projects are now entering the farm-trial stage and researchers expect results to evidence drops in methane and ammonia emissions of at least 30 per cent.

In the latest initiative, IGFS is pioneering the use of willow tree leaves in the race to make farming more carbon-neutral. The UK has committed to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 but the National Union of Farmers has said it wants the UK agriculture to achieve carbon-neutral by 2040. Cop26 will have a particular focus on reducing methane emissions.

One of the clear benefits of willow is that it grows easily in the UK; it is already used as a bioenergy crop. Indeed, the Agrifood & Biosciences Institute (AFBI) NI, with whom IGFS will partner on this project, harvests willow for biomass.

This project will take willow leaves and branches (up to 18mm diameter) left over from this process, and feed to ruminant livestock, sheep in the first instance, to see the effect on emissions.

Early, in-vitro research at IGFS aimed to evaluate the nutritive value of different willow varieties and their potential to reduce emissions due to bioactive compounds (condensed tannins). Willow was compared with alfafa, a forage with no tannins. Results indicated a high reduction in methane emissions -- around 50 per cent -- when compared with the alfalfa.

The next stage is feeding willow silage directly to animals, with farm trials, using sheep, scheduled to begin in NI in early 2022. Both ammonia and methane emissions will be measured, along with nutrient value, digestibility and rumen microbiome in the indoors trial.

Another aspect of the project will assess the efficacy of willow trees as part of 'agroforestry', where trees are grown in pasture areas so that animals can graze naturally on the foliage.

Agroforestry has become popular in places like New Zealand as part of a move towards 'regenerative farming', but there is a dearth of scientific data. As well as reducing the need for conventional silage, supporters point to other benefits -- such as improving soil quality, biodiversity and extending the grazing season.

IGFS lead on this project, Dr Katerina Theodoridou said the four-year, BBRSC-funded research, in which Reading University is also a partner, was the culmination of much laboratory research.

She said: "Willow definitely has great early potential but we need evidence from the farms -- very little data currently exists on willow silage.

"Measuring the effect of the bio-active compounds on emissions will give us urgently needed evidence that can be used in a practical way to make agriculture more sustainable."
Hyderabad, Oct 7 : The Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC) will operate more than 4,000 special buses to various destinations in Telangana and to neighbouring Andhra Pradesh to clear passenger rush during Dasara.

The state owned transport operator will ply a total of 4,035 special buses between October 8 and 15. While 3,084 buses will be operated from Hyderabad to districts in Telangana, another 951 buses will ply to various destinations in Andhra Pradesh.

Unlike last year when the celebrations were subdued due to Covid-19 pandemic, Dasara is likely to be celebrated this year with usual pomp and gaiety.

Every year, thousands of people from Hyderabad travel to their native places in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to celebrate Dasara with their families.

Bus and railway stations witness massive rush of passengers during Dasara while private buses and taxis make most of the festival rush.

The TSRTC authorities are making elaborate arrangements at various places in Hyderabad to facilitate easy travel of the commuters to their destinations.

Police personnel will also be deployed at starting points to ensure that people do not use private vehicles, a TSRTC official said.

TSRTC chairman Bajireddy Goverdhan and managing director V.C. Sajjanar have appealed to the people to use TSRTC buses for safe travel.

TSRTC, which suffered massive losses due to the pandemic, is looking to earn some good revenue by plying special buses during Dasara.

The public transport carrier announced that four communication cells are being set up in Hyderabad for the convenience of the public. These are being established at Rathifile Bus Station (Ph.No.9959226154) Koti Bus Station (Ph.No.9959226160) Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (Ph.No.9959226257) Jubilee Bus Station (Ph.No.9959226246). They will be working round the clock from October 7 to 14.

These communication cells will give information like timings, destination, and fares to the people who want to travel to villages. Information will also be provided about the buses being plied from starting points like L.B.Nagar X roads, Uppal X Roads, Jubilee Bus Stand, Aramghar etc.

The TSRTC officers will be physically present at these points to monitor the special operations.

The TSRTC has also announced special packages. If more than 30 people from a colony are travelling to the same place, they can get information from the communication cells and book buses from nearest depots.

Labour contractors can also coordinate with the authorities and book buses for their workers travelling to the same place.

Similarly students can also avail the facility by booking the buses. The TSRTC buses will pick them up from their chosen place.

Latest updates on Navratri Festival 2021
Panaji, Oct 7 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be visiting Goa to lay the foundation stone of a forensic college and a law college in the state's newest sub-district at Dharbandora on October 14, Public Works Department Minister Deepak Pauskar said on Thursday.

"Our Union Home Minister Amit Shah will be laying the foundation stone for both projects. He will also be addressing a function in the presence of Goa Governor P.S. Sreedharan Pillai," Pauskar also said.

BJP sources said that Shah will also meet several officials from the party's core committee to strategise for the upcoming 2022 state Assembly elections.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Oct 7 : The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to entertain a plea by MP Subramanian Swamy seeking framing of guidelines to deal with the menace of NPA in the banking sector, saying, "It is the duty of the legislature" and a policy matter, which should be decided by the government and RBI.

However, the top court allowed Swamy to make a representation before the RBI.

A bench headed by Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and comprising Justices Vikram Nath and B.V. Nagarathna told Swamy, who argued in-person, "How do we frame guidelines so that non-performing assets (NPAs) do not occur? It's for the legislature".

Swamy contended that his plea deals with cases and methods by which a large number of NPAs do not occur again and added that this will be beneficial for everybody. He added that the court can set up a committee in the matter, and insisted "we can make out a case." Justice Nath said the RBI and finance ministry have been issuing guidelines, and policies are framed so that NPAs do not occur.

"There is no need for us to interfere in all of this," the bench noted.

Swamy argued that the RBI is maintaining extraordinary secrecy in connection with information on NPAs, and added that when a bank closes down, people run from pillar to post for their funds.

He further contended that judgments referred in the petition along with others, which states how courts haven't taken a hard-line position, that it cannot enter this domain.

Justice Chandrachud said: "We can say ultimately RBI can look at your material and take a decision at the policy level. But constituting a committee etc, cannot happen".

Swamy's plea stated that it is appropriate for this court to constitute an expert committee for necessary guidelines. The bench said: "In the matter of this nature the reliefs which have been sought are core issues of policy which pertain to the domain of expert bodies such as RBI".

The bench added that it is not possible for the court to tread into policy domain.

The bench, in its order, said: "We leave it open to the petitioner to submit a representation or the plea itself as a representation to RBI, so that a view can be taken so that any guidelines be duly modified to address the grievances. Plea is accordingly disposed of."

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Bamako, Oct 7 : Mali's Foreign Ministry has called on France to "restrain itself", following what was described as "unfriendly and derogatory remarks" by French President Emmanuel Macron.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Ministry said it had summoned the French Ambassador to Mali after Macron's remarks on the "institutions" of the West African nation, reports Xinhua news agency.

Malian Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop expressed "indignation and disapproval" over and protested against "these regrettable remarks" that are likely to "harm the development of friendly relations between nations", the statement said.

The protest came after Macron's remarks on Mali on September 30, made on the sidelines of the "Africa 2020" event at the Elysee Palace.

"The legitimacy of the current government is undemocratic. Yesterday we presided over the national tribute to Sergeant Maxime Blasco (a French soldier killed in Mali on September 24) and today he is buried among his own. What the Malian prime minister said is unacceptable. This is a disgrace. And it dishonours what is not even a government," Macron was reported to be saying.

In the statement on Tuesday, the Malian government called on the French authorities to "restrain themselves" by avoiding "value judgments" and to "concentrate on the essential," in particular the "fight against terrorism in the Sahel".

The Malian Foreign Minister, however, reiterated Mali's readiness to "build with willing partners sincere and concerted relations, respecting the principle of non-interference in accordance with the legitimate aspirations of the Malian people", the statement said.

In recent days, a verbal escalation between Bamako and Paris has been taking place since September 25, when Prime Minister Choguel Kokalla Maiga told the UN General Assembly that Macron's "unilateral" announcement last June of the reorganisation of the French military presence in the Sahel represented "a kind of abandonment in flight", saying this led Mali to open negotiations with other actors in order to diversify its partners in the fight against terrorism.

The remarks by Maiga prompted strong condemnation from Paris.

Since 2012, Mali, buffeted by political, economic difficulties and security challenges, has witnessed the death of thousands and displacement of hundreds and thousands others as a result of separatist insurrections, jihadi incursions and inter-communal violence, despite the presence of UN, French and European forces.
New Delhi, October 7: Even as anxiety among global investors rises with the mammoth default of Chinese real estate major Evergrande Group, Beijing has kept mum on whether or not it would bailout the behemoth.

Sources familiar with the development said that Chinese authorities could possibly look at extending the repayment deadlines for a part of the pending outstanding dues even as the country's banks and local governments have also been asked to prepare for the fall of Evergrande.

A foreign policy analyst added that Beijing's refusal to bailout Evergrande has a larger message to China's private sector-- that the government will not come to their rescue in case of defaults.

However, in this case, the problem for the Xi Jinping administration is that the real estate sector has shouldered China's economy for years and is used as an effective savings instrument by lakhs of citizens.

"The authorities could look at providing some kind of lease of time to Evergrande. This will calm the nerves of the investors as well as home buyers," an insider told India Narrative. He added that the extended timeline for repayment will also facilitate Evergrande in completion of the projects," he added.

Real estate has always been a lucrative savings vehicle for the Chinese, especially as capital controls bar citizens' to invest abroad.

So the Evergrande case cannot be compared with any other defaulting company as this would involve large amounts of savings of the common people.

Gan Li, of Chengdu's Southwestern University of Finance and Economics told Bloomberg in 2018 that there was no other single country with such a high vacancy rate. "Should any crack emerge in the property market, the homes to be offloaded will hit China like a flood," the news agency quoted Gan as saying.

Within weeks of Evergrande defaulting another Chinese real estate company Fantasia Holdings missed a $206 million bond payment deadline.

The Chinese real estate sector and its allied services account for about 30 per cent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). Besides, according to the latest data, about 29 per cent of all bank loans are directed towards housing.

"Cracks in the real estate sector in China have been showing up for many years but the government chose not to address the problems. Today the Evergrande problem is just the tip of the iceberg considering large chunk of bank lendings have also gone into the sector," DK Srivastava, EY's chief policy adviser told India Narrative.

"Any significant decline in real estate prices would lead not only to widespread disaffection, but also to a potentially significant pullback in consumption of other goods and services," former chief economist of the International Monetary Fund Kenneth Roghoff, who is currently serving as Professor of Economics and Public Policy at Harvard University wrote in an article published by Financial Review.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Four tons of unexploded bombs destroyed in three days in Vietnam.(photo:IN) Image Source: IANS News

Four tons of unexploded bombs destroyed in three days in Vietnam.(photo:IN) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, October 7: More than 45 years after the Vietnam war ended in 1975, the country is still busy clearing thousands of unexploded bombs, mines and other kinds of ordnance.

Vietnam's central city of Da Nang destroyed more than three tons of unexploded mines and bombs in a four-day effort beginning October 01.

The Vietnamese defence forces located these unexploded ammunition that had remained buried for decades. In a news report, the Vietnamnet.vn website says: "According to the engineering force of the Military Command of Da Nang City, these bombs and mines were buried for decades so they were all rusted and easy to explode".

Military engineers transported the bombs, mines and explosives to a different location--Dong Nghe training ground, to destroy them safely.

The leftover bombs have taken a big toll on Vietnamese lives. More than 42,135 Vietnamese people have lost their lives and 62,163 have been injured between 1975 to 2000. The country itself has spent millions of dollars every year to search and destroy the unexploded ammunition besides resettling the tens of thousands of victims.

Vietnamese estimates from 2002 say that 6.6 million hectares of land, or 21.12 per cent of the country, remains contaminated with unexploded ordinance.

Experts say that the US had literally rained bombs on Vietnam during its efforts to upstage the communist regime. Besides bombs, the US had also sprayed Agent Orange over Vietnamese fields and forests in a bid to kill vegetation that would offer food and shelter to the Vietnamese forces.

The US too has been assisting Hanoi clear up the ordnance along with international organisations.

Vietnam asserts rights over disputed Spratly islands through its lighthouses The Quad changes track in the Indo-Pacific-from security, moves to vaccines, supply chains and development

India has developed good relations with South East Asia to balance China.

(The content is being carried under an arrangement with indianarrative.com) --indianarrative
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 7 : Kerala Education Minister V. Sivankutty on Thursday told the Assembly that arrangements are being made to ensure smooth functioning of all schools in the state, as they open on November 1, after almost 18 months.

He said that arrangements are being made to ensure that noon meals will be served as one cannot afford to leave children hungry.

"Food will be prepared and distributed, according to Covid protocols in the schools. Adequate supply of soaps, and sanitisers will be available in the schools.. besides in every school, there will be a doctor posted for duty.

"It has also been decided to see that there are only two children seated on a bench, and that Saturdays will also be a working day. All schools will be sanitised before they open," Sivankutty added.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
October 07 : Shahid Kapoor, who has recently completed filming his debut web series, directed by Raj-DK for Amazon Prime Video, is all set to begin work on his next film with Ali Abbas Zafar of Tiger Zinda Hai fame.

Reportedly, Shahid will start shooting for Ali Abbas Zafars next later this month. The film is said to be the official adaptation of the 2011 French film, Nuit Blanche (Sleepless Night). While the film is in pre-production stage, and yet to be titled, it will see Shahid as a cop chasing some drug lords.

In the first schedule, Ali Abbas Zafar will make Shahid do an elaborate action sequence. The team is looking for junior artistes and body doubles for the action sequence. Shahid will reportedly start prepping for the action sequence next week before he starts shoot for the same. The first schedule will be shot across Mumbai, particularly in Goregaon.

Nuit Blanche was remade in Tamil and Telugu in as Thoongaa Vanam and Cheekati Rajyam respectively in 2015, starring Kamal Haasan.

Meanwhile, during a question-answer session on Twitter, Shahid said that he is fortunate to realise his dream of becoming an actor and hoped to do justice to his craft to the best of his ability. When asked what his ambition was, the actor said that he has been blessed to get varied opportunities in his career. God has been kind. I am fortunate to be an actor. It was a far off dream. Ambition is to do justice to every opportunity and every character I play. Dil se kaam karna hai (I want to work wholeheartedly). Thats it, he tweeted.

Shahid will soon be seen on the big screen in Jersey. A Hindi remake of the 2019 Telugu blockbuster of the same name, the film will release theatrically on December 31.
Bengaluru, Oct 7 : The Karnataka health department is upbeat about the Covid-19 situation in the state as 13 districts have recorded zero deaths in the last seven days (till October 5).

The positivity rate in the state remained at 0.53 per cent in spite of the removal of restrictions on schools, theatres, pubs and reduction of night curfew hours. The government is now contemplating reopening primary schools after the Dasara festival.

As many as 81 per cent of people in the eligible group have been administered one dose of Covid-19 vaccination and 36 per cent have got a second dose of vaccination as per the health department statistics.

According to information from the department, there is no related Covid death reported in 13 districts of the state. The districts of Ballary, Bidar, Chamarajanagar, Chikkaballapur, Chikkamagalur, Kalaburgi, Kolar, Koppal, Mandya, Raichur, Udupi, Vijayapura and Yadgir reported no Covid deaths for seven days till October 5.

The death rate has come down drastically in other districts and capital city Bengaluru as well. The number of Covid cases has also come down in the whole state. The first week of September saw 5,612 cases whereas the first week of October recorded 3,676 cases. The active cases in districts have also come down.

The statistics released by the health department mentions that Bidar reported 2, Gadag, Raichur reported 4 cases each while Bagalkot, Raichur and Yadgir districts reported 5 cases each on October 6. Bengaluru city has 7,572 active cases and Dakshina Kannada has 744 active cases in the state. The districts bordering Kerala and Maharashtra are also showing good progress in terms of containing the Covid pandemic.

In terms of vaccination also the state is putting up a good show. The first dose has been covered for 81 per cent and 36 per cent of people have got the second dose of vaccination. Two districts have achieved administration of 100 per cent vaccination of the first dose while 7 districts have managed to administer the first dose to 90 per cent beneficiaries.

Kodagu, the bordering district of Kerala has recorded 99 per cent, Hassan 94 per cent, Dakshina Kannada 93 per cent, Ramnagar and Uttara Kannada 92 per cent, Chikkamagalur and Mandya 91 per cent of people have got the first dose of vaccine.

Though, the target set for Bengaluru Urban district barring the BBMP area was 9.81 lakh, as many as 11.92 lakh people have got vaccinations. In BBMP limits the vaccine drive has covered 77.64 lakh people against the target of 87.21 lakh.

Overall in the state, 4.89 crore people above 18 years are eligible to get Covid vaccination. So far 3.96 crore people have got the first dose of Covid vaccination.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Seoul, Oct 7 : South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister Choi Jong-kun and the US special envoy for Iran, Robert Malley, held phone talks on Thursday to discuss cooperation over negotiations to restore the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

In a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry here, Choi reiterated South Korea's commitment to providing support necessary for the resumption of the negotiations "in consideration of the importance of Seoul-Tehran relations", Yonhap News Agency reported.

Malley asked for Seoul to continue to play a "constructive" role in the efforts to restart the talks.

The US government under former President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in May 2018 and unilaterally reimposed sanctions on Iran.

In response, Iran gradually stopped implementing parts of its commitments to the agreement from May 2019.

Tehran has repeated that it will "re-embrace" its reduced commitments, in case Washington does the same.

The JCPOA Joint Commission began to meet offline on April 6 in Vienna to continue previous discussions about a possible return of the US to the deal.

After six rounds of talks which ended on June 20, serious differences remain between Iran and the US on restoring the deal.
Cairo, Oct 7 : Egypt's Prisons Authority released 3,886 inmates on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the 1973 Arab-Israeli War, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

"The move was to implement President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi's pardon decision," Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying.

According to the Egyptian Constitution, the President can issue pardon decrees for prisoners who had received final court rulings that cannot be further appealed.

The Egyptian President usually issues a pardon decree on public holidays including two religious Muslim festivals, the holy month of Ramadan and the July 23 Revolution anniversary.

The Arab-Israeli War was an armed conflict fought from October 6-25, 1973 between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria.
Abu Dhabi, Oct 7 : The United Arab Emirates has announced plans to launch an asteriod mission, which will visit seven different asteroids in 2028.

It will be the UAE's second interplanetary effort. The first, the Emirates Mars Mission, arrived at Mars in February and started its official science run on May 23.

The EMM launched an orbiter called Hope to the Red Planet in July 2020, the Space.com reported.

"Our goal is clear: to accelerate the development of innovation and knowledge-based enterprises in the Emirates," UAE Space Agency chair Sarah Al Amiri was quoted as saying.

"This can't be done by going steady-state; this requires leaps in imagination, in faith and the pursuit of goals that go beyond prudent or methodical.

"When we embarked on the Emirates Mars Mission, we took on a six-year task that was (on) the order of five times more complex than the Earth-observation satellites we were developing. This mission is (on) the order of five times more complex than EMM," Al Amiri said.

The new asteroid mission, whose name has not yet been revealed, will perform speed-boosting flybys of Venus and Earth in mid-2028 and mid-2029, respectively, and make it to the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter in 2030.

The probe will study seven different asteroids up close over the course of its mission, which will culminate with a landing on a space rock in 2033.

So far, only a handful of missions -- NASA's Near-Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) Shoemaker and OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, and Japan's Hayabusa1 and Hayabusa2 probes -- could make a soft landing on an asteroid.

For the mission, the UAE will also with the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado, Boulder, which is also a key partner on the Hope Mars mission.

The science goals of the asteroid mission, and the instruments it will carry, will be announced in next year, UAE officials said.

The asteroid mission also includes the planned delivery of a moon rover called Rashid to the lunar surface in 2022, the report said.
Ramallah, Oct 7 : Palestine has condemned an Israeli court's decision that granted Jewish worshippers limited rights to pray at al-Aqsa Mosque in the old city of East Jerusalem.

In a statement, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the move "a flagrant aggression against al-Aqsa Mosque", Xinhua news agency.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is a site holy to both Muslims and Jews, the latter of whom call it the Temple Mount.

The statement said that the Israeli court's decision "is a step towards dividing the holy compound of the mosque", adding that "it will lead to dangerous consequences on al-Aqsa Mosque and its historical and legal status quo".

It also said that it will exert all efforts and employ all political and diplomatic action to confront this decision.

The statement added that the foreign ministry will coordinate efforts with Jordan, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on both the regional and international levels.

Meanwhile, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit also condemned the court's decision, saying it was "dangerous" and mirrored intentions of the new Israeli government and its continuous plans for targeting the Palestinian presence.

Aboul-Gheit said the Israeli policies, including the court decision, risk provoking the Palestinians as it touches religious sentiments.

He called on the international society to bear its responsibility for maintaining the legal and historical position of Jerusalem city.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Oct 7 : Pakistans consistent efforts to portray the apparent distraught human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir referring to vague and unrealistic figures of troop presence and the nature of violence that apparently occurs on a daily basis has not only led to a creation of bland and superfluous narrative over the years but has been irritating those being approached by the Pakistani government on the Kashmir issue.

In European Union (EU) circles, the Pakistani narrative is referred to as the "'K'acophony". Usage of this jargon has become common among EU members who tend to ignore the push made by Pakistan on the Kashmir issue. Western countries are increasingly beginning to believe that there is no role for them to play in the Kashmir issue and that the matter has to be settled through dialogue between the two countries.

The pressure being built by the Pakistani government is thus having a reversal effect. The traditional practice of sending out letters at the highest levels by the Pakistani government on a regular basis to their counterparts in different countries on alleged human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir has only made the issue appear redundant and insipid.

Moreover, such efforts have led to the realisation that this is part of diversionary tactics by Pakistan to take away global attention from the internal problems it faces. A careful analysis of the trend indicates that over a period of time, the Kashmir issue has lost traction with the international community/institutions.

In some cases while the Pakistani side has raised the Kashmir issue, the concerned foreign agency in turn has asked the Pakistani side to first clean their own house on the human rights front. The UNHRC, at its leadership level, appears to be seriously concerned about human rights violation in Pakistan including the ongoing harassment of ordinary people in the form of continued detention, denial of rights to freedom of expression, restrictions on public assembly, pressure faced by journalists and alleged use of unlawful means of dealing with general crime. The UNHRC has also been concerned about the situation in Pakistan occupied Kashmir which remains pathetic as far as human rights condition and freedom of expression is concerned.

In the last two months, with glaring human rights violation surfacing in Pakistan, the UNHRC feels that there is need for introspection by the Pakistani government on gross human rights violations on various fronts including efforts to suppress the voice of the minorities. The UNHRC also feels there is need for teams from the UNHRC Working Groups, dealing with "enforced and involuntary disappearances" as well as "torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment", to visit Pakistan to assist the government in formalising legislations on "enforced disappearances" and "torture". This would have to be preceded by a thorough assessment of the ground situation that prevails in Pakistan.

The UNHRC also feels that Pakistan should bear responsibility for assisting Afghanistan in sustaining the spirit of human rights, especially in the case of women and girls. The UNHRC feels that functional requirements of the UNHRC in Afghanistan should also be assisted and facilitated by Pakistan to the extent possible considering the latter has a significant hold over the government in Afghanistan.

There is a realization among European nations and also among international organisations working in Pakistan to exert pressure on Pakistan to first clear its own mess and also help Afghanistan build a transparent and homogeneous society free of any human rights violation before any recognition is accredited to the help and assistance sought by Pakistan from the international community. Much though Pakistan might try to draw the attention of the world to the Kashmir issue, the fact remains that the world's focus now is on Afghanistan, and Pakistan's credibility would depend on how it delivers on this front, while clearing up its own mess.
Mumbai, Oct 7 : The 13th edition of the Emmy Award-winning business reality series 'Shark Tank' is all set to premiere on October 9 on Voot Select. It will have actor-entrepreneur Kevin Hart and Indian-American business person Nirav Tolia as guest Shark investors throughout the upcoming season.

The business reality show offers budding inventors a once-in-a-lifetime chance to score the funding that can transform their side hustles into an empire.

Shark investors Mark Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Daymond John, Robert Herjavec and Kevin O'Leary will be joined by four new guest sharks appearing this season.

Actor, investor and entrepreneur Kevin Hart will be joined by Indian-American co-founder of Nextdoor, Nirav Tolia, CEO of Good American, Emma Grede and BBC's Dragon Den's Peter Jones.

"Entrepreneurship has always been a driving force in my life. I grew up seeing my parents thrive as Indian immigrants and their success in business and as respected community leaders shaped my understanding of what was possible and inspired my own journey in Silicon Valley," said Nirav Tolia.
Lucknow, Oct 7 : The Lucknow Police Commissionerate has announced new restrictions under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in view of the upcoming festival season and the farmers' protest.

Senior officials said that these restrictions will remain in place till November 8.

The directive under Section 144 (also known as prohibitory orders), empowers the magistrate to prohibit the gathering of four or more people in a specified area.

"Section 144 of CrPC implemented in Lucknow Commissionerate jurisdiction with immediate effect. Section 144 will remain in force in the capital till November 8 to maintain law and order and ensure adherence to Covid-19 rules in view of upcoming festivals, various entrance exams and farmers' protests," an official note signed by Joint Commissioner of Police, Law and Order, Piyush Mordia, said.

Navratri will be celebrated from October 7-14, Dussehra on October 15, Barawafat on October 19, Diwali on November 4, and Bhai Dooj on November 6.

"Covid-19 is still having an impact on the normal lives of people. So, it is important to be vigilant during the festival period," the order stated.

The order contains 24 points that explained different restrictions to remain imposed during this period. It also gave details about the Covid-19 protocols to be followed during this period. The order reads that the Covid-19 guidelines issued by the UP government from time to time must be followed strictly.

The order further states that tractors, bullock carts, horse carts, gas cylinders, inflammable material, and any kind of weapon is banned within one kilometre area around the Vidhan Sabha.

All demonstrations are also banned near the Vidhan Sabha. If anyone is found violating these guidelines, strict action will be taken against that person.

Besides, video-shooting with the help of drones is banned above or 1 kilometre around the state legislature building and government offices. Special permission needs to be taken from the police for using drones to shoot footage in any area of the district.

Latest updates on Navratri Festival 2021

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Washington, Oct 7 : The White House has announced investment worth $1 billion worth for rapid, at-home coronavirus tests to address ongoing shortages.

The move will quadruple the number of tests available to Americans by December, Jeff Zients, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, was quoted as saying at a press briefing on Wednesday.

"That means, we'll have an available supply of 200 million rapid, at-home tests per month starting in December, with a supply of tens of millions of additional tests coming on the market across the next few weeks," he said.

This follows the authorisation of the sale of a new antigen test from the US-based Acon Laboratories on Monday by the Food and Drug Administration.

The authorisation accelerates this pace, and we are now on track to triple the number by early November, Zients said.

Besides at-home testing, the Joe Biden administration is also increasing access to free testing, which has been central to the country's Covid response.

In early September, Biden also committed to expand the number of pharmacies in the federal government's free testing programme to 10,000 local pharmacies across the country. It has now doubled "to a total of 20,000 local pharmacies", Zients said.

In addition, 10,000 other community-based free testing sites are also available in the country.

According to public health experts, the roll out of at-home tests to 200 million per month was long overdue.

"This is a big deal. The White House is beginning to take testing as seriously as they've taken vaccinations," Scott Becker, chief executive of the Association of Public Health Laboratories, was quoted as saying by The Washington Post.

Becker noted that low availability of rapid tests had hampered efforts to track and combat the surge of coronavirus cases driven by the highly transmissible delta variant.

While the FDA has authorised several at-home tests, the experts criticised the agency for not moving faster to greenlight more of them to expedite the tests' availability, the report said.

"These tests are cheap to make, and there's a lot of demand for it out there," Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health, was quoted as saying.

"The reason the market hasn't worked is because the FDA has made it very difficult for these tests to get out into the marketplace," he added.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Lucknow, Oct 7 : The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a probe regarding the land leased out by late Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh to the Aligarh Muslim University in 1929.

Commissioner, Aligarh division, has been asked to conduct the probe and he has sought a report from the district magistrate of Aligarh.

Gaurav Dayal, commissioner, Aligarh division, said, "A letter in this regard was received from additional chief secretary SP Goyal. The matter to be probed relates to land leased out for 90 years by late Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh to the Aligarh Muslim University. The term of the lease has lapsed and so a report has been sought from the district magistrate of Aligarh." It may be recalled that late Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh was a known freedom fighter, social reformer and academician.

He had leased out land owned by him to Aligarh Muslim University for 90 years in 1929. The term of the lease has lapsed but, according to the complaint lodged in the chief minister's office, the said land has not been handed back to legal heirs of late Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh.

The complaint has been lodged by one Ashok Chaudhary from 'Ahuti', a social organisation in Aligarh.

The chief minister's office has directed commissioner, Aligarh division to probe the matter and submit the report.

On the said land leased out to the AMU, there stand a 'Tikonia Park' and the city school run by Aligarh Muslim University.

The legal heirs of Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh had suggested to the AMU to hand over land on which Tikonia Park stands and name the city school run by AMU after Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh.

In this regard, a committee headed by the vice chancellor was constituted by the AMU Executive Council to consider the proposal.

When contacted, AMU spokesperson Prof Shafey Kidwai admitted that a proposal from the legal heirs of Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh was considered by the Executive Committee of Aligarh Muslim University. However, no final decision had been taken yet, he said.

"The Executive Council of Aligarh Muslim University was ready to give back the land on which Tikonia Park is located. Further, the Executive Committee said it was acceptable that the city school run by AMU on remaining land will be named after Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh, an alumnus of AMU, and the lease of this land be extended," said Prof Shafey Kidwai.

Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of a university to be built in the name of Raja Mahendra Pratap Singh near Aligarh. As many as 396 degree colleges in Aligarh division are to be affiliated with this upcoming university.
Canberra, Oct 7 : The Australian government on Thursday ruled out additional funding to help hospitals cope with the ongoing Covid-19 outbreaks.

Minister for Health Greg Hunt has rejected a plea from state and territory governments for more money to help the health system survive strains imposed by Australia's severe wave of coronavirus infections, reports Xinhua news agency.

In a letter to state and territory health ministers, Hunt said the federal government has already increased healthcare funding by A$30 billion ($21 billion) in response to the pandemic.

"The Australian government would warmly welcome it if states and territories were to match the increase in Australian government funding since 2012-2013," he wrote, according to local media The Age.

"The Australian government has committed more than A$30 billion in additional health expenditure in the response to Covid-19." All eight state and territory health ministers wrote to Hunt on September 30 calling for an immediate injection of "crisis funding", warning that hospitals were facing "unrelenting strain due to the current Covid-19 demands".

"We are entering the most critical phase of the Covid-19 pandemic response for our hospital systems," they wrote.

On Thursday, Australia reported more than 2,200 new locally-acquired coronavirus cases as the country continues to battle the third wave of infections.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Washington, Oct 7 : US Senate Republicans have proposed extending the federal government's debt limit into December in order to avert a looming debt default, local media reported on Thursday.

"To protect the American people from a near-term Democrat-created crisis, we will also allow Democrats to use normal procedures to pass an emergency debt limit extension at a fixed dollar amount to cover current spending levels into December," Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement late Wednesday night.

"This will moot Democrats' excuses about the time crunch they created and give the unified Democratic government more than enough time to pass stand-alone debt limit legislation through reconciliation," McConnell said.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer did not respond publicly, but Senate Democrats are poised to accept the proposal to defer a showdown over the debt limit until December, Xinhua news agency quoted the local media reports as saying.

The proposal came after President Joe Biden earlier on Wednesday held a virtual meeting with business leaders to discuss the dangers of the US defaulting on its debt, stepping up pressure on Republicans to raise the debt limit.

"Raising the debt limit is paying our old debts. It has nothing to do with new spending or what may be coming this year or other years," Biden said.

"Democrats are willing to step up and stop this economic catastrophe if Senate Republicans will just get out of the way," said the President, adding that the failure to raise the debt limit will undermine the safety of Treasury securities and threaten the US dollar's status as the world's reserve currency.

Economists at the White House Council of Economic Advisers also warned that an unprecedented US default could induce a global financial crisis and recession.

"A default would send shock waves through global financial markets and would likely cause credit markets worldwide to freeze up and stock markets to plunge" the White House economists said Wednesday in a blog post.

"Employers around the world would likely have to begin laying off workers." Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen told lawmakers that they have to raise or suspend the debt limit by October 18 when the Treasury Department is likely to exhaust its "extraordinary measures".

As part of a bipartisan budget deal enacted in August 2019, Congress suspended the debt limit through July 31.

After the debt limit was reinstated on August 1, the Treasury Department began using "extraordinary measures" to continue to finance the government on a temporary basis.

The debt limit, commonly called the debt ceiling, is the total amount of money that the US government is authorized to borrow to meet its existing legal obligations, including social security and medicare benefits, interest on the national debt, and other payments.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : A proud partner of the Indian Air Force (IAF) since 1933 when the Rolls-Royce Bristol Jupiter Engine powered the first flight of the IAF, Rolls-Royce congratulates India's brave air soldiers on the occasion of 89th Indian Air Force Day.

Over 750 Rolls-Royce engines of 10 engine types are powering different aircraft of the Indian military, including combat and strike aircrafts, trainers, strategic airlift, VVIP and surveillance aircrafts. Over the years, Rolls-Royce has established a strong ecosystem in India to support these engines. A dedicated Defence Service Centre in Bengaluru supports all Rolls-Royce engines in operation with the Armed Forces, with a dedicated team ensuring optimum availability of engines and time on wing, while reducing maintenance and overhaul times.

Kishore Jayaraman, President - India and South Asia, Rolls-Royce said, "It has been both our privilege and honour to serve the Indian Air Force for the last eight decades, and we salute the brave officers of the IAF on the occasion of Air Force Day. As India envisions the fleet of the future, our commitment to support the country's defence indigenization and self-reliance goals remains as strong as ever." Through its growing partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Rolls-Royce has further reinforced its commitment to serve the Indian Air Force and enable the mission capability of the fleet. Rolls-Royce engines have been 'made in India' and supported by HAL for over 60 years. The partnership has evolved to include an authorised maintenance centre at HAL for Adour Mk871 engine and a supply chain agreement that enables Adour engine parts to be made in India to support IAF and Rolls-Royce's global customers.

Abhishek Singh, Senior Vice President - Defence, India and South East Asia, Rolls-Royce said, "We are honoured to have been supporting the Indian Armed Forces to fulfil critical training, transport and combat roles. We will continue to support the mission readiness of our engines powering the IAF fleet and enable the 'power to protect' through our technologically advanced product and service offerings." Prominent Rolls-Royce engine types powering various military aircrafts in India include combat and strike aircraft Jaguar powered by the Adour Mk811, Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer powered by Adour Mk871, strategic airlift aircraft C-130J Hercules powered by AE2100, VVIP and Surveillance aircraft ERJ145 powered by AE3007.
Dhaka, Oct 7 : South Asia's recovery continues as global demand rebounded and targeted containment measures helped minimize the economic impacts of the recent waves of Covid-19, the World Bank revealed in its twice-yearly regional update on Thursday.

But the recovery remains fragile and uneven, and most countries are far from pre-pandemic trend levels, Xinhua news agency quoted the update as saying.

The latest South Asia Economic Focus titled "Shifting Gears: Digitization and Services-Led Development" projects the region to grow by 7.1 per cent in 2021 and 2022.

While the year-on-year growth remains strong in the region, albeit from a very low base in 2020, the recovery has been uneven across countries and sectors.

South Asia's average annual growth is forecast to be 3.4 per cent over 2020-23, which is 3 percentage points less than it was in the four years preceding the pandemic.

India's economy, South Asia's largest, is expected to grow by 8.3 per cent in the fiscal year 2021-22, aided by an increase in public investment and incentives to boost manufacturing.

In Bangladesh, continued recovery in exports and consumption will help growth rates pick up to 6.4 per cent in fiscal year 2021-22.

In Maldives, GDP is projected to grow by 22.3 per cent in 2021, due to the tourism recovery.

"The pandemic has had profound impacts on South Asia's economy. Going forward, much will depend on the speed of vaccination, the possible emergence of new Covid-19 variants, as well as any major slowdown in the momentum of global growth," said Hartwig Schafer, World Bank Vice President for the South Asia Region.

"While short-term recovery is important, policymakers should also seize the opportunity to address deep-rooted challenges and pursue a development path that is green, resilient and inclusive." Covid-19 has left long-term scars on the region's economy, the impacts of which can last well into the recovery.

Many countries experienced lower investment flows, disruptions in supply chains, and setbacks to human capital accumulation, as well as substantial increases in debt levels.

The pandemic is estimated to have caused 48 to 59 million people to become or remain poor in 2021 in South Asia.

As countries build back better, they have a chance to rethink their long-term development models. With the emergence of new digital technologies, South Asia has an opportunity to shift gears from a traditional manufacturing-led growth model and capitalize on the potential of its services sector.

The role of services in the region's economy has been increasing amid rapid technological change and the accelerated structural transformation of global economic activity in response to the pandemic.

The adoption of digital technologies makes services more tradable, enables services to increase the productivity of other sectors including manufacturing and creates new markets. Some South Asian countries are increasingly providing business and professional services that add value to manufacturing and play a key role in global value chains.

"Countries in South Asia have a strong comparative advantage in exporting services, particularly business processes and tourism, whereas they have struggled to break into manufacturing export markets," said Hans Timmer, World Bank Chief Economist for the South Asia Region.

"To realise the potential of the services-led development, the region needs to rethink regulations and establish new institutions to support innovation and competitiveness."
Bhubaneswar, Oct 7 : Byomakesh Ray, a Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA was fined Rs 2,000 after his car was found parked in a no parking zone near the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

According to police sources, Ray's vehicle was parked near the Jagannath temple on Wednesday. A video of the parked car went viral on social media. After being informed about the violation, the Puri police on Thursday imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 on Ray.

An e-challan of Rs 2,000 was issued in Ray's name for violating traffic rules and parking his vehicle in no parking zone, said traffic inspector Dillip Dhal.

On the other hand, Ray said that he was not present in the vehicle during the incident and his driver had gone with the car to bring 'Abadha' from the temple. However, when the police stopped the vehicle near the temple, he returned.

"I have paid the fine," said Ray.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : The Finance Ministry on Thursday released an amount of Rs 40,000 crore to the states and UTs with legislature under the back-to-back loan facility to meet the shortfall in GST compensation.

On July 15, an amount of Rs 75,000 crore was released to the states and UTs with legislature.

With the current release, the total amount released in the current financial year as back to back loan in-lieu of GST compensation has reached Rs 1,15,000 crore. This release is in addition to normal GST compensation being released every 2 months out of actual cess collection, a Finance Ministry statement said.

Subsequent to the 43rd GST Council Meeting held on May 28, it has been decided by the Central government that it would borrow Rs 1.59 lakh crore in 2021-22 and release it to states and UTs with legislatures on a back-to-back basis to meet the resource gap due to the short release of compensation on account of inadequate amount collected in the Compensation Fund.

This amount is as per the principles adopted for a similar facility in FY 2020-21, where an amount of Rs 1.10 lakh crore was released to States under a similar arrangement.

This amount of Rs 1.59 lakh crore to be provided to states as back to back loans would be over and above the compensation in excess of Rs 1 lakh crore (based on cess collection) that is estimated to be released to states/UTs with legislature during the current financial year. The sum total of Rs 2.59 lakh crore is expected to exceed the amount of GST compensation accruing in FY 2021-22.

All eligible states and UTs (with legislature) have agreed to the arrangements of funding of the compensation shortfall under the back-to-back loan facility.

Noting that all states and UTs have a very important role to play for effective response and management of the Covid-19 pandemic and a step-up in capital expenditure, the statement said that for assisting the states/UTs in their endeavour, the Finance Ministry has frontloaded the release of assistance under the back-to-back loan facility during FY 2021-22 of Rs 1,15,000 crore (more than 72 percent of the total estimated shortfall for the entire year). The balance amount will be released in due course.

The release of Rs 40,000 crore is funded from borrowings of GoI in 5-year securities, totalling Rs 23,500 crores and 2-year securities for Rs 16,500 crore issued in the current financial year, at a weighted average yield of 5.69 and 4.16 percent per annum, respectively. No additional market borrowing by the Centre is envisaged on account of this release.

It is expected that this release will help the states/UTs in planning their public expenditure among other things, for improving, health infrastructure and taking up infrastructure projects.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
Lakhimpur Kheri : , Oct 7 (IANS) Police in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri have arrested two persons in connection with the Sunday violence in Tikunia village in the district.

The arrested persons have been identified as Luvkush Rana and Ashish Pandey, according to the police spokesperson.

Both are said to be close associates of Ashish Mishra, the son of Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni.

A Lakhimpur police official said that the two were seated in one of the vehicles that mowed down farmers in Tikunia village on Sunday.

The two are being interrogated by the police.

The FIR has named Ashish Mishra and said that he was driving the car which ran over the protesters. According to the FIR, Ashish also opened fire after getting down from the car and then he went into hiding.

However, a fresh video of the incident suggests that three SUVs were involved in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence and those cars were not under any attack. The first SUV rammed a group of protesters who were walking with flags at an unexpectedly high speed, followed by the two other SUVs.

The Supreme Court, on Thursday, has asked Uttar Pradesh government to file a status report on who are the accused, against whom FIR is registered and those arrested by Friday.

Further raids are on in search of other accused, the official added. However, the minister's son is still untraceable, the official said.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : A gas crisis is brewing in Pakistan as the spot price of liquefied natural gas (LNG) has shot up beyond affordable levels and touched an all-time high of $56.3 per million British thermal units (mmbtu) in the Asian market ahead of the winter season.

Pakistan has already imported two cargoes of LNG from the spot market in September at the then record high price of slightly above $20 per mmbtu, Express Tribune reported.

Pakistan has no control over LNG prices in Asia and global spot markets. It, however, may slash import of the fuel for the next couple of months to avoid the high price and adopt alternative solutions during winter, the report said.

"LNG price may remain elevated globally till December-January due to the winter season," independent macro-economist Ammar H. Khan said.

Pakistan has been facing a gas crisis during winter season for the past three consecutive years and the spike in global LNG price suggests that the crisis will erupt for the fourth straight year under the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, the report said.

The consumption of gas rises in most parts of the country in the winter season as households turn on heaters and geysers after temperature falls below zero degree Celsius. Pakistan's dependence on imported energy is on the rise due to low production of oil and gas from local fields.

People living in cold areas might use electric heaters and generators this winter after the government announced a reduction of Rs 5-7 per unit on the additional use of electricity compared to the same period last year, Khan said.
Srinagar: A 25-member group of Kashmiri Pandits from different parts of the country concluded the two-day long trek and puja at the Harmukh-Gangabal holy site in ganderbal district on Sep 15, 2021.(Photo:Nisar Malik/IANS) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Oct 7 : After five people were killed in the last 48 hours by terrorists in Kashmir, the Congress on Thursday condemned the incident, and said the BJP has failed to protect the Kashmiri Pandits in the valley. Sonia Gandhi also instructed the party in J&K to extend support to the grieving families.

The statement from the Congress said, "The BJP govt's inability to protect the Kashmiri Pandit community and civilians at large is a direct result of the instability they have caused in the region. The increase in militancy and rise in violence is proof of this government's weak and apathetic attitude".

The party said in the last 48 hours five persons, including M.L. Bindroo -- a prominent Kashmiri Pandit -- have been killed in terror incidents.

"We strongly condemn these atrocious attacks on civilians. Congress President Smt Sonia Gandhi has instructed in-charge Of the state Rajni Patil to extend our support to the grieving families." Rahul Gandhi, who visited the state last month, too condemned the killings. In a tweet in Hindi, he said, "The incidents of violence are increasing in the valley. Terrorism has not stopped despite demonetisation and abrogation of 370 - the central government has totally failed to give security..." Earlier in the day, two teachers were shot and killed by terrorists inside a government higher secondary school in the Eidgah area of Srinagar.

Reports here said among the slain teachers, was the principal of the school, Supinder Kaur and a Kashmiri Pandit teacher, Deepak Chand.

Thursday's killings come two days after the terrorists shot a local Pandit, M.L. Bindroo, a non-local vendor from Bihar and a local taxi driver in Kashmir.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : Congratulating Prime Minister Narendra Modi for completing 20 years as head of public office, BJP chief J.P. Nadda on Thursday said that today India stands as a confident and self-reliant nation under him.

Nadda said, "Today India stands as a confident and self-reliant nation under Prime Minister Modi. We are excelling on social and economic fronts, thanks to the effective policies and programmes of the Modi government which include Jan Dhan Yojna, Jan Suraksha Yojna, Mudra Yojna, Digital India, Ujjalwala Yojna, Ujala Yojna, Ayushman Bharat Yojna, Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojna, Awas Yojna, Soubhagya Yojna, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Vocal for Local, Make in India among others." On October 7, 2001, Modi was first sworn in as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. "From being the four-term Chief Minister of Gujarat to heading the world's largest democracy as its 'Pradhan Sewak', the 20-year-long journey of public service of Modi has been devoted towards making India a prosperous and strong nation - a Vishwaguru. A 'karmyogi' par excellence, Modi has given our nation the confidence of fulfilling our dream of a 'New India'," Nadda said.

"Prime Minister has always treaded the path of commitment, devotion, dedication and selfless service. The Pradhan Sewak's 'mantra' for governance has been the upliftment of poor and backward classes and progress and prosperity of our nation. Today India stands amongst the leading powers in the world, while the BJP has been recognized globally for fulfilling its pledge of 'Sewa hi Sangathan'." Nadda mentioned that PM Modi has created an eco-system of solving the problems and addressing the issues of our country. "Prime Minister has exceptional qualities of taking quick and firm decisions, and with his patience and foresightedness he has been able to tackle some of the old issues plaguing our country," the BJP chief said.

Nadda pointed out that successful resolution to some old disputes and problems like scrapping of Article 370, bringing to an end the regressive triple 'talaq', starting construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya, giving constitutional status to the OBC Commission, Citizenship Amendment Act, 10 per cent reservation to poor belonging to the general category, GST. "All these decisions are the important milestones crossed by the Modi government which are going to lay strong foundations of our Nation. It will help us in making our country stronger and more prosperous," he said.

-- Except for the title, this story has not been edited by Prokerala team and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed
New Delhi, Oct 7 : Afghanistan has been justifiably in the news and in the front and centre of every public discourse. The hasty withdrawal of the US troops and their associated contractors had led to the Afghan Army being crippled and capitulating. The Taliban is back in Kabul at the centre of power.

As stated by a noted security expert, "I have no view on the situation in Afghanistan, only dark thoughts".

Much water has to flow down the River Kabul, and one hopes it is water and not blood, and much will be written about the situation there and its impact on the comity of nations.

But how is the extant situation in the Afghanistan-Pakistan region actually a boon for India's future security imperatives is a matter to be looked at.

What does the future foretell for Indian security? The Pakistanis have their tails up! And from their perspective - justifiably so! They claim they are the only country in the world to have defeated (sic) two Superpowers (with their duplicity) - the erstwhile Soviet Union which they dismembered and now the mighty USA.

That they were double dealing the USA and giving sanctuary to the Taliban was well known. Despite that, the US chose to gift billions of dollars in Coalition Support Funds (CSF) implies that they succeeded and pulled the wool over the eyes of the best intelligence gathering machine in the world.

The "Art of the Deal" could actually have been better written in Rawalpindi.

History also shows us that this facile victory for the Pakistan deep state will lead to pushing in a new wave of Afghan and other myriad terrorists from the Afghan hinterland into the Vale of Kashmir prior to closing of the passes, and an increase in the trade of illegal drugs on the Arabian Sea's "Hash Highway" with the complicity of the Pak intelligence agency - the ISI.

However, the Pakistanis would also suffer economically. The heavy influx of Afghan refugees may stress the collapsing Pak economy and would certainly tie up Pakistan in greater internal strife.

And what about big brother China? The attempt to change the status-quo along the border in the Ladakh region in mid-2020, was stymied by a swift retaliatory response by Indian forces on land and in a different manner which included an aggressive deployment of the Indian Navy's ships across and beyond the Indian Ocean.

Such a swift reaction on land was probably not envisaged by the PLA. However, the strategic impact was provided by the deployment of Indian naval forces in the maritime domain and that certainly did surprise the PLA (Navy).

These lines-of-effort have led to the first stage of de-escalation by both sides, but the PLA is still present where it should not be - probably looking for opportunities. The different deployment pattern adopted by the Indian Navy continues till date with a large force of four warships still deployed in the South China Sea and the western Pacific Ocean exercising with the littorals and with the Quad nations concurrently.

While looking at India and its security establishment from the outside, it is quite easy to see the continental focus of the Indian strategic thinkers. Hence, it was quite a surprise to see the Indian Prime Minister chair a session of the UN Security Council on Maritime Security. Is there a shift therefore to the seas? Indian journalist Shekhar Gupta has correctly highlighted the historical mistake by Indian policy makers of ignoring the seas. He states, "Our strategic thought, therefore, became land-border-oriented. We constantly thought Pakistan, terrorism, China and became reactive and defensive.... For 75 years, India's strategic thinking has been so distracted by a threat that it had no time for our opportunity." (highlights by this author). Mr Gupta succinctly concludes, "the latest turn in Afghanistan's history has changed the dominance of geography in our region. If only we in India would leave our Pakistan obsession aside, even forget Afghanistan for now, focus on our maritime power and opportunity rather than overland threats. This is India's greatest opportunity in 75 years to shift its strategic gaze from the north to the south." The situation in Afghanistan actually, therefore, allows India to now focus on what it should have done decades ago - matters maritime.

The relevance of the Indian Ocean to India's security needs no recounting but, quoting Alfred Thayer Mahan, helps place the correct perspective, "whoever controls the Indian Ocean, dominates Asia. This ocean is the key to the seven seas. In the Twenty First century, the destiny of the world will be decided on its waters".

In the current security scenario summed up by the Indian Chief of Naval Staff, "We are transitioning to a period of busy peace, where the binaries of peace and conflict are becoming less relevant.....actors using diverse playbook of actions and counter-actions within this continuum on a day-to-day basis, whilst mostly remaining below the threshold of conflict". Admiral Karam Bir presciently added, "Indo-Pacific also offers us the opportunity to break the mould of a land-centric, border-focussed nation that hitherto has been our dominant approach. This border-focussed approach limits us from truly harnessing our fullest potential, of expanding our geostrategic gaze and influence into the wider globe. The waters of the Indo-Pacific offer such opportunity, to move outwards and seek India's rightful place in global affairs." In this milieu, it appears that the situation in Afghanistan may actually free India from the shackles of history. It may also provide India a chance to leverage its geography - especially its maritime geography. It would be foolish for Indian policy makers to look the gift horse in the mouth. It is time to deal with incidents of terror in the Kashmir valley and discard the Pakistani obsession for it remains at the tactical level and has no strategic relevance. It is time to tack to the Blue Waters of the only ocean named for a country - The Indian Ocean. The Indian security establishment must focus on maritime power which, in turn, will ensure the growth of the blue economy and safeguard the future of India.

(Sumit Kumar Singh can be reached at sumit.k@ians.in)
San Francisco, Oct 7 : Amazon-owned Twitch that live-broadcasts gamers playing video games has confirmed that it has suffered a major data breach, and that a hacker accessed the company's servers.

According to The Verge, Twitch admitted a hacker was able to access data that was mistakenly exposed to the internet "due to an error in a Twitch server configuration change that was subsequently accessed by a malicious third party".

"We can confirm a breach has taken place. Our teams are working with urgency to understand the extent of this," the company wrote on Twitter.

"We will update the community as soon as additional information is available. Thank you for bearing with us," it added.

The company said it has "no indication that login credentials have been exposed" and that "full credit card numbers were not exposed".

As per the report, hackers have so far leaked data that includes source code for the company's streaming service, an unreleased Steam competitor from Amazon Game Studios, and details of creator payouts.

An anonymous poster on the 4chan messaging board released a 125GB torrent earlier today, which they claim includes the entirety of Twitch and its commit history.

The leak has been labelled as "part one," suggesting that there could be more to come.

While personal information like creator payments is included, this initial leak doesn't appear to include passwords, addresses or email accounts of Twitch users.

Instead, the leaker appears to have focused on sharing Twitch's own company tools and information, rather than code that would include personal accounts.

According to Sundar Balasubramanian, Managing Director, Check Point Software Technologies, India and SAARC, anytime source code gets leaked it's not good and potentially disastrous.

"It opens a gigantic door for evil doers to find cracks in the system, lace malware and potentially steal sensitive information. I strongly recommend all Twitch users to exercise caution in the near-term ahead as cyber attacks are on the rise," Balasubramanian said.

Candid Wuest, Acronis VP of Cyber Protection Research, said that leaked data could contain nearly the full digital footprint of Twitch, making it one of the most severe data breaches of late.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : In a bid to compel the Delhi government to lift restrictions on Chhath Puja celebration in the capital, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Manoj Tiwari has decided to garner the support of city's Purvanchalis through a 'Rath Yatra'.

"If opening of swimming pools has not led to spike in the Covid cases, how will Chhath Puja celebrations wherein people stand in the water for a while will spread the infection," he said in a statement.

"The Kejriwal government can make body temperature check mandatory for entry into the Chhath Puja sites and also make it necessary to videograph the celebrations. Nearly 2 crore vaccine doses have been administered in Delhi. Covid cases are at an all time low," he added.

"The Chhath Puja committees are ready to maintain social distancing and strictly follow all Covid norms. Police personnel and civil defence volunteers can be deployed to check Covid norms violations," the statement read, adding Purvanchalis are "very disciplined one and they will follow all Covid protocols".

The government can also limit the number of devotees in a Chhath Ghat, he suggested.

During the 'Rath Yatra' (chariot procession), Tiwari will meet the members of the Purvanchali community.

Afterwards, he will lead a delegation to meet Delhi Disaster Management Association (DDMA) Chairman Anil Baijal, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other DDMA officials to convince them to allow Chhath Puja in public places.

As per the DDMA directive, Ramleela, Durga Puja and Dussehra celebrations have been allowed, whereas Chhath Puja celebration has been prohibited in public places and people have been advised to celebrate at home.
Bengaluru, Oct 7 : Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford, British Deputy High Commissioner (Bengaluru) on Thursday met with C.N. Ashwath Narayan, the Karnataka Minister for Higher Education and IT/Bt and S&T at Vikasa Soudha and discussed collaborative engagements in cyber security, telecom, research and development, electric vehicle policy, vaccine research and development among other things.

This was a farewell meeting as Jeremy Pilmore is leaving back for the UK. During the meeting, Jeremy expressed gratitude to Minister Narayan for the cooperation extended towards various engagements.

Both had played a major role in identifying four areas of collaboration -- Fintech, Artificial Intelligence, Waste Management and Traffic Congestion -- in October 2019.

They also launched the 'Go Global' program two years back to support early-stage tech startups and initiated discussions to set up regulatory sandboxes in collaboration.

During Jeremy's tenure, the companies from Britain participated in the technical flagship event 'Bengaluru Tech Summit - BTS' in large numbers.
Kolkata, Oct 7 : Putting an end to all speculation, BJP state secretary and former Mayor of Bidhannagar Municipality, Sabyasachi Dutta, returned to Trinamool Congress on Thursday, two years after leaving the party for the saffron camp.

Dutta took the party flag from state Commerce and Industry Minister Partha Chatterjee at the latter's room in the Assembly, a few yards away from the Central Hall where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee took oath as an MLA just a few minutes before. State Transport Minister Firhad Hakim was also present on the occasion.

Speaking to the media after the ceremony, Dutta said, "I was an MLA from 2011 to 2021, besides serving as the Mayor of Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation. And everything was possible because of Mamata Banerjee. I cannot deny the fact that I left the party because of some misunderstanding. I wanted to come back and she (Banerjee) has accepted me. I shall work the way the party wants me to work." Dutta, who switched over to the BJP in October 2019 and unsuccessfully contested the Assembly elections from Bidhannagar earlier this year, losing to Sujit Bose of Trinamool, had given enough hints of severing ties with the saffron camp.

Speaking to the media on the Lakhimpur Kheri incident on Wednesday, Dutta had said, "I have seen the incident on the television. It is not important to whom the vehicle belongs to... It is a tragic incident and the people responsible for it should be hanged." "This cannot be a method to throttle any movement. This is a democratic country. We are not living under a Taliban government," he had said on Section 144 of CrPC being imposed by the Yogi Adiyanath-led Uttar Pradesh government.

The remarks had further fuelled the speculation that Dutta's days in the BJP were numbered.

The speculation was even more convincing because there were already rumours in the political circles that Dutta had got in touch with the Trinamool leadership and it was only a matter of time before he returned to his previous party.

However, party insiders were of the opinion that Dutta's entry into the party won't be smooth because of stiff resistance from the local leadership.

Dutta shared a tainted relationship with Bidhannagar MLA and state minister Sujit Bose and also with the MLA from Rajarhat Newtown, Tapas Chatterjee, who had expressed their reservation about the 'ghar-wapsi' of the former Trinamool MLA.
Bengaluru, Oct 7 : The Sandalwood film industry is looking ahead to the release of 'Superstar' Kiccha Sudeep's 'Kotigobba 3'. It will be the first big-budget movie to hit the screens after theatres have been allowed 100 per cent audience seating. The promo of the much-awaited movie was released on Thursday.

Sources in the industry say the film is going to provide a much-awaited fresh start to their business, which had been battered by Covid-19 restrictions.

Producer Surappa Babu has stated that the Censor Board has given a U/A certificate for the film and did not suggest a 'single cut' or 'mute'. It is an action entertainer that is going to enthrall the audience, he added.

The film, directed by Shivakarthik, is being released in 350-plus theatres across Karnataka during the Dasara festival in the second week of this month.

Madonna Sebastian, who works primarily in Tamil and Malayalam cinema, is playing the lead role against Sudeep, marking her debut in the Kannada film industry. Shraddha Das, Aftab Shivdasani and Ravishankar are in the other prominent roles.

-- The story has been published from a wire feed without any modifications to the text
New Delhi, Oct 7 : Delhi Police have arrested three criminals who were stealing hard discs and DVR boxes of the government's CCTV cameras, an official said here on Thursday.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Sagar Singh Kalsi said that on September 22, CCTV cameras of various locations stopped functioning. On checking, the IVR (System having Hard Disc to store CCTV Footage) of 17 CCTV systems were found stolen.

The senior officer then constituted a team of 7 cops to probe the case.

The police team conducted a technical investigation and checked more than 150 CCTV cameras, consequently, two people were seen stealing government property in the early hours and escaping on a motorcycle.

After obtaining clear pictures of suspected persons from CCTV footage, which the police also spread on social media, both the accused identified as Rajan Billa and Pankaj, both residents of Rohini, were apprehended.

During sustained interrogation, the accused persons revealed the name of the third accused, identified as Chander Shekhar Chauhan, who was the receiver of the stolen property.

The receiver of the property admitted his role in the present case and two Hard Discs were recovered from his possession. Further, he disclosed that he had sold the rest of the case property to some unknown customers for Rs 20,000 and the same amount was also recovered from his possession.

In total, the police recovered cash of Rs 20,000, three Hard Discs (4TB), 5 DVR Boxes and one motorcycle that was used in the commission of the crime.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman along with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during Bhumi Pujon ceremony of 120MW lower Kopili Hydro Electric Project at Dima Hasao in Guwahati. Image Source: IANS News

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman along with Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma during Bhumi Pujon ceremony of 120MW lower Kopili Hydro Electric Project at Dima Hasao in Guwahati. Image Source: IANS News

Guwahati, Oct 7 : Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday performed the 'Bhoomi Pujan' for 120 MW capacity Rs 2,200 crore Lower Kopili Hydro Electric Project aided by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Assam's Dima Hasao district.

After laying the foundation stone for the hydro-electric power plant, she said that the Centre as well as the Assam government are committed to the development of Dima Hasao, a tribal-majority district in Assam.

She said 77 per cent cost of the project would be borne by the Central government while the remaining 23 per cent would be shared by the state government.

The Finance Minister said that power generation is like blood donation for the economy.

She also laid the foundation stone of ADB-aided double-lane highway in Dima Hasao district in Haflong at a cost of Rs 250 crore.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also attended the 'Bhoomi Pujan', said that the project will increase electricity supply from clean energy by 469 GWh by 2025 and reduce greenhouse gas emission by 360K tonnes annually.

He said that his government would work for the overall development of the mountainous Dima Hasao district, which shares border with Meghalaya, Manipur and Nagaland.

Sarma said that peace has returned to this district, leading to the rapid development, and also stepped up welfare activities for the benefit of the people.

The project will help in the all-round development of Dima Hasao and Karbi Anglong districts as well as generate employment opportunities, the chief minister said.

"Rs 250 crore would be spent for construction of Umrongso-Lanka road within nine months. Improved road infrastructure would greatly facilitate tourist footfall in the region and boost the economic growth," he added.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : Qatar Deputy Foreign Minister Lolwah Rashid al-Khater said that they have asked the international community not to hurry in recognizing the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Al-Khater in her interview with Foreign Policy asked their international partners not to hurry in recognizing the Taliban though, she asked the world to continue engaging with them, Khaama Press reported.

She said that engagement with the Taliban does not mean approval of their government but the world can achieve big goals by engaging with the Taliban.

It has been over 50 days that the Taliban took control over Afghanistan but has not been recognized by any country yet as the world has its conditions which have not been implemented in Afghanistan.

The deputy foreign minister has confirmed conflicts among the Taliban and has added that there is a difference between the behavior of the elderly Taliban members and younger ones.

"The Taliban can learn from Qatar, Malaysia, and Indonesia that have Islamic law and women are working in their governments and seek education." said Al-Khater.

She expressed concern over the caretaker government of the Taliban that is not inclusive and added that this announcement did not meet the expectation of Qatar.
Chennai, Oct 7 : The DMK has urged the central government to send back the spent nuclear fuel (SNF) of the first two 1,000 MW atomic power plants at Kudankulam in Tamil Nadu.

In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior DMK leader and its leader in the Parliament T.R. Baalu on Thursday said the Indian government should impress upon Russia and send the SNF of the first two units to that country for storage in their facility.

He also urged PM Modi to set up the deep geological repository (DGR) as a national priority in uninhabited area so that the spent fuel of nuclear power plants in Kudankulam and the Madras Atomic Power Station (MAPS) could be safely stored.

Referring to the clearance given to Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) to set up a spent fuel storage facility or Away From Reactor (AFR), Baalu urged Modi to revoke the consent.

The AERB had given its consent to locate the AFR for storing the spent fuel generated from nuclear power plants 1,2,3 and 4 of 1,000 MW each.

Baalu said the NPCIL had told the Supreme Court in May 2018 that it does not have previous experience with long term storage requirements of high burn up Russian type pressurised water reactor fuel in India.

The DMK leader said in the absence of DGR in the country, there is every possibility that the AFR in Kudankulam could become the permanent SNF storage facility.

Baalu said Kudankulam will ultimately have six 1,000 MW nuclear power plants and three AFRs which would raise the risk and people living with constant fear of high radiation.

The DMK MP also said as per the study made by an expert committee in Japan, the long term storage of SNF within the Fukushima premises has largely aggravated the Fukushima accident when tsunami struck that nation.

Studies made by the USA and other countries have brought out the dangers in storing SNF inside the power plant premises.

The NPCIL has two 1,000 MW plants (Units 1 and 2) at Kudankulam, while four more are under construction (Units 3, 4, 5 and 6).

All the six units are built with Russian technology and equipment supplied by that country's integrated nuclear power operator, Rosatom.

Rosatom has already started supplying equipment for Units 3-6.

According to NPCIL officials, Units 3 and 4 have achieved 50 per cent physical progress, while construction work on Units 5 and 6 began in June 2021.

Construction of the Units 5 and 6 are expected to be completed in 66 months and 75 months, respectively.

The Kudankulam site will be the country's largest nuclear island with 6,000 MW of atomic power capacity once the remaining four units get commissioned.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : After meeting the families of the victims of violence in Lakhimpur Kheri, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday headed to Nanpara in Bahraich district to meet the families of some more victims.

The Congress general secretary is trying to revive the fortunes of the party in the region which had blessed it in a big way in the 2009 general elections when 24 Congress MPs entered Parliament from the state.

The Congress had won Kheri, Dharaura, Bareily, Bahraich, Gonda, Shravasti, Dumariaganj and Kushinagar. All the seats fall adjacent to the place of the incident that took place on Sunday. The first profession is agriculture of all those living at the Indo-Nepal border.

While in 2009 the reason for Congress victory was farm loan waiver and MNREGA, this time it's again the issue of farmers which the Congress is raking up. Since 2014 the Terai region has become a bastion of the BJP which swept the entire region in three consecutive elections except Sharawasti where the BSP won in the 2019 elections. The Congress knows that the region has some potential for the party.

After the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, Priyanka Gandhi has taken the centrestage and on Thursday ahead of her departure for Bahraich, she said that Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni, whose son is among those booked, should resign to ensure an impartial probe.

"In my view and that of the victims' families as well, the case should be probed by a sitting Supreme Court or high court judge, and not by a retired judge," she said.

She will address first Congress rally in Varanasi on October 10 in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency. The Congress workers have been preparing for it to make it a grand success. The Congress which is trying to put itself as serious contender in the state has started shortlisting candidates and may go for announcement of the first list soon.

Meanwhile, the Congress has stepped up pressure in the state with state President Ajay Kumar Lallu leading a delegation to the governor but wasn't allowed to meet her and the Congress leaders resorted to sloganeering.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday called upon the scientists to come out with innovative research to protect and conserve the rich bio-resources and livestock of India's northeastern region.

Noting that the Northeast is an important biodiversity hotspot, Naidu said: "Our scientific institutions should work for development of location specific technologies which are sustainable, climate resilient and culturally in sync with the tribal cultures of the region." Referring to the climate change, he said, there was a danger of the beautiful but ecologically fragile northeastern region getting impacted by the rise in global temperatures.

"Therefore, I urge our scientists and researchers to focus their attention on the likely problems farmers might face due to global warming and find suitable solutions", he added.

He was speaking during an interaction with scientists and researchers at the ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun in Dimapur, Nagaland, the Vice President's Secretariat said in a statement here.

Mithun (bros frontilas) is a common yet important livestock found in all the northeastern hill states.

He urged the scientists to work towards modernising agriculture with the adoption of latest technologies for the progress and prosperity of the northeastern states.

The Vice President was shown a promotional video for Mithun farmers on semi-intensive Mithun farming. He lauded the National Research Centre for Mithun for coming out with this alternative system of rearing of Mithun.

Pointing out that more than 70 per cent of the people are directly dependent on agriculture for their livelihood support in the northeastern region, he urged the scientific institutions to work for development of location specific technologies which are sustainable, climate-resilient and culturally in sync with the tribal cultures of the region.

Governor of Nagaland and Assam, Professor Jagdish Mukhi; Deputy Chief Minister of Nagaland, Y Patton; Agriculture Minister of Nagaland, G Kaito Aye; Director, ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Meraj Haider Khan; Joint Director, ICAR- Research Complex for NEH Region, DJ Rajkhowa and scientists among others were also present on the occasion.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday reviewed the security situation with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, Intelligence Bureau Chief Arvind Kumar and Director Generals of the CRPF and BSF and discussed the current situation prevailing in the country.

The officials in the Home Ministry said that this was a routine meeting which has been held on a regular interval but it was learnt that the ongoing security situation in Kashmir was also discussed in the backdrop of 'lone wolf attack' on the individuals in the Valley.

The sources in the security set up also said that during the meeting, the infiltration bid from the Pak-occupied Kashmir (PoK) at the behest of Pakistan was also discussed and the Home Minister asked the BSF and CRPF chiefs to prevent the attempts of infiltration.

Earlier in the day, the BSF DG Kuldeep Singh said that three lone wolf attacks have happened recently in Jammu and Kashmir but steps have been taken to prevent such attacks and security situation in the Valley is under control.

Admitting that there have been some problems at few places in the J&K, the Force is strengthening the intelligence gathering there also, he said, adding that security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is under control and there has not been any increase in the terror attacks there.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will grant fresh tourist visas to foreigners coming to India by chartered flights from October 15.

The ministry also said that foreigners travelling to India by flights other than chartered aircraft will get the facility with effect from November 15.

The ministry said that all due protocols and norms relating to Covid-19, as notified by the Union Health Ministry from time to time, shall be adhered to by the foreign tourists, the carriers bringing them to India and all other stakeholders at the landing stations.

With this, the restrictions placed on visa and international travel stand further eased given the present overall Covid situation.

A Home Ministry official said that the government had been receiving representations from several state governments as well as various stakeholders in the tourism sector to start issuing tourist visas in order to allow foreign tourists to come to India.

"The Home Ministry took the decision after consulting all the major stakeholders, including the Ministries of Health, External Affairs, Civil Aviation, Tourism and various state governments where foreign tourists are expected to arrive," an official said.

As of now, India has air bubble arrangements with other countries, but the scheduled international flights are still suspended.

Due to the pandemic, all visas granted to foreigners were suspended last year. Various other restrictions were also imposed on international travel by the Central government to arrest the spread of the pandemic.

After considering the evolving Covid situation, foreigners were later allowed to avail any kind of Indian visa other than tourist visa for entry and stay in the country.
Mumbai, Oct 7 : Piramal Enterprises Limited (PEL) has proposed to demerge its pharmaceutical business as part of simplification of the corporate structure.

The board of directors of PEL on Thursday approved a composite scheme of arrangement providing for this demerger that will create two industry-focused listed entities -- in financial services and pharmaceuticals.

As part of the plan, the pharmaceutical business will get demerged from PEL and consolidated in Piramal Pharma Limited (PPL). Hemmo Pharma Private Limited (focused on peptide APIs development and manufacturing capabilities) and Convergence Chemical Private Limited (set up for development, manufacturing and selling speciality fluorochemicals) will get amalgamated with PPL to create a consolidated listed pharma entity.

In consideration of the demerger, PPL shall issue four fully paid-up equity shares of PPL of Rs 10 each to the shareholders of PEL for every one fully paid-up equity share in PEL having a face value of Rs 2 each held by them, in accordance with the share entitlement ratio.

The amalgamation of PHL Fininvest Private Limited with PEL will create a listed non-banking financial services (NBFC) entity. The merged housing finance company (HFC) post DHFL acquisition will remain a 100 per cent subsidiary of PEL.

Through this demerger and simplification of the corporate structure, the shareholders of PEL will directly own shares in both the listed entities, without any cross-holdings and minority stakes.
Gurugram, Oct 7 : To make Gurugram district self-reliant in oxygen production, two Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants were launched on Thursday, officials said.

Both these plants have been set up at different places in Gurugram.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the 1,000-litre capacity PSA plant set up from the PM Cares Fund, at Civil Hospital in Gurugram's Sector-10 through a virtual medium.

The main programme of the Prime Minister was organised at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.

From there, he inaugurated PSA oxygen plants established from PM Cares Fund in various states and union territories of the country through a virtual medium.

These included the PSA plant set up at the civil hospital in Sector 10 of Gurugram district.

Along with this, the second PSA plant set up at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Sector 38, was also inaugurated on Thursday by the Municipal Corporation Gurugram (MCG) Mayor, Madhu Azad.

This PSA plant with a capacity of 165 litres per minute has been set up by Power Grid Corporation of India under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) fund.

District Deputy Commissioner Gurugram Dr Yash Garg said that with the start of these two plants, the Gurugram district is now moving towards becoming self-sufficient in oxygen production.

"With the commissioning of a 100 litres per minute capacity plant set up in Civil Hospital Sector 10, 100 beds will be able to supply oxygen for 24 hours at an uninterrupted speed. At the same time, the facility of filling cylinders in case of emergency is also available in the Oxygen Plant of Tau Devi Lal Stadium. Along with this, continuous oxygen supply can also be done to all the beds present in the temporary health centres set up in the stadium," Garg said.

He said the establishment of oxygen plants will help in combating the coronavirus and in the treatment of other serious diseases.

Civil Surgeon Dr. Virender Yadav said the district administration and health department have established more than 11 PSA Oxygen plants of capacity ranging from 100 LPM to 250 to 500 LPM in the government health medical institutions of the district.

He said that the capacity of oxygen plants installed in the government health medical institutions of Gurugram has increased to about 6,000 LPM including the plants started on Thursday.

Yadav said that apart from government health facilities, 13 oxygen plants have been installed in private hospitals of the district. Their average capacity is 500 LPM.
Dakshina Kannada, Oct 7 : Two Bajrang Dal activists were arrested on charges of moral policing in Mangaluru city of Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka on Thursday. The arrested persons were identified as Jayaprakash and Pruthvi.

According to the police, the moral policing incident had taken place late on Wednesday night when the victim and his friend were talking to a female friend in the limits of Kadri police station.

According to the complaint by the victim, the accused who came on a bike stopped near a bike showroom where the victim and his friend were speaking to their female friend. The accused asked the name of the complainant and after coming to know that he was a Muslim, they objected and abused him for talking to a Hindu girl. Later, they manhandled and assaulted him. The accused also threatened the victim.

Police said that the victims confronted the Bajrang Dal activists when they questioned them. Later, the police were called to the spot and all were taken to the police station.

The victim told the police that at 10 p.m. he had dinner with his friend in Kankanady locality and after that they were heading towards their room near the Lalbagh area. On the way, they met a female friend. Later, they were joined by their classmates and the incident happened when they were chatting to each other.

Police Commissioner of Mangaluru N. Shahikumar stated that the police have initiated action and arrested the accused persons.
Chennai, Oct 7 : The Tamil Nadu state president of the BJP, K. Annamalai has called upon the DMK government to take immediate steps to open temples on all days. He was speaking at a protest march organised by the BJP in front of the Sri Kaalikambal temple in Chennai.

The BJP leader demanded from the DMK government to lift restrictions on weekend worship at all temples within 10 days. He warned that the DMK government will have to face backlash from the people of the state if it tries to "impose its ideology" on the people of Tamil Nadu.

The former IPS officer said that while Tasmac shops and cinema theatres are open on all days in the state, the temples are closed from Friday to Sunday. This is totally unfounded and that it defies all logic.

He said that the Tamil Nadu government was reopening schools for all classes for children even though Covid vaccine is not rolled out for children.

Annamalai said that the closure of temples has an indirect effect on the lives of people and said that the women who sell flowers or the traders who sell pooja materials or the farmers who produce them are all in misery as their livelihood is affected.

BJP senior leader and former union minister Pon Radhakrishnan participated the protest march at Tiruvannamalai, while former BJP national secretary H. Raja took part in the programme at Rameswaram.

Former BJP state president C.P. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the protest at Palani, while senior party leader and assembly legislator Nainar Nagendran launched the protest at Tiruchendur. Mahila Morcha National president Vanathi Sreenivasan joined the protest at Coimbatore.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : Amid resurgent questions over cultural identity and colonial legacies, the Nobel Prize for Literature 2021 has been awarded to the first writer since Sir V.S. Naipaul (2001) to deal with the vexed impact of colonialism and the dilemmas of travellers - forced or voluntary - among differing cultural millieus.

And new Nobel laureate - the Zanzibar-born, UK-based academician-cum-writer Abdulrazak Gurnah has, in his academic career, guided plenty of research on Sir Vidia, as well as Salman Rushdie, G.V. Desani, Anthony Burgess, and above all, Joseph Conrad, whose most powerful works dwelt on colonialism and its "civilising legacy" - in its very heyday.

Gurnah is known for a relatively small but significant oeuvre dealing with the 'clash' between homegrown tradition and colonialism in Africa and elsewhere, the disruptions in cross-culture encounters, especially for refugees, and construction of identity and memory, leavened with autobiographical elements.

Awarded for his "uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents", he is the second writer after Japanese-born but UK-settled Kazuo Ishiguro (2017) to be conferred the Nobel for his work in English, despite it not being his "mother" tongue, and the first writer originating from out of the "West" since China's Mo Yan in 2012.

Gurnah, who came to the UK in the 1960s to study and eventually settled there as a refugee, obtained his PhD in 1982. After a stint at a Nigerian university, he has been teaching in the UK and his academic focus is postcolonial writing and colonial discourse, with focus on Africa, the Caribbean and India.

This is reflected in his works - 10 novels in slightly over two decades, and a collection of short stories.

Set in an unnamed East African coastal town at the end of colonial rule, his literary debut "Memory of Departure" (1987) is a coming of age novel, in first person narration, picturesquely depicting the local culture and the role of its dynamics in moulding the persona of the protagonist, who finally decides to strike out for bigger prospects.

The autobiographical elements recur in "Pilgrim's Way" (1988), a humorous but a bit dark account of a Muslim Tanzanian student Daud's fight for survival against marginalisation in an English provincial town, with his wit, imagination, mental mockery and letter-writing being his only weapons against the cultural philistines - unlike his Biblical namesake (David).

"Here I sit, making a meal out of asking you to dinner. I don't really know how to do it. To have cultural integrity, I would have to send my aunt to speak, discreetly, to your aunt, who would then speak to your mother, who would speak to my mother, who would speak to my father, who would speak to me and then approach your mother, who would then approach you," goes one letter by Daud to a prospective date.

But it was "Paradise" (1994), shortlisted for the Booker Prize and Whitebread Prize, that brought Gurnah into the centre stage. Entertwining myth, storytelling, and East African and European literary traditions, it is the rite of passage of Yusuf pawned by his father to a rich merchant he must accompany on dangerous trading expeditions from the East African coast into the interior as European rule looms. The contrasts with Conrad's "Heart of Darkness" are telling.

In "Admiring Silence" (1996), Gurnah deals with how distance affects the memory of a "perfect" homeland. The story of a Zanzibari man, who marries an English woman and writes romantic tales of the Africa he "remembers", it goes on to depict what ensues when he returns home.

"Desertion" (2005) lives up to its name. A combination of two stories - the account of a bunch of young siblings in the period of transition for colonialism, and a half-century old story of colonial contacts, cross-cultural romance and its impact, the story brings both strands into one in the unforgiving present.

But Gurnah doesn't always remain in the past. "Gravel Heart" (2017) is set in the Zanzibar of the 1970s, and while it reprises some elements of "Pilgrims' Way", it does so in a more unsentimental and harsher way.

His most recent work is "Afterlives" (2020), which deals with a different, shorter but more harsher colonial past, as the conflict in Europe spreads its shadow on Africa.

A welcome move by the Swedish Academy, which will help to dissipate its reputation for "Eurocentrism", Gurnah's Nobel is a welcome step recognising voices dealing with one of the most vexing and patently ambiguous historical conundrums of present times.

(Vikas Datta can be contacted at vikas.d@ians.in)
Mumbai, Oct 7 : A Mumbai magistrate's court on Thursday sent Aryan Khan, son of Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan, besides 7 others accused in the rave party raids aboard a ship, carried out by the Narcotics Control Bureau, to 14 days judicial custody.

Declining the NCB's plea for another four days custody till October 11 for the 8 main accused, Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate R.M. Nerlikar sent them to 14 days judicial custody and also transferred the case for further hearing to the Special NDPS Court.

Aryan Khan's lawyer Satish Maneshinde and advocate Taraq K. Sayed, representing another accused Arbaaz Merchant, said that now they plan to move the appropriate court for regular bail on Friday.

Creating a huge sensation, the NCB sleuths had raided a rave party on the luxury ship Cordelia Cruise on October 2 and detained Aryan and 7 others.

Later, the following day, they were formally arrested and produced before ACMM Nerlikar on Sunday who sent them to a day's custody, which was extended till October 7.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : The Supreme Court on Thursday shot a volley of questions at the Centre, seeking an explanation on the reason for fixing Rs 8 Lakh as income criterion for declaring economically weaker section (EWS) category to claim reservation in All India Quota seats in NEET examinations.

A bench headed by justice D.Y. Chandrachud asked Additional Solicitor General K.M. Nataraj: "What is the reason for fixing Rs 8 lakh income criterion. You have to demonstrate, what was the data before you?" The bench, also comprising justices Vikram Nath and BV Nagarathna asked how could this income criterion be applied uniformly across the country.

Justice Chandrachud further queried: "Have you looked at the GDP per capita of every state and then devised this economic criterion... What exercise did you undertake for reaching Rs 8 lakh figure." Citing the difference between standard of living in a metropolitan city and a remote village, the bench said people living in Mumbai and Bengaluru with the same annual earning cannot be compared with somebody living in Bundelkhand.

Nataraj submitted before the bench that implementing reservation was a policy matter. The bench said: "You just can't say it is a matter of policy when we are asking what is the basis of Rs 8 lakh for EWS eligibility." The Centre's counsel submitted that same criterion of Rs 8 lakh was there for determining the creamy layer under the OBC quota. He added that in 2015, it was Rs 6.5 lakh, and in 2017 it was increased to Rs 8 lakh.

The bench reiterated what was the exercise undertaken to arrive at Rs 8 lakh figure, or this criterion was merely mechanically lifted from the criterion applicable to OBC? Nataraj contended that to arrive at this decision, there was deliberation and with proper noting, which was approved by the Cabinet. However, not content with his answer, the bench asked cite contemporaneous study undertaken for it. The bench clarified that in the matter at hand it is dealing with pure economic backwardness.

The bench said: "The notification specifically adverts to Rs 8 lakh. Now you have an Office Memorandum of January 17 which combines Rs 8 lakh with assets." It further queried "is the Centre applying the asset cum income requirement?" Nataraj sought time to file an affidavit to address to queries put forth by the bench.

During the hearing, the bench pointed out in Indra Sawhney judgment (Mandal case), those who were below the Rs 8 lakh income segment, filled the criteria of educationally and socially backwardness and economic backwardness. The top court has scheduled the matter for further hearing on October 20.

The top court made these observations while hearing a clutch of petitions by Neil Aurelio Nunes and others against the 27 per cent reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBC) and 10 per cent reservation for EWS in all-India Quota seats for postgraduate medical courses.

As many as 15 per cent seats in MBBS and 50 per cent seats in MS and MD courses are filled through All India Quota from the candidates selected through NEET.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : Russia has invited representatives of the Taliban to meet in Moscow as part of the efforts to open diplomatic channels with Afghanistans de facto new government, Russian President Vladimir Putins special envoy for the country has confirmed, Russia Today reported.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Zamir Kabulov, who also serves as the director of the second Asian Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, said that an invite has been extended to Taliban officials.

However, the precise details of the meeting and who might attend it have not been disclosed yet.

Despite the Taliban being designated as a terrorist organisation which is banned in Russia, representatives of its political branch were granted permission to attend talks in Moscow earlier this year in an effort to forge a peace deal. Since then, the Islamist militant group has taken control of almost all of Afghanistan following the withdrawal of US troops and their allies.

Kabulov had previously hinted that Russia could grant recognition to the new Taliban regime, while explaining that "we are in no hurry" and that such a move would depend on "how the new regime behaves".

"If we compare how easy it is to negotiate as colleagues and partners, then the Taliban have seemed to me for a long time much more prepared for negotiations than the puppet government was," he had said in August, the report said.

According to the top diplomat, the former US-backed leadership was "doubtfully elected, ruled badly and ended shamefully".

However, as well as opening diplomatic channels with the group, Moscow has also moved to shore up security in the region following the departure of American troops. Russian soldiers have staged a series of drills with forces from neighboring Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, insisting that the shared border will be protected, the report added.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : Two assembly bypolls which are going to be held on October 30 have far reaching consequences not only for Bihar politics but even for the national politics.

Tarapur and Kusheshwar Sthan are the two assembly seats which are going for the bypolls. Tarapur lies in Munger district of central Bihar while Kusheshwar Sthan lies in Darbhanga district of Mithila region in northern Bihar. Both seats were won by the Janata Dal United in 2020 assembly elections by a slight margin of 7,222 and 7,225 votes respectively. A united opposition with minute strategy can challenge the ruling NDA from here. But the friction in the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar is a big sticking point to the Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav.

If the Opposition will be able to defeat the ruling party candidates then it can have ramifications in Bihar politics.

Demand of the RJD to fight Kusheshwar Sthan assembly seat is also justified to an extent as the performance of the Congress Party in Bihar in bypolls has been below expectation.

Kishanganj assembly bypoll is a case in point. The Congress won Kishanganj assembly seat in 2015, but in the 2019 bypoll, held after the incumbent MLA Md Jawed was elected to Parliament, the Congress came the poor third. However, the Congress won the seat again in 2020.

Even in 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the Congress candidate ensured comfortable lead on Kishanganj assembly segment, but the Congress candidate performed miserably in the 2019 bypoll. If one goes by the performance of the Congress Party in bypolls across the country, we see that its performance has not been up to the mark.

The role of Kanhaiya Kumar in Bihar bypolls will be a litmus test of his popularity, since in both Kusheshwar Sthan and Tarapur assembly seats, the Congress Party and the RJD lost by a narrow margin. It's a good test case for Kanhaiya Kumar to prove his mettle by ensuring victory on the seats, particularly Kusheshwar Sthan.

Congress candidate from Kusheshwar Sthan, Atirek Kumar, is the son of Ashok Kumar, party candidate from the same seat in 2020. Besides Ashok Kumar is a senior leader of Bihar unit of the Congress.

Kanhaiya Kumar's performance as CPI candidate from Begusarai Lok Sabha seat in 2019 was highly unsatisfactory. Of the seven assembly segments of Begusarai, Kanhiya was unable to come to number one in terms of votes in any of the assembly segments. Even on two assembly segments of Sahebpur Kamal and on Cheria Bariarpur, Kanhaiya came on the third spot behind the RJD candidate Tanweer Hasan.

Till now Kanhaiya Kumar is tight-lipped on his role as party campaigner or as a party leader in Kusheshwar Sthan.

The Bihar state unit of the Congress Party is also not very enthusiastic about the induction of Kanhaiya Kumar. The BPCC may demand campaigning by Kanhaiya Kumar to test his popularity. In case of dismal performance, his credibility will come under severe criticism. He may be called NPA (Non-performing asset) not only by the media, opposition parties but also by a section of BPCC leaders who are apprehensive that Kanhaiya may be imposed on them as senior office-bearer by the party high-command so the different factions of the unit are burying their hatchet to corner Kanhaiya. If one goes by the media reports, it seems that the party high command had not consulted the local unit on Kanhaiya's induction.

One theory also postulates that the Congress will use Kanhiya Kumar in states of Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh or in states where the party had to cash in the anti-incumbency of the BJP as star campaigner of the party. In states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Tripura where the party had lost all chances of revival, Kanhaiya has no role as Congress Party leader or campaigner, political analysts say.
Mumbai, Oct 7 : The Maharashtra Congress on Thursday accused the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) Mumbai Zone of allegedly flouting the NDPS Act rules while conducting the raid on a luxury ship on October 2, and demanded action against the agency officials.

Talking to the media, Congress State Spokesperson Sachin Sawant said that as per the NCB's own handbook if an accused has to be shifted or handed over to another officer after arrest, it can only be done with the written and signed consent of a senior officer.

Besides, the rules say that the same officer who has nabbed any accused is responsible for his safety/security and must produce him before a court within 24 hours.

"In the NCB raids on October 2, the rules seem to have been blatantly violated. How did a private person who is a Bharatiya Janata Party activist hand over the accused. The entire raid and busting the so-called rave party on the cruise ship are suspicious," Sawant said.

He charged the NCB officers with suppressing the truth by calling BJP activists Manish Bhanushali and Kiran P. Gosavi as 'independent witnesses', when the very same person (Bhanushali) has admitted he was merely an 'informer' of the agency.

If such is the case, Sawant demanded that the NCB Mumbai officers should show the arrest details and the documents whereby two of the high-profile accused were handled by the two private persons who are BJP activists, 'compromising the security of the accused', and how they even clicked selfies with them (accused) that day.

"These are extremely serious issues The NCB Director-General and Maha Vikas Aghadi government must order an immediate probe in the matter. As per the NDPS Act, any officer found guilty of violating the rule book faces 10 years' jail plus fine of at least Rs 100,000," Sawant pointed out.

The Congress leader's questions to the NCB came a day after the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) National Spokesperson and Minister Nawab Malik created a sensation by exposing the involvement of two 'BJP activists' and private persons in the ship raid.

Shiv Sena leader Kishore Tiwari, accorded MoS status, termed the emerging developments as "extremely serious" and demanded that the MVA should order the arrest of NCB Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede and probe the raid thoroughly.

Malik on Thursday warned that more revelations with evidence about the NCB would come out soon and reiterated that the central agency is gunning only for high-profile persons from Bollywood to get publicity and tarnish the image of Bollywood and the MVA government in collusion with the BJP.

Sawant added that while the NCB is running after small quantities of drugs in Mumbai by arresting celebrities, why is the agency not taking any action when huge stocks of narcotics were found at Mundhra Port in Gujarat in September.

"This raises doubts whether the NCB is doing its job or like other central agencies, it is only working for the BJP to harass the MVA government If the D-G of NCB fails to take action against the Mumbai Zonal officers, then it will be clear it is pursuing a 'political agenda'," said Sawant.

The trio of Malik, Tiwari and Sawant said that a proper probe by the MVA government will unearth the truth about the ship raid and many more people will be exposed.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : The Economic Offences Wing of Delhi Police has arrested two people who were running Ponzy scheme in the name of 'e-Rikshaw on rent' and subsequently cheating hundreds of people of an amount of Rs 15 crore, an official said on Thursday.

The two accused identified as Harshul Kaushik, resident of Ashok Nagar, and Gurmeet Sahni, resident of Tilak Nagar used to call people in their office situated at D Mall, Radisson Blu Hotel and depicted a rosy picture that on the investment of Rs 1,31,000, the investor will get Rs 300 return per day.

They further induced public at large, that if investor adds more members, they will get a commission for the same. In the way of it, they also got them visited the manufacturing plant of E- Rickshaw, the police said.

Believing them, all the complainants deposited lakhs of rupees in the several accounts of the alleged person with inducement to receive the rent in return. They received two months' rent and thereafter the money stopped coming.

"It's a case of Ponzy Scheme in which victims have been allured to invest their hard earned money and get the returns according to the investment made by them. More than 50 complaints on behalf of 1,100 victims were received and the amount involved is more than Rs 15 crore. The accused were absconding since long and were arrested after two months long surveillance," Additional Commissioner of Police R.K. Singh said.

The DCP further advised the people to carefully invest their hard-earned money and always check the credential of the person/institute before investing.

"Before investing check from RBI/SEBI websites whether the person/firm/company is having license/authorized to run the scheme and collect money from the investors. Always deposit money in government authorized institutions and schemes," he said.
Mumbai, Oct 7 : Actor Dibyendu Bhattacharya has a series of sequels lined up and he has a good reason to look forward to them.

"Working in a sequel helps because it is already a hit series," Dibyendu, who'll be seen in upcoming web series 'The Gone Game 2', 'Jamtara 2' and 'Undekhi 2', said during a conversation with IANS.

"People have seen me in the first season and already have appreciated my performance. One has a base. It is also enjoyable to do a sequel. You understand the tone of your character well. It is always fun to shoot for the second season," Dibyendu added.

He'll also be seen alongside Vidyut Jammwal in 'Khuda Haafiz: Agni Pariksha Chapter 2'. The actor is tight-lipped about his character, but he does tease a little by saying, "I can be seen in a new avatar".

'Khuda Haafiz 2', according to the actor, is an action thriller like its first edition, and "I am playing a mysterious and dark character".

With so many projects lined up, Dibyendu shares a sense of gratitude, for he remembers the time when he wanted to do a lot of work, but could not.

Talking about what keeps him going, he said: "The main motive is to keep doing my work. There was a time when I wanted to do a lot of work, but didn't get enough to do. Now, the work flow is good, interesting characters and projects are coming my way, so why not? "Basically, we have two kinds of jobs: quality and quantity. Sometimes, quantity also matters because you have to run your kitchen and quality is important because you have to run your career." With these words, Dibyendu signed off.
New Delhi: People gather Sarojini Nagar Market for shopping on the first day of Navaratri Festival in New Delhi on Thursday October 07 , 2021.(Photo: Qamar Sibtain/IANS) Image Source: IANS News

New Delhi, Oct 7 : The challenge of Covid-19 has not ended yet, said Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry, in a press conference held on Thursday to brief on ongoing Covid situation in the country. He said, "we say that we haven't controlled the second wave of the pandemic yet. We need to make continuous efforts." Talking about precautions during upcoming festivals, Agarwal said, "We need to be watchful in the months of October, November and December. We need to be alert during the festive season and celebrate these festivals at home and avoid going out".

He said that there are 28 districts currently where Covid positivity rate is between 5 and 10 per cent. Meanwhile, 34 districts are reporting weekly positivity rate of over 10 per cent.

There are currently five states - Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Mizoram and Karnataka which have over 10,000 active Covid cases. Agarwal said that on an average, 20,000 Covid cases have been recorded daily. Of these 56 per cent were from Kerala last week.

Total six states and UTs -- Lakshadweep, Chandigarh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar and Sikkim have vaccinated hundred per cent of their population with the first dose.

Talking to media, NITI Aayog Health Member Dr V.K. Paul said that there is no new variant of concern as per the data available, which is updated daily.

He added that at least 1,200 PSA plants are functional now. After the current program of establishing PSA plants, which is underway, there will be 4,000 PSA plants across the nation.
Atmanirbhar Bharath is possible only when technology, human resources and access to both come together Ram Nath Kovind. Image Source: IANS News

Atmanirbhar Bharath is possible only when technology, human resources and access to both come together Ram Nath Kovind. Image Source: IANS News

Atmanirbhar Bharath is possible only when technology, human resources and access to both come together Ram Nath Kovind. Image Source: IANS News

Chamarajanagar : , Oct 7 (IANS) President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday said the citizens of the country can hope to build an Aatmanirbhar Bharat only when "technology, human resources and the access to both comes together".

He said this while speaking on the occasion of the inauguration of the newly built Teaching Hospital of the Chamarajanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (CIMS), here.

"All technology would be useless if we do not have a robust delivery mechanism. We need to take our health services to the remotest corners of our country. We can hope to build an Aatmanirbhar Bharat only when our technology, human resources and the access to both comes together," he underlined.

He said that with the inauguration of a 450-bedded hospital, it would provide more opportunities for practical experience and training to the budding talent.

He expressed confidence that the hospital with state-of-the-art facilities and adequate infrastructure for critical care and super speciality departments like cardiology, neurology etc would provide better healthcare services to the people of this region.

Pointing to the fact that the area around the CIMS is densely forested and many of the people residing here belong to the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the President urged the administration of CIMS and the state government of Karnataka to take steps to make affordable healthcare available to them with the goal of providing universal healthcare for all.

He also said that the Central government has already increased the number of AIIMS from 6 to 22.

As new post-graduate colleges are coming up, the existing post-graduate institutes are also encouraged to become Centres of Excellence. But this infrastructure cannot serve its purpose without human resources, he noted.

The President said that, in his view, two professions that form the twin foundations for the development of a nation are -- healthcare and education.
The recent revelation by the Pakistani media that the director general of the Pakistan Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI), Lt Gen Faiz Hammed, will be made commander of 11 corps in Peshawar might seem like a master stroke played by Pakistan's army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

The outgoing ISI chief is considered a close confidante of Imran Khan; the 'selected' prime minister of the country. Together with Khan the DG ISI promote the pro-Taliban narrative and striving for both domestic and international support for the new administration in Kabul.

Faiz Hameed is said to have played an instrumental role in forming the much criticised Haqqani faction dominant cabinet in Kabul.

With Faiz Hameed stationed in Peshawar Bajwa has effectively removed him from the corridors of power in Islamabad. As a simple corps commander Lt Gen Hameed will not be visiting the prime minister house and since the DG of ISI is under the direct command of the prime minister of the country Hameed's independent position as the DG of ISI will wither away. Now Faiz is under the command of his arch rival, the army Chief Gen Bajwa himself.

Hence, Gen Faiz's posting to Peshawar as commander of 11 Corps perhaps also indicates that General Bajwa might have given in to vocal protests by PML (N) regarding Lt Gen Hameed interfering in Punjab politics. By throwing Lt Gen Hameed out of Punjab deprives him of playing any role in the internal politics of Punjab. Therefore, Faiz has been robbed of any opportunity to influence the political contest between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz).

Lt Gen Hameed's posting to Peshawar is thus good news for PML (N) and bad news for Imran Khan. He has very intelligently been pushed away by General Bajwa to the frontier province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa where he will find himself busy repairing the border fences.

Another aspect is that as the US has now withdrawn from Afghanistan, 11 Corps has lost its importance as a corps responsible for managing a front line for the Afghan Taliban. Secondly, the importance of 11 corps has also declined since the money making opportunities in the form of military aid and otherwise that were available during American troops presence in Afghanistan have also dried out.

The question however is whether Lt Gen Hammed succeeds in his endeavor to become the next army chief of Pakistan? Probably not. General Bajwa is promoting Shia Lt General Azhar Abbas the newly appointed Chief of General Staff to become the next army chief. That is if Bajwa himself does not go for another extension as the army chief.

Lt Gen Hameed is close to Imran Khan as former ensured the 'selection' of the latter. Faiz is linked to jihadi groups like Tehreek e Labbaik Pakistan whereas Bajwa has allegedly married into an Ahmadi family. Bajwa is still unhappy over Faiz's Kabul visit without seeking his permission gesturing foolishly holding a cup of tea at the Serena Hotel.

Bajwa is also unhappy over alleged sex related misconduct of Lt gen Hameed with Tajik women staying at the same hotel during his visit to Kabul. Scandals regarding Faiz being shot by his wife after a row over his extra marital affairs with a lady at a farm house are said to have enraged General Bajwa.

General Bajwa is said to be unhappy with Faiz for his mishandling of the case of Maj Gen Manzoor Ahmed, a Sindhi who has filed a petition at the Lahore High Court challenging his forceful dismissal.

General Bajwa is said to be extremely upset with Lt Gen Hammed for the latter's failure in ensuring secrecy of the SSG operations during the Taliban offensive in Panjshir.

The army chief is said to have become suspicious of Lt Gen Hammed after he failed to nip the plan to stage a coup by army officers against him in June 2021 in the bud.

For now, General Bajwa might seem to have foxtrotted Lt Gen Faiz Hameed into oblivion but only time will tell how the final act of this story of lust for power be written.

(Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza is an author and a human rights activist from Mirpur in PoJK.)
Gandhinagar, Oct 7 : In a shocking revelation in the data submitted in the Gujarat state assembly, the state government has revealed that there was a rise of 40% in rapes during the four years from 2016 to 2019. The incidents of gang-rape also quadrupled during the five years from 2016 to 2020.

Answering a question put by Vav constituency Congress MLA Geniben Thakor, the Gujarat Chief Minister, who also holds the home portfolio, informed that there were a total of 8,317 cases of rape registered between October 1, 2015 and September 30, 2020. This means that there were around 4 to 5 rapes committed everyday in Gujarat during the five years.

Between October 1, 2015 to September 30, 2016, a total of 1, 382 crimes were committed. In the preceding year, 1,480 cases were registered (a 7% rise over the previous year). In the year after that, 1,765 cases were registered (a whopping 19 % rise over the previous year). From October 2018 to September 2019, 1,936 cases of rape were registered by the Gujarat Police (a 10% rise over the previous year). There was a fall in this figure by 9% during the preceding year from October 2019 to September 2020 and 1,754 cases were registered. This decline in the number of cases can be attributed to the pandemic in the state.

The maximum cases were registered in the financial capital of Gujarat, Ahmedabad -- 1,261 during this five-year period. Second was Surat with 899 cases, Bhavnagar 432 cases, Rajkot 409 cases and Vadodara with 343 cases.

During the same period, the number of incidents of gang rape quadrupled. While there were 11 cases of gang rape between October 2015 and September 2016, the next year saw 19 cases. During October 2018 to September 2019, 36 cases of gang rape were registered with the Gujarat Police and in the next year from October 2019 to September 2020, 40 cases of gang rape were reported in Gujarat.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : China's military displayed some of its most advanced weaponry and equipment during the country's largest airshow concluded recently.

Air show China was held in the southern city of Zhuhai after a year-long delay as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. The six-day event showcased China's home-grown aviation and space technologies, amid growing strategic rivalry in the Asia Pacific.

The air show attracted nearly 40 countries and nearly 700 exhibitors online and offline exhibition sites signed more than $12.5 billion of the cooperation agreement, clinching a deal with various types of 159 aircraft as claimed by China.

More than 100 aircraft registered for display as China shows off its military might and its space ambitions, including a next-generation crewed rocket and heavy-lift launch vehicle.

The whole pedigree of land, sea and sky weapon systems were on display from stealth aircraft, missiles to rockets.

While the J-20, the air forces' most advanced fighter jet was on full display, the J-16D military aircraft designed to counter enemy air-defence systems and equipped with signal jammers and missiles also made its debut.

A new generation of H-20 stealth bombers also debuted. The J-16D has two large electronic warfare pods on its wings, which will be used to disrupt and jam hostile electronic equipment, including radar and communications systems, the Global Times reported.

It also has a new avionics system and domestically-made engines.

The flying displays featured some products China wants to export, including the AG600, the world's largest amphibious aircraft, designed for fire-fighting and sea-rescue roles.

The most representative of the strength was the "Zhuhai-made" AG600 "Kunlong" large amphibious aircraft. The AG600 on-site flight demonstration fully demonstrated the powerful fire-fighting ability.

A new series of drone products named Feihong, including an unmanned helicopter, loitering missiles and a new generation of stealth drones, will make their debut at the show.

The Wing Loong II, an armed drone similar to the American MQ-9 Reaper, has already been sold to customers including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan as China competes against Western rivals to increase military exports.

There were also more than 50 large-scale practical products and nearly 500 cutting-edge products were on physical display.

A series of radar, long-range UAVs, surveillance systems, emergency communication command vehicles and other major equipment were on display in the exhibition focusing on network security, digital services, defence electronics and other business areas of the latest innovation achievements.

China's ships for the first time exhibited models of warships and underwater weapons from aircraft carriers to submarines.

An array of radar systems were on display including low-altitude surveillance radar which can simultaneously detect and track low-altitude cruise missiles, fighters, small and medium-sized and micro-small UAVs, with high detection power and multi-task ability, the position environment has strong adaptability, high tracking data rate, and a high degree of automation.

The New Mobile UHF anti-stealth air defence warning radar made its debut.

Since the first session was held in 1996, the China International Aerospace Expo (the Zhuhai Air Show) has gone through 25 years.

From being unnamed to being among the top five in the world, the Zhuhai Air Show has become a window to show the world the achievements of China's aerospace and national defence modernization, as well as a platform for foreign cooperation and exchanges.

The AUKUS-Australia, United Kingdom and the United States recently announced a trilateral security pact for the region, including the provision of nuclear-powered submarines to Australia, while the QUAD leaders met in person for the first time at the White House recently.

The QUAD includes the US, Australia, Japan and India and is seen as an effort to counter the rise of China, which has become increasingly assertive in the region, particularly in the disputed South China Sea and over Taiwan.

As China faces increasing threats from the West, it needs to improve its military-industrial, aviation and aerospace capabilities.

"Beijing is intent on not just pushing locally made military aircraft and aerospace technologies, but also its ability to address almost any military requirement out there," said Kelvin Wong, a Singapore-based defence technology analyst at Janes.
Guwahati, Oct 7 : Referring to the September 23 eviction related violence, which claimed two lives and injured 20 others in Assam's Darrang district, the Gauhati High Court on Thursday termed the incident as "a big tragedy and very unfortunate" and directed the state government to file a detailed affidavit in the matter.

Hearing a PIL filed by Debabrata Saikia, Leader of Opposition in Assam Assembly, and a suo motu petition in connection with the eviction drive and the subsequent violence, a division bench of the high court comprising Chief Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Soumitra Sakia observed: "This is a big tragedy, very unfortunate. Those who are guilty, if at all, must be punished, no doubt about that." "Khoon zameen par gir gaya (blood has been spilt)," the Chief Justice remarked.

The court wanted to know whether the National Rehabilitation Policy is applicable in Assam, and directed the state government to file a detailed affidavit in the entire matter within three weeks.

In his PIL, Congress leader Saikia told the court that the people evicted from Dhalpur belong to marginalised and socio-economically backward sections, who had migrated due to the recurring floods and erosion of the Brahmaputra River over the past six decades.

"The Assam government justified the eviction drive by referring to a Cabinet decision to vacate about 77,000 bighas of land in the Sipajhar area in Darrang district for setting up agricultural projects," the PIL claimed.

The plea also challenged the cabinet decision to effectuate a proposal to clear around 75,000 bighas of land to set up an agro farm and forest projects.

The high court will hear the case again on November 3.

Welcoming the high court's move, Assam Congress President Bhupen Kumar Borah said the court's observation vindicated his party's stand on the eviction drive.

"The incident of firing on a lone protester by more than 40 armed police personnel and the subsequent violent action of a government affiliated cameraperson on the dead protester had shocked people all over the world," Borah said in a statement.

It said the PIL also stated that the government had deprived people belonging to tribal, Scheduled Caste and other backward communities in order to give land to private parties.

"The PIL also took up the matter of eviction of people of various backward communities in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts without proper rehabilitation after the areas where they had settled were declared as Wildlfe Reserve by the state government," the statement added.

Two persons, including a 12-year-old boy, were killed while 20 others were injured after a mob clashed with the police during an eviction drive in Darrang district on September 23.

A video of the clashes, which went viral, also showed a photographer engaged by the Darrang district administration stomping on the body of a man shot by the police.

The Assam government had earlier ordered a judicial inquiry into the matter. A state government official said on Thursday that former Gauhati HC judge B.D. Agarwala would conduct the inquiry, which is to be completed within three months.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had earlier claimed that the Popular Front of India (PFI) was involved in the Darrang violence.

The eviction drive was launched on September 20 and 23 by the police and the district administration to vacate 4,500 bighas (602.40 hectares) of government land, allegedly illegally encroached by several hundreds of Bengali-speaking Muslim families in Darrang district.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : Delhi-based Law and Society Alliance has written to UN Human Rights Commissioner expressing deep concern on the latest terror strikes and targeted killings of Indians in Jammu and Kashmir by terrorist groups aided and abetted by Pakistan and operating from Pakistan's soil.

"We also ask that you publicly support the creation of a much-needed UN fact finding mission to assess the scale and nature of terror attacks and targeted killings of innocents in Jammu and Kashmir by terror groups that have a haven in Pakistan yet carry out these attacks on the Indian citizens in Jammu and Kashmir", the letter by the human rights organisation to Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said.

The letter said that on October 5, three civilians were killed in cold blood by Pakistani backed terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. And since January 2021, more than 20 civilians have been killed by terrorists, including a four-year-old girl, an infant.

Out of the three civilians killed, one was a pharmacy owner, Makhan Lal Bindroo, a Kashmiri Hindu and the owner of Srinagar's most famous shop that vends medicines to all Indians in Kashmir and foreign tourists. Bindroo's pharmacy served the people of Kashmir -- Hindus, Muslims, Christians, all of them. But Pakistan has a history of silencing people who work for the welfare of the ordinary Kashmiris, the letter said.

Within an hour of killing Bindroo, terrorists targeted two other civilians, one was a non-Kashmiri, a non-local street vendor, Virendra, and the other was a local Kashmiri, Mohammad Shafi Lone.

Today, Taliban's takeover of Kabul has emboldened Pakistan's terrorist proxies like the Taliban, the Haqqanis, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujhahideen, who continue to perpetrate jihad against India in Jammu & Kashmir.

"So, we appeal to you to add the weight and influence of your office to the growing number of voices speaking out publicly, against such terrorist strikes and targeted killings by Pakistan-sponsored terrorist groups that are acting with impunity and with the open and direct support from Pakistan government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan Niazi", the letter said.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : The roll out program for the Zydus Cadila vaccine is underway. The training programs to administer the vaccine are being held at various levels across the country as it will use an applicator, said NITI Ayog Member (Health) Dr VK Paul at a press conference here on Thursday on the Covid situation. He said that the Zydus Cadila vaccine will soon be a part of India's vaccination drive.

The Zydus Cadila vaccine was scheduled to be rolled out in the first week of October. On being asked about the delay in the vaccine roll out, Paul said that the Zydus Cadila vaccine is not administered using the conventional syringe or a needle but through an applicator, which will be used for the first time in the country. He added: "We are working on the trainers. The training programs are being conducted on the use of applicators. We are also sorting out the logistics issues of the vaccine and soon it will be a part of the Covid 19 vaccination drive." Paul said that currently there is no new variant of concern as per the data available, which is updated daily. He said, "Though the number of cases are low, our preparation is high and robust. We have prepared for maximum 4.5 to 5 lakh cases per day, but it does not mean that the cases may rise to such a level now".

Talking about preparedness, Paul underlined that at least 1,200 PSA plants are functional now. After the current program of establishing PSA plants, which is underway, there will be 4,000 PSA plants across the nation. This is the security against any oxygen constraints in the future, he added.

Talking about precautions during the upcoming festivals, Luv Agrawal, Joint Secretary, Health Ministry, said, "We need to be watchful of the months of October, November and December. We need to be alert during the festive season and celebrate these festivals at home and avoid going outside". He said that there are 28 districts currently where the Covid positivity rate is between 5 to 10 per cent. Meanwhile, 34 districts are reporting a weekly positivity rate of over 10 per cent.

The challenge of COVID has not ended yet. To some extent, we say that we haven't controlled the second wave of COVID. We need to make continuous efforts, said Luv Agrawal.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : BJP minority morcha national president Jamal Siddiqui said that Congress has cheated Muslims by making them believe that being nationalist means loyalty to Gandhi family.

Siddiqui told IANS that Muslims are nationalist and no one has ever had any doubt about it but they are misled by Congress to believe the wrong meaning of nationalism.

"Congress party has cheated Muslims in the country by telling the wrong meaning of nationalism. They (Congress) repeatedly told Muslims that loyalty to Gandhi family only means nationalism. Through their malicious intentions Congress makes Muslims believe that following the Gandhi dynasty is the only way to show nationalism," he said.

He alleged that for their malicious intention Congress party also created hatred among Muslims in the country against the BJP. "For political benefit, the Congress party labelled the BJP as fascist and anti-Muslim, which is not true. The BJP never discriminated against people based on their religion or caste and a negative perception has been created against us by Congress," he said.

He claimed that now Muslim community has realised that what they are made to believe was wrong and feel cheated by the Congress party. "Works of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government shows that whatever was told against the BJP was wrong and far from reality. The BJP government led by Prime Minister Modi is working for empowering and uplifting of all the communities, caste and religion. There is no discrimination against anyone on any ground like caste, religion or region, the Modi government is working with sole objective of 'sabka sath, sabka vikas'," BJP minority morcha national president said.

He further claimed that Congress' misleading campaign against the BJP has been exposed and more and more Muslims are joining the BJP across the country.

"Muslims perception against the BJP has changed in the last seven years after realising the inclusive policy of the Modi government. With each passing day, Muslims from across the country are joining the BJP. Now, they realise that the BJP is only nationalist party in the true sense, which puts the nation first over anything else," Siddiqui said.
Mumbai, Oct 7 : Kalaben M. Delkar, the widow of the late MP from the Union Territory of Dadra & Nagar Haveli - who had committed suicide in a Mumbai hotel on February 22 - along with her son Abhinav and hundreds of supporters, joined the Shiv Sena here on Thursday.

Shiv Sena President and Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray welcomed them into the party-fold by tying the customary 'Shiv Bandhan' on their wrists, in presence of MP and Chief Spokesperson Sanjay Raut.

Later, Raut announced that Kalaben Delkar would be fielded as the Sena's candidate for the ensuing by-polls for the UT seat, rendered vacant by the death of her husband and the 7-time MP from Dadra & Nagar Haveli.

The development is considered a huge political setback to the BJP in the UT as the late Delkar had represented the party before contesting the 2019 elections as an Independent and winning the seat, indicating his massive popularity among the masses there.
Chandigarh, Oct 7 : In a 'repeat' of Lakhimpur Kheri incident of Uttar Pradesh, a farmer during protest got injured in Naraingarh in Haryana on Thursday after he was allegedly hit by a car of BJP MP's convoy.

The farmer union in a complaint alleged that farmers had gathered to protest against MP Nayab Saini with black flags whose cavalcade hit a farmer.

BKU (Charuni) district chief Malkit Singh handed over a copy of complaint to the police.

The farmers were gathered on the Naraingarh-Sadhaura road where the Kurukshetra MP and state Transport Minister Mool Chand Sharma came to attend an event to honour Covid warriors.

Heavy police force was deployed to stop the farmers. After seeing the MP's convoy, farmers tried to stop the vehicles and show black flags.

After the incident, the farmers blocked the road and demanded FIR in connection with the incident.

Injured farmer Bhawanpreet Singh of Yamunanagar said, "I was standing with black flag to protest against BJP MP Nayab Saini when a driver hit the vehicle on me and I suffered leg injury." Later the farmers lifted their blockade on the assurance of appropriate action given by the police.
Meerut : , Oct 7 (IANS) Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai on Thursday said that the Rapid Action Force (RAF) brings peace in a short span of time wherever it goes and comes up to the expectations of the nation.

Speaking at the 29th Foundation Day of the RAF here, he said the force has been dealing with anti-national elements effectively and in a fearless manner.

"Because of its prompt and effective management in controlling the riots and violent agitations, the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2018 asked the CRPF to raise five more battalions for this purpose," Rai said.

Hailing the role of the RAF in the country and abroad as well, he said the units of this force have been deployed in countries like Kosovo, Liberia and other nations under UN Peacekeeping Mission.

In 2007, the RAF created history by deploying the first all-women police unit with the United Nations Mission in Liberia for the protection of the President House there, he added.

Referring to the contribution of the RAF during the covid pandemic, Rai said that this force has made a distinct identity for itself by serving the people of the country and helped them in many ways during the lockdowns as well.

He also said that the government has taken many steps for the modernization of the Central Reserve Police Force and provided it with modern weapons and other logistics.

He reiterated that under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi government and under the leadership of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, several facilities were introduced like canteen, Ayushman Bharat, cashless treatment in private hospitals. Air courier services for the troopers posted in Jammu and Kashmir, Left Wing Extremism areas and in the North East regions and PM Scholarship scheme for the children of the security personnel have been provided to the Central Armed Police Forces personnel.

On the occasion, he also gave the President Police Medals to the officers and jawans of the Force and trophies to different battalions for their performance in administration and operations.

The Rapid Action Force, a specialised wing of the Central Reserve Police Force to deal with riots and crowd control, will also respond in case of any natural disaster including chemical or nuclear leaks.

The force is now introducing its new unit that has been trained to respond in case of any natural calamity or chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear warfare hazards.
Lakhimpur Kheri : , Oct 7 (IANS) The Lakhimpur Kheri police has summoned Ashish Mishra, son of Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra Teni, for questioning in connection with the Lakhimpur Kheri violence in which nine persons, including four farmers, were killed.

Inspector General of Police Laxmi Singh said two persons are already being questioned in the case.

A notice under CrPC 160 has been pasted at the Lakhimpur Kheri residence of Ashish Mishra and he has been asked to present himself at the crime branch office of the reserve police lines at 10.a.m. on Friday.

Ashish Mishra is the main accused in the violence that erupted in Lakhimpur Kheri on Sunday and left eight dead.

Violence erupted when four farmers were allegedly knocked down by vehicles driven by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers, including Ashish Mishra.

Farmers allege that the minister's son was in one of the cars that mowed the farmers. Ashish has been named in the FIR lodged in connection with the incident under IPC Section 302 (murder).

"If Ashish Mishra does not abide by the summons, legal procedure will be adopted," Singh said, but added that there was no time limit in the summons sent to Ashish.

Opposition parties have been demanding immediate arrest of the accused in the case and the matter has now been taken up by the Supreme Court which has asked the state government to submit a status report on Friday.
Hyderabad, Oct 7 : Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Thursday announced CB CID inquiry into alleged encroachments of Wakf properties.

He told the State Legislative Assembly that orders for the CB CID probe will be issued. He accepted the demand by Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (MIM) in this regard.

The Chief Minister told the House that his government is committed to protect Wakf properties. He pointed out that the government has already freezed the Wakf and Endowment lands to prevent their encroachment or registration.

Rao said MIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi also brought to his notice that the cases relating to Wakf land are not being argued effectively in the courts. On the demand for CB CID inquiry into irregularities, he said he had no objection to this.

During the debate on minority welfare two days ago, Owaisi had drawn the attention of the government to the state of affairs in Wakf Board. He had sought immediate intervention of the government.

Responding to the chief minister's announcement, Owaisi thanked him.

Meanwhile, home minister Mohammed Mehmood Ali also welcomed the chief minister's announcement. He said that the chief minister is determined to protect Wakf and Endowment properties. Ali said the chief minister by announcing the CB CID probe again showed his sincerity in addressing the issue.

The home minister hoped that all details regarding Wakf properties will come to light through the proposed comprehensive land survey in the state.

According to him there are allegations of irregularities in Wakf properties before the formation of Telangana State. He made it clear that the present government has no involvement.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : The Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD) has condemned the dastardly assassination of Makhan Lal Bindroo, a Kashmiri Pandit, by Islamist terrorists.

Bindroo was shot dead by militants on Tuesday at his shop, Bindroo Medicate, in Srinagar.

The GKPD convened a condolence meeting of community members to mourn the tragic loss of Bindroo.

Ramesh Raina, K.N. Pandita, Krishen Kemmu, R.K. Mattoo, Ashok Kaul, Ashok Bhan and participants from 20 countries, including the US, the UK, Australia, Denmark and the UAE, were among those who attended the meeting.

"There was unanimous support that the government of India and the Union Territory of J&K be put on notice that no stone should be left unturned to arrest and execute as per the law the killers of Pandit Bindroo and provide solace to his family and Kashmiri Pandits worldwide. Among other initiatives, GKPD will file an update with the National Human Rights Commission where it has filed a review of the community's case for genocide and demand action," a statement said.

GKPD International coordinator Virinder Kaul stated, "Our families are intertwined with the Bindroo family, and our hearts are filled with sorrow. Brave warrior Pandit Makhan Lal Bindroo did his dharma till the end. He will be missed greatly." Utpal Kaul, GKPD International coordinator, concluded, "Sadly, the state failed Pandit Bindroo in not providing him safety and security as a member of the Pandit community which has experienced continuous genocide in the Valley. The continuing spate of murders of Kashmiri Pandits points to the abject dereliction on the part of the government of India for over the last 30 years to provide a solution, which gives justice, security and rehabilitation to the Kashmiri pandits." Two more minority killings in Kashmir occurred on Thursday as two teachers -- Deepak Chand Mehra and Supinder Kour -- were brutally murdered inside a school premises in Srinagar.

"It is amply clear to us that the targeted killings of minorities in Kashmir continue to remain unabated. We strongly urge the government of India to take immediate measures to stop this massacre of innocents in the Valley," the GKPD said.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : The Supreme Court on Thursday granted interim bail to Yes Bank founder Rana Kapoor's wife Bindu Kapoor and two daughters - Radha and Roshni Kapoor in the Rs 4,000 crore Yes Bank-DHFL scam.

A bench comprising Justices S.K. Kaul and M.M. Sundresh said: "In the meantime, the petitioners are granted interim bail with no specific conditions at this stage as the petitioners were originally granted bail/interim bail subject to certain terms and conditions by the trial Court which would naturally equally apply here".

On September 28, the Bombay High Court had rejected the bail applications moved by Kapoor's wife and daughters.

Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, representing the CBI, submitted a supplementary charge sheet filed against the petitioners for the offence of forgery under Sections 468 and 471 of the IPC. He added petitioners had been denied bail by both trial court and the High Court.

Senior advocate Harish Salve, representing the petitioners, submitted one of the petitioners had an infant who she was still breastfeeding. Salve submitted the charge levelled that Rana Kapoor had forged the signature of one of his daughters (Radhika Kapoor), surprisingly, the daughter herself had been denied bail.

The bench said it appears that on account of lesser offences being charged for by the supplementary charge sheet, bail is sought to be denied even though the petitioners were granted bail earlier when they were charged under Section 409 carrying a life sentence and/or granted interim bail after supplementary charge sheet when they were arrayed as accused for the first time. Raju submitted that he would like to place a counter affidavit on record.

In terms of the supplementary charge sheet under Section 468, IPC (carrying seven years sentence) and Section 471, IPC (bailable offence) are added and the petitioners were summoned for the first time in the supplementary charge sheet and were granted interim bail. "Despite the fact that the supplementary charge sheet adds lesser offences, bail has been denied both by the trial Court and by the high court vide an elaborate order", noted the bench.

The top court has scheduled the matter for further hearing after six weeks.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : India on Thursday officially joined the High Ambition Coalition (HAC) for Nature and People, a group of more than 70 countries encouraging the adoption of the global goal to protect 30x30.

The 30x30 is the aim of the coalition to promote an international agreement to protect at least 30 per cent the of world's land and ocean by 2030.

India's announcement comes in the lead up to a high-level biodiversity meeting, hosted by China, to be held virtually from October 11 to 15. It will tackle key aspects of the biodiversity treaty to be finalised in 2022 and the global 30x30 goal is currently a centrepiece of the treaty.

Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Rameshwar Prasad Gupta, handed over the signed HAC agreement to Ambassador of France to India, Emmanuel Lenain in a ceremony here, a release from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) said.

HAC members currently include a mix of countries in the global north and south (south refers to the countries in Asia and African continent along with those in south/middle American continent), Europe, Latin America. India is the first of the BRICS bloc of major emerging economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) to join the HAC.

Expressing delight on India joining member countries of HAC, Gupta said that resource mobilisation will always be the cornerstone for implementation of policies and programmes for conserving biodiversity and said India would ensure all support in meeting the global biodiversity targets.

Welcoming India's decision to join the HAC, which was initiated at the "One Planet Summit" in Paris in January 2021, Lenain said that on the eve of the opening of COP15, India joining the High Ambition Coalition is a real game changer and will boost our multilateral efforts.

"India is a major player for biodiversity protection," the French ambassador said.
Hyderabad, Oct 7 : Officials from the Triton Electric Vehicle on Thursday met Telangana's Industry Minister K.T. Rama Rao to take the discussion forward for setting up a world-class EV manufacturing facility in state with an investment of Rs 2,100 crore.

The Triton team comprising CEO and Chairman Himanshu Patel, India Development Head Mohammad Mansoor and Triton associate Akbar Rasheed met the minister, in the presence of Principal Secretary Jayesh Ranjan and Director Automotive Gopalakrishnan.

The meeting took place a day after a Triton team visited the National Investment and Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ) at Zaheerabad in Sangareddy district.

According to an official release, at the minister's insistence, the Triton team was taken to the site at NIMZ Zaheerabad in a chopper and the plots were physically inspected.

The vice-chairman and managing director of Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (TSIIC), Narasimha Reddy, also accompanied the Triton team during the site visit. Further land related procedures will ensue shortly.

Triton is looking to construct its facility and get the products out at the earliest to reduce carbon footprints in the transportation space, said the statement.

The Telangana government and Triton EV had signed an MoU on June 24, 2021. According to the MoU, Triton has agreed to set up a manufacturing unit for electric vehicles in the state.

The industrial park layout of NIMZ Zaheerabad was discussed in detail virtually and few plots were identified.

It was then announced that the project will employ more than 25,000 people and manufacture 50,000 vehicles over the first five years, including semi-trucks, sedans, luxury SUVs, and rickshaws.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : The Congress on Thursday appointed Rajasthan Health Minister Raghu Sharma as In charge of Gujarat, Daman Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The party was without In charge after demise of Rajeev Satav.

Sharma, who is a minister in Ashok Gehlot cabinet in Rajasthan, is close to the Chief Minister and was called last month for a meeting with Rahul Gandhi. Gujarat goes to polls next year and the Congress has one year to prepare particularly after recent rout in the local body elections.

The Congress is yet to appoint State President in the state. In last elections in 2017, Ashok Gehlot was In charge of the state and the Congress faired well in the elections but could not win the majority. The appointment paves way for reshuffle in Rajasthan which is pending and now the Congress leadership wants to placate Sachin Pilot in the state.

The tussle between Pilot and Gehlot is not new and recently the former had met Rahul Gandhi in the national capital, twice in a month over issues related to Rajasthan. The meetings have triggered speculation that some serious political considerations are going on behind the scenes, though there is no official word on it from either side yet.

Amid wild speculations, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Saturday said the Congress government in his state will complete its five year tenure, and also form the next government.

"Our bureaucrats are the first ones to remain tense discussing if the government shall continue or not. This is a burning topic in the secretariat too. But our government will continue in Rajasthan and will also form the next government in the state," he added.
New Delhi, Oct 7 : The high-profile rave party busted by Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) in the financial capital of the country has left a series of difficult conundrums for the public to understand, further deepening the mystery! The NCB has so far arrested 18 persons in the drugs case, including, Hindi mega-star Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan who has been now sent to 14 days of judicial custody.

But even as the case is progressing further, there are several layers, when unearthed, raise eyebrows. The first thing which comes into the mind is how was the contraband taken to the luxury ship? The NCB had said that during the raid, it recovered various popular party drugs like Cocaine, MDMA, Ecstasy, Mephedrone and Charas. Of all the contraband, the cocaine was 13 gm, Charas 21 gm, 22 pills of MDMA and 5 gm MD.

It is yet 'unanswered' as to how the star kids were able to procure these drugs.

The NCB's swoop - which shook the Bollywood's core as the superstar's kid was involved - almost sounded unbelievable till a picture of a dazed Aryan sitting on a bench inside the agency's office in south Mumbai emerged from nowhere.

A bald man, who was later identified as an alleged BJP leader Kiran Gosavi, clicked a picture with the star kid inside the NCB's office, triggering a row that BJP activists, were involved in the raid conducted by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) on the luxury ship Cordelia Cruises on October 2.

Another BJP leader Manish Bhanushali was seen hauling out some of the accused, including Aryan and Arbaaz Merchant. How did a private person, who is a BJP activist, hand over the accused? -- another unanswered question! Of the eight people that were the first detained by the NCB, three -- Mohak Jaswal, Nupur Sarika and Gomit Chopra are from Delhi. Mohak and Nupur are both fashion designers while Gomit is a hair stylist. Sources earlier confirmed to IANS that both Mohak and Nupur had come to Delhi with Gomit but still there is no further details about them. Did they go to Mumbai to attend the party or were they already residing there? It is yet to be answered.

It is being said that the luxury ship, the Cordelia Cruise, which was raided by the sleuths of the NCB when it was preparing to lift anchor for a fun-filled two-night gala voyage to Goa, had around 1,300 affluent passengers on board. Were only 8 of these 1300 people consuming or carrying drugs with them? Is NCB going to question the remaining voyagers? It has also come to the fore that soon after the drug bust, the men from drug agency left and the cruise sailed off with the remaining guests. However, there is still no official word on this.

Coming back to the centre of attraction of this bust -- Aryan Khan -- due to which this became a high-profile case. The NCB had clearly stated that drugs were not recovered from the possession of SRK's lad, while only 6 gm of charas was found in the possession of Arbaaz Merchant.

If the quantity was so low, why NCB was even today demanding another four days of his custody? Aryan's lawyer Satish Maneshinde fired several questions at the drug probe agency, as NCB said it needed custody extension of Aryan so they could confront him with other accused. On Wednesday, the NCB arrested Achit Kumar whose name popped up from WhatsApp chats. "Why did the NCB not confront Aryan and Arbaaz with Achit yesterday only? NCB is well equipped, they have more than 100 officers," the lawyer asked posing another question that was not answered. "Confrontation cannot be grounds for custody," he quipped.

Last but not the least, two days ago, the NCB made four more arrests in connection with the case. All the four arrested were employees of Namas'cray, a Delhi-based event management company that organised the 'rave party' onboard Cordelia Cruises' Empress ship. But wait, why are we forgetting that the pandemic is still ravaging the country. The country is still witnessing nearly 300 fatalities every day. Then how come under pandemic-induced restrictions, such a party was allowed. Another unanswered question...!
New Delhi, Oct 7 : Mineral dust (34 per cent) and biomass burning (27 per cent) are among the main sources of aerosols in the central Himalayan region, a new study has shown.

Along with mineral dust and biomass burning, secondary sulphate, secondary nitrate from northwest India and Pakistan, polluted cities such as Delhi, the Thar desert, and the Arabian Sea area, and long-range transported marine mixed aerosols too contribute to the aerosols in the central Himalayas.

This dust transport and forest fires are the main sources of total suspended particles (TSP), particularly in the pre-monsoon period (March-May) when TSP concentration peaks in the region, said the study on source apportionment of atmospheric pollution.

The study, which elucidates the atmospheric chemistry, emission source origins, and transport pathways of aerosol over the central Himalayan region, will help the assessment of contributions and temporal variability of sources that influence the area through regional transport as well as climate impacts assessment, a release from the Ministry of Science and Technology said on Thursday.

With a unique role in the Asian climate, the Himalayan region is considered a vulnerable environment. Several chemical speciation studies have been performed for carbonaceous aerosols and inorganic species over the western and central Himalayan regions during the last decade, reporting the dominance of transported aerosol plumes from the Indo-Gangetic plains.

However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the primary and secondary organic carbon fractions, along with a lack of statistical methods for identifying and quantifying the sources of air pollutants at a receptor location (receptor model) in the central Indian Himalayas.

In order to address this, researchers at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES), Nainital, an autonomous research institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), government of India, along with Indian and foreign collaborators, studied the chemical composition and source apportionment of total suspended particulate in the central Himalayan region.

The main source regions for aerosols at this remote background location (Nainital) were the plains in northwest India and Pakistan, polluted cities like Delhi, the Thar desert, and the Arabian Sea area.

The study revealed that the main aerosol sources (factors) in Nainital were mineral dust (34 per cent), biomass burning (27 per cent), secondary sulphate (20 per cent), secondary nitrate (9 per cent), and long-range transported marine mixed aerosols (10 per cent), exhibiting distinct seasonal patterns.

There was predominance of mineral dust in spring and summer and biomass burning and secondary sulphate in winter. The transported marine mixed aerosol source was mainly associated with SW monsoon air masses during the summer season.

The results of the study published in the journal 'Atmosphere' show that carbonaceous aerosols were the maximum in winter due to the intensification of biomass burning over the Indo Gangetic plains and the Himalayas because of domestic heating and shallower mixing layer.
Paris, Oct 7 : The French Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday the return of its ambassador to Australia after "extensive consultations" over the past three weeks on the strategic consequences of Australia's decision to scrap a multibillion-dollar submarine deal with Paris.

"The deep confidence crisis caused by Australia's decision will take a long time to resolve and will require concrete actions," the ministry said in a press release.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian has instructed his country's ambassador to return to Australia to redefine the terms of the two countries' relationship and to defend France's interests in the wake of Australia's breach of contract.

Australia, the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States have recently announced a new security partnership known as AUKUS, whose first initiative will be the delivery of a nuclear-powered submarine fleet to Australia.

Australia subsequently scrapped its 2016 agreement with France on the purchase of 12 conventional diesel-electric submarines.

Since the AUKUS pact was unveiled, France, outraged by the abrupt move without notice, has accused Australia and the US of "lying, duplicity, a major breach of trust and contempt" and recalled its ambassadors to the two countries.

Following a phone call between French President Emmanuel Macron and his US counterpart Joe Biden, France's ambassador already returned to the United States on September 29.
Guwahati, Oct 7 : After discarding two of its old allies -- AIUDF and BPF, the main opposition Congress in Assam tried to forge alliance before the October 30 bypolls with the Asom Jatiya Parishad (AJP) and Raijor Dal but the latter refused the Congress proposal.

The AJP headed by Lurinjyoti Gogoi and the Raijor Dal led by Akhil Gogoi together fought the March-April assembly polls but only Akhil Gogoi was elected to the assembly while being in jail.

The Election Commission on September 28 announced the bypolls to Gossaigaon, Tamulpur, Bhawanipur, Mariani and Thowra constituencies on October 30.

The Raijor Dal wanted Mariani and Thowra seats from the Congress but the latter offered the Bhawanipur seat to the local party causing the snapping of the possible alliance.

Gogoi, also an influential peasant leader and rights activist, said that the Congress was trying to "dictate" the seat sharing and this is not possible for them to accept.

The Raijor Dal also announced candidates for the Mariani and Thowra seats. "If the Congress gives us the Thowra seat, then we may withdraw a candidate from the Mariani seat," the Raijor Dal chief told the media on Thursday.

The Congress, on the other hand, after Gogoi's refusal has announced candidates for all the five seats leaving the Majuli seat to the AJP.

The By-election for the Majuli seat, which fell vacant after former Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal was elected to the Rajya Sabha on September 27, might be announced soon and discussions were held on the election related issues for all the six constituencies at a party meet, Assam state Congress President Bhupen Kumar Borah said.

Borah and AJP President Lurinjyoti Gogoi emphasised the "need to defeat the divisive agenda of the BJP, which was dabbling in communal politics only for electoral gain".

Lurinjyoti Gogoi expressed the need for all like-minded opposition parties to come forward "to defeat the destructive communal tide unleashed by BJP on the people of Assam".

The AJP President said that his party would contest from Majuli when the election will be declared and would support the Congress on five seats.

The Badruddin Ajmal-led All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) also announced the names of candidates for Bhawanipur and Gossaigaon assembly seats in Assam.

The Assam Congress last month announced that the AIUDF and tribal-based party BPF would no longer be partners of the 'Mahajot' in the state.

In the last Assembly polls, the Congress had left the Bhawanipur seat to the AIUDF while the Gossaigaon seat was contested by the BPF.

Recently, four-time Congress MLA from Mariani, Rupjyoti Kurmi and two-time party legislator from Thowra, Sushanta Borgohain resigned from the party and joined the BJP.

Phanidhar Talukdar, the lone Hindu MLA of the Muslim-based AIUDF from Bhawanipur, had resigned from the Assembly before joining the BJP.

Tamulpur MLA Leho Ram Boro of the UPPL and Gossaigaon legislator Majendra Narzary of the BPF died due to Covid-19.
Moscow, Oct 7 : Moscow would retaliate following the decision made by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to expel eight Russian diplomats, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Thursday.

"NATO's reluctance to interact has become obvious, and this seems to be definitive and irrevocable. We will proceed from this when developing response measures, which will follow," said Russia Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova during her weekly press briefing.

She added that while the alliance's decision did not come as a surprise, it was nonetheless an arrogant and hypocritical move, especially as no official explanations were provided.

Meanwhile, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Thursday the bloc's decision to expel the Russian diplomats in response to alleged "malign activities" completely undermined the prospects for the normalization of Russia's ties with the alliance.

On Wednesday, NATO announced the expulsion of eight members of Russia's mission to the military alliance in Brussels, calling them "undeclared Russian intelligence officers." Additionally, the number of Russian staff at the mission was reduced by half from 20 to 10 employees.
Agartala, Oct 8 : At a time when a section of Congress leaders are making a beeline to join the Trinamool Congress (TMC), another section of the party (Congress) leaders on Thursday floated a new political party -- Tripura Democratic Front (TDF).

Congress deserters forms new party political in Tripura Agartala, Oct 8 (IANS) At a time when a section of Congress leaders are making a beeline to join the Trinamool Congress (TMC), another section of the party (Congress) leaders on Thursday floated a new political party -- Tripura Democratic Front (TDF).

Former Pradesh Congress President Pijush Kanti Biswas, Vice-President Tapas Dey, General Secretary Tajen Das, former Youth Congress state President Pujan Biswas and a few other senior leaders, who earlier this week quit the party, formed the new political party.

Amidst the hectic political activities by all the major parties in the BJP ruled Tripura, Congress President Sonia Gandhi two week ago appointed former Minister Birajit Sinha as the state party President for the third time and five leaders as Working Presidents removing Biswas, a renowned lawyer.

Biswas, the key leader and advisor of the TDF, told the media that after 50 to 60 years of association with the Congress and with a heavy heart, they have been "forced" to leave the party for the greater interest of the people of the state.

"Total ignorance, indifferent attitude and groupism in the Congress under AICC leadership, the party never felt the pulse of the people of the state. The central leadership never wants to strengthen the party organisation in the state. Staying at the Congress, we are unable to work for the people of the state," he said.

Former Congress MLA Tapas Dey said that he was "forced" to leave the party after working in the Congress for around 60 years.

"Hundreds and thousands of people who want to form a democratic government in the state for all round development of the state would soon join the TDF," Dey said adding that Congress' newly appointed Working President Purnita Chakma joined the new party and another state Congress Working President Professor Manik Deb would soon join the party.

Pujan Biswas, son of Pijush Kanti Biswas, who was named as the President of the TDF, said that they would soon announce the executive committee of the party.

Many Congress leaders including Subal Bhowmik, Prakash Das (ex-Minister), Mujibar Islam Majumder, Md. Idrish Mia, Tapan Dutta, Panna Deb, Baptu Chakraborty have recently quit the party and joined the TMC when West Bengal's ruling party began its hectic political activities since July 25.

Reportedly, many other party leaders are in touch with the TMC leaders.

After around 75 days the TMC stepped into the BJP ruled Tripura aiming for the 2023 assembly polls, the party on Wednesday announced two ad-hoc committees to expand the party's organisational base in the northeastern state.

Bhowmik, who earlier worked in the BJP and other parties too and joined the TMC on July 29, was made the Convener of the 19-member state steering committee while former Congress General Secretary Baptu Chakraborty, who joined the party last month, was appointed convener of the 11-member state youth committee.
London, Oct 8 : Another 40,701 people in Britain have tested positive for Covid-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 8,046,390, according to official figures released Thursday.

It's the first time that the UK's daily coronavirus cases have topped 40,000 in a month, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the official data.

The country also recorded another 122 coronavirus-related deaths.

The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in the UK now stands at 137,417. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test.

There are currently 6,817 patients in hospital with Covid-19.

The latest data came as the number of countries on the travel red list has been slashed to just seven.

The destinations that remain on the red list are Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Haiti and Dominican Republic.

It means vaccinated travellers will be able to visit 47 more countries without quarantining on return. Unvaccinated people will still have to self-isolate for 10 days in a mandatory quarantine hotel.

British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps also added 37 countries to the list of locations with approved vaccine programmes, with travellers from those non-red list countries no longer having to quarantine for 10 days on arrival from Monday.

More than 85 per cent of people aged 12 and over in Britain have had their first dose of vaccine and more than 78 per cent have received both doses, the latest figures showed.

Latest updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
New Delhi, Oct 8 : As many as 60,904 candidates have applied for admission to various colleges after Delhi University's first cut off list. Of these, 46,054 are from CBSE Board and rest students are from other education boards across the country.

According to Delhi University Registrar, Vikas Gupta, by the end of October 7, as many as 31,172 CBSE Board candidates, 2,365 Kerala Board students, 1,540 Haryana Board, 1,429 Council for the Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) Board students and 1,301 students from Rajasthan Board have successfully secured admission in Delhi University.

More than 6,000 students have secured 100 per cent marks from the Kerala Board, out of which a large number of students from Kerala have applied for admission in Delhi University. Some student organisations and teachers of Delhi University say that the Kerala State Education Board has been very lax providing marks in 12th board exams. Due to which thousands of students have secured 100 per cent marks there.

Student organisations and teachers are opposing the admissions being given to the students of Kerala.

In this regard, students of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad have also staged a sit-in demonstration in Delhi University.

However, the Delhi University Registrar has said that being a central university, Delhi University gives "equal importance to the academic credentials of all candidates. The university gives equal importance to the students irrespective of the states and school boards. This year too, equal opportunity was given to all by accepting applications only on merit basis".

"The university strongly denies and condemns the news being circulated regarding the bias," Vikas Gupta asserted.

"It is our responsibility to ensure that the Delhi University does justice to the meritorious students coming from not only India but also from abroad," he said.

The first cut off list for undergraduate courses in Delhi University was released on October 1. On the basis of the list, admissions were started in various colleges of the university from 4th October.

The university will now release the second cut off list on October 9.
The Verte OZ Fund, Inc. (College Park, Maryland) is pleased to announce an investment in Probitas Ventures, LLC (Bennettsville, South Carolina) and its wholly owned subsidiary of AAC East, LLC, through their Preferred Series A offering. Probitas Ventures is building the first state-of-the-art manufacturing plant for Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) in the US. The goal of this investment is to complete the construction of the plant, begin commissioning and operation of the plant, and provide general working capital as it commences production.

AAC offers architects, real estate developers, and end users an energy-efficient, sound- and fire-resistant, load- and non-load-bearing, cost-competitive, and environmentally friendly building material to address increasingly stringent building codes, escalating lumber and steel costs, and growing demand for net-zero-energy structures with reduced carbon footprint. This new plant will fulfill the US demand for AAC, which currently exceeds domestic supply capabilities. Probitas Ventures has key strategic relationships with Wehrhahn GmbH, Xella GmbH, and Thermacrete LLC to produce and distribute AAC in the US.

We are very pleased that the Verte OZ Fund has elected to invest in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, stated Charles Paterno, who is the Managing Principal of Probitas. The mission that Dr. Mills and his team at Verte have to invest in projects seeking to create a positive impact within the community and on the environment, and to add value for the funds investors, aligns nicely with the mission of Probitas and AAC East. We appreciate the confidence in our plans, and we look forward to opening our manufacturing facility this quarter and meeting our joint objectives.

Verte OZ is very excited about the latest addition to its portfolio of operating businesses impacting the Opportunity Zone communities, said Dr. Leonard Mills, CEO of the Verte Opportunity Fund (Verte OZ). We look forward to participating in the long-term growth of Probitas and AAC East. This is our tenth investment, and it will enhance our portfolio of investments by increasing domestic manufacturing, reducing carbon footprints in building materials, and promoting economic development of OZ communities such as Bennettsville, SC.

About Probitas Ventures, LLC

Probitas Ventures, through its ownership in AAC EAST, LLC, is building the first state-of-the-art manufacturing plant for AAC in the US. AAC is an energy-efficient, sound- and fire-resistant, load- and non-load-bearing, cost-competitive, and environmentally friendly building material that can address increasingly stringent building codes, escalating lumber and steel costs, and growing demand for net-zero-energy structures with reduced carbon footprint. Probitas Ventures is led by Charles Paterno, who has almost 40 years of entrepreneurial and corporate experience, and has spent more than 10 years distributing, installing, and developing projects with AAC. Probitas Ventures is located in Bennettsville, South Carolina, a Qualified Opportunity Zone in Marlboro County.

About Verte OZ Fund, Inc.

The Verte Opportunity Fund is a venture capital fund combined with the tax benefits of Opportunity Zone investments. The Verte Fund is unique among OZ funds by investing in emerging technologies rather than brick and mortar real estate. The benefits of investing in high-growth businesses include higher returns, larger tax savings, greater social impact, and lower capital needs. The objectives of the Fund are to provide attractive returns for investors, generate measurable impact on the gaps in income and wealth that exist in OZ communities, and support our portfolio companies in capital raising, strategic advice, and business development.

Verte has an active pipeline of quality investments, and has already closed on ten high-growth, impactful companies in its current portfolio. The Fund is scaling its portfolio and will deliver a diversified portfolio of high-growth companies within technology, including robotics, fintech, electric vehicles, logistics, manufacturing, and next-generation data storage. Founded in late 2019, Verte Opportunity Fund has a current target of $10 million in 2021. This capital raise is part of a multi-phase plan that will offer multiple entry/exit points for shareholders. Verte OZ is designed to appeal to a broad array of investors, including those with realized capital gains, tax-advantaged investments, and taxable investments.
Aubrey Pink, LMFT Mrs. Pinks goal for each of her clients is to develop together a new path forward to enable them to find a freer sense of self, enabling them to thrive in relationships and live a vibrant & satisfying life.

Oak Health Center, Southern California's premier comprehensive mental health outpatient care organization, is pleased to welcome Aubrey Pink, LMFT, to its Fullerton office. Mrs. Pink is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience treating adolescents, adults, couples, and families.

Mrs. Pinks goal for each of her clients is to develop together a new path forward to enable them to find a freer sense of self, enabling them to thrive in relationships and live a vibrant & satisfying life.

She has experience in treating Millennial and Gen Z clients facing depression, anxiety, childhood trauma, and major life transitions. Mrs. Pink has specialized training in spiritual trauma, birth trauma, postpartum mood disorders, and addiction/coaddiction. She also enjoys looking through the lens of the Enneagram with clients who share that particular interest.

When discussing her therapy, Mrs. Pink said, I have the utmost respect for my clients because I too have walked the arduous path toward growth. I believe that it is in relationships we are injured and paradoxically, it must be through relationships that we heal.

To make an appointment with Mrs. Pink, patients may call the Oak Health Center Fullerton office at 714-706-0206 or send an email to contact@oak.care

More information about the growing Oak Health team is available at http://www.oak.care/our-team

About Oak Health Center

Oak Health Center offers comprehensive mental health outpatient care through our team of psychiatrists, nurse practitioners, psychologists, therapists, and tele-behavioral health clinicians. With the increasing prevalence of mental illness, the company is looking to make a positive impact on this struggling population. To learn more, visit http://www.oak.care.
Absolute World Group Partners with Centric to Accept Crypto Payments Absolute World chose Centric out of thousands of cryptocurrencies. Thats another external validation of what we already know. Namely, that Centric is destined for global adoption.

Centric COO Tommy Butcher announced that one of Asias leading and multi award-winning mixed use resort developers, Absolute World, will integrate Centric across their sub-brands. Absolute World will offer clientele the opportunity to make payments in Centric Swap (CNS) and Centric Rise (CNR).

Absolute World has been an industry innovator since their founding in 1998, said Butcher. They chose Centric out of thousands of cryptocurrencies. Thats another external validation of what we already know. Namely, that Centric is destined for global adoption.

Absolute Worlds CEO, Bryan Lunt said, Like other companies, weve previously considered integrating cryptocurrency. The massive volatility always kept us away. We saw Centrics unique approach to solving volatility in the crypto space and knew wed discovered something truly special. After speaking with their team, we concluded Centric is the real deal.

Absolute World is now working closely with the Centric team to introduce CNS and CNR payment options as soon as possible, Lunt added.

To celebrate the new partnership, Absolute World is offering an exclusive holiday package for Centric holders. The package features a seven-night luxury stay for two adults at the Absolute Twin Sands Resort & Spa on the island of Phuket in Thailand. Package availability is limited to the first 100 Centric holders who secure an accommodation voucher, and payment must be made in CNR.

"We are delighted to offer the Centric community the opportunity to experience world-renowned Thai hospitality and luxury accommodation at our stunning resort," said Lunt. "I'm sure demand will be very high for this offer, so interested travelers should act fast."

Registered Centric Wallet users can expect an email from us with more details on Absolute Worlds generous holiday offer next week, said Butcher. When you see the details of the offer, youll understand why Absolute World is predicting a quick sell out.

Absolute World Brands

Absolute Destinations - a vacation club - http://www.absolute-destinations.com

Absolute Development - Thailand property development - http://www.absolutedevelopments.com

Absolute Fractionals - shared ownership of holiday apartments in Thailand - http://www.absolutefractionals.com

Absolute Resorts & Hotels - luxury resorts in Thailand - http://www.absoluteresorts.com

About Centric

Centric is an innovative dual-token digital currency and decentralized blockchain protocol built on sound economics. The dual-token model rewards adoption with a fixed hourly yield, and stabilizes over time as it self-regulates token supply to meet ongoing changes in demand.

Centric was conceived with the vision of one day replacing traditional fiat currencies. Blockchain technology will enable a more transparent world, and Centrics innovative approach to achieving widespread adoption long term is what sets them apart from other cryptocurrencies today.

While the rest of the industry focuses on transaction throughput and smart contracts, Centric focuses on solving price stability to realize the economic capabilities that blockchain enables.

Learn more about Centric.

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ACWConnect Live! Fall 2021 Registration Open At ACWConnect Live! ACW celebrates resilience and innovation in the telecom and IT channel where, over the past 18 months, have been spent balancing work and life with the pandemic.

Alliance of Channel Women, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the growth of female channel leaders in technology, will kick off the Channel Partners Conference & Expo in Las Vegas with their ACWConnect Live! networking event from 4:30-6:30 p.m., November 1, 2021, Lower Level, Mariners A&B at The Mandalay Bay.

At ACWConnect Live! ACW celebrates resilience and innovation in the telecom and IT channel where, over the past 18 months, have been spent balancing work and life with the pandemic. This events theme, Putting Our Best Foot Forward, reminds us to approach the next normal with determination and intention not to mention a great pair of shoes!

The fall event, which marks two years since ACW members and supporters have come together in person, will feature a mix of our signature networking reception and a few surprises, such as:



A farewell keynote address by outgoing ACW President Amy Bailey, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Telarus.

State of the Channel with Kelly Danziger, Vice President of Channel, InformaTech

A first-ever all-male Sponsor Rapidfire Panel

Winners of the ACW LEAD, ACT and Big Impact Awards

More!

The networking event is open to all attendees of the Channel Partners Conference & Expo event. It is free to all ACW members and $30 for non-members. Click here to register. Become an ACW member and attend free, visit https://allianceofchannelwomen.org/membership.

Tickets are limited to space available. Advance registration is recommended. Pre-registration closes on Friday, October 29th at 12 p.m. ET. Additional tickets may be available at the door on a "first come, first served" basis.

About the Alliance of Channel Women

Founded in 2010, the Alliance of Channel Women is a not-for-profit organization of women in the indirect sales channel of the telecom and IT industry. The Alliance of Channel Women brings us together to empower and advance womens careers and leadership roles in the technology channel through education, community, advocacy and opportunities for personal growth. To learn more and to become a member, please visit http://www.allianceofchannelwomen.org.
View of the new James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus, formerly known as Magic Sky Ranch. The University worked with Mirr Ranch Group to perform advanced due diligence for 20+ properties arriving at an ideal solution for the Mountain Campus.

The University of Denver (DU) recently acquired the Magic Sky Ranch located in Larimer County, Colorado for $11.25 Million. Mirr Ranch Group (MRG) Senior Vice President, Daniel Carter brokered the off-market transaction in cooperation with fellow MRG Senior Vice President, Jared Souza. The Universitys plan for the new property is to develop a complementary mountain campus to its bustling urban setting and incorporating Colorados thriving outdoor opportunities to provide a more enhanced student experience. The property, which will now be known as the James C. Kennedy Mountain Campus, consists of 724 acres of land and almost 60,000 square feet of buildings.

The Chancellors vision for a mountain campus will be a major differentiator for the University moving forward. While most academic institutions are continuing to focus on remote and virtual learning environments, DU is doubling down on authentic and tangible connections to the natural environment and innovative outdoor programming. I am a big supporter of this effort and it was a privilege to have played a small part in beginning to execute this vision. As a new member of the DU alumni community it is that much more exciting for me personally, said Carter, a recent graduate of the Executive MBA program at DUs Daniels College of Business.

When the University began its process to identify a suitable property for the campus, they knew they could count on their alumni. A few years ago, they had contacted Mirr Ranch Groups founder, Ken Mirr, a DU Sturm College of Law graduate (86), to help sell a university-owned Wyoming property. MRGs Wyoming representative, Jared Souza, successfully sold the Laramie-area ranch. Building upon this successful relationship with Mirr, DU worked with Carter and Souza to represent the Universitys unique real estate needs for this transaction.

We are very pleased to have had alums assist us in locating and helping execute settlement on such an ideal property for the mountain campus. Mirr Ranch Group did an outstanding job representing the University and took special care to ensure every question was answered fully, said Jeremy Haefner, Chancellor at the University of Denver.

Allan Wilson, DUs Director of Real Estate & Auxiliaries added, The University worked with Mirr Ranch Group to perform advanced due diligence for 20+ properties arriving at an ideal solution for the Mountain Campus. They proved to be ideal partners for the University and our Real Estate Office by providing timely and expert analysis, each step in the journey. It is evident that DUs alumni continue to excel and we are very proud of their commitment to achieving positive outcomes for the University.

Over approximately 8 months, MRG worked closely with DUs internal real estate team to identify and procure viable opportunities that fit the project's distinctive criteria.

Most ranches do not lend themselves well to being built out into campuses, so there are limited possibilities to begin with, and in the currently volatile land market, we were up against an even greater challenge to deliver the right scenario. It became apparent throughout the journey that a property with existing infrastructure and commercial design would offer a greater value for DU, said Carter.

Given the conditions of the rural land real estate market across Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West, there was simply nothing publicly for sale that fit the bill. Utilizing MRGs deep network and market knowledge, Carter and Souza began to canvas off-market possibilities and introduced the Magic Sky Ranch. The property was owned by the Girl Scouts of Colorado and had a significant build-out of existing infrastructure to support several hundred individuals that had been used as a summer camp and educational facility.

I am proud to have had another opportunity to work with DU and getting to represent them as a seller and now as a buyer. Its a career highlight for me. Daniel and I devoted a lot of time and resources to this transaction and knowing the intentions to enhance the 4D Experience for DU students made it even more personal. This property will now offer students a unique experience in the outdoors and provides another tool for their foundation of learning. We worked with a terrific real estate team and were fortunate enough to be the brokerage that put the pieces together, explained Souza.

Once the ranch was selected as a contender to pursue, Carter and Souza dug in to help navigate a complex negotiation and multifaceted due diligence process leading to the eventual closing on September 27, 2021.

The University of Denver is fortunate to have a very qualified team and external support group with deep experience and expertise. From the leadership and Board of Trustees to its internal Real Estate unit and outstanding alumni network, this was a team effort from top to bottom. It will be a joy to watch as the mountain campus vision continues to unfold. I know it will have a meaningful influence on DUs future generations, said Carter.

For media inquiries, arrange for an interview, or get an expert quote, please contact Mallory Boyce at (303) 623-4545. Photography is available upon request.

About Mirr Ranch Group

Mirr Ranch Group offers marketing and buyer acquisition services for fine sporting properties and legacy ranches for sale throughout the American West. Brokers for the company are known for their expertise in sporting, agriculture, public lands, and conservation, in addition to their unsurpassed knowledge of ranch transactions.

For more information, contact:

Mirr Ranch Group

901 Acoma Street

Denver, CO 80204

(303) 623-4545

http://www.MirrRanchGroup.com
EarthWorks Rail provides underground infrastructure assessment for the rail industry This technology provides rail system engineers, operators, and rail service teams something they never had before- a tool to see instantly and consistently areas of concern for further investigation, preventing failures before they happen, states Eddy Segal, VP of Business Development at ASTERRA.

ASTERRA recently announced the release of EarthWorks Rail, the second product in the EarthWorks product line. With this release, the same award-winning satellite technology used to locate underground water leaks can now be applied to assess underground soil moisture conditions across vast sections of track and rail systems of up to 325,000 hectares at a time, with consistent temporal coverage for frequent monitoring.

This technology provides rail system engineers, operators, and rail service teams something they never had before- a tool to see instantly and consistently areas of concern for further investigation, preventing failures before they happen, states Eddy Segal, VP of Business Development at ASTERRA.

ASTERRA uses L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) from satellites such as JAXAs ALOS-2, amongst others, to image a large area covering the rail tracks. SAR can image day or night, through ground, macadam and treetops, and through clouds, allowing coverage worldwide during any season or weather condition. Following the imaging, the data is processed through patented algorithms, filtering out areas with high soil moisture, which is provided the customer as a geographic information system (GIS) dataset.

Over the past five years, ASTERRA became an industry leader, known for their Recover leak detection for utility drinking water pipes, saving water, and improving water scarcity around the world. This technology won the 2021 American Water Works Association Innovation Award. Building on the positive impact on sustaining the earths natural resources and a compelling return on investment, ASTERRA developed EarthWorks, expanding the scope of the technology to benefit the infrastructure industry.

EarthWorks Rail is used to locate and evaluate underground moisture beneath the railbed and within the rail system rights-of-way. Potential and likely failure locations are mapped out so that they can mitigate problems before more severe and expensive damage occurs. This product line includes EarthWorks Property, which is used to locate and evaluate underground moisture beneath parking lots, roadways, sidewalks, and other paved surfaces. Together they provide a comprehensive solution for the maintenance of infrastructure and surrounding areas.

***

ABOUT ASTERRA

ASTERRA is a division of Utilis that provides data-driven solutions for water utilities, government agencies, and the greater infrastructure industry. ASTERRA products use synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data from satellites and turn it into large-scale decision support tools. The companys proprietary algorithms and highly educated scientists and engineers are the key to their mission, to deliver actionable intelligence to advance Earths resource resilience. Since 2016, Utilis technology has resulted in saving more than 9000 million gallons of potable water and 22,000 MWH of energy per year, in support of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The Utilis ASTERRA division is headquartered in Israel with offices in the United States and United Kingdom. Their innovative data solutions are used in multiple verticals around the globe. For more information on ASTERRA and to learn more about their technology visit https://asterra.io.
Kathryn Ann Gallanis, a skilled and experienced attorney located in the city of Chicago, Illinois, has recently been named a Leading Lawyer and an Elite Lawyer for her work in personal injury defense cases.

Attorney Kathryn Ann Gallanis currently serves clients in the Chicago area as a litigation attorney with Bruce Farrel Dorn & Associates. In this position, Ms. Gallanis is responsible for every aspect of the litigation process, including written and oral discovery and expert witnesses. She conducts investigations, has prepared and argued multiple motions on dispositive issues, and has tried 38 civil jury trials to verdict. In this field she has gained ample experience representing insureds in personal injury lawsuits.

Ms. Gallanis also has experience as an adjunct professor with Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois, and she formerly served as an Assistant States Attorney in the Felony Trial Division of the Cook County States Attorneys Office having tried 78 felony jury trials to verdict.

Since earning her J.D. from John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Attorney Gallanis has been admitted to the Illinois State Bar. Additionally, she has been admitted to United States District Court - Northern District of Illinois, the United States Court of Appeals - 7th Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court. Previously, Attorney Gallanis served as President for the Womens Bar Association of Illinois.

Elite Lawyer is a peer-nominated award, showcasing attorneys recognized for their proficiency and competence in their practice areas. The attorneys peers, community, bar association, and committees recognize these lawyers for their high quality work. Elite Lawyer acts as a comprehensive and credible directory for potential clients to find well respected lawyers.

The Leading Lawyer award is also peer-nominated, and it is received by less than 5% of all licensed lawyers in each state. Lawyers are nominated based upon survey nominations, which are then approved by the Leading Lawyers Advisory Board. Leading Lawyers helps clients to find outstanding attorneys across all practice areas. This is the second consecutive year Attorney Kathryn Gallanis has received this award.

To learn more about Attorney Gallaniss legal experience and skill set, visit https://www.kathryn-ann-gallanis.com/.

To learn more about Elite Lawyer, visit https://www.elitelawyer.com/ or call 833-403-5483.
In todays society, with social unrest, a pandemic that has taken the world by surprise, threatening the very fabric of unity within the family and within ourselves, vulnerability, poverty, abuse, abandonment and rejection, is once again heightened.

Celeste Newhome walks down memory lane to share her personal story of finding hope and healing from an abusive childhood and challenging adult life in Time/Sand Memoirs: Healing of My Fractured Soul (published by Balboa Press).

Weaving poetry and prose, this memoir presents a compilation of one womans struggle, abuse, abandonment, ill health, family, marriage, relationships, hope, love, spirituality and resilience. It details the authors tragic beginning being born to a mother with a narcissistic personality disorder and untreated alcoholism, and an extremely abusive alcoholic father. The rawness of abuse, abandonment and rejection left scars on her heart, never speaking to anyone of her experiences until later in her adult life. This book allows the reader to experience the inner cries that do not surface, the transition that occurs once the pain and anguish are allowed to surface, and the many that had outstretched hands along the pathway to aid in the unfolding of spiritual gifts that were buried and came into fruition as the child grew into an older adult woman. Sixty years of illness spoke clearly to the condition of her body, but the astonishing awareness came to light when her spiritual teacher told her it was not her body that was sick but her soul.

In todays society, with social unrest, a pandemic that has taken the world by surprise, threatening the very fabric of unity within the family and within ourselves, vulnerability, poverty, abuse, abandonment and rejection, is once again heightened. There is a need for healing, a need for hope, and an avenue to peace, Newhome states. Time/Sand Memoirs: Healing of My Fractured Soul shares a tale of fear, loneliness, strength and spiritual awakenings that some may view as tragedy, but indeed is a tale of unconditional love and great awakening. A tale of atonement in one womans life that ushers in hope for others.

It is the authors hope that as she shares her story, readers will get a sense of hope and a belief that they can and do heal from childhood and adult trauma. That they can find themselves by allowing the spirit to open their heart. To purchase a copy of the book, visit https://www.balboapress.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/816357-timesand-memoirs-healing-of-my-fractured-soul.

Time/Sand Memoirs: Healing of My Fractured Soul

By Celeste Newhome

Softcover | 7.5 x 9.25in | 192 pages | ISBN 9781982272210

E-Book | 192 pages | ISBN 9781982272227

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Celeste Newhome was born in 1950, the boomers generation. It was a time of economic increase and continued uncertainty. Post World War II, Civil Rights Movement, the Korean War, and the fear of Communism were the news on mouths of the nation. For Newhome, it meant hiding under desks in grade school barring a nuclear bomb attack, whenever the school bell rang during the day in preparation for the real thing. Her later school years were the most memorable where she participated in many aspects of student life. Newhome has a masters degree in social work, is a licensed independent clinical social worker and a licensed alcohol and drug counselor who has had an extensive career as a psychotherapist. She is also certified with prophetic gifts including clairvoyance, claircognizance, clairsentience, and is an intuitive empath. She is an enthusiastic public speaker creating topics focusing on the path to enlightenment through workshops, songs, poetry, energy healing and counseling. She has been a guest speaker at the International Conference of Healing Beyond Borders in 2018, and the Women and Spirituality Conference held in 2019. Newhome is currently working on her next book regarding her death experience.

Balboa Press, a division of Hay House, Inc.  a leading provider in publishing products that specialize in self-help and the mind, body, and spirit genres. 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 self-publishing model. For more information, visit balboapress.com. To start publishing your book with Balboa Press, call 844-682-1282 today.
Bel Mondo Beauty, a leading provider of professional sheet masks used during aesthetic services, announced today it has agreed to support the mission of Looking & Feeling FAB (LFF), a Massachusetts-based non-profit organization that provides skin care treatments, massages, and skin care education at no charge to cancer patients.

Bel Mondo will donate three hundred of its oncology-approved Moisture Renewal Masks annually to LFF.

LFF was founded in 2013 by Holly Brown, an oncology-trained aesthetician determined to improve the level of care available to cancer patients coping with adverse side effects to skin  extreme dryness, blistering, burns, and redness  that typically result from therapies like chemotherapy and radiation.

Brown estimates that since LFFs inception, her team of aesthetic practitioners has brought comfort and relief to approximately 850 clients in the greater Boston area.

Our goal is to improve the quality of life for cancer patients, to let them experience the healing power of touch and to help them regain confidence in their appearance, stated Brown. Through our Wellness Program, we provide clients with five free treatments as well as complementary skin care products for home use. Bel Mondos sheet mask is a safe, effective moisturizing treatment that our clients are really going to enjoy and benefit from.

First Sheet Mask Approved For Oncology Spa Services

Bel Mondo developed its Moisture Renewal Mask in collaboration with Oncology Spa Solutions (OSS)  an educational organization that has trained more than 5,000 skin care professionals in the emerging specialty of oncology aesthetics. The mask has been available since September 2019 and features an occlusive bio cellulose fabric -- prized in skin care for its ability to quickly soothe and hydrate skin.

OSS has designated Bel Mondos Moisture Renewal Mask as OSS Oncology Approved, signifying that the products ingredient approach adheres to the organizations safety standards for oncology skin care. Additionally, OSS has incorporated the Moisture Renewal Mask into its training curriculum, adding the treatment to its signature Angel Kiss Facial protocol.

When we developed the Moisture Renewal Mask two years ago, part of our intention was to support the important work being done by organizations like Looking & Feeling FAB, noted Bel Mondo President Lou Martelli. It is a privilege to play a small part in helping their mission.

About Bel Mondo Beauty

Bel Mondo Beauty develops and markets premium bio cellulose treatment masks used to enhance the outcome of aesthetics services. Our distinctive product line is trusted by estheticians in the treatment rooms of the finest spas and medical spas. Follow on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

About Looking & Feeling FAB, Inc.

Founded in 2013, Looking & Feeling FAB, Inc. (LFF) is the first nonprofit to focus exclusively on developing protocols to treat the adverse side effects to skin and body that typically result from cancer therapies and surgeries. Through its compassionate team of oncology-trained aesthetic and massage practitioners, LFF has provided no-cost and low-cost skin care treatments and massage services, as well as skin care education, to more than 850 clients with cancer in the greater Boston area, helping them to improve life quality and regain confidence. Donate to the LFF mission and follow LFF on Instagram and Facebook.
Bringing simplicity to complex processes. If you built it they will come, this is our field of dreams.

SAASTEPS, who recently acquired Kinetic Growth to expand its Lead-to-Revenue offerings to Salesforce Customers, and also celebrated some of their terrific customers and accomplishments. They have also started to build out their Strategic Advisory Board and are proud to announce Brent Slosky as their first of five Advisory Board Members, all of whom have agreed to join SAASTEPS.

Brent will continue to serve as SAASTEPS Legal Counsel and mentor the Executive team while collaborating with other Advisors on ways to ensure SAASTEPS advancement to continue growing their happy customer base.

Mr. Slosky is a seasoned corporate attorney. Prior to starting his own firm, BISLaw, he was a partner at Hogan Lovells; a worldwide firm based in Washington, D.C., and a shareholder at Brownstein Hyatt Farber & Schreck, LLP, a Denver based national law firm, practicing in the firms Corporate/Venture Capital Groups. He serves as a trusted advisor to public and private companies, including as general counsel to a large family-owned private equity fund. He also is a seasoned entrepreneur being instrumental in many start-up entities, including as the Managing General Partner for numerous oil and gas and venture capital partnerships, CEO of several start-up biotech companies, and as a founder, executive officer, and board member for numerous other ventures including international storage facilities, ophthalmic devices, gaming, and a large medical device development and manufacturing company.

When I first met Tim, I thought he was a typical entrepreneur with big dreams but lacking vital execution experience. Through a lot of hard work and tough discussions, including some missteps (learning opportunities), he persevered and has really impressed me, becoming an exceptional CEO who always puts his customers first. I now believe that SAASTEPS will succeed, not in spite of Tim, but because of him and his team, said Brent Slosky

"I am honored to have met such an honest person, who is constantly pushing me to think about every possible outcome before I act. Brent is not your typical lawyer. He is a fantastic entrepreneur who has become a great friend, a phenomenal mentor and has helped me become a better businessperson overall. I am thankful to have him as part of our team." said Tim Beck, who is the Founder & CEO of SAASTEPS

About SAASTEPS

We listen, we share, we lead by example. With Venue & Encore, SAASTEPS provides Salesforce customers intelligent revenue optimization solution choices with 100% Native & Lightning-ready managed packages that implement quickly and work out-of-the-box. We know because we use our solutions internally. Now, Salesforce customers can easily automate their eCommerce, subscriptions, billings, and renewals management directly from Salesforce [with our solutions]. Suppose you would like to see a demo or learn more, head over to http://www.saasteps.com. And, if you're interested in seeing some reviews, check them out at g2.com. Or follow us on LinkedIn for our announcements.


We are honored to once again assist HOMH in their mission to help our nations heroes. Broken Shed Vodka has grown tremendously over the last year and were grateful to partner with an organization that is near to our heart so we can give back to those that truly deserve it.

Broken Shed Vodka (http://www.brokenshed.com), a super-premium and award-winning vodka made in New Zealand, is honored to announce that it will once again participate in a two month-long promotion with Help Our Military Heroes (HOMH: http://www.helpourmilitaryheroes.org) during October and November, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides assistance to active duty service members and veterans.

Founded in 2009, HOMH is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing assistance to active duty service members and veterans who require wheelchair accessible ramp-entry, modified vehicles due to their wounds, injuries, and illnesses sustained while on active duty in the military. Back in November 2020, Broken Shed Vodkas partnership with HOMH resulted in a $10,000 donation that directly assisted injured veterans in need. Not only did the partnership last year contribute to providing veterans with wheelchair accessible ramp-entry, modified vehicles, but it also increased visibility of the meaningful work that HOMH does every year.

We are honored to once again assist HOMH in their mission to help our nations heroes, says Jean-Marie Heins, Chief Marketing Officer of Broken Shed Vodka. Broken Shed Vodka has grown tremendously over the last year and were grateful to partner with an organization that is near to our heart so we can give back to those that truly deserve it.

The two month-long promotion with Broken Shed Vodka and HOMH will work as follows:



For every purchase by a liquor retailer, whether on-premise or off-premise, of a 750ml bottle equivalent of Broken Shed Vodka during the calendar months of October and November 2021, $1 will be donated to HOMH.

100% of the donations HOMH receives will go towards purchasing and customizing vans for disabled veterans across the country.

This promotion will be active in the following states: CT, RI, MA, NJ, DE, DC, MD, WI, MO, KY, TN, MN, IL, CA, NV, CO, VT, NH, ME, MI, NC, MS, KS, IA and GA.

We are most appreciative that, for the second year in a row, Broken Shed Vodka has chosen Help Our Military Heroes as the beneficiary of their annual promotion to help our nations Veterans, said Laurie Hollander, President and Co-founder of Help Our Military Heroes. Their support will provide much needed funding for the adapted vehicles that are crucial to restoring independence, mobility, and freedom to those veterans most in need, who have given so much while serving our nation with honor and courage.

For more information on Broken Shed Vodka and the promotion with HOMH, please contact Collin Smith at csmith@colangelopr.com or Matthew Hasbun at mhasbun@colangelopr.com. You can also learn more about the Help Our Military Heroes promotion at brokenshed.com/HOMH and about Help Our Military Heroes at helpourmilitaryheroes.org.

About Broken Shed Vodka:

Broken Shed Vodka is based in Wanaka, New Zealand. Distilled, crafted and bottled in New Zealand ever since its inception in 2009, its vodka draws upon the countrys natural aquifer and spring waters, without any hint of gluten, additives, sugars or GMOs. Since entering the U.S. market in June 2012, Broken Shed Vodka has won a legion of loyal fans, and an impressive collection of awards. Broken Shed Vodka started in a 'broken' down old shed on Lake Wanaka where the formula was originally crafted and produced. Learn more about Broken Shed Vodka at http://www.brokenshed.com.

About Help Our Military Heroes

HOMH is a registered 501(c)(3), non-profit organization dedicated to providing fully equipped, adaptive minivans to our countrys most severely wounded, injured, and ill service members who sustained their injuries while on active duty. HOMH is donation-driven; ALL non-program expenses are paid by its founding and board members, which means 100% of public donations go toward the purchase of modified minivans for our heroes. HOMH recognizes that every case is different and works with each individual to provide a minivan with modifications specific to his or her needs.

HOMH was founded in December of 2009, and is run and staffed solely by volunteers. Our Board of Directors is composed of veterans, educators, philanthropists, and business executives who come together with one goal: to make life better for our wounded servicemen and women.
The British Virgin Islands International Arbitration Centre (BVI IAC) is proud to host attendees for BVI Arbitration Week 2021, bringing together industry thought leaders from around the world to discuss pressing industry issues. The virtual conference, A Little Big World, will examine the interconnectivity of international arbitration within the scope of a global economy.

The international arbitration community will gather to discuss diversity, climate change, trust disputes, third-party funding, enforcement of arbitral awards, investor-State arbitration in the Caribbean and Latin America, advocacy and remote hearings, and other related topics.

The Hon. Dame Janice M. Pereira, DBE, LL.D., the first female Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, will present the Fourth Dr. J.S. Archibald QC Memorial Lecture. The Hon. Dawn J. Smith, Attorney General of the British Virgin Islands, will provide the keynote address for BVI Arbitration Week 2021.

Of particular note, BVI IAC Registrar Hana Doumal and BVI IAC Centre Manager Janette Brin will moderate a panel of ArbitralWomen Board Members that explores diversity within the arbitration sphere. Additionally, a panel on Climate Change & Arbitration, will feature Wendy Miles QC and Prof. Diane Desierto amongst other climate experts who will take a critical look at climate changes impact on the future of arbitration.

Our worlds extensive interconnectivity often makes our vast planet feel quite small, said BVI IAC CEO Francois Lassalle. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, legal professionals and businesses have shifted operations on a global scale from conference rooms to virtual communications. Expanding globalization, surging growth in global supply chains, and widespread technology adoption make our big world feel more intimate.

Meeting the rapidly evolving dispute resolution needs of arbitration users worldwide, the BVI IAC is a neutral, impartial, efficient and reliable dispute resolution institution and conference centre located in the British Virgin Islands and uniquely situated in the Latin American region and at the crossroads of the Americas. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and the flexibility to meet the unique requirements of any virtual arbitration, BVI IAC offers world-class facilities for conducting arbitral hearings.

Interested professionals may register for BVI Arbitration Week 2021 for free at https://www.bviiac.org/BVI-Arbitration-Week-2021 to join arbitration practitioners from around the world.
Yang Jiechi (1st R) meets with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan (1st L), in Zurich, Switzerland, October 6, 2021. /Xinhua

CGTN America releases China, U.S. Agree to Take Action to Bring Ties back to Right Track after Switzerland Meeting

Senior Chinese and U.S. officials agreed to work together to improve ties between the worlds two largest economies.

Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist China (CPC) Central Committee, and Jake Sullivan, U.S. National Security Advisor, held a closed-door meeting in Zurich, Switzerland Wednesday, October 6. Both sides described the talks as candid, comprehensive and constructive.

When China and the United States cooperate, the two countries and the world will benefit, said Yang, who is also Chinas highest-ranking diplomat. When they are in confrontation, the two and the world will suffer seriously, he added. China, Yang said, opposes the idea of defining the relationship as competitive.

The meeting reinforced positive momentum generated by the September 10 phone call between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden. The two heads-of-state agreed to strengthen strategic communication and avoid confrontation and conflict. Yang said China also attached importance to Bidens declaration at the UN that the U.S. is not seeking a new Cold War with China.

The Chinese team stood firm on issues related to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, Tibet, human rights, and the South China Sea, noting concerns raised by Sullivan. The U.S. team said Washington remained committed to its longstanding One-China policy.

The two sides also exchanged views on climate change  an issue for which there are strong overlapping interests.

Whether China and the United States can handle their relations well bears on the fundamental interests of the two countries  as well as the future of the world, said Yang.

Click here to read more about China, U.S. Agree to Take Action to Bring Ties back to Right Track after Switzerland Meeting https://newseu.cgtn.com/news/2021-10-07/Senior-Chinese-and-U-S-officials-hold-frank-comprehensive-talks--149akjhzZQs/index.html

This material is distributed by MediaLinks TV, LLC on behalf of CCTV. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.
CSG Closes on $19.84MM New Construction Affordable Housing Project We look forward to the completion of this new construction project that will help serve the demand for safe affordable housing in the local community.

Churchill Stateside Group, LLC (CSG), a real estate and renewable energy financial services company, is pleased to announce the closing of financing for a new-construction affordable housing project in Knoxville, Tennessee. The apartment community will consist of 80 units catering to family tenancy. The improvements will be constructed utilizing Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Equity and conventional loan financing. CSG will be providing a $10.5M construction loan and a $9.34M permanent loan commitment.

Michael Spain, Vice President of the Southeast region for CSG, said, We are pleased to participate as the construction and permanent lender for another Private TEL in the city of Knoxville, Tennessee. We look forward to the completion of this new construction project that will help serve the demand for safe affordable housing in the local community.

Keith Gloeckl, Chief Executive Officer of CSG, added, Churchill is pleased to provide construction and fixed rate perm debt for this much needed affordable housing within the city of Knoxville.

For more information about CSGs multifamily finance programs and services, please contact Dan Duda, SVP and National Director of Originations and Acquisitions, at (727) 269-5198 or via email at dduda@csgfirst.com.

About Churchill Stateside Group

Churchill Stateside Group (CSG) and its wholly owned affiliates serve the affordable housing and renewable energy industries. CSG sponsors tax credit equity investment funds for institutional investors and provides a variety of construction, permanent, and bond financing solutions. With over $3 Billion of assets under management, CSG has long-standing and successful investment relationships with numerous corporate investors and pension funds. The companys investor and developer clients benefit from our experienced staff, prominent and proactive senior leadership, and attractive debt and equity platforms. The company, through its subsidiary Churchill Mortgage Investment LLC, is an approved USDA Rural Development and HUD/FHA MAP and LEAN lender and Ginnie Mae Issuer.

For more information, please visit http://www.CSGfirst.com.
For us, this was just the natural extension of an already fantastic partnership. We focus on what were good at, while everyone at Bay Cannon can focus on doing what they love, and creating even more incredible beer.

Bay Cannon Beer Companys taproom in West Tampa will become a joint operation with Community Brewing Ventures (CBV). After joining CBVs network of fast-growing beverage companies earlier this year, the 2 year old brewery will be deepening the partnership to include on-site operations as well. While Bay Cannon will continue the pattern of innovation and creativity that it has become known for, craft beer fans can expect to also soon see favorites from the other members of the rapidly-growing CBV family of brands, including D9 Brewing Company, Unknown Brewing, Steam Theory, and Bold Mariner.

Frankly, due to COVID, we were forced to make quick pivots, without the infrastructure or financial footing that we needed. So, coming off of our first year of business, we began looking for a partner to add value both from a financial stability standpoint and from a brand growth perspective, explained Matthew Juaire, owner of Bay Cannon. Our partnership with CBV launched smoothly enough that looking into further integration made sense for us and for them. I think in the end, out of all of the people and places that we spoke with, we saw a clear synergy between Bay Cannon and CBV that was worth digging more into.

Founded in 2020 by a team of craft beverage experts and producers, CBV gives breweries the advantages that come with scaling and marketing their products while still preserving the independence, creativity, innovativeness, and passion that makes the craft beverage industry and that particular brewery special in the first place. Expanding the relationship with Bay Cannon furthers that goal, bringing great beer to an even wider audience, and allowing the industrys rising stars to focus on the things that bring value to their customers.

Running a brewery requires you to wear so many different hats, many of which have nothing to do with actually making beer or sharing it with your customers, said Aaron MJ Gore, Director of Strategic Partnerships with CBV. For us, this was just the natural extension of an already fantastic partnership. We focus on what were good at, while everyone at Bay Cannon can focus on doing what they love, and creating even more incredible beer.

Good news for Florida beer drinkers, as they will also be able to find even more of their Bay Cannon favorites on shelves throughout the state, including its flagship Xander Hazy IPA, Maxwell American Stout, Emilia Dry-Hopped Blonde Ale, and Elias Double IPA. New and small-batch releases will also see expanded distribution throughout Bay Cannons distribution footprint. The taproom itself will also see enhancements, including packaged offerings from CBVs entire portfolio of brands.

We now get to focus on what we love the most, which is creating great, innovative beer, and getting it into the hands of more people, Juaire explained. We believe that we have the opportunity to do so much more than we could have otherwise, and without killing ourselves trying to do it without the right resources. We love the path we are on, and excited to see where it takes us from here!

About Community Brewing Ventures

Community Brewing Ventures (CBV) is an organization focused on helping small breweries overcome the challenges that often prevent them from growing to meet the demand for their beer. By working with contract brewing partners across the Eastern US, they can bring great beer to new customers who otherwise may never have had the opportunity. Most importantly, the small breweries that CBV works with stay independent, continuing to drive the innovation and creativity that makes craft beer so special.

CBV grew out of D9 Brewing Company, one of the Southeast's fastest-growing and most exciting breweries. Seeing the opportunity to apply the lessons that he learned through growing his own business to helping others in the industry, founder and CEO Andrew Durstewitz realized that the gap between how big a brewery can become, and how big it should become, was often insurmountable. CBV can take on the more labyrinthine elements of logistics and operations, allowing the small breweries to continue doing what they have always been so good at: creating value for the customer.
Oceans at Divi Resorts Were thrilled to add this exclusive new brand to our Caribbean resort offerings starting on St. Maarten and St. Croix in early 2022.

For the first time in over 50 years, Divi Resorts is introducing a new upper-tier brand to its family of resorts called Oceans. The Oceans experience includes in-room amenities like plush robes and comfy slippers, upgraded toiletries, and gourmet coffee, plus VIP check-in/checkout, and special touches to make every Oceans guest feel pampered from the moment they arrive.

Were thrilled to add this exclusive new brand to our Caribbean resort offerings starting on St. Maarten and St. Croix in early 2022, said Marco Galaverna, President & COO of Divi Resorts. Over the years, weve seen trends change, and our guests have requested additional touches and services. Oceans will deliver with a beautiful new product, the most requested items, and popular VIP touches.

Situated on a private peninsula surrounded by turquoise waters, Oceans at Divi Little Bays exclusive new 98-room Caribbean oasis is located within Divi Little Bay Beach Resort on St. Maarten. Opening in January 2022, Oceans is nestled right next to the resort's expansive purecean pool and swim-up bar and offers three types of accommodations with incredible pool and ocean views, and upgraded touches such as fluffy robes, comfy slippers, Nespresso, spa amenities, a mini-fridge, soft ambient lighting, and more.

Guests can choose from an Oceans King or Oceans Double guest room, or a spacious Oceans One-Bedroom Suite. The Oceans King guest rooms offer a king-size bed, and the Oceans Double guest rooms offer two queen-size beds. Both room types come with one bathroom and a balcony or patio.

For even more space, the Oceans One-Bedroom Suite offers a private bedroom with king-size bed, a fully-equipped kitchen, a dining area, a living room with a queen sleeper sofa, one bathroom, and an ocean-view balcony or patio.

Travelers who book before December 20, 2021 will receive 30% off all 2022 vacations at Oceans at Divi Little Bay. Rates start at just $249 per night (room only) and $250 per person, per night (all-inclusive). For more information on accommodations, amenities, and activities at Oceans at Divi Little Bay, visit http://www.diviresorts.com/oceans-little-bay.htm.

There has been a lot of buzz about our new buildings, and were excited to finally share the news about our new Oceans offerings, said Anne-Marie Brooks, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort General Manager. We think guests are going to fall in love with Oceans modern rooms, stunning views, and VIP perks.

When Oceans at Divi Little Bay opens, the resort will be adjusting its food and beverage lineup to include a Mexican menu from The Shack and a pan-Asian menu from Seabreeze Restaurant & Bar. These restaurants, plus Fort Amsterdam Cafe, Gizmos Bar & Grill, pureocean Restaurant, and pureocean pool bar, will all be included in the resorts all-inclusive plan.

Located in the west wing of the completely renovated, adult-only (18+) Divi Carina Bay All-Inclusive Beach Resort & Casino on St. Croix, Oceans at Divi Carina Bay offers 50 spacious hotel rooms with sweeping ocean views right on the resort's expansive white sand beach.

When it opens in February 2022, guests can choose from the Oceans Beachfront King room, which offers a king-size bed, or the Oceans Beachfront Double with two queen-size beds. Both room types have one bathroom and endless ocean views from a private beachfront balcony or patio. Oceans amenities include fluffy robes and slippers, an espresso machine with gourmet coffee pods, spa-type amenities, a mini-fridge, and a refreshment starter kit.

Travelers who book before December 20, 2021 will receive 30% off all 2022 vacations at Oceans at Divi Carina Bay. Introductory rates start at just $305 per person, per night (all-inclusive). Room-only packages are not available at this resort. For more information on accommodations, amenities, and activities at Oceans at Divi Carina Bay, visit

http://www.diviresorts.com/oceans-carina-bay.htm.

For more details or to check availability at Oceans at Divi Little Bay and Oceans at Divi Carina Bay, travelers can visit http://www.diviresorts.com/specials#oceans. Reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-367-3484 (toll-free US) or 1-919-419-3484 (international).

Divi Resorts backs its reservations with a worry-free cancellation policy, a pay over time program, a best price guarantee, and optional trip insurance.

When it comes to resort safety, Oceans has implemented Divi Resorts CLEAN CHECK program with strict health and cleanliness protocols to safeguard and protect guests. Each resort is also adhering to all local government directives. For more information on Divis CLEAN CHECK program, visit http://www.diviresorts.com/clean-check.htm.

About Divi Resorts: The Caribbean vacation experts for over 50 years, Divi Resorts features a collection of seven premium resorts spanning the five stunning islands of Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, St. Croix, and St. Maarten. Divi Resorts currently offers 30% off all 2021 and 2022 room only and all-inclusive Caribbean vacations. The company also offers a best price guarantee, worry-free cancellation, travel insurance, travel agent rates, a Divi Devotion Discount, and other programs. For more information on Divi Resorts, call 1-800-367-3484 or visit http://www.diviresorts.com.

Terms & Conditions: http://www.diviresorts.com/specials#oceans

Worry-Free Cancellation: All Divi Resorts cancellation and change penalties will be waived for new nightly hotel bookings. Cancellations or changes must be made prior to arrival. This does not include airfare cancellations or changes. If the reservation is rescheduled during peak travel dates, the guest will be responsible for the difference in cost. For questions regarding airfare, guest should contact their airline directly or reach out to their travel insurance policy holder.

Pay Over Time Program: For the pay over time program, all rates and any applicable fees are subject to the provider of the services.
Dr. Adrienne Lara Dr. Lara takes great pride in her community and believes as a doctor its her role to teach and share her knowledge so that her patients understand that they have options.

At Celebrating Women Center in Oxnard, California, Dr. Adrienne Lara, MD, wants her patients to know that she went to medical school for you. She believes good patient care is collaborative and involves both the patient and doctor working together as a team to get to the same goal  patient wellness. Dr. Lara takes the time to listen to her patients to better understand who they are, so shes not treating symptoms, but the whole patient, including their mind, body, and spirit.

Voted favorite MedSpa by the Ventura County Reporter and Best Med Spa Readers Choice County Star 2018, Celebrating Women Center offers a number of health and wellness treatments focused on regenerative medicine that allows patients natural beauty to shine through, including micro-needling, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and vaginal rejuvenation with advanced medical treatments such as laser therapy and surgical procedures.

After beginning her career in health care as a nurse, Dr. Lara then went to medical school at Boston University School of Medicine and completed her internship and residency program in obstetrics and gynecology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, which is part of Harvard Medical School.

Dr. Lara takes great pride in her community and believes as a doctor its her role to teach and share her knowledge so that her patients understand that they have options. Her integrity and authenticity when it comes to health care are why shes so loved by all who see her. Dr. Lara is fluent in English and Spanish to serve patients from a variety of backgrounds.

Learn more about Dr. Adrienne Lara by visiting: https://hauteliving.com/hautebeauty/member/dr-adrienne-lara/

ABOUT HAUTE BEAUTY NETWORK:

Haute Beauty is affiliated with the luxury lifestyle publication Haute Living. As a section of Haute Living magazine, Haute Beauty covers the latest advancements in beauty and wellness, providing readers with expert advice on aesthetic and reconstructive treatments through its network of acclaimed doctors and beauty experts.

For more about Haute Beauty, visit https://hauteliving.com/hautebeauty/
We started supporting military veterans a decade ago and have created new benefits and programs to support them and their families over the years. It is an honor to be recognized annually for our support of the military community.

Dream Vacations recently ranked #1 in Entrepreneurs Top Franchises for Veterans list, published in the October/November issue of Entrepreneur magazine. Since 2017, Dream Vacations has been ranked the top travel agency franchise for veterans by Entrepreneur magazine, always ranking either first or second out of 150 franchises nationwide.

"Military veterans are a valued asset to their country, their community, and those they work with  so it's no wonder that they also make excellent business leaders and franchisees," says Entrepreneur magazine editor in chief Jason Feifer. "We applaud the franchise community, and particularly the brands on our list, for prioritizing veterans."

To determine the annual ranking of the Top Franchises for Veterans, Entrepreneur invited companies who offer incentives for veterans to participate in a survey about their veterans programs. From there, Entrepreneur determined their ranking of the top 150 franchises for veterans, taking into account each company's Veteran incentive, how Veteran franchisees are attracted to and supported by the company, and how each company scored in the 2021 Franchise 500 ranking.

We started supporting military veterans a decade ago and have created new benefits and programs to support them and their families over the years, said Drew Daly, senior vice president and general manager for Dream Vacations. It is an honor to be recognized annually for our support of the military community.

Military veterans interested in starting a work-from-home business can purchase a Dream Vacations travel agency business at a 30 percent discount and receive an enlistment package valued at more than $5,000, which includes waived administrative fees valued at $1,350. In addition to having access to the Command Center, an internal portal with veteran-specific training and veteran-themed marketing assets, all veterans receive a waived training fee for a business partner and the ability to hire active-duty military spouses and veterans as associates at a discount. Additional veteran incentives include the ability to move residences and stay in business, travel discounts for military customers and access to veteran networking groups.

The only travel franchise to receive a 5 STAR ranking from the International Franchise Associations VetFran initiative, Dream Vacations proudly supports military veterans and is consistently recognized by leading industry publications as a veteran-friendly franchise. Accolades include number one rankings from Military Times and Forbes, as well as inclusion on G.I. Jobs annual Hot Franchises for Veterans, US Veterans magazines Top Veteran-Friendly Companies, USA Todays 50 Top Franchises for Military Veterans and recognition by MSC Cruises in its Seaside Salute Award. The Operation Vetrepreneur: Become Your Own General program won gold from the Travel Weekly Magellan Awards and the IFA Franchising Gives Back Awards.

To view Dream Vacations in the full ranking, visit https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/topfranchiseveterans. Results can also be seen in the October/November issue of Entrepreneur magazine.

Military veterans with a passion for travel and entrepreneurship who are interested in opening a Dream Vacations travel franchise, please visit http://www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com or call 888-249-8235.

About Dream Vacations

Travel agents with the top-ranked home-based travel agency franchise Dream Vacations have the resources to plan and create seamless vacation experiences for their customers while offering the best value. A member of the International Franchise Association, Dream Vacations is part of World Travel Holdings and has received partner of the year, a top-ranking status, by all the major cruise lines as well as national recognition for its support of military veterans. For more information about Dream Vacations, visit http://www.dreamvacationsfranchise.com. Like Dream Vacations on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DreamVacationsFranchise, follow on Twitter at @Dream_Franchise and watch its videos at http://www.youtube.com/DreamVacationsBusiness.

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DuPont Electronics & Industrial brings a unique depth and breadth of knowledge, applications and technical expertise, and product portfolio to address customers needs for connectivity today and in the future.

DuPont (NYSE:DD) will showcase its novel process solutions for plastic metallization and component finishing at SUR/FIN 2021, a conference and trade show dedicated specifically to the surface technology industry. The show will be held from November 2-4, 2021. The DuPont Interconnect Solutions (ICS) business, part of DuPont Electronics & Industrial, will exhibit at Booth #538, Exhibition Hall B, at the TCF Center in Detroit, MI.

The major global markets that utilize plastic metallization and component finishing processes are in a period of significant change, where substitution of mature process technology is driving innovation and opportunity, as well as the demand for improved performance, cost and elimination of toxic substances.

DuPont ICS has responded to these dynamics and will showcase several novel products during SUR/FIN 2021, designed to satisfy high performance demands, while providing operational, cost and environmental advantages. These include:



Ecoposit CF-800 chrome-free etch, a REACH-compliant pretreatment for ABS and ABS-PC plastic metallization.

Ecoposit HT 95 High throw, low stress acid copper, designed for optimum performance with chrome-free pretreatment.

Ecoposit XF 1000, a formaldehyde-free, uniquely stable electroless copper, enabling replacement of electroless nickel and strike, thereby eliminating phosphates, borates and ammonia.

Nikal BF 100, a high-performance boric acid-free nickel electrolyte that produces corrosion resistance improvement, with high throw, higher CD range and reduced deposit stress.

Ronastan NPH-100, a neutral pH electrolytic tin designed for passive component terminals and pH sensitive dielectrics.

Silveron GT-210, a cyanide-free silver electrolyte producing deposits exhibiting very low friction and wear characteristics.

Solderon ST-400 high speed matte tin, providing 40% higher plating speed, simplified packaging and analysis, with superior electrolyte stability and deposit performance.

Teleposit 8000, designed to metallize filled and unfilled LCP substrates, enabling consistent metal coverage and adhesion without the use of abrasive mechanical techniques.

In addition to showcasing these products at SUR/FIN 2021, DuPont scientist Michael Lipschutz will offer two presentations as part of the shows technical conference. The first paper, Highly Reliable Matte Tin Process for Electronic and Industrial Finishing, will be offered on Tuesday, November 2nd at 9:00 AM. The second presentation, RONALLOY GT-300 Electrolytic White Bronze: A Cyanide-free, Lead-free Alternative to Technical Nickel Deposits, will be offered at 4:30 PM on November 2nd.

DuPont Electronics & Industrial brings a unique depth and breadth of knowledge, applications and technical expertise, and product portfolio to address customers needs for connectivity today and in the future. Our drive to provide our customers with industry-leading innovation is complimented by large scale, best-in-class manufacturing capability, and a team of scientists with deep materials science expertise to make next generation technology a reality for our customers. With research centers and manufacturing operations located close to our customers in the U.S., China, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan, we pride ourselves on a customer-centric view to ensure we support our customers success.

For more information on DuPont Electronics & Industrial, please visit DuPont Electronics & Industrial

About DuPont

DuPont (NYSE: DD) is a global innovation leader with technology-based materials and solutions that help transform industries and everyday life. Our employees apply diverse science and expertise to help customers advance their best ideas and deliver essential innovations in key markets including electronics, transportation, construction, water, healthcare and worker safety. More information about the company, its businesses and solutions can be found at http://www.dupont.com. Investors can access information included on the Investor Relations section of the website at investors.dupont.com.

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DuPont, the DuPont Oval Logo, and all trademarks and service marks denoted with , SM or  are owned by affiliates of DuPont de Nemours, Inc. unless otherwise noted.

10/07/21
Duthie Power Services debuts a newly redesigned residential generator webpage. We understand how important visual aids are when youre asking a homeowner to make space for a generator which is why the new website tells more of a story to homeowners about how a generator will look on their property and, most importantly, the peace of mind it will bring them in a power outage.

Duthie Power Services is proud to announce the debut of a newly redesigned webpage devoted to home generator sales. With the recent growth of their residential sales division, the Duthie marketing team set out to create a webpage that provides homeowners with all the information they need to secure the right kind of backup power for their home.

Featuring newly-produced videos with KFI AM 640s Dean Sharp (aka The House Whisperer) in conversation with Duthie Power Sales Engineer Peter Thornton, the new website answers frequently asked questions so homeowners can fully understand what it takes to install a permanent standby generator.

The rise in working from home, attending school from home, and simply spending more time at home during the pandemic brought about a greater demand for home backup power. As Karen Cooper, Duthies Residential Sales Specialist, explains, We started selling home generators a few years ago because we saw homeowners experiencing more frequent power outages and shutoffs, but demand has exploded in the last year. The new webpage features specs for the Honeywell and Champion standby generators, as well as for a new portable generator option they have in stock for the busy fire season.

The 10kW Champion Tri-Fuel Portable Generator, Duthies latest option for homeowners, is featured in a new video on the new webpage. In the video, Kyle Michael, Duthie Powers lead Sales Engineer for their San Diego division, demonstrates the three fuel options (propane, natural gas, gasoline), as well as how to hook up the portable generator for safe use.

Duthie Powers marketing team wanted to create a webpage that helps homeowners visualize a new generator on their property. Its not uncommon for homeowners to visualize their dream kitchen or dream backyard, but dream generator isnt usually on that list. We understand how important visual aids are when youre asking a homeowner to make space for a generator, says Jennifer Watkins, Duthie Powers Marketing Manager, which is why the new website tells more of a story to homeowners about how a generator will look on their property and, most importantly, the peace of mind it will bring them in a power outage.

For over fifty-five years, Duthie Power has served Southern Californias industrial generator market as the leading provider of new equipment installations, generator maintenance, and emergency power supply rentals. The expansion into the residential market is another way for the Duthie Power team to deliver on their mission statement that we believe everyone deserves access to affordable power. Shana Duthie, Head of Sales and Marketing, adds, Our newly redesigned residential generator webpage will hopefully serve as a both a resource for local SoCal homeowners, but also homeowners across the country.


Graduates of the Summer 2021 Inland Empire Women's Business Center's It's Your Time: Entrepreneurial Training Series for Women (IYT). Innovative organizations like IECE are providing pivotal support to small businesses as they navigate an ever-changing economic landscape, said Brandee McHale, head of Citi Community Investing and Development and president of the Citi Foundation.

The Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) at California State University, San Bernardino has been awarded $500,000 in unrestricted funding from the Citi Foundation to reach and serve more local Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) entrepreneurs and small businesses.

The Citi Foundation issued a $25 Million Small Business Technical Assistance RFP earlier this year and awarded 50 organizations nationwide with funding to support continued work in providing technical assistance to BIPOC-led small businesses that have been disproportionately affected by the unprecedented health, social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

BIPOC small businesses and entrepreneurs are vital to our local economy, and they have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, said Mike Stull, director of the IECE. Prior to the pandemic, the number of new Black-owned businesses and new Hispanic-owned businesses were growing at a more rapid pace than the overall business growth rate. New and early-stage businesses face numerous challenges and the pandemic has compounded those challenges. The timing of the Citi Foundation award comes as a critical time as the economy is opening up, and businesses are rebuilding and responding to new market opportunities.

The IECE, housed in the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration, delivers innovative programs and educational resources to entrepreneurs and small business owners through a broad range of community and campus programs. As the leading entrepreneurial support organization in the Inland Empire, the IECE is also one of the largest University-based Entrepreneurship Centers in the world and has been recognized by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) as a top 35 program for fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.

This recent award from the Citi Foundation is a testament to the importance of BIPOC businesses to economic growth in the region, the strong reputation IECE has built as effective stewards of funds and the significant impact both will have on the surrounding communities, said Shanthi Srinivas, interim dean of the Jack H. Brown College.

Innovative organizations like IECE are providing pivotal support to small businesses as they navigate an ever-changing economic landscape, said Brandee McHale, head of Citi Community Investing and Development and president of the Citi Foundation. The Citi Foundation is proud to be supporting IECE and other change agents with the unrestricted, flexible funding they need to deliver specialized support to more minority-owned small businesses in their communities.

IECE operates the Small Business Development Center, the Womens Business Centers and California State Trade Expansion Programs in the Inland Empire region, which operate from full-time offices in Colton, Ontario, Palm Desert, Riverside and 10 part-time offices throughout Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The programs have a long history of delivering free business counseling, mentoring and training to existing and aspiring small business owners and entrepreneurs. Collectively, the programs have provided support to over 10,000 small business owners and entrepreneurs in 2020.

About the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship (IECE) http://entre.csusb.edu

Established in 1999, the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship supports and celebrates entrepreneurship and small business through innovative programs and educational resources. IECE is based at the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration at CSUSB and coordinates academic programs that lead to business degrees in entrepreneurship for undergraduate and graduate students as well as delivering experiential learning and student support programs.

About Cal State San Bernardino http://csusb.edu

California State University, San Bernardino is a preeminent center of intellectual and cultural activity in Inland Southern California. Opened in 1965 and set at the foothills of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains, the university serves more than 20,000 students each year and graduates about 4,000 students annually. The university offers more than 70 traditional baccalaureate and masters degree programs, education credential and certificate programs, and a doctorate program in educational leadership. Every one of its eligible academic programs has earned national accreditation. CSUSB reflects the dynamic diversity of the region and has the most diverse student population of any university in the Inland Empire. More than 80 percent of those who graduate are the first in their families to do so.

For more information on Cal State San Bernardino, contact the universitys Office of Strategic Communication at (909) 537-5007 and visit https://www.csusb.edu/inside.
Florida is often referred to as a model state for many policy issues, and now it has become clear that Florida is the model for economic recovery across the nation," said Hayden Dublois, Senior Research Analyst at FGA.

This week, the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) released a report that confirms Florida's economic policies act as a model for the national economic recovery. Governor Ron DeSantiss early expiration of the $300 weekly unemployment bonus is the latest pro-work reform helping Floridians prosper.

The research also found that ending the unemployment bonus cycled Floridians back to work, helping businesses struggling with a nationwide labor shortage. Florida employers hired nearly 1.3 million new workers in the months after Gov. DeSantis announced he was ending the unemployment bonus. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs created nearly 150,000 new businesses, an outcome likely attributed to pro-entrepreneur initiatives passed in the most recent legislative session.

Florida was hit by the same labor shortage that Congress encouraged with the $300 weekly unemployment bonus. By ending this harmful policy early, Florida helped countless workers and businesses alike, said Hayden Dublois, Senior Research Analyst at FGA and Florida resident. The leadership of Governor DeSantis empowered 1.3 million Floridians to return to work and fostered the creation of thousands of new Florida businesses. Florida is often referred to as a model state for many policy issues, and now it has become clear that Florida is the model for economic recovery across the nation."

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The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) is a non-profit, multi-state think tank that specializes in health care, welfare, work, and election reform. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org.
As with FGCs first fund, 70 percent of the new funds investors are U.S.-based ag producers, who represent millions of head of production animals and millions of crop production acres.

Fulcrum Global Capital (FGC), a venture capital fund focused on improving and disrupting the global food productions industry, has secured the first close of its second fund. The new fund concluded its initial close above $44 million, exceeding the size of its entire first fund by more than 20 percent.

As with FGCs first fund, 70 percent of the new funds investors are U.S.-based ag producers, who represent millions of head of production animals and millions of crop production acres. This unique investor group sees potential in the advancements currently happening in the agriculture, animal health and ag tech markets.

Now more than ever, our world needs a new level of innovation when it comes to food production, so we can increase yields, reduce food waste and make food safer, says Duane Cantrell, managing partner, Fulcrum Global Capital.

FGC has an experienced team that understands food production and what it will take for entrepreneurs and young companies to realize their vision in this environment. And because the majority of our investors have first-hand experience in the field or on the ranch, they understand that too. John Peryam, partner, Fulcrum Global Capital.

FGC has a stable of companies that it has identified for their potential to become future industry leaders. Two of those companies have already received investments from the new FGC fund, including Vytelle Holdings, which last week announced the close of its oversubscribed Series A funding.

Vytelle is a precision livestock company that is reshaping how cattle producers worldwide optimize their herds. Through Vytelles integrated technology platform, generations of genetic gains can be made in just a few years. This allows producers to sustainably deliver more protein with fewer inputs, helping to ensure meat and milk are viable, competitive food choices for future generations.

The second investment that Fulcrum has made is in the agriculture biotech space. More information on that investment will be coming soon.

There are so many people who have new discoveries, unique technologies and the start of a great company who also have a passion to make our food system stronger and safer than ever before, says Kevin Lockett, partner, Fulcrum Global Capital. Were proud to help identify these companies and provide the resources they need to turn their vision into a reality, while benefiting us all.

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About FGC: Fulcrum Global Capital (FGC) is an early-stage venture capital fund investing in companies and entrepreneurs disrupting the global food production industry through the agriculture, animal health, and ag tech markets. FGC is especially interested in companies with technologies and approaches that increase yields, reduce food waste and make food safer and more transparent. Based out of the Kansas City area, FGC invests within the United States and around the globe. More information on FGC can be found at https://www.fgcvc.com/.
Zerto, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, today announced it has been named a leader in the G2 Fall 2021 Grid Report for Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS), Data Replication, and Disaster Recovery. The company also received top overall scores in the Results and Usability Indexes for disaster recovery, each based on user satisfaction ratings from customer reviews.

Zertos Leader status in the Disaster Recovery report is supported by the top overall scores in both the Results and Usability Indexes. In the Results Index, Zerto received higher scores than any other vendor in three distinct Disaster Recovery categories: Best Results overall, Best Estimated ROI, and Users Most Likely to Recommend. In the Usability Index, Zerto also received higher scores than any other vendor in three categories: Best Usability overall, Easiest to Use, and Easiest Administration.

We are extremely pleased to receive this recognition from the G2 community. We strive to give every organization the capability to defend itself from the consequences of ransomware and data loss but its always great to hear first hand from customers that it's working. said Caroline Seymour, VP of product marketing at Zerto. Being recognized by G2 for disaster recovery as a service, data replication and disaster recovery shows us that our platform and our team are delivering the solutions that allow our customers to get back up and running when their systems are down.

To provide a fair evaluation, G2 maintains strict criteria for recognizing vendors with high satisfaction scores. Based on customer satisfaction and scale (determined by market share, vendor size, and social impact), the Fall 2021 Grid Report for each of the three categories ranks vendors into four quadrantsLeaders, High Performers, Contenders and Niche players. Leaders are rated highly by G2 users and have substantial scale and market presence, as well as global support and service resources.

Recent customer reviews submitted to G2 demonstrate the high-quality user experience, performance and versatility offered by the Zerto platform, with feedback including:

We leverage Zerto for Disaster Recovery failover between our primary data center and our secondary data center. We put all of our critical, Tier 1 applications into Zerto replication groups so we can fail them over in case of an emergency. We have also used Zerto for data center consolidations and migrations since it is a great tool to be used for that type of project as well. We like the flexibility that Zerto provides us and its overall ease of use. - Manager, Infrastructure

Zerto is very easy to get setup and replicating the VM's between the sites. We have used it successfully for our Datacenter Migration Project where we have Migrated 800+ server from VMware and Hyper-V Platforms to our new datacenter on the VMware Platform. It is highly customizable so you can change IP addresses, domains, etc via scripts when you bring servers up in the new site. we have not had any major issues with the software either during the Migration process. - Administrator

I like the analytics portal because it gives me an overview of my environment. I enjoy that I have a single pane of glass for a health check of my environment. The other thing that I did like best was the mobile app. I currently have the app on my iPhone and check it daily. I can do this from anywhere by using my MyZerto portal credentials and not having to start a VPN connection to check the status of our environment. - Regional Director of IT

To learn more about Zertos offerings on G2 please visit: https://www.g2.com/products/zerto/reviews#reviews

About Zerto:

Zerto, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, empowers customers to run an always-on business by simplifying the protection, recovery, and mobility of on-premises and cloud applications. Zertos cloud data management and protection platform eliminates the risks and complexity of modernization and cloud adoption across private, public, and hybrid deployments. The simple, software-only platform uses continuous data protection at scale to converge disaster recovery, backup, and data mobility. Zerto is trusted by over 9,500 customers globally and is powering offerings for Microsoft Azure, IBM Cloud, AWS, Google Cloud, Oracle Cloud, and more than 350 managed service providers.


In time for the annually celebrated "Rtveli" grape harvest and wine festival, taking place in rural destinations across the country, Georgia, an inspiring European destination suitable to be explored and enjoyed during all four seasons, officially announces new direct flights to its Tbilisi International Airport and Kutaisi International Airport.

Having earned a reputation as a cultural wonderland with divine cuisine, a revitalized natural wine heritage and awe-inspiring landscapes that rival the worlds most spectacular destinations, Georgia has become a bonafide hotspot for travelers seeking immersive and memorable experiences. Prior to the pandemic, the number of tourists visiting Georgia reached a record high in international tourism with more than nine million international tourists visiting in 2019, a 6.8% increase compared to the same period the year before. As the tourism industry looks towards recovery, Georgia aims to continue its momentum and welcome more new travelers this fall and in 2022.

Over the past year, Georgia has increased its efforts to restore and increase tourism to its original figures, resulting in 2021 retaining 88.7% of its pre-pandemic flight traffic. Georgia currently sees arrivals from 40 airlines originating from 73 locations to Tbilisi International Airport alone, including new direct flights from Aircompany Armenia, Eurowings (Dusseldorf), Lufthansa (Frankfurt) and AirArabia Abu Dhabi. Kutaisi International Airport currently receives 14 direct flights from European destinations, and in November 2021, will add four new direct flights from Barcelona, Berlin, Vienna and Abu Dhabi. Travelers seeking to fly direct to Tbilisi International Airport can do so from international destinations such as Amsterdam, Paris, Tel Aviv, Berlin, Istanbul, Warsaw, Dubai and Doha, as well as on one-stop connecting flights from most international airports in North America, Europe and Asia.

Long-considered the birthplace for winemaking, Georgia is home to more than 500 varieties of indigenous grapes and today you can find amber and orange wines from Georgia in wine bars and restaurants in marquee cities such as London, New York and Amsterdam. For wine enthusiasts, October is perhaps the most exciting time of year to travel across the country and walk the mineral-rich land to visit wineries during Rtveli, the local term for the grape harvest season. Georgian vineyards and wineries have retained their original, natural-wine making methods that were revitalized over the past decades, and which take place in clay pots called "qvevri," a clay vessel that is buried underground and where the process of fermentation takes place. Listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, qvevri and Georgian winemaking knowledge are passed down by families, neighbors and friends, all of whom join in communal grape harvesting and winemaking practices.

In the Kakheti region, one of the countrys most popular wine regions, travelers can visit wineries scattered throughout the countryside and enjoy farm-to-table meals in the picturesque town of Sighnaghi, which provides a perfect stop-over after a day of grape smashing under the Caucasian sun. And within driving distance to Kakheti are the mineral-rich terroirs in the Imereti region, known for its playful, vibrant, fleshy and lively wines, and the Kartli region, known for its sparkling wines where both endemic grape varieties and various French grape varieties prosper. Nestled between Imereti and the Greater Caucasus in western Georgias mountainous is the Racha-Lechkhumi region, which boasts optimal conditions for the production of various rare indigenous grape varieties, including Mujuretuli and Alexsandrouli, and is mostly associated with semi-sweet wines. Pairing some of the best wines in the world with the pristine natural beauty of both mountain and river, Georgia is undoubtedly one of the most inspiring and surprising destinations for travelers with a fine taste for culinary adventures and cultural enrichment.

And for wine lovers looking for a taste of archeology and natural history, The Tetra Cave, a site in western Georgian where ancient humans left their traces 30,000 years ago, was recently reintroduced as a wine production locale and a destination for health tourism following a two-year renovation and extensive restoration as a destination for visitors. Located in the Tskaltubo Municipality, the cave will serve as a spot for wine preparation, aging and tasting, along with a dedicated space for events.

For more information about travel to Georgia and to learn about the latest Covid19-travel regulations and procedures, visit https://gnta.ge.

About Georgian National Tourism Administration

Georgian National Tourism Administration is a Legal entity of Public law, a part of the system of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia, independently conducting activity by state control. Goals and objectives of the Georgian National Tourism Administration (GNTA) are formation and implementation of the Georgian tourism development state policy, promotion of the sustainable tourism development, promotion of a high export income growth and job creation in the country on the basis of the tourism development, attraction of the foreign tourists to Georgia and development of the domestic tourism as well, promotion of human resources development in the field of tourism destinations, infrastructure and tourism.
Grand Stevie Award winners include The Audacious Agency, IBM, New American Funding, AlterContacts, and Melissa Sones Consulting. Grand Stevie Award trophies are presented to five organizations that submitted the best body of nominations to the competition, in their own names or in the names of one or more clients.

Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners in the 2021 (18th annual) Stevie Awards for Women in Business, an international competition, were announced on September 23. The awards shine a spotlight on women executives, entrepreneurs, employees and organizations run by women.

Winners of five Grand Stevie Award trophies, the highest honor in the competition, were announced today.

Grand Stevie Award trophies are presented to five organizations that submitted the best body of nominations to the competition, in their own names or in the names of one or more clients. Winners were determined by the number of Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Awards won in the competition, with three points earned for each Gold Stevie win, two for each Silver win, and one-and-a-half points for each Bronze Stevie win. medi

The Grand Stevie Award winners for 2021 are:

1. The Audacious Agency, Gold Coast, Australia, with 56 award points. The agency was also a Grand Stevie Award winner in 2020 and 2019.

2. IBM, worldwide (24.5 points)

3. New American Funding, Tustin, CA USA (21.5 points)

4. AlterContacts, Amsterdam, the Netherlands (19.5 points)

5. Melissa Sones Consulting, New York, NY USA (17.5 points) was also among the Grand Stevie honorees in 2020 and 2019.

More than 1,500 nominations from organizations and individuals around the world were submitted this year for consideration in categories such as COVID-19 Response, Entrepreneur of the Year, Executive of the Year, Most Innovative Company of the Year, and Startup of the Year, among others. More than 160 business professionals working in eight specialized judging committees determined the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners.

Visit http://www.StevieAwards.com/Women for a complete list of Stevie winners by category. Winners will be celebrated during a virtual ceremony on January 13, 2022.

The 2021 Stevie Awards for Women in Business event will be complemented by the fourth annual Women|Future Conference, a five-day networking and learning event for female founders, business owners, entrepreneurs and women looking to move forward in their careers, also held virtually November 1-5. Registration is just $115, or $49 for current students with an active student ID. Details and registration are available at http://www.WomenFutureConference.com.

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 ttp://http://www.StevieAwards.com.
The recent expansion of our organization reflects Habitat NYC and Westchesters growing regional impact and demonstrated commitment to meet the diverse, local affordable housing needs of residents across our entire geographical service area, said Karen Haycox, CEO, Habitat NYC and Westchester.

Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester County (Habitat NYC and Westchester) welcomes Anthony Montalto as chair of its board of directors, and introduces two geographical subsidiary boards, with Peter Murray as inaugural chair of Westchester County Habitat for Humanity and Diana Reyna as inaugural chair of New York City Habitat for Humanity.

The recent expansion of our organization reflects Habitat NYC and Westchesters growing regional impact and demonstrated commitment to meet the diverse, local affordable housing needs of residents across our entire geographical service area, said Karen Haycox, CEO, Habitat NYC and Westchester. As we expand, we are grateful for the committed and passionate leadership of Anthony Montalto, Peter Murray, and Diana Reyna who bring to our mission unparalleled expertise and experience from the business, government, housing and philanthropy sectors.

Montalto, a partner at global engineering firm JBB, served as project manager on award-winning projects such as the Weill Cornell Medical College Belfer Research Building and SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill. His portfolio includes work on Moynihan Station and for the New York Stem Cell Foundation and Brooklyn Health Center. A recipient of the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project Award presented by Habitat NYC and Westchester, he has long supported the organizations mission. As chair of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers committee on Community Sustainability Projects he spearheaded partnerships, supervising volunteers and fundraising and providing advisors on projects, including design reviews, building surveys, and energy audits.

I am honored to serve as the new chair of the Habitat NYC and Westchester board, said Montalto. We plan to continue to build on the past success of this amazing organization and our past chair, Doug Morse. We will continue to advocate and support our communities in New York City and Westchester by building and preserving affordable housing.

Morse, principal at Northlake Capital, served as the chair of the board of directors since 2015. He oversaw the organization through incredible, accelerating change, and will remain engaged on the board as immediate past chair. Both he and his wife Claudia will be honored at the 2021 Habitat House Party, hosted live and online on October 26th and 27th, 2021.

Morse joined Habitat NYC and Westchesters board of directors in August 2014 and became chair in July 2015. Doug and his wife Claudia are among Habitat NYC and Westchesters most impactful donors, sharing Habitat NYC and Westchesters work with their friends and family, inspiring others to become part of our mission.

Its been an honor to serve as board chair of Habitat NYC and Westchester County for the past six years, said Morse. Im excited to work with the new phase of leadership. Helping hard-working and deserving fellow New Yorkers attain a safe and affordable home has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Were in our strong position of growth thanks in large part to Dougs leadership and generosity over the past six years along with that of his wife Claudia and the entire Morse family who have improved thousands of lives across New York City and Westchester County, added Haycox.

Habitat NYC and Westchester will act as the governing entity for both Westchester County Habitat for Humanity and New York City Habitat for Humanity, and provide centralized staffing, communications, fundraising capacity, volunteer coordination, regional advocacy mobilization, and good governance. The subsidiary boards will oversee operations and real estate opportunities in their geographies and report to the Habitat NYC and Westchester board.

I am proud to serve as chair of New York City Habitat for Humanity, said Diana Reyna. Habitat NYC and Westchester brings hope to diverse families to be included in an intimidating housing market. I look forward to working with our government officials and community leaders City-wide on a renewed commitment to prioritize homeownership opportunities affordable to low- and moderate-income families in New York City, and to build more than 175 new homes in the next five years.

Reyna is the founding principal at Diana Reyna Strategic Consulting, LLC. A former Deputy Borough President for Brooklyn (2014-2017) and New York City Council Member for the 34th Council District (2001-2013), she is a longtime champion of affordable housing and equity in economic development, health, education, and environmental justice.

As a long-time Westchester resident and long-time supporter of Habitat NYC and Westchester, this new board position is a true honor, said Murray. I look forward to working in my home county, steering the organization as it begins to break ground on projects from Yonkers to Peekskill, serving my hard-working neighbors along the way.

Murray is the founder and owner of Dolphin Property Services, LLC, a full-service property management and consulting firm specializing in affordable housing. He brings to Habitat NYC and Westchester over 27 years of expertise in the industry, developing nearly 2,000 and managing more than 6,300 affordable homes.

We also welcome to the Habitat NYC and Westchester board as vice chair, Melva Miller, chief executive officer at Association For A Better New York; as secretary, Andrea Himmel, principal and chief investment officer at Himmel + Meringoff Properties; and as treasurer, Brian Smalley, director of commercial real estate lending at Amalgamated Bank, added Haycox. Together, we look forward to building a more equitable New York.

About Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester County

Habitat for Humanity New York City and Westchester County transforms lives and communities by building and preserving affordable homes with hardworking familiesand by uniting all New Yorkers around the cause of affordable housing. With the help of thousands of volunteers each year, Habitat NYC and Westchester builds and repairs homes for families across the region. Learn more at http://www.HabitatNYCwc.org and connect with us on Facebook, and on Twitter and Instagram at @HabitatNYC_WC.

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Sydney SEO Sit Back, Relax, And Watch Your Rankings Grow

As social media continues to dominate how we communicate with each other, businesses have been improving their digital marketing strategies to incorporate them. It is becoming clear that social media can be an incredibly powerful tool for marketing and SEO purposes, as it helps businesses reach a wider, more targeted audience.

PK SEO from https://www.pkseo.com.au/ has spent over 18 years in the internet marketing sector and watched the various trends come and go. Theses Sydney SEO Specialists feel that social media cannot be overlooked during SEO efforts, and it is likely to become a permanent fixture. This applies to city local, state wide or global. The company has offered 3 insights that they feel shows how important social media is for all businesses.

You Can Elevate Your Own Content Via Social Media

A company spokesperson for PK SEO outlined the importance of social media for SEO by saying, a social media company is a perfect platform to share your own marketing content in a tailored, targeted way.

They went on to discuss the significance of social media as a place to bring new content for an audience that is going to appreciate it. They said, Using social media to distribute content is an excellent way to have your existing subscribers spread the content organically to a wider audience.

Whether it is a blog post, article or white paper, social media channels can help spread the content to the right people. It takes a good understanding of your audience needs, but over time you can drive user engagement and expand your audience in the process.

You Gain More Back links Through A Naturally Occurring Means

The company spokesperson for PK SEO touched on back links and their significance in social media and SEO services. A back link is a social media referral where a user links your content to someone else, who views it. It is used to show search engines that you have created useful content. Any experienced Sydney SEO Service would agree with this

They said, If you create meaningful content and post it to social media, viewers will share and distribute that link to new viewers. This can grow your visibility and boost your rankings in search engines.

Social Media Accounts Rank For Search Results

The Director of PK SEO, Peter Karpouzas, also noted that although company websites are important for search engine ranking, it isnt the whole picture. He said, It is important to put effort into your social media accounts because that can often be how people find you on a search engine. Make sure you optimise your social media profiles so that they can rank higher on search engines. It will improve your visibility online and draw in a wider audience.

To help businesses establish their brand online, PK SEO has established a range of SEO services that are suitable for all types of companies.

PK SEO is an SEO consultancy firm and social media marketing agency based in Sydney with over 18 years of industry experience. They focus on helping companies with their SEO, marketing and advertising efforts with a range of innovative, engaging solutions.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-karpouzas-668b316a/

https://www.facebook.com/PkSeoServicesSydney
Hutchison Ports Mexico turns to dexFreight's and blockchain-based logistics market network to improve overall efficiency We need to connect with our customers, know more about their cargo, get a sense of the urgency and cost-sensibility of each individual shipment, and design integral logistics products that best suit their specific needs. That is what we are doing with dexFreight.

dexFreight, providers of a blockchain-based logistics market network, today announced it has been selected by Hutchison Ports Mexico (HPM) to utilitze its smart contracts and blockchain infrastructure to seamlessly and transparently organize container shipments at port terminals in Mexico.

The program will begin at the port of Veracruz, an inland terminal in Hidalgo and Mexicos largest port, Lazaro Cardenas with the potential to expand to additional HPM terminals throughout Mexico. It will include customs brokers, shippers, and small to midsize trucking companies for the orchestration of both import and export containers to and from the ports.

With the integration of dexFreights logistics market network, HPM customers will now have the ability to:



broadcast available loads

find and reserve available trucks for shippers and customs brokers

onboard carriers

access real-time cargo tracking

bid, track, and settle invoices

Hutchison Ports Mexico's objective is to provide its customers with a technology solution that adds value to their experience and improves logistics services not only within the ports but beyond the ports as well, said Jorge Lecona Sr., CEO at ICAVE, a maneuvering company in the Port of Veracruz that is owned by Hutchison Ports. Container terminals are in a key position to allow complex supply chains to achieve their goals of efficiency and reliability, and make sure that cargo arrives safely, cost-effectively and on time to its inland destinations.

To achieve this, continued Lecona, we need to connect with our customers, know more about their cargo, get a sense of the urgency and cost-sensibility of each individual shipment, and design integral logistics products that best suit their specific needs. That is what we are doing with dexFreight. We are using their revolutionary technology to connect with the users of our terminals, getting to know their specific needs, and helping them to arrange the logistics that best fulfill their requirements.

Our blockchain-based logistics market network is perfect for meeting HPMs needs for orchestrating container shipments, said Jim Handoush, president and CEO of dexFreight. Our modular design and deployment in the cloud allows us to easily deploy globally. Mexico is our first stop, but we plan to be working with many other ports in the near future.

HPM also plans to explore the further integration of dexFreight with its own proprietary services booking and container tracking systems that manage terminal appointments, gate access payments for customers, decentralized finance, among other services.

About Hutchison Ports Mexico

Hutchison Ports Mexico (HPM) is subsidiary of Hong Kong-based Hutchison Ports, the port and related services division of CK Hutchison Holdings Limited. HPM operates six terminals at four seaports and one inland port in Mexico where it serves 20,000 customers, including several Fortune 100 manufacturing companies, customs brokers, and trucking companies, with container loading, unloading, maneuvering and storage services. Hutchison Ports operates at ports in 26 countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Australasia and the Americas where in 2020 it handled a combined throughput of 83.7-milllion TEUs.

About dexFreight

dexFreight is a logistics market network with FinTech capabilities, for freight companies to handle shipments from booking to payment in one place using smart contracts. dexFreight connects carriers, freight brokers, shippers, and other actors of the supply chain through an open logistics network, built on decentralized protocols. For information, visit http://www.dexfreight.io
I could not be more pleased with DFWs alignment as not just investors but true partners in our shared strategic vision.

Industrial Security Integrators (ISI) announced that is has secured an investment from DFW Capital Partners (DFW). Based in Herndon, VA, ISI is a leading provider of technology-based compliance and cybersecurity services. The Company operates three divisions comprising Managed Security Services, Managed Network Services, and Security Control Software.

Paul Cella, Founder & CEO of ISI, said, We are ecstatic to partner with DFW Capital. Given the explosive growth of ISI, I believe we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build an exceptional business, and I needed to find an earnest, thoughtful capital partner that could help me achieve our goals. I could not be more pleased with DFWs alignment as not just investors but true partners in our shared strategic vision. I am deeply thankful for our employees dedication and hard work, and for our growing list of customers who trust ISI to ensure they are compliant, secure, and protected against an ever-growing set of cybersecurity threats and data breaches.

Doug Gilbert, Partner at DFW, said, ISIs customer focus, proprietary technology, and demonstrated compliance expertise across the most sensitive data and cybersecurity environments are true differentiators in a burgeoning industry. Recent events have only highlighted the urgent need for effective threat management, and we believe ISI is ideally positioned as a full-service provider of mission-critical compliance and cybersecurity needs.

Ke Ding, Vice President at DFW, added, We were deeply impressed by Pauls passion, the organization surrounding him, and the overall growth of the business. During the diligence process, we received resounding feedback regarding the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of ISIs managed compliance and cybersecurity solutions. We are eager to work with Paul and the management team to accelerate ISIs growth, both organically and via select acquisitions.

About DFW Capital Partners

DFW Capital Partners is a private equity investment firm focused on lower middle-market companies. The firm concentrates on service companies, with an emphasis on healthcare, non-discretionary consumer services, outsourced business services, and industrial support services. DFW has established a 20+ year track record of success in building leading companies. DFW is headquartered in Teaneck, New Jersey and maintains an office in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
Atlanta is quickly becoming a global, next-generation technology hub, so it makes sense for our digital technology and delivery teams to be right in the middle of it, said Swati Jain, Inxeptions SVP of Product Management.

Inxeption, the pioneer of digital Industrial commerce, is excited to announce that it has opened a new office in Atlanta, Georgias burgeoning Peachtree Corners area. Opening on the heels of a successful Q3, the new office will serve as the companys Digital Transformation Center. Fast-growing, Silicon Valley-based Inxeption has made digital commerce technology and services the backbone of its software platform.

Atlanta is quickly becoming a global, next-generation technology hub, so it makes sense for our digital technology and delivery teams to be right in the middle of it, said Swati Jain, Inxeptions SVP of Product Management. Businesses today are looking to digitize processes to keep up with the times. We have a core team here helping our growing customer base in this region launch new digital sales channels, find new customers through our marketing services, and quickly list their products on our new Marketplace.

Inxeption already has teams across the U.S. delivering both commerce and logistics solutions and services to companies of all sizes. Earlier this year, Inxeption opened its new Logistics Command Center in Louisville, Kentucky, to provide businesses with innovative solutions across all modes of transportation.

Atlanta-based Michael Klump, President of Rusco, a leading manufacturer of water filtration products and accessories, has launched an online distributor order portal on the Inxeption platform and says customers are pleased with how it allows them to place orders quickly, see custom pricing, and consolidate invoices. What Inxeption has done is bring a specific focus to the needs of industrial and B2B companies making the dynamic shift to digital, while looking to scale at a very fast pace.

We are excited to help companies like Rusco with their digital transformation efforts. Being in close proximity to many of our customers will only help foster stronger relationships, added Jain. Peachtree Corners is buzzing with growth and attracting elite tech talent, making it a very exciting place for us to put down roots and recruit.

About Inxeption:

Inxeption is the pioneer of Industrial commerce ("I-commerce"). Its secure and scalable cloud-based digital commerce platform brings the ease of consumer e-commerce to B2B. From one digital dashboard, companies of any size in any industry can drive more sales, gain operational visibility, and realize cost savings. Its integrated service offerings include merchant cash advances and other financial services, flat-rate logistics with shipping protection, web design, and strategic marketing. Inxeption's invitation toncompanies of any size is: Let's Do Business Better.
I think the land trust has proven to be the best partner any community could have.

The Land Trust Alliance, a national land conservation organization working to save the places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America, today honored Idahos Wood River Land Trust with a National Land Trust Excellence Award.

Announced during Rally 2021: The National Land Conservation Conference, the nations largest gathering of land conservation leaders, the National Land Trust Excellence Award recognized Wood River Land Trust for its work on Hailey Greenway in Idaho. The project created a refuge for people, where they can build a deep connection to nature.

I think thats added to the character of our valley  the character of our city, said Scott Boettger, executive director of Wood River Land Trust. Its something that people can relate to in their community.

Though physically close to the center of Haileys business district, Hailey Greenway offers natural trails nestled within trees and positioned along the Big Wood Rivers banks. Hailey Greenway encompasses 450 acres and two public parks.

I think the land trust has proven to be the best partner any community could have, said Martha Burke, mayor of Hailey, Idaho. I am so grateful that this is part of my community and whenever things get tough, I can come here and feel restored.

Also recognized during Rally was New Jerseys Tewksbury Land Trust with a National Land Trust Excellence Award and conservationist Dr. Mark Anderson, recipient of this years Kingsbury Browne Conservation Leadership Award & Fellowship. For more information, about Rally and each award winner, visit https://www.landtrustalliance.org.

About the Land Trust Alliance

Founded in 1982, the Land Trust Alliance is a national land conservation organization that works to save the places people need and love by strengthening land conservation across America. The Alliance represents nearly 1,000 member land trusts supported by more than 200,000 volunteers and 4.6 million members nationwide. The Alliance is based in Washington, D.C., and operates several regional offices. More information about the Alliance is available at http://www.landtrustalliance.org.
ZeroNow, the industry alliance driving innovation in campus safety, has announced a new partnership with NASPA, the national association representing student affairs administrators in higher education. NASPA joins a pioneering group of technology companies and nonprofits dedicated to finding new ways to keep campuses safe.

NASPA is a valuable addition to the ZeroNow partnership, in part because of its work with the VTV Family Outreach Foundation to develop a security self-assessment tool used in colleges and universities, said ZeroNow Board President Ara Bagdasarian. This partnership is a natural expansion of our mission to drive innovation, best practices, and policy to keep students safe.

NASPA is the administrator of 32 National Campus Safety Initiative (32 NCSI), the self-assessment tool used by higher education institutions to conduct an objective analysis of a full range of institutional safety and security facilities, policies, and procedures. This landmark program empowers campus communities to make more informed decisions about campus security.

ZeroNow was founded by technology partners Axis Communications, Telos Corporation and Omnilert, along with campus safety nonprofit partners VTV Family Outreach Foundation, the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA), and the design studio Additional.

NASPA provides the student affairs educator community with resources to support the health, safety, and well-being of their students, said NASPA President Dr. Kevin Kruger. We look forward to expanding our work in this area through our partnership with the ZeroNow team to make campuses more secure.

About ZeroNow

Zero is the movement by the safety community to end violent events in our schools. We believe all safety technology should work together. Zero brings safety assets and education leaders together to establish the standards for school safety technology. We bring a unified voice to educate policy makers on the need for increased investment in school safety. For more information, please visit ZeroNow.org

About NASPA

NASPA is the leading association for the advancement, health, and sustainability of the student affairs profession. Our work provides high-quality professional development, advocacy, and research for 15,000 members in all 50 states, 25 countries, and 8 U.S. territories. For more information, please visit https://NASPA.org.

Contact Information

1-844-ZERONOW, x 2 for Media Office
Grief and pain are the root source of all that hurts us in life, the ill that is our frailty as mortal beings

Priscilla Jaouni in her first publishing foray, Christian Care Giving: God's Healing Power (published by AuthorHouse UK), combines her experiences in hospice care with biblical holism to show other people how to relieve grief and pain.

Grief and pain are the root source of all that hurts us in life, the ill that is our frailty as mortal beings, the author writes. There is disease and sickness in our lives: spiritual, social, physical, emotional.

Christian Care Giving: God's Healing Power looks at grief and pain in a biblical perspective, inspiring readers to apply Christ to their personal challenges and deaths in life. Using John 14:6 I am the Way and the Truth and the Life, this book demonstrates Gods love and truth  his gifts of life and the joy that is in death. It explains why letting go to let God work is integral to peoples lives and health, and allows them to recognize their power to heal through Gods spirit that is living within each person.

An excerpt from the book reads:

Holistic health means that we look at a person not only as an isolated individual but also as someone living in relationship with God, other persons, and the whole of creation, including animals, plants, land, water, and air. Additionally, not only individual but community and even global health is important.

To purchase a copy, visit https://www.authorhouse.com/en-gb/bookstore/bookdetails/821749-christian-care-giving-gods-healing-power.

Christian Care Giving: God's Healing Power

By Priscilla Jaouni

Softcover | 6 x 9in | 68 pages | ISBN 9781665582780

E-Book | 68 pages | ISBN 9781665582773

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Priscilla Jaouni was educated at Guys Hospital, London, U.K., University of Ottawa in Canada, Georgetown University Hospital, and University of Virginia in the U.S. She served as parish deacon, and faith and health ministry registered nurse at the National Presbyterian Church in Washington D.C. She brings a great variety of life and work experiences to her writing which makes her work rich in individuality and uniqueness. She is currently retired and living in Spain.

AuthorHouse, an Author Solutions, Inc. self-publishing imprint, is a leading provider of book publishing, marketing, and bookselling services for authors around the globe and offers the industrys only suite of Hollywood book-to-film services. Committed to providing the highest level of customer service, AuthorHouse assigns each author personal publishing and marketing consultants who provide guidance throughout the process. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, AuthorHouse celebrates over 23 years of service to authors. For more information or to publish a book visit authorhouse.co.uk or call 0-800-014-8641.
Relish Radio Player brings innovation to the heart of being able to access music easily for those living with dementia. Its features enable a truly personalised musical experience which are unique to this device, - Grace Meadows, Campaign Director at Music for Dementia.

UK based Relish, has raised the bar in dementia wellbeing and accessibility with the launch of their newest technology - a personal music device for people living with Alzheimers and dementia. With the launch of Relish Radio, the company takes another step forward in providing research-based products designed specifically for the dementia community that bolsters joy and wellbeing, and helps people adapt their lifestyle to live a full and productive life with dementia.

The impact of music on people with dementia has been well-documented, to such a degree that the NHS is now trialling prescribing music to Alzheimers patients and hospital staff to reduce heart rates, agitation and distress. A recent article from Practical Neurology notes that music can elicit emotions and memories and help provide a link to a persons past. It can promote interconnection with caregivers and others with dementia. Recent findings suggest that musical training delays cognitive decline and promotes brain plasticity in the elderly brain.

For family and carers, there is a universal joy in hearing the quiet singing, humming, and whistling from a loved one with dementia, says Ben Atkinson, President of Relish.

Atkinson draws from his own experiences growing up with a grandfather with dementia which propelled him to start the company over 15 years ago, It is symptomatic of an impulsive expression of contentment, relaxation, and happiness.

Relish Radio enters a space with similar products, though the company chose not rush to market, but rather conduct extensive research as they do with all of their products, Its important to us that we collaborate with experts in the space as well as people living with dementia and caregivers. Their feedback is an integral part of the product development process to ensure were meeting the needs of this particular community, Atkinson continues. Our focus is around joy, making meaningful connections, and improving accessibility to the things that people with dementia love to do. Their voices need to be heard in the process.

Relish Radio also focuses on sound quality and design. The 3-watt speakers bring sound precision and clarity and combine a stylish aesthetic with familiarity and practicality. Relish Radio offers large buttons, contrasting colours, and an easy-to-use control panel. With personalization that can be named to reflect the listeners musical preferences, such as News, Swinging 60s, Afternoon music, Fun, Relaxing music or My favourites, pre-sets make independent listening easier for people living with dementia.

Further well-thought-out design details include a volume knob that will never go to zero, to minimize confusion as to whether the radio is on or not; separate on and off buttons; and buttons with their own unique tones to help the user identify through sound whether they are pressing the right buttons. Offering clear guidance for people living with Alzheimers and dementia, the radio reinforces critical independence skills necessary for wellbeing.

"'Relishs Music & Radio Player' brings innovation and personalisation to the heart of being able to access music easily and simply for those living with dementia. Its simple and beautiful design means the focus is on the enjoyment of music rather than on the technology. Its innovative features enable a truly personalised musical experience which are unique to this device, says Grace Meadows, Campaign Director at Music for Dementia.

Music has proven to be both therapeutic and a powerful resource in helping people live with Alzheimers and dementia. By providing joy through music, Relish advances their mission to improve the wellbeing of those with dementia and their carers throughout the world.

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RELISH

Bringing joy and engagement to people with dementia, and their caregivers, is often overlooked, but critical to overall wellbeing. Relish products are designed and developed recognizing the varying needs of those with dementia, identifying the different stages of dementia, different interests of individuals and different needs  whether that is to bring joy, stimulate the mind, spark memories, install calm, comfort or reassure. Importantly, they keep people with dementia physically, mentally and socially active, all supporting the overall wellbeing of people with dementia.

Relish products are available on http://www.relish-life.com.

Ben Atkinson-Willes, founder and CEO of Relish is available to speak to media.
This is an opportunity for us to reach students and adults who are looking for a career, not just a job to hold them over. We push for high school students to explore career options that dont include a college degree."

The Mahoning Valley in Northeast Ohio is a hub of different trades. Each year, an organization called the Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades hosts the MVST Expo. The event invites adults and students to explore all the trades offered in Mahoning Valley, as well as hands-on displays to show attendees what each trade does on a daily basis. Students were invited to attend on September 22-23 and the general public attended on September 22.

Sam Boak, president and founder of Boak & Sons, Inc., always ensures his company participates in The MVST Expo. As a leading exterior contracting company specializing in roofing, siding, gutters, sheet metal and insulation for both residential and commercial customers, the company has a strong foothold in the Mahoning Valley and has been in operation for over 45 years.

The Mahoning Valley Skilled Trades Expo is one of our favorite events in the area to be involved in, said Boak. This is an opportunity for us to reach students and adults who are looking for a career, not just a job to hold them over. We push for high school students to explore career options that dont include a college degree. With so many participating schools that attend the event, its an incredible opportunity for us to find people with the talent and skills required to excel in this field.

Sam Boak is a strong supporter of education, especially in Mahoning Valley where his business is based. He even endowed a scholarship through Boak & Sons at Youngstown State University for student athletes who are studying business. However, Sam Boaks business is run by the men and women in the skilled trades industry, and he strongly encourages students and adults to look into a career in one of those fields. He also reminds people to explore the trades industry as a career path before they bury themselves in college debt.

Paying for college was already expensive before the COVID-19 pandemic, and were still seeing impacts on the education process today, said Boak. This is a great opportunity to learn a about paid apprenticeship opportunities. Apprenticeships offer a great blend of education and training that can lead to a secure, rewarding career. "Now more than ever, its important to show high school students career options that dont require a college degree. Ohio has a severe need to fill skilled trade positions. By recognizing that need, we can help people find a successful career path by filling those positions.

About Boak & Sons:

Boak & Sons, Inc. was founded by Sam Boak in 1974 as an insulation contractor. With the high energy costs of the 70's, Boak & Sons expanded early on into the roofing business. They offered economical roof installations through cutting edge technology and equipment, allowing customers to recoup even more in energy savings. Today, Boak & Sons is a residential and commercial contractor for roofing, insulation, sheet metal, siding, and gutters. Based in Youngstown, Ohio, the company serves customers in surrounding areas from Cleveland, Akron, and Canton to Cranberry and Pittsburgh. For more information on Boak & Sons, visit their website at: https://www.boakandsons.com/
With preclinical data from over 1,400 clinical samples showing accurate, consistent, rapid, and reliable results, said Dr. Paul Rhodes, CEO of Specific, we believe our system is well-prepared for its US clinical trials.

Specific Diagnostics announces today the commencement of its US clinical studies for the Reveal Rapid AST System for blood infection. Trials will entail 3 months of data collection followed by submission for FDA consideration of 510(k) clearance of the Reveal test.

In Europe, where the Reveal is launched under CE-IVD registration, 11 studies across France and England comprising over 1,400 clinical positive blood culture samples, yielding overall accuracy of 97.6% have been completed, with 4 of these studies now reported by submitted abstracts, complementing the similar results reported by Henry Ford Health System in Detroit.

Reveal determines the susceptibility of blood infections to antimicrobial drugs in an average of 5 hours, allowing same-shift adjustment of treatment, saving lives while reducing costs and improving the utilization of antibiotics.

Reveals CE-marked, low cost, high throughput, broad menu, and small footprint are all suited to wide-spread adoption. Modular system design ensures no single point of failure, 100% uptime, and incremental adoption by hospitals of any size. The unique Reveal Dashboard provides the lab easy-to-use realtime tools to monitor trends of infection and resistance as well as instrument performance.

With preclinical data from over 1,400 clinical samples showing accurate, consistent, rapid, and reliable results, said Dr. Paul Rhodes, CEO of Specific, we believe our system is well-prepared for its US clinical trials, and we look forward to introducing this system to key opinion leaders across the US clinical microbiology community.

About Specific

Specific Diagnostics has developed in vitro diagnostic systems based upon a unique, patented metabolomic signature technology that enables rapid detection and identification of microorganisms as they grow in culture. Its first commercial application applies this fundamental new platform to the rapid determination of antimicrobial susceptibility directly from positive blood cultures, as well as isolate dilutions. Specific is based in Mountain View, CA, with subsidiaries in Ireland, France and the UK.

For press inquiries, please contact: press@specificdx.com
Walt Eilers, Vice President, Civil Programs, Stellar Solutions Stellar Solutions is proud to bring to bear our expertise across the organization to support NASAs partnerships among private and public entities. -- Walt Eilers, VP, Civil Programs, Stellar Solutions

Stellar Solutions, the global aerospace engineering company, has won a NASA 2020 Small Business Industry Award in the category of the Center-Level Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year.

The award recognizes Stellar Solutions work at NASA Headquarters to support the Human Exploration and Operations Mission Directorates Human Landing System (HLS) acquisition and Space Technology Mission Directorates Lunar Surface Innovation Initiative. To accomplish this, Stellar Solutions called upon its technical experts from its areas of specialty  Civil, Defense, Commercial, Intel and International  from across the company and around the world.

In particular, Stellar Solutions drove strategic analysis and acquisition strategies to support NASAs Moon to Mars mission, a sustainable program of exploration with commercial and international partners to send humans farther into space and bring back to Earth new knowledge and opportunities. One recent high-profile project in this mission was the HLS Appendix N awards to Blue Origin, Dynetics, Lockheed Martin, Northup Grumman, and SpaceX for Lunar Lander prototyping and risk reduction.

Stellar Solutions is proud to bring to bear our expertise across the organization to support NASAs partnerships among private and public entities. We are honored to support an historic period of space exploration by managing the many vendors who are developing the technology of the future to align with NASAs architectural standards and continuity, said Walter Eilers, Vice President, Civil Programs, Stellar Solutions.

Stellar Solutions helped devise the solicitation and acquisition mechanism in NASAs NextSTEP partnership model to achieve these strategies. NextSTEP is a procurement program enabling NASA to partner with the industry to develop capabilities that meet NASA human space exploration objectives while also supporting industry commercialization plans.

Stellar Solutions recognition is the culmination of ten years in support of NASA Headquarters mission, including the last three-plus years as a prime contractor.

The company was recognized for providing invaluable solutions in an extremely challenging year complicated by the global pandemic.

As the Stellar Solutions recommendation by NASA read, "Rest assured the first woman and the next man on the moon will owe a piece of their achievement through the hard work and due diligence provided by Stellar Solutions involvement and management of the Human Landing System. Through adversity and an advanced schedule, Stellar Solutions assisted in the management of multiple vendors who are developing the technology of the future. Without their steadfast assistance and attention to detail monitoring schedules, delays and other vendor issues, the future may have remained earthbound."

About the NASA Small Business Awards and Achievement: The NASA Office of Small Business Programs recognizes civil servant and industry achievement in, and in support of, the Agency's Small Business Program each fiscal year. Annually, OSBP issues a call for nominations for the current Fiscal Year for the Small Business Advocates Awards (SBAA) and Small Business Industry Awards (SBIA) programs from the first Monday in August through mid-October. Individuals and/or teams (SBAA) and companies (SBIA) must be nominated by a NASA civil servant through the NASA Vendor Database in order to be eligible for an award. Self-nominations are not accepted. https://osbp.nasa.gov/award.html

About Stellar Solutions, Inc.: Stellar Solutions is a global aerospace and systems engineering services provider to commercial, defense, intelligence, civil and international sectors. Stellar Solutions provides rapid-response capabilities related to global surveillance and cyber-security, space exploration, risk management, and technology optimization. These solutions to clients critical needs involve satellites in space, sensors on Earth, and intricate technology connections across multiple frontiers. With physical operations in California, Colorado, the greater Washington DC area, London and France as well as employees throughout the U.S. and the globe, Stellar Solutions has become a recognized leader in delivering end-to-end critical expertise and problem-solving skills to dozens of significant programs. Stellar Solutions Foundation supports employees community engagement. QuakeFinder, Stellar Solutions humanitarian R&D division, pursues earthquake prediction models. http://www.stellarsolutions.com
After Tennessee phased out their interest and dividends tax in 2016, we saw a spike in domestic migrants favoring that state over Massachusetts. The stakes are even higher with New Hampshire because it is part of Greater Bostons regional economy. - Andrew Mikula, Pioneer Institute

Drawing on migration patterns between Massachusetts and states like Rhode Island and Tennessee, Pioneer Institute is releasing a study showing a direct correlation between personal income tax rates and household domestic migration patterns between 2004 and 2019. The study suggests that instituting a graduated income tax will shrink the tax base and deter talented workers and innovative employers from coming to and staying in the Bay State.

The analysis is timely given that it comes on the heels of a budget amendment in the New Hampshire state legislature that will eliminate the states interest and dividends tax by 2027. The study is the latest part in the Institutes Back to Taxachusetts? white paper series, which analyzes the impacts of a proposed amendment to the Massachusetts constitution that would increase income and long-term capital gains taxes to 9 percent and short-term capital gains to 16 percent for all households and pass-through businesses earning in any year more than $1 million.

After Tennessee phased out their interest and dividends tax in 2016, we saw a spike in domestic migrants favoring The Volunteer State over Massachusetts, said Andrew Mikula, author of A Timely Tax Cut: How New Hampshire Tax Policy Changes Could Worsen the Impact of Massachusetts Graduated Income Tax. The stakes are even higher between Massachusetts and New Hampshire because southern New Hampshire is part of Greater Bostons regional economy.

The new Pioneer study also examines the impact of historical tax policy changes on migration between Massachusetts and other states in the northeast. New York and New Jersey, for example, both have top tax brackets over $1 million with rates far higher than that of Massachusetts. Net migration trends between Massachusetts and New York have increased taxable income in the Bay State by nearly $200 million annually.

Meanwhile, Rhode Islands 2011 tax cut, which dropped the top marginal rate on personal income from 9.9 percent to 5.99 percent, seems to have contributed to a reversal in capital flows later in the decade. While moving from Rhode Island to Massachusetts was more common than the inverse for every year between 2005 and 2015, MA-to-RI moves have outnumbered RI-to-MA moves every year since 2016.

The new paper makes it clear that, by motivating shifts in the flow of taxable income into and out of a state, tax policy has serious implications for the growth of the state budget. Between 2008 and 2020, Connecticuts top marginal income tax rate increased from 5 percent to 6.99 percent, even as Massachusettss top rate decreased from 5.3 to 5.0 percent. Over the same period, the state budget grew by 63 percent in Massachusetts, and just 22 percent in Connecticut.

For the past four decades, Massachusettss economic brand of innovation and stable taxes has made the Bay State the strongest private sector job creator in New England and one of the top performing economies nationwide, said Jim Stergios, Pioneers Executive Director. With state tax coffers awash in federal cash and billions in surplus because of our growing economy, there is no earthly reason to raise taxes and reverse the flow of jobs and wealth. Only ideologues would want to put our healthy economy at risk  now and for generations to come.

About the Author

Andrew Mikula is a former Economic Research Analyst at Pioneer Institute and current candidate for a Masters in Urban Planning at Harvard University.

About Pioneer

Pioneers mission is to develop and communicate dynamic ideas that advance prosperity and a vibrant civic life in Massachusetts and beyond. Pioneers vision of success is a state and nation where our people can prosper and our society thrive because we enjoy world-class options in education, healthcare, transportation and economic opportunity, and where our government is limited, accountable and transparent. Pioneer values an America where our citizenry is well-educated and willing to test our beliefs based on facts and the free exchange of ideas, and committed to liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise.
Syntax, the leading multi-cloud and multi-ERP managed cloud provider for mission-critical applications, has been named a finalist for the 2021 NC TECH Awards in the Cybersecurity category by The North Carolina Technology Association, a non-profit, membership-driven technology organization. Syntax has a major presence in the Raleigh-Durham area of the state with its U.S. headquarters based in Durham.

The NC TECH Awards is North Carolina's only statewide technology awards program that recognizes innovation, growth, and leadership in the technology sector.

Were honored to be recognized by our local community as a leader in cybersecurity, said Ryan Etinson, CEO of Americas at Syntax. The location of our world-class Security Operations Center in North Carolina has granted us access to top talent. The region has provided a growing environment for us to further our goal to protect companies from todays ever-evolving security risks and threats.

Organizations in todays evolving landscape must implement controlled and stable internal processes to quickly respond to security alarms triggered by suspicious. The companys Durham-based Security Operations Center (SOC) provides 24/7 security operations management and support for companies worldwide. Syntaxs SOC helps enterprises overcome the growing shortage and high cost of security talent by continuously monitoring attack vectors and recommending remediation activities and workflow automation for its customers.

Syntaxs Managed Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solution helps prevent advanced security attacks using artificial intelligence and machine-learning security tools. The solution brings protection to the next level by combining malware sandbox analysis, malware search, and threat intelligence in a single offering. In addition, Syntaxs Vulnerability Management Program (VMP) helps enterprise companies prioritize exploitable vulnerabilities and develops remediation plans outlining the exact steps needed to mitigate or remove them from their respective systems. Through its mission-critical applications, various security solutions and product offerings, Syntax provides a holistic and dynamic approach as a leader in cybersecurity.

For over 20 years, NC TECH has celebrated companies, organizations, and individuals for outstanding achievement at the NC TECH Awards, said Brooks Raiford, President and CEO of NC TECH. As a finalist this year, Syntax has distinguished itself as one of the states innovative and emergent leaders.

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About Syntax

Syntax provides comprehensive technology solutions to businesses of all sizes with over 800 customers trusting Syntax with their IT services and ERP needs. Syntax is a leading Managed Cloud Provider for Mission-Critical Enterprise Applications. Syntax has undisputed strength to implement and manage ERP deployments (SAP, Oracle) in a secure, resilient, private, public, or hybrid cloud. With strong technical and functional consulting services, and world-class monitoring and automation, Syntax serves corporations globally across a diverse range of industries and markets. Syntax has offices worldwide, and partners with SAP, Oracle, AWS, Microsoft, IBM, HPE, and other global technology leaders.

About NC TECH

NC TECH is a not-for-profit, membership-driven trade association and the primary voice of the technology industry in North Carolina. NC TECHs mission is to foster growth and champion innovation in North Carolinas tech sector, while providing a voice for the tech community. NC TECHs membership includes 600 member companies, organizations and institutions employing more than 200,000 workers in North Carolina. For more information, visit nctech.org.
A native Orleanian, Pamela Taplin moved to Los Angeles, California where her aspirations became a reality. For her, life as a chef was great, but, she was more. She found her passion in writing. She gave life to Broken But Not Destroyed (published by AuthorHouse in September 2020).

With Mademoiselle it was all about creating something special outta something simple. She would say, Honey Love life sometimes starts off with things that arent all that great. But when you add the better things like a lil honey and a lotta love, you have something thats wonderful and never forgotten. Like you Honey Love.

This is book for everyone. A look at a tradition brought to Louisiana by enslaved Africans. It is fill with inspiration and redemption. You will laugh and cry. A candid look at the society we live in with its secrets and scars. For more details about the book, please visit https://www.authorhouse.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/787846-broken-but-not-destroyed

Broken But Not Destroyed

By Pamela Taplin

Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 88 pages | ISBN 9781728334493

Softcover | 6 x 9in | 88 pages | ISBN 9781728334516

E-Book | 88 pages | ISBN 9781728334509

Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble

About the Author

Pamela Taplin was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, a city filled with tradition, music, dance and great food. With strong women in her family, she was blessed to have a life foundation of faith and strength. She currently resides in Los Angeles, California.

AuthorHouse, an Author Solutions, Inc. self-publishing imprint, is a leading provider of book publishing, marketing, and bookselling services for authors around the globe and offers the industrys only suite of Hollywood book-to-film services. Committed to providing the highest level of customer service, AuthorHouse assigns each author personal publishing and marketing consultants who provide guidance throughout the process. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, AuthorHouse celebrates over 23 years of service to authors. For more information or to publish a book visit authorhouse.com or call 833-262-8899.
Stamford is ideally suited to lead in this current economic phase dominated by data, analytics and AI.

The data science sector is flourishing at UConn Stamfords Technology Incubation Program, TIP Digital, since the facility opened in mid-Febuary 2021. Co-funded by the University of Connecticut (UConn) and StamfordNext, a nonprofit collaborative which makes grants to projects that support local entrepreneurs and innovation, TIP Digital reports a 240 percent increase in the number of data science startups it supports and more than $3 million in additional seed money secured by its startups during its first seven months of operation.

Were thrilled with the significant growth weve achieved in such a short time, Margaret Feeney, director of TIP Digital, said. The program is buzzing with energetic entrepreneurs who are excited to be part of the community we are building. Theyre making exciting progress.

Collectively the 17 TIP Digital start-ups now employ 109 staff (69 full-time; 40 part-time), and 7 are generating revenue.

UConn opened TIP Digital to attract and grow early- to mid-stage data science startups, tapping into Stamfords growing startup ecosystem powered by the universitys world-class research capabilities. Data is truly the raw material feeding just about every business today, Feeney notes. We have merely scratched the surface in terms of the challenges we can solve using data.

Wes Bemus, executive director of StamfordNext, said: TIP Digital is already exceeding our expectations for attracting and propelling the data science industry in Stamford. Its exciting to see our city on the cutting edge of todays Fourth Industrial Revolution in which data is the new oil.

The World Economic Forum describes the Fourth Industrial Revolution as a fusion of technologies that include artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things, 3-D printing, biotechnology and other advances that blur the lines between digital, physical and biological spheres. Its an evolution of the Third Industrial Evolution, known for advances in electronics and digital technology to automate production.

Stamford is ideally suited to lead in this current economic phase dominated by data, analytics and AI, Bemus said. We have local access to highly specialized educational programs, a wealth of companies focused on the data and analytics space (both within and independent of TIP Digital), and a deep pool of experts, organizations and prospective employees that are all too eager to collaborate to inspire new entrepreneurs, ventures, and technologies.

Here are some of the TIP Digital startups that have secured additional funding since February 2021:

FinTron raised $2.5 million and quadrupled its number of users. The startup makes personal finance understandable and accessible for the mobile-first generation through an all-in-one financial management and education app.

Noteworthy AI secured more than $300K from multiple investors, including the TechStars accelerator which recently selected it as one of ten startups to participate in the TechStars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerators 2021 energy and cleantech program. Noteworthy provides real-time, AI-powered asset inspections and inventory analysis solutions for energy distribution grid operators.

futuresTHRIVE, based in Darien, Conn., received $100K from the prototype design fund of Connecticut Innovations (CI), the states strategic venture capital arm. The startup is creating a groundbreaking early intervention mental health screening tool for youth that uses AI and game-based technology to identify and track pediatric mental health concerns. (Note: TIP Digital is a hybrid incubator; while most of its startups are in-house, some like futuresTHRIVE are fully remote.)

Whether, one of TIP Digitals first five startups, raised $100K as part of its acceptance into the 2021 Summer Cohort of Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator, the leading tech accelerator in New York City. Formerly named ACW Analytics (ACW), Whether builds machine learning models that accurately quantify the physical and financial impacts of extreme weather events. Their real-time insights help enterprises prepare intelligently ahead of storms and respond with speed and precision after they hit, leading to faster recoveries and huge productivity benefits.

Wilder Rumpf, CEO of FinTron, said: I have loved every minute of our partnership with TIP Digital. Its management team has done everything in its power to support our growth and development as young entrepreneurs. Be it introductions, speaking engagements or just general advising, TIP is always eager to help, and the TIP community has really shown us the breadth of the incredible tech talent here in CT. I look forward to growing our business in tandem with TIP, and to proving the power of community."

About UConn TIP Digital

TIP Digital, located at the University of Connecticut (UConn) Stamford campus, is the latest expansion of the universitys longstanding Technology Incubation Program (TIP) that supports startups in the state. By blending UConn's world-class research resources, facilities, and business support services with a network of experienced investors and entrepreneurs, TIP helps launch startups ready to transform their respective markets. Its facilities are in three locations: Farmington and Storrs, both bioscience-focused, and most recently in February 2021, Stamford, named TIP Digital for its emphasis on data science and artificial intelligence. Its startups use the promise of machine learning to address persistent problems with novel solutions as well as contribute to Stamfords fast-growing economy by creating jobs and opportunities. TIP Digital is an integral component of the broader UConn Stamford Data Science Initiative, which is receiving $4.2 million in funding, equally provided by the university and the nonprofit collaborative StamfordNext. For more information visit http://www.stamforddatascience.com.

About StamfordNext

StamfordNext is a nonprofit collaborative that invests in the people, technology and expertise in Stamford, CT to propel growth and foster innovation. We operate as a unique source of grant funding for organizations which aim to bolster local entrepreneurs, startups, universities, industry experts, and venture capital. An integral player in the local startup ecosystem, StamfordNext funds projects that create meaningful change for entrepreneurs, densify the linkages between local startup founders, and support the business independence of new ventures. For more information, visit http://www.stamfordnext.org.
Stockton Hyundai offers a wide variety of vehicle options for the Stockton, CA, region drivers to lease

Individuals who are looking to lease a new Hyundai vehicle in Stockton, California area can visit Stockton Hyundai. The dealership offers a wide variety of vehicle options for the Stockton, CA, region drivers to lease. Individuals will find vehicles in all great condition and loaded with the latest technology at the dealership.

Leasing a vehicle has many advantages. The monthly payment for leasing a vehicle is generally lower than the monthly loan payment for a new vehicle. Interested buyers can always change the vehicle, which means they will get a new car every few years. There is no need to worry about the maintenance of a leased vehicle as many new cars offer a base warranty that lasts for at least three years; therefore, most of the repairs may be covered. The drivers who have leased a vehicle will be saved from the hassle of reselling the vehicle, and they simply need to return the vehicle to the dealership.

Interested individuals will find the best deals on new Hyundai vehicles in the Stockton area. The dealership keeps updating their inventory regularly; therefore, we recommend checking their inventory to know all about what they have to offer.

On the official website of Stockton Hyundai, individuals can find what vehicles are in stock that can be leased, how to get the details, and how to customize the vehicles. If any concerns are not answered on the website, the dealership encourages drivers to contact a sales representative from the Stockton Hyundai team. Interested individuals can also drive down to the dealership located at 2979 Auto Center Cir, Stockton, California.
SecureData provided Western Reserve Hospital with a comprehensive and easy to deploy data security solution that met the rigid needs of HIPAA compliance.

Western Reserve Hospital, a community-based healthcare provider in Northwest Ohio, has deployed SecureDatas award-winning FIPS 140-2 Level 3 validated, managed, and secure data storage devices to better secure sensitive patient data that meet strict data handling requirements enforced by the Health Insurance Portability and Privacy Act (HIPAA).

The hospital, which is owned and operated by local physicians and employs nearly 900 doctors, administrators, and support staff, needed a comprehensive data security plan that was flexible, comprehensive, and easy to deploy. Doctors and other staff members needed sensitive data to be portable and accessible to multiple users on-site and in transit when physicians were required to attend to patients at other affiliated health clinics.

Vince Allen, Manager of IT&S Operations for Western Reserve Hospital, chose to implement SecureDrive BT portable external drives and SecureUSB BT flash drives, both with Remote Management, which provides greater levels of security by letting IT administrators centrally control where, when, and by whom BT drives can be accessed. All SecureData BT drives are FIPS-140-2 Level 3 validated and along with its Remote Management are OS/Host Independent allowing them to be used with any equipment and Operating Systems supporting standard USB port.

To help ensure [HIPAA] compliance, we had to enhance our security to make sure that any portable data was encrypted and could be remotely wiped if the device is ever lost or stolen, said Mr. Allen.

All SecureDatas data storage devices with mobile phone/app user authentication, come Remote Management ready, protecting the customers investment. They come with anti-hacking and brute force protection, read-only option, remote wipe, and other security features. Every secure device includes complimentary 1-year [DriveSecurity __title__ DriveSecurity] (by ClevX) for comprehensive drive-based antivirus protection.

Unlike competing remote management solutions, SecureDatas Remote Management console is OS/Host independent and requires no software applications to be preloaded/running on the host. This subscription-based Software as a Service (SaaS) gives IT administrators in the health sector the flexibility they need to strictly enforce security policies. The Remote Management console can control where and when drives can be accessed (geo- and time-fencing), track and manage multiple drives on one account, remotely unlock a drive or reset a password, and remotely wipe a drive if it is stolen or lost.

SecureData provided Western Reserve Hospital with a comprehensive and easy-to-use way to deploy data security solutions that meet the rigorous requirements of HIPAA compliance.

Ive had zero complaints from my users, which are doctors, hospital staff, and my IT team, Mr. Allen said. No additional IT support is necessary after the initial setup.

About SECUREDATA, Inc.

SecureData is a privately held company headquartered in Los Angeles, California. We provide ultra-secure and innovative data security solutions to our partners and customers worldwide through specialized services, software, and products. Our offerings include professional data recovery services, digital forensics, FIPS-validated, and hardware-encrypted portable data storage, data backup solutions, and file repair software. SecureData has built a reputation as a trusted security solutions provider with the highest number of industry-specific certifications proving that our process, facilities, and products exceed industry standards.

For more information, please visit: https://www.securedata.com/

About ClevX, LLC

ClevX is a Seattle-based information security technology company  Your Innovation Partner. It is focused on the Security/Mobility markets where ClevX pioneered its award-winning DATALOCK KP/BT Secured USB and drives (OS-agnostic, hardware encrypted, PIN- or Phone-activated, bootable) and easy-to-use portable software applications for secure drives for personal and business use. ClevX differentiates itself by creating solutions that are simple, clever, and elegant.

For more information, please visit: https://www.clevx.com/

About Western Reserve Hospital

Western Reserve Hospital serves as one of Northeast Ohios most advanced community hospitals, dedicated not only to exceptional patient care and excellence in healthcare services but also to education, community outreach, and the overall wellness of Cuyahoga Falls and the surrounding areas. The hospital, owned and operated by physicians in the community, comprises more than 890 employees, including more than 400 physicians and 220 nurses.

For more information, please visit: https://www.westernreservehospital.org/about-us

SECUREDATA Media Inquiries:

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Request a Free Evaluation: https://www.securedrive.com/support/request-evaluation
For those concerned about growing and securing wealth, the only safe course is to avoid clever deception in the now exposed vulnerabilities revealed in the Pandora Papers. Wise investors will instead place wealth into more secure commodities.

The Pandora Papers leak serves as another reminder of the old saying, time and truth are on the same side. Of course, the public knows that the uber-wealthy direct teams of people to feverish protect their wealth. The public also knows that the 1 percenters do so while wielding power through the political class to tax working populations to fund more power grabs for themselves  and the political class.

The massive leak also reveals that, despite posturing and even charitable giving, greed and hubris transcend cultural, political, race, or religious boundaries.

While the papers exposed the moved assets into cyber vaults previously considered impervious. Groups of journalists throughout the world rocked the confidence of even the best-laid schemes and plans. As hundreds of the worlds wealthiest and most famous people feel the sting of this massive money management disclosure, many question the reality of financial safe havens.

Incredulously, in the wake International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), connecting the files to 35 current and former leaders, and more than 330 politicians and public officials in 91 countries and territories, there remain those who bluster foolish declaratives.

Politicians need to fix the tax system so that everyone pays their fair share, states executive director of Tax Justice UK, Robert Palmer.

While making such a s ridiculous statement, common knowledge (and history) loudly proclaims that any tax system changes made by politicians will only enhance their personal wealth  while penalizing citizens. In their report, ICIJ just provided another 330 reasons on why that axiom holds true. Asking politicians to fix tax loopholes is akin to asking the Louvre to display Hunter Bidens paintings! Although beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder, one can imagine that the customers of Hunter Bidens art might live by the saying, I dont know much about art, but I know what I like  and Hunters buyers appear to like access to power.

As headlines explode with the details of this data dump, Americans serve themselves better by asking penetrating questions about the nature of the wealth  and securing those assets.

People like money  and they want more of it. Acquiring wealth is a good thing  and people work hard and go to great lengths to protect that money and gain greater wealth. Protecting that wealth, however, is a full-time job and requires wisdom and diligence.

The Pandora Papers reveal that the desire to protect that wealth led hundreds to hide finances in offshore accounts and other elaborate schemes. The urge to gain more wealth may even prompt some to buy absurd paintings from the US Presidents son for access to the halls of power. The Pandora Papers reveal previously hidden financial dealings of such notables as Elton John, Tony Blair, Ringo Starr, Claudia Schiffer, and Shakira. It remains unclear if the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists will turn their spotlight towards those (in American and outside the US) buying childish art from a politicians son with the intent of influencing policy regarding taxes and wealth accumulation.

Notwithstanding the disclosure of names from Washingtons political class (yet), America clearly knows that healthy financial security and integrity conversations cannot emanate from the dysfunctional and corrupt halls of power in our nations capital.

While coalitions of investigative journalists target some of the super-rich, Joe Biden intends to unleash the IRS to target a nation. In less than a generation, too many Americans abandoned Keep the government out of our bedrooms and now seem content allowing the government into our wallets. The Pandora Papers invaded the privacy of hundreds of rich and powerful people, the Biden administration seeks to violate privacy for the rest of us.

In todays digital world, secrecy for the wealthy now appears endangered. With hackers, cyber-security, and government intrusion, privacy is second only to time in value.

For those concerned about growing and securing wealth, the only safe course is to avoid clever deception in the now exposed vulnerabilities revealed in the Pandora Papers. Wise investors will instead place wealth into more secure commodities. Tangible assets remain the best path towards financial wealth  and security. Despite the US government foolishly abandoning the gold standard, gold and other precious minerals will most certainly outlast this nation  as it has outlasted countless nations throughout history.
"All three hires are leaders in their unique areas of expertise and will be tremendous assets as we continue to educate our customers in all facets surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion," said Dr. Ebbie Parsons III

Yardstick Management, Americas leading Black-Owned management consulting firm, today announced it has expanded its growing team with three new hires: Monica Miller-Smith, Ed.D. as Global Director of Research and Impact, Odet L. Douglass, J.D. as Executive Search Recruiter, and Keisha Herron as Events Manager. The hires come on the heels of Yardstick Management experiencing significant customer and employee growth. Over the last year, the management consulting firm increased revenue by 166%, grew its employee base by 42%, and impacted over 2,600,000 employees across global corporate, non-profit and educational organizations including, Amazon, Facebook, LinkedIn, Netflix, MIT, Orangetheory, Playboy and more.

Were thrilled to have Monica, Odet and Keisha join our growing and diverse team intentionally representative of minorities across the spectrum, said Dr. Ebbie Parsons III, Founder of Yardstick Management. We feel confident were investing in the right talent, especially as we continue to work with leading Fortune 500 companies in the areas of workplace inclusion and executive search. Monica, Odet and Keisha will undoubtedly help Yardstick Management continue our strong momentum and contribute to our rapid-growth trajectory. All three hires are leaders in their unique areas of expertise and will be tremendous assets as we continue to educate our customers in all facets surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion.

Dr. Monica Miller-Smith brings over 15 years of experience in development and diversity to her role as Global Director of Research and Impact, overseeing Yardstick Managements extensive training programs. Spending the last 14 years instructing courses in Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Connecticut, University of Bridgeport, and Central Michigan University, Dr. Miller-Smith brings unmatched expertise in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion, civic engagement, economic inequality, and experiential learning. Over the course of her professional career, Dr. Miller-Smith has presented at conferences worldwide and previously worked as a diversity, equity, and inclusion specialist in the non-profit and education sectors. In March 2020, she went on to publish her first textbook, Families and Children Living in Poverty, which explores the social, developmental, and environmental ramifications that contribute to the existence of poverty.

As Yardstick Managements Executive Search Recruiter, Odet Douglass provides essential functions to the executive search team and overall management consulting practice. In her role, she will be responsible for identifying, engaging, and securing top level talent and will work closely with clients on their specific hiring needs, through an inclusion lens. Douglass brings over 7 years of experience in HR and legal roles, with a focus on managing multi-faceted business operations. Prior to joining Yardstick, Douglass served as Human Resources Manager for First Touch Logistics Company in Atlanta, Georgia, where she directed all HR functions and employee relations for the startup Amazon Delivery Service Partner. She has also worked as a legal assistant at several law firms, including the nonprofit Georgia Legal Services Program.

Keisha Herron also joins Yardstick Management as Consultant, Events Manager responsible for planning, organizing, and orchestrating all event logistics for the Yardstick Management Institute, which is slated to launch early next year. With over 15 years of experience at corporate organizations such as Nike, GO GROUND, GBI Strategies, and the University of Illinois, Keisha is a marketing, event, and project management professional excelled in brand high-impact marketing and executing events both large and small. Keisha holds a Bachelors Degree in Marketing from Florida A&M University.

The new hires are based in St. Simons Island where the management consulting firm is launching a specialized institute program for senior executives in 2022. Their inaugural event will focus on the theme Leadership & Vulnerability: A Journey of Awareness, Reflection, & Commitment. What was once prominent plantation land will now be home to Yardstick Managements DEI Institute led and operated by marginalized individuals. Miller-Smith and Douglass will each be an integral part in developing speaking opportunities and diversity-focused research for the institute in 2022 and beyond.

ABOUT YARDSTICK MANAGEMENT

Yardstick Management was established in 2012 as a global strategic management consulting firm that provides comprehensive solutions to mission-driven organizations from conception to realization. It has serviced over 65 companies, government agencies, municipalities, and higher education institutions in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. For additional information, visit https://www.yardstickmanagement.com/
During the Follett and Baker & Taylor 2021 Virtual Publisher Summitwhich convened on October 1 via Zoom for a second straight yearexecutives from B&T and parent company Follett offered a market overview of how their businesses have fared during the past year. The discussion skewed heavily toward updates from the Follett School Solutions division, which was recently acquired by equity firm Francisco Partners and which also announced the closing of its traditional book fair operations. Aman Kochar, executive v-p and general manager of Baker & Taylor, told the audience that a second virtual publisher summit spotlighting B&Ts trajectory more specifically is being planned for November, with a date yet to be announced.

The afternoons program additionally included input from public and school librarians on a panel entitled Emerging from a Pandemic: What Will Schools and Libraries Look Like? and a subsequent FSS breakout session addressing FSS content strategies, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funding, and an SEL and diversity analysis tool. (PW will cover these sessions in future articles.)

As the summit kicked off, Britten Follett, CEO of Follett School Solutions Content, moved to address what she called the elephant in the room regarding Follett School Solutions recent difficult and extremely emotional decision to shutter its traditional book fair business, which was launched in 2017. Our customers asked us to get into the book fair business because they were looking for an alternative to Scholastic, she said. What we could never have prepared for was for every school in the country to shut down. Frankly we could not continue to sustain the losses associated with the book fair business for another season. We were at an inflection point where we were going to have to buy more inventory and make additional investments and we were still seeing 5075 fairs canceled each week. Unfortunately, this fall has been anything but a return to normal.

She suggested there could potentially be a different book fair model down the line. We are still exploring what were going to do with eFair [electronic book fair] business, she told publishers. Our hope is to re-enter the market with a refreshed strategy. Based on your input and feedback we hear from our customers about what the future of fundraising can be associated with books, we know that there is a desire to get books into the hands of kids at home. We feel thats where eFairs can fulfill a niche that isnt currently being served well by the providers of content out there.

Britten Follett confirmed that the book fair program was the most significantly impacted of the FSS businesses during the Covid-19 crisis. This time last year our content business was down 70% at the height of the pandemic, she said. That has rebounded, and were now seeing inbound orders at pre-pandemic levels. From a tech standpoint, she added that [software platform] Destiny and our other technology solutions were not really impacted by the pandemic at all. So, we run the gamut in the markets we serve: technology was unaffected, content was affected for a period of time, and book fairs were hugely impacted.

Offering a more general picture she noted, Schools are back in session for the most part, but its changing on a daily basis. The story of uncertainty continues across K12 school market.

On the public library front, Kochar commented that the past year has been a tale of two citiesin certain ways a lot has changed, and in certain ways nothing has changed. He reminded audience members that public libraries have traditionally been one of the institutions that people turn to in times of adversity. Public libraries have been going through this identity reformation for a very long time of what does it mean to be a public library and how do they continue to be a trusted source of information and a pillar of the community, he said. Strategically, nothing has changed because libraries continue to be that resource that people rely upon, Kochar noted. What has changed is the way they access the library, which is sitting at home. Weve noticed a gradual uptick in libraries making not just their e-books available online, but also some of their programing. There is interest in continuing these service that were born out of a necessity during the pandemiccurbside pickups, sidewalk service, grab-and-go packs. They have become a convenience because they do solve a need for the general populace.

After a period where the spend on electronic content was accelerated, Kochar sees more normalized trends in both digital and physical content. Digital sales are up roughly 1520% from pre-pandemic levels, he said. Theres been a general, gradual shift from print to digital that nobody can deny, but I think it has plateaued. Kochar points out that print sales have not fully recovered. At this point, I had expected to be about 810% below pre-pandemic levels, but my print sales are about 6.5%6.7% below pre-pandemic levels. While were not back to pre-pandemic levels the good news is the rate of recovery is much faster. I think a lot of that has do with some ARPA [American Rescue Plan Act] funding, the IMLS [Institute of Museum and Library Services] federal funding that has a two-year year lifespan; and the tax dollars allocated after the stub year. All of those things have contributed to the rate of return to normalcy being accelerated.

In addition to e-book sales being up, Kochar said that e-book circulations are up north of 40%. He believes that the combination of virtual programming and content is leading to increased consumption of both electronic and physical content.

Our entire content business is back to pre-pandemic sales levels, Britten Follett said. E-books obviously surged during the pandemic and have flattened out a bit. We are seeing some delays in orders and Ive talked to many publisher friends who are seeing the same thing. Librarians, teachers, and curriculum directors are delayed in making decisions about this school year. From what weve heard from our customer advisory board as well as well as our sales team, its due to all the chaos in the market right now. Folks are protesting outside schools about masks, arguing about vaccines, quarantining kids on a daily basis. So rather than making a decision about how theyre going to spend their $5,000 library order, theyre trying to sort through how we get through the school year. In her view the pattern is shaping up to be similar to last school year. The orders started coming in late fall into winter, and December ended up being a large surge for us that frankly weve never caught up to, she said.

Whats Normal?

Were as close to normal as we have been in two years, Britten Follett said, reflecting on how FSSs businesses are beginning to emerge from the pandemic. What is becoming part of the new normal is that teachers and students know how to access digital content and they didnt before. For many years the digital library was out of sight out of mind. Now its part of what they do on a daily basis. As an example, she noted that these days a school librarian will likely not be able to get a new book into the hands of a student in a speedy manner due to supply chain issues. But that librarian probably can get the e-book very quickly, Britten Follett said. Its a new normal we all need to be cognizant of as we examine what the new lending models are going to be for e-books. Librarians and teachers want unlimited access to digital content. We need to sort out exactly what that looks like so its mutually beneficial for all of our businesses.

Public libraries are a little shy of being back to normal, Kochar said. Whats very interesting to me is the nimbleness or the fluidity that libraries have gained. They are able to continue to expand hours and services even in the face of the Delta variant. It isnt slowing them down. Over the last year, libraries, like other institutions and industries, created mechanisms, tools, and technologies to cope with the pandemic. Libraries are confident in their abilities that, should things spin out of control again, they have the ability to curb [the disruptions] down as quickly as they can. Id say we are at maybe the 8085% mark of normalcy; the last 15% will be staggered based on regions, state policies.

Navigating Bumps in the Road

Britten Follett named hiring and the supply chain as the biggest challenges her businesses are facing. Moving books through our warehouse has been extremely challenging since last December, she said. We offer sign-on bonuses, attendance bonuses, and referral bonuses; weve raised our base pay, weve changed our incentives in the service center. The problem is we saw a surge of orders in December and that typically would have been a slower time for us. Essentially weve never caught up from the pandemic and at any given time weve had about 150 jobs open in our warehouse and we cannot fill them.

Offering a closer look at workforce needs, she noted, Essentially the funnel of our warehouse is in processingall the labels that our customers require of their order. It takes a couple of months to get a processor up to speed. In addition to hiring and staffing, she pointed to challenges with paper and printer sourcing. We had to source our book fair flyers from multiple printers because they couldnt guarantee they could print volume that we needed, she said. There isnt an area of the supply chain that isnt impacted. One of the things I would challenge all of us to figure out is how can we work together to better educate our customers about the challenges were facing. The reality is prices are going up on things and we cant move things through the warehouse as expeditiously as we might have in a pre-pandemic world. What can we do to get orders to them in a faster manner that is satisfactory to their needs?

 For many years the digital library was out of sight out of mind. Now it's part of what teachers and students do on a daily basis.

Britten Follett 

At a customer advisory board meeting at FSSs McHenry, Ill., offices held last week, every librarian in the audience said they would be willing to process their own books if we provided the entire kit for them, Britten Follett said. Thats not scalable in a 50,000-book order. It might be scalable in a 510 book order. How can we educate our customers that this is going to be a situation that were going to be in for some time? A return to normalcy in our supply chain isnt coming tomorrow.

Kochar noted that B&T faces similar difficulties with hiring and supply chain issues, including shifting transportation and material costs. Getting people in the door and then getting them to work long enough for us to invest in them so they can learn the work and become productive at the highest levelsits a knuckle fight. He thinks the situation will improve when other areas of peoples lives return to normal and they may be more open to working a second job at a service center. We are advising our customers to be patient and to order earlier, he added, noting that B&T maintains biweekly communication with its customers to help them with various aspects of ordering.

The Sale of FSS

Answering a question from the summit audience, Britten Follett shared more details about her business units sale to Francisco Partners. Coming out of the pandemic Follett Corporation realized that with digital at a precipice, FSS was ripe for growth and needed additional investment, she said. We initially sought equity partners to invest in our business and those conversations really turned into how it made the most sense for FSS to separate from Follett Corporation. It was a highly emotional six months going through this process for me as a family member as well as the leader of the business. But I have to say that Francisco Partners is a great owner because they know the business and the K12 space.

One reason that Britten Follett said she is pleased with the new arrangement is that Francisco Partners recognized that we have great brand recognition, were in the majority of K12 schools, and that content and technology work better together. Our content is delivered through our technology and our technology is only as good as the content that were pushing through it. She says that its business as usual, as FSS separates from Follett Corp and becomes an independent business. As were doing that we are focusing on our strategic planning, Britten Follett said. There isnt a day in meeting with my board that growth isnt mentioned. We have to figure out how growth is going to happen. Is it organic? Is it moving into new markets, or is it through mergers and acquisitions? All of those things are on the table for the first time.

Going forward, she told the publishing partners in the audience, Im interested in hearing from all of you. This is a new era for FSS. Just because we havent done something in the past doesnt mean its not on the table today. Come with your ideas. The world has changed since we started this conversation, and all of our businesses are ripe for transformation. As FSS grows, you all benefit.
Abdulrazak Gurnah has won the 2021 Nobel Prize in Literature for his uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents. He is the fifth English-language writer to win the Nobel Prize in the past decade, following Canadian short story writer Alice Munro in 2013, American songwriter Bob Dylan in 2016, Japanese-born English novelist Kazuo Ishiguro in 2017, and American poet Louise Gluck in 2020.

Gurnah, who is based in the U.K. and writes in the English language, was born in 1948 in Zanzibar and arrived in England as an 18-year-old refugee of the 1964 Zanzibar Revolution. (To date, of all African or African-born writers to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, only one, Egyptian Arabic-language writer Naguib Mahfouz, writes primarily in a language other than English.) He taught English and postcolonial literature at the University of Kent in Canterbury, England, until his recent retirement, and is the author of 10 novels: Memory of Departure (1987), Pilgrims Way (1988), Dottie (1990), the Booker and Whitbread prizenominated novel Paradise (1994), Admiring Silence (1996) the Booker Prizenominated By the Sea (2001), Desertion (2005), The Last Gift (2013), Gravel Heart (2017), and Afterlives (2020). In the U.S., his works have been published by Grove/Atlantic, the New Press, Pantheon, and Bloomsbury.

"He has consistently and with great compassion penetrated the effects of colonialism in East Africa and its effects on the lives of uprooted and migrating individuals," Anders Olsson, the Swedish writer and literary critic who serves as the current chair of the Swedish Academys Nobel Prize Committee, said in his remarks following the announcement of the prize. "Gurnah's itinerant characters in England or on the African continent find themselves in the gulf between cultures and continents, between the life left behind and the life to comeconfronting racism and prejudice, but also compelling themselves to silence the truth or reinventing their biography to avoid conflict with reality."

Olsson added: "Gurnah's first language is Swahili, but it was first in England that he began to write literature in the strict sense. English became his literary language, in the tradition of Shakespeare, Herman Melville, Joseph Conrad, or V.S. Naipaul. In Gurnah you will always find another story marked by the voices and individual fates that do not confirm the colonial account of history. His stories are marked by the presence of the Quran, or Arabian Nights, and his English is patched with traces of Swahili, Arabian, Hindi, and German."

When asked by an AP reporter, Olsson denied that the migrant crisis and the rise of the far right in a number of countries in Europe informed the Committee's selection of Gurnah. This is consistent with Olsson's comments on the Academy's stated reasoning on its selection process made in an interview conducted by the New Republic's Alex Shephard earlier this week. Addressing the Committee's controversial decision to award Austrian author Peter Handkewho has been accused of being an apologist for Bosnian Genocidethe 2019 Nobel Prize in Literature, Olsson said: "in the Academy, we have to always [have] literary merit as our ultimate criterion."

Typically, the awarding of a Nobel Prize in Literature results in a boost to sales for the laureate's books and their publishers. But Gurnah's books are not widely available in the U.S. as, despite having been published here consistently, many of them are currently out of print. Sales of foreign literature in America are often small for all but the best-known writers, and Gurnah's work is no exception; according to NPD BookScan, his best-selling book in the U.S., Desertion, has sold under 2,000 copies at outlets that report to the service since the book's 2005 publication.

Given the ongoing issues with the supply chain, publishers will be hard pressed to get new books out quickly. These shortages are affecting even Nobel laureates whose works are widely available in the U.S: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, for example, has pushed back the publication date of Gluck's highly-anticipated forthcoming collection, Winter Recipes from the Collective, from October 20 to October 26 due to ongoing supply chain issues.

Ellen Adler, publisher of the New Press, said that the press is confirming the rights status of two of the three titles by Gurnah it has published, but will go back to print with a third, Paradise, immediately. "For speed we will do digital reprints and we couldn't be more thrilled," Adler said. "Of course supply chain issues don't help matters but our printers and our distributor have been amazing through this period and I am sure they will pull out all the stops in this case and help us get books into the hands of readers as soon as possible."

Rights present another potential issue to getting Gurnah's books published quickly in the U.S. Desertion, which was edited by Erroll McDonaldwho also edited previous Nobel Prize in Literature laureates Toni Morrison and Wole Soyinkawas published in hardcover by Pantheon in 2005 and in paperback by Anchor in 2006. But American rights to the book reverted to the author in 2012, James Meader, executive director of publicity at Vintage/Anchor, said. Grove, which published Gurnah's debut novel, Memory of Departure, in the U.S. in 1988, is "in discussions with his agent, Peter Straus, in London about publishing new editions," said Deb Seager, director of publicity at Grove/Atlantic. (For its part, Bloomsbury U.S. has commissioned trade paperback editions of The Last Gift and Gravel Heart, and is "exploring editions across Gurnahs catalogue as well," senior director of publicity and communications Marie Coolman said.)

Due to the pandemic, the Nobel Prize laureates will not gather in Stockholm in December for the customary ceremony and lectures. Instead, they will be "arranged in their vicinity," a representative of the Nobel Prize Committee said; the ceremony and lecture will be broadcasted. Ceremonies in Stockholm for the 2020 and 2021 laureates will be held on a later date.

This piece has been updated with further information and for clarity.
The American Library Association this week announced that Emily Drabinski and Kelvin Watson will vie for the 2023-24 presidency of the American Library Association (ALA).

Drabinksi is currently interim chief librarian at The Graduate Center, City University of New York (CUNY). Watson, is executive director of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District.

Both candidates bring a wealth of experience and strong records of service to the table.

Among her professional contributions, Drabinski has served as chair of the International Relations Committee (2020-21), and as an ALA councilor-at-large (2018-20), and she is an active member of Core (Core: Leadership, Infrastructure, Futures) and the ACRL (Association of College and Research Libraries), serving as chair of the ACRL Information Literacy Frameworks and Standards Committee (2019-20), and as co-chair of the ACRL Presidents Program Planning Committee (2020-21). She also reviews editor for College & Research Libraries.

Drabinski is also a member of several roundtables: the International Relations Round Table (IRRT), the Library Support Staff Interests Round Table (LSSIRT), the Social Responsibilities Round Table (SRRT), the Sustainability Round Table (SustainRT), and the Ethnic and Multicultural Information Exchange Round Table (EMIERT). And, she is a member of several ALA affiliates as well, including the Black Caucus of ALA (BCALA), REFORMA (The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-speaking), the American Indian Library Association, the Asian Pacific American Librarians Association, and the Chinese American Librarians Association.

In a statement, Drabinksi pledged to steward our shared resources on behalf of all of us who seek a better world, if elected.

 Ballot mailing for the ALA election will begin the second Monday in March on March 14, 2022. 

So many of us find ourselves at the ends of our worlds, Drabinski said. The consequences of decades of unchecked climate change, class war, white supremacy, and imperialism have led us here. If we want a world that includes public goods like the library, we must organize our collective power and wield it. The American Library Association offers us a set of tools that can harness our energies and build those capacities.

Among his professional service, Watson currently co-chairs the ALAs Digital Content Working Group and serves on the ALA Business Advisory Group. He has served on the ALA Committee on Accreditation (2016-2017) and on an ALA Presidential Task Force. He was an ALA Spectrum Scholar (2006), a RUSA Spectrum Intern (2007-2008), and an AASL Member/Spectrum Scholar 2007. And from 2018-2021 he was a Public Library Association (PLA) director-at-large. He is also active in BCALA, serving as fundraising chair (2008-10), budget and finance chair (2010-12), as president (2014-16), and as executive board member (2006-2018).

He also currently serves on the board of the Book Industry Study Group (2018-21), and was recently appointed to the Digital Public Library of America board. He is a candidate for OCLCs Global Council, and is a member of ALAs Standards for Library Services for Incarcerated and Detained Individuals Working Group.

We have always been a melting pot of nationalities, religions, ethnicities and gender identities, but historically, many of these segments have been blocked from realizing their full potential, Watson said, in a statement, adding that demographic change will contibue to put greater pressure on our schools to teach the literacy and tech skills needed to compete in the coming years. All libraries will be called to fill this void, and I know that we can create a plan to address this coming need for new funding sources, exciting LIS educational and support staff opportunities, and new technologies that create efficiencies for ease of discovery and access.

Ballot mailing for the ALA election will begin the second Monday in March on March 14, 2022 and will run through the first Wednesday in April on April 6, 2022.

In addition to the ALA presidency, ALA also announced this week that Peter Hepburn, head librarian at the College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, California, and Oscar Lanza-Galindo, associate dean, Library and Learning Commons, Bunker Hill Community College, Boston, will vie for ALA treasurer for 2022-25.

Hepburn chaired the ALA Budget Analysis and Review Committee (2019-21) and was a member of the Executive Board (2016-2017) and the Finance and Audit Committee (2019-21) and an ALA Councilor at Large (2017-2020). He is currently serving as a member of the Committee on Organization (2021-23). Lanza-Galindo serves on the ALA Council (2020-present) and is a member of the ACRL 2022 Presidents Program Planning Committee.

ALA also announced that 68 candidates are running for 34 at-large seats on the ALA Council.

For more information, members can visit the ALA Election page.
The supply chain issues facing the book business this holiday season and beyond were years in the making and there are no quick fixes, speakers at the webinar Publishing Industry Supply Chain Challenges and Opportunities, presented by PW with support from Westchester Publishing Services on October 6, said.

Matt Baehr, executive director at Book Manufacturers Institute (BMI), kicked off the discussion by pointing to the dozens of paper manufacturers and printers that have closed over the last decade as demand for their productswhich include much more than booksfell. As book sales jumped last year, paper suppliers and printers scrambled to meet demand, but underlying industry issues were exacerbated by the pandemic, Baehr said. In particular, he noted that labor shortages, which existed before the Covid outbreak, have only gotten worse, explaining that even if U.S. printers wanted to put on a third shift to meet demand, they most likely couldnt staff it.

The knowledge that there is a paper and printer crunch has also led to something else that has become a characteristic of the pandemic: panic buying. Since supply has dropped, theres been a little bit of stocking up, or paper hoarding, noted Baehr.

The situation is much the same with overseas printers. In addition to well documented delays in getting books from Chinese and Asian printers into the U.S. due to congestion at ports, container costs have risen fourfold over the last year, Baehr said. Chronicle Books president Tyrell Mahoney further noted that printers and other manufacturers in China are now coping with planned power outages.

Kelly Gallagher, v-p of content acquisition at Ingram Content Group, echoed many of Baehrs concerns. The rising cost in labor has been pretty dramatic, Gallagher said. Weve seen a 30% increase in employee wages. Though undeniably good for employees, this makes it a challenge for companies like Ingram to hire enough staff in a business where the profit margins can already be razor thin, Gallagher said.

Both Gallagher and Baehr also pointed to another area in which there is a labor shortage: truck drivers. That is one factor that has made FedEx announce price increases while also setting capacity limits. Pickups are becoming a bigger and bigger issue, Gallagher noted.

Among the solutions offered, Baehr and Gallagher pointed to using print-on-demand as an insurance policy to prevent hot-selling titles from going out of stock (Ingram owns Lightning Source, the countrys largest POD publisher). Baehr, citing the steady improvement of POD technology, credited the technique with helping to make surprise bestsellers of social justice titles following the surge in demand for those books after the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis Police last year.

But while POD can work for some titles, it is not for everyone. Bill Smith, director of trade publishing and sales for the MIT Press, said that POD isnt yet a possible option for his press. We are known for design rich books and illustrated books, Smith said. These books demand high production standards and for cost purposes we source overseas.

Given the many issues facing the industry, Smith and Mahoney advised publishers to be more flexible with both their on-sale dates and printing schedules. Smith said MIT Press has upped its first printings in some cases to avoid being caught with no inventory, but Mahoney said that Chronicle has not yet taken that step. We dont want to find ourselves overprinting and with overstock problems, Mahoney said.

Mahoney and Smith both said they have moved some on-sale dates, with Mahoney adding that it is possible that some fall titles may be moved to early 2022, noting that any illustrated book Chronicle is publishing that is not already on the water is not likely to be in stores for the holidays. Chronicle has considered seeking additional printers in places outside of China to combat this issue, among others, but, Mahoney stressed, its not something you do quickly or with a lot of immediate confidence.

In moving pub dates, the publishers stressed the importance of communicating the changes not only with accounts, distributors, and the media, but internally as well. It is all about communication, Mahoney said. She added that she did not envision an increase in e-book sales this holiday as a way for consumers to buy unavailable print books; Smith said that MIT has seen healthy growth in e-book sales, but it isnt astronomical.

Distributors and wholesalers have warned their accounts to stock up on titles early in anticipation of a difficult holiday season, and Gallagher said that many stores have already placed orders. Still, Gallagher said, logistical challenges remain, and it may be necessary at some point to ship stores less than a full allotment to ensure all stores have some stock.

The long-term solution in fixing the supply chain in terms of manufacturing, both Baehr and Gallagher agreed, is automation. Automation is a priority for lessening dependence on jobs that have been hard to fill, Gallagher said. Given the lack of capacity, Baehr wasnt entirely confident that U.S. printers could swoop in to help overcome any shortages. Its up to them to decide if they want to pick up any work, said Baehr. In terms of expansion, its all about automation now.

At the end of the day, the panelists agreed that the supply chain issues will continue well into 2022, and costs will continue to increase. And though none of these cost increases have affected the consumer yet, the likelihood is inevitable.

We expect to see some cost increases transferring to the consumer, said Gallagher. All of these costs and labor increases are going to have to land somewhere. But, he noted, hardcovers continue to be a good value, adding: they may even be undervalued.
John Aden is bringing decades of experience with Fortune-500 companies to the Christian publishing industry as he steps into his new role as president and publisher of David C Cook.

Founded in Elgin, Ill. in 1875, David C Cook publishes Christian books and curriculum in over 150 languages, with annual output totaling between 30-40 books per year. The company also focuses on worship resources through its Integrity Music division. Aden started on Sept. 20 after relocating from Bentonville, Ark. to David C Cook's headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo.. He replaces longtime CEO Cris Doornbos, who retired in the spring.

I have done billions of dollars worth of business, all in preparation for whats ahead at David C Cook, Aden says. I step into the role humbly, looking to bring the best of what Ive learned throughout my career to an environment of real opportunity for generating rich content, finding ways to amplify that, and helping people grow closer to God.

Prior to joining David C Cook, Aden worked as a senior executive at Walmart from 2007-2015 in areas including international sales and merchandising. Adens career also includes serving as president of retailer, distributor, and manufacturing company Mac Tools from 2000 to 2007. Before that, Aden worked in operations, marketing, sales, and brand management roles at Frito-Lay.

I left Walmart to pursue some things I am passionate about, and I wasnt actively looking at the Christian publishing arena, but I felt strongly that it is time for people like me to use their skills to serve the church, he says. I want to learn as much as I can about what is unique about the publishing industry, and use what I know has been successful throughout my careerthere are the same business principles across industries that experienced people can leverage and create momentum with.

Aden also felt drawn to David C Cooks heritage, including its founder publishing Sunday school materials for children displaced in the aftermath of the Great Chicago Fire. But he immediately recognizes a pyramid problem in publishing, where only big-name authors reach the top.

Authors have become the brands, and the bigger the author gets the bigger the brand, Aden says, adding that he believes the world is filled with creators of life-changing and inspired content. There is a unique opportunity here that I havent totally discerned yet, to create brands and platforms that lift up great content, rather than just great names.

In this vein, the first rule of business, according to Aden, is growth, and he is seeing new opportunities for innovation and strategic partnerships every day. Looking ahead, Aden is open to adjusting David C Cooks title output as he sees fit. I dont know if 40 is too high or too low, he says. But thousands of people have inspiring, truth-oriented, disciple-building material that needs to be heard.

Today, David C Cook is looking for content creatorswriters and musicianswho are ready to serve the church. The common denominator in everything we do will always be the commitment to church and to the Truth, Aden adds. We are ready to go.
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.  It sounds like a scene from a spy thriller. An attacker gets through the IT defenses of a nuclear power plant and feeds it fake, realistic data, tricking its computer systems and personnel into thinking operations are normal. The attacker then disrupts the function of key plant machinery, causing it to misperform or break down. By the time system operators realize theyve been duped, its too late, with catastrophic results.

The scenario isnt fictional; it happened in 2010, when the Stuxnet virus was used to damage nuclear centrifuges in Iran. And as ransomware and other cyberattacks around the world increase, system operators worry more about these sophisticated false data injection strikes. In the wrong hands, the computer models and data analytics  based on artificial intelligence  that ensure smooth operation of todays electric grids, manufacturing facilities, and power plants could be turned against themselves.

Purdue Universitys Hany Abdel-Khalik has come up with a powerful response: to make the computer models that run these cyberphysical systems both self-aware and self-healing. Using the background noise within these systems data streams, Abdel-Khalik and his students embed invisible, ever-changing, one-time-use signals that turn passive components into active watchers. Even if an attacker is armed with a perfect duplicate of a systems model, any attempt to introduce falsified data will be immediately detected and rejected by the system itself, requiring no human response.

We call it covert cognizance, said Abdel-Khalik, an associate professor of nuclear engineering and researcher with Purdues Center for Education and Research in Information Assurance and Security (CERIAS). Imagine having a bunch of bees hovering around you. Once you move a little bit, the whole network of bees responds, so it has that butterfly effect. Here, if someone sticks their finger in the data, the whole system will know that there was an intrusion, and it will be able to correct the modified data.

Trust through self-awareness

Abdel-Khalik will be the first to say that he is a nuclear engineer, not a computer scientist. But today, critical infrastructure systems in energy, water, and manufacturing all use advanced computational techniques, including machine learning, predictive analytics, and artificial intelligence. Employees use these models to monitor readings from their machinery and verify that they are within normal ranges. From studying the efficiency of reactor systems and how they respond to equipment failures and other disruptions, Abdel-Khalik grew familiar with the digital twins employed by these facilities: duplicate simulations of data-monitoring models that help system operators determine when true errors arise.

But gradually he became interested in intentional, rather than accidental, failures, particularly what could happen when a malicious attacker has a digital twin of their own to work with. Its not a far-fetched situation, as the simulators used to control nuclear reactors and other critical infrastructure can be easily acquired. Theres also the perennial risk that someone inside a system, with access to the control model and its digital twin, could attempt a sneak attack.

Traditionally, your defense is as good as your knowledge of the model. If they know your model pretty well, then your defense can be breached, said Yeni Li, a recent graduate from the group, whose Ph.D. research focused on the detection of such attacks using model-based methods.

Abdel-Khalik said, Any type of system right now that is based on the control looking at information and making a decision is vulnerable to these types of attacks. If you have access to the data, and then you change the information, then whoever's making the decision is going to be basing their decision on fake data.

To thwart this strategy, Abdel-Khalik and Arvind Sundaram, a third-year graduate student in nuclear engineering, found a way to hide signals in the unobservable noise space of the system. Control models juggle thousands of different data variables, but only a fraction of them are actually used in the core calculations that affect the models outputs and predictions. By slightly altering these nonessential variables, their algorithm produces a signal so that individual components of a system can verify the authenticity of the data coming in and react accordingly.

When you have components that are loosely coupled with each other, the system really isn't aware of the other components or even of itself, Sundaram said. It just responds to its inputs. When you're making it self-aware, you build an anomaly detection model within itself. If something is wrong, it needs to not just detect that, but also operate in a way that doesn't respect the malicious input that's come in.

For added security, these signals are generated by the random noise of the system hardware, for example, fluctuations in temperature or power consumption. An attacker holding a digital twin of a facilitys model could not anticipate or re-create these perpetually shifting data signatures, and even someone with internal access would not be able to crack the code.

Anytime you develop a security solution, you can trust it, but you still have to give somebody the keys, Abdel-Khalik said. If that person turns on you, then all bets are off. Here, we're saying that the added perturbations are based on the noise of the system itself. So there's no way I would know what the noise of the system is, even as an insider. It's being recorded automatically and added to the signal.

Though the papers published by the team members so far have focused on using their paradigm in nuclear reactors, the researchers see potential for applications across industries  any system that uses a control loop and sensors, Sundaram said. The same methods could be used also for objectives beyond cybersecurity, such as self-healing anomaly detection that could prevent costly shutdowns, and a new form of cryptography that would enable the secure sharing of data from critical systems with outside researchers.

Cyber gets physical

As nuclear engineers, Abdel-Khalik and Sundaram benefit from the expertise and resources of CERIAS to find entry points into the worlds of cybersecurity and computer science. Abdel-Khalik credits Elisa Bertino, the Samuel D. Conte Professor of Computer Science and CERIAS research director, with the original spark that led to creating the covert cognizance algorithm, and thanks the center for exposing him to new partnerships and opportunities.

Founded in 1998, CERIAS is one of the oldest and largest research centers in the world concentrating on cybersecurity. Its mission, says managing director Joel Rasmus, has always been interdisciplinary, and today the center works with researchers from 18 departments and eight colleges at Purdue. Abdel-Khaliks research is a perfect example of this diverse network.

When most people think about cybersecurity, they only think about computer science, Rasmus said. Here's a nuclear engineering faculty member who's doing unbelievably great cyber and cyberphysical security work. We've been able to link him with computer scientists at Purdue who understand this problem, but yet don't understand anything about nuclear engineering or the power grid, so they're able to collaborate with him.

Abdel-Khalik and Sundaram have begun to explore the commercial possibilities of covert cognizance through a startup company. That startup, Covert Defenses LLC, has recently engaged with Entanglement Inc., an early-stage deep tech company, to develop a go-to-market strategy.

In parallel, the team will be working to develop a software toolkit that can be integrated with the cyberphysical test beds at CERIAS and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, where sensors and actuators coupled to software provide a simulation of large-scale industrial systems.

We can provide additional applications for the technologies that hes developing, since this is an idea that can help nearly every cyberphysical domain, such as advanced manufacturing or transportation, Rasmus said. We want to make sure that the research that we're doing actually helps move the world forward, that it helps solve actual real-world problems.

Cybersecurity is a critical topic under Purdues Next Moves, the ongoing strategic initiatives that will advance the universitys competitive advantage. Purdues cybersecurity research and educational initiatives are centered under CERIAS, which includes 135 affiliated faculty members.

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a top public research institution developing practical solutions to todays toughest challenges. Ranked in each of the last four years as one of the 10 Most Innovative universities 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 https://purdue.edu/.

Media contact: Kayla Wiles, 765-494-2432, wiles5@purdue.edu

Writer: Rob Mitchum

Source: Hany Abdel-Khalik, abdelkhalik@purdue.edu
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New York City, NY (11385)

Today

Sunny to partly cloudy. High 66F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

A steady rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low 43F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
Natural gas has provided certainty and energy accessibility to European consumers for decades, and today it is paving the way for new low-carbon technologies. While natural gas represents 20 percent of the EUs energy mix, 70 percent of it is imported. Gas is responsible for significant infrastructure and trade in Europe, including several LNG import terminals strategically located in multiple entry points, as well as the controversial Nord Stream pipeline shared with Russia.

Europes current challenge to secure more natural gas is pushing the EU to rethink its partners in order to cost effectively advance its low carbon energy policy. The EUs current supply strategy has come at a very high cost, both for consumers and ironically, the environment. Protests due to high prices in the UK and European and rumors of potential blackouts as winter approaches beg for a quick but effective solution.

The clear solution? Texas LNG. LNG from the Lonestar state provides a solution that rises to meet Europes challenge: natural gas that is both price competitive and has a lower carbon intensity than gas produced elsewhere.

From a cost competitive perspective, U.S. shale gas is the main driver of global gas consumption, with the capacity to easily increase output and export volumes. The Lone Star State is responsible for one-fourth of the nations total natural gas production in the U.S., and its recently added LNG infrastructure has helped the country position itself as the third largest LNG exporter worldwide in just a couple of years.

In fact, Texas export capacity has significantly increased over the last six years thanks to both Chenieres Corpus Christi and Freeport LNG terminals, which represent more than one-third of the countrys total LNG exports. Additionally, two more LNG export facilities are under construction and at least six other LNG export terminals have been sanctioned, elevating the states position as one of the most reliable natural gas suppliers. Russian gas producers have already admitted they wont be able to supply Europes urgent gas demand in the short term, making Texas LNG the reliable option.

When it comes to emissions and maintaining a low carbon intensity, Texas LNG also has a competitive advantage compared to its peers. In fact, when considering LNGs lifecycle carbon footprint  in other words, counting emissions from the extraction, production, liquefaction and shipping process all the way to Europe  U.S. LNG is less carbon intensive than Russian gas piped across the border or LNG options from the Middle East.

Texas LNGs competitiveness in the energy transition is only expected to increase as our states producers continue certifying their extractions as low carbon and deploy more resources into responsible natural gas sourcing. These efforts include broad industry commitments to reduce flaring by more than 50 percent. Choosing Texas LNG over other suppliers is a no brainer for Europe, especially considering the blocs ambitious climate agenda.

Europes struggle to access affordable, reliable, and clean energy is not a novelty. But this time, the EU has a clear choice to adequately meet its gas needs without compromising consumers or the climate. By choosing Russian or other high carbon intensive sources, Europe is missing a big opportunity in securing reliable and affordable gas supply. Why not let Texas LNG save the day?

Ed Longanecker is president of the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association.
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 10/06/2021



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Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade.

villain Chris Conran , who brutally dumped Jessenia Cruz for newcomer Alana Milne on the summer spinoff, is now officially dating Alana in the real world!Following Tuesday night's seventh-season finale of , Alana posted a photo of herself kissing Chris on her Instagram Story at what appeared to be a party."Paradise is wherever I'm with you," Alana, 27, wrote alongside a heart emoji on the image, which featured both individuals holding a beer or cocktail.Chris shared Alana's post on his own Instagram Stories and proudly added, "3 months of no cameras or producers."Chris also wrote on a different picture how he's "waiting for a double date" with Abigail Heringer and Noah Erb . The picture showed Chris posing alongside Noah, Abigail and fellow star Ivan Hall On an early September episode of , Chris and Jessenia had become one of the strongest couples on the beach in Mexico, but once Alana showed up to an invite-only VIP party hosted by Tituss Burgess , Chris kissed her right away and proceeded to make out with her on the dance floor right in front of Jessenia.After Jessenia left the VIP party early, alone and brokenhearted, Alana joined the Paradise cast the next day and asked Chris out on a date, and he said "yes" without hesitation.From there on out, Chris and Alana were inseparable and all about each other, and so the couple was accused of having a pre-show relationship and strategy for the Paradise process, similar to how Brendan Morais had dated Natasha Parker until his genuine romantic interest, Pieper James , arrived.Jessenia told the cameras Alana had once "thrown herself" on Chris at a friendly gathering in San Diego, CA, which "wasn't a good look" and it appeared Chris had been waiting for her to enter Paradise the entire time.Once Chris and Alana coupled up in Paradise, Joe Amabile and Riley Christian rushed to Jessenia's defense and led an attack on Chris in which they scolded him for wanting "clout" and being "dishonorable."Chris was essentially forced or kicked out of Paradise, which resulted in Alana leaving the show as well since she knew the environment had become a toxic place for her. Alana, however, decided not to leave with Chris since they had no time to really get to know each other and form a solid foundation.Jessenia told Chris to f-ck himself, follow his heart, and "get the f-ck out of Paradise," and Riley and Joe agreed that was the right decision to make.When Alana asked the group if anyone wanted to know what she thought of the situation prior to her own exit, Jessenia, Joe and Riley clapped back, "No!"Chris apologized for hurting Jessenia in a lengthy Instagram apology after the unflattering footage aired, but he also felt wronged by his Season 7 co-stars."I take complete accountability for my blatant disrespect towards Jessenia, and handling the situation poorly," Chris wrote in early September, adding, "My past behavior is not a reflection of who I am or who I want to be, and it was never my intention to maliciously or purposefully hurt anyone on the show."After pointing out how he had been working on his relationship and communication skills, Chris confirmed he was "by no means in a relationship" with Alana prior to filming the show."I hung out with both Alana and Jessenia in a group setting," Chris explained at the time. "I met both of them, and had the same preshow relationship prior to Paradise. Flirty, and excited to potentially see them on Paradise."Chris asked people to stop attacking and harassing Alana, and despite having made some mistakes, he went on to stand up for himself."The hateful messages I'm receiving aren't fun, and the way I was attacked and pushed out of Paradise sucked. It reminded me of getting ganged up on in high school by the 'cook kids,'" Chris wrote."I understand I was low hanging fruit since I'm not a fan favorite, but it also takes a huge level of disrespect for grown men to shut a woman down when she's trying to use her voice. You two know she deserves an apology. We cannot have a culture where we silence women on this show.""All in all, I was not in a relationship prior to the show. I arrived single, and left single. Don't compare me to Brendan and Pieper, because it is not the same. I was disrespectful to Jessenia, and should have carried myself better," he added.Chris said "sorry" again for his actions but admitted, "I do not regret following my heart" on -- and his heart clearly led him to Alana once he returned home.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Join our The Bachelor Facebook Group
Traverse City, MI (49684)

Today

Light snow this morning will give way to snow showers this afternoon. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of snow 60%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low near 30F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.
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 decreased by about half at the University of Georgia from last week, according to the universitys reporting system, sitting at the lowest case number since classes began this semester. UGA reported 47 new cases over the week of Sept. 27-Oct. 3, a decrease from the 95 cases during the week of Sept. 20-26. The surveillance testing positivity rate was about 1.07% for this week.

Nine of the positive tests  about 19.15%  were conducted at the University Health Center. There were nine positive tests through surveillance testing, six positive tests in Athens and 23 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 47.

A press release from the Georgia Department of Public Health said that COVID-19 cases totals from Oct. 6 are artificially low due to technical issues  approximately 2,500 additional cases across Georgia should have been reported.

On Sept. 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.

The FDAs outside panel of advisors will meet Oct. 14-15 to evaluate Johnson & Johnson and Moderna booster shot data, according to a news release. Its the first stage in a review procedure that also requires approval from the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions leadership. Americans might start receiving J&J and Moderna boosters later this month if both authorities give their approval.

Georgias hospitals have about 12% of their intensive care unit beds left for sick patients. From Sept. 26-Oct. 2, about 99.28% of COVID-19 cases in the southeastern U.S. were delta variant cases, according to the CDC.

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.

The U.S. Office of Management and Budget issued new guidelines on Monday afternoon, ahead of the Nov. 22 deadline for certain workers to be completely vaccinated under President Joe Bidens vaccine mandate, listing specific medical circumstances that would justify an exemption, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Workers must have their first vaccination within two weeks after an exemption request being refused or a medical issue being resolved, according to the rules. They also state that if federal authorities conclude that no alternative safety approach is acceptable, they may reject medical or religious exemptions.

Data breakdown: University of Georgia

The university conducted 843 surveillance tests during the week of Sept. 27-Oct. 1, a decrease compared to the 1,158 tests last week. With fewer tests occurring, fewer cases are able to be detected.

Of the total positive cases this week, 14 of them belonged to employees and 33 belonged to students.

For the week of Sept. 27-Oct. 3, the UHC administered 530 vaccines, an increase from the 275 administered last week. Cumulatively, the UHC has fully vaccinated 14,583 people as of Oct. 6.

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

A press release from the DPH media advisory stated that COVID-19 cases totals from Oct. 6 are artificially low due to technical issues. Approximately 2,500 additional cases across Georgia should have been reported. Hospitalization and death totals were not affected.

Some of these uncounted cases may have been from Athens-Clarke County, so the case numbers below may be incomplete.

According to the current, incomplete data, from Oct. 1-6, the county reported 123 new confirmed cases, compared to 192 from Sept. 25-30, according to the Georgia DPH. The countys seven-day average positivity rate was 8.7%. The World Health Organization recommends communities maintain a positivity rate below 5%.

This week, ACC reported one confirmed COVID-19 death.

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 Oct. 6, there were 181 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, compared to 157 on Sept. 30.

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.

According to the current, incomplete data, Georgia reported 15,968 confirmed COVID-19 cases between Oct. 1-6, putting the actual total around 18,468. This is a decrease of about 3,200 from the 21,744 cases between Sept. 25-30. The states seven-day average positivity rate decreased to 8.4% on Oct. 6, according to current data.

The number of confirmed deaths in the state increased  Georgia recorded 595 confirmed COVID-19 deaths between Oct. 1-6 compared to the 530 between Sept. 25-30.

According to the DPH, about 5 million Georgians have been fully vaccinated, or about 48% of the state. In comparison, the U.S. has a current full vaccination rate of 55%. Approximately 5.7 million Georgians, or 55% 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.
Greenville, NC (27833)

Today

Sunshine to start, then a few afternoon clouds. High 78F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy with light rain this evening. Low 46F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Brattleboro, VT (05301)

Today

Partly cloudy this morning. Increasing clouds with periods of showers this afternoon. High 61F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

Tonight

Steady light rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low 33F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%.
Beckley, WV (25801)

Today

Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain for the afternoon. Morning high of 63F with temps falling sharply to near 40. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. A shower of rain or wet snow possible. Low 26F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.
Dogs are allowed at Compo Beach in Westport through March 31, 2022. The information went into effect Oct. 1.

Dogs are prohibited from the pavilion, playground and walkways at the beach, according to the animal control enforcement, and leash restriction in the town. All dogs must be leashed in all areas of the park in the beach, except in the designated off leash area of the beach, South of the Pavilion, including the South Beach at the Compo Beach in Westport. Off leash regulations are posted at the entrance to the off leash area of the beach park.

People are required by law to pick up their dogs feces. Violation of the above regulations is subject to a $77 fine.

Westport Library presenting professor, author

The Westport Library is hosting Professor Lewis A. Grossman, and a discussion about his new book titled Choose Your Medicine: Freedom of Therapeutic Choice in America, at 7 p.m., Oct. 12.

Grossman is a professor of law, and an affiliate professor of history at the American University in Washington, D.C. He has previously been a law, and public affairs fellow at Princeton University in Princeton, N.J., and a visiting professor at the Cornell University Law School in Ithaca, N.Y.

Register for a seat in the librarys Trefz Forum, or to watch the event from home, and purchase a signed copy of the book at the website for the event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lewis-a-grossman-on-choose-your-medicine-tickets-166531637611. The library is located at 20 Jesup Road in Westport. Grossman is also a graduate of the Westport Public School district.

Debate interactive, moderated

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, and the Westport Library are having an interactive, and moderated debate for the community at noon, Oct. 12, for the 2021 election season. The event will take place live in the library at 20 Jesup Road in Westport.

A limited number of free tickets were available beginning at 10 a.m. Oct. 5 for people who would like to watch the debate in person, and in a socially distant manner. All attendees must remain masked as per the towns mask mandate for people to wear masks amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The debate will be televised live on the towns public access television station Channel 79. People will also be able to watch the debate via a livestream on the Vimeo video social media platform. The debate will also be recorded, and archived for later viewing.

Both First and Second Selectman candidates from all running political parties  Republicans Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore, Democrats Jonathan Steinberg and Candice Savin, and independents TJ Elgin and Louis DOnofrio  will be attending, and have agreed to the format for the debate. The chambers executive director Matthew Mandell will be the moderator of the debate.

Visit the chambers website for the debate at www.westportwestonchamber.com/debate2021 for further information about the tickets, and the livetreaming.

Concert to benefit CLASP Homes

The Fairfield Theatre Company is hosting a concert of Motown and soul music to benefit CLASP Homes, featuring the philanthropic organization Band Central on Oct. 15.

A pre-party will be at 6:30 p.m., with doors opening for the concert at 7 p.m. and the concert starting at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $40, and include access to the pre-party in the foyer and the art gallery of the theater, where art and ceramic work from CLASP residents will be displayed. Lite bites of food will be served from businesses including, Little Pub and Cafe Transilvania.

Purchase tickets at fairfieldtheatre.org, or by calling 203-319-1404.

CLASP Homes of Westport, is a local non-profit organization that serves men and women with autism and intellectual disabilities. The organization provides care, support, and inspiration to 85 residents, who are living in its group homes throughout Fairfield County, along with enrichment programming at the Daniel E. Offutt Arts and Education Community Center in Bridgeport.

Visit clasphomes.org for more information. Also visit fairfieldtheatre.org for the latest information about the venues COVID-19 policy regarding entry requirements.

We Do Walkways Program offering senior citizens help

The Westport Department of Human Services Commission for Senior Services is offering senior citizens a list of middle and high school students, who are willing to help the citizens with outdoor tasks as part of the departments We Do Walkways Program for its Fall/Winter Cleanup informal event. There is a suggested fee for the work of $10 per hour.

Students who are interested in helping a senior citizen in need, and earning extra money, can contact the department at 203-341-1050, or email humansrv@westportct.gov. Written permission from a parent, or guardian for each of the students is necessary. Senior citizens, who need assistance can also contact the department at 203-341-1050.
TORRINGTON  Their names were read aloud.

The names of people who were allegedly killed by a family member, spouse or partner during the last year were read, one by one, as guests at the Susan B. Anthony Projects annual vigil honoring survivors and victims of domestic violence came to the podium.

After the readings, each person lit a candle until the entire group stood quietly as others were invited to speak out and tell their story of survival. Men and women gathered late Wednesday for the vigil.

The event was held at Coe Memorial Park, where members of Susan B. Anthony Project distributed information on its programs. A collection of 47 little pairs of childrens shoes were displayed on the steps of the civic center, representing the 47 children who stayed in the agencys shelter during the last year.

The shoes are a way for people to recognize what domestic violence does to a family, said Jeanne Fusco, executive director.

The first speaker shared their experience with their spouse, who they are divorcing, and described physical abuse. The speaker described the challenges of enforcing restraining orders, working with the court system to be treated fairly, and the emotional toll it takes . The second speaker talked of a friends experience, and said, not everyone gets a second chance.

According to SBAP, Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the Day of Unity, first celebrated in October 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The goal was threefold: to mourn victims of domestic violence, to celebrate survivors of domestic violence, and to connect those who work to end domestic violence. The themes remain the focus of Domestic Violence Awareness Month events. In 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed. That year, the first national toll-free domestic violence hotline was started.

Fusco recognized members of the Torrington Police Department: Officer Robert Simon and Sgt. Brandon Kelly. Kelly is the departments liaison with SBAP and works with other officers, teaching them how to work with victims of domestic violence, to get them the help they need. Simon, who leads the departments community policing team, has been instrumental in connecting with people in need, Fusco said.

Anthony Roldan was honored for his work with SBAP clients, helping them find safe housing. Navigating the system (for assistance) can be difficult, and Anthony has been instrumental in that process, Fusco said.

Heather Rems Korwin, owner of Sanctuary Power Yoga, was honored for leading yoga classes for the agencys clients, and KidsPlay Childrens Museum received a certificate of thanks for opening the building to families, giving children a place to play and parents a little break.

Just being able to let your kids play and to relax, take a breath, take a minute, can really help, said Eileen Mariott, executive director of KidsPlay. Were happy to do whatever we can to help.

SBAPs Clothesline Project is now on display at the Harwinton Public Library, Torrington Public Library, and outside the Goulet Building at Northwestern Connecticut Community College in Winsted, featuring T-shirts designed by domestic violence survivors and their supporters, to raise awareness of the pervasive problem of domestic violence in the community.

The agency also will hold a campaign this month, Kisses for Cops and Hugs for Healthcare, to thank area law enforcement and healthcare workers who are on the frontline of assisting victims, and helping to prevent and end domestic violence. The events are co-sponsored by SBAP Prevention, Education and Outreach sponsor, Charlotte Hungerford Hospital, and the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Founded in 1983, Susan B. Anthony Project promotes safety, healing and growth for survivors of domestic and sexual abuse, and advocates for the autonomy of women and the end of interpersonal violence. SBAP provides 24/7/365 crisis and support services, as well as education and prevention programs, free, to two cities and 18 towns in Northwest Connecticut, including a 24-hour crisis hotline, emergency shelter, transitional living services, court and medical advocacy, individual counseling, and support groups.

For more information about services and programs, visit www.sbaproject.org, or call 860-489-3798. The 24-hour crisis line is 860-482-7133.
Pottsville, PA (17901)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will give way to cloudy skies and rain during the afternoon. High 64F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Rain ending early. Clearing overnight. Low 33F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.
India got its 31st unicorn on October 7 when Rebel Foods raised $175 million in a Series F round led by Qatar Investment Authority (QIA). Rebel Foods, which is the world's largest internet restaurant company, has increased its valuation to a staggering $1.4 billion. Meanwhile, the valuation was $800 million last year.

Rebel Foods is the first business in India that has become a unicorn in the cloud kitchen space. A cloud kitchen is a segment that offers a dine-in facility and accepts orders only via an online ordering system. Until the latest round of fundraising, Rebel Foods had raised a total of $342.3 million from various investors that included the likes of Goldman Sachs, Sequoia, Coatue Management and Indonesian ride-hailing company Go-Jek.

Rebel Foods planning an IPO within two years

According to PTI, Rebel Foods Chief Financial Officer Piyush Kakkad said that his team were excited about becoming the next unicorn, but insisted it was important for them to continue 'improving customer experience the Rebel way. Speaking of how the funding will be utilized, Kakkad said that they would reinvest it in building their technology and increasing their global presence. The CFO also added that the firm is working towards launching an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in the next 18-24 months.

Rebel Foods' competitors

While Rebel Foods has various competitors around the world, it only competes with Ola Foods in India. Ola Foods is the food business arm of Ola, which is expanding its network of cloud kitchens to increase customers. When it comes to universal competition, Rebel Foods competes with food delivery firms such as DoorDash, Uber Eats and Deliveroo, which have also entered the cloud kitchen space.

Rebel Foods' worldwide presence

Rebel Foods, which was founded in 2011 by INSEAD alumni Jaydeep Barman and Kallol Banerjee, operate the largest amount of internet restaurants in the world. The company is known for brands such as Faasos and Behrouz Biryani and has built over 45 brands across 10 nations: India, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Philippines and Bangladesh. In total, it operates over 4,000 internet restaurants. Moreover, the company operates over 450 kitchens around the world in more than 60 cities and 10 countries.
After two school teachers were shot dead by terrorists on Thursday in a horrific attack in Jammu and Kashmir, the kin of one of the deceased teachers, Deepak Chand, said that the situation in the valley is very tensed and asked for the government's support to monitor the situation.

A relative of Deepak Chand, named Vicky, said that the family is still receiving threat calls and living in the valley has become difficult for the family.

He was quoted by ANI saying, "We are still receiving threat calls. Kashmir is not heaven, it's hell. We're are being targeted for the last 30 years."

He added, "I reached here as his family members contacted me. I feel bad that such an incident took place in Kashmir valley. Chand's phone has been captured by the terrorists. We are unable to trace the phone. These terrorists who attacked him are against the government here. The situation is tensed and the militants are surely trying to hamper the peace."

Ajay, another relative of Chand, also expressed grief over his killing and said, "I am deeply saddened to know what happened today. Chand was a respectful man. I tried to call his official mobile number. It was unreachable. A few family members had called up and they conveyed to me that the terrorists had picked up the call and threatened to kill them. The situation in the valley is very tensed. I urge the government to support us in this matter."

Two teachers killed in terrorist attack in Srinagar

Two school teachers were shot dead by terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. The terrorist attack took place in Eidgah Sangam, a downtown area of Srinagar where the two teachers were dragged from the classroom and shot dead by the terrorists. Both the teachers, Satinder Kaur and Deepak Chand were both residents of Allochi Bagh.

They were killed two days after terrorists had killed three other civilians, including a prominent Kashmiri Pandit. Following the attack, the Jammu and Kashmir Police along with the CRPF are also reaching the spot of the terrorist attack. This comes as another terror attack in recent days. The Resistance Front (TRF), an offshoot of Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba too has threatened and warned that minorities and other locals will be targeted.

(With ANI Inputs)
In a significant development, the Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday stated that there may be a prompt solution to the travel restrictions imposed between India and the United Kingdom.

Addressing media persons, Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that the matter was discussed with officials at different levels. "We took it up with UK authorities at various levels but without success, that's why October 4 onwards we have applied reciprocal measures for all UK nationals arriving in India, so that's in effect, discussions are ongoing, nonetheless, we remain hopeful that some solution may emerge," Bagchi said.

India's reciprocal measure against UK's travel rule

Notably, India has adopted a give-and-take approach against the UK's new international travel guidelines which India has noted as 'discriminatory.'

The new travel rules approved by the United Kingdom government make it compulsory for a 10-day long quarantine and RT-PCR test even for fully vaccinated Indian nationals travelling to the UK. Infuriated by the UK move, India in response has forced reciprocal rules for UK nationals travelling to India since October 04.

"I don't want to get into details what leverage they (UK) have but we are hopeful some solution may emerge meanwhile since we haven't reached solution reciprocity in place," MEA Spokesperson, Bagchi said.

The UK had approved Covishield for the incoming passengers' list but despite that restrictions were imposed on Indian commuters. The UK had earlier maintained that it had no issues with the formulation of the Covishield COVID vaccine but has doubts about Covaxin.

India-UK engage in talks to 'ease' travel

India and UK have engaged at multiple levels to come to an early solution to the travel row, reported ANI.

A British High Commission spokesperson said, "The UK is continuing to work on expanding the policy to countries and territories across the globe in a phased approach. We are continuing to engage with the Government of India on technical cooperation to expand UK recognition of vaccine certification to people vaccinated by a relevant public health body in India."

"The UK is open to travel and we are already seeing a lot of people going from India to the UK, be it tourists, business people, or students. Over 62,500 student visas have been issued in the year ending June 2021, which is an increase of almost 30 per cent as compared to the previous year. We want to make the process of traveling as easy as possible," the spokesperson added.

Meanwhile, the UK governments travel advisory warning against "all but essential travel" on public health grounds was updated on Wednesday to lift COVID-19 related restrictions for 32 countries, including Bangladesh and Malaysia. India was not among the countries covered by this complete travel ban, which impacts travelers ability to access travel insurance.

Inputs: ANI

Image: PTI
The Union government of India on Thursday permitted the supply of vaccine doses to various countries including Iran, Nepal, Myanmar & Bangladesh under the countrys push for Vaccine Maitri. The decision comes after the government permitted the export of the vaccine after halting it for several months.

Govt permits export of Covaxin & Covishield doses

Sources privy with the matter apprised that the Centre had approved the export of 10 lakh vaccine doses of Bharat Biotechs Covaxin to Iran and export of 10 lakh doses each of Serum Institutes Covishield to Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh. The decision comes after the Centre had earlier declared to extend its support to the world for vaccine equity, as the country is continuing to record vaccination in record numbers domestically.

Two weeks ago, Nepals envoy to India said that Nepal was looking forward to expanding its vaccination program and was waiting to receive the vaccines made in India. Expecting a larger consignment of the vaccines, Nepal's envoy to India Nilamber Acharya said on Sept 22 that Nepal had placed an order of 2 million vaccines with Pune-based pharmaceutical company Serum Institute of India.

To bolster Indias commitment towards global vaccine equity, Covishield vaccine producer, Serum Institute of India has asserted its support for Indias decision of re-opening the COVID vaccine export. On September 22, the worlds largest vaccine manufacturer has announced that it will be able to supply over 22 crore doses of Covishield in the coming month.

As per a PTI report, the SII has apprised the Central government that the firm has enhanced its production capacity of Covishield and it will be able to supply 21.90 crore doses in October to the Government of India and private hospitals. The pharma company has increased its manufacturing capacity several folds and is now capable of producing more than 20 crore doses per month.

Vaccine Maitri Initiative

Vaccine Maitri is a humanitarian initiative undertaken by the Indian Government to provide COVID vaccines to countries around the world. The initiative commenced on January 20, 2021. As of May 9, 2021, India had shipped around 66.3 million vaccines. Of these, over 10 million doses were gifted to 47 nations by the Government.

India crosses 92.63 crore vaccination mark

India's COVID-19 vaccination coverage has reached 92.63 crores, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, after 43,09,525 vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hours. As of 7 a.m. on Thursday, 92,63,68,608 vaccine doses had been administered during 90,14,182 sessions.

Image: PTI/ Twitter
Pinterest, the American image sharing and social media firm, is launching new features for brands and advertisers to use on the platform. Using these features, potential advertisers will be able to promote their products in a better manner to users on the platform. The company is doing so in order to improve the online advertising and shopping experience on its platform. Keep reading to know more about the new features.

Along with the launch of new features, Pinterest is trying to compete with other social media platforms that are developing comprehensive online shopping tools. Snapchat, Facebook, TikTok and even YouTube have pushed certain features that facilitate the process of buying products from these platforms themselves. Since Pinterest has an active user base of more than 450 million monthly users, pushing the online shopping tools for the platform will benefit its overall revenue.

Pinterest new advertising features include slideshow for collection, partnership with creators

Slideshow for collection

A new feature called slideshow for collection can take products from catalogues and convert them into an ad. The platform says that the feature will enable advertisers to create video-like promotion content that will be based according to a user's interests. Pinterest also states that users on the platform have an 85 per cent bigger shopping list than other platforms and spend almost double the amount spent on other platforms. The slideshow feature will display more than one product at once, encouraging users to purchase more products.

Merchants can display additional information on their profile

In addition to the slideshow feature, Pinterest will also allow merchants to display information about them on their profile on the platform. Such information adds credibility to the seller and increases the chances of buyers purchasing from them. Companies and manufactures can showcase their values, unique selling proposition or other details. Like other social media platforms that pay creators to promote branded items through their content, Pinterest is currently testing a new paradigm of creating ads through paid partnerships with creators.

Paid partnerships with creators on the platform

Following the launch of the feature, a creator will be able to create a Pin and tag the brand partner. Such a feature will not only benefit brands in reaching more audiences on the platform, but it will also benefit creators. In pursuit of promoting shopping on Pinterest, the Verified Merchant Program is being extended to countries including Switzerland, Spain, Netherlands, Mexico, Italy, Brazil and Austria.
Health officials in Africa are confident and hopeful that the first-ever malaria vaccine Mosquirix approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) will "dramatically change" the way the continent of 1.3 billion people combats the lethal disease.

"The new malaria vaccine is a 'game-changer' in combating the disease which accounts for hundreds of thousands of deaths each year in Africa," said John Nkengasong, Director of Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Kenya Medical Research Institute which has assisted in the evaluation of the vaccine said in a statement that the WHO's approval comes as a 'delightment' for the institute.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, which consists of the world's highest cases of malaria with 27 per cent of the total global malaria toll, officials said that they hope Africa's most populous country will get priority when the distribution of the vaccine begins.

WHO gives nod to first-ever malaria vaccine

The first-ever Malaria vaccine Mosquirix was given the nod by the WHO based on results of clinical trials in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi. The vaccine has been administered to hundreds of thousands of kids since 2019.

WHOs director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters that after a successful pilot programme in at least three African countries, the vaccine, which is also known as RTS or S/AS01, had received a green light to be rolled out widely. Scientists on the WHO's advisory bodies for immunisation and malaria teams have called the vaccine a breakthrough that could save lives from the deadly disease.

The disease took the lives of at least 3,86,000 people in the continent in 2019, which accounts for 90% of the global tally, with six African countries accounting for more than half of the malaria deaths across the globe, as per the WHO report.

Meanwhile, the Mosquirix vaccine, that comes years after continued failure in finding a solution for protection against the disease, has minimal efficacy of about 30% in cases of severe malaria. However, it brings a ray of hope for African countries where people hardly have access to bed nets or other preventive measures.

Vaccine 'feasible, improves health', says WHO

Meanwhile, the global healthcare system, WHO on Wednesday stated that the malaria vaccine introduction is feasible, improves health, and saves lives, with good and equitable coverage of RTS, S/AS01 as was seen through routine immunisation systems, for example, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the pilot programme showed that more than two-thirds of children in three countries who are not sleeping under a bednet are benefitting from the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine. To date, more than 2.3 million doses of the vaccine have been administered in three African countries, stated WHO, adding that the vaccine has a favourable safety profile. The global health agency further stated that the next steps for the WHO-recommended malaria vaccine will include funding decisions from the global health community for broader rollout, and country decision-making on whether to adopt the vaccine as part of national malaria control strategies.

(With inputs from AP)

Image: AP, Twitter/@Acer_India
The European Union has urged the United Kingdom to stop using "political rhetoric" in the Brexit negotiations for Northern Ireland, announcing that it will offer "far-reaching proposals" to break the deadlock next week. Speaking at a conference in Dublin, Maros Sefcovic, vice-president of the European Commission, claimed he had a good connection with David Frost, the UK's Brexit minister, but his threats to pull the plug on the Northern Ireland protocol were not very "helpful." He reaffirmed that the EU would finalise its response to the UK's requests for a substantial rewrite of the protocol by the middle of next week, and rigorous talks to find a solution would follow, reported The Guardian.

"I believe the package of realistic solutions we are putting out will be appealing to the majority of stakeholders in Northern Ireland, and I hope they will support it," Sefcovic was quoted as saying by The Guardian. He also hoped that it would satisfy the demands of the unionist parties, who were adamantly opposed to the protocol. Sefcovic told the webinar at Ireland's Institute of International and European Affairs that the EU was attempting to give the best options that would answer the concerns of the unionist community. But he also stressed that simply because the UK requested it, the EU would not agree to redo the entire agreement.

'EU would not negotiate the protocol as per UK's request'

The protocol was one the most difficult aspects of the withdrawal agreement to negotiate, and it took several years for "the greatest brains" on both sides to come up with a solution to the challenges presented by Brexit in Northern Ireland. Sefcovic stated that the EU would not negotiate the protocol as the UK had requested. For the past one month, the commission has been working on counter-proposals to Lord Frost's July command paper. Despite Sefcovic's refusal to provide specifics, they are likely to address the United Kingdom's concerns including medication supply between the UK and Northern Ireland, according to The Guardian.

Sefcovic said the EU will utilise all treaty options to protect EU interests but if UK decides to disapply the protocol, there would be no hard borders. Frost stated, earlier this week, that he would consider the EU's proposals in good faith, but he would only give the talks three weeks before determining whether or not to invoke Article 16, the mechanism that allows portions of the protocol to be disapplied. He had also warned that the UK would retaliate strongly if the EU resorts to a "trade war" in the event of talks collapsing during the article 16 process, reported The Guardian.

Image: AP
Tens of thousands of Palestinians lined up outside chambers of commerce across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, hoping to get permits to work inside Israel after rumors circulated that more would be issued to residents of the territory ruled by the militant Hamas group.

Gaza's more than 2 million Palestinian residents have lived under a crippling Israeli and Egyptian blockade since Hamas seized power from rival Palestinian forces in the coastal region in 2007. Israel says the closures are needed to contain the militant group, while critics view it as a form of collective punishment.

An Israeli security official said authorities decided to allow in 7,000 workers in September but were only able to issue 4,500 permits. They are now taking applications for the remaining 2,500, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Sharif Al-Faqawi, one of the workers lining up for a permit, said he shares a single room with his wife and eight children.

We hope the crossings will be open so we can work and feed our children, he said. When I go north (into Israel), at least I will be able to feed them and build a future for them.

Israel and Hamas have fought four wars since 2008, the most recent in May of this year. Hamas has demanded the easing of the blockade as part of an informal cease-fire brokered by Egypt. Israel has lifted some restrictions since the end of the 11-day May war while warning that any broader easing depends on continued calm.

Hamas recently organized a workshop to discuss the management of natural resources in what is now Israel once the militant group liberates historical Palestine. Critics saw the event as evidence of Hamas' disconnection from the daily hardships endured by Palestinians in Gaza, where employment hovers around 50%.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians from the occupied West Bank also work in Israel, mainly in construction and agriculture. Wages are much higher in Israel, in part because of Israel's 54-year military occupation of the territory.

(Disclaimer: This story is auto-generated from a syndicated feed; only the image & headline may have been reworked by www.republicworld.com)
Cornered globally as a supporter and patron of terrorism and floundering internally as a result, on September 27, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi 'expressed concerns' over the incompetence of the country's own Embassy in Washington in engaging with US President Joe Biden. Bragging about the PM Imran Khan-led state's role in the Taliban conquest of Afghanistan, Qureshi penned an embarrassing confession that, "It is unfortunate the White House remains indifferent to the Pakistani leadership.

"Pakistan expresses its concern over the inability of the Pakistan Embassy in Washington in creating an environment to facilitate diplomatic communication between the office of the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the President of the United States of America," the letter addressed to the Pakistan Ambassador to the US, Dr Asad Majeed Khan, read.

Pakistan slams own embassy as Imran Khan fails to court Joe Biden

The desperation is palpable as Qureshi admits in his letter that Pakistan fails to see a 'meaningful reciprocity' from the US President despite 'all efforts by Pakistan'. Implying and discreetly accepting that the world has witnessed Pakistan's vivid nexus to terrorism over the years and garnering opportunities to recognise the hardline extremist outfit Taliban as a form of government in the war-ravaged country of Afghanistan, Qureshi is audacious enough to write, "key role played by Pakistan" (in Afghanistan).

"In spite of the existing situation in Afghanistan and the key role played by Pakistan, it is unfortunate that the White House remains indifferent to the Pakistani leadership," the letter read.

Pakistan accepts US President snubbed PM Imran Khan's request to communicate

Qureshi resorted to rather calling out the incapability of the Pakistani envoy in Washington or deeming the understanding of the White House advisory the US President as immature, but failed to comprehend the reluctance in world leaders to befriend PM Imran Khan or maintain cordial ties with Pakistan.

"This (no contact) portrays the diplomatic overtures of Pakistan in a poor light which unfortunately remains at the mercy of immature understanding of the White House staff advising the US President. You are thus expected to take adequate measures in ensuring that enough diplomatic steps are undertaken to guarantee the strategic relevance of Pakistan in all diplomatic forums," Qureshi penned down.

When will Joe Biden call Imran Khan?

On September 27, a senior White House official had said they cannot 'predict' when President Biden would make a contact to or call Pakistan PM Khan. This comes to the fore despite a couple of high-level engagements between both nations. During a recent interview with an American media house, Pakistan PM had complained of a 'busy' President Biden. He went ahead to say that the US President has not bothered to speak to him despite Washington seeking Pakistan's support in stabilising and reaching out to the war-ravaged state of Afghanistan.

While Khan has occasionally expressed his desire to associate with the US administration under the Biden regime to deepen bilateral dealings, he has also claimed that the US sees Pakistan as 'useful' only for clearing the 'mess' it has left behind in Afghanistan and 'prefers' India when it comes to strategic ties.

While replying to a question on whether Biden could make a call to Imran Khan in the near future, during a daily briefing, the White House Press Secretary, Jen Psaki, responded, "I do not have anything to predict at this point in time. If they do a call, we will of course read it out to all of you."

Pakistan PM frustrated with Joe Biden's cold shoulder

In the past, Imran Khan has expressed his disappointment over Biden's reluctance to call or talk to him since he assumed office in January 2021. On September 15, Khan had curtly said about the President, "He is a busy man." While Khan has admitted that he had made no calls since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan on August 15, upon being asked about the missing contact, PM Khan had even asked, "Why is he (Joe Biden) too busy to call?"

On the other hand, while speaking to foreign journalists in Pakistan, he had stated that he was not 'waiting' for a telephonic conversation from Biden.
Afghanistan's electrical board is planning to sell the estates of its debtors in order to pay over USD 62 million in power bills to Central Asian countries, amid the rising debt crisis. According to a report by the Khaama Press News Agency, Afghanistan's state power body, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS), intends to auction the houses of former officials and politicians who did not pay their electricity bills and consumed a high amount of electricity. This comes after news surfaced stating that the country's capital city, Kabul may be plunged into darkness as a result of the new Taliban rulers' failure to pay Central Asian electrical suppliers' dues.

The acting head of DABAS, Safiullah Ahamdzai, stated that the plan will be implemented and that all debts will be paid in order to prevent exporting countries from cutting electricity. Almost 80 % of the country's electricity is imported from neighbouring nations such as Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, he added as reported by the Khaama Press News Agency. Meanwhile, on Thursday, The United Nations stated that it has not received any requests from Afghan authority to pay electrical bills to suppliers before Kabul risks a mass outage.

'Blackout in Kabul may result in a humanitarian catastrophe'

It is worth noting that several UN agencies and other international organisations have expressed deep concerns about the country's catastrophic economic state, which threatens to exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The former CEO of DABS, a blackout in Kabul may result in a humanitarian catastrophe, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal. He claimed that the ramifications will be felt throughout the country, but primarily in Kabul. Despite the fact that Kabul has plenty of power, things could change if Central Asian suppliers, whose connections with the Taliban are deteriorating, decide to shut off DABS for non-payment, he added.

According to Mary-Ellen McGroarty, Afghanistan's director at the World Food Programme (WFP), the economic condition in the war-torn country under the Taliban administration is continuously deteriorating. Speaking to reporters, she said that Afghans are not receiving their wages and there is an acute shortage of work. She also stated that the country's healthcare system is on the verge of collapsing, and the food and fuel prices have risen dramatically. It's worth noting that, following the Taliban's stunning takeover of the country in the month of August, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have halted financial aid to the new interim government.

Image: Unsplash/Representative
On Wednesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reminded the Security Council that Ethiopia is experiencing a humanitarian disaster, pleading with Ethiopia's government to allow the world organisation to aid millions of people in need. At a Security Council open briefing on the situation in Ethiopia's Tigray region, the UN chief said that the UN will continue to play its mandated role and work with the government of Ethiopia and also with local and international partners to support millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance in Tigray, Amhara and Afar, and across the country. He also appealed to Ethiopian authorities to allow them to do so without hindrance, as per the reports of Xinhua.

According to a top UN official, the visas for incoming personnel from UN institutions and their partners should be ensured and are given quickly so that they can enhance their capacity and also that the workers within the nation are treated with dignity and respect as they carry out their critical work.

7 million people in Tigray, Amhara, and Afar are in need of food assistance

Up to 7 million people in Tigray, Amhara, and Afar, according to the UN chief, are in need of food assistance and other humanitarian assistance. This includes almost 5 million people in Tigray, where 400,000 people are said to be living in famine-like conditions. Guterres stated that they must save lives and restore livelihoods. He encourages the authorities to enable the unhindered flow of vitally needed fuel, currency, communications equipment and humanitarian supplies into disaster-stricken areas, reported Xinhua. He also appeals to all members of the Security Council to support these requests and to unite with the UN and its partners' efforts in Ethiopia.

Last August, he told the United Nations Security Council that all parties must promptly and unconditionally cease hostilities and seize the chance to negotiate a long-term ceasefire. Forces from outside the nation should leave. All places in need must have unrestricted humanitarian access and humanitarian personnel must be treated with respect. It's time to resurrect public services.

Ethiopia's government requested that the UN immediately replace seven officials

The Ethiopian government requested that the UN immediately replace seven officials in a statement dated Oct. 1. The seven UN staff members have been designated persona non grata by the Ethiopian government, who have been ordered to leave the country within 72 hours, The personnel has been transferred to safer locations now, according to UN spokesperson.

Image: AP/ Unsplash
As fears of a total blackout loom in Afghanistan due to power supply cut off, worsening the humanitarian crisis after the Taliban failed to pay electricity bills to the energy suppliers, the United Nations on October 6 stated that it received no official request to pay bills to electricity suppliers from the Taliban.

Spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Stephane Dujarric, addressing a press conference on October 6, said: "UNAMA has not received any requests from any Afghan entity to make any payments regarding the energy which is what the report cited." His remarks came after reports emerged that the Taliban had asked the United Nations-led mission to pay approximately $90 million to settle past due bills with the Central Asian suppliers before the country plunges into darkness.

Afghanistan on verge of plunging into 'dark ages'

Reports earlier revealed that since the Talibans takeover of the territory in mid-August, electricity bills havent been paid to countries that supplied a total of 78% of energy. Experts fear that drastic measures would be needed to prevent the country from returning into dark ages such as the Taliban scrambling to collect funds from citizens to pay off the utility bills. While Afghanistan does not have its own national power grid, its electricity is currently being supplied by neighbouring nations of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. But since August 15, the Taliban hasnt paid the Central Asian suppliers the money for the utilities, and now runs the risk of immersing into the countrywide power failure.

At a press conference earlier this week, Safiullah Ahmadzai, the acting CEO of Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, told reporters that the now Taliban ruled central Asian country paid $20 million to $25 million a month in bills to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. But since the ouster of the former Ghani government, the country has an outstanding bill amount that stands at $62 million and the supplier nations may cut the power supply any day" now. Weve asked the UNAMA in Kabul to assist the people of Afghanistan to pay the countrys power suppliers as part of their humanitarian aid, Ahmadzai was reported as saying. The UN, however, denied the claim.
Israel's Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman met with World Bank Group President David Malpass in Jerusalem on October 6, as per a statement released by the Israeli Ministry of Finance. The purpose of the visit, according to the statement, was to strengthen economic collaboration between Israel and the World Bank's global pursuits.

Malpass and Lieberman talked about economic issues, Israeli-Bank cooperation, the worldwide reaction to the coronavirus outbreak, and the health of the global economy. According to Lieberman, "Israel's relationship with the World Bank is stronger than ever. For the benefit of all countries, we have committed to continue to strengthen economic cooperation, particularly in the areas of innovation and technology."

World Bank Group President Malpass is leading a high-level group to Israel that includes Ferid Belhaj, the World Bank's Vice President for the Middle East and North Africa, and Koen Davidse, the Executive Director of the Group of Arab States, of which Israel is a member. Meetings with Israeli senior government authorities and visits to start-up companies, mostly in the field of digital healthcare, are also part of the agenda for the trip.

World Bank Group President met with Israel's President Bennett

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett met with World Bank Group President David Malpass in the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem on Wednesday, 6 October 2021. In a private meeting held before holding a larger working meeting with Prime Minister's Office Director-General Yair Pines, Foreign Ministry Economic Division Head Ofir Kariv, Finance Ministry International Development Banks Unit Head Eyal Medan, and World Bank Group Vice President for the Middle East and Africa, an Executive Director at the World Bank Group, and other officials.

Prime Minister Bennett emphasised the World Bank's and Israel's significant potential for collaboration. Regional issues, as well as areas of future collaboration in commerce, health, climate, energy, and water, were among the themes explored.

Malpass appreciated Israels support for IDA20 replenishment

According to a statement released by World Bank Group, President Malpass thanked Israel for its support for the IDA20 replenishment. He emphasised the problems confronting Sudan, Jordan, and the West Bank, relying on his recent visits and the World Bank Group's activities in each.

President Malpass also underlined the World Bank Group's work on health, human capital, digitization, the COVID-19 response, and increasing access to vaccinations in developing countries throughout the MENA region and beyond. President Malpass and the authorities talked about Israel's efforts in digital health and development.

Image: AP
London, Oct 6 (PTI) The UK governments travel advisory warning against "all but essential travel" on public health grounds was updated on Wednesday to lift COVID-19 related restrictions for 32 countries, including Bangladesh and Malaysia.

India was not among the countries covered by this complete travel ban, which impacts travellers ability to access travel insurance. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said the change means people will be able to travel to a larger number of destinations with greater ease.

These rule tweaks will make travelling more straightforward, supporting businesses and families right across Britain  and allow more of us to see friends and loved ones with greater peace of mind, said UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss.

Were striking the right balance between keeping people safe which remains our priority and giving them the freedom to exercise personal responsibility, while supporting the travel sector as it continues to recover, she said.

The update comes as part of what the British government has described as a simplified system for international travel, which has seen the replacement of the traffic light system with a single red list, and reduced testing requirements for eligible fully vaccinated travellers.

However, vaccinated Indians are yet to benefit from this new system as talks to include India on a list of vaccine eligible countries remain ongoing.

UK government sources have said that the extension of vaccine certification to additional countries will be reviewed approximately every three weeks, with the first three-week review mark expected this week.

Meanwhile, Indians entering the UK  irrespective of vaccination status  are required to undertake three PCR tests and self-isolate at a declared address.

British nationals entering India are subjected to the same rules, as part of retaliatory measures that came into force from Monday.

The FCDO said it will continue to advise against all but essential travel for all red list countries and territories where the risk to British travellers is unacceptably high. It said that it plans to remove advisories for more countries and territories in the coming days.

Wednesdays FCDO travel advisory update covers: Algeria; Armenia; Bangladesh; Belarus; Benin; Comoros; Tokelau & Niue; Djibouti; Equatorial Guinea; Fiji; Gambia; Guinea; Kazakhstan; Kiribati; Kosovo; Liberia; Madagascar; Malaysia; Marshall Islands; Micronesia; Nauru; Sao Tome and Principe; Senegal; Solomon Islands; Togo; Tonga; Tuvalu; Vanuatu; Congo; America Samoa; French Polynesia; and Ghana.

Many travel insurance companies use FCDO travel advice as a reference point in their policies  typically excluding cover for places where government advises against essential travel, however people will now be able to purchase travel insurance for a wider range of destinations across the globe.

The FCDO said the advice for the 32 countries has been lifted in light of the improved public health in these countries and territories, better understanding of the virus and the decreased risk to British nationals as a result of the vaccine roll out. PTI AK RUP

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Headteachers of the United Kingdom schools have been threatened to face legal action if they participate actively in the COVID immunisation campaign. Pressure group Lawyers for Liberty cautioned that if parents' complaints are ignored, school employees may be held responsible for the vaccination of children. According to BBC, vaccinations for 12- to 15-year-olds will be administered by health professionals rather than school personnel in UK schools.

Moreover, millions of people over the age of 12 have got the vaccination in nations that are currently provided it to teens. Regardless of the fact that vaccinations are provided in school settings, it is commonly assumed that school employees will have no part in the immunisation campaign.

The letter that circulated in UK schools

As per BBC, a letter from Lawyers for Liberty has been broadly distributed to schools which states, "exercising their parental responsibility during the decision-making process". The letter reads that when a parent informs the schools that their kid will not be vaccinated or does not grant permission, then that choice must be honoured with no additional implications for the kid, particularly direct or indirect discrimination or pressure. It went on to say that if they failed to do so, this may lead to legal action being taken against the teachers as well as the school.

Experts opinion on legal action over COVID jabs

According to a BBC report, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, Geoff Barton informed that most of his colleagues have been getting letters from several pressure groups frightening schools and colleges telling legal actions will be taken against them if they participate in any Covid-vaccination campaign. He further expressed that this is highly unhelpful, and they request that whoever is participating in this letter must refrain from putting pressure on schools and universities.

Paul Whiteman, the general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers stated that immediate clarity on the vaccination campaign was required. He further said that it is important that the administration must clarify that the vaccination procedure will be handled and monitored fully by authorised medical experts, not school personals. He went on to say that if parents have queries regarding critical issues like consent, those should be answered by the medical professionals, otherwise, headteachers will be forced into an untenable situation in which they have to address issues for which they have no solutions.

Each year, as part of national NHS-run immunisation campaigns, students in various schools undergo vaccinations against various diseases with the agreement of their parents, guardians, and caregivers. Sajid Javid, the health secretary of the United Kingdom, stated that the decision to vaccinate to COVID-19 disease was based on professional advice from the country's leading researchers and vaccine specialists. He further said that he has agreed to the Chief Medical Officers' suggestion to increase immunisation to those aged 12 to 15, safeguarding young people against COVID-19, decreasing the infection in schools, and protecting students in school.

(Image: Unsplash/ Representative Image)
US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman on Wednesday, 6 October, met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi in a bid to further expand the US-India Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership. In a statement, the US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that during their meeting, the two diplomats discussed regional developments including in Afghanistan, Myanmar and China. He added that Jaishankar and Sherman also discussed implementing outcomes from the recent bilateral meeting between PM Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden, and the QUAD Leaders Summit.

Price said, They discussed regional developments, including in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and the People's Republic of China, and discussed implementing outcomes from the recent bilateral meeting between President Biden and Prime Minister Modi and the recent Quad Leaders Summit. Deputy Secretary Sherman underscored the importance of continued close cooperation between the United States and India on global issues.

Separately, in a Twitter post, Jaishankar said that he had a good conversation with Sherman on the India-US relationship. Sherman, on the other hand, tweeted saying that she had an excellent meeting with good friend Jaishankar. She added that the strategic partnership between India and the US is essential for the strength of both nations

Glad to meet US @DeputySecState Wendy Sherman today.



A good conversation on our relationship, its significance and its growth.



Appreciated the successful visit of PM @narendramodi to the US and the Quad Leaders Summit. pic.twitter.com/4ze32pGchu  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 6, 2021

I had an excellent meeting today with my good friend Indian External Minister of Affairs @DrSJaishankar. The strategic partnership between the United States and India is essential for the strength of both our countries and a free and open Indo-Pacific. pic.twitter.com/jD0OuOEm10  Wendy R. Sherman (@DeputySecState) October 6, 2021

Shringla meets US Deputy Secy of State

The US State Departments spokesperson also went on to inform that during her visit to New Delhi, Sherman also met Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla to review the India-US bilateral agenda and outcomes of Prime Modi's recent visit to the United States. He said that during her meeting, Sherman expressed the US gratitude for PM Modis announcement that India, which is the worlds largest vaccine producer, would soon resume exports of COVID-19 vaccines from October. Price added that Sherman and Shringla also reviewed pressing regional and global security issues, including Afghanistan, Iran, Russia and China.

During the virtual interaction with Sherman at India IDEAS Summit, Shringla, on the other hand, highlighted PM Narendra Modis recent visit to the United States and said that PM Modi and US President Joe Biden discussed several global issues during the visit. He informed that PM Modi and Biden reviewed the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership and several contemporary and world issues. He added that the meeting between the two leaders took place in the context of the Afghanistan crisis, COVID-19 pandemic and upcoming G20 and COP26 Summit.

(With inputs from ANI)


White House press secretary Jen Psaki said that there are no predictions presently for a possible bilateral meeting between United States President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 Summit. Speaking at a press briefing, Psaki informed that at this time, they are working through it.

Addressing the press, Psaki said, "I don't have any predictions for you on the bilateral meetings. That's something that we are still working through at this point in time, every day." Referring to a previous meeting held between President Joe Biden and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, Psaki said that while it was an opportunity to express concerns at a high level, the US has some remaining concerns.

"We have remaining concerns, but it was an opportunity to express them at a high level, see what work can be done over the course of the long term to address it," Psaki said.

The White House press secretary added that at this point in time, she does not know if they will do a "month-by-month assessment" to address those concerns.

"It's something that we have continued conversations with members of the National Security team about many of the issues we raised. Those are ongoing. We are continuing to stride to make progress," she said.

Jen Psaki also informed that the Biden administration is finalising the details of the bilateral meeting between the US President and French President Emmanuel Macron, scheduled for next month.

Biden-Putin meeting

US President Joe Biden met his Russian counterpart Vladamir Putin for the first time since assuming office on 16 June. Both the heads of state agreed to return their envoys to Washington and Moscow in order to improve diplomatic relations between the two countries, according to The Associated Press.

While the Russian President asserted that the Russian foreign ministry and the US State Department would start consultations on diplomatic issues, Biden highlighted that the US administration and Russian administration would follow up on criminal cases. Both the leaders ordered their diplomats to start the groundwork for a new phase of arms control.

(With inputs from AP, ANI, Image: AP)
A California judge said Wednesday that she plans to resentence Scott Peterson to life in prison Dec. 8 while she separately considers whether he receives a new trial in the 2002 murders of his pregnant wife and unborn son.

Peterson was sentenced to death in 2005 and has spent more than 15 years on death row, but the California Supreme Court tossed out his sentence last year and prosecutors say they won't again seek to have him executed.

This is no longer a death penalty case," Stanislaus County District Attorney Birgit Fladager reiterated during Wednesday's brief hearing. "There is no way in the world this is anything other than a life without parole case.

She expects the resentencing hearing to last no longer than two hours, with brief statements from family members of 27-year-old Laci Peterson, who was eight months pregnant at the time of her killing.

Peterson has been appearing at the hearings through a remote link from San Quentin State Prison, home to California's death row, but will be present in person for his resentencing.

The high court ruled last year that jurors who personally disagreed with the death penalty but were willing to impose it were improperly dismissed.

It separately ordered Superior Court Judge Anne-Christine Massullo to decide if Peterson must receive an entirely new trial because of juror misconduct.

That in turn has complicated who should represent him, and the timing of the retrial decision. Defense attorneys who work for the Habeas Corpus attorneys may no longer be able to represent Peterson because by law they can only be involved in death penalty cases.

One of Peterson's attorneys, Pat Harris, told Massullo that removing those attorneys could mean delaying the retrial decision for what could be a substantial amount of time ... maybe even a year or more for new counsel to get up to date. That obviously causes us a great deal of concern.

Harris instead proposed holding the retrial hearing in mid-November, before Peterson's resentencing date.

Massullo plans to consider the timing and who should represent Peterson during a hearing later this month.

Petersons lawyers contend the woman known as Juror 7 falsely answered questions during the selection process as she sought to join the jury. She later coauthored a book on the case.

Supreme Court justices said there was considerable circumstantial evidence incriminating Peterson in the first-degree murder of his wife and the second-degree murder of the boy they planned to name Connor.

Prosecutors said Peterson took his wifes body from their Modesto home on Christmas Eve 2002 and dumped her in San Francisco Bay from his fishing boat. The bodies washed ashore in April 2003.

Defense attorneys say they have new evidence that nearby burglars may have committed the crime, though investigators say they were ruled out as suspects.

To get the chance to prove it, Peterson's attorneys must persuade Massullo that the juror was biased because she had been a crime victim, something she did not disclose during jury selection.

It was later learned that the woman had been beaten by a boyfriend while she was pregnant in 2001. She also didnt reveal that during another pregnancy she had obtained a restraining order against a boyfriends ex-girlfriend because she was fearful the woman would harm her unborn child.

IMAGE: AP

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After attempts to sell the Jay Peak ski area were halted at the start of the pandemic, sale discussions have been taking place with several parties this year, according to a update from the receiver appointed after the former owner was accused of fraud in 2016.

Receiver Michael Golderg filed the ninth interim report in federal court in Florida on Friday about the Jay Peak and Burke Mountain resorts in northern Vermont, covering March 1, 2020, through July 31, 2021.

As the COVID-19 pandemic hit and the resorts were shut down in mid-March of 2020, the sales process was paused as Goldberg and Houlihan Lokey, the investment bank retained to help with the sale, determined that 2020 was not an ideal time to pursue sale of the Resorts given the vast uncertainty in the market, particularly in the hotel/resort/ski industry, the filing states.

Starting in late fall of 2021, Houlihan Lokey resumed its marketing of Jay Peak, and since then Goldberg and his colleagues have been actively engaged in sale discussions with several interested parties whereby draft forms of asset purchase agreements have been exchanged, the report states.

The intent is to conclude a transaction, Goldberg stated in the report.

The report did not provide details on the status of the sale of the Burke Mountain Resort.

Both resorts have reopened on a restricted basis and in compliance with government mandates and COVID-19 guidelines, the report states.

Jay Peak and Burke rely on visitors from Canada, and the closure of the U.S.-Canadian border during the pandemic hurt over 50% of the resorts' business, according to the report.

The resorts have received several state and local grants to help with COVID-19-related costs, but the pandemic has had and will likely continue to have substantial impact on the Resorts finances, the report stated.

Former Jay Peak owner Ariel Quiros, of Miami, and former president William Stenger were accused by the Securities and Exchange Commission of misusing more than $200 million of about $400 million raised from foreign investors for area developments in Ponzi-like fashion.

Quiros and Stenger settled with the SEC, with Quiros surrendering more than $80 million in assets, including Jay Peak and Burke ski resorts.

They were indicted criminally in 2019 along with two others over a failed plan to build a biotechnology plant using millions raised through the EB-5 visa program. The program encourages foreigners to invest in U.S. projects that create jobs in exchange for a chance to earn permanent U.S. residency.

Quiros pleaded guilty last year to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering and the concealment of material information, with nine other charges dropped. Stenger pleaded guilty in August to providing false documents, also with nine other charges dropped.

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Washington, Oct 7 (PTI) The withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan resulting in the Pakistan-backed Taliban taking control of the country has created an extremely dangerous situation in South Asia, a former national security advisor has told lawmakers.

I think it's an extremely dangerous situation in South Asia broadly. I do think that it is in China's interest, right? That the Pakistani government and army go after these jihadist groups less selectively. It's also in the interest obviously of security and stability across South Asia, Gen (rtd) H R McMaster told members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee during a Congressional hearing on Afghanistan.

One of the greatest dangers I think would be India suffering this kind of cycle of sectarian violence that you see across the greater Middle East. That could be incited by some of these groups like, you know, Al-Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Taiba, McMaster said.

Former US Ambassador to Afghanistan, Ryan Corker said that the Chinese have created their own vulnerability with their repression of their Muslim population, the Uyghurs in the west.

So, they have got a strong incentive to use some pressure that they have on Pakistan, to bring about a better result than we've seen so far, he said.

Former State Department Deputy Secretary Richard Armitage told lawmakers that Pakistan provided food, sustenance, and everything else to the Taliban.

I'm speaking specifically of ISI, that culminated in the fact that Osama bin Laden was living in Abbottabad for so long, not fathomable that the Pakistanis didn't know about it, he said.

I would be extraordinarily disappointed if I knew there was an agreement that the Pakistanis embedded with the Talibs would be allowed to escape. However, that is not saying that there weren't Pakistanis embedded. Sultan Amir Imam was the chief trainer of the Taliban, and I knew him for a number of years. He's been killed by, ironically enough, an extremist group, Armitage said.

McMaster said the world and the US is in a more dangerous situation than they were on September 10, 2001.

The reason we're not seeing attacks like 9/11 are because of our defensive capabilities that we've developed, I think. But these groups are growing stronger, he said.

Jihadist terrorist organisations are not only growing larger in numbers, more confident, and richer, they are also becoming more destructive, McMaster said.

Our humiliating withdrawal left terrorists with billions of dollars of weapons. Those weapons will be shared among the over 20 US-designated terrorist organisations in the terrorist ecosystem across Afghanistan and Pakistan, he said.

Because some of those groups have already turned against the nuclear-armed Pakistani army and government, it is not difficult to imagine terrorists gaining access to the most destructive weapons on Earth, McMaster said.

It is for these reasons that, I believe, our self-defeat in Afghanistan and our broader disengagement from the fight against jihadist terrorists internationally in recent months has made jihadist terrorists more dangerous today than they were on 10 September 2001. We are already witnessing the political dimension of our lost war, from Tehran to Moscow to Beijing to Pyongyang, our adversaries are emboldened and our friends and allies doubt that we are trustworthy, he said.

Corker said Pakistanis consistently gave safe haven to the Taliban.

Some of its most nefarious elements lie. As they said it to me, it's their narrative, we know you're going to walk out one day. You walked out on us after the Soviet defeat. You'll walk out on us again. And we will not be left with the Taliban as our mortal enemy, he said.

So, they probably had 15 minutes of high-fiving as events proved them right, that we would go. But only 15 minutes because they're scared. But the Taliban's so-called victory has fueled Islamic extremists everywhere, and certainly in Pakistan, where the Pakistani-Taliban aim to overthrow the government in Islamabad, not in Kabul, Corker said.

I understand there is already a conversation underway as the Pakistanis try to address a greatly enhanced threat to their own stability and security as the Taliban hold increases and the Taliban message flows through the entire Islamic world where extremist groups feel emboldened. So how we got there is important, said the former US diplomat. PTI LKJ RHL

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Official state-run media reports mention no casualties and focus on rescue and evacuation efforts.

Flooding in China's Shanxi province is shown in a photo taken in Oct. 2021.

Torrential rains have battered the northern Chinese province of Shanxi in the past few days, leaving parts of the provincial capital Taiyuan and other areas under water, with bridges, railway lines, and houses collapsing after multiple landslides, local residents told RFA on Thursday.

More than 10 districts and counties in Shanxi have been affected, with houses washed away in Ciying village near Jincheng, where a highway also collapsed, cutting off traffic.

Tian Yanfeng, a resident of Pu county near Shanxi's Linfen city, said most of the houses and wells in the area had been buried under a landslide.

"There are a lot of collapsed houses in Gupo village and Chengguan village," Tian told RFA. "The wells have collapsed, there's no water, and there is no one around to manage the situation."

She said local residents have had scant help from ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials.

"The village party secretary and the cadres dont care," Tian said. "The water pipes are all broken. People in our village have been asking the county government and the provincial government for help, but they're not answering the phone."

"We are having to make arrangements as best we can."

A resident of flood-hit Jiexiu city surnamed Wang said he had heard of countless houses washed away by floods or buried by landslides in the area, including reported deaths in Houdangyu village.

"Around a third of the residents of Houdangyu village have yet to be evacuated," Wang said. "One old house collapsed, crushing people inside, and some people have died."

"There is a bridge in that town, and the river is flowing over the top of it, so people must have died for sure," he said. "Two other areas, Lianfu township and Zhanglan township, [were also affected] but I don't have specific details."

"People weren't evacuated in time, and they stayed in their homes, but the government isn't allowing any reporting about that," Wang said.

CCTV, Xinhua News Agency, and official media across Shanxi all reported the rainstorms, and covered the rescue effort in detail, but were devoid of reports on how local residents were affected.

State broadcaster CCTV reported that more than 15,000 residents of eight villages in Qingxu county had been evacuated after a river burst its banks and flooded Xiaowu village, where rescue work is still in progress.

A familiar pattern

A Shanxi-based scholar surnamed Huang said the pattern is a familiar one in the reporting of disasters by CCP-backed media.

"The usual pattern is to talk about how much leaders at a certain level are prioritizing these events, about instructions given by central government, about the meetings they held and about [local leaders] inspecting the rescue effort and telling people what to do," Huang said.

"They never tell you how many people died; it's positive reporting all the way," he said.

A local resident surnamed Sun said she doesn't even bother watching the news on state-run media.

"I don't believe the media and I never watch TV ... it's impossible to tell what the truth is," she said. "It's just hymns of praise [to the CCP] and you can't tell fact from fiction."

Meanwhile, more than 10,000 people have been evacuated in and around Shanxi's Jinzhong city, according to a Red Cross rescue worker who gave only the surname Zhao.

"Residents on both sides of the river -- more than 10,000 people -- have been evacuated just to prevent accidents," Zhao told RFA. "The government has placed them in school buildings."

"Water levels have been falling for four days and four nights ... there are only People's Armed Police and local rescue teams there now."



Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Student union leaders at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) said they are disbanding the union, the latest in a line of civil society organizations to disappear amid a citywide crackdown on dissent under the national security law.



"For over half a century, the Student Union of the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUSU) has gone through thick and thin, always standing side-by-side with the students and faculty of our university," the union said in an Oct. 7 statement on its Facebook page.



It said CUSU had always been an independent student organization whose representatives were elected through a democratic process.



"It is a matter of profound regret that CUSU is now history," it said, adding that the decision had been taken at a Sept. 10, 2021 meeting to discuss the matter.



The statement said the decision was triggered by the actions of the university, which severed ties with the union on Feb. 26, banning it from using university facilities or staff and accusing it of failing to clarify "potentially unlawful statements and false allegations."



University management had later insisted that CUSU re-register with the government, but 's statement said the students had received legal advice that the laws in question didn't apply to them.



CUHK issued a statement claiming that it was legally appropriate to ask the union to register under the Societies Ordinance or the Companies Ordinance.



"The University believed that registration under the Societies or Companies Ordinance represented a well-established, legally mandated framework for the CUSU to continue," the university said.



"The University regrets that CUSU has elected an alternative course and has independently moved to dissolve its operations," it said.



A draconian national security law imposed on Hong Kong by the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from , 2020 has targeted dozens of pro-democracy politicians and activists for "subversion" after they organized a primary election in a bid to win more seats in the city's legislature.



The law bans words and deeds deemed subversive or secessionist, or any activities linked to overseas groups, as "collusion with foreign powers," including public criticism of the Hong Kong government and the CCP.



The dissolution comes after several organizations, including the group that ran the now-banned Tiananmen massacre vigils, protest march organizers the Civil Human Rights Front, the Professional Teachers' Union, and Wall-fare, a prison support group for those in custody because of the 2019 protest movement, have disbanded after being denounced by Hong Kong's leaders or CCP-backed media.



Former CUSU president and rights activist Johnson Yeung said CUSU had been a training ground in democratic processes for many generations of Hong Kong students.



"It's such a pity, and it's very worrying," Yeung told RFA. "CUSU was a very democratic organization, where students could discuss current affairs or social happenings at the university."



"I learned a lot there about many things including campus labor disputes, democratic movements and I connected with my fellow students," he said. "The loss of this space will mean lost opportunies to practise such things for the students who come after."



As the union announced its decision, campus management moved in to shut down CUHK's "Democracy Wall" poster area, posting a notice that it is being "temporarily suspended for improvement work," and placing steel barriers and security guards around it.



A CUHK student surnamed Lam said the message being sent to students was clear.



"The immediate closure of the Democracy Wall is a form of suppression," Lam said. "I don't think we are allowed [to express our opinions now], or if we do, they will be torn down."



A student surnamed Chan said the two events were clearly linked.



"No sooner had the student union disbanded than they put a fence round Democracy Wall," Chan said. "The moment student power weakened, students were immediately prevented from expressing their opinions."
The race to develop bigger and better aircraft carriers highlights the precarious situation in the South China Sea.

The United Kingdoms carrier strike group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces led by Hyuga-class helicopter destroyer JS Ise joined with U.S. Navy carrier strike groups led by flagships USS Ronald Reagan and USS Carl Vinson to conduct multiple carrier strike group operations in the Philippine Sea, Oct. 3, 2021.

Three aircraft carriers and a dozen other warships from U.S.-allied nations sailed on the fringes of the South China Sea this week in one of the biggest shows of Western maritime might in the region for years.

Those drills in the Philippine Sea will be followed by two weeks of large-scale military exercises in the South China Sea  sending a message to Beijing and asserting the freedom of navigation in an increasingly tense Indo-Pacific.

This is probably the first time since the Taiwan Strait crisis in 1996 that we saw these kind of carrier-based operations, said Richard Bitzinger, senior fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) in Singapore.

On Oct. 3, the British Royal Navys flagship aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth, together with two U.S. carriers  the USS Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan - joined 14 other naval ships from the U.S., U.K., Japan, Canada, New Zealand and the Netherlands to conduct so-called combined exercises in the Philippine Sea.

Images taken at the scene show the impressive armada sailing in the sun, with an arrow-like formation of fighter jets overhead.

Half a million tons of sea power projection from six nations with an equally impressive air wing, was how it was described by Commodore Steve Moorhouse, commander of the U.K. Carrier Strike Group 21 (CSG21) led by the HMS Queen Elizabeth.

A day later the SCS Probing Initiative, a Chinese research network, alerted that the USS Carl Vinson and HMS Queen Elizabeth had crossed the Bashi Channel into the South China Sea -- the second time for both of the aircraft carriers since July.

The Carl Vinson has since left for Japan.

A statement from the U.K. Ministry of Defence on Tuesday said that over the next two weeks the Queen Elizabeth will navigate the South China Sea with ships and aircraft from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and the United States and take part in a large-scale joint maritime exercise.

The RSIS expert Bitzinger was likening the show of force to March 1996, when America deployed two aircraft carriers in response to China testing missiles in seas near Taiwan in the run-up to an election there  sending a warning to self-governing island not to declare independence.

At the time, observers touted it as the biggest display of military power in Asia since the Vietnam War. The U.S. deployed two carrier groups led by the USS Nimitz and the now-decommissioned USS Independence.

The main purpose of the show of force then, same as now, was to send a message to Beijing  and some see that as provocative. They are assisting the U.S. in threatening China, said Mark J. Valencia, adjunct senior scholar at Chinas National Institute for South China Sea Studies (NISCSS), reflecting Chinese concerns.

Aircraft from the United Kingdoms carrier strike group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth, and U.S. Navy carrier strike groups led by flagships USS Ronald Reagan and USS Carl Vinson fly in formation during carrier strike group operations in the Philippine Sea, Oct. 3, 2021. Credit: U.S. Navy But the exercises take place against a backdrop of escalated military activity by China in the Taiwan Strait.

On the same day the U.S. and U.K. aircraft carriers entered the South China Sea, China sent a record 52 military aircraft into Taiwans air defense identification zone (ADIZ). Over a four-day period beginning last Friday, Taiwan reported that nearly 150 Chinese air force aircraft flew into its ADIZ.

The Taiwanese Defense Minister, Chiu Kuo-cheng, told lawmakers on Wednesday that the cross-strait tension was "the most serious" in more than 40 years.

The U.S. State Department on Sunday accused the Chinese army of carrying out "provocative military activities" that undermines regional peace and stability," adding "the U.S. commitment to Taiwan is rock solid.

China considers Taiwan a break-away province and vows to unite it with the mainland, by force if necessary. Taiwan, however, regards itself as a de facto sovereign state and points to the fact that is has never been part of the 72-year-old People's Republic of China.

A lot of countries attached around Asia worry about Chinese aggressiveness and this is a way of sending a powerful message [to China] about freedom of navigation and operations, Bitzinger said of the aircraft carrier joint exercises.

It is also to show that the U.S. have allies and friends who participate actively and closely with the U.S., he said.

Homegrown aircraft carriers

The presence of aircraft carriers is generally perceived as a potent symbol of freedom of navigation promoted by the U.S. and its allies. It also reveals an interesting trend in the way some countries in the Indo-Pacific develop their maritime defense capabilities with homegrown aircraft carriers.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF or Japanese Navy) announced on Tuesday that they conducted take-offs and landings of the U.S-made F-35B advanced fighter jets to the helicopter destroyer JS Izumo, effectively making it into an aircraft carrier.

The JMSDF continues to steadily carry out the necessary modifications to the Izumo class to acquire the capability to operate the F-35Bs, it said.

The Japanese government in 2018 gave the green light to convert two existing Izumo-class destroyers into light aircraft carriers that can operate F-35B fighters. This was based on a major policy shift since 2015 when Japan -- whose military activity is constrained by its post-World War II pacifist constitution -- expanded its commitments to the U.S. security alliance, according to Jeff Kingston, Director of Asian Studies and a professor at Temple University in Tokyo.

Japan has greatly increased its ability to project its maritime power and shrugged off longstanding taboos on security policy in doing so. Geopolitically it is a response to a heightened perception of risk due to Chinas military modernization program and regional hegemonic ambitions, Kingston told RFA.

Japan participates in the Quad (grouping between the U.S., India, Japan and Australia) and has been an advocate of a free and open Indo-Pacific, a concept aimed at containing the expansion of China's regional influence that involves, among other things, joint naval exercises, explained the professor, adding: Now Japan can include aircraft carriers.

Valencia from the Chinese NISCSS however warned that the making of aircraft carriers and support for the U.S. to constrain China could be a mistake for Japan.

Of course, Japan should have the capability to defend itself but fielding aircraft carriers is another matter entirely, he said.

According to RSISs Bitzinger, Korea and Singapore are both also looking at developing some of their amphibious naval vessels into de-facto aircraft carriers.

Twenty years ago, everybody was negative about them (aircraft carriers), what they called cruise missile magnets because theyre too big. But now everybody is trying to get them!

Its as if theyre trying to counter the fact that Chinas increasingly got carriers. Its sort of saying that were going to match you guys. In fact, we can overmatch you! said Bitzinger.

China, aiming at becoming a maritime superpower, has two aircraft carriers in active service  the Liaoning and Shandong, and is building a third. China already has the largest navy in the world but mainly of smaller classes of ships. Supercarriers would greatly boost its power projection.

The race to develop bigger and better carriers highlights the precarious situation in the South China Sea, which is seen by observers as one of potential conflict zones between superpowers.

It will also force smaller, poorer countries in the region to pick a side, to a large extent, said Bitzinger.

All the smaller ASEAN (Southeast Asian) countries would love for China and the U.S. to get along but thats not going to happen and trying to remain outside of it all becomes harder and harder, he added.
Arrested without health checks, many of those sent to the district jail in Vientiane were confined in a single room with other criminals, some of them already infected,

Forty Lao prisoners held in a detention center in the capital Vientiane have been found infected with COVID-19 and are being denied contact with relatives or other outside visitors, Lao sources said.

Arrested without health checks, many of those sent to the Xaysettha district jail were confined in a single room with other criminals, some of them already infected, and the infection then spread rapidly to the others, an official source said.

The police had arrested some drug traffickers, and some of them were already infected with COVID-19, the official told RFA on Wednesday, speaking on condition of anonymity.

They were never examined or separated, but were just put into the jail, he said, adding that the infected prisoners are not allowed now to receive visits from family members or others from the outside.

It was not immediately clear if the infected group, which was identified during an inspection of the jail on Tuesday by municipal authorities, has now been kept apart from other prisoners in the facility, however.

Also on Tuesday, 12 soldiers were found infected at an army camp in Savannakhet province in southern Laos, with authorities there saying some of the men may have caught the virus outside the camp and then spread it on their return.

Only a small number of the soldiers are infected, and they may have caught the virus from infected members of their families, one camp official said, also declining to give his name.

Authorities are now taking them for treatment at clinic shelters outside the camp, and are limiting their contact with others, he said.

On Aug. 29, a group of about 20 prisoners escaped from a provincial prison in Savannakhet out of fear they would become infected with COVID-19 behind bars, but were quickly recaptured by authorities, sources told RFA in an earlier report.

The prisoners broke out of the Provincial Detention Center at 1:00 a.m., but pursuing guards fired warning shots, and all escapees were back in custody around 40 minutes later.

Many villagers in southern Lao provinces now say they are short of food and other essentials due to prolonged and strict government-ordered coronavirus pandemic lockdowns, preventing people from working and closing most markets and stores.

The impoverished, landlocked country of 7.4 million people saw a spike in outbreaks beginning in April after managing to evade infections for nearly a year.

Laos has recorded 25,987 cases of COVID-19 infection as of Wednesday, with 22 deaths also reported.

Reported by RFAs Lao Service. Translated by Sidney Khotpanya. Written in English by Richard Finney.
Arkin Iminjan, who spent more than eight years in state custody, was arrested again on Sept. 1.

A Uyghur who spent eight years in state custody during two separate prison terms on different charges in northwestern Chinas Xinjiang region was detained a third time in September, according to a source with knowledge of the situation and police in his hometown.

Authorities first detained Arkin Iminjan, who lived in Jaghistay township, Chapchal Xibe (in Chinese, Chabuchaer Xibo) county, in Ili Kazakh (Yili Hasake) Autonomous Prefecture, during the aftermath of violent unrest in Xinjiangs capital Urumqi on July 5, 2009, which left hundreds of Uyghurs dead.

Arkin was sentenced to six years in prison for disrupting public order and attempting to divide the country for having illegal materials on his cell phone, said a former schoolmate who learned of his ordeal through other former fellow students from Chapchal Xibe county.

After his release, Arkin, who has a middle-school education, earned a living by doing carpentry work and cooking, he said. The man refrained from using a cell phone until after he got married and had a child.

In 2017, authorities detained Arkin a second time because he was a former prisoner, said his former classmate.

He spent two years in a detention camp, part of a network of internment centers for Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang set up by the Chinese government under the pretext of providing vocational training to prevent religious extremism and terrorism.

He had been complaining that he had been in prison for six years without a reason and was still trying to get compensation from the government, Arkins former classmate told RFA. While he was attempting to do so, he was detained again. He was taken away from his home for 15-day study and released exactly two years later.

The repression of the Uyghurs has gotten progressively worse since then.

China has held up to 1.8 million Uyghurs and others in the camps since 2017, while dismissing widely documented evidence that it has mistreated Muslims living inside and outside the camps  including testimony from former detainees and guards describing widespread abuses in interviews with RFA and other media outlets.

Authorities detained Arkin, now 33, a third time on Sept. 1, placing a black hood over his head and whisking him away to a police station, said the former classmate, adding that the arrest resulted from a phone call Arkin had with a marked person.

A police officer in Jaghistay township confirmed that authorities had taken Arkin into custody in September, but he said he was unaware of the reason for his detention.

I think its maybe been about a month, he said when asked when Arkin was arrested. The officer also confirmed that Arkin was sent to a re-education facility in 2017.

About 20 percent of the Uyghur population in Jaghistay township has been detained since 2017, Arkins former classmate said.

This means that one in five of our neighbors became a marked person, so it was impossible to avoid contact with marked persons in the region, he said.

I believe that, actually, the officials wanted to detain Arkin again in order to meet official quotas on the numbers of Uyghurs to detain, he added.

Reported by Shohret Hoshur for RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by the Uyghur Service. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
The presidents of Ukraine, Israel, and Germany have inaugurated a memorial center for the victims of the Babyn Yar massacre in Ukraine, 80 years after the infamous mass slaughter by the Nazis.



About 34,000 Jewish men, women, and children were killed at the Babyn Yar ravine on the outskirts of Kyiv on September 29-30, 1941, soon after the Nazis occupied the city.



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called the massacre a "black, ugly page in world history" and a "common tragedy of the Jewish and Ukrainian people."



Himself of Jewish heritage, Zelenskiy has said he had family members who perished in the Holocaust.



Speaking at the ceremony on October 6, he recalled the thousands of children who "took their last breath here" and said it was hard to stand where "thousands of bullets knocked people down here in Babyn Yar."



Israeli President Isaac Herzog began his speech with a prayer for the victims.



"Commemoration and remembrance are vital for the whole of humanity, against evil, cruelty, and apathy," he said, while German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said the fight against anti-Semitism must go on.



Zelenskiy, Herzog, and Steinmeier inaugurated a memorial center, which is still under construction. It is dedicated to the stories of Eastern European Jews who were killed and buried in mass graves during the Holocaust.



As part of the ceremony, Ukrainian authorities also unveiled an installation created by performance artist Marina Abramovic.



Located at the Babyn Yar memorial complex, the Crystal Wall of Crying -- an allusion to the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem -- consists of 75 large quartz crystals embedded in a 40-meter-long wall of black anthracite.



U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also paid tribute to the anniversary in a video on Twitter in which he quoted from a report by a member of the Babyn Yar killing squad.



"The killers worked in shifts. Some took breaks around a bonfire to talk and drink coffee," he said. "Not everyone who was shot died immediately. Some suffocated under the weight of the bodies.



"Survivors later said that the earth around the ravine moved and moaned for days after the mass killings, as if the land itself were rebelling against what it had been asked to hold," Blinken said.



He said that the Nazis destroyed evidence in an attempt to ensure that the world would not know or remember what happened at Babyn Yar, and he said for years Soviet history omitted that the tens of thousands of people initially killed there were Jews.



In the months following the massacre, German authorities killed thousands more Jews and non-Jews at the site, including Roma, communist officials, Soviet prisoners of war, and Soviet civilians.



The Babyn Yar Holocaust memorial center on October 6 revealed 159 names of hundreds of Nazi troops who took part in the massacre.



The center said despite confessions, evidence, and testimonies submitted in the postwar years by some of the Nazi soldiers who carried out the murders, only a few of those involved ever faced justice for their crimes.

With reporting by AP and AFP
A Moscow court has ordered an investigative journalist to pay 156,000 rubles ($2,155) in compensation to a Dutch blogger who he alleged had ties to Russia's military intelligence agency.



The October 6 decision by the Cheryomushkinsky district court came just days after Russian authorities said they had issued an arrest warrant for Roman Dobrokhotov on charges of illegally crossing the border into Ukraine.



Dobrokhotov is the editor-in-chief of The Insider, a Latvia-based investigative news site that the Russian authorities have designated a "foreign agent" as part of a mounting crackdown on independent news media.

In July, just days after The Insider was labeled as a "foreign agent," Moscow police searched Dobrokhotov's apartment and that of his parents.



Dobrokhotov's passport was also confiscated, but he still managed to leave the country. 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 sued after Dobrokhotov claimed he was cooperating with Russian military intelligence to spread alternative narratives about the 2014 shootdown of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over Ukraine. All 298 people aboard the jet died, most of them Dutch.



Van der Werff is known for his articles rejecting international investigators' conclusions that MH17 was shot down by a Buk surface-to-air missile fired from territory controlled by Moscow-backed separatists in the east of Ukraine.



Investigators say Russia provided the anti-aircraft missile launcher that shot down the plane. Russia denies involvement and has put forth several other explanations.

With reporting by AP
MINSK -- Belarusian authorities have launched a new criminal probe against independent news website Tut.by, amid a continuing crackdown on independent media and freedom of speech.

An unspecified number of Tut.by staff members are suspected of jointly inciting social hatred or discord, the Investigative Committee of Belarus said on October 7.

It did not provide further details.

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.

If charged and convicted, the suspects would face up to 12 years in prison.

Tut.by, once the leading independent news outlet in Belarus, was blocked by the authorities in May, and 15 of its editors and journalists were arrested on charges of tax evasion.

Eleven of them remain either in custody or under house arrest.

After the website was blocked, some of its journalists created a new information site called Zerkalo.io.

Zerkalo.io suggested that the authorities latest move against Tut.by journalists could be in retaliation for the creation of the new website.

Tut.by actively covered mass protests that rocked Belarus last year following the disputed results of an August presidential election that handed authoritarian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka, who has ruled the country since 1994, a sixth consecutive term.

The demonstrations demanding Lukashenka's resignation were met with the heavy-handed -- and sometimes violent -- detention of tens of thousands of people.

Several demonstrators have been killed and there have been what human rights groups call credible reports of torture in the crackdown.

Much of the opposition leadership has been jailed or forced into exile.

The opposition and the West have refused to recognize Lukashenka as the countrys legitimate leader, saying the vote was rigged, and called for a new, independently monitored vote.

The authorities crackdown on independent journalists, the opposition, and civil society is continuing, with at least three ordinary citizens convicted on October 7 over comments they made on social media.

A court in the eastern city of Mahilyou sentenced 24-year-old Illya Dubski to five years in prison after convicting him of inciting hatred and threatening to attack law enforcement officers.

In Minsk, a court handed a two-year parole-like sentence to Mikhail Bohdan for insulting police officers online, while Valyantsina Pisaruk received a two-year parole-like sentence in the central city of Baranavichy for "insulting" a local top police official in a post.
Belarusian authorities say scores of people have been arrested for "insulting a government official" and other charges in connection with a police shoot-out at a Minsk apartment that killed an intelligence officer and an IT worker.



The Investigative Committee said 136 people had been taken in custody as of October 6, and signaled more arrests were likely.



The arrests are the latest development surrounding the murky shooting on September 28, which resulted in the death of Andrey Zeltsar, a man working for a major U.S.-based IT company called EPAM.

The authorities claimed that "an especially dangerous criminal" had opened fire on security officers after they showed up at his apartment looking for "individuals involved in terrorist activities." In addition to Zeltsar, Dzmitry Fedasyuk, an officer with the country's main security agency, the KGB, was also killed.



Earlier this week, Belarusian leader Alyaksandr Lukashenka vowed to punish people criticizing the raid, and specifically those criticizing Fedasyuk.



Among those commenting publicly was Valer Tsapkala, an exiled, would-be presidential candidate who said Zeltsar was an example for all Belarusians of how to resist Lukashenka's government.



Lukashenka slammed people who posted comments on social media praising Zeltsar and criticizing Fedasyuk, saying, "We have all their accounts and we can see who is who."



In addition to charges of insulting a government official, those arrested face charges of "inciting social hatred," the committee said.



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.

A number of human rights organizations spoke about the raid, and about the condition in which detainees were being held.



Belarus has been roiled by unprecedented anti-government protests that erupted after a presidential election in August 2020 in which Lukashenka claimed reelection.



Opposition groups called the vote fraudulent, and many Western government have refused to recognize Lukashenka as the winner.



In response to months of street protests, the government has arrested thousands and pushed most of the top opposition figures out of the country.



Earlier this week, the Belarus's Supreme Court ordered the liquidation of the country's oldest human rights organization, the Belarusian Helsinki Committee.
Three foreign employees of Bulgaria's biggest weapons maker, Arsenal, have been detained on suspicion of exporting "sensitive information" about the company's manufacturing plant.

The Bulgarian Interior Ministry said on October 7 that all three -- two Lithuanians, a man and a woman, and a Russian man -- held senior positions and handled innovative technologies at Arsenal, which makes small arms, artillery systems, gunpowder, and ammunition.

The company reported to the Interior Ministry on October 3 that "specific products" and related documents had gone missing and that the three suspects did not return to work as scheduled on September 17 after unpaid leave.

The ministry described the missing information as "extremely sensitive for the company and of interest to Bulgarian or foreign competing companies."

The suspects reentered Bulgaria from abroad on October 2 and traveled to the city of Kazanlak, where Arsenal's main plant is located, before they were detained at a southern border checkpoint with Greece on October 5, the Interior Ministry said.

All three are expected to be transferred to regional police custody in Kazanlak to face charges.

The industrial espionage accusations come five months after Bulgarian prosecutors began investigating possible Russian links to the poisoning of arms dealer Emilian Gebrev in 2015 and deadly explosions at Bulgarian weapons depots and manufacturing plants between 2011 and 2020.

One of those deadly blasts, in 2014, struck an Arsenal weapons complex, killing one person.

In April, Czech officials disclosed suspected links between Russian military intelligence (GRU) agents and a deadly explosion at a Czech ammunition depot in 2014, sparking diplomatic expulsions and denials from Moscow.

Subsequent evidence has placed some of those GRU agents in Bulgaria around the time of some of the Bulgarian incidents.
In September 2021, RFE/RL published several images of the Caucasus sketched by Swiss explorer Frederic Dubois shortly before cameras became commercially available. Now, thanks to the National Parliamentary Library of Georgia, which holds three rare volumes of Dubois's sketches, we can publish work from the final leg of his epic journey. From 1833 to 1834 the French-speaker travelled through the Crimean Peninsula, capturing the fascinating culture and landmarks -- some of which have since disappeared -- of one of Europe's most prized and battle-scarred pieces of land.

Dubois, a Swiss-Prussian nobleman, received the blessing of the Russian Tsar Nicholas I to explore and draw the Caucasus and Crimea. The oversized "atlases" he later published were filled with descriptions of what he saw on the journey, along with exquisitely detailed sketches.

The Gelendzhik sketch suggests Dubois probably made the journey from the Caucasus, where he spent around two years working, to Crimea along the coast by boat.

Modern photos of the Ayu-Dag location, near Yalta, demonstrate Dubois's painstaking visual accuracy. The two rocks off the coastline appear virtually identical nearly 200 years later.

The Crimean Khanate (1441-1783) was infamous for amassing vast wealth by launching raids deep into Europe to capture slaves. Abducted Russians, Poles, Lithuanians, and others were mostly sold into a life of servitude to buyers in the Ottoman Empire.

Feodosia was notorious under its former name, Kaffa, for a miserable and busy slave market. It was over these walls that one of the first recorded instances of biological warfare was launched. In the 14th century, a Mongol warlord catapulted the corpses of men who had died from the bubonic plague over the city's defenses, infecting the population and accelerating the spread of the disease into Europe.

Sevastopol is located near the center of the Black Sea and has long been a coveted possession for empires. Its recorded history began in the sixth century BC when a Greek city was founded on its shores.

Dubois claimed that tombs such as these "more or less reveal the state of [a civilization, the scope and the nature of its beliefs and the progress which it has made in the development of its intellectual faculties. This is why, in my travels, I have applied myself to collecting all that could enlighten me in this respect, and I offer here the results of my research."

The cliffside monastery (in the center of the photo) was built by the tsarist authorities soon after the Swiss explorers visit.

The hill-hugging fortification at Sudak was built by the Genoese in the 14th century. The Republic of Genoa was a maritime power based in today's northern Italy that became a major player in the Black Sea slave trade.

On the left in the sketch above is the entrance to one of several ancient burial mounds that pimple the landscape around Kerch.
Hungary has offered neighboring Romania help in caring for coronavirus patients as the country faces a huge surge in COVID-19 cases and a shortage of intensive-care beds that is pushing its health-care system to the brink of collapse.

Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto sent a letter over the weekend offering assistance to Romania in treating COVID-19 patients, Hungarys Foreign Ministry said.

RFE/RL's Coronavirus Coverage Features and analysis, videos, and infographics explore how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the countries in our region.

Negotiations are under way between the Romanian and Hungarian sides on the concrete form of the assistance, the ministry said on October 7.

Romania, a country of 19 million, has the second-lowest vaccination rate in the EU, with only 34 percent of adults fully vaccinated, compared to the EU's 74 percent average.

Romanian vaccination chief Valeriu Gheorghita on October 7 likened the current virus crisis in Romania to that of Italy at the start of the pandemic.

It is very obvious that hospitals and emergency units are assaulted, overwhelmed by patients with COVID, Gheorghita said at a news conference, adding that the surge in hospitalizations leaves aside other health-care needs.

Daily cases have exploded over the past week, reaching record daily highs of more than 15,000 infections and hitting more than 300 deaths for the first time on October 6.

Some 1,500 COVID-19 patients are currently in intensive-care units, stretching the countrys ailing health-care system to capacity.

Romania also asked the EU for help through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. President Klaus Iohannis this week called the developments a catastrophe.

Hungary -- a nation of 10 million people with 66 percent of all adults fully vaccinated -- recorded 837 new COVID-19 infection cases on October 7, compared with 14,467 in Romania.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AP
Leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (UCK) War Veterans Association have pleaded innocent to charges of obstructing justice and intimidating witnesses at a war crimes tribunal in the Netherlands.

Hysni Gucati, and his deputy, Nasim Haradinaj, entered their pleas October 7 at the opening of their trial at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague.

Both men face charges for allegedly revealing information including the identity of potential witnesses at the court, which is mandated to investigate and prosecute suspects in war crimes committed during Kosovo's 1998-99 guerrilla uprising against rule from Belgrade.

Witness intimidation has been a major problem as investigators built their cases, and the court has struggled to protect people who offer to assist its investigations.

Mr. Gucati and Mr. Haradinaj are vocal opponents of this institution, denigrating anyone who would recognize or cooperate with the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, or the specialist prosecutors office as spies, collaborators, and traitors who betrayed their fellow countrymen, Specialist Prosecutor Jack Smith told the judges.

The veterans association represents former ethnic Albanian separatists who fought Serbian troops during the Kosovo War, in which more than 10,000 were killed.

The most prominent Kosovar to be indicted to date is former President Hashim Thaci on charges of murder, torture, and persecution. He has denied the charges.

Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008, nine years after the end of the fighting.

The United States and most of the West recognize Kosovos independence. Serbia does not, however, and tensions between Kosovo and Serbia persist.

A NATO-led peacekeeping mission deployed to the two countries shared border earlier last week amid tensions that were triggered by a dispute over vehicle license plates.

With reporting by AP, Reuters, AFP, and RFE/RLs Balkan Service
Authorities at Kyrgyzstan's main international airport have barred dozens of Tajik citizens flying from neighboring Tajikistan from entering the country in an incident likely to further sour relations between the two Central Asian neighbors whose disputed border witnessed last month its worst fighting in the past three decades.

The flight, operated by Tajikistans carrier Somon Air, flew back to the capital, Dushanbe, early on May 26 with the 177 Tajik nationals who had been denied entry by the Kyrgyz Border Service at Bishkeks Manas airport due to a temporary closure of the border for citizens of Tajikistan.

The 177 Tajiks were stranded at the airport for four hours before being sent back to Tajikistan, while nine citizens of other countries were allowed to stay in the Kyrgyz capital after the aircraft landed at Manas late on May 25.

The Tajik Foreign Ministrys press service told RFE/RL that the ministry had not received any information from Kyrgyzstan that it would not accept the Dushanbe-Bishkek flight.

Abubakr Shodiev, the Tajik consul in Bishkek, said he tried to solve the problem through negotiations with the Kyrgyz authorities, but he was told that the Somon Air plane should return to Tajikistan.

About 100 other Tajik citizens who have flown in from different cities of Russia or are in transit are currently stuck in the transit zone of the Bishkek airport.

Some of them told RFE/RL they hadnt been informed about the closure of the borders of Kyrgyzstan for citizens of Tajikistan ahead of their flights.

On May 24, the State Border Service of the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan said that there were "temporary" entry and exit restrictions for individuals and goods from Tajikistan as of May 21.

The statement said the restrictions applied to five land checkpoints located on the border between the two countries, but did not say anything about air traffic.

The incident comes weeks after border clashes between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan that saw border troops open fire on each other and left dozens of people dead and dozens of homes destroyed.

Kyrgyzstan reported 36 deaths from the violence in late April, mostly civilians.

Tajik officials said 19 of its citizens died in the clashes.
ORENBURG, Russia -- The number of victims who died after drinking bootleg alcohol rose to 17, officials said, as police announced the arrests of several people.



Regional police said on October 8 that a resident in the town of Orsk had been arrested for allegedly distilling the booze at his house, and three other men were detained for distributing the alcohol in local shops.



The regional unit of the national Investigative Committee, which said only three suspects had been arrested, said it found a significant amount of bootleg alcohol at the site where it was being produced.

The press service for the regional governor, meanwhile, said 33 cases of alcohol poisoning had been reported in total, with 17 deaths. That was up from an earlier report that said there were 14 deaths.

Poisonings involving homemade, bootleg alcohol occur regularly in Russia as people seek out cheaper options than store-bought vodka.

In December 2016, 78 people died in and around the Siberian city of Irkutsk after drinking a scented herbal bath lotion called Boyaryshnik, which contained methanol -- a highly poisonous type of industrial alcohol.

Based on reporting by Interfax
Russias special envoy to Afghanistan said that Taliban representatives have been invited to Moscow for talks later this month on the countrys future.

Zamir Kabulov was quoted by Russian news agencies as saying that the talks were planned for October 20 but did not provide further details.

Asked by Russian journalists whether Taliban representatives would be invited to the negotiations involving China, India, Pakistan, and Iran, Kabulov said: "Yes."

The meeting will follow a G20 summit scheduled for next week that is aimed at helping Afghanistan avoid a humanitarian catastrophe in the aftermath of the Taliban takeover.

Moscow hosted a conference on Afghanistan in March, which was attended by the United States and China as well as Pakistan.

The attendees released a joint statement calling on the then-warring Afghan sides to reach a peace deal. It also called on the Taliban not to launch any offensives in the spring and summer.

Since then, Taliban fighters have swept to power, taking control of the capital Kabul after the government collapsed and amid a chaotic withdrawal by U.S. forces and their allies.

Moscow has moved to engage with the Taliban but stopped short of recognition of the group, which is considered a banned terrorist organization within Russia.

Among other things, Moscow is worried about instability or violence spilling into neighboring Central Asian countries. In response, Russia staged military exercises in Tajikistan and reinforced equipment at a military base there.

Based on reporting by TASS and Interfax
A 32-year-old Serbian lawyer who has spent a decade helping asylum seekers and refugees fleeing hardship around the world find new lives in his Balkan country has received the UN refugee agency's prestigious award for Europe in a ceremony in Belgrade.

Nikola Kovacevic offers free legal advice and helps refugees apply for asylum and find shelter, work, and access to education and medical assistance.

The UNHCR said Kovacevic has represented nearly one-third of all of the asylum seekers granted protection in Serbia since he began refugee protection work in 2012.

If you get this personal connection with the people who lost everything, who speak to you...[the] exchange of something, of energy, or gratitude, of this feeling of humanity, thats an unbelievable feeling," Kovacevic told AP ahead of becoming the Balkans' first recipient of the UNHCR's regional Nansen Refugee Award.

Many have come from war zones like Syria or Afghanistan, but he credits an encounter with an Iranian family with inspiring him to enter the field.

If we lose the fight for the legacy of the refugee convention, which was designed for us -- Europeans -- in the Second World War, whats going to happen next? Kovacevic said. Because, you know, there is this old saying: Everybody can come in[to] a situation to become a refugee."

He cited migrants from Iraq and Afghanistan that Belarus has been accused of "weaponizing" to manufacture a refugee crisis on its borders with EU members Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.

Today, as we speak, dozens and dozens of Afghans are stuck in a no-mans-land between Poland and Belarus, Kovacevic said.

A UNHCR representative in Serbia, Francesca Bonelli, said Kovacevic's efforts had contributed to improving the asylum procedure in Serbia.

Southeastern Europe has been a major transit route or destination for migrants escaping conflict, oppression, and persecution, including during the massive inflow of at least 1.3 million arrivals in 2015-16 that sparked a political backlash in some parts of Europe.

"His devotion to the refugee cause in Serbia showcases the importance of everyones involvement and contribution to protection of the people forced to flee their homes," Bonelli said when Kovacevic's selection for the prize was announced late last month. "Nikolas example serves as an inspiration to all those, especially the young, who are ready to go the extra mile in providing support to refugees in need."

With reporting by AP
The head of a major Ukrainian state-owned bank has said he is under investigation in connection with a confrontation with RFE/RL investigative reporters during an interview this week.



Yevhen Metsher, who stepped down temporarily as Ukreksimbank's CEO earlier this week, said he was handed the official notice on October 7.



"I am ready to fully cooperate with the investigation. I am deeply confident that freedom of speech is an important element of Ukraine's development," Metsher wrote in a post to his Facebook page.

"Once more, I would like to express my sincere apologies to the journalistic community and personally to" the reporters involved.



A spokeswoman for the Kyiv regional prosecutor's office said the bank's chief spokesman had also been notified he was a suspect. According to Ukrainian law, that means the two men are officially accused of a crime.



The day before, Metsher announced that he was temporarily stepping down as CEO of the bank, which Ukraine's main export-import bank.

The incident took place in Metsher's office in Kyiv on October 4 during an interview with reporters for Schemes (Skhemy), a joint investigative project run by RFE/RL and UA: Pershy television.



One reporter, Kyrylo Ovsyaniy, asked him a question about a controversial loan given to a client.



Metsher then instructed security personnel to stop the journalists and take their cameras and video materials away. Security guards forcibly seized videographer Oleksandr Mazur's two cameras and memory cards.

The journalists were allowed to leave after being ordered to delete video files from their memory cards. But Schemes' technicians later managed to retrieve video showing the entire incident.



The clip shows how Metsher instructed his spokesman and security personnel to take the cameras and memory cards. Bank personnel can be heard saying that the memory cards "must be cleaned up to zero."



Officials including the office of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Prosecutor-General Iryna Venediktova condemned the attack.



The country's National Police said they had opened a criminal probe.



"Journalists must be allowed to do their work without fear of physical intimidation or harassment," RFE/RL President Jamie Fly said in a statement following the attack.

With reporting by Ukrayinska pravda
David Greene and Carlinda Van Winkle of the Madison County Clerks Office prepare to adopt angels Monday from one of two Salvation Army Angel Trees at the Madison County Courthouse. Other Angel Trees can be found at businesses and other public venues throughout the county.
Shah Rukh khan's son arrested in drugs case

Chandigarh: Shah Rukh Khan's son was caught with hash at a party and this news is running on all the TV channels. People who look at the world through the lens of jealousy and hatred will be interested in such news. The son of a rich, Muslim actor was caught making a mistake and then Diwali came prematurely for the contractors of Indian culture. But these people will not talk about the culture of Union Home Minister Ajay Mishra's son who drove over the farmers.

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In the celebration of a ship, 13 grams of white, 21 grams of hash, 22 tablets, 5 grams of mephedrone were found. Has spent millions, crores of rupees on investigations and put all its energy into it. Well, this is a right-wing battle in which every weapon will be used to show itself clean on all sides. But factual thinkers on both sides also want to ask some questions.

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No matter how rich Shah Rukh Khan is, he is a man and a father like us whose son is experimenting with drugs in his youth which is common among today's children. Sit back and relax with your children and you will find out that the amount of drugs found in the party of these stars is less than the number of drugs found in the celebrations of ordinary youth today. No matter how far you go, look at the condition of the youth in the capital itself, then Shah Rukh Khan's son will look innocent. The reality today is that parents are thankful that their children only drink alcohol and are thankful that they are not taking drugs.

Adani Port, Gujarat



Seeing this case, the NCB is Looking at the eyes and minds of the people, it is astonishing that they see a threat to the country with a kilo of opium coming through drones at the border of Punjab. But opium worth Rs 21,000 crore at the Adani port in Gujarat is not a concern. A file on the truth of drug trafficking in Punjab has been circulating for 8 years but no one has noticed the difference. Wake up

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Gautam Adani



In any country, a drug addict is considered a victim, not a criminal, and is helped rather than humiliated. The United States has spent billions of dollars to eradicate drug traffickers in Mexico. But it is our government that turns a blind eye to the Rs 21,000 crore opium seized at Adani port but allows the victimized youth to be humiliated in the media as much as possible.

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By releasing pictures of Aryan Khan in custody and crying, the NCB has proved that it has no intention of eradicating drugs from the country. Just when someone has to be harassed or slandered, drugs are used as an excuse but 13 grams of hash is a problem but 3600 kg is not an objection. - Nimrat Kaur
POOJA CEREMONY BY PRIYANKA CHOPRA AND NICK JONAS

Mumbai: Priyanka Chopra recently spoke about how her husband Nick Jonas and have brought their respective about their cultural traditions into their marriage.

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In a podcast, the actress also revealed that Nick and she were aligned when it comes to their feelings and their relationship with their faith. The actress added that she is a believer that eventually, religion is a map to get to the same destination, which is God. So no matter with what faith you have been raised, we are all going in the same direction to a higher power.

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Elaborating further, Priyanka added that she performs a lot of prayer ceremonies at home and it is Nick who asks her to do it before starting something new because that is how she has always started something auspicious in her life, with a prayer of thanks. As both of them have that upbringing, they have created that within their family as well.



Priyanka and Nick, who got married in 2018 like a fairy tale, honored each others traditions and customs by getting married and respecting both traditions they had Christian as well as Hindu ceremonies.

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Meanwhile, if we talk about her upcoming projects and works then Priyanka Chopra is currently in Spain, shooting for her web series, Citadel. Apart from that, she has been roped in for Farhan Akhtars next titled, Jee Le Zara. The actress will be seen sharing the screen space with Katrina Kaif and Alia Bhatt for the first time in the movie.
Congress leaders march to Lakhimpur Kheri, UP

Chandigarh: Three days ago Violent incident at Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh has shocked all Congressmen in Punjab. The Yogi has united against the government. Chief Minister Charanjit Channi has already reached Sitapur and Lakhimpur Kheri with Rahul Gandhi, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel from Chhattisgarh, and expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.

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The second largest group led by Punjab Congress President Navjot Sidhu comprising all 17 ministers, all Congress MLAs, hundreds of other leaders gathered at the lighted intersection near Chandigarh Airport at around 11 am, passing through Zirakpur, Dera Bassi, Karnal, or Yamunanagar. Lakhimpur Kheri from the Saharanpur side will reach by road in thousands of vehicles. Information received from Punjab Congress Bhawan revealed that the 640 km journey would be completed in 11-12 hours.

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Daily Spokesman's interactions with Navjot Sidhu, Pargat Singh, Amarinder Raja, and other Ministers, MLAs show that the strong and ruling Congress of Punjab has not only shown sympathy with the peasant's struggle but has moved forward with body and mind and has openly helped.

Congress leaders with the family in Lakhimpur Kheri

These leaders said that they are working day and night to strongly link high command leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka, Sonia Gandhi, and others to the peasant struggle. Many of the Lakhimpur Kheri marchers are also from Capt Amarinder Singh's camp.

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Congress leaders with the family in Lakhimpur Kheri



Youth Congress President Brindar Dhillon said that hundreds of youth wing leaders, workers, Congress sympathizers also joined UP. They will be going together and told the media that the Congress party is now standing with the farmers of the country and the crushing of the farmers by the son of the Union Minister could not be tolerated. The Congress leaders made it clear that the Modi government should withdraw the three agriculture laws. Allow him to go, throw the Union Minister's son in jail and dismiss the Yogi government.
TWO TEACHERS WERE KILLED IN THE TERROR ATTACK

Jammu: On Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir police officials told that two teachers were killed in a terror attack at a government school in the Sangam Eidgah area of the Srinagar district.

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Terror attack in Srinagar



"At about 11:15 am, terrorists, shot dead two school teachers at Sangam Eidgah in Srinagar district," a police official said. The lady among the two teachers who were killed by the terrorist was a Sikh lady.

Two Teachers Killed in the terror attack

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He said that the area has been cordoned off and a hunt has been launched to nail the attackers. This comes days after three people, including prominent pharmacist Makhan Lal Bindroo, were shot dead in Srinagar and Bandipora in separate incidents.
REGULARIZE OUTSOURCED COMPUTER OPERATOR AND NODAL COMPLAINT CENTER EMPLOYEES IN POWER COM

Chandigarh: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab has demanded regularization of the outsourced computer operators and nodal complaint center employees, who have been working for nearly eight years in Powercom. In a statement issued from the party headquarters here on Thursday, a senior leader of the AAP and MLA Aman Arora said that firstly the Badal government and then the Congress government, instead of making the outsourced employees worry-free and marginalized them. Arora said that the outsourced employees shared their concerns by writing to him.

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Aam Aadmi Party member and MLA Aman Arora



Aman Arora said that the age of many employees was more than 32 years and their salaries were also Rs 10,000. Realizing the seriousness of the critical financial condition of the employees, Aman Arora demanded the newly appointed Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi-led state government to regularize the outsourced employees. He said by doing this, there will be no financial burden on the government.

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The AAP leader further said that the Badal government neglected the employees during their rule and later mislead the employees, issued a notification to regularize them under the 2016 Act. Arora said that the Congress government which came to power also appreciated the outsourced employees in the name of frontline workers during the Covid period, but did nothing in regard to their financial condition.
For generations, Indigenous Peoples have known that our health is intertwined with the health of our earth. Their worldview recognizes that being healthy means ensuring the natural resources that give us life are well cared for.

In contrast, Western mindsets tend to view the natural world as an inventory of useful commoditiesseparate from, and existing only in service to, humanity. Overusing, polluting, and extracting without considering the long-term impacts has created conditions that fuel health inequities in our country: contaminated drinking water, food scarcity, air pollution, and extreme heat are contributing to poor health and driving up disease, particularly in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color.

Transforming our relationship with nature is key to building a sustainable, equitable, and healthy future for all. Through the forcible removal, violence, oppression, and other injustices Indigenous Peoples have experienced, they have remained powerful stewards for many of our natural resources. Their values, practices, and policies can show us the way to heal and reclaim the health of our earth and humanity.
Among the sites and areas that would be reopened to tourists would be the coastal town of Nha Trang, the city of Dalat, and the UNESCO World Heritage sites Hoi An and Halong Bay.

"We are moving step by step, cautiously but flexibly to adapt to real situations of the pandemic," Vietnams government said in a statement on Wednesday, according to Reuters.

In September, Vietnam announced that Phu Quoc island would again be available as a destination for tourists who are fully vaccinated to visit beginning in November.

Tourists are expected to be welcomed back throughout the country around June, according to Reuters.

More vaccinated tourists will also be welcomed in Thailand, which signaled that starting in November, additional sites and areas would allow international guests for visits, per the wire service.

Meanwhile in Australia, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that the country would soon be allowing its citizens to travel out of the country once states reach a vaccination threshold of at least 80 percent of people aged 16 years and older.

The move by Australia is expected to start in November, though different parts of the country will reopen at different times. It is unclear when vaccinated travelers will be allowed to reenter Australia.

Coronavirus cases in Vietnam appear to be trending downward, with the country seeing over 5,300 COVID-19 cases on Tuesday compared to the countrys COVID-19 peak of over 17,000 in late August, according to data from the World Health Organization.

Still, Vietnams vaccination rate is low, with 12 percent of its country fully vaccinated so far, per data from Johns Hopkins University.
Danvers, MA (01923)

Today

Sun and clouds mixed. High 67F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Showers this evening, becoming a steady rain overnight. Low 39F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
Danvers, MA (01923)

Today

Sunshine to start, then a few afternoon clouds. High 67F. Winds SSW at 10 to 20 mph..

Tonight

Rain showers early will evolve into a more steady rain overnight. Low 39F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch.
David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Image

Britney Spears is on the news, kids are dressing up in baggy jeans again, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are going on tour. What year is it?!

Booking their first live gigs since guitarist John Frusciante re-joined the band in 2019, this massive 32-city world stadium tour includes stops all over the world and includes opening bands like The Strokes, A$AP Rocky, Beck, Haim, St. Vincent in more.
Keene, NH (03431)

Today

Mostly cloudy skies with a few showers this afternoon. High 62F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%..

Tonight

A steady rain this evening. Showers continuing overnight. Low 34F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.
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Pressure is mounting on health officials to better communicate their reasoning around masks and create more nuanced policies. A popular coronavirus rapid test sold in most drugstores could give people false positives due to a manufacturing glitch, according to the Food and Drug Administration. After a year or more of online learning, some students returned to classrooms with forgotten social skills, trauma and pent-up frustration. Bay Area health officials are giving trick-or-treating the green light  but urging some modifications for holiday activities, with the coronavirus still circulating and young children still ineligible for COVID vaccines.

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:

Another study finds efficacy of Pfizer vaccine wanes, especially for men: Six months after receipt of the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, its efficacy substantially decreased, especially among men, persons 65 years of age or older, and those with immunosuppression, according to a study released Wednesday. The report, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, found that the shots work significantly better in those between the ages 18 and 45 than older adults. Women has higher counts of antibody at the end of the study, which was conducted between December and July.

Pfizer authorization timeline for 5-11 year olds now Halloween to Thanksgiving: Despite hopes that the Pfizer vaccine might be available to children 5-11 by late October, the timeline seems to have shifted slightly later: As Pfizer requests federal emergency authorization for its vaccine for 5-11 year olds, the New York Times reports that a decision by the FDA is expected between Halloween and Thanksgiving.

UCSF has no plans to lift mask mandate: San Francisco will allow the lifting of its mask mandate on Oct. 15 in certain settings such as indoor college classes, but some institutions are still figuring out what to do. "We are still evaluating the public health orders and have no plans to lift the mask requirement yet at UCSF," said spokesperson Laura Kurtzman.

San Francisco to lift some mask rules Oct. 15, other counties lay out criteria: Starting Oct. 15, people in San Francisco may stop wearing masks at indoor spaces that require proof of vaccination  including gyms, offices and places that host small gatherings  as long as no children under 12 are present and other safety measures are in place. Other Bay Area counties also laid out a roadmap for rolling back mask requirements for vaccinated people, but none gave a specific date. Read the story here.

More than 140,000 children lost parent or caregiver to COVID: During the first 15 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States, more than 120,000 children lost a parent or grandparent who was a primary provider of financial support and care, according to a study published Thursday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Another 22,000 children experienced the death of a secondary caregiver  for example, a grandparent who provided housing but not a childs other basic needs. All of us  especially our children  will feel the serious immediate and long-term impact of this problem for generations to come, said Susan Hillis, CDC researcher and lead author of the study.

Pfizer asks FDA to authorize COVID vaccine for kids aged 5 to 11: Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech asked the Food and Drug Administration for an emergency-use authorization to provide their COVID-19 vaccine for children between the ages of 5 and 11, the companies said Thursday.

Mask fatigue and vaccine mandates: Public health officials are set to establish new rules for when, where and how we can begin to uncover our faces. Meanwhile, a rush of San Francisco workers have been getting vaccinated to meet a city deadline, proving that vax mandates work, whether youre a building inspector, a cop or a Golden State Warrior. On The Chronicles Fifth & Mission podcast, health reporter Erin Allday joins host Demian Bulwa to discuss two emerging pandemic storylines in the Bay Area. Listen to the podcast here.

Booster shots vs. third doses of COVID vaccines  heres how they differ: Bay Area health officials report they are encountering some confusion about the difference between a booster and a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Though both involve an additional shot, the rules and guidelines differ in several ways  depending on the vaccine brand, who the recipient is, and when the dose can be administered. Read the full story here.

Bay Area health officials to release details of easing of mask rules Thursday: Bay Area health officials will announce criteria for lifting indoor mask mandates on Thursday, offering a shared set of metrics that counties would have to hit in order to ease restrictions, and will include local case rates, hospitalizations and vaccination rates. Preston Merchant, spokesperson for the San Mateo County health department, confirmed the timing of the announcement after health officials for Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties said the announcement would come before the end of the week.

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.

COVID-19 hospitalizations in California fall to half of summer peak: The number of confirmed COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state dipped to 4,385 on Tuesday. That is close to half the number recorded during the peak of the summer delta surge on Aug. 31, with 8,353 hospitalizations. In the Bay Area, there were 493 people hospitalized with COVID-19 on Tuesday, compared to 1,141 on Aug. 24. Seven of the 9 counties in the Bay Area have now advanced out of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions high coronavirus community transmission level into the substantial category. Napa County and Solano County  the latter has the lowest vaccination rate in the region and did not adopt the universal masking policy  remain in the worst category.

A popular rapid COVID test may be giving false positives. Heres what to do if you took one: A popular coronavirus rapid test sold in most drugstores could give people false positives due to a manufacturing glitch, according to the Food and Drug Administration. Read the full story here.

COVID canceled Halloween 2020  this year, its back on. Heres the new Bay Area guidance: Last year, COVID-19 canceled Halloween. This year, federal and Bay Area health officials are giving trick-or-treating the green light  but urging some modifications for holiday activities, with the coronavirus still circulating and young children still ineligible for COVID vaccines. Read the full story here.

Cursing, meltdowns and playground tussles  Bay Area schools grapple with emotional toll of pandemic: Mental health experts and educators worried prior to this school year what months of isolation and distance learning would look like once students returned to classrooms. Now, more than a month into in-person learning, as the excitement of returning to classrooms fades, many students are struggling with social skills and emotional regulation and there isnt always a qualified adult to intervene. Read the full story here.

S.F. workers rush to get vaccinated to comply with city mandate, deadline: San Franciscos vaccine mandate for certain city workers appears to have prompted nearly 900 employees to get vaccinated during the days surrounding the deadline, as many faced the risk of losing their jobs if they continued to refuse the shot. Read the full story here.
Two of the Bay Areas biggest employers, Facebook and Google, arent planning any mask mandate changes despite San Franciscos move to lift part of its requirements next week.

The city will allow workers to remove masks in offices where vaccinations are required, but both tech giants said there wont be any immediate changes to their policies.

Our existing mask policy remains in place: All employees are required to wear a mask regardless of vaccination status until further notice, said Chloe Meyere, a Facebook spokesperson.

Lora Lee Erickson, a Google spokesperson, said the companys existing policy wouldnt change.

Both Facebook and Google began requiring vaccinations to work on campus in July, and since then, numerous other companies have instituted similar mandates, including United Airlines, Microsoft and Citigroup. Both Facebook and Google declined to say what percentage of employees were vaccinated.

San Francisco remains one of the slowest U.S. cities when it comes to returning to offices, with only around 22% of workers in the metro area back as of last week in buildings managed by Kastle, which handles keycard swipes. Thats the lowest among 10 major cities the company tracks, and San Joses metro area was the second-lowest return rate at 26% last week.

Theres hope that the loosening of the mask mandate will spur more workers to return.

Our wonky, technical response is: Woohooooo! said Rufus Jeffris, spokesperson for the Bay Area Council, a business group whose members include Facebook and Google.

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.

The lifting of masking requirements signals that we are making good progress against the recent delta surge and that the strong push to get everyone vaccinated is paying off. Given past experience, well refrain from declaring victory. But the signs are promising, he said. Im not hearing anything immediate from our members about their plans, and I suspect most employers will still be moving cautiously on their plans to return to office.

An August economic overview by the San Francisco controllers office found that the delta variant slowed parts of the citys recovery, with office attendance, time spent outside the home and small business expectations stalling.

Roland Li is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: roland.li@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rolandlisf
No one knew that Jack Huck lost weight during the pandemic.

Huck is 72 and lives alone in a room at the Winton Hotel for formerly unhoused and low-income residents in San Francisco. He rode out shelter-in-place isolation with only a cell phone to connect him to the outside world.

It wasnt until May of this year, when Huck finally reunited with his social worker in person, that someone acknowledged his physical decline. At that meeting, Hucks social worker suggested he get set up for Zoom calls.

I was down and blue, not using a computer, Huck said.

But like most single-room-occupancy hotels in San Francisco, Hucks isnt connected to Wi-Fi. Of the approximately 530 such hotels in the city, one of the countrys most technologically advanced, only a handful are Wi-Fi enabled. The hotels are mostly concentrated in the Tenderloin, Chinatown, South of Market and the Mission, neighborhoods with high immigrant and lower-income populations. And according to a 2016 report by the citys public health department, 1 in 5 SRO residents in those neighborhoods is over age 65.

Lauren Cotter, spokesperson for the nonprofit Community Tech Network, which helps seniors get online, likened the internet access gap to the outlawed practice of denying services to residents of certain neighborhoods based on race.

Just as there has been redlining, the same is true of internet access, she said. Cellular alone is not enough for people to be able to do all of the services necessary for their health.

Huck moved into the Winton when he was in his 40s and has stayed because the building, which is in the Tenderloin, is rent-controlled.

Nick Otto/Special to The Chronicle

Im pretty well locked in, said Huck, who suffers from arthritis and uses a walker to get around.

He said he reached out to internet providers about hooking his building up to Wi-Fi but was told its not worth the cost. The issue wasnt so important to him until the COVID-19 pandemic, when the internet became essential for so many services.

The problem with broadband was always envisioned as being an issue for rural America, said Bill Soward, executive director of ShelterTech, an organization that tries to solve technology challenges faced by people experiencing housing insecurity. Urban areas have digital divide issues just as much as rural areas, and it requires an evolution in legislation.

In 2020, ShelterTech outfitted the Mission Hotel, San Franciscos largest SRO, with free Wi-Fi for all residents. It did so through grants and partnerships, including with the city of San Francisco, to bring fiber-optic lines from the street to the building. Soward estimates at least 20,000 residents across San Francisco and in hundreds of buildings are without Wi-Fi access. Its a problem in cities nationwide.

The old age of the SRO buildings is in part to blame.

Most of those are over 100 years old, Soward said. To wire the traditional way into each of the individual rooms would be very, very expensive. He said he believes thats one reason telecom companies are reluctant to bring in fiber, especially when many of the residents cant afford the high cost of internet packages.

Nick Otto/Special to The Chronicle

Pratibha Tekkey, director of community organizing for the Tenderloin Housing Clinic, which manages 24 SROs in San Francisco including the Winton Hotel, said lack of access is a problem she hears about often.

Many SRO residents, in my opinion, live in isolation, Tekkey said. Because of COVID, we found out that it makes a humongous difference if people have access, to at least give them a connection to the outside world.

Tekkey said residents faced heightened mental health challenges during the pandemic with nowhere to find help. Now that so many resources and communications have moved online, the problem continues.

Some of us take it for granted, Tekkey said of Wi-Fi connection. She said she wasnt aware of much momentum from the city to fix the issue comprehensively.

Previous attempts by the city to bring Wi-Fi to all residents, like former Supervisor Mark Farrells proposal to lay publicly controlled fiber optic broadband infrastructure beneath city streets, never came to fruition.

I have no idea where it disappeared to, Tekkey said. The proposal was shelved in 2018.

In July, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a new $6 billion investment in broadband infrastructure. And the federal American Rescue Plan includes $350 billion to help cities and states expand broadband and other services, though some cities have expressed concern that the plan to distribute the funds favors rural areas over urban ones. Rey LaChaux, digital equity manager in the San Francisco Mayors Office of Housing and Community Development, said the city has discussed using $5 million of its allotted American Rescue Plan funds to connect 42 affordable housing sites officials have identified as the highest need to Wi-Fi.

Also in July, the governors Master Plan on Aging issued a progress report showing that the Department of Aging had distributed over 8,500 smart speakers to low-income older adults and is in the process of distributing 4,000 iPads with two-year data plans. The department also has promoted the federal Emergency Broadband Benefit, which the Federal Communications Commision put in place in May to help low-income households afford internet service during the pandemic. But the progress report does not mention providing internet hotspots or helping SROs or other low-income housing developments get connected.

Nick Otto/Special to The Chronicle

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Were going to widen disparities, said Karen Lincoln, founder and chair of Advocates for African American Elders, an outreach program run by the University of Southern California. She pointed out that only people who have access to Wi-Fi will get the full benefit of the free devices. Lincoln added that its often historically marginalized communities that are on the other side of the digital divide.

Huck briefly crossed that divide when he enrolled over the summer in a free computer training program for low-income older adults, which provided him with a tablet and a temporary Wi-Fi hotspot. Suddenly, contact with doctors, social workers and out-of-town family members was within Hucks reach.

When you can see somebody nice and clear, Huck said, it makes a difference.

But the hotspot access ended once the course was done. He still has the tablet, but no way to use it at home.

His Android cell phone isnt much of an alternative. Huck has an eye condition that makes it hard for him to read text on a small screen. He struggles with spelling and with typing on a tiny keypad.

Huck, who grew up in the Mission District and worked various jobs before retiring as a security guard at age 65, has never had Wi-Fi at home. For most of his life, Wi-Fi didnt exist.

He thought about getting a computer in his retirement, but his brother in Nevada talked him out of it.

You dont want to spend your money on that, Huck recalls his brother telling him. Youve got to survive first.

Rent and health care are Hucks biggest expenses, which he pays for with his Social Security income. Hes squirreled away some savings in case he ends up in the hospital. During the pandemic, when offered the unexpected opportunity to get a device, learn how to use it and get online at a discounted price, Huck jumped at the chance.

With his new digital skills, he plans to connect to Wi-Fi at coffee shops in his neighborhood. He said hes grateful for the tablet, even if he has to leave home to use it.

Sofie Kodner is a writer with the Investigative Reporting Program at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. The IRP reported this story through a grant from the SCAN Foundation. Email: katherine_kodner@berkeley.edu Twitter: @KodSof
Legislation to give prisoners in California a legal right to visits from family and friends, and limit state officials authority to restrict visitation, was vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, who said the bill went too far.

Californias nearly 99,000 inmates currently can receive visitors under rules set by state prison officials. Their regulations allow in-person visits three days a week, but bar visitors who have recent felony convictions or current arrest warrants and those who took part in the inmates crimes. Visits are limited to specified hours, although some prisoners are allowed longer, private visits with family members.

State law requires officials to consider the value of visits in improving prison safety, maintaining family relations and preparing inmates for future release, but allows them to set whatever limits they consider appropriate and does not declare any right for inmates to challenge those rules.

One state regulation says visitation policy should be carried out in as accommodating a manner as possible, subject to the need to maintain order, the safety of persons, the security of the institution/facility, and required prison activities and operations, general terms that are left to individual prisons to interpret.

AB990 by Assembly Member Miguel Santiago, D-Los Angeles, would have established a prisoners right to receive visits and allowed restrictions only when necessary to protect legitimate security interests.

The bill would have allowed prisons to bar visitors who had been violent during a previous visit or who had tried to help the inmate escape, brought certain types of contraband into the prison, or engaged in sexual relations with the inmate during a visit, except for private family visits. But it would have narrowed the states authority to exclude visitors with criminal records and would have prevented officials from denying visits as punishment for an inmates disciplinary violations.

If somebody talks back to an officer or is late coming back from a yard or is making jailhouse wine ... they can give any reason for denying somebody visiting, and the courts give prison officials wide deference, said one of the bills supporters, Kevin McCarthy, a former prisoner and self-described jailhouse lawyer now majoring in legal studies at UC Berkeley. He said prisons have also cut off visits to all inmates if a few gang members fight in a prison yard.

McCarthy, 40, was paroled last year after 17 years in prison and now works with Berkeley Underground Scholars and Legal Services for Prisoners with Children in Oakland, two of the more than 80 organizations that endorsed AB990.

The measure was opposed by the prison guards union, the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, which said it would promote prison gangs. As McCarthy noted, the prison guards union contributed $1.75 million to Newsoms successful campaign to defeat the recall effort last month.

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In his veto message Wednesday, Newsom said he supports prison visitation and noted that his budget this year included funding to increase visiting from two to three days a week and to provide free transportation for some family members who live far from the prisons.

But AB990 is likely to result in extensive and costly litigation from individuals denied visitation for what may be valid and serious safety and security concerns, the governor said. He urged Santiago to work with the states Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, which runs the prison system, to find a solution that expands access to visitation in a manner that protects all parties.

Santiago said Thursday he was pleased that Newsom had funded a third day of weekly visitation, which was included in an earlier version of his bill, and would try to work toward an agreement.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko
Officials investigating whether vessels near the Southern California oil spill may have pierced the pipeline with an anchor have focused on a German cargo ship that sailed north after the incident and moored at the Port of Oakland.

The ship being investigated, according to the Los Angeles Times and Associated Press, who cited anonymous federal officials, is the Rotterdam Express, a 964-foot cargo ship owned by Hapag-Lloyd. The ship sailed up from the Port of Long Beach on Tuesday and pulled into the San Francisco Bay early Wednesday morning. Satellite imagery of the spill, pipeline and ship positioning indicate it was the closest vessel to the breach last Friday.

The ships owner said the Rotterdam Express did not move from its anchorage or pass over the pipeline.

Federal officials have said they are looking into whether a cargo ships anchor may have caught on the pipeline, pulling it until the pressure split open the line. Divers and robot submarine video footage showed that a 4,000-foot section of the 17.7 mile-long pipeline was displaced by up to 105 feet and had a 13-inch fissure running parallel to the pipe. Officials have released video of the crack in the pipe.

That is one of the things we are looking into at this point as a possible cause, said Coast Guard spokesman Steve Strohmaier. We are looking at what vessels were in that area.

The spill  first reported Friday off the coast of Huntington Beach amid the maritime log jam awaiting entry into the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach  sent at least 126,000 gallons of heavy crude into the ocean and surrounding beaches.

Nils Haupt, a spokesman for Hapag-Lloyd, said in a statement to The Chronicle that the Rotterdam Express was anchored at SF-3 anchorage as directed by San Pedro marine traffic controllers on the morning of Sept. 21. The ship lifted anchor on Oct. 3, two days after the spill was first spotted, Haupt said.

The anchor was dropped exactly as requested and confirmed by San Pedro Traffic, he said. During the period in question the vessel has not moved from anchorage and has not passed over the pipeline. During anchorage no oil in the water has been spotted.

He said the company was fully cooperating with authorities. He said the Coast Guard cleared the ship to leave Oakland and early Thursday morning it left for Mexico.

Steven Browne, a professor of Marine Transportation at Vallejos California Maritime Academy, said the traffic jams at the West Coasts busiest ports could have played a role in the spill.

I think the congestion is likely a factor, he said. The space in the anchorage is limited and ships are likely being directed to anchor in areas that they normally wouldnt be.

Two-thirds of all West Coast cargo travel through the Southern California ports and a series of pandemic disruptions and labor shortages have clogged the global supply chain. While a new labor agreement at the Port of Oakland that added several hundred new longshore workers cleared up the glut here, a massive maritime traffic jam remains near the oil spill. Last week, upward of 70 ships were stuck at anchor in San Pedro Bay, waiting to enter those busy Southern California ports.

Theyre basically running out of parking spots, Strohmaier said.

Noah Berger / Special to The Chronicle

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Underwater hazards, such as phone lines and power cables, are factored in for assigned anchorages, Browne said. He said an anchor could have damaged the oil line when it was dropped or possibly if it was dragged along the bottom as the wind or current moved the ship. But, Browne said such anchorages are well-sheltered and the seabed is favorable for anchors  likely weighing 10 tons or more  to stick.

It might also have happened as the anchor was being lifted, Browne said. The anchor might have dragged along the bottom for a short distance after it broke free from the bottom. If it then caught on the pipeline on the way up, the ship might have attempted to raise and lower it a few times while adjusting the ships location until the anchor came free ... It is possible that the ships crew didnt realize that the anchor came into contact with the pipeline.

The mystery has internet sleuths buzzing with speculation. Ben Kuo, who gained fame after using a photograph to help authorities locate a missing hiker earlier this year, pinpointed the Rotterdam Express as a ship closest to the origin of the oil spill early on. He overlaid satellite images of the spill with the pipeline mapping and ship GPS coordinates to focus on the German ship.

But Kuo now believes the ship may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time and the damage may have been done by a previous ship with the pipe bursting long after the anchor damage.

More for you California oil spill: This UC Davis team is leading the race to rescue wildlife on Huntington Beach shoreline

Matthias Gafni is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: matthias.gafni@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @mgafni
For many Bay Area residents, Marin County conjures up images of large single-family homes nestled in hilly woodlands, populated by affluent, mostly white families. The countys median household income is $115,000, making it the third-highest-earning county in California. Its also the whitest county in the Bay Area, with 66% of its population identifying as non-Hispanic white.

But theres one neighborhood in the county thats less than 5% white, and more than 90% Hispanic: the Canal area of San Rafael.

This neighborhood is the most racially segregated in the Bay Area, according to a new analysis by the Othering & Belonging Institute, a research organization that is part of UC Berkeley. The institute seeks to measure how residential segregation in the modern U.S. concentrates people of color in neighborhoods with fewer resources, with negative consequences for life expectancy, earnings potential and overall well-being.

Using population figures from the 2020 census, the institute examined the racial demographics of every neighborhood in the nine-county Bay Area and how each compared with its surrounding metropolitan area (the Bay Area has three metropolitan statistical areas centering on San Francisco, San Jose and Napa). They used these numbers to calculate a divergence index score for each neighborhood. The more a neighborhoods racial makeup differed from its metro area, the higher its divergence index.

Based on this index, the Bay Areas most segregated neighborhoods include the Canal area in Marin, Hunters Point and Chinatown in San Francisco, and several neighborhoods in East Oakland, including Elmhurst and Eastmont. What the institute refers to as neighborhoods are actually census tracts, geographic areas that typically have 1,000 to 8,000 people. Census tracts often correspond to neighborhoods, but dont usually map onto them perfectly.

The divergence index isnt perfect: It doesnt take a regions overall diversity into account, so a 95% white neighborhood in an 80% white metro area wouldnt score as highly segregated because its close to the overall average, while a community that was 50% Black in a 5% Black metro would score highly.

The Bay Areas central metropolitan areas are fairly diverse overall. For instance, the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont metropolitan area is 36% white, 23% Hispanic, 27% Asian, 7% Black and 7% some other race. So the diversity index does pinpoint some of the starkest examples of segregation here.

For instance, Chinatown, one of the 10 most segregated neighborhoods, is 89% Asian. Chinatown was established in the late 19th century, as Chinese immigrants entered the city in large numbers. Many experienced anti-Chinese racism outside of Chinatown, so over time, the area became a segregated enclave. It has remained a landing point for Chinese immigrants into San Francisco because of its relative affordability and cultural familiarity.

Most neighborhoods on the list are disproportionately Black and Hispanic compared with the overall Bay Area. For instance, Hunters Point in San Francisco is 50% Black, despite the metro area being 7% Black; the western part of Oaklands Webster neighborhood is almost 91% Black and Hispanic, while the metro overall is under 30% Black and Hispanic.

But dozens of neighborhoods are more than 80% white and highly segregated, even if they dont make the top 10. One, the town of Ross, is a 15-minute drive from Marins Canal area. Its residents can expect to live nearly nine years longer than Canal residents, according to a 2012 report by the American Human Development Project. Eight out of the Bay Areas 10 most segregated white-majority neighborhoods are in Marin.

What continues to be interesting to me ... is the notion (the Bay Area) is a liberal place and has always been a liberal place, said Dorothy Lazard, a longtime librarian at the Oakland Public Library. And that is a fallacy, a myth that we cling to, those of us that live in the Bay Area.

In fact, the region has been segregated since at least the early 20th century, thanks to racist government policies and private sector actors that took advantage of them, Destin Jenkins, a history professor at Stanford University, wrote in 2017.

In the early to mid-20th century, the Federal Housing Administration refused to insure mortgages in neighborhoods for people of color and particularly Black people, a policy known as redlining.

Additionally, many home deeds contained language explicitly barring people of color from owning them. Because many neighborhoods were zoned for single-family homes, a practice that originated in Berkeley, they effectively shut out Black families and other people of color. Even after the Supreme Court struck down racial covenants in home deeds in 1948, the government enforced segregation through other means, Jenkins wrote  like denying mortgages to white homeowners who rented to Black people, for instance.

Since the government banned race-based housing and mortgage discrimination in the late 1960s and 70s  and since immigration and changing birth rates have made the Bay Area less white  segregation in the region has become more income- rather than race-based, said Mitchell Schwarzer, a local historian and author of Hella Town: Oaklands History of Development and Disruption.

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.

But the region remains racially segregated. This is largely because residents of color, particularly Black people, were barred from wealth-building opportunities (like owning homes in affluent neighborhoods) for much of the 20th century.

Neighborhoods such as the Bayview and East Oakland, with more pollution and fewer grocery stores, have remained heavily Black and Hispanic, said Schwarzer, while affluent neighborhoods in the Oakland hills have stayed mostly white despite some demographic changes.

The Bay Areas housing shortage isnt helping either, because its preventing lower-income families of color from purchasing homes and building wealth in the region.

Lazard, the Oakland librarian, moved to the city from San Francisco as a child in the 1970s, along with many other Black people, when the city gutted the Fillmore district, a heavily Black neighborhood. She has spent most of the intervening years in Oakland and said that while the region has gotten more diverse and less segregated, we still see pockets of segregation, Black schools, all-white communities, in our Bay Area.

Segregation isnt as blatant as it once was: black water fountain and white water fountain, Lazard continued. And because of that, I feel like we need to get a little more nuanced in our attempts to eradicate segregation. It seems like any community would have to determine, what is the value of desegregation? The action to stop it cant occur until you adopt some kind of value around having an integrated society, and determining what that is.

Segregation in the Bay Area, Schwarzer added, has gone from de jure, enshrined in law, into de facto, the status quo, persisting for decades as public and private sectors fail to address segregations root causes in any meaningful way here.

It takes a lot of money, a lot of oversight, a lot of attention, a lot of buy-in by governments and citizens, to root it out, Schwarzer added. And thats been the story of the last 50 years.

Susie Neilson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: susie.neilson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @susieneilson
When Wade Holland became the restaurant critic for The San Francisco Chronicle in 1975, he had a $25 weekly dining budget, a prime space in the pink Sunday Datebook section and two directives:

Get your copy in on time was the most important, Holland remembered. And dont get us sued. They were very worried about that.

Holland didnt violate either edict when he wrote the first major metropolitan newspaper review of Chez Panisse on Sept. 7, 1975. But his column and its fallout was memorable for a third unwritten rule, which speaks to the provincial hurdles that Alice Waters likely had to deal with in the restaurants early years: Dont write about food in Berkeley.

Holland was hired in 1975 after attempting a restaurant newsletter in Los Angeles. His reviews were filled with context and analysis, with a penchant for personal storytelling that feels about 45 years before its time. (A House of Prime Rib review in 1975 used his previous experience writing computer programming textbooks to explain the kitchens well-synchronized delivery.) Once he got The Chronicle job, Chez Panisse was very high on his list of places to visit.

His review in the Sunday newspaper was a rave, crediting Waters and the vanguard spirit of Berkeley for inspiring a revolution in food.

Holland wrote: Chez Panisse can be criticized for overly casual service, for culinary experimentation that does not always meet with universal approval, for refusing to give the guests a choice of menu items, and I suppose for simply being too Berkeley. But after four years, it also happens to be in my estimation one of the very best French restaurants in all of California, and certainly the most innovative.

Chronicle archives

That meal included an exquisite appetizer of ragout de coquilles Saint-Jacques (... The sauce was one of those incredible masterpieces of perfection that even a professional diner encounters only once or twice a year), creamed puree of tomato-and-carrot soup and a simple marinated loin of pork. Throughout his review, Holland seemed excited to be giving readers the good news:

In many visits to Chez Panisse I have never been disappointed, and I have experienced a wider range of truly memorable dishes here than at any other restaurant in the country.

The review ended there, but the story didnt.

Holland resurfaced in September 2021, after The Chronicle put out a call for memories from readers about Chez Panisse. Now 85, the former critic told a story of Chronicle decision-makers who didnt want him reviewing restaurants outside of San Francisco. And certainly not in Berkeley. He got in trouble for the review, and subsequent reviews of Bay Area restaurants that had the nerve to be located outside the San Francisco city and county limits.

I started to hear this, The publisher is unhappy because you went to Moraga, Holland said.

Its not a surprise to anyone who has read The Chronicle over multiple generations. Coverage priorities wax and wane. The mid-1970s was definitely a San Francisco-centric era for The Chronicle, with huge local news cycles (the Patty Hearst kidnapping, the Moscone/Milk slayings) no doubt fueling the decision.

Holland said legendarily prescient Datebook section editor Stanleigh Arnold, who launched the careers of Dear Abby and The Far Side creator Gary Larson, backed Hollands desire to explore the hinterlands of the Bay Area, in part because the feedback from readers had been so positive. But Holland said newsroom leadership was resolute.

Jerry Telfer / The Chronicle

I was asked to pledge that I would not review restaurants outside the city, Holland said. And I said I wont do that. I said if thats a condition Im going to call a halt to it. And they didnt blink.

His last Chronicle column was in January 1976.

Holland settled down with his family in Inverness. With two young boys he loved spending time with, he stopped going to faraway restaurants as often. Asked the last time hed been to Chez Panisse, he said he cant remember. Maybe a few decades?

But he still thinks of the food, and the review. I was told that Alice was very pleased by it, Holland said. That was meaningful to me. I hope it was true.

Interviewed for a Chronicle profile by Janelle Bitker, Waters indeed remembered Holland and his review. Upon hearing that he had stood up to The Chronicle to include East Bay dining, she appreciated him even more. I love that, Waters said.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

Courtesy Wade Holland

But she said while she took note of reviews, she never solicited public relations.

I think it's really important that we all rely on word of mouth, Waters said. For me, that's the best way to learn of something. Certain restaurants, even the littlest, tiniest one, can be very successful because of word of mouth.

Holland agrees. When you start getting people like Bill Clinton and the Dalai Lama eating at your place, youve made it, he said. You didnt need Wade Holland.

Courtesy Wade Holland/

As for Holland, he doesnt seem bitter about his six-month Chronicle career. He was hired in 1976 to write for the groundbreaking Jack Sheltons Private Guide to Restaurants, which had inspired Hollands Los Angeles newsletter. In 1980, he shifted careers, later becoming the general manager of the Inverness Public Utility District. Hollands son Michael, who would tag along at a very young age to meals at the French restaurant Maurice et Charles in San Rafael, has become a chef.

Holland remains proud of the review.

Chez Panisse is a groundbreaker and its just incredible that its lasted this long 50 years. Restaurants dont last that long, he said. If I contributed a very small thing to that, then it makes me happy.

Peter Hartlaub is The San Francisco Chronicles culture critic. Email: phartlaub@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @PeterHartlaub
Provided by Chez Panisse

Alice Waters was a mere 27 years old in 1971 when she opened Chez Panisse in a renovated Craftsman house in North Berkeley. At the time, no one could have imagined the tiny restaurant on Shattuck Avenue would launch a culinary revolution.

Throughout the years, Waters and Chez Panisses alumni  Jeremiah Tower, Judy Rogers, Paul Bertolli, David Tanis and many, many others  introduced locals and then the rest of the country to goat cheese from Peggy Smith of Cowgirl Creamery, California-style pizza and wood-fired cuisine before moving on to their own projects. There have been numerous cookbooks and spin-offs, such as Steve Sullivans Acme Bread in Berkeley. Even France was interested: In the late 1990s, Waters toyed with the idea of opening a restaurant in the Louvre. (She later turned down the proposition because of a difference in philosophy.)
In the year 3021 A.D., a group of scientists is excavating ruins on the planet formerly known as Earth. After months of work carefully digging through a millenniums worth of rigid rock formations and compacted soil , they make a unique discovery. Here is a snippet from the archaeological report on what appears to be a particularly significant site to former inhabitants of the area.

On the 115th day of our excavation of the site known in the late 20th century as the Gourmet Ghetto of Berkeley  now known by its original Chochenyo moniker, Northern xucyun  we unearthed a fairly intact structure buried under numerous layers of sedimentary rock and volcanic rhyolite. Within the 1,050-year-old structure, traces of smoke lacquered onto what appears to be a great, brick-lined hearth, mingled with rosemary particles and carbonized animal fat, indicate that the site was a place where drinks and hot food were served. In 20th century terms, it was a restaurant.

Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Earth Archaeological Association chief Ruth Okorie informed the team that the site was notable in its wealth of artifacts, preserved in an air-tight cave for centuries. Given the many fires and earthquakes as well as volcanic activity that occurred in this region throughout the pre-Interstellar Era 24th century, this level of preservation is exceptional. Numerous functional objects, as well as some that seem more ceremonial, have already been cataloged and sent to our historians for analysis.

While most of the redwood building has long decayed, one piece, a curved sign, reads, in archaic French, CHEZ:PANISSE. Chez means home or house in French; panisse may be a reference to an ancient dish of fried chickpea flour. Internally, staff call the site Fry House.

Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

The following is a catalog of the most notable objects uncovered so far.

Preserved behind glass are various artworks depicting people of various ages, gazing at boats or looking askance. An image of just a boat, its white sail displayed prominently, is thought to have spoken to the restaurants access to fresh fish. More abstract than more literal images of food that weve found at other sites, these works were clearly valued for their artistic aspects as well as their function as advertisements. This theory is supported by the piles of mussel shells and fish bone fragments discovered under the floors.

Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

In fact, implements discovered here indicate that a wide variety of proteins were served to the public. One curious example is a metal utensil with a long and slender neck and a shallow, circular scoop at the end. The scoops dark underside may be a result of direct, over-the-fire cooking  a primitive technique that nonetheless persisted through the ages as a way to impart smokiness to food as it cooked. The utensils function puzzled our excavators: It was too small and inefficient for most foods and too large for sipping. However, DNA analysis showed that this was used for eggs  rather, an egg. It could be that one persons job was to watch over this task: a careful, sacred position that must have been greatly coveted at the time.

Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

An object with a clearer religious purpose is a bowl made from hammered copper. Shaped similarly to display-oriented objects like goblets and trophies, the bowl must have been designed for its sense of ceremony. The shape of this vessel is echoed by a much larger object found on the site, likely also used as a display pedestal. There are many such examples of the conflation of food and religiosity in this planets history: Chief Okories recent discovery of masses of halal food carts in the former New York City is proof of that. It may have held sanctified wine, sipped and passed around the table in turns, or even fries. Gennady Mendelsson, the sites caterer, offered the possibility that it may have been used to present especially prized morsels to guests of honor.

Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

Other finds include a woven breadbasket, metal ladles of many sizes and an incredible number of French wines. Numerous stacks of functional ceramics, of a sparer, monotone design that was popular in that era, are so well-preserved that one could easily dust them off and use them at home. Some have already gone missing; we suspect that a search of our interns cupboards may clear up that mystery.

Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more.

Santiago Mejia/The Chronicle

The biggest surprise of the dig was a well-preserved, physical text: the Chez Panisse Menu Cookbook written by Alice Waters, who we now know was the owner of the restaurant. Made from paper, its pages are fragile and have almost been entirely worn away by time. Further examination may reveal more about the nature of this restaurant  and perhaps some excellent recipes.

Soleil Ho is The San Francisco Chronicles restaurant critic. Email: soleil@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hooleil
San Francisco will loosen its mask mandate for certain indoor spaces on Oct. 15, but in the city and much of the rest of the Bay Area, people will still be required to wear face coverings in most public places for the next couple of months and possibly into 2022, according to new rules announced Thursday.

In the eight Bay Area counties with indoor mask mandates, health officers will lift the local orders once they reach low COVID case and hospitalization rates and at least 80% of the total population is fully vaccinated. In lieu of the 80% goal, they can lift the mandates eight weeks after children ages 5 to 11 are eligible for vaccination; based on when federal authorization is expected, the earliest counties could meet that metric would be late December.

None of the counties are currently hitting the benchmarks. Most of them wont meet the vaccination goal for at least two months, and some health officers said Thursday they expect to keep mandates in place through the holidays, if not longer.

Jessica Christian/The Chronicle

San Francisco, which requires people be vaccinated to enter certain spaces, stood apart from its neighbors in allowing people to drop their masks in some of those locations starting Oct. 15, assuming local cases and hospitalizations remain stable or decline over the next week. The order applies to gyms, offices, college classrooms and other places that host gatherings with 100 people or fewer, as long as everyone is vaccinated and no children under 12 are present.

Restaurants and bars are not included in San Franciscos Oct. 15 timeline, even though vaccination is required at those venues for people 12 and up. The reason, city officials said, is that different people enter those venues every day, so there is more population mixing, which is riskier.

The criteria for dropping mandates apply to Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Sonoma counties, which all reinstated indoor masking in August amid the delta surge. Solano County did not put in place a local mandate.

The state mandate that requires masking in schools and health care settings remains in place indefinitely. Unvaccinated people must continue to wear masks in virtually all public indoor settings, in accordance with state rules.

Were not finished with the summer surge. We have made enough progress that we now have a plan  we can tell you when well be able to take off our masks when we go out. But we are not there yet, said Diane Burgis, chair of the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, in a news briefing Thursday.

Bay Area health officials have come under increasing pressure to ease local mask mandates in recent weeks, as cases began to decline. Statewide, mandates had been lifted on June 15 when California reopened its economy. Eight of the nine Bay Area counties reinstated local mandates in early August.

It now appears that masks wont go away for a while yet. But several public health experts  even some who have said that mask mandates should be relaxed in the Bay Area  applauded efforts to make the guidelines for removing them more transparent. Many people who had been pushing back on mandates recently said they were frustrated in part because no one would tell them how long theyll have to wear masks.

Theres no doubt that this will extend masking in the Bay Area beyond any other region in the country, said Dr. Monica Gandhi, a UCSF infectious disease expert. At least you can look ahead and see normalcy, even if its three months from now. This is not how I would do it, but I think its great that there are metrics, and now everyone can settle in and wait.

Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, another UCSF infectious disease expert, joked that at least now people can plan to buy holiday-themed face coverings if they want to feel festive.

When you present some benchmarks, people feel better, he said. You set bars and people feel like they can reach them.

The three criteria for lifting mandates are: Counties must reach moderate levels of transmission as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; they must have low hospitalization rates as defined by the local health officer; and they must vaccinate at least 80% of the total population, or wait eight weeks after children ages 5-11 are eligible for vaccination. Eligibility wont come until the end of this month at the earliest; Pfizer on Thursday asked federal authorities for emergency authorization of its vaccine for that age group, and the review process could take weeks.

All of the counties currently have substantial or high levels of local transmission as defined by the CDC.

But case rates have dropped from about 35 cases per 100,000 residents a day in the Bay Area at the end of August to 10 cases per 100,000 residents this week. That rate is still three or four times higher than what the Bay Area was reporting in June, before the surge. COVID hospitalizations have also fallen off, from over 1,100 at the end of August to fewer than 500 this week.

Though the Bay Area has had better vaccine uptake than almost anywhere else in the country, only Marin County has hit the 80% goal; a few others are at or over 75%. In most counties, it will be next to impossible to reach the 80% goal without vaccinating young children.

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.

Were hopeful at the very latest it would be right after the holidays  early part of January that San Francisco would reach the vaccination goal and more widely lift its mask mandate, said Dr. Susan Philip, the citys health officer. Were not going to be as protected as we can be in the city until we have kids vaccinated.

Dr. Chris Farnitano, the Contra Costa County health officer, said that at the current pace it would take another two to three months to reach 80% of the total population vaccinated. Its likely, therefore, that the county wont remove its mask mandate until young children become eligible.

He said the county is reviewing San Franciscos orders that require proof of vaccination for certain businesses and whether Contra Costa County might establish a similar rule that would in turn allow it to loosen the local mask mandate. But no decision has been made at this time, he said.

Several San Francisco business owners who will be able to do away with masks next week cheered the loosening of the local mandate.

Dave Karraker, co-owner of MX3 Fitness and spokesman for the SF Fitness Studio Coalition, which represent nearly 100 neighborhood gyms, called San Franciscos relaxed mandate unbelievably good news for the fitness industry.

The mask mandate for the gyms has kept customers away due to comfort  nobody likes doing cardio with a mask on, he said  and also given people the impression that gyms were as risky as crowded nightclubs.

To that second point, he said, gym owners are hoping city leaders will initiate a public relations campaign to make clear that working out in a gym full of vaccinated people is safe.

Its not enough to just lift the mandate, he said.

San Francisco Chronicle staff writers Ryan Kost and Aidin Vaziri contributed to this report.

Erin Allday is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: eallday@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @erinallday

Correction: An earlier version of this article said gave an incorrect figure for the number of weeks that need to pass after children ages 5 to 11 are vaccinated, which is one element of the potential mask-lifting criteria. It is eight weeks.
If there was any positive upshot from the Varsity Blues scandal in 2019, in which 33 parents were charged with bribing college officials or cheating on admissions tests, it was the way it helped shine a light on a variety of legal college admissions practices that provide a significant advantage to the wealthy.

In the aftermath, Assembly Member Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, proposed barring the states main financial aid program, Cal Grants, from sending any money to California private colleges and universities where donors or the children of alumni, commonly referred to as legacy students, receive an advantage in the admissions process. Cal Grants go to about 250,000 students every year and are worth millions in revenue for private colleges. No university would walk away from that revenue or the students who receive it, so the proposal would have effectively banned legacy and donor preferences.

Gov. Gavin Newsom, however, ultimately signed a watered-down version of Tings bill into law. AB697 requires that any California private college that provides any manner of preferential treatment in admission to applicants on the basis of their relationships to donors or alumni report to the Legislature how many legacies and children of donors are admitted and enrolled each year.

Although the Legislature was not ready to ban the admissions practice, the hope was that the new law would at least expose colleges that provide advantages to certain applicants as a matter of birthright. Sunlight and shame would then push those institutions to do better.

That did not happen.

At almost every institution that filed a report during the past two years, the share of freshmen who were legacies or related to donors who accepted their admission offer increased in the second year that the law was in effect. Nearly a fifth of Stanford Universitys incoming students and more than a quarter of Santa Clara Universitys freshmen benefited from this unearned tip on the admissions scale. USC enrolled 111 more legacies and donors than the previous year, a 17% increase.

Worse yet, some California colleges and universities appear to be flouting the law. Only seven out of 76 private colleges and universities in California reported that they provide the children of alumni and donors an advantage in admissions.

But that number is not an accurate reflection of reality.

Several schools that acknowledge on their websites that having an alumni relation is a consideration in their admission process failed to disclose the number of incoming students who benefited from that association. Pitzer College, for example, declined to report its legacy and donor enrollment numbers for fall 2020, even though its own data shows that it considered legacy status both years. Pepperdine University, meanwhile, failed to report numbers in 2019, but it considered alumni relations the following year. Occidental, Harvey Mudd and the University of San Diego all indicated that an alumni relation is a consideration in their admissions decisions but also did not report their respective numbers.

That there might be more schools acting in a similar fashion seems likely.

Some of the blame here lies in the language of the law, which requires reporting if an institution provides preferential treatment for legacies and relatives and donors. Perhaps some institutions genuinely believe that who your parents are or how much money they donated is as genuine a mark of merit as volunteer work, sustainability work or indeed anything the actual applicant has accomplished. Perhaps they dont see rewarding the rich as a kind of preferential treatment at all, but as normal operating procedure.

At the very least, the legacy law should be rewritten to remove any ambiguity. Any college that asks where an applicants relatives went to college should be required to report how many legacies it admitted each year. And it should make those reports easily accessible.

There has been almost no media coverage of the legacy law since it passed, almost certainly because it is very difficult to find the reports filed by Stanford University and the 75 other colleges represented by the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities. USC has not published its reports, but provided them to me upon my request.

Better yet, the Legislature should return to the original plan and bar all colleges that take into account who an applicants parents are from receiving any Cal Grant funds. Those grants are designed to help first-generation and low-income students attend college. Why should they go to colleges that think it is the wealthy who need extra help?

Even those who stand to benefit from legacy preferences are now trying to eliminate them. The advocacy organization EdMobilizer just kicked off a Leave Your Legacy campaign targeting current students and alumni asking them to email their alma mater to say they will withhold donations until that institution ends its legacy preference.

Earlier this year Colorado became the first state to ban public universities from using legacy preferences. Newsom is currently considering whether to sign a major expansion of the Cal Grants program into law. The law would extend the reporting requirement.

Newsom has until Sunday to decide. But California should go one step further and become the first state to effectively ban private universities from birthright admissions. That would be a legacy worth having.

James Murphy is a senior policy analyst at Education Reform Now, where he works on increasing college access, affordability and completion.
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Amid a growing frustration with continued mask mandates in the Bay Area, public health officials will soon establish new rules for when, where and how we can begin to uncover our faces.

Meanwhile, a rush of San Francisco workers have been getting vaccinated to meet a city deadline, proving that vax mandates work, whether youre a building inspector, a cop or a Golden State Warrior.

On this episode of the Fifth & Mission podcast, health reporter Erin Allday joins host Demian Bulwa to discuss two emerging pandemic storylines in the Bay Area.

Photo above: Piper Lind wears a mask and costume while welcoming masked customers to Cliff's Variety on Castro Street Wednesday.
Chip Somodevilla/Provided by VP office/Getty Images

WASHINGTON  Former President Abraham Lincoln once said, a house divided against itself cannot stand. Of course, he was talking about democracy. But Vice President Kamala Harris will have to face that mantra this week in another historically American tradition: baseball.

The Los Angeles Dodgers late Wednesday cemented a playoff matchup that many Californians had been dreaming about for months, beating the St. Louis Cardinals in the wild-card game to advance to the National League Division Series with the San Francisco Giants. The two NL West rivals will now settle their season-long fight for bragging rights as the better team on the ultimate stage, win-or-go-home October ball.
The San Francisco school board will appeal a Superior Court judges ruling involving the districts effort to cover a controversial mural depicting the life of George Washington, continuing to pay outside counsel to fight the legal battle despite the school systems perilous financial situation.

The board voted 6-1 to appeal the case, a decision made in closed session late Tuesday after a nearly three-hour public discussion on the districts overspending and its predicted $116 million shortfall next school year, which has resulted in state intervention.

Board member Jenny Lam was the sole vote against pursuing an appeal in the mural case, which concerns Depression-era paintings lining the hallways of George Washington High School.

The mural case is one of several lawsuits filed against the district related to decisions made by the school board within the past year, and the legal battles threaten to divert resources and attention as the district faces a deficit, declining enrollment and an expected recall election against three commissioners.

The other legal cases also involve controversial decisions. The district was ordered in recent weeks to pay $60,000 in legal costs in a case it lost regarding the renaming of 44 schools.

The board then decided not to pursue the cost of defending the lawsuit filed by board member Alison Collins, who sued the district and fellow board members for $87 million after they removed her from the vice presidency and committees following the discovery of offensive and anti-Asian tweets she made before her election. A judge tossed out the case before the first hearing.

The district faces an ongoing lawsuit over the process related to the change of admission policy for Lowell High School.

Judge Anne-Christine Massullo last week finalized a preliminary decision in June that board members violated state law when they voted to cover up the historic 1930s mural, which includes depictions of slavery and white settlers stepping over a dead Native American, among other images of the first presidents life.

The board failed to follow environmental impact regulations, which required studying all alternatives before deciding to destroy or obscure the mural, the judge said in a stark ruling, adding the board must cease all actions related to destroying or removing the murals from public view.

The judge went so far as to chide district officials over the amount of evidence showing they violated the law, including information in their own filings.

When considering the Board and SFUSDs meritless position, the Court wonders if they are looking at the record they filed in this proceeding, the judge wrote in her decision, adding the evidence overwhelmingly supports the George Washington High School Alumni Association, which had filed the suit.

The district planned to do an environmental review, but not until after the boards decision.

The mural remains in view at Washington High School. Instead of appealing, the district could opt to reverse the decision to obscure the mural and start the process over, performing the required environmental review before deciding the murals fate, per state law.

The decision to appeal is hard to understand, said attorney Susan Brandt-Hawley, who is representing the plaintiffs, on Thursday, saying it was clear the board voted to cover the mural without the proper public process. Every school board member not only decided but publicly announced they would vote to remove the historic, educational 1936 Arnautoff Life of Washington mural from view  before complying with state law to first consider environmental impacts and alternatives.

The district has already spent $148,000 defending the mural case, and its not clear what it would cost to continue the fight with an appeal.

Board member Kevine Boggess said, based on legal advisement, its very possible the district could win on appeal.

In appealing the mural case, we hope to get a different judgment, and not have to pay the cost related to losing, he said. The hope is to direct those dollars  and every spare dollar  into our schools.

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.

The school board voted two years ago to paint over the mural before reversing that decision two months later, opting instead to obscure the art with panels or curtains. The controversy, which grabbed international headlines, pitted the issue of racial equity against artistic freedom and historic preservation at a time of reflection over race and reparations for historic atrocities and public displays associated with Americas ugly past.

Current and former Washington students said they didnt want a daily, painful reminder of the enslavement and massacre of Black people and Native Americans.

District officials declined to comment.

Board member Matt Alexander said he couldnt comment on pending litigation, but added he personally would like to see the mural removed, although it isnt feasible or appropriate for the board to decide the fate of public art in the public schools.

Unlike art in a museum, public art is a reflection of a communitys values; consequently, I believe it is appropriate that public art should change with the times, he said. Moreover, it is important for all students, especially students from marginalized communities, to feel safe in school.

One of the opponents of covering the mural, whos also a plaintiff in the case, criticized the boards decision to appeal as a waste of money.

Its ironic that on the same day the Board reviews the California Department of Education letter concerning the growing SFUSD budget deficits and a possible state takeover, it votes 6-1 to appeal a very strong and compelling (legal) ruling, said Lope Yap Jr., vice president of the alumni association. Is this appeal worth the cost of two to four teachers of compensation and benefits? How does this decision help student and teacher needs?

Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Jilltucker
One of the oldest LGBTQ bars and an institution in San Franciscos leather scene has been given historic landmark status.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the long-awaited landmark status for the SF Eagle. The iconic SoMa saloon at 12th and Harrison streets has been the longest-operating SoMa leather LGBTQ space  but has been battling an uncertain future after more than a year of closure due to the pandemic.

The bar opened in February 1981 at a time when that corner of SoMa was dotted with leather bars, of which only four  including the Eagle  now remain. Another notable leather bar, the Stud, which was just four blocks away from the Eagle, permanently closed in May of 2020.

The SF Eagle bar is a cornerstone of the Leather and LGBTQ cultural district, an important historical asset, a cultural institution, and a community anchor that deserves all of the protections and privileges that the city can provide, Supervisor Matt Haney said at the boards Tuesday meeting. His district includes SoMa.

As of now, the Eagle will be the first LGBTQ landmark in SoMa and the seventh LGBTQ historic site in San Francisco. The two other bars that have been given landmark status are the Castro Districts Twin Peaks Tavern and North Beachs former Paper Doll bar site.

The Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District was formed in 2019 and spans the area of SoMa from Howard to Harrison streets and Division to Seventh streets.

With its new landmark status, the Eagle will also become a memorial to at least 22 of its employees who died during the AIDS epidemic.

Owner Lex Montier, 49, did not respond a request for interview by publication time but told The Chronicle in May that he had two years left on his lease for the Eagle.

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.

The leather bars have disappeared over the years because of the gentrification. This has always been a community space that has a lot of history,  he told The Chronicle in May. It needs to be protected for the future.

Chronicle staff writer Sam Whiting contributed to this report.

Annie Vainshtein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: avainshtein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @annievain
Typical 2-year-olds in Denmark attend child care during the day, where they are guaranteed a spot, and their parents pay no more than 25% of the cost. That guaranteed spot will remain until the children are in after-school care at age 10. If their parents choose to stay home or hire a nanny, the government helps pay for that, too.

Two-year-olds in the United States are less likely to attend formal child care. If they do, their parents pay full price  an average $1,100 a month  and compete to find a spot. If their parents stay home or find another arrangement, they are also on their own to finance it, as they will be until kindergarten.

In the developed world, the United States is an outlier in its low levels of financial support for young childrens care  something Democrats, with their safety net spending bill, are trying to change. The U.S. spends 0.2% of its GDP on child care for children 2 and under  which amounts to about $200 a year for most families, in the form of a once-a-year tax credit for parents who pay for care.

The other wealthy countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development spend an average of 0.7% of GDP on toddlers, mainly through heavily subsidized child care. Denmark, for example, spends $23,140 annually per child on care for children 2 and under.

We as a society, with public funding, spend so much less on children before kindergarten than once they reach kindergarten, said Elizabeth Davis, an economist studying child care at the University of Minnesota. And yet the science of child development shows how very important investment in the youngest ages are, and we get societal benefits from those investments.

Congress is negotiating the details of the spending bill, and many elements are likely to be cut to decrease the cost. The current draft of the child care plan would make attendance at licensed child care centers free for the lowest-earning families, and it would cost no more than 7% of family income for those earning up to double the states median income. It would provide universal public preschool for children ages 3 and 4. And it would increase the pay of child care workers and preschool teachers to be equivalent to elementary teachers (currently, the median hourly wage for a preschool teacher of 4-year-olds is $14.67, and for a kindergarten teacher of 5-year-olds $32.80.)

Among the 38 nations in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the United States is second only to Luxembourg on education spending for elementary school through college. But Americans have long had mixed feelings about whether young children should stay home with family or go to child care. Some Republicans say direct payments to parents would give them the choice to enroll in child care or keep their children at home. Although many conservative-leaning states have public preschool, some Republicans have said they do not want the federal government involved. Some business groups oppose how the Biden spending bill would be paid for: increased taxes on businesses and wealthy Americans.

The pandemic, though, has forced the issue.

Ive been writing these reports saying this is a crisis for more than 30 years  its not new, said Gina Adams, a senior fellow at the Urban Institute. But the pandemic reminded people that child care is a linchpin of our economy. Parents cant work without it. Its gotten to a point where the costs of not investing are much, much more clear.

Overall, federal, state and local governments spend about $1,000 a year on care for low-income children ages 2 and under, and $200 on other toddlers, according to a paper for the Hamilton Project at Brookings, by Davis and Aaron Sojourner, also an economist at the University of Minnesota.

Some states and cities offer public preschool, starting at age 3 or 4. But just seven states (and D.C.) serve more than half of 4-year-olds, and 14 states have no public preschool or serve less than 10% of children, according to the National Institute for Early Education Research.

For children under 3, only the poorest working families qualify for subsidies, through Early Head Start or the child care block grant, but fewer than 1 in 6 eligible children receive the help. For most families, the only direct government support for early care and education comes from the child and dependent care tax credit. It benefits higher earners most: The average credit is $586, and $124 for the lowest earners.

The situation is much different in many rich countries. In Europe, new parents have paid leaves of 14 months, on average, and it is common for children to start public school at age 3. (In the preschool years, the focus is on play  toddlers arent sitting at desks doing work sheets.)

For children ages 1 and 2, parents are expected to pay more for child care, and there are similar tensions as in the United States about whether its best for children to be home with their parents, said Hans Bos, senior vice president studying education policy at the American Institutes for Research. But governments still pay a significant portion of the cost of care  including payments for stay-at-home parents in countries including Finland, South Korea and Denmark.

Nordic countries have the most generous child care systems, including free care for low-income families. In Denmark, in addition to heavily subsidized care for children up to age 10, which is mostly government-run but includes private centers and home-based care, parents of toddlers receive a quarterly child benefit of $700.

In Germany, children can attend forms of kita from early months through elementary school. In some places, parents pay tuition based on their income, and in others, including Berlin and Hamburg, it is free. In France, parents of babies and toddlers receive tax credits of up to 85% of the cost of attending child care centers called creches or hiring home-based childminders, before public preschool begins at age 2 or 3.

Parents pay a much larger share of their earnings in certain other countries, but still receive more government assistance than in the United States. Japan has subsidized child care, but parents share of tuition is large and it is very hard to find spots. England and Ireland offer free preschool, but only for a few hours a day.

Governments sometimes help pay for child care to further various policy goals.

One is increasing fertility (though studies have found government policies dont necessarily make people have more babies over the long run).

Another goal is increasing womens labor force participation. In Europe, research shows, child care has had a bigger effect on this measure than policies like paid parental leave. Studies in the United States have also found that subsidized child care and preschool increase the chance that mothers keep working, particularly low-income women.

A third goal is ensuring that children of all backgrounds are equally prepared. Rich families can more easily afford high-quality care, which contributes to achievement gaps as early as kindergarten. Research in the United States shows that children are less likely to have formal child care if their parents are low earners, Hispanic or arent college graduates. Universal programs have been shown to shrink the gap in kindergarten readiness. Yet in the United States, 1 in 3 American children start kindergarten without any preschool at all.

This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
After pressure from elected officials and members of the public, Bay Area health officials have announced criteria for when indoor mask mandates can be lifted.

Currently, eight Bay Area counties  San Francisco, Alameda, Santa Clara, San Mateo, Contra Costa, Marin, Sonoma and Napa  are requiring all individuals (regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status) to wear masks indoors.

On Thursday, health officials announced three criteria for when mask mandates can be lifted:

1. A county reaches the "moderate" (yellow) tier of case rates as determined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's data tracker and remains there for three weeks.

2. The county health officer determines that COVID-19 hospitalizations are "low and stable."

3. Eighty percent of a county's total population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or eight weeks have passed since a COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized for children ages 5 to 11.

The first requirement will likely stop masks from coming off anytime soon. Currently, no Bay Area counties are in the "moderate" tier despite weeks of sustained decreases in case numbers. Santa Cruz County briefly entered the moderate tier, rescinded its mask mandate, and then returned to the orange "substantial" tier.

San Francisco County separately announced that it will soften the mask mandate in "places where stable cohorts of fully vaccinated individuals gather."

"These settings include offices, gyms, and fitness centers, employee commuter vehicles, religious gatherings, and indoor college classes or other organized gatherings of individuals who meet regularly, not exceeding 100 people," the city said in a news release. "People in these settings may remove their masks if the employer or host of the gathering can control access to the setting and verify 100% full vaccination of everyone in the setting."

San Francisco's office mask mandate had delayed return-to-office plans and drawn criticism.

To this point, San Francisco is the only county to announce new rules for gatherings of individuals who meet regularly.

This story is developing and will be updated as more information is made available.
Gustav Gus Erpen moves about Matterhorn restaurant, sharing details of the decor with the ease of someone showing off their own living room.

He is a sprightly 92 years old, walking around the Swiss restaurant and pointing to details, such as the massive Alpine horn hanging on one wall, he is proud of, as he should be; Erpen not only helped with construction of the building  which he is the landlord of  but he also worked to create an authentic Swiss restaurant experience from its start in 1987, modeled on his childhood growing up in the Alps.

In San Francisco, there were three Swiss restaurants at that time, Erpen said. I was always kind of disappointed in these restaurants. Not because of the food, but because of the decor. It was just a few pictures [of the country], so I said to myself when I built this building, I want to build a [Swiss] restaurant  and here we are.

Erpens desire to create that authentic experience has shaped the interior into one of the impressive things about the Matterhorn. The space was carefully measured, and a Swiss construction company built out the wood interior before shipping it to San Francisco, where it would be assembled into the restaurant that sits today on Van Ness Avenue. The cozy, knotted wood interior is transporting, reminiscent of a ski chalet  especially with a bright red gondola chair that diners can sit and dine in, tucked into a corner. In his tour of the restaurant, Erpen points out a beam of wood in a dining alcove that bears his family name, as is tradition with Swiss dwellings, he says.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Erpen ran the restaurant for the first few years after its opening before handing the keys over to Brigitte and Andrew Thorpe, who ran the Matterhorn for 25 years. While Erpen is the restaurants origin story, Natalie Horwath is the restaurants latest chapter: Horwath, a trained pastry chef from the Culinary Institute of America, is the current operator of the Matterhorn and took it over after living in Switzerland with her husband for more than three years and falling in love with the food there.

The plan was always to return to San Francisco, Horwath said, but when the couple moved back in 2013 with their young son, Horwath found herself missing much of the Swiss food she had tried.

While we were there, I just fell in love with this concept of cheese fondue and raclette, and how simple it is, Horwath said. The food really celebrates each region's cheeses, and it's not the kitschy approach that Americans have become accustomed to from the 70s  it was just an actual, really fun, engaged meal and I thought, Gosh, this would be really awesome to have back in the United States at a truly authentic level.

Horwath began experimenting with locally sourced cheese from local shops such as Bi-Rite Market in the Mission and the Cheese Board in Berkeley to find the right combination of cheese to recreate the tangier and sharper fondue typical of Switzerland. She began a pop-up, Sbrinz (named after a cheese from Switzerland), to test out how her fondue recipes and raclette  a Swiss dish made by heating cheese and scraping the melted and oozing cheese luxuriously onto food, such as potatoes  would be received by locals, running the concept for four years while also selling baked goods at farmers markets.

She was beginning to look at potential spaces for her own fondue restaurant when she discovered that the Thorpes were retiring; recalling from previous visits the Swiss-made interior, Horwath felt the location was as authentic as it gets and convinced Erpen to let her take over the restaurant.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Although Horwath would wind up retaining the original name of Erpens original restaurant, she was able to put her own stamp on the business: Before reopening the spot in 2019, Horwath and her husband made some light changes to the restaurant, careful to preserve much of the character of the original wood and decor. The exterior hallway was freshened up with bits and bobs of Swiss toys and decorations  We wanted people to walk into Switzerland as soon as they got to those front doors, Horwath said  and a large art piece from French artist Charlie Adam in the lounge.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Among the other new additions Horwath made to the restaurant were the aforementioned gondola chair and Swiss Army blankets turned into seat cushions; an unused balcony also created a space for a lovingly detailed scene of Switzerlands Matterhorn and depicts the trains found on the southeastern side of the country. The crafted art piece features an actual toy train continuously circling about a Swiss village just outside the windows, a moving diorama of sorts. The point of the decor being, said Horwath, to really celebrate Switzerland.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Horwath, in all of her fondue research since arriving stateside, has landed on her preferred recipe that she now serves at the Matterhorn since their reopening in September 2019. She only had six months to serve customers her fondue recipes and treats from her addition of a bakery side of the business before the COVID-19 shelter-in-place order started in March 2020.

As a form of pivoting during the restaurant closure, Horwath found herself making all sorts of baked goods for a weekend bake sale they held at the restaurant weekly. The Matterhorn also offered on-brand Apres-all-day boxes to go, which included Swiss cheese, charcuterie meat from Golden Gate Meat Company and bread. For an extra option, the Matterhorn also rented fondue equipment for those who really missed the fondue options the restaurant offered, before eventually reopening to indoor customers in February 2021.

But Horwath has overcome a lot in the past year, beyond the pandemic. While working through the pandemic with a small kitchen team, Horwath encountered a severe amount of back pain. When she went to the hospital for an MRI in June, she was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer.

Horwath has been open about her diagnosis, sharing updates about her health with employees and keeping cherished customers in the loop on Instagram. Horwath feels that community is important and wanted to explain why she would be at the restaurant less, feeling comfortable enough to share her health issues publicly.

Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Friends in the hospitality industry stepped in to help out, in what Horwath chuckled and called a Matterhorn and friends concept. Horwath outsourced bakery items that she would typically make but couldnt because of her back pain. Rosalind Bakery stepped in to bake their bread for the restaurant, for instance, and chef Michelle Polzine with (now shuttered) 20th Century Cafe contributed her famous honey cake for the menu.

When bad things happen, it's amazing just the love and perseverance and resilience of people, Horwath said. And I think we've learned so much through COVID that ... we're like a small family. [After the diagnosis] it was just, OK, let's be sad, of course, but then let's figure out how we are going to keep things going for ourselves and our customers.

For now, Horwath has lessened her duties at work thanks to her team and friends, and the cancer is holding steady, she said. Theyve put the weekend bakery on hold, but she is focusing on the four days a week the restaurant is open, hoping to expand to more days soon.

Food-wise, not much has changed, and the classics of the Matterhorn still remain, such as the fondue options and the melted cheesiness of its raclette dishes; the Moitie-Moitie cheese fondue remains the clear favorite among guests, Horwath said, but theyve begun to expand the menu slowly as she sees fit. A pork schnitzel, made with bread crumbs from Rosalind Bakerys loaves, is a recent addition while Horwath ponders some lighter options, such as a vegan main course.

The Matterhorn space remains a place for escapism  especially given the pandemic  and Horwath is continuing that tradition through both the food and decor. I hope customers have an authentic Alpine experience where they feel transported to the mountains of Europe, she said. ... The whole experience, having that smell of cheese wafting through the place, this cozy space where you can't hear anything off of the street and  if you didn't know any different  you could feel like you were in a ski town in Europe.

Matterhorn is at 2323 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco. Their hours of operation are Wednesday through Saturday, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.; closed Sunday through Tuesday.
The troubles at the Millennium Tower, which is currently leaning at a tilt of approximately 22 inches toward its northwest corner, has provoked damning criticism from an expert.

Work on the "perimeter pile upgrade" fix was halted on Aug. 23 after reports showed that the construction was making the sinking worse. The tower sunk another inch in just a few weeks in the early summer.

A chart obtained by KPIX reportedly now shows that this accelerated sinking started as early as mid-May, though work was not halted until over three months later.

Geotechnical engineer Robert Pyke told the outlet this week that the work should have been stopped months earlier. Certainly by the end of June, it was obvious that there was additional settlement as a result of installing the casings and the piles, Pyke noted.

"Any responsible engineer should have called a halt," he added, stating that he believes the continuation of construction for two more months caused more damage.

Pyke's criticism was leveled at Chief Engineer Ronald Hamburger, who pushed back in an email to SFGATE Thursday, stating that he became concerned with the increased settlement in early June. However, Hamburger wrote that he believed "additional settlement through completion of casing installation would not be a problem."

Hamburger went on to say that after settlement rates increased again in July, he recommended a moratorium on the installation of the larger 36-inch casings so the team could observe the effect of the work after installing only the 24-inch piles on Fremont Street.

"After a brief period, it became obvious that the 24-inch piles alone were causing undesirable settlement and we recommended and the homeowners immediately approved cessation of the work," Hamburger said. That stop finally came weeks later after pressure from the city.

The continuation of the work may have caused another problem in the building: sewage back-ups.

A letter obtained by NBC News in September revealed that the tilting may be causing lateral sewage pipes to not drain correctly and resulted in some plugging on the third floor.

A separate San Francisco Department of Building Inspection report filed Aug. 27  that SFGATE obtained  saw "evidence of water intrusion through the basement walls of the subterranean levels and signs of past settlement" from the tower's earlier sinking. However, these observations did not differ from a previous inspection in March.

City Hall has criticized the work; in September, Supervisor Aaron Peskin called for a new independent review of the project.

Hamburger told SFGATE on Thursday that he maintains that the building is stable and safe, and the current work is not even needed from a technical perspective.

"The HOA has always made clear that although the voluntary upgrade was not required, it is interested in restoring the buildings reputation, damaged primarily by erroneous media reports," Hamburger said.

This reputation may also be affecting the value of the condos in the luxury high-rise. KPIX reported that 13 listings in the tower either expired or were taken off the market this year.

Work on the tower is now tentatively resuming, as engineers plan to drill two casings with a modified technique that should cause less vibration.

"The HOA is looking forward to the commencement of the pilot program," Hamburger said, "the results of which will determine the safest way to move forward."
Ten months after James Vance, a former Marine and retired policeman in Princeton, W.Va., died of covid, his two young children are still reeling from his death.

Julia, 12, a middle-schooler who used to do everything with her father, is withdrawn. Her sister Jamie, 7, still talks about him in the present tense. As for Mom, Jerri, a third-grade teacher, she is struggling to keep up with bills and maintain a sense of normalcy for her daughters while still processing the devastation of losing the love of her life.

"All three of us are in therapy," Jerri Vance said. "Every time we go out, everything is about covid. We have to see that daily and deal with people who say it isn't real when it's beyond real to us."

Throughout the pandemic, public health experts and other observers have often noted that children have been largely spared the worst because they are less likely to develop severe illness from the virus. The fact that many of the dead are parents or caregivers has been largely left out of the conversation.

A new study published Thursday in the journal Pediatrics attempts to quantify the vast hole left by these deaths, estimating that roughly 140,000 children under 18 may have lost parents or caregivers from March 2020 to June 2021 due to covid or other causes classified as pandemic-related. Those numbers take into account both official covid deaths and deaths from other causes, such as homicides and drug overdoses, beyond those expected in a typical year before the pandemic.

The consequences are life-changing: Losing a parent or other primary caregiver is one of the most stressful things that can happen in a child's life - putting them at risk of a trajectory of depression and post-traumatic stress, as well as physical manifestations of grief, such as heart problems.

The data also reveal vast disparities by race and ethnicity - even more skewed toward an overrepresentation of minority communities than covid deaths. In the United States as a whole, 1 out of 500 children lost at least one parent/caregiver. But for American Indian children, it's 1 out of 168; for Black children, 1 out of 310; for Hispanic children, 1 out of 412; for Asian children, 1 out of 612; and for White children, 1 out of 753. The highest burden of death has occurred along the U.S.-Mexico border, in the South and in tribal areas.

Susan Hillis, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researcher and lead author of the study, said she has been lying awake at night worrying about the magnitude of the problem. "It's disturbing to think about how for every four covid deaths, one child is left behind," Hillis said. "This is a crisis."

Hillis and her co-authors, along with religious and tribal leaders, parent groups, grief support therapists and others are calling on states and the Biden administration to do more to support these children. They are urging a comprehensive response that includes financial assistance, mental health services, education, insurance and increased resources for the foster care system.

Pamela Addison, 37, of Waldwick, N.J., who is raising two young kids on her own after her husband died of covid, started a Facebook group to try to bring attention to the issue and offer support for other parents facing the same loss.

"I feel like these kids are so forgotten," she said. "We need to acknowledge this is happening and the consequences of these children losing a lifetime with their parents."

- - -

Mass casualty events in history have been shown to have a domino effect on children. Following World War I, studies showed that children whose soldier fathers died before or after their birth appeared to have decreased life spans. The more than 3,000 children who lost parents in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks still talk about the impact it has had on their lives.

"When a death is sudden and unexpected - which covid is by its nature - there's a lot of uncertainty, and that can put children at risk for many different health consequences," said Komal Sharma-Patel, a clinical psychologist at Children's National Hospital, who has been working with children who have lost parents due to covid.

Addison is desperate to protect her two young children from those outcomes.

Shortly after her husband, Martin, a speech pathologist, died of covid early in the pandemic last year, her daughter stopped eating and began screaming at odd times, like when Addison would touch the night light. Elsie was only 2 at the time, and when mother and child began to work with a therapist, Pamela Addison realized it was her way of communicating her loss. It had been her papa who would tuck her in and turn off the night light.

"She was sad all the time," Addison recalled. Today, Elsie, who is 3 1/2 and can speak, continually tells Addison to "be healthy" - expressing fears of losing her other parent.

Addison also worries about her younger son Graeme, who was only 6 months old when his father died. For now, he is content to kiss his father's picture good night, but she wonders about the questions he will ask when he gets older.

Kate Kelly, 16, whose dad, a stage and sound manager at a church, died at age 54 in Atlanta. He experienced a blocked artery but was unable to get treated in time due to hospitals being full of coronavirus patients. His daughter said she's trying to deal with the anger she feels about his death.

"It makes me mad. That was my dad. He went to urgent care, but he didn't get the help he needed. He was looked at as less important because it wasn't covid," she said.

Kelly, a high school sophomore, is the middle child, and says her sisters are not coping well with the Jan. 23 death either: "I can tell my little sister - I don't think she completely understands it. I'm pretty sure she's still in the denial phase. My older sister, she's really struggling because she was really close with my dad, but she's trying to put on a brave face."

- - -

In areas hit hard by the pandemic, the loss of so many parents has raised questions about how to preserve traditions, culture and community when supporting their children.

Whitney Gravelle, president of the Bay Mills Indian Community in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, said she worries that the impact of the loss of so many elders and parents will impact not just today's children but future generations, especially for small Indigenous communities like hers. She said she'd like to see more counseling about loss due to covid integrated into programs for at-risk children.

"In native communities, this an extension of intergenerational trauma that has been inflicted from forced removal from our lands up through present day," she said.

In Dallas, Aaron Blake Sr., a bishop who has been working with children orphaned by covid, said he broke down in tears when he saw data on parent and caregiver deaths from covid at a recent meeting with other Christian leaders.

He recounted the story of two children, whose young, single mom recently died of covid. The pair seemed destined for foster care. But the school district, social workers and community groups were able to locate the father, who had not previously been involved in the children's care and did not even have beds for them, and work with him to provide a home for the children.

"We want to help these kids stay within their families so we don't see a loss of community," Blake said.

He said he also worries that the impact of the loss of grandparents, even if they are not legally a child's caregivers, is not being fully recognized, and believes more must be done to figure out ways to provide that same sort of guidance to youths who may have lost these loved ones.

"In communities of color - Black and Brown - the matriarchs and patriarchs are grandmothers. They are the major stabilizers and voices in these homes," Blake said. He said his church is working with health departments and school systems to see if there is a way to figure out how many children may have been living in the same home as an elderly relative who died.

"If we can identify these kids," he said, "then we can help them."

- - -

The Washington Post's Magda Jean-Louis contributed to this report.
Once a year, my family goes to Rockville Cemetery in Suisun Valley to tend to the graves. Nearly all of my Japanese American half of the family is buried there, generations of immigrants who settled here as tenant farmers and, eventually, landowners in their own right. We pull weeds, replace dying flowers and wash clean the headstones.

Weve done this for as long as I can remember; some of my earliest memories are of wandering those quiet, shady rows. Watching over this serene place is a pretty stone chapel with two identical front doors. I remember being told that during the Civil War, one door was for Union supporters and one for Confederate sympathizers. Tiny history buff that I was, it captivated me.

But could this story be true? Now an adult  but still just as enamored with that beautiful place  I went hunting for a moment in Bay Area history that felt like a piece of my childhood.

Although places like San Francisco and Sacramento get higher billing in Gold Rush lore, the Fairfield area has a surprisingly robust history. For centuries, it was the home of the Suisun people. The farm that my Japanese grandfather bought in the 1950s was once a Suisun gathering place; my grandmother routinely pulled needle-sharp obsidian arrowheads from the ground and, even today, the ashy dirt is powder soft in one part of the farm.

When white settlers began arriving in the 1850s, most of the Suisun tribe had been wiped out by disease and a genocidal campaign by Spanish conquerors. Chief Solano, the 6-foot-7 leader who gave his name to the county, was one of the few survivors who remained to see a couple named Landy and Sarah Alford arrive in 1846. The pair had briefly traveled with the Donner Party but decided to take the established route when the wagon train reached the Hastings Cutoff. The Alfords soon had a child, Amelia, the first white baby born in Benicia.

Around 1850, the Alfords settled in Rockville. The next year, Chief Solano died. Although his burial site is today a mystery, its thought he was interred somewhere near what is today Solano Community College, just a stones throw from the Alford property.

Death came next for the Alfords, who lost their 2-year-old daughter Sarah in 1856. The community didnt have its own cemetery yet, so the family deeded 5 acres to the Methodist Episcopal Church for a church and graveyard. The distinctive tan stones for the chapel were cut from the nearby quarry from which Rockville got its name. (Rockville was once so famous it was a tourist attraction. An 1860 travelogue from the Sacramento Bee describes a trip to see the quarries: "The marble obtained is of a wonderful beauty. Its color is a deep amber-brown, mottled with rings and moss-like patterns of golden hue.")

The chapel was dedicated in 1857, and church life was vibrant. It was also soon a microcosm of the conflict roiling the nation. The Fairfield area was settled by many Southern families, and the Rockville chapel explicitly aligned itself with the Southern branch of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The man who dedicated the chapel, Rev. Sylvester Woodbridge of Benicia, was referred to as a rank secessionist by the Sacramento Bee in 1861. Meanwhile, one of the towns most prominent figures, J.M. Baldwin, was voted to represent the county at the 1860 California Republican convention, then the party of Abraham Lincoln. Something had to give.

On Christmas Eve 1863, it did. According to a history from the Scarlett family  who, in a small-town coincidence, were the farmers who hired my family after World War II  the church split down the middle after that service. There is no historical record of separate doors being built to accommodate the divide, and it sounds more likely that the church experienced a membership, rather than a physical, schism.

The mend was never healed. The Northerners formed their own church, and in the years after the Civil War, the chapel fell into deep disrepair. Major earthquakes in 1888 and 1906 rattled its foundation. Rain began eating through the roof and staining the walls. The floors were so decayed people risked stepping right through them, the stained glass was shattered, and then there was the wildlife.

Bats  billions of bats, according to some accounts  found comfortable domicile in the space between the inner and outer masonry, the Sacramento Bee reported.

Things were almost past repair when a group of locals petitioned the government in 1940 for Works Progress Administration funding. The petition was approved, and WPA laborers were brought in to fix up the old chapel. They replaced the roof, floor and stained glass windows and replastered all the walls. A rededication ceremony was held Memorial Day weekend 1940.

"A Free Will Offering was taken and $1,045 was received, Mrs. Scarlett recalled. A $1,000 bill was in the offering and to this day no one knows who donated it."

Today, the Rockville Stone Chapel bears no signs of conflict. Its stone walls seem immovable, and its twin doors open occasionally for Church of Christ services, funerals and sometimes weddings. Theyve been modified a bit for the modern era; one door has stairs while the other is ADA accessible.

As for why there are two front doors, thats now a mystery for the ages. Some churches in the 19th century did have two, one for men and one for women and children. Others had a door for special occasions and one for regular use, although that seems less likely here given the entrances are identical.

I always wondered what the point was. The church is tiny. No matter which door you take, you end up in precisely the same place. Maybe that, after all, is the message of the Rockville Stone Chapel: Even years of bitter division become whole in the end.
Douglas Zimmerman/SFGATE

Although the twists and turns of the COVID-19 pandemic may continue to surprise us, California seems to be in good shape at this time. When California opened its economy June 15, the prospects seemed rosy with roughly half of the population fully vaccinated, but the delta variant swept in quickly to dash our hopes that this level of immunity would be enough. California experienced a rise in cases and hospitalizations as a result of the highly transmissible variant in July and August, although hospitalizations thankfully were more uncoupled from cases in states of higher vaccination like ours.

Because of the rising cases, however, mask mandates were reinstated in some counties (although not by the state as a whole) and vaccination passports and mandates were implemented. San Francisco started a vaccine passport system for most indoor settings on Aug. 20, and Los Angeles is following suit. Gov. Gavin Newsom set rules for mandating vaccines for state employees, and California became the first state in the country to say vaccines will be mandated for school attendance when approved. Moreover, a highly transmissible variant like delta can cause immunity (often with illness) among unvaccinated eligible adults, and natural immunity has risen, along with vaccination rates, across the state since delta hit. At this stage, 71% of eligible Californians are fully vaccinated compared with a rate of 66% in the entire country. Across the entire population, 60% of Californians have been fully vaccinated, and that number will likely rise even further once the vaccine is soon made available to children ages 5 through 11.
If its cloudy, it isnt possible to peek inside this house for sale in the Detroit suburbs.

But trust us, this residence in Highland Park, MI, is worth the wait. It's also high time to take a second look at this one-of-a-kind home.

It is one of the most unique houses that I've ever seen, and Detroit has a lot of unusual properties, but this one really goes above and beyondand outside the box, says the listing agent, Ben Ness. I thought I was stepping inside Liberaces house, just because of the over-the-top design style of the interior, the crushed velvet on the walls, the carpet on the ceiling. It's just very creative, very unorthodox, and decorative.

Known as Lion Gate Estate, it's now listed for $345,000, after several price reductions over the past three years.

Back in 2018, it landed on the market for $550,000. It made quite a viral impact, thanks to the daring decor shown in the listing photos. However, all that initial interest hasn't yet resulted in a sale.

The process this time is just trying to find somebody who can sort of step into the mind of the owner and see all the incredible work and attention to detail that went into customizing the house, Ness says. It's going to be sold without the furnishings, so there's going to be an estate sale, and they're going to try to sell as much of the contents as they can.

Meanwhile, the custom cars that were also on offer with the property have been sold. Their owner, Ronald Nassar, aka Mr. Ronnie, was a former car customizer known for his elaborate designs in the 1970s. He worked on cars for a lot of different celebrities, including, according to local lore, Middle Eastern royalty.

"He took that same mentality to decorating the house, Ness explains. Trying to find a buyer who can appreciate all that, in addition to embracing some of the edgier decorative choices, is a big challenge.

Exterior of home in Highland Park, MI Marc Gregor

Interior Marc Gregor

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Kitchen Marc Gregor

Kitchen Marc Gregor

There's a ton of decorative metal on the outside of the house and around the pool. The decor also includes several lionshence the name Lion Gate Estate.

The lion is a very powerful symbolic animal in human culture and mythology. The lion represents strength and fidelity, and so he took it on as the symbol of the house, Ness says of Nassar. When you look around the house, youll find little lions in a lot of the detail work.

Garage Marc Gregor

Garage Marc Gregor

The experience intensifies when you open the front door to the 3,212-square-foot house, which has a total of 11 total rooms, including three bedrooms.

Most people are overwhelmed," says the agent. "Doing a showing is really almost like doing a museum tour."

Every room in the house, he says, has its own delights. Mirrors are everywhere, as well as hand-decorated ceilings, vintage 1970s appliances (which all work), plenty of velvet, and more color than an eye can take in.

In the garage, there are murals on the walls and custom light fixtures embossed with vignettes from the story of Cinderella.

Bedroom Marc Gregor

Interior Marc Gregor

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With so much detail, its almost impossible to see everything the home has to offer.

I am 100% sure that there are little esoteric elements to the design that are only known by the owner, Ness says.

He adds he sees something new every time he goes into the house.

Nassar has lived in the house off and on since he was a child. It was built in 1951, and his family purchased the place shortly thereafter. His father was also in the car customization business, so the eye for distinctive design runs strong.

He is quite the character," says Ness, who says he is in awe of Nassar's creative powers. "I really applaud him for having the courage to do his place up in the style that he thought was the coolest and brought him the most happiness.

Sunshine is important to Nassar, and he has stipulated that the house can only be shown on sunny days.

He loves sunny days," Ness says.

We asked Ness if Nassar would show the house on a cloudy day if someone were to offer him a million dollars in cash.

I'd have to talk with Mr. Ronnie, but Im 90% sure hed say, I appreciate that, but tell him to come back on a sunny day,' Ness says with a laugh.

Outdoor space Marc Gregor

Living space Marc Gregor

Bathroom Marc Gregor

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Dining room Marc Gregor

Outdoor space Marc Gregor

Exterior Marc Gregor

The post 3 Years Later, a Wildly Decorated Michigan Home Is Still Looking for a Daring Buyer appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com.
Im floating in one of the prettiest lakes Ive ever seen. The water is so still and undisturbed it is otherworldly. I close my eyes, stretch my body and let the air in my lungs suspend me on the surface of the water. I hear nothing. No voices. No wind. There are no boat motors reverberating under the water, something I hear almost every time I go swimming in Lake Tahoe. The experience is marked by the absence of sound and weight.

Some people pay money to experience weightlessness like this in a sensory deprivation tank. I found a calm, quiet mountain lake: Upper Sardine Lake in the Lost Sierra.

In 1936, a man named George Browning went fishing on Lower Sardine Lake, a sister lake of the one Im swimming in. According to a 1966 article in the Evening Vanguard, from Venice, Browning was visiting Sardine Lakes from Long Beach, where he worked for the Radio Corporation of America. His fishing and camping trip was so sublime, he decided he wanted to make a life of it. Soon after, he and his wife moved to a small cabin built by the lakeshore and started a concession to rent fishing boats. In 1941, he built a lakefront resort called Sardine Lake Lodge, and the lodge is still hosting fishing guests and vacationers today.

Browning moved to the fresh mountain air to heal. As the article in Evening Vanguard continues, he had rheumatoid arthritis and weighed only 113 pounds when he first came to the lake. Decades later, when the article was written, Browning weighed 162 pounds and hadnt needed his crutches in a long time.

Julie Brown / SFGATE

The day before I swam into the middle of Upper Sardine Lake, I drove north from Truckee after work on a Thursday in late summer. Sardine Lakes are at the foot of the Sierra Buttes, the tallest peak in the region. I had long heard about these picture-perfect twin alpine lakes but had never seen them myself. I followed Highway 89 into the wide-open Sierra Valley and then turned west on Highway 49. The road led me up and over Yuba Pass, where cellphone reception dropped off almost entirely. I wouldnt find a connection until three days later, when I drove home. I was hoping Sardine Lakes would still be a place to rest and recuperate, and the absence of cell service was a good omen.

The road made hairpin turns up the mountain, curving on top of itself. Huge pine trees towered over both sides of the road. And on the other side of the pass, I came into Bassetts, a small town thats really just an intersection with a small lodge/gas station/market/diner. All under one roof.

Bassetts marks the south end of the Gold Lake Highway. Seventeen miles ahead, at the other end of the highway, is Graeagle, another small town in the Lost Sierra. Between the two towns are enough lakes, trails and campgrounds to spend weeks, or even months, exploring.

Months before this trip, I booked a campsite at Sardine Lakes. Tahoe was full. But campsites managed by Tahoe National Forest in the Lost Sierra were still open. The plan was to meet my parents, camp and spend the weekend walking to high-alpine lakes. But in August of this year, smoke seemed to threaten all of our weekend plans. It used to be that the Sierra Nevada was a refuge of clean air. Now, it seems that often isnt true.

Despite the smoke, I went anyway. But when I pulled into the campground loop, hardly anyone else was there. The campsites were mostly deserted and empty. Still, the sun was peeking through. I could even see a bit of blue sky when I pulled into our campsite.

The campsite hugged a small hill with boulders and manzanita bushes. Between the trees, I could see the very top of the Sierra Buttes, a monolithic crag with a jagged, toothy ridgeline that towers above this region. That night, we kept close to camp and grilled skewers with mushrooms, red onions and bell peppers. We opened a bottle of red wine.

The next morning, the smoke had lifted up high and the sun was shining through; by 9 a.m., it was hot. We left our campsite on foot and walked up a small meandering trail to lower Sardine Lake. It was pristine. Untouched. Not even a ripple in the water. It was so clear and still that it reflected a near-perfect image of the Sierra Buttes. The only disturbance on the water was a small fishing boat on the other end of the lake. I would have jumped right in, the sun was so intense. But signs posted on the trees said that swimming in the lake was prohibited. This lake is reserved for fishing. Onward to the next one.

Julie Brown / SFGATE

We walked through Sardine Lake Lodge, the historic resort Browning built on the shores of Lower Sardine Lake thats open seasonally for the summer. On the other side of the lodge, a dirt road edged a hillside covered in manzanita. The way to Upper Sardine Lake was up this road. It was hot and exposed and blessedly short. At the top, a similar looking lake to the one below stretched out before me. This one I could swim in.

Upper Sardine Lake sits immediately beneath the Sierra Buttes. At the top of the Buttes, a fire overlook yields a panoramic view. Down here, the lake was quiet and calm. There were just one or two other groups of hikers by the shore that day.

The lake was low. A row boat was turned on its side on some rocks, about 20 or 30 feet above the water line  left there during wetter times, I guessed. On foot, we hopped rocks to get down to the water. Minutes later, I was wading in. The rocks in the water were slippery, and I crouched from one to the next, trying not to slip. Eventually the water got deep enough for me to jump in, or really, I just did a belly flop. The sound of me and my family crashing into the water echoed against the basin.

After a few breast strokes, I flipped on my back and floated for several minutes. There were no waves that crashed into my face, and I could have gone on like that forever, but the waters chill started to seep into my bones. I came back to reality, surfacing from the water and reorienting my body upright, treading in the water.

Julie Brown / SFGATE

Up above, a smoky haze filtered the view of the Sierra Buttes. The air, at least when I was at Sardine Lakes, was surely more toxic than clean. Ive often felt like we were robbed of summer in the Sierra Nevada because of all the smoke and all the wildfires. And maybe thats why these moments of swimming in freshwater lakes have been so soothing and calming. The months before the snow falls are my window to be outside, to do nothing, to feel warm in the sun. Camping, hiking and swimming while its smoky outside is not my preference. But so long as the air quality index isnt off the charts, I think Id rather be here than confining myself indoors. I so desperately need these moments of escape.

I swam back to shore and let the water evaporate off my skin in the dry air, before walking back to camp.
Jim Bennett/FilmMagic

Britney Spears is on the news, kids are dressing up in baggy jeans again, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers are going on tour. What year is it?!

Booking their first live gigs since guitarist John Frusciante re-joined the band in 2019, the RHCP's massive 32-city world stadium tour includes stops all over the world, with opening bands like The Strokes, A$AP Rocky, Beck, Haim, St. Vincent in more.
Simon Fraser University remains Canadas #1 comprehensive university, according to Macleans Magazines 2022 university rankings.

This year, this top honour is shared with the University of Victoria, who were also ranked #1.

SFU has placed first in the comprehensive category for 13 of the last 14 years. Comprehensive universities are recognized for their significant amount of research activity and a wide range of programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, including professional degrees.

The last two years have been immensely challenging at all Canadian universities and Im so proud SFU has once again been named the top comprehensive university by Macleans, says SFU president Joy Johnson. Inspiring students, talented faculty and world-class educational programs distinguish SFU as a leading community-engaged research university. Our priorities are to build on these strengths to enhance the student experience, advance reconciliation and promote equity, diversity and inclusion across SFU.

Macleans lauded SFU for the strong ties it has created with their local communities in all three of its campuses, and highlighted the new Student Union Building and outdoor stadium at the Burnaby campus as key additions to the Burnaby campus experience.

Macleans noted that SFU has extensive co-op offerings (8,500 students are placed at companies that include Telsa and Google) and the schools grant program and research income, which has grown by more than $55 million.

Standout programs recognized by Macleans:

First Nations Languages: This program partners with Indigenous organizations in B.C. and the Yukon, bringing language courses to First Nations and assisting Indigenous language proficiency.

Environmental Science: Students learn to apply physical and biological sciences to solve real-world environmental challenges. Four specializations are offered: applied biology, environmental earth systems, environmetrics and water science.

Statistics: This program provides a solid grounding in data analysis methods to prepare students for a variety of careers and includes co-op opportunities.

Overall, the university also retains second spot in its category for reputation and is 11th among all 49 Canadian universities included in the reputational ranking. The ranking is determined by a national survey of university faculty, senior administrators and business leaders about quality and innovation at Canadian universities.

Among comprehensive universities, SFU placed first in students awards and library acquisitions, second in faculty awards and students services, and third in student/faculty ratio, medical and sciences grants and research dollars.

SFU programs ranking in the top 10 among all universities, include computing science, education and business.

To read more, visit Macleans 2022 university rankings.
You are now listening to the sounds of the New Generation. A podcast created for those who desire a new way of gaining information rather than reading a traditional newspaper. In our show we will discuss everything from sports, pop culture, politics, and local news. To stay up to date on our latest episodes every week be sure to follow us on your favorite podcast service. And dont worry, we keep it short.
SHELTON  Downtown development is booming, and one Planning and Zoning commissioner is calling for his board to once again become engaged in the planning process.

The commission has a Downtown Subcommittee  consisting of commissioners Charlie Kelly, the subcommittee chair, Jimmy Tickey and commission Chair Virginia Harger. The group met regularly before COVID halted its sessions, with its last meeting in February 2020.

Now, Tickey wants them back on the agenda.

The Downtown Subcommittee should meet to discuss all the activity with downtown, hear from business owners, developers and continue the commissions engagement in downtown, Tickey said.

Anyone in Shelton can see the growth happening downtown, Tickey said.

The Downtown Subcommittee work is critical to ensure we are planning properly, hearing from people and responding to the needs of downtown residents and businesses, he added.

Tickey first raised the issue at a P&Z meeting earlier this month. He has since reached out to Kelly to request a meeting be held. To date, no such meetings are planned. Kelly did reply to a request for comment.

While COVID forced many city meetings to be held virtually, Tickey said after months of such online gatherings, everyone has become acclimated to virtual meetings. The Planning and Zoning Commission has met via Zoom for months.

Over two years without a meeting is much too long, Tickey said. We should meet and be engaged in the future of our downtown with the commission at the table.

The Downtown Subcommittee was established around 2004-05 at the suggestion of then P&Z Administrator Rick Schultz, with the full support of then-Commission Chair Alan Cribbins, as developers had begun to approach P&Z staff with development proposals for Canal Street.

Harger said staff felt that redeveloping Canal Street would be complex and such an enormous undertaking that reviewing a concept before a subcommittee, rather than the full commission, would be a better way of managing the time of the full commission.

So the subcommittee was established as an advisory committee of the full commission. It was understood that the subcommittee did not have any authority to issue directives, she said. The attendees at the initial meetings were the subcommittee members, P&Z staff and the potential applicant.

As time went on, others began attending, including Ward 2 aldermen, economic development staff, developers, downtown property owners, store proprietors, and representatives of the downtown condo associations.

While a meeting schedule has to be filed yearly with the town clerk, monthly meetings were held only when the P&Z administrator felt a proposed concept or an approved project needed to be reviewed.

The last subcommittee meeting was held Feb. 14, 2020. On March 10, 2020, the full Planning and Zoning Commission held a regular meeting. Then the pandemic began to take hold and commission meetings were suspended until April 23, 2020.

Starting in April, the commission began meeting almost every week, but with a shorter agenda which seemed to work out well, Harger said.

Because of the lack of new building proposals and the slow-down of commercial activity in the downtown area, it really has not been necessary to hold (Downtown Subcommittee) meetings, Harger said. Staff has kept the (commission) informed of downtown activity and issues through its staff reports which are on each months regular meeting agenda.

However, this past summer, Harger, Kelly and staff discussed the resumption of DSC meetings in the fall and staff was asked to reach out to downtown developers to notify them of our desire to do so. Harger said staff reported back to her and Kelly that while all developers were receptive to resuming meetings, they were not available in the immediate future.

Tickey said the subcommittee has in the past met with developers for public but informal discussions, reviewed their plans, and provided feedback in a way that allows for developers to alter development plans before coming to the full commission for a vote.

Residents and businesses often attend, and we would hear about their needs  often hearing how we need more parking, Tickey said. Not holding meetings eliminates a part of the process that invites ideas and feedback outside of a formal process.

The subcommittee also reviewed downtown land parcels to discuss what the best use would be.

We have even brought in a consultant to review what downtown could look like with good planning, Tickey said.

Ultimately, all planning and zoning issues come before the full commission, he said.

If a business meets all regulations, they simply open with a (Certificate of Occupancy) from the P&Z office, Tickey said. These meetings are helpful to foster coordination in addressing the needs of downtown, to hear from residents and businesses, and to bring other stakeholders  such as the aldermen and other town agencies  to the table.

Harger said, over the past few months, the full commission has stayed in touch with downtown developers and has toured completed projects, including Cedar Village at Carrolls, the Lofts, and Bridge Street Commons II.

Harger said the visits were more beneficial than hearing about completed projects in a meeting format.

In the coming weeks, the full commission will tour 502 Howe Ave., Cedar Village II and the newly renovated six-family apartment house at 289 Coram Ave.

brian.gioiele@hearstmediact.com
Shippensburg, PA (17257)

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"The move was to implement President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi's pardon decision," Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying.

Cairo, Oct 7 (IANS) Egypt's Prisons Authority released 3,886 inmates on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the 1973 ArabIsraeli War, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

According to the Egyptian Constitution, the President can issue pardon decrees for prisoners who had received final court rulings that cannot be further appealed.

The Egyptian President usually issues a pardon decree on public holidays including two religious Muslim festivals, the holy month of Ramadan and the July 23 Revolution anniversary.

The ArabIsraeli War was an armed conflict fought from October 6-25, 1973 between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria.

--IANS

ksk/
Moreover, officials on Wednesday reiterated a call to citizens to get vaccinated to facilitate the full return to normalcy, Xinhua news agency reported.

Athens, Oct 7 (IANS) Greek government has announced to end some preventive measures against Covid-19, including local lockdowns, night curfews or ban on music in entertainment venues in the country.

Fully vaccinated individuals are granted additional freedom, according to the authorities. In indoor areas of recreation, such as bars and restaurants, where only fully vaccinated people are allowed access, from now on there will be music and customers will be allowed to stand.

"Our enemy is the novel coronavirus. We must all get protection. Vaccination is the only way ... We must get inoculated, persuade people to get the shot," Health Minister Thanos Plevris told a televised press briefing.

Following two national lockdowns in 2020 and 2021, Greek authorities have gradually eased restrictions and in recent months implemented additional safety measures only on a regional level when the epidemiological data were alarming.

Despite the still high numbers of new infections, the national health system can cope better than last year, as most new cases do not need hospitalization due to the progress of vaccinations, the minister explained.

Greece reported 2,876 new cases and and 34 deaths within 24 hours, while 334 patients were intubated in intensive care units.

To date, about 6.2 million people, or 57 per cent of the population, have been vaccinated, according to the latest official data.

--IANS

int/shs
Meerut (Uttar Pradesh), Oct 7 (IANS) Central Reserve Police Force Director General Kuldeep Singh on Thursday said that three incidents of lone wolf attacks happened in Jammu and Kashmir recently but steps have been taken to prevent such attacks and the security situation in the valley is under control.

Speaking on the sidelines of an event to mark the 29th Foundation Day of the CRPF's Rapid Action Force, he said that after these attacks, the security situation in the valley has been reviewed and it should not be felt that the situation there has deteriorated.

The CRPF DG admitted that there have been problems in a few places and the force is strengthening the intelligence gathering there. "I can say that security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is under control and there has not been any increase in the terror attacks there."

Speaking about the special teams of the RAF, Singh said that a total of 30 units with 60 personnel in each unit, have been trained as first responders for natural or manmade disasters like flood rescue operation, earthquake rescue management, chemical, biological, nuclear disaster rescue operations. They will be deployed in all 15 battalions of the RAF across the country.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in 2020 had suggested that all Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) should have trained and specialized teams within the force to respond in case of any natural disaster. These teams will initiate rescue operations in case of any disaster because of their presence in most parts of the country, the DG added.

Talking about the RAF Academy for Public Order (RAPO) in Meerut, the DG said that this is the first and only academy in the country where special training has been imparted to all Central Armed Police Forces personnel for managing violent crowds and riot like situations and protecting human lives. So far, this academy has trained the security personnel of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Border Security Force, Central Industrial Security Force and police personnel of states like Maharashtra, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Tripura and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Delhi.

Apart from these, the security forces of Myanmar and Zimbabwe had been trained in this academy. The Rapid Action Force is a specialised wing of the Central Reserve Police Force to deal with riot and crowd control situations and help the state administration to maintain law and order.

--IANS

ams/bg
Integrated business and brand growth agency L&K Saatchi & Saatchi has bagged the retail communications mandate of the German luxury automobile brand, Audi India. Audi India has occupied the services of the agency to support its dealer network across India for their marketing initiatives. The agencys role will be ensure that there are efficient consumer engagements and brand experiences across touch points.

"We are happy to have an experienced team of L&K Saatchi & Saatchi as our partners for our retail communication. In this new unlock era, it becomes imperative to drive innovation at the last mile along with driving our brand philosophy of Future is an Attitude. It is this understanding of the brand that made L&K Saatchi & Saatchi stand apart from the others. We look forward to our association with them, Gaurav Sinha, marketing and PR head, Audi India stated.

There is no other joy than to win a well fought pitch. We pride ourselves in understanding the automobile category the best and it is that expertise that was represented to the team at Audi India. In the context of today, we believe that retail communication has moved beyond POSM. It is now about how we make consumers experience Brand Love for the brand and look forward to this challenge. We look forward to the association and creating some great work on the business, Atin Wahal, executive vice president, head North and East, L&K Saatchi & Saatchi, further said.

Audi, the German luxury car manufacturer, is set up as a National Sale Company operating as a Division of Skoda Auto Volkswagen Group Sales India. As part of this set up, Audi has multiple dealers owed who represent the brand across 38 cities in the country.
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National Australia Bank, ANZ Bank and Westpac are facing more pressure from climate activist shareholders over their fossil fuel lending, after an environmental group lodged new resolutions for their upcoming annual general meetings.

Market Forces, which is part of Friends of the Earth, on Thursday said it had lodged resolutions with the three big banks after it made a similar push with the Commonwealth Bank in August.

Environmental groups are pressuring banks to cut their exposure to the oil and gas sector. Credit:

Market Forces accused the banks of undermining their own public commitments to support climate change action by lending to companies that are expanding the fossil fuels industry.

The group said the resolutions called on the banks to stop funding new fossil fuel projects and to cut their exposure to the coal, oil and gas sectors consistent with the global goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Outgoing ABC news boss Gaven Morris says scrutiny of the public broadcasters Luna Park Ghost Train fire series and its reporting on allegations against former Attorney-General Christian Porter did not influence his decision to walk away from the job.

Morris informed staff on Thursday that he would step down once his current contract expires in several months after six years at the helm. In an exclusive interview with The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald he said he refused to be a prisoner to the opinions of powerful people in his time leading the ABCs news division, but conceded the role was one of the most taxing in Australian media. He said it was the right time to hand over to someone new.

ABCs head of news, analysis and investigations Gaven Morris has resigned. Credit:Steven Siewert

The editorial issues that have come up in recent times dont go anywhere near being some of the more difficult things Ive had to deal with, Morris told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. The ones that are related to news, I think weve come out looking really good - I had no issues with any of the reporting we did around Christian Porter. I still defend the Ghost Train fire documentary.

Weve never changed either of those stories, nor apologised for them. Ive simply decided that having done six years, having been through three contracts, having rolled out two strategies and having worked with three managing directors, its probably time to try something different.
Hallet, not to be outdone, responded: 11/10 dance moves from you - we are all hashtag blessed. We are indeed blessed, Deanna, and indebted to you for bringing this fever dream to our attention. As they say at Westminister: Theres no party like a Conservative Party. ANOTHER ROUND The Federal Treasurers Project Josh to connect with as many people via as many different media platforms continues apace. Yes, it is time for episode two of the monthly podcast from LiSTNR, part of Southern Cross Austereo radio empire, which was released just one week after episode one. But we sympathise. The podcast - sorry, The Josh Frydenberg Podcast - is billed as an intimate discussion with the true Josh Frydenberg - devoted father and the everyday man behind the suit.

After last weeks origin story, Frydenberg is releasing his difficult second album today with a chat with former Australian of the Year and mental health campaigner Patrick McGorry. Admirable. And youve got to hand it to McGorry, who knows how to mount a case to the guy who holds the federal governments purse strings. When host Sarah Grynberg asked McGorry where government spending on mental health needs to go, the mental health expert emphasised value for money. Three-quarters of mental health issues first emerge in individuals under the age of 25, he said, so a strong system of care for that age group would save an awful lot of money McGorry said. He then referred to return on investment and how Josh has commissioned the Productivity Commission Report, hes seen the results, the return on investment is going to be good. No need to ask if the Treasurer was listening. McGorry encouraged parents to move away from screens in favour of board games, books and the radio. Salient advice for the Treasurer, as it turns out. There has certainly [been] more screen time in our home. Bluey and Peppa Pig. Netflix as well. But Bluey and Peppa Pig are up there, the Treasurer said. Thank God for ABC kids. A rare government endorsement for ABC managing director David Anderson to clutch as he faces yet another torrid Senate Estimates session in a couple of weeks. HOME BOUND Perhaps we shouldnt be too tough on the Treasurer, who is facing more downtime than usual after a member of his team tested positive to COVID after contracting it outside the office. All team members, including the Treasurer, have since returned negative results but are forced into two weeks of isolation away from their families.
A vaccine against a childhood killer and a citizen science project revealing just how much microplastic ends up in our environment are among the winners of the 2021 Eureka Prizes, the nations top science gongs.

The annual prizes, run by the Australian Museum and coming with a prize pool of $160,000, were announced at an online ceremony on Thursday night.

Eureka Prize winner Professor Julie Bines (front, second from left) with members of the clinical trial team for the rotavirus vaccine in Blantyre, Malawi.

The Eureka Prize for Infectious Diseases Research went to the Murdoch Childrens Research Institutes Professor Julie Bines for her work leading the development of a vaccine for rotavirus, the leading cause of severe gastro in young children.

Her vaccine is a work of science and humanism. Rotavirus is preventable. Two safe and effective vaccines already exist and Australian infants receive them as a matter of course. But these vaccines cost up to $200 for a full series of doses, far more than many developing countries can afford, even with subsidies.
Some steps to solve the problem could include the government paying university fees for which the teacher must work for five years or pay back costs, bringing back a transfer system to allow movement around the state and increase the salary of classroom teachers. Worked in the past.

Anne Szczurowski, Lambton Can we have faith in our new Premier? Former premier Gladys Berejiklian constantly reminded us that the decisions made during lockdown, and the road-map out, were soundly based on the health advice (Lockdown is lifting: What you can do from Monday, smh.com.au, October 7). How can Dominic Perrottet claim his changes to the road map are also based on the health advice when they are clearly designed to get us out and about, mingling and spending? Have they not learnt anything from the experiences of other countries? Kathryn Newburg, Burraneer It would seem the politics have changed, not the health advice. With the advent of the new Premier, Dr Kerry Chant has been sidelined, the road map has been redrawn and the economy will dominate the discussion. Pauline Hyde, Coogee In bringing forward the re-opening of the states schools our new Premier has declared his conflict of interest in this matter (All students back by October 25, cap increase for household visitors, weddings and funerals, smh.com.au, October 7). Bryan Hayes, Dunmore

At present, in my regional LGA, cafes, restaurants, gyms, theatres are open and vaccination status is not a criteria of entry. We can gather outside in groups of 20 and invite five people into our home regardless of vaccination status. Are locals in my LGA looking forward to tighter restrictions on Monday as NSW opens up? Judith Fleming, Sawtell The Premier needs to change his language. It is not a sacrifice to go and get vaccinated, as he said twice in his press conference. Its a joy and a delight, as it keeps our community safe. Peta Colebatch, Hawthorn (Vic) We all want to open up and regain our freedom. However, Singapore, with a higher vaccinated population than NSW, have had to backtrack somewhat, especially the wearing of masks. Havent we all suffered enough to achieve what we have now? Are we prepared to waste it all for a bit of publicity for our new Premier? Jon Sloan, North Narooma Your correspondent asks the new Premier: Are you going to be the Premier of Sydney or NSW? The answer is simple (Letters, October 7). Like previous premiers he will be the Premier of NSW. All of us outside Sydney know that this stands for (N)ewcastle, (S)ydney, (W)ollongong. John Chappell, Port Macquarie The separation of church and state is a hard-won and vital fundamental element of our democracy. Secular policy should be exposed to rigorous and reasoned debate and not dictated by a leader whose faith tells them what is right (Letters, October 7). Fingers crossed that our new Premier agrees. Michael Britt, MacMasters Beach

Major parties are leading us down the wrong path It is not surprising that support for both major parties is declining in NSW and Victoria (Morrison shedding voters in NSW, Vic, October 7). Our nation deserves a political party that has a vision for society and for the future. Unfortunately, both major parties agree fundamentally on the economic orthodoxy of growth, free markets, deregulation, privatisation and corporatisation, which has lead to an increase in disparity, a decline in manufacturing, stagnant wages and a housing affordability crisis. Similarly, both major parties have vacillated and equivocated on environmental concerns and global heating. Sadly, Labor continues to promote itself as merely the lesser of two evils. The party does not disagree with the government on fundamental issues and is silent on some of the most controversial ones. It is worth noting that the Australian constitution does not dictate that either major party, or for that matter any party, is required to form a government. Tim Hartnett, Annandale From Niki Savvas article, it would seem that politics within the Liberal Party is characterised by a mistrust of everyone and a culture of ruthless undermining of fellow members being the norm (Keeping your friends close ..., October 7). No doubt it is the same within all parties which likely, at least, partly explains the recent proliferation of independents who only have to contend with other MPs rather than the backstabbers from within ones own party. Peter Nash, Fairlight Undue influence Being Australias richest woman assures her precisely the same freedom of speech as the rest of us.(Gina Rinehart warns of propaganda in climate denial video to students, smh.com.au, October 7). Her family connections with one private girls school in WA probably gives her the right to speak directly to that school community. It is only newsworthy in the eastern states because it sheds light on her personal views and how she is prepared to use her very considerable public influence. With Glasgow imminent, theres some tit for tat with Andrew Forrest. But it is a bigger concern that she may believe her wealth and position in the overall Australian economy entitles her to have such unhelpful views and misinformation aired on the national stage. And that some politicians may be prepared to listen reverently. Margaret Johnston, Paddington

Rineharts business has very much clouded her judgment. Perhaps a visit to the Pacific Island nations that experience the dire consequences of the failure of developed nations to deal effectively with global warming may prove instructive. Steve Ngeow, Chatswood Yes, the globe had heated and cooled in the past. However, it is the current rate of change in temperature which is unprecedented, and it is us humans and our unbridled greed that is causing this catastrophic alteration. Judith Halnan, St Ives Keep them honest Kristina Keneally has summarised well the reality of power and accountability and how they go together, whether youre a male or female premier (This is not a blow for the sisterhood, October 7). Gladys Berejiklians resignation has caused an outpouring of genuine grief among ordinary people, while certain politicians are probably happy to see her go. To succeed, politicians must rule with their heads, not their hearts. But this shouldnt be an excuse to hound ICAC or delay a strong federal anti-corruption body. Federal government is afraid of accountability. Mukul Desai, Hunters Hill I admired Berejiklians leadership and her decision to resign (Letters, October 7). I am, on the other hand, offended by the breathtaking hypocrisy of many of our other political leaders and their criticism of the NSW ICAC in this whole affair. Many of these same political leaders called for the head of the former Australia Post CEO, Christine Holgate, for buying luxury watches as a reward to staff, before the investigation into that decision was completed. Our PM refused to apologise and defended his strong language at the time. Ironically the investigation found Holgate was entitled to make the decision that she did, and these same leaders now dont seem to think that they need to be standing up for those standards when it comes to their own behaviour around spending taxpayers funds. Roderick Houng-Lee, Mosman

Great effort New Deputy Premier Paul Toole may have had little media profile previously but in his home town barely a day goes by that an article about him or a photograph of him is not in our local paper (From Bathurst teacher to Deputy Premier, October 7). Even those not of his political persuasion respect his efforts. Michael Wheatley, Rock Forest Growing pain The issue of water supply in the Sydney region is highly contentious (MPs urge for alternatives to dam wall raise, October 6). Our usual solution to shortages is to address the supply side. In this case raise the dam wall. Not only is this extremely expensive in both economic and environmental terms, it will probably be unsustainable in light of climate change and population growth. There are alternatives. What about demand management via the stabilisation of the population? Apart from ameliorating water shortages, this approach has several upsides. Think reduced congestion and housing pressure and avoiding the steep general infrastructure costs incurred by more people. It would also be democratic since a majority of Sydneysiders think the city is full. Further it would be a step towards sustainability, of vital importance for future generations. Growth once provided solutions, now it provides problems. Warragamba is only one example. Alan Jones, Narraweena

Taiwan-way ticket It appalls me to read that Tony Abbott is speaking to Taiwan on behalf of Australia (Abbott in Taiwan to build like-minded ties, October 7). On whose authority does this ex-prime minister undertake this mission? Jane Burns, Randwick If our relationship with China wasnt already shaky enough, sending Abbott on a diplomatic mission could be the final straw. Hopefully, with such limited airline seats available into Australia, hes been allocated a one-way ticket. Alan Marel, North Curl Curl Perhaps while on his fourth overseas trip since the beginning of overseas travel restrictions, Abbott could make a side trip to Beijing to shirtfront President Xi Jinping on behalf of the Taiwanese. That should put Xi in his place and settle things down in the region. John Payne, Kelso

Paperback writers A Beatles M.A.? Yeah, yeah, yeah (Short and straight road to a Beatles degree, October 7).

Pasquale Vartuli, Wahroonga Coal hearted If Scott Morrison does go to the Glasgow climate summit, will he take his pet rock (Morrison cool on trip to Glasgow summit, October 6)? Paul Doyle, Glenbrook We have to give credit to Scott Morrison for putting Australia on the world map for the wrong reasons. Peng Ee, Castle Cove
Asylum seeker Cyril spent the past year sharing a scary, smelly and crowded room with 11 men, including wild people, out of their minds on drugs and recently released prisoners.

Ineligible for government support, healthcare and public housing like all non-resident refugees, asylum seekers and foreign students, the room where other men shot up heroin was the only thing Cyril could afford.

Cyril came to Australia in 2010. He sought asylum here, as he was subject to political persecution. Credit:Rhett Wyman

When the lockdown hit, even that was unaffordable. In a first for NSW, Cyril and another 19 non-residents were provided emergency accommodation funded by the state government in a Sydney apartment hotel for the duration of the lockdown.

With that funding likely to stop on Monday, Grace Rullis, manager of homelessness services with non-profit The Haymarket Foundation, said they were doing everything they could to make sure they dont return to the streets once the lockdown ends.
Strict cohorting rules will govern the return to school later this month, with students to be sorted into fixed groups to cut the chance of COVID-19 transmission and reduce the number of close contacts in a population group less protected by vaccination.

Masks will be mandatory indoors and outdoors for teachers and high school students even when they are no longer required in other workplaces, and will be strongly recommended for primary students from kindergarten up, unless they are eating or exercising.

Lisa and Andrew Yen with their children Jayden, Mikayla and Jesinta in Beecroft. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

Teachers scrambled on Thursday to respond to the third change to the back-to-school plan, when new Premier Dominic Perrottet brought the start date forward to October 25 for all students other than those in kindergarten, years 1 and 12, who return on the 18th.

Many parents welcomed the change  although some wanted more time to vaccinate their teenagers and some educators worried not enough staff would be vaccinated in time to teach classes  as the deadline for having both shots is not until November 8.
The COVID-19 pandemic has left Australias public hospitals in financial crisis, according to the state and territory governments that run them, prompting warnings that soon there might not be enough money to provide all the medical care needed.

Tensions simmering for months between the states and the Commonwealth over hospital funding intensified last week, when a letter to Health Minister Greg Hunt pleading for more money and signed by the health ministers of all eight states and territories went public.

Hospital services across the country are facing immense strain. Credit:Wolter Peeters

A political brawl broke out after Queensland threatened to keep its borders shut if more help for its hospital service was not forthcoming, prompting accusations of shakedown politics from Prime Minister Scott Morrison and more attacks from Mr Hunt.

On Wednesday Mr Hunt formally refused the states varied requests for fresh financial support, and in effect told his counterparts that Canberra was doing enough already.
About one-in-10 of all COVID-19 cases reported by Queensland Health across the pandemic have been managed under hospital-in-the-home arrangements, amid fresh concern about how the health system would hold up as states reopen.

Advice presented to national cabinet on Friday suggested community care, or hospital in the home, style arrangements would be the mainstay as growing vaccination rates ease pressure on hospitals. Credit:Jono Searle/Getty Images

While Queensland Health usually transfers anyone who tests positive for the coronavirus into one of its dedicated hospitals in the south-east corner, the home model has been used in 211 cases across 2020 and 2021.

A total of 2051 people have contracted the virus in the state since last January.

Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young said case numbers would rise inevitably as restrictions eased at vaccination coverage targets.
Queensland has recorded no new local cases of COVID again after quashing numerous emerging clusters in the past week, as authorities warn the states streak of good luck can not last.

Six new overseas acquired cases were recorded on Thursday, with one detected in hotel quarantine in a traveller who returned from Scotland.

Another five cases were detected on a ship off the western coast of Queenslands Cape York.

There are now 31 active cases in Queensland.
State funeral for Sir John Monash in Melbourne Credit:Staff photographer His was a remarkable record, as a citizen soldier in a period of unparalleled conflict that called for big men, and as a citizen in the triumphs of peace. In war and in peace his highly-trained mind, administrative capacity, initiative, and gift for prompt decision and judgment quickly carried him to the front rank. An attribute rare in distinguished soldiers, he blended with a genius for military leadership the qualities of a clear-headed, successful business man. General Monash knew every detail of what was going on within his command on the Western front. With efficiency always as his keynote, he left nothing to chance. He always looked at the map of his position in the line from the enemys side of it. Although a strict disciplinarian-perhaps because of it;-he possessed in a marked degree the confidence and the goodwill of all ranks. Those under him-officers and men alike-were always fortified in the knowledge that they were fighting under the clear- headed leadership of a man who exhausted every possibility of a situation before asking them to carry his plans into effect, and in whom inefficiency and incompetency, especially when mens lives were at stake, were repugnant in the last degree. General Monash was regarded by some as ruthless. But his was a tremendous responsibility, and if he was ruthless and unsparing in his removal of inefficiencies, he was always actuated by a sense of loyalty to and regard for his troops, and for the fair escutcheon of the Allied arms.

In his passion for good music, for literature, and for the arts generally, one saw the ideals in his leisure hours of the man removed from the scene of conflict, and from the activities which occupied him in civil life. General Monash, when his great war task was completed, went back into civil life with the unobtrusive grace that became a big man. On his return to Melbourne in December, 1919, he was asked as to his future movements. He shrugged his shoulders, and smiled. What am I going to do? he asked. Why, I am simply going to do exactly what 1 have counselled every Digger to do-that is, get back to his old job, and not bother the State. If the country still wants my services, it knows just where to find me. Now that the war is over, I have my old job to do, and I am getting back to it. He did get back to it, without fuss or bother. Many felt, indeed, that Australia had not sufficiently honoured one of the most distinguished of her sons. It was probably the knowledge of its remissness in this direction that prompted General Monashs appointment to represent the Commonwealth last February at the celebrations attending the opening of the new capital at Delhi, India, in preference to a political delegation. He was chairman of the Electricity Commission of Victoria, to which post he was appointed in 1921, with the main responsibility of a 10,000,000 State-wide scheme of electric generation and distribution. THE HOUR AND THE MAN General Monash took up volunteer soldiering nearly 20 years before the war. The hour produced the man when General Birdwood left the Australian Corps to take command of the new Fifth army, and a successor to him had to be found without delay. The confidence then reposed in Sir John Monash was not misplaced. Promoted to Lieutenant-General-he was formerly Major-General-he quickly convinced the British High Command of his ability in his new role, to which he was appointed in May, 1918.
The cost of seating diners on car parking spaces in Melbournes trendy inner-north has caused a street fight about who should pay when COVID-19 restrictions lift next year.

City of Yarra councillors will be forced to reconsider their decision to charge bars and cafes up to $5000 per year to use a parking space for diners from next October. The new fee structure was voted on earlier this week, and was to be implemented progressively from April, but independent councillor Stephen Jolly filed a motion for a review on Thursday following criticism, including from the state government.

Yarra mayor Gabrielle de Vietri at the Archies cafe parklet on Gertrude Street in May this year. Credit:Eddie Jim

Melbourne diners will return to on-street parklets from about October 26, according to Victorias road map, once 70 per cent of people aged over 16 are fully vaccinated.

The fees for a permanent parklet program were first announced earlier this year, before the latest lockdowns. Greens on the Yarra council on Tuesday agreed to waive the charges for another six months before finally introducing them with a temporary discount in April to help claw back more than $606,000 in lost parking revenue.
Suddenly  even amidst a personal Botox crisis and the pressure of being the only person alive who doesnt see the clever allegories in Squid Game  the world feels a tiny bit right again.

Kylie Minogue has confirmed to the BBC shes saying ta-ta guvna to London and moving back to Melbourne after 30 years! Yes. I spent a lot of time with my family this year in Australia and it felt really good, she said.

Kylie Minogue, seen here performing in London in September, is coming home. Credit:Getty Images

Glitter cannons, start exploding along the eastern seaboard now.

In cultural terms, Kylie is our Elgin Marbles. She settled in and looked comfortable for a long time in the UK, but always truly belonged here. Forget hanging with Jamiroquai and Christmas shows at the Royal Albert Hall. The woman was born to be ready at any minute to set up a trestle at the Camberwell Market, head to Gate 2 at the G or hit up the Chadstone food court.
While Australia pursues a forever partnership to build nuclear-powered submarines with its traditional allies, a bipartisan parliamentary inquiry has urged the government to deepen its diplomatic engagement in south-east Asia to navigate the growing tensions between the United States and China.

In the face of Beijings growing aggression in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait, Australia is looking to forge new partnerships such as the AUKUS military pact with the United States and Britain, and the Quad grouping with the US, India and Japan.

Scott Morrison, Joe Biden and Boris Johnson unveiling the AUKUS alliance.

But the emergence of these groups has alarmed some south-east Asian nations who are concerned the power of their key decision-making body - the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) - is being curtailed.

The AUKUS agreement also infuriated the French government, which on Wednesday announced it was sending its ambassador to Australia back to Canberra following a bitter dispute over the scrapping of a $90 billion submarine construction contract with the country.
One of the best things Winston Churchill never said was that good politicians know they have to take on their critics if they are to have any hope of victory. You have enemies? Good. That means youve stood up for something, he is supposed to have said. The quote is fake, say the Churchill experts, but the sentiment is real. And the sentiment is felt by some Liberals who wonder who is standing up for their government.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison won the last election flying solo for much of the campaign but his performance has bred a timid culture in the ranks below him, where ministers seem to think they can leave the heavy lifting to the boss in the campaign to come.

Illustration: Simon Letch Credit:The Sydney Morning Herald

Confident that Morrison knows how to take down Labor leader Anthony Albanese, cabinet ministers keep a low profile even when debate is raging over their turf  such as climate change, a national integrity commission or a submarine deal that causes a rift with the French.

Some see it as a smart strategy. Rather than fuel a public argument, ministers try to smother it with silence. This seems to suit Morrison, who is blessed with a compliant ministry that leaves most of the talking to the man in charge, but that does not mean it will always work.
Detailing the substance of the rumour on ABC radio on Thursday morning, Mr Joyce said: My daughter is a strong person and she had a completely malicious rumour, basically people saying that she had been in relationship with [former NSW Deputy Premier] John Barilaro and thats why he left, which is just total and utter rubbish. Loading Mr Morrison said if social media companies did not deal with anonymous trolls, they faced being held accountable to Australian laws that made publishers legally liable for the editorial content they published to other people. They should have to identify who they are. And, you know, the companies if theyre not going to say who they are, well theyre not a platform any more theyre a publisher. Theyre a publisher, and you know what the implications of that means in terms of those issues, he said. A Facebook spokesman said the company was engaging with the industry and governments on defamation law reform.

We support modernisation of Australias uniform defamation laws and hope for greater clarity and certainty in this area. Recent court decisions have reaffirmed the need for such law reform, and weve taken steps to introduce new controls to support users managing conversations on Facebook, the company said. A spokeswoman for Twitter said anonymity is not a shield against violations of its terms of service. Twitter will take action against any accounts that are in violation of the Twitter rules. There is no room for abuse and harassment on our platform, and we make ongoing investments in this area to keep our users safe, the company said in a statement. Facebook has had a damaging week, as former employee-turned-whistleblower Frances Haugen accused the company of putting profits before people and knowingly harming users in testimony to the US Congress, which spurred a bipartisan push to regulate the tech giants. Former Facebook employee Frances Haugen speaks during a US Senate committee hearing. Credit:AP

Her testimony, which was heavily rejected by Facebook, was informed by troves of documents she compiled before leaving the company in May. It included research showing Facebook knew its sister site Instagram was intensifying body image and mental health issues among young girls. Mr Coleman said it was clear that Facebook and other platforms had demonstrated indifference towards the mental health of children, saying the whistleblower testimony had created a real tipping point for change. He backed regulatory intervention by the government to force Facebook and Instagram, and other platforms, to enforce their own rules preventing children under 13 from setting up accounts. Loading Weve learnt that the social media platforms cant be trusted to act in the best interests of children, Mr Coleman said. Certainly on this issue of enforcing their own rules on age verification, they have been absolutely abysmal. And that needs to change. The social media platforms are able to identify with very sophisticated technology peoples interests, their location, their hobbies, other people who they associate with and so on. These are incredibly sophisticated data analysts and, at the same time they say, weve got no idea how old someone is.

Facebook, which also owns Instagram, said the company had developed multiple ways to identify and remove underage users and had thousands of staff dedicated to reviewing accounts for violating its rules, as well as AI technology to find and remove accounts belonging to underage users. Over the past three months, weve removed more than 600,000 Instagram accounts that were unable to meet our minimum age requirement, the spokesman said. Mr Morrison said Australia had led the world to pass legislation this year to force Facebook and Google to strike content deals with news organisations. The eSafety commissioner, billed by the government as a world-first agency solely concerned with online safety, was also given beefed-up powers this year to crack down on the tech giants when it came to stopping trolling and cyber-abuse. Under the new laws, which were heavily criticised by the industry for being rushed through the parliament in June, the eSafety commissioner can demand platforms take down serious cyber abuse within 24 hours. The laws will also see new industry codes drafted for the tech giants, as well as other online operators including messaging services, gaming, dating apps, and search engines. In a ruling last month, the High Court found in the Voller case that media outlets were legally responsible as publishers for third parties comments on their Facebook pages even if they were not aware of the comments. The decision has implications for all social media users and particularly those who run pages. It has prompted federal attorney general Michaelia Cash to urge state and territories to pursue urgent defamation law reform, telling The Australian the Voller decision presents a considerable liability for all publishers.
The end of 106 days of total COVID-19 lockdown on Monday is grounds for a big celebration, but the debate continues over how quickly NSW can remove the remaining restrictions.

On the one hand, many would agree with new Premier Dominic Perrottet that restrictions must be removed as quickly as possible.

In almost his first act as Premier, he announced on Thursday that he would accelerate the timetable for leaving lockdown that Gladys Berejiklian proposed only a month ago.

Mr Perrottet said he had taken the decision because he was just as concerned about the economic crisis caused by lockdowns as by the health crisis of the pandemic.

The Herald certainly wants NSW to return to normal activities such as swimming in the local pool and sending kids to school, the sooner, the better.
Key figures in the Andrews government were warned in 2018 that a taxpayer-funded grants scheme now at the centre of a corruption probe was being maladministered by ALP-aligned figures.

But the government sought to manage the concerns internally, according to sources and records obtained by The Age. The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission now intends to hold public hearings into allegations that public money intended to fund community associations was misused for partypolitical work or other improper purposes.

Former minister Adem Somyurek is at the centre of the IBAC probe. Credit:Jason South

The hearings to begin next week are part of a probe into whether Labor MPs and Victorian public officials aligned with the ALP engaged in corrupt conduct by using public money or taxpayer-funded ministerial and electorate staff to improperly engage in political activities, including branch stacking.

The revelation that the government was warned three years ago about the community grants scheme raises questions about whether it sought to keep integrity concerns involving the program quiet.
When Matthew Guy took over the leadership of the Victorian parliamentary Liberal Party last month he acknowledged that Victoria, unlike Queensland or Western Australia had what he termed a different personality.

Its not new that Victoria is more socially liberal than Queensland or Western Australia or, nowadays, NSW. I think its a charming thing about our state, he said in an interview with this masthead.

Opposition leader Matthew Guy acknowledges that Victoria is more socially liberal than other states. Credit:Chris Hopkins

So far, Guy has backed that rhetoric with action, giving an iron-clad guarantee to his colleagues that his party would not make any changes to new laws banning gay conversion therapy.

By doing so, Guy sent a strong message to his party that this time he is willing to stand up to the more socially conservative voices in his party for the chance of electoral success. Such a decisive act showed leadership, but it was always going to put a few noses out of joint.
New Zealands planned shift underscores the mounting futility of the elimination strategy. In mid-August, the country went into the highest level of restrictions when a single person was diagnosed with COVID-19 in Auckland. No working in the office. No going out to dinner or the gym or church. In most cases, no leaving the house. Seven weeks later, its still reporting more than two dozen infections daily, prompting Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to acknowledge on Monday that long periods of heavy restrictions have not gotten us to zero cases. But that is OK, she said. Elimination was important because we didnt have vaccines. Now we do, so we can begin to change the way we do things. Its an adjustment already made by Singapore and Australia, two other lauded examples of containment. In both places, fatigue among the population had grown over stop-start cycles of lockdown and travel curbs that imposed weeks of mandatory quarantine on new arrivals. In Taiwan, officials said that elimination was too difficult to achieve earlier this year after a large outbreak, though its now reported no cases for several days straight.

We wouldnt be able to exert the kind of control that China is able to exert, even in achieving a good end, which is managing an outbreak. Michael Baker, University of Otagos Department of Public Health The abandonment of the zero-tolerance goal now does not mean the strategy was wrong-headed from the start. The approach allowed these economies to suppress COVID fatalities to a very low level, getting through the pre-vaccine period of the pandemic with little damage  unlike the US and Europe. New Zealand has suffered 27 COVID-related deaths while Singapore has seen just 121. If New Zealand can vaccinate widely, get access to new treatments and open cautiously, theyll have escaped the pandemic with little economic or health loss, wrote Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health at Edinburgh University Medical School, in Scotland. They managed to press pause and wait for scientific solutions toward a sustainable exit. The question is now what Chinas exit strategy will look like. It reported two new local cases on October 5, one in each of the outbreaks  in Harbin and Xinjian  that are currently under way. In the most recent flareup in Xinjiang, tens of thousands of residents are being tested, while Yining city has halted all trains and flights and closed the local highways, The Paper reported.

Two people were found to be infected in the city of Horgos on October 3, which borders Kazakhstan. Though all 38,376 residents were tested and found negative for the virus, and the two original cases were asymptomatic, all tourists in the prefecture Horgos is located in  Yili  have been stopped from returning home and told to stay indoors until further notice. Local governments were arranging food and lodging for them, the Beijing Youth Daily reported. The latest breakout followed the contours of earlier ones. Officials shut down the northern city of Harbin after a single patient was hospitalised in September. The port of Ningbo, one of the worlds busiest, was closed in August, while manufacturing took a hit because of the restrictions. Loading The sporadic resurgences are unlikely to stop, public health experts said. But Chinas authoritarian government has always been capable of feats beyond the imagination of most other countries. The kind of capacity and degree of control they can exert is remarkable, said Michael Baker, a professor at the University of Otagos Department of Public Health in Wellington, who sits on the New Zealand governments COVID-19 Technical Advisory Group. Its way beyond what we can do, not just from a point of view of resources but the social license that governments have. We wouldnt be able to exert the kind of control that China is able to exert, even in achieving a good end, which is managing an outbreak.

Officials in China have said they wont stick to COVID zero forever, though it will only consider a change when the approach no longer works or the costs are too high  parameters of which have not been made public. City governments are being asked to create specialised quarantine facilities that could house thousands of overseas arrivals by the end of October, signalling that onerous travel curbs are unlikely to be eased in the near term. Loading Achieving elimination allowed life in China to be largely normal through most of 2020 and 2021, powering its economy even as most others were sapped by mitigation measures of various efficacy. But as its snap lockdowns and restrictions on movement continue through this year  and Western economies resume full operations after vaccination  the impact is starting to show more deeply. Retail sales growth slowed to 2.5 per cent in August from a year earlier, falling far short of the 7 per cent expansion estimated by analysts. Regardless of Chinas tolerance for the approach, some experts say that COVID-free havens may yet return. Governments like New Zealand could resurrect the goal if and when new medical options become available. Maybe we are reaching the limits of what we can do with our current tools to eliminate transmission, said Baker, who believes a COVID zero strategy is still on the table. We could find that the next generation of COVID vaccines or anti-virals are so effective that they can eliminate the virus quite effectively.
Singapore: Former prime minister Tony Abbott has declared he wants to help end Taiwans isolation from global affairs, arguing it is time for Australia to stand by the democratic island as it comes under threat from China.

The intervention from Abbott during a meeting with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen at the Presidential Office in Taipei on Thursday, is the strongest endorsement of the islands position by a former Australian leader.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen watches former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott at the Presidential Office in Taipei. Credit:Ap

The Australian government maintains the former Liberal leader is travelling in a private capacity, but Abbott was accompanied by Australias top representative in Taiwan, Jenny Bloomfield, to the meeting with Tsai.

Taiwan has been excluded from most international bodies including the World Health Organisation due to Chinas objections since the 1970s. No Australian leader or minister has been on an official visit to Taipei for the past five decades. Beijing regards its neighbour as a province of China, despite the Chinese Communist Party never ruling the island.
Washington: Small numbers of US special operations forces have been rotating into Taiwan on a temporary basis to carry out training of Taiwanese forces, two sources familiar with the matter said on Friday AEDT, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The US Defence Department, which historically has not disclosed details about training or advising of Taiwanese forces, did not specifically comment on or confirm the deployment.

I dont have any comments on specific operations, engagements, or training, but I would like to highlight that our support for and defence relationship with Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by the Peoples Republic of China, Defence spokesman John Supple said.

Taiwans military undertake drills that simulate an attack by China. Credit:AP

The sources declined to say how long the training had been going on but suggested it predated the Biden administration, which came into office in January.
PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Dominic High School student Michella Coipel has received the rare title of Honorary Acting Police Chief for the 2021-2022 school year. She was conferred the title by Sint Maarten Chief of Police Carl John when she was hosted by the Police Force of Sint Maarten on Monday, October 4. Ms. Coipel is one of 6 winners of the 2021 Justice Sector Essay Contest initiated by Minister Richardson where Ms. Coipel answered the If I were chief of police I would .. prompt of the competition.

After receiving her honorary title, Coipel joined the Police Chief of Police in the weekly management meeting. In the morning session, the student was asked to give the assembled top brass of the police force her feedback about the growing issues with young people and the law from the perspective of a student who experiences/sees the challenges each day.

The acting chief had a guided tour of several KPSM departments and met department heads to learn about what they did and about the varied possibilities the corps can offer young people.

Coipel rounded off her working day with a meeting with the police chief. She shared in that meeting that she was not aware that the police organization had so many departments and specialties. I didn't know the police had so many possibilities and can do so much. The officers in the different departments really know what they are doing, Coipel said to the police chief.

Police Chief John wished Coipel well in her studies and encouraged her to consider a career in law enforcement. While she finishes up high school, he urged her to be an example to her peers especially as the holder of the honorary title of acting police chief.

KPSMs management team thanked everyone who was responsible for creating the essay competition especially the Ministry of Justice and St. Dominic High School for inspiring their students to participate in the essay competition.

KPSM Press Release.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Honorable Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs, on behalf of the Council of Ministers, invites the people of Sint Maarten to take part in the Virtual Commemoration of Constitution Day 2021 under the theme Building the Nation, Investing in our Future, on October 11th, 2021 at 10:00 am via SXMGOV Facebook & YouTube pages.

The Department of Culture has been charged with organizing the activities for the celebration of Constitution Day 2021. Initially, this celebration was slated to be a live event but plans were amended due to the increased COVID-19 active cases, thus this years ceremony will take place by means of a pre-recorded virtual event.

With a focus on Building the Nation, Investing in our Future, emphasis is placed on fostering inclusion and consistency through collaboration with our school-going community. The virtual commemoration of Constitution Day 2021 will feature musical performances and educational presentations by a number of primary and secondary schools on St. Maarten. Creating a strong foundation and instilling a long-lasting sense of national pride, loyalty, love, and reverence for the country begins with our youth as the foundation and extends throughout the community.

Integrated within the virtual program will also be National Addresses by his Excellency Governor drs. Eugene Holiday, Honorable President of Parliament Rolando Brison, Honorable Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs, and Honorable Minister of Education Culture Youth and Sport drs. Rodolphe Samuel.

October 10th, 2021 marks the 11th Anniversary of St. Maarten becoming a Constituent Country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands (10-10-10) and thereby gaining autonomous status and becoming an equal partner with Aruba, Curacao, and the Netherlands including Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. By law, the annual official celebration of 10-10-10 as it is commonly known is the second Monday in the month of October.
Michael Halbert wades through his flooded neighborhood in Pelham, Ala., on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. Parts of Alabama remain under a flash flood watch after a day of high water across the state, with as much as 6 inches of rain covering roads and trapping people. (AP Photo/Jay Reeves)
Helen Hummel, 77, Lancaster, KY, passed away Monday, November 15, 2021 at her residence. Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced later by Morris & Hislope Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.morrisandhislope.com.
Network operator fraud remains the biggest threat to the revenues of mobile operators

As anti-fraud company Revector marks 20 years of operating, CEO and Founder Andy Gent believes that telecommunications fraud is still not high enough on the corporate agenda for network operators  this should be a significant concern to shareholders. In 2001, Revector was launched to combat specific fraudulent activity against mobile network operators. The companys management expected the business to have a shelf life of no more than five years  such as the belief that mobile operators would quickly get a grip on network fraud and reduce it to zero. Twenty years later frauds continue to persist  costing shareholders, networks, and Governments billions in lost revenue annually. Revenue through mobile service According to Andy Gent, fraudsters are, at heart, business people, exploiting an opportunity for money. Gent explains how this relates to network fraud thus, Mobile service providers generate revenues in two ways - by having their subscribers that pay the company to access the networks they run and associated services such as voice calls, text messages, and data usage. The second  known as termination revenue  involves transporting calls from other networks. Revenues from termination are shared between all networks that help deliver the call Revenues from termination are shared between all networks that help deliver the call, as Gent outlines: Imagine a call from the UK to Australia. This will pass through several service providers that will each take a small percentage of the call revenues for passing on the call. Telecommunications companies establish relationships with others around predictable calling patterns. For example, BT may know that they need one million minutes of calls to South Africa per month. They, therefore, establish a relationship with a South African telecommunications company to provide this. Trading termination minutes The issue comes when the unexpected happens, for example, an earthquake in Cape Town. Now UK residents with relatives in Cape Town suddenly demand a lot more telephone time. BT needs more minutes than it has. It is unlikely that its partner in South Africa can provide these  they are facing the same issue due to the increased volume of calls in and out of the country  so it will look to the open market for the minutes it needs. Gent continues, Termination minutes are traded in the same way as other commodities. Exchanges combine minutes from multiple sources, bundle these together and sell them. The issue is where these minutes come from. The bundles may well include white routes  premium minutes provided by legitimate telecommunications companies. However, many will include so-called grey routes. A simple but effective fraud Grey routes are not provided by the telecommunications companies but by third parties or through fraudulent means. Typically, the grey routes come at a lower cost than the white routes, but some telecommunications service providers may not know this or care about it. The natural pressure on cost means some telecommunications companies end up using grey route minutes. The threats to network providers revenues come from these grey routes. A primary risk is SIM Box fraud. SIM Box fraud SIM Box fraud occurs where there is a differential price between the cost of routing a call in a country and the cost of terminating a call, as Gent outlines below: Imagine a network is offering a promotion with free calls to others on the same network. At the same time, the value of terminating a call to that networks customers is $0.05 per call. One single SIM card being used in this way can generate $3000 per month and there are hundreds of cards in each SIM box If someone can procure SIM cards with the promotion, these can be loaded into a SIM Box  a device that can house hundreds of SIM cards in racks and be connected to the internet - to terminate calls. The owner of the SIM box can then offer to terminate calls for $0.03 per call. The cost to the SIM box owner is close to zero  the local minutes they are using to terminate calls are bundled with the SIM deal. The $0.03 per call is pure profit after the SIM cards and SIM boxes have been purchased. While this sounds like a complicated scam it can be lucrative. One single SIM card being used in this way can generate $3000 per month and there are hundreds of cards in each SIM box. Loss of termination revenues Service providers can quickly find a large proportion of revenues lost to SIM boxes. Gent has seen up to 90 percent of termination revenues being lost. The nature of SIM box fraud is transitory: fraudsters will pick the countries with the strongest opportunity to generate revenues quickly, sweep in and terminate calls for a month or two before the operator notices the revenue drop and takes action. Is it illegal? If this practice sounds entrepreneurial rather than illegal, it is probably because it seems like a victimless crime. However, mobile network operators have paid millions if not billions for the ability to operate networks and generate termination revenues. A reduction in this revenue will mean less investment into next-generation networks or customer service. For the consumer, illegal termination often means poor quality calls with a lack of services such as caller line identification (CLI). But perhaps the most concerning issue is where the proceeds of crime go, as Gent outlines. Often these SIM box frauds are run by criminal gangs using the process to launder money or finance organised crime or people trafficking. With widespread restrictions on the number of SIM cards that can be sold to one person, the only way to procure enough SIM cards is via criminal activity. Gangs bribe or coerce network operation staff into supplying SIM cards by the thousand, generating millions in illicit revenues. Other telecommunications fraud Threat to operator termination revenues comes from OTT service providers that have an eye on termination revenues Another threat to operator termination revenues comes from Over-the-Top (OTT) service providers that have an eye on termination revenues as well as competing with telecommunications service providers for a share of the voice and messaging market. While most telecommunications companies see Voice over IP (or OTT) as fair competition, in recent years several new OTT service providers have grown extremely quickly. WhatsApp, for example, was incorporated in 2009 and acquired by Facebook just five years later for almost $20 billion. The business models of these companies vary. Some focus on the freemium approach where the initial service is free but add-ons become chargeable. OTT app fraud However, recently some OTT players are looking to terminate revenue to monetise their business models. These operators have been offering competitive termination rates by hijacking a traditional call made from one telephone number to another and terminating it within an OTT app, as Gent explains, We are seeing OTT apps intercepting traditional telephone calls and delivering them within a users app. The call starts as a dialled telephone call, but the user receives it within an OTT app. If OTT players can achieve this, they can generate termination revenues at zero cost  other than to the traditional operator. Using an app to make calls Of course, if the recipient of the call believes the caller has used an app to call them, they are more likely to use this method of communication in the future  and less likely to dial a number directly. For the OTT players, termination acts as a marketing tool as well as a revenue stream. According to Gent, one OTT service provider has gone as far as including a setting within their app that states receive regular incoming calls within the app when possible. This is defaulted to on when the app is downloaded. Only the most technologically savvy users would even know it was there. Combatting the fraud against networks Networks are less worried about losing revenue to fraud and more about grabbing as many subscribers as possible" Why do networks not do more to combat fraud? The reality, according to Gent, is a combination of priorities and ignorance. He comments, Most mobile network operators are large but still relatively young companies  typically built around customer acquisition. Networks are less worried about losing revenue to fraud and more about grabbing as many subscribers as possible. This has led to a mindset where whatever the questions the answer is always more marketing promotions. A small number of innovators around the world continue to fight these frauds directly, but the fraudsters simply move on to the next victim and, when the anti-fraud measures are relaxed, the fraudsters return. An opportunity for the future As mobile networks mature and become more commoditised, Gent believes the issues around combatting fraud will become a wider concern. If you had told me in 2001 that fraud would still be an issue in 2021, I would have been shocked. Yet operators are still losing significant revenues to criminals. Addressing this needs to remain a priority for the industry, not just to ensure networks have the revenues to build and maintain robust networks but also to ensure that criminal behaviour that this kind of illicit activity funds is reduced. This is not just an issue for network operators but also for wider society.
News

spotlight

Developers ready to move ahead on downtown St. Peter project

Developers hope that an empty parking lot in downtown St. Peter will transform into two three-story mixed residential and commercial buildings by summer 2022.

PhilipW / By PHILIP WEYHE philip.weyhe@apgsomn.com The lot at Minnesota Avenue and Grace Street in downtown St. Peter has been vacant for years, but developers are aiming to build two new buildings on the land by summer 2022. (Philip Weyhe/southernminn.com)

Old Town Development, LLC, a real estate company whose properties are managed by Coldwell Banker Commercial Fisher Group, entered into an exclusive negotiating rights agreement with the city of St. Peter for a vacant parking lot off Minnesota Avenue. Municipal Parking Lot No. 5 is located at the intersection of Minnesota Avenue and Grace Street, on the south side of Grace.

Since that time, the developers, including the president, broker and owner of Coldwell Banker Commercial Fisher Group, David Schooff, have enlisted Matt Borowy, owner of Bright Pixel Design in St. Peter, to come up with a design plan for the two buildings they hope put in. The buildings, which would mostly be filled by 35 apartments (one bedroom and two bedroom) but would also include commercial spaces on the main level, are expected to blend in with the existing downtown.

Theyll be slightly lower than the existing three-story buildings and slightly taller than the two-story buildings, said Borowy. There is a courtyard in between. Its meant to look like brother-sister buildings that are not exactly the same. I thought that would be a bit much. The building on the south side is lighter, because the neighbor on that side is slightly lighter, and on the north side, its slightly darker.

Two buildings are planned for St. Peters downtown to fill in the empty lot at the corner of Minnesota Avenue and Grace Street. This is a proposed rendering and not necessarily the final design; business names in the graphic are placeholders. (Graphic by Bright Pixel Design)

He added, Were using two different bricks on building one and on building two. Some Kasota stone on the bottom, some concrete units for durability. Were using cement based siding for a lot of the exterior.

The developers want to see a hole in the ground before winter, with construction taking place immediately after up to potential completion in June 2022. Old Town has completed several projects in town, including the Dunkin strip mall an Capitol Room, and Schooff said the group is excited about this project.

This lot has been available for a long time, and this is a great, great infill project for downtown St. Peter, Schooff said. Again, trying to respect the design of the downtown. Weve had other developments and renovations, and the city of St. Peter has always been great to work with. I just think there is an opportunity to take an empty lot thats completely underutilized and continue to enhance downtown St. Peter.

The developers are not yet revealing what plans they have for tenants in the commercial spaces, but they are negotiating with some possible clients now.

Next up

There are still steps to be taken.

The building plans have already been approved by the St. Peter Heritage Preservation Commission, which looked for the project to complement, not interrupt, the downtown historic district. The HPC reviewed the plans as to proportion, composition, rhythm, detailing, materials and color. The City Council then unofficially gave its own approval for the project at a work session, with members indicating they were happy with the proposal.

I wanted to compliment everyone who has had a role in this, because I appreciate that its harmonious with the historic district but doesnt duplicate, Councilor Shanon Nowell said. I was concerned about this feeling of like a strip mall, where its all one thing, so Im really pleased how it turned out.

A courtyard area is planned to be placed between the two buildings proposed for the empty lot in St. Peter downtown. This is a proposed rendering and not necessarily the final design; business names in the graphic are placeholders. (Graphic by Bright Pixel Design)

Councilor Ed Johnson agreed, I think its going to be a big improvement over what weve got there now. This got a chuckle from the room, as most considered any development a significant upgrade from an empty parking lot in the citys downtown.

Mayor Chuck Zieman expressed general approval, but he noted a couple concerns  the most significant being the number of parking spaces. The design features about 37 parking stalls for the 35 planned apartments. Zieman did not indicate that this would affect his vote on the project at a future meeting.

The council is expected to vote on the sale of the land from the city to the developers at a meeting Oct. 25. The council will also need to approve the final proposed design, along with a request for Tax Increment Financing, as an incentive for the project. TIF would allow the developers to utilize property taxes gained from the improvement to go toward the cost of development.

Background

The lot at Minnesota Avenue and Grace Street has been vacant for years, and the city has made continuous efforts to find a developer there. It has served regularly as the St. Peter Oktoberfest fest-grounds but has had little use beyond that in an otherwise busy downtown.

Just across the street, on the north side of the Capitol Room, the Arts Center of Saint Peter recently came into possession of another vacant lot, which it is developing into a landscape garden and outdoor walking space. Both of these developments could go a long way in plugging some of the remaining holes in the communitys downtown and historic district.
Throwback Thursday is a weekly article in which we look back at our favorite TV episodes from the past.





Hawaii Five-0 was one of the first shows I watched on CBS, and it ended up being one of my favorites. For this week's Throwback Thursday, I chose to write about the episode that started this amazing 10 year run: the pilot.



The very first episode of Hawaii Five-0 aired September 20, 2010. It's hard to believe it's been more than a decade. The beginning of this episode sets up the series as Commander Steve McGarrett (Alex O'Laughlin) returns home to Hawaii after his father's death. The very first episode ofaired September 20, 2010. It's hard to believe it's been more than a decade. The beginning of this episode sets up the series as Commander Steve McGarrett (Alex O'Laughlin) returns home to Hawaii after his father's death.





After the funeral, he meets with the governor who offers him the opportunity to start his own task force on the island. He's unsure at first, but then he visits his dad's house and remembers the phone call right before the murder. As he's looking through his dad's things, Detective Danny Williams (Scott Caan) shows up. Danny is the lead detective on Steve's dad's case. The two get off to a rocky start as neither one trusts the other. Danny tells Steve that this is a crime scene, and he needs to leave. Steve then calls the governor and tells him he will take that offer to lead the task force. After the call, he informs Danny that this is his crime scene now.





Later, Steve forces Danny to be his partner and join his task force. Basically he has no choice. As Danny and Steve start working their first investigation, it's clear they have very different personalities, and they fight like cats and dogs. After a few episodes they start to click and they become best friends, but their "arguments" and snarky comments were always there. It's what made their relationship fun and interesting. Danny was always a stickler for the rules, and Steve.... wasn't.





Danny and Steve visit Chin Ho Kelly (Daniel Dae Kim) and ask him to help. He declines at first telling them he was accused by the HPD of taking payoffs. Steve simply asks him if he did it. Chin says no, and that's that. Steve trusts Chin, and they convince him to help their investigation. Chin offers advise by telling them they have to think differently on the island. The good guys know the bad guys. But he has an idea and takes them to meet his cousin, Kono (Grace Park).





Kono is a surfer and about to graduate from the police department. I instantly loved her, and she'll will always be one of my favorite female characters on television. In this episode, she goes undercover and helps Steve and Danny catch the bad guy and rescue the people in need.





It's amazing how well these four leads worked together. Steve, Danny, Chin, and Kono were the perfect group for the Five-0. Their friendship and team work was what made this show so memorable and enjoyable to watch. I also loved the scenery. Who doesn't like looking at Hawaii every week (besides Danny, of course.)





Other Thoughts:





- Danny's ringtone for his ex-wife is hilarious.





- I'd forgotten how adorable Grace is in these early episodes. She has a wonderful relationship with her dad.





Favorite Quotes:





Steve: "This your kid?"

Danny: "Stunning detective work."





Danny: "Rule number one: when you get someone shot, you apologize!"





Danny: "Your apology is noted. Acceptance is pending."





Steve: "Book em, Danno!"





Criminal: "What kind of cops are you?"

Steve: "The new kind."





Did you watch Hawaii Five-0? What were your favorite parts of the show? Do you miss watching Steve and Danny and the rest of the team? I would love to discuss it with you!








Algiers, 7 October 2021 (SPS) - Algeria has noted with interest the decision of the United Nations Secretary General to appoint Staffan De Mistura as personal envoy for Western Sahara and will support his efforts for the effective reopening of direct negotiations between the two sides to the conflict, Morocco and the Polisario Front, the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Community Abroad said on Wednesday.



Algeria notes with interest the decision of the UN Secretary General to appoint Staffan De Mistura as special envoy for the Western Sahara, said the spokesman in his statement.



While deeply deploring the delay, attributable to the Moroccan side, for the replacement of his predecessor Horst Kohler, who resigned in May 2019, Algeria notes that the appointment of De Mistura occurs in a sharply deteriorated and risky context, marked by the resumption of hostilities following the brutal violation of the ceasefire by the forces of the Moroccan occupation which are illegally staying, since 13 November 2020, in the buffer zone of El Guerguerat, in blatant breach of the military agreements, signed by the two sides and endorsed by the Security Council, he added.



The demilitarization of this zone, enshrined by the agreements in question, is the cornerstone of every credible political process aimed at reaching a peaceful solution to the conflict, according to the official.



Algeria praises the recognized and appreciated personal and professional qualities of De Mistura, he said, stressing that it will support his efforts and expresses the wish that they could contribute to an effective and serious reopening of direct negotiations, in good faith and without prerequisites, between the two parties to the conflict, namely the Kingdom of Morocco and the Polisario Front, in order to reach a solution guaranteeing to Western Saharas people to freely and authentically exercise their inalienable right to self- determination.



This approach favoring direct and frank talks, without any prerequisites, between the two sides is part of the faithfulness and compliance with the decision adopted in March 2021 by the summit of the AU Peace and Security Council, he added.



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Over 1,000 Kelloggs cereal employees went on strike for more than 18 hours at various plants across the United States on Oct. 5, amid failed negotiations over the payment and benefits terms of a new contract for workers.

The food manufacturing company has been at loggerheads with union members for more than a year over a dispute involving a cut to pay and benefits such as premium health care, holiday and vacation pay, and reduced retirement benefits.

The companys existing contract with employees expired at midnight on Monday.

Workers walked out of plants on Tuesday morning and began marching outside, many of them brandishing signs reading fighting corporate greed and support essential workers. An angry-looking mascot of Kelloggs Tony the Tiger was also paraded by employees on strike.

Roughly 1,400 Kelloggs cereal plant employees went on strike across across Michigan, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee over the wage disparities.

Anthony Shelton, president of Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers, and Grain Millers International Union, said Kelloggs has threatened to send additional jobs to Mexico if workers do not accept its new proposals.

A lot of Americans probably dont have too much issue with the Nike or Under Armor hats being made elsewhere or even our vehicles, but when they start manufacturing our food down where they are out of the FDA control and OSHA control, I have a huge problem with that, Daniel Osborn, president of the local union in Omaha told NPR.

Osborn said workers plan to continue the strike, which had already been going on for more than 18 hours, noting that the company has a pretty good idea on how long they are willing to hold out and we are going to stand fast as long as we have to.

Kerry Williams, the union president at Landisville, Lancaster County, said workers want to obtain fair and equal contracts for all.

We worked through COVID for two years. We worked 24/7, 365 days a year. Were doing a lot of forced overtime to meet the cereal demand, but the members are tired of being taken advantage of, Williams told WGAL.

But Kelloggs, which brings in about a third of its sales from cereals, believes its compensation and benefits for U.S. cereal plant employees are fair.

We are disappointed by the unions decision to strike. Kellogg provides compensation and benefits for our U.S. RTEC (ready to eat cereal) employees that are among the industrys best. Our offer includes increases to pay and benefits for our employees, while helping us meet the challenges of the changing cereal business, the company said in a statement.

The majority of employees working under this Master Contract enjoy a CPG industry-leading level of pay and benefits, which include above-market wages and pension or 401k. The average 2020 earnings for the majority of RTEC employees was $120,000.

Kelloggs also said the majority of its workers have no-cost health insurance.

The company acknowledged that it is implementing contingency plans to limit supply disruptions for consumers, including internal and third-party resources.

Kelloggs shares were down 0.86 percent on Wednesday amid the strike.

Reuters contributed to this report.

By Katabella Roberts

Katabella Roberts is a reporter currently based in Turkey. She covers news and business for The Epoch Times, focusing primarily on the United States.

Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
What a delight  for the first time since 2019  to celebrate the excitement of film with in-theater (and COVID-compliant) audiences at the 59th annual New York Film Festival.

Following a thrilling opening weekend, the festival sustains its high quality with wondrous films from remarkable moviemakers. Here are a few of my favorites as the festival continues.

The Power of the Dog

Jane Campion  well-remembered for directing The Piano  creates a visual and emotional feast with this haunting story of an intense, mysterious rancher who grasps with his brothers decision to bring a new wife (and her son) to the family ranch. With a cinematic sweep reminiscent of legendary directors John Ford and George Stevens, Campion reminds us how great it feels to experience such a rich widescreen experience.

The Lost Daughter

Maggie Gyllenhaal explores layers of parental denial in a magical drama that marks her debut as a screenwriter and director. Playing a professor on holiday in Greece, Olivia Colman carefully reveals secrets and scars that can take years to solidify and seconds to reveal. The actress reaches beyond her previous highs to again confirm that she may be, simply, the best working in film today. And Colman is perfectly supported by Jessie Buckley and Dakota Johnson.

Titane

Julia Ducournau creates an outrageous thriller that stuns as effortlessly as it entertains. While the filmmaker follows movie traditions for frightening audiences, she breaks new ground with bold content and characters. As the film shocks in a series of highly visual sequences, its respect for the genre makes this inventiveness even more effective. And Agathe Rousselle delivers a breathless performance as a woman living the impact of a childhood car accident.

Red Rocket

Sean Baker follows the magnetic Florida Project with a fascinating look at a washed-up man who tries to reconnect with his life in a small town in Texas. That the character  perfectly played by Simon Rex  once experienced fame and fortune as a porn star only adds to his challenges to go back home. Once again, Baker captures the fringe of communities with care and sensitivity that make us think about today and hope for better tomorrows.

The French Dispatch

Wes Anderson  who can do little wrong on screen  delights again with his daffy details about eccentric life in a fictional French village. Told in a series of sequences that model articles in a publication, the filmmaker reminds us how entertaining human folly can be especially when brought to life by such luminaries as Bill Murray, Frances McDormand and Tilda Swinton. And, like every Anderson film, this movie looks and sounds beautiful.

Flee

Jonas Poher Rasmussen brings a true story of heroism to life in a most unusual way in this documentary as he animates most of the visuals. Using actual interviews as the soundtrack, the filmmaker creates a unique visual language to make his story accessible. This daring choice makes for one the years most memorable non-fiction films as Rasmussen both suspends and enhances reality. And, like the best of documentarians, the filmmaker makes us think too.

The New York Film Festival runs through October 10. For information and tickets, go to filmlinc.org.
STAMFORD  All seven candidates competing for one of three open seats on the Stamford Board of Education will discuss their plans at a virtual forum tonight.

The online event, sponsored by the Parent-Teacher Council of Stamford and Stamford Cradle to Career, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday.

Incumbents Jackie Pioli, running as an unaffiliated candidate, and Becky Hamman, a Republican, join a field that includes Democratic candidates Michael Hyman, Versha Munshi-South and Ben Lee, and Republicans Josh Esses and Joe Gonzalez.

Current Republican Board of Education member Mike Altamura decided not to seek reelection.

Pioli, a community and parent activist, has served on the board as a Democrat, but was not endorsed by the Democratic City Committee this year, leading her to file as unaffiliated.

The DCC voted to endorse Lee, a current Board of Representatives member; Munshi-South, a former teacher and principal at Public Preparatory Network in Manhattan; and Hyman, a staff member at the Stamford nonprofit Domus and former Stamford NAACP president.

The Republican Town Committee endorsed Esses, an attorney; Gonzalez, a former Stamford Police Department officer; and Hamman, an educator and current member of the board.

The Board of Education operates under a minority representation rule, which stipulates no more than six of the nine members may belong to the same party. Five Democrats are not up for re-election this year, meaning only one Democrat can join the board through the upcoming election.

But the rule does not stipulate that the minority representation on the board be all Republican. A candidate running as unaffiliated, or any minority party, would also qualify.

The seven candidates already participated in a forum last month organized by the Alliance for Black Achievement that focused on the districts Black students.

ignacio.laguarda@stamfordadvocate.com
Waterbury Police Department / Contributed Photo

A Waterbury man was sentenced to three years in prison for distributing heroin while on supervised release, according to federal prosecutors.

A joint investigation from the Drug Enforcement Administrations New Haven Task Force, and the Waterbury and Naugatuck police departments revealed that Lance Baptiste, 43, of Waterbury was helping another Waterbury man supply large quantities of heroin to other distributors, according to the U.S. Attorneys office.
TORRINGTON  City Council members heard plenty of suggestions on how to spend its share of federal American Rescue Plan Act money its getting, with nonprofits to members of the cultural community weighing in during a recent forum.

Torrington received $5.04 million this year and expects to receive another $5.04 million in June 2022, officials said. The citys Board of Education received $5.96 million.

The federal funding is intended to help municipalities recover from any losses and extra spending due to the COVID-19 pandemic beginning March 2020.

According to Mayor Elinor Carbone, the Treasury Department has specific guidelines on how the money can be used. The purpose of the funding is to support a public health response to the pandemic, allowing towns to recover any lost municipal revenue; repairing negative economic impacts to tourism, hospitality and small businesses; and for water and sewer or broadband improvements. Torrington has not experienced lost revenue, but it has other needs.

We could use some of the funding for Dial-A-Ride, which provides door-to-door services for the districts 17 towns for medical trips, shopping; it serves many seniors and its funding has been pulled back, said City Treasurer Dan Farley, who also is a member of the Northwest CT Transit Districts board. ARP money can be used to bring these services back. If each town donated $10,000, it would go a long way.

Prime Time House Executive Director Christina Emery told the City Council that the nonprofit agency is busier than ever. Theres a great need for our services  it has increased exponentially, she said, as she discussed the agencys work with the disabled. One (challenge) we face is benefits counseling, and so a resource navigator would be a tremendous help. We get calls from people asking for help, who dont know how to begin applying for it, and were doing our best to connect them, but many are not our clients, and it takes up a lot of our time. People need a single point of reference.

Andrea Lyon, coordinator of youth substance abuse assistance at the McCall Center for Behavioral Health, said the need for mental health support is growing. Were concerned about the long-term implications the pandemic is having on mental health, from children to adults, she said. Its not going to end; were going to see it for decades. There are also a lot of gaps in support, because nonprofits are being asked to do more with less. ... We should use the money to sustain the resources we already have.

Resident Jim Fontana, a landlord, said hes not eligible for some of the resources that have been made available. He said he works with low-income tenants and agencies. I have an incarcerated tenant, and that puts me in the lurch, he said, explaining that when his tenant went to jail, Fontana lost ten months rent and damage to the apartment, which he spent money renovating to rent. This situation falls through the cracks, he said. If there are any funds or grants to help landlords, it would help.

The Torrington Historical Societys executive director Mark McEachern suggested using some of the funding to support an outdoor project for a new boardwalk trail, connecting the John Brown Birthplace off University Drive with the Five Points Visual Arts Center further down the road. During the peak of the cornavirus, our trails were kind of crowded; this would give another trail for people to use. Its exciting, he said. I hope it fits with the citys (ARP) spending plan.

Northwest CT Arts Council Executive Director Steph Burr also made a request. A lot of towns are allocating about one percent of their (ARP) budgets for the arts, she said. The problem in our region is theres no infrastructure to support local projects. Tourism, travel and hospitality were disproportionately harmed during the pandemic, and arts were hurt very badly.

Were just here to advocate any arts funding, Burr said. Artists have such a knack for making money go a long way.

Some ideas city officials have had include funding a comprehensive radio/communications system for the Board of Education, Torrington Area Health District, police and fire departments and city departments to improve the speed of emergency and important communication.

Carbone said needs are being examined for all of the citys social service providers that help those experiencing homelessness and/or food insecurity as well as those in need of mental and health care support.

Weve found gaps in services, so weve been meeting with providers, the mayor said. We found that a feasibility study is needed to find the shortcomings, and we hope that from the study, over the next five years, will help us use this funding more intentionally to fill some of those gaps.

A second study is needed to consider a public safety complex for police and emergency management officials as well as the fire chief and deputies. Police are in a 110-year-old building thats a former school, that is barely functioning as a police building, Carbone said. Our emergency operations center is in our fire headquarters (on Water Street) and we want to study what it would be like to have them all together under one campus. Also, we want to know how we can streamline those services.

Using some of the ARP money for water and sewer improvements also is needed, Carbone said, for economic development, as well as creating a Community Resource Navigator that would be specifically responsible for guiding people applying for federal and state assistance programs and workforce development. A lead paint abatement program is being considered, as is setting up a grant funding pool, possibly administered by the Northwest CT Community Foundation, to help small businesses and industries recover from the pandemic. There are also nonprofits that addressed unmet needs during the pandemic, the mayor said.

Carbone also stressed the importance of encouraging job growth. We have 1,500 unfilled jobs in the Torrington area, and businesses are having trouble recruiting, she said. Its been about future employees needing transportation, day care, and knowing whats available. We are working with the Workforce Investment Bureau.

She said the city has until spring to file its ARP proposals. Nothing is formal yet, she said. We are still looking for input.
NORWALK  More than $2.5 million was approved for the paving of more than 20 streets sidewalks and curbs around the city.

The $2,591,861 project was granted to Norwalk-based Deering Construction at the Common Councils Public Works Committee on Tuesday night.

Deering was the lowest of three bidders for the project, which is set to begin early 2022, according to city documents. The highest bid was for about $2.8 million from Grasso Company, which has an existing contract with the city for paving.

The construction is part of the citys annual pavement management program and every four-year evaluation of the roads, Operations and Public Works Chief Anthony Carr said. The evaluation drives which sidewalks and curbs will be replaced in subsequent years.

The contract under which the pavement assessment is conducted is separate from the sidewalk and curb paving projects, although they both fall under the pavement management program, Carr said.

We do spend all the money and we could keep spending millions more on sidewalks and curbs, Carr said. We do concentrate on the areas that are upcoming for the pavement program.

In the spring, the city will repave various roads including Delaware Avenue, Hudson Street and Freemont Place.

Seventy roads are slated for paving next year, including many which will also receive new sidewalks, such as Ohio Avenue, according to the citys five-year paving forecast.

The areas set to receive new concrete curbs and sidewalks as part of the project are Buckingham Place, Dover Street, Fairview Avenue, Regent Street, Beacon Street, Aiken Street, Ohio Avenue and Staples Court, according to the project documents.

These streets will get granite curbs and sidewalks: Knicker Bocker Avenue, Olmstead Place, Raymond Terrace, Myrtle Street, Cottage Street, Chestnut Street to Concord, Concord Street, Leonard Street, Berkeley Street, Maple Street, West Avenue from Butler to Merwin, and Spring Hill Avenue between Hill Street and Van Buren Avenue.

Bituminous curbs and sidewalks will be installed on Aiken Street from West Rocks Road to Ward Street, and Beacon Street from Knoll Street to Macintosh Road, according to the documents.

In the 2021-22 capital budget, $5 million was dedicated to the pavement management program and another $2 million was designated for sidewalks and curbs. An additional $50,000 was set aside for paving sidewalks in parks and $100,000 each for general new sidewalk construction and the Rowayton Avenue sidewalk, according to the capital budget.

Often, two different companies will conduct sidewalk paving and work at the same time in Norwalk, Principal Engineer Vanessa Valadares said. One of the projects will be ongoing from the previous year, while the second will be the start of a new project in the latest fiscal year.

The separate contracts for street paving and sidewalks allow the city more flexibility in which streets are paved or sidewalks created at various times, Valadares said.

Within the city there are 140 miles of sidewalks, 45 miles of footpath and 255 miles of streets, according to the operating budget.

In the 2020-21 fiscal year, the city upgraded over 12,000 linear feet of concrete sidewalk, an increase in 100 percent from 2019, according to the operating budget. For fiscal year 2021-22, the Public Works Department set goals to, Continue to improve and broaden the scope of Storm Sewer, curb and sidewalk repairs on city streets proposed for paving.

The emphasis on adding sidewalks and reinforcing existing ones comes as part of the citys plans to increase walkability in Norwalk.

Our infrastructure received substantial use over the last year during the COVID-19 pandemic, as there were more people at home and spending additional time outdoors, Mayor Harry Rilling said in his capital budget recommendation. I remain committed to ensuring the public has ways to safely enjoy all of the robust outdoor activities we have to offer.

abigail.brone@hearstmediact.com
STAMFORD  Two teenagers have been arrested on accusations they were involved in an armed robbery that ended with a 51-year-old man being shot in the citys South End, according to police.

Police arrested a 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl in recent days in connection to an armed robbery that occurred on Oct. 1.

Capt. Richard Conklin said police responded to the 600 block of Pacific Street around 2:30 a.m. Friday on reports of a 51-year-old victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the arm.

Conklin said the man said he was walking in the area when a group of five youths approached him, displayed two guns and demanded he hand over cash. The man told police that when he refused, the group members attacked him, stole his money and then shot him before fleeing the scene, according to Conklin.

First arriving police officers applied a tourniquet to the mans arm, Conklin said. He was later transported to Stamford Hospital.

The female teen was arrested Tuesday and charged with first-degree assault, first-degree robbery, conspiracy at first-degree assault, conspiracy at first-degree robbery and second-degree larceny.

The male teen, who police said they believe to be the shooter, was arrested Wednesday morning and charged with first-degree assault, first-degree robbery, conspiracy at first-degree assault, conspiracy at first-degree robbery, carrying a pistol without a permit, unlawful discharge of a firearm and second-degree larceny.

Both teens were remanded to the custody of the Juvenile Detention Center in Bridgeport.

Conklin said detectives are still investigating the incident and more arrests are expected in the future.
Milton, PA (17847)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will give way to occasional showers during the afternoon. High 62F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

Tonight

Evening clouds will give way to clearing overnight. A shower of rain or wet snow possible. Low 31F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.


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A more recent publication of this set of statistics is available. Latest publication: Foreign Shipping Traffic 2021, September

Published: 7 October 2021

Sea transport increased in August

The goods volume of foreign sea transport was in total 7.7 million tonnes in August 2021. Sea transport increased by three per cent from last year's August. Exports increased by two per cent and were 4.0 million tonnes. Import volume increased by three per cent and amounted to 3.7 million tonnes.

Foreign sea Transport by month (tonnes) in 2019 to 2021

General cargo was transported most, in total 1.4 million tonnes, which was 18 per cent of all transport. The second most transported were oil products, 1.0 million tonnes, and ores and concentrates, 0.7 million tonnes.

Container transport

A total of 0.9 million tonnes of containers were transported through Finnish ports i August 2021, which was five per cent less than in August 2020. The number of containers transported was 60,782 (105,930 TEU containers) 1) . Exports of containers went down by nine per cent measured in tonnes and imports went up by two per cent compared to August 2020.

Vehicle transport

A total of 270,772 transport equipment were transported in foreign sea traffic in August 2021. Most transports of transport equipment were cars belonging to passengers. In August, 172,660 cars belonging to passengers were transported. The second most transported were trucks, 58,090 and truck trailers, 35,990.

Passenger traffic

A total of 794,478 persons were transported in passenger traffic in August 2021. In all, 386,761 passengers between Finland and Sweden, 385,234 passengers travelled between Finland and Estonia and 20,005 passengers between Finland and Germany. Compared with August 2020, the number of passengers decreased by two per cent in August. Compared with August 2019, the number of passengers was, however, just 35 per cent. In August 2021, a total of 2,478 passengers of foreign cruise ships arrived in Finland, for the first time since October 2019.

Vessel traffic and goods volume in the Saimaa Canal

A total of 151,478 tons of transport were registered through the canal in foreign traffic. Timber was transported most in vessels in foreign traffic, in total 75,965 tonnes. The second most transported were crude minerals and cement.

1) TEU, the basic measurement unit of container traffic, refers to one container that is twenty feet long, eight feet wide and 8.5 feet high.

Source: Transport and tourism, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Olli Kajava 029 551 3531, olli.kajava@stat.fi

Head of Department in charge: Hannele Orjala

Publication in pdf-format (167.6 kB)

Updated 07.10.2021

Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Foreign Shipping Traffic [e-publication].

ISSN=2670-2002. August 2021. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 18.11.2021].

Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/uvliik/2021/08/uvliik_2021_08_2021-10-07_tie_001_en.html
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The courses with physical presence are suspended in 15 school units in Bucharest, due to the cases of infection with SARS-CoV-2, the Institution of the Prefect announced, after Thursday's meeting of the Bucharest Municipality Committee for Emergency Situations CMBSU).

The school units and the suspension intervals of the courses with physical presence are the following:

* "George Enescu" National College of Music - October 7-20;* "Tudor Vianu" National College of Informatics - October 8-21;* "Ion Neculce" National College - October 8-21;* "A.D. Xenopol" Economic College - October 7-20;* "Iulia Hasdeu" National College - October 7-20;* Logos Baptist Theological High School - October 6-19;* German Kindergarten "Kiga 99 Luftballons" - October 1-15;* "Benjamin Franklin" Theoretical High School - October 8-21;* Secondary School Nr. 165 - October 6-19;* "Stefan Demetrescu" Adventist Theological High School - October 6-19;* "Mihai Eminescu" National College - October 8-21;* "Dimitrie Bolintineanu" Theoretical High School - October 7-20;* "Ion Barbu" Theoretical High School - October 7-20;* Secondary School Nr. 197 - October 7-20;* "St. Calinic from Cernica" School - October 7-20.At the same time, it was ordered the resumption of the courses with the physical presence for Kindergarten No. 217.The Joint Order of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health no. 5338/1082 of October 1 stipulates that, on the date of suspension of courses for 50% of the total groups / classes, the activity with physical presence at the level of the entire educational unit is suspended, for a period of 14 days.
Several female representatives of the Declic civic activism association are taking part, on Thursday, in a demonstration in front of the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection, in protest against the way the minimum wage for 2022 was calculated by the Government.

The NGO is dissatisfied with the fact that the method of calculating used by the Government in order to establish the minimum wage does not take into account the value of the minimum basket for a decent living.

The women participating in the demonstration brought in front of the Ministry 30 shopping baskets, where they placed very few products, in order to prove that the minimum wage allows the employee to cover very little of the necessary for a decent living. Thus according to the calculations made by Declic, the minimum wage for next year will allow only 119 RON per month for hygiene and only 230 RON for utilities.

The protesters are also displaying two placards, inscribed with the messages "We don't live on minimum wage, we barely survive" and "Raluca Turcan, we challenge you to live on minimum wage".

During the protest, the activists from Declic sent the Minister of Labor (Raluca Turcan, ed. n.) the challenge of living one month on minimum wage, in order to see if she can secure a decent living with the sum of 1,524 RON.

"We are asking ourselves if she manages to do this from a single job, or if she will have to get a part-time job, apart from the job in the Ministry," the Declic representatives highlighted.

The main request of Declic is for the Government to recalculate the minimum wage for next year, introducing in the calculation its background on the minimum basket for a decent living, just as the current legislation states.

According to the representatives of Declic, present at the protest, 35,000 members of the civic activism association supports the demonstration, either by signing the online petition through which Declic is requesting to modify the calculating formula of the minimum wage, or by donations made for organizing the protest, or by the fact they sent the Ministry of Labor messages regarding the changing of the formula the gov't calculates the minimum wage.
President Klaus Iohannis said on Thursday at Cernavoda, Constanta County, that in reality it is almost impossible to trigger early elections.

In his opinion, the fact that "a party is still parading" with that type of election seems to him "a form of avoidance rather than something else."

"Triggering early elections is an issue that has been discussed theoretically in Romania for a long time, but our Constitution is built to guarantee parliamentary stability. It is, in reality, almost impossible to trigger early elections, not to mention the fact that it is probably not even desirable as we are less than one year away from the general election. What would it bring? The same partiess probably with the same percentages, maybe a little changed, which would bring us back precisely to where we are today. In theory, such elections are provided for in the Constitution, but they are not constitutionally well defined and have never taken place for such reasons. The fact that a party is parading with early elections seems to me to be a form of avoidance on the part of that party rather than anything else," said Iohannis.
Speaking about the spiralling energy prices, President Klaus Iohannis said today that the solutions that are currently being considered must be properly substantiated and balanced.

"Amid the crisis caused by the rising energy prices, the recently promulgated Vulnerable Consumer Law is very important for Romania, as it provides a stable, predictable mechanism for protecting the consumer segments exposed to the phenomenon of energy poverty. At the same time, the OUG on offsetting household energy bills is welcome for providing Romanians a horizon of peace and security for the cold season. However, effective measures are still needed to protect the economy, small and medium-sized enterprises, industrial firms and large companies whose competitiveness is severely affected by the energy products turning costlier. The solutions currently on the table must be properly substantiated and balanced, so that the current energy situation does not become an insurmountable burden for various social categories, for industrial companies or for the economy in general. In this regard, I draw the attention of the competent authorities that sustainable solutions are further needed, which should tackle the price increases in the long term, in order to prevent other more serious or more expensive problems," the head of the state said at the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant (south-east of Bucharest).

"Unfortunately, just like the other EU states, we are faced with an accelerated increase in energy prices. This issue will be discussed at the European Council I will attend at the end of this month. Let me tell you right now that I will request a coordinated, convergent intervention at EU level for the adoption of active measures, as energy prices are felt by all European economies, with profound implications for the living standards of our citizens. Such a common problem can only be properly managed through joint solutions," underlined Iohannis.

The President is visiting on Thursday the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the commissioning of Unit 1.
President Klaus Iohannis invited to the Cotroceni Palace on Monday the chairs of the political parties and formations represented in the Parliament for consultations in order to nominate the candidate for the position of prime minister, the Presidential Administration announced.

The consultations will take place on Monday, according to the following schedule:

* 12.00 - National Liberal Party (PNL);* 13.00 - Social Democratic Party (PSD);* 14.00 - Save Romania Union (USR);* 16.00 - Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR);* 16.30 - Democratic Union of Hungarians in Romania (UDMR);* 17.00 - National minorities represented in the Parliament.Earlier, President Iohannis had announced that he would convene parliamentary parties and formations for a first round of talks on resolving the government crisis."The constitutional steps are well known. I will invite parliamentary parties to consultations. And I will try, together with the most mature, most responsible, to find a way out of this crisis. I have decided to hold a round of consultations on Monday. On Monday, starting with at 12.00, I will have consultations with the parliamentary parties", the head of state said on Thursday in Cernavoda.Iohannis was again skeptical that a solution would be found in this first round of consultations.The Citu Government was dismissed on Tuesday after the censure motion initiated by PSD was voted by the Parliament.
Romania has the potential to become an important player and a European hub in the field of energy, President Klaus Iohannis said on Thursday, at the southeastern Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant.

"Romania's nuclear energy objective is primarily a strategic objective, to ensure energy security at national and regional level. Our country benefits from a balanced energy mix, but we still need new energy capacities, from various sources, not just nuclear, based on new and modern technologies. And we want energy investments to drive the horizontal development of the profile industries in our country. Romania has the potential to become an important player and a European hub in the field of energy, and this potential must be exploited with determination and responsibility. This is the way to change Romania's current energy profile and become a net exporter of energy in the region," said the head of state.

Klaus Iohannis stressed the need for a more ambitious exploration of the opportunities that Romania has in the field of nuclear energy.

"Technological research in nuclear energy carried out by Romanian specialists has its place of honor at European and even global level. Through the projects of specialized institutes in our country, the nuclear energy sector has made considerable progress. Based on a solid tradition of almost 50 years in the nuclear energy sector, Romania makes a firm choice in the development of nuclear energy, a clean and safe energy, a sustainable solution for our energy security. In Romania, nuclear energy provides almost 20 percent of domestic production. In other words, one bulb in 5 is lighted by nuclear energy. Of the total clean energy produced in our country, 33 percent is nuclear energy, which supports 11,000 jobs in production, research, innovation, engineering, works and equipment production. The fact that Romania has an integrated nuclear cycle is an extremely important asset. It is a significant asset, which must be preserved, and we will have to find the means to take advantage of the competitive advantages that we, as a country, have in this field," said the president.

He recalled the Intergovernmental Agreement between Romania and the United States of America on cooperation in relation to the Cernavoda nuclear and energy projects and in the civilian nuclear energy sector in Romania. Moreover, President Iohannis pointed out that Romania also counts on cooperation with France in this field.

The head of state showed that in the 25 years of operation, Unit 1 of the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant has provided, so far, 9 percent of the national electricity consumption and congratulated the specialists who contributed to the reliable and highly safe operation of this unit, deeming it one of the best performing plants of this type in the world.
The opposition Social Democratic Party (PSD) will file a criminal complaint against ousted Prime Minister Florin Citu, PSD national leader Marcel Ciolacu has announced, accusing Citu of allocating one billion lei from the Reserve Fund as a "bribe" to National Liberal Party (PNL) mayors .

"50 million euros of public money were offered in bribes to PNL mayors who voted for Citu in the party's Congress convention by holding their noses. The rest of the local administrations, who have desperately asked for money for heating, hospitals and schools, did not receive any money, not even for toilet paper. (...) The Social Democratic Party cannot accept it, and that is why we will file a criminal complaint against Citu. We will go to the end. Romanians do not have to suffer his revenge for taking him down, Ciolacu told a news conference.
The only way out of the political crisis is to hold early elections after the fourth pandemic wave subsides, but this requires a majority and the agreement of President Klaus Iohannis, Social Democratic Party (PSD) leader Marcel Ciolacu told private broadcaster B1 TV on Wednesday evening.

"From our point of view, at this moment, we have nothing to do but return to the people, to the vote of the Romanians, who will decide who should lead Romania in the next period. (...) Majorities decide in a democracy. A majority has decided, with 281 votes, for Mr Citu [former prime minister, ed.n.] to go home. That's the way it is in a democracy. The majorities are the ones that get to decide what to do from now on. If we want to enter a political babel, with disguised proposals, for Citu to become [PM, ed. n.], with a masquerade, while the Romanians have a completely different agenda, Mr. Iohannis decides, because it is his duty. We came up with a very clear proposal, and we saw that it was also embraced by AUR [the Alliance for the Union of Romanians], but it is not enough to create a majority. To invest a government of specialists for a limited period, to have an agreement, when we have a majority, including with the President of Romania, who should assume this, so that after this forth wave subsides, we organize early elections. (...) Until the consultations, such a majority that wants early elections might take form," said Marcel Ciolacu.

"From my point of view, this coalition could no longer function. This coalition was not united by a political program or a coherent government program, anticipating what is happening in the economy and in health. It was an agreement on money, over ministries, on relatives put in office, everything they promised would change in the government act," Ciolacu claimed.

"I am glad that the PSD motion passed, which did not hide the truth, that USR PLUS [Save Romania Union - Freedom, Unity and Solidarity Party] also ruled side by side these eight months, nine months, with PNL [the National Liberal party]. I am glad that this motion passed with their help, too. I am not necessarily happy for people in PSD or for me, personally, I am glad for Romanians. If we look at the numbers, the fact that it has come to a 72 percent distrust of Romanians in the current government (...) we are dealing with a failed state. The big problem is that this failed state has been ruled by Klaus Iohannis for seven years. This coalition is also an invention of Klaus Iohannis, it is his government. And here we are in this situation, with four crises, a pandemic, health crisis, which obviously generated an economic crisis, accentuated by an incompetent government, and the pandemic crisis as well, without taking measures in time. We are dealing with a government that intervenes in haste, when Romanians have nothing left to do, as is the case now with the fourth wave. We also found ourselves in a social crisis and we also have a political crisis," said Ciolacu.

He concluded that, at this moment, the most stable political force in Romania is PSD.
Three new FIDELIS Government bonds, denominated in RON and EUR, have entered the Regulated Market on Thursday to be traded, under the stock symbols R2210A, R2410A, R2610AE, the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB) informs.

The Ministry of Finance attracted 650.5 million RON and 59 million EUR (values summing up 943 million RON) within the public sales offer for FIDELIS Government bonds, which took place during the period of September 13 - October 1, targeted exclusively for the population.

It is the fifth Government bonds offer made by the Ministry of Finance through the means of the BVB systems in 2021 and 2021.

According to a press release sent by the Ministry of Finance (MF), at the moment of those instruments launch, annual interests for Government bonds were established over the quotation level of traded Government bonds on the inter-bank market, namely 3.25% for one year (RON), 3.75% for 3 years (RON) and 1.60% for 5 years (EUR). Income from interest is tax-free, so that these G-bonds represent a beneficial alternative for Romanians' savings, the MF specifies.

"The active presence of individuals as investors in these financial instruments offered by the Ministry of Finance confirms the attractiveness of the FIDELIS Program among the population. Resuming the FIDELIS bonds starting with 2020 and promoting these on a trimestrial basis in the economic and social context, crossed by many pressures, both national and global, as well as the interest shown by the individual investors, show the population's direction towards diversification of their savings and use of mechanisms specific to the capital market. Collaboration with our partners in offering these financial instruments and trading mechanisms significantly contribute to a more widespread promotion and a more active involvement of the population in the capital market mechanisms," the Minister of Finance Dan Vilceanu declared.

In the future, the Ministry of Finance will continue to launch FIDELIS Government bonds on a trimestrial basis.

The brokerage syndicate of this offer was formed by BT Capital Partners (Lead Manager) & Banca Transilvania, BCR and BRD.
Transelectrica and Delgaz Grid have signed an agreement for the implementation of the Carpathian Modernized Energy Network - PCI Smart Grid Initiative (CARMEN) project, worth 150 million euros, according to a Transelectrica press release sent on Thursday to AGERPRES.

CARMEN is a project developed in partnership with the Hungarian transport operator and is being assessed by the European Commission for entering the 5th List of Projects of Common Interest (CIP) in the "Smart Grids" thematic area. The Partnership Agreement signed on Thursday also marks the change of the status of CNTEE Transelectrica SA within the project from partner-supporter to active-partner.

Through CARMEN, the partners aim to modernize and develop the transmission and distribution networks, as well as to increase their interoperability, both at national and European level, in order to achieve the objectives of common interest. Thus, the projects targets the modernization of 23 transformer stations, 65 transformer substations, high voltage overhead lines and the implementation of specific IT and communication technologies, the installation in the electric transmission network of modern means of voltage control."Transelectrica's vision in the fields of research and innovation, energy efficiency, new technologies, asset management and digitization aims to achieve the objectives of SMART GRID, an absolutely necessary concept in the reality of energy systems at European level, based on collaboration principles, technologies and state-of-the-art systems for network management," said Bogdan Toncescu, chairman of the CNTEE Transelectrica SA Management Board."The priority of Delgaz Grid is to accelerate the greening and digitization of the electricity distribution network we manage, in order to integrate in a sustainable way the new clean energy capacities, but also to ensure an efficient and flexible management of the energy flows. The CARMEN initiative will become the first Project of Common Interest in the thematic area 'Smart Grids' in Romania, representing the most ambitious project of our company, both from the point of view of volatility and induction. in view of the technical complexity, as well as of the budgetary value and a major opportunity for the modernization of the electricity distribution infrastructure in the North-East region of Romania," said, in his turn, Dragos Barbulescu, general manager of Delgaz.The value of the CARMEN project amounts to approximately 150 million euros and its implementation will take place over a period of six years, starting with 2023, and will be proposed for financing under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme.
The chair of USR PLUS (Save Romania Union, Freedom, Unity, Solidarity Party), Dacian Ciolos, announced on Thursday that he sent a message to the PNL leader, Florin Citu, asking him if he wants to hold talks in order to rebuild the governing coalition, also mentioning that the Union does not he will also accept him to lead the Government.

"I asked chairman Citu in a message if, being the main party in this coalition of which we were part, if he intends to have a discussion about the recovery solutions and, obviously, I am waiting for the signal from him, because it is the main party. He told me that he would also check with Kelemen Hunor when he was available and that he would write back," Ciolos told private television broadcaster Digi 24.

Asked if the representatives of USR PLUS and PNL can still sit at the same table after the criticisms brought during the debates on the censure motion, Ciolos replied that he is not impressed by the ironies and that he wants to have serious discussions."I am not impressed by the irony of this. I am a politician. I try to be as serious as possible. To take my role seriously. USR PLUS is a mature party, which has taken on some things and is accountable for what it does. We are in a Parliament where we have a structure of the presence of political parties", explained the leader of USR PLUS.He stated that the mandate with which USR PLUS will present itself at the discussions at the Cotroceni Palace is to continue to be part of a governing coalition with PNL and UDMR, but led by another prime minister than Florin Citu.According to him, if the PNL has no proposals, people like Cristian Ghinea or Catalin Drula could be supported by the USR PLUS for the position of prime minister. Ciolos added that he could also hold this position.
Most people simply cannot live on 32.7% of pre-retirement income -- even if they'd receive what the typical American considers to be a generous amount of retirement benefits. And remember, to get this maximum benefit, they'd have had to earn the equivalent of $142,800 for at least 35 years. After so much time, they're likely used to a standard of living that's far higher than $46,740 in income would support.

The bottom line is, no matter how high a Social Security benefit may seem on the surface, this entitlement program is not designed to be your sole source of support in retirement. In order to avoid a reduced quality of life, you'll need to make sure you have supplementary savings -- and that's true whether you get the minimum benefit or the maximum.

So, don't assume that generous Social Security checks are going to be enough to fund your later years. Start saving now so you'll have a nest egg that supplements your retirement income if you hope to live a life free of financial worries as a senior.

The $16,728 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook
SEATTLE  Twenty years ago, just days before the 9/11 attacks on the United States crippled the aerospace industry, Boeing Co. moved its headquarters from its historic Seattle manufacturing hub to a stylish downtown Chicago skyscraper.

The move was central to Boeings plan to forge a new identity as a diversified global juggernaut, distancing top executives from the daily operations inside far-flung business units, and getting closer to Wall Street and major customers.

Two decades on, in the midst of a fresh crisis shaking the industry, Boeings corporate hub is in a state of limbo.

A new crop of top executives based mainly on the coasts are managing industrial and safety certification problems at its major divisions and the lingering fallout from the 737 Max and coronavirus crises. At the same time, tax incentives heaped on Boeing by Chicago and Illinois run out at year-end.

Once the symbol of a new Boeing, the vision of a corporate epicenter rising above its constituent parts has fallen at odds with the imperative of recapturing engineering dominance and repairing relationships with customers and federal regulators.
DOE officials said that the funding awarded Wednesday marks only an initial stage  it is intended to study how to use carbon capture at these sites. Actual construction costs of carbon-capture projects run into the hundreds of millions of dollars for individual industrial-scale facilities.

When it comes to cutting carbon, its cheapest and easiest to avoid emissions in the first place, whenever possible, said Jennifer Wilcox, the principal deputy assistant secretary for DOEs Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management.

But she said activities targeted by the new DOE funding  like cement and steel production  are examples of difficult-to-avoid emissions that are likely to persist for the foreseeable future, even as renewable energy technologies mature and stem fossil fuel use. DOE hopes to help spark a difference in key industries, like those, which will require carbon capture for the U.S. to reach net-zero emissions.

Wilcox says, though, that theres already demand for materials like cement to be made with reduced carbon emissions.

These cement plants see that future, said Wilcox, describing those receiving the DOE funding, and their incentive to pursue lower-emission production methods.
Schott thinks the U.S. could join the CPTPP more easily than China  or, for that matter, Taiwan or Britain, which have also applied. The U.S. would have a fast track to get back in, he said. It was an original negotiator, and most of the deal is based on U.S. law and practice.

To get in, though, we have to apply. Biden is concentrating on his domestic agenda and may not want to complicate it with a divisive debate on trade. Several progressive Democrats opposed the original Pacific pact, and Republicans who supported past trade deals are still in thrall to Trump.

To gain support among Democrats, Biden could ask CPTPP nations to strengthen the agreement by, for example, adding language on climate change. Chinas application, however, may have made that process tougher.

The Chinese would say youre moving the goalpost, youre raising the bar, Schott said. The current members will be a little bit more restrained in supporting proposals for upgrading the agreement for fear they would be seen as trying to block Chinas admission.
Blinding snow, heavy breathing from an unseen force: The first few seconds of Lamb suggest Liam Neeson has returned for another wintry exercise in human-on-human revenge.

But no! Theres nothing predictable or formulaic about this masterly exercise in incremental, calmly framed tension and uneasy human/animal coexistence. Even with a slight misjudgment in the final minutes  it feels incomplete, somehow  its the most assured debut in the supernatural thriller genre (its not a horror movie) since The Witch five years ago.

Lamb comes from first-time feature film director/co-writer Valdimar Johannsson. In rural Iceland, married sheep farmers Maria (Noomi Rapace) and Ingvar (Hilmir Snr Guonason) tend their flock, harvest their potatoes and go about their routines in the shadow of their nearby mountain. Were constantly aware of animals monitoring their every move, especially the watchful farmhouse dog and cat, as well as the pregnant sheep in the barn behind the house.

The film visually withholds key details in its first 30 minutes, but the birth of one particular ewe lamb astonishes Maria and Ingvar into stunned wonderment. We, the audience, already know something the characters dont: Theres a mysterious spirit roaming the hills and valleys.
Q  Will Hallmark ever bring back Lori Loughlin? Yes, she was caught up in the college admission scandal, but she has paid for her indiscretions. We do miss them.

A  We could argue about whether Loughlin was simply caught up for indiscretions, and whether the punishment fit the crime. But thats a long conversation. On your main question, she will be returning to television on the GAC Family network, the recent retooling of Great American Country. She will reprise her role of Abigail Stanton on When Calls the Heart as a guest star in the second season of When Hope Calls beginning Dec. 18 on the network. The first season of the series aired under the Hallmark banner, and GAC Family is pursuing the Hallmark audience with what it calls family-friendly, holiday-themed movies and series that celebrate American culture, lifestyle and heritage.

Hallmark, on the other hand, said in a recent tweet that it has not cast Lori Loughlin in any current projects, nor do we have any plans to cast her in the future.

Q  Is it true that OWN has picked up All Rise?
Leaders of the four Roman Catholic dioceses in Missouri are urging the state to end the use of the death penalty, after a convicted killer of three was executed despite a request for clemency from the pope.

Ernest Lee Johnson was executed Tuesday evening, the first Missouri execution in 16 months and the seventh in the U.S. this year. Johnson, 61, admitted killing convenience store workers Mary Bratcher, Mabel Scruggs and Fred Jones during a closing-time robbery in Columbia in 1994.

In a letter last week asking Republican Gov. Mike Parson to grant clemency, a representative for Pope Francis wrote that the pope wishes to place before you the simple fact of Mr. Johnsons humanity and the sacredness of all human life. Parson, a Baptist, declined to intervene.

On Wednesday, a statement signed by St. Louis Archbishop Mitchell Rozanski, Kansas City-St. Joseph Bishop James Johnston Jr., Jefferson City Bishop Shawn McKnight and Springfield-Cape Girardeau Bishop Edward Rice expressed disappointment with Parsons decision.

Ernest Lee Johnsons crimes were heinous and deserve to be punished, yet as Missouri has shown itself to be a pro-life state, we should stop using the death penalty as a means of dealing with violent crimes, the statement read.
RED FLAG STATES

In addition to the District of Columbia, these 19 states have red flag laws:

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.
An international auto dealer who lives in Creve Coeur was involved in a romance scam that cost a New Mexico woman $560,000, recently unsealed court filings claim.

Adesuwa Renee Ogiozee was arrested here Sept. 17, but any details of the charges against her were sealed until after she pleaded not guilty Monday by video in court in New Mexico to conspiracy and wire fraud charges.

In court filings seeking to have her held in jail until trial, prosecutors said Ogiozee was involved with four others in a romance scam conspiracy that stole $560,000 from an Albuquerque woman. Ogiozee's role in the scam was small, they said, adding that she received $12,000 that she spent for a Mercedes Benz.

But they say tax records recovered in a search of her home, bank records and an ongoing investigation suggests the fraud involving "this group  is much more extensive and that it is spread far and wide."

Ogiozee made suspicious claims on tax forms in 2016 and 2019, they say, particularly in light of the more than $3 million that passed through "just one of the defendant's many bank accounts" from August 2016 to September 2017. Some of her bank accounts were closed for fraud, the filing says. Ogiozee has "substantial ties with private citizens, businesses, and government officials in Nigeria," it says.
The officer told Quintero to get out of the vehicle, and he complied, police said. As the officer was patting him down to search for weapons, Quintero reached for his waistband, and the officer saw a gun, police said. They struggled over the weapon, the officer couldnt take it away so he moved back and shot Quintero, the chief said.

The officer fired several rounds  the chief said he didnt know how many. The officer is a 15-year veteran of the department. The assisting officer did not fire any shots.

According to the radio call, the dispatcher asked the officer if he and his partner were OK. Yeah were good. He tried to pull a handgun, he responded.

Neither officer at the traffic stop was hurt.

Police recovered two Glock pistols, one that Quintero carried and one that was tossed from the car onto the gas station lot, Frisz said.

After the shooting, the driver and woman passenger told police they were transporting marijuana to South Carolina in the rented SUV. Police got conflicting accounts of where they started their trip, either California or Nevada. Police obtained a search warrant later Thursday and found multiple vacuum-sealed food storage bags containing marijuana, according to court documents.
The Justice Department last week issued a memo decrying the rise in threats and violence against local school boards by parents livid over mask mandates or other issues. The department announced it will work with local officials on strategies to address the problem. Right on cue, Republican politicians around the country jumped to the defense of the angry mobs.

They include Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt  the states top law-enforcement official, siding with people who are literally breaking the law  and Sen. Josh Hawley, who offers the Orwellian notion that confronting harassment and intimidation by parents against school board members is, in itself, harassment and intimidation. Is Missouris Republican junior senator trying to incite more of the kind of violence he incited on Jan. 6?

What is happening in society today when people interpret their constitutional right to free speech as a right to disrupt public meetings, hurl insults and threats at officials in public forums and even physically assault those officials? The Constitution protects the right of the people peaceably to assemble. The fury that so defines todays political landscape has been aimed at public servants by citizens who seem to have forgotten the word peaceably.
He is mentioned 1,343 times in a 2014 Senate Select Committee on Intelligence report. The committee concluded he was not a member of al-Qaida, much less a leader, and his own interrogators concluded by August 2002 that it was highly unlikely he possessed the information they were seeking.

Wednesdays Supreme Court hearing focused on whether the government may continue to hide behind protecting intelligence sources and methods to block testimony from the two interrogators who tortured Abu Zubaydah.

Remarkably, no one  not even the government  denies any longer that he was tortured. Considering that the CIA denied this fact for years underscores how far the nation has come. Perhaps more remarkable was the concurrence among conservative and liberal justices that, even if the government still wont allow the torturers to testify, Abu Zubaydah should be allowed to speak in court.

Justice Neil Gorsuch asked: What is the governments objection to the witness testifying to his own treatment?

Considering the number of innocents killed because of badly flawed U.S. intelligence  including 10 in a drone strike in the final days of the Afghanistan withdrawal  Americans need to hear the story of someone left permanently scarred, physically and mentally, in the pursuit of intelligence he was incapable of providing. The other alternative is to keep waiting for him to die in silence, so he can be carried out of Guantanamo in a box just like the one he was tortured in.
Driving and flying are huge contributors to carbon emissions and climate change. So Google is helping users make more informed decisions about how they travel.

The company is releasing features on Google Maps and Google Flights to show how travel plans may contribute to climate change.

Eco-friendly routes

In addition to showing drivers the fastest way to get to their destination, Google Maps will now show the route that's the most fuel-efficient.

To provide the new feature, Google incorporated data from the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, which estimates that eco-friendly routing has the potential to prevent more than one million tons of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere per year. That's the equivalent of removing 200,000 cars from the road, Google claims.

On the Google Maps app, the most eco-friendly route will display with a small green leaf next to it. The route option will include information about how long the trip will take and how much fuel the driver could save.

Options for bikers
Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money.

Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists.
Taiwan had developed its own mobile air defense system to replace the updated Chaparral systems it bought from the U.S. in the 1980s. Increasingly effective Chinese threats of economic retaliation against nations that sell weapons has forced Taiwan to develop its own. This is more expensive but Taiwan is quite capable and is currently a major source of electronic components for other nations.

The new Taiwan air defense system is called Arrow Crossbow and is a mobile system equipped with a radar, a 40mm autocannon and a ground launched version of the Taiwanese Sky Sword radar guided air-to-air missile. The version is comparable to the American AMRAAM missile, which has been used for an air defense system since the 1990s.

The ground launched AMRAAM was first used by NASAMS, a novel air defense system developed by a Norwegian defense firm (Kongsberg) in the 1990s, of using the combat-proven American AMRAAM air-to-air missiles as a SAM (surface to air missile). This was not a new idea, but using AMRAAM was the most ambitious use of air-to-air missiles as SAMs to date. One reason for using AMRAAM was that the United States was constantly updating the AMRAAM to improve performance and reliability. Norway bought and deployed the first NASAMS in 1998. While other systems have been developed using AMRAAM, the Norwegian version is seen as the best of the lot. Norway has six NASAMS batteries for its own defense and over a dozen other nations have purchased them as well. NASAMS is a cost-effective defense against all forms of aerial attack, including cruise missiles and terrorists trying to use UAVs or small commercial aircraft for suicide attacks.

The ground-based AMRAAM missile weighs 159 kg (350 pounds) and, when used from the ground, has a range of 30 kilometers while its radar can see out 50-70 kilometers. The ground version can hit targets as high as 21 kilometers (65,000 feet). What makes AMRAMM effective as a SAM (surface-to-air missile) is the capabilities of its guidance system, which is about two-thirds of the $400,000 missile's cost and constantly updated.

The NASAMS has a uniquely flexible open architecture that now handles more than 25 different target acquisition radar systems and can fire just about any air-to-air missile that can be fired from NATO aircraft. All that is required is modifications to the size and electrical connections in the NASAMS launcher cells and software modification of the FDC. NATO has long established standards for NATO weapons and NASAMS takes full advantage of this.

So far NASAMS has been configured with AIM-120 AMRAAM (together with ER variant), AIM-9X Sidewinder, ESSM (Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile) and European IRIS-T. The last one is an interesting story. Norway has a big stock of them for their F-16 but the new F-35 is not compatible with IRIS-T so they have decided to use this very modern European missile as an anti-aircraft one in the NASAMS system. This example clearly shows how flexible this system is while the competitor systems are tied to a limited number of missiles and radar.

Taiwan adapted the NASAMs concept to use its most modern air-to-air missile, which is very similar to AMRAAM. Chinese threats towards Norway prevent Kongsberg from selling to Taiwan. At the same time Kongsberg is not going to sue Taiwan for using the NSAMS concept when Taiwan would prefer to buy it rather than spend more time and money to develop their own.

Arrow Crossbow replaces the much less capable American Chaparral system. In 2017 the United States agreed to spend $23 million to provide new components for many of the several hundred MIM-72 SAMs (surface to air missiles) Taiwan bought from the Americans in the 1980s. These missiles were used on the 90 Chaparral air-defense missile systems Taiwan purchased. Chaparral was basically an M113 armored vehicle with the top and side armor removed and a launcher holding four early model Sidewinder air-to-air missiles in the rear. These Sidewinders were reconfigured for use from the ground and called MIM-72. The U.S. Army bought 600 Chaparral vehicles from 1969 to 1997. Also mounted on the vehicle were an optical sight for helping to find and aim (in the general direction of) the target aircraft.

The original MIM-72 had a range of 8,000 meters and was still a heat seeking missile. Later versions of the Sidewinder were used and the final version had a range of 10,000 meters and a much more effective heat seeker that was able to detect the target from any angle, not just the rear where the hot exhaust was. Chaparral never got much use and was replaced in 1993 by the Avenger. This was a hummer vehicle armed with Stinger surface-to-air missiles, a .12.7mm (50 caliber) machinegun, radar and laser range finder. The hummer has a turret mounted on the back that contains two missile pods (each containing four Stinger anti-aircraft missiles). Under one pod there is an M3P .50 caliber machine gun. The weapons operator has use of a FLIR (night vision) and a laser range finder. The Avenger machine-gun can't be depressed sufficiently to fire at ground targets towards the front of the vehicle. The Stinger has a range of 4.5 kilometers. Effective range of the .50 caliber machine-gun is more like two kilometers.

Taiwan could not afford to replace its Chaparrals with Avengers and preferred the longer range of the MIM-72 missile, especially one upgraded to perform like more modern heat seekers. Several years later Taiwan realized that the growing Chinese military threat made the updated Chaparrals much less useful and NASAMS seemed like a more useful and affordable approach for a replacement system.
Foreign donors, who are ready to further cut economic and military aid, have told the Somali politicians feuding over when the elections should take place and who is in charge until then, to settle their differences and do it quickly or foreign money as well as peacekeepers will withdraw. The two principal politicians leading this dispute are current prime minister Hussain Roble and outgoing president Mohamed Farmajo. There are still disagreements over who and when voting takes place for the 54 members of the senate, then the 275 members of parliament and after that the combined senate and parliament will elect a new president. Like previous agreements, this one might not actually work. After a year of bickering and threats of civil war followed by the withdrawal of foreign aid, there has been one delay after another as election agreements fell apart after agreements were achieved. These elections were supposed to be held in December 2020 but were delayed over a year because of difficulty in agreeing on how and when.

Meanwhile the AU (African Union) is pressuring the UN to extend financial support for the Somali peacekeeping operation. two months ago, the AU agreed with the UN plan to reduce the Somalia peacekeeping forces. What changed the minds of the AU was the sudden Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in mid-August. This fearful proposal may not succeed because UN peacekeeping specialists understand the Taliban are a special case and there has not been any impact on Somalia because of the Taliban victory. Al Shabaab power continues to decline.

The UN and AU had agreed to greatly reduce or eliminate the current 19,400 strong peacekeeper force. This process is supposed to start by the end of 2021. In January the United States completed moving most of its 700 troops out of Somalia to other parts of East Africa. Two months later the AU announced plans to do the same or at least greatly reduce the number of peacekeepers in Somalia. Soldiers from five AU countries (Uganda, Burundi, Kenya, Ethiopia and Djibouti) comprise the current force that costs about $200 million a year. That money is provided by the UN via contributions by the U.S. and EU (European Union). The UN approves the size and duration of the peacekeeper force annually.

The peacekeepers have been in Somalia for fifteen years at a cost of over three billion dollars. So far nearly a thousand peacekeepers have been killed and at least 4,000 wounded or injured. About a quarter of those were so badly wounded that they received disability payments while families of the dead received a lump sum in death benefits. Somalia is the most dangerous peacekeeping duty in the world.

The first AU peacekeepers arrived in March 2007 and these 8,000 troops were supposed to be gone within six months. That force did not disappear by the end of 2007 but kept growing and quickly reached 22,000, most of them soldiers plus a few thousand police, trainers and administrators. The peacekeeper force made some difference, but in the face of massive corruption in the Somali government and various Somali communities that demanded help, the operation proved far more expensive and time-consuming than expected. Peacekeepers are due to leave because the best they can do is reduce the violence and disunity, while UN donors are not willing to waste money on that when there are other disaster zones that can make better use of the limited foreign aid.

Because of the threat of peacekeeper reductions or elimination, the Somali army, which is about the same size as the peacekeeper force, has been particularly active and effective this year. If the peacekeepers go the army will have to face all the fighting alone and current assessments conclude that the army might not survive that for long, and instead fall apart because of casualties, desertions and a lack of new recruits. The Somalis have been saying this for nearly a decade but the AU and UN are fed up and the major donors needed to support the peacekeeper force have warned that they will reduce or eliminate contributions because of the continued corruption and ineffectiveness of the Somali government. The increased army effort against al Shabaab has apparently paid off with more surrenders of veteran al Shabaab members including prominent leaders. Somalia has been in a state of war for three decades and it has become an endurance contest with everyone ready to give up.

October 4, 2021: In the south (Lower Shabelle region) army special forces killed seven al Shabaab gunmen, including three known leaders, during a surprise attack. Elsewhere in the area the special forces captured wounded al Shabaab men after attacks on al Shabaab bases. Al Shabaab has been on the defensive in this area for several months as the army, led by special forces teams, act on information from locals about where al Shabaab safehouses and weapons stockpiles are.

October 3, 2021: In the north (Somaliland) a long simmering territorial dispute flared up again as the Somaliland government rounded up and expelled 750 people from southern Somalia who were living and working illegally in Sool region. This action was an aftereffect of disputes with Somalia over the independence of Puntland and Somaliland as well as border disputes between these two and Somalia to the south. The Sool area has been quiet since mid-2108, when there was renewed violence lasting about a week that left fifty dead. Since the 1990s these two statelets that comprise northern Somalia; Puntland and Somaliland, have been squabbling, and sometimes shooting, over possession of the Sool region that lies astride their border. Both sides claim it, and both are willing to fight for it. The dispute has been going on since Puntland was formed in 1998. Back then Puntland declared they controlled the Sool because the inhabitants belonged to a Puntland tribe. Somaliland based their claim on borders drawn by the colonial governments of Italy and Britain a century ago. Years of negotiations did not achieve anything. Both statelets sent additional troops to the border in anticipation of a fight for Sool. The 2018 Sool violence got started after several months of escalating demonstrations and threats. This has been the case since the last outbreak of violence in mid-2014. Before that there was brief fighting in early 2012. There was some Sool tension in 2009 and fighting in early 2008. This was a continuation of a confrontation that started in late 2007. The first real threats of violence were in 2003 and ever since the best the two statelets could do was keep things quiet. A resolution of the Sool dispute continues to be out of reach.

Both statelets have been suffering from other internal disputes, but nothing as widespread and destructive as the rest of Somalia. Northern Somalia has been better governed since breaking away from Somalia in the 1990s to form Puntland (2.5 million people) and Somaliland (5.7 million). Somaliland established its autonomy in 1991, followed by smaller Puntland in 1998. Puntland is willing to join Somalia as a federal state while Somaliland is not.

The other two-thirds of the Somali population to the south has, until about 2016, been in perpetual chaos since 1990. The two northern statelets have noticed that the security and economic conditions have greatly improved down south. While there are still some rural areas where al Shabaab is active, more as bandits than a threat to national security, the rest of Somalia is, for many in Somaliland and Puntland, a source of envy. In Somaliland there have been demonstrations with people demanding reunification with the rest of Somalia as Puntland was doing. The majority in Somaliland still prefer to be like neighboring Djibouti, where 70 percent of the population is Somali and, unlike Somalia, was colonized by the French. In Somalia the foreign powers were Italy and Britain. Djibouti accepted colonial status longer than Somalia and did not vote for independence until 1977 and has been quiet and prosperous ever since. Djibouti and Somaliland have ancient roots as both were once part of the ancient (4,500 years) Land of Punt and recognized by ancient Egypt. Punt, as a distinct territory, lasted for more three thousand years before the locals voluntarily converted to Islam and became part of the growing Islamic empire created by Arabs six centuries earlier. The Ottoman Turks took control six hundred years ago and were replaced by Egypt as Egypt broke free of the Ottomans in the 19th century. France replaced Egypt in 1883 and remained in the area ever since, even though not as a colonial power since 1977. This explains the different attitudes towards Somalia by Somaliland and Puntland. This division is expected to be a source of conflict for some time to come.

October 5, 2021: In the south (Lower Jubba) al Shabaab publicly executed, by firing squad and in from of a hundred villagers, two men. One was accused of sorcery and the other of spying. This took place in a village 70 kilometers north of Kismayo where al Shabaab has carried out public executions. The Islamic terrorists have long controlled this area.

September 30, 2021: In the north (Galmudug) al Shabaab has been defeated by a coalition of Somali army troops and the powerful ASWJ (Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama) local militia. But now this coalition is coming apart over ASWJ accusations that the army is not able to protect locals who have accented Somali offers of protection from further al Shabaab violence. ASWJ recently ejected soldiers from two towns where the locals were most critical of Somalia efforts at providing security. Now there has been growing tension between army forces and ASWJ, with some shots fired.

September 27, 2021: In the south (Kismayu) there was an explosion at a popular beachside restaurant killing two and wounding several others. Its unclear if this explosion was the work of al Shabaab, local gangsters or an accident.

Further south (Lamu County, across the border in Kenya) fifteen al Shabaab members died when their vehicle triggered a roadside bomb placed by other al Shabaab members who did not warn their fellow al Shabaab in the area that the bomb was there and rigged to detonate whenever a vehicle passed by. It may be that the al Shabaab men in the vehicle believed the bomb was rigged to go off by remote (wireless or wired) control of al Shabaab gunmen who would then fire on the vehicle and loot it.

September 25, 2021: In Mogadishu, a suicide car bomber killed at least eight and wounded many more when he detonated his explosives near the presidential palace.

September 14, 2021: In Mogadishu, a suicide bomber killed seven and wounded ten when he walked into a popular restaurant and set off his explosives.
New COO and EVP to strengthen deal team and focus on U.S. listing strategy

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Carbon Streaming Corporation (NEO: NETZ) (FSE: M2QA) (Carbon Streaming or the Company) is pleased to announce the addition of two strategic leadership roles which will greatly assist the Company in developing and executing on its growing investment pipeline as well as pursuing its potential U.S. listing in the first half of 2022.

Carbon Streamings CEO Justin Cochrane said: On behalf of the entire organization I would like to extend a very warm welcome to Mr. Geoff Smith and Mr. Derek Sawkins. I look forward to working with each of them as we endeavor to realize our ambitious growth plans in the months and years ahead. Mr. Cochrane continued, These appointments represent roles critical to advancing and executing our unique business strategy, and we are very fortunate to have such talent and experience coming onboard with Geoff and Derek.

Geoff Smith (President and Chief Operating Officer) brings the benefit of over 15 years of M&A and corporate finance experience having advised on or financed many of the largest and most complex and innovative streaming transactions in the past 10 years. Geoff joins Carbon Streaming from his role as Managing Director for Scotiabanks Investment Banking Division; his team was critical to both structuring and financing billions of dollars of royalties and streams in the natural resource sector. The addition of Mr. Smith to the team comes at a key time as management prepares for a potential U.S. listing and looks to execute on its growing investment pipeline. Mr. Smith holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from Queens University (Canada) and is a CFA charterholder.

Derek Sawkins (EVP, Investments & Strategy) has over 15 years of experience in business development, M&A, corporate finance and principal investing in the technology, resource, and private market sectors. Most recently, Derek served as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development and Strategy at INVIDI Technologies Corporation. Derek spent six years in the investment banking group at National Bank of Canada where he advised on mergers, acquisitions and financings across diversified industries including resource, forestry, clean tech and energy technology. He is the former Executive Producer and Chief Curator of TEDxVancouver, and a founder of Energy Aware, a clean energy technology company that was acquired by Generac Power Systems in 2019. Mr. Sawkins holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Finance from the University of British Columbia (Canada).

With these appointments, Mr. Smith becomes President and COO and is responsible for overseeing strategic financing initiatives and global operations for the Company. Mr. Sawkins will be a key member of Carbon Streamings investment team and will be responsible for implementing the Companys strategy in sourcing carbon projects for development and executing on the Companys investment pipeline. Mr. Cochrane will continue to lead Carbon Streaming through the execution of its strategy to become the premiere source of financing for developers of carbon offset projects, and the monetization of those credits to assist corporations in their pursuit of a net-zero carbon economy. These additions will also allow Mr. Cochrane to remain focused on the outreach to investors and new markets.

About Carbon Streaming Corporation

Carbon Streaming is a unique ESG principled investment vehicle offering investors exposure to carbon credits, a key instrument used by both governments and corporations to achieve their carbon neutral and net-zero climate goals. Our business model is focused on acquiring, managing and growing a high-quality and diversified portfolio of investments in projects and/or companies that generate or are actively involved, directly or indirectly, with voluntary and/or compliance carbon credits.

The Company invests capital through carbon credit streaming arrangements with project developers and owners to accelerate the creation of carbon offset projects by bringing capital to projects that might not otherwise be developed. Many of these projects will have significant social and economic co-benefits in addition to their carbon reduction or removal potential.

If you would like to receive corporate updates via e-mail as soon as they are published, please subscribe here.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements with respect to the potential listing of the Company on a U.S. exchange and the timing thereof) are forward-looking information. This forward-looking information is based on the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things: general economic, market and business conditions and the other risks disclosed under the heading Risk Factors and elsewhere in the Companys AIF dated as of September 27, 2021 filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Any forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211005005398/en/

Justin Cochrane, CEO

647.846.7765

info@carbonstreaming.com

www.carbonstreaming.com

Source: Carbon Streaming Corporation
Hess Corporation (NYSE: HES) today announced an increase in the gross discovered recoverable resource estimate for the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana to approximately 10 billion barrels of oil equivalent, up from the previous estimate of more than 9 billion barrels of oil equivalent.

The updated resource estimate includes another significant discovery on the Stabroek Block at the Cataback well. The well encountered 243 feet (74 meters) of net pay in high quality hydrocarbon bearing sandstone reservoirs of which 102 feet (31 meters) is oil bearing. Cataback is located approximately 3.7 miles (6 kilometers) east of Turbot-1 and was drilled in 5,928 feet (1,807 meters) of water by the Noble Tom Madden.

CEO John Hess said: We are pleased that Cataback is our 21st significant discovery on the Stabroek Block and further underpins the potential for future developments. We continue to see multibillion barrels of additional exploration potential remaining on the block.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometers). ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is operator and holds 45 percent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd. holds 30 percent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited holds 25 percent interest.

Hess Corporation is a leading global independent energy company engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas. More information on Hess Corporation is available at www.hess.com.
BROOKFIELD, News, Oct. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Brookfield Renewable Partners will hold its Third Quarter 2021 Conference Call and Webcast on Friday, November 5, 2021 at 9:00 a.m. ET to discuss results and business initiatives.

Results will be released on Friday, November 5, 2021 at approximately 7:00 a.m. ET and will be available on our website at http://bep.brookfield.com under Press Releases.

To participate in the conference call, please dial 1-866-688-9430 toll-free at approximately 8:50 a.m. ET If calling from outside Canada or the U.S., dial 1-409-216-0817. When prompted, enter the conference ID, 9977936. The conference call will also be webcast live at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/6tzxt5r7, where it will be archived for future reference.

For those who are unable to participate in the conference call, a taped rebroadcast will also be available until November 12, 2021. To access this rebroadcast, please call 1-855-859-2056, or from outside Canada and the U.S., please call 1-404-537-3406. When prompted, enter the conference ID, 9977936.

Brookfield Renewable operates one of the worlds largest publicly traded, pure-play renewable power platforms. Its portfolio consists of hydroelectric, wind, solar and storage facilities in North America, South America, Europe and Asia, and totals over 20,000 megawatts of installed capacity and an approximately 31,000 megawatts development pipeline. Investors can access its portfolio either through Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P. (NYSE: BEP; TSX: BEP.UN), a Bermuda-based limited partnership, or Brookfield Renewable Corporation (NYSE, TSX: BEPC), a Canadian corporation. Further information is available at www.bep.brookfield.com and https://bep.brookfield.com/bepc. Important information may be disseminated exclusively via the website; investors should consult the site to access this information.

Brookfield Renewable is the flagship listed renewable power company of Brookfield Asset Management, a leading global alternative asset manager with over $625 billion of assets under management.

Contact information: Media: Investors: Kerrie McHugh Robin Kooyman Senior Vice President  Corporate Communications Senior Vice President  Investor Relations (212) 618-3469 (416) 649-8172 Kerrie.mchugh@brookfield.com robin.kooyman@brookfield.com

Source: Brookfield Renewable Partners L.P.
Tryp has partnered with Paul Hutson, PharmD and Christopher Nicholas, PhD to advance the Company's proprietary, psilocybin-based drug product

San Diego, California--(Newsfile Corp. - October 7, 2021) - Tryp Therapeutics (CSE: TRYP) (OTCQB: TRYPF) ("Tryp" or the "Company"), a pharmaceutical company focused on developing psilocybin-based compounds for diseases with unmet medical needs, announced today a collaboration with Paul Hutson, PharmD and Christopher Nicholas, PhD to support clinical pharmacology studies for the Company's proprietary drug product, TRP-8803.

Dr. Hutson and Dr. Nicholas will serve as Investigators on a clinical pharmacology study to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of TRP-8803 in healthy, volunteer patients. The completion of the studies will provide further regulatory support for TRP-8803 as well as insight into the pharmacokinetic profile of TRP-8803. TRP-8803 is expected to be used in Tryp's Phase 2b studies and eventual commercialization as the Company develops the product for chronic pain indications such as fibromyalgia and phantom limb pain, among other diseases.

Dr. Hutson is Professor of the Pharmacy Practice Division at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy and brings years of experience assessing the therapeutic uses of psilocybin and other psychoactive medications to the partnership. Dr. Hutson has been prolific in evaluating blood exposure levels of psilocybin-based products in patients and the impact on patients as the Principal Investigator for a safety and dose escalation clinical trial for psilocybin performed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Hutson also serves as Director of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Transdisciplinary Center for Research in Psychoactive Substances in the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy.

Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. Hutson said, "I am excited to work with Tryp to assess the unique features of their proprietary drug product, TRP-8803. Psilocybin-based treatments have incredible clinical potential. Our collaboration will explore important safety and dosing considerations with the potential to create a best-in-class psychedelic therapy with significant benefits to patients across a wide range of indications."

Trained as a clinical psychologist and neuroscientist, Dr. Nicholas is Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health where he serves as the Principal Investigator on a number of psilocybin clinical trials and mechanistic studies. With expertise in psychedelic-assisted therapy, he will provide guidance on study design, behavioral and biological outcome measures, and psychological support to ensure participants will successfully complete the pharmacology study. "I'm hopeful that TRP-8803 will not only be an effective treatment modality, but one that also improves access to care and scalability."

"We are fortunate to benefit from Dr. Hutson's and Dr. Nicholas's tremendous expertise in psilocybin-based treatments and their effects on patients," said Jim Gilligan, PhD, President and Chief Scientific Officer of Tryp Therapeutics. "TRP-8803 has the potential to set the standard in safety, control, and patient comfort for psilocybin-based therapies. We look forward to working with Dr. Hutson and Dr. Nicholas on this exciting endeavor."

About Tryp Therapeutics

Tryp Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical company focused on developing psilocybin-based compounds for the treatment of diseases with unmet medical needs through accelerated regulatory pathways. Tryp's Psilocybin-For-Neuropsychiatric Disorders (PFN") program is focused on the development of synthetic psilocybin as a new class of drug for the treatment of chronic pain and other indications. The Company has announced upcoming Phase 2a clinical trials with the University of Michigan and the University of Florida to evaluate its drug products for fibromyalgia and overeating disorders, respectively. Tryp is also developing a proprietary psilocybin-based product, TRP-8803, that uses a novel formulation and method of delivery to improve the patient experience. For more information, please visit www.tryptherapeutics.com.

Investor Inquiries:

Joseph Green

Edison Group

investors@tryptherapeutics.com

Media Inquiries:

Joy Willis

Tryp Therapeutics

media@tryptherapeutics.com

1-833-811-8797

Forward-Looking Information

Certain information in this news release constitutes forward-looking information. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans," "targets," "expects" or "does not expect," "is expected," "an opportunity exists," "is positioned," "estimates," "intends," "assumes," "anticipates" or "does not anticipate" or "believes," or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might," "will" or "will be taken," "occur" or "be achieved." In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances contain forward-looking information. Statements containing forward-looking information are not historical facts but instead represent management's expectations, estimates and projections regarding future events.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based on a number of opinions, assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Tryp as of the date of this news release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to the factors described in greater detail in the "Risk Factors" section of Tryp's final prospectus available at www.sedar.com. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect Tryp; however, these factors should be considered carefully. There can be no assurance that such estimates and assumptions will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and Tryp expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements containing any forward-looking information, or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED OR ACCEPTED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/98790
TICKERS: AVU; AVPMF; 8AM

Source: The Critical Investor (10/7/21)

Avrupa Minerals is getting closer to solving the Sesmarias puzzle in Portugal, and the Critical Investor wants to know all about its exploration strategy.



Although Avrupa Minerals Ltd. (AVU:TSX.V; AVPMF:OTC; 8AM:FSE) and JV partner MATSA are progressing slowly but surely at the Sesmarias target, part of their flagship Alvalade project in Portugal, Avrupa recently announced drill intercepts like 36.45m @ 0.72% copper (Cu) and 39.2m @ 0.44% Cu with lots of byproducts show they are on the right track. Fortunately, a second rig is planned to be deployed soon, so more assays can be expected to be announced in the same time frame.

On an important sidenote: MATSA is in the midst of being taken over by Sandfire Resources for a staggering US$1.87 billion (insiders valued MATSA at US$1-1.2 billion) which requires an equity raise larger than its own market cap, so it remains to be seen if this could have consequences for the JV.

Since the geology of the targeted 8 Lens at Sesmarias appears to be complex and folded, management is drilling several fences in order to carefully map geologic structures, before being able to step out much further, where more significant mineralization is expected. In this article CEO Paul Kuhn will elaborate further on the exploration strategy.

After a news break of almost four months, Avrupa Minerals announced four more drill results on its Sesmarias target, part of the Alvalade project in Portugal. To date, the company has completed 5,862 meters (m) of drilling, consisting of 11 holes on six different fences, and is drilling a 12th hole (SES21-042) now, testing potential massive sulfide mineralization on Section 350S. The assays of 10 holes (SES20-031 to SES21-040) have been reported now, and the results of the 11th hole (SES21-041) are pending.

Here are the highlights of the latest results:

- SES21-039: 39.2 meters @ 0.44% Cu, 0.71 grams per tonne (g/t) gold (Au), 27.1 g/t silver (Ag), 2.07% zinc (Zn), and 0.79% lead (Pb) from 348m, with a second intercept at greater depth of: 14.8m @ 0.45% Cu, 0.29 g/t Au and 28.7 g/t Ag from 419m.

- SES21-040: 36.45 meters @ 0.72% Cu, 0.36 g/t Au, 21 g/t Ag, and 0.82% Pb from 479.4m , including:

- 11.0 meters @ 1.05% Cu, 0.51 g/t Au, 39.2 g/t Ag, and 1.64% Pb.

These are strong intercepts; SES21-039 is even the best to date. Holes SES21-037 and SES21-038 were less impressive, as they returned much shorter intercepts of 3.9m @ 0.28% Cu, 0.48 g/t Au, 24.4g/t Ag, 1.7% Zn and 0.77% Pb from 476.85m 037, and in 038, 6m @ 0.72% Cu, 0.6 g/t Au, 33.1 g/t Ag, 1.57% Zn and 0.98% Pb from 356.85m and a deeper intercept of 2.8m @ 0.75% Cu from 376.35m.

CEO Paul Kuhn told me earlier he doesnt like to report copper equivalents as MATSA is looking for 1% or better copper grades, and he considers it to be window dressing, as polymetallic recoveries are usually much lower (50-70%) than pure copper recoveries (85-90%). But with these substantial by-products that increase the copper grade significantly, it would be a waste to not calculate copper equivalent (CuEq) grades. This means SES21-039 returned one intercept of 39.2m @ 1.49% CuEq at todays metal prices, and another deeper intercept of 14.8m @ 0.85% CuEq, and SES21-040 resulted in 36.45m @ 1.29% CuEq. Although the depth of the 8 Lens at Sesmarias is significant, this can very well result in economic mineralization.

An overview of the drilling at the 8 Lens at Sesmarias can be seen below, with the various fences drawn in colored rectangles, which also outline corresponding sections. SES21-039 has been drilled in section 120S, and SES21-040 in section 350S:

This map makes me wonder what would be in between sections 120S and 350S, and I asked CEO Kuhn if they had plans to do infill drilling here. He answered, We expect to do some infill between 120 S and 350 S, but we need to see what the results are for SES21-042 (above 040) and SES21-043 (below 040). As we are seeing improvement of the metal content towards the south, we may be more inclined to first step out in that direction for our next fence. We are closing in on the Central (discovery) sector, where SES002/003 had copper grades closer to 2%.

The following section shows the very complexly folded mineralization of Lens 8, discovered by MATSA and Avrupa geologists. As the folding is so complex, the geologists thought it was best to advance by small step outs of 50m along the strike:

The unfortunate issue is that the geologists havent hit the large pink target zones of possible/potential mineralization yet, and have to draw these conceptually more to the right with each follow-up hole drilled. Lets hope they hit these 100-200m intercepts of 0.8-1% Cu soon. On a side note, I wondered (as a non-geologist who likes to ask all sorts of questions) if it is possible to use directional drilling at depth, to lower costs and aim quicker for deeper targets, for example using hole SES21-037. CEO Kuhn replied, It is not an issue of directional drilling, but one of depth to target versus extending the mineralization along strike and a short ways down dip. In order to ensure that MATSA continues after the 51% earn-in, we are drilling the higher percentage targets first, the ones that have a better chance of hitting significant massive sulfide mineralization, the ones that have real meaning to MATSA. The pink target areas will still be there for MATSA to drill as they move towards the next earn-in level.

This last part made me wonder if MATSA doesnt want to investigate those pink targets asap before continuing with the JV, as these represent really significant massive sulfide mineralization. Kuhn answered:

Holes like SES21-40 for sure already look more promising:

What I didnt really understand was why the currently drilled hole SES21-042 (see dashed line in section above, in between SES009 and SES21-040) wasnt designed at the right side of SES21-040, as the potential mineralization has been planned there. CEO Kuhn answered, The geology of the folds predicated an earlier answer as to where the top of the fold, and thus the massive sulfide body, might be. The next hole is planned to target the downdip potential and will be collared approximately 40 meters to the right side (northeast) of SES21-040.

As I still didnt quite follow this strategy, as a small top fold intercept seems low risk but also low value as it would just indicate the limit to that side, I asked Paul for more explanation. This is what he answered:

"As can be seen, folded structures like this can only be described properly by strings of closely spaced drill holes, mapping stratigraphy and mineralization in a detailed fashion. Since mineralization could be located at significant depth in this case, deep drilling is also necessary. Keep in mind the nearby historic Lousal Mine which mined 20Mt and is estimated to contain another 30Mt of massive sulfide mineralization, has a similar mineralized envelope consisting predominantly of massive sulfides hosted by the black shales, and this is what Avrupa and MATSA are looking for at Sesmarias."

CEO Kuhn elaborated some more on the folded structure and the resemblance with Lousal:

Through detailed logging of the new core from this phase of drilling, as well as detailed re-logging of all the Sesmarias area historic core, we have established that the Sesmarias massive sulfide system is heavily folded and strongly modified by several phases of post-mineralization faulting. This geometry explains the historic situation of the numerous massive sulfide lenses that make up the Lousal deposit, just seven kilometers north of Sesmarias. We expect a similar targeting story for Monte da Bela Vista, a further two kilometers beyond Lousal, as the complicated geology in all three target areas appears to be similar, if not directly related.

The company is also re-mapping the Monte da Bela Vista target area, completed a mapping and rock chip sampling program, and relogged historical core holes, in order to define further drill targets. Besides this, the company also completed a 380-sample soil program, showing strong anomalies. The combination of results from the VTEM survey, recent mapping and sampling, relogging, and an enhanced understanding of the structure and geology, suggests a new, buried and relatively untouched target zone, immediately adjacent to the southwest of the exposed Volcano Sedimentary (VS) mineral horizon rocks, and directly on trend with massive sulfides at the Lousal Mine.

The red and magenta dots in the maps below indicate high value copper in soil sample results.

I zoomed in some more on the map on the right:

It can be seen that the mineralized trend stretches out over more than 20km, and there are multiple targets to follow upon. Something of interest in these cases is always to find out to what degree sampling, VTEMs, mapping, etc. relates to actual mineralization if there is the luxury of having any. In this case Avrupa has the historical Lousal and Caveira Mines, both of which are assumed to have massive sulfide mineralization remaining in situ.

Caveira Mine

CEO Kuhn had this to say about this subject:

Our ongoing work north of the Lousal Mine indicates that there is a string of drillable target areas highlighted by geology, historic sampling, and the recent VTEM survey. We anticipate the arrival of a second drill rig to get started on these anomalies while the first rig continues to drill in the Sesmarias area."

Also of importance in the map above is the white polygon near Brejo, which represents a small village, which could cause permitting issues as it seems located exactly on the mineralized trend. According to Kuhn, At the moment we are not working close to the village and do not anticipate any issues in the near future. We do work closely with all of the landowners in our immediate target areas, hire and purchase locally, and take real care to clean up our working areas to the approval of the landowner, and to existing regulations. When we get to the Brejo area, the places we anticipate drilling are not particularly close to the village, nor really within sight.

Lousal Mine

As you might know from earlier articles, I keep circling back to this former Lousal Mine, as I consider its historical resource base of an estimated 30 Mt low hanging fruit. And not only that, as the geological makeup of the entire 20km trend seems to be quite similar, a solid analysis of Lousal could provide a wealth of knowledge for exploration strategies. Kuhn shared last time they started working on the Lousal data, being a complicated digital re-construction, and incredibly important to be as precise as possible as to the location of all the old workings. I wondered how far they are with this reconstruction. He answered that the re-construction project is just getting underway and we expect it to be completed before the end of the year.

In the last update Kuhn disclosed to me MATSA was budget-constrained (and available rig-constrained) with regards to deploying a second drill rig. Because the project now has enough targets between Caveira and Lousal to employ a second rig, and because a rig has become available, the company expects to see a second rig in the very near future, perhaps within 7-10 days, depending on mobilization and landowner authorization of particular drill sites. Kuhn expects Sandfire to honor the JV budgets, as Sandfire is keen on doing exploration.

Conclusion

Avrupa Minerals announced pretty decent drill results at Sesmarias, and is busy delineating a potentially significant mineralized envelope. Because of the complex, folded geology at 400m+ depth, this is a slow process. Fortunately, the JV is about to deploy a second drill rig soon, which will likely generate more drill results altogether in the same time period. The latest assays seem to approach the desired targets of mineralization closer and closer, so it only seems a matter of time and more drilling. The company is planning to continue drilling at Sesmarias, and if Avrupa manages to hit the estimated copper intercepts of 1% and 100m long, my expectations for a re-rating of the share price are high, at current metal prices. Lets see how things pan out.

All presented tables are my own material, unless stated otherwise.

All pictures are company material, unless stated otherwise.

All currencies are in U.S. dollars, unless stated otherwise.

I hope you will find this article interesting and useful, and will have further interest in my upcoming articles on mining. To never miss a thing, please subscribe to my free newsletter on my website www.criticalinvestor.eu, in order to get an email notice of my new articles soon after they are published.

The Critical Investor is a newsletter and comprehensive junior mining platform, providing analysis, blog and newsfeed and all sorts of information about junior mining. The editor is an avid and critical junior mining stock investor from The Netherlands, with an MSc background in construction/project management. Number cruncher at project economics, looking for high quality companies, mostly growth/turnaround/catalyst-driven to avoid too much dependence/influence of long-term commodity pricing/market sentiments, and often looking for long-term deep value. Getting burned in the past himself at junior mining investments by following overly positive sources that more often than not avoided to mention (hidden) risks or critical flaws, The Critical Investor learned his lesson well, and goes a few steps further ever since, providing a fresh, more in-depth, and critical vision on things, hence the name.

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Disclaimer: The author is not a registered investment advisor, and currently has a long position in this stock. Avrupa Minerals is a sponsoring company. All facts are to be checked by the reader. For more information go to www.avrupaminerals.com and read the company's profile and official documents on www.sedar.com, also for important risk disclosures. This article is provided for information purposes only, and is not intended to be investment advice of any kind, and all readers are encouraged to do their own due diligence, and talk to their own licensed investment advisors prior to making any investment decisions.

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Buy Photo An airman assigned to Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021. Police say he crashed into another vehicle at a busy intersection, injuring two people. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)

CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  An airman assigned to Kadena Air Base was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving Tuesday after he crashed into another vehicle at a busy intersection, injuring two people, police said Thursday.

Senior Airman Dalon Jerome Alford, 22, was taken into custody just before 8 p.m. in front of the Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom in Kitanakagusuku, a spokesman from the Okinawa Police Station told Stars and Stripes by phone.

Alfords blood-alcohol level was three times Japans legal limit of 0.03 percent when police arrived, the spokesman said. By comparison, all 50 U.S. states have set 0.08 as the limit for driving under the influence or driving while impaired.

I thought I had sobered up, he told police, according to the spokesman.

Alford was heading east on Route 85 with two airmen when he attempted to take a right-hand turn into the mall parking lot, the spokesman said. He struck a car heading in the opposite direction.

The other driver, a woman in her 20s, suffered neck pain, the spokesman said, and her female passenger complained of back pain.

Both parties had a green light at the time of the incident, but the woman had the right of way, the spokesman said.

Alford was not injured in the crash, the spokesman said. Police were unclear whether his two passengers were hurt.

Alford was still being held Thursday at Okinawa Police Station, the spokesman said. Police were questioning him to find out where he was before the crash.

Alfords passengers  both male senior airmen  could also face charges if they knew he was driving while intoxicated, the spokesman added.

It is still under the investigation whether they knew, but if they did, they are responsible, too, he said.

Officials from Kadenas 18th Wing could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Its customary in Japan for some government officials to speak to the media on condition of anonymity.
Buy Photo Yokota Air Base is home to the 374th Airlift Wing, 5th Air Force and U.S. Forces Japan in western Tokyo. (Stars and Stripes)

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan  The headquarters of U.S. Forces Japan in western Tokyo is the first base in Japan to lower its COVID-19 risk level to Alpha, signaling a limited risk of the coronavirus spreading.

The move, announced in a memo signed Wednesday by 374th Airlift Wing commander Col. Andrew Campbell, allows travel throughout Japan and for fully vaccinated individuals to go without masks on the installation while carrying proof.

Masks also arent required at the nearby Tama Hills Recreation Area; however, they must still be worn inside medical and dental facilities, the memo said.

The base has also done away with a policy prohibiting people from signing unvaccinated guests onto the installation.

Students and staff at Yokotas four Department of Defense Education Activity schools must continue to follow anti-COVID-19 measures already in place, including wearing masks, according to a Thursday memo by DODEA-Pacific East superintendent Judith Allen.

While changes may occur to COVID-19 prevention measures on base, we will maintain our current measures in all DODEA schools, she wrote. DODEA schools follow DODEAs COVID-19 Operational Guidelines which come from DODEA Headquarters and are based on the CDCs guidance for schools.

Yokota appeared to be the only base in Japan to lower its health protection condition as of Thursday. Its unclear when other installations will follow suit.

Leadership at each wing continually assesses their local area and COVID-19 response measures to ensure that the policies in place are the most-up-to-date based on the current conditions, 5th Air Force spokeswoman Maj. Andrea Valencia said in an email Thursday. Although some restrictions have eased, all base members are reminded to continue to practice effective COVID-19 mitigation measures.

Japans capital city reported 143 newly infected people on Thursday, according to public broadcaster NHK. There were 165 on Wednesday.

So far this week, U.S. bases in Japan have reported nine new infections dating back to late last month.

Sasebo Naval Base on Kyushu island had one person test positive during a medical screening on Thursday.

U.S. Army Japan, headquartered near Tokyo, announced Wednesday that three new infections had popped up in its community between Sept. 29 and Wednesday.

Yokosuka Naval Base, homeport of the 7th Fleet south of Tokyo, announced Tuesday that three cases had been discovered since Oct. 1.

South Korea update

Restrictions are also easing a bit for service members on the Korean Peninsula. Updated guidelines announced Wednesday by U.S. Forces Korea allow travel to Pyeongtaek, where Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base are located, and the district outside Yongsan Garrison in Seoul.

USFK has divided the country into roughly 230 districts to reflect changing rates of coronavirus infection. Personnel are prohibited from traveling to hotspots 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.

Twenty districts are currently off-limits.

USFK saw 13 new coronavirus infections in individuals who arrived on the peninsula between Sept. 22 and Saturday, according to a command Facebook post on Thursday. Ten of those patients came up positive on a test required before entering quarantine and three tested positive while in isolation.
The American and German flags and the 2nd Cavalry Regiment colors are displayed during a change of responsibility ceremony at Rose Barracks in Vilseck, Germany. The Army is offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for stealing the American and German flags from inside the headquarters building, and raising the Confederate flag outside, earlier this week. (Markus Rauchenberger/U.S. Army)

GRAFENWOEHR, Germany  The Army is offering a cash reward for help finding anyone involved in stealing the American and German flags from the 2nd Cavalry Regiments headquarters and raising a Confederate flag outside the building earlier this week.

A U.S. Army Garrison Bavaria post on Facebook said Thursday that the Army Criminal Investigation Command is offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or group responsible for the incident at Rose Barracks in Vilseck.

The American and German flags were found missing Monday morning and the Confederate battle flag was taken down upon discovery, regiment officials said. The Confederate flag flew from the flagpole reserved for the American flag.

Army officials were not immediately available for comment Thursday on whether there have been any further developments in the case. A regiment spokesman said Monday that they would work with military police to review the bases camera footage.

Last year, former Defense Secretary Mark Esper effectively barred the display of the Confederate standard and other unauthorized flags.

The flags we fly must accord with the military imperatives of good order and discipline, treating all our people with dignity and respect, and rejecting divisive symbols, Esper wrote in a July 2020 memo.

The Confederate flag has also been used as a substitute flag by some neo-Nazis in Germany, where the display of Nazi symbols is broadly illegal.

The Army is asking anyone with information on the incident to call investigators at 09662-283-3398/3397.

Immanuel Johnson
Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team 1/4, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, drive assault amphibious vehicles at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 14, 2020. (Brendan Mullin/U.S. Marine Corps)

WASHINGTON  A new investigation into the drowning of nine U.S. service members last year says that senior commanders responsible for ensuring troops safety failed to keep up with mounting demands imposed on them due to the coronavirus pandemic, the prospect of war with Iran and former president Donald Trumps militarization of the southern border.

Released Wednesday, the report does not excuse those Marine Corps officials whose lack of oversight was faulted previously in the sinking of a 26-ton amphibious assault vehicle during predeployment training off the California coast, but it scrutinizes what a senior military leader determined were other contributing factors. Lt. Gen. Carl Mundy III said that it would be a mistake to discount or overlook the demands on commanders, their staffs and rank-and-file troops ahead of the disaster on July 30, 2020.

The claims on their time and attention surfaced in a number of interviews with several senior officers who described the conditions during this period as second only to their experience in combat, Mundy wrote.

Numerous Marine officers were removed from their jobs after the incident, including Maj. Gen. Robert Castellvi, who at the time was commanding general of 1st Marine Division at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Marine Corps investigators previously found that the deaths were preventable, with complacency, shoddy maintenance and inspections, and inadequate training all leading to the tragedy.

The results of this latest Marine Corps investigation were released along with the findings of a parallel Navy inquiry that uncovered communication problems between the services on the day of the disaster, in which the armored ship-to-shore transport craft took on water and sank off the coast of San Clemente Island while returning to the USS Somerset.

The Navys investigator, Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney, found that the Somersets commanding officer at the time, Navy Capt. Dave Kurtz, did not fully understand communication pathways between the ship and Marine vehicles involved in the operation. But Navy officials said the Somerset responded promptly when the situations severity became clear, and that the communication problems did not cause the disaster.

Kurtz did not respond to a request for comment.

No Navy personnel were removed from their job as a result of the incident, but a senior commander, Vice Adm. Roy Kitchener, said in a conference call with reporters that some have been subject to administrative action. He declined to disclose specifics.

This tragedy should never have occurred, Kitchener said. We will not let the lives be lost in vain. We have learned from this, and we will permanently improve the way we plan and execute amphibious operations.

The Navy and Marine Corps promised to make changes, including mandating the use of safety boats capable of responding quickly to a landing craft in distress. On the morning of the disaster, the Navys safety boats were unavailable due to maintenance issues, prompting the Marine Corps to designate other armored landing craft for that assignment, investigators found. One collided with the sinking vehicle while attempting a rescue, prompting it to roll over and sink rapidly.

Christiana Sweetwood, whose son was among the Marines killed, said in a phone interview Wednesday that she received a thousands of pages in investigative documents from the military on Monday and was still sorting through them. She noted pointedly that the Navy did not fire anyone and that the pandemic appeared to have distracted Marine Corps commanders from taking required safety precautions.

I feel like so much at this point has been thrown at us, she said. Its almost like everyone is pointing fingers at each other.

Sweetwood said, however, that she found some solace in the Navys promise to require safety boats in the future.

Im trying to find my blessings wherever they are, she said. Those safety boats, they are fast.

The disaster occurred during a period in which military travel was restricted, reducing training options. The Marines involved were with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit a task force that operates from naval ships at sea.

One Marine officer interviewed as part of the investigation said that senior commanders knew we are not in a normal place in terms of completing training, and that anybody could call a time out or drive reconsideration of whether we were to do something.

But the Marine Corps, which prides itself on being ready to respond to crises on short notice, provided a unit of amphibious assault vehicles for the deployment that had not completed required training, including for how to escape a sinking vehicle, investigators found.

Mundy wrote in his report that associated reverberations from a coronavirus outbreak aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, an aircraft carrier that became crippled while deployed early in the pandemic, compressed and complicated available training opportunities for the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

Mundy wrote that the Marines had a number of other non-standard missions at the time that strained resources and time, including assignments at the U.S.-Mexico border in support of immigration officials and to provide security for the USNS Mercy, a hospital ship that was deployed off the California coast to assist civilian hospitals overwhelmed with coronavirus patients.

The Marines also were planning for major combat operations due to heightened tensions with Iran in January 2020, Mundy wrote, referring to a period that included the U.S. killing an Iranian general, Qasem Soleimani, with a drone strike and Iran responding with a ballistic missile attack that injured dozens of U.S. troops in Iraq a few days later.

Killed in the drowning incident were Pfc. Bryan Baltierra, 18, of Corona, Calif.; Lance Cpl. Marco Barranco, 21, of Montebello, Calif.; Pfc. Evan Bath, 19, of Oak Creek, Wis.; Navy Hospitalman Christopher Gnem, 22, of Stockton, Calif.; Pfc. Jack Ryan Ostrovsky, 21, of Bend, Ore.; Lance Cpl. Guillermo Perez, 20, of New Braunfels, Tex; Cpl. Wesley Rodd, 23, of Harris, Tex.; Lance Cpl. Chase Sweetwood, 18, of Portland, Ore.; Cpl. Cesar Villanueva, 21, of Riverside, Calif.
Petty Officer 1st Class Cory Weber died Oct. 3, 2021 in Las Vegas from complications related to COVID-19. He was 51. (Facebook/Cory Weber)

Friends and family mourned the death of a 51-year-old Navy petty officer from coronavirus complications this week, as the service continues to work toward vaccinating nearly all sailors by late November.

Petty Officer 1st Class Cory Weber died Sunday at Sunrise Hospital in Las Vegas, the Navy said.

An aviation electricians mate assigned to Naval Aviation Warfighting Development Center in Fallon, Nev., hed been hospitalized since Sept. 20, the service said in a statement Wednesday.

Weber tested positive for COVID-19 on Sept. 17, the Navy said. His death a little over two weeks later shocked fellow service members, who turned to social media to share their grief.

Not the news I was expecting to get this morning, Christopher Barnes wrote Sunday on Facebook. Saw him just before I left Fallon, fist bumped on the way out the door. Talked to him a few days before he got sedated and he was in good spirits.

The Navy would not comment directly on Webers vaccination status but said Wednesday that none of the Navys deaths has so far been among fully vaccinated personnel.

Weber was assigned to a small command that serves as the center of excellence for naval aviation training and tactics development, which includes the famed Top Gun school. Its made up of about 260 officers and enlisted personnel and some 50 contractors, its website states.

Several friends shared recollections of Weber in comments on a Facebook post containing over a dozen photos of him. Some didnt know he was sick. Others thought hed already recovered.

I messaged him just to ask if he was good cause I hadnt heard anything, and got nothing. Guess I still didnt think this, wrote Chandra Jean Barnes. Im still waiting for a response, like it didnt happen.

The deaths of more than 60 service members have been attributed to complications of COVID-19. Weber is the 14th such Navy fatality, but the service did not say whether he was among the 90% of its active-duty force that had been fully vaccinated.

With 94% of its military personnel having received at least one vaccine dose, the Navy is leading the Defense Department in inoculations for the virus, followed by the Air Force at nearly 89% and the Marines at about 82%, according to a Stars and Stripes analysis of Pentagon data as of Sept. 30.

Unless exempted, active-duty sailors and Marines have until Nov. 28 to be fully vaccinated, and reserve members have until just after Christmas. Deadlines for the Air Force are Nov. 2 and Dec. 2, respectively, for members on active duty and in the Guard and reserves.

The Army is trailing the other services, with 67% of soldiers at least partially vaccinated, the analysis showed. But its Dec. 15 deadline for active-duty members to receive both doses is the latest of the branches. Army reservists and Guard members have until June 30 to get both doses.

All DOD civilians must be fully vaccinated by Nov. 22. Over 330 members of the Pentagons civilian workforce, 114 contractors and 27 dependents have died from complications of the disease, recent data show.

Of more than 376,500 total military-related cases, nearly 350,000 patients have recovered and 5,335 remain hospitalized.
The Seawolf-class fast-attack submarine USS Connecticut departs Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton, Wash., for deployment on May 27, 2021. The Connecticut has been conducting maritime operations in the U.S. 3rd and 7th Fleet areas of operations to maintain a safe and open Indo-Pacific region. (Mack Jamieson/Navy)

The USS Connecticut, a nuclear-powered fast-attack submarine, was damaged Saturday when it struck an object while submerged in international waters in the Indo-Pacific region, the U.S. Navy said Thursday.

The Navy reported several injuries among the crew that were not life threatening and the service said damage to the submarine was under assessment. The service did not describe the object that the boat struck.

The submarine remains in a safe and stable condition, the Navy statement said. USS Connecticuts nuclear propulsion plant and spaces were not affected and remain fully operational. The extent of damage to the remainder of the submarine is being assessed.

The Navy said the incident would be investigated.

A Navy official described the injuries suffered by sailors aboard the Connecticut as pretty minor. The official declined Thursday to provide additional information about the incident, citing the forthcoming probe.

A spokesman for the Hawaii-based Pacific Fleet on Thursday would not say where the submarine was operating when the collision occurred. However, an unnamed official told U.S. Naval Institute News that it was in the South China Sea.

The ship was able to continue on its own accord toward a port, and the service did not request any assistance after the incident, according to the Navy. The unnamed official also told the U.S. Naval Institute News that the boat was expected to port soon in Guam.

The Connecticut is one of three of the Navy's Sea Wolf-class nuclear attack subs, which date back to the Cold War era. The boat is based at Naval Base Kitsap-Bremerton, Wash., and the Navy said it deployed in late May to the Indo-Pacific region.

Stars and Stripes reporter Seth Robson contributed to this report.
This screenshot from the USS Kidd's official Facebook page shows a livestreamed game posted by an apparent hacker on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (Facebook)

The USS Kidds official Facebook page has been hijacked by someone who spent more than six hours livestreaming a 1990s-era video game called Age of Empires.

The first gameplay video of the popular real-time strategy franchise appeared on the destroyers page Sunday morning with this taunting caption: Hahahahaha.

Five more videos, each of which are more than an hour long, popped up over the next several hours with the captions play game, hi everyone, hi guys, fffffffffffff and POSC.

The pages description was also altered to read Gaming Video Creator and Level Up. The videos were still up as of Wednesday night in Everett, Wash., where the Kidd is homeported.

News of the incident was first reported by the military news website Task & Purpose on Wednesday.

The official Facebook page for USS Kidd was hacked, Navy spokeswoman Cmdr. Nicole Schwegman told the site. We are currently working with Facebook technical support to resolve the issue.

A spokesperson for the Kidd did not immediately respond to emails from Stars and Stripes requesting more information on Wednesday.

The six videos had garnered more than 19,000 views and about 80 comments as of Wednesday night. One person wrote, Just in time for Cyber Awareness month. Another quipped that the Navys tactics sure have changed a lot in recent years.

The Kidd returned to Naval Station Everett on Sept. 24 after a nearly four-month deployment that saw a trip through the Taiwan Strait and a coronavirus outbreak that infected 330 sailors and sidelined the ship in San Diego for six weeks.
A piano installation in the Selfridges store on Oxford Street in London. (Nancy Nathan/For The Washington Post)

Andrew Lloyd Webber's got nothing on Harry Gordon Selfridge.

Selfridge was the American who shook up the world of retail - and London's social starchiness - in 1909, with the founding of the great Oxford Street luxury store, Selfridges. He is still known as a master of creating drama, just like Lloyd Webber, today's king of the London musical.

Lloyd Webber's magic was fresh in my mind when I toured the showroom floors of Selfridges during a recent three-week visit to London. I had seen his two shows now in West End theaters, "The Phantom of the Opera" and the just-opened "Cinderella," both full of stagecraft and splendor. When I witnessed similarly theatrical touches around every corner at Selfridges, I was reminded of how surprises create drama.

I was there at the suggestion of a London friend, who asked an unexpected question after listening to me describe an itinerary filled with cathedrals and walking tours: Why not tour Selfridges? My friend is a certified Blue Badge tour guide - the official British guide designation - and she introduced me to a fellow guide, John Sheahan, who works as a Selfridges concierge. Walking through the store with him - a favor performed in an unofficial capacity - was a little like visiting a favorite cathedral and seeing glorious carvings you'd never noticed before. Turns out you just need to know how to look.

Harry Gordon Selfridge left Chicago's Marshall Field's, already having made his first fortune, and in 1906 came to London. He rolled the dice in London at a time when stores chose who would be allowed to enter. He was appalled by that rigidity, and, at the time, British society did not appreciate his notion of change.

Newspaper ads with specially commissioned drawings. Grand display windows, with curtains drawn as on a stage. Toilets for female customers. All unheard of.

Harry, nicknamed "Mile a Minute," always wanted to have the next thing. Just four months after the store opened in March 1909, on the then-unfashionable end of Oxford Street, his staff was surprised to learn he had rushed to the English coast to make a deal to display the Bleriot plane that had just made history flying across the English Channel. It was installed in the store's ground floor, and 150,000 people filed through in four days.

In 1925, Harry created another sensation when he got the inventor of an early version of television, a moving silhouette, to bring it in. He also capitalized on other novelties, installing a soda fountain that drew the flappers of the 1920s and staging pogo stick demonstrations on the store's roof. According to John, it's Harry's spirit of playful innovation that provides the store's touchstones: change and fun.

So he would be proud of the electricity I felt, though I'm pretty much a non-shopper, on my three visits there in September. I'd been told that many people come simply to walk through and enjoy the show, not looking to buy.

Maybe you enter the store through one of the side doors to the Foodhall, where you're overwhelmed by its lusciousness. If you also happen to need a dozen Old Cotswold Legbar pastel-shelled fresh eggs, bingo!

Or maybe you enter through the main door of the store, designed by the same architect who built Marshall Field's and Filene's in Boston and Wanamaker's in Philadelphia. The door is decorated with bronze sculptures and topped by the iconic bronze and blue enameled Queen of Time standing as if on the prow of a ship, supporting a huge round clock that still reigns over Oxford Street. Like those of most department stores today, the front door opens right onto the perfume counters. That was Harry's idea, to offset the effect of the horses outside in the street.

A view of the jewelry floor in the Selfridges store on Oxford Street in London. (Nancy Nathan/For The Washington Post)

My behind-the-scenes walk through the store almost had me seeing it through Harry's eyes, the way it seems the current staff do, judging from their constant references to him and the chances he took. "Unconventional is part of our DNA and we love to take risks," Managing Director Andrew Keith told me later via email.

Examples abound, such as its newest brand, "Resellfridges." The store is one year into a five-year sustainability drive, and it is selling secondhand clothes, even in the kids' department. (Don't think "Second Hand Rose," because these duds are high-end and gently used.) Neon lights read: "Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option. We're #2." There's also a rental department, with clothes you can lease from four to 20 days. And in the shoe department, secondhand Nikes are partnered with delicate kitten heels by a London designer to make a very fancy combo.

One of Selfridges slogans that promotes its pledge to make shopping more sustainable. (Nancy Nathan/For The Washington Post)

I returned to the store on a Sunday to go top to bottom, back to front, on my own, so I could apply the touring skills I had learned. Harry's watchword, letting customers browse, letting them touch the goods (new to shoppers in his day) without being approached, was in full force that day, at least for me.

Top floor, teeming with families. A giant-size floor keyboard more than 20 feet long, even longer as it curls up and around at the ends like a spool of film, had feet prancing all over it, the cacophony adding a nice Sunday feel to the floor. It's similar to the keyboard Tom Hanks's feet played in "Big," but it's much longer and bordered by giant stuffed polar bears and giraffes. Like the one in the movie, the keyboard at Selfridges is owned by FAO Schwarz. (The store-within-a-store here is actually larger than its New York City home base.)

I had learned that negotiations over concessions for sections of the store - by companies such as FAO Schwarz, Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels, Chanel and so on - can last months, in an effort to assure there's something special for Selfridges in the bargain. The fit has to be in keeping with the way Selfridges sees its identity, the "Selfridges experience."

Third floor, ladies' lingerie. A sign reads "Agent Provocateur" above a faux shop window full of things in red and black that you probably don't want to look at with the kids. Two floors down, things get lively in a different way, with a Harry-style feature unique in the world's stores: a skateboard bowl in a big wooden cage, open to all. And nearby, pegged to the new Bond film showing in the cinema inside the store, is a huge black custom Land Rover Defender.

John had pointed out what he called the elaborate "architecture" around such displays, which are not unlike stage sets. I noted the lighting, the artificial palm trees, the clouds overhead and the 007 music that helped set the scene.

The store has provided a backdrop for plenty of real-life drama, too. Americans in London knew that the store had a steel frame that afforded shelter during Nazi bombings. But the most important benefit to the Allies was provided in 1943, when the basement of that back half of the store - a 1930s addition to the 1909 structure - housed a huge new computer called Sigsaly, which scrambled the phone calls among London, Washington and commanders in the field, including those about the D-Day landings. There's a drawing in the store's archives of the conference room where Winston Churchill came for calls.

Its first floor is home to luxury jewels and handbags, but the real gem for royal watchers sits almost unnoticed over to one side; I saw it only because John pointed it out. It's a small display of the simple Launer handbags, in the Traviata style, favored by the queen. Available in a variety of finishes and colors, the bags cost about $2,600 each.

As I wended my way up and down the escalators, back and forth on five floors, noting the soundtrack changes, the decorations hanging from the ceilings, I spotted restaurants tucked in here and there, including some rotating pop-ups. There's the Hive, which specializes in honey recipes and has its own bees just outside the window, and a brasserie where an enormous Damien Hirst sculpture of a crystal Pegasus flies overhead.

The oldest Selfridges restaurant, which I tried myself because I'd kept hearing it cited as a London landmark, is the Brass Rail deli. I liked its signature "salt beef" on rye. (Corned beef, to you and me.) They'd be crazy to change that!

The best way to prep for a tour of your own? Watch the British production "Mr. Selfridge," which aired for four seasons on PBS's Masterpiece. That will give you a good bit of (albeit fictionalized) history. Two highly respected London companies that offer customized guided tours - whether your interest is specifically in the city's shopping areas or more general - are Guide London and Questa Travel, the company operated by the Blue Badge friend who arranged my Selfridges visit. Additionally, the store itself will arrange tours with advance notice.

After my visits, I came around to thinking that touring London isn't just about Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's. Even without a personal tour guide, you might add an enjoyable hour or two at the current queen of Oxford Street, the experience known as Selfridges.

Above all, pay attention to the architecture.
Buy Photo The Lauter River adds to the charm in picturesque Wissembourg, France. (Heather Benit/Stars and Stripes)

While Wissembourgs history is steeped in German culture and influence, today the town is a charming French escape for Americans looking for an easy day trip from Kaiserslautern.

Wissembourg was founded by monks, who built an abbey there in the seventh century. With its Lauter River canals, pots of red flowers and late medieval buildings, its a delight to take in the scenery.

The town was the site of battles during the Franco-German wars and spent long periods as a German city before becoming French, then German again and, finally, French in 1944.

Wissembourg is in the Alsace wine region and is about 90 minutes by train from Kaiserslauterns main station, with a transfer in Neustadt an der Weinstrasse. The train trip offers scenic views of vineyards and rolling hills.

Buy Photo Pretty landscapes abound on the train ride from Neustadt an der Weinstrasse to Wissembourg, France. (Heather Benit/Stars and Stripes)

Wissembourg is quaint, with a population of about 8,000, and its small enough to walk around in a single day. The city is known for its heavenly bakeries, so exploring the city by foot is a good way to burn some calories before hitting up the sweets.

Start with a slow walk from the train station to the city center. Its easy to navigate the half-mile route. The walk passes a pet-friendly park, a playground and a footbridge that crosses the Lauter River, which gives Kaiserslautern its name.

Buy Photo The footbridge across the Lauter River in Wissembourg, France, is part of a scenic walk from the train station to the city center. (Heather Benit/Stars and Stripes) Buy Photo A view of Wissembourg, France, from the citys ramparts trail on Sept. 24, 2021. (Heather Benit/Stars and Stripes) Buy Photo A fitness course runs along the ramparts trail along a historic city fortification in Wissembourg, France. (Heather Benit/Stars and Stripes) Buy Photo A city park in Wissembourg, France, has a playground and walking paths. (Heather Benit/Stars and Stripes)

Across the bridge is a paved path leading toward the city center. The walkway exits under what remains of the town wall, believed to have been commissioned by monks in the 13th century.

Signs lead to Rue Nationale, one of the city centers two main streets, lined with small shops, restaurants and two of Wissembourgs famous patisseries, Roulangerie and Laurent Criqui.

Roulangerie sells delicious meringues for only 90 cents. Laurent Criqui makes a praline pastry and eclairs that alone justify a trip from the Ramstein area.

Buy Photo Pastries from Laurent Criqui in Wissembourg are reason enough to travel to the French city. (Heather Benit/Stars and Stripes)

West of Rue Nationale is the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, the second-largest church in Alsace after the cathedral of Strasbourg. The Gothic church dates back to the 13th to 15th centuries and features stunning stained glass. It is a calming place to reflect.

Buy Photo The church of Saints Peter and Paul in Wissembourg, France, is the second-largest church in Alsace. (Heather Benit/Stars and Stripes) Buy Photo The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Wissembourg, France, dates from the 13th century. (Heather Benit/Stars and Stripes)

One of the gems of Wissembourg is the ramparts trail, which traces what remains of the citys fortification walls. It has a parcours, or training course, with fitness obstacles and smooth trails for more leisurely walking.

Wissembourg is worth a day trip to France in and of itself. But if you have the time, traveling the 40 extra miles to Strasbourg would be worth it for more more sights and French culture to supplement the pleasure of Wissembourgs bakeries.
As we seek to limit the damage triggered by the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, we must not forget the damage caused by 20 years of war. There is no way to conduct war humanely or to exit war gracefully. Lets not compound the harm by replacing U.S. troops in Afghanistan with over the horizon violence against Afghanistan. (US Central Command Public Affairs)

What have we learned from 20 years of war?

Twenty years ago the United States entered a new and unparalleled age of war. After a group of 19 hijackers, most from Saudi Arabia, overtook four airplanes and killed almost 3,000 people from 78 countries in suicide attacks, the United States launched a war in Afghanistan. Initially the U.S. response focused on al-Qaida, the group then based in Afghanistan that organized this act of terror, but the war soon expanded both in rhetoric and in fact to become a murky endeavor with global reach against the broader concept of terror. The militarized U.S. response was a sharp break from longstanding precedent, under which perpetrators  such as the al-Qaida affiliates who had bombed the World Trade Center eight years earlier, killing six and wounding more than 1,000  were brought to justice in civilian courts.

Within three days of the attack, Congress passed a broad authorization for the president to use force against those who planned, authorized, committed, or aided the attacks, without naming the groups, identifying the objective of the new war, or setting time or geographic limits. In the years since, four presidents have used that authority to conduct combat operations in at least seven countries, in some cases against groups that did not exist on 9/11. Congress likely would have been surprised in 2001 to learn that the resolution it passed would be stretched to justify U.S. military action in Syria, Kenya, Nigeria, Mali, Somalia, Yemen and beyond by the year 2021. These operations have claimed nearly a million lives and counting.

In light of the heartbreaking scenes in Afghanistan, where so many of the women leaders, human rights activists, journalists, members of minority groups, and those who helped U.S. aid workers, diplomats and soldiers are now in grave danger, it is time to examine the legacy of these decades of war. It is clear that nearly 20 years of U.S. military occupation did not bring peace to Afghanistan or make Americans safer. What lessons can we draw from all this bloodshed and destruction?

First, war is never the answer. The worlds most pressing problems -- including terrorism -- do not have military solutions, and large-scale violence cannot lead to sustainable peace. U.S. bombings, drone wars and targeted assassinations have instead made the problem worse, not only by killing thousands of innocent civilians, but also by creating new grievances and setting off cycles of retribution. Weapons sold by the United States all too often have been used to violate human rights or have ended up in the wrong hands. Foreign militaries that the United States has trained and equipped have turned against their own people and civilian leaders. Only through the careful, patient work of diplomacy with all local, regional and international stakeholders  including women and civil society groups  can just and durable solutions be reached and root causes of violence be addressed.

Second, it is much easier to get into wars than to get out of them. Our Constitution gives Congress the responsibility to decide whether and when the United States goes to war, but Congress by and large has ceded this authority to the president by leaving vague and outdated force authorizations on the books, ripe for abuse. It is time for the legislative branch to reclaim its power by repealing the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force as well as the 2002 AUMF, which provided the basis for war against the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq. At the same time, citizens must press their elected representatives to recognize the gravity of these decisions, taking the time to debate the alternatives and consider the consequences before putting more lives at risk. As the sole member of Congress to vote against the 2001 AUMF, Rep. Barbara Lee pleaded with her colleagues to step back for a moment, lets just pause, just for a minute, and think through the implications of our actions today, so that this does not spiral out of control. Her pleas were ignored, and Congress decided in three days to launch a war that lasted 20 years.

Third, the endless wars are harming all of us. The post-9/11 wars have killed over 387,000 civilians, forced 38 million people to flee their homes, and cost American taxpayers over $8 trillion, according to the Brown University Costs of War project. They have resulted in severe violations of human rights and civil liberties, at home and abroad, and fed global corruption. They have led to the demonization of Arabs and Muslims and contributed to rising violence against Black and brown communities. They have poisoned land, air and water and contributed significantly to the climate crisis. And they have caused unrelenting trauma not only to generations of people across North Africa and Southwest Asia, but also to thousands of U.S. service members and their families. Over 30,000 active military personnel and veterans of the post-9/11 wars have committed suicide  more than four times the number who died in fighting.

Compounding this horrific human toll, these endless wars have fueled endless Pentagon spending, diverting precious resources from the far greater challenges to peoples health and safety: the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, poverty and racial injustice.

As we seek to limit the damage triggered by the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan, we must not forget the damage caused by 20 years of war. There is no way to conduct war humanely or to exit war gracefully. Lets not compound the harm by replacing U.S. troops in Afghanistan with over the horizon violence against Afghanistan.

Diana Ohlbaum is senior strategist and legislative director for foreign policy at the Friends Committee on National Legislation, and a former professional staff member of the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations committees
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa  A U.S. civilian working for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service on Okinawa pleaded guilty to attempted rape and theft charges in a Japanese court on Wednesday.

Rushane Joel McKoy, 25, of Chatan Town, was arrested in July after a local woman accused him of trying to force her to have sex in mid-April. The theft charge stems from a separate incident in August 2020, when he was accused of taking a shoulder bag containing 7,000 yen in cash, or about $62.

McKoy, who works for an exchange store at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, apologized during his first appearance in Naha District Court on Wednesday, blaming his crimes on depression and substance abuse. He promised to seek counseling if given a second chance.

I regret everything that I did, he told a three-judge panel. I promise Im not going to hurt anyone else anymore.

McKoy appeared calm as he stood before head Judge Koji Oohashi and watched intently as prosecutors detailed his crimes, sometimes looking down at the floor.

The rape attempt happened in a parking lot at an undisclosed location just before 6 a.m. on April 17, prosecutors said. McKoy grabbed the woman, who is in her 30s, from behind and fondled her breasts. He then pushed her to the ground, exposed his genitals and attempted oral sodomy several times but failed because she resisted.

The attack ended when the woman screamed, according to police. McKoy ran to his car and drove away, prosecutors said, and the woman called police.

McKoy was initially placed on house arrest on July 2 due to the theft charge, prosecutors told the court Wednesday. He was taken into custody on July 15 for allegedly pushing a police officer during a search of his home. He was released July 30 but immediately rearrested for suspicion of attempted forcible sexual intercourse.

McKoys wife was called to testify on his behalf on Wednesday. The unnamed woman told the court her husband was a quiet and gentle person and she couldnt believe the accusations.

Their problems began when the coronavirus pandemic struck last year, she said. McKoy became depressed as he worked two jobs to support his family, which led to his excessive drinking.

I know he regrets it, she told the judges. He knows where the problem is. He knows he needs mental counseling.

She asked the court for leniency and vowed to go to counseling with her husband, to make sure he refrained from alcohol and to monitor his computer and phone usage.

McKoy will be back in court on Oct. 18 for the conclusion of his trial, Oohashi said.

A rape conviction could bring more than five years in prison with hard labor, according to the Japanese penal code. However, it is possible to receive less time for attempted rape, a spokesman from Japans Ministry of Justice said Wednesday.

The theft charge could bring up to 10 years in prison or about $4,500 in fines, the penal code states.

A U.S. civilian working for the Army and Air Force Exchange Service on Okinawa pleaded guilty to attempted rape and theft charges at Naha District Court, Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021. (Pexels)

Crime and courts
Kim Jong Un, leader of North Korea, speaks during the eighth Congress of the Workers Party of Korea on Jan. 9, 2021, in Pyongyang, North Korea. (KCNA/Xinhua via Zuma Press/TNS)

TOKYO  North Korea restored a hotline this week to bring back another avenue for dialogue with Seoul. And South Korea and its allies are trying to decipher what Kim Jong Uns regime wants to say.

There is the return of missile tests  at least four in four weeks  that suggest Kim wants U.S. attention and is keeping to his pledges to expand his arsenal, including tests of what North Korea claimed was a new hypersonic missile.

But then there are hints of outreach: the restoration of the hotline Monday and Kims increasingly powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong, dialing down the Norths rhetoric at the United Nations.

Long time no talk, a South Korean official said on Mondays call with his North Korean counterpart, according to a video released by the South Korean Unification Ministry. Were very pleased to restore communication channels like this. We hope that South-North relations will develop to a new level.

Still, North Koreas current code is hard to crack. It may even signal a larger policy shift, according to regional analyst Robert Carlin.

The hotlines return  a mostly symbolic gesture by both sides  comes as North Korea is showcasing milestones in its weapons program and trying to avoid fresh U.N. sanctions. Kims regime has vowed to expand its military to counter what it calls hostile policies from the United States, its biggest enemy.

At the same time, experts say, North Korea may be looking to improve relations with Seoul in the final stretch of President Moon Jae-ins term, which will end after the March presidential election.

The North may hope that Moon, who has proved to be a willing facilitator of U.S.-North Korea talks, will push the United States toward sanctions relief, said Yoon Young-kwan, a former South Korean foreign minister.

That would give the North a possible face-saving path back to the negotiating table as Washington and allies seek to rein in Pyongyangs nuclear program.

The Biden administration has said it is willing to resume talks with North Korean officials without preconditions but has not signaled an intention to offer the sanction waivers Pyongyang has been demanding.

From the North Korean side, the message seems to be rather clear. They want the United States to take a more kind of positive position on the issue of economic sanctions, Yoon said. In some sense, I think North Koreans are trying to utilize South Koreas position to push the U.S. side in their direction, in favor of North Korea.

The hotline went dormant when North Korea took a dramatically hard line toward the South last year as it sought concessions from Seoul over stalled talks with Washington and became angry about South Korean activists sending leaflets over the border.

The sides agreed in late July to restore calls to reestablish cross-border engagement. But Pyongyang soon stopped answering when Seoul conducted joint military drills with the United States, a move that North Korea views as hostile.

Paik Hak-soon, former president of South Koreas Sejong Institute think tank, said North Korea has become disillusioned with the United States since the 2019 negotiations with the Trump administration fell apart. The North, however, still sees possible openings with the South, he said.

What Kim Jong Un is trying, and also what Moon Jae-in is trying, is to continue such a process of peace for his own benefit, respectively, Paik said. In the process of improving inter-Korean relations, if Biden gets a more positive message from North Korea, he [Biden] can come out and begin negotiations again.

North Korea had a provocative September after an otherwise quiet year of self-imposed pandemic lockdown. Its latest activities began with a show of force, then quickly turned conciliatory toward the South.

It test-fired multiple new weapons to show it is on track with its top priorities in its weapons development program, including the apparent hypersonic missile, a new antiaircraft missile and a new long-range cruise missile. The North slammed the United States over double standards.

South Korea, for its part, also tested its new weapons last month, including a submarine-launched ballistic missile.

Meanwhile, Moon delivered a speech on Sept. 21 at the U.N. General Assembly again calling for an end-of-war declaration, which he views as a way to move forward with denuclearization talks. Sustained fighting in the Korean War ended with an armistice agreement in 1953, but the two Koreas remain technically at war.

Kim Yo Jong, the North Korean leaders sister, responded favorably and called the declaration an interesting and an admirable idea but said that it was not the right time.

Last week, Kim Jong Un said restarting the communications hotline would realize the expectations and desire of the entire Korean nation for recovering cross-border relations.

With just a few months left in Moons five-year term, critics of the South Korean president say he is rushing to coax Kim back to negotiations without making serious efforts toward denuclearization.

Declaring peace at the same time while acknowledging their nukes - how does that mean anything to us? said Lee Jun-seok, the chairman of South Koreas opposition People Power Party. Its like putting your feet on both pedals while driving the car. Pressing two pedals at the same time, it will break your car eventually.

U.S. State Department spokesman Ned Price told journalists Monday that the United States supports the restoration of inter-Korean dialogue and reiterated that it is prepared to meet with North Korean officials without preconditions.

Yoon, South Koreas former foreign minister, called for a rethinking of how the United States has approached North Korean issues for decades.

The level of mutual distrust is so high, and that has been the fundamental reason for no progress or even worsening situation up to now, Yoon said. If we really want to resolve this nuclear issue without changing the nature of the U.S.-North Korean political relations, I think it would be impossible.

Jessica Lee, senior fellow at the Washington-based Quincy Institute think tank, which promotes a more restrained approach to foreign policy, said there is only so much progress that inter-Korean talks can accomplish unless Pyongyang and Washington are willing to open direct negotiations.

Washington clearly believes it is acting reasonably, while Pyongyang sees provocation as the best way to get Washington to be more reasonable, Lee said. Diplomacy is about compromise and getting some, not all, of what you want. Until Washington and Pyongyang accept that reality, inter-Korean diplomacy will never progress beyond aspiration.
Members of Taiwans armed forces wearing protective masks stand atop military vehicles during a military exercise in Hukou, Hsinchu County, Taiwan, on Jan. 19, 2021. (I-Hwa Cheng/Bloomberg photo)

U.S. troops have been deployed to Taiwan for at least the last year to train local military forces to bolster the island's defenses amid increasing tensions with mainland China, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

Some two dozen U.S. special operators and a small contingent of Marines are deployed in Taiwan, according to the newspaper, which cited unnamed U.S. officials. The special operators have worked with Taiwanese ground troops and the Marines have worked with maritime forces on small-boat operations, according to the Journal.

The Pentagon neither confirmed nor denied the report. A spokesman said American support for Taiwan has remained consistent and is grounded in ensuring peace, security and stability in the Indo-Pacific  including in the Taiwan Strait.

I dont have any comments on specific operations, engagements, or training, but I would like to highlight that our support for and defense relationship with Taiwan remains aligned against the current threat posed by the Peoples Republic of China, Pentagon spokesman John Supple said in a statement Thursday after The Wall Street Journal report was published. We urge Beijing to honor its commitment to the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait differences.

The news report comes as China has increased its pressure on Taiwan and also invested heavily in recent years to modernize its military. Taiwanese officials said this week that nearly 150 Chinese military planes, including fighter jets and bombers, passed through Taiwans air defense zone between Friday and Monday.

I would note, the [Peoples Republic of China] has stepped up efforts to intimidate and pressure Taiwan and other allies and partners, including increasing military activities conducted in the vicinity of Taiwan, East China Sea, and South China Sea, which we believe are destabilizing and increase the risk of miscalculation, Supple said.

Taiwan Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng on Wednesday warned reporters in Taipei that relations with China had reached a 40-year low and Beijing could be preparing to invade Taiwan by 2025.

While Taiwan has its own democratic government, Beijing considers it a renegade province that must, and eventually, be unified politically with the mainland, perhaps by force.

The deployment of American forces to Taiwan is on a rotational basis, meaning troops regularly cycle in and out of Taiwan to replace one another, The Wall Street Journal reported. While the U.S. presence is small, it is designed to boost Taiwanese confidence that it could fend off Chinese aggression, according to the newspaper.

The White House declined comment on the report. It announced Wednesday that President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping had agreed to hold a virtual summit to address issues between the two nations before the end of the year.

Biden and Xi said earlier this year that they had agreed to abide by the one China policy forged in the 1970s, in which the United States officially recognizes China instead of Taiwan. That pact lets the U.S. unofficially support Taiwan, including with arms sales to defend itself.

In May, Christopher Maier, assistant secretary of defense for special operations and low-intensity conflict, told senators during his confirmation hearing for that position that the United States should strongly consider deploying American troops to improve Taiwans defenses.

Taiwanese media last year reported some American forces, including Green Berets and Navy SEALs, had participated in training events on Taiwan in recent years, but those deployments were never confirmed by the Pentagon, which has not acknowledged the presence of American troops on the island for 40 years as part of the one China policy.

Some of the operations that American forces are conducting in Taiwan might be classified, but the Pentagon also did not seek to disclose their presence there because of political sensitivities with China, especially amid the growing tensions in the region and between Beijing and the United States, the U.S. officials told The Wall Street Journal.
This Xian H-6 bomber was among the 149 Chinese warplanes that entered Taiwanese airspace over a four-day period ending Monday, Oct. 4, 2021. (Taiwan Ministry of National Defense)

China will likely have the means to invade Taiwan within four years, the islands defense minister told reporters this week after Beijing sent an unprecedented 149 warplanes into the islands airspace.

The incursions happened over a four-day period, between Oct. 1 and Monday, southwest of the island but within its air defense identification zone. An additional 57 Chinese aircraft entered the zone on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered his military to pump up pressure on the southwestern region of Taiwan, according to sources quoted by a Japanese news agency this week.

Taiwan Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng, speaking to reporters Wednesday in Taipei, said Beijing, which claims the democratic island as its own territory, hasnt invaded yet because the human and military costs would be too high.

"By 2025, China will bring the cost and attrition to its lowest. It has the capacity now, but it will not start a war easily, having to take many other things into consideration, he said without elaborating.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen wrote a statement published Tuesday on the Foreign Affairs website saying the island does not seek military confrontation.

It hopes for peaceful, stable, predictable, and mutually beneficial coexistence with its neighbors, she said. But if its democracy and way of life are threatened, Taiwan will do whatever it takes to defend itself.

While Taiwan is functionally a democracy, Beijing considers it a breakaway province that must be reunited with the mainland, possibly by force.

Tsai wrote that Chinese aircraft and vessels have markedly increased their activity near Taiwan since last year.

Beijing has never abandoned its ambitions toward Taiwan, she said. But after years of double-digit investment in the Chinese military, and expansionist behavior across the Taiwan Strait and in surrounding maritime areas, Beijing is replacing its commitment to a peaceful resolution with an increasingly aggressive posture.

State Department spokesman Ned Price, in a statement Monday, emphasized the United States commitment to helping Taiwan maintain sufficient self-defense capability and keeping peace in the region.

In August, the Biden administration approved a deal potentially worth $750 million to sell Taiwan 40 new M109 self-propelled howitzers and nearly 1,700 kits to convert projectiles into more accurate GPS-guided munitions.

The United States is very concerned by the Peoples Republic of Chinas provocative military activity near Taiwan, which is destabilizing, risks miscalculations, and undermines regional peace and stability, Price said. We urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure and coercion against Taiwan.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying issued a reply Monday criticizing Prices remarks as irresponsible. She also lambasted recent actions taken by the U.S., including the arms deal, as provocative moves that only destabilize peace in the region.

"Taiwan independence leads nowhere, Hua said. China will take all necessary measures to resolutely crush all attempts at Taiwan independence. China has firm resolve and will to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg with U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan, before a meeting with allied national security advisers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Oct. 7, 2021. (Jan Van de Vel/NATO)

NATOs relations with Moscow have reached a post-Cold War low as member countries confront a rise in malign activity, the alliances top official said Thursday.

Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg made the comments a day after NATO removed the accreditation of eight undeclared Russian intelligence officers on assignment at the organizations Brussels headquarters.

The size of the Russian mission to NATO was also cut in half, from 20 to 10.

Stoltenberg said the expulsions were based on intelligence and werent linked to any single event.

But we have seen over some time now, an increase in Russian malign activity, Stoltenberg said, adding that relations have sunken to their lowest point in decades because of Russian behavior.

Since Russias invasion of Ukraine and subsequent annexation of Crimea in 2014, talks between the alliance and Russia have been limited, and the NATO-Russia Council, the main forum for dialogue, has been mostly inactive.

NATO proposed to hold another meeting of the NATO-Russia Council over 18 months ago, and that proposal stands. The ball is in Russias court, an alliance official told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Leonid Slutsky, the chairman of the foreign affairs committee in Russias lower house of parliament, dismissed the accusations against the Russian diplomats as baseless and warned that NATOs move will further strain relations, the AP reported.

Countries in the alliance have frequently complained of aggressive Russian tactics.

Russian fighter planes have buzzed allied warships numerous times in the past few years and flown dangerously close to U.S. aircraft in international airspace. NATO members also have accused Moscow of waging cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns targeting Western elections.

Stoltenbergs comments came after a meeting with allied national security advisers, including American adviser Jake Sullivan.

Stoltenberg also met Wednesday with senior Chinese diplomat Yang Jiechi in Zurich. Dealing with a more assertive China has become a higher priority for NATO in recent years.

But as some allies take steps to play a larger role in the Pacific, tensions have emerged.

A new U.S. nuclear submarine deal with Australia, intended to bolster a key Western allys sea power in the Pacific, recently led to the cancellation of a French diesel submarine contract. The deal took France by surprise, resulting in the most significant diplomatic rift between Washington and Paris in decades.

Stoltenberg said Thursday that maintaining such relationships within NATO is critical.

There is broad agreement that we should prevent bilateral disputes between allies [from causing] a rift within the alliance, he said.
U.S. Border Patrol agents train on horseback in Eagle Pass, Texas, Nov. 16, 2018. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  North Korea has ridiculed the United States reputation as a human rights exemplar and referenced viral images of U.S. agents chasing Haitian migrants near the Mexican border late last month.

News reports from near the international bridge connecting Del Rio, Texas and Acuna, Mexico, said Border Patrol agents on horseback appeared to be using lariats near the migrants. Thousands of Haitians crossed into Del Rio in September following the July assassination of President Jovenel Moise and an August earthquake that killed nearly 2,000 people, according to the United Nations.

Photographer Paul Ratje, who took a now-viral image of a Border Patrol agent on horseback chasing migrants holding bags of food, told PolitiFact he saw the agent swing his horse reins in the air while in pursuit. The photographer said he did not witness whippings, but the agents actions looked pretty threatening.

The behavior of the border patrols who insulted the immigrants, whirling their whips, is not a problem confined to individuals, but an inevitable consequence brought by the corrupt American society, North Koreas Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement Tuesday.

The statement also referenced videos of agents verbally disparaging the migrants that it characterized as an undisguised reflection of racial discrimination.

This reveals the absurdity of human rights and democracy claimed by the U.S.; and this systematic racial discrimination is rooted too deep in the U.S to be properly addressed, it said.

North Koreas state-run media frequently reference U.S. news reports to criticize American society and leaders without mentioning human-rights abuses and corruption within their own borders. The North is described as "one of the most repressive countries in the world" by the Human Rights Watch, as evidenced by its forced labor prison camps, torture and regulation of free speech.

The Border Patrol footage sparked outrage on Capitol Hill, mainly from Democratic lawmakers who demanded a probe of the incident. A Department of Homeland Security statement called the footage extremely troubling and said it will take appropriate disciplinary actions following a full investigation.

I promise you those people will pay, President Joe Biden, referring to the Border Patrol agents, told reporters at a briefing last month. There will be consequences.

Border encampments housing thousands of Haitian migrants have been cleared in recent weeks following massive deportations to Haiti and Mexico, according to Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

The U.S. special envoy to Haiti, Daniel Foote, resigned Sept. 22 citing the Biden administrations inhumane, counterproductive measures to address the increase of Haitian migrants in the country, according to a copy of his resignation letter obtained by NBC News.
Jerry Glenn Howell, 88, passed away on Monday, November 15, 2021 at his home in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021 from 5-7pm at Dighton Marler Funeral Home in Stillwater. www.dightonmarler.com.
Changes to the SunCommercial's back end processing means the e-edition is getting a facelift. The biggest change is the e-edition, by default, is now presented in Text view.
Tamati Coffey

Labour List MP

Kia ora! If you are Maori, live in the Waiariki rohe and are currently unvaccinated, this column is directed at you.

Please give me five minutes of your time. It could save your life.

Our vaccination rates as a Maori population in the Bay of Plenty District Health Board region are currently very low. Covid-19 is a disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. It affects your lungs, airways and other organs.

It is still unclear how the virus came to infect humans. The virus has since undergone genetic mutations over time as it adapts to humans. Some of these mutations, such as the Delta variant, can spread more easily than the original virus and cause more severe disease.

The symptoms of Covid-19 are similar to common illnesses such as the cold or flu, and while some people will only experience mild-to-moderate symptoms, older people, Maori and Pasifka, as well as those with underlying medical conditions, are at higher risk of severe illness from the virus.

This can be divided into two major issues. Firstly, a viral attack on the body and the harm that causes. Secondly, the virus could also trigger an immune reaction which can also cause serious harm.

Symptoms tend to arise around two-to-five days after a person is infected, but symptoms can take up to 14 days to show.

A person with Covid-19 can pass it on to others from up to two days before showing symptoms. To complicate things, sometimes people may have Covid-19 but not have any symptoms. What we are seeing from the current cases of people who are getting Covid-19 is that they are unvaccinated.

If you are currently unvaccinated, Covid-19 will likely find you as opposed to your whanau who have been vaccinated.

The thing is, you may then become a spreader and potentially infect those of your friends and whanau who are also unvaccinated. They may not be as resilient as you, as they may have compromised immune systems and may end up needing serious help  possibly even intensive care in hospital. Its risky and could have serious consequences.

The Pfizer vaccine passed strict safety checks before it was approved for use in New Zealand, and millions of people around the world have now safely received it.

Like it does for all approved vaccines, Medsafe will continue to monitor Pfizer to make sure it continues to meet our high safety standards.

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your family from Covid-19. The vaccine saves lives and means youre far less likely to get sick and end up in hospital if you catch the virus. Again, it also means youre less likely to transmit the virus to your loved ones.

Getting vaccinated will also give you choices in the future. It will ensure you can enjoy another great Kiwi summer, and will open up opportunities like big events and travel going forward.

Government are preparing the framework for vaccination certificates, which will enable the vaccinated population to attend outdoor events and stay safe  away from unvaccinated people. There may also be restrictions at cafes and restaurants for those who are unvaccinated. That work is still underway.

November will be the month that these changes will take effect, so if you are unvaccinated, if you havent had your first dose yet, you can book your appointment at: bookmyvaccine.nz or by calling: 0800 28 29 26.

Please get vaccinated. For you. For your whanau. For your whakapapa. For your summer.
Royal New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Te Kaha is joining military partners as it transits the South China Sea en route to a major international defence exercise.

The New Zealand Defence Force last month announced its participation in Exercise Bersama Gold 21, and that it would interact with the United Kingdoms Carrier Strike Group as it conducts engagement activities in the Indo-Pacific region.

While with the CSG in recent days, there have also been exercises and training with ships from Japan, the Netherlands, Canada, and the United States, including the US aircraft carriers USS Carl Vinson and USS Ronald Reagan, says a statement from the NZDF.

"HMNZS Te Kaha and the Navys replenishment tanker HMNZS Aotearoa, with a Seasprite helicopter on board, departed Auckland in September.

"HMNZS Aotearoa recently met up with HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navys flagship vessel in the CSG, as both ships conducted exercises off the coast of Guam."

View from HMNZS Te Kaha as it exercises alongside ships from partner navies in the Philippines Sea.

Now it is HMNZS Te Kahas turn as the frigate enters the South China Sea and transits in company with the CSG and ships of other partner nations.

The NZDF has operated in the South East Asia region for decades as part of bilateral and regional defence engagement, and demonstrates its commitment to regional security through its presence in the region.

NZDF deployments exercise freedom of navigation and overflight, says the NZDF.

"The NZDF undertakes all activities in accordance with international law, and for ships in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

"The South China Sea is one of the worlds major sea lanes and is routinely transited by merchant and naval vessels and aircraft.

"HMNZS Aotearoa is en route to Singapore for Bersama Gold 21, a major exercise marking the 50th anniversary of the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), which is being held off the coast of Singapore and the Malaysian Peninsula.

"The nations of the FPDA are Australia, United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia and New Zealand."

A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orion will join the exercise, and will also interact with the CSG.

After about a week with the CSG, HMNZS Te Kaha will head to Singapore to participate in Bersama Gold 21.

Exercises with international militaries are designed to enhance interoperability and strengthen relationships.

Another view from HMNZS Te Kaha as it exercises alongside ships from partner navies in the Philippines Sea.
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There are 29 new cases of Covid-19 in the community today, 24 in Auckland and five in Waikato.

The Waikato boundary has also been extended in light of the emerging outbreak in the region.

Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins and Director of Public Health Dr Caroline McElnay are providing an update on the current Covid-19 outbreak at 1pm.

The boundary has been extended further south out of an abundance of caution. The extension will cover the Waitomo district, including Te Kuiti, as well as Waipa and Otorohanga districts.

The boundary will follow the coast south to Mokau and then east toward Forest Park and then North to include Te Awamutu, Karapiro and Cambridge and meet the existing boundary.

The number of cases in Waikato now total 22 in the current outbreak.

One previous community case is now under investigation, bringing the total cases in the outbreak to 1448.

Active subclusters have dropped in Auckland, down from 12 yesterday to 10 today. Two are now classified as dormant.

There are 23 people in hospital. Four of these are in ICU.

Following the exposure event at the Emergency Department at Waikato Hospital that was reported yesterday, all 50 Emergency Department staff have returned negative Covid-19 tests, with most cleared to return to work.

Of the staff who visited ED at the same time as the case, 30 have returned negative tests and a further 22 tests are still to be processed, with results expected this afternoon.

Yesterday in Waikato, 6480 Covid-19 swabs were taken throughout the region, and 7976 vaccinations were given. To date, 72.3 percent of the eligible Waikato population have had their first dose and 45.5 per cent are fully vaccinated.

Pop-up testing and vaccinations begin today in the Kawhia area. There is testing from today until Saturday at Maketu Marae and mobile vaccinations at Taharoa and Marokopa on Friday.

In Karapiro, pop-up testing continues today at the Mighty River Domain.

There have been positive Covid-19 detections in wastewater collected from areas where there are known positive cases.

As expected, Covid-19 was detected in samples collected from Raglan on October 4 and 5 and further testing is underway. There was also a positive detection in wastewater samples collected from Palmerston North, where a previously reported case who tested positive for Covid-19 is isolating. Additional testing is underway with results expected tomorrow.

The virus continues to be detected from several sampling sites in Auckland.

Negative results were returned from samples taken in other areas of the Waikato. These were from Hamilton, Huntly, Maramarua, Matangi, Meremere, Ngaruawahia, Putaruru, Taupo, Tauwhare, Te Kauwhata, Te Kowhai and Tokoroa. Samples from Hunterville (in the Rangatikei region) and Feilding (in the Manawatu region) were also negative. Further testing is in progress.

Today the Auckland City Mission has been named as a location of interest after a person who receives services from their city centre site tested positive for Covid-19.

The person visited the centre on the morning of October 4. The risk to the public is thought to be low. The person was outside in a tent for testing and also queued in the open air for a meal pack. Everyone who visits the Mission is required to wear a mask and stay two metres apart.

Yesterday Dr McElnay announced a 50 year-old man died in Middlemore Hospital yesterday, after 40 days in intensive care.

The man had underlying health conditions and was first admitted to Middlemore Hospital from home on 27 August.

This morning Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern visited vaccination clinics in Rotorua and Murupara.
The Mayor of Kawerau says he is just happy nobody was killed after his butchery was gutted by fire after an overnight ram-raid.

However, Malcom Campbell admits this is the end of the butchery business in the centre of the town he has led as Mayor for the past 15 years.

Police were called to a vehicle collision at Campbells Meats on Onslow Street at 12.30am. Fire crews also attended the scene.

"It appears the collision was a deliberate attempt to gain access to a commercial premises," says a police spokesperson.

The Mayor, who celebrated the 46-year anniversary of the business this month, says the shop is badly damaged but that things could have been worse.

There has been a ram-raid overnight and unfortunately, we do not know if the vehicle has exploded or there was an accelerant used, but it has burnt out our shop, says Malcolm.

It could have been worse. There could have been a fatality here because one of the young offenders running off had significant flames coming off of him.

Police confirm two offenders ran from the scene and that one appeared to be injured.

Malcolm says the clean-up is now on. He is not prepared to have the burnt out building becoming something of an eyesore in Kawerau.

We have now just got a big mess to clean up, he says.

I wont leave it in the situation it is now, not in the middle of town. It is not a good look, so we will get into it fairly smartly.

We are just waiting on police and fire people to finish their forensic investigations and we will be into it.

The Mayor says the support from the local community has been marvellous and whilst he expects plenty of helping hands he is keen to muck in himself.

The support around the place has just been absolutely overwhelming to be honest, he states.

We have got plenty of hands, plenty of people coming to help us out and heavy equipment coming in. So I am itching to get into it myself now.

Malcolm states that whilst the building will be restored it is likely the end of the butchers.

The bottom line is we wont be rebuilding a butchers here, he explains.

But we will be rebuilding. The building is in sound condition, although it doesnt look it right now.

The investigators say she is sound and good to go. But it wont be built as a butchers shop anymore.

As for the emotional impact of losing his 46-year business, Campbell is taking a positive and pragmatic approach.

It is just one of those things that has happened, he says.

I am probably ready to retire now anyway. I probably was about 10 or 15 years ago. From that point of view it is not really a concern. I am more concerned about my staff.

If anyone has any information about this incident or the people involved please call 105 and quote the file number 211007/6437.
The development of the Rangiuru Business Park, the Bay of Plentys newest Business Park has officially commenced.

The land development site in Rangiuru has been blessed with the support of the Tapuika Iwi Authority and local kaumatua as earthworks commence on the largest greenfield consented industrial zone in the Bay of Plenty.

Tapuika, led by their local kaumatua, Rev Rereamanu Wihapi QSM, welcomed attendees to the blessing, including Minister of Internal Affairs Jan Tinetti, regional and local government representatives and Quayside Holdings Limited partners.

The Rangiuru Business Park is majority owned by Quayside Properties Limited, the investment arm of Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

The local kaumatuas blessings preface the commencement of earthworks on the Park in Te Puke.

Tauranga List MP Tinetti highlights the importance of strategic projects such as the Rangiuru Business Park for the regions infrastructure to enable growth for future generations.

Providing funding for infrastructure projects like the Rangiuru Business Park is about more than roads and buildings, she states.

Its jobs for now and in the future, communities with options opening up for them, diversified and strengthened local economies. Today marks an important step towards that future for the people of Te Puke and all of the region.

Minister of Internal Affairs Jan Tinetti. Photo. Ben Parkinson.

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor Garry Webber says the Rangiuru Business Park is geographically well located to support the continued growth of the entire region. He hopes it will provide a vital industrial park strategically located between eastern and western Bay of Plenty and Rotorua.

The Rangiuru Business Park is a clear example of a key strategic project supported by multiple partners that creates a shared vision for our communities, says Webber.

Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Councils chairman, Doug Leeder, also recognises the value of this development, stating it is critical to growing a thriving and prosperous region, with the Business Park delivering a range of benefits, including up to 4000 high quality jobs.

Mr Witeri Williams, Chairman of the Tapuika Iwi Authority, underlined the importance of the land to the Tapuika Iwi.

Rangiuru is our central maunga (mountain), which can be seen from the site and is central to our identity and our link to our ancestors, he explains.

We look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Quayside when the build commences.

Quayside Holdings CEO, Scott Hamilton welcomes the beginning of works.

We are pleased to share the vision of the Rangiuru Business Park with the wider community; a vision that provides much-needed industrial land in a vitally important area to the region, he says.

As Stage 1 commences, Mr Hamilton notes that the Parks focus was on high quality, modern industrial facilities.

The Tapuika Iwi Authority blessed the new build. Photo. Ben Parkinson.

He thanks all partners who have supported the development of the Rangiuru Business Park to date, including Tapuika Iwi Authority, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Kanoa  Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and SmartGrowth.

It is also supported by local industry including Te Pukes Economic Development Agency and the Port of Tauranga.

Altogether, the four stages of The Rangiuru Business Park will provide 148 hectares of industrial space, providing opportunities for businesses wanting to relocate or expand.

An $18 million grant from the Provincial Growth Fund was announced in 2020 to fund the construction of an interchange connecting the Rangiuru Business Park with the Tauranga Eastern Link road.
A case that was under investigation after returning a weak positive result from a test in Whangarei earlier this week has today returned a positive test result in Auckland.

The Ministrys current assessment is that the earlier weak result combined with the positive result today indicate that the original test was taken in the early stage of the individuals infection.

Director of Public Health Dr Caroline McElnay says this would help limit any potential spread of infection from the case.

Public health interviews with the case are now underway to confirm their movements, says Dr McElnay.

Locations of interest in Auckland and Northland will be posted on the Ministry of Health website as they become available and updated as more information becomes available.

The first locations of interest are expected to be posted Friday.

Northland DHB is stepping up its screening at Northland hospitals for visitors and patients and arranging additional testing.

Anyone with symptoms should get tested and people in Auckland and Northland should check tomorrow for new locations of interest.

The DHB is also encouraging vaccination at general practice, pharmacy, Maori health providers and DHB clinics.
Two arrested in Torremolinos after a businessman is kidnapped in Barcelona After being taken at gunpoint the gang demanded a 20,000-euro ransom from the victim's family to release him

National Police officers on the Costa del Sol have arrested two people in Torremolinos for their alleged involvement in a plot after a businessman was kidnapped at gunpoint in Barcelona and held for a ransom.

In total, half a dozen arrests have been made following a joint operation between the Mossos d'Esquadra regional force in the north of Spain and investigators on the Costa del Sol. Two properties in Barcelona were also raided, one in Hospitalet and one in Estepona.

The businessman was kidnapped when he was about to enter his house on 5 April. The gang robbed his property and took valuables before holding him against his will at another property in Barcelona and demanding a 20,000 euro ransom from his family to release him.

Second demand

When the amount was paid, and the victim was freed, a second threat was made that if he did not make a second payment of 40,000 euros, the safety of his family and his businesses could be affected.

The police investigation began the following day, when the victim reported the events at a Mossos d'Esquadra police station. While an operation was launched to protect the victim and his family, the police worked to identify the criminals.

Officers identified a vehicle used in the crime, which travelled to Algeciras (Cadiz) and, later, to Estepona during the period of the investigations. For this reason, the Mossos d'Esquadra contacted the National Police on the south coast for their help.

Six arrests

The joint police operation culminated in the arrest of six people: four in Catalonia and two in Torremolinos. During raids on four properties - two in Barcelona, one in Hospitalet and one in Estepona  officers found more than 8,500 euros in cash and seized four vehicles (two reported as stolen) in addition to key documentation evidence, mobile phones and a bulletproof vest.

The six arrested people, five men and one woman, aged between 22 and 42 years old, face charges of robbery with violence, kidnapping and belonging to a criminal organisation.
Renfe announces train cancellations as drivers strike on three more dates Some AVE high-speed services, medium-distance and local routes will be hit on 8, 11 and 12 October

The fifth day of a series of strikes by Renfe train drivers this Thursday, 7 October, caused the cancellation of eight AVE high-speed trains that cover the route between Malaga and Madrid and of four Avant medium-distance trains that connect Malaga with Seville. Meanwhile, the Cercancias local services operated at 75 per cent of normal levels, according to the data provided by Renfe.

Further planned strikes by Renfe train drivers will continue to hit some of the national rail operators services on 8, 11 and 12 October which includes Spains National Day public holiday.

The stoppages have been called for by the drivers union Semaf and will affect routes in Malaga province.

Hish-speed trains

Ahead of Fridays action on 8 October Renfe has already announced the cancellation of fourteen trains in Malaga - specifically, ten AVE high-speed trains that cover the Malaga-Madrid route and four other medium-distance services between Malaga and Seville.

The AVE trains that will not operate had scheduled departure times from Malagas Maria Zambrano station at 12 noon, 2pm, 5pm, 6pm and 8pm. The affected trains coming from Spains capital are those at 9.35 am, 12.35 pm, 6.30 pm and 8.30 pm.

Local commuter services

On the high-speed and long-distance routes, a minimum service of 72 per cent has been set, while the local commuter trains, such as between Malaga and Fuengirola, will be operating at 75 per cent of normal service at peak times and at 50 per cent during the rest of the day.

The Junta de Andalucias delegate in Malaga, Patricia Navarro, has this Thursday morning (7 October), criticised the central government, who she blamed for the poor quality of the Cercanias local train service in the province. It is reducing not only the trains, but it is also reducing the workforce of drivers. This will cause more than 32,000 train users in Malaga to have their mobility and transport options hit, she claimed.
Hoteliers on the coast launch a fund to help those most affected by the La Palma volcano The Costa del Sol association, Aehcos, is raising money for those who have lost their homes, businesses or possessions on the island in Spain's Canaries

The campaign slogan is "What is a little for you means a lot to others" / SUR

The Costa del Sol hoteliers association, Aehcos, has launched a fund raising campaign to help those affected by the eruption of the La Palma volcano.

The travel sector on the coast once again shows its compassionate side and, in collaboration with Caritas Diocesana de Tenerife, is raising money for those most hard hit by the disaster as they have watched their homes, businesses and possessions disappear under the mass of molten lava or be destroyed by the ash and gases being spewed from the volcano.

It is estimated that some 8 per cent of the population of this island in the Canaries has been affected by the eruption of the Cumbre Vieja.

Aehcos did not want to be left out of supporting those most affected by the catastrophe and the association has launched its campaign under the slogan "What is little for you means a lot to others".

Account number

The group has provided a bank account number for people to make donations. Transfers can be made to the CaixaBank account number ES80 2100 9626 60 2200229751, and the transaction should indicate the name of the company or individual and CIF, DNI or NIE in the reason for transfer field.

The Costa del Sol hoteliers association has 350 associates, who represent more than 88,000 accommodation places that represent 85 per cent of the hotel beds available in Malaga province. It has been in existence for 41 years and is the oldest hotel trade association in Spain.
La Palma volcano enters a new phase as lava flows to the sea through 'tunnels' Now in its eighteenth day of eruption, the Canary Islands Government is considering the construction of prefabricated houses in the areas most affected by the volcano

Scientists continue to monitor the air quality in the area of the eruption and where the lava flows into the ocean. / EFE

Scientists studying the behaviour of the La Palma volcano have said that it has entered a phase of stability, although it does not mean that they expect eruptions to subside any time soon.

The volcanic eruption is already in its eighteenth day, during which time it has spewed out more than 80 million cubic metres of red-hot material.

However, specialists have revealed that the damage it has wreaked on land has not spread much wider as the lava is now flowing to the sea through ducts, that were formed in the lower levels of the magma mass as it moved towards the ocean. The Canary Islands are full of these tunnels. An example of a volcanic tube is the one at Cueva del Viento, in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, one of the five longest in the world and a major tourist attraction.

The technical director of the Canary Islands Volcanic Emergency Plan (Pevolca), Miguel Angel Morcuende, said that this latest stability phase is encouraging, since the lava is not colonising new areas.

Earthquakes

There has also been a fall in both number and intensity of earthquakes. Of the last dozen tremors detected, only six were felt by the population. The largest measured.

However, this good news was somewhat tempered with the change in the wind direction and some planes that were scheduled to land at the island's airport on Wednesday had to be diverted to Tenerife due to the proximity of an ash cloud.

Hydrochloric acid

The concentrations of particles in the ash cloud has not been a health hazard yet, according to the Canary Islands director of the National Geographic Institute (IGN), Maria Jose Blanco. But technicians will continue to analyse the readings, along with those for the presence of hydrochloric acid in the plume that now rises over the site where the molten lava enters the sea.

Farmers are taking the brunt of the damage from the eruption. The lava has already devoured 93.4 hectares of crops, mainly in the Aridane Valley and the rest in El Paso. Two portable desalination plants that have arrived on the island and which will supply irrigation water for crops will start operating within nine days, according to the most optimistic forecasts.

Holiday reservations

The Canary Islands Government is considering the construction of prefabricated houses in the most affected municipalities: Los Llanos de Aridane, El Paso and Tazacorte. These houses, which would take 18 or 20 to build, will be in addition to other accomodation measures for displaced families  including the purchase of apartments.

Hoteliers have warned of a drop of over 70 per cent in holiday reservations on the island. Now their great concern is to save the winter season.
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Can inert gas systems be included in decarbonisation drives?

Inert gas systems themselves use energy. The gas needs to be provided for inerting at the same time as the tanks are emptied, and inert gas cannot be stored onboard, with the volumes so large. Sometimes gas or fuel is burned specifically to create the gas. So are they a target for decarbonisation drives?

Being a reader of Tanker Operator magazine, you probably know that the purpose of inert gas is to prevent an explosion in the cargo tanks. An explosion can happen when there is oxygen together with a hydrocarbon. So inert gas must have oxygen below a certain level, about 11 per cent by volume. This can be achieved by using exhaust gas from the engine or boiler, because the oxygen in the air has already combusted with the gas to form carbon dioxide, it cannot react again. Some inert gas system manufacturers we spoke to for this article said that the market is highly competitive, with nearly all systems installed at the newbuilding stage, rather than replaced over the life of the vessel. Shipyards are in a strong negotiating position to push down prices, or drive for commodity products. If shipowners wish to have a gas inerting system with special environmental features, they must pay the shipyard extra for this. Inert gas on tankers can be sourced from the ships main auxiliary boiler, or an independent inert gas generator, burning gas just for this The exhaust from a diesel generator is usually under 5 per cent oxygen. It is first passed through a scrubbing tower where it is cleaned and cooled with seawater. Chemical tankers sometimes use pure nitrogen for inert gas, where there are concerns that standard hydrocarbon flue gases could contaminate the cargo. These systems are more expensive. Inert gas drives different steels In December 2020, DNV said that pitting corrosion on tanks is being caused by "aggressive chemicals contained in the inert gas. This is a bigger problem in double hull tankers, DNV said, because in single hull tankers, the seawater is closer to the cargo tanks. It can cool the tanks down and slow down bacterial growth. On double hull tankers, the cargo is able to get warmer, which is better condition for microorganisms to thrive and cause corrosion. Three Japanese steel manufacturers, JFE Steel Corporation, Nippon Steel Corporation and Kobe Steel, Ltd, submitted a proposal to IMO to accept the use of more corrosion resistant steels in crude oil tanks. Consequently, IMO issued a new Performance Standard for Alternative Means of Corrosion Protection for Cargo Oil Tanks of Crude Oil Tankers in 2010. DNV has since revised its relevant ship construction rules to incorporate corrosion-resistant steels for cargo tanks, and recently added the new classifier CA (for corrosion protection by alternate means) to its existing corrosion protection class notation. This new notation is labelled COAT-PSPC (CA) and was announced in July 2020. Alfa Laval Alfa Laval makes an Alfa Laval Automatic Fuel Efficiency Module (AFEM) which can be integrated into inert gas generators on product tankers, reducing fuel consumption by generating the exact amount of inert gas required, so no unnecessary fuel is used. It can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 40 per ecnt, the company says. The module is not so much a piece of equipment, more an adjustment to the combustion control in the inert gas generator. A two year pilot project was run with Italian tanker operator Navigazione Montanari S.p.A, where it found it could reduce fuel by 30 per cent. The system was tested on 40,000 DWT product carrier Valle di Navarra, built in 2002, carrying gasooil and gasoline cargo, and discharging up to 3 times per week. In one customer example, the customer was consuming 148 tonnes of fuel over 18 months, and anticipated saving 68 tonnes, or 46 per cent, from the AFEM. It works together with Alfa Laval combustion units, which burn gas to make the inert gas. The module includes a control panel, a fuel oil pump, an oxygen analyser, a burner actuator, and a burner oil supply line modification kit. Alfa Laval says it is not aware of any corrosion problems being caused by flue gas from its inert gas generators, because they have systems to treat any harmful contamination. Wartsila / Saacke In February 2021, ship equipment / power systems company Wartsila signed a strategic partnership with marine firing plans manufacturer Saacke, to combine their offerings for inert gas systems for the LNG carrier and LPG carrier markets. Wartsila has over 50 years experience making inert gas systems, with 2,500 vessels on its reference list, including crude oil tankers, product tankers, chemical carriers and for LPG and LNG gas carries and FPSOs. The companies will work together to provide a package for shipyards and shipowners. They will look in particular at combining Saackes gas combustion units with Wartsilas inert gas systems. The agreement covers SAACKEs Boilers, Exhaust Gas Economizers (which use heat in exhaust gas to make steam), and air-cooled Gas Combustion Units. On the Wartsila side, it covers Wartsilas Inert Gas Systems and combined Inert Gas & Gas Combustion Units. Wartsila will make its Flue Gas system available to SAACKE, making it possible for a single delivery of a combined Boiler and Flue Gas System. Putting this in a package should be a means of improving system performance and reducing cost. Wartsila recently added a system for regulating the inert gas system based on the tank pressure. This means that the system optimises the gas production to only produce the necessary amount of inert gas to maintain the tank pressure. The company claims that its burner / scrubber unit uses less deck space than any other known design. This reduced space requirement is achieved by having the combustion chamber located concentrically inside the scrubber unit, for cleaning the flue gas immediately after it is crated. Scanjet Scanjet of Sweden provides the Scanjet Feen Inert Gas Generating system, which combusts gas specifically to make inert gas. There are blowers to transport the inert gas through the system into the cargo tanks. It also offers a flue gas system (F-IGS), a multi inert gas generator (M-IGG), an inert gas generator for LPG carriers (IGG-L). It also offers nitrogen inert gas systems (usually used on chemical tankers). It has a system which separates nitrogen from air using membranes, and a system which separates nitrogen from air using pressure swing adsorbation. This separates gases on the basis that different gases tend to be attracted to different solid surfaces more or less strongly. All the main components are manufactured in house. Scanjet has been making inert gas generators and systems for 20 years. The inert gas generating system can control the amount of inert gas which is needed, based on monitoring the cargo discharge rate. This minimises the amount of fuel which is used, and avoids excess inert gas being vented to the atmosphere. In case of system failure, the system can be manually operated.




Capital Ship Management to secure ABS decarbonization notations for newbuild tankers

In an industry first, Capital Ship Management (CAPITAL) is to secure ABS notations recognizing investment in decarbonization technologies for its newbuild orders for medium range tankers.

ABS developed the notations with Capitals input during their extensive program of new construction projects. The HVSC-Ready notation is for vessels equipped for High Voltage Shore Connection systems to be installed in the future, and the Wind-Assist Ready notation is for vessels equipped for wind-assist equipment to be installed on board.

The notations, which can be applied to any vessel type, were developed to support industry decarbonization efforts and recognize sustainability investments.

It is great to be able to reward Capitals forward-thinking approach with these notations and we are proud to be able to support them on their decarbonization journey, said Vassilios Kroustallis, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Business Development.

At CAPITAL, innovation and technological progress are key drivers when we look to order new vessels. We would like to thank ABS for recognizing our efforts to challenge established design concepts and hope that in doing so others will join the path towards decarbonization sooner. The HVSC Ready and Wind-Assist Ready notations will distinguish these state-of-the-art vessels from their peers and hopefully spur even greater innovation going forwards, said Nikolas Vaporis, Chief Technical Officer, CAPITAL.

The HVSC-Ready notation was introduced with the update to the ABS Guide for High Voltage Shore Connection, published in July. Download a copy of the guide here. The Wind-Assist Ready notation was introduced with the update to the ABS Guide for Wind Assisted Propulsion System Installation, published in August. Download a copy of the guide here.








Liberian Registry becomes world largest tanker flag

The Liberian Registry is now the worlds largest tanker flag.

With the recent addition of 2.7 Million GT of new tankers, the Liberian tanker fleet now stands at 57.4 Million Gross Tons (GT) per Clarksons, making Liberia the worlds leading tanker flag in terms of Gross Tonnage. The Liberian Registry, with a total fleet size of 205 Million GT, has not only grown to be the worlds leading tanker flag, but has also maintained its position as the worlds leading containership flag with 18% of global container vessel market share; and is the fastest-growing major registry in the world with a 6.6% growth rate yearto-date. This has been a year of milestones for the Liberian Registry, which just recently passed the historic 200 Million GT mark. This overall fleet growth has largely been due to an increase in newbuilding orders recently delivered, especially with larger modern dual-fuel vessels, oil tankers, LNG carriers, and Mega Containerships. Aiding in the high volume of vessels flagging into the registry has been a streamlining of registration processes and the increasing ease with which vessels, both existing and newbuildings, can be flagged into the registry; Liberia being white-listed in the Paris MOU and Tokyo MOU; and its dedicated team of maritime professionals supporting the fleet. Alfonso Castillero, Chief Operating Officer of the Liberian International Ship and Corporate Registry (LISCR) says: I am very pleased to see the Liberian Registry move into the leading position to be the preferred flag State for tanker owners and operators around the world. This is no accident. Our commitment to safety, compliance, and bringing cost-savings to the Liberian flagged fleet are huge contributing factors. Benson Peretti, Executive Vice President at LISCR continued: We have been able to appeal to tanker owners specifically, not just due to our cost-advantages, but thanks in large part to our continuously improving safety rankings; our detention prevention program; and our global network of 24/7 localized support. What is also so encouraging about this development is in the type of technologically advanced and fuel efficient vessels we have been registering.




Navigator Holdings - gas fuelled ships seafarer training collaboration with Northern Marine Group

Navigator Holdings Ltd. (Navigator), a leading provider of seaborne transportation and distribution of liquified gases, is delighted to announce a seafarer training collaboration with Northern Marine Group (Northern Marine) which will prepare RO-PAX ferry officers to operate gas-fuelled vessels of the future.

To obtain their certification to operate LNG-fuelled ferry vessels, the Northern Marine officers are experiencing working life onboard Navigator Gass 37,500 cbm ethylene capable gas carrier Navigator Aurora. The Ethylene/LPG Carrier vessel provides an environment where the officers can gain their 30-day sea time working with a low-flashpoint fuel by shadowing officers onboard. As one of the officers currently onboard the Navigator Aurora, Chief Engineer Dawid Jaroszewski is benefiting from the training collaboration by learning from the vessels engineers. He said: I have only been onboard for a few days but already I am learning a lot about the operation of dual fuel powered devices, as well as the bunkering and operations process. I have taken time to familiarize myself with the ship and gas-powered equipment, main engine power system and auxiliary units, as well as procedures from HFO/MDO to Gas and vice versa. I have also had the opportunity to participate in the inspection of type-C tanks on board the gas tank and the pump feeding from the tank to the system. I am grateful to the engineers who are devoting time to explain all the aspects that are of interest to me. Every day I am gaining new experiences. Sean McCormack, Ship Management Director, Northern Marine, said: We are very grateful to Navigator Gas for kindly providing berths to assist our Officers in their IGF Code Training. The utilization of low flashpoint fuels on RoRo and Ro-Pax ferries is still in its infancy, and therefore the opportunity for our Officers to experience time on board the Navigator Aurora demonstrates the benefit of working with innovative clients such as Navigator Gas, who operate at the vanguard of tanker industry engineering. At Northern Marine we endeavour to offer our global seafaring workforce the chance to fulfil their career ambitions and obtain experience across a variety of vessel types should they demonstrate the ability and attitude to do so. Oeyvind Lindeman, Chief Commercial Officer, at Navigator Gas commented: Helping our long-time partner Northern Marine to strengthen their competencies in low-emission gas fuelled vessel operations aligns perfectly with Navigators goal to reduce carbon footprint in the maritime industry. Northern Marine was instrumental in assisting us with the worlds first engine conversion enabling the vessel to reduce emission substantially by switching from oil to ethane as fuel. Collaboration across our stakeholders creates a platform for innovation and development in the GHG arena and we are looking forward to collaborating with Northern Marine additional projects.




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Malwarebytes 4 is the next-gen security program that protects you from the most advanced (zero-day) threats, making antivirus obsolete. Malwarebytes 4 combines all of our malware-fighting technologyanti-malware, anti-ransomware, anti-exploit, and malicious website protection into one program that scans 4x faster than previous versions of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware Premium.

Protects you from advanced threats

Detects and removes malware in real-time with advanced anti-malware, anti-spyware, and anti-rootkit technology. Scans for the newest and most dangerous threats automatically, so youre protected without having to even think about it.

Protects your files from being locked and held for ransom

Stops unknown and known ransomware with proprietary next-gen technology that works proactively to shield your files. This is a powerful, complete defense that blocks ransomware, and not a simple decryption tool. So youre protected from tomorrows Ransomware Attack! headlines today.

Prevents your programs from being used against you

Wraps your browser and software programs in four layers of defense, stopping attacks that use vulnerabilities in those programs to infect your computer.

Protects you from fake and infected websites

Detects and prevents contact with fake websites and malicious links. You are proactively protected from downloading malware, hacking attempts, and infected advertising. Worried about wandering into a bad Internet neighborhood? Now you dont have to be.

Scans faster, scans smarter

Lightning-fast Hyper Scan mode targets only the threats that are currently active. Faster analysis. Still gets results. Run a scan in the background while you boot up your favorite game. It's done by the time you're ready to play.

Benefits:

Protects you from advanced (zero-day) threats, including ransomware, so you can surf the web without worry

Removes all traces of malware for complete safety

Removes potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) that make your computer run poorly

Scans fast so you dont have to sit around and wait for your security to finish working

Easy to use, just set it and forget it

Can replace antivirus or run alongside other antivirus programs

A new detection engine that's smarter than ever

The new Malwarebytes Katana Engine is better than ever at stopping threats. It also gives you info about the threats it finds, so you can make smarter security decisions.

A completely redesigned interface that makes security quick and easy

We completely redesigned the user interface to be more inutuitive and easier to use. Spend less time fiddling with your security settings and more time enjoying your PC.

Improved performance and efficiency

The new Malwarebytes was designed with your PC's and performance in mind. Scans now use 50 percent less CPU resources than before.

What's New:

Enhanced Support for Edge Browsers

Teams Banner for Trials

Enhanced Hardening against False Positives

Enhanced detection and remediation

Some Issues now addressed:

Fixed: Update available notification does not display when auto updates is turned off

Fixed: Switching between settings tabs shows incorrect behaviour

Fixed: Malwarebytes web protection slowing down PC (CU: 1.0.1292)

Fixed: Cannot change password for user access if password is too long

Fixed: MWAC is not handling IP address exclusions specified as an IP Integer value

Fixed: Check for updates is not disabled in jump list menu while scan is in progress

Fixed: Delay RTP when Malwarebytes starts seconds does not honor restore defaults

Several UI Issues:
Tor is free software and an open network that helps you defend against a form of network surveillance that threatens personal freedom and privacy, confidential business activities and relationships, and state security known as traffic analysis.



Tor is a network of virtual tunnels that allows people and groups to improve their privacy and security on the Internet. It also enables software developers to create new communication tools with built-in privacy features. Tor provides the foundation for a range of applications that allow organizations and individuals to share information over public networks without compromising their privacy.



Individuals use Tor to keep websites from tracking them and their family members, or to connect to news sites, instant messaging services, or the like when these are blocked by their local Internet providers. Tor's hidden services let users publish web sites and other services without needing to reveal the location of the site. Individuals also use Tor for socially sensitive communication: chat rooms and web forums for rape and abuse survivors, or people with illnesses.



Journalists use Tor to communicate more safely with whistleblowers and dissidents. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) use Tor to allow their workers to connect to their home website while they're in a foreign country, without notifying everybody nearby that they're working with that organization.



Groups such as Indymedia recommend Tor for safeguarding their members' online privacy and security. Activist groups like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) recommend Tor as a mechanism for maintaining civil liberties online. Corporations use Tor as a safe way to conduct competitive analysis, and to protect sensitive procurement patterns from eavesdroppers. They also use it to replace traditional VPNs, which reveal the exact amount and timing of communication. Which locations have employees working late? Which locations have employees consulting job-hunting websites? Which research divisions are communicating with the company's patent lawyers?



A branch of the U.S. Navy uses Tor for open source intelligence gathering, and one of its teams used Tor while deployed in the Middle East recently. Law enforcement uses Tor for visiting or surveilling web sites without leaving government IP addresses in their web logs, and for security during sting operations.

Welcome Screen

Our old screen had way too much information for the users, leading many of them to spend great time confused about what to do. Some users at the paper experiment spent up to 40min confused about what they needed to be doing here. Besides simplifying the screen and the message, to make it easier for the user to know if they need to configure anything or not, we also did a 'brand refresh' bringing our logo to the launcher.

Censorship circumvention configuration

This is one of the most important steps for a user who is trying to connect to Tor while their network is censoring Tor. We also worked really hard to make sure the UI text would make it easy for the user to understand what a bridge is for and how to configure to use one. Another update was a little tip we added at the drop-down menu (as you can see below) for which bridge to use in countries that have very sophisticated censorship methods.

Proxy help information

The proxy settings at our Tor Launcher configuration wizard is an important feature for users who are under a network that demands such configuration. But it can also lead to a lot of confusion if the user has no idea what a proxy is. Since it is a very important feature for users, we decided to keep it in the main configuration screen and introduced a help prompt with an explanation of when someone would need such configuration.

As part of our work with the UX team, we will also be coordinating user testing of this new UI to continue iterating and make sure we are always improving our users' experience. We are also planning a series of improvements not only for the Tor Launcher flow but for the whole browser experience (once you are connected to Tor) including a new user onboarding flow. And last but not least we are streamlining both our mobile and desktop experience: Tor Browser 7.5 adapted the security slider design we did for mobile bringing the improved user experience to the desktop as well.

What's New:

This version updates Firefox to 78.11esr. In addition, Tor Browser 10.0.17 updates NoScript to 11.2.8, HTTPS Everywhere to 2021.4.15, and Tor to 0.4.5.8. This version includes important security updates to Firefox for Desktop.

Note: The Android Tor Browser update will be available next week.

The full changelog since Desktop Tor Browser 10.0.16:
On-the-go photo editing was never so fun, fast, and cool. Touch your way to better-looking pictures with automatic fixes and filters. Get your pictures to pop! And after sharing, youll be the talk of your friends.

Download and enjoy 60+ professional looks and advance corrections like Denoise and Defog for free. Once youre done, share your finished work directly to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, or your other favourite social networks.

Photoshop Express has the power of Photoshop CC which gives you the flexibility and control to access your images anywhere using Adobe Creative Cloud.

Features:

Basics: Crop, straighten, rotate, and flip your photos. Remove red eye and pet eye.

Auto-Fix: A one-touch adjustment for contrast, exposure, and white balance.

Blemish removal: With user, friendly one touch, remove spots, dirt, and dust from your photos.

Corrections: Instantly light up your selfie or photo with slide controls for clarity, contrast, exposure, highlights, shadows, temperature, tint, sharpen, saturation and vibrance.

Filters or Looks: A new smart way to turn any photo into artwork choose from over 60 preset eye-catching fun styles. You can control intensity of your looks for realistic photo effects.

Watermark images: Easily add custom text or graphical watermark on images.

Customization: Create and save your own Looks.

Photo Frames: Add a distinctive personal touch to your photos with over 15 borders and frames. For a harmonious look, match the border color with the colors in the image.

Image Rendering Engine: Improves performance, and enables handling of large files, like panoramic photos and photos clicked in High Definition.

Raw photo support: Import and edit photos in raw format.

Share: Easily share to all your favourite social sites: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more.

Access Premium Features when you sign in with an Adobe ID: One-touch Filters or Looks: Get additional 60 filters for fun, fresh looks! Noise Reduction: Minimize unwanted grain and speckling in night photos and low light photos. Defog: Reduce fog and haze in photos.



Easy touch-ups

Fix photos fastcrop, straighten, rotate, flip, adjust color, and remove red eye.

Adjust hue, brightness, white balance, and more with easy slider controls.

Enhance in fun artistic ways with Looks like Vibrant, Superpunch, and Glow.

Add a finishing touch with borders and frames. (Available for iOS only.)

Quick sharing

Post photos to favorite social sites like Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter.

Upload your photos to Adobe Revel to view, re-live, and share your memories on your iPad, iPhone, Mac, and Windows 8 tablet.

Email your photos to family and friends.

Simple capture

Snap pictures from right in the app.

View photos at their sharpest and most vibrant thanks to support for iPad with Retina display.

Photoshop Express supports the following file formats:

Photo: JPG, PNG

Raw files: arw (SONY), cr2 (CANON), crw (CANON), dng, erf (EPSON), raf (FUJI), 3fr & fff (HASSELBLAD), dcr (KODAK), mrw (KONICA), mos (LEAF), rwl (LEICA), nef & nrw (NIKON), orf (OLYMPUS), rw2 (PANASONIC), pef (PENTAX), srw (SAMSUNG)

While we aim to provide support for raw files from the latest camera models of most camera manufacturers, we cannot guarantee universal raw support.

What's New:
Why it matters: Hybrid work models are increasingly becoming the new norm as companies examine work culture moving forward. As firms welcome back employees to offices after the pandemic forced them to work remotely, a large proportion of the workforce prefers if the status quo remains. Conversely, bosses are ready to return.

A study from Future Forum finds that executives are nearly three times more likely than regular employees to want to return to the office on a full-time basis. The survey is derived from 10,000 knowledge workers in the U.S., Australia, France, Germany, Japan, and the U.K.

A whopping 76 percent of employees do not want to return to the office for full-time work. Sixty-eight percent of execs wish the opposite, saying they would rather work from offices rather than home most or all of the time. Fifty-nine percent of bosses say they will require employees to come back to the office for most or all of the workweek.

Moreover, 66 percent of executives are structuring their companies post-pandemic workforce policies with little to no employee input. The great executive-employee disconnect report examines how the preference for bosses to return to the office is threatening both employee satisfaction and retention. The poll reveals that job satisfaction among execs is 62 percent higher than non-executive workers.

Two-thirds of executives (66 percent) believe theyre very transparent in terms of their post-pandemic policies, but only 42 percent of the workforce agrees. This divide could ultimately result in talent leaving for opportunities elsewhere. Fifty-seven percent of knowledge workers revealed they were open to looking for a new job in the next year. Future Forum gathered the survey data from July 28 to August 10, 2021.

The view of the office looks different from the top, said Brian Elliott, Executive Leader of the Future Forum. While executives are banging down the door to get back to their corner offices, non-executive employees are demanding flexibility in where and when they work. Companies must do more to bridge this gap in order to attract and retain top talent.

Among those currently working remotely, 44 percent of executives want to work from the office dailya stark contrast to the 83 percent of employees who would like to continue their roles from home. Additionally, 75 percent of executives currently working remotely want to return to the office at least three to five days a week, while just 34 percent of employees share that same desire.

Another interesting finding from the report is that 76 percent of workers want flexibility in where they work, and 93 percent want flexibility in when they work. These figures would undoubtedly be affected by hybrid work models currently used by businesses.

Google, for example, will migrate to a model where its workforce spends around three days in the office and two remotely. Only 20 percent of employees for the search giant will work from home permanently. With the purchase of a new $2.1 billion office building, it did stress, however, that workers need to collaborate for them to be really happy and productive. Apple also said it expects most of its workforce to come in for three days for work.

There could be some negatives attached to working from home, though. A study focused on Microsoft employees claims that remote working may jeopardize productivity and innovation. Lending credence to that view is a survey detailing how 40 percent of remote workers spend four or more hours away from their PCs. At least 21.3 percent focus on work for between 1 to 3 hours and 60 percent have taken a nap on company time.

Still, Microsoft's thinking aligns with its rival: most of its workforce can work from home for less than 50 percent of the week, and it now even considers work schedule flexibility "standard" for most roles.
Privacy: Facial recognition is a hot-button topic throughout the world. Despite widespread opposition from civil rights groups and global governments, companies like Amazon and Clearview continue to develop the tech and attempt to sell it off to law enforcement agencies and other interested parties. However, those companies may have a bit of trouble pawning their goods in the EU, if European Parliament's latest calls are heeded by lawmakers.

European Parliament (EP) MEPs have officially called for a "permanent ban" on the use of automated facial recognition technologies in "public spaces." European citizens, they say, should only be monitored when they're a suspect of a crime. "Predictive policing," as well as "social scoring systems" like those found in China, are also on the chopping block.

MEPs feel these technologies can lead to discrimination and the disproportionate misidentification of minorities, women, seniors, and members of the LGBT community. All algorithms, the EP claims, should be "transparent, traceable, and sufficiently documented," and should use open-source software whenever possible to further those goals.

Furthermore, the MEPs want private facial recognition databases, such as those operated by Clearview AI, to be banned.

This resolution was adopted by 377 MEPs, with 248 voting against it and 62 abstaining entirely.

To be clear, this resolution is not binding. Not yet. It's more of a statement of intent and desire -- the next step is for members of the European Commission to discuss the matter and potentially propose a bill that targets the MEPs' concerns.

It's good to see even major global organizations like the EP seek a solution to the problem of rampant AI-powered facial recognition technologies, which have as of yet been developed largely unchecked. When considering how, or if this tech should be rolled out to the world, privacy and respect for citizens' basic rights should be core focus points, and it sounds like Parliament agrees there.

Masthead credit: Lianhao Qu
What just happened? Twitch has responded to yesterday's massive leak that exposed the service's source code, high-profile streamers' earnings, and a lot more. The Amazon-owned site has blamed the incident on "a malicious third party," and confirmed it resulted from an error in a server configuration change.

A 4Chan user posted the 125GB torrent link early Tuesday, saying it was to "foster more disruption and competition in the online video streaming space" because "their community is a disgusting toxic cesspool." They also included the #DoBetterTwitch hashtag used by female and minority streamers who have been subject to bot-filled hate raids, which led to a group of streamers calling for a 24-hour boycott of the service.

The leak, said to be "part one," included source code for Twitch and its services, comment history going back to 2019, clients, proprietary SDKs and internal AWS services, internal 'red teaming' tools, a VR chat game, and an unreleased Steam competitor, codenamed Vapor, from Amazon Game Studios.

Twitch has now responded to the incident. "We have learned that some data was exposed to the internet due to an error in a Twitch server configuration change that was subsequently accessed by a malicious third party. Our teams are working with urgency to investigate the incident," reads the company's statement, which you can read in its entirety below.

There were reports that the leak included encrypted passwords, and some recommended users change their logins while also enabling two-factor authentication and resetting their stream keys. The company says it has now reset all stream keys out of an abundance of caution.

Twitch says that there is no indication login credentials have been exposed. Additionally, full credit card numbers were safe as they are not stored by Twitch.

all of my billions have gone straight back to other twitch hot tub streamers. dont worry. i stay grounded  TommyInnit (@tommyinnit) October 6, 2021

Part of the leak revealed the millions of dollars earned by the top streamers on Twitch. Popular Canadian streamer Felix Lengyel, better known as xQcOW, made almost $8.5 million between August 2019 and October 2021and that's just from Twitch; it doesn't include sponsorships.

But some of those who made the high-earners list are wondering why people seem so surprised by how much they make. "The strangest thing about people being shocked to learn how much certain Twitch streamers have earned is that the information has always been publicly available," wrote Alanah Pearce.

Twitch's full statement:

We have learned that some data was exposed to the internet due to an error in a Twitch server configuration change that was subsequently accessed by a malicious third party. Our teams are working with urgency to investigate the incident. As the investigation is ongoing, we are still in the process of understanding the impact in detail. We understand that this situation raises concerns, and we want to address some of those here while our investigation continues. At this time, we have no indication that login credentials have been exposed. We are continuing to investigate. Additionally, full credit card numbers are not stored by Twitch, so full credit card numbers were not exposed.
A massive data breach has compromised next Level Apparel's employee email accounts. The American clothing company, an e-commerce operator, also warns its consumers since their banking accounts might also be attacked by the hackers behind the malicious campaign.

"We are informing you about an incident that may have involved some information maintained in some of our employees' email accounts," said Next Level Apparel via its latest blog post.

What makes this new massive U.S. data breach is that the hackers were able to access the names of Next Level Apparel's consumers. On the other hand, their SSNs (Social Security Numbers), as well as their payment card numbers, driver's license numbers, payment card numbers, financial or checking account numbers, and medical information, were also compromised.

Next Level Apparel Now Enhancing Its System

According to WJHG News Channel 7's latest report, the American apparel designer has conducted an investigation to identify further the severity of the new data breach it is suffering from.

Also Read: BitDefender Releases Free Decryption Tool For REvil Ransomware

NLA said that its security experts discovered an unknown individual accessing the company's database. Involved researchers added that the unauthorized internal activity happened numerous times between Feb. 17 and Apr. 28.

However, the company did not clarify if the anonymous hacker was able to view the actual sensitive information of its consumers. Next Level Apparel is just one of the companies and agencies that have fallen victim to massive security breaches.

Recently, it was reported that hackers sold Fujitsu's database in Marketo. On the other hand, Ransomware gang hackers also targeted Ukraine. However, they were eventually arrested by the authorities.

What Next Level Apparel's Consumers Should Do

NLA's official blog post explained that consumers also need to do their part so that they can ensure their banking accounts' safety.

The apparel designer explained that consumers need to review their banking statements to identify any suspicious activity in their financial accounts. NLA added that if an individual sees an unauthorized purchase in their debit or credit card linked to Next Level Apparel, the best thing they can do is contact FTC (Federal Trade Commission).

For more news updates about Next Level Apparel's data breach and other serious security threats in the U.S., always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: Ransomware Disclosure Act Requires Victims to Report Ransom Payment Within 48 Hours-But Why?

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Written by: Griffin Davis

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Amazon has opened its first 4-star store outside of the United States. The new store is located in Bluewater, a mall in the southeast of central London. It is also the first Amazon shop in the United Kingdom that sells non-food and non-perishable items.

Amazon 4-Star Store in London

Like the Amazon stores in New York and other states in the United States, the shop in London will sell products rated 4-star and above, those that are top sellers, and those trending on the Amazon U.K. website.

Since the shop can't have all of the products Amazon that sells on their website, it will only feature highly-rated items, and they will be curated, according to TechCrunch.

The lineup will include items across top categories such as toys, games, consumer electronics, kitchen products, books, and more.

Aside from Amazon's top-rated products, the 4-star store will also feature products from all businesses in the U.K. and the e-commerce's own electronics such as Fire tablets, Kindle e-Readers, and Echo speakers.

Also Read: Amazon AirPods Raffle Scam: Your Account and Financial Data Could be at Risk; Here's How to Avoid It

The 4-star shop will have sections that correspond to specific sections of the e-commerce website, such as "Most Wished For," which will feature products from the Wish Lists.

"Trending in Bluewater" will showcase items local customers have been purchasing, while "Most Gifted" will have the top items ordered by customers as gifts.

Amazon stated that it would switch out products regularly based on customer feedback and to keep up with the trends, according to Evening Standard.

Digital tags will be placed on products in the 4-star store. The tags will feature the item's average star rating, price, and the number of customer reviews.

In addition, customers do not have to be Prime members to be able to purchase items in the store. The store won't have Amazon's Just Walk Out technology, a technology feature available in Amazon's Fresh grocery store in London.

Just Walk Out by Amazon allows customers to grab items that they need from the shelves and walk out without having to pay at the counter.

Customers can purchase the items from Amazon's U.K. website, and then they can just pick up their order from the physical store the following day, according to Forbes.

Department Store Plans

According to The Wall Street Journal, Amazon was interested in using empty mall spaces as fulfillment centers. It is also planning to open department store-style locations of its own.

Amazon's plan for its stores is to be smaller than the average 100,000-square-foot JC Penney or Macy's location, as it wants a footprint that is only about 30,000 square feet, basically closer to the size of Kohl's stores.

The store could sell clothing, electronics, and household items, but the e-commerce did not specify the entire list of times that it will sell.

Amazon has a part in the downfall of private firms, and now the e-commerce company is in a position to replace those stores.

If the e-commerce company plans to turn into action, Ohio and California's first locations could pop up.

In 2019, The Wall Street Journal reported that Amazon bought empty mall spaces in northeastern Ohio. Now, the publication says that it was asking U.S. apparel brands about opening retail stores to show off their items.

Related Article: Amazon Launches First Physical Store Without Cashiers Outside US, Taking it a Step Further as Shoppers Won't Need to Pay With Cash

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Sophie Webster

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Apple Health app has been long integrated into the iPhone devices and other ventures of the Cupertino giant, but it has a significant update for the iOS 15, making it a very important app now. The app is known for helping people monitor their body, and have daily reminders on being healthy and focusing on their wellness.

Not everything "health" about Apple is stuck with the Apple Watch, especially with the release of the Series 7 from the September fall event's California Streaming. Despite Apple Watch is one of the ultimate devices that people can buy now with regards to technology for the iPhone, as well as health monitoring which improved with the device.

Apple Health Features in the iOS 15

Apple themselves said that the Health App would be improved for the iOS 15 as it integrates the features that it would bring with the new operating system.

There are several features for this, and it includes both the integration of the Apple Watch and iPhone, but it can also be applied for the Health app alone, without the wearable.

"iOS 15 gives users the ability to securely share their data with important people in their life, like a family member or physician, and receive insights into the health trends of their loved ones. Additionally, new tools in iOS 15 can be used to identify, measure, and understand changes in a person's health data."

-Apple, June 7 Reveal for the Health App on iOS 15

Read Also: Apple Watch Tags All Types of Irregular Heartbeat and Not Just for Atrial Filbrillation

Apple Health's Data Sharing

However, Apple has focused its venture on the health to be sharing among the family and friends of the user, something that aims to bring integration between devices and data sharing.

This can help in giving people a chance to have somehow "insurance" whenever something bad happens to them, as data is shared. Moreover, Apple said that it would make it secure and breach-free and would not share data to other apps or developers which do not have permission from a user if they are not a trusted app.

Apple Health's Integration to the iPhone, Apple Watch

Health has been one of the most overlooked factors in human life, especially if they are still able and moving, there are no problems. But that is hardly the case, because prevention is always better than cure so that means that people should not wait for the worst-case scenario to visit their doctor.

That being said, Apple Health's monitoring feature would be like a precursor or something that reminds people about the status of their health when they input it in the app. However, if they want a more hands-off approach, iOS users may opt for an Apple Watch so that it would do the monitoring and input for them.

The Health app is a utility, something that can be of help to a person.

According to TIME, the Health App is one of the powerful "sleeper" apps of iOS 15, and it is called a sleeper for a good reason.

Apple Health's Data for Doctor, Hospital Use?

Some people forget stuff which they feel whenever sharing it with friends or even health professionals. This is normal, and Apple Health can help in bringing this to doctors and hospitals. It might not be that accurate, but it would provide a context or focus on looking at, and not waste a trip to the doctor.

Related Article: Apple's Health Team is Having Internal Issues, Hindering Projects from Being Released, Report Says

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Isaiah Richard

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
A malaria vaccine made by GlaxoSmithKline has been endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for widespread use.

The malaria vaccine, known as the RTS, S/AS01 (RTS,S) malaria vaccine, is being recommended for children starting at the age of five months. The vaccine will have a four-dose schedule.

Malaria Vaccine by GlaxoSmithKline Endorsed by WHO

The malaria vaccine developed by GlaxoSmithKline has received the WHO's endorsement for widespread use.

The endorsement is based on the results of a pilot program that has been conducted in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi since 2019, according to a news release posted on the WHO website.

WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has referred to the endorsement of the malaria vaccine as a "historic moment."

"The long-awaited malaria vaccine for children is a breakthrough for science, child health and malaria control," he said, as quoted in the WHO news release.

GlaxoSmithKline's malaria vaccine acts against Plasmodium falciparum, which is considered the deadliest malaria parasite in the whole world. This parasite is prevalent in Africa.

According to a report by Gizmodo, the vaccine "will be recommended for children in sub-Saharan Africa and other high-risk areas as a four-dose schedule starting at age 5 months."

The WHO news release also points out that malaria remains to be the primary cause of illness and death among children in sub-Saharan Africa, with more than 260,000 children dying from the disease every year.

Related Article: GlaxoSmithKline Wants to Bring the World Its First Malaria Vaccine

Key Points of the Malaria Vaccine Pilots

The pilot program conducted in African countries such as Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi have yielded a couple of key findings that led to the endorsement of the GlaxoSmithKline malaria vaccine for kids.

Based on the key findings of the pilot program, the malaria vaccine is feasible to deliver, has a strong safety profile, and is highly cost-effective. The findings also show that the malaria vaccine has a high impact in real-life childhood vaccination settings.

The vaccine likewise has no negative impact on "uptake of bednets, other childhood vaccinations, or health seeking behavior for febrile illness," according to the WHO news release.

It has increased equity as far as access to malaria prevention is concerned. According to the news release, "more than two-thirds of children in the 3 countries who are not sleeping under a bednet are benefitting from the RTS,S vaccine."

What is Malaria?

The WHO has defined malaria as "a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes."

The disease is caused by Plasmodium parasites. There are five species of this parasite that causes malaria in humans.

Symptoms of malaria usually appear 10 to 15 days after the mosquito bite. The first symptoms of malaria include fever, headache, and chills. If left untreated within 24 hours, a person may suffer from a more severe illness that often leads to death.

Also Read: Malaria Started Out As Bird Parasite Before Spreading To Other Mammals

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Written by Isabella James

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
William Shatner, the "Star Trek" icon who will be going to space for real thanks to Blue Origin, has partnered with StoryFile so that you can have a conversation with the actor powered by artificial intelligence (AI).

Shatner prerecorded video responses used in the two-way conversation platform. When you ask the video of William Shatner a question, the system chooses the right answer among the responses he prerecorded.

William Shatner recently made headlines after it was announced that he would be one of four passengers of Blue Origin's second crewed flight.

William Shatner AI Lets You Ask Actor Questions

William Shatner, who is known for his role as Captain James T. Kirk in "Star Trek," has worked with StoryFile to bring people a different kind of experience. The interactive two-way conversation is powered by AI.

How exactly does it work? The first thing you have to do is head to the StoryFile website and look for William Shatner's video. Press the microphone icon and ask William Shatner a question.

According to a report by Space, the system then "swiftly selects an appropriate answer from the prerecorded options, providing the response in real time." Shatner recorded his responses in a span of four days. His responses cover a variety of topics that people might ask questions about.

StoryFile co-founder and CEO Heather Smith said in a statement quoted by Space that what people get to experience is "not an avatar, not a deep fake, but with the real William Shatner answering their questions about his life and work."

How It Became Possible

So how did StoryFile make it possible for you to have a real-time conversation with William Shatner? It is also thanks to software called Conversa.

According to the Space report, Conversa makes use of natural language processing, "which interprets text and spoken words in the same way people do."

The software is able to evaluate the question being asked and, based on its evaluation, select the appropriate response from the available options. Responses that the actor prerecorded include the ones that cover his personal life.

Related Article: Val Kilmer, After Losing Ability to Talk, Has AI Algorithm Mimic His Voice

William Shatner to Go to Space For Real

William Shatner recently made headlines after it was revealed that the actor who played Captain Kirk on "Star Trek" will actually get a chance to head to space for real.

Shatner is one of the four passengers of Blue Origin's next crewed flight to space, which will launch on October 12. This will make the actor the oldest person to ever fly to space at 90 years of age.

Blue Origin's second crewed mission, which is known as NS-18, will launch at 8:30 a.m. from Texas. Joining Shatner on the flight are Blue Origin's Vice President of Mission and Flight Operations Audrey Powers, Planet co-founder Chris Boshuizen, and Life sciences and healthcare vice-chair of Dassault Systemes Glen de Vries.

Also Read: Jeff Bezos, Blue Origin Successful Spaceflight: Skittles, Earhart Goggles Onboard, Two More Passenger Flights Announced

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Written by Isabella James

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) transferred two Boeing Starliner mission astronauts to SpaceX's Crew-5 amid another major delay on the International Space Station (ISS) flight of the former.

The US space agency, NASA, reshuffled the crew of the Boeing Starliner capsule mission to the ISS after another flight hiccup, as per the United Press International.

NASA said in its statement that the agency decided to transfer two astronauts from the delayed Boeing mission to the Crew Dragon spaceflight to "allow Boeing time to complete the development of Starliner."

The space agency also noted that the reshuffle will help in "continuing plans for astronauts to gain spaceflight experience for the future of the agency's missions."

NASA Transfers Boeing Starliner Mission Astronauts

NASA reassigned two former supposed crew members of the delayed Boeing Starliner mission, namely Nicole Mann and Josh Cassada to the SpaceX Crew-5 flight to the ISS.

To be precise, Cassada will be the pilot of the flight, whereas Mann will serve as the commander. It is to note that the Crew-5 will be the first spaceflight of the two astronauts, according to Space.com.

The said SpaceX mission is scheduled to take off by the fall of 2022 to the space station.

Mann, who used to be part of the NASA Boeing Crew Flight Test, as well as the Boeing Starliner-1 mission, said that "it has been the opportunity of a lifetime to train on a brand-new spacecraft, the Boeing Starliner."

The NASA astronaut also shared her excitement to work on the SpaceX Crew Dragon as it flies to the ISS.

On the other hand, Cassada, who has been with Mann on the Boeing missions, said that both of them are thrilled to work on their new spacecraft assignment.

Boeing Starliner Mission Delay

The Starliner mission first got in a hiccup during its test flight in December 2019, wherein the spacecraft failed to fly to the space station due to multiple software errors.

Meanwhile, last August, the Boeing capsule postponed another attempt to launch, this time due to the issues on its propulsion system and valves.

On Sept. 22, NASA admitted that the valve issue with the Boeing Starliner still exists, making the spacecraft still inoperable to make a flight to the space station. The space agency then went on to cancel the scheduled launch target data of the Starliner as astronomers disclosed that 13 valves were stuck in the service module of the capsule.

Now, NASA concluded that it would be best to reshuffle its crew members, and transfer it to another space station mission--the SpaceX Crew-5.

Read Also: NASA TV to Live Stream the Port Relocation of its Crew Dragon to Prepare for the Docking of Boeing's CST-100

SpaceX Crew-3 Launch

Meanwhile, the 5th crewed flight of the Elon Musk-led space exploration firm is set to launch to the ISS on Oct. 30. The said SpaceX flight will be carrying three NASA astronauts, alongside a fourth from the European Space Agency.

Related Article: Boeing Starliner Still Has Launch Problems with Propulsion; Now Behind SpaceX Under NASA's Flight to ISS

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Google is doing its part to restore several lost pieces of art that got destroyed during WW2.

In order to restore the art, the search engine giant is using artificial intelligence, according to Mashable.

It is said that these pieces were part of the loot collected by the German army, which was stored at a castle in Austria. During the last few months of the war, this castle played host to a still-unconfirmed number of artworks by the Austrian artist Gustav Klimt, with the most valuable ones being part of a series called the "Faculty Paintings."

However, the Faculty Paintings have been largely destroyed, and only black and white photographs of them exist. That's where Google's artificial intelligence project comes in.

The Austrian castle where they were stored "mysteriously" caught fire, destroying the art. In fact, many historians believe that the German army might've actually caused the fire themselves, since they were already on the losing end of the war.

Working in partnership with the Belvedere Museum in Vienna, Google used a slew of AI/machine learning technologies to recreate these paintings from The Faculty in full color.

The resulting images were then shared in an online hub for Google Arts & culture, where they can be seen by everyone.

Google's artificial intelligence achieved the feat by being "trained" on tons of data about Klimt's previous works, as well as different pieces of scholarly research. From there, it came up with its best guess as to how the paintings would've looked in full color.

When Belvedere Museum curator Dr. Franz Smola saw the results, he was surprised. He claimed that the Google AI algorithm was able to color the paintings even in areas that barely had any information about it, Ocula reported.

Read also: Val Kilmer, After Losing Ability to Talk, Has AI Algorithm Mimic His Voice

How Can Artificial Intelligence Recreate?

The answer lies in how artificial intelligence itself is designed, and how it really works.

See, among the biggest advantages of AI/machine learning is how exactly it "learns."

Humans learn by doing trial-and-error, because they often think about their past mistakes and how to improve on them or fix them. AI can only learn when it is fed a certain amount of data.

With this capability, artificial intelligence can focus with exceptional ease on the task at hand, enabling it to see patterns when no humans can't. There's a good chance that upon looking at the previous works of Klimt, the machine learning algorithm "noticed" these patterns and came up with its best guess of how the artworks used to be colored, based on Klimt's art style alone.

This is why the benefits of AI in our daily lives can never be understated, even if it does frighten a lot of people. Imagine a machine that makes it look easy to detect patterns buried in mountains of data being used in other applications--say, diagnosing illnesses.

Either way, this is a really great example of how artificial intelligence can be used to restore what has been lost, more so if they're pieces that reflect and preserve human culture.

Related: Artificial Intelligence Chatbot Attempts to Mimic a Man's Deceased Fiance-But Creators Say it's Dangerous

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 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Google's engineering team is set to help Normative, a Sweden-based startup, in building a "starter version" of the carbon emissions tracker.

The environmental tool will help many companies that have concerns regarding their carbon footprints. The emission software will analyze all the activities of an organization, including the materials purchase, accounting systems. and more.

Normative on its Way to Zero Carbon Emissions

According to a report by CNBC on Wednesday, Oct. 6, nearly a dozen engineers from Google will help Normative on its environmental mission.

In an interview with the startup co-founder Kristian Ronn, the reason why they did that is to lessen the carbon emissions from the companies.

Furthermore, the Swedish firm has already raised $11.5 million from investors. It added that the project is geared towards helping many establishments achieve lesser carbon emissions.

When the news outlet asked Ronn about the amount being charged by the company, he refused to say the actual value. Instead, he said that the program serves as a "cheaper" alternative to consultant hiring.

Free 'Starter Version' For Carbon Accounting Engine

According to Ronn, Normative's free "starter version" of the carbon accounting engine would be launched next month during the COP26 climate conference with the UN.

Back in September, the startup wrote on its blog that it was selected for the Google.org fellowship. At that time, the company announced that it was the first time that it was granted to a Swedish firm.

The Normative CEO said that they would be working with around 11 Google engineers who will join their crew, which has over 50 members.

Google.org, head of technology and volunteering Jen Carter spoke to CNBC about the carbon emissions measurement. She said that it would impact small businesses around the world.

Somehow, many CEOs around the world are growing concerned about the environmental problems brought by erratic weather changes. Climate change has driven several organizations to act and control the usage of raw resources.

Around the globe, Ronn said that out of roughly 400 million companies, only a few of them know the application of carbon emissions tracker.

The Normative co-founder stated that many businesses would benefit from the product.

Read Also: Google DeepMind Engineers Develop New Model That Could Predict Precipitation Chance in the Next Few Hours

Tech Giants Are Embracing Zero Carbon Emission

In April, Apple announced its plans to go carbon-free by 2030. During that time, the Cupertino giant addressed the need to use alternative energies, such as solar, wind, and hydro to generate electricity.

Apple explained that it was committed to helping the environment to become more sustainable to all people. Amid criticisms about being not environment-friendly, the company claimed that this time, it wanted to be carbon neutral in the next few years.

Another company that planned to reduce carbon footprint is the video game publisher Ubisoft. In June, the firm officially launched a filing that would tackle an environment-focused drive.

Related Article: Former Google Engineer Creates Interactive Map to Track a City's History Over 750 Million Years

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Tesla is planning to expand its solar roof installation service across the United States. At the moment, the service was only limited to select markets in the country.

This time, the company will target to reach more customers for its solar roof tile business.

Tesla Solar Roof Tile Installation

According to a person familiar with Tesla's plans regarding the solar roof tile, the upcoming service would cater to the needs of those customers who reside anywhere in the country, Electrek reported on Thursday, Oct.7.

Regardless of your distance from the Tesla Energy warehouse, you can place an order. After submitting it, the firm will notify you that it will be sending workers who will install the solar roof tile in your house.

You can visit the support page of the company for more details.

However, there's a condition before Tesla installs the solar roof in a particular location: the electric car manufacturer wants to guarantee that the house is suited for installation.

Furthermore, the previous price increase in the service has pushed other customers to file a lawsuit against Tesla.

So far, the referral program of the company was halted for the solar panels and automobiles, but the solar roof installation's referral reward spiked to $500.

How Tesla Solar Roof Differs From Solar Panels

From a previous report by CNET, the Tesla solar roof tiles have big differences compared to the standard solar panels that we know. The source wrote that when it comes to pricing, the latter is the cheaper one.

The news outlet further reported that based on research, the usual price range for the said product sits between $15,000 to $25,000. This covers the buying up to the installation process.

On the other hand, some reports suggested that the Tesla solar roof tiles could go as high as $100,000, while its standard pricing could range from $30,000 to $75,000.

Since Tesla's advanced technology is more expensive, it offers more power compared to the usual product. With regards to the installation, the solar panels are easier to set up since they could be placed for any house type.

Meanwhile, the solar roof tile would require the user to replace the entire roof.

What makes Tesla's solar roof more unique is its outstanding solar power. Compared to the old solar panel models, its storage capabilities are beyond the user's expectations.

Related Article: Tesla Solar Roof Increases Price and Affects Customers with Signed Contracts-Legal Action to be Pursued

Tesla Will Soon Become Electricity Provider

Last August, we reported that the Cybertruck creator has been eyeing to become an official electricity provider to customers living in Texas. During the same month, Tesla applied to be a supplier in the state.

Despite its several energy storage systems around the world, the company has not yet explored reaching out to households. Following this plan, Tesla has previously helped the Texan residents during the winter storm and the freezing cold, thanks to the Powerwall.

Read Also: Tesla's Solar Roof Is More Expensive Than Typical Roof, But Here's Why The World Will Still Buy It

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Written by Joseph Henry

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Apple is working on a technology that could let your iPhone control more in your car. It won't just be answering calls and change music stations anymore.

Apple's IronHeart Technology

According to Bloomberg, the tech giant is developing a technology codenamed "IronHeart" that would let you use your iPhone to control the radio in your car, control the seats, the climate system, and control the instrument clusters.

Also, the technology will switch the CarPlay and the car's infotainment software for you if you need to turn up the heat.

The IronHeart technology is still in its early stages, and it would require partnerships with numerous automakers. Apple has not released any statement regarding Bloomberg's report.

A process like this could cement Apple's presence in the vehicle industry. In fact, it may even be more effective than its other technologies like the CarPlay, or CarKey, according to Engadget.

Also Read: Apple and Hyundai-Kia Would Design 'Apple Car' with 'Driverless' Technology! TSMC Chip?

Although it is not a part of the tech giant's electric car project, it could give them the experience and edge in the industry, and it may even help with the in-house vehicle development.

Whether or not automakers embrace Apple's concept is another topic. The tech giant would effectively bypass a vehicle's native interface for a lot of common tasks.

It is easy to see automakers rejecting Apple's offer since they've worked on their own vehicle interfaces and companion apps. It is also set to compete with Apple's services.

If IronHeart does end up getting launched, it may be limited to a couple of vehicle makes and models unless there is an enthusiastic response from the buyers.

Apple Looking for Radar Test Engineer

Apple is serious about getting into the vehicle industry, and the tech giant even posted a new job opening last week aimed to bolster its electric vehicle efforts, according to 9to5Mac.

The work on Apple Car has faced some challenges because the company lost Doug Field, the VP of Project Titan. However, the work continues, and the company is looking for a Radar Test Engineer.

After Ford had poached Apple's VP Dough Field, the company's VP of Technology, Kevin Lynch, stepped in to lead Project Titan in September.

Even with some setbacks, the company remains committed to its electric vehicle work, with the latest news being a Radar Test Engineer job opening.

The company is looking for an engineer who will define, document, and execute the test procedures and fixtures of the vehicle for design verification, experimentation, manufacturing, and functional validation.

The engineer is also expected to experiment on the design and the performance of the vehicle. They also need to process, review, and analyze the test data and compare the models and the requirements.

The engineer will also have to develop and maintain test drivers, and they need to test software to collect data from the vehicle's sensors and equipment.

They need to conduct a post-test analysis of the data so they can draw conclusions and plan the next steps.

Also, the engineer needs to effectively communicate the analyses, conclusions, and recommendations at the test reviews.

They also need to plan and evaluate the vehicle and specify and manage the development of test equipment. They also need to test facilities to characterize the sensor's performance.

Apple also wants an engineer that has experience in robotics control and automation. Earlier last month, Apple's Project Titan had hired two former Mercedes engineers to join the project.

Related Article: Foxconn Signs with Fisker for EV Manufacturing-Taiwanese Chip Maker Not to Make the Apple Car Anymore?

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Written by Sophie Webster

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
(Photo : Pexels/Pixabay) Snapchat app

Snapchat is reportedly rolling out new features and educational resources that can help prevent its younger users from purchasing illicit drugs on the platform.

The company stated on Oct. 7 that the goal of the new tools is to keep its young users safe from the impacts of counterfeit pills like fentanyl.

Snapchat's New Tools

Snapchat's parent company, Snap, said in a blog post that they are determined to remove all illegal drug sales from the platform, and they have been investing in tools that can proactively detect these sales, according to TechCrunch.

The platform will also work with law enforcement to capture dealers and lock them behind bars.

While the platform still has work to do, their response times have definitely improved since 2020.

The company assured that Snapchat had changed and improved its proactive detection capabilities. This is to remove the drug dealers from the platform before they can engage with the users.

Also Read: Snapchat Puts Snap Maps Online For Everyone, People Still Hate Redesign

Snapchat stated that during the first six months of this year, its enforcement rate increased 112%. The proactive detection rate of the platform increased by 260%.

The company also claims that almost two-thirds of drug-related content that are found on the platform is detected proactively by its artificial intelligence system. It has also improved the in-app reporting tools to make it easier for users to report any drug-related content.

Removing Drug Dealers on the Platform

When Snapchat users search for drug-related keywords, they will see a new in-app educational tool called "Heads Up." The tool will show all relevant educational content made to prevent harm.

The tool distributes educational content from different organizations such as Shatterproof and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration or SAMHSA.

An additional resource from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be added in the next few weeks.

The launch of the new tools comes as investigations about the death of several teens and young adults were connected to the use of Snapchat.

According to NBC News, the teens were able to purchase pills on the platform, yet they turned out to be laced with fentanyl.

The report stated that the drug dealers have been using the platform to find buyers and that Snapchat was not doing enough to prevent them from selling.

The company stated that the victims' families' stories had reached them, and they are aware of the fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills purchased on the platform. They are determined to remove all illegal drug sales.

Snapchat and TikTok are facing pressure to crack down on the sale and distribution of illicit drugs, especially since they are geared toward young users.

Parent groups have argued that the social media platform are not doing enough to keep young users safe. The U.S Drug Enforcement Administration had issued a warning about the increase of fake pills that are laced with fentanyl.

The agency released a public safety alert warning the public about the availability of fake pills and how deadly they are, according to Forbes.

The agency also pointed out that they are easy to purchase on social media, and they contain lethal doses of fentanyl.

Snapchat is working on making the platform safer for its young users. Aside from the tools that can catch illicit drug deals on the platform, Snapchat also launched the "Run for Office" tool to help young users engage in local politics.

Related Article: Snapchat Dark Mode: How to Turn It On and Off? Availability and Other Details

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Written by Sophie Webster

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
YouTube Rewind, the annual recap series of all the popular content platforms, is finally canceled. Although many consumers hate this year-end round-up, this would change your YT experience.

"Thank you to all the creators involved in Rewind," said the giant video platform via its official Twitter account.

When we started Rewind in 2011, we wanted to take a moment to celebrate some of the amazing things the YouTube community created. Over the years, weve seen that a single Rewind created by YouTube cant possibly reflect the full breadth of our creator community.  YouTube (@YouTube) October 7, 2021

As of the moment, the latest tweet of YouTube was able to generate more than 1,600 likes. In the comment section, many fans of the platform still said that the company should have posted one last Rewind.



One of the commentators explained that there should new final YouTube Rewind, especially on the upcoming 10th anniversary of the tech company. On the other hand, one of the YT fans said he really likes YouTube Rewind, asking the company why it removed the content.

Would have been nice to have one final big rewind to end them. Especially on the 10th anniversary  Jacksepticeye (@Jacksepticeye) October 7, 2021

He added that although many individuals hated it, the video platform should work on improving its quality.

YouTube Rewind To Have a Replacement?

According to The Verge's latest report, YouTube would release a new replacement for its canceled Rewind. The giant video platform also confirmed this information on its latest tweet, saying that it would focus its efforts on developing an updated one that could offer a better experience.

Also Read: YouTube Receives Ban Threat From Russia Over Channels Deleted Due to COVID Misinformation

On the other hand, YouTube also said that it would need the help of its creators to make a better version of Rewind. The cancellation of YT's annual recap series is no longer surprising since it already announced in 2020 that YouTube Rewind would be removed.

Other Activities of YouTube

Aside from removing the annual Rewind video, YouTube is also doing other things to enhance its service. Recently, various sources reported that YT is banning content that features COVID-19 vaccine misinformation.

On the other hand, TechCrunch also reported that the giant platform removed R.Kelly's channels after he was convicted of sex trafficking. The company makes all these efforts to ensure that its system is not toxic for its users.

For more news updates about YouTube and other giant social media platforms, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

Related Article: YouTube TV Finalizes New Agreement with NBC, Prices Won't Increase

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Written by: Griffin Davis

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Editor's Note: IBM representative reached out to us for some clarifications regarding our previous report:



"IBM's U.S. employees who are on "unpaid leave of absence" as of December 15 will still receive their 401k matching."

Unvaccinated U.S. IBM (International Business Machines) employees have received a giant American tech firm warning. The company said that they would face unpaid suspensions if they still hadn't received their COVID-19 vaccine jabs on Dec. 8.

Related Article: United Airlines Apple Health Integration Arrives! Flight Agency Explains How Vaccinated Passengers Could Benefit From It

As of the moment, various companies are now making huge efforts to vaccinate all their employees. They are currently doing this to ensure the safety of their staff and consumers against the ongoing global coronavirus pandemic.

IBM and other tech companies in the United States are doing their best to achieve 100% vaccinated employees status. But, it seems like most of them are taking the hard route by implementing new rules that would affect their employees' salaries.

"We will now require all IBM U.S. employees to be fully vaccinated by December 8, 2021, in order to work at IBM," said the American multinational technology corporation via CNBC's latest report.

All IBM U.S. Employees Now Forced To Get Vaccinated

The International Business Machines said that unpaid suspensions are not the only thing that its American employees should worry about this coming Dec. 8.

Also Read: At-Home Rapid COVID-19 Test Kits Show Higher False Positives Results! Ellume Now Pulls Out Thousands of Its Products

IBM added that if you are still unvaccinated after and on the vaccination deadline, you would be removed from its 401K matching program. Although this is the case, the giant tech firm would still understand if you are unvaccinated because of your medical conditions or religion.

Right now, IBM's new rule is still lighter compared to other agencies and companies. Recently, it was reported that United Airlines terminated almost 600 employees due to COVID-19 vaccine mandate violation.

If the pandemic continues, other companies might also do the same. But, it would still depend on their situations and line of business.

Why Is It Hard To Get Vaccinated?

Some of the states in the U.S. are suffering from COVID-19 vaccine scarcity and delays. However, medical experts did not confirm if these are the main reasons why many Americans are still unvaccinated.

But, CNN Health reported that COVID-19 vaccine booster shots are now surpassing new vaccinations. Because of this, experts are now warning government officials about the consequences that these booster shots pose.

For more news updates about IBM and other tech firms fight against COVID-19, always keep your tabs open here at TechTimes.

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Written by: Griffin Davis

 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Legendary economist Milton Freidman once said, Theres no such thing as a free lunch. When Friedman made this claim, he was generally referring to the fact that nothing, in an economic sense, can be given away without someone paying a price, one way or another.

Its interesting how relevant that quote is to the practices of many businesses and enterprises currently dominating the world economy today. More accurately described as Freemium many companies, especially in social media and gaming, allow users to openly use platforms, games, and products, without any upfront costs. Of course, this is certainly not true (as Friedman would have likely pointed out) due to the fact that these companies extract valuable user data for internal purposes and B2B sales. The shocking reality is that many users are aware of this, but dont realize how valuable that data really is.

The freemium model, as well as digital culture as a whole, has made many customers somewhat numb to the fact that many large organizations hold huge oceans of unsecured personal data. Not only that, this approach has made it possible for carriers that do not utilize the freemium model and go through a third party with lax security to be vulnerable to attack.

VICE news division Motherboard recently published an article about Syniverse, a company that manages and routes text messages for some of the leading telecom providers across the globe. The article explains that Syniverse experienced a major security breach from an unknown hacker in 2016, and only recently revealed that 235 business customers and millions of cellphone users were exploited. Additionally an anonymous telecom industry insider told Motherboard that, with Syniverses leaked data, "Ill know more about you than your doctor."

Freemium business models and widespread digital activity have made consumers way too relaxed when it comes to the management of personal consumer data. Theres a reason that data is often compared to gold or oil, and thats because it has an incredible amount of potential value (much more than the average person realizes). Consumers need to get serious about how personal data is managed, and get out of the mindset that free services give companies the justification to take advantage of user information. Because if nothing changes, personal data will eventually turn 100% public.

Edited by Maurice Nagle
The countys incidence rate has decreased recently, public health director Grace Franklin explained, though theres been 21 new positive COVID-19 cases in the last week.
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About 240,000 Louisiana residents have applied for federal assistance in the wake of Hurricane Ida, up from 18,000 on Monday, officials said Thursday.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has also distributed about $93 million to those hurricane survivors, said Christopher Smith, director of the individual assistance division at FEMA.

FEMA is the chief source of assistance for those who suffered losses and can offer help with damaged air conditioning, refrigerators, stoves, electrical and plumbing systems, temporary lodging, roof damage, subfloors and broken windows.

Residents can apply at disasterassistance.gov or by calling (800) 621-3362.

+2 'Blue roof' program to bring familiar tarps to Louisiana parishes impacted by Hurricane Ida Federal officials will be offering free, temporary roofs for Orleans, Jefferson and 11 other parishes damaged by Hurricane Ida, Gov. John Bel 

After an application is filed, FEMA officials may need to visit the home to assess the damage.

Smith said inspectors work with survivors one-on-one and assist them with meeting documentation rules.

Doing so trims the burden of those who suffered damage, he said.

Smith also said FEMA has made three changes to its individual assistance policies, in part to make things more equitable for underserved populations.

He said the agency will accept a broad range of homeownership and occupancy documentation to streamline the process.

Smith said FEMA is also expanding financial aid for those who suffered disabilities caused by Hurricane Ida, including paved pathways on the property and handrails on stairs.

He said there are more liberal rules for helping those with mold damage in their homes and easing the process if that results in survivors seeking help from the Small Business Administration.

FEMA will pay for some hotel rooms for Hurricane Ida evacuees. Here's how to apply. The Federal Emergency Management Agency said Thursday it will cover hotel expenses for survivors of Hurricane Ida with damaged homes or dwelli

About 1,100 FEMA officials are working in Louisiana and Mississippi in the aftermath of the Category 4 hurricane, which landed on the Louisiana coast Sunday.

Louisiana is also one of a handful of states whose residents can qualify for financial help if their generators broke down because of the storm.

A total of 25 parishes have been declared disaster areas.
Scammers are trying to exploit the Federal Emergency Management Agency's efforts to help people whose homes were damaged and lives were disrupted by Hurricane Ida.

From Baton Rouge to parishes near the coast, people have had FEMA inspectors knock on their doors to verify assistance claims they never filed.

A FEMA spokesperson said would-be criminals are filing claims using stolen personal information, hoping to collect relief payments in other peoples names.

Did your FEMA claim after Hurricane Ida get denied? Here's what to know before you appeal. If you applied for FEMA assistance following Hurricane Ida but received a letter saying you don't qualify or your application was still under 

FEMA officials can't quantify the scale of those fraudulent claims. But they say it's unfortunately common for people to take advantage of overwhelmed relief networks.

And because of Idas punishing impact  it was the most powerful storm to strike the state since the 1850s, decimating infrastructure across South Louisiana from Port Fourchon to Greensburg  the fraud might be particularly widespread.

Its just something you expect to happen with disasters, said Nathan Custer, a FEMA spokesperson. This one being huge in scope just intensifies the problem. Were getting into not only fraud, but its also identity theft. They sort of go hand in hand.

After the hurricane, people could apply for disaster assistance through FEMAs website. So far, the agency has distributed $415,000 in Public Assistance Grants and over $742,000,000 in relief through its Individual and Household Program, according to its website. The money went to over 512,000 applicants.

FEMA to give out reimbursements for generators and chainsaws after Hurricane Ida FEMA is providing assistance for uninsured or underinsured individuals for several needs, including temporary housing, repair or replacement o

Retired insurance agent and Baton Rouge resident Terry Alario wasnt one of them.

Alario was watching the Saints play the New York Giants in New Orleans this past Sunday when he got a call from his wife, who had stayed home. An inspector from Vanguard Inspector Services, a FEMA subcontractor the agency hires for post-storm claim verification, was at their door, she told him.

The couples home in Baton Rouge didn't have any damage; Ida's late jog to the east spared much of the city. And he and his wife certainly hadnt filed a claim with FEMA, Alario said.

But the Vanguard inspector appeared to have proper identification. Multiple calls to FEMA hotlines confirmed that someone, if not Alario, had definitely filed a claim using his name and address, the homeowner said. (Vanguards administrative offices did not return a phone message Wednesday).

Alarmed, Alario hurried home from Caesar's Superdome soon after his wife called.

Its just weird, Alario said. Having been an (insurance) agent for 33 years, I can say its completely unusual for an inspector to arrive at your house unannounced like that.

FEMA mobile registration sites for post-Ida aid open to all in East Baton Rouge, Ascension The Federal Emergency Management Agency is setting up locations throughout southeast Louisiana to register people for assistance for their dam

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Down the bayou, in hard-hit Lafourche Parish, Thibodaux resident Misty McElroy went to file a disaster assistance claim through FEMA's website in hopes of replenishing her refrigerator. All of her food spoiled when Ida's 100-plus mile-per-hour winds knocked out her power.

She wasn't able to enter the system; the site said a claim in her name had already been filed, McElroy said.

Confusing matters more was a series of text messages she received from FEMA, updating her on the claim that she'd never filed. If the fraudster who used her name to file a claim had access to her phone number, McElroy worried, maybe they had other bits of her personal information, too.

McElroy still hasn't been able to get assistance. It feels like a let-down, she said  less so for her than for people she knows for whom the stakes are higher, who've encountered the same problems with FEMA.

240,000 in Louisiana have applied for federal Hurricane Ida assistance; $93M distributed About 240,000 Louisiana residents have applied for federal assistance in the wake of Hurricane Ida, up from 18,000 on Monday, officials said T

"I have a place to live," McElroy said. "But driving down these bayous and seeing people who dont even have their homes  for people to go in and swoop their FEMA claims out from under them, that just makes me sad."

FEMA urges anyone who experiences an instance of suspected fraud to report it to local law enforcement, said Custer, the agencys spokesperson.

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs office got a call from a homeowner several weeks ago who fit that bill: someone who got a visit from a purported FEMA inspector despite never having filed an assistance claim, said Chief Jimmy Travis.

For now, that appears to have been an isolated incident in the rural parish east of Baton Rouge, where Ida felled huge swaths of pine forest and flooded neighborhoods along rivers and tributaries.

'Blue tarps' for homeowners? Federal officials reviewing need for temporary roofs Federal officials said Tuesday they are assessing roof damages from Hurricane Ida before deciding whether to offer free "blue tarps" to homeow

Still, people should stay vigilant about fraud in the weeks ahead, said Tangipahoa Parish Emergency Director Dawson Primes.

If anyone shows up to their place claiming to be from FEMA, make sure theyre always in an official FEMA shirt and have an official FEMA ID around their neck, Primes said.

Alarios calls to FEMA confirmed that he wasnt the only one experiencing this problem, he said.

But I still dont know where they got the information from, he said.

You can report scams, fraud and identity theft to FEMAs toll-free Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721. Those seeking in-person assistance may visit one of FEMA's disaster recovery centers, which can be found at this link.
Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center is set to begin construction next year on a $100 million stand alone cancer center it was announced Monday Oct. 4, 2021, in Baton Rouge, La. . The Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Institute will span 80,000 square feet and connect to the existing hospital. OLOL, part of the Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, is finalizing the process to select a national architecture business with experience in building cancer centers. The new building is slated to be built adjacent to the medical center's Essen Lane campus. The organization has narrowed the search down to three undisclosed sites nearby.
Gov. John Bel Edwards said Wednesday that he's joined Louisiana to the international Race to Zero Campaign, a climate change initiative that seeks to reduce net carbon emissions around the world to zero by 2050.

The Democratic governor  who leads one of the nation's top oil and gas production states  already has issued an executive order with the same goal for curtailing Louisiana's greenhouse gas emissions. A climate change task force he created is working on a strategy document for how to reach that goal, due next year.

"No state in our country is more adversely impacted by climate change than Louisiana  in just the last year alone we've experienced major hurricanes, flash flooding and a severe winter storm. But at the same time, no state is better positioned to be a leader in reducing carbon emissions and bolstering coastal resiliency," Edwards said in a statement.

Edwards announced Louisiana's commitment to the Race to Zero campaign ahead of his planned attendance at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, within a few weeks. The governor has said he's attending the event, which is scheduled from Oct. 31 through Nov. 12, but his office has so far provided few details about the trip.

"Extreme heat, devastating storms, flooding and other harmful impacts to human health and financial well-being are putting our state to the test. If humanity does not reduce greenhouse gas emissions, these conditions will only worsen and adaptation will become even more difficult," Edwards said. "Louisiana must do its part because we are on the front lines of a changing climate."
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Southwest Louisiana has begged and pleaded for federal disaster relief since Hurricane Laura tore through the region more than a year ago. It may turn out that another storm of similar strength  Hurricane Ida  finally prods Washington to act on its behalf.

The region not only suffered a devastating blow from Category 4 Laura in August 2020. It was also hit by Category 2 Hurricane Delta six weeks later, an unusually harsh winter storm in February and heavy flooding in May.

But it is still waiting for federal funding to address long-term recovery needs, and local officials have issued increasingly urgent warnings over a housing crisis, widespread damage yet to be repaired and the potential for major population loss. They have repeatedly pointed out that other regions have received such relief far more quickly following just one catastrophe, let alone the four that occurred in southwest Louisiana amid the pandemic.

While discussing the damage left behind by Ida, which rivals Laura as the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the state since 1856, Louisianas political leaders have also sought to highlight the ongoing woes of the Lake Charles area and the rest of the southwest, urging action to address the needs from all recent storms.

If sweeping legislation is approved for all of Louisiana  or even, perhaps, for the entire country, given the damage by Idas remnants in New York City and nearby  it could include disaster relief related to Laura as well. But the downside is there will be intense competition for dollars in a Congress gripped by populist posturing and dysfunction.

+9 A year after Hurricane Laura, Lake Charles fears becoming expendable LAKE CHARLES  For Keith Bell, this has been a year to forget. First his house was severely damaged by Hurricane Laura, then a winter storm in

To the people in southwest Louisiana, you are not forgotten. We are aware that the Community Development Block Grant disaster relief that youre hoping for and counting on has not yet come through, U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy said during a stop Wednesday in Jefferson Parish with Gov. John Bel Edwards and Rep. Steve Scalise, referencing the type of aid the region is seeking.

We continue to raise that with the administration. And for those in this community, we will begin to work on that as soon as you file to make sure that your situation is not that of southwest Louisiana  a year later, still waiting.

At the same time, officials in southwest Louisiana have been given repeated assurances over the past year that help is on the way. They are still waiting.

There is little question that the assistance is needed. As southeast Louisiana saw this week, the destruction left behind by a Category 4 storm is immense. More than a year later, an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 people remain displaced in Lake Charles from all four disasters and rebuilding has sputtered. A drive through town reveals blue tarps, destroyed businesses and apartment complexes that sit in ruins.

The region would like to establish a program to help cover the gap between what insurers are providing and the true cost of rebuilding, similar to Road Home post-Katrina, among other needs. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter has grown frustrated in calling for help, stressing that the region simply does not have the resources to deal with Laura plus three other disasters on its own, particularly with the pandemic having increased rebuilding costs.

He said Thursday that all communities deserve sufficient disaster relief, including his own, and stressed that when it comes to immediate needs, southeast Louisiana should take priority given the scale of the catastrophe still unfolding. But he added that the southwest must not be left out when it comes to long-term relief.

+5 Lake Charles community leaders speak to what remains after Hurricane Laura LAKE CHARLES  A year after Hurricane Laura pummeled southwest Louisiana, residents and community leaders are determined to rebuild, but conce

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Hunter said he has had encouraging discussions over the last couple days. He said that, despite the delay, he believes that the money would likely have eventually been approved, but Ida now may have accelerated that conversation.

We know what they're going through and we know that they need the most immediate and dire resources. Having said that, the conversation about long-term recovery is still pertinent and it is still needed, Hunter said.

Southwest Louisiana does not have the numbers. We don't have the political clout. We don't have the political bandwidth. So when you combine all the congressional districts, when you combine more states and more population that's been affected, you get more attention. And that's not the way it should be. But that's the way it is.

Southwest Louisiana has received more than $1 billion in various forms of immediate federal assistance, but local officials say its not nearly enough to address long-term recovery. Edwards has spelled out more than $3 billion in unmet needs from Laura, Delta and Hurricane Zeta, which hit southeast Louisiana last October.

He has said he would expect to receive around half of that in a federal appropriation, and much of it would surely go to southwest Louisiana given the damage there.

Craig Colten, an emeritus geography professor at LSU and author of an upcoming book on Louisiana land loss called State of Disaster, said the increasing rate of catastrophic events has complicated the process.

+2 New storm warnings cloud Gov. John Bel Edwards' visit to mark Laura anniversary LAKE CHARLES  Gov. John Bel Edwards and FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell visited this battered city to mark a year since Hurricane Laura an

He also noted the political dysfunction in Washington as holding back assistance, citing as one example the delayed response to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico under the Donald Trump administration. But he added that he believes the Lake Charles area may now finally be in line for help.

Were seeing more and more instances in the last few years of congressmen pushing back against disaster relief when, from the 19th century into the mid-20th century, everybody always voted to approve disaster assistance because they never knew when it was going to be their turn and they wanted to be on record as favoring somewhere else, he said.

Brant Mitchell, director of LSUs Stephenson Disaster Management Institute, said he also believed southwest Louisiana would be better positioned to receive relief dollars since a larger and more politically potent delegation in Congress will be pushing for a bill. He pointed to the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act signed into law in January 2013.

While that bill included a companion bill that provided disaster relief funding for the areas affected by (Hurricane) Sandy, the Recovery Improvement Act significantly improved the way FEMA provides funding to affected areas, he said. These reforms were mostly initiated by the Louisiana delegation following lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina. It took Superstorm Sandy to bring the necessary broad bipartisan support for those reforms to finally be implemented.

Clair Hebert Marceaux, director of the port in Cameron Parish, where Laura made landfall and which suffered devastating damage, has repeatedly pointed to the areas importance as an energy hub, including huge liquefied natural gas plants. But she says shes perplexed as to why nothing has been done.

This is not a contest for who got hurt the worst. This is: Everybody needs help, said Marceaux, who lived in a borrowed RV for around 10 months after Laura and has since moved into a house that is still damaged.

Addressing why the region hasnt received the kind of relief typically granted after major disasters, she said: Why do we have any less value? Thats a question that nobody can answer for me and that I get asked too often. Im not an elected official. I dont have any power over what the federal government decides to do. All I can do is ask for help, just like every other Louisianian. Thats a really vulnerable place to be in.
The head of hardware giant Bunnings has revealed a small number of employees plan to quit over opposition to vaccination as major employers such as BHP and News Corp begin to roll out vaccine mandates for their staff.

Bunnings managing director Mike Schneider said that while the response from staff towards getting vaccinated had been overwhelmingly positive, the business had started to see some workers quit due to state government requirements that they get the jab.

Bunnings MD Mike Schneider has said the company will give employees plenty of time to make up their minds on vaccination. Credit:Eddie Jim.

Weve already had a very small number of team members here in Melbourne whove indicated that theyre going to leave Bunnings, he said. And weve heard the same from some of our trade customers with subcontractors and such that arent prepared to get vaccinated.

Victorian authorised workers, which include retail staff working at locations such as Bunnings, are required by the government to be fully vaccinated by November 26 to come to work. Some staff in certain local government areas in Sydney also must get vaccinated.
And in Facebooks crisis du jour, kicked off by a whistleblowers claims that the company repeatedly chose its short-term corporate interests over the good of humanity, some nuance has likely been lost. Instagrams internal research about the apps influence on teenage girls mental health does not appear conclusive, as some researchers told me and NPR reported .

The real power of the scandals is the opportunity to ask: Holy moly, what is Facebook doing to us? Credit:David Paul Morris, Bloomberg

In the firestorms, there may have been too much credit given to the Kremlin, Cambridge Analytica and Facebook  and too little to human free will.

In 2016, the worst fears were that a wildfire of Russian propaganda on Facebook persuaded a bunch of Americans to vote for Donald Trump. In 2018, people spun yarns that the political consulting firm Cambridge Analytica brainwashed us with data they vacuumed up from Facebook users. Not quite right.

In Facebooks major scandals of the last five years, some of the scary details or breathless conclusions have been off base. But each one has moved us closer to essential truths about how Facebook affects our lives.

So yes, we have all gotten stuff wrong about Facebook. The company, the public and people in power have at times oversimplified, sensationalised, misdiagnosed the problems or botched the solutions. We focused on how the heck Facebook allowed Macedonian teenagers to grab Americans attention with fabricated news and did less to address why so many people believed it.

Each public embarrassment for Facebook, though, is a building block that makes us a little savvier about the influence of these still relatively new internet technologies in our lives. The real power of the scandals is the opportunity to ask: Holy moly, what is Facebook doing to us? And what are we doing to one another?

Kate Klonick, a law school professor, told me that when she started as a doctoral student at Yale Law School in 2015, she was told that her interest in internet companies governance of online speech was not a subject for serious legal research and publication. Online life was not considered real life, she explained. Russian election propaganda, Cambridge Analytica and other Facebook news in the years that followed changed that perception.

Those stories have done one huge thing: Theyve started to make people take the power of technology companies seriously, Klonick said.

That is one thing that is different about this Facebook episode from all the ones that came before. We are wiser. And we are ready. There is a coterie of former tech insiders and outside professionals who have studied Facebook and other tech superpowers for years, and they are armed with proposed fixes for the harms that these companies perpetrate.
The federal Treasurers Project Josh to connect with as many people via as many different platforms continues with episode two of his monthly podcast from LiSTNR , part of Southern Cross Austereo radio empire, released just one week after episode one.

Admirable. And youve got to hand it to McGorry who knows how to mount a case to the guy who holds the federal governments purse strings. When host Sarah Grynberg asked McGorry where government spending on mental health needs to go, the mental health expert emphasised value for money. Three-quarters of mental health issues first emerge in individuals under the age of 25, he said, so a strong system of care for that age group would save an awful lot of money McGorry said. He referred to how Josh has commissioned the Productivity Commission Report, hes seen the results, the return on investment is going to be good. No need to ask if the Treasurer was listening.

McGorry encouraged parents to move away from screens in favour of board games, books and the radio. Salient advice for the Treasurer. There has certainly been more screen-time in our home, Bluey and Peppa Pig, the Treasurer said. Thank God for ABC Kids. A rare government endorsement for ABC managing director David Anderson to clutch as he faces yet another torrid Senate Estimates session in a couple of weeks.

HOME FRONT

Perhaps we shouldnt be too tough on the Treasurer, who is facing more downtime than usual after a member of his team tested positive to COVID after contracting it outside the office. All team members, including the Treasurer, have since returned negative results but are forced into two weeks of isolation away from their families.

Fresh from his nights holed up with Prime Minister Scott Morrison watching episodes of Yes, Minister in the Lodge in Canberra, the Treasurer  a father of two  has moved into a friends home in his Kooyong street with his political adviser and his choice for Senate preselection Simon Frost  a father of four  and another team member who has a newborn. No word yet on microwave meals or whether they have switched to watching Allo Allo, but the Treasurer was forced to use an ironing board as a standing desk on a Thursday morning media call. Needs must.
Defence personnel will be deployed to drive ambulances and triage tents are going up outside many Melbourne hospitals as part of a string of extraordinary measures designed to protect the states health system from being overwhelmed by a growing wave of COVID-19 patients.

For the first time in Ambulance Victorias history, two paramedics will no longer be deployed in each ambulance. In a bid to improve response times, crews will instead be split, and a single paramedic will be joined by a driver from the Australian Defence Force, St John Ambulance Australia, State Emergency Service or student paramedics.

Tents outside Sunshine Hospitals emergency department on Thursday. Credit:Jason South

In an interview with The Age, Ambulance Victoria executive director of clinical operations Mick Stephenson said ten defence staff are expected to start work next week, and there is a request for more.

Its something we would have liked not to have done, but that is the state of the nation, were in such dire circumstances we have to do it, he said.
On the other hand there is the capable Tanya Plibersek. She is very well known, smart and has shown she can stand up to the Liberals bully boys. Furthermore she is a popular figure and would be certain to attract the vote of a great many women as well as men. So the party should stop messing about and put Tanya front and centre as leader because she can make the party electable and more dynamic. This next election is a real opportunity for Labor and for Australia. As an elder citizen who cares about the future, I would love the electorate to topple the current woeful government and to see a change of colour, style and substance.

Kenneth Coghill, Bentleigh Seeking parties that put the environment first As a formerly rusted on Labor voter, I will be voting for an independent at the federal election. Unlike the two major parties, many independents are putting forward constructive ideas for combatting global warming.

Judith McNaughtan, Mont Albert The voters want far more than Liberal-lite

Labor seems to have forgotten a basic premise of politics  to be elected you need to offer a credible alternative. The $13billion JobKeeper excesses it has rightly criticised are, apart from with rusted-on Liberal voters, deeply unpopular. Why Labor would now say it will not expect the money to be repaid is a mystery. I doubt that it will say the same for welfare recipients. Any voter who may have been considering swapping their vote to Labor on the basis of the JobKeeper rorts will now have no reason to do so. I know the small target policy has a lot of adherents in Labor but if it wants to win the next election, it needs to grow a spine and offer an alternative that is not just Liberal-lite.

Ross Hudson, Mount Martha A sure fire vote winner: appeal to our hip pockets The Liberals are claiming that a Labor government would force small businesses to repay JobKeeper, which Labor deputy leader Richard Marles denies. The appeal to voters hip pockets has already started in preparation for the next election.

Marie Nash, Balwyn THE FORUM

The defenceless workers My daughter has finally left a large supermarket after two years because she had had enough of the verbal abuse from angry customers. While customers should treat these workers with the respect they deserve, I am dismayed at the lack of support offered by her employer over many months of reporting these incidents. Nothing I have seen or heard from the supermarket has reassured me it is providing a safe workplace for its employees. Also, where is the union in all this? How is it protecting the safety and wellbeing of its members. It is nowhere to be seen.

John Mullane, Ivanhoe Miners selfish ideology Gina Rinehart, we teach our students to think analytically and when they evaluate your ideas on climate change (The Age, 7/10), some may dismiss them as the propaganda of a self-serving, greedy, mining magnate. These young people are determined to assert themselves into the climate change landscape, and they will brush your selfish ideology away with the scant understanding that it deserves. There is no room for dinosaurs in their futures.

Andrew Dowling, Torquay Limit alcohol delivery

Caterina Giorgi (Opinion, 7/10) makes key points on the online sale and delivery of alcohol that need to be addressed. Delivery of alcohol at all hours (compared with buying it in person during stores opening hours) provides excessive access to products that create a domino effect of negative issues. Enjoying a drink is one thing but roadblocks need to be put in place. Restricting alcohol delivery to between 10am and 10pm, as called for by community advocates, is the least we can do.

Stephanie Ashworth, Pascoe Vale South Please dont punish us It is becoming harder to find beds in our hospitals as COVID-19 cases surge (The Age, 6/10). However, our hospitals were already under stress, so it is hardly surprising to learn they are struggling to cope now. The government has had a very long time to prepare our hospitals for this COVID wave which it knew would arrive. It would be very unfair if we were kept in extended lockdown because it did not do its job.

Guy Ward, Nunawading Surcharge for the shaggy?

I wonder if hairdressers in Victoria will impose a levy on first after lockdown haircuts, as we are all getting masses of ugly growth on our locked-down crowns.

Brian Cullum, Cremorne PMs unwanted feedback Memo, Prime Minister. We in Victoria do not need press conferences advising us to feel hopeful because of what may or may not be happening elsewhere in Australia. Now we have (at last) been provided with adequate vaccine supplies in Victoria, we are quite capable of creating our own hope without your gratuitous commentary.

Janet Mould, Safety Beach Importance of preparation As we move out of the worst of COVID-19s privations and devastation, at least in the vaccinated world, let us learn from the awful two years endured internationally. As travel resumes, a new pandemic is no less likely today than it was in October 2019.

How are we placed logistically and economically to deal with it? We need to develop public health measures including proper supplies, staffing and training, and quarantine facilities so that we are ready to crush a pandemic, as a nation and in partnership with the world.

Michael Langford, Ivanhoe Why vaccination matters Your correspondent (Letters, 7/10) is concerned that her sons condition, being finely balanced between his epilepsy and the medication controlling it, may be lost due to administration of the COVID-19 vaccine, so he should not be compelled to be vaccinated. But she should also be very worried about his health should he contract COVID-19. Rebalancing his condition with modified medication may be more desirable than suffering and recovering from the virus.

John Groom, Bentleigh Reassured by my doctor Like your correspondents son, I, along with a considerable number of other Australian residents, have epilepsy. Mine is controlled by a drug and I was advised by my GP that the COVID-19 vaccine would have no impact on its control.

Laurens Meyer, Richmond

Valid vaccine exemptions If there is a danger of the COVID-19 vaccination to your correspondents son because of an existing health condition, an exemption from it will most likely be granted upon submission of supporting evidence from the treating physician and he will not lose his job. My wife has two life-threatening health conditions, both requiring a very careful balance of medications to manage. When the second condition was diagnosed, that physician consulted with the practitioner dealing with the other matter to ensure there would be no interference with the respective drug treatments for either condition. Following some minor intake tweaking, both conditions continue to be well-managed. When COVID-19 vaccination became available, my wifes GP consulted with both physicians to confirm vaccination could/should be administered. The collective answer was a resounding yes and she has been fully vaccinated since July without there being any effect on the efficacy of her other treatments. Consultation with these medical specialists is what we called doing our research.

Bruce Crowe, Sunbury Who you are backed by

Well said, Shaun Carney  Its too early to be sending Berejiklian tributes (Opinion, 6/10). The narrative on Gladys Berejiklian and Dan Andrews is too believable, sadly, and all the points obvious and well made. In the hyper-partisan, post-modern era, it is not what you do but who you are backed by. Is this what we now call an advanced democratic society?

Stephen Best, Box Hill South Our right to libraries I was surprised to read of your correspondents inability to join a library as she was living in a motel (Letters 7/10). I worked in public libraries most of my working life and always thought anyone could join if they showed proof of address. At the last library where I was employed, it was common for backpackers to join, mainly to use the free internet. Indeed, one travel guide mentioned the library for the availability of free internet.

Susan Munday, Bentleigh East No ones above the law Does the Coalition government understand the Independent Commission Against Corruption? It is there to keep people honest and stop corruption. If you have done nothing wrong you have nothing to fear. Not even the government or bureaucrats are above this law.

Patricia Norden, Middle Park

MPs must not write rules Barnaby Joyce complains that NSWs Independent Commission Against Corruption is out of control. Precisely. It is out of the control of him, political parties, vested interests and influential donors and that is exactly how it should be. In fact, establishing a federal ICAC is not something that politicians should even be consulted on, never mind be party to. That would be tantamount to them writing their own rules on what constitutes integrity, and we can already see how badly they struggle with that concept.

Stephen Farrelly, Donvale The Israel assignment Regarding Michael Gawendas comments (Opinion, 6/10) on the role of foreign correspondents in Israel in his critique of John Lyons booklet, Dateline Jerusalem: Journalisms Toughest Assignment, could I make the following points. As Cairo-based Middle East correspondent for Fairfax newspapers and the Financial Times between 1984-1993, my responsibilities extended to Israel and the Occupied Territories.

Mr Gawendas claim that compared with places like Syria and Afghanistan, Israel is a comfortable assignment misses the point. An Israel assignment brings with it a whole range of challenges not present in the reporting of other conflicts. This includes both political pressures and physical danger. Any assignment in Israel and the Occupied Territories involves risk. Correspondents find themselves frequently in proximity to live gunfire, the firing of rubber bullets, and the use of tear gas against Palestinian demonstrators. Too often, they bear witness to the casualties of conflict in the emergency wards of Palestinian hospitals in which stone-throwing youths fight for their lives in cases in which bodies are torn apart by weapons of war. Likewise, correspondents are witnesses to the aftermath of acts of terror against Israeli civilians, men, women and children in which innocent lives are broken. Finally, in support of John Lyons central proposition, it is disappointing that reasonable discussion of the Israel-Palestine issue is media-constrained in Australia. Sadly, the words anti-Semitism have been weaponised to stifle such discussion. In one important respect Lyons is correct. In Israel there is much freer debate of the Palestine issue in all its aspects than is possible in a timid media environment that exists in Australia.

Tony Walker, South Yarra Life without Facebook Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram had a six-hour outage. The world did not end and life went on. Get your heads out of your phones, engage with the world around you and live in the moment.

Mick Hussey, Beaconsfield

Our privileged world Only 4 per cent of Africas population is fully vaccinated. What a First World problem, and embarrassment, to complain about not having enough supply of vaccines.

William Cook, Ascot Vale The rules dont apply to us I drove past two construction sites on the first day of the reopening of the industry. Not a mask in sight. No social distancing. These guys really are slow learners.

Anne OKeefe, Collingwood AND ANOTHER THING

Credit:Illustration: Matt Golding Watchdogs If our current federal MPs dont back an ICAC, we obviously need a new bunch of federal MPs.

Joan Peverell, Malvern Andrews: l behave appropriately at all times (7/10). For a politician, that is.

David Cayzer, Clifton Hill We need a watchdog with teeth, but who will be left to run the country after its done its job?

Doug Springall, Yarragon

Never has the term artful dodger been more appropriate than when applied to our federal government.

Jerry Koliha, South Melbourne Politics I dread the thought that Tony Abbott is positioning himself for a return to politics with his recent sashays into the limelight.

Loucille McGinley, Brighton East Is there nothing Taiwan Tony cant do?

Paul Custance, Highett Is Dr No in Taiwan to stop a war or start one?

Heather DCruz, Geelong West

I like this new Turnbull Rudd-Keating opposition leader. Much better than the old one. Whats his name again?

Don Nicholson, Thornbury The Greens and independents hope Labor, and the LNP, continue to stand for nothing in the lead up to the election.

Bill Burns, Bendigo Is Albanese getting his election strategy advice from Steven Bradbury?

Huw Dann, Blackburn If Andrews plaque read Its not my problem (7/10), Morrisons would read Its never been my problem.

Peter OBrien, Newport If Perrottet was a woman, shed be asked how she could juggle being Premier with six young children.

Anne Maki, Alphington
The two people who died were a woman in her 60s from Wyndham, and a woman in her 70s from Hume. Victorias total number of active coronavirus cases stood at 15,074 after NSW and the ACT were downgraded under the states traffic light travel permit system from 11.59pm on Wednesday. The state recorded the nations highest daily case number on Tuesday  1763 cases. Teenagers test positive after 16th birthday party

St Columbas College Essendon principal Rita Grima wrote to families on Wednesday saying she was aware of a number of student gatherings taking place to celebrate events, such as 16th birthdays. I have been informed that one such event involved year 10 students from St Columbas College as well as two other local schools, and that a number of young people from that party have now tested positive to COVID-19, she said. I am given to understand that one of the young people who attended this party is in ICU. Ms Grima reminded families about restrictions on social gatherings. She said, although she understood young people were frustrated at not being allowed to celebrate milestones, it was important to make plans for a time when celebrations can occur safely, and focus on gratitude.

Boost for disability vaccination program Minister for Disability and Ageing Luke Donnellan said almost a quarter of Victorias new 1638 COVID-19 cases were aged in their 20s as he announced a dedicated push to vaccinate people living with disabilities. Vaccination rates for people with disabilities in Victoria were still lower than for the broader population. NSW and the ACT were downgraded under Victorias traffic-light travel permit system at 11.59pm on Wednesday. Credit:Jason Robins However, the rate in Victoria was higher than the national rate. As of September 30, more than 71 per cent of Victorian NDIS participants aged 16 and over had received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, compared to 67 per cent nationally.

Mr Donnellan said 10 pop-up vaccination hubs would be set up in local government areas of concern as part of a $5 million program that will also fund 16 additional disability liaison officers to help arrange in-home vaccination, group bookings, and advice. Were going to go out, we need to keep pushing, harassing and just non-stop getting this vaccination rate up for our community living with disabilities, he said. Its just not acceptable where it is at the moment. We cant open up when weve got people living with disabilities, with vulnerabilities, if theyre not at a higher rate of vaccinations, and thats what were pushing to do today. Martin, a travel writer who was left quadriplegic 10 years ago after an accident, said it was everybodys social and moral obligation to get vaccinated.

He said he relied on professional support workers who had many other high-risk clients, and those relationships showed how each member of the disability community had a responsibility to each other to be vaccinated. I would be devastated to think that I was part of a transmission chain that led to somebody else who was in a high-risk category either being hospitalised or, even worse, dying. I could never live with myself if that was the case, Martin said. So I think everybody has a real moral duty, and particularly people with disability have an imperative, to get vaccinated. More than 96,240 Victorians received a COVID-19 vaccine on Wednesday, including 36,672 at state-run clinics, while more than 77,238 test for the virus were processed.

More than 40 per cent of active cases in Melbournes north Victorias Acting Chief Health Officer Ben Cowie said Thursdays new 1638 coronavirus cases included: Loading In Melbournes northern suburbs, 566 cases;

In the western suburbs, 485;

In the south-eastern suburbs, 351 cases;

In the eastern suburbs, 114 cases;

In regional Victoria, 115 cases, including 11 in Shepparton, eight in Ballarat, 16 in Geelong, 17 in Mitchell, 11 in Mount Alexander, four in Mildura, 15 in Latrobe, and 11 in Baw Baw;

Another seven cases elsewhere. Professor Cowie said there were now more than 6500 cases in Melbournes northern suburbs; about 43 per cent of the states active cases.

COVID-19 transmission had happened at 10 Victorian abattoirs or meatworks in a little more than a week, and more than 30 active cases were so far associated to those sites. Professor Cowie defended the Moderna vaccine after Sweden and Denmark paused its use by young people. The data underlying those decisions was yet to be published, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration and Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation would work through possible implications, he said. Its a bit premature to draw a conclusion on those decisions, Professor Cowie said. What I would say is, certainly from the United States experience, [and] to my knowledge, there was no increase relative to, for instance, the Pfizer vaccine in these side effects in the American experience thats been reported to date.

Loading These side effects are incredibly rare. If were looking at the incidence of myocarditis or inflammation around the heart  most of which is actually quite mild and settles within days with simple management  the incidence of that was something like one in 30,000. Its much more likely [you will] actually get that side effect if you get COVID-19. The numbers on Thursday showed there were 707 active COVID-19 cases outside metropolitan Melbourne, but the majority of those were linked to existing cases. In the previous seven days, Victoria had about 10,000 new cases of COVID-19. Professor Cowie said 79 per cent of those cases were unvaccinated, 15 per cent partially vaccinated, and 7 per cent were fully vaccinated. Mr Donnellan said there were 564 people in hospital in Victoria with COVID-19, 115 of them in intensive care. Seventy-four were on ventilators.

As of Wednesday, 66 per cent of Victorias COVID-19 hospital patients were unvaccinated, 27 per cent were partially vaccinated, and 7 per cent were fully vaccinated. NSW, ACT downgraded under travel permit system From 11.59pm on Wednesday, locked-down areas of NSW and the ACT were downgraded from extreme risk zones to red zones under Victorias travel permit system. Only Victorians are eligible for red-zone permits. The downgrading means a person travelling from one of those zones would no longer have to be fully vaccinated to be allowed back into the state, and would no longer need to produce a negative COVID test in the 72 hours before they entered Victoria.

However, they would still have to quarantine at home for 14 days on their return, and would be required to have two COVID tests during that quarantine period. Previous red zones  parts of regional NSW and the ACT that were not in lockdown  became orange zones at 11.59pm. That meant both residents and non-residents of Victoria in those areas could come into the state on an orange zone travel permit. The permit requires them to isolate on arrival, get tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours, and stay isolated until they return a negative test result.

Child cancer patients wake up in quarantine Child cancer patients and their families woke up in quarantine on Thursday morning after part of the Royal Melbourne Childrens Hospital was declared a tier-1 coronavirus exposure site. Loading Children receiving treatment in the Kookaburra cancer ward and their parents were ordered to isolate for 14 days in their childs hospital room, or at home if they were due to be discharged, after the oncology unit was deemed a tier-1 exposure site. Hospital chief executive Bernadette McDonald said a parent who had stayed in the cancer ward tested positive to the virus.
In the latest trade special episode of the Real Footy podcast, Jake Niall and Peter Ryan discuss the deals that were done on day four, including Adam Cerra to Carlton, and some of the other potential moves that are bubbling away as we reach the midpoint of trade period.

We discuss where Fremantle stand after their moves, how this ranks among Carltons deals in recent years and the details of Cerras deal, and look at how well the Eagles did in landing Sam Petrevski-Seton.

We hear about Essendons hope that they can trade for another pick in the first round of this years draft, a cluster-pluck strategy in the mould of the Demons, and GWS interest in bringing back Rory Lobb, the former Giant who has been with the Dockers for the last three years.

Plus, the Pies draft debt, what Trent Dumonts AFL future holds, the trade that could come through at the last minute, where the Jordan Clark discussions sit and much more.
The number of fully vaccinated people allowed at household gatherings, weddings and funerals in NSW on Monday will be double what was initially promised, after Premier Dominic Perrottet announced adjustments to the states road map.

The changes mean 10 visitors will be able to enter a home, and weddings and funerals with 100 people in attendance can be held.

In addition, all children will be returned to school by October 25. Under the new plan, children in kindergarten, year 1 and year 12 will return to school on October 18 and then all remaining grades will go back to school the following week.

Thats great for kids; its a major relief for parents and their sanity, Mr Perrottet, who has six children, said, thanking teachers for coming forward for vaccination.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard says NSW has recorded 587 new local cases today from 112,186 tests.

The state reported eight new deaths from COVID-19 on Thursday, including a man in his 20s.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard before the daily COVID-19 briefing on Thursday morning. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer

The man, from Western Sydney, died at home and tested positive after his death. A woman in her 80s from the citys south-east died in the same circumstances.

A fourth death has been recorded in the Campbelltown Hospital cluster: a man in his 70s from south-west Sydney.
Hyundai Mobis invests $1.1 billion for 2 new hydrogen fuel cell system plants in Korea

Incheon, just west of Seoul and Ulsan plants will begin production in 2nd half 2023 with an annual capacity of 100,000 hydrogen fuel cell system

and Ulsan plants will begin production in 2nd half 2023 with an annual capacity of 100,000 hydrogen fuel cell system The world's largest fuel cell production capacity will help Hyundai Mobis to diversify business and tap into construction machinery and logistics equipment

INCHEON, South Korea, Oct. 7, 2021 -- Hyundai Mobis (KRX: 012330) will build two new fuel cell plants in Korea to accelerate the hydrogen economy and to secure broader global market dominance.

On Oct 7th, 2021, Hyundai Mobis held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new plant that will produce hydrogen fuel cell stacks at the Industrial Complex in Cheongna International City, Incheon. President Moon Jae-in and Deputy Prime Minister Hong Nam-ki attended the ceremony.

Hyundai Mobis announced to invest a total of USD 1.1 billion (KRW 1.3 trillion) into the two plants. The new plants will start mass production in the second half of 2023. When fully operational, the facilities are expected to produce 100,000 hydrogen fuel cells every year.

Hyundai Mobis, with the largest fuel cell production capacity in the world, is expected to gain even greater momentum in the global race for hydrogen mobility with the addition of new production locations.

Once they are completed, Hyundai Mobis will operate a total of three fuel cells plants. In 2018, the company became the world's first to set up a complete production system from fuel cell stack to rest of electronic components in Chungju. The Chungju plant is capable of producing approximately 23,000 hydrogen cell systems a year.

"Despite uncertainties including COVID-19, we have decided to make this large-scale investment to secure the market-leading competitiveness in the global fuel cell industry. We will continue to invest more in facilities and strengthen our R&D capability for the development of the hydrogen industry and expand the ecosystem," said Sung Hwan Cho, President and CEO of Hyundai Mobis.

With the completion of the new plants, Hyundai Mobis plans to expand its production lineups that applies fuel cell systems and diversify hydrogen business. Most fuel cell systems produced by Hyundai Mobis are used in fuel cell EVs but the company is expected to scale its business to other sectors such as construction machinery and logistics equipment.

Last year, Hyundai Mobis developed fuel cell power packs that go into hydrogen forklifts, opening up the possibility for entry into the construction machinery sector. The hydrogen power packs used forklifts are generators that produce electricity on their own by combining a fuel cell stack, a hydrogen tank, and a cooling device.

Now the company is developing power packs for hydrogen-fueled excavator and plans to enlarge the fuel cell systems for small air mobility.

About Hyundai Mobis

Hyundai Mobis is the global no.7 global automotive supplier, with annual sales of nearly $30 billion USD. The company was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Seoul, Korea. Hyundai Mobis aims to become a lifelong technology partner for vehicles and people. The company has outstanding expertise in sensors, sensor fusion in ECUs and software development for safety control. The company's products also include various components for electrification, brakes, chassis and suspension, steering, airbags, lighting and automotive electronics. Hyundai Mobis currently employs more than 30,000 people worldwide. With the R&D headquarter in Korea, Mobis operates 4 technology centers in Germany, China, India and the United States.
Genesis Ranks Highest Overall for JD Power Tech Innovation; Hyundai is Highest-Ranking Mass Market Brand

Newest Vehicle Technologies Going UnusedMany Owners Dont Intend to Ever Use Them, J.D. Power Finds

While new-vehicle technology is a leading reason why buyers choose one vehicle over another, many new vehicles are equipped with some features that they want no part of, according to the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study,SM released today. This ends up being costly to automakers and buyers alike.

New-vehicle prices are at an all-time high, partly as a result of an increased level of content, said Kristin Kolodge, executive director of human machine interface at J.D. Power. This is fine if owners are getting value for their money, but some features seem like a waste to many owners.

The study finds that, for more than one in three advanced technologies, fewer than half of owners have used the technology in the first 90 days of ownership. Non-users most often say they dont need these technologies. For example, 61% of owners say they have never used the in-vehicle digital market technology, and 51% of those saying they have no need for it. Owners feel similarly about the driver/passenger communication technology, with 52% saying they have never used the technology, and 40% of those saying they have no need for it.

When technology is effectively executed in a vehicle, it positively influences an owners decision to purchase another vehicle equipped with that technology. The highest execution scores in the study are for camera rear-view mirror and ground view camera, both of which are ranked among the top three by owners wanting them on their next vehicle.

J.D. Power has a wealth of transactional data showing that automakers suffer a hit to profits and sales velocity if they build the wrong mix of features on their vehicles, Kolodge said. The TXI research quantifies the benefits when there is alignment between what owners truly want and what the automakers produce.

Following are key findings of the 2021 study:

Dealers can influence how owners feel about value of technology: Dealer demonstrations at delivery are instrumental in keeping owners engaged with emerging technologies. For example, for safe exit assist technology, owners can get a very strong understanding of the system when they learn it from a dealer. Without dealer education, however, owners often do not fully understand the technology and its value, presenting a challenge for its overall acceptance. Similarly, when a dealer demonstrates trailer assistance technology, satisfaction improves to 8.69 (on a 10-point scale) compared with 7.83 for learning from an outside source. However, owners are more than twice as likely to learn about this technology from an outside source (71%) than from a dealer (30%).

Dealer demonstrations at delivery are instrumental in keeping owners engaged with emerging technologies. For example, for safe exit assist technology, owners can get a very strong understanding of the system when they learn it from a dealer. Without dealer education, however, owners often do not fully understand the technology and its value, presenting a challenge for its overall acceptance. Similarly, when a dealer demonstrates trailer assistance technology, satisfaction improves to 8.69 (on a 10-point scale) compared with 7.83 for learning from an outside source. However, owners are more than twice as likely to learn about this technology from an outside source (71%) than from a dealer (30%). Some technologies make driving experience better, while others do not: Many owners indicate poor performance with interior gesture controls technology, which responds to hand motions instead of touch. Owners of this feature indicate an extremely high 41 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). This technology also has the lowest overall satisfaction score in the study for a second consecutive year. In contrast, one-pedal driving technology offered in some electric vehicles receives very high satisfaction levels and owners cite relatively few problems (8 PP100).

Many owners indicate poor performance with interior gesture controls technology, which responds to hand motions instead of touch. Owners of this feature indicate an extremely high 41 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). This technology also has the lowest overall satisfaction score in the study for a second consecutive year. In contrast, one-pedal driving technology offered in some electric vehicles receives very high satisfaction levels and owners cite relatively few problems (8 PP100). Tech desires not always transferable across global markets: J.D. Power TXI studies for the United States and China include 21 of the same advanced and emerging technologies, but scores for owner satisfaction vary by country. While camera rear-view mirror technology receives high scores in the United States, owners in China have the most problems (18 PP100) with this technology. For ground view camera technology, 62% of U.S. owners say they definitely will want the technology again, while only 24% of owners in China say the same.

J.D. Power TXI studies for the United States and China include 21 of the same advanced and emerging technologies, but scores for owner satisfaction vary by country. While camera rear-view mirror technology receives high scores in the United States, owners in China have the most problems (18 PP100) with this technology. For ground view camera technology, 62% of U.S. owners say they definitely will want the technology again, while only 24% of owners in China say the same. Teslas unofficial score is highest in study: Tesla receives an Innovation Index score of 668 (on a 1,000-point scale). The automaker is not officially ranked among other brands in the study as it doesnt meet ranking criteria. Unlike other manufacturers, Tesla doesnt grant J.D. Power permission to survey its owners in 15 states where it is sells vehicles. Based on that limitation, Teslas score is calculated based on a sample of surveys from owners in the other 35 states.

Highest-Ranking Brands

Genesis ranks highest overall and in the premium segment with an Innovation Index score of 634, offering a high level of advanced technologies across its product lineup. In the premium segment, Cadillac (551) ranks second, followed by Volvo (550), BMW (545) and Mercedes-Benz (523).

Hyundai ranks highest in the mass market segment with a score of 519. Kia (510) ranks second, followed by Nissan (502), Subaru (499) and GMC (498).

Advanced Technology Award Recipients

The TXI Study analyzes 36 technologies, which are divided into four categories: convenience; emerging automation; energy and sustainability; and infotainment and connectivity. Only technologies classified as advanced are award eligible.

Cadillac Escalade is the premium model receiving the convenience award, for camera rear-view mirror technology. Ram 1500 is the mass market model receiving the convenience award, also for camera rear-view mirror technology.

is the premium model receiving the convenience award, for camera rear-view mirror technology. is the mass market model receiving the convenience award, also for camera rear-view mirror technology. Lexus IS receives the premium model emerging automation award, for reverse automatic emergency braking technology. Hyundai Elantra is the mass market model receiving the emerging automation award, for front cross traffic warning technology.

receives the premium model emerging automation award, for reverse automatic emergency braking technology. is the mass market model receiving the emerging automation award, for front cross traffic warning technology. Lexus IS receives the award for infotainment and connectivity in the premium segment, for virtual assistant connectivity to vehicle technology. Kia K5 receives the infotainment and connectivity award in the mass market segment, also for virtual assistant connectivity to vehicle technology.

The 2021 U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study is based on responses from 110,827 owners of new 2021 model-year vehicles who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study was fielded from February through July 2021.

The TXI Study complements the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS)SM and the J.D. Power Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM by measuring how effectively each automotive brand brings new technologies to market. The TXI Study combines the level of adoption of new technologies for each brand with the excellence in execution. The execution measurement examines how much owners like the technologies and how many problems they experience while using them.

For more information about the U.S. Tech Experience Index (TXI) Study, visit https://www.jdpower.com/business/automotive/us-tech-experience-index-txi-study.

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 companys business offerings, visit JDPower.com/business. The J.D. Power auto shopping tool can be found at JDPower.com.

NOTE: Four charts follow.
Texas A&M is in the midst of the "Red Zone;" the time in which half of all sexual assaults happen on college campuses.
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Check out the latest developments on bills pending before state lawmakers in four key topics.
Regional Editor

Derek Draplin is a regional editor at The Center Square. He previously worked as an opinion producer at Forbes, as an editor at The Daily Caller, and as a reporter at Michigan Capitol Confidential and The Detroit News.
Parents seen picking up their masked children from Riverglades Elementary School as Public schools open in Broward County Florida.
Remember folding paper maps? I suppose in the age of GPS, most of us dont think of them, and if we do, its to recall just what a pain they could be. Unless you pulled off the road, they were impossible for the driver to use. If your shotgun partner was your navigator, hed take up most of the front seat unfolding a map. Then hed have to partially refold it to highlight just that part of the country you really needed to see. And of course, hed have to shake it out to full size to begin refolding it. It wouldnt take many openings and closings before it would begin to tear along the creases, and that would create new problems. Read more
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Sandy Twp. Supervisors change venue for Oct. 18 meeting

File Shown is a January 2020 file photo of the Sandy Township Supervisors. From left are Sam Mollica, Kevin Salandra, Jim Jeffers, Mark Sullivan and Bill Beers.

DuBOIS  In order to accommodate any Sandy Township residents who may want to discuss the proposed consolidation between the township and the City of DuBois, the supervisors agreed to change the venue for their Oct. 18 meeting to the West Sandy Fire Co., located at 14 Dixon Ave.

The proposal to change the location of the meeting arose at Mondays meeting when Supervisor Mark Sullivan suggested the township arrange a forum so residents can share their views on the proposed Nov. 2 ballot referendum, which presents a consolidation under the framework of a third class city and a council-manager form of government.

I dont even know where we could host something like that other than perhaps one of the fire stations, said Sullivan. He noted that some residents have contacted him to see if the supervisors would host something, in addition to the Oct. 12 Pennsylvania Economy League (PEL) public meeting to explain their consolidation study on the pros and cons of the two municipalities joining together.

Supervisor Bill Beers asked Sullivan if these citizens want to express their concerns to the board.

Well not only the board, they know that the rest of the residents in the township ... they think itd be nice for the residents to get together and hear other residents concerns they may want to consider, said Sullivan. When it comes to consolidation though were only five votes. They would like to be able to address other voters in the township.

It just seems like the same questions about the consolidation should probably be directed at PEL at this point, said township Manager Shawn Arbaugh.

I mean is it more that they have questions or they want to express an opinion and want a forum to do that? said Supervisors Chairman Kevin Salandra.

Is the PEL meeting open for residents to voice their opinions, even if they are negative opinions? said Sullivan.

Salandra asked Jason Gray, who was in attendance and is underwriting the PEL public meeting, if that meeting will be the same as the one held in March where questions will be written on a note card and people will be given a chance to speak.

Gray said that was his understanding. After meeting with PEL representatives Tuesday, Gray told the Courier Express that their presentation on the study will be approximately 45 minutes, similar to the one conducted in March but with revisions and updates.

Following the study presentation, there will be a break, Gray said. At that time, written questions can be submitted at the welcome desk, where there will be forms for residents to write their questions and identify themselves as the questioner. Those questions will be collected during the break and then submitted to the panel.

The PEL presentation, which starts at 6 p.m. Oct. 12 at the DuBois Country Club, will also be livestreamed by Penn State DuBois at: tinyurl.com/DuBoisSandyOct12.

I would ask that they would hopefully do a better job of answering them than they did at the last meeting, said Salandra. Because at the last meeting, they (PEL) ignored a lot of questions that were asked.

I can see where some people may be reluctant to write the questions down, said Supervisor Jim Jeffers. They would be more comfortable to verbalize their questions.

That might be a reason why we want to have another forum ..., said Salandra.

Sullivan asked if when residents go into the PEL meeting if the township could have someone from the staff take peoples questions and write them down for them.

Im going to be there so I can certainly do that, said Arbaugh.

Salandra said he thinks it would be hard to have questions without first seeing the presentation.

We will have forms, Shawn, for that purpose, and there will be a reception desk, forms will be there, said Gray.

With regard to Sullivans suggestion about the supervisors facilitating a forum for consolidation discussion, Supervisor Sam Mollica said he believes residents can come to the Oct. 18 meeting with questions.

Either way were going to answer the same questions, said Mollica. Hopefully we will be able to answer them because we will have a better idea probably.

Mollica and Salandra said they hope residents will attend both meetings to receive answers to any questions they may have about the proposed consolidation prior to voting on it Nov. 2.

Earlier in the year, the supervisors talked about hosting a meeting at one of the township fire halls, said Arbaugh, who then suggested they could change the venue to the West Sandy Fire Co. in anticipation of more people possibly attending.

The supervisors all agreed to hold the next meeting at the fire hall, starting at 7 p.m.
Batavia, NY (14020)

Today

Rain early...then remaining cloudy with showers in the afternoon. High near 45F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

A few clouds. Low around 30F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
Towanda, PA (18848)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun this morning then becoming cloudy with periods of light rain this afternoon. High 63F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Cloudy skies this evening will become partly cloudy after midnight. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low 33F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
Oneonta, NY (13820)

Today

Partly cloudy early then becoming cloudy with periods of rain this afternoon. High 64F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%..

Tonight

Rain...changing to snow showers overnight. Low 29F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precip 90%.
Steve Wildsmith was an editor and writer for The Daily Times for nearly 17 years; a recovering addict, he now works in media and marketing for Cornerstone of Recovery, a drug and alcohol treatment center in Blount County. Contact him at wildsmithsteve@gmail.com.
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Peter Funt is a writer and speaker. His book, Cautiously Optimistic, is available at Amazon.com and CandidCamera.com. His columns are distributed exclusively by Cagle Cartoons Inc., newspaper syndicate.
Jeff Robbins, a former assistant U.S. attorney and delegate to the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, was chief counsel for the minority of the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. An attorney specializing in the First Amendment, he is a longtime columnist for the Boston Herald, writing on politics, national security, human rights and the Middle East.
Q. My ex and I have been split up for two years. He had an affair and left. Hes living with her and seems happy, but thats not the real issue. We have four children, all 18 and older. I know we must co-parent, but his take on things that have happened concerning the kids is so different th
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Mask mandate continues in schools

FOREST CITYThere were 30 minutes of public comments, at the beginning of the Rutherford County Schools (RCS) Board of Education meeting Tuesday night. Several of the speakers were emphatic in their support for ongoing covid mitigation protocols in the schools while others continue to proclaim that making students and staff wear masks is violating their rights.

At the end of the meeting, on a split vote, the all-Republican board decided to continue with the mask mandate.

Rebecca DeAntonio was the first to speak during the public comments.

Most of her comments were within a prayer, during which she prayed for the peace and comfort of those affected by covid, including healthcare workers, teachers and staff, and the family and friends of the local high school student who recently died from covid.

She prayed for the board members to continue with mitigation protocols to keep students safe.

Her harshest words related to science deniers.

DeAntonio lambasted the hypocrites among us who think that 30 minute Youtube videos trump the science and research by scientists who are desperately trying to keep us safe.

She also called out ...the Madison Cawthorns of the world and their hired crisis actors who travel great distances to spread a false gospel, while our hospitals swell from their lies. I pray that more children dont die in the crossfire because of trigger happy social warriors who have turned a public health crisis into a culture war.

DeAntonio was not the only speaker to refer to Congressman Cawthorn, whose district includes part of Rutherford County.

Stephanie Lattimore, a child trauma therapist noted that Cawthorn, at a Buncombe County Board of Education meeting, called requiring students to wear masks nothing short of psychological child abuse.

This is one of the most ignorant, twisted statements I have ever heard in my life, Lattimore said.

She then explains trauma, and asks the board to stay strong for the sake of our children....Listen to the voice of reason, listen to real science.

Ruth Mayor David Guy also spoke before the board. A teacher in Greenville, South Carolina, saying masks are optional where he works.

There is value in facial expression, he said. I ask the board to consider letting parents decide on whether or not to have their children wear face masks.

One speaker wore a shirt that read, Unmask our kids. Another appeared to threaten the board with legal action.

Several speakers mostly gave their support for the board, thanking them for the tough decisions they have throughout the covid pandemic.

School boards statewide are required to revisit their decisions on covid mitigation procedure including whether or not to impose mask mandates, at least once per month. Before the board decided, Superintendent David Sutton reviewed the latest school-related covid data, and some updated procedures.

Sutton noted that RCS has installed, systemwide, new air purification equipment; and that free antigen testing is now available within the school environment.

The RCS health dashboard, available online at the RCS website, has also undergone some changes. Sutton said the dashboard now gives more detail as to why a student may be excluded from school.

The dashboard explains how many student were excluded because of a school-based COVID-19 exposure; a COVID-19 diagnosis symptoms suggested of COVID-19 illness; a household COVID-19 exposure; or community COID-19 exposure.

I hope you will find the new features helpful, Sutton said.

Before the board voted on the mask policy, board members were reminded that the original policy statement by the board, adopted Aug. 26, states that the mask requirement will remain in place while Rutherford County remains categorized as a High transmission zone on the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) COVID-19 Community Transmission Map.

Board member Rick Ficklin made the motion to maintain the current mask mandate, which was seconded by board member Sherry Bright.

After some discussion, board member Brandi Nanney said, I believe every parent has the right to make medical decisions for their children. I cannot vote for this.

The motion passed 4-1. Nanney was the only vote against the measure; while two board members were absent...Angel King and Tracy Short.

In Suttons closing remarks, he offered praise to the RCS principals, and pointed out that the National Association of Secondary Principals and the National Association of Elementary School Principals have declared October as National Principals Month. He asked principals in attendance to stand.

These ladies and gentlemen are the architects of ambitious learning communities, the engineers of complex social systems, and the stewards of precious community resources and facilities, Sutton said. They are cheerleaders for our students and colleagues, the arbiters of conflict, and the voices of comfort and reassurance for children and adults of all ages. We ask them to lead with the right hand and manage with the left, to respond in the moment and march toward the future and to ensure that no one is left behind during the journey.

Sutton encouraged the public to honor the local principals.

Throughout the month of October, I hope everyone will join me in recognizing the great work of our local principals and thanking them for their leadership and service to their schools and communities.
A miner enters the El Comal gold and silver mine to help with rescue operations after a landslide trapped at least 24 miners inside, in Bonanza, Nicaragua, on Aug. 29, 2014. (Esteban Felix/AP Photo)

1 Dead, 3 Missing in Attack on Nicaragua Indigenous Miners

MANAGUA, NicaraguaOne member of an Indigenous community in Nicaragua was killed and three others were missing after assailants shot at them on Nicaraguas Caribbean coast, activists said Wednesday.

Environmentalist Amaru Ruiz, director of the Del Rio Foundation, suggested it was the latest attack by settlers who have invaded Indigenous lands. The Nicaraguan army and national police did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Ruiz said the four Mayangna men were working in wildcat mining in the Bosawas nature reserve when they were shot at. Three fled but one died at the scene.

It was the latest of several attacks this year that have killed dozens of Miskito and Mayangna people around Bosawas. The reserve has been hit by illegal mining and logging despite its status as a protected area.

An attack in August reportedly killed nine Miskito people and three Mayangnas. The Nicaraguan government did not confirm those killings.

Indigenous activists say the government of President Daniel Ortega has not done enough to address the problems on the jungle-clad coast, something his administration denied.

The Center for Justice and Human Rights on the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua said at least 49 Indigenous people have been killed by settlers since January, and many others have had to flee their homes.

Activists say many of the settlers moving onto the lands are former soldiers linked to timber and illegal logging interests.
2 Founders and 1 Top Investor of Moderna Make It to Forbes Wealthiest List

Two founders of Moderna and one of the top investors in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology company have made it onto Forbess list of the wealthiest people in the United States after developing a COVID-19 vaccine that has been used throughout the globe.

While the rest of the world struggled over the past year with a crumbling economy, job losses, and financial hardship, the 400 wealthiest Americans saw their collective fortune increase more than 40 percent, to $4.5 trillion, according to Forbes.

Among them were three prominent members of Moderna, whose COVID-19 vaccine was authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Dec. 18, 2020. Since then, 152 million doses of the Moderna vaccine have been administered, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Co-founder and current chairman Noubar Afeyan, co-founder and board member Robert Langer, and investor Timothy Springer all made the Forbes 400 list for 2021, which requires a minimum net worth of $2.9 billion.

Springer was placed at 176th on the list, with a net worth of $5.9 billion. Afeyan landed in the 212th spot with $5 billion, while Langer ranked just 10 places behind at 222nd, with a net worth of $4.9 billion.

Springer, 72, is an immunologist and professor of biological chemistry and molecular pharmacology at Harvard Medical School, and he initially invested $5 million in Moderna in 2010. He now owns 3.5 percent of the firms shares and also has shares in three smaller publicly traded biotech firms: Selecta Biosciences, Scholar Rock, and Morphic Therapeutic.

Afeyan, 59, is the founder and CEO of life sciences innovation firm Flagship Pioneering, of Cambridge, Massachusetts. The engineer was born in Beirut to Armenian parents, but fled with his family to Montreal during Lebanons civil war in 1975. In addition to his stake in Moderna, he owns shares in more than a dozen publicly traded biotech companies in the United States.

Langer, 73, is a scientist and professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he leads the eponymous Langer Lab. He holds a 3 percent stake in Moderna, as well as shares in SQZ Biotechnologies, Seer, and Sigilon Therapeutics, which he founded along with postdoc students from his lab.

Moderna, along with competing vaccine manufacturer Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech, have amassed billions of dollars in vaccine sales since the global pandemic began and have seen their share prices skyrocket.

Johnson & Johnson and Europes AstraZeneca have repeatedly said they dont intend to profit from their COVID-19 vaccines.

Elsewhere, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos secured top spot on this years Forbes list with an estimated $201 billion net worth, followed closely by Teslas Elon Musk with a $190.5 billion fortune.

Facebook founder Mark Zuckerbergwho this week defended his companys internal research into the harmful effects its platform has on childrenarrived in third place with $134.5 billion.

Despite the year-on-year wealth increasing for nearly all of those featured on the list, their generosity hasnt increased, according to Forbes.

The number of those on the list who gave away more than 20 percent of their net worth since last years list declined from 10 to eight, while those who gave away less than 1 percent of their wealth rose from 127 to 156.
A woman walks past the elephant logo of the Republican Party on the first day of the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 18, 2016. (Dominick Reuter/AFP via Getty Images)

2022 Looking Good for Republicans

Commentary

Going back to the first term of President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933, the party of first-term presidents gained seats in House midterm congressional elections only twice.

Karl Rove reminded readers a few months ago in his Wall Street Journal column that, since World War II, the average loss of House seats of the party of each first-term president in congressional midterms is 28.

The largest loss was 63 in the first midterm elections in Barack Obamas first term. This was after Democrats rammed through the Affordable Care Act without a single Republican vote.

Given that Republicans need to pick up only five seats in 2022 to regain control of the House, Democrats who retain any sense of reality are concerned by the political atmospherics being created by their $3.5 trillion welfare state/Green New Deal spending blowout.

But the very idea that there is something called reality is now politically incorrect in todays woke-dominated Democratic Party.

The sway of Democrat moderatesthat is, those who have not detached entirely from reality, such as Sens. Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema and Rep. Josh Gottheimeris in question now that the on-again, off-again vote on the trillion-dollar infrastructure bill, independent of the $3.5 trillion welfare state blowout, is now off-again.

The infrastructure bill, $1 trillion of spending on public works projects like roads, bridges, and trains, is something of more conventional pedigree in Washington, which we normally expect from our elected officials.

The strategy of crazy left-wing House Democrats, pushing the $3.5 trillion welfare state/Green New Deal spending, has been to link this to their support of the $1 trillion infrastructure bill. If you want roads and bridges, sign off on the $3.5 trillion socialist dream.

It had appeared that sobriety would have its day in Washington as the Senate passed, with Democrat and Republican votes, the infrastructure bill, with understanding that the House would vote on it and Speaker Nancy Pelosi pushing back on the far lefts condition of linking this to the welfare state trillions.

But lo and behold, the speaker backed off on scheduling the vote, and were back to the roads and bridges on condition of the socialist dream deal.

One notable factor pushing things in this direction was a visit by President Joe Biden to Capitol Hill, indicating his support of the House far-lefties to link infrastructure to socialism.

This could well do for the presidents ratings on domestic policy what his horribly botched exit from Afghanistan did for his ratings on foreign policy.

Lets recall that initially the Democratic presidential nomination was heading to the far-left Sens. Bernie Sanders/Elizabeth Warren wing of the party.

Things turned around for Biden when House Majority Whip James Clyburn endorsed him, delivering for him the South Carolina primary.

Clyburns endorsement was essentially an establishment endorsement of the Democratic Party. Clyburn cautioned against the far-left campaign rhetoric on issues like defunding the police.

Now Biden has put his presidential seal on that far-left wing of the party, and this will cost him.

New Gallup polling shows record-low trust in government.

Trust in federal government handling of international problems now stands at 39 percent, compared with an average from 19972021 of 59 percent. Trust in federal government handling of domestic problems stands at 39 percent, compared with an average of 53 percent from 19972021.

Earlier this year, Gallup polling showed satisfaction with the country plunging to 39 percent, compared with 53 percent in 2020. Satisfaction with overall quality of life was 67 percent, down from 84 percent in 2020; with opportunity to get ahead with hard work at 58 percent, down from 72 percent; with size and power of government at 31 percent, down from 38 percent; with our system of government and how well it works at 27 percent, down from 43 percent; and the moral and ethical climate at 18 percent, down from 32 percent.

Given how Democrats are running our government, 2022 should be a big year for Republicans.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Kaiser Permanente Puts 2,200 Unvaccinated Employees on Unpaid Leave Nationwide

Kaiser Permanente, one of the largest health care systems in the United States, has placed about 2,200 unvaccinated employees on unpaid leave nationwide because of the companys COVID-19 vaccination policy.

The employees who were suspended represent more than 1 percent of the firms workforce as the company employs around 216,000 people nationwide. They have until Dec. 1 to be vaccinated in order to return to work, the firm said in an Oct. 5 statement.

More than 92 percent of our employees have been vaccinatedand the number continues to grow, Kaiser stated, adding that as of Oct. 4, employees who have not responded to our vaccine requirement were placed on unpaid administrative leave.

We hope none of our employees will choose to leave their jobs rather than be vaccinated, but we wont know with certainty until then, the Oakland, California-based company stated. We will continue to work with this group of employees to allay concerns and educate them about the vaccines, their benefits, and risks.

Several other large hospital systems have issued similar directives in recent days.

On Oct. 4, New York-based Northwell Health announced it had terminated 1,400 workers because they didnt receive the COVID-19 vaccine, coming as a mandate issued by the New York governors office came into effect for health care workers.

Californias front-line health care workers held simultaneous protests against the governments mandatory vaccination order at Kaiser Permanente-Riverside Medical Center in Riverside, Calif., on Aug. 21, 2021. (Linda Jiang/The Epoch Times)

Northwell believes that having a fully vaccinated workforce is an important measure in our duty to protect the health and safety of our staff, our patients, and the communities we serve, the health care system stated. This allows us to continue to provide exceptional care at all of our facilities, without interruption and remain open and fully operational.

While it regrets losing any employee under such circumstances, Northwell argued that it owes it to our staff, our patients, and the communities we serve to be 100 percent vaccinated against COVID-19.

A hospital system that serves four states in the southeastern United States said in late September it terminated more than 100 employees over its vaccine mandate.

They will have an opportunity to comply over a five-day, unpaid suspension period, North Carolina-based Novant Health stated, announcing that 175 workers were fired. If a team member remains non-compliant after this suspension period, he or she will have their employment with Novant Health terminated.

At United Airlines, about 96 percent of employees have been vaccinated under a mandate. About 3 percent sought an exemption, and fewer than 1 percent will be fired, the company has stated.

Kaiser Permanente officials didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A view of the front entrance to Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Mich., on April 8, 2020. (Elaine Cromie/Getty Images)

400 Workers Quit Large Michigan Hospital System Over COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

Approximately 400 healthcare workers at one of Michigans largest hospital systems have resigned over the systems COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

The roughly 33,000 workers at Henry Ford Health System, which includes five hospitals, were required to get a COVID-19 vaccine by Sept. 10. Those who didnt receive an exemption or comply with the mandate were given until Oct. 1 to comply or face repercussions.

Some 93 percent of workers got at least one shot of a vaccine and another 6 percent received a religious or medical exemption, Bob Riney, president of healthcare operations and chief operating officer for the system, told reporters in a briefing Wednesday. Less than 1 percent, or about 400 workers, quit.

No one has been fired, and no one will be fired. Anyone who leaves because of the vaccine requirement is being classified as a voluntary resignation, Riney said.

Workers who quit are welcome to re-apply for a job should they get vaccinated, he added.

At least one of the 64 Henry Ford employees who last month sued over the systems mandate, alleging it violated their constitutional rights, was denied a religious exemption and was terminated, Kyle Von Allmen, a lawyer representing the group, told The Epoch Times via email.

Despite the health system claim that these employees are quitting, they were terminated, he wrote.

The system rejected about 250 religious exemption requests and a handful of medical exemption requests, officials said. They determined the requests did not meet the criteria they set for granting such exemptions by looking at the workers past behavior and beliefs, according to Riney.

COVID-19 vaccine mandates have been imposed at healthcare systems across the nation in recent months and President Joe Bidens administration is putting together a mandate for any private business with 100 or more employees that will center on forcing workers who dont get a vaccine to submit to weekly COVID-19 testing.

The mandates are leading to staffing shortages at many facilities. The shortages led to two large Michigan systems, including Henry Ford, cutting beds last month.

Officials at the system said theyve started hiring new workers to offset the losses. Theyre recruiting internationally.

All things considered, were losing a very small segment of our workforce, Riney said.

Henry Fords mandate does not contain a carve-out for workers who are able to prove they contracted COVID-19, the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus. Several health systems in Michigan do let workers who can prove they have natural immunity opt out from mandates, including Spectrum Health.
5 Medical Marijuana Businesses Get OK to Expand, Sell Recreational Cannabis

SAN DIEGOThe San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to approve zoning changes that will allow five existing medical marijuana businesses to expand their facilities as well as begin selling recreational cannabis products on Oct. 6.

Located in unincorporated communities, the five facilities will now be able to sell edibles, drinkable marijuana products, and branded merchandise, expand by 10,000 square feet and transfer business licenses among existing permit holders.

Previously classified as non-profit medical marijuana collectives, the five facilities are:

Outliers Collective, 8157 Wing Ave., El Cajon;

Ramona Cannabis Co., 736 Montecito Way, Ramona;

Releaf Meds, 618 Pine St., Ramona;

Olive Tree Wellness Center/JAXX Cannabis, 1210 Olive St., Ramona; and

San Diego Natural/OutCo, 8530 Nelson Way, Escondido.

Supervisors also approved a process by which the five dispensaries can voluntarily comply with community design requirementswith assistance from the county Planning and Development Services Departmentand use groundwater, along with municipal sources, for cultivation.

In June, the board voted to allow the five facilities to operate past a previous sunset date of April 14, 2022.

Four years ago, supervisors voted to ban cannabis businesses in the countys unincorporated region.

Board Chairman Nathan Fletcher described the process as a multi-year journey.

He added that Wednesdays action was about taking five folks who have been jerked around for years and years, and resolving their status.

But Supervisor Jim Desmond, who voted against the zoning changes, said bigger facilities equaled bigger risk.

As someone who represents unincorporated areas, Desmond said, hes not hearing outcry for more dispensaries.

Desmond also expressed concerns about the facilities expanding without meeting certain community design guidelines, and how that seemed unfair to other types of businesses.

Were opening up a Pandoras box here, he said. I dont want to see us ramrod through here a new policy.

During an hour-long public hearing, supervisors heard from both industry representatives and those opposed to any further liberalization of county marijuana policy.

Greg McCluskey of the Ramona Cannabis Company said allowing the facilities to expand will improve access for medical marijuana patients, especially those with cancer.

McCluskey added his business is committed to social equity and supporting women and minorities in their business.

Ren Bowden, of Jaxx Cannabis, said his company is very proud of our work. Our loyal patients are as diverse as the community that surrounds us.

Bowden said his businesses will work with the Ramona Community Planning Group and is also involved with Paving Great Futures, a nonprofit organization that works with underserved or marginalized residents.

Becky Rapp, a Ramona Community Planning Group member, said she couldnt believe the county would change the rules for just five dispensaries. No other business has been granted this type of privilege, she said, adding the boards actions remove all oversight and accountability by planning groups.

K.C. Strang, an official with the San Marcos Prevention Coalition, said its a contradiction for the county to ban flavored tobacco but allow the sale of cannabis edibles.

We are concerned that this decision will not be based on our publics health, he added.

County resident Mark Wilcox questioned whether it was worth spending county government time and resources to allow marijuana facilities to expand.

Lets seek solutions for the mental health crisis in our county, he added.

One woman told supervisors that edibles are unregulated, with no caps on THC amounts, which is a recipe for disaster. She added that limitations on the amount of THC in edible and drinkable products are needed.

Supervisors will also consider a social equity program for the cannabis industry in unincorporated communities, although that may not be ready for approval until next year.

In August, the board unanimously approved increased law enforcement of illegal marijuana shops in unincorporated areas.
Best-selling author and veteran U.S. Marine Captain Elliot Ackerman describes Afghanistan, under Taliban rule, as descending into a black hole. This is a circumstance weve seen before in other parts of the world, he says: What eventually crawls out of that black hole is some type of terrorist group that is going to lash out at the West.

They now have a massive safe haven inside of Afghanistan. And so were going to see these groups use Afghanistan as a base, he added.

Ackerman served five tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a recipient of the Purple Heart.

Reports differ on how many Americans and Afghan allies were left behind when U.S. troops withdrew from the country, though many agree that the vast majority remain there. Ackerman describes the ongoing effort to get Afghan-U.S. allies out that he and his cohorts initiated before the U.S. withdrawal.

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Attorney General Merrick Garland attends a news conference at the Department of Justice in Washington on June 25, 2021. (Ken Cedeno/Reuters)

AG Merrick Garland Has Conflict of Interest in Order of Probes Into Parents: Activists

Attorney General Merrick Garland has a conflict of interest in his order to federal officials to target parents who are suspected of intimidating, harassing, or being violent toward school staffers, activists say.

Garland in an Oct. 4 memorandum directed FBI agents and U.S. attorneys to address what he described as a disturbing spike in such behavior in recent months. He said a series of measures will be announced soon to address the rise in criminal conduct directed toward school personnel.

Parents have increasingly protested against the rise of critical race theory teachings in schools, but few incidents have turned violent.

Some activists say Garlands order constitutes a conflict of interest, pointing to contracts that his son-in-laws company, Panorama Education, has signed with school districts across the country.

In one case, Asra Nomani of Parents Defending Education said, the company signed a $1.8 million contract with Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia that will see Panorama collect information on students with surveys including questions about whether they feel gender fluid. There are also portions allocated for equity professional development, a word often used by critical race theorists.

Panorama Education staff gets status as school officials so they have the right to private student data under federal law, according to an email just sent by a Fairfax County school district official. This is federal law that Garland would have to enforce and Big Tech is now circumventing, Nomani wrote in a blog post.

The Attorney General is instructing the FBI to investigate parents who might pose a financial threat to the business of his daughters husband, she wrote in another blog, under the moniker Sundance.

Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) said hes been reviewing notes on Garlands connections.

The allegations that Attorney General Garlands family is potentially profiting off his recent decision to use federal law enforcement to shut down debate at school board meetings is deeply troubling. If this turns out to be true, Congress must hold oversight hearings now to investigate potential corruption, he told The Epoch Times via email.

Panorama and the Department of Justice (DOJ) didnt immediately respond to requests for comment by The Epoch Times.

A Panorama spokesperson told news outlets that the company only uses student data for the purpose of helping schools and districts better serve their students.

The company isnt linked with any particular academic philosophy, including critical race theory, the spokesperson said. The only relationship between Panorama Education and Attorney General Merrick Garland is that Panoramas co-founder Xan Tanner is AG Garlands son-in-law.

Lisa Monaco, a top DOJ official, defended the order before Congress this week, arguing that spirited debate was welcome at school board meetings but that violence is not appropriate.

Most of the incidents were merely parents growing rowdy or disruptive, writer Zaid Jilani said.

The National School Boards Association urged the Biden administration to deal with angry mobs of parents just days before the order was issued, listing a number of incidents it deemed over the line. The classification of these heinous actions could be the equivalent to a form of domestic terrorism and hate crimes, the association wrote.

The association welcomed the new order, saying it sent a strong message to individuals with violent intent who are focused on causing chaos, disrupting our public schools, and driving wedges between school boards and the parents, students, and communities they serve.
Air New Zealand Reels From Auckland Curbs, Australia Bubble Loss

Air New Zealand Ltd. is operating less than one-third of its usual domestic capacity due to tough COVID-19 restrictions in Auckland and doubts whether a travel bubble with Australia will reopen, the airlines chief executive said on Thursday.

Were running almost 100 percent outside of Auckland, Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran told Reuters in an interview. Its a reasonable network but Auckland is literally two-thirds of the domestic network so its a pretty significant impact to our business, not having Auckland operating at this stage.

The airline has said it is burning through around NZ$25 million ($17.30 million) to NZ$35 million of cash a month due to the lockdown in the countrys largest city, which the government says will be scaled back in phases as vaccination rates rise.

The Pacific nation was among just a handful of countries to bring COVID-19 cases down to zero last year and largely stayed virus-free until mid-August.

The closure of a quarantine-free travel bubble with Australia is costing the airline another NZ$20 million to NZ$25 million a month in cash burn.

Foran said it was possible the New Zealand government would treat Australia like any other country in the future when it came to testing and quarantine rules, as is being done now.

It will be up to the New Zealand government to decide if they going to relax [mandatory quarantine] for people who were vaccinated, he said. Maybe they can do isolation at home or maybe hopefully in time they dont have to do any. But the way it was operating in April, May, and June, Im not convinced it ever returns.

The company has suspended its earnings guidance for the financial year ending June 30 amid the challenging market conditions.

($1 = 1.4453 New Zealand dollars)

By Jamie Freed
Airbus Chief Commercial Officer Christian Scherer is interviewed by Reuters at the International Air Transport Association's Annual General Meeting in Boston, Mass., on Oct. 4, 2021. (Brian Snyder/Reuters)

Airbus Sees Jet Demand Conquering Suppliers Output Fears

BOSTONAirbus is sticking to its quest for record jet output after airlines reported glimmers of a post-pandemic recovery this week, and believes engine makers who have questioned its most ambitious proposals will be unable to resist demand.

Airbus has said it hopes to almost double jet production in a few years as borders reopen. Engine makers fear doing so too quickly could upset their own recovery, by forcing existing jets into retirement rather than their repair shops.

Interviewed at the airline industrys main annual event, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer Christian Scherer held out the prospect that Airbus would play on fierce competition between engine makers as it aims to secure future output of its A320neo.

There will be engines. That is the beauty of having engine competition in the program, he told Reuters on the sidelines of a meeting of the International Air Transport Association, the first such industry gathering since the pandemic.

There is a lot of rhetoric  [but] at the end of the day if customers  demand more modern airplanes  no enginemaker in the world is going to be able to resist the call of nature. So Im not concerned about it.

Airbus is sold out of its A320neo series until 2026, he said.

In May, Airbus issued a mix of firm targets and scenarios that could lift narrow-body A320-family output to 75 jets a month by 2025, from about 40 this year, and 60 pre-COVID.

The head of Frances Safran, part of the CFM engine venture with General Electric, said earlier this year he was not sure whether rates above 60 could be sustained. Also speaking in July, Greg Hayes, CEO of Pratt & Whitney parent Raytheon Technologies, expressed surprise atpretty aggressive Airbus output plans. Both engine makers offer competing engines on the A320neo, the most-sold Airbus jet which competes with the Boeing 737 MAX.

No Overproduction

Asked if Airbus had given up on studying the possibility of increasing A320neo output beyond the most recent firm target of 63 a month to 70 or 75, Scherer said: absolutely not. He added: It is a scenario right now. It is not a committed plan. But it is a sizing exercise that we must do because it corresponds to demandverified demand, not theoretical demandthat we are experiencing, including in meetings we are having right here.

IATA discussed tougher climate pledges, airlines, suppliers, and leasing companies mingled behind the scenes haunted by the losses and overdue payments left by the industrys worst ever crisis, while reporting some interest in new jets.

Scherer said conversations were beginning to turn toward recovery after a spate of restructurings of plane orders.

The realization that the world is expecting movement towards more sustainable, more eco-friendly flying is accelerating the need for the most modern airplanes, he said.

Scherer addressed some suppliers concerns that Airbus would race to build jets to meet that demand, but only temporarily, leaving them to absorb costly capacity if the recovery falters.

I think recent history has shown Airbus has been able to manage its supply and demand very, very rigorously almost to the dot on the right spot, Scherer said.

You have to trust that we will continue to do that in the future and not shoot ourselves in the foot by over producing airplanes that we cant sell.

By Tim Hepher
America and The Dying Citizen

This article summarizes arguments presented in Victor Davis Hansons new book The Dying Citizen, now available from Basic Books.

Only a little more than half of the current worlds 7 billion people are citizens of fully consensual governments.

That lucky 50 percent alone enjoys constitutionally protected freedoms. Most are also Western. Or at least they reside in nations that have become Westernized.

Migrants, regardless of their race, religion, or gender, almost always head for a Western nation. And most often their destination remains the United States. The more it is now fashionable for Americans to take for granted or even to ridicule the idea of their own country, the more the non-American global poor-risk their lives to crash Americas borders.

Constitutional systems easily perish because they ask a lot of their citizensto vote, to be informed about civic and political issues, and to hold elected officials accountable. That responsibility is perhaps why, of the worlds true republics and democracies, only about 22 have been in existence for a half-century or more. We are seldom told, then, that America is a rare, precious, and perhaps even fragile idea, both in the past and in the present.

American citizens are clearly also not the custom of the past. Unlike historys more common peasants, citizens arent under the control of the rich who, in turn, seek undue influence in government through controlling them.

Instead, viable citizenship has always hinged on a broad, autonomous middle class. Those Americans in between lack both the dependence of the poor and the insider influences of the elite. Suffocate the middle and we know that a binary feudalism will soon replace it. We are seeing just that medievalization in contemporary California.

Nor are American citizens mere migratory residents who drift across nonexistent borders in expectation of receiving more rights than meeting responsibilities. Forfeit a sacred national space, a place where common customs, language, and traditions can shelter and thrive, and a unique America disappears into a pre-civilizational migratory void like the fluid vastness of late imperial Rome.

Americans are quite different from tribal peoples, whose first loyalties are determined by mere appearance or innate blood ties. Take this nation back to pre-civilizational tribalism, and our future as the next Yugoslavia, Rwanda, or Iraq is assured.

Americans are not, then, premodern peasants, mere residents, and squabbling tribesat least not quite yet.

But citizens also are equally suspicious and rightfully distrustful of the top-down subversion of citizenship by postmodern elites and the privileged. The latter often expect Americans to give up their ancient freedoms to a vast, unelected, and unaudited permanent administrative state, to be run by credentialed functionaries and sanctioned experts. That technocratic regimentation may now be the Chinese model, but it was never the vision of our founders.

Citizens object to evolving a 245-year-old republic into a radical socialist ochlocracy without checks and balances. That rebooting would mean scrapping ancient laws, long-held customs, and hallowed traditionsfrom the Electoral College and a nine-person Supreme Court to the Senate filibuster and 50-state union. Consensual societies usually implode when desperate factions resort to subverting hallowed rules for short-term partisan gain.

Some elites believe the Founders Constitution is in dire need of radical deletions and alterations to fit their own utopian visions. So, they imagine an evolving Constitution to synchronize with supposedly a fluid, mutableand always progressinghuman nature. They are ignorant that the core of the Constitution doesnt change because our own natural, core sense of right and wrong doesnt either.

Nor do citizens hand over their first allegiances to an abstract worldwide commonwealthas if half of its membership arent illiberal theocracies, autocracies, and monarchies. Such a tired citizens of the world dream dates to Socratic utopianism.

Yet neither the defunct League of Nations nor the United Nations has ever offered any credible blueprint for viable transnational governance. Todays globalists at Davos may snicker at nationalist democracies such as the United States and Israel, but in cowardly fashion, they usually appease a totalitarian and brutal Communist China that allows no dissent.

Given our privileges, affluent and leisured Americans must always ask ourselves whether as citizens we have earned what those who died at Gettysburg or on Omaha Beach bequeathed at such costs.

Refusing to stand during the national anthem isnt and shouldnt be illegal. But such blanket rejection of American customs is admittedly now a collective narcissistic ticand hardly sustainable for the nations privileged to sit in disgust for a flag that their betters raised under fire on Iwo Jima for others not yet born. Sometimes, citizens can do as much harm to their commonwealth by violating customs and traditions as by breaking laws.

Instead, freedom requires constant reinvestment in and replenishment of a nations traditions and ideals. Self-criticism of ones country is salutary to ensure needed changes, but only if Americans accept that an innately self-correcting United States doesnt have to be perfect to be goodand especially when, in a world of innately flawed humans and failed states, it remains far better than any of the alternatives abroad.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey (center) is joined by Tim Roemer, Director of the Arizona Department of Homeland Security and Chief Information Security Officer, at an unveiling of the new Cyber Command Center in Phoenix on Oct. 4, 2021. Also pictured are Colonel Heston Silbert, Director of the Department of Public Safety; Andy Tobin, Director of the Department of Administration; and Adjutant General Kerry Muehlenbeck, Director of the Department of Emergency and Military Affairs. (Office of the Governor Doug Ducey)

Arizona Launches Cyber Command Center After Logging 800,000 Security Attacks in September

Arizonas counter terrorism efforts received a boost this week with the launch of a new computer security facility to combat ongoing cyber attacks on state information technology.

On Oct. 4, Gov. Doug Ducey announced the creation of a new Cyber Command Center at a ceremony at the Arizona Department of Public Safetys (DPS) Counter Terrorism Information Center (ACTIC) in Phoenix.

Cybersecurity is homeland security. Our society is becoming increasingly interconnected through technology, and cybersecurity has become one of the most important issues facing Arizona, Ducey said in a statement.

In fiscal 2020, Arizona set aside $2.9 million to enhance cybersecurity controls and prevent threats on state IT equipment. The state also earmarked $3 million for enhancing the Arizona Department of Educations school finance system, and will receive another $6 million for cyber security in fiscal 2022, which began July 1.

Ducey said the new command center will play a critical role in protecting Arizonans and securing the states cyber infrastructure against cyber threats.

Im hopeful that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will recognize the success of these partnerships on cybersecurity and begin to treat border security just as seriously, he said.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey, right, is joined by Tim Roemer, Director of the Arizona Department of Homeland Security and Chief Information Security Officer, at an unveiling of the new Cyber Command Center in Phoenix on Oct. 4, 2021. (Office of the Governor Doug Ducey)

The command center will serve as Arizonas headquarters for coordinating statewide cybersecurity operations.

Ducey added the goal is to promote the formation of public and private partnerships to guard against future cyber attacks.

In September alone, Arizonas DHS intercepted approximately 68 million cyber threats and secured state websites from over 800,000 attacks, the agency reported.

The new command center will serve as a hub for state agencies to share information with one another to enhance their operations, the governor said.

The Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center is a joint effort by the Arizona DPS, DHS, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other agencies. Its primary mission is to support Arizonas homeland security efforts.

Established in 2004, the counter terrorism center operates round-the-clock providing intelligence, investigative, and technical support to multiple law enforcement agencies at state, tribal, and federal levels.

In March 2018, Ducey signed an executive order creating the Arizona Cybersecurity Team to protect against cyber threats and to promote cybersecurity awareness and best practices. He appointed former Arizona Cybersecurity Team Safety Adviser Tim Roemer as Arizonas Chief Information Security Officer the following year.

Im glad to hear we are finally taking cybersecurity seriously, Arizona Rep. Mark Finchem (R) told The Epoch Times. Im glad to hear that the governor is looking at setting up something so maybe, in the next election, we can have the safest, most secure election in history.
People gather outside a hospital following an earthquake in Harnai, Balochistan, Pakistan, on Oct. 7, 2021. (QuettaVoice.com/Social Media via Reuters)

At Least 20 Dead After 5.9 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Pakistan

At least 20 people have died and more than 200 injured after a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Pakistan in the early hours of Thursday.

The quake in the province of Balochistan had a relatively shallow depth of about 9 km (6 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Shallower quakes tend to cause more damage.

Its epicenter was about 100 km (62 miles) east of the provincial capital Quetta, and about 14 kilometers (8 miles) north-northeast of Harnai.

Rescue workers said those who died were mostly women and children, reported Reuters.

The quake had struck while people were sleeping, just past 3 a.m. local time.

More than 100 mud houses collapsed while a large number of other buildings, including government buildings, were damaged. At least one coal mine collapsed amid the quake.

A man removes his pushcart from the rubble of a damaged house following an earthquake in Harnai, Balochistan, Pakistan, on Oct. 7, 2021. (Naseer Ahmed/Reuters)

Residents gather near the rubble of a damaged house following an earthquake in Harnai, Balochistan, Pakistan, on Oct. 7, 2021. (Naseer Ahmed/Reuters)

Sohail Anwar, deputy commissioner in the city of Harnai, told Reuters that hundreds of people were rendered homeless.

Residents gathered outside in the dark following the quake. More than 200 people were injured and were rushed to hospital, or treated on stretchers in the street under light provided by mobile phones.

People gather outside a hospital following an earthquake in Harnai, Balochistan, Pakistan, on Oct. 7, 2021. (QuettaVoice.com/Social Media via Reuters)

People gather outside a hospital following an earthquake in Harnai, Balochistan, Pakistan, on Oct. 7, 2021. (QuettaVoice.com/Social Media via Reuters)

Relatives crowded outside the District Headquarter Hospital Harnai. Manzoor Ahmed, a medical superintendent at the hospital, told The Associated Press, So far weve managed more than 200 casualties, we have received 15 dead bodies.

We sent some severely injured by road, using ambulances and private vehicles, to Quetta for better treatment, he added. Those who are in serious condition, we are shifting them using helicopters.

Provincial minister Zia Langove told Al Jazeera that rescue workers faced blocked roads in the area due to landslides caused by the earthquake. He said teams were working to clear roads to the affected areas and will assess the damage further.

Officials said the death toll was expected to rise.

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit Quetta in 1935. It killed between 30,000 to 60,000 people.

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Waller (SSG 75), a Collins-class diesel-electric submarine, is seen in Sydney Harbour on Nov. 2, 2016. Australia, the United States, and the UK have announced a new strategic defense partnershipknown as AUKUSto build a class of nuclear-propelled submarines and work together in the Indo-Pacific region. (Peter Parks/AFP/Getty Images)

Australias Nuclear Submarine Move Changes Strategic Layout of Indo-Pacific Region

Commentary

Recently, Australia signed a trilateral security pact with the United States and the UK called AUKUS, symbolizing that Australia has been strengthening its national defense after realizing the military threat posed by China.

Exposure of Beijings Advancing Eastward and Southward Strategy

In the first half of 2020, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) waged a ChinaU.S. Cold War through a series of military threats.

Prior to this, the CCP had already launched a series of military deployments in the South Pacific, which gradually exposed its military intention of advancing eastward and southward and heightened the alertness of Australia.

It can be said that Australia has seen the possible threat of another Pacific War, in which the CCP plays the role of the Empire of Japan during World War II.

The military intention of the CCPs advancing eastward, which would be under the guise of unifying Taiwanthe democratic and independent island that the CCP already claims as a Chinese territoryactually targets U.S. military bases in Guam and Japan.

As for its strategy of advancing southward, the CCP unabashedly relates itself to the Imperial Japanese Army, which ordered a military deployment in the Pacific War from 1941 to 1945.

On May 27, the CCP signed an agreement with Samoa, a Polynesian island country to the east of Australia, ready to invest $100 million in the country to build a large terminal in Vaiusu Bay.

This agreement was temporarily shelved after a change of Samoas government, as reported by the BBC.

Some common points can be found in the series of Chinese projects carried out in Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Vanuatu.

First, these locations are all strategically important for naval battles.

Second, given that the investment amount of the CCP is much higher than the scale of local economic activities and the projects themselves have no return on their investments, it can be inferred that the investment projects of the regime dont care about the actual needs of local economic activities.

This shows that the CCPs investment activities are neither economic assistance nor decision-making under commercial interests, but out of military intentions.

Third, the CCPs investment projects mainly focus on the construction of ports and airports, and the regime itself is trying to lease the islands where the projects are located for independent management and long-term use.

Samoa Prime Minister Tuilaepa Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi shakes hands with Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Sept. 18, 2018. (Lintao Zhang/Pool/Getty Images)

The CCPs investment in these projects in the South Pacific obviously isnt to help local development, but is likely to be a strategic layout serving military purposes.

The goal seems to be to prepare the naval and air combat bases on various points in the South Pacific for the Peoples Liberation Army Navy.

CCPs Foreign Military Ambitions Are Aimed at Australia

Australia may not yet understand the reason why the CCP has been building bases in island countries in the southern hemisphere, such as Samoa, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, which are geographically not too close to Australia.

By the time the CCP reaches the gateway to it, however, Australia will realize the true intentions of this communist regime.

In early February, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that a Chinese-funded company known as WYW Holding wrote to James Marape, prime minister of Papua New Guinea, proposing a more ambitious plan.

The plan is to spend $28.5 billion (AU$39 billion), which is more than the sum of the national gross domestic product of Papua New Guinea, to build Daru Island, which is geographically close to Australia but quite underdeveloped, into a new city, including ports, industrial areas, commercial areas, leisure areas, and residential areas.

The primitive activity of gathering in the local area doesnt require such a city, which brings no effect of economic radiation once built. The CCP is actually planning to lease a small island for its long-term building of a city naval base.

Although this project known as the City of Daru hasnt yet been implemented, the CCPs military ambitions in the South Pacific have been exposed. There are at least three ambitions, which are to establish a bridgehead to control the vast waters of the South Pacific, to isolate Australia, and to threaten the United States.

Reason Behind the CCPs Southward Military Expansion

One of the targets of the CCPs southward military expansion is Australia. Over the past 20 years, the CCP military has spent a lot of manpower to translate the many memoirs of South Pacific warfare during the Pacific War.

By doing so, the Chinese military wont only be familiar with the geographic characteristics of the islands, but also accumulate the war experience and battlefield tactics, as well as various problems in logistics, transportation, sanitation, and epidemic prevention of the countries that have fought in the South Pacific.

For the CCP, the island countries in the South Pacific dont have many strategic resources worthy of war, except for iron ore, which is needed for military expansion and war preparations during the ChinaU.S. Cold War.

Steel is the material essential for armaments production, and Chinas steel industry has fallen into a dilemma because of the high price, inferior quality, and serious shortage of domestic iron ore.

The only two sources of Chinas large-scale imports of high-quality iron ore are, for the time being, Australia and Brazil. Iron ore, like oil, is a strategic material necessary for the arms race of major powers.

As long as the CCP continues to implement its policies of arms expansion and war preparation, it will have to face situations where the source of iron ore is interrupted and the output of military steel plummets once the war breaks out.

The reason why the Empire of Japan launched the Pacific War in 1941 was to seize oil from the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) and stay combative.

By now, it seems apparent that the CCP will follow in the footsteps of the Empire of Japanthat is, it will deploy to conquer countries that produce iron ore, a strategic material on which its highly dependent.

The CCP cant reach Brazil, but its surely covetous of Australias resource of iron ore, and its preparing for the seizure of Australia in the future.

Ulterior Motive of CCPs Trade Sanctions on Australia

Since the second half of 2020, the CCP has imposed unilateral economic sanctions on Australia.

With the exception of iron ore, gold, and aluminum ore, agricultural and mineral products of Australia, which were meant to be exported to China, have been banned or blocked in disguised form by the CCP.

Australias warship HMAS Leeuwin sails during the 2013 International Fleet Review in Sydney on Oct. 5, 2013. Australia is considering sending navy ships to help challenge the Chinese regimes claims in the South China Sea. (Saeed Khan/AFP/Getty Images)

It has certainly caused a certain degree of shock for the economy of Australia.

Why did the CCP impose comprehensive economic sanctions on Australia? Based in Western countries, CCP mouthpiece Duowei News gave a clear answer, which was seen in the article, China Beats Australia: Better Stand Aside Than Choose One Side.

This article mentions that if Australia would change its diplomatic policy at the time, which was clearly pro-American and against China, it could be expected that the economic and trade relations between China and Australia would soon return to normal.

This statement clearly illustrates the true purpose of the CCPs economic sanctions against Australia, which was to force Australia to succumb to the CCP and make it break away from its alliance with the United States.

Little did the CCP expect that Australia would withstand the pressure of its economic sanctions and remain unyielding.

Matt Pottinger, former U.S. deputy national security adviser, published an article in the September/October issue of the Foreign Affairs, Beijings American Hustle, How Chinese Grand Strategy Exploits U.S. Power.

The failure of Beijings recent attempt to coerce Australia into compliance with Chinese policy illustrates this point nicely, Pottinger wrote. CCP leaders gambled that Australian businesses, suffering from a targeted trade embargo, would lobby their government to make political concessions to Beijing.

But the Australian peoplebusiness leaders and exporters includedunderstood that accepting Chinas ultimatum would mean submitting to a dangerous new order. Australian businesses absorbed the losses, weathered the embargo, and found new markets.

Australias Nuclear Submarine Strategy

The long-distance military confrontation of modern countries is mainly between naval vessels. Australia has long been preparing to strengthen its submarine fleet due to the CCPs maritime threat.

Originally planning to purchase the conventional type of powered attack submarines from France, Australia decided to switch to U.S. nuclear-powered attack submarines recently.

A few years ago, the United States hadnt formulated its own Indo-Pacific strategy and wouldnt provide Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines.

Since the release of then-President Donald Trumps Indo-Pacific strategy at the end of 2019, President Joe Biden has now agreed to strengthen the submarine fleet of the Australian Navy.

Compared with the conventional type of powered attack submarines used by France, U.S. nuclear-powered attack submarines are much more advantageous not only because theyre larger in tonnage, but also due to their equipment and technology being based on a mature and reliable 60-year-foundation.

Australia can gradually increase its fleet of nuclear-powered attack submarines by introducing nuclear submarine technology and equipment from the U.S. military, which will then help with training Australian naval crews.

By doing so, the CCP navys planned invasion of the South Pacific can be effectively prevented.

Royal Australian Navy submarine HMAS Rankin is seen during AUSINDEX 21, a biennial maritime exercise between the Royal Australian Navy and the Indian Navy near Darwin, Australia, on Sept. 5, 2021. (Photo by POIS Yuri Ramsey/Australian Defence Force via Getty Images)

Influence of Australias New Strategy of National Defense

The reason why the CCP has been forcibly building artificial islands in the open waters of the South China Sea is to blockade the international waters in this area. The strategic intention of these artificial islands, which serve as the deep sea fortress of the CCPs strategic nuclear submarines, have been introduced publicly and specifically by the regime.

Setting off from the deep sea fortress, these strategic nuclear submarines can pose a nuclear threat to the United States at any time once they submerge into the vast Central Pacific.

In contrast, these strategic nuclear submarines wont be able to pass the Strait of Malacca at the southwestern end of the South China Sea, where the water level becomes too shallow, if they depart from the South China Sea.

There are only three underwater channels that can be used by the strategic nuclear submarines to submerge into the Central Pacific and threaten the United States.

Judging from the geographical location of the CCPs military bases in the South Pacific, these naval and air combat bases, which are scheduled to be built by the regime, are located to the north, northeast, and east of Australia. These directions can effectively blockade Australias maritime route to the United States, which is its main strategic ally in the northeast.

Considering that China has used unmanned submarine vehicles to repeatedly detect nuclear submarine channels in the East Indian Ocean west of Australia during the past two years, it can also be inferred that such a strategic layout obviously isnt for the CCPs own need of national defense, but for the creation of a three-sided encircling layout against Australia.

The CCP Navys strong interest in Daru Island may be that it plans to build an overseas forward base on the island for the supply and repair of its nuclear submarines.

The three-party military cooperation of Australia, the United States, and the UK has strengthened a certain defense deployment, which is close to the locality of the CCPs expansion of artificial islands that serve as military bases in the South China Sea, that goes against the communist regime.

This deployment has, to a certain extent, broken the CCPs three-sided encirclement of Australia and has also dispersed the CCPs naval forces.

The renewal of the Australian fleet of submarines will force the CCP navy to strengthen its deployment of new maritime military bases in the South China Sea and can consequently reduce Taiwans pressure from the CCP navy.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Activists take part in a protest calling for a boycott of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games over China's human rights record, in Tokyo on Oct. 2, 2021. (Philip Fong/AFP via Getty Images)

Beijing Winter Olympics Approach as Chinese Human Rights Abuses Neglected

Analysis

Beijing Winter Olympics are set to start in four months, yet both the Chinese regime and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) remain silent on accusations of human rights violations in the host nation.

Unlike the 2008 Olympicswhen China was allowed to host the event under vague promises of improving its human rights recordthere have been no human rights conversations nor pledges of betterment by the Chinese communist regime. Some argued, back over a decade ago, that granting Beijing the 2008 Olympics would have helped press the regime to improve upon its rights record.

But the IOC decided to let Beijing host the Winter Olympics, that open on Feb. 4, undeterred by opposition from rights advocates.

Thomas Bach, IOC president, has continuously evaded questions regarding the morality of holding the Olympics in China, given ongoing reports of the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) systematic human rights violations. He also declined to address or condemn the treatment of Uyghurs and other minorities in China.

The big difference between the two Beijing Games is that in 2008 Beijing tried to please the world, said Xu Guoqi, a historian at the University of Hong Kong, in an email to The Associated Press. In 2022, it does not really care about what the rest of the world thinks about it.

When China landed the Olympics in 2008after it had been denied the opportunity in 2000, partly due to its rights abuse recordsome IOC members opposed it on the basis that it would give tacit approval to the regimes conduct.

But according to Uyghur activist Zumretay Arkin, nowadays the IOC couldnt care less and appears unmoved when faced with abhorrent testimonies from Uyghur survivors that escaped Chinese re-education camps, according to an April 8 blog post. Arkin claims the IOC insists the Olympics are a force for good and that sport can be separated from politics, even when the host government is charged with genocide.

The Number 3 Detention Center in Dabancheng in western Chinas Xinjiang region, on April 23, 2021. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo)

Many rights experts and advocates have also said that the human rights situation deteriorated in China after 2008, questioning why the 2022 Winter Olympics should be different.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) sent a letter (pdf) to Bach, on Dec. 15, 2020, stating that the 2022 Games will take place in an environment significantly worse than that of the 2008 Beijing Games.

HRW said that, since 2008, it documented the governments crackdown on peaceful activists, lawyers, and human rights defenders, mass arbitrary detention of one million Turkic Muslims in Xinjiang, the deployment of Orwellian surveillance technology with a view towards engineering a dissent-free society, as well as the drastic curtailment of civil liberties in Hong Kong.

As further stated by a coalition of 200 rights advocates, the Chinese regime repeatedly backtracked on the human rights pledges it made to secure the right to host the [2008] Games and there was no accountability by the IOC and the international community. Instead, China was given a free pass to wantonly violate human rights and fundamental freedoms.

This came in the form of an open letter addressed to TV broadcasters, pleading with them to cancel their coverage of the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Reggie Littlejohn, the founder of Womens Rights Without Frontiers and part of the Genocide Games coalition, said in an interview with EpochTVs American Thought Leaders that the CCP broke all promises it made in 2008.

If they committed genocide or are continuing to commit genocide against the Uyghurs after the 2008 Olympics, what are they going to do after 2022? Are they going to invade Taiwan? Littlejohn said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A used coronavirus disease (COVID-19) rapid test with negative result is pictured during pandemic lockdown, in Berlin, Germany, on March 31, 2021. (Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters)

Biden Admin Announces Another $1 Billion for At-Home CCP Virus Tests

The White House has announced plans to invest $1 billion into making rapid at-home tests for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Virus, which causes the disease COVID-19, widely available.

This comes days after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted emergency use authorization for the ACON Laboratories Flowflex COVID-19 Home Testa new rapid antigen test that can be purchased over-the-counter.

Counselor to the president Jeffrey Zients says the number of tests available each month nationwide is now set to quadruple to 200 million starting in December.

Well continue to pull every lever, as we have throughout the pandemic response, on testing to expand manufacturing production of tests in order to make testing even more widely available and drive down the cost for tests, he said at a White House COVID-19 Response Team press briefing on Wednesday.

Zients says the federal government is promising to purchase tests to distribute to community health centers, food pantries, and other locations, and will also invest in the testing sector to make more tests available for retail purchase. He says he believes the ACON test will retail at less than $10 per test.

Zients did not say which companies the contracts would go to, but in addition to mentioning ACON, he said the companies Quidel and OraSure have committed to further expanding production of their tests.

The Department of Defense also announced this week that its logistics agency was awarded six contracts with a combined value of over $2.78 billion for 150 million at home and 400 million point-of-care COVID-19 test kits.

These latest investments are in addition to the $2 billion the administration put towards testing in September, making purchases from Abbott Laboratories and Celltrion Inc. to ship tests to nursing homes and other high-risk populations.

Rapid at-home tests have been flying off the shelves since coming to market earlier this year. Zients acknowledged on Oct. 1 that at-home rapid tests are under a lot of demand and promised manufacturing would scale up and double across the next several months.

Zients also said on Wednesday that the Biden Administration will up the number of pharmacies offering free COVID-19 tests through a federal program to 20,000 nationwidean increase from 10,000 promised in September.

President Joe Biden announced in September plans to mandate weekly testing for unvaccinated workers at businesses with more than 100 employees.

The average number of daily COVID-19 cases nationwide dropped by 12 percent over the last seven days to just under 98,000, and hospitalizations dropped 14 percent to about 7,400, said Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky during the briefing.
U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan leaves from the Hyatt Regency Zurich Airport hotel, in Zurich, Switzerland, on Oct. 6, 2021. (Arnd Wiegmann/Reuters)

Biden, Chinas Xi Expected to Meet Virtually by Years End

ZURICH/WASHINGTONThe United States and China have agreed in principle for their leaders to hold a virtual meeting before the end of the year, a senior U.S. administration official said on Oct. 6, after high-level talks aimed at improving communication between the two countries.

The closed-door meeting at an airport hotel in the Swiss city of Zurich between U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan and Chinas top diplomat Yang Jiechi was their first face-to-face encounter since an unusually public and acrid airing of grievances in Alaska in March.

U.S. officials had suggested that the meeting was a follow-on from President Joe Bidens Sept. 9 call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, prior to which the worlds top two economies appeared to have been locked in a stalemate.

The White House said Sullivan raised concerns about contentious issues such as Chinas actions in the South China Sea, as well as on human rights and Beijings stances on Hong Kong, Xinjiang, and Taiwan.

At the end of the day, however, both Beijing and Washington said the talks, which lasted six hours, were constructive and candid. The U.S. side said the tone was very different from Alaska.

We do have out of todays conversation an agreement in principle to hold a virtual bilateral (summit) meeting before the end of the year, the U.S. official told reporters.

Asked for further details, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said: Were still working through what that would look like, when and of course the final details we dont quite have them yet.

Early speculation had been that the two might meet in person at the G-20 summit in Italy in October, but Xi hasnt left China since the outbreak of the pandemic early last year.

Todays conversation, broadly speaking, was a more meaningful and substantive engagement than weve had to date below the leader level, the official said, adding that Washington hoped it would be a model for future encounters.

The official said it shouldnt be seen as a thaw in relations, however.

What we are trying to achieve is a steady state between the United States and China, where we are able to compete intensely but to manage that competition responsibly, the official said.

Chinas Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the two sides had agreed to avoid conflict and confrontation.

The two sides agreed to take action  to strengthen strategic communication, properly manage differences, avoid conflict and confrontation, the ministry statement said.

Chinas Aggression Toward Taiwan

Bidens call with Xi in September ended a nearly seven-month gap in direct communication between the leaders; the two discussed the need to ensure that the two countries dont veer into conflict.

Biden said on Oct. 6 that he spoke to Xi about Taiwan and they agreed to abide by the Taiwan agreement, as tensions ratchet up between Taipei and Beijing.

Taiwan has reported 149 Chinese air force planes in the southern and southwestern part of its air defense zone over a four-day period beginning on Oct. 1, the same day China marked a patriotic holiday, National Day.

Taiwans Foreign Ministry, which had sought clarification from the United States about Bidens comments, said on Oct. 6 that Washington reassured that its approach to Taiwan hadnt changed, and that its commitment to the democratically governed island claimed by Beijing was rock solid.

In his comments, Biden appeared to be referring to Washingtons long-standing China policy under the Taiwan Relations Act, which makes clear that the U.S. decision to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing instead of Taiwan rests upon the expectation that the future of Taiwan will be determined by peaceful means. The act authorizes the United States to supply Taiwan with military equipment for the islands self-defense.

The White House said Sullivan also will visit Brussels, for meetings with NATO and European Union officials, and Paris, and will brief the Europeans on his meeting with Yang.

With trade tensions also atop the U.S.China agenda, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai, whos in Paris for Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development meetings, has said she hopes to hold discussions soon with Chinese counterparts.

On Oct. 4, Tai unveiled the results of a months-long top-to-bottom review of China trade policy, pledging to hold frank talks with Beijing about its failure to keep promises made in former President Donald Trumps trade deal and end harmful industrial policies.

By John Revill and Steve Holland
The logo of German car manufacturer BMW is seen on the company headquarters in Munich, Germany, on Dec. 5, 2019. (Andreas Gebert/Reuters)

BMW Invests in Lithium Technology Startup Lilac Solutions

BMW said on Wednesday it will invest in lithium technology startup Lilac Solutions Inc to support more-efficient ways to produce the electric vehicle battery metal.

Privately-held Lilac is part of a growing number of technology developers seeking to extract lithium from saltwater brines faster, cheaper, and with less water than evaporation ponds, which have long been the industry standard.

BMW, which already buys lithium from Chinas Ganfeng Lithium Co and other traditional lithium producers, said it sees Lilacs technology as a way to boost global production of the white metal as demand grows from the EV market.

This holds the promise of becoming a new extraction technology that allows access to more green lithium, said Kasper Sage of BMW i Ventures, BMWs venture capital fund.

The German automaker is participating in Lilacs Series B funding round alongside SK Materials Co, Sumitomo Corp investment arm Presidio Ventures, and others.

BMW declined to discuss its investment amount, though the total from all investors announced on Wednesday was less than $20 million, according to regulatory filings. T. Rowe Price and others were part of an initial $130 million funding round for Lilacs Series B announced last month.

Lilac plans to use the funds to construct a U.S. manufacturing facility for ion exchange beads, which are core to its extraction process.

The company last month agreed to use its technology to develop a lithium project in Argentina with Lake Resources NL.

Lilac has focused on proving our technology is reliable and scalable. And thats been resonating with members of the supply chain, said Dave Snydacker, Lilacs chief executive.

Lilacs peers include privately held EnergySource Minerals LLC and Energy Exploration Technologies Inc, as well as Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd, Standard Lithium Ltd, and E3 Metals Corp.

By Ernest Scheyder
Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson delivers his keynote leader's speech during the Conservative Party conference at Manchester Central Convention Complex on Oct. 6, 2021. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Boris Johnsons Economic Vision Slammed by Conservative Think Tanks, Business Leaders

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has been criticised by conservative think tanks and business leaders for making vacuous rhetoric about moving towards a high-wage, low-tax economy, which they say will only lead to further price rises and worse labour shortages.

In his speech at the Conservative Party conference on Wednesday, Johnson said he was setting out the difficult process of reshaping the British economy.

With labour shortages hitting supply chains, leading to empty shelves and queues at petrol stations, the prime minister defended his strategy of restricting the supply of foreign labour after Brexit, insisting his new approach would ultimately create a high-wage, low-tax economy.

The Adam Smith Institute, a free-market think tank, described Johnsons address as bombastic but vacuous and economically illiterate, and an agenda for levelling down to a centrally-planned, high-tax, low-productivity economy.

The institutes Head of Research Matthew Lesh said Johnson is hamstringing the labour market, raising taxes on a fragile recovery, and shying away from meaningful planning reform.

Lesh slammed Johnsons focus on restricting migration as a dog whistle, saying: We can both control migration and allow migrants to fill skill gaps.

Even the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), a conservative think tank that supported a hard Brexit, criticised Johnson for unnecessarily restricting the supply of labour.

Mark Littlewood, IEAs director general, said: Unnecessarily restricting the supply of labour may lead to wage increases, but these will be passed on in price increases. A strategy to make things more expensive will not create a genuinely high wage economy, merely the illusion of one.

Richard Walker, managing director of the Iceland supermarket and a Brexit supporter, complained about the government treating businesses as the bogeyman and an endless sponge.

He told the Times: The finger is being pointed at business as the bogeyman, but its much wider than that. We want to pay our people as much as possible but business is not an endless sponge that can keep absorbing costs in one go.

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi defended the prime ministers approach on Thursday, saying that opening up the country to more foreign workers doesnt actually solve the long-term problem.

The way you do that is by upskilling and reskilling and what the prime minister said in his speech is skills, skills, skills, he told BBC Radio 4s Today programme.

Zahawi denied the Conservativestraditionally seen as the party of businessare blaming firms.

Asked on Sky News whether the Tories are on a warpath with business, he said: I dont agree with you.

What I would say to everybody is lets work together, he said. Lets do this together. Lets produce that high-wage, high-skill economy, because it is do-able.

PA contributed to this report.
Brian Laundrie Flew Home for a Few Days Before Gabby Petito Was Murdered

Laundrie's family lawyer reveals a return trip between the couples' infamous fight and her disappearance

In a text sent to the New York Post, Brian Laundries family lawyer Steven Bertolino detailed an Aug. 17 trip home Laundrie made in the midst of his fatal road trip with 22-year-old Gabby Petito.

Bertolino wrote, Brian flew home to obtain some items and empty and close the storage unit to save money as [he and Petito] contemplated extending the road trip.

He added, To my knowledge, Brian and Gabby paid for the flights, as they were sharing expenses.

In the timeline of events, this Aug. 17 return to Florida to get unnamed supplies came just days after his Aug. 12 fight with Gabby Petito in Utah, which required police intervention. Laundrie returned to Salt Lake City on Aug. 23 to rejoin Petito.

Four days later, on Aug. 27, Laundrie and Petito ate at the Merry Piglet restaurant in Jackson Hole, Wyo., where witnesses said Laundrie got into an argument with staff members. That was the last day Petito was seen alive.

Laundrie returned to Florida on Sept. 1 in Petitos van and went camping with his family until Sept. 7, according to Laundries family lawyer. He has since disappeared.

Related: Users Notice Unusual Activity on Brian Laundries Spotify and Instagram Profiles

A manhunt for Laundrie commenced on Sept. 23 when federal authorities issued an arrest warrant after he allegedly used Petitos bank card to purchase things of value aggregating to $1,000 or more.

The manhunt has garnered worldwide attention, with reality TV star Dog the Bounty Hunter joining in the search.
In this screenshot from a police camera video, Brian Laundrie talks to a police officer after police pulled over the van he was traveling in with his girlfriend, Gabrielle Gabby Petito, near the entrance to Arches National Park, Utah, on Aug. 12, 2021. (The Moab Police Department)

Brian Laundries Father Consented to Join Search For Fugitive Son: Attorney

The father of fugitive Brian Laundrie has said he will assist authorities in the search for his missing son, the familys attorney said on Wednesday.

Family lawyer Steven Bertolino said that Christopher Laundrie consented to assist law enforcement with their search for his 23-year-old son, who was last seen on Sept. 13, days after his fiancee Gabby Petito was reported missing.

Less than a week later, on Sept. 19, authorities found Petitos body in Wyomings Grand Teton National Park. Her manner of death was later ruled a homicide by a local coroner.

Laundries parents reported him as missing on Sept. 17. Authorities have for weeks been attempting to locate his whereabouts, with much of their efforts spent searching a wildlife preserve near his family home in North Port, Florida, after officials said his parents directed them there.

On Tuesday, Bertolino told news outlets in a statement that upon further communication with the FBI, officials now believe that Laundrie left the house on Sept. 13.

Chris Laundrie was asked to assist law enforcement in their search for Brian at the preserve today, Bertolino told Fox News in a statement on Wednesday night. Since the preserve has been closed to the public, Chris has not been able to look for Brian in the only place Chris and Roberta believe Brian may be.

North Port police had to postpone the fathers participation in the search, the attorney said, noting that he wasnt involved in Wednesdays search efforts.

Chris and Roberta are hopeful there will be another opportunity to assist, Bertolino added, referring to the missing 23-year-olds parents.

Meanwhile, Josh Taylor, the North Port Police Departments chief spokesman, told the news outlet that Chris Laundrie wasnt asked by his department for assistance. The department didnt postpone his participation either, Taylor said.

In no world would we be the agency asking the family to help search in an FBI led investigation, the spokesman said, deferring further questions to the FBI.

The FBI declined to comment.

The Laundrie family attorney later said that the request for his clients participation perhaps came from a liaison to FBI, adding, My statement is correct.

The FBI on Sept. 23 announced a federal warrant for Brian Laundries arrest for unauthorized use of a debit card. The fugitive allegedly made unauthorized withdrawals using Petitos bank card worth more than $1,000 during the period in which his fiancee went missing.

As authorities continue in their search for the missing Laundrie, reports have emerged of possible sightings in several parts of Florida, and near the Appalachian Trail near the North Carolina border.

A hiker in Tennessee, Dennis Davis, told several news outlets over the weekend that he saw a man who resembled Laundrie driving a white pickup truck around 12:30 a.m. ET on Saturday in the area.

The mother of Petito said in an interview that aired on Tuesday that she believes Laundries parents know a lot more information than theyre putting out there.

Somebody needs to start talking, Nichole Schmidt said during an appearance on the Dr. Phil show with her husband.

Joe Petito said during the interview that before he and his wife reported their daughter as missing, they believed Laundrie had also disappeared. They both called and texted Laundries mother and any phone number that I could get for that family, he said, but they received no response.

A normal parent, when you text someone that youre going to call the cops because you cant find your child, they would reply. No response, no nothing, he said.

Editors note: This article has been updated with the latest details.
Protesters hold up placards and banners as they attend a demonstration to call on the Australian government to boycott the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics over China's human rights record, in Sidney, Australia, on June 23, 2021. (Saeed Khan/AFP via Getty Images)

Brutality Shows Through Chinas Tattered Reputation

The world is witnessing the true nature of the CCP and its series of catastrophic failures

Commentary

China has a public relations problem that gets worse every day. The world has awoken from its enchantment with communist state capitalism and has a clear picture of what life would be like if the Chinese regime replaced the United States.

Its a nightmare the world can certainly do without.

It wasnt so long ago that much of the world admired China. For nearly 10 years, the Chinese Communists Party (CCP) touted its state capital economic model as the successor to American style liberal capitalism in the 21st century, and many nations agreed.

And why wouldnt they?

From 1990 to 2020, China went from an economic basket case to a global leader in manufacturing, technology, and military prowess. And of course, the CCP has taken full credit for the countrys dramatic transformation.

But thats not the whole story. A little historical background is helpful.

A History of Failure and Oppression

For the first three decades after the communist takeover in 1949, China suffered failure after failure, with one tragedy following another. From famines to floods to massive civil unrest to state-orchestrated murder on an industrial scale, life in China was brutal and difficultexcept, of course, for members of the CCP.

From 1958 to 1962, the disastrous Great Leap Forward led to the Great Famine, industrial failures, and dozens of dam failures that killed hundreds of thousands of people, if not more. From the mid-1960s to the late 1970s, the Cultural Revolution resulted in the persecution of anyone with a trade or education and the starvation of millions more. By 1979, the CCP had its back against the wall. The communist-led country remained a technologically backward agrarian nation that couldnt feed itself.

Fearing the wrath of the people, the CCP, led by Deng Xiaoping, decided to play the American card. Beijing invited American money and technological know-how into China, and dangled the worlds largest slave labor force before their eyes in return. The United States jumped at the offer with both feet, as did Europe and Japan.

A rickshaw driver peddles wounded people to a nearby hospital in Beijing after they were attacked by Chinese soldiers in Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989. (Liu Heung Shing/AP Photo)

By 1989, Chinas GDP had grown from about $178.3 billion in 1979 to over $348 billion, with a middle class made up of merchants and manufacturers. Their college-aged children, who knew only a rising standard of living, held aspirations of a new, free, and prosperous China. Fearing obsolescence in the face of a new generation accustomed to the idea of liberalization, which was championed by the deceased leader Hu Yaobang, the Party crushed the liberty demonstration at Tiananmen Square at the cost of 10,000 or more young lives.

And it worked.

A Rapid Transformation

By 2010, Chinas rapid transformation was unprecedented. The China Miracle seemed to show the way for other nations in Asia and around the world. But along with the elevation of some 400 million of its citizens out of poverty, it also involved the enslavement of tens of millions of Chinese in factories.

Human rights advocates Ethan Gutmann, David Kilgour, and David Matas have published their findings from investigations into organ harvesting of Falun Gong practitioners in the books: The Slaughter and Bloody Harvest. (The Epoch Times)

There was also the confiscation of property, the imposition of the one-child policy, a horrific organ harvesting industry, the utter despoilment of its natural environment, and the worsening of religious persecution of Christians and Falun Gong practitioners. And of course, over the past several years up to today, up to 1 million Muslim Uyghurs have been detained in re-education camps.

Grand Schemes for the World

Recently, with its new wealth and technological development and descent into a one-man dictatorship, the CCP set up several grand schemes targeting the rest of the world. This soft power play was Beijings toxic version of foreign aid and foreign trade.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI, also known as One Belt, One Road) sought to develop new, emerging markets and trading arrangements with mostly less developed nations. But within a few years, Chinas foreign partners found themselves losing their sovereignty through debt traps that transferred ownership of resources, assets, and infrastructure to China.

In 2015, the Made in China 2025 plan targeted the most technologically developed nations with the intent of relocating the worlds technology research and manufacturing to China. It would thereby reduce nations such as the United States, Germany, and Japan into technologically dependent vassal economies.

Both of these nefarious, foreign-targeted schemes are now seen for what they are. So, too, was Chinas Confucius Institutes, thinly-veiled cultural exchange associations on American universities. Their purpose was to facilitate intellectual theft and faculty penetration, as well as indoctrinate American college students into supporting the CCPs mission. They are now being kicked off university campuses coast to coast.

The Push Back and the Pandemic

At the same time, the Trump administration was blocking Huawei and its spyware-laden hardware from the United States and its trading partners. It also raised tariffs on $325 billion of Chinese goods, further armed Taiwan, and warned Beijing to back off from its aggression toward Hong Kong or pay more tariffs.

Then, of course, came the CCP virus. Many people believe the Chinese regime brought the COVID-19 pandemic upon the world from the state-controlled Wuhan lab. Beijing hoarded medical devices and equipment, and set travel restrictions within the country but allowed infected people to travel the world. Furthermore, the CCP lied to the world about every aspect of the pathogen it had created.

A More Lovable China?

The pandemic gave the CCP the cover it needed to subjugate Hong Kong and ramp up intimidation tactics against Taiwan. But if any nation had any questions about the nature of the CCP, the pandemic answered them. Threatening to target Australia with nuclear weapons only reinforced the negativity with which people view China.

A Pew survey last year confirmed it.

Or Just Underappreciated?

Yet strangely, China is somehow feeling underappreciated by the rest of the worldIm not making this up. This has prompted CCP leader Xi Jinping to order a rebranding campaign to make the world think of China as trustworthy, lovable, and respectable.

At the same time, as it continues its absorption of Hong Kong, Beijing is ramping up its campaign of military threats and intimidation among its neighbors, particularly Taiwan and Australia. Presumably, the people of both targeted nations understand that any aggression from China will be visited upon them in a trustworthy, lovable, and respectable manner.

The myth of the China Miracle is a lie thats becoming much harder to sell these days. But trustworthy and lovable?

The CCP is a brutal and lethal totalitarian power bent on global domination, and everybody now realizes that fact.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
California Ends Mandatory Minimum Jail Sentences for Nonviolent Drug Offenses

California Gov. Gavin Newsom ended mandatory minimum jail sentences for nonviolent drug offenses on Oct. 5, but a recovery advocate foresees an increase in drug deaths and crime ahead.

Senate Bill 73, authored by state Sen. Scott Wiener, a Democrat, prohibits the probations or suspension of sentencing for a person who commits a drug offense. The legislation includes the sale of 14.25 grams of heroin or other illegal drugs and forging or altering prescriptions.

Additionally, the legislation that is to go into effect on Jan. 1 further allows for probation to be granted instead of jail time, and sentences suspended for individuals convicted of a nonviolent drug offense.

While Wiener applauded the legislation, stating, Mass incarceration of nonviolent drug offenders hasnt reduced drug use or addiction, some question the long-term impacts that will follow.

According to Tom Wolf, a former drug addict and drug recovery advocate, taking away mandatory minimums is productive but not effective, as the state needs a middle-ground approach to address the drug crisis.

For an individual getting caught with less than a gram of drugs and receiving an automatic mandatory minimum is too far, Wolf told The Epoch Times. However, by passing SB 73, he worries the states approach has gone too far in the other direction.

The pendulum swung too far in one direction, he said. Were now faced with this pendulum swinging really far back the other direction where its all being decriminalized with no infrastructure being put in place to replace that decriminalization.

Theyve taken away mandatory minimums, which isnt a bad thing, but they havent put anything in place to replace it, or if they have, theyre broken down to each individual county or municipality instead of having a statewide level where everyone can be equal in their offerings of services and treatments.

A homeless encampment in Venice Beach, Calif., on Jan. 27, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

The passing of the legislation comes amid the statewide fentanyl crisis, with cities such as San Francisco being an epicenter for concern. Despite the ending of mandatory minimums, Wolf said the city hasnt been enforcing them despite the current law.

You have open-air, cartel-fueled-organization drug-dealing happening in largescale in San Francisco in broad daylight. Theyre selling illicit fentanyl, which is driving overdose deaths, Wolf said.

Those individuals must be held accountable. They havent been enforcing mandatory minimums in San Francisco for years, and now we have the most progressive District Attorney in San Franciscoin the United Statesand he is just letting them all out [of jail]. Now theyre continuing to sell because theyve been emboldened by the lack of accountability.

By removing mandatory minimums without an effective plan to replace accountability, the fear of increased mayhem remains.

Youre going to see backlash, and that backlash is going to come, its already starting in some communities, in some cities like San Francisco, Wolf said. Were just at the beginning of this drug crisis with fentanyl, so if you think that 1,700 deaths in San Francisco last year from a drug overdose or four people a day dying in LA from drug overdose are bad now, wait to see what its going to look like in about two to three years.

A man uses drugs in Los Angeles on June 9, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

In the short term, Wolf anticipates that the rise in organized drug deals will increase if law enforcement cant prosecute and hold individuals accountable for drug crimes. As a result, he suspects crime and violence will increase more in different communities, making residents more aware of the drug crisis.

We need to find a way to hold people that sell those drugs and get those people addicted more accountable, Wolf said. There has to be some type of balance. There has to be what they call interdiction against street-level drug dealing. What happens is when youve decriminalized and youve taken away all the penalties, youve opened the door to more organized drug dealings, rings, and situations that are now occurring all up and down the West Coast.

Taking away drug minimums without replacing them with concrete consequences will result in drug dealers continuing to be emboldened, Wolf said, therefore contributing to the drug and overdose crisis within the state.

Wolf advocates for a mandated treatment, which assisted him in becoming clean, by going to jail and eventual rehabilitation.

Theres a subset of people on the street that are struggling with addiction that require intervention, Wolf said.

Along with mandatory treatment, Wolf urges for a statewide drug treatment service, partially funded by the state, to those low-income and homeless people.

We have to start looking at new innovative ways to help these individuals who are going to be placed on probation instead, to try to turn them away from that lifestyle, whether its drug dealing or drug use, he said. If a dealer is on the street making more money tax-free than in a job training program to make minimum wage, getting them to stop their services will not be easy.

The challenges of turning someone away from drug dealing is actually steep. There are no other alternatives in place, and this is the thing thats frustrating about decriminalization and restorative justice, is those types of things require the cooperation of the individual that they are actually reducing the penalties on to participate in.

Aside from SB 73, Wiener is further proposing to decriminalize psychedelics with Senate Bill 519.
Clean-up efforts are underway for an oil spill off the coastline of Orange County in Huntington Beach, Calif., on Oct. 4, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Oil Spill Volume in Huntington Beach May Have Been Much Less Than Anticipated: Officials

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.Officials were speculating that the volume of oil leaked off the coast of Huntington Beach might be much less than initially anticipated.

Authorities earlier this week were bracing for a worst-case scenario of about 144,000 gallons of oil, but on Oct. 7, it appeared it could be as low as 30,000 gallons.

Theres speculation of about 30,000 gallons, but thats not been confirmed, Orange County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett said. But that would make more sense, adding that the amount of wildlife so far affected by the spill doesnt reflect a larger spill.

At a news conference Oct. 7, a U.S. Coast Guard official estimated that roughly 588 barrels of oil had spilled, which would equate to about 24,700 gallons.

Capt. Rebecca Ore updates the media on the oil spill impacting Orange County beaches in Huntington Beach, Calif., on Oct. 6, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

The county on Oct. 7 reopened the beaches under its jurisdiction in Dana Point, which includes Salt Creek Beach, Strands Beach, and Baby Beach within Dana Point Harbor. Capistrano Beach and Poche Beach remain closed because of construction.

Beachgoers were advised to avoid any visible oil on beaches and harbors in Dana Point and Newport Beach, which remain closed for traffic both in and out.

Meanwhile, congressional leaders were pressing the federal agencies investigating the leak for regulatory information on Amplify Energy, the company that owns the oil rig.

Amplify CEO Martyn Willsher insisted the company was unaware of any release of oil into the ocean until about 8 a.m. on Oct. 2, adding that the firm responded and reported the incident immediately.

The U.S. Department of Transportations Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administrations Office of Pipeline Safety issued a corrective action order on Oct. 5, saying workers in the companys control room received a low-pressure alarm on the San Pedro Bay Pipeline, indicating a possible failure at about 2:30 a.m. on Oct. 2, but the pipeline carrying crude oil wasnt shut down until about 6 a.m.

Asked repeatedly about that timeline during an Oct. 6 media briefing in Huntington Beach, Willsher simply said the company was cooperating fully with federal and local investigators.

We are working with them, giving them all the transparency and information that we have, he said.

As for whether there was an alarm that alerted crews to a pressure drop, he said, We are conducting a full investigation of that  to see if there was anything that should have been noticed.

Im not sure if there was a significant loss of pressure, Willsher said, adding that when his companys crews saw oil in the water at 8:09 a.m., an emergency response was initiated.

We did not take any additional time, he said. People were notified very, very quickly.

Willsher said his company was also unaware of any reports of a sighting of oil in the water as early as 6 p.m. Oct. 1.

If we were aware of something Friday night, I promise you we would have immediately stopped all operations and moved forward, he said.

Meanwhile, cleanup and containment efforts were continuing along the Orange County coast. So far, about 5,000 gallons of oil have been scooped out of the water, in addition to the tarballs and patties on the beach, said Capt. Rebecca Ore of the Coast Guard.

Michael Ziccardi of the Oiled Wildlife Care Network said 13 live oiled birds and two dead birds had been collected by rescue teams.

Divers contracted to investigate the source of the leak confirmed that a large section of the 17.7-mile pipeline was moved out of place by as much as 105 feet, and a 13-inch split in the line was detected in the displaced section 4 1/2 miles offshore.

According to the unified command responding to the leakincluding the Coast Guard, state Department of Fish & Wildlife, and Amplify Energya 4,000-foot section of the pipeline was displaced, or bent laterally by a maximum of 105 feet.

Ore said on Oct 5 that the split is the likely source of the leak, which could have spilled as much as 144,000 gallons into the ocean, forcing the closure of Orange County beaches and some harbors. She said no more oil was seen coming out of the break in the line.

Willsher said on Oct. 5 that the split in the line occurred at the point where the pipeline was most severely displaced. He said the pipeline is a 16-inch steel pipe covered in concrete, indicating it would take a great deal of force to move and rupture it. He said the pipeline has been pulled like a bowstring, and is in almost a semi-circle.

He confirmed on Oct. 4 that the possibility of a ships anchor causing the break was among the options being examined as a potential cause. That possibility gained credence in the federal corrective action order issued to the companys subsidiary, Beta Offshore, on Oct. 5.

The root cause of the accident remains unconfirmed at this time, according to the federal document. Preliminary reports indicate that the failure may have been caused by an anchor that hooked the pipeline, causing a partial tear.

The Los Angeles Times reported on Oct. 6 that Coast Guard investigators boarded the Rotterdam Express container ship in Oakland, which had been in the waters off Huntington Beach at roughly the time the oil leak is believed to have started.

A spokesman for Hapag-Lloyd, the German company that owns the ship, told the paper the ship had been anchored in the vicinity of the spill but was pretty far away from the pipeline.

The federal report states that the damaged pipe is about 98 feet below the ocean surface. The pipeline was installed in 1980. Orange Countys Emergency Management Director Michelle Anderson told supervisors on Oct. 5 that spill estimates ranged between 120,000 to 150,000 gallons of oil. The plume had drifted as far south as Dana Point, shutting down harbors from Newport to Dana Point.

Ore said oil will continue flowing south with the current.

An estimated 15.67 miles of light oiling was reported along Orange County shorelines, according to the unified command.

Beaches throughout Orange County remained mostly closed as efforts continued to scoop up tar and oil stemming from the spill.

Newport Beach offered some access, with visitors welcome to go on the sand, but not in the water. Vessels within Newport Harbor could continue operating in the harbor, but boats werent allowed in or out, to keep them from spreading oil, city spokesman John Pope said.

The damage in Newport Beach is mainly concentrated on the west side from the Santa Ana River down to 52nd Street, Pope said. Some tar and oil has been seen further down the peninsula, but was not as slick, and theres been some tar showing up in Corona Del Mar, he said.

Seal Beachs beaches remain open because officials say the oil slick hasnt affected their shores.

Officials have established a phone line for claims from residents or businesses affected by the spill. Anyone with a claim was asked to call 866-985-8366 and use Pipeline P00547 as a reference.

Residents were asked refrain from trying to rescue any oiled animals, but to instead report injured wildlife by calling 877-823-6926, or 877-UCD-OWCN. Interested volunteers must take a four-hour course to train for clean-up efforts and wear special personal protective equipment.

Anyone interested can get more details at CalSpillWatch.wildlife.ca.gov/volunteer or by calling 800-228-4544.

While the spill was not reported until 9 a.m. Saturday, some people reported smelling oil in the water late Friday. Members of the unified command confirmed that the National Response Center received a report of an unknown sheen on the water Friday night, but such reports are common and often turn out to be unfounded. State teams responded to the area to investigate the report before sunrise on Saturday, but were unable to properly investigate due to foggy conditions. The Coast Guard and Orange County sheriffs officials deployed after daybreak.

Ore said when a call of an oil slick came in Friday night, the Coast Guard followed a standard protocol with a phone call to the reporting party.

She said it was too dark to determine whether it was an oil slick, so the Coast Guard followed up at dawn.

It took about two hours on Saturday morning to detect oil in the water, Ore said.

The state Department of Fish and Wildlife ordered the closure of Southern California fisheries in response to the spill, prohibiting the taking of fish and shellfish from Huntington Beach to Dana Point.

The spill occurred in federal waters at the Elly oil-rig platform, built to process crude oil from two other platforms, which draw from a large reservoir called Beta Field. Elly is one of three platforms operated by Beta Operating Co., which also operates Ellen and Eureka nearby. Elly processes oil production from Ellen and Eureka and is fed by some 70 oil wells. The processing platform separates oil from water.
Vials of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are seen in Jackson, Miss., on Sept. 21, 2021. (Rogelio V. Solis/AP Photo)

California Professor Suspended After Suing University Over COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate

A professor at the University of CaliforniaIrvine (UC Irvine) said he has been suspended after challenging the university systems COVID-19 vaccine mandate for people with natural immunity.

Dr. Aaron Kheriaty, a professor of psychiatry and director of UC Irvines medical ethics program, brought the lawsuit against the University of California (UC) system in August. He said he has recovered from COVID-19 and developed durable immunity to the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus that causes it, alleging that the universitys vaccination policy isnt only unfair to him and other people with natural immunity, but is also a violation of their 14th Amendment rights.

The vaccine policy was upheld by a federal judge, who ruled in September that the UC system acted rationally to protect public health by mandating the vaccine and not exempting individuals with some level of immunity from an infection.

In the latest update through his personal newsletter, Kheriaty said UC Irvine hasnt only placed him on investigatory leave for not complying with the vaccination requirement, but has also banned him from working on campus or from home.

While on investigatory leave, you are not to perform any work for the university, a notice from the university reads. You are not to be present on the premises at the UC Irvine campus in Irvine, California, nor on any clinical space owned or operated by the University of California, Irvine.

A significant portion of Kheriatys income involves working at the university clinics, whose terms of employment prevent him from starting a private practice.

You might be thinking, a month of paid leave doesnt sound so bad. But the language is misleading, he said. Furthermore, my contract stipulates that I am not able to conduct any patient care outside the University: To see my current patients, or to recoup my losses by moonlighting as a physician elsewhere, would violate the terms of my contract.

Kheriaty said he wasnt surprised that the university would immediately start procedures to fire him after the court victory, but didnt expect to be unable to work at the university nor permitted to pursue work elsewhere. He described it as an effort to force him to resign to nullify his lawsuit.

The professor said he has no intention of resigning or withdrawing the lawsuit, warning that its a crucial moment when people must resist the institutions attempts to set dangerous and unjust precedents.

Todays precedents could later facilitate even more coercive mandates and infringements on civil liberties by unelected officials, done during a declared state of exception or emergency that has no defined terminusa dangerous precedent for a democratic society, Kheriaty said.

Representatives for UC Irvine didnt respond to a request for comment by press time.
In this undated file photo by China's Xinhua News Agency, two Chinese SU-30 fighter jets take off from an unspecified location to fly a patrol over the South China Sea. (Jin Danhua/Xinhua via AP)

China Tests Taiwan After Bidens Afghanistan Debacle

Commentary

On Oct. 4, 56 mainland Chinese combat aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait and illegally penetrated sovereign Taiwanese airspace. That aerial show of force rated as the largest mainland Chinese airspace violation since 1949 when Chinese Nationalist soldiers retreated to the island and dug in.

According to numerous media reports, the 56-plane demonstration by the Chinese Communist Partys Peoples Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) culminated three days of sustained military saber-rattling harassment. There have been other sustained military displays, including combat engagements, such as the air and artillery battles in the late 1950s.

The Eisenhower administrations support for Taiwan led to a stalemate and a ceasefire.

But with Ike in charge the Communists thought twice.

In the 2021 President Joe Biden geopolitical context, the Oct. 4 violation was a multidimensional diplomatic and military probe in the form of a calculated outrage designed to generate maximum media headlines.

The headlines erupted. At the military tactical and operational levels behind the headlines, the intrusion probed Taiwanese air defenses. It was recon. Very possibly the CCPs military gleaned valuable intelligence on technical capabilities, such as radar range and missile battery readiness. The probe could have provided insight into the Taiwan militarys decision-making. How long will the Taiwanese wait before intercepting the PLAAF attack formation?

The strait is narrow. Delay has fatal consequences.

At the strategic level, the penetration was another provocative Beijing test of Taiwans faith in reliable American support of its defense. To be frank, U.S. support for the defense of Taiwan translates into protecting the small democracys very existence.

In a theoretical frame, the Chinese show of force air operation was a classic example of a power cocktail, mixing what strategists dub basic elements of power, in this instance diplomatic, intelligence/information, and military power.

However, Communist Chinas threat to Taiwan isnt theory. From Mao Zedong on, senior Chinese Communist leaders have vowed to seize Taiwan. Often Beijing obfuscates that vow with rhetoric like a formal declaration of Taiwan independence will immediately lead to a cross-Strait war.

The Pentagon and several open-source analysts also identify other camouflage for Beijing aggression. In addition to formal independence, the cases include:

No. 1: Unrest within Taiwan, and note Beijing could seed unrest

No. 2: Foreign intervention in Taiwans internal affairs, and that could mean anything from selling Taiwan F-16 parts to providing loans

No. 3: Taiwanese acquisition of nuclear weaponsand like Japan and South Korea, Taiwan has the brains to produce them

No. 4: A foreign nation stationing military forces on Taiwan.

That is a warning to the U.S. Every so often commentatorslike memull deploying a U.S. Army armored brigade combat team to Taiwan. Think tripwire forces in South Korea and, during the Cold War, West Germany.

In the larger lens of willingness to fight a war for freedom: The probe was a material manifestation of the giant sucking sound, the huge Asian power vacuum and credibility vacuum created by Bidens disastrous Afghanistan bugout.

The withdrawal was a self-inflicted disaster. The world knows it, even if the Washington Beltway media refuses to admit it.

Power abhors a vacuum, and autocratic states and tyrannies like Communist China rush to fill power vacuums. The Oct. 4 show of force suggests that after the post-Afghanistan debacle Beijing senses opportunity.

Communist China is Americas foremost security threat. Chinese president Xi Jinping is already arguing Bidens bugout demonstrates American promises are unreliable. China wants South Korea and Japan to observe closely, and India as well.

Without strong leadership by democratic nations, primarily from the powerful United States, our weaknesses, especially our self-inflicted weaknesses, could quickly become debilitating wounds the authoritarians will leverage, to our great loss.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
A view of the 100-megawatt molten salt solar thermal power plant in Dunhuang in China's northwestern Gansu Province, on Sept. 2, 2018. (AFP via Getty Images)

China to Build International Carbon Emissions Trading Platforms Under Administrative Intervention

After operating a national-level carbon emissions trading platform for two months, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is attempting to set up an international platform, targeting foreign investors, to underpin a trillion-dollar carbon emissions permit exchange in two southern economic zonesGuangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area and Hainan Free Trade Zone.

However, the national platform has failed to function effectively since its launch on July 16 due to pricing issues.

According to data by Shanghai environment and energy exchange on Sept. 30, the total trading volume of carbon emissions permits was 17.649 million tons in 53 trading days, with an accumulated turnover of about $124 million. Based on this data, the average price per ton of a carbon emissions permit is $7.04, which is basically at the same level as the average national cost of emissions reduction, at $7.

Kate Jiang, an energy investment analyst in Hong Kong, told The Epoch Times that the data so far, both in terms of volume and price, shows that this is an immature market for carbon emissions trading, and the price has no guiding value.

Because Chinas carbon emissions market has just been established, the price mechanism has not yet been fully formed, and there are not enough participants. The price is not illustrative, she said.

Still, the market is largely controlled by the regimes administrative power and is not fully market-oriented, Jiang added. Many prices in China are entirely authority-directed. When the authority intervenes, there are not many participants in the market.

If the price of carbon emissions trading in China is not a naturally occurring price, then the price has no guidance and no guiding value, she said.

Jiang said that the authorities process of allocating credits to each enterprise does not seem to be transparent. At present, the authorities have given the first batch of pilot power enterprises carbon emissions permitssome have enough, some not enough, and some may have more.

Tactic on Carbon Emission Trading Market

The first batch of over 2,000 major emitters on the newly opened national carbon emissions trading market are concentrated in the power generation industries, with a total carbon emissions volume of more than 4.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), according to the Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange website.

Zhang Xiliang, head of the technical expert group for Chinas national carbon emissions trading system, told China mouthpiece News Service on Aug. 3, The coverage will be further extended to the steel, petroleum, chemical, non-ferrous metals, and other industrial sectors, and eventually China will cover more than 10 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

But Zhangs group also acknowledged in the latest issue of Journal of Management World that Chinas national carbon emissions market is in its initial stage  rather than a mass-based market, and it is incentively affected by carbon taxes and subsidies.

Recently, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) authorities opened up the Chinese financial market to major international investment banks including on Wall Street, by accelerating the approval of wholly foreign-owned public fund companies, which are allowed to raise funds overseas as well as Chinese capital to invest in China.

On Sept. 14, authorities from Guangdong Province initialized a program on its official website regarding the construction of a carbon emissions trading market in the Greater Bay Area, aiming to attract investors from Hong Kong and Macau as well as establish a cross-border trading mechanism.

Early on Sept.3, the Hainan provincial authority announced that it would promote the establishment of a Hainan international carbon emissions trading exchange.

Shanghai has also proposed to incorporate carbon finance into its construction system, with the aim of establishing Shanghai as an international carbon financial center.

The Chinese regime leader Xi Jinping stated in his speech at the General Debate of the UN General Assembly on Sept. 21, that his objective was to achieve a carbon emissions peak by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060. Xi made the same promise at the UN in September 2020.
China Unloads Stranded Australian Coal to Address Energy Crisis

Shipments of Australian coal that have been stranded in Chinese ports for months have finally been unloaded as China grapples with an energy crisis that has seen coal and gas prices surge to new peaks.

A confluence of factors including the approaching winter months, the Chinese Communist Partys (CCP) moves to reduce carbon emissions, COVID-19 restrictions, and its unofficial ban on Australian coal have combined to create the crisis that has manifested in sweeping blackouts that have affected Chinas economic engines, the provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Guangdong.

The CCP has reportedly scrambled to increase its thermal coal inventory ahead of the winter when demand is expected to increase for heating.

In order to ensure the energy security of coal use in winter, power companies continue to buy more and more coal regardless of costs despite their substantial losses, and inventories continue to increase slowly, the China Electricity Council said in a report by S&P Global.

The CCP is expected to incur substantial losses as it bids against Europe and the United Kingdom, who are also experiencing an energy crisis, for coal and liquified natural gas (LNG)driving the cost of both commodities to new heights.

Despite relying heavily on gas for electricity, European power plants have also been returning to coal to meet demand as LNG prices increase.

As a result, coal futures increased over 13 percent on Sept. 27, when it broke $200 per tonne (AU$275), and continue to rise. On Oct. 6, it jumped another 12.3 percent to a staggering peak of $269.50 (AU$370) per tonne, before dropping 10 percent the next day.

Year-to-date coal future prices on Oct. 7, 2021. (Trading Economics)

On Oct. 6, the benchmark price assessment for spot LNG cargoes in East Asia, Japan Korea Marker, reached $56 (AU$77) per metric million British thermal unit (mmBtu) for shipments in November, an increase of $16.65 (AU$22.86) or 40 percent from Tuesday.

This was both the most significant single-day price rise and the highest price level for the benchmark since it began in 2009.

Surging European gas prices were exerting significant upward pressure on Asia-Pacific LNG cargo prices as trading houses and portfolio groups raised their bids to attract volumes into the region, according to market sources, S&P Global Platts Asia LNG Regional Manager Kenneth Foo said.

This intense competition for marginal LNG cargoes meant that bids were priced at a premium over European gas hub prices.

In March, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) chief economist Jennifer Gordon said at least 40 ships of coal were stranded off the Chinese coast for several months. At that time, Australian coal export prices experienced an 83 percent decline due to the CCPs coal ban.

However, despite difficulties with the coal trade, Australian exporters have long been looking to diversify its markets since the CCPs trade war began in April 2020. As a result, increasing volumes of Australian thermal coal have made its way to India, Japan, and South Korea.

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said Australian businesses have woken up to the fact they must diversify away from China.

In many ways, Australia is on the frontline of this new strategic competition, Frydenberg said on Sept. 6. We have faced increasing pressure to compromise on our core values.
Prince, a member of the hacking group Red Hacker Alliance who refused to give his real name, uses a website that monitors global cyberattacks on his computer at their office in Dongguan, China's southern Guangdong province, on Aug. 4, 2020. (Nicolas Asfouri/AFP via Getty Images)

China Escalating Cyberwarfare Against the West Amid Inadequate US Response: Experts

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is escalating its cyber offensive against the West, despite efforts from the United States and its allies to stop it, experts warn.

Beijing has been quite public with their goals, yet the world keeps getting surprised by them, Jody Westby, CEO of cyber security firm Global Cyber Risk LLC, told The Epoch Times.

Its goal, expressed in official military guidelines, is to win an informationized war, Westby said. Under this strategy, the CCP sees cyber and space technologies as crucial for victory in conflicts. That this is a national policy should underscore how important the field of information technology and nefarious cyber activity has become to the regime, she said.

The cyber threat environment is more dangerous now than its ever been, and every person is at risk, she said. People working in the fields of information technology (IT) and cyber security will continue to struggle to confront the enormous threat, according to Westby.

Cyber espionage and cyber attacks have become a problem that every single person has to think about.

Inadequacy

According to cyber security professional Billy Torrence (a pseudonym), who once worked as a project development manager of cyber security operations for U.S. military and intelligence agencies, the United States has not done enough to protect itself from cyber threats.

The Department of Homeland Security and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency are absolutely inept at defending the United States from cyberspace adversaries, he told The Epoch Times. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is an agency under the oversight of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) charged with guarding the country against cyberattacks.

While Torrence, a retired U.S. Army cyberspace officer, recognizes there are good people in government agencies, his firsthand experiences also reveal there are also many who are the wrong people and not the critical thinkers needed to accomplish the mission of protecting the country from cyber warfare. Torrence, who continues to consult with military and intelligence organizations, requested to remain anonymous for the interview.

A lot of the decision-makers and so-called cybersecurity experts are not properly educated nor have the acumen to understand all the variables needed to protect Americansand the Chinese regime is going to continue to take full advantage of that, Torrence said.

The Epoch Times has reached out to DHS and CISA for comment.

The expert made reference to seven elements of national power: diplomatic, information, military, economic, financial, intelligence, and law enforcement elementscollectively identified by the acronym DIMEFIL.

To compete with the United States and achieve its own national goals, he said the CCP deliberately avoids an an escalation in the military domain. However, the regime is using cyberspace to disrupt the other six domains to torment their adversarythe United States, he said.

According to Torrence, the CCPs primary goal is to collect information and degrade the capabilities of the United States. Leveraging power below the threshold of war is clearly Xis vision for the CCP, he said, referring to Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Ultimately, the Chinese regime wants to achieve their national objectives without conflictespecially one with the United States. Beijing is strategic and patient with their efforts, and clearly our biggest problem globally, Torrence said.

Tactics

Westby described the Chinese regimes malign cyber activities as very purposeful in its approach.

By way of example, she shared what happens to quite a number of unsuspecting companies and individuals around the world. The Chinese government can target a company, but once they get that companys data, they often acquire the individuals, as well, Westby said.

According to the expert, COVID-19 researchers, cybersecurity researchers, and hi-tech industry researchers are probable targets. While most Americans are not used to being the subject of nation-state espionage, if theyre working at a company that has data that the Chinese government finds interesting, then theyre a target.

Another tactic deployed by Chinese hackers was using phishing techniques on platforms such as LinkedIn, Westby said. For instance, fake job requests may be posted on LinkedIn to acquire information about targets like researchers. People with a certain kind of expertise are linked together and structures are built out, [and] these people become part of a surveillance campaign.

Stolen and Silenced

The CCPs malicious cyber activities have continued to make headlines this year, and there are no signs of abatement.

Earlier this year, hackers affiliated with Chinas top intelligence agency, the Ministry of State Security (MSS), breached Microsofts email server, affecting tens of thousands of systems globally, the United States said in July.

Also that month, the Justice Department announced the indictment of four Chinese nationals working with MSS, charging them in relation to a worldwide hacking and economic espionage campaign led by the government of China. The campaign involved stealing secrets from companies, universities, and government bodies from 2011 to 2018.

Westby said the Chinese regime has continued to collect a treasure trove of information from American citizens. They are completing some of the most successful intelligence operations ever in history.

Last month, in a statement before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, FBI Director Christopher Wray said that the agency is opening a new China counterintelligence investigation every 12 hours.

It is estimated that 80 percent of American adults have had all of their personal data stolen by the CCP, and the other 20 percent most of their personal data, William Evanina, former director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center and CEO of the Evanina Group, told (pdf) a Senate Select Committee on Intelligence hearing on Aug. 4 in his opening statement.

Theft of personal data and intellectual property is not the only objective of the CCPs cyber operations. Surveilling and targeting overseas dissident groups is another.

An FBI Counterintelligence Bulletin recently revealed that the Chinese regime is almost certainly employing transnational repression techniques to target U.S.-based Uyghurs and other Chinese diaspora members in the United States. In an attempt to silence voices drawing attention to human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang, the U.S.-based Uyghur community has been repeatedly targeted and hacked by agents of the CCP, it said. Tibetans, Falun Gong members, and Taiwan and Hong Kong activists are also among those targeted in recent years.

Distracted and Dumbed Down

Cyber security professional Torrence does not see an end to how far the Chinese regime will go in its cyber efforts to weaken the West. They are exploiting their capabilities to the maximum, and at the end of the day, they are not dialing back on any of their capabilities, he said.

Torrence considers it fairly easy for the CCP to take advantage of Americans, whom he described as complacent and distracted. The U.S. feels protected, thinking no one can torment the country across two oceans, but the United States is easily within reach across a vast cyberspace.

For instance, since it is clear the CCP is in for the long game, Torrence said the regime is deliberately attempting to degrade the intellectual capability of the average American citizen.

The adversary can reach into the United States and provide information on social media that appears to be from a legitimate news sourcebut whats actually shared is nothing more than a means to disrupt the minds of the American people, he said, raising an example.

With a seemingly endless supply of new videos, games, and social media apps available to Americans from China, the regime as part of their long game, [is] trying to disrupt thinking to a degree that inhibits the development of critical thinking skills and leaves future generations with no intellectual vigor whatsoever, Torrence said.
Chinas GDP Is Impressive but Its Also a Lie

Commentary

Although China appears to have had an impressive first half of 2021, appearances, as we all know, are incredibly deceptive. After all, if the countrys economy is as impressive as we have been led to believe, then why is it failing hundreds of millions of its citizens?

If I were to ask you the best way to gauge the health of the economy, what would you recommend?

Eminent, highly-respected economists point toward GDP, or gross domestic product, as an effective tool for gauging the financial temperature of a country. GDP, as you are no doubt aware, indicates the market value of all goods and services produced in a given period of time. In order to determine whether a nations economy is growing or receding, economists turn to GDP. The stronger the GDP, were told, the stronger the country. At first glance, thats good news for China. With glances, however, we often miss the bigger picture.

In July, the National Bureau of Statistics announced a growth in Chinas GDP. The countrys GDP had grown by almost 8 percent in the second quarter of this year, compared to the same period in 2020. Considering the bureau is tightly controlled by Beijing, such findings should always be taken with a generous helping of salt. Nevertheless, lets imagine for a second that Chinas GDP has grown by 8 percent. What does this tell us about the country?

Very little, actually. GDP is, in fact, a very poor tool for measuring a countrys health. Its the equivalent of using a thermometer to check for a concussion. As Senator Robert Kennedy famously said, GDP measures everything except that which makes life worthwhile.

An elderly woman pushes a cart after searching through rubbish bins to collect recyclable items to sell, along a street near the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 5, 2021. (Nicolas Asfouri/AFP via Getty Images)

The problems of using GDP to measure a countrys health are as numerous as they are obvious. First and foremost, it tells us absolutely nothing about the broader population. Second, it distracts us from the fact that a number of controversial actors contribute to a countrys GDP. Third, as these actors help a nations GDP grow, many of them profit from our pain. Take the pharmaceutical industry, for example, it quite literally profits from our pain. In 2017, the global pharmaceutical industry contributed more than $532 billion toward the worlds GDPthat amount is almost equivalent to Belgiums GDP. Although the pharmaceutical industry provides a vital service, it also plays a major role in facilitating prescription drug addictions ravaging communities around the world. Big tech companies, meanwhile, contribute significantly to the global GDP. However, these companies, as I have discussed before, tend to exert a nefarious influence over society. Facebook, for example, has been shown to make people more anxious and more depressed. Furthermore, with a combined market cap of $7.5 trillion, the Big 5 (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet) are growing in power. As they grow, societys woes grow in tandem.

Which brings us back to Chinas GDP. To get a clearer picture of China, the real China, one must focus on its GDP per capita, or income per person. According to the World Bank, that number is $10,500, putting the country somewhere between Grenada and Nauru, a tiny island country in Micronesia.

When we think of China, our minds often drift toward wolf warrior diplomacy and technological prowess. In reality, the harsh rhetoric and muscle flexing are an attempt to distract us from the reality of the situation facing the Chinese regime. If China really is to overtake the United States, it has considerable work to do.

As the Scottish-American historian Niall Ferguson recently noted, Chinas GDP, which is adjusted on the basis of purchasing power parity, tells us that a meal in Chongqing is quite a bit cheaper than one in Chicago. According to the author, on a current dollar basis, Chinas GDP last year was still just 72% of U.S. GDP, even with Hong Kong included. Furthermore, Chinas growth appears to be built on a faulty foundation. Ferguson warns that the country has been boosted for many years by the construction of an excess supply of housing units, and these units have been financed by an unsustainable mountain of debt.

Over the past five years, as Michael Pettis, an expert on Chinas economy, has noted, Chinas official debt-to-GDP ratio has soared by nearly 45 percentage points. Compared to other developing countries, this happens to be one of the highest debt ratios in the world. It also happens to be one of the highest ratios for any developing country in history, wrote Pettis.

In Beijing, contrary to popular belief, rational actors are hard to find; in fact, homo economicus appears to have gone extinct many years ago. Even if GDP was actually a good indicator of economic well beingwhich its notChina would still be in trouble. To add salt to Beijings numerous, gaping wounds, Goldman Sachs recently cut its China growth forecast; the multinational investment bank expects zero gross domestic product growth in the third quarter of this year. As we can see, the somewhat stellar GDP showings that the regime so desperately clings to are disintegrating at breakneck speeds. Then again, does a nosedive in GDP really matter? To paraphrase the economist Joseph E. Stiglitz, GDP fails to measure health, education, equality of opportunity, the state of the environment or many other indicators of the quality of life.

China projects a strong image, but the facts tell a very different story. With or without a strong GDP, China is a country with numerous problems and with no obvious remedies. Facing an economic crisis of epic proportions, expect these problems to become even more profound.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
The sun sets behind electricity power pylons in Beijing on Sept. 28, 2021. (Leo Ramirez/AFP via Getty Images)

Chinas Large-Scale Power Cuts Create Further Chaos in Global Supply Chain

Chinas power cuts and blackouts have affected more than 19 provinces, causing factories to shut down and disrupting the global supply chain. Several Apple and Tesla suppliers and companies in the chemical industry suspended their production, which caused the prices of raw materials to soar.

Chinese news portal Sohu reported on Sept. 28 that workers at Advanced Semiconductor Engineerings (ASE) plant in Kunshan were sent home because the power supply was cut off. On Sept. 26, the authorities in Kunshan, a county-level city in Jiangsu Province, issued an urgent notice, requiring local businesses to curb energy consumption. ASE was given an additional day to complete its work-in-progress (WIP) production, which refers to partially finished goods awaiting completion.

According to the China Semiconductor Forum, since Sept. 22, many of Chinas A-share listed companies have reported that their production lines were suspended due to power cuts.

The widening power rationing and forced cuts have caused supply disruptions to large global companies such as Apple Inc. and Tesla Inc.

On Sept. 26, Foxconn affiliate Yisheng Precision Industry, which is a critical component supplier of Apple and Tesla, said that its Kunshan plant would temporarily suspend production from Sept. 26 to Oct. 1a decision based on the citys policy of suspending industrial power supply.

Kang Erfu Holdings, iPhones acoustic component supplier, also announced that its Suzhou plant would be suspended for five days until noon on Sept. 30, and it would use inventory to support customer needs.

Several chip-packaging and testing service providers from Intel, Huida, and Qualcomm received government notices requesting factory shutdowns in Jiangsu Province for several days.

Changhua Technology, the semiconductor packaging material supplier of NXP, Infineon, and ASE, also announced that it would suspend production, starting from the eve of Sept. 26 to the end of the month.

The power cuts caused factory production shutdowns, longer delivery cycles, and increased production costs for semiconductor packaging, testing, and module factories. According to a report by the Susquehanna Financial Group, orders and shipments of semiconductor products have been delayed by 21 weeks in August, making it the most prolonged delay since 2017. Previously, this period usually spanned six days.

Wang Jun, former director of the Unirule Institute of Economics, told The Epoch Times that power outages have caused unstable production environments and may cause foreign companies to move out of China.

Dont mention the Pearl River Delta yet. If there is a power outage in the Yangtze River Delta, the impact will be enormous. Take Suzhou as an example; although the city is not large and is not the provincial capital, several of Apples foundries are there. If there is a power outage, it will be extremely troublesome. It will incur a tremendous loss for Apple, and its foundries may consider moving to other countries, Wang said.

Elderly people perform square dance in front of an Apple store in Shanghai, China, on nov. 3, 2017. Apple is relinquishing control over its iCloud servers for Chinese users to a Chinese state-owned company in China, citing compliance with Chinese regime laws. (VCG via Getty Images)

Chemical Industries Impacted

Due to the power curbs, major companies in the chemical industry have also stopped production. More than 10 listed chemical companies, including Nanjing Hongbaoli, Hefei Fengle Seed, Yibin Tianyuan Group, and Limin Group, have recently announced the suspension or reduction of production.

Hefei Fengle Seed announced on Sept. 28 that its subsidiaries, Anhui Fengle Fragrance Co. and Anhui Fengle Agrochemical Co., received an energy consumption control notice from the local government, requiring the companies to suspend production during certain hours of the day to conserve electricity. The power curbs began on Sept. 26 and ends on Oct. 8, according to the notice from authorities in Anhui Province.

On Sept. 27, Jiangsu Huachang Chemical Co., located in Jiangsu, announced that it reduced the production load by 20 percent based on a single system operation, which would affect its overall chemical fertilizer production capacity of 7,000 tons per month.

Kingenta Ecological Engineering Co. and its subsidiaries also announced on Sept. 27 that they would limit production time to reduce electrical load. Kingenta Ecological, headquartered in Shandong Province, specializes in producing various chemical fertilizers.

Cost of Raw Materials Skyrocket

The power cuts, which slowed production, and high shipping costs have caused the prices of raw materials to skyrocket. According to Echemi, a global chemical industry website, the prices of several essential chemical raw materials have risen sharply.

Lithium hexafluorophosphate is currently quoted at $69,800 per ton, increasing 543 percent from September 2020. Lithium hexafluorophosphate is presently in short supply, many companies are out of stock, and some suppliers have stopped providing cost estimates. Lithium hexafluorophosphate is commonly used as an electrolyte in lithium batteries, ceramic industries, and welding electrode manufacturing.

Phosphoric acid, a critical component of fertilizers, detergents, and many household cleaning products, was quoted at $3,000 per ton, while the price at the beginning of September was about $1,187 per ton, increasing 296.98 percent compared to the same period last year.

Dimethylcyclosiloxane (DMC), the primary raw material producing silicone, was priced at $9,307 per ton, increasing more than 60 percent compared to the previous month.
Chinas Local Government Debt: The Hidden Threat

News Analysis

At the close of 2020, Chinas local government debt stood at $3.97 trillion. However, this does not include hidden debt, which is believed to be even larger.

The so-called hidden debt comes from entities that take loans, which are guaranteed by local governments. These loans do not appear on the balance sheets, but increase the indebtedness of the local government. A worrying trend, this debt has nearly tripled over the past 10 months. Economists at Goldman Sachs estimate that the hidden loans total around $8.2 trillion, roughly half of Chinas GDP.

For years, the central authorities have pressured local governments to boost economic growth through infrastructure spending, much of which has been funded through local government financing vehicles (LGFVs). Now, both known and hidden debts have reached crisis levels and Beijing has suggested that it may allow some LGVFs to go into default.

In an effort to curb local government debt, a number of financial institutions are connecting their systems with the Ministry of Finance, which is monitoring LGFVs. Additionally, banks will no longer provide loans to entities whose credit is guaranteed by local governments. Beijing is also curbing bond sales by local governments.

In order to be more in-line with international standards, the central authorities have been talking about having greater transparency. However, in addition to the hidden debt of the local governments, China also has about $1 trillion in so-called shadow banking debts. These are off-balance sheet loans from non-banking institutions, which are harder to trace and quantify when calculating Chinas total public debt.

Other murky practices that add to Chinas overall indebtedness are wealth management products and high-yield investment vehicles, generally used to fund property development. The wealth management products themselves are sold as low-risk, but the actual investments inside are often high-risk, obscuring the danger of defaultsimilar to what happened during the U.S. mortgage crisis. As a result, the Peoples Bank of China and the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission have restricted wealth management products from investing in bonds with a rating of less than AA.

A pedestrian walks past the Peoples Bank of China, Chinas central bank, in Beijing in this undated photo. (Teh Eng Koon/AFP via Getty Images)

To avoid a collapse of Chinas property market, which could threaten the entire economy, the government imposed new restrictionsknown as the three red linesin August 2020. First, the debt to asset ratio of a property developer cannot exceed 70 percent. Second, the debt-to-equity ratio cannot exceed 100 percent. And finally, property companies must hold cash at least equal to their short-term liabilities. Unless a developer meets these three criteria, they cannot borrow from a bank.

These new regulations and restrictions contributed to the increased use of shadow banking and other opaque credit systems, which remained outside of government oversight. Local governments generate about one-third of their revenue through selling land to developers. Ultimately, the borrowing of property companies and local governments, through unregulated credit, caused Chinas public debt to skyrocket.

The wealth management products have been a significant source of funding for the LGFVs, particularly if the local governments are unable to obtain bank loans. Discouraging wealth management products from investing in sub-standard bonds will reduce the available financing and liquidity for local governments, exacerbating the decay of their economic situation.

Citing the increased risk caused by debtburied below other debt and hiding other debtglobal pension funds and institutional investors are dropping yuan-denominated bonds. The largest retirement fund in the world, Japans $1.75 trillion Government Pension Investment Fund, will no longer purchase Chinese sovereign yuan-denominated debt.

Meanwhile, the Chinese economy is suffering from COVID-19 restrictions, a decrease in global trade, supply chain disruptions, and power shortages. With an implosion of the real estate bubble predicted, if Evergrande, one of the largest developers, is allowed to default on its $310 billion debt, many experts believe that Beijing will opt for more spending in order to avoid an economic collapse. If that is the case, then we can expect the crack down on murky credit to fizzle out. Goldman is even recommending that central authorities increase the bond quota of local governments, using debt to create liquidity, to manage existing debt.

This recommendation is consistent with Chinas current economic strategy, using debt to service debt. Approximately 60 percent of bonds issued by local governments have not been used for new investment, but rather to repay maturing debt in 2020 and 2021. Similarly, Beijing recently announced that it will address the current financial crisis by increasing infrastructure spending over the next five years, and investing in telecoms networks, satellite navigation, internet, smart logistics, and transport.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
William Burns, then-nominee for Central Intelligence Agency director, testifies during his Senate Select Intelligence Committee confirmation hearing in Washington on Feb. 24, 2021. (Tom Williams-Pool/Getty Images)

CIA Creating New Mission Center Focusing on China Threats

The Central Intelligence Agency says that its creating a top-level working group aimed at China, calling the regime in Beijing the most important geopolitical threat America faces today.

The China Mission Center aims to address the global challenge posed by the Peoples Republic of China, CIA Director William Burns said on Oct. 7, stating that such a challenge cuts across all of the Agencys mission areas.

A senior CIA official said the agency will hire Mandarin translators and mobilize Chinese specialists globally.

The new working group will further strengthen our collective work on the most important geopolitical threat we face in the 21st century, an increasingly adversarial Chinese government, Burns said in a statement, stressing that the threat is from the Chinese authorities, not the Chinese people.

Throughout our history, CIA has stepped up to meet whatever challenges come our way. And now facing our toughest geopolitical test in a new era of great power rivalry, CIA will be at the forefront of this effort.

The Justice Department started the China Initiative in 2018 to counter economic espionage and other malign actions from China. Around 80 percent of all economic espionage prosecutions would benefit the Chinese state, according to the department. In September, FBI Director Christopher Wray said his agency is opening a new China counterintelligence investigation every 12 hours.

The initiative from Burns marks his first major moves since taking office in March, and falls in line with the priorities he laid out before taking office.

During his confirmation hearing in February, Burns characterized outcompeting China as key to our national security in the decades ahead, although he also highlighted issues such as climate change and denuclearization as areas of mutual interests.

A man crosses the Central Intelligence Agency logo in the lobby of agency headquarters in Langley, Va., on Aug. 14, 2008. (Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images)

As part of the organizations reshuffling, the CIA will merge mission centers on Iran and North Koreaboth set up during the Trump administrationwith the broader Middle East unit and one on East Asia-Pacific, respectively. The agency also will address the recruiting delays due to time-consuming background checks and security clearances, with a goal of cutting down the processing times to an average of six months.

The changes reflect the regional nature of those issues in a lot of ways, said the senior official, who added that China is really global.

An additional office, the Transnational and Technology Mission Center, will address global issues critical to U.S. competitiveness, such as emerging technologies, economic security, climate change, and global health, according to Burns.

CIA Deputy Director David S. Cohen will oversee the implementation of the new office.

Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, said he looked forward to working with the CIA to ensure that the changes meet the challenges we are facing.

The strategic threat environment has been changing, and the intelligence community needs to adapt to meet that new environment, Warner said in a statement.

The committees vice chair, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), also welcomed news of the China working group.

The threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party is real and growing, he said in a statement. Every part of our government needs to reflect this great power competition in message, structure, and action.

Experts have previously noted the challenges in tackling the China challenge.

The regime has made massive inroads, basically running around the United States with a giant vacuum cleaner for decades, stealing every secret we have on any topic under the sun, retired CIA operations officer Sam Faddis told The Epoch Times. To him, the idea that, in 2021, the CCP is now seen as a big problem makes [the CIA] a little late to the party.
Colorado Hospital Refuses Kidney Transplant to Woman Over COVID-19 Vaccine Refusal

A hospital in Colorado rejected a woman for a kidney transplant after she refused to get a COVID-19 vaccine, officials have confirmed.

Leilani Lutali received a letter on Sept. 28 informing her that the transplant team at the University of Colorado Hospital decided to designate her inactive on the waiting list for transplants.

You will be inactivated on the list for non-compliance by not receiving the COVID vaccine, the letter states.

If Lutali continues to refuse to get a vaccine, she will be removed from the kidney transplant list, it added.

Neither Lutali nor her designated donor, Jaimee Fougner, have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Fougner hasnt for religious reasons, while Lutali believes there isnt enough known about the vaccines, they told KCNC-TV.

According to Lutali, hospital officials previously said vaccination wasnt required to get a transplant.

Here I am, willing to be a direct donor to her. It does not affect any other patient on the transplant list, said Fougner. How can I sit here and allow them to murder my friend when Ive got a perfectly good kidney and can save her life?

The hospital didnt respond to a request for comment. It told news outlets in a statement that there are many requirements in place at transplant centers, such as requiring patients to avoid alcohol.

In almost all situations, transplant recipients and living donors at UCHealth are now required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in addition to meeting other health requirements and receiving additional vaccinations. Some U.S. transplant centers already have this requirement in place, and others are making this change in policy now, the hospital stated.

State Rep. Tim Geitner, a Republican who first drew awareness to the situation, said in a Facebook Live video that he spoke with Lutali and that she has tested positive for antibodies against the CCP virus, which causes COVID-19, but the hospital refuses to make an exception.

Thats demonstrated through documentation. And still UCHealth is refusing to render this type of care, this type of life-saving carethis isnt even just typical care, this is life-saving care. And thats incredibly frustrating, incredibly sad, incredibly disgusting, that UCHealth would make this type of a decision and impact an individual in such a dramatic and profound way, he told followers.

According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, a nonprofit that manages the U.S. organ transplantation system, such policies are not unique, but arent mandated for transplant facilities.

Each transplant hospital makes its own decisions about listing candidates according to the hospitals best clinical judgment, including whether or not any specific vaccination is part of their eligibility criteria. If you have questions about listing criteria at your transplant hospital, we encourage you to contact the hospital directly, the network states on its website.

At least one other hospital reportedly rejected prospective transplant recipients over a refusal to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Sam Allen was told earlier this year by University of Washington Medicine that his heart transplant surgery couldnt be completed unless he got vaccinated.

The cardiologist called me and we had a discussion, and he informed me that, Well, youre going to have to get a vaccination to get a transplant. And I said: Well thats news to me. And nobodys ever told me that before. And he says, Yeah, thats our policy, Allen told KTTH radio.

The university states on its website that people must be fully vaccinated before undergoing a solid organ transplant unless you have a specific medical exception that prevents you from getting the vaccine.
Columbus Was a Hero, Not a Villain

Commentary

Monday, Oct. 11, will mark the 50th Columbus Day in America since the first official federal holiday of that name in 1971. The explorer from Genoa, Italy, made landfall in the New World on Oct. 12, 1492, which was a Wednesday. But we Americans like three-day weekends, so we celebrate his achievement on the second Monday of October. In Central and South America and in the Caribbean, many nations will also take note of the great event next week.

Correction: Not all Americans will celebrate Columbus. Some will ignore or even vilify him. A few places have even struck him from the calendar altogether, substituting Indigenous Peoples Day to honor the locals who were allegedly victimized by the foreigner Columbus. Its a kind of pompous, leftist virtue-signaling rooted in the myth of the peaceful and noble natives. One of its most notorious perpetrators was the Marxist pseudo-historian Howard Zinn, who has been thoroughly discredited by actual scholars such as Mary Grabar, author of Debunking Howard Zinn and Debunking the 1619 Project.

Extremists among Zinns disciples accentuate, exaggerate, and even fabricate the sins of Columbus but never speak of the ugly side of the natives of the region in the 15th century. On the very island where Columbuss first landing occurred, which he called San Salvador, tribes were slaughtering each other right and left. The Tainos lived in terror of the ferocious Caribs, who rampaged, murdered, plundered, and enslaved on a regular basis. From the Aztecs to the Mayans to the Incas and most other tribes in the Americas at that time, ritual violence often took the form of brutal warfare and subjugation, child sacrifice, and even cannibalism.

Some of the Spanish conquistadors who came to the Americas over the next century were just as cruel as the worst indigenous brutes, but its utterly unfair to lump Columbus among them. Columbus executed some of his own crew for acts of cruelty toward the natives.

Its a sad twist of fate, writes historian Jarrett Stepman in his authoritative book The War on History, that Columbus now gets blamed for the very actions he tried to prevent.  Primitive societies are often a far cry from the ideal image of the noble savage famously conjured up by armchair academic charlatans like Howard Zinn.

Some of those charlatans blame Columbus for inaugurating an influx of European explorers who brought devastating diseases with them, centuries before the world even knew of such things as viruses, bacteria, parasites, or sanitation. Diseases among the indigenous peoples were already epidemic and were the leading reasons why few lived beyond the age of 35.

What about the fact that Columbus set sail for Asia and not only never made it, but died in 1506 thinking that, in fact, he had? Can we fault him for not knowing when he headed west from Europe that there were two entire continents in the way (North and South America)? If we do, then we should question the wisdom of the many other fathers of accidental discoveriesfrom X-rays to quinine to corn flakes and Vaseline.

Christopher Columbus deserves admiration for many good reasons: Like the Apollo astronauts, he set out on a dangerous mission with no guarantee of success. He possessed extraordinary seamanship. At a time when how to calculate longitude was two and a half centuries into the future, he excelled at navigation via dead reckoning. He was a courageous pioneer, warts and all, whose story is inextricably tied up with the origins of American liberty.

Therein, I suspect, lies the real motive for denigrating Columbus. If your aim is to delegitimize American liberty or even Western Civilization in general, then Columbus must go, even if it requires lies to get the job done.

My recommendation is this: Celebrate Columbus and Columbus Day. Talk to your school-age sons and daughters about the great explorer and find out what theyre learning about him in school. If hes portrayed as the hero he was, thank the teachers. If hes painted as a villain, demand an end to the indoctrination and demand the restoration of truth and history.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Cotton Prices Surge to Highest Levels in a Decade

Cotton prices are soaring at their highest levels in a decade, joining the rally in the broader commodities and raw materials market.

Cotton futures advanced as much as 7.68 percent to fresh 10-year highs of $1.10 on the U.S. ICE Futures exchange on Oct. 6; this is the best price since September 2011. Although cotton eased by 1 percent in early trading on Oct. 7, prices have surged about 40 percent year to date.

The latest increase in this component of the raw materials market is mirroring the boom in lumber from this past spring. Cottons rally is being attributed to several factors, primarily extreme weather that has decimated U.S. crops.

Domestic cotton producers were forecast to plant 15 percent more acres this year because of skyrocketing prices. But heatwaves and droughts affected output, causing acreage levels in certain U.S. producing areas to shrink to their lowest levels in decades.

Demand has been climbing, led by China. Beijing has exploited a loophole because Americas trade embargo with China restricts U.S. companies from importing apparel and other products manufactured with cotton from the Xinjiang region. Instead, Chinese plants buy U.S.-grown cotton, produce goods, and ship them back to the United States.

A farmer picks cotton from a field in Hami, Xinjiang region, China, on Nov. 1, 2012. (China Daily/Reuters)

Relief could be coming next year, according to the latest update from the International Cotton Advisory Committee. The group forecasts global output could increase 25.7 million tons, with Australia, Brazil, and the United States expected to account for a larger share in the 20212022 season.

Global consumption is anticipated to be 25.9 million tons, and ending stocks are projected to fall to 20 million tons. In total, world cotton inventories are predicted to be 45.8 million tons.

The price outlook for cotton might depend on two developments: U.S.China trade talks and if Chinese officials attempt to replenish the countrys fiber reserves, says Cotton Incorporated, a nonprofit organization funded by cotton growers in the United States.

Phase One is set to expire at the end of the calendar year, the group stated in a research note. Its successor remains unknown, and the related uncertainty clouds the price outlook. Economic growth and downstream demand appear to be supporting demand from other import markets. Any changes to the U.S. export situation will have to be balanced against a larger U.S. crop.

Shortages also look unlikely since the latest assessments of domestic cotton appear strong. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported that 62 percent of the cotton crop was rated good or excellent, up from 40 percent the same time a year ago.

The cotton crop is a big one, and with farmers getting a big price, theres a lot of money in cotton this year, Ray Grabanski, the president of Progressive Ag Marketing, said in a research note. Many of the southern U.S. cotton farmers have been waiting for a year like this for a long timeand here it is.

T-Shirts, Jeans to Cost More

The cost of clothing has been rising for much of 2021. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlighted that apparel prices climbed 4.2 percent at an annualized rate in August. In addition, the cost of womens dresses increased 11.9 percent, mens pants and shorts jumped 6.6 percent, and mens shirts and sweaters rose 4.4 percent.

But soaring transportation and raw material costs, shipping constraints and shortages, and global supply chain disruptions could add to retailers price tags and apply greater financial pressure for shoppers.

Because of simultaneous international demand, there arent enough shipping containers in the world, exacerbating problems in commerce across the globe. For suppliers and merchants that can place their goods in a box, they are paying a premium price, with the average cost of a 40-foot container a little over $10,000. Retail juggernauts, such as Walmart and Target, are going as far as chartering their own dedicated ships and spending as much as $20,000 to ensure products are on the freight and their shipped goods arrive in time for the holiday season.

For the current cargo in transit, dozens of container ships carrying clothing and other consumer goods worth billions of dollars are paralyzed outside the log-jammed Los Angeles and Long Beach ports. These ports could remain backlogged until at least next summer amid the record number of arriving container ships.

The situation unfolding in this market has been dubbed containergeddon by Steve Ferreira of shipping consultancy Ocean Audit.

Meanwhile, could retailers abandon cotton? Jack Kleinhenz, the chief economist at the National Retail Federation, told Fox Business that retailers tried to swap artificial fibers for cotton when the commodity was trading at these levels 10 years ago.

Last time this happened, it added about $1.50 to $2 to a cotton T-shirt, he said in an interview with the network.

Happy World Cotton Day?

The United Nations recently announced that it would designate Oct. 7 as World Cotton Day on its permanent calendar. The purpose of the annual commemoration is to spotlight the agricultural crops positive impact in more than 70 countries, supporting the incomes of hundreds of millions of people.

At decade-high prices, cotton may add to the earnings of industry workers for the next several months.

Epoch Times reporter Drew Van Voorhis contributed to this report.
Artist Luke Jerram with his new giant glass sculpture of the COVID-19 virus alongside the smaller version in Bristol, UK, on March 22, 2021. (Finnbarr Webster/Getty Images)

Countries in Asia-Pacific Shift Strategies To Coexist With COVID

News Analysis

In the past month, countries in the Asia-Pacific region have shifted their strategies to coexist with the CCP virus rather than eliminating it.

Governments worldwide generally have two strategies towards the pandemic, zero COVID or coexist with COVID.

However, the Delta variant of the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus has a faster and stronger transmission ability than the original strain, which significantly increases the cost of eliminating the virus in countries. Under economic pressure and difficult trade-offs in response to the pandemic, many governments have gradually opted for mitigation (coexist with COVID) rather than elimination (zero COVID).

New Zealand: Zero COVID No Longer a Goal

On Oct. 4, New Zealands Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said at a press conference in Wellington that New Zealand would gradually cancel the zero COVID strategies that it has adhered to before. Instead, it will increase the vaccination rate and try to coexist with COVID.

The outbreak in New Zealand began in mid-August, and a level 4 lockdown started on Aug. 18. Although the pandemic has eased and the lockdown level has been downgraded, there are still new cases every day. About 20 people have been infected every day in the past few weeks, and it seems difficult to completely clear the virus.

At the same time, the New Zealand economy under the lockdowns has shrunk severely. Auckland Council Chief Economist Shane Martin once stated that Auckland, New Zealands largest city, lost $68.97 million a day under the Level 4 lockdown.

The policy change in New Zealand is very drastic. In an interview with local media on Sept. 30, COVID response minister Chris Hipkins insisted that the government would not abandon the virus elimination policy. However, he did not expect an abrupt U-turn on this policy only four days later.

Australia: The Goal is to Coexist with the CCP Virus

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Oct. 1 announced an 18-month ban on Australians traveling abroad would be lifted from next month, easing one of the toughest COVID-19 restrictions imposed globally.

The Australian government announced plans to end its lockdowns when the vaccination rate reached 70 percent and reopen its borders to international travelers when 80 percent is reached.

[Our goal is] to live with this virus, not to live in fear of it, Morrison stated on Aug. 23.

Australia passed city lockdowns, border closures, and strict sanitation measures last year. The pandemic seemed to have eased then. However, in recent months, the governors of Victoria and New South Wales, the two major states, have admitted that they cannot eradicate the Delta variant of the CCP virus and have instead turned their focus to mass vaccination.

As of Oct. 7, Melbourne, the capital of Victoria, has been under lockdown for 248 days, making it the city with the longest lockdown in the world.

South Korea: Easing Pandemic Measures in Phases to Living with COVID

The South Korean government announced on Oct. 1 that it would implement protocols in phases to gradually ease restrictions, transforming its current pandemic prevention model into a living with COVID model starting November so that the people can restore everyday life and order. The Korean government has extended the current social distancing measures by two weeks in preparation for the transformation.

Among South Koreas 52 million population, about 77 percent have received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and about 50 percent have completed two doses. Since July, a new wave of the pandemic in South Korea has been building with more than 1,000 daily confirmed cases and exceeded 3,000 daily cases after its Mid-Autumn Festival on Sept. 21.

Prime Minister Kim Boo-kyum stated that the government would formally prepare to restore peoples daily lives after the two-dose vaccination rate exceeds 70 percent this month.

Thailand: Residents Must Be Prepared for Reopening and Living with the Virus

On Sept. 27, the Thai government announced plans to open most of the country in the next three months and approved a four-stage opening timetable, prioritizing opening up popular tourist areas, including Bangkok.

The Thai government agreed to halve the mandatory quarantine period for fully vaccinated tourists to 7 days starting in October. Beginning in November, Bangkok and nine other districts would be exempted from mandatory quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated tourists. Thailand is trying to increase the immunization rate and revitalize its hard-hit tourism industry.

Thailand also approved the reopening of various businesses and services, including theaters, stadiums, and nail salons, starting Oct. 1.

On Aug. 23, Dr. Opas Karnkawinpong, director-general of Thailands Department of Disease Control, stated that Thailands National Communicable Disease Committee had approved the countrys strategy to learn to live with [the CCP virus]. The focus in the future will be to control the number of infections to a level that does not exceed the capacity of Thailands public health system.

Malaysia: Coexist with the CCP Virus with Herd Immunity

As of Sept. 21, 80 percent of adults in Malaysia have been fully vaccinated. Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that Malaysia had reached the level of herd immunity. He declared in early September that Malaysia should be prepared to coexist with the CCP virus.

The Malaysian government emphasized that once the country downgrades the CCP virus outbreak from a pandemic to endemic, all Malaysians must coexist with the virus. However, this does not mean that Malaysians can relax in the CCP virus prevention; they still must comply with relevant prevention requirements.

Indonesia: Treating the CCP virus As an Endemic Disease

On Sept. 10, Indonesian President Joko Widodo suggested that the pandemic will not disappear in the near future, and Indonesians must be prepared to coexist with the CCP virus.

We should prepare for the transition of [the CCP virus] from a pandemic to an endemic disease, the presidential website of Indonesia quoted Joko.

Indonesia has accumulated approximately 4.22 million confirmed cases of the CCP virus thus far, and 142,000 people have died. Until now, more than 53.7 million people in Indonesia have been fully vaccinated, accounting for less than 20 percent of the countrys population.

Vietnam: Prepare to Adapt Cautiously with the CCP Virus

On Sept. 5, Vietnamese Prime Minister Fan Myung Tseng stated that once Vietnam achieves its vaccination goals, it is prepared to carefully adapt to coexisting with [the CCP virus].

After nearly three months of lockdown, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnams largest city with a population of 8.4 million, lifted its lockdown measures on the evening of Sept. 30, allowing more commercial and social activities.

During the lockdown, many local factories were closed, and some foreign business groups issued warnings that long-term lockdowns might cause them to move their businesses to other countries.

According to Vietnams Ministry of Health, the Delta variant of the CCP virus infected 770,000 people in the country in the past three months and caused 19,000 deaths, most of them in Ho Chi Minh City.

At present, the commonly accepted vaccination rate that forms herd immunity is 70 percent, which has also become a reference for governments worldwide to formulate policies.

The United States, the United Kingdom, and countries in the European Union have mostly adopted the strategy of coexisting with COVID. However, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China still adhere to the zero COVID strategy, with Taiwan having the greatest success all around.

Taiwan: A Global Success Story of Zero COVID

Taiwan is widely regarded as a global success story as it has consistently achieved zero domestic COVID cases throughout most of the pandemic with rare outbreaks. With its 23.57 million population and high population density, Taiwans residents lived a largely normal life without lockdown measures for most of 2020 and early 2021, albeit with closed borders.

In late August, Taiwan once again reported zero domestic cases of COVID for the first time since a rare outbreak that began in May. And it has been mostly zero domestic cases until today.

Taiwan also has one of the lowest COVID vaccination rates in the world, with only 15.3 percent of residents fully vaccinated as of Oct. 6 and nearly zero percent of its population were fully vaccinated before July of this year.
Attorney Mette Grith Stage, who represents one of three women that have been repatriated to Denmark from Syria, speaks with the media as she arrives for a hearing at a court in Esbjerg, Denmark, on Oct. 7, 2021. (Claus Fisker/Ritzau Scanpix/via Reuters)

Danish Women Evacuated From Syrian Camps Charged With Terrorism Links

COPENHAGENDenmark said on Thursday three Danish women, who were evacuated from Syrian detention camps along with their 14 children, had been charged with aiding terrorist activities and illegally travelling to and residing in conflict zones.

Danish authorities decided in May to evacuate the women, who were being held in northeastern Syria due to their association with the ISIS terrorist group, following political pressure and the threat of a no-confidence vote from Parliament.

The women and children were evacuated from the al-Roj camp on Wednesday with the help of the United States and Germany, with Germany also taking in eight other mothers and 23 children from the camps.

Attorney Mette Grith Stage, who represents one of three women that have been repatriated to Denmark from Syria, speaks with the media as she arrives for a hearing at a court in Esbjerg, Denmark, on Oct. 7, 2021. (Claus Fisker/Ritzau Scanpix/via Reuters)

Upon arrival in Denmark the mothers were arrested and preliminarily charged, presiding police inspector Tenna Wilbert said. Now an investigation and legal proceedings await.

Depending on the outcome of the investigation, prosecutors must decide whether to confirm formal charges, paving the way to a trial.

The women faced questioning in front of a judge on Thursday, where prosecutors will argue they should be kept in custody.

All three women have Danish citizenship.

Denmark is also offering to evacuate another five children from the camps, but without their mothers, who have been stripped of their Danish citizenship due to suspicion of links with terrorist groups such as ISIS. But this would require the mothers consent, which they have not given so far.

It might be necessary to evacuate more children from Syria but no more parents, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told journalists on Thursday.

By Nikolaj Skydsgaard and Stine Jacobsen
Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce during Question Time in the House of Representatives at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on June 23, 2021. (Sam Mooy/Getty Images)

Deputy Prime Minister Sympathetic to Federal Government Funding Mining Industry

Barnaby Joyce is sympathetic to Resources Minister Keith Pitts call for the federal government to become a financier of last resort for mining.

The Nationals remain locked in negotiations with the Liberals for a target of net zero emissions by 2050 weeks out from the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.

Pitt, a Nationals MP, has called for the coalition government to create a funder of last resort for mining projects that cant otherwise get financing.

I have sympathy for what they say because I dont like the idea that our sovereignty of our nation is determined by a financing arm of another country or a board member, Joyce told ABC radio on Thursday.

The Australian Financial Review reports Mr Pitt wants a $250 billion loan facility in exchange for the Nationals support for a net zero target.

Liberal MP Jason Falinski thinks its a bad idea to get the government to fund projects the private sector wont.

We tried this in the 1980s in Victoria. It was called the Pyramid Building Society. It blew up the Victorian, and almost blew up the Australian, economy, he said.

Governments getting involved in lending money through private sector firms has never worked anywhere in the world. Its not something that we should try and do.

Meanwhile, independent MP Zali Steggall plans to reintroduce her climate change bill to parliament when it returns on October 18.

She wants to see a target of 60 per cent emissions reduction on 2005 levels by 2030 and for the responsible minister to have a positive duty to ensure climate adaptation goals are in place.

The business sector, the private sector, industry, unions, medical associations, planners all have said loud and clear that the climate change bills are the policy framework we need to offer certainty and stability for investment, she told the ABC.

Were on the eve of the Olympics of international policy, COP26. History will remember the leaders who show up and show up with a plan to win a gold medal.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has indicated he is unlikely to attend the United Nations talks but no final decision has been announced.

He maintains Australia will be represented at a senior ministerial level.
EU Court Adviser Says Nord Stream 2 Can Challenge EU Rules

BERLINSwiss-based Nord Stream 2 AG is entitled to challenge EU gas rules, an adviser to the EUs top court said on Wednesday, saying that the court should annul last years ruling against the pipeline operator.

The finding, if confirmed by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), would give Nord Stream 2, a project led by Gazprom, another avenue in its legal battle to boost its gas sales to Germany.

Europes second highest court last year rejected a challenge by the operators of Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 to EU gas rules that require the owners of pipelines to be different from the suppliers of the gas that flows in them.

The court had said the directive amendment did not directly affect the pipeline, and responsibility for enforcing the relevant EU law lay with the member states.

The adviser to the CJEU said in a statement on Wednesday that there had been an error of law in the General Courts ruling.

Judges at the CJEU typically follow opinions of the advocate general, but are not bound to.

By Maria Sheahan
A 100-year-old former security guard of the Sachsenhausen concentration camp appears in the courtroom before his trial at the Landgericht Neuruppin court in Brandenburg, Germany, on Oct. 7, 2021. (Annegret Hilse/Reuters)

Ex-SS Camp Guard, Aged 100, on Trial for 3,518 Deaths

NEURUPPIN, GermanyA former SS guard, now 100 years old, hobbled into a German courtroom on a walking frame on Thursday to face charges of helping to send more than 3,000 people to their deaths in a Nazi concentration camp during World War Two.

Prosecutors say Josef S., a member of the Nazi partys paramilitary SS, contributed to the deaths of 3,518 people at the Sachsenhausen concentration camp by regularly standing guard in the watchtower between 1942 and 1945.

Doctors have said that the man, whose full name was not disclosed due to German trial reporting rules, is only partially fit to stand trial: sessions will be limited to just two and a half hours each day.

A 100-year-old former security guard of the Sachsenhausen concentration camp appears in the courtroom before his trial at the Landgericht Neuruppin court in Brandenburg, Germany, on Oct. 7, 2021. (Annegret Hilse/Reuters)

As the trial began, his lawyer held up a blue folder to conceal his clients face as he was brought into the court in Neuruppin, near Berlin.

Some people interned in Sachsenhausen were murdered with Zyklon-B, the poison gas also used in other extermination camps where millions of Jews were killed in the Holocaust.

Sachsenhausen housed predominantly political prisoners from all over Europe, along with Soviet prisoners of war and some Jews.

Its a lot of emotion  I cant really speak, said Antoine Grumbach, 79, before turning abruptly away as he was overcome by tears. His father, a French resistance fighter, died in the camp.

Holocaust survivor Leon Schwarzbaum holds a picture in the courtroom during a trial against a 100-year-old former security guard of the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, at the Landgericht Neuruppin court in Brandenburg, Germany, on Oct. 7, 2021. (Annegret Hilse/Reuters)

Leon Schwarzbaum, who is 100 years old, sat quietly waiting for the trial to start in the courtroom, showing reporters a photo of him with his parents and uncle, who all died in Auschwitz.

Prosecutors accuse Josef S. of contributing to cruel and insidious murders by aiding in creating and maintaining life-threatening conditions in the camp.

There has been a spate of charges brought against former concentration camp guards in recent years for World War Two crimes against humanity. Last week, a 96-year-old former camp secretary went on the run the day her trial was to begin but was caught by police a few hours later.

A 2011 court ruling paved the way for these final prosecutions, stating that even those who contributed indirectly to wartime murders, without pulling a trigger or giving an order, could bear criminal responsibility.

Sachsenhausen, opened in 1936 as one of the earliest Nazi concentration camps, acted as a training camp for SS guards who then went to serve elsewhere, including in Auschwitz and Treblinka. Others killed at Sachsenhausen included Dutch resistance fighters and the Nazis domestic political opponents.

By Annegret Hilse
Exclusive: Northvolt Plots EV Battery Grab With $750 Million Swedish Lab Plan

STOCKHOLMNorthvolt plans to invest $750 million expanding its laboratory facility in Sweden, a top executive said, to meet soaring demand for lithium-ion batteries as carmakers go electric.

As it aims to take on major Asian players such as CATL and LG Chem, Northvolt said it would set up the first R&D campus covering the entire battery ecosystem.

Northvolt, which plans to start production this year at its gigafactory in Swedens Skelleftea, plans to build a new office in Vasteras, increase headcount there to at least 1,000 from 400, and create a center for customers to experiment with battery technologies and electrification.

China is currently home to some 80 percent of lithium-ion cell production, but with demand soaring, capacity in Europe is set to expand quickly and Northvolt is targeting a 25 percent market share in Europe by 2030.

Northvolt CEO Peter Carlsson speaks at the companys office in Stockholm, Sweden on Sept. 30, 2021. (Supantha Mukherjee/Reuters)

The development in Vasteras is the funnel right now that will enable us to do that land grab, Northvolt Chief Executive Peter Carlsson told Reuters, adding that this would require it to hire around 5,000 engineers within five years.

I have some slide presentation on the very early concepts  we hadnt chosen Vasteras then but we had a first budget of 80 million dollars, Carlsson said in an interview.

European carmakers are looking to use batteries from Northvolt for their electric vehicles to rival those from Tesla, which is building its own factory in Germany.

Backed by Volkswagen, Scania, the European Commission, and Spotify founder Daniel Ek, Northvolt has raised funding of more than $6.5 billion, with nearly $20 billion in orders from the biggest automakers.

By Helena Soderpalm and Supantha Mukherjee
A healthcare professional holds a vial of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the West Wales General Hospital in Carmarthen, Wales, on April 7, 2021. (Jacob King/AFP via Getty Images)

Finland Follows Sweden, Denmark in Halting Use of Moderna Vaccine for Younger Age Group

Finnish health authorities have paused the use of Modernas COVID-19 vaccine on Oct. 7 in men under the age of 30, just one day after Sweden and Denmark announced similar measures because of side effects.

Mika Salminen, head of the Finnish health institute, said the Nordic country would instead give the Pfizer vaccine to men born in 1991 and later. Health officials said the decision followed reports of a rare cardiovascular side effect.

A Nordic study involving Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark found that men under the age of 30 who received Moderna Spikevax had a slightly higher risk than others of developing myocarditis, Salminen said.

Swedish health officials on Oct. 6 also halted the use of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for younger people and children after reports of possible side effects including myocarditis. Danish officials announced that it will halt the shot for those under the age of 18 due to similar concerns.

According to a statement from the Swedish health agency that was translated to English use from Swedish, there is an increased risk of side effects such as inflammation of the heart muscle or heart sac, although the agency noted that the risk is very small.

The connection is especially clear when it comes to Modernas vaccine Spikevax, especially after the second dose, the health agency said.

Severe cases of myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart muscle, can lead to heart failure or even sudden death. Symptoms of the infection can include chest pain, rapid or abnormal heart rhythms, and shortness of breath.

A Moderna spokesperson had said after Sweden and Denmarks Oct. 6 announcement that the company was made aware of the decisions by the countrys regulators.

These are typically mild cases and individuals tend to recover within a short time following standard treatment and rest, the spokesperson for the U.S.-based pharmaceutical company said, adding that unvaccinated people are still at a higher risk of getting myocarditis from COVID-19 than those who are vaccinated.

The Nordic countries based the decision on an unpublished research study that included data from Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark. Officials said the research will be published within a couple of weeks and preliminary data had been sent to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for further assessment.

In July, EMA, the European Unions chief drug regulator, recommended authorizing Modernas COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 12 to 17. It came months after the Moderna vaccine was given approval for use in anyone aged 18 and older across the 27-nation bloc in January.

Both U.S. and European regulators have cautioned that the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, which use mRNA technology, are linked to chest pain and heart inflammation in young people and children, although those agencies have frequently said those reactions are rare.

Epoch Times reporter Jack Phillips and Reuters contributed to this report.

From NTD News
Former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott takes questions after addressing the Lowy Institute in Sydney, Australia, on Nov. 28, 2019. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)

Former Australian PM in Taiwan Wants to End Its International Isolation

Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has revealed that he is visiting Taiwan with the hopes of ending the islands isolation on the international stage.

The visit comes amid heightened tensions in the Taiwan Strait with Beijing and ongoing moves by democratic nations to bolster alliances against Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aggression in the region.

Abbott made the remarks to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen at the presidential office in Taipei. The former prime minister (who served from 2013 to 2015) said it was critical fellow democratic nations stood shoulder to shoulder with Taiwan.

It is in large measure to try to help to end this isolation from which Taiwan has been suffering for so many decades that I am here in this country, and I do hope that this will be the first for many visits, he said.

Taiwan is in many respects a model for the wider world, Abbott said. Over the past 70 years, Taiwan has transformed from an impoverished dictatorship into a vibrant, dynamic, pluralist democracy. You have demonstrated to all the countries of this region that it is possible to be rich and free.

Of course, not everyone and not everywhere is pleased at Taiwans progress, and I do note that Taiwan is challenged on an almost daily basis by its giant neighbour, he continued.

Abbott stated that he believed countries worldwide, including Australia, had overemphasised fostering democracy in places where it had not taken root and underemphasised protecting democracy in areas it had.

Its important that we get the balance right in the future, he said.

Abbott is expected to address the annual Yushan Forum on Oct. 8.

His visit comes after Beijing launched four days of mass aircraft incursions into Taiwans air defence zone.

Australia and the United States, although having no official diplomatic ties to Taiwan, have indicated an intent to continue strengthening ties with the democratic island at the most recent AUSMIN summit.

Abbott believes nations in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) should accept Taiwans application to join the Pacific trade bloc but has warned against allowing Beijing to join.

In no way should China be allowed anywhere near the TPP until, at the very least, it drops its trade boycott of Australia, he told a parliamentary inquiry last month.

The last thing we need is further integration of China into the world economic order.

The China-Australia Free Trade Agreement was finalised under Abbotts prime ministership; however, in July, the former leader conceded that the government had misread the CCPs intentions.

As late as 2014, when that free trade deal was finalised, we did have a very benign view of China, he told the Policy Exchange to think tank. Now, in retrospect, it looks like wishful thinking.

Meanwhile, current Australian and Japanese ministers have indicated a reluctance to allow China to join the CPTPP, which encompasses 11 nations and covers 13.4 percent of global GDP.

Membership requires unanimous agreement from all member nations.

Michael Shoebridge, defence director at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said Australias support of Taiwan joining the trade bloc and looking potentially at a free trade deal with the island would be positive steps.

This all raises the cost to Beijing if it uses force against Taiwan and lets Taiwan know they arent facing Beijing alone, he told The Epoch Times.
Free World Now Dealing With a New Axis of Evil, Allen West Warns

Threats to the national security of the United States are higher than they have been in 20 years, thanks to a new Axis of Evil comprising of China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Islamic terrorism, according to Lt. Col. Allen West.

Speaking to NTD at the Conservative Minority Conference at Dallas in September, West, who is a combat veteran and a former member of Congress, said the Taliban terror groups takeover of Afghanistan puts America at risk of higher levels of terrorism, noting that Texas has a 1,254 mile border that is completely unsecured.

West said that border patrol agents have already apprehended five individuals in El Paso that were on the terrorist watchlist from Yemen and Syria, and said cartels are already working with terror organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas, while he expects that the Taliban, ISIS, and al-Qaeda will do the same.

If you dont think that the Taliban, ISIS, and al-Qaeda are going to work with those cartels, who will take money from anybody and get people into the United States of America through Texas, then youre delusional, West said.

We are at a greater national security threat than we were 20 years ago because now we have taken the Taliban, the exact same people that we removed from power, that [former President] Barack Obama released from Gitmo, and now theyre back in power.

And by the way, they have the 30th largest Air Force in the world. They have more Blackhawk helicopters than Australia. They have 6,000 night vision devices and all the other equipment that we left there. We made them a more powerful military force in 20 years, he added.

An H-6 bomber of Chinese PLA Air Force flies near a Taiwan F-16 in this Feb. 10, 2020 handout photo provided by the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense. (Taiwan Ministry of National Defense/Reuters)

A Taliban terrorist stands guard along a street near Zanbaq Square in Kabul on Sept. 23, 2021. (Wakil Kohsar/AFP via Getty Images)

The former combat veteran also pointed to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which he called a huge threat to the nation and the United States number one geopolitical foe.

West noted that the CCP has injected and implanted itself into the global economy by means of cheap manufacturing and goods, among other things, making the United States more dependent on it while simultaneously allowing the CCP to maintain their communist, dictatorial, authoritarian manner.

And sadly, we have people in Western economies who want the cheap goods. They want things that are easy, and they have allowed China to come in and become like a tick. It has, you know, implanted itself in and is now gorging itself and getting bigger and bigger. And somehow weve got to extract that tick out, West said.

The former Congress member said President Joe Biden and his family are compromised when it comes to communist China, particularly in regards to Status of Forces Agreement talks, and pointed towards Chinas interests in Afghanistans raw materials, which could give them a further competitive advantage.

I have to say I think that Joe Biden and his family is compromised when it comes to communist China, especially when we see what just happened in Afghanistan, where now the Taliban is developing the Status of Forces Agreement with China so they can come in and take Bigram Airbase, West said.

And what else do the Chinese want? The CCP, what do they want? They want the raw materials and the minerals that are there in Afghanistan, especially lithium, which is so important in electric vehicles, batteries, and things of that nature.

It is the whole thing. It is a new Axis of Evil, which will be China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Islamic terrorism. And so what you have now actually created is an incredible land bridge of Islamic terrorism that extends from Afghanistan, through Iran, through Iraq, to Syria, to Lebanon. And so it goes all the way over to the Mediterranean. And so if you are Ukraine, Taiwan, Israel, you need to be very nervous, he said.

The lieutenant colonel also noted that the clock is ticking on the Taiwan Strait, where China has been accused of using provocative military behavior towards Taiwan after Beijing has sent large numbers of fighter jets into its air defense zone in a sustained military harassment campaign against the self-ruled island.

I dont think that this administration is going to go into a strong Status of Forces Agreement with Taiwan and thats why you see all of the saber-rattling coming out of China right now. This is a very dangerous situation for the world, West said. I think that the clock is ticking. The Biden administration, were only eight months into it. And thats a four-year term.
The new GM logo is seen on the facade of the General Motors headquarters in Detroit, Mich., on March 16, 2021. (Rebecca Cook/Reuters)

GM Aims to Double Revenues by 2030 as It Drives to Pass Tesla

DETROITGeneral Motors Co. Chief Executive Mary Barra told investors on Wednesday that the automaker plans to double revenue by 2030, expanding profits from combustion vehicles as it rolls out new electric vehicles and new digitally powered services in a bid to catch up with Tesla Inc.

If GM succeeds, its annual revenue by 2030 would be about $244 billion, and the automaker would be the leader in electric vehicle sales in the United States. At GMs current pre-tax profit margin of 12 percent, that would imply annual pre-tax profits of as much as $29 billion. Sources told Reuters previously that GM would report impressive revenue growth and margin expansion.

Barras ambitious financial targets for 2030 are the latest push in her campaign to convince investors that General Motors, not Tesla, can be the leader in both technology development and profitability as the auto industry navigates the most profound technology revolution since the mass-produced Ford Model T.

Barra and other GM executives began a two-day series of presentations to investors at the automakers Technical Center in Warren, Michigan, making a case that GM can transform itself from automaker to platform innovatora reference to Silicon Valley digital platform companies such as Apple Inc. that have far higher stock valuations than GM and other incumbent auto manufacturers.

Barra, who took the helm in 2014, has lifted the companys share price from a narrow band around its 2010 initial public offering price of $33 to almost double that at one point. The shares were trading at around $54 on Wednesday.

But with a market capitalization of about $78 billion, GM remains far behind Teslas $773 billion market cap, reflecting investor skepticism that GM can match Teslas battery and software prowess.

Barra and GM President Mark Reuss outlined a plan for a transition to an all-electric fleet by 2035 that starts gradually, then would accelerate between 2030 and 2035. By 2030, more than half of GMs factories in China and North America will be capable of EV production.

Agile Factories

GM has said it aspires to produce nothing but electric vehicles by 2035. Reuss said ramping up capacity to meet that 2035 target will depend on the agility of the companys factories, which will be able to build both combustion and electric vehicles.

GMs current workforce and factories are assets, not liabilities, Barra and Reuss said. Electric vehicle startups are building new factories at great expense. GM has plants and people it can repurpose quickly and at lower cost, Barra said.

We want to take the entire workforce along with us, Barra said.

Among the new vehicles, GM said on Wednesday, will be an electric version of the companys best-selling North American model, the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. Barra will reveal the electric Silverado at the CES technology show on Jan. 5, GM said. Suppliers have said that the vehicle will be launched in late 2022.

No one will be able to touch us in the electric truck space, Reuss said.

Electric pickups will be a hotly competitive segment in North America, where petroleum-fueled pickups are the main source of profits for the Detroit Three automakers.

Ford Motor Co. is on track to beat GM to market with the battery-electric Ford F-150 Lightning early next year, and Ford recently said it will double capacity for the Lightning at its Dearborn, Michigan, factory. Ford plans even more electric F-150 production at a complex planned for Tennessee. Startup Rivian began production of its electric pickup last month.

Tesla has delayed the launch of its futuristic Cybertruck.

GM executives have been careful not to make a hard commitment to abandon internal combustion vehicles by 2035, saying that will depend on market demand and government policy.

The target to double revenue by 2030 will depend in part on expanded profits from internal combustion vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck line and the automakers successful large SUVs such as the Cadillac Escalade.

The revenue target also reflects Barras confidence that GM can build profitable software-driven services around the internal combustion core, and capture new customers with electric vehicles, such as a $30,000 electric Chevrolet crossover wagon.

Cruise, the autonomous vehicle services company majority-owned by GM, is a central piece of the GM strategy. Cruise last week received licenses in California to begin offering rides to passengers, though it cannot yet charge for those rides.

GM is also investing in new operations, such as the BrightDrop e-commerce delivery unit and insurance offered through its Onstar telematics brand. In all, GM said it is managing 20 startups to develop new lines of business.

Teslas impact on GM was evident throughout the presentations. The company said that by 2023 it will offer a new version of its hands-free driving system, called Ultra Cruise, that will use a LiDAR sensor behind the windshield and other sensors to enable hands-free driving in 95 percent of all driving scenarios.

Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk has made similar claims for future versions of the electric automakers Autopilot technology.
Gotcha Questions on Pennsylvania Religious Exemption Forms: Attorney

Attorney Jeff Schotts phone hasnt stopped ringing since President Joe Biden announced a mandate requiring vaccination or termination for health care workers and those who work for any company with more than 100 employees. In some cases, noncompliance with the order for a 100 percent vaccinated workforce will result in the loss of federal funds. This hits hospitals and nursing homes the hardest and many are now informing employees of new vaccination policies to meet the mandate.

Schott is a labor, patients rights, and civil rights attorney at the Scaringi Law Firm in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Ive had multiple calls every day from people seeking religious exemptions from their employers, Schott told The Epoch Times in a phone interview.

Typically, employees who have a religious reason for objecting to vaccinations fill out a form and are excused from the requirement. Its been a simple process for decades.

Lately, more people have found religion and the religious exemption forms some companies are requiring have become more complicated.

Im seeing employers, after exemption requests are submitted, subject employees to sometimes harsh gotcha questioning by [the human resources department], Schott said. It may be in the form of an interview or more questions through emails, with very short deadlines.

Hundreds of employees from hospital provider Wellspan Health gathered in Fayetteville, Pennsylvania, on Monday to discuss the vaccination situation. Many were talking about Wellspans new religious exemption form. It morphed Monday from the usual six-page form to a new 14-pager, filled with invasive questions, including the following:

When did you first develop the religious belief that prevent you from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

Does your religion address fundamental issues, such as life or death, the meaning of life, or what happens when human beings die? If so, please describe those beliefs.

Does your religion feature a clergy or other religious leaders?

Describe the organization and structure (if any) related to your religion.

Do your religious beliefs require you to abstain from all vaccination or just COVID-19?

Do you belong to an organization related to this religion such as a church, synagogue, mosque, or similar religious organization? If so, provide the name, address and telephone number.

The form also requires verification from a third party that has personal knowledge about the applicants religious beliefs. This must come from a religious leader or another adult member of the religion that can attest to sincerely held religious beliefs that prevent you from getting a COVID-19 vaccination.

Signers of the Wellspan exemption form are reminded that COVID-19 vaccines do not contain microchips, nor do they alter your DNA or cause a recipient to become magnetized.

Your refusal to undergo vaccination for COVID-19 could cause members of your household to suffer severe COVID-19 related illness or die, the form warns.

Its an intrusive exercise of the employer and it is meant to play a game of gotcha, Schott said. The questions are designed to enable employer to determine the accuracy and legitimacy of employees beliefs, however they are written in such a way as to set the stage to harshly question an employees religion.

Wellspan did not respond to requests for comment.

With the Wellspan exemption form and others Schott has seen, employees must first prove they sincerely practice the religion, they must prove the religion forbids vaccination.

But this may be harsher than the law allows.

Article 1 Section 3 of the Pennsylvania Constitution equates conscience with religion, putting it on the same level, due in large part to our Quaker background, Schott said.

Here is how that section, written in 1776, addresses religious freedom: All men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their own consciences; no man can of right be compelled to attend, erect or support any place of worship, or to maintain any ministry against his consent; no human authority can, in any case whatever, control or interfere with the rights of conscience, and no preference shall ever be given by law to any religious establishments or modes of worship.
Gov. Abbott: Alleged Texas School Shooter Possessed Gun Illegally

Gov. Greg Abbott responded to a mass shooting at a school in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday, saying the alleged gunman possessed the gun illegally.

Timothy George Simpkins, an 18-year-old student at Timberview High School in Arlington, was charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He turned himself in to police hours after the incident unfolded, police said.

Three of the four victims were hospitalized, including a 15-year-old boy in critical condition, a 25-year-old man who was shot and is in good condition, and a teenage girl who suffered minor injuries and has since been released, officials said.

Abbott, a Republican, addressed the shooting Wednesday while police were still searching for Simpkins.

Abbott told reporters that under Texas law, it is illegal for the shooter to possess or have purchased the gun that was used in  [the] crime, before saying that the shooter possessed the gun illegally.

It came as some Democrat elected officials attempted to link Abbott and his administration to the shooting.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks at a press conference on the border situation while other governors look on, in Mission, Texas, on Oct. 6, 2021. (Marina Fatina/NTD)

GOP Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick on every problem has failed Texas and made things worse, Matthew Dowd, who is seeking the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor, wrote on Twitter. After mass shootings he made gun violence more likely.

Several Democrat state lawmakers also alleged that Republicans in the state Legislature supported laws relaxing gun-control measures, including one that took effect last month that allows Texans to carry handguns without a license.

In his statement, Patrick remarked: Texans are heartbroken and outraged by news of the shooting at Timberview High School in Arlington. Please join Jan and me in praying for all the victims to make a full recovery, and for their families and friends. Please also join us in prayer for our brave law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to protect us every day.

Abbott also released a statement, saying that our hearts go out to the victims of this senseless act of violence.

Thank you to the law enforcement officers and first responders who arrived on the scene to help the victims and prevent further violence, he said. I have spoken with the mayor of Arlington and offered any assistance the state can provide, and I have directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to make state resources available to help bring the criminal to justice.

Meanwhile, a family member of Simpkins wrote that the teen was bullied at the school.

I dont know to feel about this he not no bad kid, wrote his cousin, Clint Wheat, on Facebook, according to the New York Post. Another relative, Carol Harrison-Lafayette, alleged that Simpkins was robbed twice at the high school, according to the Dallas Morning News.
US Constitutional focus groups gather in Asheville, North Carolina in July to discuss their constitutional rights in the wake of increasing local mandates. (Matt McGregor)

Grand Jury of the People Forms as Unique Strategy to Challenge Local Governments Authority

With the emergence of U.S. Constitution focus groups in North Carolina comes their different strategies on reasserting what they say are breached liberties.

The WNCFreedom2020 group in Asheville, North Carolina, has convened a Grand Jury of the People, according to its founders, pursuant to the 1215 Magna Carta and the North Carolina State Constitution, to question the authority of the Buncombe County Commissioners and Board of Educations COVID-19 policies.

According to the documents, a peoples civil grand jury is recognized as the authority on correcting, admonishing, and reining in tyrannical actions of government.

Kay Olsen, WNCFreedom2020s secretary, told The Epoch Times, There are four branches of government: the judicial, legislative, and executive branch. Then theres We the People. Somehow, the other three branches have forgotten that we put them there.

Olsen referred to a quote from the late Antonin Scalia, associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court from 1986 until 2016.

The quote comes from his opinion in the case of United States vs. Williams, a 1992 ruling during which the purpose of the grand jury was debated surrounding a hearing in which exculpatory evidence had been withheld from the grand jury, a decision that might not have led to indictment based on that evidence, according to the defendant.

Scalia says that the grand jury is alluded to in the Bill of Rights, but not in the U.S. Constitution, and has not been textually assigned to any of the branches in the first three Articles.

In fact, the whole theory of its function is that it belongs to no branch of the institutional government, serving as a kind of buffer or referee between the government and the people, Scalia says.

Thus, the citizens have an unbridled right to create their own grand juries, Scalia says, and present true bills of indictment to a court that can lead to criminal proceedings.

Our Founding Fathers presciently thereby created a buffer the people may rely upon for justice, when public officials, including judges, criminally violate the law, Scalia says.

Findings of the Grand Jury

The group published three findings in its civil grand jury specifically directed at the Buncombe County State Government in Asheville, North Carolina.

The jury said that the state has no authority to mandate masks or vaccinations in its school system and demanded that its schools eradicate Critical Race Theory (CRT) from its curriculum.

CRT is a Marxist philosophy that describes society as a class struggle between oppressors and the oppressed; it labels white people as the oppressors, and all other races as the oppressed.

The Grand Jury of the People served its findings to the Buncombe County School Board, County Commissioners, and the Sheriffs Department in August.

In its second meeting in September, Olsen said the grand jury awarded financial restitution to parents of children who had been what the grand jury alleged as abused by restrictive COVID-19 masking and medical discrimination policies.

This past week, the grand juryafter hearing sworn testimony by several parents, the distressful, and in many cases, unlawful conduct of teachers, principals, and other school employeesunanimously determined the following offenses and have determined damages be rewarded, the findings reported.

This restitution, according to Olsen, is to be paid by the board of education to five parents: $60,000 to one, and $55,000 to the four others.

The board has 30 days to respond, Olsen said.

The grand jury sent notices of its actions to Democrat Gov. Roy Cooper, Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, Democrat Attorney General Joshua Stein, Republican Chief Justice Paul Newby, Republican House Speaker Tim Moore, and Republican state Sen. Phil Berger.

We have sent them the findings of the first grand jury and the second grand jury, with a letter stating that Buncombe County has not responded to our first grand jury, and that its the governors responsibility to remedy this, Olsen said.

Grand Jury of the Peoples Structure

The Grand Jury of the People is comprised of 24 people or more who arent required to be named.

The meetings are held in secret, and no one is allowed to discuss what took place in the meeting.

The foreperson, assistant foreperson, the secretary, and the grand jury sign an oath, and hear testimony from people who choose to come before the grand jury.

The oath is specifically to uphold the U.S. Constitution of 1787 and the NC Constitution of 1776, Olsen said.

Later, findings are made based on the testimonies given.

Those findings are then delivered to what the grand jury decides are the transgressing entities, such as the school board and the commissioners that have mandated masks and enacted what the jury has deemed as medical discriminatory policies.

The grand jury alleged that county officials have not done their due diligence in researching the science that contradicts the effectiveness of the policies and their harmful outcomes, nor does the county have the authority to prescribe medical accommodations, therefore they must terminate the policies, according to its findings.

Right to Assemble

According to one of the advisors of the grand jury, Mike Flannigan, the word assemble must be viewed from a 1776 perspective.

Its not people sitting on the street corner with signs saying, Hell no, Flannigan told The Epoch Times. An assembly is an assembly of the people called together to correct their government, and the grand jury is the ultimate form of that. Its a grand jury because it has a larger number of people than a petit jury, which is used during the trial.

The people have the right to assemble to instruct their representatives, Flannigan said.

And if they ignore the instructions of the people, they are creating a constitutional crisis, and should be removed from office, Flannigan said. The people dont ask for permission. If you go to the government and ask for permission, who is really ruling the roost?

Buncombe County Response

Though the Buncombe County Board of Education did not immediately respond to The Epoch Times request for a statement on its reply to the Grand Jury of the People, the Buncombe County Commission Chair, Brownie Newman, told The Epoch Times that hes aware of the group.

My response to these groups is that if they really believe that the people agree with their views, they should file to run for elective office just as the people serving on the county commission and county school board have done, Newman said. Elections are how we decide who will represent the community. For a small group of self-selected people who have never been elected by anyone in our community to decide they have the authority to impose their agenda on everyone else goes against everything our Constitution stands for, in my opinion.
The logo of China Evergrande is seen at outside China Evergrande Centre building in Hong Kong, on Sept. 23, 2021. (Tyrone Siu/Reuters)

Hong Kong Property Agencies Suing Evergrande to Recover Commissions

HONG KONGTwo Hong Kong property agencies are suing heavily indebted China Evergrande Group over unpaid commissions, according to a court filing and media reports, piling pressure on the developer as it scrambles to raise funds and avert a collapse.

Centaline filed a suit against Evergrande in September to recover HK$3.1 million ($398,196) in overdue commissions, a court filing showed, while the South China Morning Post newspaper reported Midland Holdings is claiming unpaid commission of HK$43.45 million for two developments in Hong Kong.

An executive at Centaline China told Reuters they have also filed a suit against Evergrande in a Guangzhou court in southern China, seeking to claim hundreds of millions of yuan it says it is due.

Centaline confirmed to Reuters it filed a claim in Hong Kong last month, but declined to comment further. Midland declined to comment, saying the case was going through legal procedures. Evergrande did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Hong Kongs exposure to debt-laden developer China Evergrande is very minimal at 0.05 percent, or HK$14 billion ($1.79 billion) of banking assets and will not cause any systemic risks, the newspaper reported on Sunday, citing the citys Financial Secretary Paul Chan.

Evergrande has vowed to repay its suppliers and contractors in mainland China as soon as possible, in some cases offering apartments or other real estate assets, as construction at many of its sites have halted because of delayed payments.

With liabilities of $305 billion, Evergrande has sparked concerns its cash crunch could spread through Chinas financial system and reverberate globally.

Growing worries about defaults at Chinese property developers triggered a rout in their shares and bonds on Tuesday with fresh credit rating downgrades and uncertainty about the fate of cash-strapped China Evergrande Group sapping investor sentiment.

Last month it missed coupon payments on two dollar bond tranches and is scrambling to sell assets to pay creditors, prioritizing repayment to onshore lenders in the last few weeks.

($1 = 7.7851 Hong Kong dollars)
How to Prescribe Controversial Alzheimers Drug?

New drug raises challenge of targeting those with mild cognitive impairment

The approval of a controversial new drug for Alzheimers disease, Aduhelm, is shining a spotlight on mild cognitive impairmentproblems with memory, attention, language, or other cognitive tasks that exceed changes expected with normal aging.

After initially indicating that Aduhelm could be prescribed to anyone with dementia, the Food and Drug Administration now specifies that the prescription drug be given to individuals with mild cognitive impairment or early-stage Alzheimers, the groups in which the medication was studied.

Yet this narrower recommendation raises questions. What does a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment mean? Is Aduhelm appropriate for all people with mild cognitive impairment, or only some? And who should decide which patients qualify for treatment: dementia specialists or primary care physicians?

Controversy surrounds Aduhelm because its effectiveness hasnt been proved, its cost is high (an estimated $56,000 a year, not including expenses for imaging and monthly infusions), and its potential side effects are significant (41 percent of patients in the drugs clinical trials experienced brain swelling and bleeding).

Furthermore, an FDA advisory committee strongly recommended against Aduhelms approval, and Congress is investigating the process leading to the FDAs decision. Medicare is studying whether it should cover the medication, and the Department of Veterans Affairs has declined to do so under most circumstances.

Clinical trials for Aduhelm excluded people over age 85; those taking blood thinners; those who had experienced a stroke; and those with cardiovascular disease or impaired kidney or liver function, among other conditions. If those criteria were broadly applied, 85 percent of people with mild cognitive impairment wouldnt qualify to take the medication, according to a new research letter in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Given these considerations, carefully selecting patients with mild cognitive impairment who might respond to Aduhelm is becoming a priority, said Dr. Kenneth Langa, a professor of medicine, health management, and policy at the University of Michigan.

Dr. Ronald Petersen, who directs the Mayo Clinics Alzheimers Disease Research Center, said, One of the biggest issues were dealing with since Aduhelms approval is, Are appropriate patients going to be given this drug?

Heres what people should know about mild cognitive impairment, based on a review of research studies and conversations with leading experts.

Basics

Mild cognitive impairment is often referred to as a borderline state between normal cognition and dementia. But this can be misleading. Although a significant number of people with mild cognitive impairment eventually develop dementiausually Alzheimers diseasemany do not.

Cognitive symptomsfor instance, difficulties with short-term memory or planningare often subtle but they persist and represent a decline from previous functioning. Yet a person with the condition may still be working or driving and appear entirely normal. By definition, mild cognitive impairment leaves intact a persons ability to perform daily activities independently.

According to an American Academy of Neurology review of dozens of studies published in 2018, mild cognitive impairment affects nearly 7 percent of people ages 60 to 64, 10 percent of those 70 to 74, and 25 percent of 80- to 84-year-olds.

Causes

Mild cognitive impairment can be caused by biological processes (the accumulation of amyloid beta and tau proteins and changes in the brains structure) linked to Alzheimers disease. Between 40 percent and 60 percent of people with mild cognitive impairment have evidence of Alzheimers-related brain pathology, according to a 2019 review.

But cognitive symptoms can also be caused by other factors, including small strokes; poorly managed conditions such as diabetes, depression, and sleep apnea; responses to medications; thyroid disease; and unrecognized hearing loss. When these issues are treated, normal cognition may be restored or further decline forestalled.

Subtypes

During the past decade, experts have identified four subtypes of mild cognitive impairment. Each subtype appears to carry a different risk of progressing to Alzheimers disease, but precise estimates havent been established.

People with memory problems and multiple medical issues who are found to have changes in their brain through imaging tests are thought to be at the greatest risk.

If biomarker tests converge and show abnormalities in amyloid, tau, and neurodegeneration, you can be pretty certain a person with MCI [mild cognitive impairment] has the beginnings of Alzheimers in their brain and that disease will continue to evolve, said Dr. Howard Chertkow, chairperson for cognitive neurology and innovation at Baycrest, an academic health sciences center in Toronto that specializes in care for older adults.

Diagnosis. Usually, this process begins when older adults tell their doctors that something isnt right with my memory or my thinkinga so-called subjective cognitive complaint. Short cognitive tests can confirm whether objective evidence of impairment exists. Other tests can determine whether a person is still able to perform daily activities successfully.

More sophisticated neuropsychological tests can be helpful if there is uncertainty about findings or a need to better assess the extent of impairment. But there is a shortage of physicians with expertise in dementia: neurologists, geriatricians, geriatric psychiatrists who can undertake comprehensive evaluations, said Kathryn Phillips, director of health services research and health economics at the University of CaliforniaSan Francisco School of Pharmacy.

The most important step is taking a careful medical history that documents whether a decline in functioning from an individuals baseline has occurred and investigating possible causes such as sleep patterns, mental health concerns, or inadequate management of chronic conditions that need attention.

Mild cognitive impairment isnt necessarily straightforward to recognize, because peoples thinking and memory changes over time [with advancing age] and the question becomes Is this something more than that? said Dr. Zoe Arvanitakis, a neurologist and director of Rush Universitys Rush Memory Clinic in Chicago.

More than one set of tests is needed to rule out the possibility that someone performed poorly because they were nervous or sleep-deprived or had a bad day.

Administering tests to people over time can do a pretty good job of identifying whos actually declining and whos not, Langa said.

Progression

Mild cognitive impairment doesnt always progress to dementia, nor does it usually do so quickly. But this isnt well understood. And estimates of progression vary, based on whether patients are seen in specialty dementia clinics or in community medical clinics and how long patients are followed.

A review of 41 studies found that 5 percent of patients treated in community settings each year went on to develop dementia. For those seen in dementia clinicstypically, patients with more serious symptomsthe rate was 10 percent. The American Academy of Neurologys review found that after two years, 15 percent of patients were observed to have dementia.

Progression to dementia isnt the only path people follow. A sizable portion of patients with mild cognitive impairmentfrom 14 percent to 38 percentare discovered to have normal cognition upon further testing. Another portion remains stable over time. (In both cases, this may be because underlying risk factorspoor sleep, for instance, or poorly controlled diabetes or thyroid diseasehave been addressed.) Still another group of patients fluctuate, sometimes improving and sometimes declining, with periods of stability in between.

You really need to follow people over timefor up to 10 yearsto have an idea of what is going on with them, said Dr. Oscar Lopez, director of the Alzheimers Disease Research Center at the University of Pittsburgh.

Specialists Versus Generalists

Only people with mild cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimers should be considered for treatment with Aduhelm, experts agreed.

The question you want to ask your doctor is, Do I have MCI [mild cognitive impairment] due to Alzheimers disease? Chertkow said.

Because this medication targets amyloid, a sticky protein that is a hallmark of Alzheimers, confirmation of amyloid accumulation through a PET scan or spinal tap should be a prerequisite. But the presence of amyloid isnt determinative: One-third of older adults with normal cognition have been found to have amyloid deposits in their brains.

Because of these complexities, I think, for the early rollout of a complex drug like this, treatment should be overseen by specialists, at least initially, said Petersen of the Mayo Clinic.

Arvanitakis of Rush University agreed. If someone is really and truly interested in trying this medication, at this point I would recommend it be done under the care of a psychiatrist or neurologist or someone who really specializes in cognition, she said.

Were eager to hear from readers about questions youd like answered, problems youve been having with your care, and advice you need in dealing with the health care system. Visit khn.org/columnists to submit your requests or tips.

Judith Graham is a contributing columnist for Kaiser Health News, which originally published this article. KHNs coverage of these topics is supported by The John A. Hartford Foundation, Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and The SCAN Foundation.
In The Dying Citizen Victor Davis Hanson Diagnoses Americas Existential Crisis

Commentary

Victor Davis Hansons latest book, The Dying Citizen: How Progressive Elites, Tribalism, and Globalization are Destroying the Idea of America, is a prescient account of how the American conceptualization of citizenship has been eroded by progressive ideologues and those who wish to undermine the original intent of the Framers. He focuses on the categories of pre-citizens and post-citizens.

Hanson defines pre-citizenry as a concept that reflects ancient economic, political, and ethnic ideas and customs that were once thought antithetical to the modern democratic state. The pre-citizen category is subdivided into three different concepts: peasants, residents, and tribes. These concepts are separate and mutually exclusive because they reflect differing realities of how citizenship is viewed.

Hanson defines the post-citizens as elites who hold a unifying philosophy that human nature has evolved since 1788, and the Constitution must catch up. In other words, it is now time to move beyond classical citizenship to accommodate a much different American and a new global community.

The people in this group are subdivided into three categories: the unelected, the evolutionaries, and the globalists. Each of these groups works to undermine the traditional understanding of citizenship handed down through the political thought that predated the Founding and is the cornerstone of our countrys identity.

Cover of The Dying Citizen by Victor Davis Hanson. (Basic Books)

The overall tenor of the book argues that the cadre of leftists who are trying to subvert the tradition of American constitutional republicanism holds a philosophy that is alienated from American values. The history that Hanson presents is a critical outline of how these factions grew to dominate a competing majority of the American polity. In a word, the problem that America faces, according to Hanson, is existential. We are in a time of choosing:

Socialistic pseudoscience versus an industrial heartland.

Race-based political identification versus a common colorblind country and its values.

A globalist foreign policy versus adhering to America first.

These questions may present a no-brainer for many conservative and libertarian political activists, but the jury is still out for the apolitical rest of the country. The answer lies in how immigration has become such a pivotal issue.

If the progressive cadre can subvert the vote by allowing in more people, they can dilute the authentic voice of American citizens who are already here and were born here. One shudders to think that this books premonitions will not come to pass, but a cursory look at the border shows that the heel of globalism is already at Americas southern door.

Another factor contributing to how America will decide her fate is whether its people will learn its authentic history. Hanson looks at the ahistorical revisionism that has gripped the classrooms. It is no surprise to think that a country that does not know itself can preserve itself. Yet, Hanson warns that if his compatriots do nothing to combat the radicalization of the next generation, the likelihood of the decolonization of America coming to pass will be imminent.

A sympathetic yet cynical reader of American politics may see Hansons book and this review as nothing new under the sun. However, how long must the fire bell go off in the night, and how many rings must its cadences bring to rouse him from an apathetic stupor?

To the left, the American dream defined by the Founders and our forefathers generations before us is a delirium that we ought to break away from entirely. They may very well get their wish if traditionally-minded Americans continue to sit on the sidelines or become further detached. Citizenship is an honor and privilege of being born in a great nation, which revolutionaries want to dismantle entirely.

It is almost no surprise that the liberal progressives and globalists are using replacement migration to displace (or, in their words, marginalize) the American-born voting population. The result of replacement migration will use the benefits of being a citizen (such as welfare, unemployment, Medicare, Medicaid, etc.) as a political bribe to register the influx of voters as Democrats. These elites, therefore, will not have to win over independents or moderates to enact the Green New Deal, Medicare for All, or any other liberal public policy.

In all, Hansons book provides the reader with a historical-political choice that is up for each of us to choose and to persuade our fellow citizens likewise to adopt.

For many, the option will not be a difficult one to make, but the daunting challenge of battling institutionalized leftist globalism is a war that requires tact and cunning. With the decolonizers and revolutionaries having captured the forts of the West (academia, government, and enterprise), it is a purely uphill fight to reclaim these grounds for the America of the Framers rooted in the Western historical tradition.

The canceling of students and professors alike makes the process all the more challenging in the ivory tower; the minority status in the House and Senate makes it challenging to stymie the Biden Administrations plans; and the surge at the southern border lowers the statistical odds that Americans will be able to beat the advocates of replacement migration.

A question to ponder is whether we have already crossed the Rubicon on our march toward the globalist-progressive revolution. Without giving away the book, the reader must use the facts presented by Hanson to do the work that the community organizers and change agents of the Left have been doing for nearly half a century. If there have genuinely been multiple revolutions in American politics, how many more can a country withstand without crumbling?

In summation of Hansons book, the main takeaway every reader will get is a profound sense of urgency, a need to civilly participate and engage with their neighbors, and prepare for the final chapters of the culture war.

As Hanson thoroughly notes, the issues, ideas, and people involved are not new phenomena in American politics. They have come in waves, eroding the rocky shores of the American identity for over a century. This book is much like the textbook one uses as a map when charting where you go in a challenging class, except that politics is in the real world.

This book, however, is more than just a neat reference guide; its an urgent call meant to explain the intricacies of our intellectual/political history in one concise volume. It is required reading for all those who seriously want to engage in the fieriest issues of our days at their most thoughtful levels of depth.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Irvine Celebrates 20th Annual Global Village Festival This Weekend

The city of Irvine, California, is celebrating its 20th annual Global Village Festival on Oct. 9, a multicultural event that shows off a large range of food, crafts, and live performances.

The event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Irvines Great Park, celebrates 20 years of the event in tandem with the 50th anniversary of Irvines incorporation as a city, bringing residents together.

We are excited to bring the community together again to enjoy the Irvine Global Village Festival at Great Park, Mayor Farrah Khan said in a statement. There will be plenty of room outdoors to take in the sounds and sights while spending time with friends and family.

Usually bringing thousands to enjoy the fun, the event is great for people of all ages who want to experience different cultures. There will be local and global cuisine, music from around the world, an artisans marketplace, art exhibits, and more.

People looking to try different food from around the world will be able to purchase items for $3 to $6, watch music and dance performances from different cultures around the world, shop for a variety of handmade goods and art in the artisans marketplace, browse art exhibitions and displays featuring traditional clothing, culinary and religious traditions, and history.

Families will have the opportunity to enjoy an expanded Kids Village with crafts, interactive activities, and a petting zoo.

There will also be rides available in the Great Park Balloon and carousel.

Admission and general parking are free. Premier parking closer to the festival site will be available for $10 onsite (cash only).

Learn more at irvinefestival.org. Great Park is at 8000 Great Park Blvd., Irvine.
A health worker prepares a dose of a vaccine in the Israeli town of Rishon Lezion, on Aug. 13, 2021. (Ahmad Gharabli/AFP via Getty Images)

Israel Adds Booster Requirement to COVID-19 Vaccine Passport

Israel is moving toward tightening the rights of vaccinated citizens by adding booster shots to its COVID-19 green pass thats required to enter restaurants, clubs, gyms, hotels, among many other indoor settings.

The new vaccine passport was announced by officials on Oct. 3 and will be available to people who have received the third dose of a government-approved COVID-19 vaccine or recently recovered from the disease.

The passport that proves vaccination against the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus is dubbed a green pass in Israel. The CCP virus causes the disease COVID-19.

Israels new system will replace its previous one that required just two shots to become eligible for a green pass. Under the new rules, Israeli citizens will have to prove they have had a booster shot after their previous two doses expired after six months.

People who decide not to get a booster shot are still able to enter venues with a negative PCR or antigenic test, according to a statement by Israels Ministry of Health.

The new policy means that about 2 million people risk losing their vaccination passports in the coming days, prompting scores of protesters to take to Israeli streets in demonstrations around the country against the governments new system.

A convoy of cars slow traffic amid a demonstration against the Health Ministrys green pass restrictions, on Ayalon highway, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Oct. 3, 2021. (Oded Balilty/AP Photo)

We are totally against any forced vaccinations, or any forced medications, and we are totally against doing anything to our children and grandchildren that we dont agree with, Sarah Felt, who protested over the weekend along the main highway connecting Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, told The Associated Press.

About 37 percent of Israels 9.4 million population has received a booster shot. The number of patients hospitalized with the CCP virus and who are in serious condition has been dropping in recent days.

Since Oct. 5, store owners or event organizers in the country also had to start scanning a customers digital barcode before allowing entry. There will be some exemptions, such as museums and libraries.

The new green label will enable the management of an ongoing life routine, when the economy is open and fully operational, including the education system, the countrys health ministry said.

Israel is the first country to make booster shots a requirement before being allowed access to a vaccination passport.

The country started giving booster shots to risk groups in July and, by the end of August, expanded its campaign to include anyone above the age of 12, five months or more after a second dose.

Reuters contributed to this report.

From NTD News
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida speaks during a news conference at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo on Oct. 04, 2021, which was his first day in office. (Toru Hanai/Pool/Getty Images)

New Japanese PM Has First Calls With American, Australian Leaders

Fumio Kishida, Japans new prime minister, made his first calls with heads of the United States and Australia on Oct. 5. Experts say he will continue a pro-U.S. and anti-China approach during his tenure.

Kishida had a roughly 20-minute conversation with President Joe Biden, the first with a foreign leader since taking office one day before.

We confirmed that we would work together toward the strengthening of the Japan-U.S. alliance and free and open Indo-Pacific, Kishida told reporters. We also confirmed we would work closely on issues related to China and North Korea.

He said Biden reaffirmed U.S. commitment to defending Japan, including Article 5 of the U.S.-Japan security treaty, which provided defense obligations to the Asian nation. The article applies to the Senkaku Islands, which China also claims, calling them the Diaoyu Islands.

On Oct. 4, Biden sent Kishida a congratulatory message, on his election by parliament, calling the U.S.-Japan Alliance the cornerstone of peace, security, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific and the world.

Kishida also spoke with Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Oct. 5 and welcomed the creation of AUKUS, a new security cooperation framework that includes Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Both leaders expressed opposition to economic coercion as well as unilateral attempts to alter the status quo in the East and South China seas.

Vice-chairman of the Taiwan Society of Japan Studies, Wen-Chia Chen, told The Epoch Times that Kishida would continue the pro-U.S., pro-Taiwan, and anti-China and strategy that had been followed during the Shinzo Abe era.

Chen said the new prime minister would cement ties with the United States and be tougher on issues of national security involving China, which matched the anti-CCP sentiment popular with Japanese civilians and the Liberal Democratic Party.

Kishida previously expressed deep alarm on Sept. 5 at Beijings aggressive behavior at diplomatic and economic levels in an interview with Tokyo-based Nikkei Asia. The then would-be PM made it clear that countering the Chinese regime would be a top priority for his government if he succeeded in Japans leadership election.

On the other hand, Chen said Kishida would have to be flexible in dealing with foreign nations as he pushed for his Reiwa income-doubling plan. Reiwa is the current era of the Japanese calendar. Chen warned he would take into account the issues of the Chinese market and North Koreas nuclear weapons, among other issues.

Yujen Kuo, executive director of Taiwan-based Institute for National Policy Research, expressed similar opinions on foreign policy in a Sept. 29 interview with The Epoch Times.

Kuo said Kishida would support Taiwan to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and other international organizations.

So far, Kishida has expressed skepticism about Chinas suitability to join the CPTPP trade pact at his first press conference on Oct. 4.

We need to look at whether China can meet the high standards required by the trade pact, he said. Its still unclear if it can.
Julian Assange gestures to the media from a police vehicle on his arrival at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on April 11, 2019. (Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

Key Witness in Julian Assange Case Jailed in Iceland After Allegedly Fabricating Statement in Court, Going on Crime Spree: Report

A leading witness in the United States Justice Departments case against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has been jailed in Iceland, Stundin reported.

Sigurdur Thordarson, a hacker and convicted pedophile, was remanded in custody in Icelands highest security prison, Litla Hraun, on Sept. 24 after being arrested when he arrived back in Iceland from a trip to Spain.

Officials requested he be detained indefinitely to halt an ongoing crime spree, claiming he posed a clear and present threat to the public and was at high-risk of re-offending and violating the law. The judge agreed.

His lawyer, Hunbogi J. Andersen, confirmed the news to Stundin, a well-known Icelandic biweekly.

The Epoch Times has contacted Thordarsons lawyer for comment.

U.S. prosecutors have indicted Assange on 18 criminal charges of breaking an espionage law and conspiring to hack government computers.

WikiLeaks published a U.S. military video in 2010 showing a 2007 attack by Apache helicopters in Baghdad that killed a dozen people, including two Reuters news staff. It then released thousands of secret classified files and diplomatic cables, which included critical appraisals of world leaders, from Russian President Vladimir Putin to members of the Saudi royal family.

Assange sought refuge inside Ecuadors London embassy for seven years from 2012 until he was arrested in April 2019 for skipping bail during a separate legal battle.

He is now in Londons high-security Belmarsh Prison but the United States is currently seeking his extradition from the UK. If it succeeds, he could face up to 175 years in jail. Assange has argued he wont get a fair trial in the United States.

Thordarson was given immunity by the FBI in exchange for testimony against Assange, but later admitted to Stundin that he had fabricated statements to implicate the WikiLeaks founder and contradicted what he was quoted as saying in U.S. court documents, casting doubt on the indictment against Assange.

Julian Assange speaks to the media from the balcony of the embassy of Ecuador in London on May 19, 2017. (Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange. holding a U.N. report, speaks on the balcony of the Ecuadorean Embassy in London on Feb. 5, 2016. (Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP Photo)

Thordarson told U.S. courts that he was asked by Assange to commit computer intrusion and steal additional information, including audio recordings of phone conversations between officials in NATO Country-1, including members of parliament.

However, he told Stundin that this was in fact a lie, explaining that Assange, never asked him to hack or access phone recordings of MPs and that such recordings were provided to them by a third party. He added that Assange was not involved but that he later offered to show the recordings to the WikiLeaks founder, without knowing what they contained.

Thordarson also told U.S. courts that he and Assange had attempted but failed to decrypt a file stolen from an Icelandic bank. However Thordarson admitted to Stundin that these were actually files that were widely circulated online in 2010 and believed to be related to the collapse of Icelandic Landsbanki in the 2008 financial crisis, which does not support his initial claims that they were stolen, as it was assumed they were distributed by whistleblowers from inside the bank.

Thordarson admitted to a host of other misleading and fabricated comments he made against Assange that can be found in the indictment.

He also told Stundin that he had continued with a crime spree after it was discovered that he had used money raised for WikiLeaks through merchandise sales in 2010 to embezzle more than $50,000 from the organization.

Thordarson said: The idea behind all the companies [that I run in Iceland] is to squeeze out every last penny, knowing it will inevitably lead to bankruptcy by request of the tax authorities and the bill would end with them. Is it illegal? No, its just very immoral, that much I would agree with. But I have not heard of anyone being convicted for this sort of thing.

Stundin also claims that Thordarson allegedly forged his own lawyers signature in order to fraudulently inflate the net worth of his companys assets.

It is not known whether his recent admissions to Stundin played a role in his recent arrest.

Reuters contributed to this report.
LA Sheriff Criticizes Board of Supervisors $39.9 Billion Budget, Care First, Jail Last Plan

LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva has criticized the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors budget for the 202122 fiscal year for containing several initiatives that mark a significant shift in the countys approach to criminal justice.

At $39.9 billion, this years budget is the largest in county history, and 7.8 percent higher than the budget amount approved in April; $975 million coming from the American Rescue Plan, according to LA County Chief Executive Officer Fesia Davenport.

Remember, any budget is a political statement, Villanueva said during a weekly Instagram livestream on Oct. 6. It reflects the priorities of the elected officials who create this budget, [and] the CEO puts it together, but shes operating at the direction of the Board of Supervisors, and this reflects the values and the priorities of the Board of Supervisors, but it does not reflect the values and priorities of the county of Los Angeles.

The budget first rescinds the county hiring freeze for all departments excepting the LA Sheriff Department (LASD) and the Juvenile Institutions service budget unit, which is a unit that doesnt yet exist; the budget also rescinds the freeze on nonessential resources for all departments except the LASD.

Then the budget allots $461.5 million to several strategies supporting the countys new Care First, Jails Last initiative, which will provide alternative approaches to criminal justice and incarceration, which includes an anti-racism and diversity initiative, a poverty-alleviation initiative, and the creation of a jail-closure team to close the Mens Central Jail. The Youth Justice Reimagined program will also be redesigned to focus on youth development and well-being, with an additional $27.4 million in one-time funding to go to the Youth Development Department.

Another $527 million will go to address the countys rising rates of homelessness by developing more housing and services, with $494 million coming from the Measure H quarter-cent sales tax.

Villanueva called the boards Care First, Jail Last approach a Crooks First, Victims Last vision.

The shift in the criminal justice approach reflects an ongoing debate over LASD funding and investing in community outreach and alternative public safety programs.

Villanueva said that homelessness, homicide rates, and illegal cannabis operations are the big three issues that impact Angelenos. He said that so far this year, the county has seen a 43 percent increase in homicides, which comes out to a 54 percent increase in homicide victims, a 30 percent increase in aggravated assaults with a firearm, and a 31 percent increase in grand theft auto.

Villanueva said that the community wont see any of the $461 million given to the Care First, Jail Last plan.

Theyre going to hire a lot of consultants, a lot of their friends, a lot of these service providers and 501cs with the very fancy highly-paid board of directors making six figures, and what comes out of that is going to be a trickle, just like with the homeless industrial complex, Villanueva said. Weve seen this show before. But theyll pat themselves on the back and congratulate themselves for a job well done  as the capacity to fight crime gets degraded.

Supervisor Holly Mitchell said during the Oct. 5 meeting that the move is intended to help those who have been historically disenfranchised by the countys criminal justice system. Mitchell said she recently paid a visit to the Mens Central Jail Inmate Reception Center.

Weve seen what incarcerated people and county staff are dealing with every day, Mitchell said. There is no doubt in my mind that we are still in a state of emergency.

The Board will, however, allocate $4.2 million to the LASD to combat illegal cannabis growth in Antelope Valley. Of the total amount, $1.2 million is for the departments Marijuana Eradication Team to eliminate the grows, $503,000 will go toward overtime for patrol at the Lancaster Sheriffs Station, and $707,000 will purchase 10 trucks needed to conduct investigations on rough terrain, according to a statement by Supervisor Kathryn Barger.

Supervisor Sheila Kuehl didnt respond to a request for comment by press time.
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 10: Rep. Tom Malinowski speaks as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken testifies before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on The Biden Administration's Priorities for U.S. Foreign Policy on Capitol Hill on March 10, 2021 in Washington, DC. Blinken is expected to take questions about the Biden administration's priorities for U.S. foreign policy. (Photo by Ken Cedeno-Pool/Getty Images)

Lawmakers Introducing Legislation Targeting Enablers of International Corruption After Pandora Papers Findings

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is set to introduce new legislation aimed at stopping enablers of international corruption in response to the findings highlighted in the Pandora Papers investigation.

The Establishing New Authorities for Business Laundering and Enabling Risks to Security (ENABLERS) Act would make it harder for kleptocrats across the globe to launder money in the United States, according to Reps. Tom Malinowski (D-N.J.), Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), and Joe Wilson (R-S.C.).

The bill (pdf) would amend the 51-year-old Bank Secrecy Act by enabling the Treasury Department to impose stronger due diligence requirements on the source of funds for investment advisers, art dealers, attorneys involved in financial activity, company service providers, accountants, PR firms, and third-party payment providers.

Such a due diligence requirement could be something as simple as asking if suspicious funds are the proceeds from a crime.

It would also remove an exemption that has been in place since 2002 that means real-estate professionals, sellers of luxury cars, ships, and aircraft do not have to have anti-money laundering programs in place.

In a joint statement issued on Oct. 6, lawmakers said the act would ensure that the United States never again facilitates the corruption and dictatorship we claim to oppose by giving kleptocrats and criminals a safe haven for the money they steal from their people.

In turn, it would protect Americans from inflated real estate prices, job loss, human trafficking, and influence peddling they added.

The bill will likely be introduced on Friday and, if passed, the Treasury Department would have until Dec. 31, 2023 to ensure it has imposed stronger due diligence requirements. All enablers subject to the amendment must also have programs in place by June 30, 2024, regardless of whether or not Treasury has publicly declared the rule.

However, it is likely to face opposition from the multiple industries it affects.

An exterior view of 5660 Conduit Street, the property linked to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in a new report dubbed the Pandora Papers, in the Mayfair district of London, on Oct. 4, 2021. (Matt Dunham/AP Photo)

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair is shown ahead of a meeting at the EU Charlemagne building in Brussels, on Nov. 6, 2019. (Stephanie Lecocq/Pool via AP)

In Thursdays statement, Lawmakers pointed to the recent Pandora Papers, which highlighted how world leaders, powerful politicians, billionaires, and others have used offshore accounts to shield assets collectively worth trillions of dollars over the past quarter-century.

The papers, revealed on Oct. 4, contain nearly 12 million leaked documents revealing the offshore accounts of well-known political figures, amounting to 2.94 terabytes of data of confidential information. The data has been drawn from 14 different sources.

The more than 330 current and former politicians identified as beneficiaries of the secret accounts include Jordans King Abdullah II, former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Czech Republic Prime Minister Andrej Babis, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, Ecuadors President Guillermo Lasso, and associates of both Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Pandora Papers reveal how corruption undermines democracy. All around the world, countries are being looted and the most vulnerable people victimized by their elites, Cohen said in the statement.

These kleptocrats then launder that money to the West where they enjoy the high lifespending the money on luxury cars, penthouses, jets, and opulent parties. Some also spend it on intervening in our democracy, gaining influence in our politics and elites and working to undermine the rule of law. In order to fight corruption, we must curb the enablers.

The papers also found that Chinese Communist Party (CCP) politician Feng Qiya used an offshore company and enablers to trade U.S. stocks with $2 million worth of illicit funds.

American adversaries ranging from China to Iran to Russia have taken advantage of the U.S. enablers of kleptocracyunscrupulous lawyers, accountants, and others, to push their dirty money into our system, attempting to undermine our republic from within,said Wilson.

If we are serious about fighting dictatorship, we need U.S. professionals to do the most basic due diligenceno American should be accepting money from Chinese Communist Party operatives, Iranian mullahs, Russian oligarchs, or others. The ENABLERS Act is a critical national security measure.

The ENABLERS Act is one of several bipartisan measures being introduced by Washington to combat corruption.

Several other pieces of legislation, including the Justice for Victims of Kleptocracy Act, the Foreign Corruption Accountability Act, the Combating Global Corruption Act, and the Transnational Repression Accountability and Prevention Act, were recently added into the Houses national defense bill.

Reuters contributed to this report.
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) departs from the Senate Chambers during a series of votes in the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, on Oct. 06, 2021. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Lawmakers Urge Biden to Stand Up for Taiwan Amid Rising Chinese Aggression

Some Republican lawmakers are calling on President Joe Biden to reaffirm U.S. support for Taiwan amid escalating Chinese military provocations.

Tensions have ratcheted up over the past week, as China has sent a total of 150 military planes into the air defense zone around Taiwan, the democratically governed island that Beijing views as a breakaway province and hasnt ruled out the use of force to achieve unification.

The intensity of Beijings sustained military harassment, beginning Oct. 1 as the regime celebrated its founding anniversary, continued for five consecutive days in a record-breaking show of force, drawing anxiety both in Taiwan and abroad about a possible Chinese attack.

The Chinese Communist Partys encroachment of Taiwans airspace is inexcusable, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) told The Epoch Times. President Biden must respond to this aggression and reaffirm the United States commitment to our friends in Taiwan.

The White House and the State Department have criticized the Chinese military activities, saying such actions undermine regional peace and risk miscalculation. Tough and direct exchanges on Taiwan also took place during a six-hour closed-door meeting between national security adviser Jake Sullivan and senior Chinese foreign affairs official Yang Jiechi on Oct. 6, Sullivan told reporters in Brussels on Oct. 7.

The United States committed to maintaining unofficial diplomatic ties with Taiwan under the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, when the Carter administration switched diplomatic recognition to the Chinese regime. The act requires the United States to provide aid to Taiwan to ensure the island has a sufficient self-defense capability.

A U.S.-made CH-47 helicopter flies an 18-meter by 12-meter national flag at a military base in Taoyuan on Sept. 28, 2021. (Photo by Sam Yeh / AFP) (Photo by SAM YEH/AFP via Getty Images)

Ahead of Taiwans National Day on Oct. 10, some U.S. lawmakers have sent congratulatory letters to President Tsai Ing-wen to express their support.

We are mindful that Taiwan stands at the forefront of confronting challenges posed by the Chinese government, wrote Sen. Bob Menedez (D-N.J.) and Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), co-chairmen of the Senate Taiwan Caucus. The stepped-up military threats from Beijing makes it now more important than ever to defend the democratic values and free-market principles embodied by Taiwans people and government, they wrote in an Oct. 5 letter.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) called on Biden to work with allies to ensure the Chinese regime respects the status quo and Taiwans sovereignty, saying the Chinese Communist Party intended to intimidate Taiwan and send a message to the rest of the free world.

If Beijings recklessness is not met with international condemnation, Xi Jinping will think he has a green light for further aggression, he said in a statement on Oct. 4, referring to Chinas top leader.

Taiwan has assessed cross-strait tensions to be at their worst in four decades, in light of the recent Chinese military threats. If Taiwan were to fall, it would signify that in todays global contest of values, authoritarianism has the upper hand over democracy, Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen warned in an Oct. 5 op-ed for Foreign Affairs magazine.

Feng Chongyi, an associate professor in China studies at the University of Technology in Sydney, said that the Chinese regimes goal in mounting military pressure on Taiwan is two-fold: to boost domestic nationalism and to win concessions from Washington.

The Biden administration has sent off the signal that it wants to build closer ties with China  they want peace rather than war, he told The Epoch Times, making a note of the White Houses statement that it doesnt seek conflict with China.

To the regime, this is a display of weakness, according to Feng. It means you need to negotiate with me and give ground in some other areas.

Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks recently pledged to offer additional military support to Taiwan. The United States is the islands largest arms supplier.

We have a significant amount of capability forward in the region to tamp down any such potential, she told a panel hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies on Oct. 1, when asked about the possibility of a Chinese invasion. The Taiwanese, their ability to defend themselves effectively is a game-changer in terms of that deterrent calculus for China.

Taiwan has planned to spend an additional $8.69 billion in defense over the next five years to upgrade weapons, including cruise missiles and warships.

Luo Ya contributed to this report.
Leisure Sector Jobs Recovered Faster in Highly Vaccinated States: Fitch

A new report from Fitch says jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector recovered faster between March and August 2021 in states with higher vaccination rates.

The Fitch analysis indicates that states in the highest quartilewhere more than 66 percent of the population was vaccinated against COVID-19 at the beginning of Augustrecorded leisure and hospitality job growth around three times higher than states in the lowest quartilewhere less than 50 percent of the population was vaccinated.

In percentage terms, leisure and hospitality job growth between March and August 2021 averaged nearly 12 percent in the highest quartile states for vaccination, and less than 4 percent in the states in the lowest quartile, according to the report.

Vermont, for example, which had the highest vaccination rate in the country at 75 percent in August 2021, recovered 23 percent of leisure and hospitality jobs between March and August. Wyoming, by contrast, which had the second-lowest vaccination rate at 44 percent in August 2021, shed 8 percent of leisure and hospitality jobs in the same period, according to Fitch.

While Fitch analysts said that vaccination rates show a notable relationship with leisure and hospitality sector job growth, the findings do not purport to prove a causal link and Fitch acknowledged that other factors were likely at play, including the prevalence of other public health measures and labor supply.

The leisure and hospitality sector was hit particularly hard amid the pandemic, suffering the highest proportion of job loss, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Between February 2020 and August 2021, job loss in the leisure and hospitality sector accounted for 31 percent of all employment loss, followed by education and health services (17 percent), and trade, transportation, and utilities (10 percent).

The least impacted sectors were finance and mining (1 percent each), state government and information technology (3 percent each), and construction (4 percent).

Blue stateswhich have higher vaccination rates than red statestend to have a higher proportion of leisure and hospitality jobs than red states, where industries like agriculture and manufacturing play a bigger role.

Red states, on the whole, have dominated the economic recovery, recording the lowest rates of unemployment in the United States in August 2021, recent data showed.

The top seven states with the lowest unemployment rates in August were Alabama (3.1 percent), Idaho (2.9 percent), Nebraska (2.2 percent), New Hampshire (3.0 percent), South Dakota (2.9 percent), Utah (2.6 percent), and Vermont (3.0 percent), according to a Sept. 17 release of state-level unemployment data by the Commerce Department.

With the exception of Vermont, which has a Democrat-controlled state House and Senate and a GOP governor, all have Republican trifectas, meaning Republicans hold the governorship, a majority in the state Senate, and a majority in the state House.

The seven states with the highest unemployment rates in August were Hawaii (7.0 percent), California (7.5 percent), Connecticut (7.2 percent), Illinois (7.0 percent), New Mexico (7.2 percent), New Jersey (7.2 percent), and New York (7.4 percent). All seven have Democrat trifectas.
Tanzanian writer Abdulrazak Gurnah poses for a photo at his home in Canterbury, England, on Oct. 7, 2021. (Frank Augstein/AP Photo)

Literature Nobel Awarded to Tanzanian Novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah

The 2021 Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded on Thursday to UK-based Tanzanian novelist Abdulrazak Gurnah, whose work puts an emphasis on colonialization and refugees.

The award-giving body announced in a statement that the 72-year-old African writer won the prestigious award for his uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents.

Gurnah said during an interview that was published on social media he was both surprised and humbled by the award, explaining that at first when he was informed about it, he thought it was a prank.

I think its just brilliant and wonderful, Gurnah told news agency Reuters. I am very grateful to the Swedish Academy for nominating me and my work.

Its just greatit is just a big prize, and such a huge list of wonderful writersI am still taking it in, he said. It was such a complete surprise that I really had to wait until I heard it announced before I could believe it.

World exclusive: Listen to our interview with 2021 literature laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah on the value that refugees can bring to a country. #NobelPrize pic.twitter.com/AkejPuzVjo  The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 7, 2021

Gurnah, who is the first African writer to win the award since the Zimbabwean Doris Lessing in 2007, has published ten novels and a number of short stories, including Paradise and Desertion.

His fourth novel, Paradise, was Gurnahs breakthrough as a writer. The novel is set in colonial East Africa during the First World War and was shortlisted for the Booker Prize for Fiction.

Born in 1948 in Zanzibar, now part of Tanzania in the Indian Ocean, Gurnah sought refugee in the United Kingdom in the 1960s as a teenager after the island nation went through a revolution in 1968 that led to oppression and persecution of ethnic groups.

Gurnah was forced to abandon his family at the age of 18 and flee Zanzibar upon finishing school as the regime of then-leader Abeid Karume victimized an ethnic group he belonged to. He was only able to return to the country in 1984, allowing him to see his father shortly before his death.

Tanzanian writer Abdulrazak Gurnah gestures as he poses for a photo at his home in Canterbury, England, on Oct. 7, 2021. (Frank Augstein/AP Photo)

Gurnah started writing at the age of 21 in English exile and recently retired as a professor of postcolonial literature at the University of Kent in Canterbury. He explained that he stumbled into writing after arriving in England as a way of exploring both the loss and liberation of the emigrant experience.

The prestigious award comes with a gold medal and 10 million Swedish kronor (over $1.14 million). The money comes from a bequest left by the prizes creator, Swedish inventor Alfred Nobel, who died in 1895.

Last years prize went to American poet Louise Gluck. Gluck was a popular choice after several years of controversy. In 2018, the award was postponed after sex abuse allegations rocked the Swedish Academy, the secretive body that chooses the winners. The awarding of the 2019 prize to Austrian writer Peter Handke caused protests because of his strong support for the Serbs during the 1990s Balkan wars.

On Monday, the Nobel Committee awarded the prize in physiology or medicine to Americans David Julius and Ardem Patapoutian for their discoveries into how the human body perceives temperature and touch.

(L  R) David Julius, Ph.D. professor and chair of the University of California, poses in his office in San Francisco, Calif. (UCSF/Steve Babuljak/Handout via Reuters); Professor Ardem Patapoutian of the Department of Neuroscience at Scripps Insitute. (Ardem Patapoutian/Handout via Reuters)

The Nobel Prize in physics was awarded Tuesday to three scientists whose work found order in seeming disorder, helping to explain and predict complex forces of nature.

Benjamin List and David W.C. MacMillan were named as laureates of the Nobel Prize for chemistry Wednesday for finding an easier and environmentally cleaner way to build molecules that can be used to make compounds, including medicines and pesticides.

Still to come are prizes for outstanding work in the fields of peace, on Friday, and economics, on Oct. 11.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

From NTD News
A house's real estate for sale sign is seen in front of a home in Arlington, Va., on Nov. 19, 2020. (SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images)

Look Out, Real Estate Boom. Its the Closing Scam Tornado.

When Jeff, a retired marketing consultant from Chicago, was closing on his home sale, he received a new set of instructions at the last minute on where to send several thousand dollars in closing expenses. At first blush, the email looked legit with an official-looking logo and professional language specifying the amount owed and itemized expenses. But one thing caught his eye: The email address looked strange. Just to be safe, he called his mortgage broker.

Dont do that! his broker told him in an alarmed voice. It was a scam. If he hit send, his closing fees would go to a thief who had been monitoring his emails. I was a keystroke away from losing thousands of dollars, Jeff recalled.

As the housing market sizzles across the countrywith nearly 6 million homes bought last yearscammers have been finding new ways to tap into this once-secure market. Real estate transactions still demand reams of paperwork and regulations involving lawyers, brokers, title insurance companies, and banks, but the fact that much of this work now takes place online gives thieves countless opportunities to exploit vulnerable buyers. Last year, more than 11,000 homeowners were scammed out of more than $220 million in closing funds alone, according to the American Land and Title Association, a trade group that represents professionals who perform property transactions.

Closing-fund theft is one of many real estate scams that have emerged and proliferated over the past two years or so. The main lure is to get people to send money to fake addresses.

They include:

1. Fake Rentals

Scammers post rental adseither for real properties they dont own or spoofs they have created with photographson major sites like Craigslist. Typically they ask for below-market rates, get interested parties to put down a deposit, then disappear.

2. Fraudulent Foreclosure Relief

Pioneered during the housing market crash in 2007-2009, this scam involves thieves promising a service that would end foreclosure proceedings. Thieves collect a fee of several hundred dollars, then disappear with the money.

3. Moving Scams

Most people dont actually meet their movers before they hire them, which enables fraudulent operators to either take an upfront fee and not move clients possessions or hold furniture hostage, demanding a higher fee, and refusing to complete the move unless they are paid more. Usually these bogus movers are pitched through moving brokers.

Quebec provincial police say scammers targetted 50 victims, mostly elderly. (Jonathan Hayward/The Canadian Press)

The pandemic has helped fuel the boom in real estate scams. More people working from home translates into more valuable information being sent over less secure personal Internet connections lacking firewall and other protections that offices might provide. The housing boom fueled by COVID-19which has sparked demand but constrained new constructionhas led to greater competition in many markets, leading increasing numbers of buyers to purchase homes sight unseen. The real estate company Redfin reports that 63 percent of home-buyers last year made an offer on a property they hadnt seen in person. In addition, the rise of cryptocurrency makes it harder to trace bogus transactions and easier to launder ill-gotten gains.

The rise in real estate scams is part of a larger increase in crimes involving emailed funds. According to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), in 2020 the agency received 19,369 Business Email Compromise (BEC)/ Email Account Compromise (EAC) complaints with adjusted losses of more than $1.8 billion.

Scammers prey upon victims with a number of deception tools. They use phishing emails to mine valuable personal or financial information, claiming to falsely verify bank account or Social Security information. Or they may spoof consumers into thinking that an email, text or call is from a real financial company, online retailer or the IRS.

Many of these scams originate overseas, yet because the perpetrators can create and shut down fake emails and websites quickly before regulators catch up with them, they are hard to trace and catch.

The Treasury Department, FBI, and its Internet Crime Complaint Center broadly categorize closing-expense fraud under what they call business email compromise. The scam is relatively simple: A fake email pops up for a homeowner closing on a mortgageusually on the day all the documents and closing expenses need to be verified and transferred. The false email lures the closing party into electronically transferring funds to a thief, who is hard to trace.

No. 7 in the FBI Cyber-scam Top 10

The National Association of Realtors, the main trade association for the real estate industry, estimates that there were more than 13,000 complaints relating to property-related fraud last year, although that number includes rental fraud. Nevertheless, that puts real-estate email fraud in the top-10 list (No. 7) of the FBIs most prevalent cyber-scams.

Deanne Rymarowicz, associate counsel for the NAR, told RealClearInvestigations that cyber-thieves have become diligent in stalking potential victims. They look for pending sales in public records, she said, create profiles from their social media then hack or spoof their emails with false addresses.

One positive statistic Rymarowicz discovered: When these thefts are reported to law enforcement agencies such as the FBI within 24 hours, there is an 82 percent recovery rate of stolen funds. So acting quickly is important.

Most people, however, are highly embarrassed when they are stung by these scams. As a result, only about 15 percent report them to authorities, according to the FBI.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation seal is seen at FBI headquarters in Washington, on June 14, 2018. (Yuri Gripas/Reuters)

Another industry group, the National Credit Union Association, stated that while these kinds of scams are increasing, what makes them so enticing to criminals and easy to pull off is the nature of the real estate closing process, which is often hurried, and the fact that email is a commonly used method for providing legitimate instructions for sending funds at closing. A spokesman for the group declined to comment further.

Other kinds of residential real estate fraud are more difficult to perpetrate, but involve slightly different modus operandi. As outlined in a piece RCI published last year, a notable rise in home title cyber-theft was being observed by regulators. Although more sophisticated than closing-expense theft, these scams involved fraudulent home title transfers. Plain-vanilla mortgage fraud, involving fake financings, was rampant in the years following the credit meltdown of 2008. Thieves advertised mortgage relief scams and other ways to steal funds and personal information. Most of the swindles involved collecting upfront fees for fake mortgage services.

The newest wrinkle is that the cyber-thief may wash the stolen funds into a cryptocurrency, which will make the transaction even harder to track if they use tumbler software that scrambles the route the transfer takes. In 2020, the IC3 observed an increase in the number of complaints related to the use of identity theft and funds being converted to cryptocurrency, the agency reported. When transferred into a digital currency, special software can cloak the transaction and hide the funds.

Earlier this year, the FBI also issued a statement on how crypto theft works: The victim entity will receive a spoofed or otherwise compromised email that contains doctored wire instructions provided by the bad actor; however, since the requested transfer is directed to a traditional financial institution (where the cryptocurrency exchange has a custodial account), it is not easily identified by the victim.

In response to the rapid explosion of these real estate scams in recent years, principal financial regulators and trade associations are seeing, and have issued myriad consumer warnings in what they characterize as an epidemic of online fraud.

Some [thieves] are stealing through phishing emails, some are monitoring social media who tend to announce things like closings, said Mitria Wilson-Spotser, director of housing policy for the Consumer Federation of America. An innocent act has become a calling card for thieves.

The real estate industry; the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which also declined to comment beyond its website statement; and other government consumer protection agencies, have been proactive in telling consumers how to avoid these scams, which may continue to rise as more people do electronic transactions and dont take time to sweat important details or use two-factor authentication.

Compounding the difficulty that regulators have in cracking down on these crimes is that real estate transactions are monitored by various jurisdictions and agencies, including multiple state and federal banking, and law enforcement authorities, while data security and privacy concerns are often overseen by separate government divisions or agencies. The CFAs Wilson-Spotser notes that efforts to combat these scams fall under an incredibly leaky federal data security and privacy umbrella, which the CFPB doesnt have jurisdiction over.

While multiple eyes on these transactions can be a good thing, its difficult to know which agency to turn to if youre scammed. Generally, banks, mortgage brokers, and real estate agents have the biggest incentive to be the most aggressive watchdogs. But wire fraud involving financial transactions also comes under the umbrella of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN, the obscure sub-agency working with the Treasury and Justice departments. A FinCEN spokesperson noted that when authorities receive a closing-fund theft complaint, we move quickly to track and make contact with foreign jurisdictions to assist in recovering the funds.

Neither FinCEN nor the FBI would provide further details on how they handle enforcement.

The simplest safeguard in nearly every case, many experts told RCI, is to simply pick up the phone to confirm closing instructions with the official person assigned to the transaction details, who is usually a legitimate employee of a title company, bank or a lawyer. As Jeff in Chicago found out in the nick of time, if something smells fishy, it probably is. Instead of hitting send call you broker or bank.

This article was written by John F. Wasik for RealClearInvestigations
Measuring Resistance and Outlasting Progressivism

Commentary

The swarm of busybodies and prissy reformers has been with us a long time. And in the name of progress theyve always pushed, always hectored, always demanded that we join them on the winning side of history.

What seems to elude them is the irony that its only the winning side if we actually do join up. With a steady-enough resistance, the self-proclaimed progress of progressivism can be halted.

Take, for example, the metric system. Its a small case, I know, but its also an example of success. We havent reached the end of the metric system, but here in 2021 we can see the end of the insistence on the metric systemthe end of the notion that the metric system alone is correct. The end of the claim that the swarm of metric-measurers stand on the right side of history. The end of the sneer that the metric system represents true progress, and resistance is futile.

Those too young to remember the 1970sfortunately, if it means they dont have to recall the days of disco, Trimline phones with long curly cords on the kitchen wall, and the presidency of Jimmy Carterwont understand how constant was the pressure to adopt the metric system and how complete was the denunciation of those who kept to the old measurements.

In those days, if a newspaper humanized a science story by mentioning that that the moon is almost 239,000 miles from Earth, or the width of a human hair is around a thousandth of an inch, the editors would be flooded with letters raging against the unscientific, even anti-scientific, use of customary American measures. How dare the publication pander to the troglodytes whom true progress is leaving behind? Only the metric system is modern. Only the metric system is correct.

These days, one rarely hears that kind of self-righteous dismissal of rulers and yardsticks. Its a sign of changed times when NASA, for example, tells children that the moon is 238,855 miles away. Its a sign of changed times when the Wall Street Journal casually publishes a piece, as it did on Sept. 15, noting that Canadians often ignore the metric system. Canada imposed metrification in 1975, and four decades later, the process is still incomplete.

America got its own, lighter version of new government-directed measurements in 1975 when Congress passed the Metric Conversion Act, directing businesses to begin to transition to liters, grams, and meters. A public counter-movement soon emerged. Tom Wolfe helped plan a much-publicized Foot Ball in New York, while the widely syndicated Chicago newspaper columnist Bob Greene helped push a WAM (We Aint Metric) campaign. Winning the White House in 1980, the Reagan administration soon proved uninterested in the Carter-era project, and a major victory came with the Federal Highway Administrations decision not to demand metric speed-limit signs.

Meanwhile, European regulators insisted on the metric system. Throughout the 2000s, the European Union tried to ban even the mention of any non-metric measures. They didnt want pubs to offer a pint (473 milliliters). They wanted to prohibit the word pintalong with mile and pound.

The British took this as a swipe at them, which it was, since the UK was the only EU country whose citizens hadnt fully adapted to the metric system. And the perception of over-regulation was a small but real cause of the unhappiness that led to Brexit, the UKs 2016 vote to withdraw from the EU.

Thats why Boris Johnson, who became prime minister in 2019, pledged that post-Brexit Britain would have tolerance towards traditional measurements. Politicians promises arent always kept, of course, but this one was. On Sept. 16 this year, Brexit minister David Frost officially announced that shops could sell items in the old imperial units.

As it happens, feet are a useful measure, easily divisible into quarters and thirds. The smaller Fahrenheit degrees feel more human than the large Celsius degrees. Still, the metric system may be, in truth, a better measuring system in many contexts. I like to see old words in circulation: furlongs, leagues, bushels, and pecks. But love of language isnt what kept the old customary system around long enough to survive the push for the metric system from the 1970s through the 2010s. People just decided it wasnt worth the trouble, and in the end, the attempt to change them petered out.

Maybe some of that is due to the fact that the metric system was part an Enlightenment-era demand for rationalizing everything, and universal Enlightenment reason has become the great bugbear of the postmodern Left. Computers probably had more to do with it, as moving from one system to another became easy and fast.

But the real lesson we should take from metrification is social. The progressives always say they represent inevitable progress. They always claim that only the stupid and the evil could oppose them. They always tell us that resistance is futile, for they will inevitably win.

The fading of their old metric sneer is proof that they dont always succeed. It demonstrates that their claims of historical inevitability are true only if we believe them. And it confirms that resistance can lead to victory. Give us an inch, and well take a mile.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
A U.S. Navy service member is seen getting a COVID-19 vaccine in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, on Dec. 29, 2020. (United States Forces Korea via Getty Images)

Navy SEALs Lawyer: Military Ignoring Natural Immunity

The U.S. military is ignoring the protection against infection bestowed by having COVID-19 and recovering, according to a lawyer representing Navy SEALs who have concerns about COVID-19 vaccines.

My clients are seeing for the first time in the military natural immunity is not being recognized as a reason for an exemption to a vaccine, R. Davis Younts, the lawyer, said on EpochTVs Crossroads.

So its very strange and I think its reasonable for my clients to ask the question, Why is natural immunity demonstrated by positive serology being ignored for this vaccine but its not for others?'

Military regulations outline how medical exemptions to required vaccines can be granted because of evidence of immunity based on serologic tests, documented infections, or similar circumstances.

But the COVID-19 vaccine mandate, which is being imposed on both active duty and civilian Pentagon employees, doesnt contain that provision.

A memorandum issued by Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin in August says that all service members must be fully vaccinated against the virus that causes COVID-19.

Those with previous COVID-19 infection are not considered fully vaccinated, he said.

An Oct. 1 memo from another senior Pentagon official concerning civilian employees says that those with previous COVID-19 infection(s) or previous serology are not considered fully vaccinated on that basis for the purposes of this mandate.

The Navy referred The Epoch Times to the Pentagon, which declined to answer emailed questions, including why natural immunity isnt being considered a reason for a medical exemption to the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

Natural immunity refers to when a person has protection against an illness due to prior infection. In this case, it means protection against the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus, which causes COVID-19.

The lack of a carve-out is the prime argument in a lawsuit filed against Austin and other officials last month over the mandate. Two active-duty service members cited Army Regulation 40-562, which states that prior infection is a reason for a medical exemption, in noting they have natural immunity.

Younts is representing SEALs who have been told they will no longer be deployable if they dont get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The men on the elite fighting force have concerns that are primarily faith-based and are exploring applying for religious exemptions to the mandate. But they also have health concerns.

Ultimately, one of their main concerns is the sense that they have a conviction to be very careful and thoughtful what they put into their bodies. These are Navy SEALs, right? And they think its reasonable to ask the question, Why is this vaccine being treated differently? We dont have long-term five- and 10-year safety studies on the mRNA vaccine, Younts said.

Theyre asking the question, Isnt there a risk that theyre creating to other people if they get a vaccine that has been shown in some studies to have not just breakthrough cases, but also high viral loads and potentially viral shedding?'

The two most widely administered COVID-19 vaccines in the United States were developed using messenger RNA technology. The type of vaccine is new.

Another complaint involves nuances on how the vaccines have been treated by regulators. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Pfizers shot, the approved version wasnt available in early September, and there were no plans to make it available in the near future.

When will the actual FDA-approved vaccine be available for military members? Younts asked.

A Navy spokesperson told The Epoch Times that, to date, no exemption applications have been approved or denied. The spokesperson referred The Epoch Times to the Pentagon for other questions. The Pentagon didnt answer whether it has obtained doses of Comirnaty, the approved version of Pfizers shot.

The FDA referred The Epoch Times to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Health and Human Services, neither of which responded to requests for comment. Pfizer officials also didnt respond to inquiries.

Zachary Stieber Reporter Follow Zachary Stieber covers U.S. news, including politics and court cases. He started at The Epoch Times as a New York City metro reporter. zackstieber
New Australian State Leader Speeds up Reopening Plan From Lockdowns

Freshly minted New South Wales (NSW) Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced new changes to the roadmap out of lockdowns, as the state passed its 70 percent vaccination target on Wednesday.

The NSW government said Freedom Day will not be brought forward and remains scheduled for Monday, Oct. 11, but has decided to further ease restrictions at each stage of the roadmap.

These changes today are measured, sensible, and ensured we open up in a very safe way, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet told the press on Thursday.

All roadmap freedoms will also only apply to people who are fully vaccinated only.

Changes to the 70 percent roadmap include doubling the number of visitors allowed at home, from 5 to 10, not including children 12 and under.

The cap on outdoor gatherings will be increased from 20 to 30 people, and the cap on weddings and funerals will be increased from 50 to 100 people.

Indoor swimming pools will also be open for lap swimming, rehabilitation, and childrens swimming lessons.

Workers in regional areas will also be allowed back to work if they have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination but will be expected to receive their second dose by Nov. 1. This includes regional areas outside of the Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Shellharbour, and the Central Coast

People are seen exercising along the Milsons Point boardwalk in Sydney, Australia on July 16, 2021. (Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)

At 80 percent double dose vaccination, the changes will see more caps increased. Families will be able to invite up to 20 people to their homes, excluding children under 12, and up to 50 people will be allowed to gather outdoors.

The number of people allowed to attend ticketed outdoor events will be increased from 500 to 3,000, and nightclubs will be allowed to reopen for seated drinking only.

Masks will also no longer be required in office buildings at this point.

In addition, all students will now return to classrooms by Oct. 25, as the previous plan for a staggered return of studentsspread between stages two and threewill now be combined.

Kindergarten, Year 1, and Year 12 students will still return to face-to-face learning on Oct. 18, and all other years will now return at the same time on Oct. 25.

This comes as students in rural NSW have already returned back to school.

Perrottet said these common-sense changes would help communities return to a normal life as soon as possible.

We have always said that vaccination is the key to our freedom and the sacrifices and the effort of people right across NSW have ensured that we can open up as quickly and safely as possible, Perrottet said. This is not just a health crisis, its an economic crisis too.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet (R) and Deputy Premier Paul Toole arrive to address media during a press conference in Sydney, Australia, on Oct. 7, 2021. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)

Newly-selected Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the tweaks to the vaccination requirements for regional workers was to ensure businesses and local economies in the regions reopen and start buzzing again.

This is important because what we are focused on is keeping our communities safe, but also opening up NSW, Toole said.

State Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said schools were ready to welcome their students back in COVID-safe settings according to official guidelines. Mandatory vaccinations for teachers remain.

So we are ready, we are excited, we cant wait to have our kids back, and Im just delighted that that will now be from the 25th of October, Mitchell said.

Meanwhile, lockdowns have been extended in Oberon, Snowy Monaro, and Menindee and Sunset Strip in the Central Darling Shire of regional NSW until Oct. 11.
Nissan Plans Mexico Work Stoppages in October Due to Chip Shortage

MEXICO CITYJapanese automaker Nissan will carry out temporary work stoppages at two Mexican plants for several days in October because of production adjustments needed to manage a shortage of semiconductor chips, its Mexico unit said on Wednesday.

Nissan will halt operations at its plant 2 in the central state of Aguascalientes for 11 days in October, and its CIVAC plant in Morelos state will be halted for 8 days, the carmaker said in emailed comments to Reuters.

The stoppages come as automotive production in Brazil and Mexico, Latin Americas two largest economies, plunged in September, dragged down by an industry-wide semiconductor chip shortage and railroad blockades in Mexico.

We continue to make adjustments to our production process to minimize the impact this has had on the automotive industry locally and globally, said Nissan, adding it was working to recover production and make good on delivery of vehicles to distributors and customers.

By Sharay Angulo
Officials Ramp up Efforts to Clean Huntington Beach Oil Spill

Officials involved in the oil spill off the coast of Huntington Beach announced Oct. 6 that they are continuing to ramp up efforts to clean up the estimated 144,000-gallon spill.

Our priorities remain the safety of human health, the safety of our public, protection of the environment, protection of wildlife, and finding and removing oil as soon as we can detect it and as soon as we can remove it, Rebecca Ore, Captain of the Port and Commanding Officer at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach said during an Oct. 6 press conference.

While 350 personnel are currently working across the countys coast to manually clean up the oil, the county plans on getting 1,500 workers by the end of the week.

Martyn Willsher, CEO and president of Amplify Energythe business that runs the pipessaid during the conference that when the company discovered the oil in the water at 8:09 a.m. Oct. 2, they were no longer pumping any oil through the pipelines. Willsher said that after discovering the oil, his team instantly radioed back to the platforms to initiate the incident response plan.

We did not take any additional time [after discovering the leak]; we automatically instituted our incident recovery plan, and people were notified very, very quickly, Willsher said during a press conference.

Amplify CEO Martyn Willsher speaks to media in Huntington Beach, Calif., on Oct. 6, 2021. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

Willsher said he was unaware if metrics indicated a significant loss of pressure, but that the company will fully investigate this.

Regarding the lag between an alarm going off at 2:30 in the morning on Saturday and oil being discovered in the water at 8:09 am, Willsher said he had to refer media that Amplify will be fully working with investigators on the incident.

We were not aware of any spill until 8:09 am on Saturday morning, he added. I promise you, if we were aware of something on Friday night, I promise you we would have immediately stopped all operations.

Amplify does maintenance on the pipe every year, according to Willsher, with one year focusing on the external pipe and the other year focusing on the internal part of the pipe. Additionally, the team does an annual spill drill, involving other agencies to make it a fully integrated incident response plan. Weekly cleanings are also done on the pipe, with the last one being done on Sept. 29, and there were no abnormalities spotted, he said.

In terms of wildlife exposure to the oil, Michael Ziccardi, director of the Oiled Wildlife Care Network Team out of the University of CaliforniaDavis School of Veterinary Medicine, announced there have been 13 live birds and 2 dead birds collected by teams, with large scale operations covering beaches and water from north of Bolsa Chica down to San Onofre looking for affected animals.

Additionally, the animal care teams have collected four oiled live snowy plover birds, a federally threatened species, on Oct. 6 in Huntington Beach.

The Unified Command announced yesterday that they identified the source of the leak, a 13-inch lateral gash in the 16-inch concrete-encased pipeline, which was also displaced by approximately 105 feet.

Huntington Beach officials also closed Bolsa Chica State Beach Oct. 6 due to oil washing up on the shore. The Huntington Beach shoreline from the lifeguard tower line to the water is closed between the Santa Ana River Jetty and Warner Avenue; entering the water will remain prohibited for the time being.

Recreational fishing has also been completely restricted from the City of Dana Point to Sunset Beach in Huntington Beach from the shoreline to six miles out into the ocean until further notice.

Orange County officials have announced the closure of the Dana Point Harbor, meaning boaters will be unable to enter or exit the harbor until further notice, with impacted boaters encouraged to go to either Huntington Beach Harbor or Long Beach Harbor.

So far, approximately 5,000 gallons of oil has been cleaned up.
Pipelines run to Enbridge Inc.'s crude oil storage tanks at their tank farm in Cushing, Okla., on March 24, 2016. (Nick Oxford/Reuters)

Oil Extends Losses as US Mulls Strategic Reserve Sales

LONDONOil prices fell sharply on Thursday, extending losses from the previous session, as the United States said it was considering selling oil from its strategic reserves and as Russia said it was ready to stabilise the natural gas market.

Brent crude prices fell $1.24, or 1.5 percent, to $79.84 a barrel by 0918 GMT, after falling to a session low of $79.08. WTI crude futures fell $1.69, or 2.2 percent, to $75.74 a barrel, having hit a session low of $74.96.

Both contracts fell about 2 percent on Wednesday.

The crude market might be less tight should the United States tap the strategic crude reserves and if Russia manages to send more natural gas to Europe, this might result in less substitution from natural gas to crude, said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.

U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said on Wednesday that the administration is considering tapping the countrys Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to cool a surge in gasoline prices, the Financial Times reported.

Granholm also did not rule out a ban on crude exports, which was lifted in 2015.

Goldman Sachs said a likely SPR release, which could be up to 60 million barrels, only posed a $3 downside risk to its $90/bbl year-end Brent price forecast.

A larger-than-expected fall in U.S. crude inventories last week also weighed on prices.

Stocks rose by 2.3 million barrels, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said, against expectations for a modest dip of 418,000 barrels.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Russia was boosting gas supplies to Europe, including via Ukraine, in response to the energy crunch and stands ready to stabilise the market amid surging prices.

Such a move could help cool off record high gas prices.

Analysts say as winter approaches those gas prices could have an impact on the already tight crude market as some users switch to oil.

Earlier this week, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies (OPEC+) agreed to stick to its plan to raise output by 400,000 bpd in November, sending crude prices to multi-year highs.

By Ahmad Ghaddar
Orange Countys COVID-19 Hospitalizations Continue to Decline

SANTA ANA, Calif.Orange Countys COVID-19 hospitalizations continued to decrease Oct. 7, while nine more fatalities were logged, all occurring last month, to send the death toll near triple figures for September, according to the latest data.

Hospitalizations dropped from 224 on Wednesday to 220 on Thursday, with the number of intensive care patients declining from 60 to 54, health officials said.

The county has 25.5 percent of its intensive care unit beds available and 68 percent of its ventilators, according to the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA).

The overall test positivity rate in the county is at 2.9 percent and the case rate is 7.6 per 100,000 residents, according to Orange County CEO Frank Kim. That compares with a positivity rate of 3 percent and case rate of 8.7 a week ago, Kim said.

Were through the surge, but everyones concern now is what happens when the holiday season starts and more people gather indoors, Kim said.

Theres also going to be more of an emphasis from county officials to push for more flu vaccinations in the coming weeks to avoid a double whammy of viral infections, Kim said.

Im pleased as punch, Andrew Noymer, an epidemiologist and University of CaliforniaIrvine (UCI) professor of population health and disease prevention, told City News Service on Wednesday.

I dont think we can ask for more right now. I am happy to see what were seeing and long may it continue. Weve cleared that back-to-school has not uncorked a major wave with immediate effect. But Im still worried about more waves.

The countys weekly case rate per 100,000 residents improved from 9.7 to 8, while the positivity rate fell from 3.4 percent to 2.9 percent, according to data released Tuesday. The countys Health Equity Quartile positivity ratewhich measures progress in low-income communitiesdropped from 3.8 percent to 3.1 percent.

The OCHCA reported 211 new cases of COVID-19 and nine additional fatalities Thursday, raising the cumulative totals to 299,334 cases and 5,463 deaths since the pandemic began.

All of those reported deaths occurred in September, raising the months death toll to 99. The death toll in August was 157.

The death toll for July is 26, 19 for June, 26 for May, 46 for April, 199 for March, 615 for February, 1,581 for Januarythe deadliest month of the pandemicand 976 for December, the next deadliest.

As of Oct. 2, the countys new case rate per 100,000 people was 3.1 among fully vaccinated residents, and 16.1 for the unvaccinated.

The number of fully vaccinated residents in Orange County increased from 2,115,536 on Sept. 30 to 2,135,325 on Thursday.

That number includes an increase from 1,976,227 to 1,994,678 of residents who have received the two-dose regimen of vaccines from Pfizer or Moderna. The number of residents receiving the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine increased from 139,309 to 140,647.

There are 197,201 residents who have received one dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

The top providers of vaccines are the OCHCA at 26.50 percent, CVS at 18.30 percent, Walgreens at 6.10 percent, Kaiser Permanente at 5.50 percent, UCI Health at 2.80 percent; Walmart at 1.90 percent; Safeway, Vons, and Pavilions at 1.20 percent; Families Together of Orange County at 1.10 percent; and multiple others below 1 percent.
Pfizer Formally Asks Drug Regulators to Let Kids as Young as 5 Get Its COVID-19 Vaccine

Pfizer said on Oct. 7 that it had submitted a request to U.S. drug regulators to expand the authorization for its COVID-19 vaccine to children between the ages of 5 and 11.

The U.S.-based pharmaceutical company and its German partner BioNTech sent the request to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about a week after submitting data they said show that the vaccine triggered antibody responses in children in a Phase 2/3 clinical trial. The full results for the trial, which was run by the companies, havent yet been released.

With new cases in children in the U.S. continuing to be at a high level, this submission is an important step in our ongoing effort against COVID-19, Pfizer said in a statement.

Pfizers vaccine is already authorized for children aged 12 to 17 and approved for adults aged 18 and older, though the approved version isnt yet available in the United States.

Some experts and parents are pushing for a vaccine for younger children, arguing that they can spread COVID-19 to others, even if theyre at little risk of severe disease themselves. But opponents note the low risk of danger COVID-19 poses to children and the elevated chances kids have of suffering heart inflammation if they receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Some European countries are now recommending just one dose of COVID-19 vaccines that utilize messenger RNA technology, such as the Pfizer vaccine, because of potential side effects.

Pfizers trial gave children a two-dose regimen of 10 micrograms each, while older populations were given doses of 30 micrograms each. The lower dosage was carefully selected as the preferred dose for safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity in children, Pfizer and BioNTech stated in September.

Dr. Janet Woodcock, the acting commissioner of the FDA, recently said that the vaccine may need a different dosage or formulation from that used in an older pediatric population or adults.

We know from our vast experience with other pediatric vaccines that children are not small adults, and we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of clinical trial data submitted in support of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine used in a younger pediatric population, Woodcock said.

The agencys vaccine advisory panel will meet on Oct. 26 to review the efficacy and safety data. A meeting of the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC) vaccine advisory committee to discuss the matter hasnt yet been scheduled.

White House COVID-19 response coordinator Jeffrey Zients told CNN that the new Pfizer request could be granted before Thanksgiving.

We will be ready as soon as the CDC and the FDA give the go ahead, Zients said. We are ready. We have the supply. Were working with states to set up convenient locations for parents and kids to get vaccinated, including pediatricians offices and community sites.

The submission comes after new studies show that Pfizer vaccines effectiveness against infection and severe disease sharply wanes over time. In addition, three scientists from the company were recently recorded acknowledging that natural immunity, or the protection bestowed from getting COVID-19 and recovering, is similar to or better than the protection from the companys vaccine.

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.
Police Shoot Suspect After Standoff Near Downtown LA Encampment

LOS ANGELESA woman allegedly armed with a handgun was shot and wounded by Los Angeles police after a standoff near a homeless encampment in the downtown Los Angeles area, authorities said Oct. 7.

The standoff began about 10:45 p.m. Wednesday after Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers responded to a call regarding a female suspect with a gun in the area of Spring and Arcadia streets near the Hollywood (101) Freeway, the LAPD reported.

When they arrived in the area they heard gunshots, police said in a statement.

A SWAT team was called to the scene, and police began searching the encampment where they believed the suspect had hidden inside a tent, the LAPD reported.

The woman came out of a tent about 11:40 p.m., police said.

She was armed [with] a gun [and] had a hostage, the police statement said. At that time, there was an officer-involved shooting.

The woman was wounded and was taken to a hospital in unknown condition. No other injuries were reported. The gun was recovered at the scene, police said.

The Spring Street off-ramp from the northbound Hollywood (101) Freeway was closed while an investigation was conducted into the circumstances of the shooting.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki speaks during the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, on Oct. 6, 2021. (Nicholas Kamm / AFP via Getty Images)

Psaki: Biden Was Aware of French Being Upset

John Kerry claimed Biden 'literally had not been aware of what had transpired'

During Wednesdays press briefing, the White House press secretary Jen Psaki said that President Joe Biden had been aware of Frances anger over Australias submarine deal with the United States and the UK, indicating that a previous statement made by Bidens climate envoy John Kerry was not correct.

In an interview with French BFMTV that aired Monday, Kerry said, He [Biden] literally had not been aware of what had transpired.

Of course, he was aware of the French being upset, Psaki responded to a question about Kerrys comment.

I know John Kerry quite well. He, of course, was awarethe Presidentof the French being displeased about the deal with the Australians. John Kerry also speaks regularly to the French as a part of his role as the Climate Envoy. Hes someone who also served as Secretary of State.

A spokesperson for Kerry said that in speaking about Biden being unaware, he was clearly referring to French sentiment, and not to the details or decision-making regarding AUKUS, a trilateral security partnership between Australia, UK, and the United States, The Hill reported on Tuesday.

Video shows that the interviewer asked Kerry, You told Joe Biden that it was not the right ?

He asked me, Kerry interrupted. He said, whats the situation and I explained exactly. He washe had not been aware of that. He literally had not been aware of what had transpired.

And I dont want to go into the details of it. But suffice it to say that the Presidentmy President is very committed to strengthening the relationship and making sure that this is a small event of the past and moving on to the much more important future, Kerry added.

U.S. climate envoy John Kerry speaks onstage during the 2021 Concordia Annual Summit at Sheraton New York in New York City, on Sept. 20, 2021. (Riccardo Savi/Getty Images for Concordia Summit)

The interview video clip then went viral and raised concerns from Republicans about what else Biden had been unaware of.

Climate Envoy John Kerry says [the President] isnt consulted on reactions of key U.S. Allies, Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) wrote on Twitter. This could explain disastrous Afghanistan withdrawal & Biden Admin selling out Eastern European allies in NATO & Ukraine while waiving sanctions on Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

On Sept. 15, Australia announced that the United States and the UK would provide nuclear submarines to Canberra. Hours before the announcement, Australia notified the French government that it had canceled the allegedly $65 billion contracts of a fleet of submarines.

In response, France issued a series of angry statements and temporarily recalled its ambassadors to the United States and Australia.

Kerry made the remarks when he was with State Secretary Antony Blinken in a visit to France this week. Blinken met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday to assure him the relationship between the two allies remains strong.

During Wednesdays White House briefing, Psaki was also asked what exactly Biden was not aware of. Was he not aware of something before the deal was announced? Was he not aware that the French werent read in? Was he not aware of the French deal on conventional submarines?

Right now, what our focus is on is moving forward, Psaki responded. As you know and as President Macron spoke, too, theyre going to be meeting next month. Were working to finalize the details of that.
A Chinese soldier gestures as he stands near an Indian soldier on the Chinese side of the ancient Nathu La border crossing between India and China on July 10, 2008. (Diptendu Dutta/AFP via Getty Images)

Record Troops Recently Deployed on India-China Border

China is deploying record numbers of troops on the India-China border, and frequently changing the commander of the Western Battle Zone that encompasses the border. Indian army chief general Manoj Mukund Naravane said India is quite well poised to meet any aggression from China.

Naravane told Free Press Kashmir (FPK) on Oct.2, Chinese [troops] have deployed in considerable numbers all across Eastern Ladakh and Northern Front right up to our Eastern command.

Definitely, there has been an increase in their deployment in the forward areas, he said.

In response, the Indian side is also increasing its troops, Naravane told Indiatoday.

According to Naravane, India has deployed the first K9-Vajra self-propelled howitzer in Ladakh, which is capable of attacking enemy targets at a distance of about 30 miles. These guns can also work in high-altitude areas, field trials were extremely successful. We have now added an entire regiment, this will be really helpful, reported FPK.

In addition to the K9-Vajar howitzer, the Indian army successfully test-fired the M777 ultra-light howitzer and plans to deploy this howitzer mainly along the India-China border, reported The Times of India on Sept.14.

We are strong, we are ready to face any situation, the army chief said in an exclusive interview with India Today TV.

Naravane said that the Indian side is monitoring closely the possibility of a communist incursion, but he hopes to find a long-term solution to the border standoff through dialogue between both sides, reported the FPK article.

China and India will hold the 13th round of talks in the second week of October.

India-China Border Confrontation

Naravane said that for the last six months, the situation has been quite normal, reported FPK

However, the Wall Street Journal reported as early as July 2 that China and India had each sent tens of thousands of soldiers and deployed advanced military equipment to the Ladakh region in the largest scale in decades, and that the number of Chinese Communist troops had increased from about 15,000 in July 2020 to at least 50,000.

In August, more than 100 Chinese army soldiers crossed the border in Barahoti, North Akhand, damaged some Indian infrastructure, including a bridge, and then withdrew, reported The Economic Times of India on Sept.28.

Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying accused India of pursuing a long-standing forward policy and illegally encroaching on Chinese territory, This is the root of tensions along the Sino-Indian border, Hua said at a Sept. 29 press conference.

Indian External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi countered that Chinas allegations have no basis in facts, saying China continues to deploy a large number of troops and armaments in the border areas, and Indian forces had to make appropriate counter deployments, reported The Hindu.

Chinas Western Battle Zone

The Chinese communist regime reclassified seven military regions in mainland China into five battle zones, putting the Sino-Indian border under the control of the Western Battle Zone. The Western Zone merges the former Chengdu military region and Lanzhou military region (excluding Yunnan Province and Guizhou Province), commanding the armed forces of seven provinces and municipalities as Gansu, Ningxia, Qinghai, Xinjiang, Sichuan, Tibet, and Chongqing.

Military commentator Zhou Tian reported in the Chinese edition of The Epoch Times on Oct. 2 that the Western Zone is large, and its management, mixed with many political elements, is chaotic; Xi Jinping seems least reassuring; and the commander of the Western Battle Zone has been appointed and dismissed three times so far this year.

In Dec. 2020, the former deputy commander of the Central Battle Zone Zhang Xudong replaced the former commander of the Western Zone Zhao Zongqi; six months later, Zhang was succeeded by Xu Qiling, the former army commander in the Western Zone; but when Xi Jinping awarded titles for new generals on Sept. 6, the commander of the Western Zone was replaced by Wang Haijiang, the former commander of the Xinjiang military region, reported Radio Free Asia.

Wang was the deputy commander of the Tibetan military region from 2016 to 2020, where he handled the 2017 China-India Doklam standoff.

In addition, Wang participated in the China-Vietnam border war in 1979 and had real-war experience, said Radio Free Asia.

CCP Military Power

North American-based military expert Xia Luoshan told The Epoch Times that the China-India border confrontation is likely to be limited to local conflicts on the ground, and the air force is unlikely to intervene. If a ground conflict occurs, the CCP army might be at a disadvantage due to geographical conditions and equipment restrictions.

Even if an air battle does occur, the Chinese side would not have an advantage, Xia said, because in terms of the strength of the air forces of both sides, although the Chinese air force has a large number of aircraft, most of them are third-generation fighters.

The Indian air force has a relative advantage in geographical location.

Considering the CCP is creating an unprecedented expansion in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, if its air force intervenes in the battle with India, it would turn into a full-scale war; but the CCP does not have the capability to wage war in both directions at the same time, according to Xia.
In this photo, rescued migrants looking to use the restive North African country as way to get to Europe, are seated next to a coast guard boat in the city of Khoms, Libya, on Oct. 1, 2019. (Hazem Ahmed/AP Photo)

Red Crescent Says Bodies of 17 People Washed Ashore in Libya

ABOARD GEO BARENTSAt least 17 bodies, likely of Europe-bound migrants, have washed ashore in western Libya, the Libyan Red Crescent said.

They were found Tuesday near the western Libyan town of Zawiya, the Red Crescents branch in the town said. The bodies were handed over to authorities for burial, it said.

The migrants likely drowned. The U.N. migration agency says more than 1,100 migrants were reported dead or presumed dead in numerous boat mishaps and shipwrecks off Libya so far this year.

The Red Crescent posted images purporting to show its workers carrying white body bags with the Mediterranean Sea in the background.

Libya was plunged into turmoil by the NATO-backed 2011 uprising that toppled and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. The North African nation has since emerged as a popular, if extremely dangerous, route to Europe for those fleeing poverty and civil war in Africa and the Middle East.

Oil-rich Libya is largely governed by local militias, many of which profit from the trafficking. Rights groups say migrants traversing Libya have been tortured, raped, and subjected to forced labor at the hands of traffickers and inside official detention centers.

U.N.-commissioned investigators found that the practice of arbitrary disappearances and violence against migrants inside Libyan prisons could amount to crimes against humanity.
The logo of Samsung Electronics is seen at its office building in Seoul, South Korea, on Aug. 25, 2017. (Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters)

Samsung Electronics Likely to Report Best Quarterly Profit in 3 Years

SEOULSamsung Electronics Co Ltd is likely to turn in its best quarterly profit in three years and record revenue, on rising memory chip prices and brisk sales of its new foldable smartphones, analysts estimates show.

Operating profit for the worlds biggest memory chip and smartphone maker likely jumped to 16.1 trillion won ($14 billion) in the quarter ended September, according to a Refinitiv SmartEstimate from 16 analysts, weighted toward those who are more consistently accurate.

That would be up 30 percent from 12.35 trillion won a year earlier and the highest since the third quarter of 2018. Revenue likely rose 11 percent to 74.6 trillion won, a record high.

An unprecedented global shortage in semiconductor chips amid the pandemic has underpinned Samsungs results and shares, which soared 45 percent last year and hit a record high at the start of 2021.

But the stock has dropped since then, compounded by losses in September when U.S. peer Micron warned its memory chip shipments would slip in the near term, amid industry views that chip prices will tumble after peaking in July-September.

Samsung shares have fallen due to Microns guidance but unlike Micron, Samsung internalizes major components  and has other businesses like mobile and foundry to buoy performance, said Hanwha Investment & Securities analyst Lee Soon-hak.

Memory (chip) prices are seen rebounding next year after a short period of decline, Lee added.

Samsung will announce preliminary results on Friday.

Chip Division, Smartphones

Samsungs chip division is likely to report an operating profit of 9.9 trillion won, an average of six analysts forecasts shows, up 79 percent from a year earlier, helped by rising memory chip prices and shipments.

Prices of DRAM chips, used in servers, mobile phones and other computing devices, jumped 7.9 percent versus the June quarter, while those of NAND flash chips that serve the data storage market rose 5.5 percent, data from research provider Trendforce shows.

Analysts also forecast a double-digit operating margin for Samsungs chip contract manufacturing business as clients rush to secure production capacity.

Its mobile division likely saw about 3.7 trillion won in operating profits, analysts said, down from 4.45 trillion won a year earlier but up from the prior quarters 3.2 trillion won on foldable smartphones sales.

An estimated 2 million Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 models were sold in a month since launching in late August, with South Korea topping sales followed by the United States, said Jene Park, senior research analyst at Counterpoint.

Market participants will be scouring Samsungs full results later this month for an update on its planned $17 billion U.S. semiconductor factory after sources said it was drawing closer to finalising the construction.

($1 = 1,187.9300 won)

By Joyce Lee
Santa Ana Rent Control Ordinance Restarts to Avoid Potential Brown Act Violation

Concerns over a Brown Act violation arose as Santa Ana, California, moved forward with implementing a rent control ordinance on Oct. 5.

The discussion of a potential rent control ordinance that would prevent property owners from increasing rent more than 3 percent per year continued amid controversy. Violating the Brown Act would not only lead to delays in the implementation of rent control but would tie the council up in litigation.

Councilmembers Phil Bacerra and Nelida Mendoza, and Mayor Pro Tem David Penaloza opted out of participating in the discussion in the belief that the Brown Act was violated, stating the ordinance was discussed between members prior to the first vote on Sept. 21, which passed marginally 43.

I will be leaving the room out of an abundance of caution, Mayor Pro Tem David Penaloza said during the Oct. 5 council meeting. Im just not comfortable voting or participating in any discussion pending that there may have beenand Im pretty sure there wasa Brown Act violation.

The Santa Ana City Hall is seen in Santa Ana, Calif., on Aug. 14, 2020. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)

The Brown Act requires local government affairs to be open to the public, except under certain limited conditions. It is based upon state policy that the public must be informed so that the people of this State do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them.

Mayor Vicente Sarmiento along with councilmembers Thai Viet Phan, Jessie Lopez, and Johnathan Hernandez proceed to address the item.

While discussing the benefits of rent stabilization for residents, Phan motioned to redo the first reading of the ordinance to avoid potential Brown Act violation interference.

Voting to restart the first reading would remove any issues with previous Brown Act violation claims, City Attorney Sonia Carvalho said during the council meeting.

Sarmiento seconded the motion, prior to addressing the concerns received regarding the violation.

On Sept. 24, the city received a letter alleging a Brown Act violation related to the councils first reading approval of the ordinances, prohibiting residential rent increases and requiring just cause evictions, Sarmiento said. The letter alleged that, number one, the city housing ad hoc committee was actually a standing committee subject to the Brown Act, and number two, certain communications of mine to the mayor pro tem violated the Brown Acts prohibition on serial meetings.

Sarmiento reassured the council that the ad hoc committee is a genuine temporary advisory committee that will continue to proceed until it serves its purpose and is removed by the council during a final report.

Additionally, Sarmiento discussed calling Penaloza on Sept. 16 to advise him that the ad hoc committee would be making a recommendation to adopt the ordinance on an emergency or regular basis during the Sept. 21 council meeting.

I did this as a courtesy alone for him, and any other member who did not serve on the ad hoc committee, because on Sept. 17, they did receive a call from councilmember Mendoza wanting to discuss the matter of rent stabilization that was going to be appearing on the Sept. 21 agenda item, Sarmiento said.

I mentioned to her [Mendoza] that I was on the ad hoc and could not speak to her on the merits of that but did tell her it was going to be on the agenda and the full council would be considering it. At no time in these brief conversations did I discuss the merits of the recommendation, engage in any collective decisionmaking, or encourage any particular vote by any councilmember.

Sarmiento proceeded to move toward a new first reading for the ordinance after insisting there was no Brown Act violation. The major requested the three councilmembers who earlier left the meeting to rejoin the discussion to vote on the new motion, but the invitation was rejected.

Despite Sarmientos claim regarding the conversation he had with Penaloza on Sept. 16 not violating the Brown Act, the mayor pro tem had a different opinion, insisting his conversation with Sarmiento was substantive, and he refused to reenter the meeting room, Carvalho said.

To move past the allegations of potential Brown Act violation, Sarmiento, Phan, Lopez, and Hernandez voted in favor of redoing the first reading out of an abundance of caution while the other councilmembers refrained, Santa Ana spokesman Paul Eakins told The Epoch Times.

The rent control ordinance was first discussed among the council on Sept. 21 and was originally proposed to be an urgency ordinance.

However, the 43 vote wasnt enough to pass the urgency ordinance that would have taken effect before the end of the states eviction moratorium on Sept. 30.

The council reconvened on Oct. 5 for a second reading of the ordinance where it was anticipated a decision would be made for the implementation of rent control at their next meeting on Oct. 19. If passed, the ordinance will go into effect 30 days afterward.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) addresses reporters following a weekly Republican policy luncheon as (L-R) Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), and Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) look on in the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Oct. 5, 2021. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

Senate Republicans Conflicted Over McConnells Debt Ceiling Deal

After months of promises by Senate Republicans not to vote for an increase in the debt ceiling, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) reached a deal in the early hours of Thursday morning to suspend the debt limit until December. Despite McConnells support for the deal, Republicans are divided on the eleventh-hour agreement.

Still, Senate leadership was optimistic about the deal.

Schumer said on the Senate floor Thursday, I have some good news. Weve reached an agreement on an extension of the debt ceiling through early December. Its our hope we can get this done as soon as today.

McConnell added later that the agreement will spare the American people a manufactured crisis.

The deal comes just days before the mid-October deadline given by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who warned that the United States would default for the first time in its history if the limit was not increased.

McConnells Deal a Complete Capitulation

But for many Republicans, who have staked a position against raising the debt ceiling since early August, McConnells deal with Schumer is unacceptable. These Republicans, angry about Democrats partisan use of the reconciliation process, have insisted that Democrats raise the debt ceiling through the same process.

Without the support of at least 10 members of his party and the full support of all 50 Democrats, McConnells deal will count for little if Republicans choose to filibuster it. Hours after the deal, many Republicans remain adamantly opposed to the deal.

One high profile Republican, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) criticized the deal as a complete capitulation.

Graham explained I dont like using reconciliation to fundamentally change America to a socialist spending agenda. So why the hell would I make it easy for them to raise the debt ceiling through regular order? We had a strategy, weve abandoned this.

Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) told reporters that he intended to vote no on cloture, which can be used to end debate on a bill to send it to a formal vote.

When asked whether he thought the debt limit suspension was a good deal, Scott answered indirectly, saying Im not voting for it. This question was followed up by another, asking whether McConnell should have made the deal. Scott again answered indirectly, I mean everyone gets to vote the way they want.

Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) was lukewarm on the deal, but gave conditions that he thought would be necessary for his and other Republicans to allow the bill to go to a floor vote.

Most importantly, Johnson said, any resolution must increase [the debt limit] by a set dollar amount so that were not giving [Democrats] a blank check. He said that on these grounds he would oppose any resolution that would simply suspend the debt ceiling, which Schumer indicated that the bill would do.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) shared these concerns.

Im not willing to consent to anything that would  make it easier for Chuck Schumer and the Democrats to add trillions of dollars of debt, Cruz said.

Sen. Mike Braun (R-Ind.) also said that he would vote against advancing the deal.

Filibustering Deal Will Only Delay the Inevitable

Others in the Senate Republican caucus were a little less critical.

Im not excited about this deal, said Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), before adding that the deal is necessary to prevent something worse.

Asked whether he would join his colleagues in voting against cloture, Cornyn said, Im hoping we can avoid a cloture vote. I dont see the point in [a cloture vote] other than just to delay the inevitable.

But Cornyn did commit to voting against the deal itself. Democrats will have to do it all by themselves, he said.

Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) expressed the same sentiments.

The sooner we get [the debt ceiling] issue completed, the senator said, the sooner Republicans could move on to other issues, such as the reconciliation process which is still a $3.5 trillion proposal.

Rounds said that the party should continue to focus on those, which is where most of the American people are at right now.

Still others are undecided. Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), and John Thune (R-S.D.) have been noncommittal on how they will vote when the deal comes to the floor.
Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), left, and Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) during panel discussion at Family Research Council conference in Leesburg, Va. on Oct. 7, 2021. (Photo provided by FRC)

Senators Vow to Try Again to Bar Dishonorable Discharges for Declining Vaccine

Two Republican senators vowed late on Oct. 6 to try again to bar the Department of Defense (DOD) from dishonorably discharging members of the U.S. military who decline to be vaccinated against the CCP virus, also known as novel coronavirus, the cause of COVID-19.

I just hope the people here realize what a dishonorable discharge really means, Sen. Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) told more than 2,000 conservative and evangelical family advocates at the Family Research Councils (FRC) Pray Vote Stand Summit conference in Leesburg, Virginia.

Youre never going to be able to get a job again. Youre going to lose your Second Amendment [rights]. Theyre going to take away your VA health care benefits and your education. Its a big deal, is what Im trying to say, Marshall explained in response to a question from the moderator, FRC President Tony Perkins.

Marshall was referring to a Sept. 21 position statement issued by the White House saying the Biden administration strongly opposes congressional efforts to bar dishonorable discharges when service members decline to be vaccinated.

Youre treated worse than a convicted felon, added Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), who joined Marshall in the discussion with Perkins.

The U.S. military includes approximately 1.3 million active-duty members, as well as an estimated 800,000 reservists subject to immediate call-up. More than 700,000 Americans have died as a result of the CCP virus, with slightly more of the fatalities coming in 2021 than in 2020.

Marshall noted that votes will be taken later in October in the Senate on the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), and he plans to introduce an amendment removing the dishonorable discharge option from the available disciplinary measures that military leaders can impose on unvaccinated subordinates.

The National Defense Authorization Act will be coming up for a vote probably the end of this month, and well be offering an amendment just like we did on the continuing resolution to stop that nonsense. And well need to activate your folks to help us out, Marshall said.

The FRC summit attendees are concerned citizens from across the country who tend to be actively involved in public policy discussions and advocacy at all levels of government.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin issued an Aug. 24 order requiring all service members to be vaccinated, using the vaccine developed by Pfizer. While Austin said President Joe Biden supported the decision, its been unclear whether service members would face a dishonorable discharge as a potential penalty.

Austin was asked by Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) during a Sept. 28 Senate Armed Services Committee hearing if he supports dishonorable discharges for unvaccinated service members.

Taking a vaccine is a requirement. Ill just leave it at that, Austin replied.

Maj. Cesar Santiago, a DOD spokesman, told The Epoch Times on Oct. 7 that service members cannot be unilaterally dishonorably discharged for declining the vaccination.

Santiago explained that a commander would have to court-martial a service member for a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justicein this case, failure to follow a lawful order, Article 92 of the Uniform Codeand then a court-martial would have to find the service member guilty and, in the sentencing phase of the trial, assign a dishonorable discharge.

Nearly 96 percent of all active-duty personnel have received at least one dose of the vaccination, and more than 79 percent have received both shots, he said.

Lankford said hes hearing from service members that military commanders in each of the five branches are often taking differing approaches on the vaccine issue.

This is an issue all of us have been engaged in. So, as crazy as this sounds, the Air Force is handling this differently than the Army is handling it than the Navy is handling it. They dont even have consistent policy agency to agency and even within the Pentagon.

So when I talk to the Army, theyve set their policiesand Ive talked to the chaplains there, Ive talked to the surgeon general there, the leadership for manpowertheyll say, theres no way were going to do a less than honorable discharge. Were not going to do that. Were just going to say you cant get promoted anymore. Youre stuck at that level.

The Navy and the Air Force will say, well, we wouldnt give a dishonorable discharge, but wed give a less than honorable discharge as a possibility. Basically, youre kicked out and you lose some of your benefits.

Marshall and Lankford were joined by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Tuberville at the end of September in a failed effort to amend a Continuing Resolution to keep the government open.

On the House side, Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.) authored an amendment in the House Armed Services Committee that had support from both sides of the aisle, but the proposal wasnt adopted.

The issue continues to boil in Congress, however, because of recurring reports of service members being threatened with dishonorable discharges. Two service members have filed a federal lawsuit naming Austin, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, and FDA Acting Commissioner Janet Woodcock.

The service members argue that the Pfizer vaccine being required by the Austin order is based on an FDA authorization for its use on an experimental basis. Federal law requires that individuals cant be required to undergo treatment with an experimental drug. Days after they filed their suit, the FDA gave full approval to the vaccine.
European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson speaks during an online news conference on renewable energy at the EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium on Nov. 19, 2020. (Francisco Seco/Pool via Reuters)

Soaring Energy Prices Climb Up EUs Political Agenda

BRUSSELSThe European Union said on Wednesday it would examine the way its power market is run and consider proposals to revamp regulations within the bloc.

European electricity and gas prices have rocketed this year as tight gas supplies have collided with strong demand in economies recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Energy prices topped the EUs political agenda on Wednesday, with environment ministers and the European Parliament each debating the issue after country leaders discussed possible responses on Tuesday evening.

The crisis has divided member states over whether Brussels should intervene.

There is no question that we need to take policy measures, EU energy commissioner Kadri Simson told the EUs parliament.

The Commission will next week publish a menu of options for how governments and the EU could react, and launch a study into whether the EUs power market is fit to deliver the blocs planned transition to green energy, Simson said.

Spain and France have called for a revamp of EU electricity regulation to decouple the price of power from the cost of gas.

We believe this framework is sound, but we see the challenges, Simson said.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said he and other countries had asked Brussels to offer an audacious response. We need extraordinary, innovative measures  we have asked for a joint purchase of gas, he said.

Not all countries are convinced. EU regulators expect gas market conditions to ease next spring and some governments say the issue is best treated with national subsidies and tax breaks to cushion consumers from high billsmeasures many countries have rolled out.

Its mainly something for the member states to address, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said. We should look at what Europe can do collectively. There are proposalssome wilder, others less wild.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Wednesday called planned green policies an indirect tax on citizens. Partly the reason why the prices are up is the fault of the Commission, he said.
A trucker protest is seen in a file photo taken in Washington state. (Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images)

Supreme Court Declines to Hear Trucker Challenge of California Anti-Gig Law

The Supreme Court wont consider a challenge by Cal Cartage Transportation Express, a trucking company, to Californias unusually restrictive worker-classification law that virtually outlaws independent contracting.

Independent truckers say the California law known as AB5, which took effect Jan. 1, 2020, will kill their industry by preventing companies from hiring them. The statute, which was pushed by organized labor to crack down on the hard-to-unionize so-called gig economy represented by companies such as Uber and Lyft, was enacted ostensibly to help workers by preventing their misclassification. The law is unpopular in Californias business community.

The Supreme Court has yet to decide if it will take up an appeal by the California Trucking Association from a ruling from earlier in 2021 by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit. As The Epoch Times has previously reported, the association is arguing that the 9th Circuit was wrong to reject its challenge to AB5, which it says makes it essentially impossible for motor carriers to continue giving work to independent owner-operators.

Representatives of the association didnt respond by press time to a request for comment regarding its reaction to the Supreme Courts decision not to hear the Cal Cartage case.

The Supreme Courts decision not to take up the case comes weeks after a California voter-approved referendum limiting the reach of AB5 was invalidated by a state judge.

California Proposition 22 was approved by state voters in 2020, but ruled unconstitutional in August by Alameda County Superior Court Judge Frank Roesch. The measure, which had allowed Uber, Lyft, Door Dash, Instacart, and other app-based businesses to classify their workers as independent contractors, infringed on the state legislatures authority, the judge ruled. Prop 22 also contained wording preventing unionizing by drivers, which violated the state constitutions rule that laws and initiatives deal with one subject only, Roesch determined.

The decision by the Supreme Court to turn away the petition for certiorari, or review, came in an unsigned order on Oct. 4. As is the high courts custom, it didnt provide a reason for its decision.

The case is Cal Cartage Transportation Express LLC v. California. The appeal, which challenges a ruling from the Court of Appeal of California, Second Appellate District, was docketed by the Supreme Court on April 16.

Cal Cartage argued in the petition that AB5 threatens the time-honored owner-operator model in which drivers who own their own vehicles work as independent contractors and that the law was preempted by federal regulations dealing with working conditions for truck drivers.

The Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994 was created to prevent states from undermining federal deregulation of the trucking industry by imposing regulations of their own, the petition stated.

Congress had grown concerned with the dizzying patchwork of state laws that motor carriers had to contend withincluding laws that discouraged the use of independent contractor truck drivers, who form the backbone of the trucking industry nationwide and decided that the solution was to broadly preempt all state laws related to a price, route, or service of any motor carrier, the petition reads.

This language prevents states from substituting their own regulatory judgment for free market forces and lets motor carriers engage in uniform business practices across the country.

California, on the other handlike several other States, including Massachusetts and Illinoishas sought to force motor carriers to cease contracting with independent owner-operator truck drivers, preferring instead an employee model in which truck drivers are wage laborers rather than entrepreneurs, the petition reads. These states have enacted a so-called ABC test for worker classification, declaring workers to be employees unless they are in a different line of business from the companies that hire thema requirement that can never be met when a motor carrier hires a truck driver.

The office of California Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat, didnt respond to a request for comment by press time.
Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) leaves a Democratic Senate caucus meeting at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 6, 2021. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Schumer Says Talks Continue on McConnells Debt Ceiling Offer to Cover Expenses Until December

Talks between Senate party leaders on a deal to temporarily raise the debt ceiling by a fixed dollar amount have spilled over into Thursday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) told reporters early Thursday morning from the Senate floor.

Several Democrats had indicated support of the offer from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) that would let them raise the debt ceiling before the United States defaults without a GOP filibuster, by an amount enough to cover current government expenditure until December.

Without congressional action to raise the debt ceiling that already stands at $28.4 trillion, the Treasury Department has forecast that it will run out of ways to meet all its obligations by Oct. 18.

McConnells deal would allow for a temporary debt limit extension, but leave any raising of the debt ceiling to fund further partisan spending bills, like Bidens Build Back Better Act, to Democrats to pass through the budget reconciliation processunless changes to the Democrat-led bills can win Republican support by the Dec. 3 funding deadline.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) told CNNs Jake Tapper of the deal after a closed-door party meeting, In terms of a temporary lifting of the debt ceiling, we view that as a victory, a temporary victory with more work to do, Baldwin said.

We have to see the final wording on the offer, she also told Politico.

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). said that McConnell finally saw the light on putting forward a proposal that could pass quickly before the default deadline.

Mitch folded and we have until December to do Build Back Better. And we will.  Sheldon Whitehouse (@SenWhitehouse) October 6, 2021

Meanwhile, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) said on Twitter that McConnell folded and Democrats have until December to do Build Back Better. And we will.

Others were not as supportive of the proposal. That sounds like a terrible idea, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said. Im obviously willing to listen to any new ideas, but just pushing this crisis off for a couple of months sounds like a disaster. It sounds like an invitation to get downgraded.

The White House also said it had not committed to any deal.

My understanding is that there has been no formal offer made, a press release is not a formal offer. And regardless, even the scant details that have been reported present a more complicated, more difficult option than the one that is quite obvious, press secretary Jen Psaki said.

We could get this done today, we dont need to kick the can, we dont need to go through a cumbersome process that every day brings additional risks, she added.

Schumer had been expected to announce his partys decision on the GOP proposal on Wednesday afternoon, but the two leaders were yet to agree on the deals fixed dollar amount by midnight.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) speaks to reporters outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington on Sept. 30, 2021. (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Earlier in the day, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) urged McConnell and Schumer to work out a deal after he signaled that he wouldnt support carving out an exception to the filibuster the federal debt limit, leaving Democrats without enough votes to suspend the debt ceiling.

McConnells proposal seeks to avert any risk of the United States defaulting on Oct. 18, as Schumer accused Republicans of being the party of default.

Zachary Stieber and Reuters contributed to this report.
Tassie Resource Minister Blames Lodging Error for Controversial Chinese Mining Lease

Tasmanias Resources Minister Guy Barnett has blamed a lodging error for his incorrect granting of a lease to a Chinese owned mining company at the site of a contentious mining proposal.

Chinese-owned company MMG was granted the lease on an access track in the states northwest, near where it wants to build a new heavy metals tailings dam.

Barnett in a letter sent to the Bob Brown Foundation, a Tasmanian conservation group, which has stridently opposed the dam, told the Foundation he was not empowered to make the decision.

Following due consideration, I was not empowered to make the decision, the letter, dated September 24, reads.

In consequence, there has been no valid grant of that lease. MMG has been informed.

The Bob Brown Foundation claims the lease was granted with the goal of shutting down protests.

This was an attempt to  lock the community out of an area that MMG and the minister did not want them seeing, campaigner Scott Jordan said.

Without our intervention, this illegal lease would have done just that.

Barnett said MMG recently made the application for the mining lease over an existing access track to its South Marionoak site under the Mineral Resources Development Act 1995.

The application was assessed by Mineral Resources Tasmania, which recommended it be approveda recommendation I subsequently accepted, Barnett said.

A lodging error in the application was then found by the department and immediate action was taken. MMG were advised and submitted a new application.

The new application is currently being assessed and Barnett said a comprehensive review of the tenement application would be undertaken.

Im further advised that the act allows for mining lease applications to be made to allow for access purposes and that this is not an uncommon practice, he said.

Acting Premier Jeremy Rockliff brushed aside suggestions from the state Greens that Mr Barnett should resign.

This is a minor administrative error  Mr Barnett is an outstanding hard-working minister and will continue to be so, he told reporters.

MMG was forced to halt preparatory works at the site in July after court threats by the Bob Brown Foundation over their legality.

The federal Environment Department in July ruled the dam must undergo a full assessment under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act.

The proposal would involve piping mining waste some 3.5 kilometres to a 75-hectare dam. At least 140ha, and as much as 285ha of wilderness, would be cleared.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks during the launch of an antitrust investigation into large tech companies outside of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington on Sept. 9, 2019. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)

Texas Appeals Ruling Blocking Anti-Abortion Law

Texas appealed a court order handed down Wednesday that temporarily blocked the state from enforcing an abortion law that went into effect last month.

We disagree with the Courts decision and have already taken steps to immediately appeal it to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, wrote on Twitter Thursday morning. The sanctity of human life is, and will always be, a top priority for me.

Within hours of the ruling, Texas notified the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals that it will challenge the judges order, setting the stage for the next phase of the legal battle.

U.S. District Court Judge Robert Pitman, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, sided with arguments filed by the Biden administration in blocking enforcement of the law, known as Senate Bill 8. Texas lawmakers, he said, designed a scheme to bypass what he described as constitutional protections for women who are seeking abortions.

The law went into effect on Sept. 1 and bars abortions after around six weeks of pregnancyor when the embryos cardiac activity is detected. The measure, which the U.S. Supreme Court declined to block, gives private individuals the ability to file lawsuits against medical staff who perform abortions or individuals who provide assistance to women who try to terminate their pregnancy after the sixth week.

From the moment S.B. 8 went into effect, women have been unlawfully prevented from exercising control over their lives in ways that are protected by the Constitution, Pitman wrote in his order. That other courts may find a way to avoid this conclusion is theirs to decide; this Court will not sanction one more day of this offensive deprivation of such an important right.

Pro-life group Texas Right to Life reacted to the ruling late on Wednesday night, saying it was not surprised by Pitmans ruling.

This is the legacy of Roe v. Wade: Judges catering to the abortion industry, crafting a conclusion first & then searching the depths of legal literature for a rationale later, the organization said on Twitter, referring to the landmark Supreme Court decision. Pro-Life attorneys are expected to appeal the decision immediately, in which we expect a fair hearing, it continued.

The Biden Department of Justice sued Texas about a week after the law went into effect, on Sept. 9, and sought a temporary injunction against the law.

Several top Biden administration officials praised Pitmans ruling, including Attorney General Merrick Garlandwho said it was a victory for women in Texas.

Tonights ruling is an important step forward toward restoring the constitutional rights of women across the state of Texas, White House press secretary Psaki said in a statement Wednesday. The fight has only just begun, both in Texas and in many states across this country where womens rights are currently under attack, she continued to say.
U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 5, 2021. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Thank Goodness Merrick Garlands Not on the Supreme Court

Commentary

Mitch McConnell is not always the most popular guy among conservatives or Republicans in general. Just today hes taking incoming for caving on the short-term debt ceiling.

But we can certainly score one solid A+ for him during his tenure.

Back when he was majority leader, near the end of the Obama administration, he led the way in keeping Merrick Garland off the Supreme Court.

That was when Garland was being ballyhooed by every flack with a functioning laptop as a moderate. A fair number of Republicans even believed it.

Nowadays, of course, the adjective moderate, when applied to a Democrat, may conjure up a Joe Manchin or a Kyrsten Sinema, but just as likely conjures up someone to the left of Trotsky or near. Its moderation as masquerade.

Merrick Garland, in his role as attorney general, has shown himself to fit well in the latter category.

Our current attorney general has supervised what could easily be called close to a Soviet-style incarceration of the supposed insurrectionists (sans guns) of Jan. 6. Its still ongoing nearly ten months later.

And has the public been able to view the readily-available videos of what actually transpired that day in the Capitol in their entirety or even in significant part to make up its mind on its own? A resounding Nyet!

Now Garland is going several steps further. The onetime civil liberties advocate is facing off directly with free speech and the First Amendment, directing the FBI to investigate putative threats by parents against school boards.

Actually those parents werent threatening at all in any real physical sense, just exercising their Constitutional right to vehemently protest such execrations as Critical Race Theory in their childrens schools.

As author and former assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew C. McCarthy put it:

Even as President Biden shrugged his shoulders over progressives harassment and intimidation of a sitting United States senator of his own party  a crime under Arizona law  Bidens Justice Department was running roughshod over the First Amendment, threatening to investigate and prosecute parents for protesting against school boards and teachers who insist on indoctrinating children with the cultural Marxism beloved by Democrats.

On Monday, Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a memorandum in which he wailed about the disturbing spike in harassment, intimidation, and threats of violence against school administrators, board members, teachers, and staff. Clearing his throat with an empty nod to the inconvenient fact that the Constitution protects spirited debate, Garland incorrectly  indeed, outrageously for someone of his experience as a Justice Department official and federal appellate judge  claimed that free-speech principles yield not only to threats of violence but also to efforts to intimidate individuals based on their views (at least, evidently, individuals not named Sinema or Manchin).

AG Garland just ripped off his moderation mask to reveal the totalitarian face of the progressive reactionary, a term that might equally fit much of the Biden administration and certainly much of the Department of Justice as both Inspector General Michael Horowitz and Special Counsel John Durham have already revealed in varying degrees.

Meanwhile, many of us thought the answer to bad speech was more speech. That is what is implied by the First Amendment. What Garland demonstrates is the oppositeoutright fear that what the parents are complaining about may actually be justified and therefore they must be squelched by brute force (the threat ofor actualincarceration), not more speech.

But wait, as they say, theres more (startlingly and ironically more).

Conservative Treehouse reported the following on Oct. 5, one day after Garland posted his memorandum:

Well, well, well This is interesting. U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland recently instructed the FBI to begin investigating parents who confront school board administrators over Critical Race Theory indoctrination material. The U.S. Department of Justice issued a memorandum to the FBI instructing them to initiate investigations of any parent attending a local school board meeting who might be viewed as confrontational, intimidating or harassing.

Attorney General Merrick Garlands daughter is Rebecca Garland. In 2018 Rebecca Garland married Xan Tanner [LINK]. Mr. Xan Tanner is the current co-founder of a controversial education service company called Panorama Education. [LINK and LINK] Panorama Education is the social learning resource material provider to school districts and teachers that teach Critical Race Theory.

There are a lot of those, all over the country. Once again, in the immortal words of H.L. Mencken, When someone says its not about the money, its about the money.

Well, not entirely in this case. Its greed reinforcing retrograde social policyor the two mutually reinforcing each other.

Smash the First Amendment and get rich.

McCarthy concludes his piece by warning us, with Garland at the helm of the DOJ, Its going to be a very long 40 months.

Better that than decades on the Supreme Court.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
The Dirt on the Reconciliation Bill

Commentary

Democrats are quarreling over the price tag of their Build Back Better bill, but the real problem is whats in it. The bill coerces workers to join unions, imposes racial preferences on every facet of life and redistributes money from workers to takers.

Fortunately, this bill is in limbo. Moderate Democrats such as Sen. Joe Manchin insist the bill has to be pared down to less than half its current price tag. The far left is screaming in outrage. But the bill cant pass without every Senate Democrat supporting it.

Not passing it would be the best outcome. This bill is as un-American as it gets. Here are some of the bills details Democrats would prefer you not see. Judge for yourself.

First-Generation Down Payment Assistance: Most people work and save for years to buy a home; this bill makes them into suckers. It caters to low-income, first-time homebuyers with no conditions. Its part of President Joe Bidens scheme to bring the city to the suburbs and increase racial and economic diversity there. First-time homebuyers can get up to $25,000 and never have to pay it back, whether they stay in the home or move for virtually any personal or financial reasons. Its free moneyas long as youre not the taxpayer footing the bill.

Home Efficiency Rebates: The bill also offers up to $14,000 to homeowners who lower energy use by installing new heat pumps, air-conditioning systems, insulation and energy-efficient appliances. Its a pot of gold for homeowners who qualify, and will bring tens of billions of dollars in new business for contractors.

Heres the catch: Only unionized electrical contractors qualify. This bill is designed to twist arms and unionize the workforce. Why? Unions bankroll the Democratic Party.

Racial and ethnic minorities also get preferential treatment. The bill promises contractors a $200 bonus for each customer served from a community of racial or minority ethnic concentration. Whites go to the back of the line and have to hope the money holds out.

Direct Care Workforce: The bill awards $1.48 billion to labor unions and community organizations to recruit and train workers to care for the elderly or disabled at home. Top priority is training workers in their rights and organizing them, according to the bill. This is your tax dollars at work creating a new army of likely Democratic voters.

The bill also includes preferential tax treatment for union dues, additional tax credits for buying union-made electric vehicles, and a staggering ten-fold increase in civil penalties against employers who resist unionization.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi claims Build Back Better is about the children. New York Times columnist Paul Krugman repeats the claim, saying the bill is about securing the future for children.

Truth is, the bill screws our children and grandchildren. It adds hundreds of billions of dollars to the federal debt, forcing the next generations to pay interest and principal on what weve borrowed instead of taking care of themselves.

Democrats cant seem to tell the truth about their legislation. To break the stalemate in Congress, theyre toying with leaving the programs intact but funding them for a shorter timeonly the first five years instead of all 10, in some cases. Thats a hoax. Manchin isnt fooled. Those programs will never go away, he says. Hes right. Entitlements are forever.

Already the bill costs far more than $3.5 trillion because of similar gimmicks. The child care tax credit, or monthly Biden bucks, are funded for only five years.

Democrats boast about offering universal pre-K, but currently, the bill fully funds it for only one yeara ruse.

Same with the promise of free community college. The bill fully funds it only through 2024. One exception: Colleges serving minorities are funded through 2030.

Whatever the bills actual cost, its bad for America. The racial preferences and favoritism toward unions will further divide us. And the vast array of new giveaways is an insult to working people who support their own families.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Barbara Schafer with her oil painting Gratitude on exhibition at the 2019 NTD International Figure Painting Competition in New York. (Courtesy of Barbara Schafer)

The Evil CCP Will Crumble: Polish-Born Artist Depicts Children Persecuted in China

'The evil CCP will crumble for torturing to death millions of good innocent people.'

For one Polish-born artist who grew up under communist rule in the 50s and 60s, learning of the persecution endured by families and children of faith in modern-day China was shocking, but not surprising.

Having lived through oppression herself as a child during Polands post-Stalinist era lends credence to one of her paintings in which she portrays the often overlooked suffering of the children whose parents have been persecuted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Children are an easy target after they take the parents away, Australian artist Barbara Schafer told The Epoch Times. Chinese children are being bullied for their faith, many are excluded from school, punished for attending church and religious activities outside of school, forced into reciting anti-religion and pro-atheism slogans, and coerced into signing documents renouncing their faith.

Schafer, now 68, was only 12 years old when her own father, a glassblower, died in communist-controlled Poland in 1965 after having been incarcerated in a concentration camp during World War II; he survived the camp, but not the poor health he suffered for years afterward.

Countless Polish people died in Soviet gulags and from starvation, Schafer said. At the same time, double-size trains were going 24 hours a day to the Soviet Union, stealing everything from Poland they desired.

Barbara Schafer with her oil painting Gratitude on exhibition at the 2019 NTD International Figure Painting Competition in New York. (Courtesy of Barbara Schafer)

Growing Up in Communist Poland

Born in Skawina near Krakow in 1953, just eight years after the end of World War II, Schafer said it was another dark page in our history and a day the Polish people will never forget when the allies handed over the territories of Poland and other Eastern European countries to the Soviet regime at the Yalta Conference in February 1945.

The traitors and the party members lived in extreme wealth and opulence, she said. As for the rest of the people, some were still happy because the war had ended, they shared their joys and drowned their sorrows in vodka.

For the Polish people, happiness over the wars end was overshadowed by the reality of living under their new communist government, and Schafer would grow up learning what it meant to suffer from oppression.

Barbara Schafer as a child with her parents in Poland. (Courtesy of Barbara Schafer)

Many of my family members have been persecuted by the ruthless, tyrannical communist regime, said Schafer, whos lived in Melbourne since 1987 after first having migrated from Poland to New Zealand 10 years prior with her husband, an aircraft engineer, when she was 24.

As a child, believing that the Polish media was working for the people, young Schafer had once written letters to the newspaper and radio expressing her concernsand suffered the bitter consequences. My mother was punished for it, she said.

Freedom of information, she discovered, was nonexistent. Every letter that we got from the West was opened and some information in it was painted over with black ink.

Schafer recalled how, from an early age, she used to stand guard at the window while her father listened to Radio Free Europe or Voice of America, telling him who was passing by, because there was a prison sentence for it.

Some people could not be trusted, she said.

As the communist rules were infiltrating every aspect of our society, people became more demoralized, arrogant, lazy, and self-centered. Shops were getting more and more empty. Corruption and bribes were widespread, and the ration cards for food were introduced.

Referring to communist indoctrination in schools, Schafer, now a mother and grandmother, said that the Polish children all knew that some teachers were lying to keep their jobs, but in truth, they really wished to hold on to their traditions.

It was determined faith that gave the Polish people hope, she said.

What the Soviets could not do in Poland was to destroy the faith in God that kept the Polish people going, she said. The government knew that destroying churches would lead to their demise. Unfortunately, they had spies among the clergy as well.

She said many of the good clergymen were persecuted and killed for standing against communism.

By 1960, the Soviets had built a huge steel refinery named after Vladimir Lenin (the Lenin Steelworks) on the outskirts of Krakow, as well as an aluminum smelter on the other side. However, Schafer said the refineries chimneys didnt have filters, and the industrial constructions were in stark contrast to the rest of the historic city.

My beloved city of Krakow, the city of Polish kings and culture, was being eroded. The intricate architectural details were affected as well as peoples health, said Schafer, who has worked in the restoration and conservation of historical buildings.

The Sea of Suffering in Communist China

Poland became free from communist rule with the overthrow and collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989. Schafer believes the same fate will be faced by Chinas communist regime today.

Just like with the persecution of Christians during the Roman Empire, the evil CCP will crumble for torturing to death millions of good innocent people, she said.

The ongoing abuses against children in communist China are of immense concern to Schafer, who studied fine arts for seven years in Poland. Her oil painting The Sea of Suffering was produced in honor of the silent suffering of Falun Gong children who have died or lost parents as a result of the CCPs now-22-year persecution against the faith.

The Sea of Suffering by Barbara Schafer. Oil on canvas; 120 cm by 120 cm. (Courtesy of Barbara Schafer)

Many became orphans or lost family members they loved. A beautiful rainbow takes some of them to heaven, Schafer said, referring to the children in her painting, whom she has depicted sitting on white lotus flowersrepresenting purity and innocencereaching as far as the horizon.

Each child depicted in the painting is a real child with a true story of persecution.

One child is an 8-month-old baby boy, Meng Hao, who was persecuted to death along with his mother on Nov. 7, 2000, because she practiced Falun Gong. According to the coroners exam, the mothers neck and knuckle bones were broken, her skull was sunken, and there was a needle stuck in her waist. There were two black and blue spots on her baby sons head and there was blood in his nose. There were two deep bruises around his little ankles, which were likely caused when he was handcuffed by his feet and hung upside down.

In Schafers painting, baby Meng Hao is seen clutching a closed lotus flower, which represents his deceased mother. Hes also in the rainbow, which is taking him to heaven.

Another child, Huang Ying, who is depicted in the painting lost her mother to the persecution when she was 18 months old. When Ying was only 3 months old, she was forced to separate from her mother, and that was the last time she saw her alive; her mother was persecuted to death on Dec. 5, 2002. Her father, also a Falun Gong practitioner, was detained in a labor camp at the time and didnt even know his wife had died. Ying was then raised by her grandparents, who couldnt afford to send her to school.

Children suffer in silence, Schafer said. Often they are born into a suffering world, they accept it, because they dont know anything else, but deep inside, the damage is horrendous.

A detail of The Sea of Suffering oil painting: (L) An 8-month-old baby boy, Meng Hao, who was persecuted to death along with his mother; (R) A girl, Huang Ying, who lost her mother to the persecution. (Courtesy of Barbara Schafer)

Buddha Light Shines in Hong Kong

In another oil painting, titled Buddha Light Shines in Hong Kong, Schafer depicted a true-to-life event, of a father and his two daughters whod recently traveled to Hong Kong from Australia to inspire and bring hope to people.

After returning to China, it became a nightmare for many, Schafer said, referring to the 1997 handover of Hong Kong to the CCP and the citizens fight to retain independence from communist rule in recent years.

At the time of the event depicted in the paintingof the father and his daughters handing out flyers to passersby about Falun Gong and the persecution in Chinathe CCP had been attempting to extend its persecution campaign against the faith beyond the mainland into Hong Kong via various front groups.

The young Australian fathers compassion, calm, and sincerity along with his daughters good hearts and forbearance in holding the information above their heads is evident in the painting, as they joined hundreds of other practitioners from around the world who traveled there to help pass out truth clarifying information to the public. It was, in part, an effort to counter the CCPs growing attempt to ban the spiritual practice in the region.

In the background of the painting, Schafer decided to incorporate a scene from years earlierthat of a large group of Hongkongers holding umbrellas, symbolizing the Hong Kong student Umbrella Movement from 2014, where the protesters carried umbrellas with them so as to deflect police pepper spray and tear gas.

Hong Kongs large bronze buddha statue on Lantau Island is depicted in the top corner of the painting, radiating divine light onto the scene. The words on the blue banner read, truthfulness-compassion-forbearance, the guiding principles of Falun Gong, said Schafer, who herself is a practitioner of the ancient cultivation way.

Buddha Light Shines in Hong Kong by Barbara Schafer. Oil on canvas; 90 cm by 60 cm. (Courtesy of Barbara Schafer)

Purity and Good Nature of Children

Schafer, who believes peace and good values will prevail, hopes her paintings will spark curiosity in some viewers. She says that even if for a moment they ponder about the meaning of life, her work is not in vain.

I truly believe that the only way out for mankind is if people correct their own mistakes and improve their kindness and compassion for each other, she said.

Schafer especially likes to depict the purity and good nature of children from different countries in her artworks. They have so much in common before they grow up and become influenced by their society, she said.

A couple of her paintings of children have been displayed at various exhibitions, including her painting Gratitudeof two young sisters of the Falun Gong faith dressed in the traditional costume of their familys Korean heritagewhich was displayed at the 5th NTD International Figure Painting Competition in New York in 2019; and her portraits of children dressed in traditional Polish costume, displayed at a Polish community art exhibition titled Roots in Melbourne, Australia, in 2018.

View Schafers Paintings of Children Below:

Gratitude by Barbara Schafer. Oil on canvas; 116 cm by 84 cm. (Courtesy of Barbara Schafer)

Barbara Schafer next to her pastel paintings of Polish children in traditional costume at a Polish art exhibition titled Roots in Melbourne, Australia, in 2018. (Courtesy of Barbara Schafer)

Polish girl in traditional costume, by Barbara Schafer. Pastel. (Courtesy of Barbara Schafer)

Polish boy in traditional costume, by Barbara Schafer. Pastel. (Courtesy of Barbara Schafer)

Japanese girl in traditional costume, by Barbara Schafer. Pastel. (Courtesy of Barbara Schafer)

Australian aboriginal boy, by Barbara Schafer. Pastel. (Courtesy of Barbara Schafer)

Southern European girl in traditional costume, by Barbara Schafer. Pastel. (Courtesy of Barbara Schafer)

Chinese boy in traditional costume, by Barbara Schafer. Pastel. (Courtesy of Barbara Schafer)

African girl in traditional costume, by Barbara Schafer. Pastel. (Courtesy of Barbara Schafer)
Tortilla de Patatas

Tortilla de patatas, a thick Spanish omelet of potatoes, eggs, and onions, is one of my most favorite dishes ever. Considered the ultimate comfort food, this dish is everywhere in Spain: Every restaurant, tapas bar, and roadside tavern serves it. It can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, served with bread and tomato sauce, salad, and sometimes, mounds of mayonnaise.

I love it with mayonnaise in the warmer months, and with hot tomato sauce in the winter. It can be a full meal between toasted baguettes, or cut into squares to serve as a tapa. I always have it in my fridge when I have houseguests as a last-minute change-of-plans lunch.

After peeling and chopping thousands of potatoes, I now make it with store-bought shredded potatoes. I know Spaniards will scream in horror, but a clever shortcut without giving up the flavor is a good thing in my kitchen. Once made, it keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days.

Serves 4 to 6

8 tablespoons olive oil, divided

1 pound shredded potatoes (hash browns), at room temperature

1 cup finely diced Spanish onion

6 large eggs

1 tablespoon sea salt

In a 9-inch non-stick pan with a lid, heat 6 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the potatoes, toss them with the oil, cover, and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring once in a while. You want the potatoes to soften but not brown. Add the onions, mix them with the potatoes, cover, and cook until the potatoes are completely soft and the onion is translucent. Season generously with salt.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs until all of an even color. With a slotted spoon, transfer the potato and onion mixture to the eggs, leaving as much oil as you can in the pan. Mix well.

Use your pan lid to flip the tortilla: Flip it onto the lid first, then slide it from the lid back into the pan. (Victoria de la Maza)

Add 2 more tablespoons of oil to the pan, and heat over medium heat. Pour in the potato, onion, and egg mixture and flatten with the back of a spoon. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for about 6 minutes, shaking it slightly to ensure it is not sticking, until the bottom is golden brown. Flip the tortilla, using the lidflip it onto the lid first, then slide it from the lid back into the panand cook for about 3 more minutes, until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to a serving plate.

Let cool, then cut into squares or wedges to serve.
Canada's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland, and Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau listen to a question at a news conference in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on Oct. 6, 2021. (Reuters/Patrick Doyle)

Trudeau Announces COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates on Federal Workers and Travelers

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced COVID-19 vaccine mandates for travelers and federal public service employees on Wednesday morning, calling the mandates some of the strongest in the world.

If youve done the right thing and gotten vaccinated, you deserve the freedom to be safe from COVID, Trudeau said during a press conference. These travel measures, along with mandatory vaccination for federal employees, are some of the strongest in the world.

Because when it comes to keeping you and your family safe, when it comes to avoiding lockdowns for everyone, this is no time for half measures, Trudeau added.

According to the mandate, Canadian federal public servants in the core public administration must be fully vaccinated by Oct. 29. This also applies to the Royal Canadian Mounted Policethe federal police servicesand many other offices and agencies.

Federal employees who do not comply by Oct. 29 will be placed on administrative leave without pay as early as Nov. 15.

By the end of October, everyone 12 or older on a plane or train within Canada should be fully vaccinated, Trudeau said. Testing will no longer be an option before boarding.

Trudeau acknowledged there would be exemptions but warned they would be very difficult to obtain.

Exemptions, whether theyre medical exemptions or otherwise, will be exceedingly narrow, specific, and to be honest, somewhat onerous, to obtain, Trudeau said.

The military will issue a directive mandating vaccination for the Canadian Armed Forces. Crown corporations and government entities like the House of Commons and the Senate will implement policies that mirror the mandate, Trudeau said.

The federal employees will sign an attestation form certifying that theyve been vaccinated instead of providing proof of vaccination. But Trudeau warned there would be serious consequences if an employee lies about the vaccination status.

There are almost 300,000 federal service workers, plus 955,000 federally regulated workers, representing about 8 percent of Canadas full-time workforce, Reuters reported.

Trudeau said Canadians elected him to do the vaccine mandate. During his campaign in August for the reelection, Trudeau pledged to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine once reelected.

And in the weeks to come, well get the job done on a vaccine passport for international travel. Well be there to foot the bill for provinces and territories that roll out proof of vaccination programs, and well introduce legislation to make it a criminal offense to threaten or harass healthcare workers, Trudeau announced.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland also attended the press conference. She said around 89 percent of eligible Canadians had received one vaccine dose, and around 82 percent of eligible Canadians have received both.

Canadians 12 years and older are deemed eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines.
Former President Donald Trump prepares to speak during the Conservative Political Action Conference CPAC held at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas on July 11, 2021. (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Trump Sues Facebook to Reinstate His Account Immediately

Former President Donald Trump has filed another lawsuit against Facebook, asking a federal judge to force the social media company to reinstate his account.

Trump, who was suspended from most major social media platforms following the Jan. 6 Capitol incident, filed class-action lawsuits against Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook earlier this yearalong with the companies respective CEOs.

The filing on Oct. 7 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida seeks a preliminary injunction on Facebooks suspension as his earlier lawsuit proceeds.

The First Amendment rights of [Trumps] millions of Facebook Usersto receive his messages and to comment to one another thereonwill be irreparably injured as well, the filing reads. At the same time, by de-platforming the presumptive head and most popular member of the Republican Party, cutting him off from the most effective and direct forms of communication with potential voters, Defendant is threatening irreparable damage to the Republican Partys prospects in the 2022 and 2024 elections.

His lawyers argued that the United States doesnt gain from attempts to suppress political speech, while adding that those who are antagonistic to [Trumps] views are not well-served by attempts to silence him.

On Facebook and Instagram, the former president had amassed tens of millions of followers. Trump, however, used Twitter far more often, using the platform with great effectiveness during his 2016 campaign.

This preliminary injunction against Facebook seems appropriate to file this week since theyve been big in the news lately for all the issues theyre facing, John Coale, lead counsel of the Trump lawsuits, said in an interview with the Washington Examiner. Coale was referring to a whistleblowers testimony in Congress on Oct. 5 about Facebooks policies, while Facebook and affiliated companies Instagram and WhatsApp suffered an hours-long outage a day before.

CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook say its the 21st-century public town square; if so, they should uphold the First Amendment, Coale said, referring to a comment Zuckerberg made several years ago on his platform. You cant have it both ways. Theyre like a public utility when it comes to speech.

The lawsuit follows legal action Trump took against Twitter last week, arguing that Twitter and CEO Jack Dorsey should reinstate his account. His lawyers said the Twitter suspension also violates a recent law that was passed in Florida targeting social media censorship.

Trumps lawyers said (pdf) that Twitter exercises a degree of power and control over political discourse in this country that is immeasurable, historically unprecedented, and profoundly dangerous to open democratic debate.

Furthermore, the suspension will impact the 2022 midterm elections if Trumps account isnt reinstated, including merchandising platforms as well as the ability to communicate his views, endorsements, and other content.

Both Twitter and Facebook said that Trump was suspended following the Jan. 6 breach because he allegedly incited violence and violated the two firms terms of service. However, the ban has fueled arguments that Big Tech is moving in unison to silence conservative viewpoints.

Facebooks Oversight Board found that two posts made by Trump on Jan. 6 allegedly severely violated the firms content moderation standards.

In Trumps original July lawsuit against Facebook, the former commander-in-chief represented a larger group of people who said they were unfairly censored by the platform.

Big Tech companies are being used to impose illegal and unconstitutional government censorship, the lawsuit alleged, while claiming that Democrats in Congress are attempting to publicly pressure platforms into censoring their political opponents.

The Epoch Times has contacted Facebook for comment.
The logo of Swiss bank UBS is seen at a branch office in Zurich, Switzerland, on June 22, 2020. (Arnd Wiegmann/Reuters)

UBS Clients Raise $650 Million for Biggest yet Biotech Impact Fund

ZURICHUBSs wealthy clients have raised $650 million for the biggest biotechnology impact fund ever, the Swiss bank said on Wednesday.

Impact investinga term coined in 2007grew out of the desire to extend philanthropic goals into mainstream financial holdings.

Alongside financial returns, impact investments aim to generate measurable environmental and social impact, often in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which generally go beyond the basic principles of sustainable investing.

The Oncology Impact Fund 2, run by biotechnology investment firm MPM Capital, has raised a total of $850 million, including the $650 million obtained from UBS clients. It will invest 80 percent of its capital into privately held start-ups, and the remainder into public companies, developing innovative treatments for cancer and other serious illnesses.

Twenty percent of the performance fee the managers earn off their investments, as well as a portion of drug royalties, will be donated to improve access to cancer treatment for children in the developing world and to fund cancer research, portfolio manager Christiana Bardon said.

Together with its predecessor fund, for which MPM and UBSs wealth management raised over $470 million in 2016, it marks the Swiss banks largest single theme-focused impact investment fundraising to date.

With this fund, I feel like we tried to reimagine the impact space. The vision here is still extremely bold, which is to say: What if every drug that was developed and sold had that 1 percent go back to make the world a better place? Mark Haefele, chief investment officer for UBS Wealth Management, said.

When we started on this journey, impact investing was about impact bonds and at the time they were being done in $5 million increments. To launch something that is 100 times the size of that was very ambitious, and shows how this theme clearly resonates with our clients, he added.

UBS, the worlds largest wealth manager, had raised $6.9 billion for SDG-related impact investments as of end-2020. It aims to add $70 billion of invested assets classified as impact investing or as sustainably focused investments more broadly through 2025.

While impact investing has often been associated with concessionary returns, the managers said investorswhich include large companies, insurers, and other very wealthy individuals alongside UBS clientswould not need to forgo returns, based on the performance of the previous fund.

Our impact fund is as profitable as our other funds, and they are generally top quartile performers within U.S. venture capital, MPM Managing Director Ansbert Gadicke said.

By Brenna Hughes Neghaiwi
UK Scraps Action Against Ryanair, British Airways Over Refunds

LONDONBritains competition regulator has scrapped its action against Ryanair and British Airways over their failure to offer refunds to passengers prevented from flying by COVID-19 restrictions, saying the legal position was unclear.

During pandemic lockdowns, instead of offering refunds to those legally unable to fly, IAG-owned British Airways offered vouchers or rebooking, and Ryanair providing the option to re-book.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) started action against the airlines in June, saying passengers who were legally unable to take flights booked in good faith should have their money back.

British Airways aircraft are parked at the South Terminal at Gatwick Airport, in Crawley, Britain, on Aug. 25, 2021. (Peter Nicholls/Reuters)

But it said on Thursday the law did not provide passengers with a sufficiently clear right to a refund in such unusual circumstances.

Chief Executive Andrea Coscelli said the CMA strongly believed the passengers should be offered a full refund.

However, after considering the relevant law and gathering evidence in our investigation, we have concluded that the length of time that would be required to take this case through the courts, and the uncertain outcome, can no longer justify the further expense of public money, he said.

He added the CMA hoped the law would be clarified.

Ryanair said it welcomed the decision. We operated a limited schedule during UK lockdowns for customers who travelled for essential reasons, a spokesperson said.

Passengers had the option to change their bookings without paying the flight change fee, and many availed of this option.

British Airways said in a statement it had acted lawfully at all times during the crisis, issuing nearly 4 million refunds and offering highly flexible booking policies.

Were grateful for [our customers] support at a time when weve been navigating dynamic and fast-changing travel restrictions to maintain a limited schedule, it said.

By Paul Sandle and Alistair Smout
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen attends the House Financial Services Committee hearing in Washington on Sept. 30, 2021. (Al Drago/Pool via REUTERS)

US Debt Limit Crisis Must Be Resolved Immediately Treasurys Yellen Says

WASHINGTONU.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said the countrys debt limit needs to be raised by Congress immediately to avoid a financial crisis.

Speaking with bank CEOs and President Joe Biden at the White House, Yellen warned the Treasury would have very limited cash that would be quickly depleted after Oct. 18.

Congress needs to pay immediate attention to the crisis, she said. It must be resolved immediately.

If not, Yellen said, the U.S. would face a financial crisis and likely a recession, she said.
Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm briefs reporters at the White House in Washington on May 11, 2021. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

US Energy Secretary Says Tapping Emergency Oil Reserves a Possible Tool to Tame Fuel Prices

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm on Oct. 6 said that the Biden administration is considering tapping the nations emergency oil reserves to tame soaring gasoline prices, according to a Financial Times (FT) report.

Its a tool thats under consideration, Granholm said at an FT energy transition summit, when asked about the possibility of the United States tapping into its Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) as fuel prices reach seven-year highs amid higher demand as the CCP virus pandemic eases.

The U.S.-government-owned SPR was established in 1973 and is located in the Gulf Coast region. It has a capacity of 727 million barrels, and the reserves are intended as a national security measure to support the United States in times of an energy emergency.

Its the worlds largest supply of emergency crude oil, the Department of Energys website states.

President Barack Obama in June 2011 ordered the release of 30.6 million barrels in response to crude supply disruptions in Libya. Critics at the time, including OPEC members, argued that the move was to satisfy voters facing exorbitant fuel prices and unnecessary government interference in the market.

Before that, in 2005, President George W. Bush released some 20.8 million barrels from the SPR after Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast and caused a critical disruption in supply.

The Biden administration is reportedly contemplating tapping the SPR as the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has reached about $3.20 per gallon.

The spike in gasoline prices comes as people return to work and travel more after signs that COVID-19 cases are easing and after OPEC+ oil-producing countries agreed this week to keep crude supplies tightsticking to its July decision to boost output by 400,000 barrels per day each month until at least April 2022, to phase out its existing 5.8 million barrels per day of production cuts amid the pandemic.

We are scared of the fourth wave of corona; no one wants to make any big moves, an OPEC+ source told Reuters earlier this week.

Read More Oil Extends Gains After OPEC+ Rejects Bigger Production Boost

High oil prices are a concern for the administration ahead of next years midterm elections.

According to the Energy Department, the SPR currently holds about 617.8 million barrels of crude, the lowest in about 18 years.

The energy secretary on Oct. 6 also didnt rule out a ban on exports of crude oil, which was lifted in 2015 when Obama was in office.

Thats a tool that we have not used, but it is a tool as well, Granholm said, according to the FT.

White House officials didnt immediately respond to a request by The Epoch Times for comment.

Reuters contributed to this report.
A U.S.-made CH-47 helicopter flies an 18-meter by 12-meter national flag at a military base in Taoyuan city, Taiwan, on Sept. 28, 2021. (Sam Yeh/AFP)

US Reassures Commitment to Taiwan After Biden Reveals Sino-US Consensus

Washington reassured Taipei that its stance on the island has not changed, one day after President Joe Biden revealed that China had agreed to abide by the Taiwan agreement, the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry said on Oct. 6.

The ministrys spokeswoman Joanne Ou said on Wednesday that the ministry had reached out to the United States and it will continue to assist Taiwan in maintaining adequate self-defense capabilities.

Ou also thanked President Joe Biden for what she called a rock solid commitmentin both words and deeds. We have also seen that the Biden administration has been seriously concerned about Chinas provocative actions on various public occasions over the past few days, she said.

Biden said on Oct. 5 that he and Chinese leader Xi Jinping will both comply with the agreement on Taiwan, a consensus reached during a 90-minute phone call last month. The president appeared to be referring to the longstanding one-China policy upheld by Washington, which asserts that there is only one sovereign state with the name China.

Yet the policy allows the United States to maintain a non-diplomatic relationship with Taiwan based on the Taiwan Relations Act, to supply Taiwan with military equipment for the islands self-defense.

I dont think he [Xi] should be doing anything other than abiding by the agreement, Biden told reporters.

The remarks came after the CCP sent a record total of 150 aircraft into Taiwans air defense zone in five consecutive days starting on Oct. 1the 72nd anniversary of the regimes one-party ruleescalating tensions between the two neighbors.

We really need to see China cease some of the actions that its taken, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Oct. 6, calling the maneuvers both provocative and potentially destabilizing.

Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also stressed that Taiwan will continue to strengthen its self-defense capabilities against Chinese coercion.

Taiwans President Tsai Ing-wen waves during a ceremony to commission new U.S.-made Apache AH-64E attack helicopters, at a military base in Taoyuan, Taiwan, on July 17, 2018. (Sam Yeh/AFP)

Beijing has seen for decades the self-ruled island as its breakaway province since the Communist Party seized power in 1949, and claimed it would achieve unification by military force if needed.

Although Beijing has ramped up military aggression toward the de facto independent country, more Western allies have pursued informal diplomatic ties with Taipei, triggering anger in Beijing.

On Thursday, Tsai hosted a visiting delegation of French senators that arrived in Taiwan. She will later meet the visiting former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott.

The Taiwan president told the delegation on Thursday that Taiwan will continue to play its role as a member of the international community. A day earlier, the islands defense minister Chiu Kuo-cheng warned that Beijing will be fully capable of mounting a full-scale invasion of Taiwan by 2025, calling the recent military pressure the toughest situation in over 40 years.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani makes an address about the latest developments in the country from exile in United Arab Emirates, on Aug. 18, 2021. (Ashraf Ghani via Facebook/Screenshot via Reuters)

US to Investigate Allegations Former Afghan President Fled With Millions in Cash

The office overseeing reconstruction in Afghanistan is investigating whether former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has taken millions of dollars intended for the people of the war-torn country.

Ghani, in the wake of the American and NATO forces withdrawal and a rapid Taliban takeover, abandoned the besieged city of Kabul on Aug. 15 and has been taking refuge in the United Arab Emirates ever since. Afghan Ambassador to Tajikistan Mohammad Zahir Aghbar claimed that Ghani left with duffle bags stuffed with cash totaling $169 million, but did not provide evidence for the claim.

Ghani called the accusation baseless, saying that he left Afghanistan with nothing but the clothes on his back.

John Sopko, the special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction (SIGAR), said Wednesday before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs that his office is examining the allegations at the request of another congressional committee.

We havent proven that yet. Were looking into that. Actually, the Oversight and Government Reform Committee has asked us to look into that, he said.

Sopkos testimony comes after a group of House Republicans sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, demanding answers to whether Ghani has indeed fled Kabul with bags of cash.

Reports indicate that President Ghani in fact had so much looted money with him when he fled Afghanistan that not all of it would fit in his helicopter, and that he was forced to leave money lying on the tarmac, the lawmakers wrote in the Aug. 24 letter, citing a Reuters report based on Russian sources.

It is unclear how President Ghani obtained such a large sum of cash, but the amount and nature of his flight from Afghanistan raises the specter that he illegally and corruptly embezzled these funds from U.S. assistance intended for the Afghan peoples welfare and defense, the Republicans argued, noting that the Ghani administration was mostly financed by the Americans. If Ghani was embezzling funds from the government of Afghanistan, he was likely embezzling U.S. taxpayer funds.

One of the least stable and developed countries in the world, Afghanistan was highly dependent on U.S. aid money. According to SIGAR, some $145 billion has been appropriated for Afghanistan since 2002 in an effort to train Afghan military, build infrastructure, and uproot corruption. In a quarterly report published in October 2020 (pdf), the office said it had reviewed the usage of $63 billion in U.S. funds, and concluded that $19 billion, or one-third of it, was lost to waste, fraud, and abuse.
Former Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani speaks during the introduction of ministerial nominees at the Parliament in Kabul on Oct. 21, 2020. (Wakil Kohsar/AFP via Getty Images)

US Watchdog Will Look Into Allegations Afghans Ghani Took Money From Country

WASHINGTONJohn Sopko, the U.S. special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction, said on Wednesday his office would look into allegations that former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani took millions of dollars with him when he left the country.

Ghani has said he left Kabul to prevent bloodshed and denied reports he took large sums of money with him. But speculation has persisted, and Congress asked Sopkos team to get to the bottom of it.

We havent proven that yet. Were looking into that. Actually, the Oversight and Government Reform Committee has asked us to look into that, Sopko told a House of Representatives subcommittee.

Ghani has been bitterly criticized for fleeing as the militant Islamist Taliban reached the outskirts of Kabul in August.

Sopkos Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has long been investigating fraud, waste and abuse during Americas massive state-building effort, which came to an ignoble end after 20 years with the Talibans terrorist takeover.

Sopko suggested to the House Foreign Affairs Committee subcommittee that oversees development aid that the failure of the U.S. project shouldnt have been a surprise, given rampant corruption and mismanagement.

Corruption grew so pervasive that it ultimately threatened the security and reconstruction mission in Afghanistan, he told the House panel.

The congressional hearing was one of a series looking at the chaotic U.S. withdrawal and the path forward. We can apply the lessons learned in other conflict zones, Representative Joaquin Castro, the subcommittees Democratic chairman, said.

The United States and other countries have cut off almost all aid to Afghanistan.

These are trying times for all of us who care about the future of the Afghan people, especially the Afghans that aided the U.S. and its allies over the past 20 years, Sopko said.

He said all of SIGARs staffincluding locally employed Afghan staffwere safely evacuated from Kabul.

Reuters contributed to this report.
A woman fills in a ballot at the Fairfax County Government Center during the 2020 presidential election in Fairfax, Va., on Nov. 3, 2020. (Hannah McKay/Reuters)

Virginia County Asks Governor to Waive Absentee Ballot Witness Signature Requirements Ahead of Governors Election

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in Virginia voted to send a letter to ask Gov. Ralph Northam to waive the witness signature requirement for mail-in ballots that are to be cast in next months election.

The board of supervisors voted 91 to send the letter to Northam, a Democrat. The boards only Republican supervisor, Pat Herrity, cast the lone vote against the motion, describing the proposal as a blow to election integrity.

Board of supervisors Chairman Jeffrey McKay, who proposed the letter, said that waiving the witness signature requirement would prevent a rise in COVID-19 infections. The witness signature requirement was also waived during the November 2020 election.

No one should have their ballot rejected because theyre unwilling to risk their health and safety to vote, McKay said during a meeting, reported WTOP. We want to be a county that promotes voter participation and doesnt punish people.

But Herrity argued that witness signatures are important, as they provide another line of defense against voter fraud and have been deemed important enough by the General Assembly that they were reestablished outside the state of emergency.

He also pointed out that early voting had already started in early September and that the election was less than a month away.

To do this in the middle of an election process in the name of COVID I think is nonsensical, Herrity said, according to InsideNOVA.

But McKay said the proposal wouldnt pose an issue for the countrys election systems.

Last year, we expanded voting opportunities in the midst of the pandemic. As I stated before, this county is still in a state of emergency, and we should be doing everything we can to make it as easy as possible for our residents to vote, regardless of what other elected officials falsely say about elections in Virginia, McKay said.

The remarks come amid a heated gubernatorial race between Democrat Terry McAuliffe and Republican Glenn Youngkin. Earlier this week, McAuliffe told other Democrats in a virtual event that President Joe Biden appears to be unpopular here in Virginia and Democrats are facing a lot of headwinds from Washington.

In comments to media outlets, a spokesperson for the McAuliffe campaign said the Democrats point was clearly that Democrats cant take anything for granted and must turn out to vote this year because Glenn Youngkin is running on a divisive, Trumpian agenda that puts election conspiracy theories and banning abortion first.

Its not clear if Northam, a Democrat, will support the measure. His office didnt respond to a request for comment by press time.

Fairfax County, a suburb of Washington, still has a state of emergency in effect.
Children hold up signs during a rally against critical race theory being taught in schools at the Loudoun County Government center in Leesburg, Va., on June 12, 2021. (Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images)

Virginia Judge Hands Victory to Parents, Sides Against Prosecutor on School Board Recall

A Virginia-based parent group attempting to oust five Loudoun County School Board members was given a small win after a Loudoun County Circuit Court judge ruled Tuesday in favor of the organizations recall petition against a board member who sought to dismiss it.

On Tuesday, a judge denied Loudoun County school board member Beth Barts motion to dismiss the case and also removed Loudoun County Commonwealths Attorney Buta Biberaj from the case.

The group Fight For Schools and others have alleged that Barts was involved in a private Facebook group that violated the School Boards Code of Conduct and other laws after members allegedly tried to attempt to reveal private information about parents and opponents.

Judge Jeanette Irby, meanwhile, ruled that Biberaj should be removed from the case due to a public perception issue, arguing the public may not trust the prosecutor to be impartial.

I have the utmost respect for Ms. Biberaj  however, if she continued on this case there would never be acceptance on this case, Irby said, according to local media outlets.

An attorney for Citizens of Leesburg, another plaintiff in the case, cited a Twitter post made by Biberaj in which she shared a letter to the editor published in Loudoun Now that supported the districts diversity, equity, and inclusion workwhich is closely aligned with the quasi-Marxist critical race theory thats now at the center of many heated school board debates across the United States.

Biberaj was also listed as a member of the same private Facebook group in which Barts had belongedAnti-Racist Parents of Loudounwhere members were allegedly sought to reveal private information, or doxx, parents and opponents of critical race theory.

A spokesperson for the school district declined to comment. The Epoch Times has contacted the Loudoun County Commonwealths Attorneys office.

Ian Prior, who is involved in the charge to remove Barts from the school board, said he is pleased with the judges decision on Tuesday.

We are ecstatic, Prior told WJLA. I can say for months, parents have been asking for a seat at the table. We havent been heard by the school board. They havent given us that opportunity. The leaders here havent stepped up to try to come to resolution about whats going on in schools, but yesterday the court gave us that seat at the table.

I feel like the judge looked at the evidence and made a decision that was right, Fight for Schools supporter Erin Dunbar, also a parent, said after the hearing, according to Loudoun Now. I think shes unbiased. Shes looking at the evidence in front of her and I think shes actually going to give us a fair trial.

Earlier this year, when she was censured over her social media activity, Barts said in a statement: Its not my job to be liked. Its my job to ask hard questions, work to provide the best education for our kids, make sure our teachers are paid what they really deserve, and represent the people of Leesburg.

Her statement came after School Board Vice Chairwoman Atoosa Reaser asserted in March that Barts repeatedly violated the school boards code of conduct.

Meanwhile, a several-month-long Loudoun County Sheriffs Office investigation found that social media posts in the private Facebook group did not constitute criminal action, according to local media. The office, as a result, did not pursue criminal charges against any of the members after they received complaints alleging evidence of organized criminal activity intended to infringe upon 1st Amendment rights and [violations of] certain laws surrounding the crimes of stalking, harassment, and racketeering.
General view of the Imperial Oil refinery, located near Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline, which Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer ordered shut down in May 2021, in Sarnia, Ontario, on March 20, 2021. (Carlos Osorio/Reuters)

We Are Entering an Energy Crisis of Our Own Making

Commentary

The great green transition from fossil fuels is collapsing as the world enters an energy crisis of its own making.

India and China are scouring the world for coal stocks to burn, while Germany is offering its citizens tutorials on how to cook without electricity in anticipation of power failures. Prices for natural gas, crude oil, and coal are skyrocketing.

The term energy poverty was once reserved for the poor in underdeveloped nations. Today, citizens in some of the wealthiest countries on earth are applying the term to themselves.

Its not even winter yet.

Meanwhile, Canada continues to shut in vast reserves of the resources that the world so desperately wants.

Alberta has shut down all new coal mining developments. British Columbia has regulated every proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal out of existence aside from one which has faced chronic delays. Quebec has rejected an LNG terminal that had been in the works for nearly a decade and is considering banning all oil and gas development in the province forever.

Meanwhile, the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion is moving at a snails pace and remains years from completion.

While Canada has some of the most abundant petrochemical reserves on the planet, we wont be able to make a dent in this spike in global demand for energy products. We have handicapped our production and export abilities so badly, it will take years to respond to todays surge in demand.

Leaders Must Drop the Ideology to Face Reality

How did the world get into this mess?

As with pretty much everything these days, the COVID-19 pandemic has a lot to do with it. The lockdowns of 2020 led to depressed demand for energy products. With travel and commerce ramping up again in 2021, energy producers werent able to increase production quickly enough to meet demand.

The pandemic has wreaked havoc on world supply chains and fossil fuel delivery is no exception.

Demand shocks induced by the pandemic have exposed just how fragile the worlds energy supply chain has become. Decades of naive, ideological energy policies around the world have led to energy security challenges. Countries set unreasonable emissions reduction targets for themselves in their zeal to battle climate change, while conventional energy generation facilities have been shut down in anticipation of renewable energy breakthroughs that never materialized.

As the cost of oil shot up, U.S. President Joe Biden went cap in hand to OPEC to beg them to increase production. It apparently never occurred to Biden to consider allowing the Keystone XL pipeline to finish in order to bolster stable, domestic supplies.

Meanwhile, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer remains adamant in her bid to shut down Enbridges Line 5 though it will cost thousands of jobs and cause local energy shortages.

Canada is little better, as proposed pipelines from Alberta to the East are rejected while foreign tankers deliver oil to Quebec. Absurd virtue signalling through rejecting domestic fuel supplies while purchasing foreign stock has caught up with us. Despite being blessed with an abundance of energy sources, Canada may soon face a similar crunch to Europe as the crisis spreads.

The greenest nations of yesterday are the most vulnerable to energy shortages of today, as evidenced by Germanys plight. Germany was celebrated as an energy transition champion only a year ago. They are expected to increase their coal imports this year if they can get it.

Despite facing a world energy crisis like we havent seen since the 1970s, it doesnt appear that world leaders are getting the message yet. The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference is scheduled to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, at the end of October, and the goal is still to reduce the use of fossil fuels at all costs. Those costs are going to be terribly high very soon.

The world is going to have an energy reality check in the next year. Lets all hope for a mild winter because European windmills and solar farms will not be able to meet energy demands during a cold snap, and they no longer have the gas and coal-generating abilities to fill the gap.

Blackouts aside, the prices for consumer goods will be rising fast. Greenhouses in the Netherlands are already shutting down due to a lack of affordable natural gas. They are the main supplier of winter produce for much of Europe. Fertilizer is rising in cost as its production is reliant on natural gas. Food prices are set to explode while every other product that needs shipment will experience inflated prices.

This years energy crisis is unavoidable. It is already in motion.

We can only hope that the world can learn from this and limit this crisis to a single year. Leaders need to drop the ideology and face reality. One day we may indeed transition fully away from fossil fuel use and into renewable means of energy generation, but its crystal clear that we arent there yet. There is still time to bring our fossil fuel production back up to speed. We can stabilize our energy supplies and retain the high standard of living that we have become accustomed to.

We are entering a crisis of our own making while turning a blind eye to the obvious solutions.

Canada could be well placed to fill world energy needs, but will we let ourselves? I fear not.

Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
Western Australia currently has the lowest vaccination rate in the country. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright)

Western Australia Sees Vaccine Hesitancy Amid Growing Mandates

Western Australia (WA) is trailing behind the rest of Australia in its uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine despite public information campaigns, improved vaccination accessibility, and industry mandates.

Three in ten West Australians aged 16 and over have not had a single dose of the available COVID-19 vaccines, and almost half of West Australians have yet to receive their second jab.

WA physician specialising in infection management, Dr. Clay Golledge, said West Australia had a terrible vaccine uptake, reported The Australian. In particular, Golledge criticised WAs residents for underutilising the 100-plus state-run vaccination clinics available across WA.

We have got 10,000 vacant vaccine appointments this week, huge empty queues at the major centres, Golledge told Sky News.

Following WA Premier Mark McGowans decision to open up vaccinations for 16 to 29 year-olds, the state recorded a staggering 91,000 bookings in the first week. However, these figures did not persist as the enthusiasm tapered off.

Members of the public wait to be vaccinated at a COVID-19 mass vaccination clinic in Midland, an eastern suburb of Perth, Australia, on Sep. 9, 2021. (AAP Image/Richard Wainwright)

Golledge suggested West Australians refusal came from a growing complacency after the state experienced far fewer cases than other parts of the country.

Delta is coming for Western Australia, whether it is next week or next month or the month after. But it is definitely coming. We need to get vaccinated and prepare to live alongside it, he said.

However, the concept of vaccine mandates has been criticised, with Harvard epidemiologist Martin Kulldorff saying he believed the mandates were a primary contributor to a loss in vaccine confidence.

Right now, with these vaccine mandates, and vaccine passports, this coercive thing is turning a lot of people away from vaccines and not trusting them for very understandable reasons, Kulldorff told The Epoch Times. Why do you have to force somebody to take the vaccine, if its so beneficial to you? Thats one rationale.

Those who are pushing these vaccine mandates and vaccine passportsvaccine fanatics, I would call themto me, they have done much more damage during this one year than the anti-vaxxers have done in two decades, Kulldorff said.

I would even say that these vaccine fanatics, they are the biggest anti-vaxxers that we have right now. Theyre doing so much more damage to vaccine confidence than anybody else.

WA Premier Mark McGowan prepares to speak to media at Dumas House in Perth, Australia, on Apr. 23, 2021. WA Premier Mark McGowan has announced a snap three-day lockdown for the Perth and Peel regions of Western Australia. (Photo by Matt Jelonek/Getty Images)

WAs decision to mandate vaccines for healthcare workers last month has previously sparked demonstrations in the Australian state, with many healthcare workers choosing to lose their livelihoods rather than conform to the state governments directives.

However, the unrest did not deter the McGowan government who have mandated the COVID-19 vaccination for high school graduates wanting to travel to Dunsborough, a popular destination for the traditional school leavers event.

The state government also confirmed that mining and other fly-in fly-out (FIFO) personnel would be required to be fully vaccinated with a recognised COVID-19 vaccine by January, 2022.
A man enters the headquarters of the World Health Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, on June 15, 2021. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

WHO Recommends Worlds First Malaria Vaccine for At-Risk Children

The World Health Organization on Wednesday said it is recommending widespread use of a malaria vaccine for children in sub-Saharan Africa and other at-risk regions.

The recommendation for the AS01 formulation of the RTS,S vaccine, also known as Mosquirix, is largely based on results from an ongoing pilot program in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi that followed more than 800,000 inoculated children since 2019, the WHO announced.

The initial RTS,S vaccine was developed by GlaxoSmithKline, a UK pharmaceutical company, in 1987.

Malaria is caused by a parasite transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The vaccine is recommended for areas with moderate to high transmission of Plasmodium falciparum, which is the most deadly malaria-causing parasite and the most prevalent in Africa. Mosquirix is designed to prevent the parasite from infecting and multiplying in the liver, before the parasite has a chance to re-enter the bloodstream and infect red blood cells.

Malaria can also be caused by other parasites including P. vivax, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi. The WHO has comprehensive guidelines for the treatment of malaria in a 2015 publication (pdf).

While it has received the WHOs recommendation, Mosquirixs efficacy stands at around 30 percent, and requires a schedule of four doses in children from 5 months of age. The vaccines protection also fades after several months.

In terms of side effects, the vaccine is associated with an increased risk of febrile seizures within 7 days of the administration, the WHO previously stated in March 2020. In the Phase 3 trial, children who had febrile seizures after vaccination recovered completely and there were no long-lasting consequences.

Other known side effects include similar reactions with other vaccines given to children, including swelling and pain at the site of injection, and fever.

Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that the vaccine, a world-first, is a gift to the world that will make the greatest difference in Africa where the burden of the disease is greatest.

Director of the WHOs Global Malaria Programme, Pedro Alonso, also told reporters that while he doesnt believe we are within reach of a highly efficacious vaccine yet, Mosquirix presents a vaccine option that is deployable, safe, and can have a massive impact in terms of lives saved and episodes of malaria averted, even at 30 percent efficacy.

That 30 percentgiven the magnitude of what malaria representsis probably one of the most impactful vaccines that one could actually using in Africa right now, he said.

According to the U.N. agency, malaria affects about 200 million people and claims about 400,000 lives a year, 67 percent of which are children.

Every year, hundreds of millions of people fall ill and hundreds of thousands die sadly due to this preventable and treatable disease. Every two minutes, a child under five dies of malaria  Todays recommendation, therefore, offers a glimmer of hope for the continent. We expect many of the African children will be protected from malaria and grow into healthy and productive adults, Tedros said.

He said in a separate statement, Using this vaccine on top of existing tools to prevent malaria could save tens of thousands of young lives each year.
NORWALK  Reports of rape have fluctuated over the last five years, going up 33 percent in 2020 in the city, according to recent FBI crime data. Whether thats an increase in reporting or an increase in the crime rate is uncertain, but victims of sexual violence appear to be seeking more counseling and support services.

While perhaps simple instances of disclosure might not have changed, one of the things that we saw that was very dramatic last year was the actual number of services provided to those clients, said Luke Robbins, director of counseling for The Rowan Center, which supports victims of sexual violence in eight towns in lower Fairfield County.

The organization reported a 78 percent increase in individual counseling sessions between fiscal year 2020-21 and an increase in its average number of sessions per client from 5.25 to 9.25 (clients are offered up to 12 sessions). The center also saw a slight uptick in new intakes and disclosures of sexual violence.

The Rowan Center takes no position on whether a victim or survivor of sexual violence, however the client chooses to identify, reports the violence to law enforcement or seeks help from a medical professional. If the client has the option to choose to make a report, Robbins hopes they do it because it makes them feel safer and more comfortable, he said.

The Norwalk Police Department offers a multitude of tools to report crimes and keep the public educated about issues in the community. What impact these tools and other forms of communications used by the department are having on the rate of crime in the community is difficult to pinpoint, according to Sgt. Sofia Gulino.

While we continue to educate and encourage our community to reach out to us if they, or someone they know, is in need of assistance, it is difficult to determine if changes in reported crimes are due to changes in actual crimes or changes in reporting, Gulino said regarding all violent crime in the city.

Robbins pointed to recent events such as the #MeToo movement and social justice protests as reasons more victims may be coming forward to share or report their experiences with sexual violence, as well as local community education. Social media is also changing peoples perspectives on what can be said in the public sphere.

The unfortunate truth is that, historically, this family of crimes and experiences has not been supported in a way that perhaps some other crimes have been, Robbins said. Culturally and historically, we are conditioned, I think, to doubt the level of support, protection or even just empathy that one might be able to expect on this topic.

Multiple barriers still exist for victims who either want to report their crimes or share their story of sexual violence, according to Robbins. A victims view on sexuality or sex in general of their culture, their family, their religion, or their education level may color their judgement on their responsibility.

A small percentage of defendants in cases of sexual violence are successfully prosecuted and incarcerated, Robbins added, and the burden of proof lies on the victim and it often becomes a case of he said, she said.

Eight of 10 rapes are committed by someone known to the victim, according to RAINN, the nations largest anti-sexual violence organization. Only four of the 58 rape incidents reported to the Norwalk Police Department over the last five years were committed by a stranger, according to FBI crime data.

Its not about going after this person that hurt me, its often feeling like youre making choices that will hurt your family or hurt connections, Robbins said. Its a very complicated situation because of how often the crime is committed by someone who is not just your perpetrator. It might be a family member. It might be a landlord.

One barrier The Rowan Center is taking an active role in trying to remove is the fear that some victims may feel toward law enforcement in general that would prevent them from reporting a crime of sexual violence. The organization has a dedicated staff position engaging with law enforcement and the court system in each town to educate them on how best to interact with victims.

Every time its done correctly, every time you have a victim or survivor go to the police and have a good experience, as good as you can have with something like this, but met compassionately, I think that slowly starts to tip the scale a little bit, Robbins said. Unfortunately, every bad experience counts way more than one good experience.

The Rowan Center provides free, 24-hour confidential support to anyone who has experienced sexual violence or knows someone who has. The center also has a 24-hour hotline available for victims to call at 203-329-2929 and for Spanish speakers, 888-568-8332.

emily.morgan@hearstmediact.com
EDWARDSVILLE  Fire Chief James Whiteford and Police Chief Michael Fillback took some time last week to describe to the public safety committee some of the service calls their departments have run into at two of the off-campus Southern Illinois University Edwardsville student housing complexes in town.

The city has four such complexes within its borders: Enclave (which used to be called Enclave East) and Greenhill, off of Route 157; the former Enclave West, now called AXIS; and the most recent one, The Reserve. Enclave East and Enclave West opened in 2013. Greenhill opened in 2015. Enclave West changed its name to AXIS Edwardsville Student Apartments in 2016. The Reserve opened in 2019. AXIS and The Reserve are adjacent to each other on New Poag Road, northwest of the SIUE campus, and relatively isolated compared to the others.

Fillback said before SIUEs school year started, he met with each of the property managers, to advise/remind them of city ordinances on a variety of topics, to put faces with names and establish a basic rapport, especially if management changed since the end of the previous academic year.

More Information On Oct. 29, Edwardsville Police Chief Michael Fillback provided call data for the four off-campus student housing complexes between April 1 and Sept. 27, 2021:  At AXIS, there were 53 calls, among which were nine for loud noise complaints, one for shots fired, one for a suicidal subject, four for domestic disturbances, one fireworks call, one for a burglary and three calls for harassment.  At The Reserve, there were 42 calls, among which were 17 for loud noise complaints, one for a suicidal subject, three for fights ranging from 15 to 200 people, four for loud music and four citations for handicapped parking violations. In contrast, EPD reported 22 calls at Greenhill and 24 calls at Enclave during the same period. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Police Chief Kevin Schmoll submitted his department's call data for Axis and The Reserve:  Betweeen Jan. 1 and Sept. 30, SIUEPD assisted EPD 38 times: 11 times from January to July; seven in August; and, 20 last month.  At AXIS, there were seven assists in the past two weekends. In August, three of four assists happened during a single weekend.  At The Reserve, all three assistance calls in August happened on weekends, as did all 10 in September. No calls for service at Enclave or Greenhill were included in the SIUE data. See More Collapse

They all have issues when it comes to loud noise, Fillback said. They all have parking issues. They all have similarities.

Greenhill and Enclave managers have been pretty receptive (to ordinances) and, while they have issues, theyre not right now what we would constitute as being severe. They are not abnormal.

Service calls, as one would expect, are higher during the school year than they are during the summer, Fillback said.

The other two properties, The Reserve and AXIS, are a little bit of a different story, he said. The managers at The Reserve are generally helpful, but their hands are sometimes tied by their ownership. They would like to have some better things, like, cameras and upgrades, but their ownership is out-of-town and what they can budget for.

Fillback said AXIS is currently in receivership, a remedy available to secured creditors to recover amounts outstanding under a secured loan in the event a company defaults on its loan payments.

My understanding is that a bank basically has ownership and theyre working on a budget to keep the place going and, hopefully, someone will buy the property, Fillback said. Additional funding is not readily available.

When you compare those four, AXIS and The Reserve in the last six months have had twice the calls, he said.

He noted that officers focused on the more serious calls, such as fighting, burglaries, disorderly conduct, etc.

The two complexes on New Poag Road are consuming more police resources, Fillback said.

Were having issues with AXIS, too, on the fire side, Whiteford said.

The biggest and potentially most dangerous issue is a change the 14-building complex made without Whitefords knowledge or permission, he said.

Theyve re-keyed all of the apartments and done away with the master key system, Whiteford said. So theres a separate key for each apartment and no way for us to be able to manage that many keys to be able to access the apartments to get in.

Whiteford confirmed that AXIS ownership and/or management did not ask or tell him before they made the change, which is against the citys fire code, he explained.

Since theyre not following the fire code, can we shut them down? asked committee member Alderwoman Janet Stack.

Or can we fine them? asked Alderman Chris Farrar.

Whiteford replied that the city has no ordinances with associated fees, so it would have to come via something criminal, such as a ticket from the police department as Whitefords department has no ability to cite anyone or charge fees.

City Attorney Jeff Berkbigler declined to comment on Sept. 30 as he did not attend the committee meeting.

Whiteford said his department is trying to get the locks replaced but AXIS receivership makes it difficult, like solving several other issues at the complex, including students disconnecting or breaking fire alarms and discharging fire extinguishers. Whiteford said that extinguishers being used improperly could be cited as property damage.

Fillback said the problems are that witnesses and ways to identify those behaving badly are scarce so its hard to charge someone. He said the complexes have the ability to evict and to fine residents and that they fine people all the time.

Weve had gunfire reported out there, Fillback said. Sometimes thats fireworks, but we know sometimes its actual gunfire. One of the girls who was a manager at AXIS, she was the one who was shot at 255 and New Poag last year. Another person visiting AXIS accidentally shot his girlfriend while there.

Fillback said parties at Greenhill and Enclave may generate complaints, but they generally dont become huge free-for-alls, unlike at Axis and The Reserve.

Were getting calls at both of these establishments for excess of 50 to 100 people at a time, he said. Then fight calls (come in).

He said SIUEs police department works with the city officers, but theres more going on at these two sites. Weekly, he sends the property managers the previous weeks calls for service to give them snapshots of what transpired.

Ive told all of the managers that, Youre more responsible at the end of the day for your tenants safety than I am, Fillback said. I cant leave officers here all of the time. Youre selling this place as Come live here. You have to provide some sense of safety.

Fillback said a meeting will take place soon between city police and university administration to see if there are solutions. He met with SIUE Police Chief Kevin Schmoll last week to discuss ways they can collaborate to reduce minor incidents from becoming major ones. That might include sitting down with the out-of-state owners of both complexes.

The university neither owns nor operates AXIS or The Reserve but Schmolls department frequently assists Edwardsville police when there are major incidents at either complex. Often, due to proximity, campus police arrive on-scene first.

Most of these types of calls are happening on Friday and Saturday nights, Schmoll said. The weathers been nice since the start of school and these parties form on weekends. Then there are fights in the parking lots.

He said if the agitators are not university students, theres little his officers can do other than make initial arrests to help Edwardsville.

Joshua Lindsey, the new general manager at The Reserve, blamed the problems on COVID-19 and students being forced into lockdown for more than a year. While he declined to discuss the issues Fillback mentioned, he said they have been handled internally and things are good there now.

Mark Evans, a public relations person with the Threshold Agency in Austin, Texas, did not respond to a reporters questions by deadline. Threshold Agency currently is handling media questions for AXIS.

Meanwhile, social media messages about parties can create other potential dangers.

In some of these cases, you have high school kids going out there because of parties, Fillback said. Ive told them, If something happens to a 15-year-old girl out there, the bottom line is, it will fall back on ownership because, while they may not have done anything (directly), they provided an atmosphere that allowed that to happen. Thatll be something decided in court.

These party posts also tend to attract non-students, some of whom dont live in Edwardsville, Madison County or Illinois. Guns and alcohol could be added to the mix.

Its important to note that we call it student housing, but they rent to everyone, Whiteford noted, so theyre really just apartments. The majority of people staying there are students, but not all of them are.

Schmoll said that neither complex is at capacity currently, so there are vacant units that can be rented to anyone who gets approved.

Fillback said he was encouraged by the managements presence at AXIS and The Reserve Sept. 25-26 and took it as a step in the right direction.

Reach reporter Charles Bolinger at 618-659-5735
Luke Whalen | For the Intelligencer

On Wednesday, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal announced the recipients of the one-time Illinois Fire Department COVID-19 Relief Grant. A total of 36 Illinois Fire Departments will receive over $316,000 in funding.

Under this one-time grant opportunity, eligible Illinois fire departments could receive up to $15,000 in order to make up for lost donation revenues stemming from their inability to host local fundraising events during the periods of quarantines in 2020. These fundraising events include pancake breakfasts and spaghetti dinners, and pay for necessities like fuel for fire trucks, utilities and insurance.
If you work in an industry that gives back to the community, your student loans could have significant forgiveness with a new overhaul that's been done with the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

The US Department of Education announced Wednesday that teachers, nurses, government workers and service members, including police and fire and military who have consolidated their loans and made 120 payments qualify. Some working in the nonprofit community could also qualify.

Student loan debt in the country is at $1.7 trillion and rising, but the overhaul by the Education Department comes after CBS' "60 Minutes" reported military service members and veterans were having issues getting their loans forgiven, according to USA Today.

Approximately 22,000 student loan borrowers who will be eligible for federal student loan discharges, which comes out to $1.74 billion in forgiveness. About $2.82 billion will come in forgiveness for another 27,000 borrowers if they certify additional periods of employment. A little more than 16,000 people with student loan debt have received forgiveness under PSLF prior to this action.

"Borrowers who devote a decade of their lives to public service should be able to rely on the promise of Public Service Loan Forgiveness," Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement published by CNN Wednesday. "The system has not delivered on that promise to date, but that is about to change for many borrowers who have served their communities and their country."

Student loan forgiveness for all borrowers currently in debt has been a topic of conversation amongst political leaders leading into and just after President Joe Biden took office. No overall forgiveness from Biden has yet to come, and earlier this summer it was announced that borrowers will have to start paying back their loans after Jan. 31, 2022.

Payments were frozen by President Donald Trump at the start of the 2020 pandemic. That freeze has been extended several times.

U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, made a proposal for the president to take action earlier this year in February.

"Senator Duckworth helped introduce a resolution asking President Biden to cancel up to $50,000 in federal student loan debt. She also called for the pause on student loan payments to be extended through at least March 31, 2022," Duckworth's spokeswoman Courtney Jaquin wrote in an email.

That resolution, S.Res. 46, continues to collect dust as it has not been brought to the floor for discussion. The only action it has seen has been its introduction, and only fellow Democrats have co-sponsored the resolution.

Duckworth's fellow Illinois politician, U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, said student loan forgiveness doesn't help in the long run.

"It puts false hope in the hands of many college students who then feel as though they can borrow more dept because somehow, someway, the great Democrats in Washington are going to have that forgiven," Davis said. "What they're going to get is a bill for a higher student loans once they graduate."

U.S. Rep. Ayanna Presley, D-Massachusetts, has introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives, H.Res. 100, similar to Duckworth's resolution, calling on Biden to take executive action and broadly cancel student loan debt.
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Trish Niles is human resources manager and apprenticeship director for Mid-Park Inc. She also serves on the executive committee of the Lincoln Trail Workforce Development Board.
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Doctors oppose legalising e-cigarettes

BANGKOK: The Medical Association of Thailand has come out strongly against the proposal by Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn to legalise the sale of e-cigarettes.

health

By Bangkok Post

Thursday 7 October 2021, 10:39AM

Vaporisers, e-cigarette refills and other illegal products seized by the Consumer Protection Police Division early this year are put on display at the CPPD headquarters on Chaeng Wattana road. Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb

The association sent an open letter to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha asking him to caution the minister, reports the Bangkok Post.

The letter was signed by Amorn Leelarasamee, president of the Medical Association of Thailand, and supported by heads of other organisations, including 14 royal colleges and the National Alliance for Tobacco-Free Thailand.

In the letter, Dr Amorn said that in his proposal to the cabinet on Sept 28 Mr Chaiwut openly showed he fully supported the legalisation of the sale of e-cigarettes.

This was despite both the Commerce and Public Health ministries having no policy to allow their importation.

Dr Amorn said e-cigarettes were produced by firms in the tobacco industry to replace ordinary tobacco cigarettes.

Results from worldwide research showed e-cigarettes were clearly hazardous to health, Dr Amorn said.

In the United States, where e-cigarettes are legal, many young people who had not smoked before were found to have become addicted to vaping, because they had been fed false information, Dr Amorn said.

He said e-cigarettes, like tobacco cigarettes, contained nicotine, a narcotic substance which caused many chronic diseases that required costly treatment.

Liquid flavouring from flowers and fruits was added to the fluid used in the vaporiser to give it a sweet smell. But these substances could cause many types of cancer after being heated and inhaled, he said.

The president of the Royal College of Physicians of Thailand, AM Anutara Jittinand, said producers of e-cigarettes did not give full information about their products. They said only that e-cigarettes could help people quit smoking, but did not say how to quit vaping after becoming addicted to it.

Advertisements posted on social media by e-cigarette product producers tempted young people to try vaping, even though it is not only harmful to health but also damagig to the economy.

Countries where young people have become addicted to vaping have to allocate extra budget funding for the treatment of their illnesses, he said.

The president of the Royal College of Surgeons of Thailand, Prof Pramuk Mutirangkura, joined opposition to legalising the sale of e-cigarettes.

Responding to Mr Chaiwuts assertion that at least 67 countries had approved e-cigarettes as being less harmful than smoking tobacco, Dr Pramuk said that each of those countries had allowed the sale with conditions attached. They were not sold without restrictions, he said.

Many other countries still banned e-cigarettes because they wanted to protect the peoples health, preferring the prevention is better than cure principle, Dr Pramuk said.
Flats raided, many detained after riot policeman shot in Din Daeng

BANGKOK: A special police task force raided the Din Daeng flats in Bangkok, making many arrests, after a riot policeman on duty in the area was shot and seriously wounded on Wednesday night (Oct 6).

pollutionviolencepolice

By Bangkok Post

Thursday 7 October 2021, 05:53PM

Police guard the entrance of an apartment block in Din Daeng on Thursday during the visit by national police chief Pol Gen Suwat Yangyodsuk. Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham

Blood stains the inside of the helmet worn by riot policeman L/Cpl Detwit Ledtenson, who was shot in the head in Din Daeng area, Bangkok, on Wednesday night. Photo: Wassayos Ngamkham

Pol L/Cpl Detwit Ledtenson was shot in the head about 10.43pm behind Din Daeng flat 1 on Chaturathit Rd, also known as Soi Saeng Uthaithip, and rushed to Police General Hospital, reports the Bangkok Post.

A special police task force entered the area shortly afterwards and searched flats into the early hours of the morning.

Reports said 13 people were held for questioning  seven aged under 13 years, another five aged under 18, and an employee of an independent media organisation.

Earlier on Wednesday night, another 28 protesters were detained during an anti-government rally in the Din Daeng area.

On Thursday morning, forensic police and a bomb disposal team inspected the Din Daeng flats and nearby area.

National police chief Pol Gen Suwat Jangyodsuk visited the area on Thursday, leading a team to inspect an apartment in Soi Chaturathit 2 in Din Daeng district.

He said 29 people were now being questioned at Din Daeng police station.

Media reports said parents had earlier arrived at the police station to pick up children who were among those detained.

Residents said there had been no violence in their soi before and they were now fearful of what may come. They asked that protesters not gather in the soi because it would greatly affect people living there.

Pol Maj Gen Nitithorn Jintakanon, deputy commissioner at the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said the national police chief was giving priority to the investigation.

He also said many weapons were seized during the search. Pol Gen Nitithorn said the investigation would continue and would be extended, with information from people being questioned.
Thailand remains on UK travel red list

LONDON: Thailand will remain on Britains red list of countries that it is advising against all but essential travel to after the UK government announced changes to simplify its coronavirus travel regime yesterday (Oct 6).

CoronavirusCOVID-19immigrationhealthtourism

By The Phuket News

Thursday 7 October 2021, 09:30AM

Photo: AFP

UPDATE: On Oct 7 Phuket officials announced, "According to the UK Government, the measure for international travel to England, Thailand will be moved off the red list (of countries and territories) at 4 am Monday 11 October 2021." See story here.

The FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) advise against all but essential travel to the whole of Thailand based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks, the ministry said on the website.

Additionally, for separate security reasons, the website also advises against essential travel to Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and the southern part of Songkhla.

Britain introduced a traffic light system in May which designated the specific colours of green, amber and red to respective countries depending on its situation and status in regards to battling and containing the COVID-19 pandemic. This system was scrapped on Tuesday in favour of the more straight forward red zone classification of countries.

Yesterdays announcement saw the UK dropping its advice against all but essential travel for 32 countries and territories who have progressed their fighting against COVID-19 across the world.

Thailand, however, remains on the red list along with the likes of Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa.

This means only fully vaccinated UK citizens and residents will be allowed to enter the UK after returning from a red list country. Returning citizens would need to undergo a 10-day quarantine period in a government-approved hotel at an approximate cost of 2,285 (B105,000). That includes transport to the hotel, security, provision of welfare services and the two PCR tests which must be taken on day two and day eight of the stay. An extra adult is 1,430, children aged 5-12 cost 325 and children under five are free. Any non UK residents will not be permitted to enter the country.

Were striking the right balance between keeping people safe which remains our priority and giving them the freedom to exercise personal responsibility, while supporting the travel sector, UK Foreign Minister Liz Truss said.

The UK Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, had previously strongly advised against people travelling to red listed countries.
Thammasat Massacre remembered in Phuket

PHUKET: A small group of 14 people gathered at Queen Sirikit Park in Phuket Town yesterday evening (Oct 6) to remember the slaying of at least 46 people by Thai soldiers in the Thammasat Massacre on Oct 6, 1976.

Thursday 7 October 2021, 11:16AM

The gathering, calling themselves the Phuket Liberation Group, stood in front of the Mingmongkol Statue (Dragon Statue) and observed a minutes silence at 6:10pm.

They then lit a candle for each of the protesters killed in the violent crackdown by the Thai Army 45 years ago, then read a poem to honour the lives lost and read out loud the names of those killed in the massacre.

The remembrance, which took about 20 minutes to complete, was held under watch by officers from Phuket City Police, Phuket Provincial Police, Region 8 Police and internal security agencies in Phuket.

After completing their remembrance ceremony, the group disbanded peacefully.

Larger activities to remember the 1976 massacre were held in Bangkok, where activists and members of the victims families gathered at the memorial at Thammasat University to pay their respects, reported the Bangkok Post.

Speakers at the event noted that little had changed in the 45 years since students and activists were massacred by the military and rightwing radicals at Thammasat University, sending many survivors fleeing into the jungle where they took up arms against the authoritarian government.

Those killed in the 1976 massacre were protesting the return to Thailand of former dictator Field Marsahll Thanom Kittikachorn. Official reports state that 46 were killed (both sides) and 167 were wounded, while unofficial reports state that more than 100 demonstrators were killed.

Move Forward Party leader Pita Limcharoenrat yesterday said the governments use of violence and legal action against young protesters and activists reflected the reality  that political differences remain a thorny issue never accepted by the state, said the Bangkok Post report.

The state had never been open to changes and showed no compromise in dealing with people holding different political opinions, he said.

Young protesters calling themselves Thalugaz hold almost daily rallies in Din Daeng area calling for the ouster of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha that always end in clashes with riot police.

Another newly emerging rally site is Nang Leong intersection, where another group, Thalufah, holds sporadic rallies with the same goal, he said.

The Move Forward leader was among the politicians, activists and family who attended the service at Thammasat University in remembrance of those killed by security forces and right-wing radicals during the massacre on Oct 6, 1976.

The mass killing  the exact number of victims is still not known  compelled many students to flee to the mountains, where they joined the since disbanded Communist Party of Thailand in an armed fight against the government.

The Thalufah group said in a statement posted on its Facebook page that they would never forget the events of Oct 6 1976, and said violent means were unacceptable today.

Red-shirt leader Nattawut Saikuar said students continued to fight for democracy 45 years later, with the country still divided with no political solution to the problem.

He said a bigger rally would be called after the COVID-19 situation eased, but he did not expect it would convince Gen Prayut to resign. The rally would be aimed at exposing the failed policies and actions of the government to the public, he said.

The gathering at the October 6 memorial started in the morning with religious ceremonies and laying of wreaths and flowers in remembrance of those killed and injured. Speakers addressed the people afterwards.

Additional reporting by Eakkapop Thongtub
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The stars of the third annual 'Dear John' concert for War Child UK have released their official anthem in tribute to the legacy of John Lennon.



Last year, the likes of KT Tunstall, former Genesis star Peter Gabriel, John Ilsley of Dire Straits and Graham Gouldman of 10cc took part in a virtual tribute to raise funds for the non-profit organisation - which supports young people in war-torn countries - in honour of the late Beatles legend's 80th birthday.

And this Saturday (09.10.21), huge names including Martin Freeman, Matt Lucas, Jack Savoretti, Fearne Cotton, Peter Frampton, Matt Sorum (Guns 'n' Roses, Velvet Revolver), Irvine Welsh ('Trainspotting'), fashion designer Pam Hogg, Judie Tzuke, and many more, will appear at the live-streamed event.

Ahead of the star-studded concert airing globally, 'Dear John' - which is penned by founder Sepp Osley of the band Blurred Vision and his brother Sohl Osley - has been released featuring the daughter of former Small Faces rocker Steve Marriott, Mollie Marriott, and legendary musician Peter Frampton, who has worked with Sir Ringo Starr and David Bowie.

Peter said: "I couldn't be more thrilled and honoured to have been a part of the Dear John track. Finally, Mollie, Sepp and I got to work together and it's something so special. I'm so happy I could be with you on video during the Dear John concert. Happy Birthday John Lennon!"

Mollie commented: "It is a great honour to work on this single alongside Blurred Vision. To finally get to work with Peter after all these many years, is a real joy and the greatest thing is, we are all on the same path, to bring peace and love to this troubled world."

Beatles drummer Ringo and Earl Slick, Lennon's former guitarist, have given the event their seal of approval, with the latter set to appear at the concert.

Sepp added: "Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined the success that this humble event conjured in 2020 during the height of the pandemic. It all began with a simple concept of celebrating the legacy that John Lennon left behind. A legacy of peace and unity and love on a global scale, and now to be able to perform these timeless songs with so many heroes and contemporaries of the music world, while raising money for this incredible charity at such a crucial time, is something I could never have conceived or believed when I began my tumultuous journey on this planet."

All donations and net proceeds raised from the show will go directly to the War Child charity.

The original video for 'Dear John' was created by Sepp and co as a tribute to the late great protestor of peace, Lennon - who was shot and killed by a fan in New York City in 1980 - in 2015.

Bang Showbiz
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Hundreds march in Montreal to honour Truth and Reconciliation

Chelsey St-Pierre / By Chelsey St-Pierre The Suburban Atikamekw Grand Chief Constant Awashish speaks to the crowd gathered at Place du Canada on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th, 2021.

A demonstration and march were held last Thursday to address native issues in Quebec and Canada on the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The demonstration started at Place du Canada and marchers proceeded to the Quartier des Soectacles. Two focal points of the Montreal event were to commemorate Joyce Echaquan as well as the children who died in the residential school system. Multiple demonstrations occurred across the country.

A number of speeches were given by respected leaders in the native community. Many wore orange shirts with Every Child Matters printed on the front or back of the shirts. Several large orange flags with the same words were waved over the crowd by attendees as well. A moment of silence was dedicated to Echaquan as well as the mothers and grandmothers of the children who died and to the children who never returned home.

There was also a sign placed on the Sir John A. MacDonald statue with one word, decolonization. It began to rain towards the end of the speech period, however demonstrators were encouraged to stay for the march and the majority did while others joined along the way.

The sentiments of one speaker was shared widely. Today, it is finally the bodies of the children that never came home that got their attention. Why did it take that tragedy? Ms. Gabriel asked. But I am happy that your eyes are open now to the first people of this country.

To honour our lives we have shared the troubled legacy of the residential school system and the pain and suffering that is amongst the living survivors which is also transgenerational, Atikamekw Grand Chief Constant Awashish said. We are here to gather today to remember everybody who suffered through what was done by this country (to our nation), mothers, fathers, grandmothers, aunties and uncles and those who never came home,.

Prior to attending the demonstration, Chief Awashish attended what he called a birthday celebration held earlier in the day for the children who did not return home from the residential schools.
Cool Current is a relaxed yet enticing green that represents regrowth, mimicking natures resiliency and blending in with nearly any environment, inside or outside.
Media Content Creator

Ian Ostroff is a writer/reporter who resides in Montreal. He is passionate about getting to know the people and places that make his hometown so great. In his spare time, you can find him at the gym, eating ice cream, or working on his novel(s).
Guest column: For those with rare diseases, access to care Is already a challenge
Things to do in the Attleboro area and beyond
EDWARDSVILLE  Multiple child pornography charges were filed Wednesday against a Granite City man after an investigation by the Illinois Attorney Generals Office.

John H. Obenhaus III, 38, of Granite City, was charged Oct. 6 with five counts of child pornography, all Class X felonies.

According to court documents, between April 5-April 10 Obenhaus sent images of children under 13 engaged in multiple sex or bondage acts through Kik Messenger.

The charges stem from ongoing investigations of child pornography by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raouls office.

Individuals who download and trade child pornography victimize children and their families, and the impact is felt by the entire community, Raoul said. My offices Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force will continue to work with local law enforcement through the to identify and protect communities from these offenders.

Using a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, the AGs office runs the ICAC, which both investigates crimes and trains local law enforcement agencies.

According to a press release from the AGs office, the task force receives CyberTips  or online reports of child pornography  from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Over the last several years, CyberTipline reports have steadily increased, and AG officials project an increase of 23 percent in 2021 from the previous year.

With assistance from the Granite City Police Department, the AGs Office executed a search warrant Tuesday at Obenhaus home and arrested him after allegedly discovering evidence of child pornography.

The case will be prosecuted by the Madison County States Attorneys Office.

No bail information was available.

In response to increasing reports of online child exploitation, Raoul has announced a series of ICAC webinars aimed at giving parents, guardians and educators tools to help children and teens foster healthy online interactions.

The free webinars are planned the first Thursday of each month, will teach parents and guardians about the social media apps children and teens may be using, how to identify signs that a child may have been a victim of online child solicitation, and more. Interested parties should email Karilyn.orr@ilag.gov to register.
GODFREY  The Evangelical United Church of Christ Womens Fellowship will host its second annual Fall Festival Basket Auction Online 10 a.m., Oct. 9, through 10 a.m., Oct. 16.

Bidders can register and participate at biddingowl.com/evangelicalucc. All proceeds benefit church and community projects.
CHRISTOF STACHE/AFP via Getty Images

The American Legion Post 365 in Collinsville is hosting their second Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. The first Fall Festival was put on in 2019 but the 2020 iteration was canceled due to the pandemic.

Due to the new restrictions put in place by Madison County, the Legion had to unfortunately cancel the chili cook-off component of the event, but the event is expected to continue with events for kids including face painting and free pumpkins and there will also be live music starting at 4 p.m. and a craft show, Post 365 said. Friends of the American Legion will provide food indoors once it starts getting dark and there will also be beer vendors for the adults outside once it starts getting dark.
EDWARDSVILLE  A Granite City man was charged Tuesday with felony domestic battery for an October 2020 incident that caused permanent disfigurement of the victim.

Joseph H. Tappel, 35, of Granite City, was charged Oct. 5 with aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony.

The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department.

According to court documents, on Oct. 11, 2020, Tappel allegedly hit a household member with a closed fist, causing a laceration and permanent disfigurement to the victims face.

Bail was set at $50,000.

Other felony charges filed Oct. 5 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office includes:

 Benjamin D. Cobine, 43, of East Alton, was charged with domestic battery (second subsequent offense), a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Wood River Police Department. On Sept. 17 Cobine allegedly punched and slapped a household or family member. It was noted he has a prior conviction for domestic battery out of Madison County in 2011. Bail was set at $15,000.

 Blake A. Powers, 30, of Granite City, was charged with two counts of aggravated battery, both Class 3 felonies. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. On Oct. 21 Powers allegedly was at a local church and head-butted the pastor, who is at least 60 years of age. Bail was set at $40,000.

 Jason D. Womack, 42, of Granite City, was charged with two counts of unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, both Class 3 felonies. The case was presented by the Glen Carbon Police Department. On Aug. 24 Womack allegedly was found to have a Black Max Power Taser and a set of brass knuckles. He has a 2018 Madison County conviction for unlawful possession of methamphetamine, making him ineligible to possess weapons. Bail was set at $25,000.
EDWARDSVILLE  Two Missouri women face theft-related charges after an Oct. 4 incident in Collinsville.

Kayla R. Washington, 18, of Florissant, and Johnay A. Watson, 21, of St. Louis, were each charged Oct. 5 with offenses relating to motor vehicles, both Class 2 felonies, and retail theft over $300, both Class 3 felonies.

The auto theft charges were presented by the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force, and the retail theft charges by the Collinsville Police Department.

According to court documents, on Oct. 4 the two allegedly were found to be in the possession of a stolen 2010 Kia Soul and accused of taking merchandise valued in excess of $300 from Home Depot, 1049 Collinsville Crossing.

Bail was set at $15,000 each for the retail theft charges, and $50,000 each for the auto theft.

Other felony charges filed Oct. 5 by the Madison County States Attorneys Office include:

 Benjamine D. Cobine, 43, of East Alton, was charged with offenses relating to motor vehicles, a Class 2 felony. The case was presented by the South Roxana Police Department. On Sept. 24 Cobine allegedly was found to have a stolen 2004 Dodge Ram. Bail was set at $50,000.

 Keith A. Huff, 47, of Moro, was charged with offenses relating to titles and registration, a Class 2 felony. The case was presented by the Wood River Police Department. On Sept. 22 Huff allegedly was found to have a stolen or converted dealer license plate. Bail was set at $50,000.

 Arthur L. Brown, 32, listed as homeless out of Granite City, was charged with residential burglary. The case was presented by the Granite City Police Department. On June 10 Brown allegedly entered a residence in the 1800 block of Ferguson Avenue, Granite City, to commit theft. Bail was set at $100,000.

 Michael T. Johns, 31, listed as homeless out of Wood River, was charged with retail theft under $300 (second subsequent offense), a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Wood River Police Department. On Sept. 2 Johns allegedly took two inner tubes and a hammock valued at less than $300 from the Wood River Walmart. He has a 2019 Madison County conviction for theft. Bail was set at $15,000.

 Mark D. Easter, 41, of Wood River, was charge with retail theft under $300 (second subsequent offense), a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the Wood River Police Department. On Feb. 24 Easter allegedly took tools, a hammock and two inner tubes valued at less than $300 from the Wood River Walmart. He has a 2019 Madison County conviction for theft. Bail was set at $15,000.

 Daniel A. Perez, 31, of South Roxana, was charged with aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, a Class 4 felony. The case was presented by the South Roxana Police Department. On Sept. 14 Perez allegedly was driving a 2003 Kawasaki motorcycle when he attempted to flee form a South Roxana police officer, disobeying two or more traffic control devices. Bail was set at $15,000.
EDWARDSVILLE  A Granite City man faces multiple attempted murder and arson charges after allegedly setting a mobile home on fire.

George Garcia, 18, of Granite City, was charged Oct. 6 with three counts of attempted first degree murder and aggravated arson, all Class X felonies.

The case was presented by the Madison County Sheriffs Department.

According to court documents and information from the Madison County Sheriffs Department, on Oct. 4 Garcia allegedly barricaded two adults and one juvenile into a mobile home in Lakeshore Estates Mobile Home Park and set it on fire.

The three escaped with minor injuries.

Capt. Dave Vucich of the Madison County Sheriffs Department said Garcia had apparently been living there for several weeks.

There were clear attempts to not allow them out of the residence, and attempts to barricade them into the residence, Vucich said.

Court documents state the sheriffs department responded to a 911 call at about 9:33 p.m. By the time deputies arrived the three victims had escaped the fire.

According to initial statements from witnesses and the victims, the fire was started intentionally and they had been barricaded in the residence.

While assessing the scene and gathering preliminary information, it was determined that a physical altercation occurred between the suspect and the homeowner who returned home and saw the suspect barricading the trailer entrance, according to Madison County Chief Deputy Maj. Jeff Connor.

Garcia was soon located and taken into custody. Bail was set at $750,000.

The case remains under investigation. The Illinois State Fire Marshall is also investigating the incident.
ALTON  The Dream Center of Alton on Thursday announced immediate availability of its public profile on Inside Out Network as part of a partnership with the Illinois Department of Corrections, enabling returning citizens to contact The Dream Center directly through the platform.

Inside Out Network is a game changer in the fact that incarcerated individuals preparing for release and those who have already returned to the community, can now find us through this network as a service provider, said said Steven Johnson, Director of Community Relations and Intake Coordinator at The Dream Center of Alton.
Scranton, PA (18503)

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Jack C. Taylor, 86, formerly of Corbin, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 7, 2021. Jack will always be known as a hardworking and caring family man. He was an exceptional athlete, receiving 1954, high school All-State Honors in both football and basketball by the Courier-J
SAM MONTALTO, Stonington, Boys Soccer, Senior; Montalto scored three goals including the 100th of his career in the Bears 4-0 victory over Plainville in the Class M state tournament. Montalto, who missed the first three games of the season, has 32 goals and nine assists this season.

GIRLS & BOYS Soccer Team, Chariho; It wouldnt be fair to single out a player from either team, both of which captured Division II titles over the weekend of Nov. 12. The girls tied their game with Prout with 1:02 left in regulation and prevailed in penalty kicks. The boys scored the winning goal in the final two minutes of the second overtime to beat North Smithfield.

ZACK TUCK, Westerly, Football; Tuck rushed for 150 yards on 29 carries in a loss to unbeaten St. Raphael in the Division II semifinals. Tuck has rushed for 1,533 yards and scored 19 touchdowns this season for the 7-3 Bulldogs.

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If you could run one of the all-time classic Aston Martins, would it be electric?

Lunaz, the UK electric car conversion specialist backed by David Beckham, has today revealed its latest run of limited edition classic EVs - converted Aston Martin DB6s.

It will take a small selection of original cars, recondition them and then switch out the rumbling four-litre straight-six petrol engine for a battery and electric motors offering a zero-emission range of 255 miles.

It's the latest in a line of high-end classic conversions offered by the exclusive EV firm and each will be priced 'in excess of 1million'.

Electrified classic: British firm Lunaz has confirmed it will convert a small selection of Aston Martin DB6 to electric power with each re-conditioned zero-emission example priced in excess of 1million

The brand, which is based in Silverstone, was founded in 2018 and has set out to extend the legacies of the most beautiful cars in history via electrification, having already turned its hand to Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Range Rover and Jaguar sportscar models.

Lunaz says only the 'most beautiful, rare and significant' motors are considered for their specialist treatment, with the Aston Martin DB6 easily making the cut.

'There is no purer or striking evocation of the British Gran Turismo,' it said about the British icon, which was originally produced between 1965 and 1970.

'The introduction of electric Aston Martin DB6 cars has been driven by sustained demand from our existing clients. It also reflects the desires of an entirely new classic car buyer,' adds David Lorenz, its founder and CEO.

'These women and men have been drawn to Lunaz because for the first time they are presented with the powertrain and modern conveniences of today, clothed in a design that speaks of an era when aesthetic purity was the only requirement.'

Lunaz will take a small selection of original Aston Martin DB6s, recondition them and then switch out the rumbling four-litre straight-six petrol engine for a battery and electric motors offering a zero-emission range of 255 miles

Each car will be powered by Lunaz proprietary modular electric powertrain that has been developed entirely in-house with a power output of up to 120kWh

The 1million-plus price tag shouldn't come as much surprise, given that only 1,788 DB6s were built at Aston Martin's Newport Pagnell factory between 1965 and 1970 - and prime examples of original cars easily sell for six-figure fees at motor auctions

The electric DB6 will be available in tiny numbers in both left and right-hand drive, with each costing mroe than 1million plus taxes.

That shouldn't come as much surprise, given that only 1,788 DB6s were built at Aston Martin's Newport Pagnell factory and prime examples easily demand six-figure fees at motor auctions today.

First deliveries of the Lunaz electric DB6 are scheduled for the summer of 2023 and customers will be selected by application only.

Each will undergo an 'exhaustive bare-metal restoration and re-engineering process' to repurpose it into a plug-in vehicle with zero tailpipe emissions, which can be driven daily, if the owner so chooses.

Upgrades will be made to the brakes, suspension and steering while interior comfort and convenience is brought up to modern standards with the addition of air conditioning and 'sensitive integration' of infotainment systems, including sat-nav and full Wi-Fi connectivity.

Each will undergo an 'exhaustive bare-metal restoration and re-engineering process' to repurpose it into a plug-in vehicle with zero tailpipe emissions that can be driven daily, if the owner so chooses

First deliveries of the Lunaz electric DB6 are scheduled for summer 2023 and customers will be selected by application only

The conversion process takes place at the Lunaz factory in Silverstone, which has been electrifying classic Rolls-Royces, Aston Martins and Land Rovers since 2018

Each car will be powered by Lunaz proprietary modular electric powertrain that has been developed entirely in-house with a power output of up to 120kWh.

The range is said to be up to 255 miles with CCS fast-charging capability, so batteries can be replenished rapidly.

The DB6 is the first new model announced to the Lunaz line-up since former England captain David Beckham became an investor in the business in June.

Speaking about the Aston Martin conversion, Beckham said: 'As an investor in Lunaz and a huge car enthusiast Im delighted to see this new development which completes the companys line up of British auto icons.

'Im proud to be involved with a talented team that is leading the field in creating sustainable solutions.'

Lunaz already has a highly limited number of build-slots for Aston Martin DB4 and DB5 cars.

Former England captain David Beckham became a new high profile investor in expanding British electric vehicle company Lunaz in June

The brand aims to extend the legacies of the most beautiful cars in history via electrification, having already turned its hand to Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Range Rover and Jaguar sportscar models
In the week the amber list was scrapped, there has been a last minute dash for October half term bookings, with flight prices as much as 130 per cent cheaper than the same time two years ago, new data has revealed.

Bookings have risen by 72 per cent following the Government relaxing travel rules, according to analysis by Skyscanner.

It found the most popular holiday destinations for an October half-term break include Dubai, Alicante and Tenerife with the largest Canary Island seeing prices fall by 130 per cent since the same period in 2019 at an average of 130 per flight.

Those looking to head to Dubai can also get return flights for 370 which is 50 per cent cheaper than in October 2019.

Families can head abroad this October from as little as 140 for flights and accommodation

Meanwhile, many are keen to visit Spain with Alicante, Malaga, Palma and Barcelona all coming in the top ten hotspots booked over the last two weeks.

Trips to Alicante were found to be 61 per cent cheaper than two years ago with an average seat price coming in at 102.

Malaga and Antalya are also popular destinations with return seats at an average of 95 and 179, respectively.

This is 67 per cent and 64 per cent cheaper than October half term in 2019.

Other heavily booked destinations include Dublin, Amsterdam, Faro, the Canary Islands, Cyprus, Rome, Malta and the Algarve.

Gavin Harris, of Skyscanner, added: 'For those booking a half-term break, there are many great deals out there just now. Even the most popular destinations are cheaper on average than they were at this time before the pandemic.

'Travellers who look further afield than the most popular spots will get the best deals, with slightly less obvious destinations still at extremely low prices.

'Booking volumes are rising as a result of the recent relaxation of the rules for travel and we expect this to continue to rise as we get closer to the school break.

'Prices may fluctuate as a result of supply moving to meet demand, but many providers have vowed to make travel accessible for everyone and are keeping prices low to compete for bookings.

'Even if prices do rise, for many destinations this could still mean a better deal for your trip than pre-pandemic.'

Dubai is one of the most popular locations for October half term holidays at 370 per seat

POPULAR OCTOBER HALF TERM LOCATIONS: FLIGHT PRICES Destination Average seat price this week for Oct 2021 % cheaper than 2019 1 Dubai 370 50% 2 Alicante 102 61% 3 Tenerife 130 130% 4 Malaga 95 67% 5 Antalya 179 64% Source: Skyscanner

Best value deals

This is Money with the help of Skyscanner and TravelSuperMarket has put together some of the best value October half term trips.

1) Dubai

Where: Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate, 5 star, B&B

When: Return trip, from 24 October to 31 October departing from Liverpool

How much: 578 per person for flights and accommodation

What to do: One of the world's most luxury destinations, travellers heading to Dubai can enjoy high end shopping as well as lively nights out.

It is also home to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world.

2) Alicante

Where: AC Hotel Alicante by Marriott, 4 star. B&B

When: Return trip, from 23 October to 31 October departing from Glasgow

How much: 140 per person for flights and accommodation

What to do: A port city on the Costa Blanca, Alicante's old town, Barrio de la Santa Cruz, is home to a number of bars and restaurants.

Many will also visit for its numerous beaches.

Holidaymakers can travel to Dublin for 39 per person from Manchester this October

3) Dublin

Where: Hilton Dublin Kilmainham, 4 star, B&B

When: Return trip, from 23 October to 31 October departing from Manchester

How much: 149 per person for flights and accommodation

What to do: There are a number of places to visit in Dublin including the Guinness factory, Kilmainham Gaol and Dublin Castle.

It is also known for Temple Bar, a busy street with numerous bars and restaurants.

4) Amsterdam

Where: XO Hotels Blue Square, 4 star, B&B

When: Depart Stansted on 26 October for three nights for two adults and two school-age children

How much: 156 per person for flights and accommodation

What to do: There is plenty to do in Amsterdam including boat tours down the historic canals, visiting the Van Gogh museum and seeing Anne Frank's house.

The nightlife is also famous with a large selection of bars and restaurants to visit.

5) Barcelona

Where: Holiday Inn Express Barcelona, 3 star, B&B

When: Depart Manchester on 24 October for three nights for two adults and two school-age children

How much: 132 per person for flights and accommodation

What to do: Travellers to Barcelona can visit La Sagrada Familia and Park Guell - both designed by Spanish architect, Gaudi.

Those looking to relax can also walk along the long stretch of beach lining the city or go shopping along Las Ramblas.

Travellers can head to Amsterdam to see a range of sights including the Flower Market

6) Krakow

Where: Guest Rooms Kosmopolita, 3 star, B&B

When: Depart Luton on 26 October for three nights for two adults and two school-age children

How much: 101 per person for flights and accommodation

What to do: Poland's second largest city has had a varied history and travellers can explore this by visiting the museums and other historic sights, including Wawel Royal Castle and the Cloth Hall.

Krakow's Old Town is one of its most famous attractions and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7) Algarve

Where: Quinta das Figueirinhas, Porches, 3 star, self catering

When: Depart East Midlands on 24 October for seven nights for two adults and two school-age children

How much: 263 per person for flights and accommodation

What to do: Holidaymakers flock to the Portugese coast for sun, sea and sand with a number of cave formations to explore, boat tours along the coast for visitors as well as many pretty beaches.

8) Majorca

Where: Cristina Apartamentos, Cala Millor, 3 star, B&B

When: Depart Manchester on 22 October for seven nights for two adults and two school-age children

How much: 229 per person for flights and accommodation

What to do: If youre looking for a pool to sit next to for a week, theres plenty of choice here and some stunning beaches.

Magaluf favours the party crowd, while Cala dOr and Cala Millor are better for those seeking a bit of quiet. Port de Pollenca and Alcudia are great for families.

Deals: Families can stay in Alicante at a four star for 90 a night this October half term

Green and amber list scrapped

The Government has now scrapped the green and amber list and has instead left just the red list in its place.

It is hoped this will encourage more travel and make going abroad cheaper and less stressful.

The change in rules mean that eligible fully vaccinated passengers and eligible under-18s returning from over 50 countries not on the red list can do so without needing to complete a pre-departure test, a day 8 test or enter a 10-day self-isolation period.

The new rules also mean that from later in October, fully vaccinated passengers with an approved vaccine and recognised certificate from a country not on the red list will be able to replace their day 2 test with a cheaper lateral flow test, reducing the cost of tests on arrival into England.

Whilst the Government has said it will be by the end of October and in time for people returning from half term, the actual date has not yet been confirmed.

Anyone testing positive will need to isolate and take a confirmatory PCR test, at no additional cost, which will be genomically sequenced to help identify new variants.

Those coming from red list destinations must still pay to quarantine in a hotel for 10 days.

BEST ITALY OCTOBER HALF TERM DEALS Destination Average price paid (over the last week) Italy (country) 74 Milan 47 Bologna 49 Pisa 56 Roma 94 Source: Skyscanner

What cover you will need

To see what protection you will need when travelling abroad, This is Money, with the help of Defaqto, has listed some of the most important policy details you need to be aware of.

Covid cover: All holidaymakers buying travel policies at the minute, or who have already bought, should check their policy to make sure they will be covered if they catch Covid, either whilst away or before they travel.

Luckily, 98 per cent of policies cover the costs of medical treatment if you catch Covid while on holiday whilst 93 per cent also cover you if you must cancel a holiday because you have tested positive for Covid before you travel.

Meanwhile, 52 per cent will also cover cancellation if you are told by the NHS Test and Trace team to isolate because of being in close contact with an infected person, but without having caught the disease yourself.

Pre-travel cover: It is also important to ensure that you get a policy with pre-travel cover as there are currently lots of issues with cancellation cover, including cancelling due to a pre-existing illness or condition suffered by you or a member of your family, which you didn't tell the insurer about when you bought the policy.

Testing: One of the big costs at present is the cost of testing. Just 5 per cent will cover the cost of any tests taken as part of your holiday, if those tests prove positive.

Meanwhile, if you booked your travel through an ABTA travel agent or an ATOL flight operator, and the Government changes its advice and tells people not to travel, these organisations should either arrange alternative holidays or give you a refund or get you home.

Failing this, customers are likely to have to rely on their credit card provider to get them a refund. Insurers will not currently cover cancellation caused by the FCDO changing its travel advice.
Tobacco giant Imperial Brands lost some heat as it warned the lifting of lockdown restrictions is hitting cigarette sales.

The owner of Lambert & Butler and Rizla said that while the effects of the pandemic had benefited its cigarette business, this was 'beginning to reduce' as lockdown rules eased and would unravel further next year.

Imperial also said its cigarettes and cigars business is losing market share. Despite this, the company said it was on track to meet its full-year expectations, with revenues on course to grow by 1 per cent as a result of higher tobacco prices.

Stubbing it out: Imperial Brands said that while the effects of the pandemic had benefited its cigarette business, this was 'beginning to reduce' as lockdown rules eased

The group also flagged 'significantly reduced losses' in its new generation products (NGPs), which include its Pulze heated tobacco and blu vapour brands. Both are considered to be healthier than traditional cigarettes.

NGPs form a key plank of Imperial's five-year turnaround strategy laid out in January by new chief executive Stefan Bomhard.

The plans include an expansion of NGP sales in Europe and the US, as well as boosting profitability in the firm's top cigarette markets  the UK, US, Australia, Germany and Spain.

Stock Watch - Marshall Motor Car dealership Marshall Motor accelerated higher as it hiked its profit forecasts amid booming demand for second-hand vehicles. The company said that low supplies of new cars due to a shortage of computer microchips had caused the prices of used vehicles to surge. The firm flagged that in the third quarter of the year the value of second-hand cars rose by 13 per cent on average. As a result, Marshall said it expects to report a profit of at least 50million for 2021, 10million higher than its previous forecast last month. The shares surged 7.7 per cent, or 16p, to 224p.

'Imperial's pressing forward with its strategy to focus on quality rather than quantity when it comes to its global footprint... with the number of smokers dwindling, the only lever to pull is hiking prices.

Having a commanding market share and recognisable brand name is paramount', said Laura Hoy, an analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.

'Combustibles is still the growth engine, but NGPs is ultimately the future. So far, it's had a lukewarm reception, but management's managed to trim some of the fat by exiting less profitable markets.'

The shares declined 3.8 per cent, or 58.5p to 1495p as investors fretted about the risk to cigarette sales.

The FTSE 100 slumped 1.15 per cent, or 81.23 points to 6995.87, while the FTSE 250 tumbled 1.51 per cent, or 344.03 points, to 22,386.62.

Fears of 'stagflation'  or weak economic growth and rising prices  continued to haunt investors amid ongoing supply chain disruption and spiralling energy costs.

Matters were also not helped by wild swings in the price of natural gas.

Recruitment firm Page Group was one of the biggest mid-cap risers, jumping 7.8 per cent, or 48p to 660.5p as it hiked its profit guidance amid a post-pandemic rebound in the jobs market.

The company said growth had been spurred in its third quarter by a hiring boom in the tech industry, and it now expected an annual profit of 155million, up from previous estimates of between 125million and 135million.

The update got a positive reception from analysts at Kepler Cheuvreux, who said Page was 'very well positioned' to benefit from the reopening of the economy.

Banking giant HSBC got a lift, rising 3.4 per cent, or 13.3p to 406.3p after it was upgraded to 'buy' from 'neutral' by analysts at UBS, who also hiked their target price on the stock to 485p from 450p.

The broker said the company was at 'an inflection point' and that the shares were 'attractively valued'.

Construction firm Galliford Try said it had been added to a 1.6billion public sector framework that will cover new-build, refurbishment and infrastructure projects. Shares rose 0.3 per cent, or 6p to 173p.

Customer review website Trustpilot tumbled 8 per cent, or 30.6p, to 350.8p as one of its executives dumped just over 100,000 shares.

Donna Murray Vilhelmsen, chief people officer at the Copenhagen-based firm, purchased 68,172 shares at 43p each and another 39,000 at 51p each, paying a total of around 49,436.

She then sold these for 375p each, or 401,895 in total, netting her a profit of 352,459. The sale price was a 1.7 per cent discount to the company's closing price on Tuesday.
Blue Prism has entered a public spat with investor Coast Capital over its takeover by a US private equity giant.

The company, which makes tech to automate repetitive business tasks, has denied claims by Coast Capital that its board was biased and was selling the firm on the cheap.

Coast, which owns 2.8 per cent of Blue Prism, has claimed that management only agreed to the sale because of the huge pay day on offer, adding that they were not looking after the company's best interests.

Windfall: Blue Prism chairman and chief exec Jason Kingdon (pictured) has denied claims the firm was sold on the cheap

But Blue Prism said the offer process 'was led by an experienced board with the support of highly qualified, independent advisers'.

It added that the interests of directors and public shareholders 'were aligned'.

Blue Prism has agreed to be taken over by Texas-based Vista Equity Partners for 1.1billion, with chief executive Jason Kingdon and co-founders Alastair Bathgate and David Moss set to earn 130million between them. But opposition has grown since the deal was announced last week.

Top ten shareholder Hawk Ridge Capital Management has said it will vote against, saying that, like Coast, it believes the offer is too cheap.

David Brown, at Hawk Ridge Capital Management, said: 'It is a very low price based on our analysis.' Hawk Ridge, based in Los Angeles, owns 3.5 per cent of shares, making it the ninth largest shareholder.

The deal has also sparked outrage in Warrington where the firm is headquartered as Vista has said there will be job cuts following the deal.

Charlotte Nichols, Labour MP for Warrington North, slammed the takeover.

She said: 'This windfall for the previous bosses of Blue Prism is a bitter wind for their employees, including my constituents in Warrington.

'They now face the threat of losses of skilled jobs, including possible closure of the Warrington HQ.'

Nichols added: 'A quick buck for short-term private equity sharks is bad luck for long-term committed employees and the jobs market in our town.'

Other top shareholders yet to speak out include Columbia Threadneedle and Fidelity Management.

The UK has been under attack by pandemic predators this summer with supermarket Morrisons taken over by Clayton Dubilier & Rice and Ultra Electronics being bid for by US buyout group Advent.

Vista is run by American tycoon Robert Smith who is married to a former Playboy model Hope Dworaczyk and whose fortune stands at 5billion.

Smith's reputation was tarnished last year when he faced an inquiry over a failure to pay US taxes on 148million in assets, intended for US charities, that were transferred through offshore entities.

Last year Smith reached an agreement with the Department of Justice, agreeing to pay a fine of 102million.
Tesco shares soared after profits doubled and it announced a major share buyback.

As boss Ken Murphy insisted the business would overcome 'bumps in the road' related to supply problems this Christmas, the company unveiled first-half profits of 1.1billion, up 107 per cent on the same time last year.

Britain's biggest supermarket also said it would buy 500million of shares from investors in the next year as it pledged to grow dividends every year.

Soaring profits: Tesco boss Ken Murphy (pictured) has insisted the business would overcome 'bumps in the road' related to supply problems this Christmas

The results were seen as proof that last year's handover from former chief Dave Lewis to Murphy, 53, had been a success.

Murphy, previously at pharmaceuticals giant Walgreens Boots, was seen as a gamble for Tesco as he was relatively unknown.

But investors welcomed the latest update and sent shares up 5.9 per cent, or 15p, to 268.05p  the highest level since February  in a vote of confidence in his handling of the coronavirus crisis.

Murphy now faces another challenge for Christmas amidst shortages across the food and drink industry.

He insisted the business would overcome 'bumps in the road' and praised the 'resilience of our supply chain'.

The supermarket has ordered 10 per cent more turkeys than were bought last year to ensure demand is met.

Tesco said UK sales rose 1.2 per cent to 19.9billion in the six months to August 28, and its wholesale business Booker posted an 11 per cent increase in takings to 3.9billion.

Total group revenues were up 5.9 per cent to 30.4billion. Tesco expects full-year operating profits of between 2.5billion to 2.6billion compared with 1.8billion in the previous 12 months.

Profits were boosted by reduced Covid costs. The firm paid a 313million dividend, and said it will aim to grow the dividend per share each year, targeting a payout of around 50 per cent of total earnings.

The bumper profits came despite the company settling claims from institutional investors relating to Tesco's accounting scandal of 2014 for 193million.

It has taken the pandemic and private equity interest in the grocery sector for investors to enjoy significant share price increases.

The supermarket has so far seen off the threat of discounters Aldi and Lidl. Murphy hailed the success of the Aldi price match as he announced the return of 'everyday low prices' on 1,600 products.

The new boss has also focused on developing the supermarket's Clubcard, which now has over 20m members.

Tesco has committed to another 1billion in cost savings over three years to help fund investment.

The bank has also recovered, returning to a profit of 72million, against a 155million loss last year.
The accounting watchdog has launched an investigation into the audit of French Connection by Mazars.

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) said it was looking at the fashion chain's accounts for the year ending Jan 31, 2020.

It said the decision was made at a meeting of its conduct committee on July 20, with the case being handled by the FRC's enforcement division.

Audit probe: The Financial Reporting Council said it was looking at the fashion chain French Connection's accounts for the year ending Jan 31, 2020

It comes after French Connection on Monday agreed a 29million takeover by one of its biggest shareholders.

The group said it had negotiated a deal with Apinder Singh Ghura, who owns about 25.4 per cent of the business and is its second largest shareholder.

The sale comes after years of losses, with trading woes compounded by the pandemic.

The clothing brand, which was founded by chairman and chief executive Stephen Marks in 1972, saw underlying losses widen to 11.7million for the year to January 31 2021, compared with a 2.9million loss the year before.

Annual group revenues plunged by 40.4 per cent to 71.5million after coronavirus restrictions caused it to shut stores.

Mazars took over auditing for the year to Jan 2020, which is the subject of the FRC investigation, after replacing KPMG.

KPMG had handled the firm's audit since 1994, but the account was put out to tender under rules for auditor rotation.

Mazars said it was 'co-operating fully' with the FRC. It added: 'Respecting client confidentiality and due process, we will provide no further comment during the investigation.'
An inquiry into British Airways and Ryanair's failure to give refunds to customers banned from taking flights during lockdown due to Covid rules has been ended by the competition watchdog.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) began an investigation into the two airlines in June over concerns they were breaking consumer protection law, which entitles customers to refunds when flights are cancelled.

But the body stated that the law was not 'sufficiently clear' as to whether refunds should be given if flights go ahead, but customers are prevented from taking them.

Final decision: The competition body has ended a probe into BA and Ryanair's decision to not offer cash refunds to customers who were forced to miss uncancelled flights

It added that it could not justify continuing the probe because it was 'insufficiently certain' it would lead to BA and Ryanair customers receiving refunds and could take too long.

British Airways offered rebookings or vouchers to affected consumers during the pandemic while Ryanair just allowed rebookings, actions the CMA has claimed could have left customers 'unfairly out of pocket.'

Andrea Coscelli, the CMA's chief executive, said: 'We strongly believe people who are legally prevented from taking flights due to lockdown laws should be offered a full refund, and we launched this investigation in the hope that we would be able to secure a positive outcome for consumers.

'However, after considering the relevant law and gathering evidence in our investigation, we have concluded that the length of time that would be required to take this case through the courts, and the uncertain outcome, can no longer justify the further expense of public money.'

The CMA's probe followed a broader investigation into refund policies within the airline industry, as well as multiple package travel companies, including Teletext Holidays, TUI UK, and Lastminute.com.

Tens of thousands of Britons have already been refunded money for cancelled trips after the competition watchdog secured commitments from package holiday businesses.

Wider remit: The CMA's probe followed a broader investigation into refund policies within the airline industry, as well as probes into multiple package travel companies

More than 44,000 LoveHolidays customers who had their trips aborted received over 18million in refunds from the firm after hundreds of them sent complaints to the CMA about waiting for refunds.

LoveHolidays had promised to pay the customers once it received payments from the airlines, but the CMA stated this breached laws requiring consumers to receive refunds within two weeks of cancellation irrespective of whether airlines have paid the money.

Airlines have also paid millions in refunds for aborted flights. A BA representative said today that the company had issued nearly 4 million refunds since the coronavirus pandemic started.

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for Ryanair said the airline 'welcomes the CMA's decision to close its investigation. We operated a limited schedule during UK lockdowns for customers who travelled for essential reasons.

Refunds: Multiple package holiday firms, including TUI UK, have reached agreements with the CMA to refund Britons who could not go on holiday due to lockdown restrictions

'Passengers had the option to change their bookings without paying the flight change fee and many availed of this option.'

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said the CMA's decision was 'not the outcome the nation wanted,' and BA and Ryanair had potentially 'escaped what could have been a nasty and very lengthy battle.'

He added: 'It's surprising for the Competition and Markets Authority to say the probe would have been too lengthy and costly due to the complexities involved.

'It's effectively saying, 'we'll do our job but only if each task doesn't take too long and isn't expensive to carry out.' The airlines will welcome the decision as the last thing they wanted was a new barrage of refund requests and potentially a chunky fine.

'The industry is still in a fragile state financially as ongoing restrictions on travel continue to make it hard for them to operate efficiently, and many consumers also can't be bothered to book flights because of the ever-changing rules around testing.'
The successful prosecution of Natwest over money laundering failings will act as a stark warning to banks, according to City lawyers.

In a case brought by the Financial Conduct Authority, Natwest was charged after failing to prevent 365million of money allegedly being laundered by a single customer.

The bank pleaded guilty to three breaches of anti-money laundering rules at Westminster Magistrates' Court yesterday.

Guilty: In a case brought by the Financial Conduct Authority, Natwest was charged after failing to prevent 365m of money allegedly being laundered by a single customer

It marked the FCA's first major win on money laundering and a new phase in the watchdog's charge against shoddy practices and weak links in the City.

The FCA has previously been branded 'toothless' by MPs, as the number of cases it pursued, and the size of fines it levied, were dwarfed by international peers such as America's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

But Natwest, which is still majority-owned by the taxpayer following its bailout during the financial crisis, is facing a multi-million-pound fine.

A judge will decide the final penalty during sentencing later this year, but the FCA claims Natwest should have to cough up 340million.

This would consist of a 170million fine for damages caused, doubled due to Natwest's culpability.

Neil Williams, deputy head of complex crime at Reeds Solicitors, said: 'Today's plea by Natwest marks a milestone for the FCA.

This was the first time that it [the FCA] had begun criminal proceedings under the 2007 [money laundering] regulations.'

Williams said there had been a perception in the City in the past that the FCA was ineffective.

He said: 'If you do the comparison with international peers on the levies imposed or the number of prosecutions pursued, the FCA pales into comparison. There has been a reluctance to use the powers it has.'

But Natwest's public shaming will strike fear into other major banks, Williams said, and will force them to clean up their act.

He added: 'There will no doubt be other institutions monitoring proceedings with interest, and [the case] should have compliance departments reviewing their own procedures to ensure adherence to the regulations. The message from the FCA is clear: comply or face court.'

The win against Natwest will come as a boost to the FCA's new boss Nikhil Rathi, who has promised that the watchdog will become more aggressive in its pursuit of wrongdoing.

British lenders have been prosecuted abroad for money laundering before. HSBC agreed to pay a 1.2billion fine to regulators in the US in 2012 after admitting it had served as a middleman for Mexican drug cartels.

But until now the FCA had not brought any prosecutions under the anti-money laundering powers it was given 14 years ago.
British Airways has reached an agreement with pilots over a potential short-haul subsidiary at Gatwick Airport.

Pilots' union Balpa said its members had approved a revised offer on pay and working hours after an initial proposal was rejected last month.

The decision does not mean the subsidiary will definitely go ahead as BA is yet to reach agreements with other parties such as cabin crew.

Take-off: Pilots' union Balpa said its members had approved a revised offer on pay and working hours for BA's proposed Gatwick subsidiary after an initial proposal was rejected last month

A spokesman for the airline said: 'We will now further develop our proposal to provide a full-service short-haul subsidiary operation at Gatwick, offering competitive fares to our customers.

'We would hope to begin operations next summer.'

Most of BA's short-haul flights from the West Sussex airport have been suspended since March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

BA said the flights were loss-making even before the virus crisis, and they would only restart if there was 'a competitive and sustainable operating cost base'.
Woke world: Designer Stella McCartney is the green queen of British fashion

Stella McCartney is the green queen of British fashion, a designer who sells her corporate brand and her expensive clothes on the alluring concept of glamour with a conscience. Father Sir Paul was on the front row at her label's fashion show in Paris this week, sitting next to French actress Isabelle Huppert.

Hollywood star Demi Moore was also among the guests, who cooed with delight over bags made from mushroom skin grown in a lab in eco-friendly conditions. A passion for the environment is exactly what one might expect from the vegetarian daughter of the former Beatle and his late animal rights activist wife Linda.

Stella has had some less welcome publicity, however, as the company that bears her name has been embroiled in a dispute with Stanley Gibbons.

The world-famous coin and stamps company has been left out of pocket after a rent dispute with McCartney's business, which had been sub-letting a shop from Stanley Gibbons on Manhattan's swanky Madison Avenue.

Under an agreement in the summer, McCartney's firm paid part of the bill.

Nonetheless, Stanley Gibbons said last month that the shortfall had pushed one of its subsidiaries in the US into administration.

Each of the two businesses bear the names of their founders, but they have little else in common. This is a clash between two very distinct commercial cultures.

Stella  a 50-year-old mother of four whose friends include Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna and Kate Moss  is the archetypal celebrity entrepreneur. Her image and her famous name are key selling points for her high-priced wares.

At her flagship store on London's Old Bond Street, the atmosphere is  literally  rarefied.

A special ventilation system developed by a team of atmospheric chemists, airflow engineers and sensor developers from London and Copenhagen has been installed, lest customers inhale any noxious fumes. Such eco-pampering does not come cheap and neither do the outfits.

This season's offerings include small shoulder bags costing more than 1,200, trainers for just under 500 and the Magnolia Dress, a cobalt blue and black creation in sustainable viscose with a cut-out in the midriff area.

Then there are the 950 Over-The-Knee Duck City Glitter Boots, which with their round toes and flared high heels resemble something Slade would have worn in their 1970s pomp.

This exquisitely cool, woke world could not be further from the rather fusty aura of stamp-collecting that permeates Stanley Gibbons  though what that company lacks in modernity and gloss it makes up for in affection.

Its much-loved store on The Strand in central London, opposite the Savoy Hotel, has been a site of pilgrimage for generations of collectors, from schoolboys to serious philatelists.

First-class feud: Stamp dealer Edward Stanley Gibbons (above left) and a Penny Red stamp - one of only five in existence

Stella, as an individual, is separate from the business and cannot be held personally responsible for paying its bills.

But a settlement was reached between Stanley Gibbons and the fashion house in the summer over the unpaid rent on the sublet Manhattan store. The terms are not known.

The stamp company executives, however, might well be wondering why the McCartney firm did not simply pay its bill.

After all, it is backed by the multi-billion pound luxury conglomerate LVMH, which has a stake of just under 50 per cent.

Back in April, before the settlement, Stanley Gibbons said acidly in a statement to the Stock Exchange that 'despite being backed by one of the largest and most profitable businesses in the world,'the Stella McCartney company was attempting to 'walk away from their lease commitments without making any form of restitution.'

Stella McCartney declined to comment. Her camp, however, would no doubt take issue with the idea her company simply 'walked away'. They could justifiably point out that they in fact engaged in negotiations that led a deal to settle part of the lease obligations.

McCartney's company was certainly not the only one to be entangled in rent wrangles. Many businesses found themselves in a similar situation due to Covid-19.

She opened her first New York store in Manhattan's then super-cool Meatpacking District in 2002 and subsequently moved to nearby SoHo.

In 2016, she took on the lease of the store at the centre of the row on Madison Avenue from Malletts, an antique dealer owned by Stanley Gibbons, that ran until 2027.

This Upper East Side branch was supposed to showcase her clothes to New York's moneyed and conservative 'uptown girls'.

The property sits just north of an elegant shopping corridor between 57th and 72nd streets that estate agents call Manhattan's 'Gold Coast'.

A Stella McCartney model with a mushroom skin bag

Stella's company took over 4,340 sq ft of space, comprising the ground and first floors of a five-storey Victorian terraced building and lost no time in embarking on a lavish refit.

Inevitably, the focus was on 'sustainability' with decor in 'handmade and organic materials', including fluted ceramic tiles and reclaimed farmhouse timber.

But when Covid-19 struck last year and the store was forced to close, her business stopped paying the rent.

The settlement with Stanley Gibbons is understood to have been significantly less than the full liabilities over the lifetime of the lease, which runs to 2027 and not enough to satisfy the stamp company's liability to the ultimate landlord, the wealthy Goldman family.

As a result, Stanley Gibbons had to put its American offshoot into a bankruptcy protection arrangement known as Chapter 11.

To the relief of its loyal devotees, it is only the US subsidiary Malletts that has been hit.

The main UK business of Stanley Gibbons is not going under. That firm is listed on the London stock market and is backed by asset manager Phoenix, which owns a controlling stake.

But the rent affair has raised some tricky questions for McCartney. What price her business's ambitions to create an ethical brand if the company does not abide by the most basic of commercial principles, namely to pay its bills?

It, like many fashion retailers, has suffered in the pandemic. Her company was making a loss prior to Covid.

In 2019, the red ink at Stella McCartney Ltd hit nearly 32million.

Despite this, she still paid herself just over 2.4million  though in fairness, that was less than the 3.6million she received the previous year and she did not take a dividend of 531,000 that had been awarded in 2018.

In a very unusual move, its auditor has raised a red flag over the most recent accounts.

Accountants Mazars, who were appointed in June last year, slapped a 'qualification' on the figures. Basically, the bean counters issued a warning that they were unable to verify that the accounts gave a true and fair view of the financial position.

Qualifications are rare and only happen when auditors have very serious concerns. These centred around stock, which the company said was worth nearly 4million.

Mazars said they could not vouch for the valuation, as they had not been present at the stock-checking, which took place before they were hired.

The qualifications appear to relate to the transition to LVMH but it would certainly be very concerning if they were repeated in the next accounts.

However, LVMH, which bought a sizeable minority stake in 2019, is a French behemoth valued at more than 270billion.

The accounts of parent company Anin Star, which was set up in July 2019 when McCartney embarked on her partnership with LVMH, were also qualified.

The auditors said they 'were unable to determine whether adequate accounting records had been kept'. Previously, Stella's business was in a joint venture with rival luxury group Kering, which owns the Gucci and Yves St Laurent brands.

Stanley Gibbons, with a heritage dating back to 1856, has survived bigger threats than wayward tenants. Philately has not been immune from the pandemic, and the company made a 4.1million pre tax loss in the year to the end of March.

But having traded through innumerable recessions, not to mention a bomb blast in the Second World War, it has survived worse.

To some, the decision to stop paying rent will seem a sound, though hard-nosed commercial judgment. For Britain's most famous green fashionista, however, it's not the best look.
The end of the Governments furlough scheme did not lead to a significant rise in job losses, figures suggested yesterday.

MPs, unions and think tanks had warned of hundreds of thousands of redundancies when the scheme closed at the end of September.

But in news welcomed by the Government, the number of firms planning redundancies remained close to record lows.

Redundancies in September were 13,836, down from 81,670 a year earlier and close to the 12,687 figure in August, according to the Redundancy Payments Service

Notifications for redundancies in September were 13,836, down from 81,670 a year earlier and close to the 12,687 figure in August, according to the Redundancy Payments Service (RPS).

Employers must tell the RPS 30 days before making more than 20 redundancies.

The Government paid the wages of nearly 12m furloughed workers and was praised for supporting jobs and incomes during the pandemic.

There were around 1.3m still furloughed when the scheme ended, the Treasury said.

Liberal Democrat treasury spokesman Christine Jardine had urged Chancellor Rishi Sunak to extend the scheme by six months for sectors hit particularly hard by the pandemic including air travel.

TUC general secretary Frances OGrady had called for ministers to rethink the end of furlough. But Sunak yesterday said millions had moved off the scheme and back into work.
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Carrollton, GA (30117)

Today

Clouds and some sun this morning with more clouds for this afternoon. Slight chance of an afternoon shower. High 71F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds. Low 34F. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph.
Cresaptown, MD (21502)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. Slight chance of an afternoon shower. High 64F. Winds W at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. A shower of rain or wet snow possible. Low 32F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph.
Barre, VT (05641)

Today

Cloudy with occasional rain during the afternoon. High 62F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Cloudy with occasional rain...mainly this evening. Low 34F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
Princeton, KY (42445)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun. High near 50F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

A clear sky. Low 27F. Winds light and variable.
Bays Mountain Parks new amphitheater, expected to be complete in 2022, will have a lower level with restrooms and changing rooms, outdoor seating for 341 occupants and ADA parking. The new amphitheater will be about the same size as the current one, but it will be located closer to the parks Nature Center.
Jake Carr, shown here, is an intern with biotechnology company Solar Biotech. The firm will be one of several area employers participating in the Virginia Employment Commission Job Fair at Mountain Empire Community College on Friday, Oct. 8 from 10 a.m.  2 p.m.
This is a tentative location and layout of a Career Technical Education Center Hawkins County Schools plans for the Phipps Bend Industrial Park near Surgoinsville. Located at the intersection of Technology Drive and Phipps Bend Road, the roughly 27,000-square-foot facility may cost between $5 million and $7 million but likely no more than $10 million, school system CTE Supervisor Brandon Williams said.
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Colombia deployed a new unit of 14,000 military personnel on Wednesday to increase government control of a conflict hotspot near the Venezuelan border, where multiple armed groups compete for control of cocaine production.

The new unit, known by CENOR, deployed in the northeastern province of Norte de Santander, is the largest in Colombias recent history.

During a ceremony on Wednesday to mark CENORs launch, President Ivan Duque said the unit will look to crush drug trafficking and terrorism, as well as toppling financing for organized crime.

CENOR will confront dissident members of the demobilized FARC rebels who reject a 2016 peace deal, guerrillas from the National Liberation Army (ELN), and criminal groups including the Clan del Gulfo, which compete to control crops of coca, the chief ingredient of cocaine.

The province is one of Colombias most violent regions and the site of recent high-profile attacks.

In June FARC dissidents detonated a car bomb in a military base near Cucuta, injuring dozens. Later that month shots were fired at a helicopter carrying Duque.

The deployment will be accompanied by investments to tackle poverty and substitution and eradication programs to put an end to illegal crops, the government says.

Colombias nearly six-decade armed conflict has killed more than 260,000 people dead and displaced millions.

The Andean country has long accused neighboring Venezuela of sheltering illegal armed groups and allowing drug trafficking to take place in exchange for a cut of the profits. Venezuelas President Nicolas Maduro has denied the accusations.

We need to make sure there is no collusion  like we have seen on the part of the Venezuelan dictatorship  in the border region to sponsor drug trafficking and other international crime, Duque said.

SOURCE: REUTERS
Taiwan will ensure regional peace and stability and seeks to work with other like-minded democracies, President Tsai Ing-wen told senior French and Australian dignitaries on Thursday, days after a dramatic spike in tensions with China.

The trips by four French senators and former Australian prime minister Tony Abbott come after four straight days, beginning last Friday, of massed Chinese air force incursions into Taiwans air defence zone, moves met with concern by Washington and its allies.

Democratically ruled Taiwan has sought support from other democracies, especially the United States and it allies, amid the growing military and political pressure from China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory.

Speaking at the presidential office to the French senators, lead by former defence minister Alain Richard, Tsai thanked France for its concern about the situation in the Taiwan Strait and support for its international participation.

We will continue to fulfil our responsibilities as members of the international community to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. We also hope to make more contributions to the world along with France, she added.

Richard discussed the essential contribution of Taiwan in the important field of human progress but did not mention the rising military tensions with China in remarks carried live on the presidential offices Facebook page.

Tsai gave a similar message in later remarks to Abbott, who told her he was in Taiwan to help end its international isolation, praising its democracy and handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of course not everyone and not everywhere is pleased at Taiwans progress, and I do note that Taiwan is challenged on an almost daily basis by its giant neighbour, Abbott said.

The French senators arrived in Taiwan on Wednesday, despite the strong objections of China which is always angered by visits of foreign officials.

Richard, head of the French Senates Taiwan Friendship Group, was the countrys defence minister from 1997 to 2002 under President Jacques Chirac.

Tsai said Taiwan was very moved Richard decided to come, despite what she described as pressure  a reference to China.

In March, the Chinese embassy in Paris warned against lawmakers meeting Taiwanese officials, prompting a rebuff from the French foreign ministry, which said French senators are free to meet whomever they wish when they travel.

Tsai did not directly mention the recent Chinese air force activities in public comments at her meetings with the senators or Abbott.

Neither France nor Australia have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, like most countries.

Separately, Taiwans foreign ministry said it would pay close attention to a planned summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the United States being Taiwans most important backer.

We will continue to coordinate closely with the United States in Taipei and Washington to ensure that U.S. policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged, said ministry spokeswoman Joanne Ou.

Taiwans government has denounced Chinas moves against it, and says it will defend the islands freedom and democracy, and that only Taiwans people can decide their future.

SOURCE: REUTERS
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday the only approved vaccine against malaria should be widely given to African children, potentially marking a major advance against a disease that kills hundreds of thousands of people annually.

The WHO recommendation is for RTS,S  or Mosquirix  a vaccine developed by British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline.

Since 2019, 2.3 million doses of Mosquirix have been administered to infants in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi in a large-scale pilot programme coordinated by the WHO. The majority of those whom the disease kills are aged under five.

That programme followed a decade of clinical trials in seven African countries.

This is a vaccine developed in Africa by African scientists and were very proud, said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

Using this vaccine in addition to existing tools to prevent malaria could save tens of thousands of young lives each year, he added, referring to anti-malaria measures like bed nets and spraying.

Malaria is far more deadly than COVID-19 in Africa. It killed 386,000 Africans in 2019, according to a WHO estimate, compared with 212,000 confirmed deaths from COVID-19 in the past 18 months.

The WHO says 94% of malaria cases and deaths occur in Africa, a continent of 1.3 billion people. The preventable disease is caused by parasites transmitted to people by the bites of infected mosquitoes; symptoms include fever, vomiting and fatigue.

The vaccines effectiveness at preventing severe cases of malaria in children is only around 30%, but it is the only approved vaccine. The European Unions drugs regulator approved it in 2015, saying its benefits outweighed the risks.

This is how we fight malaria, layering imperfect tools on top of each other, said Ashley Birkett, who leads global malaria vaccine work at Path, a non-profit global health organization that has funded the development of the vaccine with GSK and the three-country pilot.

Another vaccine against malaria, developed by scientists at Britains University of Oxford and called R21/Matrix-M, showed up to 77% efficacy in a year-long study involving 450 children in Burkina Faso, researchers said in April, but it is still in the trial stages.

GSK also welcomed the WHO recommendation.

This long-awaited landmark decision can reinvigorate the fight against malaria in the region at a time when progress on malaria control has stalled, Thomas Breuer, Chief Global Health Officer, said in a statement.

GSK shares held steady in New York following the announcement, which came after the close of trading in its London-listed shares.

FUNDING CHALLENGE

The recommendation was jointly announced in Geneva by the WHOs top advisory bodies for malaria and immunization, the Malaria Policy Advisory Group and the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization.

Experts said the challenge now would be mobilising financing for production and distribution of the vaccine to some of the worlds poorest countries.

GSK has to date committed to produce 15 million doses of Mosquirix annually, in addition to the 10 million doses donated to the WHO pilot programmes, up to 2028 at a cost of production plus no more than 5% margin.

A global market study led by the WHO this year projected demand for a malaria vaccine would be 50 to 110 million doses per year by 2030 if it is deployed in areas with moderate to high transmission of the disease.

The GAVI vaccine alliance, a global public-private partnership, will consider in December whether and how to finance the vaccination programme.

As weve seen from the COVID vaccine, where there is political will, there is funding available to ensure that vaccines are scaled to the level they are needed, said Kate OBrien, Director of WHOs Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals.

A source familiar with planning for the vaccines development said the price per dose was not yet set, but would be confirmed after GAVIs funding decision and once there is a clear sense of demand for the vaccine.

The WHOs decision had personal meaning for Dr. Rose Jalongo, a vaccinology specialist at the Kenyan health ministry.

I suffered from malaria as a child and during my internship, and during my clinical years I attended to children in hospital because of severe malaria who needed blood transfusion and unfortunately some of them died.

Its a disease I have grown up with and, seeing all this in my lifetime, its an exciting time.

SOURCE: REUTERS
LAKE GEORGE  Walking through Charles Wood Park this winter might confuse you or have you thinking Elsa and Anna from Frozen are about to pop out because ice castles are no longer particular to their fantasy land of Arendelle.

This winter, Lake George will house a stunning glacial kingdom from January through March. The county contributed $50,000 to have Ice Castles  an event never before put on in New York  build a frosty wonderland of castles, tunnels, caverns, slides and sculptures made entirely out of icicles.

The displays feature icy walkways for visitors to wander through, some staged with glowing LED lights reminiscent of the aurora, and a one-acre castle hand-constructed with more than 20 million pounds of ice, according to a press release.

The event, part of Lake Georges Winterfest promotion, will kick off in January, coinciding with the winter carnival and be open Thursdays through Mondays in the evenings at Charles Wood Park. Tickets are available on the Ice Castles website starting at $16 for children and $21 for adults.

Ice Castles has only offered its frosty creations in five other states, most of which are not in the Northeast. Chief Executive Officer Kyle Standifird said theyre excited to bring the magic to Lake George.

Our mission is to create a fun and safe outdoor experience where people can escape from the hustle of daily life for a moment and step into a frozen fairy tale world, he said in the release.

The team consists of 20 ice artisans who spend roughly 3,000 hours crafting the spectacle with thousands of icicles they harvest. After all is said and done, the castle melts and its water flows into the lake.

AJ Mellor/Courtesy of Ice Castles

Ice Castles Founder Brent Christensen chose Lake George as its next location, in part, because of its natural water source and weather patterns. Christensen said they originally considered Lake Placid because of its chilling conditions but ultimately forfeited the few degrees difference for Lake George because they had more support there.

He said local chamber and Warren County officials really wanted to bring Ice Castles in and Lake Georges picturesque setting not too far from other major hubs such as Boston, Canada and New York City, pushed him over the tipping point for his pick.

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While this is Ice Castles' debut in the area, it may not be the last. Gina Mintzer, executive director of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce said the county is working to iron out a multi-year contract that would bring the exhibit back for several winters.

Mintzer expects the event to be a hit that will boost the economy.

They conservatively estimated that they would probably see 90,000 people come through there over the span of eight or 10 weeks, she said. We look at the economic impact or return on that investment as 900-fold.

With so many people passing through and coming for the ice-capped wonderland, the chamber anticipates many will spend time and money visiting other attractions, retail shops and eateries -- and the winter spectacular could elevate Lake George to become the year-round tourist destination it desires to be.
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Gov. Kathy Hochul, citing Wednesday's three-year anniversary of the Schoharie limousine crash that killed 20 people, announced she has appointed four members to a Stretch Limousine Passenger Safety Task Force that had never been fully set up. (TU)

A federal judge in Brooklyn spared longtime NXIVM bookkeeper Kathy Russell prison time when he sentenced her to 24 months of probation and 200 hours of community service for visa fraud Wednesday, marking the final sentencing in the more than three-year case against Keith Raniere and five disciples of his Capital Region-based personal growth organization. (TU)
COLONIE  Suburbia's turn toward the Democrats has been one of the most important trends in American politics in recent years, and few places have illustrated that shift better than Colonie.

Once considered solidly Republican, the town gave more than 60 percent of its vote to Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. And while the two major parties had roughly equal numbers of registered voters a decade ago, Democrats now have a 22,775 to 14,732 advantage.

You could look at those numbers and reasonably conclude that Republicans are unlikely to win a significant town-wide election in Colonie. But Peter Crummey, the Republican running for town supervisor, might be about to prove that assumption wrong.

I haven't seen polling, but it's easy to assume that Crummey is the favorite in his race against Kelly Mateja. The money certainly favors Crummey, who has raised about three times more than his opponent. The affable former town judge and county legislator is also widely known and liked, while Mateja is more of a political newcomer.

In other words, Crummey is ready to plant a big red flag right in the heart of the region  in its second-largest community by population and (arguably) its economic center. In deep-blue Albany County, that would be no small thing.

And remarkably, the town's longtime Democratic supervisor, Paula Mahan, seems OK with it.

Mahan, who declined to run for an eighth term, has not endorsed a candidate in the race. When I talked to her Wednesday, Mahan mentioned her good relationship with Crummey and his depth of experience while expressing her displeasure with what she described as the nastiness of Mateja's campaign.

"I don't share the same philosophy and approach," Mahan said of Mateja. "I won't participate in that kind of campaign."

Ouch!

In a sense, what's happening in Colonie is an example of the tension between moderate and liberal wings of the Democratic Party  a Joe Manchin versus Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez kind of thing, if you will. Mahan, a former Republican, is decidedly moderate, while Mateja is much more of a progressive.

What's funny, though, is that it's sometimes hard to discern a difference between Crummey and Mateja on the issues.

Both are emphasizing bread-and-butter concerns like road repairs, responsible growth and the preservation of open space. Neither is talking about overturning the apple cart in a town where most residents are generally satisfied.

Yes, there's frustration in parts of the town with traffic and the pace and style of development. (No municipality in the region added more housing units from 2010 to 2020 than Colonie, according to the Capital District Regional Planning Commission.) But that growth and popularity also suggest the town is doing something right, does it not?

As Mateja noted when we spoke, sprawling Colonie is difficult to stereotype. The concerns in older parts of the town  Menands and West Albany, for example  are very different than those of the Boght Corners area, and a once-size-fits-all approach is the wrong way to go.

Mateja, 46, a former town planner and self-described wonk, argued her experience in the nitty-gritty of policy makes her best able to tackle the town's needs and complexity. The Loudonville resident also suggested that Crummey's commitment to planning issues is thin.

"A goal without a plan is a wish, and I feel like we've done a lot of wishing in Colonie," Mateja said. "It's time for a plan."

If Mateja wins this race, despite Crummey's financial and name recognition advantages, it would be easy to conclude Colonie is pretty much lost to Republicans. (Albany County Democratic Chair Jacob Crawford said as much when talking to my colleague Steve Hughes about the race.)

But Mateja suggested that party won't matter much.

"I believe in reproductive rights for women and that Joe Biden is our president," she told me. "But that's not what people in Colonie care about."

I read that quote to Crummey, and it provoked a monologue about ugly divisiveness in politics that ended with him citing Robert Frost and noting his desire to choose the less traveled road of civility. Yet the former judge, who is 65 and also lives in Loudonville, agreed broader differences between Republicans and Democrats won't matter much in the race.

"People just want a competent leader," Crummey said. "The divisiveness you and I see on the national level should have no place in town government."

Agreed. And here's to a competitive race and good, old-fashioned democracy. Albany voters should be jealous.

cchurchill@timesunion.com  518-454-5442  @chris_churchill
PRATTSVILLE  Environmental groups are urging the state to allow for more public comment on a controversial biofuel plant proposed in the central Catskills.

The 115,000-square foot plant, proposed by Hughes Energy, would convert organic garbage into a material that could be burned as a biofuel or used in place of paper products. Hughes Energy argues the new technology will help New York reach the climate goals laid out in the ambitious Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act by taking waste that would otherwise sit in landfills, producing the greenhouse gas methane, and refashioning it into usable products.

However, regional environmental groups and many residents are wary of the proposal, concerned about how the plant could affect the beauty of the Catskill Mountains and the quality of the New York City reservoir system. The plant would be less than 2,000 feet from the Schoharie Creek, which feeds a system supplying drinking water to a million Hudson Valley residents and most of New York City.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation, which is in charge of approving the project, determined on Sept. 20 the project had enough potential negative consequences to its surroundings to require a full environmental impact statement  a lengthy document in which the applicant spells out how to mitigate the potential negative impacts.

Wes Gillingham, the associate director for the environmental group Catskill Mountainkeeper, said it makes "absolute sense" for Hughes Energy to go through a full impact statement.

"What Ive always said about this project is, the devils in the details  it really needs to be looked at," he said. "Thats a huge structure theyre talking about building in a very rural area."

The DEC determined four types of negative impacts the plant may have on its surroundings: the potential for significant traffic impacts, noise impacts, odor impacts and impacts on water resources.

Hughes Energy CEO Dane McSpedon said the company had been "prepared for any eventuality" while awaiting the DEC's decision on whether to order a full environmental impact statement.

"We're not surprised in any way  given a project of this size  for the DEC to want to to be very thorough," he said.

Hughes Energy must now submit an initial, "scoping" document to the DEC laying out what issues they will address in their full impact statement. The public then has 30 days write the DEC with comments on this document.

On Wednesday, Catskill Mountainkeeper, the environmental group Riverkeeper, and Don't Trash the Catskills, a grassroots group opposing the plant, sent a letter to the DEC requesting that the 30-day public comment period be extended to 90 days "due to the complicated and novel nature of the proposal, and its potential for enormous impact on the environment and millions of people."

"The local community is particularly concerned about the projects potential impact on their health and safety, economy, local environment, and aesthetic character of the area," according to the letter.

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The groups also requested a chance for the public to give oral testimony, as opposed to only being able to give comment in writing.

In-person oral testimony would be more equitable, Gillingham said, as many residents in the area don't have good internet connections, making it harder for them to email, or to participate in any testimony remotely.

McSpedon said he expected the full environmental review, from the scoping document to completion, to take anywhere from six to 12 months, adding the DEC had been "very fair and open."

According to documents submitted to the DEC by Hughes Energy, organic waste would be trucked to the plant from transfer stations within a 50-mile radius, then dumped into the facility, checked for additional hazardous materials, then moved into a giant autoclave, a machine that pressurizes and heats materials. After an hour, the organic material would be converted into a fibrous mush, which would be separated from any remaining recyclables and dried and condensed into a material that could replace paper, coal, or wood pellets.

The plant would divert 176,000 tons of garbage from landfills each year, according to the documents.

Hughes Energy held two information sessions over the summer where residents, often raucous, expressed distrust and anger at the company and the project, questioning its impact on traffic, visual and olfactory aesthetics, wildlife, and drinking water.

A petition against the project started by Don't Trash the Catskills had 1,241 signatures by Thursday.
ALBANY  Attorney Warren Redlich served on the Guilderland town board. He ran for governor in 2010 as a Libertarian Party candidate. He once sued controversial political consultant Roger Stone.

And now, living in south Florida, Redlich wants to stop practicing law in New York.

But appellate justices in Albany will not allow it.

In a decision Thursday, the Appellate Division of state Supreme Courts Third Department denied Redlichs application to resign from the New York bar for non-disciplinary reasons.

The decision said Redlich, an attorney since 1995 now living in Boca Raton, has been delinquent this year in meeting his requirements as a New York-registered attorney. He failed to register for a biennial period beginning in 2021.

In as much as Redlich is therefore subject to potential disciplinary action, he is ineligible for nondisciplinary resignation and his application must be denied, stated the ruling authored by Presiding Justice Elizabeth Garry and Justices Christine Clark, Sharon Aarons, Molly Reynolds Fitzgerald and John Colangelo.

The Third Department allows lawyers who are eligible to resign for non-disciplinary reasons.

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Following his run for governor, Redlich unsuccessfully sued Stone, political consultant Michael Caputo and former Republican gubernatorial candidate Carl Paladino. Redlich accused Stone, who was Palladinos campaign manager, of being behind mailers that alleged Redlich was a sick twisted pervert and public danger based solely on a blog post by Redlich about a Miley Cyrus photo shoot that opined on sexual provocativeness and underage girls. The mailer also contained Redlichs address.
ALBANY  First, Jesse Clarence Odum robbed a Delmar bank wearing a pair of sunglasses that contained his fingerprints.

Then the Florida man discarded the shades behind the bank, which left a trail for investigators to identify and arrest him.

On Thursday, Odum pleaded guilty via a remote appearance in U.S. District Court in Albany to an indictment charging him with the robbery of the Pioneer Bank at 184 Delaware Ave. on May 2, 2015 just after 9 a.m. Federal prosecutors in Albany announced the guilty plea, which followed a probe by Bethlehem police and the FBI.

On the morning of the robbery, Odum admitted, he walked into the bank, stopped at the counter, handed over a note, told the teller to be silent and asked for $10,000. The teller handed over $5,000, prosecutors said.

A federal complaint said Odum, of Pensacola, left a polo shirt and sunglasses behind the bank that matched those seen on the bank security video of the robbery. Police took four latest fingerprints off the sunglasses and took them to the State Police laboratory where they matched FBI information on Odum.

Two bank tellers who were present during the robbery identified Odum as the robber, the complaint said.

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Odum's attorney asked for time served, noting Odum has been in federal custody since May 2015.

Odum will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mae D'Agostino on Feb. 4.
NASSAU  The state Department of Environmental Conservation designated property on Route 203 as a State Superfund site, the second polluted location in the town to be identified as environmentally hazardous.

The Route 203 location joins the Dewey Loeffel Landfill, a federal Superfund site, as being named as severely contaminated with materials including suspected carcinogens. Dewey Loeffel was named a Superfund site in 2011.

We consider it based on the context to be related, but its being treated as a separate Superfund site, Supervisor David Fleming said Wednesday. We have an opportunity to clean it up correctly and for it to be the gold standard for cleanup,

The Dewey Loeffel Landfill is considered a toxic dump as a result of an estimated 46,000 tons of industrial waste buried there. The toxic materials included industrial solvents, waste oil, PCBs, scrap materials, sludge and solids.

DEC said that the Superfund designation for the Route 203 location indicates it is a site that presents a significant threat to public health and/or the environment. Nassau officials said the site been under investigation by DEC, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other agencies since 2018.

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The reasons for the designation include that the on-site soil, groundwater, and pond sediments are contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls, volatile organic compounds, and metals above standards, criteria, and guidance levels, according to the agency notice. It is believed that trucks that hauled materials to the Dewey Loeffel Landfill may have been washed out at the Route 203 location, causing contamination, according to the town.

"The stigma of a new Superfund site is certainly unwelcome on its face but I also believe it is an opportunity to use this cleanup as a new chapter to learn from the toxic legacy of fumbled remediations the federal and state governments had attempted in the past, Fleming said.
SARATOGA SPRINGS  The Saratoga Springs police chief apologized Thursday for his officers blocking public access to City Court during activist arraignments last month.

Officers stopped the public from entering the court on Sept. 21. when four Black Lives Matter activists were being arraigned. Family members and other supporters of the activists complained when they were barred from observing the court session.

Chief Shane Crooks said officers should not have stopped the public from entering the courtroom.

An investigation concerning the restriction of public access to City Court on September 21, 2021 has revealed that such restriction was improper and resulted from a misunderstanding in communication between on-duty members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department, he said in a written statement.

He did not explain the misunderstanding. Crooks' statement was a rare moment, as the chief himself has been mostly silent while city officials and his officers have had clashes with activists over their protests downtown, as well as concerning activist demands for equality and inclusion in city government.

At the time on Sept. 21, police said a judge had closed the courtroom. Court officials said that was not true. Police then said the court had passed on information to them that led them to think they had to bar access, which court officials also said was not true.

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Crooks acknowledged that the courtroom was supposed to stay open.

At no time did City Court ask the Police Department to restrict access, he said in his statement. As the Chief of Police, I apologize for the error, and have taken all appropriate measures to ensure that it will not occur again.

Activists have asserted that they have been barred from city court at other times as well. They have also highlighted the treatment of arrested activists, some of whom were shackled in the courtroom for arraignments on misdemeanor charges.

Four activists turned themselves in for their Sept. 21 arraignments after being told they were being charged in connection to a July 14 protest in Saratoga Springs. They were among 12 people charged by police last month.

Charges have included disorderly conduct, a violation, and unlawful imprisonment, for blocking a car with a man who wanted to get home to take his heart medication. Police have said they are trying to balance civil rights with public safety, but activists said police are trying to intimidate them with arrests that include hours in jail and shackles during arraignments. Black Lives Matter members have asked for all charges to be dropped.
ALBANY  Gov. Kathy Hochul, citing Wednesday's three-year anniversary of the Schoharie limousine crash that killed 20 people, announced she has appointed four members to a Stretch Limousine Passenger Safety Task Force that had never been fully set up.

The appointments are set to revive a panel that failed to get on track after the legislation creating it was signed into law in February 2020 by former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.

The 11-member task force was established to recommend improvements in an industry that has been fraught with safety and enforcement issues, with many of those breakdowns exposed in the aftermath of the 2018 stretch-limo crash on Route 30 that killed the driver, two bystanders and all 17 passengers  on their way to a birthday celebration in a group that included two sets of newlyweds.

The task force had been scheduled to submit a comprehensive report to the governor and Legislature by next month, but that timeline is no longer feasible.

Still, Hochul, in announcing her task force selections, said she has directed the task force "to immediately convene and agree on a timeline for completing its comprehensive study of safety measures." Nominations for the remaining positions on the task force have also been made and are undergoing vetting, the governor said.

"As we mark the three-year anniversary of the tragic crash, we must honor the memory of these individuals by realizing our obligation to review every single aspect of limousine transportation and help prevent such tragedies," Hochul said in a press release. "With all recommendations for the task force now in, I am directing the task force to convene without further delay and commit to a timeline for conducting and submitting its review of safety measures, so we can better protect every passenger and others who share the road."

She said the task force's study will closely examine "matters influencing the safety, adequacy, efficiency and reliability of stretch limousine transportation."



The new members named by Hochul include Joan McDonald, Westchester County's director of operations, and Matthew J. Driscoll, executive director at the state Thruway Authority. Two others appointed by the governor  upon the recommendation of Assembly Speaker Carl E. Heastie more than three months ago, when Cuomo was in office, are David J. Brown, president and CEO at Premiere Transportation, and Edward Stoppelmann, co-owner of Red Oak Transportation.



They will join other task force members who include commissioners of the state Department of Motor Vehicles and the state Department of Transportation, and the superintendent of State Police. Those three were already designated as members of the task force by the law that created it.



The Senate also has submitted recommended appointments to the task force and those are under review, the governor's office said.

Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, a Westchester County Democrat, told the Times Union this week that it was "unacceptable" the task force has languished. "Even with delays due to the pandemic, the task force still should have been set up by now," she said.

Prestige Limousine, which operated the vehicle involved in the Schoharie crash, had continued renting out the Ford limousine despite serious mechanical defects, including faulty brakes that were apparently never repaired and that became a focus of the crash investigations by state and federal authorities.

In September, an operator of the limo company, Nauman Hussain, pleaded guilty to criminally negligent homicide under a deal with the Schoharie County district attorney's office that carried no prison sentence.

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A former manager of a Mavis Discount Tire outlet in Saratoga Springs, where the limo had been serviced, told investigators in September 2019 that the auto shop had falsified invoices and did not perform the brake work listed in its records. The manager, who was fired from his job there earlier that year, had said the falsification of the invoices was part of a systemic practice at the auto service outlet as it tried to meet corporate sales quotas, according to court records.

Invoices from the auto shop had listed repairs that were done to the limousine in May 2018, five months before the crash, including replacing a master brake cylinder and performing a brake system flush. Although that work was not done, prosecutors said that the failure to conduct that work was not a factor in the fatal crash.

Still, Schoharie County District Attorney Susan J. Mallery previously said that an accident reconstruction expert hired by investigators determined the crash was a result of the limousine's "catastrophic brake failure." That was also the conclusion of an investigation conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board.

In October 2018, the Times Union reported that the driver of the limousine that crashed in Schoharie was stopped by a state trooper in Saratoga Springs a month before the incident and  after transporting 11 people in the same limo  cited for operating the vehicle without a proper license.

A police report for that incident showed that Hussain was made aware that day that his employee-driver, Scott T. Lisinicchia, was not licensed to drive the large passenger vehicle. Hussain also was informed that the vehicle was not properly registered with the U.S. Department of Transportation, as required.
ALBANY  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer asked Danone to explain why it has cut ties with some of its upstate New York small and mid-sided organic dairy farms, a move that industry advocates and experts have noted could mark a turning point for the vitality of a once-growing business.

Schumer expects to send a letter to Danone, which owns Horizon Organic, on Thursday. The letter follows a Times Union story on the 89 non-renewal notices sent, 46 of which went to upstate New York dairy farms, including 17 in Washington County  nearly one-fifth of its total dairy farms.

Federal lawmakers, including Schumer, sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture last month for help in saving small-scale, organic dairy farms, which they note are relatively good for the climate, addressing a question within USDA's organic rules that could have been a contributing factor.

"In New York our organic dairy farms are sewn into the very fabric of upstate New York," Schumer wrote in the letter, which was shared with the Times Union. "It is critical that these organic dairy farms receive the support they need to remain in operation and the information necessary to map out their futures."

In the letter, Schumer poses questions to the corporation that some dairy farmers and advocates have been trying to get answered.

Danone, which has an office in Westchester County, previously told the Times Union it informed 46 distributors it was ending its contracts with them, but would allow each of them to stay on until August 2022, to "help facilitate a smooth transition." The company declined to provide information on the counties where the farms are located, information that the state Department of Agriculture also did not provide.

State lawmakers and dairy farmers have so far received limited information from the company. Dairy farmers have feared speaking publicly for fear of losing the one-year contract extension. The market for their organic milk, experts noted, is very limited based on current market dynamics, which are, in part, influenced by how much and which organic milk supermarkets decide to buy.

Danone had said they would stop picking up milk from any farms more than 300 miles outside of an Elmira plant, which was now going to be its eastern-most plant. Some Washington County farms are about 315 miles from the western New York plant.

After learning of the issue from the newspaper, state Sen. Daphne Jordan, R-Halfmoon, said she had reached out to Danone and learned, "Horizon is leaving New York state predominantly because of shipping costs."

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"Its less expensive and easier for them to focus on the Midwest region where they can pick up the necessary organic milk from a few large farms as opposed to going to 90 different farms," Jordan said in a statement last month. The company told her that the timeline they were giving beyond its contractually obligated 30-day notice of termination.

Schumer wants to know "detailed information regarding Danones recent decision to terminate the contracts, how this decision was reached, the projected timeline, and what communication and resources have been and will be provided to the impacted farms across the state."

"What aid, if any, will Danone be giving to the impacted farms to gain employment or contracts elsewhere?" Schumer asked in the letter.

He is also looking to find out how many farms the company will continue doing business with and whether a certain law under the USDA, the organic livestock transition rule, influenced its decision. Danone, in 2019, wrote to the USDA that "potentially inconsistent interpretation and enforcement of the origin of livestock regulation can create significant economic disparities across the organic dairy industry." The rule remains with an open comment period.
It has been 30 seasons, about 500 concerts and two Grammys since Albany Symphony Music Director David Alan Miller first arrived in the Capital Region. But to him, it doesnt feel like it has been that long.

I feel like I just started work. Like I just got here.

Miller arrived in the Capital Region in 1992 from Los Angeles to take the reins of the ASO as conductor. He was replacing Geoffrey Simon, who resigned from the post in 1989.

As a young conductor, you're always trying to prove yourself, he said. You're standing before this group of musicians, many of whom have long years of experience. As a conductor, you're supposed to guide them through these masterworks that they may know very intimately. And it's a difficult challenge for a young person.

The beginning was intimidating for Miller. Only 26 years old, he spent most of his time trying to hide his inexperience. Now, with age and years under his belt came not a victory lap, but a greater sense of curiosity, something Miller calls a "backward evolution."

The older I get, the more questions I ask, he said. The more I behave the way I should have behaved when I was in my 20s. I think life is a little like that, you learn as you go, mentally you get wiser and wiser. So now I feel like there's so much I want to know, and I'm much less afraid to ask.

This is wisdom that the veteran conductor does his best to tell newcomers, to not be afraid and to stay open to learning more. According to Miller, the best conductors at any age are the curious ones, people who are always asking questions.

Even though I've done the Beethoven Third Symphony many times before, I'm deeply enmeshed in asking questions about Beethoven, he said, and trying to get to the bottom of what he had in mind, and that is what's so exciting about wrestling with great works. You can always come back to them and find out more.

In 1991, during his acceptance speech at the Palace Theatre for his new position, Miller listed a number of plans, ending with a simple wish: "I hope you will dream with me."

These plans included a family concert series that would introduce new audiences to music, a summer classical season, a chamber orchestra festival and a community-wide Haydn festival. He went on to discuss an annual choral collaboration, a pop series and a school music program with the local school districts. Finally, he wished to take the ASO on tours and to do a multi- year retrospective recording project.

It is safe to say that Miller achieved every single one of those goals.

Jerel Golub, the board chair of the ASO who has worked with Miller for 25 of his 30 years, believes so too.

From my perspective, David is kind of like the Pied Piper, said Golub. He just pulls you in with this incredible combination of a love of music, his knowledge, a great ability to communicate, his incredible enthusiasm and a magnetic personality. And he's led us all on this incredible journey of growth and discovery over the past 30 years and it's just been really a pleasure to be a part of it.

Miller credits the environment he has thrived in.

I believe that the community and I have evolved together, he said. The Capital Region that I work in today is so different from the Capital Region when I arrived, but many things are similar. It was always a community of very interesting educated, sophisticated music lovers.

As for the ASO, the past 30 years have been less like a job and more like a marriage, he said.

The relationships deepen, the understanding deepens. And you don't have to say as much to be understood sometimes, he said. That is, if it's a healthy relationship, the different parties sort of intuitively understand each other. So, I find that I can get a lot more done in rehearsal and concert with less effort.

He still sweats bullets during first rehearsals, he says, compulsively rehearsing and doing his best to be as prepared as possible. But with each rehearsal, his confidence builds up, as does a silent, unspoken intimacy with the musicians.

I feel that there's a beautiful communication, Miller said, because the musicians and I know each other fairly intimately from having worked together so closely. They know my general thoughts about the style of the piece. There's a very wonderful kind of non-verbal ability to communicate, which is essentially what a conductor does anyway.

Anna Kuwabara, the executive director of the ASO, who worked with other orchestras in Chicago and St. Louis, says that while an orchestra is a grand old institution, under Miller the ASO has felt light and airy, keeping up with the times with no difficulty.

The orchestras I've worked with have been a bit like ocean liners, said Kuwabara. Very big, little hard to turn around. And I would say the Albany Symphony is like a sailboat. It's flexible, it's responsive, it can really turn on a dime. And a lot of that is David.

Over the past decade alone, they have accumulated two Grammys out of the five theyve been nominated for, two Leonard Bernstein Awards for Education, An ASCAP Morton Gould Award for Innovative Programming, 26 more ASCAP Awards for Adventurous Programming, two John S. Edwards Awards for Strongest Commitment to New American Music.

They have also been the only orchestra to be invited to Carnegie Halls Spring for Music Festival more than twice and have been invited to the SHIFT Festival at the Kennedy Center

Miller begins his thirtieth season on Saturday, with the aforementioned Beethovens Eroica anchoring a night of music at the Palace Theatre. It is a full, in-person season, a celebration coming after the virtual season of 2020-21. This season, like its predecessors, has that expected "Miller mix" of the classic and the contemporary. Beside old names like Brahms, Beethoven and Mozart, are newer ones like Jessie Montgomery, Viet Cuong, Erina Yashima and Hannah Kendall. The entire symphony has looked forward to this, to play for audiences both in-person, while still maintaining the life-stream option that was introduced last year. For a full schedule, go to albanysymphony.com.

As the Pied Piper of the Capital Region, the captain of this musical ship and the metaphorical spouse of the orchestra, Miller has many roles and laurels to his name. But to him, unlike a piper, sailor or spouse, the key, he says is to let go.

Miller spends most of his time before a performance isolating and keeping to himself, a step that has become necessary with the pandemic. Immersing himself in the music and the context and story it was set in is a crucial part of the process, he said.

This week, that thought is reflected in his home in Bethlehem, where CDs casually sit next to spices on the kitchen counter and music books sit piled up beside a massive piano in the living room. The read of the week is a handbook on Beethovens Eroica by Thomas Sipe in preparation for the upcoming concert.

I like to go deep into the piece and internalize it as much as possible, he says, sitting down at his piano, a well-thumbed copy of the piece in front of him, covered in pencil scrawls.

You want to know the piece like youre the one playing it, but the key is to let go and let the musicians do it, because ultimately, youre just the conductor, youre powerless, he says.

Powerless is hardly a term one would use to describe Miller, who has managed to keep the Capital Region enthralled with every little flick of his conductors wand.

My job is just to inspire and empower, he says, talking about the musicians. But if the past three decades have proven anything, its that hes managed to do so for the whole region.
Farmington, WV (26555)

Today

Showers this morning becoming a steady rain during the afternoon hours. Morning high of 60F with temps falling to near 45. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 90%..

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Low 28F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
The quality of American public schools can vary widely between states, cities, and even districts. Not all schools are able to provide students with the same level of education, access to extracurriculars, counseling, or college preparation. While each public school faces its own unique challenges, each state has one public school that stands out as the very best.

The best public high schools tend to be in relatively affluent areas, where incomes are well above the U.S. median household income of $62,843. A wealthier tax base for a school district means that schools have more funding to hire teachers and other faculty and provide more extracurriculars.

In many of the best public high schools in a given state, the vast majority of students graduate and perform well in educational assessments. Nationwide, only 24% of students are proficient in math and 37% are proficient in reading, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress.

Students at top high schools also tend to perform well in college entrance exams like the SAT and ACT, with reported scores well above the 1058 out of 1600 nationwide average for the SAT and the 20.6 out of 36 average for the ACT.

Julia R. Masterman Secondary School in Philadelphia ranks as the top public high school in Pennsylvania. The school earned an overall A+ grade, as well as A+ scores for its academics, teachers, health and safety, and college prep, from school data platform Niche.

Based on "diversity, graduation rates and state test scores for economically disadvantaged and minority students," per Niche, the school ranks No. 1 in Niche's list of Standout High Schools in America that are making a difference in their community. Masterman boasts an average graduation rate of 95%, and 99% of students are proficient in reading, while 97% are proficient in math.

To determine the best public high schools in every state, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 2022 K-12 School & District Rankings from Niche, a platform for education data. The Niche ranking is based on academic and student life data from the U.S. Department of Education as well as student reviews submitted to Niche. Data on student count and student-teacher ratio came from Niche.
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Tucson Police Chief Calls for Better Co-Response for 911 Call Centers

Emergency 911 call centers handle a variety of emergencies, but increasingly, theyre called on to handle mental health crises. Some municipalities have floated the idea of staffing 911 call centers with trained mental health professionals so emergency response workers can get a better idea of how to approach the problem.

In Tucson, Arizona, Police Chief Chris Magnus noted that a recent high-profile kidnappings of crisis workers may have been prevented or mitigated if mental health professionals had been tapped from the beginning of the calls. In June of this year, two members of Tucsons Crisis Mobile Team were forced into a vehicle by an armed suspect in the midst of a mental health crisis. The suspect, Jerrold Whitfield, held the women hostage and forced them to withdraw cash from the ATM before finally releasing them. Whitfield was arrested and charged with two counts of armed robbery, two counts of kidnapping, two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and auto theft, according to local news source The Arizona Daily Star.

Magnus noted that in this case and many others, police and crisis mobile team workers are entering a "universe of unknowns" when responding to calls, and that information sharing can help workers make better choices about how to approach the crisis. The workers who approached Whitfield had access to his behavioral record, but not his police records that would have informed them he was capable of violence.

If the call takers and dispatchers had been housed together, they could have shared that information before the mobile crisis team went out to the scene. Also, police would have known where the team was and would have done check-ins with them, reported the Daily Star.

This type of cooperation between agencies is often termed co-response, and at its core is information sharing between resources and departments. Magnus says expanding the department's ability to co-respond, including co-locating mental health workers in the communications department, will save money and is necessary to prevent situations like June's kidnapping.

Edited by Luke Bellos
October 07, 2021





Is your business websites page speed slow or does it often freeze or crash?

Then you should read on to understand the causes of slow website page speeds and possible solutions.

Having a speed optimized website is essential for any businesses today. A user-friendly online presence can make or break a business revenue generation as it impacts business trust and credibility.

So, how do you check and ensure that your business website meets all the standards to load and perform well for its users?

What determines Page Speed?

Page speed is measured by how quickly your content loads when visitors come to a page on your site.

Page speed and loading speed is influenced by elements on your website like:

Number and size of images, videos, and other media files on the page

Types and number of installed themes and plugins on your site

Scripts and coding on your website and pages

Hosting server capacity and type of web hosting







If some or all of these elements affect your websites page speed negatively, then this impacts the user experience, which can lead to usability problems detected by search engine bots, which can lead to lower ranks and domain ratings.

The Importance of Page Speed?

Do you enjoy sitting in front a website that takes ages to load its content? Exactly, nobody does and likely leaves the site after a few seconds.

CEO of ClickDo and SeekaHost, Fernando Raymond, who started out as an SEO consultant in London, explains further: The so-called bounce rate is used by search engines like Google (News - Alert) as a quality criterion for websites. According to Google research this bounce rate goes up by 32 percent when loading times increase from just one to three seconds. If loading times increase from one to five seconds, the bounce rate increases by 90 percent. This clearly shows what a big difference just a few seconds of slower page speeds and loading times make.

Clearly, sluggish website pages are something to avoid ranking a website well on search engines and to keep more visitors coming.

This leads us to the next question: How to optimize a business websites page speed?

3 Things to check to improve a Business Websites Page Speed

Regardless of whether youve just built a new website for your business, or it suddenly is loading slower, it is important to detect possible issues and sort them for the optimal website performance.

1. Purchase your Website Domain with the right Hosting

Reliable web hosting is the backbone of every website. Identify a web host that offers high-quality web hosting packages suitable for your website needs and make sure their customer support is available around the clock to deal with any hosting issues right away.

To ensure a speedy website registration and hosting process where you have everything at your fingertips, you can head over to the SeekaHost Web Hosting Control Panel. Here you can register a domain name, choose your ideal web hosting plan, and get your website live in under 5 minutes.

Inside the panel you can monitor live traffic to your website during peak hours via the integrated tracking features so that you can rest assured that your hosting will be able to handle higher website traffic volumes without crashing. SeekaHost helps you fast with troubleshooting any issues when they occur with your website hosting.

Secure data transmission through encrypting data with an SSL certificate is another factor to ensure that the website supports the HTTPS protocol to reduce the chances of the website being hacked and possibly interrupted or slowed down. Users of the SeekaPanel can activate the SSL certificate for free for their website.

2. Use a Content Management System (CMS) with Speed Optimization Features

The content management system, CMS, that is used to modify, administer, and maintain existing website pages makes a big difference when it comes to optimizing a website quickly and effectively.

With the SeekaHost App you can use the most popular CMS WordPress and you can get WordPress Hosting or managed WordPress hosting, which is specifically tailored to achieve the optimal website performance.

If you notice that your WordPress website is loading slower than usual, you can do the following:

Compress and Optimize Files

Increase page loading speeds by changing file formats, enabling lazy loading, and compressing images through lossy or lossless compression. Pages will load more quickly with reduced file sizes. Fortunately, WordPress comes with free plugins for image optimization such as WP Smush or WP-Optimize 3.1.12. Simply install and activate the plugin inside your websites WP dashboard and begin to resize and compress images that you can either select or have compressed in bulk.

Alternatively, you can use online image optimizers like Optimizilla or Compress PNG to reduce image file sizes before uploading them onto your website.

Get automated Web Page Caching

Caching is often a major factor for slow page loading speeds, because during the caching process copies of files on your website are stored and if the cache is not cleared, the server requires more resources to load a page.

Caching can be done at the server level, meaning the web host manages it automatically and this is included in the managed WordPress hosting plans with SeekaHost.

WordPress offers caching plugins such as W3 Total Cache for free, which makes caching your web pages quick and easy through automatic caching after installation and activation, if enabled in the settings.

Deactivate inactive Themes and Plugins

Check that you do not store any unnecessary themes or plugins on your WP site as these can also slow your loading speeds down. If you check your active themes and plugins and see that there are some inactive ones that you never use, youre better off deleting them as they just take up unnecessary server and disk space.

If all attempts listed here fail, then you should immediately contact your hosts support team as at times additional website diagnostics are necessary to establish page speed loading issues on a website. The SeekaHost customer support team is available 24/7 through the live chat and ticket support system.

3. Optimize your Business Website Further

There are many ways to further optimize your website. Here are a few that you can also investigate:

Make sure to keep all web page content relevant and dont overload pages.

Always ensure your website is up to date and reflects the most recent information and content.

Regularly check your websites performance and status and update themes, plugins and WP versions where indicated.

Check that your web hosting plan is still suitable as your website grows. You may require more disk and server space at some point and often slower loading speeds can be caused by that. Simply check your disk space inside the SeekaPanel and upgrade your hosting plan with one click.

Final Thoughts

As increasingly more customers go online to search for products and services, they check out your business website and make purchasing decisions based on their user experience. If they find it difficult and time-consuming to find something and purchase it via the business website, they are less likely to complete their purchase. With the website and page speed optimization tips listed in this article, your business website should provide all customers with a smooth and satisfying browsing experience so that they will return for more.

About SeekaHost: a web hosting provider with a difference

Offering web hosting services since 2000 this company has grown and expanded over the last five years under the management of SEO agency ClickDo, providing a wider variety of web hosting services like SEO hosting, PBN hosting, before being registered as a limited company in 2018. It now is an established web host offering services all over the world and innovating new hosting solutions.

SOURCE SeekaHost

Contact: Manuela Willbold, PR strategist, ClickDo and SeekaHost, manuela@clickdo.co.uk
[October 07, 2021] Alteryx Announces Acquisition of Hyper Anna, a Leading Cloud Platform for AI-driven Business Insights

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Alteryx, Inc. (NYSE: AYX), the Analytics Automation company, today announced that it has acquired Hyper Anna, a leading cloud platform for generating artificial intelligence (AI)-driven automated insights from data. Hyper Anna is a Sydney, Australia-based company that enables anyone, regardless of technical background, to access AI-driven insights. The acquisition of Hyper Anna will allow Alteryx to automate the end-to-end analytic pipeline from data sources to AI-driven insights. "Hyper Anna's mission to enable everyone, regardless of analytical background, to access data insights aligns perfectly with the Alteryx vision to enable every person to transform data into a breakthrough," said Mark Anderson, chief executive officer of Alteryx. "With this acquisition, we are thrilled to offer a joint solution that empowers our customers to derive world class, human insights that matter, adding value to every line of business time and time again." Hyper Anna's platform provides faster, better insights that scale and overcomes the issue presented by traditional business intelligence (BI) dashboards where the analytical output is predefined and unaware of the business users' contexts. Overcoming the common issue of "too many dashboards, not enough insights," the combined Alteryx and Hyper Anna platform will empower people and organizations to create and consume insights, accelerating breakthrough outcomes from their data. "Over 7,000 customers love the Alteryx analytics automation platform because it helps them unlock new value from their data. By now working together with Alteryx, we can offer capabilities that are far greater than the sum of its partsthe Alteryx offering that customers know and love but with more insights, visualizations and reporting features that enable every team to create recurring impact," said Natalie Nguyen, chief executive officer of Hyper Anna. "This is the kind of end-to-end partnership that will help customers take their business to the nex level. The Alteryx vision aligns so genuinely with what we set out to do at Hyper Anna and I could not be more excited to see where we can go from here."



Alteryx excels in automating data science and analytics from data acquisition to data transformation, diagnostic, predictive and prescriptive insights via a code-free and code-friendly platform. With the acquisition of Hyper Anna, Alteryx customers leveraging these platforms will be able to: Surface hidden signals: highlight outliers or anomalies in data that would have gone unnoticed in traditional visualization tools so users can focus on the key issues

highlight outliers or anomalies in data that would have gone unnoticed in traditional visualization tools so users can focus on the key issues Quickly scale automated insights: use AI-powered insights to determine key trends in the data, automating mundane tasks and allowing for more time on meaningful work

use AI-powered insights to determine key trends in the data, automating mundane tasks and allowing for more time on meaningful work Enable anyone with data storytelling: derive impactful stories around the data, no matter the user's level of technical experience, to speed actions and decisions within the business "According to Accenture1, 75% of the global workforce has access to traditional BI tools, yet over 74% of enterprise workers are still overwhelmed working with data," said Suresh Vittal, chief product officer of Alteryx. "There's a huge need to get faster, automated insights that can be democratized and accessed across an organization. The combined platforms from Alteryx and Hyper Anna seek to solve this, ultimately helping data workers of all levels of expertise efficiently achieve business value and breakthroughs that matter."

To learn more about Hyper Anna, visit www.hyperanna.com. About Alteryx

Alteryx, the Analytics Automation company, is focused on enabling every person to transform data into a breakthrough. Alteryx unifies analytics, data science and business process automation in one, end-to-end platform to accelerate digital transformation and shape the future of analytic process automation (APA). Organizations of all sizes, all over the world, rely on Alteryx to deliver high-impact business outcomes and the rapid upskilling of their modern workforce. For more information visit www.alteryx.com . Alteryx is a registered trademark of Alteryx, Inc. All other product and brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the acquisition of Hyper Anna, its impact on the Alteryx software platform and its customers and users, the anticipated benefits and features of a joint solution, and other future events. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and may differ materially from actual results due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to: our ability to integrate Hyper Anna's employees and operations into our business; the benefits of the acquisition and impact on the software platform, customers and users of Alteryx; risks associated with our international operations; our ability to develop and release product and service enhancements and new products and services to respond to rapid technological change in a timely and cost-effective manner; our ability to attract new customers and retain and expand sales to existing customers; intense and increasing competition in our market; the rate of growth in the market for analytics products and services; and other general market, political, economic, and business conditions. Additional risks and uncertainties that could affect our business are included in the Risk Factors sections of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020 and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2021. All forward-looking statements contained herein are based on information available to us as of the date hereof and we do not assume any obligation to update these statements as a result of new information or future events. Accenture, The Human Impact of Data Literacy, 2020 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alteryx-announces-acquisition-of-hyper-anna-a-leading-cloud-platform-for-ai-driven-business-insights-301395140.html SOURCE Alteryx, Inc.

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[October 07, 2021] Altimetrik Taps Bheem Adavikolanu as Chief Transformation Officer - UK, Northern Ireland, and Europe

Altimetrik, a leading digital business enablement company, today announced the appointment of Bheem Adavikolanu as Chief Transformation Officer - United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Europe. Reporting to Chief Executive Officer Raj Sundaresan, Adavikolanu will focus on expanding the company's presence across Europe through new and existing client relationships as enterprises implement their digital businesses initiatives. "Enterprises across the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Europe have accelerated digitalization, creating an opportunity for Altimetrik to bring our unique set of capabilities to help enable digital business and create solutions for clients," says Adavikolanu. "Altimetrik is rooted in delivering incremental outcomes leveraging data and agile methodologies that allow the company to deliver tangible outcomes for clients at speed." Adavikolanu is a seasoned business executive with three decades of business and technology experience. Over his career, he has established a strong reputation from working with European customers across a wide range of industries. Prior to joinng Altimetrik, Bheem headed the European Business for Birlasoft from 2016 to 2021, growing the region to being over 13% of the global business during this period. Prior to Birlasoft, Bheem was the head of Wipro (News - Alert) Technologies' Manufacturing & Hi-tech Business Unit across Europe where he led and closed several large enterprise deals. Bheem holds a Bachelor's Degree in Electronics & Communication Engineering from JNTU Hyderabad and has completed executive courses from Stanford University and The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.



This announcement demonstrates Altimetrik's commitment to expansion in Europe. Recently, the company announced the opening of a new development and engineering center in Poland as well as plans for initiating nearshore engineering capability from the Ukraine. "We continue to see exceptional revenue growth, reaching 45% through August year-to-date by expanding global operations to meet client demand, and increasing the number of employees by 72%, surpassing 4,200," says CEO Raj Sundaresan. "This strong growth rate marks an acceleration of revenue increases compared to 39% growth in the first half of 2021, and 29% in 2020."

About Altimetrik Altimetrik is a digital business enablement company. We deliver bite-size outcomes as organizations scale digitalization to accelerate revenue growth without disrupting ongoing business operations. With an end-to-end perspective, our practitioners and agile engineering teams create solutions that drive transformation and achieve business goals. In addition, our digital point solutions and products provide clients with the tools to fuel business growth and profitability. With offices across the globe and over 4,200 energized practitioners, Altimetrik partners with Fortune 500 and mid-size companies alike to enhance their agility, empowerment, and success. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005086/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Ault Global Holdings Provides Update on Installation of S19j Pro Antminers

Ault Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE American: DPW) a diversified holding company (the "Company"), announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, BitNile, Inc. ("BitNile"), is actively installing the first 1,000 S19j Pro Antminers (the "Antminers") recently received at the Company's Michigan data center (the "Data Center"). On September 15, 2021, the Company announced that it expects to receive an additional 300 Antminers per month between October 2021 and July 2022, bringing the total new Antminers to be deployed to 4,000. BitNile expects the first 1,000 miners will be fully operational by the end of October 2021 and will generate cryptocurrency mining revenue of approximately $1 million per month, based on a Bitcoin trading price of approximately $45,000. BitNile further expects to grow cryptocurrency mining revenue to approximately $4 million per month after installation of all 4,000 Antminers, which is expected to be completed by August 2022. While the Company believes that the future operations of the Data Center and its cryptocurrency mining operations will be successful, the Company cannot assure that it will receive all the Antminers, that the price of Bitcoin will remain high enough to generate profits or that its expectations will materialize in a timely manner, if at all. Milton "Todd" Ault, III, the Company's Executive Chairman, stated, "I'm pleased with our progress in deploying the new Antminers. I firmly believe that BitNile's operations will contribute meaningfully to the Company's growth in both revenues and profitability." Ault continued, "We are committed to BitNile's long-term success and plan to access the private or public equity markets to fund additional investments in Antminers and the Data Center expansion." For more information on Ault Global Holdings and its subsidiaries, the Compan recommends that stockholders, investors and any other interested parties read the Company's public filings and press releases available under the Investor Relations section at www.AultGlobal.com or available at www.sec.gov.



About Ault Global Holdings, Inc. Ault Global Holdings, Inc. is a diversified holding company pursuing growth by acquiring undervalued businesses and disruptive technologies with a global impact. Through its wholly and majority-owned subsidiaries and strategic investments, the Company provides mission-critical products that support a diverse range of industries, including defense/aerospace, industrial, automotive, telecommunications, medical/biopharma, and textiles. In addition, the Company extends credit to select entrepreneurial businesses through a licensed lending subsidiary. Ault Global Holding's headquarters are located at 11411 Southern Highlands Parkway, Suite 240, Las Vegas, NV 89141; www.AultGlobal.com.

Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "projects," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "may," "will," "should," "could," "potential," or similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of them publicly in light of new information or future events. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors. More information, including potential risk factors, that could affect the Company's business and financial results are included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, the Company's Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K. All filings are available at www.sec.gov and on the Company's website at www.AultGlobal.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005361/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Blackstone Hires Global Head of ESG for Private Equity

Blackstone (NYSE:BX) today announced that Amisha Parekh has joined the firm as Global Head of ESG for Private Equity. Ms. Parekh will be a Managing Director sitting within the firm's Portfolio Operations group to lead ESG diligence, policy development and strategy, and reporting for all businesses in our Private Equity reporting segment. Ms. Parekh's hire represents Blackstone's continued commitment to value creation through deepening ESG integration across the investment lifecycle and placing ESG at the core of its operational intervention and asset management strategy. Joseph Baratta, Global Head of Private Equity, said: "Executing against our ESG efforts and creating positive impact across our portfolio is imperative to delivering value to our clients. Amisha will be a critical partner in these efforts and I'm thrilled to welcome her to the firm as we continue to build and operationalize an industry-leading ESG platform at scale." Jennifer Morgan, Global Head of Portfolio Operations, said: "I'm thrilled to welcome such strong talent to help us scale our efforts while bringing all of Blackstone's resources to bear. I look forward to working with Amisha to help make our companies stronger and more sustainable for the long term." Amisha Parekh, Global Head of ESG for Private Equity, said: "I look forward to deploying Blackstone's scale and expertise to help drive value for our investors by creating impact across our Private Equity portfolios. I'm impressed by Blackstone's commitment to ESG integration across the firm and look forward to contributing to the growth of their ESG efforts." Ms. Parekh joins from Bloomberg (News - Alert) , where se most recently led ESG data acquisition and curation efforts and was instrumental in launching Bloomberg's sustainable finance product offering as Head of Sustainable Finance Product Incubation. Prior to Bloomberg, Ms. Parekh was a Senior Manager at Deloitte (News - Alert) where she worked on corporate strategy projects and helped manufacturing, consumer goods, and retail clients develop sustainability strategies and improve operational performance. She is the co-author of High Performance Hospitality: Sustainable Hotel Case Studies and is an Adjunct Professor of Business Strategy for Sustainability at Glasgow Caledonian New York College.



She earned her MBA from the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, an MS in Environmental Policy and Behavior (also from the University of Michigan), and a BS in Computer Science from SUNY Binghamton. Blackstone has made significant additions to its ESG team this year, adding five newly created senior positions in April across the U.S., Europe and Asia. The firm will continue to add new resources and capabilities within its business units and build out its corporate ESG structure.

Last year, the firm announced a goal to reduce carbon emissions by 15 percent across all new investments globally where we control energy usage within the first three years of ownership; as well as two diversity initiatives starting in the U.S. and Europe - a target of at least one-third diverse representation on portfolio company boards for new control investments plus a program to support creating diverse hiring and career mobility. About Blackstone Blackstone is one of the world's leading investment firms. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies we invest in, and the communities in which we work. We do this by using extraordinary people and flexible capital to help companies solve problems. Our $684 billion in assets under management include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, life sciences, growth equity, opportunistic, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds, all on a global basis. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow Blackstone on Twitter (News - Alert) @Blackstone. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005635/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Canon Receives Two Pinnacle InterTech Awards and Four Pinnacle Product Awards for 2021

MELVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that it is the proud recipient of four Pinnacle Product Awards for its Colorado 1630 UVgel roll-to-roll printer and its Arizona 1380 GT, Arizona 2380 GTF and Arizona 2380 XTF flatbed printers, and two Pinnacle InterTech Awards for its Canon UVgel 460 Ink technology and Canon Arizona FLOW technology, as determined by PRINTING United Alliance. Open to all PRINTING United Alliance supplier members, this year's Pinnacle Product Award competition evaluates products that are, or will be, available for sale in 2021. A highly qualified panel of judges from across the printing industry evaluated the annual contest's 160+ entries in more than 58 categories spanning analog, digital, output and non-output technologies. Pinnacle Product Award Winners 2021

Colorado 1630 winning best Roll-to-Roll UV (under 80 in.)

Arizona 1380 GT winning best UV/Latex Flatbed +White ($100K-200K)

Arizona 2380 GTF winning best UV/Latex Flatbed ($200K-500K)

Arizona 2380 XTF winning best UV/Latex Flatbed +White ($200K-500K) "This juried competition represents the best of the best among commercial hardware, software, consumables, and industrial and screen equipment, and judges are basing their decisions on objective criteria," said Ray Weiss, director, Digital Print Programs, PRINTING United Alliance. "Some of the categories were decided by tenths of a pointso fierce was the competition this yearand with outstanding entries like the Colorado and Arizona, the judges certainly had their work cut out for them." The Pinnacle InterTech Awards recognize significant new technologies that improve or advance the printing industry with exceptional contributions in quality, capability, and productivity, and are predicted to have a major impact on the printing industry. Pinnacle InterTech Award Winners 2021

UVgel 460 Ink - UVgel 460 inks' patented auto-gelling acts on contact with the media, allowing rapid ink coverage of the media for high productivity with superior color gamut not possible with evaporative ink technologies Its flexible nature also combines the ability to produce stretchable output for vehicle graphics and soft signage with significantly higher chemical and abrasion resistance than competitive ink technologies. In addition, UVgel 460 ink's FLXfinish offers producers the singular ability to produce matte or glossy prints on the same media interchangeably.





New Arizona FLOW technology significantly changes the way print producers are able to use flatbed printing systems, allowing any size or shape media to be placed anywhere on the table without regard for vacuum zones or concern about vacuum leaks, saving significant time and effort, and allowing several new working methods. Producers can now print contour-cut, unusually-shaped media or multiple, smaller boards across the table without sealing the table vacuum system. An alternative approach to the highly successful Arizona high-vacuum flatbed architecture, Arizona FLOW technology greatly reduces or even eliminates the need for masking open areas of the flatbed vacuum table, enabling quicker job setups. "We are honored to have our products and technologies recognized by PRINTING United Alliance for their significance and innovation," said Shinichi Yoshida, executive vice president and general manager, Canon U.S.A., Inc. "These awards exemplify our continued commitment to developing innovative technology that helps our customers meet ever-changing demands and challenges in today's print market. We congratulate all 2021 recipients."

About PRINTING United Alliance

PRINTING United Alliance is the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in the United States, comprised of the vast communities which it represents. The Alliance serves industry professionals across market segments with preeminent education, training, workshops, events, research, government and legislative representation, safety, and environmental sustainability guidance, as well as resources from the leading media company in the industry  NAPCO Media. Now a division of PRINTING United Alliance, Idealliance is the global leader in standards training and certification for printing and graphic arts operations across the entire industry supply chain. PRINTING United Alliance also produces the PRINTING United Expo, the most influential days in printing. The expansive display of technology and supplies, education, programming, and services are showcased to the industry at large, and represents all market segments in one easily accessed place. About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $30.4 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks third overall in U.S. patents granted in 2020 and is one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2020. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss and follow us on Twitter @CanonUSA. Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office. CONTACT: Nicole Esan, niesan@cusa.canon.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/canon-receives-two-pinnacle-intertech-awards-and-four-pinnacle-product-awards-for-2021-301395641.html SOURCE Canon U.S.A., Inc.

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[October 07, 2021] Engageli Partners with the European School of Management and Technology Berlin to Power the University's Global Online MBA Program

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Engageli, a purpose-built virtual learning platform designed to improve student outcomes, today announced a new partnership with ESMT Berlin, a top-ranked, triple-crown accredited international business school. Through this partnership, ESMT will utilize Engagelis platform for its Global Online MBA program.

This announcement follows the completion of a successful collaboration earlier this summer, in which Engageli partnered with ESMT and the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) to support the Industry Immersion Africa program. The programs classes foster the employability of STEM graduates in African business through a hands-on curriculum. The program leveraged Engagelis digital learning platform to power a blended-learning approach, successfully graduating 51 STEM graduates with the help of nine instructors and two assistants. This years program was taught simultaneously in four locations: AIMS Ghana, AIMS Rwanda, AIMS South Africa, and Strathmore University in Kenya. Instruction on Engagelis platform during the five-week program included a combination of asynchronous learning with live video lectures and class discussion across multiple courses, such as general management, data analytics, and entrepreneurial strategy. Program instructors were based in multiple locations, from Berlin to Canada, working alongside staff at the African university centers. Following the success of this years Industry Immersion Africa program, ESMT and Engageli extended their partnership to ESMTs Global Online MBA program. Program instructors will use Engageli to design dynamic, interactive classes, and to provide differentiated instruction and personalized support by leveraging real-time engagement data.

Engagelis highly interactive and engaging digital learning platform was an incredible asset to our Industry Immersion Africa program, and were thrilled to extend ou partnership to our Global Online MBA, said Nick Barniville, Associate Dean for Degree Programmes and EdTech at ESMT Berlin. Engageli allows us to seamlessly bring students together, across geographies, to share knowledge and skills. In our globalized world, these capabilities are invaluable in providing students with the skills and experience they need for success in business.



ESMT Berlin is making an impressive educational impact at a global scale, said Dan Avida, Co-Founder and CEO of Engageli. This transformative opportunity is possible for thousands of students because of ESMTs dedication to implementing innovative technology across its programs. Were thrilled to partner with ESMT to support collaborative courses and help build connections between students and instructors across borders via our platform. About ESMT Berlin

ESMT Berlin is the highest-ranked business school in Germany and Top 10 in Europe. Founded by 25 leading global companies, ESMT offers masters, MBA, and PhD programs, as well as executive education on its campus in Berlin, in locations around the world, online, and in an online blended format. Focusing on leadership, innovation, and analytics, its diverse faculty publishes outstanding research in top academic journals. Additionally, the international business school provides an interdisciplinary platform for discourse between politics, business, and academia. ESMT is a non-profit private institution of higher education, accredited by AACSB, AMBA, EQUIS, and FIBAA, and is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion across all its activities and communities.

About African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS)

Founded in 2003, the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a pan-African network of Centres of Excellence for post-graduate training in mathematical sciences, research and public engagement in STEM. With centres in South Africa, Senegal, Ghana, Cameroon and Rwanda, AIMS is contributing to Africas socio-economic transformation through innovative scientific training, cutting-edge research, and public engagement. With expertly tailored academic and non-academic programs spanning through Centres of Excellence, Research Centres, the AIMS Industry Initiative and gender-responsive Teacher Training, AIMS equally created two critical initiatives: Quantum Leap Africa, which aspires to do leading-edge research in quantum science, and the Next Einstein Forum, which is positioning Africa to become an important player in global science. For more information, visit www.nexteinstein.org . About Engageli

Engageli is advancing the higher education industry globally by improving virtual teaching and learning experiences. Its premiere cloud-based, multimodal digital learning technology creates flexible, inclusive, secure environments optimized for student connections and active learning. Founded in 2020 by Daphne Koller, Co-Founder of Coursera, Dan Avida, and Serge Plotkin, Engageli has raised over $47 million in funding. To learn more, please visit www.engageli.com . Contact:

engageli@launchsquad.com

https://www.engageli.com



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[October 07, 2021] Fintech Disruptor Till Payments Raises $110 Million in Series C Funding Round for Global Expansion

Fintech payments disruptor, Till Payments (Till), has closed its Series C funding round, raising $110 million Australian dollars in private capital, equivalent to approximately $80 million USD. The funding will be used to strengthen Till's operational capabilities in North America, bolster global consolidation, and further innovate its cutting-edge payments technology. The funding was raised from new and existing investors based in the U.S. and Australia, including Avenir Growth, Woodson Capital, and Akuna Capital. Long-term investor, Australian-based Regal Funds Management, also participated in the round, recognizing the success of its earlier investments. Local U.S. & global customers with first-hand experience of Till's unique service proposition and exceptional customer service also invested, a testament to the long-term value and growth in Till's offering. Till will use the funding to deepen its capabilities in the United States, building on the local team of industry experts to broaden its solution capabilities in North America and other international markets, including, the United Kingdom, Europe and APAC. In addition to fuelling the company's global expansion efforts, the investment is set to strengthen Till's local team and capabilities and accelerate its technology innovation and development efforts towards a simple data-driven payment solution. In the U.S., Till has appointed seasoned payment industry veteran Tom Tucker as Regional Director to spearhead their expansion initiatives. He is supported by Tom Humphrey as Head of Compliance and Risk. Shadi Haddad, CEO of Till Payments, said there was enormous opportunity in the payments sector, with approximately $8 trillion worth of payments made in North America annually1, and this capital injection will help Till remain at the fore of this burgeoning industry. "Payments is a rapidly growing sector globally that is still very much in its infancy. The widespread disruption that has been experienced in the past year or so has urged businesses to call for a revolution in payments - one tat's simple, seamless and considers every consumer touch and data point during the payment experience," Mr Haddad said.



"Till is here to deliver on that demand. We have evolved through the complex value-chain to become an all-in-one payments provider that is working tirelessly to ensure our products and services not only meet and exceed our customers' needs, but also provide forward-looking innovations that put them ahead of their competitors. "This latest funding round will inject resources into our sales, marketing, technology and talent funnel and put us on the front foot as we double down on our international expansion efforts with regional teams. We're committed to our mission of being an enabler for our customers, our partners and our people all around the world, and this significant milestone will help us accelerate our growth trajectory."

Till is a high-growth, global fintech disruptor taking the complexity out of payments with single-source solutions that ensure merchants can accept any payment wherever and whenever their customers shop. The Series C funding follows successful raises in 2019 and 2020, bringing the company's total investment pool to $145 million AUD, or approximately $105 million USD. Partner at Avenir Growth Capital, Jamie Reynolds, commented: "Till is uniquely positioned to be a market leader in the global payments industry with its world-class omni-channel payments platform and merchant-centric approach. We are excited to partner with Till to support their sustainable long-term growth in both the Australian and international markets." The business is supported by a well credentialed executive team including Chief Financial Officer Peter Slater, former Divisional CFO of Mastercard; Chief Revenue Officer, Chris Hicks, Till co-founder and former Regional Head of First Data (now FiServ); Chief Operating Officer, Shadi Haddad, former Group General Manager at Bingo Industries; and Fady Daher former GM; VP Global Commercial at American Express (News - Alert) . About Till Payments Till is the fast-moving, Aussie-born, global fintech disruptor creating a world of possibilities for businesses seeking simple, seamless, all-in-one payments solutions. We take the complexity out of getting paid with single-source solutions that ensure merchants can accept any payment wherever and whenever their customers shop, be it online, in-store, or a combination of both. Organisations across a range of sectors, including FMCG, automotive, parking & transit, retail and hospitality, use our end-to-end smart and seamless payments experiences to support growth and enhance customer experiences. Founded in 2012, Till's team of 125 staff is rapidly growing and headquartered in Australia, with teams in London, Manila and across the US. Till currently serves hundreds of merchants across 12 countries and over 500 cities. For more information about Till Payments, head to: www.tillpayments.com 1 Source (News - Alert) (US): US Federal Reserve - The 2019 Federal Reserve Payments Study (2019 study) - Nilson Report Issue 1185 Notes: 3. Includes the total value of transactions acquired in the EEA for credit and charge cards, and debit cards and the total value of transactions for prepaid cards. 4.Includes the total value of transactions acquired in United States of America for credit and charge cards, and debit cards and the total value of transactions for prepaid cards. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005197/en/

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[October 07, 2021] FreshBooks Announces Acquisition of Germany-based FastBill, Accelerating Global Expansion

Toronto, Canada, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FreshBooks, a leading cloud accounting software provider with paying customers in 160+ countries, announced today the acquisition of FastBill, one of Germany's leading cloud accounting and invoicing software solutions. Founded in 2011 in Frankfurt, Germany, FastBill helps self-employed professionals, small businesses, and startups maintain better control of their finances through electronic invoice management, reporting, and access to tax advisory services. The terms of the transaction have not been disclosed. With its complementary mission and culture, we are extremely excited about our acquisition of FastBill and how it strengthens our global expansion plans, said Don Epperson, CEO of FreshBooks. This acquisition, paired with FreshBooks leadership in streamlining and simplifying workflows for Owners around the world, will position us to better serve as many customers as we possibly can. FastBill currently supports paying customers in 16 different countries across Europe. Together, FreshBooks and FastBill will unlock new platform capabilities and expand into regions where the small business market is significant and growing. In 2020, small and medium-size businesses represented 99 percent of businesses in the EU, employing two out of every three jobs*. FreshBooks acquiring FastBill is a win for everyone. Combining forces helps us scale our offering and better support the needs of small business owners in Germany and across Europe, said FastBill CEO and founder Rene Maudrich.We are thrilled to be powered by a company that is equally obsessed with delivering for its customers.



Upon closing, FastBills 30 team members, including CEO and Founder Rene Maudrich, will join FreshBooks global workforce and report to FreshBooks newly-hired SVP of Markets, Dragana Ljubisavljevic. Maudrich will remain CEO of FastBill, and will also assume the role of Managing Director, FreshBooks Germany, driving expansion in the region. The FastBill team will remain at its current headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany.

"The adoption of digital tools for small business is a huge growth opportunity," said Matt Baker, SVP of Corporate Development at FreshBooks. Whether business owners have been going digital because of the recent need to diversify how they operate or because of new government regulations, having a local team in Germany strengthens our regional offerings. While evaluating the German market for accounting software, we were deeply impressed by FastBill's technical experience and well-established client base. This made FastBill our partner of choice.  FreshBooks recently announced that it had raised USD $130M in funding, bringing its valuation to USD $1B. The latest round of funding and milestone valuation will be used to invest in reaching more customers, in more countries around the world with locally-relevant integrations and product enhancements. Learn more about FreshBooks here. * The European Commission. Entrepreneurship and Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) (2020). Retrieved from the European Commission website: https://ec.europa.eu/growth/smes_en About FreshBooks FreshBooks is changing the way business owners manage their books. Its owner-first accounting platform, loved by businesses in over 160 countries, takes an easy-to-use approach to managing finances, billing, payments, and client engagement. FreshBooks, known for its 10x Stevie award winning customer support, serves customers of all sizes from offices in Canada, Croatia, Mexico, Netherlands, and the US. About FastBill FastBill is one of the leading online platforms providing easy invoicing and financial management for small businesses in Germany and central Europe. The award-winning company was founded in 2011 by Rene Maudrich and Christian Hafner with a focus on simple, and fast invoicing. Today, FastBill automates accounting processes and helps tens of thousands businesses to be more successful through simplified workflows and intelligent financial insights.

Katey Townshend FreshBooks pr@freshbooks.com Matthew Baker, SVP Corporate Development FreshBooks mbaker@freshbooks.com

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[October 07, 2021] FrontWell Capital Partners Expands Deal Originations Team With Experienced Professionals

FrontWell Capital Partners ("FrontWell"), a private credit fund that provides transitionary senior debt financing to middle-market companies in the United States and Canada, today announced that it has added to its team two experienced professionals with expertise in sourcing, structuring and executing creative financing solutions for middle-market companies. Lilies Lanway, an industry veteran with nearly 30 years of U.S. deal sourcing experience, will join FrontWell's deal originations team as Senior Vice President, Head of U.S. Deal Originations, and Brandon Lalonde will join the team as an Associate, both effective on October 11, 2021. Ms. Lanway will be based in Florida, leading the firm's further expansion in the U.S., and Mr. Lalonde will be based in FrontWell's Toronto headquarters. "We are very excited to welcome Lilies and Brandon to FrontWell," said Patrick Dalton, CEO. "Lilies is one of the most respected professionals in the industry, with nearly three decades of experience fostering deep lending relationships in the U.S., making her the perfect fit to lead our U.S. expansion. A trusted advisor in the space, Brandon has a strong middle-market lending background and tremendous capacity to help drive our continued growth. We look forward to benefitting from their diverse insights and experiences as we scale FrontWell and make significant strides towards becoming the go-to middle-market direct lender for U.S. and Canadian businesses." Biographies>



Lilies Lanway, Senior Vice President, Head of U.S. Deal Originations - Prior to joining FrontWell, Ms. Lanway spent 21 years at Accord Financial, Inc., where she most recently served as SVP Business Development, leading the company's U.S. Asset Based Finance business development team. From 1992 to 2000, Ms. Lanway worked in the factoring industry as an independent broker. Ms. Lanway is the current Florida chapter president of the Turnaround Management Association. She was educated in Indonesia and Singapore before receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration at the University of Nebraska.





Prior to joining FrontWell, Ms. Lanway spent 21 years at Accord Financial, Inc., where she most recently served as SVP Business Development, leading the company's U.S. Asset Based Finance business development team. From 1992 to 2000, Ms. Lanway worked in the factoring industry as an independent broker. Ms. Lanway is the current Florida chapter president of the Turnaround Management Association. She was educated in Indonesia and Singapore before receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration at the University of Nebraska. Brandon Lalonde, Associate, Deal Originations - Prior to joining FrontWell, Mr. Lalonde was a Senior Account Manager at TD Commercial Banking, where he was responsible for growing the bank's portfolio of mid-market lending relationships. Previously, he was a Commercial Banking Analyst for Meridian, where he underwrote new lending transactions and monitored existing credit files. Mr. Lalonde attended Queen's University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Honors degree in Economics and a Master of Economics degree with a focus on credit risk and financial markets.





About FrontWell Capital Partners Headquartered in Toronto, FrontWell Capital Partners ("FrontWell") provides transitionary senior debt financing to middle-market companies in the United States and Canada. With committed seed capital of more than USD $350 million, FrontWell offers financing solutions, including asset-based (ABL) and cash flow loans, to maximize liquidity support for borrowers that are looking beyond traditional sources of capital. FrontWell's rigorous approach to origination, underwriting and risk management generates current income while prioritizing the preservation of principal over the chase for yield. FrontWell partners with private companies across several industries that display balance sheet capacity and that require liquidity to support a transition in their business, including turnarounds, restructurings, acquisitions and changes in ownership or control. For more information, please visit frontwellcapital.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005039/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Golden Seeds Reaches Historic Milestone with $150M Invested in Women-Led and Women-Owned Businesses

Golden Seeds, an early-stage angel investment firm that champions and funds women-led startups, has reached a historic milestone: reaching $150 million in total investments in its effort to transform angel investing and achieve gender parity in entrepreneurship. Launched in 2005, Golden Seeds has financed more than 200 companies, which have gone on to raise more than $1.5 billion of total capital, demonstrating the incredible momentum of women entrepreneurs and the commitment of those investors who want to reshape the investment landscape. In 2004, only 3% of all companies that received startup funding were led by at least one woman. By 2020, that percentage had jumped to 30%. Despite this progress, underfunding of women is leaving at least $3 trillion out of the global economy, with one recent Harvard Business Review study suggesting that it could add as much as $5 trillion to the global GDP. "We're celebrating the vision, grit, and determination of our investors who understood early the vast opportunity represented by women-led companies, as well as the women entrepreneurs who have emerged as leaders in every field, from healthcare to enterprise technology to consumer products and service, while of course recognizing there is still much work to be done," said Loretta McCarthy, Golden Seeds Co-CEO and Managing Partner. Golden Seeds was an early leader in the movement to back women-led companies. One of the largest angel investor networks in the country, nearly 1,000 investors have been part of Golden Seeds in capitalizing on these early-stage companies since Golden Seeds was launched in 2005. In 2020, Golden Seeds was the second-largest angel group in terms of investment, and the third-largest in terms of numbers of companies funded, according to the Angel Resource Institute. "Golden Seeds is one of more than 250 angel groups across the country and one of the only ones to reach such a historic milestone in raising early-stage capital. The fact that it was all for women-led companies makes it that much more remrkable," said Pat Gouhin, CEO of the Angel Capital Association, the professional society of angel investors.



Golden Seeds offers angel investors the opportunity to participate on due diligence teams; invest in promising startups; attend training sessions, national forum meetings and syndication events; and join meetings in any of the organization's chapters throughout the U.S. Golden Seeds' growth over the past 15 years includes launching eight chapters across the country, including Arizona, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, New Jersey, New York, and Silicon Valley. "As a first-time founder, I was impressed by Golden Seeds' dedication to funding women-led businesses for so many years," said Minna Song, CEO and Co-founder of MeetElise, the first company to tackle rising housing costs with AI. "Beyond that, Golden Seeds has helped us every step of the way as a mentor and investor -- from guiding us in who to include in funding rounds, to selecting the right partners, to welcoming us into its vast network."

Additional resources: Read the Golden Seeds blog.

Follow Golden Seeds on Twitter.

Follow Golden Seeds on LinkedIn.

Like Golden Seeds on Facebook. About Golden Seeds Golden Seeds pursues investment returns through the empowerment of women entrepreneurs and those who invest in them. The group was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in New York City, with active chapters in Arizona, Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, New Jersey, New York, and Silicon Valley. One of the largest angel networks in the United States, Golden Seeds has invested more than $150 million in over 200 companies. Additionally, the organization has a relationship with three funds with committed capital of $36 million. For more information, visit http://www.goldenseeds.com/. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005188/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Keystone Power Holdings Focuses Approach on Education Sector in Illinois

PAOLI, Pa., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Keystone Power Holdings, LLC (Keystone), a renewable energy developer/owner of solar facilities, has announced its intention to focus on bringing solar energy to the education sector. Two solar projects were recently completed and given permission to operate in Illinois. Located within an hour's drive of each other, Abingdon-Avon High School and Augustana College have entered into agreements with Keystone to develop and build solar installations. Each site is fully built and operational. Abingdon High School hosts a 750 kW DC system and Augustana College hosts 1.35 MW DC across four buildings. As with all of Keystone's projects, these projects deliver a triple benefit: bring down energy costs, reduce environmental impact and build resiliency into local power grids. "With our development expertise, we were able to collaborate with these educational institutions to determine the optimal location for their installations an help them save on one of their largest operational expenses  electricity." said William DePhillipo, co-founder of Keystone. "Our solar projects will allow education administrators to direct more funding to their students and teachers, and that's a win for us all."



The Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act was signed into law on September 15, 2021. It provides increased state incentives for solar projects via the Illinois Shines program and puts Illinois on a path to 100% clean energy by 2045. This legislation makes solar projects make economic sense to educational institutions. "We're excited to work with public and private schools and universities in the state of Illinois," said Anthony Fotopoulos, co-founder of Keystone. "With the passage of the Act, we look forward to working with more educational institutions in Illinois. We are pleased to help bring a message to tomorrow's leaders that renewable energy can make a difference in their lives."

About Keystone Power Holdings

Keystone Power Holdings, LLC is a renewable energy developer and owner of solar energy facilities. We specialize in developing medium to large-scale photovoltaic solar systems across North America. We develop facilities for municipalities and non-profits, public and private universities and schools, and large corporate clients on or near their properties, either on the ground or rooftop, while passing on savings. For more information, email info@keystoneph.com or visit our website at www.keystoneph.com. Media Contact:

Laura L. Kieley

Signal Hill Communications

lkieley@signalhillcomms.com

551.482.5732 View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/keystone-power-holdings-focuses-approach-on-education-sector-in-illinois-301395249.html SOURCE Keystone Power Holdings

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[October 07, 2021] Leaf Home  Heads West to Denver with Safety Business

HUDSON, Ohio, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Leaf Home, a leading technology-enabled provider of home solutions, is happy to announce its fourteenth office for Leaf Home Safety Solutions in Denver, Colorado. This marks the first location for the safety business in the western half of the U.S.the company has had a presence in Colorado with its brand LeafFilter Gutter Protection since 2017. Leaf Home Safety Solutions offers direct-to-consumer, in-home accessibility productsincluding stair lifts, walk-in tubs, and low-entry showers. The company is lookig forward to assisting customers in the Mile High City region, where nearly 3 million people reside.



"We're thrilled to be joining the Denver market with a focus on providing high-accessibility solutions that empower people in their homes," said Jeff Collignon, President of Leaf Home Safety Solutions. "We feel that everyone deserves to live comfortably wherever they choose, and our products allow people to enhance their residence to meet their needs." Leaf Home Safety Solutions' life-enhancing products are designed to improve life quality without the need for a stressful, full-scale renovation. The company strives to enable homeowners to access every room and level of their home with ease and confidence. Custom installations and packages allow representatives to work with each customer's existing space, allowing projects to be completed in a matter of days instead of weeks or months.

To learn more and see if Leaf Home Safety Solutions serves your neighborhood, visit the website and schedule a free estimate. About Leaf Home

Leaf Home is a leading technology-enabled provider of home solutions on a mission to transform home hassles into personal peace of mind. Leaf Home's experienced, dependable specialists provide end-to-end services directly to consumers through its core brands; LeafFilter Gutter Protection, Leaf Home Safety Solutions, Leaf Home Water Solutions, and Leaf Home Enhancements. With its corporate headquarters in Hudson, Ohio, Leaf Home delivers seamless, transformative home solutions for safer, easier, and more comfortable living every day. Live Comfortable. Live Safe. Live Happy. For more information, visit www.leafhome.com. Contact: media@leafhome.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leaf-home--heads-west-to-denver-with-safety-business-301394431.html SOURCE Leaf Home

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[October 07, 2021] Monroe Capital Hires Sweta Chanda to Head Business Strategy

Monroe Capital LLC today announced Sweta Chanda has joined the firm as Managing Director, Head of Business Strategy based in the firm's New York office. She will be responsible for firmwide strategy, product and corporate development, and new initiatives to expand Monroe's global footprint. Prior to Monroe, Sweta was a Director at New York Life Investment Management (NYLIM) within the Strategy and M&A team responsible for heading alternative investment strategy, where she helped launch a European Opportunistic Credit Fund, European CLO platform, GP Stakes Fund, and a Social Impact Fund amongst other strategic business development and growth opportunities for NYLIM. She has over 18 years of experience in asset management and has achieved business growth through strategic stewardship, new product development and sourcing of M&A opportunities. Prior to NYLIM, Sweta was a Vice President at Blackstone, where she led initiatives related to cross platform mandates, relationship management, and operations across the firm's Hedge Fund Solutions platform. Prior to Blackstone, she was an Assistant Vice President at Lehman Brothers (News - Alert) in the Business Process Alignment Group working on strategy and process alignment for the investment banking division, and a Client Relations Associate, Management Consultant at Starpoint Solutions. Sweta earned her B.S. in TXA Management and Foundations in Business Administration from The University of Texas at Austin. "We are very excited to add Sweta to the Monroe Capital tam," said Ted Koenig, President & CEO of Monroe Capital. "Sweta has an accomplished career of over 18 years of experience in alternative investments focusing on business strategy. She brings with her many relationships and experience across the globe working with firms' strategic efforts and new product development."



"For the past 18 years, our core investment efforts have always been, and continue to be, focused on the U.S. Lower Middle Market, targeting companies with $35 million or less of EBITDA," Ted Koenig continued. "We have been fortunate to expand our efforts in areas such as healthcare, software, technology, FinTech, real estate, litigation finance, and structured credit, among others. We look forward to Monroe Capital's continued growth, as we seek to find new and attractive adjacencies in direct lending where we can continue to generate 'alpha' for our limited partners and other investors." About Monroe Capital

Monroe Capital LLC ("Monroe") is a premier boutique asset management firm specializing in private credit markets across various strategies, including direct lending, asset-based lending, specialty finance, opportunistic and structured credit, and equity. Since 2004, the firm has been successfully providing capital solutions to clients in the U.S. and Canada. Monroe prides itself on being a value-added and user-friendly partner to business owners, management, and both private equity and independent sponsors. Monroe's platform offers a wide variety of investment products for both institutional and high net worth investors with a focus on generating high quality "alpha" returns irrespective of business or economic cycles. The firm is headquartered in Chicago and maintains offices in Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, Naples, New York, San Francisco and Seoul. Monroe has been recognized by both its peers and investors with various awards including Creditflux as the 2021 Best U.S. Direct Lending Fund; Global M&A Network as the 2021 Mid-Markets Lender of the Year, U.S.A.; Private Debt Investor as the 2020 Lower Mid-Market Lender of the Year, 2020 Lender of the Year, and 2020 CLO Manager of the Year, Americas; and Pension Bridge as the 2020 Private Credit Strategy of the Year. For more information, please visit www.monroecap.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005204/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Mountain West Farm Bureau Upgrades Majesco Policy for P&C to Majesco CloudInsurer

Majesco, a global leader of cloud insurance software solutions for insurance business transformation, today announced that long-term customer, Mountain West Farm Bureau, upgraded Majesco Policy for P&C to Majesco CloudInsurer, a move that will improve operational effectiveness and decrease infrastructure costs. This move reflects the consistent move of existing Majesco customers to the Cloud. Like others who have made this shift, Mountain West hopes to leverage this upgrade to optimize their operations while enabling the company to take advantage of automatic monthly upgrades for software, rate, rules, and forms, and more on CloudInsurer. Founded in 1948, Mountain West Farm Bureau is a regional multi-line property & casualty insurance company, serving the needs of individuals, families, farms and ranches, and businesses throughout Wyoming and Montana. Mountain West employs just over 200 individuals, with more than 120 people operating from their home office in Laramie, Wyoming. They have approximately 50 claims field representatives assisting their clients across Wyoming and Montana, and less than 30 IT professionals working from both the home office, as well as remote locations across Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, New Mexico, and Utah. The organization has more than 100 contracted agents located throughout Wyoming and Montana and is committed to providing financial peace of mind to customers with competitive, quality products and services. "We take pride in our work and challnge ourselves to be proactive and continually improve the delivery and quality of our products and services to our customers," says Tim Hays, Vice President of Information Technology at Mountain West Farm Bureau. "Our strategic relationship with Majesco has enabled our business transformation and our move to Majesco CloundInsurer will continue our transformation by enabling us to focus on our operations, while keeping us at the leading edge to meet the ever-changing market and customer demands. This transition to the cloud has improved efficiencies and helped improve the ROI of our investment with Majesco. We look forward to the future with Majesco."



As the industry continues to change and adapt to new market demands, insurers recognize they must keep pace to enable growth and remain competitive. Migrating to the cloud is a critical step in truly becoming digital and can help organizations engage with customers, bring products to market faster and capture rapidly unfolding market opportunities. Majesco CloudInsurer is the industry chosen platform that is built to handle key business applications and services to match the reality of the changing market and increasing demands of customers. Over 65% of Majesco's customers are on the cloud, making it the dominant deployment option. "We're thrilled with the successful cloud migration for Mountain West Farm Bureau and the opportunities ahead for them as a result of this transition," says Prateek Kumar, EVP of Sales at Majesco. "Majesco CloudInsurer has been at the forefront of the transition to cloud since the beginning, providing cutting-edge capabilities that increase flexibility, greater service and a modern insurance experience for our customers like Mountain West Farm Bureau. As a recognized market leader, we've built a reputation on helping organizations transform business operations to better meet the needs of today's digitally-charged customer."

About Majesco Majesco is the leading software partner to both the P&C and L&A insurance markets to modernize, optimize and innovate their businesses at speed and scale. Over 330 insurers, from greenfields, start-ups and MGAs to the largest insurers, reinsurers and brokers use Majesco's next generation SaaS (News - Alert) platform solutions of core, data, and analytics, digital, distribution, absence management and a rich ecosystem marketplace of established and InsurTech partners to build the future of insurance. Our technology, expertise and leadership help insurers innovate and connect to build the future of their business. With over 825 successful implementations and over 65% of our customers on Cloud with Majesco platform solutions, together we have an amazing track record of innovation and real-world results. For more details on Majesco, please visit www.majesco.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005075/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Nice Healthcare Brings the House Call 2.0 to Idaho

Businesses throughout the Boise, Idaho, area can now offer their employees the benefits of Nice Healthcare, with its comprehensive suite of in-home and virtual care designed to take the hassle out of healthcare. Nice Healthcare makes it easier for employees of small and medium-sized businesses to access affordable, everyday care in the comfort of their home, on their schedule. The technology-enabled solution simplifies access to care and brings families a modernized version of the traditional house call. FARE Idaho offers Nice Healthcare to its 200-plus members in recognition of the operational challenges and healthcare concerns faced by many independent restaurants, family farms, and food and beverage businesses. "We know that attracting and retaining staff during the labor shortage is critical," says Katie Baker, executive director, FARE Idaho. "As we head into the colder months and a busier healthcare season, we want to make sure that business owners and their staff have access to quality care that is easy and convenient, which results in maximizing the days of operation." Idaho workers must often contend with driving long distances to access healthcar, along with the inherent issues of the healthcare system: difficulty in coordinating care, confusion about benefits, where to turn and the fear of how much services will cost. Nice Healthcare was designed for communities like Boise, leading the company to support the local community with its direct care solution.



"Our approach streamlines access to care for busy families and upgrades the house call of the past with the addition of technology-enabled services," says John Young, senior vice president of growth for Nice Healthcare. Young continues, "We are proud to work with FARE and the Idaho business community to support hard-working families with affordable and accessible care." Using the Nice Healthcare app, patients can schedule a same-day chat or video visit with a clinician, allowing them to get answers quickly to immediate questions. They can also schedule an in-home visit with a licensed and certified nurse practitioner or physician assistant, for one person or for multiple family members at the same time. Patients don't go to a clinic - the clinic comes to them, often the same day.

Nice Healthcare saves the time and hassle of travel and scheduling by offering in-home blood draws, x-rays, and EKGs. The services are provided at a fixed monthly rate. They uniquely cover all household members, including family and non-family living at the address and kids away at college. To learn more about Nice Healthcare, visit www.nice.healthcare. About Nice Healthcare Nice Healthcare is redesigning comprehensive healthcare for small and medium-sized businesses by utilizing a mix of technology and in-home care. The company uses licensed and certified nurse practitioners and physician assistants to deliver care. Nice Healthcare was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Minnesota. Currently Nice is available in 12 states and growing. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005221/en/

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[October 07, 2021] PagerDuty Expands International Presence to Lisbon

PagerDuty (NYSE: PD), a global leader in digital operations management, today announced it is expanding to Lisbon, Portugal, with the location serving as an important cross-functional hub of innovation and development. The company expects to hire up to 100 high-skilled professionals in Lisbon by the end of 2022 for key functions such as software engineers and developers as well as finance and operations. Europe is the fastest growing region of the business with international revenue increasing 41 percent year over year in the company's second quarter. PagerDuty's Lisbon presence represents an opportunity to accelerate hiring as the company scales towards $1 billion annual recurring revenue (ARR). "We've seen continued growth as our digital operations platform has become critical infrastructure for both innovative start ups and the world's largest enterprises," said Jennifer Tejada, Chair and CEO PagerDuty. "Lisbon's entrepreneurial culture, strong university programs and local tech ecosystem support our aspirations to become the operations cloud for the modern enterprise, and we are excited to build both our presence in Portugal to continue to grow our business in Europe." With offices currently in Atlanta, London, San Francisco, Sydney and Toronto, PagerDuty has experienced rapid growth over the past 18 months. Earlier this year, PagerDuty began offering a European service region to help customers deliver exceptional digital experiences and also welcomed Jill Brennan who joined as vice president, EMEA. PagerDuty already counts notable Portuguese companies such as Farfetch, AiFi, Mediatree, Miniclip, Unbabel, and VictoriaPlum as customers. "We are very excited and proud to welcome PagerDuty to Portugal," said Luis Castro Henriques, Chairman & CEO of AICEP, Portugal's Trade & Investment Agency. "Lisbon has become a preferred destination for IT operations with companies who are looking to benefit from a highly skille, multilingual and dynamic talent pool. The focus on innovation and product development that PagerDuty brings to the local ecosystem are key contributions to Portugal's positioning as a leading European Tech Hub."



PagerDuty is actively recruiting in Lisbon. High priority roles include software engineer, senior software engineer, software engineering manager and senior product manager. Visit pagerduty.com/careers for more information. About PagerDuty

PagerDuty, Inc. (NYSE:PD) is a leader in digital operations management. In an always-on world, organizations of all sizes trust PagerDuty to help them deliver a perfect digital experience to their customers, every time. Teams use PagerDuty to identify issues and opportunities in real time and bring together the right people to fix problems faster and prevent them in the future. Notable customers include GE, Cisco (News - Alert) , Genentech, Electronic Arts, Cox Automotive, Netflix, Shopify, Zoom, DoorDash, Lululemon and more. To learn more and try PagerDuty for free, visit www.pagerduty.com. Follow our blog and connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005367/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Phoenix Group is continuously reorienting Supply Chain systems to stay on track with its expansion and growth

PUNE, India, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix Innovation LLC is the brainchild of Mr. Amit Mahajan. Along with Director Ameya Kandalkar, he spearheaded the idea of the start-up. The duo identified the need to solve the reverse logistics, supply chain, and robotic automation challenges across the globe. So, Amit and Ameya, with their team of dedicated professionals, embarked on a new journey. The group started in 2016, intending to provide a range of smart Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled and AI-driven products. In the domain of the supply chain, reverse logistics is typically an afterthought. However, in the world of hi-tech electronics and easy consumer returns, reverse logistics plays a key role in delivering the best possible value for retailers. Identifying the need 'MIDAS,' a data-driven inventory routing engine was launched. It is an analytics-driven solution that enables reverse logistics operations to determine the appropriate disposition of the product after going through series of operational checks. Furthermore, the software suite can be tailored and integrated with warehouse management systems (WMS) across industries to maximize the asset value of the returned product. Griffyn Robotech came into existence in 2018 as part of Phoenix Innovation LLC. Over time it has grown from 20 people to now 100+ strong family. During this period, the company grew by diversifying into product development and strong consulting services. Griffyn Robotech combines the power of AI (Artificial Intelligence), Robotics, and Engineering to Improve lives. To provide consistent output and avoid subjectivity in the cosmetic grading system, 'DEEPSIGHT' was launched. It eliminates the human weaknesses of human graders and helps the business establish a relationship of tust with the customer by delivering the quality device praised to them. Often cosmetic variations are not visible to the human operator. DEEPSIGHT reveals the defects by superimposing them on the raw image by color-coding the highlights. The product was patented in August 2019 in the USA.



2019 was very fruitful for the group as the it established offices in Canada and UK as Phoenix Analytica and Griffyn Robotech, respectively. In terms of business, the company is continuously growing by introducing industry-relevant products to provide solutions. When the world was struck by waves of the Covid-19 pandemic, Phoenix Innovation introduced a new range of affordable and portable bedside ventilator solutions. 'SHWAAS', a small ventilator, offered cloud connectivity so that the necessary data can be collected and analyzed. With Versatile  Invasive, Non-invasive, and CPAP features, SHWAAS significantly boosted healthcare facilities.

Other products of the group are SCM INSIGHTS (A Supply Chain Analytics platform) and OPTIVITY (Flawless gear, cylinder, crankshaft, and surface inspection solutions & optical character recognition). In the age of advancement, strengthening Embedded Design capability, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and Engineering was required. In 2021, the group acquired Pune-based Bit Mapper Integration Technologies (BMIT). The group plans to blend the high-end FPGA expertise of BMIT and embedded designing with its solutions. In the words of Mr. Amit Mahajan, "the acquisition of Bit Mapper Integration Technologies was a well-planned approach to facilitate our customers with better and more effective embedded designs and automated solutions." Speaking further on the acquisition, he said, "We are thrilled to advance our embedded design and engineering services with BMIT. It will help us leverage their engineering expertise and create more powerful automation products and solutions for our customers." Phoenix Group stands tall with being functional in four countries and employs over 400+ people collectively. The group has its headquarters in Atlanta, GA, and is expanding its scope of operations continuously. Apart from being an expert in Artificial-Intelligence (AI) and Robotic process automation, Phoenix innovation is also actively working to address the needs and aspirations of the community. OM Philanthropy was established in 2021 to improve the quality of life of underprivileged communities from in and around our company neighbourhood. The organization has been involved in the distribution of laptops and tablets to underprivileged families. Media Inquiries: Griffyn Robotech Pvt. Ltd.

Unit No. 4, Ground Floor, Shewale Center  B,

Survey No. CTS4691, MIDC Pimpri Chinchwad,

Maharashtra, India (411019)

https://www.griffyn.io/

Mail:? contact@griffyn.io Phoenix Innovations LLC.

8000 Avalon Boulevard, Suite 209,

Alpharetta, Georgia 30009

? https://www.pi108.com/

Mail:?contact@pi108.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1654936/Phoenix_Logo.jpg

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[October 07, 2021] Pitney Bowes Appoints Tom Doherty as Vice President, Lending Services and Products

Pitney Bowes Inc. (NYSE: PBI), a global technology company that provides commerce solutions in the areas of ecommerce, shipping, mailing and financial services, today announced that Tom Doherty has been appointed Vice President, Lending Services and Products. He joins Pitney Bowes from CIBC Bank USA where he served as Managing Director and Head of Business Banking. In this global role, Tom will lead the lending business within Pitney Bowes Financial Services, which includes responsibility for mail lending, shipping & logistics financing, and working capital lending. Reporting to Christopher Johnson, Senior Vice President and President, Pitney Bowes Financial Services, Tom will also oversee the existing portfolio of lending clients, with responsibility for new market and new product development. Christopher Johnson, Senior Vice President and President, Pitney Bowes Financial Services said, "Tom has an outstanding track record in financial leadership which he brings to this role at an important point in the Pitney Bowes Financial Services journey. At Pitney Bows Financial Services, we're deepening our commitment to small business, investing in our organization to drive client value and deliver long-term growth. Tom will play a key role in helping us deliver on this commitment. The team and I are delighted to welcome Tom to the Pitney Bowes family".



"I'm excited to join Pitney Bowes Financial Services at a pivotal point as it invests to drive growth and continue its unrivalled support for small businesses," said Tom. "SMBs have had a turbulent few years and I'm looking forward to helping them access the financial services they need to grow and thrive". Prior to his role at CIBC Bank USA, Tom served as Group Senior Vice President of Business Banking for LaSalle Bank, part of ABN AMRO Bank, and has held other business banking roles in of progressive responsibility throughout his career. Tom graduated from Northern Illinois University with a B.S. degree in Finance and holds an MBA from Crummer Graduate School at Rollins College in Florida.

With a unique legacy of over 100 years' championing small businesses, Pitney Bowes leverages its experience to deliver a portfolio of Financial Services products specifically designed to nurture and support the small- and mid-sized business community. About Pitney Bowes Pitney Bowes (NYSE:PBI) is a global shipping and mailing company that provides technology, logistics, and financial services to more than 90 percent of the Fortune 500. Small business, retail, enterprise, and government clients around the world rely on Pitney Bowes to remove the complexity of sending mail and parcels. For additional information visit Pitney Bowes at www.pitneybowes.com. The Pitney Bowes Bank, Inc. is a subsidiary of Pitney Bowes Financial Services, which in turn is a subsidiary of Pitney Bowes, Inc. The bank is a fully chartered Industrial Bank located in Salt Lake City, Utah for over 23 years and Member FDIC. The bank has a nationwide lending and deposit footprint. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005618/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Privacy Risks in IRS Banking Transaction Reporting Avoidable: Industry Experts

TORONTO, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FlowTracker Analytics today announced an alternative to reporting banking transactions to the IRS that cuts down privacy risks while providing more relevant information to support the Treasury's tax compliance goals - money flow analysis. "The IRS doesn't need to know when you move money between your bank accounts or pay down your credit card," says banking industry expert Dave McNab, CEO of FlowTracker Analytics. "But they do want to know when taxpayer returns don't line up with banking activity. There's a less intrusive way of solving this, and we have the technology to do it right now." Reporting every banking transaction over $600 (including personal identity information) to the IRS would create a gold mine of private data in the Treasury Department, with the risk of abuse or loss to hackers posing serious privacy risks to everyone in the U.S. Experts from across the Financial Industry have expressed concerns to Congress, including the American Bankers Association and the Credit Union National Association. The current proposal would generate millions of false non-compliance signals to be reviewed, at enormous cost to taxpayers and the industry, according to McNab and his team. McNab explains, "FlowTracker reports the flow of money at the customer level, not transactions. It's just like cash flow statements in annual reports. FlowTracker provides more privacy, less risk, and fewer false signals at muchless cost. We turn snapshots of account balances into a movie of money in motion," says McNab, "and that's what the IRS really needs."



McNab and his team have reached out to interested Financial Services Industry organizations, Members of Congress, and the Press to raise awareness of both the risks and challenges of Treasury's proposed banking transaction reporting requirements, and to ensure the benefits of reporting money flows instead are fully considered. Mr. McNab is available for interviews on request.

About Dave McNab, CPA-CA Dave McNab has served the banking industry for 35 years. His career in Finance, Technology and Consulting has spanned Banks and Credit Unions ranging from Global to Community in scope throughout North and South America, the Middle East, Japan, and the UK. Recognized as a Certified Expert in Financial Services and Data Analytics while serving as an Executive Consultant at IBM, Dave founded FlowTracker Analytics to bring the analytics methods he patented and developed to the banking industry. About FlowTracker Analytics Inc. FlowTracker Analytics is an analytics software company enabling Banks and Credit Unions to realize 30% improvement in Finance, Marketing and Sales effectiveness by separating internal transactions from the real drivers of growth - sales, cross-sales, and attrition. The patented FlowTracker Analytics solution can be implemented cost effectively in as little as 90 days, and only requires data currently available within most Financial Institutions. Media Contact: Boris Masip

CMO, FlowTracker Analytics

+1 888-568-2443

info@flowtrackeranalytics.com Related Files FlowTracker Analytics Inc. RE Treasury Proposal for Comprehensive Financial Account Reporting.pdf Related Images









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[October 07, 2021] Quality of Life Plus Selects New Executive Director

WASHINGTON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Quality of Life Plus Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of veteran non-profit leader Mark E. Robbins as Executive Director. Robbins joins Quality of Life Plus (QL+) a Virginia-based nonprofit which challenges University STEM students to create innovative technology solutions that improve the quality of life for injured veterans and first responders who have served our nation. "Mark is a seasoned and passionate leader. His energy, three decades of experience and inspired vision will expand the Quality of Life Plus development efforts and future giving programs," stated Michael Phelps, Chairman of the QL+ Board of Directors. "QL+ stands alone in developing unique solutions for our injured heroes and we are pleased to have Mark lead us on the next step of our journey." "I appreciate the board's confidence in me, and I'm honored to advance our mission to connect America's brightest students with our nation's bravest heroes to transform lives," Robbins said. "Continuing to serve our nation's veterans and first responders while tapping into the mind trust of our country's university STEM students is an exciting opportunity and aligns with my unwavering commitment to those who have served our country." Earlier in his career, Robbins was executive director of the Yellow Ribbon Fund, which assisted injured service members and their families. Over an eight-year period, revenue, and staff both doubled in size, while prgramming and services also increased. Robbins launched one of the first programs to focus on the caregivers of the wounded. What was once a small, local organization became one with a national footprint. To help during the transition of the old Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., to the new location in Bethesda, Robbins was part of the YOUR non-profit team that assisted the efforts. YOUR was an acronym that represented the alliance formed by the Yellow Ribbon Fund, Operation Homefront, USO, and Red Cross.



Prior to that, Robbins enjoyed an extensive career in higher education and with various trade associations where he gained proficiency in membership development, chapter operations, communications, and fundraising. Most recently, Robbins was acting executive director of Madison House Autism Foundation, which focuses on supporting adults with autism. About QL+: The mission of QL+ is to provide innovative engineering solutions to improve the lives of American heroes and their families. We connect America's brightest STEM students with our nation's bravest heroes to transform lives. Quality of Life Plus is a 501c3 organization affiliated with 19 university systems nation-wide and has supported more than 1,000 veterans and first responders since its founding in 2009.



To learn more about QL+, visit www.qlplus.org, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

Contact: Cary Hatch

chatch@mdbcomm.com

cell: 202-262-3201 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/quality-of-life-plus-selects-new-executive-director-301395671.html SOURCE Quality of Life Plus

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[October 07, 2021] Remote Launches Interactive, Global Ranking of Best Destinations For Remote Workers

Remote, a global HR startup that helps companies pay and manage international workers, today released a first-of-its-kind Best Destinations for Remote Work report that showcases the top 100 global destinations for remote workers, along with unique insights into location-specific incentives. The report is paired with an interactive tool and database with information on hundreds of cities across the world for users to create personalized rankings on where to work remotely based on their individual preferences. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005587/en/ http://remote.com/best-destinations-remote-work Remote's "Best Desinations for Remote Work" is an in-depth statistical analysis and evaluation of every country in the world and all 50 U.S. states across seven relevant categories: internet infrastructure, attractiveness, safety, quality of life, openness, cost of living, and special incentives for remote workers. To inform overall scores and rankings, Remote incorporated user-defined weights for each of the seven categories.



When attributing equal weights to all seven components, the top 10 destinations for remote work are: Toronto, Canada Madrid, Spain Auckland, New Zealand Madeira, Portugal Helsinki, Finland Svalbard, Norway Berlin, Germany Valparaiso, Chile Dublin, Ireland Sydney, Australia Some key findings from the report include:

? None of the top 10 cities were located in the U.S., with heavy representation across Europe and Oceania. ? Auckland, New Zealand; Honolulu, Hawaii; Sydney, Australia; and Reykjavik, Iceland are among the top destinations with the best quality of life for remote workers. ? The most open-minded places are Stockholm, Sweden; Toronto, Canada; and Amsterdam/Netherlands. ? Aruba offers the best incentives for digital nomads through its "One Happy Workation" program. ? Emilia Romagna, Italy has the largest cash incentive, paying young families (under 40 years old) $34,000 to relocate. ? Topeka, Kansas, provides up to $5,000 in funds to rent in one's first year and up to $10,000 in funds for a home purchase as a relocation incentive. ? Colorado grants employers cash awards for each remote worker employed in an eligible rural county outside the county where the project is based. ? Remote workers in Cabo Verde are exempt from income tax. ? Ecuador offers a professional visa that offers the lowest monthly income requirement of any country at $400. ? St. Louis, Missouri, has the best housing incentive where individuals can purchase city-owned property for only $1. "For a long time, workers were restricted to living near major urban hubs if they wanted to access the best job opportunities. The freedom to work from anywhere opens the door for employees to choose their home - or travel - without compromising their work," said Remote's CEO and co-founder Job van der Voort. "With so many possibilities, our interactive ranking tool aims to find the perfect destination for everyone based on what they value most. We're excited to share this truly global database and interactive tool to empower remote workers and global employers." About Remote

Remote empowers companies of all sizes to pay and manage full-time and contract workers around the world. We take care of international payroll, benefits, taxes, stock options, and compliance in dozens of countries. Our people are on the ground on every continent, building culturally aware employment packages that help you build trust with your global team. Our ironclad intellectual property protections and industry-leading security guarantee give you peace of mind across the globe. Best of all, Remote never charges percentages or fees: one low flat rate helps you control your budget so you can focus on growing your business. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005587/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Ruby CEO Kate Winkler wins 2021 'Female Executive of the Year' Gold Stevie award

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Ruby.com, the premier provider of live virtual receptionist and chat services for small businesses, is thrilled to announce that CEO Kate Winkler has been named a 2021 Gold Stevie Award winner in the Female Executive of the Year - Business Services category for companies with 112,500 employees. This recognition from Stevie Awards for Women in Business is Winkler's second leadership accolade since joining Ruby in August 2019 and follows her inclusion on the Portland Business Journal's list of the top 60 Oregon executives in 2020. Winkler received the Gold Stevie Award in recognition of her leadership to date in the COVID-19 pandemic. Her achievements in 2020 include moving a 100% in-office operations model with 600-plus employees to a fully remote workforce in 11 days and effectively addressing employee and customer concerns with proactive communication. She also oversaw continued growth and innovation, including the incorporation of additional technology (PureChat) into Ruby's portfolio. The Stevie Award judges recognized Winkler's commitment to creating authentic connections with employees, specifically citing her launch of an "Ask Me Anything" weekly video series and open executive office hours as excellent examples of her transparent and vulnerable leadership style. "Kate has had a tremendous impact on Ruby in such a short amount of time," said Ruby president and chief operating officer Stephanie Copeland Weber. "She embodies the perfect blend of pragmatism and idealism in her leadership. And her ability to lead with compassion in times of adversity has kept Ruby growing despite the challenges of the last 18 months." And grow Ruby has. In addition to the Stevie Award, Ruby made the Portland Business Journal's "2021 Fastest-Growing Private Companies" list for the 14th year in a row. Since January, Ruby has expanded into Arizona and hired 300-plus employees. The company also recently doubled down on employee investment by implementng a progressive wage structure and an extended training program.



The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the companies they run  worldwide. 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, and Women Helping 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. Winners of the Stevie Awards for Women in Business will be celebrated during a virtual ceremony on January 13, 2022. In addition, Winkler will be leading a panel discussion titled the "Future of WorkPreparing for the Changing Business Landscape" as part of the Stevie Awards' fourth annual Women|Future Conference on November 3, 2021. The panel will include women leaders from Park Place Payments, Skillsoft, Lions + Tigers, and Corporate Class Inc.

About Ruby Ruby is a U.S.-based live virtual receptionist and chat specialist company that creates meaningful connections and captures opportunities for businesses, empowering them to freely pursue their purpose and, in turn, cultivate diverse and thriving local economies. Trusted by more than 13,000 businesses, Ruby helps meet today's customer demand for quick answers and personalized service, 24/7, 365 days a year, giving businesses the freedom over when and how they communicate so they can achieve more. Ruby has helped companies grow since 2003 and has earned national recognition from Fortune magazine as a Best Small Company to Work For in the U.S., inclusion in the Inc. Best Workplaces, repeat Great Places to Work rankings, and a Silver Stevie for Customer Service Training Team of the Year. To learn more, visit ruby.com or experience Ruby for yourself by calling 844-311-7829. Follow along with @callruby on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. 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 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. Media Contact

Katie Hurst

Director, Brand & Content

katie.hurst@ruby.com

866-611-7829 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ruby-ceo-kate-winkler-wins-2021-female-executive-of-the-year-gold-stevie-award-301394807.html SOURCE Ruby

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[October 07, 2021] Southern Orthodontic Partners ("SOP") Announces Expansion to St. Louis Area with Seven New Practice Locations

Southern Orthodontic Partners is excited to announce their expansion to St. Louis with the addition Amazing Smiles Orthodontics, Alizadeh & Schreiner Orthodontics, and Unger Orthodontics. The new partnership, with six doctors across seven locations, is one of the largest and most significant to date for SOP. The business is led by Dr. Jeff Mastroianni & Dr. Becky Schreiner, highly reputable doctors within the orthodontic industry, who joined together in 207 to grow their business to something bigger than their individual locations. This expansion marks SOP's entry into Missouri and Illinois, expanding the platform to 31 locations across seven states, with a total of 31 doctors and 16 individual practices.



Drs. Mastroianni and Schreiner will be meaningful contributors to SOP's doctor leadership team, assisting platform decision-making and giving thoughtful guidance for company goals. Dr. Schreiner will be joining as the fourth SOP Board Doctor, providing a strong perspective as the first female member. Dr. Mastroianni will be the newest addition to SOP's Doctor Advisory Committee. "The caliber of the executive team and partner doctors is impressive, but the culture is what ultimately drew us to this alignment," Dr. Becky Schreiner added. Dr. Jeff Mastroianni shares his excitement for the partnership and the positive trajectory of the platform - "In selecting a partner for my future, I wanted to see passion, culture, and a strong commitment to people. With SOP, I found this and so much more. Backed by an outstanding sponsor in Shore Capital Partners, SOP has everything they need to be the preeminent orthodontic platform for years to come. I could not be happier to have made this decision and to be able to partner with the best group in the industry."

The doctors joining SOP with this partnership include Dr. Julianne Ruppel, Dr. Julie McCray, Dr. Cyrus Alizadeh, Dr. Jim Unger in addition to Dr. Mastroianni and Dr. Schreiner. Ashlie Pinson, Director of Operations for the practices, has played a significant role in the growth of the brands and will be a key player with SOP going forward. "Finding doctors who understand working together is of high importance to SOP. This is a true 50/50 partnership," says John Nelson, Chief Executive Officer of Southern Orthodontic Partners. "This group has developed their own capabilities with integrating partners, and they will provide SOP with additional expertise and experience. Most importantly we are excited because the teams are 'our people'. They share our commitment to humility, growth, and being better together. Becky & Jeff spent extensive time looking at many competing opportunities and were so very well informed around what makes SOP both special and a truly exciting place to partner." About Southern Orthodontic Partners Based in Nashville, TN, Southern Orthodontic Partners provides strategic, operational and administrative support to orthodontic professionals, enabling clinicians to focus on providing the highest quality of clinical care. Partner doctors maintain their brand and local autonomy while benefiting from investments in growth, technology infrastructure and human capital. SOP aims to be the premier orthodontic services provider in the South by partnering with doctors who are committed to providing the highest level of clinical care and a first-class customer experience. More information about Southern Orthodontic Partners can be found at www.southernop.com. About Shore Capital Partners Shore Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm with offices in Nashville, is focused on microcap investments within the Healthcare, Food and Beverage, Business Services and Real Estate industries. Shore supports management partners with capital, business development expertise and industry knowledge to accelerate growth, fund acquisitions and generate value for shareholders. Shore targets investments in proven, successful private companies with superior management teams, stable cash flow and significant growth potential, including organic growth and growth through industry consolidation. Shore has $2 billion of equity capital under management through various investment vehicles. For more information, please visit: www.shorecp.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005864/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Talon Launches First Corporate Secure Browser for the Hybrid Work Era Backed by Renowned Cyber Security Industry Leaders

TEL AVIV, Israel, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Talon Cyber Security, the leader in browser-based security solutions for the distributed workforce, launched TalonWork, a first-of-its-kind browser-based endpoint solution created to address the unique threats imposed by the hybrid workforce and designed with employee experience in mind. Talon also announced investment from top cyber security global leaders: George Kurtz, CEO of CrowdStrike, John Thompson, until recently Microsoft's Chairman of the Board and former CEO of Symantec, and Mark Anderson, CEO of Alteryx and previously the President of Palo Alto Networks. "Today's work from anywhere world demands a flexible and secure working environment, and as a result, modern security must be frictionless by design," said George Kurtz, co-founder and CEO of CrowdStrike. "Talon's browser-based security solution takes a fresh approach, putting the user experience front and center while extending the security of the enterprise." Talon is working with some of the largest employers in the US to protect their evolving global hybrid workforce via its unique patent-pending technology. Talon's corporate browser can be deployed across the organization in less than an hour, empowering security leaders to make the browser their first line of defense with minimum complexity, cost and without additional hardware. With hassle-free operation, Talon allows organizations to better secure and control access to sensitive data and resources, accelerates onboarding in multiple work scenarios and enables rapid and efficient endpoint disaster recovery. "With the shift towards a hybrid workforce, more known and unknown devices are accessing the organization's most sensitive data on premise and in the cloud. Therefore, we must ensure frictionless and secure access to the data, no matter the device or the employee location. Talon provides exactly that," explained John Thompson, recent former Micosoft Chairman.



"It is equally important that the next generation of cyber solutions are designed for ease of use, and optimized for a remote work environment," explained Mark Anderson, former President of Palo Alto Networks. "In this regard, Talon's solution is spot on." The workforce revolution and increasing reliance on SaaS services, accelerated by the pandemic, made the browser a main gateway to the organization. The browser is also the most vulnerable application according to CVE; and the industry has witnessed info-stealers extracting credentials stored in browsers, malicious extensions stealing corporate data and browser zero-days exploited in the wild. Earlier this month, Google issued a critical fix for 2 billion Chrome users, Chrome's 11th 'zero day' exploit reported this year. On top of it all, malicious downloads and phishing attacks, which are the means for ransomware, are most likely to occur in the browser, where the user is more susceptible to these attacks.

Talon's multi-layered approach provides enterprise-grade security regardless of the endpoint: resilience against malware on the device, browser hardening against zero-day exploits and data leakage prevention mechanisms integrated in the browser. With Talon, security leaders gain full context-aware visibility into all work-related activity in the browser, gaining better control and governance across sanctioned and unsanctioned SaaS services as well as internal web applications. "To enable this instant shift to distributed workforce, many organizations were forced to quickly patch security gaps using their current IT stack. Talon offers a new and first to market approach and a strategic alternative that is practical and more sustainable," said Ofer Ben Noon, Talon's Co-founder and CEO. "We are honored to have the leaders who shaped the face of cybersecurity on board with us, sharing our vision and mission." About Talon Cyber Security Talon Cyber Security is the pioneer in cyber security solutions for the hybrid workforce. Talon's browser-centric security approach is redefining enterprise cyber security by making the browser the organization's first-line of defense and leveraging it to enable and secure the distributed workforce. Deployed in less than one-hour, Talon provides security leaders with unprecedented visibility into all employee corporate activity across locations, devices and SaaS services. Talon's technology is built with employee-experience and privacy in mind, providing a native and frictionless experience, on top of superior enterprise-grade security. Talon's founders include proven entrepreneurs and former leaders of Unit 8200, Israel's elite military technology and intelligence unit. For more information, please visit www.talon-sec.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/talon-launches-first-corporate-secure-browser-for-the-hybrid-work-era-backed-by-renowned-cyber-security-industry-leaders-301394826.html SOURCE Talon Cyber Security

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[October 07, 2021] US Foods Hunger Action Month Efforts Raise More Than 240,000 Meals for Those Struggling With Food Insecurity

US Foods Holding Corp. (NYSE: USFD) announced today that the company will donate the equivalent of more than 240,000 meals to Feeding America as part of the company's Feeding America Hunger Action Month efforts dedicated to supporting communities struggling with food insecurity. In addition, more than $16,000 in product donations has been raised to aid six additional hunger-fighting organizations selected by the company's Employee Resource Groups as part of a month-long virtual food drive. "We are privileged to be able to give back to the communities in which we live and work," said David Works, executive vice president and chief human resources officer of US Foods. "The generosity of US Foods associates, and the company's matching efforts, throughout September will directly contribute to Feeding America's mission to make a difference in the lives of the more than 40 million Americans who face hunger every day." As part of US Foos' Hunger Action Month challenge, US Foods associates across the country donated their time and resources to fight hunger in their communities through monetary donations, local volunteer participation and a virtual food drive. US Foods matched all product and cash donations made throughout the month.



The campaign is part of US Foods' larger commitment to give back to local communities and empower people with nourishment and opportunity. Since August, US Foods has also donated $200,000 to the American Red Cross to assist communities in the U.S. affected by Hurricane Ida and support wildfire relief efforts across Washington and Oregon. About US Foods

US Foods is one of America's great food companies and a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 300,000 restaurants and foodservice operators to help their businesses succeed. With 70 broadline locations and 80 cash and carry stores, US Foods provides its customers with a broad and innovative food offering and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology, and business solutions. US Foods is headquartered in Rosemont, Ill. Visit www.usfoods.com to learn more. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005857/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Wirex Launches in Vietnam and Brings X-Accounts to Additional 81 Countries

LONDON, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Wirex, the leading payments firm, has launched its crypto platform in Vietnam and increased the range of revolutionary services across 81 others. Adding to the 130+ countries across the globe already taking advantage of their award-winning services, the London-based company has also expanded its popular X-Accounts feature to countries such as India, Ukraine and Russia*. Wirex has gained a worldwide reputation for bridging the gap between the traditional and digital economies for their nearly 4 million customer-base. Offering users the ability to buy, hold, exchange and sell up to 43 traditional and cryptocurrencies, they are bringing crypto into everyday life by allowing these currencies to be spent at over 61 million locations globally using the Wirex card. An innovator in the sector, they became the first company in the world to develop a crypto-enabled debit card, as well as a cryptocurrency rewards programme, Cryptoback. These vast achievements contributed towards their recently awarding of the coveted 'Crypto Innovator of the Year' award at the 2021 FSTech Awards. Today's announcement will bring the benefits of crypto to an even larger mainstream audience. The fintech has increased their offerings in the APAC region, expanding services to Vietnam, and built on their offerings across the Rest of World region in India, Russia and Ukraine. Wirex has made it easier than ever for customers to fund their accounts by allowing top-ups using domestic bank-issued credit or debit cards. This will enable them to seamlessly buy and exchange 30+ cryptocurrencies at exclusive OTC rates within the app, as well introducing the 'Send Money to Contacts' feature linking their phone address book for easily sending cryptocurrency. After a hugely successful launch of their game-changing X-Accounts feature, they've rolled this out to an additional 81 countries who can now access the benefits of DeFi at their fingertips. X-Accounts enables customers to earn up to 16% interest back on their funds, with zero fee, the ability to withdraw at any time and no minimum deposit. Proving incredibly popular, as of September 2021, over $40 million has already been deposited in X-Accounts, which is expected to skyrocket as they introduce this offering to more people.



"Since founding the company in 2015, we've endeavoured to become the leading crypto payments platform. Growing the number of people that can access our revolutionary services and developing the range of services on offer will only solidify this vision further," said Pavel Matveev, the CEO and Co-Founder of Wirex. He continued, "we're now empowering even more people around the globe to utilise crypto in the everyday by democratising access to our industry-leading product. For countries such as India, Nigeria and Benin with a large population of unbanked, we expect there to be a huge demand for Wirex's services as we help to bring these people into the financial system."

* Features and functionality will vary depending per country and can be understood in more detail here. Full list of new countries and countries with new features can be found on the Wirex blog here. About Wirex Wirex is a worldwide digital payment platform and regulated institution that has forged new rules in the digital payments space. In 2015, the firm developed the world's first crypto-enabled payment card that gives users the ability to seamlessly spend crypto and traditional currencies in real life. Wirex was created in 2014 by CEOs and co-founders Pavel Matveev and Dmitry Lazarichev, who identified the need to open up the esoteric world of cryptocurrencies and make digital money accessible for everyone. With the core aim of making it as easy as possible to use digital assets in everyday life, Wirex provides a trusted and cost-effective service for crypto and traditional currency transactions by incorporating the next generation of payments infrastructure integrated with cryptocurrency blockchains With nearly 4 million customers across 130 countries, the company offers secure accounts that allow customers to easily store, buy and exchange multiple currencies instantly at the best live rates on one centralised mobile app. Quick and simple crypto transfer options are available, as well as the freedom to spend 150+ traditional and cryptocurrencies in more than 61 million locations around the world using the Wirex card. Wirex continues to develop the product in line with market developments, whilst adhering to regional regulations and securing appropriate licensing where it exists. A proven industry pioneer, Wirex launched their own native utility token, WXT, and introduced the world's first crypto reward programme, Cryptoback, which earns cardholders up to 2% back in WXT for every transaction they make. Wirex is based in London, with offices in Singapore, Kyiv, Toronto, Dallas, Dublin and Atlanta. With over $5bn worth of transactions processed already and rapid expansion into new territories, including the US, Wirex is uniquely placed to support and promote the mass adoption of a cashless society through creative solutions. | wirexapp.com | View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wirex-launches-in-vietnam-and-brings-x-accounts-to-additional-81-countries-301395120.html SOURCE Wirex

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[October 06, 2021] ST Telemedia Global Data Centres announces two new data centres in Tokyo to be developed in conjunction with Goodman

HONG KONG, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC), a leading data centre service provider headquartered in Singapore, today announced plans for two data centres in Tokyo, to be developed by and leased from Goodman. "This investment marks our first foray into the Japan data centre market, and with the establishment of 5G services and digital advancements being a high priority, we are delighted to be working with Goodman to support the country's increasing demand for quality data centre services. Goodman has a stellar track record as one of the world's biggest owners, developers and managers of industrial property, and along with our own expertise in operating state-of-the-art, carrier-neutral data centres, we are well positioned to serve the growing needs in this market," said Bruno Lopez, President and Group Chief Executive Officer, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres. The two new data centres will comprise 60,000 square metres of gross floor area, resulting in a development potential of 60 megawatts of IT power across the two buildings. This new data centre campus will be located within Goodman Business Park in Inzai City in the Greater Tokyo area. Goodman Business Park is an integrated industrial and data centre estate with over 800,000 sqm of lettable area upon completion, with a value of more than A$4 billion. Under this development and operating arrangement, Goodman Japan will develop the shell and core of the data centres and lease the buildings on a long-term basis to STT GDC. STT GDC will fitout and then operate state-of-the art data centres, with the first building expected to be ready for service in Q2 2024. "With power already secured, these new, carrier-neutral facilities are purpose-designed to meet the scalable capacity demands of hyperscale and enterprise customers looking for large scale facilities to meet growing requirements. With this, we are confident of bringing significant value to the Japan data centre market as we grow with our customers who are expanding their footprint into this market," said Nicholas Toh, CEO  Northeast Asia, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres. Greg Goodman, CEO of Goodman Group, commented: "We are excited to welcome STT GDC to Goodman Business Park and the opportunity to partner with a fast-growing global data centre operator. With this pre-lease, we will have fully leased eight separate stages of development within Goodman Business Park, which also includes amenity and retail offerings for our customers and the wider community. This new partnership with STT GDC illustrates our global strategy of providing high-quality assets in attractive locations to suit our customers' needs. With several sustainability initiatives planned for this project, we will also continue to execute on our commitment to sustainability and best-in-class amenity for our customers." The Japanese Growth Strategy Council has called for boosting domestic economic growth through stimulating innovations, digital transformations being a key area[1]. 5G is also expected to become the dominant cellular technology in Japan by 2026, with an estimated 151 million 5G subscriptions in the country[2] by 2029. Large hyperscale data centres will play a crucial role in the support of digital transformation initiatives and the expansion of 5G communication services. This partnership demonstrates STT GDC's commitment to growing its regional data centre footprint, with an active portfolio of over 130 data centres across Singapore, India, China, Thailand, and other key growth markets in the Asia region. For hi-res press images, please download from: https://bit.ly/STTGDCGoodmanJapan .







[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-growth-strategy-draft-calls-digitalisation-greener-society-2021-06-02/ [2] https://www.trade.gov/market-intelligence/japans-5g-networks

About ST Telemedia Global Data Centres ST Telemedia Global Data Centres is one of the fastest-growing data centre providers, headquartered in Singapore. With a global platform of data centres in the world's major business markets of over 130 facilities across Singapore, UK, India, China, Thailand, South Korea and Indonesia, STT GDC offers a full suite of best-in-class, highly scalable and flexible data centre solutions, connectivity and support services that best meet customers' current and future colocation needs. For more details, please visit sttelemediagdc.com . About Goodman Group Goodman Group is an integrated property group with operations throughout Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, the United Kingdom, North America and Brazil. Goodman Group, comprised of the stapled entities Goodman Limited, Goodman Industrial Trust and Goodman Logistics (HK) Limited, is the largest industrial property group listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and one of the largest listed specialist investment managers of industrial property and business space globally. Goodman's global property expertise, integrated own+develop+manage customer service offering and significant investment management platform ensures it creates innovative property solutions that meet the individual requirements of its customers, while seeking to deliver long-term returns for investors. For more information visit: www.goodman.com . About Goodman Japan For more information visit http://jp.goodman.com/en. FOR MEDIA QUERIES, PLEASE CONTACT: ST Telemedia Global Data Centres

Chow Yi / Christina Koh

T +65 9784 6406

E yi.chow@sttelemediagdc.com / christina.koh@sttelemediagdc.com The Hoffman Agency on behalf of ST Telemedia Global Data Centres

T +65 9337 1032

E STTGDC@hoffman.com Goodman Japan Limited

Yoko Kashima

T +81 3 6910 3340

E Press-JP@Goodman.com

SOURCE Goodman Group

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[October 06, 2021] Funding Societies raises US$18m Debt from Japanese and Singaporean Impact Investors, on track to raise US$120m

SINGAPORE, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Funding Societies, Southeast Asia's largest SME digital financing platform, today announced that it has raised US$18 million in debt led by a trio syndicate of financial institutions including Helicap Investments, the newly launched Social Impact Debt Fund, and a Japanese financial services group. Helicap Securities acted as sole mandated lead arranger on the secured credit facility. Together with funding received from European impact investors such as Triodos Investment Management for Indonesian business loans, Funding Societies is on track to raise US$120 million in institutional debt for funding the growth needs of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Southeast Asia. This funding round also expands the platform's institutional lender base, which it secured after passing financial and risk due diligence conducted by the lenders. Funding Societies will place the funds for lending to deserving MSMEs, propelling its mission of enabling financial inclusion in the region. Established in 2015, Funding Societies provides MSMEs with business financing, which is funded largely by institutional lenders and retail investors. It harnesses the power of technology to give underserved yet creditworthy MSMEs financial access through its digital platform. In Southeast Asia, MSMEs contribute to more than 50% of each ASEAN Member State's GDP, but because many lack a strong credit track record or collateral, they are oftenrejected for business loans by traditional financial institutions. Funding Societies enables access to finance by using alternative data points including but not limited to the MSME's cash flow - its ability to repay the loan - to underwrite these loans.



"The pandemic was an important test of resilience, and we are glad to have navigated it successfully, with a proven AI-led credit model. We are honored for the faith of Helicap, the Social Impact Debt Fund, and the Japanese financial services group, enabling us to further ride on the growth of SME digital financing. We believe this is a start of a long-term relationship and continuous evolution of Funding Societies," said Kelvin Teo, Co-founder and Group CEO, Funding Societies | Modalku. Helicap is a Singapore-based alternative lending firm that provides private debt investments to a wide network of accredited investors, including family offices, high net worth individuals, impact funds, and institutional investors. In line with its support of sustainable lending, the FinTech joined the round through its investments arm, Helicap Investments, after the deal was arranged by its securities arm, Helicap Securities.

"We are delighted to have assisted Funding Societies in its goal of providing access to capital for underserved MSMEs," said David Z. Wang, Co-founder and CEO of Helicap Pte. Ltd., the parent company of Helicap Investments and Helicap Securities. "Helicap was founded with the aim of breaking down traditional barriers for those who need capital and those who can provide it. This transaction demonstrates the ongoing institutional and individual appetite for private debt investment, and Helicap is well positioned to provide access to quality opportunities through our relationships with leading issuers such as Funding Societies." The Social Impact Debt Fund, an impact investment fund managed by Taurus Wealth Advisors and advised by GreenArc Capital, provided debt financing to Funding Societies seeing the impact the latter has affected on the region's economic disparity. The Japanese financial services group that also participated in the fundraise round has renewed its commitment to impact focused Fintech lenders in Southeast Asia and has a track record of driving adoption of financial services in emerging markets to facilitate long-term growth of its portfolio companies. This syndicated facility of US$18 million is expected to increase further with interest from investors across Asia and Europe. About Funding Societies Funding Societies | Modalku is the largest SME digital financing platform in Southeast Asia. It is licensed in Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, and backed by Sequoia India and Softbank Ventures Asia Corp amongst many others. It provides business financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which is funded by individual and institutional investors. In 6 years, it has helped finance over 4.8 million business loans with over S$2 billion in funding. It was given the MAS FinTech Award in 2016, the Global SME Excellence Award at the United Nations' ITU Telecom World in 2017, KPMG Fintech100 in 2018, Brands for Good in 2019, and in 2020 recognised by IDC as amongst the 5 fastest growing FinTechs in Singapore, won the Stevie Award, and named ASEAN Startup of the Year by Global Startup Awards. https://fundingsocieties.com/ About Helicap Helicap is a Singapore-based FinTech firm connecting global investors to private investment opportunities in SEA. Our goal is to fill a $500 billion financing gap that banks are unable to serve and deploy capital to 300 million underbanked through 500 originator partners in the region. We have built an institutional-grade credit analytics technology that can churn and analyze millions of loan data points from origination platforms and extract meaningful credit rating insights. This is complemented by our fully online and MAS licensed investor deal platform, Helicap Securities. SOURCE Funding Societies

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[October 07, 2021]

KVB PRIME Takes Home Best Forex Trading Experience Award

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Online global investment broker, KVB PRIME, is thrilled to announce that it has been honoured with the prestigious and strongly contested 'Best Forex Trading Experience  Global' title in the Retail category of this year's Global Forex Awards (GFA).

One For the Books

The awards celebrate high achieving forex institutions both regionally and globally, taking innovative technology, customer support and trading conditions into careful consideration.

GFA's recognition of KVB PRIME onlyfurther serves to demonstrate its position as one of the leading brokers in the industry. The award is testament of their seamless integration of platforms and the ease it brings traders to access the markets.







KVB PRIME celebrates this win with its clients and thanks GFA for highlighting its platforms and services with this esteemed award.

KVB PRIME Hailed as Market Leader by Global Trading Community

This distinguished award is intended to recognise the broker that has displayed a dedication to put their customer first, going 'above and beyond' to deliver a truly world-class trading environment.

As a customer-focused company with a global client base, KVB PRIME works tirelessly to continually improve and enhance its platforms to ensure users are provided with a seamless trading experience.

And KVB PRIME's award from GFA underscores its commitment and presence, helping establish itself as a leading player in the industry.

About KVB PRIME

KVB PRIME is a world leading financial broker specialised on providing trading service with ECN and liquidity providers. With our latest technology, all our traders can enjoy trading with low latency and low spread rate.

As one of the fastest growing FX and CFD brokers in the online trading community, KVB PRIME always deliver timely events and promotions to enhance trading experience, empowering clients to expand their opportunities.

Ongoing promotions include Swap Free Products and Double Deposit Bonus. With KVB PRIME's Swap Free products, traders are not subjected to overnight holding fees or interest. KVB PRIME is also offering its clients a bonus that will double their investment.

For more information, visit www.kvbprime.com

SOURCE KVB PRIME
[October 07, 2021] Dholera's sustainable development and adoption of advanced technology makes it a prominent model for the success of industrial smart cities in India: Shri Bhupendra Patel

Dholera's role of technology in industrial smart cities exhibited at Dubai Expo 2020 AHMEDABAD, India, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Shri Bhupendra Patel, Honourable Chief Minister of Gujarat, commended Dholera for its sustainable development and adoption of advanced technology, making it a prominent model for the success of industrial smart cities in India. By converging next-generation technologies across sectors, Dholera emerges as an efficient, sustainable and habitable smart city for industries and investors. Speaking at the India Pavilion on setting new benchmarks for the industrial smart city- Dholera industrial city, Shri Bhupendra Patel, said "With a GSDP of over USD 267 billion, Gujarat accounts for about 18.4% of India's Industrial output, and accounts for more than 20% of India's exports. With a 37% share, Gujarat received a total FDI of USD 30.23 billion in 2020-21 and is a national leader in varied sectors, such as engineering & auto parts, textile, pharmaceuticals, chemical and petrochemical, gems and jewellery etc. The state has become a Global Business Hub as the Government of Gujarat's policy-driven mechanism strengthens the state's manufacturing ecosystem and provides a thrust to the 'up and coming' sectors of India's dynamic business ecosystem." Dholera displayed its vibrant economy and technological advancement at the Expo 2020 Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. To attract maximum foreign investment and highlight the economic and sustainable way of living using smart infrastructure, Dholera aims to provide investment opportunities to several businesses and industries, as more than 20 million people across the globe are expected to visit Dubai for the event. Dholera will be the ecosystem that fosters collaboration and drives innovation. Shri Hareet Shukla, IAS, Secretary, Managing Director Dholera Industrial City Development Limited, said, "Dholera provides an opportunity for investors to set up manufacturing units while aiming to provide an environment of work and live, learn and play. Dholera is a smart and sustainable city with clear land titles, large contiguous land parcels, blanket environmental clearance, state of the art infrastructure, plug & play facilities, lowest power tariffs in India, well-developed connectivity, ICT based City Integrated Operations, etc. By investing in India's first greenfield smart industrial city  Dholera, investors can make sound business decisions as the city will be an inspiration for other cities and countries concerning innovation and technology that can make a real difference to people's lives." Dholera aspires to become a testbed for new technologies and innovations. During the expo, Dholera displayed the importance of technological innovation to improve city construction, benefitting its citizens by sharing opportunities and creating a better future. Leading business chambers like IBPC, PIOCCI, Dubai Chamber etc. and more than 800 attendees attended the session on "Setting New Benchmark for Industrial City- Dholera" Shri Sanjeev Kumar, IAS, Chairman, Airports Authority of India (AAI) Government of India, said, "Multimdal communication links planned in Dholera is crucial as the smart city is a beacon of light for the other industrial cities of the country. We plan to start 1st phase of the airport in January 2022 and complete it by December 2024 by constructing a 3200-metre runway. The upcoming airport would enhance the efficiency and convenience of the passengers by providing world-class services to them."



Dholera showcased its value proposition at the India pavilion, situated at the Opportunity District, promoting trade and investment and world-class innovative technologies. Dr. Bu Abdullah of the Royal Family of UAE and Chairman of Bu Abdullah Group also attended the seminar. Shri Ankur Gupta, Head  Corporate Affairs & Growth, Tata Sons (MENA), said, "Tata Chemicals choose Dholera for its business-friendly policies. The Government of Gujarat does what it says, and its focus on renewable energy were the key enablers for us set up the facility at Dholera. Due to Dholera's pro-business approach, the industrial smart city is lucrative for heavy manufacturing investments."

Dubai's World Expo is held under the theme of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, echoing the powerful spirit of partnership and cooperation that has driven the UAE's success in pioneering new paths of development and innovation. Through this theme, Expo 2020 Dubai will serve as a catalyst, connecting minds worldwide and inspiring participants to mobilize around shared challenges under the sub-themes of Mobility, Opportunity & Sustainability. Dr. Aman Puri, Consul General of India Dubai, said, "The Dholera project is a powerful platform to capitalize on investment between India and the UAE. It will emerge as a driver for industrial and trade activities in the country. Startups and Multinationals can utilize such opportunities to boost manufacturing and industrial investments across such smart industrial city initiatives.". Shri Sharafuddin Sharaf, Vice Chairman, Sharaf Group, said, "Vibrant Gujarat has brought vibrancy to the Expo and the UAE. Dholera's infrastructure is an asset for world economies, and will encourage investors to invest in Gujarat and Dholera. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's efforts have brought global unity among world nations. UIBC is bringing together both the countries together to drive India- UAE investments" In her vote of thanks, Smt. Nilam Rani, Managing Director, iNDEXTb, Government of Gujarat, said, "Dholera will pave the way for the next industrial revolution in Gujarat, as the industrial smart cities are a gateway to boost the economy for developing countries like India." Dholera aims to raise the investors' interest, desire, confidence, and determination for sustainable living using smart infrastructure, advanced technology, and innovation to ensure the seamless functioning of businesses and residential living. These include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, Robotics, Big Data and Blockchain. The EXPO2020 will provide Dholera with an opportunity to showcase its propositions to connect with global investors and unlock business opportunities. During the panel discussion on "Industrial Smart City: Defying the Myth", the panellists Shri Abhishek Chaudhary (Online), V.P. - Corporate Affairs, HR & Company Secretary, National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation Limited (NICDC); Shri Jagdish Salgaonkar, Program Director & Strategic Advisor, Smart Cities, AECOM India Pvt. Ltd; Shri Amit Bhardwaj, Chief Commercial Officer, APM Terminals Pipavav (Gujarat Pipavav Port Limited); Shri Shrinath Rao (Online), Executive Vice President & Head Roads, Runways, Elevated Corridors, L&T Transport Infrastructure; highlighted how a smart industrial city could propel the economy's growth and drive its progress. The positive impact of smart technology on industrial and economic development is unmatched as it ensures economic sustainability, and interactive and transparent public services. The development of a smart city comprehends improvements in the overall quality of life and goes a long way in attracting businesses and citizens to settle in such cities. Dholera offers Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and ICT based infrastructure & services, and encourages its people to walk to work, promoting sustainable and optimum use of resources. About Dholera The Dholera Special Investment Region (DSIR) is a major Greenfield Industrial Hub planned and located approximately 100km south of Ahmedabad and 130km from the State Capital Gandhinagar. The project as envisaged will be the first initiative from National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) to create a linear zone of industrial clusters and nodes to be developed in the influence area of Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC). Dholera which is approximately 100 kms southwest of Ahmedabad offers unencumbered land parcels of upto 150 Hectares and the land allotment can be made in record 17-20 days by Dholera Industrial City Development Limited. DSIR has been planned over an extensive area of land measuring approximately 920sqkm and encompassing 22 villages of Dholera Taluka in the Ahmedabad District. This will be by far the largest of investment nodes planned along the influence of DFC in the DMIC region. This node is strategically located between the industrial cities of Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat and Bhavnagar urban agglomerations. The nearest international airport is at Ahmedabad and Government of Gujarat through the Dholera International Airport Company Limited (DIACL) has plans to develop another international airport in the north-east of the proposed investment region. NICDC Limited with support of DSIRDA, plan to create an economically and socially balanced new-age City with world class infrastructure and highest quality-of-life standards and sustainability in the urban form. This new age city aims to have a sustainable urban transportation system within and mobile/ efficient regional connectivity with neighboring cities and the rest of the country. For media enquiries, please contact:

Ankit Shah

Mob: +91 9998123728

e-mail: ankit@conceptpr.com Shubham Panjari

Mob: +91 98332 61798

e-mail: shubham@conceptpr.com

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[October 07, 2021] Hyundai Mobis to build 2 new hydrogen fuel cell system plants in Korea

Incheon, just west of Seoul and Ulsan plants will begin production in 2nd half 2023 with an annual capacity of 100,000 hydrogen fuel cell system

The world's largest fuel cell production capacity will help Hyundai Mobis to diversify business and tap into construction machinery and logistics equipment INCHEON, South Korea, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Mobis (KRX: 012330) will build two new fuel cell plants in Korea to accelerate the hydrogen economy and to secure broader global market dominance. On Oct 7th, 2021, Hyundai Mobis held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new plant that will produce hydrogen fuel cell stacks at the Industrial Complex in Cheongna International City, Incheon. President Moon Jae-in and Deputy Prime Minister Hong Nam-ki attended the ceremony. Hyundai Mobis announced to invest a total of USD 1.1 billion (KRW 1.3 trillion) into the two plants. The new plants will start mass production in the second half of 2023. When fully operational, the facilities are expected to produce 100,000 hydrogen fuel cells every year. HyundaiMobis, with the largest fuel cell production capacity in the world, is expected to gain even greater momentum in the global race for hydrogen mobility with the addition of new production locations.



Once they are completed, Hyundai Mobis will operate a total of three fuel cells plants. In 2018, the company became the world's first to set up a complete production system from fuel cell stack to rest of electronic components in Chungju. The Chungju plant is capable of producing approximately 23,000 hydrogen cell systems a year. "Despite uncertainties including COVID-19, we have decided to make this large-scale investment to secure the market-leading competitiveness in the global fuel cell industry. We will continue to invest more in facilities and strengthen our R&D capability for the development of the hydrogen industry and expand the ecosystem," said Sung Hwan Cho, President and CEO of Hyundai Mobis.

With the completion of the new plants, Hyundai Mobis plans to expand its production lineups that applies fuel cell systems and diversify hydrogen business. Most fuel cell systems produced by Hyundai Mobis are used in fuel cell EVs but the company is expected to scale its business to other sectors such as construction machinery and logistics equipment. Last year, Hyundai Mobis developed fuel cell power packs that go into hydrogen forklifts, opening up the possibility for entry into the construction machinery sector. The hydrogen power packs used forklifts are generators that produce electricity on their own by combining a fuel cell stack, a hydrogen tank, and a cooling device. Now the company is developing power packs for hydrogen-fueled excavator and plans to enlarge the fuel cell systems for small air mobility. About Hyundai Mobis Hyundai Mobis is the global no.7 global automotive supplier, with annual sales of nearly $30 billion USD. The company was founded in 1977 and is headquartered in Seoul, Korea. Hyundai Mobis aims to become a lifelong technology partner for vehicles and people. The company has outstanding expertise in sensors, sensor fusion in ECUs and software development for safety control. The company's products also include various components for electrification, brakes, chassis and suspension, steering, airbags, lighting and automotive electronics. Hyundai Mobis currently employs more than 30,000 people worldwide. With the R&D headquarter in Korea, Mobis operates 4 technology centers in Germany, China, India and the United States. For more information, please visit the website at http://mobis.co.kr/ Media Contact Jihyun Han, jihyun.han@mobis.co.kr SOURCE Hyundai Mobis

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[October 07, 2021] ASEAN Special Ministerial Conference concludes with unveiling of EVYD Technology's community platform to empower scientific policymaking for public health

Gathering over 50 speakers across the ASEAN region and internationally, including Ministers of Health, Finance and Economy, public health officials, researchers, industry experts and financiers, the conference aims to encourage collaboration, cross-learning, research, and digitalisation to build resilient healthcare systems that can withstand future challenges

Contributing to this shared goal, EVYD Technology launched EVYD Knowledge Hub, a community platform to engage and connect stakeholders in the region, with the objective of advocating the use of science and technology in transforming public healthcare policymaking SINGAPORE, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, EVYD Knowledge Hub by EVYD Technology announced the launch of Day Two of the Special Ministerial Conference for ASEAN Digital Public Health, themed "Collaborate for a Happier and Healthier World Post Pandemic", held on 6th and 7th October 2021. Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Economy in Brunei Darussalam, Ministry of Health in Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Investment Agency and Temasek Foundation, the conference highlights the urgency for ASEAN leaders to collaborate and strategize viable and sustainable solutions to build resilient healthcare systems that can withstand future challenges. As part of EVYD Technology's commitment to support ASEAN's public healthcare systems, it has formally launched EVYD Knowledge Hub, a community platform that aims to engage and connect key stakeholders including policymakers, health authorities, researchers, academia, NGOs, philanthropies, and industry experts in the public healthcare sector. Recognizing the efficacy of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in optimising sharper insights and outcomes for public health, EVYD Knowledge Hub hopes to promote the use of science and technology in transforming public health policymaking, ensuring that the region is well-prepared in the face of emerging pandemics  starting with this conference. "It is an honour for us to co-organise this conference alongside Ministry of Finance and Economy, Ministry of Health, Brunei Investment Agency in Brunei Darussalam and Temasek Foundation, sparking conversations and strategizing solutions around building resilient healthcare systems. Healthcare is one of the most complex sectors, with multiple stakeholders that contribute impactful knowledge and insights. To show our commitment in transforming public health through Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, we have strategically launched EVYD Knowledge Hub to serve as a central community platform in ASEAN, driving intra-regional and trans-boder public health initiatives for the benefit of everyone," said Chua Ming Jie, Chief Executive Officer at EVYD Technology.



While discussions for Day One focused on the lessons learnt from COVID-19, the role of research and digitalisation in shaping public health policies, as well as recovery and future preparedness, Day Two focused on mapping out solutions and next steps to encourage intra-regional collaboration. The first panel discussion, Investing & Financing in Public Health saw participation from ministers and key stakeholders including Dato Dr Amin Liew Abdullah, Minister at The Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II in Brunei Darussalam; Lawrence Wong, Minister for Finance Singapore; Dr Phusit Prakongsai, Advisor to the Ministry of Public Health in Thailand; Ahmed M. Saeed, Vice-President, Operations 2 in Asian Development Bank; Hun Kim, Director General, Social Infrastructure Department in Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Susan Silberman, Board Director, HilleVax Inc; and moderated by Jennifer Lewis, Head of Philanthropy Advocates, Temasek Foundation. They explored ways in which public health investments should be prioritized and evaluated for efficiency and effectiveness, and be financed.

The agenda for Day Two continued with Collaborating in Public Health, a panel discussion reiterating the importance of intra-regional collaboration, and the need to fund transnational research and educational programmes to raise the standards of healthcare. Speakers include Tan Sri Dr Jemilah Binti Mahmood, Professor and Executive Director Sunway Centre for Planetary Health; Professor Jonna Mazet, Vice Provost  Grand Challenges University of California, Davis; Dr Kumnuan Ungchusak, Secretary-General ASEAN Plus FETN Foundation; Dr Kunta Wibawa Dasa Nugraha, Secretary-General, Ministry of Health, Indonesia; Manisha Bhinge, Managing Director, Global Networks and Partnerships, Pandemic Prevention Institute, Health Initiative, The Rockefeller Foundation; Richard Magnus, Deputy Chairman, Temasek Foundation; and Dr Melvin Chua, Director, Data and Computational Science Core, National Cancer Centre Singapore as the moderator. This was followed by a keynote session by Dr Kung Phoak, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community on Living with COVID-19, which defines what the "New Normal" is, and how regional economies can recover despite the pandemic. The event culminated with the official launch of EVYD Knowledge Hub, and a call to action to showcase the platform's ongoing trans-border public health initiatives. This includes the joint study Immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines and levels of SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibody in the Bruneian population between the Ministry of Health in Brunei Darussalam, Duke-NUS Medical School and Universiti Brunei Darussalam, supported by EVYD Knowledge Hub and Temasek Foundation. Together with the Ministry of Health in Brunei Darussalam, EVYD Knowledge Hub is also the proud supporter of the proposed ASEAN Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Network's rumour surveillance platform. "Ensuring public health safety in the face of emerging pandemics and emergencies requires the collective efforts of multiple sectors of our society. Through this conference, we were able to identify key solutions that can help the region to move ahead  including discussing the importance of impactful financing in driving research and development, as well as building a digital infrastructure that can help to strengthen the efficiency of our healthcare systems. These conversations are crucial to have if we want to work together for the long-term." shared Dato Dr Amin Liew Abdullah, Minister at The Prime Minister's Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II, Brunei Darussalam. About EVYD Technology EVYD Technology is a healthcare AI and Big Data company with the mission to transform healthcare using data intelligence. Their solutions enable value-based healthcare that is safer, better and more accessible for global communities. They offer solutions to policymakers to enhance public health monitoring, generate insights for policymaking and implement initiatives such as value-based healthcare and population health management. They also offer solutions to the research community to enhance the efficiency and quality of their research, from which insights generated could be leveraged to benefit the broader ecosystem. Their flagship EVYDENCE operating platform aggregates raw data that reside in disparate information systems and convert them into computable, structured and standardised data so that they could be further processed to derive deep insights and knowledge using natural language processing, machine learning and other AI technologies. EVYD Technology is a Brunei Investment Agency investee company. For more information, visit https://www.evydtech.com SOURCE EVYD Technology

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[October 07, 2021] Thermo Fisher Scientific and Q-linea launch ASTar System, a rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing system

Q-linea ASTar System provides gold standard-equivalent antimicrobial susceptibility testing with results in approximately six hours. BASINGSTOKE, United Kingdom, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Thermo Fisher Scientific and Q-linea today announced the launch of the ASTar System  a rapid antimicrobial susceptibility testing (rAST) system that provides true minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) results in  6 hours. Conventional AST methods can take up to 72 hours to yield a result. The fully automated, easy-to-use ASTar System utilizes advanced imaging techniques and algorithms to monitor bacterial growth, removing the need for subculture, which alone can take an additional one to two days. The system is based on the ISO 20776-1 AST frozen broth microdilution methods, and as such it produces the all-important MIC results physicians can use to deliver more personalized antibiotic treatment to the critically ill. The reduction in time-to-result may be a factor in reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) as clinicians often prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics while awaiting laboratory guidance on more targeted therapy. This practice is believed to contribute to the emerging pandemic of AMR1, which threatens to claim 10 million lives a year by 20502. Reducing AMR could be expected to reduce mortality rates by around 40%3, and could also support a decrease in healthcare costs by reducing hospital stay and delivering per-patient cost savings of between $2,500 and $20,0004. Romain Lecomte, senior director, clinical product marketing, Thermo Fisher Scientific microbiology, said: "When we say rapid, we mean it. With approximately six hours to result, the ASTar System can process up to 12 samples in parallel for the patients who need it most. Equipped with a panel design containing the broadest combination of antimicrobials and dilution ranges in a single test for Gram-negative bacteria*, laboratories can deliver truly targeted therapy, with only two minutes of hands-on time." Jonas Jarvius, CEO of Q-linea said: "We believe the ASTar System represents a turning point in the pursuit for more accurate, reliable and rapid AST. It uses gold standard-equivalent techniques to deliver actionable results in approximately six hours and provides physicians with the true MIC information they can use to guide personalized treatment options." The ASTar System, developed by Q-linea and distributed by Thermo Fisher: Delivers fast, accurate results in  6 hours direct from positive blood cultures.

direct from positive blood cultures. Fully automated load-and-go system that requires just two minutes of hands-on time per sample.

that requires just two minutes of hands-on time per sample. Comprehensive AST panel with a format design containing 23 antimicrobials, covering 235 dilutions. The ASTar System is now commercially available from Thermo Fisher Scientific in Europe, with plans for launch in other regions to follow pending relevant regulatory approvals. For more information, visit thermofisher.com/ASTar.







*Based on commercially available systems market overview undertaken by Q-linea - May 2021

Product is CE marked but not 510(k)-cleared and not available for sale in the U.S. Availability of product in each country depends on local regulatory marketing authorization status.

Q-linea AB is the legal manufacturer of ASTar. ASTar is a trademark of Q-linea AB. All other trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific and its subsidiaries. The ASTar System is distributed globally by Thermo Fisher Scientific.

About Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with annual revenue of approximately $35 billion. Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Whether our customers are accelerating life sciences research, solving complex analytical challenges, improving patient diagnostics and therapies or increasing productivity in their laboratories, we are here to support them. Our global team of more than 90,000 colleagues delivers an unrivaled combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and pharmaceutical services through our industry-leading brands, including Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific, Unity Lab Services and Patheon. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com. 1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4165128/

2https://www.who.int/docs/default-source/documents/no-time-to-wait-securing-the-future-from-drug-resistant-infections-en.pdfsfvrsn=5b424d7_6

3https://jcm.asm.org/content/55/1/60.short

4https://jcm.asm.org/content/55/1/60.short Media Contact Information:

Carlene Graham

Global Marketing Communications Manager

Microbiology

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Phone +1 216.704.3479

carlene.graham@thermofisher.com

Secondary Contact Information:

Jenny Morris

PR Account Director

The Henley Group International

+44 (0)7866361936

jenny@henley.co.uk Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1654410/Q_linea_ASTar_System.jpg

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[October 07, 2021] Bindi Irwin's message to COP26: "I witness the harm that climate change has on our wildlife"

STOCKHOLM, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- To stress the extreme urgency and add pressure on global politicians at the COP26 Climate Change Conference, Bindi Irwin now sends a message to remind leaders about the Australian bushfires in 2020. The message was released together with hundreds of testimonial videos from young people around the world, each telling a story about how climate change affects their lives. Behind the initiative is the Climate AID World Forum, by The Perfect World Foundation, which channels the voices of the youth and mobilises them to pressure the politicians to stop talking and start acting. I stand with the Climate AID World Forum, says Bindi Irwin . Bindi Irwin, daughter of conservationist Steve Irwin, now sends a message to put pressure on the leaders of the COP26 Climate Change Conference by reminding them about the Australian bushfires in 2020 and the importance of getting more people involved in understanding the effects of climate change. It is important to get more people involved to understand the effects and drastic consequences of climate change across the world. As a passionate wildlife conservationist, I witness the harm that climate change has on our wildlife and wild places every day, says Bindi in the message. Bindi also highlighted her worries about wildlife around the world and how rising temperatures are causing detrimental effects to the ecosystems and habitats, altering their living conditions and making it challenging for them to thrive in the wild as they are supposed to. The heart-breaking reality of climate change is that it threatens life and our natural environment every single day, says Bindi. Bindis message was sent to leaders at the COP26 Climate Change Conference, together with hundreds of testimonial videos by young people around the world, each telling a story about how climate change affects their own lives. Another message is from Jona Petursdottir, 26 years old from Iceland, who talks about disappearing glaciers and extensive wildfires due to droughts in her country. Samuel Schimmel, 21 years old from Alaska, also brings up how climate changes are negatively impacting the way animals are interacting with people in his region. The whales come later every year, the walrus doesn't come at all, our seals are sick and our salmon is getting smaller, says Samuel Schimmel , 21 years old from Alaska , in his message. The testimonial videos are an initiative from the Swedish non-profit organization, The Perfect World Foundation, to stress the extreme urgency and add pressure to global politicians and the COP26 Climate Change Conference to stop talking and start acting. The Perfect World Foundation's climate initiative goes by the name Climate AID World Forum. Young people all around the world are anxious about the reality of a bleak future. They have  by all rights  lost trust in the promises of their governments, global politicians, and the UN. The future of the young generation is at stake. The Perfect World Foundation and Climate AID World Forum are teaming up with non-profit organizations around the world to channel the voices of the youth and to mobilize them to pressure our politicians to act, says Ragnhild Jacobsson , CEO, and co-founder of The Perfect World Foundation. New messages from young voices will be sent regularly from The Perfect World Foundation to the leaders who will participate during COP 26. A selection of messages can be seen today at Climate AID World Forum and The Perfect World Foundation's website. I am so proud to stand with the Climate AID World Forum and support them in their mission to help influence global change for climate sustainability, says Bindi. CONTACT:

Daniel Wilke

Marketing Director

daniel@theperfectworld.com

+4673-632 98 27 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/climate-aid-world-forum/r/bindi-irwin-s-message-to-cop26---i-witness-the-harm-that-climate-change-has-on-our-wildlife-,c3428325 The following files are available for download:







https://news.cision.com/climate-aid-world-forum/i/bindi-irwin-s-message-to-cop26,c2964647 Bindi Irwin's message to COP26

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bindi-irwins-message-to-cop26-i-witness-the-harm-that-climate-change-has-on-our-wildlife-301394922.html SOURCE Climate Aid World Forum

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[October 07, 2021] Global Luxury Brands Explore New Grounds To Reach Thai Consumers Through Chat Commerce on LINE Platform in the New Normal Era

BANGKOK, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- LINE Thailand reveals luxury brands adjust and increasingly place importance on their online channels amid the ongoing Covid pandemic as a majority of customers are turning to shop for luxury brands through online channels more. This monumental change goes deep down to localization, which is to adjust their marketing strategy to be in line with the locality. Findings by LINE Thailand show that many international luxury brands with markets in Thailand have started to study and adapt towards the Thai consumer's behavior during this New Normal era. One of the important behaviors that cannot be overlooked, a charming way Thais tend to shop, is to do their shopping through "chat". Currently, global brand names be it Burberry, Chanel, Cartier, Dior, Gucci, Lacoste, Louis Vuitton, Swarovski, Tiffany & Co., etc. have all approached the online market through the usage of chat commerce in order to reach Thai consumers. Whether it is to launch their LINE Official Account to communicate their brand, to close sales, or to create brand and product awareness on the LINE platform, this full service for Thai consumers is considered an interesting phenomenon that marks great changes within Global luxury brands. An example would be Louis Vuitton, one of the luxury brands that has launched a LINE OA, as well as LINE stickers for their customers and fans. Thais are among the first countries able to download these stickers and currently, the account has over 300,000 frieds. During the new wave of the Covid pandemic since the beginning of last year, Louis Vuitton has live-streamed their fashion shows from Paris through their LINE OA many times so their Thai customers could also watch the show this phenomenon making them among one of the first luxury brands to adjust to the online landscape with chat commerce.



Chanel is another global luxury brand that has moved towards chat commerce on LINE in order to reach Thai customers. Besides their main LINE OA, additional LINE OA accounts such as Chanel Beauty have also been launched, in order to focus on their beauty product lines. Live-streams of their fashion shows have been broadcasted directly to Thailand through their LINE OA since late last year, while their CHANEL Haute Couture Fashion Show recently took place last month. Another interesting brand is Cartier, which has released stickers with eye-catching designs in order to increase the friend base of their LINE OA. Countless advertisements are also released on their LINE platform, thus making Cartier another brand that has solidified its digital presence comprehensively through chat commerce on LINE. All in all, this clearly makes them another Global luxury brand entering a new dimension of no longer adhering to old principles, in order to facilitate online commerce and brand building to directly reach Thai consumers.

A Shift to the Online World: New Commerce Opportunities, Same Luxurious Experience It is not merely about marketing, product promotion and increasing the customer base. These brands are using their LINE Official Account to communicate their brand story. This is done by telling their value through the brand's heritage, as well as illustrating themselves as part of the consumer's lifestyle in a stylish manner through the chat function. This can easily and frequently reach Thai consumers in order to impress them intimately with the brand's value and products. An admin can chat with the customer interested in their products to provide information and to close sales in personal chats immediately. All of this makes the channel one that can efficiently reach customers in a personalized matter no different from meeting at the store. It could possibly generate even better results, as more customers can be accommodated than before. For customers or big fans of such luxury brands, clear benefits can be seen as these LINE Official Accounts can wipe out all shopping restrictions. Everyone can get products they've set their sights on without having to risk traveling to the actual store, nevertheless, they will still receive the same exclusive service no different from the physical store. This also provides new customers with courage to start shopping at a luxury brand. Many may be worried or shy about browsing products within the store, but shopping through LINE OA relieves them of that problem, all the while ensuring that they still receive special and exceptional service from luxury brands. This monumental change consisting of new commerce opportunities for luxury brands, the spending power of an unexpected new target group and new marketing trends that completely encompasses the digital all clearly reflect how a boutique shop or offline sales are no longer enough for a luxury brand. Online commerce through the chat commerce function may be the new and right channel for luxury brands looking to meet the demands of their present and future customers. All the reasons and factors listed above regarding the powerful and strategic chat commerce all clearly imply that this channel is one that luxury brands should quickly seize, in order to capture the hearts of their customers in every situation. Without a doubt, it is going to shake up the world of e-commerceallowing all customers to access luxury brands more than they've ever imagined. SOURCE LINE Thailand

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Sontiq Announces Industry-First Digital Safety and Security Features for Families

With the ongoing vulnerability of families succumbing to the exponential volume and velocity of identity crimes and cyberthreats, Sontiq, the leader in Intelligent Identity Security (IIS), today announced an exclusive set of Digital Safety and Security features. These new features will be included in Sontiq's Identity Theft Protection plans for families, including those under the IdentityForce product brand.

With more than 1 million children having their identity stolen each year, identity and child safety experts agree that protecting the information of all family members is critical.

"We are living in a digital environment where cyber and identity threats are becoming increasingly common and fighting against these crimes is really a family affair," explained Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) President & CEO Eva Velasquez. "From social media vulnerabilities to social engineering and ransomware attacks; the trillions of dollars in losses are real, and the impact - both financially and emotionally - cannot be denied. The importance of addressing this very real threat and providing families with peace of mind to help resolve such issues when they arise cannot be overstated."

Sontiq's family protection plans will include the following Digital Safety and Security features starting in Q4 21:

Cyberbullying Reimbursement

Cyberbullying occurs when one individual harasses, intimidates, or threatens another person via computer, telephone or other portable device. According to the Cyberbullying Research Center, more than 60% of students who experienced cyberbullying stated that it deeply affected their ability to learn and feel safe at school.

Sontiq's team of experts can help families with:

Obtaining the services of a specialist to remove online content

Seeking counseling and rehabilitation services

Acquiring the services of a digital forensic service provider

Relocating to a new educational facility

Finding legal resources

Receiving reimbursement for up to $25,000

"The tats are alarming on cyberbullying. In fact, during the pandemic, L1ght reported a 70% increase in hate speech with kids and teens during online chats," said Sharon Vinderine, Founder and President of Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA). "Sontiq continues its commitment to protecting those most vulnerable from cyberthreats - our children. I am excited about the new features they are providing families. I'm also encouraged by the light they continue to shine on empowerment and education for parents."







Social Engineering Resolution and Reimbursement

Social engineering (e.g., baiting, phishing, vishing, scareware, pretexting, etc.) is the art of taking advantage of human behavior and emotions to trick an individual into giving up confidential information. This sensitive information may include passwords and bank information, allowing thieves to access accounts and transfer funds. According to industry research, employees who fall for social engineering attacks contribute to 33% of all data breaches. With the increase in remote work environments, individuals are also more susceptible to such threats, since any of their personal information shared on business devices is at risk.

Sontiq's team of experts can help families with:

Canceling or freezing accounts

Getting reimbursement of lost funds from a bank/credit card company

Investigating additional security options for affected accounts

Changing passwords

Placing additional security on accounts moving forward

Receiving reimbursement for up to $25,000

Ransomware Resolution and Reimbursement

One of the fastest-growing cyberthreats, ransomware happens when an individual logs into their computer and finds it maliciously locked. The expanded virtual environment of 2021 means employers and employees are at greater risk as hackers increasingly target remote workers to compromise employer systems. Additionally, for individuals using devices for personal and business use, there's increased stress over losing digital family photos or videos. In 2021, a ransomware attack happens every 11 seconds.

Sontiq's team of experts can help families with:

Determining the severity of an attack

Advising on immediate action steps

Determining if a ransom should be paid or if alternative options exist

Facilitating the ransom payment when necessary

Receiving reimbursement for up to $25,000

"We take protecting every angle of an individual's and family's digital identity seriously. Having these new features included in our identity theft protection plans is another industry-leading step we are taking to help ensure the digital safety and security of our members," said Sontiq President and CEO Brian J. Longe. "This, combined with our focus on empowering parents with meaningful educational material, will help keep their family's sensitive personal information theirs."

About Sontiq

Sontiq (pronounced Son-tick) is an Intelligent Identity Security company arming businesses and consumers with award-winning products and services built to protect what matters most. Sontiq's brands, IdentityForce, Cyberscout and EZShield provide a full range of identity and cyber monitoring solutions, best-in-class restoration, and response products and services. Sontiq's products are used by an ever-growing community and empower millions of customers and organizations to be less vulnerable to the financial and emotional consequences of identity theft and cybercrimes. Sontiq and its brands have an outstanding track record for delivering high-touch support and fraud remediation services, demonstrated through its 99% customer satisfaction ratings. Sontiq is a portfolio company of the Wicks Group. Learn more at www.sontiq.com or engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn or YouTube.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005110/en/
[October 07, 2021] Wells Fargo to Announce Third Quarter 2021 Earnings on Oct. 14, 2021

Wells Fargo (News - Alert) & Company (NYSE: WFC), as previously announced, will report its third quarter 2021 earnings results on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, at approximately 7 a.m. Eastern time. The results will be available online at https://www.wellsfargo.com/about/investor-relations/quarterly-earnings/. In addition to being available on the company's Investor Relations website, the earnings results also will be available on the Securities and Exchange Commission website at https://www.sec.gov. The company will host a live conference call on Thursday, Oct. 14, at 11:30 a.m. Eastern time. You may listen to the call by dialing 1-877-918-2317 (U.S. and Canada) or 312-470-7164 (international) and entering passcode: 1382313. The call will also be available online at https://www.wellsfargo.com/about/investor-relations/quarterly-earnings/.



A replay of the conference call will be available from approximately 3 p.m. Eastern time on Oct. 14 through Thursday, Oct. 28. Please dial 1-866-385-0192 (U.S. and Canada) or 203-369-0389 (international) and enter passcode: 1421. A webcast replay will also be available online at https://www.wellsfargo.com/about/investor-relations/quarterly-earnings/. About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo & Company (NYSE: WFC) is a leading financial services company that has approximately $1.9 trillion in assets, proudly serves one in three U.S. households and more than 10% of small businesses in the U.S., and is the leading middle market banking provider in the U.S. We provide a diversified set of banking, investment, and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through our four reportable operating segments: Consumer Banking and Lending, Commercial Banking, Corporate and Investment Banking, and Wealth & Investment Management. Wells Fargo ranked No. 37 on Fortune's 2021 rankings of America's largest corporations. In the communities we serve, the company focuses its social impact on building a sustainable, inclusive future for all by supporting housing affordability, small business growth, financial health, and a low-carbon economy. News, insights, and perspectives from Wells Fargo are also available at Wells Fargo Stories. Additional information may be found at www.wellsfargo.com | Twitter (News - Alert) : @WellsFargo. News Release Category: WF-CF View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005269/en/

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[October 07, 2021] JND eDiscovery Wins 'Best Innovation - Solution Provider' Award

JND eDiscovery, a division of JND Legal Administration, was awarded 'Best Innovation - Solution Provider' this week by global legal and compliance software provider Relativity for developing a Relativity-integrated collaboration tool and support ticketing system that facilitates rapid issue resolution for remote attorneys and litigation support personnel. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005274/en/ JND eDiscovery wins 2021 'Best Innovation - Solution Provider' Award for its Relativity-integrated solution, Virtual Helpdesk (Graphic: Business Wire) JND introduced the solution, Virtual Helpdesk, in 2020 following the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, when information workers transitioned from in-office to from-home work arrangements. The solution combines live chat, video and screen share with an individualized helpdesk dashboard, support ticketing system and resource center for accessing user documentation. "Virtual Helpdesk ensures that our clients are fully supported in Relativity," says Scott Lombard, SVP of JND eDiscovery. "It restores synergies across displaced teams and connects people to resourceswhen and where they need them. JND's greatest market differentiator as an eDiscovery SaaS (News - Alert) and managed services provider is our ability to understand and creatively respond to the needs of our clients."



The Relativity Innovation Awards celebrate organizations and individuals who engineer solutions and use technology to advance the practice of law and innovate on top of the Relativity platform. Virtual Helpdesk is JND's fourth proprietary software solution to be nominated for Relativity's 'Best Innovation - Solution Provider' award since 2018. "We are honored to recognize and congratulate the JND team on the amazing work and value that they deliver to their clients with the Relativity platform," said James Zinn, Director of Commercial Partnership at Relativity. "Every year we look forward to witnessing the innovative solutions they bring to their clients and this year is no exception."

For more information about Virtual Helpdesk or about JND's eDiscovery offerings, please direct inquiries to info@jndla.com. About JND eDiscovery JND eDiscovery is a Minneapolis-based division of JND Legal Administration, a legal management and administration company trusted by law firms, government agencies and Fortune 500 companies nationwide. Founded by Jennifer Keough, Neil Zola and David Isaac, JND delivers best-in-class legal services in the areas of class action settlement administration, mass tort claims and lien resolution, eDiscovery, legal notice programs, government services and healthcare solutions. The company is backed by Stone Point Capital and has offices in California, Minnesota, New York, Washington and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit https://www.JNDLA.com. About Relativity Relativity makes software to help users organize data, discover the truth and act on it. Its SaaS platform RelativityOne manages large volumes of data and quickly identifies key issues during litigation and internal investigations. The AI-powered communication surveillance platform, Relativity Trace proactively detects regulatory misconduct like insider trading, collusion and other non-compliant behavior. Relativity has more than 300,000 annual users in 49+ countries serving thousands of organizations globally primarily in legal, financial services and government sectors. For more information, visit https://www.relativity.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005274/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Former Prime Minister Urges APRU University Presidents to Help Prevent the Next Pandemic

Convening under the theme of "Preventing the Next Pandemic by Preparing for it," former New Zealand prime minister Helen Clark addressed the leaders of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) during their Steering Committee meeting held on 29 September. Ms. Clark made invaluable contributions to APRU leaders in formulating ideas and initiatives for combating the next pandemic. Ms. Clark was well-qualified to present this challenge because she was co-chair of the expert independent panel on preventing the next pandemic which recently reported to the WHO in Geneva. Her understanding of the critical issue of unequal access to health care and vaccines came from another former role as Administrator of the UN Development Program in New York which oversees all UN development activities. Briefing the university leaders on her panel's recommendations1, Ms. Clark emphasized the influential role that APRU's network of 60 leading research universities from 19 countries could play in preventing the next pandemic by preparing for it. She urged universities to help hape international public policy on pandemic preparedness, to initiate sharing of biomedical intellectual property, and to use their expertise in the social sciences to address social protection and inequality.



She stimulated a spirited debate amongst the presidents on how to combat the 'infodemic' of misleading social media posts which all agreed had seriously impeded public health strategies by undermining trust. Enhancing science literacy and awareness of the need to verify sources were seen as critical to an effective response. The international community needs to understand, Ms. Clark said, that preventing the next pandemic is an issue of global governance to be led at the highest level. A university network could also offer strong leadership.

"When a major trans-Pacific organization like APRU speaks, that's of interest not only to nations around the regionbut of global interest as well," she declared. "Please see yourselves as leaders." She appealed to universities to get behind her panel's global plan to strengthen global governance through a Global Health Threats Council of heads of government and a UN declaration and legal convention. Inspired by her address, APRU Chair, Chancellor Gene Block of UCLA, announced that "we formed a Presidential Working Group to define our agenda and advance it with urgency". Consisting of presidents from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, the University of Auckland and the University of British Columbia, the group aims to advance the goals discussed during the meeting to prevent a future pandemic. About APRU As a network of 60 leading universities linking the Americas, Asia and Australasia, the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU) brings together thought leaders, researchers, and policy-makers to exchange ideas and collaborate on effective solutions to the challenges of the 21st century. 1 COVID-19: Make it the Last Pandemic, https://theindependentpanel.org/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005570/en/

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[October 07, 2021] ARC, Inc. Launches Pioneering Predictive Maintenance Sensors for U.S. Marine Corps

Armaments Research Company, Inc. (ARC) announced today its plans to develop a predictive maintenance platform for crew-served weapons for the U.S. Marine Corps. This project is part of ARC's recently awarded 5-year, $60-million Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) Phase III contract with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and General Services Administration ( GSA (News - Alert) ) to develop systems for the military's 'Joint All-Domain Command and Control' (JADC2) project portfolio. JADC2's goal is to connect sensors from each military service into one, integrated network. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005592/en/ Predictive Maintenance for the Marine Corps Tactical Weapons Systems (Photo: Business Wire) Last month, ARC introduced Task Orders 1 and 3, the first projects to be delivered under the 'Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity' (IDIQ) contract. These projects focus on fusing data from ARC's miniaturized AI-enabled edge computing sensors with other battlefield data sources, transmitting decision-quality information to tactical forces through mobile and extended reality (XR) platforms.



Given the importance of functioning, well-maintained weapons systems on the battlefield, ARC's latest project expands the development of its AI/ML-powered weapons sensor-the ARC-Response (ARC-R)-from small- to medium-caliber weapons platforms. This capability enables predictive maintenance and optimizes unit readiness. The project empowers units to predict, plan, and take proactive steps for events such as parts repair or failure before they occur, ensuring reliability and safety during training and operations. ARC will adapt its state-of-the art, Internet-of-Things (IoT) sensor to transparently embed into crew-served weapons platforms to collect, synthesize, and communicate diagnostics for units to assess the overall health of their platforms. The data will be used to develop machine-learning (ML) algorithms that detect when a component of the weapon may fail or when the weapon system requires maintenance.

These insights allow commanders to take decisive action with timely, accurate information about the utilization rates of their weapons systems, 1) significantly reducing unscheduled weapons maintenance, 2) extending the lifetime of the weapon and 3) creating cost saving through supply chain optimization. "Supporting the Marines' leap forward from time- to conditions-based maintenance for their medium-caliber weapons creates extraordinary potential for efficiencies. This project is particularly exciting because we have the opportunity to understand and help better predict non-age-related equipment issues, which typically comprise 80% of total failures," said Michael Canty, Chief Executive Officer of ARC. "Ultimately, a properly functioning weapon can be a Marine or Soldier's lifeline in combat and reliability matters; our team is thrilled to contribute." ARC technical solutions and case studies are available for individual demonstration. Interested parties are invited to visit armaments.us and contact info@armaments.us for more information. About Armaments Research Company, Inc.: Founded in 2016, ARC is a privately-owned, top-secret-cleared, Washington D.C.-based technology firm, led in tandem by innovative technology experts and combat-tested military veterans. ARC's original solutions were developed under DARPA and National Science Foundation sponsorship, leveraging state-of-the-art internet-of-things (IoT) and machine learning (ML) technologies to transform weapons into information nodes or 'sensors' and arm Commanders with advanced, real-time decision support. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005592/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Turkey - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Turkey-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

With the successful launch of the Turksat 5A satellite in January 2021, the Turksat 5B is expected to be launched by the end of the year, and will be joined by the Turksat 6A in early 2023.



In addition to these technological breakthroughs, the countrys telcos have invested in fibre infrastructure, with Vodafone Turkey having trialled a 1Tb/s service in late 2021 to support its 5G network backhaul and improve the quality of its fixed infrastructure.





Deployment of fibre-based broadband networks are well established, with fibre accounting for almost a quarter of all fixed broadband connections as of early 2021. The DSL sector still dominates, accounting for about two-thirds of connections, but its share is steadily declining, year-on-year.





Improved fixed and mobile infrastructure is underpinning the countrys initiatives relating to SmartCity concepts, which have become a key area of focus for the emerging digital economy and the transformation to a knowledge-based economy. Turkeys National Smart Cities Strategy and Action Plan runs through to 2023.









BuddeComm notes that the pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally. The telecoms sector to various degrees is likely to experience a downturn in mobile device production, while it may also be difficult for network operators to manage workflows when maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure.







Overall progress towards 5G may be postponed or slowed down in some countries.





On the consumer side, spending on telecoms services and devices is under pressure from the financial effect of large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes. However, the crucial nature of telecom services, both for general communication as well as a tool for home-working, will offset such pressures. In many markets the net effect should be a steady though reduced increased in subscriber growth.





Although it is challenging to predict and interpret the long-term impacts of the crisis as it develops, these have been acknowledged in the industry forecasts contained in this report.







Key developments:



SpaceX launches the Turksat 5A satellite, expects to launch the Turksat 6A satellite in early 2023;

Turkey identified as one of the key markets for mobile subscriber growth through to 2025 in the MENA region;

Vodafone Turkey and vendor partner Nokia provide data at up to 1Tb/s in trials;

Report update includes the regulators market updates for Q1 2021, telcos financial and operating data to June 2021, Telecom maturity Index charts and analyses, an assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments.

Companies mentioned in this report include:





Turk Telekom, Turkcell, Vodafone Turkey, Turksat, Superonline, Millenicom.





Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Turkey-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: nbombourg@budde.com.au Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[October 07, 2021] Survey: 80% of SMBs Feel More Secure, Despite Influx of Cyberattacks

SAN JOSE, Calif., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Untangle Inc., a leader in comprehensive network security for small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) and distributed enterprises, today released the results of its fourth annual SMB IT Security Report . The report finds that, despite the flurry of cyberattacks, SMBs are expanding and embracing new work environments, and investing in and investigating new technologies to secure their business. The latest Untangle SMB IT Security Report surveyed more than 740 SMBs  the largest pool of respondents to-date  to learn more about how they've adapted to a changing work environment, how they've addressed an influx of cyberattacks and defined their approach to IT Security. The survey shows that even with limited budget and resources, SMBs have implemented foundational strategies to address network security issues and lay the groundwork for future investments: 80% of respondents shared that they are more secure now than last year. Additional key findings from the survey include: Surveyed SMBs have increased their annual IT security budgets compared to 2020. More small businesses  those wth under 25 employees  are making investments in IT: only 28% had annual budgets of $1,000 - $5,000 , compared to 35% in 2021. 50% of SMBs now have the majority of their employees working back in the office. However, in keeping with the current workplace transformation trend, 41% have transitioned a quarter or more of their workers to hybrid work permanently. Because of this, 20% of SMBs have implemented some type of SD-WAN technology with another 19% having plans to implement or are looking into it. While companies have been investing more in IT security, there continue to be barriers. Employees who do not follow guidelines have become the top barrier to IT security (28%) and despite some budget increases many organizations still struggle with budget constraints (27%) and the lack of manpower to monitor and manage security (18%). Recognizing the need for digital transformation, 58% of SMBs have deployed more than 10% of their IT infrastructure in the cloud  a 32% increase from 2020. SMBs realize that they are also targets of cyberattacks and are looking at IT security from a problem/solution standpoint. 64% name breaches as their top security concern, it is understandable that most companies recognize firewalls (73%) and antivirus/anti-malware protection (62%) as their top IT security solutions.



Scott Devens , CEO at Untangle. "To that end, they have increased their focus on IT Security, they have stronger networks than a year ago and have plans for further attack-prevention for the future. There's a definite trend towards putting more IT in the cloud and following a multi-layered security approach." Untangle protects SMBs and distributed enterprises all over the world from cyberattacks with its Network Security Framework. Composed of NG Firewall and SD-WAN Router, and managed through its cloud-based platform, Command Center, Untangle solutions provide network administrators with exceptional visibility and control over their network, from gateway to the edge.

"By making this data available, we're giving SMBs the ability to learn from each other, see what other similar businesses are concerned about and see how other SMBs are adapting," concluded Devens. A free copy of the Untangle SMB IT Security Report is available here . About Untangle

Untangle is an innovator in cybersecurity designed specifically for the below-enterprise market, safeguarding businesses, home offices, nonprofits, schools and governmental organizations. Untangle's integrated suite of software and appliances provides enterprise-grade capabilities and consumer-oriented simplicity to organizations with limited IT resources. Untangle's award-winning network security solutions are trusted by over 40,000 customers around the world. Untangle is headquartered in San Jose, California. Untangle Media Contact

Lumina Communications on behalf of Untangle

Untangle@LuminaPR.com

408-963-6418 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/survey-80-of-smbs-feel-more-secure-despite-influx-of-cyberattacks-301395104.html SOURCE Untangle

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[October 07, 2021] Incredible Health Launches Retention Suite, Helping Hospitals Attract Nurses and Reduce Turnover

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Incredible Health , the fastest-growing, venture-backed career marketplace for healthcare workers, today announced the launch of its Retention Suite, the only suite of tools designed to support hospitals in retaining permanent nursing talent during the Great Resignation. Nurse retention is a critical issue that impacts healthcare costs and affects quality of care nationwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated nurse turnover rates with 60% of 400 surveyed frontline nurses saying the pandemic made them more likely to leave their positions due to insufficient staffing, workload, and emotional strain. Nurse turnover reduces quality of care and studies have shown that hospital units with low levels of turnover encounter fewer medication errors and higher levels of patient satisfaction1. Higher nurse turnover and rates of burnout are connected to higher rates of patient mortality. Additionally, the average cost of turnover for a single bedside RN, which includes hiring and training a new nurse and lost revenue during that period, is $40,038, which adds up to at least $3.6 -$6.5 million lost per year per hospital facility. These factors, compounded with increased rates of stress and burnout and the rapid progression of the Delta variant, have only added to the nursing shortage crisis. Recent reports state that one in five ICUs are at least 95% full with some available beds unable to be used due to short staffing. This ultimately leads to lower standards of care for patients as a direct result of short staffing. The Incredible Health Retention Suite is a set of hiring tools that helps nurses find permanent jobs they'll love and helps hospitals retain the nurses already on staff. Nurses hired through Incredible Health have a 15% higher retention rate compared to nurses hired through traditional channels at one year. Incredible Health developed this new suite of tools because hiring nurses that are the right fit, and hiring enough of them, reduces turnover.2 Effective hiring leads to effective retention. "The pandemic exposed the nursing turnover crisis. It massively impacts patient outcomes and hospital financials," said Iman Abuzeid MD, CEO and Cofounder of Incredible Health. "Engaged, happy nurses provide better patient care and we developed the Retention Suite to help ensure nurses find careers that fulfill them and increase their job tenure. Our tools make it easier and faster for hospitals to hire the right nurses, so hospitals have the staff they need, and fewer nurses leave because of understaffing and burnout. Incredible Health is committed to providing a delightful experience for nurses and hospitals alike, to improve the quality of care and decrease healthcare costs."



The Retention Suite helps nurses make more informed employment decisions by

flipping the script, with hospitals applying to nurses, not the other way around, enabling busy nurses to field multiple interview requests and complete thorough job searches. Busy nurses can complete a thorough job search and consider multiple employers to find the best role for them, which drives job satisfaction and retention. Nurses can also 'favorite' hospitals they're especially interested in, and each nurse gets to leverage Incredible Health's improved screening and matching algorithmswhich assess 70+ specialties and 250+ nursing skillsto find a role that is the best fit for them. When nurses are happy in their jobs, they remain with employers for longer. Today, more than 500 hospitals nationwide, including Johns Hopkins Health System, HCA Healthcare, Stanford Health Care, Kaiser Permanente, Providence St. Joseph, Baylor Scott and White, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, and many others hire permanent nursing staff with Incredible Health. These hospitals are taking advantage of the updated tools that are designed to allow them to hire more nurses, in order to reach appropriate staffing levels and reduce burnout and turnover. Advanced offerings include:

Benchmarking data and best practices: Hospitals can compare their own hiring funnel and operations anonymously to competing hospitals locally, regionally and nationally. Team activity dashboards: Recruiting team managers' can leverage analytics on their teams' activity, to gain insight into each recruiter's hiring funnel and share best practices across the team and system. SMS text capabilities : Recruiters can cut through the noise and send candidates SMS and in-app messages. Messages sent through the Incredible Health platform have an 80% response rate.

: Recruiters can cut through the noise and send candidates SMS and in-app messages. Messages sent through the Incredible Health platform have an 80% response rate. Automated interview scheduling : Incredible Health schedules 70% of interviews automatically, significantly reducing time to hire.

: Incredible Health schedules 70% of interviews automatically, significantly reducing time to hire. In-app references : Nurses can add pre-collected references to their profiles to speed hiring managers' decision-making.

: Nurses can add pre-collected references to their profiles to speed hiring managers' decision-making. Advanced screening: Incredible Health's algorithms automatically check for malpractice and licenses to ensure the highest quality candidates.

Incredible Health's algorithms automatically check for malpractice and licenses to ensure the highest quality candidates. Employer showcase pages : Employers can customize their employer branding to appeal to nurses and communicate what makes their organization a great place to work.

: Employers can customize their employer branding to appeal to nurses and communicate what makes their organization a great place to work. Mobile-optimized nurse onboarding : Nurses can take advantage of iOS, Android, and mobile web applications to make it even easier to use Incredible Health and find and do their best work.

: Nurses can take advantage of iOS, Android, and mobile web applications to make it even easier to use Incredible Health and find and do their best work. Nurse mental health tools: Nurses can use a daily nurse journal and a nurse community to help nurses manage stress, practice gratitude, and support one another. "The Incredible Health Retention Suite should be the future of the nursing profession. Not only does it have the potential to create favorable career pathways for individual nurses, but it promotes positive work environments," said Shenita Anderson RN, an emergency room nurse that used Incredible Health to find her current permanent role. "This is ultimately reflected in the quality of care that patients receive from nurses who are happy in their roles and employers who understand the importance of pursuing excellence in health care." Incredible Health has enhanced its platform throughout the pandemic to help hospitals and nurses find permanent roles with a speed-to-hire time of 12 days. The Retention Suite is the latest offering in the company's commitment to nurses and health systems, and to further Incredible Health's mission to help healthcare professionals live better lives and find and do their best work. To learn more about how Incredible Health's Retention Suite, visit this link: https://www.incrediblehealth.com/blog/retention-suite/ About Incredible Health

As a career marketplace for permanent healthcare workers, Incredible Health puts nurses in the driver's seat. Hospitals apply directly to nurses rather than the other way around. The first and only platform to focus on permanent employees rather than contractors, Incredible Health is already used by over 500 top hospitals nationwide. Incredible Health's proprietary algorithm-based technology custom matches the needs of hospitals with the right nurses. Co-founded by MD and Wharton alum Iman Abuzeid and MIT alum from a family of nurses, Rome Portlock, Incredible Health is headquartered in San Francisco, CA, and operates nationally. For more information visit https://incrediblehealth.com . Press contact:

Inkhouse for Incredible Health

press@incrediblehealth.com +++++ 1Bae, S.-H., Mark, B., & Fried, B. (2010). Impact of NURSING Unit turnover on patient outcomes in hospitals. Journal of Nursing Scholarship, 42(1), 4049. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1547-5069.2009.01319.x

2Hairr DC, Salisbury H, Johannsson M, Redfern-Vance N. Nurse staffing and the relationship to job satisfaction and retention. Nurs Econ. 2014 May-Jun;32(3):142-7. PMID: 25137811. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/incredible-health-launches-retention-suite-helping-hospitals-attract-nurses-and-reduce-turnover-301395238.html SOURCE Incredible Health

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[October 07, 2021] Diebold Nixdorf to Conduct 2021 Third Quarter Investor Call on Oct. 28

NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Diebold Nixdorf (NYSE: DBD) will release 2021 third quarter financial results on Thursday, Oct. 28 before trading begins on the New York Stock Exchange. Gerrard Schmid, president and chief executive officer, and Jeffrey Rutherford, senior vice president and chief financial officer, will discuss the results during a conference call and webcast beginning at 8:30 a.m. ET. Information about Diebold Nixdorf's financial results, including a complete press release, earnings presentation and supplementary financial data will be accessible by visiting the Investor Relations section of Diebold Nixdorf's website located at http://www.dieboldnixdorf.com/earnings . Live access to the conference call, as well as the replay, will also be available on this website. To access the call, we encourage you to pre-register at www.incommglobalevents.com/registration/q4inc/8919/diebold-nixdorf-inc-third-quarter-2021-earnings-call/. After registering, a confirmation will be sent via email and will include dial-in details and a unique PIN code for entry to the call. To avoid long wait times, we suggest registering at least one day in advance to receive your unique PIN code. Registration will be open throughout the live call. You may also access the call and register with a live operator. The conference call will last approximately one hour. Participants should plan to dial in 15 minutes prior to the session. Details on the call are as follows:









Dial-in number

Conf. ID

Time/Date Conference Call Toll Free: 844-200-6205

839676

8:30 a.m. ET; Oct. 28, 2021

International: 929-526-1599





















About Diebold Nixdorf

Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD) is a world leader in enabling connected commerce. We automate, digitize and transform the way people bank and shop. As a partner to the majority of the world's top 100 financial institutions and top 25 global retailers, our integrated solutions connect digital and physical channels conveniently, securely and efficiently for millions of consumers each day. The company has a presence in more than 100 countries with approximately 22,000 employees worldwide. Visit www.DieboldNixdorf.com for more information. LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/diebold

Twitter: twitter.com/dieboldnixdorf

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DieboldNixdorf

YouTube: www.youtube.com/dieboldnixdorf DN-F View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/diebold-nixdorf-to-conduct-2021-third-quarter-investor-call-on-oct-28-301395177.html SOURCE Diebold Nixdorf, Incorporated

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[October 07, 2021] Ukraine - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Ukraine-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

That includes near-radio silence on the details of the supposed forthcoming tender. Growth in the mobile sector is likely to remain stagnant for more time to come, while the market waits for the regulator and the three dominant MNOs to crawl towards making faster and more powerful services available for public consumption.



Most of the action with Ukraines telecom market has instead taken place behind the lines, with a range of M&A activity resulting in more consolidation or, in the case of Vodafone Ukraine, a role-reversal.





First up was telecommunications service provider Datagroup, which completed its acquisition of cableco Volia in June 2021. The combined entity now operates one of the largest fibre networks in the country, with a reach of more than four million househods. Then in August 2021, Vodafone Ukraine reversed its position from 2015 when it had sold its fixed internet and fixed telephony operations in Odessa and Kyiv to Vega. The mobile operator instead acquired 99.9% of Vega, as well as the cableco Cable TV-Finance. In doing so, Vodafone Ukraine broadcast a clear intention to become a quadruple-play provider rather than solely one of the countrys three major MNOs.









This report includes the regulator's market data reports and telcos' financial and operating data updates to June 2021, Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, an assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, and other recent market developments.









Key developments:



The Ukrainian telecoms regulator NCCR reduced the MTR from UAH0.12 per minute to UAH0.08 per minute, effective from October 2020.

Kyivstar and Huawei trialled LTE using tri-band Carrier Aggregation (CA) technology in the 900MHz, 1800MHz, and 2600MHz bands, achieving data speeds over 800Mb/s.

Vodafone Ukraine launched NB-IoT services in partnership with Danube Freight Company, Liana, and BTK-Tsent Komplekt.

All three MNOs (Lifecell, Kyivstar, and Vodafone Ukraine) joined together in an infrastructure sharing agreement to accelerate the deployment of LTE networks into rural areas. All three MNOs are expanding their LTE networks using newly available 900MHz spectrum.

Intertelecom has started closing down its CDMA-based wireless services due to its inability to meet the cost of LTE license fees required to proceed with a nationwide deployment.

Datagroup announced a $20 million network modernisation program in partnership with Cisco.

Companies mentioned in this report:





Ukrtelecom, Kyivstar, Vodafone Ukraine, Lifecell, Intertelecom, Datagroup, Eurotranstelecom, Vega, Volia Cable, TriMob, Triolan, PEOPLEnet.





Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Ukraine-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: nbombourg@budde.com.au Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[October 07, 2021] Tech Innovators Lead the Charge to Ensure Bitcoin Adoption in El Salvador is a Success

The Bitcoin Alliance, a new alliance between Banco Hipotecario, TESOBE - the company behind the Open Bank Project - API3, Qredo and Sovryn will bring forth the next generation of Blockchain applications offering open banking solutions to provide financial inclusion to all in El Salvador. El Salvador's groundbreaking Bitcoin Law entered into force on September 7, 2021, introducing unfamiliar challenges for traditional financial institutions as well as more specific consumer needs related to bitcoin storage and currency exchange. Together, leaders in the blockchain space will utilize their resources and knowledge to facilitate a smooth adoption of bitcoin as legal tender, ensuring citizens reap the benefits of digital banking and national infrastructure can handle this momentous change. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005151/en/ (Graphic: Business Wire) Banco Hipotecario, a national bank with a commercial focus, joined forces with the Open Bank Project and API3 to assess and facilitate solutions for Salvadorans and the financial service sector. The API3 and Open Bank Project 10-year partnership has set major ambitions to merge traditional and decentralized industries. With Banco Hipotecario, the joint-partnership hopes to realize the potential for end-to-end opn digital systems.



The alliance has selected Qredo's decentralized custodial infrastructure to power bitcoin banking solutions in El Salvador. Alongside this, Sovryn, the Bitcoin-native decentralized trading and lending platform will provide the infrastructure to enable traditional banks to offer Bitcoin-native DeFi products such as lending, trading and Bitcoin backed-stablecoins to their customers. The collective aim is to accelerate the democratization of Bitcoin electronic payments and help citizens enjoy the benefits of digital and decentralized transactions. It will also support the nation's larger financial framework to promote a smooth and effective integration of Bitcoin as legal tender, driving financial inclusion for Salvadorans.

The Bitcoin phenomenon is propagating across Latin America. By leveraging Qredo's revolutionary crypto infrastructure, which is entirely compatible with the Bitcoin Lightning Network used in El Salvador, combined with Sovryn's ability to build on bitcoin, TESOBE's APIs and API3's Airnode, this alliance will support El Salvador's seamless transition into a crypto-friendly financial services system. "This alliance is a great opportunity for El Salvador to create new financial products that support the needs of our Salvadoran citizens," said Celina Padilla, president of Bank Hipotecario de El Salvador. "We are closer than ever to achieving true financial inclusion and I am proud that Banco Hipotecario is the first bank at the national level to carry out this type of alliance. Now everyone has their eyes on our country and on our bank." "We are super excited and grateful for the opportunity to assemble this advanced Crypto Banking infrastructure, which will act as the foundation for a new breed of financial services in El Salvador," says Simon Redfern, CEO of TESOBE and founder of the Open Bank Project. "Our combined technologies will help Banco Hipotecario deliver more transparent and inclusive financial services to Salvadorans - especially the underbanked part of the population - and will remove many of the uncertainties that stand between El Salvador and the advantages of cryptocurrency adoption." "API3 is incredibly excited to announce this alliance and we can't wait to see the synergies between these leading technologies in action. As the world's financial system is modernized, we will help build a foundation for the future of digital banking that can easily be adapted to fit the needs of those who will benefit from it most," says Heikki Vanttinen, Co-Founder at API3. "We are glad to get in at the ground zero of global bitcoinization," says Anthony Foy, Qredo CEO. "Qredo brings the scalability and instant settlement to underpin bitcoin banking infrastructure, making it possible to adopt crypto assets securely on a national scale, with none of the governance limitations imposed by private keys." Edan Yago, core contributor at Sovryn, commented: "With its adoption of Bitcoin, El Salvador has chosen to rewrite the script of its national finance system and to blaze a trail for other nations to follow. DeFi is now coming to the world and Sovryn is playing a crucial part in these early practical steps towards making Bitcoin adoption a reality in El Salvador and beyond." About Banco Hipotecario de El Salvador Banco Hipotecario de El Salvador, a national bank with a commercial focus, offers a wide range of banking products and services such as consumer and corporate loans, savings accounts, credit and debit cards, and related financial services to individuals, small- and medium-sized enterprises and large corporations. About the Open Bank Project Led by Berlin-based software company TESOBE GmbH, the Open Bank Project is the leading API Management platform for banks that want to ensure a rapid and secure enhancement of their digital offerings. The Open Bank Project assists banks in deploying Open Banking platforms by providing access to over 450 standardised APIs, used by our vibrant global community of over 11,000 developers. About API3 The API3 Foundation is a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) leading the movement from legacy third-party oracle networks to first-party oracle solutions that deliver more security, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Powered by Airnode first-party oracles, API3's Decentralized APIs (dAPIs) are decentrally controlled and blockchain-native data feeds with quantifiable security. About Qredo Qredo is a decentralized digital asset management infrastructure and product suite designed to unlock new opportunities for institutional investors in digital assets and decentralized finance. Qredo's Layer 2 blockchain protocol enables users to seamlessly transfer and settle BTC, ETH, and ERC-20 tokens. Assets are secured by Qredo's advanced Gen 2.0 multi-party computation (MPC), which provides tier-1 bank security and institutional-grade governance. About Sovryn Sovryn is a Bitcoin-native financial operating system that allows people to utilize their Bitcoin in decentralised applications. The Sovryn protocol provides an infrastructure using layer-2 technologies for the next generation of DeFi. For more details about the Sovryn tech stack, its use cases, and the SOV token see the Sovryn Black Paper. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005151/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Israel - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Israel-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW





The country also attracts investment in its cyber-security industry, and has established itself as a hub for thousands of start-up companies.



To underpin these developments, Israel has developed a robust telecoms sector. Household broadband penetration is high, with a focus on fibre-network deployment. Bezeq offers FttP services with data rates of up to 2.5Gb/s.



LTE services are almost universally available, while the August 2020 multi-spectrum auction also enabled the MNOs to provide services based on 5G. In coming years, 5G will be supported by moves to close down GSM and 3G networks in stages through to the end of 2025, with the physical assets and spectrum to be repurposed for LTE and 5G use.



BuddeComm notes that the outbreak of the pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally. During thecoming year the telecoms sector to various degrees is likely to experience a downturn in mobile device production, while it may also be difficult for network operators to manage workflows when maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure.







Overall progress towards 5G may be postponed or slowed down in some countries.



On the consumer side, spending on telecoms services and devices is under pressure from the financial effect of large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes. However, the crucial nature of telecom services, both for general communication as well as a tool for home-working, will offset such pressures. In many markets the net effect should be a steady though reduced increased in subscriber growth.





Although it is challenging to predict and interpret the long-term impacts of the crisis as it develops, these have been acknowledged in the industry forecasts contained in this report. The report also covers the responses of the telecom operators.



Key Developments:

Telecom regulator concludes 5G auction, proposes end to all interconnection rates, sets timeline for the closure of GSM and 3G networks by end-2025;

Bezeq launches its fibre network, offering data rates of up to 2.5Gb/s;

Research Committee awards second-round 5G-related grants to innovative companies;

Bids made by Cellcom and Partner Communications for 018 Xfone;

Universal Service Obligations on Bezeq and HOT Telecom help extend broadband availability to 99% of households;

Report update includes Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, telcos operating and financial data to Q2 2021, assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments.

Companies mentioned in this report include:

Bezeq, Bezeq International, Pelephone, HOT Telecom, HOT Mobile, Cellcom, 013 NetVision, Partner (Formerly Orange), 012 Smile, Xfone, Golan Telecom (Electra Communications), Israel Broadband Company (IBC); Remi Levy, Mobile 019.

Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Israel-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: nbombourg@budde.com.au Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[October 07, 2021] French Polynesia - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/French-Polynesia-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

The first submarine cable was deployed in 2010 and additional cables have been connected to the islands in subsequent years, vastly improving French Polynesias international connectivity. An additional domestic submarine cable will connect remote islands by the end of 2022.



French Polynesia is also a hub for satellite communications in the region, based on it hosting one of the uplink systems of the Galileo satellite network.



With improved international connectivity, fixed broadband penetration has become amongst the highest in the region. A considerable number of consumers acess FttP-based services. With the first data centre in French Polynesia on the cards, the quality and price of broadband services is expected to improve as content will be able to be cached locally, reducing costs for consumers.







About 43% of the countrys mobile connections are on 3G networks, while LTE accounts for 12%. By 2025, LTE is expected to account for more than half of all connections. It is also estimated that 77% of mobile subscribers will have smart phones by 2025.



Key Developments:



Covid-19 Delta variant devastates French Polynesias health system and leads to country-wide lockdowns and curfews through September.

Kacific-1 satellite and Manatua cable increase international bandwidth.

Natitua Sud domestic submarine cable connects Tahiti to Tubuai and Rurutu.

TNT searches for a commercial partner to construct a 12MWp solar farm project to host the countrys first data centre.

Fixed broadband penetration approaches 22%.

This quarterly update includes the regulators market data to December 2020, telcos financial and operating data to H1 2021, and recent market developments.



Companies covered in this report include:

Office des Postes et Telecommunications (OPT), Intelsat, Kacific Broadband Satellites Group, Tahiti Nui Telecommunications, Galileo, Gilat Satellite Networks, Vini, Honotua Cable, Vodafone Polynesia, Avaroa Cable (ACL), Telecom Niue (TNL) and Samoa Submarine Cable Company (SSCC), SES Networks.





Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/French-Polynesia-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: nbombourg@budde.com.au Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[October 07, 2021] AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of GreenStars BNP Paribas S.A.

AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A (Excellent) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "a+" (Excellent) of GreenStars BNP Paribas S.A. (GreenStars) (Luxembourg), a subsidiary of BNP Paribas SA (BNP Paribas). The outlook of these Credit Ratings (ratings) is stable. The ratings reflect GreenStars' 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 ratings also consider, in the form of rating lift, AM Best's expectation that BNP Paribas will provide financial support to the company, if needed. The shareholder has allowed GreenStars to retain all of its earnings since its incorporation in 2009. GreenStars' balance sheet strength is supported by risk-adjusted capitalisation at the strongest level, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR). AM Best expects GreenStars' risk-adjusted capitalisation to remain at the strongest level, supported by good internal capital generation and low net underwriting leverage. Dependence on reinsurance is high, although the associated credit risk is mitigated partially by GreenStars' diversified and well-rated reinsurance panel. GreenStars' strong operating performance is demonstrated by its five-year average return on capital and surplus of 15.7%. Historical performance has been driven largely by the company's low loss experience, which has helped it obtain high inward ceding and profit commissions. AM Best expects the company's prospective performance to remain strong, albeit subject to potential volatility stemming from weakened global macroeconomic conditions. GreenStars' extensive reinsurance programme helps to mitigate the effect of potential claims volatility on a net basis. GreenStars provides support for BNP Paribas' lending operations, as a creditrisk management tool. The company's business profile benefits from having direct access to the group's good quality credit risks. While GreenStars is concentrated in credit insurance, its business profile assessment reflects its diversification by geography, type of credit risk and obligor.



AM Best remains the leading rating agency of alternative risk transfer entities, with more than 200 such vehicles rated throughout the world. For current Best's Credit Ratings and independent data on the captive and alternative risk transfer insurance market, please visit www.ambest.com/captive. 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 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/20211007005665/en/

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[October 07, 2021] AOTMP Announces Telecom, Mobility, and IT Management Industry Awards for Businesses & Individuals

INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The organizers at AOTMP (www.aotmp.com) have announced the 2022 telecom, mobility & IT management business and public sector industry awards. The AOTMP Industry Awards recognize innovation and excellence in the telecom, mobility, and technology ecosystem among individuals and enterprises which positively impact and elevate excellence in their respective businesses. Awards for vendors will follow in July in conjunction with the AOTMP Industry Solution Showcase. Winners in 12 categories will be announced on Wednesday April 27 at AOTMP Engage, AOTMP's annual conference. The awards are as follows: The AOTMP Industry Awards recognize innovation and excellence in the telecom, mobility, and technology ecosystem Individual Business Professional Awards Telecom Management Professional of the Year

Mobility Management Professional of the Year

IT Management Professional of the Year

Technology Professional Woman of the Year

Transformation Leader of the Year

Automation Professional of the Year

Business Advocate of the Year

Rising Star



Operational Excellence Award

Financial Excellence Award

Business Impact Award

Culture Award Nominations are currently open and can be submitted at Industry Awards. Nominations will close on January 7 with finalists announced on January 31. The awards are selected by a judging panel comprised of industry analysts, industry experts, and media partners and are based on criteria including:

Personal achievement

Business Impact

Innovation

Leadership Timothy C. Colwell, AOTMP Executive Vice President, says, 'AOTMP Industry Awards represent professional excellence and it is a privilege to celebrate the most talented people in the in the telecom, mobility, and IT management industry by recognizing their personal and team achievements.' Visit AOTMP Engage 2022 for more information on the awards and other event details. About AOTMP AOTMP, the Association of Telecom, Mobility, and IT Management Professionals, is a membership organization dedicated to serving the more than 10 million professionals around the globe who support the $4.3 trillion dollar industry. The association's mission is to bring these professionals together to help advance the industry while contributing more value and impact to their respective organizations. AOTMP supports the industry and its professionals with memberships, training and certifications, events, industry publications, industry standards and professional development to optimize individual and business performance. Learn more at www.aotmp.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aotmp-announces-telecom-mobility-and-it-management-industry-awards-for-businesses--individuals-301394893.html SOURCE AOTMP

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[October 07, 2021] Papua New Guinea - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Papua-New-Guinea-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

The two MNOs operate networks offering services based on GSM, 3G, and LTE, depending on location. GSM is prevalent in many rural and remote areas, while 3G and LTE are centred more on urban areas. GSM still represents the majority of all mobile connections.



Network deployment costs are high, partly due to the relatively low subscriber base, the difficult terrain, and the high proportion of the population living in rural areas. As a result, fixed telecom infrastructure is almost non-existent outside urban centres, leaving most of the population un-serviced. PNG is the Pacific regions largest poorly developed telecom market, with only around 22% of its people connected to the internet.



The existing submarie cable infrastructure is insufficient to serve the countrys needs. Low international capacity has meant that internet services are expensive and slow. Internet access has improved, however, with the Coral Sea Cable System which came online in 2019. The cable links PNG to the Solomon Islands and Australia (landing at Sydney). The PIPE Pacific Cable is in the process of being upgraded to a capacity of 12Tb/s, with the work expected to be completed by the end of 2021.







In a bid to challenge the encroaching influence of China, the Australian government has pressed Telstra to negotiate a potential acquisition of the troubled Digicel Pacific, including the latters units in Fiji, Nauru, PNG, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. As part of its efforts to promote itself in the region, the Australian government would be prepared to provide Telstra with financial incentives to complete the deal.



By September 2021 progress had been made on the merger of the state-owned telcos Bmobile, Telikom, and DataCo, creating a more efficient vertically integrated operator.





Key Developments:

PIPE Pacific Cable is upgraded from 8Tb/s to 12Tb/s;

Kumul Submarine Cable Network System 1 is lit;

Digitec builds out a greenfield LTE network;

PNG rolls out Get Connected training with the ITU to boost digital transformation;

Australian government encourages Telstra to acquire Digicels Pacific operations;

Kacific-1 satellite services are made available;

Report update includes an assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments.

Companies mentioned in this report include:

Kumul Telikom, Telikom PNG, PNG DataCo, Bmobile (Vodafone), Digicel, Kacific Broadband Satellites

Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Papua-New-Guinea-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: nbombourg@budde.com.au Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[October 07, 2021] Sysorex Appoints Industry Veteran Brian Raymond as Chief Technology Officer

HERNDON, Va., Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sysorex (OTCQB: SYSX), the preeminent, U.S.-based, publicly traded Ethereum mining and technologies company, today announced it has appointed Brian Raymond as Chief Technology Officer. Mr. Raymonds responsibilities will include assisting with business strategy, technical oversight of Ethereum mining operations and expansion of blockchain technologies offerings, M&A support, customer and partner engagements, as well as overseeing hardware acquisition.

In addition, the Company announced it has entered into a preliminary agreement to acquire the remaining 50% ownership in Up North Hosting LLC, a data center owner and operator in upstate New York, currently jointly owned by businesses controlled by Mr. Raymond and Sysorex. Upon closing, Sysorex will own 100% of the data center, which offers the Company immediate access to additional capacity to expand its mining operations. The purchase, which also includes about 1000 GPUs representing approximately 50 Gigahash of compute power, will immediately increase Sysorexs mining capacity by approximately ten percent. The transaction is subject to a number of closing conditions, including execution of a definitive agreement, and is scheduled to close on or before October 31, 2021. Mr. Raymond brings extensive experience within the cryptocurrency and blockchain markets, including technical execution, sales, contract development (prime, sub, GSA, and others), software product development, and related services. As a hardware and software architect/manufacturer, he has developed and supported deployments of Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) and GPU mining systems for numerous customers. In 2016, four years after entering the cryptocurrency mining industry, he founded Bitworks, a company providing GPU mining systems customers with a full spectrum of commercial-grade mining solutions and installation capabilities. Mr. Raymond also complements the Sysorex Government Services division with his established background in the defense and intelligence sectors, where he delivered various commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and government off-the-shelf (GOTS) software and hardware solutions for multiple intelligence (multi-INT) sensor data processing customers. He has also developed and deployed artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) clients. Most recently, Mr. Raymond was the Vice President of Technology for Parry Labs, and he previously served as the Chief Technologist for Harris Geospatial Solutions, where he led capability development for both Department of Defense (DoD) and intelligence community (IC) customers. Brian has a long tenure in cryptocurrency mining, said Wayne Wasserberg, Chief Executive Officer of Sysorex. We regard him as one of the leading experts in the field, with deep experience in the development of proprietary hardware and software. Bringing him in-house and owning 100% of this data center will position Sysorex to further differentiate ourselves in the market. Over the last four years, the joint development of the Up North Hosting data center and our access to hydro power at favorable pricing has underpinned our ability to scale and maintain operational profitability in all conditions. By bringing this data center and Brian fully under Sysorex, we will mre closely align ourselves with a strong and experienced technical partner, add approximately 1000 additional GPUs to our fleet, and achieve full ownership of the data center asset to remain highly competitive in the cryptocurrency mining market.



Zaman Khan, President of Sysorex Government Services, commented, We are thrilled to have Brian as part of the Sysorex family, which will further strengthen the Companys executive leadership. Brians expertise in the government space, and in-depth understanding of blockchain, NFTs and mining, will provide SGS with the critical tools we need to introduce blockchain technology into the government. SGS has already identified a number of blockchain opportunities, and Brian will be instrumental in helping SGS pursue these opportunities and move them across the finish line. I am excited to join the team at Sysorex, grow our current mining operations and, even more importantly, expand our blockchain technology portfolio, stated Mr. Raymond. Partnering with Michael Bay and The Hunt to deliver NFTs to the market is just one way in which we plan to grow Sysorex into a market-leading blockchain technology provider. Ethereum mining still provides a strong opportunity for near-term capacity deployments to provide an excellent return on investment. In addition, the right mining hardware provides ample opportunity to pivot into new GPU-enabled processing, delivering additional long-term upside for Sysorex.

Brian Venturo, Chief Technology Officer of CoreWeave, which is a significant shareholder in Sysorex, further noted, Brian Raymond is the ideal CTO for Sysorex. He is one of the preeminent leaders in GPU mining, with deep relationships on the hardware and software side that will prove fundamental to the continued success of the Company. In addition to the exodus of cryptocurrency mining in China, the market for economic, green power has become highly competitive, and this combination adds significant value to the mining operations. ABOUT SYSOREX, INC.

Sysorex, Inc. (Company) is a data center owner and operator and is the preeminent U.S.-based, publicly traded Ethereum mining and Ethereum Blockchain technologies company. Following the Companys merger with TTM Digital Assets & Technologies, Inc. (TTM), the Company shifted its primary business focus to the mining of Ether (ETH) and opportunities related to the Ethereum Blockchain. The Company currently owns and operates approximately 10,000 NVIDIA GPUs generating approximately 500 Gigahash of computing power, which GPUs include thousands of Cryptocurrency Mining Processors (CMPs). These GPUs are currently online and securing the Ethereum Blockchain and generating ETH around the clock with industry leading efficiency. In addition to the mining of ETH, the Company continues to operate its wholly owned subsidiary, Sysorex Government Services, Inc. (SGS), a business that provides information technology products, solutions and services to federal, state, and local government, including system integrators. The Company is also advancing strategies to leverage decentralized finance (De-Fi) and Non-Fungible Token (NFT) opportunities powered by the Ethereum Blockchain. Safe Harbor Statement All statements in this release that are not based on historical fact are forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. While management has based any forward-looking statements included in this release on its current expectations, the information on which such expectations were based may change. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of the control of Sysorex, Inc. and its subsidiaries, which could cause actual results to materially differ from such statements. Such risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, but are not limited to, the fluctuation of economic conditions, the impact of COVID-19 on Sysorex's results of operations, Sysorexs ability to integrate the products and business from recent acquisitions into its existing business, the performance of management and employees, the regulatory landscape as it relates to privacy regulations and their applicability to Sysorexs technology. Other factors that are detailed in Sysorex's periodic and current reports available for review at sec.gov. Furthermore, Sysorex operates in a highly competitive and rapidly changing environment where new and unanticipated risks may arise. Accordingly, investors should not place any reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results. Sysorex disclaims any intention to, and undertakes no obligation to, update or revise forward-looking statements. Investor Relations

Crescendo Communications, LLC

David Waldman/Natalya Rudman

Tel: (212) 671-1020

Email: SYSX@crescendo-ir.com Company  info@ttmdigitalassets.com Investor Relations  ir@ttmdigitalassets.com Jimmy Caplan, Market Makers Public Relations  pr@ttmdigitalassets.com Rick Eisenberg, Eisenberg Communications



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[October 07, 2021] Mongolia - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Mongolia-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW





Fixed-line penetration increased steadily in the years to 2018 as more people took on fixed-line access for voice calls and to access copper-based broadband services. However, the number of lines fell in 2019, and again and more sharply in 2020, partly through the economic consequences of the pandemic (GDP fell 5.3% in 2020, year-on-year) and partly due to the migration to the mobile platform and to VoIP.





Fixed broadband penetration remains low, mainly due to a limited number of fixed lines and the dominance of the mobile platform. The attraction of fixed broadband as a preferred access where it is available is waning as the mobile networks are upgraded with greater capacity and capabilities.





The growing popularity of mobile broadband continues to underpin overall broadband and telecom sector growth, with Mongolias market very much being dominated by mobile servies, supported by widely available LTE. This will largely determine and shape the future direction of Mongolias developing digital economy.









BuddeComm notes that the outbreak of the pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally. During the coming year the telecoms sector to various degrees is likely to experience a downturn in mobile device production, while it may also be difficult for network operators to manage workflows when maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure.







Overall progress towards 5G may be postponed or slowed down in some countries.





On the consumer side, spending on telecoms services and devices is under pressure from the financial effect of large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes. However, the crucial nature of telecom services, both for general communication as well as a tool for home-working, will offset such pressures. In many markets the net effect should be a steady though reduced increased in subscriber growth.





Although it is challenging to predict and interpret the long-term impacts of the crisis as it develops, these have been acknowledged in the industry forecasts contained in this report.





The report also covers the responses of the telecom operators as well as government agencies and regulators as they react to the crisis to ensure that citizens can continue to make optimum use of telecom services. This can be reflected in subsidy schemes and the promotion of tele-health and tele-education, among other solutions.







Key Developments:



Regulator enables online licensing application process as part of an e-nation transition;

KT Corp completes sale of its 40% stake in Telecom Mongolia to the state;

MobiCom expands reach of LTE-A services, trials 5G;

Report update includes an assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, the regulators market reports for 2019, telcos operating and financial data to July 2021, Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, recent market developments.

Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Mongolia-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: nbombourg@budde.com.au Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[October 07, 2021] Solomon Islands - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Solomon-Islands-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW





Although various international organisations such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank have taken a special interest in having communication services improved in both the Solomon Islands and the Pacific region in general, internet and broadband penetration remain low. The provision of broadband infrastructure, particularly to rural areas, is also hindered by land disputes.



Internet services have, however, improved with the build-out of the Coral Sea Cable System linking Papua New Guinea to the Solomon Islands, as also with a connecting cable to a landing station at Sydney. The Australian government provided most of the funding for the Coral Sea Cable System, with contributions and support from the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea governments.



The launch of the Kacific-1 satellite in late 2019 also improved broadband satellite capacity for the region, though for telcos in Solomon Islands satellite services are now largely used as backup for internatioal traffic.







In recent years, the country has stabilised both politically and economically and this, along with improvements to mobile infrastructure, has led to a rise in mobile penetration and the slow uptake of broadband services. While the first LTE services were launched in late 2017 in the capital Honiara, the main platform for mobile voice and data services remains 3G, while in outlying areas GSM is still an important technology for the provision of services.



BuddeComm notes that the outbreak of the pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally. During the coming year the telecoms sector, to various degrees, is likely to experience a downturn in mobile device production, while it may also be difficult for network operators to manage workflows when maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure. Overall progress towards 5G may be postponed or slowed down in some countries.





On the consumer side, spending on telecoms services and devices is under pressure from the financial effect of large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes. However, the crucial nature of telecom services, both for general communication as well as a tool for home-working, will offset such pressures. In many markets the net effect should be a steady though reduced increased in subscriber growth.



Key Developments:

Coral Sea Cable System alleviating international bandwidth constraints, focus shifts to improving last mile connectivity;

Solomon Islands Domestic Cable Network connects to Coral Sea Cable System;

Kacific-1 providing additional international bandwidth;

Possible amendment to the Telecommunications Act to address cyber-bullying, SIM card registration required;

Growth in mobile data consumption driven by high proportion of consumers under the age of 25;

Mobile market remaining dominated by prepaid subscribers;

Report update includes an assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, regulators market data report for 2020, recent market developments.



Companies covered in this report include:

Our Telekom (Breeze); Bmobile-Vodafone; Kacific Broadband Satellite, O3b, Interchange Limited, Solomon Island Submarine Cable Company.

Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Solomon-Islands-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: nbombourg@budde.com.au Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[October 07, 2021] Samoa - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Samoa-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW





In 2006, it became the first in the region to see the market entrance of Digicel, which has since launched services in other Pacific nations. The advent of competition in the mobile market saw prices fall by around 50% and network coverage increase to more than 90% of the population.



LTE is developing on the back of its initial launch in 2016 by Digicel Samoa, followed by BlueSky Samoa (now Vodafone Samoa) in 2017. Digicel Samoa completed its LTE network in September 2020.



Digicel Samoas parent company, Digicel Pacific, has been on the lookout for several months for a potential buyer as it has struggled financially. Various Chinese firms have registered interest in taking a stake, however the Australian government has sought to block further Chinese investment in the region by providing financial support for a local buyer. In July 2021, Telstra Corporation confirmed to the Australian Stock Exchange that it was in discussions with the Digicel Group to acquire its Pacific operations for around $2 bilion.







Similar to other countries in the Pacific Islands, Samoas telecoms sector has been inhibited by a lack of international connectivity. While Samoa has had access to the Samoa-America-Samoa (SAS) cable laid in 2009, this cable has insufficient capacity to meet the countrys future bandwidth needs.



This issue was addressed with two new submarine cables that became available in 2018 and 2019. These, combined with the Samoa National Broadband Highway (SNBH), have improved internet data rates and reliability, and have reduced the high costs previously associated with internet access in Samoa.





BuddeComm notes that the outbreak of the pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally. During the coming year the telecoms sector to various degrees is likely to experience a downturn in mobile device production, while it may also be difficult for network operators to manage workflows when maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure. Overall progress towards 5G may be postponed or slowed down in some countries.



On the consumer side, spending on telecoms services and devices is under pressure from the financial effect of large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes. However, the crucial nature of telecom services, both for general communication as well as a tool for home-working, will offset such pressures. In many markets the net effect should be a steady though reduced increased in subscriber growth.



The report also covers the responses of the telecom operators as well as government agencies and regulators as they react to the crisis to ensure that citizens can continue to make optimum use of telecom services. This can be reflected in subsidy schemes and the promotion of tele-health and tele-education, among other solutions.



Key Developments:

Australian government contributes up to $1.5 billion of the $2 billion which Telstra has offered to acquire Digicel Pacific, in order to block Chinese companies from taking over Digicels Pacific operations.

Manatua cable certified is made ready for service.



Companies covered in this report include:

Amalgamated Telecom Holdings (ATH), Vodafone Samoa, Amper, Blue Sky Samoa, Digicel Samoa, Kacific Broadband Satellite, O3b.

Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Samoa-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: nbombourg@budde.com.au Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[October 07, 2021] Nepal - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Nepal-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW





The fixed line market remains underdeveloped, and as a result most traffic is channeled via mobile networks. Fixed broadband penetration remains very low, though to address this the government has initiated several programs as part of the Digital Nepal Framework and the wider Optical Fibre Backbone Network Expansion Project, started in 2012. Supported by the Rural Telecommunications Development Fund, the programs include building out fibre backbone infrastructure and using this to provide broadband to schools and community centres nationally.





Telcos have also invested in fibre networks, and competition in the market is intensifying. Cheap fibre-based services launched by CG Net in mid-2021 prompted responses from other ISPs to provide faster and more competitively priced offers.





Nepals mobile market is relatively developed, with a focus on LTE. In 2021, the regulator considered a range of spectrum bands which could be used for 5G, while Nepal Telecom was charged with trialing services in five cities.





BuddeComm notes that the pandemic ontinues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally. During the coming year the telecoms sector to various degrees is likely to experience a downturn in mobile device production, while it may also be difficult for network operators to manage workflows when maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure. Overall progress towards 5G may be postponed or slowed down in some countries.









On the consumer side, spending on telecoms services and devices is under pressure from the financial effect of large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes. However, the crucial nature of telecom services, both for general communication as well as a tool for home-working, will offset such pressures. In many markets the net effect should be a steady though reduced increased in subscriber growth.







Although it is challenging to predict and interpret the long-term impacts of the crisis as it develops, these have been acknowledged in the industry forecasts contained in this report.





The report also covers the responses of the telecom operators as well as government agencies and regulators as they react to the crisis to ensure that citizens can continue to make optimum use of telecom services. This can be reflected in subsidy schemes and the promotion of tele-health and tele-education, among other solutions.







Key developments:



Government facilitates e-learning with free internet access and data packages for students, provides funds to connect schools in all 66 districts to the internet;

Nepal Telecom asks for free spectrum to trial 5G services, plans to close down WiMAX service;

Nepali Digital Payment Company launches an m-money service;

Regulator allows telcos to refarm 900MHz spectrum for LTE use, updates infrastructure sharing rules;

Nepal Telecom secures additional 1800MHz spectrum, closes CDMA network;

Nepals first national satellite to be launched in 2022;

Report update includes an assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, the regulators market reports to May 2021, telcos operating and financial data to July 2021, Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, recent market developments.

Companies mentioned in this report





Nepal Telecom (NDCL), United Telecom (UTL), Ncell, Telia Company, STM Telecom, Nepal Satellite Telecom (NSTPL), Smart Telecom (STPL)





Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Nepal-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: nbombourg@budde.com.au Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[October 07, 2021] Armenia - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Armenia-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

The country has struggled to build economic momentum and independence since breaking away from the Soviet Union in 1991, and these two events have only served to further delay Armenias prospects for economic recovery in the short to medium term.



Despite the woes besetting the country on the larger scale, Armenias telecom sector was still able to post modest gains  at least in the mobile and broadband segments. Its fixed-line penetration continues to slide downwards, only buttressed by the rollout of fibre networks whih have encouraged the take up of bundled services. Even so, the fixed broadband market remains undeveloped, being somewhat hamstrung by the lack of underlying infrastructure outside the main cities.







In general, Armenias small population and low GDP per capita means that the country presents limited opportunities for growth. The one bright spot for the sector is mobile broadband, which is expected reach 130% penetration rate by 2026, at a CAGR of more than 8.6%. However, this is subject to the country managing to avoid conflict.









Key developments:



Telecom Armenia was sold by its owner VEON to Team LLC, a new business started by two former executives and co-founders of Telecom Armenias closest competitor Ucom.

Beeline contracted with Nokia to deploy the latters GPON infrastructure throughout the country.

Ucom started trialling a 1Gb/s fibre service packaged with TV and fixed-voice telephony.

This report includes the regulator's market data to Q1 2021, telcos' financial and operating data updates to June 2021, Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, and other recent market developments.

Companies mentioned in this report





Telecom Armenia (ArmenTel, Beeline), Ucom, VivaCell-MTS





Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Armenia-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: nbombourg@budde.com.au Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[October 07, 2021] Spain - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Spain-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

GDP dropped by 10.8% in 2020, while telecom revenue reversed the previous five years positive results by falling 5.3%. Fixed-line services were the hardest hit, with revenue falling 13.7%, year-on-year. Mobile voice services did not fare much better, falling 4.7%. This is despite relatively small shifts in the number of subscribers, though the harsh lockdown conditions resulted in a significant drop in usage.



It had appeared that a return to growth might be possible in 2021 following the lifting of the state of emergency in May, but the most recent surge in cases and the continued restrictions on travel may once again put the brakes on growth until at least 2022.





One bright spot in an otherwise grey landscape was broadband  both fixed and mobile. Spains fixed-line broadband market, in particular, managed to extend its decade-long pattern of steady growth into 2020, with a slight icrease in demand caused by the need for fast internet access to support working and learning from home.









While most of Spains larger telcos delivered negative revenue and profit in 2020  much in line with the overall sector  the up-and-comer Masmovil has signalled that it wants to play in the big league. In March 2021, it launched a friendly takeover bid (valued at around 2 billion) for Basques fixed-line operator and MVNO Euskaltel. The deal was approved by Euskaltels board as well as the competition regulator. If successful, the deal will place the company in a better position to challenge the dominance of the main telcos Telefonica, Orange, and Vodafone.









Key developments



Vodafone, Orange, and Movistar each secure 2x10MHz spectrum in the long-delayed 700MHz auction. Orange and Movistar were also awarded one of the two remaining 10MHz spectrum blocks in the 3.5GHz band.

Spectrum licence periods are to be doubled to 40 years in future spectrum auctions.

Telefonica started testing WDM photonics meshes with Huawei, enabling the operator to implement transmission speeds up to 800Gb/s over its photonics mesh transport network in Madrid.

SpaceX is offering a trial of its Starlink satellite broadband service in Spain.

The 100Tb/s 5,900km EllaLink submarine cable connecting Madrid, Lisbon, and Sao Paulo, with branch lines to Fortaleza (Brazil), Madeira, the Canary Islands, and the Cape Verde islands, started operating in June 2021.

Vodafone and Canalink are to build an extension of the 2Africa submarine cable to connect the Canary Islands with continental Spain.

This report includes the regulator's market data to June 2021, telcos' financial and operating data updates for Q2 2021, Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, and other recent market developments.

Companies mentioned in this report





Telefonica, Orange Spain, Vodafone Spain, Movistar (Telefonica Moviles), Masmovil, Euskaltel, Jazztel, Ono, Yoigo





Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Spain-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: nbombourg@budde.com.au Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[October 07, 2021] Qatar - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Qatar-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Mobile services based on LTE are universally available, and this has helped the two operators Ooredoo Qatar and Vodafone Qatar to migrate to 5G. In combination with a strong fibre rollout, the country is aiming to provide gigabit services nationally.



5G services are largely based on 3.5GHz spectrum made available following an auction in early 2019.





BuddeComm notes that the pandemic continues to have a significant impact on production and supply chains globally. During the coming year the telecoms sector to various degrees is likely to experience a downturn in mobile device production, while it may also be difficult for network operators to manage workflows when maintaining and upgrading existing infrastructure.





Overal progress towards 5G may be postponed or slowed down in some countries.









On the consumer side, spending on telecoms services and devices is under pressure from the financial effect of large-scale job losses and the consequent restriction on disposable incomes. However, the crucial nature of telecom services, both for general communication as well as a tool for home-working, will offset such pressures. In many markets the net effect should be a steady though reduced increased in subscriber growth.







Although it is challenging to predict and interpret the long-term impacts of the crisis as it develops, these have been acknowledged in the industry forecasts contained in this report.





The report also covers the responses of the telecom operators as well as government agencies and regulators as they react to the crisis to ensure that citizens can continue to make optimum use of telecom services. This can be reflected in subsidy schemes and the promotion of tele-health and tele-education, among other solutions.







Key developments:



Regulator amends wholesale tariffs on mobile networks through to 2023;

Regulator gains increased powers allowing it greater scrutiny of telcos;

Increasing international capacity assisting Qatar's long-term development goals as stated in the Qatar National Vision 2030 program;

Report includes the regulators market data reports to December 2020, telcos financial and operating data to June 2021, Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, an assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, recent market developments.

Companies mentioned in this report include:





Ooredoo Qatar, Vodafone Qatar, Qatar National Broadband Network (QNBN)





Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Qatar-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW

Nicolas Bombourg: nbombourg@budde.com.au Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[October 07, 2021] Insurity Acquires Maprisk, Expanding Leading Geospatial Analytic Capabilities for Personal and Commercial P&C Carriers and MGAs

Insurity, a leading provider of cloud-based software for property and casualty (P&C) carriers, brokers, and MGAs today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Maprisk. Maprisk provides geospatial data and analytics software to enable underwriting automation and allows P&C carriers and MGAs to smartly plan and proactively respond to natural disasters. With the addition of Maprisk to the Insurity suite, P&C carriers and MGAs writing personal and commercial lines can seamlessly integrate geospatial data and analytics across the full policy lifecycle, from quoting and underwriting to claims. The acquisition of Maprisk builds on Insurity's prior acquisition of SpatialKey, the market leader in geospatial solutions with the largest open network of specialty and hazard data providers, in December 2019. This acquisition further solidifies Insurity's position as the industry leader in data and analytics, both in commercial lines and now in personal lines, with greater breadth and depth than any other geospatial data provider. It also furthers Insurity's vision of empowering the insurance industry with the world's most configurable, cloud-based, and intuitively analytical software suite. Maprisk offers data and analytics with a strong focus on natural hazard data, both proprietary and through third parties, which is delivered directly to P&C carriers and MGAs via an easy-to-integrate API and hrough Maprisk's web platform. Their comprehensive geospatial and multi-peril coverage includes data on flood, wind, wildfire, property, and crime scores, plus high-resolution aerial and satellite imagery. P&C carriers and MGAs benefit from flexible and in-depth augmentation of data at ingestion and can generate automated outputs for aggregate exposure and aggregation zones. As a result of this automation, Maprisk's software processes over 20 million records per month with 100% uptime and sub-second response times. Maprisk is a trusted partner of more than 65 leading P&C carriers and MGAs.



"We are thrilled to welcome Maprisk to Insurity," said Chris Lafond, CEO, Insurity. "Maprisk's focus on delivering high-quality, actionable geospatial data and analytics combined with Insurity's already robust data and analytics solutions and configurable software platform will serve to improve intelligence surrounding hazard and catastrophe risk for P&C carriers and MGAs, empowering them to reduce losses and grow profitably." "Geospatial analytics is no longer an emerging technology in insurance, but a mainstay - to the point where if you are not leveraging geospatial analytics, you are not achieving full ROI from your analytics capabilities," said Kirstin Marr, Head of Insurity Analytics. "Maprisk's strength is its easy to digest data delivery as well as being designed for simplified integration into any carrier's existing workflow. This enables P&C carriers and MGAs to quickly create a more holistic view of risk."

"We are extremely excited to join the Insurity family," said Nick Parian, CEO, Maprisk. "Insurity is a market leader with more than 35 years of experience delivering solutions to P&C carriers and MGAs. Maprisk's clients will not only immediately benefit from Insurity's $100 billion data consortium and broad suite of cloud-based geospatial and predictive analytic capabilities but gain access to Insurity's deep bench of talent, system integrator partners, and network of leading insurance organizations." For more information, please contact Laura Krause at Laura.Krause@Insurity.com. About Insurity Insurity is a leading provider of cloud-based software and analytics for insurance carriers, brokers, and MGAs. Insurity is trusted by 15 of the top 25 P&C Carriers in the US and has over 275 cloud-based deployments. Through its best-in-class digital platform and with unrivaled industry experience and thought leadership, Insurity is uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional value, empowering customers to focus on their core businesses, optimize their operations, and provide superior policyholder experiences. Insurity is a portfolio company of GI Partners. For more information, visit www.insurity.com. About Maprisk Maprisk is a private company that provides policy life cycle and natural hazard data to property/casualty insurers. The company was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Portland, ME. Maprisk solutions are designed to help insurers with a wide variety of data needs and geospatial support during the policy life cycle, including underwriting, inspection, and claims. Maprisk solutions are delivered via a custom web-based platform or RESTful API. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005680/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Deepcell Wins MICCAI 2021 Startup Village Pitch Competition for Advancing Cell Imaging Through AI

Deepcell, a life science company pioneering AI-powered cell classification and isolation for cell biology and translational research, today announced that the company was awarded the 2021 Startup Village Award from the prestigious MICCAI Society at the 24th Annual International Conference on Medical Image Computing & Computer Assisted Intervention. Deepcell was recognized as the overall winner for its innovation in applying AI to images of cells for biological research applications. Deepcell was spun out of Stanford University in 2017 to re-invent single-cell analysis by creating a new quantitative dimension of cell morphology. Since then, the company has developed its AI-powered technology to characterize, identify, and sort cells based on visual features. "Deepcell is pioneering an approach to apply advanced computational image processing to live cells in a way that has never been done before," said Mahyar Salek, Deepcell's co-founder and Chief Technology Officer. "Winning the MICCAI award is a powerful endorsement of what Deepcell is doing to advance cell iology with our proprietary microfluidic and imaging system and our deep learning models for cell characterization. Our novel platform is designed to help unlock deeper biological insights that are relevant for basic and translational research and future clinical applications."



At the MICCAI conference, which attracts leading biomedical scientists, engineers and clinicians, judges evaluated Deepcell in a head-to-head contest of 10 finalist startups competing in front of an audience from around the world for one of the highest-profile recognitions in the field of medical imaging and AI. Deepcell received the highest average score across all categories, including technological advancement, potential impact, accessibility, and relevance to the MICCAI mission. The company continues to increase its traction. Deepcell is expanding its partnerships with leading academic centers and the biopharma industry, as well as continuing to present data at scientific conferences. The company also continues to build the industry's largest repository of cell images and associated computationally defined cellular visual features.

For more information about Deepcell, go to www.deepcell.com. About Deepcell Deepcell is helping to advance precision medicine by combining advances in AI, cell classification and capture, and single-cell analysis to deliver novel insights through an unprecedented view of cell biology. Spun out of Stanford University in 2017, the company has created unique, microfluidics-based technology that uses continuously learning AI to classify cells based on detailed visual features and sort them without inherent bias. The Deepcell platform maintains cell viability for downstream single-cell analysis and can be used to isolate virtually any type of cell, even those occurring at frequencies as low as one in a billion. The technology will initially be available as a service for use in translational research as well as diagnostics and therapeutic development. Deepcell is privately held and based in Menlo Park, CA (News - Alert) . For more information, please visit deepcellbio.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005380/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Aspirion Health Resources Announces Combination with Advicare

Aspirion Health Resources ("Aspirion" or "the Company"), a leader in technology-enabled healthcare revenue cycle management, announced today that it has combined with Advicare ("Advicare"), a trusted partner to healthcare providers specializing in clinical denial resolution. The transaction closed on October 1, 2021. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The combination of Aspirion and Advicare will further reinforce market leadership in clinical denials and provide the new organization's combined hospital system clients with expanded capabilities to support a broader array of denied claims. The companies' shared vision and cultural synergy that focus on customer centricity, innovation, and delivering superior solutions will facilitate optimal revenue recovery performance and financial success for their healthcare provider partners. The Advicare management team is led by Stacy Gearhart and Gloriann Sordo, co-founders of the company. "This is an exciting time for Advicare and our client partners. We are thrilled to be a part of the Aspirion team," said Sordo. "Together, as Aspirion, we are well-positioned to continue to grow and support our provider partners in their revenue recovery efforts as well as provide expanded career opportunities to our employees." "Aspirion's focus on delivering solutions that exceed hospital systems' other alternatives is central to all we do," stated Jason Erdell, CEO of Aspirion. "We continue to invest heavily in contemporary technologies, human resources, and improved claims resolution to produce uncommon results. This is evidenced by our number one revenue integrity ranking of 96.6 by KLAS Research and a client retention rate of more than 97 percent. In Advicare, we found a partner that shares our commitment to produce the best results and client experience possible. We have long admired the innovative approach Advicare utilizes to address a broad array of clinical denials. Today's combination allows both organizations to service more completely the wide range of denied claims of our collective clients." "Today's announcement reinforces our commitment to strengthening and expanding our suite of healthcare revenue cycle management offerings," said Kevin Barrett, Chairman of the Board of Aspirion. "The addition of Advicare builds on our strong track record of leadership and deep capabilities in healthcare revenue recovery, providing clear and immediate value to our provider partners, and ultimately, to our employees and investors."



This marks Aspirion's fourth transaction in the last three years and further expands the services the Company provides to its clients. The Company's mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and strategic partnership plan is complemented by a track record of new client wins and service expansion within existing clients. As reflected in a recently released KLAS survey, Aspirion received one of the highest rankings among healthcare RCM vendors in customer service. As an independent research firm, KLAS Research states it has delivered accurate, honest, and impartial insights for the healthcare IT (HIT) industry since 1996. Aspirion was advised by McDermott Will & Emery LLP, Grant Thornton (News - Alert) LLP, Lockton Companies LLC, and Opus Advisory. To learn more about Aspirion, please visit www.aspirion.com.

About Aspirion Health Resources Aspirion helps hospitals and physicians recover otherwise lost claims revenue from motor vehicle accidents, workers compensation, the Veteran's Administration, and Tricare as well as out-of-state Medicaid, Medicaid eligibility, underpayments, and denials. Aspirion's experienced team of healthcare, legal, and technical professionals combined with industry-leading technology platforms help ensure that providers receive their Complex RCM revenue so that providers, hospitals, and their staff can focus on patient care. Aspirion is wholly owned by Aquiline Capital Partners, LLC. About Advicare Advicare resolves the most complex, problematic, and costly clinical denials for Healthcare Providers. The company was founded in 2012 and has over 140 healthcare professionals on staff helping to resolve claims for their hospital and provider clients. Advicare is headquartered in Lakeland, FL. To learn more about Advicare, please visit www.myadvicare.com. About Aquiline Capital Partners LLC Aquiline Capital Partners, founded in 2005, is a private investment firm based in New York and London investing in companies across financial services and technology, business services, and healthcare industries. The firm had $6.9 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2021. For more information about Aquiline, its investment professionals, and its portfolio companies, please visit www.aquiline.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005319/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Bangladesh - Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

Sydney, Oct. 07, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Just released, this edition of BuddeComm report outlines the latest developments and key trends in the telecoms markets. - https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Bangladesh-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW





The country had been on track to move off the United Nations Least Developed Countries list by 2026, however the crisis may have pushed that back a few years.



The telecommunications sector experienced its own set of challenges during this period, with mobile data usage exploding at the same time as many consumers were being forced to curb their spending in other areas. The demand on data grew so large and so rapidly that Bangladesh came close to running out of bandwidth. At the start of 2020, Bangladesh was consuming around 900Gb/s on average, well below the 2,642GB/s capacity of its submarine cables. This ballooned to over 2,300Gb/s during the pandemic. Bangladesh was looking forward to adding 7,200Gb/s capacity when the SEA-ME-WE-6 submarine cable goes into service in mid-2024, but the sudden upsurge in downloads is forcing state-run company Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited (BSCCL) to scramble to find alternatives before the countrys internet supply is maxed out.



The increasd demand during the Covid-19 crisis also put pressure on the countrys existing mobile networks, already under strain as a result of strong growth in the mobile broadband market coupled with significant untapped potential for mobile services in general across the country. This led to premium prices being paid at auction for spectrum in the 1800MHz and 2100MHz bands, most of which will be used to enhance and expand LTE services. A 5G spectrum auction had been anticipated for 2020, but low interest from the MNOs in going down that path when there are still so many areas waiting for LTE access means that 5G rollouts will likely be deferred until 2023.







Key Developments:

Three of Bangladeshs four MNOs (Grameenphone, Robi, and Banglalink) successfully bid for additional spectrum in the 1800MHz and 2100MHz bands, in what may be one of the most expensive spectrum auctions in the world.

2020s planned 5G spectrum auction has been delayed, with commercial services now not expected to start before 2023.

Regulatory action against Grameenphone and Robi over outstanding dues and taxes has dragged on for another year, with Supreme Court rulings going against the operators being subject to further appeal in the High Court.

The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) threw beleaguered state-run mobile operator Teletalk a lifeline, approving BDT22.04 billion in funding to expand and modernise its network to be ready for 5G.

The Bangladesh government signed a $500 million financing deal with the World Bank, part of which will be used to install fibre cables along the 48km Jashore-Jhenaidah highway to enhance connectivity in rural areas.

Bangladeshs second satellite, Bangabandhu Satellite-2, is on track to be launched in 2023, doubling existing capacity and extending coverage to the countrys more remote areas.

This report includes the regulators market data reports and telcos financial and operating data updates to June 2021, Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, assessment of the global impact of Covid-19 on the telecoms sector, and other recent market developments.

Companies mentioned in this report:

Bangladesh Telecommunications Company Limited (BTCL), Grameenphone; Banglalink, Robi, Teletalk, Bangladesh Submarine Cable Company Limited (BSCCL)

Read the full report: https://www.budde.com.au/Research/Bangladesh-Telecoms-Mobile-and-Broadband-Statistics-and-Analyses/?utm_source=GNW



Nicolas Bombourg: nbombourg@budde.com.au Europe office: +44 207 097 1241 Oceania Office: +61 280 767 665

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[October 07, 2021] Tomahawk Robotics appoints LTG (Ret.) Paul Ostrowski as a Strategic Advisor

MELBOURNE, Fla., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Tomahawk Robotics, the leading innovator of common control solutions, is pleased to announce that former Principal Military Deputy and Director of the Army Acquisition Corps, LTG (Ret.) Paul Ostrowski, has been appointed as a Strategic Advisor. LTG (Ret.) Paul Ostrowski brings over 28 years of defense acquisition expertise to Tomahawk Robotics. LTG (Ret.) Ostrowski served as the Army's top uniformed acquisition official as well as a Program Executive Officer. As the Principal Military Deputy to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology (ASA (ALT)), LTG (Ret.) Ostrowski led a staff of nearly 40,000 personnel with 720 acquisition programs and a portfolio of $36 billion while overseeing all the Army's acquisition workforce. Ostrowski brings over 28 years of defense acquisition expertise to Tomahawk Robotics. This experence will assist the company in bringing their cutting-edge technology into the hands of U.S. military service men and women. According to Ostrowski, "Unmanned systems are a critical capability on the future battlefield that we have to get right. I believe Tomahawk Robotics' universal robotic control software, Kinesis, is a capability that will allow the Army to address a key element of the Army's overarching robotic strategy more quickly and will also maximize the value of existing unmanned systems investments already made by the DoD."



Specifically, Ostrowski will focus his attention on further developing the Intellectual Property strategy of Tomahawk Robotics to align with a model that best supports the needs of the Army and the broader DOD customer base. "I'm excited to advise the team at Tomahawk on best IP practices that will progress their common control software capability down a program acquisition pathway that makes sense and satisfies the unique needs of the Services' diverse stakeholders," he added. "Paul's appointment reflects our commitment to advancing the Army's modernization priorities," said Brad Truesdell, CEO of Tomahawk Robotics. "His insightful recommendations gained from decades of experience as a senior acquisition leader have already made an impact. Paul's help will position us to address the need more rapidly for universal robotic control and support the men and women in harm's way who need better solutions than what's out there today."

About Tomahawk Robotics Tomahawk Robotics is the leading innovator of common control solutions that transform how humans and unmanned systems work together to make the world more safe and secure. From the battlefield to remote industrial sites, our products and technology safeguard users working under the most extreme and stressful conditions. Designed from the ground up with the user in mind, Kinesis is the only multidomain, cross-architecture, AI-enabled control system that unlocks intuitive interaction with remote environments from across the room or around the world. Learn more at https://www.tomahawkrobotics.com CONTACT: Tracy Maslow, marketing@tomahawkrobotics.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tomahawk-robotics-appoints-ltg-ret-paul-ostrowski-as-a-strategic-advisor-301395050.html SOURCE Tomahawk Robotics

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[October 07, 2021]

Dermatology Times Expands Editorial Advisory Board With Seven New Members

CRANBURY, N.J., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Dermatology Times, a leading multimedia platform that provides cutting-edge content to the dermatology community, welcomes seven new members to its Editorial Advisory Board. This prestigious group of thought leaders provides perspective on and direction for the cutting-edge content that is the hallmark of the brand's print, online and social media platforms.

New and current board will foster dynamic collaboration across the brand.

"We are so excited to welcome seven distinguished members to the Dermatology Times Editorial Advisory Board," said Mike Hennessy Jr., president and CEO of MJH Life Sciences, parent company of Dermatology Times. "Alongside our existing board members, I am confident that the expanded board will work together on outstanding initiatives and elevate the publication, while making a positive impact on the industry."

The new Editorial Advisory Board members are:







The board consists of a diverse group of experts within the field whose impact and influence have elevated the specialty. Board members provide a 360-degree viewpoint on the latest advances in the dermatology space, helping to maintain the brand's authoritative content and standards of excellence. Working with the editorial team, the board members help to identify the most vital information that physicians want and need, however they prefer to access content.

To view the full Dermatology Times Editorial Advisory Board, click here.

About Dermatology Times

A multimedia platform for dermatologists, Dermatology Times provides regulatory and clinical updates, as well as discussion on cost-effective practice management solutions. Dermatology Times helps dermatology professionals grow their knowledge and advance their practice to improve patient care by providing them with the latest news and trends in dermatologic procedures, therapy, technology, products and drugs. Dermatology Times is a brand of MJH Life Sciences , the largest privately held, independent, full-service medical media company in North America dedicated to delivering trusted health care news across multiple channels.

Media Contact

Alyssa Scarpaci, 609-716-7777

ascarpaci@mjhlifesciences.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dermatology-times-expands-editorial-advisory-board-with-seven-new-members-301395361.html

SOURCE Dermatology Times
[October 07, 2021] Xplornet's Metro Loop Delivering Gigabit Internet Speed in Haldimand, Ontario

Metro Loop, powered by Xplornet, brings fibre-to-the-home to over 6,500 premises in Haldimand County MARKHAM, ON, Oct. 7, 2021 /CNW/ - Xplornet Communications Inc., Canada's largest rural-focused broadband provider, today announced that Metro Loop's fibre-to-the-home expansion continues in Haldimand with gigabit Internet service now available to 6,500 homes, businesses, schools and seasonal residences. Launched in April 2021, Metro Loop's fibre-to-the-home expansion project will deploy over 600 kilometers of fibre optic cable and provide next-generation broadband service to over 19,000 homes and businesses throughout Haldimand County, within the next two years. "Xplornet has been making significan private financial investment to expand our fibre optics network across rural Ontario and we are delighted that we are now offering fibre-to-the-home service, with broadband plans with speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second, to over 6,500 residents and businesses in Haldimand", said Allison Lenehan, Chief Executive Officer and President of Xplornet Communications Inc.



"This is great news for my constituents. One area that often is forgotten when we speak of high-speed internet, is rural Ontario. Agriculture is evolving and farmers adapt to technology to be competitive. As farming becomes increasingly land and labour intensive, technology must be far more controlled and accurate. Farmers cannot remain compliant and competitive when they cannot effectively do business online or file documents", said Toby Barrett, Member of Provincial Parliament for Haldimand  Norfolk. "Modern agriculture requires connectivity for a variety of jobs, checking the weather, checking the markets. Affordable broadband is essential across rural Ontario to access e-commerce, close deals, process payments, share information and connect with customers and with markets." This major fibre expansion follows recent Xplornet fibre-to-the-home project announcements in the Grey, Bruce and Brant Counties as well as ongoing fibre and 5G fixed wireless projects across eastern Ontario, Atlantic Canada and Quebec to bring fast, reliable and affordable Internet services to rural Canadians. Over the next five years, Xplornet will be investing $500 million to deploy its state-of-the-art fibre optics and 5G wireless network across rural Canada.

About Xplornet Communications Inc.

Headquartered in Woodstock, New Brunswick, Xplornet Communications Inc. is one of Canada's leading broadband service providers. For over a decade, Xplornet has been providing innovative fixed and mobile broadband solutions to rural customers at work, home and play across Canada. Today, Xplornet offers voice and data communication services through its unique hybrid fibre wireless and satellite network that connects Canadians to what matters. SOURCE Xplornet Communications Inc.

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[October 07, 2021] Analytics Insight Announces 'The 10 Most Influential CISOs to Watch in 2021'

Analytics Insight has named 'The 10 Most Influential CISOs to Watch in 2021' in its October magazine issue. The issue is focusing on trailblazing leaders who are remodelling their security strategy and staying abreast with the latest trends. The magazine issue recognizes ten futuristic CISOs who are reimagining the business world and adopting new ways of working. By integrating business ideologies with security initiatives, these inspiring CISOs ensure seamless operation. They also explore many fronts starting from cybersecurity to data privacy and information security with the goal to protect and maintain the security of the organization and help them stay ahead of common dangers. Here is the list of the 10 most influential CISOs who are plotting extraordinary security roadmaps in 2021. Featuring as the Cover Story is Mark Connelly, CISO of Boston Consulting Group. He has been immersed in the technology and computing industry for more than 30 years in a range of roles from sales and support to IT operations and information security. Becoming the first CISO at SMI (now Oracle (News - Alert) ) 15 years ago presented Mark with some leadership challenges, but also great opportunities to learn. This issue further includes, Jason Halls: Jason Halls is the CISO of The Institute of Cancer Research. He is a qualified software engineer and holds several security certifications. Jason has been entrenched in secure environments since the mid-90s where he worked on software to detect submarines. Sergey Tairyan: Sergey Tairyan is the CISO of Digitain. He holds a Ph.D in Technical Sciences and is also the author of more than ten international publications. Sergey is an Information Security Lecturer in Armenian-Russian University for more than a decade now.



Dave McKenna: As the VP of Information Technology and CISO of Upland Capital Group, Dave McKenna holds full accountability for building the insurance technology, operational, and regulatory from the ground up. He has spent time in both government and private companies. Saeed Valian: Saeed Valian is the CISO of Transaction Data Systems (TDS) where he is responsible for consolidating and establishing a world-class information security practice based on the right balance of effective security measures and meaningful compliance controls.

Fal Ghancha: Fal Ghancha is the CISO of DSP Mutual Fund. He is an Information Security professional with rich experience in the IT & Cyber Security field focusing mainly on Information and Cyber Security Policies, IT/IS Projects, Compliance, etc. Bruce Carlos: As a recognized global business technology leader with a successful CIO background and 20-years of experience, Bruce Carlos holds the role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at SXiQ. At the company, he is leading multiple fronts of security. Tony Lau: Tony Lau is the CISO and Head of Cloud Operations at Sequent Software. Previously, Tony has managed, integrated, and deployed secure electronic payment transaction systems at major banks. He also has extensive system architecture and operations experience. Bret Arsenault: As CVP and CISO of Microsoft (News - Alert) , Bret Arsenault is responsible for information security and risk management; setting the company's security incidence response strategy. He leads a global team of security professionals focused on protecting the company's assets. Jerry Geisler: Jerry Geisler is the Senior Vice President and CISO of Walmart's global Information Security department. In his role, he is responsible for encompassing data security to the company's customers and associates. "Amidst the changing technology and evolving trends, CISOs work closely with every aspect of business and employees to develop information security policies and procedures for the organization. In this issue, Analytics Insight aims to recognize and celebrate the most influential CISOs who are raising cybersecurity standards and reassuring protection and encryption at every end," says Adilin Beatrice, Associate Manager at Analytics Insight. Read their inspiring stories here. For more information, please visit https://www.analyticsinsight.net/. About Analytics Insight Analytics Insight is an influential platform dedicated to insights, trends, and opinions from the world of data-driven technologies. It monitors developments, recognition, and achievements made by AI, big data, and analytics companies across the globe. The Analytics Insight Magazine features opinions and views from top leaders and executives in the industry who share their journey, experiences, success stories, and knowledge to grow profitable businesses. To set up an interview or advertise your brand, contact info@analyticsinsight.net View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005708/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Panelists announced for national conversation on the Digital Divide, free event to broadcast live from 3 US cities

BOWLING GREEN, Ky., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Connected Nation (CN) is marking 20 years of service in 2021 by hosting "A national conversation on the Digital Divide." Join us as we explore where we've been, the progress made, and what still needs to be done to close the Digital Divide This one-of-a-kind, live event will take place Wednesday, November 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (eastern). Registration is free at cn20.org. Panelists will examine topics ranging from "what 2020 means to the future of the Digital Divide" to broadband "infrastructure and emerging technology." The list of panelists can be found here and includes experts on broadband technologies as well as education, library sciences, digital inclusion, GeoAnalytics, telehealth, broadband research, and other industries directly impacted by internet access  or lack thereof. "We invite everyone to join us as we explore where we'e been, the progress made, and what still needs to be done to close the Digital Divide," said Jessica Denson, Communications Director, Connected Nation. "This is an unprecedented time for our country  there is an awareness of the need to expand internet connectivity unlike any other time in our history. That coupled with the level of broadband-related funding now available makes this event not only timely but important. Right now, decisions at both the local and federal levels about how to spend billions of dollars in funding are being made. These decisions will impact individuals, families, and communities for years to come."



The event is titled "20 years of connecting the nation: A national conversation on the Digital Divide" and the live panel discussions will be hosted from TV studios in three US cities: RFD-TV and American Farm Bureau studios in Washington, D.C.; Fort Bend Independent School District in Sugar Land, Texas (just outside Houston); and KGW8-TV in Portland, Oregon. In addition to expert panels, Connected Nation will take you across America to meet those directly impacted by the Digital Divide  and learn how those with better connectivity are using the internet to improve lives. You'll hear stories from business owners and farmers working in rural communities; teachers and students affected by remote learning; doctors and mental health practitioners who are leveraging telehealth in new ways; and others.

You'll walk away with a real-world understanding of how internet connectivity directly impacts our country and what can be done to expand access to all. Registration is free and the event can be viewed from anywhere in the world virtually. Register now or head to https://cn20.org/ to learn more about the panel topics and expert panelists.

About Connected Nation: The national nonprofit, based in Bowling Green, Kentucky, is celebrating 20 years of service in 2021. Our mission is to improve lives by providing innovative solutions that expand access to and increase the adoption and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies for all people. Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation. To learn more head to www.connectednation.org. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/panelists-announced-for-national-conversation-on-the-digital-divide-free-event-to-broadcast-live-from-3-us-cities-301395419.html SOURCE Connected Nation

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[October 07, 2021] Tallo, Greater Des Moines Partnership Bring IT and Technology Career Exploration to Iowa Students

Tallo, the nation's premier online platform for connecting students with opportunities, is collaborating with the Greater Des Moines Partnership to host an IT and technology career exploration event for high school students in the region. The virtual event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 14 from 9 - 11 a.m. CT. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005724/en/ "There are so many incredible career opportunities in tech, but often students don't have visibility into those options," said Casey Welch, CEO of Tallo. "We are excited to continue our work with the Greater Des Moines Partnership to give Iowa students the chance to explore all that this industry has to offer." Microsoft (News - Alert) and Amazon will be taking part in this event to give students an inside look at the various career opportunities in the areas IT and technology industries. "Talent attraction and retention is a key area of focus for employers in Greater Des Moines," said Dr. Marvin DeJear, Senior Vice President of Talent Development at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. "Our region's utilization of Tallo and events like this one help educators, businesses and organizations showcase degree options and career paths available to help set students up for success." Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and Iowa Stae University will also be in attendance, helping students explore both two and four-year pathways to IT and technology careers.



"We are excited to participate in this event to introduce students to local IT and tech career opportunities that exist in Greater Des Moines as well as the education pathways for those careers," said Rob Denson, President of Des Moines Area Community College. "Students can take positive steps beginning today to prepare for their future, and this event series will help them begin making those discoveries." Parents and students can find out more or register for the event here.

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines ( DSM (News - Alert) ), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 365 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com. About Tallo Over 1.5 million talented individuals use Tallo to create digital portfolios to showcase their skills and accomplishments, connect with post-secondary institutions and companies, and access to customized career pathways and financial assistance guidance. Companies, colleges, and governmental entities work with Tallo to develop strategies to micro-target and connect with the Tallo community and build their future workforce pipeline. Tallo helps its partners understand Gen Z and Millennial talent, take a strategic approach to cultivate new and existing talent, and focus on quality matches with candidates who are the right fit. For more information, visit www.tallo.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005724/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Corestack Wins 2021 Cloud Disruptor Stratus Award

CoreStack, a global cloud governance provider that empowers enterprises to unleash the power of cloud by enabling continuous and autonomous cloud governance at scale, today announced that The Business Intelligence Group named CoreStack winner as Cloud Disruptor in the 2021 Stratus Award for Cloud Computing in their annual business award program. The Business Intelligence Group sought to identify the companies, products and people that are offering unique solutions that take advantage of cloud technologies. CoreStack provides AI-powered multi-cloud governance solution that enables enterprises to effectively manage their FinOps, SecOps and CloudOps to decrease cloud costs while increasing operational efficiencies by governing cloud operations, security, cost, access, and resources, as well as assuring 100% cloud compliance with standards such as ISO, FedRAMP, NIST, HIPAA, PCI (News - Alert) -DSS, AWS CIS & AWS Well Architected Framework. CoreStack's AI and rule-based automation capabilities promise more lean, efficient, and seamless execution of operations. Clients can expect to implement new streamlined workflows with standardized and automated processes that avoid manual intervention errors. "This award recognizes the great work our teams have put into creating a NextGen (News - Alert) cloud governance platform that enables cntinuous and autonomous cloud governance at scale," said Bala Vishwanath, Chief Marketing Officer at CoreStack. "We are proud that the work we are doing is transforming the way enterprises are unlocking the power of cloud through operational efficiencies, cost optimization, security and compliance. We are thrilled that our work is recognized, and we will continue with our relentless drive to help our customers and partners unleash the power of cloud on their terms."



"CoreStack is at the forefront of the cloud helping to drive practical innovations in the cloud," said Maria Jimenez, Chief Nominations Officer of Business Intelligence Group. "The cloud is now part of the fabric of our personal and professional lives, and we are thrilled that our volunteer judges were able to help promote all of these innovative services, organizations and executives." About CoreStack

CoreStack, an AI-powered next generation multi-cloud governance solution, empowers enterprises to unleash the power of cloud on their terms by helping them rapidly achieve continuous and autonomous cloud governance at scale. CoreStack enables enterprises to realize outcomes across FinOps, SecOps and CloudOps, such as 40% decrease in cloud costs and 50% increase in operational efficiencies by governing operations, security, cost, access, and resources. CoreStack also assures 100% compliance with standards such as ISO, FedRAMP, NIST, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, AWS CIS & Well-Architected Framework. CoreStack works with many large global customers across multiple industries including Financial Services, Healthcare, Retail, Education, Telecommunications, Technology and Government. To-date, CoreStack has helped enterprises save more than $100 million in cloud costs and helps govern over $1 billion in cloud consumption annually. The company is backed by the world's leading global venture investors and strategic advisors including the ex-CIO of Microsoft (News - Alert) and ex-CEO of Wipro. CoreStack is a recent recipient of the 2021 Gold Stevie American Business Awards in Cloud Infrastructure, 2021 Stratus Award as Cloud Disruptor and 2021 Globee Gold Winner as the Most Innovative Company of the Year in IT Cloud/SaaS. In addition, CoreStack won the 2021 Best New Products American Business Award in Cloud Governance as well as Golden Bridge Awards for Cloud Computing/SaaS Innovation and Cloud Security Innovation. IDC recognized CoreStack as the Innovator in Cloud Management Solutions and Gartner (News - Alert) in the Magic quadrant for Cloud Management Platforms. The Company is a three-time TiE50 Winner and a Emerge 50 League-10 NASSCOM award recipient in Enterprise Software. CoreStack is a Google (News - Alert) Cloud Build Partner, Microsoft Azure Gold & Co-Sell Partner, and Amazon AWS Advanced Technology Competency and ISV Accelerate Partner. Get a free assessment of your cloud infrastructure at www.corestack.io/discover. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005443/en/

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A $2-million Gift for Experiential Learning at Concordia: Doggone Foundation Supports Fine-arts Internships

Cultural and community organizations will soon hire the student interns they need to energize their activities, thanks to a major gift to Concordia University from the Doggone Foundation.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005769/en/

"Creating experiential learning opportunities for all our students is a priority for Concordia. The Doggone Foundation has been bold and generous in its support of Fine Arts student learning outside of the classroom," says Concordia President Graham Carr. (Photo: Business Wire)

Established by the late Elspeth McConnell, the Montreal-based charity is investing in next-generation learning opportunities for Faculty of Fine Arts students as part of a $2-million gift to the Campaign for Concordia: Next-Gen. Now.

Combined with a previously announced 2018 gift to create the Elspeth McConnell Fine Arts Awards, the charity's support to the campaign now totals $2.5 million.







"Creating experiential learning opportunities for all our students is a priority for Concordia. The Doggone Foundation has been bold and generous in its support of Fine Arts student learning outside of the classroom," says Concordia President Graham Carr. "Doggone is a key partner for Concordia in providing paid internships for our students who, in turn, help a variety of arts and cultural organizations thrive. I must admit I'm a bit envious of those opportunities!"

Paul Marchand, executive director of the Doggone Foundation, says the charity is pleased to strengthen its Concordia partnership. "Our initial awards, established in honour of Elspeth McConnell, exceeded our expectations in terms of student and community engagement," he says. "Providing additional support for internships for promising young practitioners is a meaningful tribute to our benefactor. We are also pleased to be able to honour Bill McLennan's legacy with a new award."

WATCH: Concordia leaders thank the Doggone Foundation for gift to propel student internships.

Over nine years, the Doggone Foundation's gift will fund 40 annual Elspeth McConnell Fine Arts Awards valued at $5,000 each.

An additional $10,000 per year will fund the annual Bill McLennan Northwest Coast Travel Award, named after the late curator emeritus of the University of British Columbia's (UBC) Museum of Anthropology. The award will allow a full-time graduate student to venture to British Columbia to develop knowledge of Northwest Coast art-making and Indigenous cultures. The recipient will collaborate with researchers and staff at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, where the Elspeth McConnell Gallery of Northwest Coast Masterworks opened in 2017, or other organizations.

"Internships and field work are so crucial to learning and research in fine arts," says Annie Gerin, dean of Concordia's Faculty of Fine Arts. "We appreciate the Doggone Foundation's enhanced commitment to empower our students with hands-on experiences at an array of organizations such as museums, cultural festivals and exhibition spaces."

Danielle Aimee Miles, BA 16, MA 19, says that her Elspeth McConnell award gave her the freedom to pursue an internship with the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. "I made connections with curators and learned first-hand how the conceptualization, development and installation of an exhibition happens in a large museum," she says. "This created a whole new world of contacts for me and allowed me to grow as a professional."

WATCH: Fine-arts internship participants on the importance of donor support.

Other recipients of the Elspeth McConnell Fine Arts Award have completed internships at non-profit organizations such as Centre Philou, Rock Camp Montreal, the Museum of Jewish Montreal and the Kanien'keha:ka Onkwawen:na Raotitiohkwa Language and Cultural Center.

Paul Chesser, BA 94, GrDip 97, vice-president of University Advancement, says this donation to the Campaign for Concordia will help establish new collaborations for the benefit of Montreal, Quebec and Canada. "We thank the Doggone Foundation for recognizing Concordia's role in nurturing experiential learning for our fine-arts students as they seek rewarding careers in their respective disciplines."

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005769/en/
Egan-Jones Releases Monthly Risk Commentary - China: A Significant Sea Change

Egan-Jones Ratings Company releases its October 2021 Risk Commentary issue entitled "China: A Significant Sea Change".

In the commentary, Egan-Jones examines unfolding events in China and notes increasing concern. In this piece, the firm dives into the role that the Chinese central government has on the economy, as well as provides some analysis and historical context behind China's current pathway.

Click here to view the issue.

About Egan-Jones Ratings Company

Egan-Jones is recognized as a market leader in private placement ratngs for insurance companies, asset managers, fund managers, investment banks, and many other market participants covering middle market loans, ground lease, CTL, CRE loans, real estate, REITs, project finance, BDC, and funds including closed-end funds, credit funds, CRE funds, direct lending funds, feeder funds, infrastructure funds, liquidity funds, mezzanine funds, mixed strategy funds, opportunistic funds, real estate funds, structured debt funds, etc. (https://www.egan-jones.com/business-lines/private-placement-ratings/).







Egan-Jones also provides independent credit rating research, Climate Change / ESG scores, and Proxy research and recommendations.

Egan-Jones Ratings Company (EJR) started providing ratings in 1995 for the purpose of issuing timely, accurate ratings. EJR is a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO) and is recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) as a Credit Rating Provider. EJR is certified by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA).

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005772/en/
[October 07, 2021] Bank of Sun Prairie Partners with 360 View to Empower Their Customer Relationship-Focused Culture

360 View, a provider of customer relationship management software specifically for financial institutions, announced today its new partnership with Bank of Sun Prairie, a $490 million asset community bank in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, to implement their popular CRM growth platform. Motivated by an internal culture more and more attune to customer conversations and the many ways the bank can help customers, Bank of Sun Prairie knew it was time to add the right digital tools to support and expand this focus. They will be implementing 360 View's base CRM and their Marketing Automation Module. Working together the platform will bring accurate and pertinent relationship information to the customer point of contact and bring the ability to scale the personalization. John Loeffler, Senior Vice-President, Retail Banking indicates they took their time in identifying the best fit in a CRM partner, and 360 View being specifically developed for financial institutions was a big plus along with their experience integrating with Bank of Sun Prairie's core provider. "360 really had it all for us," Loeffler explains, " . . . and the marketing automation . . . was a pretty significant edge (over) the competitors." He emphasizes that their application of the CRM truly is about relationship, "it really is all about relationships and getting to know your customers . . . and it's not about product pushing, it's about education and customizing our conversations to (customers)." As a vendor, 360 View prides itself in the long-term partnership model. Joyce Colin, National Sales Representative with 360 View, offers, "We refer to our platform as the growth platform because our tools fuel growth in the organization, but also because we are committed to grow with our business partners, offering our servies all along the way." Colin says that includes guidance during implementation and ongoing professional services as a bank grows and changes. Bill Niebuhr, Vice President, Risk, Sales & Training Manager, at Bank of Sun Prairie explains, "I go through a large number of software installations in my role at the bank here and work with a lot of vendors. I really like (360 View's) approach . . . the flexibility to do many things to adjust the system to fit our needs and how they take us through those situations one at a time to have us think about it, practice it, (and) show what we've done. It has . . . set us up for success in what we are trying to do."



Loeffler is confident in the new partnership with 360 View and what it will add to an already successful history. He explains, "We are at a place now that we are having more proactive conversations with our customers, and we need to be able to document that; we need to be able to show our customers the entirety of what the bank can offer. I'm pretty excited to have (that information) at our fingertips." With four branches all in Dane County, Bank of Sun Prairie says they understand what it means to serve individuals, families, and businesses in their local community. They boast highly competitive rates along with quick decisions made locally for their customers. Additional Resources

https://www.360view.com/ https://www.bankofsunprairie.com/ About Bank of Sun Prairie Bank of Sun Prairie has been operating continuously in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin since 1897. Now with four branches throughout Dane County, the bank is a $492.7 million asset institution that invites customers to experience "The Right Balance," a community centered focus along side innovative banking solutions. About 360 View 360 View is the CRM platform developed for banks and credit unions, providing all the tools necessary to maximize their team's performance. The solution goes beyond CRM, allowing the user to automate marketing campaigns, use analytics to capitalize on cross-sell opportunities, gain insight into customer profitability, and track goals and incentives, all while providing richer relational experiences that are personalized to every customer's unique needs. 360 View was developed by bankers specifically for financial institutions and is celebrating 20 years of serving the financial industry. 360 View was recently named in the Top 10 Customer Experience Solution Providers by Banking CIO Outlook. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005064/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Bruno Pasceri, President of Incenter LLC, Honored as 2021 Vanguard by HousingWire

Bruno Pasceri, President of Incenter LLC, has been named a 2021 Vanguard by HousingWire in recognition of his outstanding corporate leadership. Incenter is a family of companies dedicated to improving the performance of mortgage lenders by optimizing inefficient processes, from title search and underwriting to appraisals. An influential news source for the U.S. mortgage and housing markets, HousingWire highlights Mr. Pasceri's creation of "an incredibly collaborative, creative and collegial family of companies that not only innovates to help mortgage lenders lead  but execute." Examples include Incenter Appraisal Management's groundbreaking RemoteVal technology for remote appraisal inspections, developed and accelerated into the market in less than a year. "Every day, Bruno challenges us to conceive of new possibilities, accomplish the impossible, and enjoy tapping into our collective brainpower to get there," said Vashti Brotherhood, President, Incenter Marketing. "His sincre interest in bringing positive, ambitious and team-oriented people together, and providing them with a fulfilling work life, makes us all want to reach higher."



HousingWire's feature singles out Mr. Pasceri's treatment of his 1,600 employees like family, which was especially evident during COVID-19. When the virus first struck, the employee assistance program he inspired, Incenter Cares, sprang into action. Every team member received gift cards, vouchers and more. Mr. Pasceri received 200 heartfelt thank you letters from employees in especially difficult situations. "The Vanguards have become one of the highest achievements in housing and this year's list of award recipients represent an elite group of executives who proved to be resilient and adaptable during this past 18 months of extraordinary circumstances," said Clayton Collins, CEO of HW Media in the media company's press announcement. "The 2021 Vanguards have proven to be true leaders, driving their organizations towards greatness, tackling challenges head on and making major waves in the housing market."

To read more about Mr. Pasceri, see housingwire.com/winner-profile/2021-vanguard-bruno-pasceri. About Incenter LLC Incenter ideates and deploys innovative solutions for optimizing business performance in the mortgage and specialty finance industries. The company is based in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania and employs over 1,600 professionals across its sub-brands. For more information, please visit www.incenterms.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005779/en/

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[October 07, 2021] One of Germany's Oldest Banks Bankhaus von der Heydt Aims to Become a One Stop Shop for Digital Assets with Fireblocks

NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Fireblocks ( www.fireblocks.com ), the global leader in digital asset custody and settlement technology announced today that it has been selected to support Bankhaus von der Heydt, a German-based, privately owned bank offering traditional and digital asset banking, securitization and fund services. The bank will leverage Fireblocks' advanced custody technology in combination with the Fireblocks Network to expand digital asset and crypto service offerings to its customer base. "Fireblocks gives us a secure and easy to use platform to develop complex operational workflows such as moving between asset trading and custody, staking assets in custody or even a direct integration with lending protocols to extend our service portfolio," said Philipp Doppelhammer, Managing Director of Bankhaus von der Heydt. "With Fireblocks, we are one step closer to becoming the one stop shop for our customers." Launched in 1754, Bankhaus von der Heydt is one of the first banks in Germany to offer blockchain services such as cryptocurrency trading, and custody services for financial institutions. Its product suite consists of secure custody of crypto assets, solutions for tokenization, efficient payment tansactions and provides regulatory secure market access. While operating as a German financial institution under the supervision of BaFin, von der Heydt must ensure the highest possible level of security in the handling and safekeeping of assets.



The Munich based Bankhaus von der Heydt integrated Fireblocks' platform as a key component of its digital asset custody solution to increase operational efficiency and security, specifically combining Fireblocks' MPC and SGX infrastructure, with its own security mechanisms. Fireblocks delivered all relevant blockchain protocols as well as exchanges and easy API integration into the bank's existing IT-architecture. "Supporting Bankhaus von der Heydt marks another key milestone in our mission to bridge the gap between digital asset banking and traditional finance," said Michael Shaulov, CEO of Fireblocks. "As a pioneer in Germany for over 250 years, Bankhaus von der Heydt is seen as a trusted partner for innovative financial market solutions and we are proud to work alongside them to revolutionize the financial sector and work towards bringing every single banking service to the blockchain space, safely."

Fireblocks now supports many of the world's biggest banks such as BNY Mellon, Signature Bank and Siam Commercial Bank in addition to leading crypto-native exchanges, lending desks, hedge funds, OTC desks, and market makers and is a trusted partner to financial institutions and other organizations worldwide looking to securely enter the digital asset space. About Fireblocks

Fireblocks is an enterprise-grade platform delivering a secure infrastructure for moving, storing, and issuing digital assets. Fireblocks enables exchanges, lending desks, custodians, banks, trading desks, and hedge funds to securely scale digital asset operations through the Fireblocks Network and MPC-based Wallet Infrastructure. Fireblocks has secured the transfer of over $1 trillion in digital assets and has a unique insurance policy that covers assets in storage & transit. For more information, please visit www.fireblocks.com . About Bankhaus von der Heydt

Founded in 1754, Bankhaus von der Heydt is a privately owned bank, offering traditional and digital asset banking, securitization and fund services. Based in Munich, Bankhaus von der Heydt is one of the first banks in Germany to offer blockchain, cryptocurrencies trading and custody services. For more information please visit https://www.1754.eu/ . Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/970649/Fireblocks_Logo.jpg

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[October 07, 2021] Deutsche Telekom and Eutelsat Co-operate to Serve Remote Areas in Germany With High-speed Satellite Broadband

Regulatory News: Deutsche Telekom and Eutelsat (News - Alert) Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) have signed an agreement covering the distribution by Deutsche Telekom, Europe's largest telecommunications provider, of high-speed satellite broadband via the EUTELSAT KONNECT satellite. Under the agreement, Deutsche Telekom (News - Alert) will commercialize EUTELSAT KONNECT high-speed broadband Internet offers for households in Germany with limited internet connection, starting from the end of 2021. Deutsche Telekom and Eutelsat have also agreed to discuss an extension of their partnership in the future. This closer co-operation would result in Deutsche Telekom offering its own products via Eutelsat's current and future infrastructure. In service since November 2020, EUTELSAT KONNECT has a total capacity of 75 Gbps and is capable of offering speeds of up to 100 Mbps to both individuals and companies in the digital divide. It covers the whole of Germany, as well as 14 other European countries. Meanwhile, Deutsche Telekom and Eutelsat are currently piloting an initial deployment in the city of Heimerzheim where the fixed network was badly affected by the floods in July. Crucial connectivity has been re-established via satellite connection providing WLAN coverage for an information point where both relief workers and affected residents can access the Internet free of charge. Commenting on the agreement, Rodolhe Belmer, Eutelsat's Chief Executive Officer said: "We are excited to enlist the power of Deutsche Telekom as a distributor of our satellite broadband offer in Germany, one of Europe's largest markets. This type of agreement illustrates the confidence of major telecommunications operators in our offer; it further highlights the relevance of satellite as a cost-effective and reliable infrastructure, enabling them to extend their reach beyond the scope of terrestrial networks and assure ubiquitous coverage of a territory. Following the agreements with Orange (News - Alert) in France and TIM in Italy, this is another significant milestone strengthening our go-to-market strategy in a third major market in Europe.



"Our ambition is to be the leader in both fixed and mobile communications", added Andre Almeida, Managing Director Private Customers at Telekom Deutschland. "Our fiber roll-out remains one of the key building blocks for digitization in Germany. In the coming years, Deutsche Telekom will make a massive contribution to further increasing the number of fiber connections for households and companies in Germany. The cooperation with Eutelsat is a perfect complement of our portfolio in the coming years to offer highspeed broadband via satellite in regions where we have no high speed currently and for remote areas." 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 customers, 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.

For more about Eutelsat go to www.eutelsat.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005538/en/

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[October 07, 2021] uLab to Exhibit at Leading Orthodontist Summit

SAN MATEO, Calif, Oct. 7, 2021 /CNW/ -- uLab Systems, the creator of uSmile clear aligners and uDesign treatment planning software, will be exhibiting at the Orthopreneurs Summit 2021, October 7-10, at the Sheraton Denver Downtown in Denver, CO. uLab Systems will be exhibiting at the OP Summit 2021, October 7-10 , at the Sheraton Denver Downtown in Denver, CO. The meeting will bring together orthodontists from around the country. More than a dozen experts will provide tools, ideas, and inspiration to help orthodontists grow their practices and become more successful CEOs. This year, 1,200 orthodontists are expected to attend, with 700 registered a year in advanced. Dr. Eric Wu of Wu Orthodontics in Palo Alto and Redwood Shores, CA will be speaking at a uLab sponsored event,on October 10 from 9:00 am to 11:30 am, about "The 4 C's of Todays Clear Aligner Therapy." Dr. Wu attended dental school at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, then completed an Advanced Education General Dentistry residency at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he treated complex interdisciplinary cases. He received his specialty degree in orthodontics from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Wu is a featured lecturer and Adjunct Professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Roseman University Postgraduate Department of Orthodontics. All are welcome to attend the lecture, however RSVP is required for the brunch that follows.



"Orthopreneurs Summit is the premier event for continued orthodontic professional development and I'm excited to speak on behalf of uLab Systems. No company has helped me grow my practice more than uLab. High quality aligners delivered in 10 days in boxes printed with my practice logoit definitely differentiates my practice." said Dr. Eric Wu. uLab's booth will be located right by the escalator, and showcase demos of their groundbreaking uDesign software, which allows treatment planning in one sitting, in less than 10 minutes. Attendees can also see examples of full-color packaging for uSmile aligners that can be customized with the orthodontist's logo.

uSmile aligners are currently available in the U.S. and Canada, with more than 300,000 cases planned to date. uLab manufactures the uSmile aligners at its state-of-the-art facility in Memphis, TN. "We are excited to be an exhibitor at Orthopreneurs Summit," said David Thrower, uLab' Chief Commercial Officer. "It's the perfect opportunity to connect with our customers and the orthodontist community as a whole." About uLab Systems

uLab Systems is led by a proven team of engineers and entrepreneurs with extensive experience bringing innovative new products to market. uLab's mission is to advance the orthodontic industry with digital treatment planning software and aligner products that let orthodontists take back control of their treatment plans. uLab has facilities in San Mateo, CA and Memphis, TN. To learn more visit?www.ulabsystems.com. Media Contact: David Thrower, Chief Commercial Officer, david@ulabsystems.com, uLab Systems View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ulab-to-exhibit-at-leading-orthodontist-summit-301395487.html SOURCE uLab Systems

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[October 07, 2021] Zendesk Study Finds Customer Experience Maturity Leads to Business Resilience, Revenue Growth and Agent Retention

According to new research released today by Zendesk, Inc. (NYSE: ZEN) in partnership with Enterprise Strategy Group (News - Alert) (ESG), companies that have continued to invest in their customer experience (CX) over the past year are 10 times more likely to have maximized their resiliency during the pandemic and three times more likely to have grown their customer base year over year. "This research confirms what our customers across industries, sizes and life cycles all tell us: that customer experience requires continuous investment and innovation to truly set their business apart," said Jeff Titterton, Chief Operating Officer, Zendesk. "The way the customer service function is viewed is changing - it's the hub of your customer relationships in this digital-first economy. Having the tools for proactive service, information sharing, and cross-selling are now just as important as issue resolution. These are the skills that will shift your call center from being a cost center to a revenue driver." The 2021 State of CX Maturity Report surveyed more than 3,000 CX decision makers with more than 15% of these from North America to understand the characteristics and benefits of customer experience leadership. ESG built a CX maturity scale to identify common patterns and behaviors that separate high-maturity CX organizations - what ESG calls the "Champions" - from three levels of less-mature ones: "Starters", "Emerging", and "Risers". The report outlines what businesses need to do to move up the maturity scale. The research found that the number of Champions within midsized and enterprise companies has more than doubled from 6% to 14% since 2020. The greatest gains in North America were seen in the United States - shifting from 7% in 2020 to 17% in 2021. Meanwhile, Canada shifted from 4% in 2020 to 7% in 2021. "The findings indicate that the shift to digital and remote work during the pandemic served as a trigger for companies to accelerate their adoption of new technologies, policies and processes to benefit from a higher CX Maturity," added Adam DeMattia, Director of Custom Research at ESG. "Across North America, Champions recognize that service excellence can be a differentiator, and are actually accelerating investment in CX projects." There also continues to be a clear correlation between improved CX maturity and the benefits of increased customer satisfaction (CSAT), faster response times, and effective customer service. Notably, the study also calls out the connection between CX maturity and greater business growth and revenue. Related to their peers, midsized and enterprise Champions in North America were 3.4 times more likely to have grown their customer base over the past six months, and 6.4 times more likely to have increased per-customer spend over the same time period.



Champions are also changing how the customer service function is viewed across their organization. With digital interaction being the main connection point with many customers, Champions in North America are 3 times more likely than Starters to operate profitable service teams, where direct revenue exceeds the cost of customer service.



CX-led innovation is a competitive differentiator

The vast majority of respondents in North America (89%) agree that CX innovation is required to protect their business from competitors. They also see the value of data to help focus this innovation - almost half of respondents (44%) recognize they could do more to use customer data to expand sales opportunities and business growth. Among the four levels of CX maturity, Champions are taking the lead in driving continuous innovation in their CX and using customer service data. Champions are 7 times more likely to be using service data extensively.

When used, that data is delivering results - Champions are 12.7 times more likely to identify the impact on sales success as "game changing".

Champions in North America are also 2.5 times more likely than Starters to have accelerated major CX projects over the past year. Conversations, not transactions, create stronger customer relationships Nearly all Champions (97%) agree that pivoting to a more conversational experience with customers is a key goal for their teams - signalling the shift away from transactional service focused purely on resolving tickets. Champions are three times more likely to prioritize delivering conversational customer experiences that can build deeper customer relationships.

Organizations in North America have increased the number of service channels year-over-year from an average of 6.6 to an average of 7.

Many anticipate that preferences and changes will continue to shift as well: 63% of organizations predict that chat and social channels will be most used by customers in the future, up from 50% who say this is the case today. Investment in CX leads to better agent retention Agent turnover, training, flexibility and wellbeing all emerged as areas of investment and focus for teams over the course of the past 18 months. This led Champions, in particular, to move quickly to implement tools to support overwhelmed service teams. More than a quarter of organizations (35%) say staffing turnover continues to be a challenge, up from 29% in 2020.

Organizations expect an 8% increase in the number of remote agents, even after the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer an issue.

Investments and process changes made by Champions in the early stages of the pandemic include increased mobile device use by agents (46%); increased utilization of public cloud services (62%); more flexible work policies (56%); adoption of new collaboration tools (56%); and expanded mental health/wellbeing initiatives (54%).

Between accelerating CX investments and adapting service policy changes earlier in the pandemic, Champions in North America are 10.3 times more likely to believe they made the right investment and policy decisions during the pandemic to maximize their resiliency.

Champions across the region are nearly 4 times more likely to have excellent agent retention. Additional Resources For more information, download the report, The State of CX Maturity, here

here Read the blog content series on how businesses can achieve CX maturity here Methodology In the second quarter of 2021, ESG conducted a double-blind survey of 3,250 line-of-business decision makers who were responsible for ensuring and enhancing the customer service at their organization. Organizations represented spanned all market segments, from small businesses to large enterprises, and multiple industry verticals like retail, consumer and corporate services, financial services, healthcare, education, and technology companies, among others. About Zendesk Zendesk started the customer experience revolution in 2007 by enabling any business around the world to take their customer service online. Today, Zendesk is the champion of great service everywhere for everyone, and powers billions of conversations, connecting more than 100,000 brands with hundreds of millions of customers over telephony, chat, email, messaging, social channels, communities, review sites and help centers. Zendesk products are built with love to be loved. The company was conceived in Copenhagen, Denmark, built and grown in California, taken public in New York City, and today employs more than 5,000 people across the world. Learn more at www.zendesk.com. About ESG Enterprise Strategy Group is an integrated technology analysis, research, and strategy firm providing market intelligence, actionable insight, and go-to-market content services to the global technology community. Learn more at www.esg-global.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005113/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Castle Rock Autoplex Donates $35,000 To Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation And Commits To Continued Support Through 2022

Castle Rock Autoplex donated $35,000 to the Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation, and has agreed to continue their financial support throughout 2022, by donating $10 per vehicle sold to the Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation, along with other events and opportunities as they arise. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005682/en/ Castle Rock Autoplex donated $35,000 to the Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation, and has agreed to continue their financial support throughout 2022, by donating $10 per vehicle sold to the Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation, along with other events and opportunities as they arise. (Photo: Business Wire) Children's Colorado Foundation helps Children's Hospital Colorado address the greatest needs of the patients and families and directs funds toward where they can do the most good. These donations can help support family-centered services, groundbreaking research, regional clinics and car, and helping patients and families in financial need, to name a few.



Children's Colorado is the only nonprofit pediatric health care system in a seven-state region and serves more than 270,000 children each year. As one of the top children's hospitals in the country, Children's Colorado has defined and delivered pediatric health care excellence for more than a century, improving the health of kids through high-quality patient care, education, research and advocacy. By giving to the Children's Fund, Castle Rock Autoplex will help make an immediate and lasting difference in every aspect of care that patients receive. Unrestricted gifts provide Children's Colorado with the flexibility to allocate resources in the most strategic way possible. "We are so grateful for Castle Rock Autoplex's donation to Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation. The continued support and advocacy they provide has allowed our patients and families to receive the best care from the best providers, treating diagnoses ranging from broken bones to complex cancers. Many thanks to Castle Rock Autoplex for their generosity to the Children's Colorado mission," Kacie Thomas, Corporate Partnerships Manager, Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation.

"For every car we sell at our three Castle Rock dealerships, we are giving $10 back to this essential program. Giving back locally is truly what we're all about, and we are proud to be part of this forward-thinking and passionate community of Castle Rock. Being able to present funds that will help so many children and families makes our jobs that much more enjoyable," said Jose Medina, Managing Partner at Castle Rock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Castle Rock Ford (News - Alert) . "This is an easy opportunity where we are able to pay-it-forward and help people in our local community. We are a family-run business and are always looking for ways to give back, and this was an easy fit. We're excited to see the impact Children's Hospital Colorado Foundation has on so many families and are proud to be part of it," said Travis Van Spronsen, Managing Partner at Castle Rock Chevrolet Buick GMC. Castle Rock Autoplex was bought out by a Denver and Houston-based automotive company, Foundation Automotive Corp. in August 2020, where Castle Rock community involvement and fundraising were listed at the top of the company's core values. This donation to Children's Hospital Colorado is just one of the many charities the Autoplex has donated to in 2021. Castle Rock Autoplex, located off Wilcox near downtown Castle Rock, is comprised of three stores: Castle Rock Ford, Castle Rock Chevrolet Buick GMC, and Castle Rock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. ABOUT CASTLE ROCK AUTOPLEX & FOUNDATION AUTOMOTIVE CORP. Castle Rock Autoplex is owned and operated by Foundation Automotive Corp., which is a growing international automotive group with stores in Canada and the United States. Their vision is to be the North American benchmark for top-tier automotive solutions and a company of trust, excellence, and innovation for their customers and employees. Foundation is a family business that will continue to give back to Castle Rock with frequent giveaways to local residents, working with local charities, fundraising, and unrivalled community focus and involvement. Find more information on their website www.foundationauto.com and www.castlerockautoplex.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005682/en/

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[October 07, 2021] TruAge Adds Altria Group Distribution Company as a Sponsor

TruAgeTM, the new digital solution that enhances current age-verification systems and protects user privacy, has added Altria Group Distribution Company (AGDC) as a sponsor. AGDC provides sales and distribution services for Altria Group's tobacco operating companies, including Philip Morris USA, US Smokeless Tobacco Company, John Middleton and Helix Innovations. AGDC joins the two largest U.S. beer companies-Anheuser-Busch and Molson Coors Beverage Company-in support of TruAge. The announcement was made during the NACS Show, which is taking place October 5-8 in Chicago. The NACS Show is the most comprehensive event for the convenience and fuels retailing industry and one of the top 40 annual trade shows in the United States. "It is clear that these companies share our vision of developing a future-proof solution to keep age-restricted products out of the hands of minors. We welcome others to join us and these brands in this national effort," said NACS President and CEO Henry Armour. "The convenience retailing industry is all in on ensuring that every sale is a responsible sale and having AGDC, Anheuser-Busch and Molson Coors supporting TruAge sends an important message that leading U.S. brands are equally committed." TruAge's sponsors represent some of the world's most recognized brands. Altria's tobacco operating companies offer a leading portfolio of tobacco products for adult tobacco consumers 21+ including Marlboro, Copenhagen, Skoal, Black & Mild & on!. Anheuser-Busch and Molson Coors Beverage Company combined represent 18 of the 25 top-selling beers in the US.



TruAge also is supported by more than 130 retail companies that represent 22,000-plus convenience store locations in the United States, plus four industry point-of-sale (POS) providers. "We are excited to join this important initiative because TruAge deepens our trade partners' support of underage prevention and helps establish retail as the most trusted place to responsibly sell tobacco products," said Scott Myers, president and chief executive officer, AGDC.

TruAge, developed by NACS, the global trade association that represents the convenience and fuel retailing industry, and Conexxus, its standards-setting partner, makes the traditional carding experience more convenient and accurate. TruAge is free to retailers, consumers and POS providers, and its relevant intellectual property will be placed in the public domain-removing significant barriers to adoption. Learn more about the TruAge program and opportunities to participate at convenience.org/TruAge. -###- NACS is the leading global trade association dedicated to advancing convenience and fuel retailing. It advances the role of convenience stores as positive economic, social and philanthropic contributors to the communities they serve and is a trusted advisor to more than 1,500 retailer and 1,500 supplier members from more than 50 countries. The U.S. convenience store industry, with more than 150,000 stores nationwide selling fuel, food and merchandise, serves 165 million customers daily and had sales of $548 billion in 2020. For more information, visit convenience.org. Follow NACS on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005335/en/

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[October 07, 2021] AM Best Affirms Credit Ratings of Central States Indemnity Co. of Omaha and CSI Life Insurance Company

AM Best has affirmed the Financial Strength Rating of A+ (Superior) and the Long-Term Issuer Credit Rating of "aa-" (Superior) of Central States Indemnity Co. of Omaha ( CSI (News - Alert) ), and its subsidiary, CSI Life Insurance Company (CSI Life). The outlook of the Credit Ratings (rating) is stable. Both companies are domiciled in Omaha, NE. The ratings reflect CSI and CSI Life's balance sheet strength, which AM Best assesses as strongest, as well as their adequate operating performance, limited business profile and appropriate enterprise risk management. Additionally, CSI and CSI Life benefit from very conservative underwriting leverage, a strong liquidity position and the implicit support from their ultimate parent, Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (Berkshire) [NYSE: BRK A and BRK B]. CSI is a specialty insurance company that provides credit card credit insurance and has fronting agreements with multiple insurers. These positive rating factors are offset by CSI's elevated common stock leverage. CSI currently writes more non-credit insurance premiums on a gross basis compared with its long-standing credit insurance business. The vast majority of gross premiums written are related to long-term fronting arrangements that the company benefits from while bearing little of the underwriting risk. The rating affirmations of CSI Life reflect its synergies with CSI. The ratings also reflect the strongest risk-adjusted capitalization, as measured by Best's Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR), and the explicit support provided by itsparent, CSI, as well as the implicit support from its ultimate parent, Berkshire. Offsetting rating factors include CSI Life's limited business profile and lack of product diversification.



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/20211007005863/en/

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[October 07, 2021] PG&E's Weather Webpage Provides Customers with Latest Meteorological Information in their Community, Gauges Public Safety Power Shutoff Potential

As part of its efforts to prepare customers and communities for the growing threat of wildfires, Pacific Gas and Electric Company ( PG&E (News - Alert) ) is providing detailed, localized weather forecasts for customers from its robust weather webpage on pge.com. The weather webpage offers a seven-day forecast updated daily by a PG&E meteorologist or fire scientist that indicates the potential need to call a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS). PG&E monitors conditions across the system and evaluates whether to turn off power during severe weather to help prevent wildfires. The PG&E 7-Day PSPS Potential provides an instantaneous sense of what's going on and what's ahead. The forecast encompasses all counties in PG&E's service area and four levels of PSPS potential: Not Expected - Conditions that generally warrant a PSPS event are not planned at this time.

- Conditions that generally warrant a PSPS event are not planned at this time. Elevated - An upcoming event (a period of gusty winds, dry conditions, heightened risk) is being monitored for an increased potential of a PSPS event.

- An upcoming event (a period of gusty winds, dry conditions, heightened risk) is being monitored for an increased potential of a PSPS event. PSPS Watch - The company Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated for a reasonable chance of executing a PSPS for public safety in a given county due to a combination of adverse weather and dry fuel conditions. A PSPS Watch is typically only issued within 72 hours before the anticipated start of an event.

- The company Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated for a reasonable chance of executing a PSPS for public safety in a given county due to a combination of adverse weather and dry fuel conditions. A PSPS Watch is typically only issued within 72 hours before the anticipated start of an event. PSPS Warning - The company Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is activated and customers in areas being considered for a PSPS have been or are being notified. This level indicates execution of a PSPS is probable given the latest forecast of weather and fuels and/or observed conditions. PSPS is typically executed in smaller and more targeted areas than across an entire county. This level does not guarantee execution of a PSPS as conditions and forecasts may change. Using the webpage, PG&E customers will also be able to check humidity, precipitation, temperatures, wind speeds and wind gusts across 70,000 square miles of Northern and Central California. Customers will also be able to check for local conditions from the closest weather station in their community. Additionally, the webpage shows whether the National Weather Service has called a Red Flag Warning. It offers access to the thousands of weather stations and dozens of high-definition cameras in use by PG&E. Also included is a daily sunrse and sunset timetable.



PSPS Criteria PG&E initiates a PSPS when the weather forecast is for such severe weather that people's safety, lives, homes and businesses may be in danger of wildfires. As each weather situation is unique, PG&E carefully reviews a combination of factors when deciding if power must be turned off. These factors include:

Low humidity levels, generally 30% and below.

A forecast of high winds, particularly sustained winds above 19 miles per hour and wind gusts above 30-40 miles per hour.

Condition of dry material on the ground and low moisture content of vegetation.

A Red Flag Warning declared by the National Weather Service.

Real-time ground observations from PG&E's Wildfire Safety Operations Center and from PG&E crews working across the service territory. "We are continuing to build our network of weather stations and cameras to provide the clearest picture about upcoming severe weather events," said PG&E Meteorologist Scott Strenfel. "The safety of our customers and communities is our most important responsibility. As we continue to work year-round and nonstop to improve our PSPS Program, we're expanding our meteorological forecasting capabilities to help us prevent and respond to the risk of wildfires." This year, PG&E's decision-making process is also evolving to account for the presence of trees tall enough to strike power lines when determining if a PSPS is necessary. Address Alerts This year, PG&E created a new tool to keep non-account holders informed about PSPS outages. The tool, known as Address Alerts, can notify anyone about a PSPS at any address. Address Alerts might be right for you if: You want to know about a PSPS at your home, work, school or other important location

You are a tenant and do not have a PG&E account

You need to stay informed about a PSPS affecting a friend or loved one

Multiple members of your household want to be notified Customers and non-account holders interested in receiving updates on PSPS events for an address where they do not receive a bill can submit one or more addresses. If you are a customer, you will automatically receive PSPS notifications for the home or business associated with your PG&E account. To update your contact info, visit pge.com/mywildfirealerts or call 1-866-743-6589. To sign up for Address Alerts, visit pge.com/addressalerts. For information about fire conditions in California, go to CAL FIRE's website, fire.ca.gov. For more information about the Community Wildfire Safety Program, including links to update contact information, resources for PSPS outages and a schedule of upcoming regional open houses and webinars, visit PG&E's website at pge.com/wildfiresafety. About PG&E Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005803/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Application Period Begins for $1.2 Million 2022 Edison Scholars Program

High school seniors looking to create a more reliable, resilient and safer world through the study of science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) are invited to apply for Edison International's $1.2 million Edison Scholars Program. Each year, Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison (News - Alert) , awards $40,000 scholarships, paid over four years, to 30 high school students who plan to major in designated STEM fields at a four-year accredited U.S. college or university. See the list of eligible STEM majors here. "Students from all backgrounds need support and encouragement, especially when considering a career in STEM," said Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International. "We need their ideas, solutions and passion to tackle the challenges facing the energy industry and decarbonizing our economy. The Edison Scholars Program will help students pursue their dreams and power a clean energy future that is just, affordable and equitable for everyone." Edison International has awarded an estimated $12.3 million in scholarships to 700 students through the EdisonScholars Program since its inception in 2006.



Edison International is accepting scholarship applications through Dec. 13. To apply and obtain additional eligibility information, visit: edisonscholars.com. Applicants must live in SCE's service area and plan to be a full-time undergraduate student majoring in a STEM field. Eligible students also must be a high school senior, have at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. Students from underserved communities and ethnic minorities are encouraged to apply. Dependents of Edison International and SCE employees and retirees are not eligible for the Edison Scholars Program.

Scholarship recipients will be announced next spring. They may also be eligible for summer internships at SCE after completing their second year of college. "I was awarded the scholarship in 2014, and then my brother won seven years later," said Diana Valenzuela currently an employee at SCE. "Winning the scholarship was life changing for me and my family, and it will be amazing to see the class of 2022 achieve their goals with help from Edison." Edison International's support of charitable causes, including the Edison Scholars Program, is funded entirely by Edison International shareholders. SCE customers' utility bill payments do not fund company donations. About Edison International Edison International (NYSE: EIX) is one of the nation's largest electric utility holding companies, providing clean and reliable energy and energy services through its independent companies. Headquartered in Rosemead, California, Edison International is the parent company of Southern California Edison Company, a utility that delivers electricity to 15 million people across Southern, Central and Coastal California. Edison International is also the parent company of Edison Energy, a global energy advisory company delivering comprehensive, data-driven energy solutions to commercial and industrial users to meet their cost, sustainability and risk goals. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005904/en/

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Vanliner Insurance Company Promotes Colleen F. Shepherd to President

Vanliner Insurance Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of National Interstate Insurance Company, is pleased to announce the recent promotion of Colleen F. Shepherd to President. Ms. Shepherd joined Vanliner in 2008 as a Claims Attorney, and most recently served as Vice President of Claims and Loss Control.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005915/en/

Colleen F. Shepherd has been promoted to President at Vanliner Insurance Company. (Photo: Business Wire)

Ms. Shepherd serves on the senior leadership team for National Interstate and during her 13 years of service, her contributions have extended well beyond her defined roles. She is active in several industry practice groups, including USLAW Network's Transportation Practice Group, the rucking Industry Defense Association, and the Defense Research Institute.







Ms. Shepherd earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Salisbury University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond School of Law. She is a member of the Virginia and Missouri Bar Associations.

"Colleen's deep knowledge and passion for the transportation industry has been pivotal to Vanliner's success. Her promotion to President is a wonderful example of the Company's strong commitment to talent development and succession planning, and I am pleased to announce her new responsibilities," commented Tony Mercurio, President and CEO of National Interstate and Executive Vice President of Great American Insurance Group.

About Vanliner Insurance Company

Vanliner Insurance Company is a premier provider of insurance products and services tailored to meet the unique needs of the moving and storage, parcel delivery, and home delivery industries. Headquartered in Richfield, Ohio, Vanliner is licensed in all 50 states and rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best Company (rating affirmed January 28, 2021).

Vanliner is a subsidiary of National Interstate Insurance Company, a specialty property and casualty insurer focused on the transportation industry with an emphasis on alternative risk transfer insurance programs. National Interstate is a member of Great American Insurance Group. The members of Great American Insurance Group are subsidiaries of American Financial Group, Inc. (AFG). AFG's common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol AFG.

For more information about our products and services visit www.Vanliner.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005915/en/
[October 07, 2021] vAuto Launches Wholesale Hub In Used Vehicle Solution Provision

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- vAuto announces a new feature within vAuto Provision. Wholesale Hub is the new way to wholesale inventory from within vAuto Provision, enabling dealers to wholesale more efficiently and profitably. Wholesale Hub synchronizes and streamlines the vAuto Provision wholesale workflow to several Manheim channels including Manheim.com and OVE, Manheim in-lane sales and Manheim Express. The solution will be launching first for vehicles to be sent to the Manheim Express Concierge team, followed by Manheim's other channels later in the year. Capitalizing on the rising interest and profitability of used cars, vAuto offers Wholesale Hub to support dealerships during a predicted unseasonable slowing sales period. Wholesale efficiency is critical as dealers move into Q4 facing continued inventory challenges and sales roadblocks. "Wholesale Hub creates efficiencies in the wholesale vehicle disposal process," says Derek Hansen, VP of Wholesale Operations, vAuto. "It helps Provision dealers save time, reduce time-to-sell and maximize profits by streamlining processes that find inventory marked for wholesale, send inventory to auction, and track wholesale inventory from within Provision. These gains in efficiency equate to real advantages given current industry challenges." According to the just released Manheim's Used Vehicle Value Index, wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix-, mileage-, and seasonally adjusted basis) increased 5.3% month- over- month in September. This brought the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index to 204.8, a 27.1% increase from a year ago and a record high. In addition to increased pricing, wholesale used car supply remains below normal. In addition to low supply and increased pricing for wholesale used vehicles, Cox Automotive's September 2021 Forecast reports new-vehicle inventory levels are more than 50% lower than they were one year ago, when inventory was already elow healthy levels, and supply chain issues continue to disrupt production. This pronounced lack of new vehicles is sending more shoppers into the used market, further driving up demand.



With Wholesale Hub improving their workflow, dealerships can now list cars through Manheim in 'bulk' in the same time that it used to take to process one vehicle. This makes it faster and easier to get their vehicles into the world's largest wholesale marketplacewhether those vehicles will be sold from the dealers' lots or on site at a Manheim location. For vehicles sent to a Manheim location, dealers can move their vehicles effortlessly through every step of the wholesale process with Manheim's connected, intuitive marketplace. For offsite vehicles, dealers can designate a car as wholesale and choose Manheim Express for their wholesale option. A trained Manheim specialist will then go to the dealer's lot, inspect the vehicle, cover it with an Inspection Guarantee and enable the vehicle to be listed on Manheim Express, Manheim.com and OVE simultaneously. They can then track the vehicle's status in Wholesale Hub. vAuto plans to make Wholesale Hub available to other auction marketplaces later this year.

"The partnership between Cox Automotive brands vAuto and Manheim makes it all a lot easier," said Paul Golias, Corporate Used Vehicle Director, Modern Automotive. "We want to be able to retail everything, but if we can get more in wholesale, and free up those funds, that's all the better." Cox Automotive-owned vAuto provides innovative technology, tools and business intelligence to thousands of dealerships across the United States and Canada, helping them compete more effectively and increase new/used vehicle sales volumes and profits. Cox Automotive-owned Manheim provides end-to-end wholesale vehicle solutions that help dealer and commercial clients increase profits and efficiencies in their used vehicle operations. For information on all of Cox Automotive's 2021 new offerings, visit www.coxautoinc.com/experience. About vAuto

vAuto provides innovative technology, tools and business intelligence to thousands of dealerships across the United States and Canada, helping them compete more effectively and increase new/used vehicle sales volumes and profits. Founded in 2005, vAuto revolutionized dealers' used vehicle operations with the groundbreaking Provision suite of tools. Leveraging The Velocity Method of Management, pioneered by vAuto founder, Dale Pollak, Provision helped dealers adopt a more transparent- and turn-focused approach to used vehicle acquisition, appraising, pricing and merchandising based on real-time, local market supply-and-demand data. vAuto's solutions also include Conquest, a new vehicle inventory management and pricing system, and Stockwave, which enables dealers to efficiently find and purchase vehicles from leading wholesale sources via a single platform. In 2018, vAuto released the Provision ProfitTime metric and methodology to help dealers maximize inventory turn and gross profit based on the investment value or profit potential of each vehicle. In 2020, the company debuted an all new iRecon solution, integrated with Provision, to help dealers recondition vehicles and get them retail ready faster. Headquartered near Chicago, Illinois, vAuto is a Cox Automotive brand. About Cox Automotive

Cox Automotive Inc. makes buying, selling, owning and using vehicles easier for everyone. The global company's more than 27,000 team members and family of brands, including Autotrader, Clutch Technologies, Dealer.com, Dealertrack, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, NextGear Capital, VinSolutions, vAuto and Xtime, are passionate about helping millions of car shoppers, 40,000 auto dealer clients across five continents and many others throughout the automotive industry thrive for generations to come. Cox Automotive is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises Inc., a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company with annual revenues of nearly $20 billion. www.coxautoinc.com View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vauto-launches-wholesale-hub-in-used-vehicle-solution-provision-301395584.html SOURCE vAuto

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[October 07, 2021] University of Phoenix Hosted Educational Equity Webinar on Creating a Supportive Network while Understanding the Diversity within Indigenous Communities

University of Phoenix held an August webinar in its Educational Equity Webinar Series, titled Creating a Supportive Network while Understanding the Diversity within Indigenous Communities. The event was part of a public series intended for educators, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practitioners, higher education leaders and administrators, employers, nonprofit organizations, and government affiliations, and University of Phoenix faculty, staff, students, and alumni across the globe. The panel discussed the role educators play within their spheres of influence, examining a holistic approach (versus a linear Westernized approach) and how to better serve and support the complex identities within indigenous communities. The University of Phoenix Tribal Strategic Alliance team found in face-to-face meetings over the last two years that tribal students face challenges in simultaneously managing the demands of work, school, and family, as well as a lack of confidence and community mentors who successfully completed college degrees. Key insihts on this research were shared by Patrick Horning, MAEd, MBA, National Tribal Strategic Alliance Executive at University of Phoenix, who leads the University's efforts in supporting the unique challenges of its Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian tribal students.



"We are implementing systems backed by research and aimed at helping our indigenous student population to overcome barriers to education," said Horning. "We wanted to share findings from our research and discuss how higher education institutions can be more aware and better support indigenous students to prepare and succeed with college classes and managing work-school-family life balance." The discussion was moderated by Brian Ishmael, MBA, U.S. Army Veteran, Vice President of Military and Veteran Affairs, Government Partnerships at University of Phoenix. In addition to Mr. Horning, panelists included:

Luhui Whitebear, Ph.D. (Coastal Chumash), Oregon State University

Turquoise Devereaux, Indigenous Community Collaborative

Roicia Banks, MSW, Chief Executive Officer of Social Roots Learn more here about the series or the University of Phoenix Office of Educational Equity and future events. About University of Phoenix University of Phoenix is continually innovating to help working adults enhance their careers in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, and Career Services for Life help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005920/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Mad Rabbit and Mark Cuban Ink Their Support for Personal Ink (P.ink) During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Mad Rabbit, known for its comprehensive, all-natural and organic no-fuss tattoo aftercare product line, is proud to support Personal Ink (P.ink) and their commitment to empower breast cancer survivors through tattoo scar coverage in honor of Breast Cancer awareness month. P.ink is committed to educating and connecting breast cancer survivors with experienced, talented tattoo artists who provide beautiful artwork to help with scar coverage and inspire survivors to reclaim their bodies through a symbolic experience with art. Donated funds will directly support the tattoo process for women of all ages who have received a mastectomy, ensuring that breast cancer never leaves the last mark. "We are thrilled to support P.ink with Mark Cuban and raise awareness for the amazing work they do as an organization responsible for empowering breast cancer survivors and changing the narrative on scarring," states Selom Agbitor, Co-Founder of Mad Rabbit. "Together, we want to raise awareness and challenge our community to help us get to $20K for the month of October." In support of P.ink with Mad Rabbit, Mark Cuban shares, "This is a great cause and I'm so glad to be involved with Mad Rabbit in supporting these women with their success of overcoming such an obstacle in their lives." Mad Rabbit will kick off the campaign on October 7th through their landing page https://www.madrabbit.com/pages/p-ink, where cosumers can donate, learn more about the initiative, and share the news on their social media channels, as they lift up both cancer survivors and those currently battling. In cooperation with Mark Cuban, Mad Rabbit is donating $10,000 to P.ink in their efforts to provide survivors with mastectomy scar coverage through tattoo artwork and encouraging their community to donate to the cause, to raise $20,000 for P.ink. Donations end October 31st.



"Our mission is to change the culture of healing; Women don't have to live with the scars from breast-cancer surgeries," says P.ink founder Noel Franus. "This initiative with Mad Rabbit will transform many survivors' lives this year and shine a light on our talented mastectomy-tattoo artists and thousands of volunteers." About Mad Rabbit

Mad Rabbit was founded in 2019 by two friends with a passion for ink. After seeing the lack of effective all-around products, they saw an opportunity to create a superior, natural solution to help improve the process of maintaining a tattoo. With the mission to eliminate all unnatural and processed ingredients found in traditional aftercare, they sought out to create simple yet reliable product offerings with 'Mad Rabbit Enhance - Tattoo Balm', 'Mad Rabbit Repair - Soothing Gel' and 'Mad Rabbit Defend - Tattoo Sunscreen'. Mad Rabbit promotes individuality, adventure, and anything badass. For more information, visit www.madrabbit.com and follow Mad Rabbit on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. About Personal Ink (P.ink) Personal Ink (P.ink), a program part of the nonprofit organization, Fuck Cancer, is dedicated to empowering women to reclaim their bodies after breast cancer surgery. Through education and a connection with experienced tattoo artists who can help, we are committed to ensuring that breast cancer never has to leave the last mark. Every October, tattoo studios across North America close their doors for a day to create a free, curated, healing experience for recipients who have had mastectomies and are seeking closure through coverage of their scars with enchanting artwork. Through their P.ink Fund, donations are used to provide mastectomy tattoos the other 11 months out of the year for those unable to participate in the events. All tattoos are donated by talented and trained tattoo artists who are experienced in tattooing over scar tissue. For more information, visit www.p-ink.org View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005939/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Customer Contact Week Returns to Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Customer Contact Week (CCW) returns to Nashville, TN from October 20-22 at the Grand Hyatt. CCW is committed to offer and deliver experiences that support the needs of the customer contact industry and its executives. CCW will bring together 350+ executives for three days of immersive learning on the future of the industry, unparalleled peer benchmarking, vendor sourcing and more. CCW, the industry's only event series in 2021, returns to Nashville , October 20-22 . Featuring 60+ expert speakers representing top business sectors: Whitnee Hawthorne , VP of Customer Support, JetBlue

, VP of Customer Support, JetBlue Andy Yasutake , Global Product Director, Customer and Community Support Products, Airbnb

, Global Product Director, Customer and Community Support Products, Airbnb Monica Rothgery , Chief Operating Officer, KFC

, Chief Operating Officer, KFC Evan Shumeyko , Head of Customer Experience, The Farmer's Dog

, Head of Customer Experience, The Farmer's Dog Matthew Caron , Head of Customer Support, OpeTable



What You Need to Know About How Macro Customer Behavior Trends Are Affecting Service Expectations

Harness the Power of Artificial Intelligence to Drive Extraordinary Competitive Advantage

How Behavioral Economics Can Transform Employee Performance Management

How to Transform Your Contact Center Agents into Knowledge Workers

How to Recruit and Onboard Remote Agents

The Most Effective Strategies for Using Customer Data to Fuel Service Experience Decisions "This year more than ever we look forward to Customer Contact Week as we continue our commitment to the customer contact industry. Coming out of an incredibly tough year for live events, we want our industry executives to know we will stand by them and continue to navigate the future with them," said Mario Matulich, Managing Director, Customer Management Practice. "We are pleased to announce we are the only live event series for customer contact executives this year offering unparalleled and unique experiences including our immersive Expo Hall, inspiring content, executive benchmarking and more."

The Customer Contact Week flagship event returns December 13-16 at the Caesars Forum in Las Vegas. The flagship is the largest customer contact event in the world, and the only event this year featuring nearly 200 industry exhibitors, keynote headliners, CCWomen Summit, Diversity & Inclusion Summit, and focuses on training, hiring and retaining top talent. To view the event agenda or learn more about the speaking/sponsoring/attending CCW, please visit www.customercontactweekfall.com. For the latest news and CCW developments, follow us at @custcontactweek. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/customer-contact-week-returns-to-nashville-301395626.html SOURCE CCW: Customer Contact Week

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[October 07, 2021] TPC Wire & Cable Announces the Formation of Trexon

TPC Wire & Cable (TPC) today announces the formation of the Trexon brand, which encompasses the brand portfolio of TPC, Pittsburgh Wire and Cable, MilRail, EZ Form Cable, CiCoil, Hydro Group, Integrated Cable Systems (ICS) and The First Electronics Corporation (FEC). The company is headquartered in Macedonia, Ohio. Trexon is a leading provider of unique connectivity solutions built to withstand the toughest environments and the most exacting applications. The new brand is comprised of some of the most innovative specialty connectivity companies in the world. There are two divisions within Trexon: Industrial Products and Engineered Products. Industrial Products is comprised of TPC, MilRail, and Pittsburgh Wire and Cable, and its products are manufactured to provide top performance in the most demanding environments. Engineered Products is comprised of CiCoil, EZ Form Cable, Hydro Group, ICS and FEC, and its products are designed into exacting and mission-critical applications. The existing TPC leadership will take the helm at Trexon, with Jeff Crane as President and CEO, Todd Spaulding managing the Industrial Products business, and Nildeep Patel leading the Engineered Products business.



Trexon promises to always design for durability and engineer for excellence, leveraging collective market expertise, collaboration, and a flexible service model that allows them to design connectivity solutions that increase performance and maximize uptime for customers. Each of Trexon's leading specialty connectivity companies will play an important role in this mission. "All of the companies under the Trexon umbrella bring with them their own brand identity and strong heritage," added Jeff Crane. "We will protect and build upon these legacies even as we establish this new Trexon brand to convey a collective global message about the unique connectivity solutions that we provide."

About Trexon Trexon is built through the transformative combination of some of the most innovative specialty connectivity companies in the world. They provide unique connectivity solutions that withstand the toughest environments and most exacting applications. Headquartered in Macedonia, Ohio, U.S.A., Trexon has more than 700 connectivity experts serving the daily needs of customers across the United States, Canada, Central and South America, Europe, and East Asia. For additional information, please visit www.trexonglobal.com. Trexon is a portfolio company of Audax Group, a private equity group based in Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005952/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Minerva Foods achieves 100% social and environmental compliance in audit by Public Prosecutor's Office for the Amazon estate of Para - Brazil

BARRETOS, Brazil, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Minerva Foods, leader in beef exports in South America and one of the largest companies in the production and sale of fresh beef and its derivatives in the region, once again reinforces its commitment to the development of sustainable agricultural supply chain as it fully certifies compliance with the Terms of Adjustment of Conduct agreement(TAC) for cattle raising in the state of Para, Brazil, confirmed by an audit lead by the Public Prosecutor's Office, the main and most reliable verification body of the Brazilian production chain, in partnership with the NGO Amigos da Terra  Amazonia Brasileira. The report assessed the results of companies committed to the fight against illegal deforestation in cattle production. TAC focuses on legal, environmental and social aspects involved in the cattle raising activity. This requires that protein-producing industries verify that the properties they deal with are in compliance with social and environmental criteria and laws. Thus, the Company contributes directly for tackling ilegal deforestation, land grabbing, slave labor; invasion of environmental protection areas, indigenous, and traditional lands (e.g. quilombola people), or without environmental or land regularization. The new achievement confirms not only Minerva Foods' good sustainability practices, but also reiterates its commitment to Sustainable Cattle Ranching and to the work being carried out throughout the sector. "We work continuously to ensure a sustainable business model, from farm to table, while respecting the environment, people, and encouraging the development of the entire production chain. The result of the main audit on fighting illegal deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon shows that we are on the right track, contributing to sustainable cattle ranching, engaging the producers in this trajectory," highlights Taciano Custodio, Sustainability Director at Minerva Foods. The report results are available at: http://www.mpf.mp.br/pa/sala-de-imprensa/documentos/2021/apresentacao_auditorias_cadeia_pecuaria_pa_07-10-2021.pdf/ Reference in Supplier Monitoring The Company is the first and only in the sectr to use geographic information systems for monitoring its direct supply farms with georeferenced maps in all biomes in which it operates in Brazil (Amazon, Cerrado, Pantanal and Atlantic Forest) and Paraguay. Additionally, Minerva Foods has become the first company to integrate the risk analysis tool into its monitoring system, thanks to its innovative trials with Visipec.



Currently, more than 14 million hectares are being geographically monitored in Brazil and Paraguay. Together, all monitored regions are larger than the territory of Greece. In Brazil, 100% of purchases made by Minerva Foods in the Amazon, Cerrado, Pantanal and Atlantic Forest regions are monitored, through the use of georeferenced maps of direct supplier farms, thus ensuring compliance with strict social and environmental criteria by suppliers.

Currently, the company privately monitors more than 9,000 suppliers in the Amazon biome, comprising a total area of more than 9 million hectares, a region equivalent to the territory of Portugal. In addition, it also monitors more than 2 million hectares in the Cerrado, Pantanal, and Atlantic Forest. Minerva Foods is also the first Company in the sector to move forward with actions to assess indirect supplying ranches. In 2020, the Company implemented Visipec, a tool developed by the University of Wisconsin (USA) in partnership with NGO National Wildlife Federation (NWF), to assess risks related to indirect suppliers' ranches in the Amazon region. Preliminary tests showed 99.8% compliance with the criteria established by the Indirect Supplier Working Group. Information on the test results is available for public consultation on our investor relations website http://ri.minervafoods.com/ . Anticipating the target announced in April in four months, the Company integrated the Visipec tool to its geographic monitoring system for the Amazon. Recently, Minerva Foods announced its new Sustainability Strategy, with the commitment to become Carbon Neutral. It's goal is to achieve zero net emissions by 2035  15 years ahead of the Paris Agreement. The Company plans to invest in projects that will help reduce emissions throughout the production chain by the announced date. The first commitment is to ensure zero illegal deforestation throughout the supply chain in South America. The company will continue with geographic monitoring in all territories in Brazil and will continue to expand to 100% of direct suppliers in Paraguay during 2021; in Colombia by 2023; in Uruguay by 2025 and other countries of South America by 2030. Minerva Foods will also include 50% of beef suppliers in the Low Carbon Emission Program by 2030. The strategy will strengthen the partnership with leading research institutions, such as the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa); the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT/Colombia); and the National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIA/Uruguay). About Minerva Foods Minerva Foods is the leader in beef exports in South America and also operates in the processed meat segment, selling its products to more than 100 countries. In addition to Brazil, Minerva Foods is present in Paraguay, Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia and Chile, through its subsidiary Athena Foods, a company that was born a leader in the global beef export market from South America to the world. Minerva Foods, together with Athena Foods, operates in five continents with beef and its derivatives and currently manages 25 slaughtering and deboning facilities, 16 international offices, 14 distribution centers, and three processing plants. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/minerva-foods-achieves-100-social-and-environmental-compliance-in-audit-by-public-prosecutors-office-for-the-amazon-estate-of-para---brazil-301395673.html SOURCE Minerva Foods

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[October 07, 2021] PEFCO Announces Management Changes

Private Export Funding Corporation ("PEFCO") announced that its Board of Directors, at its regularly scheduled September 2021 meeting, elected Rajgopalan Nandkumar, currently Senior Vice President and Treasurer, to be its new President and CEO and a member of PEFCO's Board of the Directors. By his election - made as part of the Board of Directors' succession planning - Raj succeeds Timothy Dunne, whom the Board named to the newly-created position of Senior Vice Chairman. Raj's election as President and CEO will allow him to focus on PEFCO's long-term direction and plans to achieve profitability as the market for export credit expands. Richard Aldrich, Executive Chairman, stated that "Raj not only has been an outstanding Treasurer but lso played a critical role in multiple aspects of PEFCO's operations for several years working closely with Tim and me including helping develop overall ongoing business strategy and managing PEFCO's relationships with The Export Import Bank of the United States ('EXIM') as well as with PEFCO's shareowners, rating agencies, banks and investors. During this time, Raj has assumed key leadership roles in the implementation of PEFCO's strategic plans, including the successful renewal in September 2020 of PEFCO's Guarantee and Credit Agreement with EXIM for a 25-year term. He will be responsible on a temporary basis for treasury matters pending the hiring of a new treasurer."



Richard and Raj both stated: "On behalf of the Board and PEFCO personnel we wish to thank Tim for his many years of leadership and look forward to working with him in his new role."

PEFCO is principally engaged in making loans, arranged by financial institutions, to foreign importers to finance the purchase of goods and services of US manufacture or origin. Established in 1970 by a group of U.S. financial institutions with the support of the U.S. Department of Treasury, the US Department of Commerce, the Federal Reserve and other government agencies, PEFCO, a Delaware corporation with 26 shareowners, operates principally through its long-standing relationship with EXIM, which guarantees the principal and interest on PEFCO's long-term loans and the interest on its long-term debt under a separate 25-year guarantee. To a lesser extent PEFCO also provides financing support to other US government agencies. PEFCO is headquartered in New York at 675 Third Avenue, Suite 425, New York, N.Y. 10017. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005986/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Reinsurance Group of America Announces Third Quarter Earnings Release Date, Webcast

Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (NYSE:RGA) plans to release third quarter earnings on Thursday, November 4, at approximately 4:15 p.m. Eastern Time. The release will be issued via newswire and will also be available through RGA's website, www.rgare.com. RGA will host a conference call to discuss the third quarter results beginning at 10 a.m. Eastern Time on Friday, November 5. Interested parties may access the call by dialing 1-800-458-4121 (323-794-2093 international). The access code is 4776253. Participants are asked to call the assigned number approximately 10 minutes before the conference call begins. A live audio webcast of that conference call will be available on the Investors pae of RGA's website, www.rgare.com. A replay of the conference call will be available at the same address for 90 days following the conference call.



Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated (RGA), a Fortune 500 company, is among the leading global providers of life reinsurance and financial solutions, with approximately $3.5 trillion of life reinsurance in force and assets of $88.9 billion as of June 30, 2021. Founded in 1973, RGA today is recognized for its deep technical expertise in risk and capital management, innovative solutions, and commitment to serving its clients. With headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri, and operations around the world, RGA delivers expert solutions in individual life reinsurance, individual living benefits reinsurance, group reinsurance, health reinsurance, facultative underwriting, product development, and financial solutions. To learn more about RGA and its businesses, visit the company's website at www.rgare.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005121/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Chatham Lodging Trust Announces Third Quarter Earnings Call to be Held on Thursday, November 4, 2021

Chatham Lodging Trust (NYSE: CLDT), a lodging real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests in upscale, extended-stay hotels and premium-branded, select-service hotels and owns 41 hotels, today announced that it will report third quarter 2021 financial results on Thursday, November 4, 2021, before the opening of the market. That same day at 10:00 a.m. ET, Jeffrey H. Fisher, Chatham's chief executive officer, Dennis M. Craven, executive vice president and chief operating officer, and Jeremy Wegner, senior vice president and chief financial officer, will host a conference call to review third quarter 2021 financial results. Shareholders and other interested parties may listen to a simultaneous webcast of the conference call on the Internet by logging onto Chatham's Web site, http://chathamlodgingtrust.com/, or www.streetevents.com, or may participate in the conference call by dialing 1-877-407-0789 and referencing Chatham Lodging Trust. A recording of the call will be available by telephone until 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 11, 2021, by dialing 1-844-512-2921, reference number 13724075. A replay of the conference call will be posted on Chatham's website.



About Chatham Lodging Trust Chatham Lodging Trust is a self-advised, publicly-traded real estate investment trust focused primarily on investing in upscale, extended-stay hotels and premium-branded, select-service hotels. The company owns interests in 41 hotels totaling 6,169 rooms/suites in 15 states and the District of Columbia. Additional information about Chatham may be found at chathamlodgingtrust.com.

Included in this press release are certain "non-GAAP financial measures," within the meaning of Securities and Exchange Commission ( SEC (News - Alert) ) rules and regulations, that are different from measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles). The company considers the following non-GAAP financial measures useful to investors as key supplemental measures of its operating performance: (1) FFO, (2) Adjusted FFO, (3) EBITDA, and (4) Adjusted EBITDA. These non-GAAP financial measures could be considered along with, but not as alternatives to, net income or loss, cash flows from operations or any other measures of the company's operating performance prescribed by GAAP. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007006002/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Schwab Announces Its Fall Business Update

The Charles Schwab Corporation announced today that it has scheduled a Fall Business Update for institutional investors on Thursday, October 21st. This Update, which will be held via webcast, is part of an ongoing series designed to help the investment community keep abreast of recent developments and management's strategic focus. The program is scheduled to run from 8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. PT, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET. Participants will include Walt Bettinger, President & Chief Executive Officer, and Peter Crawford, Chief Financial Officer. The Update will be accessible at schwabevents.com/corporation. About Charles Schwab The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE: SCHW) is a leading provider of financial services, with 32.5 million active brokerage accounts, 2.2 million corporate retirement plan participants, 1.6 million banking accounts, and $7. trillion in client assets as of August 31, 2021. Through its operating subsidiaries, the company provides a full range of wealth management, securities brokerage, banking, asset management, custody, and financial advisory services to individual investors and independent investment advisors. Its broker-dealer subsidiaries, Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., TD Ameritrade, Inc., and TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc., (members SIPC, www.sipc.org), and their affiliates offer a complete range of investment services and products including an extensive selection of mutual funds; financial planning and investment advice; retirement plan and equity compensation plan services; referrals to independent, fee-based investment advisors; and custodial, operational and trading support for independent, fee-based investment advisors through Schwab Advisor Services. Its primary banking subsidiary, Charles Schwab Bank, SSB (member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender), provides banking and lending services and products. More information is available at www.aboutschwab.com.



TD Ameritrade, Inc. and TD Ameritrade Clearing, Inc. are separate but affiliated companies and subsidiaries of TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation. TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Charles Schwab Corporation. TD Ameritrade is a trademark jointly owned by TD Ameritrade IP Company, Inc. and The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005009/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Radian Honored as a "Champion of Board Diversity" by Forum of Executive Women

Radian (News - Alert) Group Inc. (NYSE: RDN) today announced that it has been named one of the Forum of Executive Women's 2021 Champions of Board Diversity. Founded in 1977, the Forum is a leading organization focused on the advancement of women in the Greater Philadelphia business community. The organization's annual Champions of Board Diversity list recognizes major Philadelphia-area companies that have 30 percent or greater female representation on their boards of directors. "Radian is honored to be named to the 2021 Champions of Board Diversity list," said Chief Executive Officer Rick Thornberry. "While we always strive to improve, this recognition reflects Radian's deep commitment to increasing the representation of women at all levels of our organization." Radian was among Philadelphia's top 100 companies celebrated at the Forum's Leadership Breakfast on October 7, 2021. "Advancing gender equality is a major organizational priority and business imperative for Radian," said Mary Dickerson, Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer at Radian. "We are committed to making continued progress in our pursuit for equity for all underrepresented groups in the years to come and are grateful for the valuable work being done by the Forum of Executive Women and other organizations focused on these critical issues." Recent Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Highlights at Radian Radian's strategic objectives and initiatives relating to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are driven by its formal DEI program, as well as its DEI Council, which is comprised of a group of cross-functional leaders. Gender equality is a core component of the company's overall DEI strategy. Radian has been included for three consecutive years on the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index (GEI), which highlights companies dedicated to advancing women's equality in the workplace. It has also been recognized by 50/50 Women on Boards, which works to elevate the representation of women on corporate boards throughout the United States. CEO Rick Thornberry also signed the "CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion" pledge to create a more diverse, inclusive and equitable workforce, which has been signed by more than 2,000 business leaders across various industries and is the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace. By signing the pledge, Radian has committed to cultivating a trusting environment where all ideas and employees are welcomed. In 2021, inspired by CEO Action's annual "Day of Understanding," Radian held a "Week of Understanding" that brought employees together to have open and meaningful conversations designed to explore blind spots and unconscious biases, and foster a more inclusive workplace. Radian has instituted a recruiting capability dedicated to diversity, improved its internal reporting capabilities regarding diversity, trained all managers on unconscious bias, and is carrying out an initiative to train all employees on unconscious bias. Radian has also established Employee Resource Groups (ERG) to support the company's intention around ensuring an inclusive and diverse culture. ERG's look to foster awareness, respect, and inclusion in the Radian workplace through the work they do. Each ERG is led by employees with shared interests and like backgrounds, who come together to serve a common purpose. Currently, Radian has three active ERGs. Appointed an AVP, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to help achieve the objectives set in our strategic plan. In addition, Radian has a dedicated focus on recruiting and learning and development of high potential women and minorities to collectively build a diverse set of future leaders at Radian.



About Radian's Corporate Responsibility Program Radian's DEI efforts are part of its broader Corporate Responsibility Program, which focuses on supporting the company's commitment to environmental, health and safety, corporate social responsibility, corporate governance, sustainability, and other public policy matters relevant to the company and its operations. This program aligns with Radian's company-wide commitments to continue to be responsible corporate citizens with a positive impact in the community and with the people it serves.

A report and website provide further information about the company's Corporate Responsibility programs and practices, including how its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) efforts help achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and correspond to the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards for the Insurance sector. About Radian Radian Group Inc. (NYSE: RDN) is ensuring the American dream of homeownership responsibly and sustainably through products and services that include industry-leading mortgage insurance and a comprehensive suite of mortgage, risk, title, valuation, asset management and other real estate services. We are powered by technology, informed by data and driven to deliver new and better ways to transact and manage risk. Visit www.radian.com to learn more about how Radian is shaping the future of mortgage and real estate services. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005956/en/

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[October 07, 2021] CACI Showcases Technology to Achieve Decision Dominance for the U.S. Army

CACI International Inc (NYSE: CACI) will showcase its award-winning technologies, informed by mission expertise, to advance the U.S. Army's decision dominance in all domains during AUSA's 2021 Annual Meeting and Exposition from Oct. 11-13, 2021 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., Hall C Booth 3525. CACI is showcasing its platform integration expertise and its SMART portfolio that increases the mobility and survivability of the next generation command post. The company's resilient, high-capacity communications suite keeps the commander connected while on the move to conduct continuous JADC2. Two new counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) and a collection of spectrum operations technologies reduce the adversary's ability to target the command post. Additional innovations on display from CACI's SMART portfolio offer advanced tools for executing operations in all domains. CACI will also demonstrate how its experts extend enterprise technologies to the tactical edge of operations to provide unified applications and services from the Fort to the Field. A secure bring-your-own-device (BYOD) suite enables "work from anywhere" through solutions such as SteelBox, cloud workspaces, and Zero Trust Architectures. CACI will share its industry-leading "CyberSafe" Type 1 and commercial- solutions-for-classified (CSfC) trusted mobile platforms that offer ecure handheld mission flexibility.



For more information on CACI's AUSA participation, visit https://www.caci.com/event/AUSA. Follow CACI on LinkedIn and Twitter for the latest news and information during AUSA. To schedule interviews with CACI, contact Lauren Presti.

About CACI CACI's approximately 22,000 talented employees are vigilant in providing the unique expertise and distinctive technology that address our customers' greatest enterprise and mission challenges. Our culture of good character, innovation, and excellence drives our success and earns us recognition as a Fortune World's Most Admired Company. As a member of the Fortune 500 Largest Companies, the Russell 1000 Index, and the S&P MidCap 400 Index, we consistently deliver strong shareholder value. Visit us at www.caci.com. There are statements made herein which do not address historical facts, and therefore could be interpreted to be forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements are subject to factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated include, but are not limited to, the risk factors set forth in CACI's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021, and other such filings that CACI makes with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. Any forward-looking statements should not be unduly relied upon and only speak as of the date hereof. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007006007/en/

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Andrew Sweet Joins Lazard's Financial Advisory Industrials Group

Lazard Ltd (NYSE: LAZ) announced today that Andrew Sweet has joined Lazard's Financial Advisory business in its Charlotte, North Carolina office as a Managing Director and member of the Industrials Group, leading the Industrial and Specialty Distribution practice.

"Andrew brings more than 15 years of experience advising clients on M&A, debt and equity private capital raising, and public markets financings," said Bob Frost, CEO of Lazard Middle Market. "His deep expertise in specialized distribution models and engineered product sectors will make Andrew a strong addition to our industrials team and create value for our clients."

Prior to joining Lazard, Mr. Sweet was a Managing Director and co-led the Industrial Distribution and Services ractice at Stephens, Inc. since 2010. Before that, he held positions at Hyde Park Capital and McColl Partners, where he began his investment banking career in 2006.







About Lazard

Lazard, one of the world's preeminent financial advisory and asset management firms, operates from 41 cities across 26 countries in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, Central and South America. With origins dating to 1848, the firm provides advice on mergers and acquisitions, strategic matters, restructuring and capital structure, capital raising and corporate finance, as well as asset management services to corporations, partnerships, institutions, governments and individuals. For more information on Lazard, please visit www.lazard.com. Follow Lazard at @Lazard.

LAZ_FAPE

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007005996/en/
[October 07, 2021] Cross River and TechUnited Join Forces to Propel Entrepreneurs and Empower More Small Businesses in New Jersey

Cross River Bank ("Cross River"), a technology-driven financial services organization that provides core infrastructure and embedded financial solutions and TechUnited:NJ, a membership-driven, non-profit organization that offers opportunities for tech-enabled companies and entrepreneurs to collaborate, today announced a groundbreaking partnership to propel the future of New Jersey by increasing support for small businesses and entrepreneurs in the state, particularly by providing additional resources to women and minority business owners. "Our success at Cross River is emblematic of the growth of the New Jersey technology ecosystem, and we are humbled to play a part in cultivating, hiring, and investing in our backyard," said Phil Goldfeder, SVP of Global Public Affairs at Cross River. "As one of the largest lenders in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), we safely and securely supported the smallest businesses who needed access to capital and this partnership with TechUnited demonstrates our continued commitment to our mission of serving the smallest businesses and entrepreneurs leading the next generation." As said by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy in his welcome remarks at Propelify Innovation Festival: "This event reflects and amplifies the innovative spirit to which New Jersey is responding to a multitude of major challenges. As entrepreneurs and innovators, you continue to reinvent the industry and are critical to the New Jersey economy. Supporting women and minority small businesses through mentorship programs with Cross River... will both transform our state and maintain our commitment to creating a stronger and fairer New Jersey for every family." Cross River merges the forward-thinking offerings of a technology company with the established expertise of a bank, while maintaining a strong focus on regulatory compliance and consumer protection. As a New Jersey state-chartered community bank, Cross River has demonstrated firsthand how the state's structure and support has played an integral role in propelling economic advancement, innovation, and increased investment opportunities. Cross River and TechUnited have been community partners for years, but this partnership is the first of its kind, encompassing a Women & Minority Business Owners Mentorship Cohort, resource for startups and emerging investors, community events, thought leadership and more to propel the greater New Jersey technology and business ecosystems.



The specialized mentorship cohort focuses on providing underrepresented founders and owners with new advantages, resources, and information. The cohort will provide mentorship from executives at Cross River, Amazon, RSM, Deloitte (News - Alert) , EY, and more. Within the business community, where startups and small businesses are faced with immeasurable challenges, mentorship, guidance, and community visibility are crucial to provide lasting support. Beyond the 1:1 mentorship, the program also provided four cohort members with grants, subsidized by Cross River, to enable them to present at the Propelify Innovation Festival, on October 6, 2021 in Hoboken, New Jersey. "Leveraging the TechUnited community and board, as well as our massive annual festival, Propelify, to truly support women and minority founders via this mentorship cohort is critical to the region's success," said Aaron Price, CEO of TechUnited. "For entrepreneurs who want to build their companies faster and smarter, this program is for you. We encourage anyone looking for guidance to ensure their business thrives to apply."

In September of 2021, coming off the success of its 2020-2021 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Cross River launched Making Waves with Cross River, a campaign dedicated to small businesses and entrepreneurs. The campaign is specifically focused on supporting diverse small businesses who are serving their communities and creating jobs and encompasses a number of initiatives in conjunction with community partners including grant programs and small business support. To learn more, and to get involved, please visit www.crossriver.com/making-waves. About Cross River Cross River is a fast-growing financial services organization that merges the forward-thinking offerings of a technology company with the established expertise and traditional services of a bank. Since its founding in 2008, Cross River has developed strategic partnerships with leading technology companies, marketplace lenders and payment providers, while maintaining a strong focus on regulatory compliance and consumer protection. Cross River provides a highly secure, API-based banking platform and comprehensive suite of products encompassing lending, payments, risk management and Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) offerings to deliver responsible financial solutions that empower businesses and consumers anytime, anywhere. Cross River Bank is a New Jersey state-chartered FDIC insured bank. For more information, please visit Cross River's website at www.crossriver.com or Twitter (News - Alert) @crossriverbank. About TechUnited TechUnited:NJ (techunited.co) is a membership-driven, non-profit organization with over 500,000 innovator members that offers opportunities for tech-enabled companies and entrepreneurs to propel the future of New Jersey and beyond through events, mentorship, content creation, and more. Founded in 1996 as the NJ Technology Council (NJTC), the organization has established itself as the premiere advocate for the technology community in the region. In 2005, the NJTC helped start a successful venture fund in Tech Council Ventures. In 2019, the NJTC acquired the Propelify Innovation Festival to cast a wider net in the region's startup community. In 2020, the organization rebranded as TechUnited:NJ and redefined its mission to empower innovators and entrepreneurs who build a better future for all. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007006015/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Molina Healthcare to Acquire Certain Assets of AgeWell New York

Molina Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: MOH) ("Molina") today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the Medicaid Managed Long Term Care business of AgeWell New York. The purchase price for the transaction is approximately $110 million, net of certain tax benefits and Molina's target allocation of required regulatory capital. AgeWell is a specialty managed care organization that provides long-term care services at home or in the community for those who are chronically ill or disabled in The Bronx, New York (Manhattan), Queens, Kings (Brooklyn), Nassau, Westchester, and Suffolk counties. As of August 31, 2021, AgeWell served approximately 13,000 managed long-term services and supports ("MLTSS") members, with full-year 2020 premium revenue of approximately $700 million. "The addition of AgeWell to Molina's expanding New York footprint is not only complementary to our existing MLTSS business, but also representative of our strategic growth strategy," said Joe Zubretsky, president and chief executive officer of Molina Healthcare. "Our highest priority is to serve all Molina members with quality care and compassion, and we anticipate a seamless integration." The transaction is synergistic with Molina's existing Senior Whole Health of New York MLTSS business, and presents an opportunity to leverage Molina's fixed cost base. The tranaction is expected to be immediately accretive to Molina's adjusted earnings per share. Molina intends to fund the purchase with cash on hand. The transaction is subject to applicable federal and state regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. It is expected to close by the third quarter of 2022.



About Molina Healthcare Molina Healthcare, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company, provides managed healthcare services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs and through the state insurance marketplaces. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare served approximately 4.7 million members as of June 30, 2021. For more information about Molina Healthcare, please visit molinahealthcare.com.

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. This press release contains "forward-looking statements" regarding the proposed acquisition of assets of AgeWell New York. All forward-looking statements are based on current expectations that are subject to numerous risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially. Such risk factors include, without limitation, risks related to the timely closing of the transaction, including the need to obtain third party consents and regulatory approvals, and any conditions imposed on the parties in connection with consummating the transaction. Information regarding the other risk factors to which the Company is subject is provided in greater detail in its periodic reports and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. These reports can be accessed under the investor relations tab of the Company's website or on the SEC's (News - Alert) website at sec.gov. Given these risks and uncertainties, the Company cannot give assurances that its forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. All forward-looking statements represent the Company's judgment as of the date hereof. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007006022/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Dream Unlimited Corp. and Dream Impact Trust Close on Previously Announced Multi-Family Assets

DREAM UNLIMITED CORP. (TSX:DRM) ("Dream Unlimited") and DREAM IMPACT TRUST (TSX: MPCT.UN) ("Dream Impact" or the "Trust") today announced that, together with Dream Impact Fund (the "Fund", and together with Dream Unlimited and the Trust, "Dream"), they have acquired 912 apartment units located in the City of Toronto for an aggregate gross purchase price of approximately $378 million. Dream Unlimited, The Trust and the Fund have each acquired a 33% interest in the apartments. The Properties

Dream acquired Weston Common, a two-tower, 841-unit, mixed-use apartment complex. The property is comprised of 22 John Street, a 369-unit, class-A, purpose-built rental building completed in 2019, a 472-unit, apartment building completed in 1974, 42,000 sf of fully leased commercial space, and an 8,800 sf community hub occupied and programmed by Artscape, a non-profit with a mission to make space for creativity and transform communities. Weston Common currently includes 53 affordable housing units and 26 live/work artist studios and Dream's intention is to increase the number of affordable units provided on site as per CMHC's definition of affordable rent for the area. The Trust also acquired an interest in 262 Jarvis, a 71-unit, Art Deco style apartment building located near Ryerson University. Michael Cooper (News - Alert) , Chief Responsible Officer of Dream Unlimited and Portfolio Manager of Dream Impact said, "The successful acquisition of these apartments accelerates the growth of our income property portfolio and increases the proportion of our assets that generate recurring income." Dream Unlimited and the Trust are also pleased to announce that they have a 228-unit, multi-building, portfolio of multi-family assets located in Toronto under contract. The ownership structure is expected to mirror Weston Common and 262 Jarvis. Creating Impact in Existing Apartments

Dream will implement specific initiatives from each of its three impact verticals (Affordable & Attainable Housing, Environmental Sustainability & Resilience, and Inclusive Communities) at each property. More specifically, Dream intends to pursue decarbonization and building modernization retrofits at each building to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions by 15% within the first three-years of ownership. Dream also intends to implement social programming to provide tangible support for the community and its residents. More details on our impact commitments, key performance indicators, and ultimately our performance in delivering on these initiatives will be detailed in our 2022 Dream Impact Report. Trustee Retirement

Michael Tsourounis, who joined the Trust's Board of Trustees in 2019, has advised that he will be retiring from the Board in November 2021 in order to focus on other business activities. The Board of Trustees of Dream Impact sincerely thanks Mr. Tsourounis for his contribution and wishes him success in his future endeavors. "I would like to personally thank Michael for his insights and counsel during his tenure," said Amar Bhalla, Chair of Dream Impact. About Dream Unlimited Corp. Dream is a leading developer of exceptional office and residential assets in Toronto, owns stabilized income generating assets in both Canada and the U.S., and has an established and successful asset management business, inclusive of $12 billion of assets under management across three Toronto Stock Exchange listed trusts, our private asset management business and numerous partnerships. We also develop land and residential asset in Western Canada. Dream expects to generate more recurring income in the future as its urban development properties are completed and held for the long term. Dream has a proven track record for being innovative and for our ability to source, structure and execute on compelling investment opportunities.



About Dream Impact Trust Dream Impact Trust is an open-ended trust dedicated to impact investing. Impact investing is the intention of creating measurable positive, social and environmental change in our communities and for our stakeholders, while generating attractive market returns. Dream Impact's underlying portfolio is comprised of exceptional real estate assets reported under two operating segments: development and recurring income, that would not be otherwise available in a public and fully transparent vehicle, managed by an experienced team with a successful track record in these areas. The objectives of the Trust are to create positive and lasting impacts for our stakeholders through our three impact verticals: environmental sustainability and resilience, attainable and affordable housing, and inclusive communities; balance growth and stability of the portfolio, increasing cash flow, unitholders' equity and NAV over time; leverage access to an experienced management team and strong partnerships in order to generate attractive returns for investors; provide investors with a portfolio of high-quality real estate development opportunities, concentrated in core geographic markets; and to provide predictable cash distributions to unitholders on a tax-efficient basis. For more information, please visit: www.dreamimpacttrust.ca.

Forward-looking Information This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "outlook", "objective", "may", "will", "would", "could", "expect", "intend", "estimate", "anticipate", "believe", "should", "plans", or "continue", or similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Some of the specific forward-looking information in this press release may include, among other things, statements relating to Dream Unlimited and Dream Impact's objectives and strategies to achieve those objectives, our beliefs, plans, estimates, projections and intentions, and similar statements concerning anticipated future events, future growth and drivers thereof, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, market conditions, acquisitions or divestitures, leasing transactions, future maintenance and development plans and costs, capital investments, financing, the availability of financing sources, income taxes, litigation and the real estate industry in general, in each case, that are not historical facts; as well as specific statements regarding: Dream Unlimited and Dream Impact's focus on impact investing; Dream Unlimited and Dream Impact's ability to achieve their impact and sustainability goals; and our plans and proposals for current and future development projects, including projected sizes, densities, uses, costs, timing for expected zoning approvals, development milestones and their expected sustainability impact, including our plans to pursue decarbonization and building modernization retrofits at each building to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions produced by 15% within the first three-years of ownership and our proposed implementation of social programming to provide tangible support for the community and its residents. Forward-looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Dream Unlimited and Dream Impact's control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: adverse changes in general economic and market conditions; the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on Dream Unlimited and Dream Impact; changes to the regulatory environment; environmental risks; local real estate conditions, including the development of properties in close proximity to the Trust's properties and changes in real estate values; timely leasing of vacant space and re-leasing of occupied space upon expiration; dependence on tenants' and borrowers' financial condition; the uncertainties of acquisition activity; the ability to effectively integrate acquisitions; dependence on our partners in the development, construction and operation of our real estate projects; uncertainty surrounding the development and construction of new projects and delays and cost overruns in the design, development, construction and operation of projects; our ability to execute on our strategic plans and meet financial obligations; interest and mortgage rates and regulations; inflation; availability of equity and debt financing and foreign exchange fluctuations. All forward-looking information in this press release speaks as of October 5, 2021. Neither Dream Unlimited nor Dream Impact undertakes to update any such forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Additional information about these assumptions and risks and uncertainties is disclosed in Dream Unlimited and Dream Impact's filings with securities regulators filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). These filings are also available at Dream Unlimited's website at www.dream.ca and Dream Impact's website at www.dreamimpacttrust.ca. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007006027/en/

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[October 07, 2021] Dock Acquires Brazilian Banking-as-a-Service Provider BPP, Strengthening Its Position as the Leading Payments and Digital Banking Technology Platform in Latin America

Dock, an innovator in financial technology infrastructure across Latin America, announced the acquisition of BPP, a payment institution regulated by the Central Bank of Brazil that specializes in Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS). The acquisition, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, accelerates Dock's full stack BaaS platform integrations and reinforces the product offering within Brazil's instant payment system (PIX), introduced by the Central Bank in November 2020. "This is a transformational milestone for Dock," said Antonio Soares, Chief Executive Officer of Dock. "We believe that integrating BPP's already established direct connections to local payment rails into our product offering provides immediate value to our customer base as we pursue a fully aligned vision of the future. We are thrilled to be in a position to add value to current BPP customers, who will be able to accelerate their business faster now that they will be integrated with the most complete and composable payments and digital banking platform in Latin America." "We are thrilled to join Dock on its journey to change the future of finance and banking in Latin America," said Paulo Della Volpe, Chief Executive Officer of BPP. "This combination is a perfect match for our employees and cusomers. We look forward to becoming a part of Dock's vibrant, innovative culture, and playing our part in the next chapter of growth."



BPP, formerly known as Brasil Pre-Pagos, was an early pioneer in white label payments infrastructure. In 2019, the company became the first BaaS provider to be a fully licensed payment institution in Brazil and has experienced substantial growth in customers and volumes, in particular around offering integrations with PIX. Together, the two companies process over 300 million in monthly transactions, making the combined company the clear BaaS leader in Brazil and Latin America. Speaking about the combination, Dock's Chief Product and Technology Officer, Frederico Amaral, said: "The fact that we build and run the technology for our own regulated institution creates an additional layer of trust and reliability for customers. We will continue to support customers through our Software as a Service ( SaaS (News - Alert) ) and full stack BaaS offerings, enabling and empowering clients of all sizes, maturity, and use cases to build unique financial solutions to better meet the needs of their end customers."

Dock continues to experience strong business momentum across new customer acquisitions, new product development, and geographic expansion. About Dock

Dock is a leading provider of modern financial technology infrastructure in Latin America. Dock unlocks business value, innovation, and scalability for its customers by offering Card Issuing, Digital Banking and Acquiring through its comprehensive platform. Dock's modular solutions enable mission-critical processes that accelerate a company's ability to bring new digital payments and banking services to market. The end result is a wider array of innovative products, greater consumer access to financial services, and improved customer experiences. Dock powers 38 million active accounts and more than 3 billion annual transactions through its cloud-based platform, reducing the operational and regulatory burden and offering other valuable tools through its partner ecosystem to clients, so that they can focus on their end-user experience. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211007006040/en/

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[October 07, 2021] BGL Announces the Sale of StickerGiant.com, Inc.

CHICAGO, Oct. 7, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) is pleased to announce the sale of StickerGiant.com, Inc. (StickerGiant), to Resource Label Group, LLC (Resource Label), a portfolio company of Ares Management Corporation. The specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The transaction furthers BGL's market-leading position in the digitally native B2B eCommerce space. The transaction furthers BGL's market-leading position in B2B eCommerce and as a trusted advisor to custom printing companies. StickerGiant's fast-growing, short-run custom printing platform provides a digitally native solution for small and medium-sized businesses and strengthens BGL's Consumer Investmet Banking Group's leadership in the digitally native B2B eCommerce space.



Created by John Fischer in 2000 as one of the first online sticker companies, StickerGiant has evolved into an industry leader in the eCommerce custom label and sticker manufacturing channel by providing an amazing customer experience, fast-turnaround, and high-quality products. Based in Longmont, CO, StickerGiant was ranked #6 on the 2020 list of "Best Places to Work" by the Denver Business Journal, and in the same year, was named the Manufacturer of the Year in the advanced manufacturing and machining category of the Colorado Manufacturing Awards. Known for its quick-turn model, StickerGiant is committed to producing most sticker and label product orders within 24-48 hours. BGL's Consumer Group has an extensive track record in mergers and acquisitions advisory and capital-raising services spanning the entire consumer spectrum, with deep experience in branded consumer and eCommerce investment banking. BGL's Consumer investment bankers offer market-leading technical expertise, positioning strategies, and growth-oriented projection models to ensure branded and managed marketplace eCommerce DTC & B2B platforms are optimally positioned. The team focuses on providing market participants with expert insights into the trends influencing their business and helping them identify and harvest strategic opportunities in an increasingly complex marketplace.

About Brown Gibbons Lang & Company

Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) is a leading independent investment bank and financial advisory firm focused on the global middle market. The firm advises private and public corporations and private equity groups on mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, capital markets, financial restructurings, valuations and opinions, and other strategic matters. BGL has investment banking offices in Chicago, Cleveland, and Philadelphia, and real estate offices in Chicago, Cleveland, and San Antonio. The firm is also a founding member of Global M&A Partners, enabling BGL to service clients in more than 30 countries around the world. Securities transactions are conducted through Brown, Gibbons, Lang & Company Securities, Inc., an affiliate of Brown Gibbons Lang & Company LLC and a registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. For more information, please visit www.bglco.com. About Resource Label Group

Resource Label Group, LLC is a leading pressure sensitive label, shrink sleeve and RFID/NFC manufacturer with diverse product offerings for the food, beverage, chemical, household products, personal care, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, medical device, and technology industries. With twenty-one manufacturing locations across the U.S. and Canada, Resource Label Group, LLC provides national leadership and scale to deliver capabilities, technologies, systems, and creative solutions that customers require. Headquartered in Franklin, TN, Resource Label Group, LLC employs over 1600 associates in the U.S. and Canada. Resource Label Group is a portfolio company of Ares Management Corporation. For additional information, visit www.resourcelabel.com. View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bgl-announces-the-sale-of-stickergiantcom-inc-301395782.html SOURCE Brown Gibbons Lang & Company

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The trend for this week in Kansas City has been triple shootings but worsening violence is a nationwide crisis.

Example . . .



Violent crime increased last year even as property crime rates went down David Graham, The Atlantic, joins Shep Smith to discuss why violence is increasing, even as the crime rate goes down.

Accordingly, www.TonysKansasCity.com tracks some of the top headlines related to ALLEGED CRIME, court cases and community threats . . . Check-it . . .



KANSAS CITY SHOOTING CONTINUES TONIGHT!!!



KCPD investigating double shooting near 85th & Euclid KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -- Two more individuals were shot in Kansas City on Wednesday evening. The shooting happened in the 1800 block of E. 85th St. around 7:50 p.m. The victims are currently in serious but stable condition, according to police. No arrests have been made in the case.

Local midweek endurance . . .



2 people expected to survive after Wednesday night shooting in KCMO KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Gunfire wounded two people Wednesday night in KCMO. Police said it happened about 8 p.m. near East 85th Street and Euclid Avenue. One person was found in the street. The victims suffered serious injuries, but were last reported in stable condition, police said.

Dude from The Dotte convicted . . .



KCK man found guilty for attempted involuntary manslaughter LEAVENWORTH, Kan.  Daniel Wayne Owens, 46, of Kansas City, Kansas, was found guilty after a three-day jury trial of Attempted Involuntary Manslaughter, a severity level 7-person felony.

Golden Ghetto dust-up today . . .



2 arrested following brief standoff in Shawnee SHAWNEE, KS (KCTV) -- Two people were arrested following a brief standoff in Shawnee that affected traffic on Johnson Drive west of Pflumm. According to the police department, traffic was diverted on Johnson Drive between Maurer and Alden while officers helped another agency apprehend two people with warrants out for their arrest.

Show-Me horrific deets . . .



Men charged with kidnapping of Missouri woman photographed nude in cage Cassidy Rainwater has been missing since July. The search for her turned when Missouri deputies received a photo of her partially nude apparently locked in a cage WINDYVILLE, Mo. - Two southern Missouri men have been charged in the kidnapping of a woman who went missing in July, after investigators found photos of her, nearly naked and apparently locked in a cage, on one of their phones.

Rock Chalk Gunfire Aftermath . . .



Lawrence man arrested in Tennessee for September shooting LAWRENCE, Kan. (WIBW) - Almost a month after authorities started searching for him, a Lawrence teen was arrested in Tennessee for murder. The Lawrence Police Department says the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Andrel Darnell Spate s, Jr., 19, of Lawrence, for the first-degree murder of Christian Willis, 21. On Friday, Sept.

History on trial . . .



New judge sets Friday hearing for evidence, party roles in Kevin Strickland case KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The issue of Kevin Strickland's innocence will again head to court Friday under a new judge. The Missouri Supreme Court ordered a new judge in the case Sept. 30 after Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt's office successfully argued that comments Jackson County Presiding Judge Dale Youngs made about the Strickland case, while not improper, may have pierced the veil of judicial impartiality.

NextGen probs reported . . .



Minor arrested after threat is made against Olathe South High School OLATHE, KS (KCTV) -- The Olathe Police Department says a minor has been arrested in connection with a threat made against Olathe South High School. The police department said they received a call Tuesday regarding a social media post. The incident was then investigated throughout the evening.

Season of stealing ahead . . .

Kansas City police offer tips to help keep you safe while shopping As the holiday shopping season approaches, police want you to focus on your safety. Simple mistakes can make you a target for crime. The criminals are watching, so you need to stay one step ahead.If you are in a parking lot headed back to your car with no free hands, distracted by your phone, and unaware of what is around you, you are just what a criminal looks for.

Developing . . .


A warning for any college students or youngsters reading this blog who might be contemplating a career in journalism . . .

BEGGING FOR CASH IS NOW A REQUIREMENT FOR PURVEYORS OF THE WRITTEN WORD IN KANSAS CITY!!!

Today's example and a great many college educated white people with their hand out . . .



The KC Media Collectives mission is: The KC Media Collective is a group of nonprofit and community-centered partners collaborating to make local news easily available, its coverage equitable and its operations sustainable. We will do this by deepening our understanding of the people who make up our region, reducing barriers to access and earning trust.



Again, there's no shame in people asking for help if they need it.

However, we're not sure if there is much VALUE in this kind of content that isn't much fun to read and rarely influences the civic conversation outside of a small clique of like-minded progressive, middle-class elitists.



To be fair . . . It's nobody's business what you do with your money.

Alternatively . . .

Asking a broke-ass community to fund middle-class lifestyles for progressive pundits is rather brazen.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . .

Local Nonprofits Collaborate to Support, Enhance Kansas City Journalism Six local nonprofit organizations have formed the KC Media Collective, a new collaborative initiative designed to support and enhance local journalism. Members of the KC Media Collective include American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, KCUR, Missouri Business Alert, Startland News and The Kansas City Beacon.

You decide . . .
I don't even want to get into it because insiders know the story and the plebs won't be convinced.



Today, the budget conversation over police funding hit a new low following an important court defeat.

Local news BARELY seemed interested but it's worth taking a quick peek at their coverage for a preview of future fighting . . .



What we can glean from these stories is that top ranking players on both sides of the debate have moved on for the moment and the upcoming budgeting battle seems even more contentious.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . .

Community members want voice during budget talks, targeting KC police funding KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A day after a judge ruled against the mayor and Kansas City Council in a police funding lawsuit, the battle over that funding shift to the next round of budget talks. Community leaders whose organizations might have benefited from reallocating police dollars said they're ready.

Northland council members still against reallocation of KCPD funding; willing to negotiate next year A judge ruled on Tuesday that KCMO Mayor Quinton Lucas and the City Council violated Missouri state law in reallocating KCPD funding. Some taxpayers say they want more money to go towards community policing, while Northland council members are still against the Mayor's proposal.

Developing . . .
The basics on a story that's sparking far too much speculation and, interestingly, mobile phone activism.

The basics . . .



The school's Choir Director Joe Heidesch was booked by police last night on a breach of privacy charge in Shawnee, Kansas. The nature of the specific actions led to the charges are still unknown at this time.



In the email to parents last night, the school's president, Brian Schenck, emphasized they would maintain transparency as they learn more."



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . .

Saint Thomas Aquinas choir director arrested by police on breach of privacy charges Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in Overland Park, Kansas, notified parents in an email that the school's Choir Director Joe Heidesch has been arrested and is on administrative leave pending a police investigation. KMBC was able to confirm the arrest through online police records.

Update . . .
It's nice to see grassroots denizens get involved in the political process. But it's not exactly encouraging when they don't really know what they're doing and don't want to take any advice or help from people who might understand a bit more about the process they they do . . .



Accordingly . . .

This is the 4th recall effort against Mayor Q and NONE of them have been even close to meeting with success.

This group is going door to door asking people to sign SIX PETITIONS and hoping to gain support and donations for a massive effort that hopes to replace half the council.



It's not going to work, it's not a serious effort and whilst it's fine for seniors have housewives to have a hobby . . . The group shouldn't merit a great deal of consideration.

We don't say this because we disagree with their cause . . . In fact, we wish them luck and we're glad voters still want to get involved in street level volunteer efforts.

However . . . If they fell short of recalling councilman Bunch . . . They're not going to have much luck in an effort that's SEVERAL times larger.

To be fair . . . We like their bravado and appreciate their contribution to the local discourse . . . Check-it . . .



Shannon Bjornlie of the grassroots group Taking KC Back says the law the council and mayor violated, known as Chapter 84, provides for $1,000 fines for each offense  and that offenders shall forever thereafter be disqualified from holding or exercising any office or employment whatsoever under the mayor or common council or municipal assembly of said cities.



Bjornlie has written to Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt, asking him to pursue this matter and make sure (the mayor and council members) are held accountable as the statute dictates.



For his part, the state-run Board of Kansas City Police Commissioners lawyer Patrick McInerney says the board wont seek a punishment phase for the council and mayor. The board sought exactly the relief the judge ordered  nothing else, he said in a text.



Regardless, the recall election effort arising from the May 20 police budget clawback now has added fuel.



Lets get them out of office before they can do more damage to our city, Bjornlie says.



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com news link . . .
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Russian intelligence agencies tried to disrupt the evacuation of Ukrainian citizens from Afghanistan, the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry has reported.

"On the orders of intelligence agencies, the Russian media conducted a special information operation. They reported that there would be no evacuation of Ukrainians and that the state had abandoned its citizens. Despite the danger that awaited our soldiers on the part of intelligence agencies of the aggressor country, Ukrainian intelligence officers conducted a brilliant operation," said Oleh, a Ukrainian military intelligence officer who participated in the operation to evacuate Ukrainians from Afghanistan.

"Our citizens, whom we took away, were repeatedly offered to go to Russia in exchange for their statements that Ukraine had left them to face certain death," he said.

However, later "a video of the heroic and highly professional work of Ukrainian intelligence officers was broadcast on the world's leading TV channels and once again confirmed fake Russian propaganda," the Main Intelligence Directorate said.

On September 30, in Strasbourg, a member of the Ukrainian delegation to the PACE, MP Rustem Umerov, said that Ukraine had helped more than 700 people leave Afghanistan.

Photo: gur.gov.ua
In the new episode of the program "National Security Council," Tetiana Popova discussed with General Ben Hodges, the former Commanding General of United States Army Europe, an agreement between Ukraine and the United States on strategic defense cooperation.

POPOVA: What do you think about Zelensky's trip to the United States? How successful was it?

HODGES: Well, three things. Number one. Of course, I'm glad that the two leaders met. It was not the ideal outcome but I think it was important that they met. And we should not lose sight of that. Number two. It highlights the need for a strategy for the greater Black Sea region where Ukraine fits inside an American strategy for the Black Sea region. And then number three. It's also important to remember that the United States, including the support of the Congress, continues to provide military support for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

POPOVA: What is included in this defense cooperation? What does it give Ukraine? What is the use of it?

HODGES: There are two or three key components. Number one. Of course, the United States will continue to provide military equipment that Ukraine requests for land forces, for maritime forces. This is important. Secondly, I would anticipate we're going to see increased cooperation on the defense industry side so that the American-Ukrainian industry is working together. It should include some intelligence-sharing agreements to help each other because Ukrainians will see things that Russia is doing faster than us but, maybe, there are some ways that we can also help the Ukrainian Armed Forces. So, that's what I expect. There is this idea of air and missile defense, supported by the Congress, to provide this system called Iron Dome. I don't know that that's going to happen. I'm not sure it is. There are so many things to get through and, frankly, I don't know that that's the right system that Ukraine really needs anyhow. So, what I hope will happen is in order to show a good policy for military cooperation. Let's get a confirmed ambassador into Kyiv. Let's continue to work on filling all the positions in the U.S. Department of State at the top level so that we can develop the strategy for the region and have the long-term policies that are most beneficial for Ukraine and for the United States.

POPOVA: Do you have a similar agreement with the United States in Georgia, or is Ukraine more advanced here? Because there were some agreements between Lockheed Martin and the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. But I'm not sure that Israel's protection is the same as that of Lockheed Martin.

HODGES: Of course, it is really a system that the United States has recently purchased and we're not even sure that this is exactly what the United States needs. Either the whole concept of integrated air and missile defense is more than just the rockets of the interceptors. It's about exercises, it's about command-and-control, it's about the radar sensors that have to be out there. That's why I have been reluctant to advocate too strongly for a particular system for Ukraine. Because you have to have the entire package, not just the launcher. And I think that Ukraine has the technology actually to move much of this already, but there must be ways how the United States can help in a key moment. The key moment for air and missile defense is exercising, testing the ground system, sensor on the Black Sea, sensor in the air. And practically integrating them is the only way sure if you can identify the gaps that you need to address.

POPOVA: But even in times of Poroshenko, there was a request from the deputies of the Ukrainian parliament to MNNA status in 2014 and Obama did not give it to us then. Why? You, General, said that there is now a consensus in Congress on the granting of this status. That is, there is an application, but we have not been provided with it.

HODGES: I think the Rada actually just voted against this MNNA status as well. So I think even in Ukraine there is no understanding or broad support for it. Look, I think that the United States policy should be that Ukraine, like Georgia, should be on a very clear specific path to NATO membership. Georgia should already be a member. And if I thought it would help to accelerate this, then I would be in favor of this major non-NATO partner status for Ukraine. Because it does bring some things with it but, as some critics have pointed out, Afghanistan also was a major non-NATO partner. So the key is not to focus on these things. The key is to strengthen the overall relationship between the United States and Ukraine in diplomacy and cultural exchange and economic support trade as well as military. And again, the next time President Zelensky and President Biden meet or maybe defense minister or foreign minister meet, I hope the first question will be: the United States, what is your strategy for the Black Sea region and how does Ukraine fit in that strategy? We want to help Ukraine. We want to be a part of this now. The reason I keep emphasizing the need for the strategy is because that's where the priority for resources comes from without a strategy for the Black Sea region. We will never have enough U.S. Navy presence in the Black Sea. We will never get beyond what we're doing right now. You have to have a strategy that sets priorities. That's why this is so important. And so that's why I advocate for making sure that the relationship between Ukraine and the United States is strong and stable. And then we can work together on these things. If U.S.-Ukraine relationship is not strong enough then we will never convince Germany or France or the Netherlands why Ukraine should be in the Alliance.

POPOVA: How do you think relations with Russia will develop by the end of the year? There was a spring escalation, then there were the West exercises, and the rhetoric of Russia in the media, of course, remains quite warlike. The deputies of the already elected parliament declare any nonsense about Ukraine. Maybe this will result in something more significant than statements?

HODGES: Clearly, of course, there's tension. You have Russian troops occupying Crimean sovereign territory and just last week, two more Ukrainian soldiers were killed by Russian-supported, Russian-led, Russian-backed so-called separatists. And this was not an accident, this is a continuing process. And so the United States needs to continue, to reinforce its support for Ukraine both publicly as well as physically. The respect for Ukrainian sovereignty is a priority for the United States as President Biden said it was. Now I'm not happy that we are not doing more. I'm very disappointed that Germany and France and UK and others are not putting more pressure on the Kremlin. The so-called Minsk process, the Normandy format. You know this ceasefire was arranged under that format and yet you still have Ukrainian soldiers dying as a result of Russian aggression. And we have to continue, to push back on this fairy tale that comes from the Kremlin. Now I think that the international community is also increasingly more and more aware and increasingly tired of the fairy tale from the Kremlin. Everybody in the world knows that the election that just took place in Russia was a complete [deception]. Nobody believes that it was a fair, honest and transparent election. And I think that that's part of the reason President Putin also chose not to go to the United Nations this week not just because he's embarrassed that the Sputnik vaccination is not accepted internationally, but also because he knew that everybody would be looking at him as someone benefiting from a stolen election.

POPOVA: During the elections, Google and Apple complied with the requirements of the Russian authorities and blocked the "smart voting" application. Will the U.S. government influence these companies due to them flirting with authoritarian regimes?

HODGES: I was disappointed and embarrassed that Google and Facebook and organizations like this would give in to demands from the Kremlin. Same thing when the Chinese Communist Party puts demands on the U.S. or other European nations to do things rather than shines the light on their human rights abuses. So, this is disappointing and I'm concerned that the administration is not being firm enough on the Kremlin. This is part of the strategy, I mean the strategy is not just about military, it's about diplomacy, it's about competition in information space and it's about economic pressure, working with allies. And so, the administration is going to have to do a lot more to get not only our allies together but also American business to make sure that Russia is not able, that the Kremlin is not able to put pressure on us the way that they are. It's whether we're talking about gas or digital information this has to be part of the strategy.

POPOVA: A new partnership between the UK, the U.S. and Australia. Why is it necessary? Why is France against it? Just because a contract for nuclear submarines was transferred from France to the United States?

HODGES: Well I think this situation has three or four different components. Yes, of course, the French are unhappy about the loss of the defense industry, the business. I mean that this was important for French national pride, jobs and their defense industry. So, it's natural that they would be unhappy about that. I think that the French also, of course, are unhappy that they feel like they were betrayed, that the United States and the UK and Australia did this behind their back, without consultation. And I think in this case betrayal is too strong but we have to be able to talk about tough subjects. So, this is something that the administration will have to address with France. Of course, France is an important ally not just in Europe but also in the Indo-Pacific region. And the United States is clearly prioritizing bringing together capabilities and allies that can counter China's growing capability in the Pacific region for the benefit of all of us.

Now let me plan definitely. I think that the French response is really dramatic to that total shock. I think they're not totally honest and you know they need to take a step back. Let's look at all the different areas where France has not been eager to see the United States or the UK have a role inside the European Union's defense industry business, for example. So, you know, having allies and relationships requires honesty on both sides. Now you know, of course, we have an intelligence agreement with the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand what we call 'five islands.' I think that I could imagine - this is not my area of expertise - but there was a concern about sharing nuclear technology with friends outside of that framework. I mean France never offered its nuclear arsenal for NATO. So there are different layers to this situation.

Tetiana Popova
Ukraine is meeting the requirements of the International Monetary Fund to get the funding, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has said.

According to an Ukrinform correspondent, he said this at the Kyiv International Economic Forum on Thursday, October 7.

"The key question is whether Ukraine is fulfilling the key macroeconomic indicators. We fulfilled the budget last year, we are reducing the budget deficit this year, and we are reducing it for next year. These are key indicators," Shmyhal said.

He stressed that Ukraine is currently in constant and fruitful communication with the IMF. In addition, the Verkhovna Rada last summer passed 12 bills provided for in a memorandum with the IMF, Shmyhal said.

On June 9, 2020, the IMF approved a new 18-month Stand-By Arrangement for Ukraine worth about $5 billion with the immediate disbursement of $2.1 billion as the first tranche. The IMF completed a virtual mission to Ukraine for the first review of the SBA in mid-February without any recommendation about when to issue a next tranche.

Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko suggested that the 18-month SBA with the IMF could be extended for six months.

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Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal expects Ukraine's GDP to grow by 4% this year.

"A very rapid recovery this year. We expect 4% [GDP growth] in contrast to the forecasts given by international partners," Shmyhal said during the Kyiv International Economic Forum, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Ukraine is actively pursuing reforms in various areas which will lead to economic growth and improve the lives of the population, he added.

As reported, the World Bank left the forecast for Ukraine's GDP growth in 2021 at 3.8% but improved it for the next two years. According to the organization's forecasts, Ukraine's GDP will grow by 3.5% in 2022 and by 3.7% in 2023.

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Ukraine has an ambitious goal to receive $1-2 billion from the World Bank in the coming years.

"Currently, the World Bank is the second-largest investor in Ukraine that has committed $13 billion in loans for Ukraine, $10 billion of which has been disbursed. We have the ambition to receive from one to two billion in the coming years," Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said during the Kyiv International Economic Forum, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

The major creditor so far is the International Monetary Fund, he noted. In addition, Ukraine has close cooperation with the European Investment Bank as the deals to the tune of $7 billion have already been signed.

In June 2021, the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine and the World Bank signed an agreement to provide Ukraine with a = $350 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the First Economic Recovery Development Policy Loan project.

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On October 6, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky met with German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and thanked for the support provided to Ukraine at the highest level.

Met with Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Kyiv. It is very important that in the days of the 80th anniversary of the Babyn Yar tragedy, the Federal President of Germany visits Ukraine and Germany supports Ukraine at the highest level, Zelensky posted on Twitter, Ukrinform reports.

As the press service of the Head of State informed, Zelensky thanked Steinmeier for the visit and stressed that Germany was an important partner of Ukraine in Europe.

"I want to thank you for this visit, it is very important for us. We had many different meetings with you, but the most important thing is that on such important days for Ukraine, for the history of our state, on the 80th anniversary of the Babyn Yar tragedy, Germany supports Ukraine at the highest level," the Ukrainian leader said.

Read also: Steinmeier honors Koriukivka massacre victims

The President noted that Ukraine sought to strengthen bilateral relations with Germany.

"Ukraine expects that a coalition will be formed as a result of the parliamentary elections in Germany, which will contribute to Ukrainian-German relations and support the European perspective for our country," he said.

During the talks, special attention was paid to the issue of a peaceful settlement in Donbas. Zelensky stressed that Ukraine was trying to intensify the work of all negotiation formats in order to achieve peace in the east and restore sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"We look forward to further effective support from Germany. We very much appreciate Berlin's mediation efforts within the Normandy format," he stressed.

The President of Ukraine pointed out the important role of Germany in the activities of the Crimea Platform.

"We are grateful to Germany for participating in the summit and joining its final declaration," he said.

The leaders also discussed the energy security issues of Ukraine and Europe.

"The launch of Nord Stream 2 means a significant escalation of threats to Ukraine and Europe. It is important for Ukraine to get a clear international legal mechanism that will guarantee security," Zelensky stressed.

The leaders also discussed support for Ukraine's European and Euro-Atlantic integration. The President of Ukraine drew the attention of his German counterpart to Ukraines expectations in the context of further integration with the EU and NATO and expressed hope for support from Germany.

Photo credit: Twitter account of Volodymyr Zelensky

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The Saeima of Latvia is ready for active work within the Crimea Platform.

Saeima Deputy Speaker Dagmara Beitnere-Le Galla said at a meeting with Deputy Verkhovna Rada Speaker Olena Kondratiuk in Kyiv on October 6, Ukrinform reports with reference to the Verkhovna Rada press service.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the common historical past of the two peoples, the restoration and preservation of the historical memory of the crimes of totalitarian regimes.

"We have a common past, but we also have a common European future. We are very happy and proud that we have extremely friendly and partnership relations with Latvia both at the interstate and interparliamentary level, Kondratiuk said.

According to her, the Verkhovna Rada highly appreciates the creation of the Crimea Platform Group at the Saeima.

Ukraine, its sovereignty, and territorial integrity are very important for Latvia, Beitnere-Le Galla assured, noting that the Latvian side was ready for the active work within the Crimea Platform.

Together with Ambassador of Latvia to Ukraine Ilgvars Klava, who was present at the meeting, the parties agreed to coordinate efforts to carry out the Crimea Platform events. In particular, Latvia plans to organize a major international conference on the occupation of Crimea as an example of a violation of international law.

The meeting participants also discussed issues related to Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration and cooperation in PACE within the Baltic+ format, intensification of Ukraine's cooperation with the Three Seas Initiative.

"We should together respond to the hybrid threats our countries and security across Europe face. This is the need to jointly oppose Nord Stream 2 as a geopolitical project of the Russian Federation and to impose all possible sanctions on the members of the Russian State Duma elected in the occupied Crimea and the organizers of the illegal elections," Kondratiuk said.

At the same time, the Saeima Deputy Speaker said that Latvia was ready to take decisive action on this path together with Ukraine and expected appropriate steps from the Ukrainian side.

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Ukraine's First Deputy Foreign Minister Emine Dzheppar has met with WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has reported.

In a meeting held on October 6, both parties discussed the priorities of Ukraine's cooperation with the WHO, with an emphasis on overcoming the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, access to vaccines under the COVAX vaccine-sharing scheme, reforming Ukraine's health care system, implementing the National Barrier-Free Strategy, etc., the report said.

Ghebreyesus, in turn, said that the WHO was working closely with partners in Ukraine and abroad to effectively combat the COVID-19 pandemic and strengthen the Ukrainian health care system. He drew attention to the global problem of disinformation and false information being spread in the context of immunization of the world's population against COVID-19, as well as the uneven distribution of vaccines between countries.

Dzheppar separately drew the attention of the WHO head to the lack of access to objective data on the situation in the field of health care and the epidemiological situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Donbas and Crimea. She called on the WHO to use all available means to make Russia, as an occupying power, comply with its international obligations regarding the protection of civilians.

In addition, Dzheppar thanked Ghebreyesus for his active participation in the Kyiv Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen and in the international project "Musical gratitude to medical workers."

op
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu discussed the preparation of the 10th meeting of the High-Level Strategic Council, security in the Black Sea, military-technical cooperation, free trade agreement, and tourism.

The main topic of our talks today is the preparation of the 10th meeting of the High-Level Strategic Council, chaired by presidents Zelensky and Erdogan. The meeting will take place at the beginning of next year, Kuleba said at a briefing following the talks with his Turkish counterpart, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

UkraineTurkey strategic partnership today is at the peak of its development over the past 30 years, the minister stressed.

The security in the Black Sea region was also touched upon.

"We share the view on the need to ensure balance, the balance of security and the balance of interest, in the Black Sea. The Black Sea should not be a space for aggressive action by any country. To achieve this goal, Ukraine and Turkey will work closely together," Kuleba noted.

The foreign ministers also discussed the development of military-technical cooperation, in particular the production of Bayraktar drones in Ukraine.

"Turkey is interested in the capabilities of the Ukrainian Antonov Design Bureau. The efficiency of our aircraft was clearly demonstrated during the recent fires in Turkey. We discussed the issues of energy security, in particular in the context of gas," Kuleba said.

He noted that a record 2 million Ukrainian tourists were expected to visit Turkey by the end of this year.

"Ukraine wants Turkish citizens to visit our country more often, not only Kyiv and Odesa but also Lviv and other cities. We will also work on this," the minister said.

The chief Ukrainian diplomat also pointed out the common conviction to make every effort to sign the free trade agreement as soon as possible. According to him, the parties agreed on concrete steps that would speed up consultations between the ministries of economy of Ukraine and Turkey.

As reported, the 9th meeting of UkraineTurkey joint strategic planning group is held in Lviv, in which Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mevlut Cavusoglu is taking part at Kulebas invitation.

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Ukraine and Turkey will hold a quadriga format meeting by the end of 2021.

"I will be happy to meet again with my colleague, the Minister of Defense, with Minister Cavusoglu and the Minister of Defense of Turkey in the quadriga format by the end of the year," Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba said at a briefing following the talks with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

Kuleba informed that the meeting would take place in Turkey and the parties would touch upon specific security and political projects, the implementation of which will make Ukraine and Turkey even stronger.

The Ukrainian foreign minister also thanked Cavusoglu for Turkey's unwavering stance on the inadmissibility of Russia's illegal occupation of Crimea and the persecution of Crimean Tatars, as well as for participation in the Crimea Platform summit and sincere interest in its development as an important international mechanism.

Kuleba stressed that the ministers had held successful talks today and taken an important step in implementing Ukraine's foreign policy strategy.

As a reminder, an agreement on the creation of a new format of political and security consultations  quadriga (2+2)  with the participation of foreign ministers and defense ministers of Ukraine and Turkey was reached following a working visit of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky to the Republic of Turkey on October 16, 2020. On December 18, 2020, the inaugural meeting in a new format took place in Kyiv.

The purpose of the quadriga format, which will be held annually, is to discuss the most pressing issues in the field of politics and regional security, coordinate joint actions, and develop new projects in the political, security, economic, and defense industry sectors.

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The United States pledges to act so that the Babyn Yar tragedy is not repeated.

So on this anniversary, we honor the memory of all those lost at Babyn Yar, recommit ourselves ensuring that their full history is told, and pledge to act, every day, so that history is not repeated, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on the occasion of Babyn Yar commemoration, an Ukrinform correspondent reported.

In his speech, Blinken noted that for much of the last eight decades, the world had not remembered what happened at Babyn Yar.

The U.S. Secretary of State mentioned his stepfather, a Jew who had been born in Poland. Blinken said he had joined a small delegation of Americans for a series of off-the-record discussions with leaders from the Soviet Union and the remarks from much of the Soviet delegation had been hostile and rife with anti-Semitism. Then Blinken's stepfather offered to visit Babyn Yar.

He knew that one of the most powerful ways to conquer hatred is to show people where it leads  its human consequences. He made those delegates see that he could just as easily have been one of the people buried in that ravine. Or one of the six million, the diplomat said.

As reported, presidents of Ukraine, Israel, and Germany, as well as other foreign guests, attended memorial events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the tragedy in the territory of the National Historical Memorial Preserve Babyn Yar on October 6.

During World War II, the German occupation forces used the Babyn Yar tract in the northwestern part of Kyiv as a place of mass executions of civilians, mainly Jews. On September 29, 1941, by order of the occupation administration, the entire Jewish population was obliged to appear in Babyn Yar. People were escorted in groups through the checkpoint, after which they were driven to the edge of the ravine and shot. On September 29-30, 33,771 people were killed. The massacres in the tract lasted until the occupiers left the city. According to official data, about 100,000 people were shot down there.

Photo credit: State Department Photo by Ron Przysucha

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The Babyn Yar tragedy serves as a reminder of the dangers of indifference and inaction in the face of hatred.

We honour the memory of those who have perished, as well as the survivors, whose stories serve as a solemn reminder of the dangers of indifference and inaction in the face of hatred. Babyn Yar is also a reminder of our individual and collective responsibilities to remember, to bear witness, to prevent and act against antisemitism and mass atrocity, Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada stated on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of Babyn Yar massacre.

According to him, antisemitism is still very much alive today. While its new and resurgent forms have changed the way that we fight against this warped ideology, Canada remains unwavering in its commitment to challenge antisemitism at home and abroad and to build more just and inclusive societies, Garneau stressed.

The Government of Canada is committed to reinforcing and strengthening Canadas efforts to advance Holocaust education, remembrance and research, and to combat antisemitism as key elements of the promotion and protection of human rights at home and abroad Hate will not win, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada underscored.

As reported, presidents of Ukraine, Israel, and Germany, as well as other foreign guests, attended memorial events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the tragedy in the territory of the National Historical Memorial Preserve Babyn Yar on October 6.

During World War II, the German occupation forces used the Babyn Yar tract in the northwestern part of Kyiv as a place of mass executions of civilians, mainly Jews. On September 29, 1941, by order of the occupation administration, the entire Jewish population was obliged to appear in Babyn Yar. People were escorted in groups through the checkpoint, after which they were driven to the edge of the ravine and shot. On September 29-30, 33,771 people were killed. The massacres in the tract lasted until the occupiers left the city. According to official data, about 100,000 people were shot down there.

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The Crystal Wall of Crying, a new installation of the Babyn Yar Holocaust Memorial Center, symbolizes memory, pain, life, and death.

"The Crystal Wall of Crying, created by Marina Abramovic, was unveiled yesterday. It's very touching. It's about memory. It's about pain. It's about life and death. For me personally, transparent quartz crystals that seem to have sprouted from black anthracite are a hope that breaking through the fierce black pain of tragedy. Hope that something of this kind will never happen again," Minister of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine Oleksandr Tkachenko posted on Facebook, Ukrinform reports.

He noted that many events had taken place in Ukraine in recent days, including the commemoration of the Righteous Among the Nations from Ukraine.

According to the minister, the unveiling ceremony was emotionally staggering, difficult, but at the same time so important for the preservation of memory especially for future generations.

As reported, presidents of Ukraine, Israel, and Germany, as well as other foreign guests, attended memorial events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the tragedy in the territory of the National Historical Memorial Preserve Babyn Yar on October 6. In particular, The Crystal Wall of Crying, an interactive installation by world-renowned performance artist Marina Abramovic, was unveiled. The Wall of Crying is one of the largest artworks in Europe built over the past decade.

During World War II, the German occupation forces used the Babyn Yar tract in the northwestern part of Kyiv as a place of mass executions of civilians, mainly Jews. On September 29, 1941, by order of the occupation administration, the entire Jewish population was obliged to appear in Babyn Yar. People were escorted in groups through the checkpoint, after which they were driven to the edge of the ravine and shot. On September 29-30, 33,771 people were killed. The massacres in the tract lasted until the occupiers left the city. According to official data, about 100,000 people were shot down there.

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Ukraine has become Egypts number-one tourism partner after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Egypt is Ukraine's number-one trading partner in the Middle East, it is very important. I would also like to emphasize that before the pandemic, Ukraine was among the top three markets that exported tourism to Egypt. After the pandemic, Ukraine has become the number-one tourism partner. We are always interested in developing good relations with Ukrainian partners: either with the government or the private sector, Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Board at the Ministry of Tourism, said in a comment to Ukrinform.

He also noted that the Ukrainian language was now used on social media sites of the Experience Egypt platform.

In addition, Youssef said that the Egyptian side expected Ukraine to ease visa requirements for tourists from Egypt.

We have said a lot about Ukraines desire to promote tourism in Egypt. Now there is a desire for Egyptian tourists to visit Ukraine and enjoy places, cities. We really want to see greater visa liberalization for our citizens. This is still a challenge ... It is quite difficult for Egyptians to visit Ukraine even if we are talking about a tourist visa, said the CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Board.

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A displaced Ethiopian mother and her two children shelter in a school in the Tigray regional capital Mekelle, after armed men stormed their home.  UNHCR/Olga Sarrado Mur

GENEVA  Governments must boost cooperation and redouble efforts if solutions for the millions of people uprooted by conflict and persecution worldwide are to be found, UNHCRs protection chief said today.

The international protection crisis calls for urgent global collaboration and, above all, for political will, the UN Refugee Agencys Assistant High Commissioner for Protection, Gillian Triggs, told the annual meeting of UNHCRs Executive Committee in Geneva.

We have no shortage of laws and policy to protect the displaced [and] we have ample declarations of principle  the challenge is to implement them in practice, she told the gathering.

At the close of last year, a record 82.4 million women, children and men remained out of their homes due to conflict, violence and rights violations  double the number of a decade earlier  48 million within the borders of their own countries, and 26.4 million abroad as refugees.

Additionally, Triggs said armed conflicts in Afghanistan, Syria, Myanmar, and Yemen remain unresolved, and new displacements occurred in Mozambique and Ethiopia. Millions more are displaced from Venezuela and South Sudan.

We have no shortage of laws and policy to protect the displaced  the challenge is to implement them."

The resulting protection crisis has been exacerbated by poverty, inequality, discrimination, poor governance, and the effects of climate change, she said, noting that the effects had been especially damaging for women, children and the 12 million forcibly displaced people with disabilities.

Despite the almost universal acceptance of refugee protection norms enshrined in the 1951 Refugee Convention, Triggs noted that 195 countries fully or partially closed their borders on health grounds during the pandemic, and that 64 of them made no exceptions for asylum-seekers. Meanwhile, 39 countries reportedly returned them by force to countries where they face violence and persecution.

As protection needs grew last year, she said some well-resourced nations sought to shift responsibility for asylum seekers by outsourcing their responsibilities to poor and developing countries that already host 90 per cent of the worlds forcibly displaced.

Instead of equitable sharing of responsibilities, we see responsibility shift to those with the fewest resources to bear it. This is morally, ethically and legally unacceptable and we urge all nations to meet their obligations, she told the 72nd session of the Executive Committee, which runs through Friday.

Amid record displacement, traditional avenues to finding solutions declined last year. Only a quarter-of-a-million refugees returned in safety to their country of origin in 2020. For those millions displaced in their homelands, returns have also proved impossible where violence continues.

Another mainstay, resettlement, hit a 20-year-low last year  with just 23,000 people given new lives in third countries through UNHCR in 2020. However, Triggs remained optimistic that resettlement will recover in coming months as the pandemic subsides and nations rebuild their capacities.

Amid the ongoing challenges, Triggs noted some clear gains toward keeping millions of displaced people safe, notably through the inclusion of refugees in host countries from Colombia to Lebanon, Tanzania and Turkey, that variously allowed them access to health, housing, education and the right to work.

Instead of equitable sharing of responsibilities we see responsibility shift to those with the fewest resources to bear it."

If a displaced person can work, she or he can contribute meaningfully to their host communities, to meet labor shortages, to care for the aged, to work in agriculture, health services and construction, and to enrich all our lives as we've seen in sport with the Olympic Refugee Team, and in art and culture, she said.

In addition, UNHCRs efforts alongside partners including peace and development actors, the World Bank and the private sector have also helped support displaced populations and host countries.

While COVID restrictions have limited access to resettlement, Triggs said promising alternative solutions have emerged through labour mobility, the recognition of professional and other qualifications, education, and community sponsorship.

UNHCRs #IBelong campaign to eradicate statelessness by 2024 also made progress. This includes advances in national adherence to the two Statelessness Conventions and efforts to ensure birth registration is available in hospitals and local communities. But despite these advances in many countries, Triggs said, much remains to be done, especially as some have suspended civil and birth registrations during the pandemic, creating backlogs and increasing rather than decreasing the risk of statelessness.

Triggs also stressed gains stemming from the Global Compact on Refugees and the follow-up Global Refugee Forum in December 2019, where more than 1,400 pledges have led to policies and investments from public and private sources, which have enduring value in providing practical pathways to solutions.

In the two years since the Global Refugee Forum, real progress has been made, she said, concluding: There is no doubt that we need to redouble our efforts to give practical meaning to the principle of equitable responsibility sharing that lies at the heart of the Global Compact on Refugees. This is one of the UN Refugee Agencys key priorities and one that embodies the international principle of solidarity.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has recommended that States hosting Ivorian refugees end their refugee status and facilitate their voluntary repatriation, reintegration, or acquisition of permanent residency or naturalization for those wishing to remain in host countries.

In light of the fundamental and durable changes in Cote dIvoire, I am pleased to recommend a general cessation of refugee status for Ivorian refugees to take effect on 30 June 2022, said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, at the start of the 72nd annual session of UNHCRs Executive Committee this week.

The recommendation to apply cessation clauses in the 1951 Refugee Convention is based on an in-depth analysis of the situation in Cote d'Ivoire. It comes with concrete measures to promote durable solutions for Ivorian refugees that will facilitate their voluntary return and reintegration into their home country, and the opportunity to seek permanent residency or naturalization, including notably for those who have formed strong ties to their host countries. Refugees who may have ongoing international protection needs will be entitled to request an exemption from cessation, through procedures reflecting safeguards in international law.

According to data available to UNHCR, there are currently approximately 91,000 Ivorian refugees and asylum seekers around the world. Some 51,000 live in West Africa  with 33,000 in Liberia alone  and a further 22,000 in Europe.

UNHCR has welcomed commitments made by States as part of the Comprehensive Solutions Strategy for Ivorian refugees, at the annual meeting of UNHCRs Executive Committee in Geneva this week.

I am grateful for the example set by the government of Cote dIvoire as well as those of Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania and Togo, which have demonstrated political will to implement a comprehensive roadmap for solutions for Ivorian refugees, some of whom have been displaced for decades, said Grandi. This regional effort deserves the applause of the entire international community.

Since 2011, some 290,000 Ivoirian refugees living in West Africa have voluntarily returned to Cote d'Ivoire. A UNHCR survey conducted in the region shows that 60 per cent of remaining Ivorian refugees intend to repatriate. Thirty per cent are still undecided, while 10 per cent have chosen to stay in their host country.

UNHCR is organizing weekly transportation from Liberia to help Ivorians wishing to return home. Since late August, some 5,000 refugees have been reunited with family members, some of whom they have not seen in decades. UNHCR is also providing financial support to returning refugees to facilitate their reintegration.

Ivorians fled two civil wars between 2002 and 2007, and 2011 and 2012. Thousands of Ivorians also fled to neighbouring countries in 2020, fearing violence linked to presidential and parliamentary elections.

UNHCR remains committed to assisting Cote dIvoire and host countries implement the cessation recommendation and continues to advocate for States to provide refugees with civil, identity and travel documents. In Cote dIvoire, this includes the issuance of birth certificates, which help ensure people can enroll in school, get national identity cards, and vote.

It is critical that States and other actors provide full support to these solutions in a timely and concerted manner to facilitate social inclusion and reduce the risk of statelessness.

The link to the Comprehensive Solutions Strategy can be found here.

Videos are available here.

For more information on this topic, please contact:

In Dakar (regional), Fatoumata Sinkoun Kaba, [email protected] , +221 78 526 87 14

, +221 78 526 87 14 In Dakar (regional), Selim Meddeb Hamrouni, [email protected] , +221 77 092 13 52

, +221 77 092 13 52 In Geneva, Boris Cheshirkov, [email protected] , +41 79 446 36 81

, +41 79 446 36 81 In New York, Kathryn Mahoney, [email protected] , +1 347 443 7646

Note to the Editor:

Displacement in Cote dIvoire during the last two decades

The two Ivorian internal conflicts of 2002-2007 and 2011-2012 each resulted in distinct waves of large-scale civilian displacement inside and outside the country. During the first Ivorian crisis (2002-2007), approximately 750,000 people were forcibly displaced, including 50,000 refugees who fled to Liberia, Guinea, and Mali. From December 2010 to late February 2011, post-election violence erupted, displacing another half a million Ivorians including 290,000 refugees, most of whom fled to Liberia.

Nearly all Ivorian refugees in the West Africa region who fled as a result of these two civil wars were granted refugee status on a prima facie basis under Article I(2) of the 1969 OAU Convention.

A third displacement wave happened from mid-2020 to early 2021, when 33,970 Ivorians fled in anticipation of potential violence associated with the 31 October 2020 presidential elections and the parliamentary elections on 6 March 2021. Most of them are currently registered as asylum-seekers, with their claims under review by the competent authorities.

The reasons leading UNHCR to recommend the cessation clause

UNHCRs recommendation is based on the fundamental and durable changes that have taken place in Cote dIvoire since 2011. The key elements that characterize those changes are:

The security situation in large parts of Cote d'Ivoire has gradually improved since April 2011.

Creation of the Dialogue, Truth, and Reconciliation Commission in 2011 and national commission of inquiry to investigate human rights violations during the political crisis.

Access to Ivorian citizenship and to national identity documents had been a central issue in the different political crises that have shaken the country, with many restrictions on access to nationality documents and the right to vote and participate in elections introduced from 1995. However, critical pieces of legislation have been adopted since 2013 to address these restrictions.

Adoption of an Amnesty Law in December 2018.

Political dialogue with the opposition launched in December 2020.

Inclusive parliamentary election in March 2021, with the participation of the main political parties for the first time since the political crisis ten years earlier. The results announced by the Independent Electoral Commission indicated that the ruling party won 49.18% of the seats to be filled, compared to 26.98% for the main opposition coalition.

Release of a number of detained opposition members.

Creation of a Ministry of National Reconciliation in March 2021.

Return of high-profile opposition leaders since February 2021, including former President Laurent Gbagbo.

All of the above have led UNHCR to view the changes as fundamental, stable and durable and it is thus recommending a general cessation of refugee status for Ivorian refugees who fled the country due to past political crises, to take effect on 30 June 2022.
Brice Kouewon, 34, has spent a third of his life as a refugee in Liberia. He first left Cote d'Ivoire for over a decade with his parents and then fled to Liberia again, this time with his children.

Now the father of four is in the back of the truck that will bring him home.

I have no words to describe what I feel, he says. The kids too are very happy because they will find their grandparents on the other side.

Brice and his family are among 5,000 Ivorian refugees who have received assistance from the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, to voluntarily return home from various locations in Liberia since late August.

Every week, three convoys carrying between 150 and 200 Ivorian refugees leave Toe Town, Liberia, where Brice found refuge, for Toulepleu, the nearest Ivorian town.

The assisted return campaign is part of a process that will end refugee status for the vast majority of Ivorians who have fled political unrest in their country over the past 20 years.

Cote dIvoire went through two civil wars between 2002 and 2007 and between 2011 and 2012, that forced some 340,000 Ivorians to flee their country. Although another 34,000 fled from mid-2020 until early 2021 fearing violence linked to presidential and parliamentary elections, the political situation in Cote dIvoire has largely stabilized over the past decade, causing some 290,000 Ivoirian refugees living in West Africa, mostly in neighbouring Liberia and Ghana, to voluntarily return home.

Augustine Blo, 33, was one of them. Born with a disability, she fled Cote dIvoire in 2011. Her husband died in Liberia, and she returned to Cote dIvoire as a single parent of four children in 2016. Her situation was very precarious, but in 2018 she received help  including a house and enough money to start a small business  through a reintegration programme run by UNHCR.

Everything I sell helps me raise my children, she says. We eat well and sleep well. The kids go to school and if one of them is sick, I can take them to the hospital.

UNHCR provides every returnee, including children, who left due to the civil wars between 2002 and 2012 with 305,000 CFA (US$540). Those who left between 2020 and 2021 receive 75,000 CFA ($130).

UNHCR has also funded the opening of chicken, pig and fish farming cooperatives that benefit both returnees and members of their host communities.

Paul Bah (centre), 71, went through nine years of legal proceedings to get his 1,000-hectare cocoa plantation back from the people who occupied it while he was in exile.  UNHCR/UNHCR

Reintegration is not without its problems, however. In their absence, land belonging to many refugees has been occupied by other families.

Paul Bah, 71, left for Liberia in 2010 but returned in 2012 to try to reclaim his 1,000-hectare cocoa plantation. Those who were occupying it attacked his relatives with machetes, seriously injuring several of them, and kidnapped his employees.

I took legal action, he says. We had one hearing after another for years. Our case stayed seven years in court until it was decided in our favour. But the defenders went to the Court of Appeal. It lasted two more years before the court ruled in our favour again.

The two families finally reached an agreement. The legal owners, Pauls family, now rent half of their land to those who occupied it.

Based on an analysis of the situation in Cote d'Ivoire, and consultations with the government and with host country governments, UNHCR has determined that the circumstances that led Ivorians to flee their country have ceased to exist and is advising an end to refugee status for most Ivorians.

The 1951 Refugee Convention sets out the conditions under which refugee status should end under so-called cessation clauses.

See also: UNHCR recommends the cessation of refugee status for Ivorians

Speaking at the start of UNHCRs annual Executive Committee on 4 October, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi recommended that an end to refugee status for Ivorians take effect on 30 June 2022.

He expressed gratitude towards the governments of Cote d'Ivoire, as well as those of Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania and Togo, for demonstrating the political will to implement solutions for Ivorian refugees.

This regional effort deserves the applause of the entire international community, he said, adding that UNHCR stands ready to strengthen its support to States in the region as they implement the cessation clause, particularly by helping to ensure Ivorians have the documentation they need to either return home or stay in their host country.

There currently remain 91,000 Ivorian refugees and asylum seekers. Some 51,000 live in West Africa  the majority in Liberia  and 22,000 are in Europe.

A survey conducted in the region shows that 60 per cent of the refugees plan to repatriate, 30 per cent are still undecided and 10 per cent want to stay in their host country and apply for permanent residency or naturalization.

Those who still consider themselves at risk if they return can request an exemption from the cessation procedure.

Brice and his family are greeted by shouts of joy when they arrive in Klobli, their home village. Even the news that a third of their cocoa plantation is now occupied by another family does not tarnish their happiness.

We can call on the authorities: the village chief and the subprefect. We can reach out to file a complaint, says Brice.

Even if our house is not in good shape, thanks to the financial support I received, I will be able to fix it.


Sonora, CA (95370)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 64F. Winds light and variable..

Tonight

Mostly cloudy skies. Low 44F. Winds light and variable.
Linda Layson White, 70, passed away Wednesday. Nov. 10, 2021. Services will be held at a later date. Interment will be at West View Cemetery. Mrs. White was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico on June 16, 1951, to Howard Winkfield Layson and Toy Curry Layson. She grew up in Macon and graduated f
A highly collaborative partnership between the UNO Bookstore; Criss Library; the Registrar; the University of Nebraska system (NU) ITS Digital Learning team; and the NU Provosts Office is focused on saving students money by increasing the use of high-quality free and reduced-cost digital course materials directly within Canvas in lieu of purchasing standard textbooks.

This effort  referred to broadly as Open Nebraska  has now saved UNO students over $2.2M. These digital course materials have the additional benefit of being available to students on the first day of the semester, which increases a students ability to be successful by having consistent, day-one access to required course materials.

The University of Nebraska is committed to student affordability, setting a goal of saving NU students $10M by 2023 through this program. As of today, the current savings across our four NU campuses is just over $7.7M compared to the cost of purchasing traditional course materials.

Students

Beginning with the Spring 2022 semester schedule, UNO students will now be able to search for which classes are a part of Open Nebraska as they select and register for specific course sections. Students will see free course material options designated within Open Nebraska, and will also see which courses utilize digital course materials that are under $40.

Visit the Class Search Page Select your term, session, subject, and other fields Choose "Open Nebraska" from the Programs dropdown menu

Faculty

If you are a faculty member and have not yet begun converting your course to take advantage of these types of course materials but are interested in doing so, there are a number of funding opportunities and supports available to you through Criss Library and the NU ITS Digital Learning team. These supports and funding opportunities are described in more detail on the UNO Digital Learning Open Nebraska (ONE) website.




WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th October, 2021) The White House has not seen a formal offer from the Republican Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell on the debt ceiling and does not consider a statement published by the senator as being one amid the looming prospects of the United States defaulting on its debt, spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.

"At the point I walked out here is that there's been no formal offer made. A press release (statement) is not a formal offer," Psaki said during a press briefing on Wednesday.

Psaki pointed out that McConnell's options, presented in the statement, are more complicated, difficult and risky than what President Joe Biden has offered to solve the issue of the debt ceiling as soon as possible.

Earlier on Wednesday, McConnell proposed to Republicans to pass an emergency debt limit extension bill to cover Federal expenses through December to prevent the looming default or to vote for stand-alone debt limit legislation according to a reconciliation procedure.

Senate Republicans have twice blocked efforts to raise the debt ceiling and prevent a default that Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said could cause a crisis of enormous proportions.

Without congressional action to hike the $28.4 trillion debt limit, the Treasury Department says it could run out of money by October 18.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Another 39,851 people in Britain have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 8,006,660, according to official figures released Thursday

LONDON, Oct. 7 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Oct, 2021 ) --:Another 39,851 people in Britain have tested positive for COVID-19, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 8,006,660, according to official figures released Thursday.

The country also recorded another 143 coronavirus-related deaths. The total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Britain now stands at 137,295. These figures only include the deaths of people who died within 28 days of their first positive test.

There are currently 6,836 patients in hospital with COVID-19.

The data came as British Prime Minister Boris Johnson used his speech at the Tory conference in Manchester to issue a fresh call for workers to return to the office following the pandemic.

He told the conference: "As we come out of COVID, our towns and cities are going to be buzzing with life because we know that a productive workforce needs the spur that only comes with face-to-face meetings and water cooler gossip."
DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 07th Oct, 2021) His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, today visited the pavilion of Saudi Arabia at the Expo 2020 Dubai.

Upon his arrival, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was received by HRH Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd, Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet of Saudi Arabia, and several officials.

During his tour of the Saudi pavilion, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed viewed the countrys inspiring vision for a collective future and its ambitious projects based on four key pillars: People, Opportunity, Heritage, and Nature.

The pavilions young Saudi organisers also briefed him about its sections, components and advanced interactive visual technologies.

H.H. Sheikh Mohamed expressed his happiness at visiting the Saudi pavilion, which showcases rich and innovative content that underscores the kingdoms significant development, prosperity, ancient history, inspiring projects and ambitious future vision.

He also lauded the distinguished Saudi cadres working at the pavilion and receiving visitors from various countries, noting the Saudi youth are innovative and have considerable overall capabilities, presenting an honourable and bright image of the kingdom to the world.

H.H. Sheikh Mohamed then pointed out the Saudi pavilion is a distinguished addition to the Expo 2020 Dubai, wishing its team success during the global event.

H.H Sheikh Mohamed was accompanied by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and several Sheikhs, ministers and officials.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Tripoli, Oct 6 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Oct, 2021 ) :The bodies of 17 migrants have been found washed up on a Libyan beach after their boat capsized during a bid to reach Europe by sea, the coast guard said on Wednesday.

Libya is a major departure point for desperate migrants, tens of thousands of whom board unseaworthy boats every year in attempts to reach Italian shores 300 kilometres (190 miles) away.

The voyages often turn deadly.

"Over the past 24 hours, the bodies of 17 migrants were found on the coast between the cities of Zawiya and Sorman, by Red Crescent teams," a coast guard official told AFP.

The victims drowned after their boat overturned, he said.

The Red Crescent in Zawiya, 50 kilometres (30 miles) west of the capital Tripoli, published images of corpses covered in shrouds.

The number of migrants who have died at sea trying to reach Europe more than doubled this year compared to the same period in 2020, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said in mid-July.

In September, the IOM counted 1,369 migrants who had drowned in the Mediterranean since the beginning of the year.

The latest deaths come days after a "security campaign" by Libyan authorities in the suburbs of Tripoli, mostly targeting illegal migrants.

"The numbers of migrants and refugees held in detention centres in Tripoli, Libya, have risen dramatically -- to more than threefold -- over the past five days," the aid group Doctors without Borders (MSF) said on Wednesday.

"The arrests and treatment during detention have often been violent, with multiple people beaten, injured and even killed." It said "at least 5,000 migrants and refugees (had) been rounded up across Tripoli," including women and children, with many reporting violence.

The United Nations' Libya mission UNSMIL said at least one person had been killed and 15 wounded.

Rights groups regularly warn of dire conditions for migrants at detention centres in the country, where human traffickers have profited from a decade of violence following the 2011 fall of dictator Moamer Kadhafi to carve out lucrative but brutal businesses.
(@FahadShabbir)

The Belarusian Investigative Committee announced on Thursday that it opened a criminal case on incitement to hatred against several employees of the Tut By Media company, which owned the popular tut.by news portal

MINSK (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th October, 2021) The Belarusian Investigative Committee announced on Thursday that it opened a criminal case on incitement to hatred against several employees of the Tut By Media company, which owned the popular tut.by news portal.

In May, the Belarusian State Control Committee opened a criminal probe against tut.by representatives accused of tax evasion.

Fifteen people were detained, most of them are currently held in custody.

"The main investigative department of the investigative committee initiated a criminal case against Tut By Media officials and employees and other individuals under Part 3 of Article 130 of the Belarusian criminal code (incitement to racial, national, religious or other social enmity or hatred, committed by a group of persons)," the committee said in a statement on its Telegram channel.

They can now face up to 12 years in prison.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Burkina Faso's former president Blaise Compaore, the main accused in a long-awaited trial on the 1987 assassination of his predecessor Thomas Sankara, will boycott the upcoming proceedings, his lawyers said on Thursday

Ouagadougou, Oct 7 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th Oct, 2021 ) :Burkina Faso's former president Blaise Compaore, the main accused in a long-awaited trial on the 1987 assassination of his predecessor Thomas Sankara, will boycott the upcoming proceedings, his lawyers said on Thursday.

"President Blaise Compaore will not be attending the political trial that is being staged against him at the military court of Ouagadougou, nor will we," Burkinabe and French attorneys for Compaore said.
(@FahadShabbir)

Nearly four years ago, President Emmanuel Macron made a historic speech in the heart of the Sahel, where he vowed that France would never again interfere in its former colonies

Ouagadougou, Oct 6 (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 6th Oct, 2021 ) :Nearly four years ago, President Emmanuel Macron made a historic speech in the heart of the Sahel, where he vowed that France would never again interfere in its former colonies.

His address at a university in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, was heralded by Paris as the death knell of "Francafrique" -- the decades-old strategy by which France meddled in Africa, often supporting strongmen who backed French interests.

But, in the run-up to a summit on Friday showcased as a reset for French-African ties, some of the 800 students who listened to Macron's 2017 address say they are disappointed today.

"The feeling is one of disillusion. It's been four years since these much-trumpeted promises, but very few of them have been followed up," said Lassina Kambou, now aged 23.

Doctoral student and civic activist, Lianhoue Imhotep Bayala, described the declared end to "Francafrique" as a "big joke of political marketing." France was still wagging its finger, sending its ministers to tell its former colonies "how to behave," he said.

"You can't say that things have changed... Africans are struggling to cast off the heavy burden of colonisation," said Adama Zongo, a teacher and researcher.

"Promises of a break have hit 'realpolitik'," he said, contending that the crunch point on relations between France and its former colonies was "economic interests".

A common criticism was about France's military campaign to fight jihadists in the Sahel.

Macron describes the mission as a vital bulwark for fragile countries -- including Burkina Faso -- that have lost thousands of lives, and seen hundreds of thousands flee their homes.

But to critics, the operation smacks of neo-colonialism.

Macron has announced a reduction in France's 5,100 troops, with the mission changing shape to include the deployment of special forces from European countries.

But Bayala said the situation was "still the same".

He and others said that Macron lost any moral high ground when he flew to Chad to endorse Mahamat Idriss Deby, who became the country's new leader after his father, a close French ally, was killed in April.

The younger Deby became head of a junta that dissolved parliament.

"The aims that President Macron sketched (in his November 2017 speech) were unable to stand up to reality of the job of being president," said Bayala.

Not all of the observations about Macron's record were negative.

Ali Traore, a literature student, gave France high marks for its plans to build a centre to promote research, entrepreneurship and innovation in Ouagadougou, and noted that France had returned artefacts pillaged from Benin during the colonial era, in line with Macron's promise.

There was also appreciation for France's move to lift the veil on secret documents about the assassination of Burkina's leftwing hero, Thomas Sankara, in 1987 -- a move that Macron also promised.

Thirteen people are to go on trial in Ouagadougou on October 11 in connection with the killing.
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told Chinese Top Diplomat that Washington will continue to engage with Beijing at senior levels to ensure responsible competition during a meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, National Security Council Spokesperson Emily Horne said on Wednesday

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 06th October, 2021) US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told Chinese Top Diplomat that Washington will continue to engage with Beijing at senior levels to ensure responsible competition during a meeting in Zurich, Switzerland, National Security Council Spokesperson Emily Horne said on Wednesday.

"National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan today met with Chinese Communist Party Politburo Member and Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission Yang Jiechi in Zurich, Switzerland," Horne said in a readout. "Mr. Sullivan made clear that while we will continue to invest in our own national strength and work closely with our allies and partners, we will also continue to engage with the PRC at a senior level to ensure responsible competition."
A committee in Congress has requested the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) look into allegations that former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country carrying millions of dollars with him, SIGAR John Sopko said in a congressional testimony on Wednesday

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 06th October, 2021) A committee in Congress has requested the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) look into allegations that former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani fled the country carrying millions of Dollars with him, SIGAR John Sopko said in a congressional testimony on Wednesday.

"We haven't proven that yet, we're looking into that. Actually, the Oversight and Government Reform Committee has asked us to look into that," Sopko told the US House Foreign Relations Committee.
Jackson, TN  U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller announces the capture of Andrel Spates Jr. for First Degree Murder for a homicide that occurred in Lawrence, Kansas in September of 2021.

On September 17, 2021, the Lawrence Police Department requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Kansas Fugitive Apprehension Task Force (KFATF) in locating and apprehending Spates on a homicide warrant.

On October 5, 2021, the Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force (TRVFTF) in Jackson received information and a request from the KFATF to apprehend Spates who was believed to be in Madison County.

Wednesday morning, the TRVFTF went to an address on Sable Wood Cove in Three Way to locate Spates. After several minutes, Spates came out of hiding from the house, and he surrendered to task force officers without incident. The Madison County Sheriffs Department responded and transported Spates to the Madison County Jail.

U.S. Marshal Tyreece Miller stated, One of the strategies of the U.S. Marshals Service is to work seamlessly with other agencies to achieve a successful and safe outcome when tracking down violent fugitives.

The U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency task force within Western Tennessee. The Western Tennessee Division of the TRVFTF has offices in Memphis and Jackson, and its membership is primarily composed of Deputy U.S. Marshals, Shelby County Sheriffs Deputies, Memphis Police Officers, Fayette County Sheriffs Deputies, Jackson Police Officers, and the Tennessee Department of Corrections Special Agents. The primary mission of the Task Force is to arrest violent offenders and sexual predators.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.

####



Americas First Federal Law Enforcement Agency


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Pope Francis has inaugurated a new cycle of studies at the Pontifical Lateran University in Rome, dedicated to ecological and environmental issues, in conjunction with the Patriarchate of Constantinople and UNESCO. In his speech, the Pontiff underlines that the complexity of the ecological crisis requires responsibility, concreteness, and competence.

By Vatican News staff reporter

In the presence of Patriarch Bartholomew I and Audrey Azoulay, Director of UNESCO, Pope Francis issued a stark warning: As the COP26 conference draws nearer, he said, there is the awareness that the harm we are doing to the planet is no longer limited to climate damage, water, and soil, but now threatens life itself on earth.

In the face of this, he underlined, it is not enough to repeat statements of principle that make us feel good. No, he added, the complexity of the ecological crisis, in fact, demands responsibility, concreteness, and competence.

Speaking on Thursday morning at Rome's Pontifical Lateran University, he recalled the "Faith and Science" event that took place in the Vatican this week and included the participation of scientists and representatives of different religions. He was struck, he revealed, by the words of one of the scientists who said, "My granddaughter, who was born last month, will have to live in an uninhabitable world if we don't change things."

Universities to form ecological consciousness

Speaking in this place of learning, the Pope harked back to the original mission of 'Universitas', where students and faculty come together to reflect and creatively work out new ways forward. The effort to form ecological consciousness and develop research to protect the common home passes through the Universities, Pope Francis said.

Continuing on this point, the Pope underlined, Academic activity is called to foster an integral ecological conversion in order to preserve the splendor of nature, first of all by reconstructing the necessary unity between the natural and social sciences with what is offered by theological, philosophical and ethical reflection, so as to inspire juridical norms and a sound economic vision.

Ecology and Environment studies

During his discourse, Pope Francis expressed his thanks to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), for its active attention to this Ecology and Environment initiative.

It is a path, he said, that will operate together with the Patriarchate of Constantinople with "an open perspective" capable of "welcoming the attention of the Christian Churches, the different religious communities, those who are searching and those who profess to be non-believers." The cycle of studies, the Pope stressed, should therefore be a meeting point of experiences and thoughts, combining them through the method of scientific research. The University not only shows itself to be an expression of the unity of knowledge but also the repository of an imperative that has no religious, ideological or cultural boundaries.

Expectations for 2030 sustainable development goals receding

Warning that expectations for the 2030 sustainable development goals are receding, Pope Francis said "there is no ecology without an adequate anthropology. Without a true integral ecology, we will have a new imbalance, which will not only fail to resolve problems but will add new ones.

Therefore, "the idea of a special cycle of studies, the Pope underlined, serves to transform even among believers the mere interest in the environment into a mission carried out by trained people, the fruit of an adequate educational experience. This is the greatest responsibility in the face of those who, because of environmental degradation, are excluded, abandoned, and forgotten.

He continued by saying, This is a work to which the Churches, by vocation; and every person of goodwill, are called to make the necessary contribution, becoming the voice of the voiceless, rising above partisan interests and not merely complaining.

"Let's abandon the yes it's always been done this way," the Pope said, "it is suicidal ... Instead, we are called to do qualified work, which demands generosity and gratuitousness from everyone in order to respond to a cultural context whose challenges await concreteness, precision, and the ability to confront them." Hence the invitation to "sow beauty and not pollution and destruction."

Signing of the UNESCO Convention

At the end of the meeting, the Pope, along with the Patriarch and the Director of UNESCO, jointly signed the UNESCO Convention for the new cycle of studies in the "University of the Pope" on Ecology and Environment.
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A rally that was held by ISU students and staff on Monday to protest the removal of a mural by an anonymous artist in memory of deceased graduate student Jelani Day. The rally moved from Uptown Normal to the Town Council Meeting where protestors took turns speaking during public comment.
A new Pfizer whistleblower has come forward with copies of an email chain involving two high level company executives confirming that cell lines that derive from an aborted fetus have been used in the companys COVID-19 vaccine testing program.

In an Oct. 6 piece published by Project Veritas, Melissa Strickler, a Quality Auditor who worked in Pfizers McPherson, Kansas plant, leaked emails from Vanessa Gelman, Senior Director of Worldwide Research, Development, and Medical Communication and Philip Dormitzer, Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of Viral Vaccines showing the officers confirming human embryonic kidney cells are used in the companys testing program.

Read More:

Strickler claims to have accidentally discovered the emails in an internal Pfizer database.

Fetal tissue confirmed in laboratory testing

In an email dated February 4, 2021, Gelman was asked by Advait Badkar, who is listed as a Senior Director on his LinkedIn profile, This question came in as an enquiry to our Med Info groupDid Pfizer make use of a cell line from an aborted foetus when carrying out any confirmatory tests for this vaccine?

Badkar added, This is AFTER we had already confirmed with the customer that no cell lines from an aborted foetus were used in the manufacturing process of the COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine BNT162b2.

Gelman responded, We have been trying as much as possible not to mention the fetal cell lines, providing an additional paragraph that was half in red, and half in yellow. The piece in yellow, Gelman said, We have tried really hard not to share unless its strictly necessary and mission critical.

The red portion was consistent with Badkars original email, Human fetal derived cell lines are not used to produce our investigational vaccine, which consists of synthetic and enzymatically produced components.

But the yellow portion contained the admission, One or more cell lines with an origin that can be traced back to human fetal tissue has been used in laboratory tests associated with the vaccine program.

Email exchange from Vanessa Gelman, Pfizer Director of Worldwide Research, Development, and Medical Communication admitting human embryonic cells are used in the companys vaccine development program. (Image: Screenshot via YouTube Video)

Later in the email chain, a second Pfizer executive, Philip Dormitzer, Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of Viral Vaccines, confirmed, HEK293T [Human Embryonic Kidney] cells, used for the IVE assay, are ultimately derived from an aborted fetus.

On the other had, the Vatican doctrinal committee has confirmed that they consider it acceptable for Pro-Life believers to be immunized.

Dormitzer added, Pfizers official statement couches the answer well and is what should be provided in response to an outside inquiry.

The next day on Feb. 5, Gelman followed up in the chain, wanting to confirm with Badkar and several other staffers where the request originated in order to insure it was not from a member of the public, because Gelman just want[ed] to make sure we are responding to a legitimate request that may ignite a FB campaign on this that we may ultimately need to manage.

On Feb. 9, Gelman reiterated to the now-dozen Pfizer employees who have been brought into the email chain that the information on aborted babies being used in vaccine testing was extremely sensitive to Pfizers public relations, From the perspective of corporate affairs, we want to avoid having the information on the fetal cells floating out there.

In this heated environment of heightened scrutiny on every detail on our vaccine, we would like to avoid the opportunity of creating an issue  we believe that the risk of communicating this right now outweighs any potential benefit we could see, particularly with members of the general public who may take this information and use it in ways we may not want it out there.

We have not received any questions from policy makers or media on this issue in the last few weeks, so we want to avoid raising this, if possible.

A blackout

In a second case provided by the whistleblower, she filmed an instance where windows in manufacturing rooms and group lead offices inside the Kansas plant had been blacked out, allegedly in advance of a visit by the Food and Drug Administration.

I could not believe that they were blacking out windows down in our manufacturing rooms, said Strickler.

They tell us, you know, that you should make sure you can be seen at all times for integrity purposesand so when I saw they were blacking out windows in group lead offices and unoccupied fill rooms, I thought it was odd.

Strickler says she raised the issue with a member of Pfizers Aseptic Quality department and was told, Well, the FDA is coming.

The light of conscience

Project Veritas frontman James OKeefe asked Strickler why she stepped forward, I felt it was the right thing to do. I feel like I had no one else to turn to within my own company who would be honest with me.

What was troubling to me was they were wanting to keep it under wraps. They didnt really want the information out there that they were using the HEK [Human Embryonic Kidney] cells to do the study.

When asked why she thought Pfizer was trying to cover up the use of fetal tissue in experiments, Strickler said she is of the opinion that it was all about not letting religious reasons be used for mandatory vaccination exemptions, They dont want to stir up a mess. They dont want to have to deal with people who are upset, because I think people can use religious exemptions for it, and they dont want that.

I think they want nobody to have an excuse to not get itAnd theyre denying our religious exemptions at Pfizer.

She continued, It shouldnt be political, but theyre making it political. The media and the government is making it political. But this isnt about Republican, Democrat, liberal, or conservative. This is informed consent on injecting something inside of you from a company thats called it an experimental vaccine.

This is about when you see something thats being done that you dont think is right and exposing it.

OKeefe asked the woman whether she was afraid of retaliation for stepping forward. In response, she said what she was most concerned about was the coming wave of mandatory injections for children, A little bit. I have faith that I will be protected or whatever the outcome is is what its supposed to be. Im at peace with it. Im a little anxious on what theyll do or what theyll say, but it needs to be seen by the people because theyre trying to get this to kids.

And if theyre being this deceptive about it, I dont feel comfortable being silent while theyre trying to give it to babies who cant talk.

In closing, Strickler had a message for her soon-to-be former employer, You guys are very adamant about integrity and making sure that things are done right and that things are always double checked. But Im just one person, one face of many of your employees who are willing to fight this and reveal to the world whats going on.

And all we want is for you to be transparent and honest with us and do the right thing.
As nations withdraw from a fallen Afghanistan, a rift of safety and security has opened in the country, leaving many at risk of being oppressed by the Talibans draconian practices and punishments. With the former Afghan government toppled, the people are left in a state of disarray over their fates in a land ruled by a violent organization.

Living in mortal fear of Taliban rule, people are in constant fear as soldiers patrol the territories to commit unlawful justice, and people have become paranoid that their closest friends could be in league with the extremists.

Civilians have been forced to sell their earthly possessions in an attempt to survive, while some others have been forced out when militants rushed into their homes and took control.

Resistance by civilians has been brutally dealt with as Taliban fighters either beat up or fire live rounds at protestors and anyone suspected to be conspiring against the organization. Gunfire echoing through the night also keeps Afghan citizens up without proper sleep.

Cellphones are being seized by militants for inspection, resulting in several attacks on people perceived as acting against the Talibans interpretation of Islam. Those in possession of copies of the Bible on their phones are reported to be murdered.

Jobs are hard to come by, plunging many into hunger and desperation. However, those who do have jobs with the government are being lied to regarding their payments. Working in the healthcare industry, one workers paycheck must be applied to the whole extended family, since the women, who once held proper jobs, have lost the chance to work.

Information is also scarce since the Taliban militarized television stations for propaganda, making people sceptical of lawless executions of kidnappers.

Secretary general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, Jan Egeland, told NPR that the collapse of the Afghan government could lead to an economic crisis in the country.

On the ground, there is no money, said Egeland. The people cannot even extract the money they have in the bank. People are selling their last possessions for food now, including public employees.

Family in fear

For the sister of an Afghan officer on the run, the tyranny and fear throughout Afghanistan have drawn very close comparisons with the reign of Hitlers Nazi regime (1933-1945), which controlled the majority of mainland Europe in an era of homicidal terror, monstrous discrimination of Jews and other minorities and groups, and destruction that sent ripples worldwide.

I am very sorry for the people who experienced such bad conditions, the sister said. I now understand.

Speaking to the Washington Examiner on Aug.28, the officer provided intelligence to U.S. forces, painting him as a target for the Taliban. He had asked his former mentor to help him and family flee the country.

I fear my killing and my family because of being of assistance to the U.S. military forces, said the officer.

The officers sister also expressed her concerns over the unstable enforcement of the Talibans rule, which is riddled with hypocrisy and is inconsistent.

The Taliban never take responsibility for their mistakes, they always lie openly and openly, and their words are never the same, she said. They do the opposite of what they say to the media.

Moreover, the Talibans intrusive searches in their homes for perpetrators have deprived the people of their sense of security.

The Taliban are seeking revenge and increasing their house-to-house searches every day to find those who worked for the U.S. military, said the sister.

She also fears the state of desperation suffered by the people without a stable economy, where even her own family is paying the price.

We had a few gold earrings that we sold. The concern of most people is to find a piece of bread. Banks have almost closed, price of food and fuel has doubled, and most of the businesses have been shut down.

The officers sister has also reported that families have been desperately trying to marry young daughters off to avoid being married to Taliban soldiers when they are aged 15 or above.

Though the state of Afghanistan fills her family with dread and fear, the sister hopes that her country can find the light and be free of the oppression of Taliban rule.

I pray at all times that this current state is a nightmare and that it will be over as soon as possible, said the sister.
Editors note: Cambodias descent into de facto one-party rule since 2017 has been marked by a shrinking civic space. According to a recent report by the Asia Centre, this has included a sharp reduction in online freedom of expression and increased surveillance of the countrys rapidly growing number of internet users. Dr. Robin Ramcharan, executive director of the Thailand-based research and advocacy think-tank, sat down recently with VOA Khmers Say Mony for an online interview about the implications of these measures, which include a plan to build a National Internet Gateway (NIG).

VOA Khmer: The Asia Centre just released a report titled, Internet Freedoms in Cambodia: A Gateway to Control. Why did the Centre name the report that way?

Ramcharan: Why did we title the report A Gateway to Control? Well, of course, I think your audience will know very well that a few months back, in February of 2021, the government issued the sub-decree announcing a National Internet Gateway, NIG. And this National Internet Gateway proposes that all internet service providers, all internet traffic, will be channeledmust be channeledthrough one main national gateway. So, of course in the context of an already controlled, nearly controlled, information environment, including the internet environment now, the fear has arisen that the capacity for internet control has increased dramatically. And it might be possible for the government, when it wishes, to simply turn off the switch.

VOA Khmer: When it comes to fear, the report says, I quote: Faced with threats and social media manipulation, critics and human rights defenders have retreated into self-censorship and withdrawal from political engagement to ensure their survival. Can you elaborate more on this?

Ramcharan: Sure. In the context of Cambodia that you know very well, in the last decade or so, especially since 2010, the internet has really advanced and grown. Access to the internet infrastructure has grown very much in Cambodia. And we must be fair and say that that is to Cambodian authority and Cambodian peoples credit. The authority has done a good job in providing this access. At the same time, we know that the ability to express oneself freely has also been constrained in Cambodia over the decade. So, with what the [UN] Special rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Cambodia has called the monopolization of power, the space for free expression has decreased in Cambodia.

With the advanced access to the internet that has taken place, more people have taken to the online sphere to express themselves, to express political opinions and so on. In recent times, online critics, bloggers and so on have been pursued by the government through various legal avenues. This has incited, I would say, a lot of reticence. And we use the term fear because people are reluctant to speak openly and to express themselves now openly on the internet platforms, on the social media. We also noticed, and we heard from stakeholders on the ground whom we have consulted in the course of writing this report, that the internet space for free expression, even online, has become highly problematic. The people, as a result, are now just holding back, self-censoring, what they say and how they say it in the online space.

VOA Khmer: If this continues, what is the long-term impact for Cambodians and Cambodia, and also considering the country is going to chair ASEAN [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] next year?

Ramcharan: We, along with others, have called on Cambodia to set a tone, to show leadership in this space. Cambodia has a lot of laws that limit free expression. Many of them ought not to have and should not have, and they are so contrary to international standards of human rights and also regional standards. Political leaders, especially, ought to know that if they enter a public arena they will face all kinds of criticisms of any kind. Really, that is acceptable, it should not be that problematic.

In that context of international and regional norms, which Cambodia has already subscribed to in its constitution, for instance, and by adhering to the ASEAN Regional Human Rights Declaration, it ought to show the leadership that is necessary for the entire ASEAN region, the Southeast Asia region. And to show to the world that we can progress in this area. Cambodia can really seize the opportunity to showcase such progressive and positive development.

VOA Khmer: But Cambodias [National Internet Gateway] sub-decree states that it aims to help preserve its good tradition, social order and national security. How would you respond to this?

Ramcharan: I know these are some of the positions put forward by the Cambodian authority in developing this NIG. Another [mentioned] reason has been to help with e-commerce and to increase revenues and all of these kinds of reasons. I would say that protection of harmony, protection of culture and so on does not require this kind of this excessive limitation on your fundamental freedom to free expression. Security reasons. How will the security of the state be affected if its own citizens say we need to improve? You know, the government is there to serve their people, to listen to their people. If you suspect your own people, thats generally not a healthy situation.

So, I would say to the government there have been international best practices and around the world they have also moved in the direction of adopting these best practices for the benefits of their own people, for their own human security. Thats what the government is supposed to ensure. So, elsewhere best practices around the world have shown that if you protect those very fundamental freedoms, you have less to worry about. In fact, it improves the nation overall. So, generally, under international laws, limiting freedom of expression in the name of protecting culture per se is not really a genuine allowable excuse to protect your feelings or reputation. Those are not grounds on which you can limit such a fundamental right.

VOA Khmer: The Asia Centre recommended Cambodia repeal some laws and amend some controversial provisions. Cambodia currently has a single-party parliament, which would make it easier for the country to do that, but can you tell me why Cambodia needs to amend or appeal those laws?

Ramcharan: As part of Asia Centre advocacy we have to make these calls because they are the logical steps. They are the natural logical steps that ought to be taken. So, the report is both practical and normative. So, if we can reach, for example, the Cambodian MPs, even from the ruling party to consider this then these are positive, progressive steps that can be taken and that we offer for consideration. Now, it will not happen tomorrow, of course. I think, in offering these steps, we are also telling the regional and international communities that these are the challenges that they should also be working towards when dialoguing with Cambodia.

VOA Khmer: Thank you so much for your time in the interview, Dr. Ramcharan.

Ramcharan: Sure, thank you very much to you and to VOA.
A fresh political rift between Somalia's president and prime minister appears to be opening a power struggle between the two top leaders of the country, which is struggling to hold elections and prevent frequent terrorist attacks.

On Monday, Somalia Prime Minister Mohamed Hussein Roble suspended Fahad Yasin, chief of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), over failing to provide reliable evidence of investigations into the alleged killing of 24-year-old Ikran Tahlil Farah, who worked in NISA's cybersecurity department.

NISA last week blamed the Islamist militant group al-Shabab for Ikran's death, prompting angry and frustrated posts on social media from Ikran's parents and opposition leaders, who say the agency itself had been involved.

In a statement published Friday on pro-al-Shabab websites, a spokesman for the group said al-Shabab knows nothing about Ikran's alleged killing.

Roble's move against the NISA chief has prompted a public rebuke from President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, better known as Farmajo, who in a counter move hours after the prime minister's decision, issued a directive reinstating the intelligence chief. Both men were citing constitutional articles to support their cases.

Roble said he suspended Fahad "for failing to deliver a report on the murder of one of the agency's agents."

In April, after anger and armed violence in the capital, Mogadishu, that followed Parliament's move to extend the president's four-year term by another two years, the confrontation was resolved when the president put the prime minister in charge of security and organizing long-delayed indirect elections.

Mohamed issued his own statement calling the prime minister's move unconstitutional. "(Yasin) should continue being the director of NISA," the president said.

Analysts say this latest rift is highlighting a growing division at the heart of the country's political elite and threatens to put the country into a new political crisis.

"The political exercises of the president and the minister is clear evidence that there has been a growing mistrust and a power struggle between the two leaders," Shoki Ahmed Hayir, a Somalia political analyst and professor at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, told VOA Somali.

"We know the prime minister took this decision to address a sensitive issue over the disappearance of a female intelligence officer that could plunge the country into political and security risks," said Hussein Moalim Mohamud, Somalia's former national security adviser.

Opposition leaders have welcomed Roble's move to suspend Fahad, a former Al-Jazeera journalist, whom they believe to be a close friend of the president.

The new dispute followed months of political wrangling that have threatened to further destabilize a country already riven by militant attacks and clan rivalries.

Hayir believes the new power struggle between the president and the prime minister is threatening the country's long-delayed upcoming elections.

"This is not only a political threat, but also a threat to the country's future, including the possibility of holding elections. It is also a threat to a justice for the family of Ikran," Hayir said.

"The problem is that there are contradicting and unclear chapters in the country's draft federal provisional constitution over the powers of the president and the prime minister," said Abdirahman Dhubad, a political and legal analyst in Mogadishu.


The government of Burkina Faso has declared three days of mourning following an attack that left at least 160 people dead late last week in the northern village of Solhan.



The International Committee for the Red Cross, noting that local hospitals are overwhelmed, said it responded Sunday morning to a request for medical supplies in Dori, a town in northern Burkina Faso.



Upon requests for support by the health authorities in Dori, we sent half a ton of medical support, mainly dressings, medication, sets of plaster, syringes, and anesthetic, was really important to be sent with no delay, Laurent Saugy, the head of the Burkina Faso delegation of the International Committee for the Red Cross, told VOA.



The attack happened overnight Friday on the village of Solhan, located in Yagha province, near the border with Niger, in the countrys Sahel region.



The extent of the carnage is not known because the number of dead and injured continues to rise. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, although analysts say it could be the work of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara.



The attack is the deadliest since the conflict between Burkina Faso and armed groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group began in 2015. This weekends violence follows a period of relative calm.



Between March 2020 and April 2021, the number of attacks in Burkina Faso fell dramatically. Since the beginning of April, seven major attacks have come in quick succession.



On May 17, Burkina Fasos foreign minister, Cherif Sy, visited Sebba, the nearest town to Solhan. He said the situation in Sebba was favorable and that peace had returned to the area.



Mahamadou Sawadogo, a Burkinabe security analyst and former military police officer, told VOA that this attack could be seen as a show of force, a demonstration of power by armed terrorist groups. He said that they have shown they control the province of Yagha and particularly the area of Solhan, which they have been trying to conquer since 2020.



Solhan is the site of an informal gold mine that terror groups frequently exploit for funding.



The military in Burkina Faso is under-resourced and is finding it impossible to provide security in all regions of the country despite assistance from French and U.S. troops.



Aside from the number of people killed, the humanitarian aftermath could also be significant. There are already 1.2 million displaced people in the country.



Beyond the sheer death toll, there are other counts to keep, Marine Olivesi, advocacy manager for the Norwegian Refugee Council in Ouagadougou, told VOA.



How many families are going to be forced into displacement as a result of these attacks? For how many weeks, months, years? And, on top of that, there are things you cant quantify that are just as daunting: the trauma for the children there, the fear of not knowing where to go to keep them safe, the stress of not having a place to sleep or enough to eat, she added.



Apart from a statement on Twitter, the president, Roch Kabore, has yet to speak publicly about the attack.



I honor the memory of the hundred civilians killed in this barbaric attack and send my condolences to the families of the victims, Kabore wrote on Twitter, announced a national mourning beginning at midnight.

A United Nations spokesperson said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced outrage over the killings. The spokesperson cited Guterres as saying the incident underscores the urgent need for the international community to redouble support to Member States in the fight against violent extremism and its unacceptable human toll.
Two Ugandan opposition members of parliament were indicted on Tuesday for allegedly orchestrating a wave of machete killings that left dozens dead in the south of the country, a move described as "political persecution" by their lawyer.

For two months, the region of Masaka, located about 150 kilometers southwest of the capital, Kampala, has been living in terror of gangs that have killed around 30 people, mainly the elderly, in their homes at night, according to police.

After two days of questioning by the police, MPs Muhammad Ssegirinya and Allan Sewanyana were indicted by a court in Masaka on three counts of murder and one of attempted murder, their lawyer, Elias Lukwago, told AFP.

"They have denied all charges. ... This is political persecution by the military regime of (Uganda President Yoweri) Museveni," Lukwago said.

"We condemn in the strongest terms the use of a biased judicial process to meet the political objectives of a ruling party," he added, indicating that they would be held in pretrial detention until September 15 in the high-security prison of Kitalya, near Kampala.

Ugandan police spokesman Fred Enanga explained that Ssegirinya and Sewanyana were arrested after statements by several suspects accusing them of organizing the attacks "to sow fear among the population and make people hate the government.

Both MPs are members of the National Unity Platform (NUP) of opposition leader Bobi Wine, rival of President Museveni in the disputed January election.

Wine, whose real name Robert Kyagulanyi, said the accusations were mounted by the government of Museveni to discredit the opposition.

When the president recently said that the opposition was behind the killings, we thought it was a bad joke. But when the police summoned our MPs, we realized that the regime's plan to involve the leaders of the NUP in the murders was at work, he said.

In a speech last month, Museveni called the perpetrators "pigs" and vowed their doom.

In power since 1986, Museveni, 76, was reelected in January for a sixth term, ahead of Wine, who denounced an electoral "masquerade.

"No matter what the Museveni regime does, one day Uganda will be free, and those accused of crimes because they belong to the opposition will be released," Wine said.

In Masaka, residents called on the government to take strong action to stop the killers.

"We mourn our loved ones who were killed, we live in fear of being killed by gangs armed with machetes," Sarah Kasujja, a 45-year-old trader, told Agence France-Presse. She said her 81-year-old grandfather is one of the gangs victims.

"Some elderly people who lived alone (...) fled their homes to find safety in the cities," she said. "The government should be held responsible for not defending us against the killers. The army and the police were deployed, but they arrived too late.

Ugandan National Council for the Elderly President Charles Isabirye called the wave of killings a "shock to the nation.

"That someone is killing elderly people who live quietly in their homes is inconceivable," he told AFP. "We call on the government to ensure the protection of the elderly in the countryside, and the people behind (the murders) must be identified and punished.
Spains airport authority for the Canary Islands shut down the airport on the island of La Palma again Thursday because of accumulating ash from a volcano that has been erupting there for 18 days.

From its Twitter account, the airport authority, Aena, said the facility was closed because of accumulating ash. In news agency video from the airport, the cloud of ash could be seen hanging over the runways. The airport was closed once last month because of ash as well.

Scientists monitoring the course of Cumbre Viejas eruption say it has been unpredictable. It settled down several days ago, but earlier this week, it reawakened. In the latest report from its Twitter account, the Canary Island Volcanic Institute said the activity had become more explosive in recent hours.

The German Research Center for Geosciences, which sent a team to La Palma, told The Associated Press the lava flow on the island was 6,300 meters long, more than 1,000 meters wide at its broadest point and up to 25 meters (82 feet) thick.

The experts said the molten rock from the crater was now flowing down a lava tube beneath earlier, hardened lava, straight into the sea. That has eased fears it could spread wider and cause more destruction.

The volcanic eruption that started September 19 has forced the evacuation of more than 6,000 of La Palmas roughly 85,000 residents. The island is part of the Canary Islands archipelago off the northwest coast of Africa.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
Campaigners are accusing Australia of disgracefully deserting refugees after Canberra said it would end the offshore processing of migrants in neighboring Papua New Guinea.

More than 3,000 asylum-seekers have been held in Papua New Guinea under Canberras 2013 offshore policy that barred any migrant trying to reach Australia by sea from resettlement.

About 1,200 have been transferred temporarily to Australia, often for medical treatment. The rest have either been sent back home or granted visas to other countries, including the United States.

Rights groups have repeatedly called the offshore processing of migrants a violation of international law. Australian authorities have said the policy has stopped many asylum-seekers risking their lives trying to reach its territorial waters on unseaworthy boats.

Papua New Guinea is one of two Pacific countries paid by Canberra to detain asylum-seekers and refugees. The two governments said Wednesday the agreement would conclude at the end of the year.

The decision leaves 124 migrants in Papua New Guinea. Officials said they could either stay or move to the tiny Pacific republic of Nauru, which is Australias last remaining offshore detention center.

Ian Rintoul, a spokesperson for the Refugee Action Coalition, a community activist organization, said Nauru is poorly placed to care for migrants.

There is also a big question over Nauru, he said. I mean, the fact is the vast majority [of] people who were on Nauru are now in Australia. The circumstances in Nauru simply do not provide, you know, security and certainty for anyone who is sent there. The government in Nauru still struggles to be able to provide the kind of medical services that are increasingly becoming necessary for the people who have been the victims of long-term detention.

Papua New Guinea has been trying to end its involvement in Australias offshore processing system for years. An Australian-run detention facility on Papua New Guineas Manus island was found to be illegal by the country's Supreme Court in 2016.

Australia has reaffirmed its commitment to its offshore processing policy. In a joint statement with Papua New Guinea, it said that anyone who attempts to enter Australia illegally by boat will be returned or sent to Nauru.

The tiny Pacific republic of Nauru has a coastline of just 30 kilometers and is home to about 10,000 people.

Asylum-seekers who arrive in Australia by plane -- a much larger number than those who come by boat -- are not subject to offshore processing.

Immigration minister Alex Hawke said last month Canberra has one of the world's "most generous humanitarian" resettlement schemes, allocating visas to about 13,700 refugees each year.
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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Tuesday with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris for the first time since France said it had been blindsided by a U.S. deal to share nuclear submarine technology with Australia. VOA's Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports.
After losing two full summers of tourism revenue, Britain is getting rid of restrictive quarantine requirements for visitors from 47 countries, including India, South Africa, Brazil and Turkey.

Starting Monday, vaccinated travelers from those countries will no longer have to quarantine for 10 days in a hotel upon arrival in Britain.

Britain recognizes the AstraZeneca, Pfizer BioNTech, Moderna and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) vaccines.

Visitors from seven countries, including Colombia, Ecuador, Panama and Venezuela will still be required to quarantine.

People who are fully vaccinated and arriving from countries such as India, Turkey and Ghana will now have to provide only a negative test after two days.

Airline companies like Ryanair and easyJet had complained that complicated travel restrictions have prevented the tourism industry from recovering from lost business during pandemic lockdowns.

"Restoring people's confidence in travel is key to rebuilding our economy and leveling up this country," British Transport Minister Grant Shapps said Thursday. "With less restrictions and more people traveling, we can all continue to move safely forward together along our pathway to recovery."



Earlier this week, Britain lifted recommendations against nonessential travel to 32 countries, including Ghana and Malaysia.



Some information for this report came from Reuters.
The sentencing last week of a Cambodian publisher has been condemned by local media associations, who say jailing journalists sends a troubling message.

Youn Chhiv, who runs the news website Koh Kong Hot News, was sentenced to one year in prison and fined $500 (2 million riel) on September 30.

Sok Sothy, a deputy provincial governor in Koh Kong province, filed a complaint against Chhiv accusing him of defamation and fake news over his reporting on a land dispute, according to a provincial court official.

The article in question, posted on the Koh Kong Hot News Facebook page, alleged that villagers were being evicted illegally.

Deputy Prosecutor and Spokesman for the Koh Kong Provincial Court Vei Phirum confirmed the sentencing to VOA.

The case was already tried, Vei Phirum said, adding that the journalist was convicted on charge of incitement to commit a felony according to Article 494 and Article 495 of criminal code.

Youn Chhiv now is serving a jail term in Koh Kong provincial prison, he added.

The court spokesperson said that Chhiv published several posts about the governor and is serving his sentence in a Koh Kong provincial prison.

Local media groups believe the charges should be dropped, however, and that the press law should have been used to deal with the complaint.

The use of criminal code to take action against journalists is a kind of intimidation and creates fear in journalists, especially in reporting information concerning high-ranking officials, Nop Vy, who runs the local Cambodian Journalist Alliance (CamboJA), told VOA. The threat of prosecution means journalists will not dare to do such reporting, he said.

Hour In, a coordinator at Licadho, a rights group in Koh Kong province, says the court case could deter other journalists.

If he is imprisoned, freedom of the press will be disappeared. The Cambodias press law will be meaningless for journalists, Hour In told VOA. Who would dare to report on injustice and the negative activities of the authorities, the rich, and the powerful persons?

Hour In said he believes that if a society does not have space for criticism, it will not fully develop, and only a small group people will be able to take advantage of the countrys progress.

The journalists 19-year-old son Youn Yihin said his fathers prosecution was not fair, and he called on authorities to pardon him.

Its not fair because [his] journalistic work is helping citizens, Youn Yihin told VOA. I want to have his conviction dismissed and let him issue letters making apologies.

Chhiv already has issued apologies to the National Defense Minister Tea Banh, Koh Kong Provincial Governor Mithona Phouthong and deputy Koh Kong provincial governor Sok Sothy. In the letters, viewed by VOA, he asked for leniency in his case and pledged not to make future mistakes.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) on Thursday condemned the conviction in a statement.

The Cambodians government use of criminal code in the case of Youn Chhiv is yet another attempt to intimate and persecute journalists for their reporting. Journalism is not a crime, the IFJ said. The IFJ condemns intimidatory acts that work to undermine journalistic independence and press freedom.

Cambodia has a poor press freedom record, ranking 144 out of 180 countries, where 1 is freest, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The media watchdogs annual index says the ruling party is working to eliminate critical media.

This story originated in VOAs Khmer Service.
After bringing the United States to within two weeks of a potential debt default, Congress late Wednesday was on the verge of a deal that would avert the crisis through November by passing a small increase of the limit on how much the federal government is allowed to borrow.

The measure would do nothing to bridge the serious divide between Democrats and Republicans over how to avoid a default on the countrys debts over the longer term. It would also make it likely that by mid-November lawmakers will be dug in on the same battle lines.

That means that the Biden administration and its Democratic congressional allies will be back in crisis mode, looking for ways to avoid a catastrophic default on the countrys financial obligations.

When that happens, one unconventional option that has gained support in recent weeks is likely to be back in the mix: minting a $1 trillion platinum coin to provide the Treasury with the funds it needs to pay the countrys bills in the coming months.

The plan

The plan, according to its proponents, is simple. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen would order the U.S. Mint to create a single coin in the denomination of $1 trillion. The platinum coin would then be transported to the Federal Reserve, the nations central bank, and placed on deposit in the Treasury Departments account there. Then, when necessary, the Treasury would draw funds from the account to pay the nations bills.

The controversial move relies on the statutory power of the Treasury Secretary to authorize the minting of platinum coins in accordance with such specifications, designs, varieties, quantities, denominations, and inscriptions as the Secretary, in the Secretarys discretion, may prescribe from time to time.

While it may sound fantastical, the fact that the trillion-dollar coin is part of the conversation in Washington reflects just how fraught the fight over the debt limit, a cap on how much the Treasury can borrow, has become.

Deadline approaching

There is no debate over whether or not the debt limit should be raised. Leaders of both parties insist that the government must be allowed to borrow the money it needs to pay its bills. The fight is over how it ought to be done.

Republicans are demanding that Democrats use a complicated procedure known as budget reconciliation to vote on the debt limit. Democratic leaders have rejected that proposal, saying that it is too time consuming and could bring the country dangerously close to the point of default.

Concern that the country might inadvertently lurch into default because of an accident of timing has made the trillion-dollar coin idea more appealing to some because, by all accounts, it could be executed very quickly.

Legal loophole

This week, Philip Diehl, the former director of the U.S. Mint, explained to the news website Axios that it would be possible to design and mint a trillion-dollar coin in a matter of hours. The Mint has an ample supply of platinum blank coins, and could easily reconfigure the mold used to produce an existing platinum commemorative $1 coin.

The legal statute that gives the Treasury Secretary the authority to mint a trillion-dollar coin was tucked into a 750-page appropriations bill in 1996, and was never meant to be used to avert a fiscal catastrophe.

The reason why the law specified that the Treasury Secretarys authority to issue new types of coin was limited to those made of platinum, is because rules already existed limiting the ability to strike coins from metals historically used for money: gold, silver, and copper.

The platinum coins issued by the Treasury are typically commemorative in nature, and are purchased by collectors. However, because the law was not written in a way that specifically bars the Treasury Secretary from minting platinum currency, advocates of the idea say it remains an available option in an emergency.

Idea not new

This is not the first time there have been proposals to use a trillion-dollar coin to get around the debt limit. During the 2011 debt ceiling crisis the idea surfaced among some academics and political commentators, though it didnt receive broad acceptance.

The idea picked up more momentum in 2012, when it was endorsed by Nobel Prize-winning economist and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman.

Lawmakers took the idea seriously enough that there was a brief effort to pass legislation banning the creation of such a coin in 2013, although it failed.

There has been much speculation about what a trillion-dollar coin might look like, but in the end, that wouldnt matter much, because virtually nobody would ever see it. The coin would go from the Mint to the Fed -- likely to the vaults at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York -- and would remain there in perpetuity.

Yellen opposed

The biggest impediment to the plan, at the moment, appears to be Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen herself. Last week, she dismissed the idea during testimony before the House Financial Services Committee.

On Tuesday, she made her opposition to the plan more emphatic in an interview with CNBC.

I'm opposed to it, and I don't believe that we should consider it seriously, she said. It's really a gimmick.

She continued, What's necessary is for Congress to show that the world can count on America paying its debts. The platinum coin is equivalent to asking the Federal Reserve to print money to cover deficits that Congress is unwilling to cover by issuing debt. It compromises the independence of the Fed, conflating monetary and fiscal policy. And instead of showing that Congress and the administration can be trusted to pay the country's bills, it really does the opposite.

Legal quandary

Supporters of the plan will note one thing that Yellen did not say: That minting the coin would be illegal or illegitimate.

Some argue that if Congress fails to act, the Treasury Secretary might, in fact, be obligated to use her authority to mint new currency to pay the countrys bills.

While the debt ceiling places a real, legal limit on the amount of money the government can borrow, spending bills passed by Congress also legally obligate the administration to spend funds as Congress has specified. Additionally, the 14th Amendment to the Constitution specifies that The validity of the public debt of the United States ... shall not be questioned, which some legal scholars have interpreted as meaning that allowing a debt default would be unconstitutional.

Rohan Grey, a professor of law at Willamette University, said that Yellens belief that the trillion-dollar coin is a gimmick would be no defense if minting the coin were the only thing standing between the United States and default.

You can't say, I find this silly or uncomfortable, therefore, I'm going to intentionally violate the Constitution, he told VOA. Their obligation is to honor the debts under the 14th Amendment and to honor Congresss spending directives.

Lesser of two evils

While minting a trillion-dollar coin might avoid a technical default on the nations debts, some experts worry about the effect such a radical proposal would have on public perceptions.

The idea is so wacky, said Kenneth Kuttner, Williams College professor of economics, that it might undermine the faith that ordinary people, and even sophisticated financial markets participants, have in the U.S. government.

They're managing things so poorly that they're having to resort to these gimmicks to obviate [raising] the debt ceiling? he told VOA. That may look bad for regular people and for the financial markets.
German Health Minister Jens Spahn said Thursday the nation has vaccinated millions more people than previously thought, thanks to some unreported vaccination numbers discovered by the Robert Koch Institute for Disease Control.

The institute says nearly 80% of adults in Germany are fully vaccinated, and about 84% have received at least one shot. Previous official reports were about 5% lower  meaning there are about 3.5 million more people vaccinated than had been reported.

Speaking to reporters in Berlin, Spahn said the discrepancy was discovered in surveys conducted by the RKI that revealed additional vaccinations. He believes some big companies employee vaccination programs and mobile vaccination teams in nursing centers and elsewhere may account for those initially unreported.

The new RKI figures are based on surveys and do not include people under the age of 18, which is why the agency has yet to give a new overall number of vaccinated people in Germany.

Spahn said these new numbers are good news in terms of any new COVID-19 restrictions that might be contemplated in the coming months, barring any unforeseen new variants or surges of cases.

From today's perspective, we will not need any further restrictions in autumn and winter to get through this time well without overburdening the health system, he said.

Some information for this report was provided by The Associated Press and Reuters.
The Irish and Estonian governments on Thursday agreed to sign on to a 15% global minimum tax rate on multinational firms, leaving only Hungary as the last hold-out against the far-reaching deal.

The reform aims to stop international corporations from slashing the tax bills by registering in nations with low rates.

"The government has now approved my recommendation that Ireland joins the international consensus," Irish Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe said.

"I'm absolutely satisfied that our interests are better served within the agreement," he added.

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said that joining the reform would ensure "we have the best chance of ensuring that Estonia's business environment and tax policy continue to work in the interests of a better future for all of us."

Finance ministers from wealthy G-7 nations in June endorsed a global minimum corporate tax rate of at least 15%, reached in the framework of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

It was approved by the G-20 in July and has been signed by more than 130 countries, except Hungary.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said earlier this week that there was a chance that his country could agree to it as long as the reform "does not damage the Hungarian economy or put Hungarian jobs in danger."

Donohoe said Ireland has insisted on a change of wording, excluding "at least" before the 15% figure, describing this as an important issue that needed to be resolved, due to the "desire of some to seek a higher rate."

The minister said the reform was expected to take effect in 2023.

Ireland currently has a 12.5% tax rate.

Its tax policy has attracted giants such as Apple and Google, while Estonia had been concerned that joining the reform could threaten its vibrant tech start-up sector.

The reform will affect 56 Irish multinationals that employ about 100,000 workers, as well as 1,500 foreign-owned multinationals employing 400,000 people.

It only applies to companies with annual turnover of more than 750 million euros ($870 million) a year. Smaller businesses will still pay corporate tax at 12.5%.

Kallas said that in the case of Estonia the reform "will not change anything for most Estonian business operators, and it will only concern subsidiaries of large multinational groups."

While Ireland stands to lose 800 million to 2 billion euros in corporate tax receipts if companies leave the country, the minister argued that if it did not sign up to the deal, Ireland would "lose influence in respect to the critical decisions that will come in the coming months."

He added that there was debate in the U.S. Congress on changes that would align their tax system with the OECD agreement, calling this a key factor due to "significant investment by U.S. multinationals here."

Following Ireland and Estonia's decision, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said, "We are on the way to a generational achievement of creating a global minimum tax, which would create a more level playing field so jobs and investment can flourish in the United States."

Ireland's low levy has attracted an outsized number of pharma and tech firms but also prompted accusations the nation acts as a tax haven.


After a sweeping crackdown on pro-democracy opposition in Hong Kong that has seen dozens of activists arrested and jailed, authorities have firmly turned their attention to the city's civil society groups.

In recent months, several of Hong Kongs prominent opposition groups have disbanded as repressive measures mount in the city.

Following 2019s anti-government protests, Beijing implemented sweeping national security legislation prohibiting acts such as secession, subversion and collusion with foreign forces. Hong Kongs pro-democracy movement has been stifled as street protests have stopped and political speech Beijing finds offensive have been banned.

Since the security law came into force last year, at least 50 civil society groups have folded, Agence France-Presse reports.

Oct. 1 marked the 72nd anniversary of the Peoples Republic of China, a public holiday and a day of national celebrations in China. But in Hong Kong, pro-democracy campaigners have historically used the day to launch street protests and call for political reforms. This year, only a handful of protesters gathered on the streets and were stopped by authorities. Reports say up to 8,000 police officers were on standby throughout the day.

In previous years, Chinas National Day would keep Hong Kong's civil society groups busy.

The Civil Human Rights Front, founded in 2002, was responsible for Hong Kongs largest-ever protest that attracted nearly 2 million people in June 2019. The group would usually organize demonstrations for important dates on the citys political calendar. But the organization disbanded in August after it was accused of violating Hong Kong's national security law.

The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China was once responsible for organizing Hong Kongs June 4 annual candlelight vigil in memory of the Tiananmen Square crackdown in Beijing in 1989, an event that usually attracted thousands.

But the alliance folded in September, ending 32 years of activism, when three leaders were jailed, facing a number of charges, including inciting secession.

Political analyst Joseph Cheng, formerly of Hong Kong but now based in New Zealand, praised the group but admitted there is no room for survival for Hong Kongs opposition groups anymore.

The alliance has probably more symbolic value in that its formation in 1989 led to the formation of pro-democracy parties immediately afterwards. Its continued operation after (Hong Kongs handover from Britain to China in) 1997 was perceived to be the symbol of tolerance of the 'one country, two systems' model, he told VOA.

Hang Tung-chow, the former vice chairperson for the Hong Kong alliance and one of the three leaders now in jail, told VOA in August that opposition groups could still survive in the city, at least informally.

I think there will likely be more decentralized groupings, connection platforms, that might have difficulties seeing very open public organization and events. But under the surface, underground, there will still be a connection there and organizations going on, she said.

Eric Yan-ho Lai, author of the book Unravelling Authoritarian Rule of Law in Hong Kong, told VOA that there are already signs of how civil societies will endure.

We can also find this year that for many instances, people will gather themselves to carry out collective consumptions to support some pro-democracy shops or merchants, or they will collectively attend court hearings (in) solidarity with protesters. I would say this would be some possible traces the local people are willing to sustain civil society development in these ways," he said.

He added, They will not be very visible for the public, (or) eye-catching.

The erosion of civil society has continued into October, as Hong Kongs largest independent trade union disbanded.

The Hong Kong Confederations of Trade Union was formed in 1990 and by this year had 145,000 members. But the group voted Oct. 3 to disband after some members received threats to their personal safety.

Lai, who is also a political analyst, said its likely China will use pro-Beijing groups to fill the civil society void in the city.

The (Pro-Beijing) Federation of Trade Union, (which) now claims itself (as) the largest (strongest) union coalition in Hong Kong since the Confederation of Trade Unions was suspended, Lai said. China could continue to establish and form its own support groups in civil society. So, this is also a way, like mainland China, to allow so-called organizations and groups into society, but they are regulated or monitored or even controlled by the (Chinese) Communist Party.

Other groups have also had to disband amid Hong Kongs changing social and political environment.

After 48 years, the Hong Kong Professional Teachers Union ended following heavy criticism from Chinese state media and the government, which claimed the union had dragged schools into politics.

Local media in Hong Kong reported on Thursday that the Chinese University of Hong Kings student union had also disbanded.

And youth group Student Politicism closed its doors in September after only 16 months following the arrest under the national security law of the groups leaders, including activist Wong Yat-chin.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam has denied that there is a crackdown on civil societies.

In her annual policy address on Wednesday, Lam said the national security legislation has Hong Kong back on the right track as the city has entered a new era.

But with room for civil society shrinking, concerns remain over other Hong Kong organizations that Beijing opposes.

The Hong Kong Journalists Association, (HKJA) the citys top press group, has faced constant criticism from Chinas state-controlled media, as well as Hong Kong authorities, claiming it to be biased and anti-government.

Ronson Chan, chairperson of the HKJA, told VOA in an interview last month that the organization wont quit, but he admits the pressure is on for any group targeted by Beijing.

After the national security law, everyone knows there are many red lines, but nobody knows how the red lines work, he said.
More than 260,000 African children under the age of five die from malaria each year, including more than 10,000 in Kenya, according to the World Health Organization. The WHOs backing of a malaria vaccine, Mosquirix, for children in sub-Saharan Africa has raised hopes of preventing those deaths. The vaccine proved effective in a pilot program in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi.

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization gave the green light for the use of the vaccine for children between five and 24 months of age in Africa and other regions prone to a high level of malaria transmission.

This follows trials of the vaccine in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi. The four-dose shot was administered to 800,000 African children.

Thirty-year-old Salome Awuor allowed her son, now three years old, to take part in the malaria vaccine trials in Kisumu County, western Kenya.

The mother of four said previously she would visit her nearest clinic four times a month to get malaria treatment for him. At the time, he was 12 months old.

My son was given three jabs, and malaria went down. I never went back to the clinic seeking malaria treatment. I feel so good my children no longer get sick most of the time. That's why whenever I hear about vaccines, I run to get them because it helps a lot, she said.

WHO chief Tedros Ghebreyesus described the malaria vaccine breakthrough as historic and one that could save the lives of tens of thousands of young people each year.

According to the WHO, malaria affects more than 229 million people each year and kills more than 400,000.

In Africa, more than a quarter of a million children die from the mosquito-borne disease.

Earlier trials in 2015 showed the vaccine could prevent 40 percent of malaria cases and about 30 percent of severe cases.

Bernhards Ogutu is a chief researcher at Kenya Medical Research Institute. He said Kenyas participation in the study proves the vaccine will work on the countrys population.

If it's safe you know it was done in your population and you know it's good for you. You are not relying on data from another population but from your own population. So that you can confidently advise the government this is safe for us, it works and its approved and it was done by us and we contributed to this development, he said.

The first three vaccine doses are given a month apart when children are babies, and a final booster is given when the child is one-and-a-half years old.

Ogutu has voiced confidence that Kenyan parents will vaccinate their children from malaria.

People have been asking where it is now that we have been given the go ahead, we can now go for the rollout. I think it's time to get to our people and tell them now it's available and now its a matter of procuring the vaccine and ensuring its available and start getting it to those who need it, said Ogutu.

So far, there is no word on when the vaccine will become available to the general public.
Russia appears to be getting more aggressive and more successful as the nation's hackers launch a growing number of cyberattacks against the United States and other nations, according to a new report by Microsoft.

Microsoft's 2021 Digital Defense Report warns that what it labels as "Russian nation-state actors" are responsible for 58% of all nation-state cyberattacks, and that they are now successful almost one out of every three times.

"Russia-based activity groups have solidified their position as acute threats to the global digital ecosystem," the report said, cautioning that Russian cyber actors have been adaptable, getting better at using open-source tools "that make them increasingly difficult to detect."

Microsoft also said Russia's most frequent target was the United States, followed by Ukraine and Britain, and that the focus seems to be shifting toward intelligence gathering, with more than half of Russian attacks now targeting agencies involved with foreign policy, national security or defense, up from just 3% a year earlier.

According to Microsoft, after Russia, the greatest number of cyberattacks came from North Korea, Iran and China.

North Korea's top target was cryptocurrency companies, while Iran quadrupled its attacks on Israel as tensions between the two countries grew steadily.

China also was active, focusing much of its cyber efforts on intelligence gathering.

Microsoft said a large part of Beijing's efforts, through a threat actor called Chromium, focused on gathering social, economic and political intelligence from India, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan and Thailand.

Another prominent Chinese threat actor, known as Nickel, focused its efforts on foreign ministries in Central and South America.

The report also said that South Korea, Turkey and Vietnam were increasingly active in cyberspace, though the volume of attacks carried out from those countries paled in comparison with Russia, North Korea, Iran and China.

Top U.S. officials have shared their concerns about the growing danger from cyberattacks, especially from nation-state adversaries, in recent weeks. And many have voiced support for legislation that would require private companies to notify the U.S. government if their systems were breached.

"I think we're at a point, seeing the arc of cybercrimes and the cyberthreats, that really there's an urgency to it," U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told a virtual cybersecurity conference earlier this week. "We're optimistic the legislation will pass."

Speaking at the same summit Thursday, U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director Jen Easterly said that while many of the threats are not new, they remain worrisome, given "how vulnerable some of our critical infrastructure sectors are."
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said Thursday the expulsion of eight members of the Russian Mission to the alliance was not the result of any one particular event, but due to an increase in malign activity for some time.

NATO officials confirmed Wednesday they were expelling eight Russian diplomats and planned to reduce the size of Russia's observer mission to the Western alliance from 20 to 10. The moves are in response to alleged Russian espionage activities in Europe, which reportedly included killings, attempted assassinations and explosions.

Speaking to reporters following Thursdays meeting of NATOs national security advisers at the alliance headquarters in Brussels, Stoltenberg said they need to be vigilant and act when members of the Russian delegation to NATO conduct activities which are not in line with their accreditation and therefore, the accreditation is withdrawn.

Relations between NATO and Russia have been strained since Moscows 2014 annexation of Crimea and its fomenting and ongoing involvement in a separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine.

Stoltenberg acknowledged the relationship between NATO and Russia is at its lowest point since the end of the Cold War, and he blamed it on Russias behavior.

We have seen their aggressive actions not least against Ukraine but also the significant military buildup," he said.

Although Russia is not a member of the U.S.-led alliance, it has long had an observer mission to NATO as part of a two-decade-old NATO-Russia Council, the main forum for dialogue between the alliance and Moscow. The forum has been mostly inactive since 2014.

Stoltenberg said the NATO has invited Russia for some time to take part in new NATO-Russia Council talks, typically convened to promote cooperation between the alliance and the nation, but Russia has not accepted.

But Stoltenberg said NATO is ready to meet, because we believe that to sit down to talk is always important.

Some information for this report came from the Associated Press, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse.
NATO is expelling eight Russian diplomats and plans to halve the size of Russia's observer mission to the Western alliance in response to alleged malign Russian espionage activities in Europe, which have included killings, attempted assassinations and explosions, say European officials.

The diplomats have been told to leave Brussels by the end of this month. Two other Russian diplomatic slots currently vacant at NATO headquarters will not be allowed to be filled, NATO officials told VOA.

The stripping of the accreditations of the eight Russian diplomats, first reported by Britains Sky News, was denounced swiftly by Russian lawmakers. The lawmakers said the Kremlin would retaliate, although not necessarily with a tit-for-tat round of expulsions of Western diplomats based in Moscow, setting the stage for a further deterioration of relations between Western countries and Russia, reminiscent of the Cold War.

A NATO official said Wednesday, We have reduced the number of positions which the Russian Federation can accredit to NATO to 10, down from 20 previously. The official described the diplomats targeted as undeclared Russian intelligence officers.

We have strengthened our deterrence and defense in response to Russias aggressive actions, while at the same time we remain open for a meaningful dialogue, he added.

NATOs action Wednesday, came a day after Democratic and Republican senators in Washington urged US President Joe Biden to expel 300 Russian diplomats from the United States if Moscow refuses to issue more visas for Americans to represent the US in Russia. There are only about 100 American diplomats stationed in Russia, compared with 400 Russian diplomats based across the United States, the senators said.

This disproportionality in diplomatic representation is unacceptable. Accordingly, Russia must issue enough visas to approach parity between the number of American diplomats serving in Russia and the number of Russian diplomats serving in the United States, the senators wrote in a letter to Biden.

Troubled history

All 30 NATO member countries approved the decision to halve Russias observer mission, which was established two decades ago to help promote dialogue and cooperation in common security areas. The Russian diplomats based in Brussels are meant to meet with their Western counterparts in a forum known as the NATO-Russia Council, although there have been no formal proceedings for months.

This is not the first time NATO has expelled Russian diplomats based at the alliances headquarters. Seven Russian diplomats were expelled in 2018 after the poisoning in England of Sergei Skripal, a former Russian intelligence officer who defected to Britain, and his daughter. The Kremlin denied any involvement in the attempted assassination but Britain has identified Russian intelligence officers it says were behind the poisoning.

Last month, Britains Metropolitan Police charged a third suspect, Denis Sergeev, an officer for Russias military intelligence agency, GRU, over the poisoning.

In April, Czech officials said two of the Russian agents allegedly involved in the Skripal poisoning were behind a fatal blast at a Czech ammunition depot in 2014, which left two dead. Czech officials told local media that Russia orchestrated the blast to stop arms deliveries to Ukraine via Bulgaria. The Czech government subsequently expelled 18 Russian diplomats and the Kremlin responded by ordering 20 Czech diplomats to leave Russia.

The Czechs since then have been urging NATO to downsize the Russian mission in Brussels, a British official told VOA.

The NATO-Russia Council has hardly been operating in recent years, largely because of increasing disputes and rising tensions between Western powers and the Kremlin, fueled initially by Russias 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and the support given to pro-Moscow separatists in the eastern Ukraines Donbas region.

Russias deputy foreign minister, Alexander Grushko, accused NATO Thursday of being responsible for the deterioration of relations.

The leaders of NATO yesterday spoke of the importance of de-escalating relations with Russia and spoke out in favor of a resumption in dialogue in the framework of the Russia-NATO Council, he told Russias Kommersant daily newspaper.

If anyone believed in the sincerity of those statements then today they dont. Their real worth is clear to all. After the dramatic end of the Afghan era, how can they get by without the bogeyman of the Russian threat. They cant, Grushko added.

Leonid Slutsky, a Russian lawmaker and chair of the Dumas international affairs committee, told the Interfax news agency NATOs move would damage dialogue between Moscow and the West and said he expected the Kremlin to respond with asymmetric measures. The collective West is continuing its policy of diplomatic confrontation with Russia, he said.

Some information from Reuters was used for this report
Pakistan has appointed Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum as the country's new spy chief.

He takes over as director-general of Inter-Services Intelligence from Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, who ran the ISI for more than two years and will next become the army's Peshawar Corps commander.

The Pakistan army's media arm announced the appointments Thursday as part of a series of military leadership changes.

Military observers in the country reacted to the appointments, saying that Hameed's appointment meant he could be a leading candidate for the country's top military position, chief of the army staff, next year.

Anjum, the new ISI head, held senior leadership posts in two of the country's biggest counterterrorism operations in recent years. Most recently, he was inspector general of the Frontier Corps during the Rudd ul Fasaad operation focused on eliminating terrorist sleeper cells.

Hameed served in the ISI as a military commander for five years. He worked as director-general of internal security for two years before managing the espionage agency for the rest of his time in the ISI.

He rose to attention in 2017 after the religious party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan mounted a protest in Islamabad over changes to the affidavit that candidates must submit during elections. After 22 days of demonstrations that included violence, Hameed took part in negotiations that resulted in an agreement, which he officially signed as a witness.

Court case

Following that, Hameed's name reappeared during a supreme court case stemming from the Panama Papers, an international leak of financial documents in 2016 showing how rich people hide their wealth. The published documents included information about former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was later sentenced to prison on corruption charges related to the disclosures.

At one time, Islamabad High Court Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui claimed that Hameed had urged judges to deny bail to Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz. The Pakistan army refuted the allegations made against Hameed; however, Miriam Nawaz on Thursday again alleged the military leader had improperly weighed in on the case. Pakistan's minister of state for information and broadcasting dismissed her claims as baseless.

Amjad Shoaib, a defense expert and retired lieutenant general, told Voice of America that Hameed's nomination as Peshawar Corps commander was an important signal because it is customary in the Pakistan army for the army chief to have first been a corps commander.

This will be Hameed's first posting as a corps commander, making him one of just a few front-runners who could replace the current army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, whose term is expected to end in November 2022.

Shoaib also said that Hameed was highly engaged in Afghanistan in recent months, and as Peshawar Corps commander, he will likely be in a better position to assist the Pakistani army on Afghan issues.

This story originated in VOA's Urdu Service.
U.S. Defense Department officials are refusing to confirm reports that American forces are in Taiwan, secretly training Taiwanese troops to prepare them in case of an attack from China.

The Wall Street Journal on Thursday reported the Pentagon has about two dozen special operations troops working with select units of Taiwans armed forces, while a contingent of U.S. Marines has been training other forces on maritime tactics.

U.S. officials, speaking to the Journal on the condition of anonymity, said the American forces had been engaged in the training operations for at least the past year.

Pentagon officials Thursday declined to confirm the report, though a spokesperson said the U.S.-Taiwan relationship "remains aligned against the current threat posed by the Peoples Republic of China."

The PRC (Peoples Republic of China) has stepped up efforts to intimidate and pressure Taiwan and other allies and partners, including increasing military activities conducted in the vicinity of Taiwan, East China Sea and South China Sea which we believe are destabilizing and increase the risk of miscalculation, Defense Department spokesperson John Supple told VOA in a statement.

"The United States has an abiding interest in the peace, security and stability of the Indo-Pacific  including in the Taiwan Strait," he added. "We urge Beijing to honor its commitment to the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait differences, as delineated in the three communiques."

Asked about the Journal report, Taiwans main representative office in the U.S. told VOA it had no comment.

Several U.S. lawmakers Thursday said they were also unable to confirm whether U.S. special forces were conducting training in Taiwan, though they expressed support for the reported mission.

'China is being provocative'

"I've been on the Senate Armed Services [Committee] for 6 years, and I can't recall a single briefing," North Carolina Republican Senator Thom Tillis told the virtual Politico Defense Forum.

I'd be happier if that number was in the hundreds, Tillis said. China is being provocative, and if we take a step back in posture, every step that we take back I have no doubt China will take a step forward.

"We all want to have Taiwan build up its own self-defense capabilities to send a message to China," California Democratic Representative Ami Bera told the forum, calling on the U.S. to make its deterrence policy less ambiguous.

U.S. officials have expressed growing alarm in recent days, describing Chinas behavior toward Taiwan as increasingly aggressive and belligerent.

The concern has been heightened by repeated aerial incursions, with Beijing sending more than 150 military jets into Taiwanese airspace over several days.

China state-run media quickly expressed anger over the report that U.S. special forces are conducting a secret training mission in Taiwan.

Why just two dozen members? Why secretly? Hu Xijin, the editor-in-chief of the Global Times, the English-language Chinese Communist Party news outlet, tweeted Thursday.

The US should send 240 servicemen publicly, in US military uniform, and make public where they are stationed, Xijin added. See whether the PLA [Peoples Liberation Army] will launch a targeted airstrike to eliminate those US invaders!

'Massive military actions'

A separate post on the Global Times website quoted a fellow at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences as saying that when it comes to Taiwan, Beijing can effectively counter U.S. provocations in the region by undertaking massive military actions around the island.

But there also appeared to be some efforts to defuse some of the tension.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price called Thursday for dialogue with Beijing, saying the goal was to "minimize" points of friction.

At the same time, however, Price said Taiwan holds an important role in the Indo-Pacific region, and he invited U.S. allies to join in expanding strong ties with Taiwan."

Another top U.S. official, national security adviser Jake Sullivan, voiced caution following a closed-door meeting with a ranking Chinese diplomat Wednesday in Zurich.

Talking with reporters Thursday in Brussels, where he was meeting with NATO allies, Sullivan described the talks with Yang Jiechi as productive.

It was a real opportunity, behind closed doors, to really lay out for one another our different perspectives and intentions," Sullivan said.

The meeting, he added, was a way to "do our best to create a circumstance in which this competition [between the United States and China], which is an intense competition, can be managed responsibly and does not veer into conflict or confrontation."

State Department Correspondent Nike Ching contributed to this report. Some information came from Reuters.
TRANSCRIPT:

The Inside Story: Deployments and Diplomacy (Episode 08 October 7, 2021)

Show Open:

Voice of CARLA BABB, VOA Pentagon Correspondent:

20-years of US military presence in Afghanistan --- under fire.

Gen. Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

It is clear. It is Obvious. The war in Afghanistan did not end on the terms we wanted.

CARLA BABB:

A contentious Q-and-A on Capitol Hill over the lessons learned from Americas longest war ---

And how it will shape President Bidens approach to future confrontations 

On The Inside Story: Deployments and Diplomacy.



Show Begins:

CARLA BABB:

Hello and thanks for joining us. Im Carla Babb, VOAs Pentagon correspondent.

Its been 20 years thats right, 20 years this week-- since the United States launched a military campaign in Afghanistan in response to the September 11th terrorist attacks.

Now that American troops have withdrawn, the Taliban has returned to power to try to lead a different Afghanistan than the one it led in 2001.

And after two decades of war, U.S. politicians and generals are trying to determine what lessons have been learned.

At a recent Congressional hearing, things got contentious.

The top U.S. general Tuesday bluntly assessing the Afghanistan evacuation mission 

Gen. Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

It was a logistical success but a strategic failure.

CARLA BABB:

 and the overall end of the war.

Gen. Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

An outcome that is a strategic failure. The enemy is in charge of Kabul. Theres no way else to describe that  that is a cumulative effect of 20 years, not 20 days.

CARLA BABB:

Milley, along with Central Command chief Gen. Frank McKenzie, said they personally had wanted a minimum of 2,500 troops to remain.

Gen. Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

My assessment was back in the fall of 20 and remained consistent throughout. We should keep a steady state of 2,500, and it could bounce up to 3,500, maybe something like that, in order to move toward a negotiated solution.

Gen. Frank McKenzie, US CENTCOM Commander:

I recommended that we maintain 2,500 troops in Afghanistan. And I also recommended earlier in the fall of 2020 that we will maintain 4,500 at that time. Those are my personal views. I also had a view that withdrawal of those forces would lead inevitably to the collapse of the Afghan military forces and eventually the Afghan government.

CARLA BABB:

The revelations contrasted sharply with U.S. President Joe Bidens assertion in an interview with ABCs George Stephanopoulos.

George Stephanopoulos, ABC:

So, no one told  your military advisers did not tell you, "No, we should just keep 2,500 troops. It's been a stable situation for the last several years. We can do that. We can continue to do that?

U.S. President Joe Biden:

No. No one said that to me that I can recall.

CARLA BABB:

The White House Tuesday again defending the decision to remove all troops.

Jen Psaki, White House Press Secretary:

If we had kept 2,500 troops there, we would have increased the number of troops, we would have been at war with the Taliban, we would have had more U.S. casualties. That was a reality everybody was clear-eyed about.

CARLA BABB:

Both Republicans and Democrats slammed the administration for leaving Americans and Afghan allies behind after the president said he would not do so.

They also asked pointed questions on the future of the counterterror war there.

Sen. Joni Ernst, Republican:

Has the military's task to defeat terror threats from Afghanistan gotten harder?

Gen. Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

Yes.

Sen. Joni Ernst, Republican:

Does the Taliban and its other terror partners have more ability to train and prepare in Afghanistan now that we've left?

Gen. Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

More ability, yes.

Sen. Mark Kelly, Democrat:

Are you confident that we can deny organizations like al-Qaida and ISIS the ability to use Afghanistan as a launchpad for terrorist activity?

Gen. Frank McKenzie, US CENTCOM Commander:

I think that's yet to be seen.

CARLA BABB:

The military has come under harsh criticism for its errant drone strike in the final days of the withdrawal that killed 10 civilians, a strike for which McKenzie has taken responsibility.

The top defense officials also reiterated that U.S. intelligence had failed to anticipate the rapid fall of Kabul.

But in their lessons learned, they had a message for America's civilian leaders.

Gen. Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

I would advise any leader: Don't put date-certains or end dates. Make things conditions-based, and two presidents in a row put dates on it.

CARLA BABB:

and ousted Afghan leader Ashraf Ghani.

Gen. Frank McKenzie, US CENTCOM Commander:

When your president leaves suddenly in the middle of the campaign for the capital, I think that finishes any chance of ever making a stand there.



CARLA BABB:

A few weeks ago we brought you the story of Nasria, one of the Americans trapped in Afghanistan after U.S. evacuation efforts ended August 30.

I kept in touch with her following our report and can now share a remarkable update:

Twenty-five-year-old Californian Nasria came to the Afghan capital in June to visit family and marry her longtime boyfriend.

Pregnant and scared after the Taliban takeover, she fled with her husband to the airport,

waving her American passport

Nasaria:

They wont let us go. Theyre gassing us and theyre shooting at us.

CARLA BABB:

But the Taliban kept blocking her.

Nasria:

I was, got a gun pointed to my head! Our troops were literally at the gate just waiting for us to continue walking. And they (the Taliban) had blocked us. And there was a time where I went past them and I started walking as fast as I can, and they started shooting right by my leg and told me to come back or they would shoot me.

CARLA BABB:

When the U.S. military left, Nasria said the Taliban were hunting down Americans.

Nasria:

Theres been days where you know I think to myself am I going to make it home? Am I going to end up living here? Am I going to end up dying her? Whats going to happen?

CARLA BABB:

She hid in a basement for nearly three weeks, as VOA News and others in and out of government worked around-the-clock to help. And then, a breakthrough:

The State Department put her on flight to Doha, and then the veterans group Operation Recovery bought her a business class ticket to Los Angeles. We can now report she is home safe.

And you may have noticed her little baby bump. Nasria tells me she went to her doctor after getting home, heard her babys heartbeat for the first time and was told the baby is doing well.

Lets go back now to those hearings on Capital Hill. Earlier in the show we summarized some of the questioning of top Pentagon officials about the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan and the overall strategy of the 20 years of war.

Now the Presidents top military adviser, General Mark Milley,

And the Pentagons top civilian leader, Lloyd Austin --- once a commander of troops in Afghanistan ---

Explain more on what happened and why --- In their own words.

Gen. Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

It is clear. It is obvious, the war in Afghanistan did not end on the terms we wanted, with the Taiban now in power in Kabul. Although the NEO (non-combatant evacuation) was unprecedented and as the largest air evacuation in history, evacuating 124,000 people, it came at an incredible cost of 11 Marines, one soldier, and a Navy corpsman.

Lloyd Austin, Secretary of Defense:

Noncombatant evacuations remain amongst the most among the most challenging military operations, even in the best of circumstances, and the circumstances and orders were anything but ideal. Extremely a landlocked country no government, a highly dynamic situation on the ground, and an active credible and lethal terrorist threat.

And as for the missions end my judgment remains that extending beyond the end of August would have greatly imperiled our people in our mission. But Taliban made clear that their cooperation would end on the first of September. And as you know we face grave and growing threats from ISIS K.

Staying longer than we did would have made it even more dangerous for o ur people, and would not have significantly changed the number of evacuees we could get out. Now as we consider these types of issues today. We must also ask ourselves some equally tough questions about the wider war itself. And pause to think about the lessons that we have learned over the past 20 years.

But I hope, as I said at the outset that we do not allow a debate about how this war ended to cloud our pride in the way that our people fought it. They prevented another 9/11. They showed extraordinary courage and compassion in the wars lands in the wars last days, and they made lasting progress in Afghanistan that the Taliban will find difficult to reverse, and that the international community should work hard to preserve.

CARLA BABB:

Weve heard from the generals and the politicians about Americas 20 year stay in Afghanistan.

Americans are now letting leaders know how they feel about the future direction of U.S. foreign policy.

VOA Senior Diplomatic correspondent Cindy Saine goes inside a new survey that shows a preference for diplomacy over deployments.

CINDY SAINE, VOA Senior Diplomatic correspondent:

With the last U.S. troops leaving Afghanistan in August after 20 years, President Joe Biden told the United Nations that the United States is pivoting from an era of relentless war to an era of relentless diplomacy.

A new national survey of 2,000 U.S. voters finds that most Americans appear to agree.

A majority of those polled by the Eurasia Group Foundation want to decrease the number of U.S. troops stationed overseas and reduce security commitments abroad, while 58 percent say they want to increase U.S. diplomatic engagement.

Caroline Gray is a lead researcher on the survey.

Caroline Gray, Eurasia Group Foundation:

We found that 62 percent, quite a large majority, thought that the biggest lessons from the war was that the United States should not be in the business of nation-building or that it should only send troops into harm's way if vital national interests are threatened.

CINDY SAINE:

The report notes among younger voters, ages 18 to 29, 80 percent believe that unless the United States is under attack, the president should be required to seek congressional approval before ordering military action overseas.

Caroline Gray, Eurasia Group Foundation:

65 percent of younger Americans want to revive nuclear negotiations with Iran. They're more skeptical of America increasing its military presence in East Asia to counter a rising China and a majority of them also want to scale back U.S. defense spending. So, they are a lot more likely than their older counterparts to want to scale back America's military posture and reliance on

CINDY SAINE:

Americans appear divided on the best approach to China and Russia, according to the survey - with 40 percent saying they are unsure about what the U.S. should do if China were to invade Taiwan. This appears to contrast with what one expert said is the bipartisan consensus among U.S. foreign policy leaders.

Christopher Skaluba, Atlantic Council:

I think in the security realm, Washington, D.C., as you well know, is obsessed with China as a rising competitor. The president himself has talked very often about this era that we're moving into an era of great power competition, an era of democracy versus autocracy, and a real concern that China as an autocracy that has a lot of resources and a clear plan, intentionality to dominate kind of the global discussion.

CINDY SAINE:

The survey found that humanitarian aid, disaster relief and COVID-19 relief are the most popular types of international assistance, while military assistance and weapons sales are the least popular. Cindy Saine, VOA News.

CARLA BABB:

We have talked to Michael OHanlon from the Brookings Institution many times throughout the Afghanistan War about defense and foreign policy issues. I spoke with him again this week to talk about whats next when it comes to the United States and its use of military force.

Michael OHanlon, Brookings Institution:

We went up and down in Afghanistan. I don't think we ever really had a chance to apply diplomacy to the Taliban early on. They were in cahoots with al Qaeda, they might not have been the ones that attacked us but they had a lot of intermarriages and close ties with al Qaeda. And until we proved that we were not in a mood to just sweet talk them, they were not going to engage in diplomacy. And then we overthrew them, maybe we had an opportunity to do some diplomacy with the Taliban in the early years before they made their comeback. But, you know, understandably most Afghan people didn't want the Taliban to share power in that time they just lived under their rule.

My point is I can go through more of the history but the centra, the central lesson is I don't know when we actually had this supposed moment for diplomacy. Now, by the end we were trying to create that moment, but the Taliban werent very interested. I think they had sort of figured out that we were not going to stay too long, regardless of whether they compromised or not, at the peace process table, and so they basically just made the showing of going to a few meetings, didn't really offer any plans for power sharing waited us out, and then took the country by force once we were gone. So I just don't really see where this supposed golden window of diplomacy was in regard to Afghanistan.

CARLA BABB:

For millions of the worlds refugees, the decision to leave home in search of a better life often comes at a cost.

That experience is the subject of a recent documentary chronicling the forces that shaped Afghanistan and its people over the last two decades.

The filmmakers spoke to VOAs Penelope Poulou about their 20-year project on life in Afghanistan from early childhood to adulthood.

PENELOPE POULOU, VOA Correspondent:

Phil Grabskys lens starts following young Mirs life since U.S. and allied forces invaded Afghanistan in 2001 after the September 11th attacks.

Months before the 9/11 attacks on the United States in 2001, the Taliban had destroyed the Buddhas of Bamiyan, in Afghanistan, one of the most significant archeological sites in the world. Grabsky flew to Kabul to chronicle how these events were affecting the embattled country.

While touring the ruins he met young Mir and his family living in caves in abject poverty.

Phil Grabsky, Filmmaker, My Childhood My Country: 20 Years in Afghanistan:

That energy, that vivacity, that inquisitiveness, I suddenly thought, of course, the film is what will happen over the next year in this young boy's life because that then projects the audience forward, thinking about the future of Afghanistan.



PENELOPE POULOU:

Gradually, says Grabsky, Mirs boyish exuberance and optimism faded under the weight of poverty and family responsibilities.

Mir Hussein:

Ive been having days off school. If we dont plough, we dont eat.

PENELOPE POULOU:

After years in front of the camera lens, Mir, now a father of two, has taken up the camera himself working as a cameraman in Kabul.

On May 31, 2017, a bomb exploded in Kabul, killing more than 250 people and injuring hundreds. The blast missed Mir by mere luck.

Phil Grabsky, Filmmaker, My Childhood My Country: 20 Years in Afghanistan:

We would have to check under the wheel arches of our cars every single journey because the Taliban were employing, and ISIS were putting bombs and blowing up journalists and judges and election officials. I mean, it's horrific, horrible.

PENELOPE POULOU:

Grabsky says recently he has not been to Afghanistan. It is no longer safe for Westerners to film there. His Afghan co-director, Shoaib Sharifi, has continued filming there but even for him it is not safe.

Mir Hussein:

There will be war because the Taliban cannot be stopped. In the presence of foreign troops conflicts were prevented, security was maintained.

Mirs wife:

Women are punished if they dont maintain modesty. Those who are covered with hijabs will be fine. The Taliban believe they are real Muslims. They will be very cruel and oppressive.

Phil Grabsky, Filmmaker, My Childhood My Country: 20 Years in Afghanistan:

I've met lots of courageous and brave women, but the Afghan women are something else and even now they're out demonstrating. Unbelievable. They deserve our wholehearted support.

PENELOPE POULOU:

Grabsky says My Childhood My Country: 20 Years in Afghanistan is a labor of love spanning almost 20 years. It chronicles the forces that shaped Afghanistan and its people.

Phil Grabsky, Filmmaker, My Childhood My Country: 20 Years in Afghanistan:

And it's very beautiful to look at, it's dramatic it's funny, and above all, I think, gives you real insight into the type of person that's currently queuing at the airport or arriving in your town.

PENELOPE POULOU:

Penelope Poulou, VOA News, Washington.

CARLA BABB:

Many Afghans who fled their country as U.S. troops departed are now being housed at military posts across America as they wait to be resettled.

One of those posts is Fort McCoy in the midwestern state of Wisconsin. Thats where our Kane Farabaugh found an Afghanistan War veteran helping those who helped him.

KANE FARABAUGH, VOA Correspondent:

When Kyle Vanden Plas heard Afghans were coming to Fort McCoy not far from his Wisconsin home, he immediately jumped into action.

Kyle Vanden Plas, Team Rubicon Volunteer:

As soon as I read the email, within 10 minutes I had all my information down, and I was signed up and ready to go.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Vanden Plas volunteers with Team Rubicon, which is coordinating collection and delivery of donations and supplies pouring in for nearly 13,000 Afghan immigrants temporarily housed by the U.S. military at Fort McCoy.

Kyle Vanden Plas, Team Rubicon Volunteer:

They need basic necessities. Right now, were processing through diapers and feminine hygiene products, and baby food and clothes by the trash bag full, and getting it sorted and getting it distributed to the people in need.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Fort McCoy is a temporary processing location. Only about 400 Afghans will stay in Wisconsin. The rest will resettle in other host communities such as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Noorulhaq Fazly, Jewish Family Community Services:

We are preparing to do our best receiving families.

KANE FARABAUGH:

After working for the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Noorulhaq Fazly left Afghanistan in 2018 on a Special Immigrant Visa, or SIV. He is the only Afghan working for Jewish Family and Community Services, or JFCS, one of the agencies tasked with helping Afghans find housing and employment when they resettle in Pittsburgh. Fazly doesnt yet know the total number coming  or when.

Noorulhaq Fazly, Jewish Family and Community Services:

The problem is that we get a very short notice. Maybe five hours, like, we had last week, five hours notice (that) a family comes. So, you have to deal with that. Usually, it was a month to take to do all this preparation. But now five hours.

Jordan Golin, Jewish Family and Community Services President:

Because this is a crisis situation, this is very different from the way things are typically handled.

KANE FARABAUGH:

JCFS president Jordan Golin says despite the rapid and chaotic evacuation of Afghans, any concerns about potential security risks to America are overblown.

Jordan Golin, Jewish Family and Community Services President:

Special Immigrant Visa holders, the SIVs, they are pretty similar to refugees. They are a special class of immigrants that undergo the most rigorous screenings of any immigrant that comes to this country. They have to be cleared by the State Department to come here, but before that, they go through multiple levels of screenings, which include health screenings, security, background checks. Its a very lengthy process. We know more about them when they come here than we do probably about pretty much anyone else who comes as a tourist or student or anyone else.

Kyle Vanden Plas, Team Rubicon Volunteer:

The Afghan guests that are here have been vetted by our government, and they worked alongside us overseas and sacrificed a lot.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Sacrifices Vanden Plas understands well. He is not only a Team Rubicon volunteer but also a combat veteran of the U.S. Armys 2nd Infantry Division. He fought the Taliban in southern Afghanistan during the U.S. troop surge in 2009 and 2010.

Kyle Vanden Plas, Team Rubicon Volunteer:

I dont know that theres a day that goes by that I dont think about something that happened over there or wake up from a dream that I have. And thats something thats permanently a part of me. Its a part of my story.

KANE FARABAUGH:

A story Vanden Plas is still writing.

Kyle Vanden Plas, Team Rubicon Volunteer:

Its really a full circle thing for me.





KANE FARABAUGH:

 trading in a military vehicle roving the dusty roads of southern Afghanistan for a rental truck navigating the paved streets of northern Wisconsin, where he hopes delivering supplies to those in need helps heal him as much as it helps them.

Kyle Vanden Plas, Team Rubicon Volunteer:

They made a conscious choice to help the American troops for hopes of betterment of their country and their lives, and I think we owe it to them to continue and uphold our end of it.

KANE FARABAUGH:

Vanden Plas says hell continue to volunteer as long as there are newcomers arriving in America that need his help. Kane Farabaugh, VOA News, Sparta, Wisconsin.

CARLA BABB:

Farida Nekzad ran one of Afghanistans leading independent news services and headed the Center for the Protection of Afghan Women Journalists.

She is currently in exile in Canada after feeing Afghanistan in late August.

As part of our Press Freedom Spotlight, VOAs Esha Sarai talked to her about her work promoting female journalists and the future of Afghan media.

Farida Nekzad, Afghan Journalist:

The hardest for me is you left behind your people, your colleagues, your staff, your office, your all memories, plus the country, homeland, you leave everything. Where you had your achievements, your values, and that - behind you, you you left behind. All of the hard work you did in the country for the better future you left and just come here. All investment, which I had - investment ... I worked for 25 years, I was something in my country.

We see there's no hope. But I still think positive. [[With the]] support, those who are working for the protection and support or press freedom of journalists of the world, they have to talk, communicate, do advocacy in terms of public and private advocacy, with the Taliban to bring the position that woman should be confident that they are safe and they come back to work? This is one, my hope.

If we don't have women, that means we will make a silence, especially about women's life, and women's situation in Afghanistan. None of the international journalists will be able to know exactly what is going on. So I hope Taliban should understand that without women without press freedom without woman journalists, their their success, progress and development is impossible.

CARLA BABB:

Thats all for now. Connect with us on Instagram and Facebook at VOANews. Follow me on Twitter at CarlaBabbVOA for news related to thePentagon and U.S. military. And stay up to date online at VOANews.com. See you next week for The Inside Story.

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Senior U.S. officials said they believe the U.S. and Mexico are ready for an updated security cooperation agreement, ahead of Friday's high-level security dialogue between the two countries.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is joining U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland in Mexico City for what the State Department is calling a high-level dialogue on security issues.

Representing the Mexican side will be Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard and Cabinet secretaries from defense and security agencies.

Senior administration officials said during a phone briefing on Thursday that the U.S. would be unveiling a new initiative, the U.S.-Mexico Bicentennial Framework for Security, Public Health and Safe Communities, to look for "ways to reinvigorate security cooperation."

The new U.S.-Mexico bilateral framework will allow both countries to "learn from each other's prevention strategies" and "set enforcement priorities together," a senior administration official said. That cooperation will be applied to security issues including trafficking of illegal narcotics, human trafficking and smuggling, extradition of criminals, money laundering and illicit firearms.

The new arrangement would replace the 13-year-old Merida Initiative, in which the U.S. provided some funding to assist Mexico in combating the threats of drug trafficking, transnational organized crime and money laundering, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Thursday.

"The Merida Initiative helped Mexico strengthen rule of law and counternarcotics capacity," Price said. "We want to see to it that those gains are preserved, [and] that that cooperation is deepened."

The new initiative focuses on exchanging information and interagency cooperation and personnel training, the Mexican official said.

Ebrard said earlier this week that he wants to see the U.S. extradite suspects to Mexico more quickly, stem the flow of guns from the U.S. into Mexico, and improve efforts to trace the flow of money used by criminal organizations.

The U.S. side is expected to seek efforts to combat the trafficking of illicit drugs such as fentanyl.

Paris relations

Blinken said Wednesday that his talks this week with top French officials were "very productive" and could lead to new collaboration between Washington and Paris to contain China's military ventures in the Indo-Pacific region.

"It is vitally important to the U.S. that Europe in general, France in particular, be a strong and engaged partner in the Indo-Pacific," Blinken said at a news conference in the French capital. He concluded his trip to Europe after talks with other foreign ministers at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

Blinken suggested that the United States and France could also work together on joint concerns in the Sahel region of Africa and on U.S.-European security.

Some information for this report came from Reuters.
The head of a major Ukrainian state-owned bank has said he is under investigation in connection with a confrontation with RFE/RL investigative reporters during an interview this week.

Yevhen Metsher, who stepped down temporarily as Ukreximbank's CEO earlier this week, said he was handed the official notice on Thursday.

"I am ready to fully cooperate with the investigation. I am deeply confident that freedom of speech is an important element of Ukraine's development," Metsher wrote in a post to his Facebook page.

"Once more, I would like to express my sincere apologies to the journalistic community and personally to" the reporters involved.

Another suspect

A spokeswoman for the Kyiv regional prosecutor's office said the bank's chief spokesman had also been notified that he was a suspect. According to Ukrainian law, that means the two men are officially accused of a crime.

The day before, Metsher announced that he was temporarily stepping down as CEO of the bank, which serves as Ukraine's main export-import bank.

The incident took place in Metsher's office in Kyiv on Monday during an interview with reporters for Schemes (Skhemy), a joint investigative project run by RFE/RL and UA: Pershy television.

One reporter, Kyrylo Ovsyaniy, asked Metsher a question about a controversial loan given to a client.

Metsher subsequently instructed security personnel to stop the journalists and take their cameras and video materials away. Security guards forcibly seized videographer Oleksandr Mazur's two cameras and memory cards.

Radio Liberty is part of the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which also oversees Voice of America.

The journalists were allowed to leave after being ordered to delete video files from their memory cards. But Schemes' technicians later managed to retrieve video showing the entire incident.

Metsher's instructions

The clip shows how Metsher instructed his spokesman and security personnel to take the cameras and memory cards. Bank personnel can be heard saying that the memory cards "must be cleaned up to zero."

Officials including the office of President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Prosecutor-General Iryna Venediktova condemned the attack.

The country's National Police said they had opened a criminal probe.

"Journalists must be allowed to do their work without fear of physical intimidation or harassment," RFE/RL President Jamie Fly said in a statement following the attack.

Ukrayinska Pravda contributed to this report.
The U.N. Secretary-General told Ethiopias government Wednesday that it should show him any documents or evidence the country has to substantiate accusations related to the expulsion of seven senior humanitarian officials from the country.

In a rare and unusual public exchange, Antonio Guterres took the floor of the U.N. Security Council after the Ethiopian ambassador leveled accusations against the staffers, including that they inflated the numbers of people in need of aid by 1 million and reported deaths that never happened.

I would like to ask you one thing, Mr. Ambassador, Guterres said, directing his remarks to Ethiopian envoy Taye Atske Selassie, who was seated at the council table. If there is any written document provided by the Ethiopian government to any U.N. institution about any of the (seven) members of the U.N. that were expelled, Id like to receive a copy of that document, because I havent any knowledge of any of them, and it would be very useful to me.

Guterres went on to say that he twice told Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed that if he had concerns about the lack of impartiality of U.N. staff, he should raise them directly with him so he could investigate.

Until now, I have no response to this request, the secretary-general said.

He added that Addis Ababas move to expel the officials is a violation of international law. U.N. staff are protected by immunity conventions.

Guterres emphasized that he seeks cooperation with the government so humanitarians can do the necessary work to ease the suffering of millions of Ethiopians.

We have no other interest but to help stop that suffering, he said.

Reporters outside the council asked him about the exchange.

It is my duty to defend the honor of the United Nations, Guterres replied.

On Sept. 30, Ethiopia announced the seven had 72 hours to leave the country, accusing them of meddling in its internal affairs and diverting aid and telecommunications equipment to the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF). The government has been fighting the TPLF in the north of the country for nearly a year.

On Monday, the United Nations confirmed the seven were no longer in the country.

New accusations

At Wednesdays council meeting, Ethiopian envoy Selassie appeared to level new accusations.

He said there were a multitude of transgressions, including efforts by the staffers to create a Darfur-like situation  referring to the massive humanitarian crisis in Sudan in the early 2000s.

They suddenly and overnight created 1 million victims, he alleged.

We have evidence that the entire endeavor was created by a higher and more sophisticated motivation that seeks to undermine the Ethiopian state and rescue the TPLF, he said without elaboration.

The humanitarian situation in Tigray and the neighboring regions of Amhara and Afar is deteriorating. Guterres said Wednesday that up to 7 million people in the three conflict-affected areas are in need of food assistance and other support. He warned that obstacles have crippled humanitarian operations.

Council members also expressed their concern about the expulsion of the U.N. staffers.

There is no justification for the government of Ethiopias action, U.S. envoy Linda Thomas-Greenfield said. None at all.

She said the expulsions followed a pattern of escalating obstruction by the government that must be reversed.

And if these calls for humanitarian access continue to go unheard, then the Security Council must act, she said. We can ensure the U.N. is allowed to deliver impartial aid. We should immediately consider all tools at our disposal to facilitate this, including a Security Council resolution, to save lives and promote international peace and security.

The African members of the council  Kenya, Niger and Tunisia  along with China, urged quiet diplomacy to resolve the rift between Addis Ababa and the United Nations.

Russias representative was more explicit, saying that while the expulsions were regrettable, they should not be dramatized.

We are certain that pressure involving the U.N. Security Council, threats and resolutions, and the imposition of unlawful unilateral sanctions and the creation of a toxic atmosphere in the media is counterproductive, Russian Deputy U.N. Ambassador Anna Evstigneeva said.
The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michele Bachelet, reports widespread human rights violations and abuses in the Philippines continue to be committed with impunity across the country. Her report has been submitted to the U.N. Human Rights Council.

Philippines President Rodrigo Dutertes war on drugs has claimed thousands of lives.Official government figures last year put that number at nearly 6,000. Human rights organizations claim more than 20,000 have been killed since 2016, largely by the countrys security forces.

U.N. rights chief Bachelet notes some small measures are being taken to prevent extra-judicial killings.These include the mandatory use of body-worn cameras and alternative recording devices in police operations.

Despite these steps, she said she continues to receive disturbing reports of severe human rights violations and abuses, including killings by security forces and police in counter-narcotics and counter-insurgency operations.

Killings by alleged vigilantes also continue to be reported, with virtually no information about any form of accountability. We have also received reports of abuses by the New Peoples Army of the Communist Party of the Philippines, including the killing of civilians, recruitment of children, and extortion, she said.

Bachelet condemns the harassment, threats, and killings of human rights defenders and other activists. She said security forces and other violators rarely are held accountable for these crimes.

I remain deeply concerned by continued reports of so-called red-tagging of human rights and environmental defenders, journalists, union activists, church workers, and humanitarian workerspublicly labelling them as Communists with a view to discrediting their human rights work and encouraging attacks against them, said Bachelet.

The High Commissioner is calling on all sides to end the ugly rhetoric that is putting the lives and well-being of civic activists at risk. She said attacks against independent media, condoning extra-judicial killings and other violations and abuses must stop.

She notes this is especially important now as the Philippines heads into an election year when political rhetoric can turn into violence. The Philippines presidential and vice-presidential elections will be held next May as part of the countrys general elections.
U.N. monitors probing Cambodias human rights situation say increasing government repression against political opponents and civic activists is stifling people's fundamental freedoms.

In a report submitted to the U.N. Human Rights Council, U.N. rights chief Michelle Bachelet praised Cambodias economic recovery policies and social protection programs for vulnerable people during the COVID-19 crisis.

But she also slammed abuses by the government of Prime Minister Hun Sen. She said that the government had given law enforcement sweeping powers to curb the pandemic, and that the misuse of these powers was leading to the curtailment of peoples human rights and fundamental freedoms.

By the time this report was prepared, my office had received credible reports that at least 110 individuals were held in pre-trial detention and 16 received prison sentences through summary trials for violating COVID-19 restrictions," she said. "Since June, we have been informed of several hundred more reported arrests, exacerbating Cambodias already serious prison overcrowding.

Bachelet said the Cambodian government keeps a tight grip on society, clamping down hard on civic activists and those perceived to be dissidents. She said the human rights situation had further deteriorated since she last reported on conditions in Cambodia in February.

Arrests, attacks

She said more than 60 members of opposition parties had been arbitrarily arrested and most remained in jail. She said at least 14 others had been physically attacked. She said human rights defenders were routinely harassed and intimidated and that trade union activists reportedly were denied the right to assemble peacefully.

"We remain extremely concerned with the impunity for attacks against political activists and human rights defenders," Bachelet said. "Of particular concern are continuing threats of arrest and violence by senior officials against opposition activists hiding in Thailand. These must cease.

Bachelet urged the government to implement the Juvenile Justice Law it adopted in 2017. This law provides alternatives to detention for young people under age 18, many of whom are still in prison.

She also called on the state to end the forced evictions of people who received no compensation for the loss of their homes and land. She noted that the state had subsequently granted the land to individuals, including senior government officials and their families.

Cambodias ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, An Sokkheurn, dismissed the report from the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees as being based on false claims. He said his countrys response to COVID-19 had not restricted human rights. He noted that Cambodia was one of the few countries in the world that did not introduce a state of emergency.
A report by U.N. human rights chief Michele Bachelet finds some progress has been made in the human rights situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, the report finds extensive violations and abuses continue unabated in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. Bachelet is calling for a system of what the U.N. calls transitional justice to address the situation.

The report says the total number of human rights violations and abuses in eastern Congo dropped slightly during the period between June 1, 2020, and May 31, 2021, compared to the year before.

Despite this decrease, it says the number of people killed in summary and extrajudicial executions rose to more than 600. That includes nearly 400 people killed by a rebel group in Ituri province, and 236 people killed by members of the Congolese security and defense forces in the provinces of Ituri and North Kivu.

U.N. Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif, who presented the report to the U.N. Human Rights Council this week, said violations by Congolese armed forces continue to pose serious concerns.

These violations undermine efforts deployed to secure the east of the country," she said. "I urge the government to take the necessary measures to ensure that military operations of the armed forces against armed groups are conducted in strict compliance with human rights and international humanitarian law, and that violations by any members of the security forces are investigated and prosecuted promptly in accordance with the right to fair trial standards.

During the reporting period, Al-Nashif said, Congolese courts have convicted nearly 300 members of the DRC armed forces, Congolese national police as well as members of armed groups on various charges. Some were found guilty of crimes against humanity and war crimes.

She says it is critical that the DRC implement a system of transitional justice so perpetrators of violations and abuses continue to be prosecuted.

As the High Commissioner has stated during previous sessions of the Human Rights Council, transitional justice is key to unblocking the vicious circle of violence that persists in the DRC," Al-Nashif said. "The establishment of transitional justice mechanisms needs to effectively address impunity, guarantee access to justice and redress for victims, and ensure the implementation of guarantees of non-repetition.

Transitional justice is a strategy, a way for countries emerging from conflict and repression to deal with human rights violations that are too large for a normal system of justice to tackle. It can include setting up special courts to prosecute gross human rights violations, reforming the existing justice system, or establishing a truth and reconciliation commission.

U.N. Human Rights spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told VOA that the U.N. cannot prescribe what form transitional justice should take in the DRC. This, she says, depends on what the victims and civil society in the country demand.

DRC Minister for Human Rights, Albert Fabrice Puela, says his government is determined to set up a National Commission for Transitional Justice and create a national reparation fund for victims of serious crimes.
The White House said Wednesday a virtual summit between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping is being planned for later this year.

The announcement followed a meeting in Zurich between national security adviser Jake Sullivan and his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi. The move comes as tension between the countries increases over Biden administration demands that Beijing cease military pressure against Taiwan and live up to its trade commitments.

In the past several days, China has sent about 150 military jets into Taiwan's air defense zone, prompting warnings from the Biden administration.

The activity is destabilizing. It risks miscalculation, and it has the potential to undermine regional peace and stability, said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Taipei considers itself independent, but Beijing sees it as a breakaway province. Chinese pressure on Taiwan has become another flashpoint amid ongoing Washington and Beijing tensions.

Timothy Heath, a senior international defense researcher at the Rand Corp., said, Although concerning, I don't think that the risk of war is high. I don't think the Chinese are interested in provoking a war. Neither is the U.S.

The U.S. maintains unofficial relations and defense support for Taiwan while upholding the One China policy, recognizing Beijing over Taipei  a position reaffirmed during a September phone call with Xi, Biden said earlier this week.

We agree, we'll abide by the Taiwan agreement, that's where we are, and we made it clear that I don't think he should be doing anything other than abiding by the agreement."

However, the United States has been ramping up pressure on China, saying it hasnt complied with a January 2020 deal in which Beijing agreed to buy $200 billion more in American goods and services by 2021. The administration is keeping tariffs on $350 billion worth of Chinese goods.

Katherine Tai, U.S. trade representative, said, We will use the full range of tools we have, and develop new tools as needed, to defend American economic interests from harmful policies and practices.

The U.S. also has been shoring up alliances with Indo-Pacific powers, including Australia, which it will help equip with nuclear-powered submarines under the recent AUKUS deal. Biden also hosted the leaders of Australia, India and Japan at last months Quad summit.

But Washington has been left out of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, a massive free trade deal among 10 Southeast Asian nations and five partners, including China.

It has also been left out of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership an Obama administration-backed trade deal that former President Donald Trump withdrew from in 2017.

Abraham Denmark, the Asia Program director at the Wilson Center, said, It will be increasingly difficult for the United States to maintain our economic advantages in the Indo-Pacific, especially as China has recently applied to join the CPTPP.


Nearly one month after announcing a sweeping plan to require millions of Americans to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, U.S. President Joe Biden traveled to Chicago, Illinois, Thursday to discuss the progress of the vaccine mandates.

In comments made at Clayco, a national construction firm, Biden said that his mandates were working and that millions of Americans had gotten vaccinated since they were announced.

"We know there is no other way to beat the pandemic than to get the vast majority of Americans vaccinated. ... We're still not there. We have to beat this thing," he said.

The president also said that the mandates were good for the economy and have broad public support.

As he concluded his remarks, Biden called on more companies to implement mandates.

The latest Quinnipiac poll released earlier this week showed public approval of Biden's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was 48%, with 50% disapproving.

Last month, Biden announced a plan to require vaccinations at companies with 100 or more employees. Those who do not get vaccinated would have to submit to weekly testing. The mandate could affect more than 100 million workers.

Despite widespread vaccination among the U.S. population, 2021 has surpassed 2020 in deaths from COVID-19. Over 700,000 Americans have died from the virus so far.

Chicago is home to United Airlines, which became one of the first carriers to comply with Biden's order when it required COVID-19 vaccinations for its entire U.S.-based workforce of 67,000. American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue and Alaska Airlines have followed through with their own vaccination requirements.

Biden's mandatory vaccination plan includes all federal employees and contractors who do business with the government, and workers at any hospital that accepts Medicare or Medicaid payments.

Test kits

Jeffrey Zients, White House coronavirus response coordinator, announced Wednesday that the Biden administration will spend $1 billion to produce rapid at-home tests. He said the investment will increase the number of those kits to 200 million units by December, an amount that quadruples the current number of available tests. He said the United States should have half a billion COVID-19 tests available per month by December, split evenly between at-home self-tests and those given at a pharmacy, clinic or doctor's office.

Zients also announced that the administration will expand the number of pharmacies in the federal government's free coronavirus testing program to 20,000.

COVID toes

A new study published in the British Journal of Dermatology says the skin condition called "COVID toes" may be a side effect of the body's immune system responding to the presence of the infection.

COVID toes are painful lesions and rashes resembling frostbite on the feet and hands of infected patients. The condition causes swelling and is accompanied by burning or itching sensations. Researchers in France analyzed blood and skin biopsies from 50 patients who were treated for the condition in April 2020, at the start of the pandemic, while testing negative for COVID-19.

The samples revealed high levels of Type 1 interferon, a molecule that activates the body's immune system to fight off viruses, as well as antibodies that are not only attacking the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 but also the body's own cells.

Some information for this report came from The Associated Press and Reuters.


The United States top spy agency is making changes in response to what it describes as an an increasingly adversarial government in Beijing.

Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns Thursday announced the creation of a new China Mission Center to make sure the agencys resources and existing efforts are working together to face the growing threat.

In a statement, Burns called the Chinese government the most important geopolitical threat we face in the 21st century.

Throughout our history, CIA has stepped up to meet whatever challenges come our way, Burns said. And now facing our toughest geopolitical test in a new era of great power rivalry, CIA will be at the forefront of this effort.

The CIA also announced it is creating a Transnational and Technology Mission Center and the new position of chief technology officer to better address issues of global competitiveness, including emerging technology, economic security, global health and climate change.

The CIA also said it is launching a Technology Fellows Program, to bring in experts to work with the agency for a period of one to two years.

The heightened concerns about the activities of the Chinese government are not new, and Burns hinted during his confirmation hearing earlier this year that changes could be coming to better take on the dangers.

Competing with China will be key to our national security in the decades ahead," Burns told lawmakers in February, describing Chinas leadership as both adversarial and predatory.

"The evolution of [President] Xi Jinping's China over the last six or seven years has been a very sharp wake-up call, he added. "It's the kind of aggressive, undisguised ambition and assertiveness that I think has made very clear the nature of the adversary and rival that we face."

During a worldwide threats hearing in Congress this past April, the CIA director further warned that the U.S. rivalry with China was increasingly focused on technology, and that almost one-third of the CIAs workforce was already working on technology and cyber.

Despite the sharper focus on China, the CIA statement promised there would be no let-up when it comes to other top threats, including terrorism and what the agency said is an aggressive Russia, a provocative North Korea and a hostile Iran.

However, the way the CIA takes on some of those threats is changing.

As part of the changes, the CIA will no longer run separate mission centers for North Korea or Iran, both of which were created in 2017.

A U.S. official, speaking to VOA on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the changes, said the Korean Mission Center would be folded back into the agencys larger East Asia-Pacific Mission Center, while the Iran Mission Center would be reabsorbed into the Near East Mission Center.

The official said the changes are organizational and that the resources being devoted to both North Korea and Iran are not changing.
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A top U.S. government investigator told lawmakers Wednesday that the U.S. effort in Afghanistan, which spanned both Democratic and Republican administrations, was a massive failure costing trillions of dollars. That testimony comes as lawmakers examine why the U.S withdrawal from Afghanistan this year was so chaotic. VOAs congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson has more.



Carla Babb contributed to this report.
Developments in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan are likely to dominate the discussions between U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and senior Pakistani officials during the Americans high-profile visit to Islamabad this week.

Sherman, who arrived in Islamabad late Thursday, is the most senior U.S. diplomat to visit the South Asian nation since President Joe Bidens administration assumed office in Washington.

Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Asim Iftikhar said that views will be exchanged on all issues of mutual interest, including the bilateral relationship, as well as the regional situation in meetings with the American delegation.

We look forward to reinforcing a balanced Pak-U.S. relationship that is anchored in mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas, including security, trade, investment, energy and regional connectivity, Iftikhar said at a weekly news conference.

Pakistans traditionally tumultuous relationship with the United States, however, is under renewed pressure in the aftermath of the dramatic Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in August.

The tensions are rooted in long-running allegations that Pakistan has had deep ties with, and covertly supported the Taliban, as the Islamist insurgents battled the U.S.-backed Afghan government for almost 20 years  charges denied by Islamabad.

Late last month, a group of 22 Republican senators introduced legislation to impose sanctions on the Taliban and on all foreign governments that support the hardline Islamic group.

The bill also seeks official input from U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken about his assessment of the role Pakistan played in supporting the Talibans return to power in Kabul.

It is an attempt to pass the buck, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told a recent news conference, while responding to the proposed legislation. Scapegoating Pakistan would be overlooking ground realities. And they have to understand that a partnership with Pakistan is required in the future, as well, to achieve stability in Afghanistan and the region, Qureshi said.

Islamabad insists it is being blamed for Americas failures in Afghanistan, even though it facilitated peace talks between the United States and the Taliban which culminated in the February 2020 agreement between the two adversaries. That paved the way for Washington to withdrawal all its troops from Afghanistan in late August.

Washington says it is closely monitoring whether the Taliban will uphold their promises of tolerance and govern Afghanistan through an inclusive political system  where all ethnicities are represented while also ensuring protection of women's rights.

Islamabad has maintained it is not in a rush to recognize the new Taliban government, but it has been urging the U.S. and other countries to engage with the new rulers in Kabul rather than abandoning the turmoil-hit country.

Russia, China and Iran also have moved to directly engage with the Taliban and have called for the removal of sanctions, including the unfreezing of Afghan financial assets mostly deposited in the U.S. federal reserves. But all of these countries also have stopped short of granting diplomatic recognition to the Taliban unless they deliver on their commitments.

The crisis in Afghanistan has had a damning effect on U.S.-Pakistan relations, Raoof Hasan, special assistant to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, wrote in a recent article.

An investment of over 70 years in building a relationship has ended up at the beginning again. I believe that the two countries need to engage in a multifaceted dialogue to reorient, even reinvent, this relationship, Hasan said in the Lahore-based Pakistan Politico magazine.

The bilateral tensions come as Islamabad campaigns for resetting its relationship with Washington and others on what Islamabad calls geo-economics, or development and trade, to move away from the traditional security-based partnership.

Adam Weinstein, a research fellow at the Washington-based Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, said expectations are low for a significant outcome of Shermans visit to Pakistan.

"Pakistan wants the United States to formally recognize the Taliban and accept a geo-economic reset that broadens U.S.-Pakistan relations to issues beyond security. Neither is going to happen anytime soon, Weinstein said.

Counterterrorism remains a key area, however, where the U.S. will need Pakistans cooperation to counter any future terror threat now that American troops are out of Afghanistan.

If Washington's diplomatic outreach to Pakistan revolves around counterterrorism to the exclusion of all other issues, then that's not diplomacy but rather militarized diplomacy, Weinstein said.

Washington has grown accustomed to the political expediency of managing U.S.-Pakistan relations through the generals and intelligence agencies. This habit is likely to continue, but Sherman's visit is still welcome outreach from a civilian diplomat, he said.
The wife of slain Haitian President Jovenel Moise said Wednesday after a judicial hearing into his slaying that she would not rest until his killers were brought to justice.

Martine Moise went to meet with the judge in charge of the investigation of Moise's death in July and said she answered questions for several hours.

In an impromptu statement from the courthouse, she urged anyone with information to come forward.

"Everybody says that in my country we won't get justice. Even if people are telling me this, that's where I'll start to seek justice," Moise said. "We'll ask for justice in the morning, in the afternoon, at night, because I won't stop until I get justice."

More than 40 people have been arrested in connection with the killing, Haitian authorities have said, but it remains unclear who masterminded the operation and how they were able to gain access the president's residence. Moise was gunned down at home by a group consisting mostly of Colombian mercenaries.

A crowd gathered outside the courthouse in Moise's support, chanting slogans against the current acting head of state, Ariel Henry. Later, a fight broke out between supporters of Moise and detractors.

Moise recently completed a small tour of her home country after a prolonged absence in the wake of the slaying.

"I don't wish this upon anyone," Moise said. She said she had been married to the former banana importer for 25 years.
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Makarska, Kroatia / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : I was laying on the bed und suddendly it startet to shake! Not much bit still... My first thought was that it is u bahn .. Metro .. Because i am living in Berlin .. But then i realised there is no u bahn hier .. I was confused .. Then i looked outside but | 6 users found this interesting.

Kastel Stari, Split-Dalmatia (37.4 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Irritated first before realizing that it was an earthquake | 4 users found this interesting.

Podstrana (6.1 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 15-20 s : Hotelzimmer hat vibriert, begleitet von einem leichten Klingelton. Dauer mehrere Sekunden, fuhlte sich ab, als ob man in einem ruckelnden Aufzug fahrt. | 4 users found this interesting.

Okrug Gornji, Ciovo / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Two waves of quakes, and a short (3s?) pause between them. I felt the first one and made my fiancee aware :) | 4 users found this interesting. / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Podstrana (26.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I was lying on the sofa and our modern build house was trembling, I was afraid, that the panorama windows might get broken. The sofa was vibrating. It felt like a 6 magnitude | 4 users found this interesting. I hope you never experience M6 because as much as M4.8 is bad, don't compare it to something much much worse.

Habe das Beben etwa 3 bis 5 Sekunden gespurt. Der Boden hat gewackelt und das Geschirr in den Schranken hat gerappelt. Haben nur gedacht, schnell raus hier. Aber dann war alles wie vorher. Habe trotzdem etwas Angst. / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split (33.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) : In bed watching tv, short deep vibration under my feet deep down into the ground. Ran out to check outside, nothing happened | 3 users found this interesting. do you know if i should be scared there will be another? / Very weak shaking (MMI II)

split Croatia (32.9 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s : First time i felt a quake. Very frightening, scary. | 2 users found this interesting.

Split (33.2 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : Faible tremblement bruit de tonnerre et craquement du plancher dans la chambre du logement de vaccances dans le quartier de la vieille ville

Trogir, Croatia (52.5 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : North of Split, feeling indor, the whole house is shaking, but there were no Planes or Trucks near us

Split (30.2 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Sitting in the living room and suddenly the objects in the house started rattling, we certainly felt it quite strongly!!

Valamar Meteor Hotel - Makarska / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Rich Pollen and Yvonne Mulhearn on holiday from the UK. There was a thunderstorm going on at the same time and we thought that it was just very loud thunder. Soon realised with the few seconds of shaking that it was an earthquake. | 2 users found this interesting.

Split (33.2 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : I was laying in bed on the 3rd floor on an apartment and I felt the whole building shake and tremble. | 2 users found this interesting.

Okrug Gornji (23.7 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : Felt like being next to a train as it goes by. It started off with gentle shaking and then became more pronounced before it suddenly stopped. | 2 users found this interesting.

Podstrana, Split-Dalmatia (27 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s : Les verres etaient proches de tombes de l'etagere. | One user found this interesting.

Podstrana, Split-Dalmatia (27 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Podstrana. Rollend kommendes Grollen mit anschlieendem heftigen erzittern des Gebaudes. | One user found this interesting.

split (29.2 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : loud | One user found this interesting.

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Strong shaking up and down for cca 2 seconds following by slow swinging left-right (8th floor apartment).

Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Fear | 2 users found this interesting.

Es geschah in der Stadt Supetar am oberen Ende des / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s : Es begann mit einem lauten Knall. Das dreistockige Gebaude schwankte: Es ist ein Erdbeben!, schrie Matthias. Wir zogen uns schnell was an, nahmen noch den Schirm mit. Die beiden Yorkshires zitterten vor Angst. Wir rannten die Treppen hinunter, nie | One user found this interesting.

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / simple rolling (tilting sideways along one direction) / 2-5 s : Rattling, as if from a large truck. Clear waves of the shock can be felt. | One user found this interesting.

Novi put 3 / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s : Nous avons entendu comme un grondement enorme, puis le sol s'est mis a trembler sous nos pieds pendant 5 sec a peu pres | One user found this interesting.

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : yes, I thought a bus was hitting the house. It was over after approx. 3 seconds. I realized just afterwards that it was an earthquake. Everything stayed in place, no items fell out of the shelves | One user found this interesting.

Split old town (32.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s : Es fuhlte sich an wie ein starker Schlag gegen das Haus | One user found this interesting.

Brela (29.6 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Wir haben es zuerst nicht realisiert, dass es ein Erdbeben war. Dann sind wir zitternd aufgesprungen. Und wir sind immer noch unruhig ob noch Nachbeben kommen. | One user found this interesting.

Tucepi (45.5 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : Deutliches grollen und starkes vibrieren in der 4. Etage des Hotels | One user found this interesting.

Trogir / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Shaking for a few seconds, maybe 4-7. Woke me up and brought people outside | One user found this interesting.

Split / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I was indoor, second floor. Shaking Similar like passing bigger truck outside. | One user found this interesting. Felt the same / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single vertical bump / 2-5 s : A small pre-shock that made me stop reading. Immediately followed by a big up and down shock that made all the cutlery and glasses in the kitchen rattle. It felt like the building went over a speed bump. | One user found this interesting.

brela croatia (33.5 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : On sofa everything shaking in new building top floor | One user found this interesting.

Sibenik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s | One user found this interesting.

Murvica, island Brac (45 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Vibration, noise. Like heavy truck passing by

Split (32.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s

Bol, Split-Dalmatia (36.1 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Loud rumble before the short lateral shake

Split (33.3 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

Brela, Split-Dalmatien (31.6 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s

Split Croatia (27.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : Hotel room. Marriot Split Moderately

Quarto, Naples, Campania (377.9 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

Omis, Split-Dalmatia (32.7 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s : Ansteigendes lautes Grollen dann Erschutterung

Split (32.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

near Starigrad, Split-Dalmatia (57.1 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 15-20 s : Like an huge explosion in a distance, drinking glasses on the shelf clinging. Metal pots same.

near Jesenice, Dugi Rat Opcina, Split-Dalmatien (42.7 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Podstrana, Split-Dalmatia (26.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Starigrad, Split-Dalmatia (53.6 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Very weak shaking

Split (32.9 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Podstrana, Split-Dalmatia (27 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s

Kamen, Grad Split, Split-Dalmatia (29.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Bol, Split-Dalmatia (40.7 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Vibration of bed and walls

Kamen, Grad Split, Split-Dalmatia (27.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 2-5 s

Omis, Split-Dalmatia (23.4 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Podstrana, Split-Dalmatia (26 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Marina di Montemarciano, The Marches (278.9 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

Brela, Split-Dalmatien (31.6 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s

Split (33.3 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Rogoznica, Sibenik-Knin (70.9 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 1-2 s

Split (32.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : shacking

Omis, Split-Dalmatia (25.6 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Zantar (138.4 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Split (33.4 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Podstrana, Split-Dalmatia (26.9 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : I think some persons shake my camper. But it was to fast for persons

Siroki Brijeg, Federation of B&H (69.7 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s

Capljina, Federation of B&H (95.3 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Kamen, Grad Split, Split-Dalmatia (27.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

Brela, Split-Dalmatien (33.7 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 15-20 s : weak shaking

Makarska, Split-Dalmatia (40.8 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Split (33.5 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Sideways movement

Split (31.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Few seconds of strong shaking,begging felt like thunder and rumbly noise.

Bol, Split-Dalmatia (36.9 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Omis, Split-Dalmatia (25.7 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Podstrana, Split-Dalmatia (26.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Brela, Split-Dalmatien (34.4 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s

Makarska, Split-Dalmatia (42 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 5-10 s : Week shaiking Like A Big truck autside

Okrug Gornji, Split-Dalmatia (48 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Donji grad, HR.21.3186885, City of Zagreb (251.1 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

Split (32.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s

Podstrana, Split-Dalmatia (21.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Kamen, Grad Split, Split-Dalmatia (29.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

near Podhum, Federation of B&H (6.5 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s

Kastel Stari, Split-Dalmatia (41.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split (33.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s

Split (32.9 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s

Makarska (38.2 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : House vibrated noticeably for approx 5 secs.

near Sinj, Split-Dalmatia (24.3 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : very weak shaking, Vibration

Mimice (26.1 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Gala (13 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s

Sibenik (77 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Stupin Celine, Rogoznica, Kroatien (67.2 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 1-2 s

Split (33.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s

Crostia (26.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

split (33.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : we were in our apartment in the centre of split und felt suddenly a scary shaking.

Sitting in a restaurant (30.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : First earthquake I felt in my life

Pasman (122.5 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I WAS IN BED

Podstrana, Split-Dalmatia (27 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s

Koprivno (5.4 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating

Split, Croatia (33.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split (27.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 1-2 s

Mimice (26 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Vodice, Croatia (85 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s

Split (32.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Brela, kroatia (31.8 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s : Ble engstelig

Omis (23.5 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Kastel Stari, Split-Dalmatia (39.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / very short

Split (35.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : I was in bed and my bed was vibrating

Makarska (41.8 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Omis (25.9 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s

Split (31.9 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Split (31.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 10-15 s

Split Croatia (46.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Moderate

Omis (24.7 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

VRLIKA (43.9 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : Strong trembling and it lasted around 15sec... Steong shaking

Makarska Croatia (41.3 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Trogir Croatia (50 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Brela (27.6 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 5-10 s

Postira (33.1 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : Shaking ground

Torrevecchia Teatina (253.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Kastela (40 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Makarska (46.9 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Split Croatia (27.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : Hotel room. Marriot Split Moderately

Lovka Rogoznica (26.2 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : Leichtes rutteln unter den fusssen

Kastel Stari, Split-Dalmatia (37.2 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Supetar (35.2 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Viska (32.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Was inside, felt shaking

Okrug Gornji, Split-Dalmatia (45 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s : Langsames schwingen und dann kurzes schutteln

Solin, (26.4 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Makarska (43.6 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Split (32.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split (34.3 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Shaking

Split (32.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Omis (24.5 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Shaking of the caravan for maybe 3 seconds

Brela (32.3 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Second event.

Livno, Bosna i Hercegovina (25.5 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : Sitting and watchin TV.

LIVNO (25.2 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Podgora, Municipality of Podgora, Split-Dalmatia (49 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : Der gesamte Raum geriet fur ca 2 Sekunden in Schwingung

Makarska (41.9 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 10-15 s : Saen auf dem Sofa und haben es deutlich gespurt wie alles wackelt

Bol auf Brac (43.8 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : Im Bett Haus hat vibriert

Split, Croatia (33.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : It felt kind of like thunder rolling, but was strange.

Bol (43.4 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Vitez (97.5 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : I was in the bed and it was like a gentle massage. No big moving, just like a small vibration.

Budva (223.5 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Okrug gornji (46.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Moderate shacking

Sutivan Brac Island (38.1 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : Vibration of our flat. Only lasted a couple of seconds. No falling objects or damage.

Split, Croatia (30.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split (30.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 20-30 s

Split Croatia (32.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 15-20 s

murter (100.3 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s

Solin, Split-Dalmatia (30.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s : Hard shaking....near Split ...peninsula Vranjic for sure 5.0

trogir (47.3 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s

Split (25.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Omis (22.3 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Weak shaking

Medjugorje (84.5 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

Starigrad, Split-Dalmatia (52.2 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : In the house

Kastel Luksic (37.3 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Civio Kroatien (47.2 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Split (32.9 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Shaking

Split (32 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Mostar, Canton 10, Federation of B&H (85.3 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s slight shaking for about 10 sec (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Split (31.3 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s : ...

Brela (38.4 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Split (29.4 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s

Baska voda (33.7 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Split (34 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Trogir (46.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Split (28.1 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Sitting in the living room and hear a dark sound and short shake

Split Croatia (31.9 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Solin, Split-Dalmatia (18.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Startet like a rumble, then got louder. Stopped pretty quickly

Split (33.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Belp, Bern-Mittelland District (812.1 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

Brela, Split-Dalmatien (31.8 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split (33.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Definitely felt vibrating and rattling

Brac (32.9 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Sotting

Split (29.5 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Sitting in the couch, feeling the whole apartment building vibrating

S (29.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split Croatia (44.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

split, croatia (30.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : working on laptop, felt disturbed

Split (31.4 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split, Croatia (33.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : shaking evident, glasses moved on coffee table. Felt a bit dizzy. Felt like a 4.5.

spinut (34.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : laying in bed, room started shakig

omis, croatia (24.1 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I was laying in bed and it felt like a boat on the water

Trogir, Split-Dalmatien (46.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Split (33.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Weak shaking,we observed objects on shelves shaking for about 10 secs.

Brela (30.8 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Deutlich spurbar

Livno (26.1 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Kastel Kambelovac (35.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Makarska (42.2 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Stari Grad, Hvar, Croatia (223.4 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 2-5 s : bed shook

Solta Croatia (47.2 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : The hole house was shacking for 15 seconds. A 4 out of 10. Light shaking

Ruzici (60.2 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Felt vibration and desk also shaked

Makarska (41.9 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Split (32.9 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Hotel room laughing because was first quake o experienced on my live

Kamen, Grad Split, Split-Dalmatia (30 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : On the sofa, watching TV, building shook for a couple of seconds

Brodarica, Grad Sibenik, Sibensko-Kniniska (72.6 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split,Croatia (27 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 15-20 s : In bed, loud, shaking

SPLIT (32.2 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Split (32.2 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : The apartment (2 medium rooms, 1 small room) shook, no breakages of items or things falling.

Hvar croatia (60.2 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Top floor of the Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort.

SLATINE (42.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Makarska (41.3 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Shaky. Sitting on hotel balcony

Solin (27.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Split, croatia (30.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Bugojno (66 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / very short

Split (31.5 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Split Croatia

Starigrad, Split-Dalmatia (44.2 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split, Croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : We felt everything shake for about 7 seconds | One user found this interesting.

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s : Laying in bed felt building rattle

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s : Laying in bed felt building rattle

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Podstrana / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Podstrana / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Hvar / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I was very afraid

Stobrec / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Was very scared

Split, Croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Felt and sounded like I was living over a metro station

Dramalj Manestri (243.7 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : we have a house in Dramalj Manestri. We were not there, but our neighbours told us, that it was perceptible. One house of a neighbour has a break of about 2mm and 2 to 3 m long across the frontwall

split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : awfully scary

Makarska (46.9 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Podgora / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Leichte Erschutterungen des Gebaudes.

Dugopolje (17.4 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : My family was watching together a action movie when it happend. First we thought it could be SFX coming from TV or somebody crashed into our house, but then the noise got much louder and moderate shaking began. We fled the house in panic, but it stopped s

split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : awfully scary

Podstrana (27 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single vertical bump / very short

Velebitska, Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Door shaking, ceiling light swinging

Velebitska, Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Door shaking, ceiling light swinging

Slano, Dalmatien / Weak shaking (MMI III) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s : Einen groen Schreck bekommen und gleich gewusst, dass hier etwas nicht ht normal ist.

Split / Weak shaking (MMI III) / very short

Medugorje / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s : The house was shaking a little bit.

Split, (31.3 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : First time being near an earthquake so I would say mild shaking .

Split Croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 5-10 s : Light shaking but much heavier than traffic. Whole building felt like it was shaking. Nothing fell, bed shook

Stari grad, Hvar / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split (33.5 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s

Brela / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s

Brela (31.3 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : The earth was clearly moving for 5 seconds, everybody in the room was looking at each other and instantly knew this was an earthquake.

Plano, Trogir / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Kurze Unsicherheit, es ging schnell vorbei, keine weiteren Schwingungen

Supetar, Croatia / Weak shaking (MMI III) / simple rolling (tilting sideways along one direction) / 1-2 s : It felt like the floor was rolling. It was like one small wave.

Split Znjan / Weak shaking (MMI III) : Moving in my room.

Sit on couch (51.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : irritated

Melbourne / not felt : Didn't feel anything

Makarska (40.7 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s : Scary

Sibenik, Sparadici 74

Marusici / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s : War leicht verwundert und wusste nicht was da passiert. 8

Omis Borak / Light shaking (MMI IV) : We felt the shaking of the bed and the TV. We think around 3 seconds.

Postira / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Makarska / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Baska voda Palace Hotel (33.2 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s : Indoors, first floor. Like a big truck was passning, or like thunder, at first. Then shaking and vibrations, and horisontal swinging.

Mimice (34.9 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Strong tremors

Brela (31.8 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s

Camping Stobrec Split (27.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s : Wir schliefen in unserem Wohnmobil auf o.g. Campingplatz und wurden von den Bewegungen welches unser Wohnmobil machte wach. Es fuhlte sich an, als ob das Fahrzeug hin und her geschuttelt wurde.

Trogir (247.2 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s

Omis / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Konnte in diesem Moment nicht einschatzen, um was es sich handelt. Dachte, es ware eine starke Windboe.

Sleeping in the caravan (27.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Seget donji / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Une petite secousse dans le lit. Et l autre personne la baie vitree exterieure une seule onde de choc

Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Trzesy sie meble

Suvitan / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Like some imense truck was passing by, next door. Especially the walls shaked a lot.

Dugi Rat / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s : Todesangst.

Selca, brac, croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Zagreb / not felt

Vbrovska (52.4 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 5-10 s

Zagreb / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

Vrboska Hvar / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Sat up in bed, bed was shaking.

Tucepi, Hotel Blue Sun Alga / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Brela / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Ul. Ivana Gorana Kovacica, 21300, Makarska, Kroa (40.3 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Kastel Luksic / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Felt like a big truck or tank passed by.

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : First there was 3-4 sec vibrations. Then 2 sec nothing then a really clearly to recognize horizontal shaking about 3-4 sec.

Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Split, Croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Felt and sounded like I was living over a metro station

Solta (55.4 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Stari grad, Hvar / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Light to moderate Shaking

Supetar / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s

Brela / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Scared but wasnt shire what it is , but the whole building a quite big one made a move

Bratus near Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s

Brac (37.8 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Vinisce / not felt

Bol (43.9 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Makarska / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s : Gegenstande im Zimmer haben gewackelt

Split (31.5 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Split Croatia

Tucepi / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / 20-30 s : Just strange moment we are on holiday in hotel Neptun Tucepi

Jelsa, Hvar / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Ein kurzes Beben in Verbindung mit einem lauten Gerausch

Im Reisemobil auf Camping Platz Stobrec sudlich / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Insel Brac,Bol Hotel Bretanide / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split (33.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Weak shaking,we observed objects on shelves shaking for about 10 secs.

Milna , Brac / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : We are on a boat moored in Milna. The boat vibrated for 2 seconds and it was like the shake when you switch on the engines. We first thought there was something under the boat. Then doublechecked this site.

Zadar / not felt

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 10-15 s

Tucepi (45.5 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Trogir (47.4 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Light shaking

Makarska / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s

Stobrec / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : 1st time ever, slight vibration walls floor

Otok ciovo / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s : Bett hat gewackelt

Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s

Island of Solta / up to Stomorska (47.8 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / simple rolling (tilting sideways along one direction) / 5-10 s : Short but strong shake , strong noise

Mimice / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Flor was vibrating ligtly for few secands, from the begining i thought takt the thunder just hit sowhere near 

Milna Brac / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s

duce (25.2 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Podgora / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating

Brac (35.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : Quietly resting and heard a rumble that got louder and then the room started to vibrate and then it seemed to pass

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s : Objects in the bedroom were shaking as if a super loud thunder thunder was rolling right above our hotel.

Krvavica (37.7 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Spli / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s : My appartement is at the 4th floor and it was the first earthquake i witnessed. I was laying in bed and it started with some low vibration, I thought it was like heavy wind or something. After like 1 second there was like a light/moderate horizontal shaki

Duce/Omis / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 20-30 s : Eswar ein dumpfes Grollen . Das Haus wackelte betrachtlich, etwa so, als ob es auf einer groen platte steht und die hin und her geschwungen wird.

Hrvojeva 3 (33.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Bed located on first floor was shaking a bit. Felt like a heavy washing machine centrifugation.

Tucepi / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 30-60 s

Brela, Baska voda / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Milna , Brac / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : We are on a boat moored in Milna. The boat vibrated for 2 seconds and it was like the shake when you switch on the engines. We first thought there was something under the boat. Then doublechecked this site.

Omis / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s : Angst

Podstrana (6.1 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 15-20 s : Hotelzimmer hat vibriert, begleitet von einem leichten Klingelton. Dauer mehrere Sekunden, fuhlte sich ab, als ob man in einem ruckelnden Aufzug fahrt.

Supetar brac (35.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : There was a 5 seconds time where the house shaked

Ogorje gornje / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

sutivan (37.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s : .

Podstrana / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging : Very load deep rushing noise

Camping Stobrec / Weak shaking (MMI III) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 1-2 s

Split (32.9 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s

Omis / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 15-20 s

Sutivan Brac / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Very large explosion,sounded like a bomb. Building shaking and lights flickering.

Dubrovnik / not felt

Sutipan / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Makarska / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Okrug (41.7 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Little Earth Shake

Velebitska, Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Door shaking, ceiling light swinging

Brela / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Scared but wasnt shire what it is , but the whole building a quite big one made a move

Brac supertar / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Makarska (42 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Here could hear it coming kind of like thunder rolling, got louder than building was shaking

Podstrana (27.3 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s : My brother and me were on the 4th floor of our hotel. I was in the bath and my brother in the bed. The whole building was shaking for about 4 seconds

Makarska / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : Felt like the house shake

Split / not felt : Nothing

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s : Objects in the bedroom were shaking as if a super loud thunder thunder was rolling right above our hotel.

Trogir / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Bed was shaking sidewards, in 3rd floor, old town building

Stobrec (27.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Razanj (67.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Very weak shaking while I lay in bed

Split / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Little shaking

Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s

povlja insel brac / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s

Bol, island Brac / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : It felt like someone movedmy bed forward and backward, deep sound from below

Solta , stormoska / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Solta

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Hotel building swayed back and forth.

Baska voda / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vibration and rolling / 10-15 s : Moderate intensity.

Pirovac / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Ogorje gornje / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

Split, Croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Felt and sounded like I was living over a metro station

Podstrana / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 20-30 s : We were in the fifth floor of our hotel in Split and the room started shaking and swaying pretty moderately. After the quake everyone went to the hallway and all felt the same thing

Gata / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : The house was shaking and we were scared for about 10 seconds

Seget Vranjica (52.5 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s : Komisches grollendes Gerausch und vibrieren des gesamten Hauses Uns war sofort klar das die Erde gebebt hat. Wir hatten Angst das sich das in der Nacht noch einmal wiederholt.

Bol BRAC (377.3 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 5-10 s : I felt very scared

Omis Croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Building moving and rumbling sounds

Split / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s

Podgora / not felt

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 10-15 s

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Hvar / not felt / single vertical bump / 2-5 s : Indoors, sofa was moving

Okrug gornji / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Weak shaking in the building

Okrug Gornji, Ciovo / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / very short : 2-3 seconds before the Single Shock Hit us we heard a noise. I thought the washing machine started running heavily, but then suddenly one single shock Made me shake on the couch. At first i wasnt even sure if it was an earthquake.

Split City Center (33.5 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s

Sibenik,Bilice, Stubalj PLZ 22000 / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Es war ein sehr schwaches Vibrieren mit lautem Gerausch, als ob ein Lkw vorbeifahrt

Split , kapiceva ulica / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Makarska, / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 15-20 s : Tische, stehlampe, Inhalt in Glasern wackelte. Sofa und Stuhle.

Brac / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s

Bol, Brac / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

Podstrana / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s : Bed shaked. House made noises

Split / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s

Kastela / not felt

Sutivan (39.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Banjaluka / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : 7 sprat. Osjetno njihanje 4-7 sekundi. 2 trzaja, jedan za drugim.

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s : A moderate jolt

Seget Vranjica / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Ich lag im Bett und spurte wie das Haus wackelte. Es war ein sehr dumpfes Gerausch (ahnlich wie bei einem starken Gewitter) und ein heftiges vibrieren fur ca. 2-4 Sekunden.

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Podstrana / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Omis / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s : Ja es hat alles gewackelt das Bett wahr sich am bewegen.

Bol (43.9 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Omis (24.5 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s : Ich schlief im Wohnmobil und wurde durch das Schaukel des Wohnmobils geweckt

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Light shaking - was sitting on couch, watching TV and I felt it through the floor on my feet and through the couch. I heard some dishes rattle in the kitchen. About the time I realized what it was, and wondered if I needed to get in a doorway or under a t

jelsa hvar / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Zadar / not felt

Livno / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Legers tremblements

Tucepi / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Supetar / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Light shaking, we did not know what it is. It was very short. At first we noticed the deep sound, it was like rocks rolling down a hill or avalanche.

Dugi Rat (25.6 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Split / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s

In BRELA / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Ich habe einen Schreck bekommen.habe sofort meine Papiere zusammen gepackt.zum Gluck kamm nichts danach.

Brela / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s

Le Merridien Hotel / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Heavy shaking

Solin (27.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Kastel sucurac / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Plus growling sound coming from deep down

Zlatna brats, Split, Croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Light shaking, vibrating

Baska Voda / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s

Tomislavgrad (34.4 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 10-15 s : I al hete as a tourist and boy Usero to Earthquakes

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Light shaking. Horizontal vibrations for about 10seconds then nothing more

Old town / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Old town / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Solta, Maslinica (55.5 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Villany / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

Omis (24.1 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : The whole building was shaking. Furniture in the flat was moving

Milna / Weak shaking (MMI III) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s : War erschreckt, habe das in dieser Intensitat noch nie gespurt.

Primosten / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Very weak shaking

Livno / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Medjugorje (84.5 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

Supetar (35.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s : My walls were shaking and the mirror on the wall. I thought something hit the building

Hvar / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I was very afraid

Brela, Baska voda / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Livno, Bosnien-Herzegowina / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Tijarica (11.3 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Brac (44 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s

Supetar (35.3 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Tresanje i vibracije, tresanje predmeta na stolu, brujanje zemlje

Omis (23.8 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Split / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Faint vibrations nothing crazy

Podstrana / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 15-20 s

Omis / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 15-20 s

Wolvega / not felt : I felt nothing.

Supetar / Weak shaking (MMI III) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s

West Palm Beach / not felt : I didn't feel anything

Bol, Brac / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Weak

Kastel Sucurac (32.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s : Light shaking

Near markaska / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Felt and heard windows vibrating. Lights flickering. Walls shaking

Medjugorje (86 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / very short

Split, dvornikova ulice 10 / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I was thinking that a big truck (not possible because we were in the old town, small street) or thunderstorm has touched somewhere down the floor (but there wasn not lightening), or my neighbours has moved something on the floor, then my friend told me th

Split (28.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : First was rumbling from the ground and after that the building was shaking. It lasted for 5-6 seconds.

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Dugi Rat / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s : Das Haus hat gewackelt und die Fenster haben stark hin und her geschwungen.

Banja Luka / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 1-2 s (reported through our app / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 1-2 s

In house / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Livno / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s Podrhtavanje je tesko objasniti. Kao da sve tone. Poslije jakog potresa za sada je bilo 6 manjih podrhtavanja. (reported through (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s

Podstrana / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : I was on a hotel balcony and it shook bad for a few seconds

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Omis / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / very short

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s On the 3rd floor of 6, suddenly building started to shake for several seconds, it was quite scary. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Kastela / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Felt like a shock wave of a blast, building was shaking a bit

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Light to moderate Shaking

Split (33.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Split / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Ground shaking

split / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s

Split / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Kastel Stari / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Things in the shelves were vibrating

Brela / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

Supetar, Insel Brac / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Lauter Schlag, ein starker Sto

Strozanac - Podstrana / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : We ran under the beam.

Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Tirane / Strong shaking (MMI VI) (reported through our app / Strong shaking (MMI VI)

podaca (70.3 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Trilj / Moderate shaking (MMI V) (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Livno (15.6 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / vibration and rolling / 20-30 s

Dobrince (34.2 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Split (26.2 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Confused

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 20-30 s : We were in the fifth floor of our hotel in Split and the room started shaking and swaying pretty moderately. After the quake everyone went to the hallway and all felt the same thing

Mimice / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Slatine / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split Kroatien / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s : Das ist unbeschreiblich,bin nur nach drauen gelaufen. Das hat sich wie riesen Donner gefielt. Schrecklich, mit schlafen ist jetzt woll vorbei,

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Omis, Croatia (24.3 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : Laying in bed of a hotel at Omis, Croatia. The building was shaking.

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : On the 5th floor of a hotel and felt rumbling like a large truck or train passing.

Solin / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s : moderate

Tucepi / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Primosten / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s

Bol, Brac / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Brela / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : In restaurant vibrating and shaking felt like a helicopter was flying above.

split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : awfully scary

Split / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vibration and rolling / 20-30 s

Brela / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : our house shook for a few seconds

omis / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s

Split, / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s : I knew it right away! It was like the thunder but from within or underneath

Omis / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / very short

Makarska / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Fear

Brela (31.3 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : The earth was clearly moving for 5 seconds, everybody in the room was looking at each other and instantly knew this was an earthquake.

Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Quite scary

Brela / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : First Time. Scary

Villa eagle, Svincisce, Croatia / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s : Strong shaking of outdoor area

Split Croatia (46.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Moderate

Ciovo / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

Umljanovic / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Glagoljaska ulica / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Split (33.2 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s

Bol / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s : .

Radunica ul. 81, 21000 Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : First there was a noise like thunder. A couple seconds later shaking began while the noise still ongoing but became quite. From start of noise to stop of shaking it took around 10 second (felt). The cat was only looking up but not disturbed at all.

Zadar / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Weak shaking

Brela / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Podgora / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : I thought it was a ghost shaking me

Krvavica (37.7 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : The whole hotel Biokova in Makarska was light shaking for 3 to 5 seconds

Split croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : First felt like a washing machine underneath the bed with the bed vibrating and rattling, then grew to the whole room vibrating and shaking clearly an earthquake.

Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Lying in hotel bed in Makarska room started to shake, Never experienced that before hopefully the last time I feel a shake like that!

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s

Omis / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Ciovo / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 1-2 s : Like a truck passing by

stanici / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Supetar / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Ca 3-5 Sekunden ruttelndes grummeln. Wusste sofort, dass es ein Beben ist da ich schon einmal eins erlebt habe. Sind rausgegangen, alles ruhig.

Brela / not felt / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Sounds in lower frequency about 3-5 seconds (moaybe more). I think, there was no shaking.

Orebic / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 2-5 s

Baska Voda / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Als ob von dem Berg ein Teil den Berg runterrutschte und daher die Vibrationen kommen. Vom Gerausch her war es als ob ein riesiger, lauter LKW an mir vorbei fahrt. Nachbeben konnte man vorab schon horen und dann spurten wir es.

Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s : Deep vertical vibrations, like house would have drawn a bit.
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Makarska, Kroatia / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : I was laying on the bed und suddendly it startet to shake! Not much bit still... My first thought was that it is u bahn .. Metro .. Because i am living in Berlin .. But then i realised there is no u bahn hier .. I was confused .. Then i looked outside but | 6 users found this interesting.

Kastel Stari, Split-Dalmatia (37.4 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Irritated first before realizing that it was an earthquake | 4 users found this interesting.

Podstrana (6.1 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 15-20 s : Hotelzimmer hat vibriert, begleitet von einem leichten Klingelton. Dauer mehrere Sekunden, fuhlte sich ab, als ob man in einem ruckelnden Aufzug fahrt. | 4 users found this interesting.

Okrug Gornji, Ciovo / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Two waves of quakes, and a short (3s?) pause between them. I felt the first one and made my fiancee aware :) | 4 users found this interesting. / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Podstrana (26.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I was lying on the sofa and our modern build house was trembling, I was afraid, that the panorama windows might get broken. The sofa was vibrating. It felt like a 6 magnitude | 4 users found this interesting. I hope you never experience M6 because as much as M4.8 is bad, don't compare it to something much much worse.

Habe das Beben etwa 3 bis 5 Sekunden gespurt. Der Boden hat gewackelt und das Geschirr in den Schranken hat gerappelt. Haben nur gedacht, schnell raus hier. Aber dann war alles wie vorher. Habe trotzdem etwas Angst. / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split (33.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) : In bed watching tv, short deep vibration under my feet deep down into the ground. Ran out to check outside, nothing happened | 3 users found this interesting. do you know if i should be scared there will be another? / Very weak shaking (MMI II)

split Croatia (32.9 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s : First time i felt a quake. Very frightening, scary. | 2 users found this interesting.

Split (33.2 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : Faible tremblement bruit de tonnerre et craquement du plancher dans la chambre du logement de vaccances dans le quartier de la vieille ville

Trogir, Croatia (52.5 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : North of Split, feeling indor, the whole house is shaking, but there were no Planes or Trucks near us

Split (30.2 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Sitting in the living room and suddenly the objects in the house started rattling, we certainly felt it quite strongly!!

Valamar Meteor Hotel - Makarska / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Rich Pollen and Yvonne Mulhearn on holiday from the UK. There was a thunderstorm going on at the same time and we thought that it was just very loud thunder. Soon realised with the few seconds of shaking that it was an earthquake. | 2 users found this interesting.

Split (33.2 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : I was laying in bed on the 3rd floor on an apartment and I felt the whole building shake and tremble. | 2 users found this interesting.

Okrug Gornji (23.7 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : Felt like being next to a train as it goes by. It started off with gentle shaking and then became more pronounced before it suddenly stopped. | 2 users found this interesting.

Podstrana, Split-Dalmatia (27 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s : Les verres etaient proches de tombes de l'etagere. | One user found this interesting.

Podstrana, Split-Dalmatia (27 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Podstrana. Rollend kommendes Grollen mit anschlieendem heftigen erzittern des Gebaudes. | One user found this interesting.

split (29.2 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : loud | One user found this interesting.

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Strong shaking up and down for cca 2 seconds following by slow swinging left-right (8th floor apartment).

Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Fear | 2 users found this interesting.

Es geschah in der Stadt Supetar am oberen Ende des / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s : Es begann mit einem lauten Knall. Das dreistockige Gebaude schwankte: Es ist ein Erdbeben!, schrie Matthias. Wir zogen uns schnell was an, nahmen noch den Schirm mit. Die beiden Yorkshires zitterten vor Angst. Wir rannten die Treppen hinunter, nie | One user found this interesting.

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / simple rolling (tilting sideways along one direction) / 2-5 s : Rattling, as if from a large truck. Clear waves of the shock can be felt. | One user found this interesting.

Novi put 3 / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s : Nous avons entendu comme un grondement enorme, puis le sol s'est mis a trembler sous nos pieds pendant 5 sec a peu pres | One user found this interesting.

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : yes, I thought a bus was hitting the house. It was over after approx. 3 seconds. I realized just afterwards that it was an earthquake. Everything stayed in place, no items fell out of the shelves | One user found this interesting.

Split old town (32.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s : Es fuhlte sich an wie ein starker Schlag gegen das Haus | One user found this interesting.

Brela (29.6 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Wir haben es zuerst nicht realisiert, dass es ein Erdbeben war. Dann sind wir zitternd aufgesprungen. Und wir sind immer noch unruhig ob noch Nachbeben kommen. | One user found this interesting.

Tucepi (45.5 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : Deutliches grollen und starkes vibrieren in der 4. Etage des Hotels | One user found this interesting.

Trogir / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Shaking for a few seconds, maybe 4-7. Woke me up and brought people outside | One user found this interesting.

Split / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I was indoor, second floor. Shaking Similar like passing bigger truck outside. | One user found this interesting. Felt the same / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single vertical bump / 2-5 s : A small pre-shock that made me stop reading. Immediately followed by a big up and down shock that made all the cutlery and glasses in the kitchen rattle. It felt like the building went over a speed bump. | One user found this interesting.

brela croatia (33.5 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : On sofa everything shaking in new building top floor | One user found this interesting.

Sibenik / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s | One user found this interesting.

Murvica, island Brac (45 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Vibration, noise. Like heavy truck passing by

Split (32.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s

Bol, Split-Dalmatia (36.1 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Loud rumble before the short lateral shake

Split (33.3 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

Brela, Split-Dalmatien (31.6 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s

Split Croatia (27.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : Hotel room. Marriot Split Moderately

Quarto, Naples, Campania (377.9 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

Omis, Split-Dalmatia (32.7 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s : Ansteigendes lautes Grollen dann Erschutterung

Split (32.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

near Starigrad, Split-Dalmatia (57.1 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 15-20 s : Like an huge explosion in a distance, drinking glasses on the shelf clinging. Metal pots same.

near Jesenice, Dugi Rat Opcina, Split-Dalmatien (42.7 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Podstrana, Split-Dalmatia (26.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Starigrad, Split-Dalmatia (53.6 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Very weak shaking

Split (32.9 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Podstrana, Split-Dalmatia (27 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s

Kamen, Grad Split, Split-Dalmatia (29.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Bol, Split-Dalmatia (40.7 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Vibration of bed and walls

Kamen, Grad Split, Split-Dalmatia (27.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 2-5 s

Omis, Split-Dalmatia (23.4 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Podstrana, Split-Dalmatia (26 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Marina di Montemarciano, The Marches (278.9 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

Brela, Split-Dalmatien (31.6 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 10-15 s

Split (33.3 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Rogoznica, Sibenik-Knin (70.9 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 1-2 s

Split (32.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : shacking

Omis, Split-Dalmatia (25.6 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Zantar (138.4 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Split (33.4 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Podstrana, Split-Dalmatia (26.9 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : I think some persons shake my camper. But it was to fast for persons

Siroki Brijeg, Federation of B&H (69.7 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s

Capljina, Federation of B&H (95.3 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Kamen, Grad Split, Split-Dalmatia (27.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

Brela, Split-Dalmatien (33.7 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 15-20 s : weak shaking

Makarska, Split-Dalmatia (40.8 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Split (33.5 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Sideways movement

Split (31.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Few seconds of strong shaking,begging felt like thunder and rumbly noise.

Bol, Split-Dalmatia (36.9 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Omis, Split-Dalmatia (25.7 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Podstrana, Split-Dalmatia (26.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Brela, Split-Dalmatien (34.4 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s

Makarska, Split-Dalmatia (42 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 5-10 s : Week shaiking Like A Big truck autside

Okrug Gornji, Split-Dalmatia (48 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Donji grad, HR.21.3186885, City of Zagreb (251.1 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

Split (32.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s

Podstrana, Split-Dalmatia (21.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Kamen, Grad Split, Split-Dalmatia (29.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

near Podhum, Federation of B&H (6.5 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s

Kastel Stari, Split-Dalmatia (41.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split (33.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s

Split (32.9 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s

Makarska (38.2 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : House vibrated noticeably for approx 5 secs.

near Sinj, Split-Dalmatia (24.3 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : very weak shaking, Vibration

Mimice (26.1 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Gala (13 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 20-30 s

Sibenik (77 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Stupin Celine, Rogoznica, Kroatien (67.2 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 1-2 s

Split (33.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s

Crostia (26.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

split (33.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : we were in our apartment in the centre of split und felt suddenly a scary shaking.

Sitting in a restaurant (30.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : First earthquake I felt in my life

Pasman (122.5 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I WAS IN BED

Podstrana, Split-Dalmatia (27 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s

Koprivno (5.4 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating

Split, Croatia (33.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split (27.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 1-2 s

Mimice (26 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Vodice, Croatia (85 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s

Split (32.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Brela, kroatia (31.8 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s : Ble engstelig

Omis (23.5 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Kastel Stari, Split-Dalmatia (39.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / very short

Split (35.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : I was in bed and my bed was vibrating

Makarska (41.8 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Omis (25.9 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s

Split (31.9 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Split (31.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 10-15 s

Split Croatia (46.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Moderate

Omis (24.7 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

VRLIKA (43.9 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : Strong trembling and it lasted around 15sec... Steong shaking

Makarska Croatia (41.3 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Trogir Croatia (50 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Brela (27.6 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 5-10 s

Postira (33.1 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : Shaking ground

Torrevecchia Teatina (253.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Kastela (40 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Makarska (46.9 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Split Croatia (27.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : Hotel room. Marriot Split Moderately

Lovka Rogoznica (26.2 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : Leichtes rutteln unter den fusssen

Kastel Stari, Split-Dalmatia (37.2 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Supetar (35.2 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Viska (32.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Was inside, felt shaking

Okrug Gornji, Split-Dalmatia (45 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s : Langsames schwingen und dann kurzes schutteln

Solin, (26.4 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Makarska (43.6 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Split (32.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split (34.3 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Shaking

Split (32.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Omis (24.5 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Shaking of the caravan for maybe 3 seconds

Brela (32.3 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Second event.

Livno, Bosna i Hercegovina (25.5 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : Sitting and watchin TV.

LIVNO (25.2 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Podgora, Municipality of Podgora, Split-Dalmatia (49 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : Der gesamte Raum geriet fur ca 2 Sekunden in Schwingung

Makarska (41.9 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 10-15 s : Saen auf dem Sofa und haben es deutlich gespurt wie alles wackelt

Bol auf Brac (43.8 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : Im Bett Haus hat vibriert

Split, Croatia (33.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : It felt kind of like thunder rolling, but was strange.

Bol (43.4 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Vitez (97.5 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : I was in the bed and it was like a gentle massage. No big moving, just like a small vibration.

Budva (223.5 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Okrug gornji (46.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Moderate shacking

Sutivan Brac Island (38.1 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : Vibration of our flat. Only lasted a couple of seconds. No falling objects or damage.

Split, Croatia (30.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split (30.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 20-30 s

Split Croatia (32.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 15-20 s

murter (100.3 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s

Solin, Split-Dalmatia (30.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s : Hard shaking....near Split ...peninsula Vranjic for sure 5.0

trogir (47.3 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s

Split (25.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Omis (22.3 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Weak shaking

Medjugorje (84.5 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

Starigrad, Split-Dalmatia (52.2 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : In the house

Kastel Luksic (37.3 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Civio Kroatien (47.2 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Split (32.9 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Shaking

Split (32 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Mostar, Canton 10, Federation of B&H (85.3 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s slight shaking for about 10 sec (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Split (31.3 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s : ...

Brela (38.4 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Split (29.4 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s

Baska voda (33.7 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Split (34 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Trogir (46.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Split (28.1 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Sitting in the living room and hear a dark sound and short shake

Split Croatia (31.9 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Solin, Split-Dalmatia (18.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Startet like a rumble, then got louder. Stopped pretty quickly

Split (33.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Belp, Bern-Mittelland District (812.1 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

Brela, Split-Dalmatien (31.8 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split (33.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Definitely felt vibrating and rattling

Brac (32.9 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Sotting

Split (29.5 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Sitting in the couch, feeling the whole apartment building vibrating

S (29.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split Croatia (44.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

split, croatia (30.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s : working on laptop, felt disturbed

Split (31.4 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split, Croatia (33.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : shaking evident, glasses moved on coffee table. Felt a bit dizzy. Felt like a 4.5.

spinut (34.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : laying in bed, room started shakig

omis, croatia (24.1 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I was laying in bed and it felt like a boat on the water

Trogir, Split-Dalmatien (46.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Split (33.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Weak shaking,we observed objects on shelves shaking for about 10 secs.

Brela (30.8 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Deutlich spurbar

Livno (26.1 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Kastel Kambelovac (35.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Makarska (42.2 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Stari Grad, Hvar, Croatia (223.4 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 2-5 s : bed shook

Solta Croatia (47.2 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : The hole house was shacking for 15 seconds. A 4 out of 10. Light shaking

Ruzici (60.2 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Felt vibration and desk also shaked

Makarska (41.9 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Split (32.9 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Hotel room laughing because was first quake o experienced on my live

Kamen, Grad Split, Split-Dalmatia (30 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : On the sofa, watching TV, building shook for a couple of seconds

Brodarica, Grad Sibenik, Sibensko-Kniniska (72.6 km W of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split,Croatia (27 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 15-20 s : In bed, loud, shaking

SPLIT (32.2 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Split (32.2 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : The apartment (2 medium rooms, 1 small room) shook, no breakages of items or things falling.

Hvar croatia (60.2 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Top floor of the Amfora Hvar Grand Beach Resort.

SLATINE (42.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Makarska (41.3 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Shaky. Sitting on hotel balcony

Solin (27.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Split, croatia (30.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Bugojno (66 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / very short

Split (31.5 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Split Croatia

Starigrad, Split-Dalmatia (44.2 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split, Croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : We felt everything shake for about 7 seconds | One user found this interesting.

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s : Laying in bed felt building rattle

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s : Laying in bed felt building rattle

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Podstrana / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Podstrana / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Hvar / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I was very afraid

Stobrec / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Was very scared

Split, Croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Felt and sounded like I was living over a metro station

Dramalj Manestri (243.7 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt : we have a house in Dramalj Manestri. We were not there, but our neighbours told us, that it was perceptible. One house of a neighbour has a break of about 2mm and 2 to 3 m long across the frontwall

split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : awfully scary

Makarska (46.9 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Podgora / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Leichte Erschutterungen des Gebaudes.

Dugopolje (17.4 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : My family was watching together a action movie when it happend. First we thought it could be SFX coming from TV or somebody crashed into our house, but then the noise got much louder and moderate shaking began. We fled the house in panic, but it stopped s

split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : awfully scary

Podstrana (27 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single vertical bump / very short

Velebitska, Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Door shaking, ceiling light swinging

Velebitska, Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Door shaking, ceiling light swinging

Slano, Dalmatien / Weak shaking (MMI III) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s : Einen groen Schreck bekommen und gleich gewusst, dass hier etwas nicht ht normal ist.

Split / Weak shaking (MMI III) / very short

Medugorje / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s : The house was shaking a little bit.

Split, (31.3 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : First time being near an earthquake so I would say mild shaking .

Split Croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 5-10 s : Light shaking but much heavier than traffic. Whole building felt like it was shaking. Nothing fell, bed shook

Stari grad, Hvar / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split (33.5 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 1-2 s

Brela / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s

Brela (31.3 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : The earth was clearly moving for 5 seconds, everybody in the room was looking at each other and instantly knew this was an earthquake.

Plano, Trogir / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Kurze Unsicherheit, es ging schnell vorbei, keine weiteren Schwingungen

Supetar, Croatia / Weak shaking (MMI III) / simple rolling (tilting sideways along one direction) / 1-2 s : It felt like the floor was rolling. It was like one small wave.

Split Znjan / Weak shaking (MMI III) : Moving in my room.

Sit on couch (51.7 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : irritated

Melbourne / not felt : Didn't feel anything

Makarska (40.7 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s : Scary

Sibenik, Sparadici 74

Marusici / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s : War leicht verwundert und wusste nicht was da passiert. 8

Omis Borak / Light shaking (MMI IV) : We felt the shaking of the bed and the TV. We think around 3 seconds.

Postira / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Makarska / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Baska voda Palace Hotel (33.2 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s : Indoors, first floor. Like a big truck was passning, or like thunder, at first. Then shaking and vibrations, and horisontal swinging.

Mimice (34.9 km WNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Strong tremors

Brela (31.8 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s

Camping Stobrec Split (27.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s : Wir schliefen in unserem Wohnmobil auf o.g. Campingplatz und wurden von den Bewegungen welches unser Wohnmobil machte wach. Es fuhlte sich an, als ob das Fahrzeug hin und her geschuttelt wurde.

Trogir (247.2 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s

Omis / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Konnte in diesem Moment nicht einschatzen, um was es sich handelt. Dachte, es ware eine starke Windboe.

Sleeping in the caravan (27.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Seget donji / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Une petite secousse dans le lit. Et l autre personne la baie vitree exterieure une seule onde de choc

Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Trzesy sie meble

Suvitan / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Like some imense truck was passing by, next door. Especially the walls shaked a lot.

Dugi Rat / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s : Todesangst.

Selca, brac, croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Zagreb / not felt

Vbrovska (52.4 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 5-10 s

Zagreb / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

Vrboska Hvar / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Sat up in bed, bed was shaking.

Tucepi, Hotel Blue Sun Alga / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Brela / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Ul. Ivana Gorana Kovacica, 21300, Makarska, Kroa (40.3 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Kastel Luksic / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Felt like a big truck or tank passed by.

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : First there was 3-4 sec vibrations. Then 2 sec nothing then a really clearly to recognize horizontal shaking about 3-4 sec.

Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Split, Croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Felt and sounded like I was living over a metro station

Solta (55.4 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Stari grad, Hvar / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Light to moderate Shaking

Supetar / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s

Brela / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Scared but wasnt shire what it is , but the whole building a quite big one made a move

Bratus near Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s

Brac (37.8 km S of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Vinisce / not felt

Bol (43.9 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Makarska / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s : Gegenstande im Zimmer haben gewackelt

Split (31.5 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Split Croatia

Tucepi / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single vertical bump / 20-30 s : Just strange moment we are on holiday in hotel Neptun Tucepi

Jelsa, Hvar / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Ein kurzes Beben in Verbindung mit einem lauten Gerausch

Im Reisemobil auf Camping Platz Stobrec sudlich / Weak shaking (MMI III)

Insel Brac,Bol Hotel Bretanide / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split (33.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Weak shaking,we observed objects on shelves shaking for about 10 secs.

Milna , Brac / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : We are on a boat moored in Milna. The boat vibrated for 2 seconds and it was like the shake when you switch on the engines. We first thought there was something under the boat. Then doublechecked this site.

Zadar / not felt

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 10-15 s

Tucepi (45.5 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Trogir (47.4 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Light shaking

Makarska / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s

Stobrec / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : 1st time ever, slight vibration walls floor

Otok ciovo / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s : Bett hat gewackelt

Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s

Island of Solta / up to Stomorska (47.8 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / simple rolling (tilting sideways along one direction) / 5-10 s : Short but strong shake , strong noise

Mimice / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Flor was vibrating ligtly for few secands, from the begining i thought takt the thunder just hit sowhere near 

Milna Brac / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s

duce (25.2 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Podgora / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating

Brac (35.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : Quietly resting and heard a rumble that got louder and then the room started to vibrate and then it seemed to pass

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s : Objects in the bedroom were shaking as if a super loud thunder thunder was rolling right above our hotel.

Krvavica (37.7 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Spli / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s : My appartement is at the 4th floor and it was the first earthquake i witnessed. I was laying in bed and it started with some low vibration, I thought it was like heavy wind or something. After like 1 second there was like a light/moderate horizontal shaki

Duce/Omis / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 20-30 s : Eswar ein dumpfes Grollen . Das Haus wackelte betrachtlich, etwa so, als ob es auf einer groen platte steht und die hin und her geschwungen wird.

Hrvojeva 3 (33.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Bed located on first floor was shaking a bit. Felt like a heavy washing machine centrifugation.

Tucepi / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 30-60 s

Brela, Baska voda / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Milna , Brac / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : We are on a boat moored in Milna. The boat vibrated for 2 seconds and it was like the shake when you switch on the engines. We first thought there was something under the boat. Then doublechecked this site.

Omis / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s : Angst

Podstrana (6.1 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 15-20 s : Hotelzimmer hat vibriert, begleitet von einem leichten Klingelton. Dauer mehrere Sekunden, fuhlte sich ab, als ob man in einem ruckelnden Aufzug fahrt.

Supetar brac (35.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : There was a 5 seconds time where the house shaked

Ogorje gornje / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

sutivan (37.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s : .

Podstrana / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging : Very load deep rushing noise

Camping Stobrec / Weak shaking (MMI III) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 1-2 s

Split (32.9 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s

Omis / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 15-20 s

Sutivan Brac / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Very large explosion,sounded like a bomb. Building shaking and lights flickering.

Dubrovnik / not felt

Sutipan / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Makarska / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Okrug (41.7 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Little Earth Shake

Velebitska, Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Door shaking, ceiling light swinging

Brela / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Scared but wasnt shire what it is , but the whole building a quite big one made a move

Brac supertar / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Makarska (42 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Here could hear it coming kind of like thunder rolling, got louder than building was shaking

Podstrana (27.3 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s : My brother and me were on the 4th floor of our hotel. I was in the bath and my brother in the bed. The whole building was shaking for about 4 seconds

Makarska / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s : Felt like the house shake

Split / not felt : Nothing

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s : Objects in the bedroom were shaking as if a super loud thunder thunder was rolling right above our hotel.

Trogir / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Bed was shaking sidewards, in 3rd floor, old town building

Stobrec (27.5 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Razanj (67.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Very weak shaking while I lay in bed

Split / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Little shaking

Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 5-10 s

povlja insel brac / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s

Bol, island Brac / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : It felt like someone movedmy bed forward and backward, deep sound from below

Solta , stormoska / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Solta

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Hotel building swayed back and forth.

Baska voda / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vibration and rolling / 10-15 s : Moderate intensity.

Pirovac / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Ogorje gornje / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single lateral shake / 2-5 s

Split, Croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Felt and sounded like I was living over a metro station

Podstrana / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 20-30 s : We were in the fifth floor of our hotel in Split and the room started shaking and swaying pretty moderately. After the quake everyone went to the hallway and all felt the same thing

Gata / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : The house was shaking and we were scared for about 10 seconds

Seget Vranjica (52.5 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s : Komisches grollendes Gerausch und vibrieren des gesamten Hauses Uns war sofort klar das die Erde gebebt hat. Wir hatten Angst das sich das in der Nacht noch einmal wiederholt.

Bol BRAC (377.3 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 5-10 s : I felt very scared

Omis Croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Building moving and rumbling sounds

Split / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s

Podgora / not felt

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 10-15 s

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Hvar / not felt / single vertical bump / 2-5 s : Indoors, sofa was moving

Okrug gornji / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Weak shaking in the building

Okrug Gornji, Ciovo / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / very short : 2-3 seconds before the Single Shock Hit us we heard a noise. I thought the washing machine started running heavily, but then suddenly one single shock Made me shake on the couch. At first i wasnt even sure if it was an earthquake.

Split City Center (33.5 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s

Sibenik,Bilice, Stubalj PLZ 22000 / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Es war ein sehr schwaches Vibrieren mit lautem Gerausch, als ob ein Lkw vorbeifahrt

Split , kapiceva ulica / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Makarska, / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 15-20 s : Tische, stehlampe, Inhalt in Glasern wackelte. Sofa und Stuhle.

Brac / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s

Bol, Brac / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

Podstrana / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s : Bed shaked. House made noises

Split / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s

Kastela / not felt

Sutivan (39.4 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Banjaluka / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : 7 sprat. Osjetno njihanje 4-7 sekundi. 2 trzaja, jedan za drugim.

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s : A moderate jolt

Seget Vranjica / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Ich lag im Bett und spurte wie das Haus wackelte. Es war ein sehr dumpfes Gerausch (ahnlich wie bei einem starken Gewitter) und ein heftiges vibrieren fur ca. 2-4 Sekunden.

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Podstrana / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Omis / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 20-30 s : Ja es hat alles gewackelt das Bett wahr sich am bewegen.

Bol (43.9 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Omis (24.5 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 15-20 s : Ich schlief im Wohnmobil und wurde durch das Schaukel des Wohnmobils geweckt

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Light shaking - was sitting on couch, watching TV and I felt it through the floor on my feet and through the couch. I heard some dishes rattle in the kitchen. About the time I realized what it was, and wondered if I needed to get in a doorway or under a t

jelsa hvar / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Zadar / not felt

Livno / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Legers tremblements

Tucepi / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Supetar / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Light shaking, we did not know what it is. It was very short. At first we noticed the deep sound, it was like rocks rolling down a hill or avalanche.

Dugi Rat (25.6 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Split / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s

In BRELA / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Ich habe einen Schreck bekommen.habe sofort meine Papiere zusammen gepackt.zum Gluck kamm nichts danach.

Brela / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s

Le Merridien Hotel / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Heavy shaking

Solin (27.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Kastel sucurac / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Plus growling sound coming from deep down

Zlatna brats, Split, Croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Light shaking, vibrating

Baska Voda / Weak shaking (MMI III) / 2-5 s

Tomislavgrad (34.4 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 10-15 s : I al hete as a tourist and boy Usero to Earthquakes

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Light shaking. Horizontal vibrations for about 10seconds then nothing more

Old town / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Old town / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Solta, Maslinica (55.5 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Villany / not felt (reported through our app / not felt

Omis (24.1 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : The whole building was shaking. Furniture in the flat was moving

Milna / Weak shaking (MMI III) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s : War erschreckt, habe das in dieser Intensitat noch nie gespurt.

Primosten / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Very weak shaking

Livno / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Medjugorje (84.5 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

Supetar (35.6 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s : My walls were shaking and the mirror on the wall. I thought something hit the building

Hvar / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I was very afraid

Brela, Baska voda / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Livno, Bosnien-Herzegowina / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Tijarica (11.3 km ESE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Brac (44 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s

Supetar (35.3 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : Tresanje i vibracije, tresanje predmeta na stolu, brujanje zemlje

Omis (23.8 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Split / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Faint vibrations nothing crazy

Podstrana / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 15-20 s

Omis / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / 15-20 s

Wolvega / not felt : I felt nothing.

Supetar / Weak shaking (MMI III) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 2-5 s

West Palm Beach / not felt : I didn't feel anything

Bol, Brac / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Weak

Kastel Sucurac (32.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s : Light shaking

Near markaska / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Felt and heard windows vibrating. Lights flickering. Walls shaking

Medjugorje (86 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / single lateral shake / very short

Split, dvornikova ulice 10 / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : I was thinking that a big truck (not possible because we were in the old town, small street) or thunderstorm has touched somewhere down the floor (but there wasn not lightening), or my neighbours has moved something on the floor, then my friend told me th

Split (28.8 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : First was rumbling from the ground and after that the building was shaking. It lasted for 5-6 seconds.

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Dugi Rat / Light shaking (MMI IV) / both vertical and horizontal swinging / 5-10 s : Das Haus hat gewackelt und die Fenster haben stark hin und her geschwungen.

Banja Luka / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 1-2 s (reported through our app / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 1-2 s

In house / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Livno / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s Podrhtavanje je tesko objasniti. Kao da sve tone. Poslije jakog potresa za sada je bilo 6 manjih podrhtavanja. (reported through (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s

Podstrana / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : I was on a hotel balcony and it shook bad for a few seconds

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Omis / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / very short

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s On the 3rd floor of 6, suddenly building started to shake for several seconds, it was quite scary. (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Kastela / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Felt like a shock wave of a blast, building was shaking a bit

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : Light to moderate Shaking

Split (33.6 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Split / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Ground shaking

split / Strong shaking (MMI VI) / vibration and rolling / 5-10 s

Split / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s

Kastel Stari / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Things in the shelves were vibrating

Brela / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

Supetar, Insel Brac / Light shaking (MMI IV) / single lateral shake / 1-2 s : Lauter Schlag, ein starker Sto

Strozanac - Podstrana / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : We ran under the beam.

Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Tirane / Strong shaking (MMI VI) (reported through our app / Strong shaking (MMI VI)

podaca (70.3 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Trilj / Moderate shaking (MMI V) (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V)

Livno (15.6 km NE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) / vibration and rolling / 20-30 s

Dobrince (34.2 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Split (26.2 km SW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Confused

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / vibration and rolling / 20-30 s : We were in the fifth floor of our hotel in Split and the room started shaking and swaying pretty moderately. After the quake everyone went to the hallway and all felt the same thing

Mimice / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Slatine / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Split Kroatien / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s : Das ist unbeschreiblich,bin nur nach drauen gelaufen. Das hat sich wie riesen Donner gefielt. Schrecklich, mit schlafen ist jetzt woll vorbei,

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Omis, Croatia (24.3 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 10-15 s : Laying in bed of a hotel at Omis, Croatia. The building was shaking.

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : On the 5th floor of a hotel and felt rumbling like a large truck or train passing.

Solin / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 5-10 s : moderate

Tucepi / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Primosten / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 5-10 s

Bol, Brac / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Brela / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 2-5 s

Split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : In restaurant vibrating and shaking felt like a helicopter was flying above.

split / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s : awfully scary

Split / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vibration and rolling / 20-30 s

Brela / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : our house shook for a few seconds

omis / Weak shaking (MMI III) / vibration and rolling / 2-5 s

Split, / Weak shaking (MMI III) / single vertical bump / 1-2 s : I knew it right away! It was like the thunder but from within or underneath

Omis / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / very short

Makarska / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Fear

Brela (31.3 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : The earth was clearly moving for 5 seconds, everybody in the room was looking at each other and instantly knew this was an earthquake.

Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Quite scary

Brela / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : First Time. Scary

Villa eagle, Svincisce, Croatia / Moderate shaking (MMI V) / 2-5 s : Strong shaking of outdoor area

Split Croatia (46.1 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) / rattling, vibrating / 1-2 s : Moderate

Ciovo / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s

Umljanovic / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s

Glagoljaska ulica / Light shaking (MMI IV) / complex motion difficult to describe / 2-5 s

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV)

Split (33.2 km WSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 15-20 s

Bol / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 1-2 s : .

Radunica ul. 81, 21000 Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : First there was a noise like thunder. A couple seconds later shaking began while the noise still ongoing but became quite. From start of noise to stop of shaking it took around 10 second (felt). The cat was only looking up but not disturbed at all.

Zadar / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s : Weak shaking

Brela / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Podgora / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s : I thought it was a ghost shaking me

Krvavica (37.7 km SSE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 10-15 s

Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 2-5 s : The whole hotel Biokova in Makarska was light shaking for 3 to 5 seconds

Split croatia / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : First felt like a washing machine underneath the bed with the bed vibrating and rattling, then grew to the whole room vibrating and shaking clearly an earthquake.

Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / horizontal (sideways) swinging / 5-10 s : Lying in hotel bed in Makarska room started to shake, Never experienced that before hopefully the last time I feel a shake like that!

Split / Light shaking (MMI IV) / 1-2 s

Omis / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Ciovo / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vibration and rolling / 1-2 s : Like a truck passing by

stanici / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / rattling, vibrating / 5-10 s

Supetar / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Ca 3-5 Sekunden ruttelndes grummeln. Wusste sofort, dass es ein Beben ist da ich schon einmal eins erlebt habe. Sind rausgegangen, alles ruhig.

Brela / not felt / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Sounds in lower frequency about 3-5 seconds (moaybe more). I think, there was no shaking.

Orebic / Very weak shaking (MMI II) / 2-5 s

Baska Voda / Light shaking (MMI IV) / rattling, vibrating / 2-5 s : Als ob von dem Berg ein Teil den Berg runterrutschte und daher die Vibrationen kommen. Vom Gerausch her war es als ob ein riesiger, lauter LKW an mir vorbei fahrt. Nachbeben konnte man vorab schon horen und dann spurten wir es.

Makarska / Light shaking (MMI IV) / vertical swinging (up and down) / 2-5 s : Deep vertical vibrations, like house would have drawn a bit.
Washington is attempting to reassess its number one strategic priority. According to President Donald Trump it should no longer focus on the fight against terrorism, but on economic competition with China. President Biden is now seeking to pinpoint what kind of cooperation would be viable amid such competition.

In this context, the Center for American Progress, Washingtons leading liberal think tank, has just released a report on Chinas strategic inroads in Africa [1]. It aims to reformulate the US Governments current discourse on Africa by highlighting that:

 Africans see in a good light the United States as much as China.

 Chinese economic activities across Africa are not only extractive but also create jobs.

 The claim that China is engaged in so-called debt trap diplomacy lacks evidence, but transparency does remain a major concern.

 Chinese state funding paves the way for Chinese companies to dominate the development of telecommunications infrastructure in many African countries.

 Chinese trade activity has been detrimental for the environment in many African countries.
The climate clock, installed by Minister Roberto Cingolani on the facade of the Ministry of Ecological Transition, has started counting down: less than 7 years are left before the climate catastrophe caused by global warming. The clock is set to the forecasts of the Mcc Institute in Berlin, not those of the IPCC (the UN Commission on Climate Change). It calculates that the global average temperature, which has risen by about 1C since the pre-industrial level of 1750, could rise by 1.5C in 2050 (i.e. in three centuries), mainly because of the CO2 (carbon dioxide) introduced into the atmosphere by human activities, which is causing an intensification of the greenhouse effect. According to UN scientists, the secondary contributor to global warming is the increased activity of the Sun, which for other scientists is the main cause.

In the Milan PreCop, where Minister Cingolani was the main organiser, the complex scientific framework of climate change and its environmental consequences was staged with disaster movie techniques. Faced with the "scientific" prediction that within seven years planet Earth will be submerged by climate catastrophe, the 400 young people gathered by Cingolani in Milan from all over the world demanded that the fossil fuel industry be shut down before 2030 and that governments stop funding it now, replacing it with green sources that do not emit CO2. Minister Cingolani has committed to this goal. This could be done if Italy had a strategic plan for an integrated energy system based on photovoltaic and especially thermodynamic solar energy (with mirrors that concentrate the suns rays), and on large wind farms, especially offshore (with wind turbines installed in shallow or floating waters). The innovative thermodynamic solar project developed by Nobel Prize winner Carlo Rubbia, which would have made it possible to produce a third of Italys electricity needs with some zero-emission solar power plants, was deliberately buried, and this technology is now being used in China. The construction of offshore wind farms has been thwarted, so much so that there is only one, in Taranto.

But Minister Cingolani has the "solution": nuclear power. Cingolani declared this openly and polemically when he was invited by Matteo Renzi to the Italia Viva School of Political Education [3]. The Minister thus sponsored a symposium of nuclear supporters. Not by chance after meeting John Kerry, the US presidents special envoy for climate management, who has been converted from an opponent to a supporter of nuclear power. Immediately Matteo Salvini lined up behind Cingolani, saying: "A nuclear power plant in Lombardy? Whats the problem? So in Italy, too, the powerful nuclear lobby has taken root, and it has already obtained a first and fundamental result in the EU: the Joint Research Centre, commissioned by the European Commission, has included nuclear power among the "green energy sources" supported and financed by the European Union to eliminate CO2 emissions by 2050.

The EU is thus reviving the nuclear industry at a time when it is in deep crisis due to rising costs and technical problems. While solar power plants can produce more electricity than nuclear power plants without additional costs or dangerous emissions, the cost of temporarily storing the enormous amount of radioactive waste produced by the EUs nuclear power plants is expected to be 420-570 billion euros. To this must be added the enormous amount needed to decommission the plants themselves, most of which have reached or exceeded the age limit of 35 years, becoming increasingly expensive and dangerous. Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency has authorised the dumping of more than one million tonnes of radioactive water, accumulated in the Fukushima nuclear power plant after the 2011 accident, into the sea. As a result, cancer deaths from this "green energy source" will increase.
In an article published on 23 September 2021, The Intercept features a grant request submitted in 2018 by the EcoHealth Alliance to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) [1]. It contains a clear indication of this organizations intention to engineer a laboratory-based virus using bat coronaviruses [2].

Moreover, former economic adviser to President Donald Trump, Peter Navarro, has also revealed that Dr. Anthony Fauci funnelled US public funds through the EcoHealth Alliance to finance research  declared illegal in the United States  being carried out by the P4 laboratory in Wuhan, China.

EcoHealth Alliance director Peter Daszak is the main sponsor of the petition, published in The Lancet [3], in support of Wuhan health workers unjustly accused of being responsible for the Covid-19 epidemic. Peter Daszak was also a member of the WHO Wuhan Information Mission.

On 4 September 2021, Alex Jones (InfoWars) broadcast two clips from a video, which had aired on C-SPAN public network in October 2019, showing a roundtable discussion on the creation of a universal influenza vaccine [4].

Experts thrashed out the need to

 modify the authorization procedure for influenza vaccines,

 change the method of producing influenza vaccines, and

 replace it with messenger RNA technology.

They recognized that the pharmaceutical industry would not tag along because influenza is not a frightening disease.

Then Dr. Anthony Fauci concluded, in essence, that it would take a shock, an epidemic of a far deadlier kind of flu, for the pharmaceutical industry and humanity to move forward.

Anthony Fauci has served since 1984 as the director of the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He was assistant to Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and was active in 2004 in his project for the confinement of healthy people against a hypothetical biological attack. He is a member of Red Dawn [5], the group that promoted the implementation of the plan to lockdown healthy people during the Covid-19 epidemic. He was appointed by President Donald Trump to the White House Coronavirus Task Force and continues in that post under by President Joe Biden.
Stowe, VT (05672)

Today

Partly cloudy skies this morning will give way to cloudy skies and rain during the afternoon. High 58F. Winds WSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall near a quarter of an inch..

Tonight

Cloudy. Periods of rain early. Low 33F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 90%.
A Decatur man has been found guilty of paying for the violent sexual assaults of multiple children.

Benjamin Walter, 41, was convicted Tuesday on four counts of producing and attempting to produce child pornography and one count each of receiving and distributing child pornography.

He will be sentenced Jan. 5 and faces between 15 and 160 years in prison.

A federal jury convicted Walter on Tuesday, according to a news release from Prim Escalona, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. Some of the victims were as young as 5 years old, according to testimony.

According to court documents and evidence, Walter used two web service provider accounts, including messenger and webcam applications, to get women in the Philippines to sexually abuse their own children and relatives.

The news release says Walters requests to these women, which lasted about three years, included directions to arrange for the gang rape of young children and to sexually assault several young children in other harmful ways. Walter sent money to the Philippines for videos, images and live transmissions via MoneyGram, Western Union and other services in $25 to $50 increments, the release said.

In addition to the live webcam shows, Walter also sent and received emails to which the senders attached images and videos of young children engaged in sex acts with adult men. This investigation was part of a joint FBI and Homeland Security Investigations operation that targeted the buyers and sellers of these types of webcam shows in the Philippines, according to the release.

Todays conviction sends a clear message that the protection of the most innocent and vulnerable victims, our children, from child exploitation is of the utmost importance, said Escalona. The jurys decision to hold the defendant accountable for his conduct and to reject his defenses demonstrates that those who commit these horrific crimes will be met with swift and certain justice. We are grateful for the work of the FBI Birmingham Division, FBI Huntsville Resident Agency, for their investigation of this case and for the assistance of the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section in prosecuting the case.

FBI Birmingham Division and FBI Huntsville Resident Agency investigated the case.

Trial attorneys Charles Schmitz and Nadia Prinz of the Justice Departments Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Leann R. White of the United States Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Alabama are prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys Offices and Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

To report suspicious activity or instances of child sexual exploitation, contact your local FBI field office or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. Reports can also be filed with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children or online at www.cybertipline.org.

For more information on the FBIs guidance on child exploitation and protecting your kids visit https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/protecting-your-kids.
A child with autism in Huntsville wants to spend his birthday month helping other kids with autism.

Landon Smith just turned 9 on Oct. 3.

Landon Smith; Courtesy of Chris Smith Landon Smith; Courtesy of Chris Smith

He told his parents his birthday wish was to help other kids with autism. That's when they started "Landon's Puzzle Pieces."

This year marks the second time the family has worked to help others in this unique way.

You have until the end of the month to donate supplemental items and supplies. They will go to the Autism Society of Alabama and their local networking group, Making Connections.

You can find the wish list here!

(Landon's dad, Chris Smith, is a long-time member of the WAAY 31 family who once worked as our chief meteorologist.)
As communities continue to come together and honor Sgt. Risner, many people are showing their support from their front lawn with blue lights.

"The outpour of support for the lightbulbs is just incredible, and it's just a statement of the unity in the Sheffield community," says Gregory Dewayne Robinson, manager of Discount Dan's.

Blue lights honor Sgt. Nick Risner Blue lights honor Sgt. Nick Risner

Discount Dan's is a local hardware store in Sheffield honoring Sgt. Risner.

"Discount Dan's, we decided to order a shipment of blue lights for the community in support of the family and all of law enforcement officers," says Robinson.

As soon as they got the shipment of over 400 bulbs, Robinson says, "They were gone before my sales clerks were able to get them on the floor, it was just incredible."

The blue lights flew off the shelves in less than 15 minutes, as all of Sheffield tries to honor Sgt. Risner by lighting up with blue lights.

"I'm here to buy my blue lights that they, I don't know how many they sold out in 10 minutes but they sold out, and that's a good thing, that's a great thing," says Ian Sanfrod, a local resident.

Sanford was one of many who came in trying to purchase those blue lights. Seeing how quickly they sold out makes him proud of his community.

"Certainly Sheffield has risen up, but the whole community has," says Sanford.

A sea of blue to honor one of Sheffield's finest.

"It's awe inspiring actually, it gives you goosebumps," says Robinson.

Discount Dan's has set aside lightbulbs for the Risner family, and 100% of the proceeds will go to them as well.
Sheffield Police Lt. Max Dotson has filed a civil lawsuit against the man accused of shooting him, his coworker and another man Friday.

The lawsuit was filed Wednesday afternoon in Colbert County, where the shootout and Dotsons injuries occurred. In the complaint, he says he did engage in a pursuit of  Brian Lansing Martin, which began in the City of Sheffield.

The complaint says the chase continued into Muscle Shoals, ending in a vacant parking lot, at which point Martin opened fire. Dotson was struck twice in the chest, according to the complaint.

Dotson is seeking $375,000 in financial compensation.

Martin has remained in custody since the shootout. In addition to injuring Dotson, he is the sole suspect in the deaths of Sheffield Police Sgt. Nick Risner and Tennessee resident William Clare Mealback Jr.

According to authorities, Martin had been traveling on Avalon Avenue in Muscle Shoals with Mealback when he shot Mealback in the head and chest, then pushed him out of the vehicle.

Martin then drove into Sheffield before being chased by police back into Muscle Shoals. The chase ended near the Muscle Shoals Walmart, where authorities from multiple law enforcement agencies and exchanged gunfire with Martin.

Martin, Dotson and Risner were injured in the exchange. Dotson was taken to a local hospital for treatment, while Martin and Risner were taken to Huntsville Hospital. Risner died from his injuries the next day.

See Dotson talk about his friend Risner HERE.
Sen. Larry Stutts from the Shoals told WAAY-31 he is working to find out what changes can be made to laws that allow criminals, even those convicted of violent crimes, to shorten their sentences by earning what's called Good Time.

That's how authorities say Brian Lansing Martin, charged with murdering Sheffield Police Sgt. Nick Risner and William Mealback as part of a Friday shooting spree and chase, was able to spend less than the full 10 years of his manslaughter sentence.

Stutts confirmed he's looking into overall reform and truth in sentencing.

Both Muscle Shoals Police Chief Clint Reck and Sheffield Police Chief Ricky Terry are demanding changes to the laws in honor of Risner, who heroically stopped this violent suspect from getting into a crowded Walmart parking lot.

"There was a lot of terror that went on Friday in our community that we never have," said Reck.

That terror was perpetrated by a gun-wielding felon who was out of prison because he earned so much time off his sentence due to Alabama's Good Time law.

"He was charged with murder, he pleaded it down to manslaughter. He had a 10 year sentence, and in three years he was out," said Reck. "Stop letting violent people out of prison early. If you get 10 years, let them do 10 years. It's not that hard."

As Shoals citizens lined up Monday to welcome Sgt. Risner home, the chatter of changing laws in his honor could be heard along with so many questions.

"Why is he out when people are serving much longer term for minimal things compared to that," said Sheffield resident Whitney Chaney.

Reck said he's glad Stutts is already moving in that direction of seeing what laws can be changed.

"We're proud that somebody is going to step up. We ask that the public contact Sen. Stutts and make sure he understands the public's feelings on that issue also," said Reck.

Risner will be laid to rest Friday. Reck said love and support shown to police officers the last several days help them get through.
Brian Lansing Martin, the man accused of killing two people  including a Sheffield police sergeant  and wounding a Sheffield police lieutenant, now faces 10 charges related to the shooting.

WAAY 31 was at the Colbert County Jail as Martin was brought in for booking by officers. He had been taken to Huntsville Hospital for treatment after being wounded in a shootout with police Friday in Muscle Shoals.

On Wednesday, they brought him to the jail in a wheelchair to book him on charges related to the shooting.

For the death of Mealback, the Muscle Shoals Police Department charged Martin with capital murder and abuse of corpse. He also faces three additional counts of capital murder, two counts of attempt to commit murder, two counts of shooting into an occupied vehicle and one count of felon in possession of a firearm, according to Colbert County Sheriff's Office.

He is being held without bond.

Colbert County Sheriff Frank Williamson previously said Martin would be transferred from the Colbert County Jail to the Morgan County Jail. This is because, he said, the Morgan County Jail has better isolation and medical facilities to treat Martin.

The shootout left Sheffield Police Lt. Max Dotson and Sgt. Nick Risner injured. Dotson was treated and released from a local hospital that night, while Risner was flown to Huntsville Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

According to authorities, Martin exchanged gunfire with officers after a car chase that started in Sheffield. He allegedly shot and killed William Clare Mealback Jr. on Avalon Avenue in Muscle Shoals, abandoning Mealbacks body there while he ran to Sheffield.

Officers spotted Martin in a stolen vehicle and chased him back to Sheffield, eventually cornering him near the Muscle Shoals Walmart.

Businesses, families and organizations throughout the Shoals area have held memorials and raised funds in honor of Risner and Mealback since their deaths, as well as gathered donations for Wiske, Risners K-9 partner. Dotson has filed a civil suit against Martin, seeking $375,000 for pain, mental anguish and emotional damage caused by the shootout.

Martin's booking photo and detailed charges had not been released as of 6:10 p.m. Wednesday.

Stick with WAAY 31 for updates.
50 families of fallen first responders mortgages paid in-full by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Some IL teachers would be reimbursed for tuition in Scherer bill
Italy to give covid vaccine 'booster' to most fragile people first.

Italy is to begin giving a third dose of the covid-19 vaccine from 20 September, starting with the most vulnerable people, such as cancer patients and transplant recipients.

The news was announced on last werkyfollowing a meeting between health minister Roberto Speranza and Italy's coronavirus emergency commissioner Francesco Paolo Figliuolo.

The third round of Italy's vaccination campaign will focus initially on those with the most fragile immune systems - around three million people according to news agency ANSA.

Speranza said in recent days that health authorities would then decide to give the booster to the over-80s and residents of nursing homes.

More than 40 million people in Italy have been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, equal to 74 per cent of the population over 12, as the government nears its target of vaccinating 80 per cent by the end of September.
First the wild boar, now a porcupine makes the news in Rome.

Rome police rescued a wild porcupine from the streets in the Prati district near the Vatican on Thursday morning, reports Italian newspaper La Repubblica.

The animal was walking in and out among cars and even made a few forays into shops, police said, adding: "Catching him was not easy."

The rescued animal. Photo La Repubblica.

The porcupine was walking along Via Cipro, in the direction of Piazzale Clodio, with traffic police managing to catch the quilled animal, after several attempts, before it risked being run over by cars.

The officers entrusted the porcupine, or istrice in Italian, to LIPU, Italy's league for the protection of birds and animals.

News of the porcupine pottering around the streets of Rome comes after a video of a family of wild boar trotting down Via Trionfale made world headlines in the lead-up to local elections in the capital.

The video that everyone is talking about in #Rome this week: a dozen wild boar walking calmly through traffic on Via Trionfale. #cinghiali pic.twitter.com/ZrLfK49lOZ Wanted in Rome (@wantedinrome) September 22, 2021
Azerbaijan is a major oil supplier to Israel, which sells high-tech drones and other weapons in return that were crucial in helping Aliyev to win the war. Israel was the second-largest arms supplier to Azerbaijan from 2011 to 2020, after Russia, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Arms exports to Azerbaijan accounted for 17% of Israels overall exports of major arms from 2016 to 2020, according to SIPRI. While Azerbaijan has repeatedly hosted Israeli leaders, amid objections from Iran, no Azerbaijani president has yet paid an official visit to Israel. The relationship remains a sensitive one for Muslim-majority Azerbaijan. Israel has an embassy in Baku, but Azerbaijan has yet to open a diplomatic mission in Tel Aviv.
In the meantime, however, investors and regulators need to start asking tougher questions when it comes to divestment plans and prospective buyers, taking into account a sales net impact on emissions and the buyers ability to deal with the costs that come at the end of an assets life. They can insist on executive remuneration packages that reinforce the idea that goals are holistic  not just headline-grabbing efforts. They can even demand that emissions goals be rebased when a significant sale is made, as some are already doing. Companies should no longer be able to claim a PR victory simply by offloading a polluting asset as swiftly as possible with little regard for consequences.
Each of the 12 Reserve Banks is subject to the supervision of a nine-member board of directors. Six of the directors are elected by the member banks of the respective Federal Reserve District, and three of the directors are appointed by the Board of Governors. Most Reserve Banks have at least one Branch, and each Branch has its own board of directors. A majority of the directors on a Branch board are appointed by the Reserve Bank, and the remaining Branch directors are appointed by the Board of Governors.
Alexandra Pringle, Gurnahs editor at Bloomsbury in the U.K., said, It has been one of the great sadnesses and frustrations of my career that his work has not received the recognition it deserves. For years and years, he has told beautiful and powerful stories of the winds of politics, trade, love and war that blow people across continents. After 20 years of publishing him, of keeping the faith, I had almost given up hope. This is one of the happiest days of my life.
The ongoing circumstances of the covid-19 pandemic have put the Kennedy Center in an unpredictable and uncertain financial position, resulting in a $9 million deficit for the recently completed fiscal year (2021) and leaving a projected deficit of $7 million for 2022, she said in an email. Given the reality of our financial situation and the ongoing uncertainty of the pandemic, the impacts on our programming, our community, and to our budget make expanded jurisdiction unsustainable. After a year of unprecedented hardship, the Center has been able to reopen its stages and restore work for the unions members. We remain committed to working with our stagehands to identify a path forward and reach an agreement that reflects the complexities of the pandemic landscape and allows us to continue the world-class performances that are our purpose.
But although Anchorage is indeed wonderful, it requires a longer trip to hike on thousands-year-old glaciers and is at least a few hours drive from some of the best bucket-list adventures that Alaska can provide, including watching gravity-defying whales heave themselves out of the water and reeling in halibut so large that folks at home will think your claim is fishy. If you dont want to spend a large portion of your vacation in a car (if you can even find one to rent, because theres a massive shortage in Alaska this year), Anchorage might not be the best base.
The key to his conviction was his admission that he did it to intimidate the family. When the Supreme Court wrestled with Virginias ban on cross burning in 2003  which was being defended by some as free speech  it wasnt the cross that was the thing that made it a hate crime. It was the fact that it was being done to intimidate.
There is no more complex piece of matter in the universe than the human brain, and so the complexity is a huge challenge, Dr. Mishkin said at the time. Each brain area is important for a different kind of behavioral or mental function, yet no area is an island. Every area is part of a circuit. So weve been identifying pathways and trying to figure out how they work.
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Bob Holsworth, a longtime political analyst in Virginia, characterized the Republican mailings and statements as major unforced errors by the party that reflect poorly on the man at the top of the ticket, Youngkin, who is trying to portray himself to swing voters as an outsider who is going to bring sanity and competence to government.
But Youngkin has been public about receiving a coronavirus vaccine while also encouraging others to get immunized. Sears  who has also opposed mask mandates  has been less open about the issue, at times appearing at crowded indoor campaign events without a face covering, despite a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendation for masks to continue be worn inside in areas of substantial or high disease transmission.
Hes finding people in Florida he can coerce into doing these ridiculous ordinances that arent supported by the public, said Stephanie Fraim, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southwest and Central Florida. And thats how you get something like what happened in Manatee County. Commissioner Whitmore shared her story, and that was incredibly brave.  I dont know how it must have felt for her to bare her soul and then have them look her in the eye and vote to have that right taken away from her.
Washington and its allies faced a similar credibility problem during the Cold War. In the early 1950s, NATO members wondered whether the emerging Soviet nuclear threat to the U.S. homeland meant they could no longer rely on the United States. Would the Americans really sacrifice Boston to protect Bonn? The allies addressed this credibility problem with three partial solutions. Britain and France acquired their own nuclear arsenals. For others, NATO implemented nuclear sharing: storing some U.S. weapons on allied bases in Europe, to be transferred to the allies if war erupted. And the U.S. military stationed large ground and air forces on the continent, deploying troops with their families, to intertwine the United States in any major war from the outset.
In response to the ruling Wednesday night, one of the states largest abortion providers said clinics were making plans to resume abortion services as soon as possible for patients up to 18 weeks into pregnancy. But it was not immediately clear whether they would do so before action by the appeals court.
Cuomos office told Hochul early this year that they wanted her to leave the ticket so the governor could pick someone with a deeper political pull with minority communities ahead of what he expected to be a difficult campaign, people familiar with the conversations said. The governors office was looking at several African American female candidates, according to two people familiar with the matter, who like other people in this article spoke on the condition of anonymity to describe private conversations.
The renewed barrage by Trump and his allies is part of a bid by the former president to turn Republicans against the senator from Kentucky and oust him as the partys leader in the Senate. And it marks the latest effort by Trump to retaliate against his critics, since McConnell said after the violent Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol that Trump was practically and morally responsible.
Biden has spoken repeatedly about what he sees as a global competition between democracy and authoritarianism, with China cited as a prime example of the latter. He has pointed to his robust domestic policy agenda, now being debated in Congress, as an opportunity to show the world that democracies can and will do more to lift up their middle classes than authoritarian nations.
Nolan Buro and Sarah Raison with their daughter Martha at their friends' wedding last month. (Corrie McGury)

Sarah and Nolan experienced every relationship milestone in a year unlike any other.
Ivory Coast sits to the east, Liberia is just south and Sierra Leone borders on the west. All three have ramped up epidemiological surveillance at the frontier, aiming to avoid the kind of cross-border contamination that set off the explosion of infections in 2014. (The index case, a toddler thought to be infected by a bat, exhibited symptoms in December 2013.)
Yet a gradual accumulation of small diplomatic breakthroughs in recent weeks has created hope among Chinese scholars that the worlds two largest economies have placed a floor  albeit a fragile one  under the fierce diplomatic spat. The success, or otherwise, of attempts to shelve lasting disagreements will be tested in coming months as both sides enter crucial climate talks and China fends off calls for diplomatic boycotts of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
From the North Korean side, the message seems to be rather clear. They want the United States to take a more kind of positive position on the issue of economic sanctions, Yoon said. In some sense, I think North Koreans are trying to utilize South Koreas position to push the U.S. side in their direction, in favor of North Korea.
We are against the existence of any foreign forces on Iraqi soil. When it comes to logistics support with training, equipment and airspace, that is not a political issue. We leave the decision on that to those who are specialized in these matters, said Rubaie, indicating that a noncombat role for U.S. troops could be acceptable.
Its at the core of the union, said Didier Reynders, the European Unions justice commissioner. He said the bloc would use all the tools at our disposal to enforce its fundamental principles, though he did not give further details.
Trusted local news has never been more important, but providing the information you need, information that can change sometimes minute-by-minute, requires a partnership with you, our readers. Please consider making a contribution today to support this vital resource that you and countless others depend on.
Adele is back? Adele is back!

Yes, almost six years since her chart-busting and Grammy-dominating 2015 release 25, your grandmas favourite pop superstar has officially confirmed the impending release of 30, the fourth installment in her musical Seven Up series. To put into perspective how long weve been waiting for 30, Adele turned 33 last May.

Adele has teased her new single, Easy On Me, out on October 15.

So whats 30 sounding like?

While Adele previously joked shed drop a drum n bass record on us out of spite about our impatience, you can probably expect more tear-jerking torch songs. The first proper single, titled Easy On Me, is out on October 15, but you can judge for yourself from this 22-second teaser she released on Wednesday. Id describe it as Walking in Memphis-lite.

Wasnt this album due ages ago?

Yes. Back in February 2020, Adele teased its release for September 2020 - but then the pandemic hit and the album was indefinitely delayed. While parent label Sony Music is yet to confirm the albums official release date, the evidence of a looming drop is mounting.
For more than 18 months, alcohol retailers and companies have aggressively marketed their products as a way to cope with the pandemic. In Victoria, the result has been an increase in alcohol sales into the home of $800 million between 2019 and 2020  thats an extra $15 million in sales each week.

While this has been highly profitable for alcohol companies and retailers, we are now starting to grapple with the impact of increasing rates of alcohol harm on families and communities.

Drinking alcohol has been promoted as a way of coping during lockdown. Credit:Nic Walker

Action is now needed to prevent further harm which is why the Victorian Parliaments consideration of the Liquor Control Reform Amendment Bill 2021 this month is so essential.

Throughout the pandemic weve been concerned the massive increase in alcohol sales into homes would cause increased harms. Were only now just starting to see what this means because  like many of the impacts of the shadow pandemic  the harms are primarily hidden behind closed doors.
New research released by these mastheads today reveals support for the Coalition has dropped since the last election in the countrys two biggest states.

Primary vote support for the federal government has fallen to 40 per cent in NSW, down from 43 per cent, and 37 per cent in Victoria, down from 39 per cent, amid a series of disputes over the response to the pandemic.

But the research, from 4820 voters in the Resolve Political Monitor conducted for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, wasnt just bad news for the Coalition, the opposition didnt fare any better.

Labor has also lost ground in the two states since the election, down from 35 to 32 per cent in NSW and 37 to 35 per cent in Victoria, in a sign that some voters may have shifted their allegiance to smaller parties and independents until closer to the election.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the states have had 18 months to get their hospitals in shape to deal with the era of living with COVID and they shouldnt expect more money from the Commonwealth.

The warning from Mr Morrison follows his Health Minister Greg Hunts formal rebuffing of a request from the states for a funding injection as the nation starts to reopen.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the states should have already prepared their hospital systems for a potential surge in COVID-19 cases. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen

Queensland has been leading the push for more money. Its hospitals are already straining under patient loads and doctors fear the system wont cope if theres a surge of COVID patients.

Peak doctors body the Australian Medical Association has also raised concerns the hospitals around the country will be overwhelmed with higher case numbers.
As the West Australian government mandates vaccines for the mining industry and considers expanding them to more sectors including construction, Parliament itself has not yet reached 100 per cent double-dose vaccination status.

A WAtoday and Nine News Perth survey of the states 95 lower and upper house members revealed 90 have been fully vaccinated, while one is awaiting his second jab, two havent gotten around to it, while two others refused to reveal whether they were vaccinated or not.

WA Premier Mark McGowan recieved his jab back in May. Credit:Hamish Hastie

Labor member for Geraldton Lara Dalton is the only lower house MP who has not received a COVID vaccine, while Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel has received one AstraZeneca dose.

Ms Daltons office said she was booked in for her first dose this week. Nationals upper house MLC Colin de Grussa has also not received the jab, but his office said he was booked in for later this month.
Neuruppin, Germany: A former SS guard, now 100 years old, hobbled into a German courtroom on a walking frame on Thursday to face charges of helping to send more than 3500 people to their deaths in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II.

Prosecutors say Josef S, a member of the Nazi partys paramilitary SS, contributed to the deaths of 3518 people at the Sachsenhausen concentration camp by regularly standing guard in the watchtower between 1942 and 1945.

The accused Josef S. covers his face as he sits at the court room in Brandenburg, Germany, Credit:AP

Doctors have said that the man, whose full name was not disclosed due to German trial reporting rules, is only partially fit to stand trial: sessions will be limited to just 2 hours each day.

As the trial began, his lawyer held up a blue folder to conceal his clients face as he was brought into the court in Neuruppin, near Berlin, and he shielded his face as the trial began.
Pfizer has asked the US government to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 in what would be a major expansion that could combat an alarming rise in serious infections in youngsters and help schools stay open.

If regulators give the go-ahead, reduced-dose kids shots could begin within a matter of weeks for the roughly 28 million US children in that age group.

Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech say their research shows younger children should get one-third of the dose now given to everyone else. Credit:AP

Many parents and paediatricians are clamouring for protection for youngsters under 12, the current age cutoff for COVID-19 vaccinations in the US.

The Food and Drug Administration will have to decide whether the shots are safe and effective in primary school-age children. An independent expert panel will publicly debate the evidence on October 26.
Wilmington, DE (19810)

Today

Sunny skies this morning will give way to occasional showers during the afternoon. High 68F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..

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Louisville Metro Police released images of a man who is a "person of interest" in the double shooting in the 800 block of South 24th Street on June 8.
The body of Joseph Gill, 27, of North Vernon, Indiana, was found along State Road 3 in northern Jennings County around noon on Thursday, Sept. 30. (Photo provided by Indiana State Police)
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I cover a range of stories for WDRB, but really enjoy tracking what's going on at our State Capitol. I grew up on military bases all over the world, but am a Kentuckian at heart. I'm an EKU alum, and have lived in Louisville for 30 years.
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MANCHESTER  Police have released audio files of the call made to 911 by a frantic mother whose car was stolen with her child still inside Monday afternoon.

The call was made around 12:47 p.m. Monday from St. Bridget Church on Main Street.

The mother at first is unintelligible and panicking. The dispatcher tells her to calm down.

My baby was in the car, I opened the car to pick up my son, it was raining, he was sick and sleeping, she said.

The dispatcher then asks the woman if someone stole her car with her baby inside.

Yes, she says frantically.

The dispatcher also asks her for her license plate number, which she didnt remember at the time.

The 1-year-old boy was later found safe after the alleged suspect dropped the child off on Summit Street, police said.

The car, a 2022 gray Lexus RX 350, was found unoccupied on Union Street around 3 p.m., police said.

A witness also placed a 911 call, and said the mother had left her child in the car for maybe a minute while picking up her other child from the school.

Listen to the 911 calls here:

Police also posted security footage of the man stealing the car with the baby inside to its Twitter page.

Police said they are still looking for the suspect, who fled the area and was last seen on Interstate 84 east in the area of East Hartford.

Anyone with information about the suspect should contact the Manchester Police Department at 860-645-5500.

liz.hardaway@hearst.com
Allentown, PA (18103)

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Breezy and warm with sun followed by increasing clouds; showers towards evening, but most of the day is dry. .

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Reading, PA (19601)

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Breezy and warm with sun followed by increasing clouds; showers towards evening, but most of the day is dry. .

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Some evening rain, then clearing late. Brisk and turning colder.
There's a silent movie feel to The Midnight Bell, the latest offering from choreographer Matthew Bourne and his New Adventures company. Or rather, movies plural, given that the show has not one storyline but six, their characters and scenarios taken from the novels of the popular 20th-century writer Patrick Hamilton.

Set in the 1930s, The Midnight Bell  the name of the London pub where these characters cross paths  takes as its subject the anguish of unrequited and ill-fated love, exploring a rich range of emotional experience via interconnecting stories. A young barmaid in love with her colleague but flattered by the attentions of an older man. A couple in a vicious cycle of infidelity and jealousy. The young men on the cusp of a love affair with the potential to destroy their reputations. All these stories and more told via perfectly pitched performances from the ten-strong company, who switch between thrilling ensemble numbers and more focused two, three or four-person dances. What's striking throughout is that, though these characters are mostly coupled up, their isolation is palpable. Even in the most intimate pas de deux, they are alone.

Lighting designer Paule Constable creates an atmospheric backdrop for Bourne's vivid choreography, summoning the warmth and intensity of a pub or club followed by the cold anonymity of London streets. Set and costume designer Lez Brotherston does a lot with a little  ordinary pub chairs and tables are shifted around the place, dingy window frames hang in mid-air  suggesting locations without overegging them. At points the dancers themselves do almost as much as the set in delineating space in The Midnight Bell  the expansiveness of a dance hall, or example, or the cramped confines of a small members' club.

Composer and conductor Terry Davies and sound designer Paul Groothuis are crucial to proceedings, both in terms of the show's evocative ambient sound and the often haunting original music on which the choreography hangs. The inclusion of songs by the likes of the Gershwins, Cole Porter and Irving Berlin succeeds in grounding The Midnight Bell in its historical period and adds some interesting texture, but is also problematic.

These songs sometimes feel like too blunt an instrument, particularly given the decision to have various characters lip-syncing to them, which introduces a literalness that jars with the subtlety of the rest of the piece. The silliness of some of these scenes, played for laughs, is enjoyable at a superficial level but ultimately feels ill judged, taking us out of the world of Patrick Hamilton so cleverly conjured by Bourne and his company.
Europe's largest Christmas show, Thursford Christmas Spectacular, is set to return to Norfolk this Christmas.

Playing from 9 November to 23 December, the giant piece has a cast of 130 performers, set in the midst of the world's largest collection of steam engines, mechanical organs and fairground rides.

CEO, founder, producer and director of Thursford Christmas Spectacular John Cushing said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be back this year with our Christmas Spectacular show. It is such an important occasion, not just for the cast and crew but the local community, hotels, B&Bs, rental properties and hospitality venues throughout Norfolk.

We cannot wait to welcome the thousands of you back through our doors and give you the most extravagant Spectacular show yet. It has been a challenging couple of years for so many and we want to provide as much joy, over the festive period, as we possibly can."

Joining the line-up will be British-Armenian comedian Kev Orkian, acrobat Billy George on the Cyr Wheel, organist Phil Kelsall, playing the Wurlitzer, as well as acrobats Delfina and Bartek.

Also on the creative team are Benjamin Ellin (musical director and conductor), Tracey Iliffe (choreographer), Peter Savidge (casting director), Jonathan Smith (musical orchestrator) and Stephen Adnitt (designer).
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Willmar, MN (56201)

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A mix of clouds and sun. Gusty winds diminishing during the afternoon. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 32F. Winds NW at 20 to 30 mph..

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Partly cloudy skies this evening will become overcast overnight. Low around 20F. Winds W at less than 5 mph, becoming SE and increasing to 10 to 20 mph.
Winchester, VA (22601)

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A mix of clouds and sun this morning followed by increasing clouds with showers developing this afternoon. High near 70F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph. Chance of rain 60%..

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Rain showers early, then clear overnight. Low 32F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)  Kentucky's Republican attorney general laid out his strategy Wednesday to champion his state's embattled abortion law in court, calling his office the last line of defense" for the measure that would block a second-trimester procedure to end pregnancies.

FILE - In this Sept. 23, 2020 file photo, Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron speaks during a news conference in Frankfort, Ky. Cameron laid out his strategy Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, to champion his state's embattled abortion law in court, calling his office the last line of defense" for the measure that would block a second-trimester procedure to end pregnancies. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, file)

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP)  Kentucky's Republican attorney general laid out his strategy Wednesday to champion his state's embattled abortion law in court, calling his office the last line of defense" for the measure that would block a second-trimester procedure to end pregnancies.

Attorney General Daniel Cameron said his first goal is to persuade the U.S. Supreme Court to let him defend the 2018 law, which was previously struck down by lower courts. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the procedural dispute and scheduled a hearing next Tuesday.

Addressing anti-abortion advocates in a light rain outside the state Capitol, Cameron said he should have the opportunity to make sure that we exhaust all avenues in defending our laws.

Were going to respect life here in Kentucky, Cameron told those gathered. Were going to protect those who cannot speak for themselves. And I think that is an important responsibility of government, to make sure that were looking out for the most vulnerable.

The disputed Kentucky law took aim at an abortion procedure known as dilation and evacuation, in which the fetus is removed with instruments. Abortion opponents call it barbaric and gruesome. Abortion-rights supporters say its a safe method for terminating a pregnancy.

The procedure accounted for about 300 of the 3,200 abortions performed in Kentucky in 2018, the year the law was passed, according to a report in the Courier Journal newspaper.

If Cameron prevails on the procedural issue, he said, he wants to give the law a second chance before the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati. The law was struck down by a federal district judge in Kentucky in 2019, and a three-judge panel of the 6th Circuit upheld that ruling.

The law's opponents include the American Civil Liberties Union. Alexa Kolbi-Molinas, senior staff attorney with the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project, declared enough is enough" in pushing back against Cameron's efforts to defend it.

Two courts already held that this law violates the rights of Kentuckians, Kolbi-Molinas said in a statement Wednesday. The Supreme Court ought to put an end to the attorney generals attempts to force people to continue their pregnancies against their will. Politicians across the country are using every tool in the shed to push abortion further and further out of reach."

Elsewhere, a federal judge ordered Texas late Wednesday to suspend the nations most restrictive abortion law, which had banned most of those procedures in that state since early September. The law had sought to ban abortions once cardiac activity is detected, usually around six weeks, before some women know they are pregnant. It was just one of the laws setting up the biggest test of abortion rights in the U.S. in decades  part of a broader push by Republicans nationwide to impose new restrictions on abortion.

In striking down the Kentucky law, the federal district judge said it would create a substantial obstacle to a womans right to an abortion, violating constitutionally protected privacy rights.

Cameron's appeal on the procedural issue stems from changes at the top of Kentucky government.

The disputed law was backed by former Gov. Matt Bevin, an anti-abortion Republican who was ousted in the 2019 election by Democrat Andy Beshear, who supports abortion rights. Beshear's administration decided to drop the case after the 6th Circuit panel ruled against the law.

Cameron, who succeeded Beshear as attorney general, then tried to intervene in hopes of appealing the case. The 6th Circuit rejected his request, saying his attempt to intervene came too late, but the Supreme Court agreed to hear the matter.

Matt Kuhn, the states principal deputy solicitor general, will argue Camerons case before the Supreme Court next week.

If we ultimately prevail, the court will be saying without question that a state has a right to defend itself with the official representative of its choosing," Cameron said Wednesday. "That regardless of what other agencies or branches of government might decide, that here in Kentucky the attorney generals office stands as a fail safe to ensure that the commonwealths laws can always be defended.

Some prominent Kentucky lawmakers defined it as a matter of state sovereignty for Cameron's office to be able to defend the legislature's actions.

This is all about sovereignty and ... who has the right to defend the laws of a particular state in the public square, said Republican state Rep. Joseph Fischer.
Canadian military nurses have started their work at an Edmonton hospital to help alleviate pressure on a critical care unit overburdened with COVID-19 patients.

A patch is seen on a members of the Canadian Armed Forces at Residence Yvon-Brunet a long-term care home in Montreal, Saturday, April 18, 2020. Canadian military nurses will begin work at an Edmonton hospital Wednesday to alleviate pressure on a critical care unit.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

Canadian military nurses have started their work at an Edmonton hospital to help alleviate pressure on a critical care unit overburdened with COVID-19 patients.

The Canadian Armed Forces says eight critical care nursing officers  from Ontario and Nova Scotia  have been sent to the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

Alberta requested assistance from the military last month as COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and intensive care admissions spiked.

The military support is to be in place until the end of October.

Alberta has the most active cases in the country, with nearly 19,000 infections.

The province reported 1,263 new cases and 26 new deaths, with 247 COVID-19 patients in intensive care.

New measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in Alberta came into effect Wednesday, including a reduction in the outdoor gathering limit to 20 people from 200 and the resumption of public reporting of schools with at least two known infections.

Additionally, Albertans 75 and older and First Nations, Inuit and Metis people aged 65 and older can now book a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2021.
MONCTON, N.B. - Brent Clark says the New Brunswick government should have decided a little earlier to prohibit Thanksgiving Day gatherings.

A Canadian flag hangs in the doorway of a boathouse on Meech Lake among the fall colours in Chelsea, Que., on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. New Brunswicks recently imposed cap on gatherings ahead of the Thanksgiving weekend amid a surge of COVID-19 cases has forced some in the province to rethink their holiday plans. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

MONCTON, N.B. - Brent Clark says the New Brunswick government should have decided a little earlier to prohibit Thanksgiving Day gatherings.

Clark, a resident of Hartland, N.B., by the border with Quebec, said he had to cancel last minute a party he had planned with his three older daughters, grandchildren and his in-laws.

This year, itll be nobody, he said Wednesday, a day after Premier Blaine Higgs issued a provincewide health order capping all indoor gatherings to members of a single household for the Thanksgiving long weekend. Higgs said the order was necessary to limit a surge in COVID-19 cases in the province despite the fact more than 80 per cent of eligible New Brunswickers are fully vaccinated.

If (the government) wanted to do something, they shouldve given more notice," Clark lamented.

Aside from the Thanksgiving party ban, Higgs issued a series of tough measures for parts of the province with high COVID-19 transmission, including Moncton.

New Brunswick's per capita rate of reported cases in the past 14 days has exceeded every other province, except Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia, according to federal data. The figures show that New Brunswick's case rate was 150 infections per 100,000 people. By comparison, the rates in Alberta and Saskatchewan were more than three times higher at 470 and 538, respectively. British Columbia's rate stood at 198 per 100,000, as of Oct. 5.

"We have seen a high number of cases sparked from private gatherings and these are resulting in transmission of the virus across the province, particularly among the unvaccinated, chief medical officer Dr. Jennifer Russell said in a statement Wednesday.

"I understand this is difficult but, in an effort to reduce the spread, New Brunswickers must not have gatherings at their homes during Thanksgiving weekend."

Clark said he was dealing with disappointment after the announcement; his family hasn't been able to have a large gathering since the pandemic began and they were hoping that Thanksgiving would give them a chance to have everyone together.

The new rules have also affected holiday plans for the province's food centres.

Trish MacDonald, interim manager of the Natoaganeg Community Food Centre in Eel Ground First Nation, said the facility has had to cancel its annual Thanksgiving dinner.

"(We're) going to try and do Thanksgiving dinner, but it might be after Thanksgiving," she said Wednesday. Usually, up to 20 people would be able to dine inside the facility for the holiday, but indoor, in-person festivities have been called off.

"There's still more things we want to do, but we had to slow things down inside the building," MacDonald added.

Meanwhile, health officials Wednesday reported that a person in their 90s died of the disease, bringing the total number of deaths related to COVID-19 in the province to 70. Officials also reported 71 new cases of COVID-19 and 77 more recoveries. The province has 775 active reported cases  more than three times the number in Nova Scotia.

New Brunswick has nearly 81 per cent of its eligible population fully vaccinated against the disease and 89.9 per cent have received at least one dose.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2021.

 By Danielle Edwards in Halifax.

 With files from Michael MacDonald in Halifax.

---

This story was produced with the financial assistance of the Facebook and Canadian Press News Fellowship.
Tilray Inc. said it is on track to save at least US$80 million from its merger with Aphria Inc. as it reported a first-quarter loss of US$34.6 million and a revenue increase of 43 per cent compared with a year ago.

A man checks out a sample at a cannabis store in Winnipeg on October 17, 2018. Cannabis company Tilray Inc. reported a loss of US$34.6 million in its latest quarter compared with a loss of US$21.7 million in the same quarter last year as its net revenue rose 43 per cent. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Tilray Inc. said it is on track to save at least US$80 million from its merger with Aphria Inc. as it reported a first-quarter loss of US$34.6 million and a revenue increase of 43 per cent compared with a year ago.

Chief executive Irwin Simon said Thursday its earnings would have been better if the company had already applied some of Aphria's processes.

"Our cannabis adjusted EBITDA would have been several million dollars higher, if legacy Tilray products had been produced under a more efficient Aphria cost model," Simon told a conference call with financial analysts.

Simon has been in search of synergies between his Leamington, Ont. cannabis company and Aphria since their merger closed in May and he took the helm of the joint business.

The companies originally estimated the deal would unlock US$100 million in savings and said US$50 million had been realized as of Sept. 30, putting Tilray ahead of its expected pace.

That US$50 million came in part from the closures of facilities in Enniskillen, Ont. and Nanaimo, B.C.

However, finding synergies has proved challenging in a COVID-19 environment, where many cannabis stores were forced to close for prolonged periods of time and others had to operate with reduced capacity for months.

"The Delta variant quelled consumer confidence and impacted revenue in key consumer facing markets," Tilray chief financial officer Carl Merton told analysts.

"The COVID Delta variant unquestionably impacted results."

Provincial cannabis boards, he said, changed buying patterns when the more virulent variant emerged, but their purchasing rose again when vaccination efforts increased and pot shops reopened.

Flooding in Germany shut down the company's operations for four days and resulted in almost US$5 million in lost revenues  slightly higher than the company's US$2.5 million to $4 million estimate.

The company, which keeps its books in U.S. dollars, said the net loss amounted to eight cents per share for the quarter ended Aug. 31, compared with a loss of US$21.7 million or nine cents per share a year earlier, when it had fewer shares outstanding.

Net revenue for what was the first quarter of the company's financial year totalled US$168.0 million, up from US$117.5 million a year ago.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 7, 2021.

Companies in this story: (TSX:TLRY)
OTTAWA - Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney's credibility as a global climate finance leader is under fire as environment lobby groups say he is allowing some of the world's biggest banks to use him as cover to keep funding fossil fuels.

Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England speaks at a Bank of England Financial Stability Report Press Conference, in London, Monday, Dec. 16, 2019. Carney's credibility as a global climate finance leader is under fire as environment lobby groups say he is allowing some of the biggest banks to use him as cover to keep funding fossil fuels. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Kirsty Wigglesworth,pool

OTTAWA - Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney's credibility as a global climate finance leader is under fire as environment lobby groups say he is allowing some of the world's biggest banks to use him as cover to keep funding fossil fuels.

Carney is widely expected to run for the federal Liberals in a future election and campaigned for some Liberal candidates in the election that ended last month. But he turned down openings to run in that campaign himself because of his previous commitment as the United Nations special envoy on climate action and finance.

As part of that role he is also chairing the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ), aiming to get the biggest financial institutions around the globe to both commit and lead the way to net-zero emissions by 2050.

The alliance is to play a critical role at next month's UN Council of the Parties climate talks, known colloquially as COP26, where a big focus will be on finding the finances to fund the climate promises to achieve needed reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

A coalition of more than 90 Canadian and international environment groups published full-page ads Thursday in the Toronto Star and Financial Times asking Carney to beef up the membership requirements in that alliance.

"While we applaud your role in establishing frameworks to help green the financial system, too many signatory banks and other financial institutions are using GFANZ and 'Net Zero' promises as greenwash, empty promises without meaningful actions or clear accountability," the ad says in a letter printed beside a giant photo of Carney superimposed on a background of flooding waters, smoke stacks and a sky tinted orange from wildfires.

Carney's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Richard Brooks, climate finance director at Stand.earth, said membership in the alliance is based on a general commitment by financial institutions that by 2050, all of their investments will be net zero -- in other words any businesses or projects they invest in will produce no emissions or ensure any emissions that are produced are captured by nature or technology.

But Brooks said there is no immediate requirement for follow-through and no commitment to divest from fossil fuel companies. He said for many of the companies, they signed up and then just continued on with business as usual.

"The threshold that's been set is very much, 'Hey, join the club and then sometime in the future we'll ask you to make some more commitments about how you're going to change your practices on this road to get into net zero emissions by 2050,'" Brooks said.

Brooks said the science is clear that action cannot be punted down the road. He said the membership requirements should be tightened so any financial institution involved has to commit to completely phasing out the financing of all fossil fuel companies and to cut in half the emissions produced by the investments they do make by 2030.

He said any institutions that don't meet those goals should be kicked out immediately so they can't use their membership as "green cover" while they squeeze every last drop of profit out of the fossil fuel sector.

"We've had way too many years, decades, of talking and talking and not enough acting, and it's really time to call people on their talk, and force them to walk," said Brooks.

A statement from the coalition behind the ads said most of the alliance members have not provided any details on how they intend to reduce their fossil fuel investments and have no short-term targets for reducing emissions themselves.

They also say many members in the alliance are still among the biggest funders of fossil fuels and some have even issued new financing to fossil fuel infrastructure since joining the alliance.

That includes Brookfield Infrastructure, which over the summer moved on its plan to take over Inter Pipeline, the biggest transporter of oilsands bitumen in Alberta.

The UN says more than 160 financial firms are signed onto the alliance but very few are Canadian. There are no Canadian banks among the 43 banking members, and only a handful of asset owners and managers, including the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 7, 2021.
BUCHAREST, Romania (AP)  Hungary has offered neighboring Romania help in caring for coronavirus patients as the country faces an alarming surge of COVID-19 cases and a shortage of intensive care beds  pushing its health care system to the brink of collapse.

A patient lies in bed at the COVID-19 unit at the Marius Nasta National Pneumology Institute in Bucharest, Romania, Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021. Romania is facing an accelerated increase of daily COVID-19 infections with 14744 new cases in the last 24 hours and 331 reported deaths, the highest ever number of fatalities in one day, as authorities report they ran out of COVID-19 ICU beds at national level . (AP Photo/Andreea Alexandru)

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP)  Hungary has offered neighboring Romania help in caring for coronavirus patients as the country faces an alarming surge of COVID-19 cases and a shortage of intensive care beds  pushing its health care system to the brink of collapse.

Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto sent a letter over the weekend offering assistance to Romania in treating COVID-19 patients, Hungarys Foreign Ministry told The Associated Press.

Negotiations are underway between the Romanian and Hungarian sides on the concrete form of the assistance, the ministry said.

Romania, a European Union nation of 19 million, is the second-least vaccinated country in the EU  with 34% of adults fully vaccinated, compared to 74% across the bloc.

On Thursday, Romanian vaccination committee chief Valeriu Gheorghita likened the bleak situation unfolding in Romania to Italy  which was one of the worst-hit countries at the start of the pandemic.

It is very obvious that hospitals and emergency units are assaulted, overwhelmed by patients with COVID, Gheorghita said at a news conference, adding that surge in hospitalizations leaves aside other health care needs.

Romania was reporting about 1,000 COVID-19 infections a day around a month ago, but daily cases this week have skyrocketed to record highs of more than 15,000. For the first time since the pandemic started, Romania registered more than 300 deaths in a single day on Wednesday.

There are around 1,500 COVID-19 patients receiving care in Romanias intensive care units  a situation stretching the countrys ailing health care system to capacity.

Romanian President Klaus Iohannis this week called the developments a catastrophe.

The scenario prompted Romanian authorities this week to suspend nonemergency medical treatments for 30 days as they try to relieve pressure on hospitals. They have also asked the EU for help through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

The move came days after a hospital fire in the port city of Constanta tore through an ICU for COVID-19 patients, killing seven people. The blaze on Friday was the third to hit a Romanian COVID-19 ward since the pandemic started, revealing severe ailments in the countrys health care infrastructure.

Szijjarto wrote in a Facebook post on Saturday that if there is a need to care for patients, the Hungarian health care system has the capacity to do it, so (Romania) can count on us.

Romanias Health Ministry didn't respond to an AP email Thursday requesting specifics on the help offered by Hungary.

Hungary  a nation of 10 million people with 66% of all adults fully vaccinated  has itself experienced a recent uptick in COVID-19 pandemic indicators, reaching numbers of hospitalizations not seen since early summer.

Hungary recorded 837 new COVID-19 infection cases on Thursday, compared with 14,467 in Romania.

___

Justin Spike reported from Budapest, Hungary.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The head of the International Monetary Fund said Thursday that a report alleging she had a role in data-rigging at the World Bank when she was a top official there was not an accurate representation of events.

FILE - In this May 18, 2021 file photo, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks at the end of the Financing of African Economies Summit in Paris. Kristalina Georgieva, the head of the International Monetary Fund met on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021 with her agency's executive board, which is conducting an investigation into alleged data-rigging at the World Bank, the sister global lender where she was formerly was a top executive. (Ludovic Marin via AP, Pool, File)

WASHINGTON (AP)  The head of the International Monetary Fund said Thursday that a report alleging she had a role in data-rigging at the World Bank when she was a top official there was not an accurate representation of events.

The statement came a day after IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva appeared before the agency's executive board, which is investigating allegations that in 2018 World Bank employees were pressured to alter data affecting its business-climate rankings of China and other nations.

The bank's "Doing Business" report ranked countries after evaluating its tax burdens, bureaucratic obstacles, regulatory systems and other business conditions. High rankings in the report were coveted by governments seeking to attract investment.

"I am pleased that I finally had the opportunity to explain to the IMF board my role in the Doing Business report and how I respected the integrity of the report," Georgieva said in a statement released Thursday.

In addition to the statement, Georgieva's lawyers released the 11-page statement she delivered to the board on Wednesday in a meeting that lasted over five hours. The board is scheduled to meet again on the matter Friday.

Georgieva has denied any wrongdoing in the matter amid calls that she should resign from her position at the IMF. She served as chief executive officer of the World Bank from January 2017 to September 2019, before taking the top job at the 190-nation IMF, succeeding Christine Lagarde, who is now head of the European Central Bank.

The allegations of data-rigging come from a review conducted by the WillimerHale law firm that alleged Georgieva pressured the bank's economists to improve China's ranking at a time when she and other bank officials were attempting to persuade China to support a boost in the World Bank's funding resources.

The law firm's report prompted the World Bank to discontinue issuing the annual Doing Business report. It also fed into complaints that China's the world's second largest economy, has too much influence over global financial institutions.

As the world's largest economy, the United States is the largest shareholder at the IMF and World Bank, which are both based in Washington.

Asked if the Biden administration had taken a stand on whether Georgieva should step down from her IMF job, Alexandra LaManna, a Treasury spokesperson, said, "There is a review currently underway with the IMF Board and Treasury has pushed for a thorough and fair accounting of all the facts. Our primary responsibility is to uphold the integrity of international institutions."

In her statement to the IMF's 24-member executive board, Georgieva said, "The WilmerHale Report does not accurately characterize my actions with respect to Doing Business 2018, nor does it accurately portray my character or the way that I have conducted myself over a long professional career."
WASHINGTON (AP)  The head of the International Monetary Fund met on Wednesday with her agency's executive board, which is conducting an investigation into alleged data-rigging at the World Bank, the sister global lender where she was formerly was a top executive.

FILE - In this May 18, 2021 file photo, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks at the end of the Financing of African Economies Summit, in Paris. Georgieva met on Wednesday, Oct. 6 with her agency's executive board, which is conducting an investigation into alleged data-rigging at the World Bank, the sister global lender where she was formerly was a top executive. The IMF is investigating allegations that in 2018 World Bank employees were pressured to alter data affecting its business-climate rankings of China and other nations. (Ludovic Marin, Pool via AP, File)

WASHINGTON (AP)  The head of the International Monetary Fund met on Wednesday with her agency's executive board, which is conducting an investigation into alleged data-rigging at the World Bank, the sister global lender where she was formerly was a top executive.

The IMF is investigating allegations that in 2018 World Bank employees were pressured to alter data affecting its business-climate rankings of China and other nations.

The IMF board heard from IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, who has denied any wrongdoing in the matter. She served as chief executive officer of the World Bank from January 2017 to September 2019, before taking the helm of the IMF in October of 2019.

In a statement, the IMF said the meeting was part of the its board's ongoing review of the issue. The board said it met Monday with attorneys from WilmerHale, the law firm that conducted the investigation.

The executive board remains committed to a thorough and timely review and expects to meet again soon for further discussion, the IMF said.

The law firms investigation prompted the World Bank to cancel its annual Doing Business report. The report evaluated a country's tax burdens, bureaucratic obstacles, regulatory systems and other business conditions. Its rankings were used by governments to attract investment.

The law firm's investigation found that as part of the preparation of the 2018 report, Georgieva pressured the bank's economists to improve China's ranking at a time when she and other officials were attempting to persuade China to support a boost in the World Bank's funding.

The incident has led to calls for Georgieva to resign from the IMF's top job. It has also served to underscore long-standing criticism that China wields too much influence over global financial institutions.

Georgieva has denied all wrongdoing. Let me be clear. The conclusions are wrong. I did not pressure anyone to alter any report, she said last month.

The controversy is occurring as the 190-nation IMF and the World Bank, prepare to hold their annual meetings virtually next week.
For Liz Choi, the pandemic provided a sort of validation for the work she was doing turning Robertson College into a purposeful online platform for learners across the country.

JESSICA LEE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Liz Choi intends to bring the concept of transformation to the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, where she officially starts her one-year term as chair today.

For Liz Choi, the pandemic provided a sort of validation for the work she was doing turning Robertson College into a purposeful online platform for learners across the country.

She has already been given the title of chief transformation officer at Robertsons parent company, Education Canada Group, prior to the discovery of the coronavirus. Since then, the college has gone almost 80 per cent online. She is also the president of Robertson Online.

She intends to bring the concept of transformation to the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, where she officially starts her one-year term as chair today, the same day she celebrates her 38th birthday.

"We had expansion plans at Robertson before the pandemic and we were implementing it," she said. "Were bringing our more antiquated business into the year 2021 and going into the future."

While many post-secondary institutions scrambled to deliver their programs online, Robertson found a way to bridge the gap for workers who wanted to re-train but couldnt afford to quit their full-time jobs to go back to school.

"I joke with people that I have made friends with the future," she said.

Choi, whose online handle is Liz Ferocious, is clearly not afraid to confront change.

She acknowledges the Winnipeg business community may have the reputation of being on the small "c" conservative side, but she sees the growth and vibrancy that exists here and wants to be encouraging of that.

"Yes, there may be a bit of hesitancy from some who may think it is almost easier to say, Things are so uncertain lets wait and see what happens," she said. "But there is also a level of excitement and energy and during the pandemic we saw many startups and new businesses opening."

She wants to impart some of her fervour in embracing the future to the chamber.

And it so happens that her term as chairwoman will coincide with the chambers launch of a new diversity, equity and inclusion movement, named CODE (Commitment to Opportunity, Diversity & Equity).

Loren Remillard, the chambers CEO, said he believes it will be an historic initiative for the organization.

"We dont call it a program. It really is a movement, he said. "It will redefine our chamber."

The fact the launch coincides with Choi becoming the first female East Asian chair was not planned but it does send a strong message.

"I am very proud of my story," Choi said, but she then said in many respects it is no different than many other new Canadians experience.

But she wants to downplay the significance of her Korean heritage relative to her role as chair of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.

But having said that, she said a key priority for her personally and professionally will be to champion the work the chamber has started on diversity, equity and inclusion.

"I wanted to be a part of that," she said. "We are living in a time of great awakening. We are paying lots of attention to diversity. Embracing that and helping to embody that is a key thing for me."

Remillard makes the point that the chambers historical record  it turns 150 years old in 2023  has not always been one that embraced diversity, equity and inclusion for all of those years.

"We have made some really great strides with our board, our staff and programming, but so much more needs to be done," he said.

Choi has never shied away from taking dramatic pivots in her life and believes the chamber is a good vehicle to show others that it can work for them, too.

When she was a young, international student she graduated in 2007  the rules at the time were that foreign graduates had to find full-time work in their field of education within 90 days of graduation or else their student work permit would expire.

As a graduate from the faculty of education, she found a teaching job with only days to spare. But it was a maternity leave position she was filling and when it was over she was offered a job at another school.

Unwilling to commit to a situation she was not thrilled with, she resigned, took a summer position as an administrator at the University of Winnipeg and benefited from a boss whom she said, "Saw something in me that I didnt even see myself."

It launched her career as a project manager and business development specialist in the post-secondary world where she has continually advanced.

"I think the level of success I have achieved and the opportunities I have had access to are not typical for so many people coming to Canada in their youth," she said.

"I really hope with this exposure through the chamber, that I can be a visible leader so that many first-generation Canadians can look and go That could be me."

martin.cash@freepress.mb.ca
Parents tired of worrying about classroom outbreaks and sick of telling their elementary school-age children no to sleepovers and family gatherings felt a wave of relief Thursday when Pfizer asked the U.S. government to authorize its COVID-19 vaccine for youngsters ages 5 to 11.

FILE - A healthcare worker holds a vial of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, in this Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, file photo. Pfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 -- and if regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

Parents tired of worrying about classroom outbreaks and sick of telling their elementary school-age children no to sleepovers and family gatherings felt a wave of relief Thursday when Pfizer asked the U.S. government to authorize its COVID-19 vaccine for youngsters ages 5 to 11.

If regulators give the go-ahead, reduced-dose kids shots could begin within a matter of weeks.

That could bring many families a step closer to being done with remote learning, virus scares and repeated school shutdowns and quarantines.

My son asked about playing sports. After youre vaccinated. He asked about seeing his cousins again. After youre vaccinated. A lot of our plans are on hold, said Sarah Staffiere of Waterville, Maine, whose 7-year-old has a rare immune disease that has forced the family to be extra cautious throughout the pandemic.

When hes vaccinated, it would give our family our lives back, she said.

Expanding vaccine availability to roughly 28 million more U.S. children is seen as another milestone in the fight against the virus and comes amid an alarming rise in serious infections in youngsters because of the extra-contagious delta variant.

FILE - In this Feb. 5, 2021, file photo, the Pfizer logo is displayed at the company's headquarters in New York. Pfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 -- and if regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

It would also push the U.S. vaccination drive further ahead of much of the rest of the world at a time when many poor countries are desperately short of vaccine.

The Food and Drug Administration must decide whether the shots are safe and effective in younger children.

Many parents and pediatricians are clamoring for protection for youngsters under 12, the current age cutoff for COVID-19 vaccinations in the U.S.

Nine-year-old Audrey Moulder, who lives in the Philadelphia suburb of Drexel Hill, is looking forward to visiting her grandmother without worrying she will give the older woman COVID-19.

Shes excited because she thinks its a responsibility, said her father, Justin Moulder. She wants to keep her friends safe and her family safe.

Dr. Amanda Powell, an internist and pediatrician who runs a clinic in Portland, Maine, is eager to set up worry-free play dates and plan a family trip again once her 9-year-old son is vaccinated.

We want to be able to resume some normal activities, she said.

FILE - Parents accompany their children outside PS 179 elementary school in the Kensington neighborhood in the Brooklyn borough of New York, in this Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, file photo. Pfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 -- and if regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

But there are also plenty of parents who are wary about getting the shot themselves and are in no hurry to have their children vaccinated.

Heather Miller, a mother of four from Dexter, Maine, said she wants to wait for follow-up studies on the vaccine. Im not 100% against getting it eventually, but I kind of fall into the not right now, wait and see category, she said.

Cindy Schilling, an elementary school principal in West Virginia, which ranks dead last in the percentage of fully vaccinated residents, said it has been a rough start to the year because so many children are testing positive or quarantining at different times, making it hard for teachers and students to stay on track.

Still, she said she often hears parents say they are more concerned about the effects of the vaccine than COVID-19.

Some parents are all for it and getting it for peace of mind, she said, but the majority of parents Ive talked to will not be getting it.

While kids are at lower risk of severe illness or death than older people, COVID-19 does sometimes kill children  at least 520 so far in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech said their research shows younger children should get one-third of the dose now given to everyone else. After their second dose, the 5- to 11-year-olds developed virus-fighting antibody levels just as strong as those that teens and young adults get from regular-strength shots.

On Oct. 26, an independent expert panel that advises the FDA will publicly debate the evidence. If the FDA authorizes emergency use of the kid-size doses, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will make a final decision, after hearing from its outside advisers.

To avoid mix-ups, Pfizer is planning to ship the lower-dose vials specially marked for use in children.

It studied the lower dose in 2,268 volunteers ages 5 to 11 and said there were no serious side effects. The study isnt large enough to detect any extremely rare side effects, such as the heart inflammation that sometimes occurs after the second dose of the regular-strength vaccine, mostly in young men.

Moderna has requested FDA permission to use its vaccine in 12- to 17-year-olds and also is studying its shots in elementary school children. Both Pfizer and Moderna are studying even younger children as well, down to 6-month-olds. Results are expected later in the year.

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AP journalist Emma H. Tobin contributed to this report.

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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.
SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  Several San Francisco Bay Area counties will begin loosening mask requirements for certain indoor public settings, including offices, gyms, college classrooms and churches, once they reach low COVID-19 case and hospitalization rates and at least 80% of the total population is fully vaccinated, officials announced Thursday.

FILE - In this Aug. 20, 2021, file photo, host Jason Pryor, right, checks the vaccination and identification cards of diners as they enter the Waterbar restaurant in San Francisco. Indoor masking requirements in the San Francisco Bay Area will be eased for certain indoor public settings, including offices, gyms, college classrooms and churches, once counties reach low COVID-19 case and hospitalization rates and at least 80% of the total population is fully vaccinated, officials announced Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  Several San Francisco Bay Area counties will begin loosening mask requirements for certain indoor public settings, including offices, gyms, college classrooms and churches, once they reach low COVID-19 case and hospitalization rates and at least 80% of the total population is fully vaccinated, officials announced Thursday.

The Bay Area, with among the highest vaccination rates and lowest case rates in the nation, has been cautious since the start of the pandemic, when counties regionwide issued the nation's first stay-home order in March 2020.

After lifting some restrictions in the spring, public health officials in San Francisco, Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara and San Mateo reinstated an indoor mask mandate in August as COVID-19 infections surged because of the highly contagious delta variant.

Since then, cases have declined, and officials have now agreed to start lifting mask mandates in some public spaces. The 80% vaccination rate includes the entire population, not just those 12 and older who are currently eligible for the shots.

Indoor masking has helped to lower case counts, hospitalizations and COVID-19 deaths, so we dont want to remove this important layer of COVID prevention too hastily, Santa Clara Health Officer Dr. Sara Cody said.

Such a change is likely weeks away in most areas, although San Francisco will begin easing the rules next week in a system that is likely to again create a patchwork of regional rules.

Christos Frangoulis, owner of the Park Street Tavern in Alameda, said the new rules dont appear to change anything for him immediately, and hes fine with that.

I kind of expected wed be wearing masks until at least the spring, anyway, he said. Id much rather have my guests wear masks than have my doors shut again.

In Contra Costa County, where 71% of the entire population is vaccinated, officials said it could be a while before people can actually start taking their masks off, given that vaccines for children ages 5 to 11 have yet to be approved.

I want to make it very clear, we are not there yet and based on the criteria it will probably take a few more weeks before we can enter a store or restaurant without a mask, Contra Costa County Supervisor Diane Burgis said.

In San Francisco, where 75% of the entire population is fully vaccinated, patrons of a wide array of businesses are already required to show proof of full vaccination, including offices, gyms and college classrooms. Mayor London Breed's office said Thursday that mask requirements will be eased Oct. 15 for those and other settings with fewer than 100 people, as long as everyone can prove they are vaccinated, the place is well ventilated and no children under 12 are present.

Patrons at San Francisco bars and restaurants must still wear a mask inside, regardless of vaccination status, unless they are eating or drinking, Breed said. The mayor last month was seen on video mask-less at a nightclub, in violation of the rules, and later told reporters that she didn't think the rules were reasonable.

Make sure you are vaccinated because of the requirements but dont feel as though you have to be micromanaged about mask wearing. We dont need the fun police to come in and tell us what we should or shouldnt be doing," she later said.

At Johns Grill in San Francisco, owner John Konstin was trying to figure out whether the new guidelines meant a change for his restaurant  it sounds like bars and restaurants, we still have to require masks?

Its definitely tiring, he said. But at the end of the day, as long as were staying safe, and cases are low, and vaccinations are high, it seems like were doing the right thing here," noting that customers have been overwhelmingly positive about the vaccination requirement.

Indoor masking will also continue to be required at San Francisco retail stores and other shared indoor places such as common areas like elevators, lobbies and restrooms, where people from different workplace settings could interact.

State and federal rules still require masks to be worn on public transportation, in health care facilities, in adult and senior care facilities and at K-12 schools.

In Los Angeles County, the state's most populous, there are no immediate plans to adopt a similar criteria for loosening mask mandates, said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of the countys Department of Public Health. She said Northern California counties have much higher vaccination rates overall and different demographics, though she agreed with the rationale behind the guidelines.

You know, we're still in the middle of substantial transmission, we have a lot of work to do to get to lower transmission rates, and we need to really concentrate on getting more people vaccinated, she said Thursday.

Steve Pyka, owner of Asta Yoga in San Francisco, said it was about time vaccinated people were allowed to exercise without masks.

Pyka said his students must register online and upload their proof of vaccination, his studio is well ventilated and there is plenty of room for people to keep their distance.

Theyre not moving and theyre not opening their mouth like in a restaurant or a bar where they could have well over 100 people who do the theater of coming in with their mask on and take it off right away and are talking and sharing drinks and food, he said.

Such strict mandates especially don't make sense with San Francisco's high vaccination rates, he said.

Instead of enjoying the fact that we live in this place where everybodys kind of doing their part, were still living with policies that dont seem to match the reality, he said.

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Associated Press writers Jocelyn Gecker and Janie Har contributed to this report.

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This story has been corrected to show that 75% of San Francisco's entire population is vaccinated, not 75% of those over 12.
The Food and Drug Administration is considering whether to allow COVID-19 vaccinations in children ages 5 to 11  using kid-sized doses.

FILE - Parents accompany their children outside PS 179 elementary school in the Kensington neighborhood in the Brooklyn borough of New York, in this Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020, file photo. Pfizer asked the U.S. government Thursday, Oct. 7, 2021, to allow use of its COVID-19 vaccine in children ages 5 to 11 -- and if regulators agree, shots could begin within a matter of weeks. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

The Food and Drug Administration is considering whether to allow COVID-19 vaccinations in children ages 5 to 11  using kid-sized doses.

Until now, only people 12 and older could be vaccinated in the U.S., with shots made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech. That's been a huge frustration for many pediatricians and parents, especially as the extra-contagious delta variant has raged through poorly vaccinated communities  and the schools in them.

On Thursday, the companies formally applied for emergency use of a lower dose for 5- to 11-year-olds. Heres what to expect:

Q: Why do younger kids need a vaccine?

A: The virus generally causes more serious disease in older adults than in children. But it can sometimes be severe in youngsters, too. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, COVID-19 has killed at least 520 children in the U.S.

The delta variant also caused a jump in child infections, making it more difficult to keep schools fully open and students in class. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey found nearly a quarter of parents with kids in class this fall say they've already had to quarantine a child because of possible virus exposure.

Q: How soon could vaccinations begin for kids under 12?

A: First under consideration are shots for 5- to 11-year-olds. Advisers to the FDA are expected to publicly deliberate Pfizers evidence on Oct. 26, setting the stage for the agency to declare if the shots are safe and effective for the roughly 28 million youngsters in that age group.

If it does, theres another step: Advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will decide whether to recommend kids actually get the vaccinations. The CDC makes the final call.

FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Marks has said the agency would decide hopefully within a matter of weeks after Pfizer submitted its data.

Q: Would younger kids get the same dose as teens and adults?

A: No. Pfizer aims to give 5- to 11-year-olds one-third of the dose thats given to everyone 12 and older.

Q: Whats the evidence the kid-sized shots work?

A: Pfizer studied the lower dose in 2,268 volunteers in this age group, giving two-thirds vaccine and the rest dummy shots. The company says vaccinated 5- to 11-year-olds developed coronavirus-fighting antibody levels that were as strong as what teenagers and young adults get after the regular-strength shots.

Q: Was the vaccine safe for youngsters?

A: The young kids experienced similar or fewer temporary side effects such as sore arms and achiness than teens.

One exceedingly rare risk of both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines is heart inflammation, usually in young men or boys. The CDC estimates that for every million fully vaccinated 12- to 17-year-old boys, the shots would prevent about 5,700 COVID-19 cases, 71 hospitalizations and two deaths while causing no more than 69 cases of heart inflammation. It's difficult for scientific studies to detect such a rare problem so regulators will have to debate the possibility of that risk with the lower-dose shots for younger kids.

Q: If its cleared, will the kid-sized vaccine come in special packages?

A: Yes, to avoid any dosing mix-ups Pfizer plans to ship vials specially marked for pediatric use containing the lower dose.

Q: What about vaccinations for kids younger than 5?

A: Stay tuned: Study results are expected later this year.

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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.
KAMLOOPS, B.C. - The Tkemlups te Secwepemc First Nation says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau "missed an opportunity" to show his commitment to the survivors of residential schools by not replying to its invitations to take part in an event marking the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau listens to Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland, not seen, during a press conference in Ottawa on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

KAMLOOPS, B.C. - The Tkemlups te Secwepemc First Nation says Prime Minister Justin Trudeau "missed an opportunity" to show his commitment to the survivors of residential schools by not replying to its invitations to take part in an event marking the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

A statement on Thursday from the First Nation in Kamloops, B.C., said the lack of a response to two letters was "an added insult," but it looks forward to welcoming Trudeau in the community later this month.

It added Trudeau's presence would have shown the world his personal commitment to "enacting real change and rectifying the historical wrongs" of the residential school system, and to personally support grieving Indian Residential School survivors.

It says the Canadian government created residential schools and its leadership is needed "to work with Indigenous Peoples to find a path of truth telling and reconciliation."

The statement says his attendance would have been an "acknowledgment" to all survivors, their families and communities, adding that "a clear public gesture would have brought peace to many."

On Wednesday, Trudeau said he regrets the mistake of travelling to B.C. to join his vacationing family in Tofino on the day meant to honour survivors of the residential school system.

The First Nation says "real action and change" is needed that supports healing and the revitalization of their language, culture and traditions.

"We are not interested in apologies that dont lead to institutional and widespread change."

The Prime Minister's Office said in a brief statement Thursday that Trudeau and Tkemlups te Secwepemc Chief Rosanne Casimir had spoken about the path forward to reconciliation.

It added that Trudeau and Casimir had previously spoken following the finding of more than 200 unmarked graves at the site of the former residential school.

Trudeau's office said Sunday that the prime minister spoke with the head of the Tk'emlups te Secwepemc Nation on Saturday and apologized for failing to accept invitations to mark Sept. 30 in the community.

The First Nation said it wants funding for a healing centre to support residential school survivors as well as being supplied with the school's attendance records by the federal government, which could help identify remains found at the site as well as any other missing children.

Indigenous leaders have previously shared their frustration over the prime minister's decision to go on vacation on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

 By Nick Wells in Vancouver.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 7, 2021.
SUTTON, Que. - Quebec provincial police cancelled an Amber Alert on Thursday afternoon after two young children who had allegedly been abducted were found safe in New Brunswick.

A Surete du Quebec badge is seen in Montreal on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

SUTTON, Que. - Quebec provincial police cancelled an Amber Alert on Thursday afternoon after two young children who had allegedly been abducted were found safe in New Brunswick.

Police said on Twitter Thursday that the two children, aged 3 and 1, were "safe and sound."

They were allegedly taken about 4 p.m. on Wednesday in Sutton, Que., about 110 kilometres southeast of Montreal.

The provincewide Amber Alert was issued around noon on Thursday and cancelled a little over an hour later.

Police spokeswoman Catherine Bernard said all three people who were being sought were located on Route 16 in New Brunswick and were safe.

No further details were immediately available.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 7, 2021.
OTTAWA - NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says he is proud of the party's election campaign, but also disappointed that more MPs were not elected.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh speaks during a post-election news conference in Vancouver, on Tuesday, September 21, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

OTTAWA - NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says he is proud of the party's election campaign, but also disappointed that more MPs were not elected.

At the first meeting of the NDP caucus since the Sept. 20 vote, Singh told his MPs that, though proud of the party's "tough campaign," he was disappointed that so many candidates came a narrow second.

Singh announced he is appointing Bob Dewar, a veteran NDP political strategist, to lead a review into what succeeded and what went wrong with the NDP's election campaign.

The party gained only one extra seat despite spending $25 million on the election. It was the only major party to increase its share of votes.

Addressing his caucus of 25 MPs on Wednesday, Singh welcomed four new faces, including Blake Desjarlais, the new MP for Edmonton Griesbach, a Metis leader who is the first two-spirit MP.

Singh told his MPs that he was proud of the campaign but was also "acknowledging that there are things that we need to do" and that "there were things that went well and some things that didnt.

"We ran a tough campaign and we worked hard," he said. "But we are also disappointed as well."

He said he was disappointed that "there were seats that we were so close to winning," but only came second.

Singh asked his MPs for feedback and input into how the campaign went, nationally and on the ground. He said Dewar, a veteran political strategist, would launch a "really extensive review."

NDP communications director Melanie Richer said the review of how the campaign went is expected to report by the end of the year.

Alexandre Boulerice, deputy leader of the NDP, said the party would have been happy to have more MPs today but he was pleased that it had increased its share of votes in the election.

Maybe we had some issues about getting out the votes but we will discuss that, he said, before the caucus meeting.

He said the party was well placed for next time in Quebec to win more seats.

We put some really good roots in the ground for next time, Boulerice said.

Desjarlais said he focused his campaign on those folks who didnt have their voices heard and on getting the vote out.

He said he thought the NDP campaign was "phenomenal," adding that "all parties have had a difficult time trying to get out the vote."

The NDP leader also asked MPs for input on policies for the new Parliament, where the Liberals will continue as a minority government.

Singh told his MPs that fighting for Indigenous rights, including good quality affordable housing, combating climate change and pushing for higher taxes for the super-rich will be priorities for the NDP.

Singh signaled he would not use NDP numbers to torpedo Trudeau's minority government.

"Canadians  want to see Parliament work for them. Our goal is never in a minority government to tear down government," he said.

He said that combating COVID-19 and making sure that Canadians had access to paid sick leave were priorities the NDP would continue to push for, as well as a national vaccine passport.

"Having a clear federal document that can be used to prove your vaccination is something we have long called for and seems to make a lot of sense," he said.

The party came a close second in a clutch of ridings, but failed to break through in Quebec or in the Greater Toronto Area, despite favourable popularity ratings for Singh.

During the campaign, he criss-crossed the country, visiting dozens of target ridings, and meeting voters from many different backgrounds.

The review will examine whether Singh's energetic touring campaign worked, and if the party's active social media strategy cut through to floating voters, and different age groups.

It will also look at whether the party should have focused its message more on "bread and butter issues" that appeal to suburban voters who are not aligned to any political party, according to Richer.

It will also examine how voter turnout affected results in close-run ridings.

Singh told his caucus he was "holding out" for the result of a recount in the Toronto riding of Davenport where the NDP candidate lost to the Liberals by 76 votes.

He said "a breakthrough in Toronto" would be welcome.

Karl Belanger, a former senior NDP adviser, said the party would need to improve its messaging and organization on the ground to convert close seconds into wins next time. He said making gains in Toronto and Quebec was key to electoral success.

But, despite gaining only one more MP in the election, Singh would escape a leadership challenge, Belanger predicted.

Im not hearing any revolt or anything like that. I am sure people will raise concerns about what happened in the campaign. I think there are going to be questions that Singh was not able to capitalize on his own popularity, and couldnt break through in the GTA, Belanger, president of Traxxion Strategies, said.

They say they ran a good campaign but a campaign that doesnt deliver seats is not a good campaign. They need to look at the message.

In 2011, the NDP rode a so-called orange wave, returning the largest number of seats in its history. It formed the official opposition for the first time. In the 2015 election, the NDP won 44 seats, compared to 24 in 2019, Singhs first campaign as NDP leader.

The caucus of 25 MPs  some of whom wore orange masks, and even orange socks  loudly clapped for Singh as he entered the parliamentary committee room where the caucus was held, and more loudly still when he said he would fight for compensation for Indigenous children.

This report by the Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2021.
EDMONTON - This Thanksgiving will be a tough one for Carol Charles and her family.

EDMONTON - This Thanksgiving will be a tough one for Carol Charles and her family.

The 50-year-old from Regina usually travels to her younger sisters house in Edmonton for the holiday.

Jennifer Rosebluff-Thomas, left, poses with her sister Carol Charles in this undated handout photo. Rosebluff-Thomas died of COVID-19 last month. She was about 29 weeks pregnant with her ninth child. She was also unvaccinated and contracted the more dangerous Delta variant. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Carol Charles *MANDATORY CREDIT*

But Jennifer Rosebluff-Thomas died of COVID-19 last month. She was about 29 weeks pregnant with her ninth child. She was also unvaccinated and contracted the more dangerous Delta variant.

When they did the emergency C-section, they explained to me that it was to help my sister get more oxygen into her lungs, and they confirmed at that same time that she wasnt vaccinated and that it was preventable, Charles said.

That was the most hurtful part, when they told me it was preventable.

Charles said she last spoke with Rosebluff-Thomas days before the C-section when her sister told her she was dying.

I told her that I was going to be with the kids and not to worry, Charles said, fighting back tears.

Rosebluff-Thomas delivered a baby girl in late August. The baby survived, but Rosebluff-Thomas died a few days later, Charles said.

She said her 35-year-old sister, who was a single, stay-at-home mother, leaves another eight children between the ages of one and 19. Charles is taking care of five of the children in Regina and the other three are with their father in Alberta.

She isnt sure yet where the baby will be raised.

My sister was so giving. It was hard for her to say no to her kids or anybody, Charles said.

She was such a giver and its just not fair that she is not here.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada recommend that pregnant women get two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Dr. Deena Hinshaw, Albertas chief medical officer of health, recently stressed that pregnant women are at a high risk of severe outcomes from the infection.

With a lot of misinformation about pregnancy and vaccinations circulating online, I would like to assure Albertans that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are safe for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, she tweeted last month. There is also no evidence that COVID-19 vaccines cause fertility problems.

Kerry Williamson, a spokesman for Alberta Health Services, said that from July 15 to Sept. 28 of this year, 14 pregnant women were admitted to intensive care units.

All of them had been unvaccinated, he said.

We need those who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or have recently delivered to get both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible, Williamson wrote in an email.

Vaccines are safe and effective, and they are the best way to protect you and your baby from COVID-19.

He said there is no data available about how many pregnant Albertans have died from the virus.

And while it is too late to save her sister, Charles said she hopes her story will encourage other pregnant women to get immunized.

 (COVID-19 vaccines) arent guaranteed, but it helps, Charles said. It might not stop you from getting sick, but it will help you get through it.

She said she spoke with her sister in the spring about getting immunized. Since Rosebluff-Thomas didnt express any opposition to the vaccines, Charles thought she would get the shots.

She has no idea why her sister didn't, she said.

A GoFundMe page was recently set up by one of Rosebluff-Thomas's friends to help support her children.

Jennifer was a beautiful person, with a beautiful soul, the page says. She loved all her children and did her best to give them everything and more."

Charles said her nieces and nephews are still in shock from their mothers death and that Thanksgiving will be difficult for them because they will not be together.

This was our holiday and that is what we were getting readyfor next.

She will still have Thanksgiving dinner this weekend with five of the children. Charles said she will especially miss her sister keeping her company in the kitchen while she prepares the meal.

It doesn't seem real, but it is," Charles said of her sister's death.

"It's a whole new life for all of us without her."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 7, 2021
Two teens were assaulted by a machete-wielding 15-year-old Tuesday evening.

The two assaults occurred between 7 and 8 p.m., one in the North End and the other downtown, the Winnipeg Police Service said Wednesday.

Officers were called to Mountain Avenue and Aikins Street, where they found a teenage victim with serious injuries. He was taken to hospital in unstable condition, but was later upgraded to stable condition.

On Wednesday afternoon, there was no sign a crime had taken place at the scene.

Across the street, a store clerk said he saw an ambulance, fire truck and at least three police cruisers around 7 p.m., while officers put up tape near a church on Mountain Avenue.

"There was sirens all over the place," the clerk said, who asked his name not be used.

He wasn't sure what had happened, until a regular customer came in Wednesday and said he'd witnessed the attack.

"In this neighbourhood, it doesn't surprise me," he said.

In the second attack, police went to a hotel parking lot on the 100 block of Garry Street, where they found a second teenage victim. He was taken to hospital in unstable condition, but later upgraded to stable.

It is believed the accused knew each victim, Const. Dani McKinnon said.

"They had both become involved in separate altercations ending in the machete attack," McKinnon said.

The accused, who is from Winnipeg, is charged with aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, two counts of possessing a weapon and three counts of failing to comply with release orders. He was arrested on the 300 block of Sherbrook Street Tuesday night and was detained in custody.

erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca
A Winnipeg dad was hoping his 11-year-old daughter's doctor would help convince her getting immunized against COVID-19 will be safe when she turns 12, but they got anti-vaccination information instead.

A Winnipeg dad was hoping his 11-year-old daughter's doctor would help convince her getting immunized against COVID-19 will be safe when she turns 12, but they got anti-vaccination information instead.

A complaint about the doctor's conduct has been submitted to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Dr. Wilhelmus Grobler.

The dad, who asked that his name not be used in order to keep his daughter's identity private, said he went with her to the South Sherbrook Health Centre on Sept. 29, with a list of questions to ask the doctor in an effort to assure the girl the vaccine is safe.

But he didn't expect the answers he got from Dr. Wilhelmus Grobler.

"In my opinion, without a doubt, he is an anti-vaxxer," the father said. "If you were on the fence about getting the vaccine you would come out of there and not get a vaccination.

"This man is a danger to public health and should have his medical licence suspended."

More than 60,943 Manitobans have tested positive for COVID-19 during the pandemic and, as of Monday, there had been 1,213 deaths.

With case numbers rising during the current fourth wave of the virus, the province imposed new public-health orders and restrictions Tuesday, moving the pandemic response system to orange from the less-restrictive yellow level.

More than two million vaccine doses have been administered in the province, and over 81 per cent of Manitobans age 12 and older have received two shots. That leaves about 160,000 residents who are eligible but remain unvaccinated.

"In my opinion, without a doubt, he is an antivaxxer."  Father

The dad, who took contemporaneous notes after leaving the office, said among the things Grobler told him was that the trial period for the COVID-19 vaccines was not long enough, noting it took 15 years for the polio vaccine to be approved and other vaccines take at least five years.

Grobler also said the only people that need to get the shot are people older than 80, and that the number of adverse effects from the vaccine is not accurate because he tried to report some but the input was refused because it was beyond the post-injection two-week period. He also said that while there is no evidence the vaccine causes sterilization, he believes it might and is concerned.

The father, who said at that point he was frustrated with Grobler's answers, asked whether he believes the vaccine makes people magnetic.

"Sure enough, Dr. Grobler stated that some people have more ferrous blood that can have some sort of reaction to the vaccine and, after another long medical explanation, stated definitely, yes, people can become magnetic for up to a week after receiving the vaccine," he said.

The fully vaccinated dad said he left the office questioning what he thought he knew.

"But some of the things he said almost have you secondguessing yourself."  Father

"The messaging is so scary," he said. "I'm a proponent of vaccination and I believe in the science. I have strong opinions and follow the public-health message.

"But some of the things he said almost have you second-guessing yourself."

He said Grobler told him patients from southern Manitoba  where vaccine uptake has lagged behind the rest of the province  make up much of his practice.

Grobler did not respond to a Free Press request for comment.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba confirmed Wednesday it had received a complaint.

The owners and management of the South Sherbrook Health Centre said in a statement that they would not be commenting on the matter because it arose during a private medical consultation.

"As an organization, we respect the rules of protecting our patients and community and we support the decisions and advice from our public-health authorities," the statement said.

"We are confident that Dr. Grobler will be co-operative with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba concerning whatever information and/or action is required to resolve the matter."

"He needs to have his licence revoked by the college."  Dr. Anand Kumar

As well, the clinic said patients can book appointments to get both COVID-19 and flu shots at the facility.

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Anand Kumar, an intensive-care unit physician who has worked throughout the pandemic, offered a blunt take on the dangerous message Grobler is delivering to patients.

"He needs to have his licence revoked by the college," said Kumar, who has watched patients die from COVID-19.

"Also a neuropsychiatric exam."

Keir Johnson, a spokesman for the Doctors Manitoba professional association, said an overwhelming number of physicians are vaccinated against COVID-19 and the majority of the few who aren't are being treated for cancer and haven't been able to get the shots in the small window they have between treatments.

"Our research has found that well over 99 per cent of physicians in Manitoba are already vaccinated," said Johnson.

"Physicians trust the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines and that's why they recommend them to patients... it is a physician's responsibility to use scientific evidence in helping patients understand risks and benefits to make a fully informed decision about their care. This is true for surgeries, prescribing medications or advising on vaccinations."

It's not the first time Grobler has been accused of spreading COVID-19 information contrary to advice from public-health officials here and around the world.

Last October, while vaccines were under development, Grobler posted a notice at the Sherbrook Street clinic comparing the virus to the common cold.

"This is the position of your trusted medical caregiver and medical expert since 2008," the statement from Grobler said.

"The virus causing COVID-19 is a cold virus and causes cold symptoms for the vast majority of people infected between the ages 0-80. Statistically, it is not more lethal or carry excess morbidity over any other cold or flu virus for this age group."

Grobler said the only age group that should be under lockdown are people age 80 and over with pre-existing medical conditions "until the whole herd has natural immunity. These are the only group that eventually won't get the virus."

At the time, the College told Grobler to remove the notice, stating "he will not post any further signage or otherwise disseminate information to his patients or the public regarding COVID-19 that do not align with current public-health directives in any format including in writing, verbally and on social media."

According to the physician profile section on the College's website, Grobler graduated from the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 1980 with training in family medicine.

He was registered to practice in Manitoba on Aug. 22, 1991.

There have been no malpractice judgments or disciplinary actions against him during his career.

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
Manitobans with kidney stones, prostate issues and some types of bladder cancer will get faster treatment at Health Sciences Centre thanks to a $1-million donation from the Dufresne family.

Manitobans with kidney stones, prostate issues and some types of bladder cancer will get faster treatment at Health Sciences Centre thanks to a $1-million donation from the Dufresne family.

The owners of the Dufresne furniture and appliance retail chain made the donation to the Health Sciences Centre Foundation to help in the creation of a world-class urologic centre at Manitoba's largest hospital.

SUPPLIED PHOTO Mark and Stephanie Dufresne

"We sell furniture, but we're involved in people's lives and families all the time and health is at the top of the list," Mark Dufresne, CEO of the Dufresne Group, said Thursday.

"By looking after these people, it will also free up the operating rooms so the overall efficiency of the ORs will be much better... we have heard the vision of the (foundation) and we have bought into that vision."

HSC Foundation president and CEO Jonathon Lyon said the Manitoba Urologic Centre, which is expected to be open by fall 2023 in the former Women's Hospital on Notre Dame Avenue, will shorten waits and improve care for about 10,000 patients each year.

"We're grateful for (the Dufresne family's) tremendous generosity and that they have chosen to support the Manitoba Urologic Centre in this exceptional way," said Lyon.

Prostate surgery, kidney-stone removal and treating some forms of bladder cancer are among the services that will be done at the facility. Wait times for some of those procedures, which were about six months before the pandemic, have now increased to about a year.

The centre is expected to significantly reduce wait times.

In a statement, HSC urologist Dr. Jeff Saranchuk said "under current conditions, patients have to wait far too long for the care they need" and they often suffer in pain. Sometimes, patients have to use a catheter the entire time they are waiting for a procedure. The longer they have to use it, the higher the risk to their kidneys.

"The new centre will help us reduce wait times from up to one year to weeks, which will improve patients' recoveries and reduce the risk of complications. Additionally, thanks to donors like the Dufresne family, we will be able to acquire the latest equipment to perform minimally invasive procedures.

"We are very grateful that this project is moving forward."

Dufresne said his family is also pleased that when urologic procedures are performed in the new facility, HSC's operating rooms will be freed up for patients with other urgent surgical needs.

He said he's hopeful others will follow his family's philanthropic example.

"There's no doubt from our perspective we would be thrilled if that is the outcome," he said. "This will benefit all Manitobans. We are so grateful we can do this."

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca
Kai Madsen, who helped bring Christmas to needy Winnipeggers for 52 years, has died.

Madsen stepped down from his role as executive director of the Christmas Cheer Board in August. He had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which weakened his lungs and required him to be on oxygen 24/7.

He was at home, surrounded by family, when he died Wednesday.

JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Kai Madsen, executive director of the Christmas Cheer Board.

"You can't say enough good stuff about him" said Shawna Bell, who replaced Madsen as executive director. "(His death) leaves a big hole, and I will do my best to ensure the (Cheer Board)... does right by him."

Madsen, 80, began volunteering at the Cheer Board in 1969. He assembled food and gift hampers and would deliver them with his mentor, Dave Reece. He later became a board member, and took on the executive director position in the 90s.

"When I was a kid, the Cheer Board was Kai," said Bell, whose parents volunteered at the non-profit. "I just always knew that face, and the kindness that came along with (it)."

He was a "connector of people," she said. Under his watch, the non-profit blossomed to an operation that distributes about 17,500 holiday hampers each December. Thousands have volunteered their time and donated money to the organization.

RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Kai Madsen in 2018.

"He had a smile on his face all the time," Bell said. "Everyone was greeted with warmth when they came through the door, and if someone wanted a minute of his time, they got 10."

He remembered names, regardless of whether he'd met someone once or had seen them regularly, Bell said.

"To me, that was one of his best traits. He knew you. He may have only ever met you once, but he knew you."

Mayor Brian Bowman called Madsen a "remarkable Winnipegger."

SHANNON VANRAES / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Madsen with Christmas Cheer Board workers, from left, Sheila Worboys, Linda Grayston and Susan Gill in 2019.

"Kai... cared deeply for those in need," Bowman said in a written statement. "After decades of working tirelessly with the Winnipeg Christmas Cheer Board, his legacy of cheer will live on in our community."

Madsen was well-known to Free Press readers because of the paper's close association with the Cheer Board through its annual fundraising efforts, said editor Paul Samyn.

"For decades, Kai was a fixture on our pages at Christmas as the face of a Winnipeg institution that made miracles come through for so many needy families over the holidays," he said.

"We always enjoyed working with him and together with our readers, will mourn his passing."

Mike Deal / Winnipeg Free Press Files Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz is greeted by Kai Madsen at the Winnipeg Cheer Board in 2013.

Madsen told the Free Press in August that his illness made everyday tasks, such as taking a shower, more difficult.

He'd worked closely with the board in recent years to prepare for a Cheer Board without him.

Bell was the board president before filling Madsen's role. After he retired, she met with him weekly.

"He always put a lot of thought into everything," Bell said. "He was looking for the best interests of the family that received hampers. I learned to really keep that at the forefront of every decision we make."

When he announced his retirement, Madsen said he would cherish the experience of working for the Cheer Board and was thankful for being able to participate in a "meaningful way" in the community.

"I cant say enough about Winnipeggers," Madsen said in a statement. "Its been a wonderful journey, a large part of my life and I owe them a debt of gratitude. Ive seen the best of everybody and when you think well of people, good things happen."

In a release Wednesday, the president of the Manitoba Metis Federation, paid tribute to Madsen.

"Kai was the epitome of Christmas spirit. Even the COVID-19 pandemic couldnt stop him from making sure that no child went without Christmas. His spirit and determination made a real and lasting difference in the lives of many families. No one could say no to Kais passion for his beautiful work," David Chartrand wrote.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com
Mennonite Church Manitoba said it will not provide a religious exemption for people who dont want the COVID-19 vaccine.

Mennonite Church Manitoba said it will not provide a religious exemption for people who dont want the COVID-19 vaccine.

"For a religious exemption to be granted, rationale for exemption must be clearly indicated within our sacred texts or confessional statements," the statement says.

"We wish to clarify that there is nothing in the Bible, in our historic confessions of faith, in our theology or in our ecclesiology that justifies granting a religious exemption from vaccinations against COVID-19."

The statement was issued on behalf of the entire denomination in Canada and is signed by Doug Klassen, the executive minister of Mennonite Church Canada, based in Winnipeg, and leaders of all of its provincial conferences.

Michael Pahl, who signed as executive minister of Mennonite Church Manitoba, said the statement serves two purposes.

"Its a statement in part to our members to confirm there is no possibility of a religious exemption," Pahl said, noting there have been a few inquiries but no formal requests for exemptions.

At the same time, "Its a statement outward to others who may see Mennonites as resisting vaccinations," he said.

"It is important to have a Mennonite voice out there" promoting vaccinations, Pahl said. He stressed that he is speaking for the 38 Manitoba churches in his conference and not all Mennonites.

This includes some in the Southern Health Region, which has some of the lowest vaccination rates in the province.

The two Mennonite Church Manitoba congregations in Winkler, where vaccination rates are low, "are unified" in getting the vaccine, he said.

"Thankfully, this is not a divisive issue within our churches," Pahl said.

However, the situation is "heartbreaking" for some members of the denomination because families and communities are being torn apart over vaccinations, Pahl said.

Pahl, formerly the pastor of the Morden Mennonite Church, said there will be a long road to "repairing and restoring broken relationships" when the pandemic is over.

Klassen said the statement is designed to give its clergy across the country clear direction from the denomination so "they dont have to figure it out individually" if any members should ask about a religious exemption.

At the same time, he and the other leaders want to send a clear message the denomination is "not adversarial to science" and that it is "taking the pandemic seriously."

"We want people to know we need to look after our neighbours," Klassen said.

faith@freepress.mb.ca
It is tradition for members of the Manitoba legislature to pay tribute to departing party leaders. It's a time to focus on the positive, to set aside partisan differences to recognize, for better or worse, elected officials are all in this job for roughly the same reasons.

It is tradition for members of the Manitoba legislature to pay tribute to departing party leaders. It's a time to focus on the positive, to set aside partisan differences to recognize, for better or worse, elected officials are all in this job for roughly the same reasons.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Premier Kelvin Goertzen pretty much stuck to tradition, thanking Pallister for his years of public service.

That is not, however, what happened Wednesday, when it came time to recognize former Progressive Conservative leader and premier Brian Pallister, who stepped down from those roles last month and who resigned as Fort Whyte MLA on Monday.

Premier Kelvin Goertzen pretty much stuck to tradition, thanking Pallister for his years of public service, while poking a bit of fun with references to him having "a place down south somewhere"  a clear reference to the Costa Rican villa that became a point of controversy for Pallister.

That same playful tone was maintained when NDP Leader Wab Kinew rose for his tribute. He told an anecdote about the first time he met Pallister in 2013 or 2014, when Kinew was still a journalist and Pallister was leader of the Opposition.

Kinew said Pallister patted him on the back and said: "You'd make an excellent MLA."

Very quickly, Kinew's tone changed. He let it be known while Pallister was gone, his impact on Manitoba would not soon be forgotten by the NDP.

After wishing nothing but the best to Pallister and his family, Kinew punctuated his tribute with a prickly warning. "And to the remaining PCs who may be trying to distance themselves from his legacy: good luck."

Kinew's full-court press continued in the first question period of the new legislative session. "Brian Pallister may be gone," the NDP leader said. "But Brian Pallister's party is still here implementing Brian Pallister's plan."

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS After wishing nothing but the best to Pallister and his family, Wab Kinew punctuated his tribute with a prickly warning.

Some will argue Kinew broke unwritten rules of parliamentary decorum, injecting partisanship into an expressly non-partisan gesture or using question period to continue kicking a former premier who left office under somewhat embarrassing circumstances.

However, it was a pretty clear reminder the NDP will be committing an enormous amount of time over the next two years to keeping Pallister's memory alive.

Although the Opposition NDP has reached lofty heights in public opinion polls over the last year, the PC government has a real opportunity to rebrand once either Heather Stefanson or Shelly Glover (the candidates in the Tory leadership race) becomes the next premier of Manitoba.

It is not guaranteed, but the Tories are hoping a new face at the helm will help voters shed some of the animosity they had for the last guy.

Tory fortunes rise on Pallister-free tide: poll Click to Expand JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESSManitoba Premier Kelvin Goertzen is photographed during an interview in his legislative office in Winnipeg Wednesday, September 22, 2021. Reporter: Lett Posted: 7:00 PM Oct. 1, 2021 Manitoba's Progressive Conservative party is no longer sinking since its biggest anchor (former premier Brian Pallister) was thrown overboard. And while the Tories are still sailing through shoals  with the NDP still strongly in place to win if an election were held now  they have bounced up from previous polling depths, according to the latest Probe Research omnibus survey on provincial party support. Read Full Story

The NDP got a strong whiff of just how open-minded voters may be about a new Tory leader in the Free Press-Probe Research poll released last week.

The NDP are still out in front of the Tories by a comfortable margin provincewide (42 per cent to 35 per cent), and continue to dominate Winnipeg (51 per cent to 28 per cent).

However, following Pallister's departure, the gap closed. And in most polls conducted two years before the next general election  as this one was  the trend line is way more important than the actual numbers.

It was also a stark reminder the NDP's current popularity has less to do with who its members are and what they stand for, and more to do with the fact they are not Pallister.

Opposition parties suffer from a lot of disadvantages when compared with the sitting government. They have to work much harder to get media attention and have fewer overall resources to promote ideas. Ranting in question period can do as much harm to the stock of opposition leaders as it can to position them as premiers-in-waiting.

However, opposition politicians also have the advantage of not having to carry the baggage that often weighs down those in power. Particularly, if the politician in power is a guy like Pallister, who was extremely unpopular both inside and outside his party.

In short, along with mentioning Pallister at every opportunity, the NDP are going to have to start showing people they have ideas worthy of support.

Meantime, there is also reason to believe the Tories will indulge in some strategic pandering to win back support.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS In short, along with mentioning Pallister at every opportunity, Kinew and the NDP are going to have to start showing people they have ideas worthy of support.

To "clean the slate" for the next premier, Goertzen announced the PC government was dropping several pieces of contentious legislation, including bills that would have restructured public education and limited the Public Utilities Board's ability to set rates for Manitoba Hydro.

The former was unpopular with just about everyone outside of Pallister's senior staff; the latter was decried by consumers groups and large industrial power users.

New Democrats have reason to be bullish about the 2023 election. But that enthusiasm should be tempered by the knowledge the PCs will have a new leader and will have engaged in some targeted pandering.

It has taken some governing parties less to stay in power.

dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca
Southern Manitoba has been treated to an extra dose of summer-like weather, with the most-recent temperatures setting several daily records.

Southern Manitoba has been treated to an extra dose of summer-like weather, with the most-recent temperatures setting several daily records.

Environment Canada reported new temperature highs and ties in eight areas Tuesday  with more records expected to be broken Wednesday.

Brandon, Gimli, Steinbach, Melita, Pinawa and Pine Falls reached new heights for the first week of October.

In Brandon, temperatures hit 31.5 C, offsetting the previous record of 30.9 C set Oct. 6, 2011. Gimli and Steinbach's 29 C-plus heat beat the previous 26.7 C in 2011 and 1961, respectively. Temperatures in the Melita area reached a record 30.5 C.

The McCreary and Shoal Lake areas tied pre-existing records set in 2011, with maximum temperatures of 30.6 C and 28.1 C, respectively.

"The warm trend, well above normal temperatures, is continuing," Environment Canada meteorologist Natalie Hasell said Wednesday. "We remain under the same upper ridge, so an area of hot, dry conditions extending from the States."

The Prairies are split in two, Hasell said, with the southern portion of Manitoba experiencing a hot, dry spell expected to last until mid-next week, and the northern portion experiencing cooler, more seasonal temperatures.

"We will continue to be under the influence of these weather systems giving us these warmer temperatures today, tomorrow, and then we should start to see a bit of a transition on Friday."

Temperatures will still hang above seasonal norms through the weekend, but are expected to drop into a crisp fall chill, as a second low-pressure system moves in midway through next week, said Hasell.

Until then, Hasell predicts some heat records could be broken (or tied) when the final numbers come in for Wednesday, as forecasts in the Winnipeg, Emerson, Brandon and Steinbach areas could creep into the high-20s and even low 30s.

Winnipeg's record for Oct. 6  set in 1879  is 30 C.

julia-simone.rutgers@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @jsrutgers
The woman killed in a collision with a vehicle fleeing Winnipeg police Monday was a long-time financial planner with a robust volunteer history and a goal of helping others.

The woman killed in a collision with a vehicle fleeing Winnipeg police Monday was a long-time financial planner with a robust volunteer history and a goal of helping others.

Cynthia Duncan was driving west on Provencher Boulevard, near Nadeau Street, when her vehicle was struck by a suspect car speeding away from a traffic stop.

She was a financial planner with Desjardins Financial Security Investments Inc. for 19 years, according to a profile on the LinkedIn platform.

"I want to help people," Duncan wrote online. "I (don't) want my clients to have to worry about money."

"I also now want to leave a legacy  to help more Canadians not to have to worry about money by improving financial literacy and helping advisers and financial planners to be better able to help Canadians."

She also volunteered as co-chairwoman for the Manitoba Financial Literacy Forum, financial literacy chairwoman of the Winnipeg chapter of Advocis (Financial Advisors Association of Canada), and chairwoman of the research committee for FP Canada Research Foundation, a charity that funds financial planning research.

"We are shocked and saddened by the sudden passing of Cynthia Duncan," Tashia Batstone, president and chief executive officer of FP Canada, said Wednesday in a written statement. "Cynthia was a leader in financial planning and was passionate about financial literacy."

The research foundation had announced Duncans appointment in June.

"Cynthia's dedication and passion for research work at the FP Canada Research Foundation board will be hard to replace," Batstone wrote. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Cynthia's family at this time."

Police arrested James Joseph Wieler, 31, at the scene of the incident Monday. Wieler faces several charges, including operating a vehicle causing death while impaired.

His next court date is Oct. 15.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com
FALSEHOOD flies, and the truth comes limping after it.

Opinion

"FALSEHOOD flies, and the truth comes limping after it."

If you think that quote comes from someone studying the spread of misinformation through social media, think again.

Jonathan Swift, author of Gullivers Travels, wrote those words in 1710, more than 300 years ago.

The quote has been rephrased and repeated many times in many ways. It is often misquoted and attributed to someone else. One version  "a lie can travel around the world and back again while the truth is lacing up its boots"  is often wrongly attributed to everyone from Mark Twain to Winston Churchill.

The quote is so popular because it is so true. It is human nature to spread and believe falsehoods. The truth always has an uphill battle.

After all, false claims are much more interesting. That was true in the 1700s just as it is now.

A study released recently on user behaviour on Facebook during the last U.S. presidential election found news publishers known for putting out misinformation got six times the amount of likes, shares, and interactions on the platform as did trustworthy news sources, such as CNN or the World Health Organization.

Publishers who traffic in misinformation have been repeatedly shown to be able to gain major audiences on social media platforms.

You can blame Facebook and other social media, but its the humans behind the messages who are putting out the falsehoods and spreading them.

The antidote was born in Swifts time. The first daily newspaper  The Daily Courant  started publishing in England in 1702. The first North American newspaper  The Boston News-Letter  was started in 1704.

Since then, newspapers have evolved into trusted sources of information, relaying to readers the truth about what is happening in their communities. By doing so, they have changed human history  from spurring revolutions to advancing human rights.

The truth may limp, but it is a powerful force once unleashed.

Canadas newspapers are celebrating that power during National Newspaper Week, which runs from Oct. 3 to Oct. 9. This years theme is "Champion the Truth," focusing on how the trusted journalism of local newspapers powers communities.

By supporting your local newspaper, you can do your part to champion the truth. If you already subscribe, thank you. If not, subscribe today and help make falsehoods fly away.

Bob Cox is the publisher of the Winnipeg Free Press.
Veteran MP Elizabeth May handily won re-election in Saanich-Gulf Islands (B.C.) in the Sept. 20 election. Newcomer Mike Morrice won Kitchener Centre (Ont.), where the Liberals had dumped their incumbent candidate at the last minute on account of sexual misconduct allegations. Those two MPs  and a continuing storm of recriminations and hurt feelings  mark the spot where the Green Party of Canada used to point the way to bold innovation in Canadian political thought and public policy.

Veteran MP Elizabeth May handily won re-election in Saanich-Gulf Islands (B.C.) in the Sept. 20 election. Newcomer Mike Morrice won Kitchener Centre (Ont.), where the Liberals had dumped their incumbent candidate at the last minute on account of sexual misconduct allegations. Those two MPs  and a continuing storm of recriminations and hurt feelings  mark the spot where the Green Party of Canada used to point the way to bold innovation in Canadian political thought and public policy.

THE CANADIAN PRESS Former Green Party leader, Annamie Paul. (Tijana Martin / Canadian Press files)

Annamie Paul fought the good fight as leader of the Greens, with a party executive that gave her no support, no money and no encouragement. She performed well in the televised leaders debates but finished a weak fourth in her bid for election in Toronto Centre. She angrily resigned from the leadership  "The worst period in my life," she insisted  a week after the election.

Jenica Atwin, who quit the Greens in a disagreement about Middle East politics, was re-elected in Fredericton as a Liberal. Paul Manly lost his Nanaimo seat to the New Democrats. Ms. May, who quit as leader of the Greens in November 2019, has shown no interest in resuming that role. Thus the Green caucus, formerly consisting of a leader and two other MPs, has dwindled to two MPs and no leader today.

While the Green party has shriveled, its Big Idea has won wide acceptance in Canada. The ruling Liberals and the opposition New Democrats and Bloc Quebecois all argue for abandonment of fossil fuels in Canada to curtail the countrys output of greenhouse gases. Even Conservative Leader Erin OToole argued for a form of carbon tax in this years election, though his partys enthusiasm for the idea is hard to assess.

The Greens clearly had the right idea, so right that most Canadians and most parties in Parliament are now following where the Greens once led. What they lacked, apparently, is the political maturity to maintain the unity of purpose that might have made them a more potent parliamentary force.

While the Green party has shriveled, its Big Idea has won wide acceptance in Canada.

The big-tent parties that dominate Parliament are constantly bedevilled by squabbles and personal animosities at least as intense as those the Greens displayed under Ms. Pauls leadership. They also know, however, that you must stick together with the members of your team, even those you despise, because if you dont your team is nothing and you are nothing.

Despite her efforts to escape from leadership of the Greens, Ms. May is stuck with the prominence, the audience and the respect she has earned through long, bruising years of hard work in Canadas environmental movement. The political party structure she pulled together has crumbled around her. Rival parties have picked her intellectual baggage clean.

Her remaining task is to keep Canada focused on the destruction that greenhouse-gas emissions and the resulting climate change are already inflicting on this country and every country. The leaders of industrial countries talk a good fight about abandoning fossil fuels and switching to renewable energy sources, but GHG emissions continue to rise and difficult choices are evaded.

The dominant parties are likely to waver when the measures needed to curtail air pollution prove unpopular. Canada will need some force like the Green party to speak the unwelcome truths that must be faced. Even if the Greens have no knack for politics and no luck winning elections, they still have a role to play.
A slight cough, a fleeting headache or a mild sore throat may be the only sign the virus that causes COVID-19 has infected someone fully vaccinated against the disease.

A slight cough, a fleeting headache or a mild sore throat may be the only sign the virus that causes COVID-19 has infected someone fully vaccinated against the disease.

"Most people who are vaccinated and get infected experience (symptoms) like a cold," Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead for Manitoba's COVID-19 vaccine task force, said Wednesday.

"They feel unwell for a few days, have a sore throat, maybe a fever," she said. "Many of them have very little symptoms at all."

That was the case for Darren Ridgley, a father of two, when he tested positive for the novel coronavirus in mid-September.

Following an exposure at daycare before the Labour Day weekend, his son had some sniffles, which prompted the test that ultimately came back positive.

They feel unwell for a few days, have a sore throat, maybe a fever. Many of them have very little symptoms at all."  Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead for Manitoba's COVID-19 vaccine task force

Ridgley and his wife  who were both fully vaccinated  tested negative at the time, while their young daughter also tested positive for the virus.

"Its a scary thing... because on the one hand you know that COVID-19 doesnt hit kids as hard, but you also know of the stories where it did hit them hard. So youre worried for them," said Ridgley, who works for the Free Press as a copy editor.

Both Ridgley and his wife wore masks in their house, kept their distance as much as possible, and frequently sanitized their home, "but theres only so much you can do."

"You have a five-year-old who has the virus that hes been hearing about since he was three and hes scared. How are you not going to give him a hug?" Ridgley said.

At the end of the two-week isolation period  the children did not run a fever and seemed to be back to normal after four days  Ridgley said public health cleared him and his wife to go back to work and into the community, based on vaccination status and because they did not have symptoms.

However, to be extra cautious, he went for a COVID-19 swab anyway. After three days, the result came back positive.

You have a five-year-old who has the virus that hes been hearing about since he was three and hes scared. How are you not going to give him a hug?  Darren Ridgley, father of two, who tested positive for coronavirus in mid-September

Ridgley said when public health asked about symptoms, he struggled to identify any worth mentioning. However, eight days prior, he did have a very slight cough that lasted an evening.

"Luckily, I was fine. I didn't feel a thing. No temperature, no respiratory problems, and now finally, five weeks or so later, were all free again," Ridgley said.

On Tuesday, the Free Press requested statistics from Manitoba Public Health on the types of symptoms experienced by people who are fully vaccinated, including how many reported none, and how many people were infected by household contacts. Those details were not made available Wednesday.

According to the province, there were 271 active COVID-19 cases in Manitoba among people who were fully vaccinated as of Wednesday, or about 32 per cent of all active cases. Since the vaccine became available, just 0.11 per cent of all fully vaccinated Manitobans have caught COVID-19.

However, as the proportion of fully vaccinated Manitobans increase, it can be expected they will make up a greater number of infections, Reimer said.

As of Wednesday, nearly 70 per cent of the population was considered fully vaccinated, but made up just 32 per cent of active cases. Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated Manitobans made up 31.1 per cent of the population, but 69 per cent of infections.

Luckily, I was fine. I didn't feel a thing. No temperature, no respiratory problems, and now finally, five weeks or so later, were all free again.  Darren Ridgley

"We really encourage people to consider the bigger picture and also consider that when we look at hospitalizations, that number goes down, and when we look at ICU admissions, theres almost no one who is fully vaccinated who ends up admitted to ICU," Reimer said.

University of Manitoba virologist Jason Kindrachuk said when looking at the number of fully vaccinated people who test positive, its also important to consider whether the virus is spreading widely in the community.

"If theres high community transmission, certainly what that tells us immediately is that theres more virus around and more opportunity for us to be exposed," he said.

"Vaccination is about a community and its about a population, so the higher number of people across that population that are vaccinated, the less ability and opportunity there is for the virus to transmit," he said.

"We have to think about this moving away from being individuals who are vaccinated and thinking about the importance of the population."

Following his brush with COVID-19 and experiencing the protection provided by the vaccine, Ridgley said hes hoping children under the age of 12  like his own  will soon be able to benefit from immunization.

"Most kids are fortunate not really getting too sick from this thing but thats not always the case," he said. "And if we can create that same certainty for them, Im all for it."

danielle.dasilva@freepress.mb.ca
Travellers who arrived in Winnipeg Wednesday welcomed news of the national vaccine mandate that will mean everyone who boards a plane or train must be fully vaccinated by the end of this month.

Travellers who arrived in Winnipeg Wednesday welcomed news of the national vaccine mandate that will mean everyone who boards a plane or train must be fully vaccinated by the end of this month.

"(It's a) huge sigh of relief!" said Sheila Smyth after she and her husband landed in Winnipeg to visit their daughter, whom they haven't seen since before the pandemic.

"I am totally in favour of all the rules coming in, (including) for the federal workers, the provincial workers. If you're not vaccinated, then you do not deserve to be in your position endangering other people."

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Wednesday that as of the end of October, everyone over the age of 12 who travels by air or rail must be fully vaccinated at least two weeks before they depart. As of the end of November, negative COVID-19 test results won't be accepted in place of proof of vaccination. The federal government hinted at the impending rules for travellers earlier this summer, so they came as no surprise to many.

Several people who spoke to the Free Press at Winnipeg's airport had their proof of vaccination at the ready and expected to be asked to show it.

Along with the vaccine mandate for travellers, Trudeau announced all federal workers, including public servants, must be fully vaccinated by Oct. 29 or be put on unpaid leave from their jobs. The vaccine mandate also applies to airline and rail employees.

The Winnipeg Airports Authority, which requires its employees to be fully vaccinated, said about 94 per cent of them have received their shots. Most of the remaining employees are in the process of getting vaccinated, said spokesman Tyler MacAfee. He said airlines, not the airport itself, will be responsible for verifying travellers' proof of vaccination.

"People understand now that showing that proof of vaccination is required to go to a movie or a restaurant, so it's not a big stretch to also require that for people to travel."

International passengers who arrive in Winnipeg from outside the country can get tested for COVID-19 at the airport through a federal testing program. Unvaccinated international travellers are subject to quarantine requirements. A short-lived provincial pilot project that offered domestic travellers COVID-19 testing at the airport wrapped up in the summer.

Arriving on a flight from Edmonton, Eileen Asselstine said she was pleased with the politeness of other passengers and their adherence to masking, distancing and hand sanitizing, but she would have felt more comfortable flying if she could be certain everyone was fully vaccinated.

"They've got to do something to make people get vaccinated; get a little tougher. We should have done a lot of this a long time ago," she said, speaking in favour of the new rules.

As a senior who's been involved with the local business community, Winnipegger Wayne Kolisnyk said he thinks politicians of all stripes have delivered muddled messages that catered to vaccine "naysayers." The new rules are smart, he said, but he fears they won't go far enough.

"I think it's smart, because these people (who are unvaccinated) are trying to suggest that it's about their freedoms. A virus doesn't know freedoms, and it's got nothing to do with freedoms. It's got everything to do with them being responsible for others, which they seem to care very little for. So I'm tired of it, quite frankly, and I think it's about time somebody got the guts to deal with this properly," Kolisnyk said.

 with files from The Canadian Press

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @thatkatiemay
OTTAWA - The NDP has requested an official inquiry into what it calls numerous and systemic failures of election officials in last month's federal election.

People start to line up early for the Canadian general election before polls open in west-end Toronto for the Monday, Sept. 20, 2021 election. The NDP has requested an official inquiry into what it calls numerous and systemic failures of election officials on election day. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graeme Roy

OTTAWA - The NDP has requested an official inquiry into what it calls "numerous and systemic failures of election officials" in last month's federal election.

NDP national director Anne McGrath has written to Canada's elections commissioner, Yves Cote, calling for an investigation into whether election officials in a number of ridings failed to follow correct procedures, denying citizens the right to cast their vote on Sept. 20.

The letter of complaint, seen by The Canadian Press, alleges that some polling stations opened late "or not at all," disenfranchising voters, many of whom were in Indigenous communities.

It says that in Kenora, Ont., Indigenous voters were "significantly disenfranchised" because places where people expected to vote did not open at all, or not until mid-afternoon.

An accompanying dossier of failures, compiled by the NDPs lawyers, has also been sent to Cote, an independent officer who ensures that election law is properly implemented.

"In keeping with the confidentiality provisions of the Act, the CCE (Commissioner of Canada Elections) generally does not confirm whether it has received a complaint or has initiated an investigation into a particular issue," said spokeswoman Veronique Aupry.

Elections Canada said it was unaware of the NDP's specific complaints, because the elections commissioner acts independently.

Matthew McKenna, a spokesman for Elections Canada, says it faced "unprecedented challenges given the pandemic."

"Throughout the election, the agency communicated openly and regularly with political parties about issues that arose and measures taken to address them," he said. "As is our usual practice, Elections Canada is currently analyzing and reviewing how the election unfolded, which includes reaching out to a number of stakeholders to get their feedback."

Vancouver-based law firm Allevato, Quail and Roy, counsel to the NDP, alleges that there were "system-wide failures of election officials to follow election procedures."

Election-day polls in Indigenous communities including Cat Lake, Poplar Hill and Pikangikum "simply never materialized," the NDP says. In Grassy Narrows, the polling station opened "over four hours late."

Some polling stations, the party alleges, did not have lists of voters ready when polls were due to open and sent voters away and told them to come back later.

In some districts, election officials refused to keep polls open for voters, even though they had opened late, denying Canadians the requisite 12 hours in which to cast their vote on election day, the NDP alleges.

Moreover, the party says some voters had to wait in line for up to two hours.

"Elections Canada failed their responsibility to ensure the enfranchisement of all voters, even and especially those in low-income communities, those living in Indigenous and rural/remote communities, and those living with disabilities," McGrath said in a written statement to The Canadian Press.

"What we saw in Indigenous communities in Kenora or urban communities in Toronto where people weren't able to vote or were not given the opportunity to vote is troubling and must be fixed before the next election.

"We respect the choice of electors and the results of the election, but these systemic failures by Elections Canada to make sure every person in Canada can participate in our process contravenes the Elections Act and must be addressed," McGrath added.

In her letter to the commissioner, McGrath says the NDP "gave prior warning to Elections Canada" of potential failures, based on warning signals emanating from advance polls a week before election day.

"We were promised that action would be taken by Elections Canada to ensure such failures did not repeat themselves on Election Day. Nothing was done. Voters were turned away, were sent to the wrong polling locations, showed up at locations that opened late or never opened, or walked away from massive lineups," her letter says.

The dossier also complains that the partys elections observers were unable to scrutinize vote counts, and that, in one case, the police were allegedly called to escort an NDP lawyer from a polling station.

"All across the country, local Elections Canada officials refused to permit candidate representatives to observe the counting of the ballots, despite their legal right to do so," the NDP says.

The NDP says it wants an inquiry and action taken to ensure such failures do not happen again. It says the mistakes have "done serious damage to the confidence of Canadians in our electoral system."

The party says it "understood the pressure Elections Canada" was under to run an election "during a public health crisis." But McGrath says the agency's job was to "make it easier for people to vote, not harder."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 6, 2021
David Bowen blends art, science and data gathered from nature to create kinetic sculptures in the dynamic new exhibition, David Bowen: The Journey, opening Saturday at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona.

This exhibition features two kinetic sculptures (a kinetic sculpture is a sculpture that contains movement) that use data that Bowen recorded on a journey aboard the Schmitt Ocean Institute research vessel Falkor, which sailed from Portland, Ore., to Honolulu, Hawaii, in 2019.

The piece Wilderness has never been exhibited on this scale before, and it is inspired by the beauty of nature and the movement of the ocean. The kinetic sculpture uses data from the oceans waves and discarded plastic bags that symbolize nature marred by trash left in the ocean.

The never before seen sculpture, The Journey, uses data from the seafloor collected via sonar on the Falkor. For the installation, a portion of these 3D models are carved into individual sections of clear acrylic and set end to end recreating a 27-foot installation in the gallery space, says Bowen. Moving lights within the piece will recreate a sense of movement illustrating the vessels journey across the Pacific Ocean as it scanned the seafloor.

I am extremely excited to exhibit David Bowens kinetic sculptures, says Jon Swanson, MMAMs curator of collections and exhibitions, because they are going to be an unexpected surprise for our visitors.

Bowen is an artist and an associate professor of Sculpture and Physical Computing at the University of Minnesota Duluth. He has exhibited his work extensively both nationally and internationally, and he is a recipient of a 2021/2022 McKnight Visual Artist Fellowship.

Bowen is interested in the intersection of natural and mechanical, and integrates wind, data, technology, and organic and inorganic materials, to create his work.

David Bowen: The Journey runs through January 23, 2022. For more information, and a full exhibition schedule, visit www.mmam.org/exhibitons.

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This story originally appeared on Oct. 3, 1971, in the Winona Daily News.

A Winona priest, known locally as the singing priest, is currently playing a different role in what he calls a non-violent protest against the Vietnam War.

The Rev. John Dee Czaplewski, 33, son of Mr. and Mrs. John L. Czaplewski, 1814 W. 5th St., is one of four persons taken into custody Saturday by South Vietnamese police after they chained themselves to the gates of the U.S. Embassy in Saigon.

Their reason for the act: a non-violent protest against the Vietnam war.

The four  three American Catholic priests and a Jewish layman ... arrived by taxi, carrying a guitar case, and entered a side gate of the embassy. They then opened the case and took out chains to tie themselves to the iron gate.

As one of the U.S. Marines scurried about trying to find a means of removing the men, Father John pulled out a statement from his black robe. We call upon fellow Americans to act for peace in Indochina to the point of risking their status, their bank account, their job, their education and their very lives, the statement read.

The group, headed by the Rev. Bob Willis, La Jolla, Calif., an associate of the Rev. Daniel Berrigan, includes Father John, the Rev. Harry Bury, Minneapolis, Minn., and Leonard Hirsch, a Jewish layman from Cleveland, Ohio.

Father Willis said the four have been in Vietnam for a week to support the local Catholic peace movement which he described as very weak.

The group handed out a statement to newsmen protesting the tragic destruction of human life, natural resources and the culture of Indochina and U.S. involvement in the war. They also protested U.S. interference in the internal affairs of South Vietnam.

Their four-point proposal called for the immediate setting of a fixed date for withdrawal of United States armed forces from Vietnam, recognition of the South Vietnamese peoples right to self-determination and cessation of aid to the Thieu government; cessation of American aggression against North Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia; and the resignation of U.S. Ambassador Ellsworth Bunker as an admission of American interference in Vietnamese elections and the bankruptcy of American foreign policy.

The four declared, that they would stay chained to the gate and would fast until they were forcibly removed. Supervised by an embassy security officer, Harry 0. Krohn, U.S. Marine guards used a chain cutter to free the men after about 10 minutes. Outside the gate, the four were taken into custody by South Vietnamese police and taken to a nearby police headquarters for questioning

Father Bury is on leave as University of Minnesota Newman Center director to work for a Ph.D. degree in organizational behavior at Case-Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.

Priests arrest frightens mother

My prayers are with my son, Mrs. John L. Czaplewski said Saturday morning, after learning he was being detained by authorities in South Vietnam.

I am frightened, she added. But I also disapprove of the war. Just like any other mother, I dread seeing my son get into it.

Mrs. Czaplewski said she did not approve of her son being in Saigon: He wasnt really sent there, but went on his own.

She saw Father John, a priest in the Diocese of Winona who is currently on leave, on Wednesday morning, just before he flew to Vietnam.

He told his mother he and about 10 others were going to Saigon to protest the war but did not say in what manner.

Father John expects to return to the United States on Oct. 12 since he has booked musical engagements.

For the past three years, he has had a musical act known as Father John and Mary. He plays the guitar and sings and his partner, Mary Claire Bonin, Rochester, also sings. Both have traveled widely through Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa and other parts of the country with programs of songs and sermonettes.

Father John completed high school at Holy Cross Seminary, La Crosse, Wis.; attended the Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, Winona, from 1956-60, studied theology at St. Johns Seminary, Collegeville, 1960-64, and was ordained a priest at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on May 24, 1964, by the Most Rev. Edward A. Fitzgerald.

He served St. Francis Catholic Church, Rochester, for three years, and was at St. Marys Church, Lake City, for one year.

He then was granted a leave of absence and began touring the country as a religious musical performer.

Father Czaplewskis whereabouts unknown

No word has come out of Saigon on the whereabouts of the Rev. John Dee Czaplewski, one of four American pacifists engaged in a non-violent protest of the Vietnam War.

The Most Rev. Loras Waiters, bishop of the Diocese of Winona, has expressed concern over Father Johns welfare,

Bishop Walters reportedly had seen Father John before he left for Vietnam and had tried to change his mind about making the trip. But, he added, he had not ordered him not to go there.

Bishop Watters said that Father John is a priest of good standing canonically, adding that he approved of what the young man called his special ministry.

For the past three years, Father John has been touring the country, performing a musical religious service in both Catholic and Protestant churches.

On Monday an Associated Press news release stated that Father John and three other American pacifists had set up their own American Embassy to represent the people as one of the sideshows to South Vietnams one-man presidential action.

On Saturday the four men had chained themselves to the embassy gate to protest what they called fraudulent elections. U.S. Marine guards cut them loose and turned them over to local police.

The Rev. Msgr. Emmett Tighe, chancellor, commented on Father Johns presence in Vietnam:

He is acting as an individual. A person who participates in this type of demonstration or protest of the war certainly has a right to do so. However, it will be up to him to explain his actions to the proper authorities.

Msgr. Tighe added that he had not talked to Father John before he left for Vietnam.

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Heres a guide to whats going on this weekend in Winona:

Kashubian Festival: Jeny Kochany

Saturday will be packed full of Kashubian culture for attendees of the Jeny Kochany Festival at Levee Park from 2 to 10 p.m.

The day will include music from multiple bands, a Polka dance off contest, dance lessons, food trucks, vendors, Polish art and a Pisanki Workshop, where people will be able to decorate eggs.

For more information, visit kcc2020.org.

Frozen River Film Outdoor Film Screening

Interested in a preview of the next Frozen River Film Festival?

A sneak peak of upcoming festival films will be shown at Trempealeau Hotel Sunday at 7 p.m.

Admission is free, but donations will be appreciated.

Popcorn will be for sale, along with food and drinks from the Trempealeau Hotel.

For more information, visit the events Facebook page.

Events

Artist Reception with Doctor Bob, 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at No Name Bar

Weekend Starter Party, 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at Gabbys Bar & Lounge

Book Launch and Gallery Opening: Margaret Shaw Johnson and Jared Tuttle, 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at Winona County History Center

American Melody Docking, 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Levee Park

Monthly Meet Up: Trail Running and Coffee, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Holzinger Trail System

Winona Farmers Market, 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturday at Levee Park

Elmers Auto & Toy Museum, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Elmers Museum Auto and Toy Museum located at W903 Elmers Rd. in Fountain City

Warrior Game Day Experience, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Winona State University

Voices from the Past Cemetery Walk: Scoundrels, Scandals and Skulduggery II., noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at Woodlawn Cemetery

Highway 61 Concert Series: Free Fallin  A Tribute to Tom Petty, 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday at St. Cecilia Theatre

Winona Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert, 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Wesley United Methodist Church

America Steamboat Docking, 5:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at Levee Park

MN Adult & Teen Challenge Choir, 10 a.m. Sunday at Cornerstone Community Church

Live Music Friday

Wing Dam Jammers, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Blooming Grounds Coffee House

Jacked Up at the Blackhorse, 8 p.m. at Black Horse Bar and Grill

Wheel of Fortune, Warcake & Battery Eyes, 9 p.m. at No Name Bar

Saturday

Mike Munson, 7 p.m. at Winona Arts Center

The Lavender Project, Given Names & Cloud Caravan, 9 p.m. at No Name Bar

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All three were trying to help Ashley. Chris said he ran to the kitchen and picked up two blue rags, bringing them back to apply pressure to Ashleys neck. He had also grabbed the phone after they had called for an ambulance, yelling at the dispatchers and hanging up. He ran outside. There was another gunshot. The other relative said she worried he had shot himself, but Chris had gone out to a nearby garage and secured the pistols he kept there.

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Chris was visibly upset when an Oconto County Sheriffs deputy responded to a neighboring driveway, yelling at the officer and not following commands. The deputy put him into the back of his squad car as he yelled about Ashley being shot and that the guns were in the garage. Upon arrival at the residence, two children there who had been in another part of the home said without prompting that Chris shot Ashley.

Chris provided an initial statement to police around 2 a.m. He said he owns a Smith and Wesson .45 auto revolver and a 9mm SCCY CPX-2 handgun. Chris said they hadnt shot the guns since before the group went to a local bar and that he thought both firearms were placed in their cases in the garage. He told police that he heard a bang that made him run to the room, where he saw his sister lying on the bed bleeding. Chris said he grabbed the rags and then told the others to take them as he secured the 9mm and put it in its box in the garage.
JUNEAU  A convicted murderer was denied a court-appointed attorney Wednesday because he has funds in a retirement account.

Ulisses Medina Espinosa request was denied by Dodge County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Sciascia.

The court denies you based on assets, Sciascia said. You are always free to hire your own attorney.

The 33-year-old former Beaver Dam man was sentenced to life in prison in April for the March 2019 shooting death of his ex-wife in front of the couples 5-year-old daughter at his parents home in Beaver Dam.

Ulisses Medina Espinosa was found guilty of first degree intentional homicide Dec. 15 for killing Stacia Hollinshead, Sycamore, Illinois.

Medina Espinosa filed the order in June for a court appointed post conviction attorney

Prior to the decision, Sciascia questioned why Medina Espinosa would not qualify for a public defender.

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According to your affidavit, you are not employed; you have no cash, no stocks or bonds and you own no real estate, Sciascia said. How is it possible you did not qualify for a public attorney?
HORICON  Residents in Horicon have expressed dismay regarding new hunting signs placed at the edge of the Horicon Marsh.

During non-action discussion at last weeks Horicon Common Council meeting, Council Member Don Miller reported that some North Palmatory Street residents contacted him regarding new signs installed on both sides of the road allowing archery hunting right up to the city limits. They questioned why the council allowed the action. Miller said he informed them that the signs are on Department of Natural Resources property and thats who they should contact.

The new signs placed on existing boundary posts state Archery hunting only, firearm hunting prohibited. They were installed last month prior to the Sept. 18 opening of the 2021 archery and crossbow deer seasons.

Mayor Jim Grigg said it makes no sense to allow archery hunting right next to a residential area.

Weve got some people that live right there and are concerned, especially with bow hunting because hunters are camouflaged so you dont see them. Theres got to be better ways to reduce the deer population than hunting right up to the city limits, he said.

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Grigg said he was upset that the DNR made the change this fall without notifying city officials.
The nurse midwife program at SSM Health St. Marys Hospital will continue until a new, sustainable model is in place, a spokesperson said late Tuesday, after the Wisconsin State Journal and other media reported the hospitals earlier decision to end the program Dec. 31.

Though our current midwifery model is not sustainable, SSM Health truly values womens health and remains committed to offering equitable access to care, including midwifery services, spokesperson Kim Sveum said in the statement. We are in the process of exploring all options for a midwifery model that will continue to allow for in-hospital births at St. Marys Hospital.

The statement said we look forward to having meaningful conversations with area community-based midwifery providers. On Monday, a separate statement said some of that outreach has already started.

However, Ingrid Andersson, one of the main community-based midwives in Madison, said Wednesday those statements are misleading.
The Portage Enterprise Center offers entrepreneurs and businesses a place to grow, Fahrner said. It is a business assistance center, incubator, accelerator, and MATC  Training & Development Center.

The CCEDC is working with the UniverCity Year Program and have identified a number of projects for 2022.

For the city of Portage there is a project scheduled to design or review the Northside Business Park. There is a proposed 19-acre commercial development adjacent to I-39 on Portages northside.

Another project is in the village of Rio with grant writing and finding funding. The village is looking to repair the existing fire station, replace two fire trucks and replace an ambulance in the next five year. Fahrner said UniverCity Year and CCEDC will help the village with writing grants.

There also will be a focus on workforce development, attraction and retention initiatives across all of Columbia County.

The goal is to draw individuals from outside the area to live, work and play at our many employers, Fahrner said. Well be looking at how to draw talented individuals to relocate to Columbia County.
We thought with the vibe that we have here, murals would be really cool, so we just reached back out to the principal and here we are, he said.

On Monday, Liz Martens and Grace Johnson, speckled with paint, worked to finish their second mural. Based on ideas from Smith and the shops name, it features a billiards-like ball marked with 18 floating in a dripping mug of coffee, overlaid across an orange-splattered blue background styled after street art.

The first painting was of the shops logo. Over the course of about two weeks, they spent an estimated 30 hours working on the project that their art teacher suggested for them, the juniors said.

Its been challenging because weve done school and this, and weve been out of school to do this, so its been a bit to handle, Martens said, but Im happy with how it looks and Ill be happy when its all over and we can look at it and be like, Hey, we did that.

The students said its been a cool experience they expect to help them in the future. One thing Martens learned: I never want to paint on textured walls again, she said, laughing.
That said, it isnt the job of the Wisconsin State Legislature to censure topics in schools. But this is a legislature that continues to abuse its power by stripping away local control and demonstrating they lack the collective ability to think before they act. The best course of action they shouldve taken was to take no action at all. The tactic the Republicans are using now in banning CRT gives credence to what Kendi and other CRT enthusiasts warn against. What the Assembly Republicans did wreaks of racism not by hate, but by fear and self-interest. Their own ignorance and fear of what critical race theory has led them to personify themselves as the very thing CRT attempts to prove, and they were too foolish to realize it. Like I said, CRT requires a high-level of thinking which the Assembly demonstrated they are incapable of, and thus became the new posterchild for critical race theory supporters everywhere.
My story: from Kenyan villager to international researcher

My name is Francis Otieno and I am telling this story to inspire school kids, emerging researchers, and everyone  your dreams are possible!

My story begins as I progressed into high school and experienced the heavy environmental pollution from the congested slums of Mathare in Nairobi, Kenya. Large numbers of smoking cars in the streets and continuous electricity blackouts were the norm, especially at the slightest onset of rains. When I look back, this was the start of my dream of making a difference to society and our communities, the start of a long journey in the quest for clean, sustainable renewable energy.

Today I am a GCRF START Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) in the field of Solar Energy research. I was born in rural part of Kenya called Seme Kadero, in Kisumu County, to a big polygamous family of four mothers and 27 children. I was number 20 in our family and my father, born in 1928, was quite passionate about his kids attending school but none before me made it to university. We were allowed to go to school in the mornings but had essential chores in the afternoons. We grew up grazing cattle barefoot and cultivating land in alternation with school hours  we couldnt even afford to buy shoes.

My father saved some money for me to attend high school but soon realised this was sufficient only to buy school uniform and other items required for admission but not school fees. I had to make do with a new school uniform, including long trousers and shoes for the first time, which I wore at home while waiting for my father to raise the fees. I didnt know what to read during those weeks, so after putting on my school uniform each day, I would go to the newspaper vendor, and ask to read all the daily newspapers with him, and then go home in the evening.

My passion was to realise my fathers dreams one day and return home with a title earned from studying. I wanted to be a teacher and contribute immensely to society. My Physics Teacher at Eastleigh High School in Nairobi really believed in me which made a huge difference. He gave me a project using angular inclination and the concept of rectilinear propagation of light to design a device that could be used to measure the height of any building/tree from a distance without having to climb it! This kickstarted my love of science and drove my research career ambition.

I competed through the district and province and became the second best in the National Science Congress. The fire for research was then fully ignited, fuelled by the fact that I didnt have a stable light source at night to study, in addition to the effects of environmental pollution. School and learning were vital. To avoid being mugged for our precious school books, we would walk to and from school 6 km, rising early each morning and singing on the way back home to deter anyone from stealing our text books to sell on for drugs.

My father had long retired from active business relying instead on peasant farming. Our tradition holds that our elder brothers help to cover school fees, which was a challenge as they were equally struggling to settle down in life. With all these hardships, my ambition was to improve performance at school which had back then only a 2-5% pass rate to public university. As a group of high school learners, we managed to turn this around and many secured a place at our public university where we could access government funding.

The best teacher teaches from the heart and not just the textbook, and this is what I intended when I chose a Bachelor of Education degree at Egerton University more than 100 miles northwest of Nairobi. I knew my heartfelt approach meant a lot to my father who has always urged me to do well and surpass any problems on the way. When I got my first Degree in Education teaching physics and mathematics, many of my pupils did well in my subjects. I am a proud teacher having seen them move into good careers using the physics and mathematics they had been taught.

My next thought was that the combination of research and teaching would be more impactful to society, so I enrolled for an MSc in Physics at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa. Getting accepted on the course wasnt easy, and I was rejected four times. Finally, in 2014, I joined Wits after resigning from my high school teaching job. This bold step would not have been possible without the encouragement of Prof. Daniel Wamwangi, Associate Professor in the School of Physics at Wits. I am forever grateful for the trust he had in me, the strong motivation he gave, and incredible guidance he has accorded me during my research journey at Wits.

Through his dedicated supervision I was able to successfully earn my MSc, within the time limit, and immediately enrol for a PhD, which I completed within a record time of 30 months together with an output of several publications. During my PhD journey, Prof. Daniel Wamwangi and Prof. Alex Quandt, Professor in Computational Physics in the School of Physics at Wits, formed the best team for supervision. From their immense expertise and with much hard work, I learnt so much within a record time and got exposure to advanced techniques, as well as collaborations within and beyond Africa.

I invited my then 92-year father to my graduation, and tears of joy flowed freely when he landed in Johannesburg for this happy event and throughout his three weeks stay with me in South Africa. It was his first time owning a passport and boarding an aeroplane and seeing his child graduate with the much-desired title of a Doctor of Philosophy. When my father returned to our village in Kenya, he would host sessions of storytelling about these experiences and remembers every tiny detail: his 20th child brought home his dream!

I told myself that although I was the first in the family to climb to this height of education, I would not be the last. Through this inspiration, four of my younger siblings have now earned their first degrees, and former students, friends and relatives have followed suit in South Africa and Kenya.

GCRF START Postdoctoral Research Fellowship and participation in national and international science outreach events

Through hard work with good output, I was approached by my current host, Professor Dave Billing in the Department of Chemistry at Wits, and he suggested that I apply for a Postdoc position funded by the GCRF START grant, even before my PhD thesis examination results were back. I was highly convinced that this was the best news ever, and indeed, being accepted by START would help my career and personal growth because I needed exposure outside of Africa as well as within, to move my research forward.

START was a real blessing at the right time when I truly needed it. The GCRF START grant funded my Postdoctoral Fellowship at Wits for two and a half years. With START, I have been able to obtain lots of data results which have enabled me to publish in reputable journals. Being part of the START network has given me opportunities to collaborate with like-minded researchers at the UKs University of Oxford, the University of Sheffield and the UKs world-renowned national synchrotron  Diamond Light Source (Diamond). Through these interactions, I have learnt many new skills and exchanged knowledge and various perspectives.

In addition, back in South Africa and with support from the GCRF START grant to purchase the necessary kits, I participated in several community outreach programmes, including hosting an awareness and outreach activity for the 69th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting 2019 on Physics at the University of the Witwatersrand, which I attended in Germany. This was funded by The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The 2019 meeting  known by its Twitter hashtag #LINO19  was dedicated to physics and was attended by 39 Nobel laureates and 580 young scientists from 89 countries. It was particularly meaningful for our South African contingent because South Africa hosted the International Day of Light that year. I also participated in the University of the Witwatersrands Yebo Gogga Exhibition and Focus Day, which assists young learners who need guidance into future careers such as in Physics.

Cleaner, cheaper energy sources through collaborations in cutting-edge advanced materials characterisation

Finding alternative cheaper energy sources using locally available materials such as organic polymers is the basis of my research. To provide clean renewable energy sources, the current market is dominated by silicon based solar cells which are high cost arising from the expense of extracting Silicon from its raw materials (sand) and due to their lower efficiency. Thin-film solar cells are known as second generation solar cell fabrication technologies to produce power electrical energy.

I focus on using nanoparticles technology such as plasmonics to realise efficient cheaper sources of energy and to find alternatives to silicon solar cells. My research interests are renewable energies and energy policy, and emerging solar technologies, with my focus under the GCRF START grant on materials characterisation, device fabrication and testing of thin films solar cells such as Organic Solar Cells (OSCs), perovskites, and dye sensitized solar cells. My project also explores ways to enhance the performance of these thin film devices through incorporation of nanoparticles technology and spectral conversion thin films with the ultimate goal of realising an efficient, cheaper source of solar energy and device-making for local and global markets

The GCRF START grant facilitated buying my research materials, and made and strengthened Africa-UK collaborations, with lab visits to the UK. This gave me exposure to cutting-edge opportunities and joint proposals to perform advanced materials characterisation such as Grazing Incidence Wide Angle X-ray Scattering (GIWAXs) at Diamond, and access to UK laboratories in the Materials Physics Group at the University of Sheffield with GCRF START Co-I, Professor David Lidzey, and to the Advanced Functional Materials and Devices Group (AFMD) with GCRF START Co-I, Professor Moritz Ried at the University of Oxford.

The newly acquired National Thin-Film Cluster Facility for Advanced Functional Materials based at the University of Oxford is capable of being an epicentre for novel thin film development within the UK and beyond. This facility certainly places UK at the centre of the development of next-generation materials and devices for applications in energy, photonics and electronics. Access to this facility through my on-going collaboration with Oxford will certainly revolutionise my research prospects with increased potential of producing publications in collaboration with the AFMD group, namely Dr Pascal Kaienburg and Irfan Habib.

In the Materials Physics Group at Sheffield University, Rachel Kilbride and Dr Joel Smith assisted me with carrying out GIWAXs on organic thin films. At Diamond, Dr Thomas Derrien guided me with joint beam time proposals enabling us to do measurements both at Diamond and the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). These collaborations and networks I aim to continue being involved in, and were made possible by Prof. Billing, who has much expertise in powder diffraction and energy materials across research networks within, and beyond Africa. I am always grateful for the faith he had to appoint me as a PDRF, and I have valued his immense support. Also, key is Prof. Wamwangi, who has been a great mentor in my research journey, from experimental techniques to manuscript preparation. As a result, I have contributed to several papers looking at solar cells materials and device-making instrumental to industries, working on improving the performance of solar cell devices highly needed in the global market.

We believe that the future of all technologies is smart and for this reason, and Organic Solar Cells (OSCs) research is critical to realise efficient energy sources with advantages over current silicon solar cells, due to the abundance of materials and ability for scalable production processes that OSCs offer. Our aim is to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals 7 (energy) and 3 (Climate) and the growing global demand for innovative, world class solar energy. Also, our research findings form the basis for teaching solar cell technology to undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as other Research Fellows back home.

Inspiring hope, enabling others to dream  bringing my expertise back home

Although the journey is a long one, I am excited to have embarked on making a difference in the society through our research; and I am proud that my dream of impacting young people from rural areas like my own was realised when I became a teacher. To continue investing in developing others, I have started mentoring undergraduate and postgraduate students at the University of the Witwatersrand and now at Maseno University, Kenya, where I have been offered a job as a lecturer.

The GCRF START grant exposed me to new skills and advanced equipment, and through my successes and links to START, I was able receive the British Council Newton Travel Grant which will enable me to visit Oxford for a period of six weeks, currently planned for September 2021. This exposure together with much sought after skills and strong collaborations will be very useful to me as a young researcher looking forward to supervising postgraduate students back in Kenya, upon the completion of my Postdoctoral Fellowship.
The US is making headway in its battle against Covid-19 -- with infection and hospitalization rates on the decline after a surge fueled by the highly transmissible Delta variant.

But, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Thursday, human behavior will ultimately determine how and when the pandemic ends.

"We have a lot of the science right now. We have vaccines, and what we can't really predict is human behavior. Human behavior in this pandemic hasn't served us very well," she said.

There are still pockets of unvaccinated people in the US who are not protected. "The virus isn't stupid. It's going to go there," Walensky added.

The CDC director said the pandemic has been divisive, and the nation's ability to end it depends on the ability for people to take collective action.

"We are battling with one another and not battling with the common foe, which is the virus itself," she said.

Booster shots have outpaced the US rate of new vaccinations

The number of Americans getting booster shots are surpassing those who are initiating vaccination, and experts warn more is needed to continue the progress. The country has averaged more than 101,200 new cases a day over the last week -- down 41% from a peak in a Delta-driven wave reached in mid-September, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

The number of Covid-19 patients in US hospitals -- 68,760 as of Thursday -- is down 34% from a Delta-wave peak reached in September, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Just over 56% of the total US population is fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"This wave is receding, but unless we get the nearly 70 million unvaccinated Americans vaccinated, we are at risk for future waves," Dr. Tom Frieden, former head of the CDC, told CNN on Wednesday.

An average of 384,963 booster vaccine doses are being given daily, while roughly 281,303 people are getting their first dose every day and about 292,927 people are becoming fully vaccinated each day, according to Wednesday's CDC data.

In New Mexico, more people are getting vaccinated, but it's not happening quickly enough to bring down Covid-19 cases, according to Dr. David Scrase, the acting health director at the state's health department.

"Our Delta curve went up pretty steeply, and it's not coming down," Scrase said. "In fact, it's plateaued."

Scrase explained he's concerned health care workers are getting exhausted.

"In the northwest (region of New Mexico) ... the hospitals are really, really, really overwhelmed," Scrase said. "I've just talked to too many people that say as soon as this curve comes down, they're stepping back from their whole health care career. They just can't do it anymore."

And with winter fast approaching, experts are reinforcing the importance of getting vaccinated against both Covid-19 and the flu because they pose a double threat to an already strained health care system.

San Francisco to ease indoor mask mandate

San Francisco is planning to relax its mask mandates next week. Mask requirements for many indoor gatherings of less than 100 people will be lifted, including at offices and gyms, for those fully vaccinated. And people will no longer be required to mask up at smaller college and religious gatherings as long as they meet the requirement.

"I'm excited that we're once again at a place where we can begin easing the mask requirements," Mayor London Breed said in a written statement. Breed added that it's the direct result of the fact that the city has one of the highest vaccination rates in the country.

"Our cases have fallen, and our residents have done their part to keep themselves and those around them safe," Breed wrote.

The city said when gathering unmasked, indoor venues must be properly ventilated. The Department of Public Health said the easing of masking rules could be suspended if hospitalization rates start to go up again.

Pfizer-BioNTech seeking FDA authorization for vaccine for children ages 5 to 11

Meanwhile, Pfizer and BioNTech said Thursday they are seeking US Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorization for their Covid-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11.

If authorized, this would be the first Covid-19 vaccine for younger children.

White House Covid-19 response coordinator Jeff Zients called the news a "really important next step" and an "important development" during an interview on CNN's New Day.

An FDA vaccine advisory panel is scheduled to discuss Pfizer's request on October 26. If the FDA authorizes it, a panel of CDC vaccine advisers will meet to consider whether to recommend its use.

Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation's Vaccine Monitor in September shows that 34 percent of parents say they would vaccinate their child as a soon as a vaccine for that age group becomes available. Some 32 percent want to wait and see how it goes and 24 percent say they will not vaccinate their children at all.

Nearly half of parents of 12- to 17-year-olds said their child has received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, according to KKF data in September.

Meanwhile, case numbers for a rare Covid-19 complication in children are seeing a 12% increase, according to the CDC. There have been 5,217 reported cases of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) through October 4. At least 46 children have died from the illness, a more than 12% increase in deaths from the month before and one of the largest increases this year.

Researchers: Covid-19 killed parents or grandparents of 140,000 US children, and minorities were hit harder

More than 140,000 US children have lost a parent or grandparent who took care of them to Covid-19, researchers at the CDC and elsewhere reported Thursday. That's about 1 in 500 US children, the researchers said.

And children from racial and ethnic minorities were far more likely to lose such a caregiver, the CDC-led team found.

National Center for Health Statistics data through June showed that children of racial and ethnic minorities accounted for 65% of those who lost a primary caregiver, while White children accounted for 35%. That's even though minorities account for just 39% of the US population.

"During 15 months of the Covid-19 pandemic, 120,630 children in the US experienced death of a primary caregiver, including parents and grandparents providing basic needs, because of Covid-19-associated death. Additionally, 22,007 children experienced death of secondary caregivers, for a total of 142,637 children losing primary or secondary caregivers," the researchers wrote in the journal Pediatrics.

Worst hit were kids in Southern border states. Hispanic children in these states accounted for anywhere between 50% and 67% of affected children.

In Southeastern states, up to 57% of affected children are Black, and in states with tribal territories, American Indian/Alaska Native children accounted for up to 55% of kids who lost a parent or other primary caregiver to Covid-19, according to the researchers.

"Beyond parents, grandparents are increasingly indispensable, often providing basic needs. In the US from 2011 to 2019, 10% of children lived with a grandparent and in 2019, 4.5 million children lived with a grandparent providing their housing. Black, Hispanic, and Asian children are twice as likely as White children to live with a grandparent," they wrote.

"Loss of parents is associated with mental health problems, shorter schooling, lower self-esteem, sexual risk behaviors, and risks of suicide, violence, sexual abuse, and exploitation," they added. "Yet, there is hope. Safe and effective vaccines can stop Covid-19-associated orphanhood and death of caregivers from negatively impacting children and families."

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Pfizer said Thursday it's asked the US Food and Drug Administration to authorize use of a low-dose version of its Covid-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11.

It would be the first Covid-19 vaccine for younger children. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is approved for people age 16 and older and has emergency use authorization for children 12-15.

What does that means for children and their parents? Here are some questions and answers:

When will the vaccine be authorized?

In theory, it could be authorized for children by early November.

Two different federal agencies will consider whether kids should get these new vaccines.

The FDA will examine the data submitted by Pfizer and BioNTech and has made it clear it will do so carefully. The FDA is aware of the sensitivities people have about vaccinating children. "We know from our vast experience with other pediatric vaccines that children are not small adults, and we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of clinical trial data submitted in support of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine used in a younger pediatric population, which may need a different dosage or formulation from that used in an older pediatric population or adults," acting FDA Commissioner Dr. Janet Woodcock says.

The FDA has already scheduled a meeting of its independent advisers, the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee or VRBPAC, for October 26 to discuss the data. VRBPAC, which includes several pediatricians, will listen to what both Pfizer and the FDA have to say about what studies show and will also hear public input.

The FDA could act quickly after the VRBPAC meeting -- in hours, even -- and then vaccine advisers to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will meet. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is made up of different experts.

ACIP has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday and Wednesday November 2-3 to discuss the question. The CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, will then decide whether kids should get the vaccine based on this input.

Does that mean kids could be protected by Halloween?

Just as with adults, Pfizer is testing and proposing a two-dose series for kids. So that would mean two doses of vaccine given three weeks apart. And as with adults, immunity isn't immediate, even after the second dose. People have been considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second dose and the same will go for kids.

So at the very earliest, children would be advised to continue taking precautions for five weeks after they get the first dose of vaccine. That means wearing masks, keeping a physical distance from others and avoiding crowded indoor spaces when possible.

As for boosters, it's far too soon to ask about them. It took several months of gathering real-world data before Pfizer asked FDA to authorize boosters in adults.

Will kids get the same dose as adults?

No. Pfizer has been testing a 1/3 dose in children 11 and under. But indications are that this smaller dose will protect kids just as well as a larger dose protects teens and adults -- even if a particular 10- or 11-year-old is large for his or her age.

Vaccine makers test varying doses when they are doing clinical trials to try to get the best immune response possible from the lowest dose possible. This can reduce side effects and stretch supply.

Tests in children showed a strong response to a 10-microgram dose in the clinical trials, says Dr. Robert Frenck, who heads up vaccine trials at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and who has been testing Covid-19 vaccines in children there.

"We looked at 10 micrograms, 20 micrograms and 30 micrograms in adults," Frenck told reporters last month. "We found in 18- to 55-year-olds a 10-microgram dose gives a very good immune response," he added. "But the 65 and above, they did not respond as well to the lower doses and so that's why we chose that 30-microgram dose across the adult age range from 18 to above."

A bigger initial dose did not seem to improve immunity, so even older children won't miss out if they get the smaller dose.

"My guess is that if we gave a 12-year-old a 10-microgram dose that they would still have a similar immune response as a 30-microgram dose, but we don't have the data for that," Frenck said.

For the youngest children, children under 5, doctors are testing a 3-microgram dose of vaccine.

What are the side-effects?

Frenck says so far, the Pfizer vaccine appears very safe in younger children. "What we found is that the side effects in the children really mirrored exactly what we saw in adults," he said.

For the most part, that means a sore arm at the vaccination site. Some people feel headaches or tiredness. In the trials, about 10% of kids had fever or chills after the vaccine -- similar to side effects from other types of vaccine. They last a day or two at the most, Frenck said.

The CDC recommends a cold compress at the site or a dose of non-aspirin pain reliever if children are bothered by the side-effects.

Many parents may be worried about reports of a rare heart inflammation called myocarditis, which has been seen with both Moderna's and Pfizer's vaccines.

"And so the myocarditis -- which means swelling of the muscles of the heart -- we have seen that as a rare side effect has been associated with it looks like the second dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine," Frenck told reporters.

"Rare meaning in the likelihood of a few per 100,000, so it's still like a 99.999% chance that this won't happen. It's been almost all in teenage boys, and it's been mild, been treated with Motrin (ibuprofen), and they've gotten better."

How many kids has this vaccine been tested in?

Pfizer has been running several clinical trials at hospitals across the country and more details will be released when the FDA publishes what Pfizer has submitted -- likely in the coming days.

Last month, Pfizer released details of a Phase 2/3 trial involving 2,268 children 5-11 years old.

Unlike trials involving tens of thousands of adults that gave placebo or dummy doses to some and then looked to see how many people became infected, Pfizer used what are called immunobridging studies among the kids.

These studies -- long accepted as a way to test a vaccine approved or authorized for adults in childrenuses the immune system response generated by the vaccine as a proxy for protection. If kids' bodies generate the same level of antibodies as adults do after vaccination, it's assumed the children are equally protected.

Pfizer said the antibody levels seen in kids who got the 10 microgram doses compared well with older people who received the larger doses, demonstrating a "strong immune response in this cohort of children one month after the second dose."

Where will kids get vaccinated?

The same places they get flu vaccines -- their pediatricians' offices, at local pharmacies and perhaps at some schools.

"This is the pediatrician's wheelhouse," Dr. David Kimberlin, who helps lead the pediatric infectious diseases division at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, told CNN Thursday.

"We're trying to get pediatricians enrolled and that's a major strategy," Claire Hannan, executive director of the Association of Immunization Managers, told CNN's Jacqueline Howard.

One potential pinch point is the smaller dose of vaccine, which means the younger children cannot be given doses in stock for adults and teens.

The kids' vaccine is expected to be shipped in packages of 100 doses, which is much smaller than the packages of 1,170 doses used for the adult vaccines.

"The fact that they're moving to smaller packaging and smaller shipping amounts is really great news," Hannan said. That will be easier for doctors' offices to manage.

The CDC notes that government websites help people find places to get vaccinated.

"Search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you," the CDC advises.

"I think the real key is to get enough parents interested in having their children vaccinated," Kimberlin said.

Dr. Peter Hotez, a pediatrician and vaccine expert at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, noted a big divide exists in the US. "Only 33% of the 12-17-year- olds were given the Covid-19 vaccine here in the South," Hotez told CNN's Ana Cabrera Thursday.

"So once again you have this geographic divide where parents are holding back on vaccinating their adolescents -- and I have to believe they will probably hold back on vaccinating the younger kids as well," Hotez said.

"We may be looking at very low up take of this pediatric vaccine in the South and also in the mountain West, and that's going to be a problem that's going to slow us down."

What about other vaccines?

Kids can get the Covid-19 vaccine alongside flu vaccines and other immunizations.

"It is safe and effective to get both vaccines at the same time," CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Wednesday at the White House Covid-19 briefing.

"You can get any vaccines together that's necessary," Frenck said.

"The only restrictions is if we have live viral vaccines, like with chickenpox and measles, if they don't get those on the same day we'd like to space them at least a month apart. But for the Covid vaccines, they can be given with the flu vaccine," he added.

"There's no need to space -- our immune system can handle all the vaccines at the same time."

If possible, different vaccines should go into different arms and legs if they're given on the same day, CDC vaccine officials told clinicians during a call Thursday.

"Co-administration of influenza and other Covid-19 vaccines is encouraged," Dr. David Shay, a medical officer with the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said in a CDC Clinician Outreach and Communication Activity call.

"The recommendation for this year is that Covid-19 vaccines may be administered without regard to the timing of other vaccines, and that would include simultaneous administration of Covid-19 vaccine and other vaccines on the same day," he said, adding that the CDC is currently monitoring the effects of co-administration on the Covid-19 vaccine.

This story has been updated to reflect the newly scheduled meeting of CDC's ACIP in November.

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4 area college Presidents discussed how COVID is having on their respective campuses, but the virus is affecting those who are doing all their studying at home. Herkimer College President Dr. Cathleen McColgin opened the discussion of remote learning.

"While technology has served us during the pandemic, remote study and work should not be the default."

Utica College President Dr. Laura Casamento is seeing is the effects remote learning is having on students and staff.

"Given COVID, and lockdowns, and being again in the Hollywood squares you know 24-7 has created I think a lot of angst and mental fatigue."

A good percentage of students have returned back to the classroom. Building strong student/staff relationships can enhance motivation, engagement, and overall success. That in-person learning is something SUNY Polytechnic Institute Acting President Dr. Tod Laursen is 100% behind.

"Its so important to be in-person again because it enables us, maybe as opposed to Hollywood squares, you knowthink of yourself as a lecturer in front of a classroom. You know to really be able to look your students in the eyes and understand where theyre at with the material, and where they may need help."

While many colleges are requiring students and staff be vaccinated to attend in-person learning, those learning from home may encounter a different kind of illness. Hamilton College President David Wippman explains.

"We had put so much emphasis on protecting the health of our campus from COVID, and we didnt fully anticipate the extent to which this would create social and psychological strains."

Remote learning is having an impact on more than college students. High School students seem to be academically prepared, but theres a connection that cant be made through a computer screen.

"They lost some social opportunities and I think in some ways that affected them even more than the loss of academic preparation, and so were finding that theyre maybe not quite as far along as some preceding classes in terms of things like conflict resolution and how to get along with each other, and just how to live together in a community."
ORISKANY, N.Y.  The Firemans Association of the State of New York is spreading the word about the importance of smoke detectors and fire alarms during Fire Prevention Week.

The theme this year is Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety.

Fire officials say three in five home fire deaths happen I houses without working smoke detectors.

People are advised to check smoke alarms for dead batteries and make sure they are replaced when needed.

Local firefighters usually visit schools during Fire Prevention Week to teach students about fire safety.

"We're usually down at the elementary school. We're grade specific, so we'll do a different program for each grade. Other places may do the whole group together, different assemblies. Every school and fire department probably does something a little different, said Daryl Bournat of Oriskany Fire Department. Basically, this is the week for really getting gin there and teaching kids about fire safety and life safety. Different things to keep them up to date throughout the year."

Here are some smoke alarm safety tips from the National Fire Prevention Association:
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI)  A murder suspect is arguing self defense in a shooting last year that left a pizza delivery driver dead.

As News 18 previously reported, 18-year-old Jaelynn Billups is accused of killing 37-year-old Joshua Ungersma Aug. 31, 2020, near Hart and 16th streets.

Jaelynn Billups - Lafayette Police Department Jaelynn Billups - Lafayette Police Department

Prosecutors say she and her boyfriend ordered a pizza from Domino's with plans to rob the driver.

In court documents filed last month, Billups' attorney argues she was justified in using deadly force to prevent injury to herself. But court documents don't say why.

Police say Ungersma was licensed to carry a revolver which was found at the scene with rounds fired. Witnesses say Ungersma shot and killed Billups' boyfriend, 19-year-old Alberto Vanmeter, during the alleged botched robbery attempt.

Court records show prosecutors did not object to the self-defense argument.

Billups is set to appear for a pre-trial conference at 8:30 a.m. Friday.

News 18 reached out to Billups' attorney but she declined to comment.
CLINTON COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI)  A limited liability company in the middle of a legal battle in Clinton County is asking for a protective order in a civil case filed by the county commissioners.

As News 18 previously reported, Sheriff Rich Kelly and his wife, Ashley Kelly, are accused of forming Leonne LLC days before Kelly took office.

Commissioners say the LLC was created deceptively to to collect profits from jail commissary sales.

As part of the civil case, commissioners requested two years worth of the LLC's bank records.

But Kelly's defense attorneys say he records were already provided to several state agencies, such as Indiana State Police and the State Board of Accounts, and they argue the request is "to annoy, harass and oppress the Clinton County Sheriff for political gains."

Attorneys are also asking Leonne LLC to be removed from the suit.

"We think they're just asking for these documents for irritation purposes," says Frankfort-based attorney Richard Martin. "I think they certainly can get the documents from other sources just as easily as asking the corporation."

A hearing on the protective order is set for October 26th.

News 18 reached out to Clinton County commissioners but hasn't heard back.
TIPPECANOE COUNTY, Ind. (WLFI)-The Tippecanoe School Corporation has come to a tentative agreement with the teachers union on their contracts for the next two years.

Due to a stipulation in the Indiana State Budget all teachers in the state of Indiana must have a starting salary of $40,000 a year.

Superintendent for TSC Scott Hanback says a couple of years ago TSC raised teachers starting salaries to the $40,000 mark.

So now, with new money from the state legislature, the school corporation will be able to raise teachers' starting pay even more.

"We were able to add on top of that so our starting teacher salary next year will be close $44,000 and then just over $46,000 dollars the second year of this contract," said Hanback.

The Tippecanoe Education Association President Mary Eisert in a statement said "TEA is very pleased with the new monies allocated by the state and the tentative agreement with the school corporation. "

The TSC school board will ratify the tentative agreement next week at its regular meeting. To read the TEA's contract.
Chinese development project puts AidData in international spotlight

Top story: AidData's recent release of new findings about China's secretive overseas development finance program caught the attention of media outlets worldwide. It was the most read article on the BBC News site on the day of publication. Submitted photo Photo - of - Hide Caption

AidData, the international development research lab based at William & Marys Global Research Institute, made waves across the world with its release of new findings last week about Chinas secretive overseas development finance program.

AidDatas report, Banking on the Belt and Road, details how Chinas spending patterns, debt levels and project implementation problems have changed over time.

The project was a four-year effort by a team of AidData faculty, analysts and more than 130 student research assistants who helped compile a massive granular dataset that captures 13,427 projects across 165 countries worth $843 billion.

The impact of these findings caught the attention of media outlets worldwide, starting with coverage from BBC News, The Wall Street Journal and The Financial Times shortly after the release of the report. The coverage continued over the next several days by domestic outlets such as The Economist and CNBC.

Brad Parks 03, AidDatas executive director, did multiple television and radio interviews for BBC World News and BBC domestic TV broadcasts, BBC World Service radio, as well as for Al Jazeera English TV, Public Radio International and Turkish international television broadcaster TRT.

International outlets such as French newspaper Le Monde and British newspaper The Guardian helped spread the news of AidDatas findings around the world, along with wire services like Japans Kyodo News, Agence France Presse and Reuters, which have news outlets worldwide.

AidDatas findings were reported by outlets in many countries, including China, Japan, India, Germany, Russia, Italy, France and Bangladesh.

BBCs reports were particularly impactful. The research led BBC World News television and BBC World Service radio programs globally for several hours, was the most read article on the BBC News site on the day of publication, and the story has since been translated into more than a dozen languages for BBC audiences worldwide.

In some cases the research resulted in calls for greater transparency and more public and policy debate, for example as detailed in this story in Dawn, Pakistans leading English-language newspaper.
Dr. Anthony Fauci to deliver remarks for W&Ms Class of 2020 in-person Commencement ceremony

Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Dr. Anthony Fauci will receive an honorary degree from William & Mary and deliver remarks to William & Marys Class of 2020 as part of the universitys in-person celebration for the graduates next month.

Dr. Fauci, the nations top infectious disease expert and chief medical advisor to President Joe Biden, was appointed director of NIAID in 1984 and has advised seven presidents on domestic and global health issues. He will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Science and will deliver his remarks virtually.

Additionally, Dr. Thomas Lovejoy, a world-renowned expert in biodiversity and founder of Nature on PBS, and Donald Patten, former rector at W&M and a renowned lawyer in asbestos liability litigation, will receive honorary degrees. Patten will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws and Lovejoy will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Science.

Dr. Fauci exemplifies the value of service that runs so deep in our university, said W&M President Katherine A. Rowe, who hosted a virtual Community Conversation with Dr. Fauci on Feb. 18. Hes a public servant, who studied classics before turning to medicine. This breadth serves him well as he helps our nation navigate the challenge of our time. He is the ideal person to speak to William & Marys Class of 2020, who completed their degrees and launched professional lives amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Thomas Lovejoys career reflects W&Ms mission: to advance learning and research that tackles our worlds most pressing problems. For over five decades, he has advocated for conservation efforts to combat the devastating effects of climate change. We are privileged to honor his lifetime of dedication to this planet.

As rector, Donald Patten strengthened William & Marys ties to our surrounding peninsula. Over the past year, these partnerships have played a critical role in mitigating the pandemics impact in our region. We are proud to honor his long-standing service to our university, his professional accomplishments on behalf of public health and his many civic contributions.

{{youtube:small:right|8oicZZ_3UKo,A virtual Commencement ceremony was held for the Class of 2020 on May 16, 2020.}}

The Class of 2020 will gather for an in-person Commencement experience over William & Marys Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, October 7-10, 2021. A virtual Commencement was held for the class in the spring of 2020, but state and university COVID-19 restrictions prohibited any in-person events at the time.

Dr. Anthony Fauci

Dr. Fauci oversees an extensive research portfolio of basic and applied research to prevent, diagnose, and treat established infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, respiratory infections, diarrheal diseases, tuberculosis and malaria as well as emerging diseases such as Ebola and Zika. He has been at the forefront of the nations fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and as a result is known worldwide for his work.

Dr. Fauci has advised seven Presidents on HIV/AIDS and many other domestic and global health issues. He was one of the principal architects of the Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program that has saved millions of lives throughout the developing world.

He helped pioneer the field of human immunoregulation by making important basic scientific observations that underpin the current understanding of the regulation of the human immune response. In addition, Dr. Fauci is widely recognized for delineating the precise ways that immunosuppressive agents modulate the human immune response.

Dr. Fauci has made seminal contributions to the understanding of how HIV destroys the body's defenses leading to its susceptibility to deadly infections. Further, he has been instrumental in developing treatments that enable people with HIV to live long and active lives. He continues to devote much of his research to the immunopathogenic mechanisms of HIV infection and the scope of the body's immune responses to HIV.

He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in classics with a pre-med track from the College of the Holy Cross. He earned his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College.

Thomas Lovejoy

An ecologist who has worked in the Brazilian Amazon since 1965, Lovejoy works on the interface of science and environmental policy. Starting in the 1970s, he helped bring attention to the issue of tropical deforestation and in 1980 published the first estimate of global extinction rates.

He is responsible for coining the term biological diversity, originated the concept of debt-for-nature swaps and has worked on the interaction between climate change and biodiversity for more than 30 years.

He is the founder of the public television series Nature. Previously, he served as the Senior Advisor to the President of the United Nations Foundation, as the Chief Biodiversity Advisor to the World Bank as well as Lead Specialist for the Environment for the Latin American region, as the Assistant Secretary for Environmental and External Affairs for the Smithsonian Institution, and as Executive Vice President of World Wildlife Fund-US.

He has served on advisory councils in the Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Clinton administrations. In 2009 he was appointed Conservation Fellow by the National Geographic Society. He chaired the Scientific and Technical Panel for the Global Environment Facility which provides funding related to the international environmental conventions from 2009-2013 and serves as Advisor to the current Chair. He became a professor at George Mason University in March 2010.

Lovejoy received his bachelors degree and a Ph.D. in Biology from Yale University.

Donald Patten

Patten, an attorney with the firm of Patten, Wornom, Hatten & Diamonstein in Newport News, Virginia, served on William & Marys Board of Visitors from 1999 to 2003 and as its rector from 2001 to 2003. He is an emeritus member of the Business School Foundation.

His career in law has spanned more than three decades, and over the past 20 years, he has focused on asbestos product liability litigation. In that role, he has represented individuals injured by asbestos in Virginia and multiple other states, including Ohio, Texas and Mississippi.

Patten is a member of several professional organizations and previously served as president of the Virginia Trial Lawyers Association. He received the highest rating awarded by Martindale-Hubbell Legal Directory for legal competence and was selected by his peers to be included in the 2001-2002 edition of the The Best Lawyers in America.

Patten has been highly engaged in the Newport News community, previously serving as chair of the Planning Commission, chair of the Peninsula Airport Commission, a member of the Newport News City Council and vice mayor. He also served on the executive committee of the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. He was president of the Christopher Newport University Education Foundation and chair of Mary Immaculate Hospital. He was previously a member of the board of the Peninsula Alliance for Economic Development and the Mariners Museum. He currently serves on the C. E. Thurston & Sons Asbestos Trust Advisory Committee.

Patten received his bachelors degree at the University of Richmond and his law degree at the University of Virginia.
The United Kingdom has four constituent countries, England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The UK came together over several centuries. Historically, the kingdom and its politics have been dominated by England, as it has always been the most powerful. Even today, England dominates the UK politically, linguistically, and culturally, as it is the largest, and by far, the most populous constituent country in the union. Nevertheless, the UKs other constituent countries still maintain vibrant cultures and traditions.

Contents:

How Was The United Kingdom Formed?

The first countries to come together were England and Wales. In 1536, Wales was formally merged with England, through an Act of Union. Less than a century later, in 1603, the Union of the Crowns took place, which united the royal houses of England and Scotland. It was followed by the Union of the Parliaments in 1707, when the parliament of Scotland dissolved itself and the parliament of England, based in London, became the parliament for all of Great Britain. In 1801, the parliament of Ireland, which had been under English rule almost continuously since the 12th century, formally joined Great Britain through an Act of Union. Thus, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland came into being. Ireland, except the northern part, which became Northern Ireland, would eventually break away from the UK and become independent in 1921. Hence, the UK is now known formally as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

England

9 regions of England map

The story of England begins with the arrival in Great Britain of the Anglo-Saxons, beginning in the 5th century CE. The Anglo-Saxons were Germanic tribes from northern continental Europe. In the 10th century, the Anglo-Saxons united under one ruler, King Ethelstan, who is regarded as the first King of England. He ruled from 924 to 939 CE. Several different dynasties have ruled England over more than a millennium. A pivotal moment in English history took place when the English navy defeated the Spanish Armada in 1588, marking the beginning of Englands naval supremacy. Shortly thereafter, England began establishing outposts and settlements all over the globe. Englands history as a country unto itself ended in 1603, when Queen Elizabeth I chose to anoint King James VI of Scotland as her successor in what was known as the Union of the Crowns. From then onward, England was part of the country known as Great Britain.

Royal family of England map. Editorial credit: Lorna Roberts / Shutterstock.com

Today, England is the dominant political, economic, and cultural force in the UK. This dominance is reflected in the fact that when people around the world talk about the UK, they often refer to it simply as England. Of the estimated 67 million people that live in the UK, about 56 million live in England. Most of the UKs economy is also based in England. In fact, as of 2018, Englands economy was worth approximately 1.8 trillion British Pounds, whereas the next leading economy, Scotland, was worth just an estimated 161 billion Pounds. Arguably, Englands most dominant force in the UK is the English language, which has managed to all but replace other languages indigenous to the UK, such as Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish Gaelic.

Wales

Map of Wales.

Unlike England and Scotland, Wales was never a single nation-state. Rather, it was divided among several kingdoms. Over two centuries following the conquest of England by the Normans, the English gradually seized more and more Welsh territory. The last independent Welsh kingdom was conquered by Englands King Edward I in 1283. From then on, Wales was a colony of England. In 1536, the Act of Union uniting Wales with England was passed. Industrialization came rapidly to Wales in the 18th century. In fact, Wales was once one of the most important industrial areas in the world.

Famous Conwy Castle in Wales

In the mid-20th century, Welsh nationalism led to measures that recognized the nationhood of the Welsh people, such as giving the Welsh language legal status and adopting an official flag. Efforts to revive the Welsh language have been ongoing for the last few decades. At the end of the 1980s, Welsh was made a compulsory subject in schools. In 1999, Wales was given home rule, including a parliament of their own, which allowed the Welsh people some control over their domestic affairs. Today, there is a movement for Welsh independence, though it is not as strong as similar movements in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Scotland

Map of Scotland

The forerunner of the Kingdom of Scotland was the Kingdom of Alba, ruled by Macbeth in the mid-11th century. This is the same Macbeth immortalized by Shakespeares play of the same name. In the late 13th and early 14th centuries, England attempted to conquer Scotland, but the Scots rebelled successfully to retain their independence. In 1603, King James VI of Scotland was made King James I of England, merging the two royal regimes. This was known as the Union of the Crowns. In 1707, the Scottish parliament dissolved itself, and a parliament unifying the representatives of Scotland and England was proclaimed in London, thus completing the Union of the Parliaments. Industrialization came rapidly to Scotland in the 19th century. The country became a mecca for ship-building, steel works, and iron foundries.

The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in Edinburgh castle in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK.

In 1967, oil drilling began in the North Sea, giving Scotland a vital resource for future prosperity. In 1999, Scotland was given a wide degree of autonomy, when its parliament convened for the first time since the Union of the Parliaments. During the same decade, Scottish culture and history gained worldwide prominence through movies like Braveheart and Trainspotting. Scotlands artists, musicians, and authors were also in high demand. In 2014, Scottish voters narrowly rejected independence from the UK in a referendum. Nevertheless, the Scottish independence movement is now stronger than ever, and many people believe that another referendum would lead to a vote in favor of independence.

Northern Ireland

Map of Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland was cut off from the rest of Ireland in 1921, when the British government agreed to create the Irish Free State in response to the demands of the Irish independence movement. But as part of this arrangement, six counties in the northern Ulster region of the island, in which most of the population was Protestant, were split off from the rest of Ireland and remained part of the UK. These counties would form what would be called Northern Ireland. For the next few decades, Northern Ireland would remain relatively quiet. But in 1966, violence broke out between Irish Catholics, who wanted to unite Northern Ireland with the predominantly Catholic Republic of Ireland, and Protestant Unionists, who wanted Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK. Thus began the period known as The Troubles. Violence would continue for decades. Then, in 1994, paramilitary groups on both sides began a ceasefire. Four years later, the Good Friday Agreement was signed, giving the country an autonomous local government and power-sharing arrangements between the Irish Catholics and Protestant Unionists. Since then, a relative peace has taken hold in the country. Nevertheless, tension still remains.

The Custom House and Lagan River in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

A new paradigm has emerged in the conflict recently, as the UK voted to leave the European Union in 2016. Most voters in Northern Ireland, however, voted to remain part of the EU, since doing so meant the continued free movement of goods and services between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Much to the relief of many in Northern Ireland, a compromise was reached under which the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland would remain customs-free once the UK formally left the EU in 2021, but new customs checks would be introduced for the movement of goods between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. As of late, some Unionists have expressed their displeasure at the aforementioned new customs arrangements, as they feel more estranged from the rest of the kingdom.
Yukihiro Akimoto, Managing Director, Toyo Engineering India Pvt Ltd discusses ways in which the pandemic has brought in two major changes in the functioning of the EPC industry

Yukihiro Akimoto, Managing Director, Toyo Engineering India Pvt Ltd discusses ways in which the pandemic has brought in two major changes in the functioning of EPC industry. Manufacturers are switching to remote operations with conventional tools and implementing sustainability in their operations.

By Shivani Mody

Chemical industry trends and development in the EPC segment.

As the world population grows, long-term global economic development is necessary and inevitable. Though ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and volatile oil prices have slowed down the economy and held back new investments, a gradual recovery in global economy is foreseen.

In recent years, attention has been on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set up by the United Nations, which call for no poverty and harmony with nature, and it is well known that investors or stakeholders are aiming at carbon neutral society. Accordingly, we would be expecting that investment activities will be more in line of the environmentally harmonious society. In this circumstance, the EPC industry, which until now has majorly focused on the Oil and Gas sector, is required to adjust, as the number of projects related to renewable energy, whose keyword is de-carbonization, will continue to increase.

Industry trends shaping advancement in the EPC segment.

It is believed that the trends and development in these sectors will continuously grow in global market, especially in the region where population growth rate is high. Though there is a temporary dip in 2020/2021 due to sudden impact of the pandemic and the upward trend will not be so strong as before. The development is important for the people there, to improve their lifestyle. Specifically, fertilizers and cryogenics are considered as major sectors in some regions, eg. Middle East and Africa.

EPC segment potential in India and Asia Pacific.

India as well as most of the countries in Asia Pacific region, eg. China and Indonesia, have a high potential for EPC opportunities considering the growth in oil & gas, petrochemical downstream expansions & other chemicals.

Looking at India particularly, India is already in the implementation phase of Euro IV to Euro VI norms across refineries apart from capacity expansions. It has created a plethora of EPC opportunities in terms of revamping of existing refineries and addition of new process units. And then, chemical industry is anticipating huge investments with push from Indian Government through initiatives like AtmaNirbhar Bharat, Make in India and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, etc.

Impact of the pandemic on the global EPC providers.

The COVID-19 pandemic is still unfolding around the globe and the virus has receded in some countries but surged again in others. However, recent several global economy indexes indicate the economy is beginning to recover after a sharp contraction in 2020. We also observe that the effect of the pandemic is short term as now growth trajectory is already returning to normal. Upward trend is foreseen, as global economies are on the move by pushing new investments.

Our thoughts are that this pandemic has made two major differences in our business environment - the first part is working style. Similar to other industries, remote working from home is increasing, which is accelerating utilization of digital tools (e.g. Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc) than conventional communication tools, till EPC managements tools. Second part is EPC industry is moving towards sustainability approach resulting into intense competition and aggressive pricing, as investments had been stagnated due to the pandemic.

As mentioned earlier, as people's attention to the environment increases, there are many plans to build environmentally friendly manufacturing plants, but they seem to be taking a long time to be implemented due to lack of sufficient funds. We believe that establishing schemes for easier financing and incentives to business operators may be the solution to this problem. Going forward, EPC providers like us will need to reposition their portfolios and transform their operating models to sustain themselves in this ever so changing market.

Segments within the chemical industry with potential for EPC solutions.

Oil & Gas Downstream & Petrochemicals have growth potential for EPC opportunities in India and Asia Pacific. In India, Chemicals & Specialty Chemicals industry have high growth potential on account of Governments initiatives like AtmaNirbhar Bharat, Make in India and Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, etc.

It is also envisaged that new businesses related to the energy transition and renewables, such as biofuel or hydrogen fuel, will continue emerging, and will have a huge potential going forward.

Upgradation, modernization opportunity in the chemical industry.

There will be new opportunities in chemical Industry plants opting for modernization by improving safety standards, extending plant life, increasing throughput & efficiency, reducing energy consumption, retrofitting for new processes or change in feedstock compositions as diversification of raw materials, and expanding to refinery-chemical integration.

Digitalization advancement in support of the EPC projects.

EPC players worldwide have started the use of technology and digitalization to convert traditional offerings into software-based solutions to manage overall project execution. For example, engineering for EPC projects is carried out using smart P&ID with 3D CAD design as its standard method now, replacing 2D design used for past 2 decades.

From now on, it is expected to accelerate the use of Big Data, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) that are being used in EPC project execution to expedite schedule and benchmark costs, to achieve maximum profitability and indirectly benefitting the chemical industries worldwide.

Overall company business for EPC and growth plans.

India and the Asia Pacific region are markets where the chemical industry is expected to grow and where new EPC projects are planned. We, Toyo Engineering-Group, are a globally networked organization consisting of companies around the world. Toyo-India being prime subsidiary of the Group, established for more than four decades, reaping the benefits of opportunities. We are pursuing the business chances in the regions by providing experienced and cutting edged technologies with our global network and capability.

Regarding EPC business for chemical industry in India, overall company business is certainly positive. Thanks to recent growth in investments being planned on account of Governments initiatives, as stated earlier. We are currently executing numerous projects for Indian clients in Chemicals & Specialty Chemicals and keen to tap growth opportunities in new emerging sectors like renewables, bio-fuels projects supporting low-carbon development goals & crude-to-chemicals.

Focus on R&D for the EPC segment.

We, Toyo Engineering-Group, have our own technologies which are being upgraded on a continual basis through our R&D efforts for scale up, improvement in energy efficiency and reduction in carbon footprints.

In order to achieve carbon neutralization, the chemical industry is also required to use renewable energy and carbon neutral feedstocks. Toyo Engineering-Group has developed Blue/Green Ammonia, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and Green Methanol, and is working on their commercialization.

In addition, various chemical companies are conducting R&D and Toyo Engineering-Group would like to support their R&D or expansion plan as collaboration activity, to contribute to shortening the time frame for commercialization.

Challenges faced in the EPC sector.

When Oil to Chemical plant is considered, as its size is recently becoming larger and more complex, risks for cost and schedule overruns are becoming greater. Magnitude of the impact becomes considerably significant nowadays; it should not be accounted on only Lump Sum Turnkey (LSTK) contractor. There is a need for a mechanism to appropriately allocate these risks between the Client and the EPC contractor.

On the other hand, specialty and fine chemicals sector in India is still unorganized as compared to other process industry sectors. Since clienteles in India have proprietary technologies, they prefer to use their own engineering and procurement teams for execution. And PDP and FEED package (key inputs for EPC execution) varies mostly due to rapidly changing market demands, which may cause re-work during EPC execution. Therefore, for this industry, EPC contractor needs to be more flexible to meet their requirements.

Insights on supply chain network and logistics for EPC projects.

We have an extensive database of vendors and subcontractors, based on global and local experiences over four decades in EPC projects spanning across various sectors. In order to meet project complexity & magnitude and client requirements, we select the most appropriate supplier and logistics at the time of execution, from our database. Recently, we sourced most equipment for EPC projects from Indian manufacturers or assembling factories, however we still import few from overseas.

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This Jan. 22, 2021 photo shows Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky first lady Britainy Beshear placing flags outside the state Capitol in honor of the lives lost to COVID-19. At the time, 3,301 flags were placed at the capitol, which reflected the lives lost as of Jan. 21. As of Oct. 7, 2021, more than 9,000 Kentuckians have died because of the illness.
15-year-old boy shot in Texas high school is out of surgery, police say; suspect faces aggravated assault charges
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A woman walks past the U.S. Senate and Capitol dome on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021. Congress is moving to avert one crisis while putting off another with the Senate poised to approve legislation that would fund the federal government into early December. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
Ambulance handover delays in Wales hampering safe and dignified care for patients, new report finds

Handover delays at emergency departments in Wales are hampering the provision of safe and dignified care for ambulance patients, a report has found.

Healthcare Inspectorate Wales (HIW) has today published the findings of a review into the impact of people being left queuing outside hospitals in ambulances due to a lack of bed spaces.

It shows that the issue of prolonged delays is a regular occurrence outside emergency departments across the country.

HIW said it was clear that the waits and variations in process are having a detrimental impact upon the health systems ability to support patients.

Despite this, patients were generally positive about their experiences of ambulance crews, particularly regarding their kindness, communication and management of situations.

Alun Jones, interim chief executive of Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, said: It is clear that the dedication and commitment of the Welsh Ambulance Service and emergency department staff has continued to result in positive patient experiences despite the challenges of the pandemic.

There is however, significant collaborative work needed to resolve the issue of prolonged handover delays which are a symptom of wider patient flow issues throughout the NHS in Wales.

It is my expectation that the recommendations that fall from this review are taken forward alongside, and in the context of, other work in this area to achieve the required improvement.

A total of 9,384 ambulance hours were lost due to handover delays outside emergency departments in north Wales in the three months from April to June this year, according to the Emergency Ambulance Services Committee.

The HIW report shows inspectors contacted all health boards across Wales which provide emergency care.

It notes that only one response was received from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board despite north Wales having three emergency departments.

HIW said where reference is made to staff survey comments, it therefore may not be reflective of staff within Betsi Cadwaladr.

It said: Whilst there are clear expectations and guidance for NHS Wales to follow, and a clear will to meet these guidelines, there are substantial challenges which inhibit efforts to consistently achieve these.

Whilst handover processes at EDs across Wales were broadly similar, we found many examples of these processes being adapted for a range of reasons including departmental layouts, differences in staff roles and availability of staff.

We found day to day inconsistencies within the same department and sometimes between clinicians and ED staff as well as a lack of clarity between the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust (WAST) and ED staff about responsibility for a patient until transfer to the ED.

These types of inconsistency can introduce risk and have a detrimental impact on patient care and safety and therefore requires attention.

New roles have been introduced by some health boards aimed at improving handover processes.

However, HIW said these roles are not in place across all EDs, and it believes that all health boards should consider the benefits that these roles may bring.

It added: A significant amount of work is already underway across NHS Wales to tackle these issues.

However, it is clear that more improvement work is needed between WAST, health boards and Welsh Government to meet these challenges.

Commenting on the publication of the report, Welsh Conservative and Shadow Health Minister Russell George MS said: There is an emergency in Wales ambulance service and until the Cardiff Bay government acknowledge that, then nothing will change.

That there are significant concerns about patient safety is particularly worrying, not just for patients themselves and their families but, because of the toll that is taking on ambulance workers who feel helpless in their roles.

But it goes beyond the ambulance service who are the casualties in overrun hospitals and A&E departments. Sadly, Labour ministers still fail our NHS, pandemic or no pandemic.

If they hadnt cut NHS beds by 28% since devolution, did have comprehensive winter plans to deal with higher demand, and brought in Conservative proposals for diagnostic hubs to handle the Covid-built backlog in treatment, maybe Wales would be in a far better position.

Claire Roche, the Welsh Ambulance Services Executive Director of Quality and Nursing, said: Ambulance crews know better than anyone the impact that delayed handover has on a patients experience because they spend many hours  sometimes an entire shift  with the same patient on the back of a vehicle.

Its as distressing for our crews as it is for the patient and their loved ones, especially when there are other patients in the community who need our help and we cant get to them.

The focus of all of us in NHS Wales should be on patient safety, whether thats patients on the back of an ambulance outside the Emergency Department or patients in the community where arguably, the risk to their safety is greater because they dont have an expert clinician by their side.

Our emergency ambulance service exists to deliver life-saving immediate care and to take patients promptly to hospital for the necessary treatment  being available in the community to respond to people is therefore essential.

For the Welsh Ambulance Service, this is about getting to the root cause of the issue in order to resolve it, rather than adapting to a situation so that it becomes the new normal.

We welcome the fact that Healthcare Inspectorate Wales is shining a light on this issue, and we will continue to work with colleagues in health boards and Welsh Government to make improvements.
Free broadband boost for Wrexham community organisation

A community organisation in Wrexham is celebrating after receiving a free broadband boost from Virgin Media.

Virgin Media has provided the ultrafast broadband to The Venture, Caia Park, to mark its milestone of connecting 20,000 homes and businesses across Wrexham to its network.

The free broadband will help The Venture  which sits at the heart of the Wrexham community  with the running of key community services, such as education programmes and youth work where children and young people can get online to support their studies or for applying for jobs.

Earlier in the year, as part of its partnership with the charity Business in the Community, Virgin Media also supplied The Venture with 15 laptops and mobile data dongles to help local schoolchildren and young adults take part in online learning at the centre.

Last week, Member of the Senedd for Wrexham, Lesley Griffiths, visited The Venture to see how the broadband boost is having a lasting and positive impact on the community.

During the visit, Ms Griffiths was joined by Tony Reddington, Virgin Medias Programme & Delivery Director, who spoke about companys rollout of broadband services in Wrexham, and she unveiled a commemorative plaque.

Lesley Griffiths, Member of the Senedd for Wrexham, said: As a proud patron of The Venture, Im delighted the Centre is benefiting from Virgin Medias ultrafast broadband service.

Access to fast, reliable broadband is essential in this day and age. The Venture has helped countless children over the past four decades and I know improving connectivity will have a major, positive impact not just on the children who will use the services in the coming years, but also to the families and the wider community.

Tony Reddington, Programme & Delivery Director of the Central Region at Virgin Media, said: As we reach our latest major milestone in Wrexham, we are not only celebrating our continued investment in the town but our commitment to the local community.

Whether its through expanding our network to thousands more homes and businesses, connecting The Venture community centre to free ultrafast broadband or helping provide technology to those who really need it, were using our next generation services for good at a time when they have never been more important.
New jobs programme to create life changing opportunities for 16-18 year olds in Wales

A new flexible programme focused on helping young people aged 16-18 reach their full potential and take their first steps into the world of work is being launched by the Welsh Government.

The innovative Jobs Growth Wales+ programme will aim to create life changing opportunities for those who are not in education, employment or training. It will also become a fundamental element of the Welsh Governments Young Persons Guarantee, which is determined to ensure there will be no lost generation in Wales as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Jobs Growth Wales+ will provide an individualised package of support, and incorporate the best elements of existing legacy Jobs Growth Wales and Traineeships programmes which have proved very successful.

The programme, which will launch in 2022, will support those aged 16-18 by offering impartial and in-depth careers advice and guidance following a robust assessment of their individual needs via the Working Wales service.

Young people will have access to mentoring, advice, training and education so that they are empowered to make informed choices to find and secure training, fair work or start a business.

This includes tailored job opportunities which will be subsidised at 50% of national minimum wage.

Economy Minister Vaughan Gething said: We want to give young people the skills and confidence to overcome barriers and fulfil their potential. Jobs Growth Wales+ is designed to deliver opportunities for young people in a fast changing world, irrespective of ability, background, gender, or ethnicity.

The foundation of Jobs Growth Wales+ builds on our Traineeships and Jobs Growth Wales programmes, taking forward the strongest elements of both.

Young people, employers and contractors have helped us shape this new package of support with changes that ensure young people receive the best possible service.

Jobs Growth Wales+ is an important step in the development of our ambitious Young Persons Guarantee, giving young people the support they need for a brighter future.

The procurement process for Jobs Growth Wales+ has now been completed and award letters have been issued to the successful contractors.
Over 100 armed forces personnel will deploy to support the Welsh Ambulance Service from next week

Armed forces personnel will deploy to support the Welsh Ambulance Service from next week the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

The Welsh Ambulance Service Trust submitted a request for additional support under the Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) arrangement.

110 defence personnel will now deploy to support the Welsh Ambulance Service from 14th October, working as non-emergency drivers.

They will help to ease pressures resulting from the pandemic and ensure the ambulance trust can continue to provide their essential service, including attending life-threatening calls quickly.

An MoD spokesperson said: Defence personnel will augment the ambulance service with non-emergency drivers who will not operate under blue light conditions.

They will attend lower priority calls to help to free up WAST resources for emergency calls where there is an immediate risk to life, such as cardiac arrests.

The deployment of armed forces personnel is expected to last until the end of November.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: I am proud of the tireless work of all our service personnel during this pandemic.

They continue to provide important support, working alongside our dedicated emergency services across the UK.

The deployment of 110 personnel to support the ambulance service will ensure WAST can continue to deliver their life-saving services.

Chief Executive of the Welsh Ambulance Service Jason Killens said: Were proud and grateful to be working alongside the military once again, who did a superb job of assisting us on two occasions previously last year.

The pandemic has presented a challenge like no other, but the last couple of months in particular have meant significant and sustained pressures on our ambulance service, including high levels of demand and an increase in Covid-19 related activity.

Winter is our busiest time, and having military colleagues on board once more will bolster our capacity and put us in the best possible position to provide a safe service to the people of Wales.

In addition to drivers, Defence will provide 3 personnel to support planning at NHS Wales.

This is the third deployment of the Armed Forces to support WAST since the pandemic began in March 2020. 68 personnel deployed in April 2020 and 120 personnel augmented dedicated Welsh Ambulance Service staff in December 2020, including Defence medics.

Defence also supported the vaccine rollout in Wales earlier this year and previously deployed during the pandemic to provide specialist planning advice, deliver PPE and support the community testing programme in Merthyr Tydfil.
HUMPHREYS COUNTY, TN (WSMV) - Dolly Parton, along with the Dollywood Foundation, collaborated with her Smoky Mountain businesses to donate $700,000 to aid the United Way of Humphreys County following the dangerous flood in August.

Parton's friend, country music legend Loretta Lynn, lives in Humphreys County and helped her decide to donate to the United Way of Humphreys County following the support she received when her businesses were damaged in 2016 Sevier County wildfires.

Lynn picked the United Way to be the recipient of the gift due to their rebuilding efforts. The flood damaged her ranch in Hurricane Mills.

"I hope that this money can be put to good use to help the people of Middle Tennessee with what they need during their recovery," Parton said. "Loretta and her people helped us out so much following the wildfires in 2016 that I just knew we had to do something to help them."

While the flood-damaged several counties, Humphreys County was the most severely impacted. Over 20 people lost their lives in the 15 inches of rain that fell in late August.

Anyone interested in donating to United Way of Humphreys County, click here.
The National Education Union (NEU) has doubled down on its support for the Conservative governments homicidal stay in school policy.

NEU joint leader Kevin Courtney engaged in a Twitter exchange with parents, including Lisa Diazwho instigated the October 1 global school strike opposing sending children into unsafe schoolsand members of his own union.

The exchange took place in an October 2 thread in which Courtney arrogantly dismissed calls for a ballot for industrial action against childrens and school workers lack of safety in schools during the ongoing pandemic.

Schools reopened in Britain from mid-August in Scotland, the end of August in Northern Ireland and from the start of September in England and Wales, with the full backing of the NEU. Getting children back in classrooms was critical to Prime Minister Boris Johnsons reopening of the economy in July, with schools acting as holding pens for children so that their parents can go to work churning out profits for the corporations.

Reopening schools went ahead even though the Conservative governments own advisers warned that schools would become vectors of transmission and contribute to a surge of COVID-19.

The virus is now infecting children at a more rapid rate than at any point in the pandemic. Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) for September show that 10 children lost their lives to COVID that month. Eleven children have died since the start of the school term in Britain. The deaths include 15-year-old Jorja Halliday and a girl aged under 14 in Wales, the youngest ever victim in that country.

Courtney posted a graph based on the weekly ONS Coronavirus Infection Survey. It showed infections rates rocketing among the School Year 2 to School Year 6 and School Year 7 to Year 11 groups of children. Courtney commented, Covid cases in secondary schools in England are shooting up. So is education disruption. The last of his six tweets asks, Why doesn't the DfE [Department for Education] act to reduce disruption?

A concern with education disruption, i.e., anything that cuts across economic activity, places Courtney and the NEU among the most determined opponents of all those demanding that children and teachers not suffer and die as COVID is allowed to become endemic.

Among those responding to Courtneys thread and demanding that the NEU act immediately were members of the SafeEdforAll (Safe Education for All) campaigning Group.

Responding to Courtneys initial post, Tariq asked, Why are the unions not demanding industrial action? Inaction is not neutral.

Courtney dismissively replied, Well this is difficult. Strike action for how long? with what aim? Whats the leverage that will persuade the Govt to act? What proportion of members would support unpaid strike action for that long?

Screenshot of Kevin Courtney's tweet opposing strikes to close unsafe schools (credit: Twitter)

Lisa Diaz responded:

How long? Until schools are safe.

What aim? Stop children and teachers dying and get sick (long term - both)

What leverage blah blah? Bringing the system to a halt.

Unpaid bit? No-they can still work remotely from home.

Lisa ended her post by saying And lastly Kevin with a link to a newspapers report of Jorja Hallidays tragic death.

Courtney did not reply to Diaz.

Tariq responded to Courtneys question as to why anyone should be balloted to strike, writing, The safety of our children, teachers, and their families and communities... isn't reason enough?

Courtney replied, doesnt engage with my questions, before adding the insincere caveat, Or are you talking about a protest strike?

An NEU member, rikkewaldau, asked Courtney, Why dont the union protect their members and issue guidance with guarantee of legal protection? It feels like I am paying my [union] fees in vain. You should protect us and not just ask hypothetical questions.

Another member wrote, Why dont you do something other than tweet & write letters!! Its not making much difference is it?

Others demanded, Why don't you ballot us?! and asked, What are you doing to keep your members safe from the Pandemic.

A mother asked, Why dont the unions act?? Its not just about disruptionits about protecting the lives and health of children and staff. The unions could drive a change in policy today. How can you justify inaction in light of the tragedy below?, posting another article reporting Jorjas death.

One parent replied to Courtney, Disruption? FGS this is our childrens lives and their health. This should be the priority. For families of students and of staff.

Another respondent asked, And just what are the unions doing, absolutely nothing as usual.

Another tweeted, WHERE are the unions in all of this? kids are DYING of #covid in the #uk (never mind #longcovid)

Someone else posted, Kevin and Mary [Bousted, the NEUs other joint leader]. There's hundreds of educators dead. 10 children dead in Sep alone. Advise members to ignore harmful gov guidelines, as some are already doing

Faced with this angry response, Courtney could only bring himself to call for the use of masks in schools in England, stating that this would make them safer, citing the example of Scotland.

One respondent asked him, Back in January, education unions were telling their members that it is unsafe to return to school under Section 44 and 100 of the Employment Rights Act 1996. Is it safe now in the eyes of the unions?

The NEU abandoned its nominal support for concerned teachers exercising their legal rights by early March, with Bousted insisting that Section 44 and 100 were no longer applicable.

Mary Bousted (top left) speaking at an NEU Zoom meeting, Kevin Courtney (bottom left)

Courtney replied, In January only a very tiny number were vaccinated, none double vaxxed. Schools were vectors of transmission (Boris Johnsons words) into that unvaccinated population. The situation is clearly different now. But simple measures would reduce disruption to education.

These are all lies to excuse ongoing mass infection in schools. Courtneys statements are made as Department of Education figures published Tuesday showed an estimated 204,000 pupils in England2.5 percent of the school populationwere absent for a COVID-related reason on September 30. More than 100,000 pupils were off school last week with a confirmed COVID-19 infection. In secondary schools, one in seven or 13.7 percent of pupils were off school.

This represents a staggering 67 percent increase on DfE figures released just two weeks ago. The Guardian noted in a snippet on its live news feed, The proportion of children at school has fallen below 90%worse than this time a year agoand the number off school for Covid-related reasons is up by 66%204,000 off in total for Covid, compared with 122,000 two weeks ago when the last stats came out.

So massive is the spread of COVID among the young that 1,000 children are now being hospitalised with the disease every month in England.

On Wednesday, overall COVID cases in Britain topped 8 million, with a further 233,058 cases recorded in the last weekthe second highest weekly figure in the world behind the United States.

Workers, parents and students must draw the necessary lessons from the NEU and other unions backing for the governments policy of social murder.

In May, Bousted declared, Reopening schools is a question of logistics, not of risks. At the start of the latest term, the NEU pledged to do everything we can collectively to ensure that as many young people as possible continue to learn on site.

These are organisations that act solely in defence of the profit system. Courtney asks in disgust, What proportion of members would support unpaid strike action for that long?

This comes from the head of the largest education union in Europe, with a membership of around 450,000. According to its annual accounts for the period to August 31, 2020, the NEU brought in over 51 million in dues from its membership and has a total income of over 55 million, including nearly 2 million in investment income. The accounts note that the NEU had cash at bank and in hand of over 21 million, up from almost 14.6 million the previous year.

Courtney does not want any of this money spent funding a strike to close unsafe schools when it can be spent on the ever more lavish requirements of the NEUs top officials. Last year, the NEU paid out over 9.3 million to staff in renumeration and expenses, with almost 8 million of this in salaries and wages. Bousted received 152,377 and Courtney 143,528.

The hostility of Courtney and Bousted to any mobilisation of the collective strength of hundreds of thousands of teachers to close unsafe schools confirms the importance of the October 1 school strike, which won global support. Parents and concerned workers took matters into their own hands and kept their children off school for a day, not only independently of the unions but in opposition to their homicidal collusion with the Tories.

This is the way forward for workers everywhere. International rank-and-file action based on a scientific policy of eradication is the only way to end the pandemic.
An Armenian Sketchbook, translated by Robert and Elizabeth Chandler, New York Review Books, 133 pages.

Vasily Grossman (1905-1964), the Soviet journalist and writer, is known above all for his two massive novels, Stalingrad (1952) and Life and Fate (1960) , dealing with the Second World War on the Eastern Front. He was also an outstanding war journalist, documenting the Nazi genocide of the Eastern European Jews, as well as all the major battles of the Red Army, which played the decisive role in defeating fascism.

The recent translation of Stalingrad into English for the first time recalls another work of Grossmans that only became available to an English-speaking audience in 2013. An Armenian Sketchbook, dating from 1962, is a very different sort of book than the earlier war novels. As the title suggests, this slim volume consists of an informal and at times humorous and almost light-hearted account of Grossmans trip to the small Soviet republic in 1961, where he was tasked with translating a lengthy Armenian war novel. There is much here that puts a smile on the readers face.

An Armenian Sketchbook

But the book is also, in its slighter fashion, as deeply moving as Grossmans previous work. In 12 brief chapters, while objectively and with great affection detailing aspects of Armenian life, the author artfully and naturally interweaves profound insights deeply bound up with the Russian Revolution, the unprecedented struggle of the Soviet people against Nazi barbarism and the bitter experiences of Stalinist terror and dictatorship.

There is also a connection between this remembrance of Armenia and the destiny of Life and Fate. As translator Robert Chandler explains in his introduction, the Soviet authorities had refused to allow his monumental sequel to Stalingrad to appear in print when he submitted it for publication in 1960. More than that, the manuscript was confiscated, and the regime went so far as to remove carbon paper and typewriter ribbons. Grossman was shattered by what he called the arrest of the work to which he had devoted years of struggle. Life and Fate was not to appear until its publication in Switzerland in 1980, long after the authors death. An English translation followed, in 1985.

In the second half of 1961, perhaps in an effort to soften the blow of the censorship of his novel and to buy him off with another assignment, literary officials suggested that Grossman undertake the trip to Armenia. Even though he knew no Armenian, he was asked to edit (translate, as that term was generally used during this period) a literal translation of a lengthy novel.

The arduous work of retranslating had to be carried out in Armenia so that Grossman could consult both with the author of the book as well as its original translator. This occupied him for some months.

In the first half of 1962, after his translation work had been completed, Grossman finished writing his reminiscences of the trip. Once again he faced official pressure and censorship. Literary bureaucrats were particularly concerned by a chapter that dealt with the role of Stalin. Grossman, by this time angry over many years of harassment and tangling with the bureaucracy, refused to allow the books publication. An Armenian Sketchbook did not appear in the USSR until 1965, some eight months after the authors death, and whole chapters were omitted.

It should be kept in mind that this period of the early 1960s was the height of the Thaw, under Stalinist leader Nikita Khrushchev, who gave the Secret Speech in February 1956 exposing some of Stalins monstrous crimes. Political prisoners were released from labor camps, and censorship was somewhat eased. Millions of workers and intellectuals sought an explanation for the Stalinist terror, many raising the slogan Back to Lenin. Grossmans little book reflects the spirit of these times. Even then, of course, the parasitic Stalinist bureaucracy enforced strict limits on what could be said or written, as was revealed by Grossmans own treatment.

The complete English translation of An Armenian Sketchbook, with missing passages and chapters restored, is a small gem. Grossmans descriptions of his experiences are no less effective for their brevity. He depicts Armenian villages, austere mountains, the view of Mount Ararat in extreme eastern Turkey and the customsreligious and otherwiseof the people. A few extracts can hardly do justice to the beauty and perceptiveness of Grossmans prose.

In Yerevan [the capital] and in towns and villages in the mountains and on the plains, he writes, I met people of all kinds. I met scientists, doctors, engineers, builders, artists, journalists, party activists, and old revolutionaries. I saw plowmen, vintners, and shepherds; I saw masons; I saw murderers, fashionable young mods, sportsmen, earnest leftists, and cunning opportunists; I saw helpless fools, army colonels, and Lake Sevan fishermen.

Grossman feels very close to the Armenian people. He closely and concretely observes, not content to view from afar. His sentiments are not vague and pacifistic. He is close to the masses, with a feeling for their suffering combined with an optimism about humanitys potential.

He writes, for instance, about meeting a sweet, asthmatic old man by the name of Sarkisyan.  When he was young, he was an important figure in the Party; during his years as an emigre, he knew Lenin. And then he was denounced as a Turkish spy, beaten almost to death, and sent to a camp in Siberia, where he remained for 19 years.

And then he returned home, not embittered but convinced that people are essentially good, glad to have enriched his heart through conversations in camp barracks, north of the Arctic Circle, with ordinary Russian peasants and workers, glad to have enriched his mind through conversations with Russian scientists and intellectuals.

Grossman writes frequently in these pages on the issue of nationalism in the 20th century. The profound impact of the October Revolution can be seen and felt in his prose. His comments on narrow nationalism of course apply today as much as in the previous century.

Now, after Hitler, it has become more important than ever to look at the question of nationalismof nationalistic contempt and nationalistic arrogance, he writes.

Imagine our Russian intellectuals, the kind, merry, perceptive old women in our villages, our elderly workers, our young lads, our little girls being free to enter the melting pot of ordinary human intercourse with the people of North and South America, of China, France, India, Britain and the Congo.

What a rich variety of customs, fashion, cuisine, and labor would then be revealed!  And the beggarliness, blindness, and inhumanity of narrow nationalism and hostility between states would be clearly demonstrated.

When a large and strong nation, he continues, with huge armies and powerful weapons, proclaims its superiority, it threatens other nations with war and enslavement. The nationalistic excesses of small oppressed nations, on the other hand, spring from the need to defend their dignity and freedom. And yet, for all their differences, the nationalism of the aggressors and the nationalism of the oppressed have much in common.

The influence of Marxism finds expression in the way Grossman approaches a variety of subjects, despite the awful perversions of the Stalinist regime, which falsely claimed to represent socialism and turned Marxism into its opposite, a defense of nationalism and bureaucracy.

On a visit to the world-famous Lake Sevan, for instance, he writes with profound understanding of the relationship between the object and subject. He describes a little cloud lit by a quiet sunset and a summer rain or a young moon reflected in the pockmarked surface of a forest stream in April. He continues: For a particular scene to enter into a person and become part of their soul, it is evidently not enough that the scene be beautiful. The person also has to have something clear and beautiful present inside them. It is like a moment of shared love, of communion, of true meeting between a human being and the outer world.

A similar grasp of Marxism is suggested by the following digression on art, which savagely depicts the monstrosity of socialist realism, the only work approved by the Stalinist regime:  there is, surprisingly, more true realism in the craziest picture of the most abstract subjectivist, in the silliest concoction of lines, dots, and spots, than in all the harmonious worlds commissioned by bureaucrats. A strange, silly, crazy picture is, after all, a true expression of at least one living human soul. But whose living soul can we sense in this harmonious, officially sanctioned world so full of apparently naturalistic detail, so dense with ripe ears of wheat and fine forests of oak? Nobodysthere is no soul in a government office.

In the final chapter, Grossman gives a detailed account of an Armenian wedding to which he has been invited. After hours of celebration, a collective-farm carpenter addresses Grossman directly. His words are translated for the Russian Jewish guest.

The carpenter was talking about the Jews, saying that when he was taken prisoner during the war he had seen all the Jews being taken away somewhere separate. All his Jewish comrades had been killed. He spoke of the compassion and love he felt for the Jewish women and children who had perished in the gas chambers of Auschwitz. He said how he had read articles of mine about the war, with portrayals of Armenians, and had thought how this man writing about Armenians was from a nation that had also suffered a great deal.  Long, thunderous applause confirmed that the Armenian peasantry did indeed feel compassion for the Jewish nation.

Discussing anti-Semitism, Grossman obliquely but firmly indicts the regime for tolerating, even promoting anti-Semitism: I have more than once heard Russiansboth intellectuals and simple peoplespeak with compassion of the horrors that befell the Jews during the Nazi occupation.

But I have also encountered the vicious mentality of the Black Hundreds. I have felt this hatred on my own skin. From drunks on buses, from people eating in canteens or standing in queues, I have heard black words about the nation martyred by Hitler. And it has always pained me that our Soviet lecturers, propagandists, and ideological workers do not speak out against anti-Semitismas did Korolenko, as did Gorky, as did Lenin.

Grossman with the Red Army in Schwerin, Germany, 1945 (Wikipedia)

The lasting impact of the October Revolution on the best sections of the Soviet intelligentsia and working class can be seen in these lines and throughout the small volume. This occurred despite the horrors or Stalinism, and even the participants own lack of understanding. Grossman himself became somewhat discouraged and disoriented in the face of the degeneration of the Revolution, but he never abandoned a profound belief in human progress. This, in the face of all that he had witnessed, has an enormous objective significance. Almost 60 years after the writing of this book, the cause of socialism remains thoroughly alive.

Grossmans concluding lines underscore the fact that, although this particular visit had deeply affected him, he was writing not only about Armenia:

Though mountains be reduced to mere skeletons, may mankind endure forever.  Probably I have said much that is clumsy and wrong. But all I have said, clumsy or not, I have said with love.

Barev dzezAll good to you, Armenians and non-Armenians!
The Biden administration argued before the US Supreme Court Wednesday that torture victim Abu Zubaydah, real name Zayn al-Abidin Muhammed Hussein, should be denied the right to obtain additional information about the circumstances in which he was tortured.

The Department of Justice cited the state secrets privilege, an all-purpose assertion of national security interests that does not exist in the Constitution or in law, but was created by the Supreme Court in 1953, at the height of the Cold War, to assist the US military in covering up the deaths of airmen in the crash of an experimental plane.

Abu Zubaydah drawing of the CIA application of sleep deprivation during his torture at a black site in Thailand in 2002

Since then, the privilege has been steadily extended under both Democratic and Republican administrations, becoming the pretext for the government whenever it wants to use the blanket of national security to conceal inconvenient facts.

It is particularly flimsy in the case of Abu Zubaydah, since the facts being suppressed are well known and have been reported in the corporate media and widely discussed and commented on. Some have even been documented in the lengthy Senate report on CIA torture released, in an abbreviated form, in 2014.

Abu Zubaydah was detained in Pakistan in 2002. He was presented by the CIA as a prize catch in the early stages of the war on terror, supposedly a top aide to Osama bin Laden, the founder and leader of Al Qaeda. He was held in CIA torture centers in Thailand and Poland over a period of four years and subjected to a range of brutal treatment, before his interrogators concluded that he was merely a driver for Al Qaeda and had no information of any importance.

In the course of one period of particularly savage abuse, the prisoner was waterboarded 83 times in a month. He was also confined in a coffin-sized box for 11 days, and hung upside down for long periods. After the interrogators learned he had a phobia for insects, bugs were added to the psychopathic mix. In course of his detention, he lost an eye, and, by some accounts, suffered a mental breakdown. He was eventually sent to Guantanamo Bay, where, according to federal officials, he is being held incommunicado for the rest of his life.

The names of the CIA contractors who carried out the waterboarding and supervised the other torture, James Mitchell and John Bruce Jessen, have long been known. Their depositions have been taken and they have provided extensive accounts of their actions. Nonetheless, they have never been prosecuted in the United States.

The current case arises from an investigation in Poland, where prosecutors have sought to bring charges against the Polish accomplices of the CIA, but have been blocked by the US refusal to allow information on Abu Zubaydah to be turned over. The state secrets include official acknowledgement that the Polish government was an accomplice in establishing the black site at Stare Kiejkuty, even though Polands former president has confirmed that this was the case, and the issue has been the subject of hearings before the European Court of Human Rights.

At Wednesdays hearing, acting solicitor general Brian Fletcher, appearing for the federal government, explained that the Biden administration was supporting a motion first brought by the Trump administration last December, seeking to quash the request by Abu Zubaydahs lawyers that details of his confinement in Poland should be released to the Polish prosecutors.

There seemed to be general agreement among the justices that the state secrets privilege should be upheld, with some quibbling over whether the privilege could be applied to information that is not secret, but public knowledge. Justice Elena Kagan held Fletchers job in the Obama administration, and is therefore very familiar with the assertion of the state secrets privilege by the executive branch.

None of the justices expressed any concern over the savage torture of Abu Zubaydah or the likelihood that he will spend the rest of his life in the American gulag.

Instead, they focused on narrow procedural questions, such as how the state secrets privilege should be applied in the case of a motion for discovery where some of the material sought was secret and some was not. The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals overruled the assertion of then-CIA Director Mike Pompeo, finding that the CIA detention site in Poland and Zubaydahs torture there were no longer a secret, because they had been revealed in other legal proceedings and in the Senate report.

Chief Justice John Roberts remarked that official confirmation of the existence of the torture facility in Poland would constitute a breach of faith with our allies and friends around the world.

At the end of the hearing, three justices, Stephen Breyer, Neil Gorsuch, and Sonia Sotomayor, asked Fletcher whether Zubaydah himself could be made available to the Polish prosecutors, as a witness to his own torture. Fletcher promised an answer to that question, as well as a follow-up question on why Zubaydah was still imprisoned, but would not respond directly.

The main significance of the case and the hearing is the continuity, over four administrations, in the defense of CIA torture and the torturers themselves, as well as their accomplices around the world. The Bush administration authorized and carried out the torture. The Obama administration refused to punish either the torturers or those, like CIA official Gina Haspel, who destroyed evidence of the torture. The Trump administration promoted Haspel to head the CIA, and Trump openly boasted of his support for torture. Biden, vice president under Obama, is going forward with the same policy.
Having capitulated to demands from the most right-wing lawmakers in the Democratic Senate and House caucuses to drastically slash his Build Back Better social welfare and climate bill, President Joe Biden on Tuesday traveled to Howell, Michigan to promote his domestic economic agenda.

The day before, Biden met with House progressives to reaffirm their acceptance of a reduction in the price tag of his social spending bill from $3.5 trillion over 10 years to something in the range of $1.9 trillion to $2.2 trillion, depending on the agreement of West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin and Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema to move beyond Manchins stated target of $1.5 trillion.

Biden reportedly told the progressives that he could support Manchins demand for many of the social measures in his bill to be means-tested, along with proposals to reduce the length of the programs to less than 10 years, creating the conditions for any programs enacted to be terminated once the Republicans regain control of Congress or the White House.

President Joe Biden tours the International Union Of Operating Engineers Local 324 training facility, Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021, in Howell, Mich. Biden is joined by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, left, and Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

On Tuesday morning, before flying to Michigan, Biden met with so-called moderate Democrats to reassure them of his commitment to pass the $1 trillion infrastructure bill, also over 10 years, passed by the Senate in August with the support of 19 Republicans, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Biden is seeking to bridge differences within the Democratic Party between a majority of House members, who insist on agreement by the Senate Democratic holdouts on the larger, although much reduced, social spending bill before House passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill, and a minority that wants to pass the infrastructure bill now.

This squabbling within the Democratic Party takes place within the context of a massive lobbying campaign by the banks, the pharmaceutical industry, big oil and other corporate interests that reject any increase in taxes or extension of social welfare programs. According to the watchdog group Open Secrets, more than 4,000 lobbyists are working on budget and spending issues, and 10 major industries have already spent nearly $700 million this year on lobbying.

This was the context for Bidens speech Tuesday in Howell. The selection of the town some 55 miles west of Detroit was itself significant. Howell itself, and Livingston County, voted heavily for Trump in both 2016 and 2020. However, Democrat Elissa Slotkin was elected to Congress in that district, which also includes the city of Lansing, in 2018 and was reelected in 2020. She is considered among the vulnerable Democratic incumbents in the 2022 mid-term election, which could well see the Democrats lose their narrow margins in both houses of Congress.

Slotkin is among the most prominent of 11 former intelligence and military operatives from the CIA, Pentagon, National Security Council and State Department elected as freshmen Democratic House members in 2018.

A former CIA operative with three tours in Iraq, who worked as Iraq director for the National Security Council in the Obama White House and as a top aide to John Negroponte, the first director of national intelligence, Slotkin followed her deep involvement in US war crimes in Iraq by moving to the Pentagon. There, as a principal deputy assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, her areas of responsibility included drone warfare, homeland defense and cyber warfare.

Biden not only promoted Slotkin at the Howell event, allowing her to speak prior to his remarks, he made a point of her CIA resume, saying, Elissa Slotkin, you dont want to screw around with her. (Laughter.) Shes an intelligence officer as well, so shes forgotten more than most of you know. But thanks for riding out with me, and thanks for the advice youve given me. In her own remarks, Slotkin promoted the bipartisan infrastructure bill and made no mention of the social welfare/climate budget bill, which she has yet to endorse.

This set the tone for Bidens pitch, which framed the push for his economic agenda as an existential struggle to halt Americas global geo-political decline and counter the rise of China. Speaking at the training center of Operating Engineers Local 324, Biden doubled down on his calls for national unity and bipartisanship as essential to a corporate-state strategy, utilizing the services of the trade union bureaucracy to suppress working class opposition and wage economic warfare against the Chinese threat.

Declaring that America was at an inflection point, Biden compared US economic domination in the 20th century with the trajectory of decline and decay in the 21st.

Our infrastructure used to be the best in the world, he declared. Today, according to the World Economic Forum, we rank 13th. Our infrastructure12 nations have a better infrastructure than we do, which means they can move product, they can do so many things better than we can do it.

Were among the first in the world to guarantee access to universal education. Now, the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development ranks America 35th out of 37 major countries when it comes to investing in early childhood education as a percent of GDP

I dont know whats happened. The world has taken notice, by the way, including our adversaries. And now theyre closing the gap in a big way.

Asserting that his bills were not about left versus right or moderate versus progressive or anything that pits Americans against one another, he said, Theyre about competitiveness versus decay. Theyre about leading the world or continuing to let the world pass us by, which is literally happening.

On this nationalist basis, he quickly pivoted to the central threatChina.

Now, let me tell you, our competitors arent hanging around and waiting to see what were going to do. Theyve been pouring billions of dollars into infrastructure and into training their people for years now.

Take China, for example In recent years, China has spent around three times as much on infrastructure as a share of their economy than we have. Three times. And theyre not slowing down.

Yesterday, my US trade representative delivered an important speech on our competition with China. She pointed out that China made a major investment in steel plants beginning about 20 years ago. And in the last 20 years, half of Americas steel companies have been shuttered

China now produces more steel in one month than America does in an entire year. You can see it in sector after sector: Other countries are speeding up and America is falling behind.

Turning to the race for control of the global electric vehicle market, Biden praised the partnership between the United Auto Workers union and the US-based car makers, but warned:

But guess what? China is not waiting around. Theyve manufactured more than twice as many electric vehicles as we have over the last decade. They control more than 75 percent of the battery market. And theyre poised to invest another $14 billion in charging capacity now in their country.

Biden turned to his Build Back Better social welfare bill and cited figures on the drastic decline in US investment in education as compared to other major industrial countries.

As in previous speeches on his supposedly pro-worker economic program, Biden made a point of his support for capitalism, combining it with a plea for the billionaires to pay your fair share.

Im a capitalist. I think you should be able to go out and make a million dollars, or a billion. But just pay your fair share, he said.

There is nothing remotely pro-worker or progressive about the aggressive, nationalist and war-mongering policy outlined by Biden in Michigan. In the course of his remarks, Biden spoke of my friends on the other team, i.e., the Republican Party that backed Trumps conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election, culminating in the January 6 attempted coup. Bidens friends continue to back Trumps efforts to build a fascist movement and establish a dictatorship, while the Democrats continue to cover up the ongoing conspiracy.

The gutting of his own social spending bill testifies to the impossibility of social reform within the framework of the capitalist system. The real target of Bidens corporatist policy is the working class, whose mounting resistance he hopes to suppress by means of the pro-corporate trade unions, and divert outward against an external enemyChina.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage out of control in Alberta, with an increasing number of reports that overwhelmed hospitals are being forced to deny care to patients. On Monday, the Canadian Armed Forces deployed a contingent of eight critical care nurses to Edmonton, the provincial capital, to assist with overwhelmed ICUs.

The Delta-driven fourth wave has seen the most hospitalizations in Alberta since the pandemic began, with 1,079 people now actively under care. Alberta Health Services (AHS) reports that out of 347 ICU beds, including recently added surge beds, 307 are in use. Dr. Verna Yiu, head of AHS, was forced to admit that hospitals are only able to keep pace with some of these sort of numbers because, in part, some of our ICU patients have passed away.

Emergency and ICU departments have essentially been forced to implement aspects of their triage protocols, under which those deemed least likely to survive are denied needed care. Dr. Paul Parks, head of emergency medicine for the Alberta Medical Association, told CTV News that some critically ill COVID-19 patients who would normally be on ventilators in the ICU have been denied them because of a lack of resources and staff.

Dr. Parks warned that full implementation of triage is not far off. This would include making decisions about which patients, including children, would receive life-saving care, and potentially removing some COVID-stricken patients from ventilators. AHS has been forced to cancel approximately 8,500 surgeries since August, including 805 pediatric surgeries, as the health care system simply cannot cope. Some twenty pregnant women were treated for COVID-19 symptoms in Albertas hospitals during August and September. At least one tragically lost her life.

Further pressure is building on the health care system from the as yet poorly understood impact of Long COVID. According to an article in yesterdays Globe and Mail, 80 percent of patients treated in an Alberta hospital for COVID-19 returned to the emergency room within one month of being discharged. Out of those who returned, 17 percent were readmitted to hospital.

Under these conditions, the arrival of the military nurses, along with 20 medical professionals from the Canadian Red Cross and five or six intensive care staff from Newfoundland and Labrador, is woefully inadequate. The CAF nurses would add, at most, resources for five ICU beds.

Since Premier Jason Kenney announced in July that Alberta was Open for summer and subsequently dropped all public health measures to stop the spread of the virus, the number of new COVID-19 cases has rapidly risen to over 1,500 per day. On average, 15 people are dying every day, reaching levels unseen since the second wave of the pandemic last winter, before vaccines were made widely available to the public.

UCP Premier Jason Kenney and Alberta Chief Medical Office Deena Hinshaw have pursued a ruinous pandemic reopening policy modelled after that implemented by UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

One of the main vectors for transmission of the virus is schools, which were opened with literally no mitigation measures by the United Conservative Party (UCP) government a month ago. Kenney and his ministers claimed that school was the safest place for children to be, suspended all contact tracing, and ordered health authorities not to release infection numbers in schools or identify schools with outbreaks.

Government data shows that children aged 5 to 9 have the highest infection rate of any age group, registering a staggering 726.7 infections per 100,000 people as of October 4. Children aged 10 to 19 were the second-most infected, at 548.4 per 100,000. Underscoring the role of schools as a primary vector of infection, adults aged 30 to 50 experienced similar infection rates, indicating that parents are catching the virus from their school-aged children.

In response to widespread public anger at the raging spread of the virus in schools, the Edmonton Public School Board appealed Tuesday to the UCP government to close all schools in the province for at least two weeks. This desperate plea came just days after the board reported that at least one COVID-19 case had been detected in over three-quarters of its schools.

To contain mounting popular outrage, the UCP government has reintroduced a few token measures, including contact tracing and rapid testing in schools. These measures, entirely necessary as part of a comprehensive eradication strategy, are totally inadequate to deal with the current crisis.

The Canadian Medical Association and the Alberta Medical Association have both appealed to ordinary Albertans to lobby the government for a firebreak lockdown of schools and economic activity until the situation in hospitals can be stabilized. The AMAs open letter declares, The time to act is now. Dire times call for drastic measures.

A petition circulating on Change.org demanding the resignation of Chief Medical Officer Deena Hinshaw and the implementation of a firebreak lockdown collected over 1,700 signatures in the first two days. This action comes on the heels of well-attended and widely-supported protests over the summer against the UCPs reopening drive, which were led by doctors and other medical professionals, independently of the trade unions. Numerous grassroots groups of parents, teachers, and health care workers devoted to opposing the herd immunity policy have also been established.

A ThinkHQ poll released on Monday shows that Kenneys popularity has nose-dived. Of 1,100 respondents, 77 percent disapproved of Kenneys leadership during the pandemic, including 61 percent who strongly disapproved. Even among those who voted UCP in the last election, Kenneys approval does not exceed 40 percent.

Yet this healthy class anger towards Kenney, an unalloyed representative of the banks and big business, finds no political expression in official channels. The Trudeau Liberal government kept quiet during the summer as Kenney dismantled COVID-19 protections, and only shifted to criticizing him when it suited the Liberals electoral needs during the federal election campaign. While the New Democratic Party opposition has attacked Kenney and the UCP for their disastrous handling of the pandemic, the NDP when in power carried out steep cuts to health care and other public services, earning them the ire of millions of working class Albertans and leading to their ouster after one term in office. Moreover, the NDP government in neighbouring British Columbia is pursuing essentially the same pandemic policy as Kenney.

The union bureaucracy, for its part, has done everything in its power to smother and sabotage all social opposition. With hospitals on the verge of implementing triage protocols and schools infested with the virus, the Alberta Federation of Labour, with 175,000 members, has not organized a single protest or proposed that workers take any action. In its latest statement, the union body merely issued a polite appeal to the provincial and federal governments, the same governments responsible for the unfolding health care catastrophe.

In a recent interview with CTV, Heather Smith, the president of the United Nurses Alberta union, explicitly discouraged any talk of strikes or protests, insisting, Its time to take action, not political, but health action. The Alberta Teachers Association, besides tepidly calling for a vaccine mandate for its members, has been virtually silent as thousands of educators and their students are exposed to and catch a deadly virus.

On September 30, the World Socialist Web Site published a statement titled, ' Mobilize the working class to stop Albertas COVID-19 catastrophe! For an immediate shutdown of all schools and nonessential businesses!

In that statement, we made clear that what is taking place in Alberta is a massive social crime, for which all the major parties as well as the unions are responsible. We insisted that what is required is a political break with these purveyors of mass illness and death. Teachers, nurses and all sections of the working class must create rank-and-file safety committees in each workplace to begin organizing strikes and other forms of protest, with the aim of forcing the adoption of a COVID-19 eradication strategy, not just in Alberta, but across Canada and the world.
Last Friday, the state of California removed nearly all measures instituted last year to protect workers from the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.

These included the ending of an eviction moratorium that kept residents in their homes even if behind on rent to prevent further viral spread due to homelessness. Also abandoned was an expanded sick leave program for public sector workers providing up to 80 hours of paid COVID-related sick leave. The state had also instituted a ban on power shutoffs last year which also came to an end on Friday. A few weeks prior to that, the state of California cut off expanded unemployment benefits for 2.2 million of its residents.

Students and parents walk into school on the first day of school at Enrique S. Camarena Elementary School Wednesday, July 21, 2021, in Chula Vista, Calif. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

According to current estimates, 724,000 California households are behind by a collective $2.5 billion in rent. In order to be exempt from eviction, residents must now have paid at least 25 percent of their back rent due between September 2020 and September 2021. Similarly, residents cannot be evicted for rent owed between March and August of 2020. Nonetheless, landlords are still fully entitled to begin court proceedings to collect all of back rent owed starting on November 1. Rent relief is still being offered, however the process for applying is extremely lengthy and subject to delays ranging from one week and many months.

Hundreds of thousands of Californians are also due to have their utilities shut off after the passing of last Thursdays deadline. According to the Greenlining institute, the accumulated customer debt on utility bills is over $2.7 billion throughout the state. The state recently passed $2 billion in utilities relief, which, in addition to being less than what customers owe statewide, will likely not be used up in its entirety.

While millions of Californians are being threatened by electricity shutoffs, the large utility behemoths, particularly the Pacific Gas and Electric company, are allowed to initiate blackouts whenever they choose with no compensation to customers, regardless of whether or not bills are fully paid. Rather than using its billions to update antiquated infrastructure, including some utility towers still standing after more than 100 years, PG&E now regularly initiates blackouts to save costs often with life-threatening effects on some of its most vulnerable customers. This comes after a string of independent investigators found the utility at fault for sparking a significant portion of the massive wildfires plaguing the state for the past few decades.

Although coronavirus transmission rates and deaths are lower relative to most other states, California still has been hit hardest by the virus in absolute terms. Since the pandemic began, the state has had nearly 4.7 million coronavirus cases and nearly 70,000 deaths, a tenth of the official coronavirus deaths recorded in the US. Despite a recent decrease in numbers, the state still is experiencing about 7,000 cases and 100 deaths per day.

It is under these conditions that the state is abandoning needed protections for workers. In addition to the eviction and utility measures, the state also ended a requirement that companies provide two weeks of paid COVID sick leave for employees. Asked whether or not the governor had any plans to extend the program after it elapsed on Thursday, Newsoms office responded, California has been working proactively to prepare for the end of federal benefits this month by connecting Californians with other public benefits. In other words, there is no chance that the program will be restored.

These latest actions represent a watershed moment in the states response to the pandemic and demonstrate that the capitalist elite are fully prepared to let the virus rip unhindered throughout the population. They follow the governors June 15 announcement that the state would end all restrictions on social gatherings including physical distancing mandates and capacity limits. Newsom stated at the time, California is turning the page on the pandemic, thanks to swift action by the state and the work of Californians who followed public health guidelines and got vaccinated to protect themselves and their communities.

Two months later, the Delta variant swept through the state with the state government doing nothing to reverse the June 15 measures.

State officials also seized upon the June 15 announcement to allow initial unemployment benefits to elapse. Despite the fact that the state still has an official unemployment rate of 7.6 percent, a number twice as high as the pre-pandemic level, expanded benefits were summarily ended in early September. This was in line with the Biden administrations decision to cease federal subsidies to individual states to continue the programs. Newsoms office stated at the time, The state of California is unable to extend federal pandemic benefits, but state unemployment insurance, disability insurance and paid family leave will not be affected by the September deadline.

Also on September 10, the state senate approved assembly bill 654, removing a requirement that the Department of Public Health publicize coronavirus outbreaks by individual locations and job sites. The bill was passed by a vote of 37-0 with 3 abstentions. The state senate, the upper body of the state legislature, is comprised of 31 Democrats out of a total of 40 seats. The Democratic supermajority not only passed the bill unanimously but also included an urgency clause in the bill insuring that it would immediately take effect after being signed by Governor Newsom.

Responding to the bills passage, David Snyder, attorney and executive director of the First Amendment Coalition, called it very disappointing. Said Snyder, The bill now does not seem to be ensuring transparency, but rather going in the opposite directionand ensuring that the public, local leaders and local health authorities are going to be in the dark.

Indeed, the Democratic Party in California, like its Republican counterparts, has blood on its hands. Fully aware that detailed knowledge of outbreaks at schools and workplaces would accelerate mass protests and strikes by workers, the two parties unite in unanimous opposition to such exposures. Far better to let workers and their families fall seriously ill and die than put profits at risk.

Even with only a third of county health departments providing details of individual outbreaks sought by public records requeststhe state as a whole only released aggregate data by industrythe eruption of known coronavirus cases at workplaces has been nothing short of catastrophic. Hundreds of workers at meat processing plants such as poultry producer Foster Farms and at least 1,700 at Amazon warehouses have fallen ill from the virus.

Similarly, school outbreaks are being drastically undercounted. In Los Angeles alone, the states largest and nations second largest school district, the United Teachers of Los Angeles worked hand in glove with the district to reopen schools, leading to an explosion of infections. The district claimed that infection rates among children went down after schools reopened, however, at the same time, cases went up throughout LA County with children comprising a higher percentage of infections as the Delta variant surged.

In order to fight back against such barbaric measures, workers must form their own organizations of struggle independently of the Democrats and the Republicans. This requires the building of independent rank-and-file committees to insure workers safety. To find out more about forming or joining a rank and file committee, click here. The World Socialist Web Site will also be holding an international online meeting on October 24 to discuss a socialist strategy to end the pandemic. We encourage all readers and supporters to attend this important event.
To learn more about joining the John Deere Workers Rank-and-File Committee, email deerewrfc@gmail.com or text (484) 514-9797.

John Deere factory (John Deere/deere.com)

Anger is growing among Deere workers over the information blackout being carried out by the United Auto Workers union in the lead-up to Sundays vote on a new six-year tentative agreement with the agricultural and heavy equipment giant. The UAW announced a deal last Friday which would cover approximately 10,100 Deere workers in Iowa, Illinois and Kansas only hours after the expiration of the previous contract.

The union has stated that it will only release highlights of the contract this Friday and Saturday, a day or two before Sundays vote, clearly to stampede workers into accepting the agreement. However, there is already significant opposition to the deal, with workers taking to Facebook to call for a no vote based on their experience of the UAWs 2015 sellout and their determination to reverse earlier concessions.

To fight back against the ongoing conspiracy between the UAW and the company, workers this week formed the Deere Workers Rank-and-File Committee. On Tuesday, the committee issued a statement demanding the release of the full contract and all side letters and memoranda, a full week to study it, and workers oversight of the vote and ballot count, in order to prevent any possibility of fraud. The statement also outlined what workers required of any contract for it to be acceptable, including the immediate end of the two-tier wage and benefit system, a 30 percent general wage increase and annual cost-of-living raises, fully paid health care for active and retired workers, and an end to the CIPP productivity incentive scheme with no loss of pay.

I am an Ottumwa production worker, and have previously worked at other Deere plants, a worker in Iowa told the World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter. This is my third contract, and I am utterly disgusted with how International continues for self-serving reasons to sell out our contract, time after time!

Another worker from Deeres Waterloo plant, its largest factory in Iowa, wrote to the WSWS and said, I do not trust our union to have our best interests at heart. They have been in bed with corporate Deere for so long that a lot of us feel we are picking the lesser of the two evils by staying in the union Local 838.

UAW Local 838 in Waterloo, Iowa, was flooded with several hundred outraged comments and calls for strike action on its Facebook page last Friday after announcing an extension of the previous contract a minute after its midnight expiration. Local 838 officials have since sought to simply muzzle criticisms and shield themselves from the ire of the rank and file, disabling comments on most of their posts.

In a subsequent expression of UAW officials extreme nervousness and their contempt for the workers they claim to represent, the page posted on Tuesday, Local 838 Members the goal of this page is to educate and inform. Negativity is not welcome. Thank you.

This latest post has only fueled workers anger and suspicions further. So, all our dues limit us to happy warm thoughts and not how we really feel, I must have missed that part in the bylaws, one wrote sarcastically. If youre here to Inform than why are you not showing the workers the TA? another popular comment read. If there would be 100% transparency then all would be fine, but the rank and file feel like something is being hidden from them, a third wrote.

Workers distrust of the UAW has been increased significantly in recent years in the course of a sprawling corruption scandal, which revealed that much of the unions top leadership was either taking bribes from company management or embezzling workers dues. In 2019, former UAW Vice President Norwood Jewell, who led the 2015 UAW-Deere contract negotiations, pleaded guilty to charges related to his acceptance of payoffs from Fiat Chrysler (now Stellantis).

New information continues to emerge regarding the illicit activities of UAW officials. An autoworker in Michigan wrote to the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter in reply to the Deere Workers Rank-and-File Committee statement and said, Treasurer Tim Edmunds for UAW Local 412 Unit 10 (Stellantis) was just caught stealing $2 million of our local dues money. As the WSWS recently reported on this latest revelation of embezzlement, The size of the theft is all the more remarkable given the relatively small size of the local, which had only $3.26 million in assets in 2020 and expenditures of $2.9 million according to US Labor Department filings. How funds nearly equivalent to the locals entire annual budget could go missing without being noticed defies any easy explanation.

The worker continued, They sold us out to the company since 2008. We had no raises and benefits cut for over 10 years. We heard the same bull***t from our so-called leaders just like what is happening to UAW Deere employees.

Addressing himself to Deere workers, he concluded, Time to stop these crooked UAW leaders!!! DONT BACK DOWN!!!!!

There is a growing mood of determination and desire among Deere workers, autoworkers, and broad sections of the working class to win substantial wage increases and improvements in working conditions, particularly as the major corporations are making record profits while forcing their employees to expose themselves to the coronavirus pandemic. In addition, workers are feeling increasingly self-confident and combative, feeling strengthened by labor shortages and the companies difficulty in fulfilling orders.

While workers are seeking to fight, the UAW and other unions are continuing to work with their corporate partners to try to force through concessions, cut labor costs, and offload the burden of supply chain shortages onto workers. In response, growing numbers of workers have organized rank-and-file committees independent of the unions this year, including at Volvo Trucks, Mack Trucks (also owned by Volvo), and Dana Incorporated, an auto parts maker which supplies Deere and much of the auto industry.

Im in the Mack Trucks Rank-and-File Committee and I strongly encourage all of you working at John Deere to get together with each other and form a rank-and-file committee of your own as soon as possible, a Mack Trucks worker told the WSWS. The UAW is good for nothing but concessions to the company. I dont know what phrasing they use with you all, but they always tell us at contract time that We have to be fair. They mean fair to the company when they say that. We are not the ones that have to be fair. Its our work they make all that money off.

The company will not give the money they made off your back to you easily. You have to fight for it. The UAW is never going to lead a winning fight for you. Every now and then you might get thrown a bone in one area but its always at the cost of something much more and slowly everything good gets edged out of that contract book.

You need to lead the fight yourselves and get whats yours, independently from the UAW as the workers in the plants. Form a rank-and-file committee and talk to us at Mack. Well tell you what we have seen, and you tell us what you have seen.
At least four people were hurt Wednesday morning during a shooting at Timberview High School in Arlington, Texas. According to police, an 18-year-old student opened fire during a fight at the Dallas-area high school before fleeing and turning himself in to custody hours later.

Arlington police said there was a fight between students on the second floor of the school when one of the students pulled out a firearm. Police identified the suspected student as Timothy George Simpkins. Officials say they have seen video of the fight, but not the shooting, and reassured parents that the shooting was not a random act of violence or someone attacking the school.

Immediately after the shooting, armed police stormed the school of about 1,900 students, and initiated a manhunt across North Texas. As news of the incident spread, worried parents gathered at the Mansfield Independent School District Center for the Performing Arts, five miles from the high school, to be reunited with their children, who were driven over in buses.

Families waiting to be reunited with their children, Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021 in Mansfield, Texas, following a shooting at the Timberview High School in Arlington. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Police said Simpkins later arrived at the Arlington Police Department with an attorney, and was handcuffed in the parking lot. At a press conference Wednesday afternoon, Arlington Assistant Police Chief Kevin Kolbye said Simpkins is expected to be charged with three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Police also said that a .45-caliber handgun was recovered in the streets of Grand Prairie, two miles from the school. As of the time of this writing, police have not confirmed if the gun was involved in the shooting at Timberview, but say it is being sent in for ballistics testing.

We know that this is a tragedy, a traumatic incident for these high school kids. So, we have a tremendous amount of FBI, Arlington victim services that will hopefully talk to them and help them through this tragic incident, Kolbye said at a news conference.

Kolbye reported a total of four people were hurt, including two students and two adults. A teenage female suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene. A pregnant woman was also treated at the scene, and police reported a 25-year-old male employee at the school is in good condition. A 15-year-old male student is in critical condition and has been in surgery at Medical City Arlington.

Wednesdays shooting occurred just days after a shooting at a Houston charter school. A former student of a Houston public charter school shot and wounded the campus principal Friday before quickly surrendering to police.

Texas deadliest shooting happened in 2018, when a 17-year-old student armed with a shotgun and a pistol opened fire at Santa Fe High School near Houston, killing 10 people, most of whom were students.

That same year, 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz opened fire at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, killing 17 and injuring 17 others. The shooting triggered nationwide walkouts by students and the March for Our Lives demonstrations demanding action be taken on gun control legislation.

School shootings happen with frightening regularity in the United States with an average of approximately two every month in recent years. Students and teachers are regularly put through active shooter drills to prepare them for the possibility that someone will turn a gun on them to carry out a mass killing.

According to the latest data collected by EdWeek, there have been 22 school shootings so far this year in the United States. Six people have been killed, including four students, and 31 have been injured. The number of shootings is up sharply from 10 in 2020, when most schools went remote in response to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, shootings this year are back on pace with 2018 (24) and 2019 (25).
The trial of the November 13, 2015 Paris terrorist attacks opened in a special criminal court in the French capital on September 8.

The attacks, which killed 130 people and injured 350 in Paris and the surrounding suburb of Saint-Denis, are yet another demonstration of the bankrupt and reactionary character of terrorism. Those responsible for the attacks are guilty of mass murder. Marxists have always insisted that nothing socially progressive could emerge from the indiscriminate and arbitrary annihilation of human lives, which disorients the working class and undermines popular opposition to police state measures.

In this Nov. 13, 2015 photo, a woman is evacuated from the Bataclan concert hall after the terrorist shooting in Paris. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus, File)

For almost a month, the relatives of the victims have been taking the stand to recall the events of the attacks. Their tragic and genuine sentiments contrast sharply with the hypocrisy of the prosecutions arguments and the media propaganda surrounding the trial, which is silent on the war waged by France and the other NATO powers in Syria.

Nonetheless, there is an indissoluble link between the war on terror and the state of emergency imposed after the attacks of November 13, 2015, on the one hand, and the French and NATO intervention in Syria and Libya since 2011, on the other hand. These wars have cost more than 400,000 lives and forced more than 10 million people to flee their homes, leaving behind devastated societies.

Indeed, to wage wars in these two countries, the NATO powers used the same Islamist networks that committed the Paris attacks. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria soon emerged as the most powerful rebel militia and thus the most likely to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Already in August 2012, US officials had confessed that among the Syrian rebel forces supported by NATO were members of al-Qaeda, the network that committed the 9/11 attacks.

The political hollowness of the trial is seen in the fact that none of the officials from the NATO countries who carried out this policy will be questioned, let alone placed in the dock.

The trial, the largest criminal hearing ever held in France, will last nine months. Twenty defendants are being tried, including Salah Abdeslam, 31 years old, the only survivor of the Islamic State (IS) cell that carried out the attacks. The prosecution dossier makes up 542 volumes, or one million pages. Nearly 1,800 civil parties, including relatives of victims and survivors, are expected to testify in the trial. At least 145 days of hearings are planned.

Of the 20 defendants, 14 are present, including 11 already detained. Six more are being tried in absentia, five of them presumed dead, including the French jihadist brothers Fabien and Jean-Michel Clain, who were allegedly killed in February or March 2019 in an air strike in Syria. Fabien Clain is believed to be the man who recorded the audio message claiming responsibility for the November 13 attacks.

During the hearing, the main accused, Abdeslam, coldly justified the attacks by citing the French bombing against the Islamic State. We attacked France, targeted the civilian population, but it was nothing personal, he said. The goal is not to stir the pot but to be sincere, he added, assuring that the attacks were a response to French bombings on the Islamic State in Syria.

When in 2014 the Islamic State intervened militarily in Iraq against the pro-Iranian neo-colonial regime built by the US occupation of that country between 2003 and 2011, a conflict emerged between the Islamic State and the imperialist powers. The compromise between French imperialism and the Islamic State, which served as its conduit in Syria and was thus financed for these purposes by corporate giants like Lafarge, collapsed.

The United States and its allies reacted with alarm to the Islamic States capture of many cities in Iraq, including Mosul. They attempted to isolate IS in Syria, mobilizing other jihadist forces, including the Al Nusra Front, against Assad, and to crush the IS advance in Iraq. When NATO launched attacks against the Islamists in Iraq, it angered the IS, which felt betrayed. In retaliation, the IS planned to commit attacks on European soil, under the illusion that terrorist acts would force French imperialism to change its policy.

Francois Hollande said we fought France because of its values, but that is a lie, Abdeslam added, denouncing the French planes that bombed the Islamic State, men, women, children. ... Francois Hollande knew the risks he was taking by attacking the Islamic State in Syria.

Yet, while concentrated on utilising the Islamists for their geostrategic goals in the Middle East, European states responded to the threat posed by these same networks inside Europe only with police measures targeting democratic rights and legitimizing neo-fascism.

It is an established fact that several terrorists who committed terrorist attacks in Paris were known to European and American intelligence services. In the aftermath of the attacks, many media outlets revealed that most of the Islamists involved in the Paris suicide attacks, including their alleged organizer, were known to French and Belgian security services long before November 13, 2015. But no intelligence or police service took steps to prevent them from unleashing their murderous violence.

The United States, Turkey and Iraq all warned France before November 13 that plots were afoot; Turkey provided the name of one of the men involved, Ismael Omar Mostefai, known to French authorities since 2010. Mostefai was able to travel to Syria in 2013, despite being included on an official terrorist watch-list flagging him as a security risk, and then return to France in 2014. He was one of the attackers who massacred nearly 100 people at the Bataclan in Paris before committing suicide.

After the attacks, the PS government of President Francois Hollande carried out an unprecedented series of attacks on democratic rights. It declared a state of emergency and mobilized more than 100,000 security forces across the country, greatly increasing the powers of the police and the army. Hollande proposed amending the French constitution to constitutionalize the state of emergency, a measure of dubious legality imposed during the Algerian war in 1955, and the ability of the state to strip the nationality from individuals, a measure previously used to repress members of the Resistance to Nazism.

These attacks on democratic rights have gone hand in hand with the intensification of wars in Africa and the Middle East, under the pretext of fighting terrorism.

The trial will not resolve any of the questions raised by the attacks of November 13, 2015. Since then, the entire political establishment has moved rapidly towards dictatorship and the legitimisation of the far right. Under the pretext of creating national unity, Hollande officially invited the president of the far-right Rassemblement National (RN), Marine Le Pen, to the Elysee Palace.

Elected in 2017, Macron intensified these attacks on democratic rights. He mobilized the police to repress the yellow vest protests against social inequality. He imposed a charter of principles on the French Islamic council and enacted an anti-separatist law which, under the cover of combating Islamist separatism, sought to prevent Muslim criticism of French imperialisms predatory wars. The task of fighting the fascist drift of the ruling elite falls to the working class, mobilized on an anti-war, internationalist and socialist perspective.
On October 3, the New York City Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee met and authorized the following statement. All New York City educators, parents and student who agree with this statement should sign up today to join and help build this committee and register to attend our next meeting at 3:30pm on Saturday, October 16.

Teachers, students, and families protest during a rally against unsafe school reopening in August 2020, in New York. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)

The New York City Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee salutes the international school strike of October 1, initiated by British parent Lisa Diaz and her collaborators, as a significant step forward in the fight to eradicate COVID-19 and protect the lives of children. The fact that the strike took on an independent character, outside of the influence of the British Labour Party and the unionswhich have played the same treacherous role in opening schools as the Democratic Party and the unions in New Yorkis very significant and marks the beginning of a new kind of struggle to put an end to the pandemic.

The manner in which the strike became an international event confirms what our committee has believed since we were founded in August 2020: that the fight of educators and parents in New York for the health and safety of children and adults alike will find strong and determined allies not only in city workers but in working people around the world. The parent strike has inspired us to redouble our efforts for the immediate closure of all public, private and charter schools, to stop the spread of COVID-19 and to protect the lives of unvaccinated children as the first step in a comprehensive global plan to eradicate COVID-19.

The Department of Education (DOE) has deliberately ignored basic mitigation measures to stop the spread of the virus, despite claims that it is doing so. Testing is limited to only 10 percent of students, provided they have a consent form. The DOE has abandoned efforts to ensure adequate ventilation in classrooms, to enforce the inadequate three-foot social distancing, and even to help teachers with the consistent masking of children. The personal protection measures in place are mandated only for show, what many denounce as hygiene theater.

The recent announcement by New York Citys Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio that children who were exposed to COVID-19 would no longer be quarantined if they were masked and socially distanced after September 27 is a stark abrogation of the basic human right to health and safety.

The de Blasio administration is pursuing a policy that will spread COVID-19 as far as the virus is able to go. The single enforced policy of the administration, mandatory vaccination for educators and staff, is not sufficient to protect children and stop the spread of the pandemic. Furthermore, the disorganized and haphazard manner in which this measure is being implemented has caused a staffing crisis which has further exacerbated conditions in the schools.

Chaos now reigns in the largest public school district in the US. Teachers are not informed why whole classes are sent home. Administrators refuse to answer questions about outbreaks in the schools. Parents receive form letters that absurdly tell them another child in their childs class has been infected but was not in contact with other children. The city has abolished standards by which it closes buildings when larger outbreaks occur. The corporate media complies with this by limiting its reporting on cases.

Educators and parents now rely on social media and word of mouth for reports of outbreaks. They are in fact being forced to devote their own time and resources to spread the word. This committee supports these efforts by rank-and-file workers but believes this must be organized and motivated by the perspective of informing the public as part of a broader strategy aimed at eradicating COVID-19.

The same reckless business motives at work opening the economy, including K-12 schools, are also responsible for the resumption of classes in buildings in colleges and universities in New York City. Remote education is being deliberately denied as an alternative to most students and faculty. Private institutions such as the New School, Columbia University and New York University (NYU) have dropped all pretense at social distancing and adequate air ventilation in classrooms. Despite vaccine mandates, outbreaks have occurred at both NYU and Columbia University.

To successfully wage a struggle for health and safety, educators, parents and students must be aware of the political obstacles that stand in their way. Not only the lying capitalist parties, but also the corporatist organizations that call themselves trade unions, have used every opportunity and spared no effort to fully open schools so that parents can go to work and make profits for Wall Street. The United Federation of Teachers (UFT), headed by Michael Mulgrew, and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), headed by Randi Weingarten, are among the most craven unions in the US today, spearheading the pro-corporate school reopening campaign.

On Monday, Mulgrew and Weingarten visited schools in Manhattan. At a press conference they praised the efforts of the city to mandate vaccination for school employees, an effort that the UFT resisted, while falsely hailing the great success of opening schools.

Underscoring their total disregard for the safety of children, the vast majority of whom remain unvaccinated, Mulgrew and Weingarten were in complete agreement with the de Blasio administration. Earlier in the day, Chancellor of Schools Meisha Porter cynically stated, New York City schools are the safest places to be. In reality, there have already been 3,517 confirmed COVID-19 infections among students and staff, widely known to be a vast undercount given the inadequate testing.

Following this line, Weingarten stated, We all want to stay back in school in-person. She added, The safety protocols are the way to stay in  and we are super, super, super vigilant about safety protocols from vaccines to masks to  actually making sure you have a good outbreak and quarantine process. Weingarten went on to praise the real partnership with management and called for common work with the de Blasio administration.

This pageant will not surprise most New York educators, particularly if they watched the spectacle the AFT sponsored on September 30, when Weingarten hosted prominent herd immunity quacks Jay Bhattacharya, a co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration which advocates herd immunity, and Tracy Beth Heg, one of the authors of a study that falsely posits that schools are safe for children before the pandemic is contained. Alongside them, two representatives of the far-right parent group Open Schools USA, which sponsors anti-masking demonstrations and opposes testing for children, appeared on the panel.

Far from fostering a dialogue about opening schools, the only topic of debate was how exposed children should be to COVID-19. By sponsoring this forum, the AFT has turned sharply to the right in its efforts to fully open schools. It is encouraging the most noxious and bitter opponents of democratic rights and the health of the working class. It is legitimizing the pseudoscience of herd immunity exactly at the moment when educators and parents need accurate scientific information to survive.

The New York City Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee condemns the holding of this forum by the AFT. We warn that the AFT and UFT will go to any lengths and associate themselves with most reactionary and anti-scientific forces to keep schools open.

The days when educators could consider the unions as genuine workers organizations are long gone and the first condition of protecting their health and safety must be a conscious and thoroughgoing rejection of the AFT and UFT and the construction of independent rank-and-file committees.

In New York, as in the United States and internationally, these committees must be in the forefront of the fight to organize educators and parents to disseminate scientific information, to create channels of communication about the course of the pandemic in their schools, and to provide a program for the working class which can lead to the eradication of COVID-19.

Our committee proposes and fights for the following:

Documentation and publication of all attempts by the de Blasio administration and the DOE to cover up or minimize outbreaks of COVID-19 in schools and neighborhoods.

Fully remote learning for educators and students in public, private and charter K-12 schools, as well as all institutions of higher learning, until at least 95 percent of the population, including children, is fully vaccinated and the spread of the pandemic is contained, as determined through mass testing and contact tracing overseen by trusted epidemiologists and scientists.

Full financial and social support for parents who must stay home with their children until the pandemic is contained, to be provided for by heavy taxation on the citys billionaires.

Full funding and resources for high-quality remote learning, including high-speed broadband access for all and expert technical support to train and assist educators at K-12 schools and all institutions of higher learning.

High-quality medical care for all workers, including city retirees who have had their plans downgraded.

We situate our struggle in New York in a broader global fight to eradicate COVID-19, which requires the following:

A massive expansion and international coordination of vaccination programs, to ensure that the world population is quickly and safely vaccinated.

Universal testing, contact tracing and the safe isolation of infected patients, to track and contain the pandemic in every country.

The re-implementation of all COVID-19 preventive measures, including masking and the closure of all schools and nonessential workplaces, while providing full support to workers and small business owners.

A steep tax on the incomes of the multimillionaires and billionaires to fund the programs above.

All New York City educators, parents and students who agree with these demands and the fight to eradicate COVID-19 should sign up today to get involved and help build this committee as your fighting organization.
The following is the preface written by David North to a new Turkish translation of his essay, Leon Trotsky and the Development of Marxism, written in 1982 to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the political assassination of Tom Henehan. North is the chairman of the International Editorial Board of the World Socialist Web Site and the national chairman of the Socialist Equality Party (US).

The essay is available in English from Mehring Books. Also available from Mehring Books are remarks delivered by David North to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Henehans assassination, A Tribute to Tom Henehan: 1951 to 1977.

***

In the process of writing, authors are often taken in a direction that they had not originally intended. This was the case in the writing of the essay, Leon Trotsky and the Development of Marxism, whose translation into Turkish by the comrades of Sosyalist Esitlik I heartily welcome.

I wrote this essay in the autumn of 1982 to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the political assassination of Tom Henehan, a leading member of the Workers League (predecessor organization of the Socialist Equality Party in the United States).

On October 16, 1977, Comrade Henehan was murdered by two gunmen as he presided over a social event sponsored by the Young Socialists, the youth movement of the Workers League, in New York City. The attack was entirely unprovoked. The two assailants burst into the venue of the social event and deliberately created a commotion. As Henehan approached the entrance of the social club to determine what was happening, he was shot five times by one of the assailants. Another member of the Workers League, Jacque Vielot, was shot by a second assailant as he rushed to Toms assistance. The two gunmen then fled the premises.

Tom Henehan leading Young Socialist demonstration against unemployment in New York City, 1976 (WSWS Media)

Despite his own serious injuries, Vielot managed to drive Henehan, who was still conscious, to a nearby hospital. Though Tom was taken into an emergency room, the attending physicians, for reasons that were never explained, did not attempt surgery to stop his internal bleeding. Tom died in the emergency room approximately 90 minutes after arriving at the hospital. He was just 26 years old.

The murder of Tom Henehan was a political crime that deprived the American and international working class of a selfless, dedicated and immensely capable fighter. Though he had been in the movement only four and half years, Tom was admired by his comrades in the Workers League and throughout the International Committee of the Fourth International. Born in Wisconsin on March 16, 1951 and raised in Michigan, he joined the Workers League in the spring of 1973 while still a student at Columbia University in New York. Toms decision to join the Workers League came after the wave of student radicalism had subsided, and as affluent middle-class youth, having dabbled in protest politics, were turning to careerism and self-serving lifestyle and identity politics.

But Tom Henehan was attracted by the Workers Leagues political orientation to the working class and the emphasis it placed on the partys roots in the historical struggles of the world Trotskyist movement, dating back to the 1920s. His education as a Marxist took place as the Workers League was passing through a critical period in its own political development. In 1974, Tim Wohlforth, who had founded the Workers League in opposition to the Socialist Workers Partys break with the International Committee of the Fourth International, rejected the principles and program that he had defended for the previous 14 years and rejoined the SWP. Wohlforths renegacy found no support within the cadre of the Workers League, the youthful membership of which had been recruited and educated on the basis of the International Committees opposition to the US Socialist Workers Partys abandonment of Trotskyism, exemplified in its reunification in 1963 with the Pabloite United Secretariat.

The Workers League responded to Wohlforths betrayal by intensifying its study of the history of the Fourth International and assimilating the theoretical and political issues raised in the protracted struggle against Pabloite revisionism.

As the fifth anniversary of Comrade Henehans assassination approached, it had been my intention to concentrate on his political work and pay tribute to his outstanding contribution to the building of the Workers League. However, the review of Toms life raised critical questions: How are those who join the Trotskyist movement educated? Through what process is a Marxist-Trotskyist cadre developed? What is the relationship between the daily activity of the revolutionary party and the history of the Fourth International?

Leon Trotsky at his desk in Prinkipo

These questions had acquired exceptional urgency in the context of a growing crisis in the International Committee of the Fourth International. In the weeks preceding the drafting of the essay commemorating the anniversary of Toms assassination, I had begun work on an extensive critique of the drift of the Workers Revolutionary Partyat that time the most experienced and leading section of the International Committeetoward the opportunist politics of Pabloism. The relations that the WRP had developed, starting in the mid-1970s, with a series of bourgeois nationalist movements and regimes in the Middle East and Africa entailed a fundamental break with the strategic orientation defined by Trotsky in his Theory of Permanent Revolution. At the same time, the policies pursued by the WRP within Britain assumed a blatantly opportunist character, with sycophantic apologies for the betrayals of the trade union bureaucracy being published with ever greater frequency in the partys organ, The News Line.

The retreat of the Workers Revolutionary Party from the Trotskyist strategy of establishing the political independence of the working class, which its principal leadersGerry Healy, Michael Banda and Cliff Slaughterhad defended against Stalinism and Pabloite opportunism in the 1950s and 1960s, was covered over with fraudulent invocations of dialectical materialism. What Healy called the practice of cognition was an eclectic combination of subjective impressionism and unrestrained pragmatism, which he attempted to endow with the appearance of profundity through the pretentious use of pseudo-Hegelian jargon. Moreover, the WRP leaders focus on philosophical methodentirely unrelated to political analysis and which had absolutely nothing to do with Marxismwas aimed at undermining the study of Trotskys writings and the critical documents that comprised the heritage of the International Committee of the Fourth International.

Gerry Healy, Michael Banda and Cliff Slaughter on the platform of a meeting of the Workers Revolutionary Party, 13 March, 1983 (WSWS Media)

Once the drafting of the tribute to Henehan began, it was unavoidable that the theoretical and political issues with which I was preoccupied in the developing critique of the WRP would find expression. The tribute to Tom Henehan, five years after his death, required the defense of the principles, program and genuine Marxist method upon which his own training as a revolutionary cadre had been based. Thus, the honoring of Toms life assumed the form of an initial elaboration of a critique of the Workers Revolutionary Partys betrayal of Trotskyism. The articles did not specifically reference the Workers Revolutionary Party. But Healy, Banda and Slaughter certainly did not fail to notice the political implications of my tribute to Tom Henehan, which was clearly directed against their opportunist falsification of Marxist theory. They would have been particularly offended by the following observation:

Revisionists and political charlatans of all descriptions invariably base their politics and policies on the most immediate and practical needs of the hour. Principled considerations, i.e., those which arise out of a serious study of the history of the international workers movement, knowledge of its development as a law-governed process, and, flowing from that, a constant critical reworking of its objective experiences, are utterly foreign to these pragmatists. Their motto in politics is anything goesas long as it brings some success. Insofar as they evince an interest in history, it is simply to exploit a quotation torn out of context or to disguise their present opportunism with purely ceremonial references to the past achievements of the Trotskyist movement, or, what is more likely, of Trotsky as an individual.

Nor would Healy and Slaughterthe two principal exponents of the WRPs falsification of methodhave been pleased with the following statement:

Without a real knowledge of the historical development of the Trotskyist movement, references to dialectical materialism are not merely hollow; such empty references pave the way for a real distortion of the dialectical method. The source of theory lies not in thought but in the objective world. Thus the development of Trotskyism proceeds from the fresh experiences of the class struggle which are posited on the entire historically-derived knowledge of our movement.

Though my critique was directed against the WRPs distortion and falsification of dialectics, I was not unmindful of the danger that my criticism might be misrepresented and exploited in political bad faith by opponents of the International Committee to discredit dialectics and undermine the philosophical foundations of Marxist politics. Therefore, I emphasized the essential link between the dialectical method, applied in a manner consistent with the materialist conception of history, and the work of Leon Trotsky.

Those who seriously and systematically study the writings of Leon Trotsky, and this is essential for the theoretical development of every cadre in the Workers League and the International Committee, will discover the enormous richness of the dialectical method. It would be wrong, of course, to mechanically reduce the whole content of the struggle waged by Trotsky against Stalinism to the question of dialectics against metaphysics, independent of an examination of the social forces whose interests were, and continue to be, manifested through these historical battles. However, there is no question but that every stage in the development of the struggle against the Stalinist bureaucracy required a deepening of the dialectical materialist method against the subjective idealist metaphysics of the bureaucracy. Philosophy is partisan; that is, theory is a class question. Stalins eclecticism and idealism, which made him initially vulnerable to the pressures of social forces hostile to the proletariat, became anchored, at a certain point in the development of the world crisis, in the material interests of the Soviet bureaucracy and, thus, of world imperialism.

I also sought to clarify the relationship of materialist dialectics to the work of the Bolshevik Party and the Communist International, founded in the aftermath of the 1917 October Revolution:

Under the leadership of Lenin and Trotsky, the dialectical method, treated as a dead dog by Kautsky and the majority of the Social Democratic leaders, was revived, enriched, and restored to its rightful place in the Communist Internationalas the methodological foundation of the science of Marxist strategy, political perspectives and revolutionary action. In an epoch of civil wars, of abrupt overnight changes in the political situation, of day-to-day shifts in the relations of class forces on a world scale, of sudden movements on the political battlefield from left to right and from right to left, only the dialectical method has been proven equal to the historical task of the proletariat. As Marx would have written: dialectics is not a lancet for academic debate but a weapon of class war. It is not the passion of the head; it is the head of revolutionary passion. It is in this spirit that the International Committee of the Fourth International trains the cadre of the world Trotskyist movement today.

Trotsky with Lenin in the Soviet Union after the Russian Revolution.

The first two parts of Leon Trotsky and the Development of Marxism were published in the issues of the Bulletin, the twice-weekly organ of the Workers League, dated October 15 and 19, 1982. On Friday, October 22, 1982, I personally informed Healy of my opposition to his idealist falsification of Marxist methodology. There immediately followed a series of explosive meetings with Healy.

Upon returning to the United States, I wrote the third and fourth parts of the essay, which were published in the November 23 and December 14, 1982 issues of the Bulletin. At this point the theoretical and political implications of the essay, i.e., its fundamental critique of the WRPs opportunist repudiation of the heritage of the Fourth International, was clearly understood by the WRP leaders. At a meeting held in London on December 18, 1982, Slaughter, who had expressed agreement with my criticisms of Healys practice of cognition in October, abruptly reversed course and denounced me as an American pragmatist.

In response, I cited several passages in Leon Trotsky and the Development of Marxism devoted to the issue of method, and I asked that Slaughter explain precisely how they evinced sympathy for pragmatism. He chose not to take up the challenge.

The essay was never published in The News Line. The opportunist degeneration of the Workers Revolutionary Party accelerated, culminating in the political disintegration of the organization and its break with the International Committee and Trotskyism in February 1986. In the aftermath of the split, the essay was widely circulated in the International Committee and published in the press of all its sections.

The older generation of comrades in the Socialist Equality Party and International Committee who worked with Tom and treasure his memory will share my satisfaction that this tribute has now found its way, through the efforts of a new generation of fighters for socialism, into the Turkish language. The emerging generation of Trotskyist revolutionaries throughout the world will draw inspiration from the example of Tom Henehan. This new edition testifies to the growing worldwide influence of the principles and program of the International Committee of the Fourth International that Tom sacrificed his life to defend.

David North

October 5, 2021
The plight of refugees stranded in the no mans land on the border between Poland and Belarus is becoming increasingly traumatic. At least six people have now died of cold and hunger in the last two weeks.

Despite these deaths, the Polish government is abiding by its criminal policy of not letting any refugees into the country. The governments announced state of emergency has been extended for another 60 days and heavily armed soldiers are sealing the border. The regime in Warsaw has the full backing of the European Union, which holds the Belarusian government primarily responsible for the humanitarian crisis.

In fact, Warsaw and Brussels bear full responsibility for the appalling suffering of the refugees stranded in the border strip between Poland and Belarus. Contrary to international obligations under the Geneva Refugee Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights, the Polish authorities have refused to even accept the refugees asylum applications.

Refugees in no man's land on the Polish-Belarusian border (AP Photo/Michal Kosc)

It remains unclear how many refugees are camped in the boggy forest area along the 418-kilometre borderline between Poland and Belarus in temperatures around zero. The state of emergency imposed on September 2 by the Polish government over a three-kilometre width of the border region means that journalists, refugee aid organisations and lawyers are forbidden from entering the zone. At the same time, the Polish government has imposed a news blackout. In addition to 2,500 heavily armed soldiers, 4,000 border guards and 600 police officers patrol the narrow strip.

As a result, only scraps of information about the harrowing situation of refugees have reached the public. What is known is that a camp of 32 refugees from Afghanistanincluding four women, a 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boyhave been stranded since August near the village of Unsnarz Gorny, awaiting EU protection. Trapped between barbed wire fences and surrounded by armed soldiers, the desperate people kept shouting in English to Polish soldiers: We want international protection!

Amnesty International has presented evidence that this group of refugees was subjected to illegal deportation. Our analysis irrefutably shows that their position shifted overnight from Poland to Belarus at the end of August, said Eve Geddie, Director of Amnestys European Institutions Office. She went on to explain that forcibly returning people seeking asylum without assessing their individual protection needs is a serious breach of European and international law.

The refugees remain on bare ground without any protection and have received no assistance from the Polish side. One of the refugees told the Polish foundation Ocalenie that they had practically no drinking water and nothing to eat. Only the Belarusian soldiers were prepared to share their own food rations with the Afghans in the no mans land. No one is telling us how to proceed. I think they are waiting until someone dies here. If nothing happens here, people will die of hunger and cold in the next few days.

A 52-year-old Afghan woman suffering from severe kidney disease pleaded, Have mercy on us! Take us somewhere, just get us out of here! All we ask is that you save our lives. Even if you wont give us shelter, at least save our lives!

Even prior to the state of emergency, Polish border guards prevented anyone from assisting the refugees. The Tageszeitung reported that residents of a nearby village wanted to send the refugees a pot of hot soup and some pizzas, but border guards did not allow the food to be passed on. Orders from above! one border guard explained to justify the cruelty.

Another group of 26 Syrian refugees is stranded near Terespol, and was also surrounded by armed Belarusian and Polish soldiers. The group includes three girls aged six, seven and eleven. The refugees have also been denied any help and are forced to share a single water bottle.

Meanwhile, at least six refugees have fallen victim to this inhumane policy. On September 19, the first four Iraqi refugees were found dead from hunger, cold and exhaustion. Two more refugees were found dead between September 24 and 27.

In particular, the case of the Iraqi woman found dead a few metres across the border on Belarusian territory on September 19 highlights the brutality of the Polish soldiers and border police in the mistreatment of refugees.

The Tageszeitung reported that the young woman was already on the Polish side with her husband and three children and wanted to dry their wet jackets and shoes in a village where a family had taken them in. Police, however, had been informed about the border crossing and forced the family barefoot back towards the Belarusian side. When the woman collapsed from exhaustion, her husband and children were herded across the border. The womans lifeless body was dragged several metres across the border, where she was found surrounded by her family.

The Polish government has blamed the Belarusian regime of Alexander Lukashenko for the crisis at the border. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki of the right-wing populist Law and Justice Party (PiS) said that people are being instrumentalised by Lukashenko for his foreign policy. This is an attempt to trigger a major European migration crisis. A joint statement by the heads of government of Poland and the Baltic EU member states Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania said the sudden increase in migrants seeking to cross the EUs eastern border was planned and systematically organised by Lukashenko.

Polish Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski justifies the Polish governments refusal to even hear the refugees asylum requests with allegations that the refugees have links to Islamist and terrorist organisations. According to Kaminski, competent authorities had found that of the 200 refugees apprehended in Poland, 50 had a criminal past, including links to terrorist groups.

These are young, combat-trained men who had participated in armed formations in the Middle East, he provocatively claimed.

Kaminski did not provide any factual evidence, however, and launched the type of accusations against the refugees that one associates with a fascist regime. He claimed that the refugees under investigation were linked to the beheadings of hostages, child abuse and paedophilia, and had sex with animals. He presented photographic material allegedly taken from the refugees mobile phones and declared the refugees to be a serious threat to Polands national security. In the event, his evidence quickly turned out to be completely fabricated.

Such false accusations are being used to introduce a harsh regime that strictly denies any refugee the right to claim asylum. Instead, people seeking protection are simply driven illegally back across the border into Belarus. Interior Minister Kaminski stated that since the beginning of August there have been more than 9,400 attempted illegal border crossings. Twelve hundred refugees have been taken to guarded reception camps and in 8,200 cases a crossing has been prevented.

In most cases, these were illegal deportations. The situation is completely irregular and against the rules. And we observe with alarm that with the rules of the state of emergency, access is made even more difficult and impossible. We are trying to gain access at least for ourselves and some other organisations, declared Rafal Kostrzynski of the Polish branch of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

For its part, the Polish government is seeking to extend the state of emergency in the border region for another 60 days, thereby further excluding aid organisations and journalists. The refugees would then remain without food and protection and continue to be helplessly exposed to abuse by soldiers and border police.

This barbaric policy of refugee rejection by the Polish authorities has the full backing of the European Union. A spokesperson for the EU Commissioner for Migration, Ylva Johannson, stressed that cooperation with Poland was of great importance to ensure the protection of the EUs external borders in the interest of all 27 EU member states. He cynically added that the Commissioner had once again underlined the importance of protecting EU values and fundamental rights.

In fact, Johannson also blames Lukashenko for the crisis in the border region and defames refugees as terrorists. We should not fool ourselves about this. What Lukashenko is doing may well lead to terrorists and other criminals coming to the EU. Thats why everyone who comes to the EU must be registered and checked.

As one of the leading European powers, the German government plays a key role in enforcing the EUs murderous exclusion policy. In a statement reeking of cynicism, the German government spokesperson Steffen Seibert declared a week ago that humane solutions for these people have to be found quickly in line with European and international law. He then repeated the mantra that the government in Belarus was responsible for instrumentalising refugees and migrants, in a manner that was completely unacceptable.
Regional governments in Spain have declared that COVID-19 will become endemic in the population, in the latest escalation of the Socialist Party (PSOE)Podemos governments criminal campaign to abandon public health measures and force Spains inhabitants to live with the virus.

Epidemiologically, the term endemic describes the constant presence and prevalence of a disease within the population of a certain area. It refers to a state where a disease reaches such a level that most of the population has developed immunity. Viruses such as the common cold are considered endemic.

Regional premier of the Basque Country, Inigo Urkullu (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

By declaring COVID-19 endemic, the Spanish ruling class is signalling its intention to allow the uninhibited spread of infection, and to permit seasonal surges that could strain hospitals to their breaking point. Far from being a response to the inevitable transmission of an undefeatable, if relatively benign, virus, it is a deliberate decision to let a deadly disease rip through the population, no matter the cost in health and lives.

Reporting the epidemiological situation in the northern region of Navarra, the Navarrese Institute of Public and Working Health (ISPLN) claimed the pandemic is practically over, but that the virus would continue to proliferate. Unless new and unexpected factors emerge, the report declared, we could be at the end of the pandemic situation in Navarra. This doesnt mean that COVID-19 is going to permanently stop circulating, but it will probably be incorporated into the list of infections which spread endemically or in seasonal epidemics.

It cant be ruled out that COVID-19 could cause waves in autumn and winter, the ISPLN document continued, but they will probably have a progressively smaller health impact thanks to the high vaccination coverage and the application of other preventative measures by the population. In correctly-vaccinated people, the risk of COVID-19 is not more than that of other common diseases like flu.

The claim that COVID-19 will naturally become less deadly and is like flu is a lie with no scientific basis. Further mutations made possible by the failure to contain and end the pandemic can produce yet more deadly strains, as the emergence of the much more transmissible and lethal Delta variant of the virus has shown.

Last Friday, the regional premier of the Basque Country, Inigo Urkullu, also declared that the virus was becoming endemic in the region. Urkullu told the Advisory Commission of the LABI (Basque Civil Protection Plan) that the Basque Country is moving from a pandemic situation to an endemic situation.

We can take a new step, he stated, to allow the region to move forward with the decree establishing the end of the health emergency if the trajectory of the virus remains positive.

Speaking on the viral situation in the Basque Country, Urkullu stated: It is a descending, stable and sustainable trajectory. We find ourselves in a different situation [than earlier in the pandemic] and therefore must have different responses.

On Tuesday, the Basque government then proceeded to end the Health Emergency that had been in place in the region, lifting virtually all health-related restrictions other than the obligation to wear masks in crowded public spaces. It is Spains sixth region to remove the vast majority of measures, after Castilla-La Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Extremadura, Navarra and Madrid.

The announcements by the Navarrese and Basque governments exemplify the herd immunity policy pursued by the ruling class across Spain and internationally. It comes only a couple of weeks after Fernando Simon, director of the Centre for the Coordination of Health Alerts and Emergencies (CCAES), and one of the PSOEPodemos governments key advisors on the pandemic, called for the normalisation of the disease.

Speaking to a meeting of the Spanish Society of Epidemiology, Simon falsely presented COVID-19 as a fairly harmless disease and downplayed the risks associated with it, comparing Spains pandemic response to shooting a fly with a bazooka.

Its very likely that Spain will not have any more major epidemiological waves, Simon claimed. There could be a sixth, seventh, eighth or ninth wave, but they wont be like the others.

The current situation in Spain has nothing in common with what we were seeing before, Simon added. There could be another ripple [of the pandemic] in some specific groups, but the situation in Spain, right now, is very favourable, making it possible, bit by bit, to normalise the situation.

These calls to normalise COVID-19 or to allow it to become endemic come as several hundred people continue to die of the virus every week in Spain, and tens of thousands more are infected. Many thousands of these individuals will suffer from persistent symptoms of the coronavirus for many weeks or even months after infection, with serious potential long-term health consequences including multi-organ damage, cognitive impairment, severe fatigue and muscle pain.

These policies are justified with arguments that large-scale vaccination campaigns have fundamentally changed the pandemic situationrendering the disease far less dangerousand that it is impossible to completely eradicate the virus.

Both of these claims are lies. While immunisation is an invaluable tool in the fight against the pandemic, it is not alone sufficient to prevent serious illness, and must be combined with scientifically guided public health measures to suppress transmission.

Furthermore, the example of countries such as Chinaa society of more than 1.4 billion peopleshows that an elimination strategy can be successfully pursued. Despite being the birthplace of the virus, China was rapidly able to bring the outbreak under control with a raft of public health measures, including widespread testing, contact tracing, safe isolation of infected patients, and strict travel restrictions.

These measures have kept deaths from the pandemic in China below 5,000a tiny fraction of the total fatalities in Spain and in most other advanced capitalist countries. After eliminating the virus within its own borders, China has also fought off repeated outbreaks of the Delta variant imported via international travel.

Other countries such as New Zealand, which initially pursued a Zero Covid policy and had almost entirely suppressed viral transmission, have recently abandoned this strategy, turning towards the herd immunity policy pursued by the vast majority of capitalist governments across the world. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Monday that her government would be transitioning to a new way of doing things, arguing that the Delta variant is a game-changer.

There is nothing inevitable about continuing lethal waves of the pandemic in New Zealand, Spain or any other country. The successes achieved by China and a few other capitalist states show the pandemic can be fought. The potential exists to mobilise social resources to eradicate COVID-19. If measures were implemented in a globally coordinated manner across the world, the pandemic could rapidly be ended.

Spains PSOEPodemos government has proven utterly hostile to a scientifically led policy to eliminate the pandemic and save lives. Like the ruling class across Europe, it has placed corporate profits and the wealth of a super-rich elite above all else, seeing over 100,000 deaths as simply the cost of doing business.

The International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) has launched a global campaign for the eradication of the virus, based on the policies advanced by epidemiologists and other scientists. This above all requires the working class breaking from the stranglehold of the trade unions and social democratic and left populist parties like the PSOE and Podemos, who have opposed a scientific fight against the pandemic at every turn.

Workers must take matters into their own hands, building independent safety committees in workplaces and schools to fight the spread of the disease, and developing sections of the ICFI in Spain, across Europe and internationally.
Devious Licks, a recent trend on the social media platform TikTok, involves students in the US and elsewhere posting videos of either stolen school property or vandalized school bathrooms, or both. A lick in this context is another term for something stolen.

A view of the TikTok app logo. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File)

The phenomenon, a form of backward and anti-social protest, no doubt reflects the anger and confusion of a portion of young people under conditions of a deadly pandemic and general political instability and crisis.

The Devious Licks trend began in September as videos of students having stolen personal protective equipment (PPE) from schoolsuch as masks, hand sanitizer and tissueswere posted on social media. One student, for example, posted a video of himself unzipping his backpack and pulling out a hand sanitizer dispenser with the caption, only a month into school and got this absolute devious lick. In two days, the video was viewed over seven million times.

Hundreds of copycat TikTok videos were posted in response, many trying to outdo the previous ones. Videos of students having stolen a microscope, computer or school street signage each reached two to three million views in under 24 hours. In addition, there have been multiple videos of bathrooms vandalized, with stall doors, mirrors, soap dispensers, sinks, toilets or urinals removed, broken or thrown across the room.

The videos have generated an uproar in the media, cries for more severe punishment for those involved and the demand by politicians and school district officials that TikTok be held accountable and greater censorship imposed on the platform. School districts in nearly all 50 US states, plus locations in Canada and the UK, have reported being hit by the trend.

Districts have responded by suspending and expelling students and imposing heightened security measures, including closing public restrooms for days at a time, tracking and limiting student restroom breaks and installing more cameras on campuses, especially near bathroom entrances. In addition, authorities have fined and charged numerous students, with arrests coming in various parts of the country.

Students have also posted videos bringing to light the various security measures and responses by school officials. Videos on TikTok record angry messages from school administrators over loudspeakers threatening criminal charges or offering $100-$500 cash rewards to any student who turns informant. One student posted a video of a campus police officer entering a classroom to perform a random bag search to find any stolen items.

After two weeks of the trend gaining traction, TikTok responded in mid-September by deleting accounts and videos, as well as redirecting related hashtags to their community guidelines with the message, We expect our community to create responsiblyonline and IRL [in real life]. Were removing content and redirecting hashtags and search results to our Community Guidelines to discourage such behavior. Please be kind to your schools and teachers.

In mid-September, US Senator Richard Blumenthal (Democrat from Connecticut) wrote a letter to TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew urging the platform to ban videos, users and hashtags related to the trend. Blumenthal, one of the richest individuals in Congress, has organized an upcoming hearing to discuss the impact of social media on youth.

There is nothing remotely progressive about the Devious Licks videos or the acts of theft and vandalism. This will not stop some on the pseudo-left from attempting to endow such activities with an incipient anti-capitalist ethos. In April, Protean, an online journal produced by a self-proclaimed leftist media collective, carried an article, Shoplifting Communities: Sharing Tactics and Anti-Corporate Principles, which noted that Shoplifting has risen dramatically since the pandemic began. The article points to one decentralized anarchist collective that promotes scamming and shoplifting as a response to the injustices of capitalism.

This is reactionary nonsense, which only plays into the hands of the authorities and the police.

The Devious Licks videos and the theft of PPE and other materials are not actions aimed at mobilizing students against the present conditions. On the contrary, they reflect to a considerable extent the pessimism and disorientation of those carrying out the various thefts. The actions may also express skepticism in regard to measures taken to mitigate the pandemic by those who have been influenced by the right-wing media campaign against lockdowns and masking, or by sentiments articulated by their parents.

There isnt a hint in the Devious Licks trend of any political ideology. However, is there the possibility of anarchistic moods developing among the youth in the US? Absolutely, given the repulsive state of political life, dominated by two parties of big business, profits, greed and war. The official atmosphere communicates itself to young people, generating alienation, bitterness, anger and even individualistic, semi-terroristic moods.

Blumenthals actions reveal how the ruling elite will use such episodes to step up attacks on free speech and intensify the campaign for law and order. They equally reveal the extreme sensitivity of the ruling elite to these developments. It intensely fears the youth and anticipates social explosions. The powers that be will move swiftly to suppress any hint of opposition from young people.

The possibility of high school and college students and others utilizing social media to engage in mass opposition terrifies the establishment. The growing outrage of the youth is one of the most explosive components of the political situation in the US at present.

Young people have been immensely affected by the traumatic and bewildering events of the past year and a halfthe disaster of the pandemic as a whole, including the deaths of relatives and friends; the quarantining and the recurring outbreaks; the back and forth between online and in-person instruction; the battles over masks and vaccines; the bombardment of poorly executed and inadequate mitigation measures; the lack of a scientific approach to containment. What long- and short-term impact is all this having?

In September the number of reported COVID cases among children 0-17 hit its peak at 251,781 in the week ending September 8. Since schools began reopening throughout the US in late July, more than 1,772,578 children have officially tested positive and 171 have died from COVID-19, while at least 5.8 million young people have been infected and 520 have died from the virus since the start of the pandemic, according to data from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Despite such terrible numbers, the bipartisan, teachers union-backed campaign to reopen schools and keep them open continues unabated. Students have been thrown into the same crowded and dilapidated classrooms with poor ventilation as before the pandemic. Schools lack even adequate mitigation measures such as robust testing and contact tracing, low levels of community transmission, high-quality ventilation, social distancing, masks, etc.

Many youth must be asking, for what were all the sacrifices made? What is the purpose of PPE mandates as the virus continues to spread unchecked? They confront a torrent of contradictions and lies, COVID rules and expectations in school, as well as major disagreements in districts and broader communities over measures such as mask mandates and vaccination. Meanwhile the ruling class and its media outlets pour out claims to the effect that we must learn to live with the virus and accept hundreds of thousands more deaths.

School reopenings following limited lockdowns have resulted in more infections and death and have not eased the physical or psychological suffering. While anger among youth over the current conditions is widespread, the Devious Licks phenomenon on TikTok does not reflect the thoughts and feelings of the majority of students, who are appalled by the destruction of their schools and the thefts often directed at teachers. In fact, the majority of students are angry at the perpetrators who have caused a repressive backlash, the crackdown and the surveillance measures that have been unfairly imposed on entire student bodies. Additionally, many staff and students are upset about the increased workload and stress this has caused an already overworked and short-staffed custodial workforce.

Despite the attempts to normalize death and suffering, wide layers of young people want to fight for their future. They want a world free of the deadly pandemic that is exacerbating all the ills of capitalism. They want a world that will be habitable for the future generations and free of the threat of climate change. The eradication of COVID-19 is possible and must be fought for. It is the same fight for a world free of social inequality, repression and war. This can only be achieved through the building of an international revolutionary socialist movement.
Retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Davis, writing in the Guardian on Tuesday, issued a stark warning of the danger that the US could stumble into a nuclear war with China if conflict erupts between the two countries over Taiwan.

In his comment, headlined, The US must avoid war with China over Taiwan at all costs, Davis declares: The prevailing mood among Washington insiders is to fight if China attempts to conquer Taiwan. That would be a mistake.

US warships [Credit: Flickr.com/U.S. Navy]

Before war comes to the Indo-Pacific and Washington faces pressure to fight a potentially existential war, American policymakers must face the cold, hard reality that fighting China over Taiwan risks an almost-certain military defeatand gambles we wont stumble into a nuclear war, he warns.

Daviss remarks undoubtedly reflect intense discussions taking place behind closed doors in Washington in political, intelligence and strategic circles over the preparations for war with China and the growing likelihood that Taiwan could be the trigger.

In March, the outgoing head of the US Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Philip Davidson, warned that the US could be at war with China over Taiwan within six years and called for a doubling of his commands budget.

Davis argues that the US would almost certainly lose a conventional war with China over Taiwan at the cost of large numbers of our jets being shot down, ships being sunk, and thousands of our service personnel killed. To avoid defeat, he insists that the US should refuse to be drawn into such a conflict, even if it means China taking over the island.

In reality, the Biden administration is accelerating Washingtons decade-long, aggressive confrontation with Beijing on all frontsdiplomatic, economic and also military. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has condemned the latest sorties by Chinese military aircraft into Taiwans self-proclaimed air defence identification zone (ADIZ) as provocative, declaring that such activity risks miscalculation and could undermine regional peace and stability.

What staggering hypocrisy at every level! When China announced its own ADIZ in the East China Sea in November 2013, the Obama administration bluntly refused to recognise it. In a blatant provocation, the Pentagon flew nuclear-capable B-52 bombers into the area without notifying the Chinese military, risking miscalculation and a potential clash.

While the US and international media issued dire warnings about Chinese military aircraft, the US Navy was carrying out major war games in waters east of Taiwan, involving three aircraft carrier strike groupstwo from the US and one from Britainas well as Japanese, Dutch and New Zealand warships. The military drills follow the announcement of the AUKUS alliance between the US, Britain and Australia, which includes arming the Australian navy with nuclear-powered submarines.

More fundamentally, it is Washington, not Beijing, that has drastically undermined the status quo on the explosive flashpoint of Taiwan. When it established diplomatic relations with China in 1979, it effectively accepted the One China policy that acknowledges Beijing as the legitimate government of all China, including Taiwan. The US broke diplomatic ties with Taipei and abrogated its defence treaty with the island.

Over the past year, the US has dramatically raised the stakes over Taiwan. In the last days of the Trump administration, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lifted all restrictions on official contactmilitary and civilianbetween the US and Taiwan at all levels. The Biden administration with minor alterations retained the policy and has continued to provocatively send US warships through the Taiwan Strait between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland. In August, it approved another large sale of armsself-propelled howitzer artillery systemsto Taiwan.

By boosting relations with Taiwan, the Biden administration is undermining the basis for diplomatic relations with China and heightening the danger of war by encouraging the Taiwanese government to push towards independence. Beijing has repeatedly declared that Taiwan is a renegade province that is an integral part of China, and warned that it would resort to force if Taiwan ever declared formal independence.

Washington is edging away from its policy of so-called strategic ambiguity. Under the 1979 Taiwan Act, the US declared that it would sell defensive weapons to Taiwan and oppose any attempt by China to take over the island by force. However, the US refused to give an iron-clad guarantee to support Taiwan militarily in all circumstancesan ambiguity that was aimed at reining in pro-independence forces on Taiwan.

Increasingly, that caveat is being undermined. In his remarks this week, Blinken declared that the United States has a commitment to Taiwan that is rock solid. Earlier this year, the Taiwan Invasion Prevention Act was introduced, which would authorise the president to use military force to defend Taiwan against a direct attack. All of this spurs on the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party administration in Taipei to take a more aggressive stance against Beijing.

The Taiwanese legislature is currently reviewing a $T240 billion ($US8.6 billion) special defence budget bill that would vastly expand its land-based missile capacity and expand its navy, with the deployment of high-performance ships. Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng warned that tensions with China were the worst in 40 years, adding that China would be completely prepared to launch an invasion of Taiwan in three years.

Taiwan is just the sharpest focus of the US confrontation and military build-up throughout the Indo-Pacific region against China. Biden was vice president under Obama as the then-president ramped up the so-called pivot to Asia to challenge what US imperialism regards as the greatest danger to its global hegemonythe economic rise of China. Biden has now taken over where Trump left offmaintaining all of the previous administrations trade war measures and continuing provocative military activity in waters close to the Chinese mainland.

Daviss comment in the Guardian is just the latest evidence that the US is actively preparing for war with China. His warning that the US could stumble into a nuclear war greatly understates the real risks involved. US imperialism will not tolerate any threat to its global position from China and is prepared to use all means, including military, to prevent being eclipsed economically and strategically. If it faced defeat in a conflict with China involving conventional arms, as Davis concludes is most likely, the US would not hesitate to use its huge nuclear arsenal despite the incalculable consequences for humanity. The US is the only country in the world to have used atomic weapons in warin August 1945, to obliterate the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The US drive to war can and must be halted. The worsening global economic and social crisis that is propelling Washington towards conflict with Beijing is also generating a resurgence of the class struggle, as workers around the world fight for their social rights, which are further undermined by the funnelling of money into military budgets. This emerging opposition is the basis for the development of a unified international anti-war movement of the working class based on a socialist perspective and directed against the root cause of warthe profit system and its outmoded division of the world into rival nation states.
The Labor government in Victoria is pressing ahead with a plan to rapidly lift inadequate restrictions and reopen the economy, even though the state is in the midst of the largest surge of COVID in any Australian jurisdiction since the pandemic began.

This profit-driven program was summed up on Tuesday. As Victoria reported 1,763 new infections, the greatest number recorded in any state, mass face-to-face teaching began to be resumed in the schools and construction sites were reopened after a two-week pause, while Premier Daniel Andrews insisted that there would be no delay of plans for the lifting of lockdown measures on October 28.

Victorian Labor Premier Daniel Andrews announcing the reopening (Screenshot ABC News)

At a press conference outlining the new cases, Andrews touted the fact that the reopening was only weeks away. The widespread circulation of Delta, especially in Melbourne, the state capital, would not impact on this. I dont have any advice that sees us having to alter that [the roadmap] now, Andrews said.

The Labor leader linked this to his governments open abandonment last month of any pretence of seeking to eliminate transmission in the current outbreak. Were not chasing zero, thats really clear, he declared.

At the same time, he defended the inadequate restrictions currently in place, which have allowed the rapid spread of the Delta variant because they have largely been limited to retail shutdowns and limitations on individual movement, rather than workplaces. We have more cases than we would like, but without a lockdown on at the moment we would have many many more cases and many more people in hospital, Andrews said.

Even if his premise were accepted, it only underscores the criminality of the Labor governments plans to end the lockdown and force the population to live with the virus. The removal of those restrictions touted by Andrews will inevitably lead to many many more cases and many more people in hospital.

The modelling upon which the government plan is based forecasts a 61 percent likelihood that the hospital system will be overwhelmed and predicts as many as 2,000 total deaths from the outbreak by the end of the year if restrictions are ended as scheduled. Tuesdays infection tally, moreover, means that the state is exceeding the upper limit of cases upon which that modelling, conducted by the Burnet Institute, was based. It anticipated that daily cases would not reach 1,400, before October 19.

The Victorian Labor governments open adoption of policies indistinguishable from the herd immunity program that has led to mass illness and death in the US, Europe and internationally, is highly significant. Through much of the pandemic, the upper-middle class milieu of Labor Party supporters, trade union officials and pseudo-left organisations, have presented the subordination of public health to profit as the preserve of the Liberal-National Coalition and a product of their right-wing proclivities.

The Socialist Alternative organisation, for instance, repeatedly presented Labor, and the Andrews government in particular, as an alternative to pro-business pandemic policies of Coalition Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the state administration in New South Wales.

A typical article in its RedFlag publication from November last year, for instance, declared: The success of the lockdown in Victoria has set the bar. It is hard to imagine that a Liberal state government would have imposed a lockdown if Andrews had not stood his ground and defied Morrison, the media and the bosses and won and gained record levels of support in the latest opinion polls.

Such assertions were always based on falsification. The Andrews government joined with the other state and territory administrations and the federal coalition in a national cabinet established at the beginning of the pandemic.

In April 2020, they all rejected advice from epidemiologists for a strategy aimed at eradicating COVID, on the grounds that this would be too costly. Instead, they adopted a policy of suppression, which amounted to accepting the inevitability of ongoing outbreaks, and seeking to curb them with limited mitigation measures subordinated to corporate profit interests.

Under this program, governments repeatedly resisted demands for the introduction of lockdowns, even when there was substantial transmission. Such was the case with the measures hailed by RedFlag late last year. Far from defying the federal authorities and big business, the Andrews government delayed the implementation of sharp lockdown measures until the virus was already circulating out of control. It only instituted stage four measures, including some workplace shutdowns, when the hospital system was on the brink of collapse and amid mass anger within the working class.

The Victorian government has been fully supportive of a national shift from the mitigation/suppression strategy to a policy of letting the virus rip. In July and August, it joined with all the other governments in adopting a national plan for an end to lockdowns, once 70 percent of the adult population was vaccinated, and a broader reopening at 80 percent.

These arbitrary targets have been met in countries, such as Israel and Singapore, but have failed to halt surges of the pandemic. These targets are still being used as the justification for lifting all other public health measures.

In line with this agenda, the Victorian authorities are carrying out policies that are of an identical class character to their counterparts in the other states and at the federal level.

Because most workplaces have remained open throughout the current outbreak, infections have overwhelmingly been centred in the working-class northern and western suburbs of Melbourne, on some days accounting for 90 percent or more of cases. With the spread of the virus throughout the city, infections are also beginning to spike in the working-class southeast, which accounted for 370 of Tuesdays infections. Like the other state governments where outbreaks have occurred, the Andrews administration has rejected calls for broader workplace shutdowns, except the two-week pause on construction, which ended as case numbers skyrocketed this week.

Despite the crisis in the hospitals during the last outbreak in late 2020, nothing has been done to boost the capacity of the healthcare system. A pledge by Andrews to establish 4,000 additional beds was dropped the same time that the dangerous reopening was announced.

Yesterday it was revealed that 39 COVID patients had been admitted to Victorian hospitals over the previous 24-hours, while the number of those critically ill and requiring intensive care unit (ICU) beds and ventilators both increased by 21. That represented a surge of 40 percent for those on ventilators and 20 percent for those in ICU in a single day. The demand for ambulances is resulting in unprecedented wait times, while doctors are warning in the media that hospital beds for those suffering serious illness are already hard to come by.

It is under these conditions that the schools reopened for mass attendance on Tuesday, first with Year 12 students, ahead of a staggered full return that will be completed over the coming weeks. Thousands of the states infections have been among children and teenagers, under conditions in which the schools have been closed or have catered to only a small cohort. Teachers have expressed opposition over the return, while some students, especially in the working-class suburbs hit hardest, have stated that they are fearful of infection and may not attend.

The Labor government is relying upon the corporatised unions to suppress the opposition. In the education sector, they are collaborating with the school reopening, and in health, they are seeking to prevent any action by medical staff against the ending of the lockdown and for increased funding to the public hospitals.

For their part, the pseudo-left organisations, such as Socialist Alternative, continue to try and divert mass anger behind Labor and the unions, even as they impose the same pro-business policies as the Liberal-National governments.

The actions of the Victorian government, and of the Labor Party more broadly, again demonstrate that the fight for health and safety and a scientifically grounded program to eradicate the coronavirus, requires an independent movement of the working class. Rank-and-file committees, independent of the unions, must be established in the schools, hospitals and workplaces to coordinate opposition and resist the reopening drive.

Above all, what is posed is the need to fight for socialism, a society in which social interests, including to health and life take precedence, not private profit.
VIGO COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - Around one-third of Vigo County kids are behind on their vaccinations.

That's according to a new report from MDwise.

The report said when COVID-19 started, many people without health concerns canceled their doctor appointments.

Some of those canceled appointments included (non-COVID-19) vaccines for children. Those vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and HPV.

According to the Indiana Department of Health, 32.3 percent of kids in Vigo County are not up to date on vaccines. That's compared to 26.4 percent of kids across the state.

MDWise will partner with the IDOH and Vigo County Health Department to host an event called "Back on Track."

The clinic will help kids get caught up on all of the shots they need. It's happening at the Vigo County Health Department on 696 First Street in Terre Haute on Tuesday, October 26, from 3 pm to 7 pm.

Parents are encouraged to register their kids by click here or call 812-462-3431.

The COVID-19 vaccination will be available for kids over 12.
GARY, Ind. (AP)  A man who drove away from an attempted police traffic stop collided with a school bus, causing it to roll over as a northwest Indiana officer pursued him, police said.

No children were inside the bus when it rolled onto its side Tuesday afternoon in Gary, said Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez.

The bus driver and an assistant exited the bus after an officer removed the vehicles windshield. Both complained of pain but apparently did not suffer serious injuries, Martinez told The (Northwest Indiana) Times.

The police pursuit began about 3 p.m. Tuesday when a Lake County Sheriffs officer tried to pull over a vehicle after its driver twice failed to activate his turn signal when making turns, the sheriff said.

The officer pursued the motorist along a Gary street and through alleys before it returned to the street and crashed into the school bus, Martinez said.

Four people inside the suspects vehicle were arrested and taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The driver who led the pursuit is an 18-year-old Gary man who is wanted on two warrants. Police recovered a loaded handgun that was inside the vehicle.

Police said the drivers previous charges include robbery with bodily injury and domestic violence. His identity has not been released.
PARKE COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - After passing on the event last year due to COVID-19, the Covered Bridge Festival is back. Here are the resources you'll need before you make the trip to Parke County.

It starts on Friday, October 8 at 9 am and runs through Sunday, October 17 at 6 pm.

What is the Covered Bridge Festival?

In short, it's the largest festival in Indiana. The annual event can bring as many as one million people to Parke County each year.

Parke County is home to 31 covered bridges. While many of us think Rockville, Bridgeton, and Mansfield you can also stop in and check things out in Bellmore, Billie Creek Village, Bloomingdale, Mecca, Montezuma, Rosedale, and Tangier.

Learn more about the different stops here.

How about COVID-19?

Last year, organizers called the event off due to the virus. News 10's Caitlin Hunt talked with Jim Meece. He's the President of the Parke County Board of Commissioners.

Meece said there would not be any mandates on what people could and couldn't do. Instead, organizers will be promoting good health practices. A booth will be set up for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. Hand sanitizer will also be available throughout the festival.

"We're doing all the things we can to help people protect themselves," Meece said. "But, mainly it's up to them to protect themselves, and take care of themselves now."

See that story here.

Check out the links below for resources to help you before you make the trip
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI)- October is national women's small business month! Statistics show progress is being made. According to smartbiz.com women in the early 1970s only owned about 4.6 percent of businesses in the U.S. Now, women own about 42 percent on all businesses! As for Vigo County, only about 8.6 businesses are owned by women. Although this number has room for growth, it is important to celebrate the women who currently own their own businesses.

WHAT'S THE SCOOP?

One woman-owned business is "What's The Scoop?" located at 7th & 41 South in the lobby of Top Guns. It offers over 40 ice cream flavors, including vegan, dairy, and gluten-free flavors! It is opened Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 7:30 p.m. Owner, Jaimie Ellis opened this ice cream shop in June 2020. Ellis says opening the business during the pandemic presented certain challenges, but she says it is all worth it to see customers' smiles. She encourages aspiring women entrepreneurs to take a leap of faith and have confidence in themselves.

"Believe in yourself. You can do this. I want to be a role model for my employees, especially female employees to show them that in the future if they want to open their own business they can do it" says Ellis.

If you have an ice cream craving click here to check out their website to see a menu!

ROEHM

Another local woman-owned business is ROEHM. They specialize in refrigeration, heating, and cooling. It is located at 117 N 12th St

Terre Haute, IN 47807. It offers air conditioning installation, repair and replacement, duct cleaning, 24/7 emergency services and more. Vice President, Beth D'Amico has been with the company for 21 years. Despite the field of trade being a predominantly male-dominated field, D'Amico doesn't let that stop her! She encourages other girls and women to pursue a career in trade.

"Just educate yourself. If you think you can't do it I bet you can" says D'Amico.

To find all the services offered at ROEHM click here.

PHOENIX ELITE GYM

Lastly, Phoenix Elite Gym is another successful business in Terre Haute. The gym opened in May 2021. It is owned by Morgan Wilson. The gym offers personal and group training and boot camps. Wilson says it took for her to go through her journey of weight loss to realize she want to help other women do the same.

"I realized I was able to build myself up by being in the gym every day and that kind of turned into realizing I could help other people do it. Once I realized it could impact someone else's life it took off from there and became a passion of mine to make a second home for other people" says Wilson.

If you are looking for a gym to join click here for the Phoenix Elite Gym link.
BRAZIL, Ind. (WTHI) -- A man's lifetime risk to be diagnosed with breast cancer is about 1 in 833. The disease often goes unnoticed in men due to the lack of awareness & the delay in seeking treatment. News 10 spoke to one local farmer who said a gym accident helped save his life.

"I said, I've got three little grandsons out here. I got to fight for this. So I just kept pushing through it," said Kevin Cox, the owner of TST Farms in Brazil, Indiana.

In December of 2017, Cox got hit in the chest with a barbell which caused a bump to form.

"I had a bump come up about the size of the end of your finger, about the size of a marble right here on my chest. It didn't get any bigger, it didn't get any worse, it didn't hurt, so I just ignored it," Cox explained.

A year later, that bump got hit again, but this time, it started to hurt.

After going to the doctor for a routine check-up, Cox was told that bump was stage two breast cancer.

"He said, 'I just told you you have cancer.' I said, 'Yeah, and I was teaching yesterday at my Sunday school class that it's not my place to question why things happen. It's my place to say what do I do now? How do I respond?'," Cox said.

Cox underwent 12 weeks of chemotherapy and four separate surgeries while getting his farm through the planting season. Through his fight against cancer, he never stopped working.

"For me, continuing to do my job and being active and working and all that was kind of my defense mechanism, so I didn't have time to sit around and worry about it," he explained.

According to Cox, the biggest lesson he learned through his experience is to listen to his body. He said if you notice something is wrong, be aggressive in getting answers.

Cox has been in remission for 2.5 years and said he feels the best he's felt in a long time. He hopes his story will encourage others to advocate for themselves.
This year's event is the first occasion since the United Nations General Assembly decision (A/RES/75/318), on 30 August, to officially recognize 7 October as World Cotton Day as proposed by Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, Cote dIvoire and Mali. The UN resolution acknowledges cotton's economic and social impact around the world.

DG Okonjo-Iweala stressed the far-reaching impact of the UN resolution. "First and foremost, the UN's official recognition of an international day for cotton is a recognition of all the women and men who derive their livelihoods from cotton production, processing, transformation, and commercialization," she said.

The DG also underscored the relationship between the cotton sector and sustainable development. "Today, the sector faces new challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of climate change, and changing consumer preferences. In this context, the cotton sector has a crucial role to play in making a concrete contribution towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals," she noted.

The WTO is hosting an exhibition on cotton in its headquarters in Geneva from 6 to 8 October, with contributions from the WTO Secretariat, WTO members and partner organizations.

Further information is available on the WTO's World Cotton Day webpage: WTO | Celebrating World Cotton Day: an opportunity to recognize the global importance of cotton

WTO-ITC webinar

On the eve of World Cotton Day, the WTO and the International Trade Centre (ITC) organized a webinar on "how to develop a sustainable cotton to clothing value chain in Africa".

In his opening remarks, Deputy Director-General Jean-Marie Paugam noted the WTO's long-standing work on cotton. Since the launch of the cotton initiative in 2003, it has streamlined and enhanced the WTO's work to improve cotton trade and markets while providing much-needed development assistance to developing countries, he noted.

World Cotton Day reminds us that "much more can be achieved, especially for farmers and other people working in the cotton sector in Africa," DDG Paugam pointed out. He highlighted the link between the cotton sector and the overall situation of African economies, stressing the cotton sector has generated spillover effects that benefit other sectors. This is particularly crucial for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals. DDG Paugam's full remarks are here.

Harouna Kabore, Burkina Faso's Minister of Commerce, Industry and Handicrafts, underlined the development assistance needs of the Cotton-4 members (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali) and pointed out they are seeking further international cooperation to implement important development programmes such as the "Route du Coton" (the Cotton Roadmap programme, which aims for regional integration of their cotton value chain and to tackle existing infrastructure and human capacity gaps). He highlighted the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area to develop markets for African cotton and its by-products, with the aim of promoting local processing and giving added value to cotton. He also appealed for the continuation of technical assistance for Cotton-4 members, in particular regarding technology transfer.

Dorothy Tembo, ITC Deputy Executive Director, highlighted the positive outcomes from ITC's technical assistance in Africa, notably creating jobs and generating income for African cotton farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises through the initiative on cotton by-products launched in 2018 by the WTO, ITC and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. She called for harnessing the environmental advantages of cotton and its untapped economic potential.

Other speakers from international organizations, governments and the private sector examined the trade potential of cotton and the business opportunities resulting from further regional integration, especially through the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.

A strong call was made to align trade policies and to create synergies in future projects to strengthen the cotton value chain in the region and to increase local value addition. The importance of the sustainable development of the cotton sector was stressed by many speakers. Participants also discussed sustainable investment to lower the carbon footprint of cotton, capacity building for artisanal producers, and the market potential of green products.
AMORY, Miss. (WTVA) - Walgreens of Amory gave out COVID-19 and flu shots today at the East Amory Community Center.

Healthcare workers gave out the Pfizer shot and the high dosage of the flu vaccines. In order to get a flu shot, people needed their prescription card and verify a zero dollar copay.

The Centers for Disease Control is recommending people get both vaccines with flu season quickly approching.

If you missed out today, Walgreens gives both vaccines everyday.
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WXOW) - The La Crosse and Winona school boards said they've been able to maintain mask mandates without conflict because of the trust in the community.

"That may be why we've not seen the issues that we've seen at other school boards," La Crosse Board of Education President Dr. Juan Jimenez said. "I'm glad that we haven't and that we are able to still work collaboratively."

He said education is an equalizer that cannot function without safety.

"There's a power in education," Jimenez said. "It allows the playing field to be leveled for all students no matter their abilities. It increases the chances of somebody to earn a living wage and opens doors that might've otherwise been closed to others and it transforms individual families and communities."

Winona Area Public Schools Board of Education Chair Nanzy Denzer said their community supports and respects the school's mask mandate.

I feel like the community is behind our decision, not 100% but behind our decisions to do what were doing to keep our kids safe.

Denzer said they will relax safety measures when COVID-19 spread isn't as high as it has been all Fall.

As soon as we see something that looks like were not glaring red with numbers then we will have the discussion but the superintendent will make the decision," she said.

The same goes for La Crosse.

"We are also hoping that the community will continue to give us grace as we are trying to manage a pandemic," Juan Jimenez said. "Something our society has not affected our society in hundreds of years."

In what feels like a never ending pandemic, Jimenez said the way people learn might've changed, but the need for an education has not.

"Education is the one thing that nobody can take away from you it is that important and that powerful," he said.

Both board members said they follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Harvard Global Health Institute guidelines when it comes to COVID mitigation policies.

In August, the Holmen School Board faced parents who strongly disagreed with mask mandate policies and refused to wear masks at a meeting. Law enforcement escorted some parents out of the heated meeting.

Board President Cheryl Hancock said since then, a lot of the community members have reached out to show the board support. She maintained that holding a board position is an honor.

"Its a rewarding activity although yes there are times when it can be stressful but in May each year when graduation happens theres nothing more rewarding than seeing those young people cross that stage and get their diploma," Hancock said.

She plans to focus squarely on helping students accomplish their goals this year.
Brian Laundrie flew cross-country to visit his parents' home in Florida during his trip with Gabby Petito, according to the Laundrie family's lawyer, Steven Bertolini. The attorney said Laundrie flew home on August 17 and returned to Utah on August 23, four days before Petito was last seen.

Laundrie flew to Florida to get some supplies and close a storage unit to save money, Bertolini told CBS News on Wednesday. Laundrie and Petito were thinking about extending their road trip, he added.

Laundrie flew back to Florida shortly after he and Petito were stopped by police over a domestic dispute. Officers from the Moab Police Department in Utah stopped the couple on August 12 after a bystander reported seeing Petito slap Laundrie, who then "grabbed her face and pushed her back."

Responding officers classified the incident as a mental health break instead of domestic assault by either party and had Petito and Laundrie separate for the night. Five days later, Laundrie flew to Florida, where he stayed at his parent's home in Fort Lauderdale for six days before returning to Petito.

Petito last spoke with her mother on August 23 or 24 and was last seen on August 27. On September 1, Laundrie returned home in the couple's 2012 Ford Transit van without Petito. Petito's family reported her missing on September 11, sparking the nationwide hunt that ended when police found her body in Wyoming on September 19.

The initial autopsy report classified Petito's cause of death as a homicide. Laundrie was named a person of interest shortly after Petito was reported missing, and authorities are still searching for him. They believe he has fled into Florida's Carlton Reserve.

Petito's father and mother have publicly urged Laundrie to turn himself in.

"The Laundries did not help us find Gabby, they're sure as not going to help us find Brian. For Brian, we're asking you to turn yourself in to the FBI or the nearest law enforcement organization," attorney Richard Stafford said at a news conference on September 28.

Story continues

Laundrie's father and mother, Chris and Roberta Laundrie, have maintained that they do not know where Laundrie is and did not help him escape.

"Chris and Roberta Laundrie do not know where Brian is," the Laundrie family said in a statement on September 27. "They are concerned about Brian and hope the FBI can locate him. 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."

Correction: This story has been updated to correct the date that Brian Laundrie returned to his home in North Port, Florida.

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Republican Representative Matt Gaetz of Florida said he regrets his friendship with former tax official Joel Greenberg, who has pleaded guilty to sex trafficking and conspiracy, among other charges, and is cooperating with federal prosecutors on a larger investigation.

In an interview with Florida ABC affiliate WEAR-TV on 5 October, the congressman was asked about his relationship to Mr Greenberg and allegations that he travelled to the Bahamas with a lobbyist.

The congressman is reportedly the focus of a US Department of Justice investigation over an alleged relationship with a 17-year-old girl, and whether he violated federal sex-trafficking laws by allegedly paying her to travel with him.

Ive never been to the Bahamas with a lobbyist, he said. Thats not accurate. I was on a trip as many Floridians do to go to the Bahamas. Nothing about thats criminal. I didnt do anything criminal while I was there.

He added: As for the optics going to a tax collectors office, Ive never used the tax collectors office in Seminole County or anywhere else for anything improper.

Mr Gaetz said that there may have been a time where Greenberg swung by the office but it certainly didnt have anything to do with any bad acts on my part.

When I became aware of some of Greenbergs misdeeds, I deeply regretted my friendship with him, he added. I do believe that its fair for the people of northwest Florida to judge me based on the associations that Ive had, and I deeply regret my association with Joel Greenberg politically, socially and otherwise.

Rep. Matt Gaetz speaks about his former affiliation with Joel Greenberg. -- https://t.co/jqRAZuwgyf pic.twitter.com/n7zxLc5mav  WEAR ABC 3 (@weartv) October 5, 2021

Mr Greenberg has admitted to introducing a minor to other adult men, who engaged in commercial sex acts with her, according to a plea agreement filed on 14 May. The other men were not named.

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The former Seminole County tax chief also pleaded guilty to five other felonies, including aggravated identity theft and wire fraud, in addition to the trafficking charge, as part of an agreement to dismiss the other 27 counts against him.

On Tuesday, attorneys for Mr Greenberg filed a motion in US District Court asking the court to move his sentencing hearing  he faces a minimum of 12 years in prison  to 22 March. He is currently scheduled to appear in court on 19 November.

The congressman has not been named in court documents, he has not been charged with any crimes and has adamantly denied allegations against him.

As part of a plea arrangement, Mr Greenberg has agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department in the investigation and prosecutions of other persons, and to testify in related proceedings, according to court documents.

In the event that he provides substantial assistance in those cases, he may be eligible for a more lenient prison sentence than what is outlined in federal sentencing guidelines, documents show.

In the latest filing, Fritz Scheller, an attorney for Mr Greenberg, says he has been cooperating with the government and has participated in a series of proffers.

Said cooperation, which could impact his ultimate sentence, cannot be completed prior to the time of his sentencing, according to Mr Scheller. The parties expect that Mr Greenberg will participate in additional proffers, and a continuance would provide Mr Greenberg with additional time to do so prior to his sentencing.

Mr Greenberg has admitted to commercial sex acts with a minor at least seven times while she was under 18 years old, according to court documents. He also would offer and supply her with Ecstasy, according to prosecutors.

Prosecutors reported more than 150 financial transactions totaling more than $70,000 from 2016 to 2018, all of which involved Greenberg paying women for commercial sex acts using Venmo, his American Express card or an American Express card supplied by the tax collectors office, according to court documents.

In April, the House Ethics Committee announced its intentions to investigate whether Mr Gaetz engaged in sexual misconduct and/or illicit drug use and reports that he allegedly shared inappropriate images and videos on the floor of the House of Representatives.

That committee is also investigating whether he misused state identification records, converted campaign funds to personal use or accepted bribes.

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UPDATE, 8:33 PM PT FRIDAY: The Texas abortion law was at least temporarily reinstated as a federal appeals court considers a lower court judges ruling.

The law bans abortions after a fetal heartbeat is detected, generally after about six weeks of pregnancy. That essentially restricts abortions in the state.

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Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman granted a temporary restraining order that put a hold on enforcement until a challenge to the law could make its way through the courts. Pitman said that the law was a scheme to try to get around court precedent. Instead of tasking enforcement to state officials, the law created a private right of action, in which citizens could file lawsuit against those to violated it.

The state of Texas appealed the ruling.

But a three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal reinstated the law pending the courts consideration of the appeal. The judges granted a temporary administrative stay requested by the state.

I will continue to fight to keep Texas free from federal overreach, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton wrote on Twitter/

PREVIOUSLY, Oct. 6: A federal judge has ordered Texas to stop enforcement of the states recently implemented abortion statute, the most restrictive in the country, calling it a scheme to get around court precedent.

In granting a temporary restraining order that, for now, halts enforcement of the statute, U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman wrote that a persons right under the Constitution to choose to obtain an abortion prior to fetal viability is well established. Fully aware that depriving its citizens of this right by direct state action would be flagrantly unconstitutional, the State contrived an unprecedented and transparent statutory scheme to do just that.

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He found that lawmakers drafted the law with the intent to preclude review by federal courts that have the obligation to safeguard the very rights the statute likely violates.

The Supreme Court last month, in a 5-4 decision, let the law go into effect, furthering concerns among abortion rights groups that the justices ultimately would overturn Roe vs. Wade. The majority said that they were not weighing in on the constitutionality of the law, but ruled that abortion rights advocates had not made their case for stopping it.

The Texas law bans most abortions in the state, as it bans abortions once a heartbeat can be detected, usually at about six weeks. That is before many women even know they are pregnant. But instead of tasking enforcement to state officials, the law created a private right of action, in which citizens could file lawsuit against those to violated it.

The restrictive law had drawn the attention of many activists in Hollywood, while it raised the prospect that filmmakers would forgo shooting projects in the state. David Simon, creator of The Wire, said that he would not shoot an upcoming HBO project in the state, even though it is based on events that happened there.

The states attorney general, Ken Paxton, has yet to comment on the ruling, but Texas is expected to file an appeal. Pitman, however, was clear that since the law went into effect, women have been unlawfully prevented from exercising control over their lives in ways that are protected by the Constitution.

U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement that the ruling was a victory for women in Texas and the rule of law. It is the foremost responsibility of the Department of Justice to defend the Constitution. We will continue to protect constitutional rights against all who would seek to undermine them.

Ron Klain, chief of staff to President Joe Biden, wrote on Twitter, Its just round one. But a big win for the Biden administration  and the constitution  in federal court tonight.

It's just round one. But a big win for the Biden administration  and the constitution  in federal court tonight.https://t.co/pOBMmv9PQH  Ronald Klain (@WHCOS) October 7, 2021

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Jennifer Griffin

Courtesy Jennifer Griffin

Jennifer Griffin loves her job.

Fox News Channel's national security correspondent, 52, has been with the network since its inception, covering counter-terrorism efforts by the U.S. military and political unrest around the world. Griffin has reported from war zones, interviewed elite military leaders and investigated the innermost workings of the intelligence community  tough subjects that have kept her enamored with her job.

"I'm not just a Washington reporter who is covering the Pentagon, I also had years of field experience and many of the sources that I dealt with are still the same people we're dealing with in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia, the Middle East," Griffin tells PEOPLE. "To have this front-row seat and get a swipe at the first draft of history, it's what gets me up in the morning."

As the network marks 25 years on Oct. 7, Griffin says it has been intense to comprehend and cover the war in Afghanistan ending under President Joe Biden.

"The arc of this last 25 years, and particularly what's happened in the last month with the very chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and all that that entails, has been really a very sobering moment, both looking back on my career, the assignments that I've had for Fox," she says. "Just sort of sitting back and saying, 'What does it all mean?' "

jennifer griffin

Jennifer Griffin

RELATED: Soldier Celebrates Getting His Afghan Translator Asylum: 'I Just Started Crying'

The journalist got her start at Fox six months after the network launched in 1996 as a Moscow-based reporter, and officially joined as a Jerusalem-based correspondent in 1999. She says she was driven to demystify international politics in today's multipolar world for American audiences.

"I consider what I bring to the table after 25 years of reporting, including much of it overseas, is context. I think what Americans don't understand is often the context in which leaders make decisions, and I try to paint that picture as clearly as possible to my audience because it's complicated," the Harvard grad says.

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"Life is complicated. News is complicated. News stories are complicated," she explains. "But we also have to come to our reporting in Washington with skepticism, we can't just believe what people tell us."

jennifer griffin

Jennifer Griffin

Though you can find her today at the Pentagon, contributing to Fox News shows anchored by Bret Baier and Neil Cavuto, Griffin left a bit of her heart in the war zones she once reported from.

"When I was younger, I did spend a lot of time in war zones and I'm very lucky. Many of my colleagues have not been so lucky, and I consider one of my proudest achievements is that I've been able to be a mother of three wonderful, healthy kids and to remain married," she says.

"I've been married to my husband [NPR journalist Greg Myre] since 1994, and we are still motivated to cover the same stories, but we are not on the ground in conflict zones the way we were in our younger years. And that's hard to come to terms with. You always feel guilty for not being there on the ground, but I had to make certain decisions at various points as a mother with kids who are dependent on me," Griffin continues.

jennifer griffin

Jennifer Griffin

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The couple share daughters Annalise, 20 and Amelia, 18, and son Luke, 12, and the correspondent says their kids have loved hearing their parents' stories from the front lines as they've grown up.

"One of my daughters is taking a Middle East history course in college, and she was telling me about some of the things they're reading and I say 'Well, Dad and I were there, or we were present for that.' And they want to hear more," she says.

jennifer griffin

Jennifer Griffin

The Myre kids had a brush with history themselves in 2017, when the Afghanistan Girls Robotics Team visited Washington, D.C., for an international competition  and came over for dinner.

"Our girls were in high school at the time, and one of the local ambassadors knew that I had children the same age, and wanted to do a home visit with some other American teenagers to introduce these Afghan girls to their American peers," Griffin recalls. "So we invited the Girls Robotics Team over to our house and we had pizza. At the end of the evening, they were in my daughter's bedroom, listening to Britney Spears and Taylor Swift, dancing."

RELATED: Rest of the Afghan Girls Soccer Team Successfully Rescued, Given Asylum in Portugal

jennifer griffin

Jennifer Griffin

Fast-forward to the present, and those same young women recently made headlines when evacuations began from Afghanistan amid the Taliban takeover.

"Most of those girls were rescued early on during the evacuation and most of them did leave Afghanistan when the evacuation began, because their lives were being threatened by the Taliban," Griffin says. "These were difficult decisions, but they had a taste of America back at that time when they came to compete with the robotics team and they came over to our house to see what American teenagers do in their free time."

In a different kind of fight, Griffin beat stage III triple-negative breast cancer in 2010 after 17 rounds of chemo, radiation and a double mastectomy. Shortly after she was declared to be cancer-free, the journalist traveled with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to Jerusalem for its inaugural Race for the Cure, lighting the city walls pink with local women.

"We walked with Israeli and Palestinian women, many of whom were going through treatment, and that was a very powerful moment," she tells PEOPLE. "Ever since then I've been involved in speaking about my cancer story in order to help other women going through the same, very difficult diagnosis. And I'm very involved now with the Prevent Cancer Foundation."

RELATED: President Joe Biden Plans to Get COVID-19 Booster on Camera

She bookmarks her days with exercise, waking up with Pilates and winding down with walks around her neighborhood with her husband.

"That's my kind of mind-body attempt to cope with the very heavy subject matter, that I think unlike a lot of the beats in Washington, we are not immune to that as reporters or as journalists," she explains. "The last month and a half has been very personal to me. I first started going to Afghanistan in 1993, it's a place where I've known young people, women, great tragedy, friends have lost their lives there, friends have lost their legs there."

"But these are, whether you talk about my cancer journey, or my reporting, or my field work in conflict zones, these are scars that I bear that make me who I am as an adult," Griffin says.

Jennifer Griffin, Gen. David Petraeus

"And I think what drives me every day is my humanity as a reporter. I still tell these stories from a human perspective. But that also takes the toll, because there's nothing robotic about reporting these kinds of stories."
Warning: This post contains spoilers for Wednesdays Riverdale finale.

Well, the Riverdale writers decided to pick up the show and shake it like a snow globe in Wednesdays Season 5 finale, with all kinds of new couples being revealed. Who ended up together? And who might not survive to see Season 6?

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The gang is contemplating new beginnings: Veronica is moving back to New York after breaking up with Archie, Betty is reopening the towns FBI office after graduating and Jughead has his arm around Tabitha at Bettys graduation party. He and Tabitha go on their first official date and even talk about moving in together, but theyre interrupted by a panicked phone call from Pops. They rush over to find the diner ablaze, and when Archie and his fellow firefighters try to help, they discover their fire trucks tires have been slashed. After the fire is finally put out, they all walk through Pops to survey the damage, and Sheriff Keller says a Ghoulie threw the molotov cocktail that started it  a Ghoulie sent by Hiram, Veronica would bet.

Riverdale Season 5 Finale Betty

Betty arrests Hiram, but she doesnt have much to hold him on, so she turns to Veronica for evidence of his financial crimes. Ronnie digs up documents that show Hiram is aiming to absorb Riverdale into his SoDale land development. To stop him, Archie needs signatures to reincorporate the town, and he recruits the Serpents to round them up. But Veronica thinks they may need to use more drastic measures: They hatch a plot to kill Hiram (!) and make it look like a prison escape. Plus, Betty gets a congratulatory call from the Trash Bag Killer. (Ugh, him again?)

Archie and Veronica haul Hiram out of his jail cell at gunpoint and take him out to the woods, with his daughter ordering him to leave town after showing him surveillance footage (provided by Reggie) of Hiram smothering that old mobster who killed his dad. Hiram reluctantly walks off  and are we really done with Hiram Lodge for good?!? (Apparently, we are!) The town needs a new system of government if theyre going to reincorporate but Cheryl Blossom has something to say about that.

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Riverdale Season 5 Finale Cheryl

Cheryl and her pet project Britta are toiling away digging for palladium, and they find human remains down there. Nana Rose isnt surprised: She tells Cheryl about her ancestor Abigail, who was burned at the stake by angry townsfolk who were the ancestors of Archie, Betty and Jughead! Abigail cursed them all, and they later died in a mine collapse. Cheryl barges into Archies and demands retribution from her former friends, along with an apology. But theyre busy trying to save the town, and they blow her off. At a town meeting, Archie gives a stirring speech nominating Tabitha, Toni, Alice and Frank as the citys new council but Cheryl cuts him off, declaring that Thorn Hill is seceding from Riverdale and governing itself.

Archies proposal goes through, but Cheryls not giving up. Back at Thorn Hill, he reads aloud from her ancestor Abigails dying curse (I will bathe in the blood of your sons and daughters), and suddenly, a stiff wind blows through the creaky old house and all through town. Uh-oh did Cheryl just tap into some spooky supernatural spirits? (Shell be getting some help with that.) But back to those new couples: Archie and Betty share a laugh and a beer after the town meeting, and he confesses he wants to give their romance another shot. I want to be with you, too, Arch, she admits, and they share a steamy kiss that leads to the bedroom. But theyre interrupted by a ticking underneath Archies bed. They look and find a bomb ticking down to zero! Tick, tick, boom, a triumphant Hiram says as he drives off.

In other finale news: Veronica decided to stay in Riverdale and open a casino with Reggie  and they locked lips, too; Kevin announced hes moving to New York to pursue his Broadway dreams; Jughead started up a new alternative newspaper with the help of his high school students; Pop volunteered to help Tabitha reopen Pops; and Alice even struck up a new romance with Frank. (We approve!)

And remember, we wont have to wait long to find out what happens next: Riverdale returns next month, with Season 6 premiering with a special five-episode event on Tuesday (a new night!), Nov. 16 at 9/8c (a new time!) on The CW.

Give the Riverdale finale a grade in our poll, and then grab a booth in the comments to share your thoughts.

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PHOENIX  An Arizona police department on Wednesday released what it said are all records from its investigation into the death of Lori Vallow Daybell's ex-husband, Charles Vallow, unearthing new details about the case that has drawn international attention after her two missing children were found dead last year.

Lori Vallow Daybell and her husband Chad Daybell face multiple charges, including first-degree murder and conspiracy, in a string of deaths in Idaho and Arizona. In addition to Charles Vallow's murder, the couple has been charged with the deaths of Vallow's two children, 7-year-old Joshua "JJ" Vallow and 16-year-old Tylee Ryan, as well as Chad's first wife, Tammy Daybell.

Tammy Daybell was found dead in 2019, and the children's bodies were found in Chad Daybell's backyard in 2020.

Several months before his 2019 death, Charles Vallow filed for divorce from Lori Vallow in Maricopa County Superior Court, where he alleged she had threatened to kill him.

An order of protection Vallow filed against his wife in February 2019 was included in the records released Wednesday by the Chandler Police Department and provided more details on the alleged threats.

"She told me that she was a GOD and was assigned to carry out the work of the 144,000 at Christ second coming in July of 2020," Charles Vallow wrote. "She said I was in the way and she would have to murder me if I tried to stop her."

Charles Vallow said his wife called him the next day, on Jan. 30, 2019, and "told me she didn't trust me and would have to kill me when I got home."

"She would have an angel there to help dispose of my body," Charles Vallow wrote.

Latest on Chad Daybell: Idaho prosecutors seek death penalty for Chad Daybell over alleged murder of former wife, two stepchildren

Latest on Lori Vallow Daybell: Lori Vallow Daybell, accused of killing her 2 children, ruled unfit for trial

An autopsy report released late last month ruled 62-year-old Charles Vallow's death as a murder and said he had several gunshot wounds to the chest and stomach.

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Records released on Wednesday include a 1,108-page police report, 911 audio, body camera footage and interviews.

Records: Charles Vallow planned an intervention for wife days before his death

Charles and Lori Vallow were having marital problems well before the fatal shooting, police records said.

"Lori was accusing Charles of infidelity and Charles was accusing Lori of being mentally unstable due to her religious beliefs," an investigator wrote in the report.

Investigators later learned that Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell, a "self-proclaimed visionary," met in October 2018 and began an extramarital affair shortly afterward, records said.

Charles Vallow contacted the Gilbert Police Department in 2019 to obtain a mental health order for his wife. She willingly went to a facility, where she was evaluated and released, records said.

She disappeared shortly afterward and "did not tell many people where she was going," though phone records indicated Hawaii and Idaho. She left JJ Vallow in Charles Vallow's care and "had little to no communication with them while she was gone," records said.

Lori Vallow eventually returned to Arizona and became the children's primary caregiver, moving into a rental home on June 24, 2019.

On June 29, 2019, Charles Vallow discovered a "fictitious letter" his wife sent as if it were from him asking Chad Daybell to come to Arizona to help him write a book, new police records reveal.

"This discovery would send everything into action," records said.

Charles Vallow told his wife to "come clean about her relationship with Chad Daybell" by the end of the day or he would inform Tammy Daybell of their affair, records said.

He spoke to his wife's brother, Adam Cox, about the letter and her "radical beliefs," and the pair planned an intervention, records said.

"The plan was to confront Lori and to try and get her temple recommend taken away because of her beliefs which were reportedly against the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints," an investigator wrote.

Prior records indicate Lori Vallow was involved in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had attended the Mesa temple regularly, and had justified murder with Scriptures from the Book of Mormon.

Records said Lori Vallow learned about the planned intervention on July 9 and sought help from several people including Chad Daybell and her brother, Alexander Cox.

New information about Tylee Ryan's presence during shooting

An argument broke out between Charles Vallow and his estranged wife after he arrived at her Chandler home on the day of the shooting on July 11, 2019.

Tylee came into the living room with a baseball bat and stood next to her mother, holding the bat in front of her before Charles Vallow yanked it away and the teenager fell to the ground, records said.

Lori Vallow's brother, Alexander Cox, told police Charles Vallow was advancing toward the women with the bat. He responded by grabbing Vallow from behind and pulling him away, prompting both men to fall to the ground, records said.

As he was getting back on his feet, Cox said Charles Vallow struck him in the back of the head with the bat, records said.

Cox left to get a handgun and returned to the living room to find Charles Vallow still holding the bat. He told Vallow to drop it and fired "at least two shots" when Vallow began walking toward him, records said.

After the shooting, Cox washed his hands, got a paper towel for the cut on the back of his head, put the gun down in the room he was staying in and called 911 to report what happened.

Cox said he did not see his sister or niece during the shooting. Ryan later told investigators her mother told her to go outside after she fell to the ground.

"Tylee reported hearing a loud noise she believed was the bat hitting something, and she said she realized after she learned of the shooting that it was probably a gunshot she heard," a detective wrote in a search warrant affidavit included in the records.

Lori Vallow also reported hearing the gunshot but said she was not in the room during the shooting. She told investigators that she and her daughter left the home "right after the incident" to take JJ Vallow to school.

Chandler police questioned Lori Vallow Daybell and Cox but ultimately released them. No criminal charges were filed at the time. After further investigation, Chandler police said they found evidence that Vallow and Cox conspired to kill Charles Vallow.

In this March 6, 2020, file photo, Lori Vallow Daybell glances at the camera during her hearing, with her defense attorney, Edwina Elcox, in Rexburg, Idaho.

'He just looked like pure rage," Tylee Ryan tells investigator about stepfather

In an interview with investigators after the shooting, Ryan said she woke up to yelling outside of her door and immediately grabbed her baseball bat.

She found her mother, stepfather and uncle arguing outside of her room, though she said Charles Vallow was doing most of the yelling. She told her stepfather "you're too close and you need to step back" and he responded with "don't tell me what to do," while telling her "she would go to jail if she hit him" with the bat, records said.

"My stepdad was like, he was like  I dont even know how to explain it," Ryan told investigators. "He honestly just looked like kind of a crazy person. Like screaming and like his face was beet red, he just looked like really mad. I remember when he took the bat from me I saw his face for a split second and honestly it didnt even look like him, he just looked like pure rage, like he was just seeing red. So I havent really seen him all the way like that before. Thats like the craziest I have ever seen him."

Ryan told investigators she was concerned her stepfather, whom she "kind of never got along" with, would hit her mother during the argument.

Its for the most part been pretty mundane but there have been a few like, violent times with him when I was really scared he was going to hit me or my mom like just cause everything was kind of crazy," Ryan said. "Me and him have always kind of not gotten along like just since I was little and so there have been a few times we have gotten in fights and stuff like that so I am just always kind of scared of that.

Lori Vallow told investigators she "didn't like him (Charles Vallow) and didn't want to deal with him" and added that he had "always been 'horrible'" to Ryan.

Lori Vallow said her brother Alexander Cox stayed at the home because she was worried her estranged husband would "cause trouble with her." She said Charles Vallow was being "smirky" and "jerky" to her on the morning of the shooting.

She said he was "ballistic" during the argument and told the investigator she "absolutely" thought he would potentially harm her or her daughter, though she said, "he would never hurt JJ."

Arizona Republic reporters Mike Cruz and Salma Reyes contributed to this report.

Follow reporter BrieAnna Frank on Twitter @brieannafrank.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Lori Vallow case: Police release documents in Charles Vallow death
Prince Harry has just the trick to put 4-month-old daughter Lilibet to sleep. Hes a masterful storyteller.

Harry adores Lili and loves reading her bedtime stories and rocking her to sleep, a source told Us Weekly on Thursday. He has a real magic touch. Love it!

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Reading appears to be a happy pastime in the royals home, which he also shares with wife Meghan Markle and their 2-year-old son Archie  last May, on the boys first birthday (and in partnership with the educational company Save With Stories), his parents shared the cutest video of him holding the book Duck! Rabbit! while sitting on Markles lap, turning the pages and squirming. Bravo! Prince Harry can be heard in the footage.

According to the US Weekly source, every day just gets happier in the familys Montecito, California home  and it shows. Last month, during New York Citys United Nation headquarters to discuss climate change and gender equality, Harry was photographed carrying a laptop case imprinted with the words Archies Papa.

Click here to read the full article.

And the proud dad has commended both his children, gushing over Lilibets temperament (Shes very chilled) and Archies first words (one of which was Grandma) after gazing at a photo of his late grandmother Diana, Princess of Wales.

Diana, who was married to Prince Charles (the father of Prince Harry and his older brother Prince William) was also a rumored bookworm and her love of books clearly inherited by her children. Prince William enjoys reading to the children he shares with wife Kate Middleton  Prince George, 8, Princess Charlotte, 6, and Prince Louis, 3  particularly The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson about a mouse who tries to avoid getting eaten by other creatures. Its a big hit in our household, he said. Along with bedtime stories about their grandmother, who died in 1997 from in a car accident, to keep her memory alive.

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Considering that parent-child reading strengths emotional bonds and promotes a love of learning, wed say that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are winning at parenting.

See the meaning of our favorite royal baby names from around the world.

Launch Gallery: Prince Harry's Best Dad Moments So Far

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He already owns a $5.2 million Miami Beach condo at the prestigious St. Regis Bal Harbour resort, but Daoud Wardak apparently also wants a West Coast outpost. To that end, hes heading for Beverly Hills  records reveal the semi-mysterious businessman, who is a son of former Afghan Minister of Defense Abdul Rahim Wardak, has bought a $20.9 million mansion on a prime Trousdale Estates street.

Built all-new this year and designed by local architecture firm Woods + Dangaran, the nearly 9,000-square-foot house was described in an off-market listing as a fusion of modern meets midcentury. The 0.58-acre property last sold in 2016 for $9.5 million to the Woodbridge Group, a now-defunct Ponzi scheme; Woodbridge demolished the original house on the lot, and the new structure was sold to Wardak on behalf of Woodbridges bankruptcy proceedings by Viewpoint Collection, a premier developer of high-end Los Angeles homes.

The new house replaced a smaller but seductively curvaceous 1960s midcentury modern long owned by Sally Hershberger, a Kansas oil heiress-turned-L.A.s infamous hairstylist to the stars. During her ownership tenure, Hershberger leased the property to Candace Nelson, founder of the Sprinkles Cupcakes and Pizzana food chains, before selling it in 2013 for $6.9 million to a Florida-based businessman.

As for the current house, the strikingly angular structure packs five bedrooms and seven bathrooms into its glassy walls, which offer views of the Downtown L.A. skyline. Unvarnished woods and other natural materials define the interiors, which offer a muted palette of gray and cream tones. Contemporary minimalism appears to be a theme  theres a central courtyard with a solitary olive tree, plus flat ceilings punctured only by recessed LED lights. Even the plantings in the drought-resistant yard are semi-wild and mildly overgrown in their own trendy manner. Out back, a rectangular pool sits just a few feet from the house.

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Not much is publicly known about the various business interests or wealth origins of Wardak, an ethnic Pashtun refugee who was born in Afghanistan in 1977. But public corporation records show hes the president of a Miami-based firm called AD Capital Group. Various reports have also noted that his older brother Hamed Wardak, a Georgetown University grad and onetime valedictorian, is a successful businessman who runs military transportation company NCL Holdings. Based in Virginia but operating primarily in Afghanistan, NCL has secured lucrative U.S. government contracts in exchange for protecting American supply routes in Afghanistan; those contracts were reportedly worth north of a whopping $360 million.

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Analysts say the value of e-commerce in Africa is expected to reach $29 billion next year, yet Africans still find it difficult to make international payments for products online.

Cards, M-Pesa, bank transfer and mobile money, are the most common methods Africans use to make payments. But while various payment gateways have provided better experiences than how things were, say, a decade ago, there's more work to be done.

Klasha, a Lagos and San Francisco-based startup, sees a niche in cross-border commerce and provides multiple integrations and APIs to facilitate transactions in that space. Today, it has raised $2.4 million in seed to scale.

Jessica Anuna founded Klasha in 2018. At the time, the company's focus was to make it easier for African consumers to purchase products directly from global fashion retailers.

But Klasha is more than that now, she tells me. It has several features and a new business model centred around helping Africans make payments and get the goods they want (as long as they aren't perishable), regardless of their location.



Klasha Checkout, which works a lot like Checkout, allows international merchants to collect payments from Africa in local currencies. And unlike Checkout or Fast that only works with international payments methods, Klasha uses what Africans are accustomed to -- bank account, card, USSD, M-Pesa and mobile money.



The checkout solution can be integrated into any e-commerce platform, the company said. It has plugins for big-name e-commerce sites WooCommerce, OpenCart and BigCommerce and is set to sign an official partnership with BigCommerce, extending its reach to more merchants globally.

With KlashaWire, consumers can pay with African currencies: naira, cedis, shillings -- via multiple payments methods, which Klasha then remits to merchants in dominant currencies like the U.S. dollar or euros in two business days.

Its payment links feature supports merchants that don't have storefronts to accept payments by sharing links with customers via email or social media.

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Next is its mobile application which lets users in Nigeria, Ghana or Kenya send and receive money. They can also create virtual cards and fund them with their respective currencies.

In addition to its payments play, Klasha is into logistics too. Anuna asserts that as Klasha combines both worlds of payments and logistics, it is opening up the global e-commerce economy to consumers in Africa and merchants looking to scale into Africa seamlessly.

"A lot of our merchants have said to us, if we're going to be able to accept payments from Africa, we need a way to seamlessly ship to Africa in a short amount of time and provide the best end to end logistics experience for our consumers. And that's what we've done," remarked the CEO.

According to her, the logistics service helps African customers get their products from Europe or the U.S. in five to nine days, handled via partnerships with third-party logistics providers. On a lighter note, Klasha's time frame is quite laudable compared to industry numbers of up to two weeks.

Klasha

Image Credits: Klasha

Since Klasha relaunched in May following some iterations, it has processed more than 20,000 transactions and claims to be growing 366% month-on-month. Klasha makes revenue via sales commissions and subscriptions retailers pay to use the platform for analytics to gauge how their products are faring in different markets.

"For a lot of these retailers, this is the first time they've ever sold into Africa before. So we offer a complete end to end e-commerce suite for them as opposed to having to use disjointed services that aren't interconnected with technology," she said.

Klashas technology allows for seamless cross-border transactions at a time when Africa is rapidly growing and needs both payment and logistics solutions for online commerce, Alison Lange Engel, a partner at Greycroft, said.

This is the third significant investment the venture capital firm has made in Africa after placing bets on unicorn company Flutterwave and AZA Group -- a fintech company founded and led by Elizabeth Rossiello.

Like Rossiello, Anuna, 29, had industry experience before starting the Techstars-backed Klasha. The chief executive worked at Amazon and Shopify in London and subsequently started a logistics company in China. It was there, while running FMCG exports to the U.K. and U.S. for large wholesalers and suppliers, she figured that merchants in China (Africa's biggest trading partner) needed more efficient ways to receive payments from Nigerian merchants.

The experience opened Anuna's eyes to the world of cross-border trade and payments and this has proved vital in how she has been able to raise venture capital as a solo female founder.

Black female founders get 0.6% of global venture funding. There's no data to depict the situation with African female founders, but if you could paint a picture, it wouldnt be a pretty one.

But Anuna believes investors are starting to back more female founders, particularly in fintech where recent startup and VC activity have been eye-popping.

Asides from Greycroft, other investors include Seedcamp, Practical VC, Plug and Play, First Fund, 2.12 Angels, MiLA Capital, Berrywood Capital, AVG Basecamp Fund, and Expert Dojo. Angel investors like Joe Cross of Wise and Michael Pennington of Gumtree also invested.

Klasha hopes to use the funds to help retailers such as ASOS, Zara and H&M receive payments from African consumers. With a customer base of 10,000 present in Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya, Klasha plans to expand into three more African countries before the year runs out.
Didier Deschamps hailed Frances strength of character after his side fought back from two goals down to beat Belgium 3-2 in the Nations League semi-finals.

Les Bleus fell behind to first-half efforts from Yannick Carrasco and Romelu Lukaku in Turin, but two goals in six minutes after the break, from Karim Benzema and a Kylian Mbappe penalty, hauled the French back into the game and set up a grandstand finish.

Theo Hernandez delivered the winner in the 90th minute, netting his first international goal to send France into a final against Spain in Milan on Sunday.

We were unhappy in the first half, Deschamps told TF1. They managed to score two goals in their good 20-minute period. Then we were hardly in danger and we had a lot of chances.

Our system is new, we need time to work on it, and the opponent was good.

Winning this match in that way proves the strength of character of this team. They are there and they do not want to let go.

We are here to play the final and there will be a trophy at stake. Well do everything we can in order to lift it.

The consolation for Belgium is a third-place play-off against Euro 2020 winners Italy in Turin on the same day as the final.

Our first half was really extraordinary, said Red Devils boss Roberto Martinez, in quotes reported by LEquipe. We were so confident.

In the second half we were a little too emotional. Maybe we were thinking a little too much about the final, about qualifying. We didnt do what we had to do. We let France come back into the match and they had the energy to score one last goal.

But I still find it very cruel to lose a match like that, in the 90th minute, given our first-half performance. We must applaud the application of the players in the first half.

Its a good time for us now to show our resilience in the third-place play-off against Italy. In 13 months there will be a World Cup and each match must be an opportunity to show our level.
Chubby Diaries founder Jeff Jenkins encourages plus-size travelers to "live life now" just as they are.

Jeff Jenkins is used to getting looks from fellow airplane passengers as he makes his way down the aisle.

The founder of Chubby Diaries on social media said, "You can see it on their faces. You can see the sigh of relief sometimes as you walk by because people don't want to sit next to you."

Plus-size travelers like Jenkins can feel marginalized as they step out into the world, but they are far from alone. As of 2018, nearly three-quarters of the U.S. adult population was overweight, obese or severely obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Flying is just one hurdle, according to Kirsty Leanne, who runs Plus Size Travel Too, an online community by and for travelers of size. "A lot of people get put off straightaway before even the rest of the trip is started," she said.

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Body image struggles: From Mindy Kaling to Billie Eilish, celebrities who've opened up

'It's not my fault'

Kirsty Leanne recalls a particularly painful incident years ago.

"I was on a flight next to someone who clearly was not very happy to be next to me, and they kept digging the armrest back down because it wouldn't sit properly," she said. "They kept elbowing it back down, so I ended up with bruises all down my side."

With her headphones on, she pretended not to hear when her seatmate yelled to a friend across the plane, "I don't want to sit here anymore."

Looking back, Leanne wished she said: "Well, it's not my fault there's not enough space. You should be taking this up with the airline rather than blaming me."

Airline seats continue to shrink, according to Paul Hudson, president of Flyers Rights, the nations largest nonprofit airline passenger organization. He said business class seats nowadays are the size of economy seats just a decade ago and that today's seats are designed for the average traveler of the 1960s, when Americans were considerably smaller.

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Whether on planes, at theme parks, in hotels or on excursions, there are myriad ways plus-size travelers are overlooked, which can lead to uncomfortable situations.

Air-travel tips for plus-size passengers: 9 ways to make your flight more pleasant

Planning ahead

"I think sometimes (friends) don't necessarily understand quite how much I need to research, so they'll last minute be like, 'Let's go bungee jump,' and I'm like, 'I can't do that,' " Leanne said.

Activities like bungee jumping, zip-lining and skydiving can have weight limits or size restrictions. Learning what those are in advance can help avoid disappointment.

Jeff Jenkins recommends "research, research, research."

When he wanted to go shark diving in South Africa and learned that wetsuits were required, but there wouldn't be a loaner that fit, he bought his own.

"I'm not being singled out because I don't have it or embarrassed getting there and realizing, 'Oh I can't do this,' " Jenkins said. Preplanning in this instance meant buying the wetsuit at home and bringing it all the way across the world.

'Let's normalize 165 pounds': Bebe Rexha promotes body positivity in viral TikTok video

One size doesn't fit all

It's not always easy to just pick something up upon arrival at a destination, particularly when it comes to shopping for plus-size clothes.

"I just don't even go into stores sometimes," Jenkins said, recalling his first trip abroad to Japan. "I just remember going into the store. As nice as they were, I knew I couldn't fit anything in there."

Kirsty Leanne said she also found shopping in Asia tough.

"I remember going to a couple of market stalls, and immediately as soon as I walked up to the stalls, they were like, 'No, no, no, no, we don't have your size,' " she said, adding that many fellow travelers of size dread losing their luggage for that very reason.

To avoid that, she recommends always packing two or three extra outfits in carry-on luggage "because you never know what's going to happen."

Capturing memories

Annette Richmond encourages plus size-travelers to see the world and snap photos of themselves along the way.

While uncertainty can dampen a trip, some plus-sized travelers have coalesced to share experiences and celebrate one another. Annette Richmond founded Fat Girls Traveling to create a safe space for women like herself.

"I personally felt like my size was a hindrance to me for so long," she said. "So many of us, we have been told that our size is going to prevent us from doing anything that we want  from finding love, finding a good job, finding respect, finding happiness  so many of us think that because of our size, we're not even worthy of going on a trip."

Richmond encourages her online community to step outside their comfort zones and not only travel but take photos of themselves along the way, despite insecurities that may predispose them to scenery snapshots instead of selfies.

"Members will say, 'I haven't shared these pictures on my own Facebook or my Instagram, but you girls are wearing your bikinis on the beach and this is the first time I've ever worn a bathing suit in my life, and you inspired me,' " Richmond said. "To create a platform (where) thousands of people can be an example for each other, that's a huge joy for me."

Lizzo criticized body positivity: What you need to know about body neutrality

'Don't be afraid to take up space'

Sarah Yenko, the creator of The Blessed Journey on social media, used to wear leggings and long sleeves to the beach, thinking she was "too fat to wear a bathing suit."

"I grew up not really having much confidence, and it was always 'Change this, change this, change this,' " she said. "So it wasn't like I just woke up (all positive) one day. It was more a constant mindset where I had to tell myself, 'You need to be kinder to yourself and stop saying so many mean things to yourself.' "

Over time, she said it became more natural.

"Now it's more about how can I be better? How can I love myself more?" she said. "It's not about anyone else."

When Yenko travels, she packs clothing that makes her feel confident and always tries to bring good energy.

"If you bring that energy with you I feel like either you will stop caring (what others think) or people will be drawn to it," she said. "Let them be mad if they want to be, but let's not stop ourselves from living our lives to the fullest."

A voyage of self-discovery

Chantel Loura will never forget the thrill of her first big solo backpacking trip.

"I had planned the entire thing: 14 countries, riding the train through Europe," she said. "And I remember standing under the Eiffel Tower and just being like, 'You got yourself here. You did all the work ... For me, that's the most positive thing to happen, to have this realization of how strong I really am."

Now she's one of many plus-size travelers helping others. She shares her own experiences in the blog Voyaging Vagabond and leans into fellow plus-size travel content creators.

"Who (has) already traveled to a location that I want to go to? What information have they already posted?" Loura said. "Finding out about waivers, requirements and limitations, it kind of takes all of that unknown away."

Loura notes there is a lot more helpful information and support available online these days than when she got started.

"There were no resources in terms of plus-size backpacking," she said "You'd have the straight-size girls that are like, 'Oh, you can pack six bikinis in your backpack,' and I'm looking at my one."

'Trolls are going to troll'

Even with the encouragement of their online communities, travelers of size can face hurtful fat-shaming on social media and in person.

Just this summer, Jeff Jenkins said a man in Croatia called him a pig.

"He didn't think I heard him," Jenkins said. "He was like, 'Oh look at that piggy.'"

On another trip to Thailand, he said strangers didn't just look.

"I don't know where this came from, but they thought it was cool to just come up to me and just touch my love handles," he said.

Annette Richmond said, "Trolls are going to troll."

But she sagely noted that usually has more to do with their own insecurities.

"Whenever someone's coming at you with negativity, when you're coming to the table with positivity, it's because they're going through something, and they're projecting it on you," she said. "That's none of your business, boo. If they're miserable and they're unhappy, you don't have time to unpack that."

Story continues below.

'We're humans, too'

It's Jeff Jenkins' mission to "humanize plus-size travelers" and encourage them to "live life now" as their whole selves.

He said a fellow traveler once cried after learning about Jenkins' own experiences with bias on flights.

"He was like, 'I've been traveling this whole time, for decades now, and every time I saw a plus-size person, I always thought about myself, my comfort, and I never thought about that person. ... I almost didn't treat him like a human in a way,' " Jenkins said.

"We're humans, too," he added. "And we don't have to let society hold us back from what we think we can or cannot do."

Plus-size travel tips

Before booking a flight, check seating configurations to find the most accessible option. Seat Guru may have more details than airline websites. If reserving two seats will be more comfortable, book both without worrying what fellow passengers may think.

If a seatbelt extender may be needed, ask for one either before or immediately upon boarding the plane to avoid having to ask in front of everyone while seated. Also, don't be afraid to use one instead of squeezing in and sitting in discomfort the entire flight.

For hotels, call or email ahead of time to request a room with a larger bathroom, particularly in Europe. For youth hostels, reserve the bottom bunk in advance.

Pack comfortable clothes that make you feel good. Use travel cubes to be able to fit more clothing into suitcases and backpacks. Pack two or three extra outfits in carry-ons in case luggage gets lost. Plus-size retail options may be limited depending on the destination. It's best not to have everything in one place.

Connect with fellow plus-size travelers online and look into their experiences in specific destinations for practical tips. Solo travelers can meet locals through sites like Bumble BFF.

Sources: Plus Size Travel Too, The Blessed Journey, Voyaging Vagabond

Share your tips:

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Plus-size travelers share their struggles, strength seeing the world
If you watch enough old movies, you know that there are two types of bank robberies. The fir
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Tellingly, the biggest wave of 2020 was just after the holidays, before the vaccines were widely available.

Comparing the caseload to the number of deaths is also key, Trepka said.

"The more cases you get, the more deaths you're going to have," she said, though that also depends on who gets sick. Elderly or medically vulnerable people have a higher chance of serious illness and a higher death rate.

"There's a certain risk of death in all age groups, so the more cases you have the more deaths there'll be," Trepka said.

The delta variant also changed the vaccination rate needed for herd immunity, Trepka noted.

"We're hoping that we can improve vaccination rates so that we don't get another sizable surge like we had this summer," she said. "The level of vaccination that you need to get herd immunity depends on the pathogen. When you have something that's very communicable, you have to vaccinate a much higher percentage of the population to get herd immunity."

Thus both Trepka and Dowdy said, increasing vaccination rates is critical to stave off yet another deadly wave.
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New Delhi: Income Tax department has raided homes of directors of sugar mills in Maharashtra. The Sugar Mill are Daund Sugar (Daund Sugar), Jarandeshwar Sugar (Jarandeshwar Sugar), Pushpadanteshwar Sugar (Pushpadanteshwar Sugar), Ambalika Sugar( Ambalika Sugar).

Sources have told Zee Media that all the directors are considered to be close to Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. Income tax raids have been carried out by the Income Tax officials at the houses of the directors of private sugar factories in Pune district.

This is a developing story. Further details are awaited.

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The founder of India`s Zee made a rare appearance on the media company`s Hindi news channel late on Wednesday, accusing institutional investor Invesco of plotting a hostile takeover.

"I urge Invesco to behave like a shareholder not like the owner... they want to take over this company in defiance of India`s laws," said Subhash Chandra, who founded Zee TV in the early 1990s.

Chandra currently holds no official position at Zee but his son Puneet Goenka is the CEO and the family owns 3.99% of the company.

And his comments come as Zee prepares for a merger with the India unit of Sony Group in a deal that would keep Goenka as the boss of what would become the country`s largest broadcaster.

Invesco did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Invesco Developing Markets Fund and OFI Global China Fund LLC, which together account for 17.88% of Zee`s shares, want the company`s chief executive officer Goenka to go and the board revamped.

The funds have filed a case in India`s companies court to pressure Zee to call an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) of shareholders, a demand the company`s board has rejected citing a lack of approvals by capital markets regulator and the federal government.

Invesco and OFI filed the court case after Zee said it was planning the merger with Sony.

On Wednesday, a teary-eyed Chandra made an emotional appeal to Zee`s Indian shareholders and the federal government to save the media company.

"Something has changed in Invesco... either this is a Chinese company which does not fear anyone or I don`t know," Chandra said.

"I will also urge the Zee board to tell Invesco that we agree to calling an EGM but you tell us what your deal is. We will place before shareholders the Invesco deal and the Sony deal and let them decide."

Separately, Zee has approached an appellate companies tribunal pushing back against a lower court order that asked it to file replies in the Invesco case by Oct 7, Reuters previously reported.

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New Delhi: The nine day festival of Navratri is here which celebrates the victory of good over evil by Goddess Durga. Today is the first day of Navratri and it marks the auspicious occasion of Shardiya Navratri or Sharad Navratri. There are five known types of Navratri falling in a year, out of which Sharad Navratri or Shardiya Navratri is the most significant one.

Shardiya Navratri starts on the pratipada or first day of the lunar month of Ashwin. The dates of Navratri vary each year depending upon the Hindu Lunar calendar.

On Day 1 of Navratri, goddess Shailputri is worshipped. During these 9 days of festivity, different avatars of goddess Durga are evoked and prayed to. People are dressed in their colourful best to mark the occasion.

SIGNIFICANCE OF SHARAD NAVRATRI

Sharad Navratri is regarded by many devotees to be the most important one and is also therefore called Maha Navratri. It is celebrated during the Sharad period i.e. beginning of wintertime so it is also referred to as Sharad or Shardiya Navratri. This form of Navratri takes place during Sharad Ritu.

The practise of worshipping the mother goddess and the legend behind it varies from place-to-place as India is a diverse land and so is our culture.

Navratri and Durga Puja are widely celebrated in the country and there are many legends associated with the festival.

Durga Puja and Sharad Navratri or Sharadiya Navratri coincide and are widely celebrated not just in the country but abroad by the Indian diaspora as well.

Usually, Durga Puja begins six days after Mahalaya but this year it is different due to mala maas - lunar month having two moons. This year, Mahalaya, which is the beginning of the Devi Paksha and end of the Pitru Paksha, took place on October 6 and Durga Puja starts from October 11.
NEW DELHI: In a major breakthrough, Delhi Police Cyber Cell has arrested a cyber stalker who used to harass girls and blackmailed them in the north Delhi area. According to reports, the accused has been identified as Mahavir, son of Manoj Kumar. He is a resident of Guari Bazar in Patna, Bihar.

The accused used Instagram, WhatsApp and Gmail to contact, stalk and harass at least 50 girls and teachers of reputed schools in North Delhi. Talking about his modus operandi, the Cyber Cell said that the accused used Hi-Tech Apps for fake Caller ID and Virtual Numbers available on Play Store to contact and harass victims who were all minors.

He used to call victims from victims own numbers using some Apps and sent WhatsApp messages from virtual numbers i.e. +(XXX)XXX-XXXX for sending morphed nude photos of victims and blackmailed them.

The accused also created fake Instagram accounts of minor girls for contacting other known girls of the victims and joined the Whatsapp Group created for online classes by their schools by asking the link.

Accused also entered online classes of the school using links provided by the victims being blackmailed by him. The stalker used voice changing application while contacting victims on WhatsApp calls.

Based on its intensive investigation of the complaints made by some 50 victims, and the crucial information provided by the teachers and parents, the Cyber Cell finally managed to nab Mahavir.

The entire operation was conducted by a dedicated team of Cyber Cell, North District led by SI Rohit Saraswat, comprising SI Rohit Bhardwaj, ASI Rajeev, W/HC Sunita, HC Mahatap, Ct Naveen and SI Praveen of PS Civil Lines under the close supervision of Inspector Sanjeev Kumar, Inspr./Cyber Cell and overall supervision and guidance of Jaipal Singh, ACP/Operations.

One Mobile phone and a Laptop was also recovered from him. Accused was harassing and stalking minor girls for the past 3 years.

The accused Mahavir is perusing B. Tech from one of the IITs of India and came in contact with one of the students of the school and started contacting her friends from Instagram and other social media platforms. Accused Mahavir has good knowledge of apps and used the same for harassing and stalking minor girls, according to the Cyber Cell.

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New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders including MP Sanjay Singh and MLA Raghav Chadha on Wednesday (October 6) met the families of farmers who were killed in Lakhimpur Kheri violence in Uttar Pradesh.

Demanding the arrest of Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Kumar Mishras son Ashish, who is accused in the case, AAP said in a tweet said that the party will continue to fight till #JusticeForLakhimpur is done!

AAP delegation met the grieving family of the 19-year-old farmer, Lovepreet Singh. Lovepreet was one of the victims of the violence in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri. BJP Minister's son is still not nabbed & we well continue our fight till #JusticeForLakhimpur is done! pic.twitter.com/TE1C68SdkV  AAP (@AamAadmiParty) October 6, 2021

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also spoke to one of the families over phone and extended deepest condolences, while assuring all possible help.

CM @ArvindKejriwal spoke to the father of the 19 years old Lovepreet Singh, who was one of the youngest victims of the #LakhimpurKheriViolence. Hon'ble CM assured all possible assistance to the family in the quest for justice for the young martyr, the party tweeted.

CM @ArvindKejriwal spoke to the father of the 19 years old Lovepreet Singh, who was one of the youngest victims of the #LakhimpurKheriViolence Hon'ble CM assured all possible assistance to the family in the quest for justice for the young martyr.#JusticeForLakhimpur pic.twitter.com/1crJ2j8G4S  AAP (@AamAadmiParty) October 6, 2021

Earlier in the day, AAP MP Sanjay Singh in a video said he was in police custody for 55 hours in Sitapur.

Now, I am allowed to go alone to Lakhimpur where leaders from Punjab will meet me and then we will go to meet the victims' families, he said.

Further, he asked why no action has so far been taken against Ajay Kumar Mishra and his son for allegedly mowing down four farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri.

Is an impartial inquiry possible? Three vehicles of the minister crush farmers and yet he continues to be the home minister of the country, he added.

Meanwhile, Kejriwal appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to sack Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Kumar Mishra. Indian citizens are watching what`s happening in Lakhimpuri Kheri. They`re expecting justice. But what kind of justice is this where a murderer is being shielded? Politicians and journalists are being stopped on their way to Lakhimpur," IANS quoted the Delhi CM as saying.

He added, You should sack the minister involved and meet the families of the victims, they will get some strength if the PM supports them."

In the violence that erupted during a farmers protest in the state, eight people lost their lives on Sunday, including four farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri. The rest four who died were present in the cars, apparently a part of a convoy of BJP workers who came to welcome Uttar Pradesh Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya.

Farmer leaders have claimed that Ajay Kumar Mishra's son Ashish was in one of the cars which allegedly knocked down some protesters who were protesting against the deputy CM's visit. An FIR has been filed against Ashish Mishra and others in connection with the violence in Lakhimpur Kheri.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi: The situation in Afghanistan and Chinese aggressive actions were among the key focus areas during the conversation between US Deputy Secretary of state Wendy Sherman and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla. This was the first visit by any senior Biden admin official to India after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US that saw bilateral with US President and Quad meeting.

Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla at US-India Business Council or USIBC event, sitting alongside US Deputy Secretary of state said, "There is an organic growth and momentum in the bilateral relations, given the deep stakes and investments in India-US relations by a multitude of stakeholders on both sides" and "this relationship is one of our most important. India considers its relationship with US of paramount importance".

The visit essentially starts the more sectoral meetings between the two countries. The Defense Policy Group, Economic and Financial Partnership dialogue, Trade Policy Forum, dialogues on counter-terrorism and designations and the 2+2 Ministerial which will take place soon. The Indian Finance Minister and the Defence secretary will visit the country soon.

Calling partnership between US and India "indispensable", Wendy Sherman at USIBC event explained, "many of the challenges we face...can't be solved by anyone nation alone. It takes, it will take the 2 largest democracies in the world, India and the US to meet those challenges".

Commenting on Afghanistan during the meeting, both saw "meetings of mind" and while legitimacy to the Taliban did came up during talks, unlikely that Washington is going take any call as the situation is still evolving. Taliban has gone back on many of its words, including announcement on government that is non inclusive--with no representation of women and minorities such as Hazaras.

Linked with Afghanistan, Pakistan's support to terror remained New Delhi's concern with the US had a good understanding off. Sources pointed out that, "India and US are speaking from the same page" when it comes to Islamabad's continued support of terrorism. The Indian side also made a mention of how terror groups from Pakistan are moving into Afghan territories. Fears remain that Afghanistan could become a terror safe haven under Taliban rule. Of the more than 30 members of Taliban cabinet, 17 are on the United Nation terror list.

China was also part of the discussion between the two sides. New Delhi gave its assessment, particularly on Line of actual control developments, while US discussed talks in Geneva, and its policy towards Beijing-- the 3C--compete, cooperate and challenge. The talks also saw some discussion on the India-South Africa proposal on patent wavier on Covid vaccines at WTO, for which Washington reiterated its support. Interestingly, there was no mention of the AUKUS deal between US, UK and Australia which riled up France. Under the deal, Australia gets nuclear submarines, a development that comes amidst aggressive China.

In Delhi, the US Deputy secretary of state also met India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval. A state dept readout said, "They discussed regional developments, including in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and the Peoples Republic of China".

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New Delhi: As the Navratri festival commences from today, the Union Health Ministry appealed to people to be cautious for the next three months during the festival season. Addressing a press conference at the national capital, Joint Secretary at Health Ministry, Lav Agarwal said, "We need to be watchful of the months of October, November and December."

Further, he insisted that the festivities be attended virtually and pointed out that COVID-appropriate behaviour be followed while meeting loved ones. "Attend Durga Pooja and Ram Leela virtually. Meet your loved ones online on Diwali," he said, adding, "Masks will remain very important. Vaccination is a shield. Festival and wedding seasons convey victory of good over evil."

Weekly case positivity has declined from 21.48% between 29th April-5th May, to 1.68% between 30th September - 6th October. While overall positivity across the country gives comfort, there are still a large number of districts reporting high case positivity. - @MoHFW_INDIA pic.twitter.com/dfoVoC84Wr  PIB India (@PIB_India) October 7, 2021

The health ministry also, said that India has managed to tackle the coronavirus infection well and is now looking at a plateau of COVID-19 cases. Tgough it warned that the challenge remains and continued efforts are needed.

"The challenge of Covid has not ended yet. To some extent, we say that we haven't controlled the second wave of COVID. We need to make continuous efforts," he said.

Of the 2.44 lakh active cases in the country, 28 districts have case positivity rate between 5% and 10%, which is quite steep.

"There are 28 districts including few in Arunachal Pradesh & Assam which have case positivity rate between 5% & 10%, that is, high infection rate. There are 34 districts which are reporting weekly positivity rate of over 10%," he said.

While Lakshadweep, Chandigarh, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, Andaman & Nicobar and Sikkim have vaccinated 100% of its population with the first dose of vaccine, he informed.

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New Delhi: Days after the violence that erupted in Uttar Pradeshs Lakhimpur Kheri district which claimed eight lives, police are said to have recovered empty bullet shells from the site, according to a media report.

Two persons have been taken into custody and are being questioned in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case. Police have recovered empty bullet shells at violence site, UP government sources were quoted as saying by ANI.

Notably, the farmers had claimed that they were shot at during the incident.

The Uttar Pradesh police have summoned Ashish Mishra, the prime accused in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case.

Lucknow IG Lakshmi Singh said two people are being questioned who have given a lot of information into the incident.

"Two people are being questioned. They've confirmed the role of three others who are dead. Technically, they have also been accounted for. These people are giving a lot of information. We are sending summon to the main accused (Ashish Mishra) for questioning," Singh said.

However, she said it was not confirmed whether firing took place.

"Incidents of firing or any firearm injuries have not been confirmed. Therefore, we will have to proceed with other evidence that has been given to us," she added.

Ashish Mishra and his father MoS Home Ajay Mishra have repeatedly denied the former's involvement in the tragic incident.

The minister has said that he would resign if the charges against his son is proved. He has also alleged that it was the farmers who attacked the vehicles first.

Earlier today, the Supreme Court asked the Uttar Pradesh government to file a status report on who are the accused, against whom FIR is registered and those arrested.

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New Delhi: Terrorists have killed as many as five people in Jammu and Kashmir in the last three days. Of these, four belong to the minority communities including three Hindus and one Sikh. Non-Muslims are being selectively killed in Kashmir which is reminiscent of the dark period of the valley about 31 years ago that saw the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits.

Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary on Thursday (October 7) discussed the recent targeted killings of Hindus and Sikhs by Pakistan-backed terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. These terrorists do not want any person belonging to non-Muslim community to stay in Kashmir.

On October 5, Makhan Lal Bindroo, who owned a medical store in Srinagar, was killed by terrorists. His family has been dealing in medicines in Srinagar for three generations. The terrorists resented him because he did not leave his home, his city and his religion even in the 1990s, when lakhs of Kashmiri Pandits were displaced from the region in the name of Islamic Jihad.

However, despite the brutal murder, the terrorists could not crush the spirit of his daughter Shraddha Bindroo. The brave woman challenged the terrorists to confront her.

On October 5, an hour after Bindroos murder, terrorists also killed a man named Virendra Paswan in Awantipora. Paswan was a resident of Bihar and used sell 'golgappa'. What enmity would he have with anyone? He was killed only because he was a Hindu.

The same day, terrorists killed a man named Mohammed Shafi Lone in Bandipora. The terrorists suspected that this person was a police informer and was giving jobs to Hindus. For this reason, he was killed.

Today, terrorists shot dead a principal and a teacher in a school in Srinagar. The principal Satinder Kaur was a Sikh and the teacher Deepak Chand was a Hindu. The only fault of these people was that they were non-Muslims. The terrorists shot both of them from close range, which is typical in targeted killings.

Ever since the campaign to resettle the Kashmiri Pandits has started, Hindus are being killed selectively. The terrorists are trying to give them the message that whoever comes here to live, work, teach their children in school, will be killed.

This pattern is similar to that of the Taliban government in Afghanistan, where in the name of Islamic fundamentalism, all those who do not believe in radical jihad and Sharia are being killed.

Several outfits have claimed responsibility for these terror attacks in Kashmir. Among them, a new organisation has emerged namely TRF i.e. The Resistance Front. The central investigative agencies believe that this organisation is actually a front of Pakistan's terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba. Its name has been changed only so that Pakistan-sponsored terrorism can be described as a movement by the local people of Kashmir.

The opposition leaders of our country sit on dharna to go to Lakhimpur Kheri, hug and console the families of the victims there, but they do not pay attention to the Hindu families of Kashmir whose loved ones were brutally killed by terrorists.

There were only isolated tweets by some leaders on the Kashmir incident. They did condemn the terrorist attacks. However, the kind of zeal and concern they exhibited in meeting the families of the Lakhimpur Kheri violence victims was missing here.

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New Delhi: The Calcutta High court on Thursday (October 7) permitted fully vaccinated citizens against the coronavirus to attend Durga puja this year.

People who have received both the COVID-19 jabs can offer Pushpanjali and participate in Sindoor Khela this Durga puja. As many as 45-60 people have been allowed for the big pandals and 10-15 people permitted for the smaller pandals.

West Bengal | Calcutta High Court allows people to offer 'Pushpanjali' and take part in 'Sindoor Khela' at Duga Puja pandals provided they are fully vaccinated. 45- 60 people allowed at large puja pandals and 10-15 people allowed at small puja pandals.  ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2021

Last week, the high court said that pandals will be no-entry zones and prohibited visitors in order to curb the transmission of COVID-19. The visitors were banned from visiting the Durga Puja pandals last year as well.

Further, the high court had said that for smaller pandals, a five-metre zone beyond the extremities of the pandals on all sides and, for larger pandals, a 10-metre area around them will be part of the no-entry zone.

Only named persons including the priest, who will be identified by the puja organisers before and whose names would be displayed for checks will be allowed to enter the pandal.

The bench had ordered last year that at smaller pandals, 15 people will be named in the list who will be allowed to visit the no-entry zone at all times and in bigger to the biggest pandals, 25 to 30 can be mentioned in the list.

On Wednesday (October 6), the West Bengal government had issued guidelines for the Durga Puja celebrations in the state. "This year Puja is being organised and celebrated in the middle of this unprecedented pandemic. This demands proper and adequate health safety measures for the citizens. Puja Committees must ensure the health and safety norms for themselves and for the participants and visitors," advisory issued by the state government read.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi: India recorded 22,431 new COVID-19 cases and 318 deaths in the last 24 hours, pushing the overall caseload to 3,38,94,312 and the total death toll to 4,49,856, as per data released by the Ministry of Health on Thursday (October 7, 2021). Out of these, Kerala contributed 12,616 cases and 134 deaths.

Over 24,602 recoveries were also recorded in the country in the last 24 hours, taking total recoveries to 3,32,00,258 and the active caseload now stands at 2,44,198. The country's active caseload declined by 2,489 in the last 24 hours.

Out of 22,431 new COVID cases and 318 deaths, Kerala reported 12,616 cases and 134 deaths yesterday  ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2021

The recovery rate presently stands at 97.95 percent, the highest since March 2020. The country reported a weekly positivity rate of 1.68 percent which is less than 3 percent for the last 104 days. The daily positivity rate in the country stands at 1.57 percent, less than 3 percent for the last 38 days.

Additionally, with the administration of 43,09,525 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, Indias COVID-19 vaccination coverage exceeded 92.63 Cr (92,63,68,608) as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 90,14,182 sessions. A total of 14,31,819 COVID-19 tests were conducted on Wednesday, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) informed today.

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New Delhi: India has decided to allow foreign tourists into the country, beginning with granting tourist visas to those travelling by chartered flights from October 15 and those by regular planes from November 15.

The Union Home Ministry on Thursday announced that with this, the restrictions placed on visa and international travel since March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic stand further eased given the present overall pandemic situation.

After considering various inputs, the ministry has decided to begin granting of fresh tourist visas for foreigners coming to India through chartered flights with effect from October 15, 2021, a home ministry statement said.

Foreign tourists entering into India by flights other than chartered aircraft would be able to do so only with effect from November 15, 2021 on fresh tourist visas.

All due protocols and norms relating to COVID-19 as notified by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare from time to time shall be adhered to by the foreign tourists, carriers bringing them to India and all other stakeholders at landing stations, the statement said.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all visas granted to foreigners were suspended last year.

Various other restrictions were also imposed on international travel by the central government to arrest the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

After considering the evolving COVID-19 situation, foreigners were later on allowed to avail any kind of Indian visa other than tourist visa for entry and stay in India.

However, the Home Ministry had been receiving representations from several state governments as well as various stakeholders in the tourism sector to start tourist visas also to allow foreign tourists to come to India.

Therefore, the Home Ministry consulted all major stakeholders like the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Tourism and various state governments where foreign tourists are expected to arrive and took the decision, the statement said.

FAITH, the apex body of Indian tourism industry, thanked the government for the resumption of e-visas for foreign tourists.

"We look forward to a healthy start to inbound tourism and given no third wave hope all countries encourage visitation," said Nakul Anand, the chairman of the Federation of Associations in Indian Tourism and Hospitality (FAITH).
Chennai: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday (October 6) filed a chargesheet in ISIS-Madurai Hizb-ut-Tahrir Module case.

The chargesheet was filed against Saravana Kumar alias Abdullah of Madurai, Tamil Nadu under multiple sections including Sedition, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) etc. This was for supporting, furthering ISIS ideology and uploading incendiary posts on Facebook and supporting, furthering ISIS ideology. An NIA special Court in Chennai filed cases under sections 124A and 505 (1)(b) of IPC and section 13(1)(b), 38 and 39 of UAPA.

NIA files chargesheet in ISIS- Madurai Hizb-ut-Tahrir Module case pic.twitter.com/tGZnFB8Czb  NIA India (@NIA_India) October 6, 2021

The case against the Madurai-based individual was registered on April 10 this year, at the Theppakulam Police Station in Madurai City. However, a probe by the NIA revealed the grave nature of the intentions of the accused. Abdullah was uploading posts on his Facebook account to instigate people to establish Khilafah(an institution governing a territory under Islamic rule) and threaten the unity, security and sovereignty of India. He was also seeking cooperation from other countries to set up an Army to establish an Islamic State in Tamil Nadu through Jihad the premier investigation agency said.

An investigation by the NIA has revealed that Abdullah, who went by the alias Saravana Kumar is a highly radicalized Hizb-Ut-Tahir (HuT) member. Notably, the HuT is banned in many countries and was espousing the fundamentalist ideology of ISIS. The accused had knowingly and willingly associated himself with ISIS recruiters with an intention to propagate and support ISIS activities, said NIA. Investigation in this case is still underway, they added.

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New Delhi: Barely two days after three people including a businessman Makhan Lal Bindroo were killed in Srinagar, terrorists attacked a school in the Eidgah area of Srinagar and killed its principal and a teacher after checking the identity cards of all staff and ensuring that those were the two from the minority community. Five cowardly killings in a span of less than 48 hours have triggered another debate over the changing modus-operandi of terrorists in Kashmir Valley. This kind of terrorist behaviour is not new. Ever since the abrogation of Article 370 and start of Operation All Out, remarkable changes have been seen in the terror activities. Firstly, due to the increased crackdown on the terror sympathisers and financers, new recruitments were affected. Secondly, since strict online vigil and a three-tier security deployment is maintained, availability of arms and ammunition to terrorists was reduced and thirdly, that due to their utter desperation, terror groups started targeting soft targets like political leaders, soldiers on leave and social leaders in utter frustration.

There were many events in the last few months which prompted terror perpetrators sitting across our western border to think of a new strategy to revive terrorism. Lal Chowk of Srinagar where even hoisting our National Flag was not possible, Janmashtami processions were taken out after almost three decades. A significant number of Kashmiri Pandits started returning back to their native places and Srinagar was comparatively peaceful than the previous years. The peaceful co-existence between both the communities was being established so it was natural for terrorists sitting across to get worried so they instructed their puppets in Kashmir Valley to launch targeted attacks on Hindu community so that a communal rift and an atmosphere of fear can be created among the residents. Here are the key points of Pakistans new terror strategy:

Avoid direct confrontation with the security forces

Indian Army has adopted a new strategy due to which a large number of terror commanders have been killed in the last few years. Anyone who is appointed as a commander in terror ranks is tracked using various means and targeted using multiple approaches. Due to this number of active terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir has reduced drastically which prompted Pakistan to issue new instructions to the terrorists - Avoid direct confrontation with the security forces. Terror attacks in the last few years clearly resonate with this strategy.

Recruit young boys and brainwash them first before giving military training 

Pakistan observed that anyone who is publicised as a terrorist, either at the time of joining or at the time of giving him an appointment in a terror group, is killed in no time primarily because Indian Security Forces track them down easily. So, they resorted to recruiting non-descript young boys and brainwashing them before sending on any such task. During some of the encounters in the past few months, it was observed that the slain terrorist was not on the list of security forces and was recruited silently contrary to the earlier practice where an announcement used to be made by the terror group glorifying new recruitment.

Use them to kill soft targets 

As mentioned earlier, since these young boys are inexperienced and novice, they are used to kill unarmed, unprotected soft targets like people of minority community, small time politicians and community leaders. The overground workers analyse the target well and when there is no threat of security forces in the vicinity, they strike. Not only this, but they also resort to Shoot and Scoot strategy which means strike the target and run away. In most of these cases, escape routes are planned well in advance and overground workers and sympathisers of terror groups help in the same. Due to this, while there is no significant threat of getting killed in retaliation as these soft targets are not well protected, the identity of the killer remains secret, and an atmosphere of terror grows significantly.

Use of handheld arms/ grenades 

In almost all attacks in Jammu and Kashmir during this year, terrorists used pistols and grenades to kill security forces or soft targets. These weapons can be easily hidden and carried to the site of action without getting noticed. Further, it is easy to escape using these weapons which makes the detection and identification of the perpetrator difficult. A very large portion of all seized weapon caches on LOC/ International Border was made up of pistols and grenades which signifies the theory that there is a change in Pakistani strategy and terrorists are changing their way of working.

Give the issue a communal rift using political leaders 

Another trend is observed during all these killings and that is the reaction by certain political leaders. They are the first one to react and they are the first one to condemn Indian governments policies rather than targeting cross-border terrorism. At the same time, social media like Twitter gets flooded with messages floated by ISI-controlled handles who create an atmosphere of misinformation while Pakistani politicians try to internationalise the issue by making fiery statements. This clearly indicates that there is someone from across the border driving all this.

Kashmir is witnessing the return of peace once again and people have understood that terrorism and separatism cannot flourish in Jammu and Kashmir. This is the biggest pain for Pakistan who has been trying to internationalise the Kashmir issue over the last seven decades. By creating a communal rift, it wants to give few more days of life to the dying terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. It also wants to reinstate fear in the minds of common Kashmiri people that to get killed, one need not be an influential person. Being from a minority community is sufficient enough. However, the way things are changing on the banks of mighty Jhelum and people are participating in building a peaceful state, it is certain that the evil actions of Pakistan will fail in no time.

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A woman principal and a teacher were shot dead at point blank range inside a government school in the heart of the city on Thursday, taking to seven the number of civilians killed by militants in Kashmir Valley in five days. Of the seven, four were from the minority community and six of the deaths took place in Srinagar, the main urban centre of the Valley.

Supinder Kaur, the principal of the Government Boys Higher Secondary School in Eidgah in downtown Srinagar, and Deepak Chand, were gunned down around 11.15 am just when school had settled down to another day of online classes. There were no students in school.

Meanwhile, All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) on Thursday condemned the killing of two teachers by militants and urged the government employees from the Sikh community to boycott work till their safety is ensured.

"APSCC strongly condemns the killing of two government teachers Supinder Kaur and Deepak Chand at Eidgah in downtown Srinagar on Thursday," APSCC chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina said in a statement.

He said the killings are part of a conspiracy to create a wedge among the majority and minority communities living in the Kashmir Valley. Raina asked people to be vigilant about the elements who want to exploit the situation for their own ulterior political motives.

"The Sikh youth who are working in different government departments should boycott their duties and sit at their homes as long as their security is not ensured by the government," he said.

Raina asked members of the majority Muslim community to intervene and secure the lives of the minority community members.

As news of the deaths spread and a kind of fear settled over the city and parts of the Valley, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Dilbag Singh said the targeted killing of civilians, particularly minorities, in Kashmir is aimed at creating an atmosphere of fear and damaging age-old communal harmony. "Darindigi, vaishat aur daishat ka mel (This is about barbarism and terror)," Singh told reporters at the school, a sprawling complex of vast grounds and three single-storey buildings but no CCTV.

Those who are targeting humanity, brotherhood and local ethos and values will be unmasked soon, Singh said. He described the back-to-back attacks as an attempt to defame the Muslim community of Kashmir and alleged that terrorists are "acting on the directions of Pakistan" to put hurdles in the way of peace in the Valley.

Omar Abdullah took to Twitter to express shock. "Shocking news coming in again from Srinagar. Another set of targeted killings, this time of two teachers in a Govt school in Idgah area of the city. Words of condemnation are not enough for this inhuman act of terror but I pray for the souls of the deceased to rest in peace (sic)," he tweeted.

Shocking news coming in again from Srinagar. Another set of targeted killings, this time of two teachers in a Govt school in Idgah area of the city. Words of condemnation are not enough for this inhuman act of terror but I pray for the souls of the deceased to rest in peace.  Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) October 7, 2021

On October 6, criticising the BJP government, PDP's Mehbooba Mufti had written on social media, "With the recent spate of civilian killings in Kashmir GOIs fake narrative of normalcy lies in tatters. An utterly desensitised govt that has devalued human lives & pushed J&K into further peril & chaos by its ruthless policies of collective punishment all in the garb of security (sic)."

Supinder Kaur, a Srinagar-based Sikh, and Chand, a Hindu from Jammu, were killed two days after The Resistance Force, a shadow outfit of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the deaths of three people on Tuesday.

Makhan Lal Bindroo, a prominent Kashmiri Pandit and owner of Srinagar's most famous pharmacy, was shot dead at his shop that evening. Minutes later, a 'chaat' vendor, Virendra Paswan from Bihar, was gunned elsewhere in the city. Almost simultaneously, another civilian, Mohammad Shafi Lone, was killed at Naidkhai in Bandipora.

Three days before that, militants shot dead Majid Ahmad Gojri, at Srinagar's Karan Nagar locality. Later that Saturday night, they gunned down Mohammad Shafi Dar at Batmaloo.

For many people in the Valley, the spate of civilian killings - the worst since Jammu and Kashmir's special status under Article 370 was revoked in August 2019 - recalled the 1990s when terrorists would pick and choose their targets at whim. This led to the exodus of minorities, particularly Kashmiri Pandits, from the Valley.

Scared of being identified or being caught on camera, some teachers murmured that they were unaware of what happened and rushed out of their classroom only after hearing gunshots. They refused to give their names, when questioned by the media, and drifted away when questioned further. The area near the school was cordoned off.

"I wonder where we are heading," asked a teacher in hushed tones. That was the answer many were seeking.

(With PTI inputs)
New Delhi: In the Lakhimpur Kheri deaths case, the Supreme Court on Thursday (October 7) asked the Uttar Pradesh government to file a status report on who are the accused, against whom FIR is registered and those arrested. The top court began hearing in the case, wherein eight people were killed in the Lakhimpur Kheri district on October 3.

The state government tells Supreme Court that an SIT has been constituted and a single-member enquiry commission has been constituted, to also file a status report.

The apex court also said that it would like to hear the two lawyers who wrote a letter seeking a high-level judicial inquiry, also involving the CBI, into the Lakhimpur Kheri incident in which eight people were killed in violence during a farmers' protest.

A bench headed by Chief Justice N V Ramana said that the letter was to be registered as a PIL and due to some "miscommunication" it was listed as the suo motu (on its own) case.

"Does not matter, we will hear it nonetheless," said the bench, also comprising justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli. The bench asked the court officials to intimate the two lawyers - Shiv Kumar Tripathi and CS Panda -to appear and passed over the case.

"This letter is addressed by two lawyers. We directed the Registry to register this as a PIL but due to some miscommunication, it was listed as a suo motu.. . Inform both the lawyers who wrote the letter to be present," the CJI said.

Notably, the Lakhimpur Kheri incident has triggered a major political storm with opposition parties accusing the BJP-led UP government of shielding the culprits.

Meanwhile, Laxmi Singh, IG Lucknow Range, told ANI that the district-level committee will investigate the matter and submit the chargesheet in court, adding that the judicial investigation commission will conduct an inquiry of the whole incident. "Based on evidence, we'll soon arrest all accused involved in this incident," the IG said.

An FIR under section 302 of IPC (murder) has been registered against the Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra's son Ashish Mishra and others in the incident in Tikonia police station but no arrest has been made so far.

Farmer leaders have claimed that Ashish was in one of the cars that allegedly knocked down the protesters but the minister has denied the allegations.

On October 3, four farmers were mowed down by an SUV in Lakhinpur Kheri when a group agitating against the Centre's three new farm laws was holding a demonstration against the visit of UP Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. Two BJP workers and a driver were beaten to death allegedly by the angry protesters, while a local journalist was also killed in the violence.

The Uttar Pradesh government, meanwhile, has constituted a one-member commission of retired High Court judge Pradeep Kumar Srivastava to probe the Lakhimpur Kheri violence that claimed eight lives during a farmers' protest rally.

(With Agency Inputs)

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New Delhi: The first day of Navaratri took an inauspicious turn for Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar after the Income Tax officials conducted raids at the homes of three of his sisters. The Income Tax officials on Thursday (October 7, 2021) conducted multiple raids on businesses related to deputy CM.

Following the raid, the Deputy CM said, "It is true IT has raided a few firms related to me. It is their right... I dont know whether they were conducted for political purposes or they want more information as we have been paying taxes on time."

Income Tax department today raided the homes of directors of sugar mills in Maharashtra. The Sugar Mill are Daund Sugar (Daund Sugar), Jarandeshwar Sugar (Jarandeshwar Sugar), Pushpadanteshwar Sugar (Pushpadanteshwar Sugar), Ambalika Sugar( Ambalika Sugar).

"However, my only grief is that they conducted raids on the premises related to my three sisters. One of them stays in Kolhapur and the other two in Pune," the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader told reporters in Mumbai.

"If raids were conducted because they are my sisters, then people of the state should think about the level the central agencies are being misused," he added.

Ajit Pawar further added that he could not understand the reason behind raids on them.

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Kolkata: In a major relief to the CBI and ED investigating the Narada sting case, Calcutta High Court on Thursday (October 7) said that the officials need not appear before the West Bengal Speaker Biman Banerjee, who has time and again summoned them.

Justice Rajasekhar Mantha of the High Court directed that CBI and ED officials need not appear further before the West Bengal speaker in connection with the Narada sting operation case. The court set the next date of hearing on October 8.

Earlier this week, ED had Monday filed a writ petition in Calcutta High Court against summons issued by West Bengal Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee. The agency complained that the Speaker was interfering with the investigation into the case.

The petitioner is aggrieved by the arbitrary, unlawful and without the authority of law summons issued by the respondents herein, thereby interfering in the independent and impartial working of the investigative officers of the Enforcement Directorate," read the plea filed by ED.

The said summons have far-reaching consequences on the rule of law in the country and the independent functioning of the investigative agencies and their officers in the country, it added.

On Monday, a CBI team probing the Narada case had to appear before the Speaker.

The speaker had summoned both ED and CBI as the actions were taken against elected representatives without informing him.

ED has filed a chargesheet against two sitting state ministers Firhad Hakim and Subrata Mukherjee and two other TMC leaders, MLA Madan Mitra and former mayor of Kolkata Sovan Chatterjee, in Narada sting case.

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New Delhi: The Thane Municipal Corporation on Wednesday (October 6, 2021) said that one person died and the other got seriously injured after a wall collapsed in the Ambernath area of Thane in Maharashtra.

The officials also added that two persons were rescued from Debris after the incident, adding that they had been sent to a hospital.

#UPDATE: Ambernath wall collapse | Two persons were rescued from debris and injured was hospitalized: Thane Municipal Corporation (06.10)  ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2021

As per the Thane Municipal Corporation, "Fire department and rescue teams are present at the incident site. One person has died and another one is seriously injured. The injured one has been sent to the city hospital."

ALSO READ | Karnataka: Seven, including children dead as house collapses in Belagavi district

The officials also added that the incident occurred because of incessant rainfall in the area.

Further details are awaited.

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Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has said that the onus on defeating the BJP is now on her party as the Congress has miserably failed to put up a fight against the saffron party.

The people of India have put the onus on the Trinamool Congress to create a new India by ousting the "fascist" saffron party, she had claimed.

The TMC has earned the trust of the people across the country after its resounding victory against the BJP in the assembly polls held in the state earlier this year, Banerjee asserted in an article titled "Dilli r Daak (Call of Delhi) in the puja edition of the party mouthpiece "Jago Bangla".

"The BJP has failed to digest its defeat in the assembly polls and is pursuing vendetta politics. Right now, there is a new challenge before the TMC - the call of Delhi. The people of this country want respite from the anti-people policies and politics and defeat of the fascist forces," she said in the article.

After defeating the BJP in the assembly polls, Banerjee visited Delhi in July and held parleys with opposition leaders to explore ways to cobble together an alliance of anti-BJP parties ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

"The people of the country are now dreaming of a new India around the TMC. Crossing the boundaries of Bengal, the TMC is getting calls from various states. They want that Bengal should lead the fight for a new India. That is why we are saying we have to respond to people's calls. We have to fulfil the wishes of the people and bring together all anti-BJP forces on one platform," she said.

Veteran Congress leader and former Goa chief minister Luizinho Faleiro recently joined the Trinamool Congress.

The party is also eyeing to dislodge the BJP from power in Tripura. Assembly elections in Goa and Tripura are due in 2022 and 2023.

Noting that she has never considered keeping the Congress out of a united platform of anti-BJP forces, the TMC boss said such a platform should be based on policies.

"But the fact is, in the recent past, the Congress has failed to put up a fight against the BJP. In the last two Lok Sabha polls, it was proved. If you can't provide a fight at the Centre, it breaks the confidence of the masses, and the BJP gains a few more votes in states. We cannot allow this to happen this time.

"We don't want the leadership of this alliance. But the Congress has to understand and accept the reality or else there will be a gap in the alliance. There should not be any gap, any lacunae in forming an anti-BJP force at the all-India level this time," Banerjee said in the article.

However, hinting that the TMC is ready to be the driving force to oust the BJP government at the Centre, she claimed that the TMC's development model has defeated the saffron party's juggernaut.

"The people of the country have faith in this (TMC) model. We have to present the most workable model which can meet the aspirations of the people of India. The TMC will not move a step backwards in fulfilling the aspirations of the people," she said.

Referring to how her party had once emerged as the main opposition face against the CPI(M) regime in West Bengal by outsmarting the Congress, Banerjee said in the article the TMC in recent times has become the "real opposition against the BJP".

The article came a week after the TMC's national general secretary and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, accused the Congress of 'sitting idle" and indulging in armchair politics and advised it to hit the streets to fight the BJP.

The bonhomie between the Congress and the TMC was strained recently after the latter's mouthpiece claimed that party supremo Mamata Banerjee, and not Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, has emerged as the face of the opposition against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (October 7) said the country will receive 4000 new oxygen plants which would be established under PM CARES fund, adding that hospitals have become "much more capable now".

The PM also inaugurated 35 Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants established under PM CARES across 35 States and Union Territories in an event at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rishikesh, Uttarakhand.

Uttarakhand: PM Narendra Modi dedicates 35 Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plants established under PM CARES, across 35 States and Union Territories, at AIIMS Rishikesh pic.twitter.com/qMX6jX3kTZ  ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2021

With this, all districts of the country will now have commissioned PSA oxygen plants, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) said.

As per PMO, a total of 1,224 PSA oxygen plants have been funded under the PM CARES fund across the country so far. Out of these, more than 1,100 plants have been commissioned providing an output of over 1,750 MT oxygen per day.

PM Modi lauded Indias capability to furnish facilities to fight COVID-19 in a short span and said the country is moving forward as an exporter. In such short span of time, facilities made available by India shows country's capability. From 1 testing lab to establishment of a network of 3,000 testing labs and from import of masks and kits to its manufacturing, India is quickly moving forward as an exporter, Modi added.

With the efforts of the State Govt and the Centre, India will have 4,000 new oxygen plants, established under PM CARES. Our country & hospitals here have become much more capable now: PM Narendra Modi pic.twitter.com/04j2P0fbAw  ANI (@ANI) October 7, 2021

Further, he said, "India has shown the way to the whole world by building the CoWIN platform that how vaccination is done on such a large scale."

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Governor Gurmit Singh and Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also attended the event and hailed Modi's efforts in boosting health infrastructure across the country.

Before his visit today, PM Modi had tweeted on Wednesday, "I would be in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand tomorrow, 7th October. 35 PSA Oxygen Plants across various States and UTs would be dedicated to the nation. This is vital healthcare infrastructure for larger public benefit."

(With agency inputs)

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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi completes 20 years of glorious and uninterrupted service in the public office on Thursday. To celebrate the occasion, the ruling BJP has planned several day-long events across the country.

Narendra Modi had taken oath as the Gujarat chief minister way back in 2001 and he now completes twenty years of his public service. Out of those 20 years, the PM had spent seven years in the Prime Minister's Office.

To mark the occasion, the ruling BJP has planned a series of events which includes spreading awareness about PM Narendra Modi's works in public office with a focus on cleanliness, in line with the Swachh Bharat vision of the Prime Minister.

'Party workers will mark the day by cleaning the rivers, spreading awareness among the public about the work done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on booth level and other such social programmes,' the ANI news agency reported earlier this week, citing BJP functionaries familiar with the matter.

'Party workers will make people aware of the policies at every booth in the country,' it added. The Swachh Bharat Mission, envisioned by Prime Minister Modi, considers the cleanliness of rivers an integral part of the drive to make India dirt-free.

While launching the Swachh Bharat 2.0 mission earlier this month, PM Modi said that the plan is to make every city in India 'water-secure' to ensure that the rivers are not polluted by sewage. In accordance with this vision, the BJP workers are planning to undertake a drive on Thursday to clean the rivers in the country, as a mark of respect to the policies introduced by PM Narendra Modi in his two decades of public service.

Temples and gurudwaras across the country will also perform prayers and 'Ardas', praying for the long life of Prime Minister Modi and a 'langar' will be organised as a part of the 'Seva Samarpan' campaign, which was launched earlier in September at the party headquarters in the national capital to mark the 71st birth anniversary of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (October 7, 2021) is scheduled to visit the `Devbhoomi` of Uttarakhand for dedicating 35 Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants across India.

PM Modi, before his visit, said that the oxygen plants "vital healthcare infrastructure. Taking to Twitter, the prime minister said, "I would be in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand tomorrow, 7th October. 35 PSA Oxygen Plants across various States and UTs would be dedicated to the nation. This is vital healthcare infrastructure for larger public benefit."

I would be in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand tomorrow, 7th October. 35 PSA Oxygen Plants across various States and UTs would be dedicated to the nation. This is vital healthcare infrastructure for larger public benefit. https://t.co/dFfzwSSIOr  Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 6, 2021

The Prime Ministers Office (PMO) said that the Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation 35 PSA oxygen plants, established under PM CARES, across 35 States and Union Territories.The event will be held at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rishikesh, Uttarakhand today at 11 am.

The release also added that Uttarakhand Governor Gurmit Singh, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will also be present on the occasion.

According to Prime Minister`s Office (PMO), with the inception of these 35 PSA oxygen plants, all districts of the country will now have commissioned PSA oxygen plants.

Till now, a total of 1,224 PSA oxygen plants have been funded under PM CARES all across the country, out of which more than 1,100 plants have been commissioned, providing an output of over 1,750 MT oxygen per day.

Operations and maintenance of these plants have been ensured by training more than 7,000 personnel. They come with an embedded Internet of Things (IoT) device for real-time monitoring of their functioning and performance through a consolidated web portal, said PMO.

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New Delhi: The Supreme Court will on Thursday take up the Lakhimpur Kheri case in which nine people, including four farmers, were killed as violence erupted during a farmers' protest on Sunday.

As per the cause list uploaded on the apex court website, a three-judge bench comprising Chief Justice N V Ramana and Justices Surya Kant and Hima Kohli would hear the matter. The matter has been listed as `violence in Lakhimpur Kheri leading to loss of life'.

Nine people were killed on October 3 as violence erupted during a farmers' protest claiming the lives of both farmers and BJP workers ahead of a visit to Lakhimpur by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya.

The Supreme Court has taken suo moto cognizance of the violence in Lakhimpur Kheri after two apex court lawyers wrote to the Chief Justice seeking a CBI probe into the matter under the supervision of the top court. The letter, written by advocates Shiv Kumar Tripathi and CS Panda, said, "With regard to the seriousness of the killing of the farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh, it is incumbent upon this Hon`ble Court to intervene in the matter as flashed in the press."

The lawyers had claimed that of late, violence has become the political culture of the country. The lawyers said that there is a need to protect the rule of law in `violence-ravaged' Uttar Pradesh, which is evident from media reports.

The letter said the Lakhimpur Kheri incident calls for direction against the UP government and the concerned bureaucrats along with the `law-breaking police` machinery under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home so that the "cult of violence comes to a grinding halt".

Meanwhile, Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met the family members of farmers killed in the violence in Lakhimpur Kheri late on Wednesday and promised them all assistance. They arrived in Lakhimpur after the Uttar Pradesh government allowed them to visit the violence-hit district. Talking to newspersons later in the night, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi said all the three families she met want justice.

A Samajwadi Party delegation led by Akhilesh Yadav will arrive in Lakhimpur Kheri today. BKU leader Rakesh Tikait had on Wednesday demanded the resignation of Union minister Ajay Mishra and the arrest of all accused in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, warning that a nationwide agitation will be launched if authorities failed to implement within a week the agreement made with the farmers here.

Tikait, who is among the prominent leaders of the agitation against the Centre's agri laws, had brokered the agreement between the authorities and the farmers on October 4 here, after which they had ended their protest and the families of the four deceased farmers had agreed to their post-mortem.

After reaching an understanding, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar, in the presence of Tikait, had informed of the government's decision to give Rs 45 lakh each to families of the victim farmers and set up a judicial probe under a retired High Court judge.

"Our protest has not ended. We will wait till eight days since the agreement and if the demands are not fulfilled a nationwide agitation would be launched," Tikait told reporters at a Gurdwara in Lakhimpur city on Wednesday.

The deadline coincides with the 10th-day Antim-Ardas ceremony (post-death ritual) in the Sikh community. An FIR under section 302 of IPC (murder) has already been registered against the Union Minister's son Ashish Misra and others in the incident in Tikonia police station.

The Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), a major participant in the protests against the three central agri laws, also demanded the arrest of the minister's son Ashish alias Monu Misra. A faction of BKU workers and supporters led by their national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait is currently staying put in Lakhimpur Kheri, which has now become the epicentre of the turf war among political parties in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh.

Misra's son Ashish is the only named accused in the FIR lodged at the Tikoniya police station in the district. Besides him, 15-20 other "unidentified persons" are mentioned as accused in the FIR.

However, the minister has refuted the allegations of his son's involvement in the episode that took place near his native Banbirpur village. Meanwhile, Mishra on Wednesday attended the office in Delhi and met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah for the first time since a murder case was registered against his son on Sunday.

Mishra is understood to have briefed Shah about the Sunday incident in his home district of Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh.

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New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh police have summoned Ashish Mishra, the prime accused in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case in which eight people died after a speeding SUV was seen crushing protesting farmers.

Lucknow IG Lakshmi Singh said two people are being questioned who have given a lot of information into the incident.

"Two people are being questioned. They've confirmed the role of three others who are dead. Technically, they have also been accounted for. These people are giving a lot of information. We are sending summon to the main accused (Ashish Mishra) for questioning," Singh said.

Ashish Mishra and his father MoS Home Ajay Mishra have repeatedly denied the former's involvement in the tragic incident.

The minister has said that he would resign if the charges against his son is proved. He has also alleged that it was the farmers who attacked the vehicles first.

Police have recovered empty bullet shells from the site where violence took place, according to a media report.

Two persons have been taken into custody and are being questioned in the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case. Police have recovered empty bullet shells at violence site, UP government sources were quoted as saying by ANI.

However, IG Lakshmi Singh said it was not confirmed whether firing took place.

"Incidents of firing or any firearm injuries have not been confirmed. Therefore, we will have to proceed with other evidence that has been given to us," she said.

Earlier today, the Supreme Court asked the Uttar Pradesh government to file a status report on who are the accused, against whom FIR is registered and those arrested.

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New Delhi: When BJP president JP Nadda announced the 80-member National Executive of the party on Thursday (October 7), these names were missing - BJP MP Varun Gandhi, who has been speaking in support of farmers during their ongoing stir against the three agri laws, his MP mother Maneka Gandhi and former Union minister Birender Singh, who has also been sympathetic to the farmers' cause. All of them have been dropped as executive members.

The removal comes at a time when Varun Gandhi has been quite vocal regarding the Lakhimpur Kheri incident. Sources in the party said, according to ANI, that Pilibhit MP's stance on the incident was not taken well by the top BJP leadership.

"He projected as if the entire fault lies at the doorsteps of the leaders. We are awaiting the investigation report and believe that incident was unfortunate. He should have been patient at a time when the entire opposition is targeting the party," ANI quoted a senior BJP leader.

However, others in the party reportedly refused to read much in the incident with sources saying such rejigs are a part of regular exercise.

Not just Varun, even his mother and Sultanpur MP Maneka Gandhi has been excluded from the body. The national executive council is one of the most powerful panel's in the party which takes crucial decisions on shaping the future course of action for the BJP and the government.

However, a senior leader from Uttar Pradesh said that it is the prerogative of the party President JP Nadda to decide who to admit to the national executive council and claimed that they had been replaced by equally able leaders from the state. "There are other senior leaders from UP who have become part of the council in their place. There are atleast ten. They must have lost their utility or relevance. We have seen the statements of the son on various occasions. It is after all the party's decision," the leader said, as per ANI. The Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections are scheduled to take place early next year.

Earlier on Thursday , Varun Gandhi shared a video allegedly showing farmers being run over in Uttar Pradesh's Lakhimpur Kheri district, an incident that led to eight deaths, and said that justice must be delivered before a message of arrogance and cruelty enters the minds of farmers.

Taking to Twitter, the MP from Uttar Pradesh's Pilibhit shared a video and wrote, "The video is crystal clear. Protestors cannot be silenced through murder. There has to be accountability for the innocent blood of farmers that has been spilled and justice must be delivered before a message of arrogance and cruelty enters the minds of every farmer."

Notably, Gandhi has been vocal about the incident and wrote to UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday, and demanded strict action against culprits. He also suggested a Supreme Court-monitored CBI probe in a time-bound manner in the case. He paid tribute to farmers killed in the incident and said that Rs 1 crore compensation should be given to the families of victims.

A total of eight people including four farmers died in the violence that took place in Lakhimpur Kheri on October 3.

(With ANI inputs)

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Srinagar: Hours after two teachers were shot dead by militants on Thursday, Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Dilbag Singh said the killing of civilians, particularly minorities, in Kashmir is aimed at creating an atmosphere of fear and damaging age-old communal harmony.

"The incidents of targeting civilians in Kashmir since a few days are barbaric. Innocent people who are working for the society and have nothing to do with anyone are being targeted. This is an attempt to create an atmosphere of fear and to give it a communal colour so as to damage the communal harmony in Kashmir," the Director General of Police (DGP) told PTI.

"This is an attempt to defame local Muslims of Kashmir. It is a conspiracy to target those who have come here for earning bread and butter. It is a conspiracy to damage the age-old tradition of communal harmony and brotherhood in Kashmir," he said.

While visiting the site of the latest militant attack, Singh told reporters that the people who are targeting humanity, brotherhood and local ethos and values will be unmasked soon.

With the recent killings, the number of civilian deaths in the Kashmir Valley in the last five days has risen to seven, including four from the valley's minority communities. Six of the total seven were killed in the city.

"We regret the back-to-back attacks in which civilians have been killed. We are working on the previous cases and the Srinagar police has got many clues and we will soon get the people behind such terror and barbaric attacks.... I am sure the police will be able to unmask them soon," he was quoted as saying by PTI.

The militant attack on the teachers of Government Boys School in Sangam took place around 11.15 am on Thursday. Earlier, three civilians including Makhan Lal Bindroo, the owner of Srinagar's most famous pharmacy, were shot dead by militants within two hours in separate incidents in Srinagar and Bandipora districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

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New Delhi: In a tragic incident on Wednesday (October 6), seven of the same family were killed after a house collapsed at Badal-Ankalgi village in Karnatakas Belagavi district. The incident took place due to incessant rains in the evening.

Wall collapsed due to heavy rain. One of the deceased is a baby. Post mortem will be done, ANI quoted Deputy Commissioner MG Hirematt, Hirebaagewadi Police Station as saying.

Wall collapsed due to heavy rain. One of the deceased is a baby. Post mortem will be done: MG Hirematt, Deputy Commissioner, Hirebaagewadi Police Station  ANI (@ANI) October 6, 2021

Out of the total fatalities, five died on the spot and two on the way to the hospital, sources told PTI. Three were rescued from the spot and shifted to the hospital, out of which two succumbed to injuries in the hospital.

According to IANS report, those who died in the house collapse were identified as Gangavva Khanagavi (50), Satyavva Kahanagavi (45), Pooja (8), Savitha (28), Keshav (8), Lakshmi (15) and Arjun.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai condoled the incident and announced Rs 5 lakh as compensation to the kin of the deceased. Further, he directed the district in-charge Minister Govind Karjol to visit the spot on Thursday and the Deputy Commissioner of the district to take all the necessary measures.

Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warned of extremely heavy rainfall activity for the next two days in Karnataka.

(With agency inputs)

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New Delhi: Controversial business tycoon Vijay Mallya's son Sidhartha Mallya opened up on his ex-girlfriend and friend Deepika Padukone and praised her for spreading awareness about mental health.

In an interview ahead of the release of his memoir 'If I'm Honest', he expressed that he finds the 'Chennai Express' actress Deepika Padukone inspiring as she uses her platform, and reach to promote mental health.

He told ETimes, "I think its amazing the work that she and everybody else do in India. There are just not enough people who talk about mental health. The fact that people like her use their platforms to promote mental health is very inspiring, and I think that the more people we can get to talk about mental health--whether it's writing books, celebs or just grassroots level or teachers talking about it in school to children or families talking about it--better for everyone."

When asked if he ever discussed the crucial topic of mental health with his former partner Deepika, Sidhartha said that they didn't have such discussions at the time.

"For me, my journey with mental health started in 2015-16. As I have said in the book, I was really unaware of a lot of the things that I was going through before then. So mental health was not really something that we talked about; it wasn't really a conversation I was having with anyone," he added.

Deepika Padukone has been a vocal advocate for mental health and in 2015, kickstarted an NGO 'The Live Love Laugh Foundation' which aims at tackling mental health issues in the country.

She had also opened up on her struggle with depression in a recent episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati 13 with Amitabh Bachchan as the host.

"Sir, in 2014, I had depression. I subsequently set up a mental health organisation, through which we try to de-stigmatise mental illness and create awareness about mental health," she had said on the show.

The actress went on to share that during that phase she used to start crying suddenly. She went on to add that it was her mother Ujjala Padukone who figured out that something was not right with her and suggested she go for professional help.

On the work front, Deepika has several films such as '83', 'Baiju Bawra', 'Fighter', 'Sanki', and 'Pathan'. She will also star in the Indian adaptation of the Hollywood film 'The Intern', co-starring Amitabh Bachchan.
New Delhi: Filmmaker-actor Pooja Bhatt recently hit back at a social media user who accused her of deliberately putting a suspected Narcotics Control Bureau officer at risk by revealing his identity.

Pooja had publicly expressed her support to 'Chaahat' co-star and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan after his son Aryan Khan was arrested in connection with a drug raid bust. The actress had also questioned the involvement of a 'detective' by the NCB in the drug raid case, writing, "And then we have those, who would fail to be cast as private detectives in the most archaic Bollywood film.Fact is stranger than fiction & replete with far more cliches. Time to change Looks like a Bollywood villain to Looks like a Pvt Detective outsourced by a Govt agency."

Replying to her Twitter post, one of the users had charged her of putting the man's life at risk. "An informer can be with police/ED/CBI/NIA/NCB. & informer could be anyone. Passing information and helping busting of a racket is not a crime. U are putting their lives in danger by taking their names. Drug peddlers might attack informers now. You can also help and be in raid," the user had written.

A selfie taken by a mystery man with Aryan Khan inside the NCB office following his arrest in a drug bust case had gone viral on the internet, with netizens questioning the identity of the person in the frame. Later, the NCB issued a statement saying that the person wasn't an employee of the investigation agency.

Coming out in her defence, Pooja said that she did not name anyone in her post and also advised the informers to refrain from taking selfies and sharing that on social media. She tweeted, "I have not taken their name if you use your eyes to actually see & re-read my tweet. Or is that too much to ask? Advise the said person to refrain from taking & then leaking such glorious selfies next time as they go viral. Discretion is the better part of valour, is it not?"

Apart from Pooja Bhatt, other celebrities from the film fraternity who have extended support to Shah Rukh Khan and his family include Salman Khan and Hrithik Roshan.



Meanwile, a Mumbai court on Thursday sent Aryan Khan and seven other accused in drug bust case to 14-day judicial custody. The court will hear Aryan's bail petition on Friday afternoon.
New Delhi: 7th Pay Commission Latest News --The Central employees could soon be getting some good news regarding Dearness Allowance (DA) once again.

Central employees and pensioners have started getting 28% dearness allowance as per 7th Pay Commission from September. Meanwhile, some reports in the media have indicated that government may give dearness allowance by adding the months from June. If this happens, the total dearness allowance will be 31% instead of 28%, which means that there is going to be a bumper increase in the salary of central employees.

Notably, the dearness allowance for June 2021 has not been decided yet. But, based on the AICPI data for January to May 2021, 3% dearness allowance could be increased further and also might be announced soon. At present, there is a lot of ambiguity as to when the final decision will be made. After an increase of 3 percent, the total dearness allowance will reach 31 percent.

In January 2020, dearness allowance was increased by 4 percent. Then in June 2020, there was an increase of 3 percent. After this, it increased by 4 percent in January 2021. In three revisions, the dearness allowance has increased by a total of 11 percent and now it has reached 28%. Now after the increase of 3 percent in June, the dearness allowance will reach 31 percent (17+4+3+4+3).

The Central Government has removed the ban on freeze dearness allowance for the last 18 months, the DA of the employees has been increased by 11%, now the Central Government employees and pensioners will be paid DA and DR at the rate of 28%. Central employees and pensioners can calculate the salary increase according to their basic pay and grade.

However, the total calculation of how much the final salary will be estimated can be made only after adding other allowances including HRA. After this, when the dearness allowance for June 2021 will increase by 3%, the salary will increase accordingly. Overall it is clear that there is going to be a bumper increase in the salary of central employees.

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New Delhi: Paytm has launched a bumper offer for its customers on the booking of LPG cooking gas cylinders. The offer has been rolled out amid the ongoing festive season. Moreover, itll also provide a breather to customers faced with the rising prices of LPG gas cylinders.

On October 6, the price of domestic LPG cylinders have been increased by Rs 15. With the latest revision in the prices, LPG prices have now increased to Rs 899.50 in Delhi. In such as situation, Paytms offer on LPG booking will provide some respite to the common man. But what exactly is Paytm offering?

The homegrown fintech major is offering a chance to win Paytm Digital Gold worth Rs 10,001 every day on the booking of gas cylinders from the app. Five lucky customers will be selected at random who will be rewarded with the cash prize in the ongoing Navratri Gold offer on gas cylinder booking.

Paytm is running the offer from October 7 to October 16 to mark the celebrations for Navratri, a major Hindu festival that is celebrated twice a year.

Moreover, all customers via Paytm apps will surely win up to 1000 cashback points on booking an LPG cylinder. Customers also stand a chance of winning other deals and reward vouchers from top brands during the offer. Also Read: Mutual funds remain most attractive investment tool during pandemic: Survey

The offer is applicable on booking of cylinders of three major LPG companies: Indane, HP Gas and Bharat Gas. Previously, Paytm was running a separate scheme on LPG booking. As part of the offer, Paytm was offering an assured cashback of up to Rs 800 on LPG cylinder booking. Also Read: TVS Jupiter 125cc launched to rival Honda Activa, Suzuki Access 125: Price, features and more
New Delhi: Lakhs of farmers who have been waiting for the 10th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme may heave a sigh soon.

As per reports in the media, the 10th installment of the PM KISAN is expected to be credited in the account of farmers on December 15.

PM-KISAN Scheme aims to provide income support of of Rs 6000 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.

You can now check your name via PM KISAN website and also using the mobile App. Meanwhile, for a better and hassle free access, government has issued a series of hotline numbers, using which you can lodge your grievances.

Also, you can check your credit details by logging onto the following direct link.

https://pmkisan.gov.in/BeneficiaryStatus.aspx

- You can check your credit details via three modes.

1. Aadhar Number

2. Account Number

3. Mobile Number

- Punch in your desired list and press enter.

- Now, you can check your details.

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New Delhi: Reliance Jio is offering a complimentary unlimited plan for people in Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh after subscribers complained of network issues across the country.

Many users faced outage on Wednesday (October 6) and took to Twitter to complain that Jio is down.

As per India Today report, the Jio users in the aforementioned states are receiving the message: "Dear Jio user, Your service experience is our top priority. Unfortunately, this morning, you and few other customers in Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh faced service disruption. Although our teams were able to resolve this network issue in a matter of hours, we understand that it wasn't a pleasant service experience for you, and we truly apologise for that. As a goodwill gesture, we are extending a 2-DAY COMPLIMENTARY UNLIMITED PLAN that will get applied to your number automatically tonight. The complimentary plan will become active post the expiry of your current active plan."

The complimentary unlimited offer automatically applied to those affected by the outage on Wednesday night.

Citing Downdetector, Hindustan Times said that around 11 am several complaints regarding disruptions in the Reliance Jio cellular network were reported. As many as 4,000 reports complaining of Jio cellular network outages across India were reported. Out of these, 41 per cent said there was no signal, 37 per cent were unable to access their emails, while according to the 23 per cent they faced a total blackout.

Many Jio users took to Twitter to take a dig at the network over the disruption.

This comes after Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp faced global outage on Monday night for nearly six hours before the services were restored. Twitter had a field day as users resorted to the microblogging site to report the issue.

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New Delhi: As Facebook experienced a nearly six-hour outage across its services this week, messaging app Telegram gained over 70 million new users.

According to CEO Pavel Durov, Telegram experienced a record increase in user registration and activity amid the massive Facebook outage. (Facebook outage: Heres why FB, WhatsApp, Instagram were down for hours)

"The daily growth rate of Telegram exceeded the norm by an order of magnitude, and we welcomed over 70 million refugees from other platforms in one day," Durov said in a statement.

"I am proud of how our team handled the unprecedented growth because Telegram continued to work flawlessly for the vast majority of our users," Durov added.

Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Messenger went down for millions of users, including in India, on Monday evening, as they were unable to send or receive messages on social media platforms.

According to DownDetector, a website that tracks WhatsApp outages, 40 per cent users were unable to download the app, 30 per cent had trouble in sending messages and 22 per cent had problems with the web version.

People took to Twitter to report the problems they were facing with Facebook family apps, including posting memes and GIFs.

In January, Durov announced that Telegram has crossed 500 million monthly active users.
New Delhi: On day 6 of Bigg Boss 15, tensions in the house seem to be soaring and the initial alliance between Bigg Boss OTT contestants Shamita Shetty, Nishant Bhat and Pratik Sehajpal appears to be crumbling.

At the beginning of the episode, Pratik and Akasa Singh were having a conversation about their equation in the house. Pratik tells Akasa that other housemates have accused him of turning Akasa against them. However, Akasa says that's not true and asks him why he bothers about their comments.

Meanwhile, Karan Kundrra is plotting a strategy to get back the map from the Jungle to the house that Pratik had hidden. He has a conversation with Jay Bhanushali and Vishal Kotian telling them that they need to be more proactive, especially since Weekend Ka Vaar with Salman Khan is coming up soon.

Inside the Bigg Boss house, to be extra careful, Pratik hides the map in his shoe.

Later, all junglewasis are called for an announcement by Vishwasundari. She gives them an opportunity to get their clothes and map on one condition. She states that only 8 people can get their stuff back, the other 5 will have to sacrifice their clothes for the map.

So, Vishal, Miesha, Sahil, Tejasswi and Karan decide to give up their clothes for the map.

While they were collecting the map and their suitcases, Pratik tries to hinder the process by coming in their way and ends up getting physical with the male contestants which gets him a warning from Bigg Boss.

In a tit-for-tat action, Karan Kundrra decides to lock Pratik's bags in the washroom and hides Shamita and Nishant's suitcases as well, making them furious.

Shamita Shetty has a huge meltdown and accuses Pratik Sehajpal of being selfish. She also accuses Nishant of coddling Pratik and the two get into a screaming match.

Vishal Kotian consoles Shamita Shetty and attempts to convince Shamita that Nishant and Pratik are not a good alliance for her.
Lakhimpur/Sitapur/Lucknow: Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra met the family members of farmers killed in the violence in Lakhimpur Kheri late on Wednesday and promised them all assistance.

They arrived in Lakhimpur after the Uttar Pradesh government allowed them to visit the violence-hit district. Talking to newspersons later in the night, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi said all the three families she met want justice.

All the three families have said one thing that they are not concerned about compensation but want justice, she said when asked about the financial assistance announced for the victims' families.

Pressing for the resignation of Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Kumar Mishra, she said, They (victims' families) will not get justice till the minister resigns as impartial inquiry is not possible as he is the minister of state for home.

When asked about the minister's son, who has been named in the FIR, she said, He should be arrested. They can arrest us without FIR or order? Why are the criminals not being arrested, she asked.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra along with Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi visit farmer Nakshatra Singh's house, who died in Lakhimpur Kheri violence on October 3. pic.twitter.com/Of6NkzNYVI  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 6, 202

Earlier, Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi left for Lakhimpur together in a car from a police guest house in Sitapur where she was kept in detention since Monday morning.

Sitapur Sub-Divisional Magistrate (Sadar) Pyarelal Maurya said on Wednesday evening that Priyanka Gandhi has been released from detention.

Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and his Chhattisgarh counterpart Bhupesh Baghel accompanied them in another car, while Congress leaders Randeep Surjewala and Deepender Singh Hooda travelled in a separate vehicle.

Their first stop was the home of deceased farmer Lovepreet Sigh in Palia tehsil. From there, they went to the native place of journalist Raman Kashyap, who was one of the victims, in Nighasan tehsil. Their last stop in the district was the home of Nachatar Singh in Dhauraha tehsil.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra arrive at farmer Lovepreet Singh's residence who lost his life during a violence in Lakhimpur Kheri on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/mQPYWcmqEx  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 6, 2021

Priyanka Gandhi is scheduled to meet the families of the remaining victims on Thursday. Palia is about 80 km from Lakhimpur town, and Nighasan is another 15-20 km and Dhauraha is another 60-70 km from there. Lakhimpur Kheri is around 225 km from capital Lucknow. Misra's native place Banbirpur falls under Nighasan tehsil.

The two farmers and the scribe of a private TV channel were natives of Lakhimpur, while two other farmers who died in the October 3 incident hailed from neighbouring Bahraich district.

In addition to the five, three others - two BJP workers and a driver of Misra - had also lost their lives in the revenge action of farmer protesters. The Congress leaders' visit came after Uttar Pradesh permitted politicians to travel to Lakhimpur Kheri but not more than five people at a time.

Earlier in the day, a high-voltage drama played out at the Lucknow airport where Rahul Gandhi staged a dharna briefly to protest the administration's decision to take him to Lakhimpur in a police vehicle instead of his own.

Later, the administration relented and the former AICC president reached the Sitapur guest house in his own vehicle on his way to Lakhimpur Kheri.

At the PAC guest house, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi other party leaders stayed for nearly one hour before setting off for their journey to Lakhimpur. With the Lakhimpur incident coming ahead of the election in Uttar Pradesh early next year, opposition parties smelled a chance to corner the BJP.

Before the high-level Congress team reached Lakhimpur, a delegation of Aam Aadmi Party landed at Dhaurahra tehsil, home of farmer Nachatar Singh.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal also spoke to the family of Nachatar Singh over phone and expressed deepest condolences and assured all help to the bereaved family. The AAP team later visited the home of scribe Raman Kashyap.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and Bahujan Samaj Party general secretary S C Mishra have finalised their itinerary to Lakhimpur for Thursday.

SP sources said Akhilesh Yadav will first go to the home of farmer Nachatar Singh at around 1 pm followed by a visit to the house of Raman Kashyap and end with a trip to the house of Lovepreet Singh in Palia tehsil.

The BSP general secretary will set out for Lakhimpur from his Lucknow house at around 10 am on Thursday to meet families of the victims of the violence, a party statement said.

Talking to the press at the airport, Rahul Gandhi said he or Priyanka being sent to jail was irrelevant as the main question was people being crushed by criminals, referring to the Lakhimpur Kheri episode.

He also hit out at the UP government after he was not allowed to exit the Chaudhari Charan Singh airport, where a group of CRPF personnel were seen preventing his movement out of the airport, despite permission being granted to visit Lakhimpur Kheri.

Unable to move out of the airport, Gandhi along with Channi, Baghel and Deepender Singh Hooda, staged a sit-in inside the airport and said they would not end their 'dharna' until they are allowed to go to Lakhimpur.

Priyanka Gandhi had been under detention since Monday morning.

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Remember the super viral picture of 2019 in which two gorillas were seen posing with a forest ranger? One of the two gorillas, Ndakasi, has passed away at the age of 14 after prolonged illness. The other gorilla in the picture is named Matabishi.

The Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo has released a statement about the gorillas death with a heartbreaking photo. The caption reads, It is with heartfelt sadness that Virunga announces the death of beloved orphaned mountain gorilla, Ndakasi.

The photo shows the same person who took the viral selfie in 2019 with Ndakasi. It seems she breathed her last in the arms of her caregiver, Andre Bauma.

It is with heartfelt sadness that Virunga announces the death of beloved orphaned mountain gorilla, Ndakasi. Cest avec une profonde tristese que Virunga annonce le deces du gorille de montagne orpheline Ndakasi.https://t.co/GdkJbhWESz pic.twitter.com/bsCKdEq8tB  Virunga NationalPark (@gorillacd) October 5, 2021

Ndakasi was orphaned like many other gorillas due to gorilla killings by the armed militia nearly a decade back.

Bauma, in his conversation with a publication, said that he felt like a life-long friend with Ndakasi and it helped him understand the ways of nature. He said he was thankful that he got this chance to understand the delicate nature of human and wildlife balance.

The selfie of the century. They are Ndakasi & Ndeze, both female #gorillas were orphaned & grown at Senkwekwe centre at DRC. So decided to pose with the caretakers Mathieu and Patrick. Currently killing the internet. This centre is specially made for orphan mountain gorillas. pic.twitter.com/F2Kemjqe0r  Parveen Kaswan, IFS (@ParveenKaswan) April 22, 2019

Tributes have been pouring in from all over the world for Ndakasi.

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KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee will take oath as a member of the West Bengal Assembly on Thursday days after she won the keenly contested Bhabanipur bypoll.

Two other newly-elected Trinamool Congress legislators will also take oath at along with her. The oath ceremony will be held at 2 PM, according to a Twitter post from West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar.

On October 5, the Governor had said that the oath-taking ceremony was supposed to be held initially at 11.45 am, but the timing was changed following a request of state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Partha Chatterjee.

Governor WB Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar would administer oath/affirmation to the elected members to the WBLA, viz., Mamata Banerjee Jakir Hossian and Amirul Islam at the premises of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly on October 7, 2021 at 11.45 hours, he had tweeted.

According to the Election Commission of India, Mamata Banerjee secured 85,263 votes which are around 71.90 per cent of the total votes polled in the by-election.

Banerjee's rival from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Priyanka Tibrewal got 26,428 votes and Communist Party of India CPI candidate Srijib Biswas secured 4,226 votes.

Jakir Hossain was declared victorious by a huge margin of 92,480 votes from the Jangipur constituency, while Amirul Islam won from Samserganj by a margin of 26,379 votes.

The results were declared on Sunday. The polling was held in all three constituencies on September 30.

According to the convention, it is the assembly speaker who administers the oath to legislators while the governor administers oath of office to ministers. But, Dhankar withdrew speaker Biman Banerjee's power to administer the oath few days before the September 30 by-polls.

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Moscow: Russia is set to host the Taliban and other Afghan factions for talks later this month, a senior Russian diplomat said Thursday (October 7), in a move that reflects Moscow's efforts to expand its clout. Zamir Kabulov, the Kremlin envoy on Afghanistan, said there will be a meeting of the so-called "Moscow format" talks involving the Taliban and various other Afghan parties in Moscow on October 20. He didn't say who would represent the Taliban.

In remarks carried by Russian news agencies, Kabulov also said that diplomats from Russia, the United States, China and Pakistan will hold talks on Afghanistan this month. Russia had worked for years to establish contacts with the Taliban, even though it still officially considers it a terrorist organisation. Unlike many other countries, Russia hasn't evacuated its embassy in Kabul and its ambassador quickly met with the Taliban after they took over the capital.

The Taliban was added to the Russian list of terrorist organisations in 2003, and Moscow has not yet moved to remove the group from the list. Any contact with such groups is punishable under Russian law, but the Foreign Ministry has responded to questions about the seeming contradiction by saying that its exchanges with the Taliban are essential for international efforts to help stabilise Afghanistan.

The Soviet Union fought a 10-year war in Afghanistan that ended with its troops withdrawing in 1989. Since then, Moscow has made a diplomatic comeback as an influential power broker in international talks on Afghanistan, hosting the Taliban representatives and members of other factions for a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings.
Washington: The US may very well end up in a "war" with China, former president Donald Trump warned on Wednesday, saying that Beijing no longer respects America which now has a "weak and corrupt" government.

Trump's comments came as top officials from China and the US are due to hold talks in Switzerland amid heightened tensions over the Chinese army conducting a record number of air drills close to Taiwan, a self-ruled island which Beijing views as a breakaway province.

The world's two largest economies have spent 18 months embroiled in a bitter trade dispute that imposed tit-for-tat levies on each other's commodities, mechanical parts and finished goods. Trump had launched a trade war with China in 2018 demanding Beijing to reduce the massive trade deficit.

The relations between China and the US are at an all-time low. The two countries are currently engaged in a bitter confrontation over various issues, including trade, the origins of the novel coronavirus pandemic, the communist giant's aggressive military moves in the disputed South China Sea and human rights.

Because the election was rigged, and America now has weak and corrupt leadership, we may very well end up in a war with China who no longer respects the USA, Trump, a Republican, said in a statement, attacking his successor President Joe Biden, a Democrat.

They witnessed firsthand "our generals' complete surrender to the Taliban with the loss of 13 great warriors and the handing over of USD 85 billion of the best and most expensive Military equipment in the World China and Russia are already reverse-engineering the equipment so they can build it for themselves, Trump said.

The US withdrew its troops from Afghanistan in August, ending its two-decade-long military war in the war-torn country. Attack by two suicide bombers and gunmen outside the Kabul airport at the height of evacuation on August 26 left 13 US marines along with over 150 civilians dead.

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Washington: John Sopko, the U.S. special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction, said on Wednesday his office would look into allegations that former Afghan President Ashraf Ghani took millions of dollars with him when he left the country.

Ghani has said he left Kabul to prevent bloodshed and denied reports he took large sums of money with him. But speculation has persisted, and Congress asked Sopko`s team to get to the bottom of it.

"We haven`t proven that yet. We`re looking into that. Actually, the Oversight and Government Reform Committee has asked us to look into that," Sopko told a House of Representatives subcommittee.

Ghani has been bitterly criticized for fleeing as the militant Islamist Taliban reached the outskirts of Kabul in August.

Sopko`s Office of the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) has long been investigating fraud, waste and abuse during America`s massive state-building effort, which came to an ignoble end after 20 years with the Taliban takeover.

Sopko suggested to the House Foreign Affairs Committee subcommittee that oversees development aid that the failure of the U.S. project shouldn`t have been a surprise, given rampant corruption and mismanagement.

"Corruption grew so pervasive that it ultimately threatened the security and reconstruction mission in Afghanistan," he told the House panel.

The congressional hearing was one of a series looking at the chaotic U.S. withdrawal and the path forward. "We can apply the lessons learned in other conflict zones," Representative Joaquin Castro, the subcommittee`s Democratic chairman, said.

The United States and other countries have cut off almost all aid to Afghanistan.

"These are trying times for all of us who care about the future of the Afghan people, especially the Afghans that aided the U.S. and its allies over the past 20 years," Sopko said.

He said all of SIGAR`s staff - including locally employed Afghan staff - were safely evacuated from Kabul.

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Nairobi: The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Wednesday (October 6, 2021) the only approved vaccine against malaria should be widely given to African children, potentially marking a major advance against a disease that kills hundreds of thousands of people annually.

The WHO recommendation is for RTS,S - or Mosquirix - a vaccine developed by British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline.

Since 2019, 2.3 million doses of Mosquirix have been administered to infants in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi in a large-scale pilot programme coordinated by the WHO. The majority of those whom the disease kills are under age five.

That programme followed a decade of clinical trials in seven African countries.

"This is a vaccine developed in Africa by African scientists and we`re very proud," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.

"Using this vaccine in addition to existing tools to prevent malaria could save tens of thousands of young lives each year," he added, referring to anti-malaria measures like bed nets and spraying to kill mosquitoes that transmit the disease.

One of the ingredients in the Mosquirix vaccine is sourced from a rare evergreen native to Chile called a Quillay tree. Reuters reported on Wednesday https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/chilean-tree... that the long-term supply of these trees is in question.

Malaria is far more deadly than COVID-19 in Africa. It killed 386,000 Africans in 2019, according to a WHO estimate, compared with 212,000 confirmed COVID-19 deaths in the past 18 months.

The WHO says 94% of malaria cases and deaths occur in Africa, a continent of 1.3 billion people. The preventable disease is caused by parasites transmitted to people by the bites of infected mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, vomiting and fatigue.

The vaccine`s effectiveness at preventing severe cases of malaria in children is only around 30%, but it is the only approved vaccine. The European Union`s drugs regulator approved it in 2015, saying its benefits outweighed the risks.

"This is how we fight malaria, layering imperfect tools on top of each other," said Ashley Birkett, who leads global malaria vaccine work at Path, a non-profit global health organization that has funded development of the vaccine with GSK and the three-country pilot.

Another vaccine against malaria called R21/Matrix-M that was developed by scientists at Britain`s University of Oxford showed up to 77% efficacy in a year-long study involving 450 children in Burkina Faso, researchers said in April. It is still in the trial stages.

GSK welcomed the WHO recommendation.

"This long-awaited landmark decision can reinvigorate the fight against malaria in the region at a time when progress on malaria control has stalled," Thomas Breuer, GSK`s chief global health officer, said in a statement.

GSK shares held steady in New York following the announcement, which came after the close of trading in its London-listed shares.

FUNDING CHALLENGE

The recommendation was jointly announced in Geneva by the WHO`s top advisory bodies for malaria and immunization, the Malaria Policy Advisory Group and the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization.

Experts said the challenge now would be mobilising financing for production and distribution of the vaccine to some of the world`s poorest countries.

GSK has to date committed to produce 15 million doses of Mosquirix annually up to 2028 at a cost of production plus no more than 5% margin.

A global market study led by the WHO this year projected demand for a malaria vaccine would be 50 to 110 million doses per year by 2030 if it is deployed in areas with moderate to high transmission of the disease.

The GAVI vaccine alliance, a global public-private partnership, will consider in December whether and how to finance the vaccination programme.

"As we`ve seen from the COVID vaccine, where there is political will, there is funding available to ensure that vaccines are scaled to the level they are needed," said Kate OBrien, director of WHOs Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals.

A source familiar with planning for the vaccines development said the price per dose was not yet set, but would be confirmed after GAVI`s funding decision and once there is a clear sense of demand.

The WHO`s decision had personal meaning for Dr. Rose Jalong`o, a vaccinology specialist at the Kenyan health ministry.

"I suffered from malaria as a child, and during my internship, and during my clinical years I attended to children in hospital because of severe malaria who needed blood transfusion and unfortunately some of them died," she said.

"It`s a disease I have grown up with and, seeing all this in my lifetime, it`s an exciting time."

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